Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (Sam)

SAM'S RANKING: 2 out of 10

Let's take a look at the forecast, shall we? "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs," 0% chance satisfaction.

During a weekend with my grandparents, I went and saw "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" with them and my brothers, and that might very well be the worst movie I've ever seen. It's 81 minutes of people overeating, food falling from the sky, and a man in a diaper. And for about a third of those 81 minutes, I found myself in the hallway looking at movie posters.

The story centers around Flint Lockwood, an inventor who's basically the town screw-up on a small remote island with a food shortage. Then he invents a machine that turns precipitation into food and becomes a hero, but soon the town begins to get way more than they bargained for!

"Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" sounded ideal. And I have to admit--it was pretty funny, funny enough that I found myself laughing out loud at times (particularly when the jaywalker gets arrested). But after food starts falling from the sky it goes way over the top, and the negatives far outweigh the positives.

Probably the worst part is where the mayor, who eats himself to 400 pounds or so, swallows an overgrown hot dog whole. Also, you know where the film is going, and the romance between Flint Lockwood and a newspaper reporter is so routine. And, like many films of its kind these days, there's crude humor, complete with swearing and a one guy shown in a diaper for the majority of the film. The previews were more entertaining than this.

The film got positive reviews for addressing obesity, but that seems to be the problem with it. An animated kids' movie is the last movie to address that topic in, no matter how crude it already is. Do NOT add "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" to your 5-day outlook.

The Blind Side (Sam)

SAM'S RANKING: 9 out of 10

Since a few of you have requested, here is my review of "The Blind Side."

Set in Memphis, Tennessee, it centers around Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock), a feisty Southern socialite. Leigh Ann befriends, and eventually adopts, a quiet, basically homeless African-American gentle giant named Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron). She helps him catch up in school, and his size gets him on the football team, laying out a bright future.

I was surprised at how funny this film was. Leigh Anne's younger son SJ is absolutely hilarious. And some of Leigh Anne's ways of dealing with racists are a bit funny.

The big highlight is Bullock's performance, which was rightfully praised by several critics and is definitely Oscar-worthy. But Aaron also has a couple of good moments, such as his confrontation with Leigh Anne after a meeting with an investigator, which was quite riveting and really hit home.

The film also explores the difference between Leigh Anne's sunshine life and Michael's dark past. The portrayal of the impoverished neighborhood where Michael grew up was eye opening. One of the best scenes was when Michael uses his arm to stop the airbag from hitting SJ when he rams his truck into the back of a semi.

Whether you're a sports fan or not, everybody needs to see this movie!!!

The Big Bang Theory (Sam)

SAM'S REVIEW: 9 out of 10
This brilliant sitcom centers around Leonard (Johnny Galecki) and Sheldon (Jim Parsons), two science professors, both physics PhD types. Across the hall lives Penny (Kaley Cuoco), a waitress who eventually begins to have feelings for straight man Leonard but doesn't get along with Sheldon, who has no empathy. Leonard and Sheldon also have two equally geeky friends--Howard, a "ladies' man" (or so he thinks) who doesn't have a PhD and lives with his mother, and Raj, a Hindu who is shy around women. Every episode has multiple events or comments that make you laugh out loud.

FAVORITE CHARACTER: Sheldon

Sheldon is overtly technical and looks at the logical way of things, which makes him come across as having no conscious. In the first season, he doesn't understand sarcasm, but now he is beginning to. His social misfires are classic, and episodes focusing on his misunderstandings with Penny are among the funniest. Actor Parsons completely disappears into character.

There has been some speculation that the writers are implying that Sheldon has Asperger's syndrome, but creator Chuck Lorre says that's not the case.

CHARACTER I RELATE TO THE MOST: Leonard

Leonard is the straight man on the show, and I have a lot in common with him. Leonard is very smart and has photographic memory. He is also embarrassed by some of his nerdy interests. I also have some traits of Sheldon and Raj, but I don't compare to Howard at all.

Overall, the sitcom is very entertaining. Not for all ages, but I would encourage you to start watching it. It is on Thursdays at 8/7 central on CBS.

2009 (Sam)

RANKING: 8 out of 10

In 2009, there were a lot of surprises, some good and some bad. But I have to say, my eighth grade year might have been the best year of my life. Here are five big 2009 events:

1) OBAMA IS ELECTED PRESIDENT - Our first African-American president. Maybe I'm a McCain person. Maybe he's not a good president so far. But no matter if he serves one term or two, his election is definitely a history-maker. It's also the first inauguration I've ever watched.

2) MIRACLE ON THE HUDSON - In January, a Boeing 707 airplane collided with a flock of birds and malfunctioned shortly after taking off from La Guardia airport. The pilot, Chesley "Sulley" Sullenberger, successfully landed the plane in the Hudson River, and was hailed as a hero. It was the top story in the news for days.

3) KRIS ALLEN WINS "AMERICAN IDOL" - I'm a fan of Kris Allen, and his surprising victory over the favorite from the beginning, glam-rocker Adam Lambert, was considered an upset (I was a bit surprised myself). Some fans refused to accept it. Why can't people just face the facts when they don't get their way? I mean, my season 7 favorite David Archuleta lost, and I'm fine.

4) MICHAEL JACKSON DIES - The death of Michael Jackson may have been the biggest since Princess Diana. He started out as a child prodigy, and then became an '80s megastar. But the controversy surrounding his personal life often made people forget that, and by the time of his death, he was one of the most mocked celebrities in America. But when he died, everyone forgot the negatives and remembered the positives: Michael Jackson, the moonwalking King of Pop.

5) WORLD'S TALLEST BUILDING COMPLETED - The Burj Dubai, the world's tallest building, was built throughout 2009 and just completed after New Year. It is located in the United Arab Emirates city of Dubai, and is equal to the height of almost two Empire State Buildings. My brother Luke is a big fan!

It was also a great year in film, as "The Blind Side," "Avatar," "Up," and "Up in the Air," dominated the box office. Though the second half of the year was downgraded when I entered high school, overall it was a good year.

2009 (James)

It's difficult to review an entire year. You tend to have the clearest memories of the most recent events, so earlier happenings might not carry appropriate weight. Also, so much occurs in one year that it's challenging to make choices...you don't want to leave anything out!

With those disclaimers, here are a few things in my life I will remember from 2009:

1) My birthday is January 1st, so on 1/1/09 I turned 40. As if on cue my body began to slowly disintegrate throughout the year...I tore ligaments in my ankle and one of my fingers during the year. Otherwise, I like being old. It's kind of freeing!
2) In March my Grandmother (on my dad's side) passed away at the age of 94. This was bittersweet...it's no fun grieving or watching others experience loss, yet the fellowship with family and friends was a rich blessing.
3) Our family vacation this year was to Kelly's Island. It's been a long time since we didn't find the "perfect" spot for vacation, but I think we missed the mark this year. Just not the right fit for our family. However, Cedar Pointe was a highlight, especially watching Laura on the kiddie coasters!
4) In August my 18 years on full time staff with Young Life ended...sort of. I still work for Young Life, but I also began working part time at Riverview Church. I do the same things in both jobs...teach and shepherd teams. The new environment has brought new challenges and some great people. I'm blessed.
5) In September my oldest son entered High School. He's doing great, but it's weird, especially since he goes to the High School where I've been a YL leader for 18 years. Weird.

Those are the 1st 5 things that come to mind...I have a great life with a great wife and 3 memorable boys. We have a clear purpose to glorify God and love people, so that fills life with challenges and rewards. I'm anxious to get Sam's take on 2009!!

Invictus (James)

Sam and I had to press the pause button on our trip to see Invictus due to a fire alarm that closed Celebration Cinema. As a result, we were delayed a week, and the wait was worth it. The movie was thought provoking and led to some great discussion.

The best part about Invictus was the performance of Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela. I knew Mandela was a terrific leader, and this movie does an excellent job of depicting the culture of grace and truth Mandela worked so hard to create after he became president of South Africa. Freeman captured the inner turmoil Mandela endured due to painful family issues, and he also delivered many profound Mandela quotes with effortless skill.

Outside of Freeman, no one else in the cast was particularly memorable but the performances were solid. This includes Matt Damon, who was steady but not spectacular as the captain of the Springboks rugby team.

The only negative side was Sam and I endured some louder than usual movie goers, including lady who noisily jostled her popcorn and a man who answered and spoke on his cell phone during the movie.

I'd give the movie 6.83 out of 10!!

Invictus (Sam)

RANKING: 8 out of 10

I went to see this movie twice, both times with my dad. However, the first time I went, I didn't actually see it. Apparently there was a minor fire at the movie theater, Celebration Cinema, so the entire theater was shut down. So, we went back a second time after Christmas.

The film is set in the 1990s, in the first few months of Nelson Mandela's (Morgan Freeman) presidency in South Africa. He has just been released from prison, and doesn't like to talk about his family. His secret service consists of both black and white men. Mandela decides to use South Africa's rugby team to help South Africa rise to become one of the main global powers, which he meets with the team captain (Matt Damon) about.

This film is better than other critics say it is (the only review I've seen of it gives it a 6 out of 10). But there are some complaints to be lodged in there. The final game is overlong, boring, and confusing. And the critics were right when they said that the film doesn't explain rugby, a sport little known to Americans, well enough.

But the performances really help this movie. Freeman in particular is virtually unrecognizable as Nelson Mandela, with a very believable accent. Damon is equally good as the rugby team captain. The film also centers around class distinction, such as the secret service consisting of mixed races, the rugby team visiting a very improverished neighborhood, and police officers excitedly lifting a homeless boy after the team's win.

"Invictus," isn't the most entertaining film ever. But believe me, it's worthwhile...a great film to use for my first review!