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Alexander, Brokeback Mountain, The Chronicles of Riddick, The Dark Knight, The Day the Earth Stood Still (-09), Dirty Deeds, A Fish Called Wanda, Iron Man, The Island, Kingdom of Heaven, Lord of War, Ned Kelly, Serenity, Star Trek, Switchback, Tigerland, Transformers. Series: The Lord of the Rings, Matrix, Ocean's (Eleven, Twelve, Thirteen), Pirates of the Caribbean, Police Academy (especially 1-4), X-Men |
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| Actor: | Jared Leto, Milo Ventimiglia, Colin Farrell, Orlando Bloom, Karl Urban, Johnny Depp, Vin Diesel, Robert Downey Jr., Jessica Alba. |
| Director: | - |
| Quote: |
"Maybe doing nothing is better than doing this." -Vitaly Orlov, 'Lord of War'. "Bumblebee, stop lubricating the man." -Optimus Prime, 'Transformers' "That look in your eyes is pain in my ass." -Luther (to Ethan), 'Mission: Impossible III' |
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Laura's Recent Reviews
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
PG
For someone who has not yet read the books (I'm about to, though), this was a decent movie. The first time I saw it, it felt better, but perhaps I've grown more critical because honestly... this didn't impress me too much on the second watch.
The plot - if there's one to speak of - is pretty insane - the characters are chaotic, and neither is really all that funny. Maybe I wasn't in a mood to be amused, but... the jokes just didn't work. The lack of seriousness and steadiness ate at the fun moments.
The only true source of humor and the most amazing character is Marvin, a robot with a depression. Alan Rickman as the voice for that poor character did an awesome job!
All in all... the movie could be worth three stars, but the humor was simply so poor that I can't give it that this time. Maybe after reading the books this movie will open to me differently, but right now, I can just feel sad about the whole farce that was this film.
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
PG-13
After a very long yet entertaining 2,5 hours... I must say that perhaps "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" suffocated a bit on its own massiveness.
Perhaps my mistake was to watch "Transformers" the night before this one, and expect a lot from this movie. Because yes, there were a lot of expectations. That helps me to be really critical about this piece - which isn't necessarily a good thing.
This movie isn't bad at any rate. It is fun, enjoyable, full of action, and if you liked "Transformers", you will like this one as well. There is some awesome comedy in this one, just like there was in the previous movie.
But still I think there was something missing.
There was action, and action is good, but when it's about giant robots fighting, it gets real messy and even more confusing. There were simply too many parts moving, too much exploding and breaking on the screen. And if you watch that for 2,5 hours, it does get a little boring. (With repeated views, I'm sure things clear up a little.)
The characters were okay, as before. Of course there is no character introduction, so perhaps watch "Transformers" after all so that you aren't all that confused. The main problem probably was that there was no real deep spirit in the acting, and there were several characters that were really pointless - like Sam's roomie Leo, who was there merely for some occasional comical relief. Another one of those were the Twins from Autobots.
Autobots and Decepticons both got reinforcements for this one. In the end, there were probably too many of them because after the promising beginning, all of them just got lost in the big mass of destruction and explosions. They became just as faceless as every other extra in the movie.
The movie is decent, but it too gets drowned in the sea of action too often. It also gets a little thin, spread so wide across the whole movie, and I'm sad to say this, but in the end it starts to feel a little stale. And there are some strange plotholes. Well, not holes, but what the entire plot is based on seems a little off. Could be just me, though.
There are also clichés all over the movie. Most of them come and go, but some are rather annoying. Well, especially Prime's ending speech - didn't convince me too well last time, either.
Altogether, if you like action and blowing things up, and don't mind robots, this is for you.
The Calcium Kid
Unrated
A silly movie with lots of funny moments.
The cast is pretty good, the characters well and realistically drawn; the blood-lusty boxers, Orlando's Jimmy who is so totally out of it sometimes it isn't even funny... the manager who is just out for himself, a coach who had definitely seen his best days and... you get the drift from there.
The movie itself is told from the point of view of documentary makers, but they still manage to keep the scenes and plot fluent. They don't "forget" that everything on film is shot through a camera which is actually part of the movie.
All in all a decent movie. Not to be taken too seriously. A few pearls of wisdom here and there, and the rest is just slightly on the odd side of fun.
The Day the Earth Stood Still
PG-13
I really got a say, I'm having slightly mixed feelings about this movie.
Let's start with the bad: a film like this, with the setting it has about human race's time being OVER is always daring. Did I mention justified? It keeps me wondering, how many times exactly are we going to be given the "second" chance to make ourselves better? After all, it is almost a proven fact that we are not going to stop abusing this planet until there's nothing left to abuse.
On the good note, perhaps this IS the movie that is finally going to show how it's going to end for the human beings? (or not...).
The movie is visually stunning. Also liked the music; it was fitting and not disturbing.
I adored the way they showed the size difference of the sphere compared to the humans and buildings around it. Neat tricks, but really impressive! And did I mention the stunning visual/special effects? So, that was a good setting for the movie.
The plot itself, after the beginning, moved on quickly in plunges. That continued to the very end. Keanu Reeves' role and character were sublime and very "cool". Could be thanks to "Matrix", of course, and the image that has left to our brains...
The only minus is maybe the ending, and necessarily not even that, but the way human race was saved again. The emotional level just didn't do it for me. Klaatu's "realization" came so quick and sudden, and almost as if out of thin air with the sobbing of a mother and son, and what have you. Either way, it shows some hope for us still - even though we may not deserve it.
Angels & Demons
PG-13
I have read the book (not Da Vinci Code, though), and I heard this isn't as good as the book, so I'm a bit hesitant to see this. Maybe I'll give it a try, though.
Minority Report
PG-13
Thrilling, intersting movie which has its own depth, and interesting point of views. How do you break free of something you fully believe in?
Despite the fact that this is a Tom Cruise film (which doesn't make it any better, by the way), this is a good watch that keeps rolling in your head for a while later.
Laura's Favorite Movies
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1.
Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End
PG-13
If you didn't much care for the previous parts of "The Pirates of the Caribbean" movies, I don't think you should go and see this. Then again, if you are a fan, this is definitely a treat for you! Much different than the ealier movies. The plotting gets a lot ahead of the viewer at times (nothing a second watch can't fix). The beginning is pretty shocking (and so is the end, but in a very different way), but don't feel discouraged by that. Keep watching. The movie just doesn't get boring, even if some of the fighting scenes are really drawn out. If you are even slighly interested, this is a very good way to spend three hours of your day. Special note towards Orlando Bloom's Will: he was a total surprise in this movie, even if the end wasn't as shocking as it could be (there were rumors, yes, and I've heard a lot of them). The end, however, is very stylishly made! My applauses for that - and deepest thanks for not ruining it with the traditional way (well, they still do in a way, if you watch the scene after the ending titles). Ye have been warned! On another note, there were some really bad aspects to this movie: Jack's "hallucinations" in the Locker were totally ridiculous, in my opinion; that is the least favorite part of mine in the whole trilogy. To the same category falls the scene with Calypso in her own form, which just... well, it didn't work, but it was definitely better than Jack with his dozen other versions.
2.
Iron Man (Ironman)
PG-13
Frankly, the movie was too short. When the final fight began to take place, I leaned back on my seat and cursed in my mind that the film was going to end soon! This movie looked good, sounded good, was funny in all the right places, moved well and was all in all pretty perfect - though, alas, the fun didn't last forever. Only weird thing was probably the attempted chemistry between Mr. Stark and Ms. Potter (Jarvis/Stark worked much better in my opinion :P), but that can be easily ignored with everything else taking place on the screen. (And of course there is the matter of Nick Fury: I have nothing against Samuel L. Jackson, but... why did they have to make Fury black? I'm not being a racist, just wondering...) All in all, I'm waiting a possible sequel with huge anticipation! Even if they wouldn't manage to make it as good as this first one, it would still definitely be worth the watch! Robert Downey Jr. made an amazing job in this one. Nothing more needs to be said. Go watch it.
3.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
PG-13
Yo ho! Here we go again! A sequel to "The Curse of the Black Pearl", and a good one of that. The movie is long, perhaps, but the way it is cut makes it feel rather short. It is also confusing, at times, but the plot explains itself pretty quickly, filling out the gaps it might have - and there is always a chance for a second view, which shall no doubt make the movie all the better. But despite being a brilliant sequel, there are also flaws with said "gaps". The scenes are a bit jumpy sometimes, and the serene, well-structured pace of the first movie is gone. With some extensions to steady "The Dead Man's Chest", I would rate this movie with full 5 stars. Captain Jack is indeed back - as promised - as the ever "charming" himself; but he has less screen-time than one might think. In the true spotlight, we have William Turner (Orlando Bloom), who makes an amazing performance. His character is finally given the well-earned depth. Riddled with angst, he really has some bearing behind his actions. There is great humor to be experienced, swift turns in the plot, intense action that has little breaks without turning boring at any point, amazing visual look - and already familiar characters that we all love - or hate. Go, see, enjoy!
4.
The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers
PG-13
This is my favorite in the trilogy - aside The Return of the King. The extended edition beats the theatre-version, as expected, but it doesn't make much difference in a review: this is more about action than the first movie. The scenes are magnificent, the battles breath-taking, drama believable and heart-wrenching. The humour between the characters is also worth notice. Watch this, and fall in love. If not, at least you know what you are disliking ;)
5.
Star Trek
PG-13
This is bound to be one of the best movies of the year. In my book, it definitely is. I am not to be mistaken into a Trekkie fan, although after seeing this movie, I'll probably have to go and check out the other movies and the TV show. So, I'm reviewing this movie as someone who barely knows anything about Starfleet or the world surrounding this movie. The cast is well-chosen, I think. Everyone was acting well, and they fit their characters, so to speak. After following Zachary Quinto in "Heroes", it was nice to see some other work from him as well, and I was far from disappointed; his Spock was very good. The bone-headed, young James Kirk is definitely annoying and makes a lot happen in his life: he knows what he wants, and is going to get it, one way or another. Sometimes his wit is outrun by his temper, but luckily there are good friends to keep him alive through that. Karl Urban's Bones worked very well with him. Other than the spectacular visual and special effects, the music that was there but not disturbingly so (which means the score did exactly what it should), and the overall magnificence of the plot, one thing must be mentioned: the humor. One big, notable thing about this movie is that it is deadly funny. And it is funny without taking one bit away from all the action and drama that is going on. The balance between the three is perfected in this movie. This is a movie worth seeing for Trekkie fans and those who just enjoy good drama and sci-fi. I'm sure that for those who have followed Star Trek, there are a lot of hidden goodies in this movie that I couldn't find. But nonetheless, I truly, deeply, loved this one!
6.
Transformers
PG-13
I was repeating "fucking beautiful" in my head thorough the movie. It looks good, it sounds good, there is just right amount of action and humour - and one watch won't definitely be enough! I never watched the cartoon on TV, but this still hits right to the core for me. The camera-angles are a bit shaky and blurry at times, but it gives the movie more speed and a sense of realism. Even if some aspects of the story are definite clichés, and there aren't any real shocking revelations, it is still an enjoyable movie. Go and watch!
Laura's Movie Scrapbook
Laura's Talk
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I recommend you see...
The Goonies
by Janiposted 7 hours ago -
I recommend you see...
Willow
by Jani"It is a time of dread..."
As long back as I can remember, there's two movies that I've loved since my childhood. 'The Goonies' and 'Willow' were these two close to my heart. I recently saw them both, 'Willow' today, and still... The love is there.
The movie is a wonderful fantasy that takes us to a world were nelwyns (dwarfs) and daikinis (humans) live their own peaceful lifes. A daikini child is born and she is the only one that can defeat the evil sourcerer Bawmorda, who's about to set her own reign of terror to the world. Willow, who finds the child from the river, is the one who's job is to get Elora Danan safe. On his journey, he meets Madmartigan, a talented but not so friendly swordsman. Together, they're off to a great adventure full of magic.
"Follow the direction of the bird!
- It's going back to the village!
Ignore the bird, follow the river..."
'Willow' is my favourite Ron Howard movie. Sure, now as I saw it for the first time for several years, I noticed some flaws and so on but you have to remember that filmmaking has progressed a lot in 20 years. The special effect, by George Lucas' ILM were at that time amazing. I remember when the two headed beast came from the water, I almost had to change my underpants. Now the effects may seem a bit dated but so what. The magic is still there.
As a curiosity, 'Willow' was the film that united Val Kilmer (Madmartigan) and Joanna Whalley, who plays the evil sorcerer's daughter Sorsha. Movies can do magic. Well, their love didn't last forever but can it really?
'Willow', despite that it is a bit aged, works wonderfully. The pacing of the film is good and the story develops nicely. The actors, especially Warwick Davis (Willow) and Val Kilmer perform well. Kevin Pollak plays a small but important role as a beer loving brownie.
So what do you get of 'Willow'? A classic that will surely give you an exciting 2 hour. For me, this film will always have a special place in my film reel shaped heart.Hey, we all love Warwick Davis! Right? We also love good fantasy movies so 'Willow' may be just the perfect movie for those who enjoy fantasy.
posted 10 hours ago -
I recommend you see...
Coraline
by Jani"You probably think this world is a dream come true... but you're wrong."
Sometimes a movie is just so amazing, that after you leave the theater, you simply can't start a intellectual conversation about it. This happens every now and then, not so often, but now it did. 'Coraline' is the best movie, by far, that I've seen this year.
Henry Selick, the man behind my ultimate animated favourite, 'The Nightmare Before Christmas', does it again. The story of a young girl, who finds a secret door that leads to a parallel reality, only to find that it could be her worst nightmare, is a genuine feast for the eyes. Stop motion animation at its best. But like I pointed earlier, Selick is the man who can pull it off.
Selick has made a wonderful adaptation of Neil Gaiman original work. Gaiman is also known for his 'Sandman' graphic novels and his work behind 'Stardust' and 'MirrorMask' films. Selick's vision of Gaiman's story is so imaginative that I was often so amazed by it all. At times I wished that it would never end..
So, a bit more about the story. Coraline has just moved to an old house, next to some strange neighbours. Actually, the neighbours share the house with Coraline's family. In the attic lives the amazing Bobinsky with his trained mouses. In the basement, there's the former performing artists, Miss Spink and Miss Forcible. Coraline's parents are a real bore (which many of us can relate to...), writing on their gardening book and neglecting their daughter. So, Coraline is off to find her own adventures. And oh yes, she will find them. She discovers a hidden door that leads to a parallel reality that seems like a dream come true. There she meets her "other mother" and "other father". They are the opposite to her real parents. They're happy, want to share precious time with her trying to make living a joy. They just happen to have buttons as their eyes... In the end, is this parallel world the better place?
The film is full of graphic and imaginative images. The main colors of the film may be a bit dark, even a bit grim. But I find this as a good thing. Why should every animation be so damn colorful and... "safe". Selick's world is a lot more darker, you could even say gothic. But so much beautiful stuff is going on here, all the time! So much detail, even the clothes are so real. The smoke effects... The list could go on and on.
And one thing that nearly blew my mind was the music. Bruno Coulais has delivered one of the most beautiful soundtracks I've ever heard. The music is in my opinion one of the most important aspects of the movie, supporting the wonderful scenes in the most perfect way.
The voice actors are, once again the P word, perfect in their roles. Dakota Fanning in the lead, Teri Hatcher as her mother(s), Ian McShane as Mr B and the so lovely Jennifer Saunders (Absolutely Fabulous), who could've had a bit more screen time, nail it. John Hodgman, as the father(s), I had never heard of before but he gives a performance just as good as the other cast.
'Coraline' is a dark fantasy that may not be suitable for the youngest ones. The story and everything that's going on, is at times even scarier than most of the basic horror movies. A lot of dark humor, exciting storytelling and wonderful visuals result in the best cinematic experience of the year. I give 'Coraline' my highest recommendation, a film that I now can call as one of my favourites.Hey, after 'Popeye'. I nearly lost my love towards movies! But after seeing 'Coraline', I must say that it's back, stronger than ever! 'Coraline' is by far the best movie of the year, an imaginative work that will put Michael Bay & Co to shame. Well, off to see 'Transformers 2'...
posted 18 hours ago
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