'Iron Man 3' Review - Marvel's Most Well Made Film to Date is the Most Personal

"Big man in a suit. Take that off, what are you?", Captain America famously quips at Tony Stark in 'The Avengers'. A throwaway line to some, but one that holds more significance than many originally imagined. Just what is Tony Stark without his suits? Is he really Iron Man, or is it that suit that makes him Iron Man? That line was just a hint of what we could expect from 'Iron Man 3', Marvel Studio's first film of their new Phase 2, and the first film following the mega blockbuster, 'The Avengers'. Director Shane Black, who's credits include writing the first two 'Lethal Weapon' films, as well as directing Robert Downey, Jr. in one of his comeback films, 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang', decided to explore that very question, while sending Tony Stark through an emotional wringer that will change who he is, and how he sees himself, forever.

Remembering Roger Ebert, Beloved Film Critic and a Personal Hero

There aren't enough words to describe what the passing of Roger Ebert made me feel. I found out in the final minutes of my lunch break at work, thanks to some fellow film bloggers on twitter. My twitter was overrun with condolences and grievances, and my heart sunk. I couldn't believe it, I didn't want to believe it. Roger Ebert, this brave and wonderful man, who had been publicly fighting cancer over the past few years, had seemed so strong in his final days. His final blog post, just two days, prior said he was going to be taking a "leave of presence", where he would take the time to review the films he wanted to review, while focusing on new things, including a new site, while fighting his resurgence of cancer. Some days would be better than others, some where he'd talk about what it's like to fight these things, and other days where he'd just geek out hard over a great film he just saw. He seemed in such high spirits, and in closing, he left this final note, which as beautiful as it was then, seems even sadder and more prophetic now:

So on this day of reflection I say again, thank you for going on this journey with me. I'll see you at the movies.

I'm not sure if he knew this would be his final piece, but those closing words now make me choke up and bring tears to eyes. The man who made me want to work to become a film critic, and helped me completely embrace my love for film had sadly passed away.

'Oz the Great and Powerful' Review - A Wonderful Return to the Land of Oz

The world of Oz is about as synonymous with fantasy as Middle Earth, Hogwarts, and Narnia. Created by L. Frank Baum, it's a place full of magic, whimsy, darkness, and wonder, everything that you need to make a compelling world to draw people in. Over the years, we've had many attempts at bringing the world of Oz to life on film, most notably in the 1939 classic, 'The Wizard of Oz', starring Judy Garland. But Oz has had a level of difficulty since then on screen, with many of the other tries at bringing the land to life flailing and never taking off. But in Hollywood, it's not usual that we see things lay dormant too long, so it was only a matter of time until we saw Oz again. Now it's Disney's turn to take a swing at the wonderfully whimsical world, bringing us a prequel story about how the wonderful Wizard known as Oz became the man we see in 'The Wizard of Oz', and daring to make a film that'll leave a lasting effect on audiences of as the Judy Garland classic.

'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' Review - It's Always Fun to Visit Old Friends on New Adventures

It's been over a decade since moviegoers last set foot in Middle Earth, the world J.R.R. Tolkien created back in his first novel, 'The Hobbit' in 1937. After the massive success of Peter Jackson's 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy, it was only a matter of time before we saw 'The Hobbit' on the big screen. After years of development, and originally being a producer only role on the film, Peter Jackson stepped back behind the camera to bring us back to Middle Earth in the original first chapter of this epic saga. In a move that has become very popular in Hollywood, 'The Hobbit' isn't being told in just one film, but being split into multiple films to tell the story, turning it into a new trilogy. Bringing back some of the fan favorite actors from the original trilogy back, while bringing a whole new array of actors in as the new characters, Jackson has brought us back to Middle Earth in great fashion, but can it live up to the expectations fans have put into their heads for many years, while living up to the previous series? That's what many want to know, but the answer isn't a simple yes or no.

'Looper' Review- What Would You Do to Save Your Future?

Many have been eagerly anticipating Rian Johnson's followup to 2008's 'The Brothers Bloom' for quite some time now. It feels like it's been at least two years since word first broke of this film entering development, with many hints, set pictures, and interviews trying to get the fans excited for his newest film. Expectations have been high, and thankfully, the film delivers on its promise. Johnson has crafted a gripping, powerful, and dark time traveling sci-fi tale that shows just how far a man will go to save his future. But what if there are two of that man, and they both want very different futures? That is the question that 'Looper' asks, while delving into the deepest and darkest side of human emotion, while winding through violence, mystery, and ultimately, greed.

'Total Recall' Review - A Slick, More Serious Take on the Phillip K. Dick Story

When it was announced that 'Total Recall', the 1990 action film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, was going to be made, many were very upset by the thought. But I was actually excited by the idea As fun as Arnold's movie may be, it's not exactly how I imagined "We Can Remember It For You Wholesale", the Phillip K. Dick short story the movie was based on, being. So for me, this was a chance for the movie to return the roots of the story and start again. And while they're very similar movies, the new version of 'Total Recall' goes for a more serious take on the material, and I think it works in the film's favor. The film, directed by Len Wiseman ('Live Free or Die Hard, 'Underworld') and starring Colin Farrell, Jessica Biel, Kate Beckinsale, Bill Nighy, and Bryan Cranston is not only a visual treat, but it's a fun take on the material that put a smile on my face from ear to ear from beginning to end.

'The Amazing Spider-Man' Review - The Spider-Man Movie I've Been Waiting For

Words can't express just how impressed I am with Marc Webb's 'The Amazing Spider-Man'. Many will say that Webb's film is unnecessary reboot, coming just a mere five years after Raimi's final outing, 'Spider-Man 3', but I don't agree. Not only is 'The Amazing Spider-Man' my favorite of all the Spider-Man films so far, but it also one of my favorite comic book adaptations to date. Featuring excellent direction by Webb, an outstanding cast, a strong script, and a great score, there is very little to not love about this movie. This is the movie I've been waiting for since I discovered the Marvel comics as a kid.

'Brave' Review - Pixar's Moving and Beautiful Tale of Family Soars

When I see the name Pixar, I know that their is quality behind the product. Their are few studios that can hold a candle to the output that Pixar has put out the last twenty five years, be it films or shorts. This is their thirteenth film, and once again, Pixar knocks it out of the park. Many expected that 'Cars 2' was the beginning of the downfall of the company, but that couldn't be farther from the case. Pixar's newest film, 'Brave', is full of the things that I've always loved about their films such as humor, an amazing cast, beautiful animation, adventure, and plenty of heart, while bringing something new to the table: a fairytale. This is, for me, not only one of the strongest films in Pixar's filmography, but one of my personal favorites.