When news of the death of Princess Diana, undoubtedly the most famous woman in the world, breaks upon a shocked and disbelieving British public, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II retreats behind the walls of Balmoral Castle with her family, unable to comprehend the public response to the tragedy. For Tony Blair, the popular and newly elected Prime Minister, the people's need for reassurance and support from their leaders is palpable. As the unprecedented outpouring of emotion grows ever stronger, Blair must find a way to reconnect the Queen with the British public.I thought that this was a pretty good movie with great acting performances by all.
Unfortunately, I was never really in to the whole Princess Diana thing so I'm thinking that kind of took the wind out of the movie's sails for me. However, Wonder Woman loved the movie and I'm going to allow her to do the review on this one . . . . .I got to tell you that when the whole Princess Diana thing happened I was very annoyed at the Royal family for how they handled everything. I thought that they were so wrong for basically not bothering to acknowledge anything regarding the death of someone so important. This movie was so well done that it actually made me come out understanding the queen's thinking and respecting her that much more. I enjoyed the movie very much.
Wonder Woman recommends this movie to all who liked Princess Diana and/or knows about the whole original story. Mr. Cinco agrees. Never doubt the opinion of Wonder Woman, people!
Code Name: The Cleaner
Code Name: The Cleaner stars Cedric the Entertainer as Jake, a mild-mannered janitor with amnesia who gets himself comically entangled in a government conspiracy. Jake gets in over his head when he is duped into believing that he is an undercover agent who subconsciously holds a key piece of information that could expose an arms conspiracy involving the CIA and FBI. Co-starring Lucy Liu (Charlie's Angels) and Nicollette Sheridan (Desperate Housewives).
This is one of those movies that was made simply because Cedric The Entertainer will somehow generate 7 - 10 million dollars at the box office. The story is just plain silly and the characters are totally lame. Cedric does have some slight laughable moments but on the whole this movie is pretty painful to sit through.
I wouldn't really recommend anyone bothering to rent this movie . . . . . or even waste the time watching it on cable either.
This is one of those movies that was made simply because Cedric The Entertainer will somehow generate 7 - 10 million dollars at the box office. The story is just plain silly and the characters are totally lame. Cedric does have some slight laughable moments but on the whole this movie is pretty painful to sit through.
I wouldn't really recommend anyone bothering to rent this movie . . . . . or even waste the time watching it on cable either.
Deja Vu
Everyone has experienced the unsettling mystery of déjà vu. But what if the feelings were actually warnings sent from the past or clues to the future? In this action-thriller from producer Jerry Bruckheimer, it is déjà vu that unexpectedly guides ATF agent Doug Carlin (Denzel Washington) through an investigation into a shattering crime. Called in to recover evidence after a bomb sets off on a New Orleans Ferry, Carlin is about to discover that what most people believe is only in their heads is actually something far more powerful and will lead him on a race to save hundreds of innocent people.
I'm not going to pretend that I understood what was going on throughout this movie. I was totally lost for a big chunk of it. That being said - what makes or breaks movies like this is their ability to keep the viewer hooked/patient while the filmmakers bring us up to speed. This movie pulled that off magnificently. Like I said - I had no clue what was going on for a while, but I wanted to find out. Even better yet - when it did all get tied together at the end, I was happy with the end result. If it seems like I'm being a little too vague about the movie - I am. This is one of those where you can't say too much without giving it away. The bottom line is that it's worth the confusing ride.
I would fully recommend this movie to everyone. Just keep in mind that you might have no clue what you are watching for a while.
I'm not going to pretend that I understood what was going on throughout this movie. I was totally lost for a big chunk of it. That being said - what makes or breaks movies like this is their ability to keep the viewer hooked/patient while the filmmakers bring us up to speed. This movie pulled that off magnificently. Like I said - I had no clue what was going on for a while, but I wanted to find out. Even better yet - when it did all get tied together at the end, I was happy with the end result. If it seems like I'm being a little too vague about the movie - I am. This is one of those where you can't say too much without giving it away. The bottom line is that it's worth the confusing ride.
I would fully recommend this movie to everyone. Just keep in mind that you might have no clue what you are watching for a while.
Night At The Museum
The halls of the Natural History Museum are lined with the most amazing things – wild-eyed prehistoric creatures, fierce ancient warriors, long lost tribes, African animals and history's legendary heroes – all frozen forever in time. Or... are they? In the action-adventure-comedy, Night at the Museum, the new night guard Larry (Ben Stiller) is about to discover that when the visitors go home at the end of the day, the real adventure begins – as the museum's residents come out to play.
I enjoyed this movie. I didn't absolutely love it but it was definitely worth watching. It was a lot like a Jumangi type thing where the effects alone keep you interesteted. You can never go wrong with something like that as long as the effects are cool enough. It's also one of those movies that you pretty much know exactly what you are going to get from watching the preview. People in the museum come to life . . . . something is going to get messed up . . . . new guy is going to have to fix it. You could just sit down and watch and not have to think too much at all. The only thing that kind of turned me off towards it was that I expected it to be funnier. However, the kids loved it and that alone is worth making the trip to theaters at this time of year.
I would recommend this movie to everyone . . . . especially someone with kids. It's one of the best family movies out there.
I enjoyed this movie. I didn't absolutely love it but it was definitely worth watching. It was a lot like a Jumangi type thing where the effects alone keep you interesteted. You can never go wrong with something like that as long as the effects are cool enough. It's also one of those movies that you pretty much know exactly what you are going to get from watching the preview. People in the museum come to life . . . . something is going to get messed up . . . . new guy is going to have to fix it. You could just sit down and watch and not have to think too much at all. The only thing that kind of turned me off towards it was that I expected it to be funnier. However, the kids loved it and that alone is worth making the trip to theaters at this time of year.
I would recommend this movie to everyone . . . . especially someone with kids. It's one of the best family movies out there.
Notes On A Scandal
When Sheba Hart (Cate Blanchett) joins St. George's as the new art teacher, Barbara Covett (Judi Dench) senses a kindred spirit. But Barbara is not the only one drawn to her. Sheba begins an illicit affair and Barbara becomes the keeper of her secret in the most obsessive of ways.
This movie featured one hell of an amazing performance by Judi Dench. She played a lonely, obsessive, bitter old lady looking for female companionship. She befriends Cate Blanchett's character and then stumbles on to the fact that she is having an affair with one of her fifteen year old students. Judi Dench's character then masterfully manipulates the power of having that secret in to having total control over Cate Blanchett. I haven't seen Helen Mirren in The Queen but putting that aside, Judi Dench should definitely receive an Oscar for Best Actress. You find yourself totally entranced in her creepy obsessiveness and manipluation.
This movie is definitely worth the rental fee on Judi Dench's performance alone and should be checked out.
This movie featured one hell of an amazing performance by Judi Dench. She played a lonely, obsessive, bitter old lady looking for female companionship. She befriends Cate Blanchett's character and then stumbles on to the fact that she is having an affair with one of her fifteen year old students. Judi Dench's character then masterfully manipulates the power of having that secret in to having total control over Cate Blanchett. I haven't seen Helen Mirren in The Queen but putting that aside, Judi Dench should definitely receive an Oscar for Best Actress. You find yourself totally entranced in her creepy obsessiveness and manipluation.
This movie is definitely worth the rental fee on Judi Dench's performance alone and should be checked out.
Smokin Aces
Smokin' Aces is a movie with interlocking tales of high stakes and low lifes, Mob boss Primo Sparazza has taken out a hefty contract on Buddy "Aces" Israel (Jeremy Piven)--a sleazy magician who has agreed to turn state's evidence against the Vegas mob. The FBI, sensing a chance to use this small-time con to bring down big-target Sparazza, places Aces into protective custody-under the supervision of two agents (Ryan Reynolds and Ray Liotta) dispatched to Aces' Lake Tahoe hideout. When word of the price on Aces' head spreads into the community of ex-cons and cons-to-be, it entices bounty hunters, thugs-for-hire, and double-crossing mobsters to join in the hunt. With all eyes on Tahoe, this rogues' gallery collides in a comic race to hit the jackpot and rub out Aces.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this movie. The trailer was clearly one of those where it could be a good cat and mouse type movie or it could be a scattered, sophomoric mess. Luckily, it was actually pretty solidly put together even with the crazy ensemble of quirky characters. There were parts of this movie that I couldn't stop laughing and there were parts where I didn't want to blink and miss a second. It was a lot better than I thought it would be.
I would definitely recommend this movie to people. It is more than worth the rental fee and pretty much covers all areas of what you would want from a movie . . . . . humor, suspense, action, and drama.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this movie. The trailer was clearly one of those where it could be a good cat and mouse type movie or it could be a scattered, sophomoric mess. Luckily, it was actually pretty solidly put together even with the crazy ensemble of quirky characters. There were parts of this movie that I couldn't stop laughing and there were parts where I didn't want to blink and miss a second. It was a lot better than I thought it would be.
I would definitely recommend this movie to people. It is more than worth the rental fee and pretty much covers all areas of what you would want from a movie . . . . . humor, suspense, action, and drama.
The Last King Of Scotland
In an incredible twist of fate, a Scottish doctor (James McAvoy) on a Ugandan medical mission becomes irreversibly entangled with one of the world's most barbaric figures: Idi Amin (Forest Whitaker). Impressed by Dr. Garrigan's brazen attitude in a moment of crisis, the newly self-appointed Ugandan President Amin hand picks him as his personal physician and closest confidante. Though Garrigan is at first flattered and fascinated by his new position, he soon awakens to Amin's savagery - and his own complicity in it. Horror and betrayal ensue as Garrigan tries to right his wrongs and escape Uganda alive.
I was really looking forward to seeing this after Forest Whitaker won the Best Actor award for it last year. However, I'm kind of confused here. James McAvoy (who was awesome as the doctor in this movie) was clearly the lead actor in the movie and Whitaker was more of a supporting character. How the hell was he nominated for a leading role? Anywho, the movie was very good and actually seemed to get better and better as it went along and you started to see how demented Idi Amin really was. I liked it a lot.
I would recommend anyone who would be interested in watching a political biography like this. I'm pretty sure that they would enjoy it and it is definitely worth the rental fee.
I was really looking forward to seeing this after Forest Whitaker won the Best Actor award for it last year. However, I'm kind of confused here. James McAvoy (who was awesome as the doctor in this movie) was clearly the lead actor in the movie and Whitaker was more of a supporting character. How the hell was he nominated for a leading role? Anywho, the movie was very good and actually seemed to get better and better as it went along and you started to see how demented Idi Amin really was. I liked it a lot.
I would recommend anyone who would be interested in watching a political biography like this. I'm pretty sure that they would enjoy it and it is definitely worth the rental fee.
Freedom Writers
Freedom Writers is inspired by a true story and the diaries of real Long Beach teenagers after the LA riots, during the worst outbreak of interracial gang warfare. Hilary Swank stars as Erin Gruwell, whose passion to become a teacher is soon challenged by a group of Black, Latino, and Asian gangbangers who hate her even more than each other. When Erin begins to listen to them in a way no adult has ever done, she begins to understand that for these kids, getting through the day alive is enough. Erin gives them something they never had from a teacher before -- respect. For the first time, these teens experience a hope that maybe, they might show the world that their lives matter and they have something to say.
This is one of those movies where if you saw the preview/commercial - you basically saw the movie. It's also a textbook teacher who reaches out to hurting kids movie. The last two times I saw this movie, it was called Lean On Me with Morgan Freeman playing the teacher and Dangerous Minds with Michelle Pheiffer playing the teacher. Although the movie was totally formula and choc full of cliches, it was still pretty enjoyable. These movies are either made or broken by the cast of kids and this one had some pretty good characters involved. I also liked that they let a bunch of the different kids narrate what was happening at different times. I'm a big fan of narration and this movie had a lot of it.
I wouldn't have recommended that anyone rush out to theaters to see this. However, it's definitely worth the rental fee and worth checking out now.
This is one of those movies where if you saw the preview/commercial - you basically saw the movie. It's also a textbook teacher who reaches out to hurting kids movie. The last two times I saw this movie, it was called Lean On Me with Morgan Freeman playing the teacher and Dangerous Minds with Michelle Pheiffer playing the teacher. Although the movie was totally formula and choc full of cliches, it was still pretty enjoyable. These movies are either made or broken by the cast of kids and this one had some pretty good characters involved. I also liked that they let a bunch of the different kids narrate what was happening at different times. I'm a big fan of narration and this movie had a lot of it.
I wouldn't have recommended that anyone rush out to theaters to see this. However, it's definitely worth the rental fee and worth checking out now.
Bobby
Bobby revisits the night Robert F. Kennedy was gunned down at the Ambassador Hotel in 1968. With an incredible cast portraying a wide array of characters from all different backgrounds, the film follows them at the hotel that fateful day which would change their lives forever.
It was a very weird experience watching this movie. I pretty much sat through the whole movie on the brink of boredom because the movie isn't really about Bobby Kennedy. The only footage that you see of Bobby Kennedy is historical footage of speeches and what not. The movie is just following these random characters, and you are stuck kind of wondering where it's going and why you should care about all these people for about two hours. Then the assasination and ensuing chaos happens and you realize that you had really grown to care about all the characters that you had been questioning the validity of. I was sitting on the edge of my seat for the last twenty minutes or so and ended up leaving the theater thinking that this was one of the best movies of the year.
I fully recommend this movie to everyone. It is definitely worth the rental fee.
It was a very weird experience watching this movie. I pretty much sat through the whole movie on the brink of boredom because the movie isn't really about Bobby Kennedy. The only footage that you see of Bobby Kennedy is historical footage of speeches and what not. The movie is just following these random characters, and you are stuck kind of wondering where it's going and why you should care about all these people for about two hours. Then the assasination and ensuing chaos happens and you realize that you had really grown to care about all the characters that you had been questioning the validity of. I was sitting on the edge of my seat for the last twenty minutes or so and ended up leaving the theater thinking that this was one of the best movies of the year.
I fully recommend this movie to everyone. It is definitely worth the rental fee.
The Good Shepherd
The early history of the Central Intelligence Agency is viewed through one man's life in The Good Shepherd. Edward Wilson (Matt Damon) understands the value of secrecy-discretion and commitment to honor have been embedded in him since childhood. As a student at Yale, he is recruited to join the secret society Skull and Bones, a brotherhood and breeding ground for future world leaders. As one of the covert founders of the CIA, Edward's' idealism is steadily eroded by a growing suspicious nature, reflective of a world settling into the long paranoia of the Cold War. However, his steely dedication to his country comes at an ever-increasing price. Not even his wife Clover (Angelina Jolie) or his beloved son can divert Wilson from a path that will force him to sacrifice everything in pursuit of this job.
Before saying anything about what I (or movie going life partner Wonder Woman and special guest The Good German . . . not the movie - the man, people!) thought about the movie, I must give the warning that this movie is 2 hours and40 minutes long. That kind of a running time can float for the Lord Of The Rings, Titanics, and Harry Potters of the world, but outside of those kind of mega movies a running time like that can kill a movie . . . . . not to mention your a$$ and back. The running time didn't kill this movie by any means, but it definitely hurt it. The movie was actually pretty good. It was interesting to watch everyone completely not trusting each other. I thought that Matt Damon actually did a really great job and was by far and away the most emotionless person I've ever seen.
The movie did a good job of showing how the CIA evolved. The only thing that really held this movie back from total greatness was that kept jumping back and forth between the 40s and the 60s at inopportune times. You would finally start following what was going on in the 60s and they would take you back and your head would have to play catch up again.
I would recommend readers checking this one out. It's wasn't a rush to theaters type movie, but it's worth the rental fee and the running time will give you ample time to take advantage of the the pause button for bathroom trips and what not.
Before saying anything about what I (or movie going life partner Wonder Woman and special guest The Good German . . . not the movie - the man, people!) thought about the movie, I must give the warning that this movie is 2 hours and40 minutes long. That kind of a running time can float for the Lord Of The Rings, Titanics, and Harry Potters of the world, but outside of those kind of mega movies a running time like that can kill a movie . . . . . not to mention your a$$ and back. The running time didn't kill this movie by any means, but it definitely hurt it. The movie was actually pretty good. It was interesting to watch everyone completely not trusting each other. I thought that Matt Damon actually did a really great job and was by far and away the most emotionless person I've ever seen.
The movie did a good job of showing how the CIA evolved. The only thing that really held this movie back from total greatness was that kept jumping back and forth between the 40s and the 60s at inopportune times. You would finally start following what was going on in the 60s and they would take you back and your head would have to play catch up again.
I would recommend readers checking this one out. It's wasn't a rush to theaters type movie, but it's worth the rental fee and the running time will give you ample time to take advantage of the the pause button for bathroom trips and what not.
Charlotte's Web
The classic story comes to life in this live-action adaptation. Fern (Dakota Fanning) raises a pig named Wilbur, the runt of the litter. As Wilbur moves into a new barn, he begins a second profound friendship with the most unlikely of creatures – a spider named Charlotte – and their bond inspires the animals around them to come together as a family. When the word gets out that Wilbur's days are numbered, it seems that only a miracle will save his life. A determined Charlotte spins words into her web in an effort to convince the farmer that Wilbur is "some pig" and worth saving.
I couldn't wait to see this movie and I'm thinking that I let my expectations get the best of me. I was pretty disappointed in this movie and I really don't know why. It's not that the movie was poop or anything. I just basically didn't care about what was going on. In movies like this - there is supposed to be that emotional hook that grabs you, won't let go, and makes you leave feeling good. I wasn't hooked. That being said - my future stepdaughter and her best friend liked the movie a lot so maybe this is just one of those movies that is a lot more for kids than one of those movies that reach both the adults and the kids. Or maybe it was just Wonder Woman and I being too tired to truly enjoy the movie? I'm really not sure what to tell you here, people. Sorry.
Regardless, I would definitely recommend this movie to anyone with children because they seemed to like it. As for the adults - this might be one of those movies where you could grab a quick cat nap while the kids are distracted.
I couldn't wait to see this movie and I'm thinking that I let my expectations get the best of me. I was pretty disappointed in this movie and I really don't know why. It's not that the movie was poop or anything. I just basically didn't care about what was going on. In movies like this - there is supposed to be that emotional hook that grabs you, won't let go, and makes you leave feeling good. I wasn't hooked. That being said - my future stepdaughter and her best friend liked the movie a lot so maybe this is just one of those movies that is a lot more for kids than one of those movies that reach both the adults and the kids. Or maybe it was just Wonder Woman and I being too tired to truly enjoy the movie? I'm really not sure what to tell you here, people. Sorry.
Regardless, I would definitely recommend this movie to anyone with children because they seemed to like it. As for the adults - this might be one of those movies where you could grab a quick cat nap while the kids are distracted.
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