Superbad was surprisingly good. I always view this type of film with skepticism because they are rarely average – the norm is for them to be either super bad or super good. If ever a film had the wrong title, it was Superbad.

The story of high school goofs trying to score with hot girls is certainly not new and this was true to the formula. Where Superbad parts way with many “coming of age” flicks is that it is uproariously funny. Sure, there’s some bad language. Sure, there’s some low brow humor. But isn’t that was high school is all about? Seth Rogan‘s story however, resonates with a realism that makes the most insane situation seem plausible.

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The character of McLovin/Fogell played by Christopher Mintz-Plasse is one of the best I have seen in awhile. This one ranks up with there with any film in this genre.

RATING 9 out of 10

thesimpsonsmovie.pngThe Simpson’s Movie has to be the worst episode of the show ever. It was like pulling teeth watching this thing. In a typical television episode there are three or four interesting stories all intertwined, amazing sight gags, excellent and witty one-liners both up-front and in the subtext. In short, the television show is bullets.

The transition to the big screen was not kind. There was less intelligent writing across an hour and a half than in a typical thirty minute show. The supporting cast was entirely wasted – you think with three times the show length, they could fit in a joke or two involving someone other than Homer. Even the color seemed to be more pastel and less lively than normal.

RATING 5 out of 10


Blood Diamond was another film that surprised me. Leonardo DiCaprio is an actor I have really tried to dislike. The problem is that he keeps putting in excellent performances. I’ll admit it – I think Leo is a damn fine actor.

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The story of blood diamonds is nothing new as I have seen numerous documentaries and yeah, the character of Maddy Bowen played by Jennifer Connelly is standard tough-girl reporter stereotype, but DiCaprio and an amazing performance by Djimon Hounsou (Soloman Vandy) sealed the deal. The editing was sharp. The directing was flawless. It is a well told story that keeps you interested right up until the cliche ending. Had it not been forced to fit the Hollywood script mold, this could have been one of the great ones.

RATING 8 out of 10