The Phenom

Watched the DVD. Not a first date movie. No true ending. Consider it half a movie. Ouch!

Jason Bourne

Matt Damon returns as Jason Bourne! This one has cyber things but still lots of fighting and clandestine operations. Glad to have seen this one at the movies instead of waiting for the dvd!

Finest Hour

Great movie about the greatest small boat rescue in Coast Guard history. Chris Pine and Casey Affleck do a great job on their roles! This one makes thw First Date recommendation!

How To Be Single

How to Be Single is a 2016 American romantic comedy film and is based on the novel of the same name by Liz Tuccill. Was not certain on this one, but rented it. Liked the movie; funny moments to keep this going. Would hold as a first date movie given the movie's title... "How To Be Single". But, do check it out after a few more dates later with your significant other!

Exposed

Movie with Keanu Reeves as a detective investigating his partner's murder.

Slow start and very confusing. Had to finish watching it, else should have picked a different movie.

Hold on this one and skip it as a first date movie!

Nice Guys

Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling in a comedy as Private Investigators looking for a Department of Justice Director's daughter. The Director is played bt Kim Basinger.

Good movie, saw it at a theater that had reclining seats!

The Book Thief

Good movie with Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson, and Sophie Nelisse set in Workd War II Germany. Sophie play Liesel - a young girl adopted by a Geoffrey and Emily who play an elderly German couple. Liesel cannot read and is quickly taunted by schoolmates for being dumb.

However, after her adopted parent's take in Max - a Jew hiding from the Nazis, Liesel befriends him, and they soon form a lasting friendship. Learning of her illiteracy, Max teaches her to read and write which will eventually play a key role in Liesel's adult life.

Good movie, starts slow but does pick up - especially like Liesel and her schoolmate/friend Rudy and their interaction with each other as kids! Do see this one when you get the chance!

Dead Pool

Ryan Reynolds as a comic book character that cannot be killed. Funny  quips and references to the X-men franchise. Suggestions of a sequel were noted as well.

Good movie but not on the first date rating. Do give it a watch when yo u get a chance!

Lucky Slevin

Watched this while working out on a treadmill. Has Josh Harnett, Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, and Ben Kingsley. Interesting story line that has a twist that is not so good for the bad guys.

Good movie but save for a rainy day.

Revenant

Just came back from the Movies... saw Revenant starring Leondardo DiCaprio as Mountain Man and Scout Hugh Glass. After being mauled by a bear, left for dead, Hugh comes back from near death and takes revenge on the man that killed his son.

Glad to have seen this one at the Theater, did not mind paying the premium on tickets (Friday Night opener in Dallas). May be a little queasy for a first date movie with all the blood and guts but we do say don't miss this one!

For more, see details at IMDB.

Saint Vincent

Bill Murray as an old man living his life as he sees fit, New neighbors move next door - a divorced Mother with a young Son. Soon enough they become part of his life due to circumstances no one planned for... Bill becomes the Son's babysitter.

Good movie; glad to have rented this one on a whim! For more details, see IMDB.

Spectre with Daniel Craig

Daniel Craig making it happen again with the latest in the James Bond Franchise. Great movie... not going to say much more other than go see it at the theater!

San Andreas

Been meaning to watch this one for a while. Finally got around to it. Was pleasantly surprised... Liked it!

Bridge of Spies

Tom Hanks in a Steven Spielberg movie about the Cold War and some of the unofficial deals made to exchange prisoners. Liked the movie; even better that it was inspired by true events!

Do check it out! Saw this one at the movie theater instead of waiting for the DVD!

Pitch Perfect 2

Sequel to Pitch Perfect with many of the same actors and actresses from it. Liked the movie, not as good as the first but still liked it.Glad to have rented instead of paid the premium at the theater.

Mad Max - Fury Road

Not sure how it ties in to the original Mad Max but this one turned out to be a good one to rent. May not make the First Date rating but still do check it out when you get a chance.

This one has Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron and has a story line that has Max helping out Charlize in a ploy to save some women.

For more, see IMDB.

Two Night Stand

Miles Teller and Analeigh Tipton in a safe first date movie about two people who meet online for the sole purpose of a one night stand. Each has their reason for doing so; regardless, both endup having to spend another night - actually an entire day together, due to a snow storm.

Safe first date movie; was a pleasant surprise to have rented this one on a whim. Mainly rented it because I liked Miles Teller in another movie - Whiplash. Also, I like Analeigh in her role as the infatuated teen in Crazy, Stupid, Love.

For more, check it out at IMDB.

Cuban Fury

Funny movie that set in England. Has Nick Frost, Rashida Jones, Chris O'Dowd, and Ian McShane as main characters.

Add Salsa dancing, funny moments of co-workers bantering about, and a light-hearted story line of one mans struggle to impress a pretty woman who turns out to his boss, too.

As luck would have it, they both like to Salsa! Safe first date movie. Do rent it when you get the chance! See more on IMDB.

Identical

Here is one I rented on a whim. Came out in 2014... two twins separated at birth during the hard times of the Great Depression. A poor family gives one of the twins to a Preacher and his wife who cannot have their own baby.

One becomes a Rock Star; the other struggles through life in a search for his calling. Eventually, things come together in the end.

Movie has a "hokie" feel to it; songs are okay, but in the end, did enjoy the movie. Save it for a rainy day and rent it then.

Hold as a first date movie. For more details, see it at IMDB!

Jersey Boys

Here is one that I have been meaning to see but never got around to it. Directed by Clint Eastwood; based on the Broadway Play of the same name... it's a look at Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons from their beginnings in New Jersey to fame and fortune as well as misfortune.

Good movie; okay for a first date. Just be aware that Frankie gets divorced.... also, did not know that Joe Pesci was involved in the Four Seasons briefly at their start. Sorta like a Talent Scout for them.

For more do see details at IMDB.

Whiplash

Movie with Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons that casts them as music student and music teacher, respectively. Was not expecting much but was soon hooked in the first 15 minutes. Glad to have watched this one; hit or miss as a first date movie since the guy does not get the girl. Regardless, liked the ending! See more on IMDB!

Aloha

Bradley Cooper and Emma Stone in a movie that shows the potential pitfalls of the privatization of the space race. Liked both actors; the movie started slow but does pick up in the end. Safe first date movie!  See more on IMDB.

DUFF

Here is one that was a sleeper that was entertaining. Was not expecting much but it turned out to be pretty good; would give this one a safe first date movie rating...!

Avengers - Age of Ultron

Another in the Avengers franchise. Good movie, safe first date movies that brings back key characters, a little romance mixed in, as well as new characters! Still in theaters, do give it a shot when you get a chance!

Imitation Game

Good movie about Alan Turing and his work to break the German Enigma Code back in World War II. Liked the story line but did pick up on the underlying message abut Alan's sexual preference. Do check it out when you get a chance.

Dracula Untold

Movie that shows how Dracula came to be... the untold story of how it all began. Won't go into more detail about the movie but for viewers who are tired of the old Vampire, Dracula,... story line, this one was a pleasant surprise, Do rent it when you get a chance. Although it's not a first date movie, it is worth a rental!

John Wick

Here is one with Keanu Reeves... ex-assassin turns nasty when a Russian Mafia Boss' son steals Keanu's car and kills his puppy - a gift from his deceased wife!

Lots of action and killing and mayhem. Would hold as a first date movie because of that but would definitely rent this one when you get a chance!

Lucy

Scarlett Johansson and Morgan Freeman in a movie about a woman who increases here brain power when a drug bag breaks in her body. By some twist of fate, Lucy (played by Scarljo) is pulled in to a drug deal where she serves as the Dealer's "mule" to smuggle a drug from Taiwan to the United States.

Interesting movie... could have used less "National Geographic" scenes, else the story line was good. Ending could use some extra oomph but still liked the movie. Of course, I am a big Scarlett Johansson fan!

A Walk Among the Tombstones

Movie with Liam Neeson as an ex-cop practicing as an unlicensed private investigator. He gets hired on to investigate the death of a drug dealer's wife, and soon uncovers corruption in the Police.

Good movie but not as good as his Taken franchise. Would wait to rent it on a rainy day.

American Sniper

Movie about the deadliest sniper Chris Kyle of the Iraq War. Directed by Clint Eastwood and produced by Bradley Cooper.

Good movie, there are differences from the book but still liked the movie. Would hold as a first date movie as there are kill shots, blood spattering about, and graphic violence.

No DVD yet as it came out in theaters recently!

The Equalizer

Denzel Washington in a movie where he has a past that no one knows about. He stays anonymous until someone pushes him... Great movie. Even going on a limb and saying it is a first date movie. There are some killing scenes but all done in the context of the storyline.

Fury

Brad Pitt and others in a World War II movie. Tank warfare, lots of fighting and killing. Better hold as a first date movie but still a good one to watch for those who like war movies., especially liked the tank battle against the Tiger Tank. The ending had lots of fighting but World War II buffs may see lots of holes in it.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

Last in series of the Hobbit franchise. Good movie; easy transition from the previous movie to this one. Safe first date movie. Now time to watch the other ones in the series to get caught up.

Guardians of the Galaxy

Here is one that was that made the First Date Movie list. Was not too excited about it but it came strongly recommended from others.  Good story line, liked the characters, even has it linked to other Marvel Comic movies.  Do rent one this one when you get a chance.

The Giver

Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep, Brendon Thwaites... and others in a movie about a community that forces its people to follow rules and lead a life dictated by "higher ups". With no memory of the past, people have no idea of any other way of living save for one person whose only purpose is to retain the memories of the past. As this person grows old, he must pass along the memories to a successor.,,.

Slow start, story line did not grab you right away. Best hold as a first date movie!

Sex Tape

Let's keep it simple... given the movie's title, add in lots of buttocks shots and sexually suggestive scenes (not explicit since it is not a porn movie), and then throw in a little blackmail and cocaine... the end result... don't see this one for a first date.

Transformers Age of Extinction

Guess its sequel time for Jerry; here is the latest movie from the Transformers' Franchise. This one has Mark Wahlberg in it. In this movie, the Transformers take a turn for the worse and are being hunted down and destroyed by a "black ops style" group. Their intent is to save the world from Transformers for whatever reason they came up with....

Another movie that if you like the Franchise, then you will like it. Also, consider it a safe first date movie.

X-Men Days of Future Past

Another installment in the X-Men Franchise. This one includes some time travel to throw a twist in the story line. If you like the Franchise, you will like the movie. Even better, would call this one a safe first date movie.

Chef

Jon Favreau, John Guizamo, Scarlett Johansson, Sofia Vergara... and others in a "IFC" style movie about a chef who has a YouTube Breakdown when a food critic slams. Forced to find other means to practice his profession, he starts serving his favorite dishes from a Food Truck.

Safe first date movie; entertaining and funny! Do check it out!

Captain America - The Winter Soldier

Another in the Marvel Comics franchise that brings Captain America together with the Black Widow (aka Scarlett Johannson). Liked the comic banter between the two; liked the story line. Going to say this one is a safe first date movie. Of course, I have a weakness for Scarljo!

Blended

Lighthearted comedy with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. Two single parents meet on a blind date that ends in failure.

Somehow they come together by chance on a vacation... They meaning the two single parents and their kids.

Funny moments, overall liked the movie. Fun to see all the different actors from other Adam Sandler movies.

Check it out when you can... Safe enough first date movie.

Divergent

Action-adventure movie of the future where war has destroyed the world. Survivors are forced to live in a society of rules and grouped into five factions. Each faction maintains its place in society, and order and peace are the result... Except, they forget about some who do not fit in only one faction.

Good movie, possible first date movie... Just be sure action-adventure and future worlds are to the other's liking.

Draft Day

Draft Day with Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner, and Dennis Leary recently came out in DVD. Checked it out, liked the movie. Play it by ear as a first date movie as it is football movie. If your date is not a fan, hold on this one. If they are, then do check it out!

The Hunter

Wilhelm Dafoe plays a mercenary for hire. But, this time he is on the hunt for the "thought to be extinct" Tasmanian Tiger.  A company hires him to find the animal, take blood samples, and bring them back to be cloned.

Good movie, watched it by accident while channel surfing. Like the surprise twist at the end. Okay to rent for a possible second date. Since it has that Indie Film feel, would hold as a first date movie.

Begin Again

Checked out a Indie Film that just came out Friday. It has Kiera Knightley, Mark Ruffalo, and Adam Levine. Adam and Kiera are a singer-song writer couple. They break up soon after Adam is signed to a record label. Kiera bounces back though when Mark, who plays a Producer, discovers her!

 

Good movie, but would hold as a first date movie since it revolves around a breakup due to a cheating boyfriend. Do check it out!

 

The Art of the Steal

Kurt Russell, Matt Dillon, and others in a movie centered around stealing art, a job gone wrong, and pay back for those who had it coming.  Good movie, safe first date movie and first rate rental. Do check it out; the twist in the plot at the end is good!

 

Jack Ryan Shadow Recruit

Here is a "prequel" to the Tom Clancy movies that Harrison Ford and Alec Baldwin starred as Jack Ryan(?). Since it's set in recent times, hardcore Clancy Fans will be thrown a curve since Jack Ryan in this movie would have been a child and/or yet to be born yet.

No worries, still a good movie and consider it a safe first date movie.  Liked Chris Pine's, Keira Knightly's, and Kevin Costner's performance in the movie!

Maleficent

Here is a remake of Disney's Sleeping Beauty but from the Wicked Witch's view.  Angelina Jolie plays the Wicked Witch Maleficent. Good movie. Safe first date movie... glad to have seen it at the theater!

Inside Llewyn Davis

Movie with lots of good folk song tunes.  It's a week in the life of a struggling musician.  Trying to make it in the 60's folk music scene.  It has singing, a cat, and interesting twist and turns... Liked the movie!  Would hold as a first date movie because of the "IFC" feel it has but still would rent it later when you get a chance.

Legend of Hercules

Rented the "Legend of Hercules" yesterday.  The scenes reminded me of the "300" movie but other than that it did not have the same action or interesting story line as "300".  Hold on this one as a safe first date movie; even having second thoughts on why I rented it.

About Time

From the same director that brought us Love Actually, comes About Time! This one easily makes the first date movie recommendation! Do check it out — a love story that allows traveling back in time to "fix" things for the future! Rachel McAdams is her normal "sexy" self; her true love Tim, played by Domhnall Gleeson, make a romantic pairing. Even better is Tim's father, played by Bill Nighy! Check it out some time!

Rush

Ron Howard movie about Formula 1 race car drivers James Hunt and Niki Luada.  Good movie. Even better is that it is a true story.  Safe first date movie.  Liked the end where they flash to real life pictures of the drivers!

Bad Grandpa

Johnny Knoxville's latest movie about a Grandpa tasked with delivering his Grandson to his Dad because his Mother is going to jail.  Not a first date movie.  Would not rent it.... Even if you liked his Jackass movies.

Non-Stop

Checked this one out at the movie theater.  Has Liam Neeson and Julianne Moore as a US Air Marshall and a passenger on a flight to London, respectively.  Liam has personal issues; Julianne is a friendly passenger seated next to him.  While in the air, Liam gets text to transfer $150M or someone dies every 20".

 

Good movie, liked it.  Not high on the list of first date movies but would say it's okay given the "whodunit" feel!

300 Rise of an Empire

Sequel to the 300 movie that pitted 300 Spartan soldiers against a million Persians.  Lots of blood and violence.  Would hold as a first date movie.  But, if you liked 300 you will like this movie.

It flashes back and then ties into the first movie, then takes you to a naval battle that ends with a clear winner and loser. However, the ending leaves an opening for another movie!

Lifted

Took off guard by this one; starts out with a after-school made for TV movie feel.  But, it's story line is great; singing is great,... worse it has a tear or two at the ending.  Check this out when you get a chance.  Do risk it for a first date movie, may convince your possible significant other that you have a "softer" side to you!  Like the cameos of Trace Adkins and Reuben Studdard (sp?) of American Idol!

Man In the Moon

More late night insomnia, more late night channel surfing.  Found this one that had an "Introducing Reese Witherspoon" in the credits.  Liked this one though it's a tear jerker.  Two sisters, one handsome boy, somehow they both fall for him, but....  Risk this one as a first date movie despite the tear or two that may come later!

Crazy

Movie about the ups and downs of Hank Garland – famous guitar slinger, country music writer, and Opry Legend!

 

Late night insomnia had me channel surfing; found this one and was pleasantly surprised.  Good movie, hold as a first date rental as the "downs" could impact a budding relationship.  But, do recommend it for a later date!

Don Jon

Movie with Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Scarlett Johansson.  I am a Scarljo fan and do like Joseph Gordon-Levitt, but need to hold off on this one as a first date movie.  New Jersey Guy works as a bartender, scores with women, and then has an addiction to porn.  He meets hottie Scarlett who is a New Jersey Gal working in the corporate world (possibly).  Things spark but then fizzle when he is caught watching porn... but, he does finally find a way to kick his porn addiction.  Not a first date movie, story line was okay, mainly watched because...I am a Scarljo fan and do like Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Second in the Hobbit franchise brings viewers up to date on the journey... that said, would have preferred to wait till all three movies were out before seeing any one of them.  No worries though; this one leaves you hanging like the first movie.  So, get ready to wait a while to see the final episode.  Long movie... unless your date is a fan, would wait for this one to come out as a rental.  Better yet, wait till the last movie is out, and then watch the first and second movie as a refresher, and then see the final movie.  PS:  Liked the red-headed she-elf!

Prisoners

Movie about a child abduction of two girls and the extreme measures their fathers take to find them.  Strong story line but way too slow in the action to make it as a first date movie.  Also, would save renting it for a rainy day; not a first choice given other movies that are out.

The Lone Ranger

Movie of the vintage classic TV Series - The Lone Ranger.  Not sure why it did not make it well at the movies but this one gets a safe first date rating. Okay to rent... liked how the story provided more details on the origin of the Lone Ranger and his sidekick Tonto!

Color of Money

Been a while since seeing this one but glad I did.  This one is a little too long for a first date movie but is one that is okay to rent!  Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio shine in this movie classic from the 80's.

The Ice Man

True story about Mafia Hitman Richard Kuklinski, allegedly responsible for killing over 100 people. Eventually, he is caught and was serving to two life sentences before his death in 2006.

Okay to rent but is definitely not a first date movie.

End of Watch

Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña in a documentary style movie about to LAPD cops out busting bad guys and making things happen in their area!  However, things take a turn for the worse when a gang has them targeted to die.

Slow start and the documentary style may detract some from watching.  Would hold as a first date movie but do believe it is "Okay to Rent" for a rainy day or a snow day like today (in our area).

Superman - The Man of Steel

Here is the newest of the Superman movies.  Has some details not seen in other versions and is less comedy and more "DC Comic" like.  Safe first date movie; should be good with renting it.  Just be careful; the actor in the movie is definitely in shape!

RIPD

Movie with Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds as a pair of Rest In Peace Department enforcement officers. Killed in the line of duty, chosen police officers are re-incarnated to serve in the RIPD for a term of 100 years.  During that time, they are tasked with arresting criminals who have also died but are stuck between Heaven and Hell.

Entertaining movie, okay to rent but glad to have rented it instead of paying a premium at the movie theater. Has the love after death theme mixed in but would pick other movies for a first date if given the choice.

Catching Fire

A sequel to the Hunger Games movie that did well when it opened.  Also, book two of the three book series.  Good movie but did not have the same feel as the first one.  Started slow building up to the "Quarter Quell Games"; once the action started things moved well but then ended abruptly... leaving an opening for the final book - "Mockingjay".

If you are a Hunger Games fan, the movie is good filler for the next movie, else would wait to rent this one. Safe first date movie... but be sure your potential future partner is a Hunger Games fan first.  Else, wait till the next movie comes out, then plan a marathon viewing of all three movies!

The Internship

Movie with Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson as salesmen without a job.  To make their comeback and begin a new career, they some how get a chance as interns at Google.

Safe first date movie... Give it a go when you get a chance!

Undiscovered

Watched them again after seeing it when it first came out as a rental; this one gets a thumbs up as a first date movie.  Also, it is one that is okay to rent.  Has the right mix of romance plus like the music from Steven Strait and Ashlee Simpson.

World War Z

Brad Pitt saves the world when a mysterious virus causes people to go crazy and maim other people, who then become infected, who then infect others, who then,.... Good movie; okay to rent.  Would hold as a first date movie though.

Warm Bodies

Safe first date movie about Zombies who can revert back to being human again.  Light-hearted movie that gives the feeling that there is always hope regardless of what is happening to you.  Main actor is the same one that played the young boy in the movie "About a Boy".  Did well in this role, too!

The Great Gatsby

Did not read the book, did not see the original movie with Robert Redford.  But, did like it after things settled down to the story.  First part of the movie was confusing with the non-period music and flashy cinematography.  Don't play rap and mix it with current music themes when the movie is supposed to be set in the 1920's....  Overall, would say it's okay to rent but save it for a rainy day instead of risking it for a first date movie. 

Pain and Gain

Was sadly disappointed by this one.  Even worse, it is based on a true story.  Bodybuilders gone awry as they things go from bad to worse when they try to con an investor....  Does not make the first date movie list; strongly suggest not renting this one.

We're the Millers

Jason Sudeikis and Jennifer Aniston in a comedy about a drug dealer who hires a stripper, a runaway, and a geek to play his family so he can smuggle drugs across the border.  Funny movie with lots of laughs; would hold as a first date movie but do check it out when you get a chance!  Especially like Jennifer's "dance scene"!

"Olympus Has Fallen"

Here is one that may not be a first date movie but do recommend it.  It starts out slow but the action picks up making the 2 hour plus movie seem shorter.  Gerard Butler does a great job being the hero.  Morgan Freeman and Angela Bassett do a great job as the acting President and his lead Advisor, respectively.  Check it out as soon as your new relationship matures to the next level... 2+ hours without saying a word to one another and it does not feel awkward.

Hansel and Gretel - Witch Hunters

A twist of the old Grimm Fairy Tale that brings brother and sister team Hansel and Gretel together as witch hunters!  James Renner and Gemma Atherton play the main role.  A great supporting cast and storyline make it entertaining.  Just step lightly when planning a first date as the blood and gore may put some off.  Hold as a first date but do check it out when you get a chance.

Jack Reacher

Tom Cruise stars in this action movie.  Based on the book One Shot by Lee Child, a sniper kills five people. An ex-Army Military Policeman is pulled in to find out the truth of the crime.

Liked the movie; not sure if it is a first date movie so going to err on caution and suggest waiting till later. But, do recommend checking it out!

Skyfall

Daniel Craig in his third James Bond movie as 007!  This one gives more detail about his background.  And, had lots of action that keeps viewers interested.  Like his first movie as Bond, second one not as much, third one was as good as the first one.

This one gets a first date movie rating!

Oz the Great and Powerful

James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, and Michelle Williams in a prequel fantasy film to the Wizard of Oz.  Was pleasantly surprised; liked how the movie provide more detail on the background on the relationship of the Witches.

Giving this one a first date movie rating,... that is, if you enjoy fantasy movies!

Chasing Mavericks

Gerard Butler - in a based on true events movie, plays Frosty - an old school big wave surfer.  Through a chance meeting he saves a boy's life - Jay Moriarty.  The same Jay Moriarty who later became famous for a cover photo of Surfer magazine where he is wiping out at the crest of a huge wave - one of the Mavericks at Half-Moon Bay.

Good movie, did not know it was a true story till the end.  Consider it a first date movie but tread lightly in case your potential future significant other does not care for surfer -l ife lesson - true stories.

Hotel Transylvania

Here is a move for kids that has Adam Sadler and Selena Gomez voice overs for characters Drax (short for Dracula) and Mavis (his daughter), respectively.  Drax runs the Hotel Transylvania - a hotel where monsters can relax.  He is a widower who lost his wife to a fire caused by Humans!  On his daughter's 118th birthday, Drax throws a huge party to include fulfilling a promise to let her see the World....

God movie that even adults will like.  Not certain if it is a first date movie as it deals with Father-Daughter conflict that may be to strong a theme for a first time get together with someone.  Would wait on this one but do watch it later as the relationship grows.

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!