DanLog the ramblings of Daniel Pettit

Sort list by: title | rating | view date ↓

• September, 2009

• Gran Torino 8/10

  2009-09-05 21:52 0.3

• August, 2009

• Revolution Road 6/10

  2009-08-30 20:36

  Very well acted well made movie, which is why it got a 6. I just don't get why such a story would be compelling to see. Sure I could twist my mind into various "morals" of the story but honestly none really fly with me. Not a happy movie by any stretch.

  0.3

• P.S. I Love You 7/10

  2009-08-24 22:00

  If you don't mind movies that make you cry for two hours then this is a well done movie.

  0.3

• Two and a half Men: Fourth Season 9/10

  2009-08-05 21:36

  Okay they definitely jumped the shark this season, not in an absurd way but in decency. Must make for some uncomfortable dinner table conversations given this is rerun in syndication during the dinner hour. Not to say it isn't entertaining but are they trying to compete with HBO?

  0.3

• April, 2009

• Time Changer 8/10

  2009-04-20 20:44

  I was surprised at how much I liked the film, a low budget Christian flick. I'm a sucker for time travel films so it gets a head-start right there, the convicting message is the brownie points those two elements combine to overcome the lets say awkward dialog. It also has some pretty funny lines. The best of which was "I think we just missed the rapture". Probably not going to be a moving movie to nonbeliever other than to move out of the room. Christ's message is delivered with a sledgehammer so the movie most likely will offend or alienate non Christians, though it might spark something in the question of why is it so offensive.
  

  0.3

• You Kill Me 7/10

  2009-04-13 21:00

  A heartwarming film about how a contract killer looses his one pleasure in life to alcohol and received redemption through the fellowship of AA and receiving the love of a woman. Of course there are some twists to the definition of redemption which must be evident in having contract killer and heartwarming in the same sentence. The movie proceeds at a meandering pace but not unobjectionably so, an interesting storyline and well acted. As I wright this review a week or so later and after seeing Time Changer it makes me ponder if this movie and those like it are innocent distractionary entertainment or a more sinister erosion of absolute morals to relative ones.
  

  0.3

• March, 2009

• Cars 8/10

  2009-03-16 20:46

  Okay I thought this would be a safe bet for an entertaining little distraction. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The start was a little shaky as I was having a hard time coping with the total lack of humans. Once they hit the road for California it was all good from there. Two street-mattresses and a few belly laughs during the credits rounded out a cheerful evening.
  

  0.3

• Eagle Eye 9/10

  2009-03-14 20:52

  Not knowing much about the movie I was expecting or hoping for a really good action B movie. Well I got an action packed high energy A studio flick. The best new Hollywood movie I've seen in quite a while. i didn't even care at all the liberties they were taking with the story lines. Yes "Big Brother" really can do much of the stuff with a more limited capacity but come on once again with the damn fire sprinklers and power-lines overloading at just the right place to kill someone. How does that kind of thinking get out of the writing room of a major studio?? They couldn't dream up something that at least was very far fetched? okay now I'm getting irritated. Just check that anal brain at the door if you have one and enjoy the ride.
  

  0.3

• Two and a half Men: Second Season 9/10

  2009-03-03 18:15

  Just finished the second season, the show just keeps delivering.
  

  0.3

• Priceless 7/10

  2009-03-02 18:32

  A French film - subtitled, I've really been getting a lot of reading watching movies lately, I'm glad my DVD remote has a 15 second rewind button. I always end up missing some dialog while I'm eating. Anyway a major twist on the old RomCom but a fun little film as long as you can disregard the near total lack of morals of the film. It actually is a pretty telling conviction of how our society has really morphed into the world of Bling.
  

  0.3

• February, 2009

• Shiri 7/10

  2009-02-27 18:23

  Another Korean film, this is a pure police action adventure flick. Other than the less than Hollywood ending and the subtitles you'd think it came out of Hollywood, and I mean that as a compliment. One thing that kept bothering me was the female lead, it seemed that I knew her from something else then it dawned on me, she [ Yunjin Kim ] plays Sun on TVs Lost.
  

  0.3

• Lady Vengeance 7/10

  2009-02-13 18:18

  The last of the Chan-wook Park's Korean vengeance trilogy and very satisfying in a brutal Old Testament way.
  

  0.3

• Two and a half Men: First Season 9/10

  2009-02-11 20:40

  I first saw this show about a year ago and saw quite a few in syndication over a two month period while I was away from my broadcast TV barren home. My sister recently lent me the DVD set. So now I've seen the first season in its entirety. This is a very fun show though an adult show. Which brings me to ponder just how can one justify running these shows in syndication during the family hour? It is basically Sex and the City for men morphed into a "family" sitcom and sanitized just enough for broadcast. Charlie Harper's [ Charlie Sheen ] unvarnished truth about who and what he is, is refreshing despite his near total lack of morals. Angus T. Jones who plays Jake Harper is a gem of a find. It is no wonder they stopped casting the minute they saw him. Adult fun for all but definitely a man's show with a healthy and regular serving of eye candy. Speaking of eye candy I think we have a new picture to add to the illustrated dictionary definition of "eye candy" - Megan Fox who played Berta's granddaughter and that is her real name. Melanie Lynskey as Rose is the most endearing stalker you'll ever meet and it is never a dull moment with Conchata Ferrell as Berta. The saddest thing about 2.5 Men is how much I identify with Alan Harper [ Jon Cryer ] but that is for me and my therapist to work out.
  

  0.3

• Mystic Pizza 6/10

  2009-02-09 19:46

  Another one of those "classics" I've never seen. I wonder just where I got the idea this is a must see classic? Don't get me wrong it's not a bad film, just really didn't do much for me, maybe I do have some testosterone left.
  

  0.3

• If Someone Had Known 7/10

  2009-02-07 19:37

  The story of the abused wife that finally loses it on the husband but still loves him dearly. The oddest thing about this TV-movie was that the main family's name was Pettit, which is how I came across it in the first place. It actually was pretty well done and really got my dander up. I really wanted to go Old Testament on Mr. Pettit but he got his. Based on a true story and the name had been changed to protect the "innocent".
  

  0.3

• Oldboy 8/10

  2009-02-06 19:22

  Second film of Chan-wook Park's Vengeance Trilogy. The story is just a hair raisingly diabolical decent to the apex of payback. I can't really pigeon hole the genre other than to say it fits well with the label that promotes this title: Asia Extreme. Not for the faint hearted, there is plenty to disturb just about anyone at some point, but this is not a horror movie- unless you're a PETA member. I'm sure Quintin Tarantino loved it.
  

  0.3

• Taxi Driver 7/10

  2009-02-02 21:35

  Okay now I'm afraid to ride in cabs. Yes I'm typing at you, you see anyone else reading this?
  

  0.3

• El Dorado 7/10

  2009-02-01 21:32

  Your basic bad family vs good family western plot with a twist. A quite enjoyable film if you like the genre. John Wayne, Robert Michum and a young James Caan.
  

  0.3

• January, 2009

• The Case for Christ 7/10

  2009-01-31 19:53

  
  

  0.3

• Righteous Kill 8/10

  2009-01-30 19:48

  Basic gritty NY homicide detective movie with two legends, DeNiro and Pacino - with a twist. Can't go wrong with those two.
  

  0.3

• Tropic Thunder 7/10

  2009-01-26 20:59

  I had really high hopes for this spoof. But things took an ugly turn very fast at the beginning of the movie to that's not funny that is distasteful and dishonorable treatment of our vets. If the scene that was bothering me had continued for one more minute I was going to stop the movie, something I've never done before. Though I have considered it a few times for a variety of reasons. Thankfully the tone of the movie changed at the end of that scene and it was also a transition of the viewers perspective of just what was being seen. In the end the whole premise of the film was unique. A great cast, sure there is some silliness and some way-out wackiness but it all sort of works.
  

  0.3

• August 6/10

  2009-01-25 19:18

  Based on the true rise and fall of a .com this movie unfortunately only gets the fall and never is really flying. No really sure what made the movie dull. I thought the performances were good, a good cast. Either a bad script or directing or both. Unless you have the hots for Josh Hartnett you might as well pass on this one.
  

  0.3

• No Sympathy for Mr Vengeance 7/10

  2009-01-23 19:07

  A Korean film about vengeance converging with vengeance. Definitely not your Hollywood studio fare. From the storyline to the film-making style. This is good film-making. But be warned this is for adults that can handle up-close and personal brutality. It challenges one's allegiances to film characters as to who's the good guy and who's the bad guy.
  

  0.3

• I Dream of Jeannie Season 3 8/10

  2009-01-14 18:57

  Still loving it. It is great to be able to actually see the four-parter when Jeannie is locked in the safe in order. I was just thinking of how debaucherous this show would be if HBO remade it today.
  

  0.3

• December, 2008

• Letters From Iwo Jima 8/10

  2008-12-21 22:11

  Certainly different watching a movie from the other side of the conflict. I was a bit worried about who I'd be rooting for when the bullets started to fly. Clearly an anti-war movie, but then again if done accurately what war movie isn't really anti-war provided the view has a heart and the maturity above a teenage boy. Very well done and as usual with subtitles I'm thinking I can understand Japanese by the end of the movie.
  

  0.3

• The Rocky Horror Picture Show 6/10

  2008-12-20 19:57

  Again this may be hard to believe but this is the first time I've ever seen RHPS. So here is my first reaction. "WHAT IN SAM HILL WAS THAT?" followed by I can't believe that's Tim Curry. And the final thought how do projects like this ever get funding, how does one give a table read to a suit and then they hand over their checkbook. I will say that I wasn't bored, seriously had the "train wreak" thing going on. Most disturbing was the audience participation stuff on the DVD. I'm glad no one ever talked me into partaking in a midnight showing.
  

  0.3

• Life of Brian 7/10

  2008-12-20 18:06

  Another oldie that has gone unseen. I must say I am glad I waited for so long. Now being familiar with the good Book, the movie was much funnier and interesting in seeing the perspective of the observational humor. It really does make you think, well me anyway, just what those in way way in the back where you can only make out every third word thought they heard at the Sermon on the Mount.
  

  0.3

• Rooster Cogburn and the Lady 7/10

  2008-12-19 20:02

  I was pleasantly surprised. Looking at the cover art and the title and one is not encouraged that much Westernness is to follow. Wayne and Hepburn were one entertaining match-up.
  

  0.3

• The Case for a Creator 8/10

  2008-12-15 20:19

  A documentary on intelligent design. A seemingly well laid out and researched argument. The most troubling point of the film was the editing choice of filming the profile of the author, just didn't add anything, detracted from the presentation if you ask me. Even if I wasn't a Christian now, being a Deist for most of my life I didn't need any convincing that Darwinism is a crock. I did never really look into any details on the matter one way or another but after hearing the statistics mentioned in the film, I'm amazed at just how much more faith you need to believe in Macro-evolution than in Intelligent Design.
  

  0.3

• The Nightmare Before Christmas 7/10

  2008-12-13 20:12

  I've been adding some classics that I've somehow never seen before, NBC being the first in line. The one disadvantage of avoiding the big-box rental chains you just don't have access to some classics. I must say Tim Burton has one odd imagination. But he does consistently turn in a mean story. This was one major puppet undertaking. It was an enjoyable show though I'm not going be worshiping at the alter of Jack, I find English clay dogs much more endearing. Though I was oddly attracted to Sally, should I increase my therapy sessions???
  

  0.3

• Get Smart 7/10

  2008-12-12 20:07

  I guess I had higher hopes for this one. Maybe it should be an 8 but it just didn't live up to my expectations. I really like Steve Carell and Anne Hathaway, but something just wasn't hitting on all cylinders. I am exited at the prospect of a sequel.
  

  0.3

• Get Smart Season 1 8/10

  2008-12-10 19:41

  Just finished the first season. It was funnier when I was a kid, but still entertaining nonsense.
  

  0.3

• Cougar Club 6/10

  2008-12-08 20:45

  I can't say I hated it but it seemed like everyone involved just phoned it in. There was a lot of potential left in the studio or on the storyboard.
  

  0.3

• Sands of Iwo Jima 7/10

  2008-12-07 19:42

  The movie that solidified The Duke as a war hero. All in all not bad, it's no epic compared to movies since but never the less a worthy effort and deserves a spot in any war collection.
  

  0.3

• The Bank Job 8/10

  2008-12-06 21:00

  Very good heist caper, even more interesting is that it is very much based on a real bank burglary.
  

  0.3

• The Condemned 8/10

  2008-12-05 21:12

  Pleasantly surprised with how much I liked this film. As a Christian I felt a little guilty at the amount of pleasure I got when the "nerds" go theirs. This harks back to the good old days of Van Damme and Seagal at their peak.
  

  0.3

• Blind Dating 7/10

  2008-12-01 21:29

  Kind of a Dude/chick flick, it has it's times. Not going to have a prominently placement in a RomCom collection but worth a a couple bucks to rent. Also reminded me about how cute Indian girls can be.

  0.3

• November, 2008

• The Train 8/10

  2008-11-30 20:14

  A very entertaining film, I must say I was fascinated by the workings of running a rail line.

  0.3

• The Pursuit of Happyness 7/10

  2008-11-29 21:35

  Hard to not like a Wil Smith film, though this is not your typical WS film. Touching true story of perseverance.

  0.3

• The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior 6/10

  2008-11-28 21:37

  Very disappointed in this sequel. As a stand alone film its an okay B movie of this genre. As a sequel to a pretty good movie it was more like the 3rd or 4th movie where they are just milking every last penny out of the franchise.

  0.3

• Something New 6/10

  2008-11-27 23:02

  Billed as a RomCom however there was hardly and Com. There was a heaping of heavy racial/social issues stirred up but then quickly glossed them over and wrapped the movie up in a nice ball. The movie suffered from an identity crisis. They wanted a RomCom with a strong social message, they didn't accomplish either they ended up with mediocre straight Romance movie. The movie really needed to be funnier or more serious.

  0.3

• License to Wed 7/10

  2008-11-24 21:40

  A solid RomCom. Okay this isn't the most serious of films but who'd have thunk Mork for Ork would have ended up being a serious movie star?

  0.3

• 21 7/10

  2008-11-23 21:46

  A fun film.

  0.3

• Next 8/10

  2008-11-17 22:42

  A little different twist on seeing into the future, some of there cause and effect hypothesise seemed suspect but thing of the effects of polluting the time line can give me a headache and this is just a movie so just suspend those old brain cells and enjoy the story.

  0.3

• Made of Honor 7/10

  2008-11-16 22:47

  Middle of the road RomCom.

  0.3

• Meet Bill 6/10

  2008-11-15 22:46 0.3

• Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the... 8/10

  2008-11-14 19:59

  Harrison is the Energizer Bunny, looks just as good as twenty years ago. You've got all the trappings of a Indy movie, but somehow it never gathers a full head of steam. That being said it was still a solid two hours of adventure.
  

  0.3

• War Dance 8/10

  2008-11-13 22:33

  Not exactly what I had in mind, I figured it was mainly an African aid seeking film. What it is, is a happy and sad documentary of the plight of some refuge children in war torn North Uganda and their quest for the national dance championship, no this is not "Bring It On 4 In the Bush". They didn't focus on squalor or living conditions yes you know they live in a camp and very very simply, but they get fed and protected by their government and the UN. What they lack in possessions they make up for in pride and community-ship. Hopefully you will cry stronger with joy than sorrow, but from some of the children's stories you will have no doubt about the existence of evil if you were not sure before.

  0.3

• The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou 7/10

  2008-11-10 20:06

  Well as usual it is not your usual fare with a Wes Anderson film. I can't really describe it, other than a psychedelic Moby Dick.
  

  0.3

• The Secret - Si j'étais toi 8/10

  2008-11-08 20:14

  You've seen various incarnations on the basic plot of this film before. This one brings its own mix to the table that works. there is also something calming about David Duchovny or is that just me? Olivia Thirlby turned in quite a performance. I was actually surprised at how much I liked the movie.
  

  0.3

• The Day After 6/10

  2008-11-07 20:36

  When I saw the original broadcast I'm sure it was an edge of my seat affair. Today it is tame and dated. But some 25 years later I suppose it was ground breaking at the time, and for a mini-series of that age the special effects were pretty good and as I think about it, it was very gruesome for its day. I suppose everyone should see it once as it does put face to that faceless fear of nuclear annihilation.
  

  0.3

• Half Baked 6/10

  2008-11-03 20:44

  Another cult classic I've never seen till now. Well I wasn't missing much. Sure I guess you can't have an unfunny movie with Dave Chappelle and there are moments in the film. I imagine if you are or were a pot head then this movie is probably hillarious. Since I'm not and never was, its just middling fare.
  

  0.3

• October, 2008

• Doomsday 7/10

  2008-10-29 20:16

  Not too bad, basically ripped off a bunch of the last two Mad Max films. But I do have a thing for post apocalyptic urban setting flix.
  

  0.3

• Run Fat Boy Run 6/10

  2008-10-27 20:20

  Hard to not like a Simon Pegg movie. The film just doesn't really hit on enough cylinders to make it that great of a romance or a comedy. So it misses it's intended mark of a RomCom as you have to have at least one of those ingredients. Sure there are some moments but you just don't love or hate the characters enough most of the time.
  

  0.3

• Step Up 2, the streets 7/10

  2008-10-24 20:25

  Well if you like these high school type dancing films you should like this one. The final in the rain pretty cool and Briana Evigan wet and in motion was a sight to behold. Evigan as in Greg- I guess BJ found a friend other than the bear. After watching I was struck by how "clean" the movie was, lack of cursing, no sexuality other than the dancing. Not what I've been used to in PG-13s as of late.
  

  0.3

• Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay 6/10

  2008-10-23 20:41

  Curse of the sequel strikes again. But what would you expect. The first wasn't exactly Gone With The Wind. It has its moments but overall just tries too hard. I'm sure the next The stoner moments, when no-one is stoned are too stoner. Most of the GW Bush stuff was funny, I took it as kind of endearing, I'm sure they meant it as a slam as most Republicans would find it most offensive. Those that are stumbled by the female crotch should avoid the film like the plague. Course I probably shouldn't be watching this genre either, but I haven't felt convicted by the Lord, yet anyway. I just take what comes in stride and refuse to hit the rewind.
  

  0.3

• The Tracey Fragments 5/10

  2008-10-20 18:05

  I was rope-a-doped by the trailer. It was like watching an 80 minute music video without the music. I'd recommend it to a film student or casting agent but no one else. Ellen Page's performance was very good, though.
  

  0.3

• The Notebook 7/10

  2008-10-18 20:51

  Very well done heartfelt movie, no RomCom here just pure romance and I still liked it. The film showcases a love and dedication that sadly I think was lost in our society two generations ago. Knuckle draggers beware you will only enjoy a minute or two of this film.
  

  0.3

• August, 2008

• The Walker 7/10

  2008-08-10 20:31

  I'm sure I've discussed this before about how I somehow end up watching films with a common actor in a row. I almost did it again except for some slow mail messing with my Netflix queue. Woody Harrelson in this film and also in Semi-Pro now that is an unlikely pairing.
  

  0.3

• Rambo 8/10

  2008-08-08 20:38

  A smaller more compact Rambo movie, which still delivers the goods after a 20 year break. The carnage of the 50mm was brutal and from the extra features apparently was extremely realistic according to vets.
  

  0.3

• Semi-Pro 6/10

  2008-08-04 20:48

  I think the best thing about the film was the immersion in the 1970's again. I seemed to be a comforting nostalgic experience. Sure Will is funny but these aren't exactly Meryl Streep films. Will Ferrell just might be running out of steam here.
  

  0.3

• Color of Freedom 7/10

  2008-08-03 21:03

  
  

  0.3

• The Air I Breathe 8/10

  2008-08-01 21:06

  
  

  0.3

• June, 2008

• White Noise 7/10

  2008-06-27 20:22

  Eh it was okay. Hardly scary at all. The script really does without much connecting the dots and not in the lets not spoon feed the audience kind of way. I was easily pulled away from the film by a ringing phone, "sure I can talk". Interesting story premise though which earned it another rating point. Its really a 6.5 at best.
  

  0.3

• American Pie - The Naked Mile 7/10

  2008-06-23 20:32

  Typical senseless sophomoric debauchery with just a tiny bit of American Pie sensitivity. More of a 6.5. The "little person" football was an interesting twist as was the Viagra inspired competition. Oh course there was no shortage of eye candy so if you like the genre you won't be disappointed in ponying up a few bucks to rent it.
  

  0.3

• There Will Be Blood 8/10

  2008-06-22 18:40

  Okay now this was some cinema making in action. Beautifully photographed. Daniel Day-Lewis's performance was stunning. The storyline was quite fascinating, though the film could have been trimmed down to two hours or so. Not the kind of film I'd watch over and over again but I was certainly enthrawled watching the story unfold.
  

  0.3

• One Missed Call 7/10

  2008-06-21 18:57

  I really need to the see the original Japanese film that started this eerie techno-based spookfest genre of films. Anyway I was mildly pleased with the film having not expected much. I was more than mildly pleased to get to watch Shannyn Sossamon for 90 minutes as supply of beautiful brunettes has been quite lacking for awhile but that is an unrelated matter. Anywho the film kept me fairly engaged for the duration so if this is your cup of tea then go ahead and give it a try.
  

  0.3

• Sydney White 7/10

  2008-06-16 18:26

  Here is a teenager coming of age film made for preteen girls wanting a Cinderella story. A sappy underdog prevails film. You'll want to steer clear if you aren't a young girl as you'll be irritated as a woman cause by now you know that the nice guy/girl do finish last or if you're a dude you will be quickly gouging your eyes out due to the sweet sappiness of the film and the realization that your eyes will not be required in this film because you failed to notice the PG-13 rating hence no gratuitous nudity. all that being said it's not a bad film. Amanda Bynes acting was a bit irritating at times, that accent and personality was just not working for me at times. Smaller doses would have helped. I've liked her in other films so maybe this script/setting was just not a perfect fit for her.
  

  0.3

• Trade 7/10

  2008-06-14 18:52

  The starts out in Spanish with subtitles which had me puzzled and a bit disappointed as I had just watched a subtitled film last night, I'd prefer to spread foreign films out, but wasn't Kevin Kline in this? What's going on? Anyway once Kevin does show up we are now in English. This is a disturbing film of human trafficking. If you have any decency it should stir some strong emotions in you. Either anger or grief or both. Living comfortably behind The Orange Curtain one finds hard and uncomfortable to believe that there are such people that value life and freedom so little. The performance from the cast is outstanding. This isn't the kind of movie you'll want to watch over and over unless there is something wrong with you or you are priming yourself for some vigilante vendetta killing spree. I guess that qualifies as having something wrong with you too. But if you don't have an inkling of that urge watching this film you have no heart. This is not a monumental achievement of filmmaking but is a competent rendering of a horrific tale.
  

  0.3

• Ladron Que Roba a Ladron - To Rob a Thief 7/10

  2008-06-13 18:43

  This was one of those intricate con heist movies, where you have to suspend your metal sense of logic to accept the premise. Once you temporarily release yourself from reality you're in for an entertaining film which happens to be a subtitled Spanish film. Other than being in Spanish you'd never know it wasn't a American studio B movie. But a strong B. Better than most. If you don't mind subtitles and like a good con/heist then check it out.
  

  0.3

• May, 2008

• Pandemic 7/10

  2008-05-19 18:30

  A TV miniseries. It is a much nicer viewing experience watching the whole thing in one shot uninterrupted. Not a bad show despite the almost three hour running time it didn't really get bogged down at any point. In the beginning the incessant flashback reminders of how contamination is spread got old real fast but I guess if that drilled it into some of the less bright viewing public I guess it wasn't a bad thing if we do face some sort of pandemic in the future, which I'm sad to say is most likely just a matter of time. Either from natural or terrorist origins with how interconnected the globe is today. I've always been fond of this genre of movie so keep that in mind. So if you have 3 hours to fill and can be entertained without any foul language, sex or excessive carnage, you do get a bit of TV gore but it's tame compared to CSI stuff, then give it a try.
  

  0.3

• City of God 7/10

  2008-05-18 18:07

  A subtitled Brazilian film about the true story of a photojournalist's experiences in growing up in the slums of Rio de Janeiro. I was discussing this film with one of my managers who happens to be Brazilian. He had some embarrassment/defensiveness about the film. Mainly that outsiders might view this as how all of Brazil is. This led to a discussion on how crime differs in the US verses Brazil. Petty theft is rampant all over Brazil and somewhat accepted. He said you'd never leave your car unlocked in any neighborhood. Unlike here in the states. Though violence is less of a factor. One difference is in Brazil you might get killed if you are in a bad neighborhood and you put up a fight with a robber, but you'll mostly be fine if you just go along and hand over your wallet. In the US you are much safer walking the streets pretty much anywhere, during the day anyway, but are much more likely to get gunned down by some psychopath that you can't guard yourself about. The film does sadly show how little regard for life there can be even in a "civilized" country. But nothing that doesn't really occur, though on a smaller and lower key scale in any US major city ghetto. The film does make one appreciate the good ole USA. City of God is a worthy film with a powerful commentary on how easily man can succumb to "the dark side".
  

  0.3

• American Gangster 8/10

  2008-05-16 19:57

  A well done addition to any gangster movie fan collection. Less action than most but not without brutality. In some way more cold and shocking than the Sopranos. Denzel turns in another noteworthy performance. A very interesting true story and essay on how power corrupts. Fans of modern American history dramas, crime, gangsters or Denzel Washington will not be disappointed.
  

  0.3

• Jackass Number Two 6/10

  2008-05-12 18:32

  Lookup train-wreak in the dictionary and you'll see a picture of Johnny Knoxville and Co. This stuff feeds some morbid curiosity in the lower brain function area of the mind. There is nothing edifying about these "films". That being said they are not without entertainment value. As a Christian now imagine I should steer clear of such base drivel. I will not be watching any-other incarnation of Jackass, but I will say it did have some intellectual & spiritual value. From my new Christian perspective I felt this series reflects the extremes a rudderless soul, especially young male, will go for stimulation. To fill that void in themselves. The participants of Jackass are the poster childs of today's Narcissistic culture. I certainly wouldn't want to associate with anyone remotely resembling the character traits of anyone in this film. The film should also be cross referenced in the dictionary under "bad influence". That being said there between the gross outs and just plain mean stunts there were some genuinely curious and clever stunts. I think my favorite was Firehose Rodeo. Okay now where can I go to get back the IQ points I just lost from watching this?
  

  0.3

• Cache 7/10

  2008-05-09 01:09

  A French film (subtitled) that doesn't follow the traditional Hollywood mould. The film was very interesting in that you really couldn't expect what was next. The last scene of the movie was practically random to me. The director explained that people came away with one of two perceptions of the last scene, I of course came up with my own of "What's next as they are still being watched". I came to that idea because the camera is locked and the length of the shot. If you had to put me into one of the two director camps I was in the one that "didn't notice". I don't know if anyone else feels this way but after awhile of watching a subtitled movie I actually kind of feel like I can understand the language, though I really can't. If you can enjoy a movie without bellylaughs, romance, car chases, erotica or English dialog then by all means give this one a try.
  

  0.3

• Monster-In-Law 8/10

  2008-05-05 18:46

  A RomCom starring Jane Fonda and Jennifer Lopez. I don't think I've mentioned this before but I seem to have this subconscious "talent" for watching movies serially that have an actor in common. Jane Fonda being the one in common here. But at times I've managed to go 4 or 5 movies in a row with some actor in common with the previous one but not with each other. Some of them have differed so greatly in genre that I'm just amazed when I suddenly see that familiar face and it's not limited to movies, it can include say guest appearances on a TV series I might be watching. Any-who this film was entertaining and I do seem to have a soft spot for Jennifer Lopez. She always seems to play a somewhat similar soul in her movies makes me wonder if what you see on screen isn't to far from the real McCoy. Jane Fonda looks pretty amazing in this film. A worthy chik-flik with some extra spice.
  

  0.3

• Georgia Rule 7/10

  2008-05-04 18:05

  Jane Fonda, Lindsay Lohan star in this tale of rebellion abuse and lies. It was an entertaining film and not what I was expecting. I figured it was just another RomCom with a generational twist, I guess It would help if I actually read about the film. But that spoils the fun sometimes. Anyway definitely not a family friendly film. Lindsay's character pretty much mirrors her real life behavior (at least according to the tabloids). That "poor" Mormon boy ( Garrett Hedlund ) didn't stand a chance. I guess he must have been fishing when they covered Jezebels. Though this Jezebel was created out of victimhood. By the end I didn't know what to believe as the truth. Anyway a well acted film.
  

  0.3

• Pan's Labyrinth 8/10

  2008-05-02 18:04

  A subtitled Spanish film. An interesting tale set in modern revolutionary Spain. It switches back and for from a fantasy world and the harsh reality of war-torn fascist Spain. Very different and entertaining not your predictable Hollywood fare.
  

  0.3

• April, 2008

• Why Did I Get Married 7/10

  2008-04-28 18:24

  Tyler Perry's trieste on marriage. An all black cast in an exaggerated but poignant tale of the individual trials of four professional couples marriages. While the situations and actions are exaggerated they just might be needed to to be to get the message through to the audience. A breath of fresh aire for a sort of Black RomCom without any trappings of the hood. Painful and cringe worthy at times the film is definitely worth a look.
  

  0.3

• Malena 8/10

  2008-04-27 18:44

  A subtitled Spanish file. This was a fun film of a distant time and place. I wonder if anyone has an adolescence like Renato ( Giuseppe Sulfaro ) anymore in this time and age. Basically the story of an Italian boy going through puberty during WW2, he falls in love with the beautiful Malena ( Monica Bellucci ). Monica Bellucci seems to have been hand-crafted by God to play this role. I feel "sorry" for 15 year old Giuseppe Sulfaro having to suffer all of those horrible cooties he must have caught from all the kissing he was forced to do with Monica Bellucci. Poor poor boy. ;) There are many funny moments and plenty of nudity but this is NO American Pie movie. While I did not grow up in a small Italian town I'd have to think that this boys story grounded in reality.
  

  0.3

• Prozac Nation 7/10

  2008-04-25 18:27

  I wasn't sure how to rate this movie because while it is a good movie I didn't "like" it. It is the true story of a college girls struggle with depression. The film was very well done as was Christina Ricci's performance. Some parts of the story were a bit too close for comfort. I would recommend the film to anyone that has a relative or close friend that suffers from severe depression. I can't imagine the heartache a parent must go through with a child in this condition. This is not a feel good movie but probably should be seen by everyone at least once.
  

  0.3

• Havoc 6/10

  2008-04-21 18:19

  A tale of rich white high schoolers that wish they were black gang-bangers. They talk, walk and dress as if they were from the hood. Whiggers they call them. As you follow them around to parties and areas of L.A. I was thinking is about as close to my high school days as the dark side of the moon. I wonder if some of the attitudes and opinions of these characters have any bearing on real life. I suppose they do as the gang culture certainly has spread outside of the hood and gangs are most certainly a reality. Anyway for most of the movie I'm thinking how screwed up must your childhood and or parents must be for you to act and think this way. The main draw here is Anne Hathaway breaking out of her Princess Diaries mould or should I say breaking out of her top. She certainly does look good all skanked up and does a good job of playing the teenage angst role but the film just doesn't seem to develop any heart. I does try to get some messages across but by the time the "preaching" starts you're too tired to absorb. The funniest thing about this film is the connection to another movie I saw. Way back in 1981 my friend Ryan's mom, took us to the movies to see S.O.B. You've probably never heard of it but it had a controversial buzz about it then as it was the movie that Mary Poppins ( Julie Andrews ) goes topless. I guess Julie Andrews is a bad influence. Julie and Anne must have had a heart to heart on the set of Princess Diaries and she told her that doing nude was no biggie. (Side note my mom wasn't thrilled that S.O.B. was the movie we went to that day). Just to be clear this is a Stupid-Teenager Movie verses a stupid Teenager-movie ala American Pie. Dark and edgy something parents might what to take a look at as to what to expect from their children if they themselves are messed up.
  

  0.3

• Mr Woodcock 7/10

  2008-04-20 18:11

  Not great not that bad either. If you are a fan of either Billy Bob Thorton or Sean William Scott then by all means ad this to your mental viewing collection. Not a stellar moment in either actor's career though.
  

  0.3

• I Am Legend 8/10

  2008-04-18 18:44

  Oh boy this film starts right off down my alley so to speak. A vacant and decaying Manhattan. All the elements were here, Will Smith did a great job and the movie was hitting on all cylinders for the first hour or so. But then it was as if the guy in the projection booth lost a reel and jumped to the last reel. This movie could have been, SHOULD have been at least another 30 minutes, actually another hour would have suited me just fine. they had just scratched the surface of the situation and developing the possibilities and then they rushed to just end the film. What happened? Did you guys run out of money or something? That being said it was still and entertaining movie that I would recommend but it so easily could have been a 9 and certainly with the right filmmaker a 10.
  

  0.3

• Black Snake Moan 7/10

  2008-04-14 17:54

  Okay this was not your father's Oldsmobile. I'm not sure what to say about this film other than I liked it. Samuel Jackson is yelling of course but not at snakes this time but at demons so to speak. If you like drama comedy train-wreak type films then you should love this one.
  

  0.3

• Southland Tales 6/10

  2008-04-12 19:06

  Okay first off this is a rather strange movie. Not your normal Hollywood fare. The basic story is as basic as it comes - the end of the world. But being in the PC world we are this ends up as a battle between Evil and Evil. The confessed liberal filmmaker tried "his" best to balance the movie with the Evil Ultra-Liberals vs the Evil Ultra-Conservatives but it is obvious he doesn't really consider the possibility of anything to the right of his views as being anything but extreme. Nevertheless the film's acid trip story telling for the most part clouds the political commentary. The bottom line - I did find the movie entertaining and the vast and eclectic cast was fantastic to watch. Will I be queuing this film up again? Probably not. There was huge potential with these story elements but the film never really built on anything. Maybe a SciFi channel mini-series could have made this mess work.
  

  0.3

• 28 Weeks Later 8/10

  2008-04-11 19:52

  If you liked the first you should like this one as well. I liked the first better but they are both worth modern zombie movies. This new breed of lightning quick zombies is certainly quite disturbing. And always I'm always a sucker for apocalyptic empty urban-scape settings.
  

  0.3

• Raising Helen 7/10

  2008-04-08 19:57

  A twist on the RomCom same roller coaster of emotions but the cast of characters has been changed. A charming heartfelt comedy.
  

  0.3

• Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind 6/10

  2008-04-07 18:23

  It won the Oscar for best original screenplay and it certainly was original. It was a fascination of the oddness for me. If you only love traditional Hollywood fare look elsewhere, if independent, film festival freaks are up your alley you'll probably love it. I honestly am not sure. While I did enjoy it, I can't say that I'd ever watch it again. With that being said I'd have given a 6.5 if I could. If you're a fan of Jim Carrey or Kate Winslet you will need to see it at least once. They really could have make it PG-13 as the few items that pushed it R were while not gratuitous they were certainly not necessary, but then again no kid would enjoy it so I guess it doesn't matter.
  

  0.3

• The Shepherd 6/10

  2008-04-06 17:44

  Basic Jean-Claude Van Damme B-movie action fare here. There should be no surprises for you here. You either like the genre or not. A good lark for a lazy rainy day. It is just below my level for wanting to see it again. If I was locked in a Hotel room in Uganda or on an airplane and this was the only thing to watch I' d have no problem watching it again.
  

  0.3

• Dawn of the Dead 8/10

  2008-04-05 19:07

  Believe it or not this was the first time I've ever seen George Romero's 1978 original. Quality 70's zombie entertainment and I've always loved any movie with a post apocalyptic element where you get to help yourself to whatever you need. They had an entire mall at there disposal not a bad distraction from the seemingly end of humanity.
  

  0.3

• Superman Returns 7/10

  2008-04-04 18:44

  I remember when this first came out the controversy over some of the elements from Lois Lane being a slut, to the PCness of Superman's uniform color being changed from American red to maroon and that they cut out the "American Way" as Superman's credo. Well all that publicity kind of chilled me out on seeing the movie right away, DVD of course. Well apparently my senility is either advancing or this movie truly was unmemorable. I added it to my Netflix cue thinking oh ya I never did see that. Well I was wrong. It slowly came back to me, mainly the gigantic yacht er ship I guess. But as the movie unfolded there were tons of things I simply didn't remember. Superman is pretty dull in this film even Kevin Spacey was off his game. Sure there is a lot to like about it. It moves along okay even with its 154 minute running time. For me the best part was the near the beginning when he saves the airplane from crashing into the baseball stadium with the crowd's reaction I actually choked up. The world does need a savior. Anyway basic good Superman fare. I'm not a Superman fan so to speak so I'm sure those folks loved it or maybe not. Two and half hours of entertainment you won't be sorry you invested. Oh and that train set is to die for.
  

  0.3

• March, 2008

• Suburban Girl 5/10

  2008-03-31 18:27

  What to say? Well I didn't hate it but there was really nothing redeeming about it. I usually enjoy Sarah Michelle Gellar and Alec Baldwin ( of course I'd make the "sacrifice" if he'd just make good on his promise to move out of the country and shut up. Given that I can separate the actor from the nut-job person ) performances. At times their relationship reminded me of Carrie and BIGs' in Sex and the City, that is if that relationship had no chemistry and we could not care less for those characters. So that is about it: no chemistry and I didn't care what happened to anyone. The best part of the movie was learning a bit about the innerworkings of book publishing. Neither funny or romantic don't waste your time unless you just have to see every film a particular actor is in.
  

  0.3

• Rocky Balboa 8/10

  2008-03-29 19:15

  The sixth and final chapter of the Rocky saga. I saw the first on a plane, I liked it but it was just too long - you know all those "boring" nonfight scenes. Hey I was what 10 years old. Anyway later in life I came to appreciate the entire movie. This one is an excellent bookend to the first. It gets those same emotions going. What is it about the underdog we love so much? Yet we can at other times love the exact opposite or is that just me? They shot two endings and definitely picked the best one. Stallone is in classic Rocky form as well as being completely ripped or as the kids say today cut. I hope my body looks so good at 60, okay I'll settle for ever.
  

  0.3

• The Kingdom 8/10

  2008-03-28 18:15

  I liked it starts and ends with a bang. Grinds to a halt in between but not offensively so just enough to lower the movie a notch. Definitely will tug on the emotions at times. The best line of the movie comes near the end, "This is a very bad neighborhood".
  

  0.3

• Balls of Fury 7/10

  2008-03-26 10:08

  I expected silly entertainment and that is what was delivered. A Kung Fu ping pong movie.
  

  0.3

• The Bourne Ultimatum 8/10

  2008-03-22 18:51

  Now here you have the third installment of a solid action movie franchise. You've got some intense close quarter fight choreography as well as tense NYC street chases. All in all a crowd pleasing flick.
  

  0.3

• The Heartbreak Kid 5/10

  2008-03-21 18:40

  Ben and Jerry Stiller in a Farrelly Brothers film a nobrainer crowd pleaser, at least you'd think so. This movie just didn't really work at any level. It seems that the brothers couldn't decide what type of movie to make so they compromised and made a combination. Unfortunately this isn't a chocolate and peanut butter combo more of a chocolate-cake grape juice combo. How do you make Jerry Stiller not funny? Well seeing how many times he can say pussy is one way. All he really needs to do show up in a scene, but the bros even goofed up on that one.
  

  0.3

• Shoot 'Em Up 9/10

  2008-03-17 18:26

  A very brooding Clive (I could be 007) Owen as a Dirty Harry type vigilante of sorts. I expected a bit of a chewing gum action flick and I wasn't wrong. I didn't expect the movie to truly live up to it's title with a body count to rival Hard Boiled a feat I didn't ever expect to see. The carnage was quite different from Hard Boiled. This carnage had a comedic comics style. Not that that is a bad thing just different. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Sure Clive's pistol would sometimes hold 25 or more bullets and his aim was not only Annie Oakley caliber but he seemed clairvoyant as well. Once you get past the clear violation of physics you are in for some fun gags: From childbirth to climax to head-on-collision gun fights and more that you haven't seen before. The exquisite Monica Bellucci is just icing on this gunpowder cake.
  

  0.3

• 3:10 to Yuma 8/10

  2008-03-16 18:56

  I haven't seen the 1950's original so I can't judge on that matter. Russel Crowe and Christian Bale in a western, what will they think of next? Actually a well done western, not exactly a classic but quite respectable probably more of a 7.75
  

  0.3

List generated by WP Movie Ratings.