Genre: Biography, Drama, Thriller

Year: 2013

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: Tom Hanks, Catherine Keener, Barkhad Abdi, Barkhad Abdirahman, Faysal Ahmed

Director: Paul Greengrass

My Review: Captain Phillips - 2013 (Biography, drama, thriller) Based on a true story (screenplay is based on a 2010 book co-written by Capt. Richards), here is the tale of Merchant Mariner, Capt. Richard Phillips of the container ship Maersk Alabama. On a trip from Salalah, Dhofar, Oman to Mombasa, Kenya, the Maersk Alabama must sail past Somalia and the Horn of Africa, an area plagued by pirate attacks. I love the stories that are based on real events, and the closer they follow the actual events, the better. This movie was directed by Paul Greengrass (The Theory of Flight, Bloody Sunday, The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Ultimatum, Green Zone), screenplay by Billy Ray (based on Richard Phillips’ book), starring Tom Hanks (as Captain Richard Phillips), Michael Chernus (as First Officer Shane Murphy), Barkhad Abdi (Pirate leader Abduwali Muse), Barkhad Abdirahman (as Pirate number two), and many others. The movie really gets going after the ship leaves port and starts its journey, once they’re underway they carry out security and practice drills. During one of the drills the ship is chased by two skiffs filled with AK wielding pirates! The story is quite thrilling, filled with more than explosions, the drama is very well done. We actually come to understand some of the reasons for these acts of piracy and the complicated nature of hostage negotiations and rescue at sea. The movie moves along very quickly with excellent editing and direction - You would never guess that the movie breaks the two hour mark. There’s never a dull moment and Tom Hanks did an excellent job portraying the Captain turned Hostage. I also give great props to the Somali born refugees (living in America) who portrayed the pirates. An action movie with more layers than you’d expect. I give it a 4 out of 5.

Summary: Captain Phillips is a multi-layered examination of the 2009 hijacking of the U.S. container ship Maersk Alabama by a crew of Somali pirates. It is - through director Paul Greengrass's distinctive lens - simultaneously a pulse-pounding thriller, and a complex portrait of the myriad effects of globalization. The film focuses on the relationship between the Alabama's commanding officer, Captain Richard Phillips (two time Academy Award®-winner Tom Hanks), and the Somali pirate captain, Muse (Barkhad Abdi), who takes him hostage. Phillips and Muse are set on an unstoppable collision course when Muse and his crew target Phillips' unarmed ship; in the ensuing standoff, 145 miles off the Somali coast, both men will find themselves at the mercy of forces beyond their control.

Genre: Action

Year: 1999

Country: UK

Rating:

Starring: Pierce Brosnan, Sophie Marceau, Robert Carlyle, Denise Richards, Robbie Coltrane

Director: Michael Apted

My Review: The World Is Not Enough - 1999 (Action, adventure, thriller) Another Bond film - As of 2012 there have been 23 Bond movies. This is movie number 19, the third by Pierce Brosnan. As Bond movies go, it’s o.k. Directed by veteran Michael Apted (70+ films directed / Gorky Park, Gorillas in the Mist, Class Action, 35 Up), the movie stars Pierce Brosnan as James Bond, Sophie Marceau as Electra King (the villain’s squeeze/oil heiress), Robert Carlyle as Renard (the villain who can’t feel any pain), Denise Richards as Dr. Christmas Jones (the Bond Girl/Nuclear Physicist), Judi Dench as M, John Cleese as R, and many others. Unfortunately, the script was written by far too many people. As usual in a Bond movie, there’s a lot of over-the-top high-tech spy gear, car chases, sexy ladies and crazy villains. I really liked the throwback to older Bond movies where the villain has a quirky character trait that sets him aside from other evil scientist/mastermind types. The inability to feel pain makes for some interesting action scenes but his character didn’t have much depth beyond this gimmick. The female villain (Electra King played by Sophie Marceau) had more character and depth than the main bad-guy. This was the first Bond film where the real villain was a female. Unfortunately, she had to compete with that ‘Dude who feels no pain’. While the ladies were definitely good looking, Denise Richards couldn’t act worth a damn - Her portrayal of a Nuclear Physicist was totally unbelievable. In this movie, James Bond uncovers a nuclear plot while protecting an oil tycoon’s daughter (Electra King played by Sophie Marceau) from kidnappers and terrorists. It’s typical in many ways, thankfully the editing and direction kept the sloppy writing and marginal acting from dragging the movie down too far. I give it a 3 out of 5. Below par for a Bond movie, but a good summer block-buster action flick.

Summary: Feeling responsbile for the death of a British oil tycoon and a friend, who died in an explosion in MI6 headquarters, James Bond takes position as bodyguard to the tycoon's daughter, Elektra,

Genre: Biography, Drama, History

Year: 2013

Country: USA, UK

Rating:

Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Dwight Henry, Dickie Gravois, Bryan Batt, Ashley Dyke

Director: Steve McQueen

My Review: 12 Years a Slave - 2013 (Biography, drama, history) The story of Solomon Northrup, a free black man abducted from New York state and sold into slavery during the mid 1800s. The historically accurate drama features Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon. Brady Pitt plays an abolitionist, and the cast is filled with excellent actors (including Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Dwight Henry, Dicky Gravois, Bryan Batt, Ashley Dyke, Kelsey Scott, and many other). Directed by Steve McQueen the direction, editing, screenplay and production were all outstanding. The production was top notch and the shooting was perfect. The cinematography kept us imprisoned in the pre-civil war south for duration of the film. The costumes, sets and dressing helped cast a spell that was impossible to break. The film is difficult to watch, but its power is the hope of freedom, the strength of dignity, the perseverance of the main character, and the unexpected kindness of those who see slavery for what it truly is. This powerful film is truly worthy of the 3 Oscars that it won. I’m glad I watched it. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Summary: Based on an incredible true story of one man's fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty (personified by a malevolent slave owner, portrayed by Michael Fassbender), as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon's chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist (Brad Pitt) will forever alter his life.

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Sci-Fi

Year: 2009

Country: Belgium, Germany, Canada, France

Rating:

Starring: Jared Leto, Sarah Polley, Diane Kruger, Linh Dan Pham, Rhys Ifans

Director: Jaco Van Dormael

My Review: Mr. Nobody - 2009 (Drama, fantasy, sci-fi, romance) A visually striking film with underserved production. Could have been a huge hit. Written and directed by Frenchman Jaco Van Dormael. This movie stars Jared Leto (as Nemo), Sarah Polley, Diane Kruger and others. In this movie, Jared Leto plays ‘Nemo Nobody’, the last mortal aging human. In a future (the year is 2092) where all hardship and strife have been eliminated, Nemo is an anomaly. He’s an aging mortal human. Preserved as a treasure, this movie recounts his life choices and his varied adventures through the past. Mr. Nobody seems to have lived multiple lives over the span of nearly 120 years. The reporter recording his life story is broadcasting the story for an enthralled public and the stories are charming and thought provoking. An exploration of choices and the variable nature of life in all its amazing forms. This surrealistic fantasy reminds me of Michel Gondry’s work and films like ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’, ‘Cloud Atlas’, and ‘The Fountain’. Jared Leto gave an excellent performance. The visual aspects were excellent and I really enjoyed this atmospheric exploration of a living experiential landscape. The only downside to this movie is its slow pace and somewhat melancholy reflection on existentialism - It’s certainly not your typical ‘Entertainment’. I give it a 3 out of 5.

Summary: In the year 2092, one hundred eighteen year old Nemo is recounting his life story to a reporter. He is less than clear, often times thinking that he is only thirty-four years of age. But his story becomes more confusing after he does focus on the fact of his current real age. He tells of his life at three primary points in his life: at age nine (when his parents divorced), age sixteen and age thirty-four. The confusing aspect of the story is that he tells of alternate life paths, often changing course with the flick of a decision at each of those ages. One life path has him ultimately married to Elise, a depressed woman who never got over the unrequited love she had for a guy named Stefano when she was a teenager and who asked Nemo to swear that when she died he would sprinkle her ashes on Mars. A second life path has him married to Jean. Their life is one of luxury but one also of utter boredom. And a third life path has him in a torrid romance with his step-sister Anna, the two who,...

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Year: 2013

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Christopher Eccleston

Director: Alan Taylor

My Review: Thor: The Dark World - 2013 (Action, adventure, fantasy) Another marvel super-heroes movie. Who would have thought - when I was a kid - that all my comic books were such fodder for millions of dollars. Were they seeding an audience of 40-50 something consumers back then? Just waiting for us to grow up and have money? If that was their strategy it was a brilliant one. How could I avoid this movie? It’s a dark marvel story featuring one of my favorite characters. Directed by Alan Taylor, this movie has a great cast. Featuring Chris Hemsworth (as Thor), Natalie Portman (as Jane Foster), Tom Hiddleston (as Loki), Anthony Hopkins (as Odin) and more. Unfortunately, the story wasn’t that good. With seven or more credits on the screenplay it’s no wonder that the story was messed up. cgi seems to be a substitute for a good story in this movie. The plot is integrated into Marvel’s mythos of heroes but it didn’t do much more than parade the characters about a cgi landscape in a vain attempt to distract from the lack of story. The visuals during the funeral sequence were really good as was everything in Asgard. Unfortunately the cgi didn’t enhance the film at all, and another story where the fate of the entire universe is at stake gets a little hard to believe. While I enjoyed the cast and some scenes, overall this movie suffers from poor writing and overuse of cgi. I give it a 3 of 5 (barely).

Summary: Thousands of years ago, a race of beings known as Dark Elves tried to send the universe into darkness by using a weapon known as the Aether. Warriors from Asgard stop them but their leader Malekith escapes to wait for another opportunity. The warriors find the Aether and since it cannot be destroyed, they try to hide it. In the present day, Jane Foster awaits the return of Thor although it has been two years since they last saw once another. In the meantime, Thor has been trying to bring peace to the nine realms. Jane discovers an anomaly similar to the one that brought Thor to Earth. She goes to investigate, finds a wormhole, and is sucked into it. Back on Asgard, Thor wishes to return to Earth but his father, Odin refuses to let him. Thor learns from Heimdall, who can see into all of the realms, that Jane disappeared. Thor then returns to Earth just as Jane reappears. However, when some policemen try to arrest her, an unknown energy repulses them. Thor then brings Jane to Asgard to ...

Genre: Comedy

Year: 1998

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: Marlon Wayans, David Spade, Matthew Lillard, Rip Torn, Tamara Taylor

Director: Penelope Spheeris

My Review: Senseless - 1998 (Comedy, romance) Stupid. Stupid funny. Starring Marlon Wayans (as Daryl Witherspoon) and David Spade (as Scott Thorpe). I own this film. I've seen it several times. It doesn't get any better, but it doesn't have to. This movie is inane, there's no big surprises in the plot. College student Witherspoons needs money to support single mom and his siblings. He agrees to participate in a drug trial that gives him super senses. He uses the benefits to help his chances in a post college placement program. He gets cocky, exceeds the dosage, and the side effects just about destroy him. Very funny. I give it a 4 out of 5.

Summary: A student gets his senses enhanced by an experimental drug. But abuse is not an option.

Genre: Horror

Year: 1999

Country: Spain

Rating:

Starring: Johnny Depp, Frank Langella, Lena Olin, Emmanuelle Seigner, Barbara Jefford

Director: Roman Polanski

My Review: The Ninth Gate - 1999 (Mystery, thriller, horror) Directed by Roman Polanski (yes that Roman Polanski - Chinatown, Rosemary’s Baby, Repulsion, Knife in the Water, The Pianist), starring Johnny Depp, Frank Langella, and a mesmerizing Emmanuelle Seigner. The music by Wojciech Kilar was fantastic. This gothic noir mystery revolves around the main character's investigation of a book. Supposedly co-authored by Lucifer himself, the 'book detective' is hired out to discover the mystery behind this tome. The plot is incredibly rich and intriguing. A horror/mystery where a book finder is the main character. One of the things that makes this movie so rewarding is the unlikely basis of the story and the main character. The pacing is perfect, and Polanski manages to create an eery creepy feel throughout - without resorting to exploding special effects or cgi. The supernatural elements of the movie are subtle and extremely well done. The camera work, color, lighting, costumes, locations, sets, artwork and props were all outstanding. The ending of the movie is masterful. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Summary: A rare book dealer seeks out the last two copies of a demon text draw him into the middle of conspiracy with supernatural overtones.

Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller

Year: 2013

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: Arron Shiver, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Titos Menchaca, Richard Dillard, Doug Jackson

Director: Jee-woon Kim

My Review: The Last Stand - 2013 (Action, crime, thriller) Another typical hollywood action thriller. Directed by Jee-woon Kim, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger (as Sheriff Ray Owens), Forest Whitaker (as agent John Bannister), Johnny Knoxville (as Lewis Dinkum) and many others. In this tragic thriller (tragic because it was that bad), Arnold plays a border town sheriff with an LAPD career behind him. His quite country life is interrupted when a big-time drug boss escapes FBI custody and heads south towards the border. Summerton Junction is about to get a little bit hotter than South Texas in the summertime. The best part of this movie is the character that Schwarzenegger plays. Unfortunately, the rest of the movie is a series of predictable action sequences and situations. Based upon the time tested western show-down, this movie goes over the top with explosions, bullets, bad dialog and predictable action sequences. Thankfully the movie ends after 107 minutes. I give it a 2 out of 5.

Summary: Sheriff Owens is a man who has resigned himself to a life of fighting what little crime takes place in sleepy border town Sommerton Junction after leaving his LAPD post following a bungled operation that left him wracked with failure and defeat after his partner was crippled. After a spectacular escape from an FBI prisoner convoy, the most notorious, wanted drug kingpin in the hemisphere is hurtling toward the border at 200 mph in a specially outfitted car with a hostage and a fierce army of gang members. He is headed, it turns out, straight for Summerton Junction, where the whole of U.S. law enforcement will have their last opportunity to make a stand and intercept him before he slips across the border forever. At first reluctant to become involved, and then counted out because of the perceived ineptitude of his small town force, Owens ultimately accepts responsibility for the face off.

Genre: Drama, Romance, Western

Year: 1966

Country: USA

Rating:

Starring: John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, James Caan, Charlene Holt, Paul Fix

Director: Howard Hawks

My Review: El Dorado - 1966 (Drama, romance, western) Directed by Howard Hawks (Rio Bravo, To have and have not, His girl Friday, Gentlemen prefer blondes, Only angels have wings, Scarface, The big sleep, Red river), starring an amazing cast: John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, James Caan, Charlene Holt, Edward Asner, Michele Carey, and others. In this movie John Wayne (Cole Thornton) and Robert Mitchum (J.P. Harrah) team up to do battle with a Rogue Rancher and his army of hired guns. It’s a damn fine western featuring the classical ‘good guy’ lawmen and his buddies vs the ‘bad guy’ cattle baron and his hired guns. In a dispute over water rights, big money tries to enforce the almighty law of the ‘Dollar’ over the law of ‘Man’. The only problem with this movie was the fact that its quite obviously a ‘remake’ (without admitting as much) of Howard Hawks’ ‘Rio Bravo’. The staging and editing were a bit off, but overall it’s a fine movie. The copy I watched could use a makeover as the colors are becoming washed out and the sound track needs some work as well. I give it a 3 out of 5

Summary: Hired gunman Cole Thornton turns down a job with Bart Jason as it would mean having to fight an old sheriff friend. Some months later he finds out the lawman is on the bottle and a top gunfighter is heading his way to help Jason. Along with young Mississippi, handy with a knife and now armed with a diabolical shotgun, Cole returns to help.

Genre: Drama

Year: 2002

Country: Japan

Rating:

Starring: Kiichi Nakai, Kôichi Satô, Yui Natsukawa, Takehiro Murata, Miki Nakatani

Director: Yôjirô Takita

My Review: When the last sword is drawn / Mibu gishi den - 2002 (Drama, action) An excellent Samurai movie. One of my all-time favorites, rates up there with movies by Akira Kurosawa, Masaki Kobayashi’ Harakiri and Yoji Yamada’s films. Directed by Yojiro Takita, this movie stars actors that American audiences will be unfamiliar with. The story takes place during the late Edo period (the Meiji restoration at the end of the 19th century), the end of the Samurai era, the end of the Shogun’s power and the feudal basis of society. Like Yoji Yamada’s ‘Twilight Samurai’, this movie ends with the era that encompasses the end of the Samurai. Here Kcnichiro Yoshimura is a Samurai who can no longer support his family - as the old feudal system is collapsing and his stipend has shrunken to the point of non-existence. He sets out in search of work and ends up joining a militia group called ‘Shinsengumi’ (The Wolves of Mito), pledging their support to the Shogunate in his service to the Emperor - When the Shogunate is abolished they must choose between the old way or the new way. This movie is filled with historical detail, dramatic family strife, excellent sword-play, and inner moral struggles. Honor and loyalty are tested when Yoshimura’s family is concerned. Politics, religion and the influence that men use to control others. In this movie the heroes are tested in more ways than the way of the sword. An epic melodrama featuring excellent period work, historical relevance and cutting sword fights. Beautiful locations, set work, costumes, excellent dramatic acting and use of flash-backs. Memorable long after the last sword is drawn. I give this movie a 5 out of 5 and I’ve added it to my list of ‘must own’ movies.

Summary: Kanichiro Yoshimura is a Samurai and Family man who can no longer support his wife and children on the the low pay he receives from his small town clan, he is forced by the love for his family to leave for the city in search of higher pay to support them. In his search he joins a notorious clan, known as the Shinsengumi where he does as much as possible to get money. Looked at as a money grubber,Yoshimura proves his strength physically and mentally by being loyal to his honor. During the dramatic period, with the rise of the Emperor and the fall of the Shogun. Yoshimura shows us the struggle of life in a personal way, by changing the lives of the people he meets and the way life is looked at.