Reviews written by Jackie K. Cooper

In 2001 the first “Cats & Dogs” movie hit the screen. At that type CGI effects were not as common as they are today so there was some real fun in seeing dogs act as spies to solve the crimes of the world. They moved and acted almost human. Now we get a sequel titled “Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore” and it again features dogs, cats and other animals as secret agents but the newness has worn off and the thrill is gone. Once you get used to once again seeing animals talk and act like humans the movie becomes just another mediocre spy adventure.

Steve Carell and Paul Rudd are two of the most likeable actors in Hollywood but you couldn’t prove it from their latest film “Dinner For Schmucks.” This film takes the talent of these two lead actors and wastes it on a boring, drawn out, mean spirited and worst of all unfunny plot. The movie may be about a meal with odd characters but you will lose your appetite shortly after starting to watch.

Rudd plays Tim Conrad, an up and coming financial planner. He has his eye on a vacancy on his boss’ more immediate staff and makes a play for that position. His boss (Bruce Greenwood) is impressed, so much so that he invites Tim to his house on Saturday night for dinner. He adds that this is a competition as well as a dinner in that each invited employee brings an oddball as his guest. The oddest guest wins, and earns points for the sponsor employee.

When you hear the title “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” many people think of the episode in “Fantasia” where Mickey Mouse gets in trouble with a lot of mops and buckets of water. There is a tip of the hat to that scene in the new live action movie “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” which stars Nicolas Cage and Jay Baruchel. The new movie casts a spell of sorts but it isn’t one effective enough to magically draw audiences into the local theaters.

It is a poorly plotted, poorly acted film that creates an endurance test for audiences who stumble into the theaters where it is playing. The film supposedly lasts one hour and forty three minutes but watching it, it seems a lot longer.

The first rule of successful moviemaking is knowing your audience, and the makers of “Eclipse,” the third entry in the “Twilight Saga” movie series, certainly know theirs. They have taken everything in Stephanie Meyer’s book that is romantic and flung it full force on the screen. This provides us with an up to date look at the Edward/Bella/Jacob love triangle and plays to the emotions and sensitivities of women of all ages.

Cruise and Diaz are big Hollywood stars. They should know better than to get trapped in something as sloppy as this. It all looked good in the trailers but when you see the whole thing it just doesn’t come together. Word of mouth should sink this one fast.

If you are looking for a movie with a plot you can follow, along with some dynamic characters and some rip-roaring action - then this is the wrong movie for you. It has none of the above. The only feeling it will eave you with is - why did they make this movie?

If you like science fiction, and you like it intense and scary then you are going to have a good time with “Splice.” This film takes a horrific premise and utilizes every single drop of creepiness in it. It isn’t a case of visual horror, but rather this film plays with your mind.

If you don't like, love, idolize Russell Brand then you will be bored out of your head at this movie.

'The A Team' is the kind of movie in which you put your mind to sleep and let the visuals take control. Do not try to make any sense of the plot or of the characters. Just take them for how they are presented and enjoy the little bits of personality they do display.