It’s always tricky to make a prequel, but to make a prequel/sequel? Terminator Salvation must be the first in movie history to accomplish this goal. Although I loved it (and I LOVE the Terminator franchise), I left the theater, thinking, OK, when will the next installment come out? I want more. You see, Salvation makes it sound finished, but it’s really just the beginning. We already know this story; this is the story that brings the first scary Arnold to screen in 1984 and continues with the buff Sarah Conner in 1991 and leaves John Conner disillusioned in 2003.

If you’re not a fan, I can’t imagine that you would even have a clue as to what is going on here. But for us fanatics, the subtle working in of the best catch phrases like “I’ll be back” and “come with me if you want to live,” give this prequel/sequel just the right amount of origins in John Conner. Christian Bale as John Conner is just gritty, the soft and hard unleader of the resistance. The exquisite Byrce Dallas Howard is more than believable as his loyal wife, his partner in this bloody war.

WARNING: SLIGHT SPOILER
The part of the story we don’t know begins with Sam Worthington as Marcus Wright, a death row inmate who volunteers, unknowingly, to be the next Terminator, both human and machine. He is the machines future, their ultimate plan to defeat the humans. Although he has a human heart, his body is machine, but he does not know this. He thinks he’s human, but is he? This is the question the resistance must ask itself. How will they separate themselves from the machines without being duped by them? What makes us human? This is the question of the Terminator franchise.

I want you to see this movie, and since it’s a prequel/sequel, maybe you should see this one first. Then, rent Terminator, Terminator: Judgment Day, and Terminator: Rise of the Machines and let me know if it makes the story better.

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Martyrs is in French. This may seem a strange way to start an article but it is a fact that some people have a natural aversion to watching foreign films. Now that we have got that nasty business aside let’s get to the goodness. Martyrs may be one of the most disturbing yet intriguing horror movies I have ever set my beautiful brown eyes upon. It mixes horror and mystery in a way that I have not seen in a long time and is a must watch for any die hard horror fan. But a very strange must watch at that.

The movie is about to young women named Anna and Lucie. These two young women become friends at a youth home after Lucie has been held captive for an undisclosed amount of time. The torture that she is submitted too is shown only briefly, but is brutal nonetheless. In the youth home she is haunted by a ghostly figure that mutilates her, and makes her friend swear to never tell anyone about it. The movie jumps forward to a confusing quest of revenge as Lucie goes completely out of it. I’m talking scorched Earth shotgun work here folks. Things soon become very confusing as the line between reality and fantasy is blurred and the audience is unsure of whether or not Lucie is insane or legitimately visited by a ghostly figure.

I could go further to the plot but this mysterious segment of the movie contains several twists and turns integral to the plot. So let’s talk about the gore. This movie has some excellent gore effects and with the use of some clever cutaways completely disregards CGI. This is all good, this movie does take a very unpleasant turn. Which is to say that the last 15 minutes of this movie are almost completely unwatchable. Not as in poorly done or cheesy but just completely disturbing. I found myself cringing and coming very close to turning it off several times. But something about it made me keep it on, I had to see this movie through to the end to get some sort of payoff. There is payoff, but in accordance to the style of the rest of the movie.

When this movie finally faded out I found myself just sitting there awestruck. Not knowing what to say. If you find yourself in the mood for a movie that is unlike anything you have seen then definitely give this shot. The acting is fantastic and if you are up to reading some frantic French subtitles than all is good. This is one of those movies that I really enjoyed, but after watching Martyrs once I will probably never watch it again. It’s that intense.

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Basically, you have me at Dakota Fanning. She was born to act. But then add in Chris Evans (I really liked him in Cellular, although that movie not so much) and Djimon Hounson (in Blood Diamond, one of the best movies EVER) and you’ve secured one excellent movie. I saw the previews a few months back, but I guess I just didn’t expect to be moved.

The basis is much like Heroes: there are “normal” people around us with incredible abilities like Pushers who can make you believe anything; Shifters who can shape shift objects; Movers who can move objects with their mind; and Watchers who see the future. There’s more abilities too like Sniffers and Bleeders. Divison agents (aka the government) seek these people to perform experiments and create the “ultimate” army. Enter Djimon Hounson, the evil agent Carver with the black eyes.

Tokyo is a haven for cast outs which is where we find Chris Evans who plays Nick, the reluctant hero. Nick is a mover, but not even a very good one. Dakota Fanning’s character Cassie “watches” him and solicits his help to save her mom and really, the world (go figure!). She is not only believable, but lovable as the thirteen year old girl caught in this messed up world. She also provides a lot of the comic relief.

Nick and Cassie set out to find the missing girl that everyone wants. In their journey, we meet other special people and soon it’s the good outcasts versus the big bad Chinese mafia and US Government. It gets better, but I won’t spoil it for you here. I’ll just say that the story is fascinating, tension-filled and full of subtle suspense and the acting is top notch.

In reflection, what I love most about it is the simplicity of not so normal people trying to live ordinary lives. Push is a keeper.

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You know that funny that’s just so embarrassing, like it could be slapstick but it’s not because it’s too true? Paul Blart: Mall Cop resides somewhere between there and the super uncomfortable embarrassment that shows up with Ben Stiller in Meet the Parents. There’s no doubt that Kevin James is a funny man. But he’s also endearing as a single dad with a hispanic daughter who lives with his mom (his wife left him after obtaining her green card).

He takes his job seriously as a mall cop with such care and determination even though all those around him not only don’t care, but make fun of him for caring. He’s even encouraged to give up and let the mall fall to bad guys rather than play the hero. “I took an oath to protect this mall and everyone in it,” he replies. “But we don’t have an oath,” counters his boss. “I made one up, sir.” This is Paul Blart, unknown hero extraordinaire! He’s an inspiration to everyone who loves what they do regardless of how much you’re supposed to hate your job.

There are several good supporting roles including Bobby Cannavale (Cupid), who plays the FBI “hero,” Raini Rodriguez, who plays his endearing daughter and Jayma Mays, “Amy,” his from afar mall love. If you don’t mind uncomfortable silences and the occasional fat joke, you’ll enjoy Paul Blart: Mall Cop.

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Let me clear something up right away. Wrestling is not fake! That’s right, I’m talking about World Wrestling Entertainment. Actually, it’s acting at it’s most dramatic; it’s a soap opera for beefy guys. But the wrestling IS NOT FAKE. Those guys seriously get beat up; the blood’s not fake; the bruises and injuries aren’t fake. When a wrestler wants to break into acting, it’s not that much of a stretch. Many politicians with their “uhs” between every other word in speeches, could learn a lot more from watching Smackdown on WWE than joining a Toastmasters Club.

Following in the “break into Hollywood” footsteps of Hulk Hogan and The Rock comes John Cena, the young, fresh rapper from Massachusetts. He’s fun to watch. When we sat down to view 12 Rounds, I totally expected The Marine, part 2. John Cena, The Marine, who kicks some serious bad guy booty.

With my expectations so low, I couldn’t help but enjoy myself.  John Cena is not The Rock, well, not yet anyway. I look back on The Scorpian King and then consider Dwayne Johnson’s acting improvement in films like The Run Down and The Game Plan. He is seriously a successful actor now.

So if The Rock can do it so can John Cena. In 12 Rounds, Cena plays Danny Fisher, a beat cop who takes his job to heart. When he accidentally kills the twisted bad guy’s girlfriend, the game is on. Fisher finds himself helpless in a horrible life and death game.

The supporting acting of Steve Harris (The Practice) and Brian J. White (Stomp the Yard) compliment Cena, taking the total focus from him and developing characters worth watching. It’s a nonstop action spree in the vein of Speed. It’s predictable, but it works. Definitely worth a Redbox night.

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I find it really amazing at what lengths a company will go to dramatize an 80’s cartoon. Before I start this review might I start out by saying I was never a huge fan of Transformers so I’m not going to go all fan boy on this review (I was more of a Beast Wars kind of guy, Maximals and Predacons forever!). I think it should go on the record that this will be my first negative review for a movie that I have done for Metroglow. All my others have been pretty positive, probably giving me the appearance of some squealing message board kid who loves celebs just a bit too much.. But here I am to say that Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is a shiny explosion-filled cliché love story squeezed in to a trim two hour and forty minute run time.
This is the highly anticipated big budget sequel to 2007’s Transformers, it continues the storyline of Sam (Shia LeBeouf) as he is about to go to college. He is still with his girlfriend (the extremely popular Megan Fox, I actually heard men swooning in the theater) and they are trying to deal with a long distance relationship. Oh, and there are still gigantic robots waging war on on our planet. However this love story fights for A-plot status with some very dizzying spin kiss scenes and some adorably cute phone conversations. Honestly Megan Fox, who fixes a motorcycle that way? The movie then kicks in when Sam realizes he still has a piece of the cube from the first movie. Optimus Prime tells him that there is still work to be done and robots continue fighting each other. Something that should be mentioned for fan boys is that even original villain Megatron is pushed aside for the new villain known as the Fallen. Being a 21 year old man I still found myself getting confused during the fight scenes. During critical moments in the fight, the camera would go in to slow motion to show what was being done. However most of them are an indistinguishable mass of shiny metal clacking and breaking off against each other.
I think I should pause to say that despite some moments of confusion that the special effects as a whole are pretty amazing. After all that’s what this movie is about. However a movie relying on pure special effects should not try to squeeze in a cheesy love story and crude humor. Transformers was a kid’s show after all, and I’m sure few adults would complain if they took out some of the foul language and lame sexual jokes. Ebonic-speaking robots would also probably not be missed (that’s actually become kind of a hot button about this movie). There was a slew of other lame moments, but I’ll just leave you with ‘robot heaven’.. that about sums it up.
If special effects are your cup of tea then definitely consider seeing this movie. After all it is not completely unwatchable. The explosions and chases should keep you entertained. Also if you are wanting to leer at Megan Fox this movie gives you ample opportunity. This movie barely passes as PG-13 so beware of that factor if you plan to take the kids. Just know that you are in for an almost three hour movie based off of an 80’s cartoon..

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The City Lives & Eleisha Eagle @ The Conservatory
Live music from The City Lives, Eleisha Eagle, Map The Sea and Sundry. Doors open at 7:00pm and show starts at 7:30pm. $8 in advance and $10 at the door.

The Taming of the Shrew Opening Night Roaring 20s Party
Reduxion Theatre brings Shakespeare to the stage with a fresh feel! Come to the show and enjoy a costume party with admission! Food and beverages provided by the Prohibition Room Lounge. Tickets are $15 dollars for adults, $12 for students and seniors.

My Little Mascot at the deadCENTER Film Festival
deadCENTER is the top film festival in Oklahoma and one of the best in the region. Tickets are $10.

Amy Coldren at Collected Thread
View artist Amy Coldren’s work at Collected Thread on Friday from 7 to 10 p.m.

Velvet Monkey: Plaza Style Opening & Rockabilly 50’s Fashion Show

Celebrate the grand opening of the Velvet Monkey Salon with this smashing party including live performances from Pseudodance Theatre, Brian Dunning & the Rock and Roll Trio band, DJ ATM, Red Dirt Rebellion Roller Derby Girls. Enjoy a 50s Rockabilly fashion show with hair and makeup by Velvet Monkey stylists!

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Unlike all three previous Terminators, this movie takes place in the future foretold in all previous movies. The lead is played by Christian Bale (I honestly don’t know what happened to Edward Furlong, I hope he’s alright) as John Connor. Interestingly enough the spotlight of the movie is shared between John Connor’s storyline and the story of Marcus Wright a man that starts on the other side of the country trying to find the resistance. Christian Bale does resonably in this role, sometimes bringing back the Batman growl that has become kind of a trademark. The storyline ties together with the first movie as John Connor tries to keep events in to place so he can exist. But that’s enough with the story (which is actually decent) let’s get to that juicy Terminator action we all have come to love.

This movie delivers some excellent action sequences that definitely do the name Terminator justice. Not only does this movie bring back the classic Arnold grade T-800 but shows several different Terminators that have never actually been seen in another movie. These new designs bring fans of the movie more in to the film, always keeping a level of curiosity as the movie progresses.

Terminator 2 may just be one of the best action movies of all time, it’s just a force of nature in awesome–Terminator Salvation had some big shoes to fill. This movie is not without it’s problems and is definitely not an action movie legend. The PG-13 rating may make some people a little apprehensive, but it does what it can using some clever cuts and angles to not miss out on too much of the goodness. There are a few parts in which the acting or the effects may be a little too much to overlook. One scene is comparable to Wolverine’s bathroom claws in X-Men Origins (you’ll know when you see it, it’s near the end).

All in all Terminator Salvation takes a different time period and viewpoint that is cool and new. Only in brief glimpses have we seen what the bleak future looks like for John Connor, now there is a movie that acts as both a sequel and a prequel to the previous movies. The movie even leaves a possibility of sequels taking place in the future, which can be a breath of fresh air to devoted Terminator fans. This movie is worth a watch and could simply enough make for a fun afternoon. I’ll be back (I don’t know how to type an Austrian accent).

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The first thing to mention about this movie, is to give it at least five minutes. It begins with some very poorly shot footage, this is not the way the entire movie is. The story is about the character, Mya, who plans on leaving with the man she is having an affair with. Things begin going very wrong as a mysterious signal is sent through telecommunication devices, causing people to go completely out of their minds. The story follows Mya as she tries to get to the train station, and being pursued by her husband who has given in to the signal.

One of the most interesting aspects of this movie is that it is never really revealed what the signal does to people. There are even moments where the audience thinks that a character has gotten over the madness, only to do something even more confusing and bizarre. Which adds a great amount of suspense to this movie.

The movie is split in to three parts, which actually we’re done by three different directors. The three parts of the movie really spice things up, adding comedy (comedy that actually doesn’t cheapen the story too much) and hefty amounts of genius gore scenes that are a must for any horror fan.

This film offers so much to like that the flaws are very easy to look over. This is after all is a movie on the lower end of funding so sometimes the acting can get a little cheesy. However the majority of the performances are fantastic for a horror movie so this really overlooks the small quirks. If you are looking for something a little different in your horror films give The Signal a shot, if offers up a very fresh and very fun view.

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David Wolfe (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) is a highly trained, deadly Special Forces soldier for the United States Army. He has a fiancé and he is deep in the Middle East, working to defeat terror. He and several other soldiers go on a mission to kill the Ace of Spades, but he uncovers a political conspiracy that almost destroys him. Now he’s going back home to uncover the truth, but enemies wait around every corner and his fiancé has been brutally murdered.

Home Run Dad’s Quick and Dirty Review:

When I titled this review “It’s a Crazy, Mixed-up World’ I was referring to both the real world of politics the movie portrays AND the movie’s story progression. I got the impression this was supposed to be a thinking man’s movie. But what I THINK is that it’s better if you don’t think during this movie. I’ll give you some examples:

• All Wolfe (Gooding, Jr.) seems to want is his money, but the movie never explains how much money there is, what the money is for, or even where it vanished to.
• Wolfe is also distraught over finding his fiancé murdered but the movie never really tells us who did it.
• The government is apparently trying to kill him, but they also let him go, twice.
• It claims to be a military action film, but the scenes with the Special Forces unit are few and hokey, at best. They are supposedly hiding or waiting for the enemy, but talk loudly and stomp around like teenage boys going up stairs. The gunfight scenes are not realistic even to the untrained eye.
• A high ranking politician is shot by an unknown Mexican-American and we are not given any clues why.

Throughout the movie it is difficult to tell what is flashback and what is actually happening “real time,” which adds to creating a crazy, mixed-up movie. Although it has the potential to be an intense, action-filled, look-behind-your-back thriller, you feel like saying, “I don’t understand what just happened, who cares, let’s go shoot some hoops.” Despite talented actors and a good overall story, the pieces of this puzzle never come together with subplots that that are never developed and leave you wondering if the movie you just rented was the one you read about on the cover of the DVD.

Home Run Mom’s Chow-With-the-Movie Recipe

Let’s see, what meal goes with crooked politics and the War on Terrorism? I don’t know, but in “celebration” of this movie’s mixed up plot, I give you one of Home Run Dad’s favorite casseroles with or without a movie: chicken and spinach casserole. Much like the scenes of Way of War, these ingredients get mixed all up, but the result is much, much different!

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces frozen spinach, thawed, drained and squeezed dry
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Dash garlic powder,
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried leaf basil
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups diced cooked chicken
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 3/4 cup finely shredded natural Parmesan cheese (about 3 ounces)

Instructions:

Grease a 2-quart casserole and sprinkle the well-drained spinach over the bottom of the casserole; set aside.

Pre-Heat oven to 350°, meanwhile in a large skillet fry the diced bacon until just crisp. Transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain. Add butter to the skillet and melt over medium-low heat. Add the onions, salt, garlic powder, pepper, and basil; cook for about 1 minute. Stir in the flour until well mixed. Add the chicken broth and cream, stirring until well blended. Stir in the chicken and cook, stirring, until thickened and bubbly. Sprinkle the drained bacon over the spinach, then pour the hot chicken mixture over all. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly, and cheese is lightly browned.

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