As the year progresses, so does my mission to watch one movie for every weekday in 2010. I realized I have a lot of catching up to do. When I was homeless or poor, going to the movie theater was not a priority. Later in life, when I did have a television, I watched movies on basic cable. Then after moving over to Europe it hit me that most of the films that I have seen on television were modified to fit exactly into a viewing slot (shortened), and censored as well.
Luckily, the Dutch don't censor, modify or dub over films in the theater or those shown on television. They also produce very few of their own films, so American movies are always on basic cable TV. Convenient for me, and at worst they are subtitled in Dutch - but so far I haven't seen one that is dubbed over (like the Germans are known for.) That's funny to me. When I was last in Germany and watched an American film on TV, they do try and match the voices to known actors, but like many languages they are backwards in sentence structure compared to English, and I don't think they get the inflections right.
Anyhow. I'll try to catch up with the list of what I've seen so far.
January: (More reviews in prior blog entries, 21 films in total watched)
Funny Face (1957) with Fred Astaire & Audrey Hepburn - classic, classy, fun to watch.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) with Macaulay Culkin (I had recently viewed Home Alone.)
Meet the Parents (2000) with Robert De Niro & Ben Stiller - Not great for me, but good.
The Family Stone (2005) with a stunning Diane Keaton, and a lot of other celebs.
The Full Monty (1997) with actors I'm not familiar with - but a great film.
The Santa Clause 2 (2002) with Tim Allen. (I also recently saw The Santa Clause.)
Willow (1988) with a brilliant Warwick Davis as the title character. Beautiful film.
February: (20 films in total)
Mean Girls (2004) with Lindsay Lohan - cute, not bad to watch when you want something fluffy.
The Addams Family (1991) with Anjelica Huston & RIP Raul Julia - One of my favorite films.
Orphan (2009) with Isabelle Fuhrman - Woo! Spooky and well-done with only a few glitches.
How to Lose Friends & Alienate People (2008) - I found it to be rather forgettable. Entertaining but bland.
If You're Afraid to Say It... Just See It (1991) - Interesting low-budget film shot in my old neighborhood.
Volcano (1997) with Tommy Lee Jones - So bad, it's good. I had a fun time watching.
Watchmen (2009) - A little dark for me, but the action doesn't fail.
Star Trek (2009) - Phenomenal. I'm a Trekkie, and this film left me wishing for a sequel right away.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) - I like each of the Harry Potter films.
Charlie's Angels (2000) - Gorgeous fun, and I love strong women leads!
2012 (2009) - Wow. For on-screen visuals, this can't be beat.
Jackie Chan's First Strike (1996) - What's not to love in a Chan martial arts film?
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) - Classic. I hadn't seen it in the theater, so this seemed new.
Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959) - Really enjoyable.
Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008) - Different than 1959, and also good.
Cube (1997) - Low budget but engrossing to watch. Very well done.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) - Johnny Depp, always brilliant and this film doesn't disappoint.
The Journey of Natty Gann (1985) - Great, heartwarming film. Reminded me of the old days...
The Graduate (1967) - I know it's one of the top films of all time. I just don't quite get why.
Clue (1985) - So bad it's unbearable. Great actors, the script and directing killed it for me.
March: (23 films in total)
Angel (1984) - Interesting, sad, but too much on the surface. I think the heart was missed.
The Devil Wears Prada (2006) - Great! I loved Meryl Streep in this.
Predator (1987) - An oldie, a little dated, but still entertains. Arnold is a great actor in this genre.
Artificial Intelligence: AI (2001) - If you don't cry watching this, you're not human.
Bring It on Again (2004) - I saw Bring It On. Not necessary to continue with this sequel, I think.
Holes (2003) - I loved this film, and don't think of it as a kid's movie at all.
Porky's (1982) - A classic for others, not for me.
Bridge to Terabithia (2007) - Another bring-a-hanky film, and oh so good.
The Net (1995) - Dated yes, entertaining though. My only complaint; Sandra Bullock's wardrobe stylist.
City Slickers (1991) - Fun and entertaining even the second or third time you see it.
Dracula: Dead and Loving It (1995) - As much as I love Mel Brooks, this film disappointed me.
Hellboy (2004) - Nice action film. I would recommend this film to those who like this genre.
Meet the Fockers (2004) - Sequel to Meet the Parents, and not bad.
Sherlock Holmes (2009) - I found this to be a very enjoyable film to watch, and loved it!
Animal House (1978) - Another classic film that doesn't really appeal to me.
Yes Man (2008) - Jim Carrey is great in this film that I found to be inspirational and funny.
Gamer (2009) - Visually I enjoyed it. Plot-wise... less so.
Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) - Entertaining. Not great, but good.
Babel (2006) - This was gripping, visual and had a strong plot with some great performances.
Analyze This (1999) - Huge actors, middle of the road for me. Good, not great.
Alien (1979) - A classic, and I enjoyed it. Sigourney Weaver is great in this series.
The Devil's Advocate (1997) - Al Pacino & Keanu Reeves were both great in this film.
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) - Angelina Jolie looks great on-screen, in this fun, fast-action film.
April's not done yet, so I'll do that list later. Funny, with everything else there is to do in life (and this year is no different than last) I'm still managing to keep up with my movie watching goals. It feels good, and I've learned a lot so far. Maybe someday one of my films will be up there on a review list too... :)
Showing posts with label movies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label movies. Show all posts
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
February Movie Reviews Part 2
I'm feeling better now (Part 1 has all the details). I'm still continuing towards my goal of watching one movie for every weekday in 2010. So without further ado, here's the rest of what I've seen so far:
12 Monkeys
In a future world devastated by disease, a convict is sent back in time to gather information about a man-made virus that wiped out most of the human population on the planet.
Rated #172 in the Top 250 films on IMDB.com, and nominated for 2 Oscars.
1995, Mystery/Sci-Fi/Thriller. Dir. Terry Gilliam. Rated R.
This was less of a "my kind" of film. It was harsh and bleak to watch. There were plot twists and turns, time travel back and forth, and it wasn't always easy for me to follow. Perhaps not the best choice for a delicate flower with a brain injury like myself - but a good film for someone else. Bruce Willis is very much in a role that seems made for him. Brad Pitt wasn't bad - perhaps it was that I just didn't care for the character. He was at times too over-the-top in a way that was distracting me from the story - and plot is something you need to pay attention to.
3:10 To Yuma
A small-time rancher agrees to hold a captured outlaw who's awaiting a train to go to court in Yuma. A battle of wills ensues as the outlaw tries to psych out the rancher.
Nominated for 2 Oscars.
2007, Western. Dir. James Mangold. Rated R.
I love this film. The first time I saw it on a SAG preview screener back in '07, I was so impressed with Ben Foster's performance as Charlie Prince, I could hardly contain myself. He was that movie for me. This time, it was Russell Crowe as Ben Wade who had my attention. I did not see the 3:10 to Yuma from 1957 - but I can't imagine it being as good as this version. If you want to see actors bringing multiple levels to their roles, and you haven't seen a good Western in ages - this is a must-see film.
A Good Year
A British investment broker inherits his uncle's chateau and vineyard in Provence, where he spent much of his childhood. He discovers a new laid-back lifestyle as he tries to renovate the estate to be sold.
2006, Comedy/Drama/Romance. Dir. Ridley Scott. Rated PG-13.
After being so impressed with Russell Crowe in 3:10 to Yuma, I decided to watch this film. I found this to be an enjoyable film - vaguely reminding me of Under the Tuscan Sun. I can connect with the theme/plot - it's not dissimilar to my own path through life. And once again, after hearing stories of what Russell Crowe is like when he plays himself, I thought he brought something special to his role in this film. Maybe I wouldn't want to be his pal off-set, but from what I've seen, I'd be happy to watch him in other films.
Alien Nation
Aliens, known as Newcomers, begin to be integrated into human society after years of quarantine but are victims of a new type of discrimination.
Won a Saturn Award.
1988, Crime/Drama/Sci-Fi. Dir. Graham Baker. Rated R.
I have to be honest, I only saw this film because I know Kevyn Major Howard (Rudyard Kipling) - and it was really cool seeing him as an Alien. Some films from long ago "age" well, and some seem a little dated when one sees them many years after their release. There were times where I was reminded of just how long ago 1988 was - and yet the issue of racism is always something I like to see explored in film, then or now. Characters can grow, learn and change - can't we (mankind) also? If you loved the 80's, watch this movie and be taken back to that era.
Angels & Demons
Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon works to solve a murder and prevent a terrorist act against the Vatican.
Nominated for 2 Teen Choice Awards.
2009, Mystery/Thriller. Dir. Ron Howard. Rated PG-13.
And exciting film to watch, picturesque and full of action. It's a great date movie - leaves you with a lot to talk about. I was surprised by the plot twists, no surprise there. There's a lot I don't see coming. I liked the The Da Vinci Code too. I'm not sure which of the two films I thought was better, but Tom Hanks is always brilliant to watch.
Annie Hall
Neurotic New York comedian Alvy Singer falls in love with the ditsy Annie Hall.
Rated #132 in the Top 250 movies on IMDB.com. Won 4 Oscars.
1977, Comedy/Drama/Romance. Dir. Woody Allen. Rated PG.
Four Oscars, and you know what? It didn't tickle my fancy as it did everyone else. There was something about Woody's character that I just couldn't quite get why Annie liked him to begin with. I'll put some more thought into it some day as to what it was exactly that rubbed me the wrong way, but for me - I'd have rather seen something else.
Death at a Funeral
Chaos ensues when a man tries to expose a dark secret regarding a recently deceased patriarch of a dysfunctional British family.
2007, Comedy. Dir. Frank Oz. Rated R.
This is a dark comedy with odd characters in shocking situations. Complete chaos ensues, and the Brits do this type of film best, I think. And the end..! But I don't want to give it away. :)
That's all I'm going to do for this entry. Many more to come! If you have a suggestion for a film I shouldn't miss seeing this year, let me know on Twitter @cybercat19.
12 Monkeys
In a future world devastated by disease, a convict is sent back in time to gather information about a man-made virus that wiped out most of the human population on the planet.
Rated #172 in the Top 250 films on IMDB.com, and nominated for 2 Oscars.
1995, Mystery/Sci-Fi/Thriller. Dir. Terry Gilliam. Rated R.
This was less of a "my kind" of film. It was harsh and bleak to watch. There were plot twists and turns, time travel back and forth, and it wasn't always easy for me to follow. Perhaps not the best choice for a delicate flower with a brain injury like myself - but a good film for someone else. Bruce Willis is very much in a role that seems made for him. Brad Pitt wasn't bad - perhaps it was that I just didn't care for the character. He was at times too over-the-top in a way that was distracting me from the story - and plot is something you need to pay attention to.
3:10 To Yuma
A small-time rancher agrees to hold a captured outlaw who's awaiting a train to go to court in Yuma. A battle of wills ensues as the outlaw tries to psych out the rancher.
Nominated for 2 Oscars.
2007, Western. Dir. James Mangold. Rated R.
I love this film. The first time I saw it on a SAG preview screener back in '07, I was so impressed with Ben Foster's performance as Charlie Prince, I could hardly contain myself. He was that movie for me. This time, it was Russell Crowe as Ben Wade who had my attention. I did not see the 3:10 to Yuma from 1957 - but I can't imagine it being as good as this version. If you want to see actors bringing multiple levels to their roles, and you haven't seen a good Western in ages - this is a must-see film.
A Good Year
A British investment broker inherits his uncle's chateau and vineyard in Provence, where he spent much of his childhood. He discovers a new laid-back lifestyle as he tries to renovate the estate to be sold.
2006, Comedy/Drama/Romance. Dir. Ridley Scott. Rated PG-13.
After being so impressed with Russell Crowe in 3:10 to Yuma, I decided to watch this film. I found this to be an enjoyable film - vaguely reminding me of Under the Tuscan Sun. I can connect with the theme/plot - it's not dissimilar to my own path through life. And once again, after hearing stories of what Russell Crowe is like when he plays himself, I thought he brought something special to his role in this film. Maybe I wouldn't want to be his pal off-set, but from what I've seen, I'd be happy to watch him in other films.
Alien Nation
Aliens, known as Newcomers, begin to be integrated into human society after years of quarantine but are victims of a new type of discrimination.
Won a Saturn Award.
1988, Crime/Drama/Sci-Fi. Dir. Graham Baker. Rated R.
I have to be honest, I only saw this film because I know Kevyn Major Howard (Rudyard Kipling) - and it was really cool seeing him as an Alien. Some films from long ago "age" well, and some seem a little dated when one sees them many years after their release. There were times where I was reminded of just how long ago 1988 was - and yet the issue of racism is always something I like to see explored in film, then or now. Characters can grow, learn and change - can't we (mankind) also? If you loved the 80's, watch this movie and be taken back to that era.
Angels & Demons
Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon works to solve a murder and prevent a terrorist act against the Vatican.
Nominated for 2 Teen Choice Awards.
2009, Mystery/Thriller. Dir. Ron Howard. Rated PG-13.
And exciting film to watch, picturesque and full of action. It's a great date movie - leaves you with a lot to talk about. I was surprised by the plot twists, no surprise there. There's a lot I don't see coming. I liked the The Da Vinci Code too. I'm not sure which of the two films I thought was better, but Tom Hanks is always brilliant to watch.
Annie Hall
Neurotic New York comedian Alvy Singer falls in love with the ditsy Annie Hall.
Rated #132 in the Top 250 movies on IMDB.com. Won 4 Oscars.
1977, Comedy/Drama/Romance. Dir. Woody Allen. Rated PG.
Four Oscars, and you know what? It didn't tickle my fancy as it did everyone else. There was something about Woody's character that I just couldn't quite get why Annie liked him to begin with. I'll put some more thought into it some day as to what it was exactly that rubbed me the wrong way, but for me - I'd have rather seen something else.
Death at a Funeral
Chaos ensues when a man tries to expose a dark secret regarding a recently deceased patriarch of a dysfunctional British family.
2007, Comedy. Dir. Frank Oz. Rated R.
This is a dark comedy with odd characters in shocking situations. Complete chaos ensues, and the Brits do this type of film best, I think. And the end..! But I don't want to give it away. :)
That's all I'm going to do for this entry. Many more to come! If you have a suggestion for a film I shouldn't miss seeing this year, let me know on Twitter @cybercat19.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
February Movie Review Part One
I've been sick - got a Dutch stomach flu, but still managed to keep up with my movie watching goal for 2010 so far. When I was a kid, we didn't have a television. Going out to see a movie in a theater was a rare event. Then I was homeless through much of my teen years and into my twenties, so again, seeing a film was a rare occurrence.
Once I got into the entertainment industry as an actor, then directing, writing and producing, I noticed that I started watching films in a completely different way that before. It was no longer simply an escape from my life into someone else's, but I began noticing the way shots were set up, how lines were delivered, body language that worked (or didn't) for the actors, lighting, and so on.
Lucky for me, my brother is also a screenwriter and actor. He never minded seeing a movie with me, talking in the theater together, making note of performances that inspired us, or sometimes suffering through bad editing or poor direction with me. We live on opposite sides of the world now, so this year I'm watching movies alone, and blogging my thoughts with you instead.
Loglines are from IMDB.com.
A remake of the classic Shakespeare play "The Taming of the Shrew" set in a modern day high school. Starring Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger.
I had not seen Heath Ledger perform before watching this film. He seems to have such magnetism on-screen. The rest of the story and actors were fine, but he really shone above and beyond the rest of the cast. If you're not a teen or young adult, though, the story can seem a bit... young.
1999, Comedy/Romance, Dir. Gil Junger. Rated PG-13.
Domestic and professional tensions mount when a husband and wife work as opposing lawyers in a case involving a woman who shot her husband. Starring Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn.
They just don't make movies like they used to. Katharine Hepburn is so wonderful to watch, and the story line seemed to me to be as relevant today as it was then. There were different standards for men and women then, and now. In some ways that's good, and some ways that's bad. What's better now is that we can talk about it more openly. This was an Oscar-nominated film - and it was great fun to watch.
1949, Comedy/Romance, Dir. George Cukor.
A documentary comparing the highly profitable American health care industry to other nations, and HMO horror stories.
I have a special connection to this documentary - I absolutely know what these people in the US and outside go through. I don't personally care for Michael Moore's style and methods, but I think this documentary should be mandatory viewing for anyone without an opinion on health care. I have my own personal negative experiences when I was living in the US without health care, or later on Medicare. If someone other than a "health professional" had been involved in some of my experiences, I could have brought criminal charges against them. Now, although I live in a country whose idea of medicine is sometimes behind the US by 25 or 50 years, I have medical coverage with no questions asked, I receive medical care when I need it, and there aren't charges, billing, co-pays or any of the other bullcrap that was typical from America. Yeah, I have an opinion on this one. Nominated for an Oscar.
2007, Documentary, Dir. Michael Moore. Rated PG-13.
An eastern immigrant finds himself stranded in JFK airport, and must take up temporary residence there. Starring Tom Hanks, Catherine Zeta-Jones.
I'm not sure if this touched me so much because I know the immigration system, or because I am a foreigner living in a land where I don't know much about the language, culture or customs. I cried throughout the film (in a good way). Tom Hanks was excellent and Steven Spielberg is magical as the director. I can see how one might miss the brilliance if one hasn't traveled further than 50 miles from home, but for those of us who have lived in countries (short or long-term) other than our homeland, you'll get it.
2004, Drama/Romance/Comedy, Dir. Steven Spielberg. Rated PG-13.
Two films in one DVD - 1. Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World: To improve its relations with Muslim countries, the US government sends comedian Albert Brooks to south Asia to write a report on what makes followers of Islam laugh. And - 2. Defending Your Life: In an afterlife resembling the present-day US, people must prove their worth by showing in court how they have demonstrated courage. Starring Albert Brooks.
I was in Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World (although it looks as if my scene was cut - too bad, I was in a Burka!) so I had been wanting to see this film for a long time. Don't waste your time, it's terrible. Much better is Defending Your Life which not only has a better story idea, but is a better performance by Albert Brooks. Having been dead myself, I can tell you it's nothing like this - but it's an hour or two of entertainment at least.
Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World: 2005, Comedy, Dir Albert Brooks. Rated PG-13.
Defending Your Life: 1991, Comedy/Fantasy, Dir. Albert Brooks. Rated PG.
What does it take to become a Stepford wife, a woman perfect beyond belief? Ask the Stepford husbands, who've created this terrifying little town. Starring Nicole Kidman, Matthew Broderick, Glenn Close, Christopher Walken.
I have a brain injury, and even I was saying to myself "no way, that doesn't work at all." It wasn't the fault of the actors - story logic was thrown out the window and there are plot holes you could drive a car into. It was however very pretty to look at. If you like flash with nothing else, watch this remake. If you have more of a brain, read the book or watch the original film.
2004, Comedy/Fantasy/Thriller, Dir. Frank Oz. Rated PG-13.
More reviews to come when I'm feeling better. For now, I've been Twittering short thoughts on each film as I see it. Catch me over there @cybercat19
Once I got into the entertainment industry as an actor, then directing, writing and producing, I noticed that I started watching films in a completely different way that before. It was no longer simply an escape from my life into someone else's, but I began noticing the way shots were set up, how lines were delivered, body language that worked (or didn't) for the actors, lighting, and so on.
Lucky for me, my brother is also a screenwriter and actor. He never minded seeing a movie with me, talking in the theater together, making note of performances that inspired us, or sometimes suffering through bad editing or poor direction with me. We live on opposite sides of the world now, so this year I'm watching movies alone, and blogging my thoughts with you instead.
Loglines are from IMDB.com.
A remake of the classic Shakespeare play "The Taming of the Shrew" set in a modern day high school. Starring Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger.
I had not seen Heath Ledger perform before watching this film. He seems to have such magnetism on-screen. The rest of the story and actors were fine, but he really shone above and beyond the rest of the cast. If you're not a teen or young adult, though, the story can seem a bit... young.
1999, Comedy/Romance, Dir. Gil Junger. Rated PG-13.
Domestic and professional tensions mount when a husband and wife work as opposing lawyers in a case involving a woman who shot her husband. Starring Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn.
They just don't make movies like they used to. Katharine Hepburn is so wonderful to watch, and the story line seemed to me to be as relevant today as it was then. There were different standards for men and women then, and now. In some ways that's good, and some ways that's bad. What's better now is that we can talk about it more openly. This was an Oscar-nominated film - and it was great fun to watch.
1949, Comedy/Romance, Dir. George Cukor.
A documentary comparing the highly profitable American health care industry to other nations, and HMO horror stories.
I have a special connection to this documentary - I absolutely know what these people in the US and outside go through. I don't personally care for Michael Moore's style and methods, but I think this documentary should be mandatory viewing for anyone without an opinion on health care. I have my own personal negative experiences when I was living in the US without health care, or later on Medicare. If someone other than a "health professional" had been involved in some of my experiences, I could have brought criminal charges against them. Now, although I live in a country whose idea of medicine is sometimes behind the US by 25 or 50 years, I have medical coverage with no questions asked, I receive medical care when I need it, and there aren't charges, billing, co-pays or any of the other bullcrap that was typical from America. Yeah, I have an opinion on this one. Nominated for an Oscar.
2007, Documentary, Dir. Michael Moore. Rated PG-13.
An eastern immigrant finds himself stranded in JFK airport, and must take up temporary residence there. Starring Tom Hanks, Catherine Zeta-Jones.
I'm not sure if this touched me so much because I know the immigration system, or because I am a foreigner living in a land where I don't know much about the language, culture or customs. I cried throughout the film (in a good way). Tom Hanks was excellent and Steven Spielberg is magical as the director. I can see how one might miss the brilliance if one hasn't traveled further than 50 miles from home, but for those of us who have lived in countries (short or long-term) other than our homeland, you'll get it.
2004, Drama/Romance/Comedy, Dir. Steven Spielberg. Rated PG-13.
Two films in one DVD - 1. Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World: To improve its relations with Muslim countries, the US government sends comedian Albert Brooks to south Asia to write a report on what makes followers of Islam laugh. And - 2. Defending Your Life: In an afterlife resembling the present-day US, people must prove their worth by showing in court how they have demonstrated courage. Starring Albert Brooks.
I was in Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World (although it looks as if my scene was cut - too bad, I was in a Burka!) so I had been wanting to see this film for a long time. Don't waste your time, it's terrible. Much better is Defending Your Life which not only has a better story idea, but is a better performance by Albert Brooks. Having been dead myself, I can tell you it's nothing like this - but it's an hour or two of entertainment at least.
Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World: 2005, Comedy, Dir Albert Brooks. Rated PG-13.
Defending Your Life: 1991, Comedy/Fantasy, Dir. Albert Brooks. Rated PG.
What does it take to become a Stepford wife, a woman perfect beyond belief? Ask the Stepford husbands, who've created this terrifying little town. Starring Nicole Kidman, Matthew Broderick, Glenn Close, Christopher Walken.
I have a brain injury, and even I was saying to myself "no way, that doesn't work at all." It wasn't the fault of the actors - story logic was thrown out the window and there are plot holes you could drive a car into. It was however very pretty to look at. If you like flash with nothing else, watch this remake. If you have more of a brain, read the book or watch the original film.
2004, Comedy/Fantasy/Thriller, Dir. Frank Oz. Rated PG-13.
More reviews to come when I'm feeling better. For now, I've been Twittering short thoughts on each film as I see it. Catch me over there @cybercat19
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