| Movie | Rating | Review | Date | Your Rating | Match | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avatar - PG-13 |
I liked it. I didn't love it and here's why:
If a big deal director like Cameron is going to take the time, the sweat, and the obvious heart that it took to assemble an epic like "Avatar", you'd think he'd also make sure the world that's assembled is truly, TRULY unlike any other palce we've seen in the cinematic universe. You'd also hope he'd take every precaution to utilize a script that doesn't rely on stereotypical plot twists, that creates engaging characters with clear perspectives on life -- and that the dialog pops, is infused possibly with a new vernacular that estabilshes we're in the future, the 22nd century. Instead, this beautifully filmed, nicely acted, and imaginatively animated film took me down several of the same roads I've already explored: a little "Star Wars" here, a smidgen of "Lord of the RIngs" there (only naming two - I could riff off a list of about 4 more films or novels that are borrowed from). A top-drawer stable of actors does a servicable job, given that so much of their dialogue is, at times, painfully simple and unsurprising. The incredible Stephen Lang, an accomplished stage actor, almost rises above his material, yet not quite. Yes, the film's message is a thoughtful one, one I'm in agreement with. So do I recommend this film? Yes, I do. Do I feel there are other films in release right now that are stronger overall? Definitely. |
December 28, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Sherlock Holmes - PG-13 |
"Sequel, please."
Those were the first words I uttered after viewing this, just last night, Christmas Day Eve. It's fast-paced, quick and clever. I adored how Holmes's psyche is so deftly delved into by Downey, Jr. I love Robert Downey, Jr. and here's yet another chance for him to garner an Oscar nom for a peformance in an action film; won't happen, but boy would it be sweet. At times, this film reminded me of the failed "Wild Wild West" with Will Smith and Kevin Kline: another period piece action film, featuring a team with a love/hate relationship, given a modern feel by its director. Where that attempt came off rather clunkily, this one soars and, dare I say it, gives us the first cinematic treatment of Holmes as a steampunk hero. It's Boxing Day. Go get steeped in the veddy Britishness of it!! |
December 26, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Happy-Go-Lucky - R |
Although it takes a bit to get cooking, this film absolutely hits on so many levels. Sally Hawkins is translucent perfection. But what really has stayed with me is the way the director delves into the concept of happiness and takes you on this journey to see how our heroine reamins so. I will not give anything away, but by the film's end, you're left wondering about many, many things and your own sense of comfort and "happiness" may be shaken up a bit.
Yep. I'm still haunted. |
December 5, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Disney's A Christmas Carol - PG |
Okay, there has been much bellyaching about the "chase scene" found in this film. It didn't rattle me, but did seem rather out-of-place. But it didn't ruin the film for me; I felt it was dropped in to lighten up an otherwise heavy nd disturbing portion, a part that might otherwise really scare the little ones. And frankly, it's inserted into a part of the story that, in most versions of the tale, always gets a little pokey-ploddy for me.
So, that's done and over with. Now, what did I think of the rest of it? Simple: maybe one of the very best imaginings of the Dickens classic ever put to film. And I'm a confessed "Christmas Carolphile". Oh, and one more thing. If I had to give one particular kudo which stands out above the rest, that would be to Gary Oldman who, with the help of CGI magic, gives us The Best Marley EVER. Ever. I actually yelled out "YES!" and "Woo hoo!" in the theatre during the twisted, terrifying Marley scene (but terrifying in a rather Disney "Haunted Mansion" way). I wooted loudly,not caring a tinker's cuss what anyone thought of my outburst. Bravo Disney! Yet another classic under your belt. |
December 2, 2009 | N/A | |||
| An Education - PG-13 | December 2, 2009 | N/A | ||||
| Inglourious Basterds - R | The first 10 minutes or so of this film may be some of the tightest, most suspenseful, nail-biting cinema you'll EVER see. And I'm here to tell you right now that Christoph Waltz should be buying his tickets to LA for the Oscars next year right now. While all performances were very strong, his stood out -- he's an acting virtuoso, on the level of Daniel Day-Lewis, and that's me saying a LOT, as I feel DD-L is our finest living film actor. Otherwise, this is a solid offering from Tarantino, but it got a bit flabby for me about 2/3s of the way through. The bar in the basement -- too dialogue-heavy, much of which didn't hold much suspense or move the plot along. But Operation Kino? Classic Tarantino. He's a film history afficianado, so I'm sure he had a complete hoot cooking up that plot. I'd go into more, but I don't want to be a spoiler. | September 2, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Man on Wire - PG-13 | August 19, 2009 | N/A | ||||
| Julie & Julia - PG-13 | I want platefuls of good cheese, glasses of burgundy, ANYTHING en croute and, oh yes, let's not forget the butter. Oh yes, the butter... This film is a veritable acting feast, with the intrepid Meryl channelling Julia Child. Fine performances from hors d'oeuvres to dessert. Left me feeling good, satisifed. Please do see, yes DO! | August 18, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Wendy and Lucy - R | July 24, 2009 | N/A | ||||
| Brüno (Bruno) - R |
You naughty boy. You wicked, naughty, flagrantly flagrant boy. You grossed out half the audience and irritated the other half. You made a few folks leave about 45 minutes in. You also looked very fetching in those leiderhosen.
Dammit -- you are one very funny boy. |
July 19, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - PG | Probably the finest of the "Potter" bunch to date. Superbly filmed, nicely acted, and enthralling. | July 19, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Public Enemies - R | A visual feast, with a script that needed a bit more meat. Having said that, I wasn't disappointed overall because the strengths definitely balance out the aforementioned weakness. Depp gives a memeorable, solid performance, the art driection and cinematography are perfection, and Chicago's gangster era gets a realistic-yet-fairytale treatment that will stand up well against other cinematic documents of the time. And, most importantly, the portrait that's painted of Dillinger stood up to the "Dan Turlow test": my dad, 8 years old at the time, met the man at the World's Fair in 1933, when Dillinger bought him a lemonade, showed him a nifty rosary-in-an-acorn he had with him, and, most importantly, treated a skinny little Polish kid like a prince. "Public Enemies" gives Dillinger a portrayal that falls in line with that almost mythical persona. | July 4, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Away We Go - R | June 27, 2009 | N/A | ||||
| The Proposal - PG-13 | Completely formulaic, knew each moment before it happened... and enjoyed every minute of it! Sandra Bullock's comedic timing has never been sharper and can we just crown Betty White the Queen of Snappy Senior Comebacks already?! The woman takes no prisoners. Oh -- and I never wanted to tracel to Alaska before: now I do. Fun, fun, fun. | June 27, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Angels & Demons - PG-13 | June 3, 2009 | N/A | ||||
| Up - PG |
I was warned -- about needing the kleenex. I was also equipped with the knowledge that some of the content might be difficult for me to endure at this point in my life (aging issues regarding a parent). But "Up" brought with it a healing wash of emotions, a mixture of realities we all have to face mixed with the wonder of exploring new terrorities and the exhilaration of taking a giant leap of faith.
God Bless John Lassetter, executive produce,r for once again carrying the sense of heart and imagination that was first realized with Uncle Walt many moons ago. "Up" has the feel of Classic Disney -- you know, the quality story line, the characters you actually do care about, and the moral lesson you can incorporate into your life, rather than one beaten over your head. The metaphors in the film are exquisite, calling upon those in the audience who can grasp the layers to do so, while the thrill of the journey will capture the excitement of the tiniest filmgoer. And a final kudo to the person in charge of the specific bit of art direction which gave a touching nod to the flair of Mary Blair, one of Disney's foremost artistic geniuses of mid-century art design. I'm filled with such warmth and hope after seeing "Up" -- because the hero is an elderly man who, it appears, has nothing much left to live for. Until he finds he has EVERYTHING ahead of him. Thank you Disney Pixar, for taking this huge leap of faith, for creating a film that enlivens that sense of possibility in us all. |
June 3, 2009 | N/A | |||
| The Beales of Grey Gardens - Unrated | Essentially rounds out the original documentary, "Grey Gardens" about the Beales. | April 20, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Grey Gardens - PG | These women were tragic yet inspiring, and truly peerless. This documentary is an unfliching look at their lives. See it yourself. There's nothing more to say than what's already been said. Like Big Edie says -- it's all in the movie. | April 20, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Grey Gardens - Unrated | Awesome performances by both Lange and Barrymore. Still, if you want to get the real story, please see the original documentaries. What I really enjoyed about this film was how the filmmaker kept so very true to the original source material and gave you some of the background history so you were able to really see how the Edies lived before things turned sour. I don't know what will happen come Emmy time, but both actresses deserve awards. Great, specific acting work, character development. Bravo. | April 20, 2009 | N/A | |||
| State of Play - PG-13 | April 20, 2009 | N/A | ||||
| Adventureland - R | A th | April 17, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus - R | Great film! Thoroughly imaginative and compelling. Great performances from Kidman and Downey, Jr. I shan't give anything more away, but it takes Arbus's aesthetic and sensibility and distills it quite nicely. Any artist of any stripe will find the story gripping. Oh -- and the vintage clothes enthusiast in me salivated over Kidman's costumes for the solid 2+ hours. | March 22, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Duplicity - PG-13 | It was fun. Lots of twists and turns. | March 22, 2009 | N/A | |||
| The Wrestler - R | A mighty performance from Rourke in a gritty film, styled to feel like a documentary, but taking you even deeper than a doc would fear to tread. The colors are often dark and dreary, there's a certain gloom that permeates every frame. That's the way a good filmmaker takes you deep inside the psyche of not only a protagonist but the collective psyche of the world he lives in, the demons and drudgeries he faces. | February 2, 2009 | N/A | |||
| Hotel for Dogs - PG | Adorable. Warm 'n fuzzy. That's a great way to sum up this movie AND it's canine stars. Oh yeah, the rest of the cast (i.e. the humans) do a fine job, but it's the pups who steal the show. That and the Rube Goldbergian contraptions which are invented in the hotel to take care of its canine inhabitants. This film has a great heart and reminds us that there are so many wonderful dogs in shelters right now who need us. | January 29, 2009 | N/A |
127 ratings
60 reviews
