| Movie | Rating | Review | Date | Your Rating | Match | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Cave of the Yellow Dog (Die Hohle des gelben Hundes) - G | A beautiful film offered from Davaa (of the Story of the Weeping Camel), that captures a snapshot into the life of the mysterious nomadic Mongolians. Nansal had my heart from the beginning as the unpretentious and loving main character in the story. Her dedication to the dog and her determination to maintain Zochor was really lovely. The burial scene at the beginning really set the tone for the movie with the sweeping landscapes and subdued mood. I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat toward the last 15 minutes of the film. THe ending was partially happy, as the girl and dog were reunited, but at the same time not all things were well. These nomadic people face a climate not conducive to their continuance. At some point, they'll have to decide whether the calling of the city is stronger than that of the lush mountainside. | June 13, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Watchmen - R | I really really wanted to like this movie. After reading and being mesermized by Moore's graphic novel of the same name, I couldn't imagine how they'd adapt the story to the big screen, but I did have high hopes. Story check. Next, the cast looked pretty solid, although Goode's casting as Ozymandias seemed a bit of a strech considering his "smallish" frame. Casting check. So what happened? I didn't hate it, I just wasn't impressed by it. It really isn't a good sign when you leave the theater marveling over special effects but not really caring about much else. The other problem seems to be with director Zack Snyder's execution. He tends to be all style and little substance. If I had to see another slow-motion action scene in the movie I was going to scream. All in all I counted at least five of these scenes. Visually it was stunning, beautiful almost, but the movie had no heart, no soul. That's what it was missing and that's what the graphic novel dripped with: character. While it irked me that the Black Freighter section was dropped, I was surprisingly not as upset about the re-edited ending. I wish that Snyder would have focused a bit more on developing empathy for the characters instead of relying on flashy scenes to carry the movie. In my opinion, copying the graphic novel illustraions panel by panel, then replicating that on the big screen, is not the only way a director can be faithful to a story. He takes the material and, while keeping its spirit, breathes in new life into it onto the new medium. Lastly, sure the story is complex and difficult to digest, but my goodness there were parts were is dragged royally. The pacing was uneven, parts were exiting then a real long stretch would follow. The real standout from this movie? Jackie Earle Haley, and not just for his creepy voice. He was the only one who reeled me in. He was the only one I felt sorry for in the end. Nice try Mr. Snyder, better luck next time. | March 9, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Death in Gaza - Unrated | Rarely do I hand out a perfect score to any film but there was something rich and exquisite in this documentary that made it a requirement. Obviously there's the sentimental reason (the tragic death of James Miller) that keeps you attached to the film from the very beginning, but it is the weaving together of human stories that paints a beautiful and at the same time frightening picture. Through all the violence, hatred, and death the ending does offer a little bit of hope. If the younger generation can learn to think instead of act on their emotions, there just might be a future for the Middle East. After watching this documentary, I am absolutely checking out all of Miller's other work. He was a brilliant film maker. | March 4, 2009 | N/A | |||
| A Scanner Darkly - R | A dark, trippy, and fascinating adaptation of one of Philip K. Dick's most frightening and depressing view of the future. From the look alone, the rotoscope art style makes this story pop out. All the cast including Reeves, Ryder, Downey...and do on were brilliant. The paranoia and duplicitous nature of the characters and their motives was fascinating, especially the twist at the very end. A classic and well made movie helmed effectively by Linklater. I very highly recommend this morbid and cautionary tale. | February 14, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Marley & Me - PG | Here is a movie that could have easily milked the sappy melodramatic love between man and dog. Instead the director of this film, David Frankel, thought to keep the spirit of Grogan alive...and the formula is for the most part quite successful. Let's start with the star attraction: Marley. He's cute, funny, a terror, and endearing in all ways. It is through his life that we get to see a picture into the Gorgan's family life. We see how they confront the challenges and realities of life, all happiness and sadness included. Sure there are funny moments interspered throughout the film, but by and large big chunks of it deal with real life issues: finding our rule in life, responsibility, relationships, and love. In the end, it's the clearance puppy that reminds them most about that last lesson. Wilson and Aniston are good in their roles, bringing in some good laughs and good chemistry. Be forewarned, by the end of this film you might need a kleenex. It is something of a tearjerker. All in all, I liked it a lot. A second viewing will promptly be in order. Go check it out! | January 19, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Jacob's Ladder - R | Freaky movie with a left field twist at the end. I don't think its fair to dub this as a horror flick. It raises some serious philosophical issues about good and evil & life and death. The images and twists in time are disconcerting and frightening. The plot itself was clever and insightful. Tim Robbins was great in this role of confusion and trying to find his place. The ending is debatable in terms of what the rest of the preceding events meant...but it requires mutliple viewings. Overall it was an enjoyable albeit disturbing film with some potentially real inventions such as the "ladder". | November 24, 2008 | N/A | |||
| Cheung Gong 7 hou (CJ7) (Long River 7) - PG | A cute family film with a cuddly alien/dog at its center. It has its funny moments with good moral lessons thrown in. ALthough the story of the poor downtrodden boy is cliche, it still manages to be relatively fresh. The cast is quite good. Loved the inside joke from CHow's Kung Fu Hustle. I for one would have liked to have seen more of CHow in this film, but he stepped more into the supporting character role and really let the kids have a go at it. While this film is no Shaolin Soccer or the excellent Kung FU Hustle, you'll love it if for anything else: Cj7--officially one of the cutest CGI creations ever! | November 17, 2008 | N/A | |||
| Mitt Liv som Hund (My Life as a Dog) - PG-13 | Funny, charming, tragic, dark....strange and contradicting adjectives to describe this clever Swedish film. It's moving without being overly sentimental, and I think that apart from a good script adaptation it comes down to the wonderful job done by the actor who portrayed Ingemar. His reactions were subtle and powerful. His constant reference to tragedies were at times funny at other times quite poignant. In many ways this story (which is based on the author's real life) luxtaposes Ingemar with Laika the space dog. They're sent on a wild journey without ever really having a say. They have to sit tight and deal with it, all for the sake of human progress. There were plenty of funny moments in the film that momentarily distracted me from the tragedy unfolding before my eyes, but I couldn't help but be left with a heavy feeling at the film's conclusion. Ingemar had a lot of emotional baggage to carry around, and he never got the full closure necessary to heal those wounds. Either way, this movie is very well made. It is not assignable to a specific genre...but it might be too dark to be considered a children's film despite the young lead who stars in the film. I for one, thoroughly enjoyed it and rank this as one of my favorite foreign films. | November 13, 2008 | N/A | |||
| Sicko - PG-13 | A very informative documentary coming from a very controversial figure: Michael Moore. While he does a good job using his investigative skills to uncover the corruption that goes on in Capitol Hill thanks to the lobbyists, it tends to be very much one-sided. Sure, Insurance companies are crooks...and its an industry that has to be seriously overhauled...but things aren't as rosy and cheerful in Europe as he pointed out. All those countries that offer universal healthcare charge exorbitantly high tax rates in the citizens, have little to no economics growth, have few jobs to offer the droves of recent graduates, and have a treasury that's for all practical purposes bankrupt. Yes, here in America we need to rethink the current healthcare situation, there is no doubt about that...but we can't run blindly and embrace whatever seems to superficially work somewhere else. Remember these are different culture...and belieive it or not that plays a huge role. In the future, I'd like to see someone show the other side of the story, not like I want the insurance companies to be portrayed as saints, but I'd like to see that dark side of socialized medicine. | November 11, 2008 | N/A | |||
| The Fog of War - Eleven Lessons from the Life of Robert S. McNamara - PG-13 | A very well thought out and educational look into one of the most complex and perhaps hated men. Blamed by many for being the mastermind behind the Vietnam War, this documentary gives an inside look into the man himself. It is quite raw and genuine. More importantly, the lessons taught by McNamara are still very much relevant in today's political arena. The question of war and ethics is always a complex one. THis doumentary doesn't set out to find a precise answer, but instead it offers a different vantage point to consider. | November 10, 2008 | N/A | |||
| Kung Fu Hustle - R | A very well made outlandish and outrageously fun film--not at I what I was expecting. Stephen chow outdoes himself in this film and the martial arts genre. In a lot of ways, I think he manages to redefine the genre itself. The film boasts very cool special effects and beautiful music. Despite the odd combination of martial arts, drama, and comedy, it still manages to work together quite well. Highly recommend it! | November 2, 2008 | N/A | |||
| Field of Dreams - PG |
Field of dreams contains all the main ingredients one would hope to find in a classic, heart-warming sports movie akin to Hoosiers and Rudy: redemption. Sure there’s the drama and conflict that the character has to overcome, but in the case of this movie, the redemption comes amidst a flurry of famous baseball players. The simple baseball diamond in the middle of a cornfield materialized a haven that not only Ray’s character, but all of us would like to have. Costner’s character is in a position where he feels like a misfit, along with his discontent with his current situation, he still carries the weight of an unresolved relationship with his long deceased father. Baseball was an analogy for the deep connection that Ray shared with his father. It doesn’t stop there; the beauty of baseball is that it is America’s game, representative of a time of youth, dreams, and innocence. With baseball back in his life, Ray allows people like “Shoeless Joe” and “Moonlight” Graham to relive that lost experience. This reconnection is finally the conduit that permits Ray to not only rescue his farm, but to finally make amends with his father.
The plot of Field of Dreams is relatively novel, and was well executed. The development of the plot, however, was at times too slow. It took a long time for me to feel sympathetic for Costner’s character. He seemed too obsessed with the instructions from the voice in the cornfield and much too disinterested in his family’s own financial plight. On a whim he runs off to chase down Jones’ character, leaving his family in a lurch. He seemed too selfish. The resolution to the bankruptcy and ultimate salvation of the field seemed like it was too conveniently wrapped up. Apart from Jones’ character, the rest of the cast seemed to suffer from varying degrees of lack of likability or back story. As a sports movie it’s quite effective, but to say that this movie is a masterpiece is something of a stretch. |
November 2, 2008 | N/A | |||
| Cool Hand Luke - Unrated | "What we have here is a failure to communicate..." famous words from a famous movie. This is perhaps Newman's suavest/coolest movie role ever. He's charming without being cocky. He brings life and hope to a groups of men who have given in to the system. A self-proclaimed misfit, he's spent his entire life trying to find his place--his purpose. Because of a stupid crime, he winds up in prison and makes an unlikely group of friends. But instead of being a simple great escape of prison buddy film, it's so much more. It's about the power of human spirit and the refusal to submit to a despotic, authoritarian leadership. It wasn't until the very end that Luke finally reached some closure. Knocking the boss man's glasses off was his magnum opus. He had in a sense defeated the system. It hadn't been in vain. At the very end, I was half expecting him to hop out of the car and to attempt taking off again. A wonderful movie that I'd unfarily categorized as a guy film. There is a wonderful supporting cast as well. Watch it for this, or if anything else to see a man successfully eat 50 eggs in under an hour! | October 29, 2008 | N/A | |||
| Unforgiven - R | I'm not a huge fan of Westerns, but Clint Eastwood has made this film more than a simple genre film, but more of a complex character study. The fascinating this about this movie is that there are no purely good and purely bad guy. It's not a case of clear cut black and white, but instead widely spread out shades of gray. Will's character is a criminal in recovery...turned away from an evil lifestyle after marrying a good woman. She found in him redemptive qualities that the result of the world couldn't see. It is through a temptation that Will and his partner Ned are dragged off into one last job for the sake of money. Here's where Will faces complex moral decisions. His life unravels and the forgiveness and atonement his done for previous crimes now seem pointless. For revenge, he's sucked into his old life. The lawless West claims or in this case reclaims another lost soul. Brilliantly acted and directed film. Highly recommended! | October 26, 2008 | N/A | |||
| Amadeus - R | A fascinating film that reviews the rivalry and jealousness that is said to have existed between the court composer Salieri, and the prodigy Mozart. Adapted from Peter Schaffer's extraordinary play...Forman does a good job of staying true to the spirit of Schaffer's play, even though some differences were notable. Abraham and was the real star here as the villainous and frustrated Salieri, whil Hulce seemed to take great delight in being the vulgar and child-like Mozart. Apart from the writing, acting, and direction, the set designs are extraordinary. The Don Giovanni sequence will forever stick in my mind...an amazing achievement! Watch this film, its use of flashback sequences really adds to the drama. A real must see, but (here's a caveat emptor of sorts) remember it isn't a Mozart biopic strictly speaking. | October 23, 2008 | N/A | |||
| The Fall - R |
If I had to rate this movie on looks alone, it would get all 5 stars. The idea, the concept was clever in an of itself, but the execution wasn't all there. I felt like the fantasy story could have used some extra oomph. Roy and Alexandria had a charming bond via imagination (even though he exploited it to get her to bring him the morphine). The drama of what ROy's character was going through was hinted at but not fully explored. The whole utilization of Evelyn was strange. Why was she portrayed as the bad woman, instead of using the actual woman who broke Roy's heart. A major misuse of the talented Justine Waddell.
The later half of the story really picks up in intensity. Roy's destruction of Alexandria's fantasy world is devastatingly beautiful and heart-wrenching to watch. I will reiterate that all the fantasy sequences were visually stunning! From the trailer alone, this movie looked magical, adventerous, quirky, and breathtaking. Granted, it had its moments, but it fell short. At least we get a happy ending after the dramatic massacre of the fantasy world characters. |
October 21, 2008 | N/A | |||
| The Seventh Seal (Det Sjunde inseglet) - Unrated | Very well made movie. Its Ingmar Bergan's pondering upon death and its aftermath. Its so moody and dark though that it takes effort to have the heart to see this film to its end. The haunting dancing scene at the end lingers as does the scene where the "wtich" is burned while the lead character looks on in fear trying to rationalize that there is an afterlife and not the void of dark nothingness. This movie has become an iconic piece of pop culture--and deserves to be viewed by a serious film buffs. | October 21, 2008 | N/A | |||
| Bambi - G | Another classic Disney film...probably not as loved as it's other films, but it still has withstood the test of time. The admirable aspect of this film is that it addresses "the facts of life". Granted it is a children's film so parts are embelished or toned down, but it's quite realistic in an interesting way. This snapshot into forest life shows a lawn fawn grown into a buck and along the way discover friendship, loss (in the controversial death of his mother), love, and adversity (with the encroachment of man upon their much loved forest). THe animation is beautifully done, and although it doesn't have any super catchy melodies, it still stands as one of the more reality-based film Disney has realeased in quite some time. | October 20, 2008 | N/A | |||
| The Last Samurai - R |
A beautifully shot and directed movie, and despite my dislike for Cruise, I have to admit that he did a good job. While the story is intriguing in that it juxtaposes the dying native art form of old, closed off Japan with the encroaching influence of the West, I think it is a bit unbalanced in its glorification of the former and disdain for the latter. The Samurai warriors, although graceful in action were, according to historians, were Asia's answer to the Scandinavian vikings. THe liklihood of Cruise's character, a westerner, being embraced so easily is extremely unlikely...but then again I suppose it is a movie and one has to give the screenwriter artistic liberties.
I loved the cinematography and direction. Ken Wantanabe was spectacular in his role. THe final battle scene was gut wrenching, although the end result was relatively predictable. I just wish that it [the ending] hadn't been so convenient and easily packaged. It made aspects of the film appear pretentious. |
October 20, 2008 | N/A | |||
| Lady and the Tramp - G | A genuinely entertaining and heartfelt film that I enjoyed as a child and even to this day continue enjoying as a child. This film hearkens back to the day of classic, hand-drawn animation that made Disney so magical and well known. The characters transcend from being merely drawn animals to something more. The story is sweet, romantic, and with a lesson or two to be learned. While I'm not crazy about the flurry of sequels Disney has been spewing out as of late, this film is a real gem to be treasured by all. | October 20, 2008 | N/A | |||
| Surf's Up - PG | Clearly a kid's/family movie, but is has funny gags throughout that are relatively entertaining. It does talk about firendship and following your dreams, but the plot is pretty flimsy and could have been fleshed out much more. What really stands out in this movie is the wonderful CGI. The animals and the realism of the water is really something else. Even though the movie is predictable in almost every way, it's still sweet and has a good message. | October 14, 2008 | N/A | |||
| Taxi Driver - R | Shocking, surreal, and raw. I think that this IS Scorsese's magnum opus. De Niro is both brilliant and frightening as the psychotic and lonely Travis Bickle. His massive disconnection and inability to intereact normally with society is shockingly enough not an uncommon thing--especially in today's heavily virtual enviornment. The irony of his lust for violence and suffering is that he's recompensed for it instead of punished. He's still a gun waiting to go off at the end of the story, but he's hailed as a hero. The mysterious ending seems to indicate that Travis is not yet done with his exploits. Initially I felt sorry for Bickle, but in the end I felt scornful toward him. He was selfish and intentionally dropping himself into a hole that he refused to climb out of. He damned society for being scum, and yet despite his moral tirade, he wasn't much better than them. | October 13, 2008 | N/A | |||
| Snow Angels - R | I haven't yet read the book on which this movie is based, so this review will be on the quality of the film itself. First, the good. Acting-wise it was entirely spot on. Angrano was good but the real show stealers were Beckinsale (who once more proves she can act outside of the action flicks she's been typecast in) and Rockwell. The stories, which all overlapped each other, looked at a series of days in an ordinary small town, and the consequences that arose out of these broken and budding relationships. In essence, it's an examination of our inability and/or unwillingness to connect with others. For instance, I thought Glenn was obviously still unwell, but Amy made no real effort to meet him halfway. While the character development was fascinating to watch, I felt like we didn't really understand a lot of their motivations...and in the end that ended being a significant detraction. | October 9, 2008 | N/A | |||
| Run Granny Run - Unrated | Granny D is a real revelation. I vaguely recall hearing about her during the 2004 elections, but that was overwhelmed by th ebigger Bush versus Kerry campaign. Even though I am a college student, and have grown to be quite cynical about American politics, it's amzing to see the fervor and dedication that one woman has for civic responsibility. From the very beginning of the documentary, she captured my heart. It was a marvelous character driven piece that may have introduced to me to one of the most inspirational woman of recent time. Her bedside prayers, especially those post election loss, absolutely broke my heart. The world is fortunate to still have rare individuals such as Granny D. While I'm still disillusioned by politics in general, people like her give me hope that maybe something better is coming just beyond the horizon. | October 8, 2008 | N/A | |||
| Lifeboat - Unrated | A somewhat clautraphobic character study film from the master that was Hitchcock. Despite the fact that the entire setting is on the lifeboat, there's so much drama and conflict consistently going on, that it really isn't a problem. Back in 1945 when this movie was released, there wasn't any such thing as CGI and green screen, and as such it's obvious to tell that the boat is really just being manually moved in front of a large screen with the open sea projected in the background. Bankhead is vicious but perhaps the most complex and fascinating character to watch. I felt that Gus got a really raw deal in the end, and the demise of the German, Willy, was in part unjustified. I originally assumed that there would be a bleak ending to the film, but it ended on a slightly less than austere note. Given the year in which it was released, it does give a scathing commentary on human nature post World War II. FYI be on the lookout for Hitch's signature cameos. He's in there. | October 6, 2008 | N/A |
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