Children of Men Review
RATING: (4 STARS) “Children of Men†is one of the most depressing films I’ve ever seen, yet I can watch it over and over again. The story of what happens when man has no hope and society implodes is a downer for sure, but it’s ultimately very rewarding. Every aspect of this film is just […]
The Blind Side Review
RATING: (2.5 STARS) Many of you probably think I hate “The Blind Side.†That’s understandable. I vaguely remember saying something like “I almost vomited when the film was nominated for Best Picture.†But I don’t hate it. I actually kind of like it. I just think it’s so derivative that to nominate it alongside films […]
The Departed Review
RATING: (4 STARS) “The Departed†is director Martin Scorsese’s best work since “Taxi Driver.†Yeah, I said it. I think this film is better than “Goodfellas†and “Raging Bull.†In fact, for a long time, this film was my standard answer for the dreaded “What’s your favorite movie?†question. I no longer hold it in […]
Il Divo Review
RATING: (3 STARS) One of the biggest surprises the day the Oscar nominations were announced was the inclusion of the Italian film “Il Divo” in the Best Makeup category. Most people don’t really care about Best Makeup, but tradition tells me I must see every (feature-length) film nominated for an award. So I began my […]
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Review
RATING: (4 STARS) After two phenomenal films, Peter Jackson and the crew for “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King†had a lot to live up to. It’s hard to believe what an accomplishment this film is. What could they do that wasn’t in the first two movies? I asked myself that […]
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Review
RATING: (4 STARS) Often, the second in a trilogy is the strongest of the bunch. Look at “The Empire Strikes Back†or “Spider-Man 2.†Other times, they are the worst in the series. For proof of this, look at the other Star Wars trilogy and its subpar entry, “Attack of the Clones.†The “Lord of […]
Amelia Review
RATING: (2.5 STARS) How can a film about one of the most legendary figures of the 20th century, who has such a mysterious story, be so bland? Neither the performances of Hilary Swank and Richard Gere, nor the direction Mira Nair (in my opinion, a great filmmaker) can get this film off the ground. I […]
This Is It
Writing a review of Michael Jackson’s concert rehearsal documentary is something of a pointless endeavor (which is why this will likely be quite short). The film is exactly what you expect: a final look at one of music’s most influential, yet troubled, individuals. It’s the last chance Jackson fans have of see their hero perform. […]
Crazy Heart Review
RATING: (3 STARS) “Crazy Heart†doesn’t have the most unique story of the year. If you’ve seen “Walk the Line,†you won’t be too surprised by the trajectory of this film. It doesn’t feature the best direction, writing or technical features in recent memory. However, it does contain one of the greatest performances of 2009 […]
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Review
RATING: (4 STARS) When New Line Cinema executives agreed to bankroll this massive project, to be filmed in New Zealand by a relatively unheralded director, they were risking their entire company. Sure, J.R.R. Tolkein’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy is beloved by many around the world, but plenty of folks in the know at […]
Requiem for a Dream Review
RATING: (4 STARS) Requiem for a Dream, Darren Aronofsky’s sophomore effort and his best film to date, is an unshakable cry in the dark, a stern and impassioned warning about the dangers of addiction and the depths one will go to for another fix. It’s an extreme film, but it’s also as powerful as any […]
Sherlock Holmes Review
RATING: (2.5 STARS) If Sherlock Holmes had a somewhat decent story to go along with its enjoyable characters and great technical work, I’m sure I would be more enthusiastic about it. As it is, however, I can’t quite recommend it. The story isn’t even derivative, it’s a mess. Despite the fact that we are spoon […]
In the Loop Review
RATING: (3.5 STARS) Fuck! In the Loop is a fucking funny movie! Never has a movie used profanity in such large fuckin’ amounts or in such a great fucking way, but it makes this movie. A satire about the ineptitudes of government, In the Loop doesn’t make any thought-provoking points (except that members of government […]
Wendy and Lucy Review
RATING: (3 STARS) Featuring an eye-opening performance from Michelle Williams, Wendy and Lucy is one of 2008’s underseen gems. With minimal plot, the film manages to touch on a number of personal issues such as isolation, desperation, and companionship. And unlike many films, it doesn’t outstay it’s welcome. At a slim 75 minutes, director Kelly […]
The Road Review
RATING: (3.5 STARS) John Hillcoat’s The Road couldn’t be more different from recent apocalypse films like 2012 and The Book of Eli. It relies on terrific acting and an inescapable sense of hopelessness and dread to tell a story capable of reaffirming one’s faith in humanity. It also does something many thought impossible: Coherently capture […]
The Hurt Locker Review
RATING: (4 STARS) Real suspense is hard to achieve. It’s easy to throw in a shock or two into a film to keep the audience on edge. To sustain that feeling over a prolonged time is a challenge, but it’s something Kathryn Bigelow achieves in her uncompromising war film The Hurt Locker. Director after director […]
