Jackass 3D

I'm not going to say that the new Jackass in 3D is the best or funniest movie I have seen in a while, but that gang of buddies is just insane and is still having the time of their lives. The stunts are hilarious, crazier, and more disgusting than ever; especially in 3D. Johnny Knoxville, although getting up there in age still puts on a good performance as head honcho of the knuckleheads. The 3D definitely adds a little more of an edge to this ultimate slapstick series. There was enough stunts that it didn't feel like you were getting ripped off by it being way too short. I hope this is their last movie they make so they can go out on top with out having too much gray hair. Definitely a funny movie and worthwhile when you're just not in the mood for that serious drama. 2 1/2 stars and hard for a movie of this kind to get much better than that.

The Social Network

It is rare in Hollywood to find a movie that has the perfect combination of direction, writing, and acting. In Colombia Pictures’ The Social Network, director David Fincher, screenplay writer Aaron Sorkin, and the cast form such a team. There are three parts of the movie that needed to be carefully developed: the characterization of Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) and other characters, the creation of The Facebook web page, and the depiction of the many hours of legal argument. The superb weaving and intertwining of these three aspects makes the movie exceptional. Rare for a dialogue driven movie, there were no dull parts to this film. This can be traced directly back to the director and writer. When they are combined with flawless casting and acting the movie is bound for greatness. Early in the watching experience one feels a deep connection and knowledge of the multiple characters, a crucial achievement. Not only are you merely watching the movie, but you become emotionally invested in what will occur next. It is hard to find flaws in this movie. It is not too long like many current movies produced, it depicts real drama without going over the top, and it tells a story of which everyone wants to be a part (many people already are). If it never ended I would still be sitting and watching it. The Social Network is the must see of the year and is now the probable front-runner for best picture. 4 stars.

Lebanon

Lebanon was one of the realest, most intense war movies I've seen. It was completely gripping from the opening credits which show an eerily still, endless field of sunflowers until the final scene of the same setting. The film takes the viewer inside an Israeli Defense Force tank during the Lebanon War in 1982. The entire movie takes place in the tank and all that is seen outside is through the scope of the vehicle. There is no break from action in this film as the members of the tank are faced with countless dangerous missions. The young soldiers must fight through fear and inexperience to make it out alive. The dialogue is superb going form heart wrenching conversations to the occasional lines of comic relief. The acting was perfect as these actors all surely served in the army in real life. The manner in which the city is seen through the scope is pure genius and could not be exacuted in a better way. Not only are you engulfed in the experiences of the young men of the IDF and view their maturation, but to be a part of and view such a motion picture is to grow yourself. This film left me feeling paralyzed for at least a minute after it ended. It is in Hebrew and is even better if understood in that language as opposed to subtitles. Truly an accomplishment; kudos to writer/director Samuel Maoz. 4 stars.

Wall Street

Oliver Stone's new sequel Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps was, as I expected, a bust. There were multiple flaws with the movie. It was one of the dullest movies I've watched in a while. The dialogue was below par and the action was pathetic. The director's clear agenda of making everyone who works on Wall Street look like pompous, conniving, cold hearted ass-holes dominated the film. The picture was way too long especially with its total lack of excitement. However, what saved this poor move from disaster was, in addition to its big name, the acting. Shia Labeouf was very good in his role as Jake Moore the future son-in-law of the infamous Gordon Gekko. Michael Douglas played this role very well but not quite as charismatically as in Wall Street (1987). The rest of the acting was also good saving the film from disaster. The highlight of this movie for me was Charlie Sheen's cameo as Bud Fox from the first movie. No need to go sit through this film; skip it. 1 1/2 stars.