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‘The Impossible’ starts out on an airplane. A lovely British family, Maria Bennet (Naomi Watts), her husband, Henry (Ewan McGregor) and their three young sons are off to Thailand for an idyllic Christmas vacation. What could be better?

When they arrive at their resort, they are even given an upgrade. The family now has a beautiful, luxurious beachfront villa to while away the hours and days.

After presents are exchanged, everyone heads down to the pool where they join their fellow happy holiday tourists.

The scene is serene…absolutely perfect…That is…until there’s a distant rumble. Before anyone can give the noise a second thought…

A TSUNAMI HITS…and Maria and her eldest son, Lucas (the wonderful Tom Holland) are swept away into the rushing water and separated from Henry and the two other boys, Simon (Oaklee Pendergast) and Thomas (Samuel Joslin).

First I must say the CGI effects are absolutely brilliant. The cinematographer (Oscar Faura) and the director, Juan Antonio Bayona (The Orphanage) decided to shoot this from the tourists POV.

We see the wave THROUGH their eyes…a dark, brown mass coming toward them, knocking down thick palm trees, hurling cars, lifting buildings and people into the air. . The wave sweeps over everyone and everything.

And then there’s Maria…She’s knocked through a glass wall, then emerges in the middle of swirling debris.

Maria frantically searches for her son…screaming his name over and over again…and finally…miraculously…she sees him in the distance. Somehow they manage to reach each other and from here on out…

We watch, as the two of them, not knowing if the rest of their family is dead or alive, struggle to survive. And believe me, at the end of the movie, you feel as if you’ve been put through the ringer.

Naomi is pitch perfect as a mother who will do anything to make sure her son lives and be reunited with her family.

Ewan McGregor is equally as fine as the father desperately searching for the rest of his family.

The fact that this film, written by Sergio C. Sanchez, is based on a true story, made it that much more intense.

‘The Impossible’, which opens in theatres, Friday, December 21, 2012, isn’t what you’d call ‘entertaining’, but it’s definitely worth seeing and for that reason, both John and myself gave it 3 1/2 bagels out of 5.

Check out our video to see what happens when John forgets the bagels.

‘Zero Dark Thirty’ directed by the brilliant Kathryn Bigelow and written by her partner, Mark Boals (‘The Hurt Locker’) opens with the horrific voices of people trapped in the towers and those on the ground on 9/11

We then cut to an U.S. facility in Pakistan. The year is 2003. We meet Maya (Jessica Chastain) a recently hired CIA operative. She is being given a lesson on the necessity of water boarding by her mentor, Dan (the excellent,Jason Clark)

When the torture victim begs May for help, she replies…’You can help yourself by being truthful’.

From here on, Maya and her small group of CIA operatives go on a ten year pursuit of Osama bin Laden. The film gives us an in-depth study on all the major events that led up to his capture…Including…

The London bombings, Obama’s campaign, the various extremely dangerous Navy Seals missions in tracking and capturing one terrorist after another.

Many of the images are disturbing…There are a lot of torture scenes…Of course there is a great deal of violence, but believe me, you will never turn away from the screen.

Personally, I forgot I was watching a film. I was so caught up in the painstakingly detail with which Maya pursued Bin Laden. It’s really interesting that even to this day, she’s never got public credit for capturing the number 1 terrorist in the world. Says a lot for the CIA’S good old boy network.

Kathryn Bigelow has assembled an excellent supporting cast, including James Gandolfini as the head of the CIA, Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Ehle, Mark Strong and Kyle Chandler.

Everything about this film screams Oscar. It has already won many awards and I can see why.

I gave ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ which opens in theatres Wednesday, December 19th, 41/2 bagels out of 5.

Check out our video to see John’s score and hear more of our banter.

They’re back…the orcas, goblins, faires, dwarfs, dragons wizards and Mr. Hobbit, Bilboa Baggins (Martin Freeman) and a camero by Hobbit Frodo (Elijah Wood)

Shot in 48FPS, instead of the usual 24, as well as 3D, Peter Jackson has once again created a visually stunning, exciting, magical film that takes us on a journey through Middle Earth.

The film opens with an aged Frodo (Ian Holm) telling a story. We are instantly transported to the dwarfs’ kingdom known as Erebor. It’s here the little guys are living happily ever after with their gold and gem stones.. That is until they get a visit from a fire breathing dragon known as Smaug. This is one nasty monster.

He not only destroys the Dwarfs home, but Smarf steals the Arkenstone, a beautiful jewel that holds great power.

Okay so after this visually stunning opener, we are then transported to the home of a young Bilboa (Martin Freeman) The little hobbit is living a peaceful, orderly house in Bag End. But his tranquil existence is about to come to an abrupt end.

Out of the blue, Bilboa gets a visit from Gandalf The Grey (Ian McKellan) followed by 13 Dwarfs and their leader, the very sexy and very legendary warrior, Thorin (Richard Armitage).

Gandalf uses every trick in his arsenal to convince the super relunctant Bilboa to accompany the dwarfs on a trek to find their stolen treasure and reclaim their homeland.

Little did Bilboa realize that this journey would be an adventure of a lifetime…

One that takes him and the Dwarfs into the Dark Mountain where they encounter treacherous lands swarming with goblins, orcas, deadly Wargs, giant spiders, sorcerers…and of course…

A fellow named Gollum (Andy Serkis) and his Precious..

It’s here, inside an underground lake, after finding a RING, Bilboa must discover the depth of his courage, as the fate of Middle Earth hangs in the balance.

For those of you who can’t get enough of ‘The Hobbit’ don’t worry…This is the first in a trilogy.

Did I love this film as much as I did ‘Lord Of The Rings’?…No…At times the comedy was a bit too much and bordered on corny. As for the 48 FPS, I didn’t mind it. But I do know many people who absolutely hated it.

Also I would have liked to see more of Cate Blanchett (Galadriel), Hugo Weaving (Elrod) and Christopher Lee (Saruman), but I’m sure their parts will be expanded in future films.

‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, opens in theatres Friday December 14, 2012 and I do urge everyone to see it, whether you’re a fan or not. It’s a sensational piece of filmmaking by Mr. Jackson. Not perfect, but really, really good.

Jackie Cogan (Brad Pitt) is a very laid back guy. He likes to chat with people…He’s very friendly and…he’s a hitman…But Jackie can only kill people that he’s never met and…he can’t kill them up close…Only from a distance. Doesn’t like to hear his victims beg for mercy. Jackie says he likes to…’kill them softly’.

So when a mob protected poker game is robbed, Jackie is sent in by Richard Jenkins aka The Driver, to restore order.

The mastermind behind the robbery is actually a dry cleaner named…The Squirrel (Vincent Curatola) He hires two airheads, Frankie (Scoot McNary) and Russell (Ben Mendelsohn) to the job. Squirrel is convinced that Markie (Ray Liotta) who runs the game, will be blamed for the heist.

Seems years ago, Markie, not only robbed his own game, but was stupid enough to brag about it.

Jackie hires Mickey (James Gandolfini) for the job. Poor, poor Mickey. This is one unhappy hitman. He’s addicted to booze, hookers, and super hung up on his ex wife.

If that’s not bad enough, Mickey got busted on a weapons charge and is out on bail. Only problem is, he missed his court date to do this job for Jackie, and now, he’s a wanted man.

‘Killing Them Softly’, written and directed by Andrew Dominik (;The Assassination of Jessie James’) is based on a 1974 crime novel, ‘Cogan’s Trade’ written by George V Higgins.

It’s been updated to 2008 and the TV news plays in the background throughout the film, giving us the voices of Bush, McCain and Obama.

All the hitman in the film are miserable and are constantly complaining about everything. which in a way, makes them all the more human. Whether you like them or not, these guys will definitely entertain you.

Pitt and Gandolfini are outstanding and the scenes they have to together, are the best in the film.

I gave ‘Killing Them Softly’ which opens in theatres, Friday November 30, 2012…31/2 bagels out of 5. John had a different take on the film.

Check out our video for more of our thoughts and his bagel rating.

Pi lives an idyllic life. His house is located in a beautiful lush storybook setting, surrounded by a zoo filled with tigers, hippos, organgutans, monkies, zebras, just to name a few of the incredible animals that live there.

We meet Pi at the age of 5 (Gautan Belur – age 5) and then at 11 (Ayush Tandon). When not in school or studying, he spends his time these fabulous creatures which leads him to develop his own theories about faith, religion, as well as what he believes when it comes to the true nature of humans and animals..

However, when Pi attempts to befriend a 450 lb Bengal tiger named Richard Parker, his father (Adil Hussain) freaks out and winds up teaching him a very harsh lesson about the true nature of this beast.

Years later, Pi’s father and mother (Tabu) decide to relocate to Canada for economic reasons. This news is absolutely devastating for the 17 year old Pi. He doesn’t want to leave his animal friends or his human ones…especially his girl friend (Shravanthi Sainath)

But there is nothing Pi can do about it. The decisiion has been made. The family packs up their belongings, including some of the zoo animals that they intend to sell once they reach their new home, and set sail on a cargo ship.

It doesn’t take long before a monstrous storm breaks out, causing the ship to sink and killing everyone on board, except for…

Pi, the tiger, Richard Parker, a wounded zebra, a female organgutan, a rat and a vicious hyena, who now find themselves adrift somewhere in the Pacific Ocean, sharing a 27 foot life boat.

Pi has to find a way to keep himself and the animals alive and eventually, he must bond with the ferocious Richard Parker…his mortal enemy.

‘Life Of Pi’ written by David Magee is based on Yann Martel;s award winning novel which spent years on the bestseller list. Lee’s vision, coupled with stunning 3D visuals, including flying fish, a breaching whale and luminous jelly fish that light up the night sky, has turned this beloved novel into a magical, mesmerizing, beautiful film about faith, hope and survival. Plus it’s done with a great deal of humor…Something you better have if and when you’re lost and sea with a Bengal tiger.

Rounding out the cast is Gerard Depardieu, as the ship’s nasty french cook, Irrfan Khan as the adult Pi, Ayan Khan (Pi’s brother) and Rafe Spall as the writer.

The only problem I had was how Lee book-ended the film. It just didn’t fit with the rest of the movie. But despite that, I still gave ‘Life Of Pi’ which opens in theatres, Wednesday, November 21, 2012…4 1/2 bagels and John did the same.

So here’s the good news…Bella loves being a vampire…loves the power, the speed, that it brings her. She loves her husband and her baby. In fact, the Cullen crew including Peter Facinelli, Elizabeth Reaser, Ashley Greene and Kellan Lutz are all living in the country in what can only be described as…bliss. Even wolfman Taylor Lautner has come abroard. Seems he’s imprinted on the baby and now he has no choice but to protect her with his life…

Of course that doesn’t last long. Irina (Maggie Grace) comes for a visit, but before she can even say hi, she spots Renesmee in the woods flying above the trees and thinks she’s an IMMORTAL child…a child who gets bit and becomes a vampire. This is a big no-no.

Irina instantly reports this information to the VOLTURI clan and now Bella and the Cullens have to gather allies to face them or be destroyed.

The whole cast, especially Michael Cullen as the head of the Volituri’s doing an excellent job of bring their super entertaining characters to life. Each one of the vampires have special abilities that make them memoriable.

‘Breaking Dawn Part 2’ directed by Bill Condon and written by Melissa Rosenberg (based on Stephanie Meyer’s bestselling novels) is a fantastic end to the Twilight Saga. It’s exciting, full of surprises, even funny and in my opinion, my favorite of all the films.

It’s for that reason I gave Breaking Dawn-Part 2, which opens in theatres, November 16th, 2012…4 1/2 bagels out of 5 and miracle of miracle, John didn’t hate it.

Check out our video for more of our banter and John’s bagel score.

‘Skyfall’ directed by the super talented Sam Mendes gives us a very different James Bond.

Every so often a film comes along that is original, quirky, poignant and surprising. ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ written and directed by David O’ Russell (‘The Fighter’) is just such a movie.

The film explores the struggles, eccentricities and obsessions of everyday people. In this case the Solantano family.

Pat Solantano Jr, (Bradley Cooper, who’s never been better) has just spent 8 months in a mental hospital for beating up his co-worker and fellow teacher.

Actually he practically killed the guy. Now, I’m not condoning violence, but Pat did find the dude having sex with his wife, Nikki (Brea Bee) in the shower. To add insult to injury, Pat and Nikki’s wedding song, ‘My Cherie Amour’ was playing in the background.

Of course, now everytime Pat hears that song playing, he goes absolutely crazy…which becomes problematic.

Anyway Pat is released to his parents, Pat Sr. (Robert DeNiro) and Dolores (Jacki Weaver, ‘Animal Kingdom’) custody and moves back into their home.

Pat is determined to live a positive life and to find the silver lining in everything.. He’s convinced that his new attitude will win back Nikki.

While Pat is struggling to keep it all together, into his life walks super dysfunctional, Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) a young, depressed widow, who’s policeman husband was killed in a car accidnet. For a long time, Tiffany drowned her sorrow by having sex with everyone in her office, leading to her dismissal.

Pat and Tiffany’s relationship, as well as Pat’s relationship with his father, who has major OCD, is the heart of this film.

DeNiro hasn’t had a part this good in a long time. Yes, Pat Sr. is funny, but he’s also a man terrified of losing control and De’Niro’s brings a rawness to the part that makes you care deeply about his character.

Cooper nails his complex character as well. Pat Jr. is an abrasive, vulnerable, explosive guy, who just happens to be bi-polar. Now that’s alot to deal with.

Rounding out the cast is Chris Tucker as Pat’s friend from the mental hospital, Anupam Kher, Pat’s shrink, Julia Stiles as Tiffany’s uptight sister and John Ortiz as her overly stressed, submissive husband.

I loved ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ which opens in theatres Friday November 17, 2012 and for that reason…I gave it 4 bagels out of 5. Check out our video for more of our banter and of course, for John’s bagel rating.

Don’t want to spoil the fun, so I’ll just talk about the plot with broad strokes.

The film begins in Instabul where Bond (Daniel Craig) finds fellow MI6 agent Ronson, critically wounded and the hard drive of a laptop missing. Bond goes after the thief, hitman, Patrice (Ola Rapace) and we have the standard exciting car chase, motorbike chase and finally the two men wind up fighting on the top of a moving train.

At the same time, fellow spy, Eve (Naomie Harris) who has the bad guy in the cross hairs is ordered by M (Judi Dench) to take the shot. Eve doesn’t want to for fear of hitting Bond. But M is adamant…TAKE THE SHOT. She does…hits Bond who falls into a raging river.

That’s right folks, Bond is dead…Well not really, but everyone thinks he is. And James likes it like that. Why shouldn’t he. He’s on an island somewhere in bed with a hot babe.

However when he finds out that there’s been an explosion at headquarters, he decides it’s time for him to resurface. And it’s a good thing too.

Seems the Chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee, Gareth Mallory (Ralph Fiennes) has informed M that the stolen computer disc contained the list of every undercover NATO agent embeded in terrorist organizations around the world and they are being killed.. He tells her that she showed poor judgement in handling the situation and it’s time for her to retire.

Yeah, like that’s going to happen.

‘Skyfall’ is basically a film about revenge. And no one does revenge better than Javier Bardem. He’s absolutely fantastic as Raoul Silva the man determined to bring down M and her organization.

Rounding out the cast is Albert Finney, Ben Whishaw as Q and Berenice Marloe.

‘Skyfall’ which opens Friday November 9, 2012, written by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and John Logan is an intelligent, exciting and in the end, surprising film that won’t disappoint fans or those new to the genre.

I loved this film and gave it 4 1/2 bagels out of 5. Check out our video to see John’s bagel rating and for more of our thoughts.

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Steven Spielberg has directed a riverting, intense, exciting, fascinating film about the President of the U. S. that placed everything to the line to pass the 13th amendent to the consitution ending slavery throughout the country.

And let me tell you…this was no easy task. Thank goodnesdd he had anti-slave Congressman, Thaddeus Stevenson (Tommy Lee Jones. who’s never been better) and Secretary of State William Seward (David Strathairn) on his side. Seward even hires a trio of hooligans (John Hawkes, Tim Blake Nelson and James Spader) to do whatever they need to do to get Lincoln the votes.

What I found most interesting and apparently forgot from my history classes was that it was the Republicans that were anti-slavery. The Democrats were vehemently pro-slavery and it wasn’t only the Southern democrats…New Jersey, New York, Massachusettes not big on the whole freedom thing at that time.

‘Lincoln’ was written by the award- winning playwright, Tony Kushner ,(Angeles In America) and he does a fantastic job in capturing Lincoln the man, his relationship with his wife, Mary (Sally Fields) and is son, Robert (Joseph Gordon-Levitt). He also shows us what a shrewd and clever politican the Lincoln was, willing to make back room deals to get this amendment pass.

The film takes place in 1865…the war is still raging, but the South is losing. Lincoln has just four months to get this passed. Once the war ends, it’s over. No one will care about passing it…This guy is up against the clock.

Daniel Day Lewis has never been better. His performance is absolutly memorizing and I predict, he will get another Oscar for his work.

Speilberg who I felt missed badly with ‘War House’ has redemmed himself with this great movie. And for that reason, I gave ‘Lincoln’ which opens in theatres, Friday November 9th, 5 bagels out of 5.

John wasn’t as passionate as I was about this film, but he did enjoy it…kind of. Check out our video to see his bagel thoughts and more of our banter.

After the crash, Whip is hailed a ‘hero’, but he certainly doesn’t feel like one. To avoid the press, he escapes to his childhood farm where he tries to kick the booze.

At first, he’s successful…Even has some help from an exjunkie (Kelly Reilly) who he met during his hospital stay. All goes well at first…No alchol and lots of loving from Kelly. But when National Transportation Board starts to investigate Whip for being high on the morning of the flight (which he was) Whip once again, picks up the bottle and doesn’t put it down until…Well don’t want to SPOIL anything, so I better move on.

The big problem I had with ‘Flight’ directed by Robert Zemckis (‘Forest Gump’, ‘Castaway’) is that the film had a very familiar, ‘old fashion’ feel to it. It’s a story we’ve seen so many times…An alcoholic who won’t face the fact that he is an ‘alcoholic’.

There’s really nothing new here. Denzel does a good job portraying a character in denial, but we never learn what causes him to drink…We never see or understand Whip’s demons and for me, that’s a big problem.

The supporting cast is fine…John Goodman as the comic relief, gives a very entertaining, over the top performance as Whip’s drug dealer…

Don Cheadle, Whip’s lawyer and Bruce Greenwood, head of Pilots union spend most of their time trying to keep Whip sober.

Finally, Brian Gereghty as Whip’s born-again co-pilot was quite good.

‘Flight’ written by John Gatine, opens in theatres Friday, November 2, 2012. I gave it 2 1/2 bagels out of 5 with a schmeer. Check out our video to see John’s rating and for more of our bantering.

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