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"300"
Short on plot but long on action, "300"
tells the story of the 300 Spartan soldiers who did their best to defend
Greece from the advance of an overwhelming Persian army. The film
borrows the plot from history but is literally based on the graphic
novel by Frank Miller.
As shot, the film basically plays as a
live action graphic novel much in the vein of "Sin City", another Frank
Miller graphic novel brought to the screen. It is a dark and moody
film. The cinematography is awash in blacks and grays offset by splashes
of red blood. Much of the film is CGI generated but seamlessly
incorporated into the visuals.
The action is ferocious, violent and a
visceral treat for fans of the genre. If this type of film appeals to
you, try your best to see it on an IMAX screen where it can truly
overwhelm your senses.
Author- 30 Second Critic, posted 3/25/07 "13 Tzamati"
An excellent yet disturbing ride through
a totally amoral world. Filmed in black & white to glorious effect and
scored with great atmospheric music, this film plays like a '50's crime
noir but with a twist. It's hard to describe it without revealing the true
nature of the plot. What I can tell you is that the lead character Sebastien
takes the place of a dead man on a mysterious mission. All he knows is
that it involves a large sum of money. Suffice to say, what follows will
pin you to your seat and leave a very lasting image. Be warned that the
central story is VERY disturbing (although not in a sexual way). There is
no nudity and little blood but still shocking in it's nature.
The film is in French, made by Gela
Babluani, who was born in Georgia (the country, not the state). The lead
role of Sebastien is played by his younger brother, George Babuani. The
film has distribution by Palm Pictures and should open sometime in the
summer.
It is a raw visceral experience that
should not be missed.
Author- 30 Second Critic, posted 3/31/06 "1408"
In this age of torture porn that passes for
horror movies and slick remakes of marginal horror films, it's refreshing
to watch a good old fashioned effective ghost story.
Starring John Cusack with a cameo from
Samuel L. Jackson, "1408" is a distant cousin to "The Shining". Both come
from the mind of Stephen King and both feature writers trapped in haunted
hotels. While "The Shining" was a masterwork from Stanley Kubrick, "1408"
works in a much smaller but effective way to send shivers up your spine.
Mr. Jackson is the hotel manager who warns
Mr. Cusack to stay out of 1408. His role is short but memorable as he
delivers the best line in the film as only Samuel L. Jackson can. The rest
of the film belongs to Mr. Cusack as he slowly begins to unravel locked in
a very scary hotel room.
As the story progresses, the film turns
into a special effects roller coaster ride that plays tricks on the
audience as well as Mr. Cusack. The film delivers the scares it promises
and is one of the best adaptations of a Stephen King story in a long time.
Author- 30 second critic, posted 7/3/07 A "A Scanner Darkly"
Keanu Reeves takes the red pill and we're off... Richard Linklatter adapts
Phillip K. Dick's story of a drug addicted world of the near future into
a trippy paranoid, minor masterpiece. Using the process of rotoscoping,
the film is shot live and then animated overlapping the live action. The
resulting animated film is cartoon-like and yet you feel the reality
underneath. It is the perfect way to experience this story.
Besides Keanu
(our hero/antihero), the film features Robert Downy Jr., Woody Harrelson,
Winona Rider, and Rory Cochrane. All are perfectly cast and due to the
rotoscoping, visually fascinating. The plot involves drug addiction,
government surveillance, and identity crisis (in more ways than one). It
can be a bit hard to follow but it plays out to a satisfying, yet
disturbing ending. Telling you more would spoil the fun.
Be prepared to exhale
a quiet "whoa" as you leave the theater.
Author- 30 Second Critic, posted 7/16/06 "All The King's Men"
...can't put this mess together again.
Despite an all-star cast, writer/director Steve Zaillan misses the mark
on this remake of an Oscar winning film. Sean Penn does his best to
inject energy into the dull script but a major problem is Jude Law's
aptly named character, Jack Burden, who is totally miscast and a burden
on the entire proceedings.
Kate Winslet, Mark Ruffalo, and
Patricia Clarkson all suffer from poorly drawn characters who's
motivations we learn like pulling teeth (if we learn them at all).
Timelines and plot points have holes big enough to fill the great state
of Louisiana.
I will say it's nice to see Jackie
Earl Haley working again (even if he's turned into Joe Spano's brother).
If you have any interest in
this story at all, see the original. You won't be disappointed.
Author- 30 Second Critic, posted 9/23/06 "Apocalypto"
After everything I had heard about the
violence of this film, frankly, I was expecting a lot worse. Is it
violent? Yes, but it is also a terrific film. Say what you will about Mel
Gibson's personal behavior but when he's behind the camera, he is an
excellent filmmaker.
Mr. Gibson definitely has issues. With each of
his last few films, he has upped the violence level considerably. However,
he has also written and directed a film with a simple yet powerful story,
well acted and beautifully shot.
Jaguar Paw lives a peaceful
existence in the Mayan jungle with his son and pregnant wife. Their
village is raided by another more powerful tribe and many are killed.
Jaguar Paw manages to hide his wife and son but is captured along with
other men of the tribe. They will be kept alive only to be sacrificed
later to appease the gods. His escape and the manhunt that ensues make up
the rest of the film. The sacrifices made at the temple are extremely
violent but actually could have been far more graphic. Knowing what these
men are capable of makes things all that more exciting as Jaguar Paw is
pursued through the jungle, determined to survive and find his family.
The cinematography is wonderful.
The pace of the film is frenetic and never lets up. The music, by James
Horner, compliments the story beautifully and don't be put off by the
sub-titles. Yes, the film is spoken in a Mayan dialect but dialog is kept
to a minimum and visually, the story is very easy to follow.
Cover your eyes at times but don't
be afraid to see this original, well crafted, exciting, adventure.
Author- 30 Second Critic, posted 12/15/06 B "Babel"
"Babel" is the newest film from
director, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu. As he's done in the past
with "Amores Perros" and "21 Grams", he expertly weaves multiple
story lines connected by a single thread. With each film, Inarritu
continues to impress with this style of storytelling.
Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett play American tourists traveling
in the Moroccan desert. While they are both major stars, this film
is truly an ensemble piece and their story is but one of four human
dramas with one thing in common. Pitt manages to disappear into his
role and does some great work with his limited scenes. Blanchett,
due to the nature of her role, is limited in her acting, but
still conveys a great deal of emotion. The film also features Gael
Garcia Bernal and an excellent group of international co-stars.
The action shifts back and forth through time and place from
the Moroccan desert to the Southwestern US, Mexico and Japan. The
stories are so believable and the acting is so good, you will feel
like you're watching CNN News rather than a movie. When Cate
Blanchett's character is accidentally struck by a rifle shot, it
sets off a series of further accidents and misunderstandings
affecting her children, their Mexican nanny, the Moroccan family
that owned the rifle and a Japanese deaf-mute teenage girl and her
father. What transpires throughout is tragic and yet by the end, we
sense a glimmer of hope for at least some of the characters.
This is a thoughtful and moving drama and one of the year's
best films.
Author- 30 Second Critic, posted 11/18/06 "Babel"
Babel is a very interesting and intense film.
There are four story lines that intersect, some more woven together than
others and each is superb on its own. The film begins with a Moroccan
goat-herder receiving a rifle and showing his sons how to use it to keep
jackals away from the goats. Then we are introduced to a Mexican
illegal who is taking care of 2 American children whose parents are out
of the country. She receives a call from the father who assures her she
will be able to attend her son's wedding in Mexico, that someone will
come to relieve her of her duties. The story then takes us to the
American couple on a tour bus in Morocco. The wife is clearly upset
with her husband for taking them so far away, obviously running away
from their problems. Finally, we are taking to Japan and introduced to
a deaf-mute schoolgirl who has become distanced from her father. The
stories go back and forth between the 4 plots, each in a different time
frame (but not so much as to be confusing). As the movie unfolds you
come to understand the connections (the most tenuous one being the
Japanese girl) and tension builds. I was on the edge of my seat with
the Mexican illegal and her story line with the American children, it
was so nerve-racking. And I really felt emotionally connected with the
Japanese girl and how she's deals with the loss of her mother. The
acting is fantastic, including Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchette as the
American couple, Adrianna Barraza as the Mexican caregiver's, Gael
Garcia Bernal (looking extremely devilishly delicious) as her nephew,
and especially Rinko Kikuchi as Chieko. Directing by Alejandro Gonzales
Inarritu, story by Guillermo Arriaga, both who collaborated on 21 Grams
and Amores Perros.
The plot hinges on people being in the wrong
place at the wrong time, being misunderstood and making idiotic
decisions, all over a rifle. Definitely a movie not to miss.
Author- Irma, posted 11/11/06 "Blood Diamond"
"Blood Diamond" presents itself as
a serious "Romancing The Stone". It's a decent enough action adventure
but it features stock characters in a film that tries to hard to be an
important message movie. Leonardo DeCaprio is the hardened diamond
smuggler out to find the rare "Blood Diamond" discovered and hidden by
Djimon Hounsou. Hounsou plays the proud fisherman kidnapped from his
family by the evil rebels and forced to work in the conflict diamond
mines. Rounding out this African "Mod Squad" is Jennifer Connelly as a
reporter who wants the story and of course, falls for DeCaprio. The
acting is solid especially from Hounsou (who's always good) but the
script contains too much silly dialog and too many repetitive chase
scenes.
Through a series of well timed
escapes, the two men join together when DeCaprio promises to help
Hounsou find his family if they split the profits from the diamond.
Connelly's character exists only to awaken DeCaprio's conscience and
provide commentary about "conflict" diamonds and their horrible
impact on the people of Africa. Since the film takes place in 1999 and
conditions have changed now in Sierre Leone, part of the message is
moot but questions are still raised. While accords have been signed
and "conflict" diamonds are only a small percentage now of the World
Diamond trade, one can only look at our own diamond jewelry and wonder
where those diamonds came from. Genocide still exist today in parts of
Africa but "Blood Diamond" was released as holiday entertainment, so
we are more concerned if DeCaprio gets his diamond, Hounsou reunites
with his family, and Connelly gets her story.
Additional editing would have made
for a better film. Cutting down on those endless chase scenes would
have saved time for more emoting from Hounsou or silly dialog from
DeCaprio. Save "Blood Diamond" for DVD and for a real important
message, read about what's happening now in Darfur.
Author- 30 second critic, posted 12/14/06
"The Black Dahlia"
Brian DePalma is a fascinating visual
director but often times can't find his way with actors. A name cast
including Scarlett Johansson, Josh Hartnett, Aaron Eckhart, and Hillary
Swank are wasted in this smutty but dull movie based on James Ellroy's
novel, The Black Dahlia. Ellroy's novel and later film, "L.A.
Confidential" has set the bar for these period crime films and "Dahlia"
doesn't come close.
DePalma tries hard getting the mood
and texture of the period right but loses it with his cast. Johansson
(who it seems is in every movie released this year) does nothing for her
character and spends the film modeling cigarette holders. Eckhart
bullies his way through his role like a lightweight Russell Crowe from
said earlier film. Hartnett gives his best but misses the mark with no
depth of character and Swank vamps it up as a kinky mystery woman who
knew the victim and holds many of the film's secrets. DePalma gets props
for great camera work as usual. There are some fine visual moments in
the film, particularly when we first see the crime scene and later
during an action sequence on the stairs of a office building.
For a film where sex and violence
fill the air like cheap perfume, there is no heat or passion generated
and it soon turns stale. Rent "L.A. Confidential" and see it done right.
Author- 30 Second Critic, posted 9/29/06 "Borat"
Based on Sacha Baron Cohen's fictional
character, Borat makes the successful jump from a TV sketch to the big
screen. This formula has a shaky past and most of the time doesn't work.
Fortunately for us, Borat lends itself perfectly to a full length film
and is unlike anything you've ever seen.
The film is outrageous, offensive, and
hysterically funny. It is "Blazing Saddles" for a new generation. When
that film opened in the 70's audiences could not believe what they were
hearing and seeing but it left them weak from laughter while breaking
taboos at the same time. Borat is a TV personality from Kazakhstan who
journeys to America to learn of our culture. Much like "Saddles", the
film sets up outrageous situations in familiar settings but the big
difference is most of the people Borat encounters are real and not in on
the joke.
This sets up biting social, political,
and sexual commentary. Many of the reactions to Borat's behavior are
extremely funny but it's also scary to think some people in this country
still have the opinions revealed in the film.
Just as the story begins to wear
thin, a new encounter or situation will have you laughing out loud. This
is not a film for everyone as many will NOT get the joke but if you go
with an open mind and realize this is satire, you may find yourself weak
from laughter.
Be warned, there is plenty of gross comedy and
bad behavior but underneath there is method to the madness and it's name
is Borat.
Author- 30 Second critic, posted 11/03/06 "Brick" Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as a high school trying to solve the mystery of his missing girlfriend. What sets this film apart is it's language. While the movie takes place in contemporary California, the dialog is straight out of a Raymond Chandler crime novel from the 40's. It's as if Bogie and Bacall were high school kids. It's a language that takes getting used too. In fact, it may require a second viewing to really follow the dialog. However, don't let that deter you as the acting is top notch (especially Gordon-Levitt) and the story is easier to follow than the dialog. Lucas Hass plays "The Pin" as in kingpin and he too does an admirable job. A very cool film with an original take on teens in trouble. Author- 30 Second Critic, posted 8/16/06 C "Cars" I think this was a great movie. It was funny ,exciting and the animation was great. If you did not see this movie yet well I think this should be the next one you see. If you can't find a theater wait until it comes out on DVD and rent it. It is about a race car getting lost and ending up in a town called radiator springs. there he learns a lesson about caring for others and learns that life is not always about ME and that you have to care for the people around you. I am not going to say any more because I don't want to spoil it for those of you who did not see it yet. Again I think this was a great movie. Author- Emily, posted 7/12/06 "Cars"
Pixar does it again.
The story is basically an animated version of "Doc Hollywood" (starring
Michael J. Fox) but what glorious animation. When McQueen (voice by Owen
Wilson) goes for a drive with Sally (voice by Bonnie Hunt), the animation
of their "drive" is remarkable. Everything looks real, from the trees to
the puddles on the road.
Like "Doc
Hollywood", this is the story of a vain and selfish character who is
transformed by the residents of a small town off the beaten path. The
difference, of course, is this time all the characters are cars. All the
voice work of the actors is matched up perfectly to their characters.
George Carlin, for example is the voice of a hippie Volkswagen bus who
sells organic fuel. Paul Newman is the gruff old Hudson Hornet
keeping a few important secrets.
Most of the jokes are visual and there are some exciting racing scenes.
The film is warm and fuzzy for the kids and clever enough for adults.Make
sure to stay through the credits as Pixar spoofs their other films,
reinventing them as car characters.
author - 30 Second Critic, posted 6/25/06 "Clerks II"
Kevin Smith brings it all back home and
closes the book on "Clerks". Yes, it's infantile, filled with sex and
potty jokes, racial wisecracks, foul language and "inter-species
erotica"...but it's also very funny. And buried deep below all the
aforementioned nasty bits, there lies social commentary and true musing of
sustaining love and friendship.
The original cast is back and doesn't seem
to have aged a day. Rosario Dawson is on board as the manager of Mooby's,
the fast food restaurant where Dante and Randall end up working after
Randall accidentally burns down their beloved convenience store. Dawson
proves she's can hang with the boys and it's refreshing to see her in an
"everywoman" role after such movies as "Sin City".
There are many cameos from Smith's friends
and he's not beyond nepotism as he includes his wife and young daughter in
the cast as well.
You get the feeling writer/director Smith
really needed to tell this tale to bring closure to the movie that
jumpstarted his career. He pulls it off but did we really need the donkey?
Author- 30 Second Critic, posted 8/1/06 "Crank"
Jason Stratham stars in this souped up
hyper version of "DOA". Basically his character "Chev" awakens to find
himself poisoned and he must keep his adrenaline level up or he will
die. In DOA, the main character finds himself poisoned and must find the
antidote in 24 hours. The difference is not the time frame but the
kinetic pace, Chev must keep up to find a way to survive. Basically
going on a one man rampage, the movie is filled with all the action
you'd expect from a Statham film. The problem is the cartoonish
direction. It's fun to watch this live action "roadrunner" cartoon but
there really isn't any plot or story to relate too. It's pretty much
just choreographed mayhem.
"Crank" also features Amy Smart as "the
girlfriend" (with not much to do except for an outdoor sex scene) and
Dwight Yoakam as a doctor trying to help Chev.
Stratham's "Transporter" movies contain
the same kind of action but both are built on stronger stories that at
least engage the viewer.
"Crank" has a few good moments and if
the quick cut editing doesn't give you a headache, you may enjoy the
action.
Author- 30 Second Critic, posted 9/13/06 D "The Da Vinci Code" Well the code is broken and can't be fixed. I enjoyed the book, although I never took it for more than light escapist fiction. I found it to be fast paced and enjoyed following the clues. However, the film version does no justice to the novel. The problem starts with Tom Hanks. I, along with many other fans of the book were very surprised by this casting choice. But then I thought, "ok he's a terrific actor. maybe he can pull it off". Sad to say, he can't. Hanks is very miscast. He's wooden, has ridiculous facial expressions, and no chemistry with Audrey Tautou. He, along with chunks of exposition, slow the film down to a crawl. Tautou is lovely in all of her French films but acting in an English-speaking role seems to rob her of her natural charm. Jean Reno is well cast as the police inspector (although his character does a vanishing act late in the film) and only Ian McKellen really makes the most of his role. McKellen could read a phone book and make it interesting. The script does it's best to follow the novel but ends up trying too hard to explain everything constantly to the viewer which robs the film of any sustained suspense. Even the action scenes miss the mark. For example, the car chase in Paris is very poorly filmed and edited. Ron Howard is a fine director, but unfortunately, he just doesn't solve "The Da Vinci Code". author - 30 Second Critic, posted 5/19/06 "The Departed"
Marty is back! After
some mishaps with Gangs of New York and The Aviator,
Martin Scorsese has given us The Departed,
another mob classic directed by the best living American director.
This time out we're
treated not to an Italian Mob set in NY nor Vegas, but the Irish gangs of
Boston. A remake of Infernal Affairs, a well received Asian film
of intrigue, this film pairs up Scorsese and Jack Nicholson for the first
time. Along for the ride is Leonardo DiCaprio on board for his 3rd outing
with Marty and Matt Damon. The plot involves an Irish crime boss, Frank
Costello (Nicholson), and two police officers, DiCaprio's Billy Costigan
and Matt Damon's Colin Sullivan. There are twists and turns and great
script developments. The acting is suburb from all the principles as well
as the supporting cast, including Alec Baldwin (doing his best Glengarry
Glen Ross bit), Mark Wahlberg (getting to use his natural Bahhhston
accent) and Martin Sheen. Vera Farmiga is the love interest of both
DiCaprio and Damon and holds her own as the only female in the cast.
I'm not a big DiCaprio
fan, but he was amazing as the movie wore on and the intensity of his
situation becomes more and more dire. And Matt Damon really shows his
acting chops and can more than command the screen against Nicholson,
DiCaprio and others. Nicholson is Jack, always greatness and manages not
to be too over the top.
Word of caution for the
squeamish, this is Scorsese so you can pretty much guarantee
violence. This film out-bloodies Tarentino!
Come Oscar time, the
interesting question will not be IF there are multiple nominations but how
they nominate DiCaprio and Damon and Nicholson. All lead actors or
DiCaprio lead and Damon and Nicholson supporting? And Marty's just GOT to
win Best Director. It would be a crowning achievement for his return to
the mean streets after not getting it for Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Casino
or Goodfellas.
"The Departed"
Outstanding crime drama from Martin
Scorsese, this is easily one of the best films of the year. Based on an
excellent Asian film, "Infernal Affairs", this American remake moves the
action to Boston but maintains the basic plot of undercover moles in both
the police department and the mob.
In his early years, Robert DeNiro served
as Scorsese's muse. Now it's Leonardo DeCaprio's turn as he gives his best
performance yet in his third film with Scorsese. Playing an undercover cop
in the Boston mob, DeCaprio is just sensational, running the gambit of
emotions and straining to hold it together under the pressure of
discovery. On the other side, we have Matt Damon as a criminal mole in the
Boston State Troopers detective division. Damon's character warrants a
more restrained performance and while less showy, Damon delivers as well.
And of course, in the middle of it all is Jack Nicholson. As crime boss,
Frank Costello, Nicholson has his meatiest role in years. He is charming
and menacing all at once. He takes the role to the top but never
quite over it.
Everyone in a supporting role delivers
as well. Mark Wahlberg is ferocious as the wise guy cop with a short fuse
and Martin Sheen plays the wise officer-in-charge a notch down from his
"President Bartlett". Alec Baldwin channels his "Glengarry Glenn Ross"
sales manager into Damon's superior on the police force. And up and coming
actress, Vera Faminga, (so good in "Down To The Bone") holds her own among
all the testosterone as the woman caught between the two leads.
Scorsese gives a master class in
direction with many scenes achieving almost poetic perfection. "The
Departed" is thoroughly entertaining Don't miss it.
Author- 30 Second Critic, posted 10/8/06 "The Departed" The 30 Second Critic's review was right on the money., I just want to echo to those of you who haven't seen it to go and enjoy. The performances were really great. I didn't know Leo was such a good actor....He really was superb! Author- Helene, posted 10/9/06 "The Descent"
Finally a horror film that lives up to it's
promise. This is one fast and furious thrill ride.
A year after a horrible accident in which
her family is killed, a woman goes on a vacation with five girlfriends to
explore a cave in the Appalachian Mountains. What happens next is your
typical women in peril plot. Heroes and villains reveal themselves, lives
are lost and friendships are tested. What sets it apart from the usual
storyline is the excellent use of the confined spaces of the cave. The
lighting and sound are used for maximum effect, with many of the
scenes taking place in almost total darkness. Everything contributes to
the claustrophobic and tense environment. The camera work and editing are
tight and also enhance the tension. There is no holding back on the
bloodshed once the women realize they are not alone in the darkness. The
gore factor is high but, while gratuitous, works perfectly for this film.
There are plenty of the usual false scares but just as much real jolts to
keep you on edge.
For those that like their movies gory and
very scary, "The Descent" delivers.
Author- 30 Second Critic, posted 8/21/06 "The Devil Wears Prada"
Style over substance but what
style! Meryl Streep is, without question, the best actress on the planet.
It's a pleasure to watch her work. And I have to admit, I have a crush on
Anne Hathaway and would watch her in anything. I am happy to see she is
growing as an actress, although "Ella Enchanted" is still a guilty
pleasure.
The story has been told many
times before but the setting is a world most of us never get to see (and
that is probably a good thing). While Streep does an admirable job as "the
boss from hell", if you really want to see the best representation of a
boss from hell, rent "Swimming With Sharks" starring Kevin Spacey.
Good supporting work from
Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, Simon Baker and yes, even Adrian Grenier.
The movie is superficially
entertaining. The clothes are fabulous. The sets and models are fabulous
and Meryl Streep is fabulous. To quote Miranda Priestly...That's All!
Author -30 Second Critic, posted 7/4/06 F
"Factotum"
Matt Dillon is excellent as Hank, an alcoholic, wandering from job to job in a drunken haze. Lili Taylor and to a lesser degree, Marisa Tomei, play the booze soaked women in his life. Both are very believable.
This film is based on the stories of Charles Bukowski, whose work
has been filmed before. Sad, yet filled with many comic moments,
"Factotum" draws you into its dark bars and cheap apartments, fills you
with cigarette smoke and booze and then, unlike it's characters, lets
you back out clean and sober into the light of day.
author - 30 Second Critic, posted 6/20/06 "Firecracker" A really bizarre film starring Karen Black ( in 2 roles). The style of David Lynch floats over this story of Jimmy, a boy with an abusive older brother and a religious mom who longs for escape. When the carnival comes to town, his freedom is at hand. Filmed in black & white as well as color (for the carnival scenes), this is a very strange film but interesting in an artistic way (if you have the patience for it). Author-30 Second critic, posted 8/17/06 "Flags Of Our Fathers"
Aside from being one of my favorite actors,
Clint Eastwood has evolved into one of my favorite directors and once
again, he doesn't disappoint. I applaud his decision to tell this story
and all the people involved, including the two studios that financed it.
In telling the true story of the flag raising at Iwo Jima in World War
Two, Eastwood doesn't portray the U.S. Government in a patriotic glow but
rather a political machine using a simple act of replacing a flag as a
rousing manipulative battle cry for the war effort.
The famous photo of the six men raising
the flag at Iwo Jima is embedded in our history and the hearts and minds
of generations of Americans. When you learn the true story behind that
photograph, it paints a very different picture and it's an important story
that needed to be told.
Eastwood handles the battle
sequences very well and of course, comparisons will be made to "Saving
Private Ryan" (Spielberg is one of "Flags" producers). The digital effects
are seamless and the action all too realistic. But as Eastwood has shown
in many of his films, he is just as deft in the quiet moments, making his
points with a poetic dignity.
Death is everywhere on Iwo Jima and the
three men from the flag raising group who survive are sent home as heroes
to represent patriotism at it's best. The problem is these men don't see
themselves as heroes and this story is as heartbreaking as it's stirring.
The three survivors are portrayed by Ryan Phillippe, Adam Beach, and Jesse
Bradford. All three are terrific and couldn't be more different in the way
they handle the sudden spotlight.
I would recommend staying for the credits
as actual photos are shown and in a small way, you can do honor to the men
who fought and died on that barren rock.
Author-30 Second Critic, posted 10/26/06 G "The Good Shepherd"
The Good Shepherd, starring Matt
Damon and directed by Robert DeNiro, is a bloated, under-edited,
ham-handed mess about the creation of the CIA. Edward Wilson, a
composite figure based on real life spooks and well-acted by Matt Damon,
is a Yale student inducted into the Skull & Bones secret society in the
late '30's. He is then recruited by an FBI agent to spy on his poetry
professor suspected of recruiting students to spy for Germany. This
leads Wilson to be sent to England at the begining of WWII and working
with various spies from Britain and Russia and creating the OSS, the
early incarnation of the CIA. The story goes back and forth in time
between WWII and the Bay of Pigs invasion in '61. Had the story been
left at that, it could have been an interesting movie, filled with
information about how the spy agency was created and the morality of the
Cold War.
BUT Noooooo. DeNiro decides that
Wilson needs depth so he creates this idiotic backstory about how he
loves this one girl, but she's not from the right family of wealth and
privilage and then comes Angelina Jolie, the sister of a fellow Skull &
Bones member, and looking about 15 years older than her fellow college
co-eds. She seduces Wilson, turns up pregnant, and makes him marry
her. He does the smart thing and leaves her for a war that lasts 6
years. When he does return, she realises he's a cold fish that is
deeply involved with the spy agency; so she gets upset with him for not
being a better father or husband, becomes an alcoholic and screeches at
him for the next 22 years. Then there's the son who wants to please the
father but he's always been afraid of him and oh, the cliches pile on.
The way the story ends with the adult son and that relationship is by
far the most ridiculous of any I have seen. It was such a distraction
and completely unnecessary and makes the 2 1/2 hour running time seem
even longer.
The acting is great, but what else
would you expect from such a cast that includes William Hurt, Alec
Baldwin and Michael Gambon? There are some other quibbles I had (why is
Matt Damon wearing the same hat & raincoat no matter the weather for 15
years?) and there are some scenes of torture that seemed to be there
merely because of what's been in the news recently, but mainly the
negative comes from the personal life story. Cut that out and
it might have been such a better movie.
Author- Irma, posted 12/24/06
"The Good Shepherd"
Director Robert DeNiro sets out to make
"The Godfather" of espionage films but loses his way in the editing
room. There is an intelligent, absorbing story buried in the excesses
of this plodding, numbing film and knowing when to cut may have saved
it.
Billed as the untold story of the
birth of the CIA, the premise is very inviting but after a promising
start, the film gets caught in it's own complexities and loses its
focus. Staying centered on the CIA's inception would have been far
more interesting without Matt Damon's soap opera of personal issues.
His personal sacrifices become the heart of the film and could have
been expressed in a more economical fashion and still made the point.
The acting is actually very good. Mr.
Damon maintains his stoic, icy demeanor throughout keeping his family,
and unfortunately the audience, at a distance. Angelina Jolie, while
terribly miscast as his wife, makes the most of her role and brings
much needed energy to the dull proceedings. The rest of the pedigree
cast (including William Hurt, Alex Baldwin and John Turturro) do fine
work but unfortunately Mr. DeNiro's glacial direction keeps the
audience struggling to appreciate the effort.
The central question (no pun
intended) is how much will a man sacrifice for his country? The film
answers the question but takes too long to tell the tale.
Author- 30 Second Critic, posted 12/25/06 "The Good Shepherd" Let me start off by saying that the reviews of those who came before me are superb. However, I am adding a perspective based on having seen this as a DVD, which likely is why each of my predecessors panned it somewhat despite some fine acting. Given its 167 minutes running time, no wonder all thought it was under edited & over dramatic. With the ability to halt the video, eat a rack of ribs, have 27 hours of mind numbing passion or go on a week's vacation... the tedium is somewhat lessened & makes for a cryptic journey of the beginnings of the CIA through the eyes of one man. We live in a world where our attention spans are somewhat akin to who is voted off some synapse collapsing reality show. A review from another source states: "The story itself is rather problematic in that nothing is what it seems and not all the information is readily given to the viewer in a way that makes sense." De Niro, as director, caught the essence of the start of super secret organization, by NOT handing us all the answers to our inane questions. It's the damn CIA, figure it out for yourself...geez!!! It was more a persona study with a backdrop of the CIA's emergence than the other way around. Perhaps the only answer provided is why we call him Robert De Niro as opposed to The Robert De Niro. I would tell you more but then I would have to.... Author- Alan, posted 4/6/07 H
I finally got around to seeing this
popular animated holiday film. While I found the animation terrific and
the dancing and singing penguins very cute, I also had issues with the
film.
The majority of the story takes place in
Antarctica and watching the penguins with just a snow and ice background
(and a few underwater scenes) gets pretty tedious after a while. For small
children, the snow leopard sequence can be pretty frightening and even
though the elephant seals are not threatening, they too can look pretty
scary to a small child.
Additionally, on one hand, the animation
renders the animal life incredibly realistic but on the other hand, they
all sing and dance (except the predators who behave naturally). This is a
mixed messages for kids and it happens over and over again with animated
animal movies. There is also a subplot about ecology and the food chain.
Small children won't understand it and older children won't buy the fairy
tale resolution. If you want to teach your children about real penguins,
take them to an aquarium or zoo.
Robin Williams provides the voice of 2
characters and both accents are racial stereotypes. Besides Mr. Williams,
vocal talent is provided by Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Britney Murphy
and as the lead character, "Mumble", Elijah Wood. They all do a good job
with their characters.
Possibly the filmmakers were inspired
by "March of The Penguins" or maybe it was the Polar Bear/Penguin Coca
Cola commercial ( I expected every bird to be holding a bottle by the
film's end). Either way, I've had my fill of animated penguins.
Author- 30 second critic, posted 12/30/06 "Hollywoodland"
Now that Autumn approaches,
the first of a full slate of "serious films" arrives. "Hollywoodland" tries
hard to produce the same atmosphere as "L.A. Confidential" but
misses the mark. The sets look authentic and the actors do their
best but the "feel" of the film just falls flat. Boasting
an impressive cast that includes Adrian Brody, Diane Lane, Ben
Affleck, Bob Hoskins, Molly Parker (turning up everywhere
lately) and Robin Tunney, the best work is actually done by Ben
Affleck.
This film is based on the
"suicide" of actor George Reeves, best known for TV's Superman. His
death was ruled a suicide but this film suggests he may have been
murdered. It actually presents 3 different scenarios regarding his
death. Brody plays a P.I. hired by Reeve's mother to investigate
what may have really happened. At the same time, he is involved in
subplots involving his home life and another seedy case. These are a
total distraction to the main story and frankly watching a brooding
Brody throughout the film wears one down. The fact that the case was
never solved makes his investigation worthless in the end and you
begin to realize that pretty early on.
What does work really well
are the flashbacks to Reeves's life. Ben Affleck turns it on like
his career depends on it (and it probably does) and plays a great
Reeves. Diane Lane as his married lover does excellent work as
always. The film is alive during flashbacks to periods in Reeves's
life. In Brody's scenes investigating Reeve's fatal end, the film
dies a slow death.
Author-30 Second Critic, posted 9/8/06 "The Host"
An unusual selection for the New York Film
Festival, "The Host" is a throwback to the monster movies of the late
50's with a contemporary twist. No dark shadows for this monster as
director Bong Joon-ho establishes his creature early, often and in full
public view. While suspenseful, "The Host" is also filled with much
humor and social commentary.
The film was a smash in it's native South
Korea. A strong sense of family lies at the heart of the story as a
father struggles to find his daughter captured by the monster. With the
help of his father, brother and sister, our "hero" tracks her to the
creature's lair while an army of soldiers and scientists hunt the family
down believing they have been exposed to the virus that created the
beast.
The monster itself is a CGI piece of
work. Part shark, rhino, and Alien. It swims, runs on land and swings
from the underbelly of the bridges that cross the Han River where most
of the action takes place.
There are many funny scenes and you are
lulled into not taking things too seriously, but then, Joon-ho jolts you
with a "jump out of your seat" moment.
I'm sure we'll eventually see an
American remake. I can't imagine it will ever work as well as this
highly original film.
Author- 30 Second Critic, posted 10/8/06 I "Idlewild"
I'm a
big Outkast fan and I was really looking forward to this. Unfortunately,
the boys, while entertaining as always, did let me down. The story is
flimsy, the acting fair, and the musical numbers just ok. Yes, there are
some standout musical moments but Andre 3000 and Big Boi just never hit it
out of the park.
When he's not playing piano, Andre just
looks sullen and uninspired. Big Boi plays his Outkast persona and doesn't
show much more. His best scenes are with an animated talking rooster on a
flask.
The film is stacked with some major talent
including Terrence Howard, Ving Rhames, Cicely Tyson, Ben Vereen, and Patti
Labelle but they all don't have much to do except drive the thin story to
the next musical number.
Big Boi and Andre are talented and
creative artists and while the film overall is a disappointment, it's
still fun to watch them do their thing. Catch it on HBO where it should
have debuted in the first place.
Author- 30 Second critic, posted 8/27/06 L "Lady In The Water"
Like a bad car wreck, you don't want to look
but something compels you, "Lady In The Water" is an interstate pileup. M.
Night Shyamalan's career has been in steady decline since his first fluke
of a hit, "The Sixth Sense". I think most will agree that was a well made,
creepy but fun, movie with a great twist. He followed that with
"Unbreakable", a film that asked you to take a great leap of faith and if
you bought into it, it was worth your attention. "Signs" had great
potential but completely fell apart in the third act. "The Village" really
started to show Shyamalan's rapidly deteriorating writing skills, giving
us a lame Twilight Zone rip-off with an obvious ending. And now, he really
sinks like a stone in the water with this ridiculous "fairy tale". The
only "Grimm" thing about "Lady" is how bad it is. What were actors like
Paul Giamatti, Jeffrey Wright, and Bill Irwin thinking?
From a technical standpoint, Shyamalan is a
good director but as for screenplays...let someone else write the script.
There are so many things wrong with this film, I can't keep it under 30
seconds. Suffice to say, so far it is the worst movie of the year.
author- 30 second critic, posted 8/4/06 "Le Enfant" This film got some excellent reviews in the theater and I was really looking forward to it. Unfortunately, it turned out to be terribly disappointing. A young street thief named Bruno, reunites with his girlfriend and finds he is now a father. When he sells the baby for money, he regrets the act and tries to get him back. His personal growth from his own inner child to a responsible adult is the core of the story. The acting is ok and there is a gritty feel to the street scenes but it really didn't do much for me. Author- 30 Second Critic, posted 9/1/06 "Little Children"
From Director Todd Fields (In The
Bedroom), comes another excellent adult drama. Kate Winslet gives one of
her best performances as an unsatisfied suburban mother who begins an
affair with Patrick Wilson, a man dreaming of a lost adolescence, trying
to find his place in an adult world. The film also features a strong
performance by Jackie Earl Haley as a convicted child sex offender looking
for his identity in a world that reviles him.
A sadness permeates the film as it
explores the relationships of these people and the other affected by them,
family, friends, and enemies alike. All the characters are damaged to a
degree and by the end, one can only imagine hope for at least some of
them.
There is heavy stuff here but also flashes
of humor, particularly in the 3rd person narration. This is the kind of
film that should spark post screening conversation. I overheard someone
leaving the theater say "it was like Desperate Housewives meets
Happiness". A pretty accurate composite. I wish I had thought of it
first.
Author- 30 second critic, posted 9/30/06 "Little Miss Sunshine" Truly a remarkable film. We laughed throughout, at times unable to stop laughing, as did the entire audience, and there was applause from more than just us at the end. Everyone in the cast deserved the applause, as did writing and directing. This was one of the best we've seen this year. Alas, that's probably "damning with faint praise" since it's been such a bad year for films. Author- Coop41, posted 8/26/06 "Little Miss Sunshine"
This film is a highly
original take on the traditional road trip movie. When the daughter of a
very dysfunctional family gets a chance to compete in the Little Miss
Sunshine pageant, the Hoover family takes to the road in an old VW bus and
what happens next will have you laughing but move you as well.
Starring Toni Collette, Greg Kinnear,
Steve Carell, and Alan Arkin, "Little Miss Sunshine" is full of surprises.
The casting is perfect and Kinnear, in particular, really shines (no pun
intended) as Frank Hoover. He gets better with each film he does.
His facial expressions alone are priceless. Steve Carell takes a risk with
a serious character and pulls it off brilliantly. Toni Collette is the mom
trying to hold everything together and she's excellent as always. Alan
Arkin gets laughs early on as the very liberal grandpa. To say more about
him would spoil it. Newcomer Abigail Breslin is terrific as the seven year
old, Olive, who hopes to be the next Little Miss Sunshine. And rounding
out the family is Paul Dano as Dwayne, the rebellious older brother with
issues of his own.
This is one family you won't soon
forget.
Author-30 second critic, posted 8/11/06 "Little Miss Sunshine"
Author- Irma, posted 8/1/06 "Little Miss Sunshine" This IS the most fun at the movies I've had in a long time!!! Author- Jane, posted 8/1/06 "The Lives Of Others"
Winner of the Oscar for last years best
foreign film, I can see now why this beat out my favorite film of last
year, "Pan's Labyrinth". Written and directed by Florian Henckel Von
Donnersmarck, "Lives of Others" is his feature film debut. Based on this
outstanding drama, you would think Mr. Henckel Von Donnersmarck was a
seasoned film maker with many films already in his resume.
Set in East Berlin, circa 1984, "The
Lives Of Others" centers on The Stasi, the East German secret police and
their hold over the lives of pre-Glasnost East Germany. When one Stasi
agent is assigned to spy on a writer and his actress girlfriend, he
finds himself beginning to question his own beliefs and values.
The acting is just exceptional,
particularly Ulrich Muhe as the Stasi agent, Captain Weisler. Without a
car chase in sight, the tension mounts as many lives hang in the balance
of one man's actions. The film has so many subtle moments of emotional
impact, it will haunt you for days. The last half hour, in particular is
riveting, right up to the last line of dialog.
Do not miss this amazing
film. In German, with English subtitles.
Author- 30 Second Critic, posted 3/11/07 M "Marie Antoinette"
This film had me from the start but lost me
somewhere between the pastry trays and the French Revolution. Sophia
Coppola does a fine job of recreating 18th century Versailles and all the
excesses that befit the royal family. The excess of food, drink, gambling,
clothing, and most of all, boredom are all portrayed lavishly by Kirsten
Dunst, Jason Schwartzman, Judy Davis, Steve Coogan, Asia Argento, and Rip
Torn.
What drives the first half of the film is
the problem of consummating the marriage for Marie and Louis. Once solved,
all we can do is wait for the revolution while Marie spends like crazy and
Louis empties the royal treasury donating war funds to the Americans
fighting their own revolution.
The use of contemporary music and dialog by
Ms. Dunst work in a fun and illuminating way as we watch this young girl
grow into her place in history. But even this starts to wear thin as we
begin to anticipate the next song selection turning the film into a very
long music video.
Ms. Coppola has a very artistic vision as a
director and the film looks fabulous. The problem is she falls victim to
her own excess. Endless shots of Ms. Dunst from every angle possible
carry the boredom of the court into the boredom of the theater. Had she
cut 20 minutes, I think the film would have been much tighter and more
enjoyable.
Author- 30 Second Critic, posted 11/9/06
"The Matador" The Matador - Terrific roles for Greg Kinnear, Hope Davis, and Pierce Brosnan, playing a Hit Man at the end of his career. someone so unlike his James Bond character. The plot itself is interesting and does not quite go where you expect it. But what stands out is the relationships between the characters, and the fact that they are so a-typical to what you would expect from a film. Hope Davis stands out in her small, but very effective role as the wife, who is more intrigued, than frightened when hit man Brosnan shows up at her door. Brosnan is the focal point of the movie and plays it just right, not too over the top, and just serious enough to make it work. Interesting to note with DVD's, watch the trailer after the film, and see if the way the movie is "sold" matches up to the way the movie plays. Here's one that shows a straight-ahead comedy in the trailer, but the film itself is so much more a dark comedy, which I think makes it that much more enjoyable. author- Patrick, posted 8/15/06 M "Monster House"
This one trick pony has a few
chills for the under 13 set and lots of chills for the under 10 set.
Anyone older than that shouldn't be scared but rather awed by the terrific
animation, especially in digital 3-D. Unlike many of the more recent
animated films, "Monster House" doesn't try to be cute or entertainment
savvy. It portrays it's kids very realistically and sticks to it's basic
haunted house story, with some comic relief by the local police.
Steve Buscemi is perfectly cast
as the "scary old man". Jon Heder does his Napoleon Dynamite voice in 2
short scenes. The policemen are voiced by Kevin James and Nick Cannon and
they fit their characters very well. Other celebrity voices include Fred
Williard, Catherine O'Hara, and Kathleen Turner but their parts are short
and amount to cameos.
The climactic 3rd act is pretty
exciting even though you know where it's going and as usual with these
types of films, there is still more to see during the credits so don't
rush out the door.
Author-30 Second Critic, posted 7/22/06 N "Nightwatch" A Russian horror/fantasy film unlike anything else to come out of that country before. Excellent production values help tell the story of the guardians of light versus the guardians of dark. Throw in some vampires for extra bloody fun and you've got a very trippy, fun film. The special effects are well done and the acting is pretty good. Be warned, the film is the first of a trilogy and doesn't exactly "end". It does, however, tell an exciting story that leaves you wanting more. An impressive effort from the new school of Russian cinema. Author- 30 Second Critic, posted 8/26/06 P "Pirates of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest"
Ah me bucko...there nary is enough Rum
this side of
Barbados to ease the pain of sitting through 151 minutes of
this special effects cornucopia sans logic...Not to say fantasy
needs suffer from any such restrictions...Eliminate the special
effects & Depp's wonderful portrayal & you begin to wonder what
was everyone else doing? Give the Oscar today to the makeup guy &
an honorarium to the special effects gaffer...a well deserved
raise for Depp in his next movie...And they are making another
one? Avast ye mates & unless they actually hire a writer for
installment number three; my only hope is Billy was so right, me
hearties:
Captain Jack will get you high tonight And take you to your
special island Captain Jack will get you by tonight Just a little
push and you'll be smilin'
There gonna need to keelhaul me whilst measuring this landlubber for chains to get me into the next installment of this trilogy... that best be left indeed at the bottom of the sea safely, sequestered in Davy Jones' locker... Author- Alan, posted 12/9/06 "Pirates of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest"
Oh to be the middle child. Yes, you love
all your children but don't you have just a little bit of a special place
for your first born and the baby of the three? The first "Pirates" was
non-stop fun. It was refreshing and a great summer popcorn movie. Now
comes the second child...bigger in every way and there's the rub. "Dead
Man's Chest" had the potential to be a great sequel but instead we're left
with a bloated overwhelming second act that leaves us hanging until next
summer for the "baby" of the three to close out the tale.
Not that the film is without
merit. There are plenty of action sequences (some longer than necessary)
and wonderful special effect (Davy Jones's face alone should get an award)
and of course, Johnny Depp. Jack Sparrow is a terrific character and Depp
has lots of fun with it but again, the problem is too much of a good
thing. The other actors suffer with not much to do as the focus is all Depp
this time around. When he's not on screen, the movie slows to a crawl.
There is a fun surprise at the end which
helps to set up the next film and it's also worth sitting through the
credits for a quick but noteworthy gag.
Author- 30 Second Critic, posted 7/19/06 "Pirates of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest"
Pirates of the Caribbean, Dead Man's
Chest is all hype and not a shred of substance and suffers from being
boring because of it. I am one of 4 people in the world who is not a fan
of the first film, although Depp's Jack Sparrow was a great new character
in the pantheon of moviedom. I found the first film to be dreadfully
violent and dark for a movie marketed to children under 10. At least in
this one, the violence is so cartoon as to be laughable. And good thing,
as I saw 5 and unders running around! Even with PG13 ratings, parents are
completely bought by marketers, oops sorry, that's an argument for another
time...
This sequel begins abruptly with the
failed wedding between Orlando Bloom, I mean, Will Turner and Keira
Knightly, oops, Elizabeth Swann. For illogical plot reasons, Will and
Elizabeth have to bring back Sparrow's compass if they want to avoid being
imprisoned and hanged. And for more illogical plot contrivances, they are
split up, with Will going it alone and Elizabeth becoming a "male"
stowaway...When we finally see Sparrow, who most moviegoers paid money to
see, his speech is so slurred and convoluted as to make no sense. Depp's
character has become a caricature of his very original character. You
laugh simply to go along with it and not because its particularly funny.
And that's how the whole movie evolves. Convoluted plot, poor
unintelligible dialogue, and not very funny lines.
Bill Nighy is great as Davy Jones, even
with a ton of latex special effects glued to his face, those familiar with
his work can see him shining through. Amazingly, Stellan Sarsgaard, who
has less latex, is almost unrecognizable as Will Turner's long lost
father. The costuming of the Davy Jones' pirates is well worth seeing,
very imaginative use of crustaceans, mollusks, and other wild and weird
underwater creatures. There is a fight sequence involving a mill
waterwheel that's pretty incredible and a scene on the side of a cliff
that's enjoyable. But for the most part, I was bored stiff. The plot is
so full of holes and so inconceivably idiotic that it takes away from any
thrills they throw at you (and they are throwing everything hoping
something sticks). The movie ends as abruptly as it began making way for
next year's third installment. Let's hope that while they were spending
tens of millions of dollars on special effects, at least some $$$ went to
script writers.
Author- Irma, posted 7/10/06 S "Saw III"
I confess to a morbid fascination with this
series. The first "Saw", while graphically violent did possess a clever
plot and remarkable effects. The sequel upped the ante in terms of body
count and torture but sacrificed clever plotting for a senseless
bloodbath.
Still drawn to the series like a traffic
accident you can't turn away from, I gave the third story a try. The Saw
series is a different genre of horror film altogether. They are a
throwback to the underground Stewart Gordon movies of the 60's...torture
and gore as entertainment. They don't scare you but they certainly make
you twist and squirm in your seat.
Perhaps they appeal to that dark side in all
of us but for whatever draws us to these types of movies, "Saw III" won't
disappoint. The "traps" are more intricate and this one attempts to
again provide a plot, including filling in back story from the first film.
Of course the end sets up "Saw IV". After all, this series is a cash cow
for Lionsgate.
You may read this and dismiss this type of
movie altogether but I can almost guarantee it will be #1 at the box
office after this opening weekend. What does that say about the American
movie-going public? Now that's scary!
Author- 30 Second Critic, posted 10/26/06 "The Sea Inside"
The true
story of quadriplegic and poet Ramon Sampedro's 30 fight to earn the
right to die. When I first heard that synopsis, I think I was
expecting more court room melodrama than was actually in the film.
In fact there is just 1 courtroom scene, that in its simplicity
points to the conflicts inherent with legal systems to uphold the
law, but at the same time not be able to acknowledge situational
issues like Ramon's. The story itself focuses more on Ramon's
relationship with a number of key figures in his life and how his
life and choice to die impact those around him. Specifically two
women who at varying times have to choose about life or death for
themselves and for Ramon. Interesting conflicts, and really
terrific acting around, especially from Javier Bardem as Ramon. He
is very watchable as an actor, and in watching the extras, you can
see how he truly did justice to the real Ramon Sampedro. The movie
is not fast paced, nor overly happy, though there is some points of
levity that are great. We're talking bout euthanasia here folks not
a happy subject but it does truly ask the question, what is dignity
in life and death. Also couldn't help but think about the 70's
Richard Dreyfuss film "Who's Life is it Anyway" which explores
similar themes.
|
"Scoop"
author- 30 second critic, posted 8/13/06
"Superbad"
Author- 30 Second Critic, posted 8/31/07
"Superman Returns"
153 minutes of my life I shall never get back!!!!! If it were not for Kevin Spacey & cameos my Jack Larson & Noel Neill (the original Jimmy & Lois from the 50's TV series)...this flick would make the Sting II an Oscar contender...Then again, in a world where the majority of the populace watches reality TV, men making only left turns in Nascar & Jerry Springer, no wonder they turned such potential into drivel that made me reach for the Lithium 4 times...If you are given this as a holiday gift by someone close to you...do yourself a favor & cross them off next years holiday list...If it is a free rental for being a loyal online member...use it as a coaster....And finally, if you are even remotely tempted to sit through this massacre on ones neurons...opt out & have the more relaxing time of going to the dentist & having a tooth pulled via your sphincter...
Author- Alan, posted 12/3/06
"Superman Returns"
|
I wanted to
see this SOLELY because of Kevin Spacey, whom I absolutely adore!
Well, I wish the movie had been called Lex
Luthor Returns. He was great (I hope this is a trend that
continues, getting actor's actors to portray villains. We've
gotten Willem DeFoe in Spiderman, Phillip Seymour Hoffman in
MI:III, and now Spacey. Stage actors can really chew up scenery
and as villains are able to really give it their all).
Unfortunately, the script and rest of cast was not up to Spacey's
standards.
Parker Posey, who has been around for a
long time in indie films and usually good, is so miscast and
misused as Luthor's girlfriend with a conscience. Kate Bosworth
couldn't act her way out of paper bag, and as for portraying a
Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, I know for these types of
movies we are supposed to suspend our belief, but even that was a
stretch. Lois Lane's son is cute to look at, although a
haircut should have been budgeted, but he does nothing except
stare in an odd way at the action going on as if
shell-shocked. Brandon Routh is so wooden and yet looks so
plastic, I longed for Christopher Reeve, who actually brought a
very human and real touch to Superman.
The special effects are pretty top notch and
the action, when it finally does happen, and there are long
stretches when there is nothing going on, is fairly suspenseful.
The plot is pedestrian, although I liked that they didn't revisit
the whole Krypton blowing up, baby landing at the Kent's farm
scenario and started pretty much after Superman II. I would have
loved to have seen the Kevin Smith's script with Nick Cage. I'm
sure we would have had a better time at the movie.
What a shame, this is really turning into a
crap summer at the movies. The only movie out there worth seeing,
and really, you should do yourself and the planet a favor by doing
so, is An Inconvenient Truth.
Author- Irma, posted 7/5/06 |
Author -30 Second Critic posted 7/1/06
"Superman Returns"
All in all I liked this movie. I was surprised. What I liked least about it was Superman himself...blah and a bit goofy. I totally agree with the 30 Second Critic about the score, it was great! I did think Parker Posey was fine and credible in her role.
Author- Helene, Posted 7/2/06
T
"This Film Is Not Yet Rated"Author- 30 Second Critic, posted 9/4/06
W
"The Wicker Man"
Author- 30 Second Critic, posted 9/1/06
"World Trade Center"
I saw the movie today. It's" back to school "in Texas and I thought to myself, "Why am I seeing this?" It's not a "kick my heels up" kind of movie. I found I made the right decision for me. We all live in the "shadow" of 9/11. I thought that Oliver Stone handled the movie with great respect. I didn't feel the claustrophobia in the movie was misused. I felt we all had to go to that dark place to see the light. A friend of mine was a Marine. They have a saying "Semper fi". It means "always faithful" I felt the heroes portrayed in this film lived up to that. When I picked up my children from their first day of school, today, I felt blessed to do so. I held them a little bit closer. A great movie. A great reminder we all live in the shadow of the new light we all share.
author- Robert, posted 8/9/06
"World Trade Center"
author- 30 Second Critic, posted 8/9/06
"World Trade Center"
author- Arsalan, posted 8/4/06
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