Speaking of Transformers (D), it's easily the worst movie I saw from this summer (just slightly worse that Hostel: Part II). Sure, I skipped the latest Pirates of the Caribbean film because I can't stand the series- so why did I see Transformers? I guess I'm just waiting for Michael Bay to do something right for once. His last and only good film, in my opinion, was The Rock, but unfortunately Transformers is not even close to being as exciting as the former. The film is more interested in one-note characters and vapid plotlines instead of letting the fantastic Transformers shine. Ethnic stereotypes, women who all look like Barbies, and men without any emotional complex are instead the stars of the film, leading it to feel too long, too boring, and just a big waste of the surprisingly good production values and great CGI.

The polar opposite of Transformers is Hairspray (A), the laugh filled, smile-inducing riot that could make any frown turn upside down. John Travolta is quirky and endearing as Edna Turnblad- but even Travolta gets upstaged by his filmic offspring Tracy Turnblad played by newcomer Nikki Blonsky. Blonsky's bright attitude and adorable presence is totally infectious- her castmates including the amazing Elijah Kelly, heartthrob Zack Efron, among others who compliment each other with magical ease. While this is a John Waters film at heart, the picture is still able to balance the slick innuendoes typical of a Waters’ fare, in smart ways that go over any youngsters head, with the PG rated sheen and joy that the musical needs to incorporate with its message. I'd say that Hairspray is the best film I've seen this year (so far). It's the perfect high to cure any woes brought on by this oppressive heat.

The Simpsons Movie (B+), a film that almost anyone could be attracted to, from the notoriety of the long-running television program, has finally hit the screens. So does america's favorite family transition well from the small screen to a longer format on over 3,800 theaters nationwide? Absolutely! The film is a bit obtuse with its plot centering around Springfield being declared a natural disaster area, all thanks to a certain Simpsons family member (D'OH!). The family soon moves to Alaska after their friends and neighbors revolt against them, as they also fear the looming EPA (environmental protection agency), led by the determined agency head Russ Cargill (Albert Brooks). The gags and laughs are constant, as well as the usual wit we expect from the series. The film is able to go further than the show typically can, and if a show like The Simpsons can be successful in syndication, it's prime to make major cash at the box office, which it does rightfully deserve.

Knocked Up (B-), the latest from Director Judd Apatow, is easily the most fun and somewhat realistic gross-out comedy of the year (haha). Pretty blonde Allison (Katharine Heigl) finds herself pregnant from a drunken romp with slacker Ben (Seth Rogen). Hilarity ensues, obviously, with some mildly fresh dialogue in a strangely heartfelt package. While Knocked Up may not be a perfect film, it’s unique and genuinely funny enough in its own ways to be worth seeing, although it does have one of the most standard plotlines in the book.

What else did I see?
MICHAEL MOORE’S SICKO : B+
WEDDING DAZE (releases soon) : D-
HOSTEL: PART II : D
SPIDER-MAN 3 : B-
SUPERBAD : B-
UNDERDOG : F

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