Movie Review - Watch/Rent/Skip!!!

[ThePoet's<3]

I thought I would start a movie review thread! Please tell us which movies you have seen - remember to spoilerfont any information for the viewing pleasures of others!!
Let rate them with:

Watch - Gotta see this on the BIG SCREEN!

Rent - Don't waste the money - but definitely worth seeing.

Skip - Do not waste the time or energy to see this!!

So - what have YOU seen at the movies lately?!?

[redrevo]

Transformers, easily a Watch - everything "blows up good" especially near the end.

The Good - the explosions.
I also liked the front line scenes, the hacker robot, and
the opening scene with the Transformer-helicopter
Michael Bay had some good jokes, especially about other movies he directed
"This is better than Armageddon!"
The Bad - There were a few continuity issues surrounding Project Iceman - how exactly would the hacker robot know Megatron was being used in Project Iceman, and how would he know about Witwickey, or Sector Seven? We were also never told exactly what the Allspark/cube thing does. Does it just contain the transforming power, the power to annihilate and create life, or what?

The Ugly - don't get me started on the cheese at the end. They had to use every single cliche - from "your weakness is your mercy" to "more than meets the eye" (this was the original slogan for selling the Transformer toys). The monologue at the end was George-Lucas-worthy, it was terrible.

I think the explosions and special effects make up for all the writing issues, and you need to see this on a big screen of some kind to get all the aforementioned explosions at full power. Normally I would say Rent, but nothing beats seeing a giant robot fight on the big screen.

[Dark Ages]

Evan Almighty: Horrible! It wasnt funny and its more of a family movie. Like Bruce Almighty it was for a mature audience and WAY BETTER!
I give Evan Almighty a thumbs :down:

Transformers: It was a good movie but got slow during the middle which made me really bored. Then is speeds back up. Great action scenes and acting was good. I give that movie a :D which means a thumbs up

Black Christmas: Well I love horror movies and I thought it was really good. But it wasnt alot of gore and to be a horror movie you gotta have gore. But I give the movie a thumbs up. :D

28 Weeks Later: A great movie if you like horror, thriller, and action. This is your movie. I loved it. Its very gory and has alot of action. I give this one a TWO thumbs up :xd :2party:

I hope this helped you guys

[ThePoet's<3]

I recommend WATCHING the following movies on the big screen:

Pirates of the Carribean: At World's End -

The ending was a bit disappointing to me - I didn't like that Will and Elizabeth weren't together-together. And also it looks like too much of a set up for a 4th - although everything we hear is that Keira Knightly and Orlando Bloom have both said - no. But the effects are great!
Spiderman! -

I really liked Spiderman III! But I did think there might be too many villians going on at one time. The Venom character is SO good - they should have stayed with the one villian and explored that a little more. But again - the effects were really great!
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer!

WOW!! I was so stoked to see Silver Surfer! The chase scene at the beginning when he streaks through the building and morphs to the outside - KEWL! He is one of my favorite characters!! The wedding story was lame to me but - okay - some romance in the action picture - I get it. :D Loved the new 4 experiencing their new powers.
Transformers!!

Ii thought they did such a fantastic job with the robots! Even loved Bumble Bees "new look"!! Actually I like it WAY better!! I was not happy about Jazz. :( This movie was a little too long - there were some slow parts that were not necessary. Also, too many characters!! You have the Analysts, the young hero and his girl, the US military, Section 7, the Secretary of Defense, and the Good and Bad robots.

Good thing!! TOM LENK (Andrew of BtVS) was one of the analysts!!! And I wish he could have played a bigger part!!
RENT:

Waitress

It was really a great little Indie film!! And of course NATHAN FILLIAN was in it - so YEA! It was an interesting story about breaking away from a bad situation. But I wasn't really crazy about the infidelity themes. If you watch - do NOT watch on an empty stomach!! The lead character works in a pie diner and she thinks in "pie recipes" which they proceed to make in front of you!!! YUM!

[scarybunny]

I recommend WATCHING the following movies on the big screen:

Pirates of the Carribean: At World's End -

The ending was a bit disappointing to me - I didn't like that Will and Elizabeth weren't together-together. And also it looks like too much of a set up for a 4th - although everything we hear is that Keira Knightly and Orlando Bloom have both said - no. But the effects are great!

I have to say, yes, this is a movie you just must see on the big screen!!

Although
The ending wasn't at all disappointing as it showed how together Will and Elizabeth were, especially with their son at the end. The action scenes were wonderful, and the effects were amazing, and for some reason, I just loved the crabs!! lol

[LRae12]

I have to say, yes, this is a movie you just must see on the big screen!!

Although
The ending wasn't at all disappointing as it showed how together Will and Elizabeth were, especially with their son at the end. The action scenes were wonderful, and the effects were amazing, and for some reason, I just loved the crabs!! lol


Now, I would say RENT for this movie. (Pirates 3) It didn't compare to the first, was a bit better than the second, though.

As far as your spoiler, scarybunny, with their son at the end? What son? I didn't catch that. At the end I saw Will & Elizabeth on the island for their 'day', then he sailed away with his dad. Then Jack managed to get some map for the fountain of youth and sail off with it to florida in a row boat. Where was the son? Did I miss something? :s

[Epic]

WATCH
Ratatouille
This movie suprised me, I expected to be rolling my eyes at jokes, wanting to walk out on the rat in the kitchen jokes, but I DIDN'T I'm trying to force my parents to take me just so I can see it again! It's not only compelling for kids but adults and teenagers. Now, it doesn't have the blunt adult comedy of Madagascar, but the story is amusing to watch, and the relationships are fun to see grow. You get a great view of animated paris and a great laugh.

RENT/WATCh
Waitress this is a sweet movie that was completley overlooked in the theaters. It got great reviews, that I completly agree with. Kerri Russel is wonderful and I think almost deserves some kind of nod for her potrayl of an abused waitress who just wants to cook pies and leave town, with her abusive husband it makes it impossible to do so. The connection between her life and pies are very creativly brought to screen, and those who are firefly fans will be impressed (if not drooling) over Nathan Fillion.
Its a cute movie, but now since its out of most theaters give it a chance when you have a movie night!

[scarybunny]

As far as your spoiler, scarybunny, with their son at the end? What son? I didn't catch that. At the end I saw Will & Elizabeth on the island for their 'day', then he sailed away with his dad. Then Jack managed to get some map for the fountain of youth and sail off with it to florida in a row boat. Where was the son? Did I miss something? :s

Oh you didn't see it? Well..
No, seriously do you really want to know?
No, really?
Well, I tend to stay for the end credits and to my great luck, after the end credits there was one more scene: Will comes back and Elizabeth is waiting for him with their ten year old son...:D :hf2: That's what I get for staying seated!!! lol

[LRae12]

Oh, no I didn't stay for the credits...but that's so sweet! :heart:

[BlasterBoy]

Okay, here I go...

WATCH

Pirates Of The Carribean - At World's End

Now, THIS was a movie! Spectacular special effects! Not a confusing plot, imo, like a lot of people said! The plot wasn't confusing to me and it was intriguing! Everything seemed to come together! I loved it all...except one thing! The end! I really wanted this to be the end of the series and a perfect way to end would've been leaving Jack on the little boat but no, they HAD to go to Will and Elizibeth....dissapointing...

Rent

Okay, I know! It's not in the theatres anymore but it was a spectacular movie! The acting was superb. The songs were fantastic! It was just all amazing!

SKIP

Spiderman 3

Oh, wow! PLEASE, PLEASE skip this movie! It was a suck fest! It was sucktastic! The villains, oh wait, let me count them! Way too many! I was looking forward to Venom and instead of Venom we got Sandman and the strange Peter Parker. Venom was on screen for a half hour and that is very dissapointing. Topher Grace was great in it but wasn't aloud to shine because of his little screen time! There's many other things to comment on but my hate for this movie is making me angry! :lol:

[Epic]

watch
HARRY POTTER and the Order of the Pheonix.

Need I say more?

[Ahm Shere]

Watch

Vacancy. We went to see it as an in-the-moment thing. There was nothing else on, so we decided to see this. Personally, I thought it was brilliant. Jumpy, a little gory...a little disturbing and confusing at parts. Basically it wass like a modern day Psycho. I don't know why I spoilered that...I just wanted to use spoilers :p

Go see it :p You may be suprised. You'll never want to stay in a Motel again :D

[ThePoet's<3]

RENT - Shadow Puppets!!!

Starring James Marsters!!!!

Aside from the fact that he is in the movie - it is actually a GREAT thriller! Many "surprise" moments and some interesting plot twists! I recommend it if you like Horror/Thriller movies. It's better than a "B Horror" movie - I give it an A- Horror.

It was an Indie film (I stress "Indie" here as in low budget effects) and was to be released to theater but didn't make it so they released it to DVD.

Also stars Jolene Blalock. She makes a great female lead heroine.

James is wonderful! It's a really good part for him. (and not too bad having to watch him run around in his skivvies for 1 1/2!!)

[Dorian's Kitten]

RENT - Shadow Puppets!!!

Starring James Marsters!!!!

Aside from the fact that he is in the movie - it is actually a GREAT thriller! Many "surprise" moments and some interesting plot twists! I recommend it if you like Horror/Thriller movies. It's better than a "B Horror" movie - I give it an A- Horror.

It was an Indie film and was to be released to theater but didn't make it so they released it to DVD.

Also stars Jolene Blalock. She makes a great female lead heroine.

James is wonderful! It's a really good part for him. (and not too bad having to watch him run around in his skivvies for 1 1/2!!)


Oh my- I think that for the first time ever I have to disagree with you. (Aside from the last bit there-James was great and looks quite nice in his underwear.)

I went to a couple of video places today in order to find Shadow Puppets and was saddened by the general lameness of it-James deserves much better!!!!!

It was really quite predictable-the timing was off and the dialog was awful.

Seriously my general love of James was the only reason I kept watching. (I'm quite loyal that way.)

Actually just remembering my disappointment from this afternoon is making me depressed.:cutecry:

[ThePoet's<3]

Oh my- I think that for the first time ever I have to disagree with you. (Aside from the last bit there-James was great and looks quite nice in his underwear.)

I went to a couple of video places today in order to find Shadow Puppets and was saddened by the general lameness of it-James deserves much better!!!!!

It was really quite predictable-the timing was off and the dialog was awful.

Seriously my general love of James was the only reason I kept watching. (I'm quite loyal that way.)

Actually just remembering my disappointment from this afternoon is making me depressed.:cutecry:

Oh poor DK!!

Sorry you didn't like! I guess I am too used to campy B Horror (Slither starring Nathan Fillion) movies!! I'll watch anything for my favorite actors!! (And James seemed so proud of the movie in his commentary...)

[Francy]

Skip
Under The Tuscan Sun: I stopped watching after the first half....so painfully stupid, boring, slow....just thinking about it makes me feel uncomfortable, and it rarely happens to me, about anything. I gave it a try because it was set in Italy (and as always, I hated Italy depicted by Americans..a concentrate of clichès and prejudices. They really think we still are the way we were in the 50s...) and there were some Italian actors (who were painfully bad in those stereotyped roles). Sandra Oh and Kate Walsh had a small role in it, but that's pretty forgettable. Awful movie. And probably, the Italian dubbing made it worse then it originally was, I don't exclude that possibility.

[Dark Ages]

SPIDERMAN 3: I thought this movie was very good and I love the effects. I just thought some moments where alittle too cartoony. I also thought it was too many villains. I would have to say I give this move a GOOD:) Not worth paying for it.

Mr. BROOKS:This move was horrible in my book. The ending was bad the movie got worst as it progressed. It was just a bad movie. I thin it had a lot of potential but it was bad I give this movie a BAD! :(

HAIRSPRAY: LOVE IT! I thought it was GREAT. It was funny and the acting was oaky. But the whole story it self was wonderful. I think all the roles fit the parts of the characters just right. I give this movie a GREAT!:2party:

PREMINESION: This moves was pretty good, it will have her standing on your feet and it makes you think. I think its a good thriller movie to go out on a date. The acting was on point I think Sandra Bullock did a superb job. I give this move a GOO! :)

DISTURBIA: I think it was a great thriller. It started off a little slow but you weren't bored. It had a great middle and end. It was well wriiten and the camera work. AWSOME!. It was well casted and its a great date movie. I give this movie a GREAT! :2party:

[scarybunny]

SKIP

The Simpsons Movie:(

Okay

before I have a little tantrum here I think it best for you to know that I have always been since a young age a fan of The Simpsons... Like really, absolutely loved it...

well, until around season 12 or something,well, the later seasons anyway, total suckfest, plus new writers came in

anyway

let's discuss (or have a tantrum) about the recent 'The Simpsons Movie'.

oh god what to say and where to start

okay, let's start before i went into the cinema

I stood outside the cinema doors with my ticket wondering if this was going to be a complete waste of money... I thought to myself, okay, so this movie has had a lot of advertising, a lot of optimism, thumbs up... but then I thought well, the new writers of the now descending series are probably the one's who wrote the movie,
so as you can tell, I didn't go in with very high expectations, but nevertheless, I was ready to walk into the cinema where my questions of doubt were to be answered...

I sat down with my friend beside me and we watched the many trailers for movies we had no intention of ever seeing. Then the lights went out, and I held my breath.


It started off with a highly unfunny and crappy episode of Itchy and Scratchy, where they were in space and Itchy just stabbed Scratchy a bunch of times and unfunniness ensued..
Highly disappointing!!!

Then it turned out they are in the cinema watching the crap movie itchy and scratchy and Homer stands up and tells us that we're suckers for watching this movie..

I wasn't offended but i kept on thinking it could have been funnier, it could actually be worth my time...

I shook my head in disapproval of this crappy beginning, in my heart I knew it would probably be like this for the rest of the unfortunate film, well suffice to say... I wasn't wrong.

The story itself was a complete catastrophe!!!
The writers seemed to not know what it was they were writing, well... I can tell you what they were writing and creating
an absolute dishonour to a series loved by millions!!!

Please, Springfield the most polluted town in the country???
Please, A giant bubble around the town so that nobody could escape???

As soon as that bubble came into the mix my absolute first reaction was 'huh?'
The writers left so many holes in it (not the bubble lol).
Come on...
If your whole town was covered by a massive glass dome made to prevent anyone escaping and polluting another town what would your first thought be of how to get out???

DIG A FREAKIN' HOLE ON ONE SIDE AND MAKE A TUNNEL TO THE OTHER SIDE!!!!!!

I thought the whole Homer and his pig thing would be alright, but as soon as Homer had it walking on the ceiling with him singing to the Spiderman theme song 'Spider-pig, Spider-pig, does whatever a Spider-pig does...' (Can't remember the rest of it, although that's kind of intentional coz I really want to forget it anyway) my eyes widened in horror!!! Whoa, these writers were holding onto a very thin easy-to-break thread.

The rest of the movie was no exception

There were rare and nearly non-existent participation of the citizens of Springfield and even when they were used, they were far from funny and moving onto lame and downright stupid (and not even in a smart, humoristic way).

I was sick of Bart as soon as I saw him.. God I dislike that kid... I think I hate the entire family now...

I was even disappointed with Homer who i had been counting on to, I don't know, maybe say something remotely funny, but no, it was so slapstick that I was nearly getting out of my seat to leave, but... I had never done that before, and i wouldn't start now, I had to know for sure that there was no hope for this film...
I sat and watched and sat and watched and sat and watched and sat and watched...

I stayed for the entire credits because for a film like The Simpsons they should have some sort of funny thing at the very very end, well they did have the latter, but not the funny I was searching so desperately for. The Simpson family were sitting in their seats watching the credits as Bart nagged about wanting to leave and so did the rest of the family except Homer. Then Maggie said her first word which was "Sequal?" I nearly choked, well, actually I think I did, and i basically yelled
"GOD I HOPE NOT!!!" And shook my head at the screen wanting to yell at it some more...

Plus, there was a family in the cinema and they kept on laughing at the most slapstick and stupid parts, you know, like the parts where Itchy stabbed Scratchy or something retarded like that..
I would be fine if the people had an okay laugh, but this particular laugh was annoying and high pitched. GRRRR!!!

After the credits ended me and my friend left the cinema thoroughly depressed about the horrific film... Wasted a lot of money

87 minutes of pure crap
I lost 87 minutes of my life and i want them back!!!:cutecry: :cutecry: :cutecry:

[sherrilina]

SKIP
Spiderman 3

Oh, wow! PLEASE, PLEASE skip this movie! It was a suck fest! It was sucktastic! The villains, oh wait, let me count them! Way too many! I was looking forward to Venom and instead of Venom we got Sandman and the strange Peter Parker. Venom was on screen for a half hour and that is very dissapointing. Topher Grace was great in it but wasn't aloud to shine because of his little screen time! There's many other things to comment on but my hate for this movie is making me angry! :lol:
I second that! I think it may be the third worst film I've ever seen, after Date Movie and Underworld:Evolution

But wow, after scarybunny's review I HAVE to counter!

WATCH

THE SIMPSONS MOVIE!!!: Seriously, I don't understand the complaints, I think this is no doubt the funniest movie of the summer, and I've seen it twice already! While it gets a little slower in the middle (but not too slow!), the pace is pretty good throughout, with non-stop laughs at certain points! I LOVED the Green Day concert at the beginning, Schwartzenegger as president ("I was elected to LEAD, not to read!"), the evil EPA guy, the pig, Lisa's new love Colin, everything! It was just so well done and thoughtout, very strong overall. No, the plot doesn't necessarily make sense in the context of the real world as far as the dome and such (but honestly--it's the SIMPSONS! What do you expect?!), but it's part of the humor--I mean, you wouldn't really have an inbred idiot test a barrier to the lake by asking him to put a possom inside, would you? But it's still funny!

And when have any of the itchy and scratchy cartoons EVER been funny? :confused:

Oh and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix--IMO the best movie fo the series and the summer, it has it all--action, suspense, emotion, humor, great acting, great special effects, etc--see my review in the HP movie thread for more! Let's just say it has held up nicely through 4 viewings so far! :D

Oh, and Pirates of the Caribbean is also excellent (except for the W/E part! :p), though sadly I think it's gone from most theatres so you'd have to wait and rent it anyway...

[Leloo]

WATCH
Ratatouille
This movie suprised me, I expected to be rolling my eyes at jokes, wanting to walk out on the rat in the kitchen jokes, but I DIDN'T I'm trying to force my parents to take me just so I can see it again! It's not only compelling for kids but adults and teenagers. Now, it doesn't have the blunt adult comedy of Madagascar, but the story is amusing to watch, and the relationships are fun to see grow. You get a great view of animated paris and a great laugh.

I completely agree!! I didn't want to watch this but was dragged along and I am SO glad I went because it was really great!

Also,
WATCH
Disturbia - I've seen it twice now and I will definitely be seeing it again. I thought it had a great start, it didn't take ages to get into the story I felt it was just enough to have you interested.
It was really funny as well as suspenseful, just the right combination! It also had a great cast!

[Signe]

So, just because of everybody in the begining I'm gonna do:

Transformers - Skip
Seriously, I laughed (evil-ish) through out the entire movie! My friend as well... All I can say is "The Cube". When you name something important in a movie "The Cube" (and I'm not putting this in spoiler tags because they mention the thing after a few seconds...) you can't honestly think anybody's going to take it seriously. If you want a good laugh though, it's definitely a rent. The Cube

Harry Potter and the Order of the P. - Watch
Though I say "watch" I only say "watch" because of two reasons. A) It's a Harry Potter movie. B) The movie is of the kind that's just a notch better at the theater (though witch movie isn't?).

[Cori]

Waitress - Rent

Well I saw this movie at the theatre but you could just as well watch it at home. The movie is extremely kitschy and quite corny but it is starring Keri Russell (whom I loved on Felicity) and Nathan Fillion (whom I love in everything he is in and who looks exceptionally handsome in this movie! :heart: ). So Keri and Nathan were pretty much the only reason why I went to see this film. ;) On the whole it's a pretty cheesy romantic comedy with a few darker undertones. Oh and Jeremy Sisto (who used to be on Six Feet Under) is also in it.

[Sid]

Superman: Doomsday
Watch

Great movie if you're even remotely into superheroes, and might be interesting even if you're not. The plot is far superior to Superman Returns, IMO ("IMO" pretty much means it's fact when I say it). This cartoon makes Smallville look like a retarded soap opera for teeny boppers. The two main fights (Superman vs. Doomsday and Superman vs. Clone Superman) are kick ass.

Oh, also, Lex Luthor is voiced by James Marsters, and you can really feel the evil Spike-ness in some of the scenes.

[Rosamunde]

Atonement - watch! It's amazing. Clever and funny and moving and authentic.

[Ahm Shere]

I second that! I think it may be the third worst film I've ever seen, after Date Movie

:eek: You're kidding me! Date Movie is fantastic!

And I actually liked Spiderman 3...not so much the villians, but Emo Peter Parker...hehe :p

Anyway

Watch

Hairspray. OK, I only saw it yesterday...like a month after it came out...:( But it's FANTASTIC! I now have all the songs on my iPod and listening to them now. Plus, Zac Efron is hot in this movie, as is James Marsden...(I think it's Marsden anyway)

The songs are fantastic, the acting is great, and it's one of the best musicals I've seen. (Barring Moulin Rouge...)

So, definatly watch it, especially if you like Musicals...or like eye candy Zac and James! :drool:

[ThePoet's<3]

Watch Live Free or Die Hard! Watched it at "Cheap Seats" theater and it was GREAT!!!! Action from the beginning to the end!!! It was "edge-of-your-seat" FUN!!! I would say better than the first one and just about better than the one with Samuel L. Jackson in it.

[Jesika]

RENT Zodiac (I know it's been out a while) I loved that movie and thought Jake Gyllenhaal was awesome in it! Plus I learned stuff about the Zodiac Killer that I didn't know.

[sherrilina]

:eek: You're kidding me! Date Movie is fantastic!

And I actually liked Spiderman 3...not so much the villians, but Emo Peter Parker...hehe :p
And now YOU have to be kidding ME! :eek: I could count on my hand the number of funny moments in DM, the rest was just boring or gross! And Spiderman was so lame and cheesy it was beyond belief! Guess we have diff taste in movies, lol...;)

And what about Baltimore?

[Dark Ages]

RESIDENT EVIL 3: Well I went to the drive inn last weekend and saw two movies. And this was one of them. I thought resident evil was actually really great. I love it beacuse it wasnt just horror it was action also and had a great storyline. If you love action, horror and Ali Larter this is the movie to see. I give this a :thumbup: GO SEE!!!!

HALLOWEEN (remake): I thought this was a very great movie. It's a remake but it has a great back story on Michael Myers when he was a child and why he became a serial killer. It has a great classic horror movie feel to it but at the same time a gory new feel. I think Rob Zombie did a great job directing this. So I say :thumbup: GO SEE!!!!

SUPERBAD: OH MY GOD!!!! This movie was the most pointless film I have ever seen. It wasn't funny and it over the top raunchy, more than American Pie. "Yeah, I know." there was scenes where I wanted to close my eyes and ears. There was NO plot line. And through out the whole movie they talked about the male body part and shown it alot. I give this movie a :nono: HELL NO!

[Veverka]

Stardust
Watch, then buy!
I had no expectations, hadn't heard a thing... it was fabulous. You could watch it once, think it was funny, or find a hundred things to discuss for hours in that... Claire Danes is in it, and she's tops, but so is everybody... a myriad of bad guys, you know the good guys are going to win, but the journey along the way is just delicious.

[Vicky]

“I now pronounce you Chuck and Larry”- Rent

I went to see it yesterday. It was good and some part was hilarious but it was a bit unbelievable, and I did get bored at some bits. So I would say rent it for a few pounds instead of spending ₤7 at the cinema.

[Sid]

Bad Boys II: RENT

I know this is 4 years old, but I re-watched it last night and it's just as awesome as I remember. Let me stress that if you're one of those unfortunate individuals who only like movies with intricate plots and loads of intellectual storytelling, this is not for you. However, if you actually enjoy seeing insane amounts of action blended with potty humor, with some cliché drug smuggling plot so the main characters have a reason to shoot people in the head a lot, watch BBII. Hell, watch it again if you've even only seen it once. It remains one of the most entertaining films I've seen, and I feel better for having said so. This movie has people getting shot in the skull in slow motion, two phenomenal car chases, humor at the expense of genders/races/homosexuals/...dead bodies. All in all, a great ride for the whole family. And the whole while, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence arguing with each other. Martin Lawrence isn't a great actor or anything, but the duo works. Also... Will Smith, and need I say more? Will Smith can do anything. Will Smith is like the black Chuck Norris.

I'm glad this film didn't waste time developing the story more; it would've really taken away from all the asses being kicked and Will & Martin calling each other names.

[ferdy-m]

Bad Boys II: RENT

I know this is 4 years old, but I re-watched it last night and it's just as awesome as I remember. Let me stress that if you're one of those unfortunate individuals who only like movies with intricate plots and loads of intellectual storytelling, this is not for you. However, if you actually enjoy seeing insane amounts of action blended with potty humor, with some cliché drug smuggling plot so the main characters have a reason to shoot people in the head a lot, watch BBII. Hell, watch it again if you've even only seen it once. It remains one of the most entertaining films I've seen, and I feel better for having said so. This movie has people getting shot in the skull in slow motion, two phenomenal car chases, humor at the expense of genders/races/homosexuals/...dead bodies. All in all, a great ride for the whole family. And the whole while, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence arguing with each other. Martin Lawrence isn't a great actor or anything, but the duo works. Also... Will Smith, and need I say more? Will Smith can do anything. Will Smith is like the black Chuck Norris.

I'm glad this film didn't waste time developing the story more; it would've really taken away from all the asses being kicked and Will & Martin calling each other names.

Pretty scrumptious, isn't it - thank you for reminding us of what the viewing public really want ...

RENT
And if you can bear waaaaay too much significance and concentrate on the fact real people have real sex on screen - "Nine 1/2 Weeks" - on imdb.com they've actually left the plot synopsis empty. Hey, even the pros couldn't find a plot, that's my kinda fillum. ;)

Better than having it off with a pretty horse (to paraphrase Stephen Fry - gotta luv that man)

[BlasterBoy]

Invasion - Rent

ANOTHER remake of the old movie, The Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Well, the acting was very good. I actually liked Nicole Kidman in it! It had some interesting characters in it, but not too much depth. The visuals were OKAY and it was only scary in one or two spots, but that's okay, because it wasn't meant to be horror.

The other good stuff in this movie was the lighting and the way it was shot! That was beautiful! I loved the overusage of blue! Loved that a lot! And the way it was shot was very nice. It was very choppy, and made you feel very disoriented, which is what Nicole Kidman's character was.

The thing that makes me say RENT is that the writers are lazy and the writing is sometimes laughable, at best. :( Now, don't get me wrong, there are some spots where I was impressed. Like, when NK's character was asleep but they showed there was no REM, so she wasn't in deep sleep. Subtle stuff like that was good, but I was choking on my soda in laughter! The end was laughable! It was waaaaay to easy to kill more than half of the population on earth! That was disappointing, very disappointing :( Also, the cheesiest and most over the top line anyone can ever think of was in this episode! A father holding a mug and pointing to his son, saying, in an evil tone, "Want some cocoa?"!?!?! I was laughing in my seat, as was everyone else in the theatre.

Also, they really didn't go in depth on the real plot of this movie! I wanted more in depth detail about the whole thing with the choices humans make and stuff like that. I think that Angel's Jasmine character did this plot much better. Because, basically, that's what it is. They're like zombies. So, I wanted more of that.

So, that's it. Rent it, if anything.

[skinless]

Watch: Disturbia, If u like the thinkin Thiller than this is the Movie for u, Full of good moments and great suspense, Great Cast and Just all around good movie.

Perfect Strangers: Halle berry is great in this Role. Great suspense, Another Thinking Man's Thriller Loved How it ended.

Transformers: Loved it as a Kid, Comes off well as a movie, Great Direction Loved the Fight Scenes,

[Kold]

I post this aware that these probably aren't in most cinemas any more...

Michael Clayton - Watch
Probably one of the top films I have seen all year, this is a very important movie without being preachy or political. The direction is very tight by first-time director Tony Gilroy, but his script is just amazing, anchoring the film through all the ethical complexities of both the characters and the Grisham-esque law firm dealings. Gilroy has allowed himself to become gloriously talky, back to his older, more mature law-mouth days of "The Devil's Advocate" rather than the action fare he's scripted (he wrote the screenplays for the Bourne films). The work Gilroy does here is what the fifth season of Angel should have tried to be.

The performances are stunning. George Clooney, Tom Wilkinson, Tilda Swinton and Sydney Pollack are all spectacular in their roles. Clooney, as the title role, propels the film forward with a tired cynicism, while keeping a firm grip on all the details of his character. Tilda Swinton, as the "villain", is also the most complex character, and has such a watchable quality as she struggles with all the hard decisions. Sydney Pollack shows himself as a master of subtlety, but it is Tom Wilkinson, meeting his over-the-top role excellently, who stands out.

Just amazing.


Inland Empire - ???
I write this knowing that there is not a chance in hell that I can advise somebody to watch, rent or skip this. Inland Empire is David Lynch's new film, and is even more avant-garde than some of his previous fare like "Mulholland Dr.", "Wild at Heart" or "Eraserhead". Personally, I loved it. Inland Empire is a beautiful surrealist piece, with themes of identity and adultery weaved into almost nonsensical complexities, scenes that are not meant to be understood. In terms of the style of Lynch's writing, it draws to mind two fairly modern styles of the surrealist theatre movement: that of the Absurdist Theatre (a Beckett or an Ionesco), and that of the Theatre of Cruelty, developed by Artaud. The movie as a whole is a blurring of these two styles -- sometimes scenes are more like one than the other, but many use traits of both to create a horrifying darkness and an absurd touch.

Lynch's direction is equally difficult -- the style is in your face, often filmed on a hand-held and often not even making use of a boom mic for sound quality -- but after a while the 'ugliness' of direction seems beautiful, and entirely complements the sinister or thrilling elements of Inland Empire.

Laura Dern, as the lead character -- or characters -- puts in a career-best performance, worriedly weaving through the events and shifts of the Inland Empire universe, her character/s seeming to comprehend some things that a viewer never could, but generally being on our footing, not following the non-linear surrealism around her. She really stands out in the number of sense when she reveals to what is presumably a psychologist a series of unconnected abuse stories in which she savagely fought back.

Inland Empire is not everyone's cup of tea -- in fact, most people wouldn't consider it a drink at all. However, I personally found it a thrilling piece of surrealist cinema, an utterly tantalising film by nutcase David Lynch.


I don't see what all the fuss here is about Disturbia -- I thought it was appallingly bad. One of the least scary horror films I have ever seen, filled with ridiculous teen angst and dialogue (something about watching her look at herself in the mirror as she leaves her room??) and David Morse, the poor man, trying his best to emulate Anthony Hopkins and failing miserably.

[Cori]

Stardust
Watch, then buy!
I had no expectations, hadn't heard a thing... it was fabulous. You could watch it once, think it was funny, or find a hundred things to discuss for hours in that... Claire Danes is in it, and she's tops, but so is everybody... a myriad of bad guys, you know the good guys are going to win, but the journey along the way is just delicious.

I couldn't agree more, I loved Stardust! :heart:

Gone Baby Gone - Watch

I went to see this movie last night and loved it. :) Apparently, Ben Affleck is a better writer and director than an actor. ;) His brother Casey plays the main role and he is doing a fantastic job! This movie is a thriller but it is so much more than that, what with its rich Boston background and the many complex characters. It's a movie that makes you think and is not just some mindless entertainment. And can I just say that I find the Boston accent incredibly cool. :D I already noticed it in Good Will Hunting and now in Gone Baby Gone. One of the coolest American accents in my humble opinion. ;)

[sherrilina]

The Golden Compass--WATCH!

Don't listen to the negative reviews, this movie isn't bad at all, I quite enjoyed it! Even with the religious stuff stripped down somewhat, I think they did a pretty good job getting the story across--I was surprised how closely they followed the book, with only two major changes in order and how things happened (but they didn't make too big an impact on the plot, it's just a matter of when two events happen and who tells Lyra a big revelation), so much of the dialogue was lifted directly from the book (I recognized it, having just reread the book last summer), and they included so much....plus the acting is superb, Dakota Blue Richards is excellent and just how I imagine Lyra, and Nicole Kidman is PERFECT and spot on as Mrs. Coulter--deliciously sinister and sweet/charming/seductive at the same time, it's worth seeing the movie just for her! My biggest complaint was Weitz cutting the ending to add to the next movie (if it's made), but overall the film is WELL worth seeing! The animation in particular was amazing--those bears look VERY real, and the daemons were well done too--this movie should def. win for best special effects...

So yeah, give it a chance! And don't worry about the religion thing, they've mostly made it about rebelling against an authoritarian govt in general than a church, and only make oblique references to religion (like "long ago one of our ancestors made a terrible mistake....", ie Eve....).

[Kold]

Atonement - Watch
One of the most confidently made films I have seen in a long time, director Joe Wright created a stylish masterpiece with such memorable visuals and absolutely wonderful music (particularly the way that the typewriter keys are often used as the beat). The script is incredibly powerful, and although the style of showing Briony's perspective and then going back to Cecilia and Robbie's jarred in the beginning, it was really the best way to do it, and made a lot of sense.

The acting was highly impressive. Keira Knightley and James McAvoy were great, but the standouts were the three actresses playing Briony - Saoirse Ronan, Romola Garai and Vanessa Redgrave. Brenda Blethyn and Juno Temple were also worthy of mention as supporters.

The weight of this movie is terrific, a bit of a tearjerker but one that fulfills this purpose with style and substance. Atonement is definitely not a cheap effort. One to watch. :)

[ThePoet's<3]

PS I LOVE YOU - WATCH!!!

If you are a lover of Chick Flicks and are looking for something to see after a day of Christmas shopping - or just want to get the girlfriends together for a Christmas lunch and movie - you must WATCH it at the movies.

Also if you are a lover of Harry Connick Jr., Gerard Butler, JAMES MARSTERS or Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Denny Duquette from Grey's Anatomy) - you will want to WATCH it as well!! Nothing like seeing those beautiful faces up close!!

Otherwise - if the season is too busy for you or the $$$ is tight (because the season is too busy for you... ;)) or you just can't find someone to drag to a Chick Flick - it will be a good RENT.

At first I thought the whole opening scene was going on so incredibly long (I mean it was Gerard Butler - so it wasn't that excruciating...) but I thought it was pretty long for an opening scene. Then you realize they were setting up the relationship between Holley and Gerry so you would be aware of just how much this couple loved each other, what their fears were as a couple past, present and future.

After that it launches into a sweet, funny, adorable, touching (there are places that the soft-hearted will cry - but it's a "good cry") movie!!

PLUS - There's a Buffy the Vampire Slayer "shout out"!! - If you will remember, Hillary Swank was in the original BtVS movie!! And of course James Marsters was in the movie (PSILU) as well! It's really cute, quick spot but Buffy fans will know who it was directed too!!

Really good cast with Lisa Kudrow, Gina Gershon, Kathy Bates - would have loved to see more of them - but the nature of the movie is more about Holley and Gerry and not really about their friends.

Cinematically it's quite pretty - I loved the "retro-40's" look of Holley's dresses and the array of coats, boots and purses - well you can see why it's a great CHICK flick!! But the interior and exterior shots especially when the 3 go to Ireland are quite beautiful.

So - take a little time away from all the "chaos" of Christmas, go have lunch with your BFF and WATCH PS I LOVE YOU!

[Kold]

No Country for Old Men - Watch
Wow. Certainly one of the best films I have ever been fortunate enough to see. It turned from beautifully detailed, to nail-bitingly thrilling, to slowly meditative at different times, all with an uncompromising brilliance of direction from the Coen brothers. The script defies predictability, and the wonderful ending of parallels and slow melancholy will probably upset viewers that want to see cinematic justice or an easy ending. That would have been cheaper than this film turned out to be.

Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin and Javier Bardem were flawless as the three lead characters. Javier Bardem in particular was unbelievable, the most terrifying person I have seen in film, period. He was scarier than Kathy Bates in Misery. He was scarier than Anthony Hopkins in the Silence of the Lambs.

Lovers of cinema, go to see this. It was simply amazing.

[NileQT87]

Sweeney Todd - WATCH

best movie i've seen that came out this year (even more than potc 3--which i also like). i love, love, love it. i'm a big fan of tim burton and johnny depp and this did not disappoint. exactly the kind of material that appeals to me (and i'm hardly a broadway fan--everyone did an amazing job on vocals). it's both beautifully tragic and morbidly funny in true burtonesque style. just amazing acting... especially from the principals.

if you know burton's sleepy hollow, you know the kind of almost funny over-the-top gore it has. being that sleepy hollow has more heads than sweeney has necks, it's actually less brutal, imo. its very morbidly funny if you *get* burton.

but most of all: it's a beautiful dramatic tragedy with a last image that will definitely stick in your mind.

my favorite parts: sweeney baring his neck wordlessly to toby and the fountaining of blood over his dead wife. he's given up on revenge. it's over and he doesn't fight his end. and of course... the blood-dripping pietà pose at the end with benjamin barker and lucy.

http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/7149/st173oo3.jpg

the other favorite is any time he looks like a hell-bent maniac. also his nonchalance as he foot-pedals his victims emotionlessly in the rigged barbers chair after he slits their throats again and again. and the whole time he's singing a sweet song about his daughter. all the while he is saying good-bye to benjamin barker and losing himself.

and any time sweeney growls or acts really frightening. "com'on! com'on! sweeney's waiting... i want you bleeders." and also when you think he's about to kill his daughter, johanna... and her only sight of her father (unknowingly) is him covered in the judge's blood and threatening to kill her.

and sweeney's blood-covered dance with mrs. lovett into the oven after she neglected to tell him his wife was alive because she wanted him... especially with his acknowledgment of her feelings for him. also a repeat of the rolling pin/cleaver dance from a little priest.
the funniest part: the whole "by the sea" sequence with sweeney in a striped swimsuit... bright shiny dream sequence and here you've got two actors who are totally dressed up as tim burton dolls surrounded by beach scenes and mrs. lovett is just babbling on about marriage plans and beach houses while sweeney is sitting there completely blank, grouchy and miserable--nothing is left in his heart beyond single-minded revenge. he even thinks about putting his hand on her leg and recoils immediately.

depp's blank facial expressions and bonham carter's perkiness are just absolutely hysterical. even in her fantasy, sweeney is still sweeney.

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/5112/swimfa1.jpg

[Kold]

The Golden Compass - Skip, rent if you're so desperate
How is it possible that such a good and innovative book could be destroyed so mercilessly? I'll tell you how -- the Lord of the Rings phenomenon. The idea that turning popular fantasy novels into expensive films will win the money. Besides the Hero's Journey, Northern Lights is hardly similar to the Fellowship of the Ring, so why try to make them the same? And why, Chris Weitz, why, did you find it necessary to remove the philosophical and religious content to the simplicity of "once, two of our ancestors did a bad thing that let Dust on the world"? The Catholics are going to skip the film no matter how much you water it down! None of them have read the book -- they just know that it's irreligious! They're not going to see the film -- why try to appease them? Why not just make the film as you should?

Speaking of book-to-film adapting, what were you thinking with the ending? Are you kidding? So much of the book's success was due to what is, quite honestly, one of the most powerful endings of recent literature. So you wanted to avoid a cliffhanger ending -- the book's ending is a cliffhanger in the best sense of the word. It makes you want to see what happens next while still giving a great deal of closure (unlike the film).

As a film, it lacked the element to tie it together. It felt too disconnected, like one little adventure after another. I found it astonishing that the hugely dramatic scenes written before me in a book could not be translated into a film, where creating tension is honestly so much easier -- where did it all go? The film felt like it skimmed through everything in the book. I don't care if it's hard to fit everything into one movie, it can be done without making the events seem empty and rushed. Speaking of, why hire names like Christopher Lee, Kathy Bates and Kristin Scott Thomas if you're only going to give them one line in the film? Grubbing for an audience is not the way to make a film. Christopher Lee's appearance was just laughable -- another attempt to make it feel like the Lord of the Rings.

Even characters who were allowed to say more than just "hello" lacked depth. Nicole Kidman is a magical actress but I marvel at her new-found ability to pick the worst films. Her techniques and affectations were nothing new: it was good, but the same as we've seen in so many other movies from standard actresses. Sam Elliot and Eva Green were equally caricatured but did fairly well by their characters and what was required of them. Daniel Craig was boring: with little to do, little was done. Ian McKellen and Ian McShane did well as the voices of the two bears -- Ian McKellen again was a Lord of the Rings cash-in, but his voice has the power to excite, create a little bit of drama. Too bad the script and direction couldn't provide the rest.

A miserably disappointing film version of one of my favourite novels.

[Kold]

Aaah a double post, I feel like such a villain! But it has been a long time, so...

I'm Not There - Watch
I'm Not There is a film by Todd Haynes inspired by "the music and lives of Bob Dylan". The film is innovative in structure, imagery but most particularly in its conception. It features 6 actors as representations of Bob Dylan, portraying different aspects of his career, personal life and inspiration. It begins with an 11-year-old African-American musical prodigy, Woody Guthrie (Marcus Carl Franklin), who travels from place to place and speaks with a wisdom beyond his years. The film soon introduces poet (although he doesn't like the word) Arthur Rimbaud (Ben Whishaw), who provides insight to the other stories, but with a wariness (and a weariness) about the effect it has on them. Folk singer Jack Rollins (Christian Bale) who becomes iconic for his political songs disappears under the pressure of his fame and resurfaces as Father John, a Christian singer. Actor Robbie Clark (Heath Ledger) came to fame portraying Jack Rollins in a feature film, but over time his movie star persona and philandering sees his separation from his wife (Charlotte Gainsbourg). Popular political folk singer, Jude Quinn (Cate Blanchett), sees his fans turn on him when he converts to an electric sound, and cracks under the pressure exerted by reporter Keenan Jones (Bruce Greenwood). Finally, the ageing Billy the Kid (Richard Gere) becomes involved in the future of his country town of Riddle and stands up to Pat Garrett.

Cate Blanchett's Jude Quinn dominated the film, the compelling writing and her powerful acting overshadowing the others. However, Charlotte Gainsbourg as Claire, the wife to actor Robbie, proved to be the emotional centre of the film. Woody Guthrie and Billy the Kid bookended the more literal versions of Dylan, the youngest and oldest, both who have been changed by the town of Riddle. Both appear wiser than any of the Dylans, but are revealed to be running from incarnations of "the establishment". Woody's most poignant scene comes when he visits his real namesake in the hospital, and plays the dying folk singer a song on his guitar. Christian Bale feels underused in the film: he is not in it much, but his Jack Rollins character mirrors Blanchett's Jude in the pressure put upon him. The difference is that Jack comes back, finding the "salvation" (that Jude mentions) with the church. Jack speaks of his political songs just being songs, not able to change the world. This is hammered home by Jude, who denies that he is betraying his fans by changing his style and message. Jude is indefinable and seemingly uncaring, but he is greatly hurt by his audience's reaction to him. Julianne Moore plays Alice Fabian, a folk singer and activist who became involved with Jack Rollins. She is shown only through a documentary about Jack's career, and although she never explicitly states it, it is clear that she no longer believes a song can change the world.

Evil is represented in the film by British reporter Keenan Jones and the elderly Pat Garrett, both portrayed by Bruce Greenwood. Both attempt to take away the freedom of Dylan, Pat Garrett by attempting to destroy the town of Riddle by building a highway, and then imprisoning his old enemy Billy the Kid for speaking out against him. Keenan Jones is a more interesting character, a by-the-book reporter who accuses Jude of caring about his image of not caring about anything. He then takes away Jude's freedom by revealing his background on a television report. There is a particularly good scene put to the song "Ballad of a Thin Man", which culminates in Jones seeing one of Jude's concerts. The other supporting cast members for Jude are David Cross as poet Allen Ginsberg and Michelle Williams as model Coco Rivington. Both are exceptional.

The film is visually original in its eclectic style and in its script it can be both difficult and highly inspiring. The most beautiful scenes come near the end: Robbie Clark looking back on his wife, the final shot of Billy the Kid on the train, moving on as only Bob Dylan can, and most particularly a speech by Jude, masterfully performed by Cate Blanchett, in which he at least partially explains why he changed his sound and how he feels about music. This is a film that definitely requires a rewatch to sort out my opinions, but it was certainly an amazing experience. One to watch.

Enchanted - Rent
This film was hilarious. The opening animation parodied without mocking, and was much funnier than it would have been had it openly mocked generic Disney. The live action saw the film get funnier and funnier. Amy Adams was a wonderful lead, absolutely hilarious and hit all the right notes. Patrick Dempsey was serviceably good, James Marsden was uproariously funny. Timothy Spall was a disappointment and although Susan Sarandon had some very funny sections, she inevitably didn't work too well. The last third of the film was weak because it had to sacrifice the comedy to become typical Disney romance. This is not always a bad thing -- in classic Disney, the last-act true-love-granted works. However, this is not classic Disney, and the most modern Disney films haven't been able to be as truly touching as earlier animations. Still, it was an incredibly funny film, with great songs and performances.

The Darjeeling Limited - Rent, skip if you're not interested
I've never been a Wes Anderson fan, and although this is probably his best film to date it is still a little too "Wes Anderson" in its dysfunction. Adrien Brody is the best of the three brothers (the other two being Owen Wilson and Jason Schwartzman), all of them likeable only in their numerous faults, because he has the kind of air to pull off the comedy and make you like him for who he is. The film was, justifiably, very funny, but the multiple endings dragged on for a long time and it lacked a certain definition. Once I had left the cinema I respected it less, because although sweetness and meaning can be found, it turned out to be a moderately empty experience. Not a bad film at all, but apparently not one for me.

[ciderdrinker]

St Trinians - Skip (seriously unless you are really, really bored!)

I was looking forward to a remake of the classic St Trinians, and I expected it to be very funny. After reading a review of it in The Guardian (I think) which described it as "as funny as seeing the worried look on your oncologists face" (in case you don't know an Oncologist is a Cancer doctor) I decided against seeing it. My house mate wanted to see it so I did go and I wasn't really surprised that whilst in the cinema I didn't hear any laughing from anyone else either. It was totally unfunny and frankly offensive to the intelligence of the movie going public if that's what they think will make people laugh.

The only reason to see it would be to see Colin Firth walking about in wet shirt again and that's about 5 seconds worth!

[ciderdrinker]

I Am Legend - Watch

If you've seen 28 Days Later, or if you love Will Smith, you are going to die over this film. Will does a pretty impressive job of being the only person on screen for most of it and although the ending is a bit predictable, it doesn't really fail on any counts. The jumpy bits are really jumpy, the views of a deserted and over-grown New York and amazing, and I found it thought provoking - I mean if you were the only person on the planet, what would make you get up out of bed everyday?

My favourite bit
Will reciting Shrek word for word without any intonation, but it is basically what he is thinking of his life - genius!

[KingofCretins]

"I Am Legend" is just awesome -- I saw it Wednesday, and I'm thinking of going to see it again tonight.

Will Smith just holds your attention and won't let it go. I love his dog, too!

[ThePoet's<3]

Really?? I have heard so many mixed reviews about this movie. I'm just gonna have to bite the bullet and go see it.

I heard Wil's character doesn't make it out of the movie alive - so I was a little bummed about that...

But you thought it was good otherwise KoC?

[Dark Ages]

ONE MISS CALL (remake): Well this movie trailer's made this movie look really good. But once you sit down and actually watch the movie it's STUPID!!!! This movie was so bad I wanted to scream at the screen. The plot was okay but it could have been better. The acting wasnt all that great. I mean the main character lost all her friends and when they died she showed no remorse. There was no real action and the deaths were really bad. The sucky thing is that this movie had so much potenial. DO NOT GO SEE THIS MOVIE! DONT RENT IT EITHER! WAIST OF TIME!!! I could right a better film by my. I give this a :down: HELL NO!!!

[patxshand]

Really?? I have heard so many mixed reviews about this movie. I'm just gonna have to bite the bullet and go see it.

I heard Wil's character doesn't make it out of the movie alive - so I was a little bummed about that...

But you thought it was good otherwise KoC?

"I Am Legend" was pure amazingness. Everyone I went to see it with loved it, and I did as well. It couldn't have been better It was one of the few films that was better than the book, which was amazing on its own.

[KingofCretins]

Nobody's posted it yet, so I'll say that "Cloverfield" is a watch, and a buy.

[sherrilina]

The Golden Compass - Skip, rent if you're so desperate
How is it possible that such a good and innovative book could be destroyed so mercilessly? I'll tell you how -- the Lord of the Rings phenomenon. The idea that turning popular fantasy novels into expensive films will win the money. Besides the Hero's Journey, Northern Lights is hardly similar to the Fellowship of the Ring, so why try to make them the same? And why, Chris Weitz, why, did you find it necessary to remove the philosophical and religious content to the simplicity of "once, two of our ancestors did a bad thing that let Dust on the world"? The Catholics are going to skip the film no matter how much you water it down! None of them have read the book -- they just know that it's irreligious! They're not going to see the film -- why try to appease them? Why not just make the film as you should?

Speaking of book-to-film adapting, what were you thinking with the ending? Are you kidding? So much of the book's success was due to what is, quite honestly, one of the most powerful endings of recent literature. So you wanted to avoid a cliffhanger ending -- the book's ending is a cliffhanger in the best sense of the word. It makes you want to see what happens next while still giving a great deal of closure (unlike the film).

As a film, it lacked the element to tie it together. It felt too disconnected, like one little adventure after another. I found it astonishing that the hugely dramatic scenes written before me in a book could not be translated into a film, where creating tension is honestly so much easier -- where did it all go? The film felt like it skimmed through everything in the book. I don't care if it's hard to fit everything into one movie, it can be done without making the events seem empty and rushed. Speaking of, why hire names like Christopher Lee, Kathy Bates and Kristin Scott Thomas if you're only going to give them one line in the film? Grubbing for an audience is not the way to make a film. Christopher Lee's appearance was just laughable -- another attempt to make it feel like the Lord of the Rings.

Even characters who were allowed to say more than just "hello" lacked depth. Nicole Kidman is a magical actress but I marvel at her new-found ability to pick the worst films. Her techniques and affectations were nothing new: it was good, but the same as we've seen in so many other movies from standard actresses. Sam Elliot and Eva Green were equally caricatured but did fairly well by their characters and what was required of them. Daniel Craig was boring: with little to do, little was done. Ian McKellen and Ian McShane did well as the voices of the two bears -- Ian McKellen again was a Lord of the Rings cash-in, but his voice has the power to excite, create a little bit of drama. Too bad the script and direction couldn't provide the rest.

A miserably disappointing film version of one of my favourite novels.
While I agree about it being terrible and ridiculous that the ending was cut, I just wanted to say that they did keep a lot of the original novel in even if they changed some things--more than I expected actually. Many scenes played out just as I pictured them in the books, with lots of dialogue lifted directly from the book (I recently reread the book in prep over the summer, and recognized a lot of it). And I wasn't the only book fan (and Catholic actually--the Catholic league isn't everyone you know! :rolleyes: ) to enjoy the movie--so I would still RENT it (but only because it's gone from theaters now!) and at least give it a chance, since some people did like it! ;) Just like there were some people who were less impressed with Atonement than others....;)

[Andrew]

I'm appalled no one's brought up Juno!

Juno - Watch & Buy and then buy the soundtrack!
A great, funny movie with great performances by the entire cast. Ellen Page is a wonder as Juno and her lines will have you laughing your hardest. I'm on the verge of watching it again with my friends just so that they can see it.

[sherrilina]

There Will Be Blood--Watch!

There's a reason why it was nominated for so many Oscars--with breathtaking cinematography and music (the latter of which should have been nominated), phenomenal performances by Daniel Day-Lewis (who deserves the Oscar for Best Actor) and Paul Dano (seen in Little Miss Sunshine), fascinating characters and an intriguing plot, this is a film I would definitely recommend, especially to those who enjoy period pieces! There is blood, as promised by the title, though not too much--the violence was a lot less than I had expected, and it's not that graphic. It's a movie that you can't help thinking about for a while after it's over....

[Dark Ages]

CLOVERFIELD: This movie was good (the part i saw) I like the action in this film and the story line was good in my taste. It's just one thing that bothered me was the movement of the camera. The movie was in a point of view of a video camera, which means it moved so much. The movement of the camera made me sick to my stomach that I had to leave the theater in the middle of the movie. That made me upset because I wanted to see the ending. So it you like action, sci-fi and wacky camera movement this movie is for you. I give this movie a :s (I dont know)

[Ahm Shere]

Sweeney Todd - WATCH

best movie i've seen that came out this year (even more than potc 3--which i also like). i love, love, love it. i'm a big fan of tim burton and johnny depp and this did not disappoint. exactly the kind of material that appeals to me (and i'm hardly a broadway fan--everyone did an amazing job on vocals). it's both beautifully tragic and morbidly funny in true burtonesque style. just amazing acting... especially from the principals.

if you know burton's sleepy hollow, you know the kind of almost funny over-the-top gore it has. being that sleepy hollow has more heads than sweeney has necks, it's actually less brutal, imo. its very morbidly funny if you *get* burton.

but most of all: it's a beautiful dramatic tragedy with a last image that will definitely stick in your mind.

my favorite parts: sweeney baring his neck wordlessly to toby and the fountaining of blood over his dead wife. he's given up on revenge. it's over and he doesn't fight his end. and of course... the blood-dripping pietà pose at the end with benjamin barker and lucy.

http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/7149/st173oo3.jpg

the other favorite is any time he looks like a hell-bent maniac. also his nonchalance as he foot-pedals his victims emotionlessly in the rigged barbers chair after he slits their throats again and again. and the whole time he's singing a sweet song about his daughter. all the while he is saying good-bye to benjamin barker and losing himself.

and any time sweeney growls or acts really frightening. "com'on! com'on! sweeney's waiting... i want you bleeders." and also when you think he's about to kill his daughter, johanna... and her only sight of her father (unknowingly) is him covered in the judge's blood and threatening to kill her.

and sweeney's blood-covered dance with mrs. lovett into the oven after she neglected to tell him his wife was alive because she wanted him... especially with his acknowledgment of her feelings for him. also a repeat of the rolling pin/cleaver dance from a little priest.
the funniest part: the whole "by the sea" sequence with sweeney in a striped swimsuit... bright shiny dream sequence and here you've got two actors who are totally dressed up as tim burton dolls surrounded by beach scenes and mrs. lovett is just babbling on about marriage plans and beach houses while sweeney is sitting there completely blank, grouchy and miserable--nothing is left in his heart beyond single-minded revenge. he even thinks about putting his hand on her leg and recoils immediately.

depp's blank facial expressions and bonham carter's perkiness are just absolutely hysterical. even in her fantasy, sweeney is still sweeney.

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/5112/swimfa1.jpg

Hell yeah! I totally agree!

Sweeney Todd - Watch!

It's only recently came out in the UK and gosh oh golly, its FANTASTIC! I went to see it today (OK, so I lied about my age :p) and I was just in awe.

The songs are great, and as much as Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter were slated for their singing, I thought their voices where great too.

It wasn't as gory as I thought it would be, and I have seen more gorier movies, but this movie is just...WOW!

I agree with you on the funniest bit. I loved it. I laughed my head off when I saw Johnny Depp in his bathing costume, and the way he acts at their 'wedding'. The way he turns and gives her a quick peck. :lol:

There was one point where it got a little unbelievable, Where Judge Turpin had just had his throat slit, and stabbed multiple times, was dropped from a distance onto his head where his neck should have snapped, yet he was still alive. I actually yelled out, 'There is NO way he can still be alive! Yes, I got a lot of looks :s

But the fact that it was a Tim Burton movie, everything is forgiven!

Go see it, now! :lol:

[BlasterBoy]

btw, WATCH JUNO!

Juno - Watch, Watch Again, Watch It Win An Oscar, and Then Buy

This movie is fantastic. Easily the best movie I've seen all year. The acting is great, and the witty script is so much fun and it's just wonderful. The soundtrack is so wonderfully simple. For some reason, this movie just has it all. The character development is amazing, and the way you change your view of the people is just fantatsic. You need to see this. You NEED to.

Cloverfield - Watch (or rent if you want, doesn't matter really)

This movie was okay. I liked most of it except the plot, which is a major thing. I won't spoil, but imo, the movie does not live up to it's hype, but it still should be seen. The only reason I put WATCH instead of RENT is because Cloverfield has some of the best and most realistic special effects ever and they're a joy to watch on the big screen.

[Heather]

[B]Cloverfield - (or rent if you want, doesn't matter really)

I disagree completely - if you're gonna see this move at all, you MUST see it in theatres or have a really freakin' fantastic home sound system and TV. Otherwise it just won't have the same effect.

I, personally, loved "Cloverfield" to death and recommend that anyone that can handle the hand-held camera filming and that enjoys monster movies goes to see this movie. It was truly fantastic, to me. And it all felt so real. The special effects are phenomenal, the acting is great, and while there isn't much plot, you will definitely be swept up in the suspense and action and horror that you won't even notice (unless you're fighting it and WANT to notice the lack of true plot). It's truly fantastic. I loved it.

So, clearly, I say: WATCH IN A MOVIE THEATRE.

[BlasterBoy]

Sorry, Heather, but I disagree. I was just expecting more plot from Goddard, especially from the hype :o I wasn't looking to hate it at all, quite the opposite.

[Heather]

Sorry, Heather, but I disagree. I was just expecting more plot from Goddard, especially from the hype :o I wasn't looking to hate it at all, quite the opposite.

I'm not saying you looked to hate it. I'm just saying that you went in expecting a plot from a monster movie and didn't get one. Of course you were disappointed. But I just think that you shouldn't have those expectations when you go to see a monster movie. You go purely for suspense and characters and all that jazz. At least, I know I do. :p

But I stubbornly stand by the fact that if you see this movie, you must see it in a movie theatre or on a really nice TV with a really kickass sound system. Because you can't possibly say that the special effects and sounds and whatnot were bad.

[BlasterBoy]

I'm not saying you looked to hate it. I'm just saying that you went in expecting a plot from a monster movie and didn't get one. Of course you were disappointed. But I just think that you shouldn't have those expectations when you go to see a monster movie. You go purely for suspense and characters and all that jazz. At least, I know I do. :p

But I stubbornly stand by the fact that if you see this movie, you must see it in a movie theatre or on a really nice TV with a really kickass sound system. Because you can't possibly say that the special effects and sounds and whatnot were bad.

Well, it was from Abrams and Goddard, so I thought there would be plot :p That being said, I don't ever love monster movies that are just monster movies, hence the not loving it ;)

Well, DUH the special effects were kickass! :p :lol: ;)

[ThePoet's<3]

TWENTY-SEVEN DRESSES - RENT (big "DUH" from the guys - I know:D)

Watch it if you want a night out at the movies with the girls - it is a true Chick-Flick. It's fluffy, funny, cute, sweet and dorky. And James Marsden is just CUTE!

I like C-F's every once in a while - depends on who wants to go to the movies. Ladies in the office are NOT into Sci-fi... *sigh* I' m thinking I will have to see Cloverfield by myself... :(

[NileQT87]

There was one point where it got a little unbelievable, Where Judge Turpin had just had his throat slit, and stabbed multiple times, was dropped from a distance onto his head where his neck should have snapped, yet he was still alive. I actually yelled out, 'There is NO way he can still be alive! Yes, I got a lot of looks :s

don't forget that the judge had two bodies to land on top of. he didn't die from getting dropped on his head because he landed on the beadle and lucy. he died from blood loss, not his neck getting broken like the majority of the victims. before, all of sweeney's victims had an empty floor to land on. lucy would have fallen feet-first on the beadle and turpin fell head-first on the beadle. the beadle was quite round, too. it depends on how he landed. and lovett screams just seconds after he lands. it's not like there was much pause between the two parts. she was already down there about to tend to bodies when he fell.

turpin was almost dead when he was clutching on, though. he was fighting it, but mrs. lovett was probably just shocked that the judge wasn't dead yet. she even refers to the judge as "*it* was clutching onto my dress, but *it*'s finished now". she didn't get to the pile up of bodies as soon as usual, so there may have been two that didn't die from the fall--lucy also probably died of blood loss because she went down feet-down. mrs. lovett didn't really see the victims as people. they were "it"s--nothing but supplies. she screamed because he it was the first one she saw who wasn't just a body.

glad you loved the movie, though!

[Ahm Shere]

don't forget that the judge had two bodies to land on top of. he didn't die from getting dropped on his head because he landed on the beadle and lucy. he died from blood loss, not his neck getting broken like the majority of the victims. before, all of sweeney's victims had an empty floor to land on. lucy would have fallen feet-first on the beadle and turpin fell head-first on the beadle. the beadle was quite round, too. it depends on how he landed. and lovett screams just seconds after he lands. it's not like there was much pause between the two parts. she was already down there about to tend to bodies when he fell.

turpin was almost dead when he was clutching on, though. he was fighting it, but mrs. lovett was probably just shocked that the judge wasn't dead yet. she even refers to the judge as "*it* was clutching onto my dress, but *it*'s finished now". she didn't get to the pile up of bodies as soon as usual, so there may have been two that didn't die from the fall--lucy also probably died of blood loss because she went down feet-down. mrs. lovett didn't really see the victims as people. they were "it"s--nothing but supplies. she screamed because he it was the first one she saw who wasn't just a body.

glad you loved the movie, though!

:lol:, Yeah I suppose you are right.

I didn't pay much attention to the fact he landed ontop on Lucy and The Beadle...I was just in shock/awe :roll:. And I was waiting to see if he was going to cut Joanna's throat, because for a moment, I thought he was!

Another thing I forgot to mention, was I thought Helena Bonham Carter totally stole the show. Yes, Johnny Depp was good, but I was suprised at HBC. She was fantastic! Give an oscar to that woman! She had quite a few hilarious lines, I love all of her songs, and her acting in general was fantastic. I actually cried in the cinema...

After Mrs. Lovett and Toby sing 'Not While I'm Around', and she locks Toby in the cellar...like the baking room. I did, I had tears streaming down my face, I was like...Oh no! She's gonna get Sweeney to kill him! :eek:

And yeah, I really enjoyed it, I'm going back to see it again, so people who haven't seen it yet, go watch! :p

[Phoenix]

Sweeney Todd is such an amazing movie, I recommend everyone go see it!

Im seeing it again a few times in the next couple weeks, I love it that much. Ive always loved Tim Burton movies, and Helena Bonham Carter is my absolute favourite actress. She is so amazing in this movie, shes just amazing in general.

And I cried during the movie aswell, in a few parts.. the ending was just so intense!

By The Sea was definately my favourite scene, was so cute to see Mrs Lovetts fantasies about it all, and the song was so fun to sing haha ^_^

[patxshand]

Juno: Watch. Watch about fifty times. Twice in the same day would be good.

I am Legend: Watch.

Cloverfield: Rent. Theater would give you a headache. It was brilliant, though.

[BlasterBoy]

Michael Clayton - Watch (You Must)

This movie was fantastic! One of my favorites of the year! The script and direction is amazing, as is the story. It sends a great message about greed. Everything in the movie basically leads into what everyone is: greedy. It's truly fantastic. The way it's made is stunning, and the use of flashbacks is great. But, the thing that stands out most is the acting. Tilda Swinton (sp?) and Tom Wilkinson are just.....omg, wow! They're amazing! Clooney is good but he's nothing compared to what these two dish out! A superb movie that I MUST see again, because it's just....wow.

[Nikole]

Across The Universe

Watch! And then buy it on DVD. It's freaking amazing.

[BlasterBoy]

Across The Universe

Watch! And then buy it on DVD. It's freaking amazing.

YES! Loved that movie just for the sole fact that it had Beatles songs in it :lol:

[Kold]

Charlie Wilson's War - Rent
An okay movie... that's what I thought coming out. Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Philip Seymour Hoffman, they're all serviceable. They all get some laughs. Philip Seymour Hoffman was hardly deserving of another Oscar nomination, if he got one this year it should have been for one of the films for which he was, apparently, far better, eg. The Savages or Before the Devil Knows You're Dead. As it stands Charlie Wilson's War has some good scenes and it has a good end, or at least the implication of a good end. While most of the film is 'history' (in truth or exaggeration) and therefore fairly inoffensive, the ending dips lightly into the paddle pool of 'modern politics'. I think the strength of the end was that it didn't attack the audience with political righteousness or gut-wrenching tragedy... neither of which would have suited a mostly comedic film. Rather it very lightly disturbed the pattern that had been previously defined, and added a little bit of morosity, but better yet, quite a bit more thought. It's not a film to go hopping out of your seat for, really, but if you're interested it's worth a look.

Juno - Watch
Juno is, yes, a very good film. The performances by the whole cast are stunning, singling out Ellen Page, Jennifer Garner and Michael Cera right now. The thing about Juno is that it's really not that original. I know die-hard fans of the film would disagree, shrieking that it's entirely original and revolutionary, but it's fairly recyclable teen indie fare. The difference is that it sets itself above the other teen indie comedies by a substantial amount, and is impressive for its height of wit and the acting that Jason Reitman elicited from the cast. No comment on its Best Picture nomination, although I'll say that it certainly was better than Little Miss Sunshine, which was nominated last year.

There Will Be Blood - Watch
An unmissable epic, in which director Paul Thomas Anderson (think Magnolia) builds upon the same vein and yet completely changes his style. This is his most impressive film, and the direction, particularly in areas like the beach scene and the fire scene, is spectacular. Daniel Day-Lewis is mighty and Paul Dano is a cringing mixture of James Spader and Andy Serkis' Gollum, all the while having me think that he is or will soon be better than both of those actors brought to mind. Jonny Greenwood's score is truly something, helping to create the sense of malice that permeates through the film. Whether toweringly angry or cruelly fun, as in the final shot of the film, malice seethes from Daniel Plainview, Eli Sunday and from the land itself. An unmissable picture, one which will become a classic.

[sherrilina]

Juno - Watch
Juno is, yes, a very good film. The performances by the whole cast are stunning, singling out Ellen Page, Jennifer Garner and Michael Cera right now. The thing about Juno is that it's really not that original. I know die-hard fans of the film would disagree, shrieking that it's entirely original and revolutionary, but it's fairly recyclable teen indie fare. The difference is that it sets itself above the other teen indie comedies by a substantial amount, and is impressive for its height of wit and the acting that Jason Reitman elicited from the cast. No comment on its Best Picture nomination, although I'll say that it certainly was better than Little Miss Sunshine, which was nominated last year.
And I would say that it's certainly worse than Little Miss Sunshine last year, which definitely deserved it's Oscar nod last year (esp. compared to movies like Babel and LFIJ!). I agree that Juno is good, but not quite the best thing since sliced bread.....(but maybe I'm just not as excited about it after having seen the IMO better LMS last year....).

In any case, "There Will Be Blood" definitely deserves the Best Picture Oscar more....

There Will Be Blood - Watch
An unmissable epic, in which director Paul Thomas Anderson (think Magnolia) builds upon the same vein and yet completely changes his style. This is his most impressive film, and the direction, particularly in areas like the beach scene and the fire scene, is spectacular. Daniel Day-Lewis is mighty and Paul Dano is a cringing mixture of James Spader and Andy Serkis' Gollum, all the while having me think that he is or will soon be better than both of those actors brought to mind. Jonny Greenwood's score is truly something, helping to create the sense of malice that permeates through the film. Whether toweringly angry or cruelly fun, as in the final shot of the film, malice seethes from Daniel Plainview, Eli Sunday and from the land itself. An unmissable picture, one which will become a classic.
Glad we agree on something for once! ;)

But yeah, go see TWBB, though I haven't seen Clayton yet of "Atonement," "Juno," "No Country For Old Men," and "There Will Be Blood" IMO TWBB is the best and deserves the win!

[Kold]

I agree that Juno isn't the best thing since sliced bread... I think it is stronger as a film than LMS though. Michael Clayton is an intensely strong movie, one of my favourite films, although at some points (particularly in the beginning) the direction looks a little... tv movie? I'd vote There Will Be Blood but No Country's about as good. Although I've really enjoyed all five, yes, I even loved Atonement.

[sherrilina]

I agree that Juno isn't the best thing since sliced bread... I think it is stronger as a film than LMS though. Michael Clayton is an intensely strong movie, one of my favourite films, although at some points (particularly in the beginning) the direction looks a little... tv movie? I'd vote There Will Be Blood but No Country's about as good. Although I've really enjoyed all five, yes, I even loved Atonement.
Yeah, NCFOM was a little too violent for me, and I didn't find it as good cinematically--it was more just a thriller IMO, while TWBB was more of a masterpiece. I was also more intrigued by Day-Lewis's character and his arc than with those in No Country (especially when the main character in NCFOM acted like a dumbass too often for my liking...).

And I was very disappointed by Atonement, it was okay, but not that spectacular....the music was the highlight in that film!

And I just think that LMS is a better film more balanced with drama and humor and emotion and with a better cast and more compelling story....it felt like a more complete and inspiring film to me, one that as soon as I saw it back the first week it opened in selected theaters in July of that year I thought, "This is one of the best pictures of the year and deserves to be nominated!" I also think LMS is more laugh-out-loud funny more consistently throughout the film, and strikes more chords emotionally, etc. So I'm not as awed by Juno after that, though I thought it was great as well....

[TravelingBandsman]

Watch - Juno

I loved this movie. The indie nature of it made it attracting to watch even 5 minutes in. Music was great too but I'm partial to that particular range of genres. Thought it was very well done, good directing, good acting (Ellen Page is amazing), and another good performance by Michael Cera.

[BuffyForever86]

And I just think that LMS is a better film more balanced with drama and humor and emotion and with a better cast and more compelling story....it felt like a more complete and inspiring film to me, one that as soon as I saw it back the first week it opened in selected theaters in July of that year I thought, "This is one of the best pictures of the year and deserves to be nominated!" I also think LMS is more laugh-out-loud funny more consistently throughout the film, and strikes more chords emotionally, etc. So I'm not as awed by Juno after that, though I thought it was great as well....


I loved "Little Miss Sunshine," too! :2party: That was just such a fun adorable movie. I was thrilled that it got a Best Picture nomination, it was justly deserved. I am not thrilled about the Best Picture nominees this year. The only one that I hope wins is "Juno." I personally liked "Juno" a little bit more than "Little Miss Sunshine," but that is just my personal opinion. Ellen Page really did a fantastic job in the film, as did the entire cast. I just thought it was wonderful.


I did enjoy "27 Dresses." Yes, it's a chick flick (and I HATE chick flicks!), but this one was actually very good, and quite funny. Granted, I knew where this was going about 10 seconds into the movie, but it was still enjoyable. Honestly, I really went and saw this movie just for Katherine Heigl and (especially) James Marsden! :heart:

"National Treasure: Book Of Secrets" was a fun movie, but I recommend it purely as a rental. Definately not bad, but I don't really need to see it again.


"Enchanted" was wonderful. It was so much fun to see some classic 2-D animation on a theater screen, even if it was just for a short time. :hf2: Amy Adams stole my heart as Giselle. She was so good at playing a classic Disney Princess. :D James Marsden :heart: :heart: was just too awesome as the lunk-headed Prince Charming. I loved the part where he stabbed the bus and shouted "You have met your match, you foul bellowing beast!!" :roll:

[spikeswench]

SKIP (a big skip)

Unholy Movie..... Sorry Nick :( I really do adore you, but this movie was a mind numbing flop. I couldn't find it anywhere to rent so I had to buy it.. mmm can I get my money back?? I love ya Nick and hope to see you in something more you, like for say a new version of Evil Dead.. You have my vote..

[BlasterBoy]

Gone Baby Gone - Watch

I came in expecting a lot from the awesome trailer. IMO, it disappointed a bit, but not too much. First off, the acting is fantastic. I guess I have to forgive Casey Affleck being in Ben Affleck's first directing movie because he was pretty good. Amy Ryan gave a knockout performance. I don't know if she or Tilda Swinton deserves that Oscar. They both kick ass! The story is intriguing, and at times, terrifying. (I'm a wimp) The first half dragged a bit but, again, not too much, and the second half was mind blowing. The writing in the second half, the music, the acting, the reveals. People could call it very anti-climactic. But, I disagree. Great ending. Sad movie. But an awesome one.

[Dark Ages]

ACROSS THE UNIVERSE: It took me a while to see this film and I have to say. It was pretty amazing and different from all the other musicales I've seen. I love the look and the characters are fantastic. The opening scene was so amazing and gave me shivers. Just a awesome movie with awesome songs. I say go buy the DVD. I give this movie a HELL YEAH!!!! and a :thumbup:

JUMPER: With this movie I would have to say RENT IT!! It wasn’t a horrible movie. I just felt it had some dead spots. Some times it got really boring and not enough action for me. I love the plot its very original and I can see it going far. the aacting was really good and I feel that Diane Lane was waisted in this film. She wasn't used as much. I actually hope it will be a sequel. I would have to say I give this movie a What ever you want to see. :xd

[BlasterBoy]

There Will Be Blood - Watch

No, there actually won't be blood. But, that's okay, cause I'm a wuss :)

Now, onto the actual review. I saw it tonight, and yesterday I was told, "This movie is made for Daniel Day-Lewis to overact. It's okay, but very boring." What do I think of this now? It's not true. DD-L is incredible in this film and deserves the Oscar, but this movie is, imo, an epic character piece. It's a disgrace to the Academy Awards that neither Paul Dano and the score were not nominated, because both were mind blowing. Seeing DD-L's character become corrupt and watching the choices he made. It's just....amazing. Also, the directing is top notch and all the story elements that are needed for a great film are there. And for a movie that has it all, it couldn't have awesome visual effects, right? Wrong. The oil explosion is fantastic and very realistic. This movie has everything except for some cheery stuff ;) So, go watch it. Just....watch it.

QUESTION: Where did Paul Sunday go? Am I missing something? Why wasn't he with his family?

[BlasterBoy]

Hannah, Nile, Phoenix....you are all so damn right! :heart:

From now on, I will give ratings 1-5 :)

Sweeney Todd - WATCH!

One of my top 5 movies of the year, because wow! Just wow! Helena Bonham Carter really pulled her weight. I was scared for a bit because it's her and Johnny Depp. Could she pull it off? The answer is yes. I think she might have even been better than him.

The Acting: It was very good, especially HBC and the guy who played Toby. Alan Rickman (that his name) was exceptional as well. Unfortunately, Depp seemed a little more....boring that I excepted? He wasn't bad, I just wasn't overly impressed. He had some amazing moments like, "Benjamin Barker!" or the part where Nile was explaining ;) Not the funny part, the "best" part. HBC was just fabulous, and her shinning moment came at two spots, as did Toby. Toby's was during his song with Mrs. Lovett, "Not While I'm Around", which was one of my favorites. HBC's was at the exact moment. From that song to her locking Toby in the bake room. *shudders* Fantastic. The other one is when....

You find out Mrs. Lovett's been lying and Lucy is alive, but Sweeney killed her (double *gasp*). Her performance, trying to be so innocent is beautifully chilling. And her dance as she gets thrown in the fire. The hardest scene for me, cause HBC made her character so alive. I cared so much for her. :( But, I'm glad Toby lived! :D He was my second favorite.

ANYWAYS, don't get fooled. This is not a regular movie. This IS a MUSICAL. If you do not enjoy musicals and plot progressing through song, then you will probably be disappointed by this movie. Not to say it isn't the best musical all year, but it is a musical.

Also, don't let the "spurting, horrifying blood" fool you. The blood is extremely cartoonish. I was scared into thinking there would be buckets of blood. There is blood. Sometimes, there is a lot. But, not like, "Oh my god, I just threw up!" a lot. ;)

My favorite part? The last scene? The song that Mrs. Lovett sings is just awesome. The, basically, usage of almost every song in the movie is beautiful, from "Poor Thing", to "A Little Priest". Just beautiful.

Go see this. A beautiful masterpiece.

5/5

[BlasterBoy]

Ratings for last four/five reviews :) See the reviews on the other pages.

Juno - 5/5
Cloverfield - 2.5/5
Michael Clayton - 4.5/5
Gone Baby Gone - 4/5
There Will Be Blood - 5/5
Across The Universe - 3.5/5 (review with this post)

NOTE: REVIEW WRITTEN OCT. 21rst, 2007

Across The Universe - Rent

Well, I'm a Beatles fan. And, last night, I saw Across The Universe. Well.....

Across The Universe is a movie based on The Beatles groundbreaking music. A man named, Jude (named after their hit, "Hey, Jude") moves from Liverpool (wow, I'm seeing a resemblance to a certain Beatles) to The United States. He meets up with a young man named Max ("Maxwell And His Silver Hammer") at Princeton. Max has a sister named Lucy ("Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds") and her boyfriend is off fighting in the Vietnam War. She gets a letter saying he's dead (don't worry, that WAS NOT a spoiler). Meanwhile, Max and Jude decide to take a road trip and move to New York City, where they live in an apartment with Prudence ("Dear Prudence), a lesbian girl, Sadie ("Sexy Sadie"), a singer, and a young black man named JoJo (has a reference to a song, just forgot), a guitar player joining Sadie's band. Together, they have to move through the struggles of life, love, and war.

Starting from the beginning. It was smart, when it came to Prudence. Her voice is beautiful when singing "I Want To Hold Your Hand", to a cheerleader. It took me a minute to figure out it wasn't to the jock lol! "I've Just Seen A Face", one of my favorite songs, was done beautifully! The guy has an outstanding voice, but unfortunately, this whole scene was very cheesy, and you just couldn't get past it. It was much too Greese for me, and that is not what The Beatles are, I'll tell ya that! With that said, the actors are all great at acting and singing, which is needed for a musical.

Then, it started to pick up pace when "Let It Be" went on! That scene/song was the best on in the movie, probably. The little kid singing it, and then at his funeral, connecting the whole Civil Rights Movement into this whole story. That was brilliant. Also, bring in the boyfriend's funeral was smart.

That scene was just fantastic.

I loved the band. Having the band opened up many new doors for songs. ;)

Anyways, back to reality! :lol: "Dear Prudence" was great, with her coming "out of the closet". A bit too literal and in your face, imo.

And wow! To Bono's entrance, that was good. His singing was nice, and them being on drugs. Right then, the cinematography was phenomenal! But, then, we go to "For The Benefit Of Mr. What's-his-face"! What a horrible, pointless, idiotic, almost UNBEARABLE scene. I'll back track to go to another incredibly insane and idiotic scene: "I Want You". Now, the message is good. But, really, the plastic army dudes? What cheestastic crap! Get a real way to get songs in there without it being absolutely ridiculous!

Back to the actual story: thank god.

Her turning into a crazy radical was a nice turn. And her seeing the "new friends" making homemade bombs and killing themselves was a very interesting touch. Although, "Revolution" was nicely sung, the whole point of the song in this movie was simple: we like that song. I could've gone with out it, because it was REALLY unneeded.

"Strawberry Fields Forever"! That scene was almost the best; but it was beaten by "Let It Be". Him giving up on the apple was hilarious! Seeing as it was The Beatles symbol ;) But, the great thing about this scene was how they tied the whole Vietnam War thing into it! The strawberry’s he was pinning to the wall, that symbolized the blood. How they went to Max, in Vietnam. It was all so meaningful.

Ah. The love story. It got very boring, imo. The whole thing was ridiculous after awhile. “Revolution” was nicely sung and shot, but really had no meaning in this movie.

As for “Hey, Jude”, it was good, but cheesy! And Max shouting “Judey!” was the cheesiest moment in the movie. But, that's okay :D

The end was phenomenal! The song on the roof was great: “A Hard Day’s Night”, anyone? When the police knocked them down and Jude got away and started singing “All You Need Is Love”, it was great. But a little reminiscence of Moulin Rouge, don’t cha think?

Overall? It was a good musical with great singing and acting, but lacking any real plot other than some clever and rather emotional scenes. There was cheese, maybe a bit too much. If you want a real amazing musical with everything in it, see “Rent” or try “Moulin Rogue”, but for a late night movie with great singing, check it out.

3.5/5

[BuffyForever86]

I had pretty much the same reaction after seeing "Across The Universe" at the theater. It was visually amazing, but the plot was pretty empty. The movie could have been cut to an hour and a half, and it would have been better, in my opinion. I really am a fan of The Beatles, but it seemed almost as if they just created parts of the film for the sole purpose of inserting another Beatles song. I'm still glad I had a chance to see it, but I personally have no desire to see it again.

[BlasterBoy]

Vantage Point - Watch

Vantage Point is a thriller about the attempted assassination of the president (William Hunt sp?) at a, ironically, anti-terrorism speech/festival thing-y. The day rewinds SIX times (so you can count....and be annoyed), each time from a different perspective, intertwining all the characters. In the end, it turns out to be a surprisingly good and interesting, action-packed (with CARS!) thriller :)

Very interesting premise, IMO. Kept the movie very exciting with all the twists and turns, plus some of the actors. There's Forrest Whitacker, Sigourney Weaver (for a split second), Matthew Fox, Dennis Quad, and a few other famous people. But, once more, that's not what makes this movie. The story is really great, for the most part. And all the action and visuals make it exciting. You come into the world and forget about all the plot holes, such as a car being smashed between two others and then it keeps on driving ;)

The first perspective is a news channel showing the shooting of the president and a huge explosion, killing the news caster. Everyone is shocked and stunned. And boom. Day rewinds to go to Agent Something or Another (Dennis Quad) coming back to where he took a shot for the same president who gets shot. He's a bit insane :) But from there you get action packed chases with Enrique, some "cop" dude. You get huge explosions, awesome car chases, and unbelievable twists that are cool.

I seem to be criticizing this movie and hailing it at the same time. What's up with that? Well, as much I loved the notion of it and everything that came with it, there were some irking factors. I mentioned the car smash before. But, it happens throughout the movie. Apparently, injuries don't exist in this movie ;) They either die or start running at full speed with a bullet in their chest after being smashed into a building by a huge truck. Coincidence? I think not! (sorry, I had to)

Next, is Forrest Whitaker's character, Howard. He got one of the six (count 'em) flashbacks, but they could've cut it down to five. His character was totally unnecessary, out of place, boring, and, well, dumb. He added nothing to the story, other than one thing he caught on his camcorder, that could've easily been added into Dennis Quad's flashback. This was completely dumb, IMO, and brought down the enjoyment level cause I had to slump out of the edge of my seat for about fifteen minutes.

The ending was a bit anticlimactic, and totally unrealistic, but you can forgive that because of the sheer awesomeness that was this movie. Although, Howard and some inconsistencies bring it down a point. Nonetheless, an awesome, awesome thriller heart stopping action.

4/5

[sherrilina]

The Other Boleyn Girl--Watch!

I just saw the movie on Friday night, and I must say I LOVED it! I really, really enjoyed myself the whole time, and almost wished I could go see it a second time right afterwards with another group of people I knew! Yes, it was inaccurate (which usually bugs me, but like its historical fiction source I just pretend it's about a different, imaginary kingdom), had some terrible dresses/costumes (so that half the time I was wondering what the hell they were wearing, though as time went on there were a few good ones too), and the very ending was a tad cheesy/melodramatic, and yes, sadly they had to cut some significant storylines from the book which I really liked and wanted to see, but given the time constraints they had (the book it's based on is HUGE), I was very pleased with the end result. I thought that, perhaps with the exception of Bana and the actress cast as Jane Parker, the casting and acting was excellent, with Portman, Johansson, Jim Sturgess (George Boleyn, last seen as Jude in "Across the Universe"!), and the woman playing Catherine of Aragon (unfortunately yet another inaccurate dark-haired casting, though given that even HENRY has dark hair in this film, lol....and not to sound superficial but a mole on her lip was more distracting to me than her hair color) were all stand-outs. I would actually say that I'm right now deciding between which Anne Boleyn I like better, Portman or Genevieve Bujold (star of 1969's Anne of the Thousand Days)--it's probably still Bujold, but Portman was pretty damn good, she was spot-on in the seduction scenes and great in the emotional break-down bits as well. I was pleasantly surprised! And Johansson met my expectations as the perfect cast for Mary Boleyn (at least as written by Gregory, all innocent and such), as did Jim Sturgess for George--really they couldn't have cast three better people IMO, not only for their individual performances, but for the incredible chemistry and rapport between them as well--they were all VERY convincing as siblings, I loved watching them at it....though there was indeed melodrama there was also real emotion there, you felt for the characters (or at least I did), their disappointments, etc, rather like in the book (though not quite to the same degree, since they cut a lot of the more painful stuff out). It was also beautifully shot and the music was gorgeous (I will definitely be considering buying it!). I will probably be seeing it again, and if the sold out theater I was in is any indication of the nation as a whole I think it will do well at the box office this weekend. Of course it was partly sold out thanks to an entire row taken up and reserved (with bright flyers) for "The Eric Bana Fan Club." I kid you not! ;) And these were older women too...:lol:

But yeah, things did move fast and and many things were skipped or only barely touched upon, though it's in spurts, spending much more time on some parts than others. If you have not read the book or know the history (though even then you may be confused by a few timeline changes they make) you may indeed find it confusing, esp. because of some of the big storylines cut. I suspect that this may be like the movie "Atonement," where it's much more enjoyable and coherent if you are familiar with what it's based on....

But give it a chance, even if you don't think it's the best movie you will at least be entertained!

There Will Be Blood - Watch

No, there actually won't be blood. But, that's okay, cause I'm a wuss :)

Now, onto the actual review. I saw it tonight, and yesterday I was told, "This movie is made for Daniel Day-Lewis to overact. It's okay, but very boring." What do I think of this now? It's not true. DD-L is incredible in this film and deserves the Oscar, but this movie is, imo, an epic character piece. It's a disgrace to the Academy Awards that neither Paul Dano and the score were not nominated, because both were mind blowing. Seeing DD-L's character become corrupt and watching the choices he made. It's just....amazing. Also, the directing is top notch and all the story elements that are needed for a great film are there. And for a movie that has it all, it couldn't have awesome visual effects, right? Wrong. The oil explosion is fantastic and very realistic. This movie has everything except for some cheery stuff ;) So, go watch it. Just....watch it.

QUESTION: Where did Paul Sunday go? Am I missing something? Why wasn't he with his family?
Lol, told you! :D It was an amazing film.....and I think Paul Sunday just didn't live at home anymore, he took his money and ran....but the fact that Paul Dano played both him and Eli confused the hell out of me, lol, I thought it was the same guy at first and didn't understand until Daniel talks about it that they're twins...

Also, don't let the "spurting, horrifying blood" fool you. The blood is extremely cartoonish. I was scared into thinking there would be buckets of blood. There is blood. Sometimes, there is a lot. But, not like, "Oh my god, I just threw up!" a lot. ;)

I don't know, I still had to cover my eyes every time he was about to do it--but then again I personally find slitting throats to be especially disturbing for some reason, even Dru killing Kendra with her nail squicks me to no end...

IThe movie could have been cut to an hour and a half, and it would have been better, in my opinion. I really am a fan of The Beatles, but it seemed almost as if they just created parts of the film for the sole purpose of inserting another Beatles song. I'm still glad I had a chance to see it, but I personally have no desire to see it again.
Or to show how "trippy" and psychedelic they could be! I completely agree--it would have been a MUCH stronger movie if they had cut the unecessary songs that really didn't advance the plot--for example if they cut from the end of "I am the Walrus" (though even that's a bit of a stretch) to her brother going to the war place (no stupid non-sung circus song or the water song), and cutting "Happiness is a warm gun", etc. The other parts are really good--I just watched it again and enjoyed it a lot except for those parts--it's sooo long though with them!

[Cori]

In The Valley of Elah - Watch!

I just saw this movie and was impressed by it. It's a very gripping and poignant film that powerfully demonstrates how the war in Iraq (or any war for that matter) can turn people into monsters and destroy their lives. Tommy Lee Jones and Charlize Theron both give stellar performances. I love how Tommy Lee Jones' character comes to question his values both as a member of the military and as a father in the course of the movie. I deeply enjoyed the stubbornness and strength of Charlize Theron's character and the relationship she has with her young son. This film is not some light, entertaining popcorn movie (nothing wrong with that of course), it makes you think and it has a strong political message. Certainly one of the most thought-provoking movies I've seen recently!

[patxshand]

The Spiderwick Chronicles

Rent, probably, when you can. It was good and all, but only fans of the books will want to buy. Good for a family flick, though.

Juno

Screw Watch/Rent/Skip, just BUY the damn thing! Twice. Simple the best film of 2007, period.

Across the Universe

Skip. By all means skip. Fans of the Beatles should pick up the soundtrack, but anyone who expects a musical to have even a tad bit of a plot will be disappointed that the lazy film-makers behind this movie churned out crap scene after crap scene just so they could squeeze in every Beatles song known to man and God alike. Everything here is contrived and only a bit of it makes any sort of sense.

Cloverfield

Rent, as long as you don't mind motion sickness.

I Am Legend

So watch. Such a great film, based on a great book. The DVD will have an alternative ending, which rocks (I've seen it online) and it's just a really well-done movie.

No Country for Old Men

Skip. A lot of build-up, but the story is thrown away 3/4 of the way through for some pseudointellectual BS that wasn't even relevant to the plot for 75% of the movie. Horrible storytelling that tries its best to trick the viewer and make them scratch their chins at the expense of the plot.

[ciderdrinker]

Went to see The Accidental Husband last night:-

RENT for a girls night in.

This film is not that great, not really that funny and fairly predictable romcom fare. It is only really watchable because of Jeffery Dean Morgan and Colin Firth. Uma Thurman just can't do kooky. I couldn't help thinking all the way through that the film could be so much better with different actors in the lead roles. I love JDM and thought seeing him on screen for that much time was great (compared to the smaller part he had in PS I Love You) but he does drama better than comedy. Colin Firth, of course, is a pro when it comes to these films, but even he seemed to be "doing by the numbers". If it had been Kate Hudson or Katherine Heigel in the lead role the film would definately been funnier.

[Lady Manson]

I have to do my own little review on a couple past cuz I'm the total opposite.

No Country for Old Men - Watch
LOVED THIS MOVIE!!! I did a total happy dance when this won Best Picture. This film created one of the greatest new villains ever. I mean, who has a shotgun with a silencer??? I saw this twice in the theater and snagged it on Blu Ray the day it came out.

Cloverfield - Watch (unless you get motion sickness)
That's no joke. My poor mom vomited in the theater due to the shakiness. This movie was great. I almost cried a couple times because there are scenes that are very similar to 9/11. Also, the final frame, watch in the background.

Funny Games - Watch
Unfortunately, this film is not getting a wide release. I saw this three times in our independent theater here cuz we were lucky enough to get it. You'll either love it or hate it. It's just one of those. It's incredibly disturbing, mainly because it's very violent, but the violence is shot ala Hitch****, where it's all off screen. Nine people walked out on it one time I saw it. It's a remake of an Austrian film, if you want to call it that. I don't consider it a remake because it's by the same director and is shot for shot the same film. I guess he just wanted to do it again. I can't wait for this to be released on DVD!

[TravelingBandsman]

21 - Watch

This movie was amazing. I went and saw it with my cousin last Friday. At first I didn't think it was gonna be all that great but I was into it the entire time. It's suspenseful, it's romantic, it's very poetic as well. I highly reccommend it to any fence-sitters.