Movies I Want To See (List 3)

Action/Scifi/Thriller with 'B' movie written all over it, but in the hands of Paul W.S. Anderson becomes 'A' list material. Death Race offers a believable plot, fast action, and characters you can sink your teeth into. With very little CGI, the racing, accidents, and explosions are fantastic.

Clint Easwood has delivered a gut-wrenching masterpiece. There is absolutely nothing that does not work in this film. The cinematography, the score, the script, the direction, the acting- all perfectly executed. The story itself is gripping, intriguing and most haunting.

A fact based film about Ernie Davis which is inspiring and touching. The film is sports based and unlike some of this nature, the football action works on screen. The acting is top notch, the direction moves well and the styling is perfect for the film.

The Duchess is a beautifully costumed period piece. (The hats worn by female cast are 'to die for'!) The acting is average. The cinematography has some moments but nothing to earn raves. Rather than capturing the true extravagance and notoriety of the real Duchess of Devonshire, the film gives glimpses of the life she lived. The interaction between the Duchess and her children is the best performance by Knightley in The Duchess. Overall the film lacks the power punch and emotional impact of what a period piece should deliver.

recommended by Grant

After viewing Defiance, I found myself without any negative criticisms for the film. From beginning to end, this true tale of the Bielski brothers WWII adventures into the Blearussian forest is captivating and astonishing. The polished script, flawless cinematography and brilliant acting are just icing on the cake for this inspiring story of Jewish people who resisted the Nazi occupation.

Finally a Woody Allen film I enjoyed! Vicky Cristina Barcelona is an enjoyable comedy with great cinematography and even the narrator is quite humorous. Bardem shines, Johansson and Hall play their respective roles nicely, and Cruz just steels the show. Worth a view just to see Maria Elena as portrayed by Cruz.

Lakeview Terrace became confused on whether it was a thriller or a social commentary. If the film had stayed more true to the thriller genre, it would have been much more interesting. The actors gave the film a good shot and it was nice to see Samuel Jackson do a bit more than phone in his performance. Overall, it is watchable, but the delve into social commentary and a poor ending lower it's score.

A gripping dramatization of the demonstrations that rocked the 1999 WTO events in Seattle Washington. Townsend allows the viewers to see as much as possible on film of this catastrophe. Ingeniously, he shows a bit of each side of the story from the representative groups. Well acted and very cleverly filmed- a must see if you care what the WTO represents....

A decent espionage thriller with the focus on terrorism. Entertaining film with a bit of a different plot than most being offered. Cheadle, Pearce and Taghamoui portray their characters in outstanding fashion.

Mirrors- a film for Kiefer Sutherland fans. Otherwise, ti's a bad film which should have stayed locked inside the writer's mind. The plot has potential, very much potential. Aside from Sutherland, the acting in the film is bad, really bad. The director did not capitalize on suspense building which would have increased the ratings meter. Mirrors drags. The dragging is so bad that by the time the film ends, you could care less about how brilliant this film might have been with a properly written script, flawless direction and higher quality acting talent.

The power of this film for me was lost in the inaccuracies of the styling and slang language used by some of the characters. The slang kept me from believing it was 1944. Aside from this loss of power, the plot was great and the characters of Train and Angelo were superb. The film is much too long and could have played better if cut by forty minutes or more.

A well made Sci-fi with nice special effects which is interesting yet maybe could have been more exciting. The film and acting worked for me. My only complaint was the ending was a bit of a let down.

The cinematography of Max Payne is quite simply fantastic. Though the critics and I disagree, I found the story interesting and enjoyed every minute of the film. The cinematography and acting matched the story and the action was just enough.

A conspiracy thriller film which aimed high and fell short. The plot was good, but the script fell short and aside from the great opening and a couple of action scenes, the story just crept on and on. A bit too long and sometimes boring, at least Clive Owen was easy on the eyes.

Viktor (vampire) and Lucian (Lycan) the prequel equals the best film in the franchise. Nighy and Sheen are quite simply- AWESOME. This look at what created the great war between the vampires and the Lycans is not only well written and acted, the costuming and darkness shine throughout the films entirety. The only con would be the CGI on some of the Lycan shots was a bit too CGI. This third installment only leaves me wanting more from Viktor and Lucian.

Hmmm... Well it wasn't bad, but it was not really good. Fails as a thriller and the acting was average. Overall, the plot was workable though slow. The film feels more like a made for TV movie than a cinema film.

Felon is one of the best films from 2008. An excellent plot plays flawlessly with the well written script and outstanding acting. Val Kilmer may be one of the best, if not the best actor of all time. Kudos to Ric Roman Waugh for his brilliant direction. Interesting, intense and unforgettable....

Seven Pounds has the WOW factor. Great script, spectacular acting, beautifully filmed and all with an excellent score. Director Gabriele Muccino allowed this haunting tale to unfold perfectly. An intriguing film which makes you think.

The best mini-series since Band of Brothers

Based upon the book written by embedded Rolling Stones reporter Evan Wright, Generation Kill follows !st Recon Marines during the first wave of the USA led assault on Iraq in 2003. The 7 episode series is awesome from beginning to end. The script, direction, action, cinematography and acting are flawless. The story is enlightening, entertaining and saddening. The manor in which the actors bring the Marines of 1st recon to life is heart wrenching. A must see film.....

Bolt is the best animation film I've viewed since The Incredibles. Bolt is so adorable. Mittens, Rhino and the pigeons are terrific sidekicks and associates. The story is cute and the film ends on an upbeat note. A great little Disney flick....

Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock - the perfect choices for romantic comedy leads. The Proposal is fun, thoughtful and touching. More romantic comedies should be made this way. The Alaskan backdrop is gorgeous. Betty White is a scene stealer and is hilarious.

A well scripted, well acted film which offers some insight to just how important a part our pets are to us. Nicely put together film which is enjoyable enough, but be prepared to have your emotions placed in free fall.

Detailing the last of 15 assassination attempts against Adolf Hitler, Valkyrie is an interesting and intense look at the July 20 plot of 1944. Valkyrie offers a look at those who supported Germany, yet did not support the Fuhrer. A well written, finely executed view of history so few have had an opportunity to glimpse. The acting and cinematography also add great depth to the film.

The best non-action packed film aside from In Bruges that I've seen from 2008. A multi-layered, engaging, entertaining and surprising look at 'old school' attitudes through the life of Korean War vet Walt Kowalski. Eastwood brings Walt to life in a way only Eastwood can, with magnificent clarity. This film feels genuine in its story, the emotions and the lessons being offered. Definitely a film for which Eastwood should always be remembered.