Joaquin's Talk

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

Following Star Wars was never going to be easy but this is actually better. Empire retains the same characters and the same sense of fun that the first had. However what gets added to that is a much darker strand. The Empire is not beaten by the destruction of one ship, it's power is barely dented in fact. This sees some startling revelations but also sees significant blows to the rebellion. In fact the ending of this movie could not be more different from the end of Star Wars. Like the recent episode two this follows two strands, the more pedestrian scenes with Luke Skywalker and Yoda and the more action based scenes with Han Solo and company. The scenes with Yoda add depth to the movie and hint at the truth. Meanwhile the other half is a lot more action orientated and has comedy and good new characters such as Bobba Fett. The two work well together and come together well for a great finale. The addition of a dark strand to the movie makes it all the better as it can be enjoyed as a story and not just a fun sci-fi movie with good effects. The characters are better here than the first. The strong characters from the first are all still good here. However we also get a much more interesting version of Luke Skywalker as he continues his journey into becoming a full Jedi. Yoda is a good addition and Darth Vader becomes a lot more than just a good villain. Overall this is as good as Star Wars at it's heart, but the darker nature of the movie makes it much better. All the music, characters and things that make Star Wars are here and it's simply one of the best of the series to date.

August Rush

Freddie Highmore could be the current hot property as far as male child actors go. The story is told in two tracks, both of which will probably wring at your heart for the many missed chances and opportunities that would have made this a short movie. The first track which is August Rush centric, as mentioned, is Oliver Twist, plain simple and obvious. Freddie Highmore alone is charismatic enough to hook, line and sinker your attention as he goes about his heartwarming quest to locate his folks, while at the same time his vulnerability allows him to be exploited since he's quite condescending. The second part of the story I thought was the more touching part, with two lovers not being granted the opportunity to spend more than one night together, and must separate because of parental insistence that "it's for your own good", though probably the cynic in us could have said, it's the age of technology, and obviously Louis Connelly could have every chance to track her down, but just didn't. August Rush boasts and excellent soundtrack, some of which merged classical and rock ballads in an almost seemingly perfect fusion.

Milk

Wow! The reviews and the Oscars don't even do this film justice. It's really empowering to watch the story of someone like Milk, who campaigned so much for not only us gays, but all minorities. It's people like him, and the gays involved in the Stonewall riots that paved the way for us to be so much luckier today and not have to hide in the woodwork. I wasn't a Sean Penn fan at all until watching this film, but he embodied the real-life character he played. From smiling to anger to crying... This movie brought out every emotion. Phenomenal.

Revolutionary Road

This is an incredibly well-acted movie. The issue is that it is very dull in places, and quite drawn out. It is a complete study of the dissolution of a marriage/relationship in a way. Love & hate really do go hand in hand at times, because they are the strongest emotions. It is very realistic, but if you are having marital problems of your own it's probably not a good idea to watch it!!

Whiteout

Predictable but good

Låt den Rätte Komma In (Let the Right One in)

Wow. This is a coming of age story you have never seen. This is a vampire movie you have never seen. It is a foreign film du force. Just unbelievably good with young actors that bring it to life. Poignant, pale, and abosolutely poetic. I can't praise this movie enough. You watching it is the only justice.

Jennifer's Body

Pretty good,Not Horrible,Not super fantastic either.But fairly entertaining and watchable.Your Call my friends. =)

(500) Days of Summer

Great movie!! Original and fresh,Recommending this if you are looking for the non-traditional romantic comedy.

Elizabeth

This movie covers the early years of Elizabeth I's reign, from her harsh upbringing to the decision to call herself "The Virgin Queen". Conspiracies and unhappy romances are two unusual ingredients for a period drama and that is exactly why the movie succeeds. Good-looking technique and strong storytelling would, however, be useless if the title role wasn't played by an equally great actress, and Shekhar Kapur found the perfect Elizabeth I in Cate Blanchett. The performance she delivers is nothing short of astonishing. Doubtful, determined, passionate, naive, heartbroken, firm and charismatic, she is quite simply the best on-screen incarnation of Elizabeth I in the long history of biopics. The supporting cast such as Joseph Fiennes, Geoffrey Rush, Christopher Eccleston and Richard Attenborough is also excellent, as expected from British and Australian thespians, but it is Cate Blanchett who dominates the entire picture.

The Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

OMG!!! See this it is a PLAYERS' night mare come true! Matthew McConaughey is incredible as the haunted "girl slayer player" in this hysterical movie. All of the women her ever "conquered have come back to haunt him straight...it is a hysterically funny movie...Please see this!

Feast of Love

How powerful the item of love is in a relationship. It is either a potent item for good or a detrimental item for emotional destruction. See this. It will move you in a lot of directions. See it. this movie will absorb you.

He's Just Not That Into You

Totally loved this movie about the conflicting elements of modern day relationships in 4 different views...marriage...living together...finding that someone...meeting and keeping a relationship going...incredible and wonderfully portrayed and played. See this if you are at any of these points of a relationship. Loved it.

17 Again

Another teenybopper wish I could do it all over again kind of flick...not too bad...just shows that "doing it over" comes with a price. It was okay....see it with the family...it is not too bad.

Deal

Another card shark movie...where the aging teacher eventually takes the student to school...in more ways than just cards...it is good whether you like the card game of poker or not...see this it is a good watch!

Push

This is a bit like X Men but without the silly costumes! I actually really enjoyed it! Some say it's flawed, but compared to crap like Jumper this is a brilliant sci fi movie, and quite original. I hope there is a sequel, because I love the darkness in this movie, and the bit of history. Definitely one worth checking out for any sci fi fan.

Catch Me If You Can

Based on a true story, although it doesn't rely on 'and it really happened' to be a good movie. The plot starts at the end and jumps back to see the whys and the hows of the tale. It is told with a slick energy that keeps the story moving and never really lingers on any scene longer than it has to. It is for this reason that the two hours goes by relatively quickly. The presentation is good. John Williams' score is not as memorable as his usual work but it is what the film needs it to be - unobtrusive and slick. Just like the opening credits, this movie is very much a chase movie with a nice sense of period. The only downside of this slickness is that it feels like eating a sweet - it is very nice while it lasts but it doesn't fill you up. The cast is good even if they aren't all used well. Leonardo DiCaprio is very good, he was engaging here and looked about the right age to play the part. Tom Hanks does good work in support. Because his character is quite drab it is easy to forget him. Christopher Walken is good in support and Martin Sheen adds another famous name to the end credits but it is very much a two hander with Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio more than able. Overall this movie is a slick, stylish chase movie which should be enjoyed as such and is slightly more enjoyable for being a true story.

Catch Me If You Can

Based on a true story, although it doesn't rely on 'and it really happened' to be a good movie. The plot starts at the end and jumps back to see the whys and the hows of the tale. It is told with a slick energy that keeps the story moving and never really lingers on any scene longer than it has to. It is for this reason that the two hours goes by relatively quickly. The presentation is good. John Williams' score is not as memorable as his usual work but it is what the film needs it to be - unobtrusive and slick. Just like the opening credits, this movie is very much a chase movie with a nice sense of period. The only downside of this slickness is that it feels like eating a sweet - it is very nice while it lasts but it doesn't fill you up. The cast is good even if they aren't all used well. Leonardo DiCaprio is very good, he was engaging here and looked about the right age to play the part. Tom Hanks does good work in support. Because his character is quite drab it is easy to forget him. Christopher Walken is good in support and Martin Sheen adds another famous name to the end credits but it is very much a two hander with Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio more than able. Overall this movie is a slick, stylish chase movie which should be enjoyed as such and is slightly more enjoyable for being a true story.

Takers

I Can Do Bad All By Myself

Soulfully intoxicating story with a heart warming cast dealing with problems and solutions for trust and acceptance. I recommend this flick for those having problems with accepting family relationships. See this it is a gripper! Taraji P. Henson is a rising star that will never disappear.