Merry Christmas (Joyeux Noel) (2005)

Based on real events, meaning liberties were taken to put together an entertaining film, which is fine with me. I enjoyed. We are given 3 different perspectives, the Brits, Scots, and Germans, which eventually blend into one. Fantastic message of peace that doesn't hit you over the head.

Rating: B-

Mutant Chronicles (2008)

I've since learned that this is a movie based on a role playing game, which I imagine doesn't really get the blood pumping. There was a limited theatrical release, but this baby is pretty much direct to video.

It's a shame, as the cast features quite a few stars, and the film itself isn't bad. It's a cross between Hell Boy and a zombie movie. Not exactly Shakespeare, but a lot more entertaining. Would have been better with a bit more character development.

Rating: C

Speed Racer (2008)

I can hardly fathom how the Wachowski's can be responsible for amazing films like The Matrix and Bound, only two follow them up with two inferior Matrix sequels and then a massively disappointing car wreck of a film, Speed Racer. What happened?

 Regardless of whether they were going for an anime feel or pure camp, the film still needs to be entertaining. It failed miserably on that count. The characters are as two dimensional as the crappy cartoon this movie was based on. I was unable to root for the hero because I was too preoccupied wishing other characters dead. Only a bullet to the head of his mother, fat kid brother, and dumbass monkey could have turned things around for me.

Christina Ricci should have known better than to sign on for this abomination. She was better in Casper for crying out loud. 90% of the film is one giant green screen, and it shows. There's at least a full hour of actors reacting poorly to scenes that a computer is yet to create. The scriptwriters sat at the back of the bus while the FX guy drove it off a cliff. One of the worst films of the year.

Rating: F

North Face (Nordwand) (2008)

An authentic, gritty film about German climbers attempting a first accent on a nearly unscalable mountain face. Why people do this I'll never understand. Very tense and believable. Almost painful to watch at times. Well made.

Rating: B-

In Darkness (2011)

A Polish film based on a local sewer inspector who helped a group of Jewish people survive the German occupation by living in the sewer tunnels. Amazing cinematography and shooting conditions. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was filmed in a real sewer. Everything looked very authentic. Hard to watch at times, as films about the Holocaust usually are, but very well done.

Rating: B-

The Princess and the Warrior (Der Krieger und die Kaiserin) (2000)

Another film from Tom Tykwer, of Run Lola Run fame, starring the same red headed actress. Having seen two of his previous movies, I think I can safely say this guy is fantastic. His camera work, editing, and direction are so unique and creative. He has a way of sucking you in and messing with your emotions.

Rating: B-