Star Trek.. review byte 11/20

Star Trek (PG 13) on DVD...

sci fi/action

director:  JJ Abrams

Maverick Cadet Kirk (Chris Pine) and Spock (Zachary Quinto) meet for the first time in Starfleet Acadamy and reluctantly join forces to save the Earth from a destructive Romulan (Eric Bana).  Winona Ryder, Leonard Nimoy, Anton Yelchin, and Bruce Greenwood co-star.

I've always been a fan, and the effects are getting better and better.  The plot is a well used one, familiar to all sci fi fans, but Abrams pulled it off nicely..  the only thing that irritated me was Chekov's accent, it was an annoying mix of German, Russian, and French.  Yelchin needs to get his ass kicked by his dialect coach.

I will see this again.

My Sister's Keeper.. review byte 11/18

My Sister's Keeper (PG13) on DVD...

drama

director:  Nick Cassavetes

After years of operations and hospital procedures, an eleven year old (Abigail Breslin) seeks medical emancipation from her parents when she learns that her birth was planned so she could be a donor for her leukemia-ridden sister (Sofia Vassilieva).  Cameron Diaz, Jason Patric, and Alec Baldwin co-star.

This movie was bitter-sweet, inspiring, and touching.  The cast was capable, making a good story great.  This would be one to watch with the older family while recuperating from too much turkey (if you can find a football-free TV).   ....keep the kleenex handy.

I would see this again.

Aliens in the Attic.. review byte 11/13

Aliens in the Attic (PG) on DVD..

sci fi/family action

director:  John Schultz

An extended family meets at their annual vacation rental just about the same time an advance team of aliens do.  It is up to the kids to band together and show them who's boss.  Kevin Nealon, Ashley Tisdale, Doris Roberts, Andy Richter, and Carter Jenkins are among the co-stars.

If Gremlins and ET had a baby, this movie would be it.  The kids were wonderful to watch, the aliens were believeable, and the plot was adequate.  It would probably make a good stocking stuffer.

I would watch this again.. 

Up.. review byte 11/13

Up (PG) on DVD..

animated action (Pixar/Disney)

director:  Pete Doctor/Bob Peterson

An embattled widower (voiced by Ed Asner) decides to honor his wife's lifelong request to move to Paradise Falls, a remote unexplored part of S. America, in his balloon-driven house.  Along the way he picks up an explorer scout (Jordan Nagai), a dog with a voice (Bob Peterson) and an elusive bird.  Christopher Plummer voices the antagonist.

I loved it!  It was funny, touching, exciting, and had something for everyone.  The animation was first rate and the story was top-notch.

I would buy it.  This movie should be in everyone's home collection.

The Taking of Pelham 123... review byte 11/06

The Taking of Pelham 123 (R) on DVD..

suspense/thriller

director:  Tony Scott

A disgraced dispatcher (Denzel Washington) is put on the spot as a negotiator when an ex-convict mastermind (John Travolta) hijacks a NYC subway train and holds all its travellers hostage.  John Turturro and James Galdolfini co-star.

It was a whizbanger.., faced paced and well-done.  Washington did his typically good heroic character, but was out-shined by Travolta's villainry..

I will see this one again.

GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra.. review byte 11/06

GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra (PG13) on DVD..

action (Hasbro toy heroes)

director:  Stephan Sommers

The elite G.I. Joe military task force must stop Cobra from releasing nano-destructive microbots and destroying several cities in their quest for world domination.  Respectable cast including; Sienna Miller, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Dennis Quaid, Rachel Nichols, Channing Tatum, and Marlon Wayans.

Pretty much non-stop action with half of France being destroyed by bad guys and the good guys that are chasing them..  I can only imagine the backlash when France discovers that USA was involved, even though they save the world (for now)..

This movie was pretty much directed at boys of all ages.  I enjoyed it once. 

I would probably watch it again.

The Informers ... review byte 08/28

The Informers (R) on DVD...

drama (1980's)

director:  Gregor Jordan

Several LA characters lives intersect through a common thread, most of it fed by the debauchery and excesses of the early '80s.  Mickey Rourke, Winona Ryder, Billy Bob Thornton, Kim Basinger, Austin Nichols, and Chris Isaak co-star.

Errrck!  I could see where they were heading, but they never got there.  The soundtrack was good..., I found myself doing the 'Robot' while trying to figure out this goofy movie.  Rourke and Isaak were good, and Basinger did alright.. (I imagine the role she played here might not have been a stretch for her).   I didn't recognize Ryder at first..  She is way skinny.... maybe she should shoplift a cheesecake or two.

I won't be seeing this one again.

Mutant Chronicles ... review byte 08/27

Mutant Chronicles (R) on DVD..

graphic novel / sci fi

director:  Simon Hunter

A group of mixed-bag 28th century mercenaries embark on a suicide mission to destroy a deeply buried, other-wordly, mutant-making machine that was reanimated during one of earth's corporate wars.  Thomas Jane, Ron Perlman, John Malkovich, and Devon Aoki star.

Action-packed with decent art and good sets, the plot should appeal to any buff who likes war and/or sci fi movies.  While not a blockbuster, it certainly has the potential to be a good series.

I would probably see it again.

Duplicity .. review byte 08/25

Duplicity (PG13) on DVD...

romantic thriller

director:  Tony Gilroy

Two retired spooks with a past (Clive Owen, Julia Roberts) combine forces to pull a con on competing pharmaceutical giants.  Paul Giamatti and Tom Wilkinson co-star.

It was a so-so movie.  There were a couple of simple plot twists, a couple of confusing plot twists, some time-line bouncing, and one more satisfying twist.  Maybe those of you who have no attention deficit problems will like it more than I did...  I kept wondering when it would get good.    Although I like Roberts, Giamatti, and Owen.....

....I'd only see this again if I lost a bet.. (or was promised something shiny).

The Golden Boys .. review byte 08/22

The Golden Boys (PG) on DVD...

1905 period/romantic dramedy

director:  Daniel Adams

Three retired sea captains (David Carradine, Rip Torn, Bruce Dern) grow tired of their bachelor meals and fighting over the chores so they advertise for a wife (Mariel Hemingway) by tossing a coin..  the loser marries.  Charles Durning and Angelica Torn co-star.

I was pleasantly surprised at Carradine's portrayal.  He has played mostly bad guy roles for the past twenty years or so and it was good to see that he can still act.  The movie had a couple of laughs and a few warm moments, and while it was not a blockbuster, it was quite enjoyable.

I would see this again.

Julia .. review byte 08/21

Julia (R) on DVD...

thriller/drama

director:  Erik Zonca

A desperate, neurotic, alcoholic (Tilda Swinton) double-crosses a kidnapping mother and keeps her son (Aidan Gould) to extort money from all the players.  Saul Rubinek and Kate del Castillo co-star.

You want a character study?  Here ya go!  Julia sweats desperation.  She drinks too much, she can't keep a job, she never gets a break, and she hates herself.   Swinton is not only up to the task, but pulls it off stunningly.  She was the main reason I sat for 2 1/2 hours through the movie.  If you are interested in characters, above movies, this is for you.

I would probably watch it again.

Surveillance .. review byte 08/20

Surveillance (R) on DVD...

crime drama/thriller

director:  Jennifer Chambers Lynch

 Two FBI agents (Julia Ormond, Bill Pullman) stop at a small mid-western police station, while on the trail of murdering psycopaths, to interview witnesses with different recollections of a brutal rural highway slaying.  Pell James, French Stewart, Kent Harper, and Michael Ironside co-star.

This movie reminded me of some of the Coen brothers' early work.  The story was decent and gave up a couple of good surprises.  It was directed ably and the acting was above average.

I would see this again.

The Last House on the Left .. review byte 08/18

The Last House on the Left (R) on DVD...

violent thriller

director:  Dennis Iliadis

An escaped con (Garret Dillahunt) and his psycho crew brutalize two teenage girls (Sara Paxton, Martha MacIssac), and afterwards seek refuge at the parents' lake house where eventually mom and dad (Monica Potter, Tony Goldwyn) discover what they've done.  Riki Lindhome, Spencer Treat Clark, and Aaron Paul co-star.

Based on the 1972 gore-fest by Wes Craven, this version was more suspense than slasher.  It was exciting and well-filmed with some stellar camera work.  It also had a few brutally violent scenes guaranteed to raise any parent's blood pressure.

I would see it again.

Alien Trespass .. review byte 08/15

Alien Trespass (PG) on DVD...

retro sci-fi

director:  R.W.Goodwin

An alien 'sky marshall' takes over the body of an astronomer (Eric McCormack) and asks the local townsfolk to help search for a human-devouring 'ghota' that has escaped his space ship.  Jenni Baird, Robert Patrick, Jody Thompson, and Dan Lauria co-star.

This was pretty good art-wise.. rather than be a spoof, it was a homage to the B movie spaceman/monster encounters.  It had all the stereo-types of the late fifties, the hot wife wearing pearls in the kitchen, the semi-chaste teenagers, the yokels at the diner, the non-believing sheriff, the cheesy monster..  It was perfect!  The only noteable difference was back in the day I would have been watching it in Black and White.

While not a great movie, I might buy it anyway.. it is truly a family-oriented spaceman flick.

The Tiger's Tail .. review byte 08/14

A Tiger's Tail (R) on DVD...

thriller/mystery (Irish)

director:  John Boorman

An Irish property developer's (Brendan Gleeson) life is interrupted when his nefarious double attempts to take over his life, business, wife (Kim Cattrall), and son (Briain Gleeson).  Co-starring Sinead Cusack and Ciaran Hinds.

This movie was a decent watch, with a few minor surprises.  The acting was well-done and the story was well-played.  I would have sworn that Kim Cattrall was Irish.

I would probably see this again.

I Love You, Man .. review byte 08/12

I Love You, Man (R) on DVD..

bromantic comedy

director:  John Hamburg

A nice, but best-friendless man (Paul Rudd) searches for a best man and groomsmen for his upcoming wedding through a series of fix-ups and man dates.  The the principals then have to determine if the new pal (Jason Segel) is best friend worthy.  Rashida Jones, Jon Favreau, Jaime Pressly, and Andy Samberg are among the co-stars.

The story was decent, there were a few good yuks and the parts were played ably by all.

I would probably see this again.

The Chaos Experiment .. review byte 08/11

The Chaos Experiment (R) on DVD..

psychological thriller

director:  Philippe Martinez

A science writer (Val Kilmer) hoping to make the public aware of the impending global warming, locks 6 people in a steam room at 130 degrees and contacts the newspaper to post the results.  Armand Assante plays the detective trying to track the whereabouts of the victims.  Eric Roberts and Megan Brown are among the co-stars.

The movie was just so-so with an ending I didn't quite understand... that being said, Kilmer's portrayal of a man on the edge of insanity was BRILLIANT!  It is a shame that a performance that good was in such an average movie.   I also thought that Eric Roberts was at his peak playing one of the steam room victims.   Assante as the detective seemed to be channeling Sly Stallone with a little Mickey Rourke thrown in.

I don't know if I'd watch this again unless I had some kind of schematic to figure out the ending.

Fragments .. review byte 08/08

Fragments (also called Winged Creatures) (R) on DVD..

drama

director:  Rowan Woods

The scene of an apparent random shooting is recollected piece-meal as the survivors try to return to their routines in the days following the tragedy.  A great ensemble cast includes; Forest Whitaker, Dakota Fanning, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Kate Beckinsale and Jennifer Hudson.

It was worth the watch, but left me with several questions unanswered.  We didn't know why some of the people were in the restaurant, why the shooter was there, or why he picked the victims he did.  I didn't know if the director wanted us to feel the same sense of  randomness as the victims did, or the story was just incomplete.

I'd watch it again just to see if I could answer any of those questions.

the soloist .. review byte 08/06

The Soloist (PG13) on DVD...

true bio/drama

director:  Joe Wright

Steve Lopez, a column writer for the LA times (Robert Downey Jr.) writes a story about a homeless savant prodigy Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx) whom he met and befriended on the street.  Catherine Keener and Nelsan Ellis co-star.

While not a big fan of Foxx's cocky attitude, I have to give the guy his props.. he is a damned fine actor.  I really don't know who was better in this, Downey or Foxx, but if you want to see some masters at their craft, rent or buy this movie.

I will see it again.

Obsessed .. review byte 08/05

Obsessed (PG13) on DVD...

thriller

director:  Steve Shill

A happily married executive (Idris Alba) finds trouble at home and the office when a temp (Ali Larter) tries to get between him and his wife (Beyonce Knowles).  Jerry O'Connell co-stars.

The three principals gave the story depth.  Larter's performance made it hard to believe that a man could actually say no to her (even if he was married to Beyonce)..  Knowles kicked ass!

I would see this again.

An American Affair .. review byte 08/01

An American Affair (R) on DVD...

period drama (1963)

director:  William Olsson

A Catholic school boy (Cameron Bright) learns about life from his beautiful artist neighbor (Gretchen Mol), a woman who is involved in more ways than one with JFK.  James Rebhorn and Noah Wyle co-star.

The time was captured, the story delivered, and a couple of very good performances brought the characters to life.  I am not a huge fan of these types of movies, but I was pleasantly immersed in this one before it was over.

I would see this again.

Thanks for your patience

I am recovering nicely and will blog myself back to normal as fast as I can..

General rating system

I would buy this DVD .. Highest possible rating

I would see this again .. I liked it

I would probably see it again ..  Just okay

I might watch it again if I was bored ..  Less than just okay

I probably won't see this again ..  Less than less than just okay

Save your money ..  errrrrck

(I will fill in the grey areas with the appropriate snarky comments)

disclaimer

Disclaimer:  I am a male.  I started archiving my mini-reviews here before I knew that it was mostly women who blogged at this site.   I have too many articles archived to move now. 

I just don't want anyone to feel uncomfortable.. thanks

Hey, Lookie-loos..

Feel free to comment, laud, pan, or drop dish on anything Movie or TV related.

If you want to know about a movie ask, and I will research.   If you've seen a movie tell me what you like or dislike about it and I will post it and give you a byline.

All suggestions helpful.. thanks.