Here Comes the Boom

Kevin James, Salma Hayek, and Henry Winkler in a light drama, comedy about a high school teacher who becomes a UFC Mixed Martial Arts Fighter in order to save the music program!  Funny moments with an excellent fight scene at he close of the movie.

Safe first date movie, entertaining... consider it a first date movie!

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Here is a romance/drama that fits the Indie Channel.  The movie has Emma Watson of Harry Potter fame and a cast of others; the lead of which is played by Logan Lerman, an introvert High School Freshman who is taken in by upperclassmen Emma and her stepbrother.

Good movie but would hold as a first date movie; was hoping for a more upbeat movie.  Turned out to be more on the sad side. Regardless, do check it out on a rainy day once you and your significant other are settled in a relationship!

Flight

Denzel Washington plays an airline pilot with a drinking problem.  Although he is able to save a number of lives when an "act of god" mechanical failure causes his airliner to crash, Denzel must contend with the NTSB and possible jail time for flying while intoxicated.

Would hold as a first date movie but would rent it later on.  Save it for a rainy day when you don't have much to chose from!

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt come together in this light drama (comedy mixed with drama and romance).  Ewan is a fisheries expert; Emily is a Assistant to a rich Yemeni Sheikh who wants to bring Salmon Fishing to his homeland.

Movie was okay but my opinion was biased after disappointing rentals - That's My Boy and Seeking a Friend for the End of the World.  Would hold as a first date movie, too.  Would be okay to watch on a rainy day after the relationship has matured.

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World

Steve Carell and Keira Knightley become friends after unexpected breakups with their significant others.  Their friendship is accelerated because a huge asteroid is headed to Earth and will end the world in four weeks!

Hold on this one as a first date movie.  Slow action and slow to develop. About half way was hoping for the action to pickup; it did not but by then had to stay to see the end.  That said, ending was not worth the wait.

That's My Boy

Adam Sandler and Andy Sandberg play father and son it this comedy.  Adam is Andy's father from a student-teacher affair that resulted in a pregnancy.  Cannot go in more detail as I lost interest and stopped the movie.  Enough said, this one does  not get a first date movie recommendation!

50/50

Movie with J. Gordon Levitt, Seth Rogen, and Anna Kendrick.  J. Gordon is diagnosed with cancer.  Seth - his best friend, tries to support him through the ordeal.  Anna is a psychologist also helping J. Gordon.

Good movie, consider it a safe first date movie.  Check it out when you get a chance!

Lawless

... a movie based on the book "Wettest County in the World" by Matt Bobdurant - grandson of one of the main characters.  It stars Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, and Jason Clarke as the three Bondurant brothers. Also in the film are Gary Oldman, Guy Pearce, and Jessica Chastain.  Set in prohibition era Franklin County, Virginia, the three Bondurant brothers manage a gas station that also fronts their illegal moonshine business.  When a crooked politician and his deputy come to the area, they quickly make enemies of the brothers.

Good movie, even better since it is based on historical events.  Would hold as a first date movie but would recommend checking it out when you get a chance.

Total Recall (2012)

Remake of the Sci-Fi Action movie of the same title starring Collin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, and Jessica Biel.  Similar but different than the original.  Still a good movie.  Hold as a first date movie but would watch it later.  Should be pleasantly surprised on how the results.

The Decoy Bride

British Indie Film about a famous actress played by Alice Eve and a writer play by David Tennant (Dr. Who fame).  Their wedding is spoiled by paparazzi, so they plan a wedding on a remote island that David wrote about in his book.  A few twist and turns later, David is married to a local girl played by Kelley MacDonald as a decoy to the real wedding....

Safe first date movie, recommend this one.  Been having a good run with Independent Films!

Loopers

Bruce Willis, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Emily Blunt in a movie about time-traveling hitman (called Loopers) that carry out contracts to kill people to include themselves eventually.  In this case Bruce and Joseph Gordon play the same character - a looper named Joe.  Bruce is the older Joe and Joseph Gordon is the younger Joe. 

Bruce wants to change the future, traveling back in time to make it so.  Specifically, he intends to kill the man that killed his wife.  Emily Blunt is the mother of the man that Bruce is after.  Joseph Gordon is caught in the middle - maintain the status quo and carry out his plans for the future or team with Bruce.

Good movie... would hold as a safe first date movie but would see it later on in the relationship.  Main reason is the story line does not fit a first date movie, else it still is a good movie.

Been a While But.... "Kinky Boots"

Been a while since posting.  Have watched movies; just not seen any that I wanted to write about since my last post.  In other words, "Expendables 2", "Savages", "Hannah", "Ted",... are not first date movies.  Moreover, the prequel of the Hobbit has me bummed because they broke it out into a trilogy... go figure!

Then, while channel surfing this morning stopped by the Indie Channel to see what was showing. It was a British film titled, "Kinky Boots".  Not knowing what was in store given the title (i.e. thoughts of the "Crying Game"), decided to take the bold step and watch it.

Good thing... this one easily makes the first date move rating!.. Check it out when you get a chance, not going into detail about it other than it has restored my faith that good movies are still being made.

Grey

Liam Neeson stars in this one.  This time he plays a professional hunter hired to protect oil workers from Bears and Wolves.  Things don't seem to be going his way; this made worse when his plane crashes while headed home.  Liam and other survivors are forced to fight the elements and then wolves that are slowly killing them one by one.

Won't recommend it as a first date movie.  Slow in action, dragging at times, and the ending was disappointing.  Glad to have rented instead of seen it at the theaters.

The Dictator

Here is one from Sacha Baron Cohen.  The Dictator spoofs ethnic groups, sex, and many other things.  It is not a first date movie but... compared to others that Sacha has made, it is less shocking (especially compared to Borat).  One thing to note - it does have a plot and there are some funny jabs here and there.

Taken 2

Liam Neeson returns doing what he does best - killing bad guys!  Liked the first movie, like this one, too.  Ready for another one to follow.  This franchise leaves you feeling like a winner when you see Liam taking down bad guys and then walking away the victor.

Play the first date movie by ear, need to make sure your potential significant other is okay with violent scenes and some good old fashioned a**-kicking!  Else, go see it on your own and feel like a winner!

21 Jump Street

Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill play Narcs in an updated movie version of the 80's TV show 21 Jump Street.  Funny moments and the cameo of Johnny Depp is good. But, hold on it as a first date movie.

Pitch Perfect

Here is one with Anna Kendrick that easily makes the first date movie list.  It's a fun movie about college acapella singing competition.  Anna is an aspiring music producer wanting to go to Los Angeles and begin "putting her time in".  Problem... she is a college freshman and must first prove to her father that she can make it in college, at least go to class and join a club.  With that, she joins the female acapella group!

Fun movie that spoofs the nerdy side of college acapella singing groups but in a good way.  Liked the movie, check it out when you get a chance!

Trouble with the Curve

Movie with Clint Eastwood, Amy Adams, and Justin Timberlake.  Clint Eastwood is an aging baseball scout.  Amy is his daughter. Justin is a former baseball player now turned scout.

Mixed reviews by critics... This one liked it, easily makes the "First Date" movie rating!

Bourne Legacy

Another in the Jason Bourne Franchise.  We liked it even though Matt Damon is not in the movie.  Jeremy Renner plays Aaron Cross - a member of an elite team of genetically enhanced Field Operators that support a super, super, super secret Intel Program run by the "Government"!  Rachel Weisz is a Doctor cleared for the Program and tasked with gathering data from the Field Operators.  Edward Norton is the "Government's Lead" who must terminate key parts of the Program because of the ripple effect that Jason Bourne (from the Bourne Ultimatum) created.

Good movie, safe first date movie!

Dark Knight Rises

Another in the Barman franchise bringing back Christian Bale and Gary Oldman and new comer.... Gordon Levitt.  Liked the action, storyline was excellent, did not feel like a movie that went almost three hours!  Even better was the twist that made you rethink who was good and who was bad!  Long movie but can say this one is a safe first date movie.

"John Carter"

Here is a Disney movie that took us by surprise.  "John Carter" is sent to Mars while searching for an artifact.  His physical strength and agility increases due to the change in gravity.  This is quickly recognized as a "plus" when he is befriended by the "Natives".   In parallel, there is an ongoing war between "Red" and "Blue" People that John gets pulled in to when he saves a "Red" Princess.

 

Good movie, safe first date movie.  Was a sleeper that took us by surprise... do watch this one!

Water for Elephants

Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon in a movie about a traveling circus in the 1930s.  Robert plays Jacob, a Cornell Veterinary student who suffers a tragedy as he nearing graduation.  He is informed that his parents were killed in a car accident.  Alone with no one else in the world and no possessions, he hits the road and by chance joins a traveling circus.  Reese plays Marlena, the Circus' star attraction who showing horses and performing tricks and acrobatics with them.  She is also the Circus owner's wife.

 

Good movie, was pleasantly surprised.   Definite first date movie!

The Vow

Movie with Rachael MacAdams and Channing Tatum as a young couple dealing with the Rachael's memory loss after a car accident.  Rachael remembers nothing about  her life with Channing.

Story drags at times but still makes an entertaining movie.  Safe first date movie.

One for the Money

Katherine Heigl plays a divorced, down on her luck, unemployed woman.  To make ends meet she takes on a job as a Recovery Agent - Bounty Hunter.  Slow action.  Could have been better.  Save for a rainy day, and hold as a first date movie.

One Hit from Home

Baseball movie about a Pro Baseball Player who leaves the game due to a knee injury.  Some how he gets pulled in to coaching a College Team struggling to win.

Slow movie that could use help in the storyline.  Don't recommend it as a first date movie.  Pick something else.

New Year's Eve

Movie on the same lines as Valentine's Day.  Cast of characters and multiple storylines make for an entertaining movie.  Safe first date movie.  Check it out some time.

"Avengers"

Had to check out all the hype about Avengers.  Watched it in 3D and was pleased.  Even better, Scarljo was in it as the Black Widow.  And of course, we always like her movies!  This one gets a First Date rating easily.

"J. Edgar Hoover"

Movie directed by Clint Eastwood about FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover.  Stars Leonardo Dicaprio as Hoover.  The movie takes the viewer from the Bureau's start and it ascendancy through the years.  Touches on some of the controversy on Hoover's close friend and confidant Agent Tolson, secret files maintained by his Secretary Ms. Gandy, and the run ins with Congress and Presidents.

 

Good movie but too long for a first date.  Better to rent it after the relationship has matured.

"War Horse"

... movie about a horse that goes through World War I and survives!  Bought on a whim my an old farmer who recognized it as a quality thoroughbred, raised and trained by the farmer's son, and then unfortunately sold to the Army when the family needed money, the horse named Joey goes to war.

 

Good movie, liked seeing the difficult situations unfold and resolve themselves, but.... a little too long for a first date movie.  Do recommend renting it, just be prepared for it to be a movie about a horse and not war for those wanting an action, shoot'em up, war movie.

"The Sitter"

Jonah Hill leads the cast in this movie about a twenty-something man who volunteers to babysit for his Mom's friend out of guilt. But, when he gets a call from his girlfriend about a party that could lead to him getting way past "third base", he decides to bring the kids along!

 

Funny moments much on the lines of Jonah's other movies,... meaning lots of references to sex, profanity, etc,...  This one does not make the first date movie list.  Was entertained though but we liked Super Bad, too.  Also, would consider the storyline to be a more recent version of the one used in "Adventures in Babysitting".

"We Bought a Zoo"

Movie based on a true story of a writer and recent widower played by Matt Damon.  Missing his wife, needing a change for him and his two kids, he decides to move to the country.  In this case "9 miles from the nearest Target Store".  Worse, he buys 18 acres and a house that is actually a zoo staffed by a skeleton crew of zoo keepers.

 

Not a bad movie, easily a safe first date movie.  Moreover, we do like Scarlett Johansson's movies.  So this one makes this list of "likes" as well!

"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy"

Movie based on the book of the same title.  Not much to say other than we did not watch the whole movie.  Too slow and worse, confusing to follow.  Do not recommend as a first date movie.

"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.