Review #189: Coraline.
Cast
Dakota Fanning (Coraline Jones), Teri Hatcher (Mel Jones/Other Mother), Jennifer Saunders (April Spink), Dawn French (Miriam Forcible), John Hodgman (Charlie Jones/Other Father), Robert Bailey, Jr (Wybie Lovat), Ian McShane (Mr. Bobinsky), and Keith David (The Cat) Directed by Henry Selick.
Review
This film was based off the book by Neil Gaiman, which I have not heard of (Though he did write Doctor Who: The Doctor's Wife). Anyway, this film is beautiful in its stop motion animation, as the story is intriguing, keeping you interested as the story unravels. The voice acting is excellent, especially from Fanning and Hatcher. The film is imaginative and engaging with good characterizations in this excellent film.
Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.
July 1, 2012
June 30, 2012
Movie Night: Sullivan's Travels.
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.
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 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.
Supplanted by this Redux Review: https://movienightcentral.blogspot.com/2026/06/redux-raiders-of-the-lost-ark.html
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.
May 31, 2012
Movie Night: Dr. No.
Review #150: Dr. No.
Cast
Sean Connery (James Bond), Ursula Andress (Honey Ryder), Joseph Wiseman (Dr. No), Jack Lord (Felix Leiter), Bernard Lee (M), Anthony Dawson (Professor R.J. Dent), John Kitzmiller (Quarrel), Zena Marshall (Miss Taro), Eunice Gayson (Sylvia Trench), Lois Maxwell (Miss Moneypenny), and Peter Burton (Major Boothroyd) Directed by Terence Young.
Review
On October 5, 1962, a spy film was released by United Artists. This was the first James Bond film released, the 1st of 23 as of May 2012, though Skyfall will be released in October. Sean Connery is great in this flick (In fact, his great charm starts when you first see him, particularly when he says his name.), with his suave personality and smooth delivery (That would be followed by 5 other actors - George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, Daniel Craig) that make the movie a delight. The effects may be a bit laughable, but I ignore that considering this was made with only $1 million. The film is a bit slow at times, particularly when getting to No's island. The villain is...not exactly a great villain. He is simply a man with metal claws, not even showing up until the last 25 minutes (After being mentioned all throughout), but for the first villain in the film series, he is at least somewhat evil. The other actors are decent. Andress is certainly memorable, even though her voice was dubbed. This was the only time Lord played Felix Leiter (a role that has changed more times than Bond has), and he seems to have a good rapport with Bond. Lee and Maxwell would stay onto the series longer than even Connery and become mainstays right up until the 1980's. This film has excitement in its good parts that help keep you interested. The films after this do a bit better, as Connery would do 5 more films after this. And so this ends the 150th Review. Halfway over 100 and halfway under 200, this is still a worthy achievement.
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
May 30, 2012
Movie Night: Super 8.
Review #149: Super 8.
Cast
Joel Courtney (Joseph Francis "Joe" Lamb), Elle Fanning (Alice "Allie" Dainard), Kyle Chandler (Deputy Jackson "Jack" Lamb), Riley Griffiths (Charles Kaznyk), Ryan Lee (Cary McCarthy), Ron Eldard (Louis Dainard), Caitriona Balfe (Elizabeth Lamb), Noah Emmerich (Colonel Nelec), and Bruce Greenwood (Cooper) Directed by J. J. Abrams (#009 - Star Trek)
Review
This film has one charm from American Graffiti (#141) which is that it reminds you back to the 1970's (1979 to be exact) I believe that Abrams wanted to honor Spielberg with this film, with the childlike charm with an alien and fun but with a mix of scares. The child actors are good at their roles, especially from Courtney and Fanning. The alien looks good, not really having much of a flaw as the plot is well made enough to keep you interested. It's a fun film that has wonder that can be enjoyed by everyone. Countdown to 150: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.
Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.
May 26, 2012
Movie Night: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.
Review #148: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.
Cast
Jim Carrey (Ace Ventura), Courteney Cox (Melissa Robinson), Sean Young (Lt. Lois Einhorn / Ray Finkle), Tone Lōc (Emilio), John Capodice (Sgt. Aguado), Dan Marino, Noble Willingham (Riddle), and Troy Evans (Roger Podacter) Directed by Tom Shadyac.
Review
Jim Carrey has made some good films (The Mask, Bruce Almighty) and some bad (Yes Man, When Nature Calls) Wait, this line feels familiar...Anyway, this film is actually good (See, this line isn't that familiar to...Norbit after all) There are some good gags and lines all throughout the film. The plot may seem a bit off the wall, but it's decent enough to not be a major effect on the film. Carrey is a bit like Murphy. Both can do comedy and drama (Dreamgirls for Murphy and The Truman Show for Carrey) It's funny how both of these films are connected due to the fact that I haven't reviewed a flick with either one of these actors until now. One I regret and one I will at least remember. Countdown to 150: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2...
Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Jim Carrey (Ace Ventura), Courteney Cox (Melissa Robinson), Sean Young (Lt. Lois Einhorn / Ray Finkle), Tone Lōc (Emilio), John Capodice (Sgt. Aguado), Dan Marino, Noble Willingham (Riddle), and Troy Evans (Roger Podacter) Directed by Tom Shadyac.
Review
Jim Carrey has made some good films (The Mask, Bruce Almighty) and some bad (Yes Man, When Nature Calls) Wait, this line feels familiar...Anyway, this film is actually good (See, this line isn't that familiar to...Norbit after all) There are some good gags and lines all throughout the film. The plot may seem a bit off the wall, but it's decent enough to not be a major effect on the film. Carrey is a bit like Murphy. Both can do comedy and drama (Dreamgirls for Murphy and The Truman Show for Carrey) It's funny how both of these films are connected due to the fact that I haven't reviewed a flick with either one of these actors until now. One I regret and one I will at least remember. Countdown to 150: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2...
Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.
May 25, 2012
Movie Night: Norbit.
Review #147: Norbit.
Cast
Eddie Murphy (Norbit Rice/Rasputia Latimore/Mr. Hangten Wong), Thandie Newton (Kate Thomas), Terry Crews a(Big Black Jack), Clifton Powell (Earl), Lester 'Rasta' Speight (Blue), Cuba Gooding Jr. (Deion Hughes), Eddie Griffin (Pope Sweet Jesus), and Katt Williams (Lord Have Mercy) Directed by Brian Robbins.
Review
Eddie Murphy has tried to be funny for a long time. Some (Trading Places, Coming to America, Shrek, Beverly Hills Cop) more then others (Meet Dave, The Adventures of Pluto Nash, Imagine That). This...Well, let's start small. The makeup is decent (Actually getting an Oscar nomination for it) The acting...*sigh* isn't really there. Murphy tries to do something in this flick, but it doesn't help. The main flaw with this is that it is not very inspired. It makes the same kind of joke that keeps running into the film, making you feel fun at first, but by the end, it just makes you feel chuckle very lightly. You don't feel anything for this film, you'll remember a joke or two, but only because this film causes "Movie Remember Syndrome" That is when you remember a film only because of how weird/bad/odd it is (There is an opposite to it. They call it "Good Flicks") I guess the reason some people like it is because of all the bizarre rapid fire jokes...Murphy needs to go back to the drawing board, find an actual writer, find an actual premise (for example of drama: Dreamgirls), and find a better movie. Countdown to 150: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3...
Overall, I give it 4 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Eddie Murphy (Norbit Rice/Rasputia Latimore/Mr. Hangten Wong), Thandie Newton (Kate Thomas), Terry Crews a(Big Black Jack), Clifton Powell (Earl), Lester 'Rasta' Speight (Blue), Cuba Gooding Jr. (Deion Hughes), Eddie Griffin (Pope Sweet Jesus), and Katt Williams (Lord Have Mercy) Directed by Brian Robbins.
Review
Eddie Murphy has tried to be funny for a long time. Some (Trading Places, Coming to America, Shrek, Beverly Hills Cop) more then others (Meet Dave, The Adventures of Pluto Nash, Imagine That). This...Well, let's start small. The makeup is decent (Actually getting an Oscar nomination for it) The acting...*sigh* isn't really there. Murphy tries to do something in this flick, but it doesn't help. The main flaw with this is that it is not very inspired. It makes the same kind of joke that keeps running into the film, making you feel fun at first, but by the end, it just makes you feel chuckle very lightly. You don't feel anything for this film, you'll remember a joke or two, but only because this film causes "Movie Remember Syndrome" That is when you remember a film only because of how weird/bad/odd it is (There is an opposite to it. They call it "Good Flicks") I guess the reason some people like it is because of all the bizarre rapid fire jokes...Murphy needs to go back to the drawing board, find an actual writer, find an actual premise (for example of drama: Dreamgirls), and find a better movie. Countdown to 150: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3...
Overall, I give it 4 out of 10 stars.
May 24, 2012
Movie Night: Goal! The Dream Begins.
Review #146: Goal! The Dream Begins.
Cast
Kuno Becker (Santiago Muñez), Alessandro Nivola (Gavin Harris), Stephen Dillane (Glen Foy), Marcel Iures (Erik Dornhelm), Anna Friel (Roz Harmison), Tony Plana (Santiago's father), Kieran O'Brien (Hughie McGowan), and Sean Pertwee (Barry Rankin) Directed by Danny Cannon.
Review
This is an unusual choice of a film to watch, but I ended up watching it, so there ya go. Anyway, the film doesn't really have much to differ from any sports film (this actually being the first one here reviewed). The acting is standard, not doing much, even for a Touchstone film. The soccer playing is allright, but this film isn't really motivating or useful. It's decent, but it isn't much after that. Countdown to 150: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4...
Overall, I give it 5 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Kuno Becker (Santiago Muñez), Alessandro Nivola (Gavin Harris), Stephen Dillane (Glen Foy), Marcel Iures (Erik Dornhelm), Anna Friel (Roz Harmison), Tony Plana (Santiago's father), Kieran O'Brien (Hughie McGowan), and Sean Pertwee (Barry Rankin) Directed by Danny Cannon.
Review
This is an unusual choice of a film to watch, but I ended up watching it, so there ya go. Anyway, the film doesn't really have much to differ from any sports film (this actually being the first one here reviewed). The acting is standard, not doing much, even for a Touchstone film. The soccer playing is allright, but this film isn't really motivating or useful. It's decent, but it isn't much after that. Countdown to 150: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4...
Overall, I give it 5 out of 10 stars.
May 22, 2012
Movie Night: Freedom Writers.
Review #145: Freedom Writers.
Cast
Hilary Swank (Erin Gruwell), Patrick Dempsey (Scott Casey), Scott Glenn (Steve Gruwell), Imelda Staunton (Margaret Campbell), John Benjamin Hickey (Brian Gelford), April Lee Hernández (Eva Benitez), Mario (Andre Bryant), Jason Finn (Marcus), and Vanetta Smith (Brandy Ross) Directed by Richard LaGravenese.
Review
At first, you wonder if this film is like other films of its kind, such as Dangerous Minds, Lean on Me and Stand and Deliver. But once you watch the film, you realize it is not. It's decently acted with the all of the relative unknowns you see, with Swank doing a good job (And if I wanted to take a shot at Dempsey, I would gladly decline due to it being too bored to do) The story is well-paced, with this film making sure it is keeping you interested with all the things that happened here and in real life. It's a good flick for something a little different. Countdown to 150 is now half over...10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5...
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Hilary Swank (Erin Gruwell), Patrick Dempsey (Scott Casey), Scott Glenn (Steve Gruwell), Imelda Staunton (Margaret Campbell), John Benjamin Hickey (Brian Gelford), April Lee Hernández (Eva Benitez), Mario (Andre Bryant), Jason Finn (Marcus), and Vanetta Smith (Brandy Ross) Directed by Richard LaGravenese.
Review
At first, you wonder if this film is like other films of its kind, such as Dangerous Minds, Lean on Me and Stand and Deliver. But once you watch the film, you realize it is not. It's decently acted with the all of the relative unknowns you see, with Swank doing a good job (And if I wanted to take a shot at Dempsey, I would gladly decline due to it being too bored to do) The story is well-paced, with this film making sure it is keeping you interested with all the things that happened here and in real life. It's a good flick for something a little different. Countdown to 150 is now half over...10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5...
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
May 20, 2012
Movie Night: Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.
Review #144: Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.
Cast
Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Natalie Portman (Padmé Amidala), Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker / Darth Vader), Ian McDiarmid (Palpatine / Darth Sidious), Samuel L. Jackson (Mace Windu), Christopher Lee (Count Dooku / Darth Tyranus), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Kenny Baker (R2-D2), Frank Oz (Yoda), Jimmy Smits (Bail Organa), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Oliver Ford Davies (Sio Bibble), Ahmed Best (Jar Jar Binks), Matthew Wood (General Grievous) and Silas Carson (Nute Gunray and Ki-Adi-Mundi) Directed by George Lucas (#113 - Star Wars, #141 - American Graffiti, #142 - Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace and #143 - Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones)
Review:
Greetings. I have fixed this review in terms of grammar and slight fixes to phrases in honor of the recent release of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which is set after this film. Enjoy this review if you can, written in Season 2 - not exactly my favorite season of Movie Night.
This is the last film of the franchise (1977, 1980, 1983, 1999, 2002, 2005) to be released by 20th Century Fox, but is it better than the two films released before it? The answer is yes. It is definitely better then The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones, yet it is not as great as A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and (despite what some say) Return of the Jedi.
The acting (like the last two prequels before it) is good from some of the cast, such as Ewan McGregor, probably the best actor in this trilogy. Ian McDiarmid is consistently brilliant even with silly makeup (and some moments of full blown joke material). Natalie Portman prevails fairly enough, even if she does have to say some pretty lame lines at times that seem to border on romance novel junk. Hayden Christensen, while better than how he was in the last film is fairly servicable in the fight scenes and some of the scenes with Kenobi, still has moments to make fun of (such as nearly any scene with Portman), though it works better than the other two films. The writing is somewhat better (in the grand scheme of things), though Lucas still can't write a good love scene, nor close a movie properly without making it feel endless. Did I really need a scene of Yoda explaining that Qui-Gon Jinn found a way to retain consciousness after death? Some scenes work such as the beginning space fight, the dialogue between Anakin and Palpatine, and especially the last lightsaber fight. The scene with the younglings is certainly dark, but it still feels ridiculous, especially when Obi-Wan mentions it later (while covering his mouth with his hand). With all the action, the movie still feels short when it comes to really caring about these characters along with trying not to make fun of it. The film ends a Prequel Trilogy that will be remembered for how it could've been such more rather then what it was while the Original Trilogy will be remembered for its good, if not great quality. This is an okay movie that could've been better, but at least it is better the other two prequels, and I guess that means something. This Star Wars saga is now complete. For now.
Countdown to #150: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6...
Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.
Movie Night: Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones.
Review #143: Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones.
Cast
Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Natalie Portman (Padmé Amidala), Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker), Ian McDiarmid (Chancellor Palpatine / Darth Sidious), Samuel L. Jackson (Mace Windu), Christopher Lee (Count Dooku / Darth Tyranus), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Kenny Baker (R2-D2), Frank Oz (Yoda), Ahmed Best (Jar Jar Binks), Pernilla August (Shmi Skywalker), Oliver Ford Davies (Sio Bibble), Andy Secombe (Watto), Silas Carson (Nute Gunray and Ki-Adi-Mundi), Alethea McGrath (Jocasta Nu), Temuera Morrison (Jango Fett), and Jimmy Smits (Bail Organa) Directed by George Lucas (#113 - Star Wars, #141 - American Graffiti, and #142 - Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace)
Review
As of May 2019, this review has been superceded by a Redux Review that goes into better detail - as seen here: https://movienightcentral.blogspot.com/2019/05/redux-star-wars-episode-ii-attack-of-the-clones.html
Three years after Jar-Jar ruined the world, this film tries to heal some wounds as it promised origins to help this trilogy. But does it? Kind of. It is better then The Phantom Menace, but not by much. The acting is decent from some (McGregor, Lee, Oz), but the main point of focus is what is not from Christensen and Portman. Now, Portman is not entirely bad, but as one part of the love crud in the film along with Christensen, she takes the blame. Christensen, oh Christensen. He is dull as you feel you are watching a robot as he tries to speak the dialogue. The writing is mediocre, not as magical as the Original Trilogy, with many love cliched lines that make you wonder if Lucas completely forgot how love was dealt with in The Empire Strikes Back (#114). My only question is why Lucas wants to connect the two trilogies so much. Look, you inserted 6 characters of the Original Trilogy already (Obi-Wan, Yoda, Anakin, Papaltine C-3PO and R2-D2 plus Chewbacca in Episode III), and these two trilogies aren't really similar in style, so don't try to connect them. Either way, this film is barely better then Menace, but it has a different problem that overlays into the one from the previous one: Sappy romance and Anakin's performance.
Countdown to 150: 10, 9, 8, 7...
Overall, I give it 6 out of 10 stars.
May 19, 2012
Movie Night: Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.
Review #142: Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.
Cast
Liam Neeson (Qui-Gon Jinn), Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Natalie Portman (Queen Padmé Amidala), Jake Lloyd (Anakin Skywalker), Ian McDiarmid (Senator Palpatine / Darth Sidious), Pernilla August (Shmi Skywalker), Frank Oz (Yoda), Oliver Ford Davies (Sio Bibble), Hugh Quarshie (Captain Panaka), Ahmed Best (Jar Jar Binks), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Kenny Baker (R2-D2), Terence Stamp (Supreme Chancellor Valorum), Samuel L. Jackson (Mace Windu), Ray Park (Darth Maul), Keira Knightley (Sabé), Silas Carson (Nute Gunray, Ki-Adi-Mundi, and Lott Dod), Brian Blessed (Boss Nass), Andy Secombe (Watto), and Lewis MacLeod (Sebulba) Directed by George Lucas (#113 - Star Wars and #141 - American Graffiti)
Review
As of May 2019, this review has been superceded by a Redux Review that goes into better detail - as seen here: https://movienightcentral.blogspot.com/2019/05/redux-star-wars-episode-i-the-phantom-menace.html
Lucas tries to connect this to the Original Trilogy, but it just falls short. Midichlorians is just a silly concept (short explanation: tiny organisms in people and if you have enough of them, you're a Jedi/Sith). You know what is the best way to describe the Force and the Jedi itself actually is? This: "The Force is what gives a Jedi his power. It's an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together." That quote from Episode IV is all you need to know about the Jedi because it just sounds that good. But was this as bad as everyone says? Maybe, maybe not. Overhyped is a word to describe this movie, and when something is overhyped, you get disappointed no matter how the movie is. Most of the time. We've only just begun on our journey reviewing these films. Countdown to 150: 10, 9, 8...
Overall, I give it 5 out of 10 stars.
May 18, 2012
Movie Night: American Graffiti.
Review #141: American Graffiti.
Cast
Richard Dreyfuss (Curt Henderson), Ron Howard (Steve Bolander), Paul Le Mat (John Milner), Charles Martin Smith (Terry "The Toad" Fields), Cindy Williams (Laurie Henderson), Candy Clark (Debbie Dunham), Mackenzie Phillips (Carol Morrison), Wolfman Jack (Himself), Bo Hopkins (Joe Young), Manuel Padilla, Jr (Carlos), Beau Gentry (Ants), and Harrison Ford (Bob Falfa) Directed by George Lucas (#113 - Star Wars)
Review
This film is cool, pure and simple. This film is nostalgic, but not in the way that only people from the 60's can enjoy it. Anyone can feel for these characters and all the fun they do in one night. The acting's good, especially from Dreyfuss. The characters are memorable, the cars are memorable. I must mention Harrison Ford and his performance as this would begin a partnership of roles for him with Lucas. This film may not be perfect in the sense that this could film could easily be forgotten without this cast, but this is still a classic film that takes you back to when you had a load of fun all in one night.
The Countdown to 150 continues...10, 9...
Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Richard Dreyfuss (Curt Henderson), Ron Howard (Steve Bolander), Paul Le Mat (John Milner), Charles Martin Smith (Terry "The Toad" Fields), Cindy Williams (Laurie Henderson), Candy Clark (Debbie Dunham), Mackenzie Phillips (Carol Morrison), Wolfman Jack (Himself), Bo Hopkins (Joe Young), Manuel Padilla, Jr (Carlos), Beau Gentry (Ants), and Harrison Ford (Bob Falfa) Directed by George Lucas (#113 - Star Wars)
Review
This film is cool, pure and simple. This film is nostalgic, but not in the way that only people from the 60's can enjoy it. Anyone can feel for these characters and all the fun they do in one night. The acting's good, especially from Dreyfuss. The characters are memorable, the cars are memorable. I must mention Harrison Ford and his performance as this would begin a partnership of roles for him with Lucas. This film may not be perfect in the sense that this could film could easily be forgotten without this cast, but this is still a classic film that takes you back to when you had a load of fun all in one night.
The Countdown to 150 continues...10, 9...
Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.
May 15, 2012
Movie Night: The Ring (2002)
Review #140: The Ring.
Cast
Naomi Watts (Rachel Keller), Martin Henderson (Noah Clay), David Dorfman (Aidan Keller), Brian Cox (Richard Morgan), Jane Alexander (Dr. Grasnik), Lindsay Frost (Ruth Embry), Amber Tamblyn (Katherine Embry), Rachael Bella (Rebecca Kotler), and Daveigh Chase (Samara Morgan). Directed by Gore Verbinski.
Review
This is a remake of a 1998 Japanese film named Ring (which was based on the novel also named Ring) Anyway, this film has some scares that don't use sneaking up on people, found footage, or gore, but by disturbing images that keep you invested. The acting's decent, with Watts doing a good job. The little kid feels like a Sixth Sense type of kid, which isn't necessary. This film feels fine, until the end. I feel this is a confusing end that makes you wonder this: Why? Why do you need this type of ending? Why not just end on a good end rather then twist end us, setting up the basis for a sequel rather then just easily close out this film that is decent, with scares, and...a setup for a sequel. The Countdown to 150 begins...10...
Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Naomi Watts (Rachel Keller), Martin Henderson (Noah Clay), David Dorfman (Aidan Keller), Brian Cox (Richard Morgan), Jane Alexander (Dr. Grasnik), Lindsay Frost (Ruth Embry), Amber Tamblyn (Katherine Embry), Rachael Bella (Rebecca Kotler), and Daveigh Chase (Samara Morgan). Directed by Gore Verbinski.
Review
This is a remake of a 1998 Japanese film named Ring (which was based on the novel also named Ring) Anyway, this film has some scares that don't use sneaking up on people, found footage, or gore, but by disturbing images that keep you invested. The acting's decent, with Watts doing a good job. The little kid feels like a Sixth Sense type of kid, which isn't necessary. This film feels fine, until the end. I feel this is a confusing end that makes you wonder this: Why? Why do you need this type of ending? Why not just end on a good end rather then twist end us, setting up the basis for a sequel rather then just easily close out this film that is decent, with scares, and...a setup for a sequel. The Countdown to 150 begins...10...
Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.
May 12, 2012
Movie Night: Guess Who's Coming to Dinner.
Review #139: Guess Who's Coming to Dinner.
Cast
Spencer Tracy (Matt Drayton), Sidney Poitier (Dr. John Prentice), Katharine Hepburn (Christina Drayton), Katharine Houghton (Joanna "Joey" Drayton), and Cecil Kellaway (Monsignor Ryan) Directed by Stanley Kramer.
Review
This film was the ninth and final pairing of Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn (1st time I've reviewed a film with these two though, Hepburn's 105th Birthday being today), and they both are wonderful in this drama. It's beautifully acted, especially from Poitier. This is a well set drama that after 45 years holds up allright. But not perfectly allright. I feel that this film wants to have Poitier be too perfect (Which is actually what the director wanted) He does so much good, why would the other parents not accept him? It's a bit outdated, but it is still an allright drama.
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
May 11, 2012
Movie Night: Bedazzled (2000)
Review #138: Bedazzled.
Cast
Brendan Fraser (Elliot Richards / Jefe / "Mary" / Abraham Lincoln), Elizabeth Hurley (The Devil), Frances O'Connor (Alison Gardner / Nicole Delarusso), Orlando Jones (Daniel / Dan / Danny / Esteban / Beach Jock / Lamar Garrett / Dr. Ngegitigegitibaba), Paul Adelstein (Bob / Roberto / Beach Jock / Bob Bob), Toby Huss (Jerry / Alejandro / Beach Jock / Jerry Turner / Lance), Miriam Shor (Carol / Penthouse Hostess), Gabriel Casseus (Elliot's Cellmate), and Brian Doyle-Murray (Priest) Directed by Harold Ramis.
Review
I think this is the first time I've reviewed a remake of a film directly after I just reviewed the original film. Anyway, they both share the same title, but are they the same in quality? In a word, no. This film's flaw is that it relies on its jokes often and feels smug with them, like it automatically thinks it is funny. With the original, it made you think (A rarity in comedies) This doesn't. It tries to be good, but it just doesn't work. The acting's fine, but if I had to choose who's better with acting, the original wins. Cook is the better Devil because he's just so dang fun as the Devil while doing all these things. Hurley while being fun and evil as well just doesn't feel the same. Fraser is decent, doing what he does. Overall, this is a film that doesn't really feel like a remake. It just feels typical all in all.
Overall, I give it 5 out of 10 stars.
Movie Night: Bedazzled (1967)
Review #137: Bedazzled.
Cast
Peter Cook (George Spiggott / The Devil), Dudley Moore (Stanley Moon), Eleanor Bron (Margaret), Raquel Welch (Lust / Lilian Lust), Alba (Vanity), Robert Russell (Anger), Barry Humphries (Envy), Parnell McGarry (Gluttony), Danièle Noël (Avarice), Howard Goorney (Sloth), and Michael Bates (Inspector Clarke) Directed by Stanley Donen.
Review
This film is the first I've seen of Dudley Moore, and along with Peter Cook, they make a great pair in this film. It's a bit smart with everything, trying to be just more then what you believe. It's got some good gags and all, especially when Charles makes everything go all wrong (as he is the Devil) The film may not always have a good joke around every corner, but it at least is a good film all around.
Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.
May 6, 2012
Movie Night: Marty.
Review #136: Marty.
Cast
Ernest Borgnine (Marty Piletti), Betsy Blair (Clara), Esther Minciotti (Ms. Piletti), Augusta Ciolli (Aunt Catherine), Joe Mantell (Angie), Karen Steele (Virginia), and Jerry Paris (Tommy) Directed by Delbert Mann.
Review
57 years ago, a director made a film adaption of the teleplay made in 1953. Anyway, this film is excellent. Borgnine does a great job, making you feel for his character (A down-to-earth guy who would win an Oscar for this role) The rest including Blair, do fine jobs. It's a wonderful touching story about love and loneliness that has not aged a bit.
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Ernest Borgnine (Marty Piletti), Betsy Blair (Clara), Esther Minciotti (Ms. Piletti), Augusta Ciolli (Aunt Catherine), Joe Mantell (Angie), Karen Steele (Virginia), and Jerry Paris (Tommy) Directed by Delbert Mann.
Review
57 years ago, a director made a film adaption of the teleplay made in 1953. Anyway, this film is excellent. Borgnine does a great job, making you feel for his character (A down-to-earth guy who would win an Oscar for this role) The rest including Blair, do fine jobs. It's a wonderful touching story about love and loneliness that has not aged a bit.
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
May 4, 2012
Movie Night: Iron Man.
Review #135: Iron Man.
Cast
Robert Downey, Jr (Tony Stark/Iron Man), Terrence Howard (James "Rhodey" Rhodes), Jeff Bridges (Obadiah Stane), Shaun Toub (Yinsen), Gwyneth Paltrow (Virgina "Pepper" Potts), Faran Tahir (Raza), Paul Bettany (J.A.R.V.I.S.), Leslie Bibb (Christine Everhart), and Clark Gregg (Phil Coulson) Directed by Jon Favreau.
Review
Normally, I do not use some words to describe films here, because they don't feel right to use in that context. But I think this is an exception. In a word, this film is...Awesome. The acting is good, with Downey and Bridges doing the best jobs of this film. The action is good, with a story that changes from one act to another, along the style. The directing is good, with an alright climax that sets everything in motion, such as setting for the sequel, and setting up the arc that would lead to the Avengers, with two of which that already have been reviewed in Thor (#041) and Captain America: The First Avenger (#060).
Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Robert Downey, Jr (Tony Stark/Iron Man), Terrence Howard (James "Rhodey" Rhodes), Jeff Bridges (Obadiah Stane), Shaun Toub (Yinsen), Gwyneth Paltrow (Virgina "Pepper" Potts), Faran Tahir (Raza), Paul Bettany (J.A.R.V.I.S.), Leslie Bibb (Christine Everhart), and Clark Gregg (Phil Coulson) Directed by Jon Favreau.
Review
Normally, I do not use some words to describe films here, because they don't feel right to use in that context. But I think this is an exception. In a word, this film is...Awesome. The acting is good, with Downey and Bridges doing the best jobs of this film. The action is good, with a story that changes from one act to another, along the style. The directing is good, with an alright climax that sets everything in motion, such as setting for the sequel, and setting up the arc that would lead to the Avengers, with two of which that already have been reviewed in Thor (#041) and Captain America: The First Avenger (#060).
Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.
April 30, 2012
Movie Night: Austin Powers in Goldmember.
Review #134: Austin Powers in Goldmember.
Cast
Mike Myers (Austin Powers, Dr. Evil, Goldmember, Fat Bastard), Beyoncé Knowles (Foxxy Cleopatra), Michael Caine (Nigel Powers), Seth Green (Scott Evil), and Verne Troyer (Mini-Me), Michael York (Basil Exposition), Robert Wagner (Number 2), Mindy Sterling (Frau Farbissina), and Fred Savage (Number 3/Mole) Directed by Jay Roach.
Review
It might interest you to know that the first Austin Powers film was released on May 2, 1997 (15 years Wednesday) Anyway, this film is not as good as the second or the first. The jokes are alright, except that some of them are recycled from the last one (Even pointed out by the Osbournes of all people) Even the new ones feel a bit off, as the film wants to do more of the sense of plot, but it just doesn't feel right (One thing to note that they literally reverse the polarity in one scene) The film has a plot twist in the end which is right out of left field, which makes you wonder how the film wasn't as good as the second. It has decent acting, but it just doesn't measure up as well. And that's the 20th Review of this month, the most since July 2011 (Which had 21)
Overall, I give it 6 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Mike Myers (Austin Powers, Dr. Evil, Goldmember, Fat Bastard), Beyoncé Knowles (Foxxy Cleopatra), Michael Caine (Nigel Powers), Seth Green (Scott Evil), and Verne Troyer (Mini-Me), Michael York (Basil Exposition), Robert Wagner (Number 2), Mindy Sterling (Frau Farbissina), and Fred Savage (Number 3/Mole) Directed by Jay Roach.
Review
It might interest you to know that the first Austin Powers film was released on May 2, 1997 (15 years Wednesday) Anyway, this film is not as good as the second or the first. The jokes are alright, except that some of them are recycled from the last one (Even pointed out by the Osbournes of all people) Even the new ones feel a bit off, as the film wants to do more of the sense of plot, but it just doesn't feel right (One thing to note that they literally reverse the polarity in one scene) The film has a plot twist in the end which is right out of left field, which makes you wonder how the film wasn't as good as the second. It has decent acting, but it just doesn't measure up as well. And that's the 20th Review of this month, the most since July 2011 (Which had 21)
Overall, I give it 6 out of 10 stars.
Movie Night: Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.
Review #133: Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.
Cast
Mike Myers (Austin Powers, Dr. Evil, Fat Bastard), Heather Graham (Felicity Shagwell), Michael York (Basil Exposition), Robert Wagner (Number 2), Rob Lowe (Young Number 2), Mindy Sterling (Frau Farbissina), Seth Green (Scott Evil), and Verne Troyer (Mini-Me) Directed by Jay Roach.
Review
This film is the sequel to Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (Not reviewed here, recommended though), and yet it doesn't feel like a sequel. But either way, this if a fun flick. It's full of references and some good laughs in a film that parodies James Bond (Obviously), and yet feels like its own film. It has decent acting with enought yukes to make an allright film.
Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Mike Myers (Austin Powers, Dr. Evil, Fat Bastard), Heather Graham (Felicity Shagwell), Michael York (Basil Exposition), Robert Wagner (Number 2), Rob Lowe (Young Number 2), Mindy Sterling (Frau Farbissina), Seth Green (Scott Evil), and Verne Troyer (Mini-Me) Directed by Jay Roach.
Review
This film is the sequel to Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (Not reviewed here, recommended though), and yet it doesn't feel like a sequel. But either way, this if a fun flick. It's full of references and some good laughs in a film that parodies James Bond (Obviously), and yet feels like its own film. It has decent acting with enought yukes to make an allright film.
Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.
April 29, 2012
Movie Night: Alice in Wonderland (2010)
Review #132: Alice in Wonderland.
Cast
Mia Wasikowska (Alice Kingsley), Johnny Depp (The Hatter), Helena Bonham Carter (Red Queen), Anne Hathaway (White Queen), Crispin Glover (Knave of Hearts), Michael Sheen (The White Rabbit), Matt Lucas (Tweedledee and Tweedledum), Stephen Fry (Chesire Cat), Alan Rickman (Absolem the Caterpillar), Barbara Windsor (Mallymkun the Dormouse), Timothy Spall (Bayard the Bloodhound), Michael Gough (Uilleam the Dodo), and Christopher Lee (Jabberwocky) Directed by Tim Burton.
Review
Tim Burton is known for his dark films (Batman - #040), Edward Scissorhands, Corpse Bride, Beetlejuice - #107, Ed Wood, etc), and this is no different. It feels like a tale of fun with many things along the way. Granted, they may be CGI, but they at least do look like they were meant to be in Wonderland. Wasikowska does a good job as Alice, making you feel for her and her struggles. Depp does a good job as well, making you interested in the film. The rest of the cast (Carter, Hathaway, Sheen, Rickman, Fry) do good jobs as well. But the two that while not having lines that stand out are Lee and Gough. Lee feels like the Jabberwocky, with that still deep voice. Gough does a decent job in his final film role, doing his best. This film tries to be great, and it works until you realize that it feels like it runs into the same thing over and over again as we get a fight that doesn't feel special given all we have seen. I have not seen the other film adaptions or even the book, but this is at least a good flick.
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Mia Wasikowska (Alice Kingsley), Johnny Depp (The Hatter), Helena Bonham Carter (Red Queen), Anne Hathaway (White Queen), Crispin Glover (Knave of Hearts), Michael Sheen (The White Rabbit), Matt Lucas (Tweedledee and Tweedledum), Stephen Fry (Chesire Cat), Alan Rickman (Absolem the Caterpillar), Barbara Windsor (Mallymkun the Dormouse), Timothy Spall (Bayard the Bloodhound), Michael Gough (Uilleam the Dodo), and Christopher Lee (Jabberwocky) Directed by Tim Burton.
Review
Tim Burton is known for his dark films (Batman - #040), Edward Scissorhands, Corpse Bride, Beetlejuice - #107, Ed Wood, etc), and this is no different. It feels like a tale of fun with many things along the way. Granted, they may be CGI, but they at least do look like they were meant to be in Wonderland. Wasikowska does a good job as Alice, making you feel for her and her struggles. Depp does a good job as well, making you interested in the film. The rest of the cast (Carter, Hathaway, Sheen, Rickman, Fry) do good jobs as well. But the two that while not having lines that stand out are Lee and Gough. Lee feels like the Jabberwocky, with that still deep voice. Gough does a decent job in his final film role, doing his best. This film tries to be great, and it works until you realize that it feels like it runs into the same thing over and over again as we get a fight that doesn't feel special given all we have seen. I have not seen the other film adaptions or even the book, but this is at least a good flick.
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
Movie Night: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.
Review #131: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.
Cast
Gene Wilder (Willy Wonka), Jack Albertson (Grandpa Joe), Peter Ostrum (Charlie Bucket), Roy Kinnear (Henry Salt), Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt), Leonard Stone (Sam Beauregarde), Denise Nickerson (Violet Beauregarde), Dodo Denney (Mrs. Teevee), Paris Themmen (Mike Teevee), Ursula Reit (Mrs. Gloop), Michael Bollner (Augustus Gloop), and Diana Sowle (Mrs. Bucket) Directed by Mel Stuart.
Review
41 years, and it is a grand classic, pure and simple. This was based on the 1964 novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. However, Dahl apparently did not like this film for its focus on Wonka and not Charlie (hence the title). However, this film is still good. Look, no matter what happens, we're going to care more for Wonka then Charlie (even in the 2005 version, especially given Depp's performance in it...). Speaking of that, Wilder does great in this film. First time you see him, and he impresses you. The rest do fine. The sense of wonder is here, with all the machines and candy (with weird looking chocolate non-withstanding). It does have its scariness to a 10 with the carousel scene. While the movie does not follow the book much, it entices you anyway with a sense of fun.
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Gene Wilder (Willy Wonka), Jack Albertson (Grandpa Joe), Peter Ostrum (Charlie Bucket), Roy Kinnear (Henry Salt), Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt), Leonard Stone (Sam Beauregarde), Denise Nickerson (Violet Beauregarde), Dodo Denney (Mrs. Teevee), Paris Themmen (Mike Teevee), Ursula Reit (Mrs. Gloop), Michael Bollner (Augustus Gloop), and Diana Sowle (Mrs. Bucket) Directed by Mel Stuart.
Review
41 years, and it is a grand classic, pure and simple. This was based on the 1964 novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. However, Dahl apparently did not like this film for its focus on Wonka and not Charlie (hence the title). However, this film is still good. Look, no matter what happens, we're going to care more for Wonka then Charlie (even in the 2005 version, especially given Depp's performance in it...). Speaking of that, Wilder does great in this film. First time you see him, and he impresses you. The rest do fine. The sense of wonder is here, with all the machines and candy (with weird looking chocolate non-withstanding). It does have its scariness to a 10 with the carousel scene. While the movie does not follow the book much, it entices you anyway with a sense of fun.
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
April 24, 2012
Movie Night: Planet 51.
Review #130: Planet 51.
Cast
Dwayne Johnson (Captain Charles "Chuck" T. Baker), Justin Long (Lem), Jessica Biel (Neera), Gary Oldman (General Grawl), Seann William Scott (Skiff), and John Cleese (Professor Kipple) Directed by Jorge Blanco.
Review
This film has an alright cast, with Johnson not having to do some gimmick to attract the viewers (Such as being a Tooth Fairy, a Quarterback with daughter issues) The plot is meh to say the least. The animation is decent, with reasonable voice acting. This film is not exactly a good film, being simple, but it does manage to make you chuckle or giggle at least a few times, being enough to entertain you for at least 91 minutes. Relatively harmless, but decent enough.
Overall, I give it 6 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Dwayne Johnson (Captain Charles "Chuck" T. Baker), Justin Long (Lem), Jessica Biel (Neera), Gary Oldman (General Grawl), Seann William Scott (Skiff), and John Cleese (Professor Kipple) Directed by Jorge Blanco.
Review
This film has an alright cast, with Johnson not having to do some gimmick to attract the viewers (Such as being a Tooth Fairy, a Quarterback with daughter issues) The plot is meh to say the least. The animation is decent, with reasonable voice acting. This film is not exactly a good film, being simple, but it does manage to make you chuckle or giggle at least a few times, being enough to entertain you for at least 91 minutes. Relatively harmless, but decent enough.
Overall, I give it 6 out of 10 stars.
Movie Night: The Island.
Review #129: The Island.
Cast
Ewan McGregor (Lincoln Six Echo/Tom Lincoln), Scarlett Johansson (Jordan Six Delta), Sean Bean (Dr. Merrick), Djimon Hounsou (Albert Laurent), Steve Buscemi (James McCord), and Michael Clarke Duncan (Starkweather Two Delta). Directed by Michael Bay (#057 - Transformers and #058: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen)
Review
This film has Michael Bay directing, so...Minus three points already (I kid, ratings don't go like that). Anyway, the film is an mix of science-fiction films such as Logan's Run and Fahrenheit 451, with a reasonable plot. The acting is good, especially from McGregor, Johansson, Buscemi, and Duncan (being important in the beginning) The beginning is interesting, making you feel invested not for the action (which comes in the second part), but for the actual plot for once. However, the action starts to seep in, and it is mediocre, as we've seen this before and before (and later and later from Bay...), with the plot unraveling a bit, yet the film still works to be an alright film.
Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Ewan McGregor (Lincoln Six Echo/Tom Lincoln), Scarlett Johansson (Jordan Six Delta), Sean Bean (Dr. Merrick), Djimon Hounsou (Albert Laurent), Steve Buscemi (James McCord), and Michael Clarke Duncan (Starkweather Two Delta). Directed by Michael Bay (#057 - Transformers and #058: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen)
Review
This film has Michael Bay directing, so...Minus three points already (I kid, ratings don't go like that). Anyway, the film is an mix of science-fiction films such as Logan's Run and Fahrenheit 451, with a reasonable plot. The acting is good, especially from McGregor, Johansson, Buscemi, and Duncan (being important in the beginning) The beginning is interesting, making you feel invested not for the action (which comes in the second part), but for the actual plot for once. However, the action starts to seep in, and it is mediocre, as we've seen this before and before (and later and later from Bay...), with the plot unraveling a bit, yet the film still works to be an alright film.
Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.
April 23, 2012
Movie Night: Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol.
Review #128: Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol.
Cast
Tom Cruise (Ethan Hunt), Jeremy Renner (William Brandt), Simon Pegg (Benjamín "Benji" Dunn), Paula Patton (Jane Carter), Michael Nyqvist (Kurt Hendricks), Vladimir Mashkov (Anatoly Sidorov), Samuli Edelmann (Marius Wistrom), Ivan Shvedoff (Leonid Lisenker), Anil Kapoor (Brij Nath), Léa Seydoux (Sabine Moreau), Josh Holloway (Trevor Hanaway), Pavel Kříž (Marek Stefanski), Miraj Grbić (Bogdan), and Ilia Volok (the Fog) Directed by Brad Bird (#083 - The Iron Giant)
Review
This film is the fourth in the franchise, returning with a bang and more. The film uses its chances well, making the film look impressive (Especially with the Burj Khalifa sequence) Pegg does a good job, along with Cruise and Patton, as the film makes sure to inject a bit of humor into the film, making this a useful installment into a franchise that's still chugging after 16 years (1996 by Brian DePalma, 2000 by John Woo, 2006 by J.J. Abrams) with good directing by Brad Bird (His first live action film), making this an excellent film overall.
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Tom Cruise (Ethan Hunt), Jeremy Renner (William Brandt), Simon Pegg (Benjamín "Benji" Dunn), Paula Patton (Jane Carter), Michael Nyqvist (Kurt Hendricks), Vladimir Mashkov (Anatoly Sidorov), Samuli Edelmann (Marius Wistrom), Ivan Shvedoff (Leonid Lisenker), Anil Kapoor (Brij Nath), Léa Seydoux (Sabine Moreau), Josh Holloway (Trevor Hanaway), Pavel Kříž (Marek Stefanski), Miraj Grbić (Bogdan), and Ilia Volok (the Fog) Directed by Brad Bird (#083 - The Iron Giant)
Review
This film is the fourth in the franchise, returning with a bang and more. The film uses its chances well, making the film look impressive (Especially with the Burj Khalifa sequence) Pegg does a good job, along with Cruise and Patton, as the film makes sure to inject a bit of humor into the film, making this a useful installment into a franchise that's still chugging after 16 years (1996 by Brian DePalma, 2000 by John Woo, 2006 by J.J. Abrams) with good directing by Brad Bird (His first live action film), making this an excellent film overall.
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
April 21, 2012
Movie Night: Rollerball.
Review #127: Rollerball.
Cast
James Caan (Jonathan E.), John Houseman (Mr. Bartholomew), Maud Adams (Ella), John Beck (Moonpie), Moses Gunn (Cletus), Ralph Richardson (Librarian), Pamela Hensley (Mackie), and Barbara Trentham (Daphne) Directed by Norman Jewison.
Review
The film is a departure from other classic sci-fi films, as its theme is not of robots, aliens, or war, but violence. But that only makes the film better as we get some decent acting from Caan, and probably the standout of the film, the rollerball scenes. They still look great to this day, with this film being the first to credit stuntmen in the credits, showing the hard work it has done for a film that while not being great (It feels slow at times), it leaves an impression on you, unlike the remake, which just...No.
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
Cast
James Caan (Jonathan E.), John Houseman (Mr. Bartholomew), Maud Adams (Ella), John Beck (Moonpie), Moses Gunn (Cletus), Ralph Richardson (Librarian), Pamela Hensley (Mackie), and Barbara Trentham (Daphne) Directed by Norman Jewison.
Review
The film is a departure from other classic sci-fi films, as its theme is not of robots, aliens, or war, but violence. But that only makes the film better as we get some decent acting from Caan, and probably the standout of the film, the rollerball scenes. They still look great to this day, with this film being the first to credit stuntmen in the credits, showing the hard work it has done for a film that while not being great (It feels slow at times), it leaves an impression on you, unlike the remake, which just...No.
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
Movie Night: Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
Review #126: Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
Cast
Rickard Dreyfuss (Roy Neary), François Truffaut (Claude Lacombe), Melinda Dillon (Jillian Guiler), Teri Garr (Veronica "Ronnie" Neary), Cary Guffey (Barry Guiler), Bob Balaban (David Laughlin), and Josef Sommer (Larry Butler) Directed by Steven Spielberg.
Review
Roughly 35 years ago, a film was released by a director who had a few films behind him but more to come. This, along with many classics signifies the 70s sci-fi. The film has good acting, with Dreyfuss being the standout of everyone. The film intrigues you in its imagination that would follow in more Spielberg films, as it fills you with wonder and more The effects by Douglas Trumbull, who I've mentioned before in Silent Running (#091) and 2001: A Space Odyssey (#093) are amazing, with everything bright yet darkly stunning at the same time. A great movie that has a lot of great things going for it and does not disappoint.
Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Rickard Dreyfuss (Roy Neary), François Truffaut (Claude Lacombe), Melinda Dillon (Jillian Guiler), Teri Garr (Veronica "Ronnie" Neary), Cary Guffey (Barry Guiler), Bob Balaban (David Laughlin), and Josef Sommer (Larry Butler) Directed by Steven Spielberg.
Review
Roughly 35 years ago, a film was released by a director who had a few films behind him but more to come. This, along with many classics signifies the 70s sci-fi. The film has good acting, with Dreyfuss being the standout of everyone. The film intrigues you in its imagination that would follow in more Spielberg films, as it fills you with wonder and more The effects by Douglas Trumbull, who I've mentioned before in Silent Running (#091) and 2001: A Space Odyssey (#093) are amazing, with everything bright yet darkly stunning at the same time. A great movie that has a lot of great things going for it and does not disappoint.
Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.
April 14, 2012
Movie Night: Casablanca.
Review #125: Casablanca.
Cast
Humphrey Bogart (Rick Blaine), Ingrid Bergman (Ilsa Lund), Paul Henreid (Victor Laszlo), Claude Rains (Captain Louis Renault), Conrad Viedt (Major Heinrich Strasser), Sydney Greenstreet (Signor Ferrari), Peter Lorre (Signor Ugarte), and Dooley Wilson (Sam). Directed by Michael Curitz.
Review
This film is a classic, as it has reached its 70th Anniversary, as it still entertains then and now. This was my first time watching this film (I watched it a day ago yet wrote the review a day in advance), and I like this film. I like how it get better in the last hour, with everything getting interesting and all. The acting is brilliant, with Bogart and Hepburn being the standouts. This film shows the ever good example of romance in a tale, which is...Not to over sap it. The film has romance, but it does not over ride the film into sappiness material. The film has memorable lines, a good pace, and a way to captivate audiences after 70 years.
Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.
Movie Night: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2.
Review #124: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2.
Cast
Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), Ralph Fiennes (Lord Voldemort), Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore), Alan Rickman (Severus Snape), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood), Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid), Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom), Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange), Maggie Smith (Minerva McGonagall), Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley), Ciaran Hinds (Aberforth Dumbledore), Jason Issacs (Lucius Malfoy), Julie Walters (Molly Weasley), James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley), Mark Williams (Arthur Weasley) with Gary Oldman (Sirius Black), David Thewlis (Remus Lupin), Adrian Rawlins (James Potter), Geraldine Somerville (Lily Potter), and Warwick Davis (Filius Flitwick/Griphook). Directed by David Yates.
Review
This film is the final one for the week and the series of Harry Potter, and it ends with a bang, as we get closure in terms of legend in sorts. The acting takes a slight sidestep to the action, as it should be for once given the circumstances. We get some revelations and all, even if (as usual) some of the book is omitted, such as Pettigrew, Potterwatch, and some others, but that does not matter too much as the film makes sure that all the stops have been put out in a great climatic end to the films. It all ends with a farewell scene, years later, and it is rather touching, making you remember back to the first book and the wonder that it had then and now. Looking back on all eight films, it has been fun. From 2001 to 2011, (2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011) there was a sense of magic and fun in the films, with a plentiful cast of good actors and all. Now that it is over, what happens now? We shall look back on the films and everything as the others hopefully go to other roles. It reminds me of another film series, The Star Wars Saga. Those actors (and the films) filled the air with wonder and adventure, as some of those actors went to fame for other roles, while others did other roles, yet they will be remembered for their roles in that series. Harry Potter will also be remembered for being a great film series, and it will live on for time to come.
Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), Ralph Fiennes (Lord Voldemort), Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore), Alan Rickman (Severus Snape), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood), Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid), Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom), Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange), Maggie Smith (Minerva McGonagall), Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley), Ciaran Hinds (Aberforth Dumbledore), Jason Issacs (Lucius Malfoy), Julie Walters (Molly Weasley), James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley), Mark Williams (Arthur Weasley) with Gary Oldman (Sirius Black), David Thewlis (Remus Lupin), Adrian Rawlins (James Potter), Geraldine Somerville (Lily Potter), and Warwick Davis (Filius Flitwick/Griphook). Directed by David Yates.
Review
This film is the final one for the week and the series of Harry Potter, and it ends with a bang, as we get closure in terms of legend in sorts. The acting takes a slight sidestep to the action, as it should be for once given the circumstances. We get some revelations and all, even if (as usual) some of the book is omitted, such as Pettigrew, Potterwatch, and some others, but that does not matter too much as the film makes sure that all the stops have been put out in a great climatic end to the films. It all ends with a farewell scene, years later, and it is rather touching, making you remember back to the first book and the wonder that it had then and now. Looking back on all eight films, it has been fun. From 2001 to 2011, (2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011) there was a sense of magic and fun in the films, with a plentiful cast of good actors and all. Now that it is over, what happens now? We shall look back on the films and everything as the others hopefully go to other roles. It reminds me of another film series, The Star Wars Saga. Those actors (and the films) filled the air with wonder and adventure, as some of those actors went to fame for other roles, while others did other roles, yet they will be remembered for their roles in that series. Harry Potter will also be remembered for being a great film series, and it will live on for time to come.
Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.
Movie Night: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1.
Review #123: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1.
Cast
Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange), Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid), Warwick Davis (Griphook), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Ralph Fiennes (Lord Voldemort), Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore), Brendan Gleeson (Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody), Richard Griffiths (Vernon Dursley), John Hurt (Garrick Ollivander), Rhys Ifans (Xenophilius Lovegood), Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy), Bill Nighy (Rufus Scrimgeour), Alan Rickman (Severus Snape), and Fiona Shaw (Petunia Dursley) Directed by David Yates.
Review
This film begins the final adventure of this saga, and it figures the most important of them all gets two parts to accompany it (even though there were rumors Goblet of Fire could have been separated into two) Anyway, this film has good acting from the main three once again, with the others following nicely. The film has one abundant thing for about 30-40 minutes, and that would be in the woods. The film doesn't suffer that much from the walking, talking, and fighting. One thing I must bring up is that they cut the departure scenes out of the film, I feel that it should've been included as it bringed closure for the Dursleys and Harry, but we don't get that. The quest is a giant one, with risk at every trail. The story delves deeper and deeper, connecting things, especially from Sorcerer's Stone (Hard to believe that it was released in 2001 wasn't it?) The action is alright, as we get closer to the battle of a lifetime, with two sides fighting...And only one can win. This ends Part VII. Stay tuned for Part VIII...
Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange), Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid), Warwick Davis (Griphook), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Ralph Fiennes (Lord Voldemort), Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore), Brendan Gleeson (Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody), Richard Griffiths (Vernon Dursley), John Hurt (Garrick Ollivander), Rhys Ifans (Xenophilius Lovegood), Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy), Bill Nighy (Rufus Scrimgeour), Alan Rickman (Severus Snape), and Fiona Shaw (Petunia Dursley) Directed by David Yates.
Review
This film begins the final adventure of this saga, and it figures the most important of them all gets two parts to accompany it (even though there were rumors Goblet of Fire could have been separated into two) Anyway, this film has good acting from the main three once again, with the others following nicely. The film has one abundant thing for about 30-40 minutes, and that would be in the woods. The film doesn't suffer that much from the walking, talking, and fighting. One thing I must bring up is that they cut the departure scenes out of the film, I feel that it should've been included as it bringed closure for the Dursleys and Harry, but we don't get that. The quest is a giant one, with risk at every trail. The story delves deeper and deeper, connecting things, especially from Sorcerer's Stone (Hard to believe that it was released in 2001 wasn't it?) The action is alright, as we get closer to the battle of a lifetime, with two sides fighting...And only one can win. This ends Part VII. Stay tuned for Part VIII...
Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.
April 13, 2012
Movie Night: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
Review #122: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
Cast
Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore), Alan Rickman (Severus Snape), Jim Broadbent (Horace Slughorn), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid), Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange), Maggie Smith (Minerva McGonagall), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood), and Warwick Davis (Filius Flitwick). Directed by David Yates.
Review
This film is the last of Harry Potter's school years, as all is not well in Hogwarts, and the film is darker and better for it. The acting is good again, with Gambon, Broadbent, Felton, and Rickman being the standouts in all of this, as the film intrigues you with not just magic and wonder, but a sense of mystery and tragic nature. I think it's better then Order of the Phoenix and Goblet of Fire, just tying itself with Sorcerer's Stone. The film doesn't have much light-heartedness, as it omits the lightness to make a better film, as we get closer to the past of the wizard known as Tom Riddle. A good film that set the tone for the final parts in this great series...This ends Part VI of Harry Potter Week. Stay tuned for Part VII...
Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore), Alan Rickman (Severus Snape), Jim Broadbent (Horace Slughorn), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid), Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange), Maggie Smith (Minerva McGonagall), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood), and Warwick Davis (Filius Flitwick). Directed by David Yates.
Review
This film is the last of Harry Potter's school years, as all is not well in Hogwarts, and the film is darker and better for it. The acting is good again, with Gambon, Broadbent, Felton, and Rickman being the standouts in all of this, as the film intrigues you with not just magic and wonder, but a sense of mystery and tragic nature. I think it's better then Order of the Phoenix and Goblet of Fire, just tying itself with Sorcerer's Stone. The film doesn't have much light-heartedness, as it omits the lightness to make a better film, as we get closer to the past of the wizard known as Tom Riddle. A good film that set the tone for the final parts in this great series...This ends Part VI of Harry Potter Week. Stay tuned for Part VII...
Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.
April 12, 2012
Movie Night: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
Review #121: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
Cast
Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), Imelda Staunton (Dolores Umbridge), Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore), Alan Rickman (Severus Snape), Ralph Fiennes (Lord Voldemort), Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood), Gary Oldman (Sirius Black), Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid), Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange), and Warwick Davis (Filius Flitwick). Directed by David Yates.
Review
This film tries to do the longest book in the series justice, and it...shortens it to be the second shortest film in the series. But is it still a good film? Yes, yes it is. The acting again is superb, with Stauton, Lewis, and Carter being the main standouts (Other then the main three) The plot at least lasts 2 hours (given with the long 10 minute credits), but 20 minutes is used to have a trial scene which only makes us have one thing useful: The Order and the other characters, with the trial of course being good for Harry (I've seen more fairer Trials, but that Trial had someone called the "Boneyard", I believe) Anyway, the film omits some things and cuts into other scenes to have a faster climax. I wonder why they needed this to be the shortest, they could have made it just the same length as the others, but maybe it makes a better film by having not so much of the book. At least there is some characterization for some as this film might not be the best one, but it is not the worst by a long shot (There's no real worst), as we get close to the end. This ends Part V of Harry Potter Week. Stay tuned for Part VI...
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), Imelda Staunton (Dolores Umbridge), Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore), Alan Rickman (Severus Snape), Ralph Fiennes (Lord Voldemort), Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood), Gary Oldman (Sirius Black), Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid), Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange), and Warwick Davis (Filius Flitwick). Directed by David Yates.
Review
This film tries to do the longest book in the series justice, and it...shortens it to be the second shortest film in the series. But is it still a good film? Yes, yes it is. The acting again is superb, with Stauton, Lewis, and Carter being the main standouts (Other then the main three) The plot at least lasts 2 hours (given with the long 10 minute credits), but 20 minutes is used to have a trial scene which only makes us have one thing useful: The Order and the other characters, with the trial of course being good for Harry (I've seen more fairer Trials, but that Trial had someone called the "Boneyard", I believe) Anyway, the film omits some things and cuts into other scenes to have a faster climax. I wonder why they needed this to be the shortest, they could have made it just the same length as the others, but maybe it makes a better film by having not so much of the book. At least there is some characterization for some as this film might not be the best one, but it is not the worst by a long shot (There's no real worst), as we get close to the end. This ends Part V of Harry Potter Week. Stay tuned for Part VI...
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
April 11, 2012
Movie Night: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
Review #120: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
Cast
Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), Brendan Gleeson (Alastor Moody), Robert Pattinson (Cedric Diggory), Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore), Ralph Fiennes (Lord Voldemort), Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Alan Rickman (Severus Snape), Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy), Miranda Richardson (Rita Skeeter), and Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom). Directed by Mike Newell.
Review
This film is good, as it differs from the others in its opening, finally not having the Dursleys, getting to other things, and being a bit darker then the last, going in a pattern that would set the pattern (feels familiar...) The acting is decently good as usual, with Gleeson being the standout (With David Tennant also doing well, and...Robert Pattinson does a decent performance) The plot's decent as it tries to jam things in to make it not overlong or too short, even if it cuts things a bit (Such as in the World Cup sequence in which it just cuts out of the game) The series is now half over, we get darker and darker...This ends Part IV of Harry Potter Week. Stay tuned for Part V...
Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), Brendan Gleeson (Alastor Moody), Robert Pattinson (Cedric Diggory), Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore), Ralph Fiennes (Lord Voldemort), Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Alan Rickman (Severus Snape), Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy), Miranda Richardson (Rita Skeeter), and Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom). Directed by Mike Newell.
Review
This film is good, as it differs from the others in its opening, finally not having the Dursleys, getting to other things, and being a bit darker then the last, going in a pattern that would set the pattern (feels familiar...) The acting is decently good as usual, with Gleeson being the standout (With David Tennant also doing well, and...Robert Pattinson does a decent performance) The plot's decent as it tries to jam things in to make it not overlong or too short, even if it cuts things a bit (Such as in the World Cup sequence in which it just cuts out of the game) The series is now half over, we get darker and darker...This ends Part IV of Harry Potter Week. Stay tuned for Part V...
Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.
April 10, 2012
Movie Night: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
Review #119: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
Cast
Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), David Thewlis (Remus Lupin), Gary Oldman (Sirius Black), Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore), Alan Rickman (Severus Snape), Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Emma Thompson (Sybill Trelawney), Timothy Spall (Peter Pettigrew), and Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom) Directed by Alfonso Cuaron.
Review
This film is a departure from the previous two films, getting darker in tone and in the color (Seriously, look at the color, it looks like they made it grey-ish), and it's an alright film, setting the tone for the rest of the film series, introducing things that won't be seen in the rest of the series while introducing things that do (Werewolves + Time Travel and Lupin and Black, respectively) The acting is good as usual, with Oldman and Thewlis being the standouts. The main three characters get better and better as the film proves we didn't need a villain in a movie to make a Harry Potter film (And to keep torturing Longbottom rather then make him a character...) This ends Part III of Harry Potter Week. Stay tuned for Part IV...
Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), David Thewlis (Remus Lupin), Gary Oldman (Sirius Black), Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore), Alan Rickman (Severus Snape), Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Emma Thompson (Sybill Trelawney), Timothy Spall (Peter Pettigrew), and Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom) Directed by Alfonso Cuaron.
Review
This film is a departure from the previous two films, getting darker in tone and in the color (Seriously, look at the color, it looks like they made it grey-ish), and it's an alright film, setting the tone for the rest of the film series, introducing things that won't be seen in the rest of the series while introducing things that do (Werewolves + Time Travel and Lupin and Black, respectively) The acting is good as usual, with Oldman and Thewlis being the standouts. The main three characters get better and better as the film proves we didn't need a villain in a movie to make a Harry Potter film (And to keep torturing Longbottom rather then make him a character...) This ends Part III of Harry Potter Week. Stay tuned for Part IV...
Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.
April 9, 2012
Movie Night: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Review #118: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Cast
Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), Kenneth Branagh (Gilderoy Lockhart), Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid), Richard Harris (Albus Dumbledore), Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy), Alan Rickman (Severus Snape), Toby Jones (Dobby), Warwick Davis (Filius Flitwick), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Richard Griffiths (Vernon Dursley), David Bradley (Argus Filch), Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley), and Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom) Directed by Chris Columbus (#038 - Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, and #117 - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone)
Review
The film has good acting and an alright story, filled into...2 hours and 40 minutes. The lesson is that a film does not need that much time to make a film unless you have an excuse (Ben-Hur), or else you get an overstuffed film. My point is that this film is a bit overlong (The longest in the series next to Goblet of Fire), with a weird and partially grating character that is Dobby. The film is decent as it follows the book as usual. The reason that this film is not better then the first is because it feels similar with partially different things with longing length that still has a bit of charm. It's a good film, just not as great, but it at least sets the tone for the next film...This ends Part II of Harry Potter Week. Stay Tuned for Part III...
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), Kenneth Branagh (Gilderoy Lockhart), Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid), Richard Harris (Albus Dumbledore), Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy), Alan Rickman (Severus Snape), Toby Jones (Dobby), Warwick Davis (Filius Flitwick), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Richard Griffiths (Vernon Dursley), David Bradley (Argus Filch), Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley), and Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom) Directed by Chris Columbus (#038 - Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, and #117 - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone)
Review
The film has good acting and an alright story, filled into...2 hours and 40 minutes. The lesson is that a film does not need that much time to make a film unless you have an excuse (Ben-Hur), or else you get an overstuffed film. My point is that this film is a bit overlong (The longest in the series next to Goblet of Fire), with a weird and partially grating character that is Dobby. The film is decent as it follows the book as usual. The reason that this film is not better then the first is because it feels similar with partially different things with longing length that still has a bit of charm. It's a good film, just not as great, but it at least sets the tone for the next film...This ends Part II of Harry Potter Week. Stay Tuned for Part III...
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
April 8, 2012
Movie Night: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
Review #117: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
Cast
Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid), Alan Rickman (Severus Snape), Ian Hart (Professor Quirrel), Fiona Shaw (Petunia Dursley), Richard Harris (Albus Dumbledore), John Cleese (Nearly Headless Nick), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Richard Griffiths (Vernon Dursley), John Hurt (Mr. Ollivander), Harry Melling (Dudley Dursley), and Warwick Davis (Filius Flitwick) Directed by Chris Columbus (#038 - Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief)
Review
The film is of course based off the highly popular book series by J.K. Rowling, this being the first. As such, the film is a bit light hearted in tone for bits of the film, with some allright action, as it then gets dark in the later parts, where it gets better, with good acting along the way (A rare sign of good child acting) The film has a sense of wonder, with a bit of magic in the first scene (Rule of films to have something big in the beginning scenes) to help get the film started. The film omits a bit of the book, but it does a good job overall. This film begins The Chosen O- I mean Harry Potter's years of his tales and such. This begins Harry Potter Week. Part I is done. Stay Tuned for Part II....
Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid), Alan Rickman (Severus Snape), Ian Hart (Professor Quirrel), Fiona Shaw (Petunia Dursley), Richard Harris (Albus Dumbledore), John Cleese (Nearly Headless Nick), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Richard Griffiths (Vernon Dursley), John Hurt (Mr. Ollivander), Harry Melling (Dudley Dursley), and Warwick Davis (Filius Flitwick) Directed by Chris Columbus (#038 - Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief)
Review
The film is of course based off the highly popular book series by J.K. Rowling, this being the first. As such, the film is a bit light hearted in tone for bits of the film, with some allright action, as it then gets dark in the later parts, where it gets better, with good acting along the way (A rare sign of good child acting) The film has a sense of wonder, with a bit of magic in the first scene (Rule of films to have something big in the beginning scenes) to help get the film started. The film omits a bit of the book, but it does a good job overall. This film begins The Chosen O- I mean Harry Potter's years of his tales and such. This begins Harry Potter Week. Part I is done. Stay Tuned for Part II....
Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.
April 7, 2012
Movie Night: To Kill a Mockingbird.
Review #116: To Kill a Mockingbird.
Cast
Gregory Peck (Atticus Finch), Mary Badham (Jean "Scout" Finch), Phillip Alford (Jem Finch), John Megna (Charles Baker "Dill" Harris), Frank Overton (Sheriff Heck Tate), Rosemary Murphy (Miss Maudie Atkinson), Ruth White (Mrs Dubose), Brock Peters (Tom Robinson), Estelle Evans (Calpurnia), Paul Fix (Judge John Taylor), Collin Wilcox (Mayella Violet Ewell), James Anderson (Robert E. Lee "Bob" Ewell), Alice Ghostley (Aunt Stephanie Crawford), and Robert Duvall (Boo Radley). Directed by Robert Mulligan.
Review
It has been fifty years since this film was released (51 since the publication of the book by Harper Lee), and it still holds up after all this time. The best acting in this film comes from the grand Gregory Peck, who does so well in his performance that he blends in after a while. The story teaches a lesson in issues (that I will not cover as I think you know it already). It is a good film, with good acting, good courtroom drama (not much of it, but still good drama), and most of all, Robert Duvall's first acting role. He may have no lines, but he still stands out in this great film.
Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.
Cast
Gregory Peck (Atticus Finch), Mary Badham (Jean "Scout" Finch), Phillip Alford (Jem Finch), John Megna (Charles Baker "Dill" Harris), Frank Overton (Sheriff Heck Tate), Rosemary Murphy (Miss Maudie Atkinson), Ruth White (Mrs Dubose), Brock Peters (Tom Robinson), Estelle Evans (Calpurnia), Paul Fix (Judge John Taylor), Collin Wilcox (Mayella Violet Ewell), James Anderson (Robert E. Lee "Bob" Ewell), Alice Ghostley (Aunt Stephanie Crawford), and Robert Duvall (Boo Radley). Directed by Robert Mulligan.
Review
It has been fifty years since this film was released (51 since the publication of the book by Harper Lee), and it still holds up after all this time. The best acting in this film comes from the grand Gregory Peck, who does so well in his performance that he blends in after a while. The story teaches a lesson in issues (that I will not cover as I think you know it already). It is a good film, with good acting, good courtroom drama (not much of it, but still good drama), and most of all, Robert Duvall's first acting role. He may have no lines, but he still stands out in this great film.
Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.
April 1, 2012
Movie Night: Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.
Review #115: Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.
Cast
Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia Organa), Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian), Ian McDiarmid (Emperor Papaltine), James Earl Jones and Sebastian Shaw (Darth Vader's Voice and Anakin Skywalker), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Denis Lawson (Wedge Antilles), Frank Oz (Yoda), Alec Guinness (Obi-Wan Kenobi), with Anthony Daniels with Kenny Baker (C-3PO and R2-D2, respectively) Directed by Richard Marquand.
Review
Greetings, fellow visitor. If you are looking for a proper review of this film that goes more in depth than this inferior review by me, check out the Redux - Special Edition by me, released four years later: https://movienightcentral.blogspot.com/2016/04/star-wars-return-of-the-jedi.html
While the film isn't as great as the first two films, it is not bad either. In a way, it's a good, but not great film. The film has the good effects and the climatic Duel (II) between father and son. The acting is as good as usual, with McDiarmid stealing the show, doing a good job and all. Then of course, we come to the Ewoks. Now they do hinder the film, but they do not absolutely ruin the film. They are "cute" and odd, but they do not make the film any more horrible. The film may not be dark, but how dark can you get after Empire Strikes Back? The film was dark and all, you can't get any more dark without being pitch dark...Anyway, the film is good, as it ends the Original Trilogy, one of the greatest trilogies of all time (Before I forget: I recommend Returning to Jedi, another documentary on this film, does a lot of good stuff)
Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.
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