Seen it! (the next 500)
Reviews and ratings for all the movies I've seen.
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- DirectorNicolás LópezStarsPaz BascuñánAntonio QuerciaPaulo BrunettiWhen a woman visits a Chinese doctor, she discovers her pain is due to pent-up rage, and the only cure is to fully express herself, whatever may come.She's wound tighter than a spring until she has acupuncture, then she can't keep her feelings to herself. Overall, pretty funny. Terrible acting, though. A bit hard to read and watch at the same time, but do-able if you're a fast reader. 5/10
- DirectorTom McCarthyStarsMark RuffaloMichael KeatonRachel McAdamsThe true story of how the Boston Globe uncovered the massive scandal of child molestation and cover-up within the local Catholic Archdiocese, shaking the entire Catholic Church to its core.Wow. Wow. WOW! Spectacular story about how the Boston Globe broke the story about the catholic church covering up the rape of thousands of children by hundreds of priests. We all know the stories, but in 2001 this was huge news, eclipsed only by 9/11 (which, incidentally, sidelined the church story for a few months).
Excellent writing, acting ... everything about this was damn near perfect. 8/10 - DirectorRob BurnettStarsCraig RobertsPaul RuddSelena GomezA man suffering a family loss enrolls in a class about care-giving that changes his perspective on life.Excellent movie! There really isn't anything negative to say about this. All of the actors did a fantastic job, particularly Craig Roberts and Paul Rudd. I was even surprised by Selena Gomez' acting skills.
The story is heartbreaking at times, but mostly it's a story that makes you feel. Not necessarily a "feel-good" movie, but one that makes you feel an entire range of emotion. I highly recommend this one. 8/10 - DirectorOren MovermanStarsRichard GereBen VereenJena MaloneGeorge seeks refuge at Bellevue Hospital, a Manhattan intake center for homeless men, where his friendship with a fellow client helps him try to repair his relationship with his estranged daughter.I'm so torn on this one. There was absolutely no real plot. It was pieced together by 2 stories, one of which was entirely insignificant, and the other could have been done as a documentary, instead of a 2+ hour movie.
I almost shut it off after the first 30 minutes, it was that boring. But I'm a sucker, hoping it will get better at some point. This one really didn't.
I will say that the one "storyline", if you can call it that, should have been the central theme of the entire movie, but then it would have needed to be a documentary. The story was about how incredibly difficult, if not impossible, it is for a homeless person to get the documentation needed to be a functioning member of society. What really struck me is that in order to get an ID, you need a Social Security card. In order to get that, you need a birth certificate. In order to get that, you have to show ID to prove who you are. The ultimate catch-22 for someone who has lost all of their documentation, and can't even remember their SS#. This story needs to be told, but in a way that actually holds a person's attention. This movie wasn't that.
I give this one a 4/10, and only because of the ID problems. - DirectorAlejandro G. IñárrituStarsBrad PittCate BlanchettGael García BernalTragedy strikes a married couple on vacation in the Moroccan desert, which jump starts an interlocking story involving four different families.Wow! What a shocking, twisted, Murphy's Law kind of story. 4 countries, countless people, but centered around one couple's unthinkable tragedy while on vacation in Morocco. I was shaking by the time it was over.
This was hard to follow until you get the hang of how the story was told. The timeline bounces back and forth from present to past, sometimes the same piece of the story told by different characters. It was creative, but at times confusing. If not for that, I would have rated it higher. 6/10 - DirectorRichard LinklaterStarsEllar ColtranePatricia ArquetteEthan HawkeThe life of Mason, from early childhood to his arrival at college.This movie was surprisingly good. I could relate to so many different people in the movie, in so many ways. The story follows Mason from around the age of 7 to the age of 19 when he enters college. At first, you think it's going to be a boring movie, but it really draws you in and keeps you interested.
I didn't know before I watched it, that it was filmed over a period of 12 years with the same actors. I would highly recommend watching this one. 8/10 - DirectorVicki AbelesJessica CongdonA silent epidemic, cheating, has become commonplace in our schools; students have become disengaged; stress-related illness, depression and burnout are rampant; and young people arrive at college and workplaces unprepared and uninspired.Must see documentary. Everyone must see this - parents, grandparents, teachers, administrators, professors, students, and anyone who cares about the education system in the US. 9/10
- DirectorPeter CornwellStarsFrances O'ConnorShirley KnightChandler RiggsA single mom and her two boys help take care of their grandmother with mystical powers.One of the worst horror movies I've ever seen. Seriously bad. 2/10
- DirectorRobert GreenwaldStarsOlivia Newton-JohnGene KellyMichael BeckA struggling artist living in Los Angeles meets a girl who may hold the key to his happiness.One of my all-time favorite movies. 80's cheese, but oh so good! Gene Kelly kicks ass. Great music by ELO. Excellent special effects (for 1980). 8/10
- DirectorMichael Beach NicholsChristopher K. WalkerStarsRyan SchockHeather CookLee CookWhen a noted white supremacist moves into their town, the residents of Leith, North Dakota do what they can to prevent him from taking control of the municipality.Documentary about Craig Cobb that will make you want to punch your screen. I can't tell you how much hate I have for this sorry excuse for a man, and his ilk. 7/10
- DirectorPete DocterRonnie Del CarmenStarsAmy PoehlerBill HaderLewis BlackAfter young Riley is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved to San Francisco, her emotions - Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness - conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house, and school.Adorable. Funny. Sad. Well done. Watched this one twice in one day. 7/10
- DirectorFritz KierschStarsPeter HortonLinda HamiltonR.G. ArmstrongA young couple is trapped in a remote town where a dangerous religious cult of children believes that everyone over age 18 must be killed.It's been decades since I've seen this one. It's still creepy, but the special effects and the age of the movie make it almost funny to watch now. 3/10
- DirectorDan KraussStarsMonica BhargavaJessica ZitterWitness the wrenching emotions that accompany end-of-life decisions as doctors, patients and families in a hospital ICU face harrowing choices.Found this on Netflix, thought it would be interesting to watch. It wasn't. It was disjointed, had absolutely no story-line whatsoever. It bounced back and forth between patients so often, it was hard to keep track of who was who. For a 25 minute short, they did a lousy job, in my opinion. 3/10
- DirectorKirby DickStarsAndrea PinoAnnie ClarkClaire PotterAn exposé of rape crimes on U.S. college campuses, their institutional cover-ups, and the devastating toll they take on students and their families.This documentary goes into excellent detail about the epidemic of rape on college campuses around the country. Women all over the country come forward to tell their stories of how they were raped, and how the colleges covered it up and tried to sweep it under the rug. It shows the bravery of a couple of women who organized to bring awareness, help those who have been raped, and teach others how to get justice through Title IX.
This documentary is important for both parents and students to watch. 8/10 - DirectorJen SenkoStarsGlenn BeckEric BoehlertDavid BrockAfter her dad shifts his politics from left to right, his daughter tries to understand what happened.Excellent documentary about how Faux "news" and other right-wing media can turn a once loving, thoughtful, compassionate person into a fearful, hate-mongering, brain-dead person. It's really sad and scary, but it does have a good ending. 8/10
- DirectorAdam ShankmanStarsJennifer LopezMatthew McConaugheyBridgette Wilson-SamprasMary Fiore is San Francisco's most successful supplier of romance and glamor. She knows all the tricks. She knows all the rules. But then she breaks the most important rule of all: she falls in love with the groom.I can't believe it took me this long to watch this movie. It was a very cute rom-com, and very much needed in my life at this moment. Some really funny moments, and a good bit of chemistry. Not a great movie, by any means, predictable as could be, but lighthearted fun and worth the watch if you haven't seen it. 7/10
- DirectorDon ArgottSheena M. JoyceStarsAdam PallyMegan NeuringerBobby Spears Jr.Jeff and Anne, two close friends and co-workers, are embarrassingly unlucky at love. They hatch a plan to transform themselves over the course of a sex-and-alcohol-fueled summer.Horribly awkward movie. It does get better about halfway through, then takes a nosedive about 3/4 of the way through, then has a decent ending. Supposed to be a rom-com, but there wasn't a whole lot of "com" about it. If you stay to the end, there are outtakes in the credits, which were funnier than the movie.
Also, if you live in SE PA, you'll recognize a few places, which was a bit of a surprise. 5/10 - DirectorClint EastwoodStarsLeonardo DiCaprioArmie HammerNaomi WattsJ. Edgar Hoover, powerful head of the F.B.I. for nearly fifty years, looks back on his professional and personal life.Interesting story. Seems J Edgar Hoover was a brilliant *beep* It's a shame he wasn't a more likable person, but then I guess he wouldn't have been able to accomplish what he did. 7/10
- DirectorKatherine BrooksStarsErin KellyDiane GaidryLaura BreckenridgeThe intelligent Annabelle starts in an elite Catholic girls' boarding high school after being expelled from the previous 2 schools. She's open about being lesbian. She's attracted to her teacher, Simone.Sweet and sad story. Pretty awful acting by all but the 2 lead female characters. 5/10
- DirectorMichele JosueStarsMichele JosueJudy ShepardZeina BarkawiFriends and family reflect on the life and death of 21-year-old Matthew Shepard, who was murdered in a targeted homophobic attack in Wyoming in 1998.It took me a while to work up the courage to watch this, as I knew it would tear me to pieces. It wasn't as heartbreaking as I'd expected it to be, but it was still difficult. We must never forgot Matthew Shepard, and must always strive to make this world a place where everyone is safe. I think Bill Clinton said it best: "Hate and prejudice are not American values."
- DirectorGregory HoblitStarsRichard GereLaura LinneyEdward NortonAn altar boy is accused of murdering a priest, and the truth is buried several layers deep.Well done, but entirely predictable. Richard Gere looks stunning, as usual. Edward Norton is always creepy. Great cast, good acting. 7/10
- DirectorFernando González MolinaStarsMario CasasAdriana UgarteMacarena GarcíaAfter the death of her father, a young Spanish woman discovers a partial letter. As she searches for the answers, she embarks on a journey that takes her back to Africa, where she unfolds the secrets of her family.Wow. Wow. Wow! What a powerful movie. So sad, on so many levels. This is a very long movie, at nearly 3 hours, and it's subtitled, so prepare for a long "read". The story is a bit of fiction mixed with some truth about the area and the time. It spans 2 generations. This one will stick with me for a very long time. 8/10
- DirectorMarya CohnStarsEmily VanCampCourtney DanielsJordan LageSet in the world of New York publishing, a young book editor is forced to confront a troubling chapter from her past when a bestselling author re-enters her life.Sad, but great story. I'm not fond of movies that bounce back and forth between the present and the past, but this one worked well. I don't think it could have been done any other way, to be honest. 7/10
- DirectorGaspar NoéStarsAomi MuyockKarl GlusmanKlara KristinMurphy is an American living in Paris who enters a highly sexually and emotionally charged relationship with Electra. Unaware of the effect it will have on their relationship, they invite their pretty neighbor into their bed.I'm not even sure where to begin with this one. Artsy, dark, intense, sad, disjointed. Oh, and the title should just be called "Sex", because that's what it was 90% of the time. This has an NR rating, but it probably qualifies as X rated. Very graphic sex scenes.
The story itself is emotionally depressing. It's sometimes hard to follow. And the dialogue is extremely quiet, save for a few outrageously loud scenes. I had my tv turned up to full blast just to barely hear the majority of the movie. 5/10 - DirectorJeremy KonnerStarsJohnny DeppRon HowardAlfred MolinaFunny or Die presents a satirical rendition of Donald Trump's 1987 best selling business book, The Art of the Deal.I have to agree with Ron Howard, that was horrific! LOL So bad, it's funny.
- DirectorTonie MarshallStarsSophie MarceauPatrick BruelAndré WilmsRomantic comedy about Lambert, an ex-sex addict turned marriage counselor who hires the sultry, sex-crazed Judith as his assistant. Will her unbridled sexuality derail Lambert's newfound realization that love must come before sex?The title of this on Netflix is "Sex, Love & Therapy", so finding it on IMDb was a challenge.
French film, subtitled, and you have to be a speed-reader to keep up, as the dialogue is very fast-paced. Even though I missed more than a few lines, I was able to keep up with it for the most part.
Funny and charming, but not a great movie by any means. 5/10 - DirectorJong-Yeol BaekStarsHan Hyo-jooPark Seo-joonJuri UenoA South Korean has a different person's body, changing every morning to a body "borrowed" for a day - man, woman, old, child and sometimes a foreigner. "He" works as furniture designer. He loves a girl. She loves him for the beauty inside.Wow! This movie was absolutely incredible. The story is unique and fascinating. The actors (so many of them!) were great together. It's subtitled, and sometimes moves too quickly to read, but it's not difficult to keep up with the actual dialogue. I would recommend this one to everyone! 9/10
- DirectorQ. Allan BrockaStarsDerek MagyarGeorge JonsonPatrick BauchauA successful male escort describes in a series of confessions his tangled romantic relationships with his two roommates and an older, enigmatic male client.I was pleasantly surprised by how good this movie is! The acting can be a bit awful at times, but it's more than made up for by the story itself. A gay male prostitute has his life turned upside down by his friendship with a client. Some very emotional moments in this movie. 7/10
- DirectorTina MabryStarsAdam ClarkMalcolm GoodwinMichael HyattThree poor Black kids in rural Mississippi reap the consequences of their family's cycle of abuse, addiction, and violence.Gut-wrenching movie. Based on a true story about a family who is beyond dysfunctional. The pace is slow, and it's very confusing. It took me a while to figure out whose kids belonged to whom, and to learn everyone's names. They could have done a better job of setting up the characters for the audience. 6/10
- DirectorÉdouard MolinaroStarsMichel SerraultUgo TognazziMarcel BozzuffiThe titular gay couple become involved with local cops and foreign spies when one of them unwittingly obtains a roll of stolen microfilm.I didn't even know there was a part 2, and while it's funny, it's not as good as the first one. 5/10
- DirectorÉdouard MolinaroStarsUgo TognazziMichel SerraultClaire MaurierThe manager of a Saint-Tropez nightclub featuring drag entertainment, and his star attraction, are a gay couple. Madness ensues when his straight son brings home a fiancée and her ultra-conservative parents to meet them.Had to watch the original. Nowhere near as funny as the remake with Robin Williams, but still pretty funny. 6/10
- DirectorStephen FrearsStarsJudi DenchSteve CooganSophie Kennedy ClarkA world-weary political journalist picks up the story of a woman's search for her son, who was taken away from her decades ago after she became pregnant and was forced to live in a convent.Touching story, but I'm left so angry I could spit nails! The things the church has done to people, particularly women, over the centuries is beyond the pale. Especially the catholic church. Add this to the multitude of reasons I abhor the church and its apologists. I would not have been so kind as Philomena was, that's for damn sure!
- DirectorThomas CarterStarsJulia StilesSean Patrick ThomasKerry WashingtonA white midwestern girl moves to Chicago, where her new boyfriend is a black teen from the South Side with a rough, semi-criminal past.Good story, decent acting. Feel-good movie.
- DirectorGus Van SantStarsRobin WilliamsMatt DamonBen AffleckWill Hunting, a janitor at M.I.T., has a gift for mathematics, but needs help from a psychologist to find direction in his life.Still one of the best movies ever made. Made me nostalgic for Robin Williams, who could play the funniest characters as well as the deepest characters. 8/10
- DirectorQ. Allan BrockaStarsAaron MiloChris PuckettChris SalvatoreZack is gaycationing in Palm Springs with new BF Benji who, to Zack's dismay, wants to try an open relationship. Adding confusion is Casey, Zack's ex, with Peter, his fake BF, plus Casey's fruity friend, Penny, and Zack's friend Lilly.The last in the series. The whole thing reminded me of American Pie, only this was the LGBT version. Cheesy and funny and totally irreverent. Each one was a little less fun to watch, but they all had their moments of gold. This one had a cis woman and trans woman fighting over the same man, with some really funny scenes. Well worth the watch, if you're into this sort of thing. 5/10
- DirectorQ. Allan BrockaStarsChris SalvatoreDaniel SkeltonAaron MiloTemptations at a drama camp threaten a gay relationship that may already be cooling.Less comedy, more drama. Getting worse with each installment. 5/10
- DirectorGlenn GaylordStarsRebekah KochanDaniel SkeltonChris SalvatoreA gay Internet connection is made, but entanglements ensue due to hiding behind the name and photo of a straight male stripper who happens to return to the area.Not as good as the first two, but still good. Biggest surprise was seeing Marcellus Reynolds (Big Brother) in a scene near the end. Also, Leslie Jordan had a significant role ... love that guy! :D
- DirectorPhillip J. BartellStarsJim VerrarosEmily Brooke HandsRebekah KochanAfter Marc dumps him, Kyle unites with Gwen and Tiffani to land sexually confused art model Troy by pretending to be straight. However, Marc wants Troy, too, and members from a notorious "ex-gay" group are slipping for the both of them.Not quite as good as the first one, but still funny. Some memorable moments. 6/10
- DirectorQ. Allan BrockaStarsScott LunsfordJim VerrarosEmily Brooke HandsAfter getting dumped by his slutty girlfriend, Caleb falls in love with Gwen. However, thanks to Caleb's roommate, Gwen thinks he's gay and sets him up with her roommate, Marc.Wow, this one is hard to describe. Totally out of left field, but good. Not great, but really good. The first 45 minutes were terribly cheesy, but then it got intense. Very intense! The acting was horrible at times, and wonderful other times. The plot was fun. I had chills a few times, it got so real. This movie is definitely not for everyone. I'm glad I watched it! 6/10
- DirectorPatrick BriceStarsAdam ScottTaylor SchillingJason SchwartzmanAlex, Emily, and their son, RJ, are new to Los Angeles. A chance meeting at the park introduces them to the mysterious Kurt, Charlotte, and Max. A family "playdate" becomes increasingly interesting as the night goes on.Funny, funny, funny! Very surprising throughout. Great cast! 7/10
- DirectorJoanna CoatesStarsJosh O'ConnorHannah ArtertonRea MoleFour fragile young people flee London to start an unconventional utopia, creating a world of fantasy that overwhelms them.Absolutely awful movie. Slow, nothing makes any sense, no plot whatsoever. The only reason I watched until the end is because I thought it HAS to get better at some point. I was wrong. It didn't.
- DirectorKyle BaldaPierre CoffinStarsSandra BullockJon HammMichael KeatonMinions Stuart, Kevin, and Bob are recruited by Scarlet Overkill, a supervillain who, alongside her inventor husband Herb, hatches a plot to take over the world.Cute, but not as good as Despicable Me. Lots of funny moments, though. Good for a few laughs.
- DirectorAnand TuckerStarsAmy AdamsMatthew GoodeAdam ScottAnna Brady plans to travel to Dublin, Ireland to propose to her boyfriend Jeremy on February 29, leap day, because, according to Irish tradition, a man who receives a marriage proposal on a leap day must accept it.Cute movie. Predictable, in the way that these movies are, but it made my heart go pitter-patter more than once. The chemistry between the leads was steamy! 7/10
- DirectorSteven BrillStarsAdam SandlerDavid SpadePaula PattonTwo down-on-their-luck guys decide to fake their own deaths and start over with new identities, only to find the people they're pretending to be are in even deeper trouble.This was one of the most ridiculous movies I've seen in a while. It had its funny moments, but overall it was just stupid slapstick comedy. The plot was pretty awful, the acting was sub-par at best. The cast was so-so. If you need to waste 2 hours, watch it. If not, avoid it.
- DirectorUli EdelStarsNicolas CageSarah Wayne CalliesVeronica FerresA professor frantically searches for his son who was abducted during a Halloween carnival.Not a terrible movie, but not great, either. The story was interesting, not really predictable. Very slow at first, but it builds tempo halfway through. Cage's acting really slipped in this one, not believable at all. It was ok, but disappointing. 5/10
- DirectorLucía PuenzoStarsRicardo DarínValeria BertuccelliGermán PalaciosThe story of an intersex fifteen-year-old. She lives with her parents, who have to cope with the challenges of her medical condition.An intersex teen, raised as a girl, explores her gender and sexuality. Subtitled, pretty easy to read and watch at the same time. Slow moving, little dialogue, sometimes shocking, mostly sad. 6/10
- DirectorErik Van LooyStarsKarl UrbanJames MarsdenWentworth MillerFive married guys secretly share a penthouse loft in the city where they can carry out hidden affairs. The fantasy becomes a nightmare, however, when they discover a dead woman in the loft and realize one of the group must be involved.Wow, that was intense! I love a good mystery that keeps me guessing until the very end, and this one was perfection! Just when I thought I'd figured it out, another twist was added. Great plot, excellent cast. 8/10
- DirectorCharlie McDowellStarsMark DuplassElisabeth MossTed DansonA troubled couple vacate to a beautiful getaway, but bizarre circumstances further complicate their situation.What a crazy ride that was! Whoever wrote this has one hell of an imagination. Very creative story. I'm still trying to figure out what happened at the end. I thought I knew, but I'm not so sure now that I think about it. Great movie!
- DirectorMary Agnes DonoghueStarsKatherine HeiglTom WilkinsonLinda EmondJenny's parents and siblings are always trying to set her up with a man when she visits them. What they don't know is that she's already met the right person, her "roommate" Kitty, 5 years ago and she wants to marry her and start a family.Good movie about a woman who comes out to her family, and deals with the repercussions. Things might not have been handled the best, but that's what real life is like for a lot of people. I was genuinely impressed with how they showed 2 emotional outbursts in particular, one from Jenny and one from her mother. I thought they were brilliant. I had to break out the tissues a couple of times. 7/10
- DirectorIngo HaebStarsVicky KriepsLena LauzemisSteffen MünsterIn this coming out story with a difference, Lynn - a painfully shy hotel maid with OCD - voyeuristically watches a guest's encounter with a dominatrix. She then decides to hire the call girl to help her shed her own inhibitions.Very bizarre film about a woman with some mental issues who finds an unorthodox outlet for her problems. German, subtitled. 5/10
- DirectorLorene ScafariaStarsSteve CarellKeira KnightleyMelanie LynskeyAs an asteroid nears Earth, a man finds himself alone after his wife leaves in a panic. He decides to take a road trip to reunite with his high school sweetheart. Accompanying him is a neighbor who inadvertently puts a wrench in his plan.Surprisingly good movie. RomCom with a bit of a sci-fi and drama mix. Two totally dysfunctional people facing imminent death due to an asteroid collision with Earth spend their last couple of weeks on a mission that ends up being the journey of a lifetime. 7/10
- DirectorLeah MeyerhoffStarsNatalia DyerPeter VackJulia GarnerA road trip through the stunning and complex landscape of troubled young love.Odd little movie. It was in my watchlist, so I'm assuming someone must've told me to watch it, for whatever reason. I wasn't terribly impressed with it. It was artsy and different, and incredibly sad. My heart broke over and over again.
- DirectorTyler MeasomJustin WeinsteinStarsJames RandiPenn JilletteTellerThe life and career of the renowned stage magician turned scientific skeptic of the paranormal, James Randi.Very interesting documentary about James Randi. Some things I discovered for the first time that were really surprising! I adore this man. I saw him speak at the first Reason Rally, and I'm excited to see him speak again at the second Reason Rally on June 4th.
- DirectorJennifer PhangStarsJacqueline KimJames UrbaniakFreya AdamsIn a near-future city where soaring opulence overshadows economic hardship, Gwen and her daughter Jules do all they can to hold on to their joy together, despite the instability surfacing in their world.Interesting concept for a story, but not very well done as a movie. This was incredibly slow moving and somewhat boring. It lacked context for the majority of the movie. If you're into weird sci-fi stuff, and can stay awake, this one is ok. 5/10
- DirectorJill BauerRonna GradusStarsTressa SilgueroRiley ReynoldsRachel BernardA documentary about young women who have been drawn into the sex trade - and how easy it is for a web-savvy generation to end up making porn.I watched this with an open mind, but of the opinion that anyone who willingly chooses to sell their bodies should be allowed to do so, and that there's nothing wrong with it. I still believe that, but these girls really gave me pause. They go into the sex industry sane and sober, and they're told up front that 9 out of 10 girls last a month before they leave it. So they know what they're getting into. However, since these girls are so young, they bring with them a sense of immortality and cockiness that the immaturity of the teenage years are notorious for, so it's sad to see them faced with growing up so fast, and learning hard lessons. I don't feel sorry for them, though ... we were all young at one point, and most of us made mistakes in our first few months of adulthood that we were warned about, and wish we could have a do-over.
For the girls that got into this industry, and were the rare 1 out of 10 that took their careers well beyond their 18th birthday, I say kudos to them! As long as they are doing something that makes them happy, and they're being safe, sand and sober, that's all the matters. - DirectorTom McCarthyStarsAdam SandlerMelonie DiazSteve BuscemiA cobbler, bored of his everyday life, stumbles upon a magical heirloom that allows him to become other people and see the world in a different way.Interesting concept for a movie. Not so good at delivery. The first hour was a yawner, but then it picked up and got interesting for the last 45 minutes. I'm not a fan of Adam Sandler in the first place, and this certainly didn't help matters any. Other than Sandler, it was a good cast. 5/10
- DirectorStephen SommersStarsAnton YelchinAshley SommersLeonor VarelaIn a California desert town, a short-order cook with clairvoyant abilities encounters a mysterious man with a link to dark, threatening forces.What an odd movie. Pun intended. I'm not sure if this was a drama, comedy, mystery or sci-fi, but whatever it was, it was a good movie. An almost completely unknown cast, with some really good acting, and a fantastic script. 7/10
- DirectorJon StewartStarsGael García BernalKim BodniaDimitri LeonidasIranian-Canadian journalist Maziar Bahari is detained by Iranian forces who brutally interrogate him under suspicion that he is a spy.Watching this makes me wonder how stupid Iranians are, that they thought a journalist was a spy. And how cowardly and insecure. He was definitely right, Iran and America do have a lot in common. We both have a bunch of people in our countries who are ignorant of facts, scared of everything and everyone, and as a consequence, become the biggest bullies. Here, they're called Republicans. 7/10
- DirectorRowan JoffeStarsNicole KidmanColin FirthMark StrongA woman wakes up every day, remembering nothing as a result of a traumatic accident in her past. One day, new terrifying truths emerge that force her to question everyone around her.Surprisingly good movie. A bit of a mystery, a bit of a psychological thriller. This was one of those rare movies that I didn't guess the ending; I was trying, but I didn't figure it out until I was supposed to figure it out. That alone raised my rating a couple of points. Starts out pretty slow, but the intensity builds at a nice pace. I wish it hadn't ended the way it did, I would have liked to have seen one more day. 7/10
- DirectorMike BinderStarsKevin CostnerOctavia SpencerGillian JacobsA grieving widower is drawn into a custody battle over his granddaughter, whom he helped raise her entire life.Powerful movie about a grandfather raising his granddaughter alone after the death of her mother and grandmother. The story centers around a custody struggle between him and the girl's other grandmother. Based on a true story, the issue of race is central to the custody battle. But it's not as cut and dry as you'd think. Both parties are good people trying to do what's best for this little girl. Heartwarming and infuriating, funny and sad, intense and emotional, this one will keep you glued to the screen. 8/10
- DirectorJosh LawsonStarsBojana NovakovicJosh LawsonDamon HerrimanThe secret lives of five suburban couples living in Sydney reveal both the fetishes and the repercussions that come with sharing them.Very smart comedy! I enjoyed this one immensely. The story of several couples who are experiencing some difficulties in their sex lives because of their unusual fetishes. I really enjoyed the way they brought these topics out of the dark, and conquered them with laughter. Not for those who are squeamish about sex and sexuality. For everyone else, be prepared for gut-busting laughs. 9/10
- DirectorOlivier DahanStarsNicole KidmanTim RothAndré PenvernThe story of former Hollywood star Grace Kelly's crisis of marriage and identity, during a political dispute between Monaco's Prince Rainier III and France's Charles De Gaulle, and a looming French invasion of Monaco in the early 1960s.Long and drawn out and a bit boring. But I did learn a bunch, so there's that. I swear, if Nicole Kidman is ever in a movie where she doesn't look like she's perpetually crying, I think the world might end. 4/10
- DirectorLee DanielsStarsForest WhitakerOprah WinfreyJohn CusackAs Cecil Gaines serves eight presidents during his tenure as a butler at the White House, the civil rights movement, Vietnam, and other major events affect this man's life, family, and American society.Definitely one of the better movies I've seen in a while. Incredible cast, superb acting, and amazing plot. This one is a must see! 8/10
- DirectorHenrik Ruben GenzStarsJames FrancoKate HudsonTom WilkinsonDiscovering a stash of cash in their dead tenant's apartment, a couple in debt take the money and find themselves the target of a deadly adversary - the thief who stole it.Ho hum. This was overall predictable. Just another "good guys beat the bad guys" movie. I felt like I'd seen it before, even though I know I hadn't. Some good action scenes, but not terribly entertaining. 5/10
- DirectorDaniel BarnzStarsJennifer AnistonAdriana BarrazaAnna KendrickThe acerbic, hilarious Claire Bennett becomes fascinated by the suicide of a woman in her chronic pain support group. As she uncovers the details of Nina's suicide and develops a poignant relationship with Nina's husband, she also grapples with her own, very raw personal tragedy.I can not, for the life of me, figure out what the point of this movie was. It was well done, and Jennifer Aniston did a great job as the lead, but there didn't really seem to be a plot to this one. I can relate to the physical pain that she was dealing with, and the anger, but that's about it. Odd movie. 5/10
- DirectorSamantha FutermanRyan MiyamotoStarsSkylar AstinAnaïs BordierJacques BordierAdopted from South Korea, raised on different continents & connected through social media, Samantha & Anaïs believe that they are twin sisters separated at birth.Really neat documentary about twin girls who accidentally found each other 25 years after being adopted to 2 families in 2 different countries.
- DirectorRoman PolanskiStarsEmmanuelle SeignerMathieu AmalricAn actress attempts to convince a director how she's perfect for a role in his upcoming production.Wow! If there's one word I could use to describe this movie, it's steamy. Very hot, without being overtly sexual. French, with subtitles. A bit hard to read and pay attention to the facial expressions, unless you're a fast reader. 7/10
- DirectorRavi KumarStarsMischa BartonMartin SheenKal PennInterwoven stories of people in India and US as they face dilemmas of life time in the months leading to the biggest Industrial disaster in human history that claimed 10,000 innocent lives within a few hours. Inspired by real events.What a horribly unimaginable, and totally preventable tragedy. Why is it that a couple of terrorists can come to America and kill a couple thousand people, and the world sees it as a crime, but an American corporation can go to another country and kill tens of thousands of people, and nobody bats an eye. These Bhopali people died a gruesome death at the hands of a few greedy corporate masters. It's a real shame that those corporate masters weren't in Bhopal at the time of the disaster. 8/10 stars A must see!
- DirectorLacey Schwartz DelgadoJames AdolphusStarsLacey Schwartz DelgadoSarah BrokawBruce CorwinA film about denial, race, family secrets and a search for identity.What tangled webs! Fascinating little documentary about a Jewish girl who grew up thinking she was white. But then the truth comes out. Lots of lives changed by one little lie. 7/10
- DirectorKirk JonesStarsRobert De NiroKate BeckinsaleSam RockwellA widower who realized his only connection to his family was through his wife sets off on an impromptu road trip to reunite with each of his grown children.Heartbreaking story about a father who goes on a road trip to visit his children. Slow moving, but precise. Robert De Niro doesn't disappoint. 7/10
- DirectorGraham AnnableAnthony StacchiStarsBen KingsleyJared HarrisNick FrostA young orphaned boy raised by underground cave-dwelling trash collectors tries to save his friends from an evil exterminator.Cute movie. Fun but intense plot. Make sure to watch the credits for some added fun.
- DirectorAnne ÉmondStarsCatherine De LéanDimitri StorogeVéronique RebizovIt starts as a one night stand that evolves in a long discussion with infinite subjects between a québécoise and an immigrant.Interesting movie. Nothing to write home about, though. Kind of boring. Two people meet and have a one night stand, but it turns into so much more. 4/10
- DirectorMark WatersStarsLindsay LohanJonathan BennettRachel McAdamsCady Heron is a hit with The Plastics, the A-list girl clique at her new school, until she makes the mistake of falling for Aaron Samuels, the ex-boyfriend of alpha Plastic Regina George.I finally got around to watching this. It wasn't what I expected. It was actually slightly better than I thought it would be. Good lesson that some girls never really learn. 6/10
- DirectorColin TrevorrowStarsChris PrattBryce Dallas HowardTy SimpkinsA new theme park, built on the original site of Jurassic Park, creates a genetically modified hybrid dinosaur, the Indominus Rex, which escapes containment and goes on a killing spree.I was so excited about seeing this, but I was actually pretty disappointed by the time it was over. Either my memory is bad, or this one just didn't have the feel of the original. The effects were absolutely great, but not quite as stunning as the first one. The dialogue was pretty cheesy most of the time, and the acting wasn't that great, either. The story was fairly good. I gave it 5/10 stars for the effects, alone. The remaining 1 star for the rest.
- DirectorFrank OzStarsNicole KidmanBette MidlerMatthew BroderickThe secret to a Stepford wife lies behind the doors of the Men's Association.I never saw the original, so I can't compare. This was an interesting story, but a little blah in the delivery. Bette Midler had me laughing a few times, but that's about it. 5/10
- DirectorJason BatemanStarsJason BatemanKathryn HahnAllison JanneyA spelling bee loser sets out to exact revenge by finding a loophole and attempting to win as an adult.Funny, and oddly touching movie about a 40 year old man who becomes a contestant in a national spelling bee. The best part of this movie was his unusual friendship.
- DirectorNicholas StollerStarsSeth RogenRose ByrneZac EfronAfter they are forced to live next to a fraternity house, a couple with a newborn baby do whatever they can to take them down.Silly movie, but a lot of fun to watch. A few laugh-out-loud moments.
- DirectorGillian LaubOne year after the town merges its segregated proms, photographer Gillian Laub documents a divisive murder case in a small Georgia town.Montgomery County Georgia. Where they still think it's the 1950's. Their proms were still segregated until just a couple of years ago, which is what prompted a photographer to document it. After her story broke about it, the school board was pressured to integrate the proms. She returned the following year to document the integrated prom. But the white people in the town hated her for bringing attention to their backwards, racist county, and refused to allow her on school property. What they didn't realize is that it would open up a whole other can of worms, and now their town is even more exposed as a hotbed of racism.
Kudos to this photographer turned filmmaker for shining a spotlight on this town. Sunlight is always the best disinfectant, and hopefully this town can start to change its dirty racist ways. - DirectorPhilip KaufmanStarsGeoffrey RushKate WinsletJoaquin PhoenixIn a Napoleonic era insane asylum, an inmate, the irrepressible Marquis De Sade, fights a battle of wills against a tyrannically prudish doctor.Excellent story about the Marquis de Sade. Very intense, not for the faint of heart, for sure.
- DirectorMick JacksonStarsClaire DanesJulia OrmondDavid StrathairnA biopic of Temple Grandin, an autistic woman who has become one of the top scientists in the humane livestock handling industry.Excellent story about the life of a woman who grew up in the 1960's with a diagnosis of autism. Based on a true story, written by Temple herself. Claire Danes does an excellent job of capturing the personality and mannerisms of Temple. Truly an inspiration, not only to autistic people, but to everyone.
I was first introduced to her during a TED Talk, and learned there was a movie based on her life. What an amazing story, lived by a truly amazing woman! She is so right, we need all kinds of minds to fix this world. 8/10 stars - DirectorJust JaeckinStarsCorinne CléryUdo KierAnthony SteelPhotographer O's lover takes her to a Château, where she is, like other women there, naked, humiliated by whipping, sexual abuse by men etc. When O leaves, her lover gives her to his much older step-brother.I first read this book back in the early 90's, and it was mind-blowing back then. I'd been looking forward to seeing this film since I first learned of its existence. Looking at this from a 2015 perspective, it's definitely not great cinema, and comes across as very cheesy and trying way too hard. Looking at it from a 1975 perspective, it was cutting edge and very intense. This story is definitely not for the faint of heart. Some of the scenes are disturbing, especially if you haven't read the book, because you don't get the insights from O's internal dialogue in the movie. Over all, it's a decent film, but it's almost imperative that one reads the book before watching. 5/10
- DirectorChristina Alexandra VorosStarsPeter AcworthMaitresse MadelineChris NorrisA documentary on fetish website Kink.com.Excellent documentary about the BDSM website kink.com. I didn't want it to end. 9/10
- DirectorStephen LanceStarsHarrison GilbertsonEmmanuelle BéartAnna RyanWhat starts as a beautiful and strangely innocent affair between a vulnerable teenage romantic and a French S&M mistress soon becomes more dangerous.This movie was sad, funny, dry, a bit boring at times, but over-all well done. Certainly not what you'd expect. It was nice to see an Australian movie for a change. 5/10
- DirectorTim BurtonStarsJohnny DeppHelena Bonham CarterAlan RickmanThe legendary tale of a barber who returns from wrongful imprisonment to 1840s London, bent on revenge for the rape and death of his wife, and resumes his trade while forming a sinister partnership with his fellow tenant, Mrs. Lovett.Quite morbid and depressing. Definitely not one of my favorites from Depp and Burton. Well concocted story, for sure, but the delivery was beyond bizarre. A murder musical. I have no other words to describe it. 5/10
- DirectorPaul MoakleyThe first photographs to capture the act of domestic violence elevated the issue from a private tragedy to a public cause.Fairly good documentary about 3 women who are domestic violence victims, following their cases from the night of their last assault through the court hearings and the aftermath. Pretty emotional for someone who has been through it or witnessed it. 6/10
- DirectorMichael AlmereydaStarsPeter SarsgaardWinona RyderJim GaffiganIn 1961, famed social psychologist Stanley Milgram conducted a series of radical behavior experiments that tested ordinary humans' willingness to obey authority.Interesting movie about the psychological experiments done by Stanley Milgram. One of the most interesting things about this are the real photographs used as backdrops. It had a bit of a stage-play feel to it.
- DirectorConrad VernonGreg TiernanStarsSeth RogenKristen WiigJonah HillA sausage leads a group of supermarket products on a journey to discover the truth about their existence and what really happens when they are picked off the shelf.Lots of adult humor. Pretty funny, but also a bit bland at times.
- DirectorJohn R. LeonettiStarsJoey KingRyan PhillippeKi Hong LeeA teenage girl discovers a box that carries magic powers and a deadly price for using them.Not a bad movie, but terribly predictable, and way too fast paced. There was no character development, no time to get to know or care about the characters. Over-all, not a memorable movie.
- DirectorMike FlanaganStarsCarla GuginoBruce GreenwoodChiara AureliaA couple tries to spice up their marriage in a remote lake house. After the husband dies unexpectedly, the wife is left handcuffed to their bed frame and must fight to survive and break free.Ok. As usual, not as good as the book, but a thorough mindfuck.
- DirectorKim Dae-seungStarsCho Yeo-jeongKim Dong-wookKim Min-joonA tragic love triangle story between Hwa-Yeon, a daughter of a nobleman, her true love Kwon-Yoo, a servant and the man who will be King, Prince Sungwon.Interesting movie, but it was a bit hard to follow. Not sure if that's because I had to read the subtitles, or if the characters weren't developed enough to keep them straight. Shows the lengths some people will go for the crown.
- DirectorJames BobinStarsMia WasikowskaJohnny DeppHelena Bonham CarterAlice is appointed to save her beloved Mad Hatter from deadly grief by travelling back to the past, but this means fatally harming Time himself, the noble clockwork man with the device needed to save the Hatter's family from the Red Queen.Loved the special effects! The story itself was a bit overrated and somewhat cheesy, but over all a good movie.
- DirectorJames FoleyStarsDakota JohnsonJamie DornanEric JohnsonWhile Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her.Ok, but not terribly memorable, as I watched it a year ago and didn't remember much of it at all.
- DirectorJames FoleyStarsDakota JohnsonJamie DornanEric JohnsonAnastasia and Christian get married, but Jack Hyde continues to threaten their relationship.Better than the first 2, but still only meh.
- DirectorRob ReinerStarsJack NicholsonMorgan FreemanSean HayesTwo terminally ill men escape from a cancer ward and head off on a road trip with a wish list of to-dos before they die.Wow, I'm surprised I liked this as much as I did! It's been hard to watch anything with Jack Nicholson the past few years, so I went into this with a little trepidation. I think it actually helped that it was hard to watch him, as it added to his character. By the end of the movie, though, just as Morgan Freeman's character did, I grew to love him. These two were phenomenal together, and had a sincere friendship that shone through in their characters.
- DirectorBryce WagonerStarsAmber LynnAsia CarreraBobby SlaytonAn exploration of the lives of several former adult performers who have retired from the porn industry.Interesting documentary. I was slightly obsessed with Asia Carrera back in the day, and I have to say that watching this, reignited my interest in her, but on a whole different level. She's so much more than just a porn star.
Also, the guy with the beard was annoying as all hell. I hate it when people pigeonhole porn stars as being depraved people with no hope or life. - DirectorEve MarsonStarsMatthew TeardropThe story of Dr. William Hurwitz -- a preeminent pain specialist sentenced to 25 years in prison for drug trafficking -- provides a window into the ethical complexities of prescription painkillers.There are always 2 sides to every story. This documentary does a good job of telling both sides, in a way that's compelling and informative. I came away from this less sure of my opinion than before, when I only had one side of the story.
- DirectorRudolph HerzogSteve HumphriesStarsSteve HumphriesJon BrownEdward ChambersWith child sex abuse scandals breaking on almost a weekly basis, Britain has become overwhelmed. Dangerous predators appear to be everywhere and our children never at more risk.Important documentary about how to stop pedophiles BEFORE they abuse a child.
- DirectorSimon WellsStarsKevin BaconBob HoskinsBridget FondaAn outcast Husky risks his life with other sled dogs to prevent a deadly epidemic from ravaging Nome, Alaska.Cute movie about overcoming a bully, finding love, and helping others. :) <3
- DirectorRian JohnsonStarsDaisy RidleyJohn BoyegaMark HamillRey develops her abilities with the help of Luke Skywalker, as the Resistance prepares for battle against the First Order.Loved it! Heartbreaking to watch after Carrie Fisher's death, though.
- DirectorGareth EdwardsStarsFelicity JonesDiego LunaAlan TudykIn a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire's ultimate weapon of destruction.I was surprised I liked this movie as much as I did. I had it on my to-watch list for the longest time, debating whether or not I really even wanted to watch it. The purist in me said no, but I was curious about it because of the good reviews I'd heard - from people I know, and professional reviewers alike. I finally broke down and watched it tonight, and it was really good!