Last Movie You Watched V. 1.0

[MizzouRah]

Smoking Aces: 8/10 - Good movie, lots of action.. well, shooting and killing. ;)

[Johnny93g]

Disturbia 7/10

I wasn't planning on seeing it, but a friend reccomended it to me, and i trust his opinion when it comes to movies. I have to say i was pleasantly surprised. This movie had a certain charm that you don't really see in thrillers. The whole opening allowed you to feel sympathetic to the main character. I thought the director concentrated more on the story then trying to shock the audience, which is good. Oh, and the female lead....what a body!!!!:D

Shia Labeuf is a good actor. This kid has impressed me twice now. I'm actually looking forward to Transformer's mainly because Shia is in it.

[Lorena]

El Espinazo del Diablo (The Devil's Backbone)
8.9

An 8 year old boy is dropped off in an orphanage where a ghost resides. Classic ghost story directed by Guillermo del Toro (English subtitles). Thanks Icy for the recommendation, it was an excellent movie.

Spartacus
9.0

I was a little hesitant to watch this move because of it's length but it was way worth it; there were no slow parts at all. The fight scene at the end makes you appreciate the extensive choreography that went into it. I kept looking at the soldiers/slaves march and think of Lord of the Rings where everything was CGI... absolutely amazing.

[moriarty]

Blood Diamond 8/10

Good solid flick. Dealt with the civil wars in Africa and the topic of conflict diamonds. Occasionally veered close to the preachy side (exploting Africa, no one cares, etc.), but never crossed the line.

DiCaprio was solid. Almost made me forget about the Titanic.

I thought the journalist lady's performance paled in comparison and the last 5 minutes was weak (they should have just cut out the end). Also it felt a bit streched out at just over 2 hours. But good entertainment all the same.

[MizzouRah]

Deja Vu - 9/10: Denzel was his usual great self and the story was good. It was one of those where you had to watch or miss something. Could be an 8, but I have a Denzel tilt added to it.

[cthomer5000]

Disturbia 7/10

I wasn't planning on seeing it, but a friend reccomended it to me, and i trust his opinion when it comes to movies. I have to say i was pleasantly surprised. This movie had a certain charm that you don't really see in thrillers. The whole opening allowed you to feel sympathetic to the main character. I thought the director concentrated more on the story then trying to shock the audience, which is good. Oh, and the female lead....what a body!!!!:D

Shia Labeuf is a good actor. This kid has impressed me twice now. I'm actually looking forward to Transformer's mainly because Shia is in it.

"There was a bag of shit. A bag of shit, a bag of shit!" That one line had me cracking up... it was the last time he said "bag of shit" that really made it. Im very much with you, it was an unexpectedly enjoyable movie. And i'm very on-board with LaBeouf as an actor. Good in everything I've seen him in.

[Pyser]

Find Me Guilty - 7.5/10

Vin Diesel as a mafia member on trial, and he decides to defend himself. And man, Diesel acted the shit out this. He was excellent, and it was an entertaining movie through and through.


Diggers - 6.5/10

This movie premiered in theaters and on HDNet on the same night, and I think hit DVD stores 4 days later. Pretty solid movie with a cast I loved - Paul Rudd, Ken Marino (who also wrote it), Maura Tierney, and others I cant remember right now...about clam diggers on Long Island in the 1970's. Solid story, worth a watch.


The Puffy Chair - 5/10

An indie movie about a dude in his late 20's/early 30's who is just stuck in his life as a guy, not yet a man. He goes on a roadtrip to pick up a recliner he bought for his father's birthday - the same style recliner his dad had when he was growing up. He brings his girlfriend along thanks to a guilt trip, and meets up with his emo brother halfway through. Not terribly funny, but more poignant than I expected. Terrible camerawork though, could make some dizzy.

[Chief Rum]

Find Me Guilty - 7.5/10

Vin Diesel as a mafia member on trial, and he decides to defend himself. And man, Diesel acted the shit out this. He was excellent, and it was an entertaining movie through and through.

Thanks for reminding me of this movie. I remember wanting to see it when it came out, but never got around to it.

Diesel gets stereotyped a lot because of his action hero status, but I think he's actually a pretty underrated actor. I would particularly point out Pitch Black, Boiler Room and Fast and Furious. Nothing nearly Oscar worthy, of course, but better than your usual "dumb jock."

[ISiddiqui]

Match Point - 9/10

Considered giving it a 10/10. Been on my list for a while, but I never got around to watching it. Mostly because I think I've been looking for lighter fare and comedies lately. But this is one Hell of a dark movie. Great acting from all the leads and just a wonderfully written story (especially the leads).
It draws you in and keeps you engaged the entire time. The ending was a bit of surprise to me (almost forgot I wasn't watching a cliched Hollywood flick and rather an Allen picture), but definately fits the theme.

Perhaps the only thing that gets the 1 point off is the pace of the story early on in the movie. The times people are together seem to never really gel well enough.

[Lorena]

Goodfellas
7.2/10

Eh... it was good, but not great. Another movie I was excited to watch and it wasn't all that. I enjoyed most of the characters but Ray Liotta just didn't do it for me. Not the kind of movie I'll watch again.

Charlie's Angels 2
4.5/10

Wow was this movie God-awful. I remember watching it when it first came out but after watching it again yesterday, it sucked ass. Too many close-ups of the girls and everything was extremely exaggerated. Bernie Mac even went down a few levels after the movie. Terrible, terrible terrible.

[Cringer]

28 Weeks Later
5/10

There is some stuff I like in the movie, but in the end it played out just as I thought it would when we were only 15 minutes into it. So the story is kind of weak basically, and to me it made it so it didn't matter if certain characters lived or not.

The begining was probably the best part of the movie, to bad it didn't hold up to that.

[Johnny93g]

Goodfellas
7.2/10

Eh... it was good, but not great. Another movie I was excited to watch and it wasn't all that. I enjoyed most of the characters but Ray Liotta just didn't do it for me. Not the kind of movie I'll watch again.


WOW....If you came to my house and said that, you might end up burried right beside Billy Batts!!!!

I have probably seen this 100 times, and it never gets old

[Johnny93g]

Spider Man 3 4/10

Very dissapointing. It was about 45 minutes too long. I think Tobey Maguire was just plain bad. This guy is not a superhero. I didnt really care about any of the characters other then James Franco. I didnt really understand how the Sandman became the Sandman and could take the shape of the Staypuff marshmellow man!!! Kirsten Dunst didnt look very good at all. J. Jonah Jameson was the best part of the movie.

[Groundhog]

Match Point - 9/10

Considered giving it a 10/10. Been on my list for a while, but I never got around to watching it. Mostly because I think I've been looking for lighter fare and comedies lately. But this is one Hell of a dark movie. Great acting from all the leads and just a wonderfully written story (especially the leads).
It draws you in and keeps you engaged the entire time. The ending was a bit of surprise to me (almost forgot I wasn't watching a cliched Hollywood flick and rather an Allen picture), but definately fits the theme.

Perhaps the only thing that gets the 1 point off is the pace of the story early on in the movie. The times people are together seem to never really gel well enough.

This was a true "surprise movie" for me. My girlfriend took me to see it, and I thought it was that Wimbeldon romance movie that was out around the same time that I was going to see, so I had no idea that this was the Woody Allen picture. Needless to say, I was pretty surprised at how it turned out. I agree with your rating too, 9/10 sounds about right.

[larrymcg421]

28 Weeks Later (8/10)

A terrific idea for a sequel. Very enjoyable film with some great action sequences. It even kinda reproduces a situation that was only talked about in the original. I like how it set up multiple groups of villains for the survivors to be worried about. My main complaint is the contrived way in which security is breached (twice) for the outbreak to take place. Saw the ending coming, but still enjoyed it.

Day Night Day Night (7/10)

This is an independent movie that follows a young woman who is preparing to be a suicide bomber. You don't know her ethnicity, her religion, or her political motivation. The film rather plainly follows the various mundane activities that take place before she sets off on her mission. It's more interesting than it is dramatically compelling, but still worth watching if you get a chance.

[Karlifornia]

This was a true "surprise movie" for me. My girlfriend took me to see it, and I thought it was that Wimbeldon romance movie that was out around the same time that I was going to see, so I had no idea that this was the Woody Allen picture. Needless to say, I was pretty surprised at how it turned out. I agree with your rating too, 9/10 sounds about right.

Gonna have to agree with ISiddiqui and Groundhog here. I caught this on HBO one sleepless night, and it really hooked me. This was the first Woody Allen movie I had ever seen. Just fantastic, in my mind. I can see why the man gets paid to make movies, but I still would rather do anything else than hang out with him.

It's kinda like the opposite of the "I may not like the job he does, but I'd sure like to have a beer with him" situation.

[Bad-example]

Shadowboxer - 8/10

Rotten Tomatoes shows that this is not a well-regarded film (21%) but I thought it was original with a solid cast and very good direction. I really liked the look of the movie. Cuba Gooding Jr was great in a very different role than we are used to seeing from him.

[Blade6119]

Gonna have to agree with ISiddiqui and Groundhog here. I caught this on HBO one sleepless night, and it really hooked me. This was the first Woody Allen movie I had ever seen. Just fantastic, in my mind. I can see why the man gets paid to make movies, but I still would rather do anything else than hang out with him.

It's kinda like the opposite of the "I may not like the job he does, but I'd sure like to have a beer with him" situation.

See, i loved match point too...my first woody allen flick as well. Then i saw Scoop, and i utterly hate woody allen now.

[sabotai]

Pan's Labyrinth - 9/10

One of the few times I was expecting to really like a movie and I did. Usually when I get my hopes up, no matter how good the movie really is, I am usually disappointed (if the movie really is good, I generally come around to thinking that after my initial disappointment fades). Not the case with this movie. It definitely delivered.

[Pyser]

London - 5/10

A trainwreck of a movie where the guy from Fantastic 4 does coke all movie in a bathroom with Jason Statham (with hair!), trying to figure out how to get back together with Jessica Biel, who is constantly almost naked but not really. Also, Dane Cook and Louis CK have seperate scenes - which is hilarious since Dane was later accused of stealing Louis' material.

[korme]

The Ex - Zach Braff, Amanda Peet, Jason Bateman, the guy from the Beethoven movies. Better than I expected since I hated Braff's last flick (The Last Kiss). It was funny, more situational comedy than anything. Good movie to see with a lady. 7/10

Smokin' Aces - Piven is great, isn't he? This film was a little more over the top than I would have liked, but what did I expect I guess. I hate renting movies that I really wanted to see in the theatre, because my expectations just get too high. Good action film. 7/10

The Last King of Scotland - Whitaker played his role amazingly, no wonder he got the Oscar. It's just such a crazy character, by definition, and he portrayed him so well. McAvoy wasn't outstanding but he wasn't bad. Good flick. 8/10

Because I Said So - Mandy Moore, Diane Keaton. Woohoo. So glad I got to see this. No, not really. It was cheesy and predictable. Classic chick flick. It was bearable, however. 3/10

Catch and Release - This was not! Jennifer Garner plays a recent widow who finds her mate wasn't all he was cracked up to be. And then she falls in love with his best friend. As soon as that happened I couldn't stand it. How unreaL 0.1/10

[korme]

By the way, I have to mention this. I'm sitting on the couch with the DVD player on; I've been like this for near 2 hours this morning. And the whole time, The Godfather is in, loading screen on. And, I don't know if anyone else has the DVD or not, but the creepy kid singing is probably going to be in my head all day. And that isn't a good thing.

[Lorena]

Pan's Labyrinth
9.0/10

I like the different colors used when switching from RL to fantasy. Like sabotai, I was expecting this to be a good movie and it actually was. I enjoyed the look of it more than the story, although the story was pretty good.

Anyone that has seen this movie should consider renting "The Devil's Backbone" which is like a sister movie to Pan's Labyrinth. A couple of the boy actors in Devil's Backbone had minor roles (more like extras really) in Pan's Labyrinth.

The Siege
9.0/10

Wow, just wow. It's amazing that this movie was filmed 3 years before 9/11 and a lot of the things that happened in the movie were eerily similar to what happened IRL. Great movie but scary stuff.

[Groundhog]

Children of Men - 9/10

Wow. This was great - every bit as good as I was hoping. I'm not the kind of guy who usually pays much attention to cinematography, but in this movie it really took it to the next level. The single-shot scenes, some quite intense and lasting for over 5 minutes, really sucked you in to the movie and made the action sequences a whole ton more shocking and real.

Story wise it was entertaining, and I'd managed to stay ignorant enough of the plot to be surprised through-out. The actors all nailed their parts too, with not a single bad performance to be seen IMO, with Clive Owen in particular doing an excellent job.

[Pyser]

Quicksand - 1/10

Bear with me, a movie this bad needs to be explained. Michael Keaton plays a guy that works for some bank, who sits in his office all day, waiting for his computer to blink at him telling him a large amount of money somewhere in the world has been moved. So it blinks, and he goes to Nice, France to check it out. There, russian mobsters have pretended to film a movie starring an actor played by Michael Caine, who doesnt know it's fake.

That sounds like the plot, right? WRONG!

While there, Keaton is inexplicably framed for murdering the chief of police (by leaving an enormous rifle on a balcony that Keaton for some reason picks up just as someone else kills the police chief). Nevermind that any ballistics test could prove he never fired a gun, Keaton runs.

Somewhere along the way he also gets caught up in an internet rape thing where bad people bus in mail order brides or something.

Oh, and Caine has a gambling debt, which leads to him helping Keaton out, but not really, because while Keaton says "I didn't kill anyone", Caine keeps screaming "where's my fucking money?!"

It got 1 point for lots of nudity, however.

[Pyser]

United 93 - 8/10

Stunning. Powerful. Provocative. I sat there for 5 minutes after it ended, in complete silence.

[Bad-example]

Mirrormask - 3/10

This movie has some really nice special effects and the overall look is pretty unique and interesting, but the story is a jumbled snooze. I suppose the makers were mainly aiming for the preteen audience but I think kids and adults alike will be scratching their heads during this one, especially in the second half. Neil Gaiman is one of the writers, so I guess if you are a fan of his (I am not) it might be worth a look.

[Lorena]

American Psycho - 7.8/10

Umm... I wasn't sure how to rate this movie. Christian Bale plays a psychopathic executive who hides his absurd fantasies from his co-workers. The dialogue was so hysterically funny but the end left me kind of wondering. Overall it was a good, solid movie.

Stranger than Fiction 8.7/10

Will Ferrell finds himself the subject of a writer's story. I found myself laughing at some scenes but wondered how I'd react if it had been a serious actor.

[ISiddiqui]

Pirates of the Carribean 3: At World's End - 7/10

Really enjoyable big budget action flick. Not as good as the first one (I'd rate it 9/10), but definately better than the second one (5/10 for me). Some people thought the story was too convoluted, but I enjoyed it and was able to follow it fairly easily. Also I like my action movies with some plot :D. Some of the movie was too drawn out or too silly, but on the whole it worked nicely.

And the big battle at the end is some of the greatest action sequences you'll ever see.

[ISiddiqui]

Oh, right, I forgot I saw another movie on DVD the other day:

Casino Royale - 7/10

Going back to the books type of Bond movie. Gone are all the jetpacks and silly playboy activities, to be replaced with a sense of brutality and menace. This Bond uses his strength and wits to defeat enemies, not high powered toys. And it is definately a welcome change. Daniel Craig fits the role like a glove and I'm looking forward to seeing more Bong flicks with him in it and with the darker view of the spy business as in this movie. And I loved how the ending was done, keeping it open.

[Cringer]

Daniel Craig fits the role like a glove and I'm looking forward to seeing more Bong flicks with him in it and with the darker view of the spy business as in this movie. And I loved how the ending was done, keeping it open.


Nothing better then bong movies. I look forward to himin a new Cheech and Chong.

[Doug5984]

I'm curious how many of you movie buffs have netflix? I really enjoy the ratings / reviews and would like to add some people to my netflixs friends list to get some more ideas for good movies.

[Doug5984]

Letters of Iwo Jima - 8/10

I was really looking forward to this movie, and it was very well made. It seemed a little drawn out, and very long...but still a great movie. An 8 because for anything to be higher I want to go away feeling like "I want to watch that again" and after the movie ended I just didn't have that feeling.

[Antmeister]

I'm curious how many of you movie buffs have netflix? I really enjoy the ratings / reviews and would like to add some people to my netflixs friends list to get some more ideas for good movies.

DC and I have Netflix.

[sabotai]

I'm curious how many of you movie buffs have netflix? I really enjoy the ratings / reviews and would like to add some people to my netflixs friends list to get some more ideas for good movies.

I don't know how it is I made it through life without it. :)

[Lorena]

Apocalypto - 8.5-10

I am in awe of Mel Gibson's energy when directing this film; it couldn't have been easy to direct 700 cast members many of whom didn't speak english. Fantastic make-up and costumes as well... all costumes were hand-made.

[Sgran]

Charlotte's Web 9/10

For those of you with kids, go check out Charlotte's Web. Very well done and a nice break from the carbon copy Disney movies. I dare you not to cry at the end (my 7-year old daughter cried for two minutes straight, which was good cover for me). Funny, intellegent movie.

Spidey 3 -- 7/10

It's worth the price of admission for the fight scenes. If you're a fan, don't be put off by what you hear. It's still a Sam Raimey film, even if the ending was stunningly predictable.

Catwoman 1/10

It's hard to imagine a worse Superhero movie. Her final fight scene with Sharon Stone has to be the most laughable, anti-climatic conclusion of all time. Seriously, can someone come up with a less threatening villian?

[terpkristin]

Knocked Up
9/10

I went in with high expectations (because many of my friends had seen it already) and my expectations were met! The biggest downer of the movie for me was that I was watching it with a bunch of rude people in the theater, including some high schoolers who were pissy the entire time because some of their friends got busted trying to theater-hop and a foreigner in my row who needed jokes explained to him...

Didn't get a 10/10 because I thought it could have been a smidge shorter (some fluff could've been left out) and because I felt like they spent a decent amount of time developing the Paul Rudd/his wife storyline and I felt that got dropped a little bit.

Still a good flick. :)

/tk

[Noop]

Knocked Up
10/10

Funny. One of the best movies I have seen all year.

[KWhit]

Spiderman 3:

A big pile of suck. This movie was terrible. In honor of it being the 3rd movie in the franchise, I'll give it 3/10. And that's being generous. I thought the second one was bad, but it was an instant classic compared to this one. Every single event in the plot was a contrived mess. The acting was horrible, the fight scenes were predictible and repetitious, and the Venom storyline was a tiny afterthought that seeemed thrown in because the producers knew that the Sandman was a lame villain that wouldn't sell any action figures.

[Groundhog]

The Seventh Seal - 10/10

Fired it up again on the weekend, and it reminded me of just how much of an absolute classic this film is. Top 10 material for me.

Star Wars Episode 1 - 5.5/10

We had a Star Wars marathon, but only made it through the first 3 before crashing... I'd only ever seen the three prequels once a piece back when they came out, so it was interesting to catch them again. This one is by far the weakest, thanks largely to the annoying little boy playing Anakin, but he's also given a big hand by a weak script that is far too "kiddy" for its own good. The special effects never looked that realistic to start with, but they haven't aged well at all.

Star Wars Episode 2 - 7/10

Much better than the first one, but spoilt in a few places due to some shoddy acting by, well, pretty much everyone. I just don't think it's very easy to act against the blue screen, especially not with this script, because guys who are generally solid actors often aren't even close to nailing their parts IMO. Acting aside, the action and pace are about ten times better in this one than the last, which bumps it up a couple of notches.

Star Wars Episode 3 - 6.5/10

Starts strong, cruises throughout the middle, and then goes on a little too long at the end. Biggest problem with this film was, like the final Lord of the Rings movie, the climax was too drawn out, and I was ready for it to end a fair bit sooner than it did. Acting wise I thought it was a little better than the second (though far from even 'average'), but it suffered from some of the problems from the first film. In particular, the scene where he is riding on the back of the lizard thing was just about the least impressive bit of CGI I've seen in a motion picture in a long time. Still, it was enjoyable, and a decent finish to the prequel trilogy.

[sabotai]

Star Wars Episode 1 - 5.5/10

Star Wars Episode 2 - 7/10

Star Wars Episode 3 - 6.5/10

Being the Star Wars geek that I am, I see a lot of potential in these movies, but largely agree with your ratings on them, although I might take them all down a notch or two. One of things I'd like to do at some point is copy them to my PC and edit out all of the crap that's in them. Edit out the cheesy one-liners (and the whiney one-liners from Anakin, "He's hold me back! WAH!") and not to mention the "NOOOOOOO!!!", any mention of Midiclorians (sp?) and edit Jar-Jar out of the first one as much as possible. I wonder how much better they would be if someone did just those 3 things...

[cthomer5000]

to the "victorious, advanced" white guys at the end

Im particularly interested in this part of your review? What in the world are you talking about?

The entire message of the movie to me, was about not being able to see the forest for the trees. Certainly you can debate the historical accuracy of the film (apparently its fucking awful), but as a movie, i think the message is clear and the film itself is entertaining. It's about a culture/society being so caught up fighting one enemy/issue and being completely oblivious to much, much larger problems looming on the horizon.

And if you want to read nothing into the movie at all, i thought it worked fantastically well as an action movie.

[miked]

Jarhead- 3/10- I almost fell asleep a few times. I think this movie just seemed to either steal from older, better movies, or was just flat out boring. I get it, the marines are tough, they are a little crazy, and war can be boring too. What a waste of 2 hours.

The Fountain- 8/10- I've never been so confused since Donnie Darko. I really liked the imagery and the jumping around. I still have no idea what was going on, but I felt really attached and interested in the story and players. Maybe I'll try and read some more about it, but I thought it was really good. Plus, I read a story about it a few months ago in Wired about how Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchette abandonded the film and the budget was slashed. Pretty funny.

[SFL Cat]

Spiderman 3 6/10

Spidey has always been my favorite super hero. This movie had some good parts -- but overall it was lacking. Probably would have been better just to concentrate on Venom, as Sandman has never done much for me, even in the comic. The climax was contrived and very disappointing. Probably deserved a 4 or 5, but it gets a bump because its about Spiderman.

Pirates 3 5/10

Oh my God...will this movie NEVER end.................

Shrek 3 6/10

Not bad. But if you've seen the first two, you've seen this one. They didn't bring anything new to the table, and the whole Shrek-verse is starting to feel a little too familiar.

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. 7/10

I really didn't like the first one much, and I wasn't expecting anything from the second. However, it was a fun popcorn movie - much better than the original. As a Marvel comics purist, I didn't like what they did with Galactus -- but other than that, it's been the best comic book movie of the summer so far. Note: Ordinarily, I think Jessica Alba is a total hottie! However, I didn't think she looked good in this movie at all.

[ISiddiqui]

It was right out of the manifest destiny bs playbook. Let the supreme, educated white guy come and "save" the ignorant, godless natives from themselves. Ruins the movie if you have even the tiniest clue about the Mayan empire and the history of the Americas.

Huh... I didn't get that in the slightest. Are you sure you aren't reading things into the movie? Not like the protagonist's tribe would have fared any better with the Spanish than with the Mayans.

[cthomer5000]

Huh... I didn't get that in the slightest. Are you sure you aren't reading things into the movie? Not like the protagonist's tribe would have fared any better with the Spanish than with the Mayans.

Yeah, im equally baffled to the point of wondering if we saw the same version of the movie.

[bulletsponge]

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. 7/10

I really didn't like the first one much, and I wasn't expecting anything from the second. However, it was a fun popcorn movie - much better than the original. As a Marvel comics purist, I didn't like what they did with Galactus -- but other than that, it's been the best comic book movie of the summer so far. Note: Ordinarily, I think Jessica Alba is a total hottie! However, I didn't think she looked good in this movie at all.

ive only seen the comercials, but i totaly agree with the Alba comment. they took all that is sexy about Alba (sexy Latina) and tried to turn her into some playboy model (bottle blonde and blue eyes). jeez i like Abla because she isnt some dime-a-dozen blonde

[Groundhog]

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. 7/10

I really didn't like the first one much, and I wasn't expecting anything from the second. However, it was a fun popcorn movie - much better than the original. As a Marvel comics purist, I didn't like what they did with Galactus -- but other than that, it's been the best comic book movie of the summer so far. Note: Ordinarily, I think Jessica Alba is a total hottie! However, I didn't think she looked good in this movie at all.

I thought the first movie was terrible and I'm shocked they even made a sequel, but I have to admit that the commercials for the new one look pretty good. Didn't even realise that Galactus was in it (though probably should have, considering the Surfer is...), but I'm a little afraid to see what they did with him...

[cthomer5000]

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?

I think you got it basically exactly wrong. The Mayans (in the movie) were basically fighting a war within themselves, and the boats represented the way bigger issue at hand. There was nothing but a sense of dread at the end of the movie... this guy had just made a miraculous escape to save himself and his family, and now he knew the end was definitely there. They would more or less have to spend the rest of their lives running.

I think Mel was trying to say something about our priorities in America, telling us whatever we're currently focused on, whoever we're currently fighting, is the wrong issue. The movie was endlessly referenced as a social/political commentary. I think if you're going to assign meaning to it, it's vital to do it that way rather than view it as some sort of Mel commentary on history.

[ISiddiqui]

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?

Yeah, you are definately reading your own biases into the movie.

All the ending really signified (at least for me) was the coming threat and the time period. It was the very end of the Mayans; well after the period of their greatness, well into their decline. I doubt anyone who saw the Mayan city in all its splendor would have considered them to be "indistinguishably stupid savages".

If anything that boat was far, far, far from hope and more like dread. The protagonist saves his family, but everyone knows what the Spanish boats mean. Death, destruction, and slavery on an unprecidented level (the Mayans and Aztecs were chump change compared to the Spanish). Nothing even close to resembling hope.

I'm not sure how you completely got the opposite from the intended effect.

[Lorena]

I hope you guys don't mind, but I'll be posting some tv shows we've been renting from Netflix:

Band of Brothers
9.8/10

When Antmeister suggested we rent this, I wasn't sure, but after watching the first episode I was hooked. This mini-series originally aired on HBO tells the story of Easy Company and their experiences during WWII. Great acting, directing, cinematography, sound, everything was phenomenal. Do yourself a favor and rent this.. not just for entertainment purposes.

Dead Like Me, Season 1
8.8/10

Georgia Lass goes out to lunch and as she looks up at the sky, she gets hit by a toilet that fell from a Russian spacecraft and dies. She becomes a grim reaper and is asked to take people's souls via a yellow sticky note. People die in every single episode and some of the deaths are just ridiculous. Like the guy that slipped on a banana peel by a revolving door and gets his head crushed; or the guy who comes in to change the water bottle in a cooler when he slips only to have the water bottle fall on top of him.

Pure ridiculousness. The first 2-3 episodes were just okay, but it really took off afterward. This was originally aired on Showtime.

Lost - Season 1
9.8/10

It's Lost Season 1... c'mon.

[MikeVic]

Not a movie I watched, but movie-related...

I like when Blockbuster and other video rental places have previously viewed movies on sale for dirt cheap. I went to rent Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang (I think Shorty said it was one of his favourite movies of the past few years, and I wanted to watch it for awhile before reading that)... and they had some 4-for-$20 deal.

I ended up picking up Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang, Munich, Syriana, and some Russian movie (I think?) that sounded like it had a cool story on the back, and had the approval of Tarantino. lol. Good deals.

[Surtt]

Finally went to Pirates of the Caribbean 3 last night.

I agree the special effects were incredible, but I was fairly disappointed with the rest.

I really liked the first 2 especially the way the characters interacted. In the 3rd, they seamed to say the heck with it, we will just have everyone try to screw everyone else. I know in the first 2 everyone had their own agenda and that was part of the movies charm, but it seems to me they went too far in the the 3rd.

Instead of letting the movie flow everything was over done, trying to top the last one (a very common problem with sequels).



I thought the ending was sad.
Unlike Tia Dalma, Elizabeth is not immortal. It seems like she will have a lonely life only getting to see Will 4 or 5 days of it.

Also, is it just my imagination or did everyone Elizabeth kiss die shortly after ward?

[Doug5984]

Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer 5/10

Ok, well I didn't like the first one, had low expectations going into this one... I really felt like the first 20 minutes of the movie could have been condensed a lot more. Maybe it's just me, but I don't care about the wedding stuff. I know it needs to be in there for story and all, but it seemed so forced and strung out. Some of the special effects were cool, but I don't think I got my $6.50 worth. If this would have been a netflix rental it would have probably been rated higher since it wouldn't have cost me as much... All the cool silver surfer moments were in the previews... Could have watched those a few times and been more satisfied.

[MikeVic]

I thought the ending was sad.
Unlike Tia Dalma, Elizabeth is not immortal. It seems like she will have a lonely life only getting to see Will 4 or 5 days of it.

Also, is it just my imagination or did everyone Elizabeth kiss die shortly after ward?



Isn't Will back forever after serving 10 years? Did you stay until after the credits?

[Surtt]

Isn't Will back forever after serving 10 years? Did you stay until after the credits?



I thought that was just his second day, 10 years later.
I didn't see any indication he was back to stay.

Who would be the captain of the Flying Dutchman then? Did they kill someone else?

[MikeVic]

I thought that was just his second day, 10 years later.
I didn't see any indication he was back to stay.

Who would be the captain of the Flying Dutchman then? Did they kill someone else?



Ah, so a day in the other world is equal to 10 years of our time?

[rkmsuf]

Hey, you two should get a room.

[MikeVic]

Hey, you two should get a room.


Wanna join us? ;)

[rkmsuf]

Wanna join us? ;)


I'm strangely aroused by the spoiler button.

[Surtt]

Ah, so a day in the other world is equal to 10 years of our time?



I thought the closing scene happened 10 years later.

I must have missed something,
I thought it showed Will leaving to go back to the nether would with Elizabeth and his now 10 year old daughter (from their first time together) waving good bye.

[TazFTW]

I hope you guys don't mind, but I'll be posting some tv shows we've been renting from Netflix:

Band of Brothers
9.8/10

When Antmeister suggested we rent this, I wasn't sure, but after watching the first episode I was hooked. This mini-series originally aired on HBO tells the story of Easy Company and their experiences during WWII. Great acting, directing, cinematography, sound, everything was phenomenal. Do yourself a favor and rent this.. not just for entertainment purposes.

Dead Like Me, Season 1
8.8/10

Georgia Lass goes out to lunch and as she looks up at the sky, she gets hit by a toilet that fell from a Russian spacecraft and dies. She becomes a grim reaper and is asked to take people's souls via a yellow sticky note. People die in every single episode and some of the deaths are just ridiculous. Like the guy that slipped on a banana peel by a revolving door and gets his head crushed; or the guy who comes in to change the water bottle in a cooler when he slips only to have the water bottle fall on top of him.

Pure ridiculousness. The first 2-3 episodes were just okay, but it really took off afterward. This was originally aired on Showtime.

Lost - Season 1
9.8/10

It's Lost Season 1... c'mon.

As someone who owns all of those sets, good choices. :)

[MikeVic]

I thought the closing scene happened 10 years later.

I must have missed something,
I thought it showed Will leaving to go back to the nether would with Elizabeth and his now 10 year old daughter (from their first time together) waving good bye.




Yeah, I think it happened 10 years later too. But I thought it showed him coming home...? Damn, what happened now. Haha.

[Surtt]

Yeah, I think it happened 10 years later too. But I thought it showed him coming home...? Damn, what happened now. Haha.



Either way, was there some indication that he could stay?

[BrianD]

Discussion of Pirates 3 (to help people see what they may be spoiled about)...
Either way, was there some indication that he could stay?


The reunion did happen 10 years later. There has been some talk around here and in other parts that a supposed conversation took place to say that a captain of the Dutchman could come back to the real world if his true love waited for him for the 10 years, but the dialog was cut from the movie. Whether this is true or not is up for debate.

[Surtt]

The reunion did happen 10 years later. There has been some talk around here and in other parts that a supposed conversation took place to say that a captain of the Dutchman could come back to the real world if his true love waited for him for the 10 years, but the dialog was cut from the movie. Whether this is true or not is up for debate.

If that is the case, it completely changes the ending. I can not imagine why they would cut the it.

[BrianD]

It WASN'T cut from the movie. It happened and it made the final scene the proof that Will had done his job properly. It was actually discussed right as he sailed off the first time.

Do you have a transcript of that anywhere? I don't remember it being in the movie.

[Surtt]

Do you have a transcript of that anywhere? I don't remember it being in the movie.

I missed it too.

[Blade6119]

count me as missing it well

[ISiddiqui]

Add to another who missed it. I don't recall it being in there... but I know there has been speculation that that was the case. Not sure where it came from.

If that is the case, then what happens to the Flying Dutchman? It MUST have a captain, after all.

[LoneStarGirl]

I missed the end of Pirates 3 , after the credits... can you find it on youtube or any other site? I tried but can't

[sabotai]

I missed the end of Pirates 3 , after the credits... can you find it on youtube or any other site? I tried but can't

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsZdJPSlBD0

[BrianD]

Spoiler tag going back in.
It happened during one of the conversations with Calypso. I understood it perfectly and found the after credit scene predictable because of it.

I'd still like to see any kind of youtube video or transcript (even in discussion) of this dialog.

Every discussion of this event I can find is about how the dialog was supposed to be there but got cut. There is also talk about the curse and how the captain can return to land once every 10 years to be with his love. Why would it have to be once every 10 years if the curse was lifted after the first time?

And the after credit scene was predictable with or without the dialog.

[st.cronin]

Queen Margot Ugh, totally incomprehensible. Its a biopic of Henry IVs wife, and there's lots of sex and violence and some violent sex thrown in as well. The story made no sense to me, although I'm not particularly familiar with the history. I also recently watched an Eric Rohmer film and Indochine, and I don't know what the hell I was thinking renting all these french films. They've all been terrible.

[Lathum]

and I don't know what the hell I was thinking renting all these french films. They've all been terrible.

because your gay?

[Lorena]

Cars
8.5/10

Lightning McQueen gets stranded in Radiator Springs where he finds true friends. The more I watched the movie the more I appreciated the hard work that was put into making the 3D moving animation. Cool story, we all enjoyed it.

[Karlifornia]

Cars
8.5/10

Lightning McQueen gets stranded in Radiator Springs where he finds true friends.


I wish my car would get stranded in radiator springs....I'd be willing to drive one of it's true friends at this point...I guess that's neither here nor there.

(Just kidding, Red Rocket....don't die on me tomorrow en route to work!!!)

[Butter_of_69]

Evan Almighty
5.5

Your standard warm and fuzzy, inoffensive, mildly amusing, completely predictable, family friendly Hollywood blockbuster comedy. The "rude humor" in it is barely rude at all, and this movie could easily have gotten a G rating. I enjoyed how much my kids liked it, and I laughed a couple of times... but it wasn't all that great.

[Ryche]

Evan Almighty
5.5

Your standard warm and fuzzy, inoffensive, mildly amusing, completely predictable, family friendly Hollywood blockbuster comedy. The "rude humor" in it is barely rude at all, and this movie could easily have gotten a G rating. I enjoyed how much my kids liked it, and I laughed a couple of times... but it wasn't all that great.

I liked it slightly more than you did, but your description pretty much nails it. I wish they hadn't shown the boat in the flood during previews, took away what little suspense there was for how it would end.

[bob]

Slightly off topic, but has anyone seen the BBC America miniseries "The State Within"? If so, any reviews?

I have a gift card to burn at blockbuster and was looking at ordering this, but would like to hear from someone who has seen it.

[cthomer5000]

Once - probably the best movie I've seen yet this year. Low budget Irish indie film about an Irish musician and a Czech girl he meets. It's a borderline musical in the respect that a lot of screen time is dedicated to them composing/performing songs, but for me it worked incredibly well. Maybe a bit of a music-heavy version of Before Sunrise.

I guess 4 of 5 stars at least. Really enjoyed it a great deal.

[BrianD]

I had a free movie ticket, so I went ahead and watched this again. The scene to look for is in the last few minutes. After the battle of ships, they get into the long discussion over who will captain the Flying Dutchman/Black Pearl etc. It is during that time that it is mentioned. It's very clear and is part of what made Will's decision so surprising.

In the last few minutes after the ship battles is a short conversation between Will and his father. His father comments that 10 years at sea for 1 day on land is a hard price to pay. Will responds that it depends on the day. Is this the conversation you are talking about?

[BrianD]

Yeah, there's a bit more to it, and allusions to it in a few other spots, but that's the big part of it.

Here is the whole conversation in that scene. I guess I still don't see it.

Bootstrap: Orders sir?

Will: You’re no longer bound to the Duchman. You’re free.

Bootstrap: Aye. That’s a fine thing but by my reckoning I still have a debt to be paid…if you’ll have me.

Will: On the wheel then Mr. Turner.

Bootstrap: Aye Captain Turner.

Bootstrap: This ship has a purpose again, and where we are bound, she cannot come. One day ashore, 10 years at sea…it’s a steep price for what’s been done.

Will: Depends on the one day.

[Doug5984]

Can I rate a trailer?

The movie- The Ten. Directed by David Wain, looks amazing- it is an independent release, so I don't think it'll make it to where I am but I can't wait to see this. I give the the trailer, and the teaser each a 10/10.

thetenmovie.com is the website.

Looks similar to Wet Hot American Summer which I found to be one of the funniest movies I've seen.

[Honolulu_Blue]

The Proposition. 8/10

This movie came out in 2005 (I think). It's a Western set in the Australia outback. It's got a very solid cast including Guy Pearce, Ray Winstone, and Emily Watson.

It's a very raw, gritty, brutal western (similar to "The Unforgiven"). The music is great and was done by Nick Cave (of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds). Cave also wrote the script.

For anyone who likes westerns, it's definitely worth seeing. The scenery is beautiful, if not desolate, and the Outback itself plays a big a role in the film as any character. The performances are very solid across the board, in particular Winstone.

[Johnny93g]

Evan Almighty 4/10

Not really much going on. An interesting concept, somewhat entertaining. Can't say i remember any jokes or LOL moments from the movie at all. The fat assistant to Steve Carrel was the best part of the movie, next to Lauren Graham. She is hot in it.

[QuikSand]

Slightly off topic, but has anyone seen the BBC America miniseries "The State Within"? If so, any reviews?

I have a gift card to burn at blockbuster and was looking at ordering this, but would like to hear from someone who has seen it.

I have it sitting on my TiVo, and have heardd that the first of the three episodes is one of the best hours ever on television, and that it's okay from there on. I intend to give it a watch when I get home and settled back in.

[bob]

I have it sitting on my TiVo, and have heardd that the first of the three episodes is one of the best hours ever on television, and that it's okay from there on. I intend to give it a watch when I get home and settled back in.

If you have a chance, please review once you get around to watching it.

[rowech]

1408 -- 9/10

My heart raced for an hour non-stop in this movie. Cusack (who I normally hate) was very good.

[BrianD]

1408 -- 9/10

My heart raced for an hour non-stop in this movie. Cusack (who I normally hate) was very good.

I would probably rate it a 7.5 or 8, but that might have something to do with the middle school field trip that attended the movie with us. In general it was very enjoyable with lots of good tension. One of the guys I went with walked out of the theater with leg cramps because he was so tense for so long.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Cusack (who I normally hate) was very good.

I didn't know anyone hated John Cusack. How can you hate John Cusack? 16 Candles, Better Off Dead, Sure Thing, One Crazy Summer, Say Anything, The Grifters, Gross Pointe Blank, Being John Malkovich, High Fidelity?

I thought everyone loved John Cusack.

[rowech]

I didn't know anyone hated John Cusack. How can you hate John Cusack? 16 Candles, Better Off Dead, Sure Thing, One Crazy Summer, Say Anything, The Grifters, Gross Pointe Blank, Being John Malkovich, High Fidelity?

I thought everyone loved John Cusack.

I don't know what it is. I don't know if its just the way he looks. The parts he's played....Just one of those things....so much so I've only seen two of the movies you've even listed along with Identity. What movie do you think he's at his best?

[BrianD]

I don't know what it is. I don't know if its just the way he looks. The parts he's played....Just one of those things....so much so I've only seen two of the movies you've even listed along with Identity. What movie do you think he's at his best?

If you've seen a few of his movies, you pretty much know what he is about. He seems to play pretty much the same type of character in every movie.

[larrymcg421]

Say Anything is definitely Cusack at his best. He seriously creates one of the coolest characters I've ever seen on film.

"I don't want to sell anything, buy anything, or process anything as a career. I don't want to sell anything bought or processed, or buy anything sold or processed, or process anything sold, bought, or processed, or repair anything sold, bought, or processed." - Lloyd Dobler

[Lathum]

I thought he was great in 8 men out

[Chief Rum]

I don't know what it is. I don't know if its just the way he looks. The parts he's played....Just one of those things....so much so I've only seen two of the movies you've even listed along with Identity. What movie do you think he's at his best?

There are tons of movies to see John Cusack in, but I have always felt a good starting point (besides Say Anything) from HBlue's movies above would be Better Off Dead, Gross Pointe Blank and High Fidelity.

I don't see how anyone could watch those four movies and come away with the impression Cusack isn't one of the better underrated actors in our (X) generation.

[st.cronin]

Continuing my tour of French Cinema...

Red Best one yet. Non-traditional narrative, crazy visuals, and an ending that is pretty much perfect in every way, despite being a terrible cliche.

[sabotai]

I thought he was great in 8 men out

QFT

[cthomer5000]

you cant deny Cusack in Say Anything:

I got a question. If you guys know so much about women, how come you're here at like the Gas 'n' Sip on a Saturday night completely alone drinking beers with no women anywhere?

[Karlifornia]

Reno 911!: Miami!

6/10

I was going to give it 5 out of 10, but it earned a extra point with one quote:

"Get a load of Spoder!"

[Neuqua]

Van Wilder 2: Rise of Taj

1 out of 10 - STAY AWAY!

[Groundhog]

Surely Van Wilder 1 was all the warning you needed to stay the heck away from 2??

[Lorena]

Continuing my tour of French Cinema...

Red Best one yet. Non-traditional narrative, crazy visuals, and an ending that is pretty much perfect in every way, despite being a terrible cliche.

After reading your review I added it along with the other 2 installments of the color trilogy (Blue and White)... interesting concept.

[KWhit]

Van Wilder 2: Rise of Taj

1 out of 10 - STAY AWAY!


Why in the world would you see that movie?

[cthomer5000]

Surely Van Wilder 1 was all the warning you needed to stay the heck away from 2??

Van Wilder was actually a surprisingly entertaining movie.. the 2nd one looked so terrible though that I'm surprised anyone got suckered into it.

[ntndeacon]

A Mighty Heart 8/10
The was a very good film. Angelina Jolie was fantastic as Mariane Pearl. And Irfan Khan was very good as Captain as well. I thought they showed violence inherent in the system on both sides very well without showing any on screen. Well worth your time in a summer of Sequels.

[Izulde]

Queen Margot Ugh, totally incomprehensible. Its a biopic of Henry IVs wife, and there's lots of sex and violence and some violent sex thrown in as well. The story made no sense to me, although I'm not particularly familiar with the history. I also recently watched an Eric Rohmer film and Indochine, and I don't know what the hell I was thinking renting all these french films. They've all been terrible.

That movie did suck. Incidentally, so did the film I watched the other night that I'll review later, though it wasn't French.. I should have been warned when the box proudly shouted that it was in the vein of Queen Margot.

There's some good French films out there... seriously.

[Lorena]

The Big Lebowski
9.1/10

Dude, shit, fuck, man, 'nam, bowling, White Russians... that's about the whole movie right there. I haven't laughed this hard in a while. John Goodman had me rolling especially after the fight outside the bowling alley, "You antisemite!"... oh fuck... just thinking about it makes me bust a gut. Fucking ridiculous man :D :D :D

[Groundhog]

The Big Lebowski
9.1/10

Dude, shit, fuck, man, 'nam, bowling, White Russians... that's about the whole movie right there. I haven't laughed this hard in a while. John Goodman had me rolling especially after the fight outside the bowling alley, "You antisemite!"... oh fuck... just thinking about it makes me bust a gut. Fucking ridiculous man :D :D :D

I absolutely love this movie.

[thesloppy]

Some new shit has come to light, man...

[Groundhog]

The introduction scene of Jesus is one of the greatest scenes ever.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Just got back from Surf's Up ... and thought about this thread before I even got out of the theater parking lot.

At worst, it's arguably the prettiest new animation I've seen in any movie. Simply gorgeous at times and yet believable, and if you remember any of the surfing documentaries like Endless Summer the influence on the cinematography (or whatever the animated equivalent is) is obvious.

It's not real deep (although there is enough story to hold the movie together), it's not preachy (although there is a moral to the story), it's not a laugh riot (although there are laughs).

What it is, though, is the most enjoyable animated movie I've seen in at least a year (and we see most of them) and the happiest I've been coming out of a theater in quite a while too.

What it isn't (contrary to impression that I believe might be hurting it a lot) is anything at all like Happy Feet, the penguin thing is pretty much coincidental & is hardly used as a plot device at all.

I have a feeling this won't last in the theaters much longer, with Ratatouille opening this weekend, but if you get a chance & enjoy modern animation then try to catch this before it closes. If you've got kids in the 5-10 age range, then I'd suggest putting it ahead of the opening weekend of Rat and catching it a week later.

[Lathum]

Back to the Future 9/10

[Butter_of_69]

8.5/10 - Excellent movie. Seemed like the ending was a bit too convenient, but Cusack was phenomenal in this and the whole concept was well done.

I'll go with this review of 1408. It was quite good.

[Fouts]

If you've got kids in the 5-10 age range, then I'd suggest putting it ahead of the opening weekend of Rat and catching it a week later.

Took all my kids (age 8-14) to Surf's Up and they loved it. Much better than the last 2 animated movies we saw -- Shrek the Third and Happily N'ever After.

[miked]

The introduction scene of Jesus is one of the greatest scenes ever.

Nobody fucks with the Jesus.

[twothree]

Just watched the new Die Hard movie. I really enjoyed it. In my opinion it was as good as the first Die Hard movie. Lots of good old school action where the main character absorbs a ton of damage but keeps on going. It even had a few moments where the dialog had everyone in the theater laughing.

[rowech]

Just watched the new Die Hard movie. I really enjoyed it. In my opinion it was as good as the first Die Hard movie. Lots of good old school action where the main character absorbs a ton of damage but keeps on going. It even had a few moments where the dialog had everyone in the theater laughing.

Not as good as the first one but definitely worth the money. Better than the second one and probably better than the third. Even at PG13, the movie will keep your attention. You'll have to suspend belief for a couple of scenes though!

[Lorena]

Fast Food Nation
6.9/10

I appreciate the message this movie was trying to pass along, but they tried to do waaay too much in 113 minutes. If they got rid of the 20 minutes Ethan Hawke was in, it would have been a much, much better movie... dunno why he was even in it.

Anyway, great, great book.. not so great movie. Any movie Avril Lavigne is talking serious issues can't be taken too seriously. The acting was pretty bad in some parts too, not just by her. Do yourself a favor and read the book instead.

EDIT to add: Another thing that bothered me about this movie was when Mexicans were crossing the border illegally. The women's hair and makeup were darn near perfect and they were wearing pretty decent clothes. Not only that, but the supposed illegals had a very Americanized "Mexican accent", if that makes any sense.

[Honolulu_Blue]

That movie did suck. Incidentally, so did the film I watched the other night that I'll review later, though it wasn't French.. I should have been warned when the box proudly shouted that it was in the vein of Queen Margot.

There's some good French films out there... seriously.

I thought Queen Margot was excellent. I haven't seen it in well over 10 years, but I quite enjoyed back in the day. I loved the political intrigue. I still can't believe that Isabelle Adjani was almost 40 when she was in that movie.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Hard Candy
7/10

It was an interesting twist on the who pedophile/cyber-stalker as predator theme. I found some of it a bit far-fetched and over-the-top, but the two leads were excellent. I think there were 5 speaking roles in the entire movie, three of which have about a total of 3 minutes of screen time.

Ellen Page (who played Kitty Pryde in X-Men 3) was really, really impressive. I thought Patrick Wilson (who's been tabbed as Night Owl in the Watchmen movie) was excellent in a pretty thankless role. I have to say, knowing he was going to be Night Owl distracted me throughout the whole movie. (I think he'll make a great Night Owl, but he was a little young and far too fit to play him., but he had the right look and solid acting chaps).

Between the solid performances of the two leads what the director did with color in the film, there are just a ton of very vibrant primary colors throughout (I'm sure there was a rhyme or reason to them, but I'd have to watch it again to pick up the pattern), it was decent enough.

[Groundhog]

Transformers - 5/10

Very dissapointing. Pretty, but absolutely no substance. I wasn't expecting a masterpiece, but they managed to almost completely screw up what should have been the easiest action flick in the world, and made it cringe-worthy for me. People all around me were laughing at unintentionally funny scenes right throughout.

[Lathum]

Transformers - 5/10

Very dissapointing. Pretty, but absolutely no substance. I wasn't expecting a masterpiece, but they managed to almost completely screw up what should have been the easiest action flick in the world, and made it cringe-worthy for me. People all around me were laughing at unintentionally funny scenes right throughout.

how the hell did you see it already?

[Groundhog]

how the hell did you see it already?

It's out in cinemas here in Australia.

It's not in the States yet?

[Karlifornia]

People all around me were laughing at unintentionally funny scenes right throughout.

Welp, this just moved from the "I couldn't care less" pile, to the "must rent" pile.

[Lathum]

It's out in cinemas here in Australia.

It's not in the States yet?

no, tuesday

[cthomer5000]

Hard Candy
7/10

It was an interesting twist on the who pedophile/cyber-stalker as predator theme. I found some of it a bit far-fetched and over-the-top, but the two leads were excellent. I think there were 5 speaking roles in the entire movie, three of which have about a total of 3 minutes of screen time.

Ellen Page (who played Kitty Pryde in X-Men 3) was really, really impressive. I thought Patrick Wilson (who's been tabbed as Night Owl in the Watchmen movie) was excellent in a pretty thankless role. I have to say, knowing he was going to be Night Owl distracted me throughout the whole movie. (I think he'll make a great Night Owl, but he was a little young and far too fit to play him., but he had the right look and solid acting chaps).

Between the solid performances of the two leads what the director did with color in the film, there are just a ton of very vibrant primary colors throughout (I'm sure there was a rhyme or reason to them, but I'd have to watch it again to pick up the pattern), it was decent enough.

There's probably a review from me somewhere in this thread. I liked it, but mostly i was impressed with Ellen Page. I'm willing to bet that she grabs an Oscar in the next 10 years. I think she's a pretty serious acting talent.

[Lorena]

1408 -- 9/10

My heart raced for an hour non-stop in this movie. Cusack (who I normally hate) was very good.

Yup, Cusack was really good. I was dissapointed Samuel Jackson was in it 15 minutes tops... I was expecting more.

I'd give it about an 8.1/10.

Back to the Future 9/10

One of my all-time favorites: 9.4/10

[ISiddiqui]

Live Free or Die Hard - 8/10: WOW! They don't make action movies like this anymore. A ton of explosions, gunfights, and incredible action sequences. Interspersed with some absolutely hilarious lines. The plot is a bit wierd, but its a traditional action flick, plot is irrelevent ;). Willis still has got it and Olyphant was excellent as the main baddie (even had some great lines).

Loved it!

[BrianD]

Live Free or Die Hard - 8/10: WOW! They don't make action movies like this anymore. A ton of explosions, gunfights, and incredible action sequences. Interspersed with some absolutely hilarious lines. The plot is a bit wierd, but its a traditional action flick, plot is irrelevent ;). Willis still has got it and Olyphant was excellent as the main baddie (even had some great lines).

Loved it!

I saw this movie today too, and this review seems right on. I wouldn't call this a "good" movie, but it is a very fun summer blockbuster. Go in expecting zero realism and a lot of excitement and you won't be disappointed.

[vex]

Live Free or Die Hard - 8/10: WOW! They don't make action movies like this anymore. A ton of explosions, gunfights, and incredible action sequences. Interspersed with some absolutely hilarious lines. The plot is a bit wierd, but its a traditional action flick, plot is irrelevent ;). Willis still has got it and Olyphant was excellent as the main baddie (even had some great lines).

Loved it!

9/10

Best movie of the summer. If it hadn't got a little slow towards the end it would have been 9.5 or 10/10.

[cthomer5000]

I saw this movie today too, and this review seems right on. I wouldn't call this a "good" movie, but it is a very fun summer blockbuster. Go in expecting zero realism and a lot of excitement and you won't be disappointed.

Yeah. If you like the Die Hard series, you'll like the movie. If you wanted to rip the movie, it would be easy enough to do (including one particularly absurd over-the-top action sequence).

And by the way, the fact that this movie is rated PG-13 and not R shows what an absurd system the current MPAA ratings are.

[Flasch186]

Breach 7/10

the fact that it was a true story helped. For being a suspense movie it was missing some of that and instead focused on relationships....which was fine but I felt, considering this was the largest spy scandal in our nation's history, it couldve been more suspenseful.

[rowech]

Yeah. If you like the Die Hard series, you'll like the movie. If you wanted to rip the movie, it would be easy enough to do (including one particularly absurd over-the-top action sequence).

And by the way, the fact that this movie is rated PG-13 and not R shows what an absurd system the current MPAA ratings are.

The one scene you talk about is probably the most absurd scene I've ever seen in a movie but I loved the movie nonetheless.

The rating system thing you mentioned I thought of as well. What does it take to get an R-rating? It's obvious, after watching that movie, violence is okay so long as you don't show too much blood/guts. Language is okay as long as you don't use f****.

[CamEdwards]

Saw the new Die Hard yesterday as well... I'd give it an 8 out of 10. The audience actually clapped and cheered as the credits started to roll (in a good way... not that they were cheering the fact that the movie was over), which I haven't seen at too many movies around here.

I liked the over the top action scene... but I didn't like the big cameo. It distracted me from immersing myself in the story.

[DanGarion]

9/10

Best movie of the summer. If it hadn't got a little slow towards the end it would have been 9.5 or 10/10.

Agreed 9 out of 10.

Olymphant is just a great actor, I loved the guy in Girl Next Door, he just knows how to play his parts.

[BrianD]

Assuming I am thinking of the right over the top action scene (seemed like there were a few), my wife and I laughed a few times during it. The scene was fun, but so outrageous that we had to laugh at it.


I liked the over the top action scene... but I didn't like the big cameo. It distracted me from immersing myself in the story.

What big cameo? I don't remember there being a big cameo. Feel free to spoiler protect if necessary.

[rowech]

Assuming I am thinking of the right over the top action scene (seemed like there were a few), my wife and I laughed a few times during it. The scene was fun, but so outrageous that we had to laugh at it.



What big cameo? I don't remember there being a big cameo. Feel free to spoiler protect if necessary.

It's not even really a cameo. He was listed in the credits so it's not some major surprise. Keven Smith is in the movie.

[BrianD]

It's not even really a cameo. He was listed in the credits so it's not some major surprise. Keven Smith is in the movie.

That would be why I didn't remember seeing a cameo...

[DanGarion]

It's not even really a cameo. He was listed in the credits so it's not some major surprise. Keven Smith is in the movie.
And they showed him in trailers. That's why I was confused when someone said cameo...

[Johnny93g]

Die Hard 4 7/10

Very fun, best action movie i've seen in a while. I'm a big Die Hard fan. Kevin Smith had a role in the movie, definatly isn't a cameo. My main critism is the language. This isn't a die hard we are used to hearing. It was a little weird not hearing what we usually hear from Maclean....eg "Looks like you just got buttf$%# on national tv, DWAYNE."

Overall, I liked it better then 3

[ISiddiqui]

The group I was with also commented on the rating. What a joke that is. Massive violence, but they didn't actually show body parts getting shredded or say fuck, so it's PG-13? Wow.

[cthomer5000]

The group I was with also commented on the rating. What a joke that is. Massive violence, but they didn't actually show body parts getting shredded or say fuck, so it's PG-13? Wow.

It's literally the first time I've ever been sitting in a movie theater and asked myself "hey, wait a minute... wasn't this rated PG-13?"

[Flasch186]

Alpha Dog 7/10

While it wasn't what I expected I thought that a look at the true story from a different angle was refreshing once I understood that they weren't going the typical action/suspense route. Obviously, the actors did a good job because I found myself yelling at the screen and feeling emotions for characters. I DO recommend this movie as long as you dont go into it looking for the same hum drum suspense type flick.

[Chief Rum]

Alpha Dog 7/10

While it wasn't what I expected I thought that a look at the true story from a different angle was refreshing once I understood that they weren't going the typical action/suspense route. Obviously, the actors did a good job because I found myself yelling at the screen and feeling emotions for characters. I DO recommend this movie as long as you dont go into it looking for the same hum drum suspense type flick.

Agreed. I liked this movie more than I thought, too, when I saw it in January. I'm almost choking saying it, but Timberlake actually does a good job, as do many of the other actors.

I guess I was lucky in that I didn't go in expecting ho hum suspense. Is that a sense you got from the ads when it came out, Flasch? The movie could have gone a number of ways with me, but I wasn't surprised with how they chose to do it.

[st.cronin]

White

I didn't like this one nearly as much as Red. The story didn't seem to flow from the characters in quite the same way, and there was just too much I was expected to buy that I couldn't.

[Lorena]

The Wicker Man - 4.6/10

Antmeister liked it, but I didn't. It was a bit slow and the "best" part of the movie was the ending. The part where he ordered the woman off the bike was horrible... just horrible.

Cannibal! The Musical 7.1/10

The overracting was so ridiculous it was funny. The makers of South Park made this movie based on RL cannibal Alferd Packer. The movie was made with about $125,000 and it was basically a bunch of college buddies, teachers and relatives. I laughed so much more after watching it with the drunk commentary.

[Groundhog]

Knocked Up - 8.0/10

Finally got around to watching it at the cinema thanks to some free movie tickets. Laugh out loud funny in numerous places, though also did a good job of using light-humour throughout the more serious parts. I thought the scene where they bust in on the husband thinking he's having an affair, only to find him in the middle of a fantasy baseball draft was particularily funny and hit close to home, as it's something that I'll probably get caught doing someday. Overall I didn't think it was as funny as some of the other comedies that have come out of the past couple of years (40 year old virgin, wedding crashers), but probably did a better job of the serious parts.

[Karlifornia]

Knocked Up - 8.0/10

I thought the scene where they bust in on the husband thinking he's having an affair, only to find him in the middle of a fantasy baseball draft was particularily funny and hit close to home, as it's something that I'll probably get caught doing someday.

Well, this has just shot up to the top of my "must see" list.

[Vinatieri for Prez]

The Wicker Man - 4.6/10

Antmeister liked it, but I didn't. It was a bit slow and the "best" part of the movie was the ending. The part where he ordered the woman off the bike was horrible... just horrible.

4.6! It's the only movie that honestly deserves a zero. I tried to warn everyone of this movie a long time ago. And I noticed you were in that thread and still decided to watch it.

http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=51990&highlight=wicker

The bike!? How about the bear costume? That was pure giggles.

[Flasch186]

Documentary - Maxed Out 7.0/10.0

Very well done documentary about the credit in this country, the spending, and the collections. It covers everything from the government to the collections people and the victims of buzzard-like mortgage companies who go to poor communities and peddle horrible mortgages to the uneducated. My only complaint is the font they chose for some of the info. cuts, I had to squint to sometimes read it. I recommend this move.

[BrianD]

The Wicker Man - 4.6/10

Antmeister liked it, but I didn't. It was a bit slow and the "best" part of the movie was the ending. The part where he ordered the woman off the bike was horrible... just horrible.


If you ever get a chance to see the original (assuming you haven't), see it. Much better movie. It is still a little bit slow in parts with too much bad music, but a much better movie. I watched the old and the new back to back and the difference was surprising.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Documentary - Maxed Out 7.0/10.0

Very well done documentary about the credit in this country, the spending, and the collections. It covers everything from the government to the collections people and the victims of buzzard-like mortgage companies who go to poor communities and peddle horrible mortgages to the uneducated. My only complaint is the font they chose for some of the info. cuts, I had to squint to sometimes read it. I recommend this move.

I just saw this last night. I'd give it a 6/10.

It's definitely worth seeing. It's criminal what the credit card companies do and how they prey on the the poor and desperate. The information is conveyed in an entertaining way and it's something everyone should know about.

My biggest complaint with the documentary was that they had not one, not two, but three stories about people who commited suicide because of all the credit card debt they had accumulated. That was just a bit too much, I think. They could have and did make the point that credit card companies are ruthless and take advantage of people and push them over the edge, without having to resort to maudlin displays, which it did.

The Harvard professor, who is interviewed throughout the movie, was on NPR a few months ago. She goes over a lot of the same stuff, but it was definitely worth a listen as well.

[MikeVic]

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang - 8/10
I was confused a bit, but maybe after repeated viewings I'll completely understand it and will really like it (ala Memento). The movie itself was good. Had funny lines and decent action. I liked how Downey Jr. would break the fourth wall during his narrating. I don't know the crime/noir author they were talking about, otherwise maybe I'd enjoy the movie even more.


Night Watch - 6.7/10
I'd like to give this between a 6.5 and a 7... The dubbed dialogue was really hard to understand at times, and so I had to turn on subtitles too. There were some really cool parts, but also some boring aspects of the movie. I was even more confused/lost during parts of this than during Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Again, if I watch this several times maybe I'll enjoy it more. But I don't know if I want to watch it more than just once more, considering I rarely re-watch movies anyway. The score MIGHT get bumped to a full 7/10 since there's Buffy playing in the background during a scene, and I'm currently wathcing that series... so that was cool. :)

[Lorena]

4.6! It's the only movie that honestly deserves a zero. I tried to warn everyone of this movie a long time ago. And I noticed you were in that thread and still decided to watch it.

http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=51990&highlight=wicker

The bike!? How about the bear costume? That was pure giggles.

Oh shit I even posted in there!! This was in Ant's Q so I blame him ;) No but seriously, I might have been a bit generous with the rating. Yeah the costumes were a little weird but figured cults IRL that do kooky things like that so I sorta let it slide (even though watching Cage in a bear costume was pretty silly).

Antmeister and I were discussing this move for quite a while, don't know why he liked it. Maybe he said he did because the movie I chose (The Producers, 1968 version) might actually be worse.

If you ever get a chance to see the original (assuming you haven't), see it. Much better movie. It is still a little bit slow in parts with too much bad music, but a much better movie. I watched the old and the new back to back and the difference was surprising.

In my Q, I'll have to move it up while the remake is still fresh in my mind.

[terpkristin]

Children of Men 4/10

I finally got around to seeing this, what a crap fest. I had high expectations for the movie, and I see what Cuaron was trying to do, but in the end, to me, it felt like a movie trying really hard to have too many messages/morals with way too much gratuitious violence. I may have rated this one higher if it hadn't gotten such rave reviews, but I was so let down...

/tk

[Butter_of_69]

Once - 10

This movie is dynamite. If you are a music lover (especially singer/songwriter or indiepop type stuff), the music in this is terrific, and the story and acting is surprisingly good. I thought I'd like it going in, but not to this degree. See it.

[sachmo71]

Once - 10

This movie is dynamite. If you are a music lover (especially singer/songwriter or indiepop type stuff), the music in this is terrific, and the story and acting is surprisingly good. I thought I'd like it going in, but not to this degree. See it.

This movie intrigues me. Please tell me more. I thought I heard it billed as a musical? Is that an accurate description?

[Butter_of_69]

A musical uses songs to tell parts of the story. This movie doesn't really do that. It is a movie where music is integral to the plot and is used widely throughout, but calling it a musical brings to mind (for me) a movie where the story is driven by the content of the songs. This is a movie about 2 people who collaborate on an album, so the songs come into play then...

The filmmaker actually has referred to it as a "video album", which also sounds a bit too far from the truth to me. But that is closer to what it is than a "musical". The movie is probably 50-70% music.

[finketr]

License to Wed - 7/10

Saw license to wed with my girlfriend saturday. I admit that it was fairly amusing.. i laughed out loud, so there ya go.

[larrymcg421]

License to Wed - 7/10

Saw license to wed with my girlfriend saturday. I admit that it was fairly amusing.. i laughed out loud, so there ya go.

Yikes. If it wasn't for Krasinski, this would have gotten a 0/10 from me.

[ISiddiqui]

Children of Men - 9/10: Brilliant movie! It was just a wonderfully done action/drama, that didn't try to shove the action in every scene. The story flowed nicely and built up to the climax gradually, adding more and more, slowly and slowly until the wonderful final scenes. Excellent cinematography (some of the best I've ever seen) and great acting. I know I'm getting this on DVD.

The hype was correct, IMO.

[Flasch186]

Stranger Than Fiction


Surprisingly the best movie I may have seen all year. The acting was VERY VERY good and the storyline was so neat that there are times when youre cheering for the character to reach the < > or get up the courage to < > or not say something stupid. It truly was great and I highly recommend it to anyone.

9/10

[LoneStarGirl]

Good Shephard - 6/10

Was fairly bored throughout the movie. GE and I fell asleep half way through and had to start it over the next day. The second half was better than the first but I was disappointed to say the least.

Pride - 7.5/10

I love Terrance Howard and he played a great coach in this movie, but it was lacking in some parts. I kept finding myself comparing it to Coach Carter and it wasn't as good. Bernie Mac made me laugh out loud a couple of times though.

[cthomer5000]

This movie intrigues me. Please tell me more. I thought I heard it billed as a musical? Is that an accurate description?

I would say "no." I think it's a music movie more than a musical. There aren't really any of the traditional sort of musical moments where people just spontaneously break into song.

Absolutely the best move I've seen this year though. Everyone should check it out.

[Pyser]

the frighteners - 8/10

really funny stuff, good effects for '95. still wouldnt have given peter jackson lord of the rings just based on this film, but thats why i dont run studios

[larrymcg421]

the frighteners - 8/10

really funny stuff, good effects for '95. still wouldnt have given peter jackson lord of the rings just based on this film, but thats why i dont run studios

One of the most underrated movies of the 90s. Very inventive mixture of several different genres. The sequence in the hospital at the end where he uses intercutting flashbacks that parallel the present action is absolutely brilliant.

Don't forget that Jackson already had Heavenly Creatures, for which he received an Oscar nomination. Also, he acquired the rights to LOTR, so he was choosing the studio, not the other way around.

[rowech]

One of the most underrated movies of the 90s. Very inventive mixture of several different genres. The sequence in the hospital at the end where he uses intercutting flashbacks that parallel the present action is absolutely brilliant.

Don't forget that Jackson already had Heavenly Creatures, for which he received an Oscar nomination. Also, he acquired the rights to LOTR, so he was choosing the studio, not the other way around.

Agreed on The Frighteners. It's a pretty solid movie.

[KWhit]

Little Miss Sunshine

I was really looking forward to this one after hearing so many good things about it. I did enjoy it, but don't think it lived up to expectations. It had its moments, and I enjoyed the payoff at the end (though I could see it coming from a mile away).

I'll give it a 7. Solid movie.

[MikeVic]

Little Miss Sunshine

I was really looking forward to this one after hearing so many good things about it. I did enjoy it, but don't think it lived up to expectations. It had its moments, and I enjoyed the payoff at the end (though I could see it coming from a mile away).

I'll give it a 7. Solid movie.

Yeah, I agree with this. It was nominated for an Oscar or something like that right? I watched it knowing the hype, and expected something unbelievable. It didn't deliver on that part, but it was still a good movie.

[Lorena]

Children of Men 4/10

I finally got around to seeing this, what a crap fest. I had high expectations for the movie, and I see what Cuaron was trying to do, but in the end, to me, it felt like a movie trying really hard to have too many messages/morals with way too much gratuitious violence. I may have rated this one higher if it hadn't gotten such rave reviews, but I was so let down...

/tk

Children of Men - 9/10: Brilliant movie! It was just a wonderfully done action/drama, that didn't try to shove the action in every scene. The story flowed nicely and built up to the climax gradually, adding more and more, slowly and slowly until the wonderful final scenes. Excellent cinematography (some of the best I've ever seen) and great acting. I know I'm getting this on DVD.

The hype was correct, IMO.

I liked it a lot. It's interesting to see so many different opinions on it. Before I saw it I heard it was good, but that's it.. not too much hype which was probably a good thing.

Now The Departed wasn't at all what I expected and the hype messed it up for me I think... so I see where you're coming from TK.

[Groundhog]

I liked it a lot. It's interesting to see so many different opinions on it. Before I saw it I heard it was good, but that's it.. not too much hype which was probably a good thing.

To me, Children of Men was a rare of example of living up to the hype.

Now The Departed wasn't at all what I expected and the hype messed it up for me I think... so I see where you're coming from TK.

Hype also helped kill The Departed for me - especially after seeing the original, which was the better film by a good distance.

[ISiddiqui]

The Devil Wear Prada - 6/10: Decent flick. Hathaway and Streep give great performances, but the movie version (I hear the book is much better) is a bit too predictable. Yes, she first doesn't fit in, then she starts playing the part and getting good at her job, and then... we'll you can easily fill in the rest. A bit formulaic, but saved from below 50% by some great performances.

Thank You for Smoking - 9/10: Wow... just an incredibly well done biting satire. I originally figured it'd skewer the tobacco industry and if it just did that (using the tobacco spokesman as its vehicle), it would have been great, but it doesn't stop there. It goes after anti-tobacco Senators trying to hog the limelight and the press who feeds on the controversy. And the movie was just plain hilarious. What made it funnier was that it was thiiiiis close to real life.

[cthomer5000]

The Devil Wear Prada - 6/10: Decent flick. Hathaway and Streep give great performances, but the movie version (I hear the book is much better) is a bit too predictable. Yes, she first doesn't fit in, then she starts playing the part and getting good at her job, and then... we'll you can easily fill in the rest. A bit formulaic, but saved from below 50% by some great performances.

Actually, i didnt think the ending was exactly formulatic. I was stunned to find i was actually enjoying the movie, but the ending was nonsensical from the point of the established characters and their motivations. I hated the ending, because i felt it was totally disloyal to the reality the movie had constructed.

Streep was fantastic in this, and i was really surprised when i had to concede the Oscar nomination was probably justified.

[ISiddiqui]

Oh come on, you didn't see that

the main character would realize she had totally sold out and was living a lie and would decide to go back to who she really was instead of this haughty person she had become? That's like standard chick flick right there

[Groundhog]

I think you're both right. The ending was formulatic and unsurprising, yet also managed to be completely unrealistic given the entire rest of the movie. Before it hit the ending I'd give it a 4 for being dumb yet not vomit inducing. After the ending, it drops to 3.

[Chief Rum]

Stranger Than Fiction


Surprisingly the best movie I may have seen all year. The acting was VERY VERY good and the storyline was so neat that there are times when youre cheering for the character to reach the < > or get up the courage to < > or not say something stupid. It truly was great and I highly recommend it to anyone.

9/10

Saw this one last week, and I really enjoyed it, too. Not 9/10 enjoyed, but 7-8ish, so pretty good.

[Chief Rum]

the frighteners - 8/10

really funny stuff, good effects for '95. still wouldnt have given peter jackson lord of the rings just based on this film, but thats why i dont run studios

One of my little dark horse faves. I always enjoy when this movie comes in. Much better than it gets credit for, IMO.

[ISiddiqui]

I think you're both right. The ending was formulatic and unsurprising, yet also managed to be completely unrealistic given the entire rest of the movie. Before it hit the ending I'd give it a 4 for being dumb yet not vomit inducing. After the ending, it drops to 3.

Well, even though its dumb, the movie gets a bit bumped up because Streep is amazing in her role. Just brilliantly casted.

[cthomer5000]

Well, even though its dumb, the movie gets a bit bumped up because Streep is amazing in her role. Just brilliantly casted.

Yeah, I think Groundhog bridged the gap between us. And we all agree Streep made the movie watchable.

[sabotai]

Inside Man - 7/10

I really liked this movie. A bank heist movie with a twist. The only real problem I had with the movie was Jodie Foster. She did not pull off that character at all and it brought the movie down a bit, IMO. Just happy she didn't have a lot of screen time. I think I also have a huge man-crush on Clive Owen.

[Lorena]

Wicker Man (1973) - 7.7/10

The remake messed it up for me, we should have seen this one first. I like how this movie focused more on religion than the disappearance of the girl.

When the Levees Broke - 8.6/10

Great documentary about Katrina directed by Spike Lee. I really enjoyed the material but technically it could have been better. There was one part where the music was so loud it was hard to hear what was being said... minus 0.5 for that.

Firefly - 9.7/10

This show was aired for 1 season on the Sci-Fi Channel. It's a mix of western and sci-fi set 500 years in the future. The crew's wit and sarcasm made it extremely enjoyable.

Serenity - 8.2/10

I had seen this movie before but wanted to watch it again after finishing the series and was dissapointed. The crew seemed "made up". The mechanic girl lost some weight and didn't have that ragged look, and the companion wasn't as striking as she was on the show. I enjoyed the story, gon't get me wrong, but it wasn't as amusing or funny as the show.

[korme]

Babel - 8.5/10
I bought this around the time of the Academy Awards but never got around to watching it. Just so many people lamented about how slow and boring it was. Well, those people will probably not be taken seriously with their movie reviews by me any longer. I thought it was a great film, I am all about movies with long drawn-out scenes that are slow to develop at times. The Godfather was like that. Pitt is just a remarkable actor, by the way. As if you didn't know. I recommend it.

Black Snake Moan - 7/10
I liked the characters. A bunch of rednecks centering around this hot little piece of ass (Ricci) who just needs sex at all times. She shows her boobs in four different scenes, what's not to love? A good movie to waste a night with.

Shooter - 7.5/10
Mindless action with a cliche beginning. Solid fun, however, as there is some great shots and it's cool with a lot of views through the eye of a sniper.

Transformers - 8/10
I've heard everything from it being good to it being shit. Well, I was satisfied. It had it's funny moments and of course it had some great action scenes. My only complaint is that sometimes in a battle between two robots it was hard to differentiate the good from the bad. All in all, you could really tell this was a Michael Bay film.

Bobby - 9/10
I'm disappointed that I waited this long to see the film. I was continually amazed at how many people in the movie I recognized, a full gamut from people who haven't had a hit in years (Estevez, Stone, Hunt), to excellent supporting cast actors (Macy, Wood, Kutcher), to young up-and-comers (Shia LaBeouf, Mary Elizabeth Winstead). Great movie, makes you wonder how differen't the United States would have been had RFK not been assassinated.

[korme]

The Graduate (1967) - 8.5/10
If you didn't already know this was Dustin Hoffman's first starring role, you'd have a hard time believing it. He does such a good job as Benjamin Braddock, a nervous and shy 20 year old fresh from college who is seduced by a friend of the family, Mrs. Robinson. As an affair begins, he falls for her daughter and hilarity ensues.

Midnight Cowboy (1969) - 8/10
"Everybody's Talkin" has been stuck in my head since I watched it last night. I liked this movie a great deal, and if I re-watch both I might be more inclined to watch this one again. It's so magnificent through it's depressing situations; Voight's character is a good ole boy from Texas who is naive about the big city in New York, and Hoffman's Rattzo is a small-time con-man trying to make ends meat day by day.

I'M WALKIN HERE!

[BrianD]

I'M WALKIN HERE!

I always find it funny that this quote became so big. The cab that almost ran them down was a real cab that broke the barricade to try to get past the set. Hoffman never broke character and ran with it. Pretty cool that a top-50 all time quote (or whatever AFI rated it) came from an ad-lib.

[korme]

I always find it funny that this quote became so big. The cab that almost ran them down was a real cab that broke the barricade to try to get past the set. Hoffman never broke character and ran with it. Pretty cool that a top-50 all time quote (or whatever AFI rated it) came from an ad-lib.

Yeah, I found that out through Inside the Actor's Studio. Pretty cool that Dusty stayed in character and didn't miss a beat.

[cthomer5000]

Shooter - 7.5/10

Transformers - 8/10

those people will probably not be taken seriously with their movie reviews by me any longer

I'm right there with you brother. If I could put someone on ignore for a single thread, i'd be doing it right now.

[larrymcg421]

All in all, you could really tell this was a Michael Bay film.

I can't see how this is supposed to be a good thing.

[Bad-example]

Thank You for Smoking - 9/10: Wow... just an incredibly well done biting satire. I originally figured it'd skewer the tobacco industry and if it just did that (using the tobacco spokesman as its vehicle), it would have been great, but it doesn't stop there. It goes after anti-tobacco Senators trying to hog the limelight and the press who feeds on the controversy. And the movie was just plain hilarious. What made it funnier was that it was thiiiiis close to real life.

I very much enjoyed this one. Excellent casting. Great writing. Aaron Eckhart was fantastic in the lead role and David Koechner was funny as the NRA lobbyist.8/10

[Karlifornia]

Snakes On a Plane-6/10

It was akin to cashing 1,000 checks worth a penny apiece, and then cashing 1 check worth $1,000. The payoff is, of course, "I've had it with these motherfucking snakes on this motherfucking plane."

It's a great line....Worth 3 points by itself...I didn't even bother to watch the ending. Didn't really care who lived or died.

[Vinatieri for Prez]

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang - 8/10
I was confused a bit, but maybe after repeated viewings I'll completely understand it and will really like it (ala Memento). The movie itself was good. Had funny lines and decent action. I liked how Downey Jr. would break the fourth wall during his narrating. I don't know the crime/noir author they were talking about, otherwise maybe I'd enjoy the movie even more.

Just watched this tonight. I agree it was good. A little confusing, but after digesting for a little bit it works itself out. I'd actually go up to 8.5, pushing 9. It was well done, and refreshing. I have now finally come to the conclusion that Downey is just a darn good actor.

[BrianD]

Yeah, I found that out through Inside the Actor's Studio. Pretty cool that Dusty stayed in character and didn't miss a beat.

That is very possibly where I got it too. I'm always amazed by actors that can stay in character in odd situations, or fall back into character even years later.

[cthomer5000]

.

According to producer Jerome Hellman (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0375477/) on the two-disc DVD's commentary, the famous line, "I'm walkin' here!", contrary to all other accounts, was actually scripted. The cab driver was, in fact, an actor hired to almost drive into Dustin Hoffman (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000163/). The production team made the take look as though it was an ad-lib.

[Lorena]

Hot Fuzz - 8.5/10

The first part of it was pretty good but the last 30 minutes were hysterically funny, I couldn't stop laughing. You can tell they had a blast making this movie.

"By the power of Greyskull!!"

[rowech]

Inside Man -- 8/10 -- good movie that ran out of steam in my opinion

Rescue Dawn -- 7/10 -- I can see people who really lived this in some way or want to live it giving it a 10/10. Steve Zahn's performance is nothing short of amazing. Christian Bale (a fav of mine) is probably oscar nomination worth but Zahn could have a real shot at winning.

[Lorena]

300 - 7.3/10

I kinda zoned out when Leonidas gave those speeches, the actor wasn't convincing. Faromir would have done a better job, I think. The cinematography and fighting scenes saved the movie, IMO. Another thing that bothered me was why the Spartans didn't wear armor? I mean seriously, who goes into battle with cloths on their backs and underwear?

As I was watching people getting stabbed, beheaded with blood squirting all over the place I wondered how this got an R rating? This might be the most graphically violent movie I've seen.

[rowech]

The Bourne Ultimatium - 9/10 -- Loved it. Probably my favorite of the three.

[Flasch186]

hmmmm,

Zodiac - 8 / 10

I truly loved the movie and it seemed to stay true to the story. I thought the acting was very good and it did at times have me on the edge of my seat.

[Flasch186]

The Dead Girl


8 / 10

It was very well acted with some real "wow" moments. Heart wrenching at times and suspenseful at others. Definitely one to watch.

[Chief Rum]

hmmmm,

Zodiac - 8 / 10

I truly loved the movie and it seemed to stay true to the story. I thought the acting was very good and it did at times have me on the edge of my seat.

I really enjoyed it, too.

So who do you think is really the Zodiac killer?

[cthomer5000]

The Dead Girl


8 / 10

It was very well acted with some real "wow" moments. Heart wrenching at times and suspenseful at others. Definitely one to watch.

Good, im definitely going to check this out. Rose Byrne has been pretty solid in a couple of things I've seen her in, and Toni Collette is criminally underrated and underused.

[Chief Rum]

Good, im definitely going to check this out. Rose Byrne has been pretty solid in a couple of things I've seen her in, and Toni Collette is criminally underrated and underused.

Does that mean you have seen Sunshine?

[Flasch186]

I really enjoyed it, too.

So who do you think is really the Zodiac killer?

Leigh...

[rowech]

The Illusionist -- 8/10 I liked the movie but liked The Prestige more. Edward Norton continues to fly under the radar as just a fantastic actor.

[cthomer5000]

Does that mean you have seen Sunshine?

Yes.

Sunshine (2007)

I'll say 3 of 5 stars, but an overall 'thumbs down' if I was pressed on it. The whole cast is solid, including a really surprisingly good performance by the dude who i've only seen (in trailers) as the Human Torch in the Fantastic Four movies. I guess he's actually got some real talent... good for him.

The acting is good, the look of the film is phenomenal, the setup is good, BUT... In what is becoming a dangerous trend in Danny Boyle movies, it careens off the rails about 2/3 of the way through. Without getting into specifics, it takes kind of a bizzare turn that I don't think anyone expects.

I like a number of Boyle movies (Trainspotting is one of my all-time favorites, Shallow Grave is good, Millions is good), but the number of movies that fall apart after a good setup is piling up (The Beach, 28 Days Later, Sunshine). I would say his only film that I never was into at any point while watching it was A Life Less Ordinary.

I guess at the very least he's made some interesting failures. He may just be choosing poor scripts to make his movies out of... im not sure.

[Sgran]

Yes.

Sunshine (2007)

I'll say 3 of 5 stars, but an overall 'thumbs down' if I was pressed on it. The whole cast is solid, including a really surprisingly good performance by the dude who i've only seen (in trailers) as the Human Torch in the Fantastic Four movies. I guess he's actually got some real talent... good for him.

The acting is good, the look of the film is phenomenal, the setup is good, BUT... In what is becoming a dangerous trend in Danny Boyle movies, it careens off the rails about 2/3 of the way through. Without getting into specifics, it takes kind of a bizzare turn that I don't think anyone expects.

I like a number of Boyle movies (Trainspotting is one of my all-time favorites, Shallow Grave is good, Millions is good), but the number of movies that fall apart after a good setup is piling up (The Beach, 28 Days Later, Sunshine). I would say his only film that I never was into at any point while watching it was A Life Less Ordinary.

I guess at the very least he's made some interesting failures. He may just be choosing poor scripts to make his movies out of... im not sure.

I couldn't agree with you more. I haven't heard anything about the development of the screenplay, but I get the sense that there was a rewrite somewhere in the process "to add more tension" or something. Okay, I need to talk about the ending, so stop reading now if you plan to see the movie.

SPOILER ALERT

If i had to guess, i would imagine that the whole "sun as God" theme was there in the original idea, but that the horror aspects were tacked on because the original ending didn't have enough punch. Probably the orignal idea was pitched as "the sun is dying, so we're sending this atomic device to restart it, and another ship failed and they don't know why, but the people on board make some mistakes, and they know they'll never get home again, and they find out the people on the other ship got Sun crazy, and they have to make the ultimate sacrifice."
And the studio said, "that's not enough. We need some aliens." and then they went back and forth and the cast had all signed on, and the shooting was about to begin, and they just came up with this ending and had to live with it.

[sabotai]

We have a spoiler tag, fwiw

[Chief Rum]

Yes.

Sunshine (2007)

I'll say 3 of 5 stars, but an overall 'thumbs down' if I was pressed on it. The whole cast is solid, including a really surprisingly good performance by the dude who i've only seen (in trailers) as the Human Torch in the Fantastic Four movies. I guess he's actually got some real talent... good for him.

The acting is good, the look of the film is phenomenal, the setup is good, BUT... In what is becoming a dangerous trend in Danny Boyle movies, it careens off the rails about 2/3 of the way through. Without getting into specifics, it takes kind of a bizzare turn that I don't think anyone expects.

I like a number of Boyle movies (Trainspotting is one of my all-time favorites, Shallow Grave is good, Millions is good), but the number of movies that fall apart after a good setup is piling up (The Beach, 28 Days Later, Sunshine). I would say his only film that I never was into at any point while watching it was A Life Less Ordinary.

I guess at the very least he's made some interesting failures. He may just be choosing poor scripts to make his movies out of... im not sure.

Yeah, I think you more or less nailed it for me. I thought the acting was very good, and the look was fantastic, even mesmerizing at times. Some little things bugged me (like, how did they have artificial gravity without being on spinning modules or being on a ship designed to use the acceleration of the ship as gravity) from the very start.

But it was still very good until right about the time they discovered the "fifth" crew member. Then it all went batty, and the ending just was blah for me.

[cartman]

Nacho Libre - 5.5/10

I finally got around to watching it. Not a bad movie, but not a great movie either. If you hate Jack Black, then stay far away. The nun in the movie was WAY too hot to be taken seriously as a nun. I went to Catholic school for 13 years, so I have plenty of experience to speak about this. :)

[Pyser]

fog of war - 9.5/10

probably the best documentary i've ever seen, about robert mcnamara - the secretary of defense during the cuban missile crisis and vietnam war...and also a prominent player in the firebombing of japan in wwii...as told by mcnamara himself.

i really dont want to say anything more, but it is masterful in every way.

[Flasch186]

History Boys - 6/10

So Ashley says, "Kids in Britain are so much smarter than us," very matter of factly. I replied at the end of the movie, "they maybe smarter but I had no idea that they all we're gay or at least Bi."

A very weird movie that was filled with language that either the writer simply likes to stroke his ego (ahem) or truly these kids vocabulary is supercalafraj....you get it.

It was long, boring, and when it tried to mhave some sort of emotional tie in, you couldnt help but say, "'Well he fuckin' deserved it!"

You can skip it.

[Crapshoot]

Breakfast at Tiffany's - 9/10.

An absolute classic, and one can see why. Holly Golightly is just one of the all-time great character creations, and its hard to imagine anyone else pulling this role off quite like Audrey Hepburn. 1 point deducted for Mickey Rooney's performance, not for the racism (which is more than a little vile), but because its not even funny, and adds nothing.

[larrymcg421]

Breakfast at Tiffany's - 9/10.

An absolute classic, and one can see why. Holly Golightly is just one of the all-time great character creations, and its hard to imagine anyone else pulling this role off quite like Audrey Hepburn. 1 point deducted for Mickey Rooney's performance, not for the racism (which is more than a little vile), but because its not even funny, and adds nothing.

I'd say at least 3-4 pts. should be deducted for the Rooney performance. Other than that, I still think it's an overrated movie, with a terrific central Hepburn performance surrounded by a weak story.

[sabotai]

Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior 6.5/10
Decent action movie. Lots of good fights. One had me yelling "ECW! ECW!" in my head throughout it. The director fell in love with instant replay far too much, though, and the movie was filled with action scene cliches.

[Flasch186]

Illusionist - N/A

I was too busy playing civ4 during it to give it a fair grade....it seemed good though. ashley liked it.

[larrymcg421]

Illusionist - N/A

I was too busy playing civ4 during it to give it a fair grade....it seemed good though. ashley liked it.

The Illusionist is not very good. Norton and Giamatti are both great, but Jessica Biel is terrible and pretty much ruins the whole thing. The movie turns out to be pretty simple in the end, and the big twist is telegraphed at the start of the 3rd act.

[rowech]

The Illusionist is not very good. Norton and Giamatti are both great, but Jessica Biel is terrible and pretty much ruins the whole thing. The movie turns out to be pretty simple in the end, and the big twist is telegraphed at the start of the 3rd act.

These are pretty much my feelings as well. However, I think Norton, Giamatti, and the "feel" of the time period overshadows other stuff. As I said a couple of posts before, I liked the Prestige better but this movie held my interest at least.

I agree with the Biel comment though. This was the first move I've seen with her and to me, it looks like she's just another pretty face with no acting ability.

[Flasch186]

Black Snake Moan 8/10

Wow, what a surprise. This movie was intense and truly had some very good acting in it, timberlake aside. I was surprised but its dysfunctionality and ability to rationalize was very pleasant. this is a very good flick.

[Izulde]

FWIW, I usually watch 2-3 movies a week, so I obviously don't review all of them, but in this case I just have to.

Hairspray - 9.5/10

Holy hell, is this one sweet, sweet movie. The last time I saw a musical that had this infectious a song set and this enjoyable a cast was back in the days of Moulin Rouge.

The best way to describe this film is to say that it's fun and high energy, with a few doses of snarky witticisms related to the social commentary. Nikki Blonsky is a dynamite lead who really serves as the core of the film. I hate John Travolta normally, but in this movie he becomes Edna in a way that I never anticipated and the rest of this ensemble cast is absolutely stellar, with the possible exception of Christopher Walken, who I usually enjoy, but seemed at times to be too much like Christopher Walken.

If you like 50s and 60s music, this soundtrack just drips with songs that invoke the era and even if you're not a fan, the lyrics of some of the songs are smart and in a few cases, cutting.

There's definitely a strong social message associated with the film, but it never interferes with the fun and in fact, the blend of silliness and seriousness does well to point out the absurdities inherent in the issues that the movie raises.

The only reason I don't give it a 10 is because of the Walken thing and there's one song sequence that falls a little flat.

[techguy]

PathFinder- 8/10

A very fun Epic adventure move. The battle scenes are great.

Salvage Vikintg invaders bent on death and destruction clash with iron-willed protectors of a new world in this heroic action-adventure filled with intense battle scenes and breatless, primal violence.

[Groundhog]

PathFinder- 8/10

A very fun Epic adventure move. The battle scenes are great.

Salvage Vikintg invaders bent on death and destruction clash with iron-willed protectors of a new world in this heroic action-adventure filled with intense battle scenes and breatless, primal violence.

I'd never heard of this movie so I did a quick google search... is it really a Vikings vs American Indians movie, or am I mistaken?!?

[Chief Rum]

I'd never heard of this movie so I did a quick google search... is it really a Vikings vs American Indians movie, or am I mistaken?!?

I haven't seen it, mind, but from the promos it looks more like Vikings versus abandoned castaway Viking.

[techguy]

I'd never heard of this movie so I did a quick google search... is it really a Vikings vs American Indians movie, or am I mistaken?!?

The heroic story of a young Norse man raised by Native American Indians who wages a personal war against the Vikings that barbarically raided his tribe.

[Chief Rum]

The heroic story of a young Norse man raised by Native American Indians who wages a personal war against the Vikings that barbarically raided his tribe.

Tell me you lifted that from the movie Website. It sounds like you're spamming us (especially since this movie did not get too many positive reviews when it came out).

[Groundhog]

The heroic story of a young Norse man raised by Native American Indians who wages a personal war against the Vikings that barbarically raided his tribe.

Just reading this makes a little piece of me die. :(

[WVUFAN]

Just reading this makes a little piece of me die. :(

It's good for a popcorn flick. It's based on a comic (which is why I went to see it), and that plot is very, VERY weak, but if you take it for what it's worth (that being a bloody swordfighting movie), it's not a bad way of wasting 2 hours. :)

[Flasch186]

if you havnt heard, the real estate market is a bit thin so....in keeping with the Comic book theme:

If you havnt seen the movie the Punisher, with Travolta in it, please do...I could use the $ ;)

[st.cronin]

if you havnt heard, the real estate market is a bit thin so....in keeping with the Comic book theme:

If you havnt seen the movie the Punisher, with Travolta in it, please do...I could use the $ ;)

I keep forgetting that I need to see this. Browsing over to Netflix now... pm me what I should look out for, if you have a sec Flasch.

[Flasch186]

dont blink or you'll miss me...

the guy who asks to if he can get the guy underpants. ugh

[sabotai]

dont blink or you'll miss me...

the guy who asks to if he can get the guy underpants. ugh

Go fuck yourself.

[WVUFAN]

dont blink or you'll miss me...

the guy who asks to if he can get the guy underpants. ugh

You were in Punisher?

[sabotai]

You were in Punisher?

He was, and he even has his own imdb.com page.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1065243/


(My "Go fuck yourself" response was a reference to his scene in The Punisher....just in case anyone seriously thought I was telling Flasch to go fuck himself. :) )

[WVUFAN]

He was, and he even has his own imdb.com page.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1065243/


(My "Go fuck yourself" response was a reference to his scene in The Punisher....just in case anyone seriously thought I was telling Flasch to go fuck himself. :) )

That's excellent! I'm going to have to watch the movie again.

[Chief Rum]

Favorite part of Flasch's IMDB page...

Plot Keywords: Father Son Relationship / Coming Of Age / Gay Kiss / High School

[ISiddiqui]

Btw, did you think of putting FOFC as your contact information? ;)

[Izulde]

What season of One Tree Hill are you in? Cuz I picked up the first season but haven't gotten around to watching it yet.

[WVUFAN]

According to the IMDBPro site listing, it's Season 1, Episode 8.

[Flasch186]

What season of One Tree Hill are you in? Cuz I picked up the first season but haven't gotten around to watching it yet.

the season where I got cut out but they left me in the credits cuz you hear my line offscreen. Seriously, i dont think i get paid for that anymore but for punisher everynow and then a check shows up for like 8$. hilarious.

[Subby]

Hot Fuzz: 3/5 - Really funny parts make it worth a go. I realize that they are trying to be satirical in the last quarter of the movie, particularly, but it gets kind of ridiculous eventually.

Knocked Up: 4.5/5 - Best movie I have seen this year. Some studi exec said "let's make a movie for Subby" and Judd Apatow said...F YES...here is Knocked Up.

300: 3.5/5 - Thoroughly enjoyable escapist fare. A nice antidote to run of the mill bullshit like Die Hard sequels and...Underdog.

[Flasch186]

Hot Fuzz: 3/5 - Really funny parts make it worth a go. I realize that they are trying to be satirical in the last quarter of the movie, particularly, but it gets kind of ridiculous eventually.

Knocked Up: 4.5/5 - Best movie I have seen this year. Some studi exec said "let's make a movie for Subby" and Judd Apatow said...F YES...here is Knocked Up.

300: 3.5/5 - Thoroughly enjoyable escapist fare. A nice antidote to run of the mill bullshit like Die Hard sequels and...Underdog.

plz use a 1o pt scale, thx


j/k

[Logan]

Did a little cable double feature last night since I was feeling shitty:

Beerfest: 6/10 - I'm sure I would've enjoyed this a lot more if I was either drunk, watching it with a few of my buddies, or both. I thought it dragged at the beginning before we met the other guys on the team. I was confused about whether the writers did the "Landfill twin brother" thing to just kill 10 minutes of the movie or if we were supposed to laugh at the seamless transition with him in it. It was one of those movies where I thought, "That's kinda funny" but never laughed at anything. Except the beginning of the beer goggles scene. That was perfectly done.

Four Brothers: 4/10 - Was really disappointed by this as I had heard good things about it. I'm one who can usually look the other way and not be bothered by stupid shit in a movie, but I couldn't get past what these guys were getting away with throughout. The massive assault on the house with a bunch of uzis and other automatics was just ridiculous. Plus I can never buy Mark Wahlberg as a badass - those hockey scenes were terrible, but thought Tyrese did a nice job. Overall, the story did nothing for me and I didn't think it was anywhere near as "gritty" as it tried to be. And at the end, having the dude from Sports Night be the corrupt cop could be seen as soon as he threatened to "bust Tyrese in the mouth," but having him be tricked into a taped confession that was never really taped, so he takes Tyrese hostage and starts threatening to shoot cops was a massive eye-roll. Disappointing movie.

[rowech]

Superbad -- 8/10 -- Definitely some great laughs but I still like Dazed and Confused as the perfect movie like this and I also liked American Pie better as well.

16 Blocks -- 6/10 -- Not a bad movie but I felt it just should have been better. Bruce Willis' look made me uncomfortable and Mos Def's voice made me cringe.

[BrianD]

The Last Legion - 7/10 The story of Excalibur in Roman times before the time of Arthur. Colin Firth is a bit of an odd choice for a Roman military leader, but the ladies like him. Aishwarya Rai had some great combat scenes and is great for the men to look at. All in all, a very solid movie.

Stardust - 7.5/10 A modern fairy tale/love story. Some very good performances by actors both iconic and anonymous. A good mixture of serious story and silly fun. The movie dragged a bit in the beginning but became very good by the end.

[tarcone]

Bridge to Terabithia-1/10 This movie was way to emotional for me. Like over the top emotional. Which I really dont like. The story to a point was good. But then way out of control. Will never watch it again.

[terpkristin]

Stardust - 7.5/10 A modern fairy tale/love story. Some very good performances by actors both iconic and anonymous. A good mixture of serious story and silly fun. The movie dragged a bit in the beginning but became very good by the end.

Have you read the book?
I'm looking forward to this movie.

/tk

[Scoobz0202]

The Bourne Ultimatum - 10/10 - Wow.. Just got done watching this. Non-stop action. Edge of your seat... and every other cliche saying you can use for a bad ass action movie.

[Flasch186]

Bridge to Terabithia-1/10 This movie was way to emotional for me. Like over the top emotional. Which I really dont like. The story to a point was good. But then way out of control. Will never watch it again.


c'mon....I think a 1/10 does not mean what you think it means.

[BrianD]

Have you read the book?
I'm looking forward to this movie.

/tk

I haven't yet, but my wife put it on her wish-list as soon as we got home from the movie. She'd have probably rated the movie at an 8.5 or higher.

[Doug5984]

Superbad 9/10 - Loved it, laughed most the entire movie. Really want to go see it in theaters again, which never happens with me.

Next I want to go see the Bourne Ultimatum