Jack Reacher

Writer-director Oscar winner McQuarries' latest visual craftsmanship is based on Lee Child's book One Shot, the ninth in the series of Reacher novels.

The feature begins with a technically well executed opening sniper scene, effective and without dialogue, setting the tone for an old fashioned action thriller.

Convincing supporting cast performances by Richard Jenkins, David Oyelowo and Robert Duvall effectively draw the viewers in. In addition to making his own action scenes, Tom Cruise perfectly portrays a natural, intense character. Seeing him fight 5 slugs without a sweat is a must see. However, in his most high profile Hollywood film to date, it is german director Weiner Herzog's chilling performance as the villain Zec that steals the show with some of the best lines.

In what appears to be an open and shut case, detective Emerson (David Oyelowo) and District Attorney Rodin (Richard Jenkins) charge former army sniper James Barr (Joseph Sikora) for the random shooting of five people. 

Mysteries are uncovered when the enigmatic vigilante, former Military Police Jack Reacher (Tom Cruise) decides to join the investigative efforts of defense attorney Helen Rodin (Rosamund Pikes).

Caleb Deschanel's great camera angles, car chases, martial arts fight scenes, and interspersed humor make this an enjoyable action thriller.

The Guilt Trip

In this adventurous cross country road trip with Seth Rogen, Academy Award® winner Barbra Streisand returns to the big screen in a transformative, mother-son generational-gap feature.

The protective widowed mother, Joyce Brewster (Streisand) thinks the world of her son Andrew (Seth Rogen) who struggles in introducing his environmentally friendly product into the market. Setting meetings throughout the country, Andrew invites his mother to join him in his travels.

The script carries a dialogue that feels real and with characters that are relatable, especially aided by the displayed chemistry between Streisand and Rogen.


The relationship dynamics between mother and son is played out beautifully through the vulnerability of two complex characters.

Director Anne Fletcher's refreshing theme, has great flow, capturing many heartfelt moments that leave you with smiles throughout.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

A new visual experience marks this latest feature by Academy Award® winner, director Peter Jackson. Shot at double the standard rate, in high speed 3-D at 48 frames per second (HR3D), this new technological marvel delivers a highly detailed spectacular and immersive imagery.

Reunited in The Hobbit trilogy's first installment are the Rings trilogy team, including cinematographer Andrew Lesnie, and production designer Dan Hennah. While maintaining Lord Of The Rings' (LOTR) tonal consistency, Stewart introduces the characters, their journey and establishes LOTR connections. Enjoyable are the performances, humor, extensive costume, makeup, hair and prosthetics, as well as the colorful New Zealand scenery.

Based on Tolken's 1937 book, the epic adventure is set in the mythologic Middle-earth world 60 years before The Lord of the Rings. Hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) is swept away by 13 Dwarves, led by warrior and heir to the throne Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage), to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom from the vicious Dragon Smaug. Aided by wizard Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen) they surpass treacherous lands inhabited by Goblins, Orcs, deadly Wargs, and the sinister Necromancer. Along the way, they seek refuge at the Rivendell home of Elf Lord Elrond (Hugo Weaving) where Gandalf meets Galadriel (Cate Blanchett).

In addition to being available in 2D, 3D and 3D at 48 fps, the movie experience includes CGI and motion capture technology. Tangible and light theme appeal to the younger audiences although the violence may be excessive for some. Lesnie's swooping HR3D camerawork in flyover landscape shots are especially beautiful. The humor, Howard Shores's scores sung by the Dwarves, the action sequences, the rock battle scenes as well as Gollum and Bilbo's riddle game, are some of the best moments.

Notwithstanding the nearly three hours in length, the intricate details, impressive battle scenes, and magnificent special effects, are engaging and sure to please the fans.