When Harry Met Sally

Avid readers of my blog, meet Harry. He's laid back, but kind of a pig who speaks his mind with reckless abandon.

Avid readers of my blog, meet Sally. She's up-tight, structured, and conservative.

Harry and Sally, two polar opposites who share a fateful car ride from Chicago to New York City after college graduation, think they'll never see each other again. Fortunately for each, that's a thought they're both comfortable with.

What neither one considered that day, though, was that fate could have other plans for them. Despite different career paths and seemingly happy relationships for both of them, they do live in the same city (no matter how big), and eventually run into each other. As they grow a little older and a little wiser, and as their respective relationships crumble, each finds a unique comfort in the other's company and the initially strained acquaintance blossoms into a close friendship and ultimately love.

True, it's a romantic comedy, but it's a good movie just the same. Guys, give this one a shot.

Rating:7/10

PS - Based on my recent posts, I think I've developed a crush for old women.

Get Smart

I love Steve Carell. I would love to have Anne Hathaway's babies. I do not, however, love this movie.

I thought Max Smart was supposed to be a fumbling, stumbling idiot, and although he did have a couple of moments like that, his ascent to being the hero of Get Smart was too easy and ultimately unsatisfying to me.

Don't get me wrong, I did sit down to this movie expecting something light and mindless, but even with that mindset, I still didn't get any enjoyment out of it.

I won't hate you for watching it, but if you ask my opinion, you're better off watching something else - unless it's Hidalgo of course.

Rating: 5.5/10

The Duchess

The Duchess, starring Keira Knightley as Georgianna, Duchess of Devonshire and Ralph Fiennes as the Duke of Devonshire, takes place in 18th century England and is a striking story about the importance of social standing and the limits on female rights of those times.

Hastily married to the Duke as a teenager on the promise that she would provide him a male heir, Georgianna is whisked away to Devonshire with the world seemingly at her feet. However, as quickly as her life seemed to have taken a turn for the better, the Duchess soon realizes that the Duke is fond of extramarital affairs and increasingly indifferent toward her, which becomes more evident as she continually fails to give birth to a son.

The Duchess' unhappiness ultimately reaching a breaking point with her husband's new live-in mistress, Georgianna eventually seeks emotional refuge in a new-found love with an ambitious politician named Charles Grey (who eventually would become the Prime Minister).

Unfortunately for Georgianna, upon the Duke's discovery of the relationship with Grey, tension between the couple escalates to levels that unravel into eventual unhappiness and unbearable despair for both Georgianna and the movie's viewers.

If you value well-done, quality film, I strongly urge you watch this movie. I guarantee it will impact you deeply.

Rating: 8.5/10

Ghostbusters

There's something about the Ghostbusters - maybe the theme song or Sigourney Weaver or the absurdity of the storyline - that makes it one of the "best bad" movies in my collection.

If you haven't watched the first Ghostbusters film in awhile, or haven't seen it yet, you should give it a look-see. As mentioned, it's not the best movie ever (Bill Murray is pretty damn annoying in it, honestly), but it's an overall fun watch and great for Halloween.

By the way, I think I just made up my mind that Sigourney Weaver is the primary reason for my bias of this movie.

Rating: 6/10

Shaun of the Dead

The collective "they" always say that the original idea is always the best. Having already watched its US counterpart, Shaun of the Dead most definitely reinforces that statement.

I have watched this movie a handful of times, and it still baffles me how Simon Pegg and Nick Frost were part of a movie that not only makes zombies scary again, but also takes us to the verge of tears when main characters die - making us laugh all the while.

It may sound impossible that a movie could make you feel so many emotions so far removed from each other on the emotional scale, but take my word for it - the movie's ability to do just that is a testament to its complete and utter awesomeness.

Watch it, people.

Rating: 8/10

House on Haunted Hill

I'm sure the original House on Haunted Hill was good, but the remake? Not so much. Don't watch it unless you're a pimply-faced male teenager without friends, because that's about the only audience that could find this movie enjoyable - and that's a stretch.

And just in case you were wondering, the house IS haunted and DOES kill people. However, what makes this film suck so much was the stupid plot twist three-fourths of the way through the movie in which the audience discovers the bitch wife is plotting to kill her rich husband with the help of the "doctor."

I'm not even going to waste any more time on this review. Just don't watch the movie. Watching paint dry is more entertaining.

Rating: 1.5/10

Dead & Breakfast

The Ain't It Cool News claims that Dead & Breakfast is ..."the US answer to Shaun of the Dead," but I don't see it. Maybe that's why I didn't think the movie was as good as it could have been...you don't just throw statements like that around. However, whenever you manage to get Diedrich Bader (The Drew Carey Show) to play a grumpy Frenchman and David Carradine to play a crazy spiritual dude (sound familiar?), you usually should watch it. So I did. And I laughed when the zombies danced and when the arrogant asshole character slipped on the blood on the kitchen floor for two minutes straight, and when the lead singer from the local band serenaded me between scene transitions, but overall, it just wasn't Shaun of the Dead caliber.

It's not a movie for everyone, so I say, very cautiously, that you should give this flick a shot.

Rating: 6/10

Halloween IV

Throw in a convenient "Oh, those characters aren't dead, they just survived a massive fire from a couple of movies ago," and you've got yourself the beginnings of a pretty sweet horror film.

In all actuality, Halloween IV manages to give us just the right amount of cheese and spooks to be a pretty good movie...at least for its genre.

Although we don't get to follow on the adventures of Laurie "Yep, I'm Jamie Lee Curtis and I'm still hot even though I'm old and in Beverly Hills Chihuahua" Strode, we do get to see Michael Myers terrorize her little daughter Jamie, born somewhere between the second installment and this movie. Tagging along for the night full of death is Jamie's cousin and unwilling babysitter Rachel, and that "I just survived a massive fire from a couple movies ago" Dr. Loomis.

In all, a good film in the Halloween franchise, and one that you should keep for those cold, late October nights right before Halloween.

Rating: 7/10

Halloween III

Halloween III sucked.

Rating: 3/10

Halloween II

You may be asking yourself after reading the movie title of this post why the first installment of the Halloween series isn't being reviewed before Halloween II. The answer is simple, really...I watched Halloween right before this blog was launched and didn't feel like watching it again so soon. Sorry.

Anyway, despite arguments I've heard to the contrary, Halloween II is really only an average horror flick. It's not as good as the first film, but I will still give it some props for keeping Michael Myers creepy (something many horror films manage to forget quickly with their respective villains) and for starring the "I used to be hot but now I'm old but still kind of hot in a strange way" Jamie Lee Curtis.

Watch it just to say you've watched it before, but don't expect it to be the best film you've ever seen.

Rating: 6/10

Apocalypto

Apocalypto excels at making you ill at ease because of what the main character, Jaguar Paw, must deal with in his fight for survival. Whether it is the initial ambush and slaughter of his small village, a close call on the sacrificial table, or a multiple day chase back to the village, Apocalypto keeps you interested from start to finish.

Although not as good as The Passion of the Christ or Braveheart, Mel Gibson's latest go-round behind the camera is still worth a watch or two.

Rating: 7/10

Alien vs. Predator: Requiem

I've heard that the people behind the first Alien vs. Predator hated how the movie turned out. Yeah, that movie did suck, but Alien vs. Predator: Requiem was worse...way worse. Don't even bother wasting your time. I'm sure you can think of a million better things to do instead.

Rating: 3/10

Awake

The thought that a person can actually experience "anesthesia awareness" is scary and quite disturbing to me.

What's also scary and disturbing is the acting of Jessica Alba and, although I hate to admit it, Hayden Christensen.

Oh well. At least it was enough to keep me awake and moderately entertained on the long and sleep-deprived trip back from Boston.

Rating: 5/10

Eagle vs. Shark

If you're familiar with the comedy stylings of Flight of the Conchords, the fact that Jemaine Clement stars in Eagle vs. Shark should peak your interest. However, don't expect more of the same from him in this dark comedy.

In Eagle vs. Shark, Clement plays Jarrod, a man who seemingly doesn't notice the fact that he is a loser. Starring opposite him is actress Loren Horsley, who plays the equally awkward but lovestruck Lily.

After a chance opportunity allows Lily to attend a "Dress Up Like Your Favorite Animal" party thrown by Jarrod, a quirky romance between the two begins. Through all the romantic awkwardness, no matter how humorous, the audience soon learns that the seemingly arrogant Jarrod is actually struggling with his personal demons and that Lily, who has already taken that journey herself, is just what Jarrod needs to find himself again.


A great indie flick that teaches us that letting down your guard is difficult but necessary in order to come to terms with ourselves, Eagle vs. Shark definitely deserves a watch or two.

Rating: 7/10

Batman Begins

Although not as good as its sequel, Batman Begins is still an amazing film in its own right. The chemistry between director Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale is undeniably strong and shows through on screen. The cast of Liam Neeson as Raz al Gul was an excellent choice. The acting of Gary Oldman as Lieutenant Gordon (which was so good that I almost believe that Oldman is an unsure, clumsy person in real life) was even better. Even the addition of Michael Caine as Alfred was refreshing, his character's wit often lightening the excessively serious mood of the film.

With its appropriately dark tone and interesting backstory on how Batman became Batman, this is a great film that should also be recognized as the movie that returned the Batman franchise to its former glory - a feat that seemed impossible after the releases of both Batman Forever and Batman & Robin.

Rating: 8/10

Batman: The Dark Knight

With a dark and brooding plot, tension in every scene, and multiple instances of sacrificing yourself for the greater good, Batman: The Dark Knight physically affected as much as any other movie ever has, and is the first film to do so since Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.

Throw in a brilliant performance by Heath Ledger (who, despite the unfortunate hype stirred from his untimely death actually lived up to the billing), an unstoppable synergy with director Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale, and a full bag of Batman gadgetry tricks, and you've got one of the best movies of the year.

See this movie once, then see it again...it's that good.

Rating: 9/10

Once Upon a Time in the West

It would appear that after the recent lack of quality films I've subjected myself to, Once Upon a Time in the West has given me hope once again that there are still good films out there to be watched.

And one more thing: Charles Bronson is the man.


Rating: 7.5/10

Hancock

Hancock, portrayed as "not your average superhero," was average as a movie. Many of what would have been the film's best scenes were made stale by the trailer, and both the big surprising twist and antagonist plotlines would have been interesting... if they had been completely fleshed out.

Bottom line: Hancock could have been great, but when the credits roll, you will probably just sit there wondering why the movie ended when it did, and why it didn't grasp its full potential.

Rating: 6/10

Hancock

The Running Man

Horrifying one-liners. Crap graphics. Arnold. It's cheese-tastic!

Rating: 4/10

The Other Boleyn Girl

I have always been interested in the antics of King Henry VIII and I have always been interested in Natalie Portman. Too bad neither could interest me in this film.

Rating: 5.5/10

What Happens in Vegas

Predictable. Tired. It was worse than Hidalgo.

Rating: 3.5/10

You Don't Mess With the Zohan

Save yourself a couple hours and just watch the trailer below. Anything that's worth seeing in the film is right here - and that's not saying much.

Rating: 4/10

I Am Legend

It has got to be extremely difficult holding the attention of an eager audience for 75% of a movie with only yourself and a dog, but Will Smith did it. In fact, he succeeded so much while acting out his isolation on Manhattan that I would have been content if no supporting actors weaved their way into the storyline.

Already outdated special effects (the vampire mutants look like shit), a cheesy and convenient ending, and unlikeable characters thrown in at the end of the film hurt the movie's quality, but props must be given to Will Smith, who manages, in his quest to salvage mankind, also manages to salvage this film.

Rating: 6.5/10

Sex and the City

Sex and the City was 30 minutes too long, the characters' relationship lacked the depth that made the show so endearing, and Samantha Jones was a wasted character, but I hurt when the characters hurt, laughed when Charlotte pooed herself, and I still thought the movie was enjoyable enough - even if it was nowhere near as good as the show.

Rating: 7/10

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

When you catch lightning in a bottle once, that's a great thing. If you catch lightning in a bottle twice - or in the case of the first three Indiana Jones films, thrice - you can only imagine that that streak of good fortune would be destined to end at some point. The jury is still out for me on this film, although I admit I had a shit-eating grin on my face multiple times throughout the film (for example, the first shot of Indy or the crazy monkey scene performed by Shia LeBouf). It's just unfair to judge the value of this film without the nostalgia factor that the other three already developed. Additionally, the antagonist, played by Cate Blanchett, seemed weak to me, so it will be interesting to see how my feelings on her character influence my feelings on the movie overall (note, I'm not judging her effort, just the role itself).

Don't get me wrong, there are usually any number of things you could criticize in films if you think long enough about it. And for everything that Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull lacked, it made up for in other ways - Harrison Ford and Shia LeBouf, exciting action sequences, and plenty of squirmishly good scenes with squirmishly disgusting creatures.

Overall, my gut feeling is a positive one, and I'd suggest giving this film at least one watch.

Rating: 7.5/10

Funny Face

Before you finish reading this post, understand that I do appreciate the singing and dancing talents that Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire bring to the classic movie Funny Face. However, if you've read the earlier posts of this blog, you'll also understand that movies from this genre, as well as musicals in general, are more or less lost on me. I tend to find the style of classical movies somewhat cheesy, and am turned off by the stilted progression of storylines in musicals because the characters have a need to sing and dance every three minutes.

Having said that, though, Audrey Hepburn does star, and although she hails from the golden age/musical Hollywood era, she's an exception to the rule in my book, so the movie gets bonus points here. It's not her best, but I've seen much, much worse films in my day (a la Hidalgo).

Rating: 6/10

27 Dresses

27 Dresses felt like it was 27 hours long and I don't really like Katherine Heigl.

Rating: 5/10

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

Welcome back to Narnia - albeit a Narnia that is much different than the one we saw in the first film.

Prince Caspian takes place 1300 Narnian years after the Pevensie children last ruled over those lands, and much like their first experience there, the second trip back is welcomed by turmoil and tension at the hands of an unruly and unscrupulous leader.

With themes that are considerably more adult-like (perhaps the movies' storylines are growing with the children), the suspense is stronger, the emotional response evoked is stronger, and the result is a movie that is stronger than its predecessor. I highly recommend this film.

Rating: 8.5/10

The Little Mermaid

My favorite movies from my childhood are hit or miss when I watch them nowadays. A select few have managed to stand the test of time, and at the risk of sounding like a sissy, The Little Mermaid is one of them. I still laugh at Sebastian, sing to the songs, and, uh, have a crush on Ariel (gotta love those seashells).

Coming in at a brisk 83 minute running time, the only wish I have is that it was a little bit longer.

Rating: 7/10

Iron Man

The summer blockbuster season is finally here with the arrival of Iron Man. "Iron"ically (couldn't resist), it was the final action scene that hurt this film. The story - even for someone as unfamiliar with the character as I am - was well done and the character of Tony Stark, brought to life on the screen by Robert Downey Jr., was even better. Throw in the eye candy (Gwyneth Paltrow) and the pompous ass (Jeff Bridges), and you've got yourself a pretty damn good movie that would have been even better if not for, again, the somewhat cheesy fight scene in the climax of the film.

Rating: 7.5/10

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Perhaps it's that child within us that never goes away - that child who finds within him or herself the courage to stand up for what is right, that child who dreams of changing things for the better, that child who can accomplish things previously unimaginable - that makes this movie so enjoyable.

Well that and the fact that Liam Neeson voices Aslan.

Rating: 7.5/10

Atonement

Words can't describe how good, how powerful, how amazing this film is, so I won't even try.

Rating: 8.5/10

Run, Fat Boy, Run

You hear it all the time that running isn't just a sport; running is a metaphor for life. Perhaps more than any other sport, running causes us to confront our weaknesses, overcome boundaries, and, when we cross that finish line - regardless of what the time is - we have bettered ourselves because of those challenges that running forces us to overcome.

That metaphor is exactly what Run, Fat Boy, Run is all about, and it's well executed by director (and former Friends star) David Schwimmer. I also liked Simon Pegg's performance, which was different from his usual satirical-type of role. And finally, I liked the prominence of running in the film, which is probably the real reason why I think it was better than the average romantic comedy.

Rating: 7/10

Juno

Most of the time, when I get around to watching a film that has as much hype surrounding it as Juno did, I'm disappointed. Not the case with Juno - which used witty humor, the chaos of a teenage pregnancy, and the journey we all face as we mature - to the utmost success.

Although it's not an everyday watch, it's rare for me when a film's coda is reached and I find myself still wanting more just because I want to remain a part of the character's lives for a little while longer. Good film, powerful message, good rating.

Rating: 8/10

The Count of Monte Cristo

Woe is me. I haven't read the book, but I'm pretty sure Jim Caviezel's acting was not what Alexander Dumas would have had in mind.

Rating: 5.5/10

Underworld

Bill Nighy was born on December 12, 1949 in Surrey, England, the son of Catherine Josephine and Alfred Martin Nighy. He honed his acting skills at the Guildford School of Acting and started his career in 1975 and after two seasons at The Everyman Theater in Liverpool, England, made his debut at the National Theater in the play "Illuminatus!"

Not one to stick with one performance medium, Nighy has also voiced the character Samwise Gamgee in the BBC Radio adaptation of the Lord of the Rings in 1981 - the same year he made his first on-screen appearance in the film Agony. Nighy has since kept busy in both theater and film, with his most well-known roles coming in such films as Billy Mack in Love Actually and Davey Jones in the second and third installments of the Pirates trilogy.

Nighy also portrayed the elder vampire Viktor in Underworld, which, in a roundabout way brings me to my actual and poignant review of the movie: I liked Underworld, I like hot chicks in tight leather outfits, and I like vampires, but not as much as I like Bill Nighy is that tender, not-gay sort of way.

Rating: 7/10

Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back

My favorite of the Star Wars films for years, the recently dethroned The Empire Strikes Back is still among my favorite films of all time.

There are plenty of reasons why this is a great, great work of art. For example, the silhouetted portion of the fight scene between Vader and Luke Skywalker is one of the strongest scenes I have ever watched. There is always some intrigue with a torn character like Lando Calrissian - will he help the cause or hurt it? - and that insecurity for much of the film is largely a driving factor of its success. I also personally enjoy the introduction of Yoda and our first real glimpse of what it takes to be a Jedi knight. Having one of the most well-kept and shocking secrets in all of movie history revealed in the story doesn't hurt either.

However, what really puts this film over the top is the fact that the bad guys win. Too often do we see the "good guys" overcoming insurmountable odds again and again. One could argue that Han, Chewie, and Leia did just that with their flight into the asteroid field and that Han and Luke would never had survived the frozen tundra of Hoth overnight, but before final conclusions are drawn, consider this:

By the end of the film, Han is frozen in carbonite and on his way - compliments of Boba Fett - to Jabba the Hutt. Additionally, Luke is confused by the revelation that Vader is his father and tempted by the power promised by the Dark Side. The loss of his arm, much like his father's, is also an indication that the rebellion is falling apart because Luke is so dangerously tempted by the Dark Side of The Force.

Although slightly hindered because it is a transitional film, The Empire Strikes Back is still one of the best of all time, and a close second place to its predecessor.

Rating: 9.5/10

American Psycho

WARNING: This post contains speculation and spoilers. Do not read if you intend to watch this movie, which is not for everybody, by the way.

After 8 years, I finally had the opportunity to watch American Psycho and, despite all the pent up expectation, I could not immediately bring myself to like or dislike the film.

I'm not saying that is a bad thing. In fact, it's been quite some time since I watched a movie that I had to sit down and think about. In fact, I will probably still have to watch a few more times before I can understand exactly what happened (for example, did Bateman actually kill Paul, or was that imagined?).

I speculate that half of the movie is comprised of Patrick Bateman's sick and twisted imagination, and the other half of the movie is reality. After having seen the movie one time, I think that the central murder - the murder of Paul Allen - was a fantasy brought on by jealousy. I think that the murder of the homeless man in the alley - the first murder in the film that the audience witnesses - was reality. During his exchange with the homeless man, Patrick made it exceptionally clear that he and the man had nothing in common, almost as if he was trying to convince himself that was the case both socially and personally. In reality, and one of the things the movie does make abundantly clear, is that Bateman is an insignificant yuppie riding his father's coattails to success. His interactions with the more successful Paul Allen are riddled with deceit and it is this deceit that makes me believe Bateman is insecure with himself and his standing, and is ultimately why I don't think he could have committed the murder of his counterpart.

For those of you who don't really care about the deeper meaning and speculation stuff, or for those of you who enjoy that and good old fashioned gore and action (like me), this movie provides us with plenty of both.

As interesting as it is sick and twisted, this is a good film.

Rating: 7.5/10

Ella Enchanted

Anne Hathaway, I want to have your babies.

Rating: 6.5/10

Star Wars IV: A New Hope

If George Lucas had ever heard the saying "Save the best for last," he certainly didn't listen to it. Episode IV, the first chapter of the Star Wars saga - at least in our galaxy - has recently emerged for me as the best of the Star Wars films.

Despite its initial release back in 1977, the film is far from feeling "stale" despite all the technological advances we've seen in recent years. The story - chronicling Luke's first steps toward fulfilling his destiny, the beginnings of Han and Leia's flirtation, and the introduction to the powerful and ominous Lord Vader evoke a strong emotional response in me to this day...and I've been watching these movies religiously for nearly ten years now. What's more, the scene of the attack against the mighty Death Star is nothing short of amazing (I'll spare you the details so you can enjoy it more when you watch it).

Ignoring the DVD release version (like Han Solo would wait to be shot at before firing back...yeah right) and the fact that the new trilogy created a few inconsistencies that moderately affected the original movies, what's not to love about this film?


The best movie of the best cinematic story of all time, it would be a safe bet that you won't be seeing another review this good...ever.

May the Force be with you, movie-goers.

Rating: 10/10

Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith

When I stated in the previous post that Episode II was the best of the new Star Wars trilogy, I meant it. But in no way did I say it was a landslide victory.

Episode III has many of the same character-driven storyline elements as Episode II did. The growth in the relationship between Anakin and Obi-Wan, the secretive and tense love between Anakin and Padme, the ever-increasing influence Palpatine obtained over the Senate and young Skywalker, and the ultimate fate of the Jedi Order were all powerful enough to stir a strong emotional response. However, where as in Episode II these elements were the driving "Force" of the film, in Episode III I felt they were slightly more forced and in some cases very poorly written- (i.e. the "Love has blinded you?" scene).

Having said that, though, you can't deny the action sequences were amazing, and the climactic battles actually lived up to the hype, which helps me forgive some of the film's shortcomings.

If you love action and adventure, this film is right up your alley. A great a climax as the final act of the trilogy could be - minus some minor faults - Episode III is definitely worth a watch or seven.

Rating: 9/10

Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones

Arguably the best movie of the new trilogy, Attack of the Clones boasts an amazing battle scene on Geonosis, the secret to the mysterious beginnings of the Storm Troopers, an introduction to young Boba Fett, the beheading of Jengo Fett at the hands of Mace Windu and his purple light saber, and of course, the duel between Count Dooku and Yoda.

What drives the story, though, and what makes it most like the original trilogy, is the focus on the character's relationship with each other. You see a straine but loving father-son relationship develop between Obi-Wan and Anakin, a true and dangerous love develop between Anakin and Padme, and a sense of the growing turmoil within Anakin as he struggles with the difficulties he faces as he grows up. The focus on these elements make those aforementioned action elements all the better because you as the viewer are more involved with the characters on a more intimate level.

All in all, it may not live up the original trilogy's standards, but it's a great film with a little more Force than its predecessor, and a film that's worth watching over and over and over again.

Rating: 8.5/10

Star Wars I: The Phantom Menace

The first episode of one of the most successful and compelling stories in the history of filmmaking, The Phantom Menace is not the best of the Star Wars saga by a long shot. However, I do love me a prequel, and I still argue that it is a great movie in its own right and its generally negative perception can be based on the following:

1) It was the first Star Wars movie to have been released since the end of the original trilogy some 16 years before. Because the original trilogy had such an avid following, all the anticipation that had built in that span of time was a recipe for disaster. No movie could live up to that hype.
2) Once you've seen Anakin Skywalker as an end product, seeing a whiney little kid just seems a little...odd.
3) Jar Jar Binks. Enough said.

Please, people, give this movie another chance. Watch it again. Try to take it for what it is - the introductory act to one of the greatest stories in the history of filmmaking (have I made my opinion clear on that?) - and you'll get far more enjoyment out of it. Besides, with George Lucas at the helm and Natalie Portman, Ewan McGregor, and Liam Neeson on screen, it's hard to argue that the force is not with this film... at least a little bit.

Rating: 8/10

Shopgirl

Every once in awhile, a movie comes along that is...paradoxical?

Shopgirl, in all its subtle awkwardness, made a not-so-subtle impact on me.

It's classified as a romantic comedy and sure, there are some aspects in that regard, but you can't really call it romantic or funny. In all actuality, the film is more sad than anything until the end.

Poignant, well-written, and boasting a cast that includes Steve Martin, Jason Schwartzman, and Claire Danes (always a plus), Shopgirl is not so subtly good.

Rating: 7.5/10

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Okay, I hope everyone is seeing the beginnings of a pattern here. Within the past two weeks, I've watched two films from the 1950's, probably equaling my previous lifetime total of movies from that same era.

My opinion going into this movie, aside from my never-ending love for Marilyn Monroe, was that all 50's era films were, to be nice, dated. They weren't bad (see The Quiet Man review), just not my type of movie.

Combine that previous statement with my general dislike of musicals (very few exceptions), it would seem that this movie would not be getting a very favorable review.

Well, stranger things have happened, but I really sincerely liked this movie. Enough to keep this classical movie experiment going, even. Of course, having seen the eternally beautiful Marilyn Monroe in action didn't hurt, but Gentlemen Prefer Blondes was also funny, entertaining, and just the right length of time.

Rating: 7/10

Ghost Rider

Much like the film reviewed before this, Ghost Rider was mostly predictable. Unlike the film reviewed before this, its predictability works for it. Enter the reluctant and initially unwilling superhero, his damsel in distress, some loose ends never resolved in the writing and/or editing, and some really cool bad guy, and you've got a recipe for success in my book.

Where the film hurts itself is in the sometimes easily resolved fight scenes (which had potential), the sketchy acting skills of Eva Mendes (no potential) and sometimes iffy special effects (limitless potential). However, these shortcomings can't stop the Sam Elliott train, baby, so give Ghost Rider a look. Take it for what it is, and you'll be pleased enough.

Rating: 7/10

Hidalgo

Predictable. Tired. It was okay.

Rating: 5/10

The Quiet Man

For someone who perceives himself a movie freak, as I do, I admit that my exposure to films created before my lifetime is seriously lacking. And although I still thought The Quiet Man was good, I believe it would have been better if I had learned to better appreciate movies of that golden-age era of Hollywood (this movie was filmed in 1952).

Having said that, this review is not a slam of The Quiet Man. It's more of a slam on my experience, which I intend to broaden in the future.

Bonus points for its being based in Ireland and starring The Duke and Grandpa's crush Maureen O'Hara, it's worth a watch or two.

Rating: 6/10

Legends of the Fall

Two concise sentences sum up this film: Well done. Depressingly sad.

Legends of the Fall came at the end of a weekend back-to-back movie session (the other being that movie from the previous post) and the only similarity between the two is that they aren't everyday watches. However, the reason is different. Seriously, I think if I were to watch this movie consistently, I'd never smile again and cast myself away as hollow, depressed hermit too afraid to form any kind of significant relationship for fear of the pain it would eventually cause.

Some people may argue, understandably so, that a movie that isn't enjoyable isn't good. I don't feel that way. I tend to judge films based on how powerfully I am affected by them, and in that regard, Legends of the Fall is a great one in my opinion. My lone complaint would have to be the sometimes uninspired acting of Brad Pitt, which is not nearly as prevalent in this film as in some others in which he's appeared.

Again, not a daily watch, but one well worth the two hours and fifteen minutes spent.

Rating: 7.5/10

A Knight's Tale

I am oftentimes disappointed when I watch a film now that I enjoyed when I was is high school. Quite honestly, I felt that A Knight's Tale would be more of the same.  Although admittedly not as good as I remembered it to be, I still found some aspects of the story line effective to evoke an emotional response.  Having said that, I think that there were one too many story lines - notably the stale and cliche love story - that bogged the movie down when it would have otherwise picked up steam.  

Not an everyday watch, but an enjoyable movie just the same at the beginning of what would have been a brilliant actor's career.

Rating: 6.5/10

A Knight's Tale

Million Dollar Baby

One of the drawbacks to having a larger than average movie collection is that some gems aren't discovered right away.  Tonight, I discovered one in Million Dollar Baby.

At first, I thought Clint Eastwood's direction in the film was not his best (a la Mystic River).  At some undefinable point, though, I was hooked on the story - which became quite evident toward the emotionally gut-wrenching climax.

Overall, due to its tight direction and strong acting - but even more so based on its ability to communicate the power that friends have to change us for the better -  Million Dollar Baby gets my recommendation.

Rating: 7.5/10

Gangs of New York

Although a tale of complex relationships, back-stabbing betrayals, and the inevitable conclusion that the past can drastically affect the future, there is only one, simple word that I need to describe this film: amazing.

The film, which chronicles the impact of mid 19th century immigration in New York, the effects of the Civil War, and how its two main characters take a long and difficult journey in learning what it is to be American, isn't something you'll want to watch every single day.  However, when the fancy strikes, this movie will never fail to please.  Besides, Martin Scorsese directed the film.  Need I say more?

Rating: 8/10

Mr. Brooks

Mr. Brooks might be a successful businessman, a family man, and man of the year, but he's also a ruthless serial killer (known as the Fingerprint Killer) who is tortured by his dark craft.

During what he thinks is his last killing, Mr. Brooks is caught on film by Mr. Smith, who blackmails Mr. Brooks into teaching him how to kill.  As things begin to spiral out of control for the lead character, the detective assigned to his case (Demi Moore) get closer and closer to finally cracking the case....

Like most thriller/suspense films, the rewatch value is next to nil, and the ending is likely to bother some, but this film is definitely worth at least one look.

Rating: 7/10

30 Days of Night

Okay, I admit it - 30 Days of Night is not an Academy-Award winning film. The acting is sketchy at best, and the movie can seem long at points, but despite its faults, the movie actually managed to freshen up the vampire genre - which long ago wore out its welcome in my opinion.
Apart from my obsession and positively biased opinion toward Alaska (and especially toward Barrrow, where the film takes place), this film is actually quite enjoyable as long as you take it for what it is...a somewhat predictable horror flick with plenty of gore and action. Sometimes, less is more, and that's the case with 30 Days of Night. I can't wait until this comes out on DVD on February 26.

Rating: 7/10

Introduction

Welcome to The Midwest Movie Review, the blog of a simple Midwestern movie buff.

Not surprisingly, this blog will cover movies - movies I've seen, movies I want to see, and movies I shouldn't have seen but did. I will also cover TV shows - the good shows, the okay shows, and the "why did I invest my time into this series?" shows. You will notice as I post more that each movie will have a rating out of a possible 10. I'll be tough on movies and shows getting 9s or 10s mostly because I think nothing is absolutely perfect.

In addition, I intend to provide you with any resources I come across on this World Wide Web, so that you can become more informed yourself...just don't forget to come back to this blog regularly for reviews/updates.

Finally, I'm always open to suggestions. Any films I should see but haven't? Send me a note and I'll check it out.

Until next time, movie-goers.