Matthew R. Reis: Film and TV Critic

Risen. From the ashes. 5 Stars Blog Exclusive! The best way to describe "The Dark Knight Rises" (TDKR) is by analogizing it to that of a train leaving a station. It starts off slow and steady, gradually building up steam. When it's operating at full tilt anything can happen. In "Rises" Bruce Wayne/Batman (played by Christian Bale) has to overcome demons starting from the somber opening sequence all the way through a twist filled conclusion. Along the way he meets alluring personalities such as the devious, sexy criminal Catwoman (Anne Hathaway) and Bane (Tom Hardy), a ruthless mercenary threatening to become Gotham's reckoning. Batman stands in his way, but Bane's his strongest adversary yet. Only the will of ordinary people banded together can help save the city. Aiding TDKR story are many grandiose set-pieces, Wally Pfister's flawless, sweeping cinematography and Hans Zimmer's genre bending score. Even minor details even feel like they...

You've never gotten this wasted (Now on DVD) 3 1/2 Stars Blog exclusive! Summer 2009. Just another action packed movie season right? Wrong. The summer of 2009 belonged to "The Wolfpack" who proved that comedies have bite. 277 million dollars worth of bite. So what would "The Hangover's" Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis show America next? Plenty of nudity, profanity and downright hilarity resulting in "The Hangover Part II." Director Todd Phillips likened "The Hangover Part II" to "Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back" arguably the best sequel ever made. I wouldn't praise the second "Hangover" movie that much, but believe it or not, this incarnation offers a wilder ride than its predecessor. Though the framework of "Part II's" plot is little more than a carbon copy of the original the film improves upon an already exquisite amalgam of sex, debauchery and memory loss. Revie...

Jack in the box (Now on DVD) 2 1/2 Stars Blog exclusive! The first Jackass movie is still the best entry in the Jackass trilogy, but this third incarnation is still dirty, delicious fun. All the guys are back, Steve-o, Chris Pontius, Bam Margera and of course Johnny Knoxville to deliver some hurt, laughter and gross out moments. Jackass 3D's use of 3D is decidedly bad. First of all, half the movie isn't even in 3D which is lame especially when you consider the price premium these types of tickets carry. The best the 3D visuals have to offer is the extra rounded stomach of Preston Lacy. Yet not mentioning how gross poop looks in three dimensions would be an injustice to the film's cinematographer. 3D is decidedly better at grossing you out than 2D. The movie is fast paced. I guess it makes sense that the MTV generation would benefit from watching an MTV film. With numerous stunts, probably numbering 20-something, you will be hard pressed to not laugh (or hurl) at som...

Refriend this old toy (Now on DVD) 4 Stars Blog exclusive! Note: I did not see the 3D version. Three strikes you’re out? Not in Toy Story 3’s case. Blending tear jerking moments with outstanding CG the creative minds at Pixar have again managed to craft an outstanding film. This new film may even match Toy Story 2’s brilliance. As expected the latest chapter in the series is more of the same, in a good way that is. Part family friendly fun and coming of age tale all rolled up into one Toy Story 3 shows that three is indeed good company. The last time we saw the toys on the big screen was 11 years ago in the aforementioned Toy Story 2. Pitted against the evil Emperor Zurg, Buzz Lightyear’s arch nemesis, the odd ensemble of toys stuck together and managed to save the day. Now the toys have an even bigger challenge on their hands (or should I say parts?). Andy, their owner, is no longer a young lad anymore and is ready to head off to college. College is no place for toys such as M...