Before Sunset (2004)
Like the idea that this movie takes place 9 years after the first. Simple and effective. Hard not to get invested in the continuing story.
June 8, 2013
Before Sunrise (1995)
Great prerequisites for this film is having visited Europe and having a love of deep,meaningful, and philosophical conversations about life and love. I've never been to Europe and hate any conversation that doesn't start with "I was loaded", but this movie still worked for me
June 8, 2013
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
After seeing the new film (Into Darkness), I had to re-visit this classic. I was not disappointed. Like a fine Romulan Ale, this movie only got better with age. Shatner gives a performance for the ages, and the discovery af Joachim as a supporting character was a delight.
May 25, 2013
Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)
No in-depth review needed here. A fun movie made very well that left me satisfied as a fan of the Star Trek franchise. As the ancient Klingon proverb states; bortaS bIr jablu’DI’ reH QaQqu’ nay’.
May 25, 2013
Wordplay (2006)
Great Doc about crossword puzzles. Makes you realize that, if you ever thought you were good at something (crossword puzzles for example), there is someone out there who is much, much better at that thing than you. Basically, try not to be good at anything.
May 17, 2013
A Good Day to Die Hard (2013)
Almost so bad it was good. Gets a 50 out of respect for the original. Feels like this was originally titled something else, but was given the go ahead, only if the title was changed to include the words "Die Hard" and John McClane was wrote into every scene.
April 9, 2013
Life of Pi (2012)
Watched this movie over 2 sessions, which I do not like doing, and also did not see it at the movies in 3D. Despite this, the movie was still very enjoyable and unique. Had to seek out my animals and tell them how much they mean to me when this was over.
February 17, 2013
The Sessions (2012)
Good acting, especially by John Hawkes, but I prefer him as a bad guy delivering great lines like "I already told you once with my mouth." Spoiler Alert: Helen Hunt does get fully naked often, but she is 50. Somewhat interesting and also a bit weird. Never fully got into it.
January 24, 2013
Ted (2012)
Lots of very funny scenes, but way too much focus on the Walberg/Kunis relationship. Needed to lose the RomCom formula and center more on Walberg/Ted hijinx.
January 19, 2013
End of Watch (2012)
Good police movie. Took a bit to get used to the hand-held camera stuff, but stuck with it, and was worth it. Good acting.
January 19, 2013
Magic Mike (2012)
Not since "Showgirls" have I been so happy to see a childhood icon strip. That's right, Kevin Nash (AKA Diesel) rounds out the cast of male strippers in this blatant exploitation of Channing Tatum's... acting ability. Cool vibe. Hilarious scene involving a penis pump.
January 19, 2013
The Other Dream Team (2012)
Nice bit of basketball history that most NBA fans probably don't know much about. Love Stern at the 86 draft. Raptor fans should be forced to watch this Doc.
January 19, 2013
Killer Joe (2011)
I think I get this movie. Maybe not though, a lot of people seem to like it. Just because you think of a weird, confusing, and disgusting thing that Matthew McConaughey agrees to do on screen, doesn't make the movie good.
January 18, 2013
Pitch Perfect (2012)
This movie received positive reviews (80% on RT) and stared Anna Kendrick who has made good career choices. Did not enjoy this movie. Can see how it appeals to some, but seriously, 80%?
January 18, 2013
Sound of My Voice (2011)
Not really sure why, but I liked this movie. Writers/Filmmakers Brit Marling and Zal Batmangli are ambitious, but not to the extent as they were with "Another Earth". I could see myself in this cult. Looking forward to more of their films.
January 18, 2013
Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)
Three TV actors, Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Rec), Jake Johnson (New Girl) and Mark Duplass (The League) who I like in a smart, unique movie. Funny how a whole movie can come from 1 great idea.
January 18, 2013
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Will not bore with a review, will instead direct people to You Tube where they should search and watch "Everything wrong with The Dark Knight in 3 minutes". Funny stuff. "Wait 5 seconds and throw this." I laugh every time.
January 18, 2013
Dredd (2012)
Been described as "an unwanted franchise reboot, with an unknown actor who doesn't show his face (NZ's Karl Urban). Oh, and also, the exact plot of a recent and "better" movie. Despite all this, a good time if your into the action. GOT's Lena Headey without the incest.
January 18, 2013
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
Living in NZ, I dare not post a negative review. I enjoyed this movie (I guess). Saw it at the higher frame rate, which was interesting (I guess). Couldn't help thinking "Are 3 Hobbit movies really necessary?" and "Is this just LOTR footage rearranged?" Good action scenes.
January 17, 2013
Prometheus (2012)
Watched all 4 Alien movies leading up to this, so was pumped to be back in "the Alien Universe". Who is the only actor to be killed by (1) an Alien, (2) a Terminator, and (3) a Predator? Hint: "We're on an express elevator to hell; going down!
January 16, 2013
The Imposter (2012)
Unbelievable true story about a bunch of lunatics, especially "the imposter" himself. His dance moves are hilarious. A 20 something French guy convinces a Texas family he is their long lost 16 year old son, and it gets crazier. Once I heard this, I had to watch.
January 16, 2013
Looper (2012)
My favorite movie of 2012. Wild concept, done very well. The future is going to be crazy!!!
January 16, 2013
Argo (2012)
Appreciate the merits of this movie, hence the 80, but was not a fan of Affleck's acting, was even a bit annoyed by it. Disappointed to see it win at the Golden Globes, hope it doesn't happen at the Oscars. Don't need to see Affleck and Clooney thanking each other any more.
January 16, 2013
Skyfall (2012)
Regret not seeing this on the big screen. Still an enjoyable Bond movie. Worth a watch.
January 16, 2013
Liberal Arts (2012)
Josh Radnor (Ted from "How I Met Your Mother") writes and directs this movie. The story had a lot of potential, and with Elizabeth Olsen co-starring, this movie could have been much better.
January 15, 2013
Sleepwalk with Me (2012)
Decent little movie that relies on your ability to tolerate Mike Birbiglia's idiosyncracies. This movie is not perfect, but I respect Birbiglia's attempt to put his story on the screen. Definitely unique.
January 15, 2013
This Is 40 (2012)
I did not like this movie. It felt like nothing happened during the 2+ hour running time. Losing faith in Judd Apatow movies. When Megan Fox is a bright spot (and not for her looks), a movie is in trouble. The end credits are by far the best part of the movie, if you make it.
January 15, 2013
The Queen of Versailles (2012)
This family probably thought a documentary about them building the biggest house in America was a good idea. Then they lost all their money, and the documentary got much better.
January 15, 2013
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
I liked this movie. Interesting story that kept me engaged throughout. Good young cast that could have big careers in front of them. Story and characters are pretty intense for a movie based in high school, but it works. Hermione's American accent is not bad.
January 15, 2013
Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
Good movie. Will this propel Bradley Cooper into more "Oscar" calibre movies? Not sure, but he was much better than I expected. Feel this movie will play on TV during long weekends and holidays for years to come.
January 15, 2013
The Bourne Legacy (2012)
Pleasantly surprised by this movie. Solid action, and a story that can be followed without much previous knowledge of the other Bourne movies (kindof). Not sure how long interest for the series will continue beyond another movie.
January 10, 2013
Premium Rush (2012)
Watched only for Joseph Gordon Levitt. Micheal Shannon was a surprise. Forgettable.
January 10, 2013
People Like Us (2012)
A weird kind-of romance between a half brother and sister. Could have been worse, could not have been better.
January 10, 2013
Killing Them Softly (2012)
Really like this movie. James Gandolfini gives my favorite performance of the year. "You want ass, there's no ass in the whole world, like a young Jewish girl that's hooking." "You take that to the bank." Ben Mendelsohn also kills it.
January 10, 2013
Flight (2012)
I didn't mind this movie. Not sure if Denzel is the best or worst actor in Hollywood. Besides a few scenes in the beginning where they intro some random drug addict who eventually moves in with Denzel, Denzel is the focus, and in every scene. Whip Whitager grades a 69, drunk.
January 10, 2013
10 Years (2011)
71 may be too high, but Chris Pratt adds 5-10 points to my rating. Watchable.
January 10, 2013
Searching for Sugar Man (2012)
Not exactly what I expected, but still good. Cool and interesting story. Feel there is more to Rodriguez's character that may have been left out to shape the story.
January 10, 2013
Zero Dark Thirty (2012)
Very solid. Jessica Chastain deserving of Oscar nod, and possible win. Navy Seal beards deserving of best supporting actor nod. Realize the story is not exactly what happened, but like the fact that the SEAL raid scene is about the same length of the actual raid. Go Chris Pratt
January 10, 2013
Django Unchained (2012)
Solid. Tarantino's Aussie accent was a highlight for me. A bit long. Were those Jamie Foxx's real nuts?
January 10, 2013