The Cougar

Movies with hype like “Transformers” disappoint while anticipated sleepers like “17 Again” pleasantly surprise.

While summer is the time to release blockbusters, dramas, and comedies, fall signals the time when summer movies start rolling out their DVDs. Some of the movies that have already been released include “17 Again” and “X-Men Origins Wolverine”.

Although “17 Again” might have appealed to mainstream teen USA because of tween heartthrob Zac Efron, the same reason also made it a turnoff for males. However, the exceptional script and well-rounded cast will have skeptics pleasantly surprised. Matthew Perry’s character is sent back to being 17 after he wishes he could relive his high school life and is sent back to be Zac Efron and attempt to do his high school career over the right way. The audience will be won over in the first fifteen minutes by the witty and talented Thomas Lennon, who plays Zac Efron’s wealthy best friend. Critic Rottentomatoes.com gave “17 Again” a 58% on its Tomato Meter.

One of the more hyped blockbusters of the summer was “X-Men Origins of Wolverine”. The poor CGI, unfortunately, made the movie too cheesy and ridiculous. Besides that, Hugh Jackman gave a good performance and there were some good action scenes. Ultimately, Rottentomatoes.com rated “Wolverine” with 36% on its meter due to the foreseeable ending and weak CGI.

Some DVDs that have yet to come out are “The Proposal”, “Star Trek”, and “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen”. “The Proposal”, a romance comedy with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds leading the way, was considerably funny. In the end it became very serious about relationships and ends in the predictably manner of every romance comedy. However, it’s moderately funny which is why Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 46% on its Tomato Meter. Look for “The Proposal” to be out in stores on October 13th.

“Star Trek” came back into the world this year and it’s not your father’s “Star Trek”. “Star Trek” was one of the better blockbusters to come out this summer. The good acting and storyline helped avoid another mindless action movie. It has some funny and serious moments. Hardcore “Trek” fans might not think it’s the greatest of the popular franchise but it’s an entertaining way to spend two hours of one’s life. Rottentomatoes.com seems to agree by awarding “Star Trek” a rare 95%. “Star Trek” will be out for sale on November 17th.

As for “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen”, the most hyped up blockbuster of the summer, shot for the stars and missed terribly. It is so packed with special effects and CGI that the storyline suffers miserably. It is extremely hard to keep up with and has cheesy jokes throughout. Shia Labeouf‘s moderate acting couldn’t even overpower this terrible action “thriller”. Rottentomatoes.com gave this movie what it deserved, a 19% on its Tomato Meter. For those who have the courage, go ahead and look for Transformers to be on shelves on October 20th.
These are just a few of the DVDs that are coming out this fall. So go ahead and rent, buy, or borrow these movies and see what you think.