Jenny's Talk

The Dark Knight

Two words. HOLY BATSHIT!!!! What a mind-blowing movie! I wanted to get up and do a touchdown dance or something celebratory after watching this monster of a film. Forget the tired premise that summer blockbusters can't be Oscar worthy. That never stopped Gladiator (summer movie remember!). The Dark Knight my friends is a genuine masterpiece of cinematic excellence and if it doesn't get a nod for Best Picture would be one of the greatest travesties in Oscar history. Christopher Nolan's image of Batman is a 1,000,000 light years ahead of Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher's now-obsolete Batman films. Fantastic camera work, awe-inspiring writing by Nolan and master screenwriter David S. Goyer and superb acting performances by everyone involved. And Heath Ledger, OH MY FREAKING GOD! It was equally exhilirating and disturbing watching his portrayal of The Joker but at the same time made me very, very sad knowing he would never act again. No one truly knew how great a talent Heath Ledger was, not until you see him in this film. Trust me, they should just give him the Best Supporting Actor Oscar now. No one will ever come close. Ledger's Joker carried a film that was already strong. He just made it stronger. From the moment he makes his presence known Ledger has you and he never lets go until the ending credits. I'm going to see it again tomorrow. Worth several viewings just to watch Ledger. Rest in peace Heath. Thank you for giving us this treat before leaving us. We will cherish it.

Hancock

Forget the talk that this is another superhero movie. It actually has nothing to do with that genre. Indeed, Will Smith has magnificent super powers and, once he straightens himself up (he begins the movie essentially as a homeless drunkard), does in fact become a modern-day Superman. But this film doesn't follow the same path nor does it even closely resemble a typical superhero movie. There's heart, emotion, intelligence and some fantastic comedic relief imbedded in a unique storyline. Add ultra-sexy Charlize Theron in an interesting role and several unexpected plot twists and you've got a blockbuster in the making. And of course, Will Smith's star power is what carries the film, which just goes to show how good an actor the man is. Worth multiple viewings. A hell of a fun movie.

WALL-E

I thought Pixar had topped itself with Finding Nemo. That is, until I saw this movie. WALL-e is an absolute feast for the eyes visually with perhaps the greatest animation work in cinematic history. Also one of the most heartfelt, intelligent and fun films I've ever seen. Pixar has gotten progressively better and more daring with each film and each time have pulled it off with flair and set the bar for all other animation production houses to reach. I am utterly amazed at how Pixar was able to turn something as unemotional and static as a moving hunk of metal and give it a soul. I wanted to put my arms around WALL-e and hug him. A slam dunk for the Best Animated Film Oscar and an honest-to-God candidate for the 2009 Best Picture Oscar. It's that good.

Wanted

Easily the most kick-assed, visually pleasing and adrenaline ride of a movie to come out since The Matrix. Extremely bloody and violent, but also jaw-droppingly good with great special effects, acting, creative direction and cinematography and action sequences that will make you jump out of your seat and hurl your popcorn into the next row. Pay no attention to the talk that this is a rip-off of The Matrix. Admittedly the special effects of this film are indeed heavily inspired by the Matrix and the use of the "bullet-time" technology is never lacking, but it is only used to enhance the already well-written storyline, not for the sake of putting something incredibly cool in a dull movie. Angelina Jolie has never looked better (watch for the flash of her perfect behind midway through, worth the price of admission on its own). A superb adaptation of the graphic novel and despite lacking the biggest trademark of Mark Millar's masterpiece (the characters in the movie don't have super powers like superheroes. They do in the comic), still sets the bar higher for all future action movies to follow. An absolute crotch rocket of a film.