Last Movie You Watched V. 1.0

[Neon_Chaos]

Eagle Eye - 6/10

The first part of the movie up until the plot twist was really, really good. And then it just managed to implode on itself and crap its way through a cliched ending.

[Sgran]

Half Nelson - 7/10

Gritty is the best way I can describe this film. A crack-head crusading white guy teaches history in a black school in New York. It rings true, and the performances are solid, but nothing much really happens.

[Buccaneer]

The Express 8/10

As a 'Cuse alum, I can't really evaluate this fairly, but it's your standard, very well-done sports movie.

Formulaic, but so is the true story behind the film. Cliches abound, but not too many - I found Jim Brown, Davis, and especially Coach Schwartzwalder to be portrayed with shades of gray, not any kind of pure hero worship.

I'd skip it if you're a hardcore West Virginia fan though - the portrayal of Mountaineer fans is way over the top (and from what I read, completely fictional).

Yeah, I've been following this, as a Syracuse native. Like the following article says, this movie is very well done but expect fictional artistic liberties.

http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2008/10/how_the_express_fumbled_the_re.html

[MikeVic]

Max Payne - 5/10
Not very good. Basic story is that Payne is looking for the third murderer of his wife and child. He's a cop, but has been relegated to cold case files because people think he's messed up. There were some OK moments, but I really would've liked to see more shoot-ups. They also touch on something that I thought would be kinda cool, and then leave it alone.

[Chief Rum]

Catching up the thread on three movies I saw in theaters in the past two weeks...

Appaloosa (6.5/10) I am a fan of a good Western, particular the "troubled hero" ones, where the protagonists aren't saints with six-shooters. So for me to give this a mediocre rating says a lot. It violated the cardinal rule of Westerns--it got boring. It was strong in the early going, as Ed Harris and Viggo Mortenson gunned after the local evil rancher Jeremy Irons. Loved Irons character and Mortenson. Harris, don't know what was up, his character was just not Harris like, and I didn't like the result. This guy should be perfect for the tough cowboy role, and he spent half the movie getting philosophical and getting romantic with Renee Zellwegger. Ugh. Just didn't work. The second half the movie was the real killer. That's when things got real boring, and Zellwegger's propensity to kill any film she's in with her awful voice and pouty puddy face came out in full force. Fortunately, the movie was semi-saved by Mortenson, who really is terrific in this. I recommend watching the first hour, then fast forwarding to the last 10 minutes.

Body of Lies (7.5/10) A spy thriller based out of the Middle East, this one was right up my alley, too. It was a bit better than Appaloosa. As usual, DiCaprio played his role very well. I always have to have a little disconnnect with him, because he's always a little too small and pretty and young looking in my mind to play a man type character. He looks like he should be repeatedly cast in 21 Jump Street re-runs. But he's a damn good actor. Crowe is, too, but I never got the feeling he was that into this role, which is a shame. In his defense, I don't think the script gave him as much to work with as DiCaprio, and a lot of his impact moves were made offscreen. The head of the Jordanian intelligence was terrific, and I liked the love interest, too. The story's a little twisty and it's easy to lose the thread, although I think it works out pretty clear in the end. Not as good as Traitor, which came out last month.

Sexdrive (8.5/10) Not gonna lie to you and tell you this movie does anything more than you expect it to, as a raunchy teen comedy. It just does it really well. Some pretty damn funny parts, definitely not all in the ads. Hot girls all around, so if you're a guy, that's a bonus. The typical teen storyline, but even knowing how it would go, was good fun. And Seth Green and James Marsden were hilarious. Fall Out Boy, if you're a fan of the band, also makes a cameo, and watch the credits for a pretty funny scene at the end with them and Seth Green. It's not on the level of Superbad, but it's just maybe one, one and a half steps behind.

[Neon_Chaos]

Tropic Thunder - 8/10

I loved the movie. It had that Three Amigos vibe to it. I loved the silliness of the entire film. Tom Cruise and Downey Jr. were great scene-stealers.

Pineapple Express - 8/10

Ok, I laughed my ass off for this flick. It's like a buddy-cop movie... only with a random dude and his weed dealer. Hah.

[MizzouRah]

The Strangers - 8/10

Loved it... very freaky.. wife went up to the mini-mart after we watched it tonight and took our biggest dog... HAHA!!!

[Lathum]

Turk 182- 9/10- It doesn't get any better for a cheesy 80's flick.

[MikeVic]

Saw V - N/A
I haven't seen I-IV... so I don't feel I can give an honest review. This movie as a standalone sucked. It was more like a mystery movie with two gore scenes. I'm not a huge fan of horror movies, but even I thought this was tame.

[Lorena]

Batalia En El Cielo - 8/10

This movie showed me two things. One, my Spanish comprehension has gone down the drain, and two, there are some awesome movies coming from unheralded directors. If you can get past the movie being in Spanish, and the non-American use of nudity, this is a great piece of film-making.

1 month after having this at home, we finally saw it.

Some parts seemed to drag a bit and some stuff wasn't explained.. it seemed more like a day in the life of the chauffeur/security guy. But having said that, it was one of the most unique movies I've ever seen. The nudity/sex scenes weren't at all what I was expecting or have seen. The acting was actually pretty good considering this movie was a first for all actors (the director doesn't work with "seasoned" actors).

Oh and yes, that first scene was...... I dunno, just not what I was expecting. Ant and I looked at each other like.... uhhh... whoa.

It's kind of hard to rate this movie because story-wise, there wasn't much there, but as an artistic piece, I thought it was great.

[JetsIn06]

Eagle Eye: 5/10

It redeemed itself with some solid action moments, but had one of the biggest plot holes I've ever seen in a movie....

Why couldn't the computer just crash the presidents plane? It can control every other damn machine in the world and had to plan out that elaborate scheme? ugh

Max Payne: 3/10

One of the most disappointing movies I've seen. I was so pumped up for this...was a HUGE fan of the game. It sucked...hard.

Body of Lies: 6/10

It must seem like I hate movies...I don't. This one wasn't great either. The acting was solid as expected, but I was never really engaged in the action or the story. I think it was the directing/editing that kind of threw me off. Not Max Payne bad, but a waste of money to see in theaters.

Still Want to See:

Miracle at St. Anna
Blindness

[Sgran]

High School Musical 3 -- 1/10

Took my daughters (8 and 5) to see HSM3. They loved it so I fought the urge to groan loadly as best I could. What a shit fest. There is no plot to this movie, or, at best the plot rehashes themes from the first 2 movies (basketball or theater, brains or theater, romance or passion). I should add that I liked the first movie and the second was tolerable. So, in short, make the wife (or grandma, or whoever you can throw under the bus) take the kids this time.

[MikeVic]

Get Smart - 8/10
A funny, entertaining movie. Not sure what else can be said about it. I'm a big Rock fan, the movie had some nice, decent action as well. And Anne Hathaway is hot. Not sure I'd watch it multiple times, or how it would hold up, but it's good for a one-time viewing.

[Mustang]

The Happening - 4/10 : Um... ooooookay. If the surprise of the movie was that you could get Mark Wahlberg to act with an effeminate voice, mission accomplished. What a Tweeest!!!!

War - 6.5/10 Typical Statham/Li movie... what I'd expect.

You Don't Mess with the Zohan - 8/10 What you would expect from an Adam Sandler movie. If you like him (which I do), you should like this one as it has Adam Sandler stupid written all over it.

[Pyser]

baby mama - 4/10

not very funny, very little made sense. awesome, awesome cast though...mostly wasted.

[ntndeacon]

Broadway Melody 4/10

I understand it is one ofthe first musicals ever, but it was very , very dated.

[Pumpy Tudors]

So can anyone tell us what "non-American use of nudity" means? I want to incorporate it into my Halloween costume.

[Lorena]

So can anyone tell us what "non-American use of nudity" means? I want to incorporate it into my Halloween costume.

Well see, it depends. If you're gonna dress up as the guy, you'll have to grow a beard. If you're gonna dress up as the hot girl with the sexy voice, you'll have to grow dreads and get a lip ring.

[MikeVic]

Just play it safe Pumpy and grow a beard with dreads and a lip ring.

[Lorena]

yes, perfect

[Pumpy Tudors]

Well see, it depends. If you're gonna dress up as the guy, you'll have to grow a beard. If you're gonna dress up as the hot girl with the sexy voice, you'll have to grow dreads and get a lip ring.
Well, since we were talking about nudity, do I need to ask which lip we're talking about?

[MikeVic]

Well, since we were talking about nudity, do I need to ask which lip we're talking about?

Just play it safe again and get all five pierced.

[Mustang]

Knowing Mel, and his psychotically Catholic leanings, how could that ending signify anything other than "saving" the poor natives after the rest of the movie butchered who they were and set them up and indistinguishably stupid savages who would have just killed each other off if not for the blessed hope on the boat?


Apocalypto 8/10 - I just did a search just to see what others thought and I saw HiFi's rant a year ago. Wow, just wow. I don't know how he took the Spanish at the end to be 'heroes' coming to save the Mayans. I mean.. WTF? Talk about searching for something that isn't there.

On a side note, if you can ever go to actual Mayan ruins, they are awesome.

[MikeVic]

RocknRolla - 8/10
Some funny stuff, some cool stuff, the rocker was awesome. But I'd rank it below Snatch and Lock, Stock. It felt like Ritchie kind of re-used some stuff from those movies. I don't mind if he makes more movies like this and re-uses stuff... I'll be entertained, but I won't be giving the movies 9 or 10. :)

[Lathum]

Pride and Glory- 8.5/10. Great cop movie with Ed Norton and Colin Farrel. Both are really strong in it. It takes a little while for the story to come together, but once it goes it grabs you. It is very violent and graphic in parts. I can see how some people can think it is a little slow, but it went by quick for me, and Ed Norton is the man as always.

[Chief Rum]

Pride and Glory- 8.5/10. Great cop movie with Ed Norton and Colin Farrel. Both are really strong in it. It takes a little while for the story to come together, but once it goes it grabs you. It is very violent and graphic in parts. I can see how some people can think it is a little slow, but it went by quick for me, and Ed Norton is the man as always.

I have stayed away from this because the reviews are bad, but I am a big Ed Norton fan. Is it worth seeing just for him alone? If so, I'll probably check it out--cop movies fit into my general film type.

[Mustang]

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull - 3/10. No no no no no no no.. What in the hell was that? If there were no other films and this was the first, maybe 5/10, but it just seems like they went over the top and almost seemed to spoof the other movies.

[Lathum]

I have stayed away from this because the reviews are bad, but I am a big Ed Norton fan. Is it worth seeing just for him alone? If so, I'll probably check it out--cop movies fit into my general film type.

I say yes, but I could watch Ed Norton take a dump and be entertained.

[Crim]

Oh shit, and I just changed my sig!

[Lathum]

lol

[Lathum]

I think we need to bring back QOTM

[Lorena]

I say yes, but I could watch Ed Norton take a dump and be entertained.

The man can do no wrong.

[terpkristin]

The man can do no wrong.

I beg to differ, two words: Courtney Love.

/tk

[Johnny93g]

Pride and Glory- 3/10

Really really bad. I figured it would suck, it's release kept getting delayed. The 45 minute ending could have been done in 15 minutes and saved me a half hour of my life. My buddy said it best. It would be a great TV movie.

[MikeVic]

Futurama: Bender's Game - 7.5/10
There were funny moments, but it almost felt like it took too long to get to the "Bender's Game" portion. I thought the whole movie would be about that. I'd say this is probably my least favourite of the three movies so far. The "Bender's Game" portion was good, but I wanted more.

Charlie Bartlett - 8.5/10
This was recommended to me after seeing Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, and I'm glad it was. The movie had some pretty cool and funny stuff in it. The subject of popularity is handled well, and Bartlett is a likable character. Had no idea Downey Jr. was in it too, so that was a nice surprise. The Bartlett actor did a good job too, as did most everyone else. I didn't feel the movie dragged at all, so I'd recommend this if you want a movie that has a bunch of stuff in it.

[KWhit]

There Will Be Blood: 7/10

I enjoyed this movie quite a bit. Daniel Day Lewis was outstanding and I enjoyed learning a little bit about the turn of the century oil industry. One thing that really bothered me though was the use of the same actor for the roles of eli and his brother. According to IMDB, this was done because the original actor playing Eli dropped out of the movie at the last minute and they would have to re-shoot some scenes.

Well, it had the unintended consequence of muddying the story. For most of the movie, I thought Eli and his brother were the same person - maybe he had a split personality or something (because he acted crazy as hell anyway). Eli and his brother were never onscreen at the same time and his brother's absence was never explained. So it was very odd to have them played by the same actor and was VERY distracting to the storyline.

[MikeVic]

Zack and Miri Make a Porno - 9.5/10
Really funny movie with some actual nice moments. I don't remember the last time I laughed this hard for a movie.

[Bad-example]

Futurama: Bender's Game - 7.5/10
There were funny moments, but it almost felt like it took too long to get to the "Bender's Game" portion. I thought the whole movie would be about that. I'd say this is probably my least favourite of the three movies so far. The "Bender's Game" portion was good, but I wanted more.

That review seems pretty fair to me. I liked it but not nearly as much as the first two.

Only one more Futurama dvd scheduled for release. I hope this show makes a complete comeback.

[Sgran]

There Will Be Blood: 7/10

I enjoyed this movie quite a bit. Daniel Day Lewis was outstanding and I enjoyed learning a little bit about the turn of the century oil industry. One thing that really bothered me though was the use of the same actor for the roles of eli and his brother. According to IMDB, this was done because the original actor playing Eli dropped out of the movie at the last minute and they would have to re-shoot some scenes.

Well, it had the unintended consequence of muddying the story. For most of the movie, I thought Eli and his brother were the same person - maybe he had a split personality or something (because he acted crazy as hell anyway). Eli and his brother were never onscreen at the same time and his brother's absence was never explained. So it was very odd to have them played by the same actor and was VERY distracting to the storyline.

I just saw this movie, too. I would agree that the Eli/Paul confusion was distracting, but DD Lewis is so good that I would give the movie a 9/10. A lesser actor would have simply made Plainville dispicable, but Lewis makes us sympathize with him before we find out what a mean streak he has in him. Has anyone read the book?

[Chief Rum]

I have seen a handful of movies recently. Might as well grade them here.

Zak & Miri Make A Porno (8/10) Pretty damn funny movie. Classic Kevin Smith. Way too much foul language and embarrassing scenes, per his usual style. It's sophomoric, but in a slightly less juvenile way a la Clerks, then the much more juvenile Mallrats. Much less high brow thanb Chasing Amy or Dogma. I enjoyed the leads. There were some great lines, as usual, and a fair amount of lol scenes, including one in particular that I am pretty sure the theater audience was laughing at for probably five minutes after the fact. If you like Kevin Smith, you'll like it. If you like crude comedies in general, it will do. If you're a born again Christian, avoid this movie.

Rock 'N Rolla (7.5/10) I saw Zak & Miri and Rock 'N Rolla on back to back nights last weekend, so it was kinda funny seeing two distinctive directors in their styles one after the other. It took me a little bit to get into RnR, but once the twists and cons and backstabs started hitting, it got rolling along pretty good. By the end of it, I was finding I enjoyed it more than Snatch, and I liked Snatch. They also suggest a sequel at the end, which I will look forward to. It's classic Guy Ritchie material, of course. Some pretty funny stuff. And screwed up stuff, too. I don't know that the story itself is anything special, your usual crime drama fare, no big shockers. But the characters make the movie work, as usual. If you like Snatch and Lock, Stock, etc., you'll like this.

Role Models (7.5/10) I was going to give this an 8, because I had a good time with it, but I decided I had to rank it behind Zak & Miri, which made me laugh louder and more consistently. That said, this has a better, if cliched, story, and Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott are a perfect pair to play off one another (really, the roles could have practically been written for them, and maybe they were). Some pretty funny lines that had me going, even ones I knew were coming from the trailer. And, no, not all the funny stuff is in the trailers. But there more drag moments between laughs here than in Zal & Miri, so that works against it as a comedy. It's solid, it will make you laugh, but it's not spectacular.

The Changeling (7/10) It's always hard for me to see Angelina Jolie playing your average working woman (and especially for a movie set in the 1920s), knowing she's just too damn hot with a kickin' body underneath it all. In that respect, it's a little harder suspend disbelief. That said, she does a good job, acting-wise, and I can buy into her anguish. I think the only thing that annoyed me was whoever went nuts with her makeup. I don't know if that was supposed to be a '20s thing (Eastwood went nuts to keep the feel of this "in era", and he did a very good job of it, IMO), but it just seemed silly. It only made it harder to forget it's Jolie. They should have tried to make her plainer (try, I said). This was actually a very solidly acted piece all around, but the story was a little meandering, and there could have been some fluff cut out. I'm not sure what, because I can't recall a specific scene I felt wasn't at all integral to the story, but it did seem to morph itself from one type of movie into another. I had read a review before hand that said it was deciding between a missing persons crime drama, a police corruption piece and courtroom intrigue story, and that review was spot on. It's solid, because Eastwood knows what he's doing behind the camera. But this is a movie where little things bug. Worth it to watch, but only as a rental (for first timers).

[Neon_Chaos]

James Bond, Quantum of Solace - 7/10

Great action sequences and awesome fight scenes. Forgettable storyline that is like the addendum to Casino Royale, and utterly forgettable villains. I am severely disappointed by this movie.

[Pyser]

synecdoche, new york - 7/10

i dont know how to rate this movie. i was going to give it an incomplete, even though i saw it 3 days ago.

i still cant stop thinking about it. but it was very weird, as youd expect from kauffman. the acting was great, the story was interesting, but i dont know if it made for a good movie, if that makes sense. i guess just go see it, but dont expect to understand it.

[rowech]

Role Models (8/10) -- I really enjoyed this movie for adults. I was amazed at how many parents had brought their kids to see this. We're talking kids maybe 8-12 years of age. Some of them are going to have a lot of explaining to do!

[samifan24]

Quantum of Solace - 6/10

Daniel Craig plays a great Bond and a great Jason Bourne, too. The director hired the former 2nd unit director from the Bourne films to help him and it shows. There are plenty of car chases and shootouts with lightning fast edits but if feels like you're watching a Bourne film rather than a Bond film. I found the villain to be weak and the lack of a plot to be disappointing.

They need to let Bond be Bond. I'd suggest they stay away from scripts that have nothing to do with Ian Fleming save for their name, too. I enjoyed this film because of Daniel Craig and despite most everything else.

[Logan]

Role Models (8/10) -- I really enjoyed this movie for adults. I was amazed at how many parents had brought their kids to see this. We're talking kids maybe 8-12 years of age. Some of them are going to have a lot of explaining to do!

Saw this last night, agree with your rating. I'm amazed someone was able to physically write so much of that LAIRE crap. Paul Rudd is great, McLovin could've been given a little more but still played the "I'm happy being a loner" role well, and Stiffler was solid.

Oh and I would kill for Elizabeth Banks. Actually kill every single one of you guys here.

[WSUCougar]

1408 (5/10)

I like John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson, and the movie had promise at the start, but quickly faded into a silly muddle of standard horror movie gimmicks. Had a little Jacob's Ladder to it. Disappointing.

[ISiddiqui]

Quantum of Solace - 7/10: Not a bad second film in a trilogy (or quadogy or whatever), as it picks up immediately after "Casino Royale" (which means WATCH Casino Royale again before watching this one). It was fun to see Bond continuing on his search for the organization that La Chiffre was a middle manager (so to speak) in. The fights were a bit too quick cutting, but the story was fun.

[JetsIn06]

Role Models: 9/10

Loved it. I think it could be a hit or miss kind of deal for many people but the LAIRE stuff was just incredibly funny to me.

Bond: 6/10

I agree with all of you about most aspects. Completely forgettable (non-existant?) plot. I still don't really get it. Oil, No-Oil, Water, Some town with no water? What? Shitty villain, but Craig was great as Bond. Excellent action scenes as well. One thing that I really loved was the action seemed very realistic. When they jump off a roof in a chase, I felt the impact. A lot of bumps and bruises....not sure if I'm explaining myself clearly but the action was great. I really can't get over the complete lack of a story, other than him getting over the girl from CR.

[ISiddiqui]

re: Quantum of Solace
Basically the oil was a ruse. They used that to get the CIA and the new dictator to relax. They were trying to get property to control the water supply and then sell the water at massively inflated prices to the new dictator that they put in.

There definitely is a story there.

[Pyser]

in bruges - 8/10

hilarious, violent, and a good story in there. highly recommended.

[Neon_Chaos]

re: Quantum of Solace
Basically the oil was a ruse. They used that to get the CIA and the new dictator to relax. They were trying to get property to control the water supply and then sell the water at massively inflated prices to the new dictator that they put in.

There definitely is a story there.


It was a very weak story for a Bond film. Actually, what turned me off is that the villain was just too bland. Rich and evil. Wow. Couldn't he have had a gold tooth, a false eye, pointy ears!? Heh. It is a Bond film, you know... and Bond is only as formidable as how eccentric the film's villain is.

[ISiddiqui]

It was a very weak story for a Bond film. Actually, what turned me off is that the villain was just too bland. Rich and evil. Wow. Couldn't he have had a gold tooth, a false eye, pointy ears!? Heh. It is a Bond film, you know... and Bond is only as formidable as how eccentric the film's villain is.


With the more 'realistic' Bond, I'm guessing the villians will continue to be bland. It isn't like Le Chiffre was all that eccentric. The story is a continuation from "Casino Royale", being a direct sequal and likely middle of a trilogy, it's not really going to add all that much... though we found out that the criminal organization is "Quantum" and Greene and Le Chiffre both appear to be middle men... and possibly even White, though we have yet to learn more about him

[hoopsguy]

Quantum of Solace - 7/10: Not a bad second film in a trilogy (or quadogy or whatever), as it picks up immediately after "Casino Royale" (which means WATCH Casino Royale again before watching this one). It was fun to see Bond continuing on his search for the organization that La Chiffre was a middle manager (so to speak) in. The fights were a bit too quick cutting, but the story was fun.

Hmm, I probably had it more in a 5.5-6.0 range. I thought that they once again got too locked into the pursuit of a "middle manager", to use your phrase, at the expense of tackling the organization. And this "middle manager" was one of the least threatening bad guys I can recall in an action movie. Heck, I think Milo from "Last Boyscout" inspired more fear than this dweeb.

However, I do like the turn that the recent Bond movies have taken in going away from the gadgets and the "save the world from the megalomaniac" current that ran through the last few Brosnan Bond movies. I think Craig has played a good Bond; I just wish I liked the story a little more in this one.

Agree 100% on the action scenes. It took away quite a bit of my enjoyment of those scenes because I never had the opportunity to see the field with the character. Instead, they would jump onto landings that weren't visible, or cut over to a side lane that you didn't know was there, all in a jarringly quick timeframe.

[Neon_Chaos]

With the more 'realistic' Bond, I'm guessing the villians will continue to be bland. It isn't like Le Chiffre was all that eccentric. The story is a continuation from "Casino Royale", being a direct sequal and likely middle of a trilogy, it's not really going to add all that much... though we found out that the criminal organization is "Quantum" and Greene and Le Chiffre both appear to be middle men... and possibly even White, though we have yet to learn more about him


Le Chiffre bled from his eye, and he freaking loved whipping Bond's balls. That's eccentric enough for me. :)

[samifan24]

in bruges - 8/10

hilarious, violent, and a good story in there. highly recommended.

In Bruges is an awesome film is so many ways. It's a shame that it's still so unknown.

[Mustang]

Memento - 9/10

Absolutely no idea why I haven't seen this up until this point and worth the praise that alot of people heap on it around here. There were a few 'twists' that I had already figured out or assumed while I was watching it, but it seemed like the end really came too fast. Definitely can see why people would watch it a second time and pick up on a lot more.

[Crim]

Memento - 9/10

Absolutely no idea why I haven't seen this up until this point and worth the praise that alot of people heap on it around here. There were a few 'twists' that I had already figured out or assumed while I was watching it, but it seemed like the end really came too fast. Definitely can see why people would watch it a second time and pick up on a lot more.

plus one, Mustang. I encourage people to see it who haven't. A very disturbing, yet fun movie.

[samifan24]

Memento - 9/10

Absolutely no idea why I haven't seen this up until this point and worth the praise that alot of people heap on it around here.

Memento is my favorite movie. I once wrote a final paper in a college epistemology course on how Memento's themes related to Kant, Nietzsche and the sense of self. It was easily my favorite paper that I wrote in college.

[MikeVic]

The special edition DVD of Memento has cool special feature that kind of plays the movie in chronological order.

[st.cronin]

Cabin Fever - 8/10

Finally saw this last night and loved it. I haven't seen the Hostel films because of the Saw comparisons - I found Saw to be really distasteful and unpleasant.

[st.cronin]

Agree 100% on the action scenes. It took away quite a bit of my enjoyment of those scenes because I never had the opportunity to see the field with the character. Instead, they would jump onto landings that weren't visible, or cut over to a side lane that you didn't know was there, all in a jarringly quick timeframe.

I haven't seen the Bond movies, but what is described here is a trend in movies that I find incredibly annoying.

[BrianD]

I haven't seen the Bond movies, but what is described here is a trend in movies that I find incredibly annoying.

+1000

[MikeVic]

Role Models - 9.5/10
Very funny movie, and Ronnie's delivery on lines was awesome. The role playing stuff was funny, the Sean William Scott/Ronnie stuff was funny, and the lady in charge of Helping Hands was funny too. In other words, I don't think there was a bad scene and there were a few quotable lines. Highly recommended.

The Incredible Hulk - 8.5/10
I don't think it was as good as Iron Man or Dark Knight, but it was up there as a good comic book movie and waaaaaay better than the first Hulk. I liked that the origin didn't waste a lot of time in the movie, and the humour thrown in certain scenes.

[KWhit]

The King of Kong: 8.5/10

Watched this on Netflix over the 360 in HD. Very cool way to watch a movie. And the movie was excellent on its own right. A great Good Guy / Bad Guy story. These were real people but what I kept thinking was that these characters are almost too cliche. But the fact that they're real people made it fascinating. There are people who are ACTUALLY LIKE THIS!?!?

Great film.

[Lathum]

Tropic Thunder 1/10- this movie was beyond terrible. How anyone can enjoy it is beyond me. And I am very laid back when it comes to movies.

[KWhit]

Heh. I liked Tropic Thunder. Mainly because of Robert Downey Jr. I thought he was incredible in the film. I've even heard some suggest he might get an oscar nomination for it.

[MikeVic]

You didn't like anything about Tropic Thunder? I thought the fake commercials and Downey Jr. made the movie a win already. And then there were other scenes that were great. Stiller pretending he's feeding his machine gun with bullets? Come on lol.

[rowech]

I think folks who end up not liking Tropic Thunder don't appreciate that it's just making fun of Hollywood entirely. Not supposed to be a real plot, real characters, etc.

[MikeVic]

I liked the jab at playing mentally challenged characters. I've felt this was true for awhile, and glad it was pointed out in the movie.

[ISiddiqui]

Yeah, I can't understand anyone giving it anything close to 1/10. It was my favorite comedy of the year by a long shot.

[MrDNA]

The King of Kong: 8.5/10

Watched this on Netflix over the 360 in HD. Very cool way to watch a movie. And the movie was excellent on its own right. A great Good Guy / Bad Guy story. These were real people but what I kept thinking was that these characters are almost too cliche. But the fact that they're real people made it fascinating. There are people who are ACTUALLY LIKE THIS!?!?

Great film.

Thanks for reminding me I want to see this. I'll put it on my watch instantly queue.

Also, I saw Bolt 3d yesterday. It was fun and for a guy who wasn't seen 3d since Creature From the Black Lagoon, it was amazingly realistic. If you have to take your kids to a movie, I'd recommend it.

[Buccaneer]

Planes, Trains and Automobiles - 12/10. :)

This has been my very favorite comedy movie of all time. A great Thanksgiving tradition.

[hoopsguy]

I saw Tropic Thunder recently as well and was far from wowed by it. I would probably give it about a 4 out of 10, with two of those stars a direct result of Les Grossman. I do not think this is particularly a spoiler, but I had no idea who was the actor in this role until very late in the movie. At that point, I laughed hysterically at the casting decision for about ten minutes.

Apple bottom jeans for the win :) Other than that, there was a lot of suck in this movie for something that seems to be as universally liked in this genre.

[Johnny93g]

I agree with Lathum and Hoosguy. Tropic Thunder sucked.

Jack Black was annoying and boring. Stiller's character is just too over the top. I understand what they were going for, but it didnt mesh. The laughs were too cheap. The acting was nothing special....yes, you dont need great acting for a comedy, but to suggest Oscar would touch anything in this film is funnier then the movie.

I think you guys are way to easy on movies, it's been a horrible year

[Lathum]

The commercials at the beging were the only funny part, except for a few rare laughs from Cruise. I get what they were going for, they just missed badly. To many fart jokes and Stillers schtick is so old it should be on life support.

[MikeVic]

To each his/her own. I thought it was an enjoyable year for movies. Dark Knight, Iron Man, RockNRolla, Zack and Miri, and Role Models were all movies I'd watch at least a second time so that's good enough for me.

[Groundhog]

The King of Kong: 8.5/10

Watched this on Netflix over the 360 in HD. Very cool way to watch a movie. And the movie was excellent on its own right. A great Good Guy / Bad Guy story. These were real people but what I kept thinking was that these characters are almost too cliche. But the fact that they're real people made it fascinating. There are people who are ACTUALLY LIKE THIS!?!?

Great film.

Yup, one of the best movies I've seen in recent memory.

[ISiddiqui]

To each his/her own. I thought it was an enjoyable year for movies. Dark Knight, Iron Man, RockNRolla, Zack and Miri, and Role Models were all movies I'd watch at least a second time so that's good enough for me.

And Hell, I even saw "Tropic Thunder" twice in the theater (I think that's only the second movie I've ever done that for, yes, I did like it that much :)).

"Dark Knight" was fabulous! I didn't like "Iron Man" as much as most, but it was definitely a decent film. "Wall-E" was brilliant! "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" was a very well done comedy. "Burn After Reading" was very funny. "Kung Fu Panda" was surprisingly hilarious. "Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay" was above average (but no where near the classic of H&K1). "Milk" is about to come out next week and everything I've read about it has been full of praise. "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" looks amazing from the trailers.

Add to that the 2nd Chronicles of Narnia movie, "Quantum of Solace", and "Pineapple Express", I'd say it was a pretty good year for the movies.

[MikeVic]

Can't believe I forgot about Wall-E, Kung Fu Panda, and Sarah Marshall. I felt Wall-E was just amazing.

[ISiddiqui]

Twilight - 3/10: Twilight is the kind of movie that makes you think the book wasn't as good as you thought it was. Not that the book was that good, mind you, but it had some redeeming features. The movie was horrid. The pace was slow while omitting a lot of stuff (which is amazing how a screenwriter/director could be so incompetent) and it was just completely meh. Though the casting seemed alright.

[Lathum]

Four Christmases 7/10- Pretty much what you would expect. Vaughn and Witherspoon have good chemistry and there were lots of laughs. It was predictable but still a good way to kill a couple of hours.

[tarcone]

Feast of Love 7/10 - It was a chick flick. But I liked it. Great cast led by Morgan Freeman. Interesting story. Lots of nudity. If I have to watch a chick flick, this is the kind I will watch.

[ISiddiqui]

Girl, Interrupted - 8/10: A great film about a woman in a mental institution for young women hovering between sanity and insanity (a "borderline" as it was). It explores notions of mental insanity and nonconformity (a lot of reasons the main character is in there reads like anyone who doesn't "fit in" in society). Ryder is very powerful as the title role, while Jolie (who won as Oscar for this) was incredible and stole every single scene she was in. The casting was phenomenal as just about every major and minor actor was someone who I'd seen before, and a number of the actors went on to greater success after this movie. I was astonished to find out that the movie was based on a true story (which was prior to the film, a memoir by the main character).

[MizzouRah]

Hancock - 5/10: I love Will Smith, but this movie does nothing for me..
HULK - 8/10: slow in some parts, but overall a good movie...

[ISiddiqui]

One I saw on TV the other evening:

National Treasure: Book of Secrets - 4/10: Yeah, the first one was ridiculous, but was fun and while it jumped over the line of suspension of disbelief, it jumped back enough to make it work out in the end. In this sequel, it was decided to just start off waaaay on the other side of the line and continue going farther. Too many roll eye moments in this one, especially the "love stories" subplots.

[ISiddiqui]

I keep forgetting recent movies I saw:

Enchanted - 7/10: Actually a VERY good romcom. The idea of Disney cartoon characters coming to our world and trying to figure out things actually worked and worked well. Amy Adams was great in the main role as well. And the "romance" part worked well, especially the contrast between the Disney romance ("they kissed" *gasp*) and the real world romances (wanting to try dating and whatnot).

[MrDNA]

I don't know if it counts as a "movie" or not, but

R. Kelly's Trapped in the Closet 9/10 This is good in the way that Ed Wood movies are good, except way, way more so. A soap opera with terrible lyrics and bad singing. Would watch again!

[thesloppy]

I don't know if it counts as a "movie" or not, but

R. Kelly's Trapped in the Closet 9/10 This is good in the way that Ed Wood movies are good, except way, way more so. A soap opera with terrible lyrics and bad singing. Would watch again!

Oh my god a rubber.....rubber.....rubber....rubber....

[JetsIn06]

I keep forgetting recent movies I saw:

Enchanted - 7/10: Actually a VERY good romcom. The idea of Disney cartoon characters coming to our world and trying to figure out things actually worked and worked well. Amy Adams was great in the main role as well. And the "romance" part worked well, especially the contrast between the Disney romance ("they kissed" *gasp*) and the real world romances (wanting to try dating and whatnot).

I thought this was pretty fun as well. I expected it to just be flat out unwatchable but it wasn't bad at all.

[samifan24]

Play Misty for Me - 7/10: Clint Eastwood's directorial debut is a taut psychological thriller. Jessica Walter is great as the obsessed fan. Worth checking out.

[NoSkillz]

Cloverfield: 7/10

Held my attention throughout its short running time, which is all I ask. Pretty good effects, acting was decent but unspectacular - probably better on the small screen with the shaky camera work but overall, an enjoyable 80 minutes.

[RomaGoth]

Stepbrothers

1/10

Worst. Movie. Ever.

Seriously, I laughed out loud a couple of times, but I think it was because I felt sorry for Will Ferrell. A little surprised by all of the swearing too. This movie was not even over the top but modestly funny like most of his stuff, it was just awful.

[Neon_Chaos]

Stepbrothers

1/10

Worst. Movie. Ever.

Seriously, I laughed out loud a couple of times, but I think it was because I felt sorry for Will Ferrell. A little surprised by all of the swearing too. This movie was not even over the top but modestly funny like most of his stuff, it was just awful.

I love this movie.

Boats and hoes! Boats and hoes!

[Lorena]

Wanted 8.5/10

Bullets bending bullets, sick unreal crazy actions scenes... a very fun movie to watch.

Australia - 5.5/10

I think cutting about 40 minutes of the movie would have worked, the first 2 hours were good, but the last hour seemed to drag for me. When I start wondering what time it is and that we gotta pick up the kids, the movie didn't do the job.

[MrDNA]

3:10 to Yuma (remake) 2/10 A great, great premise for a movie with nice cinematography, great sets, gaping plot holes and paper thin characters with questionable motivations. My girlfriend wouldn't let me turn it off halfway through and for this, we have broken up.

OK, not really. But it's been the worst 2 hours of my life for a long time.

[rowech]

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (7.5/10) -- Mostly because I'm not a huge fan of Westerns. Newman and Redford had such an amazing raport with each other in one of my favorite movies The Sting, I felt I needed to watch this. Definitely some good stuff...dated a little and a western though.

[ISiddiqui]

Wanted - 7/10: A fun blockbuster. McAvoy was excellent in the main role and the twist was also pretty cool. Great special effects, great music, and McAvoy kicked some ass.

Milk - 8/10: A very well done movie on the history of the life of Harvey Milk. They interspersed a lot of the action with archival footage and painted a very good portrait of the man and his times. Sean Penn was brilliant and deserves a Best Picture Award. Though I thought it was a bit long and that may hurt it somewhat during awards time, but I'm not sure what I'd cut out.

[DeToxRox]

Proposition - 9/10 The Australian Western movie. The mixture of amazing music, beautiful cinematogrophy and awesome violence is something special.

[Grammaticus]

Proposition - 9/10 The Australian Western movie. The mixture of amazing music, beautiful cinematogrophy and awesome violence is something special.

Cool, I have this movie and have not watched it yet. I'll have to pull it out of the pile and give it a watch.

[Grammaticus]

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (7.5/10) -- Mostly because I'm not a huge fan of Westerns. Newman and Redford had such an amazing raport with each other in one of my favorite movies The Sting, I felt I needed to watch this. Definitely some good stuff...dated a little and a western though.

I love this movie. A note of trivia, I heard Steve McQueen was originally offerred Redford's role as Sundance. He supposedly turned it down because he could not get the revenue split that he wanted (percentage of gross). Something about how much he was getting in relation to Newman. The story goes, McQueen took that same revenue split to make The Towering Inferno (McQueen and Newman star) a few years later.

[Lorena]

Milk - 8/10: A very well done movie on the history of the life of Harvey Milk. They interspersed a lot of the action with archival footage and painted a very good portrait of the man and his times. Sean Penn was brilliant and deserves a Best Picture Award. Though I thought it was a bit long and that may hurt it somewhat during awards time, but I'm not sure what I'd cut out.

Only 2 theaters out here are showing it, total bummer but I'm anxious to watch it on DVD. I also heard Sean Penn's performance was awesome.

[ISiddiqui]

I saw it at the only theater showing it in Atlanta (only ONE, in ATLANTA, are you kidding me?!). I don't know what exactly is going on with "Milk". It appears there are exclusive deals with theaters or something? This was supposed to be the weekend of the wide release!

[Buccaneer]

They wanted to get Milk into the Oscar time period and a wider release is planned for January or February, away from the typical holiday movies.

[Pyser]

They wanted to get Milk into the Oscar time period and a wider release is planned for January or February, away from the typical holiday movies.

to be eligible i believe it only has to screen in 1 theater before dec 31st. pretty loose rules there...

[Toddzilla]

Slumdog Millionaire - 9.6/10 - Stunningly beautiful. A great story told exceedingly well, never slow or sappy. Everything about it was just about perfect - the plot was fun to follow, the acting was great, the cuts from present to the past were spot on - just a joy to behold. The best movie I've seen in years. You are really doing yourself a disservice if you miss this.

[KWhit]

Once - 8/10

I really enjoyed this. Quirky characters; great music. Kind of light on the story, but it didn't matter. It just worked.

It's billed as a "contemporary musical," which I guess is as good a description as any. But it wasn't a musical in the sense that the characters burst into song for no reason. The characters are musicians, and the music takes place naturally in the story. I like the music from it a lot - in fact one of the songs "Falling Slowly" is quite popular and won the Academy Award last year for best song.

Good stuff.

[JetsIn06]

Slumdog Millionaire - 9.6/10 - Stunningly beautiful. A great story told exceedingly well, never slow or sappy. Everything about it was just about perfect - the plot was fun to follow, the acting was great, the cuts from present to the past were spot on - just a joy to behold. The best movie I've seen in years. You are really doing yourself a disservice if you miss this.

I'd love to see this...just gotta find a theater that's playing it.

[rowech]

Librarian: The Curse of the Judas Chalice (6.5/10) -- Didn't enjoy this one as much as the others. I don't know why I find these movies enjoyable.

[KWhit]

The Strangers - 7/10

This really scared the shit out of me, and I don't scare easily. It suffered from the common horror character stupidity, though. I kept screaming at the TV, "Turn on some lights, idiot!" or "Pick up the knife/gun/baseball bat/whatever!" but that kind of goes with the genre. Other than that, I thought it was very effective.

[molson]

[b]Milk - 8/10: A very well done movie on the history of the life of Harvey Milk. They interspersed a lot of the action with archival footage and painted a very good portrait of the man and his times. Sean Penn was brilliant and deserves a Best Picture Award. Though I thought it was a bit long and that may hurt it somewhat during awards time, but I'm not sure what I'd cut out.

Milk - 9/10

The theater in Boise was absolutely packed for this, I'm so glad we have an "artsy" theater here that gets stuff like this and slumdog millionaire so early.

I was relucant to see it, figured it would just be a preachy gay movement movie where everyone would gush over Sean Penn just because of the content. But the movie works as both a portrayal of the 70s gay movement, and also as an interesting political rise-to-power story. Just a great story - I can't believe we didn't see it on the screen before 2008.

And of course, Penn's great. He's reached that Daniel Day Lewis level where it's just really interesting to watch him work.

I was thinking towards the end they could have shaved 15 minutes. There's nothing that doesn't really work, but it felt just a tad slow.

[ISiddiqui]

re: Milk, I was a bit upset also by the veiled references to Dan White being a closet case, even though there is no proof for it. While being a friend of the gay movement, this tendency to label every super-anti-gay person as closeted gets on my nerves.

Anyway,

I Am Legend - 5/10 (alternative ending 6/10): A good vampire movie for 2/3rs of its length. Smith's loneliness, being the last person alive in NY was very well done, and how he gets by (his interactions with the mannequins in the video store are great). But it falls apart in the end. Alternative ending does it better, but even better would have been a combination of the two.

Brokeback Mountain - 9/10: I cannot believe its taken me this long to see it, but a masterpiece of filmmaking. The tensions between the love the Ennis and Jack's love for each other and realizing that it couldn't work in the real world (especially in Wyoming and West Texas) was just brilliantly done. Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhal really did a great job showing those emotions (even if half the time I could barely understand what they were saying). Michelle Williams and Ann Hathaway also did very well in their roles as the wives. All in all, beautifully acted and very well done story about, basically, star crossed lovers.

3:10 to Yuma - 6/10: Kind of cookie-cuter-ish western. Russell Crowe was absolutely wonderful as Ben Wade, while Christian Bale kind of faded away in the background (like he does in The Dark Knight, come to think of it). It's the kind of movie that shows you just what a screen presense Crowe is. Though the ending was stupid, real stupid. Cinematography was really good, though. May I also add, this was one of the movies that like to make the dialogue sound reaaaaly low, forcing me to activate the dialogue enhancer on my BD player... why do movies have to do that? We don't want to have to strain our ears to hear the dialogue and then jump back when an explosion happens. The audio was horrible. Maybe it was just the BD disc?

[Lorena]

Yup, so am I.

The Dark Night 7/10

I think the 9.5 rating in IMDB is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too high. Granted, the action scenes were awesome and Heath Ledger was pretty incredible but still, too high. Ledger added his own little flavor with the lip smacking and mannerisms, but I'm not sure we should give him the Oscar yet.

I also felt it was half an hour too long and some parts were predictable. And I just couldn't get past Bale's voice when he played the Batman role... the low, deep voice was a little exaggerated and forced. Some guys can pull off a voice like that, but he can't. He did very well playing the "Playboy" Bruce Wayne, though.

Damn I can't believe I rated it so low, I must have written the review shortly after seeing it and after all the hype I felt it deserved this rating, but now I think it's more like a 9. Our 8 year old saw it and she was glued every time Ledger was on saying she felt "slightly disturbed" at his performance.

[rowech]

Charlie Wilson's War -- (9/10) -- Not for everyone but I really liked this movie. Sorry I waited so long to see it. Hoffman (I think that's his name) is fantastic. Not a huge fan of Julia Roberts so she didn't dazzle me and Hanks is his normal, likeable self. Good movie.

[Buccaneer]

We got about 10 DVDs coming for Christmas, so hopefully I can catch up soon.

[Logan]

Charlie Wilson's War -- (9/10) -- Not for everyone but I really liked this movie. Sorry I waited so long to see it. Hoffman (I think that's his name) is fantastic. Not a huge fan of Julia Roberts so she didn't dazzle me and Hanks is his normal, likeable self. Good movie.

I'm really happy this is on cable now. Saw it on an early DVD and loved it. Been watching it a ton when it's on. The scene with Gust (Hoffman) going in and out of Charlie's office is one of the best I've ever seen.

[MikeVic]

The House Bunny - 7.5/10
This was better than I expected. It helped that there were actresses I liked (the girl from Super Bad, and Kat Dennings), and used some music I liked. The basic story is that a playboy bunny gets kicked out of the mansion, and ends up being a "guide" for a fraternity. There are some pretty funny lines and scenes, but the dumbness of Anna Faris' character is a bit much sometimes.

[st.cronin]

Shaolin Soccer - 8/10

Very, very funny.

[Chief Rum]

We got about 10 DVDs coming for Christmas, so hopefully I can catch up soon.

Hmm, most people have family over for X-mas.

Guess I can't argue with your way of doing it, though. ;)

[Neon_Chaos]

Shaolin Soccer - 8/10

Very, very funny.

You only watched it NOW!?

:)

Go grab Kung Fu Hustle as well! Stephen Chow = comedy gold.

[st.cronin]

You only watched it NOW!?

:)

Go grab Kung Fu Hustle as well! Stephen Chow = comedy gold.

Heh, I'd been intending to see it since I first heard about it when it came out. But I just never got around to it.

[Buccaneer]

Shaolin Soccer - 8/10

Very, very funny.

Now is the one review I have to vehemently disagree with. I put Kung Fu Hustle in my top 15-20, so I love Stephen Chow and eagerly anticipate Kung Fu Hustle 2. After seeing that, I watched Shaolin Soccer and felt it was one of the most embarrassing movies I've seen and found almost nothing funny. Interesting what one finds funny or does not, esp. when comparing very similar works, huh?

Shaolin Soccer - 1/10
Kung Fu Hustle - 9/10

[Buccaneer]

Hmm, most people have family over for X-mas.

Guess I can't argue with your way of doing it, though. ;)

The closest relatives are my family on the West Coast, with my wife's family in South Florida. Both of our parents are quite elderly and rarely travels anymore. :(

[Neon_Chaos]

Now is the one review I have to vehemently disagree with. I put Kung Fu Hustle in my top 15-20, so I love Stephen Chow and eagerly anticipate Kung Fu Hustle 2. After seeing that, I watched Shaolin Soccer and felt it was one of the most embarrassing movies I've seen and found almost nothing funny. Interesting what one finds funny or does not, esp. when comparing very similar works, huh?

Shaolin Soccer - 1/10
Kung Fu Hustle - 9/10

Did you watch the english dubbed version or the original with subtitles?

[thesloppy]

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[Crim]

Juno - 5/10

This might just be a case of overly elevated expectations, but this was built up as such a great great movie, and it just didn't live up for me.

I liked it, and some parts were funny/poignant, but I owe a few of my friends a punch in the face for the way they oversold this movie to me.




Bolt - 9/10

This was a really terrific animated movie, on a par with Monster, Inc. Laugh-out-loud funny, great characters, good voice acting for the most part, and the best use of 3D I've ever seen. My 5- and 6-year old girls were enthralled, as were my wife and I. Go see this movie. Take a kid. Or not. Either way, go.

[Buccaneer]

Did you watch the english dubbed version or the original with subtitles?

Always with subtitles. Since I watch a lot of wuxia movies, I could not imagine watching with English dubbed. That goes for the many foreign films as well.

[Neon_Chaos]

Always with subtitles. Since I watch a lot of wuxia movies, I could not imagine watching with English dubbed. That goes for the many foreign films as well.

Then I can't believe you didn't like Shaolin Soccer. It's my favorite S.Chow movie of all time. :)

Seen King of Comedy and God of Cookery from Chow as well?

[Neon_Chaos]

Bolt - 9/10

This was a really terrific animated movie, on a par with Monster, Inc. Laugh-out-loud funny, great characters, good voice acting for the most part, and the best use of 3D I've ever seen. My 5- and 6-year old girls were enthralled, as were my wife and I. Go see this movie. Take a kid. Or not. Either way, go.

Bolt. Zoom-zoom.

[Chief Rum]

The closest relatives are my family on the West Coast, with my wife's family in South Florida. Both of our parents are quite elderly and rarely travels anymore. :(

Sorry, Steve, that must be a downer come holiday times. :(

[RainMaker]

Hancock (6 out ot 10) - I probably shouldn't have liked this, but I did. I'm a sucker for superhero movies and something different. The sad thing is that it had great actors and a great concept, but they could have done so much more with it. It seems to be a trend with Peter Berg movies (The Kingdom was another with potential). Still enjoyed it, but probably wouldn't pay to see it in a theatre.

Ironman (7 out of 10) - Maybe this movie was too hyped for me and I expected more. I liked it, but it wasn't anything special.

The Happening (3 out of 10) - Just nothing to the movie. Acting was atrocious and everything was too vague. Nothing made sense. I can't believe they keep hyping this M. Night's movies. Shows that you can create one blockbuster and be given a ton of rope for the rest of your career.

The Constant Gardener (9 out of 10) - Can't go wrong with a le Carre book for a movie. This is an really intelligent movie with a lot of real life connections.

[rowech]

[quote=RainMaker;1905267]

The Happening (3 out of 10) - Just nothing to the movie. Acting was atrocious and everything was too vague. Nothing made sense. I can't believe they keep hyping this M. Night's movies. Shows that you can create one blockbuster and be given a ton of rope for the rest of your career.

quote]

When people say this, I always have to respond. His last movies have been terrible...I'll give you. However, Signs was a good movie. Cooky at the end? Yes...but that movie has quite a bit of suspense to it and the scene in the basement, when viewed in the theatre, got hearts racing. In addition, there is a ton of symbolism in that movie that make it very good in my opinion.

The Village should have been a good movie but in my opinion, he botched the ending big time. I would have ended it very differently and I think it would have been a winner of a film.

[KWhit]

Agreed with Signs. Very good film, IMO.

I thought Lady in Water was decent. Most people seemed to hate it, but I thought it was interesting.

The Village? Just horrible.

[RainMaker]

I did like Signs too. Very underated film. It's everything that has come after which has sucked.

[Crim]

Loved Sixth Sense.
Really liked Unbreakable.
Liked The Village.
Lady in the Water was teh suck.
Refuse to subject myself to The Happening, because people I trust have told me that my life will never again be worth living after watching that foul wretched excuse of a flick. And I've heard that it was not very good.

[Scoobz0202]

Primary Colors - 7/10

Watched this for the first time all the way through earlier. I thought it was a pretty good movie, with the first 3/4 being really good. I just had a problem with a twist towards the end. I felt the twist just didn't... fit? Other then that though, I was definitely glad I sat down and watched this movie that came out ten years ago. Travolta was really good, but I really enjoyed Emma Thompson as Travolta's wife.

[Lorena]

Don't Mess with the Zohan - 6.5/10

Cheap laughs for sure, but I enjoyed it.

Get Smart - 8.5/10

Never seen the show so the movie stands alone. Good mix of action and comedy and Steve Carrell was just great I laughed so many times.

[MikeVic]

Super Troopers - 7/10
Older movie, but I haven't seen it before. Basically, State Troopers are trying to save their jobs. Not a bad movie, but I didn't find myself laughing out loud a lot. There was maybe one time that I did, and I think that was more of a chuckle. A few things made me smile, but that's it. It was pretty hyped up for me, so I was disappointed in it.

[Pyser]

uh, so why did a movie that only made you smile, a comedy no less, get a 7?

ya'll are lenient :)

[MikeVic]

uh, so why did a movie that only made you smile, a comedy no less, get a 7?

ya'll are lenient :)

I like the word shenanigans, probably my favourite word in the English language if I was forced to pick one... so that scene with the word was awesome.

I am pretty lenient with movies scores. If it gets below a 6, that's when the movie just flat-out sucked.

[Lorena]

Sometimes I'm too harsh. A 6 to me means enjoyable and above average, a 9 would be great and I'll watch again, a 10 means something I never tire of. Anything under a 5 would be lame.

I blame Netflix for influencing the way I rate movies.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I like the word shenanigans, probably my favourite word in the English language if I was forced to pick one... so that scene with the word was awesome.

I am pretty lenient with movies scores. If it gets below a 6, that's when the movie just flat-out sucked.

You should review videogames.

[BrianD]

I am pretty lenient with movies scores. If it gets below a 6, that's when the movie just flat-out sucked.

So basically you rate movies on a scale of 5-10? :)

[MrDNA]

The Prestige 6/10 Entertaining, if a little too predictable in its twists. Would've scored higher if not for some of the characters acting rather out of character

The Illusionist 4/10 Wow, if you've ever read the story don't watch the movie and vice versa. Pretty trite, but it had Jessica Biel and since it was a period piece my girlfriend didn't mind me staring at her.

Well, that's my take on the 2006 magic movies. Next up, will I take on the 1998 asteroid movies? Probably not

[rowech]

The Prestige 6/10 Entertaining, if a little too predictable in its twists. Would've scored higher if not for some of the characters acting rather out of character

The Illusionist 4/10 Wow, if you've ever read the story don't watch the movie and vice versa. Pretty trite, but it had Jessica Biel and since it was a period piece my girlfriend didn't mind me staring at her.

Well, that's my take on the 2006 magic movies. Next up, will I take on the 1998 asteroid movies? Probably not

Based on your statements for The Prestige I think you need to rewatch the movie and pay attention more. Every character in that movie acts EXACTLY within their character.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Prestige
Well, Jackman was alright, but Bale almost seemed like he was two different people sometimes. ;)

[Honolulu_Blue]

Grosse Point Blank 9/10

I saw this movie in the theater when it came out and have seen it a few times since, but I just happened to come across it again last night on one of those free Encore movie channels. Damn is this movie good. I love it. I've always been a big John Cusack fan and this is easily one of my favorite movies of his. Very funny. Top notch all the way.

[Scoobz0202]

I actually watched that on Encore last night at about 1 in the morning, Blue. Good shit.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I actually watched that on Encore last night at about 1 in the morning, Blue. Good shit.

Yeah, the one I watched started around 10:30 or 11:00 or so. They love playing their movies back-to-back on the various Encores. I would also be remiss for not commenting on the super sweet soundtrack. I love that soundtrack.

[Scoobz0202]

Yeah, the one I watched started around 10:30 or 11:00 or so. They love playing their movies back-to-back on the various Encores. I would also be remiss for not commenting on the super sweet soundtrack. I love that soundtrack.

Definitely. Surprised they never won any awards for it.

Also surprised the director never directed anything else, unless you call The Big Bounce something.


John Cusack is underrated. The night before while staying up late they had High Fidelity on one of the movie channels. Another AWESOME movie.

[Bonegavel]

War of the Worlds 7/10

Maybe I give it a 7 because it wasn't as horrible as I thought it would be. I tried hard not to think too hard on some points* and tried to enjoy the movie for what it was and that made it work for me.

* - the aliens will destroy everything in sight and yet delicately search the basement of that farmhouse? Or, even if that is the way it is, they don't have some sort of infrared vision to detect our heat sources.

[MikeVic]

So basically you rate movies on a scale of 5-10? :)

Yeah I guess so. But I will still give, say a 3/10 to The Incredible Hulk (Ang Lee)... it just takes a lot to get a movie that low for me.

[MikeVic]

You should review videogames.

Haha.

[Johnny93g]

On the 54th page, the Prestige scores a 6/10, while war of the worlds gets a 7/10


:banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

[Scoobz0202]

On the 54th page, the Prestige scores a 6/10, while war of the worlds gets a 7/10


:banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

Diffrent strokes for diffrent folks... ;)

[Scoobz0202]

Gran Torino - 6/10


Tough one to review. Very tough. So, I'll just ramble for a moment..

I'm a huge fan of trailers. I consider a movie trailer a work of art on it's own. There have been movies with amazing trailers that were horrible, and trailers that were horrible that in the end the film was very good. But still, my initial expectations are set by a movie trailer. I don't put too much into the trailers as to what the film will be, but it is my initial, and very basic expectation.

The trailer for Gran Torino honestly let me down a little. I had heard reports that this would be Clint Eastwoods last film, although I'm not sure if that is both in front of the camera and behind the camera. It may just be in front of the camera. So, when I first heard that I was a little saddened, but I knew the time had to come, if not already being passed. But I wanted this to be an amazing send off.

When the movie was over, I had mixed emotions. Thinking about it, the movie was entirely way to predictable. It was the basic formula for redemption films.. times ten. The dialogue at first I thought was not good at all, but after thinking about it, I think it maybe have been more of a result of the actors, and here is where I think was the films downfall.

Clint Eastwood plays a retired Korean War vet. He worked in a Ford plant for fifty years. He is a grouchy, miserable old man, who is extremely racist. Especially towards asian. He lives in an asian neighborhood, a community of Hmong people.

The Hmong actors in this film actually from an acting standpoint may ruin the film for some people. The people they chose for the movie just really have trouble conveying any real emotion without sounding like they are trying way too hard. There are some points in the movie where the movie could have been strong if there were just better actors to deliver it to you.

Also, I felt the ending was rushed. Just didn't give me the emotional closing that I wanted.

But, in the end, I would recommend this to my friends. If it is Clint Eastwoods last ride, then why wouldn't you watch it? That alone had me sold, whether it was an absolute shit movie or not. Even with the pitfalls, there are still strongpoints in this movie. Like I said, the pacing is well done. It may be predictable, but just because a movie is predictable doesn't mean I wouldn't watch it. It's definitely worth the price of admission, and definitely worth a DVD rental. Hell, I'll end up buying it just to add to my Clint Eastwood collection.

Don't go in expecting an Unforgiven, Million Dollar Baby, Mystic River, or a Letters From Iwo Jima directing from Clint. Or a A Fistful of Dollars, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, or Unforgiven in front of the camera. Just enjoy watching Clint for quite possibly the last time in a major role.

[Chief Rum]

On the 54th page, the Prestige scores a 6/10, while war of the worlds gets a 7/10


:banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

They rated about the same for me. Prestige intrigued me, but all the backstabbing and twisting left me with no one really to root for, so it brought it down a little. And while plot holes and Tom Cruise trying to play a "regular guy" are severe stretches for WOTW, the alien machines and effects and cinematography were all excellent, well done, and, frankly, pretty damn frightening. Just don't ask me to explain about how the freakin' kid was not only okay but ended up in Boston ahead of his dad.

[JetsIn06]

Appaloosa: 9/10

Really well done. Acting was incredible. Ed Harris wrote it, directed, and played the main role and did an excellent job at everything.

[MrDNA]

King of Kong 8/10: Really, really well documentary that's actually about so much more than video games.

[rowech]

I Am Legend (8/10) -- Definitely liked this a lot more than I thought I would. Sorry I waited so long to see it.

[Bonegavel]

Life Aquatic - 10/10

So many people told me this movie sucked that I avoided it for all these years. I should've know better. There is so much in this movie I'm going to need to buy it in order to appreciate it all (since I've started Netflix, I've stopped purchasing DVDs/Blu-Rays).

Anderson's is a genius in many ways but I think he greatest talent is choice of music (never hurts to have Mark Mothersbaugh on board for original music). Seu Jorge's covers of David Bowie were brilliant (both in the way they sounded and the way they were in the movie). And Queen Bitch at the end just felt like there was no other song on earth that would have worked and that song just feels like quintessential Wes Anderson.

If I had to pick my favorite scene (after only 1 viewing) I would say it was the scene on the Belefonte where Pele was playing "Major Tom" and the Pirates were closing in. As he starts the countdown part of the song the boarding-ladder goes up.

[Logan]

In Bruges is an awesome film is so many ways. It's a shame that it's still so unknown.

Randomly watched this on demand yesterday and really liked it, not having heard a bit about it beforehand. Colin Farrell did a great job, I was very surprised.

[Klinglerware]

Slumdog Millionaire - 9.6/10 - Stunningly beautiful. A great story told exceedingly well, never slow or sappy. Everything about it was just about perfect - the plot was fun to follow, the acting was great, the cuts from present to the past were spot on - just a joy to behold. The best movie I've seen in years. You are really doing yourself a disservice if you miss this.

I agree, I thought it was one of the most enjoyable films that I've seen this decade.

It's funny--I didn't really like Trainspotting that much...

[Chief Rum]

Life Aquatic - 10/10

So many people told me this movie sucked that I avoided it for all these years. I should've know better. There is so much in this movie I'm going to need to buy it in order to appreciate it all (since I've started Netflix, I've stopped purchasing DVDs/Blu-Rays).

Anderson's is a genius in many ways but I think he greatest talent is choice of music (never hurts to have Mark Mothersbaugh on board for original music). Seu Jorge's covers of David Bowie were brilliant (both in the way they sounded and the way they were in the movie). And Queen Bitch at the end just felt like there was no other song on earth that would have worked and that song just feels like quintessential Wes Anderson.

If I had to pick my favorite scene (after only 1 viewing) I would say it was the scene on the Belefonte where Pele was playing "Major Tom" and the Pirates were closing in. As he starts the countdown part of the song the boarding-ladder goes up.

Funny how impressions work. I would give a lot to get back the two hours of my life taken from me by watching this film. To each their own.

But I admit I am not a Wes Anderson advocate and don't really get the fascination.

[Chief Rum]

Randomly watched this on demand yesterday and really liked it, not having heard a bit about it beforehand. Colin Farrell did a great job, I was very surprised.

I also watched this last night actually. I agree, quirky dark comedy, that made me unexpected laugh hard several times. Everyone in it was excellent, including Farrell. Interesting ending, too.

[st.cronin]

I'm a fan of Wes Anderson. Darjeeling Limited gets a 10/10 from me - its pretty much perfect.

Life Aquatic I consider a lesser work.

[MrDNA]

Is there a site where you can submit your reviews like we are here, but then it will suggest movies other users similar to you liked? If not, one of you better go make one, because this idea is GOLD.

[RainMaker]

Is there a site where you can submit your reviews like we are here, but then it will suggest movies other users similar to you liked? If not, one of you better go make one, because this idea is GOLD.

Netflix has a nice system.

[Brownkeg8]

Funny how impressions work. I would give a lot to get back the two hours of my life taken from me by watching this film. To each their own.

But I admit I am not a Wes Anderson advocate and don't really get the fascination.

+1 on that. 10/10 is rare air and should be saved for real classics. The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Goodfellas, Braveheart - Guess these should be 20/10. :confused:

[Karlifornia]

Nothing quite like criticizing someones opinion. I mean, how dare they feel that way?

Fuck, I would probably give Freddy Got Fingered a 9/10, and most everyone hates that movie. I would give Braveheart a lower score than Freddy Got Fingered.

[Crim]

I would give Braveheart a lower score than Freddy Got Fingered.

big fat lol here.

[tarcone]

The Wizard of Oz 10/10

What else could I give it. I havent watched it in years but did tonight with my 7 year old daughter. She loved it. And I found it enjoyable. It is a great family film and a must see for anyone with young children.

[Bonegavel]

+1 on that. 10/10 is rare air and should be saved for real classics. The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Goodfellas, Braveheart - Guess these should be 20/10. :confused:

I don't know how to explain it but as I watched Life Aquatic it was as if the movie was made just for me. Everything clicked and that has never happened before. There is so much meat in this movie that it is hard to fathom (pun intended).

[rowech]

Hancok (5/10) -- Just felt there were about 50 writers trying to pull this movie 50 different ways an in the end it fell flat for me.

[Swaggs]

Definitely. Surprised they never won any awards for it.

Also surprised the director never directed anything else, unless you call The Big Bounce something.


John Cusack is underrated. The night before while staying up late they had High Fidelity on one of the movie channels. Another AWESOME movie.

I just saw both of these, as well.

I love Grosse Point Blank, but High Fidelity is one of my favorite movies ever. Anytime I am flipping through and it is on, I always end up watching it until the end. I definitely reccommend High Fidelity to anyone who has not seen it yet.

[Brownkeg8]

I don't know how to explain it but as I watched Life Aquatic it was as if the movie was made just for me. Everything clicked and that has never happened before. There is so much meat in this movie that it is hard to fathom (pun intended).

Nothing wrong with your opinion. Just personally feel a 10 in any category is as good as it gets and something that will stand the test of time and leave that same feeling the 2nd, 5th, 10th time viewed, read or listened to.

[Pyser]

life aquatic only gets better on repeat viewings...

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Nothing wrong with your opinion. Just personally feel a 10 in any category is as good as it gets and something that will stand the test of time and leave that same feeling the 2nd, 5th, 10th time viewed, read or listened to.

And not everyone feels like the movies you listed would qualify for a 10 under those criteria. Braveheart is way overrated, and Shawshank to an extent as well. On the other hand, LA Confidential is the greatest film of all time.

Different strokes.

[Chief Rum]

life aquatic only gets better on repeat viewings...

Really? How many tines do I need to watch it before it becomes "watchable"? :D

[tarcone]

I kept thinking of Life Aquatic as the crappy movie with Bill Murray. I kept thinking you guys were talking about a different movie. So I googled it and lo and behold you guys are talking about the one with Bill Murray. Terrible movie.

[Grammaticus]

And not everyone feels like the movies you listed would qualify for a 10 under those criteria. Braveheart is way overrated, and Shawshank to an extent as well. On the other hand, LA Confidential is the greatest film of all time.

Different strokes.

WOW, I didn't care too much for Life Aquatic. But I think Braveheart was one of those rare instances where the Ocsar for best picture was actually spot on. It is a tremendous picture and stands the test of time.

I agree rating movies can be very individual. For example, of pictures mentioned in this discussion I really enjoyed Darjeeling Limited. I would probably rate it an 8 overall which is very high in my book. Although on places like Netflix it tends to get a very average rating.

But I am surprised that you would rate Life Aquatic above Braveheart and Shawshank Redemption. It sounds like we just have drastically different tastes in movies. But to each his own. I'm glad you liked the movie. The more diverse the range of flicks that Hollywood makes, the better for all.

[ISiddiqui]

I'd rate "Life Aquatic" over "Shawshank Redemption", but that's mostly because I think Shawshank is incredibly overrated.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

TBH I liked Life Aquatic, but didn't love it (other than Tennenbaums I have difficulty connecting emotionally with Anderson's movies). I was more responding to the thought that it couldn't get a 10 because its not as good as movies x, y, and z. Not everyone thinks x, y, and z are that good.

My favorite movies made during the 28 years I've been alive (LA Confidential, Casino, Wall-E) are probably not at the top of most others' lists. To a lot of people, Life Aquatic will stand the test of time and leave the same feeling years later.

[MikeVic]

Shawshank is the movie that made me want to watch movies (other than the stuff I would see on TV), so I have to rank it in my top 3.

[rowech]

Shawshank is the movie that made me want to watch movies (other than the stuff I would see on TV), so I have to rank it in my top 3.

I understand people not liking Braveheart but I just don't see anyone can't see the perfection that is Shawshank. Perfect story, perfect acting, perfect purprose of the movie.

[Logan]

Granted I haven't read every post, but I believe this thread made it in excess of 50 pages over 3.5 years without people bashing others' taste in movies.

[Neuqua]

Australia: 8/10: There are some really hard to believe moments in the movie but if you are one of those people like myself who truly "immerse" yourself in a movie, this was a good one. Oh, and the movie is really, really long.

[Pyser]

braveheart is a laughable film in so many ways.

[JetsIn06]

The Day the Earth Stood Still: (8.5/10)

This movie got very terrible reviews, but I still enjoyed it.

[terpkristin]

The Day the Earth Stood Still: (8.5/10)

This movie got very terrible reviews, but I still enjoyed it.

Have you ever seen the original (I'm wondering if seeing the original changes the way people feel about the remake)?

/tk

[rowech]

Have you ever seen the original (I'm wondering if seeing the original changes the way people feel about the remake)?

/tk

When taken in the context of the time it was made, the original is an absolutel classic. I was crushed to see Keanu Reeves involved in this one.

[tarcone]

Yeah I liked the original a lot. I am wondering how the remake is. Could you expand on your feelings a little?
Thanks

[JetsIn06]

I never saw the original, but plan to soon.

The movie certainly wasn't spectacular, but I dont think it was bad at all. Keanu Reeves was, well, Keanu Reeves. But to me, with the character he plays, he's tolerable. Jennifer Connelly was very good, but the rest of the acting was very forgettable.

Like I said, my thoughts are slightly skewed since I pretty much enjoy anything sci-fi. There were some awkward moments, but also some very cool scenes.

I also LOVED watching Giants Stadium get destroyed.

[whomario]

Has anyone seen "Let the Right One In" ? Saw some very appreciative reviews on american sites via rottentomatoes and am rather surprised, because i didn´t think a slow-paced arty european film would get that.
I saw it a couple days ago and found it to be a real masterpiece.
It´s based on a novel and basically is a youth/child drama wrapped arround a vampire story, only that that part is shown in a shockingly "matter of fact" way especially considering that the main protagonists are a 12 year old boy and a 12 year old looking vampire "girl" and that makes it very effective.
While typical vampire features are adressed, they aren´t exagerated and aren´t heavily featured but mainly just are "background noise".
Plus it offers very nice alternatives and even a (as far as i know) completely new thing (first time i´ve seen what actually happens if a vampire enters a room uninvited) .

Pictures are very good, too, the setting (swedish winter) is reflected very nicely as well.

[MizzouRah]

Ironman: 6/10 - After all the good I've heard about this film from friends/family.. I was stoked.. about 1/2 of the way into the movie I was wondering if it would ever end. Actually I feel asleep on it and finished it this morning.. A 5 rating might even be more like I feel right now..

The Dead Girl: 8.5/10 - excellent movie

The Groomsmen: 8/10 - another great movie that really brought me into its story

[ISiddiqui]

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford - 7/10: Before the last half hour, I wanted to give it a 5/10. It was interesting, but just so slow paced and dull, I wanted to hurt myself. However, the last half hour completely redeems the rest and Casey Affleck is amazing as Robert Ford dealing with what he's done.

[molson]

The 40-Year-Old Virgin: 8/10

I've been out of the loop the last few years on the Seth Rogan/Judd Apatow/Steve Carell type comedies and I'm making an effort to catch up. I thought this was terrific. It's interesting to be old enough now where you can see movies made by guys that grew up on the same movies you did. The next generation is here (and actually, has been here, I'm just now getting around to seeing it).

[JetsIn06]

Blindness: 9/10

Awesome. I have no idea what anyone else thought of this movie, haven't read any reviews or anything.

It was great and I would definitely recommend it.

[Buccaneer]

Just finished watching the first of many recent movies to catch up: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. To put this in context, here's how I rate the first three movies:

Raiders of the Lost Ark - 10/10 (2nd favorite movie of all time)
Temple of Doom - 1.5/10
Last Crusade - 7.5/10

I would rate Crystal Skull 6/10. I purposefully avoided reading anything about this and had no idea what the plot was. I felt most of the movie was forced, trying to re-live the old times but it had a hold because I did not know what the payoff was going to be. Going into the temple was exactly like National Treasure (same City of Gold) but that I was cool with that..until the

aliens. Aliens have always been a big turnoff for me in any medium. I watched the extra parts about where they came up with this and they refered to some legend, which I felt was contrived. But George also mentioned the sci-fi flicks of the 50s, which I can believe but I don't think it worked since the connection was not there. You expect something more grounded in history and mythology, not pulling something esoteric like Stalin and the secret weapon.

[tarcone]

Narnia: The lion, the witch and the wardrobe. 9/10

Never read the book. But this movie was very good and had a lot of great messages in it. I watched it with 11 people on Christmas Eve, ranging in ages 7-55 and everyone really liked it.

[ISiddiqui]

The Lives of Others - 9.5/10: Wow. Just an amazing film about the Stazi in East Germany in the 1980s. The main character is superb in his role as the Stazi agent who starts having second thoughts. The way he can complete a scene with just a raised eyebrow and pursed lips is wonderful. A slight pause while on the telephone, a furrowed brow tells so much. The film, while lengthy (2 hrs and 15 minutes) never seems long and the action builds and builds as the movie goes on. Just perfectly done and one wonders how it must have been like living in East Germany under that.

[sabotai]

The Lives of Others - 9.5/10: Wow. Just an amazing film about the Stazi in East Germany in the 1980s. The main character is superb in his role as the Stazi agent who starts having second thoughts. The way he can complete a scene with just a raised eyebrow and pursed lips is wonderful. A slight pause while on the telephone, a furrowed brow tells so much. The film, while lengthy (2 hrs and 15 minutes) never seems long and the action builds and builds as the movie goes on. Just perfectly done and one wonders how it must have been like living in East Germany under that.

I just watched this yesterday and agree with what you said. It was a great movie.

[MizzouRah]

Pursuit of Happyness - 9/10: I can't believe it has taken me this long to finally sit down and watch this movie. Will Smith is supurb.. and the movie really had me wondering what could possibly happen to him next.

[panerd]

Seven Pounds: 7.5/10

I have to say though that reading through the critics reviews after the fact (I hate it when they spoil a major part of the plot and choose not to read them ahead of time) it seems like the people who were really slamming the movie might be complete idiots.

I don't really think the climax/plot twist is a key to this movie at all. In fact everyone I saw it with had that part figured out within the first 10 minutes. I think it is the story and the choices that have to be made that makes this movie decent. Is some of it far fetched? Absolutely. That is why I wouldn't give it a 8 or 9 but some of the critics' reviews are giving it a zero or 1 out of 4 because they were lost and din't understand the movie. Sorry, but if they couldn't see where this movie was going they must not really be movie critics. This was not a Usual Suspects or even a Sixth Sense type swerve it was all laid out in front of you pretty early on. It is a shame because I was thinking about not seeing it due to poor reviews and after reading the poor reviews I really have no idea what they are talking about.


Just saw on video...

Dark Knight: 8.5/10. Ledger was worth watching for by himself but the plot wasn't really much different than any other superhero movie. Not sure what all the best picture buzz was about.

Burn After Reading: 8/10. Really got going after the first 45 minutes. Didn't care much for Pitt's character but the rest of the cast was really good. Maybe I am too used to him being serious or at least funny but in a smart way.

I have Transiberian waiting here about to be viewed. Didn't see any reviews of this one in this thread.

[MikeVic]

Pineapple Express - 7.5/10
A dude witnesses a murder, and tries to survive with his drug-dealing buddy. The movie was alright, but I felt most of the funny parts were in the trailer though. Not as good as Knocked Up, etc.

Elf - 8.5/10
Saw this for the first time. One of Santa's elves goes to New York to find his real dad, and hilarity ensues. There were a few laugh-out-loud moments, and overall a good movie. It gets bumped up since it's a Christmas movie, and I don't think there's been good ones released for awhile now.

The Spirit - 7.5/10
A guy was supposed to die, but instead kind of gets resurrected and decides to become the protector of a city. Some cool stylistic points, some neat parts, some funny moments, and some nice nice eye candy (Eva Mendes' ass probably bumped this up by 0.5). I thought Scarlett Johannsen didn't really do well though. Overall a decent movie.

[Bad-example]

The Bucket List - 6.0 It had its moments but mostly was rather lame and tame. Gave up about 20 minutes before the ending. Yawn.

In Bruges - 8.0 Odd, entertaining, non-typical. Written and directed well. Not a big fan of Colin Farrell but he was ok here. Nice work by his partner, Brendan Gleeson. I get the feeling this one will be better the second time through.

[ISiddiqui]

Dark Knight: 8.5/10. Ledger was worth watching for by himself but the plot wasn't really much different than any other superhero movie. Not sure what all the best picture buzz was about.

It's a bit different than normal superhero movies in that it really explores the nature of good and evil far more than the normal superhero film. Where in the normal film, there is an obvious good and evil, in TDK, the title character has to do some really shady things and go beyond the border of acceptable to get what he needs. Which is why there is this discussion of the White Knight (Harvey Dent) and the Dark Knight (Batman). And of course, what happens to Harvey and the conversation at the end of the film.

[ISiddiqui]

Run Lola Run - 7/10: An entertaining, very stylized movie. Kind of reminded me a bit of Guy Richie's or Edgar Wright's work (both of whom I love). And the "Clue"-like "let's try that again" thing was highly enjoyable, adding a few other things like how the people she bumps into have their lives changed each time. Fast paced and fun.

[Buccaneer]

I was thinking more about the Indiana Jones movie today and I was really surprised at the number of anachronisms. Pretty sloppy work for Spielberg/Lucas/Marshall/Kennedy. Also, one of the big pet peeves I have with some movies are geographic inaccuracies. I know Mayans are the coolest civilization the world has ever known, but don't put them in South Dakota (Nat Treasure 2) or in the Amazon (Indy 4).

[ISiddiqui]

Mayans get around, yo ;)

[Buccaneer]

My god, I just watched my first superhero movie in 25 years (not a fan of the genre at all) and it was simply awesome: Ironman - 9/10

[bignej]

Has anyone watched Horton Hears a Who? Wow, the religious undertones are incredibly thick. The animation was great but I was put off by the obvious purpose for the film and how it differed from Dr. Seuss'.

[ISiddiqui]

My god, I just watched my first superhero movie in 25 years (not a fan of the genre at all) and it was simply awesome: Ironman - 9/10

Treat yourself, my friend, and watch "The Dark Knight" :)

[Buccaneer]

Treat yourself, my friend, and watch "The Dark Knight" :)

Well, we did get both Batman Begins and Dark Knight. But I am hesitant since I am not much into really dark movies (no pun intended). For fun action, I like the tone of the Indy Jones, Mummy and Die Hard movies. But I'll see.

[Buccaneer]

My god, I just watched my first superhero movie in 25 years (not a fan of the genre at all) and it was simply awesome: Ironman - 8.5/10

After sleeping on this and not reading anything about it yet, I revised my score downwards a little. The reason was solely the final battle scene - way too comic-book like. Plus, how did Stane learn how to manipulate and fly that huge suit flawlessly in such a short time? If there were no "bad guy" suit and Stark just went after Stane in the same manner he went after the rebels, then it would have been near perfect, imo.

Reading Ebert's review, I agree with this statement

Downey's performance is intriguing, and unexpected. He doesn't behave like most superheroes: he lacks the psychic weight and gravitas. Tony Stark is created from the persona Downey has fashioned through many movies: irreverent, quirky, self-deprecating, wise-cracking.....You hire an actor for his strengths, and Downey would not be strong as a one-dimensional mighty-man.

I think one of the big turn-offs for me in the whole comicbook genre has been giving the hero supernatural powers, whether flaming on, being invisible, becoming a monster or an alien-type creature, being a cyborg, have psychic abilities, etc. Tony has none of that, apart from a souped-up pacemaker. He is simply doing weapons as wearables and his "powers" are simply personally mechanical.

[MikeVic]

I think one of the big turn-offs for me in the whole comicbook genre has been giving the hero supernatural powers, whether flaming on, being invisible, becoming a monster or an alien-type creature, being a cyborg, have psychic abilities, etc. Tony has none of that, apart from a souped-up pacemaker. He is simply doing weapons as wearables and his "powers" are simply personally mechanical.

I think you'll like Batman Begin and The Dark Knight then. Batman has no powers either. He's a rich, smart guy like Tony Stark.

[ISiddiqui]

I dunno, he does have super gravely voice power ;).

[rowech]

Hamlet 2 -- (6.5/10) -- Don't look for any Oscars in this one but I laughed quite a few times, especially at one joke. If you're going to be easily offended by some religious satire, stay away.

[Lorena]

Bee Movie - 7/10

Enjoyable movie about a bee (played by Jerry Seinfeld) that wants out of the "regular" bee jobs and goes out of his hive to find out what's out there.

Cute funny movie, but there were a lot of jokes that kids wouldn't understand. I laughed when Ray Liotta acted like one of his movie characters and when I LOLed, my daughter asked why and I couldn't explain it to her. Still, very enjoyable movies for kids and adults.

[Jas_lov]

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull- 5/10

Terrible, just terrible. By far the worst in the series and that's saying a lot because Temple of Doom sucked. I agree with Bucc above, it just seemed forced. It moved along fairly slow and it just didn't feel like the other Indy movies. The final 30 minutes or so just put it over the top as an epic failure.

Hancock- 4/10

There really isn't much to say as it wasn't good at all. I also watched I am Legend recently which was much better than this trash.

I am Legend- 7/10

As I said, I recently watched this and it was ok. I wish they would have talked more about Nevill's past and focused more on how everything developed. Most of the movie was about Nevill and his dog surviving in New York and the shots of the city were great. I liked the movie but I just wish they had added a little more back story than what they did.

[rowech]

While I guess it doesn't qualify as a movie, my wife and I picked up Freaks and Geeks Disc 1 from Netflix. I can't imagine why in the hell NBC didn't pick this show up. Amazing to think about how different all of the individuals involved might have a completely different life than they do now (possibly even worse because of being tied into TV too much?). Just a great all-around show.

[ISiddiqui]

The Golden Compass - 4/10: Seriously, seriously disappointed doesn't even begin to cover it. Seemed like the studio wanted a 1.5 hour movie and thus they crammed in as much as they good in that time frame, all the while forgetting to explain all sorts of stuff and playing down the religious themes to almost nil (well, the Magisterium look vaguely Catholic, but that's it). And then mangling a lot of the plot as well. I knew they were going to cut out the ending to the book (which is amazingly good) so that the movie ending could be "upbeat", but it was even more horrid to see it done like this.

One of the worse movie adaptations I've ever seen of a book. Pullman really deserved far more.

[Pyser]

I am Legend- 7/10

As I said, I recently watched this and it was ok. I wish they would have talked more about Nevill's past and focused more on how everything developed. Most of the movie was about Nevill and his dog surviving in New York and the shots of the city were great. I liked the movie but I just wish they had added a little more back story than what they did.

good news for you. there's talk of a prequel.

[WSUCougar]

Charlie Wilson's War [6.5/10]

Hrm. Wasn't exactly sure where to go with the rating. I enjoyed the film, but it seems like one of those "greater than the sum of its parts" deals. Tom Hanks was good - no surprise there - but I am not a Julia Roberts fan and I think she was badly miscast. I'm hovering between a 6 and a 7, so I'll split the difference.

[StLee]

Refuse to subject myself to The Happening, because people I trust have told me that my life will never again be worth living after watching that foul wretched excuse of a flick. And I've heard that it was not very good.

I just subjected myself. WTF? Seriously? That movie could have been cut to 10 minutes and still have been the same movie. There was not one interesting character, no real fear, nothing that made the movie anything worthwhile of watching. Boo! Just, boo!

[Draft Dodger]

just watched King of Kong, a documentary about competitive Donkey Kong players.

The movie was absolutely fascinating. I was watching while my wife was doing some baking, figuring she wouldn't be interested. She came in and got sucked in as well. There are apparently some criticism about the way the filmmakers manipulated the story somewhat, but I don't really care about that. I just found everyone involved to be completely fascinating. Every single person protrayed was ridiculously absurd, and just when you think it can't get any more bizarre, in walks Mr Awesome. As a documentary, I'm not sure how I'd rate it, but in terms of entertainment, I'd give it an 8.

[Draft Dodger]

as a frame or reference, right before King of Kong I watched Burn After Reading which was full of absurd fictional characters. Not one could hold a candle to any of the real-life nutjobs in King of Kong.

[NoSkillz]

Owning Mahowny - 8/10

Philip Seymour Hoffman in one of his breakthrough roles in a 2003 movie based on a real-life Canadian bank manager who stole over $10 million from his bank in order to satisfy his gambling addiction.

Hoffman is remarkable in this one, quietly intense and perfectly inhabits this character. What a talent! John Hurt is equally good as the swarmy casino manager who will stop at nothing to ensure he squeezes every last penny out of his whale. Minnie Driver gets the thankless role of the underwritten girlfriend but it doesn't take too much away from a very interesting story.

P.S. I Love You - 5/10
Schmaltzy romantic comedy (I think?) about a widow who can't seem to get over the death of her young husband.

I really thought Gerard Butler did a great job of bringing life to his character - put a lesser actor in that role and you have yourself a disaster. So good casting there.

Swank is a good actress and she does what she can with her part but I just don't think the script was very good. Oh, and I wanted to punch Harry Connick Jr. in the face whenever he was onscreen.

Mediocre at best overall.

[Lorena]

Michael Clayton - 6/10

Too much stuff going on, although I liked the way it began and the way it ended. The stuff in between was pretty mediocre... sort of a slow movie.

[Izulde]

Seven Pounds - 7.5
Yes, it's predictable as hell, but Will Smith and Rosario Dawson are absolutely brilliant in this movie and make this a mesmerizing one to watch. Be forwarned, it's also the saddest, most depressing movie I've seen in years.

[AgustusM]

In an odd twist of circumstances I have seen three movies at the actual theater in the last week.

Why is that odd? Because due to a house full of kids, my own busy business and coaching football, basketball and baseball, I have only seen 5 movies in an actual theater in the past three years.

Four Christmases 8/10 - I like Vince Vaughn and I have the hots for Reese, but I had very low expectations for this one. Wife wanted to go and so I went, and laughed my fool head off even though it was predictably predictable.

Curious Case of Benjamin Button 7/10 - I had a very hard one grading this one. To start this movie was so different from my expectations I had a hard time deciding if I liked it. To start it was long, very long - almost three hours and secondly I don't think I was ready for the type of movie it was. A bit of Forrest Gump, meets the Notebook, meets Big Fish. I will say this, I spent a good portion of the movie thinking what the hell is this, and another portion thinking how long it was. But on the plus side I have not stop thinking about it, and would definitely see it again.

Bedtime Stories 6/10 - Fine for what it was. My older kids really wanted to see it and so I took them. Predictable Adam Sandler fare and the kids really liked it. Odd dichotomy to the Brad Pitt movie which I had seen just twelve hours earlier.

[Tigercat]

Curious Case of Benjamin Button 7/10 - I had a very hard one grading this one. To start this movie was so different from my expectations I had a hard time deciding if I liked it. To start it was long, very long - almost three hours and secondly I don't think I was ready for the type of movie it was. A bit of Forrest Gump, meets the Notebook, meets Big Fish. I will say this, I spent a good portion of the movie thinking what the hell is this, and another portion thinking how long it was. But on the plus side I have not stop thinking about it, and would definitely see it again.


Was waiting to see someone else's opinion first. I think its parts are terrific. The movie itself just doesn't have a purpose, but that in itself is done on purpose. The director called it a love letter to New Orleans, and I can certainly saw why, you can really see where parts of the story are symbolic with the history and path of the city. (Not to mention how much effort they put into being as authentic as possible.) My review elsewhere of it:

A mature Forrest Gump; but even moreso a "love note to New Orleanians" and to all the nomad misfits out there. Since I am both, I loved this movie. The great: best edited and shot movie of the year. The not so great: Probably too long, many might not get a real raison d'etre out of it. But if you are a native New Orleanian, or someone who has lived the life of a traveling outcast, you should love it.


(I would give it a 9/10)

[Lorena]

Ratatouille- 9/10

A rat helps a clumsy garbage man how to be a world class chef. What a great movie, I was rooting for the little mouse from beginning to end.

The Invasion of the Body Snatchers - 7/10

Good pacing, suspenseful and creepy. Holds up well for a 30 year old movie.

[Lorena]

Bridge to Terabithia - 7/10

From the trailer, I was expecting a Narnia-type movie but it has more to do with the friendship of 2 kids than it has to do with Terabithia.

Bringing Up Baby - 5/10

1938 movie with Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant. Baby is a leopard that belongs to Hepburn's aunt, but the movie has very little to do with it and more to do with Hepburn chasing Grant around. It started out promising but it was too chaotic for me.

[Pyser]

assassination of jesse james by the coward robert ford - 6/10

way too long and slow. how can a movie this long be repetitive? edit, people. nice ending though. wonder how factually correct the whole thing is.

edit to add: some of the best cinematography i've ever seen in my life.

[rowech]

Bringing Up Baby - 5/10

1938 movie with Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant. Baby is a leopard that belongs to Hepburn's aunt, but the movie has very little to do with it and more to do with Hepburn chasing Grant around. It started out promising but it was too chaotic for me.

I'm a huge fan of both of Hepburn and Grant and this movie never pulls it off. Check out the movie The Philadelphia Story if you've never seen it. Those two plus Jimmy Stewart. One of my all time favorites.

[Lorena]

I'm a huge fan of both of Hepburn and Grant and this movie never pulls it off. Check out the movie The Philadelphia Story if you've never seen it. Those two plus Jimmy Stewart. One of my all time favorites.

Yeah they're great and I agree that this movie never pulls it off... too much screwballi-ness.

As far as The Philadelphia Story, yeah I loved it. I noticed you recommended Arsenic and Old Lace at one point which I'll end up getting from the library soon.

[rowech]

Yeah they're great and I agree that this movie never pulls it off... too much screwballi-ness.

As far as The Philadelphia Story, yeah I loved it. I noticed you recommended Arsenic and Old Lace at one point which I'll end up getting from the library soon.

Arsenic and Old Lace is still hysterical every time I watch it.

[Scoobz0202]

Seven Pounds - 8/10

As talked about by previous posters, the critics have this movie all wrong. I don't know if they have something against Will Smith, or what, but this movie was pretty fucking good.

The performance by Will Smith was simply amazing. It's been awhile that I have felt so emotionally invested in a film in awhile. Anything that drawed my attention away from the screen pissed me off because all I wanted to do was watch what Will Smith was going to do.

Even though I knew what he was doing the entire time. This movie is extremely predictable, and from the beginning on you know exactly what is going to happen throughout the entire movie. But who gives a shit. I don't care if I already know whats at point B, all I care about is the getting from A to B, and trust me, the journey was great.

I have seen this film being knocked for being too morbid and too depressing. Are you fucking serious? Since when was that a reason to knock a film, especially for a professional critic. That has nothing to do with how good a film is. It may be extremely morbid, but I knew that going in. If I wanted to watch something positive I would have fucking watched Marley And Me.

A couple of the plot elements were iffy, and implausible, and thats why it got docked the couple points. But the performances and the way this film drew me in were enough to watch it again.

Bravo Will Smith, and even though I forgot to mention it, Bravo Miss Dawson. She was phenomenal as well.

[RendeR]

The Day the Earth Stood Still: (8.5/10)

This movie got very terrible reviews, but I still enjoyed it.

Have you ever seen the original (I'm wondering if seeing the original changes the way people feel about the remake)?

/tk

When taken in the context of the time it was made, the original is an absolutel classic. I was crushed to see Keanu Reeves involved in this one.

I never saw the original, but plan to soon.

The movie certainly wasn't spectacular, but I dont think it was bad at all. Keanu Reeves was, well, Keanu Reeves. But to me, with the character he plays, he's tolerable. Jennifer Connelly was very good, but the rest of the acting was very forgettable.

Like I said, my thoughts are slightly skewed since I pretty much enjoy anything sci-fi. There were some awkward moments, but also some very cool scenes.

I also LOVED watching Giants Stadium get destroyed.

The Day The Earth Stood Still 7.5/10

My take on the original is faded in antiquity, aka I hardly remember it but as was said for its time it was a classic. I plan to watch it again soon. Reeves was actually very good for this role. He is normally very wooden and stiff and that fits this part to a T. I was very dissapointed with the ending. I just sorta felt like ...."umm...thats it?" It was good and it was interesting, however it is definitely a ONE time only watch. I won't bother watching it again.

Narnia: The lion, the witch and the wardrobe. 9/10

Never read the book. But this movie was very good and had a lot of great messages in it. I watched it with 11 people on Christmas Eve, ranging in ages 7-55 and everyone really liked it.

Chronicles of Narnia 7/10
I love pretty much every sci-fi/Fantrasy film and this one fit right along a good but not great line for me. I've actually found I like it more the more often I watch it. Its a Movie that grows into a "Oh thats on, lets watch" kind of thing.


It's a bit different than normal superhero movies in that it really explores the nature of good and evil far more than the normal superhero film. Where in the normal film, there is an obvious good and evil, in TDK, the title character has to do some really shady things and go beyond the border of acceptable to get what he needs. Which is why there is this discussion of the White Knight (Harvey Dent) and the Dark Knight (Batman). And of course, what happens to Harvey and the conversation at the end of the film.

This is a perfect review of the Dark Knight. Its a Comic Book Movie that makes you sit back and really think about the nature of who we are and how we make decisions of right and wrong. Ledger of course is the real reason to see this film, the storyline and special effects just make it that much better.

I give TDK a 9.5/10


Hancock- 4/10

There really isn't much to say as it wasn't good at all. I also watched I am Legend recently which was much better than this trash.

I am Legend- 7/10

As I said, I recently watched this and it was ok. I wish they would have talked more about Nevill's past and focused more on how everything developed. Most of the movie was about Nevill and his dog surviving in New York and the shots of the city were great. I liked the movie but I just wish they had added a little more back story than what they did.

The lack of backstory and total lack of internal dialoug/naration leaves you wondering WTF? through most of this version of the film. I hope the rumours of prequel are true as it should make both movies MUCH more enjoyable to watch back to back.

I am Legend 6.5/10

I agree with you to an extent on hancock, on one side it was made way too campy for the more serious story they try to tell at the end, however I love the way they develop the characters and the twist at the end is pretty awesome. I think if they follow this one up with another, like I am legend, it will make for a saturday night double feature in my DVD player.

Hancock 7/10

The Golden Compass - 4/10: Seriously, seriously disappointed doesn't even begin to cover it. Seemed like the studio wanted a 1.5 hour movie and thus they crammed in as much as they good in that time frame, all the while forgetting to explain all sorts of stuff and playing down the religious themes to almost nil (well, the Magisterium look vaguely Catholic, but that's it). And then mangling a lot of the plot as well. I knew they were going to cut out the ending to the book (which is amazingly good) so that the movie ending could be "upbeat", but it was even more horrid to see it done like this.

One of the worse movie adaptations I've ever seen of a book. Pullman really deserved far more.

I have never read this series of books and even so I found this movie dreadfully slow and totally confusing. WTF is a magesterium? What is dust? Why do bears talk? I dunno, it just seemed so very cobbled together, dicordant and generally...well..dull.

Golden Compass 4/10


Charlie Wilson's War [6.5/10]

Hrm. Wasn't exactly sure where to go with the rating. I enjoyed the film, but it seems like one of those "greater than the sum of its parts" deals. Tom Hanks was good - no surprise there - but I am not a Julia Roberts fan and I think she was badly miscast. I'm hovering between a 6 and a 7, so I'll split the difference.

I agree with you almost entirely here, I am definitely not a Roberts fan but I will sit and watch this movie over and over again. The interplay between the CIA guy and Wilson is simply brilliant.

7.5/10 from me

[Buccaneer]

I remember a thread talking movies that you are ashamed you like (or something like that) and I immediately thought of The Mummy, one of my favorite movies. I thought Mummy 2 was worse, ruined by The Rock and the CGI. So I didn't have much expectation for Mummy and the Emperor Dragon or whatever the hell the title was. But surprisingly, I actually liked it better than Indy 4, not by much though. 6.75/10.

[Izulde]

Bridge to Terabithia - 7/10

From the trailer, I was expecting a Narnia-type movie but it has more to do with the friendship of 2 kids than it has to do with Terabithia.


I was horrified when I saw the trailer because I thought they did Narnia the shit out of it. In fact, I almost didn't go see it because of that. Most misleading trailer in history, one that probably cost them a few ticket sales. Whoever put that one together should be fired.

I thought they did a pretty nice adaptation of the book and I thought Leslie was perfectly cast. Of course, it was toned down some from the book, but not by much.

[Atocep]

just watched King of Kong, a documentary about competitive Donkey Kong players.

The movie was absolutely fascinating. I was watching while my wife was doing some baking, figuring she wouldn't be interested. She came in and got sucked in as well. There are apparently some criticism about the way the filmmakers manipulated the story somewhat, but I don't really care about that. I just found everyone involved to be completely fascinating. Every single person protrayed was ridiculously absurd, and just when you think it can't get any more bizarre, in walks Mr Awesome. As a documentary, I'm not sure how I'd rate it, but in terms of entertainment, I'd give it an 8.

I watched this yesterday and I'd strongly recommend it to anyone. Some of the characters are fantastic unintentional comedy and others are simply likable. Even if they did manipulate the story a bit, its just a good film to see.

[SackAttack]

Most misleading trailer in history, one that probably cost them a few ticket sales.

I thought the Bruce Almighty trailer was pretty misleading. Advertised it as typical Jim Carrey camp, and while he had his moments, it was a much more thoughtful movie than I expected from the trailer.

Although from what I've seen, they DID camp the hell out of Evan Almighty, so maybe something happened with ticket sale trends on the first movie that told them camp was the way to go.

[Pyser]

i vote truman show as most misleading trailer ever. it was carreys first serious film, but the trailer was still zany comedy.

[SackAttack]

i vote truman show as most misleading trailer ever. it was carreys first serious film, but the trailer was still zany comedy.

Seems par for the course with his movies. There's an expectation that Carrey = zany comedy, so they'll cherry pick for the trailer to get people in to see Zany Carrey.

Only one I can think of where I haven't seen that happen was Eternal Sunshine.

[rowech]

Seems par for the course with his movies. There's an expectation that Carrey = zany comedy, so they'll cherry pick for the trailer to get people in to see Zany Carrey.

Only one I can think of where I haven't seen that happen was Eternal Sunshine.

While I never saw it, wasn't he in a horror movie based on 23 or something like that?

[boberot]

Seven Pounds [6.5 out of 10]

I didn't love this movie. Like most have said, I figured it out in the first 15 minutes and then the predictability and the inevitability dampened my enjoyment. Yeah, I get it -- he's going to do this for this person and that for that person. His motivations were simple and heavy-handed as well.

Perhaps for those reasons, I thought the movie dragged a bit at times. I don't need belly laughs or car chases to enjoy a movie. I like subtle nuance as much as the next guy, but I didn't really feel this movie was subtle or nuanced.

Still, an above average movie that is enhanced by a really good performance by Will Smith.

[Calis]

Got a chance to see The Wrestler last night and I'd say it rates about a 9.5. Really excellent movie. The talk about Mickey Rourke putting in a performance for the ages is not hyperbole. He was perfect in the role. I'm hard pressed to think of an instance where an actor better portrayed a character than this and I'm coming up empty. I don't know much about Rourke's life, but it sounds like this role hit pretty close to home and it shows. I can't hype up his performance enough.

The movie itself was a change of pace from Aronofsky's other works. It's very straightforward. There were a few points where it was a bit heavy-handed, but overall it was the best I've seen this year. Probably helped that I was a huge wrestling fan as a kid, and was also intrigued by the life and behind the scenes aspect.

Tonight I watched Slumdog Millionaire and that would also deserve around a 8.5. It's a great underdog story and you really find yourself pulling for the guy. Some beautiful shots also. It might be a better film than The Wrestler, I haven't decided yet, but Rourke's performance gives The Wrestle the edge.

Highly recommend both movies.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I have seen this film being knocked for being too morbid and too depressing. Are you fucking serious? Since when was that a reason to knock a film, especially for a professional critic. That has nothing to do with how good a film is. It may be extremely morbid, but I knew that going in. If I wanted to watch something positive I would have fucking watched Marley And Me.
lol

[Chief Rum]

lol

Yeah, I wasn't going to say anything, but I saw that, too...