Review #188: Sullivan's Travels.
Cast
Joel McCrea (John L. Sullivan), Veronica Lake (The Girl), Robert Warwick (Mr. Lebrand), William Demarest (Mr. Jonas), Franklin Pangborn (Mr. Casalsis), Porter Hall (Mr. Hadrian), Byron Foulger (Mr. Johnny Valdelle), Margaret Hayes (Secretary), and Robert Greig (Burrows) Directed by Preston Sturges.
Review
I admit that there are comedies out there that aren't in the best quality, but people are entertained. This movie is an excellent lesson in that and more. People even in their worst state feel good with comedy. The acting is good, especially from McCrea. This is a fun and brilliant film that can make you laugh and feel entertained. 70 years and it still holds up.
Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.
June 30, 2012
June 29, 2012
Movie Night: Holes.
Review #187: Holes.
Cast,
Shia LaBeouf (Stanley Yelnats IV), Khleo Thomas (Hector Zeroni), Sigourney Weaver (Louise Walker), Jon Voight (Marion Sevillo), Patricia Arquette (Kate Barlow), Tim Blake Nelson (Dr. Pendanski), Dulé Hill (Sam), Henry Winkler (Stanley Yelnats III), and Eartha Kitt (Madame Zeroni) Directed by Andrew Davis (#176 - The Fugitive)
Review
Holes is based off the 1998 novel by Louis Sachar, and the film follows it pretty well. There is one thing to distinguish it a bit from most book to film adaptations, and that is that Sachar wrote the screenplay for this film, which gives some of the good part in the film, with the rest just being the acting, atmosphere, wit, and charm. LeBeouf *sigh* can be a good actor, with the films he has been in on this show (#057 - Transformers and #058 - Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen), this is a good one by him. The others in the cast such as Weaver, Voight, Thomas, and Kitt all do a good job in the time they're given. Good cast with good direction make...well, a good film.
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
Cast,
Shia LaBeouf (Stanley Yelnats IV), Khleo Thomas (Hector Zeroni), Sigourney Weaver (Louise Walker), Jon Voight (Marion Sevillo), Patricia Arquette (Kate Barlow), Tim Blake Nelson (Dr. Pendanski), Dulé Hill (Sam), Henry Winkler (Stanley Yelnats III), and Eartha Kitt (Madame Zeroni) Directed by Andrew Davis (#176 - The Fugitive)
Review
Holes is based off the 1998 novel by Louis Sachar, and the film follows it pretty well. There is one thing to distinguish it a bit from most book to film adaptations, and that is that Sachar wrote the screenplay for this film, which gives some of the good part in the film, with the rest just being the acting, atmosphere, wit, and charm. LeBeouf *sigh* can be a good actor, with the films he has been in on this show (#057 - Transformers and #058 - Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen), this is a good one by him. The others in the cast such as Weaver, Voight, Thomas, and Kitt all do a good job in the time they're given. Good cast with good direction make...well, a good film.
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
June 28, 2012
Movie Night: Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey.
Review #186: Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey.
Cast
Michael J. Fox (Chance), Don Ameche (Shadow), Sally Field (Sassy), Robert Hays (Bob), and Kim Griest (Laura) Directed by Duwayne Dunham.
Review
After the "trilogy" of films reviewed here as of late, I decided to pick something of lesser evil, Disney. Well actually Walt Disney Pictures, but still. While the human characters are mostly standard in acting and dialogue, the film focuses more on the animals and their trip home. Fox, Ameche, and Field do a good job, having some good banter, making you entertained in a reasonably paced 80 minute film that sees these animals transform as the film progresses, which a bit different from all that I've seen in the past few weeks. One thing I almost forgot to mention is that this is a remake of a 1963 adaptation also made by Disney which was based off the novel. This is a decent film that is almost 20 years old.
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Michael J. Fox (Chance), Don Ameche (Shadow), Sally Field (Sassy), Robert Hays (Bob), and Kim Griest (Laura) Directed by Duwayne Dunham.
Review
After the "trilogy" of films reviewed here as of late, I decided to pick something of lesser evil, Disney. Well actually Walt Disney Pictures, but still. While the human characters are mostly standard in acting and dialogue, the film focuses more on the animals and their trip home. Fox, Ameche, and Field do a good job, having some good banter, making you entertained in a reasonably paced 80 minute film that sees these animals transform as the film progresses, which a bit different from all that I've seen in the past few weeks. One thing I almost forgot to mention is that this is a remake of a 1963 adaptation also made by Disney which was based off the novel. This is a decent film that is almost 20 years old.
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
June 27, 2012
Movie Night: The Room.
Review #185: The Room.
Cast
Tommy Wiseau (Johnny), Greg Sestero (Mark), Juliette Danielle (Lisa), Philip Haldiman (Denny), Carolyn Minnott (Claudette), Robyn Paris (Michelle), Scott Holmes (Mike), and Dan Janjigian (Chris-R). Directed, Written, and Produced by Tommy Wiseau.
Review
Wow. I don't know what to say about this film. With Plan 9 and Birdemic, it took a while, but it all got straightened out. But this...Oh this...First off, the first five minutes are the weirdest part, with generic things said, and introducing our lead, Tommy Wiseau. Oh hai, Tommy Wiseau. He is so bizarre in this film that you wonder what impersonation he is doing, Christopher Walken or Borat. The other actors are generic in tone, ranging from manipulative to...weird. The film may run only 99 minutes, but it feels like there is padding, making you feel bored at times. More bizarre scenes include Denny, throwing footballs, and the rooftop scenes. The story is odd yet generic, with lines that at one point get ridiculous such as: "I did not hit her, it's not true! It's bullshit! I did not hit her! I did not. Oh hi Mark." It goes from unintentionally funny to dull to generic to confusing all in a swoop. The thing I find unbelievable is that this was made for 6 million dollars, which given the film makes you wonder how it could be this expensive. With bad acting, a confused story, unbelievably odd characters, and a strange amount of holes in the story, why would anyone, including me watch this film? It is one of those films you have to see to believe. But is this the worst in this so called trilogy? Plan 9 was so bad its good, Birdemic was beyond the deep end, and yet this is not off the deep end. Bad, but not the worst. I must mention this film is now officially nine years old. Good grief. *throws football across the screen*
Overall, I give it 3 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Tommy Wiseau (Johnny), Greg Sestero (Mark), Juliette Danielle (Lisa), Philip Haldiman (Denny), Carolyn Minnott (Claudette), Robyn Paris (Michelle), Scott Holmes (Mike), and Dan Janjigian (Chris-R). Directed, Written, and Produced by Tommy Wiseau.
Review
Wow. I don't know what to say about this film. With Plan 9 and Birdemic, it took a while, but it all got straightened out. But this...Oh this...First off, the first five minutes are the weirdest part, with generic things said, and introducing our lead, Tommy Wiseau. Oh hai, Tommy Wiseau. He is so bizarre in this film that you wonder what impersonation he is doing, Christopher Walken or Borat. The other actors are generic in tone, ranging from manipulative to...weird. The film may run only 99 minutes, but it feels like there is padding, making you feel bored at times. More bizarre scenes include Denny, throwing footballs, and the rooftop scenes. The story is odd yet generic, with lines that at one point get ridiculous such as: "I did not hit her, it's not true! It's bullshit! I did not hit her! I did not. Oh hi Mark." It goes from unintentionally funny to dull to generic to confusing all in a swoop. The thing I find unbelievable is that this was made for 6 million dollars, which given the film makes you wonder how it could be this expensive. With bad acting, a confused story, unbelievably odd characters, and a strange amount of holes in the story, why would anyone, including me watch this film? It is one of those films you have to see to believe. But is this the worst in this so called trilogy? Plan 9 was so bad its good, Birdemic was beyond the deep end, and yet this is not off the deep end. Bad, but not the worst. I must mention this film is now officially nine years old. Good grief. *throws football across the screen*
Overall, I give it 3 out of 10 stars.
June 26, 2012
Movie Night: Birdemic: Shock and Terror.
Review #184: Birdemic: Shock and Terror.
Cast
Alan Bagh (Rod), Whitney Moore (Nathalie), Adam Sessa (Ramsey), Catherine Batcha (Becky), Janae Caster (Susan), Colton Osborne (Tony), and Rick Camp (Dr. Jones) Directed by James Nguyen.
Review
What can I say? What can I do? What is this planning to? First off, this film is bad, pure and simple. The acting is so wooden with the worst offender being the generic dialogue and even worse boredom. The first 40 minutes are dating and walking and talking...until you get to the birds. I wonder if Nguyen tried to imitate Jaws and its sequence, but then I realize this is a far worse attempt. The birds are the worst monsters/animals I've ever seen. Far worse then Plan 9 from Outer Space's UFOs, and with even worse attacking them (hangers, seriously?) It is a mind numbing bad film that has no entertainment value whatsoever with multitudes of plot holes (Such as running from a store with food and water to a car that is being attacked by the birds), bland messages, and an even worse fact: There will be a sequel to this. But is this so called bad movie reviewing over? Oh, not yet. This "trilogy" isn't over yet.
Overall, I give it 0 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Alan Bagh (Rod), Whitney Moore (Nathalie), Adam Sessa (Ramsey), Catherine Batcha (Becky), Janae Caster (Susan), Colton Osborne (Tony), and Rick Camp (Dr. Jones) Directed by James Nguyen.
Review
What can I say? What can I do? What is this planning to? First off, this film is bad, pure and simple. The acting is so wooden with the worst offender being the generic dialogue and even worse boredom. The first 40 minutes are dating and walking and talking...until you get to the birds. I wonder if Nguyen tried to imitate Jaws and its sequence, but then I realize this is a far worse attempt. The birds are the worst monsters/animals I've ever seen. Far worse then Plan 9 from Outer Space's UFOs, and with even worse attacking them (hangers, seriously?) It is a mind numbing bad film that has no entertainment value whatsoever with multitudes of plot holes (Such as running from a store with food and water to a car that is being attacked by the birds), bland messages, and an even worse fact: There will be a sequel to this. But is this so called bad movie reviewing over? Oh, not yet. This "trilogy" isn't over yet.
Overall, I give it 0 out of 10 stars.
June 25, 2012
Movie Night: Plan 9 from Outer Space.
Review #183: Plan 9 from Outer Space.
Cast
Gregory Walcott (Jeff Trent), Mona McKinnon (Paula Trent), Duke Moore (Lt. John Harper), Tom Keene (Col. Tom Edwards), Carl Anthony (Patrolman Larry), Paul Marco (Patrolman Kelton), Tor Johnson (Inspector Dan Clay), Dudley Manlove (Eros), Joanna Lee (Tanna), John Breckinridge (The Ruler), Criswell (Criswell), and almost starring Bela Lugosi. Directed by Ed Wood.
Review
Where do I begin with this film? What could I do to review it? First off, let us begin with the narration, "Future events such as these will affect you in the future" Apart from that, the narration from there and throughout is beyond absurd. The acting (and characters) from...Any of the cast is poorly done, with Johnson doing the worst with his "flailing arms of death" The thing anyone would mention in this film is the effects. Normally I don't mention effects, but I must mention them: From the bizarre plastic UFO's to the even more bizzare description of them as a cigar, they truly are mentionable. One more thing about effects: When you cut from stock footage of Lugosi to a stand in for Lugosi, make sure that they're both at night. With all of this against the film, what is my opinion? It is not the worst of all time. It is a cheeseful romp that while given the bad effects, acting, and story, it is enjoyable enough to at least watch. Ed Wood at least tried to make something. There are far worse movies out there. Now then, what rating do I give this? I can't give it 0 for one reason: Too silly to be that bad. This begins the Tour de Worse Trilogy.
Overall, I give it 5 out of 10 stars.
June 24, 2012
Movie Night: DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story.
Review #182: DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story.
Cast
Vince Vaughn (Peter "Pete" LaFleur), Ben Stiller (White Goodman), Christine Taylor (Katherine "Kate" Veatch), Rip Torn (Patches O'Houlihan), Hank Azaria (Young Patches), Justin Long (Justin Redman), Stephen Root (Gordon Pibb), and Alan Tudyk (Steve "the Pirate" Cowan) Directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber.
Review
The film has good moments from most of the cast, with silly but decent at the same time fun. Vaughn and Taylor do well together as does Stiller in his crazed insane performance that is almost as crazy as his performance in Tropic Thunder. Funny at points with a decent cast, the film is a hit and far from a miss. One thing I will mention: This is the 100th review for Season 2 (December 20, 2011 - December 20, 2012).
Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Vince Vaughn (Peter "Pete" LaFleur), Ben Stiller (White Goodman), Christine Taylor (Katherine "Kate" Veatch), Rip Torn (Patches O'Houlihan), Hank Azaria (Young Patches), Justin Long (Justin Redman), Stephen Root (Gordon Pibb), and Alan Tudyk (Steve "the Pirate" Cowan) Directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber.
Review
The film has good moments from most of the cast, with silly but decent at the same time fun. Vaughn and Taylor do well together as does Stiller in his crazed insane performance that is almost as crazy as his performance in Tropic Thunder. Funny at points with a decent cast, the film is a hit and far from a miss. One thing I will mention: This is the 100th review for Season 2 (December 20, 2011 - December 20, 2012).
Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.
June 23, 2012
Movie Night: Rebel Without a Cause.
Review #181: Rebel Without a Cause.
Cast
James Dean (Jim Stark), Natalie Wood (Judy), Sal Mineo (John "Plato" Crawford), Jim Backus (Frank Stark), Ann Doran (Carol Stark), Corey Allen (Buzz Gunderson), William Hopper (Judy's father), Rochelle Hudson (Judy's mother), Edward Platt (Ray Fremick), Frank Mazzola (Crunch), and Dennis Hopper (Goon) Directed by Nicholas Ray.
Review
James Dean had made only three films before his tragic death, with one reviewed here already (#105 - East of Eden), This is the second of the three, and it is excellent. Dean once again is good, with his teenage angst coming into full mode with Wood, Mineo, and Backus also doing well. I must mention a young Dennis Hopper appears in this film, who would go on to do good films on his own (Easy Rider, Hoosiers, Speed) This film also has good directing, which captures the essence of teenagers and more. Good story in this good film.
Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.
Cast
James Dean (Jim Stark), Natalie Wood (Judy), Sal Mineo (John "Plato" Crawford), Jim Backus (Frank Stark), Ann Doran (Carol Stark), Corey Allen (Buzz Gunderson), William Hopper (Judy's father), Rochelle Hudson (Judy's mother), Edward Platt (Ray Fremick), Frank Mazzola (Crunch), and Dennis Hopper (Goon) Directed by Nicholas Ray.
Review
James Dean had made only three films before his tragic death, with one reviewed here already (#105 - East of Eden), This is the second of the three, and it is excellent. Dean once again is good, with his teenage angst coming into full mode with Wood, Mineo, and Backus also doing well. I must mention a young Dennis Hopper appears in this film, who would go on to do good films on his own (Easy Rider, Hoosiers, Speed) This film also has good directing, which captures the essence of teenagers and more. Good story in this good film.
Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.
June 22, 2012
Movie Night: Stand By Me.
Review #180: Stand By Me.
Cast
Wil Wheaton (Gordie Lachance), River Phoenix (Chris Chambers), Corey Feldman (Teddy Duchamp), Jerry O'Connell (Vern Tessio), Kiefer Sutherland (Ace Merill), and Richard Dreyfuss (Narrator) Directed by Rob Reiner (#108 - This is Spinal Tap, #232 - The Princess Bride)
Review
This film was adapted from the novella The Body by Stephen King, which I haven't read (Actually I haven't read anything from King nor reviewed any movies from them until now) The acting is good, with young talents doing adult like quality, with Wheaton, Phoenix, and Feldman being the main standouts. This is one of those trip movies, where some go on a trip, but their's is different from most trips, and yet the film can be fun and be serious at times that entertains after over 25 years.
Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Wil Wheaton (Gordie Lachance), River Phoenix (Chris Chambers), Corey Feldman (Teddy Duchamp), Jerry O'Connell (Vern Tessio), Kiefer Sutherland (Ace Merill), and Richard Dreyfuss (Narrator) Directed by Rob Reiner (#108 - This is Spinal Tap, #232 - The Princess Bride)
Review
This film was adapted from the novella The Body by Stephen King, which I haven't read (Actually I haven't read anything from King nor reviewed any movies from them until now) The acting is good, with young talents doing adult like quality, with Wheaton, Phoenix, and Feldman being the main standouts. This is one of those trip movies, where some go on a trip, but their's is different from most trips, and yet the film can be fun and be serious at times that entertains after over 25 years.
Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.
Movie Night: Matilda.
Review #179: Matilda.
Cast
Mara Wilson (Matilda Wormwood), Danny DeVito (Harry Wormwood/Narrator), Rhea Perlman (Zinnia Wormwood), Embeth Davidtz (Miss Honey), Pam Ferris (Agatha Trunchbull), Brian Levinson (Michael Wormwood), Paul Reubens (FBI Agent Bob), Tracey Walter (FBI Agent Bill), Kiami Davael (Lavender), and Jacqueline Steiger (Amanda Thripp) Directed by Danny DeVito.
Review
This film was based of the book Matilda by Roald Dahl, who we have covered before (#131 - Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory). Anyway, this film is has some changes to the film from the book, but what book to film doesn't have these problems? The acting is decent, especially from Wilson, Ferris, and DeVito. Speaking of him, the directing is decent, but what I find a bit odd is the occasional close up shots. They only work if you have something to show, these are just plain weird by any standards. The film has charm that while being a bit off at points is still an entertaining film.
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Mara Wilson (Matilda Wormwood), Danny DeVito (Harry Wormwood/Narrator), Rhea Perlman (Zinnia Wormwood), Embeth Davidtz (Miss Honey), Pam Ferris (Agatha Trunchbull), Brian Levinson (Michael Wormwood), Paul Reubens (FBI Agent Bob), Tracey Walter (FBI Agent Bill), Kiami Davael (Lavender), and Jacqueline Steiger (Amanda Thripp) Directed by Danny DeVito.
Review
This film was based of the book Matilda by Roald Dahl, who we have covered before (#131 - Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory). Anyway, this film is has some changes to the film from the book, but what book to film doesn't have these problems? The acting is decent, especially from Wilson, Ferris, and DeVito. Speaking of him, the directing is decent, but what I find a bit odd is the occasional close up shots. They only work if you have something to show, these are just plain weird by any standards. The film has charm that while being a bit off at points is still an entertaining film.
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
June 21, 2012
Movie Night: Peter Pan (1953)
Review #178: Peter Pan.
Cast
Bobby Driscoll (Peter Pan), Kathryn Beaumont (Wendy), Hans Conried (Captain Hook/George), Paul Collins (John), and Tommy Luske (Michael) Directed by Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, and Hamilton Luske.
Review
Well, well, well, look at he cycle that I have gone through. I constantly refer to Disney in some of my reviews (#153 - The Incredibles, #156 - Aladdin), and I didn't think I would arrive to this point. But, look where we are. Anyway, this film was made in the so called Golden Age of Disney films, with Cinderella, Snow White, and other films that kids love to this day. The film has a reasonable length with a decent story and fine voice acting. I almost forgot to mention the story is from the 1904 play/1911 novel by J.M Barrie. Anyway, the film is magical and having some points that are at least memorable after nearly 60 years.
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Bobby Driscoll (Peter Pan), Kathryn Beaumont (Wendy), Hans Conried (Captain Hook/George), Paul Collins (John), and Tommy Luske (Michael) Directed by Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, and Hamilton Luske.
Review
Well, well, well, look at he cycle that I have gone through. I constantly refer to Disney in some of my reviews (#153 - The Incredibles, #156 - Aladdin), and I didn't think I would arrive to this point. But, look where we are. Anyway, this film was made in the so called Golden Age of Disney films, with Cinderella, Snow White, and other films that kids love to this day. The film has a reasonable length with a decent story and fine voice acting. I almost forgot to mention the story is from the 1904 play/1911 novel by J.M Barrie. Anyway, the film is magical and having some points that are at least memorable after nearly 60 years.
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
June 20, 2012
Movie Night: Batman (1966)
Review #177: Batman.
Cast
Adam West (Bruce Wayne/Batman), Burt Ward (Robin), Lee Meriwether (Catwoman), Cesar Romero (The Joker), Burgess Meredith (The Penguin), and Frank Gorshin (The Riddler) Directed by Leslie H. Martinson.
Review
This film...I don't know what to think. This is an odd thing to review in the first place, but oh well. Anyway, this film is based off the 1960's television show also named Batman. That show was famous for three things: Campy action, bringing the hero to audiences, and...its campy action. You will lose your sanity after about the first 20 minutes with the Bat-Ladder, the shark repellent, a dolphin saving the duo by crashing into a missile, and...Holy Long John Silver. You could write this off as a cheese fest...But not quite. At its heart, it at least tries to entertain the people that had watched the television show and wanted to see their hero on the big screen that would only be bested 23 years later. West and Ward do make a good pair as does the others. I would compare Romero to Nicholson to Ledger, but that wouldn't be fair. Throughout Movie Night, I've reviewed other Batman films (#040, #054, #062, #217, #218, #269, #316), but there's one other bright side to this film: It's not Batman and Robin.
Overall, I give it 6 out of 10 stars.
June 19, 2012
Movie Night: The Fugitive (1993).
Review #176: The Fugitive.
Cast
Harrison Ford (Dr. Richard Kimble), Tommy Lee Jones (Deputy U.S. Marshal Samuel Gerard), Sela Ward (Helen Kimble), Joe Pantoliano (Deputy U.S. Marshal Cosmo Renfro), Andreas Katsulas (Fredrick Sykes), Jeroen Krabbé (Dr. Charles Nichols), Daniel Roebuck (Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert Biggs), Tom Wood (Deputy U.S. Marshal Noah Newman), L. Scott Caldwell (Deputy U.S. Marshal Erin Poole), and Julianne Moore (Dr. Anne Eastman) Directed by Andrew Davis
Cast
This movie was based off the classic 1960s TV show of the same name. Ford and Jones are excellent, playing off each other great. Jones does the best job, conveying a sense of ell, doing his job as a US Marshall. As the movie continues on, the doubt against Kimble unravels which you see from Gerard's point of view. One thing I notice is that it turns from escape film to conspiracy as the film gets to the end which feels a bit odd. But nevertheless, this film is heart pounding with good amounts of action in an excellent film.
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Harrison Ford (Dr. Richard Kimble), Tommy Lee Jones (Deputy U.S. Marshal Samuel Gerard), Sela Ward (Helen Kimble), Joe Pantoliano (Deputy U.S. Marshal Cosmo Renfro), Andreas Katsulas (Fredrick Sykes), Jeroen Krabbé (Dr. Charles Nichols), Daniel Roebuck (Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert Biggs), Tom Wood (Deputy U.S. Marshal Noah Newman), L. Scott Caldwell (Deputy U.S. Marshal Erin Poole), and Julianne Moore (Dr. Anne Eastman) Directed by Andrew Davis
Cast
This movie was based off the classic 1960s TV show of the same name. Ford and Jones are excellent, playing off each other great. Jones does the best job, conveying a sense of ell, doing his job as a US Marshall. As the movie continues on, the doubt against Kimble unravels which you see from Gerard's point of view. One thing I notice is that it turns from escape film to conspiracy as the film gets to the end which feels a bit odd. But nevertheless, this film is heart pounding with good amounts of action in an excellent film.
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
Movie Night: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Review #175: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Cast
Elizabeth Taylor (Martha), Richard Burton (George), George Segal (Nick), and Sandy Dennis (Honey) Directed by Mike Nichols.
Review
I must mention that this is the 175th Review. Now, this is a different film then usual, a small cast with big drama. The whole cast is perfect, with Taylor and Burton being the main standouts. This drama is devastating to the bone, with moments of uncomfortable moments that only keep the tension rise until it all explodes. Their are parts with humor that only add to its atmosphere. This film is like 12 Angry Men (#035), a bunch of people all cooped in one set with tension building until it ends in excellence. Truly recommended.
Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Elizabeth Taylor (Martha), Richard Burton (George), George Segal (Nick), and Sandy Dennis (Honey) Directed by Mike Nichols.
Review
I must mention that this is the 175th Review. Now, this is a different film then usual, a small cast with big drama. The whole cast is perfect, with Taylor and Burton being the main standouts. This drama is devastating to the bone, with moments of uncomfortable moments that only keep the tension rise until it all explodes. Their are parts with humor that only add to its atmosphere. This film is like 12 Angry Men (#035), a bunch of people all cooped in one set with tension building until it ends in excellence. Truly recommended.
Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.
June 18, 2012
Movie Night: Die Another Day.
Review #174: Die Another Day.
Cast
Pierce Brosnan (James Bond), Halle Berry (Giacinta 'Jinx' Johnson), Toby Stephens (Gustav Graves), Rosamund Pike (Miranda Frost), Rick Yune (Zao), Judi Dench (M), Will Yun Lee (Colonel Moon), Kenneth Tsang (General Moon), John Cleese (Q), and Colin Salmon (Charles Robinson) Directed by Lee Tamahori.
Review
Greetings to any viewer who clicked the link from the review of Kingsman: The Golden Circle. Enjoy this review from 2012, to a movie that fails to live up to the other three Pierce Brosnan James Bond films, mostly because it just doesn't have the right spirit that other Bond films have, feeling more like a souped up version of a Roger Moore Bond film - for better or for worse.
This is the last film to star Pierce Brosnan, and it is the 20th released on the 40th anniversary in 2002. The film has some of the same charm as the other three, but it is missing one thing: Plot. This film is basically action and just that, ignoring plot for over the top action. The one thing I find worse is the invisible car. Look, there's having high tech spy gadgets, but this is just ridiculous. The only thing more ridiculous is if Bond went to space-Oh, well. Ouch. Brosnan does do a good job as always, along with the others, but the film just doesn't have the spirit most films have. After this, the series would be on hold for 4 more years until a new actor was found. This film will be remembered as one of the middle of the road Bond films.
Overall, I give it 6 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Pierce Brosnan (James Bond), Halle Berry (Giacinta 'Jinx' Johnson), Toby Stephens (Gustav Graves), Rosamund Pike (Miranda Frost), Rick Yune (Zao), Judi Dench (M), Will Yun Lee (Colonel Moon), Kenneth Tsang (General Moon), John Cleese (Q), and Colin Salmon (Charles Robinson) Directed by Lee Tamahori.
Review
Greetings to any viewer who clicked the link from the review of Kingsman: The Golden Circle. Enjoy this review from 2012, to a movie that fails to live up to the other three Pierce Brosnan James Bond films, mostly because it just doesn't have the right spirit that other Bond films have, feeling more like a souped up version of a Roger Moore Bond film - for better or for worse.
This is the last film to star Pierce Brosnan, and it is the 20th released on the 40th anniversary in 2002. The film has some of the same charm as the other three, but it is missing one thing: Plot. This film is basically action and just that, ignoring plot for over the top action. The one thing I find worse is the invisible car. Look, there's having high tech spy gadgets, but this is just ridiculous. The only thing more ridiculous is if Bond went to space-Oh, well. Ouch. Brosnan does do a good job as always, along with the others, but the film just doesn't have the spirit most films have. After this, the series would be on hold for 4 more years until a new actor was found. This film will be remembered as one of the middle of the road Bond films.
Overall, I give it 6 out of 10 stars.
Movie Night: GoldenEye.
Review #173: GoldenEye.
Cast
Pierce Brosnan (James Bond), Sean Bean (Alec Trevelyan), Izabella Scorupco (Natalya Simonova), Famke Janssen (Xenia Onatopp), Joe Don Baker (Jack Wade), Judi Dench (M), Gottfried John (General Arkady Grigorovich Ourumov), Robbie Coltrane (Valentin Dmitrovich Zukovsky), Alan Cumming (Boris Grishenko), Tchéky Karyo (Dmitri Mishkin), Desmond Llewelyn (Q), and Samantha Bond (Miss Moneypenny) Directed by Martin Campbell.
Review
In 1989, the last James Bond film, Licence to Kill had come and gone with Timothy Dalton also leaving the role. 6 years later with a new actor comes this film. This film shows that after 30 years, this film series could still live on. Brosnan is excellent, he has a bit of humor in him too make you care for the character and have a little fun with it as well. Bean, Dench, and Baker also do good jobs, as the action is good enough with a decent plot. This film is fresh enough to have a new set of legs to keep on going.
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Pierce Brosnan (James Bond), Sean Bean (Alec Trevelyan), Izabella Scorupco (Natalya Simonova), Famke Janssen (Xenia Onatopp), Joe Don Baker (Jack Wade), Judi Dench (M), Gottfried John (General Arkady Grigorovich Ourumov), Robbie Coltrane (Valentin Dmitrovich Zukovsky), Alan Cumming (Boris Grishenko), Tchéky Karyo (Dmitri Mishkin), Desmond Llewelyn (Q), and Samantha Bond (Miss Moneypenny) Directed by Martin Campbell.
Review
In 1989, the last James Bond film, Licence to Kill had come and gone with Timothy Dalton also leaving the role. 6 years later with a new actor comes this film. This film shows that after 30 years, this film series could still live on. Brosnan is excellent, he has a bit of humor in him too make you care for the character and have a little fun with it as well. Bean, Dench, and Baker also do good jobs, as the action is good enough with a decent plot. This film is fresh enough to have a new set of legs to keep on going.
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
RATING CHANGE: originally a seven, now an eight. Reason listed: None [7/16/2023]
June 17, 2012
Movie Night: The World is Not Enough.
Review #172: The World is Not Enough.
Cast
Pierce Brosnan (James Bond), Sophie Marceau (Elektra King), Robert Carlyle (Renard), Denise Richards (Christmas Jones), Robbie Coltrane (Valentin Zukovsky), Judi Dench (M), Colin Salmon (Charles Robinson), Desmond Llewelyn (Q), John Cleese (R), and Samantha Bond (Miss Moneypenny). Directed by Michael Apted.
Review
This film is the penultimate film for Brosnan, and it is decent enough to end the 20th century. Brosnan once again does an excellent job, keeping the film float. Richards on the other hand just isn't convincing as a nuclear scientist because of something I call the "Copy and Paste Principle" That is when someone is trying to speak like the role they play, but sound like they read it off a script rather then act the role. The plot is decent, giving us a twist for once, but not too much of a twist. This film has an action packed style that keeps you interested no matter what.
Overall, I give it 007 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Pierce Brosnan (James Bond), Sophie Marceau (Elektra King), Robert Carlyle (Renard), Denise Richards (Christmas Jones), Robbie Coltrane (Valentin Zukovsky), Judi Dench (M), Colin Salmon (Charles Robinson), Desmond Llewelyn (Q), John Cleese (R), and Samantha Bond (Miss Moneypenny). Directed by Michael Apted.
Review
This film is the penultimate film for Brosnan, and it is decent enough to end the 20th century. Brosnan once again does an excellent job, keeping the film float. Richards on the other hand just isn't convincing as a nuclear scientist because of something I call the "Copy and Paste Principle" That is when someone is trying to speak like the role they play, but sound like they read it off a script rather then act the role. The plot is decent, giving us a twist for once, but not too much of a twist. This film has an action packed style that keeps you interested no matter what.
Overall, I give it 007 out of 10 stars.
Movie Night: Tomorrow Never Dies.
Review #171: Tomorrow Never Dies.
Cast
Pierce Brosnan (James Bond), Jonathan Pryce (Elliot Carver), Michelle Yeoh (Colonel Wai Lin), Teri Hatcher (Paris Carver), Götz Otto (Richard Stamper), Ricky Jay (Henry Gupta), Joe Don Baker (Jack Wade), Vincent Schiavelli (Dr. Kaufman), Judi Dench (M), Desmond Llewelyn (Q), and Samantha Bond (Miss Moneypenny). Directed by Roger Spottiswoode.
Review
This is the 18th James Bond film, released 15 years ago in 1997. Anyway, the last time we saw Bond was reviews ago with a different person (#150 - Dr. No) Brosnan does a fine job in his second film in the role (First being GoldenEye) Pryce is decent, as this villain is more plausible then usual, compared to villains from before (A man with metal claws, a man that loves gold, and more, including Christopher Walken) The rest of the cast is decent, doing their jobs as any other cast tries to do in a Bond film. The story is decent with reasonably alright action and gadgets. This film isn't a great one, but it is a decent one.
Overall, I give it 007 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Pierce Brosnan (James Bond), Jonathan Pryce (Elliot Carver), Michelle Yeoh (Colonel Wai Lin), Teri Hatcher (Paris Carver), Götz Otto (Richard Stamper), Ricky Jay (Henry Gupta), Joe Don Baker (Jack Wade), Vincent Schiavelli (Dr. Kaufman), Judi Dench (M), Desmond Llewelyn (Q), and Samantha Bond (Miss Moneypenny). Directed by Roger Spottiswoode.
Review
This is the 18th James Bond film, released 15 years ago in 1997. Anyway, the last time we saw Bond was reviews ago with a different person (#150 - Dr. No) Brosnan does a fine job in his second film in the role (First being GoldenEye) Pryce is decent, as this villain is more plausible then usual, compared to villains from before (A man with metal claws, a man that loves gold, and more, including Christopher Walken) The rest of the cast is decent, doing their jobs as any other cast tries to do in a Bond film. The story is decent with reasonably alright action and gadgets. This film isn't a great one, but it is a decent one.
Overall, I give it 007 out of 10 stars.
June 16, 2012
Movie Night: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Review #170: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Cast
Harrison Ford (Indiana "Henry" Jones Jr.), Sean Connery (Henry Jones Sr.), Alison Doody (Elsa Schneider), Denholm Elliott (Marcus Brody), John Rhys-Davies (Sallah), Julian Glover (Walter Donovan), Michael Byrne (Colonel Vogel), Kevork Malikyan (Kazim), and Robert Eddison (Grail Knight) Directed by Steven Spielberg (#126 - Close Encounters of the Third Kind, #168 - Raiders of the Lost Ark, and #169 - Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom)
Review
This film is lighter in tone then Temple of Doom, which is a good thing as once again Harrison Ford is excellent once again. Sean Connery is also excellent, with the father-son relationship having a dramatic and comedic standpoint, and it is good. One thing I hadn't mentioned is that apparently Lucas conceived Jones to be "James Bond without the hardware" When I think about it, that makes sense, considering the adventures to stop evil from collecting things to take over the world. With Connery in this film, it makes it even more like Bond. Before I go off into more of a tangent, I must mention that the story is good. It's different from the first two in a way I won't tell you of, which is good to keep the story fresh. And that ends the Last Crusade. Indiana Jones had 3 films in 8 years, with success following its way. Ford kept his success going from Han Solo into the 80s and beyond with this and beyond. Truly an excellent sequel with excellent directing and writing.
Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Harrison Ford (Indiana "Henry" Jones Jr.), Sean Connery (Henry Jones Sr.), Alison Doody (Elsa Schneider), Denholm Elliott (Marcus Brody), John Rhys-Davies (Sallah), Julian Glover (Walter Donovan), Michael Byrne (Colonel Vogel), Kevork Malikyan (Kazim), and Robert Eddison (Grail Knight) Directed by Steven Spielberg (#126 - Close Encounters of the Third Kind, #168 - Raiders of the Lost Ark, and #169 - Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom)
Review
This film is lighter in tone then Temple of Doom, which is a good thing as once again Harrison Ford is excellent once again. Sean Connery is also excellent, with the father-son relationship having a dramatic and comedic standpoint, and it is good. One thing I hadn't mentioned is that apparently Lucas conceived Jones to be "James Bond without the hardware" When I think about it, that makes sense, considering the adventures to stop evil from collecting things to take over the world. With Connery in this film, it makes it even more like Bond. Before I go off into more of a tangent, I must mention that the story is good. It's different from the first two in a way I won't tell you of, which is good to keep the story fresh. And that ends the Last Crusade. Indiana Jones had 3 films in 8 years, with success following its way. Ford kept his success going from Han Solo into the 80s and beyond with this and beyond. Truly an excellent sequel with excellent directing and writing.
Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.
Movie Night: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
Cast
Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones), Kate Capshaw (Willie Scott), Amrish Puri (Mola Ram), Ke Huy Quan (Short Round), Roshan Seth (Chatter Lal), Philip Stone (Phillip Blumbertt), Roy Chiao (Lao Che), David Yip (Wu Han), Raj Singh (Zalim Singh), D. R. Nanayakkara (Shaman) Directed by Steven Spielberg (#126 - Close Encounters of the Third Kind and #168 - Raiders of the Lost Ark)
Review
This film has a tone that's...different from the first film. It, like Empire Strikes Back (#114), has darker themes different from its predecessor. A dark fact: This film was originally called Temple of Death. Gee, I wonder why they changed the title. Harrison Ford is excellent once again. Capshaw and Quan are decent at best, with the two being grating on the ears at times, but you do warm up to them after a while. One reference I do like in this film is at the beginning with "Club Obi Wan" This film has excitement mixed in with dark natures that can be fun but can also get a little too close to just freaky at points. A good film still, but not as good as the first (I almost forgot to mention this is apparently a prequel: Only difference? One year before the first one).
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
Movie Night: Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Review #168: Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Cast
Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones), Karen Allen (Marion Ravenwood), Paul Freeman (Rene Belloq), Ronald Lacey (Arnold Toht), John Rhys-Davies (Sallah), Denholm Elliott (Marcus Brody), Wolf Kahler (Colonel Dietrich), and Alfred Molina (Satipo) Directed by Steven Spielberg (#126 - Close Encounters of the Third Kind)
Review
For the second time, I will use this word to describe a film: Awesome. It is a great film that feels like an action matinee with Harrison Ford doing an excellent performance with excellent action and an even better story that has adventure and it delivers in many ways. It is the beginning of a wonderful set of adventures for Ford, Spielberg, Lucas, and the rest of the people who continue to watch it to this day.
Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones), Karen Allen (Marion Ravenwood), Paul Freeman (Rene Belloq), Ronald Lacey (Arnold Toht), John Rhys-Davies (Sallah), Denholm Elliott (Marcus Brody), Wolf Kahler (Colonel Dietrich), and Alfred Molina (Satipo) Directed by Steven Spielberg (#126 - Close Encounters of the Third Kind)
Review
For the second time, I will use this word to describe a film: Awesome. It is a great film that feels like an action matinee with Harrison Ford doing an excellent performance with excellent action and an even better story that has adventure and it delivers in many ways. It is the beginning of a wonderful set of adventures for Ford, Spielberg, Lucas, and the rest of the people who continue to watch it to this day.
Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.
Movie Night: Gojira.
Review #167: Gojira.
Cast
Akira Takarada (Hideto Ogata), Momoko Kōchi (Emiko Yamane), Akihiko Hirata (Daisuke Serizawa), Takashi Shimura (Dr. Kyohei Yamane), Fuyuki Murakami (Dr. Tanabe), Sachio Sakai (Hagiwara), and Ren Yamamoto (Masaji Yamada) Directed by Ishirō Honda.
Review
This is the first world cinema film to come from Japan. Gojira (also known as Godzilla) is a film franchise over 50 years old with 28 films in exactly 50 years (1954-2004). This film is chilling, with good atmosphere, with some night scenes that are genuinely frightening. The effects look good to this day, giving you a scare and two. The setting in Japan with the black and white color of the film make it even more threatening as the effects could be hide any mistakes visible in color. Setting it in Japan after the devastation from World War II only adds to it more. The scene that is chilling is at the near end is with the choir girls singing as the city is in peril. This film may be a bit slow at times, but it is still an achievement in film-making to this day after 58 years.
To whoever finds this, I intend to re-look the film again sometime in 2021.
Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Akira Takarada (Hideto Ogata), Momoko Kōchi (Emiko Yamane), Akihiko Hirata (Daisuke Serizawa), Takashi Shimura (Dr. Kyohei Yamane), Fuyuki Murakami (Dr. Tanabe), Sachio Sakai (Hagiwara), and Ren Yamamoto (Masaji Yamada) Directed by Ishirō Honda.
Review
This is the first world cinema film to come from Japan. Gojira (also known as Godzilla) is a film franchise over 50 years old with 28 films in exactly 50 years (1954-2004). This film is chilling, with good atmosphere, with some night scenes that are genuinely frightening. The effects look good to this day, giving you a scare and two. The setting in Japan with the black and white color of the film make it even more threatening as the effects could be hide any mistakes visible in color. Setting it in Japan after the devastation from World War II only adds to it more. The scene that is chilling is at the near end is with the choir girls singing as the city is in peril. This film may be a bit slow at times, but it is still an achievement in film-making to this day after 58 years.
To whoever finds this, I intend to re-look the film again sometime in 2021.
Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.
Movie Night: Flushed Away.
Review #166: Flushed Away.
Cast
Hugh Jackman (Roddy St. James), Kate Winslet (Rita Malone), Ian McKellen (The Toad), Jean Reno (Le Frog), Bill Nighy (Whitey), Andy Serkis (Spike), and Shane Richie (Sid) Directed by David Bowers and Sam Fell.
Review
I began this week with stop motion animation and we end with...computer generated animation. However the animation is meant to look like the traditional clay like figures, which it does. Jackman, Winslet, and McKellen are excellent in their roles (Jackman proving he can do more then just be Wolverine or...Van Helsing). The story is decent, with some good gags that are entertaining enough. This ends Dreamworks Animation Week. Overall, it was a decent week, but how does Dreamworks compare to Pixar, or...Disney? Dreamworks can do good films as I've heard from others, and it can do average to meh as well. But the point is that Dreamworks has good and the meh inside them, and that's all that matters. Thank you for reading this week. This ends Part VII.
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Hugh Jackman (Roddy St. James), Kate Winslet (Rita Malone), Ian McKellen (The Toad), Jean Reno (Le Frog), Bill Nighy (Whitey), Andy Serkis (Spike), and Shane Richie (Sid) Directed by David Bowers and Sam Fell.
Review
I began this week with stop motion animation and we end with...computer generated animation. However the animation is meant to look like the traditional clay like figures, which it does. Jackman, Winslet, and McKellen are excellent in their roles (Jackman proving he can do more then just be Wolverine or...Van Helsing). The story is decent, with some good gags that are entertaining enough. This ends Dreamworks Animation Week. Overall, it was a decent week, but how does Dreamworks compare to Pixar, or...Disney? Dreamworks can do good films as I've heard from others, and it can do average to meh as well. But the point is that Dreamworks has good and the meh inside them, and that's all that matters. Thank you for reading this week. This ends Part VII.
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
June 15, 2012
Movie Night: Madagascar.
Review #165: Madagascar.
Cast
Ben Stiller (Alex), Chris Rock (Marty), David Schwimmer (Melman), Jada Pinkett Smith (Gloria), Sacha Baron Cohen (King Julien), Cedric the Entertainer (Maurice), Andy Richter (Mort) Directed by Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath (#154 - Madagascar 2)
Review
Madagascar isn't a perfect film, but it is a good film. It is better then Shark Tale and Shrek the Third, but it isn't better then Shrek 2 or Chicken Run. The voice acting is good, especially from Stiller and Rock. The plot is decent, as this film entertains with bright animation, a decently catchy song, and some subtle jokes at points. The film is the start of a franchise (with the second film having already been reviewed). This ends Part VI of Dreamworks Animation Week. Stay tuned for Part VII...
Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Ben Stiller (Alex), Chris Rock (Marty), David Schwimmer (Melman), Jada Pinkett Smith (Gloria), Sacha Baron Cohen (King Julien), Cedric the Entertainer (Maurice), Andy Richter (Mort) Directed by Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath (#154 - Madagascar 2)
Review
Madagascar isn't a perfect film, but it is a good film. It is better then Shark Tale and Shrek the Third, but it isn't better then Shrek 2 or Chicken Run. The voice acting is good, especially from Stiller and Rock. The plot is decent, as this film entertains with bright animation, a decently catchy song, and some subtle jokes at points. The film is the start of a franchise (with the second film having already been reviewed). This ends Part VI of Dreamworks Animation Week. Stay tuned for Part VII...
Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.
June 14, 2012
Movie Night: Shark Tale.
Review #164: Shark Tale.
Cast
Will Smith (Oscar), Robert De Niro (Don Lino), Renée Zellweger (Angie), Jack Black (Lenny), Angelina Jolie (Lola), Martin Scorsese (Sykes), Doug E. Doug (Bernie), and Ziggy Marley (Ernie) Directed by Vicky Jenson, Bibo Bergeron, and Rob Letterman.
Review
This film isn't really inspired, with animation that's decent but nothing special. The puns from Coral Cola to Katie Current get old fast with jokes that aren't as useful. The plot feels like something you find in a mobster film, but it isn't very useful in tone. Compared to Finding Nemo, this film isn't as fun or warming. This film has good voices from Smith, who like always makes any film worth something. This film is not as good as Shrek or...Kung Fu Panda, but at least it will entertain for 90 minutes (a running trend in animated films). This ends Part V of Dreamworks Animation Week. Stay tuned for Part VI...
Overall, I give it 6 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Will Smith (Oscar), Robert De Niro (Don Lino), Renée Zellweger (Angie), Jack Black (Lenny), Angelina Jolie (Lola), Martin Scorsese (Sykes), Doug E. Doug (Bernie), and Ziggy Marley (Ernie) Directed by Vicky Jenson, Bibo Bergeron, and Rob Letterman.
Review
This film isn't really inspired, with animation that's decent but nothing special. The puns from Coral Cola to Katie Current get old fast with jokes that aren't as useful. The plot feels like something you find in a mobster film, but it isn't very useful in tone. Compared to Finding Nemo, this film isn't as fun or warming. This film has good voices from Smith, who like always makes any film worth something. This film is not as good as Shrek or...Kung Fu Panda, but at least it will entertain for 90 minutes (a running trend in animated films). This ends Part V of Dreamworks Animation Week. Stay tuned for Part VI...
Overall, I give it 6 out of 10 stars.
June 13, 2012
Movie Night: Shrek the Third.
Review #163: Shrek the Third.
Cast
Mike Myers (Shrek), Eddie Murphy (Donkey), Cameron Diaz (Princess Fiona), Antonio Banderas (Puss in Boots), Justin Timberlake (Arthur Pendragon), Rupert Everett (Prince Charming), Eric Idle (Merlin), Julie Andrews (Queen Lillian), and John Cleese (King Harold) Directed by Chris Miller and Raman Hui.
Review
This film is indeed tone set from the second one, and..it isn't as good as the second. The jokes here just aren't as good as the second one or the first one. Timberlake just doesn't work in this film because you really don't care for him in the first place. The joke I don't find very interesting is in the beginning where (spoiler) Harold, the King from the second film dies. Before that, there'a line: "Somebody better be dying!" It doesn't feel ironic, it feels...downbeat. Eric Idle and Rupert Everett also just don't work (Everett was okay in the 2nd one), Idle doesn't have much to do with his lines. The film is overall disappointing that lacks motivation with a touch of what the second film had. I'll mention only this for the fourth given that I won't review it this week (not with me): Better, better then this film. This ends Part IV of Dreamworks Animation Week. Stay tuned for Part V...
Overall, I give it 6 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Mike Myers (Shrek), Eddie Murphy (Donkey), Cameron Diaz (Princess Fiona), Antonio Banderas (Puss in Boots), Justin Timberlake (Arthur Pendragon), Rupert Everett (Prince Charming), Eric Idle (Merlin), Julie Andrews (Queen Lillian), and John Cleese (King Harold) Directed by Chris Miller and Raman Hui.
Review
This film is indeed tone set from the second one, and..it isn't as good as the second. The jokes here just aren't as good as the second one or the first one. Timberlake just doesn't work in this film because you really don't care for him in the first place. The joke I don't find very interesting is in the beginning where (spoiler) Harold, the King from the second film dies. Before that, there'a line: "Somebody better be dying!" It doesn't feel ironic, it feels...downbeat. Eric Idle and Rupert Everett also just don't work (Everett was okay in the 2nd one), Idle doesn't have much to do with his lines. The film is overall disappointing that lacks motivation with a touch of what the second film had. I'll mention only this for the fourth given that I won't review it this week (not with me): Better, better then this film. This ends Part IV of Dreamworks Animation Week. Stay tuned for Part V...
Overall, I give it 6 out of 10 stars.
June 12, 2012
Movie Night: Shrek 2.
Review #162: Shrek 2.
Cast
Mike Myers (Shrek), Cameron Diaz (Princess Fiona), Eddie Murphy (Donkey), Antonio Banderas (Puss in Boots), Jennifer Saunders (Fairy Godmother), John Cleese (King Harold), Julie Andrews (Queen Lillian), and Rupert Everett (Prince Charming) Directed by Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury, and Conrad Vernon.
Review
This film is possibly better then the first (which I could not review due to not having the disk, though I have watched the film in the past), with more character introductions and more fun. the voices are good, especially from Banderas, who reminds me of Zorro (which he also has done in the past). The film is darker in tone, with people being forced in love, ogre-killers, and other things. My only question is a small possibly non relevant question: Near the end at the prison, how do Shrek's friends (Gingerbread Man, Wolf, the pigs) get to the prison that quickly? We see earlier that Far Far Away is indeed far away from the swamp. Perhaps the prison is not exactly in Far Far Away, but it's not a big flaw. This film sets the tone for the third film, which could be a good thing or a bad thing...This ends Part III of Dreamworks Animation Week. Stay tuned for Part IV...
Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.
June 11, 2012
Movie Night: Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron.
Review #161: Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron.
Cast
Matt Damon (Spirit), James Cromwell (The Colonel), Daniel Studi (Little Creek), Chopper Bernet (Sgt. Adams), Jeff LeBeau (Murphy and the Railroad Foreman), and Richard McGonagle (Bill) Directed by Kelly Asbury and Lorna Cook.
Review
This film is beautifully animated with computers and tradition animation and it has a good story that feels like the old days of telling a fable (like that company did before they declined into whatever they call it now). The voice acting is few, but Damon and Cromwell are great, as this film feels special, it feels like a classic, and it is a classic. Dreamworks only made four traditionally animated films, with this likely being the best. This ends Part II of Dreamworks Animation Week. Stay tuned for Part III...
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Matt Damon (Spirit), James Cromwell (The Colonel), Daniel Studi (Little Creek), Chopper Bernet (Sgt. Adams), Jeff LeBeau (Murphy and the Railroad Foreman), and Richard McGonagle (Bill) Directed by Kelly Asbury and Lorna Cook.
Review
This film is beautifully animated with computers and tradition animation and it has a good story that feels like the old days of telling a fable (like that company did before they declined into whatever they call it now). The voice acting is few, but Damon and Cromwell are great, as this film feels special, it feels like a classic, and it is a classic. Dreamworks only made four traditionally animated films, with this likely being the best. This ends Part II of Dreamworks Animation Week. Stay tuned for Part III...
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
June 10, 2012
Movie Night: Chicken Run.
Review #160: Chicken Run.
Cast
Julia Sawalha (Ginger), Mel Gibson (Rocky), Miranda Richardson (Melisha Tweedy), Tony Haygarth (Mr. Tweedy), Benjamin Whitrow (Fowler), Timothy Spall (Nick), Phil Daniels (Fetcher), Jane Horrocks (Babs), Imelda Staunton (Bunty), Lynn Ferguson (Mac) Directed by Peter Lord and Nick Park.
Review
This film is essentially The Great Escape but with good gags, beautiful looking stop motion animation, and more. The voice acting is good, you get the feeling that this is desperate time for the chickens, but it can be fun at times to. And yes, Mel Gibson does a good job here (playing a chicken isn't the strangest thing he has done after all). The action is good at times, making you feel at home in this wonderful film. By the way, I've got a surprise for you: It's Dreamworks Animation Week. This ends Part I of Dreamworks Anmation Week. Stay tuned for Part II...
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Julia Sawalha (Ginger), Mel Gibson (Rocky), Miranda Richardson (Melisha Tweedy), Tony Haygarth (Mr. Tweedy), Benjamin Whitrow (Fowler), Timothy Spall (Nick), Phil Daniels (Fetcher), Jane Horrocks (Babs), Imelda Staunton (Bunty), Lynn Ferguson (Mac) Directed by Peter Lord and Nick Park.
Review
This film is essentially The Great Escape but with good gags, beautiful looking stop motion animation, and more. The voice acting is good, you get the feeling that this is desperate time for the chickens, but it can be fun at times to. And yes, Mel Gibson does a good job here (playing a chicken isn't the strangest thing he has done after all). The action is good at times, making you feel at home in this wonderful film. By the way, I've got a surprise for you: It's Dreamworks Animation Week. This ends Part I of Dreamworks Anmation Week. Stay tuned for Part II...
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
Move Night: The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Review #159: The Wizard of Oz.
Cast
Judy Garland (Dorothy Gale), Frank Morgan (Professor Marvel / The Wizard / Doorman / Cabbie / Guard), Ray Bolger (Hunk / Scarecrow), Jack Haley (Hickory / Tin Man), Bert Lahr (Zeke / Cowardly Lion), Billie Burke (Glinda the Good Witch of the North), Margaret Hamilton (Miss Almira Gulch / The Wicked Witch of the West), Clara Blandick (Aunt Em), Charley Grapewin (Uncle Henry), Pat Walshe (Nikko, the Winged Monkey King), and Toto. Directed by Victor Fleming.
Review
This film was based off the book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz from 1900 by L. Frank Baum. Now while the book may not follow the book as well, but that does not matter. This film simply is magical. The atmosphere, the sets, the characters are wonderful, everything is wonderful. Judy Garland is the most wonderful, and it is a shame she has passed away, as today is her 90th Birthday (I'd recommend A Star Is Born and Meet Me In St. Louis). It's delightful for everyone, and is a recommended flick.
Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Judy Garland (Dorothy Gale), Frank Morgan (Professor Marvel / The Wizard / Doorman / Cabbie / Guard), Ray Bolger (Hunk / Scarecrow), Jack Haley (Hickory / Tin Man), Bert Lahr (Zeke / Cowardly Lion), Billie Burke (Glinda the Good Witch of the North), Margaret Hamilton (Miss Almira Gulch / The Wicked Witch of the West), Clara Blandick (Aunt Em), Charley Grapewin (Uncle Henry), Pat Walshe (Nikko, the Winged Monkey King), and Toto. Directed by Victor Fleming.
Review
This film was based off the book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz from 1900 by L. Frank Baum. Now while the book may not follow the book as well, but that does not matter. This film simply is magical. The atmosphere, the sets, the characters are wonderful, everything is wonderful. Judy Garland is the most wonderful, and it is a shame she has passed away, as today is her 90th Birthday (I'd recommend A Star Is Born and Meet Me In St. Louis). It's delightful for everyone, and is a recommended flick.
Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.
Move Night: Ratatouille.
Review #158: Ratatouille.
Cast
Patton Oswalt (Remy), Lou Romano (Alfredo Linguini), Ian Holm (Skinner), Janeane Garofalo (Colette Tatou), Peter O'Toole (Anton Ego), Brian Dennehy (Django), Peter Sohn (Emile), and Brad Garrett (Auguste Gusteau) Directed by Brad Bird (#083 - The Iron Giant, #128 - Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, and #153 - The Incredibles)
Review
This film is flawless in its presentation, with good voice acting and good developed characters in this lush and beautiful film. As a movie reviewer, I have to mention Anton Ego and it's voice by the legend Peter O'Toole. In many ways, the work of a critic is indeed easy and the film is enjoyable to say the least. This film has a good appetite of everything as Pixar continues its traditions of good characters, good story and good films (which may or may not have ended with Cars 2). Nonetheless, Brad Bird has made another good flick.
Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Patton Oswalt (Remy), Lou Romano (Alfredo Linguini), Ian Holm (Skinner), Janeane Garofalo (Colette Tatou), Peter O'Toole (Anton Ego), Brian Dennehy (Django), Peter Sohn (Emile), and Brad Garrett (Auguste Gusteau) Directed by Brad Bird (#083 - The Iron Giant, #128 - Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, and #153 - The Incredibles)
Review
This film is flawless in its presentation, with good voice acting and good developed characters in this lush and beautiful film. As a movie reviewer, I have to mention Anton Ego and it's voice by the legend Peter O'Toole. In many ways, the work of a critic is indeed easy and the film is enjoyable to say the least. This film has a good appetite of everything as Pixar continues its traditions of good characters, good story and good films (which may or may not have ended with Cars 2). Nonetheless, Brad Bird has made another good flick.
Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.
Movie Night: The Mask.
Review #157: The Mask.
Cast
Jim Carrey (Stanley Ipkiss/The Mask), Cameron Diaz (Tina Carlyle), Peter Greene (Dorian Tyrell), Peter Riegert (Lt. Mitch Kellaway), Jim Doughan (Detective Doyle), Richard Jeni (Charlie), Amy Yasbeck (Peggy Brandt), Jeremy Roberts (Bobby), and Ben Stein (Dr. Arthur Neuman) Directed by Chuck Russell.
Review
It's funny how I watch three films in one day (From 6:30-12:00). The Mask is an cartoonish wham-bam film that delivers on all fours. Jim Carrey, like in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (#148) (With the Mask being the 2nd of three films with Carrey in 1994) does an excellent job making both characters joyful and excellent. Diaz does a sizzling job of allrightness. The rest of the cast do a reasonably decent job. The action is cartoonish in tone and that's all it needs in this excellent film.
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Jim Carrey (Stanley Ipkiss/The Mask), Cameron Diaz (Tina Carlyle), Peter Greene (Dorian Tyrell), Peter Riegert (Lt. Mitch Kellaway), Jim Doughan (Detective Doyle), Richard Jeni (Charlie), Amy Yasbeck (Peggy Brandt), Jeremy Roberts (Bobby), and Ben Stein (Dr. Arthur Neuman) Directed by Chuck Russell.
Review
It's funny how I watch three films in one day (From 6:30-12:00). The Mask is an cartoonish wham-bam film that delivers on all fours. Jim Carrey, like in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (#148) (With the Mask being the 2nd of three films with Carrey in 1994) does an excellent job making both characters joyful and excellent. Diaz does a sizzling job of allrightness. The rest of the cast do a reasonably decent job. The action is cartoonish in tone and that's all it needs in this excellent film.
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
Movie Night: Aladdin.
Review #156: Aladdin.
Cast
Scott Weinger (Aladdin), Robin Williams (The Genie), Jonathan Freeman as Jafar, Linda Larkin (Princess Jasmine), Frank Welker (Abu), Gilbert Gottfried (Iago), and Douglas Seale (The Sultan) Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker.
Review
Aladdin is a film I thought would be an annoying gesture of weird that has Robin Williams, but it instead is actually a magical wonderful flick from the good old days of *shudders* Disney (Wow, 1992 is old? 20 years go fast) The voice acting is good, especially from Robin Williams who is less annoying then usual with characters that might not be as good as usual. The music is alright (Even if I don't care for what is called an "animated musical") The film has some decent jokes, as this film is reasonably entertaining from Disney...
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Scott Weinger (Aladdin), Robin Williams (The Genie), Jonathan Freeman as Jafar, Linda Larkin (Princess Jasmine), Frank Welker (Abu), Gilbert Gottfried (Iago), and Douglas Seale (The Sultan) Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker.
Review
Aladdin is a film I thought would be an annoying gesture of weird that has Robin Williams, but it instead is actually a magical wonderful flick from the good old days of *shudders* Disney (Wow, 1992 is old? 20 years go fast) The voice acting is good, especially from Robin Williams who is less annoying then usual with characters that might not be as good as usual. The music is alright (Even if I don't care for what is called an "animated musical") The film has some decent jokes, as this film is reasonably entertaining from Disney...
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
June 9, 2012
Movie Night: Finding Nemo.
Review #155: Finding Nemo.
Cast
Alexander Gould (Nemo), Albert Brooks (Marlin), Ellen DeGeneres (Dory), Willem Dafoe (Gill), Brad Garrett (Bloat), Allison Janney (Peach), Austin Pendleton (Gurgle), Stephen Root (Bubbles), Vicki Lewis (Deb), Joe Ranft (Jacques), Geoffrey Rush (Nigel), John Ratzenberger (Moonfish) Directed by Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich.
Review
Pixar makes good films that I have reviewed here such as Monsters' Inc (#074) and The Incredibles (#153), and this is no different. The story is heartwarming with a touch of great animation from Pixar (Once again I omit the "Disney" from the credit) The voice acting is excellent, especially from Gould, Brooks, Degeneres and Defoe, but the film's real main focus is on Marlin and his attempts to rescue his son, with emotional scenes that are really gripping in terms of usefulness. The movie doesn't need cutesiness to help, it has drama, beautiful, lush scenes and most of all a heart.
Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Alexander Gould (Nemo), Albert Brooks (Marlin), Ellen DeGeneres (Dory), Willem Dafoe (Gill), Brad Garrett (Bloat), Allison Janney (Peach), Austin Pendleton (Gurgle), Stephen Root (Bubbles), Vicki Lewis (Deb), Joe Ranft (Jacques), Geoffrey Rush (Nigel), John Ratzenberger (Moonfish) Directed by Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich.
Review
Pixar makes good films that I have reviewed here such as Monsters' Inc (#074) and The Incredibles (#153), and this is no different. The story is heartwarming with a touch of great animation from Pixar (Once again I omit the "Disney" from the credit) The voice acting is excellent, especially from Gould, Brooks, Degeneres and Defoe, but the film's real main focus is on Marlin and his attempts to rescue his son, with emotional scenes that are really gripping in terms of usefulness. The movie doesn't need cutesiness to help, it has drama, beautiful, lush scenes and most of all a heart.
Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.
June 6, 2012
Movie Night: Madagascar 2.
Review #154: Madagascar 2.
Cast
Ben Stiller (Alex the Lion), Chris Rock (Marty the Zebra), David Schwimmer (Melman the Giraffe), Jada Pinkett Smith (Gloria the Hippopotamus), Sacha Baron Cohen (King Julien the Lemur), Cedric the Entertainer (Maurice the Aye-Aye), Andy Richter (Mort the Lemur), Bernie Mac (Zuba the Lion), and Alec Baldwin (Makunga the Lion) Directed by Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath.
Review
I should mention the original title is "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" I was tempted to type it to confuse people or make them wonder who would have this kind of grammar. Anyway, this film is essentially a mash of the first and The Lion King, but despite that, this film still works. The voices are alright, as this film has charm to make you entertained for its relatively standard 89 minutes. Dreamworks Animation and Pixar are both decent studios. Pixar better than others. This is decent at best, not the worst or the best of DreamWorks I've seen.
Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Ben Stiller (Alex the Lion), Chris Rock (Marty the Zebra), David Schwimmer (Melman the Giraffe), Jada Pinkett Smith (Gloria the Hippopotamus), Sacha Baron Cohen (King Julien the Lemur), Cedric the Entertainer (Maurice the Aye-Aye), Andy Richter (Mort the Lemur), Bernie Mac (Zuba the Lion), and Alec Baldwin (Makunga the Lion) Directed by Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath.
Review
I should mention the original title is "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" I was tempted to type it to confuse people or make them wonder who would have this kind of grammar. Anyway, this film is essentially a mash of the first and The Lion King, but despite that, this film still works. The voices are alright, as this film has charm to make you entertained for its relatively standard 89 minutes. Dreamworks Animation and Pixar are both decent studios. Pixar better than others. This is decent at best, not the worst or the best of DreamWorks I've seen.
Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.
June 3, 2012
Movie Night: The Incredibles.
Review #153: The Incredibles.
Cast
Craig T. Nelson (Bob Parr/Mr. Incredible), Holly Hunter (Helen Parr/Elastigirl), Sarah Vowell (Violet Parr), Spencer Fox (Dashell Parr), Samuel L. Jackson (Lucius Best / Frozone), Jason Lee (Buddy Pine / Syndrome), Brad Bird (Edna Mode), Elizabeth Peña (Mirage), Bud Luckey (Rick Dicker), Wallace Shawn (Gilbert Huph), and John Ratzenberger (The Underminer) Directed by Brad Bird (#083 - The Iron Giant, #128 - Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, and #158 - Ratatouille)
Review
A long time ago, I had mentioned this film in another review (#011 - Fantastic Four), basically comparing the two because it seemed to have taken the dynamics of this film and used in their own, mediocre way. The Incredibles works better then Fantastic Four because everything feels real, it feels perfectly natural as opposed to the other's mediocre way of doing dynamics. This film is wonderful in so many ways, from the nice animation to the cool soundtrack. The writing is good, as I've stated before. The cast is perfect, especially Craig T. Nelson, who just makes this movie his own. This is another hit by Pixar (I refuse to call it Disney•Pixar), as this film has more then fun, it also has charm.
Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Craig T. Nelson (Bob Parr/Mr. Incredible), Holly Hunter (Helen Parr/Elastigirl), Sarah Vowell (Violet Parr), Spencer Fox (Dashell Parr), Samuel L. Jackson (Lucius Best / Frozone), Jason Lee (Buddy Pine / Syndrome), Brad Bird (Edna Mode), Elizabeth Peña (Mirage), Bud Luckey (Rick Dicker), Wallace Shawn (Gilbert Huph), and John Ratzenberger (The Underminer) Directed by Brad Bird (#083 - The Iron Giant, #128 - Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, and #158 - Ratatouille)
Review
A long time ago, I had mentioned this film in another review (#011 - Fantastic Four), basically comparing the two because it seemed to have taken the dynamics of this film and used in their own, mediocre way. The Incredibles works better then Fantastic Four because everything feels real, it feels perfectly natural as opposed to the other's mediocre way of doing dynamics. This film is wonderful in so many ways, from the nice animation to the cool soundtrack. The writing is good, as I've stated before. The cast is perfect, especially Craig T. Nelson, who just makes this movie his own. This is another hit by Pixar (I refuse to call it Disney•Pixar), as this film has more then fun, it also has charm.
Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.
Movie Night: Chronicle.
Review #152: Chronicle.
Cast
Dane DeHaan (Andrew Detmer), Michael B. Jordan (Steve Montgomery), Alex Russell (Matt Garetty), Michael Kelly (Richard Detmer), Ashley Hinshaw (Casey Letter), Anna Wood (Monica), and Bo Petersen (Karen Detmer) Directed by Josh Trank.
Review
Found footage films are nothing new, with success (Paranormal Activity) and some...failures (The Devil Inside, Apollo 18) This is a success, no doubt. These films can be useful done right, but if done wrong can ultimately fail. Most of these are horror films, but this time it's a science-fiction/superhero movie that starts small with some laughs but turns darker, entertaining and thrilling you. The acting is alright, as these young unknowns do a good job. The action is good, and the story is decent. This sounds like the beginning of a good mythology, and as a matter of fact, I have heard of a sequel idea to this movie, which is a good idea for a good movie.
Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Dane DeHaan (Andrew Detmer), Michael B. Jordan (Steve Montgomery), Alex Russell (Matt Garetty), Michael Kelly (Richard Detmer), Ashley Hinshaw (Casey Letter), Anna Wood (Monica), and Bo Petersen (Karen Detmer) Directed by Josh Trank.
Review
Found footage films are nothing new, with success (Paranormal Activity) and some...failures (The Devil Inside, Apollo 18) This is a success, no doubt. These films can be useful done right, but if done wrong can ultimately fail. Most of these are horror films, but this time it's a science-fiction/superhero movie that starts small with some laughs but turns darker, entertaining and thrilling you. The acting is alright, as these young unknowns do a good job. The action is good, and the story is decent. This sounds like the beginning of a good mythology, and as a matter of fact, I have heard of a sequel idea to this movie, which is a good idea for a good movie.
Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.
June 2, 2012
Movie Night: Mean Girls.
Review #151: Mean Girls.
Cast
Lindsay Lohan (Cady Heron), Rachel McAdams (Regina George), Lizzy Caplan (Janis Ian), Lacey Chabert (Gretchen Wieners), Amanda Seyfried (Karen Smith), Tina Fey (Sharon Norbury), Tim Meadows (Mr. Duvall), Jonathan Bennett (Aaron Samuels), Daniel Franzese (Damien), and Amy Poehler (Mrs. George) Directed by Mark Waters.
Review
We all once went to High School at one time. We all did weird things (mainly stupid things), and we all watched weird things happen. This is a movie that has managed to stay onto our minds even after 10 years. The acting is alright, with Lohan doing a good job being our main character and our narrator. Rachel McAdams does a standout job here as well, as this film isn't as generic as the premise may seem. This film is enjoyable for all, even for someone like me. It can be fun, it can be serious, it can be very catty, but most of all, it can be a good film.
Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Lindsay Lohan (Cady Heron), Rachel McAdams (Regina George), Lizzy Caplan (Janis Ian), Lacey Chabert (Gretchen Wieners), Amanda Seyfried (Karen Smith), Tina Fey (Sharon Norbury), Tim Meadows (Mr. Duvall), Jonathan Bennett (Aaron Samuels), Daniel Franzese (Damien), and Amy Poehler (Mrs. George) Directed by Mark Waters.
Review
We all once went to High School at one time. We all did weird things (mainly stupid things), and we all watched weird things happen. This is a movie that has managed to stay onto our minds even after 10 years. The acting is alright, with Lohan doing a good job being our main character and our narrator. Rachel McAdams does a standout job here as well, as this film isn't as generic as the premise may seem. This film is enjoyable for all, even for someone like me. It can be fun, it can be serious, it can be very catty, but most of all, it can be a good film.
Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.
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