Don't get me wrong, I am a huge Michael Jackson fan, more specifically, I'm a huge fan of his music.

While I understand that this is a good way to see M.J. live one last time, I have to admit I probably won't buy a ticket to see the film for the sole reason that I go to the movies, to watch movies.

As soon as this hits the DVD stands I'll be the first to buy (or rent) this film/documentary/music video/live performance, or whatever it is.

Long Live The King.

I doubt I have to convince anyone that Toy Story is one of the best Disney movies ever made, but If you doubt whether it's worth the price of a movie ticket to go see the same movie at the theater that you have on DVD, Believe me when I say, Yes. It's worth it.

If you have time for a double feature, Watching our friends tell their story again on the big screen was definitely the highlight of my weekend.

My main motivation for wanting to watch this movie is simply because it just looks (visually) awesome.

I'm a big fan of Computer Animation, and even bigger fan of "post-apocalyptic" movies. I first saw the teaser for this film a few months ago, and I've been looking forward to seeing it since then.

Something to take into consideration is that even though it is an animated movie, it does look like it will present some pretty "dark" subject matters, so just something to think about before you take your 3 year old nephew who loved Toy Story and Cars.

I have high hopes for this one, some have said by "Good Movie Radar" may be in need of repair since the last few movies I recommended weren't, let's just say, "well received". (not including Inglorious Basterds)

So Let's see what happens this week.

Have fun at the movies, what ever you choose to watch.

I don't really know much about this film. I don't know much about the director or much about the plot. But what I do know is that it stars "King Leonidas" (Gerard Butler) in a movie that is NOT a romantic comedy.

It's about time. Yes, this movie does look like it will basically be just a bunch of guns and explosions, but that's okay. Sometimes, that's all you want from a movie.

The summer is pretty much over, and the Fall movie season is right around the corner. One last load screen saver is a nice "exclamation point" to end the this summer season.

To be honest, the only reason I'll probably watch this movie is because the only other movie opening this weekend is Halloween II, and I still haven't seen the firs one.

I'm not a big fan of needless brutality and excessive violence in movies, but I have to admit, Quentin Tarantino seems understand violence better than most directors working today, and uses it very effectively as a story telling tool .

Aside from the fact that this a Quentin Tarantino film, it also features an all star cast.

Also opening this week is "Shorts", a children's movie directed by one of my favorite directors, Robert Rodriguez. I usually never miss a Rodriguez premier but I don't think he's ever opened against Tarantino.

It was a hard choice to make but I'm siding with Tarantino this weekend, mainly because of the all star cast and becuase I love a good war movie.

I'm not expecting much from this movie, but I hope I'm wrong.

I don't know about you, but when I would fantasize about a live-action G.I. Joe movie, the first think that would pop into my head was those awesome Tod McFarlane military action figures, you would see next to all the Spawn action figures at any local toy store.

This movie, (from the trailers) looks nothing like that. From what I can tell the movie revolves around a mechanical suite that give the wearer Super Soldier abilities.

I don't know what to make of that since I don't remember that ever being in the cartoons.

With that said however, this is after all, a movie based on a cartoon ( and comics) so it's safe to say that this movie should be enjoyable as long as it's full of entertaining characters and action sequences.

I am picking this as my movie of the week, but not so much because I really want to see it, but rather because there just isn't anything ells opening up this weekend that I feel like seeing... I hope I am pleasantly surprised

I'll admit I'm not a big Judd Apatow fan, but his movies do have a genuinely funny moments.

I might be a bigger Apatow fan if it wasn't for the fact that I'm already a huge Kevin Smith fan. In my opinion, both have the same "dialog-driven" style of movie making along similar situations, however, I believe Smith still holds the top spot.

With all that said, I will still watch this movie because I am a huge Adam Sandler fan and because I have always been facinated by the life styles of Stand Up comedians, which, acording the the movie trailer, is what this movie revolves around.

I've got nothing against the Harry Potter movies, I just haven't seen most of them. I remember seeing the first one, which was not bad, and I think a saw about half of the second one (I fell asleep in the middle of it) and just never got around to watching the other twelve or however many there are.

I'm sure the movies are good, otherwise they wouldn't have made all the sequels, but I'm just not a fan.

No other movies open nation wide this week, so I think I'll head down to the local video store this week and catch up on the movies, that looked descent, but I didn't think would be worth the price of a movie ticket.

I'll admit, I really enjoyed the first Ice Age movie, and the second one was not too bad. I have to say that is definitely a character driven movie in that the enjoyment of watching these movies comes directly from watching characters, we have grown to care about, go through another, adventure together.

And from the title of the movie, it is obvious that a set of new characters will be added to the continuing Ice Age Saga.

This movie is opening against Public Enemies, a movie that I do want to see, but it has been my experience that these types of movies (historical bio-pics) are better enjoyed on DVD where you fully meditate on the events being portrayed without major distractions.

Yes, it's true, Jack Black has been in some pretty bad movies, but it's also true that no matter how bad his movies may be, they always have several "laugh-out-loud" scenes, and that's why we go see Jack Black movies.

He'll probably never win an Oscar, and that's okay. We like Jack Black and his movies, not because they're well written, well directed or full of incredible performances, we go see them because they're funny and we feel like laughing, and JB rarely fails at making anyone laugh.

Rio Grande Herald Movie Critic:
Gerald S. Salinas

Earth date: 05-08-2009, the summer blockbuster movie season has officially begun. I didn't consider Star Trek my ideal summer movie, but I was sadly mistaken. The fast pace action, emotional ride, that is Star Trek proves it's not only for Trekkies, but also for the future fans of Star Trek.

Star Trek goes ages back(back to the future) to the beginning of the original series, known as: Star Trek. Setting the stage for the origins of Capt. James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) and Mr. Spock (Zachary Quinto).

The opening sequence of the movie pretty much sets the pace for the entire movie, I couldn't help but be captured by it's fast pace, visually beautiful story telling (and that's just the first 5 minutes of the movie), as we see the birth of young James T. Kirk. "Your father was captain of the ship for 12 minutes, he saved 800 lives including yours" one of my favorite lines in the film, had to throw it in there.

The movie also focuses-in on young Spock, a Vulcan, well... half Vulcan and half human. Spock rejects the offer to join the Vulcan academy and decides to join Star fleet. As we see in the early scenes of the movie, Spock had a conflicted childhood due to his father being Vulcan and mother being human, but he is also a brilliant young man, which means star fleet has no reluctance accepting him.

Of course it was just a matter of time, before Kirk and Spock bump heads, and of course both men being hard headed, brilliant, and cocky in their own right, despise each other. Hey, no complaints here cause it was fun to watch both guys go at it. After their captain is captured, both men slowly come to the realization that they cannot rescue him alone, and so the first mission for Capt. Kirk and Spock begins, in a wild and entertaining fashion.

Let me start off by giving credit to J.J. Abrams, the director of this film, who did an incredible job revamping the franchise. I think the only person I see fit and able to put together a well told Star Trek movie, was Josh Whedon, so I was excited to hear J.J. Abrams was taking helm over Star Trek, and he didn't disappoint. To see him take a giant scale like Star Trek, with everything needed to be in place due to it's origin on the story, he manages not only to make sense of everything but to also tell it in a fast pace, yet understandable. In other words the movie is easy to follow.

Also, I have to give credit to Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto, for bringing back to life the young characters of Capt. Kirk and Mr. Spock. The two play the characters to the core of the bone, they both fit the roles perfectly, which in my opinion makes a great movie. The film focuses on the story yes, but the true story of the movie is the relationship of both men, again due to great acting, both actors take control of this film, and demand the attention.

Like all the great movies I review, I can't say enough about this one as well. Some may argue the point that this film takes away from the true story of the original Star Trek series, some say Star Trek relies on the drama now instead of the sci-fi. I have to disagree with what people say, I mean this movie takes place in space, how more sci-fi can you get. This movie was intended to revamp the franchise, which it did because I see more Star Trek movies in the works.

Star Trek has emotion, drama, action, adventure, explosions, character driven performances, beautiful visuals, great story telling. Star Trek fan or no Star Trek fan, this movie is a great movie that shouldn't be missed. It sucks you in since the beginning and takes you for a wild ride all the way to the finish.

Note: for the true Star Trek fan who have watched the original series, there is a great surprise for you to enjoy. Also I didn't give away too much of the story like I often do, fearing I would give away a lot of fun things from the movie.

I'll admit, I'm not the biggest Star Trek fan in the world, but I am a fan nonetheless. Since I was born in the mid 80's, I was born a little too late for the original series, but as a young preteen I rarely missed an episode of Star Trek the Next Generation (TNG), and after it went off the air, I contained following the only spin-off at the time: Star Trek Deep Space Nine (DS9).

However, after DS9 went off the air, I stopped watching Star Trek all together. If I remember correctly I think there were two spin-offs still running, but I can't be sure.

I really liked both TNG and DS9, not so much because I'm a huge Sci-Fi fan, but because Star Trek, (at least my two favorite spin-offs) where about something much greater than exploring the universe, they were about family.

The best thing about these series is the characters, and the bonds they formed with one another. Season after season, I became more and more attached to each character and really cared about what happened to them.

And in my opinion, great characters you can love and hate are an essential part of great television, and great movies.

Like I said, I was never a fan of Star Trek's original series, but I did enjoy the films, and from watching said movies I can easily come to the conclusion that the USS Enterprise has a crew full of awesome (some might say Legendary) characters.

For this reason alone, not including what are sure to be awesome visuals, I must say Star Trek should definitely be worth checking out.

Rio Grande Herald Movie Critic:
Gerald S. Salinas

So let me be honest, I mildly enjoyed the X-Men trilogy (thanks Bryan Singer, Brett Ratner; you did better), and I was hoping that one day they would just focus on the man who we all love to see; "Wolverine". Lucky for us, they made that movie, but not so lucky for the hardcore fans.

Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) is one of the most mysterious, dark, troubled, and fun characters of all time. As shown in the beginning of the movie, as a child Wolverine, or known by his real name at first, Logan.

Wolverine, whose real name is Logan (I think) experienced his mutation from an unfortunate event, and has to run away from his home with his brother Victor (Liev Schreiber).

The opening sequence does a great job, showing Logan and Victor in the battles of the Civil war, WW1, WW2, and Vietnam. Of course one can't help but wonder why they both grew up and stop aging at that age.

Logan and Victor are eventually kicked-out of Vietnam and join a secret ops unit, formed by Gen. William Stryker (Danny Huston). But nothing changes for Logan with his new team, Logan has grown tired of killings and battles, he abandons his team in Niegeria to start over.

But with a past like Logan's, it's not that easy just to walk away. His new life as a lumber man and as a boyfriend is interrupted when Gen. Stryker informs him that Victor is on a rampage killing all of his former team. Logan accepts Gen. Stryker offer to participate in his super secret plan to make a mutant of mutants, thus making him the man we all know him by: Wolverine. Now Wolverine has the ability, and power, to stop Victor, but on his way to Victor comes all the explosions, fighting, and claw slashing...

Yes, there was never a boring moment in the movie, but that does not mean it was a good movie. The dialog was short, no acting was heavily involved, (guess we can blame the script writers for that). Gavin Hood the director of the movie is a well respected film maker, but falls very short in his first big budget blockbuster picture. Some scenes were fun, yet cheesy, almost laughable (like the boxing scenes), and some scenes didn't make any sense (like all the fighting scenes).

The movie focuses more on the action rather than the story, as mentioned,there is one fight scene right after another with no point, no build up, no need. We're left forgetting about the movie and just want to see action with no emotions.

The movie is called X-Men Origins: Wolverine, origins means the beginning, yes this movie tells the story of how Logan got his claws and the name Wolverine but that's it, and forgets that he is a mutant. Wolverine, in this movie felt hollow, and never really felt like an outcast, which is what the whole X-Men story line is all about. This movie also felt soft, yes I know this movie takes place before the X-Men trilogy, and this movie builds Wolverine, becoming the hard headed man we all know him to be, but that doesn't mean he should be as soft as he comes out to be in this movie.

This movie fails in so many ways, but there is some good to it as well. It's entertaining. Seeing Hugh Jackman play Wolverine, is like a dream come true. In my mind he was born to play Wolverine. This movie should have been darker, deeper, and should have focused more on Wolverine, instead of the action and showing Hugh Jackman without a shirt of just wearing a white tank top, but because of his intense training, (which did pay off, cause he is ripped) I guess I can't blame the director for having him flexing his guns every now and then. This will bring up big numbers in the box office, but it really ain't worth the price of admission. If you're into loud noise, and meaningless action than this is perfect for you, but not perfect for a good movie.

This one should be pretty obvious, you should watch Wolverine if you like comic book movies and, of course, if you were a fan of the X-Men trilogy.

However, even if you're not a fan, comic book movies almost always offer great visual effects and intense action sequences.

Wolverine, is also a great character. Anybody who follows the comic books knows that he is a big, violent, angry, tough guy you would never want to mess with... but he's a good guy, and he only displays these characteristics to those who deserve to see them.

There's just something about a big tough guy with a good heart that always makes for a great story.

I have high hopes for this for Wolverines first solo.

What a wonderful world...

My opinion has always been that movie theaters may not be the best settings for documentaries. DisneyNature's Earth however, I believe, will be an extraordinary exception.

It's sad for me to admit that I'm not a big nature person, I rarely go outside, and I've never been camping...ever. But no one in there right mind can look at images of animals in there natural environment and not admire its beauty.

We're all aware that the face of the world is changing, and not for the better. That these animals and there habitats may not be around for much longer, is no longer an impossible scenario .

My hope is that watching this film will remind me of just how beautiful our planet really is, and how I should care that it is in danger.

Rio Grande Herald Movie Critic:
Gerald S. Salinas

New model, original parts. In my mind, this should have been the second movie in this series, instead of the fourth. I slightly enjoyed the second one, and didn't even see the third one. Fast and Furious, is indeed the fourth installment, and by the looks of it, (because of the aging characters and weak storylines), should be the last installment.

Dominic (Vin Diesel), returns to the states after being exiled. After living life in the fast lane in the Dominican Republic, Dom leaves the woman he loves Letty (Michelle Rodriguez), in fear of being captured. After being inform that Letty has been murdered, Dom so wise in the art of auto mobiles, gets just enough information, by tire marks on the streets. He finds out, what happened, how it happen, the type of tires, who sells them, and how she died, and a little more but you get the idea. I don't know about you but that's pretty impressive.

Brian (Paul Walker) also returns in this movie, all grown up as an FBI agent. Brian also follows up on the murder of Letty, which eventually reunites him with Dom, not a really happy reunion. Brian and Dom set off to find the men behind all this, in yes, an illegal street racing ring (I know it took me awhile to bring up cars). Of course the two heroes of the movie, eventually make there way in deep to get there hands on the men responsible, with a few details in between.

Fast and Furious has everything you expect, fast cars, furious characters, girls, explosions, and music. But yet having all these components, the movie still lacks excitement. The opening sequence was absolutely amazing, unbelievable, but amazing, I felt like standing up and clapping but didn't, fearing the people behind me would throw things at me and shout out "sit down!". That's what this movie lacked; more stunts like those, I just remember that car scene and the street racing scene, other than that, the movie forgot what made this movie worth watching.

As mentioned before, this is the fourth installment so I really didn't mind seeing lots of crazy stunts, but I didn't, this movie was out to be a big-boy and have an actual storyline, or so it tried. I was excited to see Paul Walker and Vin Diesel, back behind the wheel, Vin Diesel only has maybe two lines in the movie, but he's just so cool, why say anything.

The plot was a bit confusing and like I said weak. I didn't really understand the relationship between Dom and Brian, I couldn't understand why the bad guys needed drivers, and why are the bad guys always smaller in size compare the the good guys. This movie didn't deliver in a much wanted fight between Dom and the guy who actually killed Letty, instead you get an unsatisfying bout, if you can call it that.

All I'm saying is: not enough car action, weak story, it tried to hard on becoming a strong movie, the only thing that made this movie work was Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, and that amazing opening scene, that's where I put my money, other than that, this movie drives 100 mph on a 55 mph, meaning it's forgettable. I will tell you this, driving back home I felt very cool listening to some Pit bull and Lil John.

Rio Grande Herald Movie Critic:
Gerald Salinas

Knowing is half the battle (yes I did steal that from G.I. Joe, and will probably use it again when I review that movie), but in this movie, knowing is not half the battle, it the whole battle. We know after Sunday comes Monday, we know we must eat to survive, we know football season is over in February, and starts again in September. These are things we know and I don't mind knowing. But once we uncover the unknown, and know more than we should, we should be afraid of knowing.

John Koestler (Nicolas Cage), who lives in dark times, behind the bottle, after his wife's unfortunate death, is a professor of astrophysics at MIT. John is now a single parent raising his only son Caleb (Chandler Canterbury). In a lecture John votes for a non-deterministic universe, following his words he believes "crap happens" (of course he doesn't say crap, but you know what I mean). Going to Caleb's school, which is celebrating it's 50th anniversary, a time capsule is opened, which contains drawings from the 1959 children who drew what they felt 2009 would look like. Caleb received not a drawing but a sheet covered with rows of numbers on both sides of the paper. In the beginning of the movie we see a young girl by the name of Lucinda, a 1959 girl, who wrote the numbers.

John accidentally figures out the numbers on the sheet of paper are more than numbers but are dates, and follows the pattern. Going back to check the dates, he discovers all are major disasters, leaving three dates left, he becomes obsessed, and discovers more following the numbers. Not only are the numbers dates but coordinates, and of course this wouldn't be a movie if everyone believed him right off the bat, so until the first major disasters occurs, he comes off as sounding crazy. The disasters in this movie are so well made, I have decided not to describe them, for your benefit. I will be glad to talk about it after you have view the movie.

John grows more and more fearful of the numbers, finds the daughter of Lucinda, Diana (Rose Byrne) and her daughter Abby. Caleb and Abby share a special connection, they both hear whispers of the strangers who come from the woods. John takes Diana and her daughter everywhere he goes to protect them, but after knowing the last disaster is upon them, John becomes so obsessed pushing away Diana and the two kids, the whole worlds soon knows something bad is about to happen and the chaos begins.

I couldn't help but think of two movies after seeing this one: "Signs" and "The Happening", yes both were made from the same guy M. Night Shyamalan. The reason why I think of these two movies, first signs is that it had the same feeling after viewing it, as if someone knock the air out of you, and leaving you to talk about the movie after it was done. As far as the happening, the happening being one of the worst movies I have ever seen. It comes to mind because the happening wanted to be just like "Knowing", I compare the two because they are similar in what they wanted the message to be. But knowing shows The Happening everything it did wrong. Knowing is brilliant.

Nicolas Cage has proven time and time again he is a legend. His performance was spectacular, leading you to believe he feels alone, then obsessed, then crazy, to finally sad yet joyful.

This movie does come off as cheesy, as far as the dialogue is concerned but it still works, the story is so powerful even with the cheesy dialogue, it comes off as a masterpiece. The disasters in the movie are not just so awesomely made, and have a real life sense of feeling to them. Give a lot of credit to Alex Proyas (the director) for that, the scenes were unbelievable, and the story was very well visually told.

Knowing is brilliant, suspenseful, and giddy. It is one of the best movies of the year so far. It will leave you asking yourself "Is this planet preordain or does crap just happen?" Don't miss this fantastic movie, that will uncover the unknown, at the end you will ask yourself one final question "Is there a point of KNOWING?"

Rio Grande Herald Movie Critic:
Gerald Salinas S.

I've got to start off by stating that I love the simplicity of the title. Yes, it's been remade two other times, this being the third. And after seeing this movie, I wouldn't want to live on the last house to the left. Although, come to think about, if you come from one way of the street... I live on the last house on the left..., oh boy.

The last house on the left, is a bit frighting, or, a lot frighting. Young Mari (Mara Sara Paxton) and her parents (Tony Goldwyn, and Emma Potter) go on vacation to their cabin next to the lake (no not Crystal Lake). Mari goes out to visit her friend Page, who works at a local grocery store. There the two girls meet a young man who offers some herb medication, (come on you know what I mean). The young man takes them back to his hotel, where all is fun and games, until his dad, a fugitive and his posse crash the party.

Now, the girls are held captive, in fear that they might call the cops. Making an attempt to escape, Page has been beaten and ultimately killed. Mari who has yet to release herself from the group, witnesses the murder of her best friend and is beaten down some more, and in the movie's most graphic scene; she is raped (I'll leave it as that). She escapes from the group only to be shot and left for dead, floating in the lake.

The group of criminals, make their way to the last house on the left, where Mari parents are vacationing, but they don't know that, and the parents don't know what they did to their daughter. The father, being a doctor, treats the wounds of the criminals and welcomes them to spent the night in their guest home. Mari, fighting her way home, is founded by her parents, and find out who the group really is.

This movie set out to do one thing and one thing only: horrify . That's right, this is the most horrific movie I've seen in a good long while. The killing scenes in this movie were completely brutal and realistic. It made me feel uncomfortable at times. And the rape scene was just awful, and it went on for a good two to three minutes. Movies have lines that shouldn't be cross, and that is one of them. Wes Craven is a master at horror movies, I still have nightmares about Freddy Kruger. He does what he's know to do, and in this movie he does it, and does it very, very well.

One of the things I like about this movie is the complete turn around. The criminals getting a dose of their own medicine. You almost find yourself, wanting the most brutal violence given to the criminals. Which the movie delivers. The father of Mari is brought up as a rugged looking guy who seems to be able to hold his own. But the realistic part of the movie he is unable to compete with the criminals. Which I like, a lot, that's what makes this movie feels so raw, well that's one of the small parts that make this movie feel raw. The real fear is what one is capable of when push to the walls.

This is a very well made horror movie, but I give it a low grade cause it's just impossible to watch, I don't ever picture myself sitting down and watching this movie for a second time. And please do not let your child watch it if he or she is too young to understand it's just a movie. And if you notice not a whole lot of names, I use parents, and criminals or the group cause well the only names I recall hearing was Page and Mari. If you love horror, then I recommend this movie if you're not a fan, not even a little, watch something else.

-

Rio Grande Herald Movie Critic:
Gerald Salinas

I love you, man! You're not getting my bud light. That of course not being any part of the movie, but from an old commercial. (Those who are old enough to remember it). I love you, man, is a feel good buddy movie. Having a friend like Sydney Fife, (Jason Segal) would complete most lives of many men who don't have a best friend, Peter (Paul Rudd) being that young man. Sydney is everything Peter is afraid to be, funny, outrages, social, and free.

Peter a real estate agent, just engaged to his eight month girlfriend Zooey (Rashida Jones). Peter your nice, dorky guy has no problem getting along with girls but has no guy buddies and never had a guy best friend, which is a problem since now due to the wedding has no best man. This begins to worry Zooey, and Peter himself after overhearing the girls talk about him having no friends. Peter sets out to find a best friend, sets out for a man date, which is easier said than done. Going from lunatic soccer fan, to older guy, to eventually your homosexual guy, Peter begins to lose hope, until he meet Sydney.

Sydney is everything Peter has been looking for. After a meeting at Lou Ferrigno's (or as I know him and like to call him, "The Hulk") house, which Peter is trying to sell. Peter ask Sydney on a man date. And instantly like a true date between a man and a girl, they hit it off right away. Sydney lives in an old beat up house, next to Venice beach. His house, or I should say his living room since we never actually see anything else. Sydney has everything in common with Peter, that Peter has never shown. Sydney teaches Peter how to let go, and become free. A good example, when Peter client the Hulk is having lunch with Peter co employee, now I won't say no more on this cause it's one of the most funniest scenes in the movie, just mention it so you can look forward to it.

I love you, man is a good buddie movie and not so much date movie, I guess that's what they were going for, for you to have a man date, so it's okay if you go with your guy friend. With good laugh here and there, with your sexual jokes, cause now a days comedies have to have those jokes. But this movie is interesting, it's not so much a rom-com or even a heart warm movie, but in the sense were it doesn't follow the rules of your average comedy, it works and at the same time it doesn't. It works in trying new things and not making it the same things as the rest. But it fails cause there is not enough respect for the story. Yes the movie is funny but not a lot of memorable scenes, the movie leaves you with a doll moment at the end cause there is not a lot of problems in the movie, which means there is not alot of solution to fix those problems, everything is just so simple.

For the opening weekend, this movie could be worth the money in your wallet, (if your not interested in sci-fi, scary, or animation movies) but after that, this movie can wait for DVD. Paul Rudd is charming and seems to be getting roles for movies left and right, and Jason Segal works wonders for his character Sydney. The two work well with each other. But not enough to carry this story. It will leave you wanting to go hang out with your best friend, or if you don't have one go out on a man date.

Rio Grande Herald Movie Critic:
Gerald Salinas

Who watches the Watchmen? I did, and if you haven't, you should. The 1985, best-selling graphic novel comes to life on the big screen, thanks to Zack Synder. Watchmen, who are a group of mask wearing adventurers, face the reality of the "real" world. The world shouting out "save us" and Rorschach whispering "no". (one of my favorite lines in the story).

In 1985 the real life threat of a nuclear attack was very much possible. Richard Nixon at the time president in the film, is force to standoff against that possibility. The world, as dark as it is, now is in need of heroes. Watchmen personifies superheros, a group of individuals who dress up and patrol the night for world's evil that lurks around each corner. Although superheros are meant to protect us, not all seem too happy with the thought of vigilantes, the police go on strike, and the people riot, leaving no choice for president Nixon to enforce the Keene act, (meaning all who choose to live of life of crime fighting must work for the law or retire). Most retiring and only a few working for the government, the watchmen have been terminated.

The Watchmen starts off small and ignites an explosion. Triggered by the murder of the Comedian (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley) investigates, leading him to believe someone is out for mask adventurers. Rorschach, one of the conflicted characters, warns the rest of the Watchmen, hoping to reunite the watchmen, but all seem to think he's just paranoid. After visiting his old partner Nite Owl (Patrick Wilson), the more reasonable and simpler character, who has been isolated from the world, and fails to convince him, Rorschach never gives up not even in the face of Armageddon.

Dr. Manhattan, (Billy Crudup) the only one with superpowers. Or as known to non-watchmen fans "the naked blue guy". Works for the government and lives and is lover to Silk Spectre II (Malin Akerman) who never enjoyed the life of crime fighting, due to the presure of her mom forcing her to live out the family business. After an interview with Dr. Manhattan goes terribly wrong, accusing him of givining cancer to all who have come in contact with him, leaves earth to a more understanding place, a place without people Mars.

Ozymendias (Matthew Goode), the world's smartest man. Who also quit the superhero gag and went public, and living the life of wealth. Ozymendias was the first of the bunch to try and unite all superheros to work as a team, was just laugh at by the comedian, and since then has been living the present instead of the past.

With a failed attempt to assassinate Ozymendias, the capture of Rorschachs, the exile of Dr. Manhattan, and the murder of the Comedian, the Watchmen must now reunite and fight a bigger cause, a bigger fight than usual, to figure out why all this is happening.

The Watchmen can be compared to last year's blockbuster "The Dark Knight", Batman of course winning. But both are less of an action movie and more of a thrill/political drama. The Watchmen show real life threats back in the 80's with nuclear war, gets down and dirty and hides nothing, puts a good perspective on what it'll be like to dress up as a superhero and face the challenges of life. With the exception of Dr. Manhattan, no one has any type of powers but are highly skilled, mask adventurers in the real world can fight the good fight but can't be everywhere and can't fight the big problems in the world, in the movie being nuclear war.

I don't have to tell you, but I'm going to; the book is a lot more intense and darker than the movie, going into this movie, I was expecting to come out a little disappointed, but I didn't. I was actually surprise on how well the movie was put together and told. Those who have read the novel will experience the book come to life and those who just saw the story of the watchmen will experience a brilliant piece of fiction.

Give it up to Zack Synder for taking on a big scale story and turning it into a motion picture, although some may argue it was page for page and line for line, well it was the best way to go, Zack Synder just added the stlye of the movie, and as mentioned early the book is far more impressive but the movie doesn't disappoint. A lot of critics and fans say they'll watch it again and I have to agree I will watch this again.

Rio Grande Herald Movie Critic:
Gerald Salinas

What is the American dream? Easy, becoming a millionaire. But it's not just the American dream, but also the dream of every person in the world; especially for a slumdog.

Slumdog Millionaire is an extraordinary movie, that not only show you, but takes you into the life of everyday India. And it is not pretty. The only movie I can recall doing that, is "City of God". But Slumdog Millionaire does it better and although not as graphic, this is visually more effective.

Slumdog tells the lives on two brothers, Jamal Malik (Dev Patel), and older brother Salim Malik (Madhur Mittal). With the movie flashing back to Jamal's childhood poverty life and present, sitting in a televised stage of an India version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" Jamal, answering every question giving to him correctly, has begun to inspire a nation, going from rags to riches, and suspicion from the inside people of the game show itself.

Jamal knows these answers from his violent, brutal and dark childhood. Witnessing the murder of his mother, growing up as a petty thief, hustling tourist and meeting the love of his life Latika (Freida Pinto). His older brother Salim is the more aggressive type, learning from the underworld streets of Mumbai and accepting his role in it. Jamal never accepting his life, desires only one thing; Latika. And will go to great length to show it.

Slumdog is a movie for the ages. But give credit where credit is due, Danny Boyle made this movie the phenomenon that it is, his dramatically visual effects, just amaze you with inside beauty revealed. With the moving soundtrack of the movie, suitable for the fast pace editing. Danny Boyle's great challenge to tell and direct this story is incredible.

What amazes me the most, is underneath it all, this is a great love story. Yes this movie is graphic not intended for kids, but for the rest of us, shows what love can really do and how much it can inspire us all. I can't go on enough about Danny Boyle on how he visually told this incredible story, just take my word on it.

Slumdog Millionaire gets it right on everything, deserving winning the Oscars, yes other films I feel had a good chance of taking the grand prize, but this was no let down. This is a can't miss movie, that deserves your viewing.

Rio Grande Herald Movie Critic:
Gerald Salinas

Call your friends and make plans to go out to your fathers cabin in the woods and have a good time. After all there's nothing to fear. Wait... yes there is, Jason (Derek Mears) is back, yet again, in another series of horrible killing sprees.

Make no mistakes about it, this is probably the best Friday the 13th (I'm just gonna say Jason) movie, and it does stands apart from the rest; that's not saying much. Why do young, naive, groups of friends still go up to Crystal Lake? I guess they haven't seen the past Jason movies and recognize that's his home. This new series of the Jason movies is not a sequel but more of a remake of the 1980 original movie. Well, some what of a remake, in the original movie Jason doesn't do all the killing in fact he doesn't do any. Mrs. Voorhees, his mother is the lunatic, and she commits all the killing, in anger or should I say revenge on the counselors who let her beloved son drown in Crystal Lake.

She later is decapitated at the end of the original movie and at the beginning of this movie. 20 years now gone by, guess what happens next,... yup a group of naive kids decide to go to Crystal Lake, in which I'm sure you know, so I won't ruin anything here, end up being brutally killed. Clay Miller (Jared Padalecki) who sister Whitney (Amanda Righetti) was involve in that killing fest by Jason, is out to find his sister when even the police have given up. Clay runs into Jason next victims in where do you think, yes Crystal Lake, and there begins the chase. Why does Jason chase them and kill them? Cause he just wants to be left alone, and these naive kids are trespassing in his territory.

Jason does handle the beginning of the movie dirty. The opening scene is a bit terrifying and extremely gruesome and sets the tone for the movie. Well not exactly, see we know the story to these movies and what or why we go see this movies is for our date and for disturbing scenes. This not so much, just simpling slashing and chasing. And your forced to sit in your seat for about an hour and 35 minutes, well if you want that is. Jason is clever on some parts, with traps and alarms, and the use of a bow and arrow. Guess Jason's been watching discovery channel. Other than that it's just tries to hard on gore and brutally.

Not a whole lot of acting was experienced in this movie, (except Jare Padalecki) most of the acting was one dimensional, but who's trying to win an Oscar in this movie anyway. I will give credit to the director Marcus Nispel, who does revive Jason himself not the movie but the character Jason. Jason, finally has a presence, this Jason is a very huge guy, does look like he has been living there for 20 plus years and no more walking Jason and I actually saw him run, yes run.

The movie doesn't bring much to the table, yes this is an entertaining movie with no plot, or story, and no acting, not a good choice for the weekend unless your really a huge Jason fan, or just want your girlfriend holding your arm while she screams. Either of the two that's the only way I recommend this movie.

Growing up a wrestling fan, I've been waiting to see a great wrestling movie. Who says wrestling is fake?, steel chair shots, head banging on steel turnbuckles, flying across the ring, blood pouring down the face, and many visit to your local hospitals on a regular basis. It is nice, finally, to see a movie with a different atmosphere, we've seen football, baseball, basketball, and even soccer movies get their chance to tell you what it's like to be a part of that life style. The Wrestler comes along and body slam it's way into your life.

Mickey Rourke plays Randy "the Ram" Robinson, a washed up, beat up-broken down wrestler, who, to date, still wrestles for pleasure and need. Mickey Rourke is able to bring this character to life, in one of the most tremendous and brave performances I have ever seen from Mickey Rourke.

Randy the ram now lives alone with his glory days behind him, working at a grocery store to help maintain himself financially, and working weekends at local school gyms, community centers, and dance halls to do what he loves to do, wrestle. Performing in front of a hundred people or maybe less. Randy the ram as well as his opponents treat this very seriously, taping their battered parts, pumping themselves up, and rehearsing the outcome of the match just before the show begins, some call this preparation "scripted". Randy the ram puts his body through a great ordeal of pain in the movies more graphic wrestling match, and after the match he is treated immediately for his wounds, all this for only a few hundred bucks at best.

Randy the ram has known only one thing his entire life; and that is wrestling. He has sacrificed his own, as well as his family's, life for this sport. Randy, now being older, finding it hard to maintain his physical abilities, subdues to pain killers and steroids usage. The down to earth, very gentle yet very tough and physically big, Randy the ram may have had his last match after collapsing at the end of a show due to a heart attack. After being told he could not wrestle again, Randy the ram now decides it is time to move on focusing on other things in his life, his grocery job and his distant relationship with his daughter Stephanie (Evan Rachel Wood). Stephanie is less than happy to see him and has no problem showing it. He also focuses on a hope to be in a relationship with stripper Cassidy (Marisa Tomei) or real name Pam.

The very beautiful Marisa Tomei, who is just wonderful in this movie and proves she still has her 1992 oscar winning talents, doesn't want a relationship with Randy the ram due to her principles, or should I say "rules", which do not allow her to date her customers. Which is a little hypocritical considering they both have the same line of work, the two very different lives of a wrestler and a stripper aren't so different, they both perform for an audience, it pays the bills, and there is always a connection with the audience.

The Wrestler is an inspiring picture, taking you on an emotional roller coaster ride. This movie, not only focuses on wrestling but also with the world around it. The Wrestler is directed by Darren Aronofsky who is not afraid to take you into the life of underground wrestling, depicting the tricks of the trade, from the before hand "scripting" backstage moments to the very brutal wrestling matches and taking you to raw-real environment of struggling performers. Making this one of the best movie I've seen because of it. Known for his proactive movies, Darren Aronofsky makes a beautiful masterpiece.

This movie gets everything right and I cannot say enough on Mickey Rourkes performance. It is great to see someone tell this story and handle it well. The movie is very violent, very graphic, and shows a great deal of nudity giving it the raw feeling it creates and deserving of a lot of attention. The passion of this movie will move you, the brutality will shake you, the performances will carry you, and the movie will inspire you. Though it will probably not make non wrestling fans, fans, it will show you a whole deal of respect for every wrestler out there putting on a show for our viewing pleasure. Please don't miss this extraordinary movie, you will be satisfied.

Rio Grande Herald Movie Critic:
Gerald Salinas

It's always exciting to see people with paranormal abilities. X-Men up to this date remains to be the only one who knows how to handle it (and I'm not talking about the movies, thanks Bryan Singer).

In world war II an experiment gone wrong by the Nazi made the U.S. a little envious, so we decide to pick up were they went wrong. Because of that, we now have the second generation living among us. The movie covers just about every super power you can think of, your sniffers who can sniff things and know their history, telekinesis who can gravitate objects, your shifters who can shift anything, your watchers who can see the future, and your pusher who can push your mind into anything they want you to do, and your others who can do some other stuff, as you'll see.

Nick, (Chris Evans) a telekinesis (I thought was gonna be the pusher since he pushes things) is hiding from the U.S. government in Hong Kong, and having trouble developing his power, which I find odd that even though he hasn't used it yet, he still tries to out hustle some hustler. Nick, being witness to his fathers death, is located by Cassie (Dakota Fanning) a watcher. Cassie's mother was also a watcher. Cassie who is 13 yet seems to be 12 and wants to be 14, whatever her age is in the movie, it is hard to believe how a girl around that age has been capable of boarding a plane to Hong Kong and making it on her own. Okay different story.

Kira (Camilla Belle) is a pusher who can push inside your mind, and is also a survivor of an U.S. experiment, and somehow finds a way to escape a highly protected secure government institute and is now being chased by Henry (Dijimon Hounsou) the leader of a government agency to bring in the pushers, however he fails to see his mission through when Kira escape with a syringe filled with super soldier effects.

Pushing along (no pun intended...I'm joking there was) this movie will introduce a lot of question and not really answer them. For one thing, Cassie informs Nick how they have to find Kira cause she will lead them to the syringe, which Henry is also looking for, and not just the U.S. government but also local Hong Kong natives who are also pusher/watchers. So now you have 20 future telling people looking for Kira, who might have a past with Nick, don't know anything about that. Kira holds the key to their future (paranormal people) for whatever their future may be. The movie drives you, but it seems like the driver keeps telling you "we'll be there in 20 minutes" while in the back of your mind saying "I think he's lost."

The movie does do a couple of things right. First off they got Dakota Fanning in the movie, a brilliant young actress with a great career ahead of her, well if she doesn't take more of these roles. And I give credit to the director Paul McGuigan for giving it a new look and for having some good scenes.

This movie does have a lot of potential. Going back to last year's wannabe superhero movie Jumper, which opened around the same time of year. What Jumper did was keep it simple. This movie being more complicating than it should be will leave you questioning everything. This movie wasn't a complete waste, it does bring some excitement but not enough to spend your money on.

(All movie stills courtesy of movieweb.com)

Rio Grande Herald Critic:
Gerald Salinas

If you ever thought CIA agents were a bunch of suits who don't clean up the trash, and lived a safe career behind the desk, you are sadly mistaken. According to the movies of course.

Taken is a fast pace, smart action thriller that takes you to the dirty reality of human trafficking. Not that the movie focuses on the human trafficking, but it does on everything else and does it very well.

Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) a some-what retired CIA agent who likes cook-outs, hanging out with old partners/friends, and moved closer to home to spend more time with his daughter Kim (Maggie Grace). Kim now lives with ex wife Lenny or should I say Lenore (Famke Janssen) and Father in law who's name I can't recall cause I don't remember hearing it (Xander Berkeley). Bryan and Kim don't have a poor relationship, as the movie show her happy to see her father Bryan on her 17 year old birthday party.

Bryan has seen action in the past, his skills briefly demonstrated while protecting a young pop star as a masked man tried to stab her. Bryan knowing how to protect himself and others is against sending his 17 year old daughter to Paris alone with her friend Amanda. He then later agrees to send her.

After a only a few hours in Paris Kim and Amanda are kidnapped in the movie's most intense trailer pick-up scene. Bryan being an expert in many fields knows exactly what to do but being overseas is unable to do anything.

"I don't know who you are, I will find you and I will kill you" yes better believe it as Bryan has 96 hours to find and save his daughter before they auction her off and treat her like a prostitute and eventually never seeing her again. Bryan goes overseas and becomes a one man army. Using his skills that he developed over a long career he is able to track down each man responsible and causing a lot of pain on the way.

The movie is a bit too much. It's clear they weren't aiming for best picture. But the movie was handled well, just think of it as the bourne movies just 40 years old. The thing that makes this movie work is Liam Neeson. Neeson is one of the great actors working today. With this quick to react, highly intelligent character he proves he can dominant any role given to him, focusing in on his fatherly figure to his "I'm gonna get you" with fist flying anger scenes. A remarkable actor he truly is.

Taken won't blow out numbers in the box office but will give you a ride to remember. Take this movie for what it is and I'm sure just like, I did.