Into The Wild

Into The Wild directed by Sean Penn
2007
★★★✰✰
So I was captivated at times and bored at times with this film.  The story seems extraordinary that the main character could go so far on so little.  Stunning scenery and great music from Eddie Vedder enhance the mediocre acting.  A sad tale that seems to stem from dysfunctional family life.

The Cove

The Cove directed by Louis Psihoyos
2009
★★★✰✰
So I was shocked and amazed by this film.  I cannot believe people actually eat dolphin.  What the what?  Just sad.  What an incredible life Richard O'Barry has had...

Shutter Island

Shutter Island directed by Martin Scorsese
2010
★★★✰✰
So I hate to admit but I am starting to like Leonardo DiCaprio.  I never thought I would utter those words.  It turns out, he is a pretty good actor.  I wanted to see this film as it looked spooky and trippy and it was.  Just not as much as it could have/should have been.  Worth checking out though.  This is really more ★★★ 1/2 but my arbitrary rating system only allows full stars.

Public Enemies

Public Enemies directed by Michael Mann
2009
★★✰✰✰
So I figured this movie would be a slam dunk with Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard and Johnny Depp in a gangster movie.  I was wrong.  Bale was boring, the story slow (and from what I have read, inaccurate) and the movie was too long.  What the heck was Michael Mann thinking.  The only thing worth watching in the film is Depp, who is always entertaining, even in a crummy movie like this.  Should be 1 star but Johnny Depp is too good.

The Book of Eli

The Book of Eli directed by the Hughes Brothers
2010
★★★✰✰
So I was looking forward to this movie and Denzel was great.  Lots of crazy fighting and moody colors.  You gotta dig body parts being cut off.  I do find it hard to believe that Eli is blind  I can't believe that he could do all the things he did.  Anyways, exciting, Bible thumping, cappa-detating, movie.

Palm Springs

So I went on vacation with my family to Palm Springs (which is why I haven't posted for awhile) and had a great time.  It has scorching hot (116 on Thursday), we went swimming everyday, I attempted to jump-start my running, made an interesting visit to Wal-Mart, and went up to the top of Mt. San Jacinto State Park via the Aerial Tramway.  What an amazing trip.  I highly recommend taking the tram up the mountain.  It is a lovely 70 degrees at the summit and it is an alpine forest.  Great little hike around the meadow and lunch near a fallen tree.  Incredible views of the desert below too.
Just a wonderful time.  It made me really want to go camping again.  Maybe the boys are ready.  We'll see...

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger
2010
★★★★★
So I laughed when I saw this book after my wife brought it home from the library.  It looked silly but I thought I give it a try.  I'm glad I did because it was fantastic!  Very funny story with lots of great Star Wars references.  Definitely for elementary school kids but good for adults who like fun stories and Star Wars.  I highly recommend.