Shrek Forever After 3D

Q: What’s the movie about?

A: In the fourth installment of this animated children's franchise, Shrek gets tired of his perfect life, and wishes he could go back to being a real, scary, independent ogre for just one day. Unfortunately, to make his wish come true, he makes a deal with the devil (Rumpelstiltskin), and enters an alternate universe where nobody knows who Shrek is, and the day he saved the princess and fell in love never happened. Basically, It's a Shrekiful Life!

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, Walt Dohrn, Julie Andrews, John Cleese, Jon Hamm, Craig Robinson, Jane Lynch, Lake Bell, Kathy Griffin, Mary Kay Place, Kristen Schaal, Meredith Vieira, Ryan Seacrest, Larry King, Regis Philbin

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: Go! While doing a take on It's a Wonderful Life isn't the most original idea anybody has ever had, it comes off as incredibly original for this franchise, which is in the habit of parodying every fairy tale it can get its hands on. It's also a clever way to reinvigorate a franchise in its fourth installment, by telling an original origin story about Shrek and Fiona, in an alternate Universe.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: If you compare it to how funny the 1st Shrek was, you will remember to be disappointed by the level of humor.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: If you compare it to how touching and romantic the 1st Shrek was, you will remember to be disappointed by the level of emotion... But, hey, maybe that'll make you cry!

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: An Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature is standard operating procedure for Shrek, so now all they need to do is find some way to prevent Pixar from releasing Toy Story 3 this year. Better luck next time!

Q: How is the Acting?

A: There are some nice additions to the cast in this installment, most notably Walt Dohrn as the complex but totally transparent baddie, Rumpelstiltskin, and Craig Robinson as a lovable ogre obsessed with chimichangas.

Q: How is the Directing?

A: I tried to find the movie playing in 2D so I could enjoy the complexities of the beautiful fantasy world created by the director and the animators, but it was only playing in 3D, which I'm totally over. My eyes already see things in 3D, and after the initial 5 seconds of getting used to the effect, I tend to forget that the effect is even there... Oh, and guess what, they jacked up the surcharge again.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: I wish it were as funny and touching as it used to be, but as a screenwriter, I am inspired by the device the story department came up with to make the story feel fresh so late in the game. Unfortunately, there is a misstep where the story should have ended, but Shrek makes a somewhat illogical choice in order to prolong the story, and give us what will ultimately be a more satisfying ending. The direction they go in is more fun, but it's hard to believe that he would make that choice over the one that gets him right back to his original life.

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/shrek-forever-after/30186/trailers

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Youssou Ndour: I Bring What I Love

Q: What’s the movie about?

A: World renowned, Senegalese pop sensation, Youssou Ndour, decides to make a religious album about his Muslim faith.

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Youssou Ndour, his family, Peter Gabriel, Bono, the President of Senegal, and the Egyptian Orchestra

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: Proceed with Caution. This concert film tries to take on the humanitarian and religious issues that Youssou speaks on behalf of, but the storytelling fails, so the primary reason to go see this film is because you're a pre-existing fan of Youssou Ndour. If that describes you, you will not be disappointed by the wall to wall coverage of his music and performances throughout.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: If you've ever been to Africa, you will enjoy a few cultural displays of things that could only ever happen there.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: For the true music aficionado, there is always a chance that his beautiful voice will induce tears.

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: Most likely not, but the high point of the film revolves around a very big award that Youssou may or may not get.

Q: How is the Acting?

A: Youssou acts like a man of great integrity and strength... and I actually believe that he is. I only wish more American celebrities would follow his lead when it comes to displaying humility and dignity.

Q: How is the Directing?

A: They shot this documentary for two years and captured 450 hours of footage, which supposedly contained many great stories that they had a hard time cutting out... but from what they chose to keep in, I think they may have left some of the best stuff on the cutting room floor.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: This film only scratches the surface of what is compelling about his story and his humanitarian efforts, so you can't help but feel that something important is missing. Despite the fact that they think they made an important film (which a more sophisticated storyteller could have), this ultimately isn't much more than a series of snippets from concerts, where you will have a chance to see entire songs performed, and read subtitles as to what the lyrics mean. Feel free to derive the meaning yourself. Oh, and the last 15 minutes are great-- a little late for my taste.

Q: Is there anything else worth mentioning about the movie?

A: Even though you think you don't know who this guy is, you do. He's the African singer on Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes," and he sings "7 seconds" with Neneh Cherry.

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: http://www.moviefone.com/search/youssou%20ndour%20i%20bring%20what%20i%20love/trailers

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Battle for Terra

Q: What’s the movie about?

A: In an animated sci-fi world, in the distant future, after the Earth's atmosphere has become uninhabitable, the last remaining humans in the Universe, who live on a space station that's only months away from running out of breathable air, decide to invade and take over the planet of Terra, which requires annihilating the peaceful little Alien beings who currently inhabit the planet.

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Evan Rachel Wood, Luke Wilson, Chris Evans, David Cross, Brian Cox, Danny Trejo, Amanda Peet, Justin Long, Phil LaMarr, David Krumholtz, Danny Glover, Beverly D'Angelo, Rosanna Arquette, Ron Perlman, Dennis Quaid, James Garner, Mark Hamill

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: Proceed with Caution. There are only two types of people who would enjoy this die-hard sci-fi, morality tale. 1) The serious sci-fi connoisseur. The kind who remembers that the original purpose of science fiction was to hypothesize about the future, so as to warn against potential forthcoming dangers in the present. Those who stick to their belief that sci-fi is not just supposed to be an excuse to blow things up. And 2) The 10 year old boys-- but not the kind who ever plan on having a girlfriend.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: Rarely has an animated movie taken itself quite so seriously.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: It might bore you to tears.

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: It is filled with award winning ideas about peace vs. war, and the ability to live side by side and share things... like land... and air... You know, like we learned to do in nursery school-- when we were four! (Yes, I'm talking to you Israel and Palestine.)

Q: How is the Acting?

A: Considering the list of big names above, you really never think about who's doing the voices in this one. Probably a sign of believable acting.

Q: How is the Directing?

A: The world that is created is quite peaceful and beautiful-- before the battle begins. So visually, it's fairly original. But the pace is much too slow, especially at the beginning. And it's hard not to compare the battle scenes to every space movie and TV show that starts with the word "Star."

Q: How is the story/script?

A: There are several high stakes scenes that get you thinking about what the most ethical choice would be for a character, and what you might do if put in that character's precarious situation. But those moments are surrounded by scenes that rock you to sleep, so good luck being awake to catch them.

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/battle-for-terra/36649/trailers

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