The Warrior's Way (8.5/10) Revisited

"The tale of warrior with sad eyes"

"The Warrior's Way" was the box office bomb of last year, it also may be it's best action movie. It's because the movie's style is impeccable. The movie looks so well  that's just wonderful to keep your eyes focused on. It's a "300" and "Watchmen" looking film, but the story is anything but. This is the story of a assassin, Yang (Dong-gun Jang) who is about to wipe out the enemy clan once and for all. The last family member happens to be a baby and Yang can't kill the child. He instead forsakes his clan and flees to protect the baby from the "Sad Flutes" His former clan of ninjas. The plot sounds a bit silly but is pulled off fantastically.

Yang comes to a old west american town filled with delightful characters including the local drunk (Geoffrey Rush a long way from "The King's Speech), a circus run by Eight-Ball (Tony Cox or the dwarf from "Bad Santa") and a tomboy (Kate Bosworth, weird accent but still very pretty). Yang decides to settle down and begins a relationship with the tomboy Lynne. He trains her in martial arts for the raiders (cowboys) that come to town to loot and kill. She looks to avenge the death of her family from their leader "The Colonel" (Danny Huston, menacing as always). The ninjas are coming and what will happen is an epic three way war between them, the raiders and the town folk.

I saw this movie with very low expectations, I suggest you do the same. I came out of the theater loving it. I mean a movie that has ninjas vs cowboys. What did you expect? However the movie also works to those who used to or do watch anime. It's like a old story you'll find there. Wild characters, dark hero and battles that get you fired up. The movie looks like a blend of a Fellini, Sergio Leon and Kurosawa movie. There are scenes are pure brilliance and is a blast all the way through.

8.5/10
Recommendation: Most my theater hated it, but I loved it. It's funny, action packed and looks brilliant.

Best Director Achievements Of All Time

Honorable Mention: Milos Forman "Amadeus"
Amadeus can be argued to be the best film of all time. I would probably agree with you. The movie comes together in unbelievable ways. Milos makes it work and gets the best stuff done in almost any category with this masterpiece.


Honorable Mention: Francis Ford Coppola "Apocalypse Now"
Coppola ruled the seventies, not a doubt in my mind. he made 3 masterpieces and one fantastic movie. I enjoy the fantastic "The Conversation" but his other films are better. "Apocalypse Now" is his crowning achievement. A film 18 months in the making and it's unbelievable. I made this list and completely forgot about this movie, but I just had to mention. I don't want to replace one of the others but this could easy make the top five.


5.) Warren Beatty"Reds"
Eastwood, Gibson, Costner and Clooney are all actors who have starred in movies they directed. None have done it better then Warren Beatty. The film is epic on every proportion and deals with so many genres perfectly. The train scene seems to good to be true. I don't know how they could even try to attempt it.


4.) Steven Spielberg"Schindler's List"
Spielberg's name could be thrown around best directions multiple times. "Saving Private Ryan" could make top ten as well. However this is his best, it's almost real footage. The ghetto raid scene is something most directors could only dream of. Spielberg judging by his work with other films makes it look easy.


3.) Federico Fellini "La Dolce Vita"
There is such a dream like feel to this movie it could be only be done by Fellini. In fact only this director could even imagine of making this movie. Kubrick, Scorsese, and Bergman have listed his work here as some the best ever done. Three of the best directors ever know grand work when they see it


2.) David Lean"Lawrence Of Arabia"
The beauty of this film is that you'll never make another like this. Not cause your not talented enough, you just couldn't. There are extras by the thousands, scenes of the desert that seem impossible to film and making every category something to treasure. Spielberg said watching this with Lean as he commentated was one of the highlights of his life.


1.) Orson Welles "Citizen Kane"
This is the best direction you'll ever seen. What's better yet it was made in the early 40's, the ideas Welles did here are fantastic. There is never a scene that Welles didn't make as perfect as could be. It's the pinnacle of directing.

Best Lead Actor Performances In History

Honorable Mention: Al Pacino "The Godfather"
While the academy considered him supporting, he is the center of the film. His turn in character is the best in film history. From happy and nice at the beginning, you see the rage and deceit in his eye by the end. It would show he would be an actor to reckon with as one of the all time greats. His performance in "Dog Day Afternoon" could have also made this list. However Al Pacino going head to head and out acting Marlon Brando in this movie is too good be to be ignored.


5.) Peter O'Toole "Lion In The Winter"
Peter O'Toole is my favorite actor and this is one reason why. Peter plays Henry II as contends with his wife and chooses an heir for his throne. He dominates every scene with power and control. When you think classic theater performances, this would be the role model to them all.


4.) Daniel Day-Lewis "My Left Foot"
A performance you'd swear is real. I've never seen such a commitment to a role before. The guy is the master of becoming new people and this is his best.


3.) Marlon Brando "Last Tango In Paris"
I Believe only Brando could have done this film. He shows so much with so little, he speaks soliloquies with mere expressions. It's a performance to be remembered for all time.


2.) Robert De Niro "Raging Bull"
There is so much rage in De Niro's portrayal of Jake LaMotta that is seems impossible this is also Mr Focker. Hell I'd say the jail cell scene is the best acted scene in film history. The best work by one of the best actors ever.


1.) F. Murray Abraham "Amadeus"
Abraham is lucky because he gets to play in to time periods. He plays a young and old Salieri, who in his mind was the rival of Mozart. As a young man he shows so much emotion in his listening I would never say he was just acting, he was living. It is the older version though where he truly makes it the best. There are entire scenes of him telling stories while never moving from his wheel chair. Yet you never lose focus. It's just a guy talking (brilliant dialogue to be fair) and you never lose attention. That is something brilliant masterful.

Salt (7/10)

Angelina Jolie has always made a kick-ass action star. She's very versatile in film and works with every genre. "Salt" is a fun, fast pace and bigger than life action movie. It's script is... very lacking. Honestly there are points that just seemed ridiculous. How come North Korean tortures will strip down Salt (character's last name of Jolie) to her underwear but stop there? Come on! Just don't show the nudity or give her a prison uniform. Then why is it a Russian spy who just surrendered to the CIA is not properly checked for weapons. If a TSA agent can find a knife in your shoe within 20 seconds of checking you, then can't the CIA. There's a lot of little things that can cause thinking to ruin the ride. However that's the solution, just don't analyze it and get lost in the fun. The action is cool and the story will keep you guessing until the end. You could have a female Bourne here, just get rid of the little stupid things that take you out of the moment. Jolie can be more badass then the majority then male action stars out there when she wants to be. "Salt" packs a punch and is worth the trip.

7/10
Recommendation: Just enjoy the ride, it's a fun movie.

Hereafter (8/10)

Clint Eastwood is a masterful director. He doesn't make bad films, but they all vary in shades of good. From last decade there are the good ("Changeling, "Invictus" and "Flags Of Our Fathers"), his very good ("Gran Torino and "Million Dollar Baby") and his tour de forces ("Mystic River" and "Letters From Iwo Jima"). There are others but these are the notable ones. From "Mystic River" and on he has been one of the best directors working. "Hereafter" is another worthy installment and would pile into the good category.

"Hereafter" is built up with incredible care. It's three different stories of people who have some connection or want one to the afterlife. All the stories are great and are well acted, but that's not where the strength of this film lies. It's in its consideration for the afterlife. It blends a mix of science and spiritual meaning. It's not trying to sway people to believe in Heaven but is saying that people do go somewhere after they die. Those who have the connection or have seen are almost outcast by both science and religious groups in the film. It takes you on a ride of understanding, one that does not try to cast judgement or favor to any faith.

However by film's end it kind of rushes things. Matt Damon's character is a psychic and can talk to the dead. He begins talking to a girl (Bryce Dallas Howard) in his cooking class and she finds out by accident. He doesn't want to deal with it anymore and after much deliberation, he talks to the girl's dead loved ones. She is upset over what she hears, says she will see him later, cries outside his apartment and is never heard from again. It wrapped up the three main characters stories, but many others were left out in the cold. I was really interested if Bryce Dallas Howard's character would accept Matt Damon's gift. Hereafter may not wrap up everything, but it has fantastic scenes and a tenderness that make it still all worth it.

8/10
Recommendation: It's classic Eastwood and touches on a new topic in films. It's interesting but not necessarily exciting (besides it's marvelous opening. That scene probably should have beaten "Inception" for best special effects at the Oscars.)

Rabbit Hole (8/10)

"Rabbit Hole" plays it smart, it chooses to focus on life and not death. The film starts 8 months after the death of their son, a couple (Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart) is trying to coup with moving on. Becca is trying to move past her son because the memories are too painful. Howie wants to deal with the sadness and try to be happy again. Both look at how to deal differently and so the audience gets two sides to view. The film is not as depressing as the summary makes it sound. It's a drama but there are scenes of humor and life as well. There's a scene I laughed at more then any recent comedy. The acting is great all around as well. Rabbit Hole is a fresh take on a old school story. It does very good work.

8/10
Recommendation: It's dramatic but not entirely. It's very good all around.

Five Movies To Show Eric Bana Is A BadAss

The title says it all. Eric Bana will fuck you up in a fight and still look awesome doing it. I'm going to show clips of his badass when I can, let you see it first hand. This isn't his best movies, just when he's being his awesome self. The clips do contain some spoilers

5.)"Hanna"
A crazy assassin with some nasty skills. Step one one this cool list. No scenes yet so just go see the movie, it's worth it..

4.) "Munich"
As Seth Rogen said in "Knocked Up" "If anyone gets laid tonight, it's because of Eric Bana in Munich"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFX0ZDinZ78
It may not show his skills but it sets up tremendously for them.

3.) "Troy"
The fight scene with Brad Pitt is masterful. Hector was more than a hero he was a BAMF
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hf4IoxEUmHM&feature=related

2.)"Black Hawk Down"
HHHOOOOOOOOOOOTTTTTTTT!!!!!! there's a montage of clips dedicated to his awesomeness below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RG-CdCK6qWU&feature=related

1.) "Chopper"
Watch the first clip 2:45-3:05 and you'll learn not to mess with Chopper and the other clip just furthers why this is Eric Bana at his badass best!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPhFcbITnkE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-IEXwYaF1Y&feature=related

The Good, The Bad, And The Average Of Mark Wahlberg

Marky Mark is a great actor... when he want's to be. Some times it's his fault, or maybe it's just something beyond his control. I always look forward to all his movies, but some more than others (some are very low on my "must see" list). Other times he achieves pure averageness. He'll fit his role but you'll never say "wow... Marky Mark is a great actor". Then with the right material he shines and shows he's one to reckon with. So here is 3 for each category with one honorable mention. This is pure performance wise, nothing about the actual movie.

The Bad

Honorable Mention: "The Other Guys"

He's not that bad. However Will Ferrell steals every scene from him. Then some times you just be wondering why Marky Mark is doing what he is. It's a funny movie, Wahlberg has some laughs, but he should stick to smaller comedic roles (think "Date Night").

3.) "The Lovely Bones"

I enjoyed this movie... I did not enjoy Mark Wahlberg's performance. He looked lost, and the material didn't work well with him. The scene where he runs through the cornfield with a bat is laughably bad for something so dramatic. Ryan Gosling dropped out cause he said he was too young to be playing this character, I would have just kept him cause Gosling is always descent to fantastic.

2.) "Max Payne" 

I remember reading Wahlberg was really proud of his performance in this movie. He should think about that more carefully. I laughed more then anything, it' just was unarguably bad. Watch when Marky Mark rushes into a office shooting, I'd swear he was drunk doing it. Not good Martin Sheen "Apocalypse Now" drunk... more Mel Gibson on a constant basis drunk.

1.) "The Happening"

Just watch it and you'll agree me. It's really everyone involved faults. This movie is just terrible and Wahlberg makes it worse.

The Average

Honorable Mention: "The Basketball Diaries"

Maybe it was that his character was bad or Dicaprio out acting him. He's really just there and forgettable.

I'm not even going to say anything cause it's all the same. Hell the order is interchangeable. Just know is that he does all that was required. Nothing more and nothing less.

3.) "Four Brothers"

2.) "Shooter"

1.) "The Italian Job"

The Good

Honorable mention: "The Fighter"

Mark Wahlberg was the heart and soul of "The Fighter" and does a great job. His character is a bit lacking and his supporting cast was better but know he is no way unforgettable here.

3.)"I Heart Huckabees"

If you want to see a mix of Mark Wahlberg and Falcone then here it is. It's such a departure from his normal roles that it's a delight. He pulls it off with great work.

2.)"The Departed"

His first oscar nomination is his most well known role. His line delivery is just impeccable and he dominates the screen when he's around (I still prefer Dicaprio and Nicholson)

1.)"Boogie Nights"

This is the performance Marky Mark should bring up to show he's boss. He shows such a turn in character that seeing him in "The Happening"looks like a different person. There's a scene where Wahlberg... actually as I was writing this I just have to include the clip. The change in facial expression is the best acting he's ever done and just first class all around. it's on level with with the great actors of all time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9pZpcxodf4&feature=related

It's 6:25-7:15... Just watch the entire scene though, it's one of the best scenes in film history...EVER!

La Dolce Vita (10/10)

Like "Last Tango In Paris" where that had a performance make my top 5 of all time, Federico Fellini has made my top 5 directions ever.

"La Dolce Vita" is the kind of movie you can sit down and analyze ever scene and find terrific meaning. It may vary in significance, but it's all there. It's so entrancing, intoxicating, and mesmerizing that it would take something radical (That 70's Show Dancing Naked Bubble Kiss Time would be one) to get me away from the screen.

The story is a trip. It tells us the story of Marcello. He is man who can't find happiness, no matter how hard he tries. It's not that he just isn't given it. He ruins it sometimes. He wanders around Rome and the country side going from party to party and woman to woman. He could accept his existence, he's well respected to some, has friends and the limitless love of his girlfriend Emma. Marcello won't accept it though but won't condemn it either. He almost believes in the pathology of happiness. Where he wants it, but will never accept what he can get. The film is set up like several short stories about Marcello, each one a new plot, but with familiar characters. He'll follow a beautiful movie star around, drive around model who picks up a prostitute, visit religious ceremonies, take a look around a ghost house with several parties, have a terrible fight with his girlfriend, try to start an orgy and much more. Every story is great, some better then others, but a story of an possible orgy is a bit more interesting then going to a party at his idol Steiner's house. Marcello moves from story to story and meets the most interesting people. Each one has their own story and something fun to do.

The film starts with a statue of Jesus being flown over the city toward the Vatican. Is it try to suggest Jesus watching his people? Or maybe that Rome is God's kingdom? The thing is that this film has so much to interpret that one can come up with all their own meanings and everyone is true. It's as much a cautionary tale as it fable on the seven deadly sins or maybe even some bit of purgatory. No character (expect one) is all that good, but neither all that bad. If you want to make a rapture analogy go right ahead, there's more than enough room for it.

You will never see a movie like this again (I don't think so at least). It's so original that to duplicate it would just be a disaster. The film contains scenes of pure magic that blinking seems foolish. It flows with elegance and life. A real dreamy movie. It's one of those movies that you'll remember forever. The ending... wow... it's one of the best I've ever seen and so is the entire film.

10/10
Recommendation: It's a work of art, something to remember always. It's very long, black and white, multiple languages, little mainstream plot and is confusing at times. That is no reason to miss this, in fact it just makes it better than ever.

Last Tango In Paris (10/10)

I'm going to tell you a story and try to analysis this masterpiece. It may ramble or come through clear but it's all true feelings.

"FUCKING GOD"
A train passes over Paul (Marlon Brando) with eyes closed, ears covered and screams this quote into  nothing but the air. He drags his feet forward, an expression of sheer torment on his face. A young woman passes by and stops, looks at him concerned and moves on. The woman is Jeanne (Maria Schneider), someone who should be smiling because she has everything the world can give her. She isn't but that's not what's important yet. She is on her way to look at a apartment. When she goes up to visit, Paul is sitting there in the dark like a vampire. They converse over whether the other is interested in the place or what would look good where. Paul goes to leave but stops, turns around and picks up the Jeanne. They have sex, knowing nothing about each other other than what personality came through during their small talk. The two part but this is hardly the end.

We see the lives of each party where the other does not. Jeanne is engaged and not far away from her wedding to film maker Tom (Jean-Pierre Leaud). He is filming his life with Jeanne as it were a movie and plans to end it with their wedding. Jeanne isn't pleased to be his play thing, she can't tell if he kisses her for the film or out of love. Paul operates a small hotel, that seems to be used more for affairs then anything else. His wife has committed suicide and Paul is torn apart by this. He loved her, but I would say he didn't really like her.  We never know why she did such a thing, but we're given hints. She was having an affair with a local resident in the hotel. Paul knows this and chooses to study him more then hate him. He had something that Paul didn't have with his wife, maybe it was just not being Paul.

Paul and Jeanne both go back to the apartment and Paul tells her what they are going to do. They will not exchange names, history, or say anything about the outside world when they are in the apartment. They will use their time here for escaping life with physical needs. Paul is all to familiar with this. It would seem the only he can express himself now is through sex, the more degrading and bizarre the better (it will go there).

A lot will happen in this room, none of it moral or nice. Paul cares little for Jeanne here. It wouldn't matter who Paul was with here, he's not looking to connect. He ignores Jeanne for large portions of their time together and appears to have a thousand yard stare. Jeanne is curious about Paul and wants his attention, She hasn't ever be this ignored. They do share a little information, a chink in Paul's armor. However they aren't quite listening to each other, just taking in little bits to help themselves. They'll have strange and humiliating sex, but will never leave each other. This includes butter and some filthy dirty talk including a pig.

Jeanne doesn't want to return and doesn't understand why she keeps going back or stays there. There are several small reasons but I'd say it excites her. Paul wants to express himself through sex, that's it. Jeanne will become closer to her fiance as their film closes and her wedding day approaches. Paul (in a fantastic scene) says some harsh goodbyes to his wife as she lays in her casket, and is ready to move on. He sees Jeanne wondering the street and now wants to be in her life as his starts anew. The two visit a tango hall and in a drunken haze make fools of themselves. It's truly haunting watching Paul fall apart as Jeanne is ready to move past him. He chases her around the city, not letting this die. Something bad will happen and Paul will do the perfect thing as his final act in this movie. Jeanne plans on telling the police about Paul chasing her around and up to her apartment. She practices a speech to tell them. However it's as much as to Tom and even herself ("I didn't know this man").

Marlon Brando has given one of the greatest performances ever in this film. It's without a doubt in my mind his best. He has to show all the anger and sadness Paul contains and never misses a beat. Half the performance is improve and what he is saying, it's not Brando trying to act. Brando has become Paul in every sense of the word. Their world's have mixed. Only Brando could have pulled off this performance. His acting makes this movie better. However is there anything better than perfect, cause this would be it.

10/10
Recommendation: Like "The War Zone" it's dark, twisted and slow. However it's so entrancing that is benevolent to behold. Marlon Brando has made my top 5 performances ever, and the film is flawless as well.

The War Zone (7/10)

Tim Roth's directorial debut is a good effort, but it's not as powerful as I thought it would be. This is the story of a family living in nowhere England. A middle age couple has a 18 year old daughter and a 15 old son, a newborn soon joins them. The daughter and the father (the always welcomed Ray Winstone) have a secret, one that would tear the family apart if anyone would admit it. There are some powerful scenes in the film, but the rest is a bit underwhelming. Some scenes are played out so well that it brought a small smile to my face (the dark nature prevented the smile from being better). It's bleak but it's good.

7/10
Recommendation: Dark, twisted, moody, and slow. If that's your thing here you go. It's still quite good if your looking around, just be prepared to leave without a smile.

 

Best Movie Trailers

Here is a list in my opinion of the ten best movie trailers. I didn't order them but those lower on the list I feel are bit better then the ones near the top. Then one fun one.

Best trailer for a bad movie: Max Payne
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2jAEoBz6RY
If I Was Your Vampire, Marky Mark, Olga Kurylenko loots of promise, awesome visuals, interesting plot and noir galore. I'd rather watch this trailer over and over then see the movie again.

Honorable Mentions For Best Trailers: Cloverfield, A Prophet  and Never Let Me Go

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvNkGm8mxiM&feature=related
Dramatic change and a series of rising questions makes this one to remember.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouRFTRNUAOM&feature=related
A brilliant song and suspense makes it worthwhile. It's epic promise is easily fulfilled.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXiRZhDEo8A
For fans of the book this will be perfect for you. However some great music and one particular devastating makes it something great to view.

Best Trailers:
The Shining
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6qDqdYY6-Y
Creepy vibe and it doesn't give anything away, sign me up. This trailer creates more tension and raises more questions then any horror trailer you'll see now a days.

Eyes Wide Shut
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIAneEiWEJ4
A little awesome song, some sexual tension and a bit of mystery and you got something to get the average movie goers attention. Just throwing in the lat names makes things cooler. There is a extended version of this trailer, couldn't find it anywhere, I prefer that one but this one is still great.


Where The Wild Things Are
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01-PqqifyjA
The trailer makes you feel like a kid again (in the theme of Arcade Fire "The Wasted Hours"). The trailer brings a smile to your face and is a delight.

The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp2ppYB9fDo
While it may not be original or innovative. Jesse James creates atmosphere and shows some highlights in this glorious film. I personally love every second of it.

Perfect Sense
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWOlvyz_c2M
A little poetry, some great chemistry and a lot of tension. I was blown away the first time I saw this and the feeling still remains.


Watchmen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4blSrZvPhU
The Watchmen trailer had my attention from second one and never lost it through out. Great music visuals and dialogue makes this a classic.

The Social Network
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lB95KLmpLR4
Creep was really the perfect song for this trailer, in the right mood this trailer is as exhilarating as it is heartbreaking. It is something joyous.

Garden State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=la53nY41c9M&feature=fvst
Little perfect scenes, Frou Frou and just a pure indie feeling makes it fantastic. It doesn't try to hard but still looks brilliant. Something of infinite charm.

The Thin Red Line
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCmlOhsIwBk
In my opinion the best WWII movie also has one of the best trailers. It's so different then any other war movie and has great emotion to it's poetry. In the right mood the right real affects me. It sets up great for a perfect movie.

Alien
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojhGdRSkiUw
This is how you make a trailer! It doesn't ruin the story and takes the perfect time to set things up. It flows fantastically and is art in itself. It build suspense from the beginning and the vibe is so eery that is may send a shiver down your spine. It doesn't show the full alien and instead deals with the panic the crew feels. Imagine seeing that for the first time when it was released, before we know what the alien looked like or was. It's real the best out there. Bravo!

500 Days Of Summer (9.5/10) Revisited

"This is a story of boy meets girl, but you should know upfront, this is not a love story. "

Ohh Mr. Narrator you are so right. If this was a love story, I doubt it would be as good. Instead we are treated to a mesmerizing story of what one boy thinks of one girl. Tom (An excellent in every level Joseph Gordon Levitt) sees Summer (Zooey Deschanel in her best role since "All The Real Girls") and knows at once that she is the girl Tom has been looking for. It may not be a love story but it's a movie to fall in love with.

As the opening quote ends the opening credits open and it's a treat. We see through a split screen Tom and Summer growing up through a series of home movie like scenes. It gives a lot to the two already letting us see them as more real people. The film will then proceed to jump around a lot showing different days in their 500 days together in a non chronological order. I say this is the best way to tell this story. It's not here to shake up the film (it does keep it from becoming ordinary, but that's not the reason). Tom says later in the movie that you remember those moments in a relationship and just play them over and over to see what went wrong. You think of the good and the bad here, but never in order. That's what the movie does, it shows the days as what Tom would remember, the most important days and times.

The movie is also told in another unconventional matter and let Tom's feeling come over on to the screen. It's a delight to see because it's all so whimsical. When he "spends the night" with Summer for the first time, his walk to work is anything but ordinary. He imagines everything in a blue manner, people dancing, and his reflection is of Han Solo (because he feels like the man). Tom is beyond happy and the film reflects it perfectly. They show the lows of his time with Summer with similar style. He goes to see a movie and imagines himself on screen in a seres of art-house bleak movies. this includes a humous take on "The Seventh Seal" where instead of Death, Tom plays a game of chess with Cupid (it's genius really). "500 Days Of Summer" is just wonderful in itself.

Tom first talks to Summer in a way that I would say is a fantasy of mine. They stand alone in a elevator going up to work with Tom's headphones playing quite loud. Summer identifies the band and song and sings a verse of it before saying she loves the band and gets off the elevator. Tom is dumb struck as I would be. Imagine a beauty like her coming up to you and saying she loves the song your playing. Now normally this isn't a big deal, but the Smiths (the band and the song was "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out", their best) makes it special. Who listens to the Smiths anymore? To me a girl identifying then saying she loves the Smiths would be a dream come true. In fact Tom and I are alike in many ways. Looking at his childhood it's very similar to mine (sad british music haha). Then the actions and emotions match quite well. When Tom is happy, he just looks at the world like it's a gift, but he's down and isolated when he's sad. Playing more Smith's to get closer to her, drawing some buildings when she says he should continue architecture, and just similar tastes make Tom and I very alike."Loneliness is underrated" Tom says, it's like he's saying what I'm thinking. Movies are better when you connect to them.

Marc Webb (the director and writer) has made something magical. it's a first feature unlike any other (he got the directing job for the Spiderman reboot due to this). He takes the time build up his world and truly cares how it turns out. He cites the little details (tee-shirts of Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart" and "Unknown Pleasures"), creates a fantastic color pattern and uses one of the best soundtracks in a movie ever to create spin his web. The Smiths, The Pixies, Regina Spektor, Carla Bruni ... hard to beat that. He decides to tell the story of what one thinks a soulmate is rather than a love story. It's smart and refreshing. "500 Days Of Summer" is a gem of a movie and just a classic all around.

9.5/10
Recommendation: It's something amazing to view, I suggest watching it with that special someone.
(Had to use two pictures, the one below is just to awesome not to use.)


          

Milk (9.5/10) Revisited

Harvey Milk was more than just an inspirational man, he's borderline a saint. He fought for the rights of homosexuals in America when there were none. Even worse is that it was in a time where some feared mere contact with homosexuals may contaminate them. Milk was to the gay community as Martin Luther King JR was to the African American. Both fought for the rights of their people and believed all are created equal (cough* they are cough*). Milk fought for more than just homosexual rights at the time, but wanted all people in america to be the same, it was just he fought to what was closest to the heart.

"Milk" is one hell of a biopic, it's one of the best of all time really. Harvey Milk said when he turned 40 that he hadn't done a thing he was proud of. He would move to San Francisco with his lover Scott Smith (the always great james Franco) and would find himself in a life of politics. This was brought on by being fed up with the system and how people viewed their lifestyle. Milk would try several times to run for office, but failed many times as well. Each time he was a little closer and this fueled the fire in him. Milk would continue to fight for gay rights almost as an appointed knight to the cause.

Sean Penn plays Harvey Milk with radiant perfection. It's hard to see where the character ends and Penn begins. Penn is a pretty strange guy in really life, he's a big mouth badass. However his portrayal as Milk is so sweet and sincere I'd say Penn is like that all the time. It was the role he was born to play. Everyone in the film acts their hearts out. Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin, Alison Pill all excel. Diego Luna... not to sure about him, something about him annoyed me. I didn't know if was him or the character, but something wans't right. However it's far from something to ruin this film.

"Milk"is a true work of art. It's style of filmmaking is so intoxicating. It edits in real life footage, film that looks like it could from then and just pure film. It get's the crowd involved as it works with the heart strings. It plays to your emotions and intellect. Gus Van Sant's first big (not pure indie wise) film since "Good Will Hunting" may just be his best, I'll let you decide cause I still am. It's more than just a movie, it's a life changer.

9.5/10
Recommendation: I'd like to think this is one of those movies to change your life.

A Home At The End Of The World (7/10)

The characters do seem to live on another plane, or just the end of this one. As a child Bobby (later played fantastically by a shocking different Colin Farrell) learns life lessons from his brother, the king of cool. His brother dies young and Bobby tries to follow in his footsteps. He befriends Jonathan (Dallas Roberts) in high school and the two share an "intimate" bond. Bobby's parents both pass away as well and Jonathan's family adopts him, it's because he's just so cool. Nice, lovable, pleasant , kind, cool and so much more make up the character of Bobby. He's straight but not strictly, he want's others to be happy, he'll do "anything".  Bobby doesn't seem to have a bad bone in his body, but he hurts people. It's because he helps so much that others will be turned off by it. Bobby will move to New York and live with Jonathan (now openly gay) and his eccentric roommate Clare (the fun Robin Wright). The story will continue to follow the three lives as they try to make themselves a home and even have a child. The characters are great but there's no real plot and conflict. It's plausible the film is just about everyday life with three different people. It's nice but it's not engaging. If you didn't like the characters I'm afraid you may hate the movie, because it's all about them. The characters love each other but all in different ways. Bobby sees everyone the same, he just wants to help them the best he can. Clare loves Bobby physically and Jonathan emotionally (it's realistic to think she loves Bobby a bit more). Jonathan looks at Clare as a sister but Bobby as something more. Jonathan want's to be in Bobby's life but at times want's only his love (yes that does mean he really loves his adopted brother). "A Home At The End Of The World" is easy to find a home in your heart.

7/10
Recommendation: It's for more open minded people, but it's easy to like. As I said earlier you need to like the characters to like the movie.

The Good Life (6/10)

"The Good Life" is an average movie. A young man in a small Nebraska town lives a poor life. Failing family, no really friends and his life is going no where. He works in part time in a move theater when he meets a girl that shakes up his life (that part should be the perfect movie for me). However the film just drags. None of the characters seem to feel grounded to the world and most don't do much in their time. Mark Webber who plays the film's lead doesn't quite cut it. He does a fine job acting, but he lacks a leading role quality. I found myself not caring for his struggles because it feels done before. I thought of the film "Gigantic" (also with Zooey Deschanel as the girl changes things for a shy man) while watching this. That film works better because the lead (Paul Dano there) is more... interesting. Patrick Fugit plays one of the lead's few friends. They should have casted him in that role. The film starts and ends off on a very high note, the rest lags behind.

6/10
Recommendation: If it's on, give it a shot. I don't suggest going out of your way for this one

Cemetery Junction (9/10) Revisited

Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant hold a special place in my heart as two of my favorite comedians. Their comedy brings a smile to my face and brightens any mood. Most of us know Ricky Gervais, he's hot stuff right now. Stephen Merchant is less known but trust me when I say he's just as funny. Gervais is mostly known for many different type of comedies, TV, stand-up, animation etc (I don't hear enough about "Extras" though... his funniest work). His movies include "Ghost Town" and "The Invention of Lying". However his third film is his best, not a doubt in my mind.

"Cemetery Junction"tells the story of three boys growing up in a small town in England. They're done with their teen years and should be ready to move to adulthood. However they all have different views on how to live with the next level. Freddie Taylor (Christian Cooke) wants a good job to avoid his father's (Ricky Gervais) fate of industrial factory work. His friend Bruce (Tom Hughes) works at the factory with Freddie's father and has no big plans. After his mother left, Bruce has had little respect for anyone including his father and himself. Then there is "Snork" (Jack Doolan) who is odd one of the group. His life plans are complicated because he hasn't really grown up yet, he has no intention to leave their town of Reading and lives the simple life. All three characters (made possible by the actors) have strong development and give off a lot of laughs and heart. 

Freddie works for an local insurance company and looks to climb the corporate ladder. This requires following Mr Kendrick's and Mike Ramsey's (Ralph Fiennes and Matthew Goode) footsteps. The two play scumbags so convincingly that it looks like it would be in their blood. Mike's fiancee is Freddie's childhood friend Julie (Felicity Jones). She has dreams of traveling the world but may end up being like her mother (Emily Watson), a hollow shell of a women who once had ideals. Freddie runs into Julie after her return from boarding school and will help change Freddie's opinion. The other youngsters are ready to see things clearer as well and everyone in the town is in for the change to come. "Cemetery Junction" is a delightful film to warm the heart with big laughs and genuine sincerity. 

9/10

Recommendation: Just see it, it's fantastic. Gervais and Merchant are masters of their crafts.

Lost In Translation (10/10) Revisited

"Getting lost has never felt so good." Thelma Admas wrote this in her review of this masterpiece and she is absolutely right. It's a film to just forget about what's happening around you and live in the character's life. Sophia Coppola has built very interesting people, some qualities just made up and others from her life. However like her we all feel stuck every know and then. Not to sure what to do next.

Bob Harris (Bill Murray) is a actor past his prime and is now doing advertisement for "Suntory Whisky". However this means traveling to Japan (more specifically Tokyo) to do a commercial and some photo shoots. It's hard to specify why Bill Murray is great, "he just is" doesn't cut it. To start I'd say his performance is just so natural, it's hard to see the lines where Bill ends and Bob begins. However to say he is just playing himself doesn't work either. Honestly it's just as appropriate to say you never see him not acting, not a single break in character. Whatever it is, the little gestures and glances he gives completes his character. It's a tour de force on unprecedented quality. Bob is having problems with his wife and children and feels down.

Charlotte (a brilliant performance by Scarlet Johansson) is a young women lost as well in Tokyo. She followed her husband John (Giovanni Ribisi) to the city out of sheer boredom. John is a photographer and is there for work so he is away a lot allowing (or maybe cursing her) to wander the city alone. She is not depressed but just doesn't know what she is doing in life. She meets Bob by chance on several occasions until she invites him out one night as she goes to meet some friends. The chemistry they share is fantastic. Their differences in age, attitude and what ever is made up for in clear communication and understanding. It's not often you meet someone that understands what you have say perfectly.

"Lost In Translation"'s title should say what the movie is about, but so few come to terms with it right away. The film talks about what exactly we express and how others take it. For example two tourists see Bob in the hotel bar and begin to converse with him. They are ecstatic to see celebrity there, Bob is uncomfortable and doesn't want to talk with them (either he doesn't like talking about his fame or just nobody in general). Another scene shows Bob on the phone talking to his wife. He wants to change a few things to get him out of this route, but his wife doesn't understand. She thinks he is hostile because he wants change and she reacts aggressively. We don't know how others take everything we say, but they do take it in a certain light.

"Lost In Translation" is what a film should be. There isn't a quality I can say something negative about. Hell I can find importance in every scene there is. Tokyo is a marvelous city and is the perfect place for such a story. Bob and Charlotte form a bond over the short time together like it was meant to be. They both stand out in the city and it's like seeing the person you've been waiting for all this time. Their relationship is more spiritual than anything else. There is some physicality to it, but it's more curiosity than anything else. Their time will have to end and both know it. How could they continue afterwards? Email, meeting each other every now and then or running off together? Nothing would work and while sad about it coming to a close, they enjoy the time they have together. The ending is so sublime that there is no other way to do it once you see it. It may just be the greatest ending ever in fact. It's up for debate but this is a headliner in that topic. "Lost In Translation" is something to lose yourself in.

10/10
Recommendation: It's very slow, but that is deliberate. This is a work of art that should be seen.

One Week (8.5/10)

Life isn't always up to us. Whether it's the people in your life has some say or you don't know what to do with it, most likely a combination. "One Week" is about this in the gravest of times. Ben Tyler ( a nice breakthrough by Joshua Jackson) has been told he has terminal cancer, he has years to live at best, a week minimum. Ben lives a good life, new fiancee, stable job and loving parents. However he's not content. We watch movies and read books about people that have grand experiences that change their lives. Those moments are hard to come by and even harder to identify. "One Week" deals with this as Ben travels across Canada on his awesome 1973 Norton 850 Commando bike trying to find meaning in his life. The film isn't told in the traditional matter. A narrator (Campbell Scott) talks about Ben's emotions and deals with flashbacks similar to the narrator in "Little Children". "One Week" deals with some realistic emotions and experiences and is just something grand to behold. Cinematographer Arthur E. Cooper captures some poetic scenery and can show a lot of tension in a scene with his placement of things, first rate work. Our lives aren't just are own.
"How do you know if your with the right one" Ben asks a man at a motel referring to his fiancee.
"If you got to ask... then your probably not."

8.5/10
Recommendation: It's one of those films for when you feel stuck in life. It's also one of those road movies. Either way i'd say go for it.

The Vicious Kind (9.5/10) Revisited

Indie films just seem to have more to them. They have a fantastic natural and personal touch. Characters are allowed to develop and grow on you over simple matters. "Transformers" just uses explosions, death defying situations and hot chicks to make you care for it's character (it still doesn't work). "The Vicious Kind" build strong characters and great presence from scene one. "The Vicious Kind" tells the story of an older, jaded and hate filled older brother Caleb (Adam Scott) and his relationship with the people in his younger more optimistic brother Peter's(Alex Frost) life. This includes their estranged and bizarre father (J.K Simmons) and Peter's new girlfriend Emma (Brittany Snow). The story is driven by Caleb. Adam Scott (the other brother from "Step Brothers") is so good in his role it's phenomenal. It's more than just a breakthrough, it's revelatory. Caleb is a man who has been hurt by a woman and now believes that every woman (to the littlest child to the sweetest grandma) want to screw you over in the end. He sends deathly glares at some and fidgets around others. This doesn't mean their out of his life completely, he'd just rather not have to associate with them. His brother Peter is in love for the first time. Emma is his first girlfriend and it shows. Peter comes across a very nice and straight man, but Emma has he claws in him. Peter does things he'd never have done before without Emma but this isn't all bad. Relationships change people and that's good but there something not quite right about Emma (you'll find out by watching). "The Vicious Kind" is filled with little messages and actions that just change the entire film when you see them. I enjoy things like this. It let's you carefully examine a film and the rewards are evident. "The Vicious Kind" was one of the best films of 2009, it's greatness needs to be shared.

9.5/10 (bumped up the .5 on repeat viewings when I began to notice the little things)

Recommendation: It's got a lot of heart and strength. It's a classic indie drama so it's not for action junkies, but just give it a shot, you shouldn't regret it.

The Squid and the Whale (9/10) Revisited

Life isn't perfect and marriage is in no better shape. People fall in and out of love. Communication doesn't always work. Sometimes when something is about to die there is no way to save it. It's morbid but everything can't be flowers and sunshine all the time. "The Squid and the Whale" is the story two parents (Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney played with sneer and sincerity) in a failing marriage and soon get a divorce. It gets complicated when their two kids (Jesse Eisenberg and Owen Kline showing great talent) act out. The film works because it's painfully true. Director Noah Baumbach based much of the story off his childhood and what his parents went through, it's a first hand account. There are scenes that seem more like it's capturing life then just making a movie. A scene just before the divorce, the parents are fighting downstairs worse than usual. Jesse Eisenberg's character wanders out of his room and lays down at the top of the stair case, just to listen. I feel that scene is so emotional in itself when it's only about five seconds long (it's something I might do). The film just works. It's well acted, paced greatly and has depth. It's a powerful film with a lot of merit.

9/10
Recommendation: A bit dry and depressing, but it's great. I'd never say not watch it, it's ending is something to cherish.

In Bruges (10/10) Revisited

"We shall strike a balance between culture and fun."
"Somehow I believe, Ken, that the balance shall tip in the favor of culture, like a big fat fucking retarded fucking black girl on a see-saw opposite... a dwarf. "

"In Bruges" was the best movie of 2008, one of the best of the decade and it may just be the best comedy (it's dark though) of that decade as well. It's dark humor so it's not everyone's cup of tea. However the jokes in this movie are timeless, they are just as funny on repeat viewings. That's hard to do. Films like "Superbad" or "The Other Guys" are hilarious the first time around, but it's surprise and shock are gone. "In Bruges" and it's jokes will never weaken over time. It's refreshingly un PC (pop culture), bold, strongly built and doesn't get old (Those who have seen the end of "Observe and Report" may agree the ending was hysterical, but it will never be as good as first time).

"In Bruges" is not just a comedy though, it's also a heartfelt drama. The film blends and jumps genres perfectly and seamlessly. It's balls to the wall funny when it wants to be, but will strike a chord when it is trying to be sad. The film is as delightful as it is meaningful. It may just be the best dark comedy I have ever seen.

The story follows two hit-men hiding out in Bruges (it's in Belgium) and must now stay in this "shit-hole/fairy tale town". Ray and Ken, two men of opposite tastes are stuck in a small town in a smaller  hotel room. Bruges is the kind of town you can walk through in one day, it's not exactly a place for two Dubliners to get involved in. Colin Farrell who plays Ray turns in the best performance of his career. He is hilarious when he wants to be with pitch perfect comedy timing, but will leave a hole in your heart when he's broken. Each emotion he expresses is to it's fullest. Ray is such an interesting character and Colin allows this to come through so easily. Ray is just a boy in this world. Always fooling around and wanting to do something, he's just as impatient as a three year old. He hates Bruges and can't find anything good about it (besides the local girl Chloe, played by the always stunning Clemence Poesy), thinking it's hell for him. Ray is hiding out here because of a bad job, not by choice. I don't want to say much but let me express that he kills his innocence during this job. Reflect on that a bit when seeing this and it will be like has shown bright. Ken (Brendan Gleeson, matching Colin every step with brilliance) is the complete opposite of Ray. He loves the atmosphere of Bruges (from personal experience, I can see why). The way the town just seems peaceful and that calm air all around (in real life it's a tourist trap). Ken acts as a guardian to Ray and looks out for him every step. His compassion knows no bounds. Ken will be given a task while in Bruges by his boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes proving why he is one of the best actors working) and it won't be something easy for him to do. He has some time to reflect on it and while it's there subtly, he's bringing it up a little in everything he says afterwards. The "war" speech and Ken's response is just as meaningful as it his funny.

"In Bruges" tackles many themes and each one is just as important as the next. There is symbolism to suggest that Bruges is actually Purgatory itself, and Ray is just waiting for whatever comes next. There is the idea of losing your innocence and living in a world of children among men. There is love, hate, darkness but most of all light. This is the movie I believe Guy Ritchie has been trying to make for years, a dark british comedy that stands apart. Most movies now a days are just copies of copies (to quote Fight Club). In Bruges is a beacon among this trend an stands out as one of the best movies in recent history.

10/10
Recommendation: Watch it, it's got something for everyone. It's in my top ten favorite films ever and with the amount I've seen that says something.

Mister Foe (9/10) Revisited

Love is a mystery and so is Hallam Foe. We don't know why love makes us act the way we do, people just react. Some people will buy fields of flowers, some shell out month's off payments on expensive jewelry, other's react coldly. Hallam Foe (Jaime Bell in a delightful performance) results to several things, one is stalking. The film follows Hallam Foe after fleeing from a disastrous home situation. He sees Kate walking in Edinburgh(Sophia Myles) and begins to follow her. However stalking is such a hateful word for someone of Foe's sincerity. In "Closer" Jude Law penned the term "lovingly observing", is that just a nicer way of saying it? I'm not sure, I just know Foe is more curious than anything else. He follows this women (including a getting a job at the hotel she works at) because... she reminds her of his mother. That's strange but it's something interesting too. Foe's mother dies when he is pretty young (the nature is for you to find out) and his love for her is still strong. He doesn't know where to put his love for a mothering nature. So he sees a women who looks kind of like her and figures... why not? (trust me, it's not some weird fantasy he has for his mother, never comes across like that) However Foe is such a likable character that it does not matter what he is doing, his intentions are harmless. He is shy when talking to her, but always wants her around. His joy over contact with her brings a warm smile to both his and the audience's face(s).

David Mackenzie the director, has an eye for strange love. His movies are never conventional, but always fascinating. His movies let the viewer build a strong feeling for it's central characters. Is "Young Adam just about a crazy pervert and possible rapist (well that ones more true) or telling the story of what lust and sex does to a person? Is "Spread" telling a story about a shallow womanizer or a young and foolish idealist who's waiting to be beat at his own game? So is Mister Foe about a stalker or about the confusion of love? A bit of both (but the second makes this movie charming). Mister Foe is a movie to love because it so kind. It's something to brighten your day.

9/10
Recommendation: Give it a shot, it's interesting and I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would.

Live Flesh (9/10)

Pedro Almodovar has never let me down yet, the guy is the best director from spain and a world class act. His film's always a have a deep message, untimely love, insight on unknown facts and just a lust for life. One of his first films "Live Flesh" is no different. The story starts with a prostitute giving birth on a bus in an empty Madrid (the film touches on a brief martial law state Spain was in during the 70's). The baby is Victor and he is going to have a strange life. Twenty years later Victor begins a obsession with Elaine. Something about Almodovar's obsession game, their's a charm to it. Yes it can be creepy at points in his films, but you'll never hate the character for it. Victor will get in some trouble one day with two police offices (Javier Bardem as one of them) and will be sent to jail. Javier Bardem's character would begin to date Elaine while Victor is away and his hate for this consumes him for a time. The plot is too complex to wrap up simply and just needs to be experienced. "Live Flesh" has brilliant characterization and a dynamic plot. The film never skips a beat and is an exhilarating experience.

9/10
Recommendation: Almodovar has a style that is quite enjoyable. It's something that to me seems hard to hate. The movie is spanish... that may turn some people off for god knows why. A good movie is a good movie regardless of language or black & white vs color.

Heartless (7.5/10)

This is the first movie I saw after starting this blog, so here's the first step.

"Heartless" has style and mesmerizing plot that is easy to get lost into. It's mood is so engulfing that it will suck you in and let you feel the world. However this does not mean the movie is perfect. The film lakes development and leaves things rather unexplained. The good outweighs the bad here, so "Heartless" is a film to be enjoyed. The plot is complex so I'll try to simplify it as much as I can. Jaime (Jim Sturgess) should just be a normal young adult in London. A heart shaped birthmark (symbolism alert! this movie is littered with it) on his face prevents this, an outcast mentally and socially. He dreams of living another life, where he is just like everyone else and he may just get his wish. He's offered a Faustian deal with "Papa B" (a creepy Joseph Mawle), a devilish figure. Jaime will be free of his birthmark in exchange for a little thing Papa B wants. "Heartless"is an adventure into the world of what makes good and evil. If there never was good in this world, how could there be evil? One cannot exist without the other. However one can overpower the other and there in lies the mood of this movie. The world is descending into chaos, but only when things are at it's darkest can there be some true light (alot of star analogy in this film).

The film is well acted (Timothy Spall and Eddie Marsan the best of the bunch) , looks great, and doesn't lose it's intoxicating style. Clemence Poesy as the girl Jaime pines over is radiantly beautiful as always. It'd be hard to turn down a devilish deal with her as the reward for me too. While the movie is interesting, it's far from perfect. There is a lot of strange character development Just when someone becomes important, they disappear for quite sometime. Other characters become highlighted people out of nowhere and need careful reflection to see why. The film lacks clear organization, it tends to jump around alot. Also... I'm not a fan of the ending, I understand it, it's fine, but I preferred the original , good vs evil then mind games plot. The film is bright when it wants to be happy, and dark when the evil creeps into the world. It's  nice to notice the beautiful skyline and it's contrast to the city below (the symbolism is here as well, it's hard not to see a scene where they aren't hinting at something more.) Heartless is a very good movie, but it's trying too hard and winds up being something it's not.

7.5/10
Recommendation: If you like the style of "Donnie Darko" or somewhat "Jacob's Ladder"  then you're in for treat. It's a a great indie-horror/psychological film. it's different than most the recycled stuff now a days so here is a fresh piece of work that will hold your attention.

The Social Network (10/10) Revisited

I wrote this review some time ago... figured I put it on the blog now that it's here.

Log on, look at your messages, see what friends are doing, talk to someone, upload, write a message, and log off. Then do that several times a day. These are the core mechanics of Facebook. An internet sensational lust that many check and treat like they would a child. We create images of Facebook of who we choose to be. To feel connected to our peers. Our generation, or "Generation Z" as some would say is plugged in and looking for a place to belong. Some of it is just simple fun,  but there are limits. "The Social Network", the best movie of 2010, captures all of these feelings and none of them. It is a movie for us as people.

The story is a trip. Mark (A tremendous Jesse Eisenberg) is dumped by his girlfriend (a future star Rooney Mara) and looks to vent his feelings. He chooses the keyboard as his pen and his diary now a blog (hey that's what this is! ). As he dredges on, Mark and his roommates would create a website judging girls based on their looks. Hell you don't have to leave your desk to judge dozens now a days. The website is brought to the attention of some "powerful people" and they bring up the idea of a low level Facebook.

What follows is the story of a man who is connected to everybody and completely alone at the same time. Maybe Facebook is the only way Mark can connect to Generation Z. He fights with his best friend Eduardo (An Oscar-worthy Andrew Garfield) and alienates who won't support his future. His idol Sean Parker (A revelatory Justin Timberlake) is the devil on his shoulder, urging him forward, not maliciously, just instinctively. There is a scene in a night club where Sean is bathed in red light, Mark across from him in blue, but this light darkens as the conversation continues. The little things make this a great movie. By film's end we understand what the idea of power costs and rewards.

On a third viewing (I enjoyed it so much it's appeal will never fade) things become so much clearer. When looking at a comparison of Mark and the Winklevoss' there is a difference between them. The two live on a different social class level. Where Mark has to work for his money, the Winklevoss' have the money to make it through life without even trying. Now the twins work hard at some things (crew) but their final clubs makes them special. Mark tries to breach a new social class because he can not survive in his, he has bigger dreams. Mark is socially awkward and this makes it hard for him to climb the social ladder. The USA has a caste system, it's subtle and many deny it, but it's there. "The Social Network" reflects this.

This film tops my best of 2010 because you's be hard pressed to find a better crafted film with such a terrific series of messages. Aaron Sorkin has written the impossible, a movie about a website. His words help every scene flow like a perfect river. The cast is dynamic and proving big names don't mean big talent (everyone here shines with talent). Editing, sound and score (an ecstasy ride by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross)fantastically tie together the fabric of this masterpiece. Then there is David Fincher working behind the camera as the mad genius that brought it all together.

There is a scene where Mark and Eduardo have a fight over the phone about a risky move Eduardo pulled. Eduardo is distracted over something quite dangerous when Mark unleashes a line over the phone that shakes me every time. "Do you want to go back to being a joke!?" Mark is an A-hole, but is not evil. He just suffers the fear that society deems our life essence. What was Mark's motivation to do all this, money, power, or maybe the girl that left him? (little hints throughout the film suggest this... and this is a movie, it's telling a story, just because in real life she wasn't there doesn't mean Mark didn't do this for a girl. Surdin said it best by saying "There is no such thing as truth here." The statement has more merit than it may look). Mark sits at the end of this movie on Facebook, sending a friend request and waiting for a response. He's pretending he is not alone.

10/10
Recommendation: Just see it, it's a perfect movie. Peter Travers says it fantastically http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/the-social-network-20100930

 

Howl (8/10)

"I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness, starving hysterical naked," Allen Ginsberg opening to his controversial  poem "Howl" may not define a generation but it gives one hell of a day. "Howl" is more a tribute than a strict movie. That makes the film interesting. It moves through several stories and scenes to tell the story of this great poem. There are scenes telling the early working years of Allen Ginsberg (James Franco in a nice restrained performance), and scenes of the first telling of the poem in Six Gallery bar. Part of the story takes place in a courtroom where the state of California brought obscenity charges against Lawrence Ferlinghetti for publishing the piece. The court scenes are all 100% factual giving it a nice documentary feel but with strong actors (Jon Hamm, David Strathairn, Jeff Daniels, and Mary-Louise Parker) to keep it from becoming monotonous. Then there are animated scenes illustrating the poem trying to bring it to life. It's a bit odd but the strongest parts of poem still work miracles. Howl is nice to watch because it is not like any other film out there. Allen Ginsberg is a personal hero of mine and this artistic portrayal is something to be enjoyed. 

8/10

Recommended: If you want to learn about one of the great works and minds of literature then this movie is for you. It's a bit weird and the poetry scenes may confuse some. It's a trip that others will love though.

Before Sunset (10/10)

Before Sunset is one of those movies that just does everything right. I can't see a single flaw or anything close to thhat through out the mesmerizing 80 minute film. "Before Sunset" is the sequel to the fantastic "Before Sunrise". The first film follows an american boy and a french girl who meet and spend the day and night together in Vienna before they go their separate ways. They discuss love, life, philosophy, annoyances, memorable experiences etc.

Without trying to give too much away the two depart in the morning, promising to meet back there six months later. We never know if they do as that film ends. Now nine years later we have a sequel that falls in line with the time the movie takes place in. Jesse, the american (Ethan Hawke) wrote a novel about the experience and on the last leg of his european tour meets the french girl Celine (Julie Delpy) again. He has just over an hour before he needs to leave for the airport and possibly from her life once and for all. The entire film takes place in real time, the 80 minutes film is just 80 minutes of their lives. This sounds dangerous even boring. However you get lost in the spellbinding dialogue and the film flies by. Their conversation this time around is similar to their first where they discuss what they believe. Yet this now they can talk about that day they spent together and what it meant to them. I will spoil it somewhat and say that they did not meet again six months later as they planned. However the film deals with the situation in the best way possible. If you thought they would meet, you won't be hurt by this fact. The two walk through Paris and exchange stories, but the attraction they feel can no longer be there. They know it's there and it pains them, the life the could have had is gone. In the most subtle ways they show how much they still care for the other. They also hate each other. They idolized that night and nothing again felt as good as what they made that night out to be. Celine feels that she needs to be loved but can't stand being around anyone romantically. Jesse felt that his life would be fuller if Celine had met him again in Vienna, he is now in a failing marriage but has a wonderful son. How the two interact feels so real that I can find myself idolizing these two film as much as the characters did their one night.

Without trying to give away to much after a enchanting moment, Jesse should be leaving, but he doesn't. He sits there and Celine does nothing to stop or send him off. "Your going to miss you plane," she says as she dances to some music. "I know" Jesse replies and the film ends with showing Celine dancing once more. We don't know what happens, and that's the beauty of it. How awful would it have been to see the two become intimate or Jesse leaving and never coming back. The ending like the first one lets you decide if your a cynic or a romantic based on what you guess happens. I don't want to guess, I just like knowing Jesse needs to leave but he doesn't quite get there yet. Richard Linklater has made a movie with soul. Some people just go through life, looking at the future, believing that some things never work out in the end. The rest of us believe that around every corner, there's a possibility for magic to happen. "Before Sunset" helps keep those feelings alive.

10/10
Recommendation: Watch the first movie before this (Before Sunrise). the 80 minutes of real time won't be everyone's thing. This is a fantastic movie that should be watched still. I suggest watching this and the first with your significant other.

Limitless (8/10)

If you offered me NZT (the drug in the film)... I'd probably take it. The drug let's you access 100% of your brain. Anything you ever saw or heard is simple to recall and apply to any situation. Learning something becomes easy, remembering things becomes as simple as breathing. NZT makes things possible and allows "Limitless" to achieve the possibilities that it set to achieve. Eddie Morra (A surprising good Bradley Cooper, glad to see him doing some decent work) is a burned out writer, recently dumped, and probably will be evicted soon. Through extraordinary events, Eddie gets his hands on ALOT of NZT. His life should be all set, but the drug has some side affects. "Limitless" is a first rate adventure/thiller/drama (don't really know what to call it) that will keep you guessing until the end. Neil Burger (the director) and his talented cast (including Abbie Cornish and Robert Deniro) make this a thrill to see. The script can be a bit dry at points, almost to smart for it's own good (the audience isn't on NZT). However you won't care by film's end cause of it's spellbinding appeal.


SPOILER COMING AVOID READING IF YOU DON'T WANT ANYTHING RUINED
There is a scene where Eddie is being robbed of his money and drugs from a local mob thug. The thug injects NZT to get it directly into the blood stream. Eddie manages to stab him while the other crooks are distracted and would appear to be done for when they come back into the room. However Eddie sees the blood pooling on the floor from the man he just killed and proceeds to drink it to get NZT into his system. The audience in the theater was laughing and gasping, but I had a bewildered smile on my face. I've often heard proverbs and stories of men who would drink the blood of their enemy to survive. I'd never thought I see it literally and it was quite interesting.
END SPOILERS


8/10
Recommendation: It's fun for really anyone, if you got the chance don't let it pass you by.

Mesrine: Killer Instinct and Public Enemy #1 (9/10)

Jacques Mesrine is a badass! The French criminal robbed banks, broke out of prison, got in shoot outs, always got the girl, and knew what he was doing. Jimmy Burke in Goodfellas was said to cheer for the bad guys in movies... Mesrine would be his messiah. In the 1970's Mesrine did what he wanted and when he wanted. The two films tell his rise as one of the most publicized criminals of the time. Mesrine is played like a mad dog by Vincent Cassel. He doesn't care how he looks to the audience, he's playing his character to utter perfection. Mesrine is comparable to John Dillinger, both bank robbers who cared just as much for the money as the fame. Then like "Public Enemies", both films have a real authentic and realistic touch to it. Mesrine looks, sounds, and is just simply fantastic. It's a crime drama of epic proportions. Mesrine was a crazy guy and so a film about him should be just as nuts.

9/10
Recommendation: Here is a movie to get your blood pumping, a pure adrenaline ride. It's two separate french films that take up a total of just under 4 hours. That may turn some off, but I say make the time for Mesrine.

Paris (7/10)

We sometimes go through our lives thinking our problems are the most important thing in the world. The final scene shows a character driving to the hospital, their future uncertain. This person looks out at the people the car passes and wishes life could be as simple as theirs. The people said character passes do not live simple lives. We have just spent past 2 hours living the experiences of many people as they moved through love, heartbreak, pain and happiness. it's easy to look out at people and think we are struggling, but we don't know what they are going through. "Paris" is a movie with several stories with people that don't have some secret connection. They may meet but it's just a part of their life. "Paris's" theme is quite good, but not all the storiesare interesting. Romain Duris and Melaine Laurent stories are the best. Duris plays a a dancer who's heart is failing and spends his days watching Parisians live their lives from his window. Laurent is a student who teacher's attraction to her is quite interesting. However i found myself not caring for some stories (the market worker who's jealous when his ex- girlfriend begins to date again). Paris is a good film with good actors, but it's nothing extraordinary.

7/10
Recommendation: If your looking for the multiple story arch or a decent french movie then here it is. I'd never tell you not to watch this movie, but there's no need to rush out to see it.

Paul (8/10)

Paul is a great comedy from two worlds...literally. Two british sci-fi geeks (Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, the best comedic pair of the decade) arrive in the U.S go from Comic-Con to traveling the country, visiting famous UFO hotspot and sights. Along the way they run into Paul, the stoner alien (Seth Rogen playing himself). What follows is a madcap journey through several states as the three run from the mysterious agent (Jason Bateman) who is hunting them down. The cast is strong from those mentioned  plus Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, John Carroll Lynch, Jeffery Tambor, Jane Lynch, Joe Lo Truglio and Sigourney Weaver. However what truly is great about this movie is the type of comedy. Seth Rogen is one of the most popular comedians working right now. Anything his name is attached too automatically gets publicity. His stoner comedy is something that works really well today. Then there is the combination of Pegg and Frost, two kings of British comedies. Their jokes are more subtle and intelligent, but when pulled off are funnier than anything you'll see in american comedies. Take those two types and make it all geek humor and you got a great comedy and a perfect geek movie. It's not as funny as Pineapple Express, Knocked Up, Hot Fuzz and Shaun Of The Dead; but it's still a sweet time. The best comedy of the year so far in my opinion.

8/10

Recommendation: Sci-fi geeks will love it, everyone else will still have fun. There were two jokes I laughed my ass off in the theater... I was the only one. The scene where they show Paul in the cowboy suit and and Pegg says they're just a normal family, paul retorts with "We're as normal as the Friedmans", i was the only one who got that i think cause i was the only one laughing.

Mystery Team (7.5/10)

"Mystery Team" is a fun, charming and quite hilarious comedy brought to you by the minds Derrick Comedy (Bro Rape and Don't Jerk Off To This). Three boys who never quite grew up run a detective agency out of their front lawn. Normally their cases involve missing cats and kids sticking their fingers into pie, but one little girl changes that. She hires the three stooges to solve they mystery of who murdered her parents. I don't want to ruin much of the plot's twists and mystery but it will keep you entertained. Not anything groundbreaking (I guessed who the villain was about ten seconds said person is mentioned), but it's a fun ride. "Mystery Team" is very original and better then the majority of comedies coming out these days. The jokes stay fresh and never get wrapped up in one type (Your Highness and dick jokes). The film gets strangely dramatic at points, not a bad thing, but not very good either. "Mystery Team" is a delightful movie for anyone looking for a good honest laugh.

7.5/10

Recommendation: If you want to laugh here you go. Comedy comes from good jokes, not familiar actors being thrown into crazy shenanigans that is just the same movie over and over.

127 Hours (10/10) Revisited

It's been some months since I was had the pleasure of seeing this movie with my friends at the Avon. On Saturday night I rewatched for the first time since, then again on Sunday because I wanted too live the experience again. What's a word to describe "127 Hours"... masterpiece, perfect, enthralling. Whatever you call it I would have to argue it may be the greatest blend of style and substance I can remember in a movie.

The story is quite simple. Aron Ralston ( James Franco in a performance to be remembered as one of the dynamic tour de force's of cinema history) is climbing through "canyonland" (Utah), when a rock falls and pins his arm against a rock wall. Aron Ralston endured for 127 hours in this small ravine with little provisions and equipment. Now if you don't know the story (seems unlikely at this point), stop reading and go see this movie. Aron Ralston would only be able to escape by cutting off his own arm with inadequate tools. However what's to say what leads up to this point is interesting. The film still needs to tell 126 hours of Aron trapped there. That's where the genious of the film comes in. Danny Boyle and his surreal mind has made the perfect mix between the realistic portrait of the ordeal, and a kinetic trip of entertainment.

Flashbacks, strange images, and just bizarre moments make the story a wonder to watch. Aron remembers parts of his childhood, the amazement of seeing the sunrise of the Grand Canyon (I presume). He thinks of the two girls (Kate Mara and Amber Tamblyn) he met just before the entrapment, and the party the threw with a huge inflatable Scooby Doo in front. Most importantly he reflects on his ex-girlfriend Rana (The gorgeous Clemence Poesy), the ups and downs of their lives. While trapped Aron has an epiphany of sorts. His entire life he has believed he can do everything on his own. Aron is shown alone many times in the movie (hell, the opening is dozens to hundreds of people doing various things and Aron alone in his apartment). He has walled himself up and like the rock binding him, he is trapped. He sees that every move in his life has led to the moment. That this rock was waiting to ensnare him, that Aron was born just to be trapped there. Without trying to give away to much, Aron frees himself and after walking a mile or two finds other people. He yells "I need help!". His physical self needs the attention of medical aid, his mental/emotional self has come to terms with that he has to let others in on his life.

"127 Hours" is Danny Boyle's best movie (Trainspotting will being my personal favorite still) and only he could have made this such a great movie. From the electrifying soundtrack (Sigur Ros's Festival makes you feel like a winner), to a dynamic behind the camera work the movie has it all. Editing and cinematography keep the movie flowing in a constant stream, never making one bad scene. "127 Hours" sits at the #3 spot on my top ten of 2010 movies and rightfully so. It's a true triumph of the human spirit and will make every part of your body sing in joy.

10/10

Recommendation: anyone and everyone

Toy Story 3 (8/10)

So here we are. Fifteen years ago audiences everywhere discovered the magic that was Toy Story. Now 2010 we have the third (and presumed final) Toy Story. The film brings back memories of old times and is really appropriate for our age group. Andy is off to college and hasn't been playing with the toys for years. It fell in line perfectly for the class of 2010 as we have gone off and left most our childhood back home. We left the memories behind, but they never left us. Woody, Buzz, and the rest still love Andy even as he goes off to leave. John Keats, the poet said it best "A thing of joy is beauty forever". The toys of Andy's and my childhood may be collecting dust, but still give us a smile. To get on with the movie Toy Story 3 is great for audiences of all ages. It's funny, charming, engaging, and nostalgic. I do feel that while it is great, Toy Story 3 is a bit past it's prime. Much of the middle seems just like another crazy adventure the toys have gotten wrapped in. I guess i just expected something more... important. "Toy Story 3" could have come out years ago and it would have felt the same as it does now. I thought the college angle would be resonating for myself but I think it may feel the same to any fan of the series. Don't get me wrong though, this movie is fantastic. By film's end your heart will feel a little bit warmer.

8/10
recommendation: Anybody who saw the first two needs to complete the series. Pixar movies have the magic to work with any age group.

The Plan

More or less I plan on reviewing and rating each new film I see. Not all reviews may be that in depth, on some of the average one it may just be 3-4 sentences. I'll write a review here and there for some movies I've seen before that I wouldn't mind writing something down for (they'll be marked "Revisited"). Probably throw in a list occasionally (best movies of the year, best and worst sequels, best and worst of Mark Wahlberg etc). I don't own the pictures and quotes.  I'll post the ratings on Facebook and include the link to the blog where the review is. Not all my ideas are original but their all my general feelings to the film . I''l be updating the blog as soon as possible and give a Facebook rating every Sunday, so you'll know what's on there. So here we go :)

The Next Three Days (6.5/10)

A movie may be interesting, but that doesn't mean it's that good. "The Next Three Days" is Paul Haggis's newish movie. The mind behind "Crash" (2005) and the superior "In The Valley of Elah"knows what he is doing behind the camera. I prefer him there then the writing field (Crash has never been a favorite screenplay of mine, elements are quite bad). However this movie just never sweeps you up. It's one of the films you see and say "It was alright, just a movie... time to move on with my day." The plot sounds decent, Russell Crowe plays a mild mannered community college teacher (that doesn't seem right from the gladiator) who's wife (Elizabeth Banks) is arrested for the murder of her boss, I won't say if she is guilty or not. Crowe remains loyal and tries to help her get out of jail. When he told legally this will not happen, he decides to break her out. The setup and procedure to pull off this mission is quite fun. We learn and see the world of fake I.D's, bump keys, and several ideas on police actions during the escape. However the whole ordeal is about Crowe taking things into his own hands. He is bullied around alot through his dealing and never makes a convincing tough guy (I'm not to sure what the goal was with his character). He plays the part of acting virtuous but is really just selfish, the film addresses this once. Bringing up a theme and almost never mentioning it again then having scene after scene without it to spring it up 30 minutes later... doesn't work. It's alright, but that doesn't really cut it.

6.5/10
Recommendation: If it's in your house, give it a go. It's not a bad movie by any means, just not anything special. Crowe, Banks and thriller fans may really like it. I say see it just for Liam Neeson's cameo. The guy is a show stealer.

Your Highness (6/10)

On pen and paper this should be one of the best comedies of the year. The cast is to die for, including James Franco, Natalie Portman, Danny Mcbride, Zooey Deschanel, and Justin Theroux. The Director (David Gordon Green) has yet to make a film that wasn't great. Not even just good, but great to perfect. The man is one best directors working today. Then there's a medieval plot in the fashion of dungeons and dragons (something I should have loved). However "Your Highness" never clicks and just moves from scene to scene without any effort. The movie is filled with little things I believe are just inside jokes among the writers. Why is there a mechanical bird? How come 3/4 your jokes are dick jokes? What the hell is that perverted seer thing? The movie is pretty messy but will you get you some laughs as it struggles forward with uninteresting characters. I will admit there is a certain trophy that had me laughing any time it was in frame, but that's like 3 minutes of screen time. I hope David Gordon Green goes back to his serious work, "All The Real Girls"is a crowning achievement. Hopefully Portman and Franco can keep up with the good dramas (both deserving of oscars for their work in "Black Swan" and "127 Hours" respectively) with a good comedy here and there. Danny Mcbride should try to bring back Eastbound and Down, nobody should argue with that. I enjoyed parts of this movie but as whole... not so much. Just cause a movie makes you laugh here and there, doesn't make it a good comedy.

(6/10)
recommendation: It doesn't have that loose stoner vibe "Pineapple Express" did, nor the gross out jokes found in an Apatow movie. Not much for the geek crowd either ("Paul" is your gift from God for that). I suggest waiting for the DVD for "Your Highness".

Hanna (9.5/10)

Prepare for a knockout punch because "Hanna"will wipe the floor with you. A first rate action/thriller, it's the best movie I've seen for 2011 so far. The story follows a young girl ( The star of tomorrow Saoirse Ronan) who has grown up in isolation in the Arctic Circle. Her father (Eric Bana) teaches her the ways of the assassin. She learns more than just martial arts and weapon training. Foreign languages, anatomy, culture etc (really anything you can get out of an encyclopedia). Hanna soon finds herself being thrown through Europe trying to reunite with her father in a bleak Berlin. However a intelligence officer (a ruthless Cate Blanchett) and her covert operatives look to do more than just stop her (I won't say much to ruin the twists and turns). Tom Hollander and his gang of skin head thugs are a welcome change of pace to the suit and tie wearing mindless agents. Hollander often wears short short's while hunting Hanna, something that may have been stupid if the man's stare wasn't so ice cold. It no doesn't matter what he wears, he plays one creepy guy. "Hanna" is a coming of age story, a covert thriller, a fairytale and so much more. You'll grow to care for Hanna as she traverses through her new experiences and kicks ass (to a resonating Chemical Brothers score) along the way. It's like a more delicate Kill Bill met the Bourne series. Joe Wright has made one of the best films of the year, and will probably remain in my top 10. If you have to see one movie in theaters anytime soon, make it Hanna.

9.5/10
recommendation: Anyone who wants a good movie to get involved in, here you go. Most my theater left disappointed. Maybe it's personal taste, but this movie should be everyone.