PAST REVIEWS

Sully
I was worried about this movie because of the whole Hanks Apollo 13, already done the pilot thing. But this movie was intriguing because of all the stuff that went on after the incident. Crazy investigation insurance stuff that put everyone involved through the ringer, especially Sully. That guys awesome. The co-pilot too. They grabbed that moment of death by the throat and said, "Not today pal"

Manchester By the Sea

Best movie of the year. Casey Affleck who is bad fucking ass in this movie seems to be getting most of the praise. I think this is the best movie of the year. I think it has the best actor of the year in it. And I think it is the best directed movie of the year. Kenneth Lonergan seemed to finesse every shot of this film. He made it perfect from A to Sea. Ha! I'd love to know what the post phase was like on this movie. I feel like they need some praise as well. You'll wanna go jump off a cliff after you see it but this movie is damn good.

Carol

As a heterosexual man, knowing what this movie was about, I tried to focus on the filmmaking going in. I pretty much failed at this. But look what I was up against, Cate Blanchett who is perfectly beautiful in every way and so talented. All she needs is a look and you're done. Then you throw in Rooney Mara who is the definition of mysterious and sexy. She's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and then sweet college girl who gets dumped on in Social Network. AND all she needs is a look, I can't take it! The whole movie could have been them looking at each other and I would have been engaged. "Would it be a souped version of The Graduate!?," I thought.

The time period of the 1950's makes Carol a nominated Oscar film. You set this story in present day then you might as well call it "Emmanuelle and the girl from New York City." Maybe a stretch but my point is with the time period you have all the layers of terrible it must have been for people interested in the same sex for the actors to explore with. Then you have the two A list actresses as bold as Mara and Blanchett act out these tormented souls on a beautiful Norman Rockwell holiday canvas. Makes for an attractive movie from start to finish. Oh and Kyle Chandler can do no wrong.

As far as being a souped up version of The Graduate, kind of no. The Graduate was a present day film when it was filmed in 1967. Carol took place in the 1950's and was shot by 2015 filmmakers. And the stories are kind of not similar, the only similarity really is the age thing, pretty sure first paragraph brain came up with the comparison.

Point Break (2015)

A different movie compared to the first. The action and how it was filmed far exceeds expectations I had for the reboot of Point Break. Just bad ass radical. Point Break going global opened the doors to all extreme sports and the geography that plays a big part in them. There's a rock climbing scene in here I couldn't watch. It was like I was climbing the damn thing. But I'm sitting in a theater scared to watch it! And speaking of theater, Point Break is a must see on the big screen. Hopefully it's not too late. But...

Having said that, the original Point Break I hold close to my heart. It is a classic and will always be a classic. The debate will continue about revisiting certain films that were able to catch lightening in a bottle. To me it seems a lot of Reboots (cough) end up being more like a Rehash.

For me, here are a few elements of lightening in the bottle we know as the original Point Break:

Busey "Utah get me two," Football (Which balanced out the spiritual weirdo stuff), Los Angeles, "Inching along in those metal coffins," Night Raid, Harp Squat! Squat!, Nathanial "He's an FBI agent," meeting Don Peterman, Power of friendship, the way Tyler changes out of her swimsuit, Rosie, Keanu...Johnny Utah #9...sorry man Johnny fuckin Utah, Ex-Presidents, and last but certainly not least, Swayze and the depth and accountability he brought to Bodie. Vaya con dios.

The Revenant

After the first 20 minutes of this film (It's a film not a movie) I had already made it up in my mind it was my new favorite film of the year. The opening shot and battle ruuuuule so much. I love this director, Alejandro Gonzalez...mumble mumble...yeah I can't spell his full name correctly and if I could I'm not able to type it because I don't know how to type all the pronunciation symbols. But he deserves that because he's damn great. You know you're going to see something special when you watch his work.You'll see a few shots in the opening of The Revenant where you'll want to rewind to see how they did it. The Revenant is game time. You have to be prepped, ready, and focused. Just don't stroll on in the theater thinking you'll check it out. Look up Hugh Glass and familiarize yourself with the time period. It'll be much more pleasing. And Hugh Glass had to be one super bad ass even if half of this movie is true. Best movie of the year for me. Oh and Dicaprio = Solid. Hardy = Solid. But the Bear Attack! Get outta town.

Brooklyn

A beautifully shot, directed, and well acted film in a time period I would like to see more films capture.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

It's hard to summarize my thoughts and feelings about Star Wars: The Force Awakens here. On this page I try to briefly discuss high and low points so you can decide to see the movie or not. So keeping that in mind here goes:

I saw the Return of the Jedi episode VI when I was eight years old. Roughly thirty-two years later Episode VII is here. That alone is reason to see this. My excitement was through the roof and I was not disappointed. I want to see it again and again. That summarizes how I feel about it.

I won't get into debating where this episode ranks among the past. (And its hard not too) but the one thing Star Wars never fails to deliver is no matter the age in which you watch, for those 2 hours, you are a kid all over again.

Trainwreck

This movie is funny and definitely worth renting at home when you want to laugh. Good for Schumer.

Spotlight

I kept hearing this was the best movie of the year for a lot of people. I don't share that opinion but similar to "Truth" Spotlight has a solid cast. That always helps when a film is trying to tackle a big event. The ending was a little abrupt for me. It didn't give me that satisfaction of something that was complete.

Steve Jobs

I was excited about this movie since I knew it was in the works. I even watched "Jobs" (The Ashton Kutcher one) because I'm fascinated with the material. The fact that Mac started in a garage and is where it is today is crazy to me. (Hopefully its a fact) And thats the frustration sometimes with these movies depicting real life. What is true and what isn't. I heard a lot of negative things regarding "Steve Jobs" and how accurate it was and it started turning me off to this movie. I hate that. I try not to listen or read anything beforehand.

The bottom line here is true or not the filmmakers and cast executed this movie well. Winslet and Fassbender are so damn good and Danny Boyle adds a nice blueprint to how the film plays.

Truth

I feel like there are a lot of these one word title, lets tell the real story, movies this year. I didn't really know what this was about but truly enjoyed it when I saw it. Definitely a home rental but that shouldn't take away from the movie. I enjoyed a solid cast shining a light on an unfortunate story.

The Martian

This comes down to one simple thing. If you’re a Matt Damon fan you’ll love this movie. He can do no wrong with me so I loved this movie. Seeing different takes on Space always interest me. But if you’re not a Damon fan I don’t recommend it. As far as Riddley, his early stuff put me to sleep. Then he made “Black Rain” and I started paying attention. Goldilocks would like the pace of “The Martian.” Just right. I expected Snoozefest 2015 but was pleasantly surprised.

Being Evel

You know the guy when you were growing up that would do the crazy shit and actually make it through and you never knew how. They had that thing. That’s Evel Knieval. He was bold as they come and much respect to him for putting it all together. They said he was a Con but it seems to me you have to be somewhat of a Con to make it in Show Business. He’s a damn genius in my book. It reminds me of the late Jerry Weintraub (Respect pointing up) when John Denver wanted to fire him because his accommodations on the road were so bad. Weintraub suggested his made up a fictitious guy named “Fergusan” who was in charge of all accommodations should be fired. “Fergusan” was fired and Jerry kept his job. Genius! Evel called Caesars Palace as a different reporter each time asking about this Dare Devil Evel Knieval. He did like ten times finally getting them to say, “Sure yeah we know him and we have a deal with him. To me that stuff is way more difficult to pull off than speeding up a ramp. This is a great to documentary about the legend and because he was a legend and there were so many stories passed around about him I never really knew all the details. Especially when or how he died. I enjoyed this a lot.

Love and Mercy

I was waiting on this movie. I missed it in the theater but was so excited to watch it. The review goes like this, Without The Beach Boys and Brian Wilson this movie would have been terrible. That’s kind of a duh statement I know but because the music is so great I made it through this movie with the same interest and curiosity that I had going in. If this film was about the band Oasis I would have checked out as soon as old Noel/Liam Gallagher popped up. I was aware I never really knew the details of The Beach Boys and that is what sparked my interest and drew me to this darker side of their past. “Love and Mercy” gets pretty weird and depressing for sure but the music and your admiration for Brian Wilson will get you through. But you see I didn’t even know the Album “Pet Sounds” existed. I’m not the best fan they have. But I think “Wouldn’t it Be Nice” and “God only Knows” are two of the best songs ever written, created, whatever they say. If you’re not on that page you may not like this movie. The Cusack/Dano duo worked way better than I thought it would and dammit if I never get tired of Elizabeth Banks. As far as what I knew about Brian Wilson, nothing other than he seemed to be the main guy for reasons I didn’t know and he had a brother that drowned. Now I know and I feel I’m cooler for it.

A Most Violent Year

This director did “All is Lost” with Redford, I had no clue. I liked that movie. But “A Most Violent Year” I missed when it came out so I’m late to the game. “A Most Violent Year” wasn’t violent at all. I think only one person actually died and at the end I was left thinking about it. I thought Oscar Isaac (Who we know from “Ex Machina,” that movie rules!) WAS Michael Corleone. I felt like I was watching another version of “The Godfather.” But then I settled into my feeling of liking this movie. You kept waiting for our guy Abel to have to turn violent and he never did. Even when his wife (Jessica Chastain, great in this) was calling him a big pussy he held strong to what he thought was right…and smart. I respect that and that’s why I like this movie.

ALOHA

Lets look at the Hawaiian backdrop for a minute. I liked the Descendants but it was way down on A. Payne’s best movies for me and without Clooney that movie may be unknown. Sarah Marshall ruled but it was about a guy going there after getting dumped and his experiences. North Shore (1987 gold) was a badass surf movie, again a guy from the mainland coming to Hawaii. Blue Crush worked. I didn’t really clear anything up here but my point is if you put Aloha in San Diego it’s a better movie. No offense Hawaii, you’re beautiful. Another point I need to make is Cameron Crowe is one of my favorite filmmakers. He wrote my favorite movie, “The Wild Life.” He’s great. But here we go with Aloha. I had no idea what was really going on character wise for the first hour. Emma Stone jumping out at us like she won a “Be in a Cameron Crowe movie” contest, John Krasinski’s awkwardness, and Bradley Cooper doesn’t exactly spell it out. Then you add Hawaii and all it’s local stuff. And I know dick about military contract work. I was lost. I take that back, I didn’t care to know. You can always count on Rachel McAdams to pull you in. Eventually all the cast are great in this movie and the movie comes around but a mile below Crowe’s bar. It’s always baffling to me when you love the director/writer, you love the cast, but you barely like the movie. Bummer. I really want Crowe to make another run.

STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON

When I saw Notorious I felt like I was up in the club, asses shaking, joints smoking, I just loved the films flashy ways. When I saw Straight Outta Compton I felt like someone had a gun in face the entire movie. The first scene alone should win an Oscar for best opening scene ever. This movie was so fantastic for me I could have watched another hour and it was already 2 ½ hours. The acting was flawless and the cast was perfect right down to the very last racist policeman. The significance of this group deserves nothing less. Real. Real. Real. Did the LAPD really use those tanks with the battering rams? So much I didn’t know…

New Favorite movie of the year.

VACATION

I fought this reboot from the time I heard it was happening. The original was sacred to me as well as it’s author. How dare them I thought as I bought my ticket. I laughed. Then I laughed again. Then I did the thing you do when you watch the original, “That’s so my family.” It’s funny and doesn’t really stop being funny. The Chris Hemsworth character was a little bit of a stretch but it still brought a lot of laughs. I’ve heard a lot of this tried too hard talk and I agree, the reboot Vacation tries extremely hard to be funny and succeed. I think the difference you’ll find is the original Griswolds felt authentic and with that came love and compassion and the hope that at least one time they’re going to put it together. Helms and Applegate realize they are not Clark and Ellen and make it their own. And Applegate’s return to her sorority is hysterical.

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – ROGUE NATION

All these have blended together for me lately because if I miss them on the big screen I don’t bother with them at home. I’ve missed the past few but this one was fantastic. The writer of The Usual Suspects rocked this thing out. I truly enjoyed that this film had everything you would hope a MI would have. And there were some shots of Rebecca Ferguson that really worked.

SOUTH PAW

When I caught wind of Southpaw I looked to see who was doing the music to see if some good work out music was gonna come out of it at least. I see Eminem had a song so I immediately bought it. “Phenomenaaaaaaal” Great lyrics, Eminem is always great but that chorus or hook or whatever you wanna call it just falls short. I can’t get that “No Easy Way Out” tingle. You’re gonna need to check out Jake Gyllenhaal’s performance, everything else you’ve seen before in other boxing movies. Expectations play an important role here. I did not hate this movie at all. I always love to see Rachel McAdams and Forest Whitaker. But in the day of high movie going prices and high quality content the haters are gonna hate.

EX MACHINA

My favorite movie of the year, lean and mean. I bought into everything the filmmakers wanted me too and when this movie was done I felt so satisfied and fulfilled…and like a boob. “Ava” sent me back to seventh grade, wrapping me completely around her finger. See this movie!

HISTORY OF VIOLENCE

I knew after the first shot Cronenberg was about to sink his teeth into me. It's not what about this film. It's why? If I was falling from a tower and I had a quick review to yell before I fell to my death I would scream, "It was so misleading but so damn good!" But I'm not falling. I'm here at my desk asking why this was shot and that was said. Mario Bello, who I knew from Auto Focus and Coyote Ugly threw the first wrench in my brain. Here we have a small town wife married to a mysterious bad ass. But the problem is she's a bad ass too. A successful lawyer either by small town connections or skill, which insinuates power either way. One that can handle the iron without fear or hesitation and sexual behavior she didn't learn in smalltown, USA. I couldn't wait for her to take over the movie. Then there's Ashton Holmes who is supposed to be a peaceful highschool kid that is a little light in the loafer, which would have worked if he didn't have "Badass" tattooed on is face. You realize from his first scene that he's just waiting to fuck shit up. Finally there's Viggo, knowing he was going to be a bad ass in some way or another because we all know he can portray the calm type and the badass. It wasn't "if" with him it was when and to what extent. The tail I kept chasing was that I saw a family hiding from a past that they ALL had experienced in some way. Even little Sarah Stall had accepted her way of life by the end of the movie. But like I said, I was chasing my tail, which I don't have. This is a great movie with great sex, great violence, and great acting. Ed harris is such a treat to watch always and William Hurt, thank god he came out of that "Village" and did something I liked him in. History of Violence as a whole is a film that keeps you guessing and entertained but at the end Cronenberg is there to piss on every expectation you have. However, the slice of mob pie is delicious!

CAPOTE

My name is Ryan Miningham and I have never read "In Cold Blood." Yeah, I'll be the guy at the book store asking for Capote's "In Cold Blood" like when I was five asking for the Han Solo action figure immediately after I saw "Empire Strikes back." "Capote" did that to me. After I saw it I wanted to know every little detail about Truman Capote. Prior to the movie all I knew was that he wrote "Breakfast At Tiffany's" and he was from the south. And these two elements play a big role in how I review this movie and Capote's experience while writing "In Cold Blood."

It was 1959 and four people were dead in Kansas. We meet Capote at an upper crusted party in New York City telling a story about a black homosexual that was in love with a Jewish guy. This conversation, the impression it made on me and after seeing the film from beginning to end, I could honestly say I had Truman Capote pegged from the beginning. I just didn't know it at the time. Which is very ironic because Capote (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) delivers a line to a Kansas girl in the film describing all the mistaken first impressions that are made about him. I think Capote was very comfortable being the center of attention and though there were times when he was compassionate in the end he put himself first and would do almost anything to get what he wanted or needed. The

funny thing is he had never had to make that choice in my opinion. He was clearly in over his head when he dove "In(to) Cold Blood." I talk about Capote like Capote actually played himself. Phillip Seymour Hoffman is invisible in this film. He not only carries the movie with one hand, he attracts you. He captivates you into a constant curiosity about his thought's and what's driving him through his experience. And it was imperative! The film is very quiet. I felt guilty for chewing my popcorn. It is when Capote meets Perry played by Clifton Collins Jr. where the bottom falls out of this movie. Remember The Abyss? Ed Harris travels miles below into a mysterious & dark abyss with the help of weights. Capote & Perry (note I used Perry not Clifton) traveled to the same depth and all they needed were some homosexual undertones and each other's past. Everyone else in this film became a featured extra from the time they met while Capote's true colors began to shine through.
The long landscaping shots nail the tone of this film while in any other film I would be bitching about the car having to drive all the way through frame. Bennett Miller is to be credited here for setting a difficult pace and sticking with it. I feel like I have learned a lot about committing as an artist and the responsibilities it might involve.

I recommend Bennett Miller's documentary The Cruise. He screened it at Temple U while I attended and it's not surprising to see his success here.

Movie Candy 10/19/2005

I realize it may be a sign of old age to bitch about the old days and what used to be but I have to address what I think is in a serious decline, the candy options at the movies these days. First of all I saw a movie last night for 12.50. For 12.50 I should have Willie Wonka behind the counter ready to give me anything I desire. Today the candy options have dwindled into commercialized crap. There are always at least six SOUR options. When did sourness conquer the candy world? Sour Patch! Sour Patch Spiderman treats. Sour Power Burst. Star Wars Sour Sabers. Last time I had those Sour Patches my tongue felt like someone used it as a dartboard. I've never been a chocolate man but I have noticed the window closing on those options as well. Milk Duds and Goobers are the last of a dying bread. After Sugarbabes were no more I had to go to my second string Hot Tomales. Now days I have a better chance of getting a T-Bone than my Hot Tomales.

It’s sad to think that the Jr. Mint may sit in a retiremint home somewhere waiting to finally melt away.

"Good Night, and Good Luck"

I walked into "Good Night, and Good Luck" as a spectator to a film depicting some events that took place in the early fifties. I had to rely on the filmmakers resposibility and my own very little knowledge about the events to calculate authenticity.

Or at least I preparred myself for that.

"Good Night, and Good Luck" was everything but a simulation. I think the film uses the time period and the events that took place as a vehicle for the
message they are offering. And that's the beauty of this film. It doesn't accuse. It doesn't insinuate or speculate. It simply offers you a suggestion regarding the role of

television and the responsibilty that comes with it. "Without that it's just a box with a bunch of flashing lights and wires."

David Strathairn as Edward R. Murrow delivered the news with an elegance that was to the point leaving only dignity behind after each broadcast. He seemed to explore every possible possiblity that occured or could occur. And he was objective but not selective. I've never seen any footage of Edward R. Murrow so for me David Strathairn was playing the idea of Murrow and CBS at that point in time. A belief and responsibility to deliver the news with some integrity and principle. And with good intentions. And that's the message offered here in a brilliant fashion by George Clooney and the cast & crew of "Good Night, and Good Luck."

A message that can only be ironic in today's media clusterfuck.

ELIZEBETHTOWN
"COME ON CROWE! YOU'RE BETTER THAN THIS!"

Cameron Crowe has never let me down. He's written eight movies, seven classics. One being my favorite comedy of all time, The Wild Life. He directed six of those eight and out of those six, five were classics. Then there is Elizebethtown. I felt like I was watching Evander Holyfield's first loss to Riddick Bowe back in 1992. I couldn't believe it and at the end I was like, "What happened?" Since then I have searched for the specifics of why I didn't like Elizebethtown.

The emotional let down was my biggest problem. I practically brought kleenex into the theater planning on a down pour. The whole dad dying and regret of not putting enough towards the relationship was a dead lock for me. But there was no emotional investment. Every time I climbed aboard ready to ride the emotional bull I was bucked off by pour acting, a fraudulent accent, or directing decisions that worked against the story. I could relate to so much in this film and that's why I handled it better than some. And John Toll's cinematography never hurt's either. Crowe nailed Kentucky. Nailed it! Anyone from the south will appreciate his interpretation in Elizebethtown. After a slow beginning that brought me back. However, the accent on Kirsten Dunst was off (even though I thought she had her moments) and you mix that with Orlando Bloom, who is out of is element here (however he showed he could sell it in certain scenes) you have a difficult task ahead. There is

funny stuff in this movie and memorable scenes surrounded by inspirational lines but in the end all these positive elements are standing around not knowing what to do. And this results in an inconsistent film that has slippery fingers when it tries to hold you emotionally. A story cannot be supported by good music alone. AND THATS what I felt diluted this movie. A scene must be strong before a song is added to improve it. You can't resurrect a scene with a song, especially when the emotional triumph is supposed to be a musical road trip.

And that's what Elizebethtown is in the end, a road trip. A ride of a few laughs and exciting moments but in the end you just feel like throwing up and you're glad it's over.

JARHEAD "Every war is different"

And every war movie is different. Jarhead is an extended version of the first half of Full Metal Jacket. That's really silly to say but that's what it reminds me of. There are a lot of war movie clichés in Jarhead and they are executed brilliantly with an incredible cast. Sam Mendes does a great job capturing the mood of boredom while thousands of American Marines wait in the desert to fight. It reminded me of a high school fight when mobs of guys would stand around and revel in the fact that two guys were fighting for no reason. There was very little acknowledgement politically and it was made clear early on that the troops were not to get involved. This puts the troops on stand by with little to think about, other than the infidelity at home and when they get to fire their rifle.

Jake Gyllenhall is outstanding as the lead in Jarhead. You see many emotions from him and he convinces you he is now an A-list actor if he hadn't already. And he had a lot of help with the supporting cast. Peter Sarsgaard and Jamie Fox are solid as usual. However, Lucas Black I always get a kick out of. The guy is as red as they come and he's such a good actor. He's really funny in this.

Jarhead becomes this American bonfire in the desert. Sam Mendes really brought out the true colors of American Suburbia in American Beauty. Unfortunately, I think he has done it here in Jarhead as well. As an American watching this film I felt a little embarrassed at times and proud at times. Proud for the fact that America has individuals that are willing to lay it on the line for the sake of their country. But the shot in the stomach is the irony this film has on what is going on today in Iraq. I couldn't help to see the parallels. Jarhead represents the beginning of our present situation and in my opinion to see these troops playing football and fucking around in the

desert with nobody to fight you can't help to think to yourself, "Why the fuck were we (Or why are we) over here again?" You can't help thinking the filmmaker's were trying to say something here but maybe I'm just trying to start shit.

Aside from that Roger Deakins is a madman with his visuals and this only excites you into wanting to see a fight. But every war is different and what we see here is the emotional result of the anticipation war without war ever happening. Welcome to the suck!

THE OTHER SIDE "Fear the Pit"

I didn't know much about this film. All I knew was I had a friend in it and I had met some of the cast & crew. I attended last night at the Egyptian theater. Don't use the butter dispenser there. It comes out like the last squeeze of ketchup in a ketchup bottle.

This film entertained me all the way through. I can't remember the last time I saw a low budget movie I didn't want to use the bathroom in. I'm not sure of the budget but I didn't think about it too long. The Other Side starts with a thrilling scene and never really settles down until the end. And it's fucking campy as all hell, no pun intended. Even when the acting slips the horror genre is there to catch it. Especially Poncho Hodges who played OZ. He had to handle some lines that I felt were in the Swartzenegger/Commando arena, however he pulled them off and made it work with the style of the film. Poncho and Corey Rouse, who played Mally, had good chemistry that brought a lot of laughs my way. As soon as The Other Side started to get too serious it would show you shot's like the reaper impersonating the Neighborhood Watch guy. Funny stuff. It was well balanced and well paced. That's the appeal.

The reapers brought a unique element to the film. They reminded me of the villain trio in Superman mixed with the Matrix agents. They're relentless. And my friend Lori beth is great shooting guns and throwing knives. Oh, and the murders are brutal and the guns are loud!

My hats off to Gregg Bishop and the rest of the cast & crew of The Other Side. They made a campy thriller that is very fun to watch.

WALK THE LINE

"Do you have a hitch in your Getty Up?"

Walk the Line did just what the title says. Watching the life of The Man in Black through the performance of Joaquin Phoenix was unbelievable. The guy disappears into Cash. Reese Witherspoon was great too. Together they lead you on the line and through the ups and downs of both their relationship and their careers. Reese has a line in the movie, "Where did John go? Because I don't like this new guy Cash." Their chemistry was near perfect. The downward spiral in these biographies tend to run a little long and Walk the Line was no exception. However, that is my only complaint. James Mangold did what he should had done here and disappeared with Joaquin. He put Johnny and June in the driver seat and he road shotgun only because it was his car. There is a lot of music in this film so if you don't like Johnny Cash don't bother. But if you don't like Johnny Cash, well I can't imagine you've bothered with much of anything. Joaquin and Reese did all the singing themselves which amazes me, especially Joaquin. Who would have pegged the little boy from Space Camp as a perfect Johnny Cash. Not me. It's an actor’s movie. There isn't a bad performance in it.

The movie starts with a low rumbling of Cash's band playing in Folsom Prison where he cut a live album. I can still hear the rumbling. I figure the rumbling of Walk the Line is going to continue at least through the month of March. Oscar nod for both Reese and Joaquin. If anyone says, "Ray was last year. They already did this," they should be sent to Folsom Prison and electrocuted shortly after.

SYRIANA "Corruption is why we win!"

I did my usual ritual of popcorn and candy while watching this movie the day after Thanksgiving. I should have had coffee. You have to be on your toes during Syriana because there is a lot information, there are quite a bit of subtitles, and there are a lot of pieces you have to put together by the end. I think Syriana may cause a tiny stir among the political enthusiast but not much. It simply gives the audience a possible scenario regarding the oil industry and the Middle East. I don't think it demands you to think it's politically accurate but it does suggest a few interesting things. Especially the ending. I thought to myself, "We're fucked."

As he did in Traffic, Stephen Gaghan takes us on a journey through different parts of the world that in some way or another are all connected. This time he's wearing the directing cap as well as the writing cap. I couldn't help to think what the film would have been if Steven Soderbergh would have directed it, however I like some of the things Gaghan did. The acting is

always solid with anything George Clooney has his hands in BUT when you are in the Persian Gulf and there are all these players, these unknowns that are so believable it's a little distracting to throw someone as big as Matt Damon in the mix. As good as he is, he sticks out like a sore thumb. I think you go with someone else for his role. I can't believe I'm saying that about Damon because I'm a huge fan and he's not bad in Syriana but he seemed miscast to me. Christopher Plummer on the other hand was magnificent. I really enjoyed him in this movie. Jeffrey Wright has a strong performance as well.

In the end Syriana plays second string to Traffic, if you compare them. But it's a political thriller that's worth seeing because of the importance of it's plot, regardless if it's hogwash or not. What's scary is that if 20% of Syriana is true we're fucked. But most of us already knew that anyway.

KING KONG "Fucking Kong"

I remember reading in the trades that Universal was going to release Peter Jackson's 187 minute version of King Kong. I remember thinking, I rather roll around in some barb wire then watch that. I have to admit a few things. First, I work at New Line Cinema and I cannot get through the Lord of the Rings trilogy (Also directed by Peter Jackson, for those of you that live under a rock). Sad I know. I haven't given up. Next, I must come clean and say I got caught up in the reviews from my friends and from the usual critics I never listen to. Bottom line about King Kong, go see it.

Much like George Lucas I have always assumed Peter Jackson was the same breed. A pantry full of technical smarts but no finesse when it comes to directing. I stand corrected after Kong. I'll immediately say Jackson could have cut down a few sequences but I can appreciate why he didn't. There is a scene in Kong that makes the Running with the Bulls look like a small game of Duck Duck Goose. The scene is long and exhausting. It almost challenges you and at the end you feel relieved to get through it. Kong is a whole lot of movie so prepare yourself. Peter Jackson has created a character with King Kong that you can't help loving. The beast is fucking cute at times! Sad! Jealous! And sometimes he's fanatical over Ann (Naomi Watts). The moment I fell in love with the beast I fell in love with Jackson just for the fact he made it possible to fall in love with a fake ape. Or is he a gorilla? You get the point.

Here's the thing, Kong rules. Huge symbolism when Kong is brought back to New York City. (By the way Jackson, How the fuck was that done)? When the

crew had arrived on Skull Island a sacrifice took place. Ann was given to the beast by a Clan that made the Lord of the Flies guys look like the Kappa Sigs at the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs). After the beast was captured he was given to the people. I love it when we are reminded how shallow and animalistic our society is here in America. But it showed that some thought went into the story. My heart breaks for Kong. The poor bastard is harassed and tormented the entire movie. But that's the greatness of King Kong, there's more to it than the technical brilliance, there's a little Ryan O'Neal and Ali MacGraw happening. And he fucks some shit up as well.

MUNICH

"Why cut your finger nails when all they're going to do is grow back?"

I feel like I just ate a roll of cookie dough and now it's all expanding in my stomach. Except Munich is the dough and the stomach is my brain.

If you've actually kept reading after that ridiculous analogy then I must tell you Munich was a very powerful film for me. To witness a recreation of a feud that continues with no end that's comprehensible and then to think that it's based on reality that's past AND continues has perplexed the hell out of me. Obviously Spielberg's Munich works. The story is so powerful it seems trivial to discuss technicalities of the film. Why bother it's Spielberg anyway. BUT, I will say Eric Bana is so perfect for this role. His mother tells him in the film that she knows everything he's doing by simply looking at his face. The look of vengeance and regret Bana has throughout Munich and then experiencing the different degrees of both was enough to upset me for an evening, which is hard because I have the week off. I could not begin to understand this conflict. It's like the Hatfield and McCoy's times infinity. Spielberg has some great shots in Munich and his use of film stocks were subtle but enough to effect only the mood. Something rare these days where film stocks are used like lenses.

Munich was sparked by the kidnapping and murdering of 11 Israeli athletes by Palestinian terrorists at the 1972 Olympics in Munich. It's the story of what happens next. But really, it's a never ending story that started long before the 1972 Olympics. It's upsetting to wonder about the realities and how it seems to get closer and closer to home. At the end of the day how may sides are there? I'll understand Portuguese before I understand the mess that Munich only touches on.

GLORY ROAD "Welcome to the Back of the Bus White Boy"

In 1966 Coach Don Haskins lead the Texas Western Minors to college basketball's National championship starting the first ever all black line up.

I love movies like this because it gives me another slice of history that I didn't know. I'm not a huge basketball fan and I had no clue this season ever existed. BUT, it's a Disney movie.

Glory Road suffers from the Disney stamp of generic. I can't put my finger on it. They did it with Miracle, starring Kurt Russell, (a fantastic performance overlooked) which was the hockey movie about the USA defeating the Russians in the 1980 Olympics. The movie was great but it suffered from hints of weakness brought on by the Disney way. Old Yeller and Swiss Family Robinson, great freakin' movies but these are G rated baby sitting movies. Disney has always delivered conservative films and they should stick with it. Glory Road is a film that wants to be Friday Night Lights but isn't. Josh Lucas was great, but so was Kurt Russell and it falls short of greatness.

BUT it's also produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, who has the resume of three Hollywood producer's. However, a little too much Con Air in Glory Road. It's hard to talk specifics about the Disney stamp. What is it? I ask. As a filmmaker I want to know what makes a movie mediocre. The writing was the biggest weakness. I remember some lines that stuck out as cheesy resulting in poor delivery.

In the end it's a feel good movie and worth seeing for the history lesson. But it's no Old Yeller and no Friday Night Lights. It falls short somewhere in the middle.

THE NEW WORLD "Whip the slackers"

I will not lie. I was up until 4am the night before I saw The New World. But I saw it at 4pm and I slept fairly late. I recommend an 8ball or building a Starbucks in the seat next to you.

The New World is brilliant for the first hour. It's beautiful and poetic with it's images and mystical vibe. But then something happens. Time. I mean the

Getty even gets boring after two hours and at least they have the little cafe that serves wine for a quick escape. There is no escape in The New World. The story is a bulimic beast that swallows you whole and then spits you back into your seat. I was so taken by the John Smith and Pocahontas thing. Colin Farrell and Q'Orianka Kilcher were great together and very convincing. I wasn't even bothered that the relationship was at a fifth grade level. But then it ends and like clock work Terrance Malick is there to drag it out. And then we have to watch it all over again with Christain Bale. I can fall for one sappy love story montage but two? AND, Pocahontas is out of her Indian getup and into some frumpy dress.

Here's the thing.Everything about this movie is great. The acting, cinematography, set design, and the editing really stand out. I even remember being impressed by some of the props I saw. And the look of the Indians was amazing. But for some reason Malick felt compelled to make it over two hours. And that's great Terrance but do you want to maybe throw in a few more action scenes and/or dialogue if you plan to keep us that long. He did it in the Thin Red Line and he didn't again here. I felt like I had been on the boat ride over to the New World after this movie. My advice, go and watch the first hour and if you start to feel antsy just know that it only gets worse.

ALPHA DOG

“I think it’s time we stop shooting music videos”

Alpha Dog. Johnny Truelove. This is such a disgusting story. I personally think it should be shown in all high schools for all the followers. Moving off the soapbox and past the fact that Alpha Dog is a true story and onto the film.

Walking into a film knowing the Cassavettes name is attached is like walking into battle with William Wallace or into the streets with Dirty Harry. I felt at ease knowing Nick was at the helm. I’m a big fan of She so Lovely. What I was worried about was Emile Hirsch, who I had seen in Girl Next Door (I obviously watched that movie for Elisha Cuthbert) and Lords of Dogtown, were he was able to portray the “bad boy.” But I was pretty sure he would fall short of the Alpha Dog. Justin Timberlake stepped out of Tower Records to play a tender foot gangbanger. AND Fernando Vargas steps out of the ring (Not really, I saw him fight last weekend) to play the muscle of the gang. The casting was suspect. I was so wrong. I’ve rarely had enough knowledge to applaud the entire casting of a film. Usually I’m like, “Yeah great cast, Cruise is so good in everything.” The cast was so precise in my opinion and

every doubt I had was off. It has been such a long time where I have seen a film and felt like I truly knew every character.

I never doubted Cassavettes. He’s such a story and actor driven director but damn if he didn’t woo me with some shot choices. He kept it subtle though. He let the story unfold and allowed the actors to run with it. Ands that exactly what they did. Ben foster, who I had only seen in Hostage, broke the looney scale. At times I thought he pushed to hard but not enough to sabotage his performance. I mean what do I know about drug attic gang bangers? Bruce Willis plays Sonny Truelove, the instigator to this whole mess. Maybe not intentionally but he’s the only reason his son had any street credit. In a turn of events the Alpha Dog, on a three day binge of bad decisions, turns a petty kidnapping into a whack, ending in the desert. Alpha Dog is a bittersweet film to watch with its heartbreaking true story and Cassavettes brilliant telling of it.

V for VENDETTA "Remember, remember, the fifth of November"

V for Vendetta is unique. That should be a complete review these days because the films that have been released lately "Unique" is not how I would describe them. In a time period when the imagination has become almost extinct V for Vendetta shows promise. These days, films that are not a remake, prequel, or sequel usually stand alone. V for Vendetta was brought to us from the Wachowski Brothers. And even though Vendetta will not make the impact that The Matrix did in 1999 it's a solid film with a breath of fresh air in a stale time of Hollywood. It's cool.

Hugo Weaving is remarkable and he's behind a mask the entire film. I want him to read my Eulogy because he speaks so smoothly no matter how difficult the dialogue is. He could read some ancient dwellings and probably compile a segment about the native tribes and all there beliefs via cave wall. There is so much literature in this film I was overwhelmed and almost embarrassed of my lack of knowledge throughout. Natalie Portman. Here is an actress that has been great all her life. I mean throw me some talent Natalie. So young and not even close to her potential. I think she may be a closet sadist or something because she seems to good to be true. She's magnificent in this. I mean Carrie-Anne Moss was hot but Natalie's hot simply by acting.

The Wachowski Brothers didn't direct this. Instead they through one of their Assistant directors a bone by letting him direct this one. I love to see this because it gives us wannabes hope for someone to gives us a chance.

However, I can't help think what it would have been if they were at the helm. V for Vendetta is worth the overpriced ticket.

BENCHWARMERS

Terrible.

UNITED 93 "Let's Roll With This"

This film stirs a lot of emotions throughout. Before the film I was anxious but excited to see the events play out. I hoped to learn and maybe understand a little more about a day that changed the world I live in forever. I understand this was a film speculating about actual events using whatever available information that exist from that day. It's one man's vision. Actually, it's a damn good filmmaker interpreting every bit of knowledge he learned about the horrific event and then applying it artistically. Here is my experience.

Like I said I was anxious about going into this movie. Like riding by a car crash on the highway I turned to see how much I could see. I wanted to know, even if it was speculation based on limited facts, more about what took place on 9/11. This film doesn't begin until the victims are in the air. The film begins with some bad acting but it's irrelevant because the stage has already been set. You sit there waiting. You know what’s ahead but you just wait to see how Greengrass interprets it. The emotions begin when the film is joined with actual footage that has been seen time and time again but has never really lost its shock value. It's hard to swallow the fact that America was caught so off guard. We were on the canvas before we even knew the bell rang. It's tough to see our leaders scramble.

Inside United 93 brings out the individuals reactions. I think everyone will react in his or her own way. Paul Greengrass shoots in a documentary style and once the conclusion begins on United 93 you're on the plane and the only way off is to walk out of the theater. One thing I would have done different is to lose the subtitles once the conclusion began. They were irrelevant to me. Obviously the fate of United 93 was already known but to experience the reenactment left me in a state of anger and sadness, which

overcomes the heroic attack by the passenger’s that band together. My hat’s are off to the filmmakers and my heart out to the victims and their families.

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 3 "He made it...he made it! I knew he'd make it."

Cruise is always solid as an actor. People feel he's fucking up is career with his headlines today but in my opinion those are irrelevant here. And can we take a minute to give him credit for his career choices. The last movie I can think Cruise made that I actually disliked (without going on IMDB) was Legend. And that was a Ridley Scott miss so who do you really blame? I like movies and Tom Cruise has been apart of some of the best so I don't care where he dances or who he calls glib. By the way, Ron Hubbard made me write this. Moving on.

J.J. Abrams. Am I really going to make it in this town with people like this running around? The creator of Alias & Lost and I don't watch either but the other 99% of the world does. And he's about to make another Star Trek. I rather watch Carl Segan for 20 years than that but the guy is a genius and I will acknowledge that. Oh yeah, he wrote Armageddon and I liked it! To continue, with no credibility what so ever after that statement, MI3 was enjoyable to watch. It's becoming battle of the Superstars. Phillip Seymour Hoffman is obviously the shit this year after bringing home the Oscar for his brilliance in Capote and Cruise is Cruise. Where the hell was Reese?!

I love how the Hollywood Maestro's see this shit coming from galaxies far far away. The package is this: The actors I just mentioned as well as new comers to MI Laurence Fishburne & Billy Crudup (Who I was worried wasn't going to be convincing after Almost Famous & Big Fish, antonyms of MI3) teaming up with Keri Russell (She looked great)and some other striking actresses, all under the guidence of one J.J. Abrams. Thats a package with a lot of potential. BUT THEN the package is shipped to you by VIC ARMSTRONG, who is a maniac wizard (Please give me a job)with action. You can't really lose here. And you don't unless you were foolish. The only risk is falling short of your high expectations because of the talent that is involved and the neverending marketing and publicity.

It's Mission Impossible 3.

SUPERMAN RETURNS

"You know Richard takes me flying all the time? Not like this"

It's been close to thirty years since any Superman has made an impact on the big Screen. The stage has been set for Superman Returns. This film has been in limbo for awhile trying to get made. There's been talks from Nick Cage to star as Superman to Brett Ratner directing. It was always frustrating to see Spider Man and Batman films rocking and rolling yet the main super hero, Superman, couldn't find a way back to the big screen. In Bryan Singers quest to make a grandstand entrance he accomplished a couple of things; He succeeded the return with a chilling, almost tear jerking (I know I'm such a loser) opening sequence that lands in the middle of a stadium full of people. Brilliant. Superman is back! I even sat there for a minute saying, "Where have you been?" And look Bryan Singer is riding on his back! The Singer stamp is all over this film, especially the return. The first time I got a good look at Brandon Routh as Superman I felt like I was looking at a Greek God that flew through a glitter storm to get here. Wait. That's ridiculous. However, after sitting here for a minute pondering a comparison it doesn't seem that far off. However, the return reminded me how much I missed Superman and exciting he can be.

Look in the sky, it's a bird, no it's a plane, no it's 2 more hours of freaking Superman. The length and pace of this film is completely unacceptable. If the rest of the film played at the level of the opening action sequence I would have been exhausted at the end of 2 and a half hours but I would have felt a sense of satisfaction. For example, King Kong was entirely too long but the pace was on point enough to avoid huge gaps of down time. Superman returns has such distinct changes in pace I felt like I was looking at an annual bar graph of beach ball sells. The footage that needs to be cut is so obvious, I thought I was watching dailies. I don't know how the filmmakers even made it out of dailies. I want to blame Singer but unfortunately I am aware of the other parties involved in a film like this so I can't hold him accountable. BUT, how I can admit that running time plays a huge role in the overall opinions it is the only flaw I see here. Superman Returns is very well directed and acted. Routh proves he can pick up where Reeves left off by honoring him in a way through his performance, yet slowly taking the torch for himself. Singer loads this film with symbolism and comic book topic that could be discussed and debated until the sequel. I only hope that the filmmakers realize the caliber of their Superhero and the need to make a film that he deserves.

INVINCIBLE

"You don't live out your dreams from the sidelines."

Was it the wide angle shot of a Roger Stabauch standing at shotgun, the Dallas Cowboys rising front line, or the fact that I spent 5 years in Philadelphia wishing I qualified to be an Eagles fan that gave me constant chills watching Invincible. I'm pretty sure it was all of the above along with the fact that Invincible was based on a true story. And these days,

being 31 and a dreamer myself, "Based" is just fine with me. Mark Wahlberg plays Vincent Papoli (Yeah I spelled it wrong but at the end of all this does it really matter), who pulls the trigger on a long shot by trying out for the Philadelphia Eagles in 1977 if I'm not mistaken. Just so you know Rocky came out in 1976 so he had to pull some inspiration from the inspirational fountain of youth that keeps on giving. The fact that this true story may have been molded into blockbuster form or that our star only reaches the level of special teams this film is packed full of pride and heart. We witness a bartender from South Phili that walks into Veteran Stadium and runs a 4.5 40 at age 30. AND he overcomes the pessimistic and brutal acceptance of the Philadelphia fan. Not to mention he avenges the bitch that leaves him with an empty house and a note that pretty much says, "You're nothing." In a day in age that has almost lost all of it's heart and soul for about two hours Invincible takes you back to the days of character. Vincent Paple's story is a true inspiration for all.

BORAT!: Cultural Learnings of America for make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan

Good God this movie. In a world where shock usually only comes via terrorist and rarely in comedy. Borat! achieves this scene after scene AND he succeeds in making an ass out of America while he does it. Yeah I'm sure most was manipulated but because I was too busy laughing and knew such nouns existed I didn't care to think about it too much. A wizard's sleave! This sums this whole movie up. Go with or without your brain.

A GUIDE TO RECOGNIZING YOUR SAINTS

Ok I hated this title and I was coming off The Departed going into this movie. But I rarely hate a Robert Downey Jr. movie and I feel cool watching movies that are about New York for some reason. This movie reminds me of a Larry Clark movie because of how well the cast of kids are. They ARE the movie. And Robert Downey Jr. and Rosario Dawson kind of play second fiddle to them. It's based on true events and if I'm not mistaken the lead kid, Dito is based on the Writer/Director Dito Montiel's life. It shows in the filmmaking. There are films when you feel like the camera is just capturing everything that takes place and you as an audience member are just watching. Here it's different, the filmmaking is much more involved in what goes on and you definitely get a sense that someone involved actually lived these moments. Its worth checking out for that.

The Departed

It's been awhile since I have left the movies these days after being out thirty dollars and feeling satisfied. Today's movie going experience has a small window for satisfaction

after the increased cost from tickets to large corn. It has also been awhile since Martin Scorsese had made a stamp on a movie as deep as he made on Raging Bull or Goodfellas. I believe the Departed falls somewhere in between Casino and Goodfellas (Assuming you know the order). It's a remake of 2002 movie (Infernal Affairs) which made me question it AND I thought the trailer didn't do it justice. So going in I expected another Gangs of New York, which I liked but I squinted to find Scorsese. I was pleasantly surprised after the long intro ended and the Drop Kick Murphy's, I'm shipping off to Boston (Great workout song) starts and The Departed title slides across screen. I knew then this movie was different. "Scorsese's Back," I said. He's actually never left but when you throw out some of the films he's done its hard not to want more of them.

DiCaprio, Nicolson, Damon, Sheen and Wahlberg in a cat and mouse action film directed by Martin Scorsese. Its as good as it sounds. The acting is ridiculously good and the experience involved in this movie really shows, throughout. Two things I loved the most: the pacing, steady and strong and freaking Alec Baldwin! The character he brings...he gives you the old veteran working for the FBI that's pretty good at counteracting Nicholson's character AND he's a comic relief in some respect. Everything just mixes well in this film and it's carried out to a tee. Love it!

GRINDHOUSE

Alright. I saw this awhile back but good lord am I missing out on some fun. After seeing the credits it seems to me that Tarantino and Rodriegez gathered a small cast and crew and went and shot two movies along with a handful of decoy trailors and a hilarious restaurant commercial. Grindhouse is the type of movie you want to see when you need to awaken your creative side. It's so stylized and unique it forces you out of the box. I'd expect nothing less from these two directors and I was very well satisfied when I finally left the theater.

Spider Man 3 (2007)

After a mediocre Spider Man 2 I wasn't sure I even wanted to see Spider Man 3. Then I read that the Arc Light here in LA was showing it around the clock opening weekend. For some reason waking up at 3am to get to a 3:20am show sounded much more exciting. The only snag in the plan was Starbucks wasn't open that early so I had to settle for the substandard home brew. So we went, PJ's and all. I freaking loved this movie. Maybe I had to much coffee. Maybe I was excited to break my routine or maybe I was just excited I lived in a town that showed a movie at 3am without it being a guy ramming his 40 foot cock into another guy. I mean they show those too but this was legit. Regardless of my excitement and why this movie really worked for me. I didn't expect much after seeing 2. I felt 2 had an identity crisis. It wandered from the adapted comic book story that makes fun of itself. It tried to be a Die Hard (Stretch, I know) and you can't have that while

some guy in tights is getting chased by another guy in tights. Spider Man 3 embraces itself. The action is as expected but this one brings back the humor. Entirely to long as expected but entertaining as hell with tons of action along side a parade of laughs generated by a great ensembled cast. "How's the pie" you ask, "Really good."

KNOCKED UP

Judd Apatow and his cronies have reached the comical summit with Knocked Up. For anyone who is struggling with the responsiblities of life this movie provides a quick timeline from adolescence to early adulthood. Seth Rogan is forced to adapt to fatherhood after he impregnates Katherine Heigl. Knocked up does a terrific job in reaching out to the youth and revealing the beast ahead. And a beast it is. Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann steal the show in my opinion as a seasoned married couple that are grappling with the fact that their youth is long gone. The filth and honest truth of Knocked up makes for a hilarious movie. Down the stretch Apatow out sprints 40 Year Old Virgin and reaches out to a wider audience than Talladega Nights. A no brainer for those in their twenties and thirties. A guaranteed laugh with the look at the miserable future ahead and how inevitable it is. The film is much wittier and a hundred times funnier than this review.

A MIGHTY HEART

I'm not sure what to say about this film. It's a no win situation and at the end of the day it's a horrific recap of a despicable situation so why would you bother? A Mighty Heart is a brutal reminder of the fallen. One of the first well known isolated cases of terror post 9/11, Daniel Pearl's death set the stage for what was ahead. It's a trip back to when the beheadings actually shocked us and how the worlds extreme continues to improve for the worse. As nauseating as it sounds A Mighty Heart remembers. The reason to see this movie is to remember those who cared and put forth effort to better the tragedies of today. People like Daniel Pearl's ambition that far out exceded his fears. A super cast lead by Angelina Jolie grapples with a true story that nobody cares to remember but will never forget. After seeing a series of post 9/11 inspired films A Mighty Heart stands out as one of the hardest to swallow. It's heartwrenching and real. I quickly remembered that there are people out there doing more and risking what they have in attempt to make some kind of impact during this horrific time.

EVAN ALMIGHTY

Pretty much like Bode Miller's down hill last Olympics, disappointing. I should have gone to Ocean's.

FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL “Cohaagen givem the air!”

The line from Total Recall was the first time I noticed Jason Segel. He played this mature acting guy in Knocked Up and I didn't recognize him right away when Forgetting Sarah Marshall came out. He went from Mature, confident, creepy guy to the guy that gets the steel toe from Kristen Bell. Hats off to him for shifting the gears. Forgetting Sarah Marshall took me back to 7th grade when I was handed my walking papers, reminding me what its like to get dumped. You know it immediately when a girl is about to dump you. Sarah Marshall delivers what this group has delivered in the past and that is solid funny characters handling situations that would ordinarily not be so funny. We laugh at their expense. They hack on each other and ultimately give us a sense of perspective that allows us not to worry so much. Rudd, always solid. Jonah Hill annoyed me a little in Super Bad but in Marshall he gives my favorite performance. Hilarious as a struggling musician/host that is obsessed with Aldous Snow. And snow! Freaking really funny! "I was going listen to it (Referring to J. Hills Demo) but I just went on living my life." This cast just works perfectly together. And Davon Mcdonald loves puppets! They fuck his shit up! Lil Fragle Rock...And there is so much to say about hot girls that actually bring more to the table than being hot. And i have to figure out the background function Bill Hader uses to cheer up Segel, funny shit. Alright enough And's. Jason Segel delivers here with his script and Team Apatow has once again given me a satisfaction about going to the movies. I even felt guilty for sneaking in candy.

IRON MAN I am Iron Man!!

Robert Downey Jr. was Ian in Weird Science, Derek in Back to School, and Julian in Less Than Zero. Oh yeah and Leo in Johnny Be Good. Now he's Iron Man. Really? Oh yeah, he's good. And Favreau...the first movie I watched of his was Made. Then his break thru with Elf. Ok...then that one that started with a Z...ummmm, shit I forget.

Anyway he wrote Swingers so he can do no wrong in my book. The two guys that you wouldn't think would rock a 104 million dollar grossing Summer Blockbuster did just that! Iron Man is what it should be, not just a big movie. It's impressive visually, and it doesn't go overboard. It's not a video game. And I give Downey and Favreau credit for giving it cinematic personality these big Kahuna's need. Freaking Transformers was a bunch of metal fighting. Ok those fights ruled, but you know what i mean...some heart! Some flavor ya know. And nice call with Paltrow! Her role could have been a throw away pretty girl role BUT NO, they give her Batman/Michael Caine quality in turn giving the whole Iron Man operation some clout. Bravo. And Daniels look ruuuuules! SO its a fun movie. It's always fun to see terrorist lose. Go see it. And show some respect for the below the line and you'll see an additional scene.

THE HAPPENING

What’s Happening?

Look Sixth Sense was perfect. We all know it. And there was little room to rise for Shyamalan following that film but the inevitable decline has collapsed into a shallow pit of imitations. I'm a fan of Unbreakable, I am proud to say so you know I'm no hater. And the one alien shot in Signs was enough to keep me in it. And the Village pissed me off but Shyamalan fooled me so I appreciated it. Then there's Lady in the Water. The one positive thing we can say about the Happening is that after Lady in the Water Shayamalan seems to have begun his climb back to par. Although this would also hold true if after Lady in the Water he grabbed a Hi 8 video camera and filmed a turd in a commode. In the world of serious, I appreciate M. Night Shymalan's filmmaking. His style is consistent in all his films and whether or not I am crazy about the story there is usually something up his sleeve. Unfortunately, The Happening set out for a long journey with very little in it's canteen (Dumb). I was confused by the decision making of everyone involved and by the end when I awaited for something more Shymalan stepped out of the Village wearing a green tank top that read "Save the planet or the plants will kill you."

STEP BROTHERS

Fucking Catalina wine mixer!

"Robert better not get in my face...cause I'll drop that motherfucker!" Step brothers for me was hilarious all the way through. The sense of entitlement John C. Reilley has in this movie is enough for me. I could watch him act like he's this or that all day long. And Will Ferrell just fuels this. We saw it in Talladega Nights with these two and it's probably the reason we're watching it here. This movie is just plain silly and i love it. Great one liners, ridiculous humor, and an alright storyline. AND great supporting cast. Steenburgen and Jenkins were PERFECT parents and Adam Scott was fucking hilarious. I mentioned him for shits and gigs. This reminds me of "Career Opportunities" at the max. There's nothing funnier than watching someone who really thinks there someone important when their just not.

OH, and I know it's potty humor and all but the scene with Seth Rogen was so funny I couldn't laugh as hard as I wanted to. My body just wouldn't register the magnitude.

MAMMA MIA Mama freakin Mia...

ALRIGHT, I was tricked into seeing this but....off the record I enjoyed it.

PINEAPPLE EXPRESS

Thug Life.

Seth Rogen is becoming one of my favorite actors these days. He's in all these movies lately and I'm not getting sick of him. I think because he plays things straight. He doesn't over act and try to be

funny. I believe his reactions (Which is what he does best in my opinion) in situations. Whether he's disgusted, frightened, angry, or sad I believe and can relate to him. I need to stop kissing Seth's ass because in Pineapple Express James Franco is the man. I know it's bold but put his performance up there with Penn's in Fast Times...I know I know. But come on Franco has double the screen time here and many more emotions he has to play. I didn't tear up laughing in this movie like I did in Step Brothers but I was pleased throughout. This is a funny movie with a pretty compelling story. I do wish Gary Cole was funnier. He and Rosie Perez's character didn't really develop for me. I like both if these guys and wanted a little more screen time for both. And Danny McBride rules. Oh, and I don't

smoke weed so maybe it's really funny to all the people that do.

NIGHTS IN RODANTHE

George C. Wolfe what the hell man! I was worried about this movie the minute each opening credit disappeared like sand blowing in the wind. All the potential in this movie made it a heartbreak to watch. Where the hell was Nick Cassavetes when this project began. Nights of Rodanthe was an over directed let down that had moments of great acting and emotion that were interrupted by poor decision making by Wolfe and crummy editing. I'd rather watch Pay it Forward in German than this jalopy again.

BURN AFTER READING

Burn after seeing.

It's nice to know even the Coen brothers can fuck up a film that seems to have everything going for it. An All-star cast, and I mean ALL-star. Everyone in this movie has proven themselves over and over again to be capable of greatness. And the Coen brothers are one of, if not the greatest directing duo of all time. The Burn After Reading concept seemed funny to me, a plot-full fiasco with idiots in it. I mean it was Babe Ruth walking to the plate with me pitching. Well folks, Babe swung and fucking missed. I was in the hell twenty minutes into this movie. This makes the Brothers Grimm experience look like a day at Six Flags. Everyone of these great actors over acted to try and be what each of them are not, detached and birdbrained. Joel, Ethan, what the fuck!? I know you guys watch dailies. How did you let this pass for funny and good? You made Raising Arizona for christ sakes. This movie needed much more H.I. McDunnough cause that shits funny. I remain a fan.

RIGHTOUS KILL

Ok if you walk into this movie with Heat on your mind you're going to screw yourself out of a descent movie. It's like a poorman's Heat combined with The Score. Remember when they tried to match that Primal Fear moment in The Score with Norton. Come on Oz, we all saw that shit coming. But Righteous kill is a solid shootem up cop movie. Granted I was coming off Burn After Reading and if you read that review you know where I was at but really, I honestly enjoyed this one. Solid acting with above average action and when its time for the twist it's tolerable. AND, after this one I await the rubber match from Pacino and Deniro...it's 1 to 1.

KEATON CLONE

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