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- DirectorBill ForsythStarsRobin WilliamsJohn TurturroKelly HunterOne man must learn the meaning of courage across four lifetimes centuries apart.Interesting Philosophical film but quite boring. Connects characters across Timelines which reminds me of The Fountain. May return to someday. John Turturro is good in his small role. I give it a 4 out of 10.
- DirectorMilos FormanStarsJack NicholsonLouise FletcherMichael BerrymanIn the Fall of 1963, a Korean War veteran and criminal pleads insanity and is admitted to a mental institution, where he rallies up the scared patients against the tyrannical nurse.My favorite Jack Nicholson film and one of the best films ever. He is fantastic as McMurphy and the cast does a great job as well. Its a powerful film that depicts Christopher Lloyd and Danny Devito in early roles as mental hospital patients being abused by a nurse. The film does a fantastic job of humanizing the pleas of the patients against the struggle of Nurse Ratchet's schedule. 9.8 out of 10.
- DirectorMichael AndersonStarsMichael YorkJenny AgutterRichard JordanA police officer in the future uncovers the deadly secret behind a society that worships youth.Logan's Run had a great deal of great ideas but failed to really execute them in the way I wanted. The films technical merits can no longer hold the film above water and with poor acting and execution in certain areas it fails to earn its praise of yesteryear in my opinion. However, there are certain elements that do work particularly certain commentary and when Logan and Jessica escape the city. Overall the film just stands as a great idea but a missed opportunity in my opinion. Hopefully a possible remake may revitalize this movie for me. 5.5 out 10
- DirectorDanny BoyleStarsKerry FoxChristopher EcclestonEwan McGregorThree friends discover their new flatmate dead but loaded with cash.Interesting black comedy/drama/horror movie. The characters are interesting enough and the story involving 3 roommates hiding the body of their recently deceased 4th roommate is intriguing enough but the film left a little to be desired on my part. The film shines when the 3 protagonists compete against each other for the right to the money. I watched the film for Ewan McGregor but was pleasantly surprised by the other 2 actors. Overall I'd commend the film for an interesting premise and decent execution. 7.8 out of 10
- DirectorCarl PrechezerStarsSean PertweeCatherine Zeta-JonesEwan McGregorJC thinks surfing is everything. His girlfriend Chloe wants him to settle down. When he decides to go surfing one night with friends from London, she throws JC out. Surfing or Chloe?Mediocre surfer film about recognizing the important things in life. The film doesn't work very well in delivering the main character's relationship which in my opinion comes off as flat and awkward at times. The boring doctor who learns to live life alongside his fiance resonated more with me alongside the other sub plots. McGregor plays a silly role but satisfies. Catherine Zeta Jones does a decent performance but can't save it. Interesting ideas explored but overall the main story involving Jc's relationship failed to execute. 5 out of 10.
- DirectorDanny BoyleStarsEwan McGregorEwen BremnerJonny Lee MillerRenton, deeply immersed in the Edinburgh drug scene, tries to clean up and get out despite the allure of drugs and the influence of friends.One of the best movies on the lifestyle of drug users. I really like the scene and the realism that is depicted in the heroin users. Renton is one of Ewan McGregor's best roles and I hope to see him return if they do the sequel. The music is fantastic as well. Its also a realistic depiction of how friends can grow apart and fits well as a coming of age film. One minor grievance I have with the film is that the Scottish accents can be quite heavy so subtitles are recommended. 9.5 out of 10.
- DirectorPeter GreenawayStarsVivian WuEwan McGregorYoshi OidaA woman with a body-writing fetish seeks to find a combined lover and calligrapher.An artsy erotic movie regarding Japanese culture and calligraphy showcasing a good amount of nonsexual nudity. The film on itself is long and at times can bore however, the images of the "books" inscribed by Nagiko were something to behold. This film exposed to me to this kind of art and I found it quite interesting. Ewan McGregor puts out a good performance as Jerome aka Nagiko's lover. I was not a fan of the way the film superimposes different images akin to multiple screens on the tv as I felt it detracted in many respects. The sound design and music was decent and drew me into the movie. The story is somewhat lacking but acceptable in that the images in the end are the subject and focal point. 5.5 out of 10.
- DirectorDouglas McGrathStarsGwyneth PaltrowJames CosmoGreta ScacchiWhile matchmaking for friends and neighbours, a young 19th Century Englishwoman nearly misses her own chance at love.An intriguing period adaption of Jane Austen's Emma. The movie revolves around the day to day exploits of the title character as she tries to match up couples "for the better" or what her projection of that is. Its a dramatic and romantic tale that does exceedingly well at crafting its story and staying within its arch. A large cast of characters makes the film and plot harder to get through from the onset but you are rewarded with an excellent Austen drama if you stick through it. Gwyneth Paltrow is exceptional in her lead role and the cast does a fantastic job supporting her. Though I'm unlikely to return,The film does everything it sets out to do and my score reflects my attitude towards this type of film as well as the minor grievances I had with it. 7.5 out of 10.
- DirectorMark HermanStarsPete PostlethwaiteTara FitzgeraldEwan McGregorThe coal mine in a northern English village may be closing, which would also mean the end of the miners' brass band.A fantastic British film that dives into the plight of a mining community as their mine faces closure and their ambitions as a brass band. The film creates a strong base of characters that each contributes to the strength of the film. The economic, political, and social themes struck me the most. The Romantic aspect however feels tacked on. Through and through, the film treats its characters like real people which allows the audience to connect with the struggle they face (Even if they are from another country like me). The music is excellent and the conductor(Pete Postlethwaite) is great in his role. The film impressed me in just how human the story was and as such gains high marks. 9 out of 10.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsHarrison FordCate BlanchettShia LaBeoufIndiana Jones becomes entangled in a Soviet plot to uncover the secret behind mysterious artifacts known as the Crystal Skulls.A wacky wild ride featuring Indiana Jones through a sci fi adventure set in the 1950s. I never would have expected Indiana Jones to encounter Aliens on his adventures but this film crafts a marvelous story using this narrative. Though the film is not devoid of shortcomings. For many and to some point I agree this film relies to heavily on implausible action sequences and CGI. The center point for me was the scene involving Mutt and the monkeys. However, I think the film still succeeds despite these flaws with a good supporting cast including Shia as Mutt and Cate Blanchett as Irina Spalko, an interesting premise, and great adventure sequences that fit within the series. Overall this best Temple of Doom in my mind but falls short of Raiders and Crusade. 7.2 out of 10
- DirectorFernando MeirellesKátia LundStarsAlexandre RodriguesLeandro FirminoMatheus NachtergaeleIn the slums of Rio, two kids' paths diverge as one struggles to become a photographer and the other a kingpin.A realistic and stylized depiction of life in Rio's Slums portrayed through the eyes of 2 men seeking out different lifestyles. This film succeeds in crafting a world where the different interlocking relationships evolve and feel realistic. Often times a character will be introduced but left to play a bigger role later or a character will play multiple roles throughout the film as allegiances are formed. City of God's depiction of the slums of Rio is quite violent and not for the faint of heart but it does a fantastic job showcasing the socioeconomic realities of those living in this world and how these forces affect their lives. Rocket isn't exemplary in his resolve to get out of this hell. He's just one of the lucky ones to be given a chance. Knockout Ned isn't so lucky at the end of the day seeking justice he is chastised as a murderer. The Portuguese can be tough to get through but once you are able to a worthy film stands before you. 8 out of 10
- DirectorPenny MarshallStarsRobert De NiroRobin WilliamsJulie KavnerThe victims of an encephalitis epidemic many years ago have been catatonic ever since, but now a new drug offers the prospect of reviving them.Powerful film that challenges the audience by depicting the awakening of catatonic patients decades after being frozen in time by their illness. The film stars Robin Williams and Robert De Niro and each give decent performance especially De Niro who is able to bring his character to life and make the audience feel for his character from his rise to his imminent fall. I really enjoyed seeing the sometimes stark contrast between how the patient seemed to be while unable to communicate and how they really were in real life. Williams character Dr. Sayer excels in bringing his socially awkwardness to different scenarios and succeeds in depicting the anguish, joy, and variety of emotions any doctor would feel. However, I felt his relationship with his nurse was somewhat forced and underwhelming as the patients returned to their prison. The themes of the films ie isolation, living to the fullest, and the tragedies of the human body grow stronger as the film progresses but the ending was one of the weaker parts of the film. The emotional roller coaster ride the film crafts especially in De Niro's character Leonard is worth some of the awkward bits this movie has to offer. 8.5 out of 10
- DirectorVin DieselStarsVin DieselLewis SteidlCara GaffenA short film about the problems that accompany an actor as he auditions, due to his multi-ethnic appearance.One of Vin Diesel's first films and the beginning of his career. While the runtime of this film is about 20 minutes it succeeds in showcasing an issue not really heard about outside of the acting spheres which is the casting of multi racial actors into traditional white or black roles. The film is as much a work of fiction as it is an autobiography of Vin's scenario, struggling to find acting work stuck between the archetypes of white and black roles. Too white or too dark and or not Hispanic enough to do the roles. Rejected not on the basis of acting but on the basis of appearance. Its an interesting indie flick that remains focused on its message and flourishes in the final monologue delivered by Vin Diesel. 8 out of 10
- DirectorKevin GreutertStarsIsla FisherAnson MountGillian JacobsAfter moving to a vineyard to start a new life with her husband, a pregnant woman begins to experience terrifying visions.This film starts as a confused mess taking the first hour to reach any sense of meaning but by then its impact has long been felt. Starring Isla Fisher, this film fails to craft a narrative that the audience cares to follow or characters that matter in the grand scheme of things. The girls are hysterical and cliche while the men in the film led by Anson Mount are dull and two dimensional. Relying on lame jump scares that can hardly be characterized as such, the film fails to give the audience any reason to continue or connect to the film. This could be forgiven if the characters go out in dramatic fashion but again the film ends with the "happy" ending as if to insult the audience by keeping these useless characters alive. Effects are cheap, dialogue is poor, and scares are non existent. Were it not for the decent twist at the end regarding the final confrontation; this film could have sunk to the bottom. Blumhouse you can do better. 3 out of 10.
- DirectorDavid AyerStarsWill SmithJoel EdgertonNoomi RapaceA detective must work with an Orc to find a powerful wand before evil creatures do.This film had an interesting concept in creating a world of fantasy where orcs, elves, and humans coexist but with the racial disparities present in our current society. The concept and world built in Bright kept me intrigued as the city of Los Angeles is explored through this lens. However, the dialogue of Bright really lets drags this film down as Jakoby and Ward's relationship remains tenuous at best. The special effects were solid and the concept keeps the films bar high enough to be entertaining and worth a watch. 7/10
- DirectorAntoine FuquaStarsDenzel WashingtonEthan HawkeScott GlennA rookie cop spends his first day as a Los Angeles narcotics officer with a rogue detective who isn't what he appears to be.Training Day is a fun ride through the criminal underground of LA as a young cop Jake is given an opportunity to join an elite squad of cops under Alonzo. The movie features fantastic settings and snappy dialogue that gives the two leads plenty to work with as a progress through this crazy day. The conflict jake faces by having to balance whether to go along with superior officer or stick to his values drives the movie. However, plenty of cliches are sprinkled into the movie to even it out. The movie is a lot of fun and Denzil Washington elevates the entire film with his performance. 8/10
- DirectorXander RobinStarsMichael Patrick NicholsonChelsea LopezMichael GodereTwo strangers spark romance through their unusual habit.Are We Not Cats feels like a movie built around its odd premise in that two people fall for each other over their habit of eating human hair. The main character is largely unlikable as he seems content on scraping by in his truck. Very little is given in characterizing his love interest besides the underlying habit and her love for the other guy. Visuals for the film are pretty solid and the music gives the films scenes some charm but the overall story is quick and unremarkable which is exactly what this film wasn't trying to be. 3.5/10
- DirectorJeremy GarelickStarsVince VaughnSkyler GisondoDexter DardenSet in a time where all drugs and alcohol are illegal, the only day anyone can participate in the "fun" is on Binge day.The Binge has a nice party premise at its core incorporating The Purge idea to the legalization of drugs for a single night. However, the movie fails to be compelling beyond a few skits. Awkward teen moments galore with conflicts we have little reason to care for. Vince Vaughn gives his character some life but the movie drags especially in the middle which is exactly what a movie like this shouldn't do. We just aren't given much reason to care for our main characters. 4/10
- DirectorJustin LinStarsParry ShenJason TobinSung KangA group of over-achieving East Asian American high school seniors enjoy a power trip when they dip into extracurricular criminal activities.Better Luck Tomorrow is a wonderful movie that embraces its Asian American characters and their stereotypes but breaks them down as the movie progress. These kids are the top of their class but have their hands in the worst kind of trouble. The movie accurately blends the teen movie tropes of the unattainable girl, popularity, and the desire to get into a good college with dark themes of murder and the drug trade. This blending is pretty seamless and its hard to see it coming when the movie dips its toes into deeper into the darkness. The character connection with Han of Fast and Furious fame makes this movie even more interesting. Clever writing, shooting, and a great cast make this movie great. 8/10
- DirectorDave WilsonStarsVin DieselEiza GonzálezSam HeughanRay Garrison, a slain soldier, is re-animated with superpowers.Bloodshot attempts to set up a promising premise but never take itself too seriously. We as the audience are never given much to chew on in this standard action movie. Vin Diesel's character is never given much beyond the standard revenge trope that powers him through the entire movie. When he is able to confront his past through his ex wife its dismissed within minutes. The movie has decent enough action scenes but they feel choreographed to show of his abilities and just don't feel realistic. The CGI intense scenes are fun but faults are on display in the way its shot. Even his final death leaves audiences wondering how he survived as the rules the movie sets for itself are broken. Valiant comics fancies this the beginning of their cinematic universe which if true is quite a rocky start. 4.5/10
- DirectorMaïmouna DoucouréStarsFathia YoussoufMédina El Aidi-AzouniEsther GohourouEleven-year-old Amy starts to rebel against her conservative family's traditions when she becomes fascinated with a free-spirited dance crew.It's difficult to discuss this film without mentioning the avalanche of criticism it has received for its perceived sexualization of children. While the idea itself is horrible, this film depicts the reality of our society where provocative and sexual dances are imitated by tweens because of their standing in pop culture whether to gain attention or to better fit in. Our protagonist embraces these values initially as an act of rebellion against the restrictive religious control she feels in her devoutly Muslim household. Growing up is a confusing time for any kid but when Amy witnesses her mother's pain over her father's new marriage to another woman, she is forced to understand that in her family's culture that is acceptable. Amy doesn't understand why her dance moves are provocative but rather knows that they will get a response from her friends and others. She makes mistakes and tries to court her friends even when they won't accept her. Its when she accepts herself for who she is and makes her own path by rejecting her dad's marriage and the sexualized dance moves that she grows up. Art has no bounds and relevant topics like this should not be censored by the more close minded of us. 8.5/10
- DirectorCharlie KaufmanStarsJesse PlemonsJessie BuckleyToni ColletteFull of misgivings, a young woman travels with her new boyfriend to his parents' secluded farm. Upon arriving, she comes to question everything she thought she knew about him, and herself.I'm thinking of Ending Things plays out over deep philosphoical discussions between Jake and his girlfriend. What happens is easier to understand then how and why. The movie seems to revel in its dialogue and in crafting a surreal journey for the two leads. The film is challenging to make sense of but the actors mostly do well in their roles. The movie dances too much in that light for my taste however. 6/10
- DirectorEllory ElkayemStarsOliver JamesKristopher TurnerRik YoungZach talks Ben into taking off time to go on an adventure of a lifetime. Our two fiends head out on the river, along with an uptight Brit to find Ben's long lost love.If ever there was a movie that had no reason to exist, this is it. They say as much in the behind the scenes where the writer discusses how to write the movie to connect to the original. The main characters aren't likable, the story falls on its face, and the CGI and jokes don't work. There is a halfway decent plot twist involving the romance of Ben and Heather but the movie has burned its goodwill by that point in the film. Though he can be annoying, Nigel at least provides some spark to the flat uninteresting lines the main duo spew. His joke with the darts was probably my favorite bit of the movie. The girls are cute enough but not given much material to work with. Its akin to a cheap tv movie. 2/10
- DirectorHassan NazerStarsMartine Malalai ZikriaAndrew ShaverHomayoun ErshadiJanan, a woman from Afghanistan, travels to the UK for artificial insemination. Cultural, religious, and moral complications explode when William, a medical sciences student working in the clinic, switches the donor's semen for his own.This movie tries hard to stress its internationalism by taking place across three different countries: Afghanistan, Scotland, and India. To an extend its successful as an audience we feel that the three main characters are real people. However, the plot is lacking as the movie goes in on its philosophic message regarding the exploitation of Afghanistan. The lead actress Malalai Zikria as Janan does a wonderful job showcasing the despair and hope for a better life that she feels. However, Andrew Shaver as William, The englishman has a twisted way of trying to reconcile for the past that seems to be there only to explore the movie's themes. Homayoun Ershadi as Najib does well enough but his story lacks the detail to make an impact. Utopia raises genuine themes that explore the relationships damaged by loss but just can't put them together into a decent film. 4/10
- DirectorDan TrachtenbergStarsJohn GoodmanMary Elizabeth WinsteadJohn Gallagher Jr.A young woman is held in an underground bunker by a man who insists that a hostile event has left the surface of the Earth uninhabitable.Taking place within a confined bunker, this movie suceeds in delivering fantastic performances with a story that keeps you engaged. The music does a wonderful job keeping the intensity high and writing remains top notch. The movie while losely tied to Cloverfield(2008) it trumps that movie in terms of storytelling and overall quality. The movie does rely on some twists that don't hold up as well on a second viewing but the experience remains strong. I wish the subplot regarding Howard's original abductee was resolved but it makes sense in the context of the movie. Highly recommended. 9/10