Genre: Crime, Drama, History, Thriller, War

Year: 2008

Country: Denmark, Czech Republic, Germany

Rating:

Starring: Thure Lindhardt, Mads Mikkelsen, Stine Stengade, Peter Mygind, Mille Lehfeldt

Director: Ole Christian Madsen

My Review: An action packed WWII drama, with deep characters, subtle motivating factors and complicated plot strings. This movie is based on actual events. Depicting Danish resistance fighters; Flame (Thure Lindhardt) and Citron (Mads Mikkelsen). This team takes orders from resistance leadership; assassinating Danish collaborators, informers, and Nazis. The acting was truly outstanding. The intensity was brutal. The drama gripping. What started out as a simple patriotic mission becomes incredibly complex when the pair begin to doubt the the orders handed out by their leaders. There's a lot of double-dealing, deception and doubt swirling about when these two idealists take on the complex goal of routing Nazis from their beloved country. The editing and camera work were extremely well done. If you liked 'Army of Shadows' and 'Black Book', you'll love this movie. 5 out of 5.

Summary:

Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Year: 2008

Country: USA, Germany

Rating:

Starring: Caroline Aaron, Hugh Dillon, David Gane, Gill Gayle, Kent Harper

Director: Jennifer Chambers Lynch

My Review: Surveillance is a murder mystery, slasher, psychological thriller, with a twisted message. The stunning truth behind the twist was predictable, and I spotted it about half way into the movie. In this movie, Bill Pullman and Julia Ormond play a pair of FBI agents tasked with the investigation of a horrendous mass murder. The plot involves three survivors, and a recounting of the crime - In Kurosawa's Rashomon style. The FBI agents and local police, interview each of the survivors separately. As each group gives witness to the crime, the movie jumps from flash back to flash back, and back to the present. With each story comes a personal spin and some distortion. The movie challenges the viewer to decipher the clues as the movie progresses. While I enjoyed the Kurosawa aspects of the movie, I was shocked and repulsed by the level of violence depicted. In the end, this movie lacked redemption, and the message was downright obscene (and not in a nasty, freaky, sexy way). The acting (especially the against type casting of Cheri Osteri (from SNL) and French Stewart (from 3rd Rock from the Sun)) and camera work were well done, but that doesn't make up for the derivative writing and violent treatment. This movie was co-written and directed by Jennifer Chambers Lynch - Daughter of David Lynch. Unfortunately, her first movie since Boxing Helena (15 years later) doesn't rise much above that unusual beginning, instead opting for an incredibly violent, weak, remaking of Akira Kurosawa's Rashomon. Violence doesn't equal entertainment - in my opinion, and the weak Kurosawa treatment didn't thrill me in the least. 2 out of 5.

Summary: Grisly murders occur in a small town. Two FBI agents arrive, set up their cameras in three interview rooms, and set up interviews of three survivors: a girl of about nine, a foul-mouthed cop with a bandaged hand, and a young woman of about 20 who uses drugs. Each tells their story as the male FBI agent listens and watches from a separate room: the girl draws for and talks to the female agent, the local chief interviews the injured cop, and two officers interview the young woman. As they tell their stories, some of which are inaccurate and self-serving, we see what actually happened the day before. Can the agents or anyone else put the pieces together?

Genre: Comedy

Year: 2010

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: Michael Angarano, John Baker, Robin Ballard, Steve Berg, Jemaine Clement

Director: Jared Hess

My Review: Co-written and directed by Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre), here is another quirky comedy with less than typical characters. In this movie, home school loner Benjamin Purvis is sent off to a fantasy writers conference, where he meets some quirky characters. While he's there, his favorite author - Ronald Chevalier - steals his hopeful literary submission, and pedals it into a smash hit. Not knowing that his work has been pilfered, Benjamin sells his story to a small time 'independent' film maker. This movie is nowhere nearly as fun as Napoleon Dynamite. The characters - with a few exceptions - are so completely darkish, that they're unbelievable. One might believe one or two dweebs in a quirky movie of this calibre, but here the entire world is populated by dorkites. The completely unbelievable characters make it very difficult to connect with the movie, and I was constantly distracted by the utterly ridiculous characters; completely missing any message the movie might have carried. 2 out of 5.

Summary: Benjamin, home-schooled by his eccentric mother, is a loner whose passion for writing leads him on an journey as his story first gets ripped off by the legendary fantasy novelist, Ronald Chevalier, and then is adapted into a disastrous movie by the small town's most prolific homespun filmmaker.

Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Year: 2009

Country: USA, Canada

Rating:

Starring: John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandie Newton, Oliver Platt

Director: Roland Emmerich

My Review: Seriously? With a budget of $200,000,000.00, how could anyone make a movie this bad? In this humongous hollywood block buster, we're treated to a story of apocalypse. Apparently, the ancient Mayans had it right all along. The fact that their calendar (or the only ancient Mayan calendars that we know of) ended with the year 2012, was obviously a prediction that the end of the world would come about in 2012… Hogwash. Starting with a wholly unbelievable concept, the movie then rushes headlong into a series of incredibly improbable, inexplicable, pseudo-science malarky, as set-up for this utterly improbable apocalyptic tale. Thankfully, the action was so non-stop, that I really didn't have much time to contemplate the utterly preposterous occurrences depicted in this movie. Plot - Solar flares are putting out more neutrinos than normal, and these neutrinos are actually interacting with the Earth's core. They're causing it to heat up. Liquifying the Earth's mantle. Scientists and politicians know that the end is near, and they build some arks in an attempt to survive the coming apocalypse. In an attempt to humanize this 'End of Days' drama, the movie (primarily) follows one person; a writer named Jackson Curtis (John Cusack), in his personal efforts to finalize his 'end of days'. The shining cast stank just as mightily as the rest of this movie. The special effects were surprisingly poor for the price tag, and my senses were constantly assaulted with amazing cgi, depicting completely impossible, improbable, even laughable, feats of death-defying catastrophe. For 158 minutes, I was praying that this movie would come to an abrupt and fiery end! 1 out of 5.

Summary: Dr. Adrian Helmsley, part of a worldwide geophysical team investigating the effect on the earth of radiation from unprecedented solar storms, learns that the earth's core is heating up. He warns U.S. President Thomas Wilson that the crust of the earth is becoming unstable and that without proper preparations for saving a fraction of the world's population, the entire race is doomed. Meanwhile, writer Jackson Curtis stumbles on the same information. While the world's leaders race to build "arks" to escape the impending cataclysm, Curtis struggles to find a way to save his family. Meanwhile, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes of unprecedented strength wreak havoc around the world.

Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama, History, Thriller

Year: 2009

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: James Russo, David Wenham, Christian Stolte, Jason Clarke, Johnny Depp

Director: Michael Mann

My Review: The Great Depression created a climate of unlimited possibilities to organized crime and desperate individuals alike. Here is the story of one such character. Johnny Depp stars as John Dillinger, eclipsing nearly all the other actors in this movie about the waning days of John Dillinger. Christian Bale stars as Melvin Purvis - the G man charged with Dillinger's demise. Following Dillinger in his dangerous deeds, the movie moves across the country as Dillinger moves from prison to bank heist to hideout. Based on a book about Dillinger, the movie contained a good deal of factual drama and action. The video effects were well done (especially the firearms effects) and the camera work notable. While Dillinger may have thought that he was center stage, the times were far more momentous than any single man. The FBI was fighting for survival, justification, redemption and expansion. The Mob was doing their best to dominate local governments, remain below the radar and reap the rewards of graft, greed and a low profile. Dillinger served as distraction, threat and catalyst to those larger issues. Excellent editing, acting and production. An epic drama of American ideals. 4 of 5.

Summary: This is the story of the last few years of the notorious bank robber John Dillinger. He loved what he did and could imagine little else that would make him happier. Living openly in 1930s Chicago, he had the run of the city with little fear of reprisals from the authorities. It's there that he meets Billie Frechette with whom he falls deeply in love. In parallel we meet Melvin Purvis, the FBI agent who would eventually track Dillinger down. The FBI was is in its early days and Director J. Edgar Hoover was keen to promote the clean cut image that so dominated the organization through his lifetime. Purvis realizes that if he is going to get Dillinger, he will have to use street tactics and imports appropriate men with police training. Dillinger is eventually betrayed by an acquaintance who tells the authorities just where to find him on a given night.

Genre: Action, Comedy, Horror

Year: 2009

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin, Amber Heard

Director: Ruben Fleischer

My Review: The Zombie apocalypse is upon us in this tongue in cheek post-apocalyptic romp through shopping mall, amusement park and burned out husk of America. Woody Harrelson leads a group of young survivors in this cross-country quest to make sense out of tragedy. All the characters are suffering from some symptom brought about by the sudden tragedy that swept away their world of security and simple life. Leaving aside any plausible justification for this zombie-stomp, you're left with an action packed comedic drama. The plot is this - We kill zombies! The costume and makeup work was outstanding. Some of the zombie kills were a bit disturbing, but zombies aren't people. While the world is overrun with Zombies, this group of misfits keeps their spirits up, their seat-belts buckled, and their shotguns loaded. Despite it's dark premise this movie manages to make us hopeful of humanity's ultimate fate. 3 out of 5.

Summary: The horror comedy Zombieland focuses on two men who have found a way to survive a world overrun by zombies. Columbus is a big wuss -- but when you're afraid of being eaten by zombies, fear can keep you alive. Tallahassee is an AK-toting, zombie-slaying' bad ass whose single determination is to get the last Twinkie on earth. As they join forces with Wichita and Little Rock, who have also found unique ways to survive the zombie mayhem, they will have to determine which is worse: relying on each other or succumbing to the zombies.

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Year: 2009

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Jason Bateman, Amy Morton

Director: Jason Reitman

My Review: Starring George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick and others. Here is a slow but perfectly paced drama, comedy, romance. George Clooney plays Ryan Bingham; a hired gun who jets about the country firing employees for the weasels who can't manage to do so themselves. When a young upstart brings a challenge into his life, he finds his secure personal philosophy threatened by realities of the world outside. When the two are forced to work together, Ryan begins to question the wisdom of his isolationist life. A cross-country trip brings some clarity to his life as he begins to form relationships and open himself to emotional consequences. Extremely well written, produced and directed. The acting was outstanding and despite the heavy nature of Ryan's job, the movie had many humorous moments. I'm really surprised that it didn't actually win any oscars. 5 out of 5.

Summary: Ryan Bingham is a corporate downsizing expert whose cherished life on the road is threatened just as he is on the cusp of reaching ten million frequent flyer miles and just after he's met the frequent-traveler woman of his dreams.

Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance

Year: 2009

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: Ricky Gervais, Jennifer Garner, Jonah Hill, Louis C.K., Jeffrey Tambor

Director: Ricky Gervais, Matthew Robinson

My Review: In a world where everyone speaks truthfully - Mark Bellison is the king. He's the only one capable of lying, or whatever it's called. With his new found ability to "say something that isn't", Mark discovers the power of truth. An original comedy? It certainly felt fresh and new to me. The writing was terrific, the acting charming, and the comedy low-key. The invention of fiction brings comfort to one and joy to millions. Who would have thought, lying used for good? Great movie, light, laughable and charming. 4 out of 5.

Summary: It's a world where everyone tells the truth - and just about anything they're thinking. Mark Bellison is a screenwriter, about to be fired. He's short and chunky with a flat nose - a genetic pool that means he won't get to first base with Anna, the woman he loves. At a bank, on the spur of the moment he blurts out a fib, with eye-popping results. Then, when his mother's on her deathbed, frightened of the eternal void awaiting her, Mark invents fiction. The hospital staff overhear his description of Heaven, believe every word, and tell others. Soon Mark is a prophet, his first inventive screenplay makes him rich, and he's basically a good guy. But will that be enough for Anna?

Genre: Documentary, Drama

Year: 2009

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: Thora Birch, William Black, Jimmy Carter, Congressman Elijah Cummings, Baron Hill

Director: Michael Moore

My Review: Another Michael Moore movie - Telling it like it is! I really enjoy his movies. He's always pulling back the veil on the hypocrisy, cynicism and downright corruption in America. Our society tolerates so much abuse it's truly amazing. When will Americans use the power of their vote to reign in this corporate greed? With the recent Supreme Court ruling (Citizens United vs Federal Election Commission), corporations are now able to directly influence elections through unlimited campaign contributions. Not only do I predict, I guarantee that corporations will use this recent ruling in order to influence, purchase and control elections. Your vote won't count for much when it's compared to the billions they'll spend on campaign contributions. It seems to me that Michael Moore will never want for fresh fodder in his search for the next politically charged documentary. This one was quite good, but the structure was a bit sloppy. Sure to leave you outraged, fired up, and pissed off. We really should bail out the poor banks. They need our tax money. Without them where would we be? 4 out of 5.

Summary: Capitalism: A Love Story examines the impact of corporate dominance on the everyday lives of Americans (and by default, the rest of the world). The film moves from Middle America, to the halls of power in Washington, to the global financial epicenter in Manhattan. With both humor and outrage, the film explores the question: What is the price that America pays for its love of capitalism? Families pay the price with their jobs, their homes and their savings. Moore goes into the homes of ordinary people whose lives have been turned upside down; and he goes looking for explanations in Washington, DC and elsewhere. What he finds are the all-too-familiar symptoms of a love affair gone astray: lies, abuse, betrayal...and 14,000 jobs being lost every day. Capitalism: A Love Story also presents what a more hopeful future could look like. Who are we and why do we behave the way that we do?

Genre: Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Year: 2009

Country: USA, UK

Rating:

Starring: Milla Jovovich, Will Patton, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Corey Johnson, Enzo Cilenti

Director: Olatunde Osunsanmi

My Review: Supposedly based on a 'true tale''; I didn't care for the staged way in which the movie switched back and forth between dramatic re-enactment and 'archive footage'. It was quite evident that the 'archived footage' was actually studio produced for this movie. The lighting, production and editing were simply too perfect to be 'actual recordings' of 'live events'. This led an air of disbelief to the whole movie. I did enjoy some of the split screen effects, those were quite innovative. The pacing, setting, lighting and camera work produced a very eery feel. The acting was o.k. but the direction was a bit antiseptic. The character direction too perfect. The movie is a tale of 'alien abduction'. It's a fictitious account of one family's particular encounters in the small isolated town of Nome, Alaska. The primary characters are a psychiatrist and her patients. As Dr. Abigail Tyler begins to delve deeper into the mystery shared by many of her patients (after the mysterious death of her husband), she begins to unravel the disturbing details of an other-worldly thriller. Very well produced, but a bit overly clinical in its direction. I give it a 3 out of 5.

Summary: In 1972, a scale of measurement was established for alien encounters. When a UFO is sighted, it is called an encounter of the first kind. When evidence is collected, it is known as an encounter of the second kind. When contact is made with extraterrestrials, it is the third kind. The next level, abduction, is the fourth kind. Modern-day, Alaska, where-mysteriously since the 1960s-a disproportionate number of the population has been reported missing every year. Despite multiple FBI investigations of the region, the truth has never been discovered. Here in this remote region, psychologist Dr. Abigail Tyler began videotaping sessions with traumatized patients and unwittingly discovered some of the most disturbing evidence of alien abduction ever documented. The Fourth Kind exposes the terrified revelations of multiple witnesses. Their accounts of being visited by alien figures all share disturbingly identical details, the validity of which is investigated throughout the film.