Movie Talk no big whoop just coffee and talk.

Alice in Wonderland (2010)

2011-03-08T23:07:00.000-08:00

Starting off having to say sorry for not posting Friday. No internet access = no signing in for post. Not that I didn't think of you all I just couldn't say anything.

That said on to business.

To be honest when I first heard about the making of this film I was not happy. I love all the Alice in Wonderland's I grew up with. From the Disney animated to the, 1949, and 1985, even a few I haven't mentioned. But I also thought this was a story that has been told quite enough and if we feel the need to relive it we can watch one of those. In short I was wrong. True we do have the same characters, and we do go to the same place but this is a grown up Alice, with grown up problems in the real world. There is many things from the original story still in here but with more sense to a non-sensible world. In many ways the story is the same yet completely different. If you have seen the film I'm sure you already know what I'm talking about and if you haven't you aren't going to truly understand that unless you see the film.
Acting, well what can you really say with this cast other then they were all amazing, however with this cast that shouldn't really be all that surprising. I will say I'm still waiting for the day that Helena Bonham Carter really gets some credit from general public and not just filmies like me, and critics. She is truly one of the most unappreciated actresses in modern times.
This is yet another film I'm giving an A to. I can't really give it an A+ though because when I was done watching this film it didn't really stay with me like Inception or Black Swan did. I really liked this film and I would say see it if you get a chance to see it take it.

Official Site
http://adisney.go.com/disneypictures/aliceinwonderland/

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1014759/

Genre's (should we get so specific?)

2011-03-01T22:05:00.000-08:00

I pose the question should we get so specific, be more specific, or maybe loosen the ties a little. The reason I ask this is because I have one friend that refuses to see anything that is called action adventure, but when taken to her first Jackie Chan movie she loved it and didn't understand why she hadn't seen any others. I have another friend that wont see anything deemed as romantic comedy, but when told the movie Miss Conception was a British comedy he was ready to see it.
While it is nice to know what kind of movie I'm walking in to because I just may not be in the mood for a horror or something I think it might be nice to loosen the ties a bit on what we call things. Do we really need the names of rom-com, dramady, and to put everything in to categories. I personally would like a little surprise while watching a movie as well.
What does everyone else think?

Oscar Picks

2011-02-27T05:37:00.000-08:00

I have picks in every category I'm going to put either a T next to a name for "Think it will win" or a W next to the name for "Want to win". There are even a few where that will be the same.

Best Picture
Black Swan W
The Kings Speech T

Best Actor
Colin Firth T&W

Best supporting Actor
John Hawkes W
Geoffery Rush T

Best Actress
Annette Bening W
Natalle Portman T

Best supporting Actress
Helena Bonham Carter T&W

Best Director
Darren Aronofsky W
Tom Hooper T

Best Documentary Feature
Exit Through the Gift Shop T
Gasland W

Best Documentary Short
Killing in the Name T&W

Best Foreign Language Film
Biutiful T&W

Best Original Screenplay
Inception W
The Kings Speech T

Best Adapted Screenplay
The Social Network T
Winter's Bone W

Best Cinematography
Inception T&W

Best Makeup
Wolfman T&W

Best Art Direction
Inception T&W

Best Animated Short Film
Day&Night T&W

Best Animated Feature Film
Toy Story 3

Best Live Action short Film
The Crush T&W

Best Visual Effects
Inception T&W

Best Costume Design
Alice in Wonderland W
The King's Speech T

Best Film Editing
127 Hours T&W

Best Sound Mixing
Inception W
The King's Speech T

Best Sound Editing
Inception W
The King's Speech T

Best Original Score
127 Hours T
Inception W

Best Original Song
127 Hours for the song "If I Rise" T
Toy Story 3 for the song "We Belong Together" W

Some of my guesses are based on other awards shows, some are by watching as many of the films as I could, and some are based on the things I've read.

So What did everyone else guess?

Winters Bone

2011-02-26T06:15:00.000-08:00

This is a film I've seen having the genre list as noir, mystery, thriller, and drama. Personally I really see the drama but don't get the rest. In noir you have the femme fatale, and the entire movie all be it very interesting story will be very bleak. In this there are moments of happiness and no femme fatale. While there is a bit of mystery as to where the father that the main character (Ree) is searching for there is not really a mysterious side to it. Thriller I don't get at all, it's not a film that keeps you on the edge of your seat, nail biting, and you don't feel that constant need to see what is going to happen next. From the sounds of that you would almost think I didn't like the film, not so. The dialog is short, to the point, and in some ways is a character of it's own. The acting is extremely well done, nothing looks out of place, and for as sad and depressing as a lot of it is you still feel a sense of hope all through out it.
I should really give a short description of this storyline, to make it clear this is not a film to see when you are depressed.
Ree is a 17 year old girl who is taking care of her two younger siblings, and her mentally ill mother. When she finds out her drug-dealing crank-cooking father put up the house and their land as bail she needs to find him to not loose the family home for him not showing up to court. Mean while the uncle, aunt, grandfather and other various members of her family are so against her looking for her father they do become violent.
The family dynamic in this film is truly important as many members of the family fear many other members of the family yet they believe in protecting their "kin".
In short this is a very good film but not one to see when you are feeling even a little down. I give this film an A.

I do feel the need to say one last thing about this film. If you watch this on DVD check out the special features. You end up finding out a lot of the cast is actually people from about the town, and scenery wasn't things built for this film or brought in from L.A.

Official site
http://www.wintersbonemovie.com/

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1399683/

Gasland

2011-02-22T20:38:00.000-08:00

This is a documentary about the evils of mining natural gas and what it does to the people around it. I personally find it very difficult to review documentaries as really the only thing that really should be done is to report on it not give opinion, when that is really what a review is in many ways.
So taking opinion out of this I do think it is an important film to see. Not only do we get the information about what is happening to the water of the people around the mining but we see how that affects everyone. I never would have thought about how a river in Georgia could have anything to do with what I have coming out of the faucet here in California. When shown a map of all the rivers, and streams really connect in the end. Now I'm not saying all the water over there ends up over here, no what I am saying is just a simple it is all connected, just like we as people are all connected in some way or another. It is important to know how, and why people are being hurt, so that we may be able to stop it from happening anymore, and avoid it for our friends and family.

I give this film an A.

Official site
http://www.gaslandthemovie.com/

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1558250/

The Kids Are All Right

2011-02-19T04:45:00.000-08:00

Short review here since there is really not much to say. This is just a really good film that has to do with life. I know some people might want to put this in the drama category, or the comedy category, I've even heard the dramady category get mentioned every now and again about this film. I think the dramady might be the closest because that is really the best way to describe life. This movie is really just all the relationships we have in our lives, the love relationships, the parent child relationship, and best friend relationship.
I don't think I should really need to mention how wonderful the acting is in this as it does star some greats like Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, and Mark Ruffalo. I the acting done Josh Hutcherson, and Mia Wasikowska was really well done. I had never seen Wasikowska in Alice in Wonderland, and had never seen Hutcherson however after seeing their performances in this I went and looked them up in IMDB and have found a few movies to add to my Netflix queue.
I will say there are a few sex scenes in this and some small amount of drug use, this may not be the film to see for your next family film night, it would however be a great date night and talk about it after movie.
I give this film an A.

Official site
http://filminfocus.com/the_kids_are_all_right

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0842926/

Getting on a schedule

2011-02-18T00:49:00.000-08:00

So if you have been watching the page you may have noticed I am running on a kind of schedule. Most of the time I'll be posting late Tuesdays and Fridays. However right now because the Oscars are coming up I'll be posting a few extra ones.
Happy reading all.

The Social Network

2011-02-16T03:23:00.000-08:00

Ask anyone what this movie is about and they will say Facebook, and while on the surface that may be true there is much more going on here. In many ways this seemed more like a Shakespeare storyline set to the internet and college. Here we have a very smart guy that is just not socially adept that feels wronged by his girlfriend and wants to do something to get noticed by the popular people. It is really a story we have seen hundreds of times before. The only change here is there is some truth (and there is some discussion about how much) to the story. Along with a smart guy trying to get noticed you have the betrayal of a friend, the greedy guy that takes all he can, and the innocent yet angry.
I'm sure over the past 4 months since this film came out you have heard about the acting jobs from Jessie Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, and Justin Timberlake. Let me reasure you it is all well deserved, the surprise for me was actor Armie Hammer as the Winklevoss twins. Not only did he play both characters but he did it amazingly. At no point of the film did I think "hey that's the guy from Gossip Girl". So often you get actors that while they understand they are in the supporting role they seem to want to take over the scene. While he may not have the long list of films that some do I think we will start seeing more of him very soon.
Now I can't really talk about this movie without mentioning David Fincher, and Aaron Sorkin. Sorkin is a long time favourite of mine with his quick signature dialog, and fleshed out characters. Amazing is the only way I can describe what he writes and the way he writes it. Fincher also a favourite of mine, bringing everything little thing in. The are times in the film your not just watching but you are there.
In the end while there are a few small continuity errors they weren't really enough to take away from the film for me. This is an engaging, interesting film and I give it an A.

official site
http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/thesocialnetwork/

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1285016/

The Town

2011-02-12T03:38:00.000-08:00

Normally I'm not a person that is really in to the bank robbery movies, but after hearing people rave about this film for the better part of a year and seeing all the nominations it got I thought maybe I should check it out. The only thing I can say is shame on everyone that puts this in the category of bank robbery movies. Now I'm not going to say that this doesn't have a lot to do with robbing banks, however I think film is far more about relationships and what they truly mean in our lives. This film is about how the people in our lives affect us and how what we do affects them. The relationships that often go deeper than love. How many of us have friends that are more like siblings and we say we would die for, yet if the time were to come would we really, the things we hide from our significant others, and the things we hide from our selves. While someone that takes things at face value could watch this film and see a movie about 4 guys robbing banks, and armored trucks, if you are someone that will really take the time to watch this film and take in all into consideration you will find a true love for the story.
The acting in this film was over all really well done. Ben Affleck did a truly wonderful job in both acting and directing, still I would say really needs to work on checking the continuity. There are several times the trees on the street keep going from being green to full golden brown colours of fall. There was also at least 3 times I saw New Jersey licence plates on the police cars when this whole film is suppose to be placed in a suburb of Boston and in Boston. Biggest problem for me was really the accent being there then not being there for Jeremy Renner's character. While Renner's acting was truly fantastic the way he kept dropping the thick Southie accent was really obvious.
Last but not least the language. So I had heard from many people that there was a lot of swearing in this movie. They were right. There is several conversations that uses F*#K! about every other word. Most of the time that would kind of bother me as it often shows a lack of imagination, however in this film it is fitting. The 4 main guys in this film are suppose to be rather uneducated, and thugs. The language itself is practically a character. To the people that complained about the language all I can say is get over it, many real people talk that way and this is suppose to be realistic.
Now for my grade. I have a problem with the errors, I truly want to give this an A but just can't justify that. Every time I saw an error it pulled me right out of the film for a few seconds and those seconds add up. I give this film a B.

Still I will say this is really a film worth seeing. If you get a chance please do.

Official site
http://thetownmovie.warnerbros.com/dvd/

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0840361/

Inception

2011-02-09T03:58:00.000-08:00

If this review were a letter to a person in stead of being a blog/article, it would be a thank you letter to Christopher Nolan. Every film he has done is mesmerising, thought provoking, and yet comes from something simple. The idea of going in to another persons dream isn't new. We have seen it in movies before with sci-fi movies like Dreamscape, and the horror movies of Nightmare on Elm St movies. Still taking this idea and turning it into something really new. Not only is this an action film, but it is a film about moving on in life when needed, always willing to let yourself dream big, and not giving up. It is odd that I should see two movies so close together that would blur the line of reality, and dream world so much, however in this film you do often get a moment to realize when that is going to happen. I'm sure by now you have noticed that I still haven't said much about the overall storyline. Well other than saying this is an action film you really need to figure out what this movie was for you. I guess at the basis you can say plant an idea and see where it goes.
Lets talk for a moment about the acting shall we. Personally I felt all of the acting in this was stellar. This all-star cast did not disappoint, and even surprised me a little. While I have always been a fan of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, I don't think this level of action was required of him until this. I can't imagine at this point how great the acting is by the men nominated for Academy Awards Best Supporting Actor but it makes me want to see them all that much more if they somehow did a better job. I can truly say that I loved every bit of acting in this film, and that includes the very important extras. So often people are put in the back round and just told to be, here they are a true part of the story.
This review is kind of all over the place and I do know that, I that is large in part because the film itself it all over the place. However the film does come to a point just as this review does, so here goes. I give this film and A+.

I will add however this is not a film to see when you can't give it your full attention. Don't drink anything before you have to watch this so you end up having to take a bathroom break, don't eat, don't cuddle while watching it, nothing don't do anything other then have your eyes on the screen because if you don't you will miss something. Also if I had the chance I would have gone out with a friend afterward to talk about this one.
Thank you again Mr. Nolan for this wonderful work of art.

Official site
http://inceptionmovie.warnerbros.com/dvd/

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1375666/

Hellboy

2011-02-05T01:10:00.000-08:00

I saw this last night completely going in thinking I was going to hate it and ended up loving it. I think the only comic book films I have liked more was the Michael Keaton Batman's and the Spiderman (the first one). It has something to offer on just about every emotional level. If you get a chance to see this please do and let me know what you thought. It is much more then a comic book film. The acting in this is really well done, and although it has one liners in it they are good funny one liners unlike many that are just stupid. The special effects in this were also very good. Not overdone but just enough. I give this film an A.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0167190/

Beauty & the Briefcase

2011-02-01T22:20:00.000-08:00

This review will be really short because this is just one of those simple movies. Beauty & the Briefcase is a cute, simple, predictable movie that while it has a good message does not have a lot of substance to it. Hillary Duff plays an aspiring writer that goes on an under cover mission to find the man of her dreams in a suit. The message of course if people often don't know what they really want until they are about to loose it. None of the acting in this is stellar and you don't really think it will be going in. In the simplest of terms (and most of the time I hate saying this) this is a chick flick. A feel good movie you can watch with a few friends while you are talking because you wont miss too much at the same time.
I give this movie a B-.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1493842/

Black Swan

2011-01-29T05:02:00.000-08:00

Since this film was released I have heard a lot about it and yet not much. I wouldn't say that I can't say what it's about because I don't want to ruin it for anyone (which would be true), but really more because when the film was over I sat there in the theater an extra few minutes trying to figure out what the film was truly about. The lines between reality, dream, and madness are so blurred that you just aren't sure. In that past when I have seen movies like that I didn't like them because it often left you feeling that you had just wasted 2 hours of your life that you will never get back. In this film however the beauty, the intrigue, base storyline had me so interested that I found my self enjoying not knowing what or who was real at the time.
One of the things that I heard the most was that I would have to see this film at least 2 times to understand it, I would have to say to truly understand every part of this film you will have to take some serious time of dissecting each scene, and some reading up on Swan Lake.
I should say there are some scenes that are rather unsettling, it's not so much that they are bloody but it's what is being done to cause the blood. I understand that it is all about that line of reality getting blurred again but seeing someone stabbing them selves in the face was something I really could have done without.
Last but not least I have got to mention the acting in this. I was truly impressed by the acting done by Mila Kunis, most people will recognize her as Jackie Burkhart in That 70's Show. This character is a complete departure of Jackie. In this film she is playing someone that you think is nice, then you think is back stabbing, then you just don't know. As far as the acting from everyone else was also very impressed, just not as blown away because I've seen Natalie Portman, Barara Hershey, and Vincent Cassel in film that required fantastic acting and have not been disappointed. With Mila Kunis the only thing I had really seen was her playing Jackie which was a role that didn't really require stellar acting.
Now I am going to say something that I haven't found my self saying in years.
I think this might be the best film I've seen in a year maybe two. I'm still in the process of trying to see all the Oscar nominees so it might get knocked down a little but for right now this one is it for me.
I give this film an A+.

Official site
http://www.foxsearchlight.com/blackswan/

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0947798/

Saw

2011-01-26T01:32:00.000-08:00

A truly gory and disgusting movie with a message. This is a horror movie that had a lot of the typical blood and guts which don't really get to me, what did however get to me in this film was a character that searched in a toilet full of excrement for a clue as to who is imprisoning him, or why. Still I have to say I did like the over all message of take pleasure in your life, because you don't know when it might end.
The acting in this film was quite good while I never truly felt bad for any of the people being hurt because as you find out there are all there for a reason.
I give this movie a B.

Personal note to the person that asked me to see this I will see the sequels to this but after I watch the Oscar nominees.

Fan club page
http://www.officialsaw.com/

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0387564/

Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story

2011-01-22T01:37:00.000-08:00

I wish I hadn't waited so long to see this film. From the start all the way through you are laughing at one thing or another. While on the surface this looks like a typical big guy picking on the little guy film with a lot of physical comedy thrown in, and it is. However it also has back round storyline of not giving up in life or the, general difficult situations, and love. Vince Vaughn does a great job at playing the good guy but still kind of a loser, while Ben Stiller seems to be playing a slightly (and I do mean slightly) smarter and meaner version of his character Derek Zoolander in the film Zoolander. The brightest star of the film for me was however not one of the main characters but one of the smallest supporting characters. Pepper Brooks played by Jason Bateman was so off the wall that I found my self waiting for his next line. There are few movies in the past few years that have made me laugh this much and had this much heart. If you are in the need of a really good laugh and enjoy physical comedy this is a great film for you.
I give this film an A.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0364725/

I'm taking requests

2011-01-19T01:11:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you have more then likely noticed my most recent reviews haven't been of new films. As things are right now I can't really afford to go to the theater as much as I may like, I do still however have Netflix. If there is a movie that you would like my opinion on please let me know. The movie I currently have is Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story. After that the first one on my list is Saw because of a request of a friend.

So out there let me know if you think I should see something or want to hear my opinion on something.

Darkness

2011-01-15T02:25:00.000-08:00

Gotta say this is not a film I was thrilled with. This has to do with a father with a mental problem that started when he was a child, a house the may or may not of caused it, and supposedly scary things that can only come out when it is dark. The scary things (not really all that scary), and the fathers problems happen mostly at the house but there is a small episode he has outside as well. The acting by Anna Paquin, and Lena Olin were the only bright spots in this film and that is the only reason it gets as high of a grade from me. What can I say like my scary movies to be scary. I give this film a B-.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0273517/

8: The Mormon Proposition

2011-01-11T21:26:00.000-08:00

As Documentaries this is wonderfully done. No matter what side of the fence you sit on with this issue it is good to get all the information you can. While this film is heavily sided with the no on prop 8 people (just in case there is anyone reading this prop 8 was on the rights of marriage equality in the 2008 elections) that is to no fault of the film makers. They did try to interview the Mormon church, and the parents of a suicide victim. I honestly hope that whether you are pro or con this issue you at least see this movie to get a view point as to why many people feel the way they do.

I give this film an A.

Official site
http://www.mormonproposition.com/

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1484522/

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part1

2011-01-07T21:17:00.000-08:00

This was all that I expected and more. Not being a reader of the books but being friends with many of them I had an idea of what was coming, what I was not expecting though was the intensity of the storyline. None of the other Harry Potter films had me always wanting to see what is going to happen next. I can truly say I don’t think I found anything wrong with this film. I will say however it is not a film to be seen by young children. I know people say the books are children’s books but when you put some things on film they can become a little too scary for many children. There are some truly frightening, and sad moments in this movie. I give this film an A.

Official web site
http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com/harrypotterandthedeathlyhallows/mainsite/index.html

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0926084/

Troy

2011-01-04T19:16:00.000-08:00

Wow this film was good. This film was great. I have never really been a Brad Pitt fan, and I never really saw what everyone was talking about as far as his looks. However in this hubba hubba lol. Honestly though this film is not just good because of that. The story is really good; there are very few moments where you wish it would move on to the next thing because you really want to know what is coming next. The acting in this is truly amazing. Not once was I taken out of the movie for a missed accent, or what might have been missed intonations. I can hardly believe I'm saying this but I give this film an A+. This film is a winner all the way around.

IMDB - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0332452/

I'm Baaack

2011-01-04T18:43:00.000-08:00

Yes ok I have been gone for quite a while, no excuses just the truth. What can I say other than depression really kicked my butt a few times over. I did however want to come back to this as it was something that I really enjoyed and the few that were giving responses really seem to like. I will however be adding a small element to this. From here on end I’m going to be writing everything like I’m in a conversation. Now it would be wonderful if I get a response, however if I don’t that’s fine too.

In the spirit of my honesty of all things entertainment I currently give this site a D- please know I’m going to be working towards making this an A list Blog.

Much love to you all and I hope you enjoy the review I’ll be posting in just a few minutes.

Frost/Nixon

2009-01-26T21:19:00.000-08:00

You've heard all the hype I'm sure, well it's all deserved. I am not a person that really goes to see political films most of the time. When it comes down to it if I have to choose between a political film and a romantic comedy, the romantic comedy will almost always win. I'm telling you this with the hopes that if I tell you this is well worth the price of admission and more you might think about seeing it if you haven't already. All of the acting in this film is perfection, directing was great, writing was wondering, even the lighting was perfect for what it was suppose to be at the time. I can give this no other grade then an A+. If there were a higher grade it would get that. Really this is a must see.

http://www.frostnixon.net/
U.S. site

http://www.eldesafio-lapelicula.es/
Spanish site

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0870111/
IMDB

Sorry about the long pause in reviews all, I've been a little under the weather and wasn't really able to watch anything. More reviews coming soon.

Haunted Honeymoon

2009-01-17T00:04:00.000-08:00

Campy, silly, and not a great storyline, still all in all a good film. You really need to be the type of person to enjoy the campy stuff but if you are and haven't seen this you need to rent it NOW!!! Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner play an engaged couple going to his family's estate while he seems to be going through pre-wedding jitters, so parts of his family feel the best thing to do is to scare him in to it. Not really sure how else to put the over all plot but I will say it's an odd one. There is also one scene that truly makes the whole film worth watching. Dom De Luise (playing aunt Kate) and Gilda Radner do a song and dance number that is so extremely funny I'm not sure it could be put in to words. I'll say right now I love these types of films and well it may not be Oscar material it is a film that gets an A from me. Check it out for a good laugh just don't take it too seriously.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091178/
IMDB

In the next week I will be seeing the following films please look for these reviews

The Wrestler
Frost/Nixon
Milk
Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Grand Torino

Serial Killing 101

2009-01-05T20:55:00.000-08:00

Bizarre doesn't cover it. This is about a boy (Casey) that decides that he wants to be a serial killer and so decides to study on past serial killers. His friend Sasha helps him study serial killers, and helps him to pick his weapon of choice. In the process of helping Casey there is a real serial killer in town turning people in to furniture. Considering the concept of the film it is really very funny in many parts, and isn't really that bloody. Overall this is an OK film with so, so acting for the most part. I give this film a B- however if you are a person that likes the more bizarre side of things I would suggest watching this.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0122247/

Bedtime Stories

2009-01-03T00:03:00.000-08:00

In one of my last reviews of an Adam Sandler film I had mentioned that films produced by Sandler seem to have a formula that is often the same but with different story lines. Bedtime Stories is no different, yet still again another really likable movie. Many of Sandlers films in the past have been movies made for grown ups that children can see and still enjoy, this one however is a film made for children that grown ups can see and have a good time at. So what is this film about? Well if you have seen any of the previews you have a pretty good idea on a lot of it with a couple added little things that you might not be aware of. First off I was under the impression Skeeter (Sandler) was visiting his niece and nephew a few nights in a row not that he was watching them for nights in a row. Secondly I didn't realize Bugsy (the guinea pig) was going to be as important to the over all story as he was but many times Bugsy stole the show. While the acting is not top notch for the season it is par for the course on Sandler films and I overall enjoyed this film. The only reason this film doesn't get a higher rating is because of the acting. I give this film an A-.
I would also suggest that if you have children take them to see this film, nobody will be bored and you will be in out of the rain.

http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/bedtimestories/
main website

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0960731/
IMDB

Vicky Christina Barcelona

2008-12-26T23:58:00.000-08:00

In the simplest of terms you have a great cast, fantastic acting and setting, with a story that is complex, smart and extremely entertaining. So if asked what this film is about I would say 2 young women go to Barcelona for the summer and while there they both have experience's that change their lives.
Originally before I saw this I really didn't think I would like it all that much. Now having seen it I love this film and give this movie an A+. I will however say that due to sexual content this is not really a film for children.

For those that have asked for reviews for Milk and Frost/Nixon I am hoping to go next week but that is still pending due to $$$.

http://vickycristina-movie.com/
U.S. site

http://wwws.warnerbros.fr/vickycristinabarcelona/
French site

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0497465/
IMDB

Upcoming award shows

2008-12-19T21:05:00.000-08:00

I want to know is anyone watching any of them. I will admit that in years past I have always been one for having an Oscars party, or even just one friend over while we have a nice dinner and watch. As it stands this year I'm not sure I'm going to, but I'm wondering how in to it is everyone else, and how in to the movies that are being nominated are you? Also does anyone have a request before the Oscars are on?

No review this week money money money. There is a good chance there will be a review on here for Milk on Monday though.

Quantum of Solace

2008-12-13T00:34:00.000-08:00

While I really enjoyed this film I'm not really sure that you could put it in the same category with any of the other Bond films. There is almost no gadgetry, and no clear assignment from M, still the action in this film definitely felt like a Bond movie. As far as Bonds go I think Craig is my 2ND favourite, Connery still being number 1. Dench as M is spot on, I personally don't think there is anyone that could do it better at this time and hope I don't have to see another person in that role for quite a while. In the end I would have to say this was a really good drama but not sure I would call it a Bond flick. I give this film an A-.

http://007thevideogame.com/
U.S. site with language options

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1139644/
IMDB

Nim's Island

2008-12-08T20:26:00.000-08:00

If you are a person that loved the Disney movies of the 60's and 70's then there is a good chance you will like this movie but not love it. Sadly I think that is the closest most people are going to get to this too. While this was a sweet movie some some very good moments there was just something that missed the mark. It was like the studio's found a really good book kind of like a kids Romancing the Stone, added a lot more animals and tossed it together. Acting, and the setting were really well done but the story just wasn't there. While I was watching this film and starting to get bored there were times I thought maybe I was just too old for it but then when looking around and seeing the children in the theatre they also looked bored. In the end this movie just really never gripped me or anyone that I've talked to about it since. I give this movie a C+.

http://www.nimsisland.com/
U.S. site

http://www.shiawase1.jp/
Japanese site

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0410377/
IMDB

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (the series)

2008-12-05T21:24:00.000-08:00

When thinking of Buffy the Vampire Slayer the show often the first thing that comes to mind would be friendships. While this show is about good vs evil, light side vs dark side, and about every other version of how you can say that in the end every episode is about the slayer and her friends. There were some times when I had seen part of an episode, or a full episode without knowing any of the characters and honestly wasn't that interested. It wasn't until I had a roommate that was crazy over the show and was admit that I should give at least season one a try.
I found the show to have a much stronger feminist view on it than I thought it would too. Over all 7 seasons we see the main characters grow from adolescent to responsible independent adults, still with that edge that keeps you interested.
Since this is my first TV review and I'm not sure what people would like in detail I'm going to give a quick break down of the seasons and the main characters.
Season one was only 12 episodes and not really the best of the series but it did do good character set up so you really liked the core group, and knew who everyone was.
Season two not as much character driven but more story driven while Buffy tries to balance being a teenager and a slayer, Willow gets a boyfriend, Xander gets an unexpected girlfriend, and one of my favourite episodes staring John Ritter.
Season three back to character driven as the balancing act for Buffy becomes much more difficult, and she has a bit of identity crisis. There is also a 2ND slayer much of this season, and everyone graduates from high school.
Season four personally my favourite of all with a huge change of everyone in college except for Xander, a lot more on the personal life of Giles, Buffy without Angel and gets a boyfriend that isn't a vampire, Willow gets a girlfriend.
Season five Buffy gets a little sister (that is in middle school), a loved one dies, Buffy's boyfriend leaves, and a shocking death at the end of this season.
Season six while I'm not really fond of this one at all there is a musical episode that is just about one of the best around for what it is. Buffy is a big sis and mom, Xander and marriage can't really say more, another loved one dies, and Willow goes to the dark side of Wicca.
Season seven a lot going on in this one yet my least favourite season. There are slayers galore that just quite aren't there, a new love story for Willow, and a lot less Giles then I would really like. I felt this finale was better then the rest of the season. Still there were some moments that were good, and this is where I was first introduced to Nathan Fillion.
Character breakdown
Buffy - The one and only slayer in the begining, and she really doesn't want to be. When the show starts she wants to be a girl left to her own devices. By the end she is a strong independent woman that still misunderstands many of the basics.
Giles - Buffy's watcher, father figure, friend, and teacher. When the show starts Giles is a bit full of him self and finds that when he loosens up things happen better and faster. While technically he is only suppose to be the watcher for Buffy, he really ends up being much more of a father figure to the entire group including some vampires that are older then him.
Willow - One of Buffy's best friends who starts off as an innocent geek, ends up being a witch that can end or save the world.
Xander - Buffy's other best friend that is always there to lend a helping hand anyway he can. He starts off misguided and troubled about some things and ends up misguided and troubled about other things in the end. Still he is always 100% supportive of his friends and you just love him for it.
Angel - Vampire and who could be the love of Buffy's life. He is not your every day vampire either this one has a soul.
Spike - A Vampire that starts with no soul and still falls for Buffy. Spike goes back and fourth between trying to kill Buffy and kill her.
OZ - Extremely smart, werewolf, Willow's first love. Oz starts off sensible, and caring only to end up sensible, and devoted.
Cordelia - Self centered as they come, well in the start anyway. As the show progresses we start to see another side to her while it still often isn't a good one.
Faith - A slayer that is a bad girl and loves that she is. While there is a time that she travels down the very dark side of things there is still something very needy about this character that makes you like her in some ways.
Tara - A completely innocent witch. When we first meet Tara she is quiet and someone willing to help Willow through a breakup. By the end she is a strong individual that has a strong love affair with Willow yet still is willing to stand up for her beliefs even when they differ from those of Willow's.
Riley - Army boy, demon fighter, and Buffy's bed mate. When we first get to meet Riley he is all about following the orders. In the end he is all about giving the orders.
Dawn - Buffy's little sister that is at times a real brat that just doesn't think, and other times stronger then Buffy.

The arch of the characters isn't always obvious but then you really start to break them down you can see why the show was such a hit.

Joss Whedon - Creator and god of Buffy the Vampire Slayer

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118276/
IMDB

The Secret Life of Bees

2008-12-02T00:26:00.000-08:00

I'm going to do my best to review this without giving anything away and without trying to compare to the book. All of the acting in this is truly wonderful with some moments of real brilliance. This is by far the best acting job I have ever seen from Queen Latifah and Alicia Keys. As far as storyline goes well if you haven't read the book this is about a young white girl coming of age in South Carolina 1964 during desegregation. Lilly Owens (Dakota Fanning) is 14, has an abusive father and knows almost nothing about her mother who passed away from an accident that happened when Lilly was only 4. In an attempt to gain more knowledge about her mother, while trying to get away from her own horrors she goes on a trip ending up with a well educated negro family. This is not a light hearted movie or one that I think most men would be really all that interested in. This is also not a film for young children as there are scenes of violence, and great despair that would be difficult to explain. I can truly say make sure to take plenty of Kleenex to this chick flick, and be moved. I give this film an A. I would grade it higher however as I said I don't think this is a movie for some.

http://www.foxsearchlight.com/thesecretlifeofbees/
U.S. site

http://www.secretlifeofbeesmovie.co.uk/
U.K. site

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0416212/
IMDB

T.V. Show reviews?

2008-11-17T20:58:00.000-08:00

I recently had a request do start putting reviews for T.V. Show reviews and thought I'd put the question out there. If I started reviewing current shows and past shows as requested would you read them. I wouldn't want to review episodes because I don't want to take a chance of spoiling things if the episode hasn't been seen yet but I would do in to the premise of the over all show. Also if I start reviewing shows should this be a separate blog or on here mixed in with everything else. I do watch a wide variety of programs, although I don't watch 2 of the most popular shows on now. Hero's started when I was already watching something else from another channel when it started, same thing for Chuck. I do have season 1 of both shows in my netflix queue at the moment but if you saw my list you would know it may be years before I get there. Other then that I watch a lot of things everyone does with a few news (Daily Show, Colbert Report), and a lot of things on BBC, and the Discovery channels.
I look forward to your input.

Role Models

2008-11-10T23:49:00.000-08:00

Well nothing original, OK story, decent acting. So why do I love this movie. This film has a laugh every 30 seconds while your mouth is gaping open because you just can't believe they just did something. One thing that was however kind of fresh and different was the character of Wheeler "Seann William Scott". I've never seen it where they can take a reckless, selfish, playboy and end up making him the one with rational thought. If I didn't already have so many films to see I would go and see this one again just for specific laughs. This is not a family film and if you saw the previews they really just let you know what it was all about. There are no twists, no turns, and it's predictable. However the journey to get to the end is great and well worth the price of admission. I give this film an A+.

http://www.rolemodelsmovie.com/
U.S. site

http://www.sturdywings.org/
Sturdy Wings

The Dark Knight

2008-11-10T23:20:00.000-08:00

Loved it. Storyline was great, acting was fantastic, action was really good, and the pacing of the movie was perfect. There was truly no part of this film where I felt like it was going slow, or anything wasn't needed. Before I had seen this film I heard some people say that the only reason Heath Ledger might get a nomination or award is because he had passed away, I now think anyone saying that hasn't seen this film. There is truly no point in this movie where he is anything other then the Joker. Christian Bale does possibly my favourite acting job from him ever in this. While in Batman Begins you saw the twisted feelings of Bruce Wayne, in this movie they run much deeper. Gary Oldman and Aaron Eckhart are nothing less then perfect. I also really liked the acting from Maggie Gyllenhaal in this, I have heard from other people while they didn't like her acting, they still preferred her to Katie Holmes. All personal opinion there.
When seeing this film there was a man in the row in front of me with 3 young children, all 3 children were crying or covering their faces during some scenes. I feel the need to make this very clear. This is not a film for children. There are scenes with Two Face showing close ups of his face, and many violent aspects to this.
Because there are some continuity errors I really should give a slightly lower grade to this film but because they were so small and I love this film so much I can't give it anything but an A+.

http://thedarkknight.warnerbros.com/dvd/
U.S. site

http://www.ccfabg.org/
Batman related

http://www.clowntravelagency.com/
Joker related

http://www.gothampolice.com/
Gotham Police

http://www.gpdmcu.com/
Gotham Police Major Crimes Unit

http://www.ibelieveinharveydent.com/
Harvey Dent related

http://www.whysoserious.com/
just a cool site about the Joker

Batman Begins

2008-11-07T20:51:00.000-08:00

Loved this movie. When it comes to Batman movies this might be one of my favourite ever. I have to say I still love the Michael Keaton Batman's but this brought something different, something darker more like what I think Batman is really suppose to be like. Including back story for characters (especially superheros) really seems to make the viewer feel as if they are part of the whole movie experience. In this film we not only get back story on Bruce Wayne but just about everyone around him too. The acting in this film is really very good with Christian Bale doing one of the best performances of his career so far. I did have one small problem with this film and it was the voice change of Bruce Wayne to Batman. I can understand that in some ways it is just another part of his disguise but I felt if that were the case there would be no need for it when he was alone with Alfred. While this is not a film I would take very young children to it is one that just about everyone in the family could enjoy. Over all this is a great film and I give this an A.
My review for Dark Knight should be posted Monday night. Have a great weekend all.

http://www2.warnerbros.com/batmanbegins/index.html
U.S. site

http://www.warnerbros.co.uk/batmanbegins/
U.K. site

http://www2.warnerbros.com/batmanbegins/index.html
French site

Possible upcoming reviews

2008-10-27T20:54:00.000-07:00

Two weeks from now I should finally be able to afford to go see a movie in a theatre again. At this point there is a long list of movies I want to see while still having somewhat of a hard time decieding, so here I am asking for reader input. Below is a list of movies that I would really like to see over the next month, there is no way I will be able to see all of them in the theatre though. I would love to hear what movies you would be going to see of this list, or what movies you would like to hear about. Also if you don't see a film on the list that you think I should see please let me know. I'll list the title of the movie and put a link to it's website or at least IMDB. I hope to hear from you.

Milk
http://www.filminfocus.com/focusfeatures/film/milk/

Blindness
http://www.blindness-themovie.com/

The Time Travelers wife
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0452694/

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist
http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/nickandnorah/

Religulous
http://lionsgate.com/religulous/

Sex Drive
http://www.sexdrivethemovie.com/

W.
http://www.wthefilm.com/

What Just Happend?
http://www.whatjusthappenedfilm.com/

Changeling
http://www.changelingmovie.net/

Pride and Glory
http://www.prideandglorymovie.com/

Zack and Miri Make a Porno
http://zackandmiri.com/

The Duchess
http://www.theduchessmovie.com/

The Lucky Ones
http://www.theluckyonesmovie.com/

Role Models (comes out 11/7)
http://www.rolemodelsmovie.com/

Quantum of Solace (comes out 11/14)
http://www.007.com/

Bolt (comes out 11/21)
http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/bolt/

In the end I'm hoping to cut this list down to 5 I will see on the big screen.

Tropic Thunder

2008-10-20T20:20:00.000-07:00

I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard at some things that are so gross. This film starts at what you think is going to be the extreme and then takes it another 10 steps. So when I saw this I was with a friend who hated this film, not seeing the humour in the decapitation, or the obvious fake body parts flying in the background. Personally I loved it because it all looked like it was suppose to be fake because that is what so much of Hollywood is. If you want to take the political road this film is all about how studios will do anything to make them selves look good while screwing over the next guy. However if you just want to go for face value of what the film is about, it's about 5 actors getting dropped in the middle of the jungle for the purpose of making a realistic war movie. Still all in all I laughed continuously, often thought things were disgusting, and loved every second of the dialog and story. I give this film an A. I highly recommend this film for a good laugh.

http://www.tropicthunder.com/
U.S. site

http://www.tropicthunder.com/intl/fr/
French site

http://www.shijosaitei.jp/
Japanese site

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0942385/
IMDB

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

2008-10-17T20:29:00.000-07:00

DISAPPOINTED!!!
I wont say I've been looking forward to this film since Last Crusade came out but I will say that it was a few years ago that I heard the official word that there was going to be another Indian Jones and so yes I did start to look forward to this film. In the end I found it should have stopped with 3. For this film it was almost like they had lost any original thought. The whole chase in the jungle was the speeder chase from Return of the Jedi, the ship at the end looked exactly the same as close in counters of the 3rd kind, and most of the storyline seemed like a bad combination of the first 3 Indiana Jones movies. If these were the only things wrong with this film I might have been able to give it a slightly better grade, however to top it all off during the chase on the jeeps in the jungle there are several times you see what looks like concrete flooring with branches thrown over it. This film had one redeeming quality to it, the acting. Most of the actors in this were par for their careers Cate Blanchett on the other hand was amazing. In the end this film gets a D+ from me. I can only hope that if this is the kind of road they were planning on taking with the Indiana Jones films that they have decided to stop here.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367882/
IMDB
(the official site doesn't seem to be working at the moment)

Get Smart

2008-10-16T15:57:00.000-07:00

The cast list of this film is a mix of all different kinds of actors, being the some of the best in their genre. Base storyline is good, and definitely reflects the show it came from. With all this going for it I was expecting something that would have me laughing all the time, mixed with good action. So what happened? Honestly while there was the funny moment, an the occasional ah-ha moment I was not impressed. Bill Murray's cameo in this film is the best moment and that lasts only about 30 seconds. The over all acting wasn't bad but the writing just wasn't there to pull it all off. In the end when I left the theatre I felt that I should have put my money towards a different movie. I give this film a C+. The only reason it is getting that high of a grade is because of the acting.

http://getsmartmovie.warnerbros.com/
U.S. site

http://wwws.warnerbros.co.uk/getsmart/
U.K. site

http://wwws.warnerbros.fr/getsmart/
France's site

http://wwws.warnerbros.co.jp/getsmart/
Japan's site

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0425061/
IMDB

Mamma Mia!

2008-10-03T23:44:00.000-07:00

Having seen the play it is hard to keep them separate, however for the purpose of this review that is when I'm going to attempt to do. This is a film that has all the great music of ABBA (yes I'm an ABBA fan), with the picturesque backdrop of Greece, and the fun of a musical. While this is an overall fun film it is also a film that really only had a few people that could sing, dance, and act. The women of Mamma Mia! really seem to have that down great, the men however were really good in one maybe 2 areas but would just not be able to do everything. I would have to say that the whole films looks like the cast and crew had a great time making this movie and that does help to make it fun for the people watching. Still because enough of the cast didn't really have the ability to pull off everything that needed to be done I give this film a B.

http://www.mammamiamovie.com/
U.S. site

http://www.mamma-mia-themovie.co.uk/
U.K. site

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0795421/
imdb

Burn After Reading

2008-09-19T22:51:00.000-07:00

Dark comedies are really either a hit or a miss on an individual level. I personally loved this film, and yet I have had to tell a few friends that they might want to save their money because it just wasn't their kind of humour. It really comes down to so many things in this film a ridiculous yet plausible if seen from only one point of view. Misunderstandings, assumptions, and stupidity are often constants in comedy, while in this we also have someone with complete lack of self confidence, another person that just can't seem to get enough sex, and one that is just wanting to do the right thing for someone they care about. There were moments in this that I was laughing so hard I started to tear up, and others that I was just so shocked that they would show certain things. For a few days I was stuck on what grade to give this because dark comedies hard to gage for other people just went back to my standards, (acting, writing, pace, continuity) so because there are small moments in this film that it does drag a bit I'm going to give this film an A-. Acting is par for the course for everyone that is in it, and for the writing well it's the Coen brothers if you have seen their stuff you know what you are in for. Again this film gets an A-.

http://www.filminfocus.com/focusfeatures/film/burn_after_reading
U.S. site

http://www.burnafterreading.co.uk/
U.K. site

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0887883/
IMDB

Star Wars: The Clone Wars

2008-09-13T00:40:00.000-07:00

A little bit of animated Star Wars for children can go a long way. I was neither impressed or disappointed in this film. I went in to it with the knowledge that this was a Star Wars for children with the occasional moment for their parents. The animation for this film was done really well (no big surprise there), and the storyline was not too complicated for children yet not too boring for adults. This film did however have its lulls and there were times that I looked at my watch to see how much was left but over all I would say if you are looking for a good matinee to take the kids to and get out of the heat this would be a good bet. I give this film a B.
I'm not going to argue the gay Hut point that is not what this page is about but if you want to know my opinion on it feel free to email me and ask me.

http://www.starwars.com/clonewars/site/index.html
US site

http://wwws.warnerbros.co.jp/clonewars/
Japan site

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1185834/
IMDB

Iron Man

2008-09-08T21:32:00.000-07:00

Fantastic doesn't begin to say it. There was no moment in this entire film that I was bored, looking at the time, or even slightly thinking of anything but what on the screen in front of me. The acting in this film was better then most people would expect for an action film, the special effects were outstanding and still not overdone, and the story moved and a pace that let you take it all in and never let down. There are few films that really give you the whole package but this was really one of them.
While as much as I love this film I will say I don't think it's a film to bring small children to. There are some graphic war scenes that may be disturbing.
I give this film an A+. If you haven't seen this film please get your self to a theatre that is still showing it before it's too late.

http://ironmanmovie.marvel.com/
US site

http://www.homemdeferro.com.br/
Brazil's site

http://www.sonypictures.jp/movies/ironman/
Japan's site

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0371746/
IMDB site

Tank Girl

2008-07-31T17:48:00.000-07:00

Have to start this off with saying there is no way that anyone other then Lori Petty would have ever been able to play this. It's almost as if this part was written for her (even thought it was written years before she became an actress). The way she mouths off at the enemy, and has a very playful attitude in the face of everything is really just all her. Problem was that constant talk like that kind of got on my nerves after about 45min and it really never stops. This film has parts when you are really in to what is going on like her escaping from her captures, building up her arsenal, and or fighting someone. However there are also moments when you are looking at your watch thinking "how much more of this is there"? There is a lot of comic book work in this as well. I personally like that but my friends didn't. This is not a film for young children but I would think anyone 10 or older would be fine. Personally I give this a B but I can see where people would rate this one all over the place. This is really one of those that you just have to see for your self.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114614/

Friends with Money

2008-07-31T17:32:00.000-07:00

Wow not really sure what to say about this one. There is the married couple with the wife that just stops washing her hair because she is really depressed, and her husband who is in some big time denial about being gay. Another couple where the wife is really kind of submissive and lets her husband do all different kinds of things that are kind of degrading to her while he shows he really doesn't care about her or anyone else. And then there is the couple that from the outside look like everything is just perfect but you know there is something wrong, and then the outside friend to them all who is a maid because she couldn't take being a teacher anymore. This film was really very busy but really interesting. Also there is a bit of a surprise ending to it with the single maid. Personally I think I might have gone in expecting too much considering it had Joan Cusack, Frances McDormand, and Jennifer Aniston in it but it was still good enough to watch. I give this film a B.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0436331/

Sweeney Todd

2008-01-29T20:33:00.000-08:00

Really good film. Before seeing this film I had heard that it was much darker and bloodier than what most people thought it was going to be. I don't agree. Yes there is a lot of what is suppose to be blood but I think it is obvious that it is suppose to be fake blood too. When you have the slitting of throats and blood that looks like paint spraying every time it looks just like what it is (a show). The darkness of the film is really just an added side effect of the moods from the characters. When everything is loving and peaceful in the flashbacks the scene is bright and cheery, years later when depression, hate, and loneliness have set in everything is much darker. The music in this film is quite good with some new comers that I hope to see more of. Toby played by Edward Sanders, Anthony played by Jamie Campbell Bower. Both actors will hopefully be in many things to come. As for the rest of the cast they were all par for the course. Alan Rickman is a fantastic villain, Helena Bonham Carter is always a fantastic mad woman, and Johnny Depp is always a great loner, there were short moments I was reminded of Edward Scissorhands with a slightly darker side. If you are a person that likes musicals I highly recommend this movie. I give this film an A.

http://www.sweeneytoddmovie.com/ US site

http://wwws.warnerbros.fr/sweeneytodd/ French Site

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0408236/ IMDB

Cloverfield

2008-01-26T20:49:00.000-08:00

Not able to grade this film.
I'm a person that doesn't like to read synopsis of films before I go to see them. Honestly the only thing I knew about this film was it was a monster movie based in New York city. I had no knowledge about the whole thing is in point of view format and I am a person that gets really sick with that motion. Since seeing all of 20 min of this film I have heard many people say if you can handle the Blair Witch Project you will be fine with this. Personally I'm not agreeing with this. Although Blair Witch bothered me some and there was movement it was suppose to be 3 film makers doing a documentary, as opposed to this film where you have a guy that says he doesn't even know how to use the camera all holding it and moving it. So there is large swaying movements that were just personally too much for me. I know I'm not the only person bothered by this because there was a line to get refunds when I went to go get mine.
I will say what I saw of the acting, lighting, editing, and set it all looked pretty good.

http://www.cloverfieldmovie.com/ US site

http://www.cloverfield.fr/ French site

http://www.cloverfield.co.ua/ Russian site

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1060277/ IMDB

The Golden Compass

2008-01-18T20:26:00.000-08:00

I was not impressed. With all the previews, the actors, the special effects it all just came down to it was ok. The great moments of this film reminded me of The NeverEnding Story but there weren't that many great moments. There are some movies that just flow from one part to another. This film felt very divided between home, journey, discovery, and war. The imagination in this is wonderful, and the acting was really quite good I left the movie feeling disappointed, and missing something. Children will love it, the war isn't bloody when someone dies they disappear in to a wind of what looks like star dust, and they will get to see things that make the imagination stretch. I did hear other adults complain of the same problem I had at the end though. I give this film a B.

http://www.goldencompassmovie.com/ site links to other languages

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0385752/ IMDB

Murder by Death

2008-01-12T21:20:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since I laughed this hard. This has to do with mystery writers all getting called to solve a murder that is still going to happen hours after they get there. This film has an amazing cast of Alec Guinness, David Nivien, Peter Falk, and Maggie Smith just to name a few. There are scenes so funny you will have to pause and dry your eyes to keep watching. I would really love to give you specifics but this being a mystery-comedy that would really ruin it. This film gets an A. See it see it see it.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074937/

My Girlfriend's Boyfriend (1999)

2008-01-10T19:51:00.000-08:00

For a film that was made in the 90's it definitely didn't feel like it. While the story is cute and the acting is somewhat decent for an small film with an even smaller budget. At least that is what I'm guessing with the size of the cast and other things. The best and the worst part of this film would have to be the physical comedy in it. On of the characters is tall and very clumsy. In the start it was kind of the thing that got me wanting to see more but it does get old after a while. There are no large names in this except for Deborah Gibson (yes the 80's teen pop idol Debbie Gibson), and maybe Chris Bruno which you might recognize depending on what TV you watch.
I give this film a B-.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119740/

Juno

2008-01-08T20:44:00.000-08:00

Best movie I have seen in over a year. The acting is wonderful, story is endearing always keeping interested. There is truly something for everyone in this film, this is not a comedy, drama, or teen bop flick, it is a story about life. There is even a small scene for horror fans (not the birth) . Ellen Page does a fantastic job of being the 16 year old pregnant, punk, smart, sarcastic girl. Michael Cera (most will know him as Evan in Superbad) is a great clueless but loving biological father of the baby. Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner as the couple looking to adopt the baby are wonderful. She is an uptight yuppie while he still has the heart of a rocker, and the parents of Juno played by Allison Janney and J.K Simmons are realistic keep it interesting. The dialog in this film is witty and fast, while giving no chance for breaks so go to the bathroom first. I give this film an A+.

http://www.foxsearchlight.com/juno/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0467406/

Serenity

2008-01-05T20:54:00.000-08:00

Don't see this until you have seen all of the Firefly episodes!!!! Many people will tell you that you don't have to see Firefly first but personally I think it 's essential in getting to know the characters. They don't backtrack about anyone in this film, and although I can see where you would still like the film if you didn't know some of the characters from before I personally you will never feel a true sense of why it is you like them so much if you don't go through some of the earlier adventures with them. Joss Whedon is an amazing writer/director that truly brings other worlds, dimensions, and creatures to life making them very much real. The acting in this film is top notch, the special effects weren't overdone which would have been easy to do, and so there is also that sense of realism. This film gets an A. If you are any kind of a Wheadon fan this is a must see all the way.

http://www.serenitymovie.com/ US

http://www.uipfrance.com/sites/serenity/ French

http://java.europe.yahoo.com/uk/uip/serenity/index.html UK

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0379786/ IMDB

Atonement

2008-01-02T19:31:00.000-08:00

The acting in this film is everything you have heard and more, the scenery and cinematography were amazing. You truly feel like you are in 1930's England ( or what I would imagine it to be anyway ), and the base storyline to this film is really very good. All that said to be honest I really didn't love this film. The film is 130 minutes long and feels like so much more, the dialog is written in such a way that out of everyone there is only one character that I cared about. I'm not sure if it was direction, or editing, or just that it was possibly a really good book that didn't transfer over to film well. I looked at the time twice while watching this film, waiting to leave but not willing to because I paid for it. I am giving this film a B-. I so wanted to give this a higher grade with the wonderful acting, and all but I just can't. If you see this film I would love to know your thoughts on this.

http://www.atonementthemovie.co.uk/site/site.html English site

http://movies.universal-pictures-international-germany.de/abbitte/site/site.html German site

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0783233/ IMDB

27 Dresses

2007-12-28T23:39:00.000-08:00

Predictable chick flick. After the first 10 minutes I was always ahead of the film knowing what was coming. While I was watching it I also heard the elderly women in front of me, and the teenagers to the right of me mention things that changed during the scenes that weren't suppose to. Yes one of my biggest pet peeves and the ones in this were bad enough that most people looking at the screen could see them. It just comes down to there was nothing new in this movie. What can I say but it's all been done before. The acting in this film is really good though, and the songs are great. This is movie I doubt I'll watch again unless I have it in the background as I clean house. I give this film a B-.

http://www.27dressesthemovie.com/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0988595/

Beyond the Sea

2007-12-23T17:03:00.000-08:00

Soundtrack was really good, and the over all acting was pretty good too. However during the first half it might have been nice to have more story and a little less singing. I was expecting some songs as it is a film about Bobby Darin however the first part of this film was really more of a musical with the amount singing and dancing. As much as I love Kevin Spacey it felt more like his singing and dancing film more then it did a biographical film about Bobby Darin. . I give this film a C+.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0363473/ imdb

Charlie Wilson's War

2007-12-22T20:59:00.000-08:00

If you are a person that is interested in political films this should definitely be on your to see list. The writing is smart, occasionally witty, and except for a small part near the middle keeps at a constant pace. Tom Hanks acting in this is pretty much par for the course however the loss of the Texan accent in the middle of sentences did bother me some. I think this was the best acting from Julia Roberts since Erin Brockovich. Amy Adams and Philip Seymour Hoffman were outstanding supporting actors that deserve every bit of acclaim people have been talking about. There are some scenes with children missing limbs, and talking about the killing that was going on in front of them. Some of the battle scenes in this film are also quite gruesome and should not be viewed by young children. Over all I would give this film an B+. I would grade it higher but with the small drag of storyline in the middle and the loss of the accent through out the movie I really can't.
I'll say right now that this is a film that for many will have them talking about the politics behind it, and while I am a person that is always up for a good political discussion that is not what this page is about so I will not be talking government politics here.

http://www.charliewilsonswar.net/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0472062/

Enchanted

2007-12-15T19:47:00.000-08:00

So here we have the classic fish out of water story with a completely different twist. Cinderella meets New York city. Honestly when said like that it sounds like a disaster, however what you really have here is one of the best family films of the year. This is a film that has the fun of the Disney animation, the charm of the old fashion live action Disney films, with a nice big pinch of New York city. Now I do have two small gripes about this film, although very minor. First would have to be the little singing thing Giselle does to call all different kinds of animals to her aide, there was just something annoying about it. I've talked with a few others on this some like it others hate it. It only happens 3 or 4 times through out the movie so it's not too big of a deal. Second is about half way though the movie you know how it's going to end. You don't know how you are going to get there but it is obvious how it will be in the end. I give this film a solid A, and because of the last 30 min I also suggest seeing it in the theatre, it is well worth it.

http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/enchanted/ US site

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0461770/ IMDB

http://www.disney.fr/FilmsDisney/iletaitunefois/ French site

No Country for Old Men

2007-12-13T20:39:00.000-08:00

This film is interesting and different but doesn't really have a new story line. We have drug money found by a sort of good guy, drug runners looking for the money, and a bad cop with absolutely no problem killing someone just because also looking for the money. What sets this apart from other movies that had the same basic storyline would have to be the characters. I don't know how to describe it other then the characters in this somehow feel less extreme then characters in many movies. If you have a weak stomach this is not the film for you. Although there isn't extra blood and guts you do see things like bodies days after a gun fight, and an injured person giving them selves stitches. I give this film a B. I would give it a higher grade but the storyline has been used many times it would have been nice to see something a little fresher with these kinds of characters.

http://www.nocountryforoldmen.com/

Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium

2007-12-11T20:45:00.000-08:00

Heart warming tale of a magical toy store and what your belief in things can do. There were a lot of sappy overly sweet moments that almost made you feel like there should have been a warning for diabetics on the movie poster, still for some reason I have to say I liked this movie. The acting, editing, and over all storyline of this film is well done. The primary actors in this film are Dustin Hoffman, Natalie Portman, Jason Bateman, and Zach Mills a boy I'm sure we will see more of if he chooses to go in to the acting world as an adult. I give this film a B. It's a good family film that wont bore the parents and isn't too much for the children.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0457419/ link off of IMDB currently isn't working but will more then likely be working later I was on there earlier.

http://www.rtl.de/film/specials/mr_magorium/ (german website for this film )

Remakes

2007-11-30T23:20:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I was talking with a good friend of mine that I often see movies with and the subject of Will Smith's new movie ( I Am Legend ) came up. I had said that I wasn't sure I wanted to pay to see a Will Smith movie at the moment because of the talk that he was wanting to remake Karate Kid. I just felt that in a round about way paying to see a movie he is staring in is a way supporting him. Now it does look like the Karate Kid remake isn't going to happen ( thank goodness ) I'm still like in some ways I don't want to help support someone that would want to remake a film that was perfect the first time. I understand that many people feel that I may be overreacting to this situation however it did start a whole other line of thinking about remakes. So now that you know what spurred on this topic that I am going to be writing more about you can give a comment or two.
In the past few years there have been quite a lot of remakes. My question is why? After talking to people about it I have heard many different answers to this. One friend seems to think the film industry is just plain out of ideas and is now taking from old movies, everything has been done. Another person said if it worked once it has to work a second time with better technology. There is also a popular response of "this generation must be introduced to the ideas of the original movies but in a way they will understand it". Is this true? Would today's generation not understand Hitchcock's Psycho, and that is why a new one had to be made? How about Yours Mine and Ours, or Footloose ( currently being remade )? There are few remakes that are as good as the first and I can't think of one that is better then the original.
So what is your opinion on this? I would love to hear some feedback on this.

Dan in Real Life

2007-11-14T20:37:00.000-08:00

I saw this on Monday and I'm still having problems writing this review. I guess I'll start off with saying this was a really well acted film, interesting storyline, and will at times really make you laugh. First problem I am not a fan of film that like to have a lot of those really ultra sweet moments. Few times is fine because you will find those in life, but in this film it seem to happen every few minutes. Second problem with what the trailers had portrayed it seemed to be about a single dad ( Dan/ Steve Carell ) raising 3 girls, and while that is a part of the story it is not the focus of the movie. The film is really about Dan meeting a woman ( Marie / Juiette Binoche ) and falling in love with her soon after. Problem is they can't be together because she is already with someone else. I can't really go in to the story more then that as it will ruin it if you choose to see this. Third and tiny little gripe I have is not all of the things that were in the previews are actually in the movie. I know it's a little thing but it still bothers me. I do love the fact that Dan is suppose to be a advice columnist for parents and does seem to have some basic problems in this area of his own though. So I'm giving this film a B-.
If you see it I would love to know what you think.

http://daninreallife.movies.go.com/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0480242/

The Private Eyes

2007-10-11T17:52:00.000-07:00

I love this film. It has a kind of comedy and fun that the whole family can watch, and other then one small part that might scare only the extremely young it is a good little mystery. The key to enjoying films like this is to just love it for the screwball, zaniness. Then there is the also a special feature of Tim Conway doing commentary with the producer of the film, well worth hearing if you have the time.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081376/

But I'm a Cheerleader

2007-10-11T17:39:00.000-07:00

I loved this film. It is about a girl named Megan who is sent to a sexual redirection school because her parents, friends, and boyfriend think she is a lesbian. I'm not going to say if she is or not I don't want to ruin it for anyone. I will say this film has many layers to it. There is the obvious comedy they make of the whole thing, the not so obvious things with cardboard cut outs in their little make shift forest, and then sometimes even the dialog. Definitely a film worth seeing if you can. I give this film an A+.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0179116/

Coyote Ugly

2007-09-13T18:28:00.000-07:00

This is a movie I had wanted to see for a while but kept putting it off thinking "eh it will be OK nothing spacial" I have to say however this is a energetic fun film with a great soundtrack, and a good storyline. This film does get a little taken off for continuity errors (which I don't take much off because I know many people don't notice things like that), and amount of alcohol that is spilled by the so called bartenders would cost anyone their job no matter how much the other drinks are so that got on my nerves a little. This film gets an A- from me.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0200550/

The Squid and the Whale

2007-09-13T18:21:00.000-07:00

This film has varying levels of oddness, with true moments of brilliance, and lines that I will be quoting the rest of my life. However over all at the end of the movie I was left feeling as though it didn't really finish, and it was kind of flat. Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney are parents that separate on pretty bad terms and the effect that is has on their children is quite extreme. Yet you kind of feel like there was something kind of off base with the children to start with anyway so the separation just added to it. Both kids (Jesse Eisenberg, and Owen Kline) in this film pull off really amazing acting jobs and I wouldn't be surprised to see a lot more of both of them in films to come. William Baldwin also has a small but important role in this film. Baldwin's acting isn't wowing and I've definitely seen him do better but he didn't kill the film either. Over all I would have to give this film a B-. You can really wait til they show it on HBO or something like that. I don't think I would watch it on regular TV though they might cut out one or two important things to know.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367089/

http://www.squidandthewhalemovie.com/

Prick Up Your Ears

2007-09-11T20:30:00.000-07:00

Gary Oldman, and Alfred Molina are lovers in London during the late 1960's. Oldman plays a play write Joe Orton that is very Promiscuous and lies a lot. While his lover Kenneth Halliwell (played by Molina) has emotional problems trying to deal with the fact that he is not as good of a writer as his partner. The love scenes are not really explicit however the kissing is believable (which is something I liked because I hate to see what looks like fake kissing). So anyone that feels they would have a problem with a same sex love scene rest assured you should still do OK with this film. About 45 min in this film it drags for a bit, but over all this is a likable film. I give this film a B+.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093776/

Rory O'Shea Was Here aka Inside I'm Dancing

2007-09-11T20:18:00.000-07:00

Hard film to describe but really amazing. Rory O'Shea is a young man with MS that can only move his head and I believe it was 2 fingers on his right hand. Rory has an amazing spirit and sense of wanting to be treated just like an average guy. Rory befriends another guy (Michael) at a home that other people can't really understand too well. Before Rory comes to the home Michael spends day after day sitting in his chair, and having other people make all his choice's. Rory teaches Michael to be independent and outspoken. The acting from James McAvoy (the actor the plays Rory) is so amazing in this that when he won the BAFTA for best newcomer in acting my friend and I were amazed that he could walk. I will tell you however this film will take you on a rather large emotional roller coaster. Leave the tissue behind and grab a towel. You will have many tears of laughter and sadness from this one. This film as you can more then likely tell is getting an A+

http://www.roryosheawasheremovie.com/

http://www.insideimdancing.co.uk/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0417791/

Imagine Me & You

2007-09-07T20:46:00.000-07:00

This is a very cute film about self discovery, and knowing that it is never to late to get that. I love the idea about this film of the love at first sight. I like that it is not only something that apparently happened in the film but something they discuss if it is even possible. I also like that although it is about two women falling in love there is a lot of focus on love it self, I'm not saying there isn't discussion about one of women even figuring out that she might be or not, there is some of that, I just mean I like there is more focus on being with the one you love weather or not they are the same sex as you. The scenes with the little girl in this are also amazing; actually those scenes have some of my favorite lines of the whole film. I give this film a B+. I would give it a higher grade but I can see where it wouldn't appeal to everyone and it did have one or two small continuity errors. It is a very cute film that I recommend watching though.

http://www.foxsearchlight.com/imaginemeandyou/

http://www.paramountpictures.co.uk/imaginemeandyou/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0421994/

Mrs. Henderson Presents

2007-09-06T18:39:00.000-07:00

I really liked this film. The acting is great, storyline touching, and the music was great. Now I will be honest about in the middle there was a little bit of kind of a time displacement. You know time has passed you just really have no idea if is anything from a month to years because they don't really do anything to indicate that. I thought it would have had a little better of a flow had we of known how it was going. So all though I gave this 5 stars I rounded up from 4 1/2. The relationship with Dench and Hoskins is truly fantastic, and one that I'm sure will be remembered down the years. I give this film an A-.

http://www.mrshendersonthemovie.com/

http://www.mrshendersonpresentsmovie.co.uk/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0413015/

Private Resort

2007-09-06T18:32:00.000-07:00

Johnny Depp, Rob Morrow both very young and you can tell this is one of their first real acting ventures. This film being made in 1985 had that definite 80's feel all over it. For the most part I really liked it too. It had that light hearted, fun atmosphere that most of the 80's films had. However it also copied a big thing that was happening at that time in films that got a little tiring, the really unrealistic love screen montage, and the unrealistic caper of the story it self. It's cute every now and then, but for some reason most romantic comedies from the 80's end up having that, and it's kind of old. That is really the only thing that marks this film down for me. I give this film a B

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089839/

Hunchback of Notre Dame

2007-09-04T20:43:00.000-07:00

I loved it. I just loved it. Everything from the subtle joke about the old guy getting freed during a parade to the things that are really obvious about humanity. I know you can say most films like this are about love but this one truly is. Not just about loving someone else for who they are, but loving your self for who you are as well. The music in this is also a lot of fun. I think this is a film great for the whole family to watch together and nobody will be bored. I give this film an A+.

http://disneyvideos.disney.go.com/moviefinder/products/2331503.html

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116583/

Brick

2007-09-01T20:42:00.000-07:00

This is a young, bizarre, and new kind of film noir. You could say it has to do with a teenager trying to find out how an old girl friend of his died after a strange phone call. Personally I think it is about that and so much more. It is about looking at the same thing from many different perspectives, and simple words are not what they might be otherwise unless you know the alternate meanings. This stars Joseph Gordon Levitt which most people will recognize from 3rd Rock from the Sun, but he is a wonderful actor far beyond what he was allowed to do on the show, and stars Lukas Haas as a very different bad guy. I give this film an A.

http://www.brickmovie.net/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0393109/

A Smile Like Yours

2007-08-31T14:24:00.000-07:00

Having kind of a bad day to I thought talking about a comedy might help to lighten things a little.

A film about a young couple (Greg Kiner, Lauren Holly) trying to get pregnant. This is a very sweet film but very very predictable. Joan Cusack is by far the best part of this film. The one liners she gives about her and the guy she is dating are fantastic. In fact one is so funny that my friend and I were laughing so hard that we had to pause the film for about 5 minutes. It's not just her lines though it is really the way she delivers them. Sad to say however I give this film a C.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120151/

Cradle Will Rock

2007-08-30T16:12:00.000-07:00

I just have to start off with saying I can't believe this cast half of the best of Hollywood is in this thing. OK having said that and getting it out of the way I'm sticking my neck out and saying I loved this film. I have seen comments from people on pages where they kind of put it middle of the road. I think it was much better then that. This film has to do with the governments control of theatre in the mid 1930's and In many ways it over flows in to other area's too. You see the importance of the theatre for people, hardship of the time, while seeing all the beauty, and innocence. There is also a lot of really interesting songs in this film. I give this film an A+.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0150216/

Movies on Television vs Movies in the Theatre

2007-08-30T15:46:00.000-07:00

Looking for opinions on this everyone. I have a lot of friends that refuse to go to the theatre because of prices, big crowds, noisy seat neighbors, can't pause the movie if you have to go to the bathroom, if you want to buy something to eat or drink you should be ready to take out a loan on your house, you know the list. Still me personally nothing beats the theatre experience. If you are watching an action movie, monster movie, horror, or even something that you know will be able to really pull you in you can't do any better. Still I am an avid Netflixer. I mean unless you have a lot of time, money, and no social life there is no way you are going to see every current movie, heck I'm still trying to catch up with a lot of them, and suggestions from friends. There is also the nice advantage of when you have a DVD don't pay per person that is watching it. I can definitely understand both sides of this argument but I'm wondering what everyone else out there thinks.

Elizabethtown

2007-08-29T16:41:00.000-07:00

I thought this was a really sweet movie that wasn't nearly as predictable as I thought it was going to be. From the previews I saw it looked like boys father dies, boy meets girl, boy buries father, boy loses girl, and boy gets girl back. This film is really more then that. I is about the self discovery of one persons journey when he happens to fall for a woman on the way to take care of things for his father who had just passed away. The woman is played by Kirsten Dunst who is not the typical romantic comedy female but someone that can really walk away from the situation and make the new man in her life (Orlando Bloom) see things about him self. Most romantic comedies I find focus a lot on the couple and less of the individuals, however in this one because one of them is dealing with a death in the family they really at times seem to focus more on the abstract of the couple idea and much more on the individuals. I really thought this was well acted, directed, and written. There is time for laughing, crying, and shock in this film and it still has you leaving it feeling good. I give this film an A.

http://www.elizabethtown.com/home.html

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0368709/

Max

2007-08-28T20:36:00.000-07:00

A film I had seen before when it was in the theaters but forgot how much I liked. John Cusack stars in this film about Adolf Hitler the want to be artist post WWI pre WWII. John Cusack plays a Jewish art dealer that befriends Hitler. I'll tell you right now that if you know enjoy history, and want to see a really thought provoking movie see this film. This movie gets an A.
Happy film watching.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0290210/

I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry

2007-08-24T14:39:00.000-07:00

A very funny movie. There were a few times that I was laughing so hard during this that I was almost in tears. The acting is good, the storyline believable, and the ending was good but not sappy just nice. If you are looking for a good date film I would say this one would be great for that. Still it does have a few sexist jokes so that when the character changes you can really see some of them. I give this film an A.
I will say however that I have noticed Adam Sandler seems to have a specific formula for his comedies. They seem to start with him playing either a misunderstood guy, a jerk, or a bit of a loser. Often in the first little part you will have some fart jokes or something along that line. Then we have some issue that arises where his character feels the need to take care of it. Many times along the issue he meets a pretty woman he falls in love with, and will often fall for him. The end of the movie has a nice sweet ending.
Don't get me wrong I'm not saying there is anything wrong with this formula, not only does it work but most of his films are still clean enough for the whole family to see. After a while they do seem a little predictable though.
Anyone else have an opinion on this?

http://www.chuckandlarry.com/index.php

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0762107/

50 First Dates

2007-08-18T21:42:00.000-07:00

I have to say I really liked it. It's not my favorite Adam Sandler but really funny, and really touching at some moments. I have to say I do have a slight problem with a certain part of it, but I'm not going to ruin it for anyone that hasn't seen it. This film gets a B from me. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets I liked this as much as I like the first. Both of them are cute, scary, well edited, and acting is good. I have found what I feel to be kinda big flaws in both of them though. Well it's bigger in the 2nd one actually. I don't want to say specifically in case someone here hasn't seen it, feel free to email me if you want to know what I'm talking about though. Every time I point it out to people they end up agreeing with me. This Movie gets a B-.

http://www.sonypictures.com/homevideo/50firstdates/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0343660/

Fliting with Disaster

2007-07-21T20:37:00.000-07:00

Ben Stiller searching for his birth parents with wife Patricia Arquette, and Tea` Leoni an adoption counselor. This is a cute, but predictable movie. To be honest I could see where some people might really like this film but it just wasn't my thing. I'll just say along they way the group of people on this journey increases, and they have misadventures. I personally kind of felt like I saw the ending of this about 25 min in. I give this film a C-.

I think because this film is from 1996 that the imdb is the only thing close to a site on this. Still if you want to check it out here is it.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116324/

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (IMAX)

2007-07-17T15:46:00.000-07:00

Yeah I know it's been a while. Sorry about that all. I have a new goal of trying to post no less then twice a week. This will enclude reviews mostly for movies I saw on DVD with a movie in the theatre about once every two weeks.
again don't forget I would love to hear feedback from anyone and everyone.

Once again IMAX does not disappoint. I had heard that this film was going to have the best 3D that had ever been put out in the theatres to date, and although I don't think it was the best I will say it was really good. Now putting the effects aside this was still a pretty good movie. The acting was wonderful, truly the best acting we have seen from any of the Harry Potter kids yet, and they weren't bad before. I really liked the story of this one too. I am not a Harry Potter reader, personally I just didn't care for the books and I have tried a few times to read them. The stories just don't flow right for me. It is really hard to describe so I'll just leave it to they just aren't for me. However I have liked the Potter movies except for Prisoner of Azakaban. This film did seem to have the same flow problem for me though. I liked it but it just seem to move from scene to scene in blocks not one in to the other. Main thing if you're going to see it in the theatre pay the extra IMAX fee. I give this film a B+.

http://www.harrypotterorderofthephoenix.com/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0373889/

Birthday Girl

2007-04-28T21:26:00.000-07:00

A film about a computer geek / banker that goes on to a web site called "from Russia with Love" where he orders a mail order bride. After a while some friends of hers show up but they are kind of on the shady side and cause problems. This is one that is really hard to talk about without giving anything away. However I can talk about the really good acting. Ben Chaplin, and Nicole Kidman were amazing. I'm not really a big time Nicole fan either so if I say she was good you know I'm not being bias. She has this accent for the film and I never heard her loose it. Now I don't speak Russian so I don't know that the words were right but I would guess it was. Ben Chaplin was also believable as the geeky guy that has a dark side. I don't remember the names of the actors that played the Russian friends but I will say they too were very good. This is a good drama with some action that I would suggest checking out. I give this film a B+.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0188453/
Yeah I know it's IMDB again but I'm thinking if you want more info it's right there for you.

April Fools Day

2007-04-28T21:16:00.000-07:00

Yes this is a bit of an older film from 1986, it is still good though. It is a horror comedy film about a girl "Muffy" played by Deborah Foreman that invites her friends to her mountain cabin for the weekend. One by one they are killed off by an unknown killer among them. This is very much an 80's flick in the comedy and in the horror and is in many ways a high class B flick. If you want a good laugh while being grossed out make sure to check this one out. Also listen to the song that plays during the credits at the end. I can guarantee there isn't another song out there like it. I give this film a B+.

Again IMDB seems seems to be the closest thing to a site for this film.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090655/

Saved

2007-04-28T21:11:00.000-07:00

A coming of age/comedy set in a Christian high school. I have to say I really liked this film. Mary the main character chooses to not longer just to be led without question but to ask questions, and discuss before judging people. Again I don't want to go in to a lot of detail for fear of ruining anything I will say however this is getting the highest mark from me today at an A-.

The only link I could find for this one is on IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0332375/

Zodiac

2007-03-08T20:53:00.000-08:00

Wow there were a lot of things I liked and didn't like about this film. I'll start of with the likes and move on from there. The setting of San Francisco was great. I didn't see one car, that was there before it's time, no cell phones, the clothes were realistic, just all of it was perfect. There were times I felt like I should have been looking for me and my dad walking in the background. The passing of time was also done really well in this, nothing ever really looked out of place. The acting in this was also top notch. Robert Downey Jr played his alcoholic, drug addict writer role so well there were times you would almost think he is using again. (no I'm not saying he is I'm just saying he acted this really well) Jake Gyllenhaal also did a wonderful job as Robert Graysmith. There are actually a lot of really good actors in this film like Mark Ruffalo, Anythony Edwards, and Brian Cox just to name a few. All of which I thought did a really good job of becoming that other person. Lastly being that this film is about the search for the zodiac killer I thought they did a really good job of not really making this an over bloody film. The horror angle could have really been played up because of that ; instead they really kept much more of the focus on the search, not the actual killing. Often films go for that extra gore because they can, just because you can doesn't mean you should and I think it was done really well in this one. I do have two little things that I didn't particularly like about this film. One would be that the aging of Jake Gyllenhaal's character never really seemed to happen. Everyone else in the film got a little grey, or some laugh lines on their face, something that showed that it had been a substantial amount of time. Also speaking of a substantial amount of time, jeez 2hours 35 minutes. Personally I felt there was a bit of a drag in the middle, I do have a friend that feels it could have been wrapped up better and faster at the end. Either way you look at it, it was just too long over all. I give this film a B.

A friend of mine suggested that I post the links to the IMDB site for the film I'm talking about here along with the movie site address if they have one so at the bottom of my reviews I'll be doing that now.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443706/

http://www.zodiacmovie.com/

United 93

2007-03-08T20:18:00.000-08:00

In many ways this was a hard film for me to watch because when the whole September 11Th attacks happened I was still working as a PA for KTVU. The things I saw and heard from everything was really for lack of a better word surreal. Much of that time is still in a haze for me because of the working all the time, running scripts, and cataloging footage. Now years later I'm finding my self needing to take a step back and see things again. First step in doing this was to see United 93. This is story is told in real time from when they first think one plane might be hijacked until united 93 crashes in Pennsylvania. The talking that is in this is very low, and to be honest at first I thought there was something wrong with my speakers until there was one of the explosions and that was very loud. So this film is really about looking at the actions that everyone takes, and the ripple effect that every action causes. This was a well acted film nothing fantastic, but then again it didn't really have any big names in it either. I'm not really sure why there wasn't any big names in this film but I do like that there isn't. This movie is really about focusing on the people and the facts that occurred. Technically this was a fine movie, I will say however I don't really see this as a film with a lot of people would be interested in. Even more because for most of the film you hear talking but it's not really loud enough to understand most of it, that also becomes distracting. I give this film a C+.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0475276/

Interesting talk about life and things

2007-03-08T19:51:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone.
I have a few things going on so I thought I'd separate the blogs in case anyone would like to comment on anything. Hint hint hint.
One of my good friends also has a blog going on where he gives really good advice, talks about buy and selling houses, and just general life stuff. He's a pretty smart, and nice guy. Actually he has also reviewed a few films on his page. So I just thought I'd give you guys a link to see if you would like to check it out.
http://fuery.com/2007/03/01/blogging-for-dollars-2/

Still workinng on things here

2007-03-01T16:28:00.000-08:00

Hello all I just wanted to leave a quick update to say I am still working on this. There are some things I wanted to put on the page that I've been have some problems with really it's still a work in progress. Still for the things that I have here already I would love to hear your feedback. Let me know if you want me to put in more or less information in my reviews. Ask me questions about things (an no I'm not pretentious enough to think I know everything about making movies or anything like that) if you ask me something I don't know (definitely probable) I will do my best to get the information.
Last little note I do believe I am going to a movie in the theatre Monday. First time in months for me. Come Tuesday there should be a new review of a movie that just came out this Friday.
Happy weekend all.

Thank you For Smoking

2007-01-20T16:08:00.000-08:00

Thank you for Smoking
No I'm not telling you to light up a cigarette lol. I have to talk about this film. This was a great laugh about a serious subject and still learn something from it. I will admit I use to smoke many many MANY eons ago, and since I quit I have taken a strict please don't smoke around me policy, and if you are a good friend of mine and I find you smoking I will often hound you to stop. However this film really put a new twist on smoking. They don't lie about it or anything, they don't make smoking seem like something that is now healthy, and they give more credit to people in general. It really has more then anything to do with the choices that people make, and the choices that are made for them. It's also about the relationship of the lobbyist and the U.S. government, what they choose to show us and many things they choose not to. One of my favorite parts of this film would actually have to be a the most inventive way to use the cigarette patches that I've ever seen (not going to tell you it will completely ruin it if I do). The acting is this film is some of best I've seen from films this year and yet there aren't really any big names in this. Aaron Eckhart is great at being the loving father that is honest with his son and yet still a tobacco lobbyist that can make you feel guilty for questioning smoking. Cameron Bright plays the son that loves his dad and actually thinks of his dad as some kind of hero for making him think about things in stead of accepting things they way they are handed to him. William H. Macy is a congressman that is tough on tobacco, but not to bright. And Rob Lowe is a film guy that is going to help to put cigarettes back in film. There were truly shocking moments in this film to things that had you laughing so hard you find yourself crying. I can give this nothing but an A+. However I will ad this I don't think it's for young children to watch and have them get the idea that smoking is cool. Just my little thought on it.

http://www.foxsearchlight.com/thankyouforsmoking/ us site

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0427944/ imdb

Paycheck

2007-01-17T14:22:00.000-08:00

Paycheck:Went not really expecting to like this one much. I like John Woo as a director but have also felt his past two were a waste of money. Mine and the studios. This however I liked much more. I thought it would have been a little better had some of the things not been so obvious once you get the point of what is going on, still the acting was pretty decent, and the idea of the story was good. I don't want to be a spoiler for anyone that hasn't seen this so I'll just leave it at that. This one gets a B from me.

http://www.paycheckmovie.com/ us site

http://www.paycheckmovie.com/ french site

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0338337/ imdb

28 Days Later

2007-01-17T14:08:00.000-08:00

28 Days Later.Yes it is as gross as you may have heard. And yes it is very graphic. However every little bit in this had a purpose. I know it sounds odd every little hack, every little throw up scene was done as part of the story and is very important. I really can't say enough about this film. The acting, writing, directing, and even all the sets are fantastic. It is a must see and there is really no other way around that. lol see it on an empty stomach if you have to but get it. Also if you can check it out on DVD they have some interesting alternate endings there, and the making of that was just as interesting as the film itself. This film gets an A from me.

http://www.28dayslaterthemovie.co.uk/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0289043/ imdb

Master and Commander

2007-01-02T20:36:00.000-08:00

UG! Long, slow, and I never got really attached to any of the characters Acting in this is barely passable, almost as if the people in the movie were often as bored as making the film as I was of watching it. The only thing I liked about this film is the little details, like when we are suppose to be on the boat there is always movement, not always a lot but it is there. Because of that attention to detail I'd give this movie as high as a C+.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0311113/ imdb site

http://www.uipfrance.com/sites/masterandcommander/ french site

Gothika

2007-01-02T20:30:00.000-08:00

Sorry all I wasn't able to get to the theatre this past weekend so I'm going to post one of my other reviews from a film I have already seen.

Gothika: I kind of ruined this one for my self. A big part of this movie is the being scared, and jumping. Instead I sat there analyzing it. I will say I thought the acting in this was really good. AS much as I am a Downey fan I will say when his acting is not up to snuff and when it up and when it is great, and in this it was like he is in his prime. The ending I saw coming kind of early but that could have been because I was picking it apart. The worst thing in this film for me was the projectionist didn't seem to get the cropping of the film ratio right, so I kept seeing the boom mic. I would give this film an -A. I would give it more but I think there are too many leads to what is suppose to be a surprise ending.

http://gothikamovie.warnerbros.com/ english site

http://www.sonypictures.fr/gothika/ french site

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0348836/ imdb

No actor bashing

2006-12-29T18:32:00.000-08:00

This is for me personally, more then anyone else. I wanted to make it clear that when I review any movies or talk about the acting job of someone in the film I am going to make it very specific to that film. Granted we all have our favorite actors and actors we really don't like. However I feel that if I am to review a movie without any bias I need to keep what I'm talking about to that film only. I can also say that even though I may not like the acting of someone it still takes a lot of courage to get in front of a camera, knowing millions of people will see what you are doing. Doesn't matter if you are great or a real pile of cow pies in acting still takes guts, and I'm not going to bad mouth anyone on the net for giving it a go.

My Rating sysytem

2006-12-27T21:40:00.000-08:00

So I thought I would take a minute to explain my rating system since I will not only be talking about movies on here but will putting reviews on here. I use the school grading system. I will say that most of the movies I end up seeing end up being a B+ to an A-. That is because all though there is no movie I wont see of course I want to see the ones that interest me first and those some how tend to be better movies. It is a very very rare film that gets an A+ from me, and again rare that anything gets an F from me. To get an A+ the film has to have great acting, wonderful writing, and be almost flawless in all other areas (yes I'm very picky). On the other hand if someone took the time to make something and I end up watching it I will almost always give it some kind of props and find something good about it. There for you also almost never see an F from me. I have also found that most of my long reviews about films I'm passionate about. Either passionate in the like or dislike category as long as I'm really enthusiastic about talking about it, the review will be long.
If I'm not able to get to a theater this weekend I'm going to post some of my other reviews to get things started here.
Questions, comments anyone?

No movie I wont see

2006-12-23T18:19:00.000-08:00

This is something that I have told to a lot of my friends. There is no movie I wont see because at some point I would like to make a movie, and they all have something to teach. I know this may sound a little odd, however if you think about it you will know just what I'm talking about. I know we have all said "why doesn't she take off those heels if she is going to run in the forest" or "wow you really can't see them at all I wonder how we are suppose to know what is going on". We have all heard the bad dialog, the seen the unlikely very clean inner city street, or seen the boom mic at the top. So what happens to us when we see that? Personally I find those things distracting and they make the film not as good. When I make a film I would like to know the things to do and the things to not do, and all films have something to offer both categories, some films can go more in one category more then the other, still it's all there.