Silver Linings Playbook

Fantastic all around film. Was not planning on seeing it originally, but glad I did. Great acting, writing, storyline, on-screen chemistry and plot. Oscar worthy. This was Bradley Cooper's breakout performance as a serious Hollywood actor. 3 and a half out of 4 stars.

Parental Guidance

Billy Crystal hits a home run with this warming, family comedy. Quality acting, chemistry and a sincere plot. Sure to make your holiday brighter. 3 out of 4 stars.

Guilt Trip

The situations in the film reminded me of my relationship with my mother, which made me love the movie that much more. However, not as laugh out loud funny as I would have expected it to be. Still, an enjoyable experience. 3 out of 4 stars.

Anna Karenina

A shallow, and too long of a film. Lack of sincerity and I felt cold watching it and not because it's set in Russia. 2 out of 4 stars.

Skyfall

An entertaining film that should be taken for what it is: a fictional action thriller about a James Bond who is aging and struggling to find his old ways of success. Of course, he still manages to remain victorious at the end. 2 and a half out of 4 stars.

Argo

Without a doubt, one of the best films I have seen in my short life. Unbelievable story and fantastic job by Affleck. He has earned his stripes with this film. 4 out of 4 stars.

2016 Obama's America

The man behind the film does a good job of educating the easily influential. However if someone has a brain in their head, they can easily question the basis of the filmmaker's intentions. If I did not know any better, I could have bought into what he was selling too. 2 out of 4 stars.

Hope Springs

Meryl Streep is brilliant as usual but there was something missing from this film, much like something was missing from the pair's on-screen chemistry. 2 and a half out of 4 stars.

People Like Us

Darker than advertised film that has an element of addictiveness to it. Acting was over-done but the story had good intentions. 2 and a half out of 4 stars.

Madagascar 3

Stupid children's movie. Drawn out to fill the hour and a half. 2 out of 4 stars.

To Rome With Love

Not Woody Allen's best but still a collection of enticing stories that are relevant to people everywhere. 2 and a half out of 4 stars.

Ted

Hilarious story and cast was perfect. Ted made me want to take him home despite all the trouble he caused. Definitely recommend. 3 out of 4 stars.

Rock of Ages

Great musical numbers and attractive characters. 3 out of 4 stars.

The Dictator

3 out of 4 stars. Absolutely disgusting but hilarious. Have not had this much fun watching a movie in a while.

The Avengers 3D

3 and a half out of 4 stars. Brilliant special effects. More could have been done to develop characters for those who aren't in tune with Marvel Comics.

The Five Year Engagement

2 out of 4 stars. Funny moments but unable to keep the audience interested in story. Drawn out.

The Vow

1 and a half out of 4 stars. Awkward and shallow. Good performance by main stars but the rest of the cast didn't fit.

The Artist

4 out of 4 stars. Easily the best film of 2011. Simple with an abundance of meaning.

Joyful Noise

2 out of 4 stars. Great musical numbers but a weak story. Enjoyable as a fan, not so much as a critic.

NEW FORMAT. RATINGS ONLY

From now on, film reviews will not be posted any longer. Instead I will simply rate the film out of 4 stars as I have since the start of this blog.

I have launched my new Yankees blog and it can be viewed at http://yankeestalkwithmike.blogspot.com/

Thanks for all your support.

The Iron Lady

3 and a half out of 4 stars. Brilliant acting by Meryl Streep. Oscar worthy performance.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked

2 out of 4 stars.