"Hunger Games"

Checked out the movie based on the book "Hunger Games".  Easily makes the first date rating.  Some differences in the movie compared to the book.  Still did a good job with it!  Now are they going to follow more movies based on books two and three!

"Rum Diary"

Johnny Depp in a movie set in 1950's Puerto Rico.  Taking on a job with a Newspaper, Johnny works (more like drinks a lot of rum) his day job....

 

Sorry "Sports Fans" could not get past the first 45" of the movie.  Called it short and put in a different DVD.  This one is not a first date movie!  Don't subject your budding relationship to this movie, else suffer the consequences!

"In Time"

Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried in a movie where people are allotted 1 year to live after they turn 25.  That one year is used like money.  You spend it to pay for things like food as well as work to earn more.  Depending on how you manage your time, you can live forever or die suddenly.

Good movie, safe for a first date.  But, have to admit a weakness for Amanda's movies.  Also, did like Cillian Murphy in his role as a "Time Keeper".

"Double"

Richard Gere and Topher Grace play a retired CIA Agent and an FBI Agent, respectively.  They are teamed together to find "Cassius" - a Russian Hitman/Agent, that has come out of hiding and killed an US Senator. 

Richard was responsible for tracking down Cassius' team of assassins.  He succeeded in neutralizing them except for Cassius. Now retired, he is satisfied with leaving things "as is".  Topher is a young FBI Agent who earned a Master's Degree writing a thesis on Cassius' exploits.  Now that he has resurfaced what better team to assign the case than Richard and Topher!

Hold as a first date movie as the movie drags a little at times; let's not start a first date with moments that drag along... hint, hint, hint.  But, do check it out.  Was entertained and enjoyed the twists and turns of the plot.

"What's Your Number"

Anna Faris and Chris Evans in a comedy about love and finding that one and only!  Except Anna becomes fixated with the number of men she slept with in the past. Funny movie with entertaining moments.... Would hold off as a first date movie. But, would rent it afterwards!

"Flypaper"

Patrick Dempsey, Ashley Judd, and a host of others in a comedy about a bank robbery gone wrong.  Lots of twists and turns.  A funny movie that rates a first date.  Like how things unfold as described by Patrick Demspey!

"Real Steel"

Hugh Jackman in a movie about a down and out ex-boxer dealing with family issues (ex-wife dies, gains custody of their young son), money issues from losing robot matches, and personal issues like being less self-centered.  Liked the futuristic "Robot Style Boxing".  Thought it would be corny but was pleasantly surprised!  Giving this one a First Date Rating!  Don't pass the chance to rent this one!

"Girl With The Dragon Tattoo"

Daniel Craig plays Mikeal Blomkvist in this murder/mystery based on the book with the same title.  Convicted of libel and forced to distance himself from his Magazine, Mikael takes on a job to investigate the disappearance of a young girl from a rich family.  The twist is that it happened over 30 years ago, the body was never found, and he is hired by the family patriarch – Henrik Vanger.

 

Liked the book, liked the movie,... but better hold off as a first date movie.  Graphic scenes may snip a budding relationship before it can start!

"Ides of March"

Ryan Gosling and George Clooney in a movie about a Governor's election run for President.  George is the Governor; Ryan is a key lead in the Campaign Management Team, not quite the Campaign Manager but is his right-hand man.  Things are going well until some "political moves" are made that create mistakes, lead to pitfalls, and even death! Liked the movie, save for the ending... could have done better with it.

 

Hold off on watching it as a first date.  Rule of thumb: "Don't watch movies about politics for a first date!"

 

"Killer Elite"

Jason Statham takes the lead in his role has a mercenary for hire.  Blackmailed into killing enemies of an Omani Sheik, he and his team begin "taking out" certain British SAS soldiers responsible for the deaths of the the Sheik's sons.

 

"B-Movie" with a lot of potential.  Kept watching because it was based on a true story and I like Jason's movies normally.  Else, don't see this one for a first date!

"Contagion"

Movie with Matt Damon, Gwenyth Paltrow, and others that shows viewers how quickly a contagious person can affect others.  In this case, millions throughout the world become sick and die.  While this disease rages, doctors and scientists work feverishly to find a cure.  In parallel, a panic sets in and people get violent!

 

Good movie but do pick another one for a first date given the theme of this one (also there is reference to a extramarital affair)!

"The Kings Speech"

Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush star in a movie about King George VI and a Speech/Linguist Teacher, charged with helping the King overcome his stuttering!  Did not know that King George had a speech impediment.  Colin does a great job as the King.  Geoffrey does equally (if not better) as the Teacher!  Liked the movie; safe first date movie.  And, being just under 2 hours long, you have time to do other things that may possibly lead to that next date!

"Apollo 18"

... documentary like movie of the last space mission to the Moon.  Covert operations and secrecy has kept this mission from the public for years.  But, with the recent discovery of video footage, the movie lends credence to other reasons why the US has chosen not to return to the Moon.

 

Good movie that kept viewers interested in the ending.  But, would not rate this one as a first date movie.  Hold on this one for now and pick a different one to watch with that special someone.

"Lincoln Lawyer"

Matthew McConaughey and Ryan Phillippe star in this crime drama.  Matthew is a lawyer, who works in a Lincoln Town Car.  He has a driver to take him places since he lost his drivers license.  Ryan is a rich kid accused of assaulting a prostitute.  Ryan's mother hires Matthew to get him out of jail.

 

Good movie, okay first date movie,... just tread lightly since the movie is about a man who beats women.  Liked the twists and turns.  For more details check it out on IMDB.

"Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol"

Another in the Mission Impossible franchise.  Not a big fan but actually liked this one.  A few twisting and turning and light-hearted comments from Simon Pegg.  Glad to have watched this one at the theater, just did not like the late night time (chosen by my significant other). Consider it a a safe first date movie!

"Everything Must Go"

Will Farrell takes the lead role in this IFC style movie.  Accused of sexual harrassment, he is let go from his job.  Divorce looming in the near future and banned from his house, he ends up living in his front yard.  Forced to sell his belongings, he decides to sell everything!

Good movie for viewers who like independent films.  Would wait as a first date movie. Do watch later though.... If you like IFC!

"The Debt"

Movie with Helen Mirren as an Israeli Mossad agent.  Her team is on a mission to capture a Nazi doctor and bring him in for war crimes.  But, things don't go as planned.

Good movie.  Like the turn of events and the ending.  Would wait as a first date movie but would rent it later as the relationship matures.

"30 Minutes or Less"

Comedy with Jesse Eisenberg and Aziz Ansari, who have been best friends since childhood!  Jesse is a pizza delivery man and Aziz is a substitute teacher.  Jesse has a thing for Aziz's hottie for a sister but Aziz does not approve.

In parallel to the opening storyline, Danny McBride and Nick Swardson are also best friends.  Danny is the mastermind; Nick is the crony.  Together they scheme to hire an assassin to kill Danny's father played by Fred Ward.  Why?  So Danny can inherit the remaining millions of dollars his dad won from the Lotto!

While brainstorming the plan to kill Danny's father, Danny and Nick see a pizza commercial on the television.  It is this point that starts the main storyline... Jesse and Aziz rob a bank because Danny and Nick strapped a bomb to Jesse and will blow him up if he does not do what they tell him!

Funny moments, borderline for a first date movie only because its about blackmailing someone to do illegal things.  Still was entertaining to watch!

"The Help"

Not much more to say about this one other than we like Emma Stone, we like the movie, and it is a definite safe first date movie.  Here is a link to IMDB that provides more details!

"Rise of the Planet of the Apes"

James Franco stars in a prequel of the Planet of the Apes!  It shows how things began and hints to the origin of how Apes became the dominant species on Earth.  Liked the storyline and the characters - especially John Lithgow's portrayal of the confused father, stricken with Alzheimers.

Safe first date movie.  Do rent this one when you get a chance!

"Hangover Part 2"

Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakas, and Justin Bartha return for another bachelor party.  This time it's in Thailand for Stu's (Ed Helms) wedding.  Not wanting to relive Las Vegas, they all agree to have a low key get together with "sealed" bottles of beer as their only alcohol.  It did not work,... hang on for another wild ride of "what did we do last night" flashbacks!

Funny moments but hold off as a first date movie.  Several scenes will shut down a chance for a new relationship to grow into something more!

"Friends with Benefits"

Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis star in this "romantic comedy".  Justin is a hotshot art director /marketing guru.  Mila is a recruiter who is working with GQ Magazine to hire Justin.  Things go well and Justin accepts the job at GQ.  One thing leads to another and Justin and Mila, both tired of relationships, agree to have sex with no strings attached.

 

Funny moments, was entertained, just hold off as a first date.  The theme of friends with benefits should be enough to make it a non-first date movie.  But, add the sex scenes and it definitely is a no go for a first date.  Do check it out, just wait till later.

"Change Up"

Ryan Reynolds and Justin Bateman play best friends in this comedy.  Storyline is similar to other movies where two people switch places as a result of a "wish".  In this movie, two best friends – one is single and carefree and the other is married with kids and has a career, switch lives and learn the good and bad about what each lifestyle brings.

 

Funny moments and was entertained but would wait as a first date movie.  Especially, the unrated version... kinkiness and "what not" may damage a relationship before it gets started.

Horrible Bosses

Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, and Jason Sudeikis hate there bosses.  To the point that they must kill them.  After being swindled by a "hitman" that they thought would do the killing for them, they take on the task themselves. Funny movie but would hold on as a first date.  A lot of situations may not be appropriate for a relationship just starting out.  Else, do check it out when you get a chance.  Great seeing Kevin Spacey as a psycho boss, Jenifer Aniston as the sexy but sexual harassing Dentist, and Colin Farrell as the coke addicted inheritor of the family business!

"Zoo Keeper"

Kevin James plays a "not so good at love" Zoo Keeper in this movie.  It's a mix of comedy, romance, and talking animals.  Safe first date movie,... but kinda drags along in the laughs department.  Still liked it but am glad to have rented it instead of seen it at the Theater.

"Captain America: The First Avenger"

Chris Evans plays Captain America.  He starts out as a skinny weakling, designated as "4F" – unfit for military duty.  So, he is unable to join the Army and fight the Nazis!  Somehow, someone notices his motivation to contribute to the War and gets placed into an experimental program.  The program is top secret and puts into play a serum that enhances the human body.  Chris is selected to "guinea pig" the serum,... which transforms him from skinny weakling to superhuman hero!  However, the serum is lost when an extremist German faction kills the inventor and steals the serum.

 

Good movie, but like other "DC Comic" movies would wait as a first date movie.  See it later when you get past the first date.  See more on IMDB.

"Green Lantern"

Ryan Reynolds plays a "hotshot" pilot who fears nothing. Blake is a pilot also and is a key player in the company Ryan and her work for (or is it own).... Cannot recall – old age starting to set in.  Anyhow, Ryan is chosen by the "Green Lantern" – protectors of the Universe from many different worlds!  Yada, yada, yada,... can see why it did not make it big in theaters.  Okay storyline, just not into it though.  Wait as a first date movie.  For more. check out the info on IMBD.

"Transformers: Dark of the Moon"

Shia Lebouf returns for another movie in the Transformers' franchise.  This one has Shia struggling with life after college, a new hottie girlfriend – (who is more successful), and a struggle between the good Transformers and the bad Decepticons!

 

Safe first date movie but would hold on one watching it for a first date.  No big surprises in the storyline,.... But, am biased as a non-Transformers fan.

"Bad Teacher"

Cameron Diaz and Jason Segel are teachers at a public school.  Cameron is not a very good teacher – more like bad, and Jason is a laid back gym teacher.  Cameron does not plan to teach for long but when he wedding plans are canceled by the rich groom, she returns to teaching.  Not motivated, relying heavily on "media" to "teach" the children, she sleeps throughout the day.  That is, until she finds out about a bonus for the teacher whose class does the best on a standardized test!  With this incentive, she turns things around, sort of....

 

Okay movie,.. a rental for a rainy day.  Else, would not watch it for a first date movie!

"Moneyball"

Baseball movie with Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill.  Brad plays Oakland A's General Manager Billy Beane.  Jonah is his Assistant General Manager Peter Brand.  Together, they build a winning baseball team at the lowest price!  How?  Using statistics and a methodology developed by Bill James – Baseball Guru and the "Sabrematician"!

 

Good movie but would wait as a first date movie because it is 2.5 hours long and may not interest the non-baseball fan.  However, if you both like baseball, then go for it!

"X-Men - First Class"

Prequel to the X-Men Franchise that provides the background to the forming of the X-Men and the rivalry between Professor X and Magneto.  Host of actors that you will recognize to include Kevin Bacon!  If you like the X-Men Franchise, then you will be good with this movie.  Safe first date movie, too!

"Thor"

Movie that brings to the big screen the mythical characters of Thor.  Natalie Portman plays a scientist who "bumps" into Thor with her car while on a field experiment with her team.  Slow start but picks up.  Easily a safe first date movie, save for your significant other may swoon over Thor's pecs... glad to have waited for the rental but still consider it a good movie.

"Prom"

... High School movie with some new faces in the cast... safe first date movie with a storyline that revolves around Prom, getting a date, and having to recover from a fire that destroyed the decorations.  So much "turmoil",... enjoyed the movie but glad to have rented it rather than pay a premium at the box office.

"Priest"

... Movie with a number of well known actors/actresses that pits vampires and humans against one another.  Set in apocalyptic world (think desert/western scenes), humans have won the war against vampires as a result of superhuman fighters called Priests.  However, with the war won and the vampires imprisoned, the Priests are no longer needed.  That is, until an army of Vampires strikes!

 

Think sequel based on the movie's ending but still liked it.  Safe first date movie; check it out some time!

"Take Me Home Tonight"

... Topher Grace and Anna Faris play siblings in this comedy set in the 80's.  After gradating from MIT with an engineering degree, Topher moves back to LA.  Living in his parents house and taking a job at Sun Coast Video, he has no idea what he wants to do for a career.  Reminiscing about old times, he recalls a pretty classmate that he had a huge crush on.  Has luck has it, he bumps in to her at the video store where he works.  In an effort to impress her, he fibs about his job (at Goldman Sachs)!

 

Funny movie about Topher and his pursuit of his high school crush.  Check it out when you get a chance; a safe first date movie!

"Paul"

... comedy with Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Justin Bateman, and a host of
others. Storyline revolves around a space alien named Paul – voice by Seth
Rogen, and its escape from the "Government". Simon and Nick are two Sci-Fi
Geeks from England on a quest to visit key UFO landmarks in the USA. While
on their travels, they run into Paul who is on the run.

Funny movie, safe first date movie (save for some profane language here and
there). Was expecting a flop but found it to be funny! Check it out when
you get a chance.

"Unknown"

Liam Neeson plays a biologist who is traveling to Germany for a conference.  Accompanied with his wife, they plan to make the trip a dual business as well as personal trip!  Sounds like a harmless plot (synonymous for boring). However, after a turn of events that start with a lost briefcase, which leads to a car crash, and then partial amnesia, the storyline gets better... easily hooking viewers to watch the movie to find out why his wife does not remember him, an impostor has taken his place at the conference, and also as his wife's husband.

 

Good movie, safe first date movie.  Like the twists in the plot and how things tie together in the end!

"The Eagle"

A Roman Legion is lost in a battle with the Britons and an Eagle is taken by the victors!  Years later the son of the leader of the Roman Legion returns to lead his own men.  However, after a bloody battle, the son is wounded and eventually retired.  Not stopped by his physical limitations, he decides to regain his family honor by recovering the lost Eagle!

 

Hold as a first date movie and save it for a rainy day rental.  Movie was okay, just not one to serve up on a first date.

"Crazy, Stupid, Love"

Comedy with Steve Carrell, Ryan Gosling, Julliane Moore, Emma Stone,.... and others (Kevin Bacon, Josh Groban,...)!  Don't want to give away too much.  Will say... this is a definite first date movie!  Do go see this one when you get a chance.  For more details on the storyline, checkout the link to IMDB.

"Dance Flick"

... spoof of dance movies brought to you by the Wayans Brothers.  Funny moments that poke fun at a number of dance movies.  Consider it light-hearted humor that will have some laughing and other cringing at the sexual/racial innuendos... but that is the norm from a Wayans' movie.

 

Hold as a first date movie.... but if you like the Wayans Brothers and the "In Living Color" humor, then do check it out!

"Sniper Reloaded"

... another movie in the Sniper Franchise.  Billy Zane is back as the experienced "spook".  This time he is there to help Master Gunnery Sergeant Beckett's son who is a Marine Sergeant stationed in the Congo on a UN peace-keeping mission.  Somehow there is a run in with a rogue sniper that kills Sergeant Beckett's squad, setting the plot for a showdown later!

 

Hold as a first date movie.  Consider it a "B" Movie and don't expose a potential long-term relationship to this movie, else risk a second date that will never happen.

"Harry Potter" - Final Episode...

Final episode in the Harry Potter Franchise.... if you are a fan and your potential significant other is one also, then fine for a first date movie.  Else, stray away and choose a different movie.

"Beastly"

Modernized version of "Beauty and the Beast" story with Vanessa Hudgens as the Beauty and Alex Petyfer as the Beast.  Alex is a handsome High School "In Crowd" guy who is cursed by a "Witch" played by one of the Olson Twins!  Vanessa is the Beauty who can break the curse.

 

Not a bad movie, liked how they made modernized it.  Safe first date movie!

"Season of the Witch"

... movie with Nicholas Cage as a Crusader who rescinds his vow to fight heresy after killing a women and children.  Somehow he is pulled into a mission to save the world from the Black Plague brought on by Satan.  Good storyline, just missing something to make it hit.... regardless, not a bad one to rent.  Won't rate it as a first date movie but will suggest to watch it on a rainy day when nothing else is available.

"No Strings Attached"

Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman in a movie about "friends with benefits".  Only problem, they fall for one another.  Not a bad movie... ending was expected.  Would hold on choosing as a first date movie.  Else, not a bad one to rent for a rainy day.

"Adjustment Bureau"

...movie with Matt Damon and Emily Blunt.  Matt is a Senator who loses his re-election bid.  Emily is a stranger that Matt meets by chance.  Their brief encounter causes a ripple effect that leads to Matt's success....  Except, they were supposed to never meet again.  Unknown to everyone is the "Adjustment Bureau" – a secret organization of men wearing hats.  Their purpose is to make sure everyone's life moves according to "Plan"!

 

Liked the storyline and a safe first date move.  Do rent it when you get a chance.

"Just Go With It"

Comedy with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston.  Adam plays a plastic surgeon who fakes marriage to hook up with younger women.  Jennifer is a single mother of two children and Adam's assistant.  When Adam meets "the Woman" of his dreams, everything seems to be going well except she finds Adam's fake wedding ring.  Unable to explain why he has a ring, he is left without a chance at a long-term relationship.  That is, until he tells her that he is married but getting a divorce... a divorce from Jennifer???

 

Not a bad story, harmless first date movie, even had Nicole Kidman playing a role.  Check it out when you get a chance.

"Gulliver's Travels"

Modernized version of the classic story by the same name.  Jack Black plays Gulliver, a mailroom employee at a multi-media company based in New York.  Amanda Peet is an editor at the company and also the woman Jack has a crush on!  So much of a crush that he plagiarizes a travel story, impresses Amanda, and wins an assignment for a travel piece about Bermuda. Too bad, Bermuda becomes the Bermuda Triangle!  After a wicked storm, Gulliver finds himself in the land of the Lilliputians....

 

Not a bad movie, glad to have rented it rather than seeing it a the Theater.  Safe first date movie... PS:  Emily Blunt and others play major/supporting roles in the movie.

"Green Hornet"

... the vintage radio show – the "Green Hornet" comes to the big screen. Seth Rogen plays Britt Reid, a partying playboy and wannabe hero.  When his father dies, he inherits the family newspaper, meets Kato - a gadget wizard and martial arts expert hired by his dad, and somehow blunders on an idea to become the hero he has longed for.  Jay Chou plays Kato and does a great job being the sidekick (although he is the reason the Green Hornet is successful).  Cameron Diaz also plays a role as Britt's secretary – who also is a criminologist.

 

Entertaining movie, liked Kato.  Had a hard time believing Seth Rogen as a Super Hero.  Regardless, not a bad movie.  Safe first date movie.

"Unhitched"

... romantic comedy that we rented at the local video store.  Has Seth Green, Amy Smart, and a host of British actors. Note that the main character is a British actor; Seth Green is his best friend.  Storyline calls for an English Literature Major who graduated and moved on to a writing career that never happened.  Stuck with writer's block he takes on a dead end job as a Personal Assistant at a Publisher.  When a womanizing college buddy asks him to be his best man, things start coming together (or is it apart?) especially when he falls for his friend's fiancé played by Amy Smart!

 

Call this one a sleeper since we heard little about it when it was first released.   Really liked it, a safe first date movie that you and your significant other should enjoy!

"Dilemma"

... movie with Vince Vaughn and Kevin James as best buddies on the verge of a profitable business deal with a major automobile manufacturer.  Except things could go wrong when Vince catches Kevin's wife (played by Wynona Ryder) kissing another man.  Vince does not know if he should tell his best friend, leading to a dilemma that starts affecting his own relationship with his girl friend (Jennifer Connelly), his friendship with Kevin, and possibly their business deal!

 

Overall a god movie, safe enough for a first date.  Only problem was the storyline seemed to drag along at times.  Else, due rent it when you get a chance!

"Country Strong"

Gwyneth Paltrow in a role as a Country Singer on the edge of a breakdown.
Tim McGraw is her Manager and husband. Issues related to an drunken
incident in Dallas while Kelly Canter (Gwyneth) is 5 months pregnant form
the base of the storyline. In parallel, two up and coming Country Singer
and Songwriters play in to the story.

Liked the songs, story was okay, glad to have waited for it to come out in
DVD. Was pleasantly surprised,... but I am a sucker for good music! Safe
first date movie.

"The Tourist"

... Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp play a Secret Agent and a Tourist, respectively.  Angelina is being tracked closely by a number of agencies for her connection to "someone".  That "someone" instructs Angelina to chose a person of same build and height as him and then act as if you know that person. That person is Johnny Depp, an American Tourist!

 

Good movie but slow to start.  Would hold off as a first date movie but would rent it.  PS: Expect a few twists and turns!

"I Love You Phillip Morris"

... movie with Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor as convicts, gay men, and
lovers. Overall, not a good movie. Forget this one, especially for a first
date movie. Not worth the time to watch it nor the $2 to rent it.

"The Fighter"

... movie based on a true story of two brothers played by Christian Bale and Mark Wahlberg who are professional boxers.  Christian plays Dicky Eklund who boxed Sugar Ray Leonard in the prime of his career.  Mark plays his younger half-brother Mickey Ward, a boxer struggling to get a shot at a title but is running out of time as he gets older.

 

Good movie that sets the stage for the climax by detailing the many issues that they are dealing with - drug addiction, terrible manager/promoter who is also their mother, jail time, injuries, and large family (nine children).

 

Would not recommend as a first date movie but would recommend renting it first chance you get, especially to watch the struggling boxer do all he can to reach his goal – a title!  Not a Rocky boxing movie but still a good one.  Moreover, it is a true story!

"Three Days"

... Russell Crowe plays a Community College Professor who is dealing with his "wrongfully" accused wife's life sentence for murder.  He does everything he can legally to clear her name, then turns to the dark side to break her out.

 

Movie starts out slow, then picks up when Russell begins plotting the break out.  A few twists and turns that can leave viewers wondering will they succeed...  Check it out and find out,.. a worthy a first date movie since it is about a Man willing to do anything for the Woman he loves.

"Battle for LA"

... movie with Aaron Eckhart as Staff Sergeant Nantz, a decorated Veteran plagued with the loss of his men while in Afghanistan.  On the verge of retirement, he is pulled back into action when Aliens attack the Earth,  In the US, the military takes its stand to hold the invaders in Los Angeles!

 

Slow start but picks up when the fight starts.  Would hold as a first date movie, also would have been content waiting to watch it on DVD.  Like the spin on the reason why the aliens attack – water is used for fuel for their spaceships.

"Switch"

... comedy with Jennifer Aniston and Justin Bateman as good friends living in New York.  However, Jennifer's biological clock is ticking and she desires a child.  With no serious relationship, she decides to seek a sperm donor.  Justin, her hypochondriac friend, supports her decision but secretly does not like it.  So, when opportunity arises as well as too much alcohol, Justin switches the donor's sperm for his!

 

Safe first date movie with funny moments.  Entertaining but glad to have waited for the DVD instead of seeing at the theater.  Do check it out when you get a chance!

"Morning Glory"

... comedy with Rachael MacAdams, Harrison Ford, and Diane Keaton.  Rachael is young TV News Director that loses her job in an reorganization but quickly bounces back by taking on a jobs for TV morning show, Morning Glory.  Hired on by Jeff Goldblum, Rachael must turn the show around else it will be canceled.  To get things started, she brings on News Veteran Harrison Ford with a chip on his shoulder against "pandering to the TV audience".  Diane Keaton is his co-start in the show and it is readily apparent the two do not get along.  Regardless, Rachael must make the show a success!

 

Safe first date movie, light-hearted comedy with an ending that you know will be for the better.  Check it out and rent it when you get a chance.  Not a gut buster comedy but still a safe first date movie....  For more details, check it out on IMDB.  

"City Island"

Andy Garcia stars in this "dramedy" (drama – comedy).  Andy plays Correctional Officer Rizzo from the City Island (Bronx, NY).  He has a wife, daughter, and a son. They live in City Island, a fishing village in the middle of the Bronx!  Things seem like normal save for a few skeletons in the closet.  Below is the short list of the skeletons:

• Andy wants to be an actor.
• Andy, his Wife, Son, and Daughter all smoke but don't think the others know.
• Andy has another Son who is a felon in the prison where he works. His Son does not know who his Father is.
• No one else knows about the Son in prison.
• The Daughter was in college but was suspended.  She works as a Stripper.
• Andy's other Son who is in High School really likes fat women.

Bottom-line:  A lot of interesting things to play out in a movie... done really well!  Another IFC-style movie that is funny!  Check it out when you get a chance; safe first date movie.

"The Wrestler"

Mickey Rourke and Marisa Tomei in a movie about an aging pro wrestler way past his prime and his personal struggles in dealing with money, family, and health issues.  Mickey wrestles for a living but must give it up because of heart problems.  Marisa is an exotic dancer who befriends Mickey in his retirement.  Without a steady income, Mickey takes a job at a Supermarket but can only stand it for so long...!

 

IFC-style movie that is slow in action.  Would no recommend as a first date movie.  But, if you like independent films, you should be okay watching this one.

"The Town"

Ben Affleck directs and stars in a Cops and Robbers movie set in Boston.  Charlestown is a neighborhood in Boston known for producing bank robbers.  Ben masterminds a bank robbery that goes smoothly save for a hidden alarm triggered by the Bank Assistant Manager.  Ben sees the Manager trigger the alarm but does not tell his buddies.  Ben also notices that the Manager his an attractive woman.

 

Do rent this one when you get a chance; liked the storyline.  Moreover, Ben's interest in the Bank Assistant Manager and their interaction make it a safe first date movie!

"Social Network"

... movie with Jesse Eisenberg as Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. Interesting story of how Facebook started.  Was surprised to learn that Napster founder Sean Parker, played by Justin Timeberlake, played a pivotal role in the Company's success!

 

Good movie but would hold as a first date because both Mark Zuckerberg and Sean Parker started their companies because of ex-girlfriends!

"Devil"

... movie with twists and turns that keeps you guessing.  Religious myths, five people stranded in an elevator, and eventual death is the setting of this movie.  Not a big scary movie fan but in this case, actually liked storyline.  Would hold as a first date movie unless you know your date likes movies that keep you guessing!  Check it out when you get a chance!

"Dinner for Schmucks"

... comedy with Paul Rudd and Steve Carell as a Corporate Analyst trying to climb the corporate ladder and an IRS agent who preserves dead mice, respectively!  Paul has the chance to be promoted if he can find the biggest "Schmuck"" and bring him to a dinner party.  Funny moments with chuckles to be had.... Not a gut buster but enough to keep watching till the movie's end.  Hold this one as a first date movie.  Some may like this humor, others may not.... better to wait till a later date instead of the first date! 

"Wall Street - Money Never Sleeps"

.... Sequel to the 80's Hit "Wall Street" that brings back Michael Douglas as Gordon Gekko -  stock trader and investment banker sent to jail for insider trading.  With no money and a daughter that wants nothing to do with him, Gordon makes do with his life.... until he meets his daughter's boyfriend played by Shia Lebouf.  A few twisting and turning of the plot with scenes of greed and deception.  Liked Josh Brolin in his role as a foil to Shia Lebouf, else the movie had an expected story book ending.

 

Safe first date movie but would hold for a later date. Did not have the same feel that Charlie Sheen and Michael Douglas brought in the first movie!

"Expendables"

... action movie with a host of aging action-hero actors in a "B-Movie" storyline.  Tough to watch, ended up stopping it after thirty minutes.... Too painful to endure.  More painful to see the actors agreeing to do this movie!  Won't list the actors out of respect for their earlier movies.  Not a first date movie!

"Eat Pray Love"

... Movie with Julia Roberts as a woman trying to find herself through food, meditation, and finally love.  Based on the book written by Liz Gilbert.

 

Tread lightly when choosing this one.  Story is interesting mainly because it is about a real life person; however, it is tough to "stay attentive" at times.  Some may like it, others may not... for a first date movie though, would hold off on renting this one.  Wait till later when the two of you can sit in front of the TV for over two hours in silence.

"American"

... movie with George Clooney as an American contracted by "covert operatives" to support their field activities.  In this case, build a weapon and deliver it on time per the specs provided.  A tired George Clooney accepts the assignment but indicates it is his last one then he is done.

 

Action in the first 5 minutes was fast, then it slowed down... A LOT!  To the point of skipping the ending and turning the DVD back in.  However, enduring the slow action, was able to see the movie to its end.  Too bad.... should have returned it.

 

Action was too slow to recommend as a first date movie.  Be wary of this one!

"Salt"

... Spy-Thriller with Angelina Jolie and Liev Schreiber as CIA Agents working on ferreting out a Russian mole.  That is, the Russian mole is Angelina Jolie.  Her mission is to kill the Russian President in order to place blame on the United States!

Fast action, lots of twists and turns, a safe first-date movie.  Just be prepared for an ending that sets the stage for sequels in the future - think "Salt" franchise.  Will see how the storyline plays out....

"Easy A"

... Emma Stone and a host of characters in a movie about a high school girl who gains a reputation as an "easy girl". Emma plays nice girl Olive who tells a little lie to her best friend in order to avoid a camping trip!  Olive lies about having a date that lasted the whole weekend... and loses here her virginity to a "Community College Guy".  The lie spreads, gets out of control, and the truth must get out.

Safe first date movie.  Glad to have rented it instead of watched at the Movies.  Ending was expected but still liked it mainly because I am an Emma Stone fan!

"Going the Distance"

... Drew Barrymore and Justin Long in another "Girl meets Boy Genre" movie.
Drew is a Newspaper Intern working in New York. Justin is a Music Promoter.
Over an incident at the Centipede Arcade Video Game they meet and become
fast friends, lovers, and .... yada, yada, yada! Funny moments, great
scenes with a funny Christina Applegate playing the married and more mature
sister. Even throw in Charley from "Always Sunny in Philadelphia" playing a
friend of Justin's. Liked the movie, especially the lovemaking scene in the
dining room. Safe first date movie, do rent this one!

"Karate Kid" (2010)

... remake of the 80's classic Karate Kid. This time Mr. Miyagi is played
by Jackie Chan and Danielson is played by Jaden Smith - son of Will and Jada
Pinkett Smith. Also, the setting is not Southern California; it is China.
Some similarities to the original storyline with changes made to better fit
the characters instead of the story! Does not have the charm of the
original but consider it a safe first date movie. (Still like the
original).

"Centurion"

... Picts attack a Roman frontier fort and kill everyone save for one Centurion named Quintus Dias.  He is tortured and beaten but somehow escape his captors.  While on the run he is saved by General Virilus' legendary Ninth Legion.  Quintus joins the Ninth Legion on its mission to attack the Picts and kills their leader, Gorlacon.  However, things don't turn out as planned.  Quintus survives a brutal Pict ambush that decimates the Ninth Legion.  Only a few survived the attack and must now evade the Picts....

Good movie with a lot of bloody fight seasons.  But,it is also the reason not to recommend it as a first date movie.  Do rent it though, just wait till you are past the first date!

"Due Date"

Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis star in this comedy about a road
trip from Atlanta to Los Angeles. It started out to be a plane trip but
circumstances from an incident on the plane result in Robert's and Zach's
assignment to the "No-Fly List"! Robert must be home for his pregnant wife
is scheduled for a C Section on Friday; Zach offers to drive them in a
rental car as he is bound for Hollywood.

Funny pair, funny storyline,... a first date movie (save for a scene
involving "self-fulfillment")! Liked the one liners, especially Zach's
eulogy scene where he says, "Dad you were like a father to me...."!

"Grown Ups"

Comedy with Adam Sadler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, and Rob
Schneider as old school buddies getting together after the Basketball Coach
dies. All grown up and a long way from childhood, the five of them and
their families come together for the funeral. This turns into an
opportunity to relive their childhood, experience new and old feelings to
pass on to their children, and to resolve old rivalries!

Funny movie and a safe first date movie! Do rent it when you get a chance.

"The Back-Up Plan"

Jennifer Lopez plays Zoe, a single woman who is ready to start a family but has no husband.  Taking matters in to her own hands, she decides on having one by artificial insemination.  That done, she meets - by chance, her soul mate!  There chance meeting grows into love - yada, yada, yada.  Funny moments, understanding that love is forever, and that no one is leaving.... then, the expected happy ending.  Would save this one for later; hold off as a first date movie.  Tough to relate Jennifer Lopez in the role.  Better suited for Katherine Heigl or Kristen Bell.

"The Chosen One"

Rob Schneider in a more serious role than his norm - an alcoholic used car salesman with a monk for a brother.  Somehow Rob loses faith in himself.  This is made worse when his father commits suicide.  Then, out of South America a group of Shaman show up at his door; they say he is the Chosen One - the only person on earth who can save mankind from its own destruction.  Good movie, hold as a first date though.  Was expecting the comedy and slap stick that Rob is good at....

"Get Him to the Greek"

.... Jonah Hill and Russell Brand team up in this comedy about a record company intern's troubles to bring famous rock star - Aldous Snow (Russell Brand), to Los Angeles for a concert!  A lot of funny scenes, especially liked Sean Combs portrayal of a "gangsta recording company President and Owner"!  Won't recommend as a first date movie mainly for the sexual references and heavy use of profanity.... But, it was still funny, even if you already know how it will end.

"Diary of a Wimpy Kid"

Jeff Kinney's illustrated novel about a sixth-grade student comes to life on the Big Screen.  Never heard about the books but heard from others that it is popular with elementary school kids.  Decided to check it out after hearing about it on a morning radio show that I listen to on my way to work.  Pleasantly surprised with the "Wimpy Kid's" antics and observations.  Specially liked the "cheese" scenes.  Safe first date movie that should show your "wimpy" side to your potential long-term friend!

"Cop Out"

... Movie with Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan as two cops struggling with their career, personal life, etc,.... Did not watch it all, funny moments but not enough to keep watching it.  Stopped the DVD after about 40".  Not a first date movie.

"The Losers"

... movie with Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Chris Evans, Idris Elba, Columbus Short, and Óscar Jaenada as a CIA Black Ops Team betrayed and left for dead by an evil mastermind named Max (Jason Patric).  Stuck in Bolivia, they work on plans to return to the US.  Fortune comes their way when they meet the sexy Zoe Saldana, who hires them to find and kill Max!

 

A lot of shooting, killing, and fighting.  But, something was missing. Better to skip as a first date movie!

"The Other Guys"

... comedy with Will Ferrell and Mark Walberg as two "not so great" NYPD Cops.  Will is a transfer from the Accounting Department; Mark is the cop who shot a certain New York Yankee Baseball Player.  As partners, they are not in the same league as the dynamic duo played by Samuel Jackson and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.  However, things will changes once they solve a high-profile case that involves Wall Street, the SEC, and "foreign investors"!

 

Funny movie.... If you liked "Talladega Nights", then you will like this one.  Hold as a first date movie mainly for the reference to Will's side job that he had in college - a pimp!

"Kick Ass"

... movie about a high school nerd who yearns to be a superhero. He has no super powers, he is not a genius, he just wants to be one.  As fate has it, he gets his chance when he is injured in attempt to be a superhero.  The injury heals but leaves him unable to feel pain - something about damaged nerve endings.  With this inability to feel pain, he uses it to fight villains.  That is, he keeps fighting relentlessly....

 

Funny moments, lots of cussing, would not consider a first date movie.  But, still liked it.  Really liked "Hit Girl" and "Red Mist".  Also, good to see Nicholas Cage as "Big Daddy".  For more details, check out IMDB.

"The Runaways"

... movie with Kristin Stewart and Dakota Fanning as female rock star Joan Jett and vocalist Cherie Currie, respectively.  Joan wants to be a rock star but has a hard time breaking in to the industry as a female.  However, when opportunity finds her way, she seizes it by convincing a local music producer/agent on an idea - an all girl rock band!

 

Good movie, did not know that Joan Jett started in the industry in her teens. Glad to see the she learned from "The Runaways" to launch the "Blackhearts"!  Read more at IMDB!

"The Hangover"

... comedy with a number of recognizable actors.  Sort of a Tom Hank's "Bachelor Party" movie with a twist...  Four good buddies head to Vegas for a last hurrah before one of them gets married.  Everything starts out well enough except they lose the groom, they cannot remember what they did last night, and a lot of strangers seem to have met them, partied with them, and even married one of them!

 

Funny movie, hold as a first date movie.  Don't want to give the wrong impression especially on a first date.  Read more about the movie at IMDB!

"Clash of the Titans"

Remake of the 1981 movie of the same name.  Storyline relates to Greek mythology and the anger of the Gods towards Man. So-so first date movie that builds on the original through current movie special effects, else glad to have waited to see this one till it came out on DVD.  For more details, check out the link to IMDB.

"From Paris With Love"

... shoot'm up action movie with John Travolta and Jonathan Rhys Myers.  Jonathan is the US Ambassador's personal assistant assigned by a "Government Agency".  He longs for something more that involves more covert action.  After a comical stunt that involved planting a bug in a foreign diplomat's office, Jonathan is partnered with John Travolta, a Field Agent with attitude and lots of bullets!  Their mission is to thwart a terrorist attack on delegate to a summit being held in Paris.

 

Skip this one as a first date movie because of all the violent shoot'm up scenes.  But,for movie goers who enjoy action and shoot'm up scenes, check it out on your own.  Really liked the Myers-Travolta pairing and the "impossible" shots being made!

"Wolfman"

Benicio Del Toro, Emily Blunt, and Anthony Hopkins play main characters in this rendition of a werewolf movie.  Storyline was promising but the movie tended to be slow and long winded.  Wait on this one as a first date movie rental.  PS: Pay attention to the Inspector's voice, it is the actor that played Mr. Smith in the Matrix.

"She's Out Of My League"

... comedy about a young "nerdy" man who meets, dates, and eventually becomes the love interested of a hot blond woman!  His buddies, family, and strangers cannot believe she is with him.  Her friends, family, and others think the same.  That said, there is chemistry in their relationship.

Funny movie and a safe first date movie especially how everything works out in the end.  Check it out when you get a chance!

"Despicable Me"

Animated movie with Steve Carrel playing the evil villain Gru.  On a quest to steal the moon, Gru concocts a plan:

• Steal a Shrinking Gun,
• Fly to the moon in a rocket
• Shrink the moon
• And then, ransom it for money.

Things start out well when he steals the Shrinking Gun; however, he soon loses it to a rival villain named Vector!  To steal it back, Gru enlists three orphaned girls who sell cookies.... Cookies that Vector likes!

 

Funny movie that the kids will like.  Enjoyed the storyline, really liked the "Minions", and the girls' characters play well against Gru's evilness.  Safe first date movie.  Just be ready to watch in a theater with lots of children.

"The Spy Next Door"

Jackie Chan plays a Chinese spy on loan to the CIA.  Robin Wright Penn is his significant other or at least, soon to be wife!  That is, if he can get past her three kids who think he is a "geek" pen salesman - Jackie's cover while he waits for his assignments.

 

Funny story with an expected happy ending since it is a Disney movie.  Not a bad rental but would wait for a rainy day to watch this one.  PS:  George Lopez and Billy Ray Cyrus play CIA agents that Jackie works with....

"Green Zone"

Matt Damon plays an Army Warrant Officer and ordinance expert on a mission to find weapons of mass destruction.  Together with his team, they search location after location without success.  Parallel to this effort is a cover up by a Government Agency led by Greg Kinnear.

 

Was hoping for a Jason Bourne movie pace given the movie director is the same one from the franchise.  Came away with a slow and plodding storyline.  Would hold on watching this one as a first date movie.

"Knight and Day"

Conspiracy meets comedy in this movie with Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz. A chance meeting in an airport grows into a series of "complications" as Tom and Cameron match wits and bullets with a rogue agent.  Framed by his partner, Tom must escape the agency that seeks to "secure" him.  Cameron is unwittingly pulled into the situation by Tom.

Tom and Cameron make a great team in this movie.  A lot of action shoot'em up scenes and humorous moments provide for an entertaining storyline.  Really like the characters they played.  A recommended first date movie.  Do check this one out soon!

"Killers"

Movie with Katherine Heigl and Ashton Kutcher on a fairy-tale romance and marriage, except that Ashton has a past... a contract killer for hire by a certain government agency.  Funny movie with a lot of good laughs.  The couple make good movie partners.  A good first date movie!

"Invictus"

... movie directed by Clint Eastwood with Morgan Freeman as President Nelson Mandela of South Africa and Matt Damon as the Rugby Coach and Manager of the South African Rugby Team.  With his election as President, Morgan must bring a country together as one.  To do so, he inspires the country to unite in the Rugby Team's pursuit of the World Cup Title.

 

Good movie that was entertaining despite knowing its ending. Check it out some time!

"Letters to Juliet"

... movie about lost love and the chance to find it after 50 years.  Amanda Seyfried discovers a lost letter to Juliet while on vacation with her fiancé in Italy.  She answers the letter; one week later an elderly woman (Vanessa Redgrave) and her grandson (Christopher Egan) come to Italy to find her Romeo!  Amanda gets caught up in the adventure and joins them on their quest.

 

A chick flick and confirmed first date movie!

"Legion"

... movie with Paul Bettany as the angel Michael on a mission to save a baby - a baby that was not meant to live.  A lot of fighting and cool effects but was a tough one to watch.  Skip this one.... as a first date movie.

"Robin Hood"

Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett play Robin Hood and Lady Merriam in the latest version of the legend of Robin Hood.  Liked the events leading up to Robin's and Merriam's meeting, made for a good storyline on how Robin (Longstride) became Robin of Loxley, who became Robin of the Hood!

Good movie but would hold off as a first date mainly for its length - over 2 hours.  Not a good way to begin a relationship - sitting for two hours in a dark movie theater with no interaction with one another!

"Iron Man 2"

Sequel to Iron Man with Robert Downey Jr., Gwenyth Paltrow, and Don Cheadle returning and Mickey Rourke, Scarlett Johansson, and Samuel Jackson appearing this round.

Safe first date movie that was entertaining as a sequel can go. If you wait till all the credits are done after the movie, you will see a short scene that preps you for the next movie.