137. Kung Fu Panda 2

Kung Fu Panda 2 is a surprisingly good sequel. You just never know how a sequel is going to play out but I was pleasantly surprised. This was also a great example of Jack Black done right--take notes Gulliver's Travels.

I am happy to say that this movie holds up with a strong story line of it's own and there are many funny scenes that never made it into the previews. Which means that there are more surprises and laughs in the theatre.

In Kung Fu 2, Po Ping and his friends must face their greatest and most evil opponent yet--Lord Shin (Gary Oldman). Lord Shin, a demented and blood thirtsy peacock, seeks to get his revenge and to end Kung Fu forever through his use of explosions and gun powder. One by one he seeks to destroy the greatest masters of Kung Fu and the only ones who can stop him are Po and his friends.

All the recurring characters are played by the same cast members. Can I just say that Jackie Chan makes one funny monkey? And they all do an amazing job bringing the story to life.

Final Verdict: Worth Owning!

122. Gulliver's Travels.

          Oh Jack Black. You had such high ambitions for this movie. I can really tell you wanted this to be good really bad. Well, it wasnt. The crazy thing is on the premise alone it seems it would be funny. Well that is why movies should not be made on premise alone.
          If you read my blog on School of Rock you will remember that Jack Black needs a perfect scenario to pull off a movie. Especially when he is the main lead and expected to carry the film. Well here his slacker rock humor just doesnt gel. The movie is about 30 minutes too long and really tries to make Black the loveable giant but it just doesnt click. Something is just lacking. I dont know. Just doesnt work. If you like JB and think his humor is funny then there will be parts of the movie that you will fine funny. But if you are just a casual Jack Black fan, then you should skip it.

Final Verdict: Not Worth Owning.

110. Airborne

               1993 was a glorious year. It is the year that gave us Airborne. No, its not a movie about the those fuzzy little tablets that you take when you feel a cold coming on. It is a the story of a young, fish out of water, teenager who loves surfing and roller blading. It is not that well known and if it hadnt been for one of my best friends in college I would never have seen it. And my life would not be complete.
               Why is he a fish out of water? Because our young Mitchell is the prototypical surfer guy from California who lives to surf. When he is not surfing he is roller blading and calling everyone brah. But Mitchell's parents get the chance to move to Australia for to study the Wombat. But Mitchell doesn't get to go, he has to move to Cincinnati and live with his Aunt and Uncle. Also there is his crazy Cousin Wiley played by a young and funny Seth Green.
               There is no ocean in Cincy town and Mitchell can't seem to fit in with the rest of the school who loves Hockey. It isnt until he finds the common ground of Roller Blading that he can fit in with the cool kids. One of the cool kids happens to be a very young, very unknown and VERY funny Jack Black. Airborne is a great, very funny movie. It is filled with great characters and fun way to spend 90 minutes. If you have never seen it, please check it out.

Final Verdict: I could see me owning it someday.

100. School of Rock

I am really sick right not so this blog may be short. I love School of Rock. It goes along with what I call the perfect storm theory of movies and actors. Up to know Jack Black had made a small name, some success. Mostly as the sidekick, in a ensemble or in certain pet projects. But with School of Rock the perfect storm all came together and he hit a grand slam.
          The perfect storm theory has to do with the fact that this movie came together, the stars aligned, everything played to Black's strength. It was the perfect vehicle for him. Black's humor does not work sometimes unless its really tailored to him, for example Gulliver's Travels. Not a good movie. But School of Rock he nailed every aspect of the movie. One genius part that the casting did was casting children that were musicians first and actors second. With the exception being Miranda Cosgrove who of course went on to I Carly fame.
Again, everything came together for Jack Black. He was able to draw in people that wanted to see this movie despite the fact that it was a Black starring vehicle. Great movie, great music.

Final Verdict: WORTH OWNING. was really excited that this was number 100!