DerekA101
http://www.flixster.com/user/dereka101
| Name | Derek A |
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| Gender | Male |
| I'm From | SC |
| Member For | 100 days |
| Last Login | Wed. Aug 20 |
| Profile Views | 756 |
| Age | 25 |
| MCT Score |
| Movie: |
300, Gladiator, the Dark Knight, Matrix, Batman Begins, No Country for Old Men, the Departed, Sin City Off-the-wall: Equilibrium, Lucky # Slevin, 3:10 to Yuma, Borat, Memento, True Romance, Usual Suspects, Thank You for Smoking, The Rock, Boondock Saints Sagas and Sets like: Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Saw, Resident Evil, Underword, Hannibal series, Die Hard, the Ocean's almost any Quentin Tarantino film |
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| Actor: | I have a ton that I like, please look to the right for a ful list.... |
| Director: |
Quentin Tarantino, Christopher Nolan, Steven Spielberg, Peter Jackson, M. Night Shyamalan, Tim Burton, Guiellmo Del Toro, Robert Rodriguez |
| Quote: | see quotes below |
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I'm pretty opinionated... So sometimes there are movies that I will rate bad, but they're not that horrible. And sometimes I will rate movies that are seemingly ok as great movies. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder... I like receiving movie recommendations, that is why I am here. I'm looking to meet people of similar movie interests who enjoy writing and reading reviews. So if I add you, then there's something about your profile I liked... I promise I'm not creepy. I DO NOT like widgets or young kids looking for a place to meet people. Go to a chat room, that's what they are there for. Anything else, feel free to ask.
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Derek's Recent Reviews
Tropic Thunder
R
Boy did this movie surprise me??? I did not have high hopes for this film, hell, it didn't even crack my top 15 most anticipated summer movies. But after watching it, I would go so far as to say it's the funniest movie I've seen this year. This might not be a fair statement because I have yet to see Step Brothers... but they're totally different types of comedy. But Tropic Thunder is leagues better than Zohan, Get Smart, Love Guru, or Pineapple Express.The movie begins with a fabricated but genuinely authentic looking movie trailers which serve to introduce the 3 main characters (who are in this case, actors). The trailers sound and feel so real that at first you question if this is the movie starting or another damn preview! A lot of laughs from these bits...
I found this film to be a smart comedy that doesn't rely on puerile jokes or stoned teenagers. There is a part where the movie could've exploited a funny moment with cocaine, but chose not to.
Great performances all around, most notably from Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr., and TOM CRUISE... that's right! Tom Cruise! Cameo's galore in this film, but none greater than Cruise! This is probably his best performance since Jerry Maguire! He was funny... i don't think I've ever said that.
Can you imagine how hard it is to act like your acting badly, then find it in you to act like your really acting? Geez, mind-boggling... great movie with lots of good laughs and great performances! A perfect satire about movie industry....
The Passion of the Christ
R
Maybe I've seen too many horror movies or too many Quentin Tarantino films, but I didn't find this movie overly gruesome as some have warned. Was it too gruesome for a child or a squeamish female? Well probably....
But anyways, what I loved most about this movie was how it was shot. It was amazingly and beautifully made. The cinematography was fantastic. Mel Gibson really impressed me here in his debut.
Most of us know the storyline... so in that sense, I was pretty bored. Overall, I found this to be an ok film... it's wonderful looking and Jim Caviezel was great as Jesus (especially how he was able to portray his suffering yet forgiving demeanor while being nailed to the cross)... but it's nothing I would watch again.
Hard Candy
R
This film is mind-blowingly suspenseful and utterly disturbing!! And I loved it! It is haunting, and if you have one moral bone in you, then it will chill you to your core.The first thing I noticed about Hard Candy that thoroughly impressed me was it's coloring and style. The director masterfully crafted every scene with the perfect contrast of color to set the tone of the movie.
Ellen Page and Patrick Wilson were phenomenal! They both put in chilling performances...
My only complaint is that the ending kinda leaves you hanging (no pun intended). Who was she really? The film builds up suspense and leaves you wondering: "What did he do?" and "Who is she, really?"... one is answered, the other is not, which is annoying. Also, the movie has little replay value.
I would make the argument that this is the only time this movie could have been made. I say this because I don't believe that ANYONE could pull off this performance like Ellen Page. She is truly talented, and this role fit her perfectly.
Well written and thought provoking... don't miss it
Gone Baby Gone
R
One word: AMAZING!Everything about this movie was exceptional! I am astonished it didn't get a nomination for Best Picture of 2007, or even any other nominations. The only one it received was Best Supporting Actress for Amy Ryan who, in my opinion, came across as typical and flat... I've seen better crackheads in worse movies.
Ben Affleck did a great job directing this film... and his brother Casey hit a grand slam performance. Coming into this film, I didn't buy into him being a wise-talking tough guy... but he was real convincing and borderline bad ass in this movie. For all you short skinny guys out there, here's a new role model. This movie is set in Boston and uses its residents as small roles in the movie, which gave it a very authentic Bean Town feel. It was gritty and ruthless.
This movie tackles so many challenging questions. Just when you think it's about to end, it doesn't. It's a very smart, intellectual movie. The choices Casey's character had to make were gut wrenching... I don't know what I would've done. Each decision some how was simultaneously wrong and right.
Gone Baby Gone is the sleeper hit of 2007. It's intriguing and eye-opening, but at the same time immensely tragic.
The Lion King
G
This movie came out when I was in middle/high school (aka too cool for cartoons)... and 14 years after it's release I finally see what many herald as the greatest Disney movie of all time. And, well, I'm inclined to agree.
I gave it 5 stars, but I didn't necessarily love it so much to the point where I will rave about it. It is still just a kids movie. It's simple, but it's probably the best animated Disney movie... especially during it's time.
It's amazing how I knew all the characters names and I knew the words to all the songs... but I have never seen the movie before! That says a lot about how this movie has impacted our culture.
It's a heartwarming and fun adventure that many will enjoy.
Pineapple Express
R
The Judd Apatow crew came out of nowhere a few years ago, and they have produced funny movie after funny movie. But now they're starting to face HIGH EXPECTATIONS... and I'm afraid this one doesn't get there.Apatow and Rogen live off originality and "holy shit I can't believe he just said that" humor... and this is the major flaw of Pineapple Express. It's not original, and it's not even all that funny. This film is more situationally comedic, meaning I laughed at certain situations, but not necessarily at any one punchline.
This film really feels like a bad action spoof, to tell you the truth.
The bright spot in this movie is hands down James Franco... he was the one guy who consistently made me laugh. I've only seen him in dramas, so this was a change of pace for me. He's really proving himself as a versatile actor. And Seth Rogen was, ehhhh, a little boring and predictable. I love the guy, but he can do better.
It gets 2.5 stars because it can be a fun ride to sit through, and it's definitely not painful. But it's really not that funny... it's not one of those comedies you can watch over and over again. It's nothing special
And one more tedious complaint... the trailer introduced a great song to me: Paper Planes by MIA and I was waiting to hear it in the movie.... and it never came!!
Derek's Favorite Movies
1.
The Dark Knight
PG-13
Christopher Nolan continues the new dark Batman saga with one of the best all around movies I have ever seen. Everything about this movie was flawless: acting, directing, music, cinematography, camera angles, everything. Nolan perfectly blended light hearted humor with suspense and action. It scared you, may have even traumatized some... it toyed with your emotions, made you question your morals. This movie made you think! I have never, and probably will never, see a comic book movie that brought so much character emotions to the forefront as the Dark Knight did.Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker makes me forget all about the iconic Jack Nicholson version. It's no contest really... Ledger's portrayal is probably my all time favorite movie character. He literally stole every scene he was in... he was crazy!
Overshadowed by Ledger was a brilliant performance by Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent aka Two Face. Christian Bale and the others did a great job, but Eckhart and Ledger really stole the show.
I can't say enough good things about this movie, it's one you have to see for yourself.
2.
300
R
When the trailers appeared for this movie I thought for sure that this was going to be over-the-top. Some people still think it was, but I think the exact opposite. It was completely original... one of the most inspiring movies I've ever seen.The movie was well acted from top to bottom, especially Gerard Butler. The CGI was visually amazing, and the fight scenes were incredible. I loved how it shifted from normal speed, to slow motion. Frank Miller's vision and style is extremely impressive and completely original. It was perfect... epic epic epic
My only complaint was that it dragged a little when Leonidis sought advice on that mountain... but whatever, it was a great movie. It is also extremely graphic... tons of blood, so be prepared if that makes you a little queezy. I can't say enough good things about this film.
Guys will be an awe of it's pure bad ass nature, and girls will be in awe of the awesome bodies of the Spartans.
3.
Lucky Number Slevin
R
This is one of the best movies I have ever seen. It was a complete surprise... it had all the elements of a bad ass movie
6.
The Matrix
R
This by far is one of the best movies of all time. It's completely original and ground breaking. The effects of this movie (nearly 10yrs later) have continued to ripple through time. For example, my last name is Anderson and every time I meet someone they smirk at me and chime in with: "Misterrrrrr Anderson..." Geez, but I don't mind really. Hell, this movie even made computer geeks and trench coats cool!The Matrix, my friends, is cinema at its absolute greatest. It paved the way for a whole new genre of movies. #1 cult classic of all time. If you haven't seen this movie yet, then you have deprived yourself of one of the greatest experiences in cinema today.
Derek's Movie Scrapbook
Derek's Talk
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kattiz88posted 1 hour ago -
I recommend you see...
Highlander
by Alexander''There can be only one!''
He fought his first battle on the Scottish Highlands in 1536. He will fight his greatest battle on the streets of New York City in 1986. His name is Connor MacLeod. He is immortal.
Christopher Lambert: Connor 'The Highlander' MacLeod
There is an important part missing in the US cut of Highlander.
During World War II, MacLeod finds an orphaned little girl hiding amongst ruins. When a Nazi guns them down, his body shields hers, absorbing the bullets, and they both fall. In answer to her amazed, "You're still alive?", he flashes that winning smile and whispers, "Hey, it's a kind of magic!"
We learn that the orphan is his present secretary, Rachel, now an attractive older woman, whom MacLeod never took as a lover, though it is obvious she spent years yearning for him to do so.
When MacLeod leaves Rachel to face The Kurgan, both knowing it is the last time they will ever see each other, his parting words, ''Hey, it's a kind of magic, lack the tear-jerking poignancy they should possess, for in excluding the war scene, this line is not a callback but simply a cute phrase tangentially apropos to the moment.
It's a kind of lethargic.
Notwithstanding this omission, Highlander is still a fantasy masterstroke, a film of 80s proportions but with nowadays dated effects.
Brought to life by former music-video director, Australian Russell Mulcahy and writers Gregory Widen, Peter Bellwood and Larry Ferguson, this tale is so original and well-executed, it is hard to imagine it was not culled from Scottish folk legend. As far as I can tell, there is still no evidence to suggest this.
The opening tracking shots across a frenzied wrestling arena foreshadow how the movie intends to move us in great arcs, with the bulk of humanity becoming a blur, as grander designs are played out. Long before Michael Bay abused the swooping camera pan, Mulcahy utilized it with heady effect for the grandeur it purveyed in tales such as this. The sweep homes in on the hawk eyes of a lone serious figure amidst the multitude of ululating rednecks, Christopher Lambert (A French Actor playing a Scotsman, what the hell??!), who makes his apprehensive way to the parking garage and the first of many charged sword battles! Intrigue is piled high in these first few scenes, as the samurai milieu is juxtaposed with the grittiness and cynicism of modern-day New York, harried talk about blade-steel folded 200 times and millennia-aged weapons.
Look closer, this is a white guy in blue jeans and sneakers wielding a samurai sword, an iconic image, soon to be burned into our minds eye.
After Lambert beheads his immortal opponent and before any questions can be formulated, let alone answered, the Scottish Highlands are revealed in a breath-taking horizontal montage.
A piece of the puzzle is given to us, it is the 16th century and we see Lambert in another role, a young man adorning a kilt and flowing mane, riding into his first battle with his clan. He is Connor MacLeod, of the Highland MacLeods.
Back and forth, between present-day New York and medieval Scotland, in creative transitions, Mulcahy reveals ever more details of MacLeod's storied life until the character of Ramirez (an overdressed Sean Connery, A Scot playing a Spanish Lord, does this ever end??!) fills in all the gaps after his timely appearance and battle-training of the inexperienced Connor.
Ramirez and MacLeod are a breed of Immortals who cannot die unless beheaded. They anticipate The Gathering, a time hence when every remaining Immortal will battle to the death, for There Can Be Only One to claim The Prize,the unknown condition that overcomes the last man standing.
That time is now!!! present-day New York, where MacLeod must face the most malevolent of the last Immortals, The Kurgan (''Better to burn out than fade away!!).
The invented Highlander mythology provided the sturdy skeleton upon which to drape the incredible story. It would nevermore be so seamless, as the film's cult success was its undoing, systematically murdered by its own inappropriate and diabolically inferior sequels and offshoots.
So overall Highlander has some brilliant music especially from Queen and some moving scenes that make me want to watch this time and time again. Admittedly it's plot is abit chaotic and it's effects look a little worn but there's some brilliant originality there.
Connery's closing monologue achieves it's harrowing yet meaningful purpose, as applied to ALL mere mortals: "You are generations being born and dying. You're at one with all living things. Each man's thoughts and dreams are yours to know. You have power beyond imagination. Use it well, my friend."
"Don't lose your head."A film I saw growing up which appears to have aged in ways. Effects are sadly not as good as I remember and the plot slightly all over the place.
Still love the premise and idea behind Highlander and the irony that we have the French Christopher Lambert playing a Scot, then we have Sean Connery playing a Spanish Lord. That always amused me, maybe Sean could give Lambert tips on his accent and performance.
An iconic film which still leaves an impact with me, plus Queen and the immortality Samurai Sword Beheading thing is quality.
(My dad loves this film)
7/10posted 3 hours ago -
I recommend you see...
Teeth
by SLASHER Perhaps one of the best cautionary tales I've seen in a long time,& some very dark humor...a must see for women who've ever been burned
Hey, you should really see this!
posted 4 hours ago -
I recommend you see...
Definitely, Maybe
by Alexander''I wanna marry you because you're the first person that I wanna look at when i wake up in the morning and the only one I wanna kiss goodnight, because...the first time that i saw these hands i couldn't imagine not being able to hold them but mainly when you love someone as much as i love you...getting married is the only thing left to do, so... will you... hum...marry me? ''
''Definitely, maybe... i have to think about it.''
A political consultant tries to explain his impending divorce and past relationships to his 11-year-old daughter.
Ryan Reynolds: Will Hayes
Definitely, Maybe marks a step back from Love Actually's multiple plot threads, opting instead for a brilliantly crafted script played out by a tight ship cast (Kevin Kline was class and very funny in his wee role). Cleverly Definitely, Maybe turns out charisma charged enough not to be soppy, but with lots of loving heart to be touching where it counts.
Screenwriter Adam Brooks, co-writer of Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason and Wimbledon, so assured behind the camera. Maybe it's the unblemished array of vision but beyond a over indulgent voice-over and an odd musical interlude over the opening credits, there's barely a trace of the problems that beleaguered his previous workings.
Ryan Reynolds as Will Hayes results in a acting talent with a beautiful combination of charm, a penchant for comedy, and good looks. He's been repeatedly stuck with bad roles like Blade:Trinity and the flat Smoking Aces but this romance movie shows his talent in spades.
Like most good ideas, Definitely, Maybe has a true similarity to life and love, like a modern remake of the classic Princess Bride, where the child is told a story.
Little Miss Sunshine's Abigail Breslin is the kind of adorable whippersnapper who knows she doesn't have to act too much and though she's still growing up, she applies the same sweetness and naivety that bagged her an Oscar nomination in last year's ceremony.
If there's a fault, it's maybe the seesaw of attention divulged to the three women in Will's life: college sweetheart Emily (Elizabeth Banks), free spirit April (Isla Fisher), and ambitious intellectual Summer (Perfect Rachel Weisz). All three play gracefully and beautifully, but they're not given a huge amount of screen-time, which soon reveals where the story is leading. That is, however, a minor criticism so definitely, maybe unjust to complain.
There's something about Definitely, Maybe that the inclusion of both Rachel Weisz and Clint Mansel's music that increases and makes my heart really pulse. A fleeting, distant, connection to my favourite film The Fountain that echoes around my feelings for Definitely, Maybe. In a way it has a soul and a message at it's core.
Beautiful.A beautiful Romance as well as a study of life and love.
Best film with Ryan Reynolds I've seen to date.
9/10posted 5 hours ago -
I recommend you see...A movie so terrible I'm not even going to review it.
Seriously, this is garbage on the lowest level. It exists for two reasons only: 1) the purpose of plugging a tv series; and 2) making money of Star Wars fans/suckers.
The original Star Wars is a franchise that really succeeded early on because we thought its campiness and silliness was deliberate. With the prequels we saw that perhaps Lucas just couldn't write, either that or the actors couldn't pull it off. Whatever the case, he somewhat redeemed himself with the decent Revenge of the Sith, only to totally alienate and exploit his fans with this absolute piece of trash. Its lazy, poorly animated, and dead in the water. The voice acting brings phoning it in to a whole new level.
I advise everyone to stay away from this. I saw this for free and I still feel ripped off. Please, let the franchise die with what dignity it has left. Don't give Lucas and company your money for this lazy schlock.posted 6 hours ago -
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I recommend you see...
Fried Green Tomatoes
by .:SexiVixxENAnother superior movie that has eluded me for far too long.I have always loved Kathy Bates,In this movie you cannot help fall in love with her character.She is the greatest person,would do anything for anyone,except herself really.Her underdog tone in this movie is very believable,so does get a backbone down the line but the journey is sad and funny at the same time.I also have loved Mary Stuart Masterson forever,this was a stellar cast of women,although this is not just a movie for women or your typical chick flick at all.I will also add this every once in a while to break away from the glitz and digitally explosive hollywood is a great thing.You take a story that is very special and combine it with such a well rounded cast you create magic.The amazing thing is,For any woman if you are 17-75 you WILL find some part of this movie or one of the characters that you can relate to,or are maybe in the same sort of situation,there really is something here for everyone,I am truly ashamed with myself that I let this one go as long as I have.See it!!!
Hey, you should really see this!
posted 8 hours ago -
I recommend you see...
Red
by SaraI thought this movie was really well done. Brian Cox is absolutely amazing! The story is sad throughout, but well worth the tears. I highly recommend this one.
Hey, you should really see this!
posted 12 hours ago -
no I know he's not old but he looks really really old in that movie =P have you seen it??
posted 12 hours ago -
I recommend you see...
Sleepover
by Marvin
Directed by : Joe Nussbaum
Casts : Steve Carrell,Alexa Vega
ALMOST TWO THIRD OF THIS MOVIE CONTAINS NOTHING INSIDE,AND THE OTHER ONE THIRD IS ALL THE WRONG TURN OF "MEAN GIRLS"
FIRST THING FIRST,WHY I EVEN WATCH THIS MOVIE?One of my dearest friend persuade me to watch her "Favourite movie of all-time",and I ridiculously fell off.So,I guess the blame is not on me now.
Despite ever thought that Sleepover would'nt be such a mediocre,now,my eyes is wide open,Sleepover has the most standart feature ever as a teen-movie.Sleepover is a painful combination of teen-mediocre,social caste climber,and romance in the most unimportant notion.Thought it will be a Mean Girls' escape,I didn't receive a thing like Mean Girls.
Sleepover is trying too hard to bring up such a simple topic,a group of lame girls who want to climb the social caste up to the highest.In the most typical fashion,Sleepover is succeed to bring up a movie full of ambition and desperation they needed,despite it's huge-hole of missing fun and a comedy that no one could ever buy.
Sleepover is a teen-universe mediocre,who merely didn't bring up any sense of originality,and moreover,it's so shallow,I think a 12 years old is choosing "Fight Club" over this one.
LAME & BORING.OH GOD!
posted 15 hours ago -
I recommend you see...
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
by Alexander''This is where the fun begins!''
As the Clone Wars sweep through the galaxy, the heroic Jedi Knights struggle to maintain order and restore peace...
Matt Lanter: Anakin Skywalker (voice)
Clone Wars interested me mainly due to the fact it's animated and its another story derived from the saga. As soon as it begins we the audience are thrown straight away into the story, leaving us little time to soak it in but we manage.
Clone Wars, obviously is set between the events of Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. If you have ever played the Star Wars: Battlefront series of games then you will be right at home with Clone Wars. We have such things as ship dogfights, infantry skirmishes and frantic chases all displayed with gloriously captured animation.
The main story that Clone Wars executes, is one of Jabba the Hutt's son who has been mysteriously kidnapped. Predictably Anakin and Obi-Wan are chosen to sort this matter out while Count Dooku, Ventruss and Sidious do there best to deter them for their own means. General Grievous isn't in this story at all.
The voices are all recognizable to their respective characters although alot of the original actors who took part on the prequels understandably haven't returned. Two I know of that did decide to return were Anthony Daniels and Samuel L Jackson, who as C-3PO and Mace Windu, give their character's life. Although they are mainly sub characters here.
The new voices such as Tom Kane voicing Yoda, or Ian Abercrombie as Palpatine are pretty spot on with their accurate tones and accents.
James Arnold Taylor voicing Obi-Wan Kenobi does a bit too much of a good job elaborating on the English accent a little too much.
Asajj Ventress, the Sith Assassin wasn't in it as much as I thought she would be. She does however make an evil impression and have a memorable light sabre frenzied battle with Obi-Wan which made for some sparkling show of light and colour.
Another nice thing about Clone Wars is the fact that it's got a perfect blend of humour and seriousness. We are treated to the cute little son of Jabba, the Huttlet, Droids saying dumb comical little remarks, and a new apprentice Padawan in the guise of Ahsoka Tano. She injects the story with some much needed freshness.
So on the whole Clone Wars was alot better than I thought it may be. Some fun and brilliantly captured moments, all animated accurately. Only things I was disappointed with, was that posters misled me with, was the fact Yoda has his light Sabre out. In the film he doesn't even use his Sabre, talk about false advertising. Little things like this or the whole sub-plot and diminishing qualities of narration did spoil some of Clone Wars.
On the whole Clone Wars is a brilliant choice for the family, children or anyone who is a fan of animation or Star Wars. Still love the Clone Wars cartoon series they used to have on TV, which even was 2D had alot of depth to it and artistic vision.
The Clone Wars film does the whole thing in 3D and results in a glorious explosion of light, colour, and fun.Went to see it for the Animation, and I must say I enjoyed the experience.
Cleverly Clone Wars, succeeds in being something different and a mice little story in between the Saga. Merging new and old characters with more possibilities.
7/10posted 16 hours ago -
I recommend you see...
The Last House on the Left
by BrianSet the bench mark when release in 1972.A truely gritty and unpleaset movie .
This movie is very badly dateted now and might put off a lot of horror/movie fans but if so still worth checking out for Wes Craven first movie.Hey, you should really see this!
posted 19 hours ago -
I recommend you see...
Dear Frankie
by MarkUtterly charming, family drama about a mother who, out of love for her 9 year old son, maintains a deception designed to protect him from the truth about his father. Bittersweet and touching, this film tugs at your emotions, not in a manipulative way, but genuinely, with a heartwarming story. British Shona Auerbach is a director to watch.
I rarely give 4 stars, so believe me when I say this is a great movie!
posted 19 hours ago -
I recommend you see...
Tropic Thunder
by JoshAside from The Dark Knight, this would have to be my favorite film of the year. In a year where comedies have just been dumb and disappointing, Tropic Thunder actually met all my high expectations for it. This movie has the absolute best cast since The Dark Knight and I wouldn't casted this movie any differently. And for a second time this year, Robert Downey Jr. steals the show.
Hey, you should really see this!
Yeah, the movie may be a teeny bit overhyped, but its still the best comedy this year.posted 1 day ago -
Maic0 (Moderator)Hey - try this quiz and see how we compare
23 Most Popular Movies of All Time! Do You Think You Can Name Them?posted 1 day ago
by edwin
