Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Inside Man (2006)

Good movie.

Inside man or woman? Too bad it doesn't sound as good to say "inside person" or "inside people"

Actors:
Denzel Washington: ♥
Christopher Plummer: (Also in National Treasure)
Jodie Foster: Not a particularly big fan, but this was very well done.

Story:
Some psychotic characters. In general characters aren't as well developed as I would have liked. But it was good. Lots to think about. ps- that's about as close to WWII as I like to get.

Flash of Genius (2008)

Long movie that you walk away from stuck thinking about humanity and right and wrong.

The guy was insane? (Just keep pushing Eastwood's anti-heroes.)

Actors:
(none)

Story:
I realize it must have been an even longer story and they can only fit so much of it in one movie. But they left out how it was that his kids magically were on his side. And they did a poor job of showing whether he was out of his mind insane or if they only had time to fit in the relevant events, which made him look more obsessed than he really was.

Eagle Eye (2008)

Basic plot, over the top and I just absolutely loved it.

Which movie gave them the most inspiration, Terminator or I, Robot?

Actors:
Shia LaBeouf: ♥
Rosario Dawson: Oh! That's who you are. (Also in Rent)

Story:
Other than what I've already said, I found the reaction they had once they were both in the Porsche very interesting.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Almost Famous (2000)

I really like this.

I can't believe they don't get together in the end.

Actors:
Philip Seymour Hoffman: ♥♥♥
Jason Lee: Haha it's Syndrome.
Liz Stauber: Always pass off as a little girl. (Also in X-men and Finding Forrester)
Kate Hudson: You look like Dakota Fanning when you smile.

Story:
One little boy's adventure and a classic band tale. Very very well done.

Girl, Interrupted (1999)

Hit some personal chords there.

Do they still have those sorts of institutions around today? What happened to that?

Actors:
Winona Ryder: You are beautiful.
Whoopi Goldberg: You were pretty good in this role. Kudos.

Story:
There's not much of a story, it's all about character development. And it was either really well done or not that great depending on whether you think she had a mental disorder or not.

Pitch Black (2000); The Chronicles of Riddick (2004)

Like it.

There's a cartoon sequel? Really?

Actors:
Vin Diesel: ♥
Colm Feore: Why not.
Judi Dench: It's M!

Story:
It's a huge story that barely fits into the movies. The effects are great. It's well done.
Plus there's my favourite theme again in "Jack"(Rhiana Griffith).

The Bourne Identity (2002); The Bourne Supremacy (2004); The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)

The first two are okay. The third is a little over the top.

That car chase scene is waaaayyyyy too long.

Actors:
Matt Damon: Very pretty.
Julia Stiles: ♥♥♥

Story:
It's an interesting story, isn't it? Obviously it's more about the action, etc. It's fine for what it is.

Devil Wears Prada (2006)

Love this movie for some reason.

This is an odd way of getting introduced to Meryl Streep.

Actors:
Anne Hathaway: I had you on my "There's something about her I just don't like" list but this may have redeemed you.
Meryl Streep: Good show.
Emily Blunt: I want to see you in The Young Victoria.

Story:
Not much story, more about character development. It's good and well done.

French Kiss (1995)

I like it.

So he actually doesn't speak French? Could have fooled me.

Actors:
Kevin Kline: I liked you in Dave, but you are a schmuck in this one.
Meg Ryan: Best thing you've ever done as far as I'm concerned.

Story:
It's pretty special. Not very realistic. But the character development in Kate is worth seeing.

Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

I'm not worthy of expressing an opinion about this movie. It was that good.

Jen Rainville, I hope you talk about this movie in your classes. It's everything Tolkien would have dreamed of and more.

Actors:
(none)

Story:
Greatest piece of literature I've encountered in a while, maybe ever. Guillermo Del Toro, you are a genius.

The Bucket List (2007)

Nope. Didn't like it.

Morgan Freeman, in spite of everything, you are amazing.

Actors:
Jack Nicholson: I just don't like you, man.

Story:
This movie just had so many things working against it. I tend not to like movies starring old people (like The Notebook). I hate Jack Nicholson. And it's about dying. I didn't enjoy this movie for a second. Sorry.

National Treasure (2004); National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007)

Love these movies.

This would be such an amazing way to learn history lessons.

Actors:
Nicolas Cage: Yeah, I like you.
Diane Kruger: Hoooooot. (lol, her accent is actually a French accent)
Justin Bartha: Your sarcarm got annoying in the DVD menu, but in the movie it was great, definitely something I can relate to.

Story:
So well done. So cool. Love puzzles, love history. Love seeing (good) geniuses triumph.

City of Angels (1998)

This is a pretty special movie.

What a creep!

Actors:
Meg Ryan: Meh. You've always been borderline for me. I like you in some things but not this.
Nicolas Cage: Despite what other people say about you, I still like you.

Story:
I can't decide if it was actually important or if it just seems like it because it was the one movie I happened to go see once with my grandma. In any case, the concept is very interesting, but what he does is nothing short of stalking. Unless you want to claim imprinting or something.

Bon Cop Bad Cop (2006)

Bad movie. But still lots of very good things about it.

I mean, it's an actually bilingual movie in the languages I speak.

Actors:
Colm Feore: Dude, I didn't even know you spoke French. (also in Chronicles of Riddick, West Wing, and The Red Violin)

Story:
Bad bad bad plot. But very good acting, very good effects. The father son/daughter relationships are a-mazingly done. The language and plays on words are delicious. The culture stereotyping is hilarious and spot on.

Better than Chocolate (1999)

Good piece of culture.

Are there really people like that out there?

Actors:
(none)

Story:
Canadian movie. Queer. Classics about parents (and other people) not being accepting, etc. My favourite part is probably the body paint and the goddesses.

Les Choristes (2004)

I came away from this movie very disappointed. But the thing is, there were a lot of things I really liked about it.

What was the deal with the mother and the teacher?

Actors:
Jean-Baptiste Maunier: Love your voice. Though I wonder how it sounds now....(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tHMTHYRVbs)

Story:
Love the concept. It's like Sister Act but more down to earth and with more class.

August Rush (2007)

Mmm. Very good.

I have a thing for kid singers.

Actors:
Freddie Highmore: ♥
Robin Williams: You're turning into Jack Nicholson, man.
Jamia Simone Nash: You have a beautiful voice.

Story:
The ending is incredibly disappointing, I think. But as piece of art or literature, this movie is beautiful.

Stomp the Yard (2007)

One of my favourite movies ever.

So was Martin Luther King Jr. really in a frat?

Actors:
Columbus Short: ♥♥♥
Brian J. White: Pretty.

Story:
As far as dance movies go, I like this one because there's not just the big dance at the end, there's lots of good stuff all throughout. I also love the sincerity in this movie. And I love Columbus Short.


If I could find it, I'd include the quote when DJ goes up to the rest of the team, apologizes, and says he just wants to be part of the team.

Milk (2008)

Very good history lesson.

One of those realistic movies that's not all that pleasant to watch but that I'm glad I did.

Actors:
Diego Luna: This guy looks so much like my dad when he was that age it's creepy. It's the glasses, I know.

Story:
Ugh. I'm as queer as it gets but the queer community still puts me off. But that's not to say it was very well done.

Interview with the Vampire (1994)

It's okay.

Why couldn't Lestat just die?

Actors:
Christian Slater: I just think it's interesting that it's Will Scarlett from Robin Hood.
Kirstin Dunst: Good. work.

Story:
Meh. I just love vampires. This story is pretty lame.

PS I Love You (2007)

One that struck a lot of personal chords.

Another one of those where them falling in love is almost counter-intuitive. But I'm perfectly willing to overlook that.

Actors:
Hillary Swank: Really wish I hadn't seen Million Dollar Baby, otherwise you'd get a ♥ (also in Boys Don't Cry)
Kathy Bates: ♥♥ (also in Titanic)

Story:
It's a nice story. I really enjoyed it.


Holly Kennedy: Do you think we'll ever see dad again?
Patricia: No sweetheart, never.

How She Move (2008)

It's a keeper.

Where did she come from? Haven't seen her in anything else.
Step is so weird. It's like cheerleading from the 'hood.

Actors:
TrĂ© Armstrong: ♥ (also in SYTYCD Canada)
Romina D'Ugo: ? Seriously weird to see you there. (also in SYTYCD US)

Story:
Canadian movie. Dance movie. Heroine wins. Pretty straightforward. It'd be right at home next to Save the Last Dance on the shelf.

Blade (1998); Blade II (2002)

The movies are okay. I don't even want to go near the third one.

Way to redefine "bloodbath".

Actors:
Wesley Snipes: Hate it when you smile like that. You're not that great.
Stephen Dorff: You are the best thing about these movies.

Story:
I love the concept. The movies aren't that bad. The special effects are pretty cheesy.

Mamma Mia! (2008)

This was a nice surprise.

So much energy and fun it's impossible not be affected.

Actors:
Meryl Streep: ♥
Pierce Brosnan: I didn't really like you before but this was great! I don't think you were cut out to be a singer, though. ;) (also in Mrs. Doubtfire)
Colin Firth: Dude, what don't you get into?

Story:
This is the sort of game I'd play, taking a bunch of Abba songs and making a semi-logical story out of them. There's so much humanity here despite the artificial musical atmosphere. So good.

ps- Yes, I know he played James Bond a couple times.

Doubt (2008)

Couldn't finish it.

I don't feel like they had all that much reason to doubt him.

Actors:
Meryl Streep: Role didn't really suit you. You were great but still.
Amy Adams: Nope, still don't like you.
Philip Seymour Hoffman: ♥ (also in Capote)

Story:
Yeah the acting is amazing, the story is very important. But the ending is pretty obvious and it's all just talking.

Cadillac Records (2008)

This movie is fucked.

Movies this realistic are hard to enjoy. Great music and musicians, though.

Actors:
Columbus Short: ♥♥♥
Gabrielle Union: There is something about you I just don't like. (Also in Bring it On)

Story:
I found the story a little hard to follow. The message and themes are still clear and poignant, though. Well done.

ps- I only found this because Columbus Short is in it.

Se7en (1995)

Yeah. That's some serious food for thought.

Is Morgan Freeman ever not amazing?

Actors:
Brad Pitt: Wow, you really were a twerp in this movie. It's okay, I still love you.
Gwyneth Paltrow: ♥♥♥
Andrew Kevin Walker (writer): You are fucked up.

Story:
Really well done. Really wacked. Really good. Make sure you have something happy to follow it up with.

The Lost Boys (1987)

Surprising for a corny 80s movie about vampires.

I'm not gonna lie, I only watched this because Kiefer Sutherland is in it (and it's about vampires).

Actors:
Kiefer Sutherland: ♥
Corey Haim: ... you and Eddie Murphy should get together.

Story:
It's nothing that impressive. It's just a fun little movie.

Twilight (2008)

Like it.

I think you have to read all four books to enjoy this movie properly. I'd also like to say, for the record, that I hated how they climbed trees and that they made a big deal of the tree climbing.

Actors:
Robert Pattinson: Ew. Seriously?
Peter Facinelli: Don't like this choice either.
Taylor Lautner: Sorry dude, I had something too specific in mind, there was no way you were going to live up to it.
'53 Chevy Pickup: Too perfect. :P

Story:
Not a whole lot of talking. Like that about it. Otherwise, the story was close to the book's but definitely not as close as it could have been.

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

Great movie.

For the record, it has a really stupid name. The name put me off the movie at first. And thinking about the number of people that may not have watched this movie because of its stupid name makes me sad.

Actors:
(none)

Story:
I kind of hate that it's so implausible because there is so much there. This movie is really worth seeing.

INSPECTOR: Who's on the thousand rupee note?
JAMAL:I don't know.
INSPECTOR:It's Gandhi!
JAMAL:I've heard of him.
The Inspector kicks his chair.
INSPECTOR
:Don't get clever or I'll get the electricity out again.
JAMAL:They didn't ask me that question. [...]

Iron Man (2008)

Wow. Wasn't expecting that.

"Iron Man? That's kind of catchy. It's got a nice ring to it. I mean it's not technically accurate. The suit is a gold titanium alloy, but ..."

Actors:
Gwyneth Paltrow: ♥♥♥
Jeff Bridges: I spent the entire fucking movie wondering who the hell he was. (He's the father figure in Seabiscuit.)
Faran Tahir: Bad guys should never be this beautiful. ps- it cracks me up that he was in 24. Took one look at him, told myself he looked like something out of 24 and...

Story:
Love it when things are built, especially when something that's gone wrong is taken and turned into something better. This is a really good movie. Good for them.

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)

Meh.

Actors:
Kate Hudson: Meh. (Daughter of Goldie Hawn and (sort of) Kurt Russell? It really must have been something growing up like that.)
Kathryn Hahn: She looks so much like someone I know I thought I'd seen her in something else... I haven't.

Story:
It was actually pretty weak as far as chick flicks go. I'd take those 116 minutes back. The boss at Composure was creeeeeepy.

Shakespeare in Love (1998)

Mmm. Love it.

Kinda clashes with everything we're taught about the man in school. But still.

Actors:
Gwyneth Paltrow: ♥♥♥
Joseph Fiennes: Beautiful.
Daniel Brocklebank: This role was a shame, I like you. (also in Merlin)

Story:
What a poweful love story. Love it love it love it. Plus it plays with one of my favourite themes.
Twelfth Night is my favourite Shakespeare play. There should be a sequel ;)

Underworld (2003); Underworld II: Evolution (2006); Underworld III: Rise of the Lycans (2009)

Liked the second better than the first, but couldn't even finish the third.

Other than the sun bit in the second one, the fact that they're vampires doesn't really come into play all that much.

Actors:
Kate Beckinsale: Hoooooooot. (She better play Catwoman in the next Batman installment)
Bill Nighy: Ew. Seriously. (also in Love Actually)

Story:
You know, I'm wasn't a hundred percent sure what the story was until I looked it up afterward.
It was more about the pretty people and cool effects. Bit with the helicopter? Pretty cool.

Sunshine Cleaning (2009)

Like it.

It really wasn't as much about that cleaning business as it was made out to be.

Actors:
Amy Adams: There's just something about her I don't like. (also in Doubt)
Mary Lynn Rajskub: ♥
Clifton Craig Collins, Jr.: He's not really minus an arm, is he? (also in Last Castle)
Emily Blunt: I want to see you in The Young Victoria

Story:
Left a lot of stories and problems unsolved (in a cool artsy kind of way). I really liked that.
In the end I imagine for the story, Lynn and Norah end up together.

Beverly Hill's Cop (1984)

Meh.

Why is it called "Beverly Hill's Cop" if he's from Detroit?

Actors:
Eddie Murphy: Pansy. Schmuck.
Lisa Eilbacher: ♥ (also in Officer and a Gentleman)

Story:
Hey, they actually ran out of ammo.
In the grand scheme of things, it was pretty ridiculous.