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Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa - PG
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Another humorless comedy from Dreamworks. Only see this film if you liked the first one; and if you did, shame on you. Replay Value: 1
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June 27, 2009
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N/A
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Leatherheads - PG-13
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A very enjoyable movie as George Clooney stars and directs a story about a 1920's football team. John Krasinski also stars in this quirky dramady and quite frankly, steals the show. It's a cute movie that will be enjoyed by fans of Clooney's comedy career everywhere. Replay Value: 3
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June 27, 2009
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N/A
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Henry Poole Is Here - PG
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Luke Wilson is astoundingly understated. Henry Poole (Wilson) moves into a house in his growing up neighborhood to spend what he believes are his final days. When a religious neighbor discovers a watermark that she believes is the face of Jesus, the secluded Poole becomes the talk of the community. The downfall of this already fallen man is a tale of redemption. Great story and plot but a little mundane and static a times. Could have been great. Replay Value: 2
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June 27, 2009
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N/A
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Bigger, Stronger, Faster* - PG-13
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In America, we define ourselves in the superlative: we are the biggest, strongest, fastest country in the world. Is it any wonder that so many of our heroes are on performance enhancing drugs? Director Christopher Bell explores America's win-at-all-cost culture by examining how his two brothers became members of the steroid-subculture in an effort to realize their American dream. It's well shot and very real. A documentary that everyone can enjoy. Replay Value: 4
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June 27, 2009
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N/A
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Batman: The Movie - PG
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June 26, 2009
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N/A
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Vicky Cristina Barcelona - PG-13
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I'm not a big fan of Woody Allen to begin with but I must say that this film is his "A" game. Vicky and Cristina (Johannson/Clarkson) are two young American tourists spending a summer in Spain. While having the appearance of opposite behavior they meet an open, and ruggedly attractive, local (Bardem). As they each grow in their separate relationships with the artist they come to realize one thing: they both love him and for different reasons. Vicky is straight edge and engaged. Cristina is a sexually curious, free spirit. The artist is divorced to a vengeful similar. While these relationships and affairs take place, everyone's plates become full and the holes are dug deeper. It's well acted, well shot, humorously narrated and quite enjoyable. I must admit, however, that without Penelope Cruz casted in her best role yet, this film would have fallen apart and lost the interest of the viewers just after she was supposed to be introduced. The extra half star comes from her brilliant performance. I can easily suggest this quirky, romantic dramady to any fan of dramas. Replay Value 3.5
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June 25, 2009
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N/A
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Street Kings - R
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Keanue Reeves made a movie other than "The Matrix" that didn't suck! YAY for him! This movie is your traditional good cop versus bad cop routine with an expected twist. It's well shot and exciting but it's entirely what you expect it to be. Enjoyable if you like action flick. Skippable if you don't. Replay Value: 2.5
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June 25, 2009
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N/A
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Quantum of Solace - PG-13
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It's difficult to follow up one of the greatest action movies/the greatest Bond film of all time but Marc Forster didn't even come close. The simplicity of this story is made so by it's unexplained details and rushed manner. The action sequences are sweet but as they should be. It's an action movie. That doesn't mean you get to cram in fun and leave out plot (we're not Michael Bay here). The plot follows a revengeful Bond who is chasing an unexplained organization who is trying to seize a country's resources. Despite the hype and awesomeness of Daniel Craig, this sequel can't even be on the shelf next to its predecessor. Replay Value: 2
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June 25, 2009
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N/A
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Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen - PG-13
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"Hello, my name is Michael Bay... and I'm a terrible director. I've been making explos... movies for about 20 years now and I am still insecure about my developments. I hide my lack of talent behind ka-booms, sexy woman, cheap jokes and fantastical ideas. You may remember my other films, "Bad Boys II," "The Rock," and "Armageddon." Yes, it's true. I over use slow motion, special effects and popular actors/actresses and undermine the advice of my colleagues to settle it down and make a decent movie. You may also be impressed by my large producer portfolio with titles such as the 2009 re-make of "Friday The 13th," "The Amityville Horror," and "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, 1 AND 2!" I come here today to talk about my latest films: the Transformers series. I apologize. I apologize for my poor behavior and lack of intelligence behind these movies." Thank you Michael. Thank you for saying what we've all been waiting to hear - "I suck." Yes, Bay has once again made an "explosive epic" ignoring all the cries of intelligent critics on his past installment of the (now three part - T3 in 2010) series. There is very much I see wrong in this movie that it's difficult to express my joy in tearing it apart. The robots look ridiculous. So much so that whenever they are fighting, it is difficult to tell what is happening. Also, on their appearances, if all these robots were originally brothers, how come all a large portion of the Decepticons (bad guys) look the same (wiry) and all the Autobots (good guys) are sweet looking cars. And another thing, why must Bay distract us with flashy cars. It's like Bay uses these effects/women/cars to distract us from a story full of holes and shotty cinematography. It's like Bay decided that since everyone loved the 1st one, he could just live off of no plot or character development and still expect us to enjoy it. It's a half an hour of entertainment in a 2.5 hour film. It's just amazing how there can be so many effects and so much star power combined with this length, and there be nothing there. The acting is overall... acceptable; except whenever they are in the desert. Then it's just ridiculous. The jokes are cheap and only funny for the popular crowd, and that's who this movie appeals to: the moviegoer. Joe Blow with 8 dollars who wants to be entertained. Well be entertained he shall. The movie is just that: a very entertaining experience... for the average person. If you like Michael Bay and especially if you liked the first Transformers then by all means go see this movie now. You will without a doubt love it. If you've known the truth behind Bay's trade and finally realize the immaturity and amateur aspects of his movie career then by all means see this movie. You will without a doubt laugh at the film's intense parts, find yourself bored with the misleading action parts and find yourself despising explosions and Bay himself (but aren't they really just one in the same?) I am going on the record saying this: I will think twice before I watch another movie Michael Bay is involved with. Replay Value: 2
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June 25, 2009
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N/A
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Casino Royale - PG-13
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My first James Bond film. I would watch every other one in the series if they were close to this caliber. I was so blown away by this film, I don't even know where to start or why Martin Campbell and Daniel Craig can't just team up and redo every action movie ever. There is very little I can say about this movie in a negative tones. In fact, the only thing that comes to mind is its inability to continue for the rest of my life. The dialogue is perfectly written for every character and well adapted for modern times. The plot follows James Bond on his journey to take down bad guys. Shocking, I know. The fight scenes are intense. The story captivating. Seriously stop reading this review and go watch this movie! The only thing I can say is that it's impossible for any other Bond movie to top this one. Replay Value: 4
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June 24, 2009
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N/A
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Brüno (Bruno) - R
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June 24, 2009
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N/A
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The Business of Being Born - Unrated
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This documentary on housewives versus hospital deliveries is nothing short of an eye-opening experience. The movie follows woman who have decided to use a housewife and their experiences versus past experiences in the hospitals. Even though the hard facts are view, the real life experiences make this persuasive documentary a must see for anyone interested in the OB/GYN field or those interested in documentaries. Replay Value: 2.5
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June 21, 2009
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N/A
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Meduzot (Jellyfish) - Unrated
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It's simple, it's unique, it's enjoyable but in no way is this movie memorable. It also would only appeal to a very limited audience: fans of mediocre foreign dramas. The characters are very real which adds an aspect of emotional attachment, if we could just figure out what to attach it to. The film follows two girls searching for a lost little one while bonding in the process and also, a newly wed couple (with a jealous wife who just broke her leg) dealing with a writer in their hotel. It's spastic at times but does deal with these people's urge to achieve communication and affection proficiently. Replay Value: 2.5
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June 20, 2009
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N/A
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4 Luni, 3 Saptamâni si 2 Zile (4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days) - R
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This movie is difficult. Yes, it is awesome and yes, Anamaria Marinca is possibly the best performance in a 2008 foreign film but did I enjoy it? I don't know if I can say yes. Not because the film is bad or unenjoyable; not in the least bit. The film is quite good and as a movie it's bewitchingly amazing. As entertainment, it's atrocious. The cinematography is brilliant and literally could not have been better in any way. The soundtrack is nonexistent as only real life sounds are heard in our longing ears. Each scene is distinctly appropriate, well planned and executed and feels very controlled by the director while allowing the actors and shots to be natural. The extra half star comes from my passionate love for the cinematography used in this film in correlation to the back lighting. I can't say too much about this movie since it's simplicity is mind blowing but I can say this: you will not enjoy this movie but its viewing is mandatory. Replay Value: 4
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June 20, 2009
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N/A
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Milk - R
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Let me clarify before I begin: I am against gay marriage and gay rights BUT I do not hate gay people and in fact, love them no differently. This movie is good, not great. Very overrated by media and political standings in the Academy. I like biographical dramas and am all for political activism but can we really vote a man for best actor to win just because he played a role that we want to support? No. Did Sean Penn do a good job in this movie? Absolutely. His outlandish tenacity puts him in a perfect position to play a very believable gay - especially one who is so open and passionate about his work. Did he deserve the award? No. This movie follows the life and times of Harvey Milk, a political head in California who drives to be the first openly gay man elected into office. His journey is heartfelt and uses emotions and stereotypical approaches to achieve his goal and the movie broadly exemplifies this. Should you see this movie? If you like political movies or if you are gay, without a doubt. Otherwise, this movie was average and only received the extra half star due to its use of historical accuracy. Replay Value: 3
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June 20, 2009
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N/A
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Falling Down - R
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The downfall of the beautiful performance by Michael Douglas pulls everything that seems funny to a modern day viewer aside and makes this film shine. A must see for fans of urban chaos. Replay Value: 4
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June 20, 2009
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N/A
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Flawless - PG-13
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The biggest problem with this movie is Demi Moore. While she's never been great, she really falters here. You cannot once feel her emotion or involvement in the movie - she feels detached, like it's any other job. The plot is clunky and lazily structured and the story line hits us with an underwhelming finale. Flawless only stays watchable thanks to Caine. Replay Value: 1.
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June 17, 2009
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N/A
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The Reader - R
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This tale of forbidden love truly is Oscar worthy. Especially Kate Winslet's stunning performance. It's dark, it's horrid, the cast is perfect and the story is alluring yet the audience wants nothing to do with it. It's a mild version of a slow motion, injuring car crash. You watch it happening. It takes it's time. It's stunning and well performed despite its chaos. In the end the car is ruined while the people are merely injured; as Michael's life is with his lover. The way this film is shot also adds an entirely new level of personal involvement in the film. You are 100% immersed in every scene and long for nothing more than to be distant from the friction of the characters and actions. The tale is beautiful. This movie is beautiful. Replay Value: 3
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June 17, 2009
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N/A
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The Rocker - PG-13
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I'm a pretty hard person to please when it comes to comedies. I don't know if it's because I'm the funniest person alive or if it's because nobody is as funny as I am. Who knows? I do. It's both. Anyways, your average comedy will make the average person laugh. It will make me laugh at it's simplicity and at my own numbness. This movie is your average comedy plus Rainn Wilson (Dwight from "The Office"). Sure his character is a little annoying and the teenagers are entirely stereotypical (singer Teddy Geiger is in the film and plays himself under a different name. Come one man...) but let's all be on the look out for Josh Gad. I am sure Cattaneo casted him due to his similarities with Jonah Hill but I think that Gad is just as funny, if not more so. The film follows an aspiring pop/rock trio who needs a drummer. Who else could fill the spot then the eccentric uncle? The film is humorous and isn't a TERRIBLE choice. However, there is no need to see it. Replay Value: 2.
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June 17, 2009
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N/A
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Bedtime Stories - PG
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"So let's make a movie which combines fantasy with reality via a child's wishes. Wait... wait I have a better idea. Let's make a movie and just abandon all reality. Yeah. That'll be hilarious. Let's hire Adam Sandler too." This is what I imagine Adam Shankman saying as he developed this movie. The plot follows a dead end uncle who has a non-sequential history with his current hotel employment. He ends up having to babysit his niece and nephew in the process and their inputs to his bedtime stories become reality. Sandler tries to make this work in his favor. Blah blah blah. If you're 12 years old you'll like this film. Otherwise, please spare yourself. The only exception for seeing this film is if you like Adam Sandler (which I will slap you for) or if you want to see Russell Brand, the british guy from "Forgetting Sarah Marshall", rock the house with his minor role. Replay value: 1
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June 17, 2009
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N/A
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The Hangover - R
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I'd seen the previews for this movie a couple of times and thought, "Hey, another dirty movie that looks like it'll be funny. Wonder what jokes I'll predict this time?" I soon found that "none" was the answer to my question. From the intro musik to the final photo on the credits I was laughing. Non-stop. I honestly haven't laughed non-stop since Anchorman. Zach Galifianakis is obviously sweet and fits his character perfectly. Bradley Cooper actually does a good job and doesn't annoy and Ed Helms is of course out of his mind which in this case is exactly what the character called for. Sure it's a little "Andy"-esque but it doesn't feel like a rehashing of the character which I was very pleased with. Also, I must add how the soundtrack to this film added so much to every scene. Every song was well cut and well placed and completely added to each and every scene. I felt that with what this movie had to offer joke wise (the tiger, the baby, the tooth, etc.) that it could have focused on these main subjects and milked every joke possible from each topic. Thankfully, it successfully balanced every single joke with pristine comedic timing and priceless character involvement. I don't know if I can give a final rating until I see how the jokes impression lasts but for now I can honestly say: Best movie of 2009 to date. It's hard to suggest comedies, especially comedies with such a high adult content. However, if you enjoy movies such as The 40-Year Old Virgin or Knocked Up then you absolutely cannot miss this film. Replay Value: 4
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June 17, 2009
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N/A
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Defiance - R
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I would consider myself quite the Daniel Craig fan. He is perfectly casted in every other film and "usually" plays the same gangster-esque character, which is fine with me. When I heard he was doing a WWII movie and was playing a Jew, I took a step back. Needless to say, Craig still brings a certain ruggedness to the character but I can easily say that I am very impressed at his acting ability. In fact, this movie had some of the best acting I've seen all year. Every character, every extra was primo - grade A. The cinematography is very good, the editing is great (despite a few choppy montages), and the sound is crazy great. I can honestly say that this movie is the best WWII movie I've seen from the Jews' perspective. The films follows two brothers (Craig, Schreiber) who form a rebellion against the Mother Country in WWII. Each brother has an approach to how to rebel, both completely opposite. Upon the eventual separation we find one crew fighting with bullets and brawn while the others continue to communally live. It's adroit. Edward Zwick (Blood Diamond, The Last Samurai, Glory) directs this hit and I can honestly say that he has given this movie every last tweak it needs to be phenomenal. Any fan of war movies, history or just great movies in general will be well satisfied with this film. Replay Value: 3
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June 15, 2009
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N/A
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The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 - R
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There is little I can say for this movie that you don't already expect. I shall say it anyways. Denzel Washington is very Denzel in the film which I think is awesome. His character is believable and could be played by none other than this master. John Travolta tries to be a prison bad-a and blame society (shocker) for his rash actions; he hijacks a subway train. The heist is quite masterful might I add. The plot is good BUT I thought of several twists that could have put this movie on a whole different level. The editing is good, the sound is average, the screenplay is not as cheesy as expected (even though Travolta makes saying the F word sound totally lame and not hardcore at all). Yet for some odd reason, Tony Scott decides to use this stop/chop, slow motion style in the film not just once, but in close to half a dozen scenes in the movie. It's a very distracting editing approach and I found myself asking, "How does this enhance my experience at all?" Overall, this movie is very entertaining and anyone looking for and action movie that's "relatively" clean can rest assured on this one. And James Gandolfini is awesome so see it just for him. Replay Value: 3
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June 15, 2009
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N/A
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Up - PG
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Pixar is one of the few, if not the only, production companies that has at least 10 films and still a perfect record. "Up" follows the story of Carl, a 78 year old balloon salesman whose lifelong dream was to visit his and Ellie's, his wife, favorite explorer's locale. His pledge to fulfill this promise leads him on an extraordinary journey with guests unexpected. As Carl learns the importance of life itself being an adventure, each other character pristinely develops. Of course the story is cute as can be and is very family friendly yet do not be turned away if venturing to see this masterpiece solo. I will without a doubt see this movie again alone, with a group of friends, with my kids, everyone. Pixar has never disappointed me (not even with Cars) and fails to do so again. The animation is astounding and the sound is perfectly matched whilst coinciding with a memorable soundtrack. While I cannot suggest this film highly enough for everyone, the only reason I give this 4 stars is because there are a few things that I thought they could have done to enhance the story: a) made it longer (as well as do a better job with editing a few scenes but these two go under the same complaint) and b) had more adventures with Kevin. Yet despite those two personal requests this movie is the perfect family film of 2009. You cannot afford to miss it, despite your age. Replay Value: 5
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June 9, 2009
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N/A
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In Bruges - R
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Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson) are hit men; hit men with a history. Ken, the fatherly figure in the relationship, is well versed and experienced while Ray is troubled and becoming wiser by the day. The audience will learn about life while these characters try and live their struggles, addictions and loves. This film is 100% solid and anyone with similar movie taste in mine will love this film. Every character is well casted and developed, each shot is excellently portrayed through the emotionality of the camera and the story is outstanding. You really can't afford to miss this film (I'm looking at you Crosswell family). Replay Value: 3.5
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June 5, 2009
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N/A
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1855 ratings
453 reviews
