MS Paint Review: Into the Wild

MS Paint Review: Atonement

One Paragraph Review: National Treasure

Try as I might, I can't hate on this movie. Sure, Nicholas Cage appears sort of uninspired and sure, the only female in the movie is, of course, the usual gorgeous-but-genius-blonde-chicky-love-interest... but there is some fun adventure and excitement in this flick. It's lame and corny and probably impossibly unbelievable, but it's entertaining. Plus, Jon Voight, Harvey Keitel and Sean Bean! I'm pretty sure this movie sucked, but I couldn't tell because it was well executed fun and entertainment. Plus, you get the novelty of a little fantasy and funtime in US history for a change.

One Paragraph Review: Doomsday

Doomsday is essentially a rehash of the basic structure in the Resident Evil and Underworld series, except instead of Milla Jovovich or Kate Beckinsdale, we have Rhona Mitra (who I last saw in the awesomely bad B-movie softcore "Beowulf" along side Christopher Lambert). It goes something like this: plague/virus happens, everybody is a nameless zombies/infected thing, beautiful heroine dons spandex and kills bad guys for two hours of forgettable action. I absolutely loved The Descent and was disappointed that director Niel Marshall did so little with the story and characters. Still, fantastic style, good action and a hot girl make this movie worth watching if, like I was when I saw it, you are completely wasted.

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.