Ocean's 11 (Steven Soderberg, 2001)

Country of Origin: USA



A remake of the 1960's Rat Pack classic, Ocean's 11 has it all. By using the talents of A-list actors George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Julia Roberts, this movie was given a new modern and realistic approach. Danny Ocean (George Clooney) has just been released from jail for theft, decides to rob the three biggest Las Vegas casinos, owned by Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia). With the help of his friend Rusty (Brad Pitt) and a gang of 9 of the best criminals, he plans a heist that will amaze you.

When this film first came out, I had no real desire to see it. It was one of those "If my friends want to see it, then I will go" type of movie for me. My brother rented the movie, and I had nothing better to do, so I decided to watch it. I loved it! I have seen a lot of "heist" movies but they all had very unrealistic, sci-fi gadgets to help them along. This movie was all real: the tools they used, the plans. It was quite refreshing to see a film like this. All the twists and turns certainly left me shocked at the end, and I love how they show you how the tricks were done. Whenever I watched this movie it makes me want to become a criminal because it looks so fun! I wonder if anyone has tried to rob a casino after this film? I really enjoyed Ocean's 12 as well and I am looking forward to seeing Ocean's 13.

Armageddon (1998)

Armageddon features Bruce Willis as Harry Stamper and Ben Affleck as A.J. Frost. Harry’s job was to lead his oil drilling team into space to battle an asteroid the size of Texas. This enormous rock was threatening to destroy Earth. A.J., who is Harry’s daughter’s fiancé, was challenged to go into space along with Harry and his team to battle this threat. After fighting many obstacles and losing a lot of their men, they finally dug deep enough into this massive asteroid to place a bomb to destroy it. All goes well until they realized that they had to sacrifice a man to detonate the bomb manually. A.J. was randomly selected as the one who will stay behind to detonate the bomb, but Harry at the last moment pulled him aside and took on the responsibility. Harry was an automatic hero. The movie created a Jesus-like figure for Harry for sacrificing his life to save the entire world.

Armageddon is a very eventful movie with a lot of action. The plot and the characters were developed very well in this movie. I could not keep my eyes off the screen during all the high thriller action scenes. The first “outer-space” movie I watched was Apollo 13, which I felt was one of the very best space movies created, with that said, I would rank Armageddon in the same category. I highly recommend this movie; it has become one of my favorites.

Overall it was very entertaining and what I felt to be a very emotional ending.

2006: In Retrospect

2006 was another strong year for cinema; one filled with lament, dystopic visions, sorrow, and fantasy. Although I've hardly seen all the major films of the year, I still feel inclined to discuss my favourites.

Of the many central themes recurrent in 2006, death was among the most prevalent. "A Prarie Home Companion" was perhaps the most significant as it explored ruminations on passing while eventually becoming director Robert Altman's final film (Altman died several months after the film was released theatrically). The film is a triumphant farewell interspersed with hope and mourning. On the opposite spectrum, Woody Allen's "Scoop" and the indie favourite "Little Miss Sunshine" explore death with a decidedly more upbeat and breezy atmosphere. The latter is among the better experiences I've ever had at the cinema.

2006 also marked a remarkable conquest for Mexican filmmakers Alfonso Cuaron ("Children of Men"), Alejandro Innaritu ("Babel"), and Guillermo del Toro ("Pan's Labyrinth"), who created artistically profound films and generated remarkable box office return for their efforts.

My favourite film of the year had less press and won fewer awards than those that I have already mentioned. Regardless, "Half Nelson" was among the best received films of the year and featured one of the most haunting and astonishingly authentic performances of the past decade. Ryan Gosling creates a layered and nuanced character in his portrayal of a inner city high school teacher with idealistic intentions. Conflict arises when this teacher's drug addiction interferes with his teacher/student relations. Apart from a incredible soundtrack (trouncing Zack Braff's popular work in "Garden State") and an adept supporting cast, "Half Nelson" succeeds in creating subtle analogies between addiction and modern culture while avoiding any cliches. It is a trancendental experience and one that begs to be discovered.

Although I'm one to avoid creating lists, I've done so here for the purposes of convenience.

01) "Half Nelson"
02) "Children of Men"
03) "Volver"
04) "A Prarie Home Companion"
05) "The Proposition"
06) "Cache"
07) "The Departed"
08) "Marie Antoinette"
09) "Little Miss Sunshine"
10) "Water"

- Kurtis

Donnie Darko (2001)

Director: Richard Kelly (2001)
Country of Origin: USA

Donnie Darko was the much deserved recipient of 11 awards and 9 nominations. I just watched this movie for the first time last week, and definitely think it is one of those films that must be watched more than once. This movie kept my attention throughout the whole movie, and probably for about two hours afterwards as I pondered what happened. Still, right now there are questions running through my mind. There are so many possible ways that this film could be interpreted. The director, Richard Kelly actually had a hard time finding an endorser due to the fact that it had such a mix of genres and tones. This movie could be possibly classified as horror, but I’d lean more towards a bit of fantasy. As I watched this movie, I finally thought that I figured out what was going on, when all of the sudden there is a great turn at the end that made me want to watch it again. In an earlier discussion today with Kurtis, he mentioned the directors cut, which sounds like it may explain many of my questions. I plan to find a copy of this very soon! My recommendation is that you watch the theatrical version first, and if you enjoyed this movie as much as I did then I’m sure that you will want to watch the director’s cut. All I can end with is that I can’t believe it took me six years to watch this movie!

View trailer here:
http://imdb.com/title/tt0246578/trailers

Run Lola, Run (Tom Tykwer, 1999)

Country of Origin: Germany

German director Tom Tykwer created the fast paced Run Lola, Run (aka Lola Rennt in Germany and some other parts of the world). This was a movie that seemed like it had a simple plot with a rapid tempo, aimed mostly towards adrenaline junkies; however, it is so much more. It stars Franka Potente (you might have recognized her from Bourne Identity) as fiery red head, Lola, who has to find a way to get 100,000 Deutschmarks in order to save her boyfriend, Manni (Moritz Bleibtreu). But this is no ordinary action/ thriller/ crime/ drama/ romance. No, no. Eccentricity seems to be the theme of this film. Tykwer’s passion of seeing love triumph over all in a non conventional way is well lit up in this film. In one interview he said his main emphasis was on “the role of coincidence and fate and the notion that the smallest alteration in the unfolding of a day could have enormous consequences.” In other words, it was a matter of cause and effect. Tykwer shows his audience how a few seconds could alter the events of an entire day by allowing Lola to repeat the same day three times; each time there is a slight alteration from the previous, and each time Lola is closer to getting Manni the money and preventing an untimely death.

This movie was enjoyable in the sense it felt as if I was on a rollercoaster. The story moved along so fast that, in actuality, it only lasted 20 minutes or so (mind you the 20 minutes of story was repeated 3 times and slightly different each time, which made it round out to about 90 minutes.) The use of animation and movement was intense and added to effect of the main character’s rush to save her beloved. If you are not up for the generic shot em’ up action thriller or the sappy romance, but want to watch something in between that is not like the rest, I suggest Run Lola, Run. If you rent the DVD, you get the option to watch it in German or English, but trust me on this one, the German version has more emotion.

300 (Zack Snyder, 2006)

Country of Origin: USA

This motion picture was so good that I just had to put in another review on it. Hope that’s ok with everyone. =)

First off, the cinematography of this movie was just immaculate. The use of camera angles throughout the battle scenes and how the director used slow motion to emphasize the intensity of the battles really gave the scenes that extra “umph.” Not only was the use of angles, in the movie, well utilized, but the way in which the director decided to colour the whole movie, as to give it a sort of ‘legendary’ look. Instead of simply using our everyday colours, Snyder made the movie look as if it were a painting. The well-toned bodies’ of the Spartans just glistened in the sun light and just made them look like Gods.

The basic background of the movie is that King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) and 300 of his best Spartan warriors leave Sparta to intercept the Persian army, lead by Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro), who are on their way to conquering Greece and the rest of Europe. (I don’t want to give out too much detail because that would ruin it for the ones that haven’t yet seen it =P)

My opinion of this movie was that it was fantastic!!! I would definitely recommend this movie to anyone and everyone. Like I said before, the cinematography was just amazing in how it was carried out. The battle scenes definitely showed why the Spartans were fierce warriors and why they were bred to become the best of the best. Overall, I would give this one two thumbs up!

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDiUG52ZyHQ

"The Searchers" (John Ford, 1956)

Country of Origin: USA

With "The Searchers," John Ford complexified issues of racism, historic ideals, and maintained his conveyance of familial unity. He also shot the film in Monument Vally -- the most meaningful backdrop one can hope to experience while viewing a John Ford production. Although, "The Searchers" attained a loyal following after its release, the film went unnoticed critically in America. In Europe, however, the French critics hailed the film as a landmark masterpiece and justly so. Ford undertook an epic film when directing "The Searchers," but with his economical choice of shots and framing, the film did not become an oversized production. After all, Ford rarely shot coverage; once the shooting began, he had already envisioned the film.

The photography in "The Searchers" is stunning, but Ford's eye for composition was hardly a surprise. One difference, however, is that "The Searchers" was shot in VistaVision, a relatively new photographic process at the time that would allow films to be shown in larger aspect ration and with more finer film grain -- a notion that would encourage directors to frame in long shots. Thus, if directors could use close-ups more sparingly, they would be able to emphasize meaning when doing so; it can only be assumed that Ford was entirely aware of this.

John Wayne's lead character, Ethan Edwards, conveys his racist values throughout the film. It is with such an approach that Ford was able to explore American History and the treatment of native americans. Superficially, the film itself might appear to condone racist values, but Ford's camera probes much deeper to occasionally reveal a sympathetic portrait, but unfortunately such films are rarely screened with ample scrutiny.

Although I could probably discuss "The Searchers" for hours as it is most definitely one of the finest films ever made, if not the single greatest American story portrayed on celluloid, I will end my review here with my highest recommendation.

NOTE: The most prolific use of VistaVision came from Alfred Hitchock, who composed several masterpieces in the format: "The Trouble with Harry," "The Man Who Knew Too Much," "Vertigo" (often cited has Hitch's finest film), and "North by Northwest."

- Kurtis

Frank Millers 300 (Zack Snyder, 2006)

Country Origin: USA

Wow, where do I even start! I went to see 300 the day after it came out in theatres and the line-ups were around the corner to see it. This was by far one of my favorite action movies of all-time, and I'd probably even go see it again. Leading up to seeing it, I had watched trailers and a few scenes from the movie on youtube and every time I watched them, I got more and more excited about seeing it. The pure intensity and aggression displayed in the characters in the movie is enough to get anyone's adrenaline going. Gerard Butler plays the role of King Leonidas of Sparta and he truly embodies the passion and spirit of what a Spartan soldier represented, such qualities like respect, honour, fearlessness, "from an early age, they were taught never to retreat, never to surrender, as death on the battlefield was the greatest glory a man could achieve."

The actors who play the Spartan soldiers all looked more than fit enough to be considered the "finest soldiers the world has ever seen," and as one of my buddies stated (in reference to the Spartans) "this looks like a steroid convention!" The film is packed with bloody and savage battle scenes which are conducted by both narrative speaking as well as direct dialogue from the actors, which gives the movie a unique style. Along with the countless battle scenes are a number of memorable lines, predominately from King Leonidas, that are both motivation and at times pretty humorous. Here's a few of my favorite quotes from the movie:

Persian:"Spartans, put down your spears..." Leonidas: "Persians, come and get them!"

Persian messenger: "This is blasphemy, this is madness..." Leonidas:"Madness? This Is SPARTA!"

Leonidas: "Spartans, ready your breakfast and eat hearty, for tonight we dine in HELL!"

The list could easily continue for quite some time but I'll let you see it and enjoy it all for yourself. There is no confusing this movie with a chick-flick as it is quite clearly an action packed guy-type movie, but that being said, I still think it's a great must-see movie for anyone to enjoy. I can't say enough good things about 300, just please go see it for yourself and then you'll understand that "...free men stood against a tyrant, that few stood against many, and before this battle was over, that even a God-king can bleed."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkdMvpb8o3Q Warning--contains scenes of violence and nudity. Viewer discretion is advised.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade ( Steven Spielberg, 1989)

Country of Origin: USA

All you have to hear is "Dah dah dah dah, dah dah dah..." and you know that Indiana Jones is on the scene. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is the third (but, supposedly not final) installment. In this film, Indiana (Harrison Ford) teams up with his father (Sean Connery) to search for the infamous Holy Grail before the Nazis get to it first. Searching tombs, surviving dangerous boat races, tanks, Hitler himself, and uncovering the greatest archaeological find, this movie has it all!

All I can say about this film is that nothing compares to it! This is a classic in my book. From the first time that I saw it I was hooked. I Love all the Indiana movies but this one is my favorite. It has everything that I love in a movie: tons of action, romance, comedy, and mystery. I love the scenes where Indiana has to perform the three tasks to retrieve the Grail because it puts me on the edge of my couch every time...and it has been many times! The special effects, I believe, are great for that time, like how Walter Donovan (bad guy!) turns into a mummy, and all the explosions during the tank scenes. I believe that the camera angles work for this film, but I have to admit that I don't watch the change in angles. I'm more focused on Harrison Ford! The cast is perfect for this film. Ford and Connery have a great father-son chemistry that makes me laugh!

Saw 3 (Darren Lynn Bousman, 2006)

Country of Origin: USA

The third installment of this gruesome thriller will make the hairs on your arm stand on end. By carefully planning and placing certain events from the past in order and incorporating particular sequences from each characters' lives, Saw 3 creeps-out and scares most of those that are brave enough to watch.

The lives of many people are at the mercy of one man, Jeff (Angus Macfayden). He and his wife, Lynn (Bahar Soomekh), are kidnapped by Jigsaw (Tobin Bell) and his protege Amanda (Shawnee Smith). If Lynn ever wants to see her family again, she must race against the clock to keep Jigsaw, who is on his death bed, alive and if Jeff ever wants to be with his family again he must go through a series of tasks and learn the lesson of mercy. Little do they know that Amanda has a series of secrets that seep-out and alter the outcome of each persons' destiny.

In my opinion, I thought that this movie was good (This could be because I love horror/scary movies). What made this movie good for me was that it was able to make me squirm and give me chills down my spine, which is not a common thing for me. I don't normally squirm or get chills when I watch movies like this, so if a film can achieve this, then it must be good. Kudos to the work of the director. The effects of sound, lighting, and camara angels, I believe, were the major contributors to acheiving what they did. I do recommend this film to anyone that likes to watch horrors and be scared, but I don't neccessarily recommend this film to those that get sick easily because. let's just say that it's a bit more graphic and explicit than Hostel.

Un Dimanche à Kigali

Country of Origin: Québec, Canada

Director: Robert Favreau

Un Dimanche à Kigali is playing in le Cinématheque movie theatre downtown on Howe and Davie right now. It is a very cute theatre that has only one theatre. This film is about a Québecois film maker, Bernard (Luc Picard) who goes to Rwanda to film a movie about AIDS. He becomes very close to many of his film subjects and their family. He falls in love with Gentille (Fatou N'Diyae), one of the workers of the hotel that he is staying at. War breaks out in between the Tutsis and the Hutus and they get stuck in the middle. Bernard refuses to flee to Canada because he knows that if he does, Gentille will be killed as she is a Tutsi. This film is extremely realistic, and does not leave anything to the imagination. There were a few scenes that were a little too gruesome for me and I had to look away, but this film is based on a true story, so the harshness is a must to portray what the Favreau is trying to show. This film is filmed in French, but has English subtitles, so it can be enjoyed by almost anyone. As I left the theatre, I heard many people compare this film to Hotel Rwanda. I found out afterwards that it was filmed in the same hotel as Hotel Rwanda. Although this is not my usually genre of film, I enjoyed it, as did the other members of the French Student Union that I went to it with.

Quill (2004)

Country of Origin: Japan

Quill is a Japanese dog movie about a seeing-eye dog. It is a popular movie that was translated into multiple languages and is considered to be a very popular film around the world. The movie is about the life of a seeing-eye dog and what they go through before having the responsibility of guiding a blind person. Quill is a Labrador retriever who went through the hardships of becoming a seeing-eye dog. (based on a true life cycle of a guide dog) The main character, other than Quill, is a blind man who wanted no help whatsoever from anyone, especially not a dog. His stubbornness and his unwillingness to work as a team with Quill led to their struggles to gain trust between them, but that would vanish once he realized how much Quill cared for him and his well-being. The plot of the movie revolves around their fight to overcome challenges. Their final challenge was to be without each other as the man fell sick and was no longer able to take care of Quill.

The reason why I choose to watch this movie was not because of its popularity, but because of what this movie means. I have a Labrador retriever at home, almost like Quill, and after watching this movie it just made me appreciate him that much more. Dogs are amazing creatures; they are much more than a household pet. As the movie was able to illustrate, Quill was not just doing his job as a seeing-eye dog, but instead he was a friend and a companion who was there to support his owner, just like our dogs do.

It is a very emotional ending to the movie, but without giving away the ending, I can tell you Quill and his owner were able to overcome their challenge of being away from each other.

I highly recommend this movie, it is a slow moving movie, but every scene has a great deal of meaning behind it. It is definitely a movie that a dog lover has to see.

Trailer: None

The 79th Annual Academy Awards

It was no surprise whatsoever to hear the bitterness and resentment towards the Academy in the weeks approaching the ceremonies and the morning after -- of course, most sentiments have now tranformed to that of boredom and/or indifference. In general, I was quite pleased with the show -- a year elevated by pleasant surprises, due recognition, and a particularly adept host. Most notably, it is the story of Martin Scorsese's Best Director victory that is on the minds of most cinephiles, while the tribute to Ennio Morricone is certainly a memorable aside. For those who don't know, Scorsese has had impressive longevity in Hollywood, directing for more than thirty-five years. He's created numerous films of exemplary quality and drawn many of his films to suit his personal interest in morality; it's been said that if Scorsese weren't a director, he'd be a priest as he was once quite involved in the seminary. Of the films he's most associated with, I have the greatest respect for "Taxi Driver," which was an astonishing technical achievement as well a superb meditation on the omni-present theme of morality. Of course, there's always been notices for his work in "Mean Streets," "Raging Bull," "After Hours," "The Last Temptation of Christ," and "Goodfellas." Scorsese's immense knowledge of film has always had an influence on his content and technique, but it also manifests in his general speech; cinema is obviously an extremely meaningful facet of his existence.

The technical awards were suprisingly well-chosen by the Academy with Pan's Labyrinth justly awarded in numerous categories. Although I would very well have liked to see Emmanuel Lubezki receive recognition for his astonishly well structured cinematography in "Children of Men." His lack of acknowledgement from the Academy is worsened in light of his not winning for "The New World" in the previous year.

Although, the Oscars have very little weight in my mind -- for a more authoritative voice in cinema, I'd turn to the Cannes Film Festival -- the awards are generally an excuse to celebrate cinema and I've never be one to turn down such an offer.

- Kurtis

A Lil' Film History (1877 and counting)

As the Academy Awards were playing in the background on my TV, I couldn't help but wonder where film-making was going. Movie making is a relatively new form of art in most respects, and it has advanced drastically in the course of the last century. I am certain that it will continue to grow and shape itself into a spectacular (and entertaining) art form for centuries to come. But, let us back track a bit. We can all see where film is going, for the most part, but do we really know where it has been? What inspirational being created such an art form that most take for granted today? Well do not fret my good friend for I shall take honor in telling you today. If nothing else, I hope to leave you with an excellent conversation starter…

Below I have created a time line of how film sprang into this beautiful world of ours, so sit back and soak in the knowledge…

1877 – Eadweard Muybridge lined up a series of cameras, to take individual pictures to see a horse’s hooves moving off the ground, for Leland Stanford. Apparently, Stanford wanted to see if all 4 of the horse’s hooves came off the ground when it galloped.

1882 – Etienne- Jules Marey created a camera in a form of a gun with negative film, which was the very first short reel camera.

1889 – Thomas Edison invented a camera that could take loop footage, and to show the footage he created a Kinetoscope (which was essentially a motion scope), which played the loop over and over again. And I bet you thought the only useful thing he made was the light bulb!

1894 – Andrew Holland opened the very first Kinetoscope parlor. Remember, in these early stages of film there was no sound so in the parlor there would be someone playing a piano while people enjoyed the footage.

1895 – This was the year that the Lumieres Brothers gave birth to movies the way we know them today. They came up with the idea to put a light behind a screen to project their ‘actualities’ (their documentary style film).

1896 – Not many people know this, but Alice Guy Blanche (yes, a woman), made the first color film and the first film to have a story line.

1903 – A great year, because if it wasn’t for a certain Georges Melies creating the film ‘A Trip to the Moon’, the very first science fiction movie, we may have never been introduced to the art of editing and animation. (Ok, someone else probably would’ve come up with it sooner or later, I just like dramatics)

1927 – Ever hear the phrase “you ain’t seen nothin’ yet”? Well I bet you didn’t know it was one of the few lines Al Jolson said in the film ‘The Jazz Singer,’ directed by Alan Crosland. This was the first movie that had sound while filming it (however, because the machine they used to record sound was so loud, the whole movie had only a few dialoged sequences).

1928 – The movie ‘The Lights of New York’ was the official 100% full talkie film.

1941 – This is the final year I leave you with, the year that Orson Welles made ‘Citizen Kane.’ It was said that Welles was the man who began the talkie era, first bringing entertainment (and fear) to everyone, through broadcasting waves with the ‘War of the Worlds’ radio rendition of the planet being overrun by aliens; then taking his talents and applying them to film.

Well I hope you enjoyed this little blast from the past…let me know what you think of it!

Ali: Fear Eats the Soul (Rainer Werner Fassbinder, 1974)

Country of Origin: Germany

Perhaps director Rainer Werner Fassbinder's most lauded film, "Fear Eats the Soul" is also notable for being one of the key films of the New German Wave, which was headed by Werner Herzog, Wim Wenders, and, of course, Fassbinder. "Fear Eats the Soul" is perhaps most famous for its impressive handling of interracial relationships in working class Germany; but, other than the film's touching and insightful approach to an otherwise touchy issue, "Fear Eats the Soul" has the distinction of possessing an incredible presence of mise en scene, which clearly evokes the work of Hollywood melodramatist Douglas Sirk. Created in the middle of what was perhaps the most prolific directing career in cinema, the film is all the more remarkable for the brisk shooting schedule with which Fassbinder conducted all his productions. Surprisingly, given the relatively low budget, the film's stars are tremendously effective in drawing an emotional bond with the audience; the brazen and broken speech with which Ali speaks is particularly affecting.

While it can be argued that Fassbinder had greater achievements with "The Marriage of Maria Braun" and his fifteen-and-a-half hour long mini-series "Berlin Alexanderplatz," "Fear Eats the Soul" remains a surprisingly warm film from a director who was known for his cold and displeasing demeanor. Although I've often been drawn to the surreal imagery of Herzog's shot-on-location dramas such as "Aguirre, the Wrath of God" (perhaps my favourite film) and "Stroszek," I'm becoming increasingly fascinated by Fassbinder's diverse canon of films and his masterful use of mise en scene. For those unfamiliar with German cinema, the work of the said directors must be seen.

- Kurtis

The Guardian

Country of Origin: USA



I thoroughly enjoyed this film starring Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher. This movie had the perfect balance of action and dialogue. I felt a close connection to not only the main characters, but to the not so important characters such as Hodge (Brian Geraghty.) This movie is classified as an action, adventure and drama and definiitely fulfilled all of those genres as well as having a little bit of comedy. A younger Kevin Costner could be identified through Ashton Kutcher, which added more depth to both of the characters. Although at first Kutcher comes across as a tad bit arrogant, we soon realize that he has had a life full of challenges, and that his coping method is to be overly confident. His character showed me that even if someone has unlimitied potential, limitations due to past events must be overcome before successfully becoming a team player and mastering a new career. Other characters, such as Hodge, taught us other lessons. Hodge, who is in training for the coast guard for the third time, shows us that with persistence, and a little bit of confidence, anyone can achieve their goals. I have new found respect for the Coast Guard, and the intense training that is needed in order to be successfully part of the force. I can’t think of any criticisms that I have for this movie. I highly recommend it, no matter what type of movies you enjoy watching!

Meet Joe Black (Martin Brest, 1998)

Country Origin: USA

Right away, you know that this is going to be a pretty good movie because Anthony Hopkins is in it; not to mention a pretty famous co-star in Brad Pitt. Meet Joe Black is a fairly simple, gentle-paced story about life, love, and passion. Joe Black, played by Pitt, begins the movie as a young, flirty, attractive man, who experiences a love-at-first-sight encounter with Susan Parrish, played by Claire Forlani, who also feels this connection. It appears as an electrifying start to a relationship when suddenly, Pitt is brutally killed. The scene where Pitt dies always shocks me a bit because you just don't kill off a main character in the first five minutes! Fortunately for all you ladies, Pitt returns shortly after, but not as himself...Susan's father, William Parrish--played by Hopkins--is a successful middle-aged man who is realizing that death is calling him--literally! When Pitt makes his second debut, his character's body is the host of Death. The way in which Pitt transforms his once comical, witty, and charming character, into a stern, dull, and yet intriguing man (death), is eerily achieved.

Joe Black requests that William Parrish be his guide in the world, while in return, biding William a few more precious weeks on earth. The unexpected appearance of Pitt in the Parrish household, brings surprise and confusion to Susan, who just met him only a few hours before. Throughout the rest of the movie, Susan finds herself falling in love with the "new Joe", all while William is struggling to keep his company from falling into hands of corruption in his final days. The way that Hopkins tries to deal with death looming around him, his company's power struggle, and his daughter now falling in love with death, is a stressful yet comical intertwining situation, in which the audience falls in love with the curious Joe Black/Death, the loving William Parrish, and the gorgeous Susan Parrish.

This is such a powerful film in the sense that we feel all of the many frustrations that William is feeling as a result of death inviting itself into his life and that of his family's. The lessons of love are continuously explored in the film, along with the importance of spending the short time we have on earth with the people we love. Another powerful aspect of this film is the soundtrack. The build-ups and melodies fit the movie perfectly and really adds to the emotions felt during the film. I don't think I can choose a favorite character in Meet Joe Black because I love the roles that all of the cast play, and every time I see this movie, I find something new that I love about it. It may seem slow to some people but once you get into it, you'll be drawn in with anticipation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s53zVYGihSs

The Grudge (Ju-On, 2004)

Origin: Japan/USA

The Grudge stars Sarah Michelle Gellar, as an american girl who works as a care-giver in Tokyo. She accepts a job caring for an american family, but little does she know that the house has been cursed, by the rage of a murderous husband/father, who went on a rampage killing his wife, Kayako (Takako Fuji), his son, Toshio (Yuya Ozeki) and then committing suicide.

She experinces paranormal activity - in which the mother and son are a tag team of spirits that do the killing - once she starts her work, and as soon she finds out what actually happened in the house she becomes determined on finding out why it happened and how she can stop it. But to her demise there really is no stopping it and it keeps coming after her and everyone else that has stepped foot in the house.

In my opinion, I rather liked this movie and thought that it was amusing. But then again, I like scary movies and this one made me jump and squeal a little. Although some parts were a little cheesy others were just really creepy and gave me the shivers (i.e when the mother is following a lady up the stairwell and as soon as she gets out the mother grabs her phone and all you can really see is her eye when the doors closes). Who knew that a noise I used to always make, in my childhood days, would become the trademark of a ghost. *shrugs*

Movie Tralier: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYhci6Yp6GM

"Partition" (Vic Sarin, 2007)

Country of Origin: Canada/India

Long ago, in a country extremely different from the country we know today, we are taken back to the days of disaster and sorrow to when the British fallout began in India, resulting in a partition of the country into two; the dominantly Hindu/Sikh India and the Muslim majority Pakistan. During the partition people had to migrate to India or Pakistan depending on their religion, and it was during these migrations that there were mass murders of over half a million people. Hindus/Sikhs were killing Muslim men, women, and children in the hundreds; Muslims were killing Hindus and Sikhs with no signs of mercy as well. This film centers around a young Muslim girl named Naseem (Kristin Kreuk), and Sikh soldier-turned-farmer Gian (Jimi Mistry) as star crossed lovers, in this tale of forbidden love in a world torn apart by their differences. During one of the many migrations, Naseem’s group was attacked which leads her to Gian, and with time their love for each other surpass everything else.

What was absolutely amazing in this film was the fact that usually you are shown a bad guy and a good guy; conversely, in this movie you are shown the bad of both and the good of both sides (in this case the good and bad of the different religions). Sure there are the occasional antagonist characters, but those characters come from both sides of the fence. Director Vic Sarin portrays the partition, that occurred in the late 1940s, beautifully and without any bias. In fact, his main goal was to show his audience that even in a time of extreme division, there was always some hope of unity, some hope of diversity. That may have been one of his motivations in casting his lead characters. Both his main characters are of mixed decent; Kristin Kreuk comes from a half Dutch and half Chinese background, while Jimi Mistry is half Hindu and half Irish. Both actors did a splendid job at portraying the different cultural values and beliefs and their performances together were heart-warming to say the least. This film exposed the hidden talent of two actors who have not had much big screen time in the past. It will be interesting to see where they go from here.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yhr2leLh9lw

[Frank Miller's] 300 (Zack Snyder, 2006)

Country Origin: USA

This movie has yet to be released in theatres but is coming out soon; despite this, I had seen the trailer for this movie during the previews for another movie and was immediately intrigued. Although I am not very well educated on Spartan history or anything, the trailer has done a remarkable job at creating an entertaining, suspenseful, and thrilling portrayal of the film.

I won't consider this an official post because the movie hasn't been released and I don't want to write more until I have actually seen it for myself.

The film is based on Frank Miller's novel, 300. I highly recommend checking out the trailer for this movie. I've watched it more than enough times already and every time I watch it, I want to see the movie even more! If anyone knows when it is supposed to come out in theatres, let me know. Thanks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIE4skG1gno

"Babel" (Alejandro González Iñárritu, 2006)

Country of Origin: USA, Japan, Mexico, and Morocco

Unjustly compared to the atrocity that was Paul Haggis' "Crash" (2004), "Babel" offers a layered and less preachy portrait of communication. As obviously illustrated in the theatrical trailer, the theme of cross-cultural miscommunication is presented as a source of disastrous consequences; but what Iñárritu attempts to do throughout the film is to use this theme to mask the underlying importance of familial understanding. It seems to me that the lack of communication within various families is at the core of all the events that transpire over the course of the film; the language barriers serve only to worsen the already existent problems. While both "Crash" and "Babel" are clearly manipulative in their presentation of serious matters (racism and communication, respectively), the various plots in "Babel" are loosely connected and less forced. In the end, I can only assume that Iñárritu is suggesting that society should focus on solving the matters of the home (or on a more broad note, that which is personal) before attempting to address cultural or worldly matters. In many ways, it is much easier to understand Iñárritu's motivations and incentives than it is to comprehend the obviousness of Haggis' plea.

For those who are interested in the film, it should be advised that the theatrical trailer is gross misrepresentation. Personally, I found the film to be a pleasant surprise, but others may be disappointed with the graphic and intense presentation of conflict. It should also be noted that Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett have much smaller contributions to the film than one would expect; nevertheless, the international cast is extremely talented and in many ways superior to their American co-stars. Impressive as always is Gael García Bernal who is gradually becoming one of the most sought after actors of his generation.

The trailer can be found at the following link:

http://www.apple.com/trailers/paramount_vantage/babel/trailer1/

- Kurtis

Employee of the Month

Director: Greg Coolidge
Country of origin: USA



In my moment of weakness (it definitely must have been a moment of weakness) I picked Employee of the Month of my friend's floor and decided to watch it. This movie starring Jessica Simpson, Dax Sheppard and Dane Cook is set in a big box store and was shot in a Costco. Amy (Jessica Simpson) gets transferred from another store and has a reputation of always dating the employee of the month. Vince (Dax Sheppard) has been employee of the month for 17 months straight. He is head cashier and a huge "suck up." Zack (Dane Cook) who is known as the store slacker decides that he will become employee of the month by the end of the month to win her over. I don't think I need to even explain what happens after this, since I'm sure anyone can guess that after a month of betraying friends, fighting with Vince and almost losing Amy, Zach wins employee of the month and ends up with Amy.

All I can say is if you have two hours to waste, and I really mean waste, then feel free to rent this. I have always been a big fan of Dane Cook's comedy, but it definitely wasn't portrayed very well in this movie. This movie is full of stereotypical characters that can be found in any comedy/romance. Feel free to view the trailer here:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0424993/trailers

Pan's Labyrinth (Guillermo del Toro, 2006)

Country of origin: Spain

Pan's Labyrinth tells the story of a little girl named Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) who is the lost princess of the underworld and of her adventures to return to her kingdom. Set in Spain during World War II, Ofelia and her mother move to a hidden camp to be protected by the Captain Vidal (Sergi Lopez) as Ofelia's mother is to have his child. Ofelia finds living at the camp hard and disturbing. One night she is visited by a fairy and brought to a labyrinth on the camp grounds where she meets a faun (Pan). He tells her of her previous life as a princess and that in order to return to that world she must perform a series a tasks to return home. And so starts the adventures of Ofelia and her survival of both the war and the dangerous tasks.

I believe that Pan's Labyrinth is one of the best movies that I have ever seen. Although the movie is in Spanish, the story is beautiful, creative, and timeless. The imagery is perfect for this film, very dark but colourful at the same time. This is definitely not the type of fairy tale that you would tell children at night, but that is what I like about it. It is not your typical happy and bright Disney movie; it shows the darker side of a fairy tale as it is set in the war. There is a lot of gruesome deaths and lots of gore, but I think that there should be more movies like it. What I did not like about the film is that it focused a little more on the war then it did about Ofelia and her tasks, and that took a bit of the magic out. Also, as the movie is in Spanish, it had subtitles instead of being dubbed. I believe that keeping the film in Spanish gives it a unique quality unlike other films and really brings you into that culture, but with the subtitles I was focusing more on reading the story than trying to watch the film. Despite the subtitles, I think that this film deserves to win every Oscar that it is nominated for! This movie is spectacular, unique, and a breathtakingly beautiful fairy tale about good triumphing over evil, and finding your way home.

trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0zJxL0CHa0

Finding Forrester (Gus Van Sant, 2000)

Country Origin: USA

Every once in awhile a movie comes along which doesn't necessarily become a box-office hit, but nonetheless, evolves into a beloved timeless classic which can be watched again and again. For me, Finding Forrester is one of those types of movies, and whenever I watch it again, it still evokes the same feelings of inspiration and meaning that it did when I first saw it.

The movie, which stars Sean Connery (William Forrester) and Rob Brown (Jamal Wallace), is one about two vastly different men who, by forming an unlikely relationship with one another, help to finally find their true selves.

Connery plays the role of William Forrester, a famous first-novel Pulitzer prize winner whom after having his first successful book published, goes into exclusive isolation and watches life through his apartment window. Brown plays the part of Jamal Wallace, a 16 year old African American teenager who has an uncanny skill for the game of basketball, and unknown to most people, perhaps an even greater ability to retain and write literature. At first glance, these two characters are at complete opposite ends of the spectrum, but after a few informal introductions, Forrester begins to mentor Wallace on his writing, as well as offer advise on how to deal with life's challenges--such as Jamal's belittling English teacher. They're friendship continues to blossom as time goes on, and in the relentless act of challenging one another, they end up finding out much more about themselves than they had ever known.

In the end, we find that sports aren't always priority number one--even if one does have an amazing natural talent; factors like age and race have no significance in the creation of true friendships; and it is never to late in life to find oneself. Despite the fact that this is a somewhat lesser known film, I believe that it is definitly worth seeing--especially since it is in relation to writing!--and that if you do see it, you will come out of it with an inspired feeling and you will probably enjoy watching it again and again, much like I have.

http://movies2.nytimes.com/gst/movies/trailer.html?v_id=230327

The Guardian (2006)

Country of Origin: USA

The Guardian starred Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher. Kevin Costner (Ben Randell) was an elite coast guard who went through emotional problems after an accident that killed his entire crew. Traumatized after this event, he was forced to leave his job and teach a group of students who wanted to be coast guards.

I was very reluctant to watch this movie when it first came out in theatres. The name was a bit misleading; I could not get a feel of what this movie was going to be about. I normally don't read previews or watch trailers before I step into a movie theatre, unless I randomly see it. I was definitely unsure of where this movie would take me or how good it would be. The movie started off very well, it grabbed my attention right away. It started off with a scene of Ben Randell (Kevin Costner) saving a couple who were trapped in the violent sea. Ben Randell came out of the adventure as a hero and as a brave man who let nothing stop him from saving lives.

The movie showed us what a coast guard really was. Coast guards were made out to be everything that Ben Randell (Kevin Costner) was at the beginning of the movie. There were a few laughing scenes, but most of it were relatively serious. One of the key storylines was created by Ashton Kutcher's (Jake Fischer) cockiness. Kutcher's role in the movie was to be the next top coast guard. The movie developed him from being a cocky guy who only cared about himself to a guy who put his life on the line to save people. He was the next Ben Randall.

I don't want to give away the entire story, but it is definitely a very well done movie that I would recommend. The movie gave me a lot more than I expected. As for the name of the movie, I did not know why the movie was named the Guardian until the very end and that is when you will find out as well. It is a very realistic, very serious, but most importantly, a very entertaining movie.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YsqVFd1o24

2007: The Year of the B-movie Revival?

"Groovy."

- Ash (Bruce Campbell)

After near extinction, the B-movie has experienced resurgence over the past few months. Following the financial and marginal critical success of "Snakes on a Plane" (2006), which benefited immensely from a cleverly obvious title and an effective online marketing campaign, Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez are set to unveil their B-movie homage, which will premiere (and presumably be released) as a double-feature titled "Grindhouse" tentatively scheduled for release on April 6th, 2007. Of course, as the theatrical trailer illustrates, a grind house is that of a theatre which plays two films back-to-back; in general, these films are referred to as B-movies and tend to exploit sex and violence. If the trailer is any indication of content, Tarantino's film "Death Proof" will center largely on sexual exploitation (perhaps inspired by Pam Grier's films in the early 1970s) whereas Rodriguez has directed his efforts towards a medley of science fiction, zombies, and carnage (with obvious influence from Bruce Campbell and the "Evil Dead" series). Both directors have dealt with similar subject matter in the past (Tarantino with "Jackie Brown" [1997] and Rodriguez with "Sin City [2005]), but neither has ventured so far into the territory of exploitation. Similarly, writer/director Craig Brewer has chosen to follow up his critically successful feature debut "Hustle & Flow" (2005) with an exploitation flick aptly titled "Black Snake Moan," which will undoubtedly draw from the cult following of "Snakes of a Plane" due to the similarities in the title, but also in the leading man category with Samuel L. Jackson reprising his role as the now typecast "angry black man" (no discrimination intended). For B-movie enthusiasts such as myself who long for the glory days of Roger Corman and Bruce Campbell, this is an exciting time, but whether the fad will become a permanent staple of modern cinema is an entirely different issue. One can only hope.

The trailers for "Grindhouse" and "Black Snake Moan" can be found at the following links, respectively.

http://imdb.com/title/tt0462322/trailers-screenplay-E30983-10-2

http://www.apple.com/trailers/paramount_vantage/blacksnakemoan/trailer1/

- Kurtis

"Blood & Chocolate" (Katja von Garnier, 2007)

Country of Origin: USA

This movie is about young Vivian, a werewolf who falls in love with Aiden (Hugh Dancy), a graphic novel writer/illustrator. What seemed to attract her the most to him was the fact his next book was about the “loup-garoux,” which were a pack of werewolves that were once respected leaders in Europe. Unbeknownst to Aiden, it also happened to be the same pack that Vivian belonged to. Conflict arises when the leader of the pack, Gabriel (Olivier Martinez), finds out about her human lover, posing a problem for him since she was destined to become his next mate. Soon things begin to unfold that would test her love and loyalty, and she is left with a decision she must make: follow the pack and fulfill her destiny or follow her heart and true love.

This movie had a very well written storyline. The only thing that fell short was time. This film could have easily gripped its audiences with a little more character development by slowing down the story. It felt as if I was being fast-forwarded through this beautiful legend, and it left me feeling a little ripped off. The romance between the main character and her love was so quick that the audience could not really see or experience the chemistry between them. I am glad, on the other hand, at the fact this movie used actual evidence of the legend to make it as realistic and believable as possible.

My final thoughts? Even though the movie was rushed the fact that the actual legend was addressed tickled my fancy (and so did Dancy - LoL).

Trailer: http://www.mgm.com/bloodandchocolate/

Troy (Wolfgang Petersen, 2004)

Country of Origin: USA

Homer's most notorious love story takes place in ancient Greece, where the love of the Prince of Troy, Paris (Orlando Bloom), and the Queen of Sparta, Helen (Diane Kruger) starts a war that would devastate a civilization. This epic story of love, lust and passion begins when Paris steals Helen away from her husband, King Menelaus (Brendan Gleeson). Menelaus sees this as an insult to his pride and gets his brother, Agamemnon (Brian Cox), involved. Together the two brothers bring together all the armies of Greece and plan to invade the city of Troy, to steal Helen back. (98) Agamemnon's original plan to help his brother steal his wife back is changed when his greed compels him to take over Troy and seize control of the Aegean. The only problem is that is encountered is that the city, protected by Hector (Eric Bana), son of King Priam (Peter O'Toole), has never been breached. The only person, believed, to be able to bring down the city would be Achilles (Brad Pitt).

Troy is an exciting, romantic and action packed epic. The graphics were amazing in the way that they re-created battles and wars that happened and the way in which cities, ships, and temples were digitally remastered, with great detail, to look as they did during that time period. The only thing that I found a little disappointing was that in the film a lot of scenes were missing or cut short that were in The Iliad, but then again, you can't put every single, little detail from the book on film because of time. Also, in The Iliad, Menelaus is supposed to be just as good looking as Paris, but in the movie they purposely make him look old and not as attractive, but I guess it could be because the "bad" side is always supposed to be uglier than the "good" side. Other than those two critiques I would recommend this film to anyone who enjoys action and romance.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUSPUlg6D9I

The Illusionist (Neil Burger, 2006)

Country of Origin: USA

Set in turn-of-the-century Vienna, The Illusionist is about a magician named Eisenheim (Edward Norton) who uses his ability to create uncanny illusions to be with the woman that he loves. Duchess Sophie von Teschen (Jessia Biel), childhood friend and lover to Eisenheim, is betrothed to the Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell) and wants to leave him as she is nothing more than a part of the prince's plan to overthrow the emperor. Leopold becomes obsessed and determined to reveal Eisenheim for the fraud that he believes the magician to be, and hires Inspector Uhl (Paul Giamatti) to aid in his assumptions. As the movie progresses it takes you on a ride of romance, fantasy, murder, scandal, and has many turns and unexpected twists that will leave you to believe that " Nothing is what it seems".

The Illusionist is a crafty and beautiful story that left me flabbergasted at the end. Though the ending would have been considered a cliche, the film was cleverly done in a way that even though it was cliche I was not expecting to end the way it did. I was pleasantly surprised. This film has many elements to it: fantasy, murder, scandal, mystery, but what I found it to be is a story about lost love and getting that second chance to find it. The special effects of this film were done very well and honestly made me believe that the illusions were something real. I was a little disappointed that the movie did not reveal how any of the illusions were done, but I guess a good magician never reveals his tricks...even on film. I recommend this film to anyone who likes mystery and romance and twists.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JYgi4xRW4A

Le Mépris (Godard, 1963)

Country of Origin: France/Italy

Having recently viewed director Jean-Luc Godard’s first feature, “Breathless” (1960), I was eager to seek out several of the films he shot in 'scope given his reputation for working with color film stock. “Le Mépris” (1963) surpassed my expectations and opened with perhaps one of the most sumptuous and scathingly satiric sequences I have seen since Billy Wilder’s “Sunset Blvd.” (1950). Bridget Bardot, one of the few blonde bombshells who could actually act, stars as a screenwriter’s wife and as the above poster would have you believe, she has a tendency to appear half clothed. Godard, at the urging of his American producer, included this considerable nudity, but cleverly manipulated these scenes to mold one of, if not the definitive, on-screen in-joke. Godard hardly glorifies Bardot’s body, but instead presents her in a non-sexual manner where her character’s insecurities and cruelty hold more weight than her voluptuous figure.

“Le Mépris” isn’t generally as closely associated with the French New Wave as Godard’s aforementioned film “Breathless” or his famous homage to the American musical “A Woman is a Woman” (1961), but Godard’s tendency to use jump cuts and reflexive content is immediately evident. The film’s plot essentially highlights the filmmaking process and the dichotomy existing between director and producer. German wunderkind Fritz Lang plays himself as the “high concept” director whose ideas are lost on the simple-minded and sex-crazed director, performed perfectly by acting legend Jack Palance. The film within the film is an adaptation of The Odyssey and Godard has cleverly manipulated his film’s theme to mirror that of Homer’s famous work. Raoul Coutard photographed “Le Mépris” on location in Italy and the glorious scenery also echoes that of Homer’s poems. Godard is at the pinnacle of his ability here, cleverly weaving references to classic cinema and undertaking his usual stimulating content. I’m not one to throw around the title of masterpiece, but this film is deserving and not to be missed by any serious fan of cinema.

The trailer can be found at the following link.

http://imdb.com/title/tt0057345/trailers-screenplay-E18770-10-2

- Kurtis

Blood Diamond (Edward Zwick, 2006)

Country Origin: USA

The current situation in Africa is one of blatant desperation that the people are fighting on all fronts. Aside from the AIDS epidemic, genocide, and famine that stretch across the continent, Zwick has found yet another atrocity taking place in Africa to present to the ignorant developed world. Zwick made a marvelous choice in deciding to cast Leonardo DiCaprio as his leading man in this emotional and action packed film.

DiCaprio plays the role of Danny Archer, a young deceitful diamond smuggler who thirsts endlessly at the prospect of making money from the diamonds of Africa, despite the cost at which they are being mined. The film introduces Solomon Vandy, played wonderfully by Djimon Hounsou, who after being separated from his wife and daughter and having his son kidnapped by guerrilla militants, has discovered the ultimate prize, a large diamond. It is in this diamond that Archer (DiCaprio) and Solomon (Hounsou) are united in a quest that takes the audience through the many inhuman aspects of African life and shows us how the developed countries blindly accept exported African diamonds that cost the hands and blood, literally, of innocent peoples lives.

This story however, would not be complete if it did not attain some sort of love plot to it, and so Maddy Bowen (Jennifer Connelly), a fearless and adventurous reporter meets Archer. By the end of the film, the combination of Solomon's love and determination, accompanied by Maddy's affection, result in a part of Archer that the movie hides for so long, the compassionate side.

This movie will make you sad, angry, frustrated, and shocked, all while keeping you on your toes with frequent action packed scenes and new discoveries. Oh, and I thought DiCaprio's African accent was Australian at first but it did seem to sound better as the movie went on!

The Pursuit of Happyness

Country Origin: USA
Director: Gabriele Muccino

From the very beginning of the movie the audience were exposed to Will Smith and his financial problems. Will Smith, who plays the character Chris in the movie, along with his son, who is played by his own son, struggled to bring in a decent income to support the family. From that moment on and from the moment we remembered what this movie was titled, it automatically became one of those movies where you already knew how it would end, or at least had a pretty good idea of the ending. A lot of times the movie tried to throw us off and tried to make us think that things may not turn out the way we first predicted because things did not seem too promising for Will and his son. Our doubts would all disappear when the most powerful message was delivered by Will Smith. He told his son to never let anyone tell him that he cannot do something and that anything was possible if he tried. This was the turning point of the movie, fully relating back to what this movie was titled. We knew from that moment on that he will not let anything stop him from gaining happiness.

The Pursuit of Happyness may be a predictable movie, but that did not take away from how powerful the movie was. The movie was more touching than your average “sad beginning and happy ending” movie. It displayed the realness of people in poverty. It makes us realize how lucky we were to have a proper roof over our heads. This brings us to one of the most touching scenes of the movie, which had Will Smith and his son, who was completely oblivious to what was happening to his family, were forced to sleep in a train terminal bathroom. How can one not feel bad for the father and son?

I just loved the acting in this movie. Will Smith definitely deserves as Oscar for his role, but we cannot forget about Will’s son, Jaden, who put on one of the best performances that I have ever seen from a kid. Their father and son connection in the movie really gave it that extra strength and powerfulness.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycJW5huqWDg

Alpha Dog

Country Origin: USA
Director: Nick Cassavetes



View Trailer here



Alpha Dog is based on the true story of Jesse James Hollywood's life. He is the youngest person to ever be put on the FBI's most wanted list. Johnny Truelove is a drug dealer who is owed money by many people. Johnny and his group of friends decide to kidnap Zach (Anton Yelchin), a teen brother of someone who owes them $1200. He puts his friend Frankie (Justin Timberlake) in charge of looking after him until they work out the problem. Frankie ends up becoming friends near the conclusion of the movie.

I wasn't sure whether this movie was theatre worthy or not, as I had read many mixed reviews. After much contemplation, I decided to go. I was pleasantly surprised while watching it. I had skepticism as to whether or not Justin Timberlake would be able to portray a "bad boy." The director did a very good job of casting characters, making Timberlake the bad boy who is also a jokester with morals. I started out thinking that this would be a predictable movie where Timberlake saves the day. I was quite surprised with the ending as it did not fit the predictable ending that I was expecting. This movie felt so realistic to me that I felt as though I was watching these people’s leave lives unravel and eventually fall apart. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who would like two hours of entertainment.

"Spaceballs" (Mel Brooks, 1987)

Country of Origin: USA

"Spaceballs" is a light hearted parody comedy, which is homage of George Lucas’ famous earlier epic ‘Star Wars’. With the opening scene mimicking Star Wars, you find out the light premise of the movie. At times it seems to be a movie within a movie, but the movie they refer to in Spaceballs is in fact Spaceballs itself, adding to the hilarity.

It stars Bill Pullman as orphaned Lone Star and his trusty side kick Barf (John Candy) as they try and save a runaway princess (Daphne Zuniga) and her android, Dot Matrix (voiced by Joan Rivers), from the evil Dark Helmet (Rick Moranis).

This movie could easily be considered a cult classic. Wherever there is Star Wars or even Star Trek (“Snotty… beam him down”), there is this classic parody behind it. Its knock-off of Star Wars is so blatant, that a person who watches this before Star Wars might actually believe this was the real deal (it is far fetched, but if it happened to me it could happen to any naïve person). Lone Star and Barf mimic Han Solo and Chewbacca’s characters raggedness perfectly; Princess Vespa could easily be seen as Princess Leah; and Dark Helmet is clearly in place of Darth Vader. Humor never dies down in this comedic epic, making every little thing literal (recounting when Lone Star jams Dark Helmet’s radar using raspberry jam, or when Dark Helmet literally “combs the desert”). You are left laughing until the very last moment with an exasperated priest. This is a movie that will be remembered as long as Star Wars is remembered; at least it will be by me.

If you want to see a trailer of this film click on the link below:

http://imdb.com/title/tt0094012/trailers-screenplay-E12782-10-2

“Bringing Up Baby” (Howard Hawks, 1938)

Country of Origin: USA

“Now it isn't that I don't like you, Susan, because, after all, in moments of quiet, I'm strangely drawn toward you, but - well, there haven't been any quiet moments.”

- David Huxley (Cary Grant)

Howard Hawks’ fast-paced and quick-witted screwball comedy “Bringing Up Baby” (1938) is easily one of the treasures of early Hollywood filmmaking. Upon its initial release, however, audiences were not fond of the film and unfortunately for its stars Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn, the film lost money due to marketing costs and a longer production than was scheduled for. In the weeks following its release, Hepburn had incurred a vicious new title; having been labeled “box office poison,” Hepburn's career briefly seemed doomed. Hawks emerged from the disappointment resilient and eventually directed the equally entertaining comedy classic “His Girl Friday” (1940), which is a remake of “The Front Page” (1931). Cary Grant also escaped the ordeal with little distress to his own career only to be reunited with Hepburn a few months later in George Cukor’s sophisticated comedy “Holiday” (1938), which, needless to say, did better at the box office.

Grant and Hepburn have rarely been as lovable as they are in “Bringing Up Baby” and it’s a credit to Hawks’ skill as director that they appear so. For Hawks, who is about as versatile a director as they come (given his willingness to venture into almost any genre and succeed in doing so), “Bringing Up Baby” may very well be the crowning achievement of his forays into screwball comedy. Certainly the film’s humor is timeless in its successful hybrid of wit and slapstick. The supporting cast capably offers the film additional moments of humor, but it’s the two leads that carry the film with their natural onscreen chemistry and superb comedic timing. The fearless pace will have your mind racing to keep up, but on repeated viewings, you can expect plenty of new and pleasant discoveries.

The theatrical trailer can be found at the following link.

http://imdb.com/title/tt0029947/trailers-screenplay-E29143-10-2

-Kurtis Beard

The 64th Annual Golden Globes

The majority of this blog will contain film criticism, but in light of recent events, I thought an overview of the 2007 Golden Globe Awards would be a suitable launching point.

*****

Although the Globes, and the Academy Awards for that matter, are more of a popularity contest than anything, each year’s ceremony has its share of laughs and insights, however slight they may be. This year, “Babel” (2006) was the recipient of the Best Picture (Drama) prize in a supposed upset where “The Queen” had long been considered the favorite to win. While I am indifferent to what transpired, since I’ve been unable to see either film, I couldn’t help but feel somewhat disappointed that Alfonso Cuaron’s cautionary science fiction fable “Children of Men” (2006) had failed to be released in time to be considered by the Hollywood Foreign Press for nomination. Cuaron’s film is easily the best film I viewed in 2006, but I should note that I have plenty of catching up to do. Another disappointment is how the Foreign Press has handled the Best Foreign Film category in recent years and particularly in 2006 when Clint Eastwood’s “Letters to Iwo Jima” managed to be denied a Best Picture (Drama) nomination only to be placed in a category usually reserved for international cinema. Of course I do acknowledge that “Letters to Iwo Jima” was shot in locations outside of the United States and its dialogue is largely in Japanese, but it was filmed with financing and support from American distributors. Further, “Babel,” a film I’d consider to be just as foreign, was nominated in the Best Picture (Drama) category. The logic here has clearly evaded me.

One of the more entertaining moments was Sacha Baron Cohen's acceptance speech upon receiving the Best Actor (Comedy) award for his film “Borat” (2006). Not one to conform to the etiquette of an upper class affair, Cohen crudely and hilariously focused his speech on his infamous naked wrestling sequence, which caused his co-star, Ken Davitian, to abruptly grab a bottle of wine from which he took a long swig. This, I’m sure, was the highlight of the show. Next year, we can only hope for a speech from such an offbeat and fearless comedic figure.

For those of you who missed Cohen's speech. It can be found at the following link.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=JbNpuCNP0eA

- Kurtis Beard