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Signs - PG-13
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Probably the best visual treatise on faith and the human condition from Hollywood. Expertly packaged (background score, cinematography, direction) and laced with metaphors and yielding new intelligence with each viewing, this is definitely one of M. Night Shyamalan's best efforts. I want this Shyamalan back!
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May 11, 2008
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N/A
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Eastern Promises - R
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This is NOT a movie I'd recommend to everyone, given some disturbingly violent scenes in the film. However, it's quite a tour-de-force performance from Viggo who nails the accent & body language of a Russian mobster and who's ably supported by a terrific performance from Vincent Cassel (the bad french guy from Ocean's 12 or was it 13). Anyways, I wouldn't recommend it to all. Take a closer look at the ratings certificate before you rent out this movie. You've been warned.
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May 10, 2008
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N/A
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Alvin and the Chipmunks - PG
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Awright, I admit, I don't know what I was thinking when I added this to Netlflix. But, hey, I ended up watching half the film. I realized it Alvin had the voice of Justin Long (Isn't he the guy in the Mac ad). Don't watch it. Maybe if you have kids, it may be worth renting on DVD. Maybe...
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May 10, 2008
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N/A
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Lust, Caution (Se jie) - R
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Would give it a 0/5 if I could. The movie should have been called "CAUTION: Don't watch me". Awful, boring, trite, trying to be smart. Don't be fooled by the fact that it's directed by Ang Lee and to top it off it's got a NC-17 rating. It's even hard to sit through the first 10 minutes. Do NOT rent this movie. It's NOT WORTH renting!
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May 5, 2008
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N/A
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The Simpsons Movie - PG-13
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Definitely a laugh riot with many LOL scenes. If you're a Simpsons fan, you may like it (although I know life-long fans who haven't appreciated it much). However, it's definitely worth watching on DVD.
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May 4, 2008
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N/A
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Iron Man - PG-13
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As I said in my review of "Into the Wild", Iron Man is one in a long list of junk-food movies that make it every summer (not that there's anything wrong with a cheeseburger every once in a while, as the movie demonstrates). It's an adrenaline powered roller coaster; thanks to Robert Downey Jr. (one of my favorite actors, along with Johnny Depp) and this happens to be his Pirates movie. Nevertheless, worth a watch, cliches et al. Welcome summer!
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May 3, 2008
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N/A
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Into the Wild - R
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A film of staggering emotional complexity and immense cinematographic beauty. A movie that reignites my hope in American cinema after the junk-food that it churns out summer after summer (not that there's anything wrong with that). Unorthodox yet brilliant direction by Sean Penn and an intensely reckless portrayal by Emile Hirsch, which is then topped off by the best motion picture soundtrack I've ever heard, unexpected cameos by Hal Holbrook, Vince Vaughn, Catherine Keener and her beatific smile. Please do yourself a favor and watch this movie, esp. if you love American cinema.
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May 3, 2008
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N/A
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Charlie Wilson's War - R
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Another film from the Jeff Skoll factory. If you're into geopolitics, here is a film that entertains as much as it educates. Highlights include Tom Hanks (who's stellar as always), a terrific Philip Seymour Hoffman and an insightful look at the genesis of the mess that Afghanistan is today and America's involvement in the years past. No wonder the movie was directed by Mike Nichols (Closer) with screenplay by Aaron Sorkin. Must-see movie.
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April 27, 2008
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N/A
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American Gangster - R
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Not many actors can pull off a Corleone, not even Denzel Washington. And what was Russel Crowe doing in this movie? Thematically the genesis of Corleone was his obsession with family, while here I was confused by what the lead character's motivation was besides aggrandizement and arrogance. Not my kind of movie. A plodding script, terrible waste of decent actors, miscasting, wrong director for the job, etc... I could go on. Give it a miss.
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April 26, 2008
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N/A
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Cloverfield - PG-13
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Friggin Brilliant! A retelling of a classic monster epic for the YouTube era! What's beautiful about the film is how despite the chaos and the monsters, the movie is anchored in idealistic emotions like friendship and love! (reminiscent of scenes from LOST). Love it, love it, love it!
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April 25, 2008
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N/A
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There Will Be Blood - R
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I think I just watched the "Citizen Kane" of our time! A movie that impresses on many levels - Daniel Day Lewis' histrionics (although theatrical in parts), the cat-and-mouse game between Plainview & Eli, the soundtrack, but most importantly the topics the movie wrestles with - what it takes to be an entrepreneur/pioneer, the recklessness/greed that fuels some of them like Plainview, the politico-religious nexus that powers business (and vice-versa), and I could go on. Definitely a thought-provoking film.
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April 19, 2008
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N/A
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Michael Clayton - R
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How often do you find a movie that's intelligent, thought-provoking and unexpected. A morality tale that you're forced to watch because of Clooney's presence, the film definitely builds towards a great climax (something that few film-makers are able to achieve). Great script and great acting by Clooney and the other guy (who's nominated as well). Worth a watch.
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April 15, 2008
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N/A
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This Is Spinal Tap - R
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One of those classics you ought to own. Can't believe I hadn't watched it all these years. Truly funny moments, which I later learned were mostly ad-libbed. Plus, directed by Rob Reiner (who's directed some American classics like "When Harry Met Sally", "Sleepless in Seattle", etc...). Don't miss the Billy Crystal cameo in the film. This movie must have definitely been the inspiration behind the original " The Office" in terms of style. Catch it on DVD.
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April 6, 2008
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N/A
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No Country for Old Men - R
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A master genre-blender, that eschews traditional Hollywood film-making convention - this is definitely the best movie I've seen this past year. Not just for the cinematography, nor even for Josh Brolin's character or the sociopathic character of Anton Sugar, but for the underlying philosophy that powers the film. In the end it all comes down to the ego and how no one is indispensable in the larger scheme of things. Now, I feel compelled to read the Cormac McCarthy novel this book is based on.
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April 5, 2008
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N/A
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Breakfast at Tiffany's - Unrated
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February 24, 2008
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N/A
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Star Wars - PG
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February 24, 2008
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N/A
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Crocodile Dundee - PG-13
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February 24, 2008
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N/A
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Tombstone - R
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February 24, 2008
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N/A
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redacted - R
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February 24, 2008
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N/A
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Feel the Noise - PG-13
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February 24, 2008
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N/A
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Feast of Love - R
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February 24, 2008
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N/A
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Daddy Day Camp - PG
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February 24, 2008
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N/A
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Elizabeth: The Golden Age - PG-13
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February 24, 2008
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N/A
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30 Days of Night - R
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February 24, 2008
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N/A
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The Comebacks - PG-13
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February 24, 2008
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N/A
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1382 ratings
198 reviews
