three out of ten
A good concept. A place where no one lies because it has not been invented yet. We follow a loser who learns how to lie and the results are what the movie is about. It sounds interesting but there were so many logic holes I could not properly enjoy it. An example is a 'funny' scene where the hero says he wants to withdraw $800 when he knows he only has $300. Because no one lies, the teller sees he only has $300 but presumes the machine must be broken and gives him $800. Huh? So no one makes mistakes or miscalculates in this world? It's not a lie if you make a mistake. There were other things that just didn't ring as they should have. Gervais did good with the Office, too bad he can't write or act in a funny movie.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Zombieland
four out of ten
It seems lots of people love this movie but I guess its just not my thing. The movie takes place at a time when everyone is a zombie save a few people and they are trying to survive and hopefully find a zombie-free place to live. It's a comedy-horror film and it just wasn't funny save for Bill Murray's cameo which was priceless, but he's Bill Murray- so there's that.
It seems lots of people love this movie but I guess its just not my thing. The movie takes place at a time when everyone is a zombie save a few people and they are trying to survive and hopefully find a zombie-free place to live. It's a comedy-horror film and it just wasn't funny save for Bill Murray's cameo which was priceless, but he's Bill Murray- so there's that.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Up
nine out of ten
A beautiful animated film that is more than just a simple children's movie but a touching story of love and loss and living your dream. I found the film absolutely gorgeous in its colors and creativity and I think its one of my favorite animated movies of late!
A beautiful animated film that is more than just a simple children's movie but a touching story of love and loss and living your dream. I found the film absolutely gorgeous in its colors and creativity and I think its one of my favorite animated movies of late!
17 Again
six out of ten
It's a lighthearted movie about a guy who becomes 17 again and could possibly redo the mistakes he thinks he made in his life. Instead he finds a different purpose behind this freak circumstance: helping his kids. It's a comedy and its silly but you should expect that going into it. For what it is, its fine.
It's a lighthearted movie about a guy who becomes 17 again and could possibly redo the mistakes he thinks he made in his life. Instead he finds a different purpose behind this freak circumstance: helping his kids. It's a comedy and its silly but you should expect that going into it. For what it is, its fine.
Donkey in Lahore
nine out ten
This is a documentary I saw recently and found absolutely fascinating simply because its an unlikely concept: An Australian white goth guy falls in love with a traditional Pakistani girl in Pakistan. He converts. He marries her. Then they spend two years apart trying to get her sponsored. It's a very powerful documentary that is very realistic and shows how difficult a long distance relationship is, and the pressures and regret that the young Pakistani girl now feels to have married this man despite her brother's begging her not to. Overall just very real and very raw. Worth seeing.
This is a documentary I saw recently and found absolutely fascinating simply because its an unlikely concept: An Australian white goth guy falls in love with a traditional Pakistani girl in Pakistan. He converts. He marries her. Then they spend two years apart trying to get her sponsored. It's a very powerful documentary that is very realistic and shows how difficult a long distance relationship is, and the pressures and regret that the young Pakistani girl now feels to have married this man despite her brother's begging her not to. Overall just very real and very raw. Worth seeing.
Twilight
two out of ten
Oh boy. I know many people love Twilight and that's cool. I hated the book. I hated the movie. I did think the scenery was beautiful and there was a Pakistani flag in the cafeteria opening sequences which is kind of cool. Other than that, I couldn't stand it. Bella blinks a lot and the actress did a bad job, and the writing, well. . . just not for me.
Oh boy. I know many people love Twilight and that's cool. I hated the book. I hated the movie. I did think the scenery was beautiful and there was a Pakistani flag in the cafeteria opening sequences which is kind of cool. Other than that, I couldn't stand it. Bella blinks a lot and the actress did a bad job, and the writing, well. . . just not for me.
Memento
eight out of ten
This is an older movie that I just saw again and I don't remember feeling as confused on the first watch as I did years later, watching it for the second time. I enjoyed the fast paced story telling but I did have to do some google searching for perspectives on it to fully understand exactly what happened. It's an older movie but worth watching if you haven't caught it.
This is an older movie that I just saw again and I don't remember feeling as confused on the first watch as I did years later, watching it for the second time. I enjoyed the fast paced story telling but I did have to do some google searching for perspectives on it to fully understand exactly what happened. It's an older movie but worth watching if you haven't caught it.
Moon
nine out of ten
This movie is the type that leaves you thinking for days. A man is alone on the moon working for a corporation that mines a resource on the moon which provides energy back home on earth. He has a three year contract ending in two weeks and is looking forward to seeing his wife and young daughter. As the days get closer to going home he gets sicker and sicker and that is when the true story really begins. . .
I don't want to give away too much but this movie really was awesome. It's science fiction but the sort that you can foresee happening someday. I thought the movie was well acted and enjoyed it very much.
This movie is the type that leaves you thinking for days. A man is alone on the moon working for a corporation that mines a resource on the moon which provides energy back home on earth. He has a three year contract ending in two weeks and is looking forward to seeing his wife and young daughter. As the days get closer to going home he gets sicker and sicker and that is when the true story really begins. . .
I don't want to give away too much but this movie really was awesome. It's science fiction but the sort that you can foresee happening someday. I thought the movie was well acted and enjoyed it very much.
The Hurt Locker
nine out of ten
This is a movie about the current war in Iraq, set in 2004 about a unit that finds and diffuse bombs. They have less than a month to go before their tour ends. And we literally, follow them as they do their job. In particular there is one soldier, the one who actually diffuses the bombs and we see him take risks to do what he does with a strange pleasure that mystifies his colleagues. The movie almost felt like a documentary to me. Though its not the sort of movie I would normally watch, it gave an interesting perspective and had no real agenda that I could make out except to show a day in the life of a soldier.
This is a movie about the current war in Iraq, set in 2004 about a unit that finds and diffuse bombs. They have less than a month to go before their tour ends. And we literally, follow them as they do their job. In particular there is one soldier, the one who actually diffuses the bombs and we see him take risks to do what he does with a strange pleasure that mystifies his colleagues. The movie almost felt like a documentary to me. Though its not the sort of movie I would normally watch, it gave an interesting perspective and had no real agenda that I could make out except to show a day in the life of a soldier.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Inglorious Bastards
nine out of ten
This movie is Quentin Tarantino's latest and one of his better movies as of late. It takes place in Nazi Germany and focuses on a few characters who are all interesting, compelling, and in Tarantino style, absolutely bizarre. I found myself on the edge of my seat for most of the movie. If you can't handle violence then avoid this movie, but if like me, you're cool with closing your eyes once in a while, this movie is worth checking out.
This movie is Quentin Tarantino's latest and one of his better movies as of late. It takes place in Nazi Germany and focuses on a few characters who are all interesting, compelling, and in Tarantino style, absolutely bizarre. I found myself on the edge of my seat for most of the movie. If you can't handle violence then avoid this movie, but if like me, you're cool with closing your eyes once in a while, this movie is worth checking out.
Public Enemies
Six out of ten
I was very excited to see Public Enemies as I am a fan of Johnny Depp. Though he did a good job acting in this movie I found the movie as a whole to be rather disappointing. The movie follows the life of Johnny Dillinger who robbed banks in the 30's. We don't get into why he does what he does, we just watch what he does. In this way it felt almost like a bizarre documentary. Still, it was well acted and though I would not consider it my favorite movie, it was interesting.
I was very excited to see Public Enemies as I am a fan of Johnny Depp. Though he did a good job acting in this movie I found the movie as a whole to be rather disappointing. The movie follows the life of Johnny Dillinger who robbed banks in the 30's. We don't get into why he does what he does, we just watch what he does. In this way it felt almost like a bizarre documentary. Still, it was well acted and though I would not consider it my favorite movie, it was interesting.
Wanted
two out of ten
How incredibly . . . *yawn*. This movie meant to be important but it was simply boring. Just your average chase and duck movies. Angelina Jolie was incredibly vapid in this role and I just found myself wanting the movie to end as soon as possible.
How incredibly . . . *yawn*. This movie meant to be important but it was simply boring. Just your average chase and duck movies. Angelina Jolie was incredibly vapid in this role and I just found myself wanting the movie to end as soon as possible.
Towelhead
two out of ten
This movie about a young girl sent to live with her Arab father after her mother feels she can't handle her is a movie that I watched from beginning to end but felt horrified and disgusted throughout. The acting is mediocre at best and the subject matter, the exploitation of a young girl is explored into such fine detail that it makes you nauseous particularly as in my opinion, most of it was unnecessary. I felt dirty after finishing this movie and I might never look at Aaron Eckhart the same way again.
This movie about a young girl sent to live with her Arab father after her mother feels she can't handle her is a movie that I watched from beginning to end but felt horrified and disgusted throughout. The acting is mediocre at best and the subject matter, the exploitation of a young girl is explored into such fine detail that it makes you nauseous particularly as in my opinion, most of it was unnecessary. I felt dirty after finishing this movie and I might never look at Aaron Eckhart the same way again.
Whatever Works
four out of ten
Eh. Another Woody Allen movie featuring a much older man (Larry David) in a relationship with a much younger woman told in one of those quirky over-acted ways. I watched it because I rented it but I was sorely disappointed but if you like Woody Allen I'm assuming you'll like this.
Eh. Another Woody Allen movie featuring a much older man (Larry David) in a relationship with a much younger woman told in one of those quirky over-acted ways. I watched it because I rented it but I was sorely disappointed but if you like Woody Allen I'm assuming you'll like this.
The Uninvited
six out of ten
The heroine of the movie is released from a mental ward after dealing with issues surrounding the death of her mother to a house fire. She comes home to find that her mother's nurse is now living with her father and seems to have a past that may be shadier than anyone suspects. I'm not usually one for scary movies but this one was interesting and I enjoyed the ending which I did not see coming.
The heroine of the movie is released from a mental ward after dealing with issues surrounding the death of her mother to a house fire. She comes home to find that her mother's nurse is now living with her father and seems to have a past that may be shadier than anyone suspects. I'm not usually one for scary movies but this one was interesting and I enjoyed the ending which I did not see coming.
The Hangover
six out of ten
I think sometimes when people hype up a movie too much you're bound to be disappointed. This is a comedy about friends who run off to Vegas for a bachelor party and things get crazy. It's a funnier twist than I expected and enjoyable for one of the usual raunchy comedies out lately.
I think sometimes when people hype up a movie too much you're bound to be disappointed. This is a comedy about friends who run off to Vegas for a bachelor party and things get crazy. It's a funnier twist than I expected and enjoyable for one of the usual raunchy comedies out lately.
Invictus
seven out of ten
This movie is very well acted and focuses on Nelson Mandela's first years in office as he tries to help rescue a losing rugby team. The rugby team symbolized racism for many in South Africa and after Mandela came to power there was a strong push to shut down the losing team. Mandela, however, chose to use the rugby team as a symbol of the country uniting, forgiving the past and moving forward together. Its a good movie but it was more sports focused than I expected. Perhaps the movie in truth deserves to be an 8/10 but because of my expectation that it was going to focus more on Mandela I was a touch disappointed.
This movie is very well acted and focuses on Nelson Mandela's first years in office as he tries to help rescue a losing rugby team. The rugby team symbolized racism for many in South Africa and after Mandela came to power there was a strong push to shut down the losing team. Mandela, however, chose to use the rugby team as a symbol of the country uniting, forgiving the past and moving forward together. Its a good movie but it was more sports focused than I expected. Perhaps the movie in truth deserves to be an 8/10 but because of my expectation that it was going to focus more on Mandela I was a touch disappointed.
Avatar
nine out of ten
Many years into the future America is trying to extract precious resources from a faraway planet of Navi's who regard the resources as spiritual treasure. America doesn't care and they have a team of scientists seeking to understand the elements of this planet and the military and private corporations set on exploiting these very elements.
I saw this on IMAX 3-D and I found it a very enjoyable experience though the movie is a touch long. The movie is a very obvious political allegory to what happened to the Native Americans and the current "war on terror" that is going on. It's heavy handed but I still liked it. It really brought home to me how much the Native Americans went through. Outside of the story, the special effects and graphics were beautiful.
Many years into the future America is trying to extract precious resources from a faraway planet of Navi's who regard the resources as spiritual treasure. America doesn't care and they have a team of scientists seeking to understand the elements of this planet and the military and private corporations set on exploiting these very elements.
I saw this on IMAX 3-D and I found it a very enjoyable experience though the movie is a touch long. The movie is a very obvious political allegory to what happened to the Native Americans and the current "war on terror" that is going on. It's heavy handed but I still liked it. It really brought home to me how much the Native Americans went through. Outside of the story, the special effects and graphics were beautiful.
District 9
six out of ten
This movie felt like a veiled analogy to the Is.rael/Pal.estine conflict. Aliens landed in South Africa two decades earlier and their spacecraft won't work. They are relegated to refugee camps and treated poorly. A task force set up to deal with them goes to work and a spill on one of the workers causes unexpected results. I thought the lead actor was okay, perhaps a different actor and the movie would have been better. The aliens were disgusting looking. They looked like large roaches, in the movie they were given the slur of "prawns" because they look like . . . prawns. It's an interesting suspenseful movie clearly set up for a sequel. I liked it, but it could have been much better.
This movie felt like a veiled analogy to the Is.rael/Pal.estine conflict. Aliens landed in South Africa two decades earlier and their spacecraft won't work. They are relegated to refugee camps and treated poorly. A task force set up to deal with them goes to work and a spill on one of the workers causes unexpected results. I thought the lead actor was okay, perhaps a different actor and the movie would have been better. The aliens were disgusting looking. They looked like large roaches, in the movie they were given the slur of "prawns" because they look like . . . prawns. It's an interesting suspenseful movie clearly set up for a sequel. I liked it, but it could have been much better.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
He's Just Not That Into You
six out of ten
I heard lots of bad things about this movie but I actually thought it was a cute lighthearted girlie romance flick. I read the movie and it is a true "how to" advice book for women about men and how if they aren't making an effort or are giving you hints of disinterest well, they're just not that into you. The movie follows four or five women. Some are in love and married, some are living together, some are single and yearning. We follow each woman and their search for Mr. Right, or keep Mr. Right. I enjoyed it. It made me laugh and I thought the acting was very cute. I thought the ending was too neat of a bow, but still overall it was enjoyable.
I heard lots of bad things about this movie but I actually thought it was a cute lighthearted girlie romance flick. I read the movie and it is a true "how to" advice book for women about men and how if they aren't making an effort or are giving you hints of disinterest well, they're just not that into you. The movie follows four or five women. Some are in love and married, some are living together, some are single and yearning. We follow each woman and their search for Mr. Right, or keep Mr. Right. I enjoyed it. It made me laugh and I thought the acting was very cute. I thought the ending was too neat of a bow, but still overall it was enjoyable.
Paul Blart Mall Cop
four out of ten
I think if I was ten I would have loved this movie. Paul Blart is a would be police officer except he is hypoglycemic and passed out in the final portion of the police exam. As a result he is now a mall cop on one of those one wheeled scooters patrolling the mall and getting absolutely no respect. He also has a poor love life and is hopelessly in love with the girl who runs the wig shop pagoda but knows he stands no chance. Then right around the holidays a bunch of thieves take over the mall and hold people hostage including his lady love. Paul Blart decides to show what he's made of. Will he succeed? I rented this movie because I like Kevin James from his show King of Queens. This movie was okay. The laughs were predictable, the storyline was boring, but it was still not so hideous as to cause me to throw my television against the wall.
Movies suck these days it seems. My standards are getting low.
I think if I was ten I would have loved this movie. Paul Blart is a would be police officer except he is hypoglycemic and passed out in the final portion of the police exam. As a result he is now a mall cop on one of those one wheeled scooters patrolling the mall and getting absolutely no respect. He also has a poor love life and is hopelessly in love with the girl who runs the wig shop pagoda but knows he stands no chance. Then right around the holidays a bunch of thieves take over the mall and hold people hostage including his lady love. Paul Blart decides to show what he's made of. Will he succeed? I rented this movie because I like Kevin James from his show King of Queens. This movie was okay. The laughs were predictable, the storyline was boring, but it was still not so hideous as to cause me to throw my television against the wall.
Movies suck these days it seems. My standards are getting low.
PS I Love You
one out of ten
This movie is about a young window dealing with her husband's loss and following his post-mortem letters urging her to take unique adventures each month as she learns to heal and move on. I tried reading the book this movie was based on and could not get past the clunky cheesy writing. The movie was also clunky and cheesy. I feel it could have been so much more but it wasn't. Such a shame.
This movie is about a young window dealing with her husband's loss and following his post-mortem letters urging her to take unique adventures each month as she learns to heal and move on. I tried reading the book this movie was based on and could not get past the clunky cheesy writing. The movie was also clunky and cheesy. I feel it could have been so much more but it wasn't. Such a shame.
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Taken
seven out of ten
A divorced father looks to have a relationship with his teenager daughter by moving close by and pushing away his dangerous CIA-like past. His daughter decides, against his will, to go on a trip to Paris where she gets kidnapped and possibly sold off into slavery. This short action packed film is about the father getting his daughter back. Though I knew how the story would play out the acting and the fast paced editing kept me hooked. I would highly recommend this movie to you if you're looking for a fun thriller superficial but entertaining.
A divorced father looks to have a relationship with his teenager daughter by moving close by and pushing away his dangerous CIA-like past. His daughter decides, against his will, to go on a trip to Paris where she gets kidnapped and possibly sold off into slavery. This short action packed film is about the father getting his daughter back. Though I knew how the story would play out the acting and the fast paced editing kept me hooked. I would highly recommend this movie to you if you're looking for a fun thriller superficial but entertaining.
Yes Man
one out of ten
It seems I've hit a spate of bad movies. This is a comedy starring Jim Carrey. He says no to all opportunities in life until a friend convinces him to attend a seminar where he learns to always say yes to every opportunity. He does. Predictable funniness and finding true love (with a woman ridiculously young for him) ensues and the ending is so boring it makes me yawn just to recall it now.
It seems I've hit a spate of bad movies. This is a comedy starring Jim Carrey. He says no to all opportunities in life until a friend convinces him to attend a seminar where he learns to always say yes to every opportunity. He does. Predictable funniness and finding true love (with a woman ridiculously young for him) ensues and the ending is so boring it makes me yawn just to recall it now.
Obsessed
one out of ten
A movie with the lovely Ali Larter, Beyonce and Idris should have made for an interesting movie I thought but this was a shallow poorly acted and directed movie that was a complete waste of 100 minutes of my life that I will never get back. An executive at a law firm (I think) gets a temp girl who becomes obsessed with him and is determined to have him though he rebuffs her every attempt. She becomes crazier and crazier as the movie goes on but you can't help but yawn since you know how things will end. Fatal Attraction was at least fresh and new, this is the same old same old boring tripe.
A movie with the lovely Ali Larter, Beyonce and Idris should have made for an interesting movie I thought but this was a shallow poorly acted and directed movie that was a complete waste of 100 minutes of my life that I will never get back. An executive at a law firm (I think) gets a temp girl who becomes obsessed with him and is determined to have him though he rebuffs her every attempt. She becomes crazier and crazier as the movie goes on but you can't help but yawn since you know how things will end. Fatal Attraction was at least fresh and new, this is the same old same old boring tripe.
The International
two out of ten
K finds the movie interesting but I thought it stunk to high heaven. This is a movie about an evil bank and two people determined to put them out of business. The bank deals in international arms weapons as a means to give out lots of debt so they can make loads of money and only a few people know the truth. They are determined to do anything to stop the bank. This movie is like a million movies before it, same old hack. It plays out like a made for TV movie. I'd give it one out of ten stars but for the fact that K liked it alright so I figured I should bump it up one to be polite.
K finds the movie interesting but I thought it stunk to high heaven. This is a movie about an evil bank and two people determined to put them out of business. The bank deals in international arms weapons as a means to give out lots of debt so they can make loads of money and only a few people know the truth. They are determined to do anything to stop the bank. This movie is like a million movies before it, same old hack. It plays out like a made for TV movie. I'd give it one out of ten stars but for the fact that K liked it alright so I figured I should bump it up one to be polite.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Gran Torino
nine out of ten
This movie about an aging racist korean war vet widower living in an ever growing shadier neighborhood in detroit would have been perfect but for the acting of a few of the performers in the film. The movie like many Clint Eastwood movies, is a character development film and focuses on Walt's relationship with his Hmong neighbors who are dealing with conflicts from a Hmong gang. The movie is very powerful and I enjoyed the nuanced performance of Clint Eastwood very much.
This movie about an aging racist korean war vet widower living in an ever growing shadier neighborhood in detroit would have been perfect but for the acting of a few of the performers in the film. The movie like many Clint Eastwood movies, is a character development film and focuses on Walt's relationship with his Hmong neighbors who are dealing with conflicts from a Hmong gang. The movie is very powerful and I enjoyed the nuanced performance of Clint Eastwood very much.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Role Models
two out ten
Two guys get in trouble for indecent behavior in front of a room of high schoolers and are forced to be "big brothers" to troubled youth. This movie tried way too hard and ultimately in my opinion came out unfunny and unnecessarily crude. I don't like films where little kids are cursing and saying obscene things. These were designed to get laughs, but they simply offended me.
Two guys get in trouble for indecent behavior in front of a room of high schoolers and are forced to be "big brothers" to troubled youth. This movie tried way too hard and ultimately in my opinion came out unfunny and unnecessarily crude. I don't like films where little kids are cursing and saying obscene things. These were designed to get laughs, but they simply offended me.
Rachel Getting Married
one out of ten
This movie was not good. I expected a great indie flick about a young mentally unstable woman returning from the institution for her sister's wedding and a good introspection of her life and the family dynamics. Maybe this happened, I didn't see it. What I saw was a home video of Rachel. Getting. Married. Yeah, that's what this is. Someone needed to seriously edit this film as some scenes went on far too long. I felt like the director was in love with how they were directing instead of focusing on the story itself and the fact that there hardly was any.
This movie was not good. I expected a great indie flick about a young mentally unstable woman returning from the institution for her sister's wedding and a good introspection of her life and the family dynamics. Maybe this happened, I didn't see it. What I saw was a home video of Rachel. Getting. Married. Yeah, that's what this is. Someone needed to seriously edit this film as some scenes went on far too long. I felt like the director was in love with how they were directing instead of focusing on the story itself and the fact that there hardly was any.
Wall E
ten out of ten
I loved this movie. I did not expect to. This is a sweet love story and a statement of how we use our resources and how technology perhaps could turn us into mindless zombies. But really, its a fun story. I loved it.
I loved this movie. I did not expect to. This is a sweet love story and a statement of how we use our resources and how technology perhaps could turn us into mindless zombies. But really, its a fun story. I loved it.
The Wrestler
eight out of ten
This was a great movie about an aging wrestler who does not have the success of Hulk Hogan. This wrestler was famous in his own right. He still gets recognized on the street. He still wrestles in smaller venues trying to make a living, but he is a broken man. This movie was very deep. It was a reflection on growing older and how this changes things. About opportunities lost, that we deeply regret, but somehow continue to act in ways that deepen this regret. Very thought provoking.
This was a great movie about an aging wrestler who does not have the success of Hulk Hogan. This wrestler was famous in his own right. He still gets recognized on the street. He still wrestles in smaller venues trying to make a living, but he is a broken man. This movie was very deep. It was a reflection on growing older and how this changes things. About opportunities lost, that we deeply regret, but somehow continue to act in ways that deepen this regret. Very thought provoking.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Fracture
Anthony Hopkins rocked this movie, he plays an eerie character very well. In this movie he stands trial for attempted murder of his wife and plays cat and mouse with the prosecutor. Some things in the story are a bit implausible, however, all in all very interesting and well acted.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
The Ex
Dumb movies are popular lately. Stepbrothers, Walk Hard, etc. This is in that genre but its actually funny in a dumb way. A couple moves to the 'burbs to start a practical life after the birth of their baby. The hubby works for his dad at an ad agency, and the mom deals with being stay at home. In the midst is an ex-boyfriend of hubby's wife who still loves her and covets to get her back while sabotaging hubby at work. Let me be clear: This is dumb, but its funny. If its on TV, worth a watch.
August Rush
This film is about an 11 y/o boy in an orphanage waiting for his parents to claim him. They are musicians and the rhythm of the beat courses through his veins ultimately uniting him to them. This is a cloying mushy film that could have been better than it was. It tried way too hard to get to me, and most of the plot was unbelievable. I think younger children, maybe the same age range as the film's protagonist would likely love this film, its a very cartoon-esque fairy tale.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Pan's Labyrinth
What a fantastic beautiful heart wrenching movie. This movie is beautiful because it is open to so many interpretations and the cinematography is superb.
Changeling
Angelina did a good job in this haunting movie based on a true story about a woman who lost her son and was given a child not hers and forced to pretend it was indeed her lost son. The movie is a bit too long, perhaps in need of some editing, but the story was still very good and I recommend it!
Mamma Mia!
I love musicals like West Side Story, Grease, and Sound of Music and with Meryl Streep playing the lead in this musical I thought I would love this one! The music was nauseating, the acting was awful and the storyline was BAD BAD BAD. Though we fast forwarded as much as we could, I still wish I had never seen it. Greece looks pretty though.
Monday, February 16, 2009
The Visitor
This is an unexpected movie. Richard Jenkins, the main character is nominated for an Oscar and after watching the movie I can see why. What an exquisite, haunting movie. This movie is like a novel focused on character development. We see an older professor dissatisfied with his life and sent to present at a conference at NYU. He unlocks his Manhattan apartment which he's owned for 25 years and finds a couple living there! What follows is unpredictable with twists and turns and leaves you thinking for days. Particularly in a time of detention camps for illegal immigrants, this is a must see film.
Pineapple Express
This is not the sort of film I thought I'd really enjoy, but it was hilarious. The main character gets caught up with his drug dealer in a misunderstanding with the biggest drug dealer in town and they are now running for their lives. It's so funny, we watched it twice!
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Burn After Reading
I didn't know what to expect with this movie but I really enjoyed it. This is a movie about a group of workers at a gym who come across some irrelevant CIA material and get caught up in a strange drama that was totally unnecessary and so very very bizarre and hilarious. The directors call it a tragic comedy. That is indeed the best way to describe it.
Love In The Time of Cholera
Didn't like the book and ditto for the movie. The cinematography is gorgeous but otherwise this is a boring adaptation of a boring novel and I wish I could take back those 2 hrs 20 mins of my life back.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Slumdog Millionaire
A story of a boy on a game show trying to win the heart of his love but winning the gamea s he goes along. Each game show question delves deeper into his life as we see the reality of being a slumdog in India and witness another Indian love story told in anything but the usual way.
One of the best movies of all time. If you haven't seen it go watch it.
One of the best movies of all time. If you haven't seen it go watch it.
Revolutionary Road
Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio knocked my socks off with this fantastic film. This is a story about a couple dissatisfied with their lives in suburbia hoping to make a break for it and live in Paris and try to be more than their current surroundings. I was riveted from start to finish, and thought it was one of my favorite movies. It is dark, but the acting and the message of the story spoke to me.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Mr. Woodcock
Four out of ten
A former chubby middle schooler tormented by this PE teacher grows into a successful attractive best selling writer and returns to Nebraska to see his mom and accept an award the small town gave down to him. He returns to find his mom is marrying his PE teacher who still seems every bit the jerk he always was. What happens next? Isn't it obvious? The movie takes an interesting twist but its not good. Billy Bob Thorton does a good job I think as the mean PE coach, but Stiffler sucked and kind of ruined the whole movie, though the premise and the plot weren't stellar to start with anyways.
A former chubby middle schooler tormented by this PE teacher grows into a successful attractive best selling writer and returns to Nebraska to see his mom and accept an award the small town gave down to him. He returns to find his mom is marrying his PE teacher who still seems every bit the jerk he always was. What happens next? Isn't it obvious? The movie takes an interesting twist but its not good. Billy Bob Thorton does a good job I think as the mean PE coach, but Stiffler sucked and kind of ruined the whole movie, though the premise and the plot weren't stellar to start with anyways.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, April 28, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, January 14, 2008
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
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.
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!
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.
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.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
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
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
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.
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.
Friday, November 10, 2006
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!
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!
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