Treasure Planet (2002) - 3.5/5

Treasure Planet (2002)

This is a very interesting animated movie in several areas: mix of 2D and 3D, the characters, the scope, etc.

The story is solid and the characters are fully developed. The action is good too.

It's more serious than funny (like Pocahontas and Tarzan) though the robot is pretty comical.

I think the production quality is way up on this one so the animation, effects, details, characters, etc. are really good. It's a Ron Clements and John Musker movie which says a lot.

There's some great behind the scenes/making of stuff on the DVD too.

Haiku Summary
Boy finds treasure map.
Goes w/ pirates. Dad figure
turns, boy saves them all.

NEXT: "King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters"

Who the #$&% Is Jackson Pollock? (2006) - 2.5/5

Who the #$&% Is Jackson Pollock? (2006)

An interesting look at the differences btwn the "art world" and the real world more than anything.

A woman trucker buys a painting for $5 at a thrift store for a friend. She winds up trying to sell it in a garage sale and someone says they think it might be a Jackson Pollock painting.

She tries to find out if it is and prove the art world wrong. Ultimately, it becomes a matter of principle to her and, imo, she's way too stubborn about it.

SPOILERS

I can kinda see turning down the $2 million from the anonymous offerer. I guess you cd think that anyone offering to pay that much must think it's worth something and if it's worth anything (b/c it's a Pollock) then it's worth a lot more than that.

However, she cd have secured her family's future w/ that so I think she probably sd have taken it. Again, we learn at the end that she has since turned down an offer of $9 million. Now I think she's been crazy, stubborn and selfish.

Wanting to prove the art world wrong and make them admit it is just as bad as them being that way, imo.

Haiku Summary
Woman finds cheap art.
May be Pollock. Finger print
matches. Take $9 mill!

Tarzan (1999) - 3.5/5

Tarzan (1999)

Great animation and really good characters. Also, the story was more compelling w/ the deeper characters and expressiveness of them.

I felt this movie had a fuller feel to it w/ humor, action, animation, character development, etc.

Haiku Summary
Ape takes babe as own.
Raises him, others come. Love,
songs, white man stays there!

Pocahontas (1995) - 3/5

Pocahontas (1995)

Good animation but it just didn't keep my attention too well. I think the characters and story were a little thin or something. Nothing big, but I just wasn't drawn in.

However, again, the animation was good. The wind effects and water and such were fun to watch.

Haiku Summary
Indians happy.
White man comes for gold. Love, songs,
guns. White man goes home.

National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007) - 1/5

National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007)

I liked the first one and I think it's b/c I had very low expectations. I had a bit higher expectations from this one b/c people were telling me they liked it. But my expectations were still pretty low... not low enough.

I thought the dialogue was poorly written ("As a father, how do you expect me to take this?") and poorly acted. It was like 5 teenagers found a camera and said "Hey, let's make a movie real quick."

I give it a 1 mainly b/c there was some creativity in making U.S. history mysterious. That's about the most I can do for it.

The puzzles weren't engaging and before you cd even think about them, Cage has solved them. They might as well not even of had them.

I assume there isn't a book, but it felt like a thrown together movie version where they didn't have time to flesh this and that out and so they instantly solved puzzles, found clues, traveled the world, etc.

SPOILERS

The challenges were too far fetched too: hack into Buckingham Palace (and basically do whatever you want w/ the whole place instantly), get into the Oval Office, kidnap the president, etc.

The premise was weak too: a random person makes big claims, ruins the Gates name and threatens people w/ violence and attempted murder. Why? B/c he wants to discover the city of gold and get his name in the history books (which, by the way, it worked - take note kids - that's how you can be famous forever!).

He cd have easily gone to these guys who wd have wanted to do this anyway.

Also, I felt the tie into finding the city and clearing the Gates name to be thin. Just b/c the city exists, doesn't mean that's what Thomas Gates was protecting, etc.

Haiku Summary
Bad guy ruins name.
Let's do the impossible
fast and bad acting.

My Top Five 2007 Movies

These are not the top movies I SAW in 2007, but my top movies released in 2007 (granted I'll still see more released in 2007 going forward, but I thought I'd make this list now)...

Here's the 2007 movies I've seen. There are a ton of 2007 I didn't see so. In fact below is IMDB's top 100 based on votes (7000 vote minimum per film) - I saw 7 of the top 20.

I started the list and when I got thru the best ones, it turned out I had 5 so a nice prime number...

1. Meet the Robinsons - 5/5

2. No Country for Old Men - 5/5

3. Bourne Ultimatum - 4.5/5

4. Juno - 4/5

5. Hot Fuzz - 4/5

Rank Title
1---There Will Be Blood (2007)
2---No Country for Old Men (2007)
3---Man from Earth, The (2007)
---Sicko (2007)
---Juno (2007)
6---Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
---Ratatouille (2007)
---Bourne Ultimatum, The (2007)
9---American Gangster (2007)
10---Into the Wild (2007)
---Hot Fuzz (2007)
---Stardust (2007)
---Atonement (2007)
---3:10 to Yuma (2007)
---Grindhouse (2007)
16---Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, The (2007)
---Superbad (2007)
---Gone Baby Gone (2007)
---Darjeeling Limited, The (2007)
20---Eastern Promises (2007)
---Reign Over Me (2007)
---Enchanted (2007)
---Zodiac (2007/I)

The Rescuers Down Under (1990) - 2/5

The Rescuers Down Under (1990)

I think these earlier Disney movies just aren't holding my attention and such. The stories and characters aren't that compelling.

The artwork was good and the backgrounds (first CGI backgrounds for Disney) were good. The opening sequence w/ the eagle was fun too.

Like many older movies (and probably some newer ones too???), there's a real "bad guy" as opposed to just opposition or just a situation (see "Cars"). He's a poacher.

I didn't see the prequel so that didn't help, but I doubt I will.

Haiku Summary
Boy helps eagle and
poacher traps boy to get the
location. Mice help.

Juno (2007) - 4/5

Juno (2007)

Lots of hype about this movie and I was really interested in seeing it. I think my expectations were a bit high though tempered by some things I heard/read.

Probably my main/only "problem" w/ the movie is Juno's speech: everything she says is a alt-worded, cool, slang, cliche-mock, sarcastic, crafted line. It's overdone, IMO.

I believe it shows her immaturity and defensiveness well in the beginning of the movie, but then it keeps going and going.

The nice surprise to me was Jennifer Garner's character and her sincere interactions w/ the baby. I don't know if it was so great b/c it was unexpected or what.

Jason Bateman phoned it in a bit though his character wasn't really much anyway. Michael Cera is great and under-used here.

SPOILERS

When Vanessa talks to the baby in Juno's belly, it just rocked me. It really came through and was powerful.

Haiku Summary
Girl gets preg, will place
for adoption with "perfect"
couple. Love right person.

The Official How It Should Have Ended Website

The Official How It Should Have Ended Website

Some pretty funny takes on movies. I watched a few a couple years ago and thought they had some clever ideas. I think their art is better now too.

The Little Mermaid (1989) - 3.5/5

The Little Mermaid (1989)

Good animation, great songs and story. The characters and their expressions really come to life.

I think, to me, this was the beginning of the 'new Disney' in animation.

Haiku Summary
Mermaid wants to be
a person. Falls in love and
needs his kiss to stay.

The Black Cauldron (1985) - 2.5/5

The Black Cauldron (1985)

Interesting b/c of it's position and place in Disney history. Also, the animation was good and interesting techniques at times.

But I think the Disney animation department was a bit scattered and schismed at the time and it shows. The story is a bit spotty at times and the characters, to me, aren't very sympathetic.

There's some witches and a magic sword and several references the Horned King's war and army and such, but none of them are really explained.

It has some influences from Lord of the Rings, I think.

Haiku Summary
Cauldron holds power.
Horned king wants it, boy must stop.
Witches, fights. We win!

The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie (2008) - 4/5

The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie (2008)

Incredible animation. Wow.

The action is pretty good and I like the humor (witty, but not too 'adult'), but I felt the story was a bit slow at times.

Also, the 'scope' of the story was narrow: they just focus on the main characters. It feels kinda small. Rarely do they cut away to another story line or anything.

I thought maybe that's b/c it's a kids' movie, but lots of other kids' movies do that.

Anyway, it's fun, funny, entertaining and "safe" for kids which all add up to a lot.

Haiku Summary
Prince is taken. Sis
seeks help. Cabin boys go there.
King's help always near.

The Great Mouse Detective (1986) - 3/5

The Great Mouse Detective (1986)

This movie suffers in comparison to more established stories Disney usually used/uses and can't compare to modern animated movies so it's probably somewhat forgotten.

The characters are good and there's good aspects to the story, animation (first use of CGI), etc., but overall it's pretty far down the list of my favorites.

However, listening to a lot of podcasts interviews w/ animators, most of whom worked on this movie to some degree, I have a fond feeling towards it.

Haiku Summary
Rat takes girls dad. She
gets Basil to help find him.
Mouse as Sherlock Holmes.

MCN Top Ten

MCN Top Ten: The Big Chart

I bit overwhelming, but you can just look at the top 10 or so to see generally what is thought of as the best of 2007.

Once (2006) - 5/5

Once (2006)

Wow. What an incredible movie. Have I build it up enough? This movie has so many aspects that really appeal to me. It's very original and I didn't know much about it going in so it was so great to just watch it unfold.

They call it a "modern musical" and it's pretty subtle in that sense. It has some similarities to "The Committments" which I loved. Not only b/c it's in Ireland and is about music, but it's about passion in music too.

It doesn't get cliche in the "love" story or the music or "success" or anything. It feels very real. I watched some of the bonus features and started watching the commentary and they talked about how they approached it and that was very cool and independent.

The two leads are musicians. The lead "the guy" leads a band the director used to be in and "the girl" is a real-life friend of the guy lead. The director said he'd rather have musicians that cd half-way act than actors who cd have way play/sing.

It really makes the music powerful. During the first duet, I literally started bawling. It wasn't sad at all, but so emotional and that's how it came out. It blew me away. I ride the exercise bike while I watch movies and I was lost in the song but looked down and realized I was pedaling really fast.

I started getting really worked up and then just started bawling. I cdn't figure it out, but it was really great. I thought it wd stop when I realized how odd it was and it did die down a bit until the chorus started up again. Really strange, but very cool.

Anyway, I just loved how the rest of the movie played out and I think it might be my favorite movie of the year. The filmspotting.net podcast is great and has some awesome 'top five' lists.

Another note, I wondered a few times in the movie "What are their names?" Very cool.

Side note: I just finished this movie this morning and more thoughts may come to me so I might update this later.

Also, I'm about to watch a series of Glen Keane animated movies FYI.

SPOILERS

The director in the commentary talks about the title: "Once." He says there's a lot of guys he knows/has met, especially in Ireland, that talk about "Once I get my X deal..." or "Once I record this..." or "Once I open my shop..." and how they really cd be great, but don't have the motivation.

Haiku Summary
Songwriter meets girl.
Awesome chemistry in song.
They record. The End.

Frank and Ollie (1995) - 5/5

Frank and Ollie (1995)

This is a documentary about two of the great Disney animators; two of the "nine old men." These guys started out in school together and wound up sharing an apartment and then building houses next to each other where they lived the rest of their lives (Frank died in 2004, but I believe Ollie is still alive).

It's a great look at what they did and their motivations, humility, skills and general approach to animation.

I've been listening to the AnimationPodcast.com and they talk a lot about Frank and Ollie. So getting to see them and learn about them was a lot of fun.

Haiku Summary
Two animators
for Disney tell their story.
Great insight for us.

Maquinista, El (2004) - 3.5/5

Maquinista, El (2004)

I really liked the bulk of this movie except for the end. I cdn't believe Christian Bale's weight. I read he lost a record 80lbs for this movie. It hurts to look at him.

This movie built a lot of promise for most of it and then didn't deliver.

SPOILERS

The felt the "reveal" was a let down. All of the mystery was just him being psycho. I know that's a bit belittling, but I was hoping for something more sensational. They really did it well, but it just didn't have it IMO.

Haiku Summary
Crazy man doesn't
sleep. Who is after him? Is
it Ivan? No, himself.

The Squid and the Whale (2005) - 4.5/5

The Squid and the Whale (2005)

A fairly painful, awkward, uncomfortable and powerful movie. Dense, to use a word from the movie.

The opening scene tells most of the story of this movie, but you don't know it quite yet.

SPOILERS

The dad is a fairly lame, fake "man" who is riding on his egotism and judgment of others despite not being able to be honest w/ himself or those around him. The mother isn't much better. The oldest son clearly mimics the dad and thinks dangerously to high of himself ("I think I cd have written it so the fact that it was already written is just a technicality.").

One of the best scenes is the older son's visit to the psychologist - his description of his time w/ his mom when he was young was just amazing. So vivid and powerful and touching.

So what or who are the squid and the whale? I think it might be his parents. They are fighting and are caught in an inescapable grapple where no one ever stops or wins. It might also be a symbol of fears in life. When he was a kid, he cdn't look at the squid and the whale except for through his fingers.

At the end, he forces himself to face his fears, to face reality. To grow up and face himself.

Haiku Summary
Two kids, parents split.
All kinds of dysfunction here.
No one wins. Hey, You.

Henry Fool (1997) - 4/5

Henry Fool (1997)

Fun, original and creative. I can see how someone might think this is a bad moview w/ bad acting and bad directing. I thought that for the first 15-20 mins of the sequel "Fay Grim."

But once you realize the details and nuances are intentional, it's really very impressive.

Haiku Summary
Garbage man meets a
stranger who gets him to write
a poem. It gets weird.

The Good Shepherd (2006) - 2/5

The Good Shepherd (2006)

Very underwhelming performances by all. The movie drags as I don't think De Niro succeeds in using the pace as others have in the past.

Damon's character is suppose to be cold as stone, but he comes across as lame and boring.

It's always disappointing to see a bad spy movie b/c I love the potential they have there.

One thing I'll say, he doesn't insult the audience. You have to be thinking for certain parts, but it's not worth it to wait for them.

SPOILERS

Also, the "mystery film" character is fairly predictable once you get into it. Such a pivotal aspect and it's a let down.

Haiku Summary
Kid gets recruited
by CIA. Life planned for
him. Quiet, boring.

Kung fu Hustle (2004) - 4/5

Kung fu Hustle (2004)

Very original, creative and funny. Abandon all holds on reality and enjoy the ride.

The characters are clear, strong and funny. The fighting is very entertaining too and there's LOTS of it. However, it's more like orchestrated dance fighting. Very cool.

The only problem I have w/ this movie is there's very little story and what is there isn't compelling. Which means you wind up w/ the 14 year old's dream: a movie that's almost completely filled w/ fight scenes. :)

Haiku Summary
Kid wants to fight but
is not good. Grows up and is
the One. Fights REAL good.

Babettes g�stebud (1987) - 4.5/5

Babettes g�stebud (1987)

Great movie told very well. The levels and tones of sacrifice, mercy, grace and giving are great.

SPOILERS

I see Babette as a Christ-like figure setting aside (not by choice in this case) her "glory" for a time to serve others. She challenged their perceptions on what is acceptable and allowable and how to we can enjoy things we wdn't expect.

The "feast" scene is great at the discovery and Lorens really opens it up to the enjoyment of the "affair."

Haiku Summary
Old sisters with father.
Sacrifice all to serve others.
Big, scary dinner.

Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007) - 3/5

Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007)

Pretty funny first 30 mins or so. After that it's ok and then it's almost serious.

A little too "spoofish" than I'd want it to be.

WARNING: A good bit of nudity.

Haiku Summary
Spoof of Johnny Cash
The songs are good. "I'm
cut in half real bad."

The Animation Podcast

The Animation Podcast



Great animation podcast of interviews w/ big names in animation.

The Polar Express (2004) - 4/5

The Polar Express (2004)

I didn't expect to like this movie too much. I didn't hear too many good things about it and given the animation and Tom Hanks, I felt I sd have been hearing a lot more.

I do love how they take advantage of the animation w/ the "camera" angles and light and perspectives. It's really fun what they were able to do and did do.

So maybe low expectations helped. I'm still not sure it's a 4/5, but...

SPOILERS

The basis of the story is that the (possibly) imaginary Polar Express is taking children who seemingly have lost belief in Santa (or maybe other reasons) to the North Pole.

The three main child characters all seem to learn/gain something in the journey. The girl learns to believe in her confidence (LEAD), the shy kid learns that not everything turns out bad when you open up (and gain friends) (DEPEND ON, RELY ON, COUNT ON) and the main kid learns to believe (BELIEVE). There's a 'know it all kid' too (LEARN), but I don't consider him a main character.

The conductor is their guide and there's a hobo which is a confusing character b/c he seems rather harsh. He seems to help mostly, but I'm not really sure of his role.

From what I read, the story is greatly expanded over the book which probably explains some of the various scenes that seem to be fantastical and unsure about their place in the movie (e.g., the lost ticket - great, but...???). There's also a few scenes of everything moving really fast, out of control, falling down (e.g., the train and the present funnel). I'm not sure of the purpose, but the scenes are pretty fun.

The hobo's big line is "seeing is believing" which makes me think it's the counter to the conductor or Santa in the regard that it's mostly a matter of belief. As the conductor says: "Seeing Santa is not required." and "Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see."

I also have a little problem w/ the ending. The robe tells us it was just a dream. The bell tells us it must have been real. It's unfortunate b/c ultimately his simple belief is in question b/c he has physical proof.

Maybe they sd have ended it w/ a series of shots of him hearing the bell throughout his life (continued belief) and late in life receiving the bell (proof it was real).

But since it's a kids movie, I guess I'm being too harsh on that point. I'm sure kids go nuts when he opens the box w/ the bell in it. IT'S REAL!!! I wonder if that's in the book???

Haiku Summary
Boy doubts Santa. Train
takes him to North Pole, Santa.
Bell tells us it's real.

Stone Reader (2002) - 3.5/5

Stone Reader (2002)

I really like the idea of this movie. I really like it. Countless times have I read some book or similar and wanted to track down the author. I wanted to discover some hidden treasure, etc. I'm actually kind of doing it now but I don't want to give any details here.

Unfortunately the first half of this movie is more about the guy making it and is filled with shots of fields, flowers, trees, him doing yard work, etc. He narrates over it what's been happening, but it's slow.

There's also shots of friends getting UPS/FedEx packages delivered to them which a) aren't very interesting and b) cd have been shot any time so it feels like filler.

The second half has a lot more things of interest happening and that's when it gets good. If you can make it past the first half, it's worth it. If you can't, just scan ahead, you really won't miss too much (though you might not appreciate the payoff as much???).

Haiku Summary
Guy reads book after
many years. Great, but author
is gone. He finds him.

The Constant Gardener (2005) - 2/5

The Constant Gardener (2005)

Over-acted, heavy handed propaganda that insults the audiences ability to think.

Movies like this need to take a lesson from "Blood Diamond" about how to get the audience to care about your cause and want what you want.

The cinematography was great and the message is actually very important, but they way they tell it will probably only appeal to those already agreeing with them.

The overheard misunderstandings of the husband tell me they have a long way to go. It's too bad b/c they had a good deal of resources to work with.

Haiku Summary
Brit goes Africa
with new bride on a mission.
She dies, he cares, dies.

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) - 3.5/5

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

This was a well made, true story about Chris Gardner striving to keep his head above water and provide for his family. It's an incredible story and the acting is really good.

It's painful to watch and sad to think that he and his son went through so much. It's even sadder to think about how close he came to not making it and how many thousands and thousands of people don't make it.

SPOILERS

I think the way they told this story is accurate and well done. However, from a film/movie/entertainment standpoint, it's not much fun to watch. It's 99% depressing/sad and you really sd know the outcome already so the "payoff" isn't very rewarding.

Also, this might be a cynical point of view, but I kinda question his decision to put his family/son thru so much. I admire his determination and struggle, but it seems he cd have gotten a regular job and kept that suffering down a bit. Plus, if he hadn't gotten the job at the end, that wd have been terrible. High risk.

I certainly don't know the details, but based on what they told us thru the film, I'm not sure risking everything like that was the best way to go. But who am I?

Haiku summary

no job, no money
become broker, be happy
until then, sleep on bus

Movie Reviews, Podcast, Film, DVD, Cinema, Filmspotting

Movie Reviews, Podcast, Film, DVD, Cinema, Filmspotting

Movie reviews, interviews and top 5 lists
with Adam Kempenaar and Matty Robinson

I found this site looking for a movie related podcast. It's a good one. If you know of others, let me know.

Akira (1988) - 3.5/5

Akira (1988)

"Neo-Tokyo is about to E.X.P.L.O.D.E."

I think I saw this in high school, but don't remember it really.

I watched it in Japanese w/ subtitles which I think was a good move.

Artistic animation w/ a cool futuristic/action/sci-fi feel and story.

It's a cautionary message about the future, cities/government taking over, the individual being lost and worthless, etc. I'm on board w/that.

SPOILERS

The last about 20 minutes remind me of the end of "2001" where you're not really sure what's going on "birth of a new universe" and such. I'm not sure it really fits... actually, it fits the movie, but maybe not the message.

Unless they're trying to say, it will all just start over so don't worry... though it doesn't in the movie.

Haiku summary

future biker kids
one gets big mental powers
big fight, where'd he go?

No Country for Old Men (2007) - 5/5

No Country for Old Men (2007)

Just a great movie. Very moving, intense and technically powerful. The silence is deafening. The (sparse) dialog is great and quite "Coen."

Javier Bardem is the new "Hannibal Lector." Josh Brolin was great also. Both great performances.

This film is so well made that the story almost suffers. But it's a great story. I listned to a podcast about it and they pointed out how in some cases they don't even show you an important scene at all. I think that is a sign of their great movie making: they can get the audience and film to a point where you don't even need to see important things to get just as much out of it.

There's several points/parts of the story that I haven't processed completely, but I look forward to seeing multiple times over time and let it sink in.

Haiku summary
guy finds druggers dough
scariest guy ever hunts
world falling apart

How To Read a Film

How To Read a Film

Not a movie, but a good book (and it's free online).

Casino Royale (2006) - 3.5/5

Casino Royale (2006)

Good spy movie and I like that they are returning to the spy aspects of James Bond.

The story falls a little short of the spectacle still, but it's good.

Haiku summary:
James, a new double-oh
Villian, loses bad guys' dough
Let's play cards for it!

Fast Food Nation (2006) - 1.5/5

Fast Food Nation (2006)

They should have stuck to the book or not used that name or something. So much story left undone. Plots closed in a trite way. So much of the true power they intended was just completely missed.

I have hesitated to say this in the past, but I think this film makes it easier to say that I think Rickard Linklater is overrated. He's good at some things, but overrated.

Haiku summary:
There's poo in burgers.
We only care about cash.
Eat poo, save money.

Fred Claus (2007) - 2.5/5

Fred Claus (2007)

Vince Vaughn was his usual self, but it felt a little worn/forced/played out. Kevin Spacey didn't do himself any favors.

It's fairly predictable and trite, but a lot cuter than I expected. I figured it wd be more irreverent and crude and it wasn't.

SPOILERS

Not that it's a completely bad idea, but the message of "even the bad kids sd get a toy for Christmas"... let's just say it's questionable b/c I'm not sure how far they're trying to take it.

I only have an "issue" w/ that b/c it cd be based on the idea that "really no one is 'bad' and down deep we're all good" or no one is really responsible for what they do (like in the case of Clyde - he didn't get a present b/c he was bad... but b/c he didn't get a present he was bad... huh?) or "who's to say who's 'naughty' and who's 'nice' - who can judge?"

Haiku Summary

Bad big bro needs cash
lil bro Santa, needs help too
Christmas miracle!

It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie (2002) (TV) - 0/5

It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie (2002) (TV)

Just bad all around: commercial, story, hidden adult humor, Whoopi Goldberg, etc.

Children of Men (2006) - 4.5/5

Children of Men (2006): "No children. No future. No hope."

Great movie, great directing - the amazingly long shots w/ so much action and choreography were amazing.

The story was good, but it was so well told. The idea that the world is infertile (lost) and there comes a child (savior) through a unwed woman (virgin) and needs to be taken by a man to a safe place to have the child, etc. Strong Christology there, but some points are off and I can't tell how much is intentional, interpretation, manipulation, etc. (the child is a girl, etc.).

No biggie, but I just wasn't sure if they were being original or had an agenda.

The technical aspect of the shots they got in the car, during the chase, etc. were so great.

What a great film to just watch, enjoy and appreciate.

Haiku Summary:
No more babies born
A girl gets pregnant, needs help
baby born in rowboat

The Darjeeling Limited (2007) - 3/5

The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

Wes Anderson's power grows. I love the tone/feel of his movies - he's so consistent in that despite everything else which is impressive.

I think there's a lot of depth to this movie and wd love to read a good essay on it. But it's clear these men have all suffered b/c of their parents (and lack of).

UPDATE: I lowered this to 3. As time goes by, I'm digging this movie less. It has a lot of power, but fails to pull it together.

SPOILERS

When they save the kids from drowning, it's very powerful. I'm sure there's a lot being said about themselves needing to be saved and not all making it. Also, about going to the funeral and the reactions of the people.

Dropping their baggage at the end and letting go to be together is pretty clear.

Haiku Summary

bros, train, India
looking for mother, themselves
let dad's baggage go

Hot Fuzz (2007) - 4/5

Hot Fuzz (2007)

Nicely original and a great new take on spoofing other movies - kinda like "Scream" did for the '90s.

The wit is spot on and it builds so well for the last half hour of action. They really put in the time to develop the characters and story to make the last part really enjoyable and pay off well.

Haiku Summary:
top cop goes small town
"by the power of Grayskull!"
so many murders

Surf's Up (2007) - 3/5

Surf's Up (2007)

Great animation and camera angles. The animal physics were cool too.

The story was a bit thin to me especially given it's not the most "kid" type movie/humor.

Haiku Summary
surfin' penguin gets
a break. finds lost hero, learns
to have fun, loses.

Chalk (2006/I) - 4/5

Chalk (2006/I)

It gets an extra half or full point b/c it's independent.

A (sometimes) funny look at teachers' lives in and out of school. It's a rough looking life w/ little reward or encouragement. I felt pretty sorry for teachers and I don't think I cd do it.

I wdn't call this a "mockumentary" b/c I think of those as comedies. This is more of a semi-unscripted, "fictional documentary" like "The Office."

Haiku Summary
teachers have hard jobs
students make it harder still
I guess they love it.

Blood Diamond (2006) - 3.5/5

Blood Diamond (2006)

Very intense and powerful film. They held back and it's still hard to watch.

This is the way to do a political movie: don't beat people over the head. Show them what's happening and let them make their own conclusions. When it's well done, the choice is obvious.

I think people might watch this movie and, if anything, be more cautious about buying diamonds or maybe even not buy them anymore. However, everything we buy is sending a message.

If you buy these diamonds, you might feel guilty about the people that died or were hurt in getting it to you. But similar is true for other purchases: when you buy from a company you are endorsing their practices even if you don't know what they are.

WalMart, like many companies, pretty much has sweat shops around the world. You're supporting that. CITGO is the U.S. subsidiary of Venezuela's state-owned oil company. JPMorgan, Chevron, Marriot and many other support Planned Parenthood. Ford funds many Gay/Lesbian groups. The list goes on. It's pretty difficult to not be supporting one thing or another w/ any purchase when we know it or not.

Haiku Summary
locals die for stones
mercenary wants big rock
helps man get fam, dies doing so

Meet the Robinsons (2007) - 5/5

Meet the Robinsons (2007)

Maybe it was my state of mind when I saw this or maybe somehow seeing bits and pieces of this over several days and then watching it all the way thru, but I loved this movie.

It had it all: great animation, action, comedy, drama, sci-fi and more. It's a very complex story too - I think kids wd completely enjoy it, but they might not get all of the implications of the story.

Also the score is really good and there are two songs that are really good. "Another Believer" is very haunting and beautiful.

The animation is some of the most creative and pleasant to look at that I've seen. They nail it all especially the facial expressions. So great.

This is a rare movie that pretty much gets it all around in all areas and that is rare for any movie.

SPOILERS

I love time-travel related movies and this is no exception. The idea that at the end he doesn't seek to be w/ him bio-mom is very powerful. He already has a family is his reasoning and now realizes he has to choose. It's a huge decision and it's bold to even deal w/ it.

Haiku Summary
orphan wants his mom
to future, has family
picks future, not past

The Right Stuff (1983) - 3.5/5

The Right Stuff (1983)

It might be a little dated and over acted, but it's good. The first time I saw it, I don't think I caught the compare/contrast btwn the astronauts selected and Yeager.

I'm not sure what to make of the differences btwn them, but I liked it.

SPOILERS

When the astronauts are watching the dance show and Yeager is flying the new jet, I had a lot of thoughts. Were they trying to show that Yeager really did want to go to outer space? Were they showing that Yeager did or did not have the right stuff? Were they showing that while the astronauts were wined and dined Yeager was still flying and living on the edge?

I think the lines "Is that a man?" "Yes, it is." kinda answers that, but I'm not 100% sure of all the messages there.

Haiku summary:
space race is on now!
train, test, danger and explosions
can you "fly" a brick?

Shark Bait/The Reef (2006) - 1/5

Shark Bait (2006)

I'm not sure why the movie we rented was called "The Reef" but it's listed other places as "Shark Bait"???

Weak. Low quality animation, weak story, bad Nemo rip off (blatant at times). A bit too violent too. I was surprised how often they were hitting each other, pushing, etc. and just playing it off like this is how you live. Usually kids movies are way the other way: violence doesn't solve anything, we can all be friends, peace, man. No biggie, for a 6 year old or something, but I was a little surprised it was G.

Haiku summary:
fish loses parents
reef, love, blah... weak all around
fights, kills shark for love

A Scanner Darkly (2006) - 3/5

A Scanner Darkly (2006)

IMO the rotoscoping was distraction. I think it was done VERY well and actually fit the story, but it overshadowed the story for me. I paid more attention to that than I wd like.

Unfortunately, I also felt the story was over powered by the performances. They were so over the top (which fit the characters) that it was more like just watching performances than a story.

I was surprised to see so many big names and maybe that hurt a bit too - too much to look at, think about, etc.

SPOILERS:

How were they able to eat/take pills through the suit?

Haiku summary:
bad cop or good guy
he doesn't know either
D will mess you up

Abre los ojos (1997) - 4/5

Abre los ojos (1997)

Very original and interesting. I loved the build up and mystery of 'what in the world is going on.' Even though I'd seen "Vanilla Sky", I just liked watching it unfold before me.

I think it was good all around and made "Vanilla Sky" look like what it pretty much was: an American remake. Little change except the name, lead actor and inserted a bit of Hollywood for good measure.

SPOILERS:

I was disappointed in "Vanilla Sky" that it was basically all a dream. It's hard to explain, but it's like all the revelations and introspection was just made up in his head. Some how that took away from it in a way I can't explain.

However, in this version (and maybe "Vanilla Sky" too and I just missed it), they seem to say (or at least imply) that the "dream" was all made up by him. I think in "Vanilla Sky" they say it's a glitch in the computers.

But here it's almost like they say: You're doing this. You're making this horrible and torture and maddening. Which made me think, he knows either consciously or otherwise that he's shallow, selfish and arrogant and wanted to prove it to himself.

Of course he cd have done that by just living out his life instead of killing himself and dreaming it, but that's why it might be subconscious.

Haiku summary:
spoiled man's face wrecked
loses girl, dies, gets frozen
dreams life, learns lesson

The TV Set (2006) - 4/5

The TV Set (2006): "A place where dreams are canceled"

A humorous and honest/cynical look at the production of a TV show pilot.

It's the story of a write working on a pilot dealing w/ the creative compromises necessary to turn art into business.

I'm not sure how the public these days manages to fool themselves into think good art can transition into boog business w/o compromise to the point of almost ruining whatever was good about the art.

Society at times will still claim it to be good and in some cases it is, but that might be in spite of the compromises (a good artist can work w/in that), just our opinion (which has to be questioned w/ some of the material out there succeeding) or it wasn't corrupted which I'd say wd be an extreme exception.

Sorry to ramble.

The dialog is great. Weaver's character has some incredible lines "He's not coming!?!?!"

I like the way it's so clearly split into 3 acts: pre-production, production and responses each separated by a few weeks. And each act is focused on just one or two long scenes. You get a tight view of the present and can fill in the blanks between.

SPOILERS:

It's interesting that even though the bed-ridden writer looking at his pregnant wife holding baby #1 realizes he needs to make this work as a job (i.e., compromise his art), he's still so upset about his work being altered that he's driven to drink and pain killers (or so they wd have us believe).

Anyway, I wd rather have seen him buy into it all to a degree just in realizing this is what it takes to make art work in business (he can still do art for the sake of art on the side if that's the point). Or he not cave to the compromise.

Haiku summary:
writer with pilot
compromises art to work
network inserts fart

Barton Fink (1991) - 4/5

Barton Fink (1991)

Interesting and weird at times. As w/ most Coen Brothers' movies, great acting, directing, cinematography, timing, dialog, etc. Such a great film to just watch for the sake of a film.

The cop scenes remind me of "Miller's Crossing" which is the best dialog ever IMO.

SPOILERS:

When Charlie carries the body and hits her head b/c he misjudges the space and then later you learn how he cuts off their heads so you realize why he misjudged the spacing - it's great.

Haiku summary:
playwright goes out west
has writer's block, meets neighbor
this guy cuts off heads

Fargo (1996) - 4/5

Fargo (1996)

Another Coen Brothers' - so great.

The way everyone deals w/ the extreme and every-day events w/in the same conversation is so great. Almost relaxing and reassuring.

Again, everything is quality and a pleasure to watch... it can be done so well.

Haiku summary:
screw-up guy needs cash
has his wife kidnapped, ransom
criminals are nuts

Munich (2005) - 4/5

Munich (2005)

A seemingly controversial fictional tale inspired by real events. It's a sad story on the large and small scale from countries to individuals.

I like the realism of the life of a 'spy/assassin.' It's so unglamorous and unattractive. The cost is high for everyone and shows how it can be somewhat fruitless if not counter productive. Who's to say what's effective?

A very well made movie, but an unfortunate event/topic. It makes it hard to write the...

Haiku summary:

athletes are murdered
revenge is taken for it
personal costs are so high

Delicatessen (1991) - 4/5

Delicatessen (1991)

Great acting and directing. Somewhat of a light Terry Gilliam.

The characters are great and developed so well w/ so little dialogue. Everything was so unique and interesting. I liked how so many things are left unexplained, unanswered and unresolved. I don't go looking for that, but I like when they the filmmakers don't feel the need to wrap everything up.

Sometimes it's necessary and sometimes it's necessary not to. It's great when they know the difference.

Haiku summary:

the future is weird
butcher and tenants eat folks
love leaves knife in head

The Heartbreak Kid (2007) - 2.5/5

The Heartbreak Kid (2007)

I found this funny but part of that cd be b/c of very low expectations. Ben Stiller plays the same character he's played in most of his movies: frustrated loser.

I think the chemistry works and there's some funny situations.

The Farrelly brothers do their usual stuff which can be funny at times.

Warning: Nudity and such.

Haiku Summary:

A marriage too quick
honeymoon: meets another
sunburn allows love

Once Upon a Time in America (1984) - 4/5

Once Upon a Time in America (1984)

Leone is a master and even I can see it.

Great acting and editing too. I read it was originally screened w/ Leone's cut and loved and then reedited by the studio to be in chronological order and panned by everyone.

Fortunately, I saw the right version. So great.

SPOILERS

New feature - One Sentence Summary: I try to sum up the movie in one sentence (which, of course, includes spoilers)...

Gangster kids grow up to be gangster adults with one ratting out the others on a job to send them to prison instead of death only to find the leader didn't die and hires the rat anonymously later in life to kill him out of guilt/debt/fear.

Pi (1998) - 4/5

Pi (1998)

I gave this an extra half point b/c it was independent. I didn't so much care for the film development technique which was distracting at times. I like the idea of doing something different and in '98 that might have been cool, but I wasn't into it this time.

I like the story and the way the numbers work out and the mystery of it all.

After watching it one day, I watched w/ the commentary the next day. For independent movies, how they did things is pretty interesting.

I thought the actors did a good job and the story is compelling enough to enjoy. I don't think they pulled off what "Primer" did, but it's along those lines. I think in '98 it wd have been on par w/ that, but not today.

Beautiful Girls (1996) - 3/5

Beautiful Girls (1996)

This movie was decently made, but just not that interesting. Matt Dillon's story-line was a bit weak - they cd have developed that more IMO. The best story-line to me was btwn Willy and Marty and I felt they kinda dropped the ball there.

It seemed to build the first half and then just wind down the second half.

Natalie Portman was way too good for her age. Very impressive.

Cahill U.S. Marshal (1973) - 3.5/5

Cahill U.S. Marshal (1973)

This was a good movie, but not maybe a typical western. John Wayne was really good, but not really having watched him growing up, he seemed a bit dated and cliche (though HE made the cliche so he defines it).

It was a great aspect of the western/cowboy about how he handles his relationship w/ his sons. I felt that was a good departure from the regular western and made the movie worth it.

SPOILERS

Great last line: "Let's go stop a hangin'."

Far from Heaven (2002) - 2.5/5

Far from Heaven (2002)

Not good. I'm not sure if the cliche '50s style acting was overboard on purpose or to make a point.

SPOILERS

It was interesting how the gay husband wrecks his family and is pretty selfish all around, does what he wants and leaves, but the wife foregos her 'wants' (as does the object of her affection) for what's best (avoiding a difficult life for them all, hurting her kids, etc.).

Maybe that's just what I took away from it, but it seemed like a strange ending to a film that was trying to make a statement.

North Country (2005) - 3/5

North Country (2005)

This movie was really strong until the last 10-15 mins.

The acting and appearance in general was a bit overdone, but that's kinda how it was back then. :)

The story was pretty good and even better b/c it was inspired/based on a true story.

SPOILERS

The courtroom scene in the last 10-15 mins... they must have run out of money, time and the use of adults in the crew. That scene was so packed w/ cheese and overdramatic courtroom non-sense that I'd have to think Frances McDormand fought the release of the movie. Ouch.

21 Grams (2003) - 4/5

21 Grams (2003)

Very good movie. Great directing, incredible acting, great camera work, awesome story, well done complex editing. It has almost everything.

As soon as it was over, I started watching it again. I may not watch the whole thing, but I think it lends itself to a couple viewings - preferably soon after the first one when the elements are fresh in your memory.

SPOILERS

I'm not 100% sure what the message is if there is one. It seems there was a lot of trading of lives: he dies so he can live, she has an abortion which leads to him going w/ her to kill this guy that killed this guy so that he cd live, etc. I don't know if there's a statement there or just a powerful connection.

Also, there's a strong image of guilt. Jack warns the 'punk kid' about crimes and how the 'guilt will suck you to the bone.' Then Jack winds up killing and the guilt really did just that. So much so that he a) wanted Paul to kill him and b) did the right thing the second time (he didn't leave a dying person to die). Both times he takes the blame though the second time was a bit strange. I guess he was still trying to pay for it all.

Anyway, it's a very powerful movie. They don't spoon feed you a message so maybe it's not really there or left up to us to write our own. I will say that, as is the case often in movies these days, none of these people are really 'good.' The only ones that are close, die.

So if nothing else, we can conclude, bad people get what's due. I doubt that's the point. :)

Cold Mountain (2003) - 3/5

Cold Mountain (2003)

Well made and lots of good imagery and scenery. I watched some of the commentary and I think that wd be as interesting as the movie, but that's not quite enough to get me to watch the whole thing. :)

I thought the story, especially the first 1/3rd, was over-dramatic and sappy. It was also a bit cliche and over acted. Unfortunately, I also mostly saw the actors as actors playing parts instead of the characters themselves.

The rest of the movie got better, but never really turned the corner for me.

It's a decent movie, but just didn't fire on all cylinders.

SPOILERS

It was far from a happy ending, but I think it was a good one. Inman came back and b/c he did, he was able to save Ada and Ruby and therefore pretty much everyone else and their children. It was noble and worthwhile, but ultimately, not that great.

Ordet (1955) - 4.5/5

Ordet (1955)

Masterful. I loved the camerawork (I believe the style is called kameraspiel) was great. The tone and style all around was great.

The characters were good and so expressive even when understated.

Two parts of this movie in particular made me stop everything, dropped my jaw, gave me chills and are stuck in my head. Good stuff.

SPOILERS

What did Johanness do when he left? What made it necessary for him to leave, find his wits and come back?

The little girl's faith was great.

The statement from Mikkel about the baby just floored me. Like a truck hit me.

The end, when she moves in the coffin, just had me wide-eyed looking for some sign. The camera, like everyone there, was glued to her wondering what was going to happen.

When the idea of her coming back was introduced in the movie, I wondered what they wd do w/ that. Wd they really do it? Then at the end, I was convinced they wdn't. I didn't think they cd pull it off w/o destroying all credibility of the film. I just hoped Dreyer cd do it well and I'd be satisfied. Wow!

When I saw her move, I was like "She moved. I saw it. They can't take that back." :)

Babel (2006) - 3.5/5

Babel (2006)

At first I thought this movie was going to really blow me away. The style and direction is so great. The scenery and cinematography is just great.

But the story seems to be about people screwing up and either hurting themselves or others. I'm not sure if I missed the point or if it was so obvious that I was just like "Sure, we all know that - our actions can hurt other people." Not sure???

SPOILERS

I felt bad for the kids b/c the nanny did so many wrong things. Her punishment was not only appropriate, but her own fault willingly. There was no sympathy there except that the kids won't see someone they love... or maybe they will. She was in the U.S. for 16 years illegally - she cd just do it again??? Sorry, tangent.

Superbad (2007) - 2/5

Superbad (2007)

Several funny parts, but the F-word is dropped 186 times (found that online) which is a TON. It's so distracting - you can barely even follow what they're saying b/c it's every other word. I think it hurts the comedy and lowers the characters.

Michael Cera is great, but I see him as such an innocent guy that some of the topics in the movie stood out as awkward for him IMO.

Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny (2006) - 2/5

Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny (2006)

Not Jack Black's best. He's funny, but the premise and such just aren't enough.

It's pretty thin all around. Tim Robbin's has a small role which is pretty random.

Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006) - 3/5

Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006)

Pretty funny, but cd be quite offensive or at least very uncomfortable to some.

It's something like one long Jackass skit: pranks, jokes, potty humor, etc.

Be warned, there's quite a bit of male nudity.

Block Party (2005) - 2/5

Block Party (2005)

I had high hopes for this movie w/ Dave making some good observations and being open minded and showing others doing the same.

The 'Broken Angel' couple is probably the highlight of the movie but it has little to do w/ anything else Dave did or intended.

The concert brought everything back down to a disappointing level.

The Thin Red Line (1998) - 3.5/5

The Thin Red Line (1998)

I actually watched this a while back and just realized I hadn't blogged about it. It's not too fresh in my mind now though.

It's a very powerful movie: strong images and characters.

Letters from Iwo Jima (2006) - 3/5

Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)

The companion movie to "Flags of Our Fathers" - very similar in some ways and, of course, very different. Again, great film processing.

I didn't feel the connection too strongly. Saigo was a great character though.

I think this is probably a better film than I'm thinking - I think I'm just a bit burned out on the war/battle movies at the moment.

Muppets from Space (1999) - 1.5/5

Muppets from Space (1999)

Maybe my standards for these movies are too high... though the first one was really good.

Thin in most respects.

Kingdom of Heaven (2005) - 3/5

Kingdom of Heaven (2005)

The action was pretty good and the battles wd have been incredible if I cd have prevented myself from comparing them to LOTR.

The story was good, but I didn't buy into it all 100% as far as a love story or his commitment to his family, people, religion, etc.

Mostly I think Orlando Bloom just cdn't pull it off IMO.

Rush Hour 3 (2007) - 1.5/5

Rush Hour 3 (2007)

Same jokes as the last two and probably worse action/fights. It felt formulaic and forced and the action felt a lot like Hong Kong action.

Flags of Our Fathers (2006) - 3.5/5

Flags of Our Fathers (2006)

Good story and action. The film processing they used was great as it gave the color tone a great feel for the battle scenes.

It's tough not to compare this movie to others and in some ways it falls a bit short.

Ultimately, this movie had a hard battle to win me over b/c I read the book which was great and the movie can hardly compare.

The Butterfly Effect (2004) - 2.5/5

The Butterfly Effect (2004)

This movie is tough to get a handle on. I watched the director's cut which was recommended to me.

I really liked the idea and story, but it wasn't put together very well. A lot of the directing and writing seemed to come from the mind of a junior high student: pretty cliche, unbelievable and unjustifiable.

SPOILERS

Anything w/ a "time travel" type idea is cool to me so that helps, but that's about all this had: change something in the past and everything changes. Like "Sliding Doors" and other movies that show different possible timelines.

I usually rather a movie not explain the technical stuff b/c that just gives you a chance to disagree. However, in this case: how did reliving thoughts allow him to time travel?

There were so many shots that were just cliche like walking thru the halls of the institution w/ "crazy people" walking around and the different punk/goth students and frat boys, etc. It was just distracting.

Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price (2005) (V) - 3.5/5

Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price (2005) (V)

I thought this was a well-done version of a biased documentary. They presented the arguments and didn't really seem to hide their stance (Heck, even the title implies they have something negative towards WalMart).

However, the did it in a classy way so that you want to try to see their side and give their arguments some credit.

I was afraid this movie was going to focus too much on low wages and poor benefits which is hard to blame on WalMart. They're just giving us what we want: low prices at the cost of our economical future and local jobs, etc.

They wd pay a higher wage if fewer people were willing to work there. They wdn't run local businesses out if local residences didn't shop there, etc.

I'm not fan of WalMart and I don't shop there. I don't think their policies (from what I understand) are generally illegal (though they have lost more than their share of law suits on not paying employees for overtime, EPA violations, etc.), but I'd have to say they are somewhat immoral.

The several former WalMart managers they have in the movie describe the practices and many are clearly wrong and illegal. Who's to say they are accurately telling the truth, but if they are...

The biggest thing about this to me is that people shop there thinking they're getting a good deal when really the cost is just coming from somewhere else: higher taxes to pay for subsidies paid to WalMart, lost jobs to overseas factories, lower quality products, larger drain on social programs, etc.

Mystic River (2003) - 3.5/5

Mystic River (2003)

This movie had a lot going for it and it went pretty well for the most part.

If kinda felt like a good attempt to copy a Scorsese movie... almost there, but never got 'big' enough.

The premise was good and the acting was very good. A well made movie that kinda got a little loose at times.

SPOILERS

The twist was cool, but I expected it too much. Laura Linney's speech about "you cd rule this town" - a lot of people seem disappointed w/ this, but I thought it was good.

The shunning of Celeste at the end was out of place to me.

Sean's reconciliation w/ his wife felt a bit forced and fast. I did like, however, the mirrored aspects of his wife's silence and Brendan's brother's silence. Kinda like each of their counterparts had to figure something out to get them to communicate... or something. Not sure it worked, but...???

Gosford Park (2001) - 2.5/5

Gosford Park (2001)

Like "Gangs of New York" - good acting, characters and setting, but nothing I really wound up caring about. They did a good job of really building up the reality of the house/people/servants/etc. That was great, but then they didn't do a ton w/ it.

SPOILERS

The murder just didn't really matter to me. The idea of the "who dunnit" in this setting is clever and original, but maybe not a great result.

The scene w/ the 2 sisters near the end was the best part of the movie, IMO.

The Simpsons Movie (2007) - 2.5/5

The Simpsons Movie (2007)

I was pretty disappointed. The first few mins were great (the "Itchy and Scratchy" cartoon), but there wasn't too much after that for me.

There were funny parts, but like w/ many TV-to-movie cases, it seemed like a drawn out episode w/o proportionally enough gags/jokes/etc.

The animation was technically better than the episodes (though I haven't watch the show in a while) which was fun to see.

Gangs of New York (2002) - 3.5/5

Gangs of New York (2002)

Great acting, characters and setting, but ultimately I didn't really buy into the story from Vallon/Amsterdam's point of view.

It was interesting to see it all w/in the backdrop of the changing America.

SPOILERS

I guess b/c he got so close w/ Bill that I didn't feel the revenge strong enough to really want him to kill him.

The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) - 4.5/5

The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)

I might go back and give this a 5/5??? It's hard to say if it was better than the first b/c not only was "The Bourne Identity" great, but also it was new, fresh and original. This being a sequel kinda discounts some of that.

The story was good, but not as good as the first one to me. However, the action was probably better and I'd say in some cases the best. I feel confident in saying that this movie contains the best fight scene... ever.

Some great car chases too.

Very fun. Very cool. Just a great, great spy/action movie.

SPOILERS

The fight scene I'm talking about is the one in Tangier. I love the dimensions of it that it builds from the bombing to the chases to the fight. It really makes it long w/o drawing it out or getting old - just building in intensity.

Another thing that was pretty cool was that the majority of this movie's story takes place btwn the last two scenes of the previous movie.

This movie starts when Bourne leaves the Russian girls apartment. Then you have most of the movie. Then Bourne calls Landy in this movie near the end which is the last scene of the "Supremacy."

Nothing too big, but kinda cool.

Rescue from Gilligan's Island (1978) (TV) - 1/5

Rescue from Gilligan's Island (1978) (TV)

I thought it wd be funny to watch this after all these years... not so much.

I didn't realize this, but this TV movie was made 11 years after the show went off the air. Also, supposedly it was made as a pilot to another series. Bad idea.

Anyway, it was pretty bad.

I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry (2007) - 1/5

I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry (2007)

The first 2/3rds was pretty funny and not really offensive. Then it became the opposite: blatant, not funny and offensive.

The Cider House Rules (1999) - 3/5

The Cider House Rules (1999)

Well done and original, but a big heavy handed (not as bad as "Million Dollar Baby" though) about abortion at times.

There's a good story and acting and powerful subjects in here, but it's easy to see what side "they" are on.

SPOILERS

Mr. Rose's speech about the "rules" pretty much gives it all away.

They outrageous, them rules. Who live in this cider house? Who grindin' up those apples, pressin' that cider, cleanin' up all this mess? Who just plain live here, just breathin' in that vinegar? Well, someone who don't live here made those rules. Those rules ain't for us. We are supposed to make our own rules. And we do. Every single day.

Then he has Homer burn the rules... just like the aborted babies including Mr. Rose's baby from his own daughter. Does burning something make it really "go away"?

Consider the possibility that someone who maybe knows more than you wrote those rules.

Ratatouille (2007) - 3.5/5

Ratatouille (2007)

Another great movie all around for what it is: clever, cute, well done and respectable in content and form.

The story doesn't rely on cheap humor or pop-culture so it sd stand up to time. The animation is great, but more importantly the story and characters are strong.

Also, it's clean and non-offensive - that's not a given these days for a "kids movie."

It was a breath or fresh air in a genre that's risking becoming somewhat stale at times.

Out of Africa (1985) - 4/5

Out of Africa (1985)

This is just a good movie. The story is strong, the acting is good (Streep is dead on) and all the extras and minor characters are completely convincing.

Also, it's rather epic: it's a long story that isn't rushed.

I wdn't say it's the most "entertaining" movie, but it's a good story told well.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) - 3.5/5

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)

I'm not the biggest fan of the previous Potter movies, so saying this is my favorite isn't saying too much. But I did really like this one. It is a good story, not too complex and complicated by tangent storylines and characters.

Also, it didn't fall in to the same things that bothered me about the previous movies. The two main ones being: introducing major ideas as commonplace that weren't introduced in previous movies but sd have been if they are commonplace and, the main one, the seemingly bad guy is really a good guy. They just did that too much.

Anyway, this one was complicated enough to enjoy, but not overboard and did pretty much everything else well too.

The Great Muppet Caper (1981) - 2/5

The Great Muppet Caper (1981)

An unfortunate disappointment. I guess they only had the one good movie in them. There was a few decent things about this movie, but overall, it's pretty weak.

Charles Grodin is probably the high-light if there is one. His commitment to his part is great. Like Liza Minnelli in "Arrested Development" (she also was in "The Muppets Take Manhattan").

Postino, Il (1994) - 4/5

Postino, Il (1994)

Great characters and beautiful lives. I want to move to the location of this movie.

Who could watch this and not fall in love w/ Mario?

The Verdict (1982) - 3.5/5

The Verdict (1982)

This was a good movie, but just short of great. The story was good, the acting was good and the twists and "revealings" were good. But just not great.

It might have been great in '82, but since then, it's been done too many times in too many ways.

The pace is really good too. It doesn't wear you out, but takes you to the edge and you feel what Frank is going thru.

Fay Grim (2006) - 3.5/5

Fay Grim (2006)

When I started watching this, I wasn't impressed and almost decided not to finish the movie. I'm glad I did. A certain bad actor had a smaller role the rest of the movie and Parker's style no longer suffered from it. Also, as her character grew, she got more and more interesting.

Apparently, this movie is a sequel to "Henry Fool" which I need to see now, but the wait list online is "very long."

My next thought in watching was "this story is wonderfully complex, it wd be great in the hands of a more established director." In some senses that might still be true, but the same cd be said about a bigger budget.

However, both of those ideas cd ruin some of the great things as they were. Who knows?

I believe there's going to be a third so I look forward to that.

Un condamné à mort s'est échappé ou Le vent souffle où il veut (A Man Escaped) (1956) - 4/5

Un condamné à mort s'est échappé ou Le vent souffle où il veut (A Man Escaped) (1956)

I have a feeling if I knew my stuff better, this movie wd get a 4.5 or 5 form me. Ideally, I'd read some more about it, but... time.

Great shots and imagery and the tone is consistently great. The use of the Priests/Bible is great.

There's so much behind the story that I know I missed, but what I caught, I liked and what I missed, I knew it was good even if I wasn't sure what it was. :)

The off-camera action was perfect.

SPOILERS:

...like how the first guy had to fail so that Fontaine cd succeed and how Fontaine wasn't content to escape alone - he had to find someone else to save when he was so confident it wd work.

The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984) - 2.5/5

The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984)

This was a pretty big disappointment. I hadn't seen it before and I guess now I know why. Compared to "The Muppet Movie" it just doesn't compare... er...

It's like a bad rehash of the first movie: same basic plot of "going to the big city to get a big break in the big time."

One highlight is the rat song-dance scene in the kitchen. That's pretty good.

Employee of the Month (2006) - 2/5

Employee of the Month (2006)

Some funny and clever parts, but pretty weak in general.

The Muppet Movie (1979) - 3.5/5

The Muppet Movie (1979)

Very fun, funny and clever at times. It's corny and beautiful in that.

The cameos were great and the one-liners the best. I think this is a good case of parents probably being just as entertained.

The Departed (2006) - 4/5

The Departed (2006)

Incredible acting and characters. So many great performances.

I like the complicated "who's good? who's bad?", but they might have taken it a little too far. Still great.

SPOILERS:

As Costello said, "when you're facing a loaded gun, what's the difference?", so by the end the question of "good and bad" might not be worth trying to answer.

One quick shot still has me wondering about something. When Madolyn moves in w/ Colin, he goes to put a box away. There's a quick shot of what appears to be a TV screen of a hand going to pick up a phone receiver. Right after that, Costello calls Colin. I don't think it was ever explained???

Hope and Glory (1987) - 3.5/5

Hope and Glory (1987)

A very good, dramatic movie focusing on a WWII experience that we haven't really seen before. It's not a war movie, but more a drama set during the war - a great angle for a story.

The characters are great (except maybe the sister, but she grew on me too) and the imagery is strong.

Ocean's Thirteen (2007) - 3.5/5

Ocean's Thirteen (2007)

This was good in most ways with good levels of intensity, spyishness, humor and action. Basically no love story which I didn't see as a lack - there was so much else going on, I didn't miss it. The relationships btwn the main characters more than make up for it.

In some ways I think this is a modern "spy" movie w/ no political motives. There's a lot of the same elements, but a more light-hearted motive and payoff.

Also, this movie doesn't make me feel guilty for pulling for criminals to "win."

SPOILERS:

A few drawbacks: the motivation for the whole operation was a little thin. Fortunately, they didn't spend too much time on it. Pacino was good as a bad guy, I didn't need any more reason to want to see him lose.

I wasn't sure really why Bernie Mac's character had to go w/ the domino thing and the scam to get him in was weak.

The underground drill was WAY too much to buy. How cd they pull that off AND buy, get, install, etc. a new whatever-$36million-part-that-broke and so-on.

There's lots of stuff that can be overlooked, but the above was a bit much.

Shrek the Third (2007) - 3/5

Shrek the Third (2007)

It was pretty good w/ some funny parts, but the story was a bit thin and overall I just wasn't that drawn in or made to care.

They have a lot working against them in that the originality of the anti-fairy tale is gone and they're trying to walk a fine line to attract adult and child audiences.

SPOILERS:

The best part, imo, is when the Gingerbread man's life flashes before his eyes.

Ringers: Lord of the Fans (2005) - 1/5

Ringers: Lord of the Fans (2005)

Very little new information and laughable "dramatizations" of the stereotypes from each decade and the fans. Those were so bad that they were probably the best part.

It was drawn out and w/ so much LOTR info out there, it just didn't have anything really new or interesting.

Everyone's Hero (2006) - 2.5/5

Everyone's Hero (2006)

We got this for our son and he isn't always that interested which makes us not all that interested.

It was a good, cute, simple story w/ decent moral content and imagination.

Nothing great, but nice and different than the normal Disxar stuff we're getting used to.