Dack Feels a Tad Cheated With Wolverine....

I was really looking forward to getting into the theater to see the first big blockbuster of the summer, X-Men Origins Wolverine. The Dack accepts big popcorn movies for what they are; a lot of entertaining noise, and as long is there's a hint of plot leading the film from beginning to end I'm usually completely satisfied.

Leaving the theater, I was satisfied. In fact, I even thought that I kind of enjoyed the movie, but the more I think about what took place on screen, the more I realize just how disappointing Wolverine was as a big, summer movie.

First the good: the Dack must say that Hugh Jackman IS Wolverine; he was born to play James Logan on screen. Also, the acting in Wolverine is above par for a superhero action film. Not one character felt cheated by the actor playing him or her. Besides Jackman, the most notable spots were Ryan Reynolds playing Wade Wilson (aka Deadpool) who steals every scene he's in, and Liev Schreiber, who plays Wolverine's brother Victor Creed.

The Dack's main complaint with Wolverine is not the story, which feels familiar and yet totally rushed. Really, how do you accomplish that? The beginnings of Wolverine as a superhero were basically covered in the first X-Men film, albeit skimmed over, but they were there nonetheless. No, the true sin of Wolverine as a summer blockbuster was the handful of totally cheesy special effects within the film. As moviegoers, we want to be wowed. The Dack loves when he sees something on screen that is totally unbelievable, and yet completely buys into it because it looks so believable. Unfortunately, the film's first 3 big actions sequences all contain a number of things the Dack could not possibly believe were happening. In fact, the only action scene that totally engaged the Dack was the last fight scene of the movie, which was sweet! However it could not make me forget how terribly fake several other action scenes were. The Dack can't possibly enjoy being underwhelmed by lame special effects especially if the movie is meant to be a special effect extravaganza summer blockbuster.

The Dack heard several people comment about how they enjoyed the pacing of Wolverine; that they were happy that it did not join the list of bloated lengthy superhero films. For the Dack, Wolverine felt rushed from beginning to end, as if the director was forced to cram too much into 2 hours. Perhaps another 15 to 30 minutes of film might have helped the pacing. After all, the Dack believes if a movie is good, it's worth sitting through, whether it's 70 minutes or 3 hours.

The Dack encourages Marvel Studios takes some time with their next film and make sure it's the type of quality product that fans have come to expect. Also, please pick directors who understand special effects, and effects studios that make said effects somewhat believable.

Wolverine hacked and slashed it's way to fiveDacks. Oh, and be sure to stay until the credits end for a special treat that is sure to make you leave wanting more.

The Dack previews this summers offerings...

Here at the Dack list we are not falling for Hollywood's push that the summer film season starts on May 1st...... We are going from Memorial Day Weekend... so this list won't have Wolverine or Star Trek.... even though the Dack is really excited about both of those films... we already covered them in our spring films to watch blog...

The Dack is very excited for this years summer slate of films..... it is true that there might not be as many blockbuster action films as some fanboys might be hoping for but that's because Hollywood is releasing two of those films in early May and also this year is not just about action and comic books films but comedy too... What you are about to read is by no means a complete list of everything coming out but the films that I the Dack am most looking forward too.

Terminator Salvation - May 21

I have already blogged once or twice about my excitement for this movie but it's only at the top of this list because of it's release date. With all the fantastic trailers the Dack is hoping for something truly special from McG. Finally a film that gives us an idea of what the battle between humans and machines will be like... the casting of Christian Bale as John Connor seems like a stroke of genius but we will have to wait for Memorial Day weekend to find out...

Anyone else out there have an craving for a Terminator marathon hit me up...

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian - May 22

This sequal to 2006's Night at the Museum has the Dack intrigued. I wasn't expecting much from the first film and didn't see it until last year but I really enjoyed it. Not sure if this story has legs for a second go around but if it does then it will be worth checking out.


Up - May 29

Pixar brings us a new film.... can they keep their streak of great films alive? The Dack totally thinks so and with this one in 3D, the Dack will be disappointed if it is anything less than great! Yeah, I know that might seem like high expectations but at this point how can you expect less from Pixar.

Drag Me To Hell - May 29

The director of the Spiderman films Sam Raimi returns to his horror film roots. The Dack is excited to see what the creator of Evil Dead and Army of Darkness has come up with. The story centering around a Loan Officer who forecloses on a old woman's home getting cursed sounds interesting plus a Dack List favorite Justin Long is in the mix, should at least worth a matinee ticket.

Land of the Lost - June 5

As a kid the Dack enjoyed this Saturday morning series...now with funnyman Will Ferrell headlining it could be hilarious like Talladega Nights or Anchorman. A lot depends on the supporting cast of Danny McBride and Anna Friel. If they can balance out Ferrell's over the top wackiness that he usually brings to his roles then it should be worth checking out, if not this could be another Step Brothers.

Year One - June 19

Lots of names in this one starting with Jack Black and Michael Cera. Not sure if this spoof of olden times is going to sink or swim but I am very curious to see if Cera's super straight man can compete with Jack Black.

Transformers : Revenge of the Fallen - June 24th

If you like big summer action films this is your movie. The Dack must admit he loved the first one and hopes to get a chance to catch this one in IMAX! If you need more convincing check out the newest trailer below. For people that have a problem with Shia LaBeouf.... get over it and enjoy the Giant Robots!!

Public Enemies - July 1

The director of Heat and Collateral brings the story of depression era super bank robber John Dillinger to the big screen. Oh, did I mention that Johnny Depp is playing John Dillinger and Christian Bale is the lawman tracking him down..... yeah, now you want to see it!!



Bruno - July 10

I'll be honest the Dack isn't sure if he is going to like this film or not but after Borat how can you not at least a little curious with what Sacha Baron Cohen has in store for audiences this time.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince - July 17

If you have read the books or seen the films.... get ready for a dark wild exciting ride. If you haven't well.... you are missing out on the greatest fantasy series in the last 30 years so do yourself a favor and check it out.

Funny People - July 31

The Dack is a huge fan of Judd Apatow.... this go around we get a combination with Adam Sandler.... I'm hoping for comedy epic!!

GI Joe - Aug 7

This is the cartoon that I used to run home from school to see..... I don't think there is anyway it will live up to my expectations but for the Dack it's a must see and that's all you need to know because as they say "knowing is half the battle, Yo Joe!

Inglourious Basterds - August 21

Quentin Tarantino brings his take on a WWII film to the big screen. It is sure to be one of the bloodiest war films ever... but the real intigue is in the cast with includes Brad Pitt, Eli Roth (yes, the director of Hostel) and B.J. Novak (yes, the guy from the Office). If you don't like any of Quentin Tarantino's other films don't bother, but if you do then expect to be entertained!!

The Dack enjoys some Sunshine Cleaning....

Last weekend the Dack got to check out a new indie comedy from Fox Searchlight.... I was expecting something along the lines of Little Miss Sunshine which came out a couple of years ago and I enjoyed very much. Although this film does have that dark comedy feel it also takes some bold chances by not just glossing over issues but really focusing on them. Although there are elements of comedy throughout the film, it is much more dramatic and emotional than I was expecting.....

The Dack is terrible at not ruining plots but it you don't want it ruined just skip this next paragraph.... Yes, this film will be unfairly compared to Little Miss Sunshine but this film tackles the issue of suicide while Little Miss Sunshine only barely covered it. I think most people will completely miss that this is the central issue of the film..... what happens to a family when one of them commits suicide... Yes, I know that seems really depressing and you are probably thinking.... well, thank you for telling me, now I can avoid seeing this movie.... but what this film really shows is that of course suicide is horrible for those left in the aftermath and yes it can really mess people up... but in order for people to truly heal from something like that they need to deal with it... Sunshine Cleaning is about a family whose lives are in complete shambles finally dealing with it.

The acting by Amy Adams and Emily Blunt as the sisters at the center of the story is wonderful and without it this film would not have succeeded. Alan Arkin who plays their father gives a performance that although feels very similar to role he played in Little Miss Sunshine (and won an Academy Award for) totally works because well, he is great at that character.

I am a big fan of movies that use comedy to show that darker side of family that we all have somewhere in our family trees. Yes sometimes it can be very serious but humor helps us get through. What made the Dack totally appreciate this fine piece of film making was not that it just showed the effects of suicide for family members but also that it didn't move on to the next issue or joke.... it really tried to show that in order for people to move on with there lives they have to deal with their feelings and let go of that anger, abandonment or whatever else they are carrying around with them. It made me want to laugh and cry at the same time and for that it gets eightDacks.

The Dack says I Love You, Man...

Finally the Dack gets to review something before it comes out. Two weeks ago the Dack got to attend a sneak preview of I Love You, Man.

The Dack enjoyed this movie... I'm a big fan of male friendship and believe that no man can be be complete without having some sort of male bonding in their life and this movie is says it all so much funnier. The story is about Peter Klaven (Paul Rudd) as a guy who has no male friends and seems to be just rolling with life.... until his new fiance and her friends point out to him that he has no guy friends... uncomfortable with not having anyone to be the best man at his wedding he goes on a search for a friend. After a couple of man dates set up by family members that totally back fire Peter meets Sydney Fife (Jason Segel) who is basically the opposite of Peter but after a couple of drinks they find enough common ground for friendship to blossom. The two main characters in this film are played by Paul Rudd and Jason Segel and their characters are very similar to other roles they have played.... this is not a bad thing. The Dack is a huge fan of both of these actors and them doing what they usually do becomes hilarious when you mix it together. The rest of the cast does a good job of providing extra laughs but your enjoyment of the movie totally rests on the shoulders of Rudd and Segel. I love you man isn't a complex movie by any means but the Dack doesn't need his comedy's to be deep, just funny and I Love You, Man fits the bill!

This movie is a bromance in the same line as Swingers and Superbad but targets those of us between 25 and 40 far better. This movie isn't perfect and does lag a bit but it totally pays off in the end. If you are a guy and didn't think you needed any strong male friendships I hope this movie shows you the error of your ways. There are some things guys just need to hear from other guys. The Dack laughed enough to give this one sevenDacks.

Sweet Star Trek Trailer......

The Dack has been worried about JJ Abrams redo of the Star Trek franchise since it first got reported a couple of years ago...... the first two trailers were nothing to get excited about.... but the latest has given the Dack hope for something good.

Let's just pray that JJ Abrams can pull it off better than MI 3!!!

OK, so you might not want to get your hopes up thinking this movie will save the Star Trek universe but this trailer should get your butt in the theater on opening weekend!!

Watchmen hits the big screen………

The long awaited graphic novel has finally made it to the big screen……The Dack read it many years ago and found it to be the driest comic book I have ever read, fortunately the film is a much sleeker and sexier package….. a epic story that covers many different characters and also tackles issues like basic human nature, evils of war, if the humans are capable of a peaceful existence, violence, rape and others that comic books at the time did not cover.

After several failed attempts at bringing this story to the big screen……. Zack Snyder’s version reached the goal and does a wonderful job of being a cinematic representation of the original story. Just like he did in 300, Snyder gives us slick action sequences that are a pleasure to watch. For the most part the acting is spot on and although there are a couple of weak spots……… this film is an adaptation of a comic book so the Dack expects and accepts such things…… when super hero films have Shakespearean quality acting my love for the genre will die.

For those that have never read the Watchmen graphic novel, the Watchmen is a beautifully filmed violent, sex-filled movie about super hero’s you’ve never heard of but it also has more to think about than any super hero film that has come before it. Because the Dack enjoyed these things Watchmen gets sevenDacks.

The Return of Terminator.....

The Dack has a serious history with the Terminator franchise..... Terminator 2 was the first R rated film that my dad took me to the theater too see...... I will never forget the battle between the 2 terminators in a shopping mall that spills into the streets and ends up being a chase between a Harley and a Semi.... classic action cinema!!!

Anyway this entry isn't for you to read about the Dack's reminiscing but it is to let you know that the Terminator franchise is back this year........ and from the latest trailer it looks like we finally get to see the human race on the brink of extinction on the big screen!!!

Do yourself a favor and check this trailer out!!!

Oscars over.......... time for less quality... more funny and explosions!!

Well, The Dack enjoyed the Oscars last night.... thankfully the Academy actually gave the Best Picture Oscar to the best film of the year... Slumdog Millionaire!!

I was actually worried it was going to Milk after Sean Penn's win for Best Actor and his acceptance speech... Just the first minuet is enough to get my point.


The Dack enjoys his films when they are less about politics and more about quality entertainment, but hey, that's just me.



But alas... It's time for some escapism... check out the trailer for Judd Apatow's latest..... I am excited for the Apatow/Sandler combo!!!

The cold hard reality of The Wrestler...

This week the Dack traveled to the local art house theater to see The Wrester. I had heard some positive things and was excited to see Mickey Rourke's oscar nominated performance as a washed up wrestler. I knew that the film might have a darker edge to it but in my heart I was hoping for something uplifting...

Instead what the Dack got was a body slam of cold harsh reality..... as humans we make mistakes and sometimes we learn from them and yet other times... well, we're human. This film is completely supported by the broad shoulders of Mickey Rourke and although he does have Marisa Tomei and Rachel Evan Wood to play against for some of the film.... ones like or dislike of the film falls solely to Mickey Rourke. Mickey Rourke's performace captures the heart and soul of Randy "The Ram" Robinson a man who had one love in his life and pursued it at the cost of everything and everyone else around him. The sub-story of Randy attempting to repair his relationship with his daughter felt shallow due to limited screen time. Although his scenes with Marisa Tomei are very good, her good hearted stripper character has been done far to often in Hollywood.... The behind the scenes look at small time wrestling and the mix of young up and comers contrasted with veterans who had seen the big time was something I enjoyed as an old wrestling fan. I was intrigued by the entire story but it was also hard to really understand the passion driving Randy Robinson when all the film shows us is the broken piece of meat years in the wrestling ring had made him.

Walking out of the theater the Dack was completely disappointed.... In today's world we want to see our hero's overcome adversity and weakness to become something better and the Dack is no different..... but in the last couple of days I have realized that sometimes life's messes never get fixed they way we think they should, that's how life works.... coming to accept this fact is why The Wrestler gets sevenDacks.

Dollhouse, Dack style.....

Last week I blogged about the new show Dollhouse coming to Fox on Friday nights....

The Dack doesn't usually review individual television episodes but in this case an exception can be made. The only news the Dack has seen online about the show is that ratings for the first episode weren't good....... frankly the Dack finds it sad that the bottom line when it comes to television shows is ratings... perhaps that's why television is in the worst shape it has ever been but, enough of what's wrong in entertainment...


The Pilot episode of the Dollhouse was by no means perfect, because well, tv isn't meant wrapped up in one episode. It gave a broad look at what's in store for the title character Echo played by Eliza Dushku this season and gave viewers many more questions than answers but it also showed that this show is not just about one character but about a whole cast of strong characters who all seem to have a larger story to tell. About half way through the episode I was still wondering if Joss had lost is touch but the last 15 minuets hooked me in and now there is no looking back. If your looking for something a bit richer that another reality show check out the Dollhouse.... You can even see the episode online HERE or swing by the Dack Shack for a encore viewing tomorrow night.


Also for your viewing pleasure...... the latest trailer for Transformers : Revenge of the Fallen.... The Dack can't wait for this movie to hit theaters this summer!!!

The Dack enjoys some Milk...

On my quest to see all the Best Picture nominees I ventured out to see this years most politically polarizing film...

The Dack was looking forward to seeing some great acting with a cast that included, Sean Penn, James Franco, Josh Brolin, and Emile Hirsch and he wasn't disappointed. It was nice to see Sean Penn transform himself into the well know political figure, Harvey Milk and the Dack is sure that he will probably win the Oscar for best actor because Hollywood will want to flex its muscle after this years California Prop 8 battle. Although his performance might be the best of the year the Dack can't say for sure until he checks out The Wrestler which he is planning on doing later this week.

While there are those that are going to dismiss this film simply for it's story about a bunch of Gay Rights activists..... the Dack thought that the history covered in this film was actually something worth knowing about. The movie shows that in the 60's and 70's there were people being attacked and killed for being openly homosexual but I had no idea that in 1978 there was a proposition in California that was going to allow public schools to fire anyone who was homosexual, and even fire someone working in schools who supported homosexuality. In 1978 this proposition almost passed in California even with former California Governor Ronald Regan and current President Jimmy Carter speaking out against it. Harvey Milk being the first openly gay politician elected to a major political office became a larger than life figure in his fight against prop 6. It was in this atmosphere that Gay Rights was launched into the national spotlight. Before this even the Democratic Party did not have anything on their platform concerning Gay Rights. Sitting in the theater I was surprised that I had no knowledge of these events even thought they took place only 30 years before.

I understand that this films subject probably isn't everyone's cup of tea but I for one thought this was a very well crafted Biography film while not as moving as Braveheart, it is defiantly on the same level as Walk the Line and Beautiful Mind, mainly due to excellent performances by the entire cast most notably Sean Penn and James Brolin who are both nominated for Oscars... Milk winds up with sevenDacks.

Joss Whedon finally returns to tv with Dollhouse...

The Dollhouse February Friday 13th at 9.

After several years away from television Joss Whedon is bringing us a new show..... granted his last show Firefly was unceremoniously pulled off the air just as it was coming into it's own.... It's no wonder that he hasn't been keen to jump right back in...

The Dack hopes Whedon can create more television magic like he did on his previous shows Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. Yes, I know some thought those shows were cheesy but the Dack thought they had some of the best writing that tv has seen in the last 20 years...

Here comes the Dollhouse...

The Dack checks out his second Best Picture nominee....

The Dack almost forgot that The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was nominated for Best Picture....... with all the recent Oscar buzz surrounding Slumdog Millionaire, The Reader and Milk..... Benjamin Button seems to have been forgotten about... well, at least by the Dack who has been wanting to see this one since it first came out...

This film is nothing short of a epic tale of a man's life..... unusual as it might be since he was born and old man and is actually growing younger... This film is also about the power of love and what it's limits are.... it might also test your limits on how long a film you can sit through with it's almost 3 hour run time, leaving the theater the Dack felt he has grown old watching it. That isn't to say it wasn't worth it..... Brad Pitt is spot on in this one giving a wonderful performance both as a young man trapped in an old man's body and as a old man trying to figure out how to cope with becoming younger as the world around him passes him by... The Dack hopes somehow he can land an Oscar for it but chances are his performance will get lost in the shuffle.... Cate Blanchett, as usual gives a solid performance but at this point I don't think she is capable of giving anything less. She plays the only true love of Benjamin Button. This film works for two main reasons..... the chemistry between the two stars is excellent and David Fincher the director does a wonderful job of crafting the story of Benjamin Button's curious life. I am a big fan of Fincher from his two most popular films Fight Club and Se7en.... this movie is very different from those two films but he handles the task of filming a man's entire life and does it brilliantly in the tale of Benjamin's life but the scenes in present day feel flat comparitavly..... this does give a slightly unbalanced feeling throughout the film.

I must say that although this film is very long, I don't think it could have been handled any other way..... the supporting cast does and excellent job of providing great characters even when little to no time is spent developing them, which is also a testament to the world Fincher has created.

The Dack really enjoyed this one and felt truly inspired as he left the film... but this film was limited by the fact that trying to squeeze an entire man's life.... from birth to death... especially a man who is born old and dies as a child is too much for one film to handle and for that it suffers.... In the end because of that the Dack can old give this one eightDacks.

New trailer for Tarantino's latest.....

While some may find Quentin Tarantino's films a little too much, The Dack is a big fan. Ever since his first writing credits in True Romance I've been hooked...... he may be ripping off old stuff but the modern spin he puts on his films along with the colorful dialog is something the Dack can't help but love.... oh, and Brad Pitt is in this one to......

Even if you have never liked a Tarantino film before.... how can you not be a little excited for his take on a WWII pic?!!! Ok, fine..... this movie is going to way to over the top for most but the Dack can't resist.

Here come the Inglorious Basterds......

The Dack sees his first Best Picture Nominee of 2008.....

The Dack has not really had any desire to see any of the Best Picture nominees for this years Academy Awards but after hearing several good things about Slumdog Millionaire, the Dack figured he needed to check it out for himself.....

I'll be honest, I really only knew two things about this movie..... The director Danny Boyle had done a few films the Dack had enjoyed, Trainspotting and 28 Weeks Later, and it had something to do with a poor kid from India ending up on India's version of Who Wants To Be a Millionaire. In fact this probably worked better......

Boyle is at the top of his story telling in this picture, which in execution is very similar to Forrest Gump using flashbacks to develop the story of Jammal the main character.... but that Dack must add that this film has a much darker tone because Jammal grew up in the slums of India, which after you see this film you will realize is not a place you would wish on anyone. The cast which are all Indian the Dack has heard are mostly unknowns but that is hard to believe with the solid performances given by everyone.

The Dack was a blank slate waiting for this film to impact him in some way..... and impact it did. I don't really want to tell you anything other than go see this movie.... find some spare coin and go check out the best movie 2008 had to offer. It's got everything you could ask for in a film, drama, action, suspense, a epic romance, all while giving you that warm feeling inside that great films do......

Don't worry that this will be one of those award season films that is well crafted but doesn't touch you...... The Dack left the theater excited about quality films again and that's why Slumdog lands tenDacks!!


In case your not really convinced yet, hopefully the trailer will help.

Wolverine moves closer.......

The Dack just heard today that Wolverine will be hitting the big screen a few days earlier..... April 29th is the new opening day.

In case you haven't seen it, here is the trailer. Lots of appearances of characters we didn't get to see in the X-Men films.

Loving a creepy kids story in 3D.......

The Dack ventured off on his own yesterday in hopes of finding some magic on the big screen and he was not disappointed with his destination..... Until yesterday, I had no plans to see this movie but upon checking out a review online and discovering it was from the creators of "Nightmare Before Christmas" and having a couple hours of time that would have otherwise been totally wasted..... I took a chance.

To be honest the 3D was the thing that got me in the theater, risking a saturday afternoon theater full of kiddies was an enormous leap..... The Dack does not believe in the idea of kids in the theater mainly do to a long history of children running around the movie theater ruining my movie experiences.... strolling into the theater I thought I had made an epic blunder... talking children everywhere... my first thought was even if this movie is the best thing ever I won't find out with all the talking but as soon as the Dolby Digital 3D icon flew off the screen all the talking was silenced.

Over the next hour and a half I was transported to a world of wonder.... I am sure this film would hold up even not in 3D but having that component made the experience all the more amazing. When it comes to any type of animation the Dack only really looks for one thing.... being taken to a world that is not mine but that feels real and boy did this movie deliver. The story was very tight not having any extra fluff that seems to have become so prevelant in moving making today.... this is probably due to that fact that when you are aiming a film at children you cut all the fat because let's face it, kids get bored..... so does the Dack.

Even as the credits rolled and people started filling out... the Dack could not help but sit there and enjoy every last thing flying past in 3D while the credits rolled.... I was even treated to an extra 3D section after the credits finished... I know this review told you nothing about the film...... here are the 2 questions you should ask yourself before deciding whether this a movie for you to go check out... do you like animation and do you enjoy the transporting experience of seeing a film in 3D.... As for the Dack, affirmative is the answer and that's why Coraline lands eightDacks.

He's Just Not That Into You.......... Or He's just a Stupid Guy...

In the spirit of togetherness the Dack traveled to the cinema Friday night with the Dackette to check out the latest Hollywood chick flick.... While the Dack can honestly say that he went into this film thinking little enjoyment would be had. Did this movie prove me wrong... well, not really, however there were several preformances that did give the Dack something to enjoy.

Justin Long proved yet again that he is ready to take the lead of a film, he was by far the best male performance. The other male characters were so flat, I wanted to reach into the screen and slap them because they were insulting to the Dack as a man. Playing men that care only of big breasts and tight butts..... sure I know men like this but I tend to make fun of them even in real life. Ben Affleck's character who, on principle breaks up with his girl friend of seven years that he loves dearly just because he doesn't believe in marriage.... all I was thinking through his entire performance was, if you love this woman so much why wouldn't you marry her if it was something that she felt she needed.

As for the women in the movie.... well, they didn't fair too much better. Besides Ginnifer Goodwin giving a wonderful performance as a woman wanting more than anything to have Mr. Right sweep her off her feet, the remainder of the female cast gave little if anything more than just a one note character. Scarlett Johansson who the Dack used to think was enough of a reason to see a film gave such a sad performance as a misguided home wrecker that the Dack has decided she has given up on actually acting and is now content to shake her goodies (which seem to have grown recently... I am thinking of looking into the concept that as an actresses breasts get larger her acting becomes equally worst) on screen. Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Connelly, Drew Barrymore who are all ladies the Dack normally finds delightful on screen did nothing other than collect a pay check in this one.

The Dack admits that most of the poor acting was probably due to the story trying to cram to many interweaving plots together. This idea can be pulled off but in this film it just ended up cutting any kind of character development out of all but the story of Ginnifer Goodwin's character which is probably why the Dack enjoyed her storyline the best. Cutting out at least one of the five different stories being told in the film would have allowed the other stories to be developed properly.

If your lady is getting irritated that you haven't taken her to see a girly movie you could probably do worse.... The Dack is giving this one fourDacks mainly because I am such a big fan of Justin Long.

Winter Movie Dulldrums......

The Dack is officially sick of hearing about great films from last year..... Sure it's nice to go see a well crafted film but the Dack loves the escapism of the multiplex and most of the time your standard Oscar fare isn't going to cut it......they might have been good but it's time to look forward toward the new year and all the awesomeness we have waiting for us. although for the next couple months things look pretty bland, so you might want to check out Slumdog Millionaire, The Wrestler, Curious Case of Benjamin Button, or perhaps even The Dark Knight in IMAX because you know that would be sweet!

Here are some movies to look forward too.

Fanboys (February 6) - After several years in the can, Fanboys finally gets released.... well, at least we hope so. The basic premise centers around a group of friends who decide to break into George Lucas's Skywalker Ranch to sneak a peak at Star Wars Episode One when one of their friends becomes seriously ill. Yes, this movie would have been awesome way back in 2000 closer to when Phantom Menace actually came out but this is worth checking out for any star wars fan.



He's Just Not That Into You (February 6) - It's a chick flick I know. But it feels like months since any halfway decent movie came out that I could actually get the Dackette stoked for. I hope this one lives up to my Dackxpectations and if not, rest assured you will be hearing about it.

Watchmen (March 6) - I just caught the latest trailer for this one when I went to see Gran Torino and I was totally hooked... If you are a fan of comic book movies this is what will tide you over until Wolverine hits... but don't be surprised if this one is the superior film. Director Zack Snyder has bitten off a lot with this one translating the most famous graphic novel ever to the big screen let's just hope he's up to the task. I'll be honest I found the Watchmen a little to slow for my tastes on the page. With a reported 3 hour running time this movie better be something special.

I Love You, Man (March 20) - The Dack is a huge fan of Paul Rudd and Jason Segal and this duo looks to make me laugh enough to wet myself.

Fast and Furious (April 4) - The last few sequels have been decent but nothing special...... let's hope that bringing everyone back brings the quality back too. Vin Desiel has never really made the jump to huge action star that most people expected him to after the first Fast and Furious. I think it has more to do with his poor choice of roles that his ability... hopefully he can prove me right.

X-men Origins: Wolverine (May 1) - The Dack has made his love of comic book films very clear so it should not come as a surprise that this one lands on the list. My excitement continues to grow with recent news that the character of Deadpool is going to have a significant role. The fact that Ryan Reynolds is playing the "Merc with a Mouth" has the Dack thrilled!!

Star Trek (May 8) - Who says you can't enjoy both the world of Star Trek and Star Wars.... not the Dack. I like JJ Abrams but he has never put a compete package together. I am excited for the return to the Star Trek universe but I am also preparing for total disaster.


If you haven't see it yet..... here is the first trailer for G.I. Joe... more on this one when I drop my list of summer movies to see later this year but enjoy the trailer.

Clint's Ends Tough Guy Acting Career with Bang...

The Dack had heard all the talk about the launguage and racist comments going into seeing Gran Torino.... So when the F bombs started dropping and the most racist slurs I have heard in a 2 hour period hit I was totally prepared...... As a film Gran Torino worked only because of the skill and status of Clint Eastwood. His performance wasn't to far removed from his tough guy Dirty Harry character but a grity realistic take on what Harry Callahan would be like after the world forgot about him. To me it was a well executed morality tale about how racism is still plaguing this country because people are still hung up on the idea that what you look like or where your family comes from has something to do with who you are as an individual. But I am afraid that what most people are going to take from the movie is a bunch of new racist terms. I do agree that this movie was defiantly unapologetic in not being politically correct but that wasn't enough for me. The one thing I was bothered by the most is how can a person become friends with someone and yet still continue to use racist slurs at them..... and I know Eastwood was staying true to the character but couldn't he have grown just a little...

Besides Eastwood's brilliant performance most of the supporting cast is simply getting by with scenes that Eastwood is not in suffering. The good news is those are few and far between.... When he is on screen his presence lifts the entire casts performance.

As for what the Dack thought, well, it wasn't great and it wasn't terrible and if you are at all a fan of Clint Eastwood than this is a must see. It ends up with sixDacks just because even knowing that all the language and racism was in there I was still a little shocked by it.