Manny & Lo

This is a movie about two sisters, on the run from everything. They left their if I understood correctly abusive foster homes after their birth mother passed and now live out of their car stealing from stores and the older sister Lo giving sexual favors for gas. Manny is only eight and is brilliantly portrayed by a very young Scarlet Johanson. Things get complicated when Lo gets pregnant but she knows she cannot go to a hospital because she will then be discovered and brought to jail for hr crimes. They decide the best idea is to kidnap this older woman who works in a baby supplies and toy store. They kidnap her and hold her in this winter house that is unoccupied so that she may deliver her baby. The movie obviously goes to the point where she becomes a motherly figure. She is played by Mary Kay Place very well but the movie just never picks up. It runs slow and lacks that emotional underlying that most of these movies have. It is supposed to be short and sweet but ends short with not that much of an impact. There are some great things about it but the film is mostly lacking.

2.5 out of 5 Stars

Dirty Dancing

"Dirty Dancing" starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey is renowned as a cult classic. A movie that defines a time period. The rebellion of the children. The movie is fun, and it is cute. Unfortunately, a great movie it is not. I enjoy it a lot but to no stretch of the imagination is it well made or well acted. You really do not identify with Baby's character very much except the idea of her turning from good to bad, just like "Grease." What makes the movie fun is the dancing and the music. It almost feels like a musical because of the fantastic soundtrack that is packed with fantastic classics such as; "Where Are You Tonight?," "In The Still of the Night," "Yes," "Time of My Life," "You Don't Own Me," and my personal favorite "Hungry Eyes." It is definitely a love story for the girls but it really is not a good one. The acting is off, the dialogue cheesy, and the story doesn't make much sense at points. It is fun to enjoy because it is such a fan favorite but other then that the film does not have that much to offer. I do highly recommend to download the soundtrack because it really does make the film. The movie is cute, that is about it.

2.5 out of 5 Stars

Catfish

This documentary genuinely shocked me. Completely blew me away. It does not feel like a documentary because it is not like most. Most documentaries are trying to inform you of something or raise awareness and warn you. This one just simply tells and shows a true story about a regular guy whose friends decide to video document his life and relationship with this girl he meets over Facebook and proceeds to have a long-distance relationship with her. I do not want to share any more because I believe it will ruin this story but just know that you are about to watch an amazing example of how film can catch true and real things if the camera is at the right place and the right time. The film also gave me a deep and further understanding on other people. I now respect others that I do not understand more after seeing this film. There is more then meets the eye to the people you see everyday on the street. There is real pain behind everyone you encounter. This documentary to me is far superior to the convoluted and greatly biased "Inside Job" that won the oscar for the 2010 Academy Awards. When you get a chance take a look at this rare film that sheds light on the reason why people do certain things that to us make no sense and also examine the difference between your real self and the person you display online.

5 out of 5 Stars

Indecent Proposal

Another sexy and stylist film from Adriane Lyne that I specifically watched because of how much I enjoyed his newest picture "Unfaithful" that i reviewed a few weeks back. This film has gotten less critical acclaim, some of it being negative, then Lynes' other work. I personally, however, liked this more then his blockbuster hit "Fatal Attraction" and thought it dealt more with real emotional struggle rather then some cheap thrills. The movie stars Woody Harrelson and Demi Moore, at her sexiest, and also Robert Redford. Harrelson and Moore play the married couple who have been sweethearts since high school and have had a mostly happy marriage. They run low on money and will have to score fast to be able to keep the property they have been working on to sell. They go to Vegas where they are met by Redford's character who offers the couple one million big ones for one night. The couple's initial reaction is a strong no that quickly changes and leads to more things. The movie has an interesting premise with some extremely fantastic acting. At moments the movie seems unreal because lets be honest, this situation is near impossible, but the movie ends up dealing with real emotion and shows how awful infidelity is and can be. The struggles that involve with giving up someone you love to make their lives "better" or happy" can and will lead to consequences. I liked the movie a lot because of how well made it is and how great Moore is. The movie is sexy but stays away from some of the pointless nudity that Lyne puts in his other films. It is enjoyable and a bit of struggle but you eventually persevere through it just like a relationship should be, staying with it through the hard times to keep it together. With all of its unchristian morals in it, it sort of ends with a nice Christian moral message.

4 out of 5 Stars

The Mist (Frank Darabont Summary)

I just recently watched "The Mist" directed by Frank Darabont adapted from the Stephen King novella. It is a sort of weird and different horror story where a father takes his son casually to go get the groceries at their local grocer in Maine. A mist surrounds the whole place and a man comes out of it claiming that, "there is something in the mist." It is a unique idea and brings the question up of what you would actually do if something crazy like this happened. The people in the grocery store are ignorant at first, however when tentacles coming from nowhere start killing people they sing a different tune. I had a lot of problems with this movie while watching it. The acting comes across cheesy and unbelievable at times, especially because of the unbelievable setting they are put in. The seemingly casual and very violent horror flick takes an unusual turn as it goes on to explore themes from "Lord of The Flies" in how without a society people will do whatever it takes to survive and follow anyone who takes leadership. As a Christian, I had a problem with the film. They had to make a character, played by Marcia Gay Harden, who is an absolutely insane "Christian" woman. She starts preaching about how this is the end times and that God's wrath is coming to destroy everyone. My main issue with it is that she says a few things that are correct and then goes on to say things that are completely unbiblical and ridiculous. She is portrayed as the crazy woman and all of the other non christians are the normal ones. She eventually ends up being a leader, leading people astray saying that this is the apocalypse and that she has direct contact with God and finally that they need to sacrifice people to the beast outside to atone for their sins. Jesus died for our sins no person or child needs to be sacrificed. I hate the image of Christians Hollywood makes out of us. Are there a few wacko Christians? Yes, there are but not to this extent and let me tell you I am not the one who judges but they are probably not Christians. Besides this point the movie does get even more crazy and the most talked about thing is the shocker ending different from the novella. I thought that the ending was clever, unique, and smart but also completely unfulfilling.   After you watch this movie please ask yourself, What meaning or point is the director trying to make? I found it almost sick. First off it is a little ridiculous because a stupid and retarded decision is made so quickly and as an audience member I am sitting in my seat baffled. The movie has some smart things about it but ultimately falls short especially in comparison to Darabont's other films. Another random thing thing that bothered me is who in the world calls it mist? Everyone in the movie is like "Oh my God, the mist." Nobody in the movie ever calls it fog. Thats just one of the many things that made the movie seem fake.

2.5 out of 5 Stars

Check out Darabont's other films that are far superior and one being an all time classic.

The Shawshank Redemption------5 Stars (Top 100 List)
The Green Mile------------------------5 Stars
The Majestic----------------------------5 Stars
The Mist--------------------------------2.5 Stars

Scary Movie

I laughed so much at this gross comedy. It is absolutely ridiculous, has no point or reddeming qualities, and it is so much fun. The movie parodies multiple horror movies including; "Scream," "I Know What You Did Last Summer," "Dawsons Creek," "The Sixth Sense," "The Blair Witch Project," "The Usual Suspects," and probably more that I can't think of. If you've seen these other movies it will be more fun. It really is a movie aimed for teens (most parents will not find this funny, but it is.) I laughed so much and I know the movie is stupid and raunchy but it is just hilarious and a good time hanging out with your friends. I do not reccommend the other "Scary Movies" because most of them suck. This is the one to watch but do not watch it if you think raunchy comedies are gross because while this may be one of the funniest it is also one of the grossest.

3 out of 5 Stars

Total Recall

Paul Verhoeven directs this classic favorite sci-fi action adventure flick starring Arnol Schwarzenegger. Verhoeven ha also directed crowd favorites like "Basic Instinct" and "Robocop." He is famous for his over the top violence and gore included in most of his movies. Total Recall has a huge fan base following it and after watching it, it is easy to see why. The movie has awful dialogue and somepretty poor acting. Some effects look fake now in this day and age while at the same time some look incredibly ahead of its time. The characters are extremely cheesy, mostly due to the script and some action scenes look very chereographed. All of what I just said is true but it is such a fun movie. I can respect a film that is not trying to be super deep and meaningful and just have fun. The story is clever and smart and actually a bit of a thinker. Most of the effects are great and the action is fun and intense. You care about some of these cardboard typical action heroes and it is just a great family fun ride. It is an escape film. Just like "Star Wars" is so great with all of its cheesiness this is the same thing. I laughed, I was on the edge of my seat. Its graphically and unrealisticly violent which just adds to the fun. Arnold is jacked and fun to watch, as is Sharon Stone. The makeup of the characters is fasinating. It is like a more action filled "Blade Runner" that's funny. A remake starring Colin Farrel will be coming soon so make sure to check it out. I am expecting that they will take it more seriously and make it more of a dramatic action film instead of a fun flick but it willbe good too. The ambiguous ending makes the movie even cooler and fun to talk about and it is a great film to watch with non-movie watchers because they will enjoy it also. Sit back, grab the pop corn, and enjoy the ride.

5 out of 5 Stars

The Man Who Wasn't There

This film has earned its spot as one of my favorite Coen Brother films. The film isn't trying to be realistic like some Coens work but it is symbolic and characters represent different types of people. The movie is about how life doesn't always work out the way you have planned. Sometimes, you will settle for less because it is better then nothing. Billy Bob Thornton gives a spectacular performance as the barber, who lives a plain and simple life, (the movie is in black and white) one day he sees an opportunity to do better for themselves and things go awry. The acting, directon, script, camerawork are all perfect in this film. It is deep and sort of sad but will not leave you heart broken. It is a sort of fantasy story that show how life sometimes ends up in a more ruthful way then most movies do. Frances McDormand is fantastic as is the beautiful Scarlet Johanson. It is hard to talk about this movie without giving away how things happen as things change throughout so I will leave you with this, if you are a Coen fan you should love this movie, and if you are not afterwrds you should become a Coen fan. If you do not fall into one of these two categories...you have a problem. Comment and we'll talk about it.

5 out of 5 Stars

Miller's Crossing (Coen Brothers Summary)

I watched this Coen Brothers film about a week ago and forgot to review it amongst the many things that have been going on and I think because it did not leave a huge impact on me negative or positive. The film does have a huge fan base among Coen Brothers fans and is regarded as one of the great "gangster" flicks. I thought it was good but not as good as I would have hoped or expected coming from a Coen Brothers film. I did like it however, there are some great performances all around, the front runner being John Turturro who is a Coen favorite. He also appears in "Barton Fink," "O Brother, Where Art Thou," "The Big Lebowski," and maybe more. The cinematography is a clear standout along with some cool story telling techniques. I also liked the style of the film, just as all other Coen films are but to me this one just doesn't have that heart and that extra unique thing that most of their films have. I have nothing really to complain about it but not much to praise about it either. I like just as much Coen films as I find some to be not so good even though other fans love them. I am in love with "No Country For Old Men," "Blood Simple," "Fargo," and recently "The Man Who Wasn't There" but I have been disappointed with "The Ladykillers," "Barton Fink," and am still trying to like "The Big Lebowski" I recognize some of the greatness in the films that I am not as fond of but they are hard to like when some of their films are just so great.

2.5 out of 5 Stars

My Coen Brothers Summary.

Blood Simple.--------------------------------------5 Stars (Top 100 List)                  
Raising Arizona-------------------------------------3 Stars
Miller's Crossing-----------------------------------2.5 Stars
Barton Fink----------------------------------------2.5 Stars
The Hudsucker Proxy----------------------------(Have Not Seen)
Fargo----------------------------------------------5 Stars
The Big Lebowski---------------------------------2.5 Stars
O Brother, Where Art Thou?----------------------2 Stars
The Man Who Wasn't There-----------------------5 Stars
Intolerable Cruelty---------------------------------3.5 Stars
The Ladykillers------------------------------------2 Stars
No Country For Old Men-------------------------5 Stars (Top 100 List)
Burn After Reading--------------------------------3 Stars
A Serious Man------------------------------------4 Stars
True Grit------------------------------------------3 Stars

I will give my review for "The Man Who Wasn't There" next because I just watched it this morning and loved it. One more film left to watch and then I can say that I have seen every Coen Brothers film. They are enjoyable films and the Coens are astounding filmmakers. Even the movies that I am not crazy about have huge fan bases and get numerous amounts of critical acclaim. You should definitely check these guys out.

Little Children

This film really captured me right from the start, although it has a similar tone to Todd Field's other film "In The Bedroom" this movie is very different. Over a somewhat long hiatus since his last film Todd Field comes out with another movie that gets recognized at the Academy Awards without winning anything. The film reminds me a little of "The Royal Tenenbaums" in the way that the story is told about many different people who are all somewhat connected and by the way it is narrated. The narrator takes you through this journey of lives unfulfilled, of people who feel that they are missing something despite their living in the perfect "American Dream" suburb community. The story, Sarah (Kate Winslet) is tired of her regular life and routine and her distracted husband. She has a beautiful daughter that she loves very much but there is still something missing. Brad, (Patrick Wilson) is the answer to her question. He is the "perfect"dad who is very handsome whom the other suburban women refer to as the "prom king." He has similar feelings of wanting to get away and things transpire from there. There are other stories also going on at this time, the largest one being of a registered sex offender, returning home to live with his mother also with a less then welcoming from the rest of the community. The movie seems very real. There are women and people like this, I live in the suburbs, I would know. People do not realize it. I think everyone has a feeling that there is more to life then this and they try and fill this gap with marriage, children, drugs, alcohol, or false religions. Anything to make them feel better. This makes the movie very realistic and close to home for almost anyone seeing the movie. The film is also unique in the way that it remains funny and somewhat a comedy but at the same time can be so emotional and serious. The acting all around is perfect. Every single actor from this all star cast gives their best with the stand outs being the nominated actors Kate Winslet and Jackie Earle Haley however, any of these actors could have gotten a well deserved nomination. What I like about this movie is that you really care and you really relate. if you walked in on someone else watching the film it would be understandable to think "This is boring." You need to watch it from beginning to end to really get in the mood and understand. I am very excited fir more Todd Field films to come because he has proved himself to be a great filmmaker. "In The Bedroom" is also a fantastic film packed with great performances. I think Field really brings out the best in his actors. This movie is so emotionally deep and funny but ends at a point where you are at the edge of your seat and on the verge of screaming. The movie isn't for the faint of heart or for those who do not want to take some of these questions about life seriously. The film may be called, "Little Children" but i assure you it is not for the children. Your children should be in bed during this movie but do not let that stop you from watching it because there are great things to be gotten from this movie.

5 out of 5 Stars

Fatal Attraction

If you read my review for the film "Unfaithful" from a few weeks back then you knew that I liked that movie very much and that i was excited to go back and check out other Adrian Lyne films to see if they are any good. I did that here watching "Fatal Attraction" last night a film which has developed a lot of pop culture popularity and generated a lot of buzz at its release. The film was the second highest grossing film of 1987, after "Three Men and a Baby" and was nominated for 6 Academy Awards. The film is very sexy which is true of every Lyne film, this one being about a man who has a weekend affair with an apparent normal and reasonable woman while his wife and child are gone. When he tries to break it off the woman just will not let him go and things get heated and escalate as he tries to keep a hold on his loving family without anyone finding out about the incident. The movie is pretty well made with intense and fabulous performances all around from Michael Dougless and especially Glenn Close as the now iconic, "Alex." She is what makes this film. This is not a perfect film, the script is not perfect, it gets a bit ridiculous, and there is a very noticeable continuity issue that I think most men will notice but as far as entertaining thrillers go this is one of the best. It is just a fun flick but it is done with perfection in its area. The movie is not trying to be a critical phenomenon it is trying to entertain audiences and keep them gripped and at the edge of their seat. This film does just that. In some ways it is a not as raunchy, but better version of "Basic Instinct." It has had huge influence over the years in pop culture from Close's iconic whit dress to a phrase popular now in Britain, "bunny boiler." The movie is just good fun. It isn't deep its just fun to be entertained. I still look forward to seeing other Adrian Lyne films including one coming up in the future known now as "Back Roads" as he has proved to be a stylistic, gutsy, and entertaining filmmaker.

4 out of 5 Stars

Trespass

I watched this with a few friends and I had a good time getting to hang with them but this movie absolutely sucked. It is the worst film to come out this year that I have seen. The film is about a mother, father, and daughter held hostage in their own house to be robbed by this people for their diamonds. The plot then immediately gets super confusing whilst at the same time being utterly stupid. The acting sucks and pretty much every bit of dialogue spoken in the film is laughable. This is another crappy thriller from Joel Schumacher who is at the point where he needs to just stop making movies. He has no style, no depth for characters and what is funny about it is that he thinks he does. I was watching interviews of him hyping up this film talking about twists and great acting and I'm like "Are you serious." Either he is lying and knows his movie sucks or he is completely oblivious. The film holds an awful 13% on rotten tomatoes which, by the way, is the worst of the worst. "Trespass" however, holds on record being the fastest movie of all time to go from the theaters to DVD. This is not a record you want. It was such a huge flop theaters were kicking it out 8 days after release and the film only made a small amount over $24,000 with its 35 Million dollar budget. Mega losses here for producers and another disappointment from Schumacher. It is amazing how A-listers like Nicolas Cage and Nicole Kidman, who was nominated for an academy award last year, can appear in such crappy movies.

0 out of 5 Stars

The Human Centipede 2: Full Sequence

I can without question say that this is the grossest and most disgusting movie I have ever seen in my entire life. The movie at moments made me feel like I was about to throw up. This film, if it even deserves to be called a film, goes way beyond any gross, horror violence you have ever seen before. If you think movies like "Saw," "Hostel," and the first "Human Centipede" were gross then, as Al Jolson said, "You ain't heard, (in this case seen) nothing yet. This movie is beyond the grossest of gross demonstrating torture acts unspeakable and inhumane. There is no redeeming plot or purpose to this story at all, it begins with graphic torture porn and then ends. This is the kind of movie that has been titled a "gorno," a term that Eli Roth's "Hostel" created. I cannot however totally bash this movie, there is some sense of style and creativity, and if you are a horror fan just trying to see the next grossest thing, then this is the movie you need to watch. The creativity of this film mainly comes from the premise. I did not know how they could make a sequel to such a gross movie in the first place. The premise is a weird, possible mentally challenged man, who spends all of his free time watching and re-watching "The Human Centipede: First Sequence." This movie is not a continuation too the last films story but recognized that the first film is in fact a film and this guy is obsessed with it and wants to create a centipede of his own. I do think this is very creative and I think the point that director, Tom Six, is trying to make is that this is in fact just a movie. It raises the question, could a guy actually see something gross like this and be inspired by it. I was sitting there watching this movie, of this freak watching a gross movie and then acting on it. You realize as an audience member that you are "sort of" the guy on the screen entertained by the violence. He just acts on it and we do not...or do we? Or does he? I do not want to ruin the ending because it really is the best part of the film. The movie is not as stupid or dumb as it meets the eye, it is just hard to think deeply about a movie such as this because whilst watching it all you can think about is the terrible and awful things happening before your very own eyes. The director, Tom Six, is a messed up man. I do not know how he thought of these things, but I have come to the conclusion that he is actually a smart man, breaking the rules in cinema. He loves the awful reaction the film gets, and the God-awful reviews. But we know one thing and that is people are watching and buying. What does that tell us about our society today. Six promises "The Human Centipede 3" will make this film look like a Disney film. I don't know what more he can do but he will do it. The movie despite all this other stuff is actually stylistic, filmed in black and white and with a few cool camera angels. You can watch this movie with your friends to be grossed out and laugh, and you will, but also think about the beginning and the ending of the movie and how it genuinely relates to yourself.

3 out of 5 Stars

It's tough for me to admit how this gross and disgusting movie is actually smart and well made.