LOCAL BOYS (2002)

Although it may not be everybody's cup of tea, this surfer movie is worth watching. As a matter of fact the surfing scene serves merely as backdrop to what is essentially a coming of age and family drama.

After the tragic death of their cop father, 12 year old Skeet Dobson (Jeremy Sumpter of Peter Pan fame) idolizes his older brother, Randy (Eric Christian Olsen - regular guest star on several TV series). But unfortunately the latter is too busy pursuing his latest fling to pay much attention to his little brother. That is when Skeet meets and starts to hang out with legendary surfer, Jim Wesley (Mark Harmon from the original NCSI TV series) who is also busy dealing with a tragedy of his own. But when Jim also begins to show a romantic interest in the boys' mom, the sparks begin to fly.

As mentioned in the beginning, this movie is watchable even if you are not a fan of surfer flicks. The acting all round is really good and some of the surfing footage is nothing short of breathtaking. I can again recommend this DVD as good and healthy family viewing. I rated it 3 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link:  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FM1ZWfBv2tw

                              Eric Christian Olsen and Jeremy Sumpter

WAR HORSE (2012)

Some of the best stories are about boys and their dogs. Just think of movies like Airbud (1997), Sheeba (2005), the Shiloh series of the late 90's, early 2000's as well as the numerous Lassie renditions over the years. Along the same lines are stories about boys and their horses. Think of Black Beauty (1971), The Black Stallion (1979) and its sequel from 1983 to mention but a few. And to a large extent, this is basically what War Horse is about.

Young Albert (Jeremy Irvine in excellent form) sees a beautiful colt foal being born in the fields of Devon, England. So when his father buys it at auction whist being a bit tipsy, the boy is ecstatic. To appease his upset mom, he undertakes to train the thoroughbred horse, which he in the meantime named Joey, to become a working farm and plough horse. But then WW1 breaks out and Joey is reluctantly sold to a British Cavalry officer. From there on we follow the trials and tribulations of the wonder horse and the lives of all those he somehow impacts on.

This is yet another Steven Spielberg master piece of epic proportions with spectacular scenery and realistic battle sequences. The all English cast is outstanding and the pace is fast enough to keep you glued to the screen. This DVD is recommended viewing for everyone, not only horse lovers. I had no hesitation in awarding it 4 out of 5 stars. 

Trailer link: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhueHIXbTF4

 Some of the spectacular cinematography in this film

RED DAWN (2013)

When the original Red Dawn with Patrick Swayze and Charlie Sheen came out in 1984 the critics did not have much good to say about it. I disagreed and thought it was pretty good. However, when the remake appeared and their opinions tended to be about the same for this second attempt, I am afraid this time around I have to agree.

The premiss is the same: Suddenly one day America is invaded by a foreign power. Only in this movie it is North Korea whilst originally it was the Soviets. A bunch of teenagers under the leadership of an off-duty marine, Jed (Chris Hemsworth) escapes to the mountains where they make their stand against the enemy as a band of guerrillas called the "Wolverines".

Trailer link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW7TsZmFVTQ

Now, in the original it worked because it was made during the height of the cold war. But in this day and age it is a lot less probable. And that on its own sinks this 2013 remake of the movie. Even the capable young cast which, besides Hemsworth, includes names like Josh Peck and Josh Hutcherson is not able to savage it. I would therefor recommend you rather watch the original. And unlike the 1984 version that I rate 3 out of 5 stars I cannot give this rendition more than 2. 

Trailer link (for original):  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRTzUHmx9ZA

Patrick Swayze and team in 1984

 Chris Hemsworth and team in 2013

IF I STAY (2014)

Since she appeared in the first Kick-Ass movie, Chloe Grace Moretz became hot Hollywood property, just like Reese Witherspoon did in the late nineties and Evan Rachel Wood in the early 2000's. And just like the two of them, I am sure we can expect big things from this talented girl in the future as well.

In this romantic drama she plays seventeen year old Mia who is a gifted musician. Her future looks bright but just as she is about to make her breakthrough, tragedy strikes. As she is caught in limbo between life and death, her story unfolds as a series of flashbacks, especially her turbulent relationship with boyfriend Adam (Jamie Blackley); himself a rock musician.

The story is based on the popular novel by Gayle Forman and is told in a powerful and emotional fashion that is not overly sentimental. Therefor it is a chick-flick that can be watched by jocks without having to be afraid they will start crying in front of their girlfriends. It is highly recommended for fans of this genre. I gave it 3 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzzaZTjn468 

 Chloe Grace Moretz and Jamie Blackley