Apr 25, 2015

Sweet Home Alabama (2002)

A step up from Two Weeks Notice, but not a big step. Cute and funny scenes here and there, but a predictable plot and over-the-top sub characters made it wallow in the mediocre romantic comedy trough.

 Rating: C-

Flightplan (2005)

Contrary to popular belief, this movie has nothing to do with a flight plan. Pretty good suspense until the end, where it fizzled.

Rating: C-

3 Days To Kill (2014)

Some Luc Besson flourishes helped make things interesting, but McG direction couldn’t elevate the material to a higher level.

Rating: C

The Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)

Not as terrible as I was expecting, which isn't exactly a stellar review. It held my attention, for the most part. I've seen worse.

Rating: D

Apr 24, 2015

Wristcutters: A Love Story (2006)

It's not everyday you get to see a comedy about suicide. In fact, every character in this film has killed themselves. Surprisingly, it's not depressing. Instead, it's like a darker version of the film "Defending Your Life", which is a great movie if you haven't seen it.

Favorite parts: Gogol Bordello & the black hole underneath the seat.

Rating: C+

Out of the Furnace (2013)

Great character development and a full-bodied build-up to what is essentially a revenge flick. Personally, I would have preferred a little less back story and a lot more revenge fueled butt-kicking at the end.

The closing scene didn’t pack quite enough umph to feel satisfying, especially after such a showcase of killer acting. Some great performances—perhaps even nomination worthy. That’s what will stick with you after the credits roll.

Rating: C+

L.I.E. (2001)

A boy version of the Sundance film Thirteen. Not as sensationalized as Kids, but with acting at the same level. The real performance was from Brian Cox - tough role.

Rating: C+

Ocean's Twelve (2004)

Not as smooth and fun as the first. The cast is great once again, but the plot is almost too confusing to follow at times. The characters still make it enjoyable to watch, especially Julia playing Tess playing Julie.

Rating: C+

Apr 23, 2015

6 Days to Air: The Making of South Park (2011)

A must see for any fan of South Park. Fun behind-the-scenes look at how an episode comes to fruition. Enjoyed.

Rating: C+

Oct 17, 2014

First Blood (1982)

Saw this as a kid and decided to check it out again. I'd forgotten most of the plot, but as it turns out, there wasn't much of a plot to forget. No matter, because this film is all about the action. I had a blast seeing this classic again.

Rating: B

Gone Baby Gone (2007)

A well crafted film for Ben's first directorial effort. Part thought-provoking, part thriller. I don't see myself running out to see it again, but it's a decent rental.

Rating: C

300: Rise Of An Empire (2014)

Entertaining and bloody, but not bloody entertaining.

Rating: C

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009)

An excellent supporting cast made for some funny scenes, but they were too few and far between. The overall plot and story devices were a train wreck. Mostly appealing to the 8 and under crowd.

Rating: C-

I’m Not Scared (Lo Non Ho Paura) (2003)

Thought I was going to be watching a scary Italian film for Halloween, but it turned out to be a weak abduction plot. The cinematography and child actors were good, but the script needed some work and a little creativity. Nothing to get excited about.

Rating: C-

The Gatekeepers (2012)



An Israeli documentary about the history of the Israel Palestine problem from the perspective of former heads of the Shin Bet, Israel’s intelligence agency. Very informative and nicely edited. I learned a lot.

Rating: C+

The Tale of Despereaux (2008)

Too much narrative and hokiness for kids, and too slow and dull for adults. I dozed off several times.

Rating: D+

Equilibrium (2002)

The Book "The Giver" meets the video game Half Life 2. Don't expect a highly plausable story, watch it instead of the ass kicking.

Rating: C

Centurion (2010)

A somewhat ambiguous storyline, where the viewer isn't quite sure which side he's supposed to be rooting for, and therefore doesn't feel as invested in the film. The action borders on cartoony at times. When your blood spatter is CGI, it's hard for it not to be.

The scenery is gorgeous. Beautiful country. Overall, it's not bad. You could do much worse when seeking out a good action fix.

Rating: C

Enron: The Smartest Guys In The Room (2005)

If you were like me, you tuned out whenever Enron stuff came on the news. It was too depressing and complicated. That's why it was nice to have someone make a nice documentary about the whole thing, so I could be educated and entertained at the same time.

Rating: C+

The Internship (2013)

Basic Hollywood recycled drivel. A few funny lines and moments. Revenge of the Nerds meets a 90 minute advertisement for Google.

Rating: D