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Reviews
War of the Worlds (2005)
My heart pounded of fear
It was a pretty scary movie! It seemed almost impossible to see a way to defeat the attacks of the aliens. Awesome introduction of the aliens that just made the whole theater gasp for air and shrink into their seats. What made it harder to watch was that there were a lot of people dying and some camera angles showed the terror in the people's faces right before they got incinerated. It was very loud and there was a lot of destruction. Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning and Justin Chatwin do an excellent job in the film showing a true love hate relationship between each other....mostly love of course. There were a few surprise cameos that added some drama and comedy in the movie too. The ending may seem like it was abrupt but the narrator in the beginning and the end of the movie put it all together. I heard some people mention that they didn't like having the narrator but I think they showed enough scenes to support what the narrator was saying. Sorry for the people who thought that the aliens were going to win and take over Earth but honestly, that would have been a bad movie if the aliens won. You gotta have a sense of a happy ending after going through almost two hours of aliens kicking our butts :oP
The Final Cut (2004)
good story but too many sub plots
"The Final Cut" is yet another film with a dark, thriller, mystery edge that Robin Williams does an excellent job acting in. It discusses the topic of voyeurism or lack of privacy as a result of memory chips called Zoe implants implanted into people in order to use people's own eyes and ears to record their own lives in a first person view. After their death, the memory chips can be retrieved and a movie can then be made by the memory chip editors called "cutters" who Robin Williams plays. The edited movie can then be shown in the funeral or eulogy. Some people can even have a flat screen TV on their graves and their edited movie can be seen at a touch of a button. This movie was written and directed by a film editor who wanted to show that reality television is making people forget that actual people's lives are being affected as a result of the public wanting to be entertained. It also shows that people tend to edit out/erase/forget things that they do not want to remember or shared to the public. This movie reminded me of 1984 and One Hour Photo. Both movies deal with voyeurism, privacy issues and a dark theory/story that helps show certain dangers of technology. This movie might have not gotten a lot of recognition or popularity because there were too many sub plots and some inconclusive plots that could have confused a lot of people watching this movie. But I recommend this movie and if you need some help understanding it, I can help explain it.
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Now I get it!
Just got back from seeing Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. I'm not a big Star Wars fan but I have watched it with friends who are fans or seen it on TV re-runs growing up. I didn't dress up or even go on opening night. I wasn't even planning on seeing it but I was invited by some friends. It was not a disappointment at all. It had action from beginning to end. Drama, comedy and mystery too. Not much surprises but quite a few sad parts that were tear jerker to a few people in the theater. This Star Wars movie basically shows how a good kid turns bad as a result of bad influences.
In this movie, the good kid was Anakin Sywalker who turns into the evil Darth Vader as a result of the bad influence known as Darth Sidious. Honestly, I wouldn't have understood a lot of the Star Wars plots and characters if it weren't for this movie. Episode III answers a lot of questions. Even if you don't care about Star Wars, poke fun at the "geeks", laugh at the names of the characters and think there are a few bad acting in it, it is an overall great action movie worth seeing! Most of the graphics were a little hard to fathom since light-sabers, light speed vehicles, weird characters and numerous things in the movie are things that we haven't seen in our lifetime. BUT it was pretty awesome to see how realistic all the graphics looked. You don't have to watch the rest of the Star Wars movies to understand the story but it does help to know the gist of the previous Star Wars movies.
Now, I understand why the first three episodes of Star Wars weren't shown because it would have taken a lot of surprises and suspense in the original Star Wars movies back in the 70s and 80s (Espisode IV-VI). Hearing "Luke, I am your father!" would have been less of a surprise considering the first three episodes would have told the audience about that. Besides, George Lucas didn't know back then if all six episodes of the Star Wars movies would have been a success so he had to make the story a little shorter first. Episodes I-III were just written to show the fans the whole story of this epic adventure. Episode III does a great job at connecting the whole story together. I recommend seeing this movie with an open mind and just appreciate the imagination turned into visual reality thanks to movie magic. Enjoy!
House of Wax (2005)
very graphic but it def is a great horror/thriller!
House of Wax was a freaking gory, graphic and disturbing movie with lots of weird ways of people getting killed, slashed or beaten up. Lots of suspense and chase scenes too (villains chasing the "good guys"). Elisha Cuthbert, Chad Michael Murray and Brian Van Holt and the rest of the cast were awesome! It was also Paris Hilton's first movie and she did pretty well. There were tons of surprising parts thanks to loud music and instances where the villain just pops up out of no where, so be ready for lots of screaming, people jumping off seats and a few people doing their nervous laughing. A lady next to me kept hiding under her jacket and asking her girlfriends to tell her when the scary parts were over so she can watch again but they kept tricking her into watching during the scary parts and she kept on screaming really loud. It was hilarious! It was funnier when a dude in front of me screamed out loud with a voice like he just hit puberty...ha ha! I recommend this movie if you want to see a good horror/thriller movie.
The Incredibles (2004)
That was totally wicked!
The graphics of "The Incredibles" was amazing! The characters and the story is nothing new but there were so many cool, funny scenes in this movie. I had to see it more than once to actually see and hear all the tiny details that I missed from the previous viewing. It's cool to see how much improvement computer animation has come in such a short period. The details of the tiniest objects are mind blowing. The powers of the super heroes in this movie aren't anything new from other superhero movies, comic books or TV shows but it was the way this movie put the superheroes into normal-everyday life that was new and interesting to see. As a result, this normal, everyday things may have made the movie drag on a little bit but I think it was necessary. If everything was just exciting and fast paced, then the excitement of seeing the climax ending would have been lost. I liked the old-fashioned, classic feel to the movie too. Having it set in the 50s-60s (maybe 70s) was cool to see. Turn up the volume and enjoy the ride!
A Lot Like Love (2005)
Not even close...STOP comparing this to When Harry Met Sally!
When this movie was compared to When Harry Met Sally(WHMS), it made me a little intrigued to see it maybe later on DVD. However, a request of a friend on her birthday made me watch it with her on opening weekend. I was expecting a romantic comedy similar to WHMS but it doesn't even deserve to be compared. The bad parts about "A Lot Like Love" is the lack of chemistry between Kutcher and Peet throughout the majority of this movie. I think the two of them playing the younger characters and 3 years later was OK. After that, their chemistry sort of went down hill. There were some funny parts in this movie but there were so many scenes that were unnecessary to the story of the movie. It just made it drag on too long. It was also annoying to see the time indication (three years later, 2 years later, etc.). Every time a black screen with the time indication came on, there was a sigh from the audience. I think people can figure out that time is progressing especially with different hairdos, clothing and friends getting pregnant! The worst part about this movie is its title:"A Lot Like Love" because I don't think it was a lot like love at all. This movie needed a title like "Random Sex", "Friends With Benefits" or something similar. I can see how it can be compared to WHMS because of the long process it took for the two main characters to figure out they loved each other. However, that's where the comparison ends. The plot, chemistry and even comedy of "A Lot Like Love" wasn't as good as WHMS. People should never compare movies to other movies because it either just hypes it up and disappoints or puts a bad impression on it. See this movie if you want to see a cute and funny/silly movie. Not so much a romantic movie.
Spanglish (2004)
soap opera on film
Although a lot of Sandler fans might not enjoy this movie because Adam Sandler is more dramatic and less comedic in this movie, I still think this movie deserves to be seen because of his chemistry with Paz Vega. Vega is stunningly beautiful and draws you into the screen with her great work. Even though she doesn't speak much English in the movie, she was able to communicate to the audience with her amazing facial expressions and actions. She has a great smile and eyes that tell you a lot about what's on her mind. Cloris Leachman and Tea Leoni also have great mother-daughter relationship, especially in the final scenes. There are some comedic parts in the movie but nothing like in Sandler's previous movies. Spanglish is very dramatic. Almost like a soap opera. It definitely is a more favorable movie for the ladies and couples but you will learn a lot about a mother's love towards her daughter and vice versa. There were some father-daughter and son relationship involved in the movie but not much. The Clasky's dog was cute too.
One Hour Photo (2002)
DVD Commentary
I just saw One Hour Photo on DVD. I liked it a lot when it came out a couple years ago, so I saw it again on DVD with the commentary by the director Mark Romanek and Robin Williams turned on. Hearing what they said reveals a lot about the outtakes and the pranks that Robin did. He still is a funny man but just wants to challenge himself with acting roles that are not as comedic as his past work. Also, Robin Williams said that this is actually his first movie that he made a commentary on because it was his first role that he barely saw himself as the character he played (Sy Parrish) in real life. In his past work, he said that he would have trouble watching himself because he would be too critical on his acting since he could relate with a lot of the past characters and roles he did. Anyway, as Robin Williams requested in the commentary, when people ask about what One Hour Photo is about, say "It's inexplicable, just watch it." Definitely watch it. Just a precaution though that this film is rated R with some sexual content and adult language in it. If you can look past the dark scenes, it's a great story that is engaging and interactive with the audience. Enjoy a very well filmed movie. If you like it, watch it with the commentary on and you'll hear about a lot of stuff behind the scenes and thoughts on certain scenes that were pretty entertaining. Only wish that Robin Williams spoke louder or had the microphone closer to him during the commentary.
The Ring Two (2005)
Ahh....now I get it!
The Ring Two explained a lot about questions from The Ring. It was pretty creepy but not as creepy as The Ring. Very entertaining and there were a lot of scream-out-loud, surprising parts in it. I don't want to mention any so you get surprised too! The Ring 2 seemed to bring closure. Naomi Watts and David Dorfman were weird as hell and pulled off the scary scenes! Sissy Spacek was pretty weak. You might know her from another scary movie called Carrie, but her scene was so short and not too much character development was made for her. Another disappointment was the short appearance of Emily VanCamp from the TV series "Everwood". She just had tiny scenes that seemed a little insignificant to the movie. The Ring 2 ending wasn't as good as The Ring ending but it answered a lot of questions and provided a sense of relief. I can sleep tonight a little easier than I did the night after I saw The Ring. Definitely a movie worth watching but make sure to watch The Ring first or you'll get lost and won't understand most of The Ring 2. Enjoy the movie and be ready for a great thrill ride!
The Wedding Date (2005)
nice movie, so-so plot
The Wedding Date is a pretty good romantic story but the ending is unbelievable. I mean, who would've actually continued with the marriage in those circumstances?! Debra Messing (Kat Ellis) and Dermot Mulroney (wedding date - Nick Mercer)had pretty good chemistry. They were funny and hilarious at times but they also had some nice romantic chemistry throughout. The other big plus was that the movie is set in England. This gave it a more romantic atmosphere in my opinion. Amy Adams (Amy - Kat's half sister) was pretty cute and sexy! The bachelorette part was hot! Amy in the wedding dress was angelical! She was annoying when she had to and was great in the drama scenes. Holland Taylor (Bunny Ellis) and Peter Egan (Victor Ellis) played the parents of Kat and Amy. Taylor played a mother who constantly embarrassed Kat with her comments but still showed that she cared. Egan played the father and husband who would always watch over his daughters and tolerate his wife through all her embarrassing actions. He was very suave in talking every time to anyone. Sarah Parish (TJ) played a funny best friend of Kat who would do anything to protect her and party hard with her. She also had some funny comments at times.
Overall, this movie was a nice romantic comedy. It will make you laugh, cry and feel the love in the air until you realize how crazy it is that the wedding still went on. The subtitles in the end to explain what happens to the people after the wedding is just stupid! Leave it to the imagination of the audience. Telling the audience, this is what happened to this person is corny! The cast is great and the location is beautiful. Just needs a little improvement in the writing department and directing.
Ray (2004)
deservedly the best movie of the year
Even though "Million Dollar Baby" won the Academy Awards for the best movie, Ray was a close second! Thank goodness Jamie Foxx won the Best Actor Awards both in the Oscars and Golden Globe because he played Ray Charles with a lot of dedication and respect to an amazing musician. Ray was a pioneer to a lot of things in the music industry and society in general. This movie tells a very strong story to the audience in complete honesty of the life of Ray Charles from his brightest days to his darkest secrets. I just saw the DVD of this with the extended scenes and it was an amazing mix of Ray Charles' musical and private life. I am a fan of Ray Charles thanks to my parents being big fans of his music and knowing his story just makes me admire him more. Even with his battle with many issues, he turned his life around and created a legacy that will never be duplicated. Go see this movie and enjoy the journey. But be advised, there are certain graphic scenes that tells Ray's past demons.
Cursed (2005)
thrilling but stupid funny
It's a pretty funny, horror movie. Reminded me of the 90s horror films such as Scream (1996), I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) or Urban Legend (1998). Yeah, with a list of movies like that, expect a stupid, horror movie with a weird plot that have pretty bad actors and random cameos. I didn't expect it to be a werewolf movie but anyway, it was pretty entertaining. Christina Ricci, Joshua Jackson and Jesse Eisenberg were basically the main characters and were probably the most entertaining in the movie. Everyone else were such bad actors in the movie. If you're in college or post college like me, watch this movie in a perspective of when you were in high school or middle school. Enjoy the surprising scenes, the thrill of the chase, some mystery and just laugh at how stupid it is. If you go to this expecting a serious, scary movie, you'll be disappointed with the lack of good acting, character development and a good plot.
M - Eine Stadt sucht einen Mörder (1931)
thrilling, controversial, important
"M" is a great movie ahead of its time. I saw this in Film Analysis class last year and it was one of the few black and white films that actually kept my interest. It is full of controversial topics and thrilling scenes that kept my eyes glued to the screen. There are numerous non speaking scenes that may seem to drag but the scenes speaks volumes in the way the actors performed! Imagination is definitely important because there are numerous scenes of violence/darkness that aren't shown. Maybe it was because this movie was made in 30s or maybe it was censored but Fritz Lang does a great job in telling the story. Just have to pay attention or you'll miss some details. The mystery and drama between numerous characters is intense. I had no problem following the movie despite it being in German language. Subtitles were not necessary to enjoy and understand the masterpiece painted by Lang!
Hitch (2005)
"chick flick" but dudes will laugh too!
This movie is definitely a romantic comedy but oh man there were lots of comedy! I saw this movie last weekend with two fellow friends without Valentine's dates, on the day before Valentine's. There were a lot of couples there but a lot of groups of friends too. I thought this movie could cheer me and my friends up and and it certainly did! Despite some serious, romantic scenes, I couldn't stop laughing at the surprising jokes after jokes! Some situations may seem unbelievably stupid, but honestly, how many times have people who are crazy in love acted normal!? I'm normally hesitant of watching romantic comedy because most of the jokes are shown on the trailers or commercials on TV, but "Hitch" had a lot of surprises that made people in the theater just bust out laughing! Go watch and enjoy this movie. As Will Smith said in Jay Leno, "It's a comedic-romance, it's first and foremost a comedy!"