georgecruz Reviews

Aftershock (2010)

From a new fan of Chinese cinema

[10/10 · 30 July 2010]

After reading the other very eloquent and well thought of reviews posted so far I believe there is little I can ad to this string. That is, unless I can express my view as a true outsider of Chinese cinema and relatively inexperienced at your beautiful culture.

It's nearly impossible to find words to describe quickly I was sucked into the plot and became a member of the family of four portrayed in this masterpiece. I was in awe of the human tragedy this earthquake was and the amazing technology used to recreate it. However, nothing could have possibly prepared me for the tragic, sad, warm and beautiful human drama that would follow.

I was hoping to say I enjoyed this as much as or even more than any other movie. However, I have never experienced a movie that I can even begin to compare this to. This is a masterpiece and treasure.

Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert (2008)

It's a tough job but someone has to do it....

[8/10 · 4 February 2008]

I honestly didn't know how to rate this film. Let's be honest, it wasn't my first choice. As a matter of fact, it wasn't my choice at all. I couldn't get my 8 year old daughter tickets to the concert, so when this movie came out I jumped at the opportunity. My pleasure did not come from Miley, or the music or even the better than average 3d effects. No, I gave this movie an 8 because it made my daughter happy, and in a small way, I was able to redeem myself (or my image as her hero) for not getting her tickets to the concert. Of all the "sacrifices" us parents do for our kids, watching this movie was a walk in the park. Miley is an adorable young lady and as as far as role models go, she's OK (so far.... cross your fingers Billy.) ;o)

Underdog (2007)

I loved it!

[10/10 · 6 August 2007]

I gave this movie a 10 because as of today, this movie has an extremely low rating which I (and my 7 year old daughter) believe it does not deserve. In other words, I'm voting for all those kids 10 and under who are too busy doing something more important than reviewing movies online.

This is, after all, a kids movie. You've got to see it for what it is. It's a cute movie with a cute dog and a half way decent plot (unless you're 7 then it's an awesome plot). If you're a parent you've probably have had to sit through some real painful movies, this is not one of them. My daughter (and many kids in the theater) were laughing out loud on many scenes. If you compare this movie to the original cartoons, well, people, let's be honest, the cartoons were pretty bad.

Hey, it's a beagle with a funny voice that flies...and kids love it.

Snakes on a Plane (2006)

2 Common Phobias, 1 Fun Movie.

[9/10 · 1 September 2006]

The one reason I liked this movie is because it's honest. I find it very hard to imagine anyone being surprised by this film. It is, after all...Snakes on a Plane, nothing more & nothing less. It sure beats trying to judge a book by it's cover; in this case, the cover was the book.

By the time I was seated I had prepared for good old fashioned "B" movie fun. I was not disappointed. What can be more pure than combining two very common phobias (Snakes & Flying) and add Samuel L. Jackson to create a fun and action packed movie.

I can't wait for the sequel..."Spiders in an elevator with Bruce Willis" :o)

The Road Home (1999)

Stunning!

[10/10 · 7 August 2006]

It is difficult to describe this movie in just one word; beautiful, masterpiece, stunning, breathtaking? ...and that's just Ziyi Zhang, the rest of the movie isn't so shabby either. :o) All kidding aside, it is a superb movie. It is, in my opinion, one of the best Chinese imports I've ever seen…and that is a big compliment.

I would have to rate "The road home" up there with Cinema Paradiso (Italy) and other great movies that should be in everyone's DVD collection. Every thing about this movie is perfect. Although I only rented it for the weekend, I'm already convinced I need to order it online. I know this is a movie I can watch over and over again.

Nanny McPhee (2005)

Great for children of all ages

[10/10 · 23 February 2006]

I almost hate admitting I enjoyed this movie more than my 6 year old child. As a parent, you know (or will know one day) we have to sit through some awful films (sometimes more than once). So when an enjoyable film comes along...you embrace it! :o) The plot was, needless to say, extremely predictable. However, I never tire of good beats evil and everyone lives happily ever after (oops, was that a spoiler?) The cast is an over kill; the movie doesn't need big names to work but I'm glad they were there. It's a charming film and I was sorry to see it end so quickly. You just can't go wrong with this film. My only complaint was the soundtrack; it sounded very old and scratchy. It could have been a technical problem in my theater or it was probably done to give it that old "classic" sound, I'm not sure???

Irreversible (2002)

I really wanted to like it, but...

[2/10 · 24 May 2005]

I never purchase a video unless it's recommended to me by people I trust. That way, I'm absolutely sure I'm going to view it at least twice. However, I bought this movie without hesitation because all the awards the packaging flaunted. Well... that'll learn me. ;o)

I can't say the technique (movie going backwards in time) was so original because we saw it in Memento. Who knows, it was probably done before that as well. What I can say for sure is that it was way too violent. It does hit you like a tone of bricks. If you want to be shocked, this is your movie. Speaking for myself only, I don't mind being shocked as long as the movie has a purpose. Apparently, the director's purpose was to show that "rape" is a horrible thing. Well, I already knew that. I didn't need such a long and brutally graphic scene to tell me that. I had to fast forward through that scene since I developed a headache halfway through it.

Pros: I do believe the way the camera flips around giving you the sense of a chaotic state of mind was very effective. If that was original, then it was a brilliant technique. The lighting, camera angles and editing were superb.

Cons: The gratuitous violence ruined it for me. It was hard to relate to the characters. Nothing original about it as far as I'm concerned.

Barbie as The Princess and the Pauper (2004 Video)

A delightful surprise

[10/10 · 2 May 2005]

(Well, I gave this a 10 only because that's what my 5 year old daughter would give it.) My daughter and I were at the video department and I asked her to pick out a video and I'd buy it for her. To my horror, she picked Barbie. I was dreading this because she's the type of person that can watch a movie over, and over and over again; and I sit with her and watch it again, and again (and I pretend to enjoy it). :o)

Well, to my surprise, it wasn't that bad at all. I actually enjoyed it.

Spoiler======================================================== The princess is intelligent and strong; she doesn't wait for the prince to rescue her. The pauper is not so easily swept away by the prince. She follows her dream to be a singer and then she decides when she wants to marry. ================================================================

Over all, I was very pleasantly surprised. The music was very entertaining as well.

The Last Samurai (2003)

A breathtaking movie if you get over the fluff.

[9/10 · 30 December 2003]

I've heard this film being described as `Old Fashioned' by several critics and users. I have got to agree with them. An American hero (always a good looking hero by the way) goes to Japan and becomes a Japanese hero. It's such a cliché. However, it's also hard to dismiss this movie because of this Hollywood fluff. The costumes, music, acting, etc. are simply awesome and breathtaking. It may not be remembered as a classic like the 7 Samurai, but it was well worth the $8.50 I paid to see it.

Kate & Leopold (2001)

OK, OK, so I admit it...

[9/10 · 22 January 2002]

It is without a doubt very light, predictable, a fantasy filled movie plagued with historical errors. However, I must admit...

I liked it. Fine! I said it! (I'm sorry, I know this means I may have to give up my membership to the "HE-Man Testosterone Club".)

Maybe I just like Meg Ryan (You've got to love Meg). Maybe I just knew not to expect a "Gone With The Wind". If you do see this movie, just be prepared NOT to expect too much. It's a fun movie, fun plot, fun characters. Just don't think too hard- enjoy it.

Cinema Paradiso (1988)

Splendid

[10/10 · 8 June 2001]

My all time favorite movie. It has just enough of every emotion you would want to experience in a theater (well, maybe). It's a "must see" movie. I wouldn't want to ruin it by giving anything away but i can tell you to expect to laugh, cry and be inspired.