Movies in Theaters July 30 2013

     First of all, you should know that the movie theatre in my town CLOSED a few months ago and it has been VERY HARD on me.  I have to drive at least half an hour to a movie theatre and it's just not the same.  But, happy news - the theatre in my town will be opening on Thursday - just in time for the kids to go back to school!
     Anyway, I have managed to see a few movies and this is what I think about them:
     Go See It - R.I.P.D.
          I love Ryan Reynolds so I was really looking forward to this movie but it surpassed even my expectations - and not just because of Mr. Reynolds! I really liked the way they handled the idea of death and becoming used to your own death. I love movies where people sacrifice for the good of the entire world - so inspiring.
     On top of all of this inspiration and learning, Ryan Reynolds and Jeff Bridges are hysterical and good looking.  Such a great idea to make them look different to the people around them too (Marissa Miller is gorgeous!).  I just don't think you can get a better combination (can I get an amen?).  I've always liked Mary-Louise Parker and she lives up to her hype in this as the Proctor for the RIPD.   For some reason, I didn't realize that Kevin Bacon was in this until he showed up on the screen.  So many great actors together have got to make a great movie.  Go See It!

     Go See It - Despicable Me 2
     If you see no other movie this summer, you have got to see Despicable Me 2.  It is better than the first one.
     The girls are even more charming in this one - I just love Agnes and her sweet relationship with Gru.  And we get to see Margo growing up and falling in love.  Of course, the Minions are fantastic and we all want to have a couple of them live at our house.
     I really don't want to give much of the story away but I will say this - don't announce what weapon you're using until after you use it.  Trust me.  Go See It!

     Go See It - Red 2
     I'm not sure if Red 2 is better than the first one but it's certainly not worse like most follow-up movies are.  Usually we have to wait for the end of the trilogy to get to the best movie but so far, both "RED" movies are great.  There is humor, lots of a**-kicking, and even love.
     Mary-Louise Parker must have been busy recently to have two movies out this summer and she shines in this one as Frank's thrill-loving girlfriend.
     I can't say enough good about Bruce Willis - he is so charming and sweet and kick-a**!  It's a very likable combination.  He may play similar parts in all his movies but he SOOO good at it.
     John Malkovich adds just the right amount of crazy to the mix with his paranoid warnings (if they really are after you, is it really paranoia?).  He is very funny and a caring friend in his own weird way.
     Of course, the incomparable Helen Mirren continues to dazzle with her wit and hard as steel "wet work."  I would never have thought to put her in a movie like this but she is great as a secret assassin.
     I'm sure you've all seen Catherine Zeta-Jones in the trailers.  She is perfect as a Russian spy who has a history with Frank (Willis).  I love how she walks into the scene and you just know she's totally in charge.
     The surprise actor in Red 2 is Anthony Hopkins.  I don't want to spoil anything about the movie so I'll just say that Hopkins is a great actor.
     Byung-Hun Lee (Storm Shadow from G.I. Joe Retaliation) is my new favorite action hero.  He has some great lines and some great actions in this movie.  I loved what he does after he gets handcuffed to a freezer door in a convenience store.  Awesome.  Also, if you haven't seen G.I. Joe Retaliation, you should see it just for him.

     Wait for Video - Turbo
     Feel free to see this one in theaters if you want to but I don't know that it will be better.  Certainly don't waste you money and see it in 3-D.  It is a very cute movie and I like the moral of the story but if you don't have time to get to the theaters, don't feel bad.
     Actually, there are several morals to this story - follow your dreams no matter what, the little guy can win if he just has a big enough heart, sometimes the "different" one becomes the hero and I'm sure there are more.  It's definitely a feel good movie and I will admit to being a little tense when it looked like there wouldn't be a happy ending but I should have just had faith in DreamWorks!
     I did like several of the lines in the movie - "White Shadow!" and Samuel L. Jackson was as cool as ever.  There are some good laughs and you'll definitely want to see this eventually but there is no hurry.
     Although many people will want it in their video library, it's no Toy Story.  So, my advice is: Wait for Video on this one.