three out of ten
Another one of those, "this movie could've been funny but isn't because they totally missed the mark" movies. Stiller is a commitment phone who finds the girl of his dreams and marries her QUICK (Six weeks, not that fast to me, but the movie pushes it on you so you have to go with it) She goes from perfect to "crazy" as soon as the "I Do's" are exchanged, and the movie trails this "humorous" transformation. The kicker? He falls in love with Ms. Right on the trip and must balance a wife and a new found love interest.
OK this movie's premise could have worked but the story is faulty. She isn't THAT crazy... I mean she is annoying for sure and quite unlikable but it doesn't make you sympathetic to her hubby when he cheats on her. The "true" love interest and him seem just like two people interested in perhaps developing things further, not this great love connection that the movie ultimately makes it into. It could have been great but it wasn't great, it was in fact, horribly tacky and unjustified.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Blood Diamond
seven out of ten
This movie is about responsibility. About thinking about how you might contribute to the violence and bloodshed overseas. I went to Whole Foods a few weeks ago with Huda and she pointed out a cocoa product that was sold via fair trade. I didn't even know what that meant. It meant that it was a product that was made in such a way that the people who made it earned enough to live on. So that means, that the ones without this label are not sold in the fair trade market. That means they can't live off the work they do. Soy farming in Brazil causes murder and devastation and we unknowingly sip our soy lattes unknowingly contributing to the death toll. I say this to say that we contribute a lot to the harm in the world without ever knowing it.
If you watch blood diamond and then research the facts you will likely never buy another diamond ever again. The movie explores two characters, one a South African diamond smuggler and the other a resident of Sierra Leon whose world is shattered when his village is destroyed, his son is taken as a child soldier and his wife and daughters are shuttled off to refugee camps from which they cannot escape. The movie follows the villagers attempt to get his family back, and the smugglers attempt to get one of the most priceless diamonds ever discovered. Both are in their separate goals together to the end. Its one of those important movies like Hotel Rwanda that grabs us by the back of hair and yanks us to see the reality that our counterparts exist in and that though we may think we don't contribute to the devastation overseas, we unknowingly do.
This movie is about responsibility. About thinking about how you might contribute to the violence and bloodshed overseas. I went to Whole Foods a few weeks ago with Huda and she pointed out a cocoa product that was sold via fair trade. I didn't even know what that meant. It meant that it was a product that was made in such a way that the people who made it earned enough to live on. So that means, that the ones without this label are not sold in the fair trade market. That means they can't live off the work they do. Soy farming in Brazil causes murder and devastation and we unknowingly sip our soy lattes unknowingly contributing to the death toll. I say this to say that we contribute a lot to the harm in the world without ever knowing it.
If you watch blood diamond and then research the facts you will likely never buy another diamond ever again. The movie explores two characters, one a South African diamond smuggler and the other a resident of Sierra Leon whose world is shattered when his village is destroyed, his son is taken as a child soldier and his wife and daughters are shuttled off to refugee camps from which they cannot escape. The movie follows the villagers attempt to get his family back, and the smugglers attempt to get one of the most priceless diamonds ever discovered. Both are in their separate goals together to the end. Its one of those important movies like Hotel Rwanda that grabs us by the back of hair and yanks us to see the reality that our counterparts exist in and that though we may think we don't contribute to the devastation overseas, we unknowingly do.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Waitress
nine out of ten
Jena loves making pies and is unhappily pregnant from a man she does not love: her husband. This movie is such a gem and its such a shame that the marketing for this movie did not reveal it for the fantastically fabulous film that it is. The movie trails the life of an unhappy married woman (legitimately so) as she learns to deal with this relationship and grudgingly deal with the pregnancy that has befallen her. The dialogue in this film is witty, its hilarious in subtle and not so subtle ways, and its touching and powerful. In some ways I find the story of this midwestern girl very similar to what many desi women probably go through daily in their married lives.... The trailers didn't hint to this at all.... what a gem, go out and rent it today!
Jena loves making pies and is unhappily pregnant from a man she does not love: her husband. This movie is such a gem and its such a shame that the marketing for this movie did not reveal it for the fantastically fabulous film that it is. The movie trails the life of an unhappy married woman (legitimately so) as she learns to deal with this relationship and grudgingly deal with the pregnancy that has befallen her. The dialogue in this film is witty, its hilarious in subtle and not so subtle ways, and its touching and powerful. In some ways I find the story of this midwestern girl very similar to what many desi women probably go through daily in their married lives.... The trailers didn't hint to this at all.... what a gem, go out and rent it today!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
What to do the ratings MEAN?
The method to my madness:
1/10: So heinous that everyone involved in this movie should be tarred and feathered and forever banished from ever appearing/producing/writing/watching a movie ever again.
2/10: Similar to the 1/10 except one redeeming value which prevented me from leaping out of a ten story building window (though the thought briefly crossed my mind) such as: a pretty actor, nice soundtrack and/or decent cinematography.
3/10: Similar to 2/10 except two redeeming values existed in the movie
4/10: Hm, this movie could have been GREAT but its not. It sucks. But I know what it could have been so I give the attempt some credit.
5/10: I get the storyline but there were so many holes/plot issues/poor acting that I couldn't get past it. I dont HATE it but I don't like it either.
6/10: Its good. It either made me think or laugh or kept me entertained. Acting/Plot could have been better. But overall good effort. Wouldn't say its a MUST SEE, but if you wanted to watch it, I wouldn't say don't.
7/10: This was a pretty good movie. Maybe a storyline didn't go the way I wanted, but overall good movie probably worth renting.
8/10: This was a good movie with good acting and good storyline. Perhaps there was something in it I personally disagreed with such as a choice a character made, etc. or perhaps it was a movie that was too long (editor asleep syndrome), but still good flick. Watch it in theaters if you are so inclined.
9/10: LOVED the movie.
10/10: LOVED it! WANT TO SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS! ITS PERFECT, JUST PERFECT! WATCH IT WATCH IT.
1/10: So heinous that everyone involved in this movie should be tarred and feathered and forever banished from ever appearing/producing/writing/watching a movie ever again.
2/10: Similar to the 1/10 except one redeeming value which prevented me from leaping out of a ten story building window (though the thought briefly crossed my mind) such as: a pretty actor, nice soundtrack and/or decent cinematography.
3/10: Similar to 2/10 except two redeeming values existed in the movie
4/10: Hm, this movie could have been GREAT but its not. It sucks. But I know what it could have been so I give the attempt some credit.
5/10: I get the storyline but there were so many holes/plot issues/poor acting that I couldn't get past it. I dont HATE it but I don't like it either.
6/10: Its good. It either made me think or laugh or kept me entertained. Acting/Plot could have been better. But overall good effort. Wouldn't say its a MUST SEE, but if you wanted to watch it, I wouldn't say don't.
7/10: This was a pretty good movie. Maybe a storyline didn't go the way I wanted, but overall good movie probably worth renting.
8/10: This was a good movie with good acting and good storyline. Perhaps there was something in it I personally disagreed with such as a choice a character made, etc. or perhaps it was a movie that was too long (editor asleep syndrome), but still good flick. Watch it in theaters if you are so inclined.
9/10: LOVED the movie.
10/10: LOVED it! WANT TO SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS! ITS PERFECT, JUST PERFECT! WATCH IT WATCH IT.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Blades of Glory
Eight out of ten
Dumb comedies meant to be dumb are usually not my cup of tea but this movie was funny! It follows two has been rival ice skaters banned from competing in the solo category of the olympics who are brought together to compete in the couples tournament. There's love, there's evil, there's inner battles overcome. And (surprise surprise) they learn to appreciate each other and be the best they can be. The conclusion is obvious, but the journey is hilarious.
Dumb comedies meant to be dumb are usually not my cup of tea but this movie was funny! It follows two has been rival ice skaters banned from competing in the solo category of the olympics who are brought together to compete in the couples tournament. There's love, there's evil, there's inner battles overcome. And (surprise surprise) they learn to appreciate each other and be the best they can be. The conclusion is obvious, but the journey is hilarious.
Stranger Than Fiction
Seven out of Ten
I think this movie would have been more appreciated if it wasn't billed as a comedy. There are some funny moments in the movie but I don't know if its necessarily a comedy. Its a very thought provoking film about a man who lives his life by a certain inner order and suddenly has to question what it is all for when he begins to hear a voice inside his head telling him the road his life will lead. I feel that if you go into this movie considering it to be an analogy type film, not a movie to be taken for face value but to be even deeper than that, and really think about it after you watch it, you will love it. Its the type of film that might make you reflect on your life and its meaning and purpose. Unfortunately, by marketing it towards the Will Ferrel fans as a silly comedy of a man who hears voices, its not going to be appreciated for the insightful human drama that it is.
I think this movie would have been more appreciated if it wasn't billed as a comedy. There are some funny moments in the movie but I don't know if its necessarily a comedy. Its a very thought provoking film about a man who lives his life by a certain inner order and suddenly has to question what it is all for when he begins to hear a voice inside his head telling him the road his life will lead. I feel that if you go into this movie considering it to be an analogy type film, not a movie to be taken for face value but to be even deeper than that, and really think about it after you watch it, you will love it. Its the type of film that might make you reflect on your life and its meaning and purpose. Unfortunately, by marketing it towards the Will Ferrel fans as a silly comedy of a man who hears voices, its not going to be appreciated for the insightful human drama that it is.
3:10 to Yuma
nine out of ten
This movie gave me a newfound respect for Russel Crowe who deserves an Oscar for his acting in this film. The movie is about a farmer who is struggling to make ends meet offering to help escort a convicted much sought after felon to 3:10 train to Yuma for his court date. There are some genres I do not like, and Westerns are one of those genres. Yet, somehow, Crowe made the movie sharp and fresh and funny. He is the reason this movie rocks. I would recommend it 100%.
This movie gave me a newfound respect for Russel Crowe who deserves an Oscar for his acting in this film. The movie is about a farmer who is struggling to make ends meet offering to help escort a convicted much sought after felon to 3:10 train to Yuma for his court date. There are some genres I do not like, and Westerns are one of those genres. Yet, somehow, Crowe made the movie sharp and fresh and funny. He is the reason this movie rocks. I would recommend it 100%.
I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry
four out of ten
Predictable? Yes. Politically Incorrect? Yes. Funny? Surprisingly, funnier than I thought.
This is the story of a fireman who might lose his benefits if he's not married. His state recognizes same sex unions so he asks his best friend (who owes him one) to marry him. The jokes are predictable as is the storyline but I did laugh a few times. Kevin James is one of my favorite comedians and he did what he could with the storyline... but at the end of the day, would I recommend it? If nothing else is in stock, and you're desperately in the mood for a quick fix comedy, this movie will do the trick.
Predictable? Yes. Politically Incorrect? Yes. Funny? Surprisingly, funnier than I thought.
This is the story of a fireman who might lose his benefits if he's not married. His state recognizes same sex unions so he asks his best friend (who owes him one) to marry him. The jokes are predictable as is the storyline but I did laugh a few times. Kevin James is one of my favorite comedians and he did what he could with the storyline... but at the end of the day, would I recommend it? If nothing else is in stock, and you're desperately in the mood for a quick fix comedy, this movie will do the trick.
Superbad
seven out of ten
Superbad is funny. Its not as funny IMHO as everyone says it is, but it is funny. Superbad is the story of two teens as they face graduation and battle the thoughts that weigh on their minds. (Seriously, trying so hard to stay PG here). I found it a little crude and at times I felt embarrassed by the lewd and lascivious behavior before me but what made it for me with this movie was the whole McLovin storyline. "McLovin" is a nerdy high schooler who gets a fake ID which results in one of the funniest story lines I've seen in quite some time. It's McLovin which made me like this movie enough to recommend it but just be warned that if you are not appreciative of the cruder sense of humor, then keep your finger on the FF button at all times.
Superbad is funny. Its not as funny IMHO as everyone says it is, but it is funny. Superbad is the story of two teens as they face graduation and battle the thoughts that weigh on their minds. (Seriously, trying so hard to stay PG here). I found it a little crude and at times I felt embarrassed by the lewd and lascivious behavior before me but what made it for me with this movie was the whole McLovin storyline. "McLovin" is a nerdy high schooler who gets a fake ID which results in one of the funniest story lines I've seen in quite some time. It's McLovin which made me like this movie enough to recommend it but just be warned that if you are not appreciative of the cruder sense of humor, then keep your finger on the FF button at all times.
Bourne Ultimatum
Ten out of Ten
I never saw Bourne Supremacy or Bourne Identity but I LOVED Bourne Ultimatum. I don't normally like these sorts of action flicks where you trail a man on a mission as he does impossible and nearly impossible stunts but I LOVED Bourne Ultimatum. I think its partly because even though everything put together as a whole is probably impossible, each scene could happen and so you keep watching and you get hooked, particularly since it might be the last of the Bourne series so he really might die this time. Damon did a fantastic job and the editor was sharp and deserves a garland of roses for his/her incredible editing. Its a movie I would definitely watch again because seriously, I LOVED Bourne Ultimatum.
I never saw Bourne Supremacy or Bourne Identity but I LOVED Bourne Ultimatum. I don't normally like these sorts of action flicks where you trail a man on a mission as he does impossible and nearly impossible stunts but I LOVED Bourne Ultimatum. I think its partly because even though everything put together as a whole is probably impossible, each scene could happen and so you keep watching and you get hooked, particularly since it might be the last of the Bourne series so he really might die this time. Damon did a fantastic job and the editor was sharp and deserves a garland of roses for his/her incredible editing. Its a movie I would definitely watch again because seriously, I LOVED Bourne Ultimatum.
Disturbia
five out of ten
I hate horror films and so when Kashif selected this flick for our movie watching pleasure I protested and squirmed and made pouty faces. Turns out I didn't really need to do that as Disturbia, while disturbing, isn't really all that creepy after all.
The boy in the film is under house arrest for three months and as a result has way too much time on his hands. He spends his time watching his neighbors in particular the cute girl next door and the creepy neighbor down the street. The movie watches those two relationships evolve.
I felt like this movie was a mature Scream. Its entertaining, slightly obvious, and not very scary at all.
I hate horror films and so when Kashif selected this flick for our movie watching pleasure I protested and squirmed and made pouty faces. Turns out I didn't really need to do that as Disturbia, while disturbing, isn't really all that creepy after all.
The boy in the film is under house arrest for three months and as a result has way too much time on his hands. He spends his time watching his neighbors in particular the cute girl next door and the creepy neighbor down the street. The movie watches those two relationships evolve.
I felt like this movie was a mature Scream. Its entertaining, slightly obvious, and not very scary at all.
Knocked Up
Six out of Ten
Knocked Up is about a girl who gets (don't hold your breath) knocked up by a stranger after a one night stand. She is determined to have this child and even more determined to have the father of the child have an active role in her child's life and her pregnancy.
I know people really loved this movie but I couldn't get past the logic behind the choices the pregnant girl made. WHY would you ask this guy who you barely know who knocked you up to go with you to the gynecologist? Is that necessary? I guess the resulting jokes were just too obvious for my tastes. And I also wasn't convinced by the girls' determination to have a relationship with the baby daddy. I mean, he's an idiot, he's going nowhere and you don't even like him. I understand her reasons, but I didn't find them believable. It was okay, there were times I laughed, but it definitely was not my favorite movie. Personally, in my opinion, it was one of the most overrated films of the year.
Knocked Up is about a girl who gets (don't hold your breath) knocked up by a stranger after a one night stand. She is determined to have this child and even more determined to have the father of the child have an active role in her child's life and her pregnancy.
I know people really loved this movie but I couldn't get past the logic behind the choices the pregnant girl made. WHY would you ask this guy who you barely know who knocked you up to go with you to the gynecologist? Is that necessary? I guess the resulting jokes were just too obvious for my tastes. And I also wasn't convinced by the girls' determination to have a relationship with the baby daddy. I mean, he's an idiot, he's going nowhere and you don't even like him. I understand her reasons, but I didn't find them believable. It was okay, there were times I laughed, but it definitely was not my favorite movie. Personally, in my opinion, it was one of the most overrated films of the year.
The Good Shephard
Six out of Ten
Very interesting movie but it makes me wonder what could have been. This movie is about the CIA and how it came to be by following the fictional main character played by Matt Damon and his rise to power in the CIA. The movie shows the sacrifices one must make when your job takes precedence over your life. It goes into details about the Skull and Bones society, and has a very chilling scene on torture that is worth watching for anyone on the fence about whether the use of torture is legitimate in interrogation settings.
Its a very interesting movie and the story line is important particularly in this day and age when we're taught to be sheep more than we are encouraged to think. Unfortunately, this is a case of an editor who took a nap while on the job. Had the movie been edited better, it would have been more than interesting, it would have been a really good movie that was compelling.
Very interesting movie but it makes me wonder what could have been. This movie is about the CIA and how it came to be by following the fictional main character played by Matt Damon and his rise to power in the CIA. The movie shows the sacrifices one must make when your job takes precedence over your life. It goes into details about the Skull and Bones society, and has a very chilling scene on torture that is worth watching for anyone on the fence about whether the use of torture is legitimate in interrogation settings.
Its a very interesting movie and the story line is important particularly in this day and age when we're taught to be sheep more than we are encouraged to think. Unfortunately, this is a case of an editor who took a nap while on the job. Had the movie been edited better, it would have been more than interesting, it would have been a really good movie that was compelling.
American Gangster
Seven out of Ten
I know, its weird, but I LOVE Gangster flicks. There is so much drama, and romance, and intrigue. I love the family relationships, the respect, the suspense. Its all so exciting! So when I saw the trailers for American Gangter which included: Gangsters + Denzel.... I was SO there.
American Gangster is what the title portends. It traces the true life story of a notorious drug dealer who sold the purest crack around. He eluded authorities and adversaries but slowly inevitably the tangled web he wove does come undone. The story traces his rise and fall.
I liked the movie but I didn't love it. Part of this is because the movie is almost 3 hours long (which if you add in commercials/trailers is about right) and I get fidgety sitting still that long. Also, they explored Denzel's character in depth but I felt they could have explored other characters such as his wife as well. She ended up being simply a wooden cardboard figure on the screen. Perhaps, she was not much more in real life but it would have been nice to get a deeper perspective.
Denzel's good. The movie is good because of him. But I wonder if the movie would have been GREAT if he wasn't carrying it through and through. Yes, Russel Crowe does a good job, but I almost felt his entire storyline was from a different movie all together. Though he did a good job, I felt his storyline to be rather disjointed.
I know, its weird, but I LOVE Gangster flicks. There is so much drama, and romance, and intrigue. I love the family relationships, the respect, the suspense. Its all so exciting! So when I saw the trailers for American Gangter which included: Gangsters + Denzel.... I was SO there.
American Gangster is what the title portends. It traces the true life story of a notorious drug dealer who sold the purest crack around. He eluded authorities and adversaries but slowly inevitably the tangled web he wove does come undone. The story traces his rise and fall.
I liked the movie but I didn't love it. Part of this is because the movie is almost 3 hours long (which if you add in commercials/trailers is about right) and I get fidgety sitting still that long. Also, they explored Denzel's character in depth but I felt they could have explored other characters such as his wife as well. She ended up being simply a wooden cardboard figure on the screen. Perhaps, she was not much more in real life but it would have been nice to get a deeper perspective.
Denzel's good. The movie is good because of him. But I wonder if the movie would have been GREAT if he wasn't carrying it through and through. Yes, Russel Crowe does a good job, but I almost felt his entire storyline was from a different movie all together. Though he did a good job, I felt his storyline to be rather disjointed.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Simpsons- The Movie
At the start of the film Homer Simpson yells at you "Why are you paying to see what you can see at home for free?" The audience laughs but by the end of the film you nod at Homer's sage advice. This is classic Simpsons of years past, the humor is sharp and biting and the jabs related to current events are awesome. But then again they say they've been working on this movie for three years.. it should be somewhat good? My conclusion is its a fun movie but its really nothing more than an extended Simpsons episode, a really good episode. If thats worth a $10 movie ticket, then this is a movie to catch in theaters, otherwise, DVD will work just as well.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Children of Men
If you want to watch an original movie that has not been done before, with a plot that makes you think, this is the movie for you. Fast forward 20 years from now and no more children are being born. Infertility abounds, and Britan seems transformed into a chaotic, police-like regime. Immigrants are set in cages and sent to rot in ghettos where armies drive through for target practice. In the midst of it all there is a hope, one pregnant girl. The catch- she is in the hands of an uprising movement and they want to use the baby to unite their cause. Is this a good thing? Is this a bad thing? Watch the movie to find out. I found the film troubling but engrossing, hopeful yet devestating. Its a film that will leave you thinking for days later, and in my book, a film that can make you think, is a very important film to watch. My one advice would be to watch it with close captions because the voices are often rather muffled, and keep the volume button on hand because it gets ear piercing loud at times and that can take away from the film.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Casino Royale
I'm not a huge bond fan, and normally avoid those types of movies. Meaningless car chases, special effects.. *yawn*. BUT- the reviews and trailers for Casino Royale made me want to watch this particular Bond film. I knew it would be inherently meaningless but it seemed thoroughly fun enough to make up for that. Its true, the movie was great. Great stunts and special effects, gorgeous actors, and wonderful cars. Its what a Bond movie is all about. But what I really liked about this movie as compared to other Bond films is that the women are not treated like simply pieces of meat, okay- maybe a little, but- this time the characters develop a romance and her role is a bit more complex than being a pretty girl to look at on the screen.
My boiled down summary: If you like Bond flicks, you'll LOVE Casino Royale. If you don't like Bond flicks, you'll probably still enjoy Casino Royale if you go in with the attitude that it will be fun and exciting from start to finish!
My boiled down summary: If you like Bond flicks, you'll LOVE Casino Royale. If you don't like Bond flicks, you'll probably still enjoy Casino Royale if you go in with the attitude that it will be fun and exciting from start to finish!
Monday, March 12, 2007
The Illusionist
five out of ten
This is a story similar to Prestige in that it follows the life of a man trained in the art of illusions. Jessica Biel plays his love interest, a wealthy woman engaged to an arrogant but important man. The lead Edward Norton has performed in great films such as "Fight Club" but this was not his best film. It was almost as though he was exhausted and couldn't care less, in it just to pay his electric bill. Jessica Biel however I think really wanted to act well, but she just does not fit what you have in mind of a turn of the century young lady. Her face, her figure, her demeanor all exude the here and now, not the long ago, and no amount of period era clothing can disguise that.
Since Prestige is so similar yet ten steps better than this flick, I can use it to explain my disdan for Illusionist. Illusionist is a short story. One topic explored to exhaustion while Prestige was an array of things. Both have riddles and mysteries you are trying to solve. Both involve love. Both involve magic. Yet one manages to offer depth and perspective while the other (Illusionist) simply tells one simple story and then is done with it because it is has done its job and hopefully a box office smash will come forth from its clever riddle. For me, not quite.
This is a story similar to Prestige in that it follows the life of a man trained in the art of illusions. Jessica Biel plays his love interest, a wealthy woman engaged to an arrogant but important man. The lead Edward Norton has performed in great films such as "Fight Club" but this was not his best film. It was almost as though he was exhausted and couldn't care less, in it just to pay his electric bill. Jessica Biel however I think really wanted to act well, but she just does not fit what you have in mind of a turn of the century young lady. Her face, her figure, her demeanor all exude the here and now, not the long ago, and no amount of period era clothing can disguise that.
Since Prestige is so similar yet ten steps better than this flick, I can use it to explain my disdan for Illusionist. Illusionist is a short story. One topic explored to exhaustion while Prestige was an array of things. Both have riddles and mysteries you are trying to solve. Both involve love. Both involve magic. Yet one manages to offer depth and perspective while the other (Illusionist) simply tells one simple story and then is done with it because it is has done its job and hopefully a box office smash will come forth from its clever riddle. For me, not quite.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
The Prestige
seven out of ten
This is a suspense story following the lives of two magicians, once partners, now sworn enemies after a fateful day when a tragic event inspired closing the heart of one magician towards the other forever. Their animosity turns to obsession as they both move up and down the theatre circuit trying to learn one another's secrets.
I liked the movie because it kept my attention and it was like a riddle that you were trying to solve. The magic tricks (save one which will be obvious) are all real ones that have been developed and done. I watched it twice because the second go around makes you understand it better.
Its good, not amazing or fabulous, but worth a rental.
This is a suspense story following the lives of two magicians, once partners, now sworn enemies after a fateful day when a tragic event inspired closing the heart of one magician towards the other forever. Their animosity turns to obsession as they both move up and down the theatre circuit trying to learn one another's secrets.
I liked the movie because it kept my attention and it was like a riddle that you were trying to solve. The magic tricks (save one which will be obvious) are all real ones that have been developed and done. I watched it twice because the second go around makes you understand it better.
Its good, not amazing or fabulous, but worth a rental.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Departed
Nine out of Ten
I am writing this review as I watch this movie for the second time. We were lucky to even get the movie because everyone who walked into Blockbuster asked for it but it was all checked out. The frustrated clerks had even put up huge signs "WE ARE OUT OF DEPARTED". Luckily as we went up to check out someone dropped it off and we got to watch it.
It's a great film and what makes it great is the superb acting and directing. I'm not a huge fan of Leonardo DiCaprio but he just blew it out of the water in this film. Do you want an idea how good this is? I adore Matt Damon but the film would make me slightly nervous if I ever were to cross him on the street. The sweet smile with a terrible secret. Yikes.
Its a mobster flick and about undercover cops. It holds no surprises but the age old story is told so well you can't help but be swept away.
I am writing this review as I watch this movie for the second time. We were lucky to even get the movie because everyone who walked into Blockbuster asked for it but it was all checked out. The frustrated clerks had even put up huge signs "WE ARE OUT OF DEPARTED". Luckily as we went up to check out someone dropped it off and we got to watch it.
It's a great film and what makes it great is the superb acting and directing. I'm not a huge fan of Leonardo DiCaprio but he just blew it out of the water in this film. Do you want an idea how good this is? I adore Matt Damon but the film would make me slightly nervous if I ever were to cross him on the street. The sweet smile with a terrible secret. Yikes.
Its a mobster flick and about undercover cops. It holds no surprises but the age old story is told so well you can't help but be swept away.
Little Miss Sunshine
Nine out of Ten
This is a movie that illustrates best why I love indie flicks. And this is the little indie flick that could as its up for so many Oscar nods that it makes my head swivel. Follow a very unlikely beauty pageant contestant as her family teeters along in a very symbolic yellow bus all the way to California to help her win. I love this film because it shows a family that is dysfunctional yet loves one another and I love the pointedly obvious yet still endearing metaphors and symbols of the film! The ending will turn even the most annoyed watcher into a fan because it is truly priceless!
This is a movie that illustrates best why I love indie flicks. And this is the little indie flick that could as its up for so many Oscar nods that it makes my head swivel. Follow a very unlikely beauty pageant contestant as her family teeters along in a very symbolic yellow bus all the way to California to help her win. I love this film because it shows a family that is dysfunctional yet loves one another and I love the pointedly obvious yet still endearing metaphors and symbols of the film! The ending will turn even the most annoyed watcher into a fan because it is truly priceless!
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Pursuit of Happyness
nine out of ten
This was a splendid film. It could have been sappy. It could have been cheesy. It is none of those things because of the fine actors who acted in this film (Minus Thandie who I felt was overacted quite a bit). Inspired by a true story, the movie follows a man who goes from struggling to stay afloat to becoming a man gasping for water as he sinks further and further toward the ocean floor all the while protecting his child as best as he can.
Will Smith did an amazing job. I was just watching Fresh Prince of Belair on Nick at Nite and could not help but reflect on what a long way he has come. His acting was on point and perfect. He conveyed emotion without speaking. I believe that it is he who made this movie as enjoyable as it was.
Those who say that the poor bring their struggles upon themselves should see this film to perhaps gain some empathy for intelligent people who are burdened not by foolish decisions but by the consequences of their surroundings...
A must see.
This was a splendid film. It could have been sappy. It could have been cheesy. It is none of those things because of the fine actors who acted in this film (Minus Thandie who I felt was overacted quite a bit). Inspired by a true story, the movie follows a man who goes from struggling to stay afloat to becoming a man gasping for water as he sinks further and further toward the ocean floor all the while protecting his child as best as he can.
Will Smith did an amazing job. I was just watching Fresh Prince of Belair on Nick at Nite and could not help but reflect on what a long way he has come. His acting was on point and perfect. He conveyed emotion without speaking. I believe that it is he who made this movie as enjoyable as it was.
Those who say that the poor bring their struggles upon themselves should see this film to perhaps gain some empathy for intelligent people who are burdened not by foolish decisions but by the consequences of their surroundings...
A must see.
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