mr_congenialityng Reviews

Inception (2010)

This is one of the most brilliant films ever made.

[10/10 · 16 July 2010]

I won't describe the plot, I won't describe the characters, I won't describe anything about this movie. You've seen advertisements for this movie. They are freaky, complex, mind-bending, but nothing in these advertisements make sense, and they won't until you actually see the film.

Nevermind the visuals of the film. They are not even the most effective thing of this film. Granted though, they are a spectacular sight, and I never thought for one second I was looking at actual CGI. That's SUPER effective. Nevermind the acting in the film. However, I never once thought I was actually watching people act, I actually thought I was looking at something real. The most effective point of the film is an idea, an idea that takes our brains for a wicked little spin. This idea entertains us, intrigues us, and plays fun little games with us. It's a sheer delight.

A lot of people are going to ask "Is this film better than Nolan's The Dark Knight?" In my personal opinion, yes. This is his best film, and it is better than "The Dark Knight", which was a masterpiece itself. I'm proud to say that "Inception" is a step up. For those who are looking for something simple, something plain, and something that won't require a grand extent of their brain power, they will get bored with "Inception". This is an adult film in the regard that it requires your full attention, and your brain must be plugged into it, or you are going to miss it ALL OF IT.

I believe that this film definitely deserves a place for the "Best Picture" nomination at the Oscars this year, along with more recognition to Nolan as a director and a writer, for he has made the most original film I have probably seen in a very long time. His writing is impeccable. His direction is brilliant. His movie is the ultimate masterpiece.

Inception is the smartest $160 million dollars that a studio has ever spent to make a film. It was also the best $7.50 I have ever spent. Bravo.

The Blind Side (2009)

They don't make feel-good movies like this anymore, and it's about time that they did.

[9/10 · 21 December 2009]

One of the ironic things about "The Blind Side" is that it's a feel-good movie that is too good to be true, but in this case, it actually is a good movie that happens to be based on a true story. Many people going into this movie are not going to have an idea in hell that this movie is actually based on a true story, but those people are only going for a reason and one reason only, and that is to see Sandra Bullock put on the best performance of her career. The performance she puts on is the likes of what Julia Roberts did with "Erin Brockovich." It's that good.

You will also be glad to know that not only does Sandra Bullock put on one hell of the show, but so does the entire cast. It's a rare feat to see in any movie. Frankly, I've never seen Sandra Bullock like this before, because for one, she's embodied a character fully and completely, and secondly, she's not the center of attention. It's a nice change. I also failed to recognize that Tim McGraw played a pivotal role in this film. That's what makes a really good movie, is that you are so enveloped in the characters that you forgot (let alone don't even know) who is portraying them. It makes everything feel real.

This film is not along the lines of "Remember The Titans". Yes, it does have it's scenes of football games, and the players around it, and it does tend to drag just a little bit, but while the film is a feel-good movie, it doesn't overdo it one bit like "Titans" did. In fact, I can't stand watching "Remember The Titans" again, either because every teacher in my high school had a copy of it on VHS and played it at least weekly, or of its excessively overdone feel-good story. "The Blind Side" should be awarded with multiple viewings, and has a good balance of light and dark, and an overall sense of realism.

However, there are places in the movie where you can tell some bad things are going to happen, and of course, they do, and that is my only complaint is that maybe that director and writer John Lee Hancock made it too obvious. Still, it doesn't drag this movie down, and once things play out, it is a rewarding viewing experience. The movie isn't without its PG-13 rating though, it's obvious because of the dark drug-related material and the antagonists, even if both do play very small roles.

But I have to say it again: This is the performance of Sandra Bullocks career, and I will be disappointed if she doesn't take home at least a Golden Globe award this year. But this is not the reason you should see "The Blind Side". You should see it because of the moving story, the strong cast, and the diverse characters that they play. What else could you ask for? Another really positive thought on this movie is that the director has made a movie for all audiences, not just blue-collar audiences. The characters, while religiously conservative and based in the south, do not adhere to hypocrisy. Neither do they bash each other with politics or religion. These are very good people, and they mean well, and they try their best to do things well. It just goes to show you that religious denominations or political affiliations are not what define you. It's who you are that defines you.

They don't make feel-good movies like this anymore, and it's about damn time that they did.

Avatar (2009)

A powerful and sweeping epic

[10/10 · 21 December 2009]

"Avatar" might be one of, if not the best movies ever made. Like James Cameron's last film "Titanic", it's a powerful and sweeping epic that goes to unbelievable lengths to wow us and amaze us. Some people are going to say that the story is rubbish, the dialogue is trash, and it's only a technical achievement, nothing more, nothing less. But they are wrong. The movie exceeds on every level possible, and while the impact could be considerably less in 2 dimensions, it still holds up as one of the best movies ever made.

Cameron has perfected his three dimensional technology, and if you never see this in 3 dimensions, you are not seeing the director's extraordinary vision. I've never seen anything like this before in my life, and neither will you. I honestly have never seen a 3D motion picture in my life until Avatar, and when my theater finally had 3D technology, I considered seeing "Up" in 3D, but decided I would wait until "Avatar" to pop my 3D hymen. Boy, I do not regret this decision one bit.

Yes, what you have heard is true, "Avatar" is the future of cinema. It's a complete game changer for Hollywood, and it has redefined the industry. There is no doubt in my mind there will be as many and maybe even more flocking to see this like Titanic 12 years ago. What's even better, is that while it revolutionizes Hollywood as an awesome technological achievement, it also packs a really damn good story, too.

It does have a political message, but it's a very universal one everyone can accept: While human beings do some pretty damn amazing things, we also do some really horrible things. We burn down our own forests, we fight wars with each other, and we destroy each other's lives. James Cameron relays a message that is both powerful and a wake up call, and he's embedded it brilliantly into a film that is going to be seen by everyone. I hope this movie changes people, because I certainly think it has the ability to do so.

While Cameron uses the technology to wow us, he also uses his story to pull at our emotions. I won't lie, there are scenes that do have the ability to make grown men cry, and it's important to realize that most of these scenes don't even involve the humans. The alien race known as the Na'vi are probably even more human than we are, which even adds more realism to the completely computer generated characters. This does not feel fake, this feels absolutely real. Thank god for that.

This movie also runs at 2 hours and 40 minutes long. However, this is not one bit like the other movies this year that nearly push the 3 hour mark (i.e. "Transformers 2", "2012"), and what's funny is that once it's over, you will have wished for more. Not many movies can do this, especially if they are long, but I can tell you that this movie does not drag once, nor does it feel like it is nearly 3 hours. If anything, it feels as though that it is too short. Try getting a hallmark card for that.

From its opening scene to its closing shot, this is a truly beautiful, remarkable, and amazing film. There's no other film I would want the first decade of the 21st century to close on. The most important thing is, you have to see this movie to witness the most important part of what will soon be the history of 21st century Hollywood, and we have James Cameron to thank for this. Bravo, sir, bravo.

The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009)

Love it or hate it, New Moon is a movie with some really good stuff, but also really bad stuff

[6/10 · 21 December 2009]

Let's face it, Twilight is an irresistible pop culture phenomenon. It has a great looking cast, great looking backdrop, and great looking protagonists. It's a teenage girl's fantasy, and I know how crazy that sounds. A tale of a vampire who love a human instead of eating her is quite coy. But that was the first movie, this is just a movie where the guys show off their sculpted and sexy bodies.

That's not to say though that I didn't enjoy the film, in some prospects. "New Moon" starts off fast and ends fast, but it drags too long in the middle, and for a 2 hour movie, that's somewhat sad.

Some of it is ridiculous, for example, Kristen Stewart who plays Bella is quite annoying at times. When Edward, played by Robert Pattinson, leaves Bella, she becomes too hysterical, and it's more whining and moaning than crying or sobbing. I like her better in the original Twilight film, and in other movies, but she is quite bothersome here. Maybe it's because she wasn't directed well enough, but whatever it is, she plays like she's in a daytime soap.

Robert Pattinson is really underused here, and it's a shame, because even though he's not completely physically dreamy, he is quite charming and alluring. The movie tries to make up for it by dangling ripped and toned jailbait in front of our eyes (and now because of it we have several adult females turning into pedophiles), which some people who are more oriented to appearance will appreciate. However, I am not oriented in that manner, and found that the character had way too much of a negative personality.

The supporting cast, however, is quite nice. So is the romance between Edward and Bella, which isn't shown on-screen much of this sequel, is enough to hold the film above water. It's undeniable, Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson have some wonderful chemistry. It's what made the original Twilight so good and what makes this one a bit too mediocre.

But being someone who actually really enjoyed the first movie, I have a hard time not recommending this to people who are fans of the book, or the first movie. People who have not seen/read or did not enjoy the books or the first movie however, should steer clear of New Moon, because they will certainly not like it.

Love it or hate it, New Moon is a movie with some really good stuff, but also really bad stuff. Maybe if the production had more time, they could of done more with it? But we'll never know that now, will we?

Standoff (2006–2007)

Grade A Entertainment. Not to be missed.

[10/10 · 15 September 2006]

I know a lot of people don't enjoy this show, but we are already into the 2nd episode, and I find this show really great. The chemistry between the two lead characters are just plain great, and the rest of the cast is excellent. And the situations these people are put up against are not your average crisis, these are ones with point, and interest.

This is a great show. Anybody who thinks differently should catch the reruns and rethink their critique. If you give it a chance then you might actually enjoy it. This show is not a bomb like some people say. I can see this show having more than 1 season. Maybe more than 2 or 3 for that matter. I've got my fingers crossed.

BeachBoy (2004 Video)

"BeachBoy" is dominating

[10/10 · 19 July 2005]

If gay pornography is what you are into, Eurocreme's "Beachboy" is excellent for beginners. Max Lincon sure knows how to make a adult film, and he does it right, with dumb plot lines but obviously ridiculously sexy boys. It's so sexy in fact, you won't have to worry about putting your hands down your pants for this film, watching the action alone is simply awesome. As a regular porn viewer, I have become desensitized and I am no longer turned on to certain things. However, "Beachboy", is a collector's item, because of its terrific replay value. If you have a gay porn collection, this is a must to have. It's definitely one of the best.

Fat Actress (2005)

A Fat Surprise

[16 March 2005]

When it comes down to it, Fat Actress is hilarious. It has its slips and falls, but it's FAT out funny. Kirstie, as usual, is hiliarious. She is a satire of herself, and not only that, it seems as though she has accepted her cellulite, and pokes fun at herself, which is always a way for a good laugh. Kirstie however, is not documenting her real life, as some may thing, this is only a semi-reality show. Kirstie also writes and produces the show. The writing shows this really wasn't worked on for a while, but the way it is played out is excellent. Kirstie is absolutely comical, along side with her co-stars. But I expected more from this show, and there is something missing.

Nip/Tuck (2003–2010)

Touching, Funny, and it gets better with every episode

[17 September 2004]

Nip/Tuck uses an unusual formula to deliver an excellence. Every episode will make you laugh, and probably even cry.

The writers had Season 1 good, but I've never seen a television show before that was able to have a absolutely FLAWLESS second season. The second season starts out with Sean and Christian pushing 40. They will experience one hell of a ride, for sure.

The second season has higher praised actors featured in smaller roles, such as Joan Rivers and Alec Baldwin. And Nip/Tuck isn't a show that features cameos, but if it does, it will give a good reason why that certain famous actor is getting a shine of stardom. (Alec Baldwin will play a character that is directly related with one of the other actors, but who you will have to find out for yourself!) Joan Rivers, however, has no reason to be there yet, we'll find out soon.

Besides the special actors appearing in season 2, Christian and Sean will learn the real meaning of partnership. Season 2 is overall more intense, addicting, touching, and funny than the 1st season could ever be. If season 3 happens to be any better, Nip/Tuck will prove once and for all, that it is TV Gold. But, that's already been proven to us, already.

Brigham City (2001)

The acting is great, the plot is great, and it's made by a Mormon!?

[10/10 · 8 December 2001]

Didn't expect this really, if I was going to go see another film instead of brigham city I might have regreted it, because it is pretty dang good. The plot is great, so is the acting, and what shocks us maybe, is that the person who directed it is from the mormon religion. That makes it even better, because we really haven't seen alot of mormon scriptwriters or directors in hollywood.

The Matrix (1999)

Great Fun. The film is just ready to explode.

[10/10 · 7 December 2001]

The matrix is...you'll have to see it yourself. But, it's 1st class action fun, it's got great special effects, and nevertheless, a really excellent plot. If you want to enjoy a movie whenever you want to watch one, this is it. I give it a full score...It's such a great movie.