Sucker Punch

Baby Doll is a young girl with a hard life. Her mom dies, her stepfather kills her little sister, pins it on her, then sends her off to a mental institution for a Lobotomy. Here begins Sucker Punch which basically depicts the alternate realities Baby Doll imagines, perhaps to help her escape or cope with her present environment. If you're looking for a great story, you're not gonna find it here. The movie jumps from scene to scene without giving explanation or logic. However if you're into action, special effects and graphics the movie excels. That's about all it has going for it, the acting was mediocre, and the cast was random. Just like Watchmen, this was a bust and what the hell was Jon Hamm (Don Draper) doing in this movie?? I give it 2.5 JUICY MANGOES.

Jane Eyre

I was never a fan of this book or movie, I read Wide Sargasso Sea first (for CXC) and I loved it. I felt a greater affinity to the 'Mad Wife' and being the passionate person I am, was against Jane Eyre which portrayed her in a negative light. However for some reason unknown to me I drew an interest to this film, maybe time lessened my distaste, and I'm glad it did. This is the best movie I've seen this year so far, it had all the elements that drew me in. Wasikowska was elegant as Jane Eyre, she did this role great justice, and Fassbender as Rochester was just juicy. The chemistry between the two were great, and the acting was stellar. Since seeing this movie, my feelings about Jane Eyre have drastically changed. I've been on a Jane Eyre movie watching spree this weekend saw the 1944, 1983 and the 2006 versions. After viewing them all this 2011 version was not the best, but Wasikowska is the best Jane by far. If you're familiar with the story they're no surprises, only difference is that this version uses flashback technique. The movie begins from her exit at Gateshead and vacillates between her adult life and childhood. Beautiful, entertaining from start to finish, if you're into period pieces and romance, this is a must see. I give it 5 JUICY MANGOES.

Battle LA

Another flick I was disappointed in, not because it was bad, but because I was tricked into thinking this was something else. The trailers led you to believe that this was an Alien invasion flick, let me tell you IT WAS NOT. Those aliens could have easily been replaced with the Taliban or some other group and it would have been the same movie. Battle LA was about a group of young marines and their courage and strength during battle with an opponent they knew little about. It was all about protecting the civilians, and leaving no man behind, hell this might have been a long PSA for the marines. The story is fast paced, boring it was not, and there was an all star cast, whose roles were minor or unimportant as the soldiers were the stars of this show. I give it 3 JUICY MANGOES.

Red Riding Hood

After highly anticipating this one for a long time, I was severely disappointed with the results. Hollywood should leave the fairy tales to Disney and Dreamworks because this was pure trash. This tale is very different from the one we grew up with, Red Riding Hood has a name, its Valerie (rolling eyes) and she's a teenage girl living in a medieval village. She's in love with a young wood cutter, but their romance comes to a halt when the wolf that was haunting the village, kills her younger sister. The villagers then set out on rampage to find the wolf, but it turns out the creature they're looking for is Werewolf. A human that was living and eating among them all these years, one that is especially attached to Valerie (it speaks to her LITERALLY). Red Riding Hood's dilemma begins as she doesn't know who to trust, since one of her loved ones is obviously the wolf. A very bad story, the plot had so many holes can't even bother to take it seriously, and lets not talk about the acting. Catherine Hardwicke (the director) takes flopping to a whole new level with this one, especially coming off of Twilight. 1 and a half Juicy Mangoes wait for it on Cable.

Hall Pass

The Farelly brothers strike again with this funny gem about two men Wilson and Sudeikis who are both bored with their marriages. Their wives Fischer and Applegate are given this wild idea about a one week Hall Pass from marriage, which they were reluctant to try at first. However, after several public embarrassments these women are forced to set their guys free to help them release their penned up sexual frustrations. Hilarious from start to finish, if you loved Wedding Crashers, The Forty Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up etc. you'll love this one. Definitely not for children it has a couple graphic scenes but still enjoyable. I give it 3 JUICY MANGOES.

The Kings Speech

Those who know me know that I'm a sucker for period pieces and any movie with the BBC stamp on it, this was no exception. It also doesn't help that three of my favorite actors/actresses are in this movie Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter and Jennifer Ehle. However my review might not be fully biased since the movie did win the Oscar for Best picture, so we know most people share my sentiments. Firth plays the role of King George VI before he becomes king, and his struggles with public speaking. Because of his stammering he has flubbed many public appearances and this adds to his growing insecurities and fears of having to take over the Monarchy. Geoffrey Rush stars as the unconventional speech therapist hired by his wife(Carter) and their journey together made for an excellent film. Not only is he speech therapist, he becomes his psychologist and close friend giving the King all the support and workings needed to become a great speaker. Firth was amazing in his portrayal and his struggles were emotional and gripping. Doesn't sound like much, but the ensemble cast and their performances turned what could have been a dreary film into a British Masterpiece. LOVED IT 5 JUICY MANGOES.

Black Swan

Natalie Portman starts as Nina the timid young girl given the lead role in her ballet company's production of Black Swan. Nina is a skilled dancer and possesses all the character traits necessary for the part of the White swan, however she's the opposite of what the Black swan is supposed to be. She's shy, innocent and scared, the Black swan isn't and the director of the company forces Nina to release that wild person he knows she can be. Nina feeling the strain from the competition, the extreme pressure of pleasing her director and being the lead in this play begins to manifest physically and psychologically. She walks the fine line between sanity and instability which both become blurred in the end. This I believe is the outstanding detail in this movie since it pulls us into Nina struggle, at times its hard to tell what is reality, and what she's imagining. Portman's performance was so great in the movie she deserved the Oscar, there were outstanding performances from the entire cast. Guys and some Ladies will also appreciate the steamy sex scene between Kunis and Portman. AN excellent movie, thrilling and psychological it blew my mind, I give it 4.5 JUICY MANGOES it's a must see.