Encounters at the End of the World (2007)

I really enjoyed Herzog’s other documentary about the bears, but this one felt more like a bland PBS special. I found some parts interesting—daily life in Antarctica and the people who work there. But much of the film dragged on with extended shots of blah with a an obnoxious soundtrack to boot. Not his best work.

Rating: C-

Crash (2004)

Great mixture of mini race-related stories and characters that provoke much needed thought and introspection on the subject. The link between these stories is highly improbable, but that won't prevent you from enjoying the film.

Reminded me a lot of Magnolia in it's style and direction. Magnolia was a much better film however.

Rating: B-

The Salton Sea (2002)

My appreciation for Val Kilmer continues to grow after seeing performances like this. He's a truly underrated actor. This is a smart, moody drug/thriller/drama with a few tricks up its sleeve. I loved it.

Rating: B

Committed (2000)

I love nutty romances. Reminded me of "Home Fries", possibly because Luke Wilson stars in both, but more so because they are both quirky love stories. I figure if I ever fall in love, it's going to be under weird circumstances, so I'm a sucker for seeing it happen on screen.

Did I mention Heather Graham stars in this too? I love (lust, whatever) Heather Graham. I can vouch for the fact that she's as hot in real life as she is in person, because I ran into her at Sundance. She's drop dead gorgeous. But enough about Rollergirl.

This movie is about Heather being SUPER devoted to her new husband, and going to great lengths to keep the marriage together. It's got some fun cameos and side characters. It gets a little hokey at times, but just let yourself go along for the ride. The only thing that really bothered me is how close she tailed her husband in her car without him ever noticing. I need realism when someone is being followed.

Rating: B-

Salt (2010)

A pretty good action flick, with genuine heart pounding sequences. The plot keeps you guessing without being too complicated to follow. It's a fun summer popcorn movie.

Rating: C+

Predator (1987)

I watched this for my 3rd time I think, this time on Blu-Ray. I guess they did as much as they could with the picture quality, as it wasn't the usual crisp Blu-Ray image.

The movie itself holds up fairly well over time. You can't help but chuckle at Arnold's classic 2 or 3 word catchphrases. Plus, it's the only movie featuring two US governors as action heroes.

Rating: C+

Valkyrie (2008)

I had a hard time getting excited to see this, but eventually I relented. It's a solid historical drama with fine acting and direction.

Rating: C+

Assault on Precinct 13 (1976)

Pretty hard hitting stuff for its time. Seriously, you don’t see many little girls getting shot point blank while holding an ice cream cone back then. Yes, the cheese factor runs high, but the intensity of the police station assault make up for it. Just a strange film from a just-starting-out John Carpenter. Enjoyed it.

Rating: C+

Super Size Me (2004)

AWESOME!!!

I'm not kidding when I say that this movie might actually change your life. Seriously, I'm a fairly healthy person who gets a little exercise and loves fruits and vegetables, but after watching this film, I plan to make my diet even healthier, cutting out more of the harmful stuff I didn't realize was so harmful. Not bad for a movie.

The film is tons of fun to watch, especially for a documentary. The DVD extras are great, and you should check every last one out. The "food in a jar" segment is the best, so save that for last.

Rating: B+

The Counterfeiters (Die Fälscher) (2007)

Very well made historical drama based on a true story of a professional Jewish counterfeiter who gets imprisoned in a concentration camp and how he survives. Just the right balance between some very heavy themes and some lighter moments. This should be at the top of your foreign films to see list.

Rating: B+

Casino Royale (2006)

I've been continuously let down by the Bond franchise for some time now. Big explosions, big plot holes, and big boobs do not make for a good movie. Apparently I wasn't the only one complaining, because the stiffs holding the keys to 007 finally got their shit together and recruited some real writers and a solid director.

The result is a fantastic action/thriller with a Bond who doesn't have to ham it up to hold the audience's attention. Technically, this is an R rated movie, so be prepared for some high quality action and violence. Let's hope this trend continues.

Rating: B

Blade Runner: The Final Cut (1982)

I saw one of the earlier cuts of this film ages ago, and I wasn't impressed. But with so many people praising it over the years, I figured it was time to give it another shot. Perhaps my young sensibilities hadn't matured enough to appreciate this dark noir.

Turns out I was right the first time. Terrible character development. I seriously didn't care about anyone in the movie. Deplorable editing. The camera pans for eons across a ridiculous cityscape of "the future". They could have cut out a good 30 minutes of fluff and used that time to actually tell a story instead.

In Blade Runner's vision of the future, it appears Asian Vampires have taken control of the universe, as it's dark 24/7 and the city has turned into one giant China Town. Space travel is a cinch, however everyone still uses Commodore 64 technology. I have more computing power with my cell phone than they have in that entire city.

Maybe I'm missing the underlying social commentary. But who really gives two craps about underlying social commentaries when all you really want is to be entertained? Thank goodness Ridley Scott redeemed himself in his later years. One of the most over-hyped films of all time.

Rating: F

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)

Enjoyed it, although it slows down quite a bit in some parts. Does a great job of showing the before and after of ocean battles, not just the action sequences like some movies. Since there wasn't a pirate theme to the movie, more time was spent on plot and character development than on looting and greasy sailors saying arghhh.

Surprisingly violent for a PG-13 movie, but I think they were given some lenience by a Peter Weir friendly MPAA. They tend to bend the rules for popular directors.

Rating: B-

Amores Perros (2000)

A Mexican film about love, loss, dogs, and death. It's quite the story, with intertwining plots that become fully developed throughout the movie. Violent, but also tender and deep. One of the best foreign films I've seen in a while.

Rating: B+

Munich (2005)

A gripping, well made film that could have used a bit more editing and focus. I'm glad I saw the film and learned more about what happened that day. The DVD was surprisingly barren. They should have at least included a short documentary or something.

Rating: C+

Storytelling (2001)

I saw Welcome to the Dollhouse from Todd Solondz a long time ago, and more recently, Happiness - so this was my third go round. I thought I knew what I was getting into.

I didn't. He crossed new lines and boundaries I didn't think could be crossed. That's not actually a good thing in this case. I realize I'm not making much sense, but I'm not really trying to. I'd pass on this one.

Rating: D+

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Wo Hu Cang Long) (2000)

Visually stunning. Ang Lee directs, and does a great job of bringing his martial arts vision to the screen. I've enjoyed his work in such films as "The Ice Palace", and "Ride With the Devil" in the past, and I enjoyed this film as well. The fighting sequences were excellent. Story-wise, a bit hokey, but overall, good.

Rating: C+

Somewhere (2010)

Like all Sofia Coppola films, this one was somewhat depressing and lonely. It certainly takes the glamor out of being a young Hollywood star. It succeeds in showing the aimlessness and isolation that can occur from living that lifestyle. It’s the exact opposite of the E! Network.

Rating: C-

Surrogates (2009)

Along the same lines as the movie Gamer, but less realistic, if that's even possible. I couldn't buy into the plot from the get go, so the rest of the film didn't hold much weight. At least with Gamer people used surrogates or "avatars" in a recreational capacity. It's unrealistic to think that people would turn over their entire lives to these things, let alone 99% of the population.

Rating: D

Georgia Rule (2007)

I was trapped on a plane to Germany! I know, I know. It's no excuse for watching Ms. Lohan flit about onscreen like a drunken bat, but I was bored. And my laptop battery was dead. Complete garbage.

Rating: F

Thank You For Smoking (2005)

Great satire film about smoking, politics, and the media, among other things. Very enjoyable to watch, with plenty of irreverent dark humor to keep you laughing. Aaron Eckhart is wonderful as the speed talking lobbyist representing Big Tobacco without so much as a whiff of guilt. Huge names show up all over the place, likely working for scale, which is often the sign of a quality film. Breathe it in.

Rating: B

District B13 (Banlieue 13) (2004)

This movie so exceeded my expectations. A fast paced, action-packed, butt kicking French movie. Who would of thought? The plot doesn't try to reach Shakespearean levels, it simply serves as a showcase for the amazing stunt work and fight choreography. The cinematography is spectacular too. A must see for action lovers.

Rating: B

The Secret in Their Eyes (El secreto de sus ojos) (2009)

An intriguing mystery that unfolds very slowly. Might be hard for the general American film-goer to digest, but enjoyable for us die hard indie fans. What I liked best was that I felt satisfied with the ending, which seems rare these days.

Rating: C+

Smart People (2008)

The title is also the target audience, as the humor is oftentimes subtle, dry and high brow. Sorry fans of Blue Collar Comedy Tour. Very funny performances put in by this ensemble cast. Sure, I was slightly distracted by Sarah J Parker's massive mole, as usual, but not enough to disrupt my movie experience.

Rating: B-

Mad Hot Ballroom (2005)

A fun documentary the whole family can enjoy. The movie follows several groups of 5th graders as they take ballroom dancing classes at their public schools. At first it seems like trying to teach a bunch of monkeys how to ice skate, but soon the awkward shuffling turns into graceful steps. The best couples are invited to participate in regional and statewide competitions, where the level of dance is substantially elevated.

I have no personal interest in ballroom dance, but I was thoroughly entertained.

Rating: B-

Matchstick Men (2003)

Ridley Scott takes a screwball turn with this one. Nicolas Cage regains a little respect with this role. (Unfortunately it will be quickly lost after a dozen terrible roles to follow) Sam Rockwell is lots of fun as usual. Good story and plenty of laughs.

Rating: C+

The Others (2001)

While viewing this, you'll keep thinking the same thing over and over... this is a DARK movie. Not that the content is so dark, just that the movie takes place in the dark most of the time. Nicole Kidman is a creepy single parent looking after her 2 albino kids in a scary mansion with the help of equally scary servants.

The movie holds many surprises and twists. It will remind you of The Sixth Sense a little, but not in a rip-off way. It's worth checking out if you like scary movies that deliver the chills more from suspense than from blood and gore. I recall 2 distinct times when I screamed out like a girl. But, so did the rest of the theater, so it was ok.

Rating: B-

Jesus Is Magic (2005)

I adore the foul-mouthed little Jewess that is Sarah Silverman. She says what she wants, but more importantly, she's funny. This film is unusual in it's format, extremely funny, and not so funny. It's worth watching for the good parts.

Rating: C+

Avatar (2009)

Visually, it's unlike anything we've ever seen before. I saw it in 2D, as I'm yet to be convinced 3D makes the viewing experience better. Life in the new world James Cameron creates is fun and interesting. Certainly more exciting than the unplugged world within the film. Acting and story outside of Pandora are bland and wooden. Go see Avatar for what's over the rainbow, not below it.

Rating: B-

Heaven (2002)

Another fantastic film by the director behind Run Lola Run and The Princess and the Warrior. He's quickly becoming a director of films I refuse to miss. Everything behind the camera was perfect. Everything in front was equally perfect. When Cate Blanchett and Giovanni Ribisi are given good material, they do amazing work. This is a must see. The story is simple, but what they do with it is not.

Rating: A

Animal Factory (2000)

Interesting prison movie that focused on the characters and left out the flash. Steve Buschemi directs his sophomore effort with style and feeling. Great performances by everyone involved. Especially fun to see Tom Arnold playing a hillbilly rapist convict. Creepy.

Rating: B-

Enchanted (2007)

Really fun for the most part. Creative story and dialogue. Amy Adams was perfect for this role. Her over-the-top antics and singing were the best part of the film. I could have done without the unbelievable dragon at the end, but the other 90% made up for it.

Rating: C+

Torque (2004)

So bad it was funny. The bullet bike chick fight scene/Pepsi ad was one of the most ridiculous things I’ve ever seen. Also, what was Adam Scott doing in this film? Very strange casting. I would have given this a straight up F if it weren’t for the slick sound and effects. But seriously. Terrible.

Rating: F+

The Constant Gardener (2005)

The second film from the director of City of God, a brilliant Brazilian movie. For this reason, I went out of my way to see Constant Gardener on opening day. There's nothing wrong with the film, and I enjoyed watching it, but I still felt disappointed at the end. Maybe it was the depressing subject matter. Maybe my expectations were too high. Maybe the source material wasn't very good.

I loved loved loved the cinematography of Africa and images he brought to the camera, but the film was just ok.

Rating: C+

The Social Network (2010)

Impressive how they took a seemingly boring subject and weaved a compelling drama out of it. That's David Fincher for you. Surprisingly funny throughout too.

Rating: B

Truth or Consequences, N.M. (1997)

Upon a second viewing, I still really enjoyed it, and am surprised Keifer Sutherland hasn't done more directing since his debut film. I think he does a very respectable job.

Rating: B+

Where in the World Is Osama Bin Laden? (2008)

The movie looks and feels like an expanded episode of 30 Days, which is a good thing if you like his show. I do. The only thing more dangerous than eating straight McDonald's for 30 days is visiting all the scary places in the Middle East—well, most of them.

Morgan Spurlock is fun to watch because he is the perfect everyman. He's quick on his feet, funny, sincere, and unbiased. You don't feel like you're getting a personal opinion shoved down your throat like you do from Bill Maher. Morgan seeks to become more informed, and by extension, we the audience become more informed as well.

Rating: B-

Requiem For A Dream (2000)

Screw D.A.R.E.
Screw "Say no to Drugs"
Screw "This is your brain on drugs"
Round up all the elementary school kids. Sit their asses down in the auditorium, and play this movie on a big screen. By the time the credits roll, every kid in the place will have tears streaming down their little faces in terror, and they will NEVER do drugs.

Darren Aronofsky, the brilliant director of the movie "Pi" , delves into full color film-making with one hell of a ride down junkie lane. He has such a talent for creating dramatic images on screen. So many techniques are used, which when put together, form his unique style. The acting was fantastic, and Oscars should be handed out all around. Is it a fun movie to watch? Kind of. Is it worth watching? YES! An absolutely brilliant film.

Rating: A

Blood Diamond (2006)

I agree, DeCaprio is fantastic in this role; deserving of the many accolades piled upon him from the critics. Much more violent and action packed than I expected. Something I always appreciate. But at the same time, the story was rich and layered, making for a very watchable film. Great supporting performances too.

As for the political and social messages: they didn't bother me. In fact, I felt they made some good points, even if they were overly dramatized.

Rating: B-

You Can Count on Me (2000)

Laura Linney is terrific and Mathew Broderick does a solid job too. Excellent dialogue and character development. What an indie film should be.

Rating: B-

Sherry Baby (2006)

A mostly depressing film that demonstrates what happens when you make one bad decision in life after another. Great acting can't change the fact that you'll be rooting for child protection services to swoop in and save the day.

Rating: C-

Control Room (2004)

I think it's a good idea to hear and understand all sides of a debate, even if you don't necessarily agree with them. Control Room gives you the opposite take from Fox News. It's a documentary on Al Jazira, the largest Arab news station in the middle east.

Having watched the film, I have a better understanding of how the war was viewed from the other side. I agreed with some of the points that were made in the film, but have objections to others. Control Room, as opposed to Farenheit 911, is a balanced documentary worth seeing.

Rating: C+

Death Race 2 (2010)

This is actually a prequel, not that anyone was asking for one. Do we really need the origin story for a NASCAR snuff film? The last Death Race had a higher caliber cast and better writing. This retooled version tries really hard to convince us it’s not a B movie, to no avail. There are some fun sequences, but overall it’s a clunker.

Rating: D

Failure To Launch (2006)

A generic romantic comedy that constantly borders on implausibility. Sarah Jessica Parker is gross.

Rating: D+

Shrek (2001)

Highly entertaining. They took a creative story line and went crazy with it, pulling in a terrific cast to voice the characters. It's one of those family movies you can enjoy watching with the kids because most of the good humor is way over their heads anyway. Some fun extras on the DVD.

Rating: B-

Leon (The Professional) (1994)

I love this movie. One of the greatest films ever made. It's a travesty that Luc Besson, Natalie Portman, Jean Reno, and Gary Oldman were overlooked for Oscar nominations. Seriously--finest performances of their careers all around. The fact that this was Natalie Portmans very first film speakes volumes about the career she will go on to have. Only 12 when she filmed it. Gary Oldman plays one of the greatest bad guys of all time. Jean Reno's performance is subtle and moving.

Make sure and watch the original release with 24 extra minutes they cut from the US release.

Rating: A+

Grizzly Man (2005)

Words that come to mind: Fascinating, delusional, crazy,  self-aggrandizing, foolish, beautiful, and enabling. Let's be honest. This guy was a nut job. He'd convinced himself that what he was doing was worthwhile and helpful to the bears. Whereas, in reality, it was self-serving.

He created this mission for himself as a way of coping with his shitty life and drinking problem. I felt Werner, the director, did an admirable job of telling the story evenly. The viewer is allowed to develop their own feelings and opinions about what happened.

Rating: C+

Ong-bak (2003)

A Thai masterpiece! Perfect blend of action, drama, and comedy, all done with decent acting and non CGI stunt work. This guy puts Jackie Chan to shame. It's a must see for any one who loves some good old fashioned butt kicking, with all the trimmings.

Rating: A-

Sniper 2 (2002)

What you’d expect from a straight to video low budget sequel. Low production value across the board, except when it came to explosions. Those were all overdone. Plot was like a throwaway script from an episode of The A-Team, only the plan didn’t come together.

Rating: D