Genre: Crime

Year: 1987

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: Lindsay Crouse, Joe Mantegna, Mike Nussbaum, Lilia Skala, J.T. Walsh

Director: David Mamet

My Review: Written and directed by David Mamet (screenplays: The Postman always rings twice, The Verdict, The Untouchables, Glengarry Glen Ross, Wag the Dog, Hannibal), this movie is now a Criterion Collection. I thoroughly enjoyed the incredibly tight writing and the clinical direction. The characters are precise in their motives and their actions, but there's always something more, an unseen hand being played beneath the table. Here's the story of a renowned psychologist who becomes entrapped in a world of intrigue and mystery. While trying to help a patient, she becomes drawn into a tightly woven ring of con men. Sociopaths who tale advantage of everyone who crosses their paths. Their mistake was marking her as their next victim. An outstanding psychological thriller. Joe Mantegna give an outstanding performance. I give this movie a 4 out of 5.

Summary: A psychiatrist's patient is in desperate need of money, so she agrees to help him. But...

Genre: Documentary

Year: 2011

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: Susan Bird, Don Blankenship, Ron Burris, Brother Joseph Byron, Antrim Caskey

Director: Bill Haney

My Review: Bill Haney exposes the truth about coal companies. Yes, we all want electricity, we all like the computers, DVD players, TVs, cell phones and lights that make our day brighter in more than one way. What we don't realize is the cost of that convenience. The destruction of our environment, precious national resources, the health and safety of Americans. Our obsession with electricity has conditioned us to look the other way when the dirty truth about electricity is revealed. That truth is coal. Most electricity (in America) is generated by coal, and it's coal that's killing the mountains of Appalachia, the miners that rely on the coal companies and the children who can't escape from the coal dust which rains down around them. The movie focuses on a small West Virginia town while touching on the nationwide impact of our coal industry. A battle is raging in the quiet back woods communities of our nation. A battle between health, sustainability, profit and greed. Who's winning? Surely you needn't guess. Extremely well produced, containing excellent interviews, great direction and a powerful illustration of consequence meets reality. Watch it and you'll wish you had some way to influence the debate. How do we get off this non-renewables cycle? I give it a 4 out of 5.

Summary: The fight for the last great mountain in America's Appalachian heartland pits the mining giant that wants to explode it to extract the coal within, against the community fighting to preserve the mountain and build a wind farm on its ridges instead. With Bobby Kennedy Jr. enlisted as a passionate force for preserving Coal River Mountain and the economic power of the fossil fuel industry twisting democracy to its advantage THE LAST MOUNTAIN highlights a battle for the future of energy that affects us all.

Genre: Crime

Year: 1987

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Charles Martin Smith, Andy Garcia, Robert De Niro

Director: Brian De Palma

My Review: David Mamet's screenplay, Brian DePalma's direction and excellent acting by an all star cast (Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Charles Martin Smith, Andy Garcia, Robert De Niro, and many others) all combine to make an outstanding movie. Based upon the real-life case of Eliot Ness (FBI agent played by Kevin Costner) vs legendary gangster Al Capone (played by Robert De Niro). The set work, costumes, props and music were essential components in this marvelous movie. A dramatic tale of good vs evil. The story is a fictionalized account for those who pay close attention to the facts, but the dramatic liberty makes for great film. The camera work and editing accentuated the film and made for a masterful work of cinema. I give this movie a 5 out of 5. I'm glad I own it, and never grow weary of it's dramatic style.

Summary: Federal Agent Elliot Ness sets out to take out Al Capone; because of rampant corruption, he assembles a small, hand-picked team.

Genre: Documentary

Year: 2011

Country: Canada

Rating:

Starring: William Shatner, Patrick Stewart, Avery Brooks, Kate Mulgrew, Scott Bakula

Director: William Shatner

My Review: While I love the Star Trek franchise, and I'm a fan of Shatner (in various roles), he should never again be allowed to direct a documentary. This movie featured interviews by William Shatner (from the original series) with the other 'Captains' who starred in Star Trek franchises: Patrick Stewart was Captain Jean Luc Picard in Star Trek the Next Generation. Avery Brooks was Captain Benjamin Sisko Star in Star Trek Deep Space Nine. Kate Mulgrew was Captain Kathryn Janeway in Star Trek Voyager. Scott Bakula was Captain Johnathon Archer in Star Trek Enterprise. Shatner even managed to get an interview with Chris Pine who played a young James T. Kirk in the Star Trek movie of 2009. Shatner's style is slightly humorous, but mostly ridiculous. The interviews with Avery Brooks made me cringe and laugh at the same time. Avery Brooks is proof that too much crack is bad for you! (fyi: I'm not imply that he actually smoked or smokes crack, just that it seemed that way (to me)). Watching the documentary was supposed to be an enjoyable way to pass the afternoon. Instead it turned out to be a sad example of why William Shatner can no longer appear in any serious roles. Reviewing the careers of each actor was a good idea. It's a shame that the execution was hampered by Shatner's mishandling (poor direction), poor production, bad editing and a deranged Avery Brooks. The documentary had a slightly sad and nostalgic feel to it. Realizing that this man's career is over and it certainly seemed like he was saying goodbye to everyone he interviewed. If you're a real fan of the franchise, I urge you to skip this debacle, and keep your memories from the shows that you remember fondly. I can't possibly give this one more than a 2 out of 5, and the only reason it rates that high is due to my regard for the franchise.

Summary: The Captains takes the audience on a voyage of discovery as pop culture phenom William Shatner interviews Sir Patrick Stewart (Captain John-Luc Picard Star Trek: The Next Generation), Avery Brooks (Captain Benjamin Sisko Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), Kate Mulgrew (Captain Kathryn Janeway, Star Trek: Voyager), Scott Bakula (Captain Johnathon Archer, Star Trek: Enterprise), and Chris Pine (Captain James T. Kirk, Star Trek 2009). With each of these celebrated actors Shatner explores the pressures and pitfalls that came along with donning the Starfleet uniform and reveals for the first time his own embarrassment over the role which made him a household name. With the help of his fellow captains Shatner learns to respect his work on the original Star Trek and finishes the film with a new perspective on life, death, and the legacy he will leave behind. The Captains also delves into each of the actors' lives and careers leading up to their landmark television performances...

Genre: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Year: 2011

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: Paul Bettany, Karl Urban, Cam Gigandet, Maggie Q, Lily Collins

Director: Scott Charles Stewart

My Review: Priest is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller based on a comic book series. I've never read the comic book, but the genre appeals to me. In this movie Paul Bettany plays a priest on a rescue mission. He disobeys the church and leaves the walled city to seek out his niece and brother in order to rescue them from some bad-ass vampires. The cast is mediocre but well matched. The cgi and screen effects were o.k. The story was mediocre, easily followed, and all too cliched. As it's based on a comic book series, it has an unfinished feel to it. The ending leaves you wondering what happens next. The action was well paced and the fight scenes adequately choreographed. The story was interesting but only marginally so. The only thing that kept my interest and raises this movie above the threshold was the slick production, art direction, visuals, and latex and leather costumes. I give it a 3 out of 5. Worth watching once.

Summary: PRIEST, a post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller, is set in an alternate world -- one ravaged by centuries of war between man and vampires. The story revolves around a legendary Warrior Priest from the last Vampire War who now lives in obscurity among the other downtrodden human inhabitants in walled-in dystopian cities ruled by the Church. When his niece is abducted by a murderous pack of vampires, Priest breaks his sacred vows to venture out on a quest to find her before they turn her into one of them. He is joined on his crusade by his niece's boyfriend, a trigger-fingered young wasteland sheriff, and a former Warrior Priestess who possesses otherworldly fighting skills.

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

Year: 2011

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong, Tim Robbins

Director: Martin Campbell

My Review: Ryan Reynolds plays Hal Jordan; a brash, talented, young American. A test pilot with personal issues, self-doubt and an uncompromising desire to be the best at everything. When an alien vessel crash lands, the occupant chooses Hal to be the next 'Green Lantern'. Hal must overcome his personal problems and save the galaxy from an ultra-powerful being known as 'Parallax'. It's a bit ridiculous, but it is a comic book made into a movie. Ryan Reynolds gives us a mediocre performance in this marginally written action flick. The 'animated' look of the movie was a bit disconcerting at first, but I got used to it after twenty minutes or so. I'm actually glad they did it, if they hadn't the disparity between cgi and live action would have been glaring and distracting. While the story was obviously designed as an 'Origins' movie, it crammed far too much info into one feature length film. The pacing and scripting was far highly disjointed, simplified and abbreviated. This detracted greatly from the movie. The film didn't allow enough time or story for me to identify or sympathize with the protagonists. The direction was likewise rushed. The only thing this movie had going for it was cgi, production value and a smoking hot cast. I give it a 2 out of 5.

Summary: A cocky test pilot, Hal Jordan ('Ryan Reynolds' ), acquires superhuman powers when he is chosen by "the Ring", the willpower-fed source of power, of the Green Lantern Intergalactic Corps. He, reluctantly at first, takes on the challenges these superheroes face. Putting his self-doubts aside, and spurred on by his sense of duty and love for his beautiful, intellectually equal, colleague, Carol Ferris (Blake Lively), he is soon called to defend mankind from Parallax, a super-powerful being who feeds on fear. He is the universe's last chance, as many Lanterns have been killed and the Corps is weakened. And he might just be the right Lantern for the job of keeping the world safe from harm. Based on the characters of DC Comics series "Green Lantern".

Genre: Drama, Romance

Year: 2011

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, Christoph Waltz, Paul Schneider, Jim Norton

Director: Francis Lawrence

My Review: Based on a novel, this adaptation presents a shallow, sappy depression era romance. An overly romantic drama starring Reese Witherspoon (as Marlena the center ring circus performer), Robert Pattison (as Jacob Jankowski the destitute drifter, son of immigrants) and Christopher Waltz (as August, the cruel, alcoholic, egotistical big top leader). The characters are so stereotyped that you can basically unravel every single emotion, motivation, and dialogue exchange in this highly predictable romantic drama. The acting was poor. I certainly didn't feel any chemistry between Marlena and Jacob. Waltz did a fair job with a highly stereotyped character, but overall it was the direction that stank. The direction was totally stoic, lacking in imagination and motivation. The writing (screen play) was as stale as a dime-store cigar. After his parents die, Jacob finds himself without a home or a job. It's the depression, so he… Jumps a train! That's where he stumbles upon the circus. He falls in love with the amazingly beautiful Marlena, but there's a problem. She's married to a tyrannical drunk who gets off on hurting everyone around him. Oh, yeah, let's not forget the elephant. Why was that animal in the movie? Aside from it being a prop to trigger your hatred of the August character? No reason really, just another distraction in this pointless movie. The only good thing about this movie? The cinematography. For that I give it a 2 out of 5.

Summary: After his parents' death, Jacob Jankoski is left penniless and homeless. Events lead him to joining the circus as their vet, working under their unstable boss August whose violent tendencies give everyone reason to be cautious around him, including his beautiful and quiet wife Marlena, whom August is very possessive of and who Jacob finds himself soon falling in love with.

Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Year: 2003

Country: USA, Australia

Rating:

Starring: Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon, Laurence Fishburne, Marcia Gay Harden

Director: Clint Eastwood

My Review: Directed by Clint Eastwood. This is one fantastic movie. I thought I knew who did it, but my opinion kept shifting. This murder mystery drama is a splendid piece of work, with actual character development, the acting in this movie was way above par. Unexpectedly good. Plausible plot twists left me realizing that even in a movie, things are sometimes more complicated than they appear. Despite the stellar cast (Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon and Laurence Fishburne) I didn't see much competition for the klieg light, all the actors kept an even keel in their portrayals of the characters. Clint Eastwood does an outstanding job at direction. Even though I've seen this movie before (originally watched in 2004, again in Nov of 2011), at first I couldn't remember who did it… As the movie progressed, I found that my vague memories were hints about the excellence of this movie. This movie still gets a 5 out of 5. Now I know why I own this movie!

Summary: Childhood friends Jimmy Markum, Sean Devine and Dave Boyle reunite following the death of Jimmy's oldest daughter, Katie. Sean's a police detective on the case, gathering difficult and disturbing evidence; he's also tasked with handling Jimmy's rage and need for retribution.

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy

Year: 2010

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ned Beatty, Don Rickles

Director: Lee Unkrich

My Review: The third installment in this Pixar series. The whole gang is back together again. Woody the cowboy (voice Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (voice Tim Allen), Jessie the cowgirl (voice Joan Cusack) and the rest of the posse are ready to take on their greatest challenge yet - the end of Andy's childhood. As Andy prepares to leave for college, he sets aside his toys and the gang is imperiled by the consequences. They end up at a daycare facility run by a gang of misfits, led by the sadistic strawberry scented teddy bear - 'Lots-o-Huggin' his gang of castaways run the daycare like Ghestapo in a gulag. The writing was superior, the cast magnificent (Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ned Beatty, Don Rickles, Michael Keaton). The character development was great. The digital animation outstanding. I actually liked it better than the second movie. If you have kids, you may be watching this movie again, and again, and again… If so, at least it's an awesome movie. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Summary: Woody, Buzz and the whole gang are back. As their owner Andy prepares to depart for college, his loyal toys find themselves in daycare where untamed tots with their sticky little fingers do not play nice. So, it's all for one and one for all as they join Barbie's counterpart Ken, a thespian hedgehog named Mr. Pricklepants and a pink, strawberry-scented teddy bear called Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear to plan their great escape.

Genre: Drama, History

Year: 2010

Country: France

Rating:

Starring: Lambert Wilson, Michael Lonsdale, Olivier Rabourdin, Philippe Laudenbach, Jacques Herlin

Director: Xavier Beauvois

My Review: Surprisingly well produced with a minimal set production. The setting is austere, monastic, and perfectly set to the stage of this slow moving drama. The acting was excellent, the writing was superb. The only detractor to this film, the slow pace. Incredibly long slow sequences are paired with minimal dialog to produce a very dry movie. The camera work was excellent, the sets, costume, locations all perfect. A group of seven Trapist monks (Christians) are secluded in a mountain monastery. While they're there, the countryside (Algeria) is exploding in civil war. Sectarian violence rocks the former French colony, and the populace resorts to religious context as a way to justify their goals. These seven men are non-political, healers, providing community service and spiritual guidance to a beleaguered populace. They must decide whether they will stay or flee in the face of fundamentalist terror. I give the movie a 3 out of 5.

Summary: Under threat by fundamentalist terrorists, a group of Trappist monks stationed with an impoverished Algerian community must decide whether to leave or stay.