Cláudia's Talk

Management

Jennifer Aniston, Steve Zahn, James Hiroyuki, Woody Harrelson, Margo Martindale, Fred Ward

A traveling art saleswoman tries to shake off a flaky motel manager who falls for her and won't leave her alone.
I really liked it. Very different from other romance comedies I have seen. Steve Zahn is a favorite of mine, I think he's hilarious. He knows how to be funny without trying so hard. Thought the movie was little quirky and very sweet. Good little love story.

Defiance

Four Jewish brothers escape from Nazi-occupied Poland into the Belarussian forest, where they join Russian resistance fighters and endeavor to build a village in order to protect themselves and others in danger.
Great performances all around in this movie. A true story that is heart breaking, and inspiring. Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber, Jamie Bell, and George MacKay play four brothers who decided to fight back and live. Soon many came to join them and in doing so these four brothers saved many lives. You can't help but cheer on these brothers and feel inspired by what they did for their fellow people. These people are fighting for their lives, starving, questioning their faith, and wondering if they will turn into the animals they feel like, that are being hunted. I have watched a lot of movies I normally wouldn't watch and have been surprised by how much I have liked them. This is one of those movies. It's filled with heroism and bravery. Daniel Craig along with Liev Schreiber give great performances. Loved Jamie Bell in this movie. He is one my favorites, and it was good to see him in something like this. But my favorite performance came from Liev Schreiber. Probably the best performance I have seen from him. This is a must see for sure.

Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans

Nicolas Cage, Shawn Hatosy, Val Kilmer, Eva Mendes, Xzibit

In Werner Herzog?s new film ?The Bad Lieutenant: Port Of Call New Orleans,? Nicolas Cage plays a rogue detective who is as devoted to his job as he is at scoring drugs -- while playing fast and loose with the law. He wields his badge as often as he wields his gun in order to get his way. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina he becomes a high-functioning addict who is a deeply intuitive, fearless detective reigning over the beautiful ruins of New Orleans with authority and abandon. Complicating his tumultuous life is the prostitute he loves (played by Eva Mendes). Together they descend into their own world marked by desire, compulsion, and conscience.
I am conflicted on how I feel after watching this movie. I guess it's never a good sign when you continuously check to see how much longer the movie has. But I didn't hate the movie either. Just seemed very long, and at times moving at a slow pace. Just seemed like it should have been more fast paced. But, when it did finally end, I do feel like it was a good movie. The whole two hours and one minute is worth sitting through because the ending is genius. Never put one together with the other. So the ending earned major points from me. Nicolas Cage.. What an actor.. He is pure brilliance in this movie. There is no one else that could have pulled this role off like him. There were also some actor's in this movie that I haven't seen in a film in awhile. Like Fairuza Balk and Shawn Hatosy. Eva Mendes character felt a little like her character in "We Own The Night". Or maybe she just portrayed them in the same light. But nothing spectacular there. Val Kilmer really didn't have a lot of screen time, but when he did he made himself known. So I guess my only negative comments is on the length of the movie, or more so the pace. Other then that, good movie and I definitely recommend it.

Grace Is Gone

John Cusack, Shelan O'Keefe, Gracie Bednarczyk, Alessandro Nivola

A husband whose wife has just been killed in Iraq doesn't have the courage to tell his two young daughters that their mother has died, so instead he decides to take them on a road trip, not to just make it easier on the girls but to make it easier for himself.
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Yes another story of another loved one being killed in Iraq. But this movie takes on a whole different story. This story is more of how it affects a family who has lost their mother/wife to a war that they sometimes question if they supported, or even understood. John Cusack is brilliant in this movie. Something very different from his past roles, and he does it justice. This movie is built by it's performances. No special affects, no nothing. Just the road and these great performances. There is a moment between Stanley and his brother that you can just feel the strong emotions reflecting off of them. You will shed some tears in this film, but its hard not to. These actors made you feel their characters pain. The two young girls were so good. So glad I found this movie. Heart breaking.. A MUST SEE...

Primal Fear

Edge of Darkness

As homicide detective Thomas Craven investigates the death of his activist daughter, he uncovers not only her secret life, but a corporate cover-up and government collusion that attracts an agent tasked with cleaning up the evidence.

LOOKS REALLY GOOD.. GOOD TO SEE MEL DOING ANOTHER MOVIE...

Assassination of a High School President

REESE THOMPSON, BRUCE WILLIS, MISCHA BARTON, LUKE GRIMES, MELONIE DIAZ, MICHAEL RAPAPORT

Forget it, Jake. It's...high school. With its noir roots, this stylish dark comedy pays homage to Roman Polanski's CHINATOWN. Reece Thompson (ROCKET SCIENCE) stars as a school newspaper writer who uncovers a conspiracy that is rampant among the students and teachers. Mischa Barton (THE O.C.) plays the young femme fatale, while Bruce Willis is an unhinged principal.
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Loved this movie. Had a lot of odd characters that were very hilarious. Something I will definitely be watching again. Bruce Willis was very funny as the Principle who has this huge annoyance with kids chewing gum during school hours, to the point were he will literally take it out of your mouth. I really don't care to much for Mischa Barton, but she wasn't to bad in this movie. First time seeing a movie with Reese Thompson. Thought he was great. Read some things about how this movie is like the film 'Brick'. I have seen Brick and so I would have to disagree. I can only see one resemblance to both movie's. I won't name what it is so I don't spoil either movie for anyone else. But besides that I don't see any other resemblance. Brick is more of a suspense drama, and this film is more a dark comedy. Neither one should be missed though. Both are great movies.
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Bobby Funke Narrating:
"You want to know the truth about high school? You've got to break it down into its elements. Unfortunately, at St. Donovan's, the periodic table is more crooked than a case of scoliosis. Just give me the chance and I'll set it all straight. Case in point, Spanish homework. "Dame un batido de esperma" does not mean, "Take me to the airport." It means, "Give me a sperm milkshake." And 22 kids gave that as an answer in Spanish 3 last week. I'm not sure about the milkshake, but somebody is sure feeding us something sticky. Every clique on campus is copying the same damn homework. Burn-outs, pretty boys, drama-dorks, jocks, debaters, player-haters, you name it. Oh, it's big, all right. And I'm on it like pink rubber bands on your little sister's braces. The name's Bobby Funke. I write for the paper."

The Horsemen

Dennis Quaid, Ziyi Zhang, Lou Taylor Pucci, Clifton Collins Jr., Patrick Fugit

Aidan Breslin is a bitter detective emotionally distanced from his two young sons following the untimely death of his devoted wife. While investigating a series of murders of rare violence, he discovers a terrifying link between himself and the suspects in a chain of murders that seem to be based on the Biblical prophecies concerning the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: War, Famine, Pestilence, and Death.
Well this movie has gotten a lot of mixed reviews. I happen to be one of the one's who liked it. Thought even thought the gore of it is relatable to some other movies, the story is completely different. Ziyi Zhang is pure evil in this movie. But yet you feel for her character at the same time. Patrick Fugit will just break your heart with his performance. Liking him more and more in each film I see him in. Lou Taylor Pucci also gives a very strong performance, and of course Dennis Quaid was amazing. But that's a given in any film he does. Sends a strong message to parents I think. Just a really good plot with great performances.

In Bruges

A dark comedy. Very funny. Sad also. Had a bit of both. But it was in my opinion one of the best dark comedies I have seen in a while. Colin Farrell was great. Who knew he could be so funny. The only other movie I have seen Brendan Gleeson in was one of the Harry Potter movies. So it was nice to see him in something different. Thought he was great. Ralph Fiennes was very funny as well. Just a movie about a couple of hit man which one botches a job. The boss sends them to Bruge to hide away, but has more plans then just hiding them away. He sees it as his farewell gift to one of them. A movie with a lot of laughs and a bit of sad moments. I enjoyed it a lot and definitely will be seeing it again.

Old Dogs

John Travolta, Robin Williams, Seth Green, Kelly Preston, Ella Bleu Travolta, Conner Rayburn, Matt Dillon, Lori Loughlin

Two best friends -- one unlucky-in-love divorcee (ROBIN WILLIAMS) and the other a fun-loving bachelor (JOHN TRAVOLTA) -- have their lives turned upside down when they?re unexpectedly charged with the care of six-year-old twins while on the verge of the biggest business deal of their lives. The not-so-kid-savvy bachelors stumble in their efforts to take care of the twins (newcomers ELLA BLEU TRAVOLTA and CONNER RAYBURN), leading to one debacle after another, and perhaps to a new-found understanding of what?s really important in life.
Haven't laughed so much during a movie in a long time. John and Robin are great together. Work well off of each other. Seth Green gives lots of laughs too. The kids were great. This is a fun, feel good movie that you won't come away from without laughing or smiling. So if you want to have a good laugh this is the movie to watch.

Passengers

Anne Hathaway, Patrick Wilson, David Morse, Andre Braugher, Clea DuVall, Dianne West

After a plane crash, a young therapist, Claire (Anne Hathaway), is assigned by her mentor (Andre Braugher) to counsel the flight's five survivors. When they share their recollections of the incident ? which some say include an explosion that the airline claims never happened ? Claire is intrigued by Eric (Patrick Wilson), the most secretive of the passengers. Just as Claire's professional relationship with Eric ? despite her better judgment ? blossoms into a romance, the survivors begin to disappear mysteriously, one by one. Claire suspects that Eric may hold all the answers and becomes determined to uncover the truth, no matter the consequences.
Great plot, and it was executed well. Liked the story. Predictable, but well the worth the watch. For some you will have wait till the very ending before it reveals all it's truths. Interesting none the less. Liked the twist, even if it reminds me of another movie. Their story lines are different but the endings are very similar. Would give the name of the other film, but I feel like I would give this movie's ending away. Really liked Patrick Wilson in this movie. Thought he was charming and funny. Good watch with a great cast.

The Promotion

Seann William Scott, John C. Reilly, Gil Bellows, Fred Armisen, Lili Taylor, Jenna Fischer , Nathan Adloff

Doug and Richard, two assistant managers at a Chicago supermarket chain, battle for the same management position at a new store. Though the two seem to have nothing in common, their battle of wits and will teaches them that they are more alike than they had previously suspected.
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Kinda slow. But funny enough to keep you entertained. Plus you can kinda relate to the character's. Not a bad watch.

The Promotion

Seann William Scott, John C. Reilly, Gil Bellows, Fred Armisen, Lili Taylor, Jenna Fischer , Nathan Adloff

Doug and Richard, two assistant managers at a Chicago supermarket chain, battle for the same management position at a new store. Though the two seem to have nothing in common, their battle of wits and will teaches them that they are more alike than they had previously suspected.
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Kinda slow. But funny enough to keep you entertained. Plus you can kinda relate to the character's. Not a bad watch.

Tell-Tale (Tell Tale)

Josh Lucas, Lena Headey, Brian Cox

A man's newly transplanted heart leads him on a dangerous journey to find out who murdered its donor. No sooner does his new ticker get plugged in than the nightmarish visions of his own grisly demise begin. Feverish dreams then turn to flashes of past life as he walks into the proximity of a specific person, triggering an impulse toward bloody vengeance that will not be ignored. The previous owner of his new heart wants payback, and he'll take control of this new machine he's attached to to get it.
This was a good thriller. Had me interested from the start. Thought Josh Lucas was great. The little girl playing his daughter will pull at your heart strings for sure. Great story. Loved how different it is from most thrillers I have seen of late. Good watch.

The Maiden Heist

William H. Macy, Morgan Freeman, Christopher Walken, Marcia Gay Harden

It's about three security guards that work at an art museum and who are each obsessed with three different pieces of art. When they get word that the Museum is moving their favorite pieces these three come together and make a plan to steal the art pieces on the day of the move. Their plan goes a little off beat.
It wasn't as funny as it had been made out to be. It was a little slow and not something I could probably sit through again without nodding off. But it did have it's funny moments, most of them coming from William H. Macy. He was definitely the one who kept this movie interesting. He plays a very odd character who has a very different obsession with his piece of art. An OK watch. Nothing special about it. But it had three big stars (in my opinion) in this movie, so watch it just for their performances. Love to see them all in another film that isn't so slow and bland.

Once Upon a Time in America

Moving McAllister

Ben Gourly, Mila Kunis, Jon Heder, Rutger Hauer, Hubbel Palmer

Rick Robinson is a ladder-climbing law intern from Miami with four days until the Bar Exam. Desperate to score points with his boss (McAllister), he commits to a favor he can't afford. He ends up in a rundown truck headed to L.A. with his boss's possessions, his Hollywood-bound niece, and her pet pig. Amidst hitch-hikers, breakdowns, and assorted local yokels, Rick finds love, life and maybe himself in this trans-American road trip from hell.
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Great comedy. Laughed a lot through this film. It's silly, quirky, a little weird, and very entertaining. Jon Heder was hillarious in this movie. Just a fun roadtrip movie to watch, not to be taken seriously. About a guy just finding himself with the help from a couple of free spirited people. This movie got a lot of bad reviews, but I have to disagree. I found it refreshing and very funny. Maybe not most peoples taste, but I like these kinds of comedies. There's no doubt that this movie will make you laugh.

Extract

Jason Bateman, Ben Affleck, Mila Kunis, J.K. Simmons, Kristen Wiig, Dustin Milligan

A comedy that follows the personal and professional problems endured by the owner of a flower-extract plant.
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It's a smart quiet kind of comedy. Funny, but not as funny as I had thought it would be. I don't really think it needed to be. But still enough to keep you entertained. Because what the movie lacks, it makes up with the odd, but realistic characters in this film. Jason was really good in this movie. Ben was funny. Definitely a character I have never seen him portray before and he did it well. Very funny.

Inglourious Basterds

Brad Pitt, Christopher Waltz, Til Schweiger, Eli Roth, Diane Kruger, Melanie Laurent,

In German-occupied France, Shosanna Dreyfus witnesses the execution of her family at the hand of Nazi Colonel Hans Landa. Shosanna narrowly escapes and flees to Paris, where she forges a new identity as the owner and operator of a cinema. Elsewhere in Europe, Lieutenant Aldo Raine organizes a group of Jewish soldiers to engage in targeted acts of retribution. Known to their enemy as "The Basterds," Raine's squad joins German actress and undercover agent Bridget Von Hammersmark on a mission to take down the leaders of The Third Reich. Fates converge under a cinema marquee, where Shosanna is poised to carry out a revenge plan of her own...
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Very entertaining that's for sure. Had a really great cast. Loved Brad Pitt's southern accent. Love Tarantino. He is a genius at mixing such an intense film with a flare of comedy. Some people will for sure be offended. Definitely one of my favorite films by him. I like how all the stories were in the end all intertwined with each other. Chris Waltz was amazing. Definitely award worthy. On my list of top movies of 09. This movie is one not to be missed.