Sorry, NZA, didn't get to see any dinos or firebreathing dragons in this Holmes film--but they couldn't have hurt. . .
Sherlock Holmes
B
Batman & Robin + a small dose of Indiana Jones + a dash of the slightest whisper of a tinge of steampunk + one too many “Bromance” moments = this film.
Up In The Air
B
I’m not sure what I’m missing that put this film at the top of so many critics lists for best film of 2009, but I’m not seeing what makes this film so exceptional. George Clooney plays a man who loves his isolation, traveling and his job—firing people. The current economy has made that aspect of the film a relevant topic, but it’s only an aspect of the film. It’s mostly about growing up and figuring out what you want from life. Up In The Air gives an interesting character study and is written in such a way that the ending should have you talking; it is by no standards a bad film—just an overrated one.
Band of Brothers [blu-Ray]
A+
Tom Hanks & Steven Spielberg originally produced this 10 hour long HBO miniseries about the exploits of E-Company from the US 101st Airborne during WWII. The interactive features on this set are astounding. With DVDs the best a fan could hope for where entertaining and insightful documentaries and commentaries, but with Blu-Ray you can actually have an interactive experience. One such feature is the “field guide timeline” where you can click and watch war-time news reels about the battles in question, look at interactive maps, or read info on soldiers & equipment as the episode plays. The other feature, my favorite, is where, w/ a picture-in-picture box, the actual men of Easy Company comment about what’s happening on screen as the episode plays. This is a must own set for any WWII buff w/ a Blu-Ray player.