MS Paint Review: Notes on a Scandal

One Pargraph Review: Bobby

Unlike Russ, I came into this movie with high expectations. It seemed like a great cast and a great historical event to examine through film. Also, with all the interwoven plot lines I expected to enjoy the Altman-esk quality. Well, I did enjoy the interwoven plots, but this film was no Altman. It was so overly dramatic it was almost unbearable. I got so tired of the monologues that about half way through the movie I wanted to hit the fast forward button. Given my respect for Robert Kennedy, I felt myself cruel every time I thought "just get to the assassination already!"

One Paragraph Review: Eastern Promises

I recently saw this movie for the 2nd time and my enjoyment of it grew. It has an intriguing story line, is very well directed and incredibly well acted. My only complaint is that I had to cover my eyes a few times. Oh and I totally predicted part of the ending. Props to me!

Second Time Review: WALL*E

For me one of the marks of a truly good movie is when you can watch it over and over again without getting bored. Pixar films never disappoint in this category and WALL*E lived up to this standard as well. I saw WALL*E twice in the theater within a week, and both times I loved it. A lot of people complain that the plot, tone, feel, and just about everything changes between the first and second half of the film. But for me, this was appealing. I loved both parts of the movie and the very unique and touching story that occurs throughout its entirety.

One Paragraph Review: Revolver

I had high expectations going into Revolver, given that it's a Guy Richie movie starring Jason Stratham. And perhaps predictably, it's a crime movie centering around an elaborate confidence scheme. Maybe Guy Richie is over the hill. Maybe Madonna has cursed him. I don't know, but this was a bad movie. Revolver is one of those movies that isn't really a movie but a collection of thoughts and ideas. That's a round about way of saying it sucked but could have some redeeming qualities to someone... somewhere. Better stated, you shouldn't ever elect to see Revolver, but if by chance you do there's a five percent chance you'll enjoy some of it.

One Paragraph Review: Hellboy 2: The Golden Army

I was surprised to really enjoy Hellboy 2. I never saw Hellboy 1, but that wasn't a problem because Hellboy 2 effortlessly slipped me the critical plot details and character backgrounds without being pedantic. The movie is fun, action filled, and at times very funny. I have begun to love Guillermo del Toro for not just his remarkable style but the fact that del Toro knows fantasy - real, storytelling fantasy. He remembers what it's like to be an ignorant child reading Where the Wild Things Are and he's able, moreso than almost any director, to make me feel like that again when I watch his movies. Pan's Labrynth is probably the best example of this, but Hellboy 2 has the same fantasy storytelling elements that make me feel like I'm listening to my grandfather tell me some wild fantasy story. Hellboy 2 is great fun and even better fantasy.

One Paragraph Review: The Dark Knight

I've loathed the prospect of writing a short review for this movie, which I've seen twice now, in the way that I hate trying to explain my love of the ocean or why I love Radiohead or Pink Floyd. Simply put, The Dark Knight is the best movie in a decade, maybe longer. In every way one can measure movies - the quality of the writing, the delivery of the actors/actresses, the coherency and interest in the plot, the touch of the director, the compelling nature of the story, whether or not it leaves the audience having learned something - Nolan's masterpiece excels. No review, even one as short as a single paragraph, should exist without gushing specifically over Ledger's performance in addition to the rest of the production. The Dark Knight did something I highly doubted I'd ever see happen: it made Batman Beings the second best comic-book based movie of all time.

One Paragraph Review: Dan in Real Life

I liked this movie. It was funny and heartfelt. It made me laugh. It made an honest effort to get my to cry, not that I did. Steve Carrell showed once again why he is a serious actor who can skillfully combine humor and drama. I'm not a fan of Dane Cook's comedy act, but I have to say he acted very well in this movie. The ending was entirely predictable, but I'm not sure that's entirely a bad thing. In many ways, Dan in Real Life reminded me of Little Miss Sunshine, another movie that ably combined humor with a somewhat touching story.