American Sniper

American Sniper
Year: 2014
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller
Directed By: Clint Eastwood
Rating: R
Run Time: 134 Minutes

     Let me start off with saying that I am a military veteran, serving in the Marine Corps for 8 years.  My opinion on this blog is meant to be unbiased and give you, the reader, a clear idea of what movies entail and what they are all about.  This movie however has hit home for me.  It takes a lot to get under my skin, especially for a film, but when one comes along, I respect it.  There are other critics and movie goers out there that did not enjoy this film and saying it is propaganda to a war we should have never been involved in and not giving credit to the story of Chris Kyle.  I will tell you, that when a military man or woman gets called to war, it is not a choice whether or not they agree with it, they are sent there, because they CHOSE to be in the military unlike the other 99.5% of Americans (Eikenberry & Kennedy, 2013),  This movie is not a propaganda film or anything of the sort; it is a movie about a man who volunteered to defend his nation when we all saw what happened in 2001.  It is to remember a man who accomplished something incredible with his ability as a sniper and his love for this great Nation.  Just remember that men and women like Chief Petty Officer Chris Kyle give you the freedom and right to hate or love this film.

     This movie was an incredible story of what Chief Petty Office Chris Kyle went through to become the Sniper that he is known for today.   In the last decade, I feel we have seen less fictional war stories in Hollywood and more true stories coming to theatres.  With the attraction of constant news cycle and social media, stories like this one can be told.  This movie is a chronicle (or as much as you can fit into two hours) of America's most lethal sniper Chief Petty Officer Chris Kyle. Yes, there was Hollywood thrown in there, but the film could not have been directed by a better man than Clint Eastwood.  Mr Eastwood is long known for his rolls in military films back in the 70's and 80's, and for his respect for the men and women who serve.  Having been in Iraq around the same time the "shot" took place, this movie really captured what it was like to be over there and the changes that took place from his first tour to his final fourth tour.

     The movie starts with a very compelling entry of the choice a sniper has to make when protecting fellow troops.  This is a choice many of us couldn't make, yet in a time of war, especially in a place where there are no limits to how they can attack, the decision of life or death has to be instantaneous.  The movie progresses following how Chris Kyle started his life as a cowboy and how he decided to join the Seals as well as follows him on his four tours in the Iraq War.  The great thing about this movie is that is shows how each time he went, the changes that were around him.  It also portrays the story of his life back on US soil when after his life changing events.  The story is very compelling and very edge of your seat kind of thriller.  His story is very compelling and you have to remember that this film is based on true events that many of us have experienced.
   
     Bradley Cooper played this roll extremely well.  After watching some interviews with Chris Kyle, you can see how well Bradley Cooper portrayed his real life character.  The filming sequences are very well put together and action sequences can be rather intense.  For those of you thinking it is fake and that isn't how it really is, of all the war movies I have seen, this one is very realistic.  One of the most realistic scenes is the sand storm.  Yes, they are really like that.

     I give this movie 4 out of 5 incredible sniper shots.  When you go to see this, you have to understand that it is an intense war movie and not what you would call a "feel-good" movie.  It is a true story of a Navy Seal and you have to have that in your mind when you see this.  Whether you are pro war or not, you have to have respect for the men and woman that have defended your right to have an opinion.  Many veterans and fallen heroes all have incredible stories but not all will get their story told on the silver screen.  This movie is a fantastic tribute to a great American hero, who saved countless American troops lives from the building above.

 Support the Troops...

Poolhall Junkies

Poolhall Junkies

Year: 2002

Starring: Mars Callahan, Christopher Walken, Chazz Palminteri

Directed By: Mars Callahan

Rating: R

Run Time: 99 Minutes

     A friend of mine asked me to review this over a year ago.  After my delay in posting, which I can give you a ton of reasons and excuses why I haven't, I am going to get back in the game.  Even though my followers are few, that doesn't mean I can't take the 15-20 minutes to write a review for a movie, given I watch probably close to 500 in a single year.  So Ken, here you go man, the review you have been waiting for!

     I am just going to come right out and say that I really enjoyed this movie.  It was a different twist on a sports/gangster movie about pool.  I really like the fact when someone takes bowling, pool, or cards and puts it into a serious drama, it makes the sport more attractive to people who generally think it is a bar game.  If you don't want to at least try and play some pool after watching this movie, I would be shocked.

     The movie opens on a teenage kid, Johnny who can roll at pool.  He is talking about being a pro and going far, but Chazz's character, Joe, a protective father figure who is out for his own gain, doesn't want to lose this kid because he sees the money this kid could make hustling pool and throws away Johnny's invitation to play professionally.  Flash forward to a pool hall full of players (hence the name Poolhall Junkies), where the now grown up Johnny is playing for money, and is clearly better than anyone he plays.  At the end of this scene, he find out what Joe did, and leaves him high and dry in a bad situation. This movie continues from here about how Johnny gives up pool, gets back on it, gives it up again, and has to play at the end to get his brother out of trouble.  I, again, don't want to give it all away, but the introduction scene is enough to keep you interested in what will happen in the movie.  There are a lot of supporting talent as well from Michael Rosenbaum (most notably Lex Luther from Smallville), Christopher Walken, and even an Eastwood (Clint's daughter Alison).  A movie is only as good as your supporting cast, and this one had a great one.

     However, there is a downside to this film.  This movie had a very similar plot, one that I had seen before, almost had the exact same plot twists, climaxes, etc.made only 4 years earlier.  Rounders (a movie about poker starring Matt Damon and Edward Norton) was so similar to this movie, you could almost call this movie Rounder 2: Poolhall Junkies.  It was so similar, I had to see if it was by the same director (it wasn't) so it was not original, and very, very predictable, with no real surprise.  Another thing I didn't like was the ending sequence which was corny, and I think it was probably one of the first things filmed because it didn't seem very fluid.  The pool game play was incredible though, but a little confusing, but they all can't be perfect right?

     Regardless, I still give this movie 3.5 out of 5 pool ques.  I will definitely watch it again, after I research some rules on how they are playing and some of the more technical stuff (because I'm a nerd) but still this movie is a great one to see and is going in my Top 10 Sports movies list.  Watch it, its a good one, you'll enjoy it.

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Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Year: 2011

Starring: James Franco, John Lithgow, Frieda Pinto

Directed By: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: PG-13

Run Time: 105 Minutes

     When I first saw the preview for this movie, I thought, what a brilliant idea for a movie.  Take a classic movie and create a prequel to explain how apes took over the planet.  I thought it was brilliant, and really loved what they did with the teasers and trailers.  Each time I saw the preview, I really wanted to see this movie more and more.  I really hyped myself up for this movie, and by the time it came out, I was really worried that it was just going to be terrible.  WOW, I was pleasantly surprised when I see James Franco continue his great acting, and the story was incredible.  Following a day in the life of a genius ape just made this movie so much better.

     The movie begins with the capture of some chimpanzees in Africa.  I will warn all you, if you are not a fan of seeing animals being tested on or injured or even killed, just be aware that it happens in this movie, BUT there are all digital animals so its not real.  The same company who did the digital imaging for Avatar did the effects for this movie, so the apes look very, very realistic.  From there it follows James Franco, and scientist creating a cure for brain disorders.  He is ultimately trying to find a cure for Alzheimer's since his father, John Lithgow, suffers from it.  When he finds a successful strain in a subject chimp, he plans to present it to the board, when the chimp goes wild, and is killed.  They discover it was protecting a baby chimp, who becomes the main focus of the movie.

     When James Franco decides to keep the infant chimp instead of put it down, he discovers it is smarter than any other chimp.  It seems the strain they used in the mother, was passed to the baby in the womb, but changed him differently.  Throughout the movie you are following Caesar and James Franco, alternating between Caesar's new discovers, and downfalls, and James Franco continued push to cure brain diseases.  Caesar goes to protect John Lithgow when a neighbor is trying to fight him, and thus causes animal control to put him in an ape habitat.  This is where you follow Caesar and the "rise."

     I truly thought this movie was great.  Such a simple idea, such a great story, and such a good ending.  I will give this movie 4.5 our of 5 ALZ 113's.  Call me biased, but I thought this movie was really well done.  There were some corny parts, but a lot of parts in which make you think about how this could happen and that it is the cause of the famous 1968 movie Planet of the Apes.  I highly recommend, and have an open mind!  Remember, it is a movie, not a real scientific story.

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part II

Year: 2011

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes

Directed By: David Yates

Rating: PG-13

Run Time: 125 Minutes

     I'm not sure if I was just really wanting to see this movie and maybe over hyped it to myself, or what the situation was.  I didn’t see it at midnight, to avoid the large crowds, but I couldn’t resist waiting to long to see it.  I think I was more impressed with the first movie, because it was true to the book.  I thought breaking this up into two movies would really give the fans what they wanted.  However I left the theatre feeling really unsatisfied and really let down.  I will talk more about that later.

     The movie really relied more of the end of the book, the part of the book that really got you excited to know what was going to happen.  The movie follows Harry, Ron and Hermione right where they left off, in their search of the remaining horocruxes.  This movie is the conclusion to the seven part books, the finale between Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort.  The movie started off really well, they jumped right into finding the remaining horocrux in the bank, then in Hogwarts, and you started to see your questions get answered.  Then all of a sudden, the battle begun, and things started to happen and I feel important details from the book were skipped that shouldn’t have been. 

     Part I was over two hours and twenty minutes long, where as Part two was just over two hours.  I really thought that this movie would in fact be longer.  Include more of the end of the book, especially parts that were read from “The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore” which happened in the book.  I also would’ve really like to see more about Albus in this movie, as the book did, but they just jumped right into the attack of Hogwarts and it was just really disappointing.  It was like they were trying to jam action into a movie that wasn’t an action genre.  I also really, really disliked the way Lord Voldemort died, it was just like this powerful evil wizard just vanished, it was really unfortunate.  I really would have liked to see a more elaborate battle between “He Who Must Not Be Named” and “The Boy Who Lived.”

     Regardless, it was still a good movie, and fans everywhere will love it.  My personal opinion just left me a little disappointed, and that could be because of the book.  When it came out, I took off work, read it all the way through that day, and couldn’t believe how incredible the ending was.  Maybe it is always that way, a book can hardly ever translate to the big screen the way your mind imagines it.  It is still worth seeing if you are a Harry Potter fan, or even if you have seen the movies and not read the books, you obviously need to finish this.  I am sure this movie will gross an insane amount of money, and it already predicted to shatter an opening day record.

     I will give this movie, just like its predecessor, 3.5 out of 5 Elder Wands.  The movie was worth the money, and great in 3D, and you should definitely go see it.  But as I said before in my Part I post, read the books, and be amazed at how a children’s book evolved into an epic adult novel. 

PS: I really feel like they could have given some of the characters justice who died in the film….

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83rd Annual Academy Awards

Well, the Oscars are over, and really no big shocker happened this year.  Colin Firth sealed up his King George VI role with an Oscar, and The King's Speech took Best Picture and Best Director.  The Fighter did well, pulling in Best Supporting Actor and Actress.  Inception won its fair share of awards including cinematography, sound editing, sound mixing and visual effects.  Overall, it was a fairly predictable Oscars, even though at the Oscar party I chose nominees that weren't the favorites.

Downside of the Oscars?  How about James Franco and Anne Hathaway.  The show is all staged and you would think that of all people, actors, would be able to make something seem like they aren't reading a script.  I mean come on, the best part of the show was when Billy Crystal came out.  Bring Billy back!

The Oscars are really a showcase for films that probably a lot of people haven't seen.  Besides a lot of the best pictures, most of the people in the world probably haven't seen 60-80% of the movies up for nominations.  Even though I saw a big chunk of the films this year, I still didn't see some of the Animated Shorts, documentaries,  foreign film, even some of the pictures that had nominees for Best Actor and Actress.  I think the overall point is to give people who watch an opportunity to get outside of their bubble of cinema, and see something unique.  Look at Slumdog Millionaire, winner in 2009.  A product of India, out of no where that stole the show and won 8 Oscars including best picture.

Point is, I know a lot of people don't watch the Oscars, but give them a shot, because you may see a nominee in the future that you never thought you would've liked.

Toy Story 3

Toy Story 3

Year: 2010

Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen

Directed By: Lee Unkrich

Rating: G

Run Time: 103 Minutes

     Pixar has yet to put out a movie that has not failed.  When I first heard about Toy Story 3 and Cars 2, I started to worry that maybe Pixar is running out of ideas.  To produce sequels to successful movies is always a huge risk, but Pixar seems to make it work.  Granted, Toy Story is the only Pixar movie to produce sequels; I guess we will see what happens when Cars 2 comes out.  However, Toy Story trilogy is an exception to the sequels rule.  Pixar seems to know what they are doing.

     Toy Story 3 picks up many years into the future from Toy Story 2, where Andy is grown up and going off to college.  Woody, Buzz and the gang are all trying to be played with again, and kept in Andy's heart.  Of course Andy's mom does her usual thing and messes up, and take the toys to a day care center.  The toys try to escape and get home, and I will not go further then that when I talk about this movie.  The movie is actually really, really good.  Ever since the initial Toy Story came out, I challenge someone to tell me they didn't want that Buzz Lightyear action figure.  This movie really tugs at your heart strings and makes you think about what happened to all your old toys when you were a kid.  All in all, this was a great way to end (hopefully) the series.

     It is hard to not like this movie, however I will say that it has no business being in the Best Picture category.  Yes it was a great movie, but in no way did it really involve any acting or directing skill in my opinion.  Talking into a microphone and directing animated characters is not really a best picture type film.  That is why there is a category for Best Animated Film.  Although, I do think that it is a sham that Despicable Me didn't get an Oscar nod.  I do think this will win best Animated, and has full right to be nominated for other things, but not best picture!  Don't get me wrong, I love Tom Hanks and Time Allen, but come on, if I was an actor, I would be insulted that a film that required no actual on-screen acting won best picture, even a director.  It is a lot different when you can just make the animated characters do whatever you want, and you don't have to work with actual people.  But hey, if it wins, great, better then some of the other nominations this year.

     I will give this movie 4.5 out of 5 Spanish Buzz Lightyear's.  I feel like I have made my claim to how good this movie was, one of the best of the year for sure.  I guess if you haven't figured it out, I really think if you can watch a movie over and over again, it is a good movie.  In my collection, if you as a movie are lucky enough to get purchased in a special edition case, well then you were probably a really good movie!  But still, shouldn't be up for best picture; sorry if you guys disagree!

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The Fighter

The Fighter

Year: 2010

Starring: Mark Walhberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams

Directed By: David O. Russell

Rating: R

Run Time: 115 Minutes

     Boxing is a lost art in the sporting world.  In the past in American history, boxing has brought our nation together.  From Rocky to Cinderella Man, the sport has turned primarily in to a Central American phenomenon, and really has no relevance in America anymore.  However, boxing always seems to produce great movies.  This movie is particularly great not only because it was a boxing movie, but because it was based on true events.  It is always a great movie when it is based on true inspiring events in our history.
    Mark Wahlberg portrays real life boxer Mikey Ward during a time when his brother, Dicky is being filmed for HBO.  This movie is about how the family went through their struggles with Micky's career, Dicky's drug problem and arrests, and Micky's rise to become a champion.  The great thing about this movie is that you can really be connected with the characters.  You get involved with the family struggles, and the troubles throughout the movie, and you get inspired during the boxing scenes.  On the rare occasion does a movie grab you like this one does, and you get so emotionally involved with it.
     Christian Bale was unbelievable in this movie.  If he does not win best Supporting actor, I would be shocked and really upset, unless Geoffery Rush steals the gold man.  When you first watch this movie, you think Christian Bale is over doing it.  You are watching and get a little annoyed with his character.  Christian Bale is notorious for adding a dropping weight for his roles (must be a wreck on his body) but he looked like a crack addicted.  He had the sunk in cheeks, and the make up for him was great.  He played the character with such brilliance that some would say he over-acted.  But then at the end of the movie, you see a clip with the real Micky Ward and Dicky Eklund, and you see how great of a job Christian Bale did in his portrayal of Dicky Eklund.  Christian Bale whole heartedly deserves the Best Supporting Actor for this film.
     I will give this movie 5 out of 5 TKO's.  This movie was great.  Mark Wahlberg's performance was great, Amy Adams could win supporting actress for her role, Christian Bale was amazing, plus the story was great.  I would be okay if this movie won best picture because it really had everything a movie could have.  Even though someone people will look at it purely as a boxing movie and shouldn't be a  contender, I will reply to them saying, Rocky, 1976.  Great movie, don't skip it.

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Shout Out to Amy Adams for another great role, a local girl from Castle Rock, Colorado.

The Kids Are All Right

The Kids Are All Right

Year: 2010

Starring: Annette Bening, Julianna Moore, Mark Ruffalo

Directed By: Lisa Cholodenko

Rating: R

Run Time: 106 Minutes

     This review will be quick.  In terms of Best Picture nominations, I am not 100% sure why this movie is even up for any nomination.  The movie was good but nothing spectacular.  I feel like this movie is up for the nomination solely because it was controversial in nature, however I did not view it in such a way therefore I saw nothing special about it, and nothing that hasn't been done before.  The only thing I can understand is the acting that Annette Bening did, but at the same time, she was pretty much the same as any role I have ever seen her in.

     This movie is about a family, two kids raised by two mothers.  Yep you guessed it, they are lesbians.  When the daughter turns 18, she gets in contact with the sperm donor their mothers used.  Mark Ruffalo portrays the donor.  The kids decide to meet him, and the movie goes from there about how they try to incorporate him into the family..  There are certain instances that happen and this movie has a very similar feel to say Little Miss Sunshine.  I would give you more about the movie but it would give too much away.  In short, the movie was good and makes you see a side of life that some of us won't normally see.

     In no way do I think this movie has any business being a part of the contenders for best picture.  It was done well, but it seems this year, they gave the nomination to 10 movies, and really they could have made due with 5 nominations.  There was nothing special like I said before, and really if it hadn't been nominated, I probably wouldn't have seen it.  The only thing that really would have drawn me to this is Mark Ruffalo because I like his work.  Other than that, really this movie was nothing special.

     I will give this movie 2 out of 5 natural grown vegetables (see the movie and you will get the reference.)  Aside it being a controversial topic, this movie was nothing more then something that gets done every year.  Maybe if I were strongly against the gay community would I have more of an opinion about this movie, but the fact is I have no problem with homosexuals or their choice to raise a child.  Therefore in my personal opinion, this is nothing special about this movie; nothing really stood out to me about it and I will say it has no business being nominated for best picture.  

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The Social Network

The Social Network

Year: 2010

Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Timberlake

Directed By: David Fincher

Rating: PG-13

Run Time: 120 Minutes

     First and foremost, I am not a fan of facebook, the actual page.  I liked it better back when it was limited to just school email addresses.  However, that is neither here nor there, since this blog is about movies and not about my personal feelings toward a website that is actually a great networking site.  I was never really interested in seeing this film until I watched the Golden Globes and saw how many awards it received and the hype it was receiving from people around.  I told myself to wait until it got on Blu-Ray, and that is what I did. Truth be told, I was more excited to see Justin Timberlake in this movie then anything, because I have come to enjoy him as an actor.

     This movie revolves around the creation of Facebook by Mark Zuckerberg and all the situations that lead him to create Facebook and all the people that we involved in the process.  The way this film is done goes back and forth between the future and the past.  Jesse Eisenberg portrays Mark Zuckerberg, and he is in two different court hearings being sued for his creation of Facebook.  It is an interesting story about how a genius can create something and turn it into a billion dollar company.  It was actually a very enjoyable movie and I liked it.  Jesse Eisenberg was great in this role and before this movie, I really thought that he was like Michael Cera and couldn't really pull off another role, but I was pleasantly surprised.  Justin Timberlake was also very good in this role.  He played Sean Parker who was the co-creator of Napster.  Justin Timberlake is a surprisingly very good actor as well.  Great all around supporting cast as well.  Not to mention the music was done by the front man of Nine Inch Nails, Trent Reznor.

     It was a great movie but in the beginning or middle I got a little confused, because initially I was unaware that it was jumping back and forth between his two suing mediations, so I was a little unhappy with the editing.  However, once I figured that out, and I am not sure if that was my fault or the movie, it was easy getting into the movie again.

     I give this movie a 3.5 out of 5 relationship status updates.  Do I think this could win best picture?  Yes.  Do I want it to?  No, but I wouldn't be upset if it did.  The acting was great but it didn't take much to act the way that they did.  To act like a smart person is not that hard when you are reading a script.  Jesse Eisenberg played his character well but I still didn't see anything that really made this movie stand out to me in relation to Best Picture or Best Actor.

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Fun Facts:  

The Winklevoss twins, are not actually twins.  Armie Hammer played them both, but Josh Pence played Tyler from the neck down, and the digital added Armie's face to give them the identical twin look. 

Actor's were also told not to meet with their real life portrayals as soon as the filming started. 

Reznor is also the name of the 4 fire blowing triceratops enemies in Super Mario World fortresses.

True Grit (2010)

True Grit (2010)

Year: 2010

Starring: Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Hailee Steinfeld, Josh Brolin

Directed by: Joel and Ethan Coen

Run Time: 110 Minutes

Rating: PG-13

     I have not seen the original True Grit, nor have a read the book.  In my eyes, I feel that maybe I should in order to give a quality review because I know that some people will say "Well if you haven't seen the John Wayne version, how can you compare?"  But that is the beauty of movies.  It doesn't matter if it is a remake or reboot, or a sequel that has been years in the making.  Hollywood makes movies to entertain the people of now, not the people of then.  I am biased on this movie though, I am a huge fan of Westerns, and I certainly believe it is a genre of film that has been dying for a long time.  With the few exceptions throughout the years, Westerns are a thing of the past, no pun intended.

     True Grit was a great movie.  The Coen brothers are known for their unusual style of filming, and this movie was actually a little more relaxed in comparison to their others.  This movie is based around the girl, Haille Steinfeld playing Mattie Ross,  who is seeking vengeance for her fathers murder.  She tries to find people to help her in her quest, and stumbles upon two.  Jeff Bridges who plays Rooster, and Matt Damon who plays LeBoeuf.  The movie centers around those three searching for the killer, Tom Chaney played by Josh Brolin.  The on screen chemistry is pretty decent in this movie and I understand why it is up for best picture.  There were some things that didn't sit right with me however, like Matt Damon in a Western, but this movie was still very enjoyable and is a top 5 for my best picture nominations.

     Another thing that I really enjoyed about this movie is the historical correctness that I perceived from this film.  Whether or not it is 100% accurate, I felt that it was while sitting there.  The language was also something of a change that you noticed.  There were no contractions used in the film, at least that I noticed.  The way the actors talked was probably more true to the time then today.  When you take away words like "can't" or 'I'm" you really notice it when they are speaking.  Also, many of you probably don't care much, but the guns used were authentic to the time as well.

     Couple things I disliked was Matt Damon in a western, because it is really hard to see him as a rugged person of that era.  Jeff Bridges looked like he had been living in that time period for years.  That is something that is really hard to do when you are in a western role is to make it actually seem like you are from that era.  That is why a lot of westerns fail now-a-days.  I also didn't like that Josh Brolin was in the main credits even though he appeared in the film for a very small amount of time.  The lead actress Hailee Steinfeld should have been one of the leaders in the credits considering she is in most of the movie.  If you look at the movie poster above, you will see what I mean.

     In order to give this a western theme, I am going to increase my rating system to 6.  So I give this movie a 5 out of 6 shots fired from a calvary revolver and a 4 out of 6.  Reason for two ratings: the first reflects for today in comparison to it as just another movie.  It was a really good movie and will be added to my collection.  The second rating is in comparison to other westerns.  It was good, but it was not Unforgiven, nor was it really that great in comparison to A Fistful of Dollars, but was better then say Appaloose or the more recent 3:10 to Yuma.  You should see it, it is definitely worth a watch.

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The King's Speech

The King's Speech

Year: 2010

Starring: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter

Directed By: Tom Hooper

Run Time: 118 Minutes

Rating: R

     It is Oscar season and we are now going to start seeing more an more dramas come about in order to get the nod for the 2011 Oscars.  I am going to be honest, I had not heard of this film, and probably wouldn't have gone and seen it if it hadn't been for the holiday's, but I am glad that I did.  This movie is about King George VI and his rise to King of England.  Unless you are a World War II buff, not people really knew he struggled with a terrible speech impediment.  This movie goes through he struggles and what he did to try to correct it, given that he had to speak to his people often, especially during a time of war.  I will admit that I, at first, was unsure if I liked this movie or not, it is one of those that I had to really think about for a couple days, even weeks before I realized the power of this movie.  However, I am also a World War II buff, so that really helped as well because of course you are going to be more interested when it is something you love right?

     This movie was about King George VI and how he became the King of England and over came a bad speaking stammer.  This movie starts with him in his later life, when he was the Duke of York.  His father, King George V, was to be succeeded by his older brother, Prince Edward.  When his father died, Prince Edward became King Edward VIII but was reluctant to become so.  During his 325 day reign, he caused a crisis by trying to marry and American divorcee.  Prince Edward chose to stay with the woman, and was forced to give up the throne, even though he was never official crowned.  In December 1936, King George VI took his thrown, with a country in hopes of him restoring the confidence of his people.  During the entire movie, he is trying to get over his speech problem by seeing various experts.  His wife, Duchess of York Elizabeth, finds the speech therapist Lionel Logue, who uses out of the ordinary methods yet is effective.  The entire movie is based on the relationship between King George VI and his speech therapist Lionel.  The movie ends when King George VI gave his "King to His People" address in 1939.  It is a great movie and even though it is a drama, it is filled with subtle British humor which I really enjoyed.

     Colin Firth as absolutely amazing in this movie.  I had only ever seen him in one movie prior to this, Love Actually, and really enjoyed that movie as well, yet he was not the lead roll.  The King's Speech was an amazing role for him because he had to act out a stammer, and did so amazingly.  I was happy to see him win a Golden Globe, one he totally deserved.  After seeing many of what I think are potential Oscar nominations, I believe Colin Firth should hands down win the Best Actor; Leading Role award.  Along side him in this movie, and well worthy of a supporting actor award is Geoffrey Rush, and for all of you who don't know actors, he is Barbossa in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.  Rush played the speech therapist to the King, and was also amazing in this roll.  Helena Bonham Carter, who is usually in an odd role, actually played the roll of the King's wife, and nailed it. I wouldn't be surprised for her to get a nomination as well.

     There were some things I didn't like about this movie though.  First, I was not happy that they never really gave you an resolution to his speech problem.  Did he or didn't he get over it completely?  Secondly, although Colin Firth did very, very well, I went home and listened to the actual King George Speech from the end of the movie, and thought that Firth over did it just a bit.  I would strongly recommend to you to listen to this speech, as it is one of the better speeches in history.  However, this did not really knock down my rating much and as not that big of deal.

     I will give this movie 4 1/2 out of 5 royal stammers.   I really think that has a great chance at taking home the Best Picture Oscar.  I would honestly be surprised if it didn't take home one of the top Oscars this year.  Regardless, I very strongly recommend that you take a trip to the theatre and see this movie.  It was really a great movie.

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Oscar Season!

Okay everyone, I have taken a long vacation away from posting, yet I have not taken a vacation from seeing and watching movies.  I watched the Golden Globes tonight, and have really thought about what I am going to do next to get myself back into the posting game.  I will be posting Best Picture movie reviews for the 83rd Oscars this up coming February.

So, I again have to apologize for my lack of posting, and may have to apologize for more lack of posting due to school and work.  However, I will see all 5 Oscar nominated best pictures, when those are announced, and will post my thoughts on not only my review but who I think has the best shot in most of the categories this year.

Looking forward to a productive and movie filled 2011.  Thank you all for your continued support and keep reading!

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Despicable Me

Despicable Me

Year: 2010

Starring: Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand

Directed By: Pierre Coffin & Chris Renaud

Rating: PG

Run Time: 95 Minutes

     First off, let me apologize to my 5 readers since I have not posted a review since I saw Harry Potter.  I was in the middle of school wrapping up for the semester and fantasy football takes up more time than it really should.  Yet I still have managed to probably watch over 50 movies and haven't written a review.  I have also been a a TV show kick that happens time to time throughout the year, so unless you want me to review TV series....well you can let me know on that one.  BUT, I am back, and starting off with a movie that I recently got and have not been able to stop watching!

     As I have mentioned before, I am a Steve Carell fan and wanted to see this in the theatre.  However, I did not want to pay $10 to go see this and get to listen to little kids talk during the entire movie, so I decided to wait and it was worth the wait.  Steve Carell plays a "super villain" named Gru who is evil but in a comical and very likable way.  It is weird because you are more attuned to his compassion in the movie than his actual villainy.  It is more like he is a funny sarcastic mean, but really he is just a thief.  His voice is what really makes this movie enjoyable, at least for me anyway, the Russian accent that Carell uses is quite hysterical in certain sequences of the movie.  Gru (which I am wonder is short for Gru-some?) is out shined by a younger thief named Vector, played by Jason Segel, and Gru has a plan to bring glory to his name.  There is a good supporting cast as well including Russel Brand playing Dr. Nefario and Julie Andrews as Gru's mom.  There are also cameo voices by Will Arnett, Kristen Wiig and Jack McBrayer (No! No! God put our mouths on our head for a reason! No!)

     Gru is trying to get his hands on a device, and adopts three girls in order to help him get it.  Push come to shove and as predictable as it sounds, he seems to gain a soft spot in his evil heart for these girls, and the rest you can see when you watch it!  I really enjoyed this movie.  So much that I have watched it or had it on in the background everyday since I bought it.  Yes it is a kids movie, but like most kid movies, there are certain jokes that are aimed at adults, because who are we kidding, adults take kids to see this movie and production companies know it.  Therefore they insert a joke or two for the adults, so they aren't sitting there bored to tears.  The movie flowed together really well, and the animation was really good.  Pixar seemed to have a monopoly there for a while, but it seems that Dreamworks and Universal are starting to get their paws on successful animated movies.  Despicable Me cost 69 million to make and grossed 56 Million on opening weekend.  Not bad to almost pay back what it cost to make!  Along with the supporting cast and the great story line, that had a few questionable holes (email me more if you want to know what I am referring to), Despicable Me 2 should be out in 2013.  I will gladly see the sequel, and there is no reason it shouldn't have one really.

     I will give this movie 4 out of 5 minions.   I liked it, plain and simple.  It was enjoyable, comical, and held my attention well with the plot.  This movie was shot in 3D and meant to be presented in such a way, therefore all of us who are still in our 2D world, there will be those weird scenes where you will question the filming technique.  Other than that and the minor plot holes, it was a great movie, and one I highly recommend you watch.  If you liked Toy Story, or any of those movies, you will enjoy this one as well.

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Remember: It never hurts to be a kid once in a while!  And leave comments!

     

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I

Year: 2010

Starring: Daniel Radcliff, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint

Directed By: David Yates

Rating: PG-13

Run Time: 146 Minutes

     I am not sure if there are many people out there that are thinking they aren't going to go see this movie.  Actually I know who those people are, and they are the ones who refuse to read the books and think it is stupid.  For those people I say to you, "Stop being lazy and read them."  Here is the thing, for generations books have come and gone, but only a select few really remain and continue to flourish throughout the decades.  We are living in that moment with these books.  In 50 years, these books will still be getting the hype that they should.  Twilight will not...there I said it.  But for those of you who still won't read the books, but have seen all the movies, you will not be disappointed.  Those of us who did read the books, you really won't be disappointed either, thankfully they broke this movie up into two parts, which I believe should have happened with more than just this movie.

     It starts off in the same manner as many of the Harry Potter books.  And like the books, this one is increasingly more dark than the others.  These really aren't kids movies anymore, so if that is your excuse, you are wrong.  And unlike the other films, this movie focuses primarily on Harry, Ron, and Hermione, with little involvement from the supporting characters (expect Part II to be heavy with supporting characters).  Harry has to leave his house, and get to safety.  Really well done sequence in the beginning, and really it is going to be hard to talk about it in this blog because for those of you who have not read the books, I don't want to ruin anything.  In this movie, it is Harry, Ron, and Hermione searching for horcruxes that will help them in the battle with Lord Voldemort.  We learned about this in the previous book/movie and learned that Dumbledore has figured out what some of them are and tasks Harry to find and destroy them all.  As you can see from the title, this is only part one, and will end with no real resolution, so don't be confused when you walk out of the theatre.  While I will not go into it much, I will give you my opinion on book to movie adaptation for this film.

     The movie starts out fairly good to the book, there were some added scenes, but nothing that really made me question "why would they do that?"  The movie follows the book very well, but does change some parts that I felt were unnecessary.  For instance, the book used Polyjuice potion a lot, but the movie really limited it.  It made some parts in the book more intriguing because Harry was someone else.  They shortened some scenes and I feel added more jokes, but I could be wrong.  I even thought there was a Twilight joke in the movie, but I can't remember if it was in the book or not.  Maybe they did it for the screen, but you never know until you see an extended or deleted scene and see maybe it was a little too long.  I can imagine though, the DVD/Blu Ray release will include an extended edition.

     Overall, I give this movie 3.5 of 5 broken wands.   Why broken wands?  Go see the movie or read the book.  It was a great movie, and I subtracted a half point solely because it is part one and leave you with a huge cliff hanger.  I will be excited to see the next movie, but it is different to go into a movie knowing the ending.  Really when I saw it, it was putting a picture to what I saw in my head when I read it.  It was funny to  hear people reacting in the movie as if they didn't know what was going on, but I count that to people who are unfamiliar with the books.  

     In case you missed my overall theme of this blog, read the books, you will be pleasantly surprised, and it always makes for great movie watching when you are comparing book to film adaptations.  Trust me, they are great books.

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November Newsletter

Hey All!

Sorry to all my readers for not having posted anything for the last couple weeks.  I have been watching a lot of movies recently, but have been getting that writers block.  I had a good time reviewing the horror genre for you guys during Halloween, even though I didn't get to watch many (blame Netflix for that), but I would like to extend my offer to you all about what I should do next.

I was thinking about doing a military themed couple weeks, followed by holiday movies, to honor Veteran's Day, the Marine Corps Birthday, and major holidays of the season.  Let me know what you guys think.  I have a lot of school work in the coming weeks, but will try to get a review up this week, and will for surely get some up during my Thanksgiving break.

Again sorry to all my readers, I will get going again soon.  In the mean time, shoot me your ideas for movies to review.

Thanks

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Paranormal Activity

Paranormal Activity

Year: 2007

Starring: Katie Featherston, Micah Sloat

Directed By: Oren Peli

Rating: R

Run Time: 86 Minutes

     So thank you to my followers who all suggested that I watch this movie.  I am not a fan of movies like this, but I must say I was pleasantly surprised.  Although this type of movie had been done before, it still gave the audience a boost of fear that everyone thinks about, and no one can deny.  I have read a lot of negative reviews of this movie, and really, it is surprising to me to read people and their saying "it was boring," "all talk and no action," and really it made me feel sad for those people.  They either have no feelings or they are just scared sh**less, and refuse to admit that it scared them.  Honestly, I can admit that I don't really believe in ghosts, but this movie did give me the creeps because I do believe in demons.  There are too many actual accounts out there of people being possessed and having the church perform exorcisms to kind of ignore ya know?

    This movie was about a couple that is moving in with each other in San Diego, CA, when they start to experience strange things happening at night.  The man, Micah set up a lot of video equipment and starts to video tape their room at night.  This movie is a documentary style, very similar to The Blair Witch Project.  In this movie, however, certain things happen at night, as a entity seems to be haunting their home.  You learn that it is not house, but the girl, Katie, who has something following her, and has had it for a long time.  This movie also bring back the idiot plot, where Micah plays the antagonist, always suggesting that it is nothing, going and checking out strange noises.  Here is my problem with these instances:

1.  If it was someone breaking into your house, why would you just walk around with no type of weapon?  I mean really, if someone broke in, do you really think they are unarmed, especially in California?  Maybe this guy thought he was a bad ass, but judging by all his sound and video equipment, he would be quite the computer nerd, and not a martial arts expert.

2. At some point, the stuff they hear is beyond rational occurrences, and yet the guy still thinks it is something else, and constantly give his girl crap for it.  I feel like if that happened to anyone in real life, after the footsteps, you would probably call for some help or at least get the hell out of there for a night.  The guy got on my nerves and honestly, I was happy he died, because we don't need idiots like that in the world!

     I will give this movie 3 of 5 crazy night occurrences.  Although I did like it, and it was thrilling, it is not something I would give an Oscar for.  It has been done before, and will be done again.  It was a clever though, but done in Japan many times, before brought to America.  That is the other problem, the idea is not original.  Granted, not many American people will see the versions made in other countries, so bringing it to America is a great business decision.  It also grossed a fair amount of money, since it took $11,000 to make, and grossed over $107 Million! That is crazy.  I think this movie will spark a fear in people that will keep them thinking at night what those noises are.  For that reason, I liked it, and recommend watching it.  Probably watch during the day though if you are scared easily, because I watched it at about 1 AM, and was not as fun going to bed.

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Notice in this movie, most things happen around the 3AM mark.  There is a theory that 3AM is the devils hour.  Since 3pm is considered the holy hour.  Whether or not this is a real thing in the religious community, the movie at least stuck with it, to make it a little more believable.

Jaws

Jaws

Year: 1975

Starring: Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss

Directed By: Steven Spielberg

Rating PG

Run Time: 124 Minutes

     Ok maybe this shouldn't be on the horror movie blogs, but I don't care, this movie was going to be reviewed sooner or later.  Jaws was really the movie that shot Spielberg into stardom.  From Jaws, he went on to direct the movies that we all know and love.  Prior to Jaws, can anyone really tell me what he directed? Don't cheat and look on IMDb!  Roy Scheider was also in this movie, and really I don't recall seeing him in many things since then.  Oh wait, Jaws 2.  Richard Dreyfuss costars as well, and we all know that his career also went well, and also starring in the next Spielberg movie, Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

   Jaws takes place in Amity (not a play on the Amityville movie, since it doesn't release until 1979) a small town on the east coast, on the shore.  It's primary source of revenue is obviously it's beach and summer time fun.  The movie starts with an attack, and the town Chief of Police Brody (Roy Scheider) is suspected of a shark attack.  Of course you have the town mayor who is in denial, but has right to be, since a shark attack is rare in these waters.  When they capture a shark that they think is the causer of these attacks, everything seems fine and dandy until another attack.  Of course the viewer knows that Chief Brody is innocent, and the mayor is the one who wouldn't close the beaches, but everyone in the movie hates the Chief and blames him.  The movie really brings to life what a lot of movies did in this time, which is accompany a brilliant soundtrack, one that will live on forever, and everyone knows, no matter if you haven't even seen it, the song will be known.  Chief Brody then sets out to hunt the shark and kill it (animal rights people would be so pissed now-a-days) with costar Robert Shaw playing the crazy captain, and Richard Dreyfuss playing the shark expert.

    This movie really instills fear of the open water.  It also opened the mind to many viewers that a great white shark is a man eater.  While this has happened in real life, it is however not a true that great whites will just attack people when they are hungry.  I for one am not afraid of sharks and find them magnificent, but put me in the ocean, and the thought of Jaws will come into my mind.  Honestly, who wouldn't??  I have been on the set that they filmed this movie, and it is interesting to watch it after you see the set, and you learn how movie magic is made.  In 1975, they really did it right, no effects, a huge mechanical shark, and a movie that will scare audiences for years to come.

     I will give this movie 4 our of 5 Great White shark tooths.  The acting is very good, the plot is very good.  The shark is good, really what could be wrong with this movie?  There is really now idiot plot, as has been the theme this month, but it is an all around good thriller.  Is it as good the second time?  Probably not, because now you know what is coming, but watch it every couple of years, it is a good one to revamp your mind, and take you back to an era of movies that was brilliant.

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Show me the way to go home, I'm tired and I wanna go to bed....

Child's Play

Child's Play

Year: 1988

Starring: Brad Dourif, Alex Vincent

Directed By: Tom Holland

Rating: R

Run Time: 87 Minutes

     Call me crazy, but these movies in my eyes are entertaining, more so because they are funny.  I have a lot of problems with these movies, but it is still entertaining none the less.  The premise is unusual, a serial killer, Charles Lee Ray "Chucky" (Brad Dourif) is being chased by the cops, and does some voodoo and puts his soul into a Good Guy doll (Voldemort??)  He is then purchased by Karen Barclay, played by actress Catherine Hicks, who would play the mom in 7th Heaven.  She brings the possessed doll back to her son, and that is when the fun starts.  The little boy gets blamed for the killings, since who is going to believe a doll is killing people?  Anyway, it is still entertaining, especially when Chucky (the doll) comes to life and just insults the people he is trying to kill.  Chucky learns in order to live again, he has to perform the same ritual to put his soul into the boy.

     This movie does well in that it keep the person guessing, is the doll really alive, or is it the boy?  Obviously if you know anything about this series, you know there is a doll involved.  The problem I have with this movie is that it seems a plastic doll can over power an adult.  In the movie, the voodoo guys explains that if his soul is in the doll for too long, he will become one with the doll.  Therefore he will grow a heart and a brain, and by all logic, muscles.  So maybe a doll could over power an adult, but really, really, a doll?  I feel like you could over power a doll, but maybe I am succumbing to the idiot plot questions.  It is just hard for me to believe, plus I have never had a fear of dolls, so this movie doesn't get to me.

     I will give this movie 3 of 5 Good Guy dolls, batteries included!  As does "A Nightmare on Elm Street", as the sequels continue to come, the humor comes with them, and the scary goes away.  Although it is still gruesome, they just make them a dark comedy, and it is hard not to chuckle (not a play on words) at them.  This movie isn't a laugh movie, but still....a doll overpowering a adult?!  Worth seeing?  Well they aren't bad, and they are classics, everyone knows who Chucky is, right? So maybe watch it once, and you decide if seeing it again is worth your time!

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Halloween II

Halloween II

Year: 1981
Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis
Directed By: Rick Rosenthal
Run Time: 92 Minutes
Rating: R

     There is nothing quite like the original, and they never even thought they would be making a sequel to the first movie.  This was also supposed to be the final in the set, but due to the horrific movie that was Halloween III: Season of the Witches, they decided revamp the series, but that is not what this post is about.  Halloween II is one of the better sequels in all of them that are made, but there has still not been a sequel or remake that really can match what the first one created.
     Halloween II starts off where the first one ended, Jamie Lee Curtis returns to reprise her role as Laurie Strode and Donald Pleasence also returns as Michael Myers doctor.  Michael Myers continues to stalk Laurie Strode who is taken to the hospital.  A difference with this movie to the last is that Michael starts off the movie by killing random people, which strays from what he was doing in the first movie.  Also, and something that will be a problem until Halloween H20 comes out, is Michael's mask will never be the same.  The one thing that they should have repeated, was the man who played the Shape in the first movie.  Again, Michael Myers will never move the same way again.  Really, A Nightmare on Elm Street did it right, by having Robert Englund in all 8 sequels, until the reboot.
     The story follows Michael in the hospital stalking his prey yet again.  It has a similar feel, except there is way more "jump out" scenes in order to try to make the audience jump in their chairs.  Again, this does contain the idiot plot, that slasher films love, so I am sure people are still going to be saying, "Why doesn't she just do this, or that...etc."  Like why the hell was the hospital so empty?  But again, if those didn't exist, slasher films also wouldn't exist.  The great thing about this movie, is that it answers all your questions about why he is stalking Laurie Strode.  I don't want to give that away here, but if you know anything about the movies, you already know.  In the end, this was again meant to be the last of the Michael Myers series, but that is not the case.  Jamie Lee Curtis would not return to reprise her role as Laurie Strode until Halloween H20 in 1998.
     I will give this one 3 of 5 over-sized butcher knives, where as it is not as good as the first, but better then the rest.  I would go on a limb and give it 3 1/2, but that would be like 3 over-sized butcher knives and a paring knife.  I guess that is another different in this movie, Michael strays away from his butcher knife, and uses a variety of weapons, which kind of takes away from his signature weapon, but he will eventually get back to his use.  In comparison to other iconic horror movie figures, Michael uses the most of different weapons, so maybe it isn't such a stretch.  Definitely see this, after you see the first, so your questions will be answered.

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Halloween

Halloween

Year: 1978

Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis

Directed By: John Carpenter

Rating: R

Run Time: 91 Minutes

     Halloween is probably my all time favorite horror movie in the original slasher genre.  I will be the first to admit that Michael Myers still haunts my dreams to this day.  I did a new thing with this movie, I watched it with people who have never seen it before.  In my eyes, this is a movie everyone should see.  It is the movie that started the chain reaction of horror movie slasher flicks (Psycho helped too).
     Haddonfield, IL is the setting for this low budget, massive grossing picture.  This movie was filmed in a matter of days, for the low budget of $300,000 and grossed over $40,000,000 in the US alone.  Talk about a great business decision to roll with this movie.  It is about a man, known simply in the credits as "The Shape" but we later find out his name is Michael Myers, who murders his sister when he is a kid.  After 15 years in a mental institution he escapes, and heads back home to wreak havoc on Haddonfield.  This movie is left with very little explanation of why this is happening, and why The Shape is targeting the people he is targeting.  Not until 1981, when the sequel was released would any of your questions be answered.  This is Jamie Lee Curtis' first film and really jump started her career in Hollywood.  The Shape will become one of the most iconic characters in movie horror, and Halloween would spawn 8 sequels, including one that had nothing to do with The Shape.  It was remade by director Rob Zombie, and I will review those later.  There is talks of a third installment to these remakes, but will not be done by Rob Zombie thank goodness.  In my opinion, John Carpenter needs to take back his glory.
     I watched this movie with two of my friends, and I am proclaiming to them it is great and scary.  However, after the end of the movie, they were saying, that wasn't scary, that was stupid, blah blah blah.  Here is my advice to you.

1. Don't watch this movie and be doing something at the same time.  It takes away from the whole vibe of the movie.

2. Let all logic go out the door, because all slasher pictures are based around the idiot plot.  Idiot plot is where all logic and common sense are gone, because if it was there, all the problems and situations wouldn't exist.

3.  Watch this movie in the dark.  It is a very dark movie, taking place mostly at night, so it will help you see the screen better.

4.  Have the volume up more then you usually would because the music is what makes this movie even more suspenseful

     The reason you have to do these things are because think about the time this movie was made.  The audience was different, and they don't have to do what they do now, i.e. constant gore and blood everywhere, followed by a terrible plot (Saw 2-7).
     I am giving this movie 4 out of 5 over-sized butcher knives.  Again, getting a 5 out of 5 is going to be tough with me because that would be the perfect movie, and there are very few that I give to that.  I love this movie and really liked what was going on and the way it was filmed.  Every sequel had a new person playing Michael Myers, and would never really be as good as The Shape in this movie.  Who knew that walking slowly would be so hard.

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Fun Fact:  The Shape's mask in this movie, is a William Shatner Halloween mask painted white.  There were two masks being considered for this role, and when the actor came out in the Shatner mask, the crew was in shock, and they knew the hit the jackpot.  Who knew a Star Trek mask would be so influential?

Thank you all for your comments, and I will look to add them to my list of movies to watch.  I apologize for not posting more, I have watched 4 already and just need to get those posted to you guys!  Thanks.