Movie Info:
Writer: Brad Anderson
Director: Brad Anderson
Cast: Woody Harrelson, Emily Mortimer, Kate Mara, Ben Kingsley, Thomas Kretschmann, Eduardo Noriega
Rating: R
Studio: First Look Studios

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: January 18, 2008
DVD Release Date: November 4, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon

I am going to make a prediction and it makes me kind of sad to do it. Transsiberian will be one of the most overlooked movies of the year. It makes me sad to say it because it’s an amazing movie. It’s very Hitchcock in its presentation and intelligence factor. It’s one of those movies that you should watch, but probably won’t right away, and once you do you will kick yourself for waiting so long. The thriller title doesn’t really do it justice. It’s true, Transsiberian is a thriller and it’s truly enjoyable to watch. However, it’s much smarter and more entertaining than your average run of the mill movie in that genre.

The stakes are high for the thrillers I end up watching. I prefer something that is relatively new to me (heavily recycled ideas don’t shake it) with good acting. If I don’t want to see it again or it has no effect on me, then it’s useless and gets rated as such. I wasn’t sure what would come of my feelings for Transsiberian because I had not heard too much about it prior to it falling on my doorstep. I did, however, know Woody Harrelson was in it, which was good enough for me to want to watch it.

The storyline was easy enough to comprehend though there were many complexities to it. As you will see in Emily Mortimer’s character, Jessie, there is obviously much under the surface that isn’t always said in words. Jessie is just one example of this. Many of her emotions are worn on her sleeve, so to speak. Even when she isn’t saying much, you get a sense of how she is feeling and the troubles that plague her, at least in the beginning. Towards the end, there are many questions that remain about Jessie and why she behaves in the manner she does.

(more…)

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Movie Info:
Writers: Various
Director: Jon Favreau
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow, Leslie Bibb, Shaun Toub, Faran Tahir, Sayed Badreya, Bill Smitrovich, Clark Gregg, Tim Guinee
Rating: PG-13
Studio: Paramount

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: May 2, 2008
DVD Release Date: September 30, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $22.99

I like a good Comic inspired movie. Let me just tell you, I’m not a comic purist. I like when the story reflects the comic, but I’m not going to whine, cry, have a hissy fit, or bemoan the fact that a movie plot has deviated from the comic, especially if the deviated plot line is a good one. Comic stories are meant to be told in other ways. Just look at all of the various Superman or Batman stories floating around out there. That’s all the proof you need of how different stories about one character can be told and more than one telling can be enjoyable.

I am kind of tired of people constantly criticizing every single movie that is ever made. People really have to stretch to find flaws in every single movie and if they can find something to stretch, they will. Heck, I’ve seen people complain about Gone with the Wind, Casablanca and The Godfather (all of which have been called ‘highly overrated’ at one point or another). I just don’t get the unjust criticism. Iron Man has received an unfair amount of criticism itself. Everything from “Tony Stark can’t reveal his true identity. He’s a superhero!” (even though he did in the comic), to “How come he didn’t die when he flew into that wall? You know that kind of velocity would have killed someone!” (even if he wasn’t really going that fast) have been spouted on various message boards.

My theory is, “Get over it!” I always wonder why those people who are so obsessed with ‘continuity’ and other errors (that post vociferously online about every little minuscule error in a movie) don’t make their own films. I’d love to see a film with absolutely no errors (like, that bracelet she wore in a scene set in 1973 wasn’t made until April of 1974 - Seriously, who notices this stuff?). I’m in the movie watching business to enjoy myself. If I wanted to examine each and every scene in a movie with a magnifying glass, I’d be a scientist, not a film critic. That being said, I don’t care if Iron Man could have had any possible plotholes. I still liked the movie!

(more…)

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Movie Info:
Writer: Mark Neveldine, Brian Taylor
Director: Marc Schoelermann
Cast: Milo Ventimiglia, Michael Weston, Alyssa Milano, Lauren Lee Smith, Johnny Whitworth, John de Lancie, Mei Melançon, Keir O’Donnell, Buddy Lewis, Dan Callahan, Larry Drake, Med Abrous
Rating: R
Studio: MGM

Release Info:
DVD Release Date: September 23, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $23.99

I am happy to say that when I put this in to watch, the sinking feeling of “this is going to suck” quickly faded once it began. You see, I apparently mixed this movie up with another horror movie of the same name. When the film started I said to myself, “I didn’t know Alyssa Milano was in this.” That was about the time I realized that I thought this was another movie and settled in for something that I hoped would be good.

It was good. It was not what I expected at all. The writing was good and the acting fit the bill perfectly. The characters were not necessarily relatable or likable, but they were definitely engaging. Many of the actors share a common chemistry that resonates through the screen. In moments of tension, it is not only seen, but felt. While this might not have been a major blockbuster waiting to happen it is definitely worth watching.

Pathology only made around $100,000 at the box office, which is most definitely pathetic. However, this is a movie that received next to no advertising. You shouldn’t hold that against it because it is a decent movie. The story is not necessarily new or completely original, but it is done much better than most that are like it. The combination of sharp witted storytelling and good acting goes a long way for this thought to be meager film.

(more…)

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Movie Info:
Writer: Mark Bomback
Director: Marcel Langenegger
Cast: Hugh Jackman, Ewan McGregor, Michelle Williams, Lisa Gay Hamilton, Maggie Q, Natasha Henstridge, Charlotte Rampling
Rating: R
Studio: 20th Century Fox

Release Info: April 25, 2008
Theatrical Release:
DVD Release Date: September 23, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $23.99

I tend to like movies that Ewan McGregor is in. I thought he was the best part of the Star Wars prequels, he was excellent in Moulin Rouge and he gave a stand out performance in Trainspotting. Every once in a while, Ewan makes a doozy of a movie, like Eye of the Beholder. That movie just absolutely sucked. Then there are movies that the general public isn’t overly thrilled with, but for the most part, I truly enjoy these movies. The Island is one of these films and Deception seems to fit more in this category.

Of course, when it comes to Deception I must say I find one thing highly disappointing and that is the end of the film. I was into this film up until nearly the end and then it got quite ridiculous. Some might use the word trite. Ultimately, the ending ruined a perfectly good film otherwise. I don’t want to say I can see why other critics hated this movie, because I find that many critics are quite prudish when it comes to these types of films, but I can see why those who aren’t overly offended by such dark, sexually-thrilling films are disappointed with it; because none of the thrills can make up for the crappy ending!

All things considered, I could watch this movie over again, merely because the majority of the film is absolutely thrilling. The actors do a nice job. Ewan is Ewan, Hugh Jackman is good in nearly everything he’s in and Michelle Williams is incredibly alluring. I don’t usually go for blondes (yes I know it’s not real), but she puts the sex in sex appeal. Seriously, when did Michelle Williams become so hot? She has excellent chemistry with both men and Ewan proves he could have good chemistry with a paper bag if he had to pretend it was his lover, because he connects with nearly every woman he interacts with, on screen. I’m even talking about Charlotte Rampling, who is getting up there in years.

(more…)

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Movie Info:
Writer: Frank Darabont , Stephen King (story)
Director: Frank Darabont
Cast: Thomas Jane, Marcia Gay Harden, Laurie Holden, Andre Braugher, Toby Jones, William Sadler, Jeffrey DeMunn, Frances Sternhagen, Nathan Gamble, Alexa Davalos, Chris Owen, Sam Witwer
Rating: R
Studio: Weinstein Company

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: November 21, 2007
DVD Release Date: September 16, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $23.95

Back in March, Ashtyn did the review for the standard release of The Mist. I had watched this movie with her and I liked it then. I’m a fan of anything Stephen King oriented. If the screenplay is written by him or if the story is based on one of his works, then I’m probably going to check out the movie or TV miniseries at least once. I’ve seen everything from the good (such as Carrie and Firestarter) to the bad (Dreamcatcher anyone? It was an excellent book, but a rotten movie). What I’ve come to realize is that, overall, Stephen King has such a twisted mind, if his work is represented well in film form then the film will be amazing.

The Mist wasn’t just an exceptional film. It’s one of those jaw droppers that leaves you reeling well after the credits roll. I didn’t see the ending coming. It was a complete shock and yet it made absolute sense. Stephen King is a serious mofo. He loves to play with the human mind, that much is clear in most of his work, but especially in The Mist. While King didn’t write the screenplay to this movie, Frank Darabont follows the plot of King’s story almost exclusively.

The Mist is truly a gem amongst a horror genre that has a dwindling amount of entertaining content. While The Mist isn’t gore-filled (though there are some gross moments in relation to the mist-filled creatures), the real horror is in the desperation felt (you could actually see yourself reacting the same way as the characters do) by those trapped in the supermarket, especially when it is clear what they’re up against.

(more…)

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Writer: Barry Levy
Director: Pete Travis
Cast: Dennis Quaid, Matthew Fox, Forest Whitaker, Bruce McGill, Edgar Ramirez, Saïd Taghmaoui, Ayelet Zurer, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, William Hurt
Rating: PG-13
Studio: Sony
Release Date: July 1, 2008

**I’m going to warn you right now – This review possibly contains spoilers.

Once again the box office and the critics disagree. I am one of those critics that usually won’t go with the flow. I liked Vantage Point. A thriller in the best sense, the interwoven storylines, while inevitably predictable in theory give you just enough information throughout each segment to keep you wanting more.

While I thought I had figured out part of what happened I didn’t know why it had happened. The simple reality of the why left me slightly shell shocked. Could it be that a film was echoing the sentiment of the millions of Americans who spoke of the embattled and embittered war we’re going through right now?

I hate to give away what’s going to happen. Still, down to the vary last seconds of the film, all of the stories that tie into what seems like one event come together to paint one whole picture. When watching Vantage Point, I sort of felt like I was looking at one of those puzzles you have to figure out. Every few minutes a foggy piece of the puzzle becomes clear until every piece is revealed. With every second that passes in this heart pounding drama, new information comes into light and the mystery of ‘who’, ‘what’, and ‘why’ eventually is revealed.

I don’t know what critics seem to want from these types of movies because I felt Vantage Point hit the nail on the head when it came to getting down the “thriller” aspect of the film without pause. Either way, I liked this film and I’m already going to recommend it though for more information on the film, you should continue to read my review.

(more…)

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Writer: Casey Robinson, Dashiell Hammett, Lenore J. Coffee, Howard Koch, John Collier, Joseph Than
Director: Irving Rapper, Herman Shumlin, Edmund Goulding, John Huston
Cast: Bette Davis, George Brent, Mary Astor, Hatte McDaniel, Olivia de Havilland, Charles Boyer, Miriam Hopkins, Paul Lukas, Geraldine Fitzgerald
Rating: Not Rated
Studio: Warner Bros
Release Date: April 1, 2008

Throughout her career, Bette Davis dominated the silver screen. She starred in some of the best movies to ever be made, particularly in the 1940s era of filmmaking. This period of her career was where she was in her zone more than any other time.

It was during this period when Davis would be nominated for five consecutive Academy Awards for Best Actress. Between the years of 1938 and 1942, Davis was nominated each year. She would go on to be nominated for an additional four oscars. Over her career she would be nominated for eleven Oscars; one would be a written in nomination, two would be wins, and the rest would just be nods at her supreme acting talent. During her time as an acting powerhouse, in her prime, she would be known as the “Fourth Warner” and would briefly be named the president of the Academy. While she was only the president for a brief time, she was the first female president that the Academy had.

Bette Davis was one of the actors most deserving of the title ‘movie star’. She was a firecracker with immense talent who created the perfect persona of the evil and devious broad better than anyone ever has or could. On this, what would have been her 100th Birthday, Warner Bros and Fox have both put out Collectors box sets of a collection of some of her best films. This set, put out by Warner Bros includes The Old Maid, The Great Lie, All This and Heaven…Too, In This Our Life, Watch On the Rhine and Deception.

Being a Davis fan this set was an absolute treat for me. I am ashamed to say that I hadn’t seen many of these films, but they have quickly become favorites in the few times I have seen them to prepare for this review. This set is impressive for a number of reasons, the biggest being that many of these movies have not been released on DVD prior to this point.

(more…)

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Writer: Frank Darabont, Stephen King
Director: Frank Darabont
Cast: Thomas Jane, Marcia Gay Harden, Laurie Holden, Andre Braugher, Toby Jones, William Sadler
Rating: R
Studio: Genius Products
Release Date: March 25, 2008

There are three surefire words/names that will get me to want to watch a movie. One of those is horror and the other two are Stephen King. I will admit that some of his ideas have not transferred well onto screen (does Dreamcatcher ring a bell?), but movies like Carrie, Cujo, and, more recently, 1408 were absolutely fabulous. All I knew about The Mist was Stephen King was involved. As a fan, that was really all I needed to know to be ready to enjoy an evening of suspense thanks to the master of horror.

I have to admit, I was shocked. This is what horror is meant to be. It’s thrilling and chilling, but not necessarily in the ways you expect. It’s ironic and unforgiving, much like life, and it’s utterly shocking. At the end, I just sat there baffled. I understood what had happened and yet, I couldn’t believe it. It made me realize why I love Stephen King’s work. He really doesn’t seem to conform for anyone or anything. While so many horror movies these days are trite and unexciting (The Saw Series and House of 1,000 Corpses excluded) The Mist hits home dead on and offers a film that horror and suspense lovers will not want to miss for anything!

Release Information:
This Stephen King venture was handled by Frank Darabont. If you’re a huge King movie fan you may recognize the name from such masterpieces as The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile. This is the third time the duo has worked together and while those other films were good, this step into the more horror end of the suspense genre shows that the third time is the charm! King’s novella was not an entirely new concept for a horror movie. You have elements of a biblical apocalypse, for starters, and so the possibility exists that the movie may seem like something you’ve seen before. However, with the grace of a King and Darabont pairing, the movie comes out tasting as bittersweet as you might expect.

(more…)

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Writer: Mark Protosevich, Akiva Goldsman
Director: Francis Lawrence
Cast: Will Smith, Alice Braga, Charlie Tahan, Salli Richardson, Willow Smith
Rating: PG-13
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: March 18, 2008

I am Legend is an interesting film right off the bat. Knowing that this is a movie that has been made twice before with lackluster results made me surprised that this film got a chance in the first place. Both The Last Man on Earth and The Omega Man ended up getting some pretty bad reviews overall.

The majority of fans of Richard Matheson’s novella, I Am Legend, assumed that there would never be a film that could do the written work justice. Studios held out because they wanted to be sure that this time things would be different. Considering the other two outings, I can’t say that I blame them.

It got to the point where nearly everyone in Hollywood (whose anyone, anyway) ended up attached to this project in some manner. Lead character Robert Neville could have been played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tom Cruise, or even George Clooney. However, it was Will Smith that would take on the part and bring it to fruition. Fans of the story seemed worried that this I Am Legend would end up being as bad, if not worse, than the last attempts.

(more…)

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Writer: Harold Pinter
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Cast: Michael Caine, Jude Law, Harold Pinter
Rating: R
Studio: Sony Home Entertainment
Release Date: March 11, 2008

As a remake, this movie had the ability to be either excellent or a flop. In this case, I am told that it heavily depends on whether or not you have seen the original film. I have not seen the original, so all I was able to go one was the performance of Michael Caine and Jude Law. Anyone who has seen either the original or this one, knows that is because in Sleuth there are only two actors. The entire movie rests on these two men’s shoulders. Offering drama, comedy, and some thrilling moments of conniving pranks, Sleuth was able to make me laugh and keep me interested throughout the entire film.

Jude Law especially caught my attention, though this is not the first time that he has done that in a film. Law is one of the most interesting actors of his time. His character, and his acting here, is both enigmatic and spellbinding. In the original film, Michael Caine actually played the role that Jude Law has in this remake. Now he is in the role of the older gentleman rather than the younger. As you might expect with anything that Michael Caine does, the results are beautifully crafted from the movement of his arm to the power in his dialogue. Caine is a power player when it comes to acting. He knows how to make all the right moves while making it look absolutely effortless. Two men could not have been better suited for a movie such as this.

Release Information:
Despite cattiness by the fans of the original film in relation to making a remake of it, many were hopeful thanks to the big names that were associated with this project. Harold Pinter (The Handmaid’s Tale) was the screenwriter on this project. According to reports, much of this screenplay was changed in little ways from the original. Being that Pinter had never seen the original that could explain why things were changed as they were. However, these are not things that will affect you if you have not seen the original.

(more…)

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!