"Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story" (2007)

Starring John C. Reilly and Jenna Fischer. Directed by Jake Kasdan. Written by Judd Apatow and Jake Kasdan.

This movie was decently funny. It had its moments where I  was laughing hysterically, but there were also moments I found myself thinking, "That was just stupid."

It's a big spoof of "Walk the Line," the Johnny Cash movie, and the music industry in general. Jack White (of the White Stripes) makes a little appearance as Elvis, which insulted me because he claims to call himself a musician while portraying Elvis when my dog's left hind leg has more musical talent than the White Stripes. (Granted, Shadow's a pretty talented dog...)

The Beatles are also briefly spoofed by Jack Black (McCartney), Paul Rudd (Lenon), Justin Long (Harrison), and Jason Schwartzman (Starr)--probably my favorite part of the movie.

The script was well-written. Presentation was good. My only argument is over whether John C. Reilly is legitimate enough to star by himself (without Will Ferrel). My personal opinion is that this movie would have been MUCH funnier if Ferrel had taken the lead and Reilly had a supporting role somewhere. 

Reilly's style of comedy didn't change a bit from "Talladega Nights" and even with a sexy supporting cast (including Jenna Fischer, of "The Office", Jewel Kilchner, Morgan Fairchild), it didn't reach the expectations I had for this movie.

My verdict: this movie gets my hesitant thumb up, but could have been better.

But Jenna Fischer was extremely hot.

"The Kingdom" (2007)

Starring Jamie Foxx, Chris Cooper, Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman. Directed by Peter Berg. Written by Matthew Michael Carnahan.

This movie was really good. I actually enjoyed it quite nicely. It was the second of two movies I watched today, but I wanted my first review to be of a movie I LIKED.

"The Kingdom" is about four FBI agents who travel to Saudi Arabia to investigate a violent terrorist attack against a US stronghold. They are forced to work within the strict rules the Saudis place on them and are "babysat" constantly by two Saudi policemen.

First off, I will admit that there are parts where one must suspend belief just a little bit to accept what is happening. NOTHING big, but a few procedural things, I suppose. But that is the way with any action/drama movie.

The action was awesome. The story was well-written. The cinematography was brilliant and the sound-editing was excellent. If you're going for a well-rounded action/drama/thriller, this is a good one to check into.

The picture it paints, not only of a few specific lives in Saudi Arabia but of a developing friendship between different people, is a beautiful one. On one side it shows the Saudi policeman forced to look after four Americans in an area and a time where they wear a target on their backs wherever they go. The other side shows the FBI agents, frustrated with the situation and anxious to complete the investigation and catch those who did it.

This movie was honestly the first since Caleb and I watched "Match Point" (2005 - Woody Allen) together that I had a really great feeling afterward... the feeling that I DIDN'T just waste two hours of my life.

My verdict: this movie gets my thumb up. I'd watch it again tomorrow.