Kent's Talk

Changeling

The story deals with themes such as feminine dis-empowerment, corruption in political hierarchies, the mistreatment of the mentally unstable and the struggle for truth before Forensic science was well developed.

Eastwood doesn't know the meaning of the word "subtle". He always makes sure the dimmest person in the audience will have a clear idea which characters are good and evil. Every single employee at the psychiatric clinic acts like they're villains in a Superman comic book. He seems to be afraid to challenge the audience, so he ends up insulting their intelligence by spoon-feeding even the suppose-to be emotional response. On the other hand, the pace was marvellous, the early 20th century details where spot on.

With the exception of Angelina Jolie (mother) and Jason Butler Harner (the child killer), the film was filled with 2-dimensional characters.

The irony is that this is a true story, if I hadn't read about the Wineville Chicken Coop Murders, I wouldn't have believed this film.

New York Daily News | Elizabeth Weitzman
The script is compelling, the direction confident, the production values professional. But it does not, in the end, feel real.

Body of Lies

Much similar to Bourne, with a more up-to-date overlay with the war on terror.

I've read some people comparing it to "The Kingdom" - yeah what the hell? Were you drunk while watching both films? One's a complete mess the other is a decent spy-thriller.

Watching Russel Crowe, Mark Strong and DiCaprio as a manipulative veteran consultant, the cunning Chief of Jordanian Intel and the ambitious CIA operative, respectively is worth the watch.

There's more than that though, the clever plot boasts the tremendous work such undercover-operatives do.

Then again this picture is no memorable work, unlike the Bourne series.

The New Yorker | David Denby
The movie is smart and tightly drawn; it has a throat-gripping urgency and some serious insights, and Scott has a greater command of space and a more explicit way with violence than most thriller directors.

Gran Torino

Director:Clint Eastwood
Released: 2009
Stars: Clint Eastwood,Christopher Carley,Ahney Her and Brian Haley
Genre: Drama
Country: USA

"Ever notice how you come across somebody once in a while you shouldn't have fucked with? That's me."

Disgruntled Korean War vet Walt Kowalski sets out to reform his neighbor, a young Hmong teenager, who tried to steal Kowalski's prized possession: his 1972 Gran Torino.

Once in a while a film comes along that is smore socially relevant to today's world than many film critics and reviewers alike fail to see. Gran Torino is one of them. Possibly one of the best socially relavant films out there and definatly one to watch again. Highly enjoyable and at times quite hard to watch.

Directed by and starring the great Clint Eastwood, Grant Torino is essentially about one man's struggle with the ever-changing post-modern world and his fight to get justice for those who dis-regard human life. The character of Walt, is one who I'm sure many can relate to and know someone who is exactly or similar to that character. What is worrying is just how alike I found Walt to be to my Grandad. I'm sure that's what Eastwood is trying to say in this powerful film.

The character of Walt is still suffering from old wounds from the Korean War and sees every younger man around him as wimps, includig the Priest. From the opening sequence of his Wife's funeral, we are also witnessed to the relationship that his has with his two sons and their families. Unfortunatly there is no relationship at all. Even the Grandchildren are waiting to see what they might get when he passes on and what the expect to get. Walt is extremly pessimestic of the current world and struggles to come to terms with the amount of ethic minorities moving in to the area. Imediatly we can idenitfy with the character's feelings here as they sort of thing is going on, and have probably come across it at some point.

The film is also funny at times, mainly on the part of Walt's character. In particular is constant racist jibes at his next door neighbours, who become a vital part of the film. What is interesting is that you can't help but laugh at . In some respect, you're laughing at him, because of the mistakes that he has made. What I found interesting was the relationship that his had with his next door neighbours, which gradually grew over the course of the film. What the film doesn't do is change Walt's attitudes. He still calls them gooks, and they accept that which shows the respect he has for them. What's interesting is how Walt becomes their protector against teh chinese gang that comes to their house.

Overall, Gran Torino is an excellent film which perfectly somes up today's ever changing world. Lok out for Walt's lines which will make you laugh.

Highly recomended

8/10

Saw V

Kind of confusing. Better than the 4th which was horrible, but still not that good.

The Saw franchise is getting stale, beyond stale.

Gran Torino

Definitely not for the PC kid with a stick up his butt.

I thought Eastwood did a great job and it was great fun (heard some slurs I'd never heard before, haha) but we all know people like his character.

Don;t wait for the DVD go see it in the theatres.

Ended just the way it should have,

Sleuth

weird, but i had to see it thru. wouldn't reccomend it

Pineapple Express

Funny, but not as good as Knocked Up or especially Superbad (which made me laugh so hard).

And even tho James Franco was an oily hot mess, his ass looked especially good in those pj's ;)

Zone of the Dead

this looks SO badass

Tôkyô Zankoku Keisatsu (Tokyo Gore Police)

If you like absurdity in your gore horror, this is beyond must watch and into new classic territory.

Just be aware that the gore here is in the Asian fountain style where it's all about quantity, not reality in any sense. To this effect, those who seek authentic blood colors and consistency will be disappointed, but if you like the blood fountain aesthetic and that's what you're looking for, you probably don't give a damn about coloring or any realism, and you're gonna see some of the coolest gore fountains in cinema history.

The story here is that in future Tokyo, police have been privatized and primarily spend their time fighting things called engineers. Engineers are crazed killers that can only be killed by destroying the hidden key-shaped organ within them; any other damage done to an engineer turns the wound site into a weapon. This rule makes for some of the most awesome human-monster hybrids ever on screen. It starts with the Evil Dead tribute of guy with chainsaw hand, and then moves on to all original territory with guy with turret gun eyes, lady with giant jaw lower half, guy with giant dick gun, lady with acid-spewing titties. Even those who fight engineers have some awesomely odd weapons; this movie brings new meaning to the term "handgun".

The dubs are not annoying but actually well done. The props/special effects are great for the most part. The commercials throughout are hilarious, as is the majority of this movie. Instant new fave and I can't wait for the next one!

"Most Fucked up" highlight: Take your pick. For me, it's the chair person.

The Day the Earth Stood Still

i don't know whether it sticks to the storyline of the original movie because i haven't seen it, so as a guy who saw this remake only uhmm...i could say i liked it but it seems rather familliar, i've seen this concept in too many movies or why not even animations. But overall a good way to keep you entertained for about 90 minutes. Now as for what i really enjoyed in this movie was the effects, the cool robot, good acting, and one line that i will never forget "Nothing ever truly dies,the Universe wastes nothing everything is simply....transformed". too bad i'm not a dreamer"sigh". Anyways, a good sci fi action movie i'd recommend.

The Incredible Hulk

HAHA finally the long waited sequel.

At first i was disappointed because Edward Norton took the role of Hulk instead Eric Bana, but like i said..AT FIRST, after watching more and more of it you grow to like the new "hulk". I realized while watching how good of a choice was Norton for this role. The other actors do their job great also.

So, this is deffinetly a movie i liked a lot, not sure if better than the original maybe the same, but a character like Hulk really needed better effects, better fight scenes, better acting and a very interesting flow of things. This one's got it all!!!

The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

no way as good as the first or second, Rachel Weisz is gone and the new Eve doesn't quite cut it, and Rick's son is almost a grown ass man...wtf??. (this is me being pissed off cuz i was disappointed)

But since i like to see the glass half full, Rick is still in this movie so that's good, effects are always welcome, i can't really remember the music so i dunno if it's impressive or not....but the best part the, the cherry on top is the part where the yeti's come(really that's the part i liked the most). So...you can watch this movie for the motherfuckin yeti's that kick ass or the boring story and a few punch lines, and some shooting... not nearly as impressive as those great white creatures.

Iron Man

NO doubt about it and without too many words...ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES made after Marvel Comics, the best motion picture made hero i have seen so far. THIS shouldn't be missed. Both this and Hulk(2008) make a link with a very important organization we all know. Awesome:D

Hancock

WOW. was not expecting to enjoy myself so much. This is not just another superhero movie. it's the movie of a screwed up homeless dude that just happens to have super powers, a little rough around the edges but with some work from one guy he saves from death, he'll become a great hero, but not before finding out his origins and a few more things that will change his life.

Will Smith rocks, he always has and always will. I love this guy. Action, sci -fi spiced with an inch of drama and a very intriguing story.....and other good actors..bla bla bla. Incredible movie!!!

Journey to the Center of the Earth (Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D)

i guess Brendan Fraser has that face that you can like the movie just because he is in it.

This is not the case. Even though i've seen so many "Journey's to the Center of the Earth" this one's deffinetly more interesting, filled with magic (not the fairy type), and adventure, and not seeing a good adventure movie in a long time, this one came like a treat.

Pretty different from other movies with the same name i've seen, but no matter what they all have the same destination...which might get boring, but deffinetly watchable.Enjoy!

Alpha Dog

I thought it depicted the characters perfectly and gave shock and horror. I am not at all a Justin fan but acted exceptionally well in this film. All in all the acting was great - to the point were I felt totally immersed.

Read the MSNBC story, if you can't be arsed with watching the film.

New York Post | Lou Lumenick
Justin Timberlake shows that he can do more as an actor than just take his shirt off - though he does that a lot as well - in the irresponsible, uncommercial but surprisingly watchable Alpha Dog.

The Good Shepherd

Clearly not your typical hollywood-spy thriller film that so many critics seem to have expected.

It's too bad that more people don't have patience for careful film making, thoughtful exposition, great acting, and extraordinary ambiguity. What many seem to complain about; it is slow, enigmatic, confusing and even dull, true. Let that not detract from a powerful evocation - a much truer evocation than the ordinary "spy" movie - of what espionage is all about, and the true human emotions that must be faced and overcome such problems.

The story is loosely based on James Angleton's life (aka the Kingfisher or Mother for the KGB) and his role in the formation of the CIA.

New York Daily News | Elizabeth Weitzman
Even with its first-rate cast, current political relevance and tangled mysteries, The Good Shepherd remains as remote as Wilson himself. But frankly, if the lives of CIA spies are really this dreary, they may as well keep their secrets to themselves.

Doubt

Director:John Patrick Shanley
Released: 2008
Stars: Meryl Streep, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams & Viola Davis
Genre:Drama
Country: USA

Set in 1964, Doubt centers on a nun who confronts a priest after suspecting him of abusing a black student. He denies the charges, and much of the play's quick-fire dialogue tackles themes of religion, morality, and authority.

One of the Oscar films that I have watched that has at last reached my cinema and for once my cinema has actually put on some Oscar nominated films. Doubt is one of the best of 2008 and one of my favourites of 2008. Without a doubt( no pun intended,) deserved the nominations it got. An excellent film indeed.

Receiving 5 Academy Award nominations; mainly for the cast members and I think a similar amoutn of BAFTA nominations, Doubt is one to watch if not for the brilliant acting that just lifts the film enormously. Dealing with such issues as religion, morality and authoirty; watching Doubt will leaves you wondering what is going on rather than pointing it out to you. The abuse charges that are put to Father Flyn for instance are implied and you don't see anything other than what the characters see. In other words you are put in the same posistion as the characters of Amy Adams and Meryal Streep. This is what works for the film in my opinion. It also probably shows that it was orginally a play; as that is what plays usually do when you watch them. What is brilliant though about the script is that you feel like you've watched so much on screen, yet nothing has particularly happened.

What is brilliant about Doubt and what has been discussed in many reviews is the acting from all the cast. Meryl Streep is outstanding, Phillip Seymour Hoffman is as brilliant as ever but for me, the heart of this film is Amy Adams. Her portryal of Sister James for some reason just stood above even the performance of Meryl Streep. Sister James, as portrayed by Adams is an incredibly vunerable character, one who never has doubts about people( or in this film people in authority) and one who thrives upon teaching her History class. Adams plays her so well that I started to see myself in her character and I'm sure that there are many Sister's like her around. I'd love her to win the Academy Awards but I just don't see it happening. I will for sure be looking into any future films that she produces that I just loved her performance in this. Viola Davis, with such a brief performance left an strong impact in the film. She played her role with such emotion and feeling that you really believed her. Also worth noting the performance of Phillip Seymour Hoffman, who, from being abuser, almost becomes abused at the end of the film. You suddenly feel for him at the end of the film. As you will see if you catch it yourself.

There are a few minor flaws that kept it from being a 5 star film. For instance the direction was a little odd, as it left me wondering whether it was me sitting in the wrong position. The transition from stage to screen I think isn't as strong as it should be for an Oscar nominated film. It lacks a cinematic flair and feels a little staged a times( showing the transition wasn't so atrong.)

The issues of authority is delt with quite strongly here and quite well. For instance Streep's character at first is quite nice to Father Flyn, as he is above her, towards the end of the film she begins to Doubt him. As shown in the film, the difference in authority of the two characters i quite diverse. For instance there is a contrasting shot of the two characters, at dinner with all the priests and nuns. The Nuns, under Streeps character, eat under absolute silence, The Priests are far more laid back and have a laugh. I think this is some of the reasoning behing the Doubt of Streep's character. Father Flyn has more of a rapour with the rest of the children. I'm sure she evys that.

Generally the script is of a decent standard and the dialogue suits eac character and plays well. Perhaps Shanley could have left out some of the more theatrical lines, which left me a little puzzled to say the least. Roger Deakins, world renowned cinematographer really depicts the backdropt to this film really well. From the autumn feeling to snow, it really works in the film.

Overall, Doubt is an excellent film though with flaws. It's a powerful feel that leaves you wondering certain aspects of your life that you might have doubted before. With some brilliant performances, Doubt is one to watch this year.

Highly recomended.

8/10

Bangkok Dangerous

Not as bad as the critics insist. It's not a dull film, on thje other hand - I enjoyed every bit of it, they also managed to make the audience care for the protagonist (an anti-hero).

Action impressively done - although Cage's hair is kind of distracting... why did it have to look so fake? Why can't such an experienced hitman with such precision not take two minutes out with a comb?

The Hollywood Reporter | Stephen Farber
Bangkok won't be making any appearances at the Oscars, but it is executed with skill and -- a severed limb or two notwithstanding -- without too much bloody excess.

Appaloosa

I have an odd fascination towards this motion picture, I find it strange because usually I try to avoid Westerns.

On the other hand, I did like Appaloosa, well directed, likeable and believable characters with a blend of humour, moderate slow violence and unpredictable ending. I noticed that a great deal of attention to the artistic detail of the era was given, great cinematography and overall fine score.

My final verdict would be that, "it's just another Western" or else one can view it as a great character study in Virgil and Everett. Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen are great to watch.

Rolling Stone | Peter Travers
Appaloosa is gripping entertainment that keeps springing surprises.