The Bourne Legacy

I liked this. Very Bond-like with lots of action and violence and a long, compelling chase scene. Strong and intense acting by Jeremy Renner who has been doing some highly $uccessful movies recently (Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol). And Rachel Weisz, who is hard to take your eyes off, is very effective (though she was 'awkward' in Definitely, Maybe). (And, speaking of Bond, she is apparently the real-life-wife of Daniel Craig.) Lots of references to and pictures of the character Jason Bourne (Matt Damon), leading many critics to speculate that he could still return in a future instalment.

Lovely scenes shot in Alberta (which is supposed to be Alaska) and a story that becomes somewhat clearer 2/3 of the way through (I think...). An interesting series, as were the Robert Ludlum books. I found I was tense throughout much of the film - not sure if I'd rush to see this again.

Ice Age 4 - Continental Drift

This is what you expect.

Not a bad story, some interesting voices but none of them have done other movies that are memorable, including Ray Romano (all the Ice Ages), Queen Latifah (Last Holiday, which I enjoyed) and Jennifer Lopez (two minutes in Jersey Girl, which I also liked).

Good rental for young children or grandchildren.

The Dark Knight Rises

This is a great movie. Good story, lots of action and violence, and an all star veteran cast with some great acting. Christian Bale (all 3 Batmans and [years ago] Little Women) was brooding and effective, Anne Hathaway (soon to be in Les Miserables) in a different role for her, Marion Cotillard (A Good Year, see my review), Michael Caine (huge list - we'll pick the excellent Second Hand Lions), Gary Oldman (Tinker Tailor - see my review - is there a more underated actor today?), Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Inception and... Angels in the Outfield, 1994!), and the exceptional Morgan Freeman (Bucket List and Million Dollar Baby).

You don't need to have seen the previous two movies (though it helps). Knowing the (comic book) legend is also helpful. The film is very long and occasionally drags, but the performances make it all worthwhile. And there are a few teasers that this might not be the end of the trilogy? I'd see it again.