Staceluvschocolate
http://www.flixster.com/user/staceluvschocolate
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| Movie: | Dragonfly, Shaun of the Dead, Donnie Darko, Van Helsing, The Brave One |
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| Actor: | Jared Padalecki, Christopher Walken, Shia Beouf |
| Director: | Tom Shadyac, John Carney |
| Quote: | "That is not the pigeon!" - Zoe |
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Well I have discovered just how much crap one person can be sent when they neglect their Flixster profile.
But people only send it to me because I'm cool. My movie ratings make me cry, I feel like such a lame child... "awsum movie!" ick Might fix it all up later... I have over 160 friends. I don't know 95% of them. Feel free to add me as a friend. Doesn't mean I'm gonna talk to you. *Offers cookies around*  |
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Stacey's Recent Reviews
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Stacey's Favorite Movies
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1.
Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End
PG-13
Pirates three was great, but definately not as good as the first two. Had the same great acting, humour and everything, but it dragged on a little too long and the plot is sort of confusing. But makes up for it with great special effects and the same wit of the first two
2.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
PG-13
Super awesome, but now i wanna know what happens in the third movie, its not fair
3.
Pirates of the Caribbean - The Curse of the Black Pearl
PG-13
Sweet as movie. I have seen it about 20 times
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I recommend you see...
Outpost
by Khrisposted 1 day ago -
I recommend you see...
Hellraiser
by KhrisA classic twisted horror from the mind of Cliver Barker, we enter the world of demons and hell, a twisted take on what gives us pleasure or pain.
Meet Pinhead aka Cenobite number one, Lord of the angels or demons, or whatever they may be to you... and the evil Frank, a human who unlocked the secret of the box to experience an eternity of pain and sufferring at the hands of the cenobite. When coming into contact with blood, he escapes hell and with the aid of his brother's unfaithful wife, they kill men in order to fully restore his body.
Back in the 80's this was big. Nowadays, the effects may seem tame but still ae top notch in terms of gruesome... gotta love the chains effect.
All horror fans must watch this.... before the remake comes out next year!!
XDHey, you should really see this!
posted 10 days ago -
I recommend you see...
The Hunting Party
by KhrisAbsolutely another best movie Ive seen in a while!!!
The only reason why this is a notch above others such as "Battle in Seattle" is because of the two leads, which also happen to be two personal favorites of mine, and they were great. Gere should really become recognized as a dominant big screen figure for his quality and work. He is really a screen legend.
This is a great original movie, something different, funny and yet deadly serious. Think of it as a real adventure in the modern day.
Basically, join up with Gere and Howard, the best journo crew of the 90's, in a hunt for the most wanted man in Bosnia, a war criminal whom noone can seem to find... but by luck and a little digging, the team end up literally grabbing the tiger by the tail.
The movie is narrated by Terence Howard, and starts off with a great introduction of the characters and the whole philosophy of the movie, which is about digging deep and running hard, and having a good time to boot. (well I certainly did watching this movie)
What is great is that the movie also has underlinings of sarcasm, cynicism, a mix of humor and of course, a good amount of realism which combines into the sort of movie I would personally enjoy, characters I can connect with and a script and story which I can follow as if it were tailor made for my mind to digest.
Its loose and funny, but the story is set and keeps on track. The music is a mix of rock and simple easy beats, which change according to the mood of each scene.
The best way of describing this movie is like watching films like 3 Kings, Jarhead and El Salvador (which i need to buy). You have the easy going, crazy ideals and humor of 3 Kings, the cynicism and narrative style of Jarhead, the emotion and subtle drama and the horror of war from El Salvador. This is about as good as it gets when combining so many unique themes and ideas to make a really good yarn, cause in the end, this is what it really is... a really good story to lose yourself in. No mind numbing violence, no brain dead commentary and stories, just a smooth flick of a team of journalists taking a crack at the impossible.
Simple, easy, enjoyable!
Two thumbs up!!Great movie!!!
posted 17 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Quantum of Solace
by SarahYear: 2008
Director: Marc Forster
Country: UK/USA
Genre: Action & Adventure, Drama
Stars: Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Gemma Arterton
Forensic intelligence links an MI6 traitor to a bank account in Haiti where a case of mistaken identity introduces Bond to the beautiful but feisty Camille, a woman who has her own vendetta. Camille leads Bond straight to Dominic Greene, a ruthless business man and major force within the mysterious organisation, Quantum.
That time has come again for another Bond film's release and I was once again there to catch it. Ever since I was 11, back in 1999 for the release of The World is Not Enough, I've caugh every Bond film since at the cinema. This time around the cinema was packed full of people of all ages. All I can say is Quantum of Solace equals Casino Royale but for me I prefer the realistic take on the story here than Casino Royale.
Althought I loved Casino Royale, it had a full cheesy moments which downgrades it's superiority over previous Bond's. What is great about Quanum of Solace is the realism inserted into the film by Marc Foster. Quantum has an Art House feel to it which I love, and it makes for an even more better film. Like many films released this year, it touches on upon world issues that are going on. The Dark Knight, for example touched upon our fears of Terrorism and this film uses the Oil situation in the west as the main part of the story. It's because of that I think many people have commented on the confusing plot. Having said that because it's a Bond film and the plot isn't always a necessry thing to focuss on.
Daniel Craig seems to be coming if not one of the best Bond's of all time. Surpassing even the great Sean Connery. His cold-blooded brutality creates his Bond as convincing as ever. This creates his appearance on screen as incredibly real and one which could be exsisting today. I have to see him in a few more films before he could become my favourite and surpass Connery. Judi Dench is brilliant as M and seems to be underated in many reviews. I think even her character could match Bond. The more films i see of them the more I'm convinced that's the way the writers are going. Gemma Arterton, who impressed me in Tess of the D'Urbevilles, made a brief appearance as agent Fields and was again impressive on screen. Would like to have seen more of her character than what was shown. Mathieu Amalric, was excellent as Dominc Green. Perhaps he was undeveloped and under-used but he definatly surpasses the previous Bond villian. Would also liked to have seen more of Jeffery Wright, as he makes for a great Felix Leiter.
One great strength of Quantum of Solace is just how great it's filmed. The stunning locations and photography, particularly at the end, make for an interesting film to watch. Many of the sequences were shot very very well and I loved one slow motion sequence shot against an opera, which related releated to the scene and film well. Would like to have seen a more intense build up to the arrival of Dominc Green, as I felt it was rushed a little and not allowing us to understand the character either.
Perhaps some weaknesses of the film, keeping it from being 5 stars, is the first half of the film. I felt a little underwhelmed throughout that and felt that there was something missing. The film does pick him in the middle and makes for a great film. I think the key to remember is that Bond films will never be perfect, some might say that films are never perfect but for me some are. Forster like Campbell previoulsy, is trying to move the franchise into a new era. This is evident in many scenes of the film. What's important to remeber is that, whilst doing that not everything you've seen in previous films will be in this one. The dialogue is less witty and more convincing, thus relating to the context of the film. Less action means that there is more focus on characters and the plot, meaning we can find deeper meaning within the film and enjoy it better. That's somehing I think the franchise will do in future films. Not only to move the franchise forward but to compete with other action films and add more meaning to Craig's Bond. After all this is only the second film he's in and the more he does the more we can get a sense of the way Craig plays his version of Bond.
Overall, Quantum of Solace takes a more emotional stance than Casino Royale. Less action and more meaning in the plot. Far more dialogue and attention to detail in the devlopment of characters. In only his second Bond film, Craig is shaping up to be one of the best Bond's if not the best. Both Casino Royale and his are pretty much equal in terms of quality. f I had to pick out of the two, it would be Quantum because of the realism it depicts. Without a doubt in my top 3 of the year so far!
Highly recomend. Go and see it when it reaches you a.s.a.p!
8/10Hey, you should really see this!
posted 17 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Layer Cake
by JackA middle-ranking cocaine dealer has his plans to take early retirement scuppered. Debut feature from Guy Ritchie's regular producer Matthew Vaughn, starring Daniel Craig
Try as he might, Matthew Vaughn is unable to step out of Guy Ritchie's shadow with his directorial debut. Faithfully adapted - to the finished film's detriment - by JJ Connolly from his own novel, Layer Cake is a more restrained affair than Ritchie's hyper-stylised debut Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels (1998) and his follow-up Snatch (2000).
But this is not enough to distance itself from Ritchie's oeuvre. It still can't resist showing off with a belly-full of camera tricks, sketching a gallery of one-dimensional gangland thugs or choreographing designer violence to a well-timed pop song. With Lock, Stock alumni Jason Flemyng and Dexter Fletcher cast in minor roles, Vaughn invites comparison.
At least he has the good sense to cast Daniel Craig as the nameless narrator (let's call him Mr X), a small-time but smart coke dealer. Craig conveys his character's streetwise savvy with aplomb, using enough rough charm to ensure we're with him rather than against him. With the material on offer, Craig does a solid job - though compared to some of his previous performances, notably in Sylvia and The Mother, this is an undemanding role. The trouble with Layer Cake - and this is another echo of Ritchie's work - is that it gets bogged down in a dense narrative. Dispensing with the archetypal rise-and-fall structure that drives most gangster films, it begins with a lengthy voiceover sequence in which Mr X introduces us to his world. Already as high as he wants to go, Mr X wants to quit the business and get out before he gets caught. Easier said than done. Above him in the gangland hierarchy, kingpin Jimmy Price (Cranham) enlists his help to find the missing daughter of an associate of his named Eddie Temple (Gambon). Meanwhile, Mr X's sidekick Gene (Meaney) has set up a deal involving a shipment of ecstasy - stolen by the unhinged JD (Foreman) from a gang of ruthless Serbians who have despatched an assassin to retrieve their goods.
To complicate matters, there are further sub-plots - Mr X flirting with Tammy (Miller), flighty girlfriend to Sidney (Whishaw), one of JD's gang members; Mr X's associate Morty (Harris) brutally attacking a tramp who he knew once upon a time. It's not that the story won't hold your attention. It's just, as with Ritchie's films, you'll have trouble remembering it within minutes of leaving the cinema. At least it's less cocky and cartoon-like than its stable-mates, even if the depiction of violence is equally gratuitous. With the exception of Meaney, the support cast will barely cause you to raise an eyebrow; casting the likes of Foreman and Gambon in such roles is not exactly imaginative. Even Cranham is obvious, particularly when compared to Jonathan Glazer's use of Ian McShane in Sexy Beast. But what disappoints most, as with Ritchie's films, is the sterile atmosphere. Layer Cake provides no sense of authentic criminal life in contemporary London, neither does it attempt to draw attention to the social and political backdrop that impacts upon these characters - in the way, say, John Mackenzie's The Long Good Friday did.
As pure Friday night entertainment, Layer Cake won't leave you screaming for your money back. But as an entry into the once great sub-genre that was the British gangster film, it's of minor interest.
Verdict:
Straining to deliver a more adult gangster film than Guy Ritchie has managed, Vaughn never achieves anything more than superficial story overburdened with plot. As a result, Layer Cake is like a stylised episode of 'Minder'.Hey, you should really see this!
posted 22 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Battle in Seattle
by KhrisA really political drama which doesn't quite delve to deeply into the politics... which I think was criticised by some, but I found it was probably better off without.
The story is based on the 1999 Seattle riots over the WTO meeting. While the characters are not factual, they are built up quite well, especially Martin Henderson's character who was outstanding I think.
The cast is an ensemble of familiar faces, from Hollywood A list to TV stars, Veterans and Young stars, international and domestic. This is a great ensemble, they pulled it off so well, I was suprised by the efforts of the young and up coming stars like Henderson, Andre Benjamin and Channing Tatum and expected no less from the likes of Liotta, Sherbedziga, Neilsen and Woody Harrelson, whom Ive missed in the movies' and they all delivered some of their best performances. The movie was about the characters and the emotional and physical trauma of the events of the battle, and they did great. A near perfect cast for a movie which I think can appeal to a wide audience.
The secrets of this movie?
First of all, it opens up interestingly enough around 10 stories high. XD! Yep, protesters doing their job. And within 20 minutes, the movie had sped up to the start of the main event. No lounging around, no beating around the bush or whatever people use terms for boredom. This I really appreciated, as these type of movies tend to have a slow start. A speedy entrance could have spoiled the quality and left blanks, but in this case, it began simply and effectively, the movie exploring the events of 4 days of turmoil through the eyes of protesters , police and the embattled Mayor played excellently by Liotta. The movie's pace only begins to slow down in the final 25 mins, which I guess is appropriate, as the excitement and drama subsides, and to a clear and cut ending of half week turmoil.
The cast and their respective roles were tailor made and fit like the proverbial gloves. You cannot help but sympathise with, laugh, cry or feel the anger, pain and other emotions they bring out, the movie brings out and raises your awareness tenfold.
The script is absolutely outstanding. Everyone in their pivotal moments said the right words perfectly. They were simple, straightforward, easily comprehensible and very effective. My favourite lines was Sherbedziga losing his cool at the leaders walking out on his speech for introducing better medical for third world nations, and the awesome ownage delivered at the end by Isaach De Bankolé (made famous in Casino Royale) a scalding attack on the First World representatives at the WTO meeting which led to the fall out of the event.
The simplicity of how a politically tense, natured and really confusing issue was well done. I don't see how anyone can fail to understand the messages and the different views being delivered here. I guess the high energy and emotions coupled with the great script made this possible.
Choosing your side or view. the multi viewpoints from the Mayor of Seattle to the government, the police, the protesters whether peaceful or violent, the innocent, portrayed by Charlize Theron, the confused or simply, just don't care. But one way or the other, you will have decided on a view by the end of this movie. To have a movie giving you so many choices to understand, to see the characters making those choices themselves only brought me further into the movie, engaging me on all levels from entertaining to intellectual. Greatly appreciated this subtle viewer engagement by the director.
The vivid and sharp camera work was good. Not particularly great, but good enough so you don;t miss any of the action and drama. Based on real events, some great real life footage is thrown in, and the slide show at the end was amusing, thoughtful and eye opening as well. Gotta love movies based on real events.
For Stuart Townsends directorial debut, this is a complete surprise and a wonderful effort for anyone. The topic and issues, interesting and original. The clear messages of the WTO and Townsend's views do come through clear, but I don't mind. The movie is a work of art, and each artwork is biased, opinionated and delivered. what makes a good work of art is how it is portrayed and delivered... and this is definitely well delivered.
The music score I was indifferent about, it was not as engaging as the rest of the movie. I guess Massive Attack doesn't engage me any more, or he was probably the only real mistake of the film. I just didn't pay attention to the music, it didn't click. Not to say it didn't work for the movie, but I appreciate a good score to the movie, and I guess this is where it failed for me. it did take the shine of what is probably a great movie.
I don't know how, but this became one of my favourite movies of the year, and its going on my favourites list. I don't think many would react as I would to this, but Im a fan of ensembles and fast paced movies, and the realism probably was the thing that made up my mind to watch this. I remember the Seattle Riots back in High School, and I remember in latter years coming to understanding it and the issues better and better, and its great to see this come to the big screen.
One reviewer said he thought it was a bad TV movie.... but Townsend made it awesome. Luckily this didnt become a mini series, it would have just been inundated with useless facts, issues and scenes which would have made it boring, dull, and no entertainment value.
Two thumbs up and a must see.One of the best movies of the year I think... Im surprised!
O____O
posted 23 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Halloween
by KhrisOne of the timeless classics.
One of the movies that started it all, this is all thrills and fun. If you love horror, forget those sequels and pretenders, John Carpenter is the original thrill master, this being one of his trademark classic flicks, the original slasher flick.
The eeirie piano score by Carpenter himself sets the tone throughout the movie, one of the most defining scores in motion picture history. Witness the birth of Michael Myers, the immortal demon that stalks teenagers, reliving the horror of 1963 when as a 6 year old he killed his older sister.
Anyways, one of the best movies of the 20th Century.Good ole suspense and thrills... John Carpenter is the most influential low budget thrill director of the 20th Century.
posted 31 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Young Guns II
by KhrisI dont know why a lot of people canned this flick... its not as good as the first, but it was entertaining and I liked it. Its more easy going, relaxed and funny.
I guess its because of Billy the Kid's charisma, which is played well by Emilio Estevez, the Young Guns movies are some of his best work. Then with the rest of the star studded cast, some who are now household names past and present, it really did well.
I guess the flaws in it is the idea of reinventing the modern western. But its not meant to be taken seriously, its a good yarn and entertaining flick, not a biography. But I guess when the rock guitar comes in during the scenes, people would either want to scream and curse, but I think it suits it perfectly... I mean, what better way to bring back a classic genre without an updated score which doesn't fit into the movie, but rather rides alongside with it... Alan Silvestri is a good composer, kudos to him.
And the accompanying soundtrack by Jon Bon Jovi is also a blast.
I guess what I felt down and out about was the ending... and some parts of the movie didn't fit too well in some places.
But the performances are what counts, and for an ensemble cast, I think everyone delivered.
If its one character that is underrated as far as folk heroes and bad guys go, its Emilio's Billy the Kid.posted 33 days ago -
I recommend you see...
The Midnight Meat Train
by KhrisPretty cool.... Loved the beginning of the story, but it slowly began to go downhill... why i dont know, I found myself laughing instead of being intensely fascinated. I guess the mystery was unravelling pretty fast and went of "the tracks" too quickly, but I still enjoyed the graphic horror and bloodshed.
Vinnie Jones is one of my favourite brit actors, the guy is definitely a person I WOULD NOT meet in a dark alley, he hardly says anything in the movie but his presence is good enough to give everyone the shivers... and then put a meat hammer or knife in his hand and then you realise why people are scared of this guy... his death stare can kill cats on the spot!
It does seem weird with a lot fo the emotional and love story behind it, but anyone who is familiar with Clive Barker's work should know that twisty emotions and twisty plot lines are his trademarks. Think of this as a horror / dark surreal fantasy with ten truckloads of blood, and you get the idea! XD
Anyways, it was pretty tensing at moments, and pretty much everyone should watch it for Vinnie. The first slaughter you see is breathtaking.... have to see it to believe it.
I think it does get a little silly near the ending, the proverbial tale of the hero fighting evil in a sorta classy action scene which was out of place, and it didnt leave much to the imagination or surprise... the movie did give away all its secrets too soon rather than let it build up, so the ending was deflated.
But I guess why I liked it was for the blood. Lots of claret spilling all over the place is good. ^____^
Watch it if you like Clive Barker and Stephen King, and lots of graphic scenes. The realism is great.Hey, watch this if you are a sadistic psycho carnivore and like big knives.
XDposted 40 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Laberinto del fauno, El, (Pan's Labyrinth)
by JackHaving dazzled mainstream viewers with Blade 2 and Hellboy Mexican director Guillermo del Toro returns to his roots for this deeply impressive adult fairytale that rates as one of the best films of 2006.
Set in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, Pan's Labyrinth follows the fortunes of young Ofelia (Ivana Baquero), as she travels with her pregnant mother (Ariadna Gil) to stay with her new stepfather Captain Vidal (Sergi López) at a remote outpost.
But while Vidal spends his days ruthlessly pursuing anti-fascist rebels in the woods, Ofelia discovers the entrance to a strange labyrinth in the forest and befriends a mystical faun named Pan (Doug Jones), who informs her that she is the rightful heir to his kingdom.
In order to regain her place, however, the young girl must complete a number of dangerous tasks.
But as the line between the two worlds blurs, Ofelia finds herself torn between caring for her sick mother and unborn brother and fulfilling her unusual quest.
Pan's Labyrinth derives its inspiration from a number of sources, including - most obviously - the Grimms' fairytales, Alice In Wonderland and some of the imagination of Jim Henson. But it also owes much to the work of Spanish painter Goya (in particular, his gory creation Saturn Devours His Children), the illustrations of the director's favourite Victorian illustrator, Arthur Rackham, and del Toro's earlier work such as Cronos and The Devil's Backbone.
As such, it's a very adult tale that features some truly disturbing imagery, a consistently melancholy tone and some extreme moments of violence. But it's an emotionally enriching experience that has some very important things to say for anyone willing to listen.
The depiction of the hell of war is particularly memorable and occupies a large part of proceedings, serving as a timely comment on some of today's human rights abuses as well as a reminder that monsters aren't merely confined to fantasy. Yet the triumph of the human spirit and man's capacity for bravery and sacrifice is just as effectively relayed via some of the actions of Ofelia and the rebels hiding in the woods.
The director draws some exemplary performances from his Spanish cast, with young Ivana Baquero providing a fearless presence as the determined Ofelia and López revelling in his role of evil incarnate.
The most striking thing about Pan's Labyrinth, however, is its look, which succeeds in mining the depths of del Toro's wonderfully vivid imagination. The film juxtaposes the ugly with the beautiful in exemplary fashion, creating a world that's fun to explore and impossible to forget.
Some of his creations, too, are incredibly striking, such as Pan himself, a horrific Pale Man (both played by Doug Jones) and an over-sized toad that Ofelia must confront and defeat as part of her journey.
All combine to create an experience that is truly unforgettable, a film that confronts the horror of war and fascism within the cleverly constructed confines of a fantasy adventure. It's bold, inspired filmmaking that deserves the maximum praise.My new favourite movie ever. I'm sure I said that with my last recommendation.
posted 50 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Death Race
by KhrisCarmageddon fans rejoice!!!!!! Our movie has arrived. And better this than some trashy game to movie adaptation.
There is a real clear cut story behind this which propels it pretty fast... everyone's favourite non-hollywood star Jason Statham does it again with this steel tough thriller. Alongside a cast which also happens to have some of the nastiest prison figures you'll see on the screen.
Of course, you watch this baby for the thrills and spills!!! this is hardcore action baby!!! I never enjoyed a driving movie as much as this in a long while, and it delivers.
Buckle your seat belt and hold on to your hats for this one folkes!! Its a killer.
Emphasis on "killer".Hey, you should really see this!
posted 51 days ago
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