Genre: Comedy

Year: 2010

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: Russell Brand, Rose Byrne, Tyler McKinney, Zoe Salmon, Lino Facioli

Director: Nicholas Stoller

My Review: Boil it down and you'll find that this is a 'Road Trip' movie. At first it seems a bit simple, but then it fragments into a thousand little side stories. With a simple premise 'Get Him to the Greek', you'd think the movie would be somewhat linear and unimaginative. Thankfully it's not, with the right pacing and a highly imaginative series of vignettes, the movie does a good job at being nothing more than hollywood entertainment. There's really nothing more to this movie than it's cast and characters. The casting of Jonah Hill and Russell Brand was great. They worked well together, and I found both to work well in their roles. As far as performances go, I thought Russell Brand did a much better job in his role than Jonah Hill. Unfortunately, Jonah Hill is already getting type cast in the 'clueless, kinda funny, nice guy' role. The movie - While it's a road trip movie, it's also an insiders satire. The satire runs thick in this parody of the music business. With the 'Aldous Snow' character representing the excess and vapidness of a jaded industry. Jonah Hill's character is an uninspiring marketing man who opens his mouth and ends up with an 'impossible' job. Getting Aldous Snow to the Greek theater in time for a 'resurrection' concert. If you've seen the previews, you've seen some of the best parts of this movie. Despite it's sexist, womanizing, drug glorifying messages, it's still entertaining. One of the best things about this movie? The Music. The one thing I wasn't expecting - The music is actually very good (with some big names behind it). Russell Brand did a pretty good job in that role. I give it 3 of 5.

Summary:

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Year: 2007

Country: USA, Canada

Rating:

Starring: Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, Allison Janney

Director: Jason Reitman

My Review: Directed by Jason Reitman (Thank you for smoking) and written by Diablo Cody (She won an oscar for the screenplay). This movie stars Ellen Page, Jason Bateman, Jennifer Garner, Michael Cera, Olivia Thirlby, J.K. Simmons, Allison Janney, Rainn Wilson, Lucas MacFadden and others. High school teenager, Juno (played by Ellen Page) is pregnant. It's definitely not something she planned, and now she's in over her head. With the help of her supportive friends and family, she decides to have the child, then give it up to someone who's more capable of raising a child. It's a positive, pro-choice, pro-life movie. While Juno 'chooses' what to do with her baby/body, she ultimately decides to have the child. It's a feel good compromise, that neatly avoids the controversy of the 'other' choice. Thankfully, it makes for a good plot, good drama, and that's what it is. A feel good drama about consequences, responsibility, and making the right decisions. The movie is full of complicated real-life decisions, slightly quirky yet intelligent characters in complicated relationships (teen and adult), and fantastic music. The acting was definitely top-notch, and the story deserved the oscar it captured. A bit like a combination between Knocked up and Napoleon Dynamite. I liked it so much I bought a copy. 5 out of 5.

Summary: A tale told over four seasons, starting in autumn when Juno, a 16-year-old high-school junior in Minnesota, discovers she's pregnant after one event in a chair with her best friend, Bleeker. In the waiting room of an abortion clinic, the quirky and whip-sharp Juno decides to give birth and to place the child with an adoptive couple. She finds one in the PennySaver personals, contacts them, tells her dad and step-mother, and carries on with school. The chosen parents, upscale yuppies (one of whom is cool and laid back, the other meticulous and uptight), meet Juno, sign papers, and the year unfolds. Will Juno's plan work, can she improvise, and what about Bleeker?

Genre: Drama, History

Year: 1978

Country: UK

Rating:

Starring: Richard Jordan, Anthony Perkins, Cyril Cusack, Claude Dauphin, John Gielgud

Director: Glenn Jordan

My Review: The 1978, Made for TV version, starring Richard Jordan (As Jean Valjean - The persecuted man) and Anthony Perkins (as Chief Inspector Javert). Based on the novel by Victor Hugo, this movie depicts the unjust conditions of 19th century France (1815 - 1832). Jean Valjean is convicted of stealing bread, imprisoned for an initial sentence of five years. Jean ends up spending 19 years in prison, before he finally escapes. Once he's escaped, he becomes a force for good in the land. Even so, a specter from his past - The now retired prison manager has taken a job as a Chief Inspector in the town where Jean is Mayor! The movie focuses on Jean Valjean's struggles, his experiences with the essence of good and evil. It's a story of redemption and the the nature of law, justice, charity and grace. The movie is loaded with history, architecture, politics, philosophy. It's historical fiction with a great story, fantastic archetypes and some great acting. A classic story of persecution and redemption. Despite the fact that this movie is a 'Made for TV' feature, it is regarded by many as the best version of Victor Hugo's novel. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Summary:

Genre: Comedy

Year: 2008

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: John Cleese, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, Graham Chapman, Terry Jones

Director: Will Yapp

My Review: A hastily constructed documentary (Part of an A&E special package - The complete Monty Python's Flying Circus - Collectors Edition Megaset) about Monty Python - in America. How they came to America, who were these people? Monty Python, who's that? The documentary follows the Monty Python from it's beginning as a wacky British sketch troupe - on the television, to a global sensation buoyed upward by American audiences and the international exposure provided by American media. While Monty Python started out (in America) as a PBS sensation, it didn't take long for the big studios to notice the fact that American audiences were ready for sketch comedy that was a bit edgier than the Tonight Show. With interviews from some American comics, and members of Monty Python, their was a good amount of insider focus, but I would have liked more. The show focuses on entertainment industry machinations, the numerous ways to inject a new meme into American culture. If it hadn't been for that unique angle, the low budget production, typical outtakes, and luke warm interviews would warrant a lower rating. I give it a 3 out of 5.

Summary: And now for something completely different, unless you own the Spiny Norman-sized "The Complete Monty Python's Flying Circus Collector's Edition Megaset", which includes this pair of authoritative, entertaining, and not at all silly 2008 documentaries as bonus features. "Before the Flying Circus" is present at the creation, chronicling the formative years of John Cleese, Michael Palin, Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Terry Gilliam, and how they met, formed creative partnerships, and developed their singular comic voice. "Monty Python Conquers America" follows the troupe's long and winding road to the States and acknowledges the unsung heroes in the Python story, the tenacious marketing reps and risk-taking public television execs (Luke and Owen Wilson's father among them) and radio djs and program directors who helped to unleash upon unsuspecting citizens the troupe that conventional wisdom said was too crazy, too eccentric, too British, and too silly to be a success here. Both programs eschew the usual bits to present rarely seen footage. "Before" boasts a treasure trove of clips of pre-Python projects, such as the loony children's show "Do Not Adjust Your Set". "Conquers" contains priceless home-movie glimpses of fledgling Python-mania as well as new interviews with the Montys and some admirers, including Hank Azaria, David Hyde Pierce, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, Judd Apatow, and Carl Reiner. For passionate Pythoneers and the uninitiated who may be wondering what's all this then, "The Other British Invasion" is an invaluable addition to the "Python" canon. "--Donald Liebenson"

Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Year: 2009

Country: Canada, France, USA

Rating:

Starring: Adrien Brody, Sarah Polley, Delphine Chanéac, Brandon McGibbon, Simona Maicanescu

Director: Vincenzo Natali

My Review: Ugggh! I was suckered into thinking that this might be some serious sci-fi, only to discover that the plot was wasted on prurient sexploitation. Two brilliant scientists (Adrien Brody and Sarah Polley) work for a pharmaceutical company. They're doing some groundbreaking research, edging ever closer to the ethical boundaries of what you can do with DNA. Daring to play god by creating synthetic life forms. When they create a pair of designer hybrids never seen in nature, they dare to dream beyond their mandate, to wonder what would happen… If only they could use human DNA to create a more advanced life form. Well, if you've seen the previews, you've got most of the story. What you probably didn't see is the multiple rape scenes - That's right, rather sick and twisted, this movie takes a scientific premise, dresses it up to make it more appealing, calls it Dren, then does some rather disgusting things with it. While the movie seemed to be headed somewhere special, it definitely lost track when the plot threads didn't quite come together towards the end. The ending was a foregone conclusion, pointing towards a sequel option that may have driven the movie from the beginning. The acting was mediocre, the special effects o.k. the digital effects fair. The production pretty good, but the story suffered, and the plot holes were far too big to ignore. Add to that the rather disgusting rape scenes, and I can't recommend it. I didn't like it. 2 out of 5.

Summary: Two young rebellious scientists are told by their employers to halt groundbreaking work that has seen them produce new creatures with medical benefits by splicing together multiple organisms' DNA. They decide to secretly continue their work, but this time splicing in human DNA.

Genre: Crime, Mystery, Thriller

Year: 2009

Country: Sweden, Denmark, Germany

Rating:

Starring: Michael Nyqvist, Noomi Rapace, Lena Endre, Peter Andersson, Michalis Koutsogiannakis

Director: Daniel Alfredson

My Review: A sequel to the outstanding movie - The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. This is the second movie of a trilogy - Based upon a trilogy of novels by Swedish author/journalist/activist, Stieg Larsson. The main character - Lisbeth Salander (played by Noomi Rapace) is an edgy hacker girl. A computer, tech, security, expert. Competent and bright, she's a bit of a sociopath. Her background explains her anti-social, independent, paranoid personality. Despite the character apparent social flaws and outward appearance, she's a strong moralist, with a keen sense of right and wrong. Most importantly, she's dangerous to those who do evil deeds. This movie is extremely well paced (slow), dark (lighting and mood), and mysterious. The story is a suspenseful murder mystery involving whistleblowers, human trafficking, sex trade, and political figures. When an important political figure wants to avoid exposure in the media, he hires a group of dangerous characters to stop the investigation. Excellent direction, character development and pacing. The acting was excellent - Noomi Rapace (lead character) and Michael Nyqvist (publisher/editor of Millennium magazine) both did a great job. The sets/location, camera work, all aspects of production were extremely well done. The screen adaption/scripting was outstanding. Unfortunately, the movie is extremely violent at times. Combined with the sexual content, this movie is not for kids. I give it a 4 out of 5.

Summary: Mikael Blomkvist, publisher of Millennium magazine, has made his living exposing the crooked and corrupt practices of establishment Swedish figures. So when a young journalist approaches him with a meticulously researched thesis about sex trafficking in Sweden and those in high office who abuse underage girls, Blomkvist immediately throws himself into the investigation.

Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, History, Thriller, War

Year: 2010

Country: UK

Rating:

Starring: Michael Fassbender, Andreas Wisniewski, Dave Legeno, Axelle Carolyn, Dominic West

Director: Neil Marshall

My Review: Here's another one of those movies that's so shallow that the preview says it all. Non stop running, stabbing, chopping, chasing… The story - If you could call it that: A group of Roman soldiers in Northern England (the year is 117AD) are fighting the Picts - Warriors of the Indigenous people. Nearly all of the Roman soldiers get wiped out. The survivors try to make it home/back to their side of the lines. In this story, the Picts are vilified, made enemies. Compare real-time to the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Indigenous peoples are enemies, Romans are the civilizing, noble, honorable and righteous soldiers - The Americans? What pathetic writing. The characters are one dimensional, with one exception. The witch that isn't a witch. That part was brilliant. The acting was shallow, the direction unimaginative and linear. This movie must have spent more money on costumes and make up than 'Showgirls'. All flash, no substance and a pathetic story - Boring!. If you like non-stop, extremely gory, head-chopping action, you might rate this movie higher than a 2. For me? 2 out of 5, and that's generous.

Summary: Britain, A.D. 117. Quintus Dias, the sole survivor of a Pictish raid on a Roman frontier fort, marches north with General Virilus' legendary Ninth Legion, under orders to wipe the Picts from the face of the Earth and destroy their leader, Gorlacon.

Genre: Documentary, Comedy

Year: 2009

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: Jack Rebney, Ben Steinbauer, Keith Gordon, Nick Prueher, Joe Pickett

Director: Ben Steinbauer

My Review: An amazing documentary - Who would have thought that a singular YouTube sensation could spark so much interest? Jack Rebney gained fame on YouTube as 'The Angry' man when video out-takes from a promotional industrial video were leaked to the public at large. Over the years, this furious, swearing, sweating, common man became an icon of rage, of disgust at the system, a symbol of our collective angst. His ranting, raving, rage inspired us, made us laugh and reminded us that life goes on. That no one can be boiled down to a fifteen second YouTube clip. The filmmaker manages to capture the man behind these underground videos. A well crafted offering that didn't simply suffice to offer up the stereotype we'd all come to love. I give Ben Steinbauer credit for making a memorable, laughable and moving movie out of someone as simple, as complex, as interesting and as boring as 'The Winnebago Man'. Well done. 4 out of 5.

Summary: Jack Rebney is the most famous man you've never heard of - after cursing his way through a Winnebago sales video, Rebney's outrageously funny outtakes became an underground sensation and made him an internet superstar. Filmmaker Ben Steinbauer journeys to the top of a mountain to find the recluse who unwittingly became the "Winnebago Man."

Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Year: 2010

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: Adrien Brody, Topher Grace, Alice Braga, Walton Goggins, Oleg Taktarov

Director: Nimród Antal

My Review: Another Predator sequel? Recommended by a co-worker, I hesitantly added it to my queue. I was soon regretting that decision. While this movie is far better than Predator 2, it's lack of originality hurts the franchise. Despite some protestations to the contrary, I found the plot nearly identical to that of the first movie, with the added complication of a new setting. The movie features Humans vs Predators (plural vs singular in the first movie) in a 'kill or be killed' scenario. The characters are diverse enough to capture your attention, and the production value was top notch. Unfortunately, the plot - If you've seen the original, makes this movie a snore fest. The first movie had plenty of suspense while this one simply tests your patience. It's got thrills and excitement, but the lack of an original script (that's my opinion - you're reading my review) makes this movie less than satisfying. 2 out of 5.

Summary: Chosen for their ability to kill without conscience, a group of killers, some trained and some who are not, must endeavour the alien race of predators that have set out to target them as prey. Dropped into the vast jungle of a distant world, these human predators must learn just who, or what, they are up against, and that their ability, knowledge and wits are tested to the limits in the battle of survival of kill or be killed.

Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Year: 1991

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: Joe Mantegna, William H. Macy, Vincent Guastaferro, J.J. Johnston, Jack Wallace

Director: David Mamet

My Review: Written and directed by one of my favorite directors, David Mamet presents a provocative police thriller. Set in Baltimore during the 70s(?), this film features some great acting by Joe Mantegna, William H. Macy, and Ving Rhames. Bobby Gold is a police detective in the homicide division. The department is family to this non-practicing Jew. He and his partner are involved in a high-profile drug case when he stumbles upon a seemingly mundane murder case. He's pulled off his case, and forced to work on this other case. Gold doubts the murder is a 'Hate Crime', but things become more convolved when he stumbles upon signs of conspiracy and gun smuggling. Is Det. Gold soon finds himself searching for answers on many levels. The characters are rich and complex. The situations provocative and ambiguous. Excellent direction and cinematography. I give it a 4 out of 5.

Summary: Policeman Bob Gold has to capture a murder that not even the FBI has been able to find. But before he can even start he is re-assigned to the murder of an old lady in a black area. The evidence points at a Jewish group and he discovers connections between them and his previous case.