9 (2009)

 

The animation is beautiful. It's a shame the story is so ho-hum, with an even lamer ending. I expected something much better. 

Rating: C-

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

 

A bit of nostalgic fun with a nameless enemy that no one can feel sad about seeing get blown up. 

Rating: C

Alita: Battle Angel (2019)

Somewhat intriguing to see what tricks Robert Rodriguez came up with technologically, but the rest of the film left a lot to be desired. Mildly entertaining.

Rating: C

House Of Sand And Fog (2003)

Two outstanding performances by Jennifer Connelly and Ben Kingsley. Both Oscar worthy and both contained in a painfully depressing movie. Hollywood screws us like that all the time. It's a rarity to enjoy such fine acting in a light comedy. Maybe that's why crap like White Chick makes money while The House of Sand And Fog is seen by few.

Rating: C+

Dark Water (2005)

All creeped up with nowhere to go. There's a great mood throughout the film, but the story is worn out and boring. How many versions of this plot are we going to copy from Japan anyway?

Rating: D

Noah (2014)

A wild and bizarre interpretation of the Noah story from the Bible. I’d expect no less from Darren Aronofsky. Epic in scope and aggressive in storytelling. If taken on its own merit, forgetting the source material, it makes for an entertaining film. Not one of my favorites from him, but interesting nonetheless.

Rating: C+

A Beautiful Mind (2001)

Russell Crowe during the peak of his career. Jennifer Connelly holds her own beside him. Entertaining movie based loosely on a real life story.

Rating: B

The Day The Earth Stood Still (2008)

Felt more like a lecture about global warming from Al Gore than a science fiction movie. Fails on every level.

Rating: F

Hulk (2003)

I thought Ang Lee did a good job with story and character development. The action was pretty cool, especially how the Hulk bounds from place to place over great distances. It lost me a little at the end with the whole lake scene, but overall it was a decent action flick.

Rating: C

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-

He's Just Not That Into You (2009)

Impressive cast surrounding a cute book adaptation. Ginnifer Goodwin and Howie Long stole the show, but Scarlet Johansson proves once again why she is a sex goddess of our time.

Rating: C+