Sunday, March 30, 2008

Movie Review: Stand By Me (1986)


Starring: Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O’Connell
Director: Rob Reiner
Genre: Drama
Rating: R

Based on the novella "The Body" by Stephen King, this movie takes us through the journey of Gordie (Wil Wheaton), Chris (River Phoenix), Teddy (Corey Feldman) and Vern (Jerry O’Connell) who go off to find the dead body of a boy deep in the woods. It is told through the eyes of the adult Gordie, who is played by Richard Dreyfuss. Among the obstacles they face are a dog, leeches, a train and the bad dudes from town led by Ace (Kiefer Sutherland). A movie that shows the great friends and the imagination you had as a kid.

Some of Stand By Me’s scenes are actual real life happenings of Stephen King's childhood and this includes the leeches. It is superbly directed by Rob Reiner with great performances by the young actors. Absolutely great characters and one of my favorite movies ever. A movie to never get tired of. Any movie with a Barf-o-Rama scene has to be good.

Every adult should see this movie to at least remind them of a simpler time in their life and the feeling of being surrounded by great friends. It is poignant, funny and entertaining.

“Alright, alright, Mickey's a mouse, Donald's a duck, Pluto's a dog, what's Goofy?”



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Saturday, March 29, 2008

Movie Review: Pulp Fiction (1994)


Starring: John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Bruce Willis
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Genre: Drama
Rating: R


This is four intriguing stories that commingle with one another and they all come from the mind of Quentin Tarantino. You have two hit men, the hit men’s boss and his girlfriend, a boxer and two small-time crooks. Two hit men are perfectly played by Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta. Many feel this role is Travolta’s career comeback. I mean who saw Look Who’s Talking? Ving Rhames plays the hit men’s boss, who is very stern but who eventually has an act on forgiveness. Uma Thurman plays his drug induced girlfriend who once made a pilot TV show. And don’t forget the boxer, played by Bruce Willis, who doesn’t like to take a dive. These are some strong personalities. Can they all co-exist together?

I have to say that Pulp Fiction is still my all-time favorite movie. Tarantino gathered all of the right people to play these great characters. There are too many top notch scenes to count with some of the best dialogue. Reading off Bible passages, drinking five dollar milkshakes, telling of life in Amsterdam, cleaning a house before the wife gets home and Christopher Walken telling the story of generations of men “hiding” a watch are just a few of these. The movie is shown out of chronological order, which adds to the uniqueness of this great movie. A classic that is so textured in performances, dialogue and cleverness. Oh, yeah it is the #5 highest rated movie on IMDB.com.

A must see movie for anyone who can take a little bit of violence and seeing Travolta doing the twist.

“That's thirty minutes away. I'll be there in ten.”


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Friday, March 28, 2008

Movie Review: Atonement (2007)



Starring: Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Saoirse Ronan
Director: Joe Wright
Genre: Drama
Rated: R

Based on the novel by Ian McEwan, this story takes place in England in 1935. It centers around a young girl named Briony who accuses a man (Robbie) of a sex crime that he didn't commit. She does it out of jealousy of her sister Cecilia, who is played by Kiera Knightley. This causes him to be taken away and Cecilia must live on without the love of her life. Robbie pays the price while the actual sexual deviant is free to live as he pleases.

Atonement is a tour-de-force of emotions. The powerful performances portray the agony, bitterness and devastation of the lie that lives on for years. Joe Wright does some really quirky things as the movie's director. This includes showing the same scenes in different perspectives and having repetitive flashbacks unlike other films. As many have said before, the best part of the movie is the end with Vanessa Redgrave playing the 77 year old Briony. She finally reveals the entire real story and Redgrave does a fantastic job.

This was nominated for seven Academy Awards including Best Picture. A well-done drama.

"Never trust a sailor on dry land."


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Movie Review: Chaos (2005)


Starring: Jason Statham, Ryan Phillipe, Wesley Snipes
Director: Tony Giglio
Genre: Action
Rated: R

Another good action movie from Jason Statham. He plays Quentin Conners, a detective who has been suspended but is brought back to help in a bank heist. But this isn't your ordinary everyday bank heist. Ryan Phillipe plays the newbie cop who works along side Conners and he learns quickly on how to bend the rules to find the truth. Wesley Snipes plays the head of the no-good bank robbers.

Chaos does have some twists and a lot of mysterious happenings going on. Ryan Phillipe is especially good playing the least experienced, but the most savvy of the bunch. I did correctly figure out the end game in this with a half an hour to go, but it was still an entertaining movie. A lot of thrilling action. You even learn a little about Buddha.

A movie that was swept under the rug that deserves at look at especially if you like Statham, Phillipe or Snipes.

"You picked the wrong day not to use the ATM."


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Thursday, March 27, 2008

Movie Review: Shawshank Redemption (1994)


Starring: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman
Director: Frank Darabont
Genre: Drama
Rating: R

This movie is based from Stephen King's short story "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption". Although it was a good read, this has got to be one of the best screen adaptations ever. It is the story of Andy Dufresne, played by Tim Robbins, who is sent to Shawshank Prison for killing his wife and her lover. He claims he is wrongly imprisoned. He befriends Red (Morgan Freeman) at Shawshank and they learn many things from each other about life and surviving. Andy knows that he can’t stay cooped up in there forever, so over many years plans for his escape.

The Shawshank Redemption takes a life of its own that the short story did not. Everything from the dialogue, the characters to the story itself is superbly done. The movie is so rich in character and spirit. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay and Actor (Morgan Freeman).

Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman are both fantastic. If you like either of the two main actors or if you are over 16 you owe it to yourself to see this movie. A classic film for generations to come.

“On the outside, I was an honest man, straight as an arrow. I had to come to prison to be a crook.”


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Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Movie Review: Blood Diamond (2006)



Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Djimon Hounsou, Jennifer Connelly
Director: Edward Zwick
Genre: Drama
Rating: R

Leonardo DiCaprio plays Danny Archer, a diamond smuggler who tries to do business amongst civil war in Sierra Leone. Jennifer Connelly plays a journalist who wants to interview him about what is going on. DiCaprio meets up with a local who loses his son to rebels and who also is looking for a rare pink diamond. The local is played by Djimon Hounsou.

Blood Diamond was nominated for 5 Academy Awards. Among the nominated were DiCaprio and Hounsou. It also is directed by Edward Zwick who directed Glory, Legends of the Fall and The Last Samurai. The movie is intriguing with its many tense scenes. You really do care about what happens to these characters. It is chock full of great performances and DiCaprio's South African accent grows on you.

This is a must for every DiCaprio fan and for anyone has likes large diamonds.

"In America, it's bling bling. But out here it's bling bang."


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Movie Review: Saw IV (2007)

Starring: Tobin Bell, Lyriq Bent
Director: Darren Lynn Bousman
Genre: Horror
Rating: R

Ewwwww! I won't be eating spaghetti and meatballs anytime soon. Jigsaw may be dead, but his little contraptions and his mind games aren’t over. He wants the one surviving detective who tried to bring him down to play a game. You probably know what that means. The detective is in a world of hurt.

For me, Saw IV is better than Saw III. It seems to flow better and is more interesting. It does tie up some loose ends from the previous Saw movies. So you’ll see at least a couple of characters you thought you’d never see again. And per usual, Jigsaw has an elaborate set up and everything of his works to perfection.

Just like all of the other Saw movies, this is not for those who are squeamish in any way. However, if you liked the other Saw movies you should like this one.

"You think it is over, but the games have just begun."


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Movie Review: Waiting... (2005)


Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Anna Faris, Justin Long
Director: Ron McKittrick
Genre: Comedy
Rating: R

The movie details the goings on at a restaurant called Shenaniganz. That is a perfect name for the place. All of the employees try to keep themselves entertained while working. The leader of the bunch is Monty, played by Ryan Reynolds. There is a lot of hi-jinx, games and pranks. Some can be pretty gross, but darn funny.

Waiting… is a funny and raunchy comedy. It has a good amount of laugh out loud moments. The cast of characters who work there add to the humor. Anna Faris from the Scary Movie series, Justin “the Mac guy” Long, and Dane Cook highlight the crew. Luis Guzman plays one of the cooks who is partial to playing games. It is definitely not for the easily offended, that's why I liked it.

For any fan of Ryan Reynold’s other films (e.g. Just Friends, Van Wilder, etc.). Oh, be careful when you return your food and beware the goat!

"I'll have a shot of whiskey and a double shot of whiskey. She'll have a water. Ah, hell, it's our anniversary. Why don't you bring her a Pepsi."


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Monday, March 24, 2008

Movie Review: The Nanny Diaries (2007)

Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Laura Linney
Director: Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini
Genre: Comedy
Rating: PG-13


Scarlett Johansson plays a woman just out of college who doesn't know what she wants to do with her life or even just for the summer. A job as a nanny "chooses" her and she soon is working on the upper east side in NYC. Her job is to live with this new family and take care of their son. It seems her biggest chore is to protect the child from the parents.

My wife read The Nanny Diaries and thought it was okay, so we saw the movie to see which was better. Unfortunately, it seems the book was better. I just couldn't get into the movie like I wanted to. It is directed by the guys who did American Splendor. I guess they really like Paul Giamatti, because he plays the father of the child. Giamatti isn't in this one much at all, but at least he does have his usual “angry Giamatti scene” which is always good.

I think women will enjoy this movie more than me, especially those who know people in New York. Will nannies like it? I’m not sure about that.

“The teddy bear has been compromised.”


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Sunday, March 23, 2008

Movie Review: Horton Hears a Who (2008)


Starring: Jim Carrey, Steve Carell, Carol Burnett
Director: Steve Martino, Jimmy Hayward
Genre: Family
Rating: G


The classic tale from Dr. Seuss comes to life with the aid of Jim Carrey and Steve Carell. Horton, the elephant, believes that he has found a small city called Whoville that lives on top of a pink clover. As you can imagine no one believes him. There are even some who want to destroy the clover led by Kangaroo who is voiced by Carol Burnett. She wants things to be normal and Horton's "imagination" is getting in her way.

Horton Hears a Who is a very well made version of the Dr. Seuss story. The talents of Jim Carrey and Steve Carell are used to perfection. Like every other Dr. Seuss story at the heart of it is kindness, believing and imagination. I even found it to be pretty funny. There's even some Japanese anime thrown in.

A good animated movie for the kids.

"You just take care of that meatball sir and leave the freaking out to me."


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Movie Review: Dan in Real Life (2007)


Starring: Steve Carell, Juliette Binoche
Director: Peter Hedges
Genre: Comedy
Rating: PG-13


Steve Carell plays Dan, an advise columnist, who is a widower with three daughters. He meets a woman (Juliette Binoche) in a library and they immediately have a strong connection. The problem is that he soon finds out she is dating his brother, played by Dane Cook. Oops. This can create some problems.

Dan in Real Life does have some pretty funny scenes because of Carell, including making fun of the high gas prices. It did, however, seem to float from one topic to the next and float back again in a rather choppy way. I thought the movie needed more scenes with him and his kids. The family conflict seemed to go on too long.

Good casting with two of the most popular dudes now in Carell and Cook. Binoche is believable as Dan's soulmate. I was expecting a little more, but I would say that it is still a good movie for any Carell fan to see.

"But if I let you, you might not live."


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Friday, March 21, 2008

Movie Review: Shoot 'Em Up (2007)





Starring: Clive Owen, Paul Giamatti, Monica Bellucci
Director: Michael Davis
Genre: Action/Adventure
Rating: R

You can tell in the first 30 seconds that this is a movie that won't be taking itself too seriously. Clive Owen plays Mr. Smith, an angry, opinionated guns expert who likes carrots. He finds a newborn that he has to protected from Mr. Hertz played by Paul Giamatti. Mr. Hertz wants the baby and the baby’s mother dead. He has only friend in a hooker played by Monica Bellucci. Can Mr. Smith and the baby survive the wrath of Mr. Hertz and his henchmen?

Shoot ‘Em Up is like crack for those who like a good action movie with a lot of gun violence. Guns are a blazin’ and bodies are a droppin’ in about every scene. Along the way Mr. Hertz is throwing out funny quips around every corner. As in Sideways, an angry Paul Giamatti is good cinema. The actors seemed to enjoy themselves making this action movie.

"Guns don't kill people! But they sure help."


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Movie Review: War (2007)



Starring: Jet Li, Jason Statham
Director: Phillip G. Atwell
Genre: Action/Adventure
Rating: R

Jason Statham plays an FBI agent whose partner gets killed. He thinks he knows who killed him and goes out to find him. This isn't your typical 'partner gets killed and then seek revenge' movie, however. Not when you throw some serious plot twists and Jason Statham and Jet Li in the mix.

While watching War you’ll think you’ve seen this movie before, but you haven’t. There is a whale of a plot twist that will throw you completely off. The movie has good pacing and as a plus has Luis Guzman thrown in for comedic affect.

This is for any fan of the two stars. Many a men bite the bullet in this one. There did need to be more fight scenes with Statham and Li in them, though. Otherwise, an above average karate choppin’ good time.

"Plastic surgeon down in Panama accidentally impaled himself with a kitchen knife making a turkey sandwich."


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Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Movie Review: 3:10 to Yuma (2007)

Starring: Russell Crowe, Christian Bale, Ben Foster
Director: James Mangold
Genre: Action/Adventure
Rating: R

This is a remake of the 1957 movie of the same title which starred Glenn Ford and Van Heflin. This newer version has great casting, but it seems weird that you get Christian Bale from the United Kingdom and Russell Crowe from New Zealand to play the leads in an American Western. You get Batman and the Gladiator in this one. The premise is the same. You still have Dan Evans trying to get bad boy Ben Wade on the 3:10 train to Yuma.

This 3:10 to Yuma is a little different and I think a little better than the original. This version is a little edgier and a big part of that is because of Ben Foster. He plays Ben Wade’s head henchman. He is one bad dude. It also has a more concise ending than the original, which some didn’t like. It is directed by James Mangold, who directed Identity and Walk the Line.

If you like westerns or if know how to operate a blender, you should see this movie.

"I've always liked you Byron, but even bad men love their mommas."


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Movie Review: Who Killed the Electric Car? (2006)

Starring: Martin Sheen, Peter Horton
Director: Chris Paine
Genre: Documentary
Rating: PG

Chris Paine, a former EV1 (Electric Vehicle) driver seeks out the truth behind the demise of the electric car. Who's to blame? Is it the oil companies, the car makers, the U.S. government or the consumer? This documentary gets into the heart of all of these culprits and gives a verdict for each.

Who Killed the Electric Car? is a very eye opening and well-made movie about decisions that can go on behind the scenes that affect us all. You'll probably end up mad after seeing the advantages of an electric car and what they do to them. You may want an electric car after watching this, but oops you can't. Celebrities who drove the EV1 are among those interviewed for good measure.

Overall a good documentary that makes you think, which is what a documentary is supposed to do. We shall see what the future hold for the electric car. This movie will increase your awareness of what the electric car can do.


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Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Movie Review: The Fountain (2006)

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Rachel Weisz
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: PG-13


This is the story of three parallel worlds. One is where a scientist (Hugh Jackman) has a wife (Rachel Weisz) who is dying from a brain tumor. Through a project he is working on he is trying to find the cure for her disease. He is so determined to save his wife’s life that he loses focus on the real purpose of his project. As this is going on in one parallel universe his character is traveling in a bubble rising to the dying star in a nebula. Oh, in another world he is a conquistador on a quest to find the Tree of Life. Will he reach his goal in each world?

The Fountain tries too hard to show three parallel stories. Where each story takes you it gets too convoluted and not interesting. I felt that some scenes were even laughable and silly. I didn’t care about the characters at all and honestly toward the end I just wanted it to be over. It could have been so much more. Jackman and Weisz could help this movie.

"Death is a disease, it's like any other. And there's a cure. A cure - and I will find it." See what I mean?


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Sunday, March 16, 2008

Movie Review: Hostel (2006)



Starring: Jay Hernandez, Derek Richardson
Director: Eli Roth
Genre: Horror
Rated: R

Wow, I now have to rethink my planned backpacking trip throughout Europe. That is what these two young American guys are doing in this slasher. Our two Americans meet up with a guy from Iceland and together they make their way to a hostel that is supposed to be happening, if you know what I mean. Well, its happening alright, but in more of a Texas Chainsaw Massacre turned into a business kind of way.

Hostel is a cross between Saw, The Twilight Zone and Faces of Death. It's obviously not for the those with weak stomachs or who just ate at a buffet. I think that for the kind of movie it is that it's pulled off very well. I was surprised. I thought it was great that the hero is not the typical hero. He is not the choir boy or valedictorian, but he has scruples and he is deeply concerned for his friends.

The plot keeps you intrigued and the characters are extra creepy. A must see for those who like all kinds of slasher and horror movies.

"We were just going to the spa."


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Movie Review: The Brave One (2007)



Starring: Jodie Foster, Terrence Howard
Director: Neil Jordan
Genre: Thriller
Rated: R

Jodie Foster plays radio talk show host Erica Baine who becomes a victim of random violence. When ready, she goes out as a vigilante and finds low-lifes at every turn in NYC. She is hellbent on getting revenge herself for what happened to her and her fiance. Erica befriends a cop (Terrence Howard) who is investigating these vigilante crimes. He is also struggling as he is going through a painful divorce which is influencing his decisions. It all comes to a head when he realizes what Erica has done.

The Brave One has major holes in being realistic and I found myself laughing in places where I'm pretty darn sure the director didn't intend to be funny. The best thing about the movie is Terrence Howard as the good cop. You knew there had to be only one. But, because of the cast and the flow of the movie, it does create a mostly suspenseful time for all.

Those who like or live in New York City might not like this movie. It doesn't show NYC in a very good light. With the crime, the people and how the police are portrayed.

"Great. It's Jennifer Aniston!"


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Movie Review: The King of Kong (2007)



Starring: Steve Wiebe, Billy Mitchell
Director: Seth Gordon
Genre: Documentary
Rated: PG-13

This documentary goes into the weird world of diehard arcade gamers. The main focus of this movie is that even 25 years after the height of the Donkey Kong game, there is still two men on a quest to hold the World Record. One is Billy Mitchell. He'll be the first to tell you that he is the greatest guy in the world. The other is Steve Wiebe who out of boredom and the feeling of failure in his life wants to hold the world record at Donkey Kong.

The King of Kong is a fun flashback for anyone who spent hours at arcades in the 80s as I did. It goes into the lives of those whose worlds still revolve around little moving colored pixels on a screen and you trying to get to the next level. The movie is even suspenseful with the viewer not knowing who will own the record until the end.

If you have ever played Donkey Kong or if you like documentaries or if you like competition of any kind you have to see this movie.

"If anybody wants to see, there's a Donkey Kong kill screen coming up."


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Thursday, March 13, 2008

Movie Review: We Own The Night (2007)

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Walhlberg, Robert Duvall
Director: James Gray
Genre: Drama
Rated: R

Two brothers played by Marky Mark Wahlberg (Joe) and Joaquin Phoenix (Bobby) find themselves on opposite ends of the spectrum. Joe has followed his father, played by Robert Duvall, by being a cop for the New York Police Department. Bobby, on the other hand, manages a night club and deals with some violent people. The three men can never seem to all coexist together until a Russian mob bad dude is out to get them.

We Own The Night makes you feel the tension as it builds as the movie flows along its path. There is a great car chase scene that is filmed extremely well and is unlike any other. However, there may be moments when you feel unfulfilled where some scenes don't show off the actors' skills. Overall I think it is an enjoyable movie due to the actors and the director. Any fan of the three actors has to see this one.

"Better to be judged by twelve than carried by six."


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Movie Review: In The Valley Of Elah (2007)



Starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Charlize Theron
Director: Paul Haggis
Genre: Drama
Rated: R

Tommy Lee Jones, in his Oscar nominated role, plays the father of an Army soldier who comes back from Iraq and almost immediately goes AWOL. He goes to the Army post and is determined to find his son. He gets help from an investigator played by Charlize Theron. With her help can he uncover the facts about his son?

In The Valley Of Elah has a few turns along the way. This movie doesn't hold anything back from showing the extremes of loss and despair. I would understand if some would think that middle of the movie to be slow. I think it is Haggis showing how methodical the father is to find all of the answers without missing anything. A movie that can prove to be emotional. Also, I'll bet that you won't guess the ending to this one.

Another great role for Tommy Lee Jones playing a very sympathetic role. Jones and Theron are an interesting pair and make this film the better. Worth the rent.

"And so David went down into the valley to challenge Goliath."


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Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Movie Review: Gone Baby Gone (2007)


Starring: Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, Morgan Freeman

Director: Ben Affleck
Genre: Drama
Rated: R

A strong drama about a little girl who gets kidnapped and those who are trying to find her. Her mother seems to be preoccupied with herself There are a lot of answers that need to be solved. One is why does Ed Harris look so much like Viggo Mortensen in "History of Violence" in this movie? Never figured that one out.

Anyway, you can see some things coming in Gone Baby Gone, but the sharp performances are great. Casey Affleck plays a private detective hired to find the kidnapped four year old. He has to work through finding the girl, tension with his girlfriend and dealing with the girl's family, especially her mother. The movie works up to the point where Casey's character has to make a very difficult decision. The result will impact many lives in many ways.

Casey did a great job for his big brother Director Ben, also has a nice showing as a first time director. After watching you'll think about whether you would make the same decision that he makes at the end. By the way, the closing scene is great.

"Kids forgive, they don't judge, they turn the other cheek, and what do they get for it?"


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Movie Review: American Gangster (2007)

Starring: Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Josh Brolin
Director: Ridley Scott
Genre: Drama
Rated: R

Ridley Scott directs this gritty story of drugs and corruption in New York City in the 70s. Denzel Washington plays Frank Lucas, the drug kingpin who is trying to take over. Russell Crowe plays the one detective who is trying to take Frank down and who is not on the take.

For me, American Gangster starts off a little slow, but eventually simmers and cooks into a boil with the two trying to end up on top. This is based on a true story. I didn't know the story beforehand and I have to say that I was pretty surprised by the ending. That made the movie more enjoyable for me. It doesn't get much better than having Denzel and Russell getting lost into their characters. It's what they do best.

Overall this has great casting, including Josh Brolin who seems to be in every movie this year. This is a very well done show by the two Oscar winners. If you are a fan of the two stars, you have to see this.

"My investigation indicates that Frank Lucas is above the Mafia."


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Saturday, March 8, 2008

Movie Review: No Country For Old Men (2007)

Starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin
Director: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Genre: Thriller
Rated: R

Winner of the Best Picture Oscar and winner of three other Oscars, including Best Director and Best Supporting Actor (Javier Bardem). It is based on the Cormac McCarthy novel of the same title. The Coen brothers are at it again. They have created a movie that you have to inhale the entire 116 minutes before realizing what you have seen. It is unlike any movie you will ever sit down to watch.

Tommy Lee Jones plays the sheriff in a small town who has to deal with a rash of killings in his small town. Javier Bardem plays Chigurh the cold-blooded killer who will stop at nothing to get the drug money that he claims is his. Josh Brolin's character happens upon Chigurh's money and he wants it for himself. Chigurh is on his trail and the tension builds as we see the journey that he takes on his quest. Also, Woody Harrelson has a small funny role as a bounty hunter thrown into the mix.

I am a huge fan of Coen brother movies (Raising Arizona, Fargo and O, Brother Where Art Thou? among them). The Coen do an amazing job with pacing and timing throughout the movie. This is a movie that will be talked about and will have many interpretations. Go see for yourself why this movie is well deserved to be the winner of the Oscar for Best Picture.

"What's the most you ever lost on a coin toss?"


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Movie Review: The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)

Starring: Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck

Director: Andrew Dominik
Genre: Drama
Rated: R

I'm usually not one for slow methodical dramas, but this movie is a huge exception. Just as the title of the movie is detailed so is the movie and the story it tells. Brad Pitt is great as the intimidating Jesse James. Casey Affleck is excellent as Robert Ford. I also thought it was masterfully directed. Casey Affleck was nominated for an Oscar as was the cinematographer.

The movie details the last few weeks in the life of Jesse James after his heyday of train and bank robberies. Jesse James is somewhat of a celebrity and he receives admiration from some, but mostly everyone fears him. He knows his life is winding down and he feels severely disjointed. Enter Robert Ford, who was the biggest fan of Jesse James when he was growing up. As a adult, the quirky Ford learns to know the real Jesse James and his feelings change.

I really don't understand the low reviews for this movie. This is great movie making and I would recommend this for any adult. Give the movie a chance. It is a little long (around 159 minutes), but I think it is well worth it for any movie fan. Schedule yourself two and half hours off to watch this movie.

"Jesse James is bigger than you can imagine."


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Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Movie Review: I Am Legend (2007)



Starring: Will Smith
Director: Francis Lawrence
Genre: Thriller
Rated: PG-13

I was interested to see this movie, especially after seeing The Omega Man not too long ago. Both movies are based on Richard Matheson's book I Am Legend. Beside the fact of having the character Dr. Robert Neville as the last man on earth the movies are different. They occur in different cities and have totally different endings.

In I Am Legend Will Smith is in New York City surviving with his dog from the "night people". These are those who survived the virus that killed everyone else, but who have deformed into deadly creatures who feast at night. Daily he tries to make contact with any other humans via the radio to no avail. He can't even find DJ Jazzy Jeff. So he is left to try to find the cure for the virus and using some of the "night people" as test subjects. Will he be able to find the cure in time for himself and humanity?

It wouldn't have been this big of a movie with lesser of an actor. Obviously, if you like seeing Will Smith, you'll like this movie; he's in every scene. I was expecting a little more out of the film considering the the budget. However, it is not bad fare for those who can take a little violence.

"I was saving that bacon!"


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Sunday, March 2, 2008

Movie Review: Michael Clayton (2007)


Starring: George Clooney, TomWilkinson, Tilda Swinton

Director: Tony Gilroy
Genre: Thriller
Rated: R

Tom Wilkinson plays Arthur the off-his-medication lawyer who wakes up to the realization of his job and makes a mess of things. George Clooney plays the title character, who is the guy who cleans up messes like these, but there are others who have other ideas.

The film has Clooney at his best when he's trying to talk down Wilkinson's character from the planet that he is currently residing. Wilkinson and Clooney are great together on-screen.

This film is nominated for seven Oscars including one for Best Picture. Both Wilkinson & Clooney were nominated for an Oscar, but it was Tilda Swinton who won. She plays the 'bad' lawyer who wants to rid the world of Arthur and Michael. I really can't believe that she won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. She doesn't seem to be in the film long enough, but oh well. That's the Academy for you. Good thriller with most performances worth the Oscar buzz.

For any fan of George Clooney. I would recommend to any adult.

"I am Shiva, the god of death."

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Movie Review: The Dish (2000)

Starring: Sam Neil, Patrick Warburton
Director: Rob Sitch
Genre: Comedy
Rated: PG-13

In 1969 man is days away from landing on the moon and NASA wants the entire world to see it on TV. Hey wait a minute, there is a large satellite dish in the middle of a sheep farm in Australia. The Australians quickly agree to give NASA all that it can. It becomes the biggest news it ever hit Parkes, Australia. They will be smack dab in the middle of history.
The team in Australia consists of three local men and a man from NASA. Sam Neil (Jurassic Park) pays the leader of the local crew. Of course, not everything runs smoothly. Problems with human error and winds gusting up to 60 mph wreak havoc on the dish engineers and their attempt to have continual communication with NASA. Will everyone with a TV in the southern hemisphere be able to see one of the biggest achievements in human history? Based on a true story, The Dish shows a lot of actual footage which is a great touch.

The Dish also has a great soundtrack with music from 1969. The soundtrack won the ARIA Award for Best Original Soundtrack Album. With a great cast of characters, this movie is a must for any space buff or anyone curious about the events of July 19, 1969.

"Not everyone at NASA is a hotshot college genius. The guy I most admire is from a one-horse town in Ohio."

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