Claudia's Talk

Twilight

OH.MY.GOODNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YES! IT WAS THE BEST MOVIE EVER!!!! they kept it pretty much like the book! it was sooo great! YOU SHOULD HAVE HEARD THE PACKED CINEMAS FULL OF GIRLS SCREAMING & SWOONING WHEN ROBERT & TAYLOR CAME ON SCREEN!!! omg! i almost lost my hearing!! even though I joined in with their squeals!!! ahaha!!! i didn't expect it to be so funny!- well, if you read the book you would fully understand the subtle jokes- omg!- Charlie & the pepper spray!!! i loved it!!! & when Rob sparkled!! WOW!- I wondered how they were going to film that-it was great!!! just like little diamonds! ah! i'm swooning right now just remembering everything- wow! & THAT CLIFF HANGER!!!- to show that they are going to make the next sequels-in such a hurry though- not that i'm complaining-just hope they don't rush it-they're starting again in March-but I heard Taylor Lautner is going to replaced- i died when i heard that- i seriously hope that they're not-I love Taylor-he came to the Sydney Twilight convention & showed off his martial arts & the idiots(pardon my language but i'm not happy!) -say he's not build enough to play a maturing werewolf-I say they're wrong! his muscles were bursting out of his shirt! -i'm so sad-I'm team Edward but I so love Taylor/Jacob- if they replace him I will have a fit. seriously. i'll make a petition. & they're going to change directors-argh-it'll be weird-they'll change styles & when you compare all the movies if they're going to replace them every time they won't match-even though I love Harry Potter-you can see the differences each movie has to the others-with different directors you end up with different movies-*sighs* Just keep the same cast & the same director pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease!-*humph*-anyways- it was great I loved it :D

Burn After Reading

This film creates some brilliant characters and produces some hilarious gags-
It's a clever film and requires your full attention throughout to work out who knows about who and what's going on where. Brilliant performances come from Brad Pitt, George Clooney and most notably Frances McDormand, and the Coens once again manage to make a film that is highly enjoyable.

Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father

I have been wanting to see this for a while now,ever since first learning about it.I had posted a story the other day when I had stumbled acorss a story that said it was airing on MSNBC on Sunday night,I had forgot until today that I had recorded it.This documentary put together by Andrew's friend is absolutely unreal.So totally gut-wrenching.It will invoke every emotion in you imaginable.What this family went through is so horrible.I am highly,highly recommending this movie to everyone that comes across this review.This family deserves for the public to see this film for the legacy of Zachary if nothing else.

Swing Vote

Better than I thought it was going to be for sure.A little unrealistic but entertaining nonetheless.Costner has still got it.=)

Four Christmases

Pretty funny,I would wait for the dvd though =)

Misery

"I am your number one fan. There is nothing to worry about. You are going to be just fine. I am your number one fan."

Director: Rob Reiner
Starring: James Caan, Kathy Bates, Richard Farnsworth, Frances Sternhagen
Running time: 107 minutes
Country: USA


I have always loved Stephen King's novels because they all are either scary or emotional. Misery is in my opinion the most psychological King novel. This is a real hard film to watch at times because the audience do know what sort of person Annie is but don't fully know why she is doing what she is doing to Paul. It was a complete thrill-ride that I did think was a total masterpiece. It was the thrilling suspense that made me like this film so much. I thought that the characters were very powerful and were very well combined together because they both had bitter hate for each other but in a secretive manner. This is one of those films that despite of how tense or how scary Annie is, you gotta love it because of how it made the viewers of the film feel. It has a rare quality that not many psychological thrillers have. For example, Annie doesn't hurt Paul that much at all really. That is what I truly love about the Annie Wilkes character: she's mean, she's twisted, she's mysterious, she's manipulating and she likes to scare. I have no idea how she become the way she did but she must have had something in the past that just made her snap. There were a few scenes in this film that I had to walk about for a little breather because it was so tense. I sort of knew what was going to happen but it didn't spoil it for me because I truly loved the characters.


Kathy Bates gives the single most terrifying female performance that I have ever seen. I have mostly seen Kathy portray those sorts of characters that are really delightful, nice and very powerful particularly in a supporting role. She is the perfect choice for Annie Wilkes because Kathy has that appearance that shows that Annie is a widow, is a farmer, is a lonely woman who has a hidden dark psychotic shadow inside her. She says she is his number one fan but I don't even think that she likes him at all really. She is just obsessed with his work but not him. She is very disturbed in that case aswell. She frequently maims herself during her bouts with depression. She sort of has a world of her own by comparing the novels and the characters with real-life. No actress has blown me away playing a villain as much as Kathy Bates did in Misery. Louise Fletcher is a close rival to that too in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest. I really liked the great James Caan in this film aswell as Paul Sheldon. He is a man who accidentally crashes his car in a forest and is saved by Annie. He broke both of his legs and his right arm. Upon learning that Annie is a bit mental and has quite bad intentions for him, he takes measures that the audience can't wait to see because she is such a psycho. I find Paul more of a supporting character than a leading character because this film is about Annie and what sort of person she is involving Paul.


The direction was really good. It was quite similar to how Kubrick directed The Shining with slow views and then very far out and also close up angles too. I can guarentee that the film is just as good as the book. I haven't read the book yet but will try and do so when I get the chance. The script was fantastic. It was a fantastic adaptation of a great book from a great novelist like Stephen King.


This is definitely Kathy Bates best performance. I really liked James Caan aswell in this film. He is a legendary actor especially for The Godfather. I do love Stephen King's work but I do like other novels like The Shawshank Redemption, The Shining and especially The Green Mile. Misery is a masterpiece of psychological thrillers and is one of the best of that genre. I would recommend to everyone!! Masterpiece!

Talk Radio

not very well known oliver stone film, a tense night on air brings danger to local talk d.j, great tense film, from stone

Midnight Run

deniro and grodin are perfect as bounty hunter and prisoner, on run from mob, but also trying to get back to l.a before a deadline, razor sharp wit, deniro and grodin, really bouncing off each other, great comedy moments,

[Rec]

''There's something more to this place. Our cells don't work. Neither does the T.V. or radio. We're isolated.''

"REC" turns on a young TV reporter and her cameraman who cover the night shift at the local fire station...

Manuela Velasco: Ángela Vidal

''Good evening, this is Angela Vidal speaking. Tonight, as usual, we will share this time...''

[Rec] is basically the most, original, raw, horror films to come out for an absolute age. A Spanish horror film, replicated in the style of Cloverfield or Open Water, utilizing that home filmed feel. After seeing [Rec] I can say it's nerve shreddingly effective. It felt like this is the horror film I've been begging for, ever since playing god send Games like Resident Evil and Silent Hill have I had a glimpse of what a film vision could be like, finally [Rec] gives me something terrifyingly real.

It comes off like 28 Weeks Later or 28 Days Later yet it's that unique minimalist way it's conceived, as with way they film it.
So [Rec]'s plot is basically about two reporters whom are doing a documentary about the firemen at a station during their night shift. We are treated to their respective routines and a glimpse of the function of the department. It really does feel like you're watching an actual documentary in motion.
As matters progress we see the firemen take on their first job while the reporters accompany them to a rescue of an old lady trapped within her apartment. What begins as a routine process turns into something extremely sinister and gruesome, not only that scarily terrifying.

''There are incredible security measures in place. We know nothing. They haven't told us a thing. We saw special forces, health inspectors wearing suits and masks, and it's not very comforting.''

Actress Manuela Velasco plays Ángela Vidal, the main protagonist, the pretty eye candy girl reporter, who's the viewers main companion alongside the secondary Pablo who remains unseen mostly during [Rec].
The rest of the cast are impressively gritty and real, Ferran Terraza, Jorge Serrano, Pablo Rosso, David Vert, Vicente Gil and a wonderful Claudia Font as a sweet young girl who becomes a vision of terror.
[Rec] was interestingly enough also made and shot in real locations. No sets were built to make this movie. During the filming of the scene where the young fireman falls from the stairs, not a single actor knew that was going to happen, so the reactions we see on the films were the real reactions of the actors themselves.
The film is co-directed by Jaume Balaguero and Paco Plaza and they have clearly dipped into the bucket of clichés with [rec], but in doing so they have created something that is both fresh and reinvigorating. It should be noted that clichés aren't always a bad thing and when put to good use can give the audience exactly what they came to see. It's true that the plot is minimal and there are loose ends, but then the vast majority of horror films often suffer from these traits, and sometimes purposefully, but with [rec] it doesn't make the film any less enjoyable. It is also evident from the plot and the methods employed that the film is very low budget, but this does not do it any harm, instead it complements the narrative and increases the films appeal.

I believe the true quality of the film lies in its ability to cleverly use the history of the genre and the bare minimal of resources to its maximum potential, there's little room to doubt the reasons for the cameraman to continue filming and this is due to the fact it's his occupation. He is there to film a documentary and in true cameraman style his instincts take over. The acting on show here is also a lot better than some in Cloverfield and the people all look genuine, some are even unattractive, which is realism, not a Hollywood cop out.
To put it simply [Rec] features some of the most fear inducing and scariest scenes to date. It achieves a level of fear that's rarely experienced in cinema and if watching the film carefully it can be seen how. [rec] has been made by people that are incredibly familiar with the horror genre and fans will recognize the homages and the inspirations used, from classics such as Evil Dead, to The Shining, to 28 Days later and many more. With such a wealth of horror-viewing-experience combined with inspired film-making they are able to draw upon some of the best moments in horror history.

Towards the final reels the film plays like an amalgamation of ideas and inspirations. One of which is the influence of contemporary video gaming as some scenes allude to how certain computer games work ( such as first person shooters) and this is supported by the POV technique as we, the viewer, live the character of the cameraman much in the same way a gamer lives the character he/she is in control of. This notion is furthered by the different levels in the apartment building, the films use of rooms, the final scenes and several allegories to various computer games including the mentioned Resident Evil, Alone in the Dark and Silent Hill.

For a feature film it is incredibly short, at a mere 75 minutes, in fact it is closer to the length of a TV documentary which is possibly its goal. I cannot recommend this film enough and have even attempted to script my review in a way as to not give too much away of it's genius masterful strokes, as it is a [Rec]comendation that needs to seen. Watch it with the lights off, alone, if you dare...

''It's nearly 2 A.M. and we're still sealed in this building that we came to with the firemen earlier this evening, to assist an elderly woman who later attacked a policeman and a fireman. They're both in critical condition. The police won't let us leave and are giving us no explanations.''

Zack and Miri Make a Porno

Have to say I was slightly disappointed. I love all of Kevin Smith's work, and i'm not saying I didn't enjoy this film, it's just that I didn't love it as much as I wanted to.
The plot wasn't as substantial as I thought it was going to be. The premise being rather simple already, there really wasn't anything added to it to make it more enjoyable and deep as Smith's films usually are.
The plot follows Seth Rogan's and Elizabeth Banks' characters, Zack and Miri. The are best friends that have been together since high school. Living together, working dead end and unfulfilling jobs. After Zack fails to pay the utility bills their water, electricity etc, is cut off and Zack's solution to their financial problem is that they should make a porn film. At first Miri doesn't go for it, but after some persuasion comes around to the idea. The round up an odd ball cast and set about filming. They run into many expected problems with money, people and each other.
Right from the beginning it's obviously what is going to happen. From what i've said you can probably guess what will happen in the film. This doesn't tend to be the case with the rest of Smith's film. Because they are quirky and odd, you find it slightly more difficult to predict exactly what is going to happen. Here it just isn't the case. I get a slightly feeling that the only point to this film is for Smith to throw some expected jokes into a film about making a porn film.
The only thing that redeems Smith and film is that he has the opportunity to be as filthy as possible. This just makes for some really funny moments and although you know they are bound to be in the film at some point, they're also totally worth seeing put into action because it's not that Smith used these set pieces, it's the way he's used them which makes sure he gets away with using them.
The cast is, as it always is with his films, brilliant. Seth Rogan is undoubtedly one of the most promising stars to be rising to fame in Hollywood at the moment. He is as funny and witty here as he always is, and saves the film just a little. Elizabeth Banks does a really excellent job, as it couldn't have been easy to stand opposite Rogan and give such a credible performance that could be compared and still stand up to his. And as always with Smith, we have the always used, but always loved, faces. Jason Mewes really made me laugh with his cocky and arrogant character. Jeff Anderson makes his usual and much loved performance, as small and sweet as it may have been. It's always great to have Traci Lords in a film taking the piss out of the porn industry as well and she really made an excellent and well thought out addition to the cast.
Overally, it's not terrible and it's in no way put me off Smith's film as i'll always love his work, it's just not the best i've seen from him, and after the standard he has set himself before, i have come to expect the best, this just isn't his best. Still it's worth checking out for the cheap laughs and the brilliant characters.

Rear Window

Stand by Me

This is the only Stephen King story without any reference to horror or the supernatural. And I liked it very much because the characters in this story are very believable and they are well played by four very good young actors. There's simply no room for irritation in this movie. The scenery is beautiful and the story is innocent and strong. Definitely worth watching.

Gandhi

Ben Kingsley is beyond brilliant here. I can not remember a 3-hours long movie that went by so fast. Moreover I was tired but the story just grips you by the throat and you can't stop watching. At least I couldn't.

Singin' in the Rain

The story is very simple, don't watch it for the good plot. The music however made me love this movie, quite unexpectedly I must say! And the dancing is quite unbelievable! I'll watch it again if I get the chance!

This Christmas

INTERESTED

The Adventures of Baron Munchausen

Similar to Monty Python, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen is a riot.When you are in the mood for an utterly ridiculous non-sensical movie that is tons of fun and totally looney at times this is the flick for you.Loved it.Oh you will also find sooo many awesome movie quotes,Fantastic one liners in this one if that is thing .Enjoy! =)

Hotaru no haka (Grave of the Fireflies)

Directed By: Isao Hataka
Starring: J. Robert Spencer, Rhoda Chrosite, Amy Jones, Veronica Taylor, Shannon Conley (English Version)

"
"Why must fireflies die so young?"
-Setsuko-

The Review:

I heard that one would be heartless if he/she didn't shed a tears when he/she watch this movie. Am I that heartless?

Well, it's probably one of the best anime or even animation even though few people ever heard the name of it. This movie has a perfect portrait of what it's like for a young boy with his little sister to survive in Japan back in WWII.

For the script was very good and the story itself has everything to make someone shed their tears (it didn't worked for me though). Added with a sweet Japanese score (I Love Japanese score), and nice direction, this is just one of the most tearful animation ever made.

"
"Time for bed"
-Seita-

Munich

''We are supposed to be righteous. That's a beautiful thing. And we're losing it. If I lose that, that's everything. That's my soul.''

Based on the true story of the Black September aftermath, about the five men chosen to eliminate the ones responsible for that fateful day.

Eric Bana: Avner

''There is no peace at the end of this.''

What should have been an uneventful Olympics in Munich, 1972, became the bloodshed that unfolded like a Moebius strip and unleashed even more blood unto the world. On September 5, 1972, eight Palestinian terrorists killed two Israeli athletes, kidnapped nine more, and asked for safe passage out of Germany and the subsequent liberation of Arab prisoners in Israeli and German prisons. Once at the airport they encountered resistance from the German authorities, and in a scuffle, all of the other nine hostages were killed.

This led to the Israeli government to have the Mossad -- Israel's intelligence agency -- track down and kill every terrorist responsible for the killings. For this they hired one of Golda Meir's bodyguards, known as Avner, put him in a special ops team, and gave them minimal information about these terrorists. Avner on his own is able to strike back at the "supposed" terrorists via the appearance of a shady Parisian named Louie, but as the assignments become more and more difficult, he wonders if it is all worth it, and once his own team gets decimated by counter-agents, he wonders if behind every terrorist there is a even more dangerous one just waiting in the wings with ways to get back at him and his family.

''The only blood that matters to me is Jewish blood.''

Steven Spielberg is at his best when not directing Blockbusters. The world of 1972 hasn't changed much to this day, when one sees the events of September 11, 2001(and the World Trade Center inserted into the New York City skyline right at the final scene for a final blow of realization), and the political interests which led to their horrific result on American soil, it becomes food for thought if behind every Saddam, every Osama, there aren't just tens or thousands of replacements, but a countless number, waiting, biding their time, with more reasons to hate the Western world for butting their heads into their affairs. Avner, while a minion of Israel, ponders these things, and is himself terrorized when he comes to America to live a life away from the madness he was involved in: namely, the never-ending conflict between Israel and Palestine, both fighting for what they consider home. As one plo member effectively says, Home is all we know.
But what indeed, may we ask, has home become?

No right, no wrong, but a grey murky haze is the prevalent tone in Munich. While re-enacting a swift retribution against those who destroy order would be the thing to do, what does it solve? Spielberg doesn't say, probably doesn't know either. What he does do is create an increasing, nail-biting suspense, that Hitchcock himself would have loved and this film, reminiscent itself of sabotage, is proof that terror and mayhem at the hands of subversives is still a thing of now as much as then and that innocents are always on hand to pay with the intended victims. One sequence, as the foursome wait for their first target to pick up the phone but find that his young daughter has not left the house yet, is incredibly powerful. Another one is when Avner waits for a bomb to go off in the room beside him. Nothing is ever clean and easy in the real world, and even bombers can never really know what to expect from their toys, and all one can do is wait and become paranoid, frozen with fear.

''We have 11 Palestinian names, each one of them had a hand in planning Munich. We want them all dead.''

The evolution of Avner is fascinating, as the film progresses we see this man eaten up by paranoia, guilt and fear of reprisals.
We have a scene in which Avner makes love to his heavily pregnant wife with tenderness, love and devotion. Later Avner is changed when he is making love to his wife. We see the effect it has had on him and his mindset, but cleverly we also see the reason behind this man's torment and guilty inner demons. The killings of the Athelete's at the Munich Incident are shown for the first time, the cause, and catalyst of Avner's demons. This is the moment in which we see how the ball was set in motion, how the five men were sent on a quest which would equal a never ending turmoil. As Avner makes love to his wife we, we take it all in, along with him, while his wife can only comfort her husband with three resonating words, I love you.

Another conversation that Avner has with an Arab man on a stairs is very revealing and faceted. An age old hatred over land and religion, this conversation basically sums up the whole diluted mess of blood and soil. A never ending war, until the other is eradicated from the earth. This scene holds a chilling resonance and harrowing message, yet Daniel Craig twiddling stations on the radio, with an Arab, shows differences can also have similar tastes. Yet Avner's statement involving these delusions being a dream, a fiction, are the more rational, temperant answers we receive. Spielberg wants us to think about this issue, and he gives us plenty to think about.

''Every man we've killed has been replaced by worse!''

Overall, Munich has strong performances all throughout and unrivaled directing from Spielberg. Eric Bana is harrowingly tortured as Avner, a man who only wants to be with his wife and young daughter and cannot escape the horrors he has witnessed and participated in. Geoffrey Rush, Ciaran Hinds, Daniel Craig, Mathieu Kassovitz, Lynn Cohen, Hans Ziechler, Michael Lonsdale, and Mathieu Amalric all supply great support in a well-rounded cast and flesh out great characters in this excellent, if morally ambiguous story.
Munich captures the inner turmoil and hesitation of his character in the most believable striking way possible, making this piece, into a worthwhile adventure for its performances, story and cinematography. But most importantly, it dares to asks questions and to answer our past so we can avoid a bloody future.

Avner: Break bread with me. Come on, you're a Jew in a foreign land. It's written somewhere I should invite you to break bread with me. Break bread with me, Ephraim.
Ephraim: No.