Lightning Round Comeback Special

Zombieland - very entertaining, funnier than it could've been and a celebrity cameo that makes it a must-see 9/10

Adventureland - director of superbad + squid and the whale kid x lou reed = adventureland

8/10

A Serious Man - probably needs to be seen twice, once to figure out where it's going, and then a second time so you can just enjoy. 9/10

Extract - no office space (duh) but funny enough. 7/10

The Hangover - very funny, would've been even funnier if i'd never seen the trailers. 9/10

Funny People - good but too long. like a double album? 8/10

I Love You Man - lazy. too long. not funny. 5/10

Charlie Bartlett - "hey guys, let's rip off rushmore and make it shitty!" done. 3/10

Away We Go - didn't love it, didn't hate it. good enough. 7/10

Anvil: The Story of Anvil - spinal tap/behind the music/american movie 8/10

Waltz With Bashir - uh...waking life version of something on the history channel (its been a while since i saw this and im getting bored now....) 7/10

Synecdoche, NY - charlie kaufman writes and directs and it is brilliant 10/10

Frost/Nixon - good 7/10

The Wrestler - good 7/10

George Washington - good 7/10

Blindness - NOT GOOD! very not good. 3/10

and finally..... Hard Rock Zombies - probably even better than the name suggests, because even though you expect an awesome band to turn into zombies.... well lets just say there are other things that are equally awesome that you might not expect. -10/-10

inglorious basterds

been so long don't know if i can muster the memory

food inc
district 9
bill and teds bogus journey
hangover
the player
choke
burn after reading
master of the flying guilatine
solaris

117/300

battle star season 4 (8 disc)
2 days in paris
moon
multiplicity
darjeeling limited
royal tenenbaums

108/300

el topo
whatever works
wet hot american summer
mister lonely
wag the dog
generation kill

limits of control
grizzly man

the idiots (lars van trier)
UP!
Startrek (original movie)
Old Joy
The Interview
encounters at the end of the world
white
mighty boosh (7 disc)

86/300

it's always sunny in Philadelphia
role models
sweet hereafter
drag me to hell
kabluey

72/300

the spirit
being there
dog day afternoon
star trek
terminator salvation
blindness
the mist
taken
dark city

undertow
"
After his wife dies, John Munn (Dermot Mulroney) takes his sons, juvenile delinquent Chris (Jamie Bell) and recluse Tim (Devon Alan), to rural Georgia. When John's ill-intentioned convict brother, Deel (Josh Lucas), shows up on the farm, all their lives take a violent, life-altering turn. Director David Gordon Green weaves horror and adventure into a rural thriller that co-stars Kristen Stewart and Terry Loughlin.

David Gordon Green has one of my favorite filming styles, it's probably derivative of Terrance Malick, but that is probably a good thing. Beautiful to look at, with some incredible performances that make a pretty standard story line really stand out.

8/10

Coraline 3d
"
Curious young Coraline (voiced by Dakota Fanning) unlocks a mysterious door in her family's new home and is transported to an alternate universe that strangely resembles her own -- only better. But when her Other Mother (Teri Hatcher) doesn't want Coraline to return to reality, our heroine must summon all her courage and ingenuity to go home and save her family. The breathtaking stop-motion animation is based on the best-seller by Neil Gaiman.

This is the first movie that i have seen in 3d, and it was well worth the money. Feels like you are traveling through time and on drugs, all the while the story line gives you the most heartwarming experience since.....something else that was really heartwarming. Lately having tim burton name and stuff means it's goth freak boring, but with Coraline it is not so. Go on a date and watch this.

9/10


Bangkok dangerous
"
Nicolas Cage stars in this action thriller as a lonely, cold-blooded assassin known only as Joe. While on assignment in Bangkok, Joe unexpectedly falls in love with a beautiful local woman (Charlie Yeung), and finds himself questioning his violent ways. When the true nature of his assignment is revealed, Joe refuses to carry out the operation, and unintentionally sparks an all-out war with his former client.

i would consider myself a Nicholas Cage fan, and i don't really care if movies make sense, so i kind of enjoyed this. He is kind of too old to be doing action, and kind of has the most ridiculous hair piece thing ever in this, but stuff blows up, people get shot, and he talks with that weird accent thing.

6/10
transporter 3
"
Buckle up and hold on tight for the third installment of the action-packed Transporter series, which follows the thrilling adventures of Frank Martin (Jason Statham), a mercenary driver who makes his living by delivering important cargo, no questions asked. Co-written by French director Luc Besson, Transporter 3 brings back co-star François Berléand and welcomes the addition of Robert Knepper to the cast.

Jason Stahtham fights with his shirt off (and looks more buff than ever) drives his car onto a train (twice) and hangs out with the weird red head Ukrainian babe pictured above. Oh and some shit blows up. Awesome

9/10

wackness
"
In the midst of a midlife crisis, psychiatrist Dr. Squires (Ben Kingsley) forms a relationship with teenage drug dealer Luke Shapiro (Josh Peck), who trades his product for therapy sessions. Luke falls for the doctor's daughter, and the doctor falls for Luke's teen friend (Mary-Kate Olsen). Drugs, depression, relationships and New York City are the focus of this comedic film (winner of the Audience Award: Drama at Sundance) from sophomore director Jonathan Levine.


I think the hardest part for this genre of movies is not trying too hard, and this one succeeds. The relationship between Dr. Squires and Shapiro is great despite the difference in age. I have never been a awkward drug dealer in new york but it works here.

7/10

tao of steve
"
An overweight, over-educated lady-killer (Donal Logue) learns that his rules of cool (aka The Tao of Steve -- McQueen) get him everywhere with the women he doesn't want and nowhere with the woman he covets (Greer Goodman). Could there be something wrong with his philosophy? Sly and smart, The Tao of Steve burrows under the skin of modern romance, with warm, funny results.

I think the best way to describe this movie is "warm". It's smart without getting too wrapped into itself, and very casual and natural feeling. With no name actors in an almost entirely dialog driven performance. Makes you want to up your charm for sure, and maybe buy a motorcycle.
7/10

gomorrah
"
The intertwining tales of a delivery boy, a tailor, a businessman and two cocky teenagers form the fabric of this gritty and lyrical examination of the influential Neapolitan mob known as the Camorra. Peering into a multitude of social strata within present-day Naples, director Matteo Garrone's film -- a hybrid of melodrama, crime and art-film genres -- was nominated for a Best Foreign Language Film Golden Globe and a Best Documentary Independent Spirit Award.
the long goodbye

Sort of long, sort of confusing at first. Eventually though the magnitude of the whole mess of nasty orange Italian dudes just ruining everything becomes apparent. Who knew that this was real? Oh and the own a bunch of the new World Trade Center.

Robert Altman cleverly updates the exploits of classic 1940s hard-boiled gumshoe Phillip Marlowe (Elliott Gould, in an unforgettable performance), who ferrets out a killer in the City of Angels circa 1974. Now, Marlowe is a wisecracking cynic who deals with coke-addled, sun-worshipping suspects and nudist neighbors. Funny, suspenseful and engaging, the film features an early, unbilled appearance by Arnold Schwarzenegger.

I guess i really didn't know what i was getting myself into when i started this movie, and i guess i don't really know that much about crime noir in general. I just knew i liked robert altman, and i obviously love bad asses, and that's definitely what Marlowe is. His monologues are amazing, all the guy wants to do is get his cat some food, and smoke cigarettes constantly but nothing goes his way. Kind of like if lebowski was a P.I.

8/10
the wire season 5
"
The media's impact on Baltimore is addressed and previous seasons' story lines coalesce in this gritty fifth and final season of the critically acclaimed, award-winning cop series centered on the work of Det. McNulty (Dominic West), Lt. Daniels (Lance Reddick) and Det. Moreland (Wendell Pierce). "Wire" creator David Simon's perception of journalistic integrity is evident, as these episodes are inspired by his years working at The Baltimore Sun.

show is still awesome. i hate t.v., this show never ever has one of those episodes that you feel like it is wasting your time avoiding the real plot line. I know you love the Seinfeld finale and and all, but the last episode of the wire is flawless. You cry, you get pumped you get pissed that's it's over. SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER how Omar goes is awful when it happens, but then when you think back on it, it's the most pure way for the most awesome dude to take one.

9/10

2012
a play i went to see about 2012, it had dancers that were not dancers, cartwheels that were not cartwheels, and a lot of name drops. had it's moments but over all not tarkus

tarkus

is totally tarkus

53/300

pineapple express

After witnessing an underworld murder involving a corrupt cop (Rosie Perez) and a drug kingpin (Gary Cole), straitlaced pothead Dale Denton (Seth Rogen) must go on the run with his dealer (James Franco, in a Golden Globe-nominated role) to escape the wrath of the vengeance-minded criminals. Acclaimed indie auteur David Gordon Green directs the stoner road comedy, penned by Rogen and his Superbad co-writer, Evan Goldberg.

i watched this really late at night, but pretty awesome if you can think weed is funny. Just realized that this was directed by the same guy that did "George Washington" and "Snow Angels" More entertaining than the usual rogen/apatow formula

6/10
synecdoche new york


After his painter wife (Catherine Keener) leaves him and takes their daughter to Berlin, theater director Caden Cotard (Philip Seymour Hoffman) stages a new autobiographical play in a massive warehouse amid a life-size replica of Manhattan. Meanwhile, Caden must contend with the many women in his life -- including a box-office worker, an actress and a shrink -- in this beguiling directorial debut (winner of a Best First Feature Independent Spirit Award) by ace screenwriter Charlie Kaufman.

Charlie Kaufman wrote adaptation, probably my favorite movie (if i have to pick one) so i had really high hopes for this. When watching it i kind of lost myself and had a hard time following it. Lots of movies inside movies inside movies and actors playing actors playing actors and all that. After watching it all and kind of thinking about it for a while i decided whatever i had just seen was really pretty. I guess the only thing that it suffered from was maybe too much Kaufman. His other movies benefited from having another director to perhaps not let it get too out of hand, but maybe it's a strong point. Only more watching will tell

7/10
the fall


see below
still awesome

9/10

charlie bartlett

This comedy follows the exploits of Charlie Bartlett (Anton Yelchin), a miserable high school student who finds a novel way to fit in with his classmates: by pretending to be the school psychiatrist, dispensing advice and the occasional prescription medicine. Charlie's sympathetic ear and ready access to drugs make him popular with the students, but his activities soon attract the unwelcome attention of the school principal (Robert Downey Jr.).

tries a little too hard for it's own good. The girl is a babe and it has it's moments, but save yourself some trouble and just watch igby goes down again

5/10

sex drive


see below
still amazing

9/10

north by northwest

What if everyone around you was suddenly convinced you were a spy? This classic from master director Alfred Hitchcock stars Cary Grant as an advertising executive who looks a little too much like someone else and is forced to go on the lam (helped along by Eva Marie Saint). Hitchcock's sure-handed comic drama pits Grant against a crop duster and lands him in a fight for his life on Mount Rushmore. That's a cliffhanger if ever there was one!

while i understand the "influential filmaker" part, i don't know if hitchcock is for me. I think my favorite part was the opening credits (pictured above) and besides that the remaster is pretty good and full of awesome colors and clothing and over acting by cary grant.

6/10

wendy and lucy

With earnest hopes for a fresh start, Wendy Carroll (Michelle Williams) sets her sights on a high-paying job at an Alaska cannery. But her journey takes a heartbreaking detour when her beloved dog, Lucy, goes missing and her car decides to conk out in Oregon. There was a time when Wendy had nothing to lose, but now she could lose everything. Kelly Reichardt directs this nuanced drama that was nominated for a Best Feature Independent Spirit Award.

painfully slow, and about painfully mundane parts of life. Michelle Williams acting is strong and believeable but the script is this movies downfall. It's pretty much about problems we have all had but delt with in a much better fashion.

6/10
crimes and misdemeanors

Respected ophthalmologist Judah (Martin Landau) faces an ugly dilemma when his mistress (Anjelica Huston) threatens to expose their affair. Meanwhile, married filmmaker Cliff (Woody Allen) falls for a TV producer while shooting a documentary about an arrogant comedian (Alan Alda). Allen's masterful meditation on truth and responsibility, by turns funny and harrowing, ranks among the finest of the director's work.

a very successful mix of woody allen's humor with some really serious delimas.......i don't really know what else can be said?

7/10

40/300

Sex Drive
Determined to lose his virginity, 18-year-old Ian (Josh Zuckerman) grabs two pals (Clark Duke and Amanda Crew) and drives from Chicago to Knoxville, Tenn., to meet Danielle (Katrina Bowden), the girl of his dreams … or at least that's what she seems like on Facebook. Sweetening the deal is the fact that she's offered to go "all the way," as long as he can make it all the way to see her, of course. Seth Green and James Marsden co-star.

went into this expecting nothing, came out with one of the best trashy teen comedies since grandmas boy. Tell judd apatow to get outta town. What cute goth girl wants to go on a road trip to Knoxville with me where we realize that we have been in love with each other the whole time? Also best extended/unrated version due to the excessive gross strippers super imposed over the movie

8/10

Woman Under the Influence

One of John Cassavetes' best films isn't about alcoholism, as the title suggests, but rather mental illness's debilitating effect on a working-class family. Shot largely with available light and a handheld camera in long, seemingly improvised takes, the style can be disruptive but is worth the effort. Gena Rowlands and Peter Falk deliver astonishing performances.

My first Cassavetes film, and so far i don't really get it. Lots of lighting inconsistancies and really really long uncomfortable shots. I think i want to see more of his movies but if this is his "best" i don't really know what to expect. It also gave me a lot of the same feelings that Raging Bull did. I can appreciate the very solid acting, but i can't really handle watching men beating up their wives exspecially in this case when she cleary has no idea what is going on.

6/10

Halloween (2k8)

Directed by Rob Zombie, this reimagining of the original Halloween horror flick finds Michael Myers (Tyler Mane) erroneously released from the mental institution where he's been committed since he was 10 years old. Immediately returning to Haddonfield, Myers looks for his little sister, Laurie Strode (Scout Taylor-Compton) -- and has no qualms about killing anyone who crosses his path. Malcolm McDowell co-stars as Dr. Sam Loomis.

another hard one to watch. Rob Zombie is definitly a trash ball, but i guess that's what this movie has always been all about. Every one that i talked to was pissed about the part about the childhood of Michael Myers, where i found this fairly interesting. Also the first time i have ever seen characters who play highschool students show so much boob.

6/10

The Wire Season 4 (4 disc)

Examining each link in the drug "food chain," this innovative HBO drama set in the thick of inner-city Baltimore includes everyone from junkies and dealers to cops and politicians. While the third season focused on the investigation of drug kingpin Avon Barksdale (Wood Harris), the show expands to tackle the urban education system's role in fueling the proliferation of drugs. Among the ensemble cast are Dominic West and Frankie Faison.

For the most part my least favorite of the seasons due to it being a little unreasonable in the fact that a group of kids running the drug trade. However this has it's benefits in that it's easy to become a fan of an adorable 15 year old gangster who has killed like 30 people without any remorse. I also am a little bored with politics so that part of the season is pretty slow. Omar is still around and as much of a hard ass as ever.

8/10

32/300

Arctic Vaginal Wastelands, Topless Wakeboarding and David Bowie

Wholphin Issue  1 (Various Directors)

A collection of short films featuring such directors as Spike Jonze, Miguel Arteta and David O. Russell.  

Very disappointed with this.  The first short is written by Miranda July, directed by Arteta, and stars John C. Reilly as a guy who asks three people if they are "the favorite person of anybody".  I've seen this described as "beautiful" at least twice, but I guarantee whatever you can imagine about this 5 minute film is more interesting then what actually does happen.   Even more ridiculous is a 20 minute film starring Selma Blair who after seeing several gynecologists finds one who discovers an arctic wasteland after going right up in there.  Yikes.  I thought at least Spike Jonze would have something to offer but he just follows Al Gore around with a $200 video camera.  There is also a Turkish sitcom with five different choices of subtitles, and an Iranian cartoon  where a guy kills a monster by making what looks like a pickle appear between his fingers, cutting the pickle in half, and this of course cuts the monster in half.  

I didn't watch the whole thing, but what I saw was pretentious and boring.  Except for the voodoo pickle.  That was kind of funny. 

4/10

Friday the 13th (2009 edition, Dir. Marcus Nispel) 

The guys are obnoxious.

The girls show their boobs (even when  wakeboarding).

Jason kills them.

Did have one of the funniest moments I've seen in a movie in awhile.  It involves a boat.

6/10

The  Prestige (dir. Christopher Nolan)

Christian (Batman) Bale and Hugh (Wolverine) Jackman play rival magicians in Nineteenth century London try to outdo each other while searching for the ultimate trick.  Also stars Scarlett Johansson, Michael Caine, David Bowie and Gollum.

Unique story + strong cast + Christopher Nolan = very entertaining movie, with twists that aren't there just for the sake of having twists.

8.5/10

Coraline (Dir. Henry Selick)

A young girl moves into a new house where she finds a small door that leads to an  alternate universe where everything seems to be better.   Her real world is dull and her parents don't pay any attention to her.   On the other side of the door,  everything seems brighter and better.   However Coraline eventually grows suspicious of her "other mother" when she invites her to stay in their world forever on one condition.

Based on a book by Neil Gaiman, and from the director of "Nightmare Before Christmas",   you kind of have an idea of what to expect. Coraline is a kids movie, only creepier and more interesting then say... Madagascar 2.   But the main reason I enjoyed it was because seeing the movie  in Digital 3D really took it to the next level.  Everything looks amazing, like being in the front row of a giant stop motion animation play or something.  If I saw the movie in 2D, I think I would've still liked it, but I definitely recommend seeing Coraline in a 3D theatre.  It's come a long way since the old red and blue glasses and "Friday the 13th Part 3".  

8/10

Rushmore (Dir. Wes Anderson 1998)

Max Fischer (Jason Schwarzman) is a student at Rushmore Academy who puts on plays, joins every club, team and group the school has to offer, and gets terrible grades.  He falls in love with Miss Cross (Olivia Williams), a 1st grade teacher and befriends millionaire Herman Blume (Bill Murray) before getting expelled.  To make matters worse, Max finds out that Miss Cross and Blume have developed a relationship.  

Rushmore is my all-time favorite movie.  I recently saw it in a theatre for the first time at Film Streams, where it is playing until Thursday.  It's a good movie to see on the big screen (after many views on the small screen) because there is so much attention to detail in ever scene.  Instead of paying attention to the people talking in the foreground, you can see a humorous moment in the background, like a boy in a nun's costume sweeping up cocaine after Max's version of "Serpico".  

I pretty much love everything about this movie more then anything in any other movie.   I could go on forever.  The characters, the story, the cinematography and the music all add up to what I consider a perfect movie.

10/10

Zack and Miri Make a Porno (Dir. Kevin Smith.)

Lifelong friends Zack and Miri are  in desperate need of  money so guess what they do?  Guess what happens?

It seems to me like Kevin Smith (Clerks, Mallrats, Dogma) was trying to make a Judd Apatowish comedy that's both sweet and romantic and has adult humor and Seth Rogen.   The romantic stuff is super predictable, and the adult humor isn't that funny.   And I still like Seth Rogen,  but he couldn't save this one from being kind of a dud.  And I'm pretty sure "Live" was playing when  Zack and Miri have sex.  Remember Live?  

5/10

Delicatessen (Dir. Jean-Pierre Jeunet  1991)

A guy who was a clown takes a room in a building where a butcher kills people and sells the meat in exchange for beans because times are tough and meat is scarce.  The daughter starts to fall for the clown when......... I fell asleep.  Actually I fell asleep a couple times trying to watch this movie.  I'm a big fan of Jeunet's "Amelie" and "A Very Long Engagement" but this one wasn't doing it for me.  

pope in the bath whilst buckwheat scrubs

drugstore cowboy

In this unrepentant look at the life of junkies, a quartet of addicts robs pharmacies to fuel their habits. Ringleader Bob Hughes (Matt Dillon), along with his wife (Kelly Lynch) and underlings Rick (James Le Gros) and Nadine (Heather Graham), takes the show on the road after things get too hot at home. When Nadine goes toes up from an overdose, Bob swears off drugs and tries to rebuild his life -- minus his wife, who's determined to stay hooked.

I did not realize that this movie was gus van sant when i watched it, i also did not think it was going to be so good. Drug movie, on the doorstep of the 90s, lots of great lines, as well as your typical drug movie banter. Has a special guest appearance by hunter s. tompson that I felt was sort of just in there to prove they could get him in a movie, but interesting if you are into him.

7/10

american teen


Five high school seniors in Warsaw, Ind., are the focus of this documentary from filmmaker Nanette Burstein. The film follows their struggles in and out of classrooms, their friendships, romantic relationships and the tough decisions they face. A compelling glimpse into the problems and issues teenagers confront daily, this cinema vérité film is chock full of the drama and emotion that accompany the adolescent experience.

Sort of not entertaining as a documentary, but i think it was meant to be watched by current high school students. At the same time it was sort of painful to see some of the ridiculous things you probably thought up when you were in high school. It's amazing how much ideals change after 7 short years.

6/10

serenity

Picking up where his cult show "Firefly" left off, writer-director Joss Whedon's tale of galactic unrest follows Malcolm Reynolds (Nathan Fillion), captain of the transport ship Serenity, and his scrappy but loyal crew. When the ship picks up two new passengers- fugitives from the powerful coalition ruling the universe- "Mal" and his mates find themselves at the center of a cosmic conflict, pursued by military forces and space-roaming savages.

Another movie that i went into with low expectations and was pleasantly surprised. A low budget sci fi with almost a feel of the old star wars movies, plus some extra girl empowerment nerd trash from ol' buddy joss to boring things up a bit.

7/10

jackass 2.5

Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O and the entire Jackass crew return with even more inappropriate and reckless stunts, pranks and mischief in this film that combines extra scenes from Jackass 2 with behind-the-scenes footage and exclusive interviews. Confronting dangerous animals such as alligators and snakes, fighting one another, and embarrassing Bam's dad are just a few of the crazy high jinks in store.

Im a sucker for watching people getting hurt, exspecially if it's self inflicted. This is just some bonus footage from the filming of Jackass 2 with some stuff that just didn't fit the movie or didn't really work, plus with interesting explinations from cast.

7/10

mister lonely
This gorgeously lensed, slightly surreal dramedy follows a Michael Jackson impersonator (Diego Luna) to Paris, where he meets a Marilyn Monroe look-alike (Samantha Morton) and accompanies her as she reconvenes with her husband and daughter (also impersonators) in Scotland. Along the way, they rendezvous with a Queen Elizabeth look-alike, among others, in director Harmony Korine's absurdist statement about celebrity obsession.

I think you either love or hate Harmony Korine, and I am more on the love side. A pretty bizzare and nonsensical movie, but filled with some of the most beautiful and strange moments you can put on your television. Some standouts: Michael Jackson on a mini motorcycle with a flying monkey toy on a kite string, nuns skydiving without parachutes and trusting in faith in god alone, the pope being given a bath by buckwheat............and so much more

8/10

bananas

Neurotic nebbish Fielding Mellish (Woody Allen) follows his dream girl (Louise Lasser) to the fictitious Latin American nation of San Marcos, where he unintentionally becomes a freedom fighter for a revolutionary leader. But shortly after taking the reins of power, the new strongman goes -- you guessed it -- bananas, leaving Fielding in command to bargain with the United States. Watch for Sylvester Stallone in a microscopic role.

Definitly the most "zaney" of the woody allen movies i have seen so far, and probably my least favorite. Still pretty standout amung the slapstick genre, but maybe it just didn't age well considering it was a castro parody?

6/10


Dead Space: Downfall

A feature-length prequel to the Electronic Arts' video game, this animated sci-fi horror adventure follows a group of space miners who uncover evidence of humankind's creators then unwittingly release a violent alien race from within a faraway planet. Now it's up to a special team of miners and space crew to stop the most ruthless, evil alien beings from wreaking havoc on the human race.

not much to say about this really. A video game animated movie that looks like sunday morning super hero cartoons but with lots and lots of gore.

5/10

25/300

one that looks like a midwest beauty queen

can't sleep, updating movie reviews very late at night.

adaptation

Charlie Kaufman (Nicolas Cage) is a Los Angeles screenwriter battling enormous feelings of insecurity and impotence as he struggles to adapt The Orchid Thief, a book by Susan Orlean (Meryl Streep) whose main character, John Laroche (Chris Cooper), searches for love. Add to the mix Charlie's twin brother, Donald (also played by Cage), and you have a surreal, Spike Jonze-directed gem about the search for passion.

still probably my favorite movie ever. Tragic, beautiful, funny. Perfect writing.

10/10

snow angels

Based on Stewart O'Nan's novel, this indie drama starring Kate Beckinsale intertwines parallel stories about teenager Arthur Parkinson (Michael Angarano) and his former babysitter, Annie Marchand (Beckinsale). Once the object of Arthur's boyhood infatuation, small-town waitress Annie heads down a fateful path after enduring a stormy relationship with her estranged spouse (Sam Rockwell). The supporting cast includes Amy Sedaris and Nicky Katt.

a new addition to my "favorites" list. Amazingly written and even better acting. Sam Rockwell really gives the performance of a lifetime. Such miserable (and real) stories of broken families that will make this movie hard to watch a second time. The teen couple has a perfect dynamic that i think every relationship should be like. Also not so......gimmicky....as David Gordon Green's "George Washington" as far as camera work and disgusting story goes, but still both great movies

10/10

death wish

While New York City architect Paul Kersey (Charles Bronson) is away from home, drug addicts break into his house and brutally murder his wife, Joanna (Hope Lange), and rape his daughter until she's comatose. Once wary of guns, Kersey takes matters into his own hands, seeking vigilante justice against not only the culprits, but other wrongdoers as well. New York City cops soon take notice and try to find the person who's doing their job.

not that i have ever been to new york, but from what i hear, this version no longer exists. Gritty and violent without reason. I would put this movie on par with warriors, it kind of does not really make sense but charles bronson is a badass any way.

18/300

RocknRolla  (Dir. Guy Ritchie 2008)

In London, a real-estate scam, millions of euros, and a mysterious painting bring together all kinds of criminal types, and one presumed dead rock star.

Basically if you've seen "Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels", or  "Snatch", you know exactly what to expect.  Instead of a couple of rare guns or a huge diamond, there is a mysterious painting.  There is a large cast of likable criminals getting into darkly comic situations.  And there is a pretty unexpected ending.   So if you love those movies,  you might like "RocknRolla", if you didn't like those movies, pass on this one because it's just more of the same.

I was a fan of "Lock Stock" and "Snatch".  But "RocknRolla" is not only a bit too similar, but a little more dull, like a B-Side to one of Ritchie's greatest hits.  Supposedly its the first part of a trilogy.  I'll probably check out the sequel, but I'm not holding my breath.

6.5/10

Man On Wire  (Dir. James Marsh)

Documentary about Phillipe Petit's tightrope walk between the Twin Towers in 1974.

This movie has received a lot of praise, but I wasn't that impressed.  I was kind of into it at first when they were describing/re-enacting the events leading up to the "artistic crime of the century", then I fell asleep.  Then  I woke up and Petit was tightroping it up, which is cool and all don't get me wrong, but as a result...

SPOILER ALERT

Petit becomes famous, dumps his girlfriend and his best friend gets kicked out of the country.

That's kind of downer.  So he could walk on a wire between two buildings.  I think the act gets a little over romanticized (especially by Petit) and what ends up happening to the people who helped him accomplish his dream makes it look even more frivolous.  

5/10

Slumdog Millionaire (Dir. Danny Boyle)

A teen who grew up in the slums of India goes on "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" in order to find the girl he was separated from years before.  After getting one question away from the big prize, he is arrested and accused of cheating.  He then explains (via flashback) how he knew the answers to all the questions.

Very entertaining and enjoyable movie.   The cinematography, music, locations and performances from the actors all help an original (if somewhat unlikely) story that make this movie live up to all the hype.  Because there is no way a hollywood version based in America would not totally suck.  I haven't seen the other nominees for best picture, but I'd have to pick this one to win.

9/10

  

Step Brothers  (Dir. Adam McKay)

Will Ferrell and  John C. Reilly play two guys who live with their single mother and father, respectively, and are forced to live together when their parents fall and love and get married.  Before the opening credits are over.

This is pretty much just an hour and a half of Ferrell and Reilly acting like idiots, which is fine with me.  If you don't think these two are funny, this movie is not going to convince you otherwise.  But if you are a fan of Ferrell and/or Reilly, and you thought "Talladega Nights" was just a little too artsy, then "Step Brothers" is right up your alley.

The real reason I highly recommend this movie is the audio commentary, featuring Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, director Adam  McKay and music by Jon Brion (Magnolia, Kanye's "Late Registration") and special guest Baron Davis of the Los Angeles Clippers.  The commentators spontaneously break out into song throughout the commentary.  My personal favorite being about a prosthetic scrotum.

Movie:  8/10

Movie w/ commentary:  10/10

Chungking Express (Dir.  Kar Wai Wong  1994)

Two similar stories of two different cops in Hong Kong.  One is still pining for his girlfriend that broke up with him five years ago.  The other keeps visiting a waitress.......

And I couldn't watch this whole movie.  I've read many a glowing review, Quentin Tarantino put his name  on one version of the DVD,  another version got the Criterion Collection  treatment so I was expecting a lot more.  I guess "film buffs" think things like buying a can of pineapple every day for a month with the same expiration date is some sort of genius metaphor.  (Love expires, pineapples expire.... get it?)  Or saying things like "The body loses water when you jog.  So you have none left for tears" is incredibly moving.    There's lots of narration like that.  Lots.

Netflix recommended this one to me because I liked "Rushmore", "City of God", "Annie Hall", "The Office", "Barton Fink" and "Spirited Away" among others.  I love those movies.  I couldn't stand this movie.

  

4/10

The Bourne Identity (Dir. Doug Liman)

Matt Damon plays Jason Bourne, a man trying to figure out who he is, why people are trying to kill him, and why he is so good at fighting back.

Pretty solid action movie.  Liked it.  Didn't love it.  Don't hate it.   Sometimes you just feel like something with some car chases and fighting and amnesia.  Bourne Identity fulfills that need.

7/10

jf

let the right one in (again)

I have watched this too many times, great to show to people, brings up great conversation topics like pedophilia and childhood trauma.

9/10

Manhattan
One of Woody Allen's best films, Manhattan offers more drama than it does comedy; it's a character-rich portrait of life and love among unhappy New York City intellectuals. Allen essentially plays himself, a neurotic writer involved with a high school girl (Mariel Hemingway). Then he meets his married best friend's new lover (Diane Keaton) and falls hard.

what a perfect movie to follow "Jules and Jim" with. Maybe i have a not healthy appreciation for love triangles, although it's not something i would ever, ever want to have to deal with, they sure make for adorable and passionate situations. This is just kind of a more nervous and less smooth Frenchman movie, and for that it is one of my new favorites. Why the 17 year olds Woodie? Easily a top five of the Woody Allen i have seen so far.

9/10

wild child

One of director François Truffaut's most unusual films is based on a true story and contains one of his rare acting appearances. In 1798 France, a feral child (Jean-Pierre Cargol) who's grown up wild in the forest is discovered. Truffaut plays Dr. Jean Itard, the deaf specialist who tries to civilize the boy; the screenplay was adapted from Itard's writings. Truffaut dedicated the film to Jean-Pierre Leaud, the star of his Antoine Doinel series.

real life Jungle Book. Truffaut sure knows how to pick child actors (and to tell their stories) His own performance is pretty amazing as well. Also looked great at film streams, with some really amazing aerial shots of the kid running across wooded areas.

7/10

15/300

well i have just found out my link to download that mix does not work
and now i cannot get it to upload correctly
so if any one knows a good upload host let me know
otherwise please feel free to message me on aim (strbrrydeluxe) or here
and i will send it to you some how

ain't no sweat on your brow neither

off to a bad start, and i have decided to not put so much pressure on getting to 300 but rather to make good, full reviews. I have been watching the wire in between being really busy doing other silly stuff. I think i am going to also try to add a monthly mix disc, this post containing the first.

Jules and Jim

Writers Jules (Oskar Werner) and Jim (Henri Serre) are close friends who fall in love with the same woman, the unpredictable Catherine (Jeanne Moreau), amid the turbulence of World War I Paris. What results is a decades-long love triangle that both tests and strengthens the bond between the two men. One of director François Truffaut's best-loved films, Jules and Jim is adapted from the French novel by Henri-Pierre Roché.

This movie is life changing. It's got this uncomfortable but beautiful relationship between friends and lovers, always accepting of each other. I want to meet a Catherine........................

10/10


The Wire season 3 (5 disc)



The business may be drugs, but it's still work for the family that rules the trade in the city of Baltimore. And tracking them down is all in a day's work for the cops tasked with nabbing the family members one by one. In this third season of the riveting crime series, local politics ratchet up the pressure as candidates run on the narcotics issue and make it the center of the election season. Stars Dominic West, John Doman and Sonja Sohn.

probably my favorite season so far, a bit more straight forward and not quite as many characters as season 2 (with both the dock workers and the gangsters and the greeks). Plenty of Omar and Bow tie who are easily some of the best characters ever written for television.

8/10

12/300

and as promised here is a mix, it is zipped so if you need to unzip and don't have the utility just go download 7zip. There is a track list inclosed but mostly it's slow songs about girls. Highlights include but are not limited to Animal Collective, Nick Cave, Cohen, Tom Waits, Blur......etc.

http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=c83955ba638d2fab91b20cc0d07ba4d2d68107a9528e6170

if any one is into this let me know, if i get a good response i will definitly keep doing them

This uproarious animated series from the former executive producers and head writers of "The Simpsons" follows a tight-knit group of slackers who work dead-end jobs in the hipper-than-thou neighborhood of Mission Hill. The debut season introduces protagonist Andy French, a 24-year-old waterbed salesman (and wanna-be cartoonist) whose world is disrupted when his geeky teenage brother becomes his roomie, along with a slobbery pooch named Stogie.

it's like simpsons, but with cake as the theme song, and some really awesome pretentious jokes about Italian cinema and college. I really love the animation style and voice acting, this and Home Movies are probably my fave adult swim/animation things......

7/10

It's the new year, and I have decided to try this mess once again. As you can see i have refreshed the look of the blog, and am returning to full reviews of movies with pictures and all the fun stuff you love. I am once again shooting for 300 movies but will probably not concern myself with a book number this time around due to a supreme lack of reading last year. If, however, finish a book i will review it. Any suggestions for the web page or movies for me to watch are appreciated.



The Wrestler


Mickey Rourke (in a Golden Globe-nominated role) stars as retired professional wrestler Randy "The Ram" Robinson, who returns to the ring and tries to work his way up the circuit for a final shot at defeating his longtime rival. Along the way, he tries to reconnect with his daughter, Stephanie (Evan Rachel Wood), while exploring a relationship with a stripper named Cassidy (Marisa Tomei, also nominated for a Golden Globe).

"Mickey Rourke is back" or whatever they are saying about this. A great movie that i probably can never watch again. Mickey Rourke is so great as a weird washed up roid riddled old creep, and in typical Aronofsky style, Rourke's heavy story of loss and failure never quite gets happy. I cannot really claim that i can relate, but some how it made me feel like i could.

8/10

The Conformist


When the government orders him to kill a political refugee, Marcello (Jean-Louis Trintignant) agrees -- even though his target is his college mentor. Hence, he is "the Conformist," a man who will do anything to belong. Bernardo Bertolucci directs this thought-provoking drama set in 1930s fascist Italy, a visually complex character study with production design by Nedo Azzini and camera work by Vittorio Storaro.

I rented this movie because a friend of mine who is super into pretentious fashion bullshit saw an article about a designer who used textures and sets pasted from this movie in his latest ads. That being said, there are some incredible attired babes in this movie, as well as great set design. I had to read a bit about the fascist part of the story, but really even knowing nothing about fascist itally this movie has this weird homosexual tension as well as a weird love triangle that keep it interesting.

6/10

The Fall


Set in the 1920s, director Tarsem Singh's visually lush drama stars Lee Pace as paralyzed movie stuntman Roy Walker, who bonds with an imaginative 5-year-old named Alexandria (Catinca Untaru) as they convalesce together in a Los Angeles infirmary. To coax the girl into procuring the cache of morphine he wants from the hospital pharmacy, the suicidal Roy regales Alexandria with an elaborate fantasy about larger-than-life heroes.

Another movie with some incredible costume design. Every character in the fantasy world looked like an asian david bowie space pirate, and it is great. The little girl in this movie probably has one of my favorite child performances ever (behind 400 blows and Let the Right One In) she has this really natural and kind of awkward conversation cadence, full of interruptions and repeated words. Sort of a modern (and better) "Never Ending Story".

9/10


Thin Blue Line


Errol Morris's gripping investigation into the murder of a Dallas police officer was responsible for freeing the man originally -- and erroneously -- charged with and convicted of the crime. Through archival footage, interviews and stylized reenactments, Morris skillfully makes a case for the innocence of a man who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Widely acclaimed, this breakthrough documentary captured numerous awards.

Sort of dry and uninteresting cinematically but with very interesting subject matter, and interesting, very "Texas" characters. I think more exciting then the movie it's self is the fact that the movie was pretty much what got the "wrong man" out of jail.

7/10

4/300 movies watched