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Updated: 19/08/2008 Links Classics Current DVD's to Rent (or not) Kids Classics (old and new) 10 Movies you must see before you die Best 1,000 movies (NY Times) 10 best movie scenes of all time Box Office First Showing Why do part last part of trilogies suck? I will be sticking no B.S. reviews of any DVD/movie release I see , that deserves taking the time to review (good or bad). Judging by movies releases lately, this won't be many. Movies of interest: Not a lot... The Dark Knight: Rating 3.5 This is a fun, easy watch movie. What makes it entertaining? Robert Downey. When he gets free reign to do his thing, it's very funny. Well paced. Nice action scenes and simple fun entertainment. Benefit (being a super hero movie) by being released before Dark Knight. Will be interesting to see the sequel. The Dark Knight: Rating 5 Rarely and I do mean "rarely" does a movie live up to the hype. Dark Knight manages to not just live up to it, it makes you forget it, as you get swept up in the tension and characters of this amazing piece of filmmaking. Why? You totally forget you are watching a two and a half hour movie. So much goes on, you are left overwhelmed by the ending. Each and every character manages to get enough screen time and a mini movie of their own that they are developed than any movie I have seen in a while. The icing on the cake? Heath Ledger. His performance is the best I have seen in years. Full of little mannerisms and totally psychotic with absolutely no back story (he keeps making up different ones for why he is disfigured). You almost forget you are watching a Batman movie at all, as you just want Ledger to be in each and every scene. One could argue they tell a little too much of the story in dialogue and it is all a bit "Empire Strikes Back". But a great movie and a movie that has set the benchmark not just for super hero movies, but movies in general. The Love Guru: Rating 0 Exactly who wrote this script and what were any of the people involved in this movie actually thinking during the production, god only knows. Mike Myers commits career suicide in a totally silly, unfunny comedy. I know comedy can be hard, but unless this was designed for those under 12, there is no way this movie should have been made at all. The only scene that made me laugh was the sight of Justin Timberlake sending himself up by dancing to Celine Dion. Avoid in the movies, avoid on DVD and avoid on TV. The Happening: Rating 1 Ok maybe it "might" deserve a score of 2. But the amount of disappointment in how bad this movie turned out to be just made me drag down the score some more. Terrible acting, terrible plot, terrible direction and even terrible music. It acts and smells like a B movie but by a "once way" as list writer/director. Those of you who saw the preview trailer like me, could see the possibilities of this movie. Problem is, all the best bits are in the trailer. It starts too quickly and moves too slowly after that (if that makes sense). The initial premise is good, great sense of doom and fear and then nothing. The old lady in the house is the real low point. We are supposed to be afraid of her, but find ourselves saying WTF much too often. I read a review that argued Mr. Night Shyamalan is a better director than a writer. Unfortunately for him (and us) the happening shows him as weak at both. Terrible... Stop Loss: Rating 3.5 One can't help but feel the main reason for this movie "being" is to educate people to what the term "Stop Loss" means. To that end, it works. The idea (if you have kids) will enrage you. A method of recycling soldiers until either the way ends or they die - which ever comes first. Why? Because the American people won't accept another draft after Vietnam. Now there people power at work (not). Painfully realistic action sequences open the movie, as our group of soldiers are lead into a trap and the main character (Philippe) realises (as most soldiers in this war have) that he is in over his head and he can't prevent his men from being killed. After that we are back home to take a look at what young men as young men do. Although these young men are for ever damaged. Changed and twisted by their experience of war. Strong cast and actors. The last act is a little weak and ending can be seen a mile off. But ends the only way it could (really). One to watch to take a look at modern America and why it will take strong leaders and a lot of time to put the last six years behind it. Be Kind Rewind: Rating 2 A real disappointment on display here. The concept was solid, the execution is poor. Why, many of the scenes that should be funny just aren't. Even if you remember the movies being rein acted by the cast. The first movie I have seen Jack Black in where is just isn't funny. A strong message wrapped up in too few laughs for a comedy. In Bruges: Rating 4 The "Irishiness" of this made it much more entertaining that it would have been with hit men from another country. Dark, witty and well made. Although a tiny bit more violent than it needed to be and the ending will leave you a bit flat. Not a lot of redeeming characters to identify with here. But an above average movie none the less. Pathology: Rating 2.5 Lost boys meets ER anyone. I was interested to see how they were going to pull off the idea of the lead being sucked into a world of murder and to be fair they simply didn't. The simple truth is our hero is a cocky killer. Not much else. by the end you won't give a damn if he lives or dies and pretty much everything else is predictable as rain in Ireland during the summer. Not for the faint hearted, but the over done sex scenes are entertaining, but not in the way they were intended (funny for those thinking something else). Worth a flick over on DVD, but will forget the second the credits roll. Cloverfield: Rating 4 Must say I was expecting this to be an anti climax and wasn't sure I get into the whole "through a video camera" style of shooting. Amazingly well marketed - stealing elements of how they sold Blair Witch (+ one could argue this is nothing more than Blair Witch meets Godzilla). But it works for a couple of reasons. 1) The story plays on our still fresh fears of 911. Some of the shots are not too different to how we (in another country) experience the event. 2) The effects and story work really well. The short sharp shots of the "monster" inject fear at just the right levels. It's big, it's in your face. But they play the "what's behind the door" style, more than showing you too much too soon. Also the use of unknown actors adds to the real feel of it all. For the you tube generation? perhaps. But a damn fine movie experience all the same. The final big question however. Is would it have worked even better as a traditional movie or the through the camera view it used. There will be blood: Rating 2 At the risk of being attacked for not loving every second of this movie. I found it a massive disappointment. Why? Well Daniel Day-Lewis is incredible. Well incredible doesn't even come close. This is the single best performance I have EVER seen in a movie. Well except for Ralph Fiennes in Schindler's List. Mr. Fiennes still rates as the finest performance because of three things 1) it was a perfect piece of acting when it could have been a simple two dimensional villain 2) It was a better movie and 3) for the weeks myself and my late father discussed this movie and his role - as my father put it, from the second he came on screen he filled the picture with his presence (so on a personal level, it will make a master class of acting to knock this role out of my head). But honestly. Great acting does not a great film make. A great film is a gel, a collaboration that worked. All elements coming together from story, direction through to soundtrack and other elements. The reason I mention soundtrack? The soundtrack in there will be blood is an assault on the ears. Music didn't match scenes and please watch the volumes. Music should compliment not distract. The film was much too long. The story at times was interesting but this mans journey towards self destruction just jumped too much. We spend too much time at certain parts of his life and the ending tries to fast forward and wrap things up much too quickly (yes even thought it ran too long). Without Mr. Day-Lewis I feel this film wouldn't be even worth a watch. But if you are a fan of acting. Watch this and learn. Then be ready to be disappointed with a lot of acting in other movies. But to put simply, don't believe the hype. Another example where the filmmakers forgot the single most important element of film - entertainment. In the Valley of Elah: Rating 5 Yet another movie that really caught me by surprise. It handles similar issues as Lion for Lambs. But does it so much better. Great cast, nicely paced story (initially feels like a simple who done it). But as the story unfolds we meet some interesting characters in the boys mother, father, the female Detective who could buy and sell her male colleagues. (to name a few). Without giving too much of the plot away. It paints a modern picture of war, loss, evil and racism that we are all too painfully aware of in our modern world. As we discover a nation in crisis that is turning some of its own youth in monsters. Watch through the credits for a filmmakers dedication... Things we lost in the fire: Rating 4 Halley Belly turns in her best performance since she won an Oscar. But Benicio Del Toro is a revelation in the movie. I hadn't rated him as a really strong actor until now. Had been in some interesting roles/movies but nothing (for me) that I would have said "what an actor". I'm not just talking about his portrayal in the drug addiction scenes. But there are several moments he manages to "say" more with a look than an entire page of dialogue could manage. A good story (although slowly paced) of a ruptured family saved by a man who has simply wandered through live but live love for his now dead friends forces him to make change and help those he has left behind. Strong cast and very good movie. Lions for Lambs: Rating 2.5 WTF happened here then? An Oscar worthy cast under the direction of an Oscar winning director but an unfinished script? Moments of greatness - Cruise's senator "suggesting" the use of nuclear weapons. The two boys informing the class they are putting their money where their mouths are etc. But as a whole movie it's a massive disappointment. The action scenes are dull and poorly filmed (basically no tension). The ending is obvious but feels unfinished. Yes I know they were trying to make the audience "think". But in order to think we have to be given enough to be worthy of thought. The movie is too short (again) and feels rushed for some reason. Cruise is the best of it, but one episode of the West Wing with Martin Sheen could out do his work. If not for the cast and director this would be a one star movie. If this is the first big movie from the refurbished United Artists, they are in big trouble indeed. A financial flop at the box office and I can see why. When it ended I was left with "is that it". I am legend: Rating 3.5 I have been waiting to see this film for ages, so was half expecting it to be a disappointment. Set-up was excellent as is Smith's performance. The first scene where the sun sets and he closes up the house before sleeping in the bath works great. We only hear the menace outside. Which is where it faults first. We get introduced to the undead when the dog gets carried away in a hunt (again another excellent tense scene). But we get to see the creatures too fast and they should have used humans rather than cgi. They are of human form, so why not? The fast moving zombies have been done in Dawn of the dead remake and 28 days/weeks to great effect. When the CGI starts to get used even more it takes from the movie. Looking back at the story and action set-up/conclusion, on paper the story is solid (although too short). If they had of but in more story and less cgi we would have had a 5 star classic. Directors cut anyone? I usually don't agree with special/super/director/ultimate movie releases, but this movie needs it. i can't help but feel that the producer and thus director faulted on two hurdles. 1) rushed the cgi to get an early release (Mummy 2 anyone) and 2) reduced the runny length into a 90 minute 6 shows a day length. Death Proof: Rating 2 Now this was a major disappointment for me. Being a BIG Tarantino fan since Dogs. He makes the major mistake of telling most of the story in dialogue. Which you could argue dogs did, but it was far more interesting and for the most part better acting. It has its moments - Russell is great as the dark character. The car chases are flat and set up of part two is contrived. The double movie feature was to blame for the failure of Grindhouse. But after watching half of it, I can help but feel that was just an excuse. Rent it for curiosity only. Think its time for the big T to do that World War II movie. Perfect Stranger: Rating 2.5 A Strong casted movie that is "just" worth a look. Basically tries to be much more intelligent than it is. Based on a twist that get no hints of until one of the characters just simply "gets it". Needed more clues and twists in the story to make it more of a worthwhile watch. Willis phones in his performance. Halley is good but has been much better. Giovanni Ribisi steals the show but is not given enough of the story. The .5 five in the score is the obviously tacked on scene with Halley getting ready for a date - her head remains clearly out of shot which prompts that a body double was used and the tacky sex scene is hysterical. Easy watch movie but don't expect too much from it and you won't be disappointed. Freedom Writers: Rating 5 Like most of you I had read mixed reviews of this movie and as a result wasn't too optimistic in watching it. n always reviews had made my mind up before I saw a movie. Which is wrong. Had a look at the score on Imdb and gave it a watch. Very glad I did. Excellent cast and a wonderful journey. It tells the story of a group of children so filled with hate they fail to see what they have in common. Fail until a teacher takes them on a journey to reveal the greatest haters of all, the Nazi's and children discover the story of Anne Frank. I may be a bit mellow dramatic and preachy in places but if you don't get a lump in your trout least once, you haven't been watching the movie. How much is based on real events, I'm not sure. But a strong story with a good theme that one person can make a difference. Spiderman 3: Rating 3 I knew the first time I saw the trailer for this movie it had issues. Too much was going on for a 2 hour(ish) movie. Showing clips of another Goblin, a bad spidey, Sandman and venom. I mean come on. Give the audience a bad guy maybe two to concentrate on. The scenes wit Peter Parker hamming it up are just silly and cringe worthy. It is an interesting concept to show Spiderman as more powerful and corrupted by his vanity. But the arrival of the vemon from space is not explained, it just happened. The actual vemon character works well but is not in it enough. The sandman is bad, but good, all done will silly flashbacks showing how Peter's uncle was killed but not really, or forget it.... An OK comic book movie let down by too much plot and too little story (is that possible, watch this movie), poor performance by Toby McGuire: I'm sorry he always feels like someone who is either half asleep or simply not interested in the material. You feel like you need to shake him a bit. And the spidey effects are still too CGI and cartoonish. + side. Sandman captures the comic well and Vemon (although should have been a movie bad guy on his own) is worth the watch. Catch it on DVD and forget it immediately. Bobby: Rating 5 This was simply a very well made movie. The story is concerned with the various people going on about their lives on the Bobby Kennedy is visiting the same hotel they own, work, live, visit on the day he just made president and alas was murdered. Estevez appears, writes and directs and frankly does very well in all areas. As a writer he manages to keep several lives developed enough to maintain interest, even though we could be just concerned with Bobby and that day itself. Instead we get a look at America in 1968 and how people held hopes for change with Bobby and how all of this was shattered (once again) much like his brother and Dr. King. Demi Moore and Sharon Stone give the performances of their careers. The pursuit of happiness: Rating 5 I didn't expect to enjoy this movie as much as I did. Smith is excellent as the down in his luck Dad. It punches home because it is a true (ish) story as well as shows how easily one can slip through the cracks of society. Three scenes really stayed with me long after I saw it, all of which are down to Smith's performance (aided by junior Smith, also excellent as his son). 1) The scene in the bathroom as the father plays a game to get his son to sleep on a cold wet bathroom floor, as he tries to keep the door closes with his leg, I nearly cried my eyes out (mainly because could see myself in his shoes with my own kids) 2) When his boss asks him for a loan of five dollars. You can see the pain in his face as he hands over the money, basically taking food from his kids mouth and finally 3) The acting as he is told some good news at the end. You would need a heart of stone to not be emotionally effected. Reviews may criticise this moving for blatantly tugging on the heart strings. But any movie that effects emotionally, either through excitement, anger or sorrow. Has done it's job. Great movie and will Smith get a2007 Oscar nod? Wait and see. Flags of the Fathers: Rating 3 This was a major letdown. The war scenes fall flat in comparison to Saving Private Ryan (1998). Too much CGI and not enough shell shock through use imaginative camera work. The cast are fine, the story is OK. Biggest fault is the use of flashbacks and forwards. We don't fear for the main characters in battle, because we have already been shown they live at the start. The event in history is interesting. The futile politics can be identified with today's conflicts. Perhaps another edit would tighten this movie up some. But in it's present form it just falls short. Which is unusual for Clint Eastwood. Go back and watch Private Ryan again to remind yourself how these type of stories should be told. Little Miss sunshine: Rating 5 Happy to report I just saw another good movie, hell a great movie. What happens when you mix a low budget idea with minimal plot with the perfect cast? Fortunately thanks to some clever film making, you getting a great movie. A road movie of a completely broken and dysfunctional family. A journey that sees most of them loose their dreams but find each other. Apparently this got a standing ovation at Sundance, watch and see why. Big budget movies could learn a lot. Little miss gem. Happy to say, I just saw three good movies back to back (over last weekend). Waiting so long to see something good and then this: (1) The Last Kiss : Rating 4 Great story with very strong performances. A tale of people simply living. Relationships starting and ending. The basic complexities of life. The lead played brilliantly by the understated Zach Braff, finds himself panicking at growing old, having a baby and settling down. Uses a young college girl and in doing so finally realises what he could lose. All this happens as people around him deal with break-ups, kids etc. All having similar problems and failing to deal with them also. Not the typical rom com or date movie. But very grown up and watch able drama with a great cast. Rent it. (2) Children of men: Rating 4 A bleak story perhaps, but one that anyone living in the modern age can relate to. England is now a police state, where illegal emigrants are hunted down and treated like animals. Acts of terror are common day occurrences. The basis of the story is that no more babies are being born. During the early scenes the worlds youngest person is murdered (at 18) and the world weeps it loss. Clive Owen turns in one of his strongest performances to date and made me a fan. Michael Cane is also here and top form as an aging hippy friend of Owen's whose friendship keeps him sane in the insane world. Some very well filmed action sequences on display against a good story that holds a strong message of where we are all heading, all mixed with great acting. (3) Invincible: Rating 4 I can't admit to being a fan of American football. But I understand the rules (believe it or not) and enjoy a good movie whatever the subject matter. This movie deals with the inspirational story of a 30 year old who gets to play on his home team after being successful in open try outs. Kind of a sports x-factor (but watch able). Limited job prospects and his wife leaves him, cleaning him out and branding him a loser. You expect the typical "rocky" style climb to fame. But this is a true story where the hero has to work his ass off to win. Mark Wahlberg is perfect in the role of "Vince Papale". Turning in what I think is the performance of his career. Not just in what he physically brings to the role, but in his dealing with the obstacles of life. Everyone wants him to lose, he just refuses. Great movie. Black Dahlia (14/12/2006): Rating 2 Very disappointing movie, considering this is the work of the "once amazing" Brian De Palma (Untouchables, Mission Impossible, Carlito's Way, Scarface.....). It does show some of his technical brilliance in several camera shots and a scene or two. But falls flat on story and characters, leaving this viewer bored and uncaring of the outcome. Wooden performances throughout. The usually amazing Johansson is seen in one of her weakest roles to date. I know they were trying to capture the era, but in doing so produced a dated movie with dated dialogue and thus acting. I'm usually a fan of voice over, but this movie contains one of the worst examples of such. Even the twist at the end left me thinking "ah well". Perhaps Capone Rising will see De Palma back on form. Lady in the water (05/12/2006): Rating 2 Unusual movie. On one hand you have excellent performances on the other the story is just too off the wall to sustain your interest. Now I'm a big fan of M. Night Shyamalan. He had me hooked onto his style since the sixth sense. But he first got trapped in making his audience expect a twist, now it seems to be attempting to pull off stories that no on else would dare attempt. Much the same as the village, this movie misses as much as it hits. The tense moments are just not tense enough, the end not satisfying enough. In the end you will be left thinking. "that was good, wasn't it"? Perhaps it is the cause of the subject being from a child's bedtime story; but this is the movies weakest part, the story. But unfortunately the answer is no. Shyamalan may be a master story teller, but this is one case where is doesn't translate to the screen. Disappointing. Slither (18/11/2006): Rating 4 I expected this is a a run of the mill horror, blood guts and gore. For some part it is. But it's most important element is the homour. Filled with cracking one liners and throw backs to 1950's B movies or "things from other space". Great cast, fun story and plenty of humour. More of a comedy horror (but not slap stick). Worth a rent on DVD. The Breakup (3/11/2006): Rating 4 Strange beast this movie. It was marketed (judging by the trailers) as a straight comedy. But is in fact a drama. A sad story in fact of a couple reaching the end of their relationship. You journey with them through the break up. The main problem it is hard to take the man's side. He is lazy, annoying and refuses to take reasonability of anything. Perhaps this is the writer taking a swipe at men. But it just makes it impossible to believe she fell in love with him in the first place, never mind tries everything in her powers to turn him around. She is just too beautiful, too caring and honest to be involved with someone like Vaughn's character. Only in the final few minutes do we see any signs of the man inside, which is just too late. It should have been shown from both sides with more accuracy. More of a level playing field, where you agreed with both parties and they simply had just outgrown each other. Some funny moments, but not enough considering we are dealing with the usually very funny Vince Vaughn. Aniston proves once again that she is an exceptional actress, very, very under rated. Worth a watch on DVD mostly for Aniston's performance. Older Reviews: Pirates of the Caribbean 2: 26/7/2006 Running Scared (2005): 11/5/2006 Melinda and Melinda: 30/11/2005 War of the Worlds(2005): 29/11/2005 Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines: 02/09/2003
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