Monday, December 28, 2009

Follow me

Yes i joined twitter but just for movie reviews and updates... Follow me and i will lead you down the right path to the right movie! haha

Quick Reviews: The Princess and The Frog

It's been one hell of a year for animated films. This film brings you back to classic disney animation films. The magic is all there even though sometimes it feels a little forced but this film is full of everything that made all the others classics. The characters, the music, the animation and the story are very well done and the story is very well paced and is full of stuff for both young and old. This is def. a film worth checking out.

Movies of the Week!

Movies You Should Check Out
Classic Of The Week: The Red Shoes
Foreign Film Of The Week: The White Ribbon
Unheard Film Of The Week: The Cove
Movie you should go see in theatres right now: Avatar
Movie that came out today on DVD to check out: District 9

Quick Reviews: Nine

NINE - Rob Marshall tries to do exactly what he did with Chicago with his new movie Nine and it doesn't work. The numbers are flashy, the sets and costumes are beautiful and most of the performances are good but the movie is chaotic and distant. The film never invites you into it's world and the film only works on certain levels. In Chicago, the musical numbers always fit perfectly with what was going on in the story but with Nine, the numbers always take you out of what is going on. People are complaining about the singing of the actors but i thought everyone did a fairly decent job. Fergie's "Be Italia" was by far the best of the movie.
Grade - C+

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Bunch of Quick Reviews

Brothers - This remake of the 2005 danish film is a very solid, well acted family melodrama featuring three strong performances from Natalie Portman, Jake Gyllenhall, and Tobey Mcguire. The film's first hour is the strongest. It focuses more on the effects of what war can bring to a family. It's the last 45 minutes that get a little contrived. The film tries to push this heavy melodramatic ending which feels forced and not effective. Portman and Gyllenhall are excellent but the real standout is Tobey Maguire. This is one of his best performances. He is strong and wounded and very often quite terrifying, all at the same time. This is a really good film, it could of been great but still is worth checking out for the strong performances.
Grade B

The Messenger - Another war drama that focuses on the effects that war brings to the family of the men and women who go. The film focuses on Two soldiers who are sent to tell families that their love ones died overseas. This movie is getting alot of best picture buzz but i don't see it. I thought the movie was disjointed and had a hard time focusing on it's different subplots. Some scenes are gripping but very feel uneven and the movie suffers for it. In the end, i really didn't care. However, The performances were very good. Ben Foster, who i usually can't stand to watch, gives his best performance. Woody Harrelson is fantastic and deserves a nomination. Check this one out for the performances but on video.
Grade B-

Blind Side - Sandra Bullock is perfect as a southern belle that helps a young man get his life on track in this enjoyable yet very "hollywood" film. I didn't think i was going to like this film at all but it's def. a crowd pleaser and very entertaining. Reminded me a little of Pursuit of Happiness.
Grade B-

A Christmas Carol - Visually pleasing but slow and unusually scary for a Christmas Carol. It's worth checking out if you have time to kill. Jim Carrey is very good.
Grade C

Invictus - A very solid, inspirational little film with some very strong performances. This film isn't one of the best of the year and it isn't trying to be.
Grade B

Crazy Heart - I am not a big fan of country music but every now and then there is a great country song that comes along that I will listen to for weeks. It's usually a dark song that explores loneliness and regret. That's what Crazy Heart is. One hell of a good country song. The movie isn't exactly original but because of the amazing performance by Jeff Bridges, the film has a fresh feel to it. Jeff Bridges gives a fantastic performances that might give him the oscar he already should have.
Grade B+

Sherlock Holmes - Chaotic, messy, unfocus but still a pretty good time at the movies. This film is saved by Downey Jr. and Jude Law. It almost feels like a extended preview to the sequel that does have the makings of a pretty fun film. However, this film took a while to get started and director Guy Ritchie goes for all style which made the story and direction very weak.
Grade B-

Monday, December 21, 2009

This will be one of the most talked about films of 2010

One of the films i am looking foward to the most next year is Kick-Ass from director Matt Vaughn! It just played at Butt-Numb-A-Thon and got rave reviews...the first trailers were alright but this Red Band Trailer gives us the first real glance at how awesome this film is going to be!

New Reviews Coming! I Promise

In the next couple of days i will have the reviews for the following films...

Up In The Air
Brothers
The Messenger
Nine
Princess and The Frog
Invictus
Crazy Heart
and
AVATAR!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Angels and Demons

Just Watched Angels and Demons...much better than Da Vinci Code...it was fun kinda like National Treasure but with religion and cults.

Friday, November 27, 2009

The Best Kept Secrets of 2009

One of my favorite things about living in NY is that i get to see some smaller scale film in theatres or atleast hear of films that i usually wouldn't know about if i lived in North Carolina. So I decided to put a list of some films that i think people should check out that have gone under the radar...so check out these little gems if ya can!

1. Two Lovers*
2. Hunger*
3. Goodbye, Solo*
4. In The Loop
5. Mary and Max*
6. Hump Day
7. Surveillance
8. The Cove
9. World's Greatest Dad*
10. Paper Heart
11. Big Fan
12. The Damned United *
* So Far in my top twenty of the year

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

MUPPETS

Muppets AND QUEEN!!!!!! YEAH!!!!!

This will make your day!

Movies of the Week!

Movies You Should Check Out
Classic Of The Week: The Fallen Idol
Foreign Film Of The Week: I Vitelloni
Unheard Film Of The Week: The Believer
Movie you should go see in theatres right now: Fantastic Mr. Fox
Movie that came out today on DVD to check out: Star Trek, Up, Funny People

TRAILERS





Reviews:Fantastic Mr. Fox, Broken Embraces, and Bad Lieutenant

Fantastic Mr. Fox - Wes Anderson first foray into animated films results in his best film since The Royal Tenenbaums. This strange, wonderful little film is hilarious and is filled with heart. The use of stop motion animation seems to be a perfect fit for the strange worlds Wes Anderson creates for his characters. The voice cast of George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray and Jason Schwartzman are terrific. Unlike, Spike Jonze's Where the Wild Things are, Fantastic Mr. Fox is something both adults and kids will enjoy. The movie wraps up to quickly in the end for it to be one of the best movies of the year but that's not with this film is going for. It is simply a fun time at the movie theatre. I love Wes Anderson movies and while i liked the last two (Darjeeling Limited and Life Aquatic) some thing seemed missing from those films. Fantastic Mr. Fox reminded me why i love his movies.
Grade - B+

GO See This!

Broken Embraces - Almodovar's latest film is a entertaining little film that proves that even if Almodovar isn't trying, he can make a solid Almodovar movie. The film is stylish and arresting, with powerful performances (Penelope Cruz is Breathtaking in this movie) and a compelling, if at times contrived, story. The film is much better than it should be and it never is boring but the film lacks that powerful punch most Almodovar movies have. However, fans of Almodovar will enjoy this but it will not be at the top of their list of favorites from the Spanish film maker.
Grade - B-

Bad Lieutenant - Herzog and Cage = One fucked up time at the movie theatre! This movie is one hell of a strange, crazy, fun ride at the movie theatre. A film that knows it's over the top that it doesn't just celebrates it's corniness, it brags and boast all over the screen. The film is hilarious and is a comedy but it is uses the disguise of a tough cop drama to get all the humor out of the situations that will either have your mouth open or laughing. A lot of people hate Nic Cage but when the man is on, he is fucking ON! Cage is chewing scenery and having a fucking good time in one of his best performances in years!
Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans is one of the year's funniest movies, a truly bizarre and wacky series of over the top moments that lead to one of the craziest movies in a long time.
Grade - b+

Monday, November 23, 2009

Almodovar, Herzog, and Chan-Wook

In just three days, I got to see new film from Almodovar, Herzog and Chan Wook. Broken Embraces, Bad Lt., and Thrist....reviews will come soon but it was awesome to see three completely different films from master directors.

Monday, November 16, 2009

White Ribbon Trailer and Article

I saw this film at the New York Film Festival last month and i was blown away. It really is a master work from director Michael Hanke. Here is the trailer. check it out.


and here is a great write up from the NY Times about the movie...

Quick Review: Men Who Stare At Goats

Clooney, Bridges, McGregor, and Spacey all are having a blast with this very loose satire. The film is goofy and should never be taken seriously but a film like this needs to be very tight in it's storytelling and it's not. It just floats by the whole time with occasionally funny bits that in the end are pretty forgettable. I really wanted to like this movie but it just never really worked. However, I can see this movie maybe needing a second viewing but after the first one, i was not impressed.
Grade - C+

Reviews: Precious

Precious
Starring: Gabourey Sidibe, Monique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey
Directed by Lee Daniels
Runtime: 100 Mins

I really did not want to like this film at all. I usually don't like films like this and the cast is filled with people i usually can't stand (Monique!). Plus, this film was getting so much hype and i was afraid it was being built up way to much. That being said, I think it was a good movie. The film can be powerful, raw, brutally honest at moments. Also, the performances are fantastic, the movie doesn't get to sentimental and director Lee Daniels isn't afraid to put brutal events on screen.
However, The film never really finds it's general tone. One moment its a heavy melodrama then a neo-realistic film the next, with eruptions of comedy throughout. Lee Daniels had a lot to tell and i think he had a hard time trying to balance everything, and because of this, it didn't allow me to really be effected by the story. It reminded me of Monster's Ball, a very good film that was just emotionally exhausting.
Every performance in this movies is fantastic. Newcomer Gabourey Sidibe is unbelievable and really carries this film on her shoulders. The picture belongs, however, to the (Gulp) Mo'Nique, who transforms an one-note monster mom into a complex portrait of a psychologically damaged woman. Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, and Lenny Kravitz also give very strong performances.
The movie filled with strong performances and brutal storytellingHowever, while it is effective, the film never settles in to make a great film.

Grade - B

Best Of 2005

Ok so it's been a long time since i posted the best of list...so here is the Best of 2005

1. Goodnight and Good Luck
2. Munich
3. Old Boy
4. Sin City
5. Squid and The Whale
6. Brokeback Mountain
7. Cache
8. Match Point
9. Batman Begins
10. Crash
11. 40 Year Old Virgin
12. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
13. Broken Flowers
14. Grizzly Man
15. Walk The Line
16. History of Violence
17. Wedding Crashers
18. Murderball
19. The Weatherman
20. Jarhead


Honorable Mentions
King Kong, Syriana, Hustle and Flow

Friday, November 6, 2009

Quick Review: Paranormal Activity

Ok, so i wasn't going to see this in theatres but I had 2 hrs to kill and didn't want to think at all...so i decided to go see this and i got exactly what i wanted. For a movie made for 11,000 dollars and just using old fashioned movie tricks, the movie is able to get enough enough scares to make this def. worth checking out if you want a fun, horror movie. The movie has def. been built up a little too much but during the film i was pretty creeped out, so i say job well done.
B

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Movies of the Week!

Movies You Should Check Out
Classic Of The Week: The Sting
Foreign Film Of The Week: Bicycle Thieves
Unheard Film Of The Week: Shattered Glass ;) krista
Horror Film Of The Week: The Descent
Movie you should go see in theatres right now: Zombieland
Movie that came out today on DVD to check out: Not Sure...you tell me!

TRAILERS


Quick Reviews: Antichrist and An Education

An Education: Sometimes it's worth to check out a movie for a performance and this film is one of those movies. Carey Mulligan is phenomenal in this fairly enjoyable film. She will and should be nominated for best performance. She is captivating in a role that could of easily been annoying. People are comparing her to Audrey Hepburn, which is a very strong statement, but she earns it with this performance. The rest of the cast is strong including Peter Sarsgaard (doing a decent British accent), Alfred Molina and Cara Seymour. The movie itself isn't as strong as the story kinda lulls and tries to be more dramatic than it really is. However, it is a nice little date film and a movie that should be seen just for the performance alone.

PS - My girlfriend liked it more than i did, so this might be more of a female-type film.

AntiChrist - It's beautifully shot and acted but that's about it for this art-house "Saw" film. Lars Von Trier tries to create this bizarre, gruesome provocative film but the film just ponders and is so thin on plot that it just becomes pointless. I would miss this one unless you are a Von Trier film...which i am not. However, the performances are very strong.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Finally, Where The Wild Things Are and Serious Man Reviews!!!!

Where The Wild Things Are
Starring: Max Records, James Gandolfini, Cathrine Keener
Running Time: 100 minutes
Directed By Spike Jonze


For some strange reason, I couldn’t wait for this film. It was my most anticipated movie of the fall. I have been waiting for this film ever since it was announced 3 years ago. So for that reason, I went and saw it twice. The first time I saw it was at Midnight. I was very tired but excited at the same time. Krista and I wore sweats to the movies and when the film began we slowly sank into our chairs and watched a fairy tale. After watching it the first time, I knew I enjoyed it but because of the build up I gave the movie, I wasn’t sure if I loved it or not. After letting it sit for a few days I went back during the early afternoon so I could be completely awake for the film. It was then I realized that the circumstances I watched the first film in made for a better experience. The film is like the book. It is a bedtime story.

Spike Jonze went out and crafted not a film for children (IT IS NOT A CHILDREN’S FILM) but a film that captures a certain period of childhood. It is a fantasy film that not only looks into a child’s emotions but also their psychosis. An adult story told through a child’s perspective. The film isn’t heavy on plot. It isn’t. It can tend to be slow at points as well but there is something I noticed the second time I watched the film. Even through the slow parts, the film made me escape to this world and had me going back to what I felt like when I was that age. It transports you back to the feelings you once had when you were a child. Well, I did for me. The film is beautiful to look at. Spike Jonze loves the world he created and it shows. The performance from the young Max Records who plays Max is perfect. Having a 10-year-old carry a film is dangerous, especially if the rest of the characters for most of the time are puppets, but he pulls it off capturing both the innocence and the angst the character possesses. The Voice cast led by James Gandolfini is spot on.

The film is moody and once again Where The Wild Things Are is a magical little film. It is an art house children’s film.

GRADE - B+

A Serious Man

Starring Michael Stulbarg, Richard Kind, Fred Melamed
Running Time: 100 Minutes
Directed By The Coen Brothers.

A Serious Man solidifies the Coen brothers as one of my favorite filmmakers working today. Their films are not like any other; my friend mike describes their films as “Planned Chaos”, which I believe is the best way to describe their films. Their films are so rich in detail, story, color, and yet, it seems at times that they don’t even know where it is going to go. I love when people try to analyze their films because when people ask or try to bring up why they did certain things, they usually deny they were really trying to do anything profound.

This film, which compared to their earlier works brings to mind Barton Fink meets The Man Who Wasn't There, can best be described as an existential comedy, but it also shows the desire and fear of how someone tries to be live as an Adult.This film, which compared to their earlier works brings to mind Barton Fink meets The Man Who Wasn't There, The film reminded me of a bad dream. While the circumstances were very realistic, the way they played out, the reality was slightly heighten, almost teetering on the absurd.

People have also been calling this a film about Judaism, which does play a heavy part on the story and a lot of the jokes are at the expense of the religion. However, I don’t believe this to be a film that is commenting on Jews or even religion. The coen’s have always been good at using the local color of the area their films are set in. The always have a good grasp on each of their characters and the world they set them in (Think Fargo).

The Cast is made up of mostly unknowns to the film world, mainly the lead, Michael Stulbarg, who is fantastic. What I loved about this performance is that while being the subject of abuse and bad fortune. He never plays up the “sad sack” character. He is a regular guy who is trying to get his life in order and while the circumstances play out, he is just trying to hold it together. It is truly one of the best performances I’ve sent this year. Richard kind, Adam Arkin and Fred Melamed also stand out in a very a well-rounded ensemble.

While the script is very comical and the performances are usually hilarious, the photography and score are done to suggest a very dark story. The music plays like a thriller, while the cinematography (done by my favorite DP, Roger Deakins) uses shot like a horror movie.

I do believe their films are not for everyone, However, The Coen Brother’s once again give us a rice piece of Dark comedy that will be over-analyze for years to come.

GRADE - A-

SEE IT IN THEATRES.


Films For next Year To Start Getting Excited for!!!!!!!

Here is some films for next year that you should start looking up:

GROWN UPS
OTHER GUYS



Remaking True Grit

True Grit with John Wayne was a classic and i hate that it is being remade. HOWEVER, The Coens are adapting a new film based on the book and I am excited as i could be for a remake. Now Check Out This Cast that they got so far:

JEFF BRIDGES (AS THE JOHN WAYNE CHARACTER)
MATT DAMON.
JOSH BROLIN.

Yup. Shooting begins next year!!!!

Movies of the Week!

Movies You Should Check Out
Classic Of The Week: Beetlejuice
Foreign Film Of The Week: All About my Mother
Unheard Film Of The Week: Mary and Max
Horror Film Of The Week: Halloween
Movie you should go see in theatres right now: Where The Wild Things Are
Movie that came out today on DVD to check out: Trick R' Treat

TRAILERS

Clint Eastwood's yearly Oscar Film is out and once again LOOKS AMAZING

AVATAR (New Trailer)

Whip It Quick Review

I Thought Whip It just missed the mark on being a really fun film. It had some great scenes and fun characters but something was uneven with the film. That being said, it is still a pretty decent film with some great performances and good music. This film should play better with females exp. late teens - early twenties. My sister loved it. Drew Barrymore shows potential but still needs a lot of work. I would catch this one on video.

Grade B-/C+

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Very Quick Reviews of movies.

The Damned United: Michael Sheen is brilliant in this very fun, well made soccer movie which focuses on something most sports movies fail to show, which is cockiness and humiliation. See this.

The White Ribbon: Saw this at NYFF and i think it's a masterpiece. That is all.

Life During Wartime: Todd Solondz (Happiness, Welcome to the Dollhouse) new film. Not quite sure how i felt about this one yet. Acting was solid and the script was very well written. But the verdict is still out!

Movies of the Week!

Movies You Should Check Out
Classic Of The Week: Dog Day Afternoon
Foreign Film Of The Week: Cache
Unheard Film Of The Week: Wristcutters: A Love Story
Horror Film Of The Week: Drag Me To Hell
Movie you should go see in theatres right now: A Serious Man or The Damned United
Movie that came out today on DVD to check out: Drag Me To Hell

Check out these trailers!



Bad Lt.: Port Of New Orleans! This looks crazy fun!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Zombieland!

It's a blast. A fun time at the movie's. Go check it out!

Trailers, News and Other fun stuff!

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus - The Trailer is out and while i have my reservations about this film (like i do with most of Terry Gilliam's films) I am really excited about this. It comes out Christmas and is Heath Ledger's last film!


WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE! - Ok, it's official! I can't wait for this movie! Here's a special sneak preview clip!!!!

Marlon Wayans will replace Eddie Murphy in Bill Condon's movie about Richard Pryor!

Adrien Brody will star in the remake of "Predator"!


Pic's of Seth Rogen as the Green Hornet are right here! HERE

AND SPEAKING OF THE GREEN HORNET!!!! CHRISTOPH WALTZ (the bad guy from Inglorious Basterd's) will play the villain in this movie!

NEW YORK FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW: LEBANON

NYFF: LEBANON

Similar to last year's Waltz with Bashir,Samuel Maoz's debut feature film, shows the opening days of the 1982 Lebanese-Israeli war from the view of 4 soldiers in a tank. What is amazing about the film is that things never leave the tank and all outside action is viewed through the scopes and viewpoints of the Tank. Maoz based his screenplay on his own fears and reactions to the initial days of the war, and uses the tank as a metaphor for the situation. This is one of the most claustrophobic films I've ever seen. Visually and technically, This film is spectacular. However, the story and the most importantly the characters, aren't fully developed that it prevents the film from being one of the best film's of the year.

B

Anvil!

Just Watched the documentary Anvil! The Story Of Anvil, and it's a heartbreaking film. The film follows the heavy metal band that had a glimpse of fame in the early 80's but never quite reached what they could have and are still fighting for fame today. Check this one out now, it's out on video now!

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Reviews coming

Reviews for A Serious Man and the films i am seeing at the New York Film Festival are coming soon....


but A Serious Man is seriously good.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Special Review of Inglorious Basterds!!!

So I got an email the other day from one of my good friends and old professor Robert Caprio and in this email was his review of Inglorious Basterds and I thought it brought up some good arguments and wanted to share it, so here it is...

You're mostly right about Tarantino's new movie, Sam. It is good and one of his best works, including over PULP FICTION. Technically, he smartly uses cameraman Robert Richardson known for his stark color-contrast, richly
textured palette to create beautiful moods of the mostly intimate scenes around tables. And there there is veteran special effects wizard, John Dykstra, giving us brilliantly conceived, expressive explosions w/imagery.
His writing is less indulgent this time around and the table scenes that comprise most of the movie are intense, well acted, and filled with lots of "doings" and realisms. Filled with mostly unrecognizable names only helps to further the reality of the story.

But, I could do without that blatantly awkward/modern soundtrack that belongs in PULP or KILL BILL...once again, Tarantino is calling attention to himself (as if the audience expects him to give this signature for all his
films like Hitchcock doing his cameos).

BUT, and it's a big one, it is ironic that Tarantino does not have a point of view about this tale (for want of a better phrase) of "what if...fantasy". When the story takes a hard right turn (movie premiere-assassination) after the German killing spree by Pitt and his Basterds, it is here that Tarantino is in his element. Having a vast movie
knowledge and displaying it in such dramatic circumstances, is what makes this movie fascinating. Names I know, Reifenshtal (sp), G.W. Pabst, Emil Jannings (terrific actor in his day!), bathed in WWII has never been
explored before (to my knowledge). I just wish he had taken his story a little more seriously because it's a great idea and certainly worth exploring, especially since the Nazis were so effective as propagandists.

Once again, Tarantino's parts are better than the whole. Too Bad there is a lot to like about this film, but I still came away remembering the little things and wondering what Quentin really had in mind.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Quick Reviews!

Big Fan - I enjoyed this odd, bleak comedy from the writer of THE WRESTLER is a fascinating character study of a die hard sports fan. It is a very small, simple movie with a great performance from Patton Oswalt. The film making is very similar to THE WRESTLER but not nearly as sharp. However, It's a very interesting look into the extremes of sports fans and how sometimes loser's aren't exactly trapped but they don't have to will to escape.
GO SEE IT

PARIS - I thought i was going to really enjoy this film, however, I didn't. Similar to movies like Love Actually or He's just not the Into you, what makes this movie not work is that it jumps to sporatically between each story line. SKIP IT OR RENT IT. I DON'T CARE.

PASSING STRANGE - This film is a live recording of the broadway show and it is fantastic. The whole time it was playing, i was kicking my self for not going to see it on broadway. It was filmed by Spike Lee and if you get a chance to watch this do because you will not be disappointed!
GO SEE IT!

EXTRACT - From Mike Judge (Office Space, King of the Hill), this little comedy is never laugh out loud but gets chuckles throughout the movie. It reminded me of a funny episode of King of the Hill, which i never found hilarious. A great rental.
DEF. RENT IT!


Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Jennifer's Body

Saw it this morning. Actually Not that bad. It's not the greatest but it's corny fun. It's more of a comedy than anything else. Its Mean Girls as a horror movie. It's fun. Megan Fox acts in this and is not bad. Amanda Seyfried is great and the rest of the cast is really good. B-

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

KRISTA'S OPINIONS!

Well I thought i would add some diversity and let my girlfriend share her opinion of recent movies that she saw...
Her in depth reviews add great insight to these recent films and what she has to say really makes you re-think about each film.

This week she will be talking about BIG FAN, THE INFORMANT, EXTRACT AND INGLORIOUS BASTERDS...


Movies of the Week!

Movies You Should Check Out
Classic Of The Week: North By Northwest
Foreign Film Of The Week: Breathless
Unheard Film Of The Week: Humpday
Horror Film Of The Week: The 6th Sense
Movie you should go see in theatres right now: The Informant!
Movie that came out today on DVD to check out: Observe and Report

Check out these trailers!

UP IN THE AIR!!!!!!! (CAN'T WAIT FOR THIS)



Friday, September 18, 2009

The Informant! Review!

The Informant!
Starring: Matt Damon, Scott Bakula, Joel McHale
Directed By Steven Soderbergh
Runtime : 114 Minutes


To be honest, I really don't think I can fully analyze this movie without watching it a second time but from to first viewing i can tell you that i thoroughly enjoyed it.

The Insider meets Burn After Reading is the best way to describe this quirky, smart movie from Steven Soderbergh. Soderbergh, who continues to show his versatility as a filmmaker, puts together a movies that's funny, absurd and somehow, keeps you guessing even though you know what's coming. Matt Damon owns this movie from the very beginning with one of his most campy and in some ways fearless performance. Damon performance perfectly balances the realness and the ridiculous of Mark Whitacre, that he allows you to see his humanity but feel for him when he starts making a complete ass of himself. The score, done by The Sting's composer Marvin Hamlisch, is close to genius in the way it sets up this story. From the very beginning, this jaunty, retro score Set's up the world that this movie is in and let's you get ready for the ride. The script was sharp and let the story tell it self without trying to manipulate to make it more interesting.
I thought this movie was one step away from being great (And again, this might change after another viewing). It's just felt like a little thing was missing and i can't really say what it was. The story almost took too long to play out and the end of the movie really ends 10 minutes before it actually ends.
I kept thinking that this was a Coen Bros. script in the hands of a different director. The Coens love to keep you at a distance from there characters and are not afraid for you to not like the people in there story's but with this movie, you care almost immediately for Mark Whitacre, which makes this story more tragically funny then a straight comedy.

Grade B+

Movies Similar:
Burn After Reading
The Insider
Fargo

Saturday, September 12, 2009

New Poll

Check over at the new poll!!!!!

Question: What is your favorite performance from this summer?

Best of 2004

Sorry, This list is a little late. I've been on vacation. 2004 was a Pretty Good Year and with each year I've been realizing how tough it is to rank each film. I feel like most of the time 5-15 are interchangeable because it's hard to rank these film exp. after letting years sink in on each movie but here we go!

1. Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind

2. Million Dollar Baby

3. Kill Bill Volume 2

4. Sideways

5. Hotel Rwanda

6. Garden State

7. Collateral

8. Motorcycle Diaries

9. The Aviator

10. Spider-Man 2

11. Finding Neverland

12. Before Sunset

13. Closer

14. Maria Full Of Grace

15. The Incredibles

Honorable Mentions: Shaun of the Dead, Kinsey, Life Aquatic, Ray, Passion of the Christ, Shrek 2,

Team America

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Movies. Drunk.

It's 430 AM and i am about to watch a movie drunk...
whats your fav. omovie to wagthc dsrunk?las?

im watching superbad. UEAH! whoops i meant to say yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


GO TO SKLEPPPE!

WPW THOIS IS A BAD PIST. I MEAN POST.!!!

Friday, September 4, 2009

Best Of 2003

Wow...this is getting harder and harder...I keep forgetting about some films and also there are alot of films that i loved back in 2003 but haven't really watched since then and films that I thought were not as good but have seen many time since....well anywho, here is the top films of 2003.....

p.s - The list is now the top 15 because toooooooo many good films!

1. FINDING NEMO
2. LOTR: THE RETURN OF THE KING
3. KILL BILL VOL. 1
4. 21 GRAMS
5. LOST IN TRANSLATION
6. AMERICAN SPLENDOR
7. MASTER AND COMMANDER
8. BIG FISH
9. TRIPLETS OF BELLEVILLE
10.STATION AGENT
11. PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN
12. CAPTURING THE FRIEDMANS
13. SPELLBOUND
14.MYSTIC RIVER
15. IN AMERICA
Honorable mentions: Elf, Love Actually, X2, 13, School Of Rock, Monster

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Movies of the Week!

Movies You Should Check Out
Classic Of The Week: Caddyshack
Foreign Film Of The Week: Wild Strawberrys
Unheard Film Of The Week: Tristram Shandy: A Cock And Bull Story
Horror Film Of The Week: The Descent
Movie that came out today on DVD to check out: Sugar

Check out these trailers!




Sunday, August 30, 2009

Inglorious Basterds References

Tarantino loves films and it shows in all of his work with Inglorious Basterds being no exception. So Obviously, there are many, many little wink-winks in the movie and i found a cool little site that shows all the movies that are either referenced or given homage in Basterds, or are just fitting companions. So check out this cool little site

Friday, August 28, 2009

The Final Destination Review

I felt that this is the best way to express how i felt about The Final Destination in 3d....

Inglorious Basterds Review!

Inglorious Basterds
Cast: Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, Melanie Laurent 
Directed: Quentin Tarentino
Length: 155 Min


I've seen this twice and the fact that i want to see it again, right now, proves that i think i might be in love with this film. Of course, It's Quentin Tarantino and If you are not a fan of his work than, this film might not be for you. However, I think this might be his most accessible film to date. I don't think it is his best, well not yet. The fact is every one of his movies needs to be watched more than once. So much goes on in his films, like style, dialogue, music, violence; that you need to see it at least twice to be able to catch everything. 
This movie is pure fun.From everything, the title, ripped off from a 1978 war movie, to the Ennio Morricone music, the deep, rich colors of 35mm film, the acting (Brad Pitt is Fantastic but Christoph Waltz as the Jew Hunter steals the show!)...I can go on and on, The Fact is Quentin Tarantino Loves films and makes movies that show why he loves movies.
The first time i saw this,  I was on the edge of my seat, loving everything but couldn't grasp everything in one viewing. I went home and wanted to see it again. So, I went back on Monday, saw it again and Immediately, I wanted to watch it again. This is what a movie should do! Make you want to watch it over and over and over again. 
While I love his films, I do think he borrows heavily from films he loves. However, I can't argue the simple fact that I love what he puts on screen, mainly for the fact that we don't get films like this anymore. Movies that need to be seen in a Movie Theatre!

Grade A-

P.S - If you live in NY, see this at the Zeigfeld. It's worth it!

Men Who Stare!!!

I love weird, dark comedies AND with this cast, i just got really excited bout this flick. Plus the title is awesome!

Check out this trailer

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Taking Woodstock

I saw taking woodstock yesterday and the verdict is this: BLAH!

It was ok....slow and just kinda pointless. Episodic and boring. Not horrible but not really worth it. But, I can see where some people might enjoy it. However, I wish i saw Inglorious Basterds again!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Best of 2002!

Ok, so it seems that this year was an insanely good year for films. I just kept adding to the list, but here it is....THE BEST OF 2002

1. City Of God
2. Adaptation
3. The Pianist
4. Minorty Report
5. Chicago
6. Road to Perdition
7. LOTR: Two Towers
8. Catch Me If You Can
9. Talk To Her
10. Punch Drunk Love


Honorable Mentions: The Piano Teacher, TheBourne Identity, Y Tu Mama Tambien, Far From Heaven, , The Hours, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, Bowling For Columbine, 25th Hour, About Schmidt, Spider-Man, Lilo And Stitch
Movies You Should Check Out
Classic Of The Week: Fistful of Dollars
Foreign Film Of The Week: Y Tu Mama Tambien 
Unheard Film Of The Week: Let the Right One In
Horror Film Of The Week: The Shining 
Movie that came out today on DVD to check out: Adventureland

Check out these trailers!

INCEPTION - From Director Christopher Nolan (Director of The Dark Knight)!

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Check out these Trailers!!!!

James Cameron's HIGHLY anticipated return - AVATAR

BENCIO DEL TORO AS THE WOLFMAN!!!!


Shutter Island Moved

Well one of my most anticipated movies of 2009 has now become one of my most anticipated movies of 2010. Shutter Island, Scorsese next film, has been moved to Feb 2010. This isn't good news for a movie that had a prime release date for award season then moved to a date that is usually for movies that...well, suck. The preview had me thinking two things, either that it was going to be one hell of a thriller or one huge disappointment. This move means i am starting to believe that it could be the latter.

Attention Cheap People!

We can all agree movies are getting really freaking expensive exp. if you live in NYC. So i just wanted to let people know of an awesome deal AMC is doing right now. Movies that play before noon only cost 6 dollars! That's half of what they usually are! So, if you want to see a movie but can't really afford it, you no longer have an excuse to miss movies like The Hurt Locker, 500 Days, District 9, UP, Inglorious Basterds and G-FORCE!!!!!!!

P.S. Inglorious Basterds review coming soon! I promise!

Friday, August 21, 2009

Inglorious Basterds!

Review Coming...

just wanted to let you know...

i loved it!

One fun, crazy film!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Movie of the Summer

After two weeks of votes, the winner of the best film of the summer goes to 
UP!
check out the new poll!

Short Reviews

It Might Get Loud - A very well-made documentary about the electric guitar and the effects it has on three different musical legends ( Jimmy Page, The Edge from U2, and Jack White). From the Director of An Inconvenient Truth. - 
B

Paper Heart - A strange but cute mockumentary about a young woman who doesn't believe in love until she meets a boy. Starring Charlene YI and Michael Cera, this quirky little movie works for the most part because of it's endearing charm and a refreshing strange idea. 
B-
Trailer

Adam - I liked this film even though it took me a while to get into it. Hugh Dancy is very good in this movie about a man struggling with a condition that makes it hard to do things that most of us take for granted. However, where the trailers sell it as a cute romantic comedy, this movie is a lot more serious than the trailers lead on.
Grade B-

Lorna's Silence - A french film from the Dardenne Brothers, this quiet, sometimes captivating slow thriller, has some very interesting moments and is well-made but to be honest, i was left bored and underwhelmed.
C+

Gigantic - A typical quirky movie with no real plot or substance.However, John Goodman was very funny in this. Starring Paul Dano and Zooey Deschanel.  Skip It. 
C-


Last House On The Left - A sadistic, brutal, over-the-top remake. Some of the gory deaths are fun but other than that, a typically lazy remake of a classic cult film. Skip it unless you find movies like The Hills have Eyes as entertainment, which i don't.
C-




Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Best Of 2001!

Well, its a new week and here is a new list...i also updated my list of 2000 ( i forgot about the contender and billy elliot). Anyway, Here is my top ten of 2001! 

1. Memento
2. Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings
3. Amelie 
4. Moulin Rouge
5. In the Bedroom
6. Royal Tenenbaums
7. Shrek
8. Hedwig and the Angry Inch
9. Beautiful Mind
10. Ghost World

Honerable Mentions: Monster's Ball, Man Who wasn't There, Monster's Inc., Training Day, Iris, Donnie Darko

Movies of the Week!

Movies You Should Check Out
Classic Of The Week: Annie Hall
Foreign Film Of The Week: Tell No One
Unheard Film Of The Week: King of Kong
Horror Film Of The Week: Evil Dead
Movie that came out today on DVD to check out: Goodbye, Solo (Filmed in NC! GREAT MOVIE!)

Check out these trailers!




Sunday, August 16, 2009

My Favorite Sci-Fi Films!

I am not the biggest fan of science fiction films, but I love it when a good science fiction film comes along. Since District 9 was such a fantastic science fiction film, I thought i would list my top Twenty favorite science ficition films! What are yours?

20. City of Lost Children
20.  Moon
19. Terminator
18. Close Encounters
17. Ghostbusters
16. Wall-E
15. Road Warrior
14. Planet of the Apes
13. Lord of The Rings
12. Jurassic Park 
11. E.T
10. Metropolis 
9. Brazil
8. Children of Men
7.  Terminator 2
6.  Back To The Future
5. Empire Strikes Back 
4. Alien
3.  The Matrix
2. Blade Runner
1. Star Wars

Friday, August 14, 2009

District 9 Review!

DISTRICT 9
Starring: Sharlto Copley, Jason Cope, David James
Directed By Neil Blomkamp
Rated R
Running Time: 111 minutes

Believe the hype. This movie is pretty fantastic. I love when movies like this comes along when all summer we have been let down by movies we have been anticipating all year and then out of nowhere a film comes to knock us on our ass. District 9 is that type of film. A film that was made for almost 150 million dollars less than Transformers 2 but is 10 times more exciting, moving and captivating than any summer blockbuster to come out this year (besides Star Trek). 
This film was made as a try-out for first time director Neill Bloomkamp (who was suppose to make his debut with the film adaptation of the hit video game "Halo" but studios didn't want a rookie director to handle a big blockbuster film like that so they handed him 30 million to see what he's got and believe me, we will see a sequel to this and a Halo film.) 
A City of God Meets Alien Nation,District 9 takes place in present-day South Africa where humans and aliens are forced into an uneasy co-existence and like most Alien films bring out the violent worst in each other. However, what makes this film unlike any other, is that it takes it's time to tell it's story but at the same time throws you into this world as soon as the film begins. The film starts as a kind of faux-documentary about what is going on with the aliens and we are introduce to our "hero", an amazing performance from newcomer Sharlto Copley, who is trying to evict the aliens out of Johannesburg, where they have been living for almost 20 years. Twenty years ago, an spaceship came to into Johannesburg( Not New York or Los Angeles like in most alien films), which now is a urban slum. Since then, the ship's inhabitants, referred to as "prawns", have been moved into the slums and placed under the control of MNU, a private corporation, who tries to find out what the aliens want and how to use there weapons. 
I was loving every part of the beginning because instead of jumping into the chaos and gore (which this film has plenty of), the film opens on a note of edge of your seat uncertainty and  humor as it shows the hostility of the humans and the prawns. Though compelling throughout, "District 9" never becomes outright terrifying and really lets the story get set before he blows shit up! I had no idea that the first 30 minutes was just a small set up to what was coming. There is an event that happens in this film, where at first seems small but later turns out to completely change the course of the movie. The documentary style effortlessly is dropped and the film becomes a short of "fugitive-type" film and from there on in, the movie is incredible. The action in this film is awesome (hard to believe it was only made for 30 million. Gory yet not to much, it really has some of the best action sequences of the year. 
This film is one of the best of the year. A film that is entertaining as hell but also a film that works on many levels. While the end might set up a sequel that is defiantly unnecessary and some of the dialogue can go over the top. This film is one hell of a fun strange, thrill ride and a movie i want to see again.
GRADE: A-

When and Where should i see it: RIGHT NOW IN THEATRES!

Similar Movies:
Alien Nation
Starship Troopers
Close Encounters of the Third Kind


District 9

Wow. This movie is getting fantastic reviews. Some people calling it the best of the summer and one review called it the best of this decade. Is it that good? Are you going to see it?

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Movies of The Week!

Movies You Should Check Out
Classic Of The Week: The Third Man
Foreign Film Of The Week: Amores Perros
Unheard Film Of The Week: You Can Count On Me
Horror Film Of The Week: Hard Candy
Movie that came out today on DVD to check out: I Love You, Man

Check out these trailers!