The Boondock Saints II: All Saint Day (2009)

Having just viewed the first film, I was fully up to speed on who everyone was and where the story left off. I'd recommend a second viewing to anyone interested in checking All Saints Day out.

Thankfully, all the things that made the original fun were back, plus a few more. I also appreciated the efforts made to recast the same actors. It makes a difference. The story was surprisingly solid. Pacing was good. It's not a perfect film by any means, but certainly better than the first and a fun rental.

Rating: B-

Monsters Inc. (2001)

Lots of fun, witty, and very creative. Pixar in its prime.

Rated: B+

The Longest Yard (2005)

The original was ok, but I enjoyed this remake more. They chose to focus more on the comedy, rather than  trying to make a hardcore prison movie. Sandler and supporting cast do a decent job.

Rating: C

Adaptation. (2002)

Charlie Kauffman is the genius behind Being John Malkovich and this film follows his odd genre of twisting reality with fiction. So nice to see Nic Cage in a non dumbass role for a change. Mix that with a great supporting cast and Spike Jonze behind the camera, and you have a must see movie.

Rating: B+

The Garden (2008)

One of those documentaries that starts off about one thing, and then the story takes on a life of its own and spreads to a host of other issues. The Garden is about the largest community garden in the US, located in South Central Los Angeles. It’s about the fight of those working the land to prevent the government from selling it out from under them. It’s about political corruption (I’m talking about you Jan Perry, you corrupt blowhard). It’s about farming, green space, minority rights, activism, and a host of other things. Full of interesting and educational lessons. Loved it. A must see.

Rating: B

The Giant Mechanical Man (2012)

A bland romantic comedy that felt like it was trying too hard to be indie. It was neither hip nor cool. Mostly slow, boring, and uneventful. Too many overly coincidental encounters. I couldn’t get past that.

Rating: D

The Boondock Saints (1999)

I had to watch this one again before seeing the sequel, since I had completely forgotten what happened. It was better than I remember. Maybe I appreciated that bizarre humor a little more, or the flashback sequences that follow a grisly crime scene. At any rate, it made watching the follow-up more enjoyable.

Rating: C+

School For Scoundrels (2006)

Billy Bob taking a very small step up from his Bad Santa character. The few laughs come from talented minor roles, like Sarah Silverman, Ben Stiller, and David Cross. The films writer needs to go back to school.

Rating: C-

Elysium (2013)

Really enjoyed the first half. A lot of creative ideas in this dystopian vision of the future. All special effects and manufactured environments were on point. Excellent camera and sound work. The second half relied more on Hollywood clichés, following a familiar path to a semi-sweet ending.

Rating: C+

I, Robot (2004)

I, Robot was part Matrix, part Men in Black, and part A.I. Alex Proyas, who directed the cult classic The Crow, did a decent job with the material he was given. Better than I thought it was going to be.

Rating: C+

Shutter Island (2010)

The film is finely crafted by Martin. Acting is excellent. Story? Eh. I was certainly on edge and intrigued. I liked the ending. But overall, I wouldn't say it's a very satisfying film.

Rating: C