Movies I Have Seen Recently

Surprisngly, a smart and compelling thriller that blends the worlds of journalism, politics, and crime quite nicely. Playing like a good episode of Law and Order, quick and snappy dialog, the film pulls you in from the beginning and never lets you go. Even though the film probably has one twist too many, the film is addicting and also offers great performances from its talented cast.

It always seems like the better the film the harder it is to write about it, and after watching this film I don't have much to say. Sin Nombre was a very well balanced, realistic, and beautifully shot film that pulls nearly every emotion out of you. The film may be tough to watch at times, covering issues such as gang violence and immigration, but it's a film worth watching. Enough said.

The film could of possibly been something good if it was able to steer away from the typical man befriends homeless/disabled person films. However, it unfortunately falls under the category of being a little too predictable and everytime the film took an intresting step forward it seemed to fall back a step when they fell back into oscar bait mode. Intresting performances and some nice camera work, but overall you can skip it. Want something better? Watch The Fisher King.

I have never seen one single episode or one of the previous films, but this Star Trek was one hell of a good time. In the hands of the genious J.J. Abrams, he has taken what seemed to be a dying franchise and brought it back to life and made it something that not just "trekkies", but everyone can enjoy. Not to mention, the film has one fantastic cast all presenting characters, one just as memorable as the next. I never thought I'd say it, but I can't wait for the Star Trek sequel.

If names like Ron Howard and Tom Hanks can't make me care about this film its quite possible that no one really could and maybe there is just some material that shouldn't be adapted. However, I refuse to accept that. Angels and Demons is just one unintresting, kind of confusing, and a little too convenient ride that just doesn't build up to much. The book probably had all the answers I needed and all the excitement I was suppose to feel, however the movie couldn't capture it.

A forced, uninspiring, and kind of obnoxious addition that is lacking the good old fashion fun and heart of the rest of the franchise. Even though it does contain some impressive special effects, they are wasted because there is nothing to carry them. Overall, this film just can't compare to the first Teminator, the second, and yes, even the third, and if this is going to be the new style and trend to the new Terminator franchise, I want nothing to do with it.

Although it may be only for some with certain taste, this is one campy and unusual ride that resonates well with the fun old school horror flicks that we do not see a whole lot these days. Filled with gross out gags and frustratingly loud sounds, this is a film that is sure to have you on the edge of your seat and trying to catch your breath from laughing at the same time.

Up has nearly everything you would expect from a Pixar movie, but what makes this film even more special is what you didn't expect this film to have. Yes, the film is adventurous, visually stunning, and funny, but I never expected Up to have such depth and contain such adult themes. I certainly didn't expect Up to be so touching that at times would have me moved to tears.

Sure to be the film that will come to mind when hear the word "Vegas", and like a trip to Las Vegas itself you can insure that it will be wild, hilarious, and filled with sin. Nicely paced and very funny interaction between the characters, this film is one of the funniest I've seen in a while and will probably be the funniest one this summer. Not to mention, a nice little mystery story too.

While I do admit that this film relies heavily on the fine performances by the talented leads, Maya Rudolph and John Krasinski, I still feel this is a little special piece worth a viewing. Unlike a lot of other Sam Mendes films where every single detail has been thought out, sometimes overthought, I felt this was a film where he was able to loosen up and really experiment with his characters and ideas. The film may be a bit uneven, but the Away We Go is fearless, funny, and often very touching.

While it does strike some comparisons to other science fiction films, this smaller one really stands out to me because while it's still mind boggling, the film never becomes too complicated or overwelming. The first time director shows he has definitely got some talent and directs Sam Rockwell in one of his best, if not his best, performances we have ever seen from him yet playing not one, but two fully fleshed out characters on the peak of madness and in the search for answers.

Starts out pretty promising, however the jokes start to wear thin and kind of drag out, some humor that even resembles to a film like Not Another Teen Movie. The main question in my mind is how can such a talented cast and gifted director make something so, well, not good? Year One does has some brief moments that are funny, but not nearly enough, and for me has become the leading contender for most disappointing film this year.

A lot like the first Transformers except half the plot, twice the explosions, and a running time that seemed to be longer than Larry King's life. The underdeveloped story filled with just some bad dialog frustrated me, and the noticeable effort to connect with the young teenage crowd didn't help. I'm sure Michael Bay could direct one hell of a good Chevy or Army commercial, but when it comes to good storytelling he just ain't got the goods.

Not really anything we haven't already seen from Allen and his previous films. However, while the film does feel familiar it is a Woody Allen film none the less, which means it will contain laughs. And if Allen couldn't play himself there is probably no better than Larry David to replace him.

While there are much to admire here such as the detailed art direction, set pieces, and costumes, I'm afraid not even a fantatsic star like Johnny Depp can bring the audience along on this should-be exciting ganster movie. I mean its a movie about John Dillinger, the most notorious bank robber, and it seems like his life would be just a bit more fasinating.

May not be as smart or as funny as Borat, but that would be setting the bar way too high. Bruno is still hilarious and proves that Sacha Baron Cohen is one of the few inventive comedians working today, putting himself in uncomfortable situations and pushing people's buttons all for our amusement.

A heart pounding film about a bomb squad that struggle with the chaos of the Iraq war. Don't let this film being about the Iraq War fool you, it is an action film through and through. Female director, Kathryn Bigelow, should be a shoe in for a nomination for best director this year for creating the best if not the second best film about the conflict in Iraq so far.

A creative and charming romantic comedy (but remember "this is not a love story"), is a complete breath of fresh air. A story about boy meets girl and a study of relationships, and while the brutal honesty might turn off some, others should enjoy to what some are rightfully referring to as the Annie Hall of our time.

I would go ahead and place this addition to the the better half of the Potter franchise, and a step up from the last two films. Considering not a whole lot happened in the film and seems to be more a set up for the next two, I still think they made the film intresting enough to have me thoroughly entertained. What can I say though, it's still Harry Potter.

The world of politics and all the rubbish that takes place in that world, in the style of the British version of The Office. Smart, vulgar, and often very funny farce with fantastic characters. Only critism is the film moves pretty quick and the viewer may become, well, out of the loop. James Gandolfini and Peter Capaldi were great.

While I do admire the change of pace for director Judd Apatow, I did find this film to be a about too much. I think ideas just kept adding up, and there was a need to condense, I mean there really are two different movies here. However, while the film feels a little uneven, there is still a lot to like here, such as the portrayal of a comedian who has some issues.

A unique and creative teen romance that stars the unusual but the adorable lead, Charlyne Yi. Interviewing people across America documenting their stories while at the same time possibly falling in love herself. Part real, part set-up, and anyone who can tell fact from fiction should really enjoy this.

It was not a great summer for big blockbuster films (Transformers and Wolverine), however not great until Neill Blomkamp's District 9. When the film starts you may be skeptical, however the film quickly picks up and you'll be amazed on how involved you become. Imagative, clever, at times touching, and not to mention action packed.

It's been a long time for Quentin Tarantino's new film to come out, but it was well worth the wait. No other director really gives you that movie experience like Tarantino, and he really has nailed this one. The acting is marvelous, the writing is wonderful, and the film as a whole is classic. Easiestly Tarantino's best film since Pulp Fiction, and my favorite film of the year so far.

A movie about Woodstock, the most famous music festival, disappointingly is not about the music. This story is more a coming of age tale with cliches and drug trips, and like a drug trip, is scatter-brained and nearly incoherent. There are some likeable moments, but not enough and not ones that are really on the same page as the next.

You may love or hate this twisted comedy that stars Robin Williams in, my opinion, his best role in years. When the film starts you think your in for just a dark foul-mouthed comedy, but then it takes a very unexpected turn. The film becomes something better, a great satire that is both funny and relevant. Did I mention it was twisted?