Speed Racer, Young at Heart, The Love Guru, Made of Honor

Speed Racer

Let's just get this out of the way - YES, this movie sank at the Box Office - rumored to have cost over $150 million to make, the movie only made $44 million at the Box Office. So, undoubtedly, I went into this flick thinking there has got to be something wrong with it to warrant such a terrible Box Office, but no, there wasn't. Matter of fact, I loved it. Speed Racer is a great movie, a gem, that managed to escape success in theatres for reasons I don't understand, but on DVD, this movie should be watched and experienced, especially in HD Blu-ray. This movie pops with visually stunning graphics and amazing stunts and best experienced in HD. The storyline is pure family entertainment without being too simple for the parents to enjoy as well. Amazing race scenes, fast action, capable and confident acting, as well as great values throughout, Speed Racer is by far, my pick of the week, and pick of the month so far! Go! Speed Racer! Go!

The Love Guru

Another flick that bombed at the Box Office. This flick only made $32 million and had been a tentpole summer flick. That being said, it was expected to make well over $100 million. I went into this movie thinking it couldn't be as bad as the critics thought (14% fresh on rottentomatoes.com). It was. Mike Myers plays the main character that is a Love Guru who will make lots of money and go on Oprah if he fixes the love life of a Hockey player. Myers acts, writes, and produces the movie and unfortunately is nowhere near the comedic highs of Wayne's World or Austin Powers. Most of the jokes don't earn the laughs and fall flat. The 'sweet' undertones that Myers tries to add in with his romantic interest are laughable at best and it's sad that the only things that are funny are just bad. I was not impressed with The Love Guru and don't suggest it.

Young at Heart

To be honest, I didn't make it all the way through this flick. It is a documentary about a bunch of retired old folks who sing in a choir that remakes rock and punk songs. Basically, the choir entertains by shocking you with wildly redone rock songs sung by 90 year old people. It's cute, its funny, its sweet, its boring after about 20 minutes. I thought it looked great from the previews and rented it immediately, but after the initial period, the documentary just fell flat of anything interesting. Just a lot of old people looking bewildered at the thought of singing a Sonic Youth song or not understanding the words of a James Brown song. Some people will really enjoy this, but my wife and I just got so bored, we ended up doing other things while this played in the background and then eventually just shut it off.

Made of Honor

Didn't watch it. Here's a description.

For Tom (Patrick Dempsey), life is good: he's sexy, successful, has great luck with the ladies, and knows he can always rely on Hannah (Michelle Monaghan), his delightful best friend and the one constant in his life. It's the perfect setup until Hannah goes overseas to Scotland on a six-week business trip... and Tom is stunned to realize how empty his life is without her.

He resolves that when she gets back, he'll ask Hannah to marry him -- but is floored when he learns that she has become engaged to a handsome and wealthy Scotsman and plans to move overseas. When Hannah asks Tom to be her "maid" of honor, he reluctantly agrees to fill the role... but only so he can attempt to woo Hannah and stop the wedding before it's too late.

So, that's it. It's good to be back in the swing of things, and I'll have more next week including Leatherheads. All movies reviewed are available at Movie Gallery in McCook.