by Candace Salima, US Daily Review Senior Contributor

Movie: Man of Steel
Director: Zack Snyder
Starring: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Russell Crowe, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Michael Shannon
Rating/Runtime: PG-13, 143 Minutes

Over the last two or three days I’ve seen nothing but bad reviews about Man of Steel, the latest in a long string of Superman movies. However, on Facebook, the average man on the street was absolutely loving it. So Alvin and I went to see Man of Steel yesterday morning, not quite sure what to expect. We weren’t but minutes into the movie when I realized what was going on. References to God, patriotism, America…oh yeah, that’s why liberals were hating this movie. Alvin and I? We loved it.

Alvin’s cousin took his little daughter to see it last night, all dressed up in her Supergirl outfit. As soon as the movie was over, she asked her daddy if they could watch it again. They did, and she loved it just as much the second time. Man of Steel appeals to all ages, just as a good movie should.

The story begins on Krypton with Superman’s (Kal-El) birth. The first, and last, natural birth in centuries on the doomed world. We see General Zod and his troops try to implement a coup, but failing. Zod killing Jor-El, Superman’s father, and the complete destruction of his world.

We next see Superman, now Clark Kent, as an adult saving men trapped on a burning oil platform in the ocean. Then we flashback to a childhood memory of Clark saving a bus full of children. Basically, Clark is trying to come to terms with who he is and what he can and cannot do. In the process, he triggers a homing beacon which brings Zod and his lunatics to Earth.

The story was excellent, well directed and well acted. The understory was equally compelling. I challenged you to watch the movie a catch every nuance, if you can. Actually, I find Man of Steel to be the best Superman movie to date, bar none. If I had any complaints, it would be the out of order flashbacks and the end battle between Superman and the Krytonians being drawn out WAY too long. Other than that, I’d watch the movie again.

Man of Steel scores 4.5 out 5 stars from this reviewer. See the full list of the cast and crew here.

* * *

Candace Salima is a radio talk show host, author, columnist, and makes her home in the Rocky Mountains. Learn more about her at www.CandaceSalima.com. Follow her on Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn or Facebook.

By John English, Contributor, USDR.

by Candace Salima, US Daily Review Senior Contributor

Movie: Divided We Stand, Rising Above Religious Intolerance
Director: Bryan Hall
Rating: N/A
Genre: Documentary
Website: www.dividedwestandmovie.com

It is not often that I sit down to watch a documentary, especially one that has gone straight to DVD. But in this case, the subject matter caught my attention and I took the time. Now, as a matter of full disclosure, I am the “face” of Divided We Stand, Rising Above Religious Intolerance, so I have the inside track on some of the information.

Divided We Stand is based on the religious bigotry that has existed in America since our birth. The constant thread through the documentary is the muddy world of politics and religion. Article VI of the U.S. Constitution clearly states, “…no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.” Director, Bryan Hall took his crew, rented an RV, and took a coast to coast trip interviewing  people from both sides of religious argument who have been in the news. Some are violently opposed to this Constitutional Requirement, while others believe it should be upheld. After all, the United States of America was founded on religious freedom.

Hall did a great job of pulling the interviews together. He was blatantly unafraid to shoot straight from the hip, asking the questions many of us have. I was rather startled that the likes of Pastor Robert Jeffress and Dr. Richard Land were unapologetic in their detestation of the Mormon faith. Indeed, because of Mitt Romney’s presidential candidacy, one can scarcely escape the Mormon Question. However, one would wrongly conclude Divided We Stand, Rising Above Religious Intolerance is directly only toward Mormons and those who hate them.

This religious bigotry, and the unconstitutional political test began early in our nation with Thomas Jefferson. It then continued with Abraham Lincoln and then with John F. Kennedy. And there is a snippet of a famous speech by Kennedy, where he stated: “Finally, I believe in an America where religious intolerance will someday end; where all men and all churches are treated as equal; where every man has the same right to attend or not attend the church of his choice; where there is no Catholic vote, no anti-Catholic vote, no bloc voting of any kind; and where Catholics, Protestants and Jews, at both the lay and pastoral level, will refrain from those attitudes of disdain and division which have so often marred their works in the past, and promote instead the American ideal of brotherhood.” (I Believe in an America Where the Separation of Church and State is Absolute, John F. Kennedy, 1960)

But Hall shows that religious bigotry has reared its ugly head again as Mitt Romney, like those before him, seeks the highest office in the land.

All in all, I definitely didn’t lose interest as I am wont to do with documentaries. I learned, and I watched as the hate usually saved for the pulpit came to life in living color on the screen. I watched Judge Roy Moore and Hugh Hewitt both defend Article VI, and I saw Hall interview your average religious protester.

I give Divided We Stand, Rising Above Religious Intolerance 4 out of 5 stars. And the reason for this, rightly pointed out by Brian Mullahy of KUTV News in Salt Lake City, Utah, is that it seemed Hall should have interviewed those of other religions besides the Baptists. However, as is clear, Hall interviewed those who have been claiming the headlines with their hate, and those with their defense of religious freedoms. It is, without question, a must see for every American.

The takeaway from Divided We Stand, Rising Above Religious Intolerance is simply that we must learn to accept the differences between us, and accept the constitutional right of those differences. Sadly, it won’t be coming to the big screen, but can be purchased online at www.dividedwestandmovie.com and in stores in a few weeks.

Candace Salima is a radio talk show host, author, columnist, and makes her home in the Rocky Mountains. Learn more about her at www.CandaceSalima.com. Follow her on Twitter or Facebook.

1.  The Dark Knight Rises – $64.08 million ($289.09) – 2 wks (WB) -60.2%

. . . 4404 screens / $14,540 per screen

2.  Ice Age: Continental Drift – $13.3 ($114.85) – 3 wks (Fox) -34.9%

. . . 3869 / $3438

3.  The Watch – $13 – 1 wk (Fox)

. . . 3168 / $4104

4.  Step Up Revolution – $11.8 – 1 wk (Sum)

. . . 2567 / $4597

5.  Ted – $7.35 ($193.62) – 5 wks (U) -26.6%

. . . 3129 / $2350

6.  The Amazing Spider-Man – $6.8 ($242.05) – 4 wks (Sony) -37.5%

. . . 3160 / $2152

7.  Brave – $4.24 ($217.26) – 6 wks (BV) -29.7%

. . . 2551 / $1661

8.  Magic Mike – $2.58 ($107.59) – 5 wks (WB) -39.9%

. . . 2075 / $4343

9.  Savages – $1.75 ($43.9) – 4 wks (U) -48.4%

. . . 1414 / $1240

10. Moonrise Kingdom – $1.39 ($38.4) – 10 wks (Foc) -24.3%

. . . 853 / $1626

A 60% drop in week 2 can be expected for a film that had such a big opening weekend, so The Dark Knight Rises is in good shape and could be the third movie this year to hit $400 million domestic gross, behind The Avengers and The Hunger Games.

Brave edged past Madagascar 3 to become the highest-grossing animated movie of the summer.  Ice Age 4 won’t catch them domestically, but it has been a giant hit overseas.

The Watch is the disappointment of the summer.  It won’t lose near as much money as Battleship, but the reunion of Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn (Dodgeball) plus the hot Jonah Hill (21 Jump Street) should have done better.  Some can blame the Trayvon Martin case or the Aurora shootings, but it didn’t look any good, and critics agreed it was terrible.

Follow John English and his entertainment columns here.

By Candace Salima, Senior Contributor, US Daily Review

Movie: Secondhand Lions
Starring: Haley Joel Osment, Robert Duvall, and Michael Cain
Directed by: Tim McCanlies
Rating: PG, 111 Minutes

I decided to start a Movie Corner Flashback series. There are so many wonderful movies of the past that truly rank there among the best, and Secondhand Lions is one of those. So we begin with Haley Joel Osment, Robert Duvall, and Michael Cain.

Secondhand Lions is coming of age story of an introverted young boy, Walter, who goes to live with two cranky old uncles. His own mother, less than a stellar parent, begins to come out of his shell as he grows to love, admire and respect these two old men.

As time goes on, he learns of great escapades in Africa and the French Foreign Legion of a young Hub (Christian Kane of Leverage) and Garth (Kevin Haberer.) He learns of courage, honor, and recognizing what is really important in life. At the same time, his mother, played by The Closers Kyra Sedgewick, plays on the emotions of a young boy, tearing at his loyalties between those who’ve been proven to never let him down, and his mother who does nothing but display weakness and selfishness.

Hub, Robert Duvall’s character, has a penchant for buying the outlandish, such as lions, giraffes, airplanes. Walter develops a strong bond with an old lion he names Jasmine. And that old lion, when she is needed, defends her “cub.” It is delightful to watch the developing of the relationship between Walter and Jasmine.

It is a wonderful story that leaves the viewer with feelings of honor, hope, and understanding that growing to be a man, a real man, is something to be sought after. He learns to trust, and to love, in ways that his mother has never taught him. And most of all, Walter learned to go from merely existing, to really living.

This movie is an incredible cinematic feature that should be considered a classic. It’s funny, irascible, and heartwrenching at times. Yes, there’s action in the stories of long ago, but the most important part of the movie is the unbreakable bond which develops between a young boy and his old uncles. If this movie is not yet in your home DVD library, you need to purchase it and make a point to watch it with your children often. Great lessons are taught among the wonderful story. Well directed, and superbly acted, it Secondhand Lions get a solid 5 of 5 stars from me.

–

Candace Salima is a radio talk show host, author, columnist, and makes her home in the Rocky Mountains. Learn more about her at www.CandaceSalima.com. Follow her on Twitter or Facebook.

By US Daily Review Staff.

Millions of Sherlock Holmes fans worldwide will take part in a week of celebration of the world’s most famous detective in the first annual Sherlock Holmes Week from 30th July – 5th August. Holmes has had a resurgence in the last two years with two major Hollywood motion pictures and the success of BBC Sherlock. The week is backed by the main societies and organisations in the world. http://www.sherlockholmesweek.com is the website where fans can register their local events and take part in competitions.

The motto of the week is “By the fans, for the fans,” and local groups are being encouraged to celebrate the week in their own way — from special screenings to picnics. Events have been confirmed across the USA, UK and as far afield as Thailand and Canada. The theme of this year’s week is to promote the Save Undershaw campaign — a trust striving to save the former home of the creator of Sherlock Holmes – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (http://www.saveundershaw.com and http://www.facebook.com/saveundershaw). The campaign was recently captured in the book “Sherlock’s Home – The Empty House,” which featured contributions from Holmes legends Stephen Fry and Mark Gatiss.

There are two major competitions. The Sherlock Holmes Fashion Awards 2012 on 2nd August enables fans to design costumes for characters from the first two series of BBC Sherlock. The best three from each character will be selected by a leading blog that covers all manners of craft, including costume design (Crafty Crafty) and entered into Awards — with some very special judges and wonderful prizes. High quality entries will be submitted for coverage on Crafty Crafty and their sister site Dollymix.

Steampunk Holmes is the most eagerly awaited interactive book in history. Several years in the making, this Steampunk version of Sherlock Holmes will have a series of books in all formats, but most stunning on the iPad. This competition for Holmes fans gives them the chance to be a part of publishing history and have their artwork included in the first book:Steampunk Holmes – The Legacy of The Nautilus. Information on entering the competitions is on the website.

Image: http://www.ereleases.com/pic/2012-SteampunkWatson.png

Supporters of the week include the top fan sites Sherlockology, The Baker Street Babes and I Hear of Sherlock. Special guest will be leading mentalist Joe Riggs aka The Real Sherlock Holmes.

The Great Sherlock Holmes Debate 3 will feature celebrities and experts from around the world coming together for the 3rd debate — the first two featured head-to-head clashes between BBC Sherlock and Warner Brothers Sherlock and included fans from more than 23 countries.

So who can get involved? Any Sherlock Holmes fan, wherever they are. The team have already been contacted by fans as far away as Japan and China. It seems that the popularity of Sherlock Holmes is truly global.

by Candace Salima, Senior Contributor, US Daily Review,

Movie: The Amazing Spiderman (2012)
Director: Marc Webb
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Martin Sheen and Sally Field
Website: www.theamazingspiderman.com
Rating/Runtime: PG-13, 136 Minutes

To be perfectly frank, the last thing I ever wanted to see again…was another Spiderman movie. I was never that fond of Toby Maguire as Spiderman and those three movies kind of filled my quota of Spidey, for a lifetime. But my husband is a Marvel superhero officianado and just couldn’t wait to see the latest offering on the teenage superhero with the smart mouth. So I anticipated taking a lovely little nap while my husband watched spiders, lizards, mad scientists, science labs, and a cute girl.

So imagine how surprised I was to find myself enjoying Andrew Garfield’s take on the Amazing Spiderman. The story hasn’t changed, but the newer element was Peter Parker as a child and the mysterious leaving of his parents. Uncle Ben and Aunt May were breathed life into by the incomparable Martin Sheen and Sally Field, and they were wonderful, adding dimension to those characters.

When Peter finds out that the famous cross-species geneticist Dr. Curt Connors was his father’s old partner at OSCORP, he sneaks in to try to find out what happened to his parents. Of course, being a curious kid he went places he shouldn’t have and ended up being bit by the infamous radioactive spider. Marc Webb, the director, did a fabulous job with this new take on an old scene. It was magnificent.

It is delightful watching Peter coming into and mastering his powers. All in all, I thought Webb did a fabulous job breathing new life into a character whose had his own comic book series, and 19 television series and/or movies revolving around him. I enjoyed the movie immensely, much to my surprise. There was a greater depth to the characters, and Garfield portrayed a delightful Spiderman, one who begins as the bullied Peter Parker, and emerges as the newly empowered Peter Parker dealing with the aforementioned bully.

And, just as a side note, these new camera techniques of Hollywood made me experience a little vertigo as Spidey was swinging through New York City. The cinemaphotography and special effects were fantastic. Exactly what we expect from the latest movie on one of The Avengers.

My husband assures me that the next Spiderman movie, due for release in 2014, will have to have The Hulk (hopefully portrayed by Mark Ruffalo) in it, because it is The Hulk who draws him into The Avengers. And you know me, I love those Avengers. You know, with the world as chaotic as it is, there is just nothing quite so satisfying as watching bad guys get a serious beat down!

All in all, The Amazing Spiderman was a fun, entertaining, decidedly gross at times, action-packed movie that kept me from my nap, and more than lived up to its title.. I asked my husband how many stars he would give this movie, because he is the superhero expert in our home, and he said 4 out of 5 stars, and I concur.

This is a great family, date, and need-a-break movie. I suggest you go, and get ready for a high octane, Spidey-filled 136 minute movie.

 —

Candace Salima is a radio talk show host, author, columnist, and makes her home in the Rocky Mountains. Learn more about her at www.CandaceSalima.com. Follow her on Twitter or Facebook.

by Candace Salima, US Daily Review Contributor

Movie:  Abraham Lincon, Vampire Hunter
Director: Timur Bekmambetov
Starring: Benjamin Walker, Rufus Sewell, and Dominic Cooper
Rating: R

I did a book review of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter a month ago. And I liked it, all things considered. So when my husband and I went to see the movie last night, I went with great anticipation.

First, since the movie is rated R, and I rarely watch R movies, I expected a good deal of violence, but was somewhat startled by the gratuitous nudity that was completely uncalled for, and I do mean gratuitous, in every definition of the word. Luckily, it was one brief scene near the beginning of the movie, and we were done with that. Thank goodness.

Now to the actual review of our 16th president being a vampire hunter. I cannot begin to tell you how much this idea thrilled my husband, and Benjamin Walker did not disappoint. Abraham Lincoln (Benjamin Walker) grows to adulthood with a mean grudge against the man, nee’ vampire, who killed his mother. On his first try to kill the vampire, he meets Henry Sturgess (Dominic Cooper, Mama Mia), the vampire who will train him to become one of the most prolific vampire hunters in history. Yes, the obvious irony isn’t lost on me.

The screenwriter and director played fast and loose with the actual story in the book, nonetheless, it was filled with cinematic wonder, enough blood to satisfy my husband, and some wonderful ax work by Lincoln. The relationship between Lincoln and Sturgess, so well-developed in the book, remains somewhat surface in the movie. But I realize this was an “action movie” so I guess I can let that go.

Fast paced, which the book was not, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter takes us through Lincoln’s journey in a battle against the world’s oldest vampire, Adam (Rufus Sewell.) As time goes on, he becomes a prolific, not to mention legendary, vampire hunter. The story leads up to the Civil War, which takes on a whole new twist in Seth Grahame-Smith’s mind, and the fight for the soul of our nation.

Lincoln’s famous speeches are eloquently conveyed throughout the movie, but with the threat being vampires seeking their own nation, our nation, Lincoln’s desire to save America is taken to a whole new level. Again, the obvious irony wasn’t lost on me, not at all.

I loved the movie, and the fight scenes were awesome, but I’m only giving it 3 out of 5 stars, because they didn’t seal the deal! At the end of the book, there is the surprise ending of all surprise endings. I kept it to myself, after reading the book, just waiting for that moment in the movie so I could see my husband’s face. AND, they left it out! Seriously, whose bright idea was that! I knocked two points off the review just for that!

So go to the movie, enjoy the amazing fight scenes of our 16th president and the way he makes his axe sing; and if you’re a historian, you’ll enjoy the twists Grahame-Smith makes as we look at Abraham Lincoln in a whole new way!

SPOILER ALERT: I have to tell someone, it’s killing me. The book ends with the assassination of Abraham Lincoln at Ford Theater. And, oh yeah, Grahame-Smith made John Wilkes Booth a disgruntled vampire. But it doesn’t end there, not really. It ends in modern times, with two vampires standing at the foot of the Lincoln Monument. One is Henry Sturgess, and the other …

———————

Candace Salima is a radio talk show host, author, columnist, and makes her home in the Rocky Mountains. Learn more about her at www.CandaceSalima.com. Follow her on Twitter or Facebook.

Movie: Battleship
Rating: PG-13
Director: Peter Berg
Starring: Taylor Kitsch, Rihanna, Liam Neeson

Website: www.battleship.com

I’ll be honest. I went to see Battleship because my nephew is in it. I liked the previews, my husband and I love that kind of movie, so off we went. That being said, I believe you have to love America and our military as much as I do, to truly appreciate this film.

The movie is slow to start as they build the main character, beginning with what a “screw up” he is. We see the beginning of a romance. And then we move straight on to the war games at sea. And this is where it goes all wrong for the navies of the world.

Earlier, scientists who have no common sense boundaries, contact an alien world because it’s atmosphere so nearly matches our own. I guess that’s a good of reason as any to undergo a completely idiotic course of action. And seriously, don’t these people watch movies? Because we all know what happened next. It’s formulaic. Aliens returned that signal with an invasion, naturally. So how did they change up the formula? Well, let me tell you.

This is where the story really begins to pop. A single remaining battleship, stuck within the force field, against an alien invader whose technology surpasses our own. Who will emerge the winner? Well, it boils down to this, the heroes of the past and heroes of today must combine their efforts in order to truly bring down the invaders. And that’s the part I loved best of all.

It’s a fast moving story once the aliens enter the scene. And we have a veteran who has lost his legs stepping up to do his part in saving the world. The love interest shows her courage and does the same. While at sea, we see the “screw up” become a man.

It’s an action/sci fi film, but it’s a lot of fun. Loved it, and I loved how our military stepped up to the task and kicked some alien butt! Suspend that disbelief, and go have a good time. It’s a fun movie. And yes, I’m a sap. I felt a patriotic thrill, just couldn’t help it! I was clapping at the action on the screen. I was hooting and hollering. Couldn’t help it. Go America!

I give Battleship 3.5 out of 5 stars, just because it was a little slow in the beginning. But this is a movie I will watch again. It put a big ol’ smile on my face.

I just have one question, what on earth is Hollywood’s obsession with the destruction of the world? They are always blowing up one major city or another. Can’t quite figure it out, but I have to admit, I love it when heroes, be they every day or super, step up to the task and get the job done!

 —

Candace Salima is a radio talk show host, author, columnist, and makes her home in the Rocky Mountains. Learn more about her at www.CandaceSalima.com. Follow her on Twitter or Facebook.

In two weeks of release, Marvel Studios The Avengers has grossed $1,036,300,000 worldwide. Reported earnings by the box office show receipts of $389 million in the U.S. and $646.8 million internationally, hitting 9th on the all time box office earners in its second week, worldwide. One can only state how incredible The Avenger phenomenon has become. And why is that do you suppose?

Let’s face facts, the world is in chaos. The Middle East is imploding and what there may have been of an Arab Spring has long been lost to the icy winter of Sharia Law and jihadists running for office in these troubled nations. Europe is awash in debt and economies are on the brink of collapse. No matter where we turn in the world there is trouble. And here at home, in America, we face historic times as our economy is in dire straights, our Constitution hangs by a thread, the government is intent on ruling every portion of our lives, effectively strangling the American Dream and we have one of the most vitriolic presidential campaign ramping up.

Two weeks ago The Avengers exploded onto movie screens across the world. Movie audiences responded with cheers, clapping and big grins as Loki and his creepy alien army were soundly defeated by The Avengers. As the individual heroes and anti-heroes became one in heart and purpose, they banded together, willing to lay their lives on the line, to save the people of earth. They fought with one another, they had a number of obstacles, but they overcame them, despite themselves.

Joss Whedon did a brilliant job in bringing The Avengers to life. The dialogue is witty, crispy and strikes a chord in many ways. Twitter, Facebook and Google+ were awash with people’s favorite lines from the movie:

“There are always men such as you.” Elderly German gentleman to Loki.

“Ma’am, there is only one God, and I don’t think he dresses like that.” Captain America to Black Widow

Upon thoroughly pounding Loki into the ground, the Incredible Hulk walks away with a sneer, “Puny god.”

“Doth Mother knoweth thou weareth her drapes?” Ironman to Thor

I’ve seen this movie four times now, and each time I walk out with a smile on my face and renewed energy to keep “fighting that good fight” to keep America a Republic, just as she was founded. And oddly, everyone I’ve spoken to has had a similar response, with a different fight in mind.

So many people are fighting daily to keep their heads above water. With governments playing games with taxpayers’ money and lives, it appears watching The Avengers wreak havoc with the bad guys, never giving up and finally winning is striking a chord with individuals across the world. For 143 cinematic minutes, the good guys win and the bad guys lose. I think that is something the world needs quite desperately. There are so many gray areas now, it’s hard sometimes to know what is right and what is wrong.

But one common denominator exists, the world hungers for heroes. They hunger for the good guys to win and the bad guy to lose. And most of all, I believe we hunger for those old-fashioned values who held us in great stead for so long, certainly here in America those values are what made us great.

So here are some lessons I learned from The Avengers:

Courage and strength are found in the heart, not the head. Heroes aren’t born, they are forged in the furnaces of the hottest fires only to emerge nearly unstoppable.

Never give up. Even when all the odds are against you, even when it seems you cannot win. Remember the old adage “it is always darkest before the dawn.” Don’t give up, victory is often just over that very last hill.

Your past matters not, only what you do with your present and your future. If you choose to be a man or woman of conviction, strength and heroic action, then that’s what you will be.

Whatever you take away from The Avengers, it is certain that people worldwide are flocking to the theaters over and over, because there is something about this movie and the characters gracing the screen that gives them a little hope. No, we don’t have “Thors” or “Captain Americas” or “Ironmen” or “Incredible Hulks” or “Black Widows” or “Hawkeyes” in real life. But we do have every day people who fight those good fights and never give up, no matter what faces them. And this, this is what makes humanity so great.

 —

Candace Salima is a radio talk show host, author, columnist, and makes her home in the Rocky Mountains. Learn more about her at www.CandaceSalima.com. Follow her on Twitter or Facebook.

by Candace Salima, US Daily Review Contributor

The Snow White Legend Comes Alive

Movie: Mirror Mirror

Director: Tarsem Singh

Starring: Julia Roberts, Lily Collins, Armie Hammer and Nathan Lane

Website: http://mirrormirrorfilm.com

I was privileged to attend an advance showing of the latest Snow White offering, Mirror Mirror, which opens March 30th, not the 16th as the poster suggests. We settled in with our popcorn, drinks and Pizza Hut, because the Larry Miller Megaplexes in Utah have wonderful restaurants in the actual theaters and you can take dinner straight into the theater and watch the movie in style!

I’ll admit right up front, I’m a longtime fan of Julia Roberts. A brilliant actress, there seems to be no role she cannot tackle, and the evil stepmother to Snow White is no exception. She plays the role with great wit, charm and and underlying evil too blatant to deceive any viewer, which is the whole point. Julia brings a freshness to the role that had me laughing throughout the movie. Of course, the way she stays young … yeah, I was grossed out. I’ll admit it.

Lily Collins does a great job portraying Snow White. But this Snow White is very different from the one of old. She transforms herself from a beleaguered and embattled princess, to one who is handy with a sword as she and her band of merry men a.k.a. the dwarfs, set out to steal from the Queen and return the money to the people.

And this brings us to Armie Hammer’s portrayal of Prince Alcott of Valencia. Armie is a familiar name in my household because my nephew is in one of Armie’s upcoming movies. So I paid attention. He was funny. And when I say funny, I mean FUNNY. When the Queen mistakenly doses him with a potion of puppy love, oh wow, Armie did a great job. Best line of the whole movie was “I yearn for the nectar of her skin.” Believe me, it will make you laugh too.

Nathan Lane was his brilliant self as the chief bootlicker to the evil queen. He plays the “allegiance to the one in charge” role with great aplomb. Meaning, he grovelling to the Queen was well done.

I guess you can say, I really liked this movie. I laughed through the whole thing, and enjoyed myself tremendously. I’m going to give Mirror Mirror 5 stars in keeping the story light and funny, while teaching us of sacrifice, growth and true love. Because really, you can’t have Snow White and not have it end in true love.

Candace E. Salima is a radio talk show host, author, columnist, and makes her home in the Rocky Mountains. Learn more about her at www.CandaceSalima.com. Follow her on Twitter or Facebook.

by Candace Salima, US Daily Review Contributor

Movie: Red Tails
Director: Anthony Hemingway
Starring: Terence Howard, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Gerald McRaney, Nate Parker, David Oyelowo and so many more
Rating: PG-13
Website: www.redtails2012.com

“We count our victories by the husbands we return to their wives, by the fathers we give back to their children, to the last minute, to the last man, we fight.” Colonel AJ Bullard played by Terence Howard

The first film by George Lucas in a very long time is the best movie of his career, bar none. Yes, go ahead and pick yourselves up off the floor. Technically, cinematically, acting, story, directing … absolutely brilliant.

As you can guess, I finally made it to see Red Tails, the fictional story of the Tuskegee Airmen (332 Fighter Group) stationed in Italy during World War II. Faced with great prejudice from their American military, the Red Tails faced many obstacles, including segregation in a war fought to free the world. The story of these brave men pulled me right into the middle of it. I was caught up in the love story between Joe “Lightning” Little and  Sophia (NCIS LA’s Daniela Ruah,) the drinking problem of Easy and so much more. In fact, I was so caught up in the story I caught myself talking to the screen at the most critical moments. Yes, I consider that a no no.

Set against the backdrop of WWII, this movie shares with us the story of men who fought a battle on more than one front. As they prove themselves in the air, they are given the opportunity to escort bombardiers and bring them safely home, while going up against the best of the German Air Force, and destroying them. The dogfights were stunning, bringing the viewer right into the middle of it with cameras on the planes. The skill and sheer talent the Tuskegee Airmen brought to the skies was something to be reckoned with, and soon recognized by those they protected.

The 332nd first saw combat in February 1944. Throughout various engagements over the course of the war, the 332nd was credited with destroying at least: 112 airborne enemy aircraft, 150 aircraft on the ground, over 600 train cars, over 40 barges/boats, and a German Navy destroyer. The destruction of the Navy destroyer was the first such accomplishment of its time.

The Tuskegee Airmen compiled the following combat records:

• 261 aircraft destroyed
• 148 aircraft damaged
• 15,533 sorties
• 311 missions
• 66 KIA
• 84 killed in training and non-combat missions
• 95 Distinguished Flying Crosses awarded
• 450 pilots sent overseas

“Through adversity, to the stars, from the last plane, to the last bullet, to the last minute, to the last man, we fight, we fight, we fight.” The Tuskegee Airman

I loved this movie. It was everything a movie should be, and the portrayal of these brave men was incredibly well done. I am not only giving Red Tails 5 out of 5 Stars, I’ve already tagged it as an addition to my home library. It’s a “must see” folks.

NOTE: As an interesting side note, that has nothing to do with anything, actor/singer Brian Stokes Mitchell’s father was a Tuskegee Airman.

Candace E. Salima is a radio talk show host, author, columnist, and makes her home in the Rocky Mountains. Learn more about her at www.CandaceSalima.com.

Follow her on Twitter or Facebook.

by Candace Salima, US Daily Review Contributor

Movie: Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol
Director: Brad Bird
Starring: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Paula Patton
Rating: PG-13
Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol Website

In the fourth installment of the Mission Impossible movies, Brad Bird delivers a breathtaking, knuckle whitening, eyes squeezed tightly shut, action packed movie. In all honesty, I believe it’s the best Mission Impossible movie thus far.

Ethan Hunt, played by Tom Cruise, begins the movie in a Russian prison. Natch, the MI team break him out in spectacular fashion and the hunt is on.

Their first mission takes them to the Kremlin where they cross paths with the ultimate madman, one who wants to start a worldwide nuclear war. Of course, the Kremlin gets blown up by the bad guy, and America is blamed. Ghost protocol is implemented, the IMF (Impossible Missions Force) is disbanded, the MI operatives disavowed and the Secretary of the IMF dead.

Their mission, should they choose to accept it, is to track down the bad guy, retrieve the nuclear codes and stop a worldwide nuclear war. Just another day at work for Ethan Hunt. Oh, did I mention that’s with no backup, no money, no assistance? They are all that is left of the IMF, and they are on their own.

Ghost Protocol has some astounding stunts. And when I say astounding, I think my fingerprints were permanently imprinted on my husband’s arm. You’ve seen the previews with Tom Cruise scaling the exterior of a 100+ floor building, that, my friends, is merely the beginning.

This is definitely a movie worthy of date night. Not a boring moment to be found, and actually a sweet moment at the end of the movie. I rate this movie 5 out of 5 stars for the sheer entertainability of it. Great special effects, strong story line, great directing and great acting, throw in the amazing editing job done and Paramount has a blockbuster on their hands. And yes, it’s worth adding to the home library.

Candace E. Salima is a radio talk show host, author, columnist, and makes her home in the Rocky Mountains. Learn more about her at www.CandaceSalima.com.

Follow her on Twitter or Facebook.

by Candace Salima, US Daily Review Contributor

Movie: Joyful Noise
Starring: Queen Latifah, Dolly Parton, Keke Palmer, Jeremy Jordan
Director: Todd Graff
Rating: PG-13
Joyful Noise Website 

I feel I must issue a disclaimer. I love music. I’m willing to give any movie a try if it has great music and dancing in it. With that being said, Joyful Noise made me laugh, cry, cheer and dance in my seat, literally. My husband and I loved it so much, we’re going to go see it again.

The story itself isn’t that spectacular, but the writing, acting and directing literally makes it jump off the screen. G.G. Sparrow (Dolly Parton) and Vi Rose Hill (Queen Latifah) are competing choir directors. And this isn’t just any old church choir, it is a choir so packed with talent and drama I was engaged in the story from the opening scene to the very last.

We have the romance between the two young stars, Olivia Hill (Keke Palmer) and Randy Garrity (Jeremy Jordan). It was delightful to find that the color of their skin was never brought into the story, and it was a sweet romance complicated by a warring mother and grandmother. The kids themselves were fine, but the adults brought all kinds of drama into  the relationship.

In addition, we have Vi Rose’s husband off in the military under somewhat mysterious circumstances. A mother holding on too tightly to her children, a son with Aspberger’s befriended by the unusually kind Randy, and the story literally grabs you by the throat. Throw in the astounding talent on the screen and the movie was filled with great music and dancing. The final number, which was the national competition for gospel choirs, was a mix of Sly and the Family Stone, 50 Cent, and Stevie Wonder. Seriously, what movie wouldn’t rock from beginning to end with the likes of Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton in the main roles?

Rated PG-13, there is some strong language in the movie, and completely unnecessary I might add. But the story itself is powerful, strong, and has the underlying message of despair sparked by today’s economy, showing business after business, and finally the last one of 3 generations having to close their doors. Through all the despair, they turn to music and the Lord to get them through, and it has a wonderful message on many levels. I highly recommend as many people see this as possible, it is truly an amazing movie. I happily give Joyful Noise 5 out of 5 stars and will be adding it to my home library as soon as it comes out.

Candace E. Salima is a radio talk show host, author, columnist, and makes her home in the Rocky Mountains. Learn more about her at www.CandaceSalima.com.

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by Candace Salima, US Daily Review Contributor

Movie: Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
Director: Guy Ritchie
Starring: Robert Downey Jr.,  Jude Law and Jared Harris
Rating: PG-13

Movie Website: http://sherlockholmes2.warnerbros.com

If you’ve ever been a fan of the Sherlock Holmes novels, you know Holmes’ arch nemesis is James Moriarty. In my very humble opinion, Robert Downey Jr. is the best Sherlock Holmes in the history of Hollywood, albeit rather manic in this latest adventure.

Professor James Moriarty has an evil plan which ultimately will make him the richest man in the world if he can pull it off. There is only one man, slightly crazy, standing in his way, Sherlock Holmes. And although Dr. Watson finally marries the woman of his dreams, he is soon embroiled in Holmes’ battle with Moriarty before the honeymoon even gets off the ground.

The story is fast-paced as Holmes and Watson join ranks with gypsies to stop Moriarty before he launches a world war. I have to be honest, as much as I liked the story and Robert Downey Jr. is one of my favorite actors, I found the movie dragging a little for me. And yes, I know that was a contradiction for which I have no explanation. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but it could be they spent a really long time on Holmes’ manic personality, and then a lot of him foreseeing how a battle would play out, then playing the battle out. That got old after awhile, even after they explained the phenomena.

The movie was peppered with humorous situations which often lightened the story, tempered with huge action scenes that should please any man watching it. So I don’t exactly know whose fault it is that the movie had trouble keeping my attention. Generally speaking though, it always boils down to the writer and/or director. So here’s hoping they’ll be more diligent with the next Holmes movie because the story and the actors hold so much potential, and Game of Shadows far from delivered on that promise.

All in all, I won’t be adding this one to my home library, which is a disappointment. I was really looking forward to this movie. My rating for Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows is 3 out of 5 stars. It’s worth seeing once, but I would recommend waiting until it hits the dollar movie.

Candace E. Salima is a radio talk show host, author, columnist, and makes her home in the Rocky Mountains. Learn more about her at www.CandaceSalima.com.

Follow her on Twitter or Facebook.

by Candace Salima, contributor to US Daily Review

Movie:  Happy Feet Two
Rating: PG
Director: George Miller
Starring: Robin Williams, Elijah Wood, Pink

I’ll be honest. I never, ever, wanted to see this movie, due to the heavy environmentalist garbage message behind the story. But my 5-year-old nephew really wanted to see it. And yes, that sweet little angel has us completely wrapped around his little finger. Alvin planned to sleep through it, and I planned to simply endure it while my nephew watched. Imagine my shock when I actually ended up enjoying the movie. Yes, the environmentalists are hard at work trying to brainwash our children, but the story of courage, perseverance and finding your own talent and voice overpowered the silly message.

 Little Eric is the star of the show in a cast of thousands and many lovable characters. With singing mother, Gloria (Pink,) and dancing father, Mumble (Elijah Wood,) Eric (Ava Acres,) struggles to find his own talent. He wants so badly to dance like his father, but isn’t much good at it.

One adventure after another bring Eric and Mumble to a crossroads. Can Eric finally recognize the greatness in his father, and can Mumble be patient enough to wait? Often, the heroic actions of our parents go unnoticed because children are so self-absorbed. Eric and Mumble are no different from their human counterparts.

It takes a great cataclysmic event to help Eric see the greatest hero in his life is indeed, his father. At the moment he recognizes that, he also finds his own voice and offers a stunning aria that blows the viewer away. I don’t know if little Ava Acres is the one who sang that song, but whoever did, wow! And that is one of the greatest things this movie offers, an astounding soundtrack that literally had me dancing in my seat.

Penguins, and their natural enemies, work together to save the Emperor Penguin nation from certain destruction. With Mumble and Eric above, and Gloria below, father and son must work together in order to save her, in fact, their entire nation.

Great music, dialogue and story line deliver a story appealing to young and old alike. If it weren’t for the blatant environmentalist message in the background, I’d give Happy Feet Two a solid five stars, but alas, they just couldn’t help themselves. So they only get a 4 Star rating.

I can safely recommend this movie to everyone, just be sure to explain to your children that the natural cycles of Mother Earth have been going on for millennia, and global warming is a myth made up to scare little children and gullible adults into falling into line with liberal dogma.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Candace E. Salima is a radio talk show host, author, columnist, and makes her home in the Rocky Mountains. Learn more about her at www.CandaceSalima.com.

Follow her on Twitter or Facebook.

by Candace Salima, Contributor to US Daily Review

Movie: The Muppets
Starring: Amy Adams, Jason Segel, Chris Cooper (and a host of cameos, including an extended cameo by Jack Black)
Director: James Bobin
Rating: PG

There’s nothing like taking a trip back to childhood and an age of innocence I fear is lost in the world today. My 12-year-old niece really wanted to see this movie. As a matter of fact, so did my 31-year-old nephew. Go figure. And yes, they both enjoyed it immensely.

The movie begins with a Muppet born into a human family, and brothers forever watching each other’s backs. Jason Segel plays brother to Walter, a Muppet in Smalltown, USA. The movie begins as a Muppet movie, and stays that way through the whole thing. Once you catch on to that, you can settle in for a delightful ride down memory lane.

Three fans come to Los Angeles to see the abandoned, and famed, Muppet Theater. Walter overhears an evil plot by Tex Richman (played by Chris Cooper) to tear down the Muppet Theater and drill for oil. Gary (Jason Segel), Mary (Amy Adams) and Walter head out to find Kermit and the rest of the Muppets in the hopes of saving the theater.

The gang is found in a variety of arenas, from dead end theaters to the Vogue offices in Paris, France (yeah, you just had to know that’s where they found Miss Piggy.) They reunite for one last show, a Muppet telethon in hopes of raising the $10 million dollars needed to keep the theater out of Tex Richman’s hands.

There are a number of great, and funny, numbers. The usual suspects and the usual Muppet gags. It really comes down to a simple concept: Has the world become too jaded to enjoy the beauty and laughter of The Muppets.

We learned, in the end, that indeed the world can still love something as innocent as The Muppets, good triumphs over evil, and sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you don’t win. That is, unless you realize that family is everything, and the obstacles which come are conquered, if family sticks together. And that’s what the Muppets do, through thick and thin. Stick together until they remember, they are family.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars. It is a very sweet movie that is safe for all ages. It will be particularly enjoyable for children, and nostalgic for adults.

Candace E. Salima is a radio talk show host, author, columnist, and makes her home in the Rocky Mountains. Learn more about her at www.CandaceSalima.com.

Follow her on Twitter or Facebook.

By Candace Salima, Contributor to US Daily Review

Movie: Breaking Dawn, Part 1
Starring: Robert Pattinson, Kristin Stewart, Taylor Lautner
Director: Bill Condon
Rating: PG-13

I was sucked into the Twilight phenomena early on because my sister and her friends made the premier night of each of the movies an “event.” Dinner, shopping, mani/pedis and finally the movie. When we settled into the theater to watch the first movie on premier night, at midnight, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The theater was packed, seating was reserved, and there was a man sitting to my right who looked like he didn’t want to be there. When the Cullens came on the screen, the audience screamed. When Edward came on the scene, the audience screamed. When Jacob took his shirt off, the audience screamed. The man sitting next to me leaned over and asked, “Are they going to do that EVERY time one of those yahoos walks on the screen?” I had to laugh, because his wife was one of the screamers right behind him. I grinned, nodded and replied, “They are, and as long as you don’t scream we’ll be okay.”

My sister, being who she is, screamed when Charlie first showed up in the movie, and then collapsed in laughter as everyone looked at her astonished. She said somebody needed to scream for him because he was the sexiest.

In case you’ve missed the point, there are those who live and breathe and die by Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight Saga, and there are those of us who go just for the sheer entertainment of watching people watch the movies.

Now to the actual movie review of Breaking Dawn, Part 1. As you can imagine, I settled in for an evening of people watching, but ended up getting completely sucked into the movie. Like the books, each movie has improved in quality and depth, and Breaking Dawn, Part 1 has exceeded my expectations. Director, Bill Condon has done amazing things with the characters of Edward, Bella and Jacob. Shhh, I’ve actually seen the thing three times now, I may need an intervention at some point. But let’s keep that between you and me.

Edward and Bella marry at the beginning of this movie. And although Bella has been asking Edward to make her a vampire for four movies now, it is in Breaking Dawn when it all comes to a point. There is a real life or death struggle as Bella fights to save, and give birth, to her baby. The problem is, the baby is an immortal and half-vampire, as you can imagine that doesn’t settle well with Bella’s human body. But she is willing to give her life, for the life of her child. On the other hand, Edward wants Bella to live, and her certain death in giving birth to his child is not something he can live with. And, oh, there is the twist with Jacob as well.

So settle in for a couple of hours of Edward, Bella and lots of vampires and werewolves, because Breaking Dawn, Part 1 is worth watching.

Warning: The honeymoon scenes are a little graphic, although not over the top. I thought it was handled relatively tastefully considering the underlying problem Edward and Bella face. In addition, the birth scene is bloody and graphic as well. I would not recommend letting any young girls watch this movie. I would definitely keep the minimum age at 13.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Candace E. Salima is a radio talk show host, author, columnist, and makes her home in the Rocky Mountains. Learn more about her at www.CandaceSalima.com.

Follow her on Twitter or Facebook.

By Candace Salima, Contributor to US Daily Review

Movie: Puss in Boots (2011)

Director: Chris Miller

Rating: PG

Starring: Antonio Banderas (Puss in Boots), Salma Hayek (Kitty Softpaws), and Zach Galifianakis (Humpty A. Dumpty)

Pray for Mercy

I decided it was time to catch a children’s movie and offer a review up on that, so I chose Dreamworks Puss in Boots. I saw the previews, which looked promising and thought I’d give it a shot. In all actuality, I’m a big fan of animated movies, and I love a good children’s movie as much as any other.

Now granted, I didn’t remember a lot about Puss in Boots from when I was a child. So I found the original French fairy tale, read it and went to see how Dreamworks had turned the story of a cat who used trickery and deceit to gain power, and the hand of a princess, for his penniless master, into a children’s movie.

So, Puss in Boots is an outlaw after some magic beans. Those he has to steal from Jack & Jill, who are portrayed as mean, vicious, decidedly demented thieves and murderers. In the process he hooks up with Kitty Softpaws and Humpty Alexander Dumpty, who was, at one time, his “brother” in the same orphanage.

Puss in Boots is a cad with the women, until he meets Kitty Softpaws, who is also a thief. Then he finds out she is working with Humpty Dumpty, and that’s when we learn the story of what happened to make Puss so angry with Humpty.

Once they overcome the past, they plot to steal the magic beans, climb the magic beanstalk and steal the golden goose. That’s where things go horribly wrong, and the ultimate betrayal occurs…again.

All in all, I didn’t care for the movie, although Puss does eventually clear his name. On the plus side, the animation was fantastic, as it always is with Dreamworks. But the storyline was nothing as it was portrayed in the previews, so had I known that this story was about theft, betrayal, conniving and dueling to get what you want … that’s not really my kind of story.

This is not a movie I will be taking my nieces and nephews to, and it gets a mere 2 1/2 stars, and that’s just because animation was so good.

Puss in Boots (2011) Website

Rating: 2 1/2 Stars

Candace E. Salima is a radio talk show host, author, columnist, and makes her home in the Rocky Mountains. Learn more about her at www.CandaceSalima.com.

Follow her on Twitter or Facebook.

by Candace Salima, a regular contributor to US Daily Review

Movie: Immortals

Rating: R (for extreme violence and nudity)

Director: Tarsem Singh

Starring: Henry Cavill (Theseus), Mickey Rourke (King Hyperion), Luke Evans (Zeus)

The gods need a hero to lead an army against man’s greatest threat, King Hyperion, who has vowed to free those the gods once defeated and imprisoned…the Titans.

From the producers of 300 comes the epic adventure, Immortals, which is the story of Theseus (Henry Cavill), a young man groomed by Zeus, played by Luke Evans (Artemis of The Three Musketeers) to be a great leader, and warrior. This story of love, loyalty, courage, strength and perseverance in the face of great, and deadly odds, is inspiring in many ways.

Theseus, so tasked by the gods, is sent to stop King Hyperion–a despicable, evil, and ruthless man–from gaining possession of a great weapon, the Epirus Bow, which would free the Titans and crush humanity. Simple enough task, but the gods are forbidden to help Theseus in this task. The herculean armies, led by King Hyperion, are legion in number and Theseus stands with only an oracle, a thief, and a mute monk by his side.

It is an exciting film which catches the viewer up from the beginning and carries us along on a tide of great heroism and battle of humanity against inhumanity, immortal against immortal.

So that’s what I liked about the movie. Here’s what I didn’t like … well, let me rephrase that. Here’s what I detested about the movie. This great story of heroism was told in the most violent, gory, vile fashion. I do not believe I have ever seen a film so violent, so detailed in the meted out deaths, so completely bad. It is the most violent film I have ever seen, bar none. And I like action films. I like a good fight scene. But this was above and beyond, and unnecessarily so, the pale in many ways. It detracted from the story in many ways.

For the story, and acting, I give Immortals a solid 5 stars. The story was that good. But because of the enormous amount of gory violence played out in full living color, I drop that rating to a 2 1/2. This is a man’s movie, never intended for women to watch. My husband loved every aspect of it. Singh’s problem is simply this, women watch more movies then men do. I believe he has cut short his profits by making it so violent, and wow, that is the understatement of the year.

Movie Website

Movie Rating: 2 1/2 Stars

Candace E. Salima is a radio talk show host, author, columnist, and makes her home in the Rocky Mountains. Learn more about her at www.CandaceSalima.com.

Follow her on Twitter or Facebook.

By Candace Salima, Contributor to US Daily Review

Movie: The Three Musketeers

Starring: Logan Lerman (D’Aragnan), Luke Evans (Aramis), Matthew MacFayden (Athos), Ray Stevenson (Porthos) and Orlando Bloom (Buckingham)

Director: Paul W.S. Anderson

Born to be heroes. Trained to be warriors. Destined to fight evil.

One could safely assume, that seeing The Three Musketeers yet once again, might just be one time too many. I certainly thought that, but gave it a shot anyway, and was pleasantly surprised. Alexander Dumas’ book has had so many reincarnations through Hollywood, and international companies, (25 movies, 1 television series and untold numbers of cartoons,) one would be forgiven if the actors eventually all blended together. But this time, they focused more on the characters than garnering top actors to play the legendary Athos, Aramis, Porthos and D’Artagnan, albeit, Orlando Bloom played Buckingham. And it all worked quite well.

The movie opens in Venice with an amazing, not to mention intriguing, method of breaking into a location in Venice, after each received a key in their own unique ways, to open Leonardo DaVinci’s library where he kept the blueprint for his flying war machine. Lady DeWinter is a willing conspirator, in love with Athos, in the burglary, but here is where the betrayal begins.

We then see the young D’Artagnan setting off for Paris. He encounters the Lady DeWinter, Rochefort, and a host of other bad characters before he individually runs into Athos, Aramis and Porthos, whom he promptly challenges to duels at Noon, 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

My husband and I looked at each other and said, “hope it gets better.” We’ve seen the story so many times, not to mention read the book, we were really hoping the writers could deliver a fresh new story. And they did.

The fight scenes were fantastic, better than any fight scenes in any other Musketeer movie, bar none.

D’Artagnan takes on a fresh new personality while staying true to Dumas’ character. He is brash, instantly smitten by Constance, and an incredible fighter. And of course, he unites with The Three Musketeers rather than engaging in duels after the massive fight scene with the king’s guards.

While I loved Oliver Platt’s version of Porthos, I must admit Ray Stevenson’s version is now my favorite. This is also the same with Lerman, MacFayden and Evans.

And this is where the story turns from the traditional. Richilieu, of course, is the evil mastermind behind the attempted overthrow of the France’s throne. But now we have an exquisite diamond necklace, an active Buckingham, a different kind of Lady DeWinter although still just as devious, a horribly effeminate, ridiculous King Louis and a race against time. The intrigue is fresh and, as I said, the battle scenes are sharp and fun.

It was a fun movie to watch, although the end left something to be desired in my opinion. You’ll have to watch it for yourself in order to find out what I’m talking about. All in all, I recommend it for some good family fun or a great date night.

Movie Website

Movie Rating: 4 Stars

Candace E. Salima is a radio talk show host, author, columnist, and makes her home in the Rocky Mountains. Learn more about her at www.CandaceSalima.com.

Follow her on Twitter or Facebook.

by Candace Salima, regular contributor to US Daily Review

Movie: Real Steel
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Dakota Goyo, and Evangeline Lilly
Additional Cast Members: Anthony Mackie, Kevin Durand, and Hope Davis
Rating: PG-13 for some violence, intense action, and some language.
Release Date: 7 October 2011
Genre: Drama, Science Fiction, Sports Drama

* * *

I’ve fallen in love … with a robot. Yeah, I had to break the news to my husband.

The nephews spent the night and the 11-year-old was allowed to choose the movie. Real Steel wasn’t a movie I was really excited to see, but I love my nephews, so Alvin and I took the four of them to see Real Steel.

Real Steel stars Hugh Jackman, Evangeline Lilly, and Dakota Goyo, and each brought something amazing to the film. Jackman plays a washed-up fighter and deadbeat father named Charlie Kenton. Lilly plays the romantic interest, Bailey Tallett, keeping the gym alive after the death of her father. Goyo portrays Kenton’s son whose mother has just died.

Men no longer fight each other in Real Steel but rather navigate mammoth robots who “fight to the death.” Kind of a “Rock ‘em Sock ‘em Robots on steroids. Jackman’s character pursue one fight after another, losing every one. Always chasing the next robot, the next fight, he is always desperate for money. He does such an amazing job with the role, that I came to really hate and despise Kenton. I even thought to myself, “How are they going to turn this around and make me like him.“

Lilly, Kenton’s on-again/off-again love-interest, manages the gym her father left her. She is Kenton’s home-base and much too tolerant of his behavior. But her father trained Kenton as a fighter, and she believes in him as much as her father did. She, in a conversation with Kenton’s son, provides a powerful foreshadowing that comes to fruition in the final fight scene.

That brings us to Max Kenton, played brilliantly by Goyo, who is the catalyst that turns Charlie from a no-good S.O.B. to a father who loves his son.

The last half of the movie thoroughly pulled me in, as the relationships build and strengthen, providing an emotional investment in the robots in their fights. Salvaged and rebuilt by Max, Atom is a sparring robot that shadows the moves of those he fights. Fight after fight, he takes on human qualities as he is navigated, in turns, by father and son.

The last fight, between the little junkyard robot and the giant who rules the ‘bot world, is amazing and filled with a an emotion that has everything to do with the humans surrounding the ring, as much as the robots fighting within. The most poignant moment in the movie takes place in the closing scenes, and it is between the three main characters.

All in all, Jackman did it. He made me like Charlie Kenton, finally. Dakota Goyo is an actor to be reckoned with, and made me fall in love with his character, Max.

My 11-year-old nephew thought it was the “most awesome movie ever.” The 4-year-old was bored out of his mind. The 14-year-old thought it was pretty awesome. And the three adults thought the movie took entirely too long, because it didn’t start getting really good until the last half. But once it did, it was worth every minute.

This will not be a film I add to my home movie library, but it is worth watching once or twice. And a quick warning, the fight scenes between the robots are violent. I was initially taken aback, but grew more interested in that portion of the movie once Atom came on the scene. I do not recommend anyone younger than 11-years-old watch this movie.

You may watch the Real Steel movie trailer here: Real Steel Movie Trailer

Rating: 3 1/2 Stars

Candace E. Salima is a radio talk show host, author, columnist, and makes her home in the Rocky Mountains. Learn more about her at www.CandaceSalima.com.

Follow her on Twitter or Facebook.

by Candace Salima, a regular contributor to US Daily Review

America’s escape from the world is found in a darkened movie theater with stories playing out on a huge movie screen. So it naturally follows that US Daily Review is launching a movie review section of the newspaper.

Let’s face facts though, going to the movies is an expensive proposition. Ticket prices range from $1.50 (dollar movie) to $20.00, depending on the occasion, with an 8% jump predicted by those in industry.  Source  

If you’re fond of the snacks, as my husband and I are, you’re easily looking at another $20.00. So an average night at the movies, which used to be affordable, is now out-of-reach for many. So what is the solution?

I, for one, am unwilling to give up going to the movies. So I have a few solutions for the movie-loving public who are feeling the economic pinch in one of America’s favorite pastimes.

Early Bird: If you go to the first matinee of the day, especially during the weekday, you get an early bird price which varies anywhere from $3 to $6.  This helps to defray the ticket cost. I’m afraid nothing defrays the snacks cost. Although, there is a movie theater in Pleasant Grove, Utah, Water Garden Cinemas, where you can get 2 tickets to a second-run movie, a large popcorn and two large drinks for $12.  So you might want to see if you have a similar theater in your own area.

Home Movie Library: A home movie library can save huge amounts of money. Meaning, in times of severe economic constraint, you can go to your own movie library, choose something fun to watch, pop some popcorn, make some cookies, get some drinks and have a fun evening at home with very little cost. My husband and I have a home movie library of nearly 300 movies, and we add to it with new releases when we have a little extra money. So this is a viable option instead of going out and spending an exorbitant amount of money for two hours of entertainment.

Seriously, there is nothing like snuggling in with some yummy food, an easily refillable drink without paying through the nose, the bathroom right upstairs instead of down the long hall–turn right and keep walking, and Thor playing on the big screen television. Cost? Maybe $5-$10 and that’s the entertainment cost for the entire family. Not to mention, and young parents will appreciate this, if the little one needs to go to the bathroom, you just send them on their way. No need to miss part of the movie to escort them. So all in all – a home movie library is superior in many ways.

Netflix: Although Netflix has managed to annoy most of its customer base, it is still a viable, affordable option. For $7.99 a month, you are able to stream an unlimited number of movies and television shows right to your computer or television.  Although, Amazon and Apple are making inroads into that niche, and the opportunities for the consumer, that’s you, are expanding.

So those are just a few money-saving ideas I’ve implemented in my own life. But for the purposes of US Daily Review and our Movie Corner, I’ll be reviewing a movie for you every Saturday morning.

Candace E. Salima is a radio talk show host, author, columnist, and makes her home in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Learn more about her at www.CandaceSalima.com.

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