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