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Thursday, June 28, 2012

Man On A Ledge: A non stop whodunit that will have you cheering


Rating:
****
By: Da'Mon Guy


Man on a Ledge is an enthralling, mesmerizing narrative that effectively intertwines the combination of action and suspense to bring to life a modern whodunit. It’s an gripping modern day mystery that will have you on the edge of your seat throughout. The film stars Sam Worthington (Wrath of the Titans), Elizabeth Banks (The Hunger Games), Ed Harris (History of Violence), Anthony Mackie (Real Steel), Jamie Bell (The Eagle), Ed Burns (Echelon Conspiracy), Genesis Rodriguez (Casa De Mi Padre), and Kyra Sedgewick (Gamer).

Man On A Ledge is the story of a wrongly accused former police who attempts to clear his name after being convicted of the theft of a precious diamond. Nick Cassidy escapes from prison and then devises a clever scheme to redeem himself and prove his innocence. This is a well crafted whodunit that creates a good level of suspense as well as inducing a great deal of tension and anxiety. The film has a pulse pounding and attention grabbing nature from its opening moments. The film grabs the audience and delves them deeper and deeper with each passing minute.

Finish reading! Click the link:
http://www.examiner.com/review/dvd-review-man-on-a-ledge-a-non-stop-whodunit-that-will-have-you-cheering?cid=db_articles

Safe House: An insightful, showcase of the cost of freedom


Rating:
****
By: Da'Mon Guy

In the modern movie industry there are few stars that have the unmitigated drawing power of Denzel Washington. Washington’s star power is nearly unmatched as there aren’t many with his resume and ability to command the screen. Whether it’s an action film or a great dramatic performance, Denzel Washington is clearly a Hollywood great. Adding to his already impressive list of characters, Washington’s last role as Tobin Frost turned out to be one of his better performances as the action thriller, Safe House recently premiered on home video.




Safe House is an captivating, adrenaline inducing scenario that unites two of today’s biggest stars in order to breathe life into an riveting thriller. This is a riveting take on the aspects of the costs of freedom that the United States government fights to keep from the public. The film stars Denzel Washington (Unstoppable), Ryan Reynolds (Green Lantern), Brendan Gleeson (The Raven), Sam Shephard (Fair Game), Robert Patrick (S.W.A.T. Firefight), and Vera Fermiga (Source Code).

Finish reading! Click the link:
http://www.examiner.com/review/dvd-review-safe-house-an-insightful-showcase-of-the-cost-of-freedom?cid=db_articles

Gone: An unconventional whodunit that keeps the audience guessing


Rating:
***
By: Da'Mon Guy

Gone is a engaging, unconventional whodunit that implements a good deal of misdirection to give a fresh perspective to story of one woman’s attempt to rebuild her life after escaping a serial killer. This offbeat approach to the retelling of the events forces the audience to question the validity of the actual abduction. The film premiered in March of 2012. The movie stars Amanda Seyfried (In Time), Daniel Sunjata (The Dark Knight Rises), Jennifer Carpenter (Quarentine), Sebastian Stan (Captain America: The First Avenger), Wes Bentley (The Hunger Games), Joel David Moore (Savages), and Michael Pare (The Lincoln Lawyer).


Gone is an mildly enjoyable psychological thriller that keeps the audience off balance until its waning moments. It tells the story of a woman who escapes a serial killer and attempts to rebuild her life. Soon after, the same killer kidnaps her sister. it’s a race against time as a woman must avoid the police while simultaneously trying to find her sister. The film uses a number of flashbacks to describe the events of Jill’s abduction. The flashbacks reveal the horrific nature of Jill’s terrible encounter.

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http://www.examiner.com/review/dvd-review-gone-an-unconventional-whodunit-that-keeps-the-audience-guessing?cid=db_articles

Hugo: A tender story that is accentuated by great cinematograpy


Rating:
***1/2
By: Da'Mon Guy


Hugo (PG) is a wondrous, imaginative incarnation that creatively intertwines fantastic imagery with great story telling to bring an extremely unique movie going experience. It is a clever mystery that is submerged in a whimsical and enjoyable tale told through the eyes of children. The movie stars Ben Kingsley (Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time), Sasha Baren Cohen (The Dictator), Chloe Grace Moretz (Dark Shadows), Asa Butterfield (The Wolfman), Ray Winestone (Snow White and the Huntsman), Jude Law (Contagion), Emily Mortimer (Our Idiot Brother), and Christopher Lee (The Resident). The film is directed by Martin Scorsese. It was nominated for 11 Academy Awards.



Hugo is an enjoyable, delightful visual extravaganza that immediately whisks the audience into yesteryear. The movie is an interesting commingling of modern film making that is merged with a tender story of forgotten times.. The film uses its fantastic cinematography to accentuate the good themes that it is trying to convey to bring a heartfelt tale to life. Hugo tells the story of a orphan son of a clock maker that takes place in Paris in the 1930‘s. a tale that tells the story of a son that is attempting to hold on to the only connection that he had with his father.

Finsh reading! Click the link:
http://www.examiner.com/review/dvd-review-hugo-a-tender-story-that-is-accentuated-by-great-cinematograpy?cid=db_articles

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Prometheus: An epic reboot to the Alien franchise


Rating:

****
By: Da'Mon Guy

     There are some characters that have become a pillar in film making. These characters have gained iconic status and have been so interwoven into the fabric of movie making that the mere mention of their name conjures flashbacks of the “classic” films and scenes that have seared them into the hearts of movie lovers. In the last 40 years, characters like The Terminator, Indiana Jones, and “The Alien (Xenomorph)” are some of those character. The newest film to utilize this timeless character recently premiered in theaters.

     Prometheus is an engaging, contemplative continuance that finally creates a long overdue definitive origin to one of the most revered characters in modern movie making. This film is a creative reinvention of one of the more recognized characters in sci-if as the dreaded Xenomorph also known as Intermecivus Raptus (the Latin name for Murderous Thief) makes a return to the silver screen after a six year absence.
    
     The sci-fi thriller, Prometheus, is the long awaited reintroduction of the character that first terrorized audiences more than 30 yrs ago and has been terrorizing the big screen ever since. The character has appeared in eight films, starring in seven. This new addition to the Alien franchise is directed by Ridley Scott who directed the original 1979 film, Alien. The movie is comprised of an extremely talented cast such as Noomi Rapace (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo), Michael Fassbender (X-Men: First Class), Idris Elba (Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengence), Guy Pierce (Lockout), and Charlize Theron (Snow White and the Huntsman).

There's more...finsh reading..click the link:
http://www.examiner.com/review/movie-review-prometheus-an-epic-reboot-to-the-alien-franchise?cid=db_articles

The Grey: An engrossing, hard nosed testament of man's fight to live


Rating:
****
By: Da'Mon Guy

In the modern era of film making where the action star has become an endangered species, Liam Neeson has rose to become one of the few names to help to keep the action star from becoming extinct. One of his more recent films, The Grey, recently debuted on home video. The Grey (rated R) is a ferocious, hardnosed testament of survival and the indomitable nature of man. This is a action-oriented tale that pits man against a the combination of nature and beast. The movie stars Liam Nesson (Battleship), Frank Grillo (Warrior), Dermont Mulroney (J. Edgar), Dallas Roberts (3:10 To Yuma), Joe Anderson (The Crazies), Nonso Anozie (Conan The Barbarian 2011), and James Badge Dale (Shame).

The Grey is panic inducing, pragmatic happenstance that uses the incredible forces of nature to induce a high level of fear. The movie is a great exhibition that displays the struggle for life. It also shows how one tries to overcome the extremes that one will could be forced to survive if they were stranded in the wilderness. This is an extremely unique action thriller that focuses a group of seven survivors courageous trek to return to civilization after devastating plane crash. it’s a life and death fight against a pack of wolves who are stalking them.

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This Means War: A charismatic approach to modern dating


Rating:
****
By: Da'Mon Guy

     The romantic comedy is one of the more popular genre’s in modern movie making. It mostly appeals to women but every now and then there is a film that comes along and actually unites the sexes like the genre shoulld. This Means War is a charismatic, delightful oddity that effectively blurs the lines of three genres (action, romance, and comedy) to breathe life into a uniquely enjoyable take on modern romance. It’s a film with universal appeal that is one of the few romantic comedies that is an entertaining for men as well as women. The film stars Resse Witherspoon (Water For Elephants), Tom Hardy (The Dark Knight Rises), Chris Pine (Unstoppable), Angela Bassett (Green Lantern), Chelsea Handler (Hop), and Til Schweiger (New Year’s Eve).


      This Means War is an enjoyable, jocular approach to the spy genre as well as the dating game. This romantic comedy that revolves around the story of two CIA agents that are best friends who are competing for the affections of the same woman. The film features two of the hot rising male actors in Hollywood.
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Superman Vs The Elite: A Moral test for the Man of Steel


Rating:
***1/2
By: Da'Mon Guy

     Superman Vs The Elite is a contemplative, action packed testament that delves deep into the core of the hero mythos as it questions the morality of superheroes. It is one of the more unique perspective on the adventures of one of the world’s most famous heroes. This tale poses a great question about how the forces of evil should be handled once they are brought to justice. Does the evil that the heroes defend the world from deserve to be judged with the same law system as normal people or should they face death as a penalty for their crimes against humanity? Superman Vs The Elite gives its audience an entertaining outlook on that argument. The film features the voices of George Newbern (Saw IV), Pauley Perrette (NCIS TV series), Robin Atkin Downes (Prometheus), Catero Colbert (Fat Albert movie), Melissa Disney (iCarly TV series) and Andrew Kishino (Hot in Cleveland TV series).


     Superman vs. The Elite is thought provoking perspective that places the Man of Steel against a quartet of metahumans called the Elite who do not share his high moral compass when it comes to bringing villains to justice. The Hat, Manchester Black, Menagerie, and Coldcast have no reservations about taking life as they prefer to kill the threats that they confront instead of attempting to bring them to justice. The Elite are the judge, jury, and executioner. This new animated adventure tests every fiber of Supermans' strong convictions as he confronts the new age vigilantes. “Elite” is the latest animated full length adventure from DC comics direct and the second of 2012.

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http://www.examiner.com/review/dvd-review-superman-vs-the-elite-a-moral-test-for-the-man-of-steel?cid=db_articles

Chronicle: Gives sci-fi a bad name


Rating:
*1/2
By: Da'Mon Guy


     The science fiction genre is a decaying aspect of movie making that is desperately reaching for any spark to re-ignite the passions of sci-fi lovers. One of the trends in modern film making is the implementation of reality based films that attempt to bring a realistic feel to the genre. Chronicle is a reality-based dullard of a film that unfolds in the style of a documentary which follows the story of three teenagers who develop the power of telekinesis. The film is comprised of a cast of unknowns that utilizes the talents of Dane DeHann (Lawless), Alex Russell (Almost Kings), Michael B. Jordan (Red Tails), Michael Kelly (The Adjustment Bureau), and Ashley Hinshaw (LOL).

     Telekinesis (definition): The movement of objects by scientifically inexplicable means, the movement of a body caused by thought or willpower without the application of a physical force.
     Chronicle is a good concept that was miserably wasted in the attempt to bring a fresh perspective to the science fiction genre. The movie tells the story of three high school kids with very different personalities. The outcast, the popular, and the everyday teen all who encounter a strange meteor and then become endowed with the power of telekinesis. Chronicle is a documentary style type of film that tries to utilize a realistic approach to sci-fi in order to give a fresh perspective to an larger than life concept. The film is a great showcase for how absolute power corrupts
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Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows: A paradox of entertainment


Rating:
****
By: Da'Mon Guy

     From out of the pages and onto the big screen, one of the oldest crime fighters makes his long awaited return to the silver screen. Sherlock Holmes makes his return in the follow up to the 2009 film, Sherlock Holmes. The film returns Robert Downey, Jr. (Marvel Comics The Avengers), Jude Law (Contagion), Rachael McAdams (Midnight In Paris), and Eddie Marsan (The Disappearance of Alice Creed), Noomi Rapace (Prometheus), Jared Harris (The Ward), and Stephen Fry (Alice in Wonderland).


     Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows is an enjoyable convergence of history, action, and entertainment. The film features a creative commingling of a multitude of elements such as comedy, mystery, and suspense which are embedded into this enjoyable tale. The movie is the best interpretation of the classic character that was created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
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Underworld Awakening: The Death Dealer returns


Rating:
***1/2
By: Da'Mon Guy

     The Underworld franchise is one of the most unique series of films in movie history. Not only does it make use of a pair of classic characters, it manages to successfully incorporate the characters with a modern perspective as well as the implementation of a female action star as the lead. Kate Beckinsdale’s masterful depiction of the Death Dealing vampire Selene has captivated her to cult movie status as well as becoming one of the greatest female heroines to ever grace the silver screen. Underworld: Awakening marks the fourth film in the franchise and in the process returns Beckinsdale to her best role as the star of the franchise. The film stars Kate Beckinsdale (Contraband), Stephen Rea (Blackthorn), Michael Ealy (Takers), Theo James (The Inbetweeners), India Eisley (Headspace), and Kris Holden-Ried (Textuality).

     Underworld: Awakening is action packed, highly anticipated fourth iteration that continues the creative implementation of a modern perspective on the usage of a pair of the most legendary characters in folk lore. Just like the prior films in the franchise, this film carries on the age old battle between vampires and werewolves.

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The Three Musketeers (2011): A light hearted Reintroduction of the Classic Characters of French Lore


Rating:
***
By: Da'Mon Guy



     In movie making, there are a few timeless characters that are used over and over again. The ageless characters have seen countless reinventions. Some good and some not so good. There are characters like Frankenstein, Dracula, and King Arthur have made there way into the imagination of movie lovers in countless incarnations. One of the latest to receive a modern face lift is The Three Musketeers. The Three Musketeers is a bold, swashbuckling modernization of the epic characters. This is first motion picture adaptation to utilize the characters since The Musketeer (2001). The characters of The Three Musketeers have been used in over 30 films since their initial inception. This latest version of the Musketeers stars Logan Lerman (Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightening Thief), Orlando Bloom (The Good Doctor), Mila Jovovich (Resident Evil: Afterlife), Ray Stevenson (Thor), Madds Mikkelson (Clash of the Titans), and Christopher Waltz (Water For Elephants).

The Three Musketeers is a fast paced, jocular perspective on the tales of the legendary characters of French lore. This is the latest updating of the classic characters that were introduced over a century ago. The Three Musketeers were created in 1894 by Alexandre Dumas. The book
was entitled “Les Trois Mousquetaires” this latest usage of the characters.
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http://www.examiner.com/review/dvd-review-the-three-musketeers-2011

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

The Sitter (2011): What happened to the laughs?


Rating:
**
By: Da'Mon Guy
     There are a number of countless remakes that premiere annually. Conversely, out of the insanely high number of remakes, re-imaginings, and reinventions as they have been dubbed, there are even fewer that are offer a high level of satisfaction or equate to many of the films that they are derived from. The Sitter is a regurgitated, unfunny reinvention of an old 1980’s film Adventures In Babysitting. It’s stocked full of a number of cricket spurring attempts at comedy. The movie stars Jonah Hill (21 Jump Street), Sam Rockwell (Iron Man 2), Landrey Bender (The Council of Dads TV movie), Max Records (Where The Wild Things Are), and Kevin Hernandez (Expecting A Miracle TV movie).    


      The Sitter is a senseless, mind-numbing happenstance that is chocked full of vulgarities and obscenities. It’s contains a high use of illicit obscenities and an equally high volume of sexual innuendo in an attempt to solicit some laughs.
For the full review click the link:

Johnny English: Reborn (2011): Sequel gone bad


Rating:

**1/2
By: Da'Mon Guy
     Any film that has any level of success in modern movie making usually guarantees at least one sequel. Some go to video others make it to the screen. More often than not, these unwarranted additions do not equate to the level of enjoyment that the original had. Johnny English: Reborn is a good example of sequel gone wrong. Johnny English: Reborn is the outrageous, moronic debauchery that continues the buffoonish misadventures of MI-7’s top screwball agent, Johnny English. The movie is the zany sequel the 2003 movie, Johnny English. English’s ineptitude is on full display as he returns to fight against a team of assassins known as Vortex. it’s a imbecilic approach to a redemption and penance. The movie stars Rowan Atkinson (Johnny English), Gillian Anderson (X-Files: I Want to Believe), Rosemund Pike (Wrath of the Titans), Dominic West (John Carter), and Daniel Kaluuya (Chatroom).

 
     Johnny English: Reborn is a jocular, mind-numbing mirth that attempts to poke fun at the spy genre in the tradition of other great spoofs like The Naked Gun trilogy and Spies Like us. It’s a film that humorously embellishes on the James Bond series of films but it also manages to humorously implements elements from such films as Rambo, Batman Begins, and Unknown.
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http://www.examiner.com/review/dvd-review-johnny-english-reborn-2011-sequel-gone-bad

The Darkest Hour (2011): Great special effects, bad movie

Rating:
**
By: Da'Mon Guy

     The science fiction genre is almost an endangered species in film making. There are so few science fiction films that debut in modern film making and even fewer of them can be considered a great one. In the modern era of film making, there are so many lackluster films that sci-fi lovers can allow their inner geek to be revealed and fall in love. One of the more recent attempts to revive the genre recently debuted on video. The Darkest Hour (2011) is an insanely mundane intersection of action and sci-fi that makes a painstakingly modest attempt to give a modern perspective on the often told, end of the world sci-fi narrative. This mismanaged thriller revolves around the events that bind a mismatched band of travelers who are thrown together by the dire circumstances of the horrific occurrence. The movie stars Emile Hursch (Milk), Olivia Thirlby (Being Flynn), Max Minghellay (The Ides of March), and Rachel Taylor (Transformers).


     The Darkest Hour is an exhausting misuse of a good premise. It is highlighted by some exceptional cinematography and the implementation of first rate special effects. This is a moderately entertaining sci-fi themed testament of fortitude and human resolve. It bolsters an intriguing concept and good usage of the often told story of alien invasion. This is a very unique perspectives on the last stand of mankind against an alien incursion.
Click the link for the full review:
http://www.examiner.com/review/dvd-review-the-darkest-hour-2011-great-special-effects-bad-movie



Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Haywire: A sad waste of great action sequences


Rating:
*1/2
By: Da'Mon Guy

  The female action star is an extremely rare breed in Hollywood. There are a very minuscule number of female action stars and there are even fewer that can actually carry a movie. In addition, there are even fewer who look believable when doing it. Hollywood’s short list of feminine action stars is a very exclusive club. Haywire is an incoherent, mismanaged action film that is commingled with a spy/conspiracy thriller. It’s an begrudging chore of viewing that makes a horrid attempt to deliver a new take on the oft told spy/conspiracy story. The movie stars is comprised of an all-star talented casts that features the likes of Gina Carano (Blood and Bone), Micheal Fassbinder (X-Men: First Class), Ewan McGregor (The Ghost Writer), Bill Paxton (The Good Life), Channing Tatum (21 Jump Street), Antonio Banderas (Puss In Boots), and Michael Douglass (Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps). It is directed by Steven Soderbergh (Contagion). 


  
     Haywire is a mangled, dreary catastrophe that offers nearly no level of satisfaction. It’s greatest attribute is the introduction of a new female action star, Gina Carano. The film is stocked with an all star cast that it never truly utilizes
Click the link for the full review:
http://www.examiner.com/review/dvd-review-haywire-a-sad-waste-of-great-action-sequences

    

In Time (2011): A mutifacted merger of sci-fi and action


Rating:
***1/2
By: Da'Mon Guy

     Time is a common element for every living being on Earth. Whether one has too much, too little, or simply waste what they are given, the concept of time is a shared commonality that not many fully value until too much of it has passed. In Time is a fascinating, ingenious happenstance that creatively embellishes on the one concept that most people take for granted, time. The movie is a sci-fi version of Bonnie and Clyde that premiered in late 2011, The movie stars Justin Timberlake (Friends with Benefits), Amanda Seyfried (Red Riding Hood), Cillian Murphy (Tron: Legacy), Olivia Wilde (Cowboys and Aliens), and Alex Pettyfer (I Am Number Four).


     In Time is a thought provoking, compelling intersection of sci-fi, action, and love. It’s an engaging narrative that focuses on the everyday occurrences that many overlook in the day to day struggle of life. This is a film about the fight against mortality, oppression, and a flawed system of control. It’s a multifaceted merger of genres that will grab hold of your attention.

Click the link below for the full review:
http://www.examiner.com/review/dvd-review-time-2011-a-mutifacted-merger-of-sci-fi-and-action


What's Your Number (2011): A humor deprived mockery of modern dating


Rating:
**
By: Da'Mon Guy


     What’s Your Number? is an insanely, humorless mockery of modern dating. The film pokes fun at the high number of sexual promiscuity of an individual. The movie stars Anna Faris (The Dictator), Chris Evans (Marvel Comics The Avengers), Ari Grainer (What‘s Your Number), Ed Beagley, Jr (Pineapple Express), Blythe Danner (Paul), with appearances by Zachery Quinto (Star Trek 2009), Andy Samberg (Easy A), and Anthony Mackie (The Adjustment Bureau).

What’s Your Number is an offbeat, mind-numbing romantic comedy that focuses on crazy interpretation of a hapless individual’s approach to finding her ideal mate. The comedy focuses on her attempts to revisit her former flames in the attempt to not increase her number of sexual partners. The film is based on the book Karyn Bosnak's book 20 Times a Lady.

Click the link to read the full review:
http://www.examiner.com/review/dvd-review-what-s-your-number-2011

Warrior (2011): One of the best films of 2011


Rating:
****1/2
By: Da'Mon Guy

     Great sports movies are some of the most rare occurrences in film. They are few that come out and then there are even fewer that are great. But every once in a while a great finds its way to the screen and then captivates the audience. Giving the audience a reason to feel good about life and revel in the accomplishment as if they shared the moment themselves. Warrior is one of those films. Warrior is an engrossing, inspirational spectacle that showcases the emotional journey of a dysfunctional family as it leads to a confrontation of two brothers colliding in the ring of a MMA fight. Its an inside look into the raging phenomena known as MMA. The movie stars Joel Eggelton (The Thing 2011), Tom Hardy (This Means War), Nick Nolte (Warrior), Kurt Angle (Dylan Dog: Dead of Night), Jennifer Morrison (Star Trek 2009), Frank Grillo (The Grey), and Kevin Dunn (Transformers: Dark of the Moon).

Warrior is a phenomenal motion picture event that delves into the fast growing sport of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) and UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). However, Warrior is considerably more than just a film about the modern day gladiators of UFC, it is a terrific, heartwarming tale about overcoming the past and inner demons as well as striving against insurmountable odds.

click the link to read the full review:
http://www.examiner.com/review/dvd-review-warrior-2011

Puss In Boots: Another great hit from Dreamworks


Rating:
****
By: Da'Mon Guy


     In recent years, animated films have catered to the adult audience as much as the younger audience. Films like Toy Story, The Incredibles, and Shrek have as much entertainment for the adult portion of its viewers as it does for those that you would intend is the target audience. The comedic aspect that comprises these films are mostly adult focused. After four films and finally ending the Shrek franchise, Dreamworks uses one of the stars of the franchise to tell a new adventure. Puss In Boots is the first spin-off from the immensely popular and mega successful franchise. This movie features the former sidekick, Puss in his first solo adventure. The film features the voice talents of Antonio Bandaras (Haywire), Selma Hayek (Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire Assistant), Zach Galfinikas (The Hangover Part 2), Billy Bob Thornton (Faster), and Amy Sedaris (Elf).


     Puss In Boots is an imaginative, humorously entertaining romp of the misadventures of the beloved Spanish feline that creatively pokes fun at the outlaw genre as Dreamworks studios attempts to capitalize on one of the former stars of the Shrek franchise. “Puss” takes center stage in this enjoyable tale of thievery and the love of Leche. It’s feline misadventure at its unwavering best. The film is a combination of wild west adventure, comedy, and fairy tale story telling. Its an animated satire of many of wild west stories such as Zorro.

Click the link for the full review:
http://www.examiner.com/review/dvd-review-puss-boots-another-great-hit-from-dreamworks