Priest (2011)

When it's over, the idea of a priest trying to save humanity by using knives and hand-to-hand combat instead of rosaries was appealing and a fresh approach to the vampire genre. The film is based on the popular Korean comic "Manhwa" by Hyung Min-Woo, and although I haven't read the comics, the film's dark mood and the main character's edgy storyline is interesting enough to provoke my curiosity in the comic books.  However, I have a feeling my opinion of the film would change for the worse, if I was to read the comics now.  Priest was entertaining not only because it was different, but also, because it successfully recycled the styles of popular films from the past.  The film felt like Mad Max meets The Matrix meets Underworld, and it's a fusion of the western and supernatural genres, making it very different from the vampire films before it.  When I first heard about the film, I didn't think Brit actor, Paul Bettany could pull it off as a renegade priest, but I'm glad to be proven wrong, because I think Bettany was convincing as the no-flinching, no-hesitation warrior priest who could leap through the air and do some serious kung fu.  With the help of a priestess, played by Maggie Q, and a gunslinger sherriff, played by Cam Gigandet, the trio venture into a post-apocalyptic wasteland in search of the vampires who had murdered the Priest's family and kidnapped his niece.  Along the way, there are some plot twists, which helps the viewers understand the Priest's motives.  One thing the story should have developed further was the Priest's relationship with the Priestess, because there are hints of feelings and a possible past between the two, but no specific details are revealed, which was a shame, because their "possible" love story would be a forbidden one and the fragility of their relationship could have taken the storyline to a more meaningful level. 

My rating: 3.5 out of 5

Rio (2011)

When it's over, there isn't much to remember about Rio, a story about a domesticated blue Macaw, named Blu, who gets stolen by thieves in Rio de Janiero and must find a way back to his owner, Linda.  Along the way, Blu meets some feathery friends who help him on his journey and help him to find the courage to fly for the very first time.  This film had a few good laughs, but falls short of being memorable compared to animated films such as Despicable Me and How to Train Your Dragon which were not only fun, but intelligent as well.  There were some catchy tunes for the kids and some jokes the adults can appreciate, but that's about all it had to offer.  It was a good " time-filler," and I think most kids would enjoy the comical humor.  Cast of voices include, Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, and Jamie Foxx.

My rating: 3 out of 5

Faster (2010)

When it's over, Faster suffers from a weak story and an even weaker sub-plot that stagnates the story rather than moves it forward.  Dwayne Johnson plays a man known as the Driver, who seeks revenge for the murder of his brother.  The film's sole focus is revenge and because of that, it failed to accelerate.  The film spends most of its time showing the Driver going on a rampage and killing for revenge, but what the film should have done is expand on the Driver's trauma and pain, so, as the viewer, I can sympathize with the character and his vigilante methods.  A character that's one dimensional is boring and uninteresting (he just points and shoots), but if you give that character a lifeline (a past, a present, and a future), then the character is someone I can relate to and care about.  Also,I think the producers should have made the executive decision to cut out the "assassin for hire" sub-plot, in which an assassin is hired to take out the Driver.  This sub-plot was pointless and unrelated to the main story and a waste of screen time.  Instead, that screen time should have been used to develop the two key characters - the Driver and the Cop, played by Billy Bob Thornton.  I think Johnson and Thornton would have made great adversaries if the story had been better crafted.

My rating: 2 out of 5

Outlander (2008)

When it's over, even though I've seen this film countless times, I still find it enjoyable.  It's science fiction.  It's man against beast.  It's got an element of time travel - in this case, it's the Vikings.  It's an entertaining film to watch with friends and not take too seriously.  Jim Caviezel plays Kainan, a soldier from another planet who crash lands in Norway during the Iron Age (approx. 700 AD) and unknowingly brings along an alien predator known as the Moorwen who is set on destroying anything in its path.  Unlike some Sci-fi films where the stories and characters get snuffed in the action, Outlander stays at a good pace keeping the action going and slowing down when necessary to develop the plot and characters. 

My rating: 3.5 out of 5

Peacock (2010)

When it's over, Irish actor, Cillian Murphy blew me away in his portrayal of John/Emma Skillpa, a character suffering from Dissociative Identity Disorder (aka: Multiple Personality Disorder).  John and Emma live a simple and private life in rural Nebraska, until one day a train derails into their backyard creating much unwanted publicity and attention.  This sudden change in the Skillpa household unleashes an inner battle between the two personalities each fighting to gain control of the other to haunting circumstances.  Peacock was dark, eerie, disturbing, and very believable due mostly in part to Murphy's brilliant performance.  The script was smart and although I am usually turned off by stories that are left "hanging," I thought the peculiar ending for this story was an appropriate fit for the characters and left quite open a lot of questions that would certainly cultivate a mind-probing discussion.  Rounding out the cast are Ellen Page, Susan Sarandon, Josh Lucas, Keith Carradine, and Bill Pullman.

My rating: 4 out of 5