Movie Review Thread

[HomeschoolrsRUs]

I know it was decided not to create a separate forum for movie reviews, but having a different thread for each movie review is rather cumbersome for The Library - Film, Music & Literature forum too. So, in an effort to have one place where one might seek a review, here's a perfectly good thread to serve the purpose. I'll even get the ball rolling in this thread with two reviews of my own.

Went to the video store yesterday and rented four movies -- two for the family as a whole, 1 for my son and 1 for my daughter. Here is a review of the movies chosen for the family as a whole.



Racing Stripes:
For me, didn't live up to the hype. The movie was childish and the laughs seemed forced. The humor was amusing but not wildly hilarious. I don't like "potty humor" and this movie had quite a bit. They did NOT know how to use double-entendre well at all. The storyline was predictable, the action was preditable and most of it was unbelievable (not in the sense of remarkable, but in the sense of it wasn't believable). The best part of the movie was the zebra, he was a beautiful animal. To sum up, I think very young to young children might enjoy it, but adults will be bored (at least I was). Absolutely glad I didn't waste money on tickets to this one.
I rate this movie: :fruit2: (http://www.freeconservatives.com/vb/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=29#)
one apple out of five




Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events:
Thoroughly enjoyed the movie. Thought it was well cast (even though I am NOT a fan of Jim Carrey at all). I really liked the "look" of this movie, far different from your garden-variety movie. I must admit, however, I have never read the book (aren't there more than one in a series?) It made me think somewhat of Tim Burton's movies. Some of it was predictable, but enough wasn't to make it enjoyable. I rather liked the "open-ended" appearance of the movie too. Had I known anything about this movie beforehand, I MIGHT have been willing to fork over the ticket price for me and the Bubba-lings.
I rate this movie: :fruit2: (http://www.freeconservatives.com/vb/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=29#) :fruit2: (http://www.freeconservatives.com/vb/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=29#) :fruit2: (http://www.freeconservatives.com/vb/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=29#) :fruit2: (http://www.freeconservatives.com/vb/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=29#)
four apples out of five

[Lazarus]

Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events:
Thoroughly enjoyed the movie. Thought it was well cast (even though I am NOT a fan of Jim Carrey at all). I really liked the "look" of this movie, far different from your garden-variety movie. I must admit, however, I have never read the book (aren't there more than one in a series?) It made me think somewhat of Tim Burton's movies. Some of it was predictable, but enough wasn't to make it enjoyable. I rather liked the "open-ended" appearance of the movie too. Had I known anything about this movie beforehand, I MIGHT have been willing to fork over the ticket price for me and the Bubba-lings.
I rate this movie: :fruit2: (http://www.freeconservatives.com/vb/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=29#) :fruit2: (http://www.freeconservatives.com/vb/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=29#) :fruit2: (http://www.freeconservatives.com/vb/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=29#) :fruit2: (http://www.freeconservatives.com/vb/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=29#)
four apples out of fiveI agree Homey... Wife and I watched it around Xmas... We also are not Jim Carey fans but he did an exceptional job in this... And his makeup was so good, when the movie was over wife asked me where Jim Carey was... :grin:

[Patriot Heart]

I found Lemony Snicket to be a rather dark story, I think the effects were good, but I would have found it scary in a depressing way as a kid. Loss of parents and all.
We did go on a rare date tonight and saw "Sahara". It was GREAT! Alot like National Treasure, lots of action but pretty clean all in all. Penelope Cruz was beautiful, and Matthew McConoughhey (sp?) was well, gorgeous. I hope he's not one of those stupid outspoken Libs I should have boycotted!

[Antigone]

I found Lemony Snicket to be a rather dark story, I think the effects were good, but I would have found it scary in a depressing way as a kid. Loss of parents and all.
We did go on a rare date tonight and saw "Sahara". It was GREAT! Alot like National Treasure, lots of action but pretty clean all in all. Penelope Cruz was beautiful, and Matthew McConoughhey (sp?) was well, gorgeous. I hope he's not one of those stupid outspoken Libs I should have boycotted!

You had a rare date too!!! (kid off at grandma's for the weekend). We had ours last weekend and went to see Sahara also. I have to agree that it was a great movie. In fact, it's the first movie my hubby said he wouldn't mind paying to see again. To put that in perspective, that is the FIRST time in the almost 14 years we have been together he has ever said he would pay to see a movie again (I think he just wanted an excuse to go back to the theater and ogle the 10 foot high poster of Angelina Jolie in a Mr & Mrs Smith promo since I refused to help him find a way to smuggle it out.). He also would not get up to get drink refills because he didn't want to miss anything. That has never happened before either. Lots of funny parts as well as excitement and of course plenty of eye candy for the ladies in the form of Matthew McConaughey and of course you men will not be disappointed with Penelope Cruz. Steve Zahn IMO does a wonderful job and the film would not be the same without him. It was one of the better movies I have seen in some time.

:thumb:

[HomeschoolrsRUs]

Hms Movie Reviews:


"White Noise":
Good, not great. Best part of the movie, of course, Michael Keaton -- think he could make a ham sandwich an Oscar winner (in my opinion). Good premise, flowed pretty well. Certainly was NOT crazy about the ending.
I rate this movie: :fruit2: (http://www.freeconservatives.com/vb/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=29#) :fruit2: (http://www.freeconservatives.com/vb/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=29#) 1/2
Two and a half apples out of five

Miss Congeniality 2:
Amusing but not as funny as the first (are they EVER as good as the first). I felt some pretty good thought went into the plot, but the characters weren't fleshed out well. The need for an OBVIOUSLY homosexual character (to replace Michael Caines' brilliantly performance) was forced). If they really wanted to shake things up, AND throw in a homosexual character, they should have made Lucy's partner a really butch lesbian. I like Sandra Bullock -- not too many things has she not been able to play. Can't think of one movie, actually, off the top of my head that I didn't like her in. Was okay to watch with my teens, had a decent message to girls (be yourself, don't conform to what image-makers want you to be).
I rate this movie: :fruit2: (http://www.freeconservatives.com/vb/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=29#) :fruit2: (http://www.freeconservatives.com/vb/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=29#) 1/2
Two and a half apples out of five


13 Going On 30:
Loved, loved, loved it! I am NOT a chick-flick fan, BUT, I am a child of the '80's and the music was awesome! Thought the characters were well played out, and was pleasantly surprised by Jennifer Garner's performance. I am not a big Alias fan (in fact, I haven't watched one episode all the way through, yet). I just really liked this film. A female version of "Big," and I liked that one too. MY 13 year old daughter thinks its SO awesome, LOL. Her birthday's coming up in September, this one is a definite from Mom and Dad.
I rate this movie: :fruit2: (http://www.freeconservatives.com/vb/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=29#) :fruit2: (http://www.freeconservatives.com/vb/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=29#) :fruit2: (http://www.freeconservatives.com/vb/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=29#) :fruit2: (http://www.freeconservatives.com/vb/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=29#) 1/2
Four and a half apples out of five


Hostage:
Lots and lots of f-words and cussing, lots and lots of intense action. Very dark. Typical Willis, in my opinion, but with a bit of a curve. I liked it. Some things seemed a bit contrived, but it played well, in my opinion. Bruce Willis can act, I don't care what anyone says. He is definitely a guy who can play "emotion." Was shocked to see the young dude from "Big Trouble" (played the son trying to "kill" the girl with the squirtgun) in this one, and playing such an, ummmm, "opposite" kind of character. Kept me on the edge of my seat for sure. I did NOT like the ending however -- there was a chance for a real big "twist," but it never came. That was disappointing. Overall though, I liked it.
I rate this movie: :fruit2: (http://www.freeconservatives.com/vb/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=29#) :fruit2: (http://www.freeconservatives.com/vb/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=29#) :fruit2: (http://www.freeconservatives.com/vb/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=29#) :fruit2: (http://www.freeconservatives.com/vb/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=29#)
four apples out of five

[HomeschoolrsRUs]

Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith:
I totally and thoroughly enjoyed it. The only downside of the movie was the dialogue, in my opinion -- it seemed forced, stiff and actually like it was just thrown in after the movie was made. There was no natural flow to it, and the whole movie almost could have been made as a silent film, IMO. I was expecting more costumes, but the action was great. Of course special effects rocked, but we all knew they would. Cannot wait to get this DVD to complete our collection -- going to have a lazy weekend and get a bunch of snacks, bundle in our jammies and just watch Star Wars from beginning to end.
I rate this movie: :fruit2: (http://www.freeconservatives.com/vb/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=29#) :fruit2: (http://www.freeconservatives.com/vb/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=29#) :fruit2: (http://www.freeconservatives.com/vb/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=29#) :fruit2: (http://www.freeconservatives.com/vb/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=29#)
Four apples out of five


The Pacifier:

A total and complete disappointment. My daughter (13 yrs old) went to see this at the theater with her Gramma and said it was great (I expect this is due to the huge crush she has on Vin Diesel, :smirky: ). The movie was cute, the premise interested, but it just didn't play out well. There were very few truly humorous moments, and those that were supposed to be funny, just weren't. Sorry, I cannot recommend it.
I rate this movie: :fruit2: (http://www.freeconservatives.com/vb/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=29#) 1/2
One and a half apples out of five

[Patriot Heart]

We saw The Fantastic Four today, I thought it was fun! There were quite a few laughs and plenty of car crashes for DH. I think the guy who played Dr Reed was the same guy who starred in the A+E production Horatio Hornblower, and excellent story about a young British midshipman during the 1800' (I think).

[HomeschoolrsRUs]

Guess Who:
I am a HUGE fan of the original version, "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner." This is NOT that movie, for sure. I do not like the way they flip-flopped things, but then again I don't care for Ashton Kutcher anyway so maybe it was his portrayal that dug under my nails. All in all, though, I really wanted to hate it, but didn't. There were some truly touching moments, and many scenes were full nice little subtleties. I also don't care much for Bernie Mac, but in THIS movie, he was PERFECT for his character.
I rate this movie: :fruit2: (http://www.freeconservatives.com/vb/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=29#) :fruit2: (http://www.freeconservatives.com/vb/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=29#) :fruit2: (http://www.freeconservatives.com/vb/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=29#) 1/2
3-1/2 apples out of five

[HomeschoolrsRUs]

Hitchhiker's Guide To The Universe

Okay, I knew what to expect from the beginning. Read all the reviews, talked to other people. First tiime everything I heard turned out right on the money. There were some funny moments, I must admit. I liked the visualization of the movie -- kind of a cross between Doctor Who and Monty Python and a little satire thrown in the mix. I would say, however, that most of the humor (attempts) fell dismally flat. Absolutely glad I didn't waste $7.50 at the theater.
I rate this movie: :fruit2: (http://www.freeconservatives.com/vb/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=29#) 1/2
one and a half apples out of five

[Eagle1]

American History X:

2nd on my list right under its a wonderful life

profanity in every sentence and loads of graphic (and sickening) violence
i cant really put into words my thoughts about it, just that i thought it was a great movie. One of edward nortons best performances

certainly not for the faint of heart or a weak stomach. the violence gets truly grotesque. but if it doesnt bother you to the point of turning it off well worth the watch

[HomeschoolrsRUs]

American History X:certainly not for the faint of heart or a weak stomach. the violence gets truly grotesque. but if it doesnt bother you to the point of turning it off well worth the watch

Caught part of it, not my cup of tea. I want entertainment that actually entertains -- too many movies try to "preach" something. I get enough of that day-to-day, don't want it thrown in my face when I'm trying to "relax." Only movie I'm REALLY looking forward to is The Chronicles of Narnia in December (but I would kind of like to go see Serenity too, I watched Firefly and loved it!)

[Trevelyan]

I believe "American History X", very much like "The Shawshank Redemption", is a little overrated. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy both films, and would give them both *** out of four stars, but I just cannot believe the number of people I come across that cite those as among the greatest films ever made, just as I cannot believe the films' placements in the IMDB's top 250 films of all-time, which is based on votes from the general public.

[Wyatt_Junker]

I liked American History X, especially loved the curb bite in the opening scene, the way the camera zoomed in to capture the black guy's teeth touching down on the concrete. You could almost taste the grit of the sidewalk's texture and hear the *click* of his teeth.

But, I have to agree with Trav. Parts of it came across (and this is just me) as a kind of public service announcement. I could almost hear Martin Sheen's froggy voice intoning, "Racism... bad" followed by The More You Know jingo. I already know that racism is bad. Just stick with the plot and character development. I don't need a Jerry Springer 'final thought' which the end of the movie kind of degraded into...

I was still very entertaining though, despite the above criticism.

[Bluemoon_Rising]

I believe "American History X", very much like "The Shawshank Redemption", is a little overrated. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy both films, and would give them both *** out of four stars, but I just cannot believe the number of people I come across that cite those as among the greatest films ever made, just as I cannot believe the films' placements in the IMDB's top 250 films of all-time, which is based on votes from the general public.

A hex on you. :grin: I love Shawshank, definitely one of the finest films of all time, with great dialogue. Now American History X -- preachy -- is overrated.