The Descendants

Clooney isn't bad in this one. He acts and pulls off a great performance. This movie had the feel and emotion of 50/50, a movie from earlier in 2011. It was well done in the storytelling department and pulled some emotional strings. It had a bit of a soap opera feel at times, but the story and well done performances made the movie enjoyable.

It is recommended for the patient adult crowd, not so much for the youngsters. If you could enjoy J Edgar, then go enjoy The Descendants. The imminent death of a family member brings out the dysfunction as personalities in the family in this film. We get to see the struggles and fallout and even unity around the significant events in the film.

The Descendants will pull a worthy 4 out of 5 Cyclones. This drama has a bit of comedy and some abrasive language from the kids. Well done soundtrack as well.

The Sitter

The movie tried so hard to get of the ground. It doesn't. The lack of integrity in a film is shown here. Regardless of a few LOL moments, the movie drags kids and vulgarity through our minds, the feebly attempts to find some redeeming value in the last 15 minutes of a less than mediocre film. Hoping for some comedy and bloopers and interesting takes on babysitting left me (viewers) feeling neglected. Sorry fat Jonah Hill, hopefully the video game market will help your career, this movie did not. The Sitter will earn 2 out of 5 Cyclones.

Sherlock Holmes - Game of Shadows

No story to follow. First hour and a half are guess work as to what is going on. The editing and camera work is refreshing, but cannot salvage a junk film. Stretch after stretch, and inference after inference leads to discouraging movie watching. The The humor is enjoyable and costumes as well, but there is no connection with much of the film. The movie falls short in story and following. It does incorporate forethought, camera work, comedy, and action quite well. Unfortunatley, just not what was expected for round two in this series. Holmes pulls 2 out of 5 Cyclones.

Arthur Christmas is more about efficiency and timing

Not bad, but not the holiday fun of years past.  The movie was cute and not exceptional in 3D. The story goes on about the Christmas clan and their heritage and how times change, but the values shouldn't.  It was well laid out and kids can enjoy it while parents are not turned off.  The movie comes during a lull in the season, and was unable to hit a high note with myself and many other viewers. The typical response to the film was "Cute." If that is what you want, then go enjoy.

The one liners from Grandpa/Senior Santa were hilarious as well as a few others from the animated cast.  Some of us were on the floor laughing, which made for a great show.  But aside from some witty comments, the remainder of the script was left for the kids.

Yes it is appropriate for all ages. Adults will adore the older Santa and the resourcefulness and mind-slip moments. Others will enjoy the clean animation. A good story about family and Christmas. Arthur Christmas pulls a weak 4 out of 5 Cyclones. 

-CycloneMovies.com Critic

J Edgar is a big fat slow movie

The movie is way too toned down to really give an accurate portrayal of the man. More a made for TV type docufilm. The youngsters who snuck into this movie were quick to leave as they realized who J Edgar was in reality. Yes, he wore women's clothes, hated/loved men, and had mommy issues.  He was also vital in the creation of the FBI and instrumental in challenging civil and constitutional rights in this country.  He was a one man army, like Manson was a mass murdered. They wielded a big stick, but their hands were clean.

The movie was a bit too dull to keep the general viewer engaged. Most were willing to depart early for some In-n-Out or a better option. Those looking for some historical insight were left a bit high and dry. The acting was not worthy of any award nods. So we are left with a made for TV movie and two hours in the theatre where we feel we aged as rapidly as J Edgar.  The make up and transformation from young to old JEH was done exceptionally well. The time jumps were done well also. Wait for Redbox. This one pulls 2 out of 5 Cyclones.

-CycloneMovies.com Critic, ready for a nap.