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.
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.
The Pursuit Of Happyness
In The Pursuit of Happyness, Chris Gardner (Will Smith) is a bright and talented, but marginally employed salesman. Struggling to make ends meet, Gardner finds himself and his five-year-old son evicted from their San Francisco apartment with nowhere to go. When Gardner lands an internship at a prestigious stock brokerage firm, he and his son endure many hardships, including living in shelters, in pursuit of his dream of a better life for the two of them.
Even though I could understand some people could think it's too sappy and pulls heart strings too much, I thought this movie was phenomenal!!! Will Smith was awesome as always. It is really hard to believe that "The Fresh Prince" has ended up being such an amazing actor, but he performs so well in this movie that I couldn't look away from the screen and barely felt the two hours pass by while watching it. This is also the type of movie that makes you realize that no matter how bad you have it - it could always be much worse and that you just have to keep pushing through no matter what. I could not have seen this movie at a more perfect time in my life. This movie made me realize that no matter how tough things are or how hard of a time I could be having dealing with things - I have got my Wonder Woman (there are few people out there more wonderous than her, people!) , I have got my health, and I have got my kids/family.
I fully recommend this movie to everyone. What are you waiting for? Go rent it!
Even though I could understand some people could think it's too sappy and pulls heart strings too much, I thought this movie was phenomenal!!! Will Smith was awesome as always. It is really hard to believe that "The Fresh Prince" has ended up being such an amazing actor, but he performs so well in this movie that I couldn't look away from the screen and barely felt the two hours pass by while watching it. This is also the type of movie that makes you realize that no matter how bad you have it - it could always be much worse and that you just have to keep pushing through no matter what. I could not have seen this movie at a more perfect time in my life. This movie made me realize that no matter how tough things are or how hard of a time I could be having dealing with things - I have got my Wonder Woman (there are few people out there more wonderous than her, people!) , I have got my health, and I have got my kids/family.
I fully recommend this movie to everyone. What are you waiting for? Go rent it!
Happy Feet
In the world of penguins in Happy Feet, you're nobody unless you can sing. Unfortunately for Mumble, he is the worst singer in the world. However, he can tap to any tune and that makes him one special penguin - even if the others in his colony see him as an outsider.
This movie would quality as a "Shrek" (for quoted definitions, read other reviews or just plain keep up, people!). I know that WW (a huge penguin aficionado) and myself enjoyed this movie just as much as the kids did. It was a tad slow at first until Mumbles left his clan and met up with the penguin voiced by Robin Williams. Can we please take a moment and acknowledge Mr. Robin Williams as the greatest animated character voice of all time. Amen!!! Back to the review . . .Once he met up with Robin Williams charactor (Ramon), the movie was very hysterical since Mumbles had this rag tag bunch of ethnic sounding shorter penguins who made me laugh out loud many times. There were lots of messages about taking care of the environment that I feel are kind of pointless is children's movies since those messages usually fly right over their heads, but the animation was great along with some really cute dance/singing sequences.
Regardless, I would very strongly recommend this movie to children and adults alike.
This movie would quality as a "Shrek" (for quoted definitions, read other reviews or just plain keep up, people!). I know that WW (a huge penguin aficionado) and myself enjoyed this movie just as much as the kids did. It was a tad slow at first until Mumbles left his clan and met up with the penguin voiced by Robin Williams. Can we please take a moment and acknowledge Mr. Robin Williams as the greatest animated character voice of all time. Amen!!! Back to the review . . .Once he met up with Robin Williams charactor (Ramon), the movie was very hysterical since Mumbles had this rag tag bunch of ethnic sounding shorter penguins who made me laugh out loud many times. There were lots of messages about taking care of the environment that I feel are kind of pointless is children's movies since those messages usually fly right over their heads, but the animation was great along with some really cute dance/singing sequences.
Regardless, I would very strongly recommend this movie to children and adults alike.
Children Of Men
Children of Men takes place in a world one generation from now that has fallen into anarchy on the heels of an infertility defect in the population. The world's youngest citizen has just died at 18, and humankind is facing the likelihood of its own extinction. Set against a backdrop of London torn apart by violence and warring nationalistic sects, the movie follows Theo (Clive Owen) as he becomes an unlikely champion of Earth's survival. When the planet's last remaining hope is threatened, he is forced to protect her from certain peril.
I thought this movie was phenomenal. The bottom line is that any time you are watching a textbook science fiction and don't even realize that it is science fiction - that's amazing. This movie takes place in a completely pretend future, but you feel as if it's all real. You watch the movie as if this world exists one town over or something. The also thing that I absolutely loved about this movie was that it was so original. Today's movies are chock full of remakes, sequels, and retreads that you can usually watch a commercial for a movie and decide ahead of time whether or not you liked the movie. This movie was so genuinely unique and kept you on the edge of your seat for the most part the entire time.
I fully recommend that everyone see this. I'm giving it must see status, people. Get out there and rent it!
I thought this movie was phenomenal. The bottom line is that any time you are watching a textbook science fiction and don't even realize that it is science fiction - that's amazing. This movie takes place in a completely pretend future, but you feel as if it's all real. You watch the movie as if this world exists one town over or something. The also thing that I absolutely loved about this movie was that it was so original. Today's movies are chock full of remakes, sequels, and retreads that you can usually watch a commercial for a movie and decide ahead of time whether or not you liked the movie. This movie was so genuinely unique and kept you on the edge of your seat for the most part the entire time.
I fully recommend that everyone see this. I'm giving it must see status, people. Get out there and rent it!
Rocky Balboa
The greatest underdog story of our time is back for one final round of the Rocky franchise. Former heavyweight champion Rocky Balboa steps out of retirement and back into the ring, pitting himself against a new rival in a dramatically different era. After a virtual boxing match declares Rocky Balboa the victor over current champion Mason Dixon, the legendary fighter's passion and spirit are reignited.
I thought that it was a joke when I originally heard that they were making this movie. Then, when I found out it was true - I thought this would be one of the worst movies ever made. Wasn't Rocky V bad enough to kill the franchise? However, I was very surprised by this movie and ended up enjoying it very much. I'm not going to come close to saying that it was a great movie, but it was a hell of a lot better than I thought it would be. It dragged a little bit at the beginning and the tension between Rocky and his son was a tad on the annoying side, but once it all got going you feel like you are watching the first one (or Rocky IV - my personal favorite) all over again. You are completely sucked in and excited and find yourself wanting to clap at the end.
I fully recommend that everyone check this one out. It's not a must see but it is more than worthy of the rental fee.
I thought that it was a joke when I originally heard that they were making this movie. Then, when I found out it was true - I thought this would be one of the worst movies ever made. Wasn't Rocky V bad enough to kill the franchise? However, I was very surprised by this movie and ended up enjoying it very much. I'm not going to come close to saying that it was a great movie, but it was a hell of a lot better than I thought it would be. It dragged a little bit at the beginning and the tension between Rocky and his son was a tad on the annoying side, but once it all got going you feel like you are watching the first one (or Rocky IV - my personal favorite) all over again. You are completely sucked in and excited and find yourself wanting to clap at the end.
I fully recommend that everyone check this one out. It's not a must see but it is more than worthy of the rental fee.
The Nativity Story
The Nativity Story chronicles the journey of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus. Pretty simple summary on this one, people.
I'm going to pray to God that I don't get struck by lightning while reviewing this movie, but I think it would be worse to lie about it. This movie was horrible. Nice - no lightning. I guess even our Lord realizes how poopish this film was. I can't remember the last time that a movie dragged as slow as this one did. And it was about the birth of Christ! How can you make that story be this boring? And I still can't get over how the filmmakers decided to make the three wisemen be like the three stooges. It seemed like they were actually inserted in to the movie for comic relief. HELLO!?! One of the things that I had the hardest time wrapping my head around was that almost every major character was played by an actor or actress who has played a terrorist on tv against Jack Bauer on 24 or in a movie in the last year. I think that Osama Bin Laden might have actually been the guy that offered them the manger. Whew! Still no lightning.
All kidding aside though - I sadly - very very sadly - wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone. Especially not those who put religion at a premium because the movie really comes across as insulting and boring.
I'm going to pray to God that I don't get struck by lightning while reviewing this movie, but I think it would be worse to lie about it. This movie was horrible. Nice - no lightning. I guess even our Lord realizes how poopish this film was. I can't remember the last time that a movie dragged as slow as this one did. And it was about the birth of Christ! How can you make that story be this boring? And I still can't get over how the filmmakers decided to make the three wisemen be like the three stooges. It seemed like they were actually inserted in to the movie for comic relief. HELLO!?! One of the things that I had the hardest time wrapping my head around was that almost every major character was played by an actor or actress who has played a terrorist on tv against Jack Bauer on 24 or in a movie in the last year. I think that Osama Bin Laden might have actually been the guy that offered them the manger. Whew! Still no lightning.
All kidding aside though - I sadly - very very sadly - wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone. Especially not those who put religion at a premium because the movie really comes across as insulting and boring.
Eragon
This adventure centers on a young man named Eragon whose destiny is revealed with the help of a dragon. Eragon, now a Dragon Rider, is swept into a world of magic and power, discovering that he alone has the power to save – or destroy – an Empire.
I had read this book. It was one of the bazillion Harry Potter-ish books that came out after his popularity went through the roof. The book was actually really good and this movie - if done right - could have really been a scaled down Lord Of The Rings type epic (this movie is supposed to be the first one of a trilogy). Unfortunately, the filmmakers really rushed their way through the story and didn't put much effort into explaining the dynamic relationships between all the characters like they did in the book. At one point in the movie - one of the characters dies and nobody in the crowd could possibly care less. Unfortunately, that point in the book was one of the best parts. Getting past the disappointment of what was lost in translation, the movie is not horrible. It is o.k. and watchable, but it just seems really watered down and instead of having that mass appeal that the Lord Of The Rings movies did - it ended up being directed towards young teenage boys. That group happens to be the hardest to reach for movie studios because it is next to impossible to pull them away from video games and what not. Because of this - I don't see the second and third chapters of this trilogy ever being made and that's pretty disappointing because the books really were pretty good.
I would lukewarmly recommend this to people. If you have kids that are teenager tweeners - they would like it. Its worth the rental fee though.
I had read this book. It was one of the bazillion Harry Potter-ish books that came out after his popularity went through the roof. The book was actually really good and this movie - if done right - could have really been a scaled down Lord Of The Rings type epic (this movie is supposed to be the first one of a trilogy). Unfortunately, the filmmakers really rushed their way through the story and didn't put much effort into explaining the dynamic relationships between all the characters like they did in the book. At one point in the movie - one of the characters dies and nobody in the crowd could possibly care less. Unfortunately, that point in the book was one of the best parts. Getting past the disappointment of what was lost in translation, the movie is not horrible. It is o.k. and watchable, but it just seems really watered down and instead of having that mass appeal that the Lord Of The Rings movies did - it ended up being directed towards young teenage boys. That group happens to be the hardest to reach for movie studios because it is next to impossible to pull them away from video games and what not. Because of this - I don't see the second and third chapters of this trilogy ever being made and that's pretty disappointing because the books really were pretty good.
I would lukewarmly recommend this to people. If you have kids that are teenager tweeners - they would like it. Its worth the rental fee though.
Blood Diamond
Set during the civil war that enveloped 1990s Sierra Leone, Blood Diamond is the story of Danny Archer (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Solomon Vandy (Djimon Hounsou). Both men are African, but their histories are as different as any can be—until their fates become joined in a common quest to recover a rare pink diamond that can transform their lives. More than a search for a valuable diamond, the journey could save Solomon's family and give Archer the second chance he thought he would never have.
Before reviewing this movie I feel that I should give any reader the same warning that the idiot gave WW and I throughout the entire movie . . . . it's very violent. Seriously though - they do not hold back at all. Connect the gruesome violence along with the fact that this stuff is absolutely happening and the movie really hits you pretty hard. Even with the graphic violence, this movie was completely phenomenal. The acting was great all around - especially Djimon Hounsou. He really doesn't get the respect he deserves. Leonardo DiCaprio continued to impress me as an actor (I was never a big fan of his until The Aviator). The pace and story barely let up and the few times that it slowed down a bit, it came roaring back in the blink of an eye.
I very strongly recommend this movie to everyone (I can still hear that annoying lady repeatedly saying how violent it is. Damn her!). This was a really great movie and was one of my top ten movies to come out in 2006.
Before reviewing this movie I feel that I should give any reader the same warning that the idiot gave WW and I throughout the entire movie . . . . it's very violent. Seriously though - they do not hold back at all. Connect the gruesome violence along with the fact that this stuff is absolutely happening and the movie really hits you pretty hard. Even with the graphic violence, this movie was completely phenomenal. The acting was great all around - especially Djimon Hounsou. He really doesn't get the respect he deserves. Leonardo DiCaprio continued to impress me as an actor (I was never a big fan of his until The Aviator). The pace and story barely let up and the few times that it slowed down a bit, it came roaring back in the blink of an eye.
I very strongly recommend this movie to everyone (I can still hear that annoying lady repeatedly saying how violent it is. Damn her!). This was a really great movie and was one of my top ten movies to come out in 2006.
The Holiday
In The Holiday, two women on opposite sides of the globe, Amanda Woods (Cameron Diaz) and Iris Simpkins (Kate Winslet) find themselves in a similar situations of man hating. Desperate for a change of scenery, the two women meet on the internet and swap houses for the Christmas holiday discovering that a change of address really can change your life.
This movie was cute. There were some really good laughs and you find yourself enjoying the four major characters. Jude Law ends up playing Cameron Diaz's beau, while Jack Black fills that role for Kate Winslett. It was a nice holiday/date movie which everyone pretty much knew going in from the commercial/preview. The only problem I had with this movie is the same as every one of Nancy Meyer's movies (What Women Want, Something's Gotta Give). They are just too long. This movie was 2 hours and 15 minutes long. When you go in to a movie having a pretty dead on idea of where it's going to end up - you shouldn't have to watch for 2 hours and 15 minutes to see it get there. This could have easily been an hour and 45 minutes.
Regardless, I would recommend this movie to all. It's really not a bad movie. It's just a tad too long.
This movie was cute. There were some really good laughs and you find yourself enjoying the four major characters. Jude Law ends up playing Cameron Diaz's beau, while Jack Black fills that role for Kate Winslett. It was a nice holiday/date movie which everyone pretty much knew going in from the commercial/preview. The only problem I had with this movie is the same as every one of Nancy Meyer's movies (What Women Want, Something's Gotta Give). They are just too long. This movie was 2 hours and 15 minutes long. When you go in to a movie having a pretty dead on idea of where it's going to end up - you shouldn't have to watch for 2 hours and 15 minutes to see it get there. This could have easily been an hour and 45 minutes.
Regardless, I would recommend this movie to all. It's really not a bad movie. It's just a tad too long.
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