May (NF24/MM4/CC9/OS3)

* The war tapes: (2006 - Documentary, war) A great documentary. A first hand experience. A complete tale - From pre-deployment, through the tour, and post-deployment. The National Guard soldiers who contributed to this unrated, unfiltered documentary didn't pull any punches when they put this one together. Genuine feelings and experiences. Containing some disturbing footage, it's easy to see how this experience will forever change those who lived it first hand. The day to day tragedies of our soldiers are truthfully displayed in a honest manner. They're there, doing a job they chose to do, despite the hardships involved. If you really want to know what the soldiers actually think about this war, I recommend this film. 4 out of 5.
* Harold & Kumar go to White Castle: (2004 - Comedy, adventure) A typical hollywood comedy, where drugs and sex are used to fill in the gaps. Two twenty-something college students are on a quest. After a munchies inducing tripping session, Harold and Kumar vow to gobble up some of those slimy, sublime burgers. Pile into the back seat on an adventure across town as these two encounter a handful of characters and situations that make you wish you were 23 again. The casting was the best part of this movie. The point of view afforded by John Cho and Kal Penn deviates from the standard 'Road Trip' comedy, bringing a fresh take to this light hearted stoner comedy. There's really nothing exciting about the writing or plot, but there were plenty of laughs, crazy situations and goofy characters. 3 out of 5.
* Mean Creek: (2004 - Drama, teen) Featuring excellent acting by: Rory Culkin, Ryan Kelley, Scott Mechlowicz, Trevor Morgan, Josh Peck and Carly Schroeder. This movie really surprised me. Growing up can be tough. When a young boy is bullied by the schools playground tyrant, the boys friends decide it's time to teach the bully a lesson. This movie featured some outstanding film work, a great soundtrack, and excellent directing (debut by Jacob Aaron Estes). The story is neatly confined to a lazy weekend boating trip on a serene river, but the emotional rapids are far more dangerous than the viewer might suspect. This movie did a great job of presenting some tough teen subjects. The pacing was excellent, and the slower moments of the movie are some of the best parts of this movie. The ending was an anti-hollywood wrap that impressed me. 5 out of 5.
* Strange Days: (1995 - Thriller, mystery, action, crime, drama, sci-fi) A thriller set in a dystopic future. Set in 1999! On the verge of the new millennium, LA is the scene of perpetual civil unrest. Arson, murder, and a riotous disaffected populace are set to explode. The protagonist discovers the trigger. The rape and murder of a friend sends him reeling into a mystery that could turn this seemingly hostile LA into a scene of total revolution. This movie contains some very limited sci-fi elements, but the real story is a thrilling murder mystery, and the political ramifications behind this catalyst. This movie was very sexy, glitzy and pop culture centric. The music was excellent, especially the live acts. A dark prediction of a dystopic future - ahead of it's time in many ways. 4 of 5.
* The Gorgon: (1964 - Horror, fantasy, sci-fi / U.K.) Really bad b-grade horror movie. The story is a foregone conclusion, and there isn't much mystery surrounding the events which unfold. The monster is one of the original three 'Gorgon' sisters (not Medusa - Perseus killed her, remember?). With snakes for hair, her horrific countenance is enough to turn anyone to stone. The only redeeming part was the acting by Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing, the location shots, and the premise of the movie. The directing was poor and the writing terrible. While the date may have been early, the special effects were absolute crap. There's a good reason why this movie isn't available on DVD. 2 out of 5.
* * Star Trek - The original series - Vol. 30, episodes 59 & 60: [The Enterprise Incident / And the Children Shall Lead]: I've been watching episodes of the original Star Trek series for the last couple of years. I watched it as a kid when I was growing up (Yow! that makes me... old?), I loved it back then, and I still love it. My friends and I used to pretend to be members of the 'Starship Enterprise', and this television series was a great source of imaginative exercise while I was growing up. The Enterprise Incident gave us a glimpse into the Romulan Empire. With Klingon design and a cloaking device, this episode also showed us the 'loving' side of the Romulans. Spock is the target of Romulan affection and Kirk becomes a Romulan! Quite an exciting episode. The second episode, 'And the Children Shall Lead' wasn't as good. Featuring a bunch of children. Kirk, crew and Enterprise are hijacked by an alien who is influencing a group of children who's parents have been slain in some unresolved tragedy.
* Cry_Wolf: (2005 - Horror, mystery, thriller) This one was in Kim's queue. I was avoiding it, but ran out of other things to watch, so I gave it a try. Not as bad as I had suspected. It wasn't a slasher movie where the killer stacks coeds like cord wood. This movie has a relatively unknown cast (aside from Jon Bon Jovi), but it appears that they were all selected based on their looks. The acting isn't anything to note, but the directing was o.k. There were a lot of twists and turns, but this movie lacked any real original turn. The writing was weak, the ending was good, but it was overshadowed by the stale execution throughout. A group of college kids make up a serial killer, trying to frighten their friends. When the killer turns out to be real, things get interesting. Problems with this movie. A hidden agenda, way too much dialog, and the ending exposition. The audience is continuously kept in the dark regarding the identity of the killer, very little clues afford us the opportunity to figure it out for ourselves. As the movie draws to a close, we're spoon fed a copious amount of exposition in order to 'explain' the true nature of the killer. 2 out of 5.
* Friday Night Lights: (2004 - Drama, action, sports) Texas is obsessed with High School football. I have no doubt. I know/have known Texans who will readily agree that this movie was an accurate representation of the drama infused in this movie. Accurately depicting the grueling emotional maelstrom that is Friday Night Lights. Excellent acting all around. Astute directing with outstanding attention to detail. The locations, sets and costumes transported me to a place where High School football is more important than anything else - Anything! The only draw backs are the harsh vivid vision presented in this monochromatic version of rural Texas. 5 of 5.
* The Wild One: (1953 - Action, drama, adventure) The film opens with a well conceived shot, spoiled only in execution. Here's a very early role for Marlon Brando. As the leader of a motorcycle gang, his charisma, confidence and cool are outstanding. He's definitely got some mojo going on in this movie. The acting is excellent, and his gets better as the movie progresses. When his gang is run out of one town, they just take the party next door. When another gang of former friends shows up, the party kicks into overtime, creating a catalyst that brings out the worst in everyone. The camera work is excellent and the night time shots are exceptional. This early 'motor cycle rebel' movie is definitely worth watching. 4 out of 5.
* The Thomas Crown Affair: (1999 - Drama, romance, mystery, crime) A romantic chick flick, disguised as a crime mystery. This remake stars Pierce Brosnan, Rene Russo and Denis Leary. Pierce Brosnan plays a single millionaire playboy. Obsessed with owning everything, doing everything, and always being on top. Rene Russo plays an insurance adjustor who falls for the sexy, suave, Brosnan. When a very expensive painting is stolen during a daylight raid, Rene Russo's character is called in to investigate. She gets great results, while Denis Leary plays the cop in the way. The crime mystery is pretty much the background to this romantic drama. A very slick production, featuring all the glitz and glamour of hollywood. Good acting, excellent camera work and direction. The music, sets, locations and props were all well done. Thankfully, Rene Russo and Pierce Brosnan are about the same age, and they were well cast and matched for this romantic drama. Brosnan seemed a bit out of it in this movie. I didn't get much sense of commitment in his role. Rene Russo on the other hand - She was awesome in her role. We see a lot of skin in this movie, and both actors looked very good in the sheets. It makes for a great date movie. 4 out of 5.
* Resident Evil - Apocalypse: (2004 - Action, horror, sci-fi) Sequel to a movie based on a video-game. I liked the video game, and I rated that original movie a 3 out of 5. Unfortunately, the horror is gone from this sequel. It's mostly an action flick. Full of explosions, hot-biker chicks intentionally detonating the gas tank on her motorcycle after she crashes through the stained glass windows of a large cathedral. I'm not quite sure how she managed to land before her motorcycle, or how she survived the crash, or the fall, or how she managed to land on her feet in order to shoot the gas tank, or for that matter - How she knew to shoot the gas tank... This kind of wraps up the plot. What? Yup, that wraps it up. Completely preposterous plot. O.k. here's a little more: Biogenics company had an accident, now they have to wipe out all the mutants, zombies and residents in Racoon city. That's it. The only thing this incredibly poorly written movie has going for it is the occasional gratuitous nudity and the eye candy leads. Milla Jovovich and Sienna Guillory looked great in those preposterous costumes. 2 out of 5.
* The Pursuit of Happyness: (2006 - Biography, drama) The true story of someone who pulled himself up out of poverty. First of all the acting (by Will and Janden Smith) was fantastic. I would never have imagined that 'The Fresh Prince' could have pulled off such a mature role. Excellent. Secondly, the heavy issues that this movie deals with will likely spark some controversy in those who view it. Is money the answer? I didn't see that as the message of this movie. It was something more than that. Happyness doesn't come from a high paying job, it comes from hard work, determination, and a willingness to do what you must for your family. Here's the story of a man who managed to do just that. When things looked worst, he never gave up. He struggled like anyone would, he strived to do his best, and in the end he pulled it all together. An excellent movie with a positive message. 4 out of 5.
* Wanderlust: (2005 - Documentary, drama) A made for TV movie. This documentary explores the American phenomena of the 'Road Movie'. With a sense of exploration and adventure, our nation has been wandering this uncharted wilderness for many years. Here is a documentary of how that plays out in film. They examine several Road Movies, trying to put into words and pictures the feelings we have as Americans, when we hit the open road. In addition they examine how these road movies affect us. Very well done technically, but lacking some in focus. The premise is a bit too ephemeral for the big screen. 3 out of 5.
* 13 Ghosts: (1960 - Horror, drama) The original 13 Ghosts movie. Remade in 2001 as 'Thir13en Ghosts'. This movie is marginally better than the remake. The acting in this movie is bad. B-Movie bad. Forced and campy. The only decent acting came from Jo Morrow. The special effects were cheesy and forced. I've seen better effects in movies made 30 years earlier. When an eccentric man dies, he leaves his big old house, and his collection of ghosts to his Nephew and his family. They move in because they've defaulted on their mortgage, and have to move out of their current home. This, plus some strange wording in the will makes them unwilling occupants in their haunted house. From that point on, the family endures some ridiculous ghostly types, while their lawyer tries to swindle them out of the 'hidden fortune'. The best part of this movie was the strange glasses used to see the ghosts (The original film (shown in theaters) featured ghosts in color - Red as they came into view and Blue as they faded away. The audience was given special glasses to see the ghosts), and the very lovely Jo Morrow. 2 out of 5.
* Den of Lions: (2003 - Thriller, action, drama, crime) I was surprised to learn that this was a U.S. production. Shot primarily in Hungary, and cast with Bob Hoskins, Stephen Dorff and several Hungarians. I'm not surprised that it isn't available on NetFlix either. Hopefully, it will stay that way. No one else should be subjected to this really bad film. Bob Hoskins plays a Russian with an English accent? Stephen Dorff plays an American FBI agent, who's put on the case in his homeland in order to help the Hungarians get rid of the Russian Mafia. The story was stale and old. I didn't detect anything original. Dorff's character infiltrates the Russian mafia, falls for the Kingpins daughter, and then has to take them all down... I think. I gave up on this one about three-quarters of the way through. It wasn't worth finishing. The production and direction were awful, and the writing was worthless. 1 out of 5.
* Sunset Boulevard: (1950 - Drama, film-noir) Amazingly well written, directed (by Billy Wilder), shot, and cast. The acting by William Holden, Gloria Swanson and Erich von Stroheim was exceptional. Gloria Swanson was legendary as the aging silent picture diva. Loaded with a fortune which is slowly killing her, she traps William Holden's character in a web of deceit, co-dependency and psychological terror, when he stumbles upon her and Erich von Stroheim in their decrepit mansion. The camera work in this movie is amazing, mesmerizing. The scenery, the framing, the lighting, the timing, all perfect. The dialog was full of memorable gems, and the narration from beyond was great. An excellent movie that casts a very bright light at the hypocrisy that is Hollywood. 5 out of 5.
* The Grapes of Wrath: (1940 - Drama, historical) Another timeless classic. This movie was directed by John Ford (one of the greatest American directors). Based on the novel by John Steinbeck. Starring Henry Fonda, Jane Darwell, John Carradine and many others. This movie tells the story of the American midwest during the depression. It's the story of a family of cropshare workers from Oklahoma. When they're evicted from their homes, they decide to head west - To the land of Milk and Honey. It's a cautionary, dark, but true tale. Some wouldn't believe that these things could happen in America. They did, they could, and they might happen again. What has happened to the labor unions in America? What has happened to health care, welfare, wages, labor laws? Amazingly charged with political and social commentary. The characters are fantastic. Especially the fallen preacher played by John Carradine. The dialog is rich with deeper meaning than any film made today. I should probably read the book. If it's anywhere as good as the movie, I'm missing out on something special. 5 out of 5.
* Roam: (2004 - Documentary) Recommended by a friend at work. He loaned me the movie, and I thought that it was superbly filmed. The editing, direction, production and camera work were all outstanding. The movie didn't tell a story of any sort. It just followed some very talented bikers (guys who ride mountain bikes) around the world. The locations were ephemeral, haunting and exceedingly beautiful. These young men don't really ride mountain bikes, it's more like the bikes are an extension of their bodies. Their command of these machines is inexplicable. You've may have seen skateboarders perform stunts with their boards, but you really can't imagine the things these guys do with their bikes. Watching this movie was thrilling, breathtaking, inspiring. The moves are unbelievable, it's almost as if these people are a group of demi-gods imbued with supernatural abilities. I can only imagine the rush they get from this sport. I ride my bike around my neighborhood, hoping I might loose some weight. They carve waves through the ether. Touching the sky, and churning up the earth in an otherworldly dance of man and machine. 4 out of 5.
* Khartoum: (1966 - Drama, historical, biographical, action, war / U.K.) The story of the British occupation of Egypt and Sudan. The story of Gen. Charles 'Chinese' Gordon. The story of the 'Mahdi' and his 'destiny'. Drawing parallels to recent times. Here is a nation that continues to find itself drawn into a ceaseless series of international affairs. The crown is extremely tired of acting as the worlds 'policemen', yet the vox-populi insists that it do 'the right thing'. A great cast, featuring Charlton Heston, Laurence Olivier, Richard Johnson, and many others. The directing was good, the acting really good. Especially that of Heston and Olivier. Unfortunately, I think that the role of Mahdi would have been better played by someone other than an English actor. The makeup was... Yuck. As good as it could get, I suppose. Making Laurence into a Sudanese native must have been something of a chore. Heston's character is unwillingly drawn into a no-win scenario by dedication to the crown. His mission, get the crown's subjects out of Khartoum before this 'Rebel' kills them all. Political expediency cripples every attempt at quashing this religious uprising, and Heston's character is forced to do his best in an untenable position. The writing was rich, with a lot of depth, but the pacing hurt the movie, as it moved so quickly that many of the finer points and character development didn't receive their fair share of attention. Some really good location shots, but most of the movie was shot on a set. The choreography and extra work was poorly executed. 3 of 5.
* Bruce Almighty: (2003 - Comedy, romance) Outstanding! I laughed my head off. The DVD extra features are also worthwhile. An excellent cast: Jim Carrey, Morgan Freeman, Jennifer Aniston, Philip Baker Hall, Steve Carell, Lisa Ann Walter. Jim Carrey's character is having a bad day. When he challenges God to do his worst, he's taken up on the offer. Carrey's character is saddled with the responsibility of playing God for a week. What does he do with the power? Watch and see. When Jim Carrey gets free reign with any scene you know it's gonna turn out right. Well directed, well acted, excellent writing. The visual effects were very well done. Steve Carell was awesome in his small role. The movie even ends on the right note. With a bigger message than the yucks shucked out by Carrey and crew. An excellent comedy. 5 out of 5.
* Bandidas: (2006 - Comedy, action, buddy) Borrowed from someone at work. This DVD has been floating around, from person to person at work. The original owner is holding out hope that someone will keep it. A female buddy movie dressed in western pretense. Two latin lovelies from opposite sides of the tracks team up to defeat a despicable American banker. Staring Penélope Cruz, Salma Hayek, Steve Zahn and Dwight Yoakam. This movie was an utter waste of time. An excuse to put Cruz and Hayek on screen together. Titillating torture for hot blooded young men who thought there might be some nudity (Steve Zahn's ass!?), or lesbian action. This supposed western setting was an excuse to dress Cruz and Hayek in chaps and period negligees. The plot was simply an excuse to direct these two as air headed Latino do-gooders. The pair shamelessly submit to this ridiculous set out of, what? Contractual obligation? For their fans? More likely it was for money! What a retched excuse of a movie. There really wasn't any point in casting a bad guy, as the entire movie is focused on Hayek and Cruz in competing kissing contests, revealing outfits, and compromising situations. Not worth the dried snot on my back-pocket handkerchief. Just in case you're wondering, neither Cruz or Hayek show anything beyond tight bustier shots. I passed this prurient drivel on to some twenty something military member. 1 out of 5.
* The Fountain: (2006 - Drama, sci-fi, fantasy, romance) Written and directed by Darren Aronofsky (of Pi, Requiem for a Dream). I loved Pi, and I own Requiem for a Dream (not as good as Pi). I've been waiting to see this movie for a long time. Starring Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz. This movie is cinematically beautiful. The film work, sets, lighting and cgi are perfectly blended to create a consistent feel as the movie moves through three different time periods. The movie, the plot is a real mind bender. I'll attempt to explain it, without spoiling it? One main character, a man, is obsessed with a quest for immortality. As his wife is dying of cancer, he seeks a way to stave off the inevitable. In the quest, he struggles to come to terms with the frailty of mankind, the transience of our existence, the hope of love ever after, and the promise of a life after death. Can he grasp this elusive promise before the substance of reality passes beyond his grasp? The movie flashes back and forth between three settings - 21st century medical researcher, Past crusader on mystic quest, Far future philosopher reflecting on his life. It's left to the viewer to unravel the mysteries touched upon, the order they are presented in, and the conclusions drawn by this movie. Wonderful acting, great soundtrack, fantastic camera work, and writing full of metaphors. A film that leaves you thinking afterwards. 4 out of 5.
* * Star Trek - The original series - Vol. 31, episodes 61 & 62: [Spock's Brain / Is There in Truth No Beauty?]: I've been watching episodes of the original Star Trek series for the last couple of years. I watched it as a kid when I was growing up (Yow! that makes me... old?), I loved it back then, and I still love it. My friends and I used to pretend to be members of the 'Starship Enterprise', and this television series was a great source of imaginative exercise while I was growing up. Spock's Brain is a favorite of mine. Aliens abduct Spock's brain, and the crew of the Enterprise are forced to follow the aliens to their home planet. Spock is animated and controlled with a remote while the rest of the crew race against time to reunite body and mind before it's too late for Spock. Is There in Truth, features an alien called 'the Medusa'. Pure energy contained in a box. The Medusa and it's handler are aboard the Enterprise for transport. When a jealous lover ends up dead, Spock and crew investigate the incident as further romantic notions muck up the works.
* Butcher Boy: (2006 - Drama, comedy / Ireland/USA) Neil Jordan (The Crying Game) adapts and directs a novel by Pat McCabe. This powerful drama stars 14 year old Eamonn Owens in a powerful portrayal of a disturbed child. Set in Ireland during the 60's, Owen's plays a young boy who's family life is a wreck. With a suicidal mother and drunkard for a father, he turns to his dark but comedic fantasies (wonderfully portrayed on screen) for escape. When he get's a bit out of control, he's sent away to a "Boy's Home". That's when he starts conversing with 'The Virgin Mary' (played by Sinéad O'Connor!). When he's released, he obsesses over his only remaining friend. When that relationship goes south, he blames the neighbor lady, and commits an unspeakable act. The excellent acting (by Eammon Owens), soundtrack and great story kept me riveted throughout. The only drawback to this movie was the rushed pacing. 4 out of 5.
* Becket: (1964 - Drama, historical, biography / U.K./USA) Two actors at the top of their game. Starring Richard Burton, Peter O'Toole, and many more excellent actors. It's hard to believe that this film was released in 1964. It has a fresh feel, excellent set work, and the production quality is outstanding. King Henry the second is vexed by his best friend Thomas Becket. When the King ordains Becket as a bishop, the mans best friend finds that he can no longer tolerate the excesses of the crown. Choosing God over country, the king is outraged and the results are treacherous. A gripping drama, a true story, and a wonderful spectacle. This play made into a movie was an excellent work. The camera work was great, as was the music and the directing. The best part of the movie is the acting. These two play opposite each other in fantastic fashion. 4 out of 5.
* Apocalypto: (2006 - Drama, action, adventure) Mel Gibson's outstanding period piece. Here is a movie (in subtitles) unlike any of the Hollywood block-busters we typically see. A small scale tale with larger ramifications. The screenplay doesn't attempt to create an epic tale, but the story has scale all the same. When the simple lives of these natives are upset by a ravaging empire, they do all that they can to stay together. Here's the story of an individual, who does his best to keep his family together. Critics may have seen modern-day allegory or parallels to America as the Aztec empire, but I saw a fantastic adventure, with break-neck pacing and excellent action scenes. The acting by complete unknowns was outstanding. The production and direction were outstanding, as was the music. The amazing attention to detail in set and costume design was truly spectacular. While there was a lot of violent imagery in this movie, I found it matched to the themes of the movie, and in keeping with historical records of the day. An outstanding effort by Mel Gibson. 5 out of 5.
* Eragon: (2006 - Action, fantasy, adventure / USA/U.K.) This movie was in Kim's queue. I was avoiding it, but had nothing else to watch. It's been getting some buzz at work. A couple of friends recommended it, but the synopsis I read, and previews I saw, gave me a pretty good idea of what to expect. Based on a novel, and aimed at a slightly more mature audience than the Harry Potter crowd. This movie is all glitz and no guts. Oh yes, it was a fantasy movie. But I had problems early on with this movie. When someone pulled a huge dragon egg out of there pocket, and the dragon grew from 10 lbs to 10,000 lbs in the span of 10 seconds, I couldn't help but groan. The acting was terrible across the board, the writing mundane, and the plot was lacking in originality. The choice of a female voice (Rachel Weisz) for the dragon was the only thing original about this movie. The cgi was obvious and overplayed. Many scenes had a video game feel. The worst part was the characters. Paper thin and poorly acted, this movie reminded me of the Dungeons and Dragons movie. The best part of the movie was the 'Magic Words' they used to cast spells, and that angle was all but ignored in the film. 2 out of 5.
* Letters from Iwo Jima: (2006 - Drama, historical, war) Based on a book (by Tadamichi Kuribayashi), screenplay written by Iris Yamashita and Paul Haggis, directed by Clint Eastwood, and starring Ken Watanabe, Kazunari Ninomiya, Tsuyoshi Ihara and many others. Of the two movies (this one and Flags of our Fathers), this one is by far the better movie. The writing is much better as is the acting, the setting and the story is original. We've never seen this side of the battle before, and I for one appreciated it. I won't turn this into a debate on the atrocities of war, or which side did what to whom. As a movie, this was an outstanding accomplishment. Eastwood's directing seems better in this movie, but the acting and quality of the actors was also visibly better. I really liked the 'letters' aspect as well. Throughout the movie, there is a focus on correspondence with loved ones. Each side had families back home, and we were shown a side of the soldier we are rarely allowed to see. The side that wants to survive, the side that wants to make it through to the other side. The pacing, lighting and camera work were all outstanding. Bravo Mr. Eastwood. This one is outstanding. I'll add it to my list. 5 out of 5.
* The Good German: (2006 - Mystery, drama, thriller) Outstanding cinematography. Shot in black and white, this film contains lots of vintage footage from the WWII era. The camera work and lighting are painstakingly controlled to help place the film and viewer in that time. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, the cast is a fair mix of talent including George Clooney, Cate Blanchett and Tobey Maguire (who's acting stinks, but somehow feels more at home in this genre than any other). Unfortunately the story was lacking. The technical aspects were great, but I found that the writing was missing something. Without spoiling the story, I'll tell you this. In a film noir story, there should be film noir and story. I kept wondering what the reveal was. Unfortunately, when I found out, it was quite a let down. 3 out of 5.
* Magnificent Obsession: (1954 - Drama, romance) Here's a movie I've been hoping to watch for some time now. Directed by Douglass Sirk, and starring Jane Wyman, Rock Hudson, Barbara Rush, Agnes Moorehead, Otto Kruger, and many other fine actors. This love story featured a character set you're familiar with - Rich spoiled playboy meets pure, honest, beautiful girl. As he tries vainly to win her heart, he only makes things worse. The acting was great, the timing, casting, and direction were excellent. While the classical soundtrack was very good, it was overplayed at times. Despite the cliched soap opera feel of this tear jerker, the direction and acting made it well worth watching. Better than many present day movies that try vainly to succeed with the same template. 4 of 5.
* Deathwatch: (2002 - Drama, horror, war / U.K./Germany) This horror story is set in the trenches of WWI. A group of British soldiers discover a series of forward German trenches, they capture a few German soldiers, and they secure the trenches. As they wait for reinforcements, they begin to experience a series of hauntings, horrific encounters, and madness. Good use special effects. They didn't overdo it. The acting was pretty good (for a horror movie), and the suspense was well played. Thankfully, the director didn't let this movie get out of hand with over dramatic scenes. I felt that the lighting and color could have been used to better effect. The location, costumes and set work was excellent. The ending was something out of 'the Twilight Zone'. 3 of 5.
* Children of Men: (2006 - Drama, sci-fi, fantasy, action / U.K. ) A great premise, but the story was kept very narrow in scope (despite the broader scope of the novel that it's based on), and some of the politics were so focused that I found them distracting. In a dystopian future, mankind has lost the ability to reproduce. As chaos spreads, Britain remains the last holdout of 'civilization'. When one woman becomes pregnant, she becomes mankind's greatest hope and a powerful bargaining tool in a war against immigrants? Throughout the movie, I kept thinking "This sure feels and looks like a 'Quatermass' episode". Many of the characters, locations, and sets felt like a Quatermass episode. An old British series which contained many of the elements used in this movie. The casting was lopsided. Some of the acting was good (Clive Owen, Michael Cain, Julianne Moore), while many of the other actors were clearly unable to match the skills of Owen and company. This movie contained a lot of political overtones, with a clearly (in my opinion) anti-American slant (war on terror, internment camps, anti-immigration policies), and a lot of shoot outs - As if violent shoot-outs equals plot development. While the camera work was great, it seemed a bit too frenetic for this movie. One of the better parts of the movie was a car chase/action scene where a vehicle speeds backwards to escape a vicious mob. The movie was a bit too violent, the pacing a bit too fast, the politics a bit too overt, and the ending was too much of a foregone conclusion. Great cinematography, good acting and excellent editing, but the story was lacking. 3 out of 5.
* The Basketball Diaries: (1995 - Drama, biography) Recommended by someone at work. This Palm Pictures release is a movie based on the life story of Jim Carroll. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Lorraine Bracco, James Madio, Patrick McGaw, Mark Wahlberg, Roy Cooper, Juliette Lewis, and many others. The acting (especially DiCaprio's) got better as the story progressed. The story is one of addiction, depression, redemption and survival. Leonardo DiCaprio plays a young man with dreams of basketball. Unfortunately, he becomes a dope fiend and ruins those hopes. While he struggles to survive, many of the people he loves turn against him. In the end, he has to pull himself up by his bootstraps in order to escape from the hell that is his life. I've seen this story before (Trainspotting, Drugstore Cowboy), and frankly I'm tired of it. This very violent movie did very little in plot, aside from glorifying the drug culture. I'm so tired of wanker 'artists' who feel it's important that they 'suffered' through a drug addiction in order to become a better, poet, actor, writer, etc. The acting in this movie was the best part of the movie. The story made me sick, sad and disgusted. DiCaprio was outstanding. 3 out of 5.
* Primer: (2004 - Sci-Fi, Thriller, Drama) Written, directed and starring Shane Carruth. This independent film showcased some great talent in Shane Carruth and a very versatile cast. This incredibly low budget movie ($7,000) manages to create an incredible sci-fi story without resorting to explosions, cheesy special effects or a stupid love story. Four friends are working out of a garage, tinkering towards an unspecified secretive goal. In a breakthrough, they manage to create something special. Something none of them expected. As two of the group struggle to keep the secret to themselves, things start to unravel. This time travel story was compelling, challenging and interesting. The plot was as twisted as the convoluted conundrums created by their quantum box. The music led a thrilling air of mystery, and this movie was a success in it's ability to thrill without revealing too much. I really liked the fact that it became so convoluted that I couldn't follow it. Yes, the fact that I couldn't keep up. A time travel movie that doesn't put off the problems of paradox. A time travel movie where the characters do things that real people would do. 5 out of 5.
* Little Miss Sunshine: (2006 - Comedy, drama, adventure) We paid for this one on Comcast on demand. A great comedy, an excellent human drama. The writers didn't resort to crass vulgarity or ridicule in order to craft an enjoyable movie. The casting was excellent. You don't need a cast of perfect people (i.e. Beauty queens) in order to tell a tale as humble as this one. A dysfunctional, but clearly typical family, does their best to support the dream of one member. The characters are well developed, and the premise soundly based. As the family piles into their run-down VW bus, they head across country to discover what makes them tick. In the end, despite their problems, they realize that they're better off than many supposedly 'normal' people. Excellent direction, acting, music and story. I laughed, smiled, and connected with this family. If you enjoyed 'The Royal Tenenbaums, Garden State or Stranger than Fiction', you'll like this movie. 5 out of 5.
* You only live twice: (1967 - Action, drama, sci-fi, thriller) An excellent Bond movie. Starring Sean Connery, this one is written by Ian Flemming, and it features some outstanding sets. It starts out with the death of James Bond, and quickly launches into a mystery of cosmic proportions. Someone is capturing the Soviet and American space capsules. As the two super-powers point missiles at each other, James Bond is tasked with unraveling the mystery which threatens a global confrontation. Based primarily in Japan, the Japanese casting and acting was a refreshing change of pace. The music and sets were excellent. This Bond flick featured many gadgets, car chases, spaceships, Ninjas, and an amazing little helicopter. The best part of the movie was the huge 'bad guy' lair. Based inside the crater of a volcano, the place was immense. I thoroughly enjoyed the cliched characters (Leader of bad guys 'Ernst Stavro Blofeld' is the template for Dr. Evil (in Austin Powers)) and the extravagant set work. Lots of action, excellent pacing, great fun. 4 out of 5.
* Team America - World Police: (2004 - Comedy, satire, action) Brought to us by the pair responsible for South Park (Trey Parker and Matt Stone) Every single scene in this movie is a satirical masterpiece. The lines were truly works of art. The juxtaposition of crude, rude and raunchy humor with the staid expressionless contempt of puppets. Genius! The technical aspects of this movie were truly astonishing. It seemed to me that everything was done by hand. No computer graphics here folks. The puppet work and intricate sets were truly outstanding. This movie was so funny, it left me gasping at times. The plot? I really could care less. Some silly thing about terrorists, led by Kim Jong Il, wanting to blow up the world! Team America is a group of overzealous freedom fighters, intent on making the entire world 'safe'. The point is the counterpoint. Truly libertarian satire, which smirks at the heavy handed state of current affairs. Thank god someone can laugh at terrorism, I'm getting awful tired of inspecting my vehicle for 'suspicious devices' (that's an inside joke). "Maaatt Daaamon" 5 out of 5.
* Demolition Man: (1993 - Action, sci-fi, crime, comedy) I really thought I had seen this movie before - Not so! How could I have missed out on this gem? Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Wesley Snipes, Sandra Bullock, Rob Schneider, Denis Leary and others. This movie reminded me a lot of 'Judge Dread'. Stallone plays a hard-ass cop in a futuristic society. Wrongfully convicted of murder during the apprehension of Snipes' character, Stallone and Snipes are cryogenically frozen for the duration of their sentence. Awoken early, Snipes goes on a rampage, and the authorities in this utopian future are forced to unthaw Stallone's character. The two then go to town wrecking havoc in this somewhat humorous crime caper. Bullock is annoyingly chipper, Schneider really solidifies his 'what me worry' character, and the acting is mediocre throughout. The direction by Marco Brambilla was horrible, but watching a ripped Stallone trade blows with Snipes was a lot of fun. I give the writers credit for trying to create a future society through unusual dialog and mannerisms. This movie contained a good amount of satirical social commentary. The bit with Taco Bell being the only restaurant on earth was a nice touch of pre-Idiocracy lather, deleted from some versions of the film. The roles and writing were well matched to the acting talents in this cast. 4 out of 5.