My Small Gathering...

Herzog's Best. With a filmography like his, the 'best' is saying something. One of the reasons I personally consider this Herzog's best is because, after having done five films together, this was my favorite role Klaus Kinski played. This film just absorbed me from the breathtaking opening scene of the group venturing through the amazon, all of the way to final scenes where Kinski shines. Everyone should see this film, not just because more than likely they've watched at least one picture that was inspired by this one, but because it is one of the best films ever made...

When creating a list of films whose remakes are superior to, or just as good as it's predecessors, the Herzog/Kinski collaboration on Nosferatu would undoubtedly be toward the top. Herzog captured the eerie setting and time period perfectly, while Kinski does what he does best, becomes the character and makes you forget he's acting. This film often gets overlooked by many people, and I feel it's slightly under appreciated. I consider it to be one of Herzog's best...

Not my favorite collaboration of Kerzog/Kinski but is still quite a film. Klaus Kinski does a great job (as usual) in this role but the film as whole doesn't exceed other Herzog films of the times like 'Aguirre', 'Kaspar Hauser', 'Stroszek', or even 'Noseratu'. Still a devastating story and brilliant work...

Herzog's epic. I'm sure by now if you've heard the name 'Werner Herzog', you've heard some portion of the making of the film 'Fitzcarraldo'. After investing time into viewing Herzog's films, few other times have I been more inspired. The determination, not only of the characters in the film but of Herzog himself. Klaus Kinski is still as mesmerizing to watch as always has been. There are few things I can add that haven't already been said time and time again, but heed my advise when I tell you to watch this film and be as inspired by it as I have been. Truly an astonishing picture...

Being a huge Werner Herzog fan, I never get tired of hearing about the difficulties he had to endure to create some of the greatest films ever made. The biggest difficulty was, of course, his peculiar relationship with Klaus Kinski. 'My Fiend Fiend' does a great job at telling the story behind their works but I can't help but feel that it only reveals the surface. Also, with the documentary having been made by Herzog, we tend not to hear too much about the difficulties working with a director like himself, which you learn more about in a film like 'Burden of Dreams'. As I said before, these two genius' made gorgeous works of art together and this film recaps it very well. Naturally, I recommend watching the five films they made together prior to watching this...

The final chapter in Peter Jackson's interpretation of J.R.R. Tolkien's trilogy is an exciting and absolutely gorgeous film. Winner of 11 Academy Awards, this motion picture was a great achievement for director Peter Jackson and everyone involved with the making of it...

Reservoir Dogs is the film that started Tarantino's legacy. This film contains some of the greatest written characters and are gloriously acted by the entire cast. Only a great writer can create a movie about a robbery and not show any of the actual robbery in progress. A highly recommended film...

An absolute classic by Quentin Tarantino which redefined modern crime drama. It's nonlinear story telling, exceptional script, and the absolutely brilliant performs by John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson makes this an instant classic. This picture has easily earned it's way to the top of many people's favorite films lists, and I'm certainly proud to be one of them...

Quentin Tarantino does an extraordinary job of paying homage to blaxploitation films, but unfortunately this had to follow the shadow of his previous work, 'Pulp Fiction'. It has a terrific cast and QT's extraordinary film making style, but something sets it apart from his others films. It is still a great film, but I, along with many others, believe this to be Quentin Tarantino's weakest work. Still highly recommended...

A glorious start to an epic tale. The samurai/kung fu influence clearly breaks through in volume one and delivers a fistful of memorable fight sequences. Tarantino remains at the top of his game and uses his signature techniques to create this film. As I said, this was a great start but volume two is superior...

An exciting conclusion to this gloriously stylized revenge tale, Tarantino artfully fuses Spaghetti Western with classic Kung Fu. You cannot discuss this film without mentioning exceptional performances given by David Carradine and Michael Madsen. A must see...

Tarantino's amazingly accurate recreation and tribute to grindhouse films is an exhilirating thrill-ride. With it's slow and steady pacing, mixed with some of the best and most exciting car chase sequences ever filmed, "Death Proof" expertly pays tribute to grindhouse films of old. Kurt Russell was fantastic as 'Stuntman Mike' and the female cast were all very good, but it's no secret that it's the cars that draw you in the most. In the long run, I found this to be superior to Robert Rodriguez's "Planet Terror". This film is magnificent on it's own, but it will never be the same until it is viewed as it was made to be...

Robert Rodriguez's wholly entertaining portion of Grindhouse. Rodriguez did a fantastic job creating this picture but, I still prefer 'Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof' over this because it stuck to traditional methods of filmmaking and never lost the over grindhouse feel. Planet Terror is one of Rodriguez's best and doesn't disappoint but, as I've said before, 'Grindhouse' was a theatre experience and won't be the same until it is viewed as it meant to be...

Utterly amazing cinematography drives this comic adaptation of Frank Miller's vicious comic book series. The one dimensional story lines are easily overlooked because of the entertaining characters portrayed by the fantastic cast , specifically those played by Benicio Del Toro, Clive Owen, and Mickey Rourke. Robert Rodriguez also provides the score which is just as memorable as the film itself. A very entertaining two hours you won't regret spending...

'True Romance' has one of the greatest casts put together to bring a fantastic script by Quentin Tarantino to the screen. It keeps you entertained throughout the entire picture and clearly contains Tarantino's slick style of writing. The only drawback to this film is Tony Scott's film making style, something was off and that seems to be the logical answer. Very good movie nontheless...

Absolutely terrific character study by Cronenberg. The film definitely questions you psychologically rather than if you can follow a complex plot. Great acting by the main cast and with this David Cronenberg definitely confirmed his spot as being one of the greatest modern film directors...

With this picture, David Cronenberg further solidifies his spot as being one of the greastest modern filmmakers around. His film, 'Eastern Promises', adds even more of an improvement over his already impressive filmography. As far as the acting goes, Viggo Mortensen without a doubt deserves a Best Actor nomination while Vincent Cassel and Armin Mueller-Stahl each delivered astounding performances as well. Everything falls into place in this film with the multi-dimensional characters, the visionary styling of David Cronenberg, and the flawless script. I very highly recommend this picture...

An absolutely amazing picture. A great cast, terrific camera work (PTA's steadicam shots are amazing), and an almost flawless soundtrack. A fantastic period piece that I highly recommend to anyone who hasn't indulged...

From the magnificent ensemble cast to the splendid soundtrack, Magnolia is Paul Thomas Anderson's greatest achievement to date. For those that haven't seen it, I highly recommend it but beware the 3 hour+ run time...

An utterly magnificent piece of modern American cinema. Daniel Day-Lewis was flawless and horrifying in his portayal and delivers the best performance of the year. I am an enormous fan of Paul Thomas Anderson's previous films, but this picture may even surpass them. All of the actors involved were extraordinary and the dialogue, especially that of Daniel Plainview's, was performed to perfection. Every aspect was exquisitely executed, from the gorgeous cinematography to the fasinating and eerie soundtrack provided Radiohead frontman Jonny Greenwood. 'There Will Be Blood' is a film no one will soon forget...

One of he films that proves that the Coen brothers are masters of their craft. All of the actors are entirely believable and pull you deeper into the atmosphere with every passing scene. The screenplay was, for lack of a better word, perfect. A classic in every sense of the word...

'No Country for Old Men' is an awe-inspiring motion picture, and represents filmmaking at it's absolute finest. Oscar winner, Javier Bardem delivers a flawless performance as the ruthless Anton Chigurh, which has to be one the greatest movie villians ever put on screen, and the rest of the cast is terrific as well. 'No Country for Old Men' has all of the ingredients of a masterpiece, and I consider it to be the Coen brother's crowning achievement. A truly unforgettable film...

Possibly the greatest gangster film ever made. Ray Liotta does a great job heading a wonderful cast and Scorsese directs his best film since Raging Bull. Goodfellas has inspired many great writers including David Chase(The Sopranos) and also many other gangster flicks in years past. This picture is a must see...

A great pairing of Scorsese/DeNiro yet again, but not their best. The entire cast was brilliant especially Joe Pesci and the incomparable James Woods. Scorsese delivers another extraordinary film but the thunder had been stolen by his previous films such as Goodfellas, Taxi Driver, and Raging Bull. A great picture nonetheless...

Still one of my favorite films from Danny Boyle. It has quirky characters with a brilliant cast, dark humor, and a purpose. The music was amazing beginning with the adreneline pumping Iggy Pop in the opening sequence alll of the way to the closing credits. It will make you laugh, make you cry, make you cringe, and even possibly puke at times (I'll never look at a breakfast nook the same way ever again). This picture is a must see for everyone...

A great survival/horror film created by a fantastic director, Danny Boyle. A genuinely frightening movie with a more interesting and deeper underlying message than most other horror films. The entire opening sequence in London is absolutely breathtaking...

While watching 'Slumdog Millionaire' glimpses of 'City of God' and sequences from Danny Boyle's previous works were flying through my head, but this film had something more. The love story at the core of this movie works perfectly, and the path leading there works just as well. I have a huge appreciation for Boyle's previous films, most notably '28 Days Later', 'Millions', and 'Trainspotting', while 'Slumdog Millionaire' certainly earns a well deserved spot at the top of his already impressive resume. You will not be disappointed, a truly amazing work...

Park Chan-wook's "Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance" is a wrenching tale and a glorious start to Park's revenge trilogy. It contains some very disturbing sequences, but at the same time, they are what draw you into the characters state of mind. I highly recommend watching this prior to the films that followed...

If you were imprisoned for 15 years, with no knowledge as to why, and then suddenly released with no explaination, what would you do? The second film in Park Chan-wook's vengeance triology, 'Oldboy' is an awe-inspiring cinematic experience and a truly unforgettable picture. The cinematography is unique and captivating throughout the film, and the entire cast provide flawless performances. This brutal tale can only be described as utterly brilliant...

Every bit as stylish and captivating as it's predecessors in the vengeance trilogy. Park Chan-wook delivers a brilliant film directly on par with "Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance" but not quite as spectacular as "Oldboy". Very highly recommended nonetheless...

Three of the most disturbing and unsettling short films you'll ever see. They're not so much "horror" films as they are "unnerving" films.

The first, Fruit Chan's "Dumplings" is probably the one that'll make you cringe the most, but it also works on a satirical level and has a powerful social commentary. A highly distubing segment that I highly recommend watching. How far would you go to stay young?

Second, Chan-wook Park's "Cut" is my personal favorite and showcases the evening of a film director and a lunatic. The film style and editing is exactly like Park Chan-wook's previous films and that's what makes it stand out.

The final segment, "Box" by director Takashi Miike is probably the most confusing of the three but also has the wonderful film making style portayed in Miike's previous films such as "Audition".

The entire film works together very well, and remember to heed the title, 'Three...Extremes', and watch this film at your own discretion...

Zombies, gruesome effects, and memorable characters aside, the thing that keeps me coming back to Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright's "Shaun of the Dead" are the hilarious jokes muttered under the characters breathes. The script is fantastic, clever, and witty, while the entire cast brilliantly bring their characters to life. This really is the greatest romantic comedy with zombies ever made. This is a cult classic that I am definitely proud to be a part of...

'Hot Fuzz' represents yet another sharp and brilliant collaboration by Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg. The dry British wit and black humour spread throughout this picture is hilarious, to say the least, and the way the film transforms into exactly what it set out to mock was expertly executed. Any fan of 'Shaun of the Dead' will definitely find the humour in this film. Very highly recommended...

A brilliant, absolutely inspired film. Christopher Nolan's modern classic Memento, delivers a great story in a unique fashion. Highly recommend for anyone who's yet to see it...

Vastly superior to 'House of 1000 Corpses' while remaining a great film on its own. Rob Zombie has really developed his film making skills and created quite a picture in 'The Devil's Rejects'. I cannot say enough about the brilliant soundtrack and the flawless performances by Sid Haig and especially by Bill Moseley. As many have also included, the final sequence of the film is a breathtaking conclusion. A standout film on its own...

The best picture adapted from a Stephen King novel since Darabont's previous film 'Shawshank Redemption' and Stanley Kubrick's interpretation of 'The Shining'. Tom Hanks delivers another brilliant performance but Michael Clarke Duncan was the shining star of the picture. The only slight decline of this film was the running time, but Frank Darabont does a fantastic job of gluing the audience to the screen in anticipation. Whether you're a life-long Stephen King fan or just a fan of excellent films, 'The Green Mile' is definitly a must see...

One of the ultimate 'everyone must watch' films. It's hard to watch at times, especially with quite a frightening performance from Ellen Burstyn. The visuals by Aronofsky were incredible and helped compliment the film tremendously while the haunting score by Clint Mansell brought everything around into one unforgettable package. I won't lie, it's harsh at times, but watch this film...

Darren Aronofsky delivers another one of the most depressing films I've ever seen with 'The Wrestler'. The harsh reality of life through the eyes of the characters was brutal and the superb acting brought it to a different level. This is some of the finest film making I've seen in awhile and highly recommend watching it as soon as possible...

No review can be written about the film 'Adaptation.' without mentioning the brilliance of writer Charlie Kaufman and courage of director Spike Jonze. After the quirky and peculiar 'Being John Malkovich', these two men paired up once more and completely outdid themselves. The acting is top-notch, with Nicolas Cage's outstanding performances in the lead roles and a terrific supporting cast with Meryl Streep, Chris Cooper, and Brian Cox. One of the most enthralling screenplays I've ever witnessed on screen and a fairly inspirational film as well, from my perspective towards it. May not be for everybody, but if you're familiar with Charlie Kaufman's other works (Being John Malkovich, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) you will love this picture...

An unique, truly inspired film. The cinematography and editing are fantastic, along great performances by the cast, especially Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet. Everyone should see this picture...

Stunning visuals and superb choreography during the battle sequences carry this film. One of the most entertaining movies of the year, but a little too dumbed down plot wise. It was a wonderful film to view in IMAX, and I would highly recommend watching it there if you have the chance...

Christian Bale delivers an outstanding performance as Patrick Bateman, a young suit on Wall Street who begins to give in to his murderous impulses. A brilliant script is executed terrifically by director Mary Harron. Some spurts of over the top sex and violence may turn some people off, but this is truly a great film...

Mel Gibson delivers another epic film. Aside with being flat out entertaining, it delivers gorgeous cinematography, an interesting plot, and great performances by the cast. One of the best films of 2006...

An absolutely hilarious film. Billy Bob Thorton brilliantly played a character you wanted to hate while his supporting actors played off of him tremendously. An original comedy, not for those who're easily offended by crude humor...

Sidney Lumet's modern masterpiece. 'Before the Devil Knows You're Dead' has all of the ingredients you need to make a fantastic film; a terrific script, untouchable actors, masterful direction, and a sex scene starring the exceptional... Phillip Seymour Hoffman. This was an extraordinary drama/crime-drama/melodrama, whatever you want to call it. The time-shift editing, plot twists, and the heartbreaking emotion displayed in the film all provide proof that Sidney Lumet has mastered the art of storytelling over his long career and I have wishful thinking that he will continue that craft for years to come...

The tale of how this film came to be is even more enteraining than the film itself. It did have potential to be something more than it was, but by the end it felt like even more of a Tarantino knockoff than a Guy Ritchie movie. I still have to give it an above average rating for the fact that Troy Duffy still did what he had to do to get this picture made and created a cult classic. The cast did an above average job, but David Della Rocco's perfomance as 'The Funny Man' is what absolutely made the film. It could've been something great, but it turned into something pretty good...

Agree with the films politics or not, this is undoubtedly a powerful film. The thing that struck me most about this picture was the unbelievable tracking shots used by Cuaron. I would highly recommend watching this film...

Tarsem's 'The Fall' is an exceptional and visually stunning motion picture with one of the most unique artistic eyes throughout all modern film. Although some of the performances may not have been as strong as they could have been and the plot wasn't structured to perfection, the grand scale settings, creative characters, gorgous costume designs, and awe-inspiring cinematography all bring this operatic epic to life. This tale gets rather dark at times, but it is a poetic modern masterpiece which you rarely see nowadays. I very highly recommend this film...

Kubrick's memorable war picture that perfectly portrays the fact that war is hell. This film contains Kubrick's flawless film making style and brilliant acting on behalf of the entire cast, especially R. Lee Ermey. Very highly recommended as a movie buff and Kubrick fan...

An absorbing and engrossing modern film noir with a phenominal cast and a gripping plot. Every minute of this picture drew you in while the set and costume designs put you directly in the 50's. A fantastic film highly recommend for anyone as interested in crime pictures as myself...

'Once Upon A Time In The West' has to be one of Sergio Leone's most beautiful works of art and undoubtedly desrves it's place in film history. The cast was flawless and the script was nothing short of genius. Only because I viewed subsequent to the Dollars trilogy, I must admit, I did feel a bit of withdraw from a lack of Clint Eastwood but it was terrific nonetheless. A highly recommended picture...

One of the best films in recent years. Guillermo del Toro is an excellent director and tells quite a tale in this film. Breathtaking visuals, fantastic acting, great script. This is destined to be a classic motion picture...

"The Professional" is an exhilarating film following the story of an assassin who takes a young girl under his wing. Exceptional performances by Jean Reno and Gary Oldman, as always. This picture is also proof that Luc Besson was a great director prior to making those dreadful 'Transporter' movies...

Brian DePalma's crowning achievement. Al Pacino delivers another brilliant performance an entire decade after his Oscar nominated performance as Michael Corleone in 'The Godfather'. Everything in this movie is executed to perfection, the soundtrack, the acting, the direction. An unforgettable gangster film, and a must see for any fan of the genre...

Alexander Payne delivers another terrific film and the entire cast performs with utter brilliance. This was Paul Giamatti's greatest performance since his flawless portrayal of Harvey Pekar in "American Splendor". This film is very funny while the characters stay true and the plot evolves around their emotions. An exceptional picture...

A hilarious and cheeky satire. Aaron Eckhart was a fantastic leading man and a great script by Jason Reitman and Christopher Buckley. The brilliant thing about this picture is how, essentially, it has nothing to do with smoking. I highly recommend this film and don't think you'll be disappointed...

While watching 'The Untouchables' I was overcome with a feeling of slight disappointment. I had been anticipating this film for quite some time and I really wanted to 'love' it, but I could only 'like' it. A large part was probably due to the lack of focus (and screen time) on Al Capone (Robert DeNiro) and too much on Eliott Ness (Kevin Costner), which was a less than stellar performance. DeNiro and Connery both were the shining stars but the script by David Mamet was a bit of a letdown as well. The sets, costumes, effects, and cinematography were all exceptional and brought you directly to the times, while Ennio Morricone's score was, well, an Ennio Morricone score. I still recommend this film, but my sense of disappointment towards this picture will not be forgotten anytime soon...