Talladega Nights

Actors:  Jane Lynch, Will Ferrell, Michael Clark Duncan, Sasha Cohen, Amy Adams, John C Reilly, Gary Cole

Rating: 7 out of 10, some truly hilarious moments and the interaction between Ferrell and Reilly is so, so funny.  Both of them play the idiot so well that it takes the NASCAR stereotype and goes with it.  Amy Adams in one of her early roles shows the promise that is starting to be recognized in more serious films.  Driving lessons with a live cougar had me rolling on the floor.

MVP: Reilly is great as the oblivious but well meaning best friend Cal Naughton

Tears of the Sun

Actors: Bruce Willis, Tom Skerrit, Monica Belucci, Cole Hauser, Eamonn Walker

Rating:  9 out of 10, great story and action with very realistic combat sequences.  They do a great job on the military aspects of the operation and the actors obviously spent some time preparing because, unlike so many other films, I could believe they were seals.  Willis and Belucci make a great couple.

MVP:  Willis as the stoic but heroic leader of the seal team

The Terminal

Actors:  Tom Hanks, Zoe Saldana, Catherine Zeta Jones, Stanley Tucci, Chi McBride, Diego Luna

Rating: 10 out of 10, comedy that lifts itself above the routine on pure heart and Tom Hanks.  This is one of those movies that draws you in and takes ordinary people and makes them heroic in small situations.  Hanks simple goodness proves more than a match for Tucci’s uber-bureaucrat.  There is also the sweet love story of Saldana and Luna set against Hanks’ pursuit of someone not worthy of him.  GREAT MOVIE!

MVP:  Hanks as the terminally bound but totally lovable Victor Navorski

The Terminator

Actors:  Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn

Rating: 10 out of 10, great start to series with fast paced action, great story and likable heroes.  Obviously they had less money for this original but just great action throughout with an interesting concept played to the ultimate.  Hamilton and Biehn are a sweet couple, even when making pipe bombs.  Arnold is perfect in a role that he doesn’t have to speak much in. 

MVP:  Biehn as Kyle Reese the dynamic savior from the future always wondered why he didn’t do more

Terminator 2: Judgement Day

Actors:  Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, Robert Patrick

Rating: 10 out of 10, superb follow up to great original, relentless action with story and effects.  This was first film when I realized Cameron was going to be something special as a director.  Huge budget for the time and remember the line “It’s all up on the screen” and that is certainly true.  Hamilton moves her formally sweet character into some dangerous territory and seem really authentic.  Furlong is age appropriate for his role and carries movie.  You can see Arnold’s growth as an actor since the first film.

MVP:  Arnold in his best role as the Conner friendly terminator

Terminator 3 - Rise of the Machines

Actors:  Nick Stahl, Clair Danes, Arnold Schwarzenegger, David Andrews, Kristina Lokken

Rating: 8 out of 10, adequate action but lacks the edge and imagination of earlier two.  Stahl just doesn’t have it when it comes to portraying someone who is supposed to be a great leader.  Lokken was very interesting as the female terminator and I always love Danes.  Arnold is definitely showing some age but still carries the action well.

MVP:  Danes is her usual great as the future wife of John Conner

Terminator Salvation

Actors:  Christian Bale, Sam Worthington, Anton Yelchin, Moon Bloodgood

Rating: 9 out of 10, excellent follow up to show the post apocalyptic world and Bale is capable of being the hero needed for the John Conner role.  Worthington is a very interesting actor who handles the physical role with some nuance as well.  Great loop back to the characters from the original movie. 

MVP:  Worthington as Marcus the confused resurrected cyborg