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.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
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.
Monday, December 29, 2008
2008 Review
Netflix Review
All 121 movies I watched in 2008 (this may be a bit off b/c I'm just counting posts which also counts posts NOT about a movie I watched... like this post though this one isn't counted in the total)
Movies I watch that were released in 2008
Great titles worth mentioning:
Once (2006) - Irish love story - My favorite movie I watched this year.
Dark Knight (2008) - Great action and story. Utilizes the darkness appropriately.
Seven Up (1964) - British documentary revisiting the same kids every 7 years.
WALL-E (2008) - Great animation and storytelling.
Battlestar Galactica (2004) - Definitely the best sci-fi TV series ever... maybe best series ever.
King of Kong (2007) - Great documentary w/ villian, underdog and everything else.
In Bruges (2008) - Great characters and underlining "Christ" story. Funny and clever.
Iron Man (2008) - Great action.
All 121 movies I watched in 2008 (this may be a bit off b/c I'm just counting posts which also counts posts NOT about a movie I watched... like this post though this one isn't counted in the total)
Movies I watch that were released in 2008
Great titles worth mentioning:
Once (2006) - Irish love story - My favorite movie I watched this year.
Dark Knight (2008) - Great action and story. Utilizes the darkness appropriately.
Seven Up (1964) - British documentary revisiting the same kids every 7 years.
WALL-E (2008) - Great animation and storytelling.
Battlestar Galactica (2004) - Definitely the best sci-fi TV series ever... maybe best series ever.
King of Kong (2007) - Great documentary w/ villian, underdog and everything else.
In Bruges (2008) - Great characters and underlining "Christ" story. Funny and clever.
Iron Man (2008) - Great action.
2008 Netflix Review
89 movies from Netflix... well, 89 DVDs plus a couple I watched online. As you can see, Battlestar Galactica took about 2.5 months (which coincided w/ me getting laid off at the end of August which took a toll). The dates are the dates I returned them to Netflix.
- Hell's Angels 12/22/08
- Big Night 12/22/08
- Fearless 12/17/08
- Equilibrium 12/11/08
- Battlestar Galactica: Razor 12/09/08
- Battlestar Galactica: Season 3: Disc 6 Galactica: Season 3: Disc 4 Series Disc 11/10/08 12/02/08
- Battlestar Galactica: Season 3: Disc 5 Series Disc 12/02/08
- Battlestar Galactica: Season 3: Disc 3 Series Disc 11/18/08
- Battlestar Galactica: Season 3: Disc 2 Series Disc 11/18/08
- Battlestar Galactica: Season 3: Disc 1 Series Disc 11/10/08
- Battlestar Galactica: Season 2.5: Disc 3 11/07/08
- Battlestar Galactica: Season 2.5: Disc 2 Series Disc 11/03/08
- Battlestar Galactica: Season 2.5: Disc 1 Series Disc 10/30/08
- Battlestar Galactica: Season 2.0: Disc 3
- Galactica: Season 2.0: Disc 2 Series Disc 10/17/08
- Battlestar Galactica: Season 2.0: Disc 1 Series Disc 10/15/08
- Battlestar Galactica: Season 1: Disc 5 10/07/08
- Battlestar Galactica: Season 1: Disc 4 Series Disc 10/06/08
- Battlestar Galactica: Season 1: Disc 3 Series Disc 09/30/08
- Battlestar Galactica: Season 1: Disc 2 Series Disc 09/29/08
- Battlestar Galactica: The Miniseries Series Disc 09/22/08
- The Getaway 09/02/08
- In Bruges 08/26/08
- Rocket Science 08/21/08
- Le Cercle Rouge 08/15/08
- The Italian Job 08/05/08
- Rambo 07/31/08
- Jumper 07/28/08
- Beowulf: Director's Cut 07/24/08
- The Killing 07/21/08
- Rififi 07/16/08
- Hellboy 07/07/08
- Shooter 07/01/08
- The Lavender Hill Mob 07/01/08
- Be Kind Rewind 06/25/08
- Atonement 06/24/08
- Eastern Promises 06/19/08
- The Insider 06/19/08
- Michael Clayton 06/16/08
- Idiocracy 06/09/08
- Semi-Pro 06/09/08
- Transformers 06/04/08
- The Man Who Fell to Earth 06/02/08
- Cloverfield 05/28/08
- Volver 05/27/08
- Logan's Run 05/21/08
- I'm Not There 05/20/08
- Lars and the Real Girl 05/16/08
- The Diving Bell and the Butterfly 05/07/08
- The Mist 05/05/08
- The Last American Virgin 04/30/08
- My Kid Could Paint That 04/29/08
- The Andromeda Strain 04/23/08
- Sweeney Todd 04/21/08
- Bad Education 04/16/08
- The Last Dragon 04/15/08
- Talk to Her 04/14/08
- All About My Mother 04/09/08
- The Host 04/08/08
- The Man Without a Past 04/04/08
- I Am Legend 04/04/08
- La Vie en Rose 04/01/08
- Mr. Brooks 03/26/08
- The Assassination of Jesse James 03/25/08
- Into the Wild 03/14/08
- Junebug 03/03/08
- Zodiac 02/29/08
- Margot at the Wedding 02/26/08
- Pan's Labyrinth 02/20/08
- Little Dieter Needs to Fly 02/20/08
- My Best Fiend: Klaus Kinski 02/20/08
- 300 02/12/08
- Rescue Dawn 02/11/08
- Factory Girl 02/08/08
- 3:10 to Yuma 02/05/08
- Air Guitar Nation 02/01/08
- The King of Kong 02/01/08
- Treasure Planet 01/30/08
- Pocahontas 01/29/08
- Tarzan 01/29/08
- The Rescuers Down Under 01/21/08
- The Black Cauldron 01/16/08
- Once 01/14/08
- The Great Mouse Detective 01/14/08
- Frank and Ollie 01/10/08
- The Machinist 01/07/08
- The Squid and the Whale 01/04/08
- Henry Fool 01/04/08
Monday, December 22, 2008
Big Night (1996) - 3.5/5
Big Night (1996) - 3.5/5
Good, simple movie. Warm and touching, but not sappy. Good dialog and acting.
Great ending scene.
Good, simple movie. Warm and touching, but not sappy. Good dialog and acting.
Great ending scene.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Hell's Angels (1930) - 4/5
Hell's Angels (1930) - 4/5
Very cool to see this having heard a lot about it from Howard Hughes documentaries. The pacing was a bit slow and the acting was... 1930.
The story was a bit cliche too, but the air battles were amazing. Also, it get's a lot of slack b/c of the date.
Very cool to see this having heard a lot about it from Howard Hughes documentaries. The pacing was a bit slow and the acting was... 1930.
The story was a bit cliche too, but the air battles were amazing. Also, it get's a lot of slack b/c of the date.
Fearless (1993) - 4/5
Fearless (1993) - 4/5
I really like this movie, but it's hard to say exactly why. Well done, but I'm left just a little confused - like I missed a really powerful message. Maybe I did or maybe I didn't, but think there's more to it.
SPOILERS:
My basic take on it is that Max faces his fear of death and overcomes it. Then he has no fear and lives life as he wants... most of the time. A couple times he has to face it again and overcome again.
He feels like a "ghost" and that he's already faced death and won. But I think he eventually realizes he wants to live again and tells his wife he wants her to save him.
He then eats a strawberry which he used to be very allergic to and either has a reaction or chokes. I think he chokes. She saves him and then "he's alive."
So did that restore his love of life or...???
I really like this movie, but it's hard to say exactly why. Well done, but I'm left just a little confused - like I missed a really powerful message. Maybe I did or maybe I didn't, but think there's more to it.
SPOILERS:
My basic take on it is that Max faces his fear of death and overcomes it. Then he has no fear and lives life as he wants... most of the time. A couple times he has to face it again and overcome again.
He feels like a "ghost" and that he's already faced death and won. But I think he eventually realizes he wants to live again and tells his wife he wants her to save him.
He then eats a strawberry which he used to be very allergic to and either has a reaction or chokes. I think he chokes. She saves him and then "he's alive."
So did that restore his love of life or...???
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Equilibrium (2002) - 1.5/5
Equilibrium (2002) - 1.5/5
I started this yesterday and almost decided not to finish it. I read someone's excited review about it online and decided to finish it out. Regret.
If I hadn't seen a clip w/ the writer/director, I wd have been sure this was written, directed and the fights choreographed all by 14 year old boys.
Bad on most levels.
I started this yesterday and almost decided not to finish it. I read someone's excited review about it online and decided to finish it out. Regret.
If I hadn't seen a clip w/ the writer/director, I wd have been sure this was written, directed and the fights choreographed all by 14 year old boys.
Bad on most levels.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Battlestar Galactica: Razor (2007) (TV) - 5/5
Battlestar Galactica: Razor (2007) (TV) - 5/5
As a stand alone movie at the theater, I'd give this a much lower rating, but as an extended episode of the series which is really what it is, it's great and I'll rate it as part of the series.
So see my previous post on the series for anything more.
As a stand alone movie at the theater, I'd give this a much lower rating, but as an extended episode of the series which is really what it is, it's great and I'll rate it as part of the series.
So see my previous post on the series for anything more.
"Battlestar Galactica" (2004) - 5/5
"Battlestar Galactica" (2004) - 5/5
My new all-time favorite sci-fi show. Yep, more than ST, ST:TNG, Quantum Leap, etc. Amazing. Hard to believe it myself. So great.
Maybe it's just the freshness of it, but this show beats them all.
I've been watching these for a few months now so I haven't posted much. I've watched seasons 1,2,2.5 and 3 and also the movie btwn seasons 3 and 4 "Razor" and they're all great.
The writing is awesome - best ever. They succeeded where XFiles and so many others have failed: they've held it together and avoided the cheap tricks and gimmicks other shows have to rely on after writing themselves into a corner.
The action, drama, sci-fi, everything is so on! This thing fires on all cylinders and doesn't back down on anything. Great in every way!
The first part of season 4 comes out on DVD next month and I hope to TiVo the new (last 10) episodes this Spring to finish it out.
I'm excited to see where it lands, but bummed to see it end. I heard of a spin-off they're going to do when it's over, but I can't imagine it will be good unless they use the same team... which I can't imagine they will.
My new all-time favorite sci-fi show. Yep, more than ST, ST:TNG, Quantum Leap, etc. Amazing. Hard to believe it myself. So great.
Maybe it's just the freshness of it, but this show beats them all.
I've been watching these for a few months now so I haven't posted much. I've watched seasons 1,2,2.5 and 3 and also the movie btwn seasons 3 and 4 "Razor" and they're all great.
The writing is awesome - best ever. They succeeded where XFiles and so many others have failed: they've held it together and avoided the cheap tricks and gimmicks other shows have to rely on after writing themselves into a corner.
The action, drama, sci-fi, everything is so on! This thing fires on all cylinders and doesn't back down on anything. Great in every way!
The first part of season 4 comes out on DVD next month and I hope to TiVo the new (last 10) episodes this Spring to finish it out.
I'm excited to see where it lands, but bummed to see it end. I heard of a spin-off they're going to do when it's over, but I can't imagine it will be good unless they use the same team... which I can't imagine they will.
Four Christmases (2008) - 3/5
Four Christmases (2008) - 3.5/5
Cute story. Not trying to be too much - just a holiday, romantic comedy. Some pretty funny scenes.
Cute story. Not trying to be too much - just a holiday, romantic comedy. Some pretty funny scenes.
Quantum of Solace (2008) - 3.5/5
Quantum of Solace (2008) - 3.5/5
Unfortunately, this was a let down. I felt "Casino Royale" was a good first Bond movie for Craig and this one sd have had a bigger scope.
Most things were ok, but the story was a bit small. Also, some things felt "cheap" like M going to the hotel to get Bond, etc. Not likely.
Unfortunately, this was a let down. I felt "Casino Royale" was a good first Bond movie for Craig and this one sd have had a bigger scope.
Most things were ok, but the story was a bit small. Also, some things felt "cheap" like M going to the hotel to get Bond, etc. Not likely.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) - 2.5/5
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) - 2.5/5
Not great, but low expectations from everyone else.
I felt the story was shallow and the characters too. Nothing great, but still alright.
Not great, but low expectations from everyone else.
I felt the story was shallow and the characters too. Nothing great, but still alright.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Run Fatboy Run (2007) - 3/5
"Run Fatboy Run" (2007) - 3/5
Decent. Kinda funny and a little touching, but nothing great.
Decent. Kinda funny and a little touching, but nothing great.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Burn After Reading (2008) - 3.5/5
Burn After Reading (2008)
A good little movie. I like how the Coen brothers kinda seem to have fun here, taking turns that are unexpected and doing things you don't normally do w/ movies. It's almost as if they said "We need a break after 'No Country' and just be light w/ the plot for this one."
A good little movie. I like how the Coen brothers kinda seem to have fun here, taking turns that are unexpected and doing things you don't normally do w/ movies. It's almost as if they said "We need a break after 'No Country' and just be light w/ the plot for this one."
Saturday, August 30, 2008
In Bruges (2008) - 4.5/5
In Bruges (2008)
Very good stuff.
SPOILERS:
Interesting Christ story w/ Ken sacrificing his life to save Ray, the mother and child, Harry is "God" (requires justice), etc.
Very good stuff.
SPOILERS:
Interesting Christ story w/ Ken sacrificing his life to save Ray, the mother and child, Harry is "God" (requires justice), etc.
The Getaway (1972) - 3/5
The Getaway (1972)
Pretty good but a bit slow and lacks direction. The relationships are great, but, man, she screws things up!
I liked a lot of little things, but can't give it too big of a pass for that.
Pretty good but a bit slow and lacks direction. The relationships are great, but, man, she screws things up!
I liked a lot of little things, but can't give it too big of a pass for that.
Cercle rouge, Le (1970) - 3.5/5
Cercle rouge, Le (1970)
Good but drags at times. Probably me. I think I watched this over too many days and lost some continuity.
Great characters!
Good but drags at times. Probably me. I think I watched this over too many days and lost some continuity.
Great characters!
Tropic Thunder (2008) - 3.5/5
Tropic Thunder (2008)
Like "Step Brothers" - funny first half. Robert Downey Jr. is great.
Well done in most respects: 'big' action, clever/spoof, funny.
Like "Step Brothers" - funny first half. Robert Downey Jr. is great.
Well done in most respects: 'big' action, clever/spoof, funny.
Step Brothers (2008) - 3/5
Step Brothers (2008)
Funny first half, second half has too much 'story' which is a weak point for this movie.
May have broke the f-bomb record.
Funny first half, second half has too much 'story' which is a weak point for this movie.
May have broke the f-bomb record.
Monday, August 04, 2008
The Italian Job (1969) - 3.5/5
The Italian Job (1969)
Changing things up: no more NEXT, Haiku or timed releases. It takes too much time to organize all that. I intend now to just review'em as I can.
I enjoyed "The Italian Job" - it's a fun story w/ fun characters and a great, extended car chase w/ a lot of variety which was a bunch of fun too.
It's pretty light and pretty fun.
Like w/ "The Killing" the end was kinda thin, but the tone of this movie held that up better.
Changing things up: no more NEXT, Haiku or timed releases. It takes too much time to organize all that. I intend now to just review'em as I can.
I enjoyed "The Italian Job" - it's a fun story w/ fun characters and a great, extended car chase w/ a lot of variety which was a bunch of fun too.
It's pretty light and pretty fun.
Like w/ "The Killing" the end was kinda thin, but the tone of this movie held that up better.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Jumper (2008) - 3.5/5
Jumper (2008)
Don't expect to be blown away by all the aspects of this movie, but if you can buy into the premise and have fun w/ it, it's a pretty fun movie.
Hayden Christiansen and Sam Jackson together again and still a bit at odds.
I think you can over analyze this movie and break it down pretty bad, but just as far as fun goes, I like it.
It's certainly a good movie in the vein of "Man, I've always thought that wd be the coolest!"
Don't expect to be blown away by all the aspects of this movie, but if you can buy into the premise and have fun w/ it, it's a pretty fun movie.
Hayden Christiansen and Sam Jackson together again and still a bit at odds.
I think you can over analyze this movie and break it down pretty bad, but just as far as fun goes, I like it.
It's certainly a good movie in the vein of "Man, I've always thought that wd be the coolest!"
Mamma Mia! (2008) - 3.5/5
Mamma Mia! (2008)
Cute, fun and good music. Meryl Streep is very impressive w/ her dancing and general jumping around having just turned 59!
It's very well done and fun.
Cute, fun and good music. Meryl Streep is very impressive w/ her dancing and general jumping around having just turned 59!
It's very well done and fun.
The Dark Knight (2008) - 5/5
The Dark Knight (2008)
AWESOME! If anything, almost too dark.
Great story lines, great characters. Btwn those things and the action, tone, suspense, etc., I can hardly imagine any movie putting all of these things together better.
Here's a great article on the movie.
AWESOME! If anything, almost too dark.
Great story lines, great characters. Btwn those things and the action, tone, suspense, etc., I can hardly imagine any movie putting all of these things together better.
Here's a great article on the movie.
Hancock (2008) - 4/5
Hancock (2008)
NEXT: The Killing (1956)
I'm not sure why people are saying this movie isn't good. I thought it was great. Maybe low expectations???
I thought the action was good, acting was good and the characters were good. I thought it was original, creative and I love how it jumped right into the story w/o a bunch of background. We'll catch up.
There's a few little plot holes and "why wd he do that" kinda things, but hey, it's a super hero movie - why don't they recognize Superman w/ glasses? Besides, I often rather little or no explanation rather than a faulty one.
Haiku Summary
Hancock is a jerk.
PR helps, wife's hero too.
Weaken each other.
NEXT: The Killing (1956)
I'm not sure why people are saying this movie isn't good. I thought it was great. Maybe low expectations???
I thought the action was good, acting was good and the characters were good. I thought it was original, creative and I love how it jumped right into the story w/o a bunch of background. We'll catch up.
There's a few little plot holes and "why wd he do that" kinda things, but hey, it's a super hero movie - why don't they recognize Superman w/ glasses? Besides, I often rather little or no explanation rather than a faulty one.
Haiku Summary
Hancock is a jerk.
PR helps, wife's hero too.
Weaken each other.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Frenzy (1972) - 2.5/5
Frenzy (1972)
NEXT: Hancock (2008)
Kinda disappointing from Hitchcock, but it was 1972 and I don't think they were allowed to make good movies for a few years there. Quality took a holiday.
The best part, imo, was the scenes btwn the detective and his wife.
Haiku Summary
Neck tie killer is
friend of guy who gets framed. He
gets out, guy gets caught.
NEXT: Hancock (2008)
Kinda disappointing from Hitchcock, but it was 1972 and I don't think they were allowed to make good movies for a few years there. Quality took a holiday.
The best part, imo, was the scenes btwn the detective and his wife.
Haiku Summary
Neck tie killer is
friend of guy who gets framed. He
gets out, guy gets caught.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Seven Up! (1964) (TV) - 5/5
Seven Up! (1964) (TV)
NEXT: Frenzy (1972)
This is a series where they took several 7-year-old kids from various walks of life in England in 1964 and interviewed them. They go back every 7 years to see how things are going. The premise was based on a quote: "Give me a child until he is seven and I will give you the man."
It's interesting to see who did what they thought they would and how they've changed, etc. I love this kinda thing! Most recently they did "49 Up" in 2005 so you get to see a majority of their lives at this point.
Since they come out every 7 years, there's a lot of recap in each documentary, but I still recommend watching them all to get the full information. After watching so much of their lives, you really feel like you know them and certainly care for them.
SPOILERS
Bruce, Paul and Neil are probably my favorites though I love how Suzanne changed so much over the years. Jackie, Lynn and Sue are kinda sad. Neil is heartbreaking, but powerful.
Haiku Summary
What can I say here?
People change. Some more, Some less.
A lot of it's sad.
NEXT: Frenzy (1972)
This is a series where they took several 7-year-old kids from various walks of life in England in 1964 and interviewed them. They go back every 7 years to see how things are going. The premise was based on a quote: "Give me a child until he is seven and I will give you the man."
It's interesting to see who did what they thought they would and how they've changed, etc. I love this kinda thing! Most recently they did "49 Up" in 2005 so you get to see a majority of their lives at this point.
Since they come out every 7 years, there's a lot of recap in each documentary, but I still recommend watching them all to get the full information. After watching so much of their lives, you really feel like you know them and certainly care for them.
SPOILERS
Bruce, Paul and Neil are probably my favorites though I love how Suzanne changed so much over the years. Jackie, Lynn and Sue are kinda sad. Neil is heartbreaking, but powerful.
Haiku Summary
What can I say here?
People change. Some more, Some less.
A lot of it's sad.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Bee Movie (2007) - 3.5/5
Bee Movie (2007)
Next: "The UP Series" (various years)
Cute and kinda funny. Nothing too big. I only kinda watched this movie w/ the boys so I don't have the best grasp of it. I think the failing of this movie is the law suit: not very interesting, not funny, boring for kids, not engaging, etc. I mean, who thinks "Yeah, let's have this fun animated movie... w/ a trial!"
Haiku Summary
Barry's not content.
Goes outside the hive. Meets girl.
Sues for honey. Wins?
Next: "The UP Series" (various years)
Cute and kinda funny. Nothing too big. I only kinda watched this movie w/ the boys so I don't have the best grasp of it. I think the failing of this movie is the law suit: not very interesting, not funny, boring for kids, not engaging, etc. I mean, who thinks "Yeah, let's have this fun animated movie... w/ a trial!"
Haiku Summary
Barry's not content.
Goes outside the hive. Meets girl.
Sues for honey. Wins?
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Beowulf (2007) - 3/5
Beowulf (2007)
Best thing about this movie: Crispin Glover's performance. But too little of him.
Decent action, but w/ CGI I can often feel like I'm watching a video game and can't really be impressed by the fight moves b/c... well, no one really did most of them.
Best thing about this movie: Crispin Glover's performance. But too little of him.
Decent action, but w/ CGI I can often feel like I'm watching a video game and can't really be impressed by the fight moves b/c... well, no one really did most of them.
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)
Next: Bee Movie (2007)
This episode has a lot of good and bad. Good: story, ending, action. Bad: Ewoks.
Haiku Summary
Emperor wants Luke.
Ewoks almost ruin film.
Vader is still good.
Next: Bee Movie (2007)
This episode has a lot of good and bad. Good: story, ending, action. Bad: Ewoks.
Haiku Summary
Emperor wants Luke.
Ewoks almost ruin film.
Vader is still good.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980) - 4/5
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Next: Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)
This movie has some great advantages in that it builds on an awesome story and character base from the first movie and doesn't need a real ending b/c Jedi is still to come so it can't really be a let down. It's like the second act w/ no pressure. :)
Haiku Summary
Love is in the air.
Luke trains w/ yoda. Clouds, fight,
Vader is his dad.
Next: Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)
This movie has some great advantages in that it builds on an awesome story and character base from the first movie and doesn't need a real ending b/c Jedi is still to come so it can't really be a let down. It's like the second act w/ no pressure. :)
Haiku Summary
Love is in the air.
Luke trains w/ yoda. Clouds, fight,
Vader is his dad.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Star Wars (1977) - 5/5
Star Wars (1977)
Next: Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Not too much to say. I don't know if I like seeing this w/ the altered understanding of seeing the earlier ones. I think it makes Darth kinda sympathetic and I liked him more as pure evil.
Haiku Summary:
Leia steals the plans.
Ben gets Luke to help rebels.
Han's cool. Darth is bad.
Next: Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Not too much to say. I don't know if I like seeing this w/ the altered understanding of seeing the earlier ones. I think it makes Darth kinda sympathetic and I liked him more as pure evil.
Haiku Summary:
Leia steals the plans.
Ben gets Luke to help rebels.
Han's cool. Darth is bad.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
The Killing (1956) - 3.5/5
The Killing (1956)
NEXT: ?
This had some good points to it. I liked the narration, the dialog is great, the jumping around in time is cool too. I liked most things about this movie except the ending.
SPOILERS
Having the dog run out, the case fall, the money blow away - I don't really like that kinda ending. Feels kinda cheap. I'd rather see the "good guys" figure things out or the bad guys make a fatal mistake or something, but not the rich lady's poodle. :|
Haiku Summary
Guys rob racetrack cash.
Great plan, great execution.
Poodle saves the day!
NEXT: ?
This had some good points to it. I liked the narration, the dialog is great, the jumping around in time is cool too. I liked most things about this movie except the ending.
SPOILERS
Having the dog run out, the case fall, the money blow away - I don't really like that kinda ending. Feels kinda cheap. I'd rather see the "good guys" figure things out or the bad guys make a fatal mistake or something, but not the rich lady's poodle. :|
Haiku Summary
Guys rob racetrack cash.
Great plan, great execution.
Poodle saves the day!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005) - 4/5
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005): "Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)" - 4/5
Next: "Star Wars" (1977)
The best of the new three - least Jar-Jar. Darker, but I think that's necessary.
Anakin beats Luke as the whiniest Jedi ever. :)
Haiku Summary:
Anakin has a
temper. Married, preg, wants
to save wife. Goes dark.
Next: "Star Wars" (1977)
The best of the new three - least Jar-Jar. Darker, but I think that's necessary.
Anakin beats Luke as the whiniest Jedi ever. :)
Haiku Summary:
Anakin has a
temper. Married, preg, wants
to save wife. Goes dark.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Du rififi chez les hommes (1955) - 4/5
Du rififi chez les hommes (1955) "Rififi"
Next: "Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith" (2005)
An interesting movie, but it didn't seem to build enough on its strengths: the characters.
UPDATED: Thinking more about this movie and given time, I believe I appreciate this movie more for the same reason as before too: the characters. The heist itself is a work of art that at the time I didn't appreciate. More in spoilers.
SPOILERS
I enjoyed the scenes of the robbery: no dialog, intensity, etc. But then the story turned to the kidnapped boy, etc. I liked that turn, but too much time was spent on the robbery that was fun to watch, but didn't build. Update: I was wrong here - I didn't appreciate the heist for what it was: artwork and the payoff of who these characters are: professional and skilled. Great stuff! Blueprint.
Haiku Summary:
Men want diamonds.
They rob store, boy is kidnapped.
All die, the boy lives.
Next: "Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith" (2005)
An interesting movie, but it didn't seem to build enough on its strengths: the characters.
UPDATED: Thinking more about this movie and given time, I believe I appreciate this movie more for the same reason as before too: the characters. The heist itself is a work of art that at the time I didn't appreciate. More in spoilers.
SPOILERS
I enjoyed the scenes of the robbery: no dialog, intensity, etc. But then the story turned to the kidnapped boy, etc. I liked that turn, but too much time was spent on the robbery that was fun to watch, but didn't build. Update: I was wrong here - I didn't appreciate the heist for what it was: artwork and the payoff of who these characters are: professional and skilled. Great stuff! Blueprint.
Haiku Summary:
Men want diamonds.
They rob store, boy is kidnapped.
All die, the boy lives.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Wanted (2008) - 3.5/5
Wanted (2008)
NEXT: "Du rififi chez les hommes" (1955)
Pretty good. The "reality" wasn't quite on. The action was cool, but since I didn't think they set it up quite right it felt a bit forced and weak.
SPOILERS
The loom? Seriously? Hmmm...
Haiku Summary
Regular guy is
son of super assassin.
Who's dad? He killed him.
NEXT: "Du rififi chez les hommes" (1955)
Pretty good. The "reality" wasn't quite on. The action was cool, but since I didn't think they set it up quite right it felt a bit forced and weak.
SPOILERS
The loom? Seriously? Hmmm...
Haiku Summary
Regular guy is
son of super assassin.
Who's dad? He killed him.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002) - 3.5/5
Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)
NEXT: "Wanted" (2008)
Better than Episode I if for no other reason than there's much less Jar-Jar. Though he does affect the story in a big way when the Emperor tricks him into putting forth the motion in the Senate to give him more power.
I've always felt that Anakin is pretty much a big baby: "it's not fair!" I know the point is that he's driven by his emotions, but come on! How can anyone that childish train for anything let alone to be a Jedi. Also, how cd any former queen of a planet fall in love w/ that?
Haiku Summary
Big baby wants girl.
Mom dies so he kills them all.
It must be true love.
NEXT: "Wanted" (2008)
Better than Episode I if for no other reason than there's much less Jar-Jar. Though he does affect the story in a big way when the Emperor tricks him into putting forth the motion in the Senate to give him more power.
I've always felt that Anakin is pretty much a big baby: "it's not fair!" I know the point is that he's driven by his emotions, but come on! How can anyone that childish train for anything let alone to be a Jedi. Also, how cd any former queen of a planet fall in love w/ that?
Haiku Summary
Big baby wants girl.
Mom dies so he kills them all.
It must be true love.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Hellboy (2004) - 3/5
Hellboy (2004)
This movie was fine. There were some good aspects and some weaker ones. The characters were pretty good, but it was just a little too campy. The action was fine, but never really believable b/c I felt like I was watching a video game to a degree.
NEXT: "Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones" (2002)
Haiku Summary
Good verses evil.
Hellboy wants girl, but it'll
never work. Big fits.
This movie was fine. There were some good aspects and some weaker ones. The characters were pretty good, but it was just a little too campy. The action was fine, but never really believable b/c I felt like I was watching a video game to a degree.
NEXT: "Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones" (2002)
Haiku Summary
Good verses evil.
Hellboy wants girl, but it'll
never work. Big fits.
Monday, July 07, 2008
The Emperor's New Groove (2000) - 3.5/5
The Emperor's New Groove (2000)
Next: "Hellboy" (2004
Funny and clever w/ some good humor that's funny to kids and adults. I wdn't say it stands out in any one area, but it's just a fun little movie.
Haiku Summary
Emperor fires
adviser. She turns him into
llama. He gets nice.
Next: "Hellboy" (2004
Funny and clever w/ some good humor that's funny to kids and adults. I wdn't say it stands out in any one area, but it's just a fun little movie.
Haiku Summary
Emperor fires
adviser. She turns him into
llama. He gets nice.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) - 3.5/5
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
Next: The Emperor's New Groove (2000)
A bit of a disappointment and probably more so the more times I see it. Jar-Jar is just annoying as are most of the alien life-forms. I've never really liked the make-up job of Darth Maul - looks like a guy in make-up.
There's some cool things, but not enough.
Haiku Summary
Trade blockade, Jedi
take Queen. Boy, pod race, midi-
clorians? Jar-Jar!
Next: The Emperor's New Groove (2000)
A bit of a disappointment and probably more so the more times I see it. Jar-Jar is just annoying as are most of the alien life-forms. I've never really liked the make-up job of Darth Maul - looks like a guy in make-up.
There's some cool things, but not enough.
Haiku Summary
Trade blockade, Jedi
take Queen. Boy, pod race, midi-
clorians? Jar-Jar!
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
The Lavender Hill Mob (1951) - 3/5
The Lavender Hill Mob (1951)
NEXT: Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
A fun little movie w/ "cute" criminals. I'm not sure if it was intentionally "cute" or just b/c of the times it was made, but they're so naive and such.
Great quote in the movie...
Haiku Summary
Two straight guys figure
out how to steal gold. Mistake,
chases, they are caught.
NEXT: Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
A fun little movie w/ "cute" criminals. I'm not sure if it was intentionally "cute" or just b/c of the times it was made, but they're so naive and such.
Great quote in the movie...
"Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these - it might have been" is a taken from 'Maud Muller', a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier
Haiku Summary
Two straight guys figure
out how to steal gold. Mistake,
chases, they are caught.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
WALL-E (2008) - 4.5/5
WALL-E (2008)
Next: The Lavender Hill Mob (1951)
Another great animation film! I'd say this is even better than "Kung Fu Panda" and that was great. No only did this movie have pretty much all the same strengths as "Panda" (action, camera work, animation, characters, etc.), but it had a few things extra...
It varied the styles of animation w/o feeling "wrong." It threaded aspects of the story so well that I just marveled. It expressed emotion in the characters very well... and they're robots! And it did all this w/ almost NO dialog!
I love Pixar shorts for telling stories w/ no dialog and this movie does just about the same thing!
SPOILERS
On Earth, the animation is more life-like and very well done, but on the ship, the people are more cartoony. I felt this contrast flowed well which is hard to imagine. Also, they even have a real human in a couple clips (Fred Willard) which also didn't seem too harshly real. Well played, Pixar. Well played.
Haiku Summary
Wall-E is lonely.
Eva comes and finds a plant.
Fight for ships return.
Next: The Lavender Hill Mob (1951)
Another great animation film! I'd say this is even better than "Kung Fu Panda" and that was great. No only did this movie have pretty much all the same strengths as "Panda" (action, camera work, animation, characters, etc.), but it had a few things extra...
It varied the styles of animation w/o feeling "wrong." It threaded aspects of the story so well that I just marveled. It expressed emotion in the characters very well... and they're robots! And it did all this w/ almost NO dialog!
I love Pixar shorts for telling stories w/ no dialog and this movie does just about the same thing!
SPOILERS
On Earth, the animation is more life-like and very well done, but on the ship, the people are more cartoony. I felt this contrast flowed well which is hard to imagine. Also, they even have a real human in a couple clips (Fred Willard) which also didn't seem too harshly real. Well played, Pixar. Well played.
Haiku Summary
Wall-E is lonely.
Eva comes and finds a plant.
Fight for ships return.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Kung Fu Panda (2008) - 4.5/5
Kung Fu Panda (2008)
Next: "Wall-E" (2008)
This was great. The action was well done and the camera work made it natural to see exactly what was happening (unlike so many live action movies where it's just a blur). All around, I think the camera work was great.
The story is well done and the characters are well developed. The humor is good and not insulting or too adult and the animation is amazing.
It's all around great.
Haiku Summary
Panda is dragon
warrior? Others don't like.
Scroll is blank. Ska-doosh!
Next: "Wall-E" (2008)
This was great. The action was well done and the camera work made it natural to see exactly what was happening (unlike so many live action movies where it's just a blur). All around, I think the camera work was great.
The story is well done and the characters are well developed. The humor is good and not insulting or too adult and the animation is amazing.
It's all around great.
Haiku Summary
Panda is dragon
warrior? Others don't like.
Scroll is blank. Ska-doosh!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Be Kind Rewind (2008) - 3/5
Be Kind Rewind (2008)
NEXT: "Kung Fu Panda" (2008)
Cute and funny, but nothing great. It mostly suffers from a lack of direction. It seems the base of the plot changes every 30 minutes. It's all really just a platform to make these short re-makes of films and that's really all I wanted to see anyway. They were pretty funny and very inventive and creative.
Haiku Summary
Magnatized guy, blank
tapes. Remake movies. Make cash?
Save store? What's the plot?
NEXT: "Kung Fu Panda" (2008)
Cute and funny, but nothing great. It mostly suffers from a lack of direction. It seems the base of the plot changes every 30 minutes. It's all really just a platform to make these short re-makes of films and that's really all I wanted to see anyway. They were pretty funny and very inventive and creative.
Haiku Summary
Magnatized guy, blank
tapes. Remake movies. Make cash?
Save store? What's the plot?
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Atonement (2007) - 4/5
Atonement (2007)
Next: "Be Kind Rewind" (2008)
Beautifully shot like an epic, I really liked this movie except for a couple things. Great acting, sets, camera work, pretty much everything. Awesome, complex story too.
SPOILERS
I loved the switching times and points of view they used as a device to tell the story from different perspectives. I felt a little cheated by the "wrong note" - it was so obvious that was going to happen and felt a bit amateurish. Also, the idea that based on a little girls statement about seeing someone in the dark outside, this guy wd go straight to prison. Again, it just felt a bit weak. Also, where was the atonement? I felt Briony "got away" with it. So she wrote about them in love in her book? Big deal. I don't mind them dying and not being together, but reveal that to the viewer in another way. I didn't like being taken so far into the future (present time) and ripped from that reality. So she's sick and dying, that's still not atonement. So it was GREAT except for the last 15 minutes.
One scene really sticks in my head. Early on we see Briony witness the fountain scene. We don't know what happened (like her) and wonder. Then we see it how it really happened and are away of the breaking vase, the sexual tension, etc.
Much later, and w/o much fanfare, we see the scene of Briony jumping in the water and Robbie saving her. I cdn't help but relate the two scenes. More importantly, I cdn't help but wonder how Briony saw the fountain scene... maybe she saw her sister jump in and Robbie NOT save her. Maybe she saw her sister try her same trick and Briony is jealous. Maybe she saw Robbie NOT get mad at Cecelia and even the clear connection those two had at that time... the connection Briony herself didn't have w/Robbie though she wanted it. Good stuff.
Haiku Summary
Girl lies about crime.
Guy goes to jail and war. Love
lost. Where's atonement?
Next: "Be Kind Rewind" (2008)
Beautifully shot like an epic, I really liked this movie except for a couple things. Great acting, sets, camera work, pretty much everything. Awesome, complex story too.
SPOILERS
I loved the switching times and points of view they used as a device to tell the story from different perspectives. I felt a little cheated by the "wrong note" - it was so obvious that was going to happen and felt a bit amateurish. Also, the idea that based on a little girls statement about seeing someone in the dark outside, this guy wd go straight to prison. Again, it just felt a bit weak. Also, where was the atonement? I felt Briony "got away" with it. So she wrote about them in love in her book? Big deal. I don't mind them dying and not being together, but reveal that to the viewer in another way. I didn't like being taken so far into the future (present time) and ripped from that reality. So she's sick and dying, that's still not atonement. So it was GREAT except for the last 15 minutes.
One scene really sticks in my head. Early on we see Briony witness the fountain scene. We don't know what happened (like her) and wonder. Then we see it how it really happened and are away of the breaking vase, the sexual tension, etc.
Much later, and w/o much fanfare, we see the scene of Briony jumping in the water and Robbie saving her. I cdn't help but relate the two scenes. More importantly, I cdn't help but wonder how Briony saw the fountain scene... maybe she saw her sister jump in and Robbie NOT save her. Maybe she saw her sister try her same trick and Briony is jealous. Maybe she saw Robbie NOT get mad at Cecelia and even the clear connection those two had at that time... the connection Briony herself didn't have w/Robbie though she wanted it. Good stuff.
Haiku Summary
Girl lies about crime.
Guy goes to jail and war. Love
lost. Where's atonement?
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Eastern Promises (2007) - 4/5
Eastern Promises (2007)
Next: "Atonement" (2007)
Great acting and original story. Intense at a lot of times w/quite a dark tone.
SPOILERS:
I have to take issue a bit w/ the premise, but that can be said for a lot of movies. It just seems that she really asked for trouble just going to some Russian restaurant and letting the clearly creepy old guy translate the diary. I wd think the police or Russian consulate or something wd have been better. I'm sure they cd have gotten to the same place in the story w/ good writing.
Unfortunately also, I kinda figured out that Viggo's character was undercover. I didn't really hurt the story though.
Haiku Summary
Preg girl dies. Baby
and diary. Rusians with
undercover guy.
Next: "Atonement" (2007)
Great acting and original story. Intense at a lot of times w/quite a dark tone.
SPOILERS:
I have to take issue a bit w/ the premise, but that can be said for a lot of movies. It just seems that she really asked for trouble just going to some Russian restaurant and letting the clearly creepy old guy translate the diary. I wd think the police or Russian consulate or something wd have been better. I'm sure they cd have gotten to the same place in the story w/ good writing.
Unfortunately also, I kinda figured out that Viggo's character was undercover. I didn't really hurt the story though.
Haiku Summary
Preg girl dies. Baby
and diary. Rusians with
undercover guy.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) - 4.5/5
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
Next: "Eastern Promises" (2007)
Great adventure. Long segments of non-stop action that really set the standard IMO. It's meant to be a throw back to the B adventure movies of yesteryear and I think it's that done well.
Haiku Summary
Grail search takes Jones on
search for dad. Dad shot. Grail found.
You've chosen wisely.
Next: "Eastern Promises" (2007)
Great adventure. Long segments of non-stop action that really set the standard IMO. It's meant to be a throw back to the B adventure movies of yesteryear and I think it's that done well.
Haiku Summary
Grail search takes Jones on
search for dad. Dad shot. Grail found.
You've chosen wisely.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Wall Street (1987) - 4/5
Wall Street (1987)
Next: "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" (1989)
Great movie. Great acting. It's a powerful morality tale about how far someone will go in their naive, "innocence" mixed w/ greed and money-lust.
Making friends w/ a snake just means your friend is a snake.
UPDATE: 6.24.08
I keep thinking about this movie - so great. I love how Buddy takes on Gordon's mannerisms and phrases ("Talk at ya, babe.", "That's a dog w/ fleas.", etc.). And I think there's a lot of depth to a lot of scenes like when he and Darien make "the dinner" and he says something like "It's perfect. Let's not eat it. Let's just look at it." He's so into the idea of everything. He wants to be "successful" and be "in that world" so bad that when he gets a moment there, he doesn't want to leave... and face himself.
Haiku Summary:
Local boy makes good
w/ inside info from dad.
Double cross. Greed good?
Next: "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" (1989)
Great movie. Great acting. It's a powerful morality tale about how far someone will go in their naive, "innocence" mixed w/ greed and money-lust.
Making friends w/ a snake just means your friend is a snake.
UPDATE: 6.24.08
I keep thinking about this movie - so great. I love how Buddy takes on Gordon's mannerisms and phrases ("Talk at ya, babe.", "That's a dog w/ fleas.", etc.). And I think there's a lot of depth to a lot of scenes like when he and Darien make "the dinner" and he says something like "It's perfect. Let's not eat it. Let's just look at it." He's so into the idea of everything. He wants to be "successful" and be "in that world" so bad that when he gets a moment there, he doesn't want to leave... and face himself.
Haiku Summary:
Local boy makes good
w/ inside info from dad.
Double cross. Greed good?
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Horton Hears a Who! (2008) - 4/5
Horton Hears a Who! (2008)
NEXT: "Wall Street" (1986)
UPDATED: 6.19.08 - saw it again at the $1 movies.
Very funny (at least the first half) and good story and animation. I thought it was good, creative and fun.
SPOILERS
I thought the kangaroo character was unnecessarily negative and judgmental while not adding a lot to the character makeup of the movie. They seemed to be calling out conservatives (based on the homeschooling reference) and it was just underhanded and judgmental on their part. The biggest bummer about that was that I didn't think it was necessary.
UPDATE: 6.19.08 - Again, I think they were trying to slam conservatives and probably religious conservatives w/ the kangaroo role, but maybe I'm looking for it (or just used to it). However, w/ the kangaroo saying "if you can't see it, heart it or feel it, it isn't real" they can't really be attacking those of faith. So maybe they're slamming atheists a bit??? Anyway, I'm not sure it was necessary, but I'm not familiar w/ the book so who knows if it was accurate anyway.
Haiku Summary
Horton hears a who
on a speck and saves it. Great
dentist scene. Funny.
Next: "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" (2007)
NEXT: "Wall Street" (1986)
UPDATED: 6.19.08 - saw it again at the $1 movies.
Very funny (at least the first half) and good story and animation. I thought it was good, creative and fun.
SPOILERS
I thought the kangaroo character was unnecessarily negative and judgmental while not adding a lot to the character makeup of the movie. They seemed to be calling out conservatives (based on the homeschooling reference) and it was just underhanded and judgmental on their part. The biggest bummer about that was that I didn't think it was necessary.
UPDATE: 6.19.08 - Again, I think they were trying to slam conservatives and probably religious conservatives w/ the kangaroo role, but maybe I'm looking for it (or just used to it). However, w/ the kangaroo saying "if you can't see it, heart it or feel it, it isn't real" they can't really be attacking those of faith. So maybe they're slamming atheists a bit??? Anyway, I'm not sure it was necessary, but I'm not familiar w/ the book so who knows if it was accurate anyway.
Haiku Summary
Horton hears a who
on a speck and saves it. Great
dentist scene. Funny.
Next: "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" (2007)
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Escape from New York (1981) - 3.5/5
Escape from New York (1981)
NEXT: "Horton Hears a Who" (2008)
I mean, what can I say: greatness. I can't explain it and if you need me to, you wdn't understand.
Haiku Summary
Prez crashes in New
York prison. Snake goes in. Saves
the prez. "Call me Snake."
NEXT: "Horton Hears a Who" (2008)
I mean, what can I say: greatness. I can't explain it and if you need me to, you wdn't understand.
Haiku Summary
Prez crashes in New
York prison. Snake goes in. Saves
the prez. "Call me Snake."
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Michael Clayton (2007) - 4/5
Michael Clayton (2007)
NEXT: "Escape from New York" (1981)
Great drama w/ great, well-defined characters. The story was compelling and intense. Many layers, but they took their time and let them grow naturally w/o getting confusing.
Haiku Summary
Big corp, product kills.
Lawyer w/ truth goes nuts. Strips.
Hidden phone, she's caught.
NEXT: "Escape from New York" (1981)
Great drama w/ great, well-defined characters. The story was compelling and intense. Many layers, but they took their time and let them grow naturally w/o getting confusing.
Haiku Summary
Big corp, product kills.
Lawyer w/ truth goes nuts. Strips.
Hidden phone, she's caught.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) - 4.5/5
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Next:
Holds up well with time: fun, adventure, humor and great action.
Haiku Summary:
Nazis want the Ark.
Indy wants to stop them. Big
action. Faces melt.
Next:
Holds up well with time: fun, adventure, humor and great action.
Haiku Summary:
Nazis want the Ark.
Indy wants to stop them. Big
action. Faces melt.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Piglet's Big Movie (2003) - 3/5
Piglet's Big Movie (2003)
Next: "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (1981)
Simple, cute, non-offensive, sweet kids movie. Simple ideas and concepts combined w/ good friendships and wanting to help such.
Haiku Summary:
Piglet overlooked.
Hurt, wanders. Friends miss him. They
look, find and value.
Next: "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (1981)
Simple, cute, non-offensive, sweet kids movie. Simple ideas and concepts combined w/ good friendships and wanting to help such.
Haiku Summary:
Piglet overlooked.
Hurt, wanders. Friends miss him. They
look, find and value.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Transformers (2007) - 4/5
Transformers (2007)
Next: "Piglet's Big Movie" (2003)
Very fun. Great CGI though the transformations were a bit unnecessarily complicated. No biggie.
It was cool, fun action that didn't take itself too seriously.
Haiku Summary:
Robots against bad
robots for big power. Kid
has key. With cool cars!
Next: "Piglet's Big Movie" (2003)
Very fun. Great CGI though the transformations were a bit unnecessarily complicated. No biggie.
It was cool, fun action that didn't take itself too seriously.
Haiku Summary:
Robots against bad
robots for big power. Kid
has key. With cool cars!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Semi-Pro (2008) - 2/5
Semi-Pro (2008)
Next: "Transformers" (2007)
A bad "Animal House" or "Old School" w/o the cast. Some funny parts, but overall not worth it.
It very much tried too hard to have more plots and such.
Haiku Summary:
B'ball team wants to
go pro. One chance. Win lots. I'd
like to forget it.
Next: "Transformers" (2007)
A bad "Animal House" or "Old School" w/o the cast. Some funny parts, but overall not worth it.
It very much tried too hard to have more plots and such.
Haiku Summary:
B'ball team wants to
go pro. One chance. Win lots. I'd
like to forget it.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Idiocracy (2006) - 2/5
Idiocracy (2006)
Next: "Semi-Pro" (2008)
Mostly weak but w/ a few funny bits. Not worth it.
Haiku Summary:
Guy sleeps five hundred
years. Meanwhile, dumb people have
babies. Dumb world. Stays.
Next: "Semi-Pro" (2008)
Mostly weak but w/ a few funny bits. Not worth it.
Haiku Summary:
Guy sleeps five hundred
years. Meanwhile, dumb people have
babies. Dumb world. Stays.
Monday, June 09, 2008
The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976) - 3/5
The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976)
NEXT: "Idiocracy" (2006)
Fairly artsy and hard to follow seriously unless you're really trying... and I wasn't. I get turned off pretty quickly if I feel people are trying too hard to be weird.
Core message: Our society is killing itself w/ entertainment and dangerous addictions.
WARNING: Nudity.
Haiku Summary
Spaceman needs water
to save home planet. Gets cash,
gets wasted. Does nil.
NEXT: "Idiocracy" (2006)
Fairly artsy and hard to follow seriously unless you're really trying... and I wasn't. I get turned off pretty quickly if I feel people are trying too hard to be weird.
Core message: Our society is killing itself w/ entertainment and dangerous addictions.
WARNING: Nudity.
Haiku Summary
Spaceman needs water
to save home planet. Gets cash,
gets wasted. Does nil.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Volver (2006/I) - 2.5/5
Volver (2006/I)
NEXT: "The Man Who Fell to Earth" (1976)
I didn't really get into this movie. I never really tied into the characters or the reality. This cd be a casualty of my method of watching it over multiple sittings??? But as things happened, I just watched and never bought into it.
It also felt disjointed: they'd drop storylines altogether and start new ones.
SPOILERS
So what happened w/ the restaurant? What happened w/ the guy from the movie crew? What happened w/ the mother-daughter relationship and telling the daugher her father was also her grandfather? What about all that - it was kinda revealed and left. What about the friend w/ cancer? There seemed to be so much left undone which might be the point, but it didn't seem to fit right.
Haiku Summary
Girl kills dad. Cover up.
Opens restaurant, mother
back to life. What the?
NEXT: "The Man Who Fell to Earth" (1976)
I didn't really get into this movie. I never really tied into the characters or the reality. This cd be a casualty of my method of watching it over multiple sittings??? But as things happened, I just watched and never bought into it.
It also felt disjointed: they'd drop storylines altogether and start new ones.
SPOILERS
So what happened w/ the restaurant? What happened w/ the guy from the movie crew? What happened w/ the mother-daughter relationship and telling the daugher her father was also her grandfather? What about all that - it was kinda revealed and left. What about the friend w/ cancer? There seemed to be so much left undone which might be the point, but it didn't seem to fit right.
Haiku Summary
Girl kills dad. Cover up.
Opens restaurant, mother
back to life. What the?
Monday, June 02, 2008
Cloverfield (2008) - 4/5
Cloverfield (2008)
NEXT: "Volver" (2006)
While this movie may not be the best, they get a lot of credit for being original in certain ways: camera action (handheld, but not "Blair Witch" too much), no star actors, "realism" w/o being campy, etc.
The special effects were great and watching some of the behind the scenes stuff made me realize they put a lot of thought behind so much of it all. From the monster design to the camera angles, they did this thing intentionally regardless of the outcome and I admire that.
SPOILERS
When you're shooting w/a lens like they did, you miss a lot so they had to plan things out accordingly which isn't common or easy. Also, they did a lot of things in long takes which is great.
The little flashbacks on the camera were a great touch.
Haiku Summary
Boy loves girl, but a
monster is attacking. He
finds girl but they die.
NEXT: "Volver" (2006)
While this movie may not be the best, they get a lot of credit for being original in certain ways: camera action (handheld, but not "Blair Witch" too much), no star actors, "realism" w/o being campy, etc.
The special effects were great and watching some of the behind the scenes stuff made me realize they put a lot of thought behind so much of it all. From the monster design to the camera angles, they did this thing intentionally regardless of the outcome and I admire that.
SPOILERS
When you're shooting w/a lens like they did, you miss a lot so they had to plan things out accordingly which isn't common or easy. Also, they did a lot of things in long takes which is great.
The little flashbacks on the camera were a great touch.
Haiku Summary
Boy loves girl, but a
monster is attacking. He
finds girl but they die.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Iron Man (2008) - 4.5/5
Iron Man (2008)
NEXT: "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" (2008)
I really liked this movie. It might not stand up to a lot of tough criticism, but I'm not going to throw any its way. It's a fun, action, super-hero movie so some reality has to be thrown out.
They don't over do any one thing too much: political, romantic, etc. So it doesn't offend the senses too much.
I think I left the theater w/ some criticism of it on some parts, but w/ time those have washed away and what's left is the memory of a fun action movie w/ little residue to bother me.
SPOILERS
Great final scene/line!
Haiku Summary
Arms vendor gets caught.
Partner is bad guy. Builds suit,
can fly, is Iron Man.
NEXT: "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" (2008)
I really liked this movie. It might not stand up to a lot of tough criticism, but I'm not going to throw any its way. It's a fun, action, super-hero movie so some reality has to be thrown out.
They don't over do any one thing too much: political, romantic, etc. So it doesn't offend the senses too much.
I think I left the theater w/ some criticism of it on some parts, but w/ time those have washed away and what's left is the memory of a fun action movie w/ little residue to bother me.
SPOILERS
Great final scene/line!
Haiku Summary
Arms vendor gets caught.
Partner is bad guy. Builds suit,
can fly, is Iron Man.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Logan's Run (1976) - 3/5
Logan's Run (1976)
NEXT: "Iron Man" (2008)
The first half has the same type of production as "The Omega Man", "The Andromeda Strain", etc.: bad '70's sci-fi. But the second half kinda frees itself from that and gets more into the story and implications of everything. Maybe it's just in contrast, but the second half "feels" a lot better.
It's a lot like "The Matrix" in some senses.
SPOILERS
Once they get out of the city, the movie isn't weighed down w/ the bad scenes and sets so that helps.
Haiku Summary
Future: all renew
when thirty. Some run. They die.
Logan runs and lives.
NEXT: "Iron Man" (2008)
The first half has the same type of production as "The Omega Man", "The Andromeda Strain", etc.: bad '70's sci-fi. But the second half kinda frees itself from that and gets more into the story and implications of everything. Maybe it's just in contrast, but the second half "feels" a lot better.
It's a lot like "The Matrix" in some senses.
SPOILERS
Once they get out of the city, the movie isn't weighed down w/ the bad scenes and sets so that helps.
Haiku Summary
Future: all renew
when thirty. Some run. They die.
Logan runs and lives.
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