Forgetting Sarah Marshall

nine out of ten

I loved this movie! I know it was a bit vulgar, and perhaps I could only watch it in the company of only my husband without dying of embarrassment, but still, it was a really funny movie. I looove the leading actor in the movie, he's hilarious in "How I met your mother" and here as well. Plus it was set in Hawaii, and if you know me, then you know I'm biased to anything filmed there. I just wish they did away with all the nudity.

Vantage Point

six out of ten

This movie isn't bad, the problem with it is that it could have been way better, and I can't help but hold this fact against it. This is a movie about an assassination attempt on the life of the US President, told from several different vantage points. You have to figure out what's going on as the story pieces together from different points of view. Unfortunately I figured out the "twist" early on so the rest of it played in "color by numbers" format. Still, the acting wasn't bad, and it was an entertaining flick from start to finish.

What Happens in Vegas

Let me give you the premise: A girl and guy both fed up with life rush to Vegas, meet, marry while drunk and in the process win 3 million dollars which results in the ensuing divorce to become a bit more complicated. A judge freezes the funds and orders them to live together for six months which they angrily decide to do just so they can finally get that 3 million bucks. Can you predict how this will end? If not, you've never seen an Indian movie in your entire life. This is an American Indian Movie. If you like Indian Movies, then this is the standard Cheese-Plus Indian Comedic Romance. Break out the cheesy puffs and enjoy!

Meet Bill

Bill is a nice guy who gets walked all over by everyone in his life. This movie is about him coming to terms with that and figuring out what he wants out of his life. In the meantime he's volunteered to mentor some kids on the practice of his family banking business. One of the kids sticks and then promptly helps "change his life." Eh. The movie was mediocre, it could have been so much better. I didn't think it was very funny, or believable. And in my opinion, the ending, sucked.

Drillbit Taylor

This is a lighthearted comedy about an Owen Wilson character, playing himself as all Owen Wilson character's do. He's a beach bum trying to get a plane ticket away from where he is. Meanwhile a group of misfits keep getting picked on and decide to put an ad out for a bodyguard to protect them against the roughest bullies. Owen Wilson volunteers for a bit of cash, and then some, but ultimately things take a different turn. It's a silly comedy that I enjoyed only because I paid $1 to rent it. I recommend it on TBS or some other cable network, but if you like Owen Wilson, this one isn't his best, but not completely bad.

The Sensation Of Sight

This is a film about a man struggling to escape despair (PTSD) after witnessing one of his students commit suicide. The film follows him, the dead student's brother, and a random dude. Its an indie flick and I feel a) it was too incredibly slow b) trying really hard to be deep c) the characters, several of them like Dylan and his sister were so annoying I would get distracted when they got on the screen. Thumbs Down.

The Dark Knight

Well written. Well acted. Both beautiful and tragic in the same breath.

Things I loved: Christian Bale because he's just super awesome in so many many ways. Heath Ledger rocked it as the Joker, he left me terrified. The cinematography was amazing, the action sequences mesmerized me, and Michael Cain... how much does he rock?

Things I loved not so much: ***warning- spoilers**

They didn't do a good job showing Dent's transformation from DA to Two-Faced. I felt the transition was too quick as opposed to in the comic version where they allude to Dent feeling jealous of Batman and having evil tendencies in his heart of darkness.

Maggie Gyllenhaal might be better than Katie Holmes as Rachel but still, neither character really felt like they should've been the love object for two of the most eligible bachelors in town. Plus, I just felt the acting wasn't *that* great. I also feel that when she died, Batman's reaction was a little iffy.

The ending wasn't really one. Sure Joker is caught, but he's still there.... you know he'll escape. I wanted more closure.

The Bee Movie

six out of ten

This is a movie about bees and one bees quest to reclaim the honey exploited by the MAN! Its cute, light hearted and quite appropriate to watch with kids. I think I liked it because I saw it with a kid. On my own, not sure if I would have been intrigued.

Baby Mama

six out of ten

This is a movie about a 30 something corporate single woman who decides she wants a baby amidst her busy life but finds she cannot have them on her own due to deformed fallopian tubes. So she searches for a surrogate mother to carry her child for her. The surrogate mama and the bio mama live together and an odd couple sort of fiasco follows with a bit more of an emotional twist.

You have to go into this movie with the understanding that it will be somewhat predictable and the things that will make you laugh will be very obvious. If you are in the mood for a light hearted comedy that is fine. Just fine. Then this is a movie for you.

Harold and Kumar escape from Guantanemo

six out of ten

This is a HILARIOUS movie if you see it as a series of skits. As a whole its not really wonderful but I think the point of the movie is that its the sum of its part rather than the whole.

All this being said- DO NOT watch this movie with your baby brother. Also, you might want to just make sure you are prepared for extreme nudity and other very embarrassing moments that you might want to hide under a blanket and blush furiously.

Minus those scenes- great flick.

There Will Be Blood

seven out of ten

This is a very well acted movie by the great Daniel Day Louis set in the early 1900's about a man who finds his wealth through oil. The story shows him as he sets up camp to drill for oil at a small town on the West Coast after purchasing land on the cheap from the Sunday family whose son had come to tell Plainview of the oil that bubbled to the surface around their home. The movie trails Plainview and his adopted son, and Eli, the Sunday's son an ambitious pastor set on making his church an incredible creation. The story shows the characters of the two men and the story of their lives.

I liked the story and I felt gripped despite its length (2.45mins). However, I felt the ending was incomplete and I needed more. I dont want to go into it as not to spoil it but I was sad to see the lack of compassion that Plainview ultimately showed his son... This disappointed me.

Still this is a movie that will certainly make you think, and for that it is worth it.

Juno

seven out of ten

Perhaps I had too high hopes for this movie which got 100% positive reviews from Rotten Tomatoes. This movie is about a high schooler who gets pregnant and decides to give the baby up for adoption. It follows her dealing with pregnancy and also her interactions with the prospective adoptive parents. I thought she was kind of annoying. The baby daddy was not nearly as sympathetic to me as I think he was supposed to be. And Jennifer Garner did an okay job but every time I see her in anything, I always just feel her acting. I get taken out of the movie. The movie was okay. For a review that I agree with more read this.

Dan in Real Life

eight out of ten

This is a film about a widower with three girls and his struggle to raise them and possibly find love. Dan is an advice columnist but this aspect of his life is not focused on. The focus of the film is on a long weekend visit to Dan's parents for what seems like Thanksgiving with all the children coming home for one of those family scenes of heartwarming football games and giggles that just makes you feel all warm and mushy. While visiting his parents he goes to a bookstore and meets a beautiful woman with whom he shares one of those life changing conversations where he feels like this woman might be "the one"... unfortunately when he returns home he realizes this woman is dating his brother. That's the premise of the story and we watch how these different themes unfold. I thought it was a great film though I could have done without the Soundtrack. Never have I been that distracted by a soundtrack, truly horrendous, but otherwise a good film.

Premonition

three out of ten

This movie was a result of no other movies available in the dollar movie rental. This is a film about a couple who are growing apart but at the same time the wife wakes up each morning with premonition regarding her husband's death. At times she is in the future dealing with his death and at times she is in the present knowing that he will soon die and unsure what to do about it. This movie could have been interesting but it was simply an odd movie with a very "made for TV" feel. Sandra Bullock seemed truly bored and the guy who played her husband was also completely monotone. Very dull movie.

A mighty heart

eight out of ten

This is a film based on the true life story of Daniel Pearl and his wife's search for him in Pakistan after his disappearance. Jolie does an amazing job in this film showing a range of emotions and acting abilities I did not know she was capable of. The one thing I was curious about was the long periods of scenes where only Urdu was spoken. Sure, I understood it, but most people would not and I felt that some of those Urdu scenes were necessary to understand what was happening. But still, it was a good movie and I was pleasantly surprised by that.

We Own The Night

five out of ten

This is a film about a family of two brothers and a father, one brother and the father are high up in the NYPD [but are not corrupt] and the other brother helps a Russian mafia run their nightclub while he dates his girlfriend. The story unfolds when the police are seeking to trap some of the members of the Russian mafia which results in "bad brother" deciding to do the "right thing" and thus face the consequences that follow.

I thought the film was unrealistic and pointless. There was no twist, no clincher, it just went on and on and then it ended. Eva Mendez is gorgeous I will not deny you that, but I could not understand her point in the film. At one point I thought she might have a secret twist role at the end but she didn't, she was just his girlfriend who got a lot of screen time for apparently no reason besides she's beautiful....

If its on TV watch it... maybe...

Into the Wild

seven out of ten

This was an enjoyable film based on the true story of a boy named Chris who upon graduating college donates his trust fund to charity, burns his money and abandons his car and sets off on a two year adventure through the US with the ultimate goal of reaching the Alaskan wilderness and spending some time living off the land with tragic consequences.

I thought the movie could have been edited a little better as it went on about 30 minutes too long. I also felt concern that it glamorized his decision though it seemed that Chris may have suffered from some type of mental illness. Knowing that this kid is now idolized by many others I hope that others don't make the tragic mistake that he ended up making.

Gone Baby Gone

six out of ten

This is a film about a girl who gets kidnapped and the search to find out what happened to her. The film provides a very interesting concept and the twist at the end really does leave you thinking. I felt this movie could have been better had Casey Affleck not been the big star of the flick. I know many people rave about his acting abilities but personally I find his acting obvious taking me out of the film.

Basically, its a good plot told fairly well, but Casey Affleck's acting left much to be desired.

Black Snake Moan

seven out of ten

This is a story of two troubled souls. One, a girl in her twenties whose boyfriend is off at sea while she battles a lot of... issues. The other, an older man whose wife left him for his brother and is coping with the anger he feels. He finds the girl on his lawn one morning, nearly dead. He helps her heal and as he gets her help he learns she has a... reputation. He decides its his job to cure her and help her fix herself. What follows it the meat and potatoes of the film.

Its a good film, superbly acted and worthy of Oscar nods for Ricci though I'm unsure she'll be nominated so. Its not as deep as I thought it might be or as the movie thinks it might be, but its interesting, its different, and it does make you think.

The Holiday

five out of ten

OH MY GOSH. Where was the editor when this movie was made? Wait- better question: WAS there an editor? This was a movie full of the most unnecessary scenes. So many that at times I noticed I was completely tuned out. The movie has a good concept: Two broken hearted women switch homes and cross continents for two week holidays to get away from it all, in doing so they fall in love with others much better for them. I liked the scenes with the elder gentlemen that Iris (Kate Winslet) got to know better. I think movies that show kindness to our elders and respect for them gets major points in my book. Those scenes were quite endearing.

Music and Lyrics

seven out of ten

This is a classic romantic comedy with Hugh Grant and Drew Berrymore. I admit it, I think Hugh Grant is pretty cool and so this movie review might be biased in my like for it. I love the 80s references, I love the cute predictable romance that develops between the two as they come up with the music and lyrics to make a comeback to the music world. The dialogue was quite and it was definitely funny at moments but I think its a movie that worked because of who the actors were.

Eastern Promises

eight out of ten

Viggo and Naomi Watts did a great job acting and in part this movie is great because they did a great job. This is a movie about the Russian Mafia and a midwife whose life somehow accidentally falls into their orbit. I like this movie very much because it plays on one of my favorite genres (gangster movies) but its different from the rest with its own twists and plot line. I also like that its 100 minutes. It keeps the movie moving without boring you. One of the cons of this movie is the excessive violence. If you watch it, brace yourself or like me, look away.

Evan Almighty

one out of ten

Some signs a movie is absolutely heinous: 1) You check the time remaining every three minutes 2) You start surfing the web and try to tune out the noise 3) You drank three cups of tea but are feeling sleepy 4) You want to take the DVD and break it in half so no one else will have to suffer through the misery you just endured.

Evan Almighty: Absolutely heinous.

The Black Dahlia

three out of ten

With such a great cast you would think this movie would rock! Well if rock means how it sinks, then yes this movie was a rock. Its a fictionalized account of the 1940's sensationalized murder of a fledgling starlet whose murder remains unsolved. There were about ten different plots running through the movie. A corrupt cop, A love triangle, A murder, A crazy family and their issues, etc etc.... and they did not handle it well. It could have been good maybe, but I have a hard time figuring out how.

Thank You For Smoking

eight out of ten

This movies follows a cigarette lobbyist as he sets out to counter the negative media coverage on the side effects to smoking. Its a satirical comedy and its GOOD. It wasn't moralistic as i thought it would be (and I saw from the deleted scenes that it almost did become a moralistic flick but all of those scenes were cut thankfully). I think with any of the execs having a moral bone develop would have been unrealistic. The way they kept it, absurd leaving ones eyes gaping with shock at some of the things said and done... thats the way to help you remember this movie and perhaps think about it for some time after.

Ocean's Thirteen

Six out of ten

Its entertaining, it does the job. I wouldn't say its 100% believable or that I didn't roll my eyes at least twice. But its interesting, if you're going to see an entertaining Ocean's movie, it is what it is.

Kite Runner

seven out of ten

The book is better. That being said, this is an interesting movie and it shows the situation abroad in a way that makes it more real to those unaware of the reality. Still, the book is better and the movie brushes over some of the parts that made the book really come to life and touch my heart. I wouldn't say don't watch the movie, but I would say that the book is much more important.

AND- Im sorry but would it have been hard to give Amir the adult authentic hair? I knew just from looking at this dude he was Egyptian. I mean, a wig, how hard is this???

AND- I dont know if this will come out in the DVD but in one of the first sequences of the two boys sitting and talking... you can see that little Hassan has red and green braces. Hee!

Night at the Meuseum

five out of ten

I think my rating of this might be a little unfair. This appears to be a children's movie and so I shouldn't expect its humor and storyline to engage me particularly. However, the movie was marketed to adults as well and so it was a little disappointing. I guess I'll say that from an adult's perspective its not worth a watch but from a child who is between the ages of 8-12 this might appeal to them very much.

The Heartbreak Kid

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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%.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Enchanted

Ten out of Ten

I can't write a better review for Enchanted than Huda. So instead of trying, I'll just link to her review instead!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Eid Mubarak

I pray this Eid is fulfilling for you, surrounded by loved ones and loving- and for those at Hajj as I type these words, may they remain safe, reaching the spiritual ascent they desire. Ameen

Click

five out of ten

Adam Sandler plays an overworked overambitious architect on the path to making partner at his firm. He discovers a remote which can zip him over the tough or boring parts of his life to get him to the good times. However this process results in him losing precious moments of his life and those he loves dearly. This movie had great potential. The concept is great. Unfortunately it tanks in a most awful manner. Adam Sandler in my opinion can only play a certain type of role such as the sort he played in Big Daddy, or Billy Madison (though he did a decent job in Spanglish). Click was not a movie that he acted well in at all. The entire time I couldn't help but think that an actor such as Jim Carrey would be much better suited to play the role.

Aside from Adam Sandler's acting the plot was unsure of itself. It began as a comedy and then somewhere along the way took a different turn. I won't deny the movie's message is a good one, and there were some scenes that were definitely touching with strong messages. However, overall, if I was to watch this movie again, I'd be watching with my very own "click" and fast forwarding it along.

Talladega Night- The Ballad of Ricky Bobby

six point five out of ten

Will Farrell plays Ricky Bobby in this race car comedy following a race car driver who struggles to make it back to the top after a spiraling fall down. When this movie was playing in theaters the only reason I did not see it right away was timing issues with friends. I am quite glad I waited for it come out on video. Though it had it certainly had some funny moments it was overall a relatively mediocre comedy with jokes that grew tired as they reincarnated in slightly different variations throughout the duration of the movie. I think this movie would appeal more to an early twenties crew in a large group giddy on a lot of coffee. To put it another way, you'd have to be in the mood and with the right group of people to fully enjoy this movie.

Babel

eight out of ten

If you've seen Crash then this movie is best described as an "international Crash" See how two wealthy Americans, A Morrocan shephard and his family, a Japanese tycoon and his deaf daughter, and an illegal Mexican nanny are all more connected than even they realize.

The movie follows all the stories and each one is inspiring and each story for the most part is well told and well acted. The issue I had with the film is that though all interconnected the Japanese theme was not as closely connected as the others were. The oversexualized Japanese girl and hr scenes made the movie no longer a movie I could recommend to anyone and everyone, but now a movie that I must caution contains extreme full frontal nudity. And is not brief nudity. So be warned about that. Infact if that story line was not there at all this was a ten out of ten movie for me.

I just loved the story and its message. About how it showed that we are all one people. How there is goodness in everybody and how sometimes the choices that we seem to not understand are sometimes incomprehensible to the people themselves but more are usually still well meaning and well intentioned.

It addressed stereotypes against Muslims and against Mexicans. And it showed a different view point. A view point I am aware of but many Americans are not.

I've read some negative reviews who say this movie beats you over the head. I dont think it does. I think people are angry aout the message because it shows people in a humane manner who the media wants us to see as one dimensional beings. But no one is one dimensional.

This movie explores this brilliantly.

Borat

seven out of ten

One of the few times in recent memory that I have seen a movie on opening night. I forgot how exciting it can be! One guy even came dressed as Borat!

The movie was funny and got the laughs that I thought it would. What I really liked about it was that though he was an idiot and offensive in every way, you knew that he was fictional. Yet the sad part was the unaware people he filmed? They thought he was a real person and gave him the most bigoted and hypocritical responses I ever heard. In some ways Borat showed that when he came to the US he ddnt necessarily find people who were all more refined than his native country, just a little less obvious. But for some the bigotry was bured just steps below the surface. I think for this reason Borat is an intelligent film but I dont know how many saw this message or how many simply laughed at the stunts. I think more dd the latter because at one point n the move there is a very inapproprate lewd scene between the two men which I DID NOT NEED TO SEE. But that is what got the most laughs. f that part had been edted out this would have been at least a 9.5 on my review scale.

I recommend it but only if you can handle some lewdness or have the quickness to avoid it by coverng your eyes when it comes up. Note: ts when he's getting out of the shower! 'nuff said!

Water

eight point five out of ten

*** warning: spoilers****

I liked the concept of Water and its storyline. I liked its subtlety, its almost "a day in the life of" feel. The story follows a child bride, 7 years old, whose husband dies before she even meets him. She is sent off to a convent for widows where she is to spend the rest of her days in it. The actors were not necessarily particularly gripping save the widow Shakuntula who was the one widow who actually tried to create change. Upon researching the film I learned that the entire cast was recast from the original one because of the amount of time it took between riots over the film in India.

1) My family on my dad's side has been Muslim for about 600 years. That means before that we were most likely Hindu. That means that there is view likely an insensate of MINE who lived like this. Or threw herself upon the flames and died with her spouse. It was weird to watch it because it was a perspective that I guess papal whose family was in the revolutionary war and see such movies might feel a sense of "I can relate it" I could sort of relate to this. I wondered if someone who came before me, suffered in this way. It made it seem more real.

2) The subjugation of women and using religion as the means to do so she has no way to fight back lest she face the scorn of society is horrific and it upsets me off that this still occurs to this day. One main reason they did this according the movie was they did this so the woman would not factor in when the property disputes arose.

3) The little girl broke my heart. Such a beautiful little girl. And her life ruined. You look at those really old women. And you think. They were once chlorine and they grew old living here.

4) The prostitution was shocking. I could never imagine a convent for widows who are shunned from society to be a simultaneous brothel as well. I found it SOHO heartbreaking that one of the men who bought these women JUSTIFIED IT saying that it is a privilege for them to get to sleep with a brahaman caste man.

5) DID the little girl end up going to the home of narayan's father????? IS HE WHO RAPED HER? How could you rape a child? It broke my heart.

6) I am doing my term paper for my international human rights class on bride burning in India and one of the topics I'm discussing is child marriages. The reason child marriages are so common is b/c in India you have to pay the man a dowry of a sum of money an goods to marry your daughter. The younger the girl and the oilier the man, the less the dowry that needs to given. That is why there Ares many child brides. This practice has got to be stopped.

Anyways those are my thoughts on the movie. It was quite powerful. Very depressing. I can't belie it ages on to this day.

Match Point

eight out of ten

This is not your typical Woody Allen movie. And thankfully Woody Allen does not star in it. A former tennis pro who now trains the rich and spoiled befriends a wealthy student who takes him in as his own. His sister takes a liking to the tennis pro and he takes a liking for his friends fiancee. The movie takes off from there. If you want a suspenseful movie that keeps you at the edge of your seat this is your movie. Its an unexpected thriller you just cannot predict. I loved it and enjoyed each twist and turn. Upon retrospect though the reason I give it eight out of ten is I wish he did more to develop the characters and their motives and reasons for doing what they do. But still- its a good movie. And it makes you think.

V for Vendetta

nine point five out of ten

I REALLY like this movie. Though the concept of the film was developed in the 80's, far before the times we live in today, the correlations in the film and the world today is positively chilling.

I urge anyone with an open mind to watch this movie. It follows a girl living in a "1982/Big Brother World" many years into the future. As she is walking along minding her own business her life is changed forever by a chance encounter with some villians, and then saved by another... villain?

That is the question the movie explores. Who exactly is villainous?

Watch the movie and decide for yourself.

Prime

three out of ten

Prime could have been a good movie. A psychologist advises a 37 year old on her life and encourages her to pursue a relationship with a 21 year old boy who unbeknowest to her is her son. She is a strong Jewish woman who wants her son to marry a nice Jewish girl and certainly does not want him with a girl like her patient. And so the drama unfolds as the psychologist does not tell the girl that its her son, and thus you see funny awkward moments as the girl shares intimiate details that no one would share to their son's mother. Just wouldn't. The movie is trying to be bigger than it is. Its trying to be dialogue driven and deep. But the fact that they are trying makes it obvious and trite and throughly unenjoyable. They try to talk about race issues, and try to have a comical Jewish grandmother who faints when seeing her son date a black person... and it just.. isn't... funny. Its not because its politically incorrect. I usually love politically incorrect movies that go to the heart of issues that we don't talk about, BUT it was just that that sort of dialogue.. it just didn't *go* anywhere or lead to any sort of statement..... I dont know.

Maybe watch it when it plays on TBS... maybe.

Memoirs of a Geisha

five out of ten

This movie was a clear cut fifty/fifty for me. Part of me liked it. The women are beautiful and graceful. The clothing and sets are fascinating and you really can't get enough.

but....

Geishas are high class prostitutes. Sure they don't sleep with all their customers but when they do sleep... its with money. To do so for love, like Hatsumomo did is a crime punished by house arrest as the movie showed. This movie attempted to make such a life glamorous. This movie also attempted to make it seem legitimate that a girl of 8 can fall in love with a 40 something married man and there is nothing gross or sick about the fact that they end up together. First of all, he's married. Second of all she fell in love with him at eight. eight. I think I just threw up a little in my mouth. Yuck!

I read the book about seven years ago and it was realllllly good. A page turner that put you in the mind of the Sari. It was GREAT and you understood the thought processes.

This movie was an attempt to make a fairy tale epic. It did that. If you choose not to be troubled by thins such as the fact that Hatsumomo is probably not that bad but a product of the society that molded her..... and other superficial "details" really.... then its a good movie.

Like I said. both good and bad. fifty fifty.

Munich

eight out of ten

I resisted watching this movie because I knew it would be powerful and emotional and much too relevant to today's current middle east issue between Lebanon/Palestine/Israel. Well I believe that for this very reason it is so important to watch it. You may not agree with the viewpoint of the movie but its still an important film to watch to understand the perspective of both parties involved. Some say that the film is terribly biased. I believe the movie is perhaps biased in support of a state of Israel but as far as Israel's steps to react to the violence and their own acts of violence I feel the movie is extremely even handed and touches upon a lot of moral gray areas. Many criticize the film for not being completley accurate. For example, the death squad killers of Israel are shown to have a conscious when its argued by most experts that they were not particularly troubled by the murders they committed, instead they felt pride because they were doing what they did for their country. Okay, even if this is true, the effect of this guilty conscious helps create a starting point to debate and discuss the issues in the middle east. Most Americans are sadly unaware of the problems and have one sided views of the issue. This movie seeks to show both sides of the debate and wants to start a dialogue on what we think. For that purpose, this movie is extremely effective.

There is a particularly poignant scene in the film where Aver (the Israeli death squad guy) and Ali ( A Palestinian liberation army leader) have a candid conversation unaware of the other's religious convictions or views. Whats interesting is both discuss their home. Both discuss that they are willing do die defending their home. Both are talking about the same peice of land.

Powerful quotes in the movie stated about an event long ago but eerily speak about issues today:

Every civilization finds it necessary to negotiate compromises of its own values.

Forget peace for now. We have to show them we're strong <-- and this one is the most powerful of them all because I actually heard this same phrase from the movie depicting decades ago, used by an Israeli spokesperson to a news correspondent Monday morning. *sigh* There is no peace at the end of this.

Somethings Gotta Give

eight point five out of ten

Sometimes its the movies you don't expect to even remotely like that you really end up loving. I'm a huge fan of the rare art of dialogue driven, character focused movies. Amanda Peet's character is dating a much older man who she brings to her mother's summer home. But mom was coming the same weekend. He winds up in the hospital due to stress and Amanda's mom winds up caring for him. What happens next you can probably imagine but the great thing about this movie is that because it is character/dialogue driven you are wrapped up in what they say and how their relationship progresses. It's a beautiful touching love story of an older couple finding a meaningful connection. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will probably watch it again.

Must Love Dogs

three out of ten

Follow a newly divorced older lady who was left by her husband for a younger woman cope with life after marriage. Watch as her sweet but over involved family tries to set her up through a matchmaking website and laugh as she meets all sorts of zany and quirky characters until she meets.... *gasp* Mr. Right. And guess what? He loves dogs. Throw in a caveat of another potential love interest who is just Mr. Bad Guy and you got yourself an ultimate chick flick formula. Don't get me wrong- I love sappy chic flicks. I could sit and watch Sleepless in Seattle on repeat for at least four times but this movie just doesn't work. Poor Diane Lane, she is a great actress and there are scenes in this movie I swear she is thinking "I can't believe I couldnt get out of the contract to do this film. Must fire agent." Its a good effort that had much potential to be absolutely hilarious-- but somehow-- it falls flat.

The Devil Wears Prada

nine out of ten

Now I told you many a month ago that devils do indeed come in all shapes, colors, and sizes, and that many a one does indeed sport Prada. At long last a movie to prove my point! Please note the Prada littered throughout.

Follow Andi, a sweet midwestern girl who is a very "fat" size six as she tries to make it as a writer in New York City. She winds up working for Miranda Priestly as a junior assistant in a job that a million girls would kill for (she is reminded this at every turn). Essentially this magazine is like Vogue and a year stint here guaruntees all the doors you want will be open upon year's end. The movie follows Andi as she struggles to please this boss and in the process we watch as she gains and loses many things.

I loved this movie because Meryl Streep knows how to act. This is her movie and she shines like the star she is. Actors can make or break a movie and it is thanks to her this movie was excellent. She is funny, she is mean, she can just make a look and freeze you in your tracks. She truly is a boss from hell but she is more than that thanks to Meryl Streep. Huda read the book and said that in the book the mean boss is a very one sided character. In this movie there is depth and layers to the mean boss and into the choices that Andi makes in the city. I like that because no one is just one or the other. Most of us are very complex. What I particularly liked was a line in the movie where someone said the obvious: If Miranda was a man she'd be seen as someone who gets things done. Because she's a woman she's seen as the dragon woman. If you watch the movie you sort of get that.

My only critique of the movie is that in some ways it glamorizes the fashion industry because its message is very subtle. Apparently from reviews, the books is a little more "let me bang the point over your head that this is a shallow industry" while the movie is not as obvious. Perhaps a young girl watching may miss the entire point? I hope not.

Da Vinci Code

one out of ten

This movie could simply be a victim of our own anticipation. Kashif and I had both read Davinci Code, we both love Tom Hanks who was starring in it and we just knew that this was going to the absolute bestest movie ever.

Yeah... not exactly.

The reason we thought this movie would rock is that the book was written practically like it was a script. Like Dan Brown just KNEW someone would be picking this baby up and turning it into a movie. It read well when you thought of it that way so we thought, how much better could it be doing what it was designed to do.

The problem is that the movie has a sense of urgency to it. As did the book.(for a summary click here) However in an effort to condense a fairly lengthy book into a two and a half hour movie they have urgency and thriller plot line paired with the introduction of controversial topics of whether Jesus was divine or not. This combination leads to absurd unbelievable scenes.

Example:
Sophie: They are framing you for murder!!!!! I will set a decoy and then we have FIVE minutes to escape, RUN RUN RUN.... oh wait let me say bye to grandfather and say "oh no" in a stoic manner for roughly two minutes because if I say it enough the audience will believe I am sad.
Tom: Hey I know I'm falsely accused of murder but let me look at this crumpled paper by his hand..... oh wow
Sophie: What is it? What is it?
Tom: Well this is the blankety blank theorum. It was originated in 1,000 BC...
Sophie: How terribly interesting! *as I lay before my passed grandfather who was murdered in cold blood and police sirens wail in the distance after us nevertheless in utter rapture because I have nothing better to do right now.
Tom: Oh yes, this may be a clue, let's stroll through the Louvre and see what we find
Sophie: Oh yippie like a scavenger hunt, please teach me about the paintings as we walk.

Folks is that realistic? Do people being chased for false murder charges who finally get a rare break out actually stop to discuss history and solve puzzles. Doesnt instinct take over to GET THE HECK OUT OF THERE? Sheesh. Truly befuddling.

I didn't think the book was terribly well written but it was a fun read with interesting new concepts. If it were me, read the book, save your money and precious time for now and check it out when its on rental.

The Family Stone

three out of ten

It is very rare for me to watch a movie and actually feel my stomach hurt with the degre with which I loathed it. Well in that regard Family Stone is... special.

The movie begins as we watch Everett the eldest of a large stereotypically happy and connected but misfit family drive into town to spend Christmas with his family. She is uptight. She wears her hair in a bun and only wears black and does not smile. Seriously, typecasting? The family is loud and obnoxious and instantly dislikes her particularly Everett's sister Amy who truly loathes her and sets out to make her feel more uncomfortable and awkward than she already does. In the background Everett is trying to get his mother's permission to use the family diamond to give to his uptight girlfriend because he wants to marry her. They are not right for each other and we all see it but him. That is until things get really bad and she invites her sister to come. Then the equally typecast happy relaxed (and I'm not sure she's supposed to be, but totally indifferent) sister comes in to handle things and the story takes off.

The reason this movie even gets a three out of ten as opposed to a 0 out of ten is because Diane Keaten and the man who played her husband are good actors and had a few fantastic scenes together. There is a scene in the movie when they are discussing her illness that you really get choked up. This is saying a lot considering I hate the movie but the scene did manage to catch me off guard.

***caution: spoilers***

The storyline of Sarah Jess Parker and the brother of Everett? WHAT? Are you kidding me? They had no chemistry. And why is that its alcohol that turns her around and opens up her heart? And its completely unbelievable they ended up in a committed relationship. He (the little brother) did a good job acting like he cared for her but she really could not act to save her life in this movie.

The scene of two years later and they show Claire Danes (the sister) and Everett totally hooked up and in a close relationship? Gag me. they did not develop their connection enough for this to believable.

City of God

nine out of ten

I watched City of God twice. Once many years ago when visiting Brasil was not even remotely on the radar, and then last week after actually having seen the favela (shanty town) that the movie was filmed it and better understanding the darker side of Rio.

The movie is set in one of the worst favelas in Rio where the poor were carted off to around the 1970's to "pretty up" Rio and make it a better tourist destination. What happens when you decide to raze down the homes of hundreds of thousands of extremely impoverished and uneducated people and cart them off to nowhere and leave them to be? You get ignorance, depression, drugs and violence. This is what City of God explores in this fabulous film.

The City of God (based on a true story) follows a young boy "Rocket" who doesnt want the life he has but as the movie shows so effectively, finds nearly impossible to escape. How can you live in a city where the only way to earn money, the only way to not get killed is to be violent yourself? Rocket fights it and fights it. His parents were hardworking yet their oldest son was lured away to crime. He himself didn't want such a life for himself but found himself many times flirting with entering the life of a criminal.

The movie follows not only Rocket who flirts with crime but never truly converts over, but it also follows a man who does cross over. Knockout Ned. The movie shows him start off as a good family man who is trying to make ends meet and do things the right way. The movie ends with him a changed man. A violent criminal. The movie is great because you completely understand why became that way, infact you can't imagine how he could have become anything else. Watch the movie and I wonder if you can say for sure you would not have ended up doing exactly what Ned would have done.

The movie left me weak as it truly exposed how hard it is to escape the slums of Rio. Yes perhaps a few here or there, but for the most part, for 99.5 percent of the population of Rio's slums this is all they have to look forward to. And this is what the movie reveals so poignantly for me.

Mission Impossible Three

six out of ten

Agent Aisha your mission if you choose to accept it is: stay awake in MI3 from start to finish. Your eyelids will fall down in five seconds.

Ok. I dont like action flicks and this one had no other plot but to show you action stunts. I rate it six out of ten because the stunts were cool and I heard Tommie actually performed them himself which is really impressive. But really, would a little substance hurt? I mean to highlight the lack of plot Tommie at the end asks Luter "what's in that thing" The thing being what he spent the entire film trying to find and rescue. Yeah. Doesnt even know whats in it. And ofcourse Luther dont share. *yawn*

The Constant Gardener

seven point five out of ten

I liked this movie. I liked it because of its message. It had an important message on the illicit drug testing practices of pharm countries in Africa. They test the side effects of drugs later to be sold in the first world countries at the expense of those who are the poorest and most defenseless. This was a good movie to highlight the power of these money making giants and really makes you look at the "warnings" at the end of drug commercials with a new look. In addition to having a message it is a good "on the edge of your seat" thriller. At least I was at the edge of my seat. I reccomend it but with one warning to be prepared for. It's not well edited. It could have been shorter. So if at times you feel a little sleepy you're not alone. Get past those (or fwd those when they're endless) and you'll like the movie. Promise. I think!

Pride and Prejiduce- the Cliff Notes Version

four out of ten

It seems all the movies I avidly awaited are one by one disappointing. Last night I watched Pride and Prejudice featuring Keira Knightley. I expected good things since I a) Loved the book b) Loved the BBC Version c) and heard raving reviews. I was terribly disappointed. I understood they'd be edited parts from the book since its only a 2 hour film but I felt I was watching it in fast forward. Everyone seemed to be acting. In the BBC Version I felt Colin Firth was Mr. Darcy, and Lizzie was truly Lizzie but here I was watching a period peice. I knew they were acting, they knew they were acting. She was ridiculously young to play Lizzie whose supposed to be around 26-28... Kate Winslet would have blown her out of the water and the only reason I can presume they picked Keira was her star power to bring in the big bucks in the box office. Perhaps I'm watching this as miniexpert on the book but I felt if someone came in with no background knowledge of the movie they'd be pretty puzzled by what was going on. All in all, way overhyped. If you want to watch a good Pride and Prejduice movie, invest 6 hours and watch the BBC version.

Brokeback Mountain

I dont know what to rate this...

I dont know if a summary is necessary for this movie since if you haven't heard of it, it can only mean you live under a rock, and if you perchance live under one, odds are you arent reading this anyhow :). I was very eager for this movie to come out on DVD and I ordered it from netflix as soon as it was available. I am not sure what I was expecting. The acting was great but there was so much I didnt understand.

Did Jack die of a flat tire or was he beaten to death for being gay? I know that Ennis said he saw a gay man laying dead on the road as a child so I wasn't sure if Ennis was just having a flashback of what he feared happened, or if it really happened?

Did Jack's parents know he was gay and accept it?

The ending just didnt give me closure, and the way they got together didn't give me a full fledged belief in it. I guess I thought they'd develop an emotional closeness that would lead ot other things, not the other way around.

Why did his wife say nothing when she saw her husband cheating on her? Why was she silent all those years, even after the divorce?

The movie ended with me feeling sort of incomplete. There was a lot more I didn't get to understand I guess.

Just Friends

four out of ten

Okay I thought the beginning was funny with the guy from "Two guys a girl and a pizza kitchen" in a fat suit, and I thought it was great that he ended up makign it big in hollywood, and yes there were some funny scenes. But it was dumb. Dumb. Dumb. Dumb. If you want a cheap giggle and some slapstick watch it. Personally- I'd wait till it came on TBS on a Saturday afternon when its raining and there is absolutely nothing else you could be doing instead.

Paradise Now

ten out of ten

This movie has an almost documentary feel. It follows two boys who work at an auto shop and go about their day. One of the boys is starting to like a worldly traveled daughter of a "martyr" who is back in Palestine to live. Despite the fact that they do not appear especially angry, political, or even religious in the film, when they are called to become suicide bombers they accept it with the casualness of agreeing to cover someone else's shift at work. Perhaps even more so. One boy asks if his picture will be displayed on the streets like a hero's. In the middle of his dramatic "martyr film" send off, he interrupts his solemn patriotic pledge with a shopping reminder for his mother. It shows clearly that they are they are simply that, they are boys.

I liked the editing of the film because it kept going without one checking the watch. I liked Suha's character who pointed out the error in their logic. She was born and raised in a more western culture and she tries to affect these boys and their thought process.

It's a good movie but its sad. Very sad because it portrays a real life situation. Can't help but think of Steve Earle's song, I believe that one fine day all the children of Abraham will lay down their swords in peace in Jerusalem. Looking at the world today I dont know if I believe that will ever happen... but I pray for it anyways.

A History of Violence

nine out of ten

A movie about violence and all the different ways we experience it...

If I were to judge the greatness of a movie by how it leaves me thinking of the story or its characters this movie is one of the best movies of the year.

warning: spoilers throughout

I had no idea what this movie was about going into it and I think that is the best way to watch it so you can keep guessing to what is going on. The way the movie is directed if you watch it without knowing that Tom is Joey you see and feel the confusion of Edie his wife along with her. If you know that Tom truly is Joey there is a different perspective to the movie. My opinion is watching it first from her eyes is special because the confusion can only happen once, the second time around knowing what you know you see the Joey perspective.

This is a mob movie but not like the typical mob movie. This is a character driven rather than plot driven movie about a man who was born into the mob and did some nasty things in his day but chose to escape, change his identity and build a quiet life filled with simple pleasures and a family. "Tom" who once was "Joey" has lived his second life as long as he lived his first and life was going fine until he had the misfortune of having two evil men come into his store who, despite Tom urging them to take his money, and all efforts at peace, refused to listen. In that moment Tom does some instinctual maneuvering thanks to the "Joey" he once was and kills both would be murderers. His hero status catapults his picture onto the front page of newspapers bringing attention to his former mobsters in Philly, his former haunt who decide to come resolve unfinished business. That's when the movie gets interesting and the characters blossom.

You see the pull between Tom and his son Jack. With Jack you see his son who was raised by peaceful Tom but who still has his father's "Joey" inside of him. His son I feel represented what Joey/Tom would have been had he been born into a different family. I found the father-son connection fascinating as you saw what a peace loving child Jack was but how he had a violent side inside of him.... his father was the opposite a man who grew up in violence but was a peaceful man in his heart of hearts.

The scene between the two brothers is also powerful. If you watch it, on the dvd the director does some commentary there that sheds a great deal of depth to the scene when they sit across from one another and talk.

Things I didnt like:

The ending I felt could have been better I felt it just ENDED with no resolution.
The little girl Sarah could not act to save her life! She killed any scene she was in.

That's about it! The movie was great and I recommend it.

Hustle & Flow- art within art

nine out of ten

Wow. I just finished this movie. Very powerful. The story revolves around a pimp who is looking at his life and wondering where its going. Happenstance leads him to an old middle school friend who could help him record music. In their ghetto they build a makeshift studio and begin recording on a hope that "Skinny Black" a now famous rapper from their hood who returns every year to a particular bar on the fourth of july might listen to his demo tape. Every single hope of this man and his "family" (so to speak) rides upon this hope. This one shot in the dark.

I love movies with depth and character development. Where not everything is all black and white. The movie was about art, and how art can transport you out of your circumstances and give you hope and joy. And on another level I saw some amazing actors showing how beautiful an art acting itself can be.

What was different about this movie that I havent seen in a long time is that it spoke to me. A movie about a hopeful criminal rapper in the hood spoke directly to me and my life which is so different from his. I have dreams too. For me they are as shot in the dark like him. It's hard to realize dreams. Today I was talking to my brother and it hit me, so many people go into law or medicine or X, Y, Z because they can't think of something else they'd rather be doing. I have a few dreams that I have cradled in my heart like DJay but I'm scared like him to make it work, because the odds seem so against you. This movie is inspiring because though a shot at success is not guarunteed for you, on the flip side, a guaruntee of staying on the bottom is not guarunteed either.

I heard a lot of discussion about the fact that the theme song for this movie "Hard out here for a pimp" won an Oscar and how ironic it was that upon the acceptance of the song they said "Thank you Jesus." Thank you Jesus for accepting a song about how difficult life is for a pimp everyone said shaking their heads.... Then I saw the movie and I understood.

"Some people just talk the talk. Others, they walk the walk. Every now and then you'll find someone who walks the walk, and can talk the talk too." - Hustle & Flow

Dave Chappell's Block Party

8 out of 10

If you love hip hop you will love this movie. Well it's not really a movie, its a documentary that follows Dave Chappell as he wanders through Ohio and New York recruiting people to attend a block party he is hosting with great artists like Eykah Badu, Mos Def, Dead Prez, Roots, Jill Smith, and the FUGEES. YES! The Fugees. The fugees reunite in this movie and sing "Killing me softly" Just that moment of watching them all up on stage together with Lauryn Hill's soulful performance is worth every penny of the movie ticket. The hip hop is powerful and you walk out of the theatre feeling like you went to a block part yourself!

My recomendation is if you love hip hop shell out the bucks and watch this in theatres where you get the best sound to listen to the fabulous music of amazing artists.

16 Blocks

Six out of ten

This movie centers around a stagnant cop (Bruce Willis) whose told to pick up an inmate (Mos Def) to take him to the courthouse to testify at a Grand Jury trial where many crooked cops will be named. The trip to the courthouse is deterred 16 blocks short by said crooked cops and the movie centers around Bruce Willis determined to take him to the courthouse.

***warning- spoiler alert****

The movie was interesting, very very suspensful but I felt the writer/director/SOMEBODY took a few too many liberties with the movie with "easy out" shortcuts. For example, the bus scene where its Mos Def and Willis in the bus and they're careening through the city. How did they get the bus "just so" coincidentally right behind the court house considering they didnt choose for it to end up there. The police shot the tires and it ended up sliding there on flats. Very implausible. Another example was the ambulance scene. One minute they're in the ambulance, the next minute they're in a totally different ambulance. I thought I missed something but when I read Roger Ebert's review he found the same issue.

It's no secret, I adore Mos Def. I think he's adorable and funny and he's a fabulous hip hop artist. But I was ready to kill him in this movie. I don't blame him at all but the director or SOMEBODY decided not only would he have a highly nasal voice in the movie they'd have him talk continously throughout the entire movie. I kid you not. Again love Mos Def but this movie was proof that too much of a good thing can be bad.

Movies from my rotten tomatoes website

I thought I'd combine the movies I wrote about from this site, to here. Enjoy!

Monday, April 11, 2005

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Terminal [ Mainstream ] MOOD: Grumpy Basic story plotline, a man from a fictional land gets stranded at the JFK airport for about 9 months where he befriends the staff, learns English, pisses the airport comission chief off, and eventually has a happily ever after tale.... The idea of the story is very good particulary since its the story based on a real life situation Merhan Karimi Nasseri whoendured living in the Charles De Gualle Paris airport for ten years because he had no choice, and now over 20 years later still endures because he knows nothing else at this point... Unlike Tom Hank's character, Nasserri has slowly gone from a psychologist to crossing the brink of insanity as he sits in the airport for over 20 years... I guess this story is Merhan Nasseri's "daydreams-coming-true" movie. Things happen that can only happen in fantasy land such as the entry guard gets an engagement ring from a man she doesnt know and they run off (this guy she doesnt know) to the airport chapel and get married, and somehow she has a wedding dress on hand and they run through the terminal in an airport cart. It's these sorts of utter rifts with reality that really hurt the movie for me. http://www.geektimes.com/michael/cu...i/stranded.html 0 Comments | Add Comment | Permalink | 07:53 PM

Office Space [ Mainstream ] MOOD: Enlightened CURRENT RATINGS: 10/10 Movie: Office Space (1999) This movie ROCKS. It's the type of movie you buy so you can watch certain scenes over and over again because those jokes will never get old. Very Very Very Funny! 0 Comments | Add Comment | Permalink | 04:34 PM

Spanglish [ Mainstream ] MOOD: Happy CURRENT RATINGS: 7/10 Movie: Spanglish (2004) For the record, if perhaps Tea Leoni had not played Adam Sandler's wife I would give this movie at least an 8, but she was so terrible, it was enough to drop it a point.... It's usually the movies with no expectations that I typically end up liking the most, this movie was no exception. I loved it enough to forgive it its faults. The movie centers around two families whose lives converge. One, a Mexican single mother who speaks no English and her young daughter whom she lives for, The other a complete little family with mom, dad, a boy and a girl and a grandmother who all live for themselves. Their lives converge and the drama unfolds. The movie deals with temptation, childhood and adult insecurity. But most particulary the movie discusses how different cultures view child rearing particularly the pull of assimilation versus the desire to keep your child true to their culture.. Perhaps because I'm a minority this particular story line affected me more than it may others. I also liked the story line dealing with infidelity. I dont know how else to describe it except that its probably something many people deal with, and so it was very touching, very real. I may be wrong because (alhamdullilah) I havent dealt with this, but the motives and the choices all seemed very realistic. All in all, worth a rent! 0 Comments | Add Comment | Permalink | 03:22 PM

Thursday, April 07, 2005

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Sideways MOOD: Bored CURRENT RATINGS: 5/10 Movie: Sideways (2004) I was pretty excited about Sideways since it looked like "The little Indie Flick that Could" becaues it got itself nominated for five Academy Awards. Plus I adore character driven movies. But boy was I surprised.... Now yes, I'll give you this: 1. The last thirty minutes were WONDERFUL. Particularly the part at the wedding and saw Victoria and found out she was pregnant. He displayed such good emotions that I was moved.... so can't balme the acting. 2. The analogies of him to a Pino Wine was very nice and tender. But STILLLLL 1. SLOW SLOW SLOW 2. I didn't feel for the playboy character. When he burst into tears cuz he couldnt lose Kristen, I kept thinking, HOW did he get nominated for best supporting actor/actor? 3. And once again SLOW SLOW SLOW... how much wine sipping can one take? Monday, April 04, 2005 Super Size Me [ NonFiction ] MOOD: Saturated CURRENT RATINGS: 7/10 Movie: Super Size Me (2004) Aside from the fact that the movie's theme song is stuck in my head on repeat, the movie is good. It's not as entertaining as a Michael Moore documentary, but it is very informative. I was so thankful when they exposed the public school lunch situation. The things children at in the school system are beyond words nasty. *Shudder* Some days I will be starving but I will not touch the food there..... The freakiest thing is that the liver began weakening as a result of a high fat McDonald's diet, just after a few weeks. I see the candy at the grocery store aisle very differently...... If you NEVER want to eat McDonald's again, check out the bonus feature "smokin fry"...... I'll guaruntee it'll be a done deal after that... 0 Comments | Add Comment | Permalink | 08:43 PM Sunday, April 03, 2005 After the Sunset MOOD: Moldy CURRENT RATINGS: 2/10 Movie: After the Sunset (2004) Pretty People, Pretty Places, Pathetic Plot..... PASS... 0 Comments | Add Comment | Permalink | 09:16 AM Saturday, April 02, 2005 Maria Full of Grace [ Indie Flicks ] MOOD: Fierce CURRENT RATINGS: 10/10 Movie: Maria Full of Grace (2004) Three little words: WOW This is definetly one of those movies that start and finish perfectly. Maria works at a flower factory where her boss tells her to hand wash flowers she vomited on because he wouldn't let her use the bathroom...... unable to take it anymore, she quits leaving her, probably the main provider for their family, with no job and no prospects....... This is how the movie begins and we begin to root for Maria. The movie is so good because it does not feel like a movie. You are watching her live her life and you understand her. At least for me, my throat tightened when she swallowed the pills, and your heart jumped at each suspenseful moment which thankfull y was not played up as it probably would have been if it was made by BIG HOLLYWOOD productions.... The only thing is I didn't like Blanca. But they probably meant for her to be annoying.... but goodness I wanted to leap through the TV and strangle her. But nevertheless...very well worth the watch. 0 Comments | Add Comment | Permalink | 03:09 PM Closer [ Mainstream ] MOOD: Chill CURRENT RATINGS: 6/10 Movie: Closer (2004) The first time through I didnt really like this movie but on the second viewing it makes more sense. Basically it's two couples flirting and sleeping with each other and trying to say things that sound "totally deep" They say they love each other and inexplicably they change their mind. Clive Owen and Natalie Portman do a really good job. Julia Roberts seems like she was annoyed at being there, I haven never seen her so half hearted... Jude Law and Roberts had NO CHEMISTRY whatsoever. When they have the first kiss you feel embarrassed for them... thats how bad it is. But I can't understand the ending...... Why lie about what we find out she lied about in the end? (I won't say what it was so if you havent seen it won't be ruined).... What was the point? If anyone knows please share. 0 Comments | Add Comment | Permalink | 01:53 PM Thursday, March 31, 2005 Ray [ Mainstream ] MOOD: Confused CURRENT RATINGS: 7/10 Movie: Ray (2004) As everyone else says, Jamie Foxx did a fabulous fabulous job. You believe he is blind, but better still you believe he is Ray. I know now why he won his Oscar, he earned it fair and square..... BUT I realize that Ray Charles was a complicated man with many stories that could not possibly be covered in a single movie however I could not understand why they picked and chose certain aspects to include, and not. For example, he didn't have one child out of "wedlock", he had at least a dozen... His wife divorced him and how about a hint of the fact the had more than one marriage? They may not have lied about anything but they ommitted facts that hurt the movie's authenticity. Was this to be simply a story to entertain, or was this to be a story about his life? I went into it thinking I'd learn more about his life, but instead can probably say it was a good story but I can't move beyond the simple fact that it danced and chose what it chose. Now dont' get me wrong. It's a good movie, the scenes of his childhood are absolutely gripping and I love the bright colors in his flashbacks... The plot IS interesting, but couldnt get past the accuracy issue... Sunday, March 27, 2005 Motorcycle Diaries [ Indie Flicks ] MOOD: Poetic CURRENT RATINGS: 9/10 Movie: The Motorcycle Diaries (2004) To explain how we found this movie.... Hubby went to blockbuster and a worker approached him saying "I think you will like this movie" and guess what we did? I wasn't very enthused about it, an epic about two young men who tour South America.... BUT.. It ended up being a very good movie. The "Might One" is the ironic name of the motorcycle which sputters and falters every step of the way... and the way they scrap for money keeps you awake watching these men obviously born into money feel the pain of others. (Although why they couldnt get a better motorcycle and take along more cash is beyond me... but it is a true story so can't question these decisions to much... it is what it is....) The most poignant part of the movie for me was the leper colony. It's hard to imagine this actually happened.... the lepers kept on the other side of the Amazon, seperated from family and friends... as though their condition is their fault....... The soundtrack is very good, very oscar worthy. The cinmotography is amazing as well, I want to tour South America now.... I didnt know when I watched the movie who this man was. Since then I've done a little research and realized he helped create Cuba... oook..... And Ive since the movie seen both good things and bad things about this man. So while I may not understand the man he eventually became, the man he was is very romantically portrayed in this movie. Very much worth a watch. 1 Comment | Add Comment | Permalink | 04:45 PM Monseiur Ibrahim [ Indie Flicks ] MOOD: Enlightened CURRENT RATINGS: 8/10 Movie: Monsieur Ibrahim (2004) Very good movie, worth a watch. From a French book titled "Monseiur Ibrahim and the flowers of the Quran"... It follows a young jewish boy in the slums of Paris, taking care of his father and never able to fully please him. Slowly he creates a bond with the "arab" store owner across from his home who changes his life forever. There are some graphic scenes in the beginning of the movie so be forewarned not to sit down with children to watch the first ten minutes, but after that it's fine... In a day and age where Muslims are paraded on TV as terrorists and wife beating sadistics, it is nice to see a Muslim, not neccesarily as a hero, but simply as a human being, living his life as best as he can. Favorite Quote: "I'm sufi- No, its not a disease, its a way of thinking... although some ways of thinking can be disease"