Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

Good entertainment! I didn't like the first Sherlock Holmes movie very much, it was too dark and didn't make the connection to the real Sherlock Holmes novels very effectively. This sequel, however, was much more believable and more attentive to detail and the character of Sherlock Holmes. The acting was good and the storyline enjoyable. What really impressed me was the action scenes were the director used extensive slow-motion and stop action photography – these scenes were spectacular! Visually they really capture the action and feel of the situation, but also they were used to show the intellectual and deductive powers of Sherlock Holmes. Very effective! Some scenes were a little bit over the top and "Indiana Jones" like, but mostly I felt the action and story was well done. I never liked Robert Downey Junior, he just seems like a smart ass to me. Always plays the same type of character. But, as Sherlock Holmes his acting actually matches what I will imagined Sherlock to be. The musical score was also used effectively and quite enjoyable in the film. If you haven't seen this movie, it's worth the rental.

Underworld: Awakening

Don't bother with this movie unless you have seen the other two or three previous movies in this series and enjoyed them. The story continues with vampires and werewolves... I wouldn't have watched it, except it was at the bottom of my queue and somehow blockbuster decided none of the other movies were available. I did see the first couple of movies in this series – they all seem the same! At least Kate B., forget her last name, is the best looking vampire ever. I wonder how they ever got her into that latex bodysuit. Some of the action is pretty good.

We Bought A Zoo

A good family feel to this film. I especially liked that it was based on a true story. Matt Damon did a decent job, and I always like Scarlett Johansson. The characters are well developed and the story is plausible and fun. Although the relationship between the teenage boy and the teenage girl was a little bit weird – perhaps teenagers are weird though – I don't remember. There were a few funny scenes and several tearjerking scenes as well. The writers and director milked the tearjerking parts is much as possible, and yes I cried a couple of times. I hate to admit that. Basically, a nice entertaining harmless film, a good one to watch with your family.