TheNarratorX

by Lisa

Excellent indie film that has everything you should expect from the genre and more. The most stunning thing about this film is how natural everything is. The two lead characters, played by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy are both really fascinating and throughout the film they reveal more about themselves to each other and to us. It has taken a while for me to really accept that Ethan Hawke can act, after a few less than average performances. However, this film proves that he really does have it in him. Anything I see him in from now on, i'll be expecting this level of excellence. Up until now I've never really been aware of Julie Delpy but in this she proves to be a more than capable actress. Together they make a perfect duo, with all the chemistry and awkwardness of a couple that just met. Some really amazing and honest moments captured, make the film what it is. There are also quite a few shots showing off the backdrop which just adds to the beauty of the film. Really amazing film that I highly recommend. It's not a conventional romance film.

by Fabio

WALL-E, Pixar's latest film, is about a robot named WALL-E who is the only thing left on earth with some sort of emotion. He meets another robot named EVE, and the trip begins.
It's hard to describe in words how incredible I personally find this film.
The animation looks real.
The story is brilliant and I don't call this a child's film at all because it has also adult material,like some homages to other films.
This is a piece of art,is magic!

by Lisa

Well, there isn't a whole lot I can write about this film. It bored the shit out of me and I fell asleep not long before the end. I'm not exactly what you could call an avid fan of American football. In fact, I fucking hate the sport. It isn't football at all really, it's rugby for pussy's. I realise i'm probably offending most followers right now but i'm going to be honest. I found just about all of the performances forced and dull. A real low point of Al Pacino's career. Even he couldn't carry this film. Cameron Diaz just seemed completely out of place. The concept of Dennis Quaid as a footballer was just laughable. I mean really, what were they thinking. I couldn't stand Jamie Foxx's character, was that the point?, but at least his performance was semi-decent. Oliver Stone has made a fair few decent films in his career, but this was a mess. Even if you are a football fan, or even someone who will understand half of the crap they cover, I can't understand why you would find this film entertaining. If your like me and don't like the sport then it's probably best to avoid whether you're into the actors or not. Come to think of it, why did I watch this?

by Lisa

I was expecting a really terrible romantic comedy that would use every cliche in the book. Luckily it wasn't like that at all. Cute story with pretty decent performances. Piper Perabo and Lena Headey have worked together before so their performances are slightly more comfortable although better has been known to come from Perabo. It's also odd that the most chemistry does not come from these characters, as would be expected, but from Anthony Head and Celia Imrie. The unconventional couple who give the impression of hating each other. It was also these two that were given some of the best dialogue of the film. "We've been together since the fall of Troy", just about floored me. Head's delivery of these lines is just spot on and really makes the film. Overall not a bad film, i'm sure it won't cater to everyones taste but you'll have to decide that for yourself.

by scott

a enjoyable hollywood retelling of robin hood,the famous english outlaw,costner portrays him as a hollywood star only could, and even though his american acent stasnds out a mile, he just about gets away with it, thanks to the film being a enjoyable romp, in no small way is alan rickman as sheriff of nottingham out to capture the hood, in a brilliant over the top performance, with classic lines like, AND CALL OF CHRISTMAS. he is a pantomine villain of the highest callibre, some great support throughout also, christian slater, trying his best, and morgan freeman, doing his usuall wise man role, and the lovely mary elizebeth mastrantonio rounding things off as maid marian, oh and a great cameo right at the end. some exellent set pieces throughout, great locations shot in the u.k, showing off some great history. watch it and be entertained and dont grumble if your english, and hollywood has raped your history, this wasent the first and certainly wasent the last, hello braveheart.

by Inez

An adventure as big as life itself.

DIRECTED BY: Tim Burton
STARRING: Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Blly Crudup, Jessica Lange, Helena Bonham Carter, Alison Lohman, Robert Giullaume, Marion Cotillard, Steve Buscemi, Danny DeVito

Synopsis

Tim Burton directs the fantasy drama Big Fish, based on the book Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions by Southern writer/illustrator Daniel Wallace. Billy Crudup plays William Bloom, a young man who never really knew his dying father, Edward Bloom (Albert Finney) outside of the tall tales he told about growing up, making his way, and meeting his mother, Sandra Bloom (played as a young woman by Alison Lohman and in older age by Jessica Lange). During Edward's last days, William and his wife Josephine (Marion Cotillard) hold bedside vigil as the old man recollects elaborate memories of his youth (in which he is played by Ewan McGregor). Still doubting the the legends and folklore, William makes a journey to meet a mysterious woman (Helena Bonham Carter) from whom Edward had bought property.

Source: Starpulse

My Review

With the director Tim Burton and the composer Danny Elfman, we all have imagined Big Fish to be a NICE EDWARD SCISSORHANDS ENCORE. The truth is, not exactly an encore, but still supplied with the same tone, heartwarming fairy tale for all ages, and Burton-Elfman-ish style.

Adapted from a book by Daniel Wallace, Burton convinced us that the movie is at least as good as the book, without losing his directing style in each angles. The UNIQUE storyline with imaginative characters were represent well by Burton into the screen of a movie. I haven't watched the book yet, but I'm sure that the movie Big Fish is exactly what the readers hope. Bunch of great casts, and memorable quotes, deeply acted, and well executed. But what I concern about is, I'm afraid that after a few years, Big Fish will be only well remebered as another hot job from Burton, a nice Scissorhands' follower, and then there will be nothing much left about it, becuase it is not as good as Scissorhands is every way.

Albert Finney gave a perfect performance as the older Edward Bloom, his performance was REMARKABLE. And to mention Jessica Lange and Ewan McGregor which gave honorable pwerformances, supported the movie well, quite convincing. Helena Bonham Carter is without any doubt, a true actress, she nailed all her roles in every movies she played well. But, only heaven knows whether she got her roles here because of her quality, or well, nepotism. I mean, first this Big Fish, and then Corpse Bride, and Sweeney Todd. But who cares, I'm sure she'll be as great as she is now without staying under Burton's shadow.

Overall Big Fish is a fairy tale with a troop of great casts (means you don't have to worry about the actings development, they are all in the good hands). ANOTHER 'BIG' WORK OF ART FROM BURTON.

I was thinking about death and all. About seeing how you're gonna die. I mean, on one hand, if dying was all you thought about, it could kind of screw you up. But it could kind of help you, couldn't it? Because you'd know that everything else you can survive.

-Edward Bloom-

by Alexander

''Leave this Justin. Go home.''

''I can't go home. Tessa was my home. ''

A widower is determined to get to the bottom of a potentially explosive secret involving his wife's murder, big business, and corporate corruption.

Ralph Fiennes: Justin Quayle

Rachel Weisz: Tessa Quayle

Powerful, emotional and political Constant Gardner is hard for me to watch due to it's material yet i couldn't look away. It had me crying and hurting inside and all from the journey of one man trying desperately to find an answer to his wife's demise. I mean it's a nightmare and a love story that sadly is severed but you still feel through flashbacks that there is a connection.

Brilliant acting from its two lead roles Rachel Weisz and Ralph Fiennes, two of the best of my heart and this country.
Ralph's performance and accent as Justin is top standards while Weisz as Tessa shines like she did in Fountain and shows a performance worthy of the Oscar she plucked from her emotionally charged portrayal told sadly but effectively in past tense.
The romantic portion of the film was immortalized by the two characters Justin and Tessa, (Ralph & Rachel). Their first meeting was dynamically presented as Tessa was a social activist heckling Justin as he was making a political speech. When the hall was cleared, however, it was Justin who was actually comforting Tessa after her outburst. The juxtaposition of the placid, passive Justin versus the fervent, hyper-kinetic Tessa was brilliantly established in that opening scene.

The strands of thriller and social realism are inextricably tied together in the film. As a whodunit, The Constant Gardener seeks to uncover what actually happened to Justin and Tessa on their African journey. At the same time, the main culprit that emerges is the heavy hand of greed as the pharmaceutical companies exploit helpless victims of tuberculosis for the purpose of testing and marketing an experimental drug. At one point in the film, it is disclosed to Justin that the pharmaceutical industry is no different than arms dealers.

This film truly rewards its audience as it works on so many levels. Like Crash you won't be able to stop pondering over every thing you've just seen. The politics here are engaging and bound to stir up even the most complacent viewer. What's even more amazing is that all of the timely political discourse and subsequent thriller aspects of the film,courtesy of the source material, John Le Carre's novel, are wrapped up in an immortal romance. We the audience join Fiennes on his journey across Africa, and we rediscover the love story between he and his wife that ties the film in a poetic realism usually reserved for movies with much less on their minds.

To top it off, it's all delivered in the maddeningly genius Meirelles style that took critics and audiences by storm in his debut masterpiece City of God. We have the shaky hand-held camera darting through vibrant and colorful third-world locales juxtaposed with jaw-droppingly gorgeous aerial photography of Africa in all its glory. Meirelles again shows us he is a true artist and visionary willing to show both the shocking beauty and abject horror of the people and places that populate his films. Again he delivers a message that people are doing horrible things to each other, everywhere.

With City of God he seemed to be saying the only hope is to document and record it. The Constant Gardener makes that argument again and takes it one brilliant step forward. We may not be able to stop a war or a huge global injustice, but we do have the power to help one person at a time. It takes a courageous film to make such a statement, and a brilliant film-maker to deliver it, and that's just what The Constant Gardener achieves.

Fine performances that reside in Constant Gardner not only come from it's two leads but come from Bill Nighy who manages not to be funny, Danny Houston who's in loads of good films recently, and Hubert Kounde who proves it's the quiet ones you got to watch.

Constant Gardner hurts to watch, performances yes it's five stars, but i think it's a movie that is all to real, and for me that hits to close to the mark, to life.
Losing a loved one is a very hard thing for me and to watch another man go through that, it hurts so much and sets me off, until I'm a quivering mess.

The hopelessness, the injustice and that sometimes your enemy, the ones you were fighting are right back at home. In this regard CG is very clever and it's message hits home with a bitter aftertaste and a sharp pain tearing point.

Don't think i could watch this too often due to its realistic and then rather sad finish but it's a masterpiece nonetheless.

Like that last gun shot and blackness, Constant Gardner has one shot, and by heck it takes it!

by Fabio

"Kate & Leopold" is not a top quality film, but has some seriously funny and entertaining moments.
The best part of this movie by far is Hugh Jackman.

by Inez

We bury our sins, we wash them clean.

DIRECTED BY: Clint Eastwood
STARRING: Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon, Laurence Fishburne, Marcia Gay Harden, Laura Linney, Kevin Champan, Tom Guiry, Emmy Rossum

Synopsis

Summer, 1975: in a tight blue-collar Boston neighborhood, three kids are playing when one is abducted and sexually abused for several days. Jump ahead: the victim, Dave (Tim Robbins), is haunted by memories and protective of his own son. Jimmy's (Sean Penn) an ex-con, father of three. Sean is a homicide detective, estranged from his pregnant wife. When Jimmy's teen daughter dies, Sean (Kevin Bacon) investigates, Dave's a suspect, and Jimmy vows to find the killer before the cops. The dead girl has a boyfriend whose long-missing father has a history with Jimmy. The boyfriend's a suspect, and when ballistics turns up a link to a gun owned by the young man's father, the case breaks. In the background, wives move events along.

Source: IMDb

My Review

If there is any reason that made Mystic River didn't win the Oscar, maybe it was only because it was facing Jackson's giant The Return of The King. In my opinion, Mystic River is a very POWERFUL in every way, and may I say that, it is more than Crash (the 2006's winner). Again, a not-so-lucky coincidence for a good movie to win an Oscar it deserves.

It owns my 5 stars, because I think, well, 'is there anything wrong about the movie?' HELL, NO! Perfectly directed and casted, each actors seem belong to the movie, including Eastwood, who made this movie a true high quality intense. I found that the guy is much better to be off from camera, and instead, works behind it, and he can create miracles. He didn't get the Oscar for this? Who cares?! He made it one year later with Million Dollar Baby, which I think, he deserves it more when he directed Mystic River.

And pay attention the guys who really made this movie works. Sean Penn and Tim Robbins. I've putted my eye on Penn since I am Sam, which some think that it's not a really great movie (and which I don't agree with), but still, Penn gave a miraculous performance in I am Sam. Then, he played the exact diffrent role here, he created a heavenly choir in the viewers' hearts. He shouted, he screams, he cried, and we saw a man who was really ready to receive his Oscar. And to mention the honorable Tim Robbins, which created intense in his character Dave. Bacon did a good job and he fits for the role, but I can see anybody else in those suits which can played the role Sean Devine as good as him. But the SCENE-STEALER here is Marcia Gay Harden. She presented her role with her totality of acting. Remember her scene with Sean Penn? It's probably the most powerful moment in the movie. The dialogs are convincing and brilliantly smart. A perfect way to adapt a book into different kind of masterpiece.

Overall Mystic River is an experience of watching 3 powerful characters in the same intrigue with different role, created a vibe of intense and curiosity for all viewers. MYSTIC RIVER IS A TRUTHFUL MASTERPIECE FROM EASTWOOD.

The reality is we're still 11 year old boys locked in a cellar imagining what our lives would have been if we'd escaped.

-Kevin Bacon as Sean Devine-

by Alexander

''You just couldn't let me go could you? This is what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object. You truly are incorruptible aren't you? You won't kill me out of some misplaced sense of self-righteousness, and I won't kill you, because you're just too much fun. I think you and I are destined to do this forever.''

Batman and James Gordon join forces with Gotham's new District Attorney, Harvey Dent, to take on a psychotic bank robber known as The Joker, whilst other forces plot against them, and Joker's crimes grow more and more deadly.

Christian Bale: Bruce Wayne / Batman

Heath Ledger: The Joker

The Dark Knight basically begins from where Batman Begins left us last time. Things have changed and a new maniacal nemesis is at large. Cleverly we are instantly thrown into a ensuing bank robbery with some sharp modern music. The first segments of Dark Knight already firmly establish this is going to be a piece of unrivaled greatness.

When we get onto Batman and his antics we find that he has been imitated by others and his old friend Scarecrow is still up to no good, with shifty dealings. What follows are some brilliant action pieces blended with superb acting, with Actors of class under Nolan's direction being used to perfection.

Christian Bale as the dual identity Bruce & Batman, really shows us he's settled into the role. Giving a deep growling Batman with beast like grating tones and a seemingly unlimited strength and fury. As Bruce Wayne, on the outside to Gotham he's still that rich, complacent playboy who's living the life of luxury and at the same time burdening responsibilities and dark secrets.

Maggie Gyllenhall as Rachel Dawes was for me one of the disappointments of Dark Knight. I'm sorry but she may be a fine actress but she just wasn't attractive enough, her acting isn't question, it was alright, hardly memorable. I reckon they should of stayed with Katie Holmes for this sequel, for then even the people that didn't like her in the role would be happy, considering the outcome at least. I on the one hand wasn't phased when push came to shove and said character was gone from play, in my mind she did start to slow down the film.

Now Heath Ledger playing Joker, what can I say? Partly the huge success and interest has been due to this great Actor's performance being witnessed. After all this is Heath's last film he finished. Going on to his performance as Joker I have to say he is perfection, everytime he's on screen he's mesmerizing, every little thing he does which ranges from the sick depraved to the downright mad. Heath Ledger was a chameleon, a method actor, who had the ability to change, to shape himself into any part he played. Dark Knight is one of the finest examples of this, truly blasting Jack Nicholson's version apart and I guarantee an Oscar for him, or for his memory and in honour of this talent. I loved how immersed Heath had become in the Joker even giving us details to how his face had gotten into it's current state and his abusive childhood and father. Whenever we have a villain there is always a reason to how he got to that point and Nolan uses Heath to get this across effortlessly.
Joker never seized to make me laugh in appreciation despite what could be considered sick antics, I considered genius.
Who else could do a pen trick with someone's head? Dress as a nurse with a silencer in hand and his clownish face glistening? Hide in a body-bag to infiltrate a mob boss's joint? Who else could immortalize Batman's most famous nemesis Joker? Without a doubt Heath Ledger bar none.

Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent/Two Face was a really interesting character. He played this politician extremely well, with all his good intentions and honourable ways, Harvey hides a dark side too. References to his coin are used regularly and help us understand the reasons for his later fascination with chance and luck deciding fate. I think Harvey Dent was covered nicely in this, getting across the whole growing hate he supposedly receives from Batman after he saves him and unfortunately Rachel isn't so lucky. Two-face, Harvey's alter-ego to my mind wasn't really that developed which is understandable given the amount of detail here to cram in and what with the Joker unleashed Nolan still does a top notch job. The effects on his face were breath-taking although I was starting to worry that Dark Knight maybe becoming unrealistic and veering towards more cartoony details in it's villains. But same with Batman Begins the Scarecrow was slightly more comic like and I found the whole realism in both Begins and Dark Knight to be a major achievement to me.

Gary Oldman as Commissioner Gordon really excelled in his role this time. Not only does Gordon have more to do but he's in this awesome trio of Harvey, Bats and himself working together to save and help Gotham. I'm really pleased Gary Oldman & Heath Ledger got to do a scene together too, not to mention Bale too. The chemistry they all share and the talent rocketed through anything and everything. Nolan cleverly keeps the aspect of Gordon's family being important to him and later we remember this, and it helps us relate to his character when things unravel.

Morgan Freeman & Michael Caine seem to have less to do this time round. With Caine taking most of the first half of the movie while Freeman takes the 2nd half to his chest.

The Dark Knight was everything I expected it to be and it's certainly the dark masterpiece I predicted, but I do get the feeling that it's been overly hyped for what it consists of. See it not just for Heath's performance which is a defining and immortalized, but also see it because Dark Knight is the greatest comic book/graphic novel to movie ever. DC comics & Warner Bros. must be beaming right now with this piece of gold.

Dark Knight really does have the last laugh. An astonishing achievement that really does follow up a masterpiece. Let's face it, a sequel is coming, without the need to get Two-Face to call it for us, we know it's coming Nolan.

Perfection.

by Lisa

A stunning film that is one of many from Akira Kurosawa. His films are always made with a high standard right across the board. The direction doesn't get any better. The casting is perfect. The acting is quality by all the actors involved. And the plot. The plot is one that has been used a million times by other directors. I think when that happens it shows the impact the original film had on all other moviemakers. This really is a must see film, don't be put off by the fact it's in black and white. Don't watch a dubbed version. All of these things just adds to the intensity of the film itself. Excellent movie that will still be being watched in hundreds of years with people still saying this is how the masters do it.

by Lisa

Courtroom dramas can either be really good or really bad. This one surprised me massively. I love Matt Damon, and it isn't often he makes a bad film. His performance in this was very strong and he really was the star of the whole thing. Danny DeVito was a great addition to the cast, throwing in a few laughs as well. Claire's Dane's performance was really good and her additional plotline, although somewhat pointless, managed to entertain. Good direction from Francis Ford Coppola, although not exactly his best work. Still, it was a very good film that is well worth checking out.

by mrvn

Directed by : Timur Bekmambetov
Casts : Angelina Jolie,James McAvoy,Morgan Freeman,Common

In-One-Sentence: : Matrix:Replication

The Review:


It's a typical Hollywood fashion,to repeat the same thing twice,The Matrix and now,Wanted.But luckily,with such of similarity,Wanted can stand as it's own,a rapidly vast action movie,gripping and absurdly entertaining.Wanted is as much as The Matrix,endless flash of action and stylish cut of angles through-out the movie.

Taken from it's trailer,we've already assumed Wanted has promising action sequences and Angelina Jolie will kick some butt here.And the trailer didn't dissappoint.Although,people want to go to the cinema to get a piece of the world most cherish actress,they got more,a fun ride of shooting parade and R-Rated gore,as seen clearly in this picture.

James McAvoy,merely as half as he did in Atonement,is surpsingly sharp and immensely fun,gives the movie thrill it should have,as a pathetic salesman turn assasin.While,Angelina-never been sexier before-Jolie is eventually owned the movie.And Morgan Freeman's performance was equally striking.


But wether you like it or not,people is going to compare this out of The Matrix,visual treat,almost close,and the concept,I see a contrast.They make bullet curved through the air,should try harder,not even wowed me enough.

The 360 Spin: :
Overshadowed by Matrix's grace.But WANTED is still will rock you to the core!

Formula:
{ (Hitman + Smokin'Aces) * The Matrix } / Die Hard 2 = Wanted

"Kill one,save a thousand"Fox

by mrvn

Directed by : Timur Bekmambetov
Casts : Angelina Jolie,James McAvoy,Morgan Freeman,Common

In-One-Sentence: : Matrix:Replication

The Review:


It's a typical Hollywood fashion,to repeat the same thing twice,The Matrix and now,Wanted.But luckily,with such of similarity,Wanted can stand as it's own,a rapidly vast action movie,gripping and absurdly entertaining.Wanted is as much as The Matrix,endless flash of action and stylish cut of angles through-out the movie.

Taken from it's trailer,we've already assumed Wanted has promising action sequences and Angelina Jolie will kick some butt here.And the trailer didn't dissappoint.Although,people want to go to the cinema to get a piece of the world most cherish actress,they got more,a fun ride of shooting parade and R-Rated gore,as seen clearly in this picture.

James McAvoy,merely as half as he did in Atonement,is surpsingly sharp and immensely fun,gives the movie thrill it should have,as a pathetic salesman turn assasin.While,Angelina-never been sexier before-Jolie is eventually owned the movie.And Morgan Freeman's performance was equally striking.


But wether you like it or not,people is going to compare this out of The Matrix,visual treat,almost close,and the concept,I see a contrast.They make bullet curved through the air,should try harder,not even wowed me enough.

The 360 Spin: :
Overshadowed by Matrix's grace.But WANTED is still will rock you to the core!

Formula:
{ (Hitman + Smokin'Aces) * The Matrix } / Die Hard 2 = Wanted

"Kill one,save a thousand"Fox

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 fell on it was the fact that the storytelling was lax and rather second-rate 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 Batman's moral values on Gotham. Joker is never given a major origin story and thank god for that, because the direction of Nolan's 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 under-looked 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 and has settled in nicely. As Bruce Wayne, he continues to show the charming and cheeky wit around the way he is seen in city, yet remains so human, dark, troubled and battles the strong emotions with others as we all do. Aaron Eckhart simply blew me away, especially when everyone is going 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 similar 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 posthumous 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 villain to ever grace celluloid...and that will be argued. Equally unexpected and expecting, his performance as the Joker will stand for a lifetime. Sure Cesar and Jack will always have a face for Joker as the showman side 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 outstanding. 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...and being a film so deserving of everything it gets and a film of such exquisite quality and somehow managing to beat my insane expectations, It will be my first film ever I have rated a 5.

<< "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!" >>

by Alexander

''Gentlemen may talk of the age of chivalry, but remember the ploughmen, poachers and pickpockets whom they lead. It is with these sad instruments that your great warriors and kings have been doing their murderous work in the world. ''

An Irish rogue wins the heart of a rich widow and assumes her dead husband's position in 18th Century aristocracy.

Ryan O'Neal: Barry Lyndon

Barry Lyndon is sometimes considered a slow and tedious film, it is indeed past three hours in length, but this due mainly to the fact of the artistic flow of a film that strays not only to tell a story about a man who is by no means neither hero nor villain, but also one in which is in no real rush, taking the time for every tiny intricacy to sink into the mind and heart of the viewer, we the audience are left to marvel at the storytelling.

Some of the scenic images in Barry Lyndon are in themselves works of splendid art, rendered with a passion for the landscapes and the man-made structures within them. Stanley Kubrick makes it clear his appreciation for the era through the use of paintings, costumes and all of the above in perfect harmonic glory.

The myth that came about that all scenes were done using no artificial lighting stems from the very realistic lights during indoor takes, and some of them truly did not feature artificial light. This is but one of the many details that so easily conveys a sense of a realistic portray of the era, the 18th century and the time after the seven-year war in the later half of the Lyndon.

The impressive atmosphere and the wonderfully picturesque scenarios along with the fact that the entire plot moves at a calm pace makes this film a very pleasant experience.
The music bordering on Kubrick genius in which it actually becomes memorable long after Barry Lyndon has finished. Especially the piece of music played throughout, which also features on the credits. Also liked the piece of music accompanying, where Barry first kisses Lady Lyndon.

Ryan O'Neal as Barry Lyndon does an excellent job of portraying the unlucky man, marvelous how this individual chooses some of the courses that run through his life. Firstly his infatuation for his female cousin's affection which results in him getting sent away to him signing up to the English army. Then a twist of fate of him becoming enlisted in the Prussian Army. All resulting in his eventual meeting of Lady Lyndon, where even more trouble and drama ensues.
Marisa Berenson as Lady Lyndon really flourishes her part with beauty and elegance and later on with emotionally charged desperation as the film progresses and her husband's wild ways become apparent.

Barry Lyndon may be long, but on DVD it shines perfectly. Afterall thats what the intermission is for half way. Kubrick knows if he's going to do a theatrical film of William Makepeace Thackeray's novel he's going to need a substantial amount of material. Material which is crammed full of flavor, of passionate drama and of period perfection.

Barry Lyndon is another grand accomplishment from the late Kubrick. A masterpiece and an interesting study.

by User

Wesley: This is not me... this is just a motherfucking decoy.

This is definitely one of the most entertaining films to have come out this year. And by "entertain", I mean mindless, campy, fun and reeks of awesomeness. "Wanted" maybe filled with plot holes as big as Jupiter but at least they made it up in the area of visual style served with a side platter of sizzling action. There's a lot of cussing too. And they got Morgan Freeman to say the word "Motherfucker", how cool is that? Initially, I would have given this a four but hearing Morgan Freeman cuss is just priceless.

The car chase scenes would make Speed Racer proud, the bullets have minds of their own and lead actor James McAvoy masterfully disguises his British accent to embody the perfect American loser turned bad ass. This is what makes this film so damn irresistible. Top to that you have natural born fly guy Thomas Kretschmann in a very crucial role to the film plus Angelina Jolie in her bad ass form. Seriously, she was born to be a bad ass in films. That's why I loved Mr. and Mrs. Smith, she has this natural spunk in her which makes her cool without even trying. I think its the look and those lips.

Now I know a lot of people dissed the film because its a) a rip-off, b) the story doesn't make sense and c) it is pretty stupid. That's probably because you didn't leave your pseudo-intellectual mindset right at the doorstep. Films like these, you don't have to take seriously. And I quote The Joker on this one: "Why so serious?"

Take it for what it is: a very entertaining film and I think you'll be alright. Now, don't just fucking sit there reading this bullshit and I highly fucking suggest you fucking go see this one. Like, right fucking now.

4.5/5

by scott

william h macy will never top his roles in the likes of fargo boogie nights and magnolia but hes found a place in tv movies, door to door,,a slight case of murder,, panic,, and focus being notable aceptions, and heres another, in which he co wrote as a mute, who comes into contact with a homeless girl, and takes her in, trying his best to get a secure home, as always macy is a acting talent, no words but ful of emotion, a story that never rises above tv movie status, but a enjoyable piece

by Inez

Experience it. Enjoy it. Just don't fall for it.

DIRECTED BY: Cameron Crowe
STARRING: Patrick Fugit, Kate Hudson, Billy Crudup, Jason Lee, Frances McDormand, Zooey Deschanel, Anna Paquin, Philip Seyour Hoffman

Synopsis

Writer and director Cameron Crowe's experiences as a teenage rock journalist -- he was a regular contributor to Rolling Stone while still in high school -- inspired this coming-of-age story about a 15-year-old boy hitting the road with an up-and-coming rock band in the early 1970s. Elaine Miller (Frances McDormand) strict single parent whose distrust of rock music has helped to drive a wedge between herself and her two children, Anita (Zooey Deschanel) and William (Patrick Fugit). Anita rebels by dropping out of school and becoming a stewardess, but William makes something of his love of rock & roll by writing album reviews for a local underground newspaper. William's work attracts the attention of Lester Bangs (Philip Seymour Hoffman), editor of renegade rock magazine Creem, who takes William under his wing and gives him his first professional writing assignment -- covering a Black Sabbath concert. While William is unable to score an interview with the headliners, the opening act, Stillwater, are more than happy to chat with a reporter, even if he's still too young to drive, and William's piece on the group in Creem gains him a new admirer, an editor at Rolling Stone offers William an assignment for a 3,000-word cover story on Stillwater, and over the objections of his mother , and after some stern advice from Bangs, Williams joins Stillwater on tour, where he becomes friendly with guitarist Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup) and singer Jeff Bebe (Jason Lee). William also becomes enamored of Penny Lane (Kate Hudson), a Band Aid traveling with the band who is no older than William, but is deeply involved with Russell. Lester Bangs and Ben Fong-Torres, incidentally, were real-life rock writers Crowe worked with closely during his days as a journalist.

Source: Starpulse

My Review

Almost Famous is one of some real proves in the existancy of wheel of life. What I'm trying to say here is, you see Cameron Crowe here, and you see him 5 years later in Elizabethtown. Got the idea? If you haven't, let me make this clearer that Almost Famous is a real PIECE OF WORK and Elizabethtown is RUBBISH.

The whole idea is BRILLIANT, about the lives of rockstars, the rise and fall and all is really caught me. This is why I put Cameron Crowe as a good director in my list, his work here is untouchable, way too far from his downfall in Elizabethtown. I'm sorry, I just still don't get why those great directors who have gained good movies want able to cast Orlando Bloom as the lead actor in their movies. (NOTED: Ridley Scott-Kingdom of Heaven, Cameron Crowe-Elizabethtown) And thank God that the Penny Lane role was not given to Kirsten Dunst who was rumored to play the role, instead, she played in (again) Elizabethtown 5 years later. Bloom + Dunst = EARLY DOOMSDAY. Smart choice, Crowe! (total joking)

Back to the movie, Almost Famous gives a well written script, solid casts (the great actings from Frances McDormand and Kate Hudson, both deserve the Oscar Nomination), good rock musics, and the 70's set works. What I concern about is Anna Paquin that she should given more role here. She's a great actress (an Oscar in her age of 11 by the movie The Piano), it's a great start of career for the young girl. But until now, she mostly only known as the girl named Rogue in the X-Men series. She should be a promising Hollywood talent.

The characters bond to each other, but of course Penny Lane, played by Hudson, got the center of attention. This is the best Hudson's performance in a movie. The character's chemistry with Russell Hammond, played by Crudup is inevitable. Both barely speaks, but I guess Crowe got a great sense of picking the great actors for the roles ONCE. (I guess you all know why I bolded, biggered, and underlined the word)

Overall Almost Famous is a movie with interesting characters about how life can turn into, possibilities and most of all, ALMOST FAMOUS MADE A SPOT IN 2000's BEST LIST.

You CANNOT make friends with the rock stars. That's what's important. If you're a rock journalist - first, you will never get paid much. But you will get free records from the record company. And they'll buy you drinks, you'll meet girls, they'll try to fly you places for free, offer you drugs... I know. It sounds great. But they are not your friends. These are people who want you to write sanctimonious stories about the genius of the rock stars, and they will ruin rock and roll and strangle everything we love about it.

-Philip Seymour Hoffman as Lester Bangs-