2008

Shocking, hilarious and a great turn for the Coen brothers. A comedy with a very unusual and mysterious plot. It doesn't matter what was going on, it was just fun to sit through.



Uh... can't say what the plot is. Not because it would ruin anything, but because it didn't make a lick of sense, and it didn't have to. The humor was just like the first time in front of a jack-in-the-box; winding the toy, not knowing what to expect and then... BHAM!; a total shock. The first several minutes are tiring and not too bright. It does pick up though. Ah! I wish I knew how to write a worthy review for this movie to show just how great it was, but it's really difficult.



So... let's move on. George Clooney, ah yes. He is the movie... a big part in fact. His witty, bachelor charisma made me laugh and smile [not to give anything away, but he only gets funnier to watch when he becomes paranoid].



Brad Pitt had a limited part, but every scene of his was top notch. He's a sweet, innocent, clueless gym trainer who has some queer incentive. from the trailer, no one can really see him as being gay [northing's wrong with homosexuality, I'm just trying to organize room for this review, is all], but how he acts in here was also... quite a shock. So much energy and emotion. I haven't seen this amount of effort from him since Fight Club. Which does bring me to his laugh, of course. His laugh was brief... and that's okay. It always bring a smile to my face when he delivers that subtle loony laugh of his. Can't wait to see him next in this December's The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.



So... after alls the thought I put into my previous paragraphs, now it's time to see if I really can come up with an opinion on the plot. Okay, well I guess it's a mystery/thriller that involves a series of disclosed divorces i.e. - Osbourne (Malkovich) & Katie Cox (Swinton), but Katie's sleeping around with Harry (Clooney) whom is sleepy around with several woman, including Linda (McDormand), while his wife is unaware and out-of-town.



AND: Osbourne gets laid-off from his job and decides to write a memoir. Katie kicks him out of the place and he's left to live on his boat. ALSO: Linda is self-conscience about her appearance and desperately wants it to change with a series of surgeries, only she can't afford them. Then a fellow employee of hers, Chad (Pitt), comes along with a disc of assorted documents about Osbourne Cox. So, they assist each other to blackmailing this man and getting a hefty money reward from him. One thing leads to another, letting people die, false hypothesis going underway, and having absolutely nothing to link any of this together. So... [I apologize for all the "So..."s] like I mentioned earlier, there's no plot, really. J.K. Simmons even said so himself, "Call me when... uh... when this makes sense".



Oops! I left out J.K. Simmons. Yes, there were many others affiliated with Burn After Reading, but J.K. is a very important aspect in the humor department. Once the first act of "crime" is taken, the CIA takes it to the top with its Superior (Simmons) to sort it all out. J.K. and David Rasche, together, made two hysterical scenes that both were equally exciting to see. The conversations between the two were placed perfectly and was... uh... I'm speechless. They were perfect! There, that sums it up.



Yahoo for the Coen brothers! I felt this was a major step up from No Country for Old Men. Most may disagree, but that movie had no effect on me. But this one was great! It may be because it was a completely different style then No Country for Old Men. If anyone is disappointment by the recent releases to the theater like Disaster Movie, College, so forth, then go and see Burn After Reading. It'll be worth it.

"Why did you do that?"

"I thought you were going to kill yourself."

"I can't kill myself. I have too many responsibilities."


Downey Jr. had a great but limited performance in this. All his actions came off with subtle humor and you can't decide if you feel sorry for him or think he's an asshole. The other keene charcter in this was Kip. another cut short.

Those were the only highlights. Otherwise, it was a genertic teen-flick. Nothing too different from the average teenage point of view was left out or changed.

The acting wasn't convincing, the drama wasn't expressive completely noticable, and the charcters weren't filmed with enough delovepment, background or insight.

A film like this is easily left aside and forgotten. I kept calling this by different names: Charlie Bucket (Willy Wonka), Charlie Babbit (Rain Man), or Charlie Barrly.

The script is fine and tries envolving the look of any single student from any sort of hugh school clique. I still find this as a rental waiting to mistaken for a John Hughes production.

this is one of those movies you either like or hate. it had a style similar to Blair Witch, but not in the least bit better. it starts off slow and from that point you tend to loose excitement for this movie. the way the camera was may annoy you, but if you began to gain interest as the movie progresses, you'll get used to the way it was filmed. everyone's only anticipation for this movie was to see what the monster looks like, and it's not as impressive as you would've hoped. the monster had a unique look, but not too exciting. frankly, the only high points of this film were when someone had died. it intrigue me a little how instead of running away from the monster, this movie was more about saving a beloved one. I'd say this is one of those popcorn movies; something to watch just for the heck of it.

I am very surprised by all the drastic negativity this film's been getting. It has its flaws like any other, but no need to completely hate this. Benjamin Button has a story that is wonderfully portrayed. The slight disappointment that carries on is the CGI'd Pitt, and the aged Blacnchett's mindless mutter as Daisy. I mind this to be an exceptional joy and a big surprise by David Fincher. He's never done anything so brightly drawn out before. Always know for the darker side of life through the lens, Fincher goes above and beyond on his latest project. Still, while many oppose this is a highly manner, those same individuals may have a strong attitude towards Fincher's previous films. Liking, disliking, anything between, seeing the changes go on. Benjamin Button is a change of two men. The character within the story, and the one out of it. My rambling is all for not. I always seem to fade away in Dramas such as this when Comedy is snuck into every so often. I was able to overlook this as the film went on. It comes at low some times and odd occurrences. Those areas just add up to a big bang which presents a greater meaning than just a cheap laugh. Most of all, as the story went on, I began to see how much it was like Forrest Gump.



That's what I would say if I actually liked it

[more will come ...]

This was a huge let down with a disappointing outcome. I can't say that this movie was entirely bad, but it was shameful to see how it turned out. I had very high expectations for this to even except it for what it is. I anticipated - much like many others - The Dark Knight for quite some time; feeling that it'd be the most astonishing film I'd see in years. Boy, do I feel sorry for myself.

The story was slightly unstable and care free. The first half was a serious problem for me to enjoy. I didn't like it all too much. It was too random and had little excitement. Lau was useless to begin with, Coleman Reese was a meaningless threat, Bruce Wayne and the Russian ballet, especially his date, Natasha, added up to being just too much glass I had to shallow [if you know what I mean]. The Dark Knight didn't have much of a plot, story, or purpose. To quote Heath Ledger, "I'm a dog chasing cars. I wouldn't know what to do with one if I caught it. I just do things". This centers on the film's "plot" as well, but just one part of it. This half is The Joker being completely destructive unexpectedly. This other half is Harvey Dent, later known as Two-Face. Harvey Dent's story revolves around yet another quote from the film, "You either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become the villain". That's what The Dark Knight is all about. It's the adjective for Dent, Wayne, and Joker. They all have that going for them.

Heath Ledger: a brilliant actor with no limits in this thrill ride. He displayed one of the greatest and most honorable performances in any film I've seen. I'd say that he was better than the hype declared. I enjoyed every scene he had and I wish he could've been in more. When you watch this, you don't see Heath Ledger at all. You see what Heath was able to bring us. He brought something much more than I could have ever hoped for. He ended his career with no such flaw. I will never forget what I saw. I will never forget him. Believe me when I say this, if it weren't for Heath Ledger, this movie would have no impact on me.

No one should compare Jack Nicholson and Heath Ledger in any way by their performances as The Joker. Honestly, they're both great and unique in their own way. Jack was outgoing, fresh, comedic, crazy. Heath was strong, demented, clever, witty. They're both fantastic. Personally, Ledger was more enjoyable to me. He put a smile on my face and he didn't even have use a knife. He gave the performance of the decade, in the movie event of the decade. That doesn't mean he's better than Nicholson. I respect them both as The Joker. I know many find Jack to be the true definition of The Joker. Others would disagree and say Heath was much better in his figure and presentation. It really doesn't matter what the contrast between the two are. Heath and Jack are two different Jokers. Deal with it.

Oh no! This is the point where I pile on the negativity. It seems pointless to evolve this into a huge rant, so I'll just squeeze it all into one paragraph. Christian Bale was far away from his usual acting. He had a lazier way of being Wayne. He added no emotion or drama to it; just another stiff. I'm sure his action figure is more active than he was. But his worst feature was without doubt his deep, scuffed voice in the bat-suit. Everyone can agree that it was annoying and didn't get any better. I wouldn't be surprised he got laryngitis from it. Anyway, Maggie Gyllenhaal was nothing special. She was quite a change from Katie Holmes. More screen time for her and a whole lot of unnecessary smiling. She was just as annoying as Katie was. Aaron Eckhart brought it down a whole notch. He exaggerated every aspect of Harvey Dent from the comics. He brought shame to the character and overacted the entire time he was on screen. He had some decency, but he went just beyond what he should've. All in all, Ledger gave the only acting that went on.

What did Nolan do? I was so pumped to see this since he did such a great job on Batman Begins, and especially his other films as well. Memento, The Prestige: unique, dark thrillers unlike any other. He had the experience to pull off another Batman movie. The direction he went in was off balance. No flow or rhythm was seen anywhere in here. It had too many distractions from the plot. It seemed more like a series of segments, rather than a whole movie, which is some what of a drag to endure. It had it moments and still had a dark theme with loads of action, I'll give it that much. The degenerate of it all is that it was different from the previous film in the franchise. If it was more careful on the plot, acting, and dialog, it would be a true masterpiece. It's just mediocre with entertaining activity, but no real clause.

The visuals however, were very respectable to me. Hardly any CGI was used. Two-Face took up the biggest portion of it. The film didn't need any special effects to change any bit of it's appearance. It was more of a bonus. But if anyone is really big on the visuals in films, then see it in IMAX. It enhances the realism. Make sure to get a good seat or it'll ruin everything. At times, I actually felt like I was apart of it. It almost seemed like I was flying over Gotham when the camera had those eagle-eyed shots of Chicago, Hong Kong, and many other areas. So, the visuals were wonderful and get a round of applause from me.

Overall, I was disappointed with this movie. Heath Ledger was the glue they kept this film from falling apart. So, if anyone plans on seeing this, just savor every second of screen time Ledger has. His final completed role was his masterpiece and was more worth while than the movie itself. Oscar for Heath, anyone?

I couldn't tell you what made me see it. I was just curious is all to how how bad it really could be. and bad isn't par enough to simulate the dread of Disaster Movie. No need to scratch your head over the title, it's more than obvious why it's called it.

Disaster Movie is bad because it was not funny and it so desperately tried to be. it was a DISASTER! it had no jokes, just a cough or two from a dying young man in the front seat of the theater.... if you get the metaphor. it had no point, you had no idea what was going on, and all the current political and pop-culture references where dumb as one-liners by Billy ray Cyrus [no offense to him, of course]. it just sucked.

The gross out, male version of The Devil Wears Prada.

(new review coming...)

One of the better films of '08. I was highly impressed with it. The trailers lead my to believe that this was going to be another horribly inaccurate comic-based film that would have jeopardised it's franchise, credibility and reputation as we know it. I am happy to report that this was much better than I had expected it to be. A great way to start of the movies for the summer. Yes, it did start off a tad misleading, but the overall status of IRON MAN was intense. As dark as it is action-packed. Some of the humor did annoy me, but what a movie this was! Finally: The revival of decent/dead-on comic based films begins with this movie, right here!

This just wasn't for me. I thought the movement was too stiff and motionless. The acting could've been better. Liv Tyler was terrible. She defines BAD acting. Edward was not believable enough of to be a Banner. I could've imagined Tim Roth playing that role. Which brings me to his performance. The most intense aspect of this movie was Roth and him alone. His dramatic change really spiced-up this movie as it headed downhill. He played a real psycho who craved power. although, as he got what he wanted, he started to loose the insanity and just became a moronic beast. I don't think this moive could've been better... that's the disappointing part.

there were some excillerating moments... but i felt that this was just missing something. I could've lived without there being a forth. I guess Spielberg and Lucas didn't have anymore original ideas, huh?

[SORRY ABOUT THE DREADFUL WRITING. I ASSURE THAT I'LL EDIT THIS LATER.]

Yes, I did give this a 3.5/5, but for some odd reason, my mind is resisting giving it anything higher. weird, huh? I thought this was going to be a terrible movie with little excitement and no sense of direction. Well, I thought wrong. It was entertaining. Slow at first, but it picks up as the film goes on. I was amazed by the colorful visuals. The animation seemed a little limited - like not quite "MADAGASCAR bad", but not exactly "SHREK" either. The story itself was the most impressive aspect of KUNG FU PANDA. It was about wanting to be more than what you're capable of. It showed how a man [by man i mean Panda] who thinks his dreams are too far from reach for him, is what actually becomes his destiny. He didn't choose to live out his dream... he was chosen. And as that story continued, another went on as well. A lonesome father [again, I'm not talking about any humans here] looks after an abandoned baby and raises it as his own. he teaches him to defend himself and makes him grow to be a power-obsessed psycho. The father is too attached to him to hurt him, even though he knows he must be stopped. This film has two sides to it: Power and Belief. It's all about trying to obtain the ultimate power and to be Unstoppable. But it's somewhat cancelled out by the actually purpose which is: To get want you want, you just have to believe in yourself

Even though i gave this movie only 3 stars and i honestly wish i could convince myself to raise my rating, i will definitely give this movie 2 thumbs up and Recommendation for "Good Movie For 2008".

A true disaster-piece. It was a disgrace to movies. I didn't expect much of this anyway. I had my doubts from the start and even earlier from that. The trailer had ruined it for me... but some raging urge within me desperately wanted to see this. And after I did... I instantly regretted my decision. The worst part was definitely Justin Timberlake. He gave one of the worst performances I've seen to this day.

i can sum-up this movie in one word...
"cheesey"

a very late parody of Spider-Man (2002). I almost died of laughter. Oh, i wasn't laughing, but all the immature 10-year-old boys were killin me with their terrible taste in comedy. I will say one thing... It's not as bad as Meet the Spartans

Despite all the boycotting, this film was worth seeing. It was hilarious and made me want to see it again when it was all over. There's a little something for everyone to enjoy here... because it offends everyone. I never thought I'd like Tropic Thunder. Man, I'm sure glad I saw it.


The movie starts with a few unexpecting surprises. You see faux movie trailers that intertwine with the movie itself as it progresses. Those were just psych gags to help you understand how the rest of the movie will be. If you're already offending just from the first 8 minutes, then you will definitely enjoy the rest.


I will finish this review shortly...

I am very impressed with this. Pixar hasn't had the great success in the past couple of years that that i know it could have had. Pixar has so much potential and I really think that this was a great way to revive its dying image. The hype for this was not wasted. I really enjoyed this and I highly recommend this film to anyone. What it offers should please any audience.

[Rough Draft.. sorry about all the errors]

this movie had some chance of decentsy, but as i sat through the first few minutes... i already knew it was just another lame thriller with limited suspense and a terrible plot. i liked the story... but the way it was filmed had ruined it for me. it seemed like a teenage basher film. the character, environment, and inner struggle was similar to Fight Club... so i was begining to gain interst... but in a blink of an eye, i discovered it's true colors. The mean, over-weight boss who loved to spred the "Fuck" and click against nerves with a red, Swingline Stapler in an office setting [rip-off of Office Space.. or so it seemed anyway]. the Boss was the the second Obnxious element i had to witness. the first was the introductry assassination. the window crash and hovered body was irritating. the Special Effects were Cheesy, but no where near as bad as the accting. They overdid the Slow-motion, much like 300 did. The ending got me backinto the mood, til Freeman said "Shoot this MotherFucker" in a slanged up way. Also, this movie just had no originality. It reminded me of various films [if you've seen WANTED and the following list, then hopefully you'll know what i mean]. FIGHT CLUB, STAR WARS EPISODE V, BLADE RUNNER, BATMAN BEGINS... and the list goes on

ALSO.............[to sumarize..]

it had bad acting, cheesy special effects, and absolutely no originality. it was a suck-fest. i can understand why certain people liked it... you'll get an adrenalin rush while ignoring everything else. It was a dark movie... and reminded of Fight Club in some ways... i even liked the story and inner struggle with Wesley... but it was so irritating. The rats and Freeman's "Shoot this motherfucker" made it easier to hate the movie. Also... Danny Elfman's score was less than decent... he gave it no rhythm and it didn't suit the environment at all....

the only part i liked was when Wesley shoved his gun through the Exterminator and shot everyone else around him

Ugh... typical...