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Movies
Woo Hoo Oscar buzz and I get to see TEN movies now as the best picture nominated movies I MUST SEE (personal goal) before watching the Oscar's on March 7, 2010.
I'm caught up with my movie reviews and there will be a lot more soon. I'm going out now to watch as many movies as I can
that I think might be nominated for best picture to help ensure I achieve my GOAL.
I have achieved my goal and saw all Best Picture nominated movies. I predict the Hurt Locker as winner but if not, Avatar will win.
Movies are my favorite "thang" after computers. I enjoy making, taking, sharing, watching and talking about them. Forget about your daily worries for a couple hours and immerse yourself into a movie.
Here are my reviews. You can view them sorted by Title or by Date Seen.
398 reviews Bad Lieutenant Port of Call New Orleans
04/30/10
(Released: 09/06/09)
This movie was strange and I enjoyed it. It seemed familiar and made me think of movies like Albino Alligator which most people probably have not seen. Nicolas Cage was so in character I didn't want to believe it. Sometimes the change in his voice reminded me of "Peggy Sue Got Married" and his laugh like in "Face/Off". Eva Mendes - always looks good, even when she doesn't. Jennifer Coolidge is everywhere and she had a few chances to act in this movie. You have to stick with it and watch the whole thing. It's not for everyone. A bit off beat but that's what made it interesting.
It's Complicated
04/28/10
(Released: 12/25/09)
The previews when this movie came out made it seem funny enough to rent but not necessarily pay $9 to see it. So I waited and paid $1 and picked it up from the library the day it was released to DVD. I like being the first to view the library DVD. Well I watched it while I did other stuff on the computer - multi tasking - so maybe I didn't give it the attention I could have. It was kinda funny. Steve Martin's part wasn't big enough in my opinion. I like to watch him more than Alec Baldwin. My favorite movie with Alec Baldwin is "Married to the Mob" but I digress. Most of the clips were funnier than in the actual movie except for one. And that was the Alec Baldwin lying in bed in front of the computer. That whole scene was funnier than you saw in the previews and it was funny in the previews. Rent it if you have nothing better to do. The movie is due to sex and drugs by old people.
Crazy Heart
04/17/10
(Released: 12/06/09)
I really enjoyed watching this movie which surprises me. I didn't really want
to see a sweaty old man hook up with a young woman but I guess I was prepared
for it. Part of the chain smoking, boozing and carousing was part of the
celebrity charm that he defintely had. He was a functioning alcoholic I
believe it is called. It impressed me that he still remembered people's names
and as he said, never missed a performance date. Listening to Jeff Bridges sing was enjoyable. I like country music just enough to make that part fun. I figured we would see the Tommy Sweet character eventually and again was more than pleasantly surprised with the eye candy of Colin Farrell. (even without his Irish Brogue). I don't want to spoil the movie for you so I will just say that the ending was satisfying.
This was a movie I wanted to see before the Oscars but was not a priority with the other 10 best picture nominations I had to see. I was checking the cheap theatre to see if Runaways was there yet but it wasn't and Crazy Heart was. So I called a friend and we went to a Friday night 9:50pm show. THere were probably less than 20 people in the theatre. The power went out midway through but the movie came back. It was an enjoyable evening to just get out and have some cinematherapy.
Time Traveler's Wife
04/09/10
(Released: 08/14/09)
It was confusing because it's so unrealistic but you could still follow it easily. The situation creates scenarios you would never consider. But those scenarios can be pretty freaky. The movie was better than I thought it would be. I thought it would be sappy. I didn't realize he would be naked each time he traveled and that added plenty of complications and in spite of the nature, made it seem more realistic.
Fame
03/31/10
(Released: 09/25/09)
I was a big fan of the original Fame and really liked it. It felt like the famous people (Megan M and Kelsey G) were in it just to get people to watch it. The student's stories didn't seem that deep.
Sherlock Holmes
03/31/10
(Released: 12/25/09)
Why do I enjoy watching Robert Downey Jr now? I like his comeback even better than John Travolta's. It's even bigger in a sense of from how far down he came. The previews were good but I still didn't get out to see it in the theatre. I liked seeing how a scene was going to go explained by him and then having it happen of course much faster than you could follow anyway. Jude Law doesn't do much for me but he was ok as a sidekick. It was just fun interesting old time action.
500 Days of Summer
03/28/10
(Released: 09/02/09)
I like Joseph GL and Zooey D and I was warned in advance that it was not a love story but I was still disappointed. It was a good warning to my boys of what a girl could easily put them through.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
03/28/10
(Released: 03/19/10)
It wasn't a cartoon so I was able to stay awake. The 5th grade boys I saw it with liked it well enough. And they read the book. In advance they wondered how they were going to make that sketchy book into a movie.
Everybody's Fine
03/20/10
(Released: 12/04/09)
It was somewhat difficult trying to accept Robert DeNiro in a weaker old man role that couldn't do much. Then I had to deal with how my father is dealing with stuff and what I'm saying to him. Too much baggage to be enjoyable. Sorry.
Passengers
03/05/10
(Released: 10/24/08)
The movie was one hour and 20 minutes long. That was plenty. This movie was recommended to me by a co-worker and I was told it had a big twist at the end. That in mind I was thinking about all the actual possibilities and how I swore I would never get caught in that trap again like The Sixth Sense did to me. So it wasn't that much of a twist at the end. And the story itself was rather strange. It was like things were left out on purpose just to drag you in. One of the actors was Clea DuVall (Bob's daughter) and I had just seen her on TV in an episode of Private Practice. David Morse is always creepy lately. He gave away his story near the end.
The Rocker
02/27/10
(Released: 06/12/08)
I thought the movie would be a lot dumber than it was. It was kind of like School of Rock with an adult acting like a kid around kids. There was an awful lot of SNL people but it was refreshing to see Christina Applegate and Jane Lynch is never a problem. So if you have nothing better to do or want to take a break to watch a coming of age type musical movie, the go for it. I'm not particularly a Rainn Wilson fan, but I could look beyond that. Be sure to watch the extras with Pete Best, the drummer that left the Beatles just before they hit it big. That was the main premise of the story. The music was also surprisingly good.
A Serious Man
02/26/10
(Released: 10/02/09)
First off, I would not consider myself a Coen Brothers fan. I find their movies long and difficult to watch. Turns out the same was true for this one. I found it unsatisfying and didn't really care about the characters. I did not find it to be humorous, although not sure if it was supposed to be. I know life happens but it was a bit much, what happens. Seemed over exaggerated but that's what happens when you make amalgam characters. It just wasn't my kind of movie. Now remember that war movies aren't my kind of movies either and I can't "relate" to them but I can still be intrigued and interested by them. Again, not the case for this one. The setting of the movie was Jewish families in the 1960's.
Whip It
02/21/10
(Released: 10/02/09)
Fun to watch. It's not like it's a new story line but since it's not your typical sport, it was different. You got a chance to learn the Roller Derby rules. Got me in the mood to go Roller Skating. I really liked seeing Juliette Lewis again. All the women looked really good (for their age) even against the young newbie. At what point does Ellen Page get to stop playing a High Schooler? I could see Dennis Quaid playing the role of the Coach, Razor if it was his younger days. It was just fun and fem and a good break from the down and dirty best picture nominations I've been watching.
Precious
02/20/10
(Released: 11/20/09)
Going in I knew it would be a sad movie and it was. I guess I can understand why it was nominated for best
picture. The acting nominations are defintely well deserved. Typically I wouldn't go see this find of movie
(family voilence) in the same line that I wouldn't go see a war movie. They are just content that I don't get
enjoyment out of viewing and going to the movies is a good thing when you are entertained. But there can be a
variety of reasons someone may go to a movie. And in the same way war movies are based on true stories, so
wsa this movie. The content was all realistic scenarios no matter how sad and difficult to watch. And that
may be why it should be watched. I'm not one to give the spoilers or synopsis. It was a movie worth watching
because it's an Oscar Best Picture nomination and an insight to part of America we would rather not think
about.
I also liked seeing Precious' fantasy world that helps keep you in balance when difficult times are in front of you. (And getting the chance to do those things gave the actress a chance to have some fun while playing a character in a very dark and difficult situation.
It seemed like Sunkist had a little product placement. I stayed for the credits and was glad I did to see
that Lenny Kravitz and Mariah Carey were Nurse John and the social worker. I sort of recognized Lenny but didn't place the name and I did not recognize Mariah without all her make up and stuff. Not seeing a bunch of previews but did see Gabourey on the Leno show did help with the experience.
Inglorious Basterds
02/14/10
(Released: 08/21/09)
I didn't like it at first. There was a lot of stories going on and I don't know what or if anything was based on real events or not. I was waiting for the laughs. But of course it's not the topic of jokes. But just looking at Mike Myers (very small part) (I saw his name in the opening credits so knew he was coming) you are waiting for the laughs. But there were none. I had to be reminded because I did forget it was a Quentin Tarantino movie. (Extreme violence) Since I watched the movie on DVD, I was able to lookup (IMDB) actors during the movie. The movie star woman was in National Treasure. (Diane Kruger who is from Germany and is fluent in French, German and English. Wow that was a perfect role for her.) The story was told in chapters. There was a lot of captioning since much of the movie was not spoken in English. But if you're a subtitler, it's not a problem. (A subtitler is someone that prefers to use subtitles so they capture greater detail of the content. They are typically better readers. And non subtitlers (CAPTIONS OFF) people would argue this point and say subtitles are a distraction from the movie itself and find it annoying and has nothing to do with reading capabilities. So back to the story, there was a great deal of graphic violence, blood spurting everywhere (except onto the camera lens ref:District 9). I make the effort to watch all best picture nominated movies so I stretch my mind in what I expose myself to. I did sit through Saving Private Ryan and Thin Red Line in 1999 so it's what I do. But you can decide for yourself if you want to see that or not. I would say I liked the middle of the movie.
Up
02/13/10
(Released: 05/16/09)
I really don't understand how this cartoon got nominated in the Best Picture category, even with 10 chances. It was very scary to watch, even for a cartoon. OK so the bird was beautiful and I like dogs but for some reason, this movie did not sit very well with me. Maybe it's because I didn't watch it in one sitting. In spite of the balloons and some friendly animals, it was not a happy movie and there weren't that many nice characters. The mean ones outnumbered the nice ones. I'm sorry but it did not leave me "UP" at all. Cartoon or not, I do not enjoy watching children in peril.
District 9
02/07/10
(Released: 08/14/09)
I remember seeing the previews when it first came out and thought
maybe it looked interesting but not high enough on my list to take
the time to watch. Now I had to watch it as part of my Oscar BP
goal. I was shot documentary style and used a lot of what looked
like survellience camera views to report on the happenings. That
was fine and kept your interest when people interviewed seemed to
know how it ended but you didn't. It kept me intrigued enough to
watch it. But it was still an R rated gross movie that was difficult to watch. I would expect the movie to be popular with shoot 'em up video gamers with the blood splurting all over
the place. Correction, make that blood and guts and body parts flying everywhere a lot of the time. There was a definite story line that you could follow and see a few different perspectives to understand what was going on. There were similarities to Avatar like the social aspect of how we treat aliens and there was also the big transformer type giganto robot that is a killing machine that you climb into. That machine was cool and I liked the part it played. A lot of bad guys fighting against each other. I mean a lot, like everybody is a bad guy from another perspective. So it was difficult to watch but not so difficult that I had to turn it off. I will have to watch a bit of UP though before I got to sleep so that the final images in my brain are cartoons in color and not the dark bloody shoot em up kind.
An Education
02/05/10
(Released: 01/18/09)
There was a lot that I liked. I'm glad it was nominated for best
picture. I might not have taken the time to see it otherwise.
I liked the title and and the multiple meanings of the word that
could be applied to what happens in life.
I enjoyed the performances of all the actors. Most especially
The woman that played Helen (Rosamund Pike) was hilarious with her
facial expressions. She didn't have to say much. Things were going
so well and you were just waiting for the bomb to drop. I guessed
at both of them before they happened or right when they did I
figured it out. But they weren't bloody or tragic in a violent
sort of way. Educational as life. I enjoyed how education at
school was questioned. For a movie about a teenage girl's coming
of age, the audience was surprisingly filled with the over 40 or
even 50 crowd... on a Friday night yet. I found that oddly strange
but maybe it was because it was a "period piece" around the 1960's
and they wanted to relive those memories. Enjoyable scenery and
costumes added to the enjoyment. It was rated PG13 which again I
found odd. Maybe being nominated will get this movie a bit more
attention or at least be recognized more than it would have been
otherwise. I will leave you with this question.. What would be the
result if every teenage girl that saw Twilight New Moon was also
required to see this movie? Emma Thompson had a very small part.
She looked good in the 1960's collar. I already liked Peter Sarsgaard (Maggie Gyllenhaal Husband) and Alfred Molina (Spiderman 2 and Frida) so it was comforting to see them in their roles.
Public Enemies
01/30/10
(Released: 06/18/09)
This movie has come up in conversations recently to build the interest in renting it. The movie was filmed partially in Chicago and there were people that people we know were in it or cars of people that people we know were in it. I probably didn't actually see the whole thing since I fell asleep a few times. So it wasn't that interesting of a movie. I made an effort to try and keep track of who was at least the famous ones but there were a lot of characters. Not that much in time for character development and since some are historical figures, there's that you can go back to. Many scenes were dark and too close up of shots for me to catch all that I felt the need to. The R rating was for the blood spurting out scenes but not nudity or bad language you typically hear in other R rated movies. In summary, I would say that it is a thin movie when it comes to character development and scenery. But that wasn't the purpose of the movie. If you want to see shoot em up and lots of kinds of guns close up and pretend that a bad guy was one of the good guys because he's Johnny Depp, then there's that.
Avatar 3D
01/24/10
(Released: 12/18/09)
I had to see this movie for a few reasons. It is most likely to get nominated for one of the 10 best picture nominations I would have to see it as part of my yearly goal. Also, when I read or hear other people's opinions, I want to be able to form my own based on first hand knowledge of seeing the movie.
Yes it was a spectacular production of a movie. I like blue and the colors were beautiful. I did see it in 3D and taking the glasses off made the colors even brighter but you had to watch the whole thing wearing glasses. I liked how when the Navi walked, they were so in tune with the ground, it lit up as their foot met the ground. There was plenty to see and you probably can't catch it all.
If you can handle a love story mixed in with extreme violence then you'll be ok. The movie was science fiction and futuristic. If you catch in the video logs, the year is 2154. Sure there was a lot of new technology appearance but people are the same. Science and nature battles the corporate drive of money and power with violence. But do I really have to believe that Dr. Grace still demands a cigarette in the year 2154? An intelligent, educated scientist? Couldn't there be something better or more clever than that to give her character an edge?
As far as audience reactions, which I like to share and is part of the value of seeing movies in the theatre, there was a lot more than usual audience reactions. There was (some) applause at the end. There were plenty of shout outs when certain characters bit the dust.
3D: Seeing it in 3D did add some mystic features. You almost felt it necessary to swat things away. You got poked in the eye a few times.
The Hurt Locker
01/10/10
(Released: 03/17/09)
I guess wars will never stop so movies about wars will just continue on. It's amazing that the director of this movie was a woman. Yes there are a lot of different kinds of people in this world and you need that. What kind of person is willing to risk their life on a daily basis and walk right up to a bunch of bombs? I wouldn't want to work with him. I wish there was no need for him and there are others jobs that would make him happy.
Up in the Air
01/09/10
(Released: 12/14/09)
Clooney effect. Too real for words. Depressing. The Clooney Effect: George can do no wrong is the perception. Sure he's been in some good stuff just because he's in it doesn't make it good. I'm sure people went to see Stare at Goats but I didn't bother. The Die Hard's still expect everything George's in to be a romantic story and that's not the case here either. Don't read on if you want to see the movie and don't like spoilers. I heard the audience gasp when he went to Chicago but I knew it was coming and what was behind the door. The guy's living in his own world void of any emotional connection and almost has you talked into thinking that's a good thing. Come on.I don't know why this movie is getting so many awards but I found it depressing and too real. I would not recommend it for anyone suffering from a recent job loss. It's too in your face about that.
My Sister's Keeper
01/02/10
(Released: 06/29/06)
Have a box of tissues nearby. Very strong family dynamics to figure out. I'm glad the entire story wasn't given away in the trailers.
Old Dogs
12/27/09
(Released: 11/25/09)
Fun enough to watch with 11 year olds.
My Sister's Keeper
12/18/09
(Released: 01/27/02)
OK so I accidentally rented this old Hallmark story instead of the recent release. But it wasn't that old of a movie and still a typical heartfelt family movie. Very different story.
Don't Mess with Zohan
12/13/09
(Released: 06/06/08)
The trailers looked funny enough to rent a year later. Too goofy with childish humor that made me turn away like a fish in the butt crack.
The Blind Side
12/05/09
(Released: 11/20/09)
It was more enjoyable knowing it was based on a true story. A very good balance to capture the interest of all ages.
Twilight Trilogy:New Moon
11/26/09
(Released: 11/20/09)
What a waste of time. Worst dialogue. Eventually even my 11 year old agreed. Dialogue like: ?I love you and will never leave you.? Next breath, ?Bye we have to break up.? Just too goofy for anyone over adolescent and even some pre-adolescent.
Star Trek
11/22/09
(Released: 05/08/09)
This is the first Blu-Ray DVD I purchased. I knew we would like the digital download. The story kept my interest and suspense. It didn't matter too much that it was a back story about James T. Kirk. It was a decent movie on its own.
Imagine That
10/18/09
(Released: 06/12/09)
DVD rental worth watching with your young children. Kind of like Dr. Dolittle.
Ghosts of Girlfriends Past
10/18/09
(Released: 05/01/09)
Saw this more for curiosity probably. Or just to see Matthew Mc get hassled by his past girlfriends.
The Proposal
10/17/09
(Released: 06/19/09)
Entertainingly funny. Not earth shattering, some family dynamic to add to the humor.
State of Play
09/27/09
(Released: 04/17/09)
It was difficult to remember what the movie was about just by the title. The movie didn't feel unique but it had it's suspenseful moments.
Role Models
09/19/09
(Released: 11/07/08)
Not the genre for my age group but had to see it for myself so I would understand the humor that parodies it. Jane Lynch is fun to watch no matter what she's a part of. From Criminal Minds to 2 ? Men.
Passion Fish
09/14/09
(Released: 12/11/92)
Maybe I saw it when I was trying to see every John Sayles movie but didn't remember it well enough. I wish I could see more of Mary McDonnell.
Secret Lives of Dentists
09/01/09
(Released: 07/22/04)
I fell upon this movie looking up Denis Leary after a stretch of Rescue Me DVDs. Sounded interesting but it was a very weird story. I had trouble getting into the heads of either dentist.
Julie & Julia
08/30/09
(Released: 08/07/09)
I guess the bouncing back and forth in time was part of the purpose but wasn't that necessary. Or at least it was to keep the present day story interesting enough. Enjoyed seeing Meryl Streep as Julia Child.
Duplicity
08/28/09
(Released: 03/20/09)
Red Box rental that was at least a relatively current movie I hadn't seen yet. A lot of trickery or lying that you weren't sure of. It was OK but not recommendable.
Death in the Family
08/25/09
(Released: 04/02/02)
The movie was set in old times but seemed real old also. It was a Masterpiece Theatre movie about just what the title says. You have to be in the right mood to watch it.
Confessions of a shopaholic
08/22/09
(Released: 02/13/09)
I have to at least enjoy watching a movie to give it a 3. It was making too light of people with serious problems in my opinion.
He's Just Not That Into You
08/22/09
(Released: 02/26/09)
Liked the people in it but story was boring.
New In Town
07/30/09
(Released: 01/30/09)
Romantic Comedy with the kind of ending you expect to see with that kind of movie.
Gran Torino
07/29/09
(Released: 01/09/09)
Did this movie come out too early in the year to be remembered for an Oscar? Are people tried of nominating Clint for his work in movies? Hard to watch but couldn't stay away based on the enticing previews.
The Air I Breathe
07/16/09
(Released: 12/13/07)
Difficult to follow along or understand the message.
Australia
06/30/09
(Released: 11/26/08)
Had to see it because it had Hugh Jackman. Difficult story to watch. More like a Gone with the Wind for these days.
Yes Man
05/30/09
(Released: 12/18/08)
A Jim Carrey movie where you can't really predict what's going to happen next.
Taken
05/23/09
(Released: 01/30/09)
The previews became very familiar scenes and took a bit away from the movie. But there were a few more good lines that stick with you. Very suspenseful and Daddy goes all the way to save the day.
Cadillac Records
05/15/09
(Released: 12/05/08)
Again it seemed like a familiar plot but it was a different one. Confusing at first but pretty intense drama.
17 Again
04/25/09
(Released: 04/17/09)
The plot line was familiar but it was cutesy enough with Zack Efron and Matthew Perry that it was enjoyable to watch.
Marley and Me
04/18/09
(Released: 12/25/08)
My first RedBox rental. I held off from watching this earlier, understanding the movie covered Marley's entire life. But I like dogs and enjoyed the funny seens. I thing they dragged the end out a bit too much. We all know it happens, just get it over with and move on. There was nothing better to do so it was worth watching.
The Visitor
03/28/09
(Released: 04/18/08)
This movie was on my list to see because of Oscar nominated Richard Jenkins. It was a sad but interesting story. Not exactly uplifting but you could say inspirational. A movie worth watching one evening.
The Lucky Ones
03/14/09
(Released: 09/26/08)
The previews looked interesting when it was first coming out. Portions of the movie really stuck with me. But I couldn't remember the name of the movie without looking it up. It seems like I know Rachel McAdams' name more than face. That could be a good thing and not be typed into one kind of character. All the main characters were really good and easy to watch, it was the enlisted soldier content that was hard. It showed a perspective that all need to see though. So it's a movie that makes you think about others and their difficult situations.
The Core
03/13/09
(Released: 03/28/03)
A movie like many others before except with a female lead taking over. Sorry, but it didnt' seem all that believable, not that it's supposed to be. It was like Armageddon and those other movies where a crew goes off on a mission to save the world and they all probably won't return back.
Rachel Getting Married
03/12/09
(Released: 10/03/08)
It was interesting to see what else Anne Hathaway was capable of and it's funny how I keep forgetting that she does not play Rachel. Even though I am not a drug addict, everybody has their own additions in one way or another and can be reminded or learn things from this story. Like getting tired of starting over again and again but that is what we have to do to keep moving forward in our life. The movie had the cinematic effects that made it feel real and like you were just watching a home video. There were so many characters, too many to get deep enough character development but you could still read stories on people's faces. It's good to remind ourselves once in a while the very serious issues that other people deal with to keep the satisfaction of our own lives as a true accomplishment and should not be taken for granted.
Frozen River
03/07/09
(Released: 08/01/08)
I rented this movie to see Academy Award Nominee Melissa Leo. She kind of looked familiar but I am not familiar with her work at all. But she has quite a history and would you believe 9 more projects in progress for 2009 and one already completed. She is one busy woman. The movie was sad and depressing but also heartfelt. People aren't bad but put in difficult situations some times. The movie felt very indy. It was the first time I watched a movie with the commentary as subtitles. It was interesting and a little distracting.
Inkheart
03/06/09
(Released: 01/23/09)
Although I have been quite the Brendan Fraser fan in the past, I went to see this movie because it had a start time that worked with the schedule for me and a couple of friends. Portions of it were dramatically violent like the Mummy movies were. Aspects were quite predictable that I won't go into so I don't spoil it. Oh what the heck, it wasn't that good. I knew the daughter would also have the silver tongue powers early on in the movie, I mean come on, she's his daughter and it's a movie. It's like the predictability of an illegitimate child suddenly appearing "17" years later or however much time has passed in a movie. So the movie was kind of stupid in a difficult situation with a simple solution that was only used at the very end when needed, just to keep the suspense up. It might be scary for younger kids, like the one sitting behind us that was chatting it up out loud because he was too young to even be in a PG evening movie. But what do you expect, his father was honking out noises at unexpected times where only he found it to be funny.
W.
02/28/09
(Released: 10/17/08)
I'm so glad Josh Brolin played W. instead of Christian Bale. Josh Brolin transforms into other people quite well and am glad to see he is making a name for himself. Understanding it's an Oliver Stone movie, I wanted to see his take on George W. Bush. I learned some things I did not know, assuming they are true. I didn't know he wasn't a lawyer and how that may matter. So it was an easy opportunity to learn someone's interpretation of a presidential person. It didn't bother me that two significant events and W's reaction were not covered. That is 9/11 and how he got into office with the ballots and voting problems. But those things were covered enough in the media at the time. This was more of an insightful look into someone's path in life. Again, according to Oliver Stone's cinematic interpretation.
Curious Case of Benjamin Button
02/15/09
(Released: 12/28/08)
This was the last of the Best Picture nomiated movies I had to see. I put this one off, knowing the length of it was 3 hours. I am a high expectation person anyway, but to have me sit through a movie for three hours, I really expect it to hold my attention, keep me interested and entertained for all that time. It didn't quite do that. I didn't mind having to get up in the middle for free refills of popcorn and slushie and I don't think I even missed anything. If you know the basic premise, this should not be a spoiler for you but I just didn't want to see it to the end to watch a baby die. I knew it was coming and it's not like it was gruesome, but still not how I wanted to end the 3 hour experience. Yes he had a full and good life blah blah blah. Speaking of blah, blah, blah, blah, the whole theme of the movie is preachy. Yes there are struggles in life no matter what direction you are going. You can do anything you want if you put your mind to it. Blah, blah, blah. Best picture nominated with the most nominations... ok, I can still give it 4 stars. And I think it should win Best Makeup.. but it wasn't the Best Picture I saw.
Hancock
02/14/09
(Released: 07/02/08)
I was glad to see the unexpected part that I won't spoil. It was a different kind of superhero movie. It was fast and held your attention. A lot of action and enough character story lines to keep you interested. The whole family watched it together even though there was consistent language that's not used around our house.
The Wrestler
02/11/09
(Released: 12/17/08)
Some parts were predictable and some were not. I did have to cover my eyes for some parts that I knew were coming. It was quite a role for anyone to play. Marisa Tomei has quite the body and I enjoyed seeing both aspects of her character's life in the movie.
Frost/Nixon
02/08/09
(Released: 12/26/08)
BP:You might consider this a spoiler but since the movie is historical, read at your own risk.
Am I supposed to believe that the success for David Frost of the interview, was due to Nixon drunk dialing?
The movie wasn't as boring as I thought it could be showing just 2 guys sitting across from each other asking questions. It was more interesting than that but still got slow near the end. To the point of I was feeling a bit claustrophobic which concerns me. There was interesting build up of the characters. The sidebar interviews of the characters in the movie, helped explain what was going on, which I appreciated. I guess I can see why it was Best Picture nominated but I don't think it will win.
The Reader
01/30/09
(Released: 12/12/08)
BP:I had not read any synopsis or reviews of the movie going in. I had to see it because it was nominated best picture. And I had not heard of it before that. It took place in Germany and jumped around in timeas like a flashback. That was ok. Just be sure you pay attention to the dates and locations. Be prepared to see a lot more of Kate Winslet and a young boy than in a typical movie. What was interesting about the movie, being more than just a love story is the historical significance of the events. It wasn't an upbeat movie but there were 2 particular points of audience chuckling. That made it kind of cute. The only thing out of place was that it was not in German. I guess I would have to go to Germany to see that version. You can read a summary on a movie website. I don't like to give too much away. I did have a few questions while watching the movie, but just details. I knew what was going on and also figured out early on why she was having him read to her. The amount of time spent reading seemed unrealistic but I guess it was possible.
Slumdog Millionaire
01/24/09
(Released: 12/05/08)
BP: The theatre was quite full and with many older couples. The things that I had heard in advance were that the life depicted in India was basically true and that the movie was worth watching to the end. (The end was upbeat.) It was tough to figure out at first just what is going on but that's also what helps make it a good movie. You have to just watch and pay attention and with time, details will come out to explain what's going on with the time jumping around. For some reason, it wasn't difficult for me to watch little kids in bad situations. Usually that gets to me. But when I make it my goal to see all the best picture nominated movies, I just go. Movies like this stretch my experiences beyond my safe little world. I see how other people live and what it takes to survive. I heard of the movie from Meredith Viera on the Today show and wanted to see it since then. Was glad to see it nominated for Best Picture. Don't know that it would be enough of an accomplishment to warrant Danny Boyle getting Best Director, but you never know.
Milk
01/23/09
(Released: 12/22/08)
BP:I was around in the 70's and do remember Anita Bryant in the news and the popularity of San Francisco for gay people. But I wasn't aware of Harvey Milk. I probably heard something about an openly gay political person being killed but that was about it. So if you didn't mind seeing the love story of Brokeback Mountain, didn't flinch seeing Tom Selleck and Kevin Kline kiss in In and Out, then you could probably handle this movie. I think Jake G and Heath helped make this movie not as big a deal. Plus it's historical. The coolest cinematic effect that stood out in the movie was the scene shot in the reflection of the whistle. That was cool. I wasn't judging Sean Penn's imitation of Harvey because I don't know his mannerisms. But Sean Penn's nomination for Best Actor is worth of the performance. I can't say the same about Josh Brolin. I realize that feeling is partly because the character was so strange but still. Josh did a great job in No Country for Old Men so it's more of a comment on the character than the actor. The love scenes were not very long, shot close up or in partial darkness. But that's just my assessment.
Hotel for Dogs
01/18/09
(Released: 01/16/09)
Fun movie for dog lovers who will be able to find at least one dog, they can identify with. For us it was Shep, who has some herding issues that makes him run around things. That's our Shep. I liked the different gadgets setup for the dogs. They were creative and really from the dogs' needs perspective. So going just for the cuteness of the dogs is enough. If you are a real dog lover that is.
Mama Mia
01/13/09
(Released: 07/18/08)
With the way it was getting nominated for Golden Globes, I thought it could have been another hit like Chicago. But it was not and probably because none of the primary characters actually known for their signing. So even if they did sing well, it seemed out of place. And this is coming from someone that fast forwarded through a lot of the singing parts. I'm not a fan of musicals anyway. The reason I did give it 2 stars is because there were enough actors in it that I enjoy watching anyway.
21
01/08/09
(Released: 03/28/08)
It was exciting to watch and try to keep track of what cards were being played. I know it was based on a true story but there were aspects that didn't seem believable in the Kevin Spacey (teacher) character. I don't want to say what part because it would be a spoiler. The color and glitz and change back to school campus were visual and exciting. The early on insert of Lawrence Fishburne beating up somebody, seemed like a preview for a different movie. But it all comes together at the end.
Twilight
01/02/09
(Released: 11/21/08)
Wether or not you like the movie may depend on your epxectations going into it. It was a movie for teens and a comedy for adults in my opinion. A chick flick, sure for tweens. But tweens don't need a chick flick. It was entertaining and the most I've laughed at any vampire movie and I have seen a lot of vampire movies. It seemed like the actors were almost famous actors. Main female actress, Kristen Stewart could have been Ellen Page but not saying it should have been. The foster father, reminded me of Christian Bale and didn't seem old enough for the role. Didn't understand why there were all those mirrors and were plenty of reflections. It was not scary in any way but I could see how it got the PG-13 rating. My 10 year old boy really wanted to see it and my 13 year old boy would have nothing to do with it.
Seven Pounds
01/02/09
(Released: 12/19/08)
The premise of doing something good to make up for something bad you've done was not new. Appreciated the way the details were not revealed in the previews (I should not have read the synopsis in the movie guide leaflet.) The movie left things for the audience to figure out and that's what held your interest. I thought it could have been too depressing to watch but I guess that's a matter of your perspective. I'm going to let the movie sink in some more.
Four Christmases
01/01/09
(Released: 11/26/08)
Goofy but fun enough to watch.
Journey to the Center of the Earth
12/28/08
(Released: 07/11/08)
It was like Ice Age with real actors doing the stunts. It was just the right length of time or it would have gotten too silly. Played the DVD extras for a bit. It wasn't a deep movie but good enough for kids.
Bedtime Stories
12/25/08
(Released: 12/25/08)
Would rate it a three for a kids movie but nothing Oscar worthy or anything to rate it better than a 2. Entertaining with action to keep the kids interested since the wouldn't be interested in the "relationship" stuff. No Jumanji. Heartfelt and fun.
The Dark Knight
12/20/08
(Released: 07/18/08)
I didn't love it as much as my 13 year old son did. Heath Ledger was very creepy yes and the fact that he's dead made it even creepier. I liked the way the batmobile turned into the batcycle and rewound to watch it in slow mo. Many things happened very fast and I could watch it multiple times to catch more. I looked for city landscapes that looked like Chicago. 2 face was disgusting but still couldn't look away.
American Psycho
12/06/08
(Released: 04/04/00)
Tried to watch Machinist with Christian Bale but that was too intense. Had to stop in the middle. Wanted to watch something where Christian was more pleasing to the eye. Since EW (Entertainment Weekly) contrasted Christian movies as extremes between American Psycho and Machinist, rented American Psycho since I never saw it and after seeing it remembered hearing bad things about it and probably why I avoided it. However it was worth watching to see Christian wield a chainsaw while chasing a victim and wearing only tennis shoes.
Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
10/28/08
(Released: 09/26/07)
Yikes, I was not ready to see so much of Marissa Tomei. It was too weird and confusing to me. Not to mention depressing. I needed to talk to somebody about the plot afterwards just to be sure I got it straight.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
10/25/08
(Released: 04/18/08)
Easy to forget movie. The advertisements (big billboards) and anticipations were more interesting than the movie itself. Bright spot of entertainment was Aldous Snow character (Russell Brand-catch him in Bedtime Stories)
Iron Man
10/22/08
(Released: 05/02/08)
Much better than I had expected. A little bit predictable but an amazing hit for Robert Downey Jr. The scene testing out the jet boots was the funniest. But overall for comic book movies, it was pretty funny. Doesn't compare to the complexity of X-Men but was good on a single character level.
Letherheads
10/17/08
(Released: 04/04/08)
Pleasant to watch. It was fun to see George Clooney's character interact with Renee Zellweger. The previews did show a lot of the good parts but didn't ruin it. This is an example where the preview was actually right on where if you liked the previews, you would enjoy the movie. I like older time movies with a strong female character also. That's a rare and special treat.
Smart People
10/16/08
(Released: 04/11/08)
Again, easy to forget. The previews made it look more interesting than it really was. Watching pathetic dysfunctional families isn't that entertaining unless there are enough laughs. This particular one did not have enough laughs. Ellen Page needs more and better opportunties to shine as an actor.
Hitman
09/27/08
(Released: 11/21/07)
Seemed similar to Transporter movies. Too much violence to let my 13 year old watch. I rented it to see if I would let him watch it and decided against it. Interesting enough story to follow and hold my interest. Not repulsive.
Eagle Eye
09/26/08
(Released: 07/01/09)
Better on movie channels when you happen to catch it.
Bucket List
07/18/08
(Released: 12/16/07)
Story provided just enough facts to let you know what the charactes were going through or going to do. I thought more camera time would be sent seeing the travel locations and things they did there.
Hunting Party
06/29/08
(Released: 09/14/07)
Not as suspenseful as you would like it to be.
Greenfingers
06/27/08
(Released: 09/14/01)
Kind of goofy movie. Plenty of story to hold your interest.
Get Smart
06/21/08
(Released: 06/20/08)
Action oriented fun. Familiarity with the original TV series made it more fun to see actors we know as agent characters. Don't want to spoil the fun. The best thing about the movie is that it wasn't as stupid as the TV show but still had commonanlity to the show for the recognition. Steve Carrell is just fun to watch. The Rock and Alan Arkin were great in their roles and so were the cameos. I hope there's a Get Smart 2.
Death at a Funeral
06/19/08
(Released: 07/11/07)
It was strange but unique enough to hold your interest. It was a switch to hear an American (Alan Tudyk-Firefly) speak with a British accent. Goofy but with familiar/similar plots.
The Happening
06/13/08
(Released: 06/13/08)
If you are a fan of Night, then you know what you are getting into and you will probably like the movie. However, I cannot recommend the movie to your mainstream movie goers. There was no big surprise for me in the end. Then again the only one that surprised me was "The Sixth Sense" and I was just mad and didn't want to be caught off guard again. Watching people kill themselves is not the kind of entertainment I'm interested in. There wasn't as much graphic gore shown as there could have been but there was enough. It had a purpose and moral to the story and it went kinda fast. But I did not walk out feeling like I was there and I didn't want to be there. Maybe when it comes out on DVD there will be more insight explained but I dont' think there's a deeper message that I didn't get. Characters were short lived and unexplained. I read on person's really bad review just before I went to see it and hoped they were wrong. I wanted to see it first before I heard anything from anybody and that's why I went and saw the first show on opening day. Guess I shouldn't have read any comments on imdb that morning either. However, the opinion of it not being very good will be common. The small audience there was, had a few laughs but were not impressed as far as I can tell.
The Flying Scotsman
05/31/08
(Released: 12/29/06)
An inspiration movie to get you going on your bicycle. It should become a classic like Breaking Away. Funny how the movie never mentions bipolar specifically but that is the challenge that needed to be faced. Note Johnny Lee Miller who I've enjoyed watching on the TV Show "Eli Stone" recently (2008) and I will have to watch "Hackers" again sine I own it. JLM was in that with Angelina Jolie and JLM was actually her first husband.
I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry
05/30/08
(Released: 07/20/07)
The previews to this movie were better than the actual one. Yes it had a meaningful message and it was kinda funny but only in a way that they are the kind of jokes you would hear out of Adam Sandler's mouth. Worth watching if you have absolutely nothing better to do.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
05/26/08
(Released: 05/22/08)
It is what it is and would meet the expectations of anyone that was alive and saw the first one, Raiders, in the theatre when it came out. Action and adventure with humor with a little bit of buggy gore. The end was a bit too alien for some younger tastes but what do you think is going to happen when Speilberg and Lucas get together.
Rendition
05/23/08
(Released: 10/19/07)
Intense, difficult to watch and a bit average. There is a plot/story for you to figure out what is going on sequentially that came together and made sense. It was interesting to learn about rendition and helps with understanding what it is when you hear other references to it in life.
Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
05/20/08
(Released: 12/21/07)
The first 45 minutes was the story build up and no blood. After that, the movie was not suitable for the queasy. More blood was pumped out beyond reality but it was still difficult to watch. I'm not a good judge of singing ability but enjoyed watching Johnny and Helena sing.
I'm Not There
05/13/08
(Released: 11/21/07)
I would think that trying to impersonate would be rather fun. I was surprised to read that only Cate Blanchett was the only one doing the full on re-enactment. No wonder she got all the rave reviews for her performance then.
Not being a Dylan fan, it's not the kind of movie I would be totally into. However, that does not mean I wasn't able to figure out the basis of it being the many lives or personalities he has gone through in his life. This is one DVD rental where they provide Intro info that would be helpful to read before you see the movie. Considering all the time bouncing and character changing around, I was still able to pretty much follow along. It's a very artisitic piece of movie that all Dylan fans should revel in.
Shoot 'em Up
05/11/08
(Released: 09/07/07)
It is what it claims to be. Constant shooting in a variety of locations that keep your interest. So much shooting and blood, it became cartoon like even though the movie makers don't like it being referred to in that way. But the way the blood spurts out and the speed things are done, there's no better explanation. There was even a story line and plot to figure out. Action and adventure taken to the riduclousness level for entertainment. Not classy, just action oriented.
American Gangster
05/11/08
(Released: 11/02/07)
Because it's based on a real story, renting the DVD allows you to see the Special Features included seeing the actual characters the story is based on. That is what is most interesting and brings the story to heart. OTherwise it's just another gangster vs cop movie.
Preservation Road
05/10/08
(Released: 10/12/07)
Not the movie to watch when you're already having an allergy attack and sneezing with a runny nose. Went through half a box of Puffs Plus. I probably rented this one because of who was in it, Joaquin Phoenix and Mark Ruffalo. Both very strong actors playing the part with real intensity where you wouldn't want to find yourself in either situation. The stories about a hit and run accident and how the families that happened to be intertwined, dealth with it.
The Brave One
05/09/08
(Released: 04/14/07)
I did not need to see the jumps/intertwinings of sex and the results of the violence in the beginning and in two different ways.
No Reservations
05/09/08
(Released: 07/27/07)
I have had this movie on hold since I watched Mostly Martha, the original. So in that case I watched for differences. The biggest one is that the young girl didn't leave and then the Aunt have to go and get her.
Walk Hard The Dewey Cox Story
05/06/08
(Released: 12/21/07)
An extreme farce and satire even more so than Knocked Up and SuperBad. I still watched it and maybe had a few laughs but overall it was a bit too over the top for me.
27 Dresses
05/02/08
(Released: 01/18/08)
Cutesy movie with a few bad words if you want to watch it with younger kids. They probably had to tone down Katherine's blond hair so she could actually have a sister that would be pretty enough to get the guy over her. Romantic comedy that even though you know how it's going to turn out in the end, is more enjoyable than watching Katherine Heigl getting "Knocked Up".
Time Machine
05/01/08
(Released: 08/17/60)
Rented it to show the kids to get the connections between this movie and The Big Bang Theory Season One Espisode 14 titled "The Nerdmabelia Scattering". The movie was worth watching again.
Lars and the Real Girl
04/29/08
Pleasant. Tasteful almost to the point of fantasy where everyone is actually nice. It's a story about mental illness, not what you would expect.
Starting out in the evening
04/26/08
(Released: 11/23/07)
Not that memorable of a movie or the title wasn't really helpful in remembering it. A kind of flat story with Lauren Ambrose from Six Feet Under as a grad student and Frank Langella as an old time author. Thinking of the two of them together is kind of horr(or)ific if you know what I mean. It was interesting enough to keep watching but not pleasant.
Assasination of Jesse James by Coward Robert Ford
04/25/08
(Released: 10/10/07)
I rented this one to see Casey Affleck and the Oscar Nomiation he got for it. It wasn't until I saw the cover that I realized Brad Pitt was playing Jesse James but I guess Robert Ford was the main character for the movie. It was difficult to watch starting out, being very dark and violent. Watching the blood spurt in a western carries a different tone than a Uzi type gunfight. I felt like there was some authenticity with the old time gun powder that didn't make this real nice entrance and exit wound I'm used to seeing on CSI.
Bee Movie
04/19/08
(Released: 11/21/07)
Reminded me of Monsters Inc. and A Bug's Life. Cute enough and very colorful for the kids.
Lions for Lambs
04/19/08
(Released: 11/09/07)
I liked how all the stories intertwined and the banter rhetoric tried not to pick sides. It was still making a statement and got you to think but overall it was still not well received.
Identity
04/15/08
(Released: 04/25/03)
Definitely suspenseful and had a tone of Psycho but with a lot more characters. I got sucked into the story just like you were supposed to. I followed all the clues and details and suspects. I was not disappointed with the revealing of the situation in the end. There were some parts that were too slow but the deleted scenes helped. It was hard to watch but sticking through it to the end, I was not disappointed. That was the key to me liking it, if you can handle the suspense and killings.
Gone Baby Gone
04/11/08
(Released: 10/19/07)
I could see the connection with Mystic River but it wasn't quite as graphic and intense. I enjoyed watching all the actors do their jobs. I was trying to figure out what was going on so it wasn't predictable. Probably a great job for first time director, Ben Affleck. But it was difficult to watch and accept everybody being so .... bad or corrupt or just making bad decisions.
Come Early Morning
04/10/08
(Released: 11/10/06)
A chick flick that aired on Lifetime the same week I watched the DVD. Not a huge story, just about people and how they cope with things in their lives. I supposed a good cinematherapy movie.
Dan in Real Life
04/08/08
(Released: 10/26/07)
Being a Touchstone picture (AKA Disney) there was the typical theme of dealing with the loss of a parent. It was fun to watch and believe in love at first sight and the love and support of family all being great things to have.
License to Wed
04/07/08
(Released: 07/03/07)
Fun movie to just sit back and enjoy. Robin Williams keeps it rolling and the deleted scenes were best deleted. Be sure to catch the "Ask Choir Boy" on the DVD.
Miss Potter
04/06/08
(Released: 12/29/06)
I guess this movie didn't make it big on screen but it was a fun movie to watch and learn about the life of Beatrix Potter. I went to the library and got some of her books to get the kids interested in watching the movie. It's a family fun movie and teaches you about the way of life in the 1890's.
Breaking and Entering
04/05/08
(Released: 12/15/06)
The previews purposely led you to judge the characters to bring you into the story. I realize the delay was almost necessary as part of the story but it didn't make sense that they couldn't arrest the boy who did the stealing from fingerprints all over the place. There were a lot of side story characters that took away from the development of the main characters.
Becoming Jane
04/03/08
(Released: 08/03/07)
A fan of Pride and Prejudice or Jane Austen should see a story about how she lived her life early on that might shine some lot to her stories. I'm becoming a fan of James McAvoy but wonder why his eyes look real blue in some of the scenes. The story was not outstanding in a memorable sort of way. I saw a preview for it after seeing the movie and forgot how it ended.
I Am Legend
04/02/08
(Released: 12/11/07)
If you liked Independence Day and Day After Tomorrow, then you'll probably like this movie also. For me though, it was not enjoyable to see all the rabid people and Will Smith being so alone. Much too graphically disturbing people and scenes.
Into the Wild
04/02/08
(Released: 09/01/07)
Almost inspiring to watch and explore the world along with him. Almost learning the lessons of life along with him. A kid thinking he had the world all figured out and how to make his life better. Whether you consider him successfuly is your opinion. I think he was running away and had a lot of anger.
Factory Girl
04/01/08
(Released: 12/29/06)
The previews intrigued me with Guy Pearce as Andy Warhol. It was an interesting story to watch, not knowing how much was true. Understandable for the times. Not too obscure but little bits of it to keep it artsie.
Penelope
04/01/08
(Released: 02/29/08)
Cute movie to see with the young kids and was impressed with the lesson explained by the young child in the end. It was deeper than expected.
Bobby
03/29/08
(Released: 11/23/06)
There were sooo many famous people with small parts but still just enough to follow the story lines since you know they all tied into one place. Maybe Emilio should try a re-release or re-promotion of it since the timeliness connections with Vietname War/Iraq and a candidate that brings younger generation interested again. It was also a reminder of how people like John McCain, Hilary Clinton and Barak Obama are putting their lives and their family live's at stake for the purpose of making it a better country. The intersplicing of actual footage worked well and seemed smooth, not documentary like. I hope Emilio has more projects and gets better commercial success with them.
Once
03/27/08
(Released: 06/13/07)
Maybe if you like music and write your own this movie will be inspirational to you. I rented it because of the Oscar winning song which was nice to hear. But there wasn't much dialoge. It was a subliminal musical that got boring to me after a while. Sorry.
Away From her
03/26/08
(Released: 06/16/07)
It was a very sad movie and that was expected. I can't say that it was comforting or inspiring so can't even recommend it unless you feel the need to see how one person might deal with putting their spouse in a nursing home. The nursing home was still quite clean with private rooms and not that realistic if you're looking for a good reality slap in the face as part of your process to be depressed. Watching the movie gave me very sad dreams to wake up to. I'll focus on living while I still can.
Oscar and Lucinda
03/25/08
(Released: 12/31/97)
This movie has probably been on my rental list for quite a few years and I happened across it at the library. I enjoyed watching Ralph and Cate looking 10 years younger because they were. I'm not big on period pieces but that is what Ralph and Cate do best anyway. Cate being the strong woman role while seeing love and sexuality without the hot raw sex, was refreshing cinema. A movie that holds it's own over the years (typical with well done period pieces anyway) that is a good rental.
Jumper
03/22/08
(Released: 02/14/08)
Time travel movies interest me. This was more of a change location movie but still sci-fi enough. It was about as good as Ghost Rider... exciting enough to watch.. but nothing to write home about. I was confused about the purpose of the white hair (powdered?) on Samuel L. Did it have a purpose? During the first fight scene, it got messed up and the white powder was visible on his skin. Was that on purpose? And I missed having subtitles (saw it in the theatre). Subtitles clearly show me how to spell invented words like -- Paladins - so it doesn't take me the whole movie to figure out what they are saying well enough to repeat it. The scenery for all that jumping wasn't spectacular either, I'd rather watch the travel channel.
Hard Candy
03/09/08
(Released: 04/16/06)
Yikes!! An unforgettable movie done so well it will blow your mind. It's not easy keeping an audiences interest having almost the entire movie shot in and around one house. There's not much that can be said without giving away spoiler's so I won't provide details. It's about turning the tables on a predator. Oops, just gave away the first one.
LA VIE EN ROSE (Môme, La)
02/29/08
(Released: 06/15/07)
A French movie with subtitles about the life of singer Edit Piaf. Rented it because Marion Cotillard won the Best Actress award. She did an amazing job with the help of makeup. It was a sad story to watch, very dark. The story line jumped around in time and that was done well because it added to the story, without confusing the viewer.
Atonement
02/17/08
(Released: 12/07/07)
Now that I have seen the final Best Picture nominated movie, I can say that I don't think Atonement is it. It was a period piece love story showing different perspectives and jumped around with time a bit. Not so much that it was annoying. It had its purpose. It was not a 100% chick flick since there was graphic violence as the result of war.
In the Land of Women
02/13/08
(Released: 04/20/07)
A strange movie that seemed more like a dream sequence of someone with a huge ego than reality. It was a decent enough DVD to rent and watch with actual movie stars. But still seemed a bit off.
There Will Be Blood
02/10/08
(Released: 12/26/07)
There was blood but certainly not as much as seen in No Country for Old Men. I enjoyed just watching the story and getting to know the characters as the movie progressed. It was very gritty to watch with all the oil spraying around and such. The amazing accomplishment was the likability of the main character in spite of his flaws. The soundtrack did get on my nerves at times but as mentioned in previous review, I supposed it had it's own role to play.
Michael Clayton
02/04/08
(Released: 10/12/07)
I prefer to not know much about the movie before I see it and just let it play out. Try to catch the details you think will be important to the main story. The music by James Newton Howard was a character of it's own that played a role in the story. It's those things that made it a good story that I don't want to ruin for you.
George Clooney's character was not Oscar worthy compared to the other nominated roles even though I haven't seen those movies yet.
The movie felt like a typical plot line but enough things were different to make it interesting. It's a good solid movie I could recommend.
No Country For Old Men
02/01/08
(Released: 11/21/07)
You should know going into it that there is a lot of violence and gore and yes it can be difficult to watch.
The visuals tell the story (and I don't mean just the blood). There is very little dialog. You have to pay very close attention and work through the accents to catch everything. It was a challenge to watch and pick up the inferences and that made it very compelling.
3:10 to Yuma (2007)
01/12/08
(Released: 09/07/07)
The updated version was much more violent and detailed. Made me wonder if the book had the details about the soldier that lost his leg or they just added those details. And yet they left out the details about where they were taking him, what the options were and how the whole plan. But that was part of how changes were made. I had a feeling the end would be different. It's probably due to the fact that I'm comparing it to the original but I didn't like the updated ending. It wasn't that believeable is all I'll say so I don't spoil it.
Juno
01/11/08
(Released: 12/05/07)
 Excellent movie that makes you laugh out loud with it's witty rhetoric and matter of fact approach to life. It's one of the rare movies I would like to see again to catch the jokes or whatever. It made me laugh and teenage kids applause. There was the actual and very rare audience applause at the end of the movie. I can understand if you don't want to see the movie because of the teenage pregnancy subject matter, but if you can't laugh during this movie, then you are taking life too seriously.
Enchanted
12/30/07
(Released: 11/21/07)
A cute movie as you would expect. Lightheartedly funny with a few surprises but sticking to the fairy tale theme. Found the physical appearance contrast between Giselle (Amy Adams) and Nancy Tremaine (Idina Menzel) to be quite sharp.
Stick It
12/25/07
(Released: 04/28/06)
Expectations were low and they were exceeded. The visual colors and special effects added a little more to the entertainment of the movie. Outtakes and deleted scenes were fun to watch.
Rocky Balboa
12/23/07
(Released: 12/20/06)
Yo Rocky, you're old. Was waiting for his face to look better after training for the fight. Didn't happen. Watched it for sentimental reminiscent value I guess. It was a Rocky movie. Nothing more really needs to be said.
Namesake
12/21/07
(Released: 03/09/07)
A cultural movie all should see to open their minds to life in other countries and their traditions. There was no moral to the story that beats you over the head. Just good storytelling insight into the Indian culture. I heard about this movie from seeing DVD previews. I recognized Kal Penn from House MD and he was Kumar in Harold & Kumar go to White Castle.
Waitress
12/04/07
(Released: 05/25/07)
Couldn't wait to see it. Cried more than I laughed. Great therapy movie to let you know you can get out of a bad situation. Rented it to see Nathan.
3:10 to Yuma (1957)
11/26/07
(Released: 01/01/57)
Knew I was getting the older version when I rented it. Wanted to see how it was done originally and what lines were going to be exact in the new version. It was somewhat predictable but also sort of timeless.
FlightPlan
09/15/07
(Released: 09/23/05)
When the movie first came out, I wasn't interested in watching it for some reason. It was a thriller and written for Jodi Foster. We are still a little freaked out about airplanes since 9/11 and horribly still realistic with recent news about a women hearing arabic spoken on a plane and causing great concern. The movie was all it said it would be and we are always pleased to see a woman take control in a movie.
Hairspray
09/14/07
(Released: 07/20/07)
Hilarious and wonderful. Robin called it a Dance-ical. John Travolta in a fat suit and dress dancing around in hi-heels. Uplifting and fun to watch. Soo many stars. Enough overtone jokes for the adults. Remakes hardly ever get a fair shake. This one was worth watching.
Conversation(s) with other Women
09/14/07
(Released: 08/25/06)
A very special two-shot movie that was filmed in HD and edited on a MAC using FinalCut Pro. Information was revealed little by little until you figure out what is going on. Surprisingly, the split screen added to the way the story was told with flashbacks and challenges of keeping the perspectives in sync. I don't remember this coming out to the theatres or that I missed it. I happened upon it at the library and knew I liked the actors. The rest that I learned about the split screen and editing accomplishments were a bonus. The story was cute and romantic while troublesome.
Bourne Ultimatum
08/19/07
(Released: 08/03/07)
Yes it was jam packed with action but at times too much too close too fast for me to see. And then the other flashback parts were too slow and repetitive. Too much hype, not much story. The Departed was a better story.
Lady in the Water
07/28/07
I was surprised M. had a larger part than in his previous movies. There was quite a bit of ironic humor and cartoon like horror. I spent too much time worrying about the unexpected twist at the end (if there would be one) rather than enjoy the story. It wasn't cryptic or surprising enough. Overall theme of everybody having a purpose was not missed.
Mostly Martha
07/27/07
(Released: 04/18/02)
The German version of what just came out as No Reservations. A nice story that inspired me to eat and cook better food. I am interesting in seeing the recent US version to compare line for line differences since it's so near in my memory.
Firefly
07/26/07
Not done watching the entire season of the short lived series brought back as a 2 hour movie to finish the stories due to cult audience internet appeal. Cowboys in space with humor, irony and violence. The Star Trek of the decade without the red shirts.
I am the Cheese
07/25/07
(Released: 11/11/83)
Caught my eye at the library as a family movie I thought Patrick might like since he likes cheese so much. Interesting story that you need to watch all the way through and I don't want to spoil. Robert Wagner tries to help a boy cope with his past. Not as intense as Ordinary People but reminded me of that a bit.
Not Yet Rated
07/22/07
Interesting information about how the Motion Picture Rating works and how/why it exists. More people should see this movie. It took some guts to make and put on the shelf.
Requiem for a Dream
07/16/07
The cinematography blew me away. A true artist knows how to use a split screen and effects like that without being cheesey and actually adding meaning to a movie. The drug use didn't bother me too much because of the quality of the film and the acting.
Fog of War
07/15/07
Interesting to hear the politics of what is happening and relevant now. The most memorable point being you should answer the question you wish you were asked, rather than the question asked.
Astronaut Farmer
07/14/07
A good family story, not as predictable as I thought. You just have to accept the unrealistic aspects of it possibly being true.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
07/13/07
(Released: 07/11/07)
I don't care that a lot of details were left out from the movie that were in the book. It was an interesting movie that I was able to follow along more than earlier ones in the series. I was interested in seeing what happened to the characters.
The Fifth Element
07/09/07
How did this one get by me? It was pure entertainment with so many references to other movies I wanted to watch it again. Now that I have seen it, wil probaby catch other movies referenceing it. Great color and perfection. Should be seen by all, Bruce Willis fans or not, for the pure entertainment.
The Fountain
07/05/07
Too strange for maintream I thought. Difficult to watch. Didn't hold interest and repetiveness didn't help. In the end I did understand the concept and message.
Dreamer
07/01/07
Cute family story with good guys and bad guys.
Freedom Writers
06/30/07
Patrick Dempsey didn't have a very large character/part to play. Appreciated the longer journey to success. Good story based on true events.
Ghost World
06/30/07
I didn't know it was based off of a comic book. Seemed goofy and too safe. Wasn't over the edge enough for what it was trying to be.
Flags of Our Fathers
06/29/07
So many famous people, so little hair. Seemed like a cheesy concept but the moie had many famous people, all quite well played. Was nice to see different genre around hair cut/style.
Annapolis
06/28/07
Felt like I missed the beginning since didn't understand reason why he was compelled to join. Couldn't relate I guess what it took to get there.
Evan Almighty
06/23/07
(Released: 06/22/07)
Great thing to watch on a rainy Saturday afternoon. Fun for the whole family to enjoy with quotes and lessons to be learned.
Blood Diamond
06/18/07
(Released: 12/08/06)
Very intense movie that was difficult to watch at time showing plenty of violence. It makes it point.
Music & Lyrics
06/09/07
(Released: 02/14/07)
Cute enough romantic comedy with musical entertainment. Light.
Pirates of the Carribean 3
06/03/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
Too much yackety yack dragged it on.
Catch and Release
06/02/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
Kinda Big Chillish
Belle De Jour
05/25/07
(Released: 04/10/68)
A Classic.
Spiderman 3
05/19/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
A bit of a disappointment but not too bad.
Flags of Our Fathers
05/13/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
Glad I saw it after Letters from Iwo Jima. Must see both.
Holiday
05/09/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
Loved it.
For Your Consideration
05/01/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
Not a big Christopher Guest kind of fan.
Slaughterhouse 5
04/24/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
A Classic I had never seen.
Notebook
04/21/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
Probably didn't cry as much as people talked about it.
Premonition
04/20/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
Cinematic license to do things out of order.
The New World
04/20/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
Long but watched to see Colin.
Miama Vice
04/13/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
Gotta love Colin.
Half Nelson
04/13/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
Druggy hard to watch.
The Guardian
04/06/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
Liked it a lot.
Pursuit of Happyness
04/04/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
Inspiring.
Sherrybaby
03/30/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
Intense. Must see for Maggie G fans.
Wild Hogs
03/18/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
Family Fun.
Borat
03/17/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
Stupid
Stranger Than Fiction
03/14/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
Fun enough to watch.
Full Frontal
02/28/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
Nothing Special
Hollywoodland
02/25/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
Boring. Could barely get through it.
Quinceanera
02/23/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
Low budget but works.
The Departed
02/19/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
Worth it.
Little Miss Sunshine
02/18/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
Everyone should see it.
Letters from Iwo Jima
02/16/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
Glad I saw it.
Eragon
02/10/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
Easier than reading the book.
Babel
02/10/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
So sad.
The Last Kiss
02/09/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
Childish
World Trade Center
02/03/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
Hard to watch.
On a Clear Day
01/31/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
You can accomplish anything if you set your mind to it.
Brick
01/27/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
The Queen
01/26/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
Don't Miss It.
John Tucker Must Die
01/19/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
I cried.
The Prestige
01/19/07
(Released: 10/20/06)
Enjoy watching Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale.
Scoop
01/13/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
Blue Butterfly
01/07/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
Hide and Seek
01/07/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
Invincible
01/06/07
(Released: 00/00/00)
Excellent
Inconvenient Truth
12/29/06
(Released: 00/00/00)
A Classic To Remember.
Night at the Museum
12/27/06
(Released: 00/00/00)
Family Fun
Proof
12/24/06
(Released: 00/00/00)
Complicated but interesting.
Fun with Dick and Jane
12/23/06
(Released: 00/00/00)
Not as stupid as I thought but not memorable.
Undertaking Betty
12/16/06
(Released: 00/00/00)
Good for everyone to see.
Friends with Money
12/15/06
(Released: 00/00/00)
You, Me and Dupree
12/08/06
(Released: 00/00/00)
Light Humor
Clerks II
11/25/06
(Released: 00/00/00)
Nacho Libre
11/18/06
(Released: 00/00/00)
Jack Black in tights.
Lake House
10/27/06
(Released: 00/00/00)
Intense but worth it.
RV
10/22/06
(Released: 00/00/00)
Not my favorite kind f movie.
The Professional
10/20/06
(Released: 00/00/00)
Art School Confidential
10/19/06
(Released: 00/00/00)
Nothing special.
Prime
10/17/06
(Released: 00/00/00)
Hard not to watch.
Man of the Year
10/14/06
(Released: 10/13/06)
There was more drama than I was prepared for. Fortunately Robin Williams can pull off both quite well. Christopher Walken is always a treat to see. I was satisfied with the ending.
Take the Lead
10/01/06
(Released: 00/00/00)
Enjoyable to watch.
Lucky Number Slevin
09/29/06
(Released: 00/00/00)
Better then I had expected.
Shopgirl
08/26/06
(Released: 00/00/00)
Steve Martin simple fun.
Where the Truth Lies
08/25/06
(Released: 00/00/00)
Kate and Leopold
08/10/06
(Released: 00/00/00)
Own it.
Someone Like You
08/09/06
(Released: 00/00/00)
Swordfish
08/08/06
(Released: 00/00/00)
Libertine
07/30/06
(Released: 00/00/00)
Not very good.
Cassanova
07/29/06
(Released: 01/14/03)
Loved it immensely
Failure to Launch
07/22/06
(Released: 00/00/00)
Cutesy
Eight Below
07/21/06
(Released: 00/00/00)
Hard to watch
Pirates of the Carribean DMC
07/21/06
(Released: 00/00/00)
Decent
Huff Season 1
07/18/06
(Released: 00/00/00)
Wish there was more on DVD.
Between Strangers
07/14/06
(Released: 00/00/00)
Family Stone
07/07/06
(Released: 00/00/00)
Fun enough
Melinda and Melinda
07/03/06
(Released: 00/00/00)
Goofy
Transamerica
06/16/06
(Released: 12/24/05)
Not your typical buddy road trip movie but interesting nonetheless. Even if just to see Felicity Huffman's penis while peeing. A dramatic comedy? Isn't that an oxymoron?
An Unfinished Life
05/19/06
(Released: 09/09/05)
I had trouble accepting JLo in the role as yet another abused woman that had nowhere to go but where she wasn't welcome. It almost could have been a good enough story just with Morgan Freeman and Robert Redford and the bear.
Hoot
05/12/06
(Released: 05/05/06)
A family story that we had to go see because Patrick read the book. His review was that it was a good movie and so was the book even thoug there were differences.
Domino
05/10/06
(Released: 10/04/05)
A different way to tell the story with the flashback kept the pace interesting and moving. A few really good action packed parts with a story that kept your interest to see how it unfolded to get you to the beginning.
Thank You For Smoking
05/09/06
(Released: 03/17/06)
Wasn't really sure what it was about or how it would play. It showed a satirical perpsective that didn't insult smokers. I thought that alone was surprising.
Ice Age 2: The Meltdown
05/01/06
(Released: 03/31/06)
Cute enough for the kids. New and interesting action different from the first one. Especially with Scrat.
The Weather Man
04/28/06
(Released: 10/28/05)
Waited for DVD release since it didn't look too exciting in the trailer. A decent life lesson family story that would have been even lesser if not for big names like Nicolas Cage and Michael Caine.
North Country
04/23/06
(Released: 10/21/05)
A Norma Rae type movie that was worth watching the fight, not really providng enough character background, possibly since there were so many. The back and forth in time worked out and wasn't over done to explain the story.
History of Violence
04/15/06
(Released: 09/23/05)
Deep story with showing multiple character developments per character. It was not just about violence, but people. Of course you do have to endure the shown violence, it was deeper than that.
Hotel Rwanda
03/19/06
(Released: 12/22/04)
I avoided renting this movie, figuring it would be hard to watch. It wasn't easy to watch but it was more important to watch it than avoid it. Listening to the "Making of" showed how much effort and care was taken to make it a viewable movie with a love story while still honestly portraying what was happening. Excellent and purposeful movie.
Proof
03/18/06
(Released: 03/20/92)
Don't confuse this 1991 film with a young Russell Crowe and the 2005 Proof with Gwyneth and Sir Anthony. It was a very interesting story show perspectives and aspects of life we may not have considered before. Multilayered and sometimes unpredictable. A real story.
JuneBug
03/17/06
(Released: 08/05/05)
Wanted to see the story since Amy Adams was nominated for Best Supporting Actress Oscar. The story was familiar about a dysfunctional familiar yet different. Worth renting the DVD. Better unspoiled.
World's Fastest Indian
03/12/06
(Released: 02/12/06)
A good inspirational story which usually makes good movies. I think people over 55 would like it more since it could be inspiring to them about a person that follows through on their dream no matter how old they are or obstacles they come across. Maybe my opinion of Burt Munro was already tainted having heard the real story and saw him as a unbalanced, overly focused on one thing kind of person that lost everything else in his life. The movie portrayed him as a very likeable and made friends easily kind of guy. The different characters he met through his journey is what made the movie interesting enough to hold your attention until he got to the salt flats. It was the first time I saw Christopher Lawford. Before I realized who he was, he struck me as a very strong, successful and important person in the movie. When he came on screen I was trying to figure out if he was a real race car driver or what. Then when I found out he is the offspring of Peter Lawford and Pat Kennedy, well then you know exactly where he gots his looks and "presence" from.
I don't know if Anthony Hopkins was acting but the Burt Munro character seemed like he could barely walk, let alone do all the mechanical work and ride the motorcycle. Maybe that's all part of the inspiration part of overcoming odds. But it was hard to believe.
The Constant Gardner
03/09/06
(Released: 08/31/05)
Jumps right into characters without knowing much about them. Allowing the story to reveal who they are and what they are up to. At first the jumping around in time was a bit much but it worked out throughout and showed you can jump around in time without the cheesey fade in/out effects to show it. Nice to see a movie where they acknowledge the audience is intelligent enough to figure out what is going on.
Elizabethtown
03/07/06
(Released: 10/14/05)
I suppose the movie would not have worked if Orlando Bloom didn't try to have an American accent but it was a bit weird watching that and his darkened hair. It was a fun romantic comedy about family, feelings and foreplay. Great for a DVD.
Four Brothers
03/05/06
(Released: 08/12/05)
A modern shoot em up western with a lot of action. The entire movie was intense but most especially the car chase scene in the snow. John Singleton hopefully has a long career ahead of him.
Munich
03/03/06
(Released: 12/23/05)
The movie was bloody, intense and political, yes but the strongest message yet. I don't know how it compares to historical reality but seemed realistic. I can't say I understood every detail but certainly walked away affected. Unfortunately, not positive effects, but effects, nonetheless. Very bloody. Caution. Now I have seen all best picture nominated movies. I predict Munich to win Best Picture. My favorite was Walk the Line, but not nominated for Best Picture.
In Cold Blood (1967)
03/01/06
(Released: 12/14/67)
I expected a cheesey old movie but it was quite good. The scene transitions were quite startling, which was surprising, literally. I did not read the book, but it must be quite intense, since a movie is never as good as the book. I rented this movie (on DVD) because of seeing Capote and how it was used as an example for exquisite lighting effects. It was quite timeless and I recommend it.
The Pink Panther
02/26/06
(Released: 02/10/06)
Goofy Steve Martin slapstick as expected. Some excessive crude humor for a PG movie. The boys thought it was funny. I didn't understand why Clive Owen was in it as 006. I was expecting to see more of him.
The Transporter
02/24/06
(Released: 10/11/02)
Action packed, how's he going to get ouf of this one? kind of movie. But I kept seeing the main character as Bruce Willis.
Sahara
02/18/06
Action Packed adventure similar but different. No problem watching Matthew's six pack abs. Steve Zahn was a great partner for him, not realizing Steve's actually a couple years older than Matthew. Watched the deleted scenes and all deleted for good reason.
Good Night, And Good Luck
02/12/06
(Released: 10/14/05)
I had to see it to understand why it got included in the Best Picture category. The B&W, close-ups, cigarette smoke and message of the film had better not get lost.
Fear and Trembling
02/11/06
In Japanese and French, subtitled in English. Life in Japan is very different. How would you cope? DVD cover review by Jami Bernard, Daily News -- "A marvelous cross between SECRETARY and LOST IN TRANSLATION!"
Better Luck Tomorrow
02/10/06
The characters looked too old to be in high school but the story was well told. Insight to what it takes to compete for the best colleges. Sundance Film Festival Selection.
Capote
02/05/06
(Released: 09/30/05)
I went to see this movie as part of my yearly goal to see all best picture Oscar nominated movies. ---- Knowing only of the man and not much else, I had no idea what the movie was going to be about, other than his life.
It was about a portion of his life, the time when he wrote "In Cold Blood". Now I am going to rent that movie (1967), especially since I just saw a clip of it in my film class how the lighting and rain was inadvertantly used to appear as tears on Robert Blake's face. Back to "Capote", Philip Seymour Hoffman was "Flawless" in his performance as Truman Capote. Don't know if he will win best actor for an impersonation though. That is sometimes controversial and has come up a lot lately with "Ray", "Walk the Line" and other biographical movies. The (older) audience also in attendance seemed to enjoy the movie with a few laughs. I think they were more familiar with Truman Capote. The movie was not overly gruesome since it was more about Truman's character than the murderers. I an understand the life and world changing event of creating a non-fiction novel.
Off the Map
02/05/06
(Released: 03/11/05)
Excellent story, intriguing and inspirational. Highly recommend to anyone. A family living in New Mexico lives off the land with very little income. They are visited by an IRS agent to audit their taxes. A unique story worth watching.
Guess Who
02/03/06
(Released: 03/25/05)
Light hearted and funny enough to rent.
King Kong
01/29/06
(Released: 12/14/05)
Patrick's Review: 1st Hour: Creepy, 2nd Hour: Violent 3rd Hour: Sad
Not being a real Peter Jackson or Lord of the Rings fan, I went to see Jack Black and King Kong swing like a monkey from the Empire State Building. I was not disappointed by Jack Black and King Kong but I didn't need to see all the violence with the dinosaurs and iguanas. The only good part of that was watching King Kong juggle Ann Darrow.
Hoodwinked
01/13/06
(Released: 01/13/06)
Animated story of what really happened with Little Red Riding Hood. It was imaginative and humorous. The kids enjoyed it. Favorite character was the squirrel.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and The Wardrobe
12/29/05
(Released: 12/09/05)
Kids enjoyed the adventurous story. There were way too many unique animal characters (CGI) in fleeting moments. They weren't on screen long enough to appreciate the diversity. Of course I don't like watching children in danger or peril, but you know they will be ok.
Rumor Has It
12/28/05
(Released: 12/25/05)
I laughed, I cried, but it wasn't theraputic.
Shirley McClaine got the biggest laughs. She is the female Jack Nicholson.
It was a better story than I had expected. The weirdest thing is that the movie
was set in 1997 and there were the little nuances reminding you just how long ago that was.
Cell phones were bulky. But of course from a technology perspective,
1997 was a time things were different. There were 3 actors in the movie that were also in Six Feet Under.
Even though it was weeknight and the movies were crowded with kids off from school, the attendance for this
movie was an older crowed
Brokeback Mountain
12/16/05
(Released: 12/09/05)
Why is it that two women together is sexy, but two guys together is, .. not?
Hopefully most people know what they are getting into when the go to see the movie. There were several pockets of laughter in the audience. It was a love story about long lasting love but not the kind of true love I was anticipating. It was an important story but a few things were amiss.
Zathura
11/26/05
(Released: 11/11/05)
A little too close to reality with the brothers arguing and fighting and their ages being similar
to my boys'. It was a very orange movie that you should like if you liked Jumanji. I didn't really
understand the exact astronaut connection (not spoiling) but I didn't read the book to get more details.
Harry Potter: Goblet of Fire
11/24/05
(Released: 11/18/05)
I have not read the books and am not a big HP fan. Brought the kids to see it in IMAX. People say
you get a lot more details to the story in the book. However, even in my imagination I don't
think I could picture it in any way near the way it was presented on the screen. It was like seeing is believing. The momentum of the movie was rivetting
and there are not many things that keep Robin in one place for 2 1/2 hours.
Walk the Line
11/18/05
(Released: 11/18/05)
The movie was a very good story and it felt like it was almost as much about June Carter as it was
about Johnny Cash. It was clean and pleasant to watch. Joaquin made Johnny his own without
making it look like an impersonation. Throughout most of the movie, Joaquin was a sweaty head
but that was an important part of it. June added a bit of color to Johnny's black. Like with the movie
Ray it's inspirational to see what people overcome to do what they know in their heart is what
they were meant to do. The costumes, hair, makeup, scenary were impeccable. Even though I
never claimed to be a Country Music fan, I do enjoy the music. There was a lot of it throughout the movie
and I felt compelled to turn on a Country Music station on the way home to get a little more.
Jarhead
11/04/05
(Released: 11/04/05)
Unsettling but significant eye candy moments. Was it 100% accurate? Doesn't matter as far as I'm concerned. It's about how Swofford (author) (and the screenwriter) felt about it and that's enough for me. It was believable without making political statements to slap you in the face.
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
08/19/05
(Released: 06/01/05)
I had been wanting to see the movie since it came out but didn't make it. Saw it the cheap show and had hoped to see it with a friend. So instead I saw a movie about really good friends, all alone, without any friends. Do I not know how to be a good friend? Are my expectations of friends too high? I cried a lot during the movie for multiple reasons. It was part of my detoxification release process. The movie itself was fine. The roles were not a real stretch for the actresses. I could not see them other than what I already know them for, Joan of Arcadia, Rory Gilmore, Ana Garcia as a Real Women with Curves.
Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith
06/12/05
(Released: 05/19/05)
Gross, funny and sad. That was Patrick's review of the movie. We all knew what was going to happen but had to see how. Plenty of battling scenes and gadgetry and scenery to keep it interesting.
Uncle Nino
04/01/05
It's not a new plot to have a stranger come into your life and upset your usual routine which in reality was what you actually needed. I thought the characteristics of Uncle Nino that were spread throughout Roberto and his family were not forced and an important part of the story. A very good and clean story for the whole family to enjoy.
Racing Stripes
03/25/05
(Released: 01/14/05)
Story with talking animals just wasn't enough to keep Robin in his seat. He said he liked it better than the Incredibles but he sat better for the Icredibles. Probably because it was more action packed. I think he lliked this movie better because it had free refills on popcorn and icee.
The Pacifier
03/04/05
(Released: 03/04/05)
Family Fun entertainment. Not over intelligent or unpredicatable but compared to what's out there lately, it's the better choice if you want to go see a movie for a few laughs.
Sideways
02/20/05
(Released: 10/22/04)
My expectations were low. The positive things I have to say about it are:
I haven't heard people laughing out loud at a movie theatre like that for a while now.
Even if they were laughing at people's stupidity.
The good thing about watching movies about people's pathetic lives, make you feel better about your life. Oscar wise, Thomas Haden Church was still stupid Lowell or Ned. I have never liked the characters Paul Giamatti playd before so this wasn't much different.
Finding Neverland
02/11/05
(Released: 11/17/04)
A great story. So happy to see Johnny Depp get recognized by the Academy. Inspirational with great life lessons. Stiff competition for Million Dollar Baby.
The Aviator
02/05/05
(Released: 12/17/04)
I'm not that familiar with Howard Hughes' life so the movie was all the info I had to go on. The actresses (Jean Harlow, Ava Gardner, Katharine Hepburn) were flawless with their makeup and hair. It felt like it started out slow but it was an epic. But the movie just didn't move me.
Ray
02/02/05
(Released: 10/29/04)
Entertaining movie to watch. Covered most of his earlier years. Jamie Foxx was excellent as most critics have already stated. It felt like you were watching Ray. Don't think it will win best picture though since it's a biography but then again so is Aviator. An account of somebody's life isn't usually a best picture pic.
Million Dollar Baby
01/29/05
(Released: 12/15/04)
I don't think I've cried so much since I saw Green Mile. I was glad to see it before I saw too many previews or spoilers. It really wasn't a boxing movie, not to say there wasn't a lot of punching and blood. Clint's Best Actor Oscar nomination was a surprise to the predictors but it was a very powerful character that couldn't be overlooked. Poor Hiliary is so good at playing a poor girl. The lighting contrasts were a part of the mystique and meaningful. I don't want to spoil the movie but also don't want you to be expecting a typical feel good movie either. I guess if you remember and know who directed it, you won't be disappointed.
Lemony Snicket's:A Series of Unfortunate Events
12/26/04
(Released: 12/17/04)
The kids seemed to like it. Wasn't comfortable for me, a mother to sit and watch kids in peril over and over.
National Treasure
12/10/04
(Released: 11/19/04)
Didn't waste any time getting into suspenseful and exciting scenes. Clean adventure movie that I enjoyed watching. Makes history interesting. A feel good movie if you need one.
SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, The
11/24/04
(Released: 11/19/04)
If you like the cartoon, you'll enjoy the movie. The David Hasselhoff parts are indescribable. You'll have to go and see it. Wasn't like it was gripping or enthralling. Mostly just SpongeBob and Patrick scenes.
The Incredibles
11/14/04
(Released: 11/05/04)
Cute and some good family laughs.
Napoleon Dynamite
10/17/04
(Released: 06/11/04)
Quite the goofy movie but probably a cult classic now and forever. It was funny and refershingly different. Be sure to stay beyond the credits to see the final scene that was added. I almost missed it. Now I'll have to go back to staying for the credits all the time again.
The Final Cut
10/16/04
(Released: 10/15/04)
My kind of movie. Hey and no kleenex required.
Once I read the synopsis for this movie, I knew I had to see it. I'm a techno geek and have big multimedia plans for my
funeral (well, in my head anyway).
I've gotten used to Robin Williams being a creepy person and sad endings so I was prepared for this movie. I was not
disappointed. It seemed a bit short but yet covered enough.
It was deep or maybe as deep as you wanted it to be or would let it be. I found it very interesting that it
was not trying to be set in the future. Meaning the surroundings didn't seem like they were trying to be from a time ahead, they were more incognito. That's almost the creepy part. Even the futuristic aspect, that a recorder can be implanted in you before you are even
born may not be all that futuristic. That premise and how people feel about their privacy now is what makes it so
thought provoking. It's not out of the question to be possible technology wise, but would people want it? The concept raises many questions and both sides were presented in the movie. The ironic moral of the story is that things may not always be as you remember them, so don't let them haunt you. And yet, if that's the case, then we're all off the hook.
Sin-eater: I remember that from a Night Gallery episode from my childhood that was back in the cobwebs but a high impact at the time.
Ladder 49
10/01/04
(Released: 10/01/04)
It helped to be prepared to know the movie would be reflective on his life after being trapped in a burning building. It still had to just be the highlights of his life but it was enough to get a feel for what it was like for him. It does explore the emotions of a firefighter in a very internal sort of way. Quite intense and a lot of puffy eyes coming out of there.
The Stepford Wives
06/11/04
(Released: 06/11/04)
It was quite a few good laughs. Don't think it would have made it without the big star names. Different enough to be interesting.
Garfield
06/11/04
(Released: 06/11/04)
Cute animal movie like Good Dog. Biggest laugh wasn't until the end of the movie with Garfield's dance.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
06/04/04
(Released: 06/04/04)
A bit too much for Robin (5) but Patrick enjoyed it. He has not read the book but could still follow pretty well. The kids are getting older. Since I had to leave with Robin a few times, I couldn't really follow it that well.
Van Helsing
05/07/04
(Released: 05/07/04)
Even though the story has been done before, there were some surprises. The monsters were different enough to hold interest. A lot of growling and yelling but also a few grins put in. ("Crack" a smile.) Very much like The Mummy (as expected since same Writer/Director). I hope to keep seeing Hugh Jackman for quite some time. He's very versatile. Visit The Boy From Oz
Master and Commander:Far Side of the World
02/28/04
(Released: 11/14/03)
Not a movie I would choose to see but I did because of my yearly goal to see all Best Picture nominees before the Oscars. I completed that goal. I enjoyed watching Russell Crowe. The story was good and hearty. Lots of blood and battling. Couple scenes were just too hard to watch.
Mystic River
02/20/04
(Released: 10/08/03)
My favorite kind of movie. Introduces characters, leads you to believe certain things but if you pay real close attention, and follow all the clues, you will learn many things and then finish off the rest with your imagination. A movie filled with some "big dramatic and suspenseful guns", Tim Robbins(Arlington Road), Sean Penn and Kevin Bacon(Wild Things).
Lost in Translation
02/15/04
(Released: 09/12/03)
Not a lot of dialog and no subtitles. A movie that made you think. Always refreshing. The audience got quite a few laughs from Bill Murray. Geez he's looking old, but aren't we all. I enjoyed the movie and the music and the scenery.
Lord of the Rings:Return of the King
02/01/04
(Released: 12/17/03)
Just not my kind of movie. Sorry. I did not like it. A great epic that cost a lot of money but no entertainment watching constant battles.
Mona Lisa Smile
01/14/04
(Released: 12/19/03)
The movie was much deeper than the previews led me to think. I had difficulty with a few things but that could have been part of the intent or charm. For example, Julia Roberts seemed out of place (not in the time period) and Dominic West did not seem like an Italian Soldier. But that's just it. They were acting. But also you knew there was a lot more to their stories but just didn't get the info form the movie. Basically I am saying I couldn't figure out all the characters and that's ok. It left me wanting more.
Something's Gotta Give
01/01/04
(Released: 12/13/03)
The movie was funny and my favorite thing-unpredictable. I wasn't interested in seeing it at first but then when I read Keanu was in it also, I figured it was worth seeing. I was cheering for him. I couldn't exactly relate to Diane's character and I'm glad about that.
Cheaper By The Dozen
12/26/03
(Released: 12/25/03)
I suppose you would have to be a Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt fan to actually like the movie. And I am. It was fun to watch and imagine what it would be like to be one of 12 or have 12.
Elf
12/20/03
(Released: 11/07/03)
The boys wouldn't sit down to watch the end of it. I don't know if it was the suspense or boredom. It was cute enough for the kids. An emotionally drainging one for me. Tears ran down my face.
Good Boy!
10/11/03
(Released: 10/11/03)
The kids didn't want to see School of Rock. They would rather see Good Boy! So we saw that. They enjoyed the cute story and we love dogs anyway. It wasn't too long for Robin. I used about 5 tissues. Auntie Rae joined us. The movie was sold out and Patrick and I sat in the first row.
School of Rock
10/03/03
(Released: 10/03/03)
Just what the DR ordered. I laughed and amazingly did not cry. Joan Cusack nailed it as the tightly wound principal. Jack Black's passion for rock showed through over a cliff. The kids were awesome in their own stereotypical way. Yes I will let my kids see this movie, probably tomorrow. There was no violence which is worse than poor language. The message for them is to not be stifled by the man. 8^)
Under the Tuscan Sun
09/28/03
(Released: 09/26/03)
I enjoyed the colorful and picturesque scenery and didn't want the movie to end. However, I still think it was sappy and the Audrey character was pathetic in her desire for a man.
Secondhand Lions
09/19/03
(Released: 09/19/03)
I thorougly enjoyed this movie because I didn't know what was going to happen next. That is one of the reasons I like to see movies when they first come out. The previews did not give away the good stuff. Even though there were flashbacks within a flashback, it was not difficult to follow. I liked the feel good stuff even if it was sappy. It had a different feel than all the other junk on TV and in movies. It was pleasant to watch with kids and I can safely recommend it to my parents. It was a pleasant surprise to see Christian Kane. The swashbuckling was a fun digression and since I recently rented the Count of Monte Cristo and enjoyed that, it followed suit.
Down With Love
08/19/03
(Released: 05/09/03)
Saw the movie on the airplane on the way home from FLORIDA. I don't remember hearing about the movie. Maybe it was trying to be like Catch Me If You Can with the colors and 60s but the story was not that compelling.
Freaky Friday
08/08/03
(Released: 08/06/03)
I cried for all the Mother Daughter sappy parts. I liked Jamie Lee. Mark Harmon didn't have much of a part. Fun and light for what it was.
Spy Kids 3-D
07/25/03
(Released: 07/25/03)
It was sort of hard to watch with the glasses. Good thing the whole movie didn't require it. It kept the boys attention, even Robin (4 yrs) for the whole movie. Too bad the story was quite lame.
Finding Nemo
06/22/03
(Released: 05/30/03)
Why does the Mom always have to die in the beginning? Cute and colorful. For children.
X2: X-Men United
05/02/03
(Released: 05/02/03)
I liked the first one better. The underlying metaphor (lesson about how to treat people that are different) wasn't worth seeing all the violence. It's not a movie for kids.
Chicago
04/13/03
(Released: 12/27/02)
Not what I expected but guess I didn't really know what to expect. Curious as to what the stage show was like.
Far From Heaven
02/02/03
(Released: 11/08/02)
It was a sad movie but very colorful and important. It didn't hit you over the head with morals to the story. Dennis Quaid is not too old for Jullianne Moore but Dennis has that very weathered face.
Catch Me If You Can
01/05/03
(Released: 12/25/02)
It was an enjoyable movie to watch. There were more older people in the audience than usual and I heard a lot of scoffing.
maid in manhattan
01/02/03
(Released: 12/13/02)
It was a romantic story with some comedy. I expected to see more of J.Lo's famous posterior but I guess that would have been too obligatory. It was movie night with Moms and a good movie for that. But I think I would have had more laughs if we saw The Hot Chick.
Signs
12/30/02
(Released: 08/02/02)
It was not easy to watch because it was very suspenseful. But of course I had to stay and watch the whole thing.
Adaptation
12/23/02
(Released: 12/06/02)
It is not possible for this movie to be a mainstream success. It was an inside joke for screenwriters. I did have a few laughs and so did the other 5 people in the audience. But you know, the movie was pretty deep in a silly sort of way.
Treasure Planet
11/27/02
(Released: 11/27/02)
There was a lot of action and many characters. Your usual adult humor and irony that kids don't catch. The sci-fi aspect had a new perspective but I think that was too much to grasp for the younger ones like Robin (4) but Patrick(7) liked it.
The Banger Sisters
11/24/02
(Released: 09/20/02)
Somehow this movie got to the cheap theatre quickly. I have no complaints. It gave me more than I expected and that is pleasant. Goldie drove an El Camino!! That won me over of course. I enjoyed having the additional relationship with Geoffrey Rush (Harry) to watch. That was another added bonus.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
11/15/02
(Released: 11/15/02)
The movie was suspenseful and frightening for younger ones as the critics have said. Patrick was shaking at parts but I think it was a combination of his excitement to be there and fear of Harry getting killed although he knew that would not happen or there wouldn't be any more movies.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
11/10/02
(Released: 04/19/02)
The movie has been out for 30 weeks and is number 6 of top grossing movies this week. This is the perfect movie for the typical movie goer that wants a few laughs and something they can relate to. The large cast includes enough personalities or relationships that there is something for everyone.
Auto Focus
11/08/02
(Released: 10/18/02)
It's one of those movie where depending on how you feel about the topic (sex) in general and your level of
social acceptance, is how you will judge the movie (or Bob Crane).
But I don't want to do that. I liked Hogan's Heroe's. I like to get an insight (even if it's skewed, since after all, just about
everything is anyway) into famous people's lives. And I got out of the movie what I wanted.
I give Greg Kinnear a lot of credit for taking on the role. Roles that are impressions of famous persona's don't get
a lot of recognition, no matter how well they are done. Just ask Jim Carrey. You knew the ending
of the story before it started so you were just waiting for that to happen. OK, OK, my overall judgement is that
Bob Crane did what he did because he wanted to and had the means too because he was famous.
Insomnia
08/03/02
(Released: 05/24/02)
I made it through the movie without crying, go figure. It was suspenseful but also violent.
Lilo & Stitch
07/30/02
(Released: 06/21/02)
It wasn't exactly what they made you expect but it was decent.
Men In Black II
07/30/02
(Released: 07/03/02)
Nothing new or exciting really.
Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood
07/02/02
(Released: 06/07/02)
Proceed with caution. The movie is not for everyone but I enjoyed it thoroughly. Linda hated it! It was emotionally intense so I cried through most of it but that was my release/relief (and nothing new.) It's not too often you can catch a film with numerous and strong female characters.
Scooby Doo
06/16/02
(Released: 06/14/02)
It was the first movie we all saw together, our family of 4. I think Shaggy was the best cartoon character but they all were good in their character. I won't spoil who the bad guy turned out to be.
Spider-Man
05/05/02
(Released: 05/03/02)
It was as expected. A compelling story with enough character development. Willem the villian was perfect. I was not disappointed.
Italian for Beginners
05/05/02
(Released: 01/18/02)
I actually like subtitled movies because I miss less and can read it.
It was interesting. The camera shots were a bit too bouncy like a documentary. It had it\'s funny moments.
The Rookie
04/28/02
(Released: 03/29/02)
It may have been the best G rated movie I have ever seen. I didn't bring enough Kleenex of course but I survived. Following your dreams is a good thing with a good lesson showing you may have to give somethings up but you won't get there unless you try.
In The Bedroom
03/17/02
(Released: 01/19/02)
The story seemed familiar. The movie spoke to me with all the visuals but I was also on the lookout for the possible tragedies. After the tragedy, each scene still had its meaning to convey the characters and what they were going through. The dialogue was not new but the visual scenes provided better insight for me than the dialogue.
Ice Age
03/15/02
(Released: 03/15/02)
It was fun for the kids to watch.
Gosford Park
02/27/02
(Released: 12/26/01)
Will have to see it again.
Ocean's 11
02/16/02
(Released: 12/07/01)
It was all too unelievable at first but by the end, it didn't matter and I enjoyed the movie.
Monster's Ball
02/09/02
(Released: 12/26/01)
I sometimes like movies that are not mainstream but this one did nothing for me. Yes there was prejudice and crime but I couldn't accept the character's acceptance of the apparently easy changes. The emotions did not seem real.
Big Fat Liar
02/08/02
(Released: 02/08/02)
I enjoyed seeing the movie with my 6 year old son, Patrick. He thought it was cool and funny.
A Beautiful Mind
01/28/02
(Released: 12/21/01)
The movie was long and difficult to watch at times but well worth sitting through. It was inspiring and authentic. Even though you couldn't necessarily guess or tell what was real or in his mind, I did not feel manipulated. I would like to see the movie again and gain even more insight from it.
Snow Dogs
01/20/02
(Released: 01/18/02)
Disney movies are good for the soul sometimes. Of course it isn't reality but it was enjoyable to watch.
Kate & Leopold
01/13/02
(Released: 12/25/01)
A romantic comedy involving an old favorite, time travel and a new favorite, Hugh Jackman.
The Royal Tenenbaums
12/30/01
(Released: 12/28/01)
It wasn't the greatest movie but it did provide a couple of hours of comic relief.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
11/21/01
(Released: 11/16/01)
It was an adventure movie for kids that maintained the important theme of courage and working together utilizing the diverse strengths of each team member.
Monster's Inc.
11/03/01
(Released: 11/02/01)
I enjoyed the movie. I had trouble getting past imagining Billy Crystal and John Goodman's actual faces when I heard their voices.
Tortilla Soup
09/23/01
(Released: 08/24/01)
Lots of food, light comedy.
Osmosis Jones
08/11/01
(Released: 08/10/01)
I realize it is typecasting from Caddyshack but there isn't a more appropriate person than Bill Murray to play Frank. There were only a few truly gross out parts. Other than that, the inside action of Frank was very clever.
Planet of the Apes
07/27/01
(Released: 07/27/01)
The ape acting and makeup were very good considering the challenges. The ape behavior was more intense then previous POTA films. There were a few "predictable" surprises, as I would call them.
But maybe you just can't provide enough newness to something that has already been done in 6 movies, 1 series and 1 cartoon. Well maybe not for someone my age.
This could be all new for the younger generation and they may enjoy it a great deal.
America's Sweethearts
07/26/01
(Released: 07/20/01)
I like John Cusack but am getting tired of his unhappy with women character. Saw that in High Fidelity. The movie was not real likeable but I got out and had a few laughs so I have no complaints.
Bridget Jones's Diary
06/18/01
(Released: 04/13/01)
I had no idea that Renee was that good of an actress.
She did an amazing job. It was nice to see a main character
along with their quirks. We laughed and we cried and afterwards,
I was amazed at the parallelisms with Pride and Prejudice.
Shrek
06/02/01
(Released: 05/18/01)
It was a cute movie since my 6 year old enjoyed it.
Your typical bodily function jokes. It was a true fairy tale with colorful
characters, literally.
Mummy Returns, The
05/06/01
(Released: 05/04/01)
Action packed (bugs too) adventure with
corny dialog and a few laughs where the good
guys win in the end. Just what I needed.
Memento
05/04/01
(Released: 03/16/01)
I was desperate for a movie once again and I have given a lot of movies
3-4 stars in that situation but I just can't do it this time.
I did not like it.
I wanted to see Mummy Returns and watch the good guy save the day and
get some tension release with that but instead I watched a backwards movie that
annoyed me throughout.
Here's what I think. Ever since "The Sixth Sense", people have tried to recapture the
wonderful surprise ending trick but they just aren't M. Night Shyamalan.
(Hey I just went to IMDB to look up some names and saw a one line
review that it is this year's Sixth Sense. See what I mean. I don't think it is!!)
Here's why. The reverse order was annoying, intentional to add
confusion, and was the only way they could show it to have the twisted ending. The
movie would be stupid and average if showing in order.
And, having Joe Pantoliano (Teddy) as the good guy in the end, well
that was just plainold manipulative. Have you ever seen that actor in a "good guy" role?
If you did it certainly wasn't a memorable role.
The "surprise" ending just wasn't worth what you had to go through to
find it out. It was not natural and "artistic" like it was for the Sixth Sense.
Traffic
03/14/01
(Released: 12/25/00)
The cinematic effects took some getting used to along with the storyline jumping
between characters. But overall, the story was enthralling without as much violence
as you might expect. The ending was satisfying leaving you at least with optimism.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
03/04/01
(Released: 12/22/00)
It wasn't as inspirational as I was hoping. It is rare to find a movie where
women have major roles and compete with men on the same level. But it still
didn't leave me with the "after feeling" I was hoping for. I don't mind reading
subtitles. I think I catch more that way. I liked the twists and some surprises
but it was still easy to read the characters for the most part.
Gladiator
02/15/01
(Released: 05/05/00)
At first I couldn't handle the blood and guts as well as I could in movies like
Saving Private Ryan. But I guess after a while, I got used to it. Joaquin Phoenix
should definitely win Best Supporting and Russel Crowe will probably win.
The film is an epic like Titanic was. I predict it will win Best Picture at the Oscars.
The Virgin Suicides
02/13/01
(Released: 04/20/00)
I liked the movie as much as I thought I
would when it first came out and I wanted to see it.
I didn't cry when they committed suicide, I cried during other moments like when Lux and Trip won
Homecoming Queen and King and when they communicated through record albums back and forth on the
phone. Those got to me.
Kathleen Turner looked very dowdy but she played a very good part. I have always liked James Woods and he did a wonderful job also. Hats off to Sofia Coppola and congratulations on her marriage
to Spike Jonze. I hope they get a chance to work together in the future.
Wes Craven Presents:Dracula 2000
01/27/01
(Released: 12/22/00)
I forgot how much I liked Vampire movies. (Thanks Ed.) This was a good one but probably
not a financially successful one. It's all a matter of timing and I just don't
think now is the time to find the audience that appreciates this one. It took
some effort to find this one playing nearby. The story line had the
basic needed backbone of Dracula but added a few twists to keep it interesting.
The special effects were quite intriguing in my opinion.
I liked the blood flow in the eyes. Having Christopher Plummer
in the cast added to the so called realism or authenticity of the film.
It was suspenseful throughout, as it would have to be, considering the genre.
Zero Kleenex : Zero Nightmares
I did recognize a few faces in the movie.
Chocolat
01/18/01
(Released: 12/15/00)
It was a predictable movie and once again, I didn't mind.
I wasn't the only member of the audience that felt it necessary to yell
out the next expected line. OK, not exactly yell out but I think the
audience enjoyed the movie also. It was rather slow paced but was part
of the tone of the movie. I enjoyed the scenery and yes the accents added
to the romanticism of the movie. I would have liked to have seen more
of Johnny Depp but there was a good mix of other characters. Just enough
to follow and keep your interest. I did cry a lot but that doesn't say much.
I cry for commercials.
The Family Man
12/27/00
(Released: 12/22/00)
Some aspects were predictable but it was overall enjoyable.
There was something that just made the "glimpse" of his life with the
kids seem so authentic.
102 Dalmations
11/23/00
(Released: 11/20/00)
Patrick enjoyed watching all those silly things happen to Cruella.
Bedazzled
10/22/00
(Released: 10/20/00)
It was a cute movie that gave me a few laughs. This movie was a comedy and it left me more inspired to be a better person than Pay It Forward.
Pay It Forward
10/14/00
(Released: 10/20/00)
It wasn't as sappy as it could have been but it was rather
predictable and I don't like that in a movie. And the extent
of the tragedies in each person's life was rather extreme in my
opinion. I thought it was going to be a "feel-good" movie and it was even
reviewed as a "feel-good family movie." But it did not make me feel good.
I didn't bring enough kleenex. You would think I would know better but
I forgot to grab some. So I had to get by with one kleenex and a napkin. It was
probably about a 10 kleenex movie though. And I left with a headache rather
than a burst of energy to pay it forward.
The process of paying it forward was a bit more complicated than you might
expect also. It wasn't too complicated to understand or anything but it had
requirements to be something big.
The characters didn't seem to be very consistent and tried to hard at not
being just tragic. I won't tell you how it ended but it was not a good ending.
If you want to hear more specifics about why it wasn't that great of a movie than
read JoBlo's review.
I went to the Sneak Preview of this movie so that I could form my own opinion and
there are a lot of movies coming out (since it is nearing the end of the year) and I
have high expectations that they will be better than most. This one disappointed me.
Maybe next time I won't try and be the first and go for something that I think will
be better worth my time.
Space Cowboys
09/30/00
(Released: 08/04/00)
You didn't have to be over 60 to enjoy the movie.
It's not like I really expected it to be totally believeable or anything.
But I'm not a member of the space program so I didn't have to worry about what
was realistic and what was not.
I enjoyed the diversity of the 4 main characters. They each had their unique qualities
that made them interesting. I don't usually go for the common portrayal of older men
and much younger woman but for some reason, it was more acceptable in this scenario.
And you still had Clint Eastwood's character as a married, loving husband.
The storyline of the movie was not unique (
Armageddon, Deep Impact) but I still wanted to watch the entire movie
to see what happens.
Almost Famous
09/18/00
(Released: 09/15/00)
I enjoyed the movie and had a smile on my face most of the time. (But not like X-MEN). It told a good story and
there were a few surprises. Every role in the movie was important and played out with a
level of historic quality. According to Premiere Magazine, "He kept his own experiences at the center of the
film, but sketched in a cast of characters he still remembered vividly.."
It was all very well put together,
seemed authentic and was enjoyable to watch. It was light hearted enough and fullfilled my basic
requirement of watching a movie to be a brief escape from your own reality and leaves
you with positive, refreshing feelings.
Almost Famous Trivia:
The movie is based on Cameron Crowe's own experiences as a Rolling Stone Reporter when he was
in High School.
Kate Hudson, the person that played Penny
Lane is Goldie Hawn's daughter. Her middle name is Garry.
Bill crudup's girlfriend is Mary-Louise Parker.
Billy Crudup and
Jason Lee who played
Russell Hammond and Jeff Bebe of Stillwater have those very familiar faces but you still may not
be familiar with their previous work. It is a familiar look of just about anybody in a
band in the 70's.
Frances McDormand was really great with her protective and educated portrayal
of William's mother.
Cameron didn't want Frances to meet and talk to his mother but they did and the only request
that Cameron's mother made was, "Please don't play me shrill."
If you are wondering what other movies you have seen Frances McDormand in, it is probably
Fargo.
Outside Providence
08/25/00
(Released: 09/01/99)
It is a Farrelly Brothers movie and I enjoyed it. I wanted to see it after seeing
the previews with Alec Baldwin. The drug usage in the movie wasn't so bad and it reminded
me of the 70's and that's when the movie setting took place. It was somewhat predictable
but I still enjoyed it.
X-MEN
08/13/00
(Released: 07/14/00)
How could I not give a movie 4 stars when I had a smile on my face during most of the movie.
Yes there was violence and grossness but it didn't bother me that much. I judge a
movie based on the way I feel when I walk away from it. I walked out of this movie
feeling indestructable and powerful. Yes, it was your basic good vs. evil but I
was interested in the main characters and what special abilities they had and what they
could do with them.
It was quippy (quick, witty responses) and funny and Wolverine was my favorite character.
Again, not that unique. A street wise guy that could spar with the pretty boy over
the pretty boy's girlfriend.
The Perfect Storm
07/29/00
(Released: 06/30/00)
Even though you knew how it ended, it was very suspenseful.
Yes, you wonder where the cinematic value line was drawn in the sense of what was added
for the cinematic experience vs. what actually happened. But that is true for
most movies based on actual events.
Of course nobody really knows what happend on the boat. The opportunity for that
interpretation added to the interest of the movie.
It is true there was no character development. I guess the time was put into showing
them on the boat and dealing with the storm.
But you could read your own sub story lines.
Like there was a thing between George Clooney and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio's character.
They had some sort of close relationship merely by the commonality/connection of their work
and how much they loved it.
And Sully must have dated Murhp's ex wife or something to cause the tension between them.
Even though it's only a matter of 6 years, it was nice to see a woman with a younger man rather than
the opposite.
And the guy from the TV Show, Grace Under Fire, William Fichtner He was buff.
You probably weren't supposed to like his character but he had something
about him even without much character development that made you want to keep an eye on him.
The Big Kahuna
07/15/00
(Released: 04/28/00)
The movie was pretty much all dialogue and Kevin Spacey was Mr. Dialogue.
I enjoyed the movie and watching guys talk or visualize their thoughts. That
is rare to me and I appreciated the opportunity to view it. Part of my movie
viewing experience at a theatre includes my observations of the people around
me. There was one couple that left in the middle. I guess they didn't think it
was worth their $1.75 or their time.
The guys behind me were talking and
being annoying. I don't think they liked the movie. Or, if one of them did
like it, they couldn't admit it to another guy. They expected/wanted Danny
DeVito's character to kill himself. But I knew that wasn't going to happen.
The movie showed that he thought about it but that doesn't mean he would do it.
We all have a lot of baggage in our heads to deal with. A lot of people just
don't usually admit it or talk about it.
I was pleasantly surprised to see
that I was not one of the last ones to leave the theatre since I usually stay
for the credits. But I got the feeling that the people that remained in their
seats were waiting for more. Not more as in, oh that was so good I want more,
but, hey is that it? I thought there would be more.
Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas, The
05/27/00
(Released: 04/28/00)
The conversion of cartoon to live action was fun to see. The gadgets like the remote control and the roller coaster were cute. But the movie plot wasn't anything that really entertained kids. I could tell Patrick was bored. I think he would have rather seen more goofey stuff like the opening scene with the Brontosaurus at the quarry. He wasn't that interested in the falling in love or Chip Rockefeller trying to marry Wilma for her money.
I enjoyed seeing Harvey Korman.
High Fidelity
03/31/00
(Released: 03/31/00)
I think my expectations were too high. It was a good movie but it wasn't hilarious or anything. It had a few good laughs and some tender moments. Jack Black was the best character. There were a lot of stars that had only a few scenes.
The high school kids sitting next to me almost ruined it for me. They did not like the movie and were getting obnoxious. 17 year olds couldn't really appreciate the reality of the John Cusack character, Rob Gordon. They probably think they have life all figured out. They will learn, in time.
Green Mile, The
03/10/00
(Released: 12/10/99)
It was a very good movie where some but not all events were predictable. I suppose I should be able to distant myself from the dealings of death in the same way I did when I saw Saving Private Ryan and Thin Red Line last year but this movie was different. I was not able to distance myself.The movie was emotionally draining to watch and left me feeling sad. You knew it was going to be a long movie and some might have felt that it was dragged out but every portion had a purpose. In my opinion, it has a better shot at the Oscar than Cider House Rules.
Cider House Rules, The
02/23/00
(Released: 12/17/99)
It was a good movie with a decent story. It's not the kind of movie that leaves you with burning questions or you just want to talk about the plot line. I really don't have much to say about it.
I don't think it will win the Best Picture Oscar due to the contents of the controversial topic of abortion.
Boys Don't Cry
02/19/00
(Released: 10/08/99)
It was a movie that I wanted to see. And it was best that I saw it alone. I was aware of the violent nature so I couldn't really "recommend" that anyone see the movie. Although, do understand that it is an important movie and it should be seen by many people.
I wanted to witness Hilary Swank's performance since she won the Golden Globe and was nominated for the Best Actress Academy Award. I really hope Hilary gets the Oscar.
Here's a link to a synopsis, if that's what you are looking for. I didn't write one.
I have more to say which includes a spoiler but so does the link to the synopsis above.
Girl, Interrupted
01/21/00
(Released: 12/21/99)
If you have been having trouble dealing with life lately and all the thoughts in your head that seem to conflict with themselves, then you might like this movie. It does not give you any magical answers to help you live through the next day but it does remind you that it is up to you, how you live through each day, with yourself. I knew I would like this movie and it was just what I was in the mood for. I have been needing to see this movie and I should probably read the book. Luckily, not everybody has to spend 18 months in a mental institution to figure a few things out. It would really be neat if this movie effects me enough to begin writing down my thoughts again.
Magnolia
01/16/00
(Released: 12/17/99)
I think I need to see the movie again. There was a lot to catch and even though I think I caught a lot, there is a lot more to catch. So my first impression was that I did not like the movie but I am reconsidering that with the statement that I need to see it again. There might be a couple of possible oscar nominations for any of the supporting actors but I doubt the movie itself, will be nominated for best picture. I do believe that even if you are done with your past, your past may not be done with you. And I also believe that weird things do happen. More insight with spoiler.
Talented Mr. Ripley, The
01/08/00
(Released: 12/25/99)
The movie was suspenseful and violent. Even though things constantly happened, it still seemed slow. I was afraid I saw too many previews but the extra info probably allowed me to catch the importance of foreshadowed events. The violence may bother some but it did not bother me. I'm not sure why. It might be that I have become too desensitized from seeing violent movies. Side notes: I was interested to hear Jude Law's American accent. To see a similar movie but with less violence, see Gattaca(1997), with Jude Law.
Bringing Out The Dead
01/07/00
(Released: 10/22/99)
It was not an uplifting movie of course. There were a couple of laughs though. I would have preferred to see more of Ving Rhames. It was not a glamorous role for Nicolas but I still liked his character. Other things I did like about the movie were the cinematic affects (fast motion film) and lots of music. There was a variety of music. The music was loud, frequent, and had a key role in the mood setting.
Three Kings
12/28/99
(Released: 10/01/99)
Yes it was similar to Kelly's Heroes. I liked it. There were laughs and they were genuine unexpected funny part laughs. Not corny, predictable laughs like in the Mummy or Wild Wild West. I liked seeing the confidence of George Clooney's character. I have seen some of Mark Wahlberg's other work and had already been impressed so he was fine also. Not actors with a lot of range but give them time. I did not cry or cringe too much. I liked it more than Saving Private Ryan and Thin Red Line.
Anywhere But Here
12/26/99
(Released: 11/12/99)
The movie was lousy. The only good thing was k.d.lang singing the title song. The mother was too wacky and unbelieveably naive that she didn't know the guy wasn't going to call her back. I did not like it. 0 stars. Good thing I only paid $1 and no wonder it went to the cheap theatres so quickly.
Wild Wild West
12/26/99
(Released: 06/30/99)
It was ok to see as a rental. The jokes were corny. It was interesting to see how the James West character was played out with Will Smith. They made mention a few times of the fact that he was black but it didn't pull away from the character at all. The gadgets were nothing that special. Klunky but I guess that's how you would expect them to be for that day in age. I think I liked the Mummy better.
Election
12/23/99
(Released: 04/23/99)
It might have been better if I had been able to see it in one sitting. I didn't think it was that great. I think it was one of those were the previews were the best parts. It didn't move me in any special way.
Man on the Moon
12/22/99
(Released: 12/22/99)
If you dislike Andy Kaufman, you probably won't like the movie. I enjoyed the movie and felt that I got some insight into his life. I didn't mind the "creative license" they used to make the movie more interesting and to make it a movie. I appreciated the uniqueness the movie attempted to maintain within the respect for Andy Kaufman's type of humor. There were minor time related things that they didn't bother trying to keep accurate but that was ok too. Andy Kaufman Home Page
Toy Story 2
11/27/99
(Released: 11/25/99)
I have never been to a movie where there were so many infants before. I did not care for the violence in the opening scene, even though it is a video game. Yes, there were the typical humorous items that would go over the 4 year olds head but be funny to the adult but even those items seemed a bit blatent. Well I know 16 year olds that thought the movie was cute. It was ok and very soon my son will be asking for Rock em Sock em Robots. My 4 year old son enjoyed the movie. That's about all I can say.
Being John Malkovich
11/05/99
(Released: 11/05/99)
It was obscure but very funny. Maybe it could get an Oscar nomination for the story but it ws very far from mainstream blockbuster. It is very unique and is more likely to become a cult movie. I hope there aren't a bunch of copy cat movies. I enjoyed the acting of John Cusack. Cameron Diaz was tolerable but I still don't value her acting. Orson Bean and Mary Kay Place had smaller roles but were enjoyable characters.
Story of Us
10/28/99
(Released: 10/15/99)
I had heard there would be a lot of bickering in the movie and that didn't really bother me too much. I really didn't like how the film was laid out. With the sort of interview segments and flashbacks and snipets. It's not that it was hard to follow or anything, it just didn't add anything to the movie. I also didn't see any of the actors as anyone other than themselves. Bruce was going through his divorce with Demi during the filiming of the movie and that had to be difficult. I know it was a big requirement of the movie, but I didn't really see the kids being gone for a whole summer a very realistic situation. I would recommend American Beauty over this one.
American Beauty
10/16/99
(Released: 10/01/99)
Yes, it is a Dark Comedy. The cinematic aspects of the movie were excellent. The lighting, the acting, the plot twists and relations made the movie enjoyable. I'm not quite sure why it is so popular. I do understand why the Sixth Sense is very popular.
Minus Man, The
10/13/99
(Released: 10/08/99)
It wasn't that great of a movie. It's about a (non violent) serial killer and it has few stars in it like Janeane Garofalo and Mercedes Ruehl. The main character is played by Owen Wilson. Remember that name because you will see him in more movies. But for me he reminded me a whole lot of Jay Mohr.
Run Lola Run
09/26/99
(Released: 06/18/99)
It was a bit like Sliding Doors. I almost felt like I had control over predicting what would happen. In a sense it was the type of movie that could satisfy the variety of moviegoers. Some who like a happy ending and some who don't.
Wide Awake
08/20/99
(Released: 03/20/98)
(same writer/director as Sixth Sense) It was a sort of toned down, comedic version of the Sixth Sense.
Sixth Sense, The
08/16/99
(Released: 08/06/99)
I won't ruin it for you. Bring your kleenex. It was a very
good movie. Better and scarrier
than BWP. It was a little slow in the first half.
Inspector Gadget
08/14/99
(Released: 07/23/99)
Patrick said he liked it but it didn't really hold his interest. He was checking out other seats in the theater. I thought it was a waste of an hour. But at least Patrick wanted to see it, in the theater and stayed for the whole thing.
Blair Witch Project
07/30/99
(Released: 07/30/99)
It
made me nauseous, and not
because I was scared. I know
it was supposed to be a
documentary and you can't
really hold the camera still when
you are running but.. that much
wasn't that necessary. I'm not even
the type of person that gets car
sick or anything. I don't doubt that
it will still become a cult classic,
if it hasn't already. My opinion,
it was not that scary. Previews
shown before the movie for films
like A Stir of Echoes and Stigmata.(official Site) were much scarier. But the concept for BWP was creatively unique and that deserves .
Ideal Husband, An
07/23/99
It was OK. I felt like something was a bit out of sync with the clothes or characters but maybe I'm unfamiliar with the late 1800s. Maybe I was still stuck in the 1600's with Cate Blanchett as Elizabeth.
Get Real
07/19/99
(Released: 09/08/99)
A fun movie about a 16 year old gay boy that accepts that he is gay and tries to deal with it in school and at home.
Eyes Wide Shut
07/16/99
(Released: 07/16/99)
It was not what I expected but I really liked it. I smiled through most of it. I'm glad I saw it on its first day. I'm glad I didn't read too much about it. What I did read, was probably written by people who had not seen it. I appreciated the secrecy about it. I had a big smile on my face when I came out of the movie and looked at the very long line of people waiting to get in. I wanted to tell them about it. I wanted to give them a thumbs up. I didn't do that but since there was a woman that saw it telling people that she didn't like it, I chimed in that it was good and nobody knew what it was about ahead of time (my reference to the write up being wrong-or far from accurate.) There was another guy standing on the sign making silly noises to drown out what people were saying about it since he was on his way in. The one thing that I really hated though was the graininess of the picture. It did not have to be that way. Is that a Stanley thing? I found it annoying and unnecessary. Ok, there was one other disappointment and that was the gender biased nudity.
Limbo
06/28/99
I don't want to spoil it for you but if you are like me, you will appreciate knowing two things about the movie, before you see it. It has a plot twist near the middle and the end leaves you hanging. I would have liked to have known more about the characters and why they did things. I liked it well enough to try and rent some other John Sayles movies. You can get what it's about from the web site, I'm just here to give you my opinion.
Tarzan
06/18/99
(Released: 06/18/99)
Patrick bailed out on me. I didn't go see it. We have the CD and that is excellent. We now (10/8/1999) also have the Junior Games CD of Tarzan and it is pretty good. Not to mention all the clothes and bendable figures of Tarzan that Patrick has.
I have purchased the Video since them but still have not seen the whole movie.
It was quite a tear jerker but in your typical Disney genre of parents getting killed.
Mummy, The
05/07/99
(Released: 05/07/99)
It had suspense, adventure, a lot of action and some stoogeness. Was it like Raiders of the Lost Ark? Yes, but that doesn't mean it was bad. I'm just wondering if it will be a blockbuster movie because of all the other retro comebacks like Star Wars. What I liked about the movie, (other than watching Brendan Fraser in action) was that at least the damsel in distress was intelligent and wasn't screaming all the time.
Pushing Tin
04/23/99
I don't know how accurate the movie was about the lives of Air Traffic Controllers but it was a good movie. It had some comedy, action, drama and suspense. John Cusack and Billy Bob Thornton were decent rivals. Cate Blanchett reminded me of Michelle Pfeiffer in Married to the Mob with the attempt of a New York accent. It is so hard to believe that Cate Blanchett was Elizabeth. She's just one of those women who's appearance can change so easily I guess.
Pleasantville
04/22/99
A decent movie.
Living Out Loud
04/22/99
Didn't seem very believable. It was interesting. But it was one of those where the previews were better or showed the best parts and left me disappointed.
Bulworth
04/22/99
A waste of time unless you are a huge Warren Beatty fan and you just want to watch him on the screen.
Cookie's Fortune
04/19/99
I enjoyed all of the characters. I wish Lyle Lovett had a larger part. Some was predictable but it would have been disappointing if what you expected, didn't happen. I think I will get better at knowing the director's and their styles. It was a Robert Altman movie and learning that made me like it more.
Blast from the Past
04/11/99
Not very good.
Stepmom
04/11/99
Excellent dialog. I could see both perspectives of the mother and the stepmom. I have always liked Ed Harris back from Swingshift and The Right Stuff. I couldn't decide if I liked his character or not. How much longer will Julia Roberts be able to play the "younger woman"? I guess as long as there are older, woman like Susan Sarandon. Real life ages: Ed 48, Susan 52, Julia 31.
Edtv
04/10/99
I like Ron Howard movies. No, it was not as great as the hype was but I enjoyed it.
Fly Boys
00/00/00
If you liked Memphis Belle, you'll like Fly Boys. The story seemed familiar but was based on true story. The familiarity came from it being a Dean Devlin movie like Godzilla (also with Jean Reno - gott luv him). I would recommend this movie as a safe bet of enjoyment.
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Movie Reviews