In one of my previous entries, I mentioned how I would become a coach potato these holidays and catch up on a bunch of movies. Here's what I watched (so far). More to come.
The Bank Job (2008)
Cast: Jason Statham
Probably one of the more favored and enjoyed films I've watched these holidays. As you may have guessed from the title, the movie is about a group of amateurs who strive to rob a bank. Sounds straightforward, however the plot thickens when they realize that some of the safe deposit boxes they've stolen contain dirty contents wanted by an outside force of corruption and violence. Many secrets are uncovered as a result of their robbery, and Terry (Jason Statham) and his gang must put the pieces together to get themselves out of the hole they've dug. This film will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat and once again Jason Statham demonstrates how badass he is. For a Jason Statham film, The Bank Job has a lot more substance than your typical bank robbery film. Highly recommended. 5/5
Broken Arrow (1996)
Cast: Christian Slater, John Travolta
I always saw bits and pieces of this movie on TV, but I never had the chance to watch it in whole. My opinion? Waste of space on my hard drive. Fail acting, fail direction, fail everything. I could be a lenient guy and just say that this movie is just good for simple entertainment, but even Broken Arrow fails at that. There are so many things that don't make sense in this movie, and one of them is how Christian Slater landed a role in this movie. 1/5
A Bronx Tale (1993)
Cast: Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Chazz Palminteri, Taral Hickcs
My my ... it's been a long time since I've seen anything from De Niro's catalog. After watching this, I am reminded of what a great person the guy is. What we have here is De Niro's debut as a director. The film is set in the 1960's in the Bronx and follows the life of a young kid named Calogero, otherwise known as 'C'. One day C meets a highly respected local crime boss and as their relationship extends, C's father (played by Robert De Niro) becomes worried. Before watching this I was expecting your straightforward action movie with endless gun and bar fights. I was wrong. This movie is much more special than your average 'gangster' and 'all guns blazing' type of movie. There are many values and lessons to be realized and morals to be observed from this movie, and we observe those as C is pushed closer and away from his two father figures. Something that totally tripped me out was Jane, the black girl C dates. I can't believe she's played by Taral Hicks ! For those who don't know what I'm talking about, Taral Hicks is an R&B artist I enjoyed back in the 90's. Anyways, I really wished the movie explored further into the relationship between C and Jane. I wonder how their relationship went on to be ... nevertheless, a pleasure to watch. 4/5
The Great Debators (2007)
Cast: Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker
My my, what the heck did I just watch? A fantastic film, that's what. What we have here is Denzel Washington's visual adaptation on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor of Wiley College, who in 1935 inspired the school's first debate team to challenge Harvard in the national championships. Right from the outset I was hooked onto every scene. The chemistry between the three main debaters really showed thanks to impeccable acting, which allowed me to really appreciate their journey and run on to the national finals. Personally I had no idea about the existence of significance of Wiley College in the 1930's, and while the film may not be completely authentic, I was able to take away a considerable amount of knowledge from this film. I'm certain this film would be a major inspiration to any debater out there. I'm very familiar with Denzel's work as an actor, but as a director I'm quite foreign. I can only hope that he makes more films like this. 5/5
I Want Someone To Eat Cheese With (2006)
Cast: Jeff Garlin
This movie was quite an interesting one. It revolves around a 39 year old actor who is fat and lonely and still living with his parents. To add insult to injury, he is having trouble with his job and finding it difficult to find a real relationship. The movie does mess with your head in that the message that the movie is trying to convey isn't really clear. I mean I thought the protagonist would find successful love with either one of the two main girls in the movie, but instead the movie suddenly ends, leaving the audience with nothing to take away. A line I found quite funny and random was "nothing hotter than an elder angry Filipino woman, nothing hotter". 3/5
Into The Wild (2007)
Cast: Emile Hirsche, Catherine Keener
Wow, what a great transformation movie. This film would have done wonders as my material for my Area of Study in English for the HSC. Based on the late years of Christopher McCandless, the movie follows the journey of a graduate named Chris (Emile Hirsche), fresh out of college who ditches his material possessions to hitchhike into the Alaskan wilderness. The movie is comprised of chapters in which we see Chris grow as a result of the people he meets throughout his journey of simply living life. This is a noticeably artistically driven film which makes Chris' journey more intriguing for the viewer. Watching this, I was really attached to Chris' adventure, and it made me realize how much life there is to be breathed out in the wild, away from our technologically and money driven society. As he delves deeper and deeper towards his destination, you really start to appreciate the purpose of his journey and you realize that he's not crazy, but rather he just wants to live. Excellent cinematography. 4/5
Moving McAllister (2007)
A law intern must complete a special task for the boss of his firm in time before he must sit his bar exam, in which his life hangs in the balance over. I won't even bother explaining the rest because you would be wasting your own time reading this, let alone watching the movie. The movie went so slow, and there were many occasions where I'd be thinking to myself "where is this movie going?". Bad acting is the sole reason why I got bored with this movie, and because of it, I was unable to care about any of the characters. I kept persisting with the movie, trying as best as I could not to fast forward, but after watching the whole duration, I wished I hadn't watched this at all. The only possible way you could like this crap movie, is if you like crap movies. 1/5.
Next (2007)
Cast: Nicholas Cage, Julianne Moore, Jessica Biel
What we have here, in my opinion of course, is a great and original idea gone sideways because of a bad script. Next features Nicholas Cage as a Las Vegas magician born with the ability to see into the future and know all possible outcomes. The FBI wishes to utilize these abilities to prevent a nuclear terrorist attack. After watching the casino scene at the start with Cage evading casino security, I thought to myself, wow this movie is going to own. Sadly, this would be the last moment of satisfaction I'd take away from this movie. Throughout the movie I kept thinking to myself, how could a girl as hot as Jessica Biel's character be nice and attracted to a psycho-looking character as played by Nicholas Cage. Whatever, a movie is a movie. The villains in the movie weren't anywhere as near evil or menacing as they should be, which is the same drawback Quantam of Solace experienced. Towards the end I was so fed up, I didn't care whether the villains got their way or not. NEXT ! 2/5
Role Models (2008)
Cast: Paul Rudd, Sean William Scott
I love Paul Rudd. I don't know what it is about him, but I just love him. Ever since I saw him briefly as a guest on Friends, I've been a big fan of his. Putting my attraction to Mr. Rudd aside, Role Models is a hilarious film that looks at two male adults (Paul Rudd and Sean William Scott) who, after a series of offenses, must rack up 150 hours of community service by sitting out a Big Brother program. The film is more centered on Rudd's character as he tries to turn around his directionless life, and it is through his participation in the Big Brother program that allows him to do so. I don't want to try and make the film sound too serious, as it is a very entertaining film for the family and friends. 3/5
Sex Drive (2008)
Cast: Josh Zuckerman, Amanda Crew, Clark Duke, James Marsden
Finally, a movie I actually enjoyed and rarely paused. Not only was this movie funny, but it opened the door to some up and coming talents. The three main teens in this movie were all excellent in the movie, and while some of their roles were questionable in this movie, their performances really did make it an enjoyable watch for a teenager like myself. Before watching this, I had never seen or heard of the three main actors but they gave a great first impression. Even more better, the movie includes the sexy Katrina Bowden from the 30 Rock series. Something I still can't figure out is how a guy like Lance can be so likable as he seems to me in this movie. Putting my problems aside, this actually is a character driven movie. From the get-go, you think the movie is all about a guy meeting up with some girl from the internet, and then he gets laid, happy ending. Towards the end, you start to realize differently. There aren't many movies I've seen these holidays that I would get a second viewing from me, but this one definitely would. 4/5
The Hangover (2009)
Cast: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms
How this is up on IMDB's Top 250 movies as voted by users is beyond me. Don't let my harshness tell the story though. The Hangover is a somewhat entertaining film, but aside from the fresh cinematography and story, it really didn't do much for me. I still appreciate it for what it is though. A very generous 3/5
Transformers: Revenge of the something... (2009)
Cast: Shia Lebouf, Megan Fox
I didn't like the first Transformers. I didn't like this one. Boo me all you want. 2/5
The Bank Job (2008)
Cast: Jason Statham
Probably one of the more favored and enjoyed films I've watched these holidays. As you may have guessed from the title, the movie is about a group of amateurs who strive to rob a bank. Sounds straightforward, however the plot thickens when they realize that some of the safe deposit boxes they've stolen contain dirty contents wanted by an outside force of corruption and violence. Many secrets are uncovered as a result of their robbery, and Terry (Jason Statham) and his gang must put the pieces together to get themselves out of the hole they've dug. This film will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat and once again Jason Statham demonstrates how badass he is. For a Jason Statham film, The Bank Job has a lot more substance than your typical bank robbery film. Highly recommended. 5/5
Broken Arrow (1996)
Cast: Christian Slater, John Travolta
I always saw bits and pieces of this movie on TV, but I never had the chance to watch it in whole. My opinion? Waste of space on my hard drive. Fail acting, fail direction, fail everything. I could be a lenient guy and just say that this movie is just good for simple entertainment, but even Broken Arrow fails at that. There are so many things that don't make sense in this movie, and one of them is how Christian Slater landed a role in this movie. 1/5
A Bronx Tale (1993)
Cast: Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Chazz Palminteri, Taral Hickcs
My my ... it's been a long time since I've seen anything from De Niro's catalog. After watching this, I am reminded of what a great person the guy is. What we have here is De Niro's debut as a director. The film is set in the 1960's in the Bronx and follows the life of a young kid named Calogero, otherwise known as 'C'. One day C meets a highly respected local crime boss and as their relationship extends, C's father (played by Robert De Niro) becomes worried. Before watching this I was expecting your straightforward action movie with endless gun and bar fights. I was wrong. This movie is much more special than your average 'gangster' and 'all guns blazing' type of movie. There are many values and lessons to be realized and morals to be observed from this movie, and we observe those as C is pushed closer and away from his two father figures. Something that totally tripped me out was Jane, the black girl C dates. I can't believe she's played by Taral Hicks ! For those who don't know what I'm talking about, Taral Hicks is an R&B artist I enjoyed back in the 90's. Anyways, I really wished the movie explored further into the relationship between C and Jane. I wonder how their relationship went on to be ... nevertheless, a pleasure to watch. 4/5
The Great Debators (2007)
Cast: Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker
My my, what the heck did I just watch? A fantastic film, that's what. What we have here is Denzel Washington's visual adaptation on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor of Wiley College, who in 1935 inspired the school's first debate team to challenge Harvard in the national championships. Right from the outset I was hooked onto every scene. The chemistry between the three main debaters really showed thanks to impeccable acting, which allowed me to really appreciate their journey and run on to the national finals. Personally I had no idea about the existence of significance of Wiley College in the 1930's, and while the film may not be completely authentic, I was able to take away a considerable amount of knowledge from this film. I'm certain this film would be a major inspiration to any debater out there. I'm very familiar with Denzel's work as an actor, but as a director I'm quite foreign. I can only hope that he makes more films like this. 5/5
I Want Someone To Eat Cheese With (2006)
Cast: Jeff Garlin
This movie was quite an interesting one. It revolves around a 39 year old actor who is fat and lonely and still living with his parents. To add insult to injury, he is having trouble with his job and finding it difficult to find a real relationship. The movie does mess with your head in that the message that the movie is trying to convey isn't really clear. I mean I thought the protagonist would find successful love with either one of the two main girls in the movie, but instead the movie suddenly ends, leaving the audience with nothing to take away. A line I found quite funny and random was "nothing hotter than an elder angry Filipino woman, nothing hotter". 3/5
Into The Wild (2007)
Cast: Emile Hirsche, Catherine Keener
Wow, what a great transformation movie. This film would have done wonders as my material for my Area of Study in English for the HSC. Based on the late years of Christopher McCandless, the movie follows the journey of a graduate named Chris (Emile Hirsche), fresh out of college who ditches his material possessions to hitchhike into the Alaskan wilderness. The movie is comprised of chapters in which we see Chris grow as a result of the people he meets throughout his journey of simply living life. This is a noticeably artistically driven film which makes Chris' journey more intriguing for the viewer. Watching this, I was really attached to Chris' adventure, and it made me realize how much life there is to be breathed out in the wild, away from our technologically and money driven society. As he delves deeper and deeper towards his destination, you really start to appreciate the purpose of his journey and you realize that he's not crazy, but rather he just wants to live. Excellent cinematography. 4/5
Moving McAllister (2007)
A law intern must complete a special task for the boss of his firm in time before he must sit his bar exam, in which his life hangs in the balance over. I won't even bother explaining the rest because you would be wasting your own time reading this, let alone watching the movie. The movie went so slow, and there were many occasions where I'd be thinking to myself "where is this movie going?". Bad acting is the sole reason why I got bored with this movie, and because of it, I was unable to care about any of the characters. I kept persisting with the movie, trying as best as I could not to fast forward, but after watching the whole duration, I wished I hadn't watched this at all. The only possible way you could like this crap movie, is if you like crap movies. 1/5.
Next (2007)
Cast: Nicholas Cage, Julianne Moore, Jessica Biel
What we have here, in my opinion of course, is a great and original idea gone sideways because of a bad script. Next features Nicholas Cage as a Las Vegas magician born with the ability to see into the future and know all possible outcomes. The FBI wishes to utilize these abilities to prevent a nuclear terrorist attack. After watching the casino scene at the start with Cage evading casino security, I thought to myself, wow this movie is going to own. Sadly, this would be the last moment of satisfaction I'd take away from this movie. Throughout the movie I kept thinking to myself, how could a girl as hot as Jessica Biel's character be nice and attracted to a psycho-looking character as played by Nicholas Cage. Whatever, a movie is a movie. The villains in the movie weren't anywhere as near evil or menacing as they should be, which is the same drawback Quantam of Solace experienced. Towards the end I was so fed up, I didn't care whether the villains got their way or not. NEXT ! 2/5
Role Models (2008)
Cast: Paul Rudd, Sean William Scott
I love Paul Rudd. I don't know what it is about him, but I just love him. Ever since I saw him briefly as a guest on Friends, I've been a big fan of his. Putting my attraction to Mr. Rudd aside, Role Models is a hilarious film that looks at two male adults (Paul Rudd and Sean William Scott) who, after a series of offenses, must rack up 150 hours of community service by sitting out a Big Brother program. The film is more centered on Rudd's character as he tries to turn around his directionless life, and it is through his participation in the Big Brother program that allows him to do so. I don't want to try and make the film sound too serious, as it is a very entertaining film for the family and friends. 3/5
Sex Drive (2008)
Cast: Josh Zuckerman, Amanda Crew, Clark Duke, James Marsden
Finally, a movie I actually enjoyed and rarely paused. Not only was this movie funny, but it opened the door to some up and coming talents. The three main teens in this movie were all excellent in the movie, and while some of their roles were questionable in this movie, their performances really did make it an enjoyable watch for a teenager like myself. Before watching this, I had never seen or heard of the three main actors but they gave a great first impression. Even more better, the movie includes the sexy Katrina Bowden from the 30 Rock series. Something I still can't figure out is how a guy like Lance can be so likable as he seems to me in this movie. Putting my problems aside, this actually is a character driven movie. From the get-go, you think the movie is all about a guy meeting up with some girl from the internet, and then he gets laid, happy ending. Towards the end, you start to realize differently. There aren't many movies I've seen these holidays that I would get a second viewing from me, but this one definitely would. 4/5
The Hangover (2009)
Cast: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms
How this is up on IMDB's Top 250 movies as voted by users is beyond me. Don't let my harshness tell the story though. The Hangover is a somewhat entertaining film, but aside from the fresh cinematography and story, it really didn't do much for me. I still appreciate it for what it is though. A very generous 3/5
Transformers: Revenge of the something... (2009)
Cast: Shia Lebouf, Megan Fox
I didn't like the first Transformers. I didn't like this one. Boo me all you want. 2/5
3 comments:
boooooooooooo
not because of your transformers review
simply because it's you :)
hahahahha jks
hey i wanna watchhhh these movies you've reviewed
and omg i liked the hangover
it was soooooooo funny.
completely agree with the bank job and into the wild.
i told you lenny you'd enjoy sex drive. its an awesome movie. i agree with you on role models, hangover and transformers 2 (what a load of mess where you must put your brain in a container for 3 hours to enjoy it).
hangover was hilarious because it was a pretty good mystery that had me guessing till the end and the end credits were hilarious.
Post a Comment