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Tristan and Isolde (2006)

Tristan, an English warrior from the Dark Ages is wounded and near death. He is saved by Isolde, an Irish princess, at a time when Ireland routinely ravaged the English who at this time had not united and were nothing but scattered clans. Their love should have never been, but it had gripped them firmly. This is a story of manly men and fervent women. This is a story of legend and of dreams.

This movie telling of the Dark Ages legend of Tristan and Isolde is a timeless love story. People have been fascinated by the legends of Tristan and Isolde and their star-crossed passion that defied the world around them. Tristan loves Isolde. Isolde loves Tristan. But duty and honor would not let them have it so easy. Bound by his duty, Tristan must allow Isolde to marry his lord, the man that raised him when he was orphaned. With honor and duty and love so intertwined, their love nearly destroyed an entire people.

I give Tristan and Isolde a solid 82%

My wife and daughter talked me into going to this movie and I must admit, I really liked it. I think that somewhere in all of us the appeal of ages past where chivalry, bravery, honor, and duty are counted more valuable than power and riches. Well, maybe not everyone, but certainly me.

I have to play catch up with this review so it is well past my seeing the movie. However, the images remain quite well defined in my mind. And I can say that I would very much like to see it again.

I think the best part of the movie for me was actually the historical nature of the story. While there were many liberties taken with the legend, and this is but one telling, some things are common. One of the most interesting was the political intrigue associated with the foundation of a unified England. And yet another was the role the Irish had in helping that along, though not their intent to be sure.

Still, I like the portrait of the Dark Ages that is painted in this view into the past. I don't worry if it is entirely accurate or not, it is just a very stirring view.

When it comes to casting, I think Rufus Sewell was an excellent choice for Lord Marke (remember him from A Knight's Tale?).

Anyway, my favorite quote:

Isolde : Love is as strong as death. Why be capable of feelings if we're not to have them? Why long for things if they're not meant to be ours?
Tristan: There are other things to live for; duty, honor.  
Isolde: They are not life Tristan. They are shells of life. Love is made by God. Ignore it and you suffer as you cannot imagine.  
Tristan: Then I will no longer live without it.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)

Harry's fourth summer and the following year at Hogwarts are marked by the Quidditch World Cup and the Tri-Wizard Tournament, in which student representatives from three different wizarding schools compete in a series of increasingly challenging contests. However, Voldemort's Death Eaters are gaining strength and evidence shows that the Dark Lord is ready to rise again. In the unsuspecting lives of the young wizard and witches at Hogwarts the competitors are selected by the Goblet of Fire, which includes Harry Potter, who is underage and someone else put his name in. Harry has to face challenges of growing up, facing his fears, and facing the most power dark wizard himself, Voldemort.

I give Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire a solid 85%

I must admit, while I really like this latest installment of the Harry Potter movies, I felt it was lacking in many areas. Let me go ahead and list my peeves to start with. In the first place, I was disappointed that there was no Quidditch World Cup scenes beyond the simple setup that was given. And Winky. I wanted to see Winky even though she was extremely annoying. There was a lot of plot that comes in later movies connected to house elves. Also, the redefining of the plot line with Crouch and his son was kind of annoying. And finally, the whole movie just felt "rushed".

Now I am certainly glad that S.P.E.W. was omitted from the movie. Enough said there. And I do think the dragon scenes in the Tri-Wizard were well done. I wasn't thrilled with the whole roof hanging thing with Harry and dragon, I would have preferred more attempt and evasion, I liked the scene still. Also, the scene with Voldemort rising was exceptionally creepy. I think they did an outstanding job on Voldemort. He would scare me if I saw him. I just had an odd thought. Imagine working in an office with Voldemort as a boss. Not pleasant.

So in all, this was an very good film, though not outstanding. I think I still prefer Prisoner of Azkaban in the series better, but that is just my opinion. Oh but wait, that is what I write here, my opinion. Ok, then, PoA was better than GoF. There.

Some of my favorite movie quotes:

Albus Dumbledore: Dark and difficult times lie ahead, Harry. Soon we must all face the choice between what is right... and what is easy.

Professor McGonagall: Professor Moody! What are you doing?
'Mad-Eye' Moody: Teaching.
Professor McGonagall: Is - is that a student?
'Mad-Eye' Moody: Technically it's a ferret.

Ron Weasley: You're a girl.
Hermione Granger: Oh, well spotted.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) - DVD

Toula Portokalos is 30, Greek, and works in her family's restaurant, Dancing Zorba's, in Chicago. All her father Gus wants is for her to get married to a nice Greek boy. But Toula is looking for more in life. Her mother convinces Gus to let her take some computer classes at college (making him think it's his idea). With those classes under her belt, she then takes over her aunt's travel agency (again making her father think it's his idea). She meets Ian Miller, a high school English teacher, WASP, and dreamboat she had made a fool of herself over at the restaurant; they date secretly for a while before her family finds out. Her father is livid over her dating a non-Greek. He has to learn to accept Ian; Ian has to learn to accept Toula's huge family, and Toula has to learn to accept herself.

I give My Big Fat Greek Wedding a solid 80%

This is yet again, one of those chick flicks that guys can like. The reason is that even though its shown from a female perspective, most guys can see themselves in the position of Ian. We have been there where we had to try to fit in, had to do things we would not really be doing, and in general, have a good time learning about a woman.

I think that one of the more appealing aspects of this movie is that it is a fresh look at mixing cultures. And most of us have all known someone who was really Greek, the kind that always tell you they are Greek. And this movie does not enforce one culture over the other, but affirms each from both Ian and Toula. And each are picked on a bit, but that is ok. It was all in fun.

This is a funny movie that should never be taken too seriously. Instead it should remind us all to laugh at ourselves a bit more, realize we may seem weird to others at times, and in general, not take life too seriously. At least that is what I got out of it. Favorite movie quotes:

Aunt Voula: What do you mean he don't eat no meat?
[the entire room stops, in shock]
Aunt Voula: Oh, that's okay. I make lamb.

Gus Portokalos: The root of the word Miller come from a Greek word, millah, meaning apple, so there you go. And our name, Portokalos, is come from the word meaning orange. So today here, we have, apples and oranges. We all different now, but in the end, we're all fruit.

Toula Portokalos: Why?... Why do you love me?
Ian Miller: Because I came alive when I met you

Doom (2005)

In the not-so-distant future, a portal has been discovered leading from Earth to Mars, where the government operates a research base to examine the ruins of a lost civilization; scientists are studying it, conducting experiments they perhaps shouldn't be, and trying find out what happened. Answer: nothing good. Something has gone wrong at a remote scientific research station on Mars. All research has ceased. Communication has failed. And the messages that do get through are less than comforting. It's a level 5 quarantine and the only souls allowed in or out are the Rapid Response Tactical Squad - hardened Space Marines armed to the teeth with enough firepower to neutralize the enemy... or so they think.

I give Doom a solid 75%.

You will either love this movie, or hate this movie. You cannot be lukewarm about it if you have seen it.

Now I know many people will roll their eyes at that rating. But I am a gamer and I loved this movie. I would rate it higher if for no other reason than I love the game. However in an attempt to keep some objectivity I have given it a healthy rating that I believe to be fair.

What this move is really about is an adaptation of the classic video game Doom to the big screen. So I will dispense with any further explanation of the plot except to point out the differences.

The most major difference is that the monsters in the game come from hell. But in the movie they come from DNA altered humans. I don't find this too much of a problem as it still made for some pretty ugly monsters. The next significant difference is the inclusion of the "ark" which allows teleportation from Earth to Mars and back. There was teleportation in the game, but it was different. And I guess the only other significant difference was that there really is a plot line running in the movie where the game's plot was simply "shoot to kill, and survive".

I think The Rock did a fine performance as the marine sargeant. I think that as he gets further roles, he could become the next Arnie. He delivered a solid performance and was believable and well suited to the part. Kudos to the casting of The Rock.

The two main characters Reaper and Samantha being brother and sister was a cool twist that really made sense in the end. I think the best characters (in terms of casting and acting) were Reaper (Karl Urban), Sarge (The Rock), Goat (Ben Daniels), and Duke (Razaaq Adoti).

One of the outstanding things done in this movie was the attention to the gamer. There are several minutes of first person perspective where the main character is running through the facility shooting zombies and monsters just like in the game. This was what I came for. It was awesome.

The one thing I wish there had been more of was the BFG3000. We gamers all know and love the BFG (in its many forms), and I really wanted to see more of this weapon. When it was fired, it did not disappoint.

I will probably buy this movie when it comes out on DVD simply because I liked the game. I have great respect for the film makers that sacrificed box office numbers to retain the game look and feel. Thanks guys.

My favorite quotes from the movie:

Sarge: You gonna shoot me?
John Grimm: Was thinking about it
Sarge: How much you got left?
John Grimm: [looks at gun] About half a clip, you?
Sarge: [points BFG] One round

John Grimm: [approaching a mangled Scientist] Sir, are you okay?
[scientist turns to face him and bites the head off of a live rat]
John Grimm: Okay...

The Corpse Bride (2005)

Set in 19th-century European village, Victor (Johnny Depp), is on his way to get married to Victoria (Emily Watson) in a pre-arranged marriage. Upon meeting his fiancee, he falls in love. But his nervousness and his inability to get the rehearsal perfect sends him running into the woods. While practicing his vows, he places the ring on a bony finger in the ground thinking it's a stick. And with those vows he weds a corpse. The rest of the story involves his attempt to either get out of this predicament, or make it work.

I give The Corpse Bride a solid 85%.

It was with great anticipation that I looked forward to this movie. It had the right combination of weird and dark and ridiculous. All the things I have come to like about Tim Burton films. While the whole concept of what happens is admirably weird, what is more weird is that the male protaganist ends up resigning himself to the possibility of being married to a corpse. But that is just it, it was not really expected of anyone to like this idea. That is the genius behind this film, the unexpected is portrayed as normal and reasonable.

I think the most notable scenes, or set of scenes in the movie were the times when Victor is alone with either Victoria or the corpse bride. The intensity of the romantic element was also not expected and I found myself really drawn into the underlying romance thread of Victor. You genuinely really want this guy to just find love. Even with a corpse if necessary. Like I said, weird.

My favorite quotes from the movie:

Victoria Everglot: What if Victor and I don't like each other?
Maudeline Everglot: Hmpf! As if that has anything to do with marriage. Do you suppose your father and I like each other?
Victoria Everglot: Surely you must, a little.
Maudeline Everglot, Finnis Everglot: Of course not!

Victor Van Dort: I've got a... dwarf, and I'm not afraid to use him!
Victor Van Dort: With this hand I will lift your sorrows. Your cup will never be empty, for I will be your wine. With this candle, I will light your way into darkness. With this ring, I ask you to be mine.

The Brothers Grimm (2005)

Folklore collectors and con artists, Jake and Will Grimm, travel from village to village pretending to protect townsfolk from enchanted creatures and performing exorcisms. They are put to the test, however, when they encounter a real magical curse in a haunted forest with real magical beings, requiring genuine courage.


I give The Brothers Grimm a solid 82%

Now I have to admit, this is a movie right up my alley right now. It has the dark elements, comic relief, and weirdness all combined in a story that keeps your attention. I think it is appropriate that the critics have not rated this movie very highly because I really like this movie. Many times that has been the case. Most reviewers forget that movies are for entertainment, not to be a major sociological commentary or means to changing society. And in that light, The Brothers Grimm was thoroughly entertaining.

Probably one of the best things for me was the evolving mythos of the town they found their biggest mystery in. It was also cool to see the traditional fairy tales pulled into the story line giving everthing a degree of plausibility, from the perspective of the brothers. I have to admit though, my favorite character was definitely Cavaldi. He was dark, sadistic, laughable, but in the end, more than you expected him to be. Kudos to Terry Gilliam for doing it again.

I think the thing that keeps me from rating this movie higher is that there were some continuity errors at times and the ending was a little less than expected. I know they are supposed to live happily ever after, but the issues between the brothers did not come to complete enough resolution for my tastes. Plus the underlying love angle should have been a liitle more overt. However, this version of the telling of some of the classics is definitely on my list of "must buy" when it comes out on CD.

My favorite quotes from the movie:

Delatombe: It is a thorn, in my toe.

Angelika: Show us the way, Grandmother Toad, and I'll give you a kiss.
[licks the toad]
Will Grimm: That's just not right.

Jacob Grimm: You killed my friends!
Delatombe: I only wish you had more!

And every time Cavaldi says "Grimmy"