Fei ying (Silver Hawk) (2004)

silverhawkThe audience for “Silver Hawk,” will be split in two groups. One group will despise it for being the usual fluffy science fiction blockbuster malarkey, while the other group will enjoy it for the guilty action and camp. And you can’t really blame either for their thoughts. Michelle Yeoh’s actioner “Silver Hawk,” makes no bones about itself. It’s a really ridiculous and utterly moronic action film. You can see that by the fact that only within a minute the action begins without much preamble to recollect. Silver Hawk leaps over a bridge on her motorcycle and gets to work. Like a “Matrix” fan girl, Lulu Wong is a vigilante who, with her silver outfit, sneaks around stealthily, dons some odd sunglasses, and kicks the asses of anyone who dare confronts her during a mission.

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Mission: Impossible III (2006)

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You just have to appreciate Paramount’s willingness to continue the “Mission: Impossible” franchise in the face of lackluster stories, with very good directors who fix the series to their own styles, yet keep the spirit. There was Brian DePalma’s overrated and cerebral original installment, then John Woo’s brainless, nonsensical but fun sequel, and now, as a last ditch effort, we have J.J. Abrams, creator of one of the most popular spy shows of all time, “Alias.” They have the right idea in mind. Spy movie, recruit spy show director. Voila. Instant magic. Instant magic? Not particularly.

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The Dukes Of Hazzard: The Complete Seventh Season (DVD)

DOH-7Season Seven with the Duke Boys found the audience corralled with the likes of Mr. Tom Wopat, and John Schneider as the Duke Boys taking on all sorts of bushwhackers and whatnot narrated by Mr. Waylon Jennings. “The Dukes of Hazzard: The Complete Seventh Season” has a dedication to Mr. Jennings and a music video featuring the three stars, but the series is where the following will take pure satisfaction.

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Material Girls (2006)

500fullIf I could have a wish for Christmas, it’d be to take Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, Kevin Federline, anyone from “American Idol,” and the Duff Sisters, strap them into a bus, drive it off a cliff, and then shit on the charred remains. “Material Girls” is proof that you don’t need brains, talent, or appeal to have a considerable hit film. You just need connections, the right marketing, and a great idea of your niche audience. Fans of the Duffs finally have a film to look forward to while they’re doing their nails and staring off into space. The Duffs aren’t the Barrymores, that’s obvious.

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Curious George (2006)

“Curious George” takes the adaptation in the right direction, with new character changes that work well. As a fan of the book series, and as someone who grew up reading this wonderful series, I was anxious to see “Curious George.” And the child in me wasn’t let down. The man in the yellow hat is now named Ted. And his yellow suit is one he was tricked into wearing. And I like it. Many other questions are answered in this big screen animated adaptation (How did George get his name?) that I can describe as one of the most adorable animated films I’ve seen in years.

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Hot Wheels Acceleracers, Vol. 4 – The Ultimate Race (DVD)

hotwheels_wp1_1280x1024If you’re a fan of “Oban Star Racers,” or “Speed Racer,” movie 4 of the “Acceleracers” series will please tween boys with bright animation, epic car races, and stories simplistic enough to keep their attention. This final installment involves the Acceleracers devising a plan to save one of their kidnapped team mates Wylde brother of the hero Kurt. To do this they have to open the Cosmic Realm, a dimension of twists and turns and infiltrate Racing Drones Headquarters, and the action beefs up for this last go around. Are you excited?! I sure am! Even though I have no idea what I just wrote! Can you get your son to explain to me?

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District B13 (2004)

1I don’t know. Perhaps I’m burned out on action films, particularly from action films with flashy stunts that don’t serve much of a purpose. In the end, “District B13” is a string of action sequences featuring shoot outs, fight scenes, and acrobatics, and not much of a story or characterization to keep us watching. I mean sure, the action scenes are great, but I couldn’t pretend to care when I wasn’t sure who was who and what the grand plot of the entire film is supposed to be.

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