I’m torn on the idea of re-making films. On the one hand, if the original was such a great movie, then why not just watch that one? On the other, if a previously told story can be updated to speak to new generations, then why not? Most Hollywood films are derivative anyway – why not recycle good material instead of junk?

I debated watching the original Arthur before seeing this new version, but there would be little point. Deciding to condemn or praise the re-make for being too much or not enough like its predecessor is a job better left to film historians and purists. We should decide whether Arthur 2011 is a good movie on its own merits, and as it turns out, it is a good movie, though not great.

Read the rest of my review on Oakville.com:

http://www.oakville.com/articles/arthur-movie-review/

You may not have noticed, or even care, but the Easter Bunny hasn’t received the best treatment in the history of the movies. Depending on your point of view, Easter is either the first or second most significant holiday in the Christian calendar. It stands to reason that its metaphorical representative should be in as many films as a certain jolly fat man in a red suit.

The makers of Hop try to redress this situation with a film about the inner workings of the Bunny’s operation. Unfortunately, it’s a lifeless film that might pull a few laughs out of the kids, but will leave parents checking their watches.

Read the rest of my review on Oakville.com:

http://www.oakville.com/articles/hop-movie-review/

One minute, Lt. Colter Stevens was flying a helicopter in Afghanistan. The next, he’s on a Chicago commuter train, in the body of somebody he doesn’t recognize in the mirror. Then the train explodes, and he’s inside a strange capsule, talking to military scientists on a video link. Life is very disorienting for Lt. Colter Stevens.

Luckily, Source Code isn’t. While you could get a migraine from trying to figure out the pseudo-science, the film’s involving story and brisk pacing make for an enjoyable ride.

Read the rest of my review on Oakville.com:

http://www.oakville.com/articles/source-code-movie-review/

Paul is ET for the Internet generation – self-aware, subversive, and full of pop culture references. But while the script by stars Simon Pegg and Nick Frost has an endearing sweetness to it that balances the anarchy, it doesn’t reach the level of outrageousness suggested by the film’s marketing.

Read the rest of my review on Oakville.com:

http://www.oakville.com/articles/paul-movie-review/