I was glad someone came up with the idea to make movies about the backgrounds of the X-Men. Especially when they decided to start off with Wolverine (My favorite superhero when I was little). It was really nice to piece together all of the little snippets of background info about him that I had been trying to put in order from the comics and cartoons throughout the years and to finally see it in its entirety. The story tells of a man, played by Hugh Jackman, named Jimmy. He suffered many losses, was born with a mutant power and was all the while, able to maintain a sense of decency. After being duped, the government was able to make him more powerful with Adamantium, but failed to keep a leash on this new, stronger Wolverine. Most of his actions were based out of lost love which ended up making him more powerful. Sidenote: you get to see the makings of some other cool mutant characters as well as the story unfolds but I am not going to spoil it....
The version I saw was an uncompleted make of the film. The wires were still hanging off the guys as they jumped and flew through the air. Some of the scenes were only animated because the effects hadn't been finished yet and some of the shots were not colored right, BUT, I can tell that this is gonna be an amazing movie when its finished and comes out May 1.
My elementary grading scale: Exceeding Expectations (for guys, girls you may not be as happy)
1-10: 8.5/9
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
I Love You, Man
The unfortunate lifestyle of a guy who unknowingly let his relationships get in the way of his friendships all caught on film. After catching his fiance's friends talking about his "loser ways", Paul Rudd decides that he would seek out a friend, at least so he would have someone to fill the best man position at his wedding. After a few hilariously failed attempts, he finds Sidney. The two really hit it off and soon, to Rudds fiance's dismay, the relationship that once was has shifted more favorably to his new best friend. Will the marriage still take place??? Will he lose his best friend? Will he lose his best friend and his marriage? Well, you will just have to watch....
An all-star cast of hilarious actors fill the screen with non stop comedy of all sorts. From sarcasm, to shocking acts of vulgarity, to clever outlooks on modern life, this film has it all... and by all I mean sometimes the jokes miss the target. This movie would be shooting about 85% from the free throw line if it were an NBA player, which would put it/him at the top of his field. Not perfect, but pretty dang good. Not a comedy to take kids to, for the sake of protecting our youths ears, because I believe the children are our future....teach them well and let THEM lead the way..... but I give this the go ahead and watch to all you readers out there.
My elementary grading scale: Exceeding Expectations
1-10: 7.5/8
An all-star cast of hilarious actors fill the screen with non stop comedy of all sorts. From sarcasm, to shocking acts of vulgarity, to clever outlooks on modern life, this film has it all... and by all I mean sometimes the jokes miss the target. This movie would be shooting about 85% from the free throw line if it were an NBA player, which would put it/him at the top of his field. Not perfect, but pretty dang good. Not a comedy to take kids to, for the sake of protecting our youths ears, because I believe the children are our future....teach them well and let THEM lead the way..... but I give this the go ahead and watch to all you readers out there.
My elementary grading scale: Exceeding Expectations
1-10: 7.5/8
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Tapioca
Sorry everybody, this film is NOT a winner. I have nothing wrong with low-budget, B-movies with unheard of actors. Sometimes they end up being pretty good. Tapioca, however, was a dud. Like most B movies, the acting is overdone and the script feels almost re-read instead of acted out. An egotistical, loud-mouthed, ex-car salesman continues looking down on everyone and expecting everyone to help him while he continues to be a mean, horrible person, so St. Peter intervenes to teach him a lesson in humility by turning him into a homeless person thanks to Nuts ( a very special homeless man).
A very choppy screenplay. Hopping from one random scene to the next makes it hard to follow. Ben Vereen is in this film as the homeless man that has the power to send people to alternate realities but he doesnt do a great job himself. I was banking on this movie being okay because of him, but he failed. I dont have too much to say about this film because there wasnt enough to really talk about.
My elementary grading scale: Needs Improvement
1-10: 4.5
A very choppy screenplay. Hopping from one random scene to the next makes it hard to follow. Ben Vereen is in this film as the homeless man that has the power to send people to alternate realities but he doesnt do a great job himself. I was banking on this movie being okay because of him, but he failed. I dont have too much to say about this film because there wasnt enough to really talk about.
My elementary grading scale: Needs Improvement
1-10: 4.5
Monsters vs. Aliens
It's amazing to me how far cartoons have come since the days when I was running around in backyard pretending to be a Thundercat. Monsters vs. Aliens is the new Dreamworks film that tells the story of the fight for Earth's existence between Galaxhar and his evil minions and the Monsters here on Earth struggling with their own self worth. When Susan gets blasted with an unidentified element from space, she becomes Ginormica the 80 foot tall woman and is forced into seclusion witht he rest of the worlds monsters. When the aliens plan their take over, the government is forced to unleash their secret weapons: the monsters.
Like many of the modern CGI movies out now, Aliens vs. Monsters is fun for both children and adults. Many of the jokes that slip by the youngsters will definitely be laughed at by those of us paying attention. Great lessons about acceptance, self-worth, standing up for what is right, and not letting yourself settle for 2nd best are all a part of this new flick. A good reminder to anyone who is feelin down about their situation, this movie is a great pick-me-up.
My elementary grading scale: Exceeding Expectations
1-10: 8
Like many of the modern CGI movies out now, Aliens vs. Monsters is fun for both children and adults. Many of the jokes that slip by the youngsters will definitely be laughed at by those of us paying attention. Great lessons about acceptance, self-worth, standing up for what is right, and not letting yourself settle for 2nd best are all a part of this new flick. A good reminder to anyone who is feelin down about their situation, this movie is a great pick-me-up.
My elementary grading scale: Exceeding Expectations
1-10: 8
The Gray Man
A true life Hannibal Lecter. The true story of serial killer, Albert Fish. During the 1930's Fish set out on a killing spree preying on children and luring the families into allowing him to take them for "short trips" with his money. Detectives were clueless for awhile as they searched the varying descriptions and went on very little hard evidence at the time. Slowly one detective was able to trace his handwriting and other crime scene evidence and find the killer. Albert Fish was a horrible man with many personal demons of his own that led him down the horrible path he was on.
Surprisingly good movie that was well thought out. The most interesting part was how advanced our crime fighting skills have come in the last 70+ years. I guess you could consider this movie as CSI: Old School.... Serial killer movies are always intriguing to me only for the fact that I can never understand what makes them go to the lengths they do, take the horrible actions they do, and then act as if they were living an ordinary life.
My elementary grading scale: Exceeding Expectations
1-10: 8
Surprisingly good movie that was well thought out. The most interesting part was how advanced our crime fighting skills have come in the last 70+ years. I guess you could consider this movie as CSI: Old School.... Serial killer movies are always intriguing to me only for the fact that I can never understand what makes them go to the lengths they do, take the horrible actions they do, and then act as if they were living an ordinary life.
My elementary grading scale: Exceeding Expectations
1-10: 8
Friday, March 27, 2009
12 Rounds
This was John Cena's (WWE) first shot at the big time. Playing the role of a police officer, he did a good job, however the movie itself did not. After catching a notorious criminal and accidentally killing the criminals girlfriend in the arrest, Cena is surprised to find out that this criminal has escaped from prison, captured HIS girlfriend, and is now toying with Cena by making him complete 12 missions (or rounds) to get his girlfriend back. The tasks were relatively simple but cause collateral damage throughout the city and send Cena racing all over town in the hopes of rescuing his beautiful girlfriend.
Reminded me of the movie Seven. Similar idea but a new twist. Cena was a great action hero just as the others before him.... few words, muscles, likes to fight.... the usual. He's no Dwayne Johson, who became a great action star after wrestling in the WWE as well, but he will do. I wouldnt suggest going to see this at the theaters. Renting would be just fine when it comes out in a few months to DVD.
My elementary grading scale:Progressing Satisfactorily
1-10: 6.5
Reminded me of the movie Seven. Similar idea but a new twist. Cena was a great action hero just as the others before him.... few words, muscles, likes to fight.... the usual. He's no Dwayne Johson, who became a great action star after wrestling in the WWE as well, but he will do. I wouldnt suggest going to see this at the theaters. Renting would be just fine when it comes out in a few months to DVD.
My elementary grading scale:Progressing Satisfactorily
1-10: 6.5
The Echelon Conspiracy
Great Actors (Ed Burns, Ving Rhames, Charlie Sheen, Shane West). Great Locations (Bangkok, Prague, Moscow). Bad timing. Only months after Eagle Eye, Echelon Conspiracy was released with a near identical storyline. After receiving a new high tech cell phone as a gift, West finds himself receiving tips on making vast sums of money. Little did he know it was happening by a government super computer trying to gain his trust to get him to do even greater deeds for the Echelon computer. What follows is a search for the people behind the program and a realization of just how big of a situation they are dealing with.
Like I said, bad timing. As Yogi Berra said, "It was like Deja Vu, all over again." A few differences that make the story still entertaining but not enough to really set it apart. The music felt to me like it didnt fit the story... too techno and hard-hitting than the actual movie. The "super" computer itself was kind of funny because, for a modern movie, it looked like the program was running off the Apple IIe... One other thing, it's ridiculous to me when a supermodel(ish) spygirl is able to fight a male trained CIA agent. The girl had to weigh 100 pounds to his 200. I KNOW I could take anything from a flying punch to a Chuck Norris Special from someone like that. Maybe its empowering to women in the secret ops world, but its just not believable.
My elementary grading scale: Progressing Satisfactorily
1-10: 6
Like I said, bad timing. As Yogi Berra said, "It was like Deja Vu, all over again." A few differences that make the story still entertaining but not enough to really set it apart. The music felt to me like it didnt fit the story... too techno and hard-hitting than the actual movie. The "super" computer itself was kind of funny because, for a modern movie, it looked like the program was running off the Apple IIe... One other thing, it's ridiculous to me when a supermodel(ish) spygirl is able to fight a male trained CIA agent. The girl had to weigh 100 pounds to his 200. I KNOW I could take anything from a flying punch to a Chuck Norris Special from someone like that. Maybe its empowering to women in the secret ops world, but its just not believable.
My elementary grading scale: Progressing Satisfactorily
1-10: 6
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Vinyan
Rufus Sewell (from the 11th Hour series) and Emanuelle Beart (French actress who botoxed the crap out of her self for the film) star in amovie that quite frankly, perplexed me. A husband and wife go on a search for their lost, possibly dead, son after they lost him to a tsunami 6 months prior. They catch a glimpse of what the wife thinks is the son in a film about Burmese orphans at a fundraiser and from that point on, havoc ensues. After giving countless amounts of money to numerous people who are "willing to help", they find themselves alone in the jungle where thousands of orphaned children are living due to the wreckage and losses of lives from the horrible tsunami not that long before. The ending left me speechless as I know it will for you once you witness it for yourself.
I liked it, but I didn't like it. I want you to watch it, but I don't want you to watch it. I hate to say it, but the boy they were searching for was probably better off a homeless orphan living in the jungle by himself rather than coming home to those two freak shows. The mom and dad were NUTS each in there own special way. The mom really took the cake because I didn't know if she was a pedophile, just plain crazy, or if she was just French. The dad was just plain crazy for following her around. I do realize desperate times will make someone do crazy things that you wouldn't normally do, but if they were sane before they lost their child, you wouldn't know it from this film. Maybe you should see it just to know what I am talking about.
By the way, Vinyan, in whatever the local dialect was in the film, meant a lost soul that cant find its way to heaven and becomes angry..... KINDA pertinent to the film but not really.
My elementary grading scale: Needs Improvement (But you will be entertained)
1-10: 5
I liked it, but I didn't like it. I want you to watch it, but I don't want you to watch it. I hate to say it, but the boy they were searching for was probably better off a homeless orphan living in the jungle by himself rather than coming home to those two freak shows. The mom and dad were NUTS each in there own special way. The mom really took the cake because I didn't know if she was a pedophile, just plain crazy, or if she was just French. The dad was just plain crazy for following her around. I do realize desperate times will make someone do crazy things that you wouldn't normally do, but if they were sane before they lost their child, you wouldn't know it from this film. Maybe you should see it just to know what I am talking about.
By the way, Vinyan, in whatever the local dialect was in the film, meant a lost soul that cant find its way to heaven and becomes angry..... KINDA pertinent to the film but not really.
My elementary grading scale: Needs Improvement (But you will be entertained)
1-10: 5
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Solo
This film was a documentary that recounts the tale of Andrew McAuley, an Australian adventurer who, in 2006, launched a quest to become the first person to paddle a kayak across the treacherous Tasman Sea. The Tasman Sea, I might add, is one of the most dangerous seas on the earth. 1600 miles of nothing but 12 meter waves, cold water, sharks, pitch black nights and square mile after square mile of nothingness. McAuley sets out to set himself apart as the first kayaker of his kind. An amazing story of will, determination and facing fear. I highly, HIGHLY, recommend this documentary film.
This was as emotionally stirring as it was intense as the film recounts a man left out to sea and realizing just what he had gotten himself into and the incredible battle he faced. I really think that I will be watching this again tomorrow. McAuley followed in the footsteps of past explorers who looked the unknown head on, and though fear was present, determination and fortitude took over.
The film brought lots of feelings dealing with self-worth and ''really'' living. Some say its not until we face our fears and overcome them that we can really know ourselves. Many see what seems impossible and let others attempt it, while a small few go and do it. Am I allowing fear to overcome my aspirations? When all is said and done, can I look back and say to myself I lived my life without regret or skipping out on things I should have done? It took a film about a man challenging the near impossible to bring these thoughts out of me. Some of you may already have faced these decisions and ideas. Seriously. Watch the film. It will challenge your mind and dare your spirit.
My elementary grading scale: Exceeding Expectations
1-10: 10
This was as emotionally stirring as it was intense as the film recounts a man left out to sea and realizing just what he had gotten himself into and the incredible battle he faced. I really think that I will be watching this again tomorrow. McAuley followed in the footsteps of past explorers who looked the unknown head on, and though fear was present, determination and fortitude took over.
The film brought lots of feelings dealing with self-worth and ''really'' living. Some say its not until we face our fears and overcome them that we can really know ourselves. Many see what seems impossible and let others attempt it, while a small few go and do it. Am I allowing fear to overcome my aspirations? When all is said and done, can I look back and say to myself I lived my life without regret or skipping out on things I should have done? It took a film about a man challenging the near impossible to bring these thoughts out of me. Some of you may already have faced these decisions and ideas. Seriously. Watch the film. It will challenge your mind and dare your spirit.
My elementary grading scale: Exceeding Expectations
1-10: 10
Monday, March 23, 2009
The Butterfly Effect 3: Revelation
Yes there already was a part 2. Luckily, I have been fortunate enough to have been a witness to all 3.... In part three, the non-ashton kucher main character, goes back to try to save his girlfriend from a murder and just like all other trips back in time, he alters history and forever changes the present day....mostly for bad. After tracking down his girlfriends killer, he comes closer and closer to being convicted himself as he learns more and more about the shocking revelation of who the serial killer really is.
Part 3 is actually better than part 2 and almost as good as part one. Its such a cool concept, just like the previous parts that its still entertaining to watch a man go back in time and struggle to maintain the shape of the present. I was honestly surprised at the ending so I guess that means they did a good job writing the story without too many obvious clues.
My elementary grading scale: Progressing Satisfactorily
1-10: 6.5/7
Part 3 is actually better than part 2 and almost as good as part one. Its such a cool concept, just like the previous parts that its still entertaining to watch a man go back in time and struggle to maintain the shape of the present. I was honestly surprised at the ending so I guess that means they did a good job writing the story without too many obvious clues.
My elementary grading scale: Progressing Satisfactorily
1-10: 6.5/7
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Direct Contact
Dolph Lundgren is 50 years old and still making action movies, following in the footsteps of his old rival Sylvester Stallone. Direct Contact stars Dolph Lundgren (aka: Ivan Drago) as an ex-special forces imprisoned in Bulgaria for weapons smuggling. He has the chance to leave when he is asked to find a young American girl and bring her back to the States. After finding out that there is MUCH more involved in just a simple rescue, he ends up helping save the girls life and falling in love at the same time.... Total action movie and lots of explosions, shootings, car chases, blood, and broken bones.
One thing that was stupid was the fact that Dolph (playing as an American) rescued this 20 year old girl and she fell in love with him....he's 50.That kind of stuff usually only works in Europe. Maybe it was to give the old creepy, single 50+ year old guys that I see at my gym some hope that with all their prowling, they TOO can find a young girl that would be attracted to them. I guess this could be the case if they are marketing this filme to the people that are Dolph Lundgren's age and desperately went out searching for this DVD when they heard he had made a new film...... or maybe not. Hopefully, with this film being entirely shot in the ''beautiful" country of Bulgaria, it will give their horrid economy some kind of tourist boost. Overall though, this movie is a fast paced film with non-stop action. Don't go watch it for the romance, comedy or potential movie quotes.... In this entire film Dolph Lundgren never says one line that can compare to, '' I will crush you!'' or "If he dies, he dies.''
My elementary grading scale: Progressing Satisfactorily
1-10: 7.5
One thing that was stupid was the fact that Dolph (playing as an American) rescued this 20 year old girl and she fell in love with him....he's 50.That kind of stuff usually only works in Europe. Maybe it was to give the old creepy, single 50+ year old guys that I see at my gym some hope that with all their prowling, they TOO can find a young girl that would be attracted to them. I guess this could be the case if they are marketing this filme to the people that are Dolph Lundgren's age and desperately went out searching for this DVD when they heard he had made a new film...... or maybe not. Hopefully, with this film being entirely shot in the ''beautiful" country of Bulgaria, it will give their horrid economy some kind of tourist boost. Overall though, this movie is a fast paced film with non-stop action. Don't go watch it for the romance, comedy or potential movie quotes.... In this entire film Dolph Lundgren never says one line that can compare to, '' I will crush you!'' or "If he dies, he dies.''
My elementary grading scale: Progressing Satisfactorily
1-10: 7.5
Knowing
Nicholas Cage's best film since National Treasure. A story of a MIT astrophysicist decyphering a coded letter that was in a time capsule for 50 years. The letter told of the events that were going to happen by the day and the amount of dead people. Cage's son along with the daughter of the original code writer are relentlessly spoken to give them incite into what is really happening. After Cage realizes he can not change the course of these cataclysmic events, he does his best to protect his son, all while preparing for the last final event that will change the world forever.
This movie was really great. Not only for the action, but for the premise. The controversy of free will and predestination is dealt with throughout the movie. In my opinion, I think that it's a little of both (predestined with a free will). On a side note, I was also glad to see that they killed off a certain someone who was annoying me in the movie. The typical character that just messes up everyone's plans, continually cries and whimpers and wont believe what is going on after endless amounts of evidence....hopefully you will be as pleased by this as I was.
My elementary grading scale: Exceeding Expectations
1-10: 8.5
This movie was really great. Not only for the action, but for the premise. The controversy of free will and predestination is dealt with throughout the movie. In my opinion, I think that it's a little of both (predestined with a free will). On a side note, I was also glad to see that they killed off a certain someone who was annoying me in the movie. The typical character that just messes up everyone's plans, continually cries and whimpers and wont believe what is going on after endless amounts of evidence....hopefully you will be as pleased by this as I was.
My elementary grading scale: Exceeding Expectations
1-10: 8.5
Saturday, March 21, 2009
The Last House On the Left
I tried to watch this film so I could report to you whether it was good or bad. What ended up happening is that I had to turn it off about 35 or 40 minutes into the film. I can stomach a lot of things in movies. I often think about the actors acting out the parts and the lines they are reading and the other technical aspects that go into film-making but The Last House On the Left crossed a few boundaries where it was a little too much for me to watch. This is definitely the most graphically violent films I have seen (half seen). What it came down to was the daughter being attacked by a family of murderers..... that is all I will say about that. If the imagery portrayed in this film does not affect you or make you uncomfortable...may God have mercy on your soul..... That's pretty much all I have to say about that.... If anyone has seen the whole film and would like to add comments... feel free. I guess I kinda wanna know what the last 2/3 of the film are all about.
My elementary grading scale: Incomplete
1-10: Incomplete
My elementary grading scale: Incomplete
1-10: Incomplete
Friday, March 20, 2009
The Broken
A woman sees her doppelganger (alternate person) before she gets into a bad car crash. No one believes her when she heals up because they blame her ideas on the accident. Soon, other situations involving body doubles come into existence and a series of murders, missing persons, and near-death escapes leads the crash victim to a horrible realization.
This was similar to the body snatcher films of the past but had a little variation. A very little. Many ideas were taken from the older versions of this topic and although I was interested and intrigued from this movie, I HAD seen it a few times before.
My elementary grading scale: Progressing Satisfactorily
1-10: 6
This was similar to the body snatcher films of the past but had a little variation. A very little. Many ideas were taken from the older versions of this topic and although I was interested and intrigued from this movie, I HAD seen it a few times before.
My elementary grading scale: Progressing Satisfactorily
1-10: 6
The Tribe: Uncut
Its just your typical story of 5 privelaged twenty-somethings shipwrecked on an island in the Caribbean. Unfortunately the island is inhabited by a gorilla-like species that are cannibalistic killers. Like a hot knife through butter they go through this young crew of sea-farers until only one survives. For some reason, they basically play around with her until she has the opportunity to escape... it had a little bit to do with the goo she found oozing from a plant that the gorilla men found for her that masks her scent. The one girl that survives ended up being the one survivor I wanted to die. The one that made the bad decisions, screamed when she needed to be quiet.... you get the idea.
Very strange movie in that it didnt make sense. A well placed machete from 1922 was left in a bamboo tree for her to use in the end..... and luckily the bamboo with the machete didnt grow AT ALL in 87 years..... and the blade was in mint condition...Lots of stuff like that...I dont really wanna remember.
My elementary grading scale: Needs Improvement
1-10: 4
Very strange movie in that it didnt make sense. A well placed machete from 1922 was left in a bamboo tree for her to use in the end..... and luckily the bamboo with the machete didnt grow AT ALL in 87 years..... and the blade was in mint condition...Lots of stuff like that...I dont really wanna remember.
My elementary grading scale: Needs Improvement
1-10: 4
Thursday, March 19, 2009
From Within
After a series of mysterious "suicides", it becomes evident that a curse has been set onto the towns people in response to a murder of a woman believed to be a witch. As the girlfriend of the local pastors son, gets more involved with the witches son, cliques are formed and the church becomes the cleansing agent for the town. The end of the movie is a good ''shocker''.
Religion can be used for good. It can be used for bad. It can be selfless, and it can be used for personal gain. In this movie, the religious people of the town represent what happens when religion gets in the way of what is right, gets distorted and twisted, and is used for power and personal needs. The church was used to hide some dark secrets of the town and ended up causing the people to forget about doing whats right and to just do what would save themselves.
This movie was really entertaining and was actually pretty scary. Good use of the great horror movie scare tactics. Things appearing out of nowhere, freaky noises, ridiculous reasons to go off by yourself and not seek help.......
My elementary grading scale: Progressing Satisfactorily
1-10: 7
Religion can be used for good. It can be used for bad. It can be selfless, and it can be used for personal gain. In this movie, the religious people of the town represent what happens when religion gets in the way of what is right, gets distorted and twisted, and is used for power and personal needs. The church was used to hide some dark secrets of the town and ended up causing the people to forget about doing whats right and to just do what would save themselves.
This movie was really entertaining and was actually pretty scary. Good use of the great horror movie scare tactics. Things appearing out of nowhere, freaky noises, ridiculous reasons to go off by yourself and not seek help.......
My elementary grading scale: Progressing Satisfactorily
1-10: 7
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Rappas
Please tell me that this whole movie was ad lib and there were no scripts..... because if someone actually wrote down what was being said, and actually told them to do what they were doing, that director/writer/producer should find a new job. Two rappers get hustled into a bad deal with a record label and everything else that has happened in about a dozen other movies happens at the same time. I am positive that every scene in this movie has been done in other movies, but done better. It seriously is just watching guys talk to eachother using old jokes and references to womens bodies in various ways, and all the while hoping to make $100,000 dollars to get out of their old contract with their pimpin' producer.
My elementary grading scale: Needs Improvement
1-10: 2.5/3
My elementary grading scale: Needs Improvement
1-10: 2.5/3
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
The Watchmen: The Black Freighter
I urge everyone who reads this and enjoys great superhero stories to go purchase The Watchmen comic book series. What an amazing take on the super hero. This was a short film made by DC comics that told the story of The Sea Captain. A man driven insane by a ship of murderers. His struggle to return home from being shipwreck only leads into a deeper insanity and intense need to reach his family before the Black Freighter, which killed his crew, does the same to his wife and children.
Gerard Butler (300) demands your attention as narrator and lead role as the Sea Captain. I was captivated, though it was only a 30 minute cartoon-movie. Check it out. It went straight to DVD and I promise you that you will like it.... If only The Watchmen at the movie theaters was as good as this one.....
My elementary grading scale: Exceeding Expectations
1-10: 8.5/9
Gerard Butler (300) demands your attention as narrator and lead role as the Sea Captain. I was captivated, though it was only a 30 minute cartoon-movie. Check it out. It went straight to DVD and I promise you that you will like it.... If only The Watchmen at the movie theaters was as good as this one.....
My elementary grading scale: Exceeding Expectations
1-10: 8.5/9
Monday, March 16, 2009
Race To Witch Mountain
My Kids would really love this movie....if I had them. Dwayne Johnson aka: The Rock, stars as a ex-con, loveable, helpful, yet nosy Vegas cab driver....you know the type. They're all over Sin City. After a UFO crash landing 2 alien children seek out the cabbie's help to seek out some alien info, avoid an alien sniper, and get back to their spaceship. Just the person that you would assume they would look for to help them, an ex convict who drives a cab in Vegas.......
There was an original called Escape to Witch Mountain filmed in 1975 and then a remake done in 1995.... so why not do it again.... I had no idea this story was so popular. In my opinion, Disney made this movie a little tooooo Disney. It was hard paying attention the whole time. I am a Rock fan, but he was a little bit to fatherly, and nice. As an action and adventure actor they did put him through the rigors of robot fist fights and some brawls with unsuspecting government agents, but it wasnt rich enough for my blood.
My elementary grading scale: Progressing Satisfactorily
1-10: 7
There was an original called Escape to Witch Mountain filmed in 1975 and then a remake done in 1995.... so why not do it again.... I had no idea this story was so popular. In my opinion, Disney made this movie a little tooooo Disney. It was hard paying attention the whole time. I am a Rock fan, but he was a little bit to fatherly, and nice. As an action and adventure actor they did put him through the rigors of robot fist fights and some brawls with unsuspecting government agents, but it wasnt rich enough for my blood.
My elementary grading scale: Progressing Satisfactorily
1-10: 7
Kicking the Dog
In a nutshell, here is the movie.... boring, boring, boring, cliche, cliche, old joke, unoriginal situation, boring, boring, bad joke, cliche, cliche..... Sorry to spoil the movie for you. Now you know everything that happened. But really, its about a group of college kids hanging out talking about their boring escapades and drinking. Maybe some can relate, but if you can, I am sorry you have wasted your lives.
The attempt, I'm sure, was to create a dialogue similar to college kids that they could relate to, but what I fear happened was that it became an attempt at how much perverse stories can we fit into 90 minutes. If you want to hear it, just go to a frat party, I watch movies to be entertained. Not my cup of tea. I wish I could get those 90 minutes back.
My elementary grading scale: Needs Improvement
1-10: 2.5
The attempt, I'm sure, was to create a dialogue similar to college kids that they could relate to, but what I fear happened was that it became an attempt at how much perverse stories can we fit into 90 minutes. If you want to hear it, just go to a frat party, I watch movies to be entertained. Not my cup of tea. I wish I could get those 90 minutes back.
My elementary grading scale: Needs Improvement
1-10: 2.5
Big Game
Basically, if you are going to accidentally shoot a murderers girlfriend, expect there to be some sort of recompense for it. In this case, an alcoholic ex cop's daughter is kidnapped by Howell along with 4 other high school classmates. Through a series of almost miraculous coincidences and opportunities, the high school crew, for the most part, are able to evade Howell and his two henchman.
At 45 minutes and 11 seconds, this movie got good. At 90 minutes and 5 seconds, this movie got bad again. I feel like I should be giving this movie two different grades for two different sections of the movie, but I guess I will just average both out.... I just wanted to fill you in for fast-forwarding purposes. I seriously liked this movie for the 45 minutes in the middle that were good. It was gripping, fast paced, and eventful. The lead into that timezone was cheesy, contrived, and unoriginal. On a sidenote, I hate how jocks are almost always portrayed as selfish, womanizing, arrogant, frat-like, jerks... fortunately the jock in this film (SPOILER ALERT!!!) gets killed.
My elementary grading scale: Needs Improvement
1-10: 5
At 45 minutes and 11 seconds, this movie got good. At 90 minutes and 5 seconds, this movie got bad again. I feel like I should be giving this movie two different grades for two different sections of the movie, but I guess I will just average both out.... I just wanted to fill you in for fast-forwarding purposes. I seriously liked this movie for the 45 minutes in the middle that were good. It was gripping, fast paced, and eventful. The lead into that timezone was cheesy, contrived, and unoriginal. On a sidenote, I hate how jocks are almost always portrayed as selfish, womanizing, arrogant, frat-like, jerks... fortunately the jock in this film (SPOILER ALERT!!!) gets killed.
My elementary grading scale: Needs Improvement
1-10: 5
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Meteor: Path To Destruction
This may have been THE curtain call for all the actors who had been lost over the years. Stars who played in movies and shows ranging from Back to the Future, Seinfeld, and to Home Improvement.
Originally thinking this was going to be a real movie before I pressed play, I was a little let down to see that it was a two part mini-series drama that aired somewhere at sometime on TV....somehow. I'm not dissing the TV mini-series genre itself, just this one. A collision of meteors changes the course of a large asteroid the size of a planet along with a rain of smaller, but deadly, meteors as precursors. A series of natural disasters, murders, hold-ups and misfortunes make figuring out the right way to handle the event almost seem impossible.... I am not going to give any spoilers out ....but this movie is as predictable as weighted dice.
The only redeeming quality of the drama is that it has stars that we all loved as kids growing up. Fortunately no one had to pay entry fees or the ridiculously high rental prices to catch this one. You MAY just want to watch it to see what George Costanza (Seinfeld), Dr. Emmett Brown (Back to the Future I II and III), and Bradley Michael Taylor (Tool Time) look like today.....
My elementary grading scale: Needs Improvement
1-10: 5
Originally thinking this was going to be a real movie before I pressed play, I was a little let down to see that it was a two part mini-series drama that aired somewhere at sometime on TV....somehow. I'm not dissing the TV mini-series genre itself, just this one. A collision of meteors changes the course of a large asteroid the size of a planet along with a rain of smaller, but deadly, meteors as precursors. A series of natural disasters, murders, hold-ups and misfortunes make figuring out the right way to handle the event almost seem impossible.... I am not going to give any spoilers out ....but this movie is as predictable as weighted dice.
The only redeeming quality of the drama is that it has stars that we all loved as kids growing up. Fortunately no one had to pay entry fees or the ridiculously high rental prices to catch this one. You MAY just want to watch it to see what George Costanza (Seinfeld), Dr. Emmett Brown (Back to the Future I II and III), and Bradley Michael Taylor (Tool Time) look like today.....
My elementary grading scale: Needs Improvement
1-10: 5
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Winged Creatures
Guy Pearce. Check. Forest Whitaker. Check. Kate Beckinsdale. Check. Dakota Fanning. ehhh.
Winged Creatures was an ensemble film (similar to Crash in how multiple stories about one event lead to one final conclusion or lesson). The all-star cast, overall, delivered an all-star performance telling the story of a horrible mass-murder in a diner which 5 perspectives were observed. All had their own variation of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and by the end of the movie, their stories intertwined with eachother in ways that do not truly become clear until the final moments.
I liked this movie and I suggest everyone see it when it comes out... My only unhappiness from the movie was Fannings role. A bit robotic and not as compelling as she once was as a child, she did end up redeeming herself by the end of the movie.
My elementary grading scale: Exceeding Expectations
1-10: 7.5/8
Winged Creatures was an ensemble film (similar to Crash in how multiple stories about one event lead to one final conclusion or lesson). The all-star cast, overall, delivered an all-star performance telling the story of a horrible mass-murder in a diner which 5 perspectives were observed. All had their own variation of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and by the end of the movie, their stories intertwined with eachother in ways that do not truly become clear until the final moments.
I liked this movie and I suggest everyone see it when it comes out... My only unhappiness from the movie was Fannings role. A bit robotic and not as compelling as she once was as a child, she did end up redeeming herself by the end of the movie.
My elementary grading scale: Exceeding Expectations
1-10: 7.5/8
Fired Up
I almost didn't watch this movie, but then I remembered that what I am doing, writing this movie review blog, is much bigger than me. This is for the people. haha. I sat down and forced myself to watch a cheerleader movie. It ended up being very similar to Wedding Crashers, but at a cheerleading camp. After two jocks ditch football camp to join a cheerleading camp all in hopes to improve their chances with the ladies, one finds love, and the other a change of heart from being a womanizer. Wedding Crashers. They get kicked out and then taken back all because of the love they have for cheerleading and one's new flame. Wedding Crashers.
The movie is like any typical teen PG-13 movie and I would consider this to be a very audience-specific film.... the cheerleading community, much like the Bring It On series. So, to all my cheerleader friends, enjoy. To all my other non-cheering followers...you MIGHT enjoy...but definitely not as much.
My elementary grading scale: Progressing Satisfactorily
1-10: 6/6.5
The movie is like any typical teen PG-13 movie and I would consider this to be a very audience-specific film.... the cheerleading community, much like the Bring It On series. So, to all my cheerleader friends, enjoy. To all my other non-cheering followers...you MIGHT enjoy...but definitely not as much.
My elementary grading scale: Progressing Satisfactorily
1-10: 6/6.5
Friday, March 13, 2009
The Lodger
Fortunately, I was lucky enough to watch two back-to-back great movies. The Lodger is a new version of an Alfred Hitchcock movie. To be more specific, it was created by using the same book, that Hitchcock read to create his version of the Lodger. With that in mind, the modern version had every bit of suspense and mystery all trapped inside a great story. After the wrong man was convicted of murder, a new Jack the Ripper copycat emerges from being hidden for 7 years. By the end of the movie, everyone is in question and I found myself shocked to find the real killer was who it was.
3 murder suspects, all legit, which is usually not the case and most get ruled out in many murder stories. The Lodger does a great job of creating plausible reasons for all the "murderers" to attack the poor innocent "ladies of the night"(hoes). I highly recommend this movie, not only for the movie itself, but to all those who have enjoyed Hitchcock's work, its a great new look at a classic.
My elementary grading scale: Exceeding Expectations
1-10: 8.5
3 murder suspects, all legit, which is usually not the case and most get ruled out in many murder stories. The Lodger does a great job of creating plausible reasons for all the "murderers" to attack the poor innocent "ladies of the night"(hoes). I highly recommend this movie, not only for the movie itself, but to all those who have enjoyed Hitchcock's work, its a great new look at a classic.
My elementary grading scale: Exceeding Expectations
1-10: 8.5
Good Arrows
MY FAVORITE MOVIE THIS YEAR!!!!! Good Arrows is an awesome movie. A documentary like film going deep into the world of the professional dart player. Here we follow a pro darter on his way out of fame. Along with his wife/manager we learn the ins and outs of what to look out for and expect in this unknown lifestyle.
What an amazing movie and format. These no name actors and actresses did a wonderful job playing the part and made the normally mundane sport of darts, an exciting and hilarious adventure. The movie was made by an independent director and I know that as soon as this film gets around he will have a lot more opportunity to create more, hopefully equally excellent films. Please go find this film and watch it... you will NOT be disappointed. Just wait til the "jankem" scene.... priceless and original.
My elementary grading scale: Exceeding Expectations
1-10: 9.5/10
What an amazing movie and format. These no name actors and actresses did a wonderful job playing the part and made the normally mundane sport of darts, an exciting and hilarious adventure. The movie was made by an independent director and I know that as soon as this film gets around he will have a lot more opportunity to create more, hopefully equally excellent films. Please go find this film and watch it... you will NOT be disappointed. Just wait til the "jankem" scene.... priceless and original.
My elementary grading scale: Exceeding Expectations
1-10: 9.5/10
Thursday, March 12, 2009
American High School
If you are looking to piss yourself off and be frustrated for 85 minutes, get a look at how high school is NOT, watch actors ruin their careers, and see how shock value is used in replace of comedy, then you NEED to watch this movie immediately. If this does not interest you, then you may find something, anything, better for 85 minutes. The writer and/or director had to have qualified in every category of duschebaggery. I dont even want to bother getting into the plot, except that its about kids going to high school and making a big deal out of Prom. Fortunately, we now know where the lead singer from Danity Kane, Aubrey O'Day, finally fell off at. You Go Girl!!!! Psyche.
This is the type of movie that out of the people you know, "THAT GUY", would enjoy watching it. The type of guy that grows up, gets married and hits on his daughters high school friends..... that is the best way to put it.
My elementary grading scale: Needs Improvement
1-10: 1/1.5
This is the type of movie that out of the people you know, "THAT GUY", would enjoy watching it. The type of guy that grows up, gets married and hits on his daughters high school friends..... that is the best way to put it.
My elementary grading scale: Needs Improvement
1-10: 1/1.5
Virus Undead
When I read that this new zombie movie was created by and starring Germans, I automatically became a little weary of the film I was about to watch. Half expecting this movie to be filmed with a hand-held video cassette recorder and actors pulled out of the local discotheque, I sat down and allowed myself to put my bias aside and try to watch without discrimination.
3 friends end up in one of their grandfathers lab/house and unfortunately, this was the same house that the bird-flu(ish) zombie outbreak began. Spread by dead animals, and then to humans, the virus created a type of zombie I had not seen in the modern zombie movie realm. All of the classic scenarios of zombie warfare are present (Quarantines, head-shots, flesh-eating).
In the end, zombies lose for the time being (just like all Zombie stories). I was not bored from this movie. I AM a fan of this type of movie, so fighting through the horrible german-english accent and typical B-movie overacting was not TOO bad. The effects were good and if you are into the undead and a little bit of gore, then I suggest you go looking for this movie.
My elementary grading scale: Progressing Satisfactorily
1-10: 6.5/7
3 friends end up in one of their grandfathers lab/house and unfortunately, this was the same house that the bird-flu(ish) zombie outbreak began. Spread by dead animals, and then to humans, the virus created a type of zombie I had not seen in the modern zombie movie realm. All of the classic scenarios of zombie warfare are present (Quarantines, head-shots, flesh-eating).
In the end, zombies lose for the time being (just like all Zombie stories). I was not bored from this movie. I AM a fan of this type of movie, so fighting through the horrible german-english accent and typical B-movie overacting was not TOO bad. The effects were good and if you are into the undead and a little bit of gore, then I suggest you go looking for this movie.
My elementary grading scale: Progressing Satisfactorily
1-10: 6.5/7
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Hit and Run: Unrated
In an attempt to draw more viewers, I believe the producers of this film slapped "unrated" at the end of the title. However, there was nothing "unrated" about it. Before watching, I had a preconceived notion that this film was going to be a horror movie, due to the movie poster, but it was more of a murder suspense mystery than anything...until the end. After driving home from the bar, a hit and run accident leaves the main character in a situation. Out of sheer terror, she ends up "disposing" of the body and her mind begins to drive her insane. After getting her boyfriend involved, her plans and story begin to unravel.....
I thought this movie was very good. I liked how they shot the film in the classic horror movie direction (not being able to see around corners, flashing to scary scenes, and frantic camera movements) which always leads to an uneasy feeling. This movie definitely keeps you on edge as the plot unveils itself with all of the accidents and unintended events.
My elementary grading scale: Exceeding Expectations
1-10: 8
I thought this movie was very good. I liked how they shot the film in the classic horror movie direction (not being able to see around corners, flashing to scary scenes, and frantic camera movements) which always leads to an uneasy feeling. This movie definitely keeps you on edge as the plot unveils itself with all of the accidents and unintended events.
My elementary grading scale: Exceeding Expectations
1-10: 8
Without a Paddle: Natures Calling
This is a quasi-sequel to Without A Paddle which was a pretty funny movie but I do not think it was deserving of another round at the theaters. Almost the same scenario, but with a different reason to be there; 3 men are out in wilderness searching for a woman, all for their own reasons. Lots of adventure along the way keeps them on their toes and ready for everything as they whitewater raft there way to victory.
Very cheesy characters and old jokes run rampant in this movie and it really made me wonder why there was a writer somewhere thinking that a sequel to the original Without A Paddle needed to be written. I am not positive but I hope that this went straight to DVD so that some early teen/middle schoolers can enjoy this....cuz that is about the only type of humor that this reaches out to.... There are a lot better movies to watch.
My elementary grading scale: Needs Improvement
1-10: 4
Very cheesy characters and old jokes run rampant in this movie and it really made me wonder why there was a writer somewhere thinking that a sequel to the original Without A Paddle needed to be written. I am not positive but I hope that this went straight to DVD so that some early teen/middle schoolers can enjoy this....cuz that is about the only type of humor that this reaches out to.... There are a lot better movies to watch.
My elementary grading scale: Needs Improvement
1-10: 4
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Growing Out
A struggling musician finds a new place to live and is surprised to find not only his dream girl living in the trailer out back, but a human growing from the floor of his basement. Kind of a musical/horror/comedy film, this movie is destined for cult classic status.
The problem with B-movies is that whoever is acting usually takes (insert: emotion, personality, feeling, reaction) and overdoes it. This movie has its moments like this, but overall, is very entertaining. It hits you with multiple genres of movie and they actually do blend well together. There is a scene which involves one axe handler and one victim that may be conceived as overkill, but as for the movie, that was the only tough part to watch. A new, acoustic version of Little Shop of Horrors (ish).....
My elementary grading scale: Progressing Satisfactorily
1-10: 7/7.5
The problem with B-movies is that whoever is acting usually takes (insert: emotion, personality, feeling, reaction) and overdoes it. This movie has its moments like this, but overall, is very entertaining. It hits you with multiple genres of movie and they actually do blend well together. There is a scene which involves one axe handler and one victim that may be conceived as overkill, but as for the movie, that was the only tough part to watch. A new, acoustic version of Little Shop of Horrors (ish).....
My elementary grading scale: Progressing Satisfactorily
1-10: 7/7.5
Monday, March 9, 2009
Far Cry
Congratulations gamers! Another video game has been turned into a movie, and i think they have planned for sequels. Til Schweiger (famous German Actor) stars as the movies main character and uses his quirky German accent and personality to somehow win the heart of a girl he should really have no chance with and fight his way through an island full of genetically enhanced soldiers.
I havent played the game, so this may be a close interpretation (hopefully not) or it may be just the writers concept of the game coming to the silver screen. I think this movie did better in Europe, most likely because it is on par with some b-movie classics such as Universal Soldier and other Van Damme action films. Not great acting, some good fight scenes, couple good effects, and if you are a fan of the video game you may like the movie more. In my opinion, leave this movie alone.
My elementary grading scale: Needs Improvement
1-10: 5
I havent played the game, so this may be a close interpretation (hopefully not) or it may be just the writers concept of the game coming to the silver screen. I think this movie did better in Europe, most likely because it is on par with some b-movie classics such as Universal Soldier and other Van Damme action films. Not great acting, some good fight scenes, couple good effects, and if you are a fan of the video game you may like the movie more. In my opinion, leave this movie alone.
My elementary grading scale: Needs Improvement
1-10: 5
Confessions of a Shopoholic
"You Speak Prada?" Sorry everyone. I just gave away the funniest line of the movie. And, Yes, I did watch this movie. I told you I had lots of time.
Isla Fisher stars as a young business professional struggling with a shopping addiction. Her recent hire as a writer for a financial magazine provides her with the advantage of using her shopping sense in the financial market....all the while, avoiding the debt collector who's trying to track her down. Comedy, Romance, Broken Hearts, and Fiscal Business Responsibility are all a part of this movie which left me hoping that there aren't real people in this world who live the way of the shopoholic does.
Some parts are humorous but nothing to write back home about. Not that I write back home about funny parts of movies, but you get the idea. Devil Wears Prada was a little better in my opinion as girl/business/comedy movies run. I know girls will like this one though....especially the ones who value the material more than necessary.
My elementary grading scale: Progressing Satisfactorily
1-10: 7/7.5
Isla Fisher stars as a young business professional struggling with a shopping addiction. Her recent hire as a writer for a financial magazine provides her with the advantage of using her shopping sense in the financial market....all the while, avoiding the debt collector who's trying to track her down. Comedy, Romance, Broken Hearts, and Fiscal Business Responsibility are all a part of this movie which left me hoping that there aren't real people in this world who live the way of the shopoholic does.
Some parts are humorous but nothing to write back home about. Not that I write back home about funny parts of movies, but you get the idea. Devil Wears Prada was a little better in my opinion as girl/business/comedy movies run. I know girls will like this one though....especially the ones who value the material more than necessary.
My elementary grading scale: Progressing Satisfactorily
1-10: 7/7.5
Sunday, March 8, 2009
What Doesn't Kill You
What Doesn't Kill You is a crime movie starring both Ethan Hawke and Mark Ruffalo. The two grow up working for crime familes and soon venture out to start their own business of mafia-like origins. Ruffalo gets too caught up in the drugs and Hawke, more into the robbery and it leads them both down a dark and dangerous path. Fortunately Ruffalo is able to redeem himself and straighten out for his wife and kids. They were alway theorizing about robbing an armored car and all the crimes they were committing their whole lives culminates into one final decision to get their one BIG heist.
I've been a fan of Ethan Hawke since he first starred in The Explorers as a space travelling12 year old. Since then he has continuously made some great films. Training Day sealed the deal for me. Ruffalo does a great job too as a drug addict/theif. Together they have a great brotherly chemistry and their roles are very realistic. Any fan of crime films will enjoy this true story.
my elementary grading scale: Exceeding Expectations
1-10: 7.5/8
I've been a fan of Ethan Hawke since he first starred in The Explorers as a space travelling12 year old. Since then he has continuously made some great films. Training Day sealed the deal for me. Ruffalo does a great job too as a drug addict/theif. Together they have a great brotherly chemistry and their roles are very realistic. Any fan of crime films will enjoy this true story.
my elementary grading scale: Exceeding Expectations
1-10: 7.5/8
The Watchmen
If The Hills starred superheroes, you would have The Watchmen. A very "soap-opera-y" look into the lives of a group of crime fighters struggling with their pasts. After the death of a not-so-super superhero named, The Comedian, it forces the remaining crew to reflect on their lives, their relevance, relationships, and purpose. As the mystery of a possible Russian nuclear attack unfolds, we find there is more than meets the eye.
A very different look into the world of the superhero, The Watchmen gives a great new visionary perspective into that world. Great film sequences of fights and effects combined with a great soundtrack that spans all eras of music, left me pretty content about my experience watching this. Unfortunately its not great for the whole family. Kids probably shouldn't go and see this.
my elementary grading scale: exceeding expectations
1-10: 8.5/9
A very different look into the world of the superhero, The Watchmen gives a great new visionary perspective into that world. Great film sequences of fights and effects combined with a great soundtrack that spans all eras of music, left me pretty content about my experience watching this. Unfortunately its not great for the whole family. Kids probably shouldn't go and see this.
my elementary grading scale: exceeding expectations
1-10: 8.5/9
Punisher: War Zone
The Punisher the way that The Punisher was supposed to be. Tough, unconcerned about romance, and unwilling to spare bullets. All other versions were just a prologue to this. Frank Castle (Punishers real name) is a tortured soul after losing his family to criminals and now he is out for vengeance. War Zone is the tale of a man seeking justice and taking it into his own hands. A barrage of insane artillery and great fight scenes all because someone messed with the wrong man. His nemesis, Jigsaw (named after the Punisher threw him into a glass crusher), is adamant on killing him and in the end, is able to gather dozens of hoodlums who feel the same disdain for this crusader of justice.
This is an action movie. We dont go see them for their storylines or hopes of a defining moment, or moment of clarity. We see them for the action and The Punisher:War Zone does not let us down.
my elementary grading scale: Progressing Satisfactorily
1-10: 7.5
This is an action movie. We dont go see them for their storylines or hopes of a defining moment, or moment of clarity. We see them for the action and The Punisher:War Zone does not let us down.
my elementary grading scale: Progressing Satisfactorily
1-10: 7.5
Friday, March 6, 2009
The Unborn
Dead baby + Demonic Possession + Exorcisms + Great Special Effects = SUPER SCARY MOVIE. The unborn twin comes back through visions, possessions and dreams in an attempt to be reborn onto the earth. The sister is experiencing the blunt end of the deal as she is tortured mentally and physically by this "unborn" twin. With the help of her family, rabbi, and local priest they decide that this "body-jumping" demon needs to be exorcised and the events before, during and after lead the viewer down a path of horror, fear, and above all, heart-thumping sequences that keep you on the edge of your seat (or like me, with my feet off the ground in fear of something under the bed grabbing them).
Anytime there is a movie with exorcisms and demons, I am especially scared. That is what gets me the best. I have talked to other friends and it is usually the same case for them. Its not about the monsters or the serial killers....its the whole demonic angle that raises the hair on our arms. The special effects of today make this movie 10x scarier. For such a cute little kid, they sure found a way to freak us out with him. Go see it if you dare.....
my elementary grading scale: Exceeding Expectations
1-10: 8
Anytime there is a movie with exorcisms and demons, I am especially scared. That is what gets me the best. I have talked to other friends and it is usually the same case for them. Its not about the monsters or the serial killers....its the whole demonic angle that raises the hair on our arms. The special effects of today make this movie 10x scarier. For such a cute little kid, they sure found a way to freak us out with him. Go see it if you dare.....
my elementary grading scale: Exceeding Expectations
1-10: 8
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Green Street Hooligans 2: Stand Your Ground
Okay I am an American so I don't especially understand the intensity as to which Europeans, especially British, love the game of soccer...aka: football. Two rival fan clubs of two opposing football firms are both located in the same jail facility. Havoc ensues. Continual plotting, conspiring, and gang warfare are a daily occurence and soon groups of prisoners are transferred to other prisons only to find more opposition.
It was a great cast of British actors and cool fight scenes. If you are into action/fight movies this will not let you down. However I find movies like this hard to watch....
I don't and probably never will understand the mentality of a fan wiling to fight to the death for their team. First off, it is a sport, a game, played by grown men who are being paid to play a game..... a GAME!!!! Yet, fans are "loyal" enough to support these guys, who are playing a game. so much that they will fight other people who dont support their team. Ridiculous. I know this actually happens too, which is so sad to me. And I mean sad in the stupid, idiotic, unsensical way. Do people REALLY have NOTHING better to do with their lives than to live and die for a sports team that they dont even belong to???? They claim membership by going to a game and painting their faces, learning songs, and fighting the other teams fans...... What has this world come to?
my elementary grading scale: Progressing Satisfactorily
1-10: 6.5
It was a great cast of British actors and cool fight scenes. If you are into action/fight movies this will not let you down. However I find movies like this hard to watch....
I don't and probably never will understand the mentality of a fan wiling to fight to the death for their team. First off, it is a sport, a game, played by grown men who are being paid to play a game..... a GAME!!!! Yet, fans are "loyal" enough to support these guys, who are playing a game. so much that they will fight other people who dont support their team. Ridiculous. I know this actually happens too, which is so sad to me. And I mean sad in the stupid, idiotic, unsensical way. Do people REALLY have NOTHING better to do with their lives than to live and die for a sports team that they dont even belong to???? They claim membership by going to a game and painting their faces, learning songs, and fighting the other teams fans...... What has this world come to?
my elementary grading scale: Progressing Satisfactorily
1-10: 6.5
Road of No Return
David Carradine (Kill Bill, Kung Fu) and Michael Madsen (Kill Bill, Reservoir Dogs) team up once again in this story of drugs, murder, kidnapping and betrayal. When Carradine and Madsen Hire four hit men to do their evil-doing, they encounter a number of unexpected obstacles which, in turn, leads the hit men down a whole new path of morality and questioning of their pasts. Sooner or later, it is revealed that Carradine and Madsen are not as they seem and upon discovery, causes the hit men to retaliate.
The Director/Writer of this movie obviously idolized Tarantino because the storyline and filming mimic Reservoir Dogs. I think it was definitely done this way on purpose because Madsen probably wouldnt have done the role if it wasn't....then again, he hasn't been cast in TOO many movies lately..... The two main characters (Carradine and Madsen) were definitely given the two best roles and the other actors were blatantly inexperienced. Madsen plays his classic character similar to that of Kill Bill and Reservoir Dogs and so does Carradine. The anecdotes and stories told by the two make the movie worthwhile.
my elementary grading scale: Progressing Satisfactorily
1-10: 7
The Director/Writer of this movie obviously idolized Tarantino because the storyline and filming mimic Reservoir Dogs. I think it was definitely done this way on purpose because Madsen probably wouldnt have done the role if it wasn't....then again, he hasn't been cast in TOO many movies lately..... The two main characters (Carradine and Madsen) were definitely given the two best roles and the other actors were blatantly inexperienced. Madsen plays his classic character similar to that of Kill Bill and Reservoir Dogs and so does Carradine. The anecdotes and stories told by the two make the movie worthwhile.
my elementary grading scale: Progressing Satisfactorily
1-10: 7
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Night Train
Danny Glover, Steve Zahn, and Lelee Sobieski star in a murder mystery thriller about 3 train passengers and their quest for greed. After a last second passenger is found dead on the train with a box of diamonds.... the adventure begins as they scheme, and hide, and plot their way through the police, passengers, and finally eachother to become rich. Lots of twists and turns lead to a climactic end in which you may never see coming.
I actually was anxious watching this movie. The mistakes they made and the decisions that were agreed upon were usually the types of decisions that would only be made in a movie and not in real life. Furthermore, do people actually travel on trains anymore? I honestly couldnt tell if this was a movie set in the 1800's or today until Danny Glover pulled out his celly. The actors are good but it doesnt help if they dont have a great story to act on. Definitely worth renting but fortunately you didnt have to waste your time going to the movies to see it. Lots of CGI train shots which I figured because I doubt any actor would really want to spend all that time on an actual train.
my elementary grading scale: Progressing Satisfactorily
1-10: 6/6.5
I actually was anxious watching this movie. The mistakes they made and the decisions that were agreed upon were usually the types of decisions that would only be made in a movie and not in real life. Furthermore, do people actually travel on trains anymore? I honestly couldnt tell if this was a movie set in the 1800's or today until Danny Glover pulled out his celly. The actors are good but it doesnt help if they dont have a great story to act on. Definitely worth renting but fortunately you didnt have to waste your time going to the movies to see it. Lots of CGI train shots which I figured because I doubt any actor would really want to spend all that time on an actual train.
my elementary grading scale: Progressing Satisfactorily
1-10: 6/6.5
Monday, March 2, 2009
The Graduates
It is assumed that film makers borrow ideas from past films to develop their own stories. It is NOT assumed however, that they should copy ideas from the other movies. The Graduates was a conglomeration of the past 20 teen movies rolled into one. Very similar situations and characters took the funny, important, and poignant parts from past movies and created this "new" movie. Needless to say, it was unoriginal. A group of 18 years graduate from high school and seek out one "last hurrah" before going off to college and never seeing eachother again. Sound familiar? Well, it should.
This was a low budget film so I wont be as harsh on the acting or filming itself. But the idea in general has been overplayed. A couple funny lines and scenes, but the rest was just deja vu. I will tell you one thing though, the music was great. Place a piece of cardboard over your screen and enjoy the music.
my elementary grading scale: Needs Improvement
1-10: 4.5
This was a low budget film so I wont be as harsh on the acting or filming itself. But the idea in general has been overplayed. A couple funny lines and scenes, but the rest was just deja vu. I will tell you one thing though, the music was great. Place a piece of cardboard over your screen and enjoy the music.
my elementary grading scale: Needs Improvement
1-10: 4.5
Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li
Another movie to jump on the prequel bandwagon.... SF:TLOCL (Abbreviated for time) tells the story of Chun Li, the ninja-ing gal known for her upside down helicopter kicks in the Capcom Game. I, personally, never chose to fight with her when playing. I always went with Blanka or Dhalsim or Guile....The producers of this movie should have done the same. If you are going to create a movie, why not start with one of the more exciting characters (ie: Blanka- a green, electrifying creature from Brazil). SF:TLOCL tells the saddening story of a girl who was separated from her parents by a madman (M. Bison) and her passionate attempt to seek revenge on her families killers.
With only a few of the characters taking part in this movie, I can only assume they plan on making more. Hopefully not too many more. Pretty boring for a martial arts movie and, like I said, they could have had some more of the "cool" characters from one of the best fighting games of my middle school years.
my elementary grading scale: Needs Improvement
1-10: 5.5/6
With only a few of the characters taking part in this movie, I can only assume they plan on making more. Hopefully not too many more. Pretty boring for a martial arts movie and, like I said, they could have had some more of the "cool" characters from one of the best fighting games of my middle school years.
my elementary grading scale: Needs Improvement
1-10: 5.5/6
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Green Flash
Named after an almost "mythical" event which occurs at sunset, Green Flash is about a former basketball star searching for his own moment of brilliance. After a failed basketball career, Cameron Day finds himself searching for his path and winds up on the Pro Beach Volleyball Tour. Filled with backstabbing, partying, love, adrenaline, and twists; Green Flash is a sports movie lovers dream. Sports psychology at its finest, this movie lends itself to teaching that the most important part of the game is having the mental edge.
One of the few volleyball movies out there today, Green Flash may seem a little cheesy and cliche at times but overall has a great message and includes the ever popular and my personal favorite theme of redemption. If you like the beach, sports, beautiful women, or men for the female viewers, you will like this movie. Its of the "pick-me-up" inspirational variety. It made me wanna go practice my bump, set, and spike.....If you want to see another similar volleyball movie that came out in 1990 and definitely inspired this one... go check out Sideout.
my elementary grading scale: Exceeding Expectations
1-10: 7.5
One of the few volleyball movies out there today, Green Flash may seem a little cheesy and cliche at times but overall has a great message and includes the ever popular and my personal favorite theme of redemption. If you like the beach, sports, beautiful women, or men for the female viewers, you will like this movie. Its of the "pick-me-up" inspirational variety. It made me wanna go practice my bump, set, and spike.....If you want to see another similar volleyball movie that came out in 1990 and definitely inspired this one... go check out Sideout.
my elementary grading scale: Exceeding Expectations
1-10: 7.5
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