pixdrift movies & such

Oh Hold

2011-01-25T10:52:00.001-08:00

I have no time. This blog is on hold.

Tristan and Isolde (2006)

2006-03-27T07:55:00.000-08:00

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)

2005-11-21T12:30:00.000-08:00

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

2005-11-17T08:50:00.000-08:00

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)

2005-11-04T10:58:00.000-08:00

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)

2005-10-31T11:59:00.000-08:00

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)

2005-09-11T12:25:00.000-07:00

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"

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) - DVD

2005-09-10T19:23:00.000-07:00

Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king of Halloween Town, is bored with doing the same thing every year for Halloween. One day he stumbles into Christmas Town, and is so taken with the idea of Christmas that he tries to get the resident bats, ghouls, and goblins of Halloween town to help him put on Christmas instead of Halloween -- but alas, they can't get it quite right.

I give The Nightmare Before Christmas a solid 67%

Now I have to admit my primary attraction to this movie is its weirdness and Tim Burton does a great job in delivering weird. I do get a bit tired of the rhyming, but it flows nicely with the weirdness of the movie. In fact, this movie is so over the top weird that is probably why I like it and give it as high of a rating as I do. It lacks so much, but still holds my attention. I think the thing that I really do not like is how some of the songs are just too silly. They blend well. But I tire of them.

Now to some this movie may be just way too dark for most tastes. But I don't get caught up in the dark stuff, I just think it is cool and weird. And really, I do like the underlying love story between Jack and Sally. In a really bizarre way, it is kind of cute.

Some of the more memorable quotes:

Mayor: Jack, please, I'm only an elected official here, I can't make decisions by myself!

Dr. Finkelstein: Sally, that's twice this month you've slipped deadly nightshade into my tea and run off.
Sally: Three times!

Van Helsing (2004) - DVD

2005-08-26T05:07:00.000-07:00

During the late 19th century, famed monster hunter Dr. Gabriel Van Helsing heads to Eastern Europe to battle with Count Dracula, the Wolf Man, and Frankenstein's Monster. By his side is the ravishing Anna, a member of a family committed to ridding the world of evil.

I give Van Helsing a solid 86%.

Ok, I have to admit, I like monster films. And my favorites are those that don't try to overtly gross you completely out and don't turn into a slasher horror flick. And Van Helsing succeeds in being one of my favorite all time "monster" films (I think Hellboy comes close though technically not monster flick but it really is). The monsters in this film have all the classic elements. Well, in fact, they are the classic monsters. Yet at the same time, they are brought back into the human world so easily. With suspension of disbelief, it starts to make sense... sort of... I know that sounds odd, but it does.

Now most people would tend to focus on Hugh Jackman in the lead role of Van Helsing. And he is the classic hero. However, I think I really like Richard Roxburgh's portrayal of Count Vladislaus Dracula. At times he is so over the top, but still, I love it. This is a cool Dracula. I know that some purists would disagree, but I don't care anyway. I like this Dracula anyway.

I also have to give honorable mention to David Wenham as Carl. Great character, great performance. And he gave the movie some of its more light and funny moments. And Kevin O'Connor as Igor was just creepy. Good call.

This is why I have to like this movie so much. It is not so dark as to leave you depressed for freaked out. Yet is a stunning swashbuckler as to draw you into the action. The novel weapons, the action hero, the hot girls... Yes this is definitely a guy movie, though I know women like to see Jackson. I can allow that.

My biggest disappointments were in the sequencing/timing of the film and the sometimes shallow dialogue. The film rushes through time to get from one thing to the next. While you don't want to drag things out, it makes everything seem rushed. And in general, the movie should have been a bit longer to allow some scenes to better materialize. As to the dialogue, enough said about that.

Some of my favorite quotes:

Count Vladislaus Dracula: Igor!
Igor: Yes, Master?
Count Vladislaus Dracula: Why do you torment that thing so?
Igor: It's what I do.

Anna Valerious: [while looking at the cure for the werewolf curse] Go ahead, grab it.
Carl: Why don't you go ahead and grab it? If there's one thing I've learned, it's never to stick your hand into a viscous material.

Carl: What are we doing here? Why is it so important to kill this Dracula anyway?
Van Helsing: Because he's the son of the devil.
Carl: I mean besides that.
Van Helsing: Because if we kill him, anything bitten by him or created will also die.
Carl: I mean besides that.

Igor: Please, don't kill me!
Van Helsing: Why not?
Igor: Well, uh...

Van Helsing: You're going to take them and lead them to the antidote.
Igor: No, I'm not!
[Van Helsing grabs Igor with his werewolf strength and throws him violently against the wall]
Igor: Yes, I am.

Shrek 2 (2004) - DVD

2005-08-03T21:38:00.000-07:00

Picking up where the first movie left off, Shrek 2 gives us a taste of in-laws at their worst and their best. Unknown to Fiona's parents that she is now permanently an ogre, and that she has married an ogre, they send the newly wedded couple an invitation to Far, Far Away for a royal reception. Once there, interwoven plots to snare the kingdom for Prince Charming start to unwind. And our (not so) beloved Fairy Godmother is right at the center of the intrigue. This is a story of love and acceptance and sacrifice, but the willing sacrifice made to a true love.

I give Shrek 2 a solid 92%.

I think this second movie actually outdoes the first in sheer genius and comic action. I especially like the irreverent pokes the movie makes at other movies and stories. The dwarves casting "one ring" and it falling on Fiona's finger are so funny to a LoTR fan like myself. I cannot pinpoint a favorite scene in this movie. There are so many. There is the one ring scene, the union man scene, the barn scene with handsome Shrek, the "Knights" scene, Mongo, and the dance scene at the end with the idiot Prince Charming just to name a few.

And don't forget to watch at the ending credits for Donkey's mutant children. They are cute.

Some of my favorite quotes:

Captain of the Guards: Yep, that's catnip...
Puss-in-Boots: Um... that's... not mine...

Donkey: You're supposed to say "You have the right to remain silent!". No one said I have the right to remain silent!
Shrek: Donkey, you HAVE the right to remain silent. What you lack, is the capacity.

Puss-in-Boots: I must hold on before I too go mad.
Pinocchio: Shrek? Donkey?
Puss-in-Boots: Too late.

Shrek: A cute button nose? Thick, wavy locks? Taut, round buttocks? I'm...
Maiden #1: Handsome.
Maiden #2: I'll say.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) - DVD

2005-07-30T22:24:00.000-07:00

Pirates of the Caribbean is a sweeping action-adventure story set in an era when villainous pirates scavenged the Caribbean seas. This roller coaster tale teams a young man, Will Turner, with an unlikely ally in rogue pirate Jack Sparrow. Together, they must battle a band of the world's most treacherous pirates, led by the cursed Captain Barbossa, in order to save Elizabeth, the love of Will's life, as well as recover the lost treasure that Jack seeks. Against improbable odds, they race towards a thrilling, climactic confrontation on the mysterious Isla de Muerta. Clashing their swords in fiece mortal combat, Will and Jack attempt to recapture The Black Pearl ship, save the British navy, and relinquish a fortune in forbidden treasure thereby lifting the curse of the Pirates of the Caribbean.

I give the The Curse of the Black Pearl a solid 90%

I saw this movie in the theaters and I had to have it on DVD. Having gone to Disney World in Florida many times and ridden Pirates of the Caribbean, I really had to see this movie. There are some scenes from the ride at the park that are almost identically recreated in the movie. My favorite of those was the men trying to lure the dog with the cell keys over with a bone. That one is straight out of the ride.

Johnny Depp brings to life Captain Jack Sparrow and does it superbly. Though I think she did admirably, I am not too happy with Keira Knightly as Elizabeth Swan. At least not with her opposite Orlando Bloom who plays Will Turner. I don't think the chemistry comes across very well. And I know there have been some who berate Klaus Badelt's film score, but some even berate using him in the first place. I on the other hand like the the film score and bought it on CD because I thought the pieces were so good.

One of the things that makes this movie so good is the pace. It keeps moving without rushing things. When you arrive at a scene, there has been a logical progression to get you there. So the continuity is very good. This is definitely a great film and worth buying the DVD.

My favorite quote (it's a long one):

Jack Sparrow: The only rules that really matter are these: what a man can do and what a man can't do. For instance, you can accept that your father was a pirate and a good man or you can't. But pirate is in your blood, boy, so you'll have to square with that some day. And me, for example, I can let you drown, but I can't bring this ship into Tortuga all by me onesies, savvy? So, can you sail under the command of a pirate, or can you not?

The Village (2004) - DVD

2005-07-29T13:21:00.000-07:00

In a quiet, isolated village in olde Pennsylvania, there lies a pact between the people of the village and the creatures who reside in the surrounding woods: the townspeople do not enter the woods, and the creatures do not enter the village. The pact stays true for many years, but when Lucius Hunt seeks medical supplies from the towns beyond the wood, the pact is challenged. Animal carcasses, devoid of fur, begin to appear around the village, causing the council of elders to fear for the safety of the village, the pact, and so much more.

I give The Village a solid 82%.

I never caught this movie in the theaters. I wish I had. I bought this DVD a few months ago because my daughter loves the movie. We watched it again last night and my son decided to watch it too, his first time seeing it.

This movie is quiet and yet in that quiet there is suspense and intrigue. My biggest complaint is that I think this movie should move a little more slowly. It felt rushed in that there was an event/stiumlus and an immediate reaction with little consideration of alternatives or even waiting. There is a lot of room for storyline in this film. With all that quiet, you could build up more fear of the creatures, or more of the complex social relationships that develop in an isolated community such as the village they lived in.

I think what I really liked best about this movie was the character Ivy Walker. She was my favorite character in the village. I liked her style and the dialogue she had was very appropriate for her. Also I think Bryce Dallas Howard performed the part excellently. And I have to say I simply loved her red hair. I also think she worked well opposite Joaquin Phoenix. That was a good casting decision I think.

My favorite quote from The Village:

Ivy Walker: How is it that you are so brave while the rest of us shake in our boots?
Lucius Hunt: I don't think of what might happen, only what must be done.

I wish I could live more like that response by Lucius. There is a lot of good in the life depicted in The Village. This is on my list of movies to watch yearly.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

2005-07-23T18:44:00.000-07:00

Charlie Bucket comes from a poor family, and spends most of his time dreaming about the chocolate that he loves but usually can't afford. Things change when Willy Wonka, head of the very popular Wonka Chocolate empire, announces a contest in which five gold tickets have been hidden in chocolate bars and sent throughout the country. The kids who find the tickets will be taken on a tour of Wonka's chocolate factory and get a special glimpse of the wonders within. Charlie miraculously finds a ticket, along with four other children much naughtier than him. The tour of the factory will hold more than a few surprises for this bunch...

I give Charlie and the Chocolate Factory a solid 86%

I had already decided to put as much of the original Willy Wonka with Gene Wilder out of my head as I possibly could. I wanted to see this movie for its own merits. That was a very good thing to do as they are really quite different movies.

First off, I like Tim Burton's stye of things and I like this darker, somewhat sadistic Willy Wonka. And Johnny Depp has proven to be a very versatile actor and did an outstanding job with this role. Instead of the kindly older man that Gene Wilder portrayed, you get a twisted kid who never really grew up.

I also have to tip my hat to Danny Elfman for an outstanding score. Although I don't think these Oompa Loompa songs are as memorable as the previous movie versions, they are brilliant. And while I am on the subject, I also have to congratulate the editing crew for putting in one Oompa Loompa a zillion times so well. Ok, 165 Oompa Loompas to be precise. And Deep Roy did every one of them superbly.

This was a hilarious and dark romp through a twisted world. I loved it.

My favorite movie quote:

Willy Wonka: Everything here is eatable. I'm eatable, but that my children is called cannibalism and it is frowned upon in most societies.

That is simply brilliant.

This is on my "buy" list when it comes out on DVD.

The Beast of War (1988) - DVD

2005-07-23T18:10:00.000-07:00

During the war in Afghanistan a Soviet tank crew commanded by a tyrannical officer find themselves lost and in a struggle against a band of Mujahadeen guerrillas in the mountains. This is a unique look at the Soviet "Vietnam" experience sympathetically told for both sides.

I give The Beast of War a solid 72%

I caught part of this movie years ago on a cable channel but never saw it all. The other day I picked it up at Walmart for $5.50 because I remembered liking it. I wasn't disappointed. It was worth the small price.

Now what I liked most about this movie is the mental game played by the tank commander. The movie builds to where you see the commander being sadistic and he is going insane. He begins to kill off his own crew and when he abandons his tank driver merely for having a conscience and questiong his orders, he has created a new enemy for himself.

The biggest problem I had with this movie is that there is no pretense about the Russian tank crew only speaking very American English and using very American profanity. That was the biggest problem I had. There were other continuity issues as well. In many ways, this was a mediocre attempt at making a film about the Soviet military. But looking past that, this was a thought provoking look into that very poorly handled military operation by the Russians.

Another thing that attracted me to this movie was that it seems that in today's political climate, there is a tendency to beat up America for taking military action. Even by the Russians. And there are far too few people I find, even my age, who remember that the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in December of 1979 and occupied it until 1989. That military operation really was the Soviet Union's "Vietnam" experience.

My favorite quote:

Korvechenko: Sorry sir, not much of a war. No Stalingrad. How is it that we're the Nazis this time? How is that?

Time to catch up

2005-07-12T14:26:00.000-07:00

Well, I have now posted my mini-reviews of the recent movies I have seen. What comes next will be mini-reviews of movies as I watch them on DVD. And some of these could go way back. Oh well. It is what I want to do.

Madagascar (2005)

2005-07-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

At New York's Central Park Zoo, a lion, a zebra, a giraffe, and a hippo are best friends and stars of the show. But when one of the animals goes missing from their cage, the other three break free to look for him, only to find themselves reunited ... on a ship en route to Africa. When their vessel is hijacked, however, the friends, who have all been raised in captivity, learn first-hand what life can be like in the wild.

I give Madagascar a solid 81%.

In general this was a great flick and it had some very funny moments. The animation was very well done, except I did not like the look of the zebra's nostrils. That just really bothered me. This film was funny, kid-friendly, but no so dopey as to make the adults sick.
I liked the premise of the story. The animals were content living in the zoo and the thought of living in the wild freaked all of them except Marty the zebra and the penguins. The characters were memorable. I think my favorite had to be Melman the hypochondriac giraffe. And this was educational too. I now know for real what a foosa is.

There were some great subtle, and not-so-subtle references to other movies. In particular I liked the references to the original Planet of the Apes. It was missed by everyone in the theater under 35 I think.

My favorite quote:

Marty the Zebra: The penguins are going, so why can't I?
Alex the Lion: Marty, the penguins are psychotic.

Is this a conspriacy against Linux? Hmmm.....

Anyway, oh sugar, honey, ice tea! I forgot to mention that it took 4 days to get "I like to move it" unstuck from my head.

I will probably buy this as DVD.

Fantastic Four (2005)

2005-07-11T11:56:00.000-07:00

When an experimental space voyage goes awry, four people are changed by cosmic rays. Reed Richards, inventor and leader of the group gains the ability to stretch his body, and takes the name, Mr. Fantastic. His girlfriend, Sue Storm, gains the ability to turn invisible and create force fields, calling herself the Invisible Woman. Her younger brother Johnny Storm gains the ability to control fire, including covering his own body with flame, becoming the Human Torch. Pilot Ben Grimm is turned into a super-strong rock creature calling himself Thing. Together, they use their unique powers to explore the strange aspects of the world, and to foil the evil plans of Doctor Doom.

I give Fantastic Four a solid 71%.

I must admit, I was a bit disappointed with this film. For a film such as this, I don't really need as much character development as it had. This movie was nearly turned into a love story with some weirdness, instead of the action variety. The build up was too slow and there was not enough of seeing the action.

I will say that I like Human Torch best. He kind of throws in your face of what a superhero should be. I also liked the presentation of the invisibility of "Invisible Girl". And talk about your setups for a sequel, you can't get more obvious than that.

I think that this movie should have been a successful formula movie, but they got the wrong formula.

My favorite quote:

Chief Fireman: Who's the leader?
Johnny Storm: That would be me!
Chief Fireman: No, really.

Batman Begins (2005)

2005-07-11T11:47:00.000-07:00

Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins explores the origins of the Batman legend and the Dark Knight's emergence as a force for good in Gotham. In the wake of his parents' murder, disillusioned industrial heir Bruce Wayne travels the world seeking the means to fight injustice and turn fear against those who prey on the fearful. He returns to Gotham and unveils his alter-ego: Batman, a masked crusader who uses his strength, intellect and an array of high tech deceptions to fight the sinister forces that threaten the city.

I give Batman Begins a solid 95%.

This was without a doubt, the darkest of the Batman films. It does a very good job of establishing why a playboy billionaire would want to fight crime while keeping it somewhat a believable emotion for Bruce Wayne. The use of imagry abounded and every scene oozed the same darkness. Very well done. This will be a classic.

My favorite part had to be the scene when he summoned all the bats to cloud his escape. But as far as lines go, I loved the way Bruce interacted with Mr. Fox. It was brilliant.

My least favorite part was possibly the whole weirdness of Bruce and the two bimbos in the water at the hotel. Also I think the Scarecrow could have been done better. But still, this is on the list of DVDs to buy.

Favorite Quote:

Jim Gordon: [hearing bat sounds] What's that?
Bruce Eayne: Back-up.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)

2005-07-11T11:42:00.000-07:00

The movie is based on the young adult book, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, by Anne Brashares. As four best friends spend their first summer apart from one another, they share a magical pair of jeans. Despite being of various shapes and sizes, each one of them fits perfectly into the pants. To keep in touch they pass these pants to each other as well as the adventures they are going through while apart.

I give Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants a solid 80%.

And before anyone gives me crap, I took my teenage daughter to see this movie! So there. Anyway, There were a lot of good things about this movie. I went expecting a "teen girl flick", and it was to a large extent. But the reason why I rate it as high as I do is the treatment it gave some serious emotional and psychological issues of the girls in the story. The treatment was serious, even if at times the result was intended to be somewhat comical, it retained value in its approach to the subject.

The major issues the girls in the film had to deal with:

Death of a parent
Divorce of parents
Being afraid to try things'
Teen sex
Death of a friend, in this case a younger girl
Seeing life as either a "suckmentary", or something worthwhile

My favorite scenes were with Bailey. I tell you, as a father, seeing the interaction of Tibby and Bailey is emotional. I won't spoil it here, but it was the only seriously emotional part of the film for this adult.

This is not your ordinary teen girl flick. I highly recommend this to parents of teen girls. If you could actually see it with them, there is a mountain of material to talk to your kids about. Highly recommended.

My favorite quote from the movie:

Bailey: I want you to do something for me.
Tibby: What?
Bailey: Finish your documentary.
Tibby: Why?
Bailey: Because you can.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)

2005-07-11T11:33:00.000-07:00

A married couple (Pitt and Jolie) are getting bored with their quiet domestic life. What they don't know, however, is that they're both assassins, secretly hopping the world and killing for hire. But their separate lives are about to collide when each finds out their next target is their own spouse.

I give Mr. & Mrs. Smith a solid 91%.

Honestly, I like a film that can pull off what this one pulled off. It has a light view of itself while retaining those amazing, though unbelievable, action sequences. I am not a big Brad Pitt fan, but I think he did a fantastic job at this one. Angelina Jolie was perfect for the seductive, yet lethal, wife.
Besides the action sequences, there were a lot of memorable quotes. Like this one:

John Smith: That's the second time you've tried to kill me today.
Jane Smith: Oh, come on, it was just a little bomb.

This one is on my list of DVDs to buy when it comes out.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005)

2005-07-11T11:26:00.000-07:00

Everyone has bad mornings. You wake up late, you stub your toe, you burn the toast...but for a man named Arthur Dent, this goes far beyond a bad day. When he learns that a friend of his is actually an alien with advanced knowledge of Earth's impending destruction, he is transported off the Earth seconds before it is exploded to make way for a new hyperspace motorway. And as if that's not enough, throw in being wanted by the police, Earth II, an insane electronic encyclopedia, no tea whatsoever, a chronically depressed robot and the search for the meaning of life, and you've got the greatest adventure off Earth

I give HHGG a solid 84%.

I know it was not the same as the book. I don't care. I liked it. From beginning to end. There was a lot left out form the books, but then again, no one wants to see movie that long anyway. This movie does a good job with keeping the pace up. Especially for those who are not already familiar with the story. It was kind of campy I think. But I like campy.

In particular, I really liked the Vogons. Disgusting and vile, just like beaurocrats ought to be. But I think my favorite quote from the movie was between Trillian and Marvin:

Trillian: Marvin... you saved us!
Marvin: I know. Wretched, isn't it?

I did not like the ending very much though. The whole restart of the earth from the point of explosion was just too.... stupid. Hence it is in the lower 80s percentile.

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)

2005-07-10T13:27:00.000-07:00

It has been three long years since the Clone Wars have first begun, and Jedi Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker have fought as hard as they possibly could. When the capital planet of Coruscant becomes under attack by the Separatist droid armies and Supreme Chancellor Palpatine is kidnapped by the army leader, General Grievous, Anakin personal problems begin to develop, including his anger at the Jedi Council for not giving him the rank of Master, though he is on the council, and his plagued visions of his secret wife, Padme Amidala, dying in childbirth. He is determined to do anything to save her, no matter the cost. While Obi-Wan is sent to kill General Grievous on Utapau, Anakin is taken under Palpatine's wing, being subtly seduced by the Dark Side of the Force and convince that the Dark Side is power than can save his wife from death. Soon enough, a new, darker, ominous figure that would eventually be feared by the entire galaxy is formed: Lord Darth Vader. Obi-Wan, discovering Anakin's betrayal, sees no choice but to face his own apprentice in an attempt to bring back the young, loyal Jedi that had been like his own son, brother, and friend.

I give Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith a solid 92%.

Of all the Star Wars movies, I think this has become my favorite Star Wars film now. This was the darkest of all the Star Wars films. Now you must understand that I saw the original Star Wars: A New Hope when it originally came out. I was in junior high school and it was astounding. That film will always keep a top place in my mind. But RoTS has surpassed the original.

My favorite part of RotS was the confrontation near the lava and Anakin losing his footing, so to speak. That whole scene, and the anger he possesses as he pulls himself up the slope are cool. I think my least favorite part was some of the sappy dialogue between Anakin and Padme'. The effects were mind boggling. And there was minimal Jar-Jar influence.

I highly recommend this film. But if you are not into sci-fi and Star Wars, you may not appreciate this film.

My favorite quote:

[after Obi-wan uses a gun and drops it]
Obi-Wan: So uncivilized.

The Purpose

2005-07-10T11:41:00.000-07:00

Why have a blog? I mean, the odds of someone reading my blog is pretty small. But I thought about it and I decided I can use a blog for simply recording and sharing thoughts whether or not anyone actually reads it. It is for me.

I already have a personal blog at http://sixdrift.blogspot.com that I use to record my own thoughts. But I decided there were some things I specifically wanted to share. That leads me to the purpose of this specific blog. Movies.

So this blog is intended to record my personal views on various movies. Basically, this will be my own movie review list. I will review movies from both the theater and on DVD.

And furthermore, I don't care if anyone disagrees with my opinions or my reviews of movies. If you don't like my opinion, that's your problem. You are free to create your own blog. And I encourage you to do so.

To set the stage for all subsequent reviews, I will keep it straightforward and simple. Basically what I think of the movie, my favorite parts, the parts I don't like, and anything that stands out. These reviews are strictly from a viewer's perspective.

Thus ends the purpose posting of this blog.