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Name Steve H
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Last Login Wed. Jul 23
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Movie: This week--- Vera Drake
Actor: This week--- Imelda Staunton
Director: This week--- Todd Haynes
Quote: "Someone has to die in order that the rest of us might value life more." --The Hours; "A heart's a heavy burden." --Howl's Moving Castle
About Me
Though most of my lists are essential lists of Directors, Actors, years, decades, and genres, my list entitled "Box Office: 2008" is a blog of sorts that I will update on a weekly basis as the summer continues and more films become "blockbusters."

As I refine my taste, my ratings may shift, but I will attempt to defend my choice of rating for each movie.
MY RATINGS:
*****- A Perfect Masterpiece
****- A Great Film
***- An Enjoyable Movie
**1/2- Average, Fair, Mediocre
**- A Less Than Average
*- A Debacle
1/2- An Attrocity and lost time in my life that I can NEVER get back.

Steve's Recent Reviews

Alien Alien R 3.5 Stars
Finally! I have seen it, and even though the script and acting are a little dated, this is a really good thriller!
So many great character actors came out of this movie, and it is easy to understand why. The actors understood that other than being a horror film, this is a psychological thriller of confined spaces and intense relationships.
The Bucket List The Bucket List PG-13 2.5 Stars
When redemption becomes preachy and the prospects of redemption for on e of the movie's protagonists his hard to swallow you are glad that you at least have the endless talent of Freeman and Nicholson to make the ride worth it.

In this movie Rob Reiner directs the story of two codgers who are sick of waiting to die, so they concoct a list of things to do before they kick the bucket. Unfortunately, the most interesting scenes and character development happen before they leave their hospital room.

And from the beginning, the movie opens with a narration by Freeman that we have grown accustomed to over the years. The narration itself is beautiful, but it gives us hope that is later robbed from the viewer by being about a guy we never really cheer for and by proving to be a confusing eulogy of sorts that never makes sense for Freeman's Carter to be giving.

Many of the two men's adventures are exciting and fun to see, but are intermixed with obvious special effects that lessen the experience of taking this important soul transforming journey with these two men.

The screenplay does have wit and the two leads and Sean Hayes successfully make us genuinely interested in these lives to the point that we feel the tug on our heartstrings in the final scenes. There are a lot of profound statements that are also made about friendship, relationship, death, God, family, and personal nature.

Watch this for the lead actors and some of dialog, but don't expect the marvelous revelation on revitalizing life that you expected.
A History of Violence A History of Violence R 4.0 Stars
A story told so quick and simply with brutal force and a loud voice.

I am always amazed when a story this profound can be told so quickly and coherently and not feel like it is missing anything.

I guess the real question of this whole movie is who is Joey Cusack? In the end I honestly don't think that Cronenberg's film gave us a straightforward answer, and if Tom Stall by some chance isn't the man everyone thinks he is, how much more powerful does that make his character? Just think about it.

For me this film loses credibility in its first scene. Though cinematic and atmospheric and preparing you for the violence of the coming movie, it unnecessarily uses violence against a child to introduce two characters who could have been developed just as well without the said act.

Bello and Mortensen are the solid performances here, and Harris's vital support only enhances the acting. But the strength here is the story of rural life defiled and what must be done to protect those you love and the life you have chosen.
The Dark Knight The Dark Knight PG-13 4.0 Stars
I am here to say that this installment of Nolan's Batman franchise, though completely involving, gripping, entertaining, and provoking, is not better than the original, but it does elevate the series to a new level of comic book filmmaking.

There was so much to like in this movie though, so let me start with the disappointing: the Scarecrow's cameo was so unnecessary and confusing, Gyllenhaal's Dawes is a 180 from everything Holmes created that at times she seems to be a different character entirely, not to mention her ongoing romantic fascination with her boss and the lack of chemistry between her and Dent that was necessary to create the right balance in the triangle between them and Wayne.

And that is about it. Fortunately, everything more than compensates for this misstep- something most critics have even overlooked.

This new Batman is a story of moral dilemmas and definitely a nearer metaphor for human emotion than any previous comic book movie to date. This is in large part due to the complex characters of Bruce Wayne, Harvey Dent, and the Joker and their alter egos or lack thereof created by Christopher Nolan. He fully fleshes out three characters that are three sides of the same coin and who sometimes digress into each other's moral sandboxes.

The star here is the Joker, played phenomenally by the late Heath Ledger. The character that Ledger has created is awe-some, but it definitely helps that he is supported by great screenplay and character development and arc, even though his anarchist character's lack of levels is what defines him.

The rest of the cast is strong as well, and you realize through the support of Oldman, Freeman, and Caine that employing some of the most respectable actors to fill out supporting roles creates new rewarding layers to a movie, and each of these actor's characters adds their own profound mark to the story.

Don't underestimate the social ramifications of this film or the pure acting, directing, photography (this departs from the comic book style and embraces a gritty crime/ action drama that makes it even more powerful), and writing talent that this movie is capable of, and just try to forgive its one open wound and couple abrasions.
10,000 B.C. 10,000 B.C. PG-13 1.0 Star
An unoriginal story, atrocious dialog, terrible acting, a few cool effects. Move along. There is nothing to see here.

Forget about the anachronisms and historical fumbles, because NO ONE knows what life was like 10,000 years ago, this film has single-handedly regressed respectable filmmaking.

Think of this as 'Dances with Wolves' meets 'Apocalypto' meets 'The Lost World:Jurassic Park' meets 'King Kong' meets 'The Ten Commandments' meets 'Stargate' meets... you get where I am going with this. This film doesn't know what it wants to be or how to be it. The story even forgets to tie the narrator into the story, a character so obviously involved in the events, but who never becomes so and so as a grown man.
The only redeeming quality is the movie's philosophy on the inevitability of prophecy, and for a good example of that, I will rewatch 'Harry Potter.'

WOW!
Definitely, Maybe Definitely, Maybe PG-13 3.5 Stars
Engaging, warm, funny, heartbreaking, and uplifting. More romance than romantic comedy, this movie helps you reexamine the relationships in your life and identify what is really important.

The weak link here is the part of Maya, that until the final scenes serves merely as an expository device, preventing you from really understanding the relationship between her and Will.

Steve's Favorite Movies

The Godfather 1. The Godfather R 5.0 Stars
A perfect movie from beginning to end. Together with Godfather II, this is the greatest film ever made. It really is a life altering experience to experience a perfect movie in everything from the acting, to the directing, and the screenplay and score.
On the Waterfront 2. On the Waterfront Unrated 5.0 Stars
Definitely a contender! The controversial Kazan's career defining film of corruption, fear, and a cause worth fighting for. Remembered as one of Brando's best performances, but a strong script, cinematography and performances by Malden and Cobb give this film weight as one of history's greatest.
Kramer vs. Kramer 3. Kramer vs. Kramer PG 5.0 Stars
The classic family drama, unstopable winner of top Oscars. It is emotional, heartbraking and connects in a way that few movies can. These characters are your extended family; this story is one we ALL connect with no matter what your family dynamic.
The Godfather, Part II 4. The Godfather, Part II R 5.0 Stars
There are few movies that improve upon their predecessor, and I won't be the one to say that this one does, but it completes the perfection of the first.
The Shawshank Redemption 5. The Shawshank Redemption R 5.0 Stars
No matter how many times I watch this film, I am deeply affected in a way that few movies can. It infuses the perfect blend of suspense, emotion, comedy, friendship, despair, hope, and... redemption in a world that at first seems so devoid of anything positive. Freeman and Robbins play convicted murderers in performances that define both of their careers.
Singin' in the Rain 6. Singin' in the Rain G 5.0 Stars
If my life were a musical this would be its soundtrack. The greatest musical and a great love story. Life is filled with momentous transitions, and Kelly, Reynolds and O'Connor provide us with a bluprint of the friendship and optimism that must accompany them.

Steve's Talk

  • SilentWar
    I recommend you see...
    The Dark Knight The Dark Knight
    4.5 Stars by Craig
    Directed by: Christopher Nolan.
    Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckart, Michael Caine, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman.

    << "You see, madness is like gravity, all it takes is a little...push" >>

    The story follows Batman a year after his accounter with Ra's Al Ghul and his thugs, the streets remain the same and Batman continues to do what he can with the help of newly appointed Commissioner, Jim Gordon and Gotham's new D.A, Harvey Dent. Before long a menacing madman called the Joker introduces something into Gotham that no one would have ever expected.

    This is no doubt the hundredth review you have read on this film, massively hype for years by fans and recently by the general public, reviews have been pouring in by the bucketload...my review is simply just a reminder, from both an obsessed fan and a general moviegoer, that this film is beyond anyones expectations, especially mine and that it simply is outstanding.

    Everything about the first film is simply raised in level here, everything seems to be in a new direction, yet never forgetting what made Begins so great. Christopher Nolan has always been my favorite director and he has simply proved it here by a mile. To many it might appear flashy that he has taken hold of the newest technology for the film with IMAX cameras etc and in the wrong hands it would have just been for show, but Nolan is god behind these cameras and the epic scope is deftly handled and perfectly assured, the man is long overdue to be recognised more...and Wally Pfeister simply dazzles with the assured tone on this epic scale, it adds such a lovely feel.

    The Nolan brothers screenplay is simply remarkable and again, 'beyond' everything I expected from the film. I was one of the men who knew the film was going to be more than just a Batman film, the footage I saw showed it, the dialogue rang true of it and as I am no doubt repeating in this review, its more than you would ever expect. In Batman 89, the problem that feel on it was the fact that the storytelling was lax and Joker became a first rate character over Batman, who simply became third rate. Begins proved that Batman and Bruce Wayne can be powerful forces and complex humans and faces and TDK continues that power by adding so much more. Morally complex from every angle, its a perfect crime saga under the superhero cover. Each character is given special treatment and in one word, a 'soul'. Bruce Wayne must now face the facts of Rachael being with another man, especially the one appointed as the challenger to Batmans moral values on Gotham. Joker is never given a major origin story and thank god for that, because the direction of Nolans vision didn't need it. He's unrelenting, mysterious much like Batman yet so self destructive and simply one hell of a scary, menacing clown that promises anarchy and chaos.

    I can't go on without mentioning something highly underlooked in films...the score. It is the first soundtrack I would have ever bothered to sit down and listen to throughout and for good reason. Its a rich force that blends beautifully with the complexities of the films morals and emotions, beautifully adding richness to every epic scene on screen, its up there as one of the greatest pieces of music I've heard that can add so much to the moving image.

    You all knew I was getting to this...the performances. Christian Bale once again proves to be the greatest mix put on screen for these characters. As Bruce Wayne, he continues to show the charming and cheeky wit around the way he is seen in city, yet remains so human and battles the strong emotions with others as we all do. Aaron Eckhart simply blew me away, especially when everyone goes in for Heath. He's perfect...there I said it and easily blows Tommy Lee off the face of the earth. He's got the perfect charisma to play this all american man as D.A of a major city and really is a nice threat for Bruce in his personal life, because he is not only similiar in statue as the force of Gotham, but he has won Rachael over, who no doubt sees him as Bruce without the mask...and when Harvey changes into who he is destined to become, Aaron is scary as hell and really is compelling. Maggie Gyllenhaal is a great replacement over the horribly wooden Katie Holmes and is given more to work with this time around and she blends in just well....AND of course Heath Ledger. What more can I say that no one has already said? Many still believe an posthurmous Oscar win would be a sympathy vote, the truth is, if the man was still alive today, he would still win it for what is quite possibly the greatest villian to ever grace celluloid...and that will be argued. Equally unexpecting and expecting, his performance as the Joker will stand for a lifetime. Sure Ceaser and Jack will always have a face for Joker as the showman style of the character, but Heath is the dark side everyone knows from a 50+ year old character. Charismatic, dark, edgy and scary as all fucking hell, he breezes into every scene easily stealing it and delivering something so intense, so unexpected, yet so real. Its a performance to be remembered by someone who died so suddenly and whether or not he wins the truly deserved Oscar, he's already in the hall of fame in my eyes.

    The Dark Knight is a fucking masterpiece. To be, of course as 'opinion', because no one can stand as being right, it is the greatest film I have ever seen and blew my obsessive and very high expectations right out of the water. Moral complex, beautifully captured, deftly controlled, greatly performed...simply great. I still can't say that the film is 'flawless', because I still believe no film can or ever will, but The Dark Knight comes damn close.

    << "You see, nobody panics when things go according to plan. Even if the plan is horrifying. If I told people that a gangbanger was going to get shot, or a busload of soldiers was going to get blown up, nobody would panic. It's all part of the plan. But tell people that one tiny little mayor is going to die and everyone loses their minds!" >>
    What should I be saying here, read my review :) You know my obsession is good for it.

    ...and I was annoyed enough to have to wait until the 24th (release date) here to see it.
    posted 5 hours ago
  • Criswell
    I recommend you see...
    Batman Gotham Knight Batman Gotham Knight
    4.0 Stars by Cris
    An amazing americanized anime and a welcome addition to the Batman franchise.
    Hey guys, do me two things:

    - watch this fantastic movie!

    - and visit this blog: http://movyes.blogspot.com/

    Appreciated ;)
    posted 1 day ago
  • hardcourters
    I recommend you see...
    Mamma Mia! Mamma Mia!
    4.0 Stars by Mark
    Sunny, lively and entertaining, perfect for Summer '08 viewing ! If you are a fan of Abba you shouldn't miss this! Recommended.
    Hey, you should really see this, especially if you enjoy the music of ABBA !
    posted 1 day ago
  • Camus123
    I recommend you see...
    Hellboy II: The Golden Army (Hellboy 2) Hellboy II: The Golden Army (Hellboy 2)
    4.0 Stars by Dean
    Guillermo Del Toro strikes again. The same beautiful artwork that made "Pan's Labyrinth" so gorgeous you will find herein striking the viewer with all kinds of visual candy. The humor keeps a nice balance between the gravity and the inane as our favorite characters from the first installment are back for another round.
    The problem is that this round simply did not go the full length of the field.
    The characters are not as well-developed as in the first (perhaps it was expected that all the viewers saw the first, but I found that this was not so). The story is interesting, but not well fleshed out. Where an incredible statement started to be made through the use of ancient races, elementals and nature spurned we fall back on the old vehicles of war, choreography and visuals (albeit stunning) rather than a storyline that reaches the depths it looked as though it was grasping for. Perhaps it could not be told in such a short amount of time.
    Regardless, this film is a gem. For those of you looking for a straight "super hero" movie this is not it. If you are looking for something a bit more complex, a little more brooding, a little more cynical you might find it here.
    Definitely a good film and a great summer blockbuster.
    Hey, you should really see this!
    posted 2 days ago
  • trene1
    where are u from
    posted 4 days ago
  • hardcourters
    I recommend you see...
    Mongol Mongol
    4.0 Stars by Mark
    Interesting peek into the Mongol world and the trials and tribulations of the boy who would be Khan. Thumbs up!
    Hey, you should really see this!
    posted 8 days ago
  • NobleKnight
    I recommend you see...
    Joyeux Noël (Merry Christmas) Joyeux Noël (Merry Christmas)
    5.0 Stars by Sean
    A true story of WWI where things that seemed to be impossible proves that there is hope in this world. A time during carious, men from 3 different worlds stopped fighting on one day and created a friendship that would never be forgotten. Base on a true story, and one to always remember there is still hope and a chance for peace.
    Here is a very powerful true story that is worth seeing. I just hope what is happening over sea's, that maybe this could happen. Even for just one day!
    posted 10 days ago
  • smith44
    I recommend you see...
    Mamma Mia! Mamma Mia!
    4.0 Stars by Jeremy
    One of my favourite films of 2008. A spectacularly fun movie experience, that will have you dancing in your seats, when I saw it people actually got up to dance at the end of the film. Meryl Streep, the greatest actress alive, owns this movie an just and has a ball with it. In fact although the plot is corny and unbelievable it doesn't matter as the film never takes it self seriously even for a moment, it just fun and the movie as a result is just so much fun. Whether or not your an ABBA fan or even a musical fan this film will put a smile on your face. It easily will be considered this year's Hairspray.
    Hey, you should really see this! My favourite film of 2008 so far. A spectacularly fun movie experience, that will have you dancing in your seats, actually when I saw it people actually got up to dance at the end of the film. Whether or not your an ABBA fan or even a musical fan this film will put a smile on your face. Meryl Streep, the greatest actress alive, owns this movie an just and has a ball with it. In fact although the plot is corny and unbelievable it doesn't matter as the film never takes it self seriously even for a moment, it just fun and the movie as a result just so much fun. It easily will be considered this year's Hairspray.
    posted 12 days ago
  • NobleKnight
    I recommend you see...
    Music Within Music Within
    5.0 Stars by Sean
    An amazing True story of one man that made a difference in this country. The difference of what it takes to fight for people who have been treated less than human just because of a physical appearance. Michael Sheen gives one the best performance I have ever seen.

    Not many people know about this amazing movie and I was surprised not to see it in any local theaters. Great one liners after another, and the story keeps you wanting to see it tile the very end! Give this film a chance for what it is and see the amazing acting from everyone in the film.
    A wonderful true story to see!
    It has everything in it: Drama, Comedy, Tears!
    Think you might enjoying it for the acting!
    posted 15 days ago
  • StaisilD
    Your Welcome
    posted 16 days ago
  • ascmoviegirl6
    I recommend you see...
    Speed Racer Speed Racer
    4.0 Stars by Audra
    I loved this movie. The futuristic feel with 50's quiesce talk was very funny at times. This are some of the best actors around b/c could you imagine having to do this whole movie on green screen. Tough to do I would have to say. Best movie so far this summer.
    Hey, you should really see this!
    posted 17 days ago
  • mistershinobi
    I recommend you see...
    WALL-E WALL-E
    5.0 Stars by Félix
    I am speechless.
    The only AWFUL thing about "WALL·E" is that I'm completely freakin out about the next Pixar films.

    Before seeing "WALL·E" I was dying to see "Up!", based on "Don Quixiote" (or whatever you write it in English) but now I'm afraid Pixar won't be able to top themselves once again.

    I mean, we said the same after "Toy Story"... after "A Bug's Life"... after "Finding Nemo"... after "The Incredibles"... after... well, not after "Cars" but after "Ratatouille"... but I think this is it.

    Pixar is dead.

    They won't be able to top "WALL·E".

    And that's my review.


    BEST MOVIE OF THE YEAR.
    And not so far from Best Movie Ever actually.

    (P.S: for those fuckin gringos out there giving this 3 stars or so because "There's no plot" or "The plot flops" or whatever with "the plot", go get yourselves a dictionary and find out what a fuckin PLOT is. Maybe you're just pissed because the movie portrays the average fat gringo to perfection)

    (P.S.2: for intelligent people out there - The movie is a dream)
    posted 19 days ago
  • WickedStar375
    I recommend you see...
    WALL-E WALL-E
    4.5 Stars by George
    A very amazing movie by Pixar. Where as I am not that huge of a fan of their movies. I may have to start to become one since I was so much bewildered by this magical journey. About a robot who has been alone for 700 years and isn't alone anymore. Finds Eve a life long friend, and companion which quickly becomes a romantic interest. A truly touching and amazing motion picture. Join WALL-E on his quest to find out what he was really mean't for. Full of laughs, thrills and tears. Wall-E will be sure to keep you begging for more. 2008 Definitely has speed this year with the movies!
    A Summer Keeper!
    posted 24 days ago
  • InfamousHugo
    I recommend you see...
    El Topo El Topo
    3.5 Stars by Hugo
    EL TOPO (1970)
    directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky
    starring Alejandro Jodorowsky, Jacqueline Luis, Robert John

    Alejandro Jodorowsky is like Sergio Leone on acid, or maybe something else, I couldnt tell, I never did drugs. El Topo is the cult classic spaghetti western about, well, something. Its very, very strange, extremely violent and filled with sexual references that sometimes made me think the film was about sexual fetishism. El Topo is actually quite a complex film if you take time to think about. Its more than just a cowboy movie, its might actually be a metaphor about Western civilization with all that violence, sex, racism and blind faith.

    A man, lets call him El Topo, cause he doesnt have a name, goes on a mistical journey to discover himself and overcome his overly violent nature. After coming close to death, he is saved by deformed people who come to see him as a God-like figure for many years, until he is «born again» and decides to go out and save them, by digging a tunnel, cause they are stuck inside a mountain.

    It is slow-paced, but there are some impressive images and despite being confusing and never giving any explanations, El Topo is quite an enjoyable film. Its surreal and weird, sometimes philosophical, almost pretentious and exploitive, but for the sake of its message. I cant really tell what my apprecition of El Topo is, and if I dug deeper I would probably come up with a better understanding of the film, but its definately worth it, cause its different, and shows an overlooked filmmaker's talent. Twisted, to say the least.

    A twisted and surreal film from the 70's. One of the «midnight movies». Could be hard to enjoy for some, but definately worth it.

    That being said, Im moving to a new appartment and wont have the Internet until the end of August. So to all of you, I hope you have a nice summer, I'll keep writing reviews and will post them in 2 months. See you all soon ...
    posted 25 days ago
  • SJMJ
    I recommend you see...
    Kung Fu Panda Kung Fu Panda
    4.5 Stars by Sam
    This is one of the funniest animated films that I have seen in a long time. The humor is absolutely brilliant. The humor involves Pos size and about the other characters aswell. The screenplay was really good. It was just simple so that what was awesome about this film. The animation is the best of all and the visual effects of the fighting and everything. Jack Blacks voice was perfect for Pos character because Jack Black behaves like a lazy, fat and hilarious characters in some of his previous films. Dustin Hoffmans voice is brilliant as Master Shifu because Hoffman has quite a deep voice and Shifu is a powerful character but is a very small animal. Also it is funny that a small animal teaches a panda kung fu. This is definately the best animated film of the year so far but not sure whether it will be better than WALL-E. I hope there will be a sequel. If there will be then it would be great!
    Hey, you should really see this!

    One of funniest animated films I have seen in a long time. This will definately be an enemy to WALL-E as Best Animated Picture of the year!!

    Almost a masterpiece! A film that you all would love!
    posted 25 days ago
  • NobleKnight
    I recommend you see...
    The Bucket List The Bucket List
    5.0 Stars by Sean
    One of the best movies ever made with two great actors. This movie was so moving, it had made my father cry.
    Jack Nicolson one of the most riches people in the world ends up helping a complete stranger, Morgan Freeman, and the two set off to find adventure in the world just before they kick the bucket.

    Comical and heart warming in every way. A movie to share with your father!
    Here is a movie that is worth seeing!
    I loved it, and I loved seeing it with my father!
    I hope you would too!
    posted 27 days ago
  • hardcourters
    I recommend you see...
    Martian Child Martian Child
    4.0 Stars by Mark
    "There's no problem with being a little eccentric." Recommended.
    Hey, you should really see this!
    posted 28 days ago
  • gms1yygy
    I recommend you see...
    Grace Is Gone Grace Is Gone
    4.5 Stars by Glen
    John Cusack carries this movie, but is joined by very strong performances his brother and his two daughters. He is caring for his daughters while his wife is in Iraq. He is notified that his wife was killed in action and the movie tells the story of his coming to terms with his grief and the "journey" toward becoming able to tell his daughters.
    I think this is an extraordinary movie! You might like it too.
    posted 29 days ago
  • hardcourters
    I recommend you see...
    Ponette Ponette
    4.5 Stars by Mark
    The touching, not sappy or pretentious, story of a little girl who is trying to cope with the death of a parent. Wonderful performances by the children. Strongly recommended.
    Hey, you should really see this!
    posted 30 days ago

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