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Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
The Lookout (2007) - 3/5
The Lookout (2007) - 3/5
Movies like this make my new rating system tough. I mean, it's not a 2, but 3 is pushing it.
Matthew Goode was very... good.
This movie was trying just a bit too hard, but I guess you sd aim high at least sometimes.
SPOILERS
Kinda like Memento as far as the lead's affliction after his car crash. That's where the comparison ends unfortunately.
Isla Fisher's character's storyline ended kinda abruptly and weird.
Movies like this make my new rating system tough. I mean, it's not a 2, but 3 is pushing it.
Matthew Goode was very... good.
This movie was trying just a bit too hard, but I guess you sd aim high at least sometimes.
SPOILERS
Kinda like Memento as far as the lead's affliction after his car crash. That's where the comparison ends unfortunately.
Isla Fisher's character's storyline ended kinda abruptly and weird.
Fame (2009) - 2/5
Fame (2009) - 2/5
Bad acting, too many storylines/characters to care about any of them, a bit cheesy and far-fetched, over-dramatic... hmmm, that's probably enough.
Bad acting, too many storylines/characters to care about any of them, a bit cheesy and far-fetched, over-dramatic... hmmm, that's probably enough.
Dead Calm (1989) - 3/5
Dead Calm (1989) - 3/5
A bit dated, but still pretty good. I like the isolated feel (only 3 cast members). Billy Zane really does a great job.
A bit dated, but still pretty good. I like the isolated feel (only 3 cast members). Billy Zane really does a great job.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) - 4/5
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) - 4/5
I expected this movie to be great and was NOT let down.
The acting was great, the "western" was right on and the story was very compelling.
This really makes me want to watch more westerns. Feel free to recommend some great ones (though I've seen some like "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly", "High Noon", "Unforgiven", "The Ox-Bow Incident", "Hud", "3:10 to Yuma", The Magnificent Seven", "Stage Coach", "Shane", "Giant", "Once Upon a Time in the West", "Tombstone" and, of course, "Blazing Saddles." :)
I expected this movie to be great and was NOT let down.
The acting was great, the "western" was right on and the story was very compelling.
This really makes me want to watch more westerns. Feel free to recommend some great ones (though I've seen some like "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly", "High Noon", "Unforgiven", "The Ox-Bow Incident", "Hud", "3:10 to Yuma", The Magnificent Seven", "Stage Coach", "Shane", "Giant", "Once Upon a Time in the West", "Tombstone" and, of course, "Blazing Saddles." :)
Monday, September 21, 2009
Das Leben der Anderen (2006) - 4/5
Das Leben der Anderen (2006) - 4/5
Very powerful movie about a very powerful place and time.
The intensity reminds me of the dialog in "Inglorious Basterds" (why is it spelled w/ an 'e'?).
I'm not sure what to take away from this movie, but I guess it's along the lines of being racial or black-and-white judgmental is very difficult when you're face-to-face w/ the people... when it's individuals.
The characters, especially Ulrich Mühe's, were awesome.
Very powerful movie about a very powerful place and time.
The intensity reminds me of the dialog in "Inglorious Basterds" (why is it spelled w/ an 'e'?).
I'm not sure what to take away from this movie, but I guess it's along the lines of being racial or black-and-white judgmental is very difficult when you're face-to-face w/ the people... when it's individuals.
The characters, especially Ulrich Mühe's, were awesome.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
La cit�des enfants perdus (1995) - 3/5
La cit�des enfants perdus (1995) - 3/5
From one foreign film to another. I'd seen this before like 13 years ago - I got more out of it this time.
If the last movie, "Love", was the Hungarian Ingmar Bergman style, this movie is the French Terry Gilliam style.
Ron Perlman was great as was Judith Vittet as the little girl.
From one foreign film to another. I'd seen this before like 13 years ago - I got more out of it this time.
If the last movie, "Love", was the Hungarian Ingmar Bergman style, this movie is the French Terry Gilliam style.
Ron Perlman was great as was Judith Vittet as the little girl.
Szerelem (1971) - 3/5
Szerelem (1971) - 3/5
Not sure how this got on my queue???
Hungarian w/ subtitles. Well made, pretty artsy.
I felt it was fairly straight forward as far as the story goes so I'll leave it at that.
Not sure how this got on my queue???
Hungarian w/ subtitles. Well made, pretty artsy.
I felt it was fairly straight forward as far as the story goes so I'll leave it at that.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
The Eiger Sanction (1975) - 4/5
The Eiger Sanction (1975) - 4/5
Good, classic 70's spy-thriller complete w/ albino boss-man.
The mountain climbing in this movie made me very nervous - I ready Clint did a 3-day climbing course and practiced for months after that. I assumed he must have spent years perfecting to do some of the things he clearly did himself (I read he did all but 1 of his own stunts).
The actual story isn't the best, but the style makes up for it.
Good, classic 70's spy-thriller complete w/ albino boss-man.
The mountain climbing in this movie made me very nervous - I ready Clint did a 3-day climbing course and practiced for months after that. I assumed he must have spent years perfecting to do some of the things he clearly did himself (I read he did all but 1 of his own stunts).
The actual story isn't the best, but the style makes up for it.
Julie & Julia (2009) - 3/5
Julie & Julia (2009) - 3/5
I liked this movie mainly for a couple reason: big goal and the parallel time-line type storytelling.
They actual story was pretty good - Julia's story was much more interesting than Julie's.
I'm blogging about a movie based on a blog.
It was also pretty inspiring. It made me want to take on a new goal to do daily and blog about... but I really already have too much.
SPOILERS
Mo looked up Julie Powell online after the movie and found out she had an affair not long after the events of the movie... she wrote a book about it. :|
Her blog is still up.
I liked this movie mainly for a couple reason: big goal and the parallel time-line type storytelling.
They actual story was pretty good - Julia's story was much more interesting than Julie's.
I'm blogging about a movie based on a blog.
It was also pretty inspiring. It made me want to take on a new goal to do daily and blog about... but I really already have too much.
SPOILERS
Mo looked up Julie Powell online after the movie and found out she had an affair not long after the events of the movie... she wrote a book about it. :|
Her blog is still up.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Ice Station Zebra (1968) - 3/5
Ice Station Zebra (1968) - 3/5
I think I saw this like 15 years ago. I didn't remember it, but remembered some as the movie went on.
Good, classic spy stuff: U.S. vs. Russia.
What more can I saw than these names from the movie:
Rock Hudson
Ernest Borgnine
Patrick McGoohan
Jim Brown
I think I saw this like 15 years ago. I didn't remember it, but remembered some as the movie went on.
Good, classic spy stuff: U.S. vs. Russia.
What more can I saw than these names from the movie:
Rock Hudson
Ernest Borgnine
Patrick McGoohan
Jim Brown
Friday, September 04, 2009
Fiddler on the Roof (1971) - 4/5
Fiddler on the Roof (1971) - 4/5
Humorous and sad and everything in btwn.
Besides the historical view (which a Jewish friend of mine said is fairly accurate), this is just a great story done well.
One thread I focused on was the idea of being flexible versus breaking. Tevye flexed w/ his oldest daughter wanting to marry for love. He flexed w/ the dancing at the wedding. He even flexed a lot w/ the marriage of his second daughter. However, he knew where to draw the line.
Not that I agree w/ it or disagree w/ it, but he knew where the line was and wasn't going to cross it. (SPOILER) What I mean is, he wasn't going to bless their marriage. He ultimately opened up to communicate w/ his youngest daughter, but didn't bless it.
I felt there was a some comparison to the "exiling" of daughter and the exiling of the Jews from their village. Are they both right? wrong? different?
Great stuff.
Humorous and sad and everything in btwn.
Besides the historical view (which a Jewish friend of mine said is fairly accurate), this is just a great story done well.
One thread I focused on was the idea of being flexible versus breaking. Tevye flexed w/ his oldest daughter wanting to marry for love. He flexed w/ the dancing at the wedding. He even flexed a lot w/ the marriage of his second daughter. However, he knew where to draw the line.
Not that I agree w/ it or disagree w/ it, but he knew where the line was and wasn't going to cross it. (SPOILER) What I mean is, he wasn't going to bless their marriage. He ultimately opened up to communicate w/ his youngest daughter, but didn't bless it.
I felt there was a some comparison to the "exiling" of daughter and the exiling of the Jews from their village. Are they both right? wrong? different?
Great stuff.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
District 9 (2009) - 4/5
District 9 (2009) - 4/5
Fairly disturbing for the first half, but well done. Biological stuff messes w/ me.
The second half is mostly action and focuses a bit more on the main characters (which are at the heart of the big story so it's kinda both).
SPOILERS
I kinda expected/hoped this wd be a broader scoped movie possibly taking place over time and larger field. Not that it wd have been better, but it mostly focuses on the core people over a few days.
I think they way they did it was probably better, but I kept waiting for the "big fight" and such. The more I think about it, the happier I am they did NOT do that. If they had, it wd have been ID4, GIJoe or Transformers w/ the 'over the top' action that you can't even tell what's going on or invest yourself into.
Fairly disturbing for the first half, but well done. Biological stuff messes w/ me.
The second half is mostly action and focuses a bit more on the main characters (which are at the heart of the big story so it's kinda both).
SPOILERS
I kinda expected/hoped this wd be a broader scoped movie possibly taking place over time and larger field. Not that it wd have been better, but it mostly focuses on the core people over a few days.
I think they way they did it was probably better, but I kept waiting for the "big fight" and such. The more I think about it, the happier I am they did NOT do that. If they had, it wd have been ID4, GIJoe or Transformers w/ the 'over the top' action that you can't even tell what's going on or invest yourself into.
Inglourious Basterds (2009) - 4/5
Inglourious Basterds (2009) - 4/5
Tarantino is proving his abilities and skills can not only last, but grow.
Great all around from the acting to the scope, but also amazing dialog as usual (my heart was beating so hard for some of those conversations and he maintained that intensity for SO long - awesome!).
SPOILERS
The only thing that I thought he cd have left out was the "Chatper 1" titles. No biggie.
Tarantino is proving his abilities and skills can not only last, but grow.
Great all around from the acting to the scope, but also amazing dialog as usual (my heart was beating so hard for some of those conversations and he maintained that intensity for SO long - awesome!).
SPOILERS
The only thing that I thought he cd have left out was the "Chatper 1" titles. No biggie.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Little Children (2006) - 3/5
Little Children (2006) - 3/5
I thought this movie was going to be more like a 4 or 5, but it fell short at the end. I felt like they got to the last 20 mins and were like "Man, we gotta wrap this up quick!"
There was so much tension and drama building and building - maybe they built it up too much for them to handle.
They characters are all pretty unhappy and disillusioned in one way or another and escape into their various weaknesses most of the time. While some seem excusable others are "evil." I'm not sure if we're suppose to see them as similar or what... unfortunately, I'm not super motivated to analyze this movie b/c of the weak ending.
Well acted and a decent movie (though disturbing at times) but falls short late in the game.
I thought this movie was going to be more like a 4 or 5, but it fell short at the end. I felt like they got to the last 20 mins and were like "Man, we gotta wrap this up quick!"
There was so much tension and drama building and building - maybe they built it up too much for them to handle.
They characters are all pretty unhappy and disillusioned in one way or another and escape into their various weaknesses most of the time. While some seem excusable others are "evil." I'm not sure if we're suppose to see them as similar or what... unfortunately, I'm not super motivated to analyze this movie b/c of the weak ending.
Well acted and a decent movie (though disturbing at times) but falls short late in the game.
(500) Days of Summer (2009) - 3/5
(500) Days of Summer (2009) - 3/5
Good movie, not a love story.
For the most part this was good. Zooey Deschanel is great, but didn't really shine here as much as usual.
I liked the format of the story telling, but in some cases they didn't pull it off.
Good movie, not a love story.
For the most part this was good. Zooey Deschanel is great, but didn't really shine here as much as usual.
I liked the format of the story telling, but in some cases they didn't pull it off.
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009) - 2/5
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009) - 2/5
The action was too "big" - way over the top to the point where I was just like "whatever, did we win?" I guess I'm showing my age b/c kids are probably loving it.
Also, when an action scene w/ "people" is pure CGI, I just don't really care how big the "stunts" are b/c it's a "cartoon." I started thinking this from the Spiderman movies - "Who cares he can swing from a building and do 10 flips? It's a cartoon. Why not 20 flips?"
The story was ok, but I never bought into the mix of unrealistic and reality. How did this girl in a few years become a dominant evil force on world-wide levels? Granted, it's not meant to be realistic, but I didn't buy into their mix.
The action was too "big" - way over the top to the point where I was just like "whatever, did we win?" I guess I'm showing my age b/c kids are probably loving it.
Also, when an action scene w/ "people" is pure CGI, I just don't really care how big the "stunts" are b/c it's a "cartoon." I started thinking this from the Spiderman movies - "Who cares he can swing from a building and do 10 flips? It's a cartoon. Why not 20 flips?"
The story was ok, but I never bought into the mix of unrealistic and reality. How did this girl in a few years become a dominant evil force on world-wide levels? Granted, it's not meant to be realistic, but I didn't buy into their mix.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Dark Blue (2002) - 3.5/5
Dark Blue (2002) - 3.5/5
I liked this movie - good tension, action, characters, etc.
I like when movies parallel other events (and/or real events like the Rodney King officers' trial in this one).
I liked this movie - good tension, action, characters, etc.
I like when movies parallel other events (and/or real events like the Rodney King officers' trial in this one).
Friday, August 07, 2009
Pineapple Express (2008) - 4/5
Pineapple Express (2008) - 4/5
While I don't think this is a great movie, I think it was good enough for a 4. The comedy style of these guys is pretty solid in this movie - Danny McBride and Seth Rogen are doing what you expect.
The story is..., who cares.
The situations they get in and what they do, how they get in and out, etc. - it's done well, funny and keep coming!
While I don't think this is a great movie, I think it was good enough for a 4. The comedy style of these guys is pretty solid in this movie - Danny McBride and Seth Rogen are doing what you expect.
The story is..., who cares.
The situations they get in and what they do, how they get in and out, etc. - it's done well, funny and keep coming!
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Breaking Away (1979) - 3/5
Breaking Away (1979) - 3/5
Good but dated/cheesey. Fun to watch and riff on it and see Jackie Earle Haley before/after to "Watchmen."
Cutters!
Good but dated/cheesey. Fun to watch and riff on it and see Jackie Earle Haley before/after to "Watchmen."
Cutters!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Watchmen (2009) - 4/5
Watchmen (2009) - 4/5
I dug the story and the style. It's more character based than plot based, but I didn't mind. It shows a 'dark' side to heroes - kinda like Batman.
But the style is just so cool. Also, very cool opening credits sequence.
I watched this on my iPhone and I still thought it was good. I'd love to see it on a good system.
I dug the story and the style. It's more character based than plot based, but I didn't mind. It shows a 'dark' side to heroes - kinda like Batman.
But the style is just so cool. Also, very cool opening credits sequence.
I watched this on my iPhone and I still thought it was good. I'd love to see it on a good system.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Books
I was just looking at an old file I used to keep of books as I read them (and when and in some cases where). I haven't kept it up in several years, but here it is...
1 Song Of Soloman, Toni Morrison Fall 1989
2 Painted Bird, Jerzy Kosinski Fall 1989
3 Twice Pardoned, Harold Morris Summer 1990
4 Flatland, Edwin Abbott Abbott Fall 1990
5 Heir To A Dream, 'Pistol' Pete Maravich Fall 1991
6 Fourth Dimension, Rudy Rucker Fall 1991
7 The Prophet, Kahlil Gibran Jan 19 - Feb 6, 1992
8 A Severe Mercy, Sheldon Vanauken Jan ? - Feb 9, 1992
9 More Than A Carpenter, Josh McDowell Feb 13 - Feb 24, 1992
10 No Compromise, Melody Green Mar 18 - Mar 25, 1992
11 Star Wars, George Lucas June 30 - July 7,1992
12 The Empire Strikes Back, Donald F. Glut July 8 - July 31,1992
13 Return of the Jedi, James Kahn July 31 - Aug 2, 1992
14 Heir to the Empire, Timothy Zahn Aug 3 - Aug 8, 1992
15 Dark Force Rising, Timothy Zahn Aug 15 - 28, 1992
16 Good Morning, Holy Spirit, Benny Hinn Aug 29 - Oct 18, 1992
17 The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis Oct 18 - Oct 25, 1992
18 Prince Caspian, C.S. Lewis Oct 25 - Nov 18, 1992
19 The Voyage of the "Dawn Treader", C.S. Lewis Nov 25 - Nov 29, 1992
20 Matthew (New Testament), Matthew (Levi) Aug 5 - Dec 5, 1992
21 Fractal Mode (Book 2: Mode Series), Piers Anthony Nov 29 - Dec 9, 1992
22 Acts (New Testament), Luke Aug 5 - Dec 31, 1992
23 The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis Feb 27,92-Jan 13,1993
24 Romans (New Testament), Paul Jan 1 - Jan 19, 1993
25 1 John (New Testament), John Jan 20 - 24, 1993
26 2 John (New Testament), John Jan 25, 1993
27 3 John (New Testament), John Jan 26, 1993
28 Ephesians (New Testament), Paul Jan 27 - Feb 1, 1993
29 Philippians (New Testament), Paul Feb 2 - 5, 1993
30 John (New Testament), John Feb 6 - March 17,1993
31 The Silver Chair, C.S. Lewis Dec 27,92-Feb 23,1993
32 Colossians (N.T.), Paul March 19 - 30, 1993
33 Jude (N.T.), Jude March 31, 1993
34 Hebrews (N.T.), many April 1 - 18, 1993
35 The Horse and His Boy, C.S. Lewis March 28 -Apr 22 1993
36 The Magician's Nephew, C.S. Lewis April 26 - 28, 1993
37 Philemon, (New Testament), Paul May 24, 1993
38 1 Corinthians, (New Testament), Paul May 2 - 27, 1993
39 Habakkuk, (Old Testament), Habakkuk May 27, 1993
40 The Last Battle, C.S. Lewis (Last Chron. of Narnia) May 9 - 27, 1993
The Chronicles of Narnia Oct 18,92-May 27,1993
41 Classic Chritianity, Bob George Feb 21 - May 28, 1993
42 Out of the Silent Planet, C.S. Lewis June 6 - July 7, 1993
43 Genesis, (Old Testament), Moses June 7 - Oct 30, 1993
44 Genesis, (Old Testament), Moses Oct 31 - Nov 24, 1993
45 Genesis, (Old Testament), Moses Dec 1 '93-Jan 17 1994
46 Exodus, (Old Testament), Moses Jan 25 - Feb 13, 1994
47 He is there and He is not Silent, F. A. Schaeffer Feb 7 - Mar 6, 1994
48 Leviticus, Moses Feb 16 - Mar 10, 1994
49 Numbers, Moses Mar 11 - April 4,1994
50 New Seeds of Contemplation, Thomas Merton Oct 17 '93-May 1,1994
51 Deuteronomy, Moses April 5 - May 8, 1994
52 Joshua, Joshua May 9 - 20, 1994
53 The Razor's Edge, W. Sommerset Maugham May 15 - 22, 1994
54 Judges, Anonymous June 1 - 18, 1994
55 If You Want to Write, Brenda Ueland June 11 - 19, 1994
56 Ruth, Uncertain June 19, 1994
57 1 Samuel, Samuel and others June 21 - July 2,1994
58 2 Samuel, Samuel and others July 3 - 9, 1994
59 1 Kings, Jeremiah July 10 - 29, 1994
60 2 Kings, Jeremiah July 30 - Aug 13 1994
61 1 Chronicles, Ezra Aug 14 - 23, 1994
62 The Trial of Socrates, I. F. Stone July 20 - Sept 7,1994
63 2 Chronicles, Ezra Aug 24 - Sept 11,1994
63 Ezra, Ezra Sept 12 - 14, 1994
64 Nehemiah, Nehemiah Sept 15 - 23, 1994
65 Esther, Uncertain Sept 24 - 26, 1994
66 Einstein's Dreams, Alan Lightman Sept 12 - Oct 12,1994
67 Job, Uncertain Sept 27 - Oct 13,1994
68 In His Steps, Charles M. Sheldon Sept 10 - Oct 30,1994
69 Proverbs, Soloman and others Oct 14 - Nov 13, 1994
70 Ecclesiates, Soloman Nov 19, 1994
71 Song of Soloman, Soloman Nov 20, 1994
72 Isaiah, Isaiah Nov 21 '94-Jan 3,1995
73 Einstein for Beginners,Jo. Schwartz&MichaelMcGuiness Dec '94 - Jan 22,1995
74 The Pursuit of God, A.W. Tozer Oct 20'94-Jan 22,1995
75 Jeremiah, Jeremiah Jan 4 - Feb 4, 1995
76 Lamentations, Jeremiah Feb 5 - 9, 1995
77 Ezekiel, Ezekiel Feb 10 - March 2,1995
78 Daniel, Daniel March 3 - 15, 1995
79-91 Hosea - Malachi (O.T. Minor Prophets) March 16-April 8,1995
92-118 Matthew - Revelation (New Testament) April 13-July 18,1995
119 The Great Divorce, C.S. Lewis August 2, 1995
120 The Phantom Tollbooth, Norton Juster August, 1995
121 Genesis, Moses August 2 - 5, 1995
122 Casino Royale, Ian Fleming Oct 27-29, 1995
123 The Christmas Box, Richard Paul Evans Dec 13-14, 1995
124 If Only He Knew, Gary Smalley Dec, 1995
125 Marriage Takes More Than Love,Jack & Carole Mayhall Jan, 1996
126 The Five Love Languages, Gary Chapman Feb, 1996
127 Cat's Cradle, Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. June, 1996
128 Sleepers, Lorenzo Carcaterra Sept 27, 2pm-2am,1996
129 Zen & the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Rbt Persig July - Nov, 1996
130 Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams April - May, 1997
131 Ruins: Xfiles, Kevin J. Anderson May 7-10, 1997 (Berlin)
132 Slaughterhouse 5, Kurt Vonnegut May 10, 1997 (Berlin)
133 Frankenstein, Mary Shelley May 10-16, 1997 (Berlin+)
134 Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger May - June, 1997
135 The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald June ?-13, 1997
136 The Terminal Man, Michael Crichton June 21, 1997 (DFW - Frankfurt)
137 Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck June 22, 1997 (Frankfurt airport)
138 Travels w/ Charlie, John Steinbeck June 22-July 5, 1997
139 Mother Night, Kurt Vonnegut July 25, 1997 (Goteborg - Dublin)
140 Ground Zero (Xfiles), Kevin J. Anderson July 27-29, 1997 (Started in London)
141 Player Piano, Kurt Vonnegut July - Sept. 1997 (Goteborg)
142 God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater, Kurt Vonnegut Sept. 1997 (Goteborg)
143 Slapstick, Kurt Vonnegut Sept, 1997 (Got, Paris, London)
144 Palm Sunday, Kurt Vonnegut Oct, 1997 (Goteborg)
145 Dead Eye Dick, Kurt Vonnegut Oct, 1997 (Goteborg)
146 The Spy Who Loved Me, Iam Fleming Nov, 1997 (Goteborg)
147 The Diary of a Young Girl, Ann Frank Nov 10,1997 (Amsterdam-Jo'burg)
148 The Hiding Place, Corrie Ten Boom June-July, 1998
149 Breakfast of Champions, Kurt Vonnegut May-July, 1998
150 Sirens of Titan, Kurt Vonnegut Aug-Sept., 1998
151 Hocus Pocus, Kurt Vonnegut Oct, 1998
152 Who Moved the Stone, Frank Morison May - July, 1999
153 DMB: Step Into the Light, Morgan Delancey August, 1999
154 Ender’s Game, Orson Scott Card Oct - Nov, 1999
155 Cinderella Story: My Life in Golf, Bill Murray August 2000
156 Catch Me If You Can, Frank Abagnale September 2, 2000
1 Song Of Soloman, Toni Morrison Fall 1989
2 Painted Bird, Jerzy Kosinski Fall 1989
3 Twice Pardoned, Harold Morris Summer 1990
4 Flatland, Edwin Abbott Abbott Fall 1990
5 Heir To A Dream, 'Pistol' Pete Maravich Fall 1991
6 Fourth Dimension, Rudy Rucker Fall 1991
7 The Prophet, Kahlil Gibran Jan 19 - Feb 6, 1992
8 A Severe Mercy, Sheldon Vanauken Jan ? - Feb 9, 1992
9 More Than A Carpenter, Josh McDowell Feb 13 - Feb 24, 1992
10 No Compromise, Melody Green Mar 18 - Mar 25, 1992
11 Star Wars, George Lucas June 30 - July 7,1992
12 The Empire Strikes Back, Donald F. Glut July 8 - July 31,1992
13 Return of the Jedi, James Kahn July 31 - Aug 2, 1992
14 Heir to the Empire, Timothy Zahn Aug 3 - Aug 8, 1992
15 Dark Force Rising, Timothy Zahn Aug 15 - 28, 1992
16 Good Morning, Holy Spirit, Benny Hinn Aug 29 - Oct 18, 1992
17 The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis Oct 18 - Oct 25, 1992
18 Prince Caspian, C.S. Lewis Oct 25 - Nov 18, 1992
19 The Voyage of the "Dawn Treader", C.S. Lewis Nov 25 - Nov 29, 1992
20 Matthew (New Testament), Matthew (Levi) Aug 5 - Dec 5, 1992
21 Fractal Mode (Book 2: Mode Series), Piers Anthony Nov 29 - Dec 9, 1992
22 Acts (New Testament), Luke Aug 5 - Dec 31, 1992
23 The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis Feb 27,92-Jan 13,1993
24 Romans (New Testament), Paul Jan 1 - Jan 19, 1993
25 1 John (New Testament), John Jan 20 - 24, 1993
26 2 John (New Testament), John Jan 25, 1993
27 3 John (New Testament), John Jan 26, 1993
28 Ephesians (New Testament), Paul Jan 27 - Feb 1, 1993
29 Philippians (New Testament), Paul Feb 2 - 5, 1993
30 John (New Testament), John Feb 6 - March 17,1993
31 The Silver Chair, C.S. Lewis Dec 27,92-Feb 23,1993
32 Colossians (N.T.), Paul March 19 - 30, 1993
33 Jude (N.T.), Jude March 31, 1993
34 Hebrews (N.T.), many April 1 - 18, 1993
35 The Horse and His Boy, C.S. Lewis March 28 -Apr 22 1993
36 The Magician's Nephew, C.S. Lewis April 26 - 28, 1993
37 Philemon, (New Testament), Paul May 24, 1993
38 1 Corinthians, (New Testament), Paul May 2 - 27, 1993
39 Habakkuk, (Old Testament), Habakkuk May 27, 1993
40 The Last Battle, C.S. Lewis (Last Chron. of Narnia) May 9 - 27, 1993
The Chronicles of Narnia Oct 18,92-May 27,1993
41 Classic Chritianity, Bob George Feb 21 - May 28, 1993
42 Out of the Silent Planet, C.S. Lewis June 6 - July 7, 1993
43 Genesis, (Old Testament), Moses June 7 - Oct 30, 1993
44 Genesis, (Old Testament), Moses Oct 31 - Nov 24, 1993
45 Genesis, (Old Testament), Moses Dec 1 '93-Jan 17 1994
46 Exodus, (Old Testament), Moses Jan 25 - Feb 13, 1994
47 He is there and He is not Silent, F. A. Schaeffer Feb 7 - Mar 6, 1994
48 Leviticus, Moses Feb 16 - Mar 10, 1994
49 Numbers, Moses Mar 11 - April 4,1994
50 New Seeds of Contemplation, Thomas Merton Oct 17 '93-May 1,1994
51 Deuteronomy, Moses April 5 - May 8, 1994
52 Joshua, Joshua May 9 - 20, 1994
53 The Razor's Edge, W. Sommerset Maugham May 15 - 22, 1994
54 Judges, Anonymous June 1 - 18, 1994
55 If You Want to Write, Brenda Ueland June 11 - 19, 1994
56 Ruth, Uncertain June 19, 1994
57 1 Samuel, Samuel and others June 21 - July 2,1994
58 2 Samuel, Samuel and others July 3 - 9, 1994
59 1 Kings, Jeremiah July 10 - 29, 1994
60 2 Kings, Jeremiah July 30 - Aug 13 1994
61 1 Chronicles, Ezra Aug 14 - 23, 1994
62 The Trial of Socrates, I. F. Stone July 20 - Sept 7,1994
63 2 Chronicles, Ezra Aug 24 - Sept 11,1994
63 Ezra, Ezra Sept 12 - 14, 1994
64 Nehemiah, Nehemiah Sept 15 - 23, 1994
65 Esther, Uncertain Sept 24 - 26, 1994
66 Einstein's Dreams, Alan Lightman Sept 12 - Oct 12,1994
67 Job, Uncertain Sept 27 - Oct 13,1994
68 In His Steps, Charles M. Sheldon Sept 10 - Oct 30,1994
69 Proverbs, Soloman and others Oct 14 - Nov 13, 1994
70 Ecclesiates, Soloman Nov 19, 1994
71 Song of Soloman, Soloman Nov 20, 1994
72 Isaiah, Isaiah Nov 21 '94-Jan 3,1995
73 Einstein for Beginners,Jo. Schwartz&MichaelMcGuiness Dec '94 - Jan 22,1995
74 The Pursuit of God, A.W. Tozer Oct 20'94-Jan 22,1995
75 Jeremiah, Jeremiah Jan 4 - Feb 4, 1995
76 Lamentations, Jeremiah Feb 5 - 9, 1995
77 Ezekiel, Ezekiel Feb 10 - March 2,1995
78 Daniel, Daniel March 3 - 15, 1995
79-91 Hosea - Malachi (O.T. Minor Prophets) March 16-April 8,1995
92-118 Matthew - Revelation (New Testament) April 13-July 18,1995
119 The Great Divorce, C.S. Lewis August 2, 1995
120 The Phantom Tollbooth, Norton Juster August, 1995
121 Genesis, Moses August 2 - 5, 1995
122 Casino Royale, Ian Fleming Oct 27-29, 1995
123 The Christmas Box, Richard Paul Evans Dec 13-14, 1995
124 If Only He Knew, Gary Smalley Dec, 1995
125 Marriage Takes More Than Love,Jack & Carole Mayhall Jan, 1996
126 The Five Love Languages, Gary Chapman Feb, 1996
127 Cat's Cradle, Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. June, 1996
128 Sleepers, Lorenzo Carcaterra Sept 27, 2pm-2am,1996
129 Zen & the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Rbt Persig July - Nov, 1996
130 Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams April - May, 1997
131 Ruins: Xfiles, Kevin J. Anderson May 7-10, 1997 (Berlin)
132 Slaughterhouse 5, Kurt Vonnegut May 10, 1997 (Berlin)
133 Frankenstein, Mary Shelley May 10-16, 1997 (Berlin+)
134 Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger May - June, 1997
135 The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald June ?-13, 1997
136 The Terminal Man, Michael Crichton June 21, 1997 (DFW - Frankfurt)
137 Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck June 22, 1997 (Frankfurt airport)
138 Travels w/ Charlie, John Steinbeck June 22-July 5, 1997
139 Mother Night, Kurt Vonnegut July 25, 1997 (Goteborg - Dublin)
140 Ground Zero (Xfiles), Kevin J. Anderson July 27-29, 1997 (Started in London)
141 Player Piano, Kurt Vonnegut July - Sept. 1997 (Goteborg)
142 God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater, Kurt Vonnegut Sept. 1997 (Goteborg)
143 Slapstick, Kurt Vonnegut Sept, 1997 (Got, Paris, London)
144 Palm Sunday, Kurt Vonnegut Oct, 1997 (Goteborg)
145 Dead Eye Dick, Kurt Vonnegut Oct, 1997 (Goteborg)
146 The Spy Who Loved Me, Iam Fleming Nov, 1997 (Goteborg)
147 The Diary of a Young Girl, Ann Frank Nov 10,1997 (Amsterdam-Jo'burg)
148 The Hiding Place, Corrie Ten Boom June-July, 1998
149 Breakfast of Champions, Kurt Vonnegut May-July, 1998
150 Sirens of Titan, Kurt Vonnegut Aug-Sept., 1998
151 Hocus Pocus, Kurt Vonnegut Oct, 1998
152 Who Moved the Stone, Frank Morison May - July, 1999
153 DMB: Step Into the Light, Morgan Delancey August, 1999
154 Ender’s Game, Orson Scott Card Oct - Nov, 1999
155 Cinderella Story: My Life in Golf, Bill Murray August 2000
156 Catch Me If You Can, Frank Abagnale September 2, 2000
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Mid-Year Update
What I watched from 1/1/09-/6/30/09
66 movies so far this year. Average 11 per month (~3/week).
I might change my rating to be more like Netflix. It's a simpler system:
1/5 - hated id
2/5 - didn't like it
3/5 - liked it
4/5 - really liked it
5/5 - loved it
Top Rated:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) - 5/5
Synecdoche, New York (2008) - 5/5
"Battlestar Galactica" (2004) - 5/5
Adaptation. (2002) - 5/5 (seen bef0re)
The Graduate (1967) - 5/5 (seen before)
Bottom Rated:
Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009) - 1/5
Cobra (1986) - 1/5
All movies (66):
Revolutionary Road (2008) - 4/5
Doubt (2008/I) - 4.5/5
Land of the Lost (2009) - 3.5/5
Taking Chance (2009) - 3.5/5
Away We Go (2009) - 4.5/5
Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009) - 1/5
The Love Guru (2008) - 3.5/5
The Tale of Despereaux (2008) - 3/5
Terminator Salvation (2009) - 3/5
The Dam Busters (1955) - 3.5/5
Lost in La Mancha (2002) - 3/5 documentary
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) - 5/5
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (20...
My Name Is Bruce (2007) - 3/5
The Incredible Hulk (2008) - 2.5/5
Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008) - 2.5/5
Speed Racer (2008) - 2.5/5
Star Trek (2009) - 4/5
Young Frankenstein (1974)
Definitely, Maybe (2008) - 4/5
"Caprica" (2009) - 3.5/5
Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (2009) - 3.5/5
The Wrestler (2008) - 4.5/5
"Spaced" (1999) - 2.5/5 tv series
Adventureland (2009) - 4/5
Adaptation. (2002) - 5/5
Henry Poole Is Here (2008) - 3/5
High Fidelity (2000) - 3.5/5
The Foot Fist Way (2006) - 3/5
Slumdog Millionaire (2008) - 4.5/5
Dogtown and Z-Boys (2001) - 4/5 documentary
Son of Rambow (2007) - 3/5
Deconstructing Harry (1997) - 2.5/5
The Fountain (2006) - 3.5/5
The Graduate (1967) - 5/5
Smultronstället (1957) - 4/5 subtitles
Bigger Stronger Faster* (2008) - 4/5 documentary
Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed (2008) - 4/5 documentary
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) - 4.5...
Duplicity (2009) - 3/5
Hud (1963) - 3/5
Haine, La (1995) - 2.5/5
Synecdoche, New York (2008) - 5/5
Apocalypto (2006) - 3.5/5
Bolt (2008) - 3.5/5
Helvetica (2007) - 3/5 documentary
Young at Heart (2007) - 4/5 documentary
Man on Wire (2008) - 4.5/5 documentary
frontline: is wal-mart good for america? - 4/5 documentary
Sunshine (2007) - 3.5/5
Cop Land (1997) - 3/5
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) - 4.5/5
Death Proof (2007) - 4/5
Taken (2008/I) - 3.5/5
He's Just Not That Into You (2009) - 4/5
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (2008) - 4/5
Planet Terror (2007) - 3/5
28 Weeks Later (2007) - 3/5
28 Days Later... (2002) - 3.5/5
What Happens in Vegas (2008) - 1.5/5
Hitman (2007) - 3/5
Yes Man (2008) - 3.5/5
"Battlestar Galactica" (2004) - 5/5
Cobra (1986) - 1/5
The Queen (2006) - 3.5/5
Marley & Me (2008) - 4/5
From Netflix (43 - avg ~7/month):
Revolutionary Road
The Return of Captain Invincible
Doubt
Taking Chance
The Dam Busters
Lost in La Mancha
My Name Is Bruce
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Incredible Hulk
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Speed Racer
Definitely, Maybe
Battlestar Galactica: Caprica
The Wrestler
Spaced: The Complete Series: Disc 2
Spaced: The Complete Series: Disc 1
The Foot Fist Way
Dogtown and Z-Boys
Son of Rambow
Slumdog Millionaire
The Fountain
Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed
Hud
La Haine
Apocalypto
Helvetica
Young @ Heart
Breach
Man on Wire
Is Wal-Mart Good for America?: Frontline
Sunshine
Cop Land
The Last Sin Eater
The Bourne Ultimatum
Grindhouse: Death Proof
Grindhouse: Planet Terror
28 Weeks Later
28 Days Later
Ali
Hitman
Battlestar Galactica: Season 4: Disc 4
Battlestar Galactica: Season 4: Disc 3
Battlestar Galactica: Season 4: Disc 2
66 movies so far this year. Average 11 per month (~3/week).
I might change my rating to be more like Netflix. It's a simpler system:
1/5 - hated id
2/5 - didn't like it
3/5 - liked it
4/5 - really liked it
5/5 - loved it
Top Rated:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) - 5/5
Synecdoche, New York (2008) - 5/5
"Battlestar Galactica" (2004) - 5/5
Adaptation. (2002) - 5/5 (seen bef0re)
The Graduate (1967) - 5/5 (seen before)
Bottom Rated:
Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009) - 1/5
Cobra (1986) - 1/5
All movies (66):
Revolutionary Road (2008) - 4/5
Doubt (2008/I) - 4.5/5
Land of the Lost (2009) - 3.5/5
Taking Chance (2009) - 3.5/5
Away We Go (2009) - 4.5/5
Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009) - 1/5
The Love Guru (2008) - 3.5/5
The Tale of Despereaux (2008) - 3/5
Terminator Salvation (2009) - 3/5
The Dam Busters (1955) - 3.5/5
Lost in La Mancha (2002) - 3/5 documentary
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) - 5/5
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (20...
My Name Is Bruce (2007) - 3/5
The Incredible Hulk (2008) - 2.5/5
Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008) - 2.5/5
Speed Racer (2008) - 2.5/5
Star Trek (2009) - 4/5
Young Frankenstein (1974)
Definitely, Maybe (2008) - 4/5
"Caprica" (2009) - 3.5/5
Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (2009) - 3.5/5
The Wrestler (2008) - 4.5/5
"Spaced" (1999) - 2.5/5 tv series
Adventureland (2009) - 4/5
Adaptation. (2002) - 5/5
Henry Poole Is Here (2008) - 3/5
High Fidelity (2000) - 3.5/5
The Foot Fist Way (2006) - 3/5
Slumdog Millionaire (2008) - 4.5/5
Dogtown and Z-Boys (2001) - 4/5 documentary
Son of Rambow (2007) - 3/5
Deconstructing Harry (1997) - 2.5/5
The Fountain (2006) - 3.5/5
The Graduate (1967) - 5/5
Smultronstället (1957) - 4/5 subtitles
Bigger Stronger Faster* (2008) - 4/5 documentary
Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed (2008) - 4/5 documentary
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) - 4.5...
Duplicity (2009) - 3/5
Hud (1963) - 3/5
Haine, La (1995) - 2.5/5
Synecdoche, New York (2008) - 5/5
Apocalypto (2006) - 3.5/5
Bolt (2008) - 3.5/5
Helvetica (2007) - 3/5 documentary
Young at Heart (2007) - 4/5 documentary
Man on Wire (2008) - 4.5/5 documentary
frontline: is wal-mart good for america? - 4/5 documentary
Sunshine (2007) - 3.5/5
Cop Land (1997) - 3/5
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) - 4.5/5
Death Proof (2007) - 4/5
Taken (2008/I) - 3.5/5
He's Just Not That Into You (2009) - 4/5
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (2008) - 4/5
Planet Terror (2007) - 3/5
28 Weeks Later (2007) - 3/5
28 Days Later... (2002) - 3.5/5
What Happens in Vegas (2008) - 1.5/5
Hitman (2007) - 3/5
Yes Man (2008) - 3.5/5
"Battlestar Galactica" (2004) - 5/5
Cobra (1986) - 1/5
The Queen (2006) - 3.5/5
Marley & Me (2008) - 4/5
From Netflix (43 - avg ~7/month):
Revolutionary Road
The Return of Captain Invincible
Doubt
Taking Chance
The Dam Busters
Lost in La Mancha
My Name Is Bruce
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Incredible Hulk
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Speed Racer
Definitely, Maybe
Battlestar Galactica: Caprica
The Wrestler
Spaced: The Complete Series: Disc 2
Spaced: The Complete Series: Disc 1
The Foot Fist Way
Dogtown and Z-Boys
Son of Rambow
Slumdog Millionaire
The Fountain
Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed
Hud
La Haine
Apocalypto
Helvetica
Young @ Heart
Breach
Man on Wire
Is Wal-Mart Good for America?: Frontline
Sunshine
Cop Land
The Last Sin Eater
The Bourne Ultimatum
Grindhouse: Death Proof
Grindhouse: Planet Terror
28 Weeks Later
28 Days Later
Ali
Hitman
Battlestar Galactica: Season 4: Disc 4
Battlestar Galactica: Season 4: Disc 3
Battlestar Galactica: Season 4: Disc 2
Friday, July 24, 2009
Bridge to Terabithia (2007) - 3/5
Bridge to Terabithia (2007) - 3/5
I think a teacher read this to my class when I was in like the third grade. I dug it then.
I liked the first 2 acts of the movie. The imagination and woods reminded me a lot of things I did as a kid.
Then the movie gets a bit dark... not a kids movie imo... at least, not little kids.
I think a teacher read this to my class when I was in like the third grade. I dug it then.
I liked the first 2 acts of the movie. The imagination and woods reminded me a lot of things I did as a kid.
Then the movie gets a bit dark... not a kids movie imo... at least, not little kids.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
The Razor's Edge (1984) - 5/5
The Razor's Edge (1984) - 5/5
I hadn't seen this movie in several years, but still really like it though I see some things differently now.
The only thing that I think I hadn't noticed so much before is the telegraphing of upcoming events:
Billy: "I sure do love my dog. I'd hate for anything to happen to him."
Man: "Whose dog did I just hit?"
Other than that, I think it's a great movie.
SPOILERS
Larry Darrell kinda states 2 things at the end that seem to (suppose to) be the "message":
- "There's no payoff." He felt he had to live a full life b/c Piedmont died and that he was given a second chance. Also, that Sophie was his reward for living well, but there's no payoff.
- "It just doesn't matter." This one I wdn't put too much weight on, but when Isabel asked ifwhen she'd see him again, he says "You just don't get it. It just doesn't matter." So...
I think what appeals to me most about this movie is the quest for a "full life." Often times in movies, that results in travel and such for the character. That's fine, but it's the attitude that I like so much. Like in "The Graduate" when he says he wants his life to be.... different.
I hadn't seen this movie in several years, but still really like it though I see some things differently now.
The only thing that I think I hadn't noticed so much before is the telegraphing of upcoming events:
Billy: "I sure do love my dog. I'd hate for anything to happen to him."
Man: "Whose dog did I just hit?"
Other than that, I think it's a great movie.
SPOILERS
Larry Darrell kinda states 2 things at the end that seem to (suppose to) be the "message":
- "There's no payoff." He felt he had to live a full life b/c Piedmont died and that he was given a second chance. Also, that Sophie was his reward for living well, but there's no payoff.
- "It just doesn't matter." This one I wdn't put too much weight on, but when Isabel asked ifwhen she'd see him again, he says "You just don't get it. It just doesn't matter." So...
I think what appeals to me most about this movie is the quest for a "full life." Often times in movies, that results in travel and such for the character. That's fine, but it's the attitude that I like so much. Like in "The Graduate" when he says he wants his life to be.... different.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Monsters vs Aliens (2009) - 3.5/5
Monsters vs Aliens (2009) - 3.5/5
Pretty good, great animation especially the spatial differences w/ size and motion.
But the story was thin - I was never drawn in, worried, concerned or cared much. But it was fairly fun.
Pretty good, great animation especially the spatial differences w/ size and motion.
But the story was thin - I was never drawn in, worried, concerned or cared much. But it was fairly fun.
Space Chimps (2008) - 2.5/5
Space Chimps (2008) - 2.5/5
Kinda cute, but I think 2 different companies or 2 different teams did the animation: one for earth/chimps and one for the other planet/aliens... the first team was better.
Jeff Daniel's voice was annoying.
Kinda cute, but I think 2 different companies or 2 different teams did the animation: one for earth/chimps and one for the other planet/aliens... the first team was better.
Jeff Daniel's voice was annoying.
The Interview (1998) - 3/5
The Interview (1998) - 3/5
Kinda an Australian imitation of "The Usual Suspects" and not that good.
It is kinda interesting and does some things well, but ultimately it's all been done before and done better.
Kinda an Australian imitation of "The Usual Suspects" and not that good.
It is kinda interesting and does some things well, but ultimately it's all been done before and done better.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009) - 3/5
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009) - 3/5
Is it silly for me to say this movie is ridiculous?
The action got it about another point otherwise it wd have been rated much lower for me. And while the action was pretty cool, it was so over the top and complicated that I dare say it was "too much." As soon as I think that, I feel I'm showing my age.
I kept feeling like this was a modern day kids movie: crazy action, teeny-bopper love story, over-the-top everything and a dash of cussing, sex and drugs.
I don't think spoilers are possible b/c if you've seen the trailers or just about anything related to this movie, you can guess just about everything in the plot.
Is it silly for me to say this movie is ridiculous?
The action got it about another point otherwise it wd have been rated much lower for me. And while the action was pretty cool, it was so over the top and complicated that I dare say it was "too much." As soon as I think that, I feel I'm showing my age.
I kept feeling like this was a modern day kids movie: crazy action, teeny-bopper love story, over-the-top everything and a dash of cussing, sex and drugs.
I don't think spoilers are possible b/c if you've seen the trailers or just about anything related to this movie, you can guess just about everything in the plot.
Monday, July 06, 2009
The Proposal (2009) - 3/5
The Proposal (2009) - 3/5
Kinda cute and fun to watch, but nothing new or great.
SPOILERS
I was a little disappointed in the predictability of the ending. I assumed they wdn't do the obvious and instead do something like have him move to Toronto w/ her or something.
Kinda cute and fun to watch, but nothing new or great.
SPOILERS
I was a little disappointed in the predictability of the ending. I assumed they wdn't do the obvious and instead do something like have him move to Toronto w/ her or something.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Revolutionary Road (2008) - 4/5
Revolutionary Road (2008) - 4/5
Great drama w/ great acting and dialog. I really like the power this movie puts behind a drama - it feels so intense like it's a thriller.
SPOILERS
I think this movie is a great picture of the trappings of the "American career." American's tend to forfeit so much of life for their careers/jobs/$ and later regret/resent the decisions.
I loved the scene where she "admitted" they got the house b/c she got pregnant and then had "another kid to prove the first one wasn't a mistake."
It was great when they had the hope of going to Paris and how much that lifted them. I agree w/ his thought that they cd be happy anywhere, but they needed a jump start to live the lives they wanted. I think it was another great picture of people thinking they know what they want, but being too scared (or whatever) to do it.
She kept saying he'd have the time he needed to figure out what he wanted to do. I'm afraid the answer was either a) he'd never know b) it was basically what he was doing though he didn't want that to be the answer or c) nothing.
John really called them out a few times which was a great device ("He's crazy!"). :)
I wd have rathered she not abort the baby, but more than that, I wish she hadn't died. I think the story wd have been better served by her living and continueing the picture of sacrifice/unhappiness/etc. that is closer to the truth of that situation (IMO).
The ending is killer - him, devistated and miserable (seemingly), the new couple becoming friends w/ the neighbors (cycle starts again?), the older couple w/ him turning down his hearing aid - BAM!
I wondered what they were saying - he can't stand her, that's how they stay married, that's the key to success, everyone deals differently, etc. It's interesting b/c earlier John told Helen to shut up, later Helen tells John to shut up and now the daad turns off the mom. None of them want to hear the others.
Great movie - wd have been a 4.5 if she hadn't died. I just think that's a disservice to the women out there that live in the ongoing misery (like Frank did).
Great drama w/ great acting and dialog. I really like the power this movie puts behind a drama - it feels so intense like it's a thriller.
SPOILERS
I think this movie is a great picture of the trappings of the "American career." American's tend to forfeit so much of life for their careers/jobs/$ and later regret/resent the decisions.
I loved the scene where she "admitted" they got the house b/c she got pregnant and then had "another kid to prove the first one wasn't a mistake."
It was great when they had the hope of going to Paris and how much that lifted them. I agree w/ his thought that they cd be happy anywhere, but they needed a jump start to live the lives they wanted. I think it was another great picture of people thinking they know what they want, but being too scared (or whatever) to do it.
She kept saying he'd have the time he needed to figure out what he wanted to do. I'm afraid the answer was either a) he'd never know b) it was basically what he was doing though he didn't want that to be the answer or c) nothing.
John really called them out a few times which was a great device ("He's crazy!"). :)
I wd have rathered she not abort the baby, but more than that, I wish she hadn't died. I think the story wd have been better served by her living and continueing the picture of sacrifice/unhappiness/etc. that is closer to the truth of that situation (IMO).
The ending is killer - him, devistated and miserable (seemingly), the new couple becoming friends w/ the neighbors (cycle starts again?), the older couple w/ him turning down his hearing aid - BAM!
I wondered what they were saying - he can't stand her, that's how they stay married, that's the key to success, everyone deals differently, etc. It's interesting b/c earlier John told Helen to shut up, later Helen tells John to shut up and now the daad turns off the mom. None of them want to hear the others.
Great movie - wd have been a 4.5 if she hadn't died. I just think that's a disservice to the women out there that live in the ongoing misery (like Frank did).
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Doubt (2008/I) - 4.5/5
Doubt (2008/I) - 4.5/5
Great movie, well made and acted. Nice twist given what wd be expected to come out of Hollywood for a story about Catholic clergy.
SPOILERS
Too many things to analyze and talk about in full, but a few things to mention.
Of course, Aloysius is pretty bad and seems led by serious judgement problems possibly from the death of her husband or just an extreme sense of needing to control things and mistrust. She certainly doesn't embrace any chance or progress in the church.
However, even Flynn states they are the same in the sense that they have failed, laid their sins at Jesus' feet and there they stay.
It's interesting how she condemns and breaks the rules to exact judgment on the priest, but makes considerations for the near-blind nun who sdn't be there.
As we see in the end, she is riddled w/ doubt herself (which Flynn states a) you're not alone and b) it binds us together). I had to wonder if maybe she faked her confession of doubt to Sister James just for that purpose.
We're left on our own to make our decision of what really happened, but Aloysius has certainty based on almost nothing. Scary.
I loved the gossip sermon and it's so true - once that gets out, it's near-impossible if not impossible to overcome it. I've dealt w/ that personally and it takes a long time to overcome what someone might say in error, spite or ignorance.
There's some bonus features on the DVD which are good - talking to the actual nuns. While it's based, or better inspired, by a real Sister James, the events are fictitious. But it's great to hear them talk about the changes after the Second Vatican Council and how the Sisters of Charity got started (and the origination of the "habit").
Apparently, when the founder of the Sisters of Charity lost her real husband in Italy, she went over there. Her caretaker over there dresser her in high-class mourning garb. When she returned, it was about all she had so she kept wearing it. Other nuns followed suit and it became a "habit."
I think being a play before the movie and having the same man driving it all the way through benefited the story and it's evolution and growth. Also, the actors really shined.
The wind is a great device both in imagery and dialog.
Great movie, well made and acted. Nice twist given what wd be expected to come out of Hollywood for a story about Catholic clergy.
SPOILERS
Too many things to analyze and talk about in full, but a few things to mention.
Of course, Aloysius is pretty bad and seems led by serious judgement problems possibly from the death of her husband or just an extreme sense of needing to control things and mistrust. She certainly doesn't embrace any chance or progress in the church.
However, even Flynn states they are the same in the sense that they have failed, laid their sins at Jesus' feet and there they stay.
It's interesting how she condemns and breaks the rules to exact judgment on the priest, but makes considerations for the near-blind nun who sdn't be there.
As we see in the end, she is riddled w/ doubt herself (which Flynn states a) you're not alone and b) it binds us together). I had to wonder if maybe she faked her confession of doubt to Sister James just for that purpose.
We're left on our own to make our decision of what really happened, but Aloysius has certainty based on almost nothing. Scary.
I loved the gossip sermon and it's so true - once that gets out, it's near-impossible if not impossible to overcome it. I've dealt w/ that personally and it takes a long time to overcome what someone might say in error, spite or ignorance.
There's some bonus features on the DVD which are good - talking to the actual nuns. While it's based, or better inspired, by a real Sister James, the events are fictitious. But it's great to hear them talk about the changes after the Second Vatican Council and how the Sisters of Charity got started (and the origination of the "habit").
Apparently, when the founder of the Sisters of Charity lost her real husband in Italy, she went over there. Her caretaker over there dresser her in high-class mourning garb. When she returned, it was about all she had so she kept wearing it. Other nuns followed suit and it became a "habit."
I think being a play before the movie and having the same man driving it all the way through benefited the story and it's evolution and growth. Also, the actors really shined.
The wind is a great device both in imagery and dialog.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Land of the Lost (2009) - 3.5/5
Land of the Lost (2009) - 3.5/5
Funny and entertaining though a bit crude which, while expected from the cast members, kinda is a bummer given how innocent the original series was.
I liked the way they worked in aspects of the original show - many nods to it. And I like how they tied up the ending w/ Marshall as far as what happened when he got back: short, but told us plenty.
Funny and entertaining though a bit crude which, while expected from the cast members, kinda is a bummer given how innocent the original series was.
I liked the way they worked in aspects of the original show - many nods to it. And I like how they tied up the ending w/ Marshall as far as what happened when he got back: short, but told us plenty.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Taking Chance (2009) - 3.5/5
Taking Chance (2009) - 3.5/5
This movie wasn't much for "entertainment" but it was good. It wasn't meant to be entertainment. It's the true story of a Marine who volunteers to bring a fallen Marine home to his family.
Two things make this movie good: the way they let the truth come thru in the events and scenes and also how they do so much w/ the scenes w/ no dialog.
It's kind of a movie "everyone sd see" b/c it's a part of life/events/military/war/etc. we don't see (hopefully). My guess is a documentary wd be in poor taste so this is a way to do it that makes it work.
This movie wasn't much for "entertainment" but it was good. It wasn't meant to be entertainment. It's the true story of a Marine who volunteers to bring a fallen Marine home to his family.
Two things make this movie good: the way they let the truth come thru in the events and scenes and also how they do so much w/ the scenes w/ no dialog.
It's kind of a movie "everyone sd see" b/c it's a part of life/events/military/war/etc. we don't see (hopefully). My guess is a documentary wd be in poor taste so this is a way to do it that makes it work.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Away We Go (2009) - 4.5/5
Away We Go (2009) - 4.5/5
One thing that always tells me I liked a movie is when I'm thinking and analyzing it for days following.
I like how this movie builds as it goes. At first I was a bit worried, but it built.
I can't say much w/o spoiling it so...
SPOILERS
The characters in this movie get pregnant and find that his parents, who they moved to live near, are moving out of the country. Finding themselves "untethered" they embark on a journey to decide where they want to live and by whom.
First they go to Phoenix to visit her sister and her old boss. Her sister is great, but has a small/short role. It's mostly to establish Verona's relationship w/ her and regarding her deceased parents.
Her old boss's family is a picture of a dejected couple living day-to-day w/o caring about anything or anyone including their own family/kids. Wisely, they run pretty fast to get away from there. They don't want to wind up like them... or near them.
A lot of the relationship of Burt and Verona is trying to figure out if they are losers and how are they going to wind up. They see a loveless, lifeless life in the first couple they visit as we all do.
Another thing I like about this movie is that though we can see the faults easily in their other couples, any cliche about who they are is avoided for the most part. We aren't really spoon fed.
The second couple are ultimate tree-hugger liberals who are offensively opinionated and judgmental. You can't really say they aren't loving or aren't good parents (though they are IMO), but they are abrasive and condescending. It's easy to see why Burt and Verona run from them also... literally. And while they are somewhat cliche, they're also a somewhat real couple, I'd say, or at least a true cliche.
The next couple is in Montreal and immediately they want to live there... and near this couple. The couple has several adopted children and we found out later they have just had their 5th miscarriage and are broken hearted though they've hidden it from the kids and others. It only comes out about the miscarriage later b/c of events and probably wdn't have otherwise.
It's a great device they use to introduce this when they stop "The Sound of Music" when the kids are watching it - they don't show them the "Nazi part" trying to shelter them from the pain. I can understand that and don't really disagree w/ it since the kids are young. I'd probably prefer to just not show them the movie until their older, but the way they do it is a great device.
It isn't apparent why they eventually decide not to move there, but it also isn't really necessary b/c of two things: their next trip and their eventual decision.
The next trip is to visit Burt's brother b/c the brother's wife leaves him and their daughter abruptly. It's a really powerful dialog about the extreme effects her leaving creates: the effects on the husband but more so on the daughter. It's a great view into this aspect of leaving. It's hard to watch and hear, but nothing compared to the rest of their lives.
It effects Burt and Verona too as we see them coping w/ the possibly or at least fear of the same thing happening to them. Verona refuses to marry Burt, but they have a sort of "wedding" there on the trampoline where they exchange "vows" of sort w/ each other. Again, great device and great dialog.
The next morning, Verona pretty much makes the movie w/ her stories from childhood. She's avoided talking about her parents and their life together w/ everyone and then she opens up and it's powerful in every way. Such an emotional picture of a sweet childhood.
Their decision of where they move is perfect... hopefully. It's a bit of a surprise (or at least it was to me) though it sdn't be. And now the lack of dialog is what's moving.
I think this movie is great in the way it doesn't lead the viewer into how we sd react and such.... well, not exactly. I felt I agreed w/ what they were telling me, but in a sense cdn't pin point the reasons right off (don't get me wrong, the first 2 couples especially were offensive and maybe that's why I say this movie builds).
Mainly b/c I cdn't say exactly what was wrong w/ the 3rd couple, I didn't see why they chose not to move there, but again, their final choice makes the others all clearly "wrong" choices.
I didn't love it at the time, but now I love the ending where Burt, ever the optimist, believes it's perfect for them, and Verona's response is that she hopes so. That really grew on me that she has hope and wants it to be the best thing for them.
I actually hoped to like this movie more, but it's still great IMO.
One thing that always tells me I liked a movie is when I'm thinking and analyzing it for days following.
I like how this movie builds as it goes. At first I was a bit worried, but it built.
I can't say much w/o spoiling it so...
SPOILERS
The characters in this movie get pregnant and find that his parents, who they moved to live near, are moving out of the country. Finding themselves "untethered" they embark on a journey to decide where they want to live and by whom.
First they go to Phoenix to visit her sister and her old boss. Her sister is great, but has a small/short role. It's mostly to establish Verona's relationship w/ her and regarding her deceased parents.
Her old boss's family is a picture of a dejected couple living day-to-day w/o caring about anything or anyone including their own family/kids. Wisely, they run pretty fast to get away from there. They don't want to wind up like them... or near them.
A lot of the relationship of Burt and Verona is trying to figure out if they are losers and how are they going to wind up. They see a loveless, lifeless life in the first couple they visit as we all do.
Another thing I like about this movie is that though we can see the faults easily in their other couples, any cliche about who they are is avoided for the most part. We aren't really spoon fed.
The second couple are ultimate tree-hugger liberals who are offensively opinionated and judgmental. You can't really say they aren't loving or aren't good parents (though they are IMO), but they are abrasive and condescending. It's easy to see why Burt and Verona run from them also... literally. And while they are somewhat cliche, they're also a somewhat real couple, I'd say, or at least a true cliche.
The next couple is in Montreal and immediately they want to live there... and near this couple. The couple has several adopted children and we found out later they have just had their 5th miscarriage and are broken hearted though they've hidden it from the kids and others. It only comes out about the miscarriage later b/c of events and probably wdn't have otherwise.
It's a great device they use to introduce this when they stop "The Sound of Music" when the kids are watching it - they don't show them the "Nazi part" trying to shelter them from the pain. I can understand that and don't really disagree w/ it since the kids are young. I'd probably prefer to just not show them the movie until their older, but the way they do it is a great device.
It isn't apparent why they eventually decide not to move there, but it also isn't really necessary b/c of two things: their next trip and their eventual decision.
The next trip is to visit Burt's brother b/c the brother's wife leaves him and their daughter abruptly. It's a really powerful dialog about the extreme effects her leaving creates: the effects on the husband but more so on the daughter. It's a great view into this aspect of leaving. It's hard to watch and hear, but nothing compared to the rest of their lives.
It effects Burt and Verona too as we see them coping w/ the possibly or at least fear of the same thing happening to them. Verona refuses to marry Burt, but they have a sort of "wedding" there on the trampoline where they exchange "vows" of sort w/ each other. Again, great device and great dialog.
The next morning, Verona pretty much makes the movie w/ her stories from childhood. She's avoided talking about her parents and their life together w/ everyone and then she opens up and it's powerful in every way. Such an emotional picture of a sweet childhood.
Their decision of where they move is perfect... hopefully. It's a bit of a surprise (or at least it was to me) though it sdn't be. And now the lack of dialog is what's moving.
I think this movie is great in the way it doesn't lead the viewer into how we sd react and such.... well, not exactly. I felt I agreed w/ what they were telling me, but in a sense cdn't pin point the reasons right off (don't get me wrong, the first 2 couples especially were offensive and maybe that's why I say this movie builds).
Mainly b/c I cdn't say exactly what was wrong w/ the 3rd couple, I didn't see why they chose not to move there, but again, their final choice makes the others all clearly "wrong" choices.
I didn't love it at the time, but now I love the ending where Burt, ever the optimist, believes it's perfect for them, and Verona's response is that she hopes so. That really grew on me that she has hope and wants it to be the best thing for them.
I actually hoped to like this movie more, but it's still great IMO.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009) - 1/5
Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009) - 1/5
I saw this on the plane to WWDC and it was terrible all around. No surprise. I usually like Isla Fisher and I don't blame it on her.
I saw this on the plane to WWDC and it was terrible all around. No surprise. I usually like Isla Fisher and I don't blame it on her.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
The Love Guru (2008) - 3.5/5
The Love Guru (2008) - 3.5/5
I didn't expect too much from this movie and it was pretty funny. It's mostly based around short one-line gags/jokes and such. You can tell that from the trailer.
There's almost no story... or not one worth caring about. But the gags are pretty funny for a laugh.
I didn't expect too much from this movie and it was pretty funny. It's mostly based around short one-line gags/jokes and such. You can tell that from the trailer.
There's almost no story... or not one worth caring about. But the gags are pretty funny for a laugh.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The Tale of Despereaux (2008) - 3/5
The Tale of Despereaux (2008) - 3/5
My rating of this movie might not be fair. We rented it mostly for our 4 year old and he wasn't too interested so I wasn't really engaged in this movie.
The animation was good, but the story was pretty dark for little kids.
It was fairly original which I like, but, again, didn't really watch it too closely.
My rating of this movie might not be fair. We rented it mostly for our 4 year old and he wasn't too interested so I wasn't really engaged in this movie.
The animation was good, but the story was pretty dark for little kids.
It was fairly original which I like, but, again, didn't really watch it too closely.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Terminator Salvation (2009) - 3/5
Terminator Salvation (2009) - 3/5
I didn't expect much and it was pretty good. Man, I was going to give it 3 and a half, but I find myself not being able to remember hardly a thing about this movie except that it was decent entertainment for a couple hours.
Ok, now I'm remembering a few things... yes, good action, but I'm not sure it was consistent w/ the first movie... oh, well.
I didn't expect much and it was pretty good. Man, I was going to give it 3 and a half, but I find myself not being able to remember hardly a thing about this movie except that it was decent entertainment for a couple hours.
Ok, now I'm remembering a few things... yes, good action, but I'm not sure it was consistent w/ the first movie... oh, well.
Monday, June 15, 2009
The Dam Busters (1955) - 3.5/5
The Dam Busters (1955) - 3.5/5
Good movie, but the pacing was a bit slow. I liked the idea and seeing the varied points of view going thru the movie from the man behind the idea to the pilots.
I liked the tension of the actual bombing (I hope I didn't give anything away there, but the title pretty much says that).
Probably the best part was just seeing the pilots during the "in between" times of it all. Especially since this movie was made so soon after the events.
Good movie, but the pacing was a bit slow. I liked the idea and seeing the varied points of view going thru the movie from the man behind the idea to the pilots.
I liked the tension of the actual bombing (I hope I didn't give anything away there, but the title pretty much says that).
Probably the best part was just seeing the pilots during the "in between" times of it all. Especially since this movie was made so soon after the events.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Lost in La Mancha (2002) - 3/5
Lost in La Mancha (2002) - 3/5
Interesting to see just b/c of what it is, but I can't say it's anything better than the idea: documenting making a movie... that doesn't finish getting made.
I think this movie suffered from several things the kept it from getting made. The budget hurt, but really it's the makers that failed to then spend w/in that budget.
The weather was killer, but only b/c the schedule was so tight b/c of other things.
The actors schedules were hard to organize mainly b/c they didn't have a budget, but I think the real solution there is: use cheaper actors.
Do the real downfall was trying to a make a big budget movie w/ a big budget.
I cdn't help but think that those responsible (director, 1st AD, etc.) wdn't the be ones suffering from all the mistakes. It wd be the crew who wd suddenly be out of work.
Anyway, it's an interesting view into movie-making and how it is (and isn't) done... at least in some senses.
Interesting to see just b/c of what it is, but I can't say it's anything better than the idea: documenting making a movie... that doesn't finish getting made.
I think this movie suffered from several things the kept it from getting made. The budget hurt, but really it's the makers that failed to then spend w/in that budget.
The weather was killer, but only b/c the schedule was so tight b/c of other things.
The actors schedules were hard to organize mainly b/c they didn't have a budget, but I think the real solution there is: use cheaper actors.
Do the real downfall was trying to a make a big budget movie w/ a big budget.
I cdn't help but think that those responsible (director, 1st AD, etc.) wdn't the be ones suffering from all the mistakes. It wd be the crew who wd suddenly be out of work.
Anyway, it's an interesting view into movie-making and how it is (and isn't) done... at least in some senses.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) - 5/5
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) - 5/5
I really liked this movie. It was a like a cross btwn "Forrest Gump" and "The Razor's Edge." Not to say it's as great as though or the best of both, just similar to both in ways.
It was fun to see some scenes I recognized (the cemetary early on is the Mandeville lakefront and the Summer house shots are near there too).
I can't really say I "got a lot" out of this movie, but I very much enjoyed it. It almost didn't get a 5, but...
SPOILERS
There were 2 things that bothered me about this movie:
1. Happenstance?
When he describes the series of events that lead up to Daisy being struck by the car (first off, how did he know all those things? I'm being picky, but that's kinda sloppy filmmaking.), what's his point? So if one thing had happened differently, she'd still have her career.
Is it that we can't control our fate? That everything that happens ultimately has some meaning in the grand scheme? That everything happens for a reason or there's a purpose to everything? That everything has NO meaning - that things just happen b/c 'b' follows 'a' and it just happens? I wasn't sure what the point was???
It didn't seem to fit in the movie... maybe b/c I didn't see the point.
2. He left!
Why'd he leave his family? I felt that was a big mistake and almost cost it the 5 rating... I'm still not sure. A) They didn't know if he'd really keep aging/getting younger B) As it showed, it was many years before it wd have been an issue (he met his daughter when she was 13 and he was still of sound mind). Moreover, it wasn't until the daughter was grown and her husband had passed away that Benjamin really needed anyone to look after him and she basically did it anyway! C) Wdn't it be worth that cost to be around your child and so that your child cd have her real father!?!?!
I saw his point, but felt he was not only wrong, but groundless in his argument.
I think it made for a better movie so I have to chalk it up to a "mistake" on his part.
I really liked this movie. It was a like a cross btwn "Forrest Gump" and "The Razor's Edge." Not to say it's as great as though or the best of both, just similar to both in ways.
It was fun to see some scenes I recognized (the cemetary early on is the Mandeville lakefront and the Summer house shots are near there too).
I can't really say I "got a lot" out of this movie, but I very much enjoyed it. It almost didn't get a 5, but...
SPOILERS
There were 2 things that bothered me about this movie:
1. Happenstance?
When he describes the series of events that lead up to Daisy being struck by the car (first off, how did he know all those things? I'm being picky, but that's kinda sloppy filmmaking.), what's his point? So if one thing had happened differently, she'd still have her career.
Is it that we can't control our fate? That everything that happens ultimately has some meaning in the grand scheme? That everything happens for a reason or there's a purpose to everything? That everything has NO meaning - that things just happen b/c 'b' follows 'a' and it just happens? I wasn't sure what the point was???
It didn't seem to fit in the movie... maybe b/c I didn't see the point.
2. He left!
Why'd he leave his family? I felt that was a big mistake and almost cost it the 5 rating... I'm still not sure. A) They didn't know if he'd really keep aging/getting younger B) As it showed, it was many years before it wd have been an issue (he met his daughter when she was 13 and he was still of sound mind). Moreover, it wasn't until the daughter was grown and her husband had passed away that Benjamin really needed anyone to look after him and she basically did it anyway! C) Wdn't it be worth that cost to be around your child and so that your child cd have her real father!?!?!
I saw his point, but felt he was not only wrong, but groundless in his argument.
I think it made for a better movie so I have to chalk it up to a "mistake" on his part.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009) - 3/5
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009) - 3/5
Pretty similar to the first one which I liked. Doesn't really do anything new, but it was entertaining.
Amy Adams is great and this role really didn't let her shine too much.
Nothing big, but fun.
Pretty similar to the first one which I liked. Doesn't really do anything new, but it was entertaining.
Amy Adams is great and this role really didn't let her shine too much.
Nothing big, but fun.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
The Incredible Hulk (2008) - 2.5/5
The Incredible Hulk (2008) - 2.5/5
This started out as a decent drama about someone struggling to survive w/ this powerful condition. Then it dissolved into just a silly monster movie.
It seemed really inconsistent as to Hulk's strength. I guess you cd say it was proportional to the anger??? Not buying it.
SPOILERS
Worst line: "Hulk smash!"
This started out as a decent drama about someone struggling to survive w/ this powerful condition. Then it dissolved into just a silly monster movie.
It seemed really inconsistent as to Hulk's strength. I guess you cd say it was proportional to the anger??? Not buying it.
SPOILERS
Worst line: "Hulk smash!"
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008) - 2.5/5
Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008) - 2.5/5
I wanted to like this and started to, but then it kinda fell apart. Did I really care about any of these people? Maybe Rachel.
SPOILERS
Then Sarah kinda turned around and redeemed herself a little only to be dropped from the movie.
Then the last scene, I have to think they wrote a lot of that just to show him naked again. Weak.
I wanted to like this and started to, but then it kinda fell apart. Did I really care about any of these people? Maybe Rachel.
SPOILERS
Then Sarah kinda turned around and redeemed herself a little only to be dropped from the movie.
Then the last scene, I have to think they wrote a lot of that just to show him naked again. Weak.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Speed Racer (2008) - 2.5/5
Speed Racer (2008) - 2.5/5
Visually amazing, but not much of a story despite all of the motivations: brother's death, family business, etc. It just didn't work too well.
Visually amazing, but not much of a story despite all of the motivations: brother's death, family business, etc. It just didn't work too well.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Star Trek (2009) - 4/5
Star Trek (2009) - 4/5
Pretty much what you'd expect from a Star Trek movie made by J.J.Abrams: sci-fi done on a very large scale.
I personally dig time travel so that was cool too.
Pretty much what you'd expect from a Star Trek movie made by J.J.Abrams: sci-fi done on a very large scale.
I personally dig time travel so that was cool too.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Definitely, Maybe (2008) - 4/5
Definitely, Maybe (2008) - 4/5
Good characters and well written and less predictable than some others like it.
SPOILERS
I liked how it was told from the present of the past and how you got to know the characters. They clearly led you to prefer one over the others, but the twist of Sarah being the mom was a bit of a surprise. Though you knew somehow he had to wind up w/ April.
The book, "Jane Eyre", was a cool touch.
Good characters and well written and less predictable than some others like it.
SPOILERS
I liked how it was told from the present of the past and how you got to know the characters. They clearly led you to prefer one over the others, but the twist of Sarah being the mom was a bit of a surprise. Though you knew somehow he had to wind up w/ April.
The book, "Jane Eyre", was a cool touch.
Friday, May 08, 2009
"Caprica" (2009) - 3.5/5
"Caprica" (2009) - 3.5/5
Not the greatest, but it gets a lot of credit for what it tried to do and the restraints and pressure on it.
SPOILERS
The "sin" stuff in the club seemed forced. No biggie.
I wondered if they were going to turn out to be the Adamas, but what ruled that out for me was that the boy was 11 years old (I think) and it was 58 years before the fall. I just didn't think Admiral Adama was 69 years old... at the start!
Zoe being in the Cylon at the end was one millimeter away from being total cheese. I'm a little in disbelief that it wasn't but somehow they pulled it off... mostly.
Not the greatest, but it gets a lot of credit for what it tried to do and the restraints and pressure on it.
SPOILERS
The "sin" stuff in the club seemed forced. No biggie.
I wondered if they were going to turn out to be the Adamas, but what ruled that out for me was that the boy was 11 years old (I think) and it was 58 years before the fall. I just didn't think Admiral Adama was 69 years old... at the start!
Zoe being in the Cylon at the end was one millimeter away from being total cheese. I'm a little in disbelief that it wasn't but somehow they pulled it off... mostly.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (2009) - 3.5/5
Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (2009) - 3.5/5
Pretty much what you'd expect, but well done. Using the ghosts, you see his life and get to know the character more deeply. He's a stereotype, so you feel like you know him b/c of that too, but the combination of childhood and stereotype is a powerful mix.
I think they really set themselves up for a cliche movie of obvious story and such, but they did a good job and pulled me in emotionally too - I was invested in the outcome.
Pretty much what you'd expect, but well done. Using the ghosts, you see his life and get to know the character more deeply. He's a stereotype, so you feel like you know him b/c of that too, but the combination of childhood and stereotype is a powerful mix.
I think they really set themselves up for a cliche movie of obvious story and such, but they did a good job and pulled me in emotionally too - I was invested in the outcome.
The Wrestler (2008) - 4.5/5
The Wrestler (2008) - 4.5/5
Great story and characters and solid acting.
SPOILERS
The main (somewhat obvious) comparison is btwn this and "The Passion of the Christ" (which is mentioned in the movie). The comment being something like "they beat the crap out of him for 2 hours and he just takes it." To which the response is "tough dude."
Of course, Randy is "the Christ" in this story and he sacrifices his body and life for those he loves. Even unto death. Unfortunately, the motivation is questionable as far as does he do it b/c he loves them, or so that they will love him, or b/c it's all he knows, etc.???
Like Christ on the cross being apart from His Father for the first time, Randy doesn't want to be alone, as he tells he daughter. Great scene.
Also, I really, really liked the scenes of him behind the deli counter... he has a different role, personality and even name (Robin). He interacts and serves the people and loves them, they love him and he really enjoys it. He just lights up and entertains while serving. So great.
But then, when it's not going so good and someone points out his real identity, he explodes into "The Ram", jamming his finger into the blade, spreading blood on his face (just like he did in the ring earlier), hitting, throwing, yelling, etc. He can't escape it. Almost as if he was saying "if it's your will, let this cup pass from me, but not my will but thine be done." Maybe.
His relationship w/ Cassidy/Pam (the Mary Magdalene of the story) is great too.
Great movie.
Great story and characters and solid acting.
SPOILERS
The main (somewhat obvious) comparison is btwn this and "The Passion of the Christ" (which is mentioned in the movie). The comment being something like "they beat the crap out of him for 2 hours and he just takes it." To which the response is "tough dude."
Of course, Randy is "the Christ" in this story and he sacrifices his body and life for those he loves. Even unto death. Unfortunately, the motivation is questionable as far as does he do it b/c he loves them, or so that they will love him, or b/c it's all he knows, etc.???
Like Christ on the cross being apart from His Father for the first time, Randy doesn't want to be alone, as he tells he daughter. Great scene.
Also, I really, really liked the scenes of him behind the deli counter... he has a different role, personality and even name (Robin). He interacts and serves the people and loves them, they love him and he really enjoys it. He just lights up and entertains while serving. So great.
But then, when it's not going so good and someone points out his real identity, he explodes into "The Ram", jamming his finger into the blade, spreading blood on his face (just like he did in the ring earlier), hitting, throwing, yelling, etc. He can't escape it. Almost as if he was saying "if it's your will, let this cup pass from me, but not my will but thine be done." Maybe.
His relationship w/ Cassidy/Pam (the Mary Magdalene of the story) is great too.
Great movie.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Adventureland (2009) - 4/5
Adventureland (2009) - 4/5
This movie is really betrayed by it's trailer. The trailer looks like this silly, quirky comedy about teens in the 80's in the style of Seth Rogen, SNL/Adam Sanberg, etc. Of course, all of those parts are shown in the trailer and the rest is the actual movie.
This movie is more like a cross btwn "Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist" and "The Graduate."
Also, from the trailer, I thought the main actor, Jesse Eisenberg, wd hold the movie back, but he really was a high point.
It might not deserve 4 out of 5, but it's good and was a pleasant surprise.
SPOILERS:
James, a virgin, gets a summer job at a small theme park. He falls in love w/ a girl who's sleeping w/ a married man. Complicated and delicate. The ending was a bit of a let down - as far as they way the writers decided to show their "committment" or decision or whatever you want to say they wd call it, but I'm certainly not surprised.
They introduce some concepts of family and pain and angst in youth particularly in the 80's when people seemed to be getting faced w/ the consequences of their decisions and the "Me" decade was in full swing. I liked how they didn't try to resolve all of that - they just put it out there.
This movie is really betrayed by it's trailer. The trailer looks like this silly, quirky comedy about teens in the 80's in the style of Seth Rogen, SNL/Adam Sanberg, etc. Of course, all of those parts are shown in the trailer and the rest is the actual movie.
This movie is more like a cross btwn "Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist" and "The Graduate."
Also, from the trailer, I thought the main actor, Jesse Eisenberg, wd hold the movie back, but he really was a high point.
It might not deserve 4 out of 5, but it's good and was a pleasant surprise.
SPOILERS:
James, a virgin, gets a summer job at a small theme park. He falls in love w/ a girl who's sleeping w/ a married man. Complicated and delicate. The ending was a bit of a let down - as far as they way the writers decided to show their "committment" or decision or whatever you want to say they wd call it, but I'm certainly not surprised.
They introduce some concepts of family and pain and angst in youth particularly in the 80's when people seemed to be getting faced w/ the consequences of their decisions and the "Me" decade was in full swing. I liked how they didn't try to resolve all of that - they just put it out there.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Henry Poole Is Here (2008) - 3/5
Henry Poole Is Here (2008) - 3/5
It started out pretty strong and emotional and really got me curious about everything... then it started to drag a bit.
SPOILERS
The part when he goes out to the wall at night and wants to touch it... man, Luke didn't pull that off.
So was he never sick or was he cured? I was confused.
I felt the strength of this movie was the characters and relationships and it seems the punch of the movie was a little overshadowed by events.
What's the message? Faith heals? Love conquers all? God heals even if you don't believe??? A little confusing.
It started out pretty strong and emotional and really got me curious about everything... then it started to drag a bit.
SPOILERS
The part when he goes out to the wall at night and wants to touch it... man, Luke didn't pull that off.
So was he never sick or was he cured? I was confused.
I felt the strength of this movie was the characters and relationships and it seems the punch of the movie was a little overshadowed by events.
What's the message? Faith heals? Love conquers all? God heals even if you don't believe??? A little confusing.
High Fidelity (2000) - 3.5/5
High Fidelity (2000) - 3.5/5
It's hard to give this movie one rating b/c different parts/aspects of it are so different.
I think the worst thing is Cusack's acting. I just think he felt so fake like they did it in one take and it didn't feel right. It's like just saying "woo hoo." isn't really good acting for excitement.
The rest of the movie is "mixed" to me - some good scenes, some bad. But the "proposal" conversation was great about his "fantasies" and how he's tired of them. Good stuff.
It's hard to give this movie one rating b/c different parts/aspects of it are so different.
I think the worst thing is Cusack's acting. I just think he felt so fake like they did it in one take and it didn't feel right. It's like just saying "woo hoo." isn't really good acting for excitement.
The rest of the movie is "mixed" to me - some good scenes, some bad. But the "proposal" conversation was great about his "fantasies" and how he's tired of them. Good stuff.
High Fidelity (2000) - 3.5/5
High Fidelity (2000) - 3.5/5
It's hard to give this movie one rating b/c different parts/aspects of it are so different.
I think the worst thing is Cusack's acting. I just think he felt so fake like they did it in one take and it didn't feel right. It's like just saying "woo hoo." isn't really good acting for excitement.
The rest of the movie is "mixed" to me - some good scenes, some bad. But the "proposal" conversation was great about his "fantasies" and how he's tired of them. Good stuff.
It's hard to give this movie one rating b/c different parts/aspects of it are so different.
I think the worst thing is Cusack's acting. I just think he felt so fake like they did it in one take and it didn't feel right. It's like just saying "woo hoo." isn't really good acting for excitement.
The rest of the movie is "mixed" to me - some good scenes, some bad. But the "proposal" conversation was great about his "fantasies" and how he's tired of them. Good stuff.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The Foot Fist Way (2006) - 3/5
The Foot Fist Way (2006) - 3/5
Not too great, but I dig the independent style. Also, the weird tone of the movie - it's like a weird, funny guy tried to make a serious movie and it came out weird and funny.
Kinda like "Napoleon Dynamite" in that sense - the character is funny though in a sense he's not trying to be. Acting strange versus "telling jokes" or something.
Anyway this movie didn't do much, but it wasn't trying to. It's like a 13-year-old made a movie (karate, fighting, girls) but took some advice about some parts from someone older... but even those parts were still made by the 13-year-old.
Not too great, but I dig the independent style. Also, the weird tone of the movie - it's like a weird, funny guy tried to make a serious movie and it came out weird and funny.
Kinda like "Napoleon Dynamite" in that sense - the character is funny though in a sense he's not trying to be. Acting strange versus "telling jokes" or something.
Anyway this movie didn't do much, but it wasn't trying to. It's like a 13-year-old made a movie (karate, fighting, girls) but took some advice about some parts from someone older... but even those parts were still made by the 13-year-old.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Slumdog Millionaire (2008) - 4.5/5
Slumdog Millionaire (2008) - 4.5/5
This movie hits it pretty much on every point: great direction, acting, tension, camera work, scenery, etc. It's really got it all: action, love, drama, relationships, hope, fear, etc.
I loved the pacing and storytelling technique used throughout the whole film
SPOILERS
The only thing that kept this movie from a 5 is that I felt it didn't really build to anything... well, nothing big enough to match the rest of the aspects of the film. The love story had a good ending and probably the best it cd have had w/o being cheesy. I'm not saying I was hoping for something bigger.
But the whole story is the amazingly intricately woven story on a path that "is written." So I felt the ending sd have matched that... somehow.
Don't get me wrong, I didn't want the "big, happy, American movie ending." But I wanted the fulfillment to match the build up, but instead I was like, "Oh, ok, so he got a call from the girl." I mean, he had his brother's phone number all along and he knew his brother was involved w/ the guy that had her... cdn't have called that way??? Why did he need the show to call his brother's phone?
Granted, they were watching which led to everything else that happened and that was important, but he didn't plan that or anything.
Anyway, I'm focusing on something that's not all that important and I haven't thought about it this much before now, just that it's what kept it from being a 5. I never like when I focus on something small to make a point and feel like that's all I thought about of the movie. No, it's a GREAT movie.
This movie hits it pretty much on every point: great direction, acting, tension, camera work, scenery, etc. It's really got it all: action, love, drama, relationships, hope, fear, etc.
I loved the pacing and storytelling technique used throughout the whole film
SPOILERS
The only thing that kept this movie from a 5 is that I felt it didn't really build to anything... well, nothing big enough to match the rest of the aspects of the film. The love story had a good ending and probably the best it cd have had w/o being cheesy. I'm not saying I was hoping for something bigger.
But the whole story is the amazingly intricately woven story on a path that "is written." So I felt the ending sd have matched that... somehow.
Don't get me wrong, I didn't want the "big, happy, American movie ending." But I wanted the fulfillment to match the build up, but instead I was like, "Oh, ok, so he got a call from the girl." I mean, he had his brother's phone number all along and he knew his brother was involved w/ the guy that had her... cdn't have called that way??? Why did he need the show to call his brother's phone?
Granted, they were watching which led to everything else that happened and that was important, but he didn't plan that or anything.
Anyway, I'm focusing on something that's not all that important and I haven't thought about it this much before now, just that it's what kept it from being a 5. I never like when I focus on something small to make a point and feel like that's all I thought about of the movie. No, it's a GREAT movie.
Dogtown and Z-Boys (2001) - 4/5
Dogtown and Z-Boys (2001) - 4/5
I was afraid this wd be fairly lame, but really liked it! I remember a lot of the things from that time of skateboarding (empty pools, thin boards, etc.). It was great to see a combination of how it got started, who did it, how it evolved, etc.
I thought they did a great job of telling the story, making it personal, mixing it w/ the times and bringing the original skaters to life on the screen.
It was nostalgic, fun, interesting and personal.
I probably won't see the fictionalized version: "Lords of Dogtown" I'm just too scared it wd ruin it.
I was afraid this wd be fairly lame, but really liked it! I remember a lot of the things from that time of skateboarding (empty pools, thin boards, etc.). It was great to see a combination of how it got started, who did it, how it evolved, etc.
I thought they did a great job of telling the story, making it personal, mixing it w/ the times and bringing the original skaters to life on the screen.
It was nostalgic, fun, interesting and personal.
I probably won't see the fictionalized version: "Lords of Dogtown" I'm just too scared it wd ruin it.
Monday, April 06, 2009
Son of Rambow (2007) - 3/5
Son of Rambow (2007) - 3/5
An original slant on a old theme: outcasts grow into an unlikely friendship. It gets a bit sappy at the end which I think was ok.
It was entertaining, but I think it never really settled on what it wanted to be.
An original slant on a old theme: outcasts grow into an unlikely friendship. It gets a bit sappy at the end which I think was ok.
It was entertaining, but I think it never really settled on what it wanted to be.
Deconstructing Harry (1997) - 2.5/5
Deconstructing Harry (1997) - 2.5/5
Apparently inspired or something by "Wild Strawberries", but I have to say that I have a hard time overlooking Woody Allen just being himself on screen for a couple hours. He's good, but I've seen him do it enough to say that it was once interesting and all, but now it's just him.
I liked a lot of the devices he used to bring his neuroses to the screen and the characters were good and the acting was strong, but I have a hard time seeing past Woody and not only do I think anyone wd have a hard time w/ that, but I don't think he wants you to.
Anyway, I always expect more from him... not sure why.
Apparently inspired or something by "Wild Strawberries", but I have to say that I have a hard time overlooking Woody Allen just being himself on screen for a couple hours. He's good, but I've seen him do it enough to say that it was once interesting and all, but now it's just him.
I liked a lot of the devices he used to bring his neuroses to the screen and the characters were good and the acting was strong, but I have a hard time seeing past Woody and not only do I think anyone wd have a hard time w/ that, but I don't think he wants you to.
Anyway, I always expect more from him... not sure why.
Friday, April 03, 2009
The Fountain (2006) - 3.5/5
The Fountain (2006) - 3.5/5
I liked this movie. It's great to look at and the interwoven storied from different times is great. The emotion is powerful and tone is awesome (it's almost always night).
Ultimately, I'm afraid some of the "film" got in the way of the "story." I didn't find myself attached though I enjoyed watching it.
The jumps from one time (or reality) to another are tough to watch w/o wondering what they're trying to do which took me out of the my suspension of disbelief.
Also, I may have missed the message, but what I think I got out of the message was a little disappointing.
But I did enjoy it and it's VERY well made.
SPOILERS
If the message was, we all live forever b/c we become one w/ the earth, plants, birds, cosmos, etc., then I got the message and it's a little disappointing for such a film imo.
I liked this movie. It's great to look at and the interwoven storied from different times is great. The emotion is powerful and tone is awesome (it's almost always night).
Ultimately, I'm afraid some of the "film" got in the way of the "story." I didn't find myself attached though I enjoyed watching it.
The jumps from one time (or reality) to another are tough to watch w/o wondering what they're trying to do which took me out of the my suspension of disbelief.
Also, I may have missed the message, but what I think I got out of the message was a little disappointing.
But I did enjoy it and it's VERY well made.
SPOILERS
If the message was, we all live forever b/c we become one w/ the earth, plants, birds, cosmos, etc., then I got the message and it's a little disappointing for such a film imo.
The Graduate (1967) - 5/5
The Graduate (1967) - 5/5
One of the best. Such a great movie. I've seen this movie several times over the last 20+ years and always enjoy it and see new/different things.
Ref: Rumor Has It - fun movie
SPOILERS (but if you haven't seen this movie, shame on you)
Great exchange in the beginning w/ his dad:
Benjamin: I'm just...
Mr. Braddock: Worried?
Benjamin: Well...
Mr. Braddock: About what?
Benjamin: I guess about my future.
Mr. Braddock: What about it?
Benjamin: I don't know... I want it to be...
Mr. Braddock: To be what?
Benjamin: [looks at his father] ... Different.
I've always loved and identified w/ this sentiment - when I was young and now.
However, I do see the film differently now.
Ben is a great picture of the alienated and isolated youth of the sixties (as seen in the scuba/pool scene). He turns to easy, cheap sex and as Solomon found out, it's empty. Eventually, it's not enough to have sex w/o a relationship and laze around all day.
He's forced into taking out Elaine and BAM! a person. A real person w/ real feelings and emotion. It shocks Ben. He's instantly in love. Here's someone alive - unlike him, unlike his parents, unlike anyone he's around.
Unfortunately, he's having an affair w/ her mom who later tells Elaine that Ben raped her.
Ben's drive during school seems to have been "do what's expected" - head of track, debate, etc. scholarship to grad school. Now his drive is for Elaine and he pursues her relentlessly.
She's forced to marry someone else, but turns back to Ben - both of them rebelling against their parents and all that they are.
They run away from everything not knowing where they're going.
The thing that struck me this time was the look on their faces at the end when the bus is driving off. What were they thinking? They're mostly straight faced, staring ahead blankly. Where they scared? At peace? Disappointed? Free?
I think I always felt before that they were at peace and content, but now I'm not sure???
Greatness.
One of the best. Such a great movie. I've seen this movie several times over the last 20+ years and always enjoy it and see new/different things.
Ref: Rumor Has It - fun movie
SPOILERS (but if you haven't seen this movie, shame on you)
Great exchange in the beginning w/ his dad:
Benjamin: I'm just...
Mr. Braddock: Worried?
Benjamin: Well...
Mr. Braddock: About what?
Benjamin: I guess about my future.
Mr. Braddock: What about it?
Benjamin: I don't know... I want it to be...
Mr. Braddock: To be what?
Benjamin: [looks at his father] ... Different.
I've always loved and identified w/ this sentiment - when I was young and now.
However, I do see the film differently now.
Ben is a great picture of the alienated and isolated youth of the sixties (as seen in the scuba/pool scene). He turns to easy, cheap sex and as Solomon found out, it's empty. Eventually, it's not enough to have sex w/o a relationship and laze around all day.
He's forced into taking out Elaine and BAM! a person. A real person w/ real feelings and emotion. It shocks Ben. He's instantly in love. Here's someone alive - unlike him, unlike his parents, unlike anyone he's around.
Unfortunately, he's having an affair w/ her mom who later tells Elaine that Ben raped her.
Ben's drive during school seems to have been "do what's expected" - head of track, debate, etc. scholarship to grad school. Now his drive is for Elaine and he pursues her relentlessly.
She's forced to marry someone else, but turns back to Ben - both of them rebelling against their parents and all that they are.
They run away from everything not knowing where they're going.
The thing that struck me this time was the look on their faces at the end when the bus is driving off. What were they thinking? They're mostly straight faced, staring ahead blankly. Where they scared? At peace? Disappointed? Free?
I think I always felt before that they were at peace and content, but now I'm not sure???
Greatness.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Smultronstället (1957) - 4/5
Smultronstället (1957) - 4/5
Very cool Swedish film about life and relationships. What we choose to give up and regret later. What we pass on to our children in doing so.
I think the imagery is good and powerful and not too difficult to follow as a lot of people think.
I really liked hearing Swedish and recognizing words.
The devices of choice were good too w/ choosing btwn people, futures, loves, vocations, etc. Good stuff.
Very cool Swedish film about life and relationships. What we choose to give up and regret later. What we pass on to our children in doing so.
I think the imagery is good and powerful and not too difficult to follow as a lot of people think.
I really liked hearing Swedish and recognizing words.
The devices of choice were good too w/ choosing btwn people, futures, loves, vocations, etc. Good stuff.
Bigger Stronger Faster* (2008) - 4/5
Bigger Stronger Faster* (2008) - 4/5
Another great documentary that examines a lot of "why"s.
Are steroids bad? The numbers don't seem to say so. And is it really cheating? Where do you draw the line?
I've always thought it was strange that they are illegal and congress has made such a fuss about it all. I think we all think it's cheating and wrong b/c it's not "natural", but again, where do you draw the line?
It does a great job of calling out past steroid users too.
Really well done imo.
Another great documentary that examines a lot of "why"s.
Are steroids bad? The numbers don't seem to say so. And is it really cheating? Where do you draw the line?
I've always thought it was strange that they are illegal and congress has made such a fuss about it all. I think we all think it's cheating and wrong b/c it's not "natural", but again, where do you draw the line?
It does a great job of calling out past steroid users too.
Really well done imo.
Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed (2008) - 4/5
Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed (2008) - 4/5
I think this is a good and well made documentary about the denial of any alternate theory to the origin of life besides Darwinism.
They take a great approach across the board imo. They talk about the freedom of speech, cases of people being ostracized or disciplined for discussing/publishing/etc. Intellectual Design, talk to experts on all sides, etc.
I feel that any non-liberal documentary has a really hard job to not seem biased b/c they'll get attacked (as opposed to Michael Moore movies). The great thing about this documentary is that it doesn't promote ID (though it might seem to), it just questions why it can't be considered.
Unfortunately, I have a feeling this movie is mostly "preaching to the choir" b/c anyone against ID (or just set on Darwinism w/o question) won't see it.
SPOILERS
Even Richard Hawkins seems to agree that it's possible and he's the lead guy against it. But that it can't be God, etc. Illogical. Or that it has to be from an alien life-form (uh, then where did they come from?).
I think this is a good and well made documentary about the denial of any alternate theory to the origin of life besides Darwinism.
They take a great approach across the board imo. They talk about the freedom of speech, cases of people being ostracized or disciplined for discussing/publishing/etc. Intellectual Design, talk to experts on all sides, etc.
I feel that any non-liberal documentary has a really hard job to not seem biased b/c they'll get attacked (as opposed to Michael Moore movies). The great thing about this documentary is that it doesn't promote ID (though it might seem to), it just questions why it can't be considered.
Unfortunately, I have a feeling this movie is mostly "preaching to the choir" b/c anyone against ID (or just set on Darwinism w/o question) won't see it.
SPOILERS
Even Richard Hawkins seems to agree that it's possible and he's the lead guy against it. But that it can't be God, etc. Illogical. Or that it has to be from an alien life-form (uh, then where did they come from?).
Monday, March 30, 2009
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) - 4.5/5
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) - 4.5/5
Great movie. I think this is only the second time I've seen this movie (the first being in the theater in '04). I almost gave this a 4 but I think the end is too great.
I think this is a great movie w/ maybe only one drawback: I felt that watching it having seen it before made is less of a thrill ride. The first time thru I was constantly like "what's going on? what's real?" and such. But this time, I felt very little of that. So I cd appreciate the writing and crafting of it, but didn't the excitement of being lost in the story so much.
Maybe I'm being too harsh. But 4.5/5 is pretty rare for me: "Raiders...", "In Bruges", "Primer", etc. 4.5/5 movies
Of course Kaufman's hand and the overall style are just amazing.
SPOILERS
The ending really packs a punch either way. When they decide to get (back) together despite knowing what pain is to come, it's really powerful.
Great movie. I think this is only the second time I've seen this movie (the first being in the theater in '04). I almost gave this a 4 but I think the end is too great.
I think this is a great movie w/ maybe only one drawback: I felt that watching it having seen it before made is less of a thrill ride. The first time thru I was constantly like "what's going on? what's real?" and such. But this time, I felt very little of that. So I cd appreciate the writing and crafting of it, but didn't the excitement of being lost in the story so much.
Maybe I'm being too harsh. But 4.5/5 is pretty rare for me: "Raiders...", "In Bruges", "Primer", etc. 4.5/5 movies
Of course Kaufman's hand and the overall style are just amazing.
SPOILERS
The ending really packs a punch either way. When they decide to get (back) together despite knowing what pain is to come, it's really powerful.
Duplicity (2009) - 3/5
Duplicity (2009) - 3/5
As opposed to "Hud", I'm not sure this movie deserves a 3, but I'm not going to over analyze the rating.
I thought this movie was creative, original and I liked the flashbacks about their relationship. It had some clever comedy and intricate storyline, but ultimately I think it's missing something. I'm not sure what. Maybe something to make me care about the outcome.
SPOILERS
I was never sure if one of the spies was going to screw the other one over, but I didn't really care either. I think I cared more about "what is the product" than the relationship. And w/ the twist at the end, I was still like, "Oh, ok."
One thing that I did like was the speech about "corporate evolution." Here we have two people that can somewhat represent people in general: we all want to be loved, accepted and believe we can trust the one we love. These two continually test each other in this.
But the corporation has evolved to the next level in not only trying to win or beat the competition, but to entice them to cheat and get a false prize. It has evolved beyond the human relationship.
But in the end, I just didn't care that much about what happened so...
As opposed to "Hud", I'm not sure this movie deserves a 3, but I'm not going to over analyze the rating.
I thought this movie was creative, original and I liked the flashbacks about their relationship. It had some clever comedy and intricate storyline, but ultimately I think it's missing something. I'm not sure what. Maybe something to make me care about the outcome.
SPOILERS
I was never sure if one of the spies was going to screw the other one over, but I didn't really care either. I think I cared more about "what is the product" than the relationship. And w/ the twist at the end, I was still like, "Oh, ok."
One thing that I did like was the speech about "corporate evolution." Here we have two people that can somewhat represent people in general: we all want to be loved, accepted and believe we can trust the one we love. These two continually test each other in this.
But the corporation has evolved to the next level in not only trying to win or beat the competition, but to entice them to cheat and get a false prize. It has evolved beyond the human relationship.
But in the end, I just didn't care that much about what happened so...
Hud (1963) - 3/5
Hud (1963) - 3/5
I feel like this movie sd get a higher rating than that, but I can't really justify it. It's just a feeling probably b/c Paul Newman is so great or that it's a classic.
This is an interesting movie to see after "La Haine" b/c I see some similarities in the alienated youth.
SPOILERS
Hud is pretty much against anything that isn't drinking and sleeping w/ married women. His wreckless (life) driving killed his brother and he's never forgiven himself and thinks he father hatest him for it.
I see a lot of modern attitude in Hud as far as selfishness. When his father's cattle become sick and there's a threat to all of his stock, Hud wants to sell them quick to make some money and push the problem on someone (everyone) else. "This country is run on epidemics!"
The ethical father can't do it and pays a high price for it. However, it wasn't the death of his son that put the wedge btwn him and Hud, it was that Hud "doesn't give a damn" about anything.
Eventually Hud drives everyone off one way or another and is left alone... w/ what he wants: the ranch.
I really like the way the father refuses to allow oil drilling on his land - another point of contention and difference btwn him and Hud. Hud wants it for money.
It's somewhat of a backwards Prodigal Son story w/ the son staying around, but still wanting his cut of the heritance now.
I feel like this movie sd get a higher rating than that, but I can't really justify it. It's just a feeling probably b/c Paul Newman is so great or that it's a classic.
This is an interesting movie to see after "La Haine" b/c I see some similarities in the alienated youth.
SPOILERS
Hud is pretty much against anything that isn't drinking and sleeping w/ married women. His wreckless (life) driving killed his brother and he's never forgiven himself and thinks he father hatest him for it.
I see a lot of modern attitude in Hud as far as selfishness. When his father's cattle become sick and there's a threat to all of his stock, Hud wants to sell them quick to make some money and push the problem on someone (everyone) else. "This country is run on epidemics!"
The ethical father can't do it and pays a high price for it. However, it wasn't the death of his son that put the wedge btwn him and Hud, it was that Hud "doesn't give a damn" about anything.
Eventually Hud drives everyone off one way or another and is left alone... w/ what he wants: the ranch.
I really like the way the father refuses to allow oil drilling on his land - another point of contention and difference btwn him and Hud. Hud wants it for money.
It's somewhat of a backwards Prodigal Son story w/ the son staying around, but still wanting his cut of the heritance now.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Haine, La (1995) - 2.5/5
Haine, La (1995) - 2.5/5
I liked that it was in black and white and I think the crafting of this movie was good technically, but I felt the story dragged on and on.
SPOILERS
I kinda felt like I was just watching 3 punks go around, cause other people grief and trouble for no reason or benefit. If they had been a little younger I cd have written it off a bit more as just kids being kids - that type of thing. But as it was, they were just fairly useless people. Not b/c they were different or boisterous, but b/c they were very selfish, self-centered and hateful.
Ultimately, I think the last scene redeemed some of it (and my rating went up a bit) b/c they pointed out "it's not how you fall, but how you land." Showing that while it might not seem so bad how these people act, but what it leads to ultimately that matters - and I can't imagine it landing well and it doesn't as we see in the film.
I liked that it was in black and white and I think the crafting of this movie was good technically, but I felt the story dragged on and on.
SPOILERS
I kinda felt like I was just watching 3 punks go around, cause other people grief and trouble for no reason or benefit. If they had been a little younger I cd have written it off a bit more as just kids being kids - that type of thing. But as it was, they were just fairly useless people. Not b/c they were different or boisterous, but b/c they were very selfish, self-centered and hateful.
Ultimately, I think the last scene redeemed some of it (and my rating went up a bit) b/c they pointed out "it's not how you fall, but how you land." Showing that while it might not seem so bad how these people act, but what it leads to ultimately that matters - and I can't imagine it landing well and it doesn't as we see in the film.
Synecdoche, New York (2008) - 5/5
Synecdoche, New York (2008) - 5/5
Sad. Tragic. Disturbing. Weird. Powerful. Jacked up.
Hard to know where to start w/ this one, but I think it's a great movie. Very confusing in some senses and while the details are strange, I think it doesn't interfere w/ the overall story/feeling.
It's a hard movie to recommend b/c I think different people will react very differently to it.
Sad. Tragic. Disturbing. Weird. Powerful. Jacked up.
Hard to know where to start w/ this one, but I think it's a great movie. Very confusing in some senses and while the details are strange, I think it doesn't interfere w/ the overall story/feeling.
It's a hard movie to recommend b/c I think different people will react very differently to it.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Apocalypto (2006) - 3.5/5
Apocalypto (2006) - 3.5/5
Good movie - I like the lack of dialog and use of strong characters to communicate. It had good, strong themes and action.
SPOILERS
Not sure why the well filling up w/ water wd be a problem for the woman - wdn't she just float to the top and get out? Sure, she might have to tread water for a while or hold onto something on the side, but... granted she was pregnant/in labor, but still.
Good movie - I like the lack of dialog and use of strong characters to communicate. It had good, strong themes and action.
SPOILERS
Not sure why the well filling up w/ water wd be a problem for the woman - wdn't she just float to the top and get out? Sure, she might have to tread water for a while or hold onto something on the side, but... granted she was pregnant/in labor, but still.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Bolt (2008) - 3.5/5
Bolt (2008) - 3/5
Great animation, fun action, touching story. I think this movie hits on pretty much all cylinders. However, the story (or at least the concept) might be too complex for the target audience.
I wd think this is aimed at little kids (as opposed to 7 and up) and the story concept of the dog thinking the show is real and switching btwn filming scenes for the show and the real-life story might be too much.
Not that they mind. :)
"Anything is possible if you're fully awesome." - Rhino
Great animation, fun action, touching story. I think this movie hits on pretty much all cylinders. However, the story (or at least the concept) might be too complex for the target audience.
I wd think this is aimed at little kids (as opposed to 7 and up) and the story concept of the dog thinking the show is real and switching btwn filming scenes for the show and the real-life story might be too much.
Not that they mind. :)
"Anything is possible if you're fully awesome." - Rhino
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Helvetica (2007) - 3/5
Helvetica (2007) - 3/5
I thought this was a good documentary, but probably only needed to be about 30-45 mins long. Basically it's a bunch of design people talking about how much they love and how great Helvetica is (or isn't in a few cases). There was a little bit of history in there which was good, but not great revelation or statement, I don't think.
So I did enjoy it, but it wasn't amazing.
I thought this was a good documentary, but probably only needed to be about 30-45 mins long. Basically it's a bunch of design people talking about how much they love and how great Helvetica is (or isn't in a few cases). There was a little bit of history in there which was good, but not great revelation or statement, I don't think.
So I did enjoy it, but it wasn't amazing.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Young at Heart (2007) - 4/5
Young at Heart (2007) - 4/5
Very fun and inspiring. Though sad at times.
It's basically what you expect, but I think the personalities come through more than I expected. You get closer to the people than you might think b/c that's what it spends all the time on.
SPOILERS
It really got to me when the various people passed away and to think of them all dealing w/ that daily was powerful.
Very fun and inspiring. Though sad at times.
It's basically what you expect, but I think the personalities come through more than I expected. You get closer to the people than you might think b/c that's what it spends all the time on.
SPOILERS
It really got to me when the various people passed away and to think of them all dealing w/ that daily was powerful.
Man on Wire (2008) - 4.5/5
Man on Wire (2008) - 4.5/5
Good documentary - won an Oscar this year.
It feels like you're watching a heist movie and can feel pretty good about it coming together. Tense, but very fun.
Good documentary - won an Oscar this year.
It feels like you're watching a heist movie and can feel pretty good about it coming together. Tense, but very fun.
frontline: is wal-mart good for america? - 4/5
frontline: is wal-mart good for america? - 4/5
This is a good, but short, documentary about Wal-Mart's practices. It sticks mostly to their business practices of driving vendor's prices (too) low and the results of moving jobs overseas and American companies out of business.
"The Wal-Mart Movie: The High Cost of Low Prices" goes into more detail.
Hate America? Want to stay ignorant about what you support while shopping at WalMart? If so, don't watch this!
This is a good, but short, documentary about Wal-Mart's practices. It sticks mostly to their business practices of driving vendor's prices (too) low and the results of moving jobs overseas and American companies out of business.
"The Wal-Mart Movie: The High Cost of Low Prices" goes into more detail.
Hate America? Want to stay ignorant about what you support while shopping at WalMart? If so, don't watch this!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Sunshine (2007) - 3.5/5
Sunshine (2007) - 3.5/5
I think my expectations were a bit high based on the director and sci-fi. And while it was good in a lot of ways, it fell short in just a couple.
SPOILERS
One thing that bothered me, and I know this is silly, but the physics of the space travel bugged me. They wd have to be traveling amazingly fast to reach those distances w/in a reasonable amount of time yet the ship was able to slowdown, dock, etc.
Also, the somewhat cliche storyline that I know I've seen before where they get into deep space and people start going crazy. I'm pretty sure I've even seen the case where they find the "previous ship" and everyone's dead, one guy's still alive and crazy, etc. Though this one somehow added the twist that the completely fried guy is somehow still alive and has superhuman strength??? What?
The one "don't go in there" moment was when Icarus told Cada there was a 5th crew member. I wd be so scared! Yet he makes a bee-line to the guy and doesn't think to tell any other crew members? This reminds me of the thing in "28 weeks later..." w/ no guard on the only possible immune person.
I just have to chalk that kinda thing up to poor writing. I'd think in 15 mins you cd come up w/ a really good scenario why it wd happen.
I think my expectations were a bit high based on the director and sci-fi. And while it was good in a lot of ways, it fell short in just a couple.
SPOILERS
One thing that bothered me, and I know this is silly, but the physics of the space travel bugged me. They wd have to be traveling amazingly fast to reach those distances w/in a reasonable amount of time yet the ship was able to slowdown, dock, etc.
Also, the somewhat cliche storyline that I know I've seen before where they get into deep space and people start going crazy. I'm pretty sure I've even seen the case where they find the "previous ship" and everyone's dead, one guy's still alive and crazy, etc. Though this one somehow added the twist that the completely fried guy is somehow still alive and has superhuman strength??? What?
The one "don't go in there" moment was when Icarus told Cada there was a 5th crew member. I wd be so scared! Yet he makes a bee-line to the guy and doesn't think to tell any other crew members? This reminds me of the thing in "28 weeks later..." w/ no guard on the only possible immune person.
I just have to chalk that kinda thing up to poor writing. I'd think in 15 mins you cd come up w/ a really good scenario why it wd happen.
Cop Land (1997) - 3/5
Cop Land (1997) - 3/5
I've been meaning to see this movie for a LONG time. It came out when we lived in Sweden and I've meant to see it since.
I'm not sure how well it did then, but I got the impression it was big in some way(s).
My expectations weren't too high until I started seeing one big actor after another come into scenes. This was like the cast of "Good Fellas" w/ Stallone. My expectations rose.
However, I think it was a bit of a let down though still good. It just didn't really build too much.
I've been meaning to see this movie for a LONG time. It came out when we lived in Sweden and I've meant to see it since.
I'm not sure how well it did then, but I got the impression it was big in some way(s).
My expectations weren't too high until I started seeing one big actor after another come into scenes. This was like the cast of "Good Fellas" w/ Stallone. My expectations rose.
However, I think it was a bit of a let down though still good. It just didn't really build too much.
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) - 4.5/5
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) - 4.5/5
I think blogged about this before, but didn't see it to update...
I think I got lost in the story for this when I saw it in the theater, but seeing it again I followed the story better and it was great.
Also, I think they did an amazing job of having a complex story while having seemingly continuous action.
SPOILERS
The Tangiers fight scene is one of the best ever.
Almost the whole story takes place btwn the last 2 scenes of the previous movie. So cool.
I think blogged about this before, but didn't see it to update...
I think I got lost in the story for this when I saw it in the theater, but seeing it again I followed the story better and it was great.
Also, I think they did an amazing job of having a complex story while having seemingly continuous action.
SPOILERS
The Tangiers fight scene is one of the best ever.
Almost the whole story takes place btwn the last 2 scenes of the previous movie. So cool.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Death Proof (2007) - 4/5
Death Proof (2007) - 4/5
Kurt Russell is awesome as usual. Lots of greatness in this movie but one pretty disturbing shot.
SPOILERS
The first big wreck, head-on, was the disturbing shot. Ouch, man, I got nauseous after seeing that. It haunted me.
When the second set of girls shot and then chased Stuntman Mike, my emotions were really confused: I was excited about the justice/revenge, but still a bit tense and paranoid too. It was a very strange mix.
The last freeze-frame shot made me laugh out loud - so great.
Kurt Russell is awesome as usual. Lots of greatness in this movie but one pretty disturbing shot.
SPOILERS
The first big wreck, head-on, was the disturbing shot. Ouch, man, I got nauseous after seeing that. It haunted me.
When the second set of girls shot and then chased Stuntman Mike, my emotions were really confused: I was excited about the justice/revenge, but still a bit tense and paranoid too. It was a very strange mix.
The last freeze-frame shot made me laugh out loud - so great.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Taken (2008/I) - 3.5/5
Taken (2008/I) - 3.5/5
I dig the spy-action feel and the revenge aspects work well. I was a bit paranoid and tense after this movie which was either b/c they did a good job or b/c I'm very sensitive about these ideas as a parent (or both).
SPOILERS
I think the biggest flaw of this movie was the end. It's like they didn't know how to wrap it up and they never really figured it out. My guess is they'll have a few alternate endings on the DVD.
I dig the spy-action feel and the revenge aspects work well. I was a bit paranoid and tense after this movie which was either b/c they did a good job or b/c I'm very sensitive about these ideas as a parent (or both).
SPOILERS
I think the biggest flaw of this movie was the end. It's like they didn't know how to wrap it up and they never really figured it out. My guess is they'll have a few alternate endings on the DVD.
He's Just Not That Into You (2009) - 4/5
He's Just Not That Into You (2009) - 4/5
A chick flick of a unordinary style. The varied story lines helps keep this movie from being one dimensional and cliche.
Also, the feel is a bit more realistic - the characters aren't stereotypes and such - they're real people w/ flaws and they make (serious) mistakes.
A chick flick of a unordinary style. The varied story lines helps keep this movie from being one dimensional and cliche.
Also, the feel is a bit more realistic - the characters aren't stereotypes and such - they're real people w/ flaws and they make (serious) mistakes.
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (2008) - 4/5
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (2008) - 4/5
This is kinda what I'd like to see as the new 'teenager' movie style. It's still enough about going out and sex and such that it cd pull it off, but not only about all of that.
It certainly has it's faults, but what it is, it's pretty good.
This is kinda what I'd like to see as the new 'teenager' movie style. It's still enough about going out and sex and such that it cd pull it off, but not only about all of that.
It certainly has it's faults, but what it is, it's pretty good.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Planet Terror (2007) - 3/5
Planet Terror (2007) - 3/5
I'm on a zombie movie kick w/o trying! :)
Good action, tongue-in-cheek cheesyness, sci-fi/horror in a great and campy way. Good stuff.
SPOILERS
The gun on her leg is a great effect, but I just hope it's a tribute to "Evil Dead" w/ the chain saw. That's how I'll take it.
What are the chances that I'd see 2 movies back-to-back where a chopper mows thru a field of zombies!?!?!!? Awesome!
I'm on a zombie movie kick w/o trying! :)
Good action, tongue-in-cheek cheesyness, sci-fi/horror in a great and campy way. Good stuff.
SPOILERS
The gun on her leg is a great effect, but I just hope it's a tribute to "Evil Dead" w/ the chain saw. That's how I'll take it.
What are the chances that I'd see 2 movies back-to-back where a chopper mows thru a field of zombies!?!?!!? Awesome!
28 Weeks Later (2007) - 3/5
28 Weeks Later (2007) - 3/5
Decent story/drama. I liked how it had similarities and differences from "28 Days Later."
SPOILERS
I felt a bit cheated since all of it wd have been prevented if they just put a guard outside of the mom's trailer when she was strapped down. Just too obvious.
Also, the dad showing up over and over w/ the kids to attack them was... er.
However, it was all worth it to see the chopper mow thru a field of zombies. Awesome!
Decent story/drama. I liked how it had similarities and differences from "28 Days Later."
SPOILERS
I felt a bit cheated since all of it wd have been prevented if they just put a guard outside of the mom's trailer when she was strapped down. Just too obvious.
Also, the dad showing up over and over w/ the kids to attack them was... er.
However, it was all worth it to see the chopper mow thru a field of zombies. Awesome!
Monday, February 02, 2009
28 Days Later... (2002) - 3.5/5
28 Days Later... (2002) - 3.5/5
Zombie movies pretty much get an automatic extra point from me b/c they're awesome.
I liked the feel of this movie - sorta low budget feel, but also well done.
The action was good, not too reliant on the 'spook' effect. Very gory and brutal and a bit deeper and relationship oriented than most movies like this.
Zombie movies pretty much get an automatic extra point from me b/c they're awesome.
I liked the feel of this movie - sorta low budget feel, but also well done.
The action was good, not too reliant on the 'spook' effect. Very gory and brutal and a bit deeper and relationship oriented than most movies like this.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Hitman (2007) - 3/5
Hitman (2007) - 3/5
Reminded me of "Equilibrium" - trying to hard for a cool tone and didn't make it. This movie has some cool action, but most of it is too much like Schwarzenegger movies made in the 80's (e.g., Commando).
There were some cool parts and locations, but the acting was fairly lame, the story kinda thin and trying too hard and I cdn't buy this guy as a "killer." I felt there were too many scenes were his clothes were too big and made him look like a kid.
It was fairly fun, but about 20 years too late.
Reminded me of "Equilibrium" - trying to hard for a cool tone and didn't make it. This movie has some cool action, but most of it is too much like Schwarzenegger movies made in the 80's (e.g., Commando).
There were some cool parts and locations, but the acting was fairly lame, the story kinda thin and trying too hard and I cdn't buy this guy as a "killer." I felt there were too many scenes were his clothes were too big and made him look like a kid.
It was fairly fun, but about 20 years too late.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Yes Man (2008) - 3.5/5
Yes Man (2008) - 3.5/5
Nothing great, but funny, entertaining and not insulting.
The comedy is good, the writing is pretty clever and the story isn't great, but doesn't hurt the movie.
Unlike many recent comedies, it doesn't get too into the story half-way thru. It remains a comedy w/ a bit of story that ties things together.
SPOILERS:
I died laughing at the part where Carl was dreaming he was dead and the fly landed on his eye. I just thought that was quite the humorous thing.
Nothing great, but funny, entertaining and not insulting.
The comedy is good, the writing is pretty clever and the story isn't great, but doesn't hurt the movie.
Unlike many recent comedies, it doesn't get too into the story half-way thru. It remains a comedy w/ a bit of story that ties things together.
SPOILERS:
I died laughing at the part where Carl was dreaming he was dead and the fly landed on his eye. I just thought that was quite the humorous thing.
"Battlestar Galactica" (2004) - 5/5
"Battlestar Galactica" (2004) - 5/5
I finished the first part of season 4 on DVD (and watched the first new episode) so I'm caught up. I feel like going from DVD to TV is lame, but I don't want to wait.
Anyway, it continues to be greatness. :)
I finished the first part of season 4 on DVD (and watched the first new episode) so I'm caught up. I feel like going from DVD to TV is lame, but I don't want to wait.
Anyway, it continues to be greatness. :)
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Cobra (1986) - 1/5
Cobra (1986) 1/5
Horrible. Just really bad: bad acting, dialog, action, premise, story, what-else? You name it, it's bad.
However, it's quite enjoyable since it's so laughably bad. Watch w/ friends and have a great time!
Enjoy Sergeant Gonzales trying to shoot a gun as if you throw the bullet out of the barrel. Get a kick out of Cobra cutting a piece of pizza w/ a pair of scissors (that's how tough guys eat pizza). Watch Cobra use a TV remote like Gonzales uses a gun. Wonder why the axe-clanking, suit-wearing gang allows every one of their members to die b/c Ingrid sees one of their members (why does he just stand there when she sees him?) instead of just getting rid of the member she saw???
It's a piece of art that makes a few social commentary highlights on the direction of our society. Or, it's garbage.
Best line: Hard to call, but "There's a magic word!?" is awesome.
Horrible. Just really bad: bad acting, dialog, action, premise, story, what-else? You name it, it's bad.
However, it's quite enjoyable since it's so laughably bad. Watch w/ friends and have a great time!
Enjoy Sergeant Gonzales trying to shoot a gun as if you throw the bullet out of the barrel. Get a kick out of Cobra cutting a piece of pizza w/ a pair of scissors (that's how tough guys eat pizza). Watch Cobra use a TV remote like Gonzales uses a gun. Wonder why the axe-clanking, suit-wearing gang allows every one of their members to die b/c Ingrid sees one of their members (why does he just stand there when she sees him?) instead of just getting rid of the member she saw???
It's a piece of art that makes a few social commentary highlights on the direction of our society. Or, it's garbage.
Best line: Hard to call, but "There's a magic word!?" is awesome.
The Queen (2006) - 3.5/5
The Queen (2006)
I almost gave this a 4, but I just can't say I "enjoyed" it that much, but I think it's interesting and well made.
It raises some interesting questions we don't normally think about in the US: is there a place for a monarchy in the modern world? If so, what is the place?
Great performances and interesting insights and even the fictitious show an interesting perspective.
I almost gave this a 4, but I just can't say I "enjoyed" it that much, but I think it's interesting and well made.
It raises some interesting questions we don't normally think about in the US: is there a place for a monarchy in the modern world? If so, what is the place?
Great performances and interesting insights and even the fictitious show an interesting perspective.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Marley & Me (2008) - 4/5
Marley & Me (2008) - 4/5
Somewhat original, but also somewhat tried-and-true tearjerker. The acting was right-on and true to life which was nice.
I thought it was strange, but this seems to be thought of by a lot of people as a kids' movie. There were a lot of kids in the theater and the trailers were mostly for kids' movies. I guess the preview makes it look like "Beethoven 45" or something. B/c of that, actually, I wasn't originally interested.
But really it's a drama w/ some comedy around the dog.
Good, touching movie though somewhat predictable.
Somewhat original, but also somewhat tried-and-true tearjerker. The acting was right-on and true to life which was nice.
I thought it was strange, but this seems to be thought of by a lot of people as a kids' movie. There were a lot of kids in the theater and the trailers were mostly for kids' movies. I guess the preview makes it look like "Beethoven 45" or something. B/c of that, actually, I wasn't originally interested.
But really it's a drama w/ some comedy around the dog.
Good, touching movie though somewhat predictable.
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