My Movie Reviews

Release Date: 1 May 2009
Time: 1 hr 47 min
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber
Grade: A

Synopsis: When choosing which mutant hero they would use to launch the X-MEN feature-film prequel series ORIGINS, the creators of the hugely successful franchise had a no-brainer of a decision in going with Wolverine. Not only is he the most well-known and popular X-Men character, but Wolverine--as brought expertly to life in true leading-man fashion by Hugh Jackman--was essentially the star of the three previous X-MEN movies. As the title implies, X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE is the back story of the fiery and conflicted Wolverine (né James Logan), whose mutant powers include killer claws that shoot from his knuckles and a regenerative ability that allows him to live seemingly forever. Taking a few mild liberties but staying relatively faithful to the comic-book source material, ORIGINS follows Logan from his first recognition of his mutant powers as a young child up through his infamous adamantium rebirth and the total memory loss that would subsequently fuel his angry quest. Wolverine’s story has enough intriguing details to allow for a grown-up psychodrama in the mold of THE DARK KNIGHT, and the actors on hand--including Danny Huston as Stryker and Liev Schreiber as Logan’s half-brother, Victor (aka Sabretooth)--have the chops to deliver. Director Gavin Hood, however, opts in favor of cinematic razzle-dazzle heavy on John Woo-style action-ballet and CGI glitz. From Deadpool’s eye-popping swordplay (the action-adventure equivalent of Riverdance) to the tightrope-walk of a fight scene in the film’s finale, WOLVERINE is a blockbuster action film in the most fundamental sense of the word. While some might complain that the film lacks the storytelling substance of the first two X-MEN films, if it’s bang you’re after, then this certainly isn’t a waste of your bucks.

My Review: This film was excellently done. They definitely kept the story in tact by going back and retelling the coming of Wolverine. After seeing the other films and then this one, I was glad that they came back and told this story. It finally makes sense where Wolverine came from after he did so much soul searching in the other films.

Hugh Jackman gives another great performance as wolverine and this film is packed with action as is expected. There is a love story that is intertwined throughout that plays excellently into the entire film. Overall, I was very impressed with the excellent job they did with this film.

Recommend: Most everyone should enjoy this. It can be a family film. If you have really little ones then they might be scared by some of the action.

Release Date: 1 September 2006
Time: 1 hr 50 min
Distributor:
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, Jessica Biel
Grade: A

Synopsis: 'The Illusionist' stars Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti as two men pitted against each other in a battle of wits: Norton as mysterious stage magician Eisenheim, and Giamatti as Vienna's shrewd Chief Inspector Uhl, with Jessica Biel sharing the screen as the beautiful Sophie von Teschen. When word of Eisenheim's astounding illusions reaches the powerful and pragmatic Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell), the ruler attends one of the magician's shows in order to debunk Eisenheim during the performance. But when the Prince's intended, Sophie von Teschen, assists the magician onstage, Eisenheim and Sophie recognize each other from their childhoods and a dormant love affair is rekindled. As the clandestine romance continues, Uhl is charged by Leopold to intensify his efforts to expose Eisenheim, even while the magician gains a devoted and vocal public following. With Uhl doggedly searching for the reasons and the man behind the trickery, Eisenheim prepares to execute his greatest illusion yet.

My Review: This movie was great. It kept my interest from the very beginning with the excitement of the magic tricks and carried all the way through to the surprise ending. Ed Norton does a superb job and the storyline is very good. Too be honest, it was quite different from what I was expecting but that didn't mean it was bad. I actually really enjoyed the basic plot and storyline.

Recommend: This is a fun film for everyone. The kids may lose interest mid-way through because it does turn a little more to the story than magic, but they should still enjoy it.

Release Date: 23 January 2009
Time: 2 hr 3 min
Distributor: Universal Studios
Rating: R
My Rating: PG-13 (I saw the airplane edited version)
Starring: Frank Langella, Michael Sheen
Grade: A

Synopsis: For three years after being forced from office, Nixon remained silent. But in summer 1977, the steely, cunning former commander-in-chief agreed to sit for one all-inclusive interview to confront the questions of his time in office and the Watergate scandal that ended his presidency. Nixon surprised everyone in selecting Frost as his televised confessor, intending to easily outfox the breezy British showman and secure a place in the hearts and minds of Americans.

Likewise, Frost's team harbored doubts about their boss' ability to hold his own. But as cameras rolled, a charged battle of wits resulted. Would Nixon evade questions of his role in one of the nation's greatest disgraces? Or would Frost confound critics and bravely demand accountability from the man who'd built a career out of stonewalling? Over the course of their encounter, each man would reveal his own insecurities, ego and reserves of dignity -- ultimately setting aside posturing in a stunning display of unvarnished truth.

My Review: This film was excellent. The acting was very good. Both Frost and Nixon were very believable characters and the history that was portrayed was extremely interesting. The only reason that I didn't give an A+ to this film is because there were a couple of parts that were a bit slow in the film. However, the film moves along pretty well and the Nixon confession is great.

Recommend: This is a great film to learn some history. Not for children as they will lose interest fast. Definitely recommend this film.

Release Date: 26 September 2008
Time: 1 hr 58 min
Distributor: DreamWorks Pictures
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Michelle Monaghan
Grade: A

Synopsis: 'Eagle Eye' is a race-against-time thriller starring Shia LaBeouf, Michelle Monaghan, Rosario Dawson, Anthony Mackie and Billy Bob Thornton. Jerry Shaw (LaBeouf) and Rachel Holloman (Monaghan) are two strangers thrown together by a mysterious phone call from a woman they have never met. Threatening their lives and family, she pushes Jerry and Rachel into a series of increasingly dangerous situations--using the technology of everyday life to track and control their every move. As the situation escalates, these two ordinary people become the country's most wanted fugitives, who must work together to discover what is really happening--and more importantly, why.

My Review: This film kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I was constantly looking for what was next. This film didn't feel long at all and in fact left you wanting for more. It was very suspenseful and you didn't know what was going to happen next. The actors did a great job and I have always been a big fan of Billy Bob Thornton. I thought the plot of the film was a little unbelievable, but as long as you go into the film with that expectation, then then film should be a lot of fun.

Recommend: Definitely. Watch this film when you are ready to watch a lot of action. This film is a lot of fun and keeps you interested the whole time.

Release Date: 18 July 2008
Time: 2 hr 32 min
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart
Grade: A

Synopsis: With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to destroy organized crime in Gotham for good. The triumvirate proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a rising criminal mastermind known as the Joker, who thrusts Gotham into anarchy and forces the Dark Knight ever closer to crossing the fine line between hero and vigilante.

My Review: This film was excellent. I absolutely loved it. This film is the continuation of "Batman Begins" and it definitely lived up to all of the hype. The Joker (Heath Ledger) is absolutely twisted. He does an excellent job of playing his character and making the film move along. Also, I love Michael Caine as Alfred and he also was a lot of fun. The film was long, but it kept moving the entire time, and I was hoping there would be more. The joker makes you think about where you stand on issues and if you trust others. The film really made me think about my morals and what I plan to believe in. The action is great as well.

Recommend: Don't take the kids to this one. This is probably a guys night movie. Unless your wife is in to these types of movies, she will probably not enjoy it and likely be quite disgusted. If you like "Batman Begins" then you should definitely check this film out.

Release Date: 28 March 2008
Time: 1 hr 48 min
Distributor: Magnolia Pictures
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG
Starring: Demi Moore, Michael Caine
Grade: A

Synopsis: Michael Radford (Il Postino and The Merchant of Venice) directs screenwriter Edward Anderson's script about an aging janitor and an American executive who form an unlikely alliance in order to carry out an elaborate jewel heist. Set in 1960s-era London, the tense crime thriller stars Michael Caine as the scheming maintenance man who longs to relieve his employers at the London Diamond Corporation of their valuable inventory, and Demi Moore as the savvy executive who is completely perplexed by the wealthy diamond magnates. - Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

My Review: WOW! This film was great. The film is based around the crime of the stolen diamonds, and why it was done and how it was done. Even though I know who did it, I loved trying to guess why or how. The film is based in the 1960s and Michael Caine does an excellent job. He plays his role perfectly as the old janitor who is very smart. Obviously the theme of the film is not the best about getting back at your enemies, but regardless the film is very intense, and Demi Moore always keeps you guessing as to whether or not she is going to break. The film ends with a positive uplifting end.

Recommend: Yes! The kids will not enjoy this, but this film is very excellent. If you like a detective film then you will love this film. The movie is clean for the kids, but like I said they will lose interest fast. Don't let this movie pass by as it is a must see.

Release Date: November 19, 2004
Time:2 hr. 11 min.
Distributor:Walt Disney
Rating: PG
My Rating: PG
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha
Grade: A

Synopsis: A man sets out to steal a lost fortune in order to save it in this adventure drama from producer Jerry Bruckheimer. Benjamin Franklin Gates (Nicolas Cage) is an archeologist who is from the eighth generation of a family who has shared an unusual quest. As Gates-family legend has it, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin hid a massive cache of gold during the waning days of the Revolutionary War and left clues as to its whereabouts in the original drafts of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. With no firm proof that it actually exists, Gates sets out to crack the code that will lead him to the fortune, which, as a member of the Gates clan, he is sworn to protect from wrongdoers. National Treasure also features Sean Bean, Harvey Keitel, Justin Bartha, and Jon Voight. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

My Review: This was my first time ever seeing this movie and I enjoyed it a lot. I love the adventure type movies and the detective part of this film really got to me. I felt like I was part of the story and I was playing along trying to guess what was next. There were some funny scenes as well.

Recommend: Yes. This is a great film for the entire family. This is a must see.

Release Date: July 9, 2003
Time:2 hr. 23 min.
Distributor:Walt Disney
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Geoffrey Rush
Grade: A

Synopsis: When Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), the daughter of Governor Swann (Jonathan Pryce) is kidnapped by a group of pirates led by Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) and taken aboard their ship, The Black Pearl, Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), the young man who loves Elizabeth despite the fact that she is promised to another, sets out to rescue her. But he can't do it alone, so he enlists the help of swashbuckling ship captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp). Together the two chase after The Black Pearl, but they soon discover that the captain and crew aren't your average pirates. Cursed to remain between the living and the dead, Barbossa and his men look like skeletons when basked in the moonlight. When it is revealed that the only thing that can break the curse is Elizabeth's blood, Jack and Will are faced with a race against time and a battle against the undead to save the Governor's daughter. ~Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide

My Review: This movie is great. I have seen it several times, but we watched it again yesterday. Johnny Depp is classic. He definitely earned his Oscar in this one. Without Depp I think that this film would have been a real flop. He keeps you on your toes and he is hilarious. One of my favorite films.

Recommend: Definitely. There may be a couple of scenes that are a bit scary for the little ones, but other than that, it is great fun for everyone.