With summer just around the corner, a lot of people are making plans on what to do this summer. Well when you decide to do something else or if you just plain run out of things to do, then why not go and see a movie this summer? A movie is one of the most relaxing things you can do in the summer, you get to see a good show, sit down in a cool room and you get to hang out with your friends. It’s a fun time for everyone, and its one of the best choices you can make during the summer.

Here’s a little sneak peak at what’s coming out this summer.

The A-Team-The movie adaptation of the 1980’s tv show by the same name, starring Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Sharlto Copley. The film’s plot has been slightly changed, in this film all three characters, excluding Sharlto Copley’s character H.M. “Howling Mad” Murdock, are mercenaries who have been framed for crimes they didn’t commit, and must escape from the army.

The Karate Kid- A new remade version of the 1984 movie the Karate Kid, this movie will also star Jackie Chan as the old martial artist and Jaden Smith as his young student.The movie is basically the same, but with a more modern approach to it.

Toy Story 3- The third Toy Story movie with both Tom Hanks, and Tim Allen reprising their roles as Sheriff Woody and Buzz Lightyear, with the movie being set years into the future when Andy’s 18 years old and the toys start worrying about their own future.The toys also find themselves trying to return home when Andy gives them away to a local day care.

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse- The third Twilight film with Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner, playing Bella Swan, Edward Cullen, and Jacob Black. This movie with deal with Bella struggling who to be with her vampire love Edward, or her werewolf friend Jacob. The movie also deals with a vengeful vampire after Bella’s life.

The Last Air Bender- The live action movie based on the children’s cartoon of the same name, starring Noah Ringer, Nicola Peltz, Dave Patel and directed by famous movie director M. Night Shyamalan.The movie is said to be the first of three.

These are only a few choices of movies you can see this summer, and its a lot better than just sitting around at home doing nothing. You have a whole summer ahead of you, its best that you make each day count.

Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is back and better than ever in “Iron Man 2.” With his boyish looks and quick wit, it’s hard not to love him despite his massive ego and generally lacking judgment. With a power-keg cast, outstanding special effects, and a fun, though predictable storyline, this sequel is certainly worth a trip to the theater.

In the second installment of the “Iron Man” franchise, Stark realizes he is dying due to an increasing level of blood toxicity caused by excessive use of the suit. If that’s not enough to keep this Marvel hero busy, there’s a new villain in town to shake things up: Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke). Vanko struts around wearing a suit powered by the same time of energy generator as Iron Man, but his outfit is enhanced by super-charged electric whips, hence his comic book name: “Whiplash.”

Another addition to the “Iron Man” cast is Scarlett Johansson (Natasha Romanoff, a.k.a. the “Black Widow”). Johansson is the epitome of a super heroine; her fair complexion and spy stunts will be sure to have plenty of fanboys drooling. The other main female character of the film, Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), reprises her role as Stark’s better half and is promoted to CEO of Stark Industries.

Despite some critics’ accusations that Tony doesn’t spend much time in the Iron Man suit, he actually gives us plenty of superhero action onscreen. Don Cheadle, who replaced Terrence Howard as Lt. Col. James “Rhodey” Rhodes in this installment, even gets a chance to try out the famed “War Machine” in a crazy CGI-enhanced final battle. While “Iron Man 2” does delve deeper into the mind of Tony Stark, it still delivers on the visual/action spectrum.

All in all, “Iron Man 2” is a decent comic book/action production. While it’s not better than the first film, it actually keeps up and doesn’t fall into the disappointing sequel category like the “Transformer” or “Spider-Man” series.

Reviewer’s Note: Make sure to stay in your seat until the credits finish for a sneak peek at the next “Iron Man;” it looks like another one of Marvel’s superheroes has left a mark and is ready for some screen time with Tony Stark.

You will realize that life is full of second chances when you watch “The Last Song” starring Miley Cyrus as Veronicca “Ronnie” Miller, Greg Kinnear as Steve Miller, and Liam Hemsworth as Will Blakelee, you might want to bring a box of Kleenex when you watch this movie. “The Last Song” was directed by Julie Ann Robinson based on the 2009 novel by Nicholas Sparks. Although, I, myself, haven’t really read any of Sparks’ novels, I’ve have watched his other movie adaptations, which include “The Notebook”, “Nights in Rodanthe”, “A Walk to Remember” and “Dear John”. This one’s different though because it marks the best-selling author’s first attempt at screenwriting.

Ronnie Miller, an angry, troubled, New York City teen, spends her summer after graduating from high school in her dad’s Southern beach town in Georgia. At the age of seventeen, Ronnie remains as rebellious as she was the day after her parents’ got a divorce. She reconnects with her father, Steve Miller, once a classical piano prodigy, whom she has not spoken to since he left them. Upon arrival, Ronnie is miserable, hostile and defensive toward all those around her. But then, by the chance of encountering some sea turtles and a handsome, well-built, local volleyball-playing stud, named Will, Ronnie finally lets her guard down. As Ronnie falls in love with Will, she also manages to bond with her father, Steve, through the one thing they have in common- music.

Overall, I thought this movie turned out better than the way I expected it to, it made me keep asking for more. Considering the fact that this was Cyrus’ first dramatic role, I thought she did pretty well. The character that she portrayed was far away from the character she plays in her Disney Channel T.V. show, “Hannah Montana.” She played the role as Ronnie in this movie with such experience. Truly, she has matured as an actress. With a heart-warming plot and a wholesome storyline, this film is perfect for those in need of a little touching, and dramatic movie. The setting was simple, yet I feel like nothing about The Last Song seemed realistic. There’s the snotty rich parent who looks down on her child’s girlfriend, a drug dealer who mistreats his girlfriend often, and a wiser-than-his age younger brother who acts more responsibly than the adults he’s usually with. Aside from the fact that this isn’t movie isn’t based on true life situations, the way the movie is structured isn’t believable to me. There just a lot coincidences that are in the movie, that’s what makes it unrealistic. Being a melodrama film fan, I could truly say that I enjoyed watching this movie. It made me realize the true importance of family, honesty, and second chances.

The Best Movies of 2009 List shows the ten highest-grossing movies of the year. While 2009 had over a hundred movies, only a few of them had enough sales to put them in the top ten. Its also not a surprise that 2009 was the year the biggest money making movie ever came out: Avatar, which has made a total of $1.8 billion dollars in only a month’s time frame. A big trend in 2009 was 3-D films like Avatar. UHS Sophomores Mark Peterson and Montez Harris stated that people like to see 3D movies because they’re more eye catching and technologically wowing. It only makes sense that these would earn more money.
This article however will be different from our past top ten movies. This time, the entire poll will be online. Anybody who wants to vote on the movies listed below can. The movies listed below were chosen by the amount of money each one of them made this year. Feel free to choose the one you think is the best out of the 10.

1. Avatar
2. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
3. Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
4. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
5. 2012
6. Up
7. The Twilight Saga: New Moon
8. Angels & Demons
9. The Hangover
10. Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian

Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) is an ex-Marine who is deployed to the RDA Mining company’s base on Pandora to take part in their Avatar program. The Avatar is a human-Na’vi hybrid that can be linked to a human’s mind and “driven” around Pandora. Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang), the RDA’s head security/military general, assigns Sully to get to know the Omaticaya (a Na’vi tribe) who live above a generous amount of unobtanium; a precious mineral the RDA came to Pandora to harvest. As he learns their culture, Sully must discover what will make the tribe leave their home so the RDA can begin mining.

As Sully begins his mission, he struggles to adapt to the Omaticaya way of life, but is helped by Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), his Na’vi guide. While he discovers the intricate workings of this alien world and just how deep they “see” life, his focus begins to blur. Can he fulfill his orders or will the mesmerizing story of the Omaticaya sweep him over to the alien side of the battle?

Overall, I absolutely loved James Cameron’s latest film. The characters are compelling; I fell in love with the purity and appreciation of nature the Omaticaya exuded, and I understood Sully’s inner battle as he struggled to choose which side to fight for. Throughout the movie I found myself in awe at the visual aspect of the film.
The computer graphics of the Na’vi were groundbreaking: their facial expressions and the depth in their eyes were alive, not just animated black circles. The transition between human life and life in Pandora was seamless- that’s how real the Na’vi’s world looked.

The deeper plot within “Avatar” was evident but not overwhelming. The theme of environmental awareness and appreciation flowed within the story, but didn’t distract from the overall adventure. If anything, this science fiction tale became more real and involving when you realized what message was trying to be told.

If you’re looking for a great film to celebrate with after finals, this is the one for you. There won’t be a moment when you aren’t entertained or at least intrigued at James Cameron’s visual masterpiece. Check out “Avatar” and find out what people like me are raving about.

Before renting (500) Days of Summer, you must know that it’s no fairytale romance. However, this is the very fact what makes it worthwhile- it’s not just another romantic comedy. Unlike many fellow movies of the same genre, “(500) Days of Summer” does not “sugar quote” the characters relationships, but instead shows them as they would be in the real world: messy, and often disappointing.

Summer Finn, played by Zooey Deschanel (Elf, Giagantic) and Tom Hanson, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt (10 Things I Hate About You, 3rd Rock from the Sun), pull this off perfectly, as quirky, but very different, individuals. But it isn’t only the characters who are quirky. The way the whole film is produced creates the slightly whimsical and eccentric feel that is given off to the audience. It is Tom’s reflections on his relationship, after he has lost Summer and is set on a time line, that moves back and forth, showing the different aspects of Summer and Tom’s relationship.

Although the movie is thoroughly enjoyable, the actual dvd is rather uninteresting. As for extras, it shows previews… If you’re only interested in the movie, it does just fine- scene selection and all. But being a rom com- the extras are somewhat sparse.
Overall, this is at the top of my rental picks right now. With the bitter temperatures outside, it would be perfect for a girl’s night in or as a treat or surviving finals. So, Echo readers, what did you think of (500) Days of Summer?

Who said that watching a variety of tv shows is not a good way to spend your winter season?  The cold season is here to stay, and what better way to cozy up than to watch and enjoy offbeat tv shows that are hits this season and will surely entertain you in alternative ways.  If your mood prefers drama, comedy or even reality and unscripted tv shows, all it takes is a simple press on your remote and you can automatically be there.  Have you ever been wondering what shows grabbing most people’s attentions this winter season?  Here are a few:

1.)  Keeping Up with the Kardashians-  Follow the twists and the turns of the Kardashian family.   This show currently airs on E!.  It showcases the lives of the Kardashian/Jenner family.  Keeping Up with the Kardashians is an original American reality television series.  The show debuted on October 14, 2007 and will end its fourth and latest season in Spring of 2010.  For more information about the show, go to http://www.eonline.com/on/shows/kardashians/index.jsp.

2.)  Chuck-  Warm up your winter season with this action-comedy television program.   The series premiered on September 24, 2007, on NBC.  For more information about the show, go to http://www.tv.com/chuck/show/68724/summary.html.

3.)   The Secret Life of the America Teenager-  The plot of this show centers around Amy Juerjens (Shailene Woodley).   Before she became pregnant, Amy is described as the nicer, sweeter and more sensible Juergens daughter.  But since she got pregnant, she has had to face the challenges of motherhood.  For more information about the show, go to http://abcfamily.go.com/abcfamily/path/section_Shows+Secret-Life-Of-The-American-Teenager/page_Detail

4.) 10 Things I Hate About You-  This show is premiered on ABC Family on July 7, 2009.  The Stratford sisters, Bianca (Meaghan Jette Martin) and Kat (Lindsey Shaw) have different goals in their new high school.  One of them wants to stand out and the other one just wants to fit in.  Follow their ups and downs in this unique comedy show.  For more information about the show, go to http://abcfamily.go.com/abcfamily/path/section_Shows+10-Things-I-Hate-About-You/page_Detail

5.)  Make It or Break It-  This show first premiered on ABC FAMILY on June 22, 2009.  The storyline centers around lives of teen gymnasts who strive to make it to the Olympic Games.  For more information about this show, go to http://abcfamily.go.com/abcfamily/path/section_Shows+Make-It-Or-Break-It/page_Detail

6.)  Jersey Shore- Even though the weather’s cold, get warm with this show that follows eight housemates that are spending their summer on the Jersey Shore.  Join them in their real-world type style while they live, work and party on the Jersey Shore.  For more information about this show, go to  http://www.mtv.com/shows/jersey_shore/series.jhtml

Director Wes Anderson (The Royal Tenenbaums, The Life Aquatic, Darjeeling Limited) has long established himself as a master of poignant satire, but he strayed a little from his usual subject matter with his claymation adaptation of Roald Dahl’s childrens’ book “Fantastic Mr. Fox.” Dahl’s tale of the lovable trickster Mr. Fox is brought to life with a stunning cast, quick-witted dialogue, and charming animation. Plus it has a killer soundtrack.

Mr. Fox (George Clooney) a once great chicken thief, and now local news columnist, decides to pull one last job before finally settling down. He moves back above ground and creates a master plan to steal from three of the “meanest, nastiest, and ugliest farmers” ever known to woodland critters: Bogis, Bunce and Beans (Robin Hurlstone, Hugo Guiness, Michael Gambon). It isn’t done so easily however, Fox’s wife Felicity (Meryl Streep), his son Ash (Jason Schwartzman), his nephew Kristofferson (Eric Chase Anderson) and a whole host of animal characters become involved when the farmers retaliate.
The film is filled with humor, but it isn’t ever crude. The film does a terrific job of keeping the story true to the original, and any additions made work with the mood Dahl originally created, rather than competing with it. It can be said that “Fantastic Mr. Fox” is an adult’s film that a child may take interest in, rather than a children’s film that an adult may enjoy, and there’s some truth to that. There aren’t adult themes or really any terribly inappropriate topics in the film, but this isn’t your typical kid’s film.

“Fantastic Mr. Fox” is rated PG for action, smoking, and slang humor. See a parent’s guide to “Fantastic Mr. Fox” here: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0432283/parentalguide. It runs a total 87 minutes, and is currently playing at Savoy 16 and Beverly. To see a trailer check the following link: http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi3040936473/.

I must be a blossoming Sandra Bullock fan. I hated Ms. Congeniality (and the sequel) and her other work (The Lake House and Premonition) bored me. But after watching The Proposal and falling in love, I decided to give her latest movie, The Blind Side, a try. Personally, I found this to be her best film performance ever. This wasn’t Sandra Bullock onscreen- this was Leigh Anne Tuohy.

Leigh Anne Tuohy (Bullock) is the wife of a wealthy fastfood business owner who dabbles in the various social circles of her community. She lives in a small castle in an upscale neighborhood, wears designer clothes and her kids attend a private Christian school. But the night she sees Big Mike (Quinton Aaron) trudging along the street in the pouring rain changes her life. In an act of charity, she invites the boy home for the night to escape the cold. As one night turns into months, Michael and Leigh Anne’s family become closer.

What ensues after the Tuohy family accepts Michael into their home is remarkable: he develops goals, gains an education and finds himself a member of a loving family who adore him. He isn’t the only one who has changed though- Leigh Anne has discovered a new side to life through love and compassion (one more fulfilling than nibbling salads at a ritzy restaurant). Her journey and Michael’s remind us how one small act of kindness can transform someone’s life and how love still exists in the world.

While it may sound like a cheesy plot, the movie isn’t superficial or fake; the
performances feel real. When it came to Bullock, I felt like I wasn’t watching someone act- I was watching the character. Tim McGraw is convincing as Sean, Leigh Anne’s husband. My favorite performance of the movie however, comes from Jae Head as S.J. Tuohy (Leigh Anne’s son). His comedic timing and beaming smile give the movie a lighter edge and I look forward to seeing his future work.

All in all, I really enjoyed the movie. The message was heartwarming, the story made me cry and it told the unbelievable true story of Michael Oher (who is currently an offensive line men for the Baltimore Ravens). If you’re looking for a feel-good film to get in the holiday spirit, check out The Blind Side.

When I saw previews for “The Proposal,” I was suspicious. It seemed to be one of those movies where the funny parts were revealed in the TV commercials to lure you to spend seven dollars for nothing at the theater. However, after watching the film, I was pleasantly surprised and was excited for its DVD release.

“The Proposal” is a romantic-comedy about an uptown book-editor named Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) and her assistant Andrew Paxton (Ryan Ryenolds). When Margaret (Bullock) is about to be deported back to Canada, she rushes to find a way to keep her job and lavish lifestyle in the US. Her master plan is simple: marry Andrew (Reynolds), keep her citizenship then get a divorce. As in all romance movies, the simplicity of this plan is lost when Margaret (Bullock) develops feelings for Andrew (Reynolds).

While “The Proposal” isn’t original, it’s humor is fresh and the performances are believable. Bullock and Reynolds’ chemistry keeps the plot moving, and Betty White (Andrew’s Grandma) is absolutely hilarious. Andrew’s (Reynolds) relationship with his father (Craig T. Nelson) adds a deeper edge to the movie and shows viewers buried truths behind the “perfect family” image the Paxton family hides behind.

Overall, I really enjoyed this movie. The lush Alaskan landscape was stunning, the personality quirks of the characters seemed real and the film didn’t cross the overly-cheesy romantic comedy line. If you need something that will make you laugh with a PG-13 rating, check out “The Proposal.”

3 out of 4 Stars