Sunday, February 21, 2010
I'll Pass: 500 Days of Summer
I heard it was much more of a romantic drama than a romantic comedy. So, I think I'll pass.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
On Second Look: Saw III
First Impression:
Like Saw II, Saw III managed to once again up the ante from a plot twist standpoint. The final twist of Saw III is probably the best of the entire series. It really is a bunch of small twists tied together and revealed almost all at once. It blew me away.
On the other hand, I was absolutely stunned at the amount of gore and the nastiness of some of the traps. The movies are all called Saw, but this one was the first I really had to look away (or almost look away) from the screen. My main problem with this film was the main Jigsaw subject. I didn't like the guy. And I should have. Because we are supposed to be feeling his pain as he struggles to deal with personal tragedy and play Jigsaw's game. Instead, the guy got on my nerves. This blunted the movies impact and kept me from liking it as much as Saw II.
Now:
On second look, the increase in gore stands out even more greatly than when first viewed. It's almost ridiculous. I've heard Saw referred to as torture porn. I think this movie may have come closest to earning that title. On second look, I did look away from a few moments in the film, because I actually don't like gore. I still didn't like Jigsaw's main subject, but that didn't affect my enjoyment of the film as much.
My main problem with Saw III is the epilogue to Saw II that is tacked onto the beginning of this film along with a slow start to Saw III's story. The epilogue itself was cool, and needed, as Saw II's ending left us hanging a bit (as did the original Saw; both are rectified partially in Saw III). But it contributes to Saw III taking a while to get going. Act II being a mixed bag hurts after such a slow start.
Also, the flashbacks are back, but in a reasonable quantity.
On second look, the wild ending (which was set up well by the rest of the film) makes the movie.
Grade: B-
Like Saw II, Saw III managed to once again up the ante from a plot twist standpoint. The final twist of Saw III is probably the best of the entire series. It really is a bunch of small twists tied together and revealed almost all at once. It blew me away.
On the other hand, I was absolutely stunned at the amount of gore and the nastiness of some of the traps. The movies are all called Saw, but this one was the first I really had to look away (or almost look away) from the screen. My main problem with this film was the main Jigsaw subject. I didn't like the guy. And I should have. Because we are supposed to be feeling his pain as he struggles to deal with personal tragedy and play Jigsaw's game. Instead, the guy got on my nerves. This blunted the movies impact and kept me from liking it as much as Saw II.
Now:
On second look, the increase in gore stands out even more greatly than when first viewed. It's almost ridiculous. I've heard Saw referred to as torture porn. I think this movie may have come closest to earning that title. On second look, I did look away from a few moments in the film, because I actually don't like gore. I still didn't like Jigsaw's main subject, but that didn't affect my enjoyment of the film as much.
My main problem with Saw III is the epilogue to Saw II that is tacked onto the beginning of this film along with a slow start to Saw III's story. The epilogue itself was cool, and needed, as Saw II's ending left us hanging a bit (as did the original Saw; both are rectified partially in Saw III). But it contributes to Saw III taking a while to get going. Act II being a mixed bag hurts after such a slow start.
Also, the flashbacks are back, but in a reasonable quantity.
On second look, the wild ending (which was set up well by the rest of the film) makes the movie.
Grade: B-
On Second Look: Saw II
First Impression:
Saw II killed to me the first time I saw it. The main selling point was the improved final twist, which was a notch above the first. It also expanding the Jigsaw character's back story, and had an improved plot with more turns. Donnie Walberg's emotional performance gave the story intensity. The other central characters also put in strong performances. I remember feeling a bit jipped by the B-story of the people trapped in the house. It seemed rushed and incomplete. There seemed to be a ton of thought put into it but it also felt rushed. This Saw film impressed me the most on first viewing.
Now:
There is still a clear jump in quality from the first to the second Saw film, in plotting, acting and cinematography. The ending twist holds up but, like Saw, there is a somewhat silly chase sequence towards the end. Overall, the acting doesn't quite hold up as well on second viewing, but it is still an improvement. On second viewing, I felt better about the B-story mentioned above, in terms of timing, and what is shown versus what isn't. Towards the end of the movie, when people start running around the abandoned house, it gets silly, but that's forgivable. Flashbacks are used very sparingly here, which helps the movies pace. This would end up being the exception to the rule, when it comes to flashbacks and Saw films.
This Saw movie does a good job pulling the viewer in and keeping them guessing as it is slowly revealed what is going on. Ultimately, I think this will go down as the best stand-alone Saw film.
Grade: B
Saw II killed to me the first time I saw it. The main selling point was the improved final twist, which was a notch above the first. It also expanding the Jigsaw character's back story, and had an improved plot with more turns. Donnie Walberg's emotional performance gave the story intensity. The other central characters also put in strong performances. I remember feeling a bit jipped by the B-story of the people trapped in the house. It seemed rushed and incomplete. There seemed to be a ton of thought put into it but it also felt rushed. This Saw film impressed me the most on first viewing.
Now:
There is still a clear jump in quality from the first to the second Saw film, in plotting, acting and cinematography. The ending twist holds up but, like Saw, there is a somewhat silly chase sequence towards the end. Overall, the acting doesn't quite hold up as well on second viewing, but it is still an improvement. On second viewing, I felt better about the B-story mentioned above, in terms of timing, and what is shown versus what isn't. Towards the end of the movie, when people start running around the abandoned house, it gets silly, but that's forgivable. Flashbacks are used very sparingly here, which helps the movies pace. This would end up being the exception to the rule, when it comes to flashbacks and Saw films.
This Saw movie does a good job pulling the viewer in and keeping them guessing as it is slowly revealed what is going on. Ultimately, I think this will go down as the best stand-alone Saw film.
Grade: B
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
On Second Look: Saw
On Second Look:
First Impression:
When I first watched Saw, I was drawn in by the mystery of it all and the slow reveal of it. I also relished the twisty ending. However, even on first viewing, I remember starting to lose interest at points due to the overly long flashbacks. I also remember finding Danny Glover and Cary Elwes performances as odd feeling, especially Danny Glover playing an obsessed cop.
Now:
The B-movish feel, even as compared to later sequels, is glaring. The chase sequence that includes dueling car interiors is just silly. The performace of one of the main characters (who was also the screenwriter) is noticibly weak. The meandering flashbacks still seem so and the twistiness is not quite as impressive as it was. Not that it affected my enjoyment of the film, but the bathroom where the central drama takes place is much smaller than I remembered. Still, on the whole, the film holds up.
One stark contrast to the later films is the lack of a focus on horror or gore. It is a thriller about the hunt of a serial killer told in parallel with the perilous state of his latest victims. There are a few scares and a little gore but not enough to hang its hat on, as it were.
All in all, it holds up a bit better than I expected dispite iffy acting and directing.
Grade: B
First Impression:
When I first watched Saw, I was drawn in by the mystery of it all and the slow reveal of it. I also relished the twisty ending. However, even on first viewing, I remember starting to lose interest at points due to the overly long flashbacks. I also remember finding Danny Glover and Cary Elwes performances as odd feeling, especially Danny Glover playing an obsessed cop.
Now:
The B-movish feel, even as compared to later sequels, is glaring. The chase sequence that includes dueling car interiors is just silly. The performace of one of the main characters (who was also the screenwriter) is noticibly weak. The meandering flashbacks still seem so and the twistiness is not quite as impressive as it was. Not that it affected my enjoyment of the film, but the bathroom where the central drama takes place is much smaller than I remembered. Still, on the whole, the film holds up.
One stark contrast to the later films is the lack of a focus on horror or gore. It is a thriller about the hunt of a serial killer told in parallel with the perilous state of his latest victims. There are a few scares and a little gore but not enough to hang its hat on, as it were.
All in all, it holds up a bit better than I expected dispite iffy acting and directing.
Grade: B
Looking back at the Saw Franchise
Having just seen Saw VI, it got me to thinking about the franchise as a whole in terms of the shifting nature of the films and their relative quality. In the next week or two, I'm going to watch the first five again and start a new segment called "On Second Look".
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Movie Breakdown: Deja Vu
Plot Architype: A Mystery Type [Come Back To]
Page 1: Terrorist Attack
Act I: Doug Carlin begins his investigation of the attack. He begins to make headway, and impress people.
Inciting Incident: Doug becomes invested in female victim, Claire, professionally and personaly. AND Doug finds out his partner was killed in the attack.
End of Act I: Doug accept offer to help with "special" team despite his reservations because of his partner and the female victim, Claire.
Act II, Part 1: Doug works with secret team to begin to investigate attack with their special technology, focusing on the female victim's life. Doug becomes more invested in Claire.
Mid-Point: Doug convinces team to send note back in time. BUT Doug's partner, Larry, finds it instead of him.
Act II, Part 2: Doug and team catch up with the terrorist using their technology and follow him.
Protagonist's lowest Moment: Larry is murdered by the terrorist.
End of Act II: Doug tries to find peace with Claire's death but cannot. He can't let go. So... Doug is sent back in time.
Act III: Doug, in the past, sacrifices himself to stop the bombing, saving Claire and the 500 people.
End: Doug from that timeline meets Claire.
GREAT SCENE: Mid-Point Scene in which the technology is explained to Doug and he convinces team to send the note back.
ODD SCENE: Doug's scene in Act II, Part 2 when he is deposing the terrorist. Dialogue kinda goes all over the place to get to the end that the writer wanted.
ODD SCENE: Claire's funeral at the begining of Act II, Part 1. Is it needed? What's up with the Limo Drivers?
TIMING ANALYSIS: Act III is a bit long 40+ minutes. Otherwise, the movie is timed well.
Page 1: Terrorist Attack
Act I: Doug Carlin begins his investigation of the attack. He begins to make headway, and impress people.
Inciting Incident: Doug becomes invested in female victim, Claire, professionally and personaly. AND Doug finds out his partner was killed in the attack.
End of Act I: Doug accept offer to help with "special" team despite his reservations because of his partner and the female victim, Claire.
Act II, Part 1: Doug works with secret team to begin to investigate attack with their special technology, focusing on the female victim's life. Doug becomes more invested in Claire.
Mid-Point: Doug convinces team to send note back in time. BUT Doug's partner, Larry, finds it instead of him.
Act II, Part 2: Doug and team catch up with the terrorist using their technology and follow him.
Protagonist's lowest Moment: Larry is murdered by the terrorist.
End of Act II: Doug tries to find peace with Claire's death but cannot. He can't let go. So... Doug is sent back in time.
Act III: Doug, in the past, sacrifices himself to stop the bombing, saving Claire and the 500 people.
End: Doug from that timeline meets Claire.
GREAT SCENE: Mid-Point Scene in which the technology is explained to Doug and he convinces team to send the note back.
ODD SCENE: Doug's scene in Act II, Part 2 when he is deposing the terrorist. Dialogue kinda goes all over the place to get to the end that the writer wanted.
ODD SCENE: Claire's funeral at the begining of Act II, Part 1. Is it needed? What's up with the Limo Drivers?
TIMING ANALYSIS: Act III is a bit long 40+ minutes. Otherwise, the movie is timed well.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Movie Review: W. (2008)
I was entertained watching this movie because of the deftness with which the Bush Administration was portrayed (the acting and the dialogue). There are some well done scenes. However, as a cohesive 2 hour narrative, W. fails.
The movie is an exercise in character study of a sort. It intermixes a narrative of the run-up, execution, and immediate fallout of the Iraq War II with a fast-forward narrative of the youth of George W. Bush. These things are interesting to watch in the abstract, but there is no narrative arch taking you through it all.
The life of George W. Bush is a great (i.e. intriguing) story. But the plot of W. makes poor use of it. It stands only an solid exercise in the staging of history.
Grade: C
The movie is an exercise in character study of a sort. It intermixes a narrative of the run-up, execution, and immediate fallout of the Iraq War II with a fast-forward narrative of the youth of George W. Bush. These things are interesting to watch in the abstract, but there is no narrative arch taking you through it all.
The life of George W. Bush is a great (i.e. intriguing) story. But the plot of W. makes poor use of it. It stands only an solid exercise in the staging of history.
Grade: C
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Movie Ratings: 2009
ALL MOVIES
The Hangover (2009): A
The Hurt Locker (2009): A
Sherlock Holmes (2009): A
Up In The Air (2009): A-
State of Play (2009): B+
District 9 (2009): B
Avatar(2009): B
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (2009): B
Notorious (2009): B
A Perfect Getaway (2009): B
Star Trek (2009): B
Moon (2009): B
Fast & Furious (2009): B
The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard (2009): B
Zombieland (2009): B
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince(2009): B
Inglorious Bastards (2009): B
Saw VI (2009): B
A Serious Man (2009): B-
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009): B-
The Informant! (2009): B-
Couples Retreat (2009): B-
Public Enemies (2009): B-
Terminator Salvation (2009): B-
Taken (2009): B-
Surrogates (2009): B-
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009): B-
Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009): B-
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009): B-
I Love You, Man (2009): B-
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009): C+
2012 (2009): C+
The International (2009): C+
He's Just Not That Into You (2009): C+
Extract (2009): C+
Watchmen (2009): C+
Push(2009): C+
Armored (2009): C+
Away We Go (2009):
The Invention of Lying (2009): C
Knowing (2009): C
Funny People (2009): C
Friday the 13th (2009): C
Dance Flick (2009): C-
Law Abiding Citizen (2009): D
Whiteout (2009): D
Observe and Report(2009): D
Bruno(2009): F (Didn't Finish)
TBD(2009): TBD
MOVIES TO SEE
-Up(Pixar Flick)
-The Messenger(Oscar Flick)
-Night At The Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
-Angels and Demons
-Drag Me To Hell
-The Uninvited
-Monsters Vs. Aliens
-Crank High Voltage
-Gamer(Cheesy Looking)
-TBD
MOVIES OF GENERAL INTEREST
-Invictus(Oscar Flick)
-Crazy Heart(Oscar Flick)
-The Blind Side
-The Lovely Bones
-Sorority Row
-9
-Pandorum
-Whip It
-The Final Destination
-Halloween II
-Bride Wars
-The Unborn
-My Bloody Valentine 3-D
-I Love You Beth Cooper
-Year One
-Adventureland
-Coraline
-Tyler Perry's Madea Goes To Jail
-12 Rounds
-Ghosts of Girlfriends Past
-TBD
The Hangover (2009): A
The Hurt Locker (2009): A
Sherlock Holmes (2009): A
Up In The Air (2009): A-
State of Play (2009): B+
District 9 (2009): B
Avatar(2009): B
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (2009): B
Notorious (2009): B
A Perfect Getaway (2009): B
Star Trek (2009): B
Moon (2009): B
Fast & Furious (2009): B
The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard (2009): B
Zombieland (2009): B
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince(2009): B
Inglorious Bastards (2009): B
Saw VI (2009): B
A Serious Man (2009): B-
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009): B-
The Informant! (2009): B-
Couples Retreat (2009): B-
Public Enemies (2009): B-
Terminator Salvation (2009): B-
Taken (2009): B-
Surrogates (2009): B-
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009): B-
Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009): B-
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009): B-
I Love You, Man (2009): B-
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009): C+
2012 (2009): C+
The International (2009): C+
He's Just Not That Into You (2009): C+
Extract (2009): C+
Watchmen (2009): C+
Push(2009): C+
Armored (2009): C+
Away We Go (2009):
The Invention of Lying (2009): C
Knowing (2009): C
Funny People (2009): C
Friday the 13th (2009): C
Dance Flick (2009): C-
Law Abiding Citizen (2009): D
Whiteout (2009): D
Observe and Report(2009): D
Bruno(2009): F (Didn't Finish)
TBD(2009): TBD
MOVIES TO SEE
-Up(Pixar Flick)
-The Messenger(Oscar Flick)
-Night At The Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
-Angels and Demons
-Drag Me To Hell
-The Uninvited
-Monsters Vs. Aliens
-Crank High Voltage
-Gamer(Cheesy Looking)
-TBD
MOVIES OF GENERAL INTEREST
-Invictus(Oscar Flick)
-Crazy Heart(Oscar Flick)
-The Blind Side
-The Lovely Bones
-Sorority Row
-9
-Pandorum
-Whip It
-The Final Destination
-Halloween II
-Bride Wars
-The Unborn
-My Bloody Valentine 3-D
-I Love You Beth Cooper
-Year One
-Adventureland
-Coraline
-Tyler Perry's Madea Goes To Jail
-12 Rounds
-Ghosts of Girlfriends Past
-TBD
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Stand-Up Comedy Specials 2000-2009
STAND-UP SPECIALS RATINGS
Dave Chappelle: Killin' Them Softly (2000): A
Dave Chappelle: For What It's Worth(2004): A-
Steve Harvey: Still Trippin'(2008): B+
Ricky Gervais: Out of England(2008): Liked (B/B-)
Kathy Griffin: Everybody Can Suck It (2007): B-/C+ Kathy Griffin: ...Is Not Nicole Kidman (2005): C
Dave Chappelle: Killin' Them Softly (2000): A
Dave Chappelle: For What It's Worth(2004): A-
Steve Harvey: Still Trippin'(2008): B+
Ricky Gervais: Out of England(2008): Liked (B/B-)
Kathy Griffin: Everybody Can Suck It (2007): B-/C+ Kathy Griffin: ...Is Not Nicole Kidman (2005): C
Monday, October 20, 2008
Movie One-Liners: 2008
New for 2008 are my movie one-liners. They are just a brief bottom line comment on the nature and quality of the films.
Doomsday - 10/20/08 - A Post-Apocalyptic B-Movie with good action sequences and a decent story. It's filled with cliche like the Escape for New York plot and Road Warrior action, but it's all pretty enjoyable. The first half of the movie felt unique; the second half felt all too familiar. The flick was also kinda corny and very gory. You can tell the writer/director had a lot of fun making it: B-
Death Race - 10/20/08 - This movie is exactly what you would expect if you see the commercial. It meets those expectations but doesn't surpass them. It's proud to be a B-Movie. And the ending is a bit under-whelming. The best parts of the movie are the racing scenes. They make it worth seeing.: B-
Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanemo Bay - 11/03/08 - About the same caliber a movie as the first Harold and Kumar, though I think the story is actually a bit better. However, this movie was probably not as funny as the first film and the last third of this movie drags a little. FYI, this is a movie made for teenagers and it includes nudity for humor (and just for nudity's sake) and generally sophemoric behavior, language and humor: B
Saw V - 11/06/08 - This is the first Saw movie that, for fans of the series, I would not recommend they see in the theater (they'll feel jipped). What always attracted me to Saw was the twisted plots (and the Saw premise itself). This plot was complex, but that complexity weakened it instead of strengthening it. It barely held my interest. The end twist is particulary poor. There isn't much gore, which I was fine with, but may disappoint others.: C+
Doomsday - 10/20/08 - A Post-Apocalyptic B-Movie with good action sequences and a decent story. It's filled with cliche like the Escape for New York plot and Road Warrior action, but it's all pretty enjoyable. The first half of the movie felt unique; the second half felt all too familiar. The flick was also kinda corny and very gory. You can tell the writer/director had a lot of fun making it: B-
Death Race - 10/20/08 - This movie is exactly what you would expect if you see the commercial. It meets those expectations but doesn't surpass them. It's proud to be a B-Movie. And the ending is a bit under-whelming. The best parts of the movie are the racing scenes. They make it worth seeing.: B-
Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanemo Bay - 11/03/08 - About the same caliber a movie as the first Harold and Kumar, though I think the story is actually a bit better. However, this movie was probably not as funny as the first film and the last third of this movie drags a little. FYI, this is a movie made for teenagers and it includes nudity for humor (and just for nudity's sake) and generally sophemoric behavior, language and humor: B
Saw V - 11/06/08 - This is the first Saw movie that, for fans of the series, I would not recommend they see in the theater (they'll feel jipped). What always attracted me to Saw was the twisted plots (and the Saw premise itself). This plot was complex, but that complexity weakened it instead of strengthening it. It barely held my interest. The end twist is particulary poor. There isn't much gore, which I was fine with, but may disappoint others.: C+
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
EW Recommendations
EW.com had a list of great movie endings. A few of those movies I have listed below.
I haven't seen these and now I want to.
-The Killing (1956)
-Pride and Prejudice (2005)
-North by Northwest (1959)
-Manhattan (1979)
-Boogie Night (1997)
-The Third Man (1949)
-Valley Girl (1983)
I haven't seen these and now I want to.
-The Killing (1956)
-Pride and Prejudice (2005)
-North by Northwest (1959)
-Manhattan (1979)
-Boogie Night (1997)
-The Third Man (1949)
-Valley Girl (1983)
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Movie Ratings: 2008
ALL MOVIES
The Dark Knight (2008): A
Wall-E (2008): A
The Wrestler (2008): B+
Traitor (2008): B
Quantum of Solace (2008): B
Body of Lies (2008): B
Iron Man (2008): B
Get Smart (2008): B
Frost/Nixon (2008): B
Step Brothers (2008): B
Street Kings (2008): B
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008): B
Eagle Eye (2008): B
Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay (2008): B
Tropic Thunder (2008): B
Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008): B
Four Christmases (2008): B-
Incredible Hulk, The (2008): B-
Death Race (2008): B-
Baby Mama (2008): B-
Doomsday (2008): B-
Kung-Fu Panda (2008): B-
21 (2008): B-
Vantage Point (2008): B-
Dan, In Real Life (2008): B-
Sex In The City The Movie (2008): B-
Jumper (2008): B-
Rambo (2008): B-
Wanted (2008): B-
Yes Man (2008): C+ [from memory]
Punisher: War Zone (2008): C+
Be Kind, Rewind (2008): C+
Semi-Pro (2008): C+
88 Minutes (2008): C+
Righteous Kill (2008): C+
Drillbit Taylor (2008): C+
The Happening (2008): C+
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (2008): C+
First Sunday (2008): C+
Cloverfield (2008): C+
Superhero Movie (2008): C+
Saw V (2008): C+
The X-Files: I Want to Believe (2008): C+
Valkyrie (2008): C+[from memory]
Untraceable (2008): C
W. (2008): C
Pineapple Express (2008): C
Strange Wilderness (2008): C
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008): C
Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008): C
You Don't Mess With the Zohan (2008): C-
Fanboys (2008): D
The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008): D
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008): D
Hancock (2008): D
Meet The Spartans (2008): D
The Spirit (2008): D
Prom Night (2008): F
MOVIES TO SEE IN THEATER
-Burn After Reading
-Appaloosa
-The Tale of Despereaux
-Bolt
-The Bank Job
-Milk
-Ghost Town
-RocknRolla
MOVIES TO SEE ON DVD
-Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears A Who
-The Love Guru
-The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor
-The Rocker
-Mirrors
-Speed Racer
-The Forbidden Kingdom
-Quarantine
-City of Ember
-Miracle at St. Anna
-Blindness
-Marley & Me
-Twilight
-Doubt
-27 Dresses
-What Happens In Vegas
-The Strangers
-Run Fat Boy Run
-Stop/Loss
-Lakeview Terrace
-Gran Torino
-Cadillac Records
-Max Payne
-
The Dark Knight (2008): A
Wall-E (2008): A
The Wrestler (2008): B+
Traitor (2008): B
Quantum of Solace (2008): B
Body of Lies (2008): B
Iron Man (2008): B
Get Smart (2008): B
Frost/Nixon (2008): B
Step Brothers (2008): B
Street Kings (2008): B
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008): B
Eagle Eye (2008): B
Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay (2008): B
Tropic Thunder (2008): B
Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008): B
Four Christmases (2008): B-
Incredible Hulk, The (2008): B-
Death Race (2008): B-
Baby Mama (2008): B-
Doomsday (2008): B-
Kung-Fu Panda (2008): B-
21 (2008): B-
Vantage Point (2008): B-
Dan, In Real Life (2008): B-
Sex In The City The Movie (2008): B-
Jumper (2008): B-
Rambo (2008): B-
Wanted (2008): B-
Yes Man (2008): C+ [from memory]
Punisher: War Zone (2008): C+
Be Kind, Rewind (2008): C+
Semi-Pro (2008): C+
88 Minutes (2008): C+
Righteous Kill (2008): C+
Drillbit Taylor (2008): C+
The Happening (2008): C+
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (2008): C+
First Sunday (2008): C+
Cloverfield (2008): C+
Superhero Movie (2008): C+
Saw V (2008): C+
The X-Files: I Want to Believe (2008): C+
Valkyrie (2008): C+[from memory]
Untraceable (2008): C
W. (2008): C
Pineapple Express (2008): C
Strange Wilderness (2008): C
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008): C
Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008): C
You Don't Mess With the Zohan (2008): C-
Fanboys (2008): D
The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008): D
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008): D
Hancock (2008): D
Meet The Spartans (2008): D
The Spirit (2008): D
Prom Night (2008): F
MOVIES TO SEE IN THEATER
-Burn After Reading
-Appaloosa
-The Tale of Despereaux
-Bolt
-The Bank Job
-Milk
-Ghost Town
-RocknRolla
MOVIES TO SEE ON DVD
-Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears A Who
-The Love Guru
-The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor
-The Rocker
-Mirrors
-Speed Racer
-The Forbidden Kingdom
-Quarantine
-City of Ember
-Miracle at St. Anna
-Blindness
-Marley & Me
-Twilight
-Doubt
-27 Dresses
-What Happens In Vegas
-The Strangers
-Run Fat Boy Run
-Stop/Loss
-Lakeview Terrace
-Gran Torino
-Cadillac Records
-Max Payne
-
Monday, December 17, 2007
Documentary Reviews: 2000-2009
BEST OVERALL DOCUMENTARY
BEST POLITICAL DOCUMENTARY
BEST SOCIAL SCIENCE DOCUMENTARY
BEST SPORTS DOCUMENTARY
BEST TRUE CRIME DOCUMENTARY
Capturing The Friedmans
BEST MUSIC-RELATED DOCUMENTARY
BEST BIOGRAPHY
DOCUMENTARY LIST:
Street Fight (2005): A
Who Killed the Electric Car? (2006): A
Spellbound (2002): A
Word Wars (2004): A
Bigger Stronger Faster (2007): A [Human Interest / Current Events]
Maxed Out (2006): A-
The Future of Food (2004): A- [Current Issues]
Biggie & Tupac (2002): A-
Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004): A-
No End In Sight (2007): A- [Recent History Retelling]
Who Killed The Electric Car? (2006): A-
e-Dreams (2002): A-
Capturing The Friedmans (2003): A-?
Beef (2003): A-?
An Inconvinient Truth (2005): A- [Speaker(s)]
Welcome to Deathrow (2001): B+
Super Size Me (2004): B+
Backstage (2000): B
Bowling for Columbine (2002): B
March of the Penguins (2005): B [Science]
The Heart of The Game (2005): B
Life and Debt (2001): B [History]
Outfoxed: Murdoch's War on Journalism (2004): B
This Film Is Not Yet Rated (2006): B [Investigative Journalism]
So Goes The Nation (2006): B [Story of 2004 Election from Ohio POV - A Retelling]
Can Mr. Smith Get To Washington Anymore? (2006): B
Everything's Cool (2007): B [Current Issues]
Confessions of a Superhero (2007): B [Human Interest]
Control Room (2004): B [Recent History Retelling]
ENRON: The Smartest Guys In The Room (2005): B?
Hacking Democracy (2006): B?
In Debt We Trust (2006): B-
Beef 2 (2004): B-
McLibel (2005): C+ [Legal Retelling]
The Business of Being Born (2007): C+ [Lopsided conversation about how one chooses to give birth - Also, has story aspects]
The Future We Will Create (2007): C+ [Speaker(s)]
The Corporation (2004): C
The Hunting of the President (2004): C?
Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson (2008?): TBD [Biography]
OLDER DOCUMENTARIES:
Hoop Dreams (1994): A-
Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky (1993): B?
Roger and Me (1989): B-?
The Show (1995): B
When We Were Kings (1996): B?
DOCUMENTARIES TO SEE:
BEST POLITICAL DOCUMENTARY
BEST SOCIAL SCIENCE DOCUMENTARY
BEST SPORTS DOCUMENTARY
BEST TRUE CRIME DOCUMENTARY
Capturing The Friedmans
BEST MUSIC-RELATED DOCUMENTARY
BEST BIOGRAPHY
DOCUMENTARY LIST:
Street Fight (2005): A
Who Killed the Electric Car? (2006): A
Spellbound (2002): A
Word Wars (2004): A
Bigger Stronger Faster (2007): A [Human Interest / Current Events]
Maxed Out (2006): A-
The Future of Food (2004): A- [Current Issues]
Biggie & Tupac (2002): A-
Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004): A-
No End In Sight (2007): A- [Recent History Retelling]
Who Killed The Electric Car? (2006): A-
e-Dreams (2002): A-
Capturing The Friedmans (2003): A-?
Beef (2003): A-?
An Inconvinient Truth (2005): A- [Speaker(s)]
Welcome to Deathrow (2001): B+
Super Size Me (2004): B+
Backstage (2000): B
Bowling for Columbine (2002): B
March of the Penguins (2005): B [Science]
The Heart of The Game (2005): B
Life and Debt (2001): B [History]
Outfoxed: Murdoch's War on Journalism (2004): B
This Film Is Not Yet Rated (2006): B [Investigative Journalism]
So Goes The Nation (2006): B [Story of 2004 Election from Ohio POV - A Retelling]
Can Mr. Smith Get To Washington Anymore? (2006): B
Everything's Cool (2007): B [Current Issues]
Confessions of a Superhero (2007): B [Human Interest]
Control Room (2004): B [Recent History Retelling]
ENRON: The Smartest Guys In The Room (2005): B?
Hacking Democracy (2006): B?
In Debt We Trust (2006): B-
Beef 2 (2004): B-
McLibel (2005): C+ [Legal Retelling]
The Business of Being Born (2007): C+ [Lopsided conversation about how one chooses to give birth - Also, has story aspects]
The Future We Will Create (2007): C+ [Speaker(s)]
The Corporation (2004): C
The Hunting of the President (2004): C?
Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson (2008?): TBD [Biography]
OLDER DOCUMENTARIES:
Hoop Dreams (1994): A-
Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky (1993): B?
Roger and Me (1989): B-?
The Show (1995): B
When We Were Kings (1996): B?
DOCUMENTARIES TO SEE:
Monday, November 26, 2007
The Invisible (2007)
"Ghost With Troubled Teens"
PRO: ACT;
CON: PLOT;
The movie does a great job in the first Act 1 setting up the characters; infusing them with personality and giving us sympathy for them. Some of it is a bit heavy-handed, but it works, and efficiently.
One lesson a screenwriter could learn from a movie like this is that a writer must be conscious of what previews and promotions are likely to tell the viewer before they watch the movie. A bit of the second act is spent watching the protagonist catch up with what the viewer was almost explicitly told in previews. This actually didn't take up a lot of time, but it felt like a long time.
Another lesson is that a movie can be ruined by faulty, dishonest promotion. I see this all of the time and 'The Invisible' is another victim. It is sold as a Stir of Echoes / Sixth Sense type of super-natural thriller but has more in common with 'Ghost'. I came in expecting a thriller, but there are few thrills and the plot itself is a bit shaky.
As a drama, I found the character development in Acts 2 and 3 not entirely convincing. The characters have clear cut start and end points, but their journeys have something to be desired.
This movie kinda works as an super-natural drama, but I'd rent Ghost instead: C
Bonus Note: I watched the deleted scenes and they left out an important dinner sequence with his Mother. It isn't very long and explains an important decision later in Act 1. Some of the stuff did need to go, but the last deleted scene should have stayed in. It has dramatic impact.
PRO: ACT;
CON: PLOT;
The movie does a great job in the first Act 1 setting up the characters; infusing them with personality and giving us sympathy for them. Some of it is a bit heavy-handed, but it works, and efficiently.
One lesson a screenwriter could learn from a movie like this is that a writer must be conscious of what previews and promotions are likely to tell the viewer before they watch the movie. A bit of the second act is spent watching the protagonist catch up with what the viewer was almost explicitly told in previews. This actually didn't take up a lot of time, but it felt like a long time.
Another lesson is that a movie can be ruined by faulty, dishonest promotion. I see this all of the time and 'The Invisible' is another victim. It is sold as a Stir of Echoes / Sixth Sense type of super-natural thriller but has more in common with 'Ghost'. I came in expecting a thriller, but there are few thrills and the plot itself is a bit shaky.
As a drama, I found the character development in Acts 2 and 3 not entirely convincing. The characters have clear cut start and end points, but their journeys have something to be desired.
This movie kinda works as an super-natural drama, but I'd rent Ghost instead: C
Bonus Note: I watched the deleted scenes and they left out an important dinner sequence with his Mother. It isn't very long and explains an important decision later in Act 1. Some of the stuff did need to go, but the last deleted scene should have stayed in. It has dramatic impact.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Heart of the Game (2005)
PRO: N/A
CON: N/A
A solid documentary about a Women's High School Basketball team under the direction of an excentric new Head Coach. The documentary's biggest weakness is the lack of character exploration of the individual characters. In fact the DVD shows some of that very detail that was cut out. The documentary can't seem to decide if it is about the one Black player on an otherwise White team or about all of the players. Ultimately, it chooses a middle ground, giving more focus to the Black player than any other but otherwise giving some "shine" to everybody involved, including a rival's coach. Balancing the different focus points is difficult but the movie is mostly successful.: B
CON: N/A
A solid documentary about a Women's High School Basketball team under the direction of an excentric new Head Coach. The documentary's biggest weakness is the lack of character exploration of the individual characters. In fact the DVD shows some of that very detail that was cut out. The documentary can't seem to decide if it is about the one Black player on an otherwise White team or about all of the players. Ultimately, it chooses a middle ground, giving more focus to the Black player than any other but otherwise giving some "shine" to everybody involved, including a rival's coach. Balancing the different focus points is difficult but the movie is mostly successful.: B
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Fantastic Four (2005)
PRO: SFX;
CON: DIA; PLOT
I came into this movie expecting the worst, but what I got was a solid superhero movie that just wasn't ambitious enough. Looking at the previews, I though the casting was horrible. However, their choice of the guy from Nip/Tuck as Doctor Doom worked better than I expected and Johnny Storm was cast very well. The major problem with the movie is that it just wasn't tryin to do very much. It is an origin movie and that's it. I will say I am looking forward to the sequel. If you are a fan of comic books and you don't mind a very simple plot, I recommend this movie. It is an enjoyable experience.: C+
CON: DIA; PLOT
I came into this movie expecting the worst, but what I got was a solid superhero movie that just wasn't ambitious enough. Looking at the previews, I though the casting was horrible. However, their choice of the guy from Nip/Tuck as Doctor Doom worked better than I expected and Johnny Storm was cast very well. The major problem with the movie is that it just wasn't tryin to do very much. It is an origin movie and that's it. I will say I am looking forward to the sequel. If you are a fan of comic books and you don't mind a very simple plot, I recommend this movie. It is an enjoyable experience.: C+
Monday, June 4, 2007
The Break-Up (2006)
Starring Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston
Pros: N/A
Cons: END; NFUN;
Review: When I saw the previews, I expected a romantic comedy. I love to laugh, and I enjoy all types of comedies. I did not expect what I got, a romantic movie that couldn't decide through much of it whether it wanted to be funny or taken seriously. I guess it wanted to be both, but that is a tall task, rarely executed well. As for this film, it just isn't very funny. The serious relationship stuff is average, but not done well enough to be notable. Also, the ending isn't very good: C+
Pros: N/A
Cons: END; NFUN;
Review: When I saw the previews, I expected a romantic comedy. I love to laugh, and I enjoy all types of comedies. I did not expect what I got, a romantic movie that couldn't decide through much of it whether it wanted to be funny or taken seriously. I guess it wanted to be both, but that is a tall task, rarely executed well. As for this film, it just isn't very funny. The serious relationship stuff is average, but not done well enough to be notable. Also, the ending isn't very good: C+
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Movie Reviews: 2007
BEST MOVIE
300
BEST DRAMA
Michael Clayton
BEST ACTION / ADVENTURE
300
BEST COMEDY
Knocked Up
BEST THRILLER
The Lookout
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT
Spider-Man 3
WORST MOVIE
Next
SPECIAL AWARD FOR UNIQUE FILMAKING
300
SPECIAL AWARD FOR UNIQUE FILMAKING (1st Runner-Up)
Grindhouse: Deathproof
ALL MOVIES
300 (2007): A-
Knocked Up (2007): B+
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007): B+
The Lookout (2007): B+
Gone Baby Gone (2007): B+
Live Free or Die Hard (2007): B
Disturbia (2007): B
Perfect Strangers (2007): B
Saw IV (2007): B
I Am Legend (2007): B
Shrek 3 (2007): B
Pirates of the Carribean: At World's End (2007): B
3:10 to Yuma (2007): B
Michael Clayton (2007): B
In The Name of Elah (2007): B
Rendition (2007): B
Transformers (2007): B
The Kingdom (2007): B
Smokin' Aces (2007): B
Juno (2007): B
National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007): B
I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry (2007): B
30 Days of Night (2007): B
Superbad (2007): B
Blades of Glory (2007): B
A Mighty Heart (2007): B
88 Minutes (2007): B-
AVP: Requiem (2007): B-
Lions for Lambs (2007): B-
Good Luck Chuck (2007): B-
Shooter (2007): B-
The Simpsons Movie (2007): B-
Rattatouie (2007): B-
Eastern Promises (2007): B-
Grindhouse: Deathproof (2007): B-
Grindhouse: Planet Terror (2007): B-
Norbit (2007): B-
Fracture (2007): B-
The Reaping (2007): B-
Zodiac (2007): B-
The Vacancy (2007):B-
American Gangster(2007): B-
Breach (2007): B-
No Country For Old Men (2007): B-
1408 (2007): B-
There Will Be Blood (2007): B-
Ocean's 13 (2007): C+
Hot Fuzz (2007): C+
Resident Evil: Extinction (2007): C+
Mr. Brooks (2007): C+
Balls of Fury (2007): C+
The Brave One (2007): C+
Spider-Man 3 (2007): C
The Brothers Solomon (2007): C
Evan Almighty (2007): C
Shoot 'Em Up (2007): C
Sunshine (2007): C
The Invisible (2007): C
Hot Rod (2007): C-
Rush Hour 3 (2007): C-
Premonition (2007): D
Next (2007): F
MOVIES TO SEE
-We Own The Night
-Flawless
-Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007) - (Missed it in Theaters)
-Charlie Wilson's War (2007) - (DVD)
-Beowolf (2007) - (on DVD)
-Bee Movie (2007) - (on DVD)
-Halloween 2007 Remake (2007) - (on DVD)
-Mr Bean's Holiday (2007) - (on DVD)
-Rescue Dawn (2007) - (on DVD)
-28 Weeks Later (2007) - (on DVD)
-Are We Done Yet (2007) - (on DVD)
-Bug (2007) - (on DVD)
-The Ex (2007) - (on DVD)
-Meet the Robinsons (2007) - (on DVD)
-TMNT (2007) - (on DVD)
-Surf's Up (2007) - (on DVD)
-Reno 911!: Miami (2007) - (on DVD)
-Stomp The Yard (2007) - (on DVD)
-The Ex (2007) - (on DVD)
-I Think I Love My Wife (2007) - (on DVD)
-War (2007) - (on Cable)
-Dead Silence (2007) - (on Cable)
-Stardust (2007) - (on Cable)
-Lucky You (2007) - (on Cable)
-Wild Hogs (2007) - (on Cable)
-The Condemned (2007) - (on Cable)
300
BEST DRAMA
Michael Clayton
BEST ACTION / ADVENTURE
300
BEST COMEDY
Knocked Up
BEST THRILLER
The Lookout
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT
Spider-Man 3
WORST MOVIE
Next
SPECIAL AWARD FOR UNIQUE FILMAKING
300
SPECIAL AWARD FOR UNIQUE FILMAKING (1st Runner-Up)
Grindhouse: Deathproof
ALL MOVIES
300 (2007): A-
Knocked Up (2007): B+
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007): B+
The Lookout (2007): B+
Gone Baby Gone (2007): B+
Live Free or Die Hard (2007): B
Disturbia (2007): B
Perfect Strangers (2007): B
Saw IV (2007): B
I Am Legend (2007): B
Shrek 3 (2007): B
Pirates of the Carribean: At World's End (2007): B
3:10 to Yuma (2007): B
Michael Clayton (2007): B
In The Name of Elah (2007): B
Rendition (2007): B
Transformers (2007): B
The Kingdom (2007): B
Smokin' Aces (2007): B
Juno (2007): B
National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007): B
I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry (2007): B
30 Days of Night (2007): B
Superbad (2007): B
Blades of Glory (2007): B
A Mighty Heart (2007): B
88 Minutes (2007): B-
AVP: Requiem (2007): B-
Lions for Lambs (2007): B-
Good Luck Chuck (2007): B-
Shooter (2007): B-
The Simpsons Movie (2007): B-
Rattatouie (2007): B-
Eastern Promises (2007): B-
Grindhouse: Deathproof (2007): B-
Grindhouse: Planet Terror (2007): B-
Norbit (2007): B-
Fracture (2007): B-
The Reaping (2007): B-
Zodiac (2007): B-
The Vacancy (2007):B-
American Gangster(2007): B-
Breach (2007): B-
No Country For Old Men (2007): B-
1408 (2007): B-
There Will Be Blood (2007): B-
Ocean's 13 (2007): C+
Hot Fuzz (2007): C+
Resident Evil: Extinction (2007): C+
Mr. Brooks (2007): C+
Balls of Fury (2007): C+
The Brave One (2007): C+
Spider-Man 3 (2007): C
The Brothers Solomon (2007): C
Evan Almighty (2007): C
Shoot 'Em Up (2007): C
Sunshine (2007): C
The Invisible (2007): C
Hot Rod (2007): C-
Rush Hour 3 (2007): C-
Premonition (2007): D
Next (2007): F
MOVIES TO SEE
-We Own The Night
-Flawless
-Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007) - (Missed it in Theaters)
-Charlie Wilson's War (2007) - (DVD)
-Beowolf (2007) - (on DVD)
-Bee Movie (2007) - (on DVD)
-Halloween 2007 Remake (2007) - (on DVD)
-Mr Bean's Holiday (2007) - (on DVD)
-Rescue Dawn (2007) - (on DVD)
-28 Weeks Later (2007) - (on DVD)
-Are We Done Yet (2007) - (on DVD)
-Bug (2007) - (on DVD)
-The Ex (2007) - (on DVD)
-Meet the Robinsons (2007) - (on DVD)
-TMNT (2007) - (on DVD)
-Surf's Up (2007) - (on DVD)
-Reno 911!: Miami (2007) - (on DVD)
-Stomp The Yard (2007) - (on DVD)
-The Ex (2007) - (on DVD)
-I Think I Love My Wife (2007) - (on DVD)
-War (2007) - (on Cable)
-Dead Silence (2007) - (on Cable)
-Stardust (2007) - (on Cable)
-Lucky You (2007) - (on Cable)
-Wild Hogs (2007) - (on Cable)
-The Condemned (2007) - (on Cable)
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Movie Reviews: 2006
BEST MOVIE
Dreamgirls
BEST DRAMA
The Departed
BEST ACTION / ADVENTURE
Casino Royale
BEST COMEDY
Scary Movie 4
BEST THRILLER
V for Vendetta
WORST MOVIE
Snakes On A Plane
ALL MOVIES
Dreamgirls (2006): A
The Departed (2006): A-
Casino Royale (2006): B+
V for Vendetta (2006): B+
The Prestige (2006): B+
Blood Diamond (2006): B+
Catch A Fire (2006): B+
Little Miss Sunshine (2006): B+
Glory Road (2006): B+
United 93 (2006): B
Deja Vu (2006): B
Children of Men (2006): B
Stranger than Fiction (2006): B
Smokin' Aces (2006): B-
Saw III (2006): B-
Underworld: Evolution (2006): B-
The Da Vinci Code (2006): B-
Mission: Impossible III (2006): B-
Cars (2006): B-
Borat (2006): B-
Dave Chappelle's Block Party (2006): B-
Inside Man (2006): B-
Miami Vice (2006): B-
Rocky Balboa (2006): B-
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006): B-
Scary Movie 4 (2006): B-
X-Men 3: The Last Stand (2006): C+
Failure to Launch (2006): ~C+
16 Blocks (2006): C+
The Break-Up (2006): C+
A Scanner Darkly (2006): C+
Silent Hill (2006): C
Superman Returns (2006): C-
The Ice Harvest (2006): D
Grandma's Boy (2006): F
Snakes On A Plane (2006): F
MOVIES TO SEE
-The Illusionist (2006) - (Missed in Theater)
-The Fountain (2006) - (on DVD)
-Fast Food Nation (2006) - (on DVD)
-Renaissance (2006) - (on DVD)
-Apocalypto (2006) - (on DVD)
-We Are Marshall (2006) - (on DVD)
-Akeelah and the Bee (2006) - (on DVD)
-The Queen (2006) - (on DVD)
-Eight Below (2006) - (on Cable)
-The Fast and The Furious Tokyo Drift (2006) - (on Cable)
-Alpha Dog
-Running Scared (2006)
-Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)
-Flags of Our Fathers (2006)
-Happy Feet (2006)
-The Last King of Scotland (2006)
-Invincible (2006)
-Gridiron Gang (2006)
-Ice Age 2: The Meltdown (2006)
-Final Destination 3 (2006)
-ATL (2006)
-Let's Go to Prison (2006)
-Dealing Dogs (2006)
-Civic Duty (2006)
-Rescue Dawn
Dreamgirls
BEST DRAMA
The Departed
BEST ACTION / ADVENTURE
Casino Royale
BEST COMEDY
Scary Movie 4
BEST THRILLER
V for Vendetta
WORST MOVIE
Snakes On A Plane
ALL MOVIES
Dreamgirls (2006): A
The Departed (2006): A-
Casino Royale (2006): B+
V for Vendetta (2006): B+
The Prestige (2006): B+
Blood Diamond (2006): B+
Catch A Fire (2006): B+
Little Miss Sunshine (2006): B+
Glory Road (2006): B+
United 93 (2006): B
Deja Vu (2006): B
Children of Men (2006): B
Stranger than Fiction (2006): B
Smokin' Aces (2006): B-
Saw III (2006): B-
Underworld: Evolution (2006): B-
The Da Vinci Code (2006): B-
Mission: Impossible III (2006): B-
Cars (2006): B-
Borat (2006): B-
Dave Chappelle's Block Party (2006): B-
Inside Man (2006): B-
Miami Vice (2006): B-
Rocky Balboa (2006): B-
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006): B-
Scary Movie 4 (2006): B-
X-Men 3: The Last Stand (2006): C+
Failure to Launch (2006): ~C+
16 Blocks (2006): C+
The Break-Up (2006): C+
A Scanner Darkly (2006): C+
Silent Hill (2006): C
Superman Returns (2006): C-
The Ice Harvest (2006): D
Grandma's Boy (2006): F
Snakes On A Plane (2006): F
MOVIES TO SEE
-The Illusionist (2006) - (Missed in Theater)
-The Fountain (2006) - (on DVD)
-Fast Food Nation (2006) - (on DVD)
-Renaissance (2006) - (on DVD)
-Apocalypto (2006) - (on DVD)
-We Are Marshall (2006) - (on DVD)
-Akeelah and the Bee (2006) - (on DVD)
-The Queen (2006) - (on DVD)
-Eight Below (2006) - (on Cable)
-The Fast and The Furious Tokyo Drift (2006) - (on Cable)
-Alpha Dog
-Running Scared (2006)
-Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)
-Flags of Our Fathers (2006)
-Happy Feet (2006)
-The Last King of Scotland (2006)
-Invincible (2006)
-Gridiron Gang (2006)
-Ice Age 2: The Meltdown (2006)
-Final Destination 3 (2006)
-ATL (2006)
-Let's Go to Prison (2006)
-Dealing Dogs (2006)
-Civic Duty (2006)
-Rescue Dawn
Movie Reviews: 2005
BEST MOVIE
The 40-Year-Old Virgin
BEST DRAMA
Hotel Rwanda
BEST ACTION / ADVENTURE
Star Wars: Episode III
BEST COMEDY
The 40-Year-Old Virgin
BEST THRILLER
Saw 2
WORST MOVIE
XXX: State of the Union
ALL MOVIES
The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005): A
Hotel Rwanda (2005): A-
Walk the Line (2005): A-
Star Wars: Episode III (2005): B+
Saw 2 (2005): B+
Serenity (2005): B+
Sin City (2005): ~B+
Flightplan (2005): B
Wedding Crashers (2005): B
Hustle & Flow (2005): B
Kingdom of Heaven (2005): B
Batman Begins (2005): B
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005): ~B
The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005): B
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005): B
Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005): B
Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price (2005): B
Heart of the Game (2005): B
Coach Carter (2005): ~B
The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe (2005): B
The Longest Yard (2005): B
Lord of War (2005): B
War of the Worlds (2005): B-
Syriana (2005): B-
Stealth (2005): B-
The Ring Two (2005): B-
Hostage (2005): B-
Dark Water (2005): B-
Assault on Precinct 13 (2005): B-
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005): B-
Good Night, and Good Luck (2005): B-
The Island (2005): B-
King Kong (2005): B-
Harsh Realm (2005): B-
Two for the Money (2005): B-
Munich (2005): B-
Fantastic Four (2005): C+
Rebound (2005): C+
Red Eye (2005): C+
Mr. and Mrs. Smith (2005): C+
Idiocracy (2005): C+
Hitch (2005): C+
Freedomland (2005): ~C+
The Constant Gardener (2005): C+
Bad News Bears (2005): ~C+
Constantine (2005): C+
Four Brothers (2005): C+
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005): ~C+
Fun with Dick and Jane (2005): C
Sahara (2005): C
XXX: State of the Union (2005): D
MOVIES TO SEE
-Domino (2005)
-North Country (2005)
-Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous (2005)
-Grizzly Man (2005)
-A History of Violence (2005)
-The Ice Harvest (2005)
-Into the Blue (2005)
-The Dukes of Hazzard (2005)
-Waiting... (2005)
-Broken Flowers (2005)
-The Legend of Zorro (2005)
-The Cave (2005)
-The Transporter 2 (2005)
-Hide and Seek (2005)
-Corpse Bride (2005)
-Thank You for Smoking (2005)
-Wallace & Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)
-Rent (2005)
-Murderball (2005)
-Beef 3 (2005)
-Murder on a Sunday Morning (2005)
-The Jacket (2005)
-Get Rich or Die Tryin' (2005)
-Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo (2005)
-Bewitched (2005)
-House of Wax (2005)
-Robots (2005)
-Self-Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior (2005)
-Kim Possible Movie: So the Drama (2005)
-Hard Candy (2005)
-Unleashed (2005)
-Are We There Yet (2005)
-Derailed (2005)
The 40-Year-Old Virgin
BEST DRAMA
Hotel Rwanda
BEST ACTION / ADVENTURE
Star Wars: Episode III
BEST COMEDY
The 40-Year-Old Virgin
BEST THRILLER
Saw 2
WORST MOVIE
XXX: State of the Union
ALL MOVIES
The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005): A
Hotel Rwanda (2005): A-
Walk the Line (2005): A-
Star Wars: Episode III (2005): B+
Saw 2 (2005): B+
Serenity (2005): B+
Sin City (2005): ~B+
Flightplan (2005): B
Wedding Crashers (2005): B
Hustle & Flow (2005): B
Kingdom of Heaven (2005): B
Batman Begins (2005): B
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005): ~B
The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005): B
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005): B
Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005): B
Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price (2005): B
Heart of the Game (2005): B
Coach Carter (2005): ~B
The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe (2005): B
The Longest Yard (2005): B
Lord of War (2005): B
War of the Worlds (2005): B-
Syriana (2005): B-
Stealth (2005): B-
The Ring Two (2005): B-
Hostage (2005): B-
Dark Water (2005): B-
Assault on Precinct 13 (2005): B-
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005): B-
Good Night, and Good Luck (2005): B-
The Island (2005): B-
King Kong (2005): B-
Harsh Realm (2005): B-
Two for the Money (2005): B-
Munich (2005): B-
Fantastic Four (2005): C+
Rebound (2005): C+
Red Eye (2005): C+
Mr. and Mrs. Smith (2005): C+
Idiocracy (2005): C+
Hitch (2005): C+
Freedomland (2005): ~C+
The Constant Gardener (2005): C+
Bad News Bears (2005): ~C+
Constantine (2005): C+
Four Brothers (2005): C+
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005): ~C+
Fun with Dick and Jane (2005): C
Sahara (2005): C
XXX: State of the Union (2005): D
MOVIES TO SEE
-Domino (2005)
-North Country (2005)
-Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous (2005)
-Grizzly Man (2005)
-A History of Violence (2005)
-The Ice Harvest (2005)
-Into the Blue (2005)
-The Dukes of Hazzard (2005)
-Waiting... (2005)
-Broken Flowers (2005)
-The Legend of Zorro (2005)
-The Cave (2005)
-The Transporter 2 (2005)
-Hide and Seek (2005)
-Corpse Bride (2005)
-Thank You for Smoking (2005)
-Wallace & Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)
-Rent (2005)
-Murderball (2005)
-Beef 3 (2005)
-Murder on a Sunday Morning (2005)
-The Jacket (2005)
-Get Rich or Die Tryin' (2005)
-Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo (2005)
-Bewitched (2005)
-House of Wax (2005)
-Robots (2005)
-Self-Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior (2005)
-Kim Possible Movie: So the Drama (2005)
-Hard Candy (2005)
-Unleashed (2005)
-Are We There Yet (2005)
-Derailed (2005)
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