Juno Movie Review

Juno: Witty, comical, sincere, and profound…..this little indie flick brings a lot to the table. The movie opens with 16 year old Juno MacGuff (Ellen Page) discovering she is pregnant. The father of the child is the corky, yet cool Paulie Bleeker (Michael Cera – cast perfectly). Juno’s first thought is to have an abortion. However, after a trip to the clinic she decides to go through with the pregnancy and look into giving the child up for adoption. She finds what appears to be the perfect couple in the “wanted” section of the local paper. What follows is a “peeling away” of all the characters involved in Juno’s decision. The film's success or failure rests on the shoulders of Ellen Page. She was not just good, but I would go as far as saying that she gave the best performance that I have seen this year! She is funny and candid throughout. More impressive however, is how she slowly shows us Juno’s vulnerability and at the same time her immense maturity. This is a case of the right actor being cast for the role and that can actually be said for the whole cast of Juno. Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman are perfect as the couple looking for a baby to love. Juno’s parents (played by Allison Janney & J.K. Simmons) fit perfectly into the quirky “Juno world” and at the same time bring seriousness to the subject matter. I did feel the first 15 minutes of the movie tried a little too hard. I thought the witty dialogue being flung around was over-the-top. Fortunately, the script (written by newcomer – Diablo Cody) did settle down to give us one of the better stories of the year. Juno blends clever humor and thoughtfulness with a subject matter that is normally difficult to discuss……the outcome is one of 2007’s best films!
* * * * or Grade: A-

If this movie had parents they would be: Little Miss Sunshine & Rushmore

With a runtime of 92 minutes
This film is rated PG-13

Sweeney Todd Review

Sweeney Todd: The newest Tim Burton movie guarantees only one thing…..a new Johnny Depp movie. Their sixth collaboration – Sweeney Todd, is based on the popular musical. The story is dark and sinister with some twisted humor, what else would you expect from Burton/Depp. Set in Victorian London, Sweeney Todd, once a family man and a barber was wrongfully imprisoned by a menacing judge who was enamored by Todd's beautiful wife. After Todd is released from prison he resurfaces in London. He befriends Mrs. Lovett who serves “meat pies” in a café below his newly opened barber shop. Together they come up with a heinous plan to not only get revenge, but to use their victims in a creative…..um… “tasty” way. Burton did a great job of translating this musical for the big screen. I give huge thumbs up to the look of the film – from the sets and lighting to the costumes and the make-up. Similar to recent Tarantino and Rodriguez films, Burton does not shy away from using mass amounts of fake blood which often sprays from the jugular of Todd's victims. The songs are a little different than most other musicals as there are no sweeping memorable songs, but rather very edgy/humorous lyrics that move the plot along. In my mind Helena Bonham Carter (Mrs. Lovett) steals the show. She has the funniest lines, but she also plays the part so perfectly that it would be hard to envision anyone else playing Mrs. Lovett. Sacha Baron Cohen pops up as a rival barber and is hilarious during his small time on screen. Where I thought the film failed was the story itself. It may make a great musical, but I did not feel there was enough substance to span the almost two hour runtime. This is a movie to have fun with….well, at least for the sick minded people out there.
* * * or Grade: B-
If This Movie had Parents They would be: Barbershop & Kill Bill

With a runtime of 116 minutes
This film is rated R

Atonement Review

Atonement: What would the Oscar movie season be without a sweeping love story that is disrupted by World War II. Keira Knightley and James McAvoy (The Last King of Scotland) star as the two young lovers. Knightley plays Cecilia Tallis, the daughter of a very wealthy British family. McAvoy plays Robbie, the son of the Tallis family’s servants. The Tallis family puts Robbie through university at Cambridge, thus putting him on the cusp of joining the “upper class”. Cecilia and Robbie discover their love for one another however, not everyone in the Tallis family sees their relationship as “true love”. After having a couple of days to let this film soak in my mind, I can’t help but be mad at it. It did so much right - starting with the powerful story and the perspective in which it was told. The cinematography was absolutely beautiful and the score of the film was exceptional – I thought the use of the typewriter sound at key points was brilliant. I even treasured the scope of the film which captured an interesting viewpoint of WWII. All that said, the movie’s biggest fault was that it did not give us enough time with the two main characters before the conflict. How emotionally vested can we be when only 10 minutes of screen time is devoted to their affection for one another? This is one of the few times a movie could have truly been enhanced had the runtime been 20 minutes LONGER. To the film’s credit, I was still very much moved by the conclusion. This is a case of a “Good” movie that could have been.....and should have been -“Great”.
* * * or Grade: B

If this movie had Parents they would be: The English Patient & The Notebook

With a runtime of 120 minutes – too short
This film is rated R

Enchanted Review

Enchanted: Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey star in Disney’s latest fairytale. The idea for the movie is extremely imaginative. The film starts out in animation “Snow White style” – Giselle, a young princess falls in love with a young prince. This angers the prince’s mother/evil queen, so she sends Giselle (Amy Adams) to another dimension where there is “no such thing as real love” – modern day Manhattan. Once in Manhattan, Adams is transformed into a human girl although her ideals remain the same and she continues to break out into song at any given moment. She meets a divorce lawyer (Dempsey) who tries to help her find her way home while at the same time learns from the naive Giselle that love can be everything it is cracked up to be in the fairytales. The film is full of charm, as more characters from the fairytale world enter the real world carrying on exactly as if they were still animated. The idea was pulled off perfectly up until the last act of the film. It was if the writers did not know how to end it so they went for some big spectacle which was not needed. I cannot say enough good things about Amy Adams’s performance. I would not be surprised at all if she gets nominated come Oscar time for this role. Enchanted also does a good job of paying homage to many of the past Disney fairytales, ie Cinderella, Snow White, The Little Mermaid, and Sleeping Beauty. The film succeeds in being entertaining for both adults and kids which is just wonderful for the holiday season.
* * * and ½ or Grade: B+
If this movie had parents they would be: Who Framed Roger Rabbit and The Princess Bride.

With a runtime of 105 minutes
This film is rated PG

Beowulf: Please allow me to sound like a 13 year old for a minute – “Beowulf in 3-D is REALLY cool.” Robert Zemeckis, the man who brought us Forrest Gump and more recently The Polar Express is behind this innovative film. The entire movie is brought to life using computer animation. All of the CG characters are reproductions if you will, of living actors (Think Polar Express). Among the cast are John Malkovich, Robin Wright Penn, Anthony Hopkins, and Angelina Jolie. What we see on screen could only be done using CG, as the battles are epic, astonishing, and gruesome all at the same time. I would say the script only “loosely” follows the ancient poem, as the screenwriters added much more to the story than I ever remember. The tale begins when the monster Grendel annihilates King Hrothgar’s village. Beowulf steps up to the challenge of hunting down and killing Grendel. However, Grendel is only the first beast he will have to face on this deadly test. Clearly, it is the amazing visuals that make this movie so exciting. I was bewildered with the 3-D presentation – I will go as far as to say “industry changing”. A few years back we would only be able to read and imagine such actions, now thanks to technology we can actually see it on the big screen. Beowulf 3-D is a very exuberant theater experience, so put the glasses over your eyes and enjoy!!!

The movie itself is only: * * and ½, but seeing it in 3D brings it to: * * * and ½ or Grade: B

If this movie had parents they would be: Polar Express & Clash of the Titans

With a runtime of 120 minutes

This film is rated PG-13

No Country for Old Men Review

No Country for Old Men: It is so delightful to see the Coen brothers back in their elite form. In the same vein as Fargo and The Big Lebowski, Ethan and Joel Coen have once again tapped into a faction of people that will be memorable for years to come. No Country is adapted from the novel of the same name that was penned by Cormac McCarthy. We have seen this type of story told before. Basically, a man finds drug money that he shouldn’t have – keeps it – and is then chased by a mad killer who is also after the money. What separates this movie from the normal slaw are the unique and well-developed characters that are dropped into the saga. In particular, Anton Chigurh (played masterfully by Javier Bardem) as the menacing killer is so compelling to watch – only the Coen brothers could give us such a distinctive character. Josh Brolin plays Llewelyn, the (un)lucky guy who finds the money. Brolin plays the part perfectly, allowing the viewers to get involved in the film even further as his character is hunted down. The trinity is rounded out with the sheriff, played by Tommy Lee Jones, who is trying to make sense of all the mess happening around town. The film is shot beautifully with brilliant detail that adds to the intensity of the story. “Intense” being the key word as the characters get into some absurdly difficult situations. I sat in the theater with my heart racing and my palms sweating. I loved how the movie was so smartly written – I found each move the characters made to be well calculated. The only aspect of the film that I was not enamored by was the ending, which is what keeps this movie from a perfect score. That aside, the Coen’s have given us a magnificent motion picture……one of the best of the year.

* * * & ½ or Grade: A-

If this movie had parents they would be: Fargo & A Simple Plan

With a running time of 121 minutes

This film is rated R

American Gangster Review

American Gangster: Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, and Ridley Scott bring us the true story of one honest cop and his relentless pursuit of the biggest drug lord in NYC. Crowe plays Richie Roberts, a cop so honest that his peers despise him. Denzel plays Frank Lucas, a drug dealer so well cloaked in his surroundings that he is not even known to the cops. The hunt for Lucas starts in the late 60’s with the Vietnam War as the backdrop. Lucas finds a way to smuggle pure heroin from Southeastern Asia into the United States, allowing him to flood the drug market with the highest grade of product at a cheaper price. Where there is smoke, there is….a crack pipe. With just a little evidence to work with, Richie Roberts begins his investigation to find and bring down Frank Lucas. Both lead actors do a terrific job, considering the talent of the said actors, it is to be expected. I think the thing that surprised me the most was how interesting the story was. I found it to be much more in depth, detailed, and tied into history than past “drug dealer” movies. I also thought that Ridley Scott did an excellent job of showing how the two characters were similar in their own ways. The film itself does lack the eccentricity that makes similar movies such as Goodfellas and The Departed so fun to re-watch. Gangster is more of a “one watch" kind of movie, but that “one” is quite good.
* * * or Grade: B+
If this movie had parents they would be: Scarface & L.A. Confidential

With a running time of 157 minutes

This movie is rated R

** Guest Critic Corner **

** Guest Critic Corner **
Reviews from the O.C. by George Pfister
Michael Clayton:
Michael Clayton is an issue oriented drama, a taut legal thriller about a morally frayed law firm "fixer" (George Clooney). He is led into a crisis of conscience by a whistle-blower colleague, Tom Wilkinson, who I thought was outstanding as - a man who is so morally struck it causes him to demean himself in some aberrant behavior. This film is a must see, according to George Pfister of Southern California.

About George Pfister: Nicknamed “5.6 yards a carry” and father of the well known J.P. Pfister. George’s love for his son is overshadowed by his love for cinema.

Indie Incubator Review

Indie Incubator Film Fest #5: The spotlights were once again shining at the Original Mother’s on Division St., home of the IIFF. Matt Kubinski and Charles Klein have done an excellent job of raising the bar with each fest - #5 being no exception! After the lights went down, Big Tree Productions' Haunted House trailer kicked off the IIFF to a thunderous start. A few short films later came what I thought was the gem of the night, Land of the Free from Forge Films - a political, action packed movie that had incredibly high production value and a very intriguing story. Another compelling feature, Street Jesus: The Story of Willie York gave an interesting look at Peoria’s most famous homeless man. Not only was this film humorous, but it also featured awesome music from the band Primal Seed. The funniest, most creative movie of the night was Meat Shake brought to us by Rookie TV. Simple and to the point (3 minute run time), we watch a man try to order a milkshake, but the restaurant he is trying to order from only makes shakes using different types of meat. Adding to the humor and originality of this short film is the method of the dialogue which is done in a “rap/rhyme”. Rookie TV was also behind the animated short: 100 Grand which I found to be hilarious. The rest of the night saw more quality films flicker across the screen - the highlights being Janus from One Tear Productions and some clever short commercials for The Comic Vault. At the end of the night the three judges (Kathy Byrne from the Chicago Film Office, Ed Griffen from WTTW's Image Union, and Matt Sardo from The Chicago Comic Vault) awarded Meat Shake the Best in Show and winner of the first ever Image Union award. WTTW will air Meat Shake on Image Union in the near future. The Incubator has turned into a special event, providing great short films and tasty cocktails all inside an electrifying atmosphere. The next Incubator is April 2008, mark your calendars – you won’t want to miss it!!!

Rythemovieguy's pic for best of: Land of The Free

Incubator Best Of Fest Award: Meat Shake

Gone Baby Gone

Gone Baby Gone: Ben Affleck makes his directorial debut in this well written thriller. Ben abuses his newly acquired “Directorial Powers” right away and casts the lead role with his brother, the soft spoken / barely opens his mouth – Casey Affleck. Also starring in the film are Morgan Freeman and Ed Harris, both of which play excellent roles and are a joy to watch on the screen. The feature takes place in a poor part of Boston. Two local private detectives are hired to help find a missing girl from the neighborhood. Their investigation takes many twists and turns, but finally they discover that a much deeper crime was committed. The path the film takes that leads to the conclusion is perfect in that the viewer will not be sure which way they want to see it end. I am keen on movies with endings that make you choose what you think is best for the characters, with both outcomes being “right” in their own ways. These kinds of films are great conversation pieces after viewing and that is the case with Gone Baby Gone. Looking back at the story as a whole however, I find some of the basic structure not plausible and even a little impractical at times. Another personal gripe is the title of the film – Gone Baby Gone is said in a dramatic way by one of the characters which just sounds ridiculous. That being said I still recommend the movie and have to give Ben Affleck credit on his directorial debut. Hey, if it keeps him behind the camera and off the screen – we are all winners.

* * * or Grade: B -

If this movie had parents they would be: Mystic River & Brick

With a runtime of 114 minutes

This film is rated R

Darjeeling Limited Movie Review

The Darjeeling Limited: Wes Anderson’s 5th feature film takes us on an unusual trip through India by train. We follow the 3 Whitman brothers - Francis (Owen Wilson), Peter (Adrian Brody), and Jack (Jason Schwartzman) as they take a spiritual journey that they hope will bring them closer together. After the death of their father, the brothers drifted apart. Each of them is still dealing with the death in their own unique way. As with Wes Anderson’s other films (The Royal Tenenbaums, The Life Aquatic), the humor lies in the characters which are so well written. In fact his characters and their characteristics are so defined that his movies take a couple of viewings to be fully appreciated. Intense detail is given to the train the brothers are traveling on and the luggage they carry with them making them central characters in the story. Being a huge fan of Wes Anderson, my expectations are extremely high which leads to my only complaint. The film is funny, clever, and even a little moving, but I did not feel Wes pushed his creativity level high enough. This film is in line with his other works, but does not stand out from them. However, I am saying all of this after one viewing and I know I will enjoy this movie more the next time I visit it. Additionally, I am sure the film will offer even more laughs after I see the short film Hotel Chevalier that is meant to be a prologue to Darjeeling, but was not shown in theaters. This is a welcomed addition to the Wes Anderson filmography, I just wish I could say it was near the top.

* * * or Grade: B

If this movie had parents they would be: The Man Who Would be King & The Life Aquatic

With a running Time of 91 minutes

This film is rated R

Kite Runner Movie Review

The Kite Runner opened the 43rd Chicago International Film Festival – in my opinion, a perfect film to open such a fest

The Kite Runner: How often can you come out of a movie and be emotionally moved, learn something about the country of Afghanistan, and have a hankering to run outside and fly a kite? Such is the case with this beautiful and controversial film. The movie is based on the 2003 novel by Khaled Hosseini published under the same name. The story begins in Afghanistan during the 1970s. We meet 2 young boys, Amir and Hassan. Their friendship endures throughout their youth even though they are not a part of the same social class. A horrific event occurs to one of the boys that neither can deal with nor understand the ramifications of….thus the friendship dissolves. We jump ahead 21 years, the Soviets have invaded Afghanistan and left the country in shambles allowing the Taliban to take control. Amir and Hassan’s lives take two completely different paths during this time, but these paths will cross once again. Marc Forster directs this emotional tale and does an outstanding job with the material. I suspect this was not the easiest book to translate onto the big screen. I loved how the kite flying was filmed and depicted in the movie reminding us of the simple beauties in life. I also felt that the kites symbolized freedom and innocence before one is corrupted with all of the superfluous ideologies of the modern world. This is a multifaceted story that will stay with you for some time. Ahhh, I love the taste of the Fall Movie Season!
* * * and ½ or Grade B +

If this movie had parents they would be: Babel and Fox & The Hound

To Learn more about the controversy click here - "Kite Runner release push back"

With a runtime of 120 minutes
This film is rated R

The Bourne Ultimatum Review

The Bourne Ultimatum: This is the 3rd and hopefully the last Bourne movie. I say “hopefully the last” because I feel the people behind these movies have made a PERFECT trilogy. Let the story and character live on in cinema lore, not to be disturbed by greedy studio execs. This third installment picks up right where the 2nd chapter left off. Jason Bourne is in Moscow running from and eluding the local police and other CIA agents…….and nobody “runs and eludes” better than Jason Bourne. His objective in this movie is to get back to New York where the treadstone project began, and to meet his makers. The action and the pace of this movie can best be described as - unyielding adrenaline. We are treated to some hand-to-hand combat, car chases, rooftop chases, motorcycle chases, assassinations, and some good old spy-expertise. Being a Paul Greengrass film you can expect a lot of handheld camera work that is close to all the action. Some may not like the unsteady, in your face style, I myself feel it is great for these movies. I think it makes it feel all that much more real. Along side all the great action is a well told, thinking man’s plot. There is just enough information given to keep you guessing what will come next, but nothing that confused me at any point. I also wanted to say that I thought the end of the movie/story could not have been better – just perfect. In a time when Hollywood loves to suck every cent from a franchise, it is rare to get 3 movies with this high of caliber both in story and action. Hands down it is the best “summer blockbuster” movie of the season. Thus making it one of the best trilogies of all time for this reviewer - Let us hope it stays just that way…a Trilogy!

* * * and 1/2 or Grade A-

If this movie had parents they would be: Casino Royal & The Bourne Supremacy

With a run time of 111 minutes

This film is rated PG-13

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: The 5th installment from Hogwarts has made its way to the big screen, this time a little darker and more complex. The story continues with Harry and his old friends and some new ones as well. The Ministry of Magic refuses to believe Harry and Dumbledore's claim that the evil lord Voldemort has returned influencing the opinion of much of the wizarding community and those at Hogwarts. In addition, Hogwarts has hired a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher – Dolores Umbridge (played masterfully by Imelda Staunton). Instead of teaching the young wizards helpful spells to defend themselves, Umbridge limits her teachings to a text book – which alarms Harry and his crew. Who is to teach the kids the proper way to defend themselves in case Lord Voldemort attacks? Step in…. Harry Potter. As with the other Potter films, almost all of the major action takes place in the last 20 minutes. The rest of the movie is full of discovery, the development of the evil plot, and the on goings at Hogwarts. To me, so much of the fun has been watching the characters grow up and mature. I find Harry’s character has become more complex with each chapter in the story. The ending of this film is probably the most emotional of the 5 so far. I was very impressed with the final wizard battle, my only complaint being I wish it would have lasted a little longer – just felt too short. This was not my favorite Potter film (still #3 for this guy), but I found it to be a very strong link in this magical chain of movies……

If this movie had parents they would be: “Just look back at the Potter Tree”

* * * or grade B

With a running time of 138 minutes
This film is rated PG-13

Once Review

Once: Movies such as this one are my main inspiration for writing these reviews. A brilliant, small film overshadowed by the summer blockbuster season….it is my duty to call attention to this work of art. The film stars Glen Hansard (lead singer of the band The Frames) and new comer Marketa Irglova. Hansard plays a guitar playing street performer who loves to write and sing his own music on the streets of Dublin - even if it is for only small tips. One night someone stops to listen (Irglova), she instantly sees genius in him and a relationship is formed. The story is then told through songs that both of the lead actors sing, either by themselves or with each other. If you have any type of enthusiasm for music, this is the film for you! The songs sung in the movie bleed passion. The acting by Hansard reels you into the characters and makes you see the beauty in their songs. The film was shot in just 17 days with a budget of only $130,000 – the inelegant style only helps the mood of the film. There were a few times in the movie I had chills just watching and listening to the performances. I cannot say enough good things about this small movie that could, other than I hope you see it in the theater!!!!! “2007 movies” – the bar has been set!

* * * * or Grade A-
If this movie had parents they would be: Lost in Translation & Walk the Line

With a running time of only 85 minutes
This film is rated R

Indy Incubator Review

Indy Incubator Film Fest 4: It might have been one small step for Matt Kubinski and Charles Klein (creators of the incubator), but it was a giant leap for the Indy Incubator Film Fest (IIFF). The IIFF celebrated season 4 by introducing a panel of judges that critiqued each film and awarded a “best in show” at the end of the night. The panel consisted of Kathy Byrne from the Chicago Film Office, Ed Griffen from WTTW's Image Union and Matt Sardo from the Chicago Comic Vault.
As for the films themselves – another terrific harvest!!! The fest really got moving with a screening of Apocalypse Oz, a marvelous creation from cineclash productions. The film mixed elements of Apocalypse Now and the Wizard of Oz to perfection. Director Charles Klein in association with Film Beyond brought us the next highlight – Brain. The film centers on a handsome young man nicknamed – Brain, who works in the IT department of a company he does not like. One day he flips and goes out drinking….in his mind, he had the night of his life! Right before the intermission D-mob productions brought the house down with their small film – Ass Periods. Not for the faint of heart, the story centers around a wish made by a girl that her boyfriend would get a menstruation period so he could see what it is like first hand. As the title suggests….the wish came true. The movie was done perfectly, highly creative and just the right shots to get some gross humor going, but stopped short of being “vomit material”. Bravo!! I was not the only person impressed with Ass Periods, as the judges declared the film “Best in Fest” at the end of the night. The second half of the fest had 2 films from Blame Society – The Death of a Pumpkin & Chad Vader 7. Both these films were of the highest quality and very creative; Blame Society really has something great going on. In all it was a great night for the movies. All the filmmakers should be proud as to should Matt Kubinski and Charles Klein. They have created a Film Fest that keeps getting bigger, better, and more creative. Great work guys!!! See you in November for Season 5.

Spiderman 3 Review

Spiderman 3: The web slinger is back in his third installment and this time his web was stuffed with one to many storylines. The Hollywood formula for these blockbusters is to always top the last one…..well sometimes more is less, as is the case with Spiderman 3. For starters, Peter Parker has a record - 3 villains to take on while balancing his relationship with Mary Jane and new love interest Gwen Stacy. On top of that he is overtaken by a mysterious black substance that gives way to a “darker” Spiderman and Peter Parker. All of this crammed into a 2 hour 20 minute action packed movie, there is no wonder it feels “rushed” at the end. This is not to say that the movie is without highlights. The action sequences are a plenty and are the best of the series. Catching me by surprise was the humor the movie had, this is by far the funniest Spiderman. As for the 3 villains mentioned before: Sandman played by Thomas Haden Church was well done and looked fantastic on screen, but due to limited screen time, never lived up to his stature. The New Goblin played by James Franco came out with a lot of energy, however needing to stretch his plotline out, he gets thrown into a soap opera storyline for much of the movie. Finally we have Venom played by Topher Grace, all I can say is “way under written”. It felt Venom was just thrown in there to satisfy some hardcore fans as he appears late in the movie with almost no back story. The ending has everyone and everything colliding for a climatic battle atop New York City. It was the 1st time I finished a Spiderman movie and did not feel totally satisfied. This is in no way a BAD movie, it just failed to live up to the expectations the first two movies created for it. I enjoyed a lot of it, I was disappointed by some of it, the result….an average Spidey 3.
* * and ½ or a grade: C+

If this movie had parents they would be: Batman & Robin and Superman II

With a running time of 120 minutes
This film is rated PG-13

Grindhouse

Grindhouse: A double feature paying tribute to the “B-movie thrillers” of the past, from directors Robert Rodriguez & Quentin Tarantino. I give big thumbs up for the ambition of the project which is comprised of 2 full length movies (each about 1:25 minutes in length), accompanied by faux “coming attractions” before and in between the features. The two films have nothing tying them together plot wise; however some of the same sets, props, and actors are used in both films. Up first is Planet Terror by Rodriguez. The film is a “gore fest” of a zombie movie. The story uses basic zombie movie understanding – everyone is infected with a virus which turns them into man eating zombies. A small group of rebels remain uninfected and need to get to a safe area to produce a cure to the virus. The humor in the movie is spot on, making fun of itself as it goes along. The second feature is Death Proof by Tarantino. I loved this movie. Kurt Russell plays Stuntman Mike, a mad man who likes to kill people in his death proof-(made for a stuntman)-car. The reason I found Death Proof to be a superior film is that not only did it pay tribute to old B-movies, but at the same time you were getting some classic Tarantino cinema!! I did not get that blend from Planet Terror. In fact I was getting bored by the mid-way mark of the first feature. Tarantino had the right mix and it worked. The final car chase was one of the most exhilarating scenes I have seen in a long time. Between the outstanding faux trailers and the extremely fun ride of Death Proof, Grindhouse gets a recommendation from me.
The Breakdown – Planet Terror : * * // Death Proof * * * *

Grindhouse (as a whole): * * * or grade: B

If this movie had parents they would be: Shaun of the Dead & Duel

With a run time of 191 minutes
This film is rated R

Perfect Stranger Review

Perfect Stranger: Halle Berry, Bruce Willis, and Giovanni Ribisi team up for this mind numbing thriller. I left this movie with 1 BIG question…..how do scripts like this get green lit? Berry plays Rowena, a journalist always looking for the big story. When a childhood friend of hers is murdered she jumps onto the case – because in movies like this the star journalist is always better at solving crimes than actual cops. Rowena’s profound investigation finds that her friend was having an affair with the top advertising executive in NYC – Harrison Hill (played by Bruce Willis and a damn good “movie name” if I do say so myself). To get the inside scoop on Harrison Hill, she gets a temp job at his advertising firm. From there the plot thickens as we are given even more reason to think that Hill is our perpetrator. Of course, what would a thriller of this nature be without a twist or two……..or five. The movie does have a couple tense moments, but I would have liked a little more given that the movie is like so many we have already seen. The ending is creative, but it is almost laughable when you put it through the “believability test”. Every once in a while a movie of this nature is done right, with just enough thought put into it to allow us to believe in the irrationality of it all. Unfortunately, Perfect Stranger does not have the smarts to make it all work.

* * or a grade of a C -

If this movie had parents they would be: You’ve Got Mail & Basic Instinct

With a running time of 109 minutes
This film is rated R

Ry's Top 10 of 2006

Sorry for the delay in getting my top 10 list out, but it just takes time for me to get out there and see all the late arriving films of 2006. I finally feel I have seen all the notable films that one should see. Like every year it all seems to come together to make a good crop of films. I liken it to a vintage of wine – you can look back at the years and argue or discuss what years were better for movies. I don’t think 2006 will be remembered as a great year for cinema, however there were most certainly some gems that stand out above the rest. In the list below I give you the 10 best gems of 2006. Now, for the almost 60 times I ventured out to the cineplex and the countless movies I rented throughout the year there were always another set of eyes watching with me. It is only right to give a second opinion and include Jennifer’s list, especially because she is the one that makes seeing all these movies so much fun.

With out further ado, I give you Ryan’s Top 10 of 2006. Each film will have a link to click on where you can read my full review of the film. Please feel free to make a comment and discuss the year in film by clicking on the comment link on the bottom…thank you.

10. Brick – Highly imaginative world of crime centered around high school students. Full Review

9. Pursuit of Happyness – A man overcomes poverty and homelessness in reaching his dream. Full Review

8. Half Nelson – Ryan Gosling plays a teacher addicted to drugs in this heartbreaking tale. Full Review

7. The Last King of Scotland – A tense ride, Idi Ami (Whitaker) had me sweating. Full Review

6. Notes on a Scandal – Acting at its finest between Dench and Blanchett, this movie will make you squirm. Full Review

5. The Queen – an inside look at the royal family in the week after Princess Diana’s death. Full Review

4. Pan’s Labyrinth – Fantasy world meets cold hearted corrupt world in this beautiful film from Guillermo del Torro. Full Review

3. The Departed – Martin Scorsese gives us yet another mob masterpiece. Full Review

2. Little Miss Sunshine – Humorous?….hell yes, but it was the message about beauty and family that made this film stand out. Full Review

1. Children of Men – It was the movie that transported me the most, I felt totally immersed in this futuristic world. On top of that it had a message of hope for the human race. I was delighted with how well the movie was made and was emotionally moved by its story. Full Review

A Second Opinion, Jen’s top 10 of 2006
10. Children of Men

9. The Departed

8. The Queen

7. The Pursuit of Happyness

6. Blood Diamond

5. The Last King of Scotland

4. Pan’s Labyrinth

3. Notes on a Scandal

2. Little Miss Sunshine

1. Half Nelson

The Pursuit of Happyness

The Pursuit of Happyness: If this had to be a 2 word review: Heart Warming. Will Smith plays Chris Gardner, a real life salesman who was pushed to the point of homelessness in an attempt to reach his life goal. The movie is based on true events and the script is actually adapted from the book Chris Gardner wrote about his struggles. When the story opens we find Chris selling or I should say “trying” to sell bone density scanners – something it turns out most hospitals are not in need of. With bills piling up, taxes to pay, and a young son to take care of, the Gardner’s are struggling to get by. When Chris decides to try a new career path (becoming a stock broker), his wife decides she has had enough and leaves the family. The struggles really get bad when Chris enters a training program as an intern at a brokerage firm. The program is 6 months long with no pay and no guarantee of a job when he is done either. We see a man literally hang it all out on the line to reach his dream. I have to admit I am a sucker for these kinds of stories. Seeing a person against all odds reach his goal always strikes a cord with me. As for the performance of Will Smith – brilliant, probably his best work to date. Will Smith carries this story from start to finish. His real life son, Jaden Smith, plays his on screen son and was serviceable (the good thing being he was not distracting like some young kid actors can be). The ending is uplifting and emotional and it all works in large part to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air……Will Smith.
* * * and ½ or Grade: B+

If this movie had parents they would be: Rudy & Trading Places

With a run time of 117 minutes
This film is rated PG-13

The Last King of Scotland

The Last King of Scotland: Forest Whitaker gives a stellar performance as Idi Amin, a brutal Ugandan dictator that reigned in the 1970’s. The story actually centers around another character, Nicholas Garrigan (played by James McAvoy). Garrigan is a recent medical school graduate from Scotland. He chooses to go to Uganda for two reason, for one – he wants to make a difference in the world and secondly he wants to get away from his egocentric father who is also a doctor. While working at a mission in Uganda, Garrigan treats Amin after a mild car accident. Amin is intrigued by Garrigan who is from Scotland, a country he greatly admires. Soon after, he invites Garrigan to come work at his hospital in Kampala and to also serve as his personal doctor. The naïve Garrigan accepts. The plot thickens as Garrigan becomes Amin's most trusted adviser as he slowly gets deeper and more involved in the inner workings of Amin's regime. The film is one very “tense” ride which can be credited to Whitaker 's stellar portrayal of Amin. He creates such a mad man on screen, a loose cannon if you will. I sat in my chair, palms sweating, literally afraid of him. On top of that, the story is engrossing from start to finish. By the time the credits rolled I felt exhausted. Bravo to Forest Whitaker and to all involved in this film! Check this one out.
* * * and ½ or Grade: B+

If this movie had parents they would be: Hotel Rwanda & Match Point

With a running time of 121 minutes
This film is rated R

Letters From Iwo Jima

Letters From Iwo Jima: Clint Eastwood found himself so immersed in the story of Flags of Our Fathers, that he figured the only way to do the whole story justice was to tell it from both sides. The film depicts the battle at Iwo Jima from the Japanese perspective (told in Japanese with English subtitles). It opens up with the Japanese military on the island preparing for the American invasion by digging out caves and ditches. The Japanese commander, General Kuribayashi (Ken Watanabe) is informed upon his arrival that supplies, ammunition, food, and soldiers are running low and would not be replenished or reinforced. His mission, along with all of the Japanese on the island, is to hold the Americans from taking control of the island all knowing very well it is not a matter of winning, but delaying the inevitable. They all made the ultimate sacrifice to keep their homeland sacred if only for a few extra days. The beauty of the movie is its ability to show that neither side was a “dark enemy”. Both sides were doing what they felt was right. The movie itself is shot in a blue gray tint, with very little color, showing how colorless and cold blooded war is. I did however find the story to move at a slow pace, keeping me from becoming too emotionally involved. It also failed to “wow” me at any point – going into a film like this you expect a “wow” moment. Along with Flags of Our Fathers, Letters from Iwo Jima is an excellent account of a historical battle, but I found myself wanting a little more from both.
* * * or Grade: B-

If this movie had parents they would be: Flags of Our Fathers & Tora! Tora! Tora!

With a running time of 140 minutes
This film is rated R

Notes on a Scandal

Notes on a Scandal: Cate Blanchett and the “Dame” Judi Dench star in this very tense and exciting thriller. I love when such good acting in films forces you to feel uneasy as you watch. The acting performances by both lead actresses here is nothing short of spectacular. The story centers on Mrs. Hart (Blanchett), a new art teacher to a school who is befriended by one of the veteran teachers, Barbara Covett (Dench). Mrs. Hart begins an affair with one of her male students (only 15 years of age) and Barbara Covet becomes aware of the scandal. Barbara decides that she will not notify the authorities, as long as Mrs. Hart ends the affair. After their agreement, Barbara and Mrs. Hart form a stronger friendship, but Barbara has a secret agenda. I was very impressed with the writing in this movie. The characters and story are so well written – not a cliché in sight and engrossing right from the start. Dench, Blanchett, and the writer of the novel of the same name (Zoe Heller) did their homework on this one and developed characters that are so unique and believable. They are real and not at all over the top caricatures that we’ve come so used to seeing in these types of movies. The plot keeps getting more intense with every scene, building up to a final confrontation that is remarkable to watch. This is a small, focused story that is told EXTREMELY well – Make Note of it!!!!!
* * * * or Grade A

If this movie had parents they would be: The Talented Mr. Ripley & Single White Female

With a running time of 98 minutes
This film is rated R

DreamGirls

DreamGirls: Based on the Broadway musical of the same name, DreamGirls comes to the silver screen with some star-power. The film is loaded with good performances, but the two that really standout are Eddie Murphy as James “Thunder” Early and Jennifer Hudson as Effie White (I see Oscar nods for both). Jamie Foxx, Beyonce Knowles, and even the washed up Danny Glover all turn in terrific performances to round out the cast. The story spans roughly 8 years, as it follows 3 female soul singers from their breakthrough to the point when they are on top of the pop charts. Of course with success you always have some turmoil between the ranks. The turmoil between the girls and their manager (Foxx) is the meat of the story. For all that the film does right, it does wrong as well. Take the musical numbers for instance – there are many good ones, but they crammed too many of them in making me want to hit the fast forward button on the last few. The story which starts so well becomes very cliché, which I felt watered down the drama of the main plot. The film as a whole should have been 20 minutes shorter. I think director Bill Condon got a little too excited with the material and went over the top for the knock out punch when he did not need to. The good does outweigh the bad however, therefore I still recommend DreamGirls, it is just a case where “less could have been more...”
* * * or Grade B-

If this movie had parents they would be: Chicago & The Jacksons: An American Dream

With a run time of 131 minutes
This film is rated PG-13

Children of Men

Children of Men: The premise for this movie is enough to draw in any viewer: The year is 2027 and all the women in the world have become infertile. No babies have been born for 18 years, meaning the youngest person on earth is a little over 18 years of age. The human race is dying and with that the world is in total chaos. Enter our hero – Theo, played masterfully by Clive Owen (one of the best actors working today). Theo is an everyday man – depressed as everyone else in the world knowing there is no hope for the future. He is contacted by his ex-wife (Julianne Moore) to help get a young woman – Kee, across borders and check points and finally to a secret project, code named: Tomorrow. What is so special about Kee…….she is pregnant! The movie has plenty of action along the way, but it is the drama of the story that makes this film so captivating. On top of all that, Children of Men is probably the best made movie of 2006. The camera work and art direction are the best I have seen in many years! The world created is so authentic – not futuristic or gimmicky at all, keeping me totally immersed. Although the world created in this film is very dark, the message is one of hope and optimism. The movie makes you realize what we take for granted. It shows us the importance of children and the cycle of life. It makes you realize how precious life is, and reminds us that giving birth is truly a miracle. Intriguing – haunting – inspiring………simply put: an Exceptional Film.
* * * * or Grade: A

If this movie had parents they would be: Minority Report & Strange Days

With a running time of 113 minutes
This film is rated R

Pan's Labyrinth

Pan’s Labyrinth: Set in Spain in 1944 we follow a young girl – Ofelia, as she begins a new life with her pregnant mother and her mother’s new husband. The country is in a post civil war period and there is not much to be happy about. Ofelia’s step-father is a commanding officer at a nationalist military base. Ofelia sees evil in him and refuses to accept this man as her new father. The only good news for Ofelia is she discovers a labyrinth that leads to an underground fantasy world. This is a dark fantasy world geared more for adults than kids. There she is given three tasks to carry out before she can return to this fantasy world as the princess she once was long ago. Going into the film I was under the impression that the story would mostly take place inside this fantasy world, but that is not the case. The story stays above ground in the post war setting more so than the fantasy world, but both worlds are engaging. As the story plays out, we as viewers have to decide if the fantasy world is real or not. The film is done so beautifully that you are caught wanting to THINK one way, but FEEL another way. The ending is a powerful cry out to the beauty of innocence. The costumes, make-up, cinematography, writing, acting and the vision the film had are all among the year’s best. This is a movie that stands out as a piece of art.
* * * * or Grade A

If this movie had parents they would be: Life is Beautiful and Alice in Wonderland

With a running time of 128 minutes
This film is rated R