In Hannibal Rising, we find out the origins of Hannibal Lecter. The story begins in Eastern Europe at the end of World War II. A young Hannibal watches from only steps away as his parents' violently die, leaving his cherished young sister in his care. This horrific moment will soon pale in comparison to the atrocities he is forced to witness and perhaps survive as a result of.Alone and without any means of support, he is forced to live in a Soviet Orphanage that once served as his family's beloved home. He flees to Paris to find his uncle has died but his beautiful and mysterious Japanese widow, Lady Murasaki (Gong Li) welcomes him. Even her kindness and love cannot soothe the nightmares and sorrows that plague him. Showing a cunning aptitude for science he is accepted into medical school, which serves to hone his skills and provide the tools to exact justice on the war criminals that haunt him day and night. This quest will ignite an insatiable lust within a serial killer who was not born, but made.
I had read this book and didn't think that it was nearly as bad as the critics who relentlessly bashed it did. I had said to WW that how good the movie will be will depend on how good the younger Hannibal Lecter is. I was wrong. The younger Hannibal Lecter wasn't that bad, but the complete lack of tension stunk. What made the other Hannibal Lecter movies so good was that you were sitting on the edge of your seat. This movie basically plodded along for the most part and even the scenes where Hannibal is killing people for revenger were pretty blah. The movie wasn't horrible . . . . . but it really wasn't all that good either.
I wouldn't have really recommended people rushing to see this in theaters. It could be considered a decent rental though.
Letters From Iwo Jima
Sixty-one years ago, U.S. and Japanese armies met on Iwo Jima. Decades later, several hundred letters are unearthed from that stark island's soil. The letters give faces and voices to the men who fought there, as well as the extraordinary general who led them, Tadamichi Kuribayashi (Ken Watanabe). With little defense other than sheer will and the volcanic rock of the island itself, Gen. Kuribayashi's unprecedented tactics transform what was predicted to be a quick and bloody defeat into nearly 40 days of heroic and resourceful combat.In an effort to explore an event that continues to resonate with both cultures, Clint Eastwood was haunted by the sense that making only one film, "Flags of Our Fathers," would be telling only half the story. With this unprecedented dual film project, shot back-to-back to be released in sequence, Eastwood seeks to reveal the battle of Iwo Jima--and, by implication, the war in the Pacific--as a clash not only of arms but of cultures.
This is one of those movies that I might have liked a lot more if I would have seen it under different pretenses. The bottom line is that since this was a subtitle movie, I planned on waiting to rent it instead of going to theaters to see it. Then it got nominated for Best Picture and I wanted to make sure to see it before the Academy Awards. Unfortunately, I was then stuck watching this movie for two plus hours thinking nothing other than why in the blue hell was this movie nominated for best picture over Dreamgirls and Children Of Men? It's not that the movie was bad. It actually ended up being better than average. But definitely not good enough to warrant a Best Picture nomination. Again, I probably would have really liked this a lot more if I would have seen it without the imbedded bias in my brain.
I would still recommend people checking this movie out because, again, it's not a bad movie. Just be sure to keep your expectations in check.
This is one of those movies that I might have liked a lot more if I would have seen it under different pretenses. The bottom line is that since this was a subtitle movie, I planned on waiting to rent it instead of going to theaters to see it. Then it got nominated for Best Picture and I wanted to make sure to see it before the Academy Awards. Unfortunately, I was then stuck watching this movie for two plus hours thinking nothing other than why in the blue hell was this movie nominated for best picture over Dreamgirls and Children Of Men? It's not that the movie was bad. It actually ended up being better than average. But definitely not good enough to warrant a Best Picture nomination. Again, I probably would have really liked this a lot more if I would have seen it without the imbedded bias in my brain.
I would still recommend people checking this movie out because, again, it's not a bad movie. Just be sure to keep your expectations in check.
Epic Movie
In Epic Movie, the story centers on four not-so-young orphans: one raised by a curator at the Louvre (where an albino assassin lurks), another a refugee from Mexican "libre" wrestling, the third a recent victim of snakes on her plane, and the fourth a "normal" resident of a mutant "X"-community. The hapless quartet visits a chocolate factory, where they stumble into an enchanted wardrobe that transports them to the land of Gnarnia. There they meet a flamboyant pirate captain and earnest students of wizardry – and join forces with a lion to defeat the evil White Bitch of Gnarnia.
Why do these movies keep getting made? Yes, Airplane was a classic. Yes, the original Scary Movie was actually pretty funny. However, the 3 sequels to Scary Movie, Date Movie, and now this are so beyond not funny. It's like you watch them praying for something as small as a chuckle. I might have laughed 2 to 3 times throughout the hour and a half that these piece of dung was on the screen. This one is by far one of the worst parody movies ever and they really need to stop making this crapola.Needless to say,
I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone. Ever. Don't rent it. Change the channel if it's on your tv, people!
Why do these movies keep getting made? Yes, Airplane was a classic. Yes, the original Scary Movie was actually pretty funny. However, the 3 sequels to Scary Movie, Date Movie, and now this are so beyond not funny. It's like you watch them praying for something as small as a chuckle. I might have laughed 2 to 3 times throughout the hour and a half that these piece of dung was on the screen. This one is by far one of the worst parody movies ever and they really need to stop making this crapola.Needless to say,
I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone. Ever. Don't rent it. Change the channel if it's on your tv, people!
Apocalypto
From Mel Gibson, comes Apocalypto. This movie is an action-adventure set against the turbulent end times of the once great Mayan civilization. When one of the tribesman's existence is suddenly disrupted by a violent invading tribe, he ends up on a perilous journey to a world ruled by fear and oppression that will ultimately lead to his death. Through a twist of fate and spurred by the power of his love for his woman and his family he will make a break to return home and to ultimately save his way of life.
I went in to this movie thinking that there was no way that Mel Gibson could keep up with prior amazing movies like Braveheart and Passion Of The Christ and was very pleasantly surprised. Be warned - the movie is subtitled and it is very graphic at times (I'm just going to go ahead and warn all readers that a man eats a boar's testicles . . . . . . . I almost gagged!). However, my golden rule of whether or not a subtitled movie is great or not is if you forget that you are reading what the characters are saying. You totally don't realize it in this movie because you really are glued to what's going on up on the screen. Just the look of the film with the jungle action was amazing.
I really liked this movie a lot and strongly recommend it to anyone who would be in to a history channel type movie and can deal with subtitles. I know how that can be a real killer sometimes, but this movie is very much worth it.
I went in to this movie thinking that there was no way that Mel Gibson could keep up with prior amazing movies like Braveheart and Passion Of The Christ and was very pleasantly surprised. Be warned - the movie is subtitled and it is very graphic at times (I'm just going to go ahead and warn all readers that a man eats a boar's testicles . . . . . . . I almost gagged!). However, my golden rule of whether or not a subtitled movie is great or not is if you forget that you are reading what the characters are saying. You totally don't realize it in this movie because you really are glued to what's going on up on the screen. Just the look of the film with the jungle action was amazing.
I really liked this movie a lot and strongly recommend it to anyone who would be in to a history channel type movie and can deal with subtitles. I know how that can be a real killer sometimes, but this movie is very much worth it.
Pan's Labyrinth
Pan's Labyrinth is a story set against the backdrop of a fascist regime in 1944 rural Spain. The film centers on Ofelia, a lonely and dreamy child living with her mother and adoptive father; a military officer tasked with ridding the area of rebels. In her loneliness, Ofelia creates a world filled with fantastical creatures and secret destinies. With post-war repression at its height, Ofelia must come to terms with her world through a fable of her own creation.
This is one of those movies where I think I heard too much about how great it was before seeing. I literally felt myself sitting through big portions of the movie asking myself why would people think this was so good. The movie wasn't bad at all. I actually liked it alot. It just wasn't nearly as good as everyone had said it was. The only real downer for me was that I was all psyched about the fantasy part of this movie and as it turns out - that is only half of the movie. The other half took place in 1944 real time. I wish that a lot more of the movie would have taken place in the fantasy realm. I should probably also specifically note that this is a foreign movie with subtitles. I know that I would hate myself if I was a reader and went to see the movie not knowing that.
I would lukewarmly recommend this movie to all, but with no rush whatsoever.
This is one of those movies where I think I heard too much about how great it was before seeing. I literally felt myself sitting through big portions of the movie asking myself why would people think this was so good. The movie wasn't bad at all. I actually liked it alot. It just wasn't nearly as good as everyone had said it was. The only real downer for me was that I was all psyched about the fantasy part of this movie and as it turns out - that is only half of the movie. The other half took place in 1944 real time. I wish that a lot more of the movie would have taken place in the fantasy realm. I should probably also specifically note that this is a foreign movie with subtitles. I know that I would hate myself if I was a reader and went to see the movie not knowing that.
I would lukewarmly recommend this movie to all, but with no rush whatsoever.
The Fountain
The Fountain is about one man's thousand-year struggle to save the woman he loves. His journey begins in 16th century Spain, where Tomas Creo (Hugh Jackman) commences his search for the Tree of Life. As modern-day scientist Tommy Creo, he desperately struggles to find a cure for the cancer that is killing his beloved wife Isabel (Rachel Weisz). Traveling through space as a 26th century astronaut, Tom begins to grasp the mysteries of life that have consumed him for more than a century.
In order to properly review this movie, I would probably have to have some sort of an understanding of what it was that I sat through. Unfortunately, I have no freakin clue. My afianced movie going partner (aka W Squared) is at a complete loss as well. Seriously. No idea. It went randomly back and forth between the years 1500, present year, and 2500. The worst part of it all is that apparantly in about 500 years we are all going to be stuck inside bubbles traveling through space with a tree that is made out of our soul mate looking for answers. Really gives you something to look forward to, huh? This is one of those movies that I will be wondering about for the rest of my life trying to make some sort of sense out of it.
I wouldn't ever recommend this movie to anyone. It is a complete mindscrew that will scar you for life and everyone should run for their lives away from it.
In order to properly review this movie, I would probably have to have some sort of an understanding of what it was that I sat through. Unfortunately, I have no freakin clue. My afianced movie going partner (aka W Squared) is at a complete loss as well. Seriously. No idea. It went randomly back and forth between the years 1500, present year, and 2500. The worst part of it all is that apparantly in about 500 years we are all going to be stuck inside bubbles traveling through space with a tree that is made out of our soul mate looking for answers. Really gives you something to look forward to, huh? This is one of those movies that I will be wondering about for the rest of my life trying to make some sort of sense out of it.
I wouldn't ever recommend this movie to anyone. It is a complete mindscrew that will scar you for life and everyone should run for their lives away from it.
Arthur & The Invisibles
From Luc Besson, comes a family adventure about a boy who, after his grandfather disappears, sets out to save his family home from emerging real estate developers. Arthur learns that he must follow his grandfather's ancient clues to a vast treasure – and unlock the passageway to a spectacular new world filled with mysterious little people, so tiny they are considered invisible, and enlist their help. But once in the magical land, Arthur must join swords with a beautiful princess and a reckless army of defenders to save the land from the evil wizard.
I loved this movie! I took my future stepdaughter to see this and the two of us couldn't have enjoyed it more. It made me think back to how much I loved movies like "The Dark Crystal" and "Labyrinth" when I was a kid. There's something about those kind of family fantasy films that completely take you in to the world they have created and you thoroughly enjoy the ride. I really enjoyed the back and forth between the real world where the farm is close to being taken and the animated world of the Mimimoys. The animation was also phenomenal and the voices were so appropriate. Snoop Dogg as the dj at one point had me laughing my ass off.
I fully recommend this movie to anyone with kids or anyone who has a soft spot for fantasy movies like this. I'm giving in the Cinco stampo of Must See. Be sure to check this one out.
I loved this movie! I took my future stepdaughter to see this and the two of us couldn't have enjoyed it more. It made me think back to how much I loved movies like "The Dark Crystal" and "Labyrinth" when I was a kid. There's something about those kind of family fantasy films that completely take you in to the world they have created and you thoroughly enjoy the ride. I really enjoyed the back and forth between the real world where the farm is close to being taken and the animated world of the Mimimoys. The animation was also phenomenal and the voices were so appropriate. Snoop Dogg as the dj at one point had me laughing my ass off.
I fully recommend this movie to anyone with kids or anyone who has a soft spot for fantasy movies like this. I'm giving in the Cinco stampo of Must See. Be sure to check this one out.
Music & Lyrics
Alex Fletcher (Hugh Grant) is a washed-up 80s pop star who's been reduced to working the nostalgia circuit at county fairs and amusement parks. The charismatic and talented musician gets a chance at a comeback when reigning diva Cora Corman invites him to write and record a duet with her, but there's a problem—Alex hasn't written a song in years, he's never written lyrics, and he has to come up with a hit in a matter of days. Enter Sophie Fisher (Drew Barrymore), Alex's quirky plant lady, whose flair for words strikes a chord with the struggling songwriter. On the rebound from a bad relationship, Sophie is reluctant to collaborate with anyone, especially commitment-phobe Alex. As their chemistry heats up at the piano and under it, Alex and Sophie will have to face their fears—and the music—if they want to find the love and success they both deserve.
This was a pretty good date movie. It's beyond predictable, but more than worth watching anyway. Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore are actually really good together. His quick wit and delivery suit this movie very well and some of the supporting characters (Brad Garrett and Kristen Johnson) are also very funny. The constant references to the 80s has been stuff are priceless and the actual music video from the group Pop shown at the beginning and end of the movie are totally worth the price of admission by itself.
I would recommend this movie to all. It's a cute date movie and there are some really huge laughs in it.
This was a pretty good date movie. It's beyond predictable, but more than worth watching anyway. Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore are actually really good together. His quick wit and delivery suit this movie very well and some of the supporting characters (Brad Garrett and Kristen Johnson) are also very funny. The constant references to the 80s has been stuff are priceless and the actual music video from the group Pop shown at the beginning and end of the movie are totally worth the price of admission by itself.
I would recommend this movie to all. It's a cute date movie and there are some really huge laughs in it.
Because I Said So
Diane Keaton stars as Daphne Wilder, a mother whose love knows no bounds or boundaries. She is the proud mom of three daughters: Maggie (Graham), Mae (Perabo) and Milly (Moore)-who, when it comes to men, is like psychotic flypaper. In order to prevent her youngest from making the same mistakes she did, Daphne decides to set Milly up with the perfect man. Little does Milly know, however, that her mom placed an ad in the online personals to find him. Comic mayhem unfolds as Daphne continues to do the wrong thing for the right reasons...all in the name of love. In a hilarious battle of strong wills, the mother-daughter dynamic is tested in all its fierce, wacky complexity. The girls help Daphne finally discover the truths and impossibilities of motherly love, all while trying to answer the questions: where does it begin and where should it end?
I went in to this movie with lukewarm expectations at best. I ended up completely loving it. I was laughing out loud numerous times throughout the movie and thought that everyone contributed great acting performances, especially Diane Keaton. This is one of the best date movies to come out in a while and there is nothing better than leaving a theater having so thoroughly enjoyed the movie you just watched.
I very strongly recommend this movie to everyone. Even guys who put on that macho front and don't want to see a "chick flick" . . . . . . suck it up and take your significant other. You'll end up liking it just as much as them.
I went in to this movie with lukewarm expectations at best. I ended up completely loving it. I was laughing out loud numerous times throughout the movie and thought that everyone contributed great acting performances, especially Diane Keaton. This is one of the best date movies to come out in a while and there is nothing better than leaving a theater having so thoroughly enjoyed the movie you just watched.
I very strongly recommend this movie to everyone. Even guys who put on that macho front and don't want to see a "chick flick" . . . . . . suck it up and take your significant other. You'll end up liking it just as much as them.
The Hitcher
The Hitcher tracks Grace Andrews (Sophia Bush) and Jim Halsey (Zachary Knighton), a collegiate couple who are tormented by the mysterious hitchhiker John Ryder, a.k.a. The Hitcher (Sean Bean).The young couple hit the road in a 1970 Oldsmobile 442, en route to spring break. But their pleasure trip soon turns into a waking nightmare. The initial encounters with Ryder are increasingly off-putting for Grace and Jim, and they bravely fight back when he ambushes them. But they are truly blindsided when he implicates them in a horrific slaying and continues to shadow them.The open road becomes a suspenseful, action-packed battleground of blood and metal as, in trying to elude not only Ryder but also New Mexico State Police Lieutenant Esteridge's (Neal McDonough) officers, Grace and Jim must fight for their lives and face their fears head-on.
I certainly didn't go in to this movie could never have been an amazing film. I figured it would be a cheesy horror movie. How this movie managed to be lamer than I expected is beyond me. The movie was completely pointless. The worst part of it all was that Ryder kept telling people to "figure it out" when they asked him why he was doing this and then they never told you why. What the hell is that about!?! Besides the fact that if you are almost killed by a hitchhiker and manage to elude him - why do you not drive far far away? The dude pulled over and took a nap after escaping from the psycho. I wouldn't be able to sleep for a week after going through something like that.
This movie is the dictionary definition of absurd.I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone. Ever. Seriously. It's poop.
I certainly didn't go in to this movie could never have been an amazing film. I figured it would be a cheesy horror movie. How this movie managed to be lamer than I expected is beyond me. The movie was completely pointless. The worst part of it all was that Ryder kept telling people to "figure it out" when they asked him why he was doing this and then they never told you why. What the hell is that about!?! Besides the fact that if you are almost killed by a hitchhiker and manage to elude him - why do you not drive far far away? The dude pulled over and took a nap after escaping from the psycho. I wouldn't be able to sleep for a week after going through something like that.
This movie is the dictionary definition of absurd.I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone. Ever. Seriously. It's poop.
Alpha Dog
In the sprawling, privileged neighborhoods around L.A., bored teenagers with too much time and too much money string one hazy day into another. When you're living without any consequences, anything can happen. And in the hot California summer six years ago, something did. Inspired by true events, Alpha Dog follows three fateful days when the lives of a group of Southern California teens suddenly dead-ended. Johnny Truelove (Emile Hirsch) controls the drugs on the well-manicured streets of his neighborhood. Where Johnny goes, the party, the girls and his loyal gang follow. When he's double-crossed over missing deal money by raging hothead Jake (Ben Foster), Johnny and his gang impulsively kidnap Jake's little brother, Zack (Anton Yelchin), holding him as a marker and heading to Palm Springs. With no parents in sight, they grow used to having the kid around, and Zack enjoys an illicit summer fantasy of drinking, girls and new experiences. Out in the desert, Johnny and his boys lose sight that the kid is a hostage who can't just be neatly returned. As the days tick by, the options of how to get themselves out of their situation start to disappear. Good times turn bad and bad turns worse as Johnny finds himself out of his league and with no idea how to fix it...leading all these players toward a shocking conclusion they never saw coming.
I remember seeing the preview for this movie over a year ago and thinking that it looked awesome. The movie has been held up for a long time because the real life trial of Johnny Truelove is yet to have taken place and his attorneys didn't want the movie to distort the opinion of potential jurors. However, I was very disappointed with this movie. While the story is great and the preview looked awesome - the acting across the board in this movie was beyond horrid. To emphasize my point on this, Justin Timberlake plays Johnny's best friend and while he is an horrible actor - he was probably the best one in the movie. Nuff said? I thought so. Even Bruce Willis and Sharon Stone playing parents of some of the kids were really bad. And what is the deal with the fat suit on Sharon Stone at the end of this movie!?! Worst makeup job ever! You could actually see that one of her arms was inflated and it looked like her face was going to fall off or something.
This movie was a real stinker and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I had such high hopes for this movie and was really disappointed.
I remember seeing the preview for this movie over a year ago and thinking that it looked awesome. The movie has been held up for a long time because the real life trial of Johnny Truelove is yet to have taken place and his attorneys didn't want the movie to distort the opinion of potential jurors. However, I was very disappointed with this movie. While the story is great and the preview looked awesome - the acting across the board in this movie was beyond horrid. To emphasize my point on this, Justin Timberlake plays Johnny's best friend and while he is an horrible actor - he was probably the best one in the movie. Nuff said? I thought so. Even Bruce Willis and Sharon Stone playing parents of some of the kids were really bad. And what is the deal with the fat suit on Sharon Stone at the end of this movie!?! Worst makeup job ever! You could actually see that one of her arms was inflated and it looked like her face was going to fall off or something.
This movie was a real stinker and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I had such high hopes for this movie and was really disappointed.
Happily N'Ever After
Happily N'Ever After is an animated satirical retelling of the classic story of Cinderella. Once upon a time in Fairy Tale Land, the age-old balance between good and evil has been thrown out of whack. Frieda, Cinderella's power-mad stepmother, has formed an unholy alliance of evil to take on the good guys. With her own fairy tale spinning wildly out of control, Cinderella (a/k/a Ella) is forced to shed her damsel-in-distress trappings in order to seize control of her own destiny and lead the resistance without her Prince Charming. In a world of happy endings gone wrong, the race for control of the kingdom is on.
This was a great movie for younger kids . . . . . maybe 9 years old and under. My future stepdaughter loved the movie. Unfortunately - Wonder Woman and I were completely ready to leave about 30 minutes in to the movie because it was such a snooze fest. I'm not even really that sure what happened towards the end because I chose to get so engrossed playing Bejeweled on my cell phone. Great game by the way and you should so download it if you don't have it. Anywho, I digress. The bottom line is that this is one of those textbook movies that kids love but the adults are ready to run out of the theater asap.
I would recommend this to anyone willing to suffer for their younger daughters, but outside of that - stay clear, people!
This was a great movie for younger kids . . . . . maybe 9 years old and under. My future stepdaughter loved the movie. Unfortunately - Wonder Woman and I were completely ready to leave about 30 minutes in to the movie because it was such a snooze fest. I'm not even really that sure what happened towards the end because I chose to get so engrossed playing Bejeweled on my cell phone. Great game by the way and you should so download it if you don't have it. Anywho, I digress. The bottom line is that this is one of those textbook movies that kids love but the adults are ready to run out of the theater asap.
I would recommend this to anyone willing to suffer for their younger daughters, but outside of that - stay clear, people!
Dreamgirls
Dreamgirls, the Broadway play, comes to the big screen. Set in the early 1960s to mid-70s, Dreamgirls follows the rise of a trio of women—Effie (Jennifer Hudson), Deena (Beyoncé Knowles) and Lorrell (Anika Noni Rose)—who have formed a promising girl group called The Dreamettes. At a talent competition, they are discovered by an ambitious manager named Curtis Taylor, Jr. (Jamie Foxx), who offers them the opportunity of a lifetime: to become the back-up singers for headliner James "Thunder" Early (Eddie Murphy). Curtis gradually takes control of the girls' look and sound, eventually giving them their own shot in the spotlight as The Dreams. That spotlight, however, begins to narrow in on Deena, finally pushing the less attractive Effie out altogether. Though the Dreams become a crossover phenomenon, they soon realize that the cost of fame and fortune may be higher than they ever imagined.
I absolutely loved this movie. I wasn't quite sure what to expect going in. Basically I never really am when it comes to musicals. However, this movie was phenomenal. The acting performances were great all around - even Beyonce and Eddie Murphy. I could see all of them getting Oscar nominations, especially Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Hudson. I actually think that Jennifer Hudson is a lock for Best Supporting Actress. She sang one song in the middle of the movie that actually had the whole crowd applauding after it was done.
This movie is a definite must see by all. I fully recommend this movie to all readers. Get out there right now and see this one, people!
I absolutely loved this movie. I wasn't quite sure what to expect going in. Basically I never really am when it comes to musicals. However, this movie was phenomenal. The acting performances were great all around - even Beyonce and Eddie Murphy. I could see all of them getting Oscar nominations, especially Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Hudson. I actually think that Jennifer Hudson is a lock for Best Supporting Actress. She sang one song in the middle of the movie that actually had the whole crowd applauding after it was done.
This movie is a definite must see by all. I fully recommend this movie to all readers. Get out there right now and see this one, people!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)