BizMovs by Tenzwarth

Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow

Wed, 18 Jan 2006 10:48:26 EST

Title: Biggles grows up
Rating: 93% (fx: 92%, plot:84%, ent:92%, rage:0%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
If you've ever read a biggles book, I think you'll know what to expect from this movie. It's a 50's futuristic movie that was almost entirely shot on green screens and then created digitally. Does that effect the movie? Not really. It's amazingly well integrated, if I hadn't read the wired article about it I don't suppose I would have given it a second thought. The cast is small, and the story line almost comic book in it's design, with the hero, the bumbling local forces, the technical genious, and a couple of love interests. The "evil machines" are nothing like we'd design now really... far more like the 50's comic booke evil machines. I highly recommend this movie, it was a pleasure to watch. I rather like what I read somewhere that "this movie is for people who like movies".

Une Liaison pornographique

Sat, 05 Nov 2005 16:53:36 EST

Title: French subtitles, but still great
Rating: 94% (fx: 80%, plot:92%, ent:96%, rage:0%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre

Review:
I guess I didn't know what to expect from a movie titled "A Pornographic Affair"... but I'd heard it was good so sat down to have a watch. It turns out the movie is a beautiful story of a pair of normal people... doing normal things and falling in love. Wait that sounds boring. You really have to watch it to understand... it's a great movie though. The French subtitles, as usual anoyed me (in that they were skipping some of the conversations, they even called the Cafe a Bar... I mean wtf? We can see it's a Cafe people), but where very easy to read and god the point across very nicely. Basically it's a movie about love, and the realities of life :)

Raising Victor Vargas

Tue, 20 Sep 2005 11:38:22 EST

Title: Is it a story or a documentary?
Rating: 93% (fx: 80%, plot:92%, ent:92%, rage:0%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (new release)

Review:
At the end of this movie we considered whether there was actually a story here (sure there is, but it's a pretty basic love story) or not. More interesting is the view into living in the Lower East Side of New York, in what can only be described as squalor. The characters are very nicely developed, the story well spun, the movie entirely engrossing. It's really a must-see.

Meet the Fockers

Tue, 20 Sep 2005 11:27:17 EST

Title: (Something witty about sequels being bad)
Rating: 42% (fx: 80%, plot:36%, ent:48%, rage:80%)
Recommended viewing: Spare yourself

Review:
I wasn't a big "meet the parents" fan, except that some of the slap-stick humour and Frasier-esque situations were mildly amuzing. For some reason, I thought the second might offer an equally experience, but sadly it's considerably worse. The only good part of this movie was the ending were you feel slightly elated that poor Greg and Pam get married and resolve the plot. The best part: the staged video (in the closing credits) aimed at Jack. I don't know if others found this, but choosing "extended version" on the DVD caused the show to stop and repeat tiny sections every time an extended scene was inserted... they weren't the same volume/surround nor did it make for a continuous experience... very poor show.

Scarface

Tue, 20 Sep 2005 11:19:57 EST

Title: Stupid piece of crap movie
Rating: 23% (fx: 84%, plot:24%, ent:12%, rage:96%)
Recommended viewing: Spare yourself

Review:
This worthless movie has ugly characters, gratuitous violence and swearing, and really should never be watched. It made Meet the Fockers (a horrible movie) seem worth watching. True, I was late to the whole violent-movie-watching scene, but I appreciate Kill bill or other Tarenteno films as much as the next man, but this movie gave me nothing. It's not worth watching, it's hardly worth even reviewing... and yet it has a rediculous following. Maybe if I'd watched it in the era it was released I'd feel differently.

Foul Play

Wed, 14 Sep 2005 20:31:58 EST

Title: Stands the test of time
Rating: 90% (fx: 72%, plot:92%, ent:92%, rage:4%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (new release)

Review:
A charming movie, part thriller, part comedy, part romance, all charm. Despite it's age, it still great to watch... highlights include a great cast, excellent character development, including nice tie-ins in the final scene. I'm not one for old movies, but everyone should see this. The musical score is very good too, with 70's disco type sounds, opera and thriller type music. Notable quotes:
You've gotta drag yourself into the 70's!
You're walking around like a lightbulb... waiting to be screwed.
The little old ladies playing scrabble the first spell "fuck" then "fucker" then "muthafucker" (a spelling dispute ensues).

Serendipity

Mon, 30 May 2005 08:29:58 EST

Title: Even the synopsis makes it sound retarded
Rating: 87% (fx: 80%, plot:80%, ent:80%, rage:0%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (cheap)

Review:
The previews and synopsis for this movie made it sound... stupid. Unwatchable. Like the last thing in the world I should ever watch. So Saturday, in an attempt not to workout or clean, I watched this movie. Turns out that previews cover the first 20 minutes, and I missed those. What actually happens is that John Cusack runs around all charming like (as he does) and Kate Beckinsale does likewise (and she is fine) and it's a comedy of errors really... watch them almost be at the same spot at the same time and wish one of them slowed down... watch their amuzing sidekicks prep them, and question what the hell they're doing just before the respective weddings. Yep, it turns out this is more in the vain of Gross Point Blank, then another sappy love story. I won't tell you if it all works out ok... you'll have to watch it.

Undercover Brother

Tue, 15 Mar 2005 10:47:02 EST

Title: Good unsober watching
Rating: 82% (fx: 72%, plot:60%, ent:88%, rage:8%)
Recommended viewing:

Review:
I can't believe they got away saying some of the things they said, and doing some of the things they did, but I found this movie quite amusing. It's just your run of the mill joke infested spoof movie. Funny, got some good lines... and someone even rips out someone else's spine (a la Street Fighter). You probably shouldn't use any of these jokes at work.

Conan the Destroyer

Tue, 08 Mar 2005 10:07:26 EST

Title: A solid sequel
Rating: 89% (fx: 88%, plot:88%, ent:88%, rage:8%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
Alright, it's not as good as the first, an again, I'm seeing this in 2005, not in the year it was mad (21 years ago), but... it's still a sequel. Albeit a good one, with all the best parts of a fantasy story. The princess is very cute... and it seems her career since has been quite active (if never mainstream). Once again, a movie worth seeing, and worth seeing twice. Epic definitely describes this series.

Conan the Barbarian

Tue, 08 Mar 2005 09:57:52 EST

Title: It's a classic, but still stands up
Rating: 92% (fx: 92%, plot:84%, ent:92%, rage:4%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
I thought I'd seen this movie before, but it turns out this was the first time. It's form 1982... and yet the cheese effects (by today's standards) don't look *so* bad... the movie is still pretty awesome, and almost has a dated-charm about it. B movies these days strive to look as good. There are some rave reviews out there about this movie, while it is escapism and fantasy and just a buff guy running around with a sword, it's a very entertaining watch... worth seeing. Probably worth owning. I think I could watch it a couple more times :)

Troy

Mon, 10 Jan 2005 16:23:18 EST

Title: Historical Hismorical...
Rating: 89% (fx: 96%, plot:88%, ent:92%, rage:16%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
...but a very entertaining watch. This movie is solid, good story, good characters, good everything. So it doesn't exactly follow the book, most people won't even know that. Just don't take anything you see in a theatre (or on TV or the web for that matter) as "the way it was" and you'll be fine. It's not like CNN doesn't bias things every day. Be prepared for Gladiator meets Saving Private Ryan type gore in some scenes... they definately loaded up the bloody massacring... including a red mist that can be seen in one of the battles. Rent it, maybe even own this one.

Roger Dodger

Wed, 17 Nov 2004 12:03:53 EST

Title: Gems of information, along with winching and vomating.
Rating: 89% (fx: 84%, plot:84%, ent:84%, rage:0%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre

Review:
You heard me! This movie starts with a Reservoir dogs cafe scene. It's blatant. This guy just doesn't stop talking. It does get better though, and the net result is something of an awesome movie. Well worth a watch. It's gritty/stylish (ode to danger) has some plot twists, and is unpredictable... an enjoyable movie all in all. Watch out for the return of Saved By The Bell gangly girl... where's she been all this time?

Club Dread

Wed, 17 Nov 2004 11:59:33 EST

Title: This movie is crap
Rating: 67% (fx: 68%, plot:48%, ent:44%, rage:0%)
Recommended viewing: Let's never mention this again

Review:
The troop is at least funny, but the movie/story/plot is total junk. I can't believe this is the follow up to Super Troopers! Bastards.

Suicide Kings

Wed, 17 Nov 2004 11:56:48 EST

Title: 9 out of 10 mobsters agree
Rating: 91% (fx: 92%, plot:80%, ent:88%, rage:0%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
This is a solid mobster movie. If you haven't seen it, rent it and watch it. The opening credits are pretty awesome, and the opening tune is really decent. There's even an excellent movie afterward. It's not predictable, it's quite typical of a mobster movie (that's all you get). Dennis Leary is a good head-honcho with fishboots.

Super Troopers

Tue, 26 Oct 2004 17:55:11 EST

Title: Rent? Buy this movie meow!
Rating: 86% (fx: 80%, plot:84%, ent:80%, rage:4%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre

Review:
Splash trekked across the country with this movie so I could watch it. The next week I bought the movie. I've now watched it 3 times, including with Tilley who has also trekked across the country too. As he says: it's a golden movie for entertainment and quotes. You'll love it. Rent it, buy it, see it, live it. Hold the spit.

Saved

Tue, 26 Oct 2004 17:51:17 EST

Title: A deal with Satan maybe a better option
Rating: 42% (fx: 44%, plot:56%, ent:60%, rage:84%)
Recommended viewing:

Review:
This was a terrible waste of 92 minutes, and frankly it felt more like 4 hours at the time. The actors are terrible with the exception of Macaulay Culkin (ironically) who plays a sadistic bastard... so who doesn't enjoy that? The story is formulaic, crap, full of holes, and nothing like reality. Oh sorry, I'm not supposed to compare this to reality? There was a balcony, I should have jumped instead of sitting through this drivel. If you like this, you need help, if you watch this (after my warning) you're a fool, if you've already seen this become and author and tell the world what you really think.

24 Hours in London

Thu, 23 Sep 2004 12:10:18 EST

Title: Don't believe it!
Rating: 65% (fx: 88%, plot:60%, ent:68%, rage:48%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (if alternative is cleaning)

Review:
The back cover makes this sound like the best movie ever. However if you had to use a three letter word to describe it, that word would have to be BAD. The acting is alright (although Millhop thought the acting was poor too), the scenery is cool (set in London, with lots of landmarks thown in), the violence is gratuitous, and the plot-line is far inferior to most mystery/detective TV shows. On the other hand it does have something... undescribable. Don't rent it unless you have an expectation of absolute 0 or you feel like stupid violence (screwdriver in the eye?)

Whole Nine Yards, The

Mon, 30 Aug 2004 14:24:01 EST

Title: Oh Chandler Bing
Rating: 86% (fx: 80%, plot:76%, ent:92%, rage:12%)
Recommended viewing:

Review:
Apparently this guy (Matthew Perry) is Canadian? I didn't know that. This is a funny movie (if a little on the black-humour side). The right up sort of covers it. Don't forget your favourite Friends clutz Chandler Bing is in it... he can't be any other character (much like the other "Friends") but he's good in this roll. FYI The phrase the whole nine yards is of unknown origin (there are many conflicting views) one of the more likely refers to the 27 foot machine gun belts used by the military... when you really need to, you use "the whole nine yards" (and hope that does it while you reload no doubt).

Whole Ten Yards, The

Mon, 30 Aug 2004 14:11:26 EST

Title: What you'd expect of a Sequal
Rating: 81% (fx: 80%, plot:64%, ent:80%, rage:8%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (cheap)

Review:
I completely missed this movie, and found it in the rentals section this weekend so I decided to have a watch. It starts of very painfully (bringing on such life search questions as "why did I rent this" and "wouldn't my time be better spent removing the limescale in the bathroom") but eventually gets into the swing of the first movie. The net result: you feel that you weren't robbed, but it was not the best movie you've ever seen. Ah well... it still entertains!

Love Actually

Tue, 24 Aug 2004 11:30:29 EST

Title: How did they all get in that airport?
Rating: 88% (fx: 80%, plot:88%, ent:96%, rage:16%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (new release)

Review:
This isn't a movie but 10 (or more... well I didn't count!) little stories all woven together. It's brilliant the way you can see people from the various stories crossing each other's paths at points throughout the movie. Definately a movie to watch again to try and make all the connections (that they are there is obvious, but the connection's aren't important to the story, nor should they be... but they're fun to watch for). There's some great commedy, the English accents are definately doing something for the movie, as is the stacked cast. Really it's just a silly/sappy romantic comedy, but maybe more realistic than some (extra marital, forbidden love etc).

Along Came Polly

Sat, 24 Jul 2004 15:38:03 EST

Title: It's not even funny
Rating: 52% (fx: 60%, plot:44%, ent:60%, rage:56%)
Recommended viewing: Let's never mention this again

Review:
The only advantage to watching this movie: Hank Azaria (voice of Apu/Moe/Wiggum in Simpsons) running around as a nudist frenchman. The comedy is... terrible, the plot line formulaic and rediculous, the humor never quite makes it out of the toliet. Don't watch this.

Dude, Where's my car?

Mon, 05 Jul 2004 13:34:22 EST

Title: I'm sorry; I was entertained!
Rating: 85% (fx: 80%, plot:72%, ent:80%, rage:0%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (new release)

Review:
Some are unimpressed that I liked this movie, I can't really even explain why I liked it, except that I watched with a visiting friend (Splash) and it was sort of a theme for the trip. It's a silly/stupid comedy with little basis... but if you expect nothing you'll be amuzed... and want to watch it again LOL.

Office Space

Mon, 05 Jul 2004 13:25:01 EST

Title: Um.... Yyyeeeaaaaah.
Rating: 87% (fx: 80%, plot:88%, ent:80%, rage:4%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (new release)

Review:
This movie is hilarious. The injustice of a 9-5, and the boredom of a software job set during the dotcom boom (who knows how it would be written now?). Full of great characters, hilarious quotables, solid audio and... well... comedy.

Shrek 2

Mon, 05 Jul 2004 13:18:35 EST

Title: A double Esspresso at FarBucks
Rating: 93% (fx: 100%, plot:84%, ent:88%, rage:0%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
This movie is brilliant. Typical of spoof/parody movies/books/songs the movie is loaded with thousands of pop culture references, from the people running out of a doomed farbucks to another across the street, to Rapunzle's place with her hair draping over the front gate. I've no doubt that a second viewing will allow me to find even more in this movie. It's hilarious, well voiced, and based on a solid story. Far superior to the first.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Mon, 07 Jun 2004 09:43:35 EST

Title: Nobody can be in two places at once
Rating: 93% (fx: 96%, plot:92%, ent:92%, rage:8%)
Recommended viewing: Theater (IMAX)

Review:

Saw the Saturday IMAX matinee of this movie, which leads me to say two things: (1) Wow, and (2) Never again. The first... watching on an IMAX screen is damn cool (although some graininess is noticeable in the dark colours form the conversion), it's a bit of a shame that they still have the horizontal (black) bars though... since you're not actually getting the full IMAX experience. And the never again? Well the theatre was full of little runts who seriously didn't seem interested in movies. Well anyway, what do I expect for a saturday afternoon movie?

The new direction really shows on this movie. From the darker filming style, to the awesome season changes this movie really was outstanding. The new Dumbledore is (I think) more true to the actual character, and Gary Oldman is an excellent Black. I found it a bit hard to take that they've changed the set (form hagrid's cabin to the layout of the grounds, to hills where there were none) but the new set is quite brilliant, so I'm not complaining. I need one of those pendulums in my house :) Go see this movie.

Last Samurai, The

Mon, 31 May 2004 10:21:32 EST

Title: What made them skip
Rating: 90% (fx: 88%, plot:84%, ent:88%, rage:4%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre

Review:
Oh the irony that the last samuri was a white chump. This movie is quite brilliant; it's entertaining, has a strong story, has strong characters, beautiful countryside and the american's are bad. There are a few complaints, some say there was too much war, some say it was lacking romance (instead you get a bitter/sweet relationship with the wife of the last guy he killed) but I say it's a strong movie. Definetely worth seeing! All I can say is: stupid emperor.

Van Helsing

Tue, 26 Oct 2004 10:54:24 EST

Title: Camp Vamp Movie
Rating: 83% (fx: 92%, plot:72%, ent:84%, rage:16%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:

This movie doesn't pretend to be serious. You start with a black and white sequence which looks like it's from the 50's (albeit in full 35mm digital sound quality) and really... it doesn't get much less campy. But that's the point of the movie; it's a stylish suspense loaded push through the monsters frankenstein, dracula and Wolfman (to name a few). The movie is always dark, you're always waiting for something to leap out or attack, and frankly the costume department took the week off... but the sound is awesome the sidekick is amusing, it's full of funny little lines/sequences and really... just go watch it!

Kill Bill: Volume I

Mon, 03 May 2004 09:50:33 EST

Title: OTT
Rating: 73% (fx: 88%, plot:64%, ent:72%, rage:28%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (new release)

Review:

Rented this movie the other day: I was interested in seeing it, it's the #1 movie in England right now, and plenty of people liked it. The movie starts out with a dead person... and well you can't help but wonder how peaceful the world would be if she'd remained dead.

The plot is ridiculously drawn out. This is in fact one movie (Kill Bill vol 1+2=Kill Bill) which has been split into two to make more money... and after watching the first, they should cut some crap (spurting blood and pointless yaking and background for example) and make it a 2.5hour movie. They only good thing I can say about the two movie part is that the last words of Vol 1 are an excellent cliff hanger for vol 2. I found the hacking/ squirting/ fighting/ bitching too much in this movie... it was pointless, and verging on terribly boring (even with all the blood!). I struggled to make it to the end of the movie, and although I'm interested in seeing Vol 2 (I did start watching the bloody-pair) I have no desire to watch Vol 1 ever again. Maybe it'll take on a different status in my mind at a later date; who knows. It is well made from the POV of Filming/ effects/ soundtrack/ lighting/ stylishness (danger's favourite).

Foolproof

Wed, 03 Mar 2004 11:43:27 EST

Title: The problem with designing something completely foolproof...
Rating: 94% (fx: 92%, plot:88%, ent:92%, rage:0%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
This is a Canadian film, not that that should affect your watching it in anyway except that if you're a canuck: rent it, see it, love it (repeat). This movie is one of the best I've seen in a long time. It's a suspense I suppose... and a crime... another of these "perfect crime" movies... it's almost a genre (Oceans 11, Italian Job etc). The point is the 3 people just do it for fun... they don't actually execute the plan. Well so that all changes and we have Poirot blackmailing them. There are some wicked lines, some excellent action and effects... and generally a fantastic use of a couple of hours. The DVD comes with the soundtrack (which is a bit weird for sure) which is very strong.

Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas

Thu, 26 Feb 2004 11:49:39 EST

Title: No Disney sidekick?
Rating: 87% (fx: 80%, plot:80%, ent:88%, rage:8%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre

Review:
Apart from a slobbering dog, this movie lacks a disney staple: a witty sidekick. That being said the movie is very entertaining, the characters voiced by Brad Pitt and Catherine Zeta-Jones are highly entertaining. The story is a bit weak... it's certainly pretty quick to sum up, but on the other hand it's more about the people than the story. Their title may have been a bit off though: they only claim to sail across one sea, and there's only a demi-legend of where they're going (but Sinbad seems to have a pretty fair idea of what it's like anyway). Well the point is: this is another highly entertaining Disney animation... it's fun, it's clever... what would danger say... it's stylish? Yes. Stylish. Just watch it! Enjoy the humour :)

Treasure Planet

Tue, 17 Feb 2004 11:39:29 EST

Title: Cartoon fun
Rating: 79% (fx: 76%, plot:80%, ent:80%, rage:20%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (new release)

Review:
They don't make it clear why Jim Hawkins gets stuck as a cabin boy, the actually glaze over a few things, but it's a fun movie to watch. It's a cartoon in the vain of Titan AE, which some pretty cool 3d effects, but mostly based on the 2d animation style. What can I say... I mean it's an entertaining cartoon movie, with no sex, some violence, and some imagination.

Wasabi

Sun, 08 Feb 2004 14:11:40 EST

Title: Is like Sherbert, no?
Rating: 89% (fx: 84%, plot:84%, ent:92%, rage:8%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
I'll cut to the chase: Luc Besson; a brilliant producer/writter. It's a French movie, dubbed into English (still hard to understand). Action: brilliant, raw, light on special effects (no need) but stylish... almost comic-book like. Rage comes from (a) English is spoken really fast to keep up with french film, (b) Japanese daughter's English is almost impossible to understand. Jean Reno is brilliant of course... in a way like "The Professional". All in all I thought it was great! Love the goon-beating scene in the department store.

Paycheck

Thu, 05 Feb 2004 12:01:52 EST

Title: Another PKDick Short Story...
Rating: 89% (fx: 92%, plot:84%, ent:88%, rage:8%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
It seems yet another Philip K Dick book as been made into a movie. I found this movie brilliant. I went with someone not expecting to enjoy it (just another action right?) and she loved it. There's a neat puzzle solving going on throughout that although a little cheazy really keeps you interested and guessing. You can be cynical, but really this was a strong movie with good special effects, neet stunts, and... meh actors. The name of the movie? The title of the short story by PKD, which of course got blown all out of proportion with the screenplay. Go see it... you'll enjoy it.

Underworld

Wed, 14 Jan 2004 09:56:21 EST

Title: Forget the Synopsis
Rating: 90% (fx: 96%, plot:84%, ent:88%, rage:8%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
I didn't read the synopsis carefully, but did see the previews for the movie... what actually happens and what they say will happen are a bit different... more for the enjoyment of the movie than anything. This is a dark sometimes gorey movie about Vampires and Werewolves. But it's really not cheesy! It's dark, stylish and got some good tunes. The plot line is great... it doesn't resolve until the end of the movie (making for an enjoyable and unpredictable watch). Watch out for a special appearance by Neo's jacket! What can I say? Just watch this movie... you'll enjoy it and be surprised (it's similar I suppose to Blade in it's abilities, but I prefer it to Blade).

Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

Sun, 11 Jan 2004 12:41:19 EST

Title: Warning: Nothing to do with Elvis
Rating: 91% (fx: 96%, plot:96%, ent:88%, rage:12%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
Well, I know I'm not the first bizwarcho member to go see this movie, but I guess I'm the first to post a review. The movie was very well done... some excellent videography, some brilliant CGI (and integration with real shots), a strong musical score etc etc etc. It's a bit long... who hasn't said that... but there's not much where it drags it's heals and you think "I wish this was cut". I was surprised that Sauramon was both cut out of this movie (lots about that in the news) but his image was also hacked out of the credits (which included Sean Bean who snuffed it in the first movie). You're going to see this movie no matter what I say... and I say... go see it :) 'Tis a fine movie to conclude the trilogy.

Bruce Almighty

Wed, 07 Jan 2004 16:08:35 EST

Title: Jim Carrey being funny
Rating: 83% (fx: 84%, plot:80%, ent:80%, rage:12%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (new release)

Review:
Well, there\'s not a ton to say about this movie. It was good, funny, entertaining, had something of a message (get of your fat arse and do things for yourself). Morgan Freeman actually uses some of Carrey\'s lines from other movies on him (which is funny to hear). This is a good, light hearted, laugh movie.

Robbie the Reindeer in Hooves of Fire

Tue, 06 Jan 2004 20:35:01 EST

Title: I don't like christmas stuff but... what a laugh
Rating: 93% (fx: 92%, plot:84%, ent:92%, rage:0%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre

Review:
A Swedish friend (known for their generosity and humour) told me I had to see this movie... it was his "Christmas tradition". "Bah Humbug" I said. But then I watched it. This 29 minute claymation movie by the same people as Wallace + Grommit and chicken run, except it's about Robbie the Reindeer son of Ru... :) It's great; loaded with puns, historical references, jokes, plays on words etc etc... rather like Simpsons... except it's a Christmas(ish) story with sexual innuendo. Be warned there is an American audio version (which has the voices of Brittany Spears, Ben Stiller, Hugh Grant, Leah Remini and more) which although still good... just isn't the same as Robbie with an Irish accent, if you're getting it on DVD it'll likely have both versions (as I eventually found out). Just watch the damn movie... and be merry.

Confessions of a Dangerous Mind

Tue, 06 Jan 2004 20:23:18 EST

Title: Self serving slop
Rating: 74% (fx: 80%, plot:68%, ent:68%, rage:20%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (if alternative is cleaning)

Review:
I don't feel I've lost two hours of my life, but I never want to see this movie again. It's about a guy (who I don't know) who made some shows (that I don't know... but I've heard the names at least). And he's a raving lunatic. Apparently this happened, but there's nothing/no-one to corroborate that. It's a bit like "A beautiful Mind" except that in that movie there was no doubt he was delusional and they didn't try and pass it off as fact. Sam Rockwell's butt is on screen far too much, Drew Barrymore plays the same person as in Charlie's Angles (without the butt-kicking), and Clooney... well he's pretty good. A redeeming quality: Julia Roberts in possibly the weirdest roll ever. Well anyway, watch this if Danger's review perked your interest (that and the previews perked mine) but don't expect too much.

Pirates of the Carribean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

Tue, 06 Jan 2004 15:04:48 EST

Title: Have you ever been to sea billy? Yar
Rating: 92% (fx: 96%, plot:80%, ent:96%, rage:8%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
Orlando was a good supporting actor in this movie (although his hair's changed colour and he doesn't carry a quiver). Depp is an excellent lead, although to be honest I thought the part was written really well... I'm sure be bought something to that (Great actor). The movie is an exciting swashbuckling ride (do I sound like a movie reviewer?) The effects of the cursed pirates moving in and out of moon light was seamless (and therefore amazing)... the story was gripping... traditional really; good vs evil, good prevails (even though good is dumb). Cripes though Jack Sparrow really does seem to be running his own path diagonally through the plot (and only at the end does everything resolve). Plus it'll make you want to eat an apple.

S.W.A.T

Tue, 06 Jan 2004 14:57:40 EST

Title: Bad Jockster?
Rating: 82% (fx: 80%, plot:84%, ent:80%, rage:16%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre

Review:
I anticipated renting this movie and wasn't disappointed. SWAT is your typical "amazing agency/team, Yay America, outrageous action" movie. You know, like all of them (joking). I couldn't get the "One hundred Million Dollars!" quote out of my head for ages (during previews) and now here I am with it in my head again. Weird that they chose French Mafia (good for a change :)). The plane landing on the bridge... not the best effect and rageful... I suppose it was ground breaking... but so CG. Full of good actors, good lines, and good action... sit down with popcorn a big screen and surround sound and escape... to a good verses evil battle.

Shape of Things, The

Wed, 17 Dec 2003 21:17:26 EST

Title: Adapted from a play?
Rating: 70% (fx: 72%, plot:76%, ent:68%, rage:32%)
Recommended viewing:

Review:
I watched this movie and though "huh... this would make a good play". Apparently it was adapted, but really it's just a play on screen. The plot line is pretty good, a bit weird "beware of artists" is the theme. It's weird, Adam gets seriously screwed over. I finished the film and thought "huh... not the best I've ever seen". I can just see this as a Drama 30 student play (only needing 4 actors really and some set work). Nothing spectacular.

Ice Age

Wed, 10 Dec 2003 10:39:43 EST

Title: 3D Wonder and it's not Disney
Rating: 91% (fx: 92%, plot:84%, ent:84%, rage:0%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
Originally I thought this movie was a Disney/Pixar creation. It's an amazingly rendered 3D movie for children (I suppose) but really anyone will get a kick out of the movie and it's characters. It represents breakthroughs in several area's including rendering, the snow has depth, the water is almost impossible to believe it's fake, and the weather seems pretty damn accurate too. The movie is thoroughly entertaining, fun to watch and'll life your spirit. If you haven't seen it... watch it. If you have... watch it again :) Why do I have to be the poop checker?

Emperor's New Groove, The

Thu, 20 Nov 2003 12:07:25 EST

Title: Simpsons makes a mark on Disney
Rating: 91% (fx: 80%, plot:88%, ent:88%, rage:0%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (new release)

Review:
So when this movie came out the critics all said that it was a Simpsons inspired/influenced movie. And it was. The story and jokes are hilarious. David Spade is of course hilarious, but so are the other characters, including Patrick Warburton as the sidekick of Yzma. It's not long (animated movies tend to be short) but you'll find your sides splitting with laughter and joy. If you haven't seen it, just watch it. You'll probably want to own it, and memorize it. Such an enjoyable use of 88 minutes.

2 Fast 2 Furious

Thu, 20 Nov 2003 12:02:18 EST

Title: How many gearboxes wrecked?
Rating: 76% (fx: 84%, plot:68%, ent:72%, rage:20%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (cheap)

Review:
Saw the first movie, haven't reviewed it yet, but it was ok. Hated that thousands of cars appeared on the roads with bolt-on spoilers, self-tints, funny paint, and extra lights. They where obviously trying to look like they're right of the set. The story (of both) is predictable and formula, but I don't think anyone is watching the movie for the story!

The cars are pretty cool, and some of the stunts. Something I couldn't help noticing was that they where constantly shifting gears, even when doing 110 mph they had another gear to move into. Now granted it isn't actually that interesting watching someone shift properly (5-6 years go by pretty quickly) but why the movie decided to equip the drivers with 20+ geared transmissions I don't know! Oh well... that gave rage, other then that; there was some interesting driving (been trying it out myself since... although boat landings that wreck cars aren't too high on my list of priorities). If you like cars, racing or the first movie it'll probably suit you.

Scorpion King, The

Mon, 17 Nov 2003 15:01:57 EST

Title: Can you smell The Rock in the Desert?
Rating: 85% (fx: 84%, plot:76%, ent:84%, rage:8%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (new release)

Review:
I enjoyed this movie. It's been a while since I saw it, but I enjoyed seeing the rock in the movie. The characters where good too. The Rock used to play on the Stampeders team (Calgary CFL) to boot! Anyway, we just have a classic action movie in the desert. There's sword fights and all that good stuff. A bad guy. A good guy asked to do a bad thing, but doesn't; so he's good. Certainly preferable to CGI-Rock found in The Mummy Returns. My spleen was untroubled by this movie.

Boat Trip

Mon, 17 Nov 2003 14:46:02 EST

Title: Your classic man pretends to be gay to get woman story
Rating: 70% (fx: 68%, plot:64%, ent:72%, rage:28%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (if alternative is cleaning)

Review:
There isn't a lot to say about this movie. It's a Hollywood movie carefully following a Hollywood plot. Tilley could probably generate a listing and brief overview of Hollywood script types. This is the class man pretends to be gay to get close to woman and then it all blows up in his face. (Three to Tango anyone?) Horatio Sanz is good, Cuba does a decent job too. Generally all the characters are likable, just don't expect anything amazing. I like the addition of Roger Moore as someone trying to get into Horatio's pants, he even eludes to working for the Queen (ie. as Bond). My excuse for watching: it was on and I wanted something on in the background while I worked on the book area.

View From the Top

Sun, 16 Nov 2003 12:53:02 EST

Title: Well the synopsis should scare you away
Rating: 74% (fx: 76%, plot:72%, ent:68%, rage:20%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (if alternative is cleaning)

Review:
I watched this movie late at night 'cause it looked ok, and was just starting when I was looking for something to see. It's a traditional formula movie with a happy ending. Nothing extraordinary! Mike Myers is in it though which was definitely a bonus. I don't really recommend this movie unless you want one of those feel good, predictable but enjoyable to watch movies.

Matrix Revolutions, The

Sat, 08 Nov 2003 13:46:10 EST

Title: Critics don't know shit
Rating: 93% (fx: 96%, plot:88%, ent:92%, rage:4%)
Recommended viewing: Theater (IMAX)

Review:

Last night I went to see the newest and final Matrix movie. Let us do some setup: I only saw the second movie a few weeks ago after missing it in the theatres, and buying it the day it was released on DVD. While some complained about too much effects I saw more then that (and was impressed by the effects too) in short I thought the second movie was great. You put the first and second movies together and: wow. Sure the second isn't like the first, but the first ended in completely changing itself and the Matrix... so suck it up.

Now, since I've been looking forward to seeing the third on (the second leaves you just itching for it); I've been reading any reviews that have passed by me, that includes a BBC review, a Wired Magazine review, and then some comments by people on TV. Basically the critics didn't like it. They complained about many things, quite a few being fundamental parts of the story which where unavoidable (but I guess they're looking at it as purely a movie not a story first). Nothing in any of the reviews deterred me from seeing the movie, just disheartened me.

So the movie? Well... there isn't a ton of time spent in the Matrix in the third, which is disappointing, but you can kind of see why (the story hardly permits gallivanting around when everythings strugglin outside). There is a massive massive fight scene... you knew that was coming; machines vs Zion. And there's a whole bunch of other stuff (I glaze over not to ruin things for you). Every character and every scene serves to build the story and the whole picture. Critics thought it was littered with extra characters, I see not the characters as being important, but what they where saying. For example the guy in the train station explains how machines view human interactions (to be as vague as possible), he's not just a useless new character that comes and goes.

As a whole the movie answers some of the Matrix questions, it draws some loose ends together, of course it creates a few more (for good measure). They say one of the things that was so great in the Matrix (pt. 1) was that it never ended... well there are somethings in this movie that don't end too. The movie is certainly effects heavy, I feel they leaned towards satisfying the movie going public's insatiable urge for effects, explosions and wars (look at Star Wars, Braveheart, LoTR, etc) rather than being as true to the story as possible, but the war was important to show just how futile the Zion attempt was without some other kind of solution. It leads to a gripping, exciting, visually amazing, aurally impressive movie that just has to be seen (like you were considering missing it). Are there problems? Probably! Did they do the best they could to meet expectations? Yes. Should you see it, own it? Yes. Should you live it? You can't (unlike the first) there's no ground breaking theories, it works with what's been setup in the past.

Golden moments: APRs (weren't around enough in the second), Niobi's flying (and the ship captain's comments), machine face (you'll know it), Mr Smith(s), Lobby shooting spree (yes there's another) and the soundtrack.

Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle

Sun, 02 Nov 2003 12:27:48 EST

Title: Entertaining? (check)
Rating: 84% (fx: 84%, plot:76%, ent:76%, rage:4%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
You can't see this movie expecting much... the first movie was good, it was stylish and it was a parody. The second is the same. Watching for all the tricks, parodies, fun making, and cameo appearances is quite a fun way to watch the movie. Let alone just sitting back and rolling your eyes and the stunts/coincidences/far fetched antics. Still it's what I was looking for in a movie: entertainment. John Clease is good too.

Bulletproof Monk

Wed, 29 Oct 2003 23:11:36 EST

Title: Monks are cool
Rating: 88% (fx: 84%, plot:76%, ent:84%, rage:0%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
Saw signs for this movie in the underground in London. I finally got around to watching it the other day. I was very entertained. The idea of a monk that stays eternally younge... well it doesn't sound too surprising to me, but man can he fight (martial arts that is). William Scott (you'll know him from American Pie) is a really great supporting actor in the movie too. The girl... well she's alright. Entertaining movie though, good fighting, fairly decent story, enjoyable characters and witty banter.

Core, The

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 22:26:58 EST

Title: A tribute to birds!
Rating: 86% (fx: 92%, plot:88%, ent:80%, rage:12%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
I don't think this movie did very well at theatres. I don't really know since I wasn't around at the time. Still the idea of the movie intrigued me and when I saw it I decided to watch it. As a whole the movie is well written, it's a sci-fi/action movie with a big problem to fix and a few hero's to do it. You really quite like all the characters in it, even if their development isn't the idea of the movie. You're gonna see a lot of magma and computer effects of course since after they've done sub-terrainian the only set you see is the inside of the ship. Worth a watch I think, don't expect too much (but you will be entertained)

X-Men

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 21:34:33 EST

Title: Better than wearing yellow Lycra
Rating: 78% (fx: 88%, plot:76%, ent:68%, rage:16%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
I believe one reviewer out there gave a the one liner "Like a Ferrari with a Yugo engine under the hood, X-Men looks great but takes an eternity to reach a still sluggish top speed." This movie had a great cast, some excellent special effects and a very good comic book based storyline. Sure it was a mix-match of a bunch of comics and it didn't include all the right characters (apparently). The movie however just wasn't as fantastic as it could have been. Maybe it was another victim of over-hype, but the story certainly was a bit prolonged in the build-up and then short in the action. We're just picking at perfecting the movie though, it is still highly entertaining, and a good way to spend a couple of hours. Definitely worth a watch or four. Incidentally when the subtitles said "Somewhere in Northern Alberta" the whole theatre cheered.

Rounders

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 21:18:17 EST

Title: Damn that Norton kid!
Rating: 86% (fx: 72%, plot:84%, ent:88%, rage:8%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (new release)

Review:
You can't help but feel Edward Norton's character screws up Matt Damon's life. I missed seeing this movie on a plane (it was my pick of all the offerings but I got something else instead) and then rented it recently. The movie is all about poker... so that would be card playing. If you have no idea about the terms... this movie isn't going to help you learn. But it's a very interesting movie about the seedy underground of NYC card playing. I liked Damon's character, I liked seeing a lot of actors before they where famous, and I especially liked John Malkovich. Definitely worth seeing.

Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 21:21:38 EST

Title: Not like you, you're soft and smooth
Rating: 80% (fx: 88%, plot:72%, ent:80%, rage:20%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
The first "new starwars" was quite enjoyable.... I enjoy watching it time and time again. The second one though is full of many parts where I cringe, so in watching it again, the cringing comes back. Take the lame-assed "sand is corse... not like you". Like it or not though, this movie is quite amazing... quite a step for movie making. After viewing the movie for the second time I have to say I both respect it and enjoyed it more then after first viewing. Hype has a lot to answer for with movies these days. So... I recommend seeing this movie, ignore the hype, and if possible watch it twice. Btw, the Yoda fight screen is fantastic.

Hamburger Hill

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 21:40:18 EST

Title: Good grief!
Rating: 77% (fx: 92%, plot:64%, ent:76%, rage:24%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (cheap)

Review:
First, and explanation of my scores. The effects where amazing considering this movie game out in the late 80s. The plot... well how can you rate a plot based on historical events during a war? Anyway... I'm rating the war-plot I guess (rather than the movie). Entertainment wise... I was entertained, but it's a war movie... so not falling over myself. Finally the rage. This comes mostly from the futility of the characters in the movie... based on face... so therefore I'm raging against the war effort/orders from above. I probably don't have any right, but my god this is senseless. I posted this review in my blog an age ago and I'm just lifting the text from there.

Watched Hamburger Hill last night I'm seriously not a big fan of war movies, but it was between that and a Nicolas Cage movie (Nicolas Cage sucks) so I ended up going with the war movie. If you haven't seen it, and like fact based movies, and realistic depictions of the Vietnam war then you should have a peek. There have been a lot of movies recently about this war so it's not so much of a novelty now, but this movie is brutal and I can imagine that's how it actually was, they never saw most of the people that they shot, they never saw most of the people shooting at them. There always only seemed to be 2 or 3 guys shooting at them (and there was 20+ of them) but 'cause they couldn't see them etc etc it was still as dangerous. Add to that the hassle of the Malaria, ring worm, crotch rot and everything else they had to deal with and it would have been awful. The central part of the story is that they try 11 or 12 times to take this one hill... 'cause the army ordered it, meanwhile at home some of their loved ones and girlfriends are condemning them for fighting in the war. How hard would that be? You go 'cause you have to and then the people who are safely at home start to denounce you! Anyway there's a fair bit of gore, but it's a good watch.

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 21:55:17 EST

Title: Enough about that
Rating: 91% (fx: 80%, plot:88%, ent:88%, rage:0%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (new release)

Review:
The first Guy Ritchie film and winner of the 1999 MTV movie awards. Most people saw Snatch because of it's serious distribution. This movie is a sort of prequel (using some of the same cast) but with a different theme and relatively poor distribution. The way the movie unfolds and interweaves is clever, if a little incredible. You really get to like the four main characters and even enjoy the thorough evilness of the bad guys. It's English, full of accents and cockney rhyme. There's even a wicked scene where a conversation of cockney rhyme is translated with subtitles (like AP3 did later in 2002). It's a gangster/average Jo/action type movie.

Matrix Reloaded, The

Sat, 18 Oct 2003 16:26:45 EST

Title: Fantastic!
Rating: 99% (fx: 100%, plot:100%, ent:100%, rage:4%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
Best
Movie
Ever

Rage: Knowing there's a sequal takes the edge off of "the end of the matrix forever" threats by the Architect.

Bowling for Columbine

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 21:47:59 EST

Title: Alarming... to say the least
Rating: 76% (fx: 0%, plot:0%, ent:76%, rage:0%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (new release)

Review:
This is a 2 hour movie... which is really a documentary (hence the rating excluding effects/plot/rage). It's really worth a watch, although alarming (you get a free gun with a bank account in one town). I found it a bit much; two hours is a long time to watch a documentary for. If you rent it watch it in two hour parts of maybe four half hour parts? The director is smart and funny, asking some great questions and often cutting the crap and getting to the point. I guess it was mostly funded by Canadian sponsors due to it's nature and content. The "explaining bullet cartoon" is definitely the highlight.

Daredevil

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 21:42:46 EST

Title: Who beats the blind??
Rating: 72% (fx: 72%, plot:56%, ent:72%, rage:20%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (cheap)

Review:
I almost bought this movie on DVD. I watched it first on an airplane; thought it was pretty good, but then watched it again this weekend; found it isn't. One main thing I'd forgotten; the CGI-aided stunts look LAME. Affleck can leap up buildings but they don't bother with the stunts, just go with a fake CGI effect or something vaguely human climbing. The movie is another in the comic-becomes movie genre. It doesn't do a fantastic job. The characters are pretty weak, the setting is supposed to be "dark" (left over original batman set?) and the bad guys are... lame. I was entertained, I liked mocking the useless characters (the heroine who dies for example) but I'm very glad I don't own this movie... don't think I need to see it again.

Matchstick Men

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 22:18:55 EST

Title: A smoker's nightmare
Rating: 70% (fx: 72%, plot:76%, ent:68%, rage:32%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (if alternative is cleaning)

Review:
If you're a smoker, or just quitting smoking, or disgusted/not interested in seeing lots and lots of smoking, don't go see this. It's got to be the single strongest theme in the movie: everyone smokes. The director or whomever makes such decisions seems to have a smoking fetish, it's done slow-mo, it's done close up, it's done high-speed. Packets are smoked in mere seconds of movie-time. Not only is there a crazy smoking fetish, but everyone seems to do it; even the 14 year old teenage daughter smokes a cigarette at one point. That aside this movie was disappointing. I strove to found entertainment, and almost thought I was going to be on the "lucrative swindle" but it was short lived. This is a story of a phobia guy with a crappy life... almost not having a crappy life (but not quite making it). The con-artist is really a side to rope you in to going and seeing it, although it does offer the writer the bonus of pulling the classic "con artist gets conned". Save your time and money; buy a pack of cigarettes for a 14 year old and watch them being smoked, oh and tune into the oldies station.

A Knight's Tale

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 21:50:05 EST

Title: Appalling use of 'We will rock you'
Rating: 64% (fx: 60%, plot:60%, ent:68%, rage:36%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (new release)

Review:
This movie features the way over played but great Queen song "We will Rock you". It doesn't fit, and it gave me the rage. On the other hand the modern rock type soundtrack kinda first this movie adding an interesting feel to a movie about the days of yore. I thought the movie would be lame but was forced to watch it on a plane. I actually found it was quite entertaining. Nothing historically accurate or anything, but good character development, typical good guy/bad guy/fighting the system type fare. The thing that really redeemed this movie was the side kicks. The supporting crew of Heath (two "squires", a writer and a female blacksmith) are truly an interesting bunch and far more entertaining then the main story about the kah-nig-it. Actiony, feel-good, no-brain, laugh inducing movie with a good soundtrack. Don't expect too much and you'll be entertained. (ed: It seems that plane watching has biased my enjoyment in favour of the movie... maybe they should have shown Armageddon on a plane then)

3000 Miles to Graceland

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 21:50:23 EST

Title: More scorpions!
Rating: 81% (fx: 76%, plot:72%, ent:80%, rage:12%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Cheap)

Review:
For some reason this movie opens and closes with scorpions. They're way cool 3D CGI jobs and there should be far more of them. The movie itself I thought would be about Elvis impersonators. That's what the previews led me to believe. In actual fact though it's about a heist that just uses that as the cover (the blurb above indicates this of course, but I didn't read that until I was watching the movie). It's a pretty basic plot, but entertaining none the less. Ultimately this movie was a pleasant surprise... far more entertaining and interesting then I'd feared and actually worth watching. It's a sort of bad-guy betrayal/guns/criminal/action type movie.

Identity

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 21:51:52 EST

Title: The who in the what now?
Rating: 83% (fx: 84%, plot:88%, ent:80%, rage:16%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (new release)

Review:
Wow. This is a thriller. I don't like thrillers. They're just really not my bag, far more tilley's bag. Still I didn't quite realize until the first 5 minutes in that this was a thriller. I was still captivated and entertained, and somehow toward the end when you learn what you do it all seems far more interesting. This is a good movie with misdirection, a twisting plot and some very interesting characters. The DVD is really impressive with the choice of wide or standard screen, and in wide screen you have the choice of theatrical or extended version. I went for the extended version... don't know what I got extra since I haven't seen it before. According to the case though they had different endings... I'll be damned if I could see a difference (or maybe I didn't find the other ending?)

Narc

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 22:14:28 EST

Title: Catering Budget Movie
Rating: 83% (fx: 84%, plot:84%, ent:76%, rage:12%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (new release)

Review:
There's a few documentaries on the DVD of this movie and one is by some big-time director. He states that the budget of this movie was about the same as a catering budget of a standard Hollywood job. The movie is excellent... it's dark, it's gritty (do I sound like a reviewer yet?) it's enthralling. I really enjoyed Narc and recommend it to anyone who likes cop type movies. Filmed mostly in Toronto, although set in Detroit (only one day was actually spent filming there) this movie revolves around undercover cops. It really is an excellent movie with a fairly complex plot, it took until the end before I was able to figure out everything that had gone on. Oh yeah, and I loved the ending.

Matrix, The

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 22:02:46 EST

Title: Woa...
Rating: 95% (fx: 100%, plot:92%, ent:92%, rage:4%)
Recommended viewing:

Review:
Just re-watched the DVD of this amazing movie. I have no idea how many times I've watched the movie... it's just one of those movies I love to see again and again, I don't care that I've seen it before and know what's going to happen... look at the screen, hear those surround sounds, watch the slow motion mini-gun/helicopter :) This movie is truly outstanding. I'm sure I'm not telling anyone who's reading this anything they didn't already know. Strong story, excellent special effects, amazing surround sound and cool clothing. Rage comes from the days of yore when Tilley and myself created a video with a few clips from the movie; "You... wanted to know what the matrix is" and "Woa" are firmly embedded in our minds from the hours of video editing!

Once Upon a Time in Mexico

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 22:14:00 EST

Title: Disappointment in Mexico
Rating: 79% (fx: 88%, plot:76%, ent:80%, rage:24%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (new release)

Review:
I was so looking forward to seeing this movie. It was set to be another Desperado. It wasn't. As mentioned by serious gore.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 21:36:55 EST

Title: *sigh*
Rating: 89% (fx: 88%, plot:88%, ent:84%, rage:4%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
Somehow I was talked into reading the Harry Potter books. The first was a joke (for size) but something about the story hooked me; maybe it was the similarities to my education in England. I've since read all the books, and waited for ages for the fifth book (like so many others). The first time I watched this movie I nit-picked at the movie versus the book. Was the movie very close? Yes. Where there differences? Yes. Should I care? No! Fortunately I got a grip of myself and watched it a second time and just loved it. It would be interesting to know what it's like as "just a movie" rather then a make of a book... maybe Tilley saw it (I'm sure he didn't read the books). The movie is very good, the special effects well integrated and not really noticeable (which is really preferable). It takes the magical land from the book and turns it into a magical movie without pointing out the impossibilities... who cool is that? Watch it, own it, buy it. Send the (young) actors photos of themselves and fan mail in 20 years when they're embarrassed by what they did.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 21:38:27 EST

Title: Damn that's a Scary Snake (Basilisk)
Rating: 89% (fx: 92%, plot:92%, ent:88%, rage:12%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
I'm sorry; I almost shat myself when the damn Basilisk shot around the place. I read the book, I should have known what to expect, but damn they made the movie darker! They've boosted the dark mood to make it more adult friendly I suppose (I think I prefer it). This was an excellent second addition to the series although Moaning Myrtle was just annoying.. she was supposed to be annoying, but I think they took it a bit far in the movie. Anyway go see this, rent it, watch it on a nice big screen (for the film quality) and a good surround system, a big bucket of popcorn, and possibly someone to grip when you jump out of your seat.

Die Another Day

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 21:42:33 EST

Title: A Good Bond Movie's Always Good
Rating: 83% (fx: 92%, plot:72%, ent:80%, rage:12%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
Another movie in the massive James Bond franchise. There is some witty banter, there are some great gadgets, there are some great action sequences and special effects. There's the typical womanizing, evil villains, cutting edge technology oh and stupid bad guys who give away the whole plan before Powers, I mean Bond dies. There's a really great twist on the movie for this one, I won't spoil it, but it's kind of neat the way Bond has to operate. Halley Berry was not meant for the role, I'm sure they could have found someone better but still the character's quite good. Maybe they went a bit far at the end, but another fine action flick.

XXX

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 22:00:15 EST

Title: Things go boom
Rating: 83% (fx: 88%, plot:84%, ent:76%, rage:12%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
Yeah, so a movie I'd like to see again, there was some good parts, there where some great special effects, action bits and explosions. Not sure I'm a big fan of Vin Diesel... but he's alright in this movie. Another movie I saw on a bad quality VCD which lead to me hearing audiences laughing over the soundtrack... definitely detracted from the movie, but not something I expect everyone would concern themselves with. This is a good-ol-fashioned action movie with none of your expected people, it's a James Bond without the Bond really. Worth watching don't bring your brain.

Men in Black II

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 22:16:32 EST

Title: Sequel Kills MIB
Rating: 55% (fx: 76%, plot:52%, ent:48%, rage:48%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (cheap)

Review:
I watched this movie on as a bad quality VCD so my effects rating may be off but things looked hokey. There's a great appearance by Michael Jackson which is good for a laugh but basically this movie tries to re-hash the jokes and idea's of the first. And worse Will Smith seems to have lost his funny bone. Oh well... not so bad you'd want to clean instead... maybe at the same time though. Also, I'm with danger

We Were Soldiers

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 22:02:00 EST

Title: Another War Movie
Rating: 74% (fx: 92%, plot:72%, ent:72%, rage:32%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (if alternative is cleaning)

Review:
It's one of the better movies, but war movies aren't my favourite kind of movie. This movie is a whole lot of dying and depression, however it's probably a story that should be told, it's a shame the couldn't have spared some of the bs... I should call tilley in on the historical accuracy of this. Skip this if you're not that interested in war movies.

Y Tu Mama Tambien

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 21:59:45 EST

Title: Mexican Movie Slaps Reality into Your Face
Rating: 82% (fx: 76%, plot:80%, ent:76%, rage:8%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (new release)

Review:
This movie is... weird. It's an independent movie that was well rated by several critics so I decided to have a peek. Apart from views of Mexican boys pissing into the toilet (we're talking camera pointing at them) and some rather morbid bits where the future/past is told by the narrator this movie is great. It's a story about human beings, some of it is far fetched but it's enjoyable. All rage stems from Spanish only soundtrack, so it's subtitles on the way through (which can detract from actually watching the movie). All in all I recommend this, it's an interesting watch. I liked the movie.

Shanghai Knights

Fri, 27 Feb 2004 19:12:00 EST

Title: More Celebrities
Rating: 88% (fx: 88%, plot:72%, ent:88%, rage:4%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre

Review:
Those who saw Shanghai Noon know about John Wayne (Phonetically) and a couple of other famous people who I forget right now. The sequel includes more fun names (mouse over this link to see spoilers) and more great Jackie Chan action. Yeah, you've got it, it's a type of action, his humourous and technically accurate movie, light hearted, but highly enjoyable. Owen Wilson works will with Jackie Chan and Chon Wang's sister is a good new character. Overall this movie gives what you where expecting.. a rib tickeler, a feeling of wow, and a good time.

Princess Bride, The

Sun, 09 Nov 2003 12:11:07 EST

Title: The Epic Tale of romance, true love, giants, swordsmen, and ROUS
Rating: 89% (fx: 68%, plot:88%, ent:88%, rage:0%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (new release)

Review:
This is a fairytale movie. The special effects are cheap even by the standards of the day (I can only assume it was a low-budget movie) but that doesn't detract from the overall experience. A fun story with content mainly for children, but some comedy for adults. You really do have to see this movie to know what it is, I'm not sure I've met anyone who hasn't enjoyed it.

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 22:10:10 EST

Title: And that was the short pod-racer scene!
Rating: 87% (fx: 92%, plot:88%, ent:84%, rage:12%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
The first movie in the Star Wars saga has finally been made. It's a good quality movie, with a strong story, good special effects and it's generally entertaining. There are some new ships, there are some new idea's but Lucas hasn't done much that shows the second trilogy (released in the '70s) happens after this. There are some features of this movie that make having a large screen and surround sound a definite plus. While some found the movie only ok, I really enjoyed Star Wars I.

Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 21:56:22 EST

Title: True to the book
Rating: 88% (fx: 96%, plot:88%, ent:88%, rage:16%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
After so many years of waiting, finally Lord of the Rings fans can see the amazing book on the silver screen. Peter Jackson does an excellent job of staying true to the book and capturing the adventure and excitement of the story. There are some truly amazing special effects, along with a strong plot line. The only problem with this movie, and this is somewhat related to the fact the books where so long, is that it goes on for so long, and it's all action, action, action. You feel a bit drained by the time you're done watching! However multiple viewings ease this and let you see other great parts of the movie.

Blade Runner (director's)

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 21:49:41 EST

Title: Confusion for the virgins
Rating: 91% (fx: 100%, plot:100%, ent:84%, rage:12%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
If this is the first time you're watching Blade Runner then this movie is going to confuse you. I only realized this 'cause I watched it with someone who hadn't seen it and they kept questioning what was going on. The director's cut is superior to the original, but it does sacrifice some explanation (and hence the review-title). The movie is truly amazing considering when it was made ('82) the effects are amazing considering when it was made. The theme was amazing and has been seen again and again in other movies. One of the best Sci-Fi movies there is. You have to see it if you haven't (non-director's or have someone who knows with you) and then see the director's cut.

Limey, The

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 22:04:21 EST

Title: Film Style
Rating: 88% (fx: 76%, plot:84%, ent:84%, rage:0%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (new release)

Review:
The synopsis hardly makes this movie sound exciting, but it's actually very good. The plot is pretty much described... it's not extraordinarily complicated, but it is good. It's basically just Stamp for the whole movie but that certainly doesn't detract from it. It's a dark movie, certainly sad, but very enthralling. The most interesting thing is the film style of the movie is very original. Overall the movie is well worth a watch and probably the sort of thing you'll want to see again. Good grief the back of the case uses the word savvy!

Circus

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 21:43:58 EST

Title: Wait... what just happened?
Rating: 84% (fx: 76%, plot:84%, ent:88%, rage:16%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (new release)

Review:
This movie is a real brain teaser. Picked it up (as a rental) on a whim one day at the movie store, and got lucky. I loved the movie, it's well written, well acted, and highly entertaining. The music in it matches the movie tone well (although there isn't a ton of it). It being an English movie makes some of it a bit odd for North Americans, although I think everyone's amused by the loud mouth American who shows up to whack Leo. There's a small part by a mini in this movie too! It's basically a gangster/gambler/duper/action type movie. Really strong plot though; a thinking movie. Watch it and see :)

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 21:43:10 EST

Title: Amazing scenery!
Rating: 81% (fx: 84%, plot:80%, ent:80%, rage:20%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
The first thing that stuck me when I saw this movie was the door frame on the way in, the second; how annoying subtitles are when you want to enjoy a movie (see the scenery and fight scenes!), and the last; how beautiful the backdrop is in China. The movie is chock full of amazing, and I mean amazing, martial arts. If you like Martial arts; watch this, if you like adventure; watch this, if you like Chow Yun Fat; Watch this, if you like action; watch this. It can be a bit hard to follow (although the DVD version does include English Dolby Digital:Yay) but it's worth seeing... more than once :)

Spaceballs

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 22:12:15 EST

Title: I see your Schwartz is as big as mine
Rating: 83% (fx: 64%, plot:84%, ent:84%, rage:8%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (new release)

Review:
This 80's classic is just loaded full of gags, jokes, references, and comic actors. There's the guy who does great sound effects, there's Rick Morranis, John Candy, and even pizza the hut. The movie is that kind of comic/humor movie which gives up plot in favour of gags. Which isn't to say the plot is bad... I see some of the plot of such a movie to be the jokes themselves. They manage to cram so many references into this movie. It's well worth a watch if you haven't seen, you'll probably want to see it a few times. "They've gone plaid!"

Fight Club

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 21:41:41 EST

Title: Was that ah...?
Rating: 79% (fx: 80%, plot:76%, ent:72%, rage:12%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre

Review:
You just have to watch this movie twice. The first time you watch it and you're engrossed, and it's a good movie. Then you get to the end and suddenly you have to watch it again. With the DVD you can even look at the "spliced scenes" if you really want to... I'd advise against it. It's an interesting movie, the DVD is packed with extras. Entertaining if somewhat depressing, I can't help but think Norton is talking about Ikea stuff (love Ikea).

Swordfish

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 22:09:23 EST

Title: Now that's an explosion
Rating: 86% (fx: 100%, plot:80%, ent:76%, rage:8%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
The opening scene with the ball-bearing explosion is just amazing... truly a breakthrough in movie making. For some reason no one hyped it, and I don't remember a big song and dance about it. That being said... it was good :) Not for the faint of heart of course. The whole movie is filled with seriously good music (Paul Oakenfold wrote the soundtrack... except for the boppy tune Jackman listens to while "hacking" on a six screen mega computer), good special effects, decent toys, a nice car, fair acting and a good plot line. It's action... things blow up, there's a bad guy, some good guys, some medium guys. Entertaining for sure... worth watching for sure. I especially loved the fact that at the end of the movie... during the credits even, they blew up a boat... like they where running under-budget and where just itching to throw in another special effect; now that's commitment to entertainment! THX, DTS, Dolby Digital surround sound recommended... just for the ball bearings!

13th Floor, The

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 22:06:46 EST

Title: Old Story, New Twist, Good Watch
Rating: 88% (fx: 88%, plot:88%, ent:80%, rage:4%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
I had no desire to see this movie when it first came out. Everything in the previews led to the impression that the movie was about something lurking on the 13th floor. While this isn't strictly false, but it really has nothing to do with the movie. In fact the whole thing could have taken place on the 11th floor, but that wouldn't have been such a catchy name I guess. The movie was however very good... it's good some cool effects, some serious mind bending... and the plot's pretty good too; complete with a happy ending and a noir future. What more can you ask? Sure it's like Blade Runner and various other knockoffs... but it's still entertaining, and not so close that it's disrespectful.

13th Warrior, The

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 22:06:20 EST

Title: Scared of Wendol's now!
Rating: 89% (fx: 88%, plot:80%, ent:88%, rage:4%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (new release)

Review:
This movie flopped at theatres I think... I don't really remember what happened, but then again I don't remember dying to go see it either. Then one day I watched it... I think out of the blue, 'cause it was on TV or something like that. It's actually a surprisingly entertaining and engrossing movie :) Antonio Banderas plays an Arab who goes to see some Vikings... it's your typical tail. The effects are pretty frigging decent... heads rolling every which-way, the story is strong and almost believable. All in all a very entertaining movie.

Bringing Down The House

Thu, 04 Dec 2003 10:09:36 EST

Title: Formula Movie
Rating: 77% (fx: 68%, plot:76%, ent:76%, rage:16%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (new release)

Review:
This movie was probably churned out by the "movie maker 5000" in someone's basement in Hollywood. It was entertaining but just so formula. It wasn't nearly as funny as I was expecting. Still not the worst movie ever... generally just a "meh" rating... see it if you want a light-hearted movie to see... don't see it if you're looking for a great comedy. A second watching by far improved this movie, Steve Martin and Eugene Levy really are funny.

Me, Myself, I

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 22:17:15 EST

Title: Entertaining with funny accents
Rating: 83% (fx: 76%, plot:80%, ent:80%, rage:8%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (new release)

Review:
This Australian movie I believe was made as an independent and is now a main-steam movie. It's based on one of the popular "alternative choices" stories lines... showing what would have happened if at one point in your life you made "the other choice". The whole movie is just the one actress (Rachel Griffiths) with supporting people changing. It's a well done movie, no magic fairy... in fact quite an interesting and unexplainable way of moving between the two time-lines. She doesn't even accept it totally herself which is a nice touch. This isn't an action movie... a comedy or just a simple movie about life in generally... entertaining, funny and enjoyable though :)

Casino

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 21:45:25 EST

Title: A gangster movie with all the right parts
Rating: 74% (fx: 84%, plot:64%, ent:64%, rage:16%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (cheap)

Review:
Just rented this movie recently on DVD. The first thing that hit me... it's a damn long movie (a minute shy of 3 hours). It is however a classic gangster movie with all the right parts. Is it depressing? Hell yeah! Everyone flies high, but of course this can't last. Effects where impressive considering it's a 1995 movie... gun shots and head-in-vice scenes where fairly realistic and stomach churning. The plot was nothing special... large parts of it where quite predictable, but there where area's that where very interesting. All rage was generated from the shear length of this movie... I was starting to wonder if it would ever end! It's a good movie, I don't rate it as anything special, but worth a see if you're interested in casino's and their runnings, or you want to see a gangster movie.

Star Trek: Nemesis

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 22:11:34 EST

Title: Is an airplane the wrong place to see this?
Rating: 85% (fx: 88%, plot:84%, ent:88%, rage:20%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (new release)

Review:
I was flying over the Atlantic and had the option of watching this movie. I chose it... as did most of the other people I could see... that means it won out over "Catch Me If You Can" and "Chicago". Not that surprising. I watched the movie and of course you have to accept I was in a place where I was easily entertained. That being said I thought the movie was pretty damn good... not since James T has a trek movie been this good in the plot line. I was seriously impressed with the special effects... star trek has rarely been somewhere where you see the newest and best special effects (ironically) but this movie was certainly in the upper category of our current abilities. The plot was probably one of the best ones I've read. And besides they have a dumb data to play with... and stupidly they activate it without even worrying about what it'll do... tut tut. Still I thought this movie was worth my time, and entertaining to boot... definitely worth seeing with a nice screen and surround sound though... love the crashing spaceship scene.... quite likely the way it would really happen too :) *mmm death and destruction*
Extra: Just re-watching the movie, it is indeed loaded with good effects, I think Pickard might need some flying glasses though.

Italian Job, The

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 22:05:30 EST

Title: Thieves, Cars, Action
Rating: 75% (fx: 88%, plot:88%, ent:72%, rage:36%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (new release)

Review:
This is another re-make of a past classic (Get Carter, Oceans Eleven etc). However the previous version was popular in England, but not North America. Either way they've managed to keep the same cars in the movie, this time just using the newly released BMW aided Mini Cooper. The starting sequence is a fantastic heist in... Italy. Anyone who likes action or appreciates good filming, or likes good sounds, or wants to see some of Venice will love it. We then move on with the story... I won't spoil it. Unfortunately the trailers gave away just about every part of the movie so it's not too surprising. This movie is very entertaining and a good watch. However this marks another case of Edward Norton not being a very good actor... maybe it's just his part in the script, but I'm starting to see him be the same person, and I didn't even slightly enjoy seeing him in this movie. The other thing that gave me serious rage was the car modifications. They spend a ton of effort in explaining how they'd modify road-cars for hauling gold around, and then don't bother to show any of the action driving scenes with any kind of weight in the back of the cars. Now granted I didn't expect them to load the cars with gold, and obviously the whole "car-mod" bit was bogus (and these where in fact stock cars... at least with standard engines etc) since they fly like they have wings, and don't seem a bit back heavy but I'm still wondering why they bothered with all the demi-realism, only to ignore it. Incidentally the record for the number of people crammed into a Mini is 26.

Bulletproof

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 21:46:55 EST

Title: Another fine Adam Sandler Movie
Rating: 79% (fx: 60%, plot:72%, ent:80%, rage:8%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (cheap)

Review:
This is getting old by current movie standards, but was just released this year on DVD. What's on the DVD? Not much... just the most basic: movie, soundtrack options, cast biographies and theatrical trailer. The movie itself is a typical Adam Sandler movie... he's just funny. If you like his characters in other movies then you'll like this one... maybe not quite as abrasive as some. Some good lines, some good action sequences, generally an entertaining view.

Carlito's Way

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 21:46:26 EST

Title: What... no happily ever after?
Rating: 81% (fx: 84%, plot:72%, ent:80%, rage:16%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (cheap)

Review:
I just watched this movie last night. It's a classic... it's the unofficial sequel to Scarface... which I haven't seen yet either (I know, I'm a little out of touch on my gangster movies). I read the back of this movie, and decided it was definitely worth a view, the cast is loaded for a start including John Leguizamo before he was anyone. The story... well it's a gangster movie, these people aren't in the best place, and don't seem to have the highest morals. It's not a feel good movie, and it generates a little rage by starting with Carlito (Pacino) getting shot in the future... presumably the ending? Effects wise I was very impressed considering this is a 1993 movie... gun shots and head bashing where all quite realistic. It's a must see... no chance in a theatre unless you know someone or know a place that does classics. Definitely an entertaining 145 minutes.

Austin Powers in Goldmember

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 21:49:56 EST

Title: Whoops... accidental moral of the story
Rating: 73% (fx: 76%, plot:52%, ent:72%, rage:16%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (new release)

Review:
I watched the second Austin Powers movie and remember staring at the roof of the theatre while it was playing. I decided after that, that it was probably a sign of a dull movie if I had to find other places to look in a dark room. Now to be fair, I've remembed since that the first movie got better every time I watched it, in fact I preached to others that they should almost skip the first watching and go straight to the second or third to get the best effect. The third movie would probably have been the same as the second except that I've now watched it 5 times. I never saw it at the theatre but on a VCD (not a recommended method). The quality was aweful, but it's not about banana boat arrivals. I was a bit distressed by the moral they through into this movie... presumably to mock others, but it seemed semi real at the same time. Overall this is a good movie... with the corst of renting right now I recommend you go out and buy the DVD for $25 and watch it every other day for a week... then see if you agree :)

Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 21:54:28 EST

Title: Go rubber-lips!
Rating: 81% (fx: 88%, plot:72%, ent:80%, rage:16%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
I'm no big Jolie fan. I don't have anything against her, but I'm not of the opinion she's fantastically good looking, and I'm not sure I've scene her act as a different person. This of course doesn't detract from the movie, but I'm not filed with giddy enthusiasm from seeing her run around whatever the outfit of the day is. This movie starts with really really really cool credits... and then ends with really good credits too! I still remember that now, and I remember while I was watching the movie to remark on how well done the credits where! Beyond the credits the movie starts with a bang and then maintains the energy throughout. There are some great effects... including some flying people which is really cool. There's your typical really evil guy, there's your "not-alien, not-Russian but Chinese gang" evil guys, there's your gadgets, there's your unlimited pocket of Lara Croft. I don't remember this blokey they invented. Maybe he was in the first movie (... don't tell me I'll have to watch it again? :( ) but they apparently felt the need to invent a "romantic interest" to keep some people sedated? Not sure if that worked... but gave some rage to me... although there was some witty banter between them. The only part I had a hard time with: the end... there are these mythical tree beast things... they're just lame. It's where the whole movie switches from "remotely plausible" to "stupid special effects demonstration". I would have been happier if they where humans (even though they have a weird circumstance... often this tribal rumors can be explained with real people and clever tricks) but that's just me... I like to see a little realism in the fantasy movies! Definitely a good watch though, far superior to the first.

X2: X-Men United

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 22:01:18 EST

Title: Who knew with a name like Phoenix?
Rating: 79% (fx: 96%, plot:76%, ent:80%, rage:28%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
I eagerly watched the first X-Men. It was loaded with good actors, was based on a good comic, and had some great looking special effects. I came away entertained, but I didn't *love* the movie. I ended up buying the DVD at a later point because of the effects and then wondering why I'd bothered (I'm not sure I've watched it since). The second movie however... it breaks the mold. Rather then relying on thousands of comic book readers as the only support base for it's movie (and then their extra knowledge to explain the lacking plot) they actually wrote the second movie for the screen. I found this movie more entertaining than the first, and overall would chose it any day. If you liked the first or where only so-so I definitely recommend you see this movie... it should be better for you too. All rage in this movie was generated by the inane desire for the movie to explain everything too you, and then insult you by suggesting that someone with a name like Phoenix would die and not be re-born in a burst of flame... what does no movie go-er have any idea on mythology? Pha! Bastards.

Terminator 3

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 22:08:55 EST

Title: Dude; Women's Rights Robots!
Rating: 89% (fx: 100%, plot:52%, ent:92%, rage:0%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
great movies like Back to the Future). In my opinion this was the best T movie, and one of the most entertaining movies of the summer.

Finding Nemo

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 21:41:02 EST

Title: So that's a clown fish
Rating: 85% (fx: 72%, plot:72%, ent:88%, rage:4%)
Recommended viewing: Rent (new release)

Review:
I've always had a like for Disney movies. While they're made for the young, they often are loaded with dialog/images for the older crowd (which is often lost on the young). I went to see this movie since it's the latest from Disney. I have to say I loved it. It was very well done, from the stereotypical Australian "Bruce" shark, to the surfer-dude turtles. The movie crushes you in the first few minutes, but you're swiftly re-inflated in a few minutes. There are a lot of good characters in this movie including the forgetful sidekick Ellen DeGeneres although she gets just a tad on your nerves at times... but that's her character rather then her sitcom. As Danger says the movie is loaded with wise-cracks, I came away happy and entertained.

Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 21:57:57 EST

Title: The Second Installment still runs long, but doesn't scare you to death
Rating: 89% (fx: 92%, plot:80%, ent:96%, rage:16%)
Recommended viewing: Theatre (Big)

Review:
Again staying true to the book the second Lord of the Rings movie does an excellent job of... well entertaining. I have still a complaint... the damn length! Although the Ents where an integral part of the book... I had it pointed out to me that that whole thing could have been skipped in the movie in favour of dropping 20 minutes or so... that's a good point (although the two associated hobbits would have been mostly missing from the entire second movie). Beyond the length the effects are truly amazing, Gollum is a very well designed character (although seeing less of him would have been preferable), seeing less of Frodo was definitely a plus (the big-eyed-ponce) and of course the story is very good. All in all this movie is a must see, for many reasons if not just the literature, seeing it on a big screen is probably the way to go... although an nice 50"+ HDTV would look pretty damn impressive!