October 29, 2010 - #78/100
The Wings of the Dove (1997)
Based on the novel by Henry James, Kate Croy's mother was born to wealth and privilege, but she threw it all away to marry Kate's father (Michael Gambon), a penniless opium addict who admits to having stolen from his wife. After her mother's death, Kate (Helena Bonham Carter) is offered an opportunity to return to the life her mother gave up. However, there is a condition. Kate must sever all of her old ties, not only to her father, but also to her lover, the muck-raking journalist Merton Densher (Linus Roache), whom she has promised marriage. Kate reluctantly agrees to this, and in the meantime becomes friendly with "the world's richest orphan," Millie Theale (Alison Elliott), an American making the Grand Tour. Desperate to see Kate, Merton crashes a party that she and Millie are attending, and Millie is attracted to him. When Kate learns that Millie is dying, she comes up with a plan. She wants Merton to woo Millie so that when Millie dies, she will leave all of her money to Merton. Thus, making Merton rich, and able to marry Kate. As usual, Helena Bonham Carter's acting is amazing, and the rest of the cast was great, as well. I've never read the book, but after viewing this movie, it has intrigued me. Since books go into much more detail, I'd love to read the book and figure out more about the overall plot. It's definitely not a lighthearted plot, but it's very intense and interesting. I definitely wouldn't mind watching this movie again.
I gave this movie 9/10 stars on imdb.com.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Old School movie review
October 26, 2010 - #77/100
Old School (2003)
Near the beginning of the movie, Mitch's (Luke Wilson) crazy girlfriend named Heidi cheats on him, former party animal Frank (Will Ferrell) gets married, and Beanie (Vince Vaughn) is a typical family man. Once Mitch's life drastically changes, he moves into a house located on a college campus. Once he moves into the house, Frank is unable to let go of his wild life, and Beanie wants to reclaim his wild and crazy youth. Beanie then suggests that they form their own fraternity in Mitch's new house in order to re-live their glory days by bringing together a variety of misfit college students, losers, middle-aged and elderly retirees as their new friends. They mainly start the fraternity because the new Dean of Students named Pritchard (Jeremy Piven), whom still holds a personal grudge against all three of them, is trying to find a way to evict Mitch. Even though the creation of the fraternity works for a while, the dean still manages to find a way to evict Mitch from the house. Therefore, the three of them need to work together in order to keep the fraternity alive. Surprisingly, this movie wasn't as over-the-top silly as I thought that it was going to be, but I still didn't really enjoy it that much. It was somewhat entertaining to watch, but I wouldn't ever really want to watch it again.
I gave this movie 5/10 stars on imdb.com.
Old School (2003)
Near the beginning of the movie, Mitch's (Luke Wilson) crazy girlfriend named Heidi cheats on him, former party animal Frank (Will Ferrell) gets married, and Beanie (Vince Vaughn) is a typical family man. Once Mitch's life drastically changes, he moves into a house located on a college campus. Once he moves into the house, Frank is unable to let go of his wild life, and Beanie wants to reclaim his wild and crazy youth. Beanie then suggests that they form their own fraternity in Mitch's new house in order to re-live their glory days by bringing together a variety of misfit college students, losers, middle-aged and elderly retirees as their new friends. They mainly start the fraternity because the new Dean of Students named Pritchard (Jeremy Piven), whom still holds a personal grudge against all three of them, is trying to find a way to evict Mitch. Even though the creation of the fraternity works for a while, the dean still manages to find a way to evict Mitch from the house. Therefore, the three of them need to work together in order to keep the fraternity alive. Surprisingly, this movie wasn't as over-the-top silly as I thought that it was going to be, but I still didn't really enjoy it that much. It was somewhat entertaining to watch, but I wouldn't ever really want to watch it again.
I gave this movie 5/10 stars on imdb.com.
Runaway Jury movie review
October 24, 2010 - #76/100
Runaway Jury (2003)
When a day trader is shot and killed at his workplace, his widow sues a major gun manufacturer. Holding them responsible for his death, she dispatches idealistic lawyer Wendell Rohr (Dustin Hoffman) to oversee the case. A good man of principle, Wendell takes charge. On the defense team, another man will take charge: Rankin Fitch (Gene Hackman), a powerful and ruthless jury consultant riding high on his frequent successes. But in the middle of it all is the jury, which both Wendell and Rankin are determined to sway. But what they're about to discover is that one man and one woman stand in their way. Nicholas Easter (John Cusack) is one of the jurors and he's the one collaborating with Marlee (Rachel Weisz), his girlfriend, on the final outcome of the case. But as the case progresses, questions arise as to what the motives are of all those involved, and what some will do to secure the final outcome. The acting was wonderful, and the movie had many twists in it. Therefore, the plot was hard to predict since the movie contained so many twists. It's definitely a movie that keeps you thinking, and manages to keep your attention the entire time.
I gave this movie 8/10 stars on imdb.com.
Runaway Jury (2003)
When a day trader is shot and killed at his workplace, his widow sues a major gun manufacturer. Holding them responsible for his death, she dispatches idealistic lawyer Wendell Rohr (Dustin Hoffman) to oversee the case. A good man of principle, Wendell takes charge. On the defense team, another man will take charge: Rankin Fitch (Gene Hackman), a powerful and ruthless jury consultant riding high on his frequent successes. But in the middle of it all is the jury, which both Wendell and Rankin are determined to sway. But what they're about to discover is that one man and one woman stand in their way. Nicholas Easter (John Cusack) is one of the jurors and he's the one collaborating with Marlee (Rachel Weisz), his girlfriend, on the final outcome of the case. But as the case progresses, questions arise as to what the motives are of all those involved, and what some will do to secure the final outcome. The acting was wonderful, and the movie had many twists in it. Therefore, the plot was hard to predict since the movie contained so many twists. It's definitely a movie that keeps you thinking, and manages to keep your attention the entire time.
I gave this movie 8/10 stars on imdb.com.
Some Kind of Wonderful movie review
October 23, 2010 - #75/100
Some Kind of Wonderful (1987)
A young tomboy named Watts (Mary Stuart Masterson) is best friends with Keith (Eric Stoltz). Keith's father focuses on trying to pressure Keith into going to college so he won't have to work on cars for the rest of his life, just like his family has always had to do in the past. But, Keith isn't that enthusiastic about college. Instead, Keith excels in the arts, and would rather focus on pursuing that dream. But, for the time being, the only thing that Keith is really able to focus on is a girl by the name of Amanda Jones (Lea Thompson). She's one of the most popular girls in the school, and appears to be out of Keith's reach. But, when Amanda gets mad at her boyfriend, she agrees to go on a date with Keith. While all of this is taking place, Watts figures out that her feelings for her best friend Keith run deeper than just friendship, so she gets slightly hurt and jealous. But, while Keith plans to take Amanda out on a date, Amanda's old boyfriend plans to get back at Keith. Towards the end of the movie, the viewer beings to wonder if Keith will ever realize his true feelings for his best friend Watts. John Hughes was definitely one of the greatest screenwriters of the 1980's, and this is just another one of his classic 80's movies. Personally, I greatly enjoyed this movie. I thought that it was a really good movie, and the acting was wonderful. I definitely wouldn't mind watching this movie again.
I gave this movie 9/10 stars on imdb.com.
Some Kind of Wonderful (1987)
A young tomboy named Watts (Mary Stuart Masterson) is best friends with Keith (Eric Stoltz). Keith's father focuses on trying to pressure Keith into going to college so he won't have to work on cars for the rest of his life, just like his family has always had to do in the past. But, Keith isn't that enthusiastic about college. Instead, Keith excels in the arts, and would rather focus on pursuing that dream. But, for the time being, the only thing that Keith is really able to focus on is a girl by the name of Amanda Jones (Lea Thompson). She's one of the most popular girls in the school, and appears to be out of Keith's reach. But, when Amanda gets mad at her boyfriend, she agrees to go on a date with Keith. While all of this is taking place, Watts figures out that her feelings for her best friend Keith run deeper than just friendship, so she gets slightly hurt and jealous. But, while Keith plans to take Amanda out on a date, Amanda's old boyfriend plans to get back at Keith. Towards the end of the movie, the viewer beings to wonder if Keith will ever realize his true feelings for his best friend Watts. John Hughes was definitely one of the greatest screenwriters of the 1980's, and this is just another one of his classic 80's movies. Personally, I greatly enjoyed this movie. I thought that it was a really good movie, and the acting was wonderful. I definitely wouldn't mind watching this movie again.
I gave this movie 9/10 stars on imdb.com.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time movie review
October 15, 2010 - #74/100
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)
Adopted from the streets of Nasaf by King Sharaman of Persia, young Dastan grows up amongst royalty and quickly earns his place as a mighty warrior and prince. As his brothers Garsiv and Tus plan battle strategies, a spy sends word that the Holy City of Alamut has been supplying weapons to enemies of Persia. Taking matters into his own hands, Tus orders an attack on the sacred city, and upon its fall, Dastan (Jake Gyllenhaal) encounters the beautiful Princess Tamina (Gemma Arterton). When King Sharaman dies under mysterious circumstances shortly after, and Dastan is accused of his murder, he flees with the princess on a harrowing mission to clear his name. Learning from Tamina the true motives behind Alamut's invasion, Dastan must embark on a perilous quest to stop an evil master-mind's plot for ultimate power with a mystical weapon that can control the very fabric of time. Overall, the acting was pretty good, and the movie managed to keep my attention. I've never played the video game before, but the storyline seemed to be adapted pretty well to be inspired by a video game.
I gave this movie 7/10 stars on imdb.com.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)
Adopted from the streets of Nasaf by King Sharaman of Persia, young Dastan grows up amongst royalty and quickly earns his place as a mighty warrior and prince. As his brothers Garsiv and Tus plan battle strategies, a spy sends word that the Holy City of Alamut has been supplying weapons to enemies of Persia. Taking matters into his own hands, Tus orders an attack on the sacred city, and upon its fall, Dastan (Jake Gyllenhaal) encounters the beautiful Princess Tamina (Gemma Arterton). When King Sharaman dies under mysterious circumstances shortly after, and Dastan is accused of his murder, he flees with the princess on a harrowing mission to clear his name. Learning from Tamina the true motives behind Alamut's invasion, Dastan must embark on a perilous quest to stop an evil master-mind's plot for ultimate power with a mystical weapon that can control the very fabric of time. Overall, the acting was pretty good, and the movie managed to keep my attention. I've never played the video game before, but the storyline seemed to be adapted pretty well to be inspired by a video game.
I gave this movie 7/10 stars on imdb.com.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Love and Other Disasters movie review
October 15, 2010 - #73/100
Love and Other Disasters (2006)
Emily Jackson (Brittany Murphy), called Jacks, lives a fast-paced life. She is always on the go, able to talk around the clock, and loves playing matchmaker for her friends. It's Emily's gay roommate and frequent companion Peter (Matthew Rhys) who becomes the subject of Jacks' matchmaking skills when a handsome new photographer assistant named Paolo (Santiago Cabrera) arrives at the Vogue offices, where Jacks works. She makes it her mission to bring the two men together. Unfortunately for her, she is so busy arranging a love connection between Peter and Paolo that she remains completely blind to the fact that Paolo isn't gay at all, and that Paolo is actually in love with her. It doesn't take long for Paolo to realize that Jacks thinks that he is gay, and there are many times where he tries to tell Jacks, only to be interrupted by others. It then makes the viewer wonder if Paolo will ever be able to tell Jacks the truth, or, when he does tell Jacks the truth, if she will be forgiving and if she even likes Paolo as more than just friends. Overall, I thought that this was a really cute movie. I love Brittany Murphy, and I've always thought that she was a good actress. It wasn't the best romantic comedy that I've ever seen, but I still enjoyed it and I wouldn't mind watching it again.
I gave this movie 7/10 stars on imdb.com.
Love and Other Disasters (2006)
Emily Jackson (Brittany Murphy), called Jacks, lives a fast-paced life. She is always on the go, able to talk around the clock, and loves playing matchmaker for her friends. It's Emily's gay roommate and frequent companion Peter (Matthew Rhys) who becomes the subject of Jacks' matchmaking skills when a handsome new photographer assistant named Paolo (Santiago Cabrera) arrives at the Vogue offices, where Jacks works. She makes it her mission to bring the two men together. Unfortunately for her, she is so busy arranging a love connection between Peter and Paolo that she remains completely blind to the fact that Paolo isn't gay at all, and that Paolo is actually in love with her. It doesn't take long for Paolo to realize that Jacks thinks that he is gay, and there are many times where he tries to tell Jacks, only to be interrupted by others. It then makes the viewer wonder if Paolo will ever be able to tell Jacks the truth, or, when he does tell Jacks the truth, if she will be forgiving and if she even likes Paolo as more than just friends. Overall, I thought that this was a really cute movie. I love Brittany Murphy, and I've always thought that she was a good actress. It wasn't the best romantic comedy that I've ever seen, but I still enjoyed it and I wouldn't mind watching it again.
I gave this movie 7/10 stars on imdb.com.
Ed Wood movie review
October 11, 2010 - #72/100
Ed Wood (1994)
I've seen parts of this movie, but I've never seen the movie in its entirety (which is shocking seeing as how I'm a huge Tim Burton fanatic). Anyway, Edward D. Wood Jr. is known as the worst director of all time. This movie takes place in the 1950's and focuses around several of Ed Wood's most well-known movies, such as Glen or Glenda, Bride of the Monster, and Plan 9 From Outer Space. Near the beginning of the movie, Ed Wood (Johnny Depp) is desperately trying to find a producer that will fund a movie that he is wanting to direct. Additionally, throughout the entire movie, Ed Wood struggles with his transvestism while trying to get his friend Bela Lugosi (Martin Landau), who is now older and not so well-known in the Hollywood business, into his films. His transvestism scares away his girlfriend Dolores Fuller (Sarah Jessica Parker), and Mr. Lugosi suffers from health problems, which sometimes hinders the making of the movies. As stated earlier, the entire movie presents the life of Ed Wood, but Tim Burton manages to present it in a comical way. Overall, I thought that this was a really great movie. The acting was flawless. But, at times, I felt like the movie dragged a bit. That was the only flaw that I noticed. Everything else was great.
I gave this movie 9/10 stars on imdb.com.
Ed Wood (1994)
I've seen parts of this movie, but I've never seen the movie in its entirety (which is shocking seeing as how I'm a huge Tim Burton fanatic). Anyway, Edward D. Wood Jr. is known as the worst director of all time. This movie takes place in the 1950's and focuses around several of Ed Wood's most well-known movies, such as Glen or Glenda, Bride of the Monster, and Plan 9 From Outer Space. Near the beginning of the movie, Ed Wood (Johnny Depp) is desperately trying to find a producer that will fund a movie that he is wanting to direct. Additionally, throughout the entire movie, Ed Wood struggles with his transvestism while trying to get his friend Bela Lugosi (Martin Landau), who is now older and not so well-known in the Hollywood business, into his films. His transvestism scares away his girlfriend Dolores Fuller (Sarah Jessica Parker), and Mr. Lugosi suffers from health problems, which sometimes hinders the making of the movies. As stated earlier, the entire movie presents the life of Ed Wood, but Tim Burton manages to present it in a comical way. Overall, I thought that this was a really great movie. The acting was flawless. But, at times, I felt like the movie dragged a bit. That was the only flaw that I noticed. Everything else was great.
I gave this movie 9/10 stars on imdb.com.
Sweet Revenge movie review
October 11, 2010 - #71/100
Sweet Revenge (1998)
Near the beginning of the movie, a depressed businessman by the name of Henry Bell (Sam Neill) is standing on London's Tower Bridge, thinking about jumping off and committing suicide. Right before he jumps, he hears someone screaming for help. After searching around the bridge, he finds an aristocratic woman by the name of Karen Knightly (Helena Bonham Carter). Karen had been at the bridge for the same reason, except she had actually jumped. But, as soon as she jumped, her clothes got caught on something and she had been dangling there for several hours, waiting for someone to help her. After Henry helps Karen, they hang out for a bit and talk. Karen then comes up with a plot to get revenge on those who ruined their lives. For Henry, Bruce Tick was the man that fired him. For Karen, a woman by the name of Imogen who is married to a man that Karen was in love with. The very next day, Karen begins to implement her revenge plan. Generally, I think I expected this movie to be better. I didn't really laugh that much throughout the movie. Don't get me wrong, the acting was good. I'm a huge fan of Helena Bonham Carter, and she's always an amazing actress in any role that she plays. But, I just didn't really enjoy this movie that much.
I gave this movie 5/10 stars on imdb.com.
Sweet Revenge (1998)
Near the beginning of the movie, a depressed businessman by the name of Henry Bell (Sam Neill) is standing on London's Tower Bridge, thinking about jumping off and committing suicide. Right before he jumps, he hears someone screaming for help. After searching around the bridge, he finds an aristocratic woman by the name of Karen Knightly (Helena Bonham Carter). Karen had been at the bridge for the same reason, except she had actually jumped. But, as soon as she jumped, her clothes got caught on something and she had been dangling there for several hours, waiting for someone to help her. After Henry helps Karen, they hang out for a bit and talk. Karen then comes up with a plot to get revenge on those who ruined their lives. For Henry, Bruce Tick was the man that fired him. For Karen, a woman by the name of Imogen who is married to a man that Karen was in love with. The very next day, Karen begins to implement her revenge plan. Generally, I think I expected this movie to be better. I didn't really laugh that much throughout the movie. Don't get me wrong, the acting was good. I'm a huge fan of Helena Bonham Carter, and she's always an amazing actress in any role that she plays. But, I just didn't really enjoy this movie that much.
I gave this movie 5/10 stars on imdb.com.
Great Expectations movie review
October 4, 2010 - #70/100
Great Expectations (1998)
Based on the timeless tale by Charles Dickens, this is a story of man named Finn (Ethan Hawke) who is desperately in love with an unreachable woman named Estella (Gwyneth Paltrow). Updated to modern day New York City, the story concerns a man of modest background who falls in love with a rich girl. At a young age, an older woman by the name of Ms. Dinsmoor (Anne Bancroft), gets Finn to come to her mansion in order to keep Estella company during the day. At a young age, Ms. Dinsmoor had her heartbroken, so she trains Estella how to be a heart breaker. As Finn grows up around the house, he manages to fall in love with Estella. As they get older, Finn tries everything that he can possibly think of in order to win her heart. I read this book roughly four years ago, and I remember liking it. The movie very different than the book. Even though I enjoyed the book more than I enjoyed the movie, I still thought that it was a pretty good movie. It seemed to lack at times, but it still managed to keep my attention. I probably wouldn't mind watching it again in the future.
I gave this movie 7/10 stars on imdb.com.
Great Expectations (1998)
Based on the timeless tale by Charles Dickens, this is a story of man named Finn (Ethan Hawke) who is desperately in love with an unreachable woman named Estella (Gwyneth Paltrow). Updated to modern day New York City, the story concerns a man of modest background who falls in love with a rich girl. At a young age, an older woman by the name of Ms. Dinsmoor (Anne Bancroft), gets Finn to come to her mansion in order to keep Estella company during the day. At a young age, Ms. Dinsmoor had her heartbroken, so she trains Estella how to be a heart breaker. As Finn grows up around the house, he manages to fall in love with Estella. As they get older, Finn tries everything that he can possibly think of in order to win her heart. I read this book roughly four years ago, and I remember liking it. The movie very different than the book. Even though I enjoyed the book more than I enjoyed the movie, I still thought that it was a pretty good movie. It seemed to lack at times, but it still managed to keep my attention. I probably wouldn't mind watching it again in the future.
I gave this movie 7/10 stars on imdb.com.
No Reservations movie review
October 3, 2010 - #69/100
No Reservations (2007)
In Manhattan, the workaholic Kate (Catherine Zeta-Jones) is the chef of the 22 Bleecker Restaurant owned by Paula (Patricia Clarkson), who sent her to a therapist because she had no other interest in life but cooking and controlling her kitchen. When her only sister dies in a car accident, Kate becomes the guardian of her niece Zoe (Abigail Breslin), who has tremendous trouble being able to overcome the loss of her mother. Paula orders Kate to take a couple of days off in order to take care of Zoe. After the several days have passed, Kate returns to work, only to find out that Paula hired a sub-chef named Nick (Aaron Eckhart) without her approval. Nick explains that he is honored to work with Kate, but Kate is jealous and doesn't trust him. She believes that he wants her position. When Zoe gets close to Nick and invites him to have dinner with her and Kate, Kate changes her feelings for Nick. But, when his work is recognized by the clients of the restaurant, Kate believes she committed a mistake. Overall, I thought that this was a pretty good movie. It was definitely not as light hearted as I had thought that it was going to be, but it was still good. It managed to keep my attention. I wouldn't mind watching it again eventually.
I gave this movie 7/10 stars on imdb.com.
No Reservations (2007)
In Manhattan, the workaholic Kate (Catherine Zeta-Jones) is the chef of the 22 Bleecker Restaurant owned by Paula (Patricia Clarkson), who sent her to a therapist because she had no other interest in life but cooking and controlling her kitchen. When her only sister dies in a car accident, Kate becomes the guardian of her niece Zoe (Abigail Breslin), who has tremendous trouble being able to overcome the loss of her mother. Paula orders Kate to take a couple of days off in order to take care of Zoe. After the several days have passed, Kate returns to work, only to find out that Paula hired a sub-chef named Nick (Aaron Eckhart) without her approval. Nick explains that he is honored to work with Kate, but Kate is jealous and doesn't trust him. She believes that he wants her position. When Zoe gets close to Nick and invites him to have dinner with her and Kate, Kate changes her feelings for Nick. But, when his work is recognized by the clients of the restaurant, Kate believes she committed a mistake. Overall, I thought that this was a pretty good movie. It was definitely not as light hearted as I had thought that it was going to be, but it was still good. It managed to keep my attention. I wouldn't mind watching it again eventually.
I gave this movie 7/10 stars on imdb.com.
Hot Tub Time Machine movie review
October 2, 2010 - #68/100
Hot Tub Time Machine (2010)
Three friends on losing streaks: Adam (John Cusack), whose girlfriend dumped him, Nick (Craig Robinson), with a dead-end job and a cheating wife, and Lou (Rob Corddry), a suicidal alcoholic. To help Lou recover from car-exhaust poisoning, Adam and Nick, with Adam's nephew Jacob (Clark Duke), go to a winter resort that was their old party place back in the days. It's now a dump, but the men get together anyway for a night of drinking in the hot tub. Somehow, the hot tub takes them back to 1986, on a fateful night for each of them. Maybe if they do everything the same way they did that night, they'll get back to the future so Jacob can be born. There are serious temptations to do things differently, and at times, it is hard for them to resist such temptation. Overall, I thought that this was a decent movie. It had some funny moments, but I'd generally classify this as a stupid comedy, and I've never really been a huge fan of stupid comedies. I guess you could say that I prefer romantic comedies. Anyway, it was somewhat entertaining to watch, but I don't think that I'd ever bother to watch this movie again.
I gave this movie 6/10 stars on imdb.com.
Hot Tub Time Machine (2010)
Three friends on losing streaks: Adam (John Cusack), whose girlfriend dumped him, Nick (Craig Robinson), with a dead-end job and a cheating wife, and Lou (Rob Corddry), a suicidal alcoholic. To help Lou recover from car-exhaust poisoning, Adam and Nick, with Adam's nephew Jacob (Clark Duke), go to a winter resort that was their old party place back in the days. It's now a dump, but the men get together anyway for a night of drinking in the hot tub. Somehow, the hot tub takes them back to 1986, on a fateful night for each of them. Maybe if they do everything the same way they did that night, they'll get back to the future so Jacob can be born. There are serious temptations to do things differently, and at times, it is hard for them to resist such temptation. Overall, I thought that this was a decent movie. It had some funny moments, but I'd generally classify this as a stupid comedy, and I've never really been a huge fan of stupid comedies. I guess you could say that I prefer romantic comedies. Anyway, it was somewhat entertaining to watch, but I don't think that I'd ever bother to watch this movie again.
I gave this movie 6/10 stars on imdb.com.
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