Rocky loves Emily, Rocky loves Emily!

Get ready for some rockin' retro action with 3 Ninjas.

When international weapon smuggler, Hugo Snyder, seeks to expand his business he draws too much attention from the FBI. Looking for a quick fix he hunts down his old ninjutsu instructor and partner Mori Tanaka.

But Master Tanaka has new pupils in his grandsons, Rocky, Colt and Tum-tum.
Three young warriors-in-training receive their first field test when Grandpa refuses to join forces with Snyder.

If you're nostalgic for Twizzlers, bleached denim, and floral prints then pick up a copy of this classic 90s flick.

I rate it a popcorn combo! HIYA!

The Ant Bully

If you're looking for a feel-good, family flick give the Ant Bully a try. Lacking the budget and hype of the current cinema fodder, the Ant Bully was quietly received by the masses. (No doubt because we are all still reeling from the mediocrity of Bugs' Life, Antz and Bee Movie.)

The Ant Bully tells the story of Lucas, an under-sized kid with over-sized problems. Dealing with a bully of his own, Lucas takes his aggression out on the ants in his yard. Little does he know, his antics have wreaked havoc in the insect world earning him the title of the Destroyer. Terrified at the prospect of the next disaster, the ants take matters into their own hands...

Zach Tyler Eisen (Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Backyardigans) does an excellent job as the voice of Lucas Nickle standing up against Julia Roberts, Nicolas Cage, Meryl Streep, Paul Giamatti, Regina King, Bruce Campbell, and Lily Tomlin. The animation is fluid and interesting, though the score is uninspiring.

I rate it a Popcorn Combo!

P.S. Check out Zach Tyler's television voice work on Avatar: The Last Airbender.

The Lost Boys 2: The Tribe

Despite the belief of half the teen population, vampires are no new craze. Long before the Cullen teens made fangs gay, adolescent blood suckers were tearing up a quaint little town called Santa Clara. (That would be The Lost Boys, if you haven't figure it out yet...)

Although Keifer Sutherland is sorely missed, Angus Sutherland steps up as Shane the leader of the Santa Clara vampires. His performance is believable though the surfer boy act gets a little old. (Hey, at least he doesn't glisten in sunlight.)

Facing down the clan, Chris (Tad Hilgenbrink) struggles to keep his sanity while protecting his younger sister. Not that he's alone, Online Reverend Edgar Frog (Corey Feldman) returns to the scene with years of hunting experience and a bone to pick.

If you liked the first movie, give part 2 a go. It won't wow you with special effects or phenomenal acting but it's sure good for reminiscing about the vampires of yore. You know...the ones who kicked serious a$$.

I rate it a box of candy.

I ain't afraid a no ghost!

Bringing Ebonics to the lips of paranormal professionals everywhere, Ghostbusters is a cult classic not to be missed! This New York-themed, action-comedy follows the birth of a ghost hunting agency from conception to reception (that's a party for those readers behind on the hip lingo). Although not big on the frights, Ghostbusters never falls short of laughs. Mostly because no one stops to consider good taste.

Indeed, it seems as if Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson were given free reign to ad-lib as desired. The script always seems natural, with each actor truly owning their character. (Although, this reviewer must admit "the Black Ghostbuster" could probably be replaced without drawing much notice.)

Excellent writing, set work, music, and plot, Ghostbusters has all the trademarks of an unnaturally good movie. Buy it, borrow it, barter it-just get this movie into your house immediately!

Definitely a bucket o' food!

Penelope

Penelope presents a refreshing take on a classic theme. Set in England, this modern fairy tale tells the story of a young woman cursed. Doomed by her ill-mannered ancestors, Penelope is born with the nose of a pig and one chance at breaking the spell. "Only when one of your own kind claims this daughter as their own will the curse be broken." (Could you ask for a better set up?)

Christina Ricci (Casper, Sleepy Hallow) does justice to the part with soft-spoken wit and believable naivete. James McAvoy, Reese Witherspoon, Peter Dinklage, and Richard Grant round out the rest of the main cast. You're sure to find brains and brawn in this bunch of characters.

However, Catherine O'Hara (Beetlejuice, Home Alone) steals the show. Her typical over-the-top charm and shrill tone hits you from the opening scene. Don't sit too close to the screen, you might take a swing at her.

Although you'll be glad you skipped it in theaters, this delightful piece is sure to make a welcome addition to your home movie collection.

I rate it a hot dog combo!

Ninja Assassizzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Ninja Assassin slipped its way onto DVD last month. It's no surprise you didn't hear anything about it, this movie was AWFUL.

Korean pop sensation Rain, stars in the film as trained assassin Raizo. Adopted as an orphaned child, Raizo was initiated into the Ozunu Clan through his ninja training. After a falling out with his master, this young ninja embarks on a journey to free himself from the clan and rectify the mistakes of his past.

Although short on plot and acting, this movie had no shortage of unused talent. Most of the main characters have shown some serious acting ability in other films. Naomi Harris (Tia Dalma from POTC, and Selena from 28th Days Later) plays a dedicated detective and secondary love interest....badly. Aside from poor scripting, you'd think a girl used to warding off zombies would know how to look suitably terrified during a ninja attack.

Randall Duk Kim is no stranger to the stage and has done plenty of voice acting and supporting roles. Remember the key maker in the Matrix series? Yeah, that older Asian guy on the back of a motorcycle with Trinity...He's the bad guy! Slapping kids' feet and giving dire speeches over dinner, Duk Kim does a fair job of having a personality but falls short of any kind of depth. (but I can't be too mad...he played my favorite character in Disney's Kung Fu Panda!)

Anna Sawai, the beautiful female ninja, escapes my scathing remarks. Not because her acting was good, it was just as bad as the rest. (Cornier than corn.) This young actress is new to the silver screen and probably did it for fun. (Who wouldn't want to work with pop sensation Rain!) So I'll give her a pass and the benefit of the doubt. Good luck with your next film, Ms. Sawai!

Overall, Ninja Assassin has failed to meet my expectations. If you want to see an entertaining Kung Fu flik I suggest you check out something by the always amazing Jackie Chan. (Who Am I? Drunken Master and Rush Hour are all great choices.)

If blood is the payment for shame, Ninja Assassin is going to need a transfusion!

I rate it...a stick of gum!

Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian

Are you still a Stiller fan?

Then buckle up and get ready for a wild ride! The second movie in the Night at the Museum series makes its way to DVD December 2009! (Okay, so I'm a little late. Even the professionals let one slip every once in a while.)

Having stopped the theft of the golden tablet and rescued the living exhibits, Larry leaves his post at the Museum of Natural History to pursue his dreams of inventing. From the un-losable keys to the glow-in-the-dark flashlight, Larry gives the late Billy Mays a run for his money.

But with success comes sacrifice, and he looses touch with his friends.

Distracted by an upcoming corporate mergers and sales projections, Larry swings by the museum to find everyone is prepped and packed, ready for transport to the National Archives in Washington D.C.!

With ANOTHER bad guy trying to steal the golden tablet and even cornier jokes, this movie is at best watchable. Unlike the first movie, Battle of the Smithsonian has no plot and no familiarity. Even the whole "exhibits coming to life" bit seems old hat.

Night at the Museum 1, like a number of my favorites (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ghostbusters, and Home Alone 2), was a movie about New Yahwk.

It was about the museum we remember visiting as kids, and intending to visit as adults. The exhibits that are duplicated a million times on Facebook. (EVERYONE thinking they've got the best shot of the hanging whale or the fossils.)

All things considered Night at the Museum 2 does not live up to expectations. The effects were neat and Hank Azaria's lisp will make you giggle, but you will probably be able to live without wasting the time.

I deem this a.......Box of Candy!

-S