Fellon

"We're all in prison."

3.5 Stars

Well, first of all... prison is no place TO BE!!

My mom had this movie and it didn't look too bad.  She knows I like prison movies so I was in.

Interesting premiss.  Porter (Stephen Dorff) is a hard working new father, and starting his own construction business. A burglar enters the house and after making sure his family is in one spot he grabs his baseball bat and searches the house.  The robber bolts and as he's running out Porter throws a fatal and the bad guy is dead on his lawn.

Now here's the most discussed part of this movie for us.  Because he was killed outside of the house, Porter is now placed under arrest and charged with murder.  Apparently this is knowledge my Grandfather knew already.  

"Drag 'em into the house." he said, according to my mom.  Leave it to Grandpa to know the loop holes.

Porter's prison experience quickly turns for the worst and he is soon placed in a max security prison, "The Shoe".  It all happens so fast and you can't help but feel so bad for this guy who was only protecting his family.  

The prison has a sort of "fight club" that the guards bet on and enjoy watching.  Porter learns to hold his own, and survive.  

Val Kilmer, who can easily be mistaken for Jeff Bridges in this, is his cellmate.  He's got his own story, and I appreciate that their relationship wasn't so predictable.

The women in this movie were very miscast. I'm confident that's what cheapened this movie.

There was a poor man's Mary Steenburgen as his mother-in-law, and the wife was very unsympathetic.

But there were about... two "oh shit!" moments and that's a good thing.

Lessons learned?  

• Don't go to jail.
• Drag 'em into the house!
• And pay up, and get Mary Steenburgen.

A Cry in the Dark

"I don't think a lot of people realise how important innocence is to innocent people."

3.5 Stars

The true story of Lindy Chamberlain. A woman whom during a camping trip to Ayer's Rock in outback Australia 1980. She witnessed a dingo steal her three month old daughter Azaria from their family tent. Azaria's body was never found, causing police to question her story further. Overexposure in the media causes speculation that perhaps Lindy killed her daughter. The media blitz turns into a murder trial and the Chamberlain family fights to clear their name.

The JonBenet case came to mind while watching this.
The media (myself included) really wanted the parents to be at fault, or involved in something so bad. Honestly, the parents are the only ones who really know what happened that night.
If they are (were) innocent, it must have felt like screaming for help at soundproof glass. I bet they saw this during that time. History does repeat itself doesn't it?

If people dig hard enough through someones crap (even yours) they can totally make a case against you. For anything! The cops confiscated a bible from their home which had a passage highlighted that had the word "tent" in it. "Ooo! We got 'em!" People are crazy.

As you might have guessed this is yet another movie I can check of my Meryl Streep list. She is solid gold, man! Someone as talented as that must be coo-coo, you think?
My mom has been really into a book lately by Shirley Maclaine called Saging While Aging. She's been sharing tidbits with me. Knowing my love for Meryl, she relayed a conversation Maclaine had with her in her book. Talking to Meryl she asked about the movie A Cry in the Dark, specifically the courtroom scene of her on the stand. "How did you do it?" Maclaince asked. "I was the dingo" she said.
See? Crazy brilliant.

Thunderheart : Haiku Movie Review

"There's no word in Sioux for 'good bye'".

3.5 Stars


F.B.I. agent

Murder on indian land

In his blood lies truth

Puppy

"Don't work yourself up,
no ones dead. You're psycho I'm just fuckin' with you."

3.5 Stars

I don't think I would confidently recommend this to others, but personally I thought it was pretty good.

The beginning goes by so fast as if the director just wanted to get the back story out of the way. But he could have started it where he want to with the lead character Lizzie trying to kill herself, with the ole hose from the tailpipe routine, only to be saved by a nearby tow truck driver Aiden. When she wakes, she's tied to a bed and Aiden that is convinced she is Helen, his absent wife. In a hostage situation much like Misery, Aiden keeps Lizzie confined to the house as she plays the roll of Helen.

I love Lizzie's fast thinking through the whole ordeal. Situations movies like this make me think of my mom's quick thinking in her hold-up years ago. Lizzie's wits save her day to day, as Aiden's schizophrenia worsens. Soon the film takes a turn I may have predicted ...or maybe not. I don't know.

In odd scenes I found myself really laughing! I've read in different places that Puppy is a black comedy, but I didn't feel it was so easy to spot. Hey, all I know is when I see someone get hit in the head by a shovel, I'm laughing.

Superbad

"'How old are you?'
'Old enough.'
'Old enough for what?'
'To party.'"

3.5 Stars

But a really good 3.5 movie! Good enough to watch over and over.

If Seth Rogan can keep turning movies out like this he has the potential to be the John Hughes of this generation.

I was so excited to see the return of the 80's teen movie formula.
Teen nerds wanting to make it with chicks, house parties, the mall, booze, and boobs, and above all witty and simply funny writing! Even Seth's outfit was very Chuck reminiscent.

Writers Seth Rogan, and Evan Goldberg started writing this when they were 13-years-old! They just "wanted to see if they could write a movie". Thus the lead characters Seth, and Evan. Fun fact. I love those.

Now lets talk about Fogell/Mclovin. Among a few of us girls we feel he is so cute.
Now, now.
Although he his the most freakishly nerdy guy of the bunch, he is unforgettable. He could go down in the books with some other memorable characters like Farmer Ted,
Louis Skolnick, and The Donger.
There's is one scene I hope some young guys out there catch. Fogell has been trying to get the attention of Nicola, unsuccessfully. But the moment she takes notice of him, it's because he's gotten a renewed confidence, and any girl will look right passed that pasty skin, and glasses when a guy's got the balls to just talk to us. If you have young boys in your life, please pass that lesson down. It's a fact.

In the end, this movie really reminded me (as if I needed reminding) just how much I love boys. They are just so different than us (girls), and their hangups are just so damn cute.

Long live the nerd hero!!

Black Snake Moan

"Like Jesus said,
'I'm 'onna suffer you.'"

3.5 Stars

A true, good versus evil story. As much as I loved so many little things in this movie, it wasn't great. Having a hack actor like Justin Timberlake didn't help either. He's a graduate of The Keanu Reeves Acting Academy.

After finding sex-addicted 22-year-old Rae (Christina Ricci) beaten and near death, blues musician Lazarus (Samuel L. Jackson) acts as a father figure to help redeem her in this Southern-fried drama.

This movie was almost a story of an exorcism with voodoo tendencies. The character Lazarus is true to the parable of Lazarus which teaches the terrible result (hell) of neglecting others in need. I'm shure there are many other biblical reference in this that I just didn't catch.

This was the first movie I was able to watch for a while. I am currently afflicted with hives, and can't really concentrate on much else but my burning skin. I felt much like Ricci as she wiggled around on the couch during on of her spells.

The music was great too! I really love that music of The Black Keys was largely featured in the film. I've seen that band a number of times, and I can watch that guy play guitar all day long. He gets into a trance, and violently thrashes out the best blues riffs. Knowing his performances, it really matched the tone of the movie.

I really expected more from this movie, but in all honesty I can't stop thinking about it.


Plot summary courtesy of Netflix

Places in the Heart

"I don't care if it kills me,
I don't care if it kills you!
I'm not gonna give up!"

3.5 Stars

I am just on this constant search for depression era movies. I saw a clip of this film on an AFI special. The subject was death in film. A scene of this film was highlighted to show how in the 30's it was common practice for families to prepare the dead on their kitchen tables, and hold funerals in their living rooms. That scene was enough for me to watch it.

Texas, 1935 Mrs. Spalding played by Sally Field has been recently widowed, and after years of homemaking, and raising a family she is now has to learn how to be the sole bread winner. Not knowing the first thing about how to run a home financially (including how to write a check), the bank had to inform her how much money she actually had. And it wasn't enough to keep her home, or her children.

An experienced cotton farmer Mozes played by Danny Glover shows her the potential of her land and that from harvesting cotton she could make a good profit.
The bank also gives her a break in a real small town way. Her banker asks her to take in his blind relative Mr. Brown (John Malkovich) and charge him rent, to get him out of their house. By doing so the bank will give her more time to make some money.

Seeing Malkovich so young was great. I really miss his work. Watching this I want to revisit Of Mice and Men. Is that one a depression era movie too? Malkovich was nominated for an Oscar for this film along with Sally Field. She actually won for this role, which resulted in her famous "You like me" speech.

Ed Harris is also in this film involved in a love triangle side plot. Here's another trivia answer for you.
While filming he met and fell in love with his co-star Amy Madigan (No matter what she does she will always be Chanice Kobolowski. "For the best in tires see Chanice Kobolowski"), and they were married before filming even wrapped. And they've been married ever since.

As the movie went on I got more involved, but for me it just didn't have enough heart. It moved way too fast, and the Ed Harris side plot was really unnecessary. As for the depression era stuff, it wasn't that prominent. But it was set in 1935 so the worst was over, and folks were slowly getting their lives back.

Last thing, the young daughter was named Possum. Oddly enough, the name was adorable.

Nanny McPhee

"I did knock."

3.5 Stars

After the particularly hard day I had, it was great to come home and have a movie like this waiting for me. Bright colors, magic, and fantasy. The movie was 3.5 but the timing was 5.

The film's plot and title are based on the popular Nurse Matilda books by British author Christianna Brand. And you can really tell is an adaptation of some sort, but in a good way! Very fairytale like, loved it.

This is the story of Mr. Brown (Colin Firth) and his seven children who have recently lost their "mum".
I was happy to see the kid from Love Actually was in this too, Thomas Sangster as the eldest child Simon. He looks like a Jack Russel Terrier, I just want to paint his nose black.

Since their mother's passing they have been so rowdy, that Mr. Brown has gone through every nanny in town. Until one evening a horrible looking woman is at the door named Nanny McPhee (Emma Thompson), and claims she can help. The quick flashes of her appearance are so funny. Her bulbous nose (cut to) - her uni brow (cut to) - her warts (cut to) - her snaggle tooth! Good for Emma.

Keeping his family financially afloat is his Great Aunt Adelaide (Angela Lansbury). Where under her terms, Mr. Brown must re-marry within a month or he will be cut off. Yikes.
But as it goes, the love he was looking for was right in front of him the whole time. Sigh...
I know it's a bit predictable, but I needed that right then.

Thank you Nanny McPhee, for making us laugh at love. Again. <-- That kills me!! :)

The Perfect Storm

"Don't go Bobby, I got a bad feeling."

3.5 Stars

I've had this review on hold for a while, because I don't really have much to say about it. It was good, but again I think it was too hyped on me when it first came out, which is why I waited so long to see it. I was expecting too much.

In October 1991, a confluence of weather conditions combined to form a killer storm in the North Atlantic. Caught in the storm was the sword-fishing boat Andrea Gail and her crew. Magnificent foreshadowing and anticipation fill this true-life drama while minute details of the fishing boats, their gear and the weather are juxtaposed with this sea adventure.

This film was way over scored. The special effects were great on their own, but the music really was overkill. They should have just let the effects stand alone. I think that would have made a more genuinely dramatic story.

Considering all the names that were in it; George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, Diane Lane, John C. Reilly, William Fichtner, it was kind of "eh". Too bad.

I've really got to start ignoring hype.

Plot summary courtesy of IMDb.com

The Queen

"Because as Prime Minister, I have nothing better to do."

3.5 Stars

For as many great reviews that I heard about this movie, I wasn't too impressed. I don't know what I was expecting, or wanted to see. But perhaps I was too hyped on it. Helen Mirren, no doubt deserved the recognition, and awards she received for this role. She's just perfect!

For that matter the whole cast was great! Michael Sheen is really headed for great things, he did a great job as Tony Blair. As did James Cromwell as Prince Phillip, Alex Jennings as Prince Charles, and Sylvia Syms as The Queen Mum.

I really enjoyed watching the goings on in the palace during the tragedy of Princess Diana, whether it's truth or fiction. The film did showcase the times of change. Sure there has been centuries of protocol and traditions in the monarchy, but when the people change should the rules change as well? That was pretty much the argument throughout.

For me it was really cool to watch a period piece and clearly remember living though it! I remember where I was when I heard she died. I remember watching the funeral service, and I remember watching The Queen's televised statement. I along with the nation, thought that it was cold, and perhaps too little, too late. Yet, because she broke her way of doing things, and what she saw as the correct political stand on the matter, she has been forgiven.

I keep going back and forth whether to give this a higher rating, but honestly it just didn't stick on me. I watched it, and left it. I wasn't even interested enough to watch any featurette on the disc, which for me is a sign to me that I can't give it up. All together it really was a quality film, when watching it you know you're in good hands.

Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World

"Write down that Polish jokes work everywhere."

3.5 Stars

I saw these previews months ago, and really made my mind up to pass.
I choose not to watch political or war movies, and already having the words "Muslim World" in the title turned me off.
Yet after some time passed I watched the preview again on a DVD, and it looked interesting. So I gave it a chance.

I always forget that I like Albert Brooks! He has a quiet, dry humor and I really like his timing.
I had this on while I was doing the dishes at home, and not really expecting anything more than a chuckle here and there, but I was laughing out loud!

In the film Albert Brooks plays himself, and has been chosen by the U.S. Government to travel to India and Pakistan to find out what makes them laugh. And yeah, what does make them laugh?
There's not too much of a plot. He has this cute Indian girl as an assistant, and we loosely get involved with her love life, but it doesn't really matter. Again I was doing the dishes and other small chores.
In other words I wasn't missing anything by leaving the room every once in a while.

This film is not for everyone. I personally found it hilarious! I watched the stand up routine scene twice.
He was performing in front of a packed house of Indian people, and got nothing. The funniest bomb I ever saw. If you're in the mood, you should give it a chance as well. Quiet funny ...but I tend to laugh loud.

The Grapes of Wrath

"Did they hurt 'cha?
Did they make ya mean mad?"

3.5 Stars

After watching Cinderella Man (A brilliant Ron Howard movie by the way.), and really getting involved with the HBO series Carnivale, I really wanted to see more footage of the depression. In history classes I was always intrigued by this period of American history.

On one of the featurettes on either Cinderella Man, or Carnivale I can't remember which, there was a ton of footage of Hoovervilles, soup lines, and the Dust Bowl, and I wanted to see more. Yet after looking around, I couldn't find any documentaries, or stock footage of the depression. If you know of any such films, can you please let me know? I've had a hell of a time looking.

So I figured the best place to start was with this classic film. Adapted from John Steinbeck's classic of the same name that tells the tale of the Joad family amid the crop failures, dust storms and poverty of the Dust Bowl. Seeking a better life, the family sets out for "Californie", the land of new opportunity. This heart-wrenching story shows the grim fate met by many as they traveled through the Dust Bowl on their journey West. Released in 1940, about 10 years after the stock market crash, and the very real Dust Bowl. So at the time, this film was probably very hard for people to watch.

Watching this film, I am reminded that acting has changed so much over time. The performances are almost theater like, but with more facial expressions because the audience will be able to see them up close.
The language, writing, and best of all the rhythm of their speech is great to watch and observe.

There are some great monologues in this film. A powerful scene in particular where a farmer named Muley Graves is given an eviction notice from the bank, and has fallen to his knees. While grabbing at the dirt beneath him and stroking it's grains in his hands, in a matter of seconds this proud land owning man's spirit is broken, and along with his family is now poor and homeless.

"There ain't nobody gonna push me off my land! My grandpa took up this land 70 years ago, my pa was born here, we were all born on it. And some of us was killed on it! ...and some of us died on it. That's what make it our'n, bein' born on it, ..and workin' on it, ..and dyin' on it! And not no piece of paper with writin' on it!"

Powerful.

As great as the writing was, and the performances, I still felt it was ...just missing something. Maybe I'm jaded by modern film making, but it just wasn't quite what I expected or was looking for.
I just don't understand why this period of our US history is overlooked. It's got to be the best American story ever! Broke, starving, homeless, and hopeless we came up. Like Ma Joad said, "We keep going. Cause we're the people."

Plot summary courtesy of Netflix

Brick

"I've got all five senses and I slept last night, that puts me six up on the lot of you."

3.5 Stars

I had this movie for weeks and I just couldn't get to it. There it was with my mail day in and day out. It has been on my list for months, so I knew I wanted to watch it. I'm glad I finally sat down, took my time, and dove into this strange story.

This unconventional film noir -- set in the halls of a modern-day high school -- marks a promising debut for writer-director Rian Johnson. Teenage loner Brendan Fry (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is forced to navigate his school's social network when a secret crush turns up dead and the murderer is any one's guess. Through intense interactions with thespians, band geeks and druggies (including a grown-up Lucass Hass), Brendan works to crack the cliques --and the case.

I have had such a crush on Gordon-Levitt ever since he played an aging alien trapped in a 12 year-old's body on tv's Third Rock from the Sun. My has he grown. He's grown into a mini Keanu Reeves. In this film he takes on a look that really looks like my boyfriend when I first met him! My mom thoroughly agrees.

But enough about the men, how bout the movie? Whelp, it was kind of hard to follow. The "inside" lingo is confusing, but I sat back and put full trust in the movie. After all this disc has been staring me down for weeks resulting in my own guilt trip, so I wasn't about to throw it out so fast. I'm glad I didn't.

I had a hard time figuring out if these kids were in high school or in college. I guessed it was high school, the letterman jackets gave me a hint, but it's just strange. It really reminded me of Twin Peaks. A high school couple involved in some heavy situations, involving other tragic characters. I'll bet this budding director is a big David Lynch fan. I loved his concepts, though. It was as if you put Lynch in a washing machine and it shrunk. It's not as great as it was, but it's still the same piece with a new shape. Did that many any sense?

One things for sure this director Rian Johnson is really into shoes. Lots of shoe close-ups, and shoe sounds. Shoe details, and even a shoe scene! Shoes.

I still wouldn't recommend it to people unless you seen the previews and really want to see it. I just couldn't put it at 4 stars, because it took some work to follow what was happening. It did get clearer as the movie progressed. Also, I could feel where Johnson was going with his concepts in the film, along with some particular shots (The Pin at his desk in his the den. Low ceiling, bad wood paneling, desk,lamp, eagle sculpture, and tiki god. Really cool shot.), but I just don't think he pulled the whole thing off. Lucas Hass, and my Joseph Gordon-Levitt were great. Where as everyone else I feel was really miscast. Too bad.
But I do feel that Rian Johnson will just get better. A great first film effort.

Plot summary courtesy of Netflix

The Devil's Backbone

"Like an insect trapped in Amber."

3.5 Stars

I have about 120 movies in my Netflix queue, so sometimes I am surprised to see which movies I get. I got this one and was pleasantly surprised to see it was directed by Guillermo de Toro.
The same director of Pan's Labrynth. This film was made pre-Pan, and it did have a lot of similarities, which I'll tell you about later.

Twelve-year-old Carlos is the latest arrival at Santa Lucia School, an imprisoning stone building that shelters orphans of the Republican militia and politicians during the last days of the Spanish Civil War. Carlos gradually uncovers the dark ties that bind the inhabitants of the school; hidden riches, sexual intrigue and the restless ghost of a murdered student, who may be the only one to provide resolution.

Co-starring is Marisa Paredes a well known actress in Spanish cinema. She plays the one legged school mistress who is having an affair with the younger caretaker. She does a great job. One of her best performances is in All About My Mother, check it out. Love her.

The special effects were quite cool too. The ghost of Santi isn't the hazy spooky ghost character. He looks like he's underwater with a floating trail of blood descending from his head. His face is cracked like a porcelain doll, and he's kind of transparent. You can see his bones through his skin. Cool lookin'.

In Pan there was a child character much like this one, who loved fairy tales. They both are confined to one building, and missing a war hero father. Both set in 1920s. Both have some mystical figure, and show little fear of it. All of this bothered me at first, but once I got passed it, I was able to enjoy the movie.

The next project del Toro is doing is Hellboy II. He did the first one, but I never saw it. Maybe I will. I defiantly want to see more of his films. Has great art direction, and has a talent for storytelling.

Plot summary courtesy of Netflix

Inside Man

"This ain't no bank robbery!"

3.5 Stars

I know, again with the 3.5, but hey that's what it is!

First off, it's got Clive Owen. Why his face is covered for majority of the movie is a mistake and a mystery. That's one good lookin' dude.

Now that that's out of the way...I was very surprised to see this was a Spike Lee Joint. I'm sure I knew that when it first came out, but it sometimes takes me awhile to get to some movies. As I got into the movie you could really tell it's a SLJ. All the racial issues, and uber New York atmosphere.

I did like seeing Jodie Foster back, and as a primo bitch no less. She's great. Not that she went anywhere, but it's always surprising to see her on screen, much like Annette Bening. Not compared in talent but high in the surprised factor when listed in a movie. "Wow, she's in that?" kind of thing.

A caper movie about a sophisticated bank robbery (or is it?) gone wrong/right. It was very smart though I'll give it that. It may sound like I'm not too impressed, but I was. The cinematography was great, along with the areal shots, and different film grades throughout. Not to mention Denzel, he's a gem.

Written very well. Reminded me of the movie The Score, that was a quality movie too.
Just a good ole caper.

Saint Ralph

"'The anarchist and the Christian often have a common origin.'
I'm trying to be both."

3.5 Stars

When I decided to start this reviewing thing, I made a personal rule to not use half or three quarter stars. I'm no Ed McMahon, and this ain't no Star Search. But this one was a solid 3.5. The film quality is a 3, but the feeling is a 4! Does that make any sense? Well, it does to me. Let's get to it, shall we...

1953 a 14 year old boy, Ralph is living alone after his father has died, and his mother lay ill in a hospital. She falls into a coma, and the doctors say it would take a miracle to wake her. After some divine intervention from a holy spirit dressed as Santa, he decides that running and winning the Boston Marathon could be the miracle needed to wake his mother, and save him from being an orphan.

He attends a Catholic school for boys, but has a hard time being "pure".
It gets kind of Hallmark-ish when a (hot) priest played by Campbell Scott (How you doing Campbell?) who was a successful marathoner in his day agrees to train him.

This movie grew on me. Not in one sitting, but I found that the next day I was begging my Mom to see it so I could talk to someone about it. She is a runner and I highly recommend this movie to runners, or any sport like minded folks.

Last October I cheered my sister-in-law and her sister as they ran the Nike Marathon for Team in Training, a training program that raises money and awareness for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
It was the most emotional event I ever witnessed. Not only were these marathoners physically drained, but they ran for someone they cared about. That finish line was literally drenched with sweat and tears.
My sister-in-law ran for her dear friend that passed from Leukemia, and my younger "brother-in-law" who passed last July to the same disease at 23. As these runners passed me I yelled "Thank you Team in Training!", because they are doing much more than running. This movie really helped me understand even more how a simple act of running can help someone cope, and have faith in the greater good.
Thanks Aimee, and Carrie.

I ended up watching this movie twice. I'm a sucker for a good redemption story.
Campbell Scott isn't too hard on the eyes either.