My Movie Reviews

A look at movies by jtenman.

9/28/2008

Edward Scissorhands

Posted by JTENMAN



Release Date: December 24, 1990
Time: 1 hr. 45 min.
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG
Starring: Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest
Grade: D+

Synopsis:A modern day fairy tale which tells the story of Edward, the man created by an inventor, who died before finishing him and left Edward with scissors where he should have hands. One day when the local "Avon" representative calls at the historic mansion where Edward has been living alone, she takes him home to stay with her family. He has to adapt to the new life and environment that he isn't used to. Soon he shows a talent in cutting hair and hedges, and wins every body's heart. But life isn't always so sweet...

My Review: This movie is very interesting. It has been a long time since I have seen this movie. Watching it again made me realize how different Tim Burton's films really are. Johnny Depp looks completely different (he is about 15 years younger too), and the scissors on the hands look very real. The film however does not seem to flow. The beginning of the film seems very childish and sounds like the story is completely made up and unbelievable.

Recommend: Probably not. If you use to love this film when you were little, then it is better kept that way. You lose interest fast, and the story line does not keep your attention. Several of the actors are very amateur it would seem. Keep the happy memories of the scissors from when you were little, and don't ruin it by watching this movie again.

7/27/2008

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

Posted by JTENMAN



Release Date: May 24, 2007
Time:2 hr. 48 min.
Distributor:Walt Disney
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Geoffrey Rush
Grade: A-

Synopsis: In the follow-up to the 2006 record-breaking smash hit 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest,' we find our heroes Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) allied with Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) in a desperate quest to free Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) from his mind-bending trap in Davy Jones' Locker while the terrifying ghost ship, the Flying Dutchman and Davy Jones, under the control of the East India Trading Company, wreaks havoc across The Seven Seas. Navigating through treachery, betrayal and wild waters, they must forge their way to exotic Singapore and confront the cunning Chinese pirate Sao Feng (Chow Yun-Fat). Now headed beyond the very ends of the earth, each must ultimately choose a side in a final, titanic battle as not only their lives and fortunes, but the entire future of the freedom-loving Pirate Way, hangs in the balance.

My Review: Better than the second, but the first is my favorite. It is great watching Jack talking to himself. Also, Jack running is always classic. Good action sequences, and the love story really heats up.

Recommend: Yes. Might be kind of frightening for children. Also, turning on the subtitles makes this film even better because you can understand all of the jokes (all that pirate talk is hard to follow sometimes).

7/27/2008

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

Posted by JTENMAN



Release Date: July 7, 2006
Time:2 hr. 30 min.
Distributor:Walt Disney
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley
Grade: B+

Synopsis: Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) discovers he owes a blood debt to the legendary Davey Jones, Captain of the ghostly Flying Dutchman. With time running out, Jack must find a way out of his debt or else be doomed to eternal damnation and servitude in the afterlife. Making matters worse, Sparrow's problems manage to interefere with the wedding plans of a certain Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), who are forced to join Jack on yet another one of his misadventures.

My Review: This film is good but feels a little long. Usually the second film in movies is this way. However, this is still a fun movie and Johnny Depp once again does a great job in his role here.

Recommend: For sure. Watch this right after you watched the first one. Then get ready for the third one. Once again, there are some scenes that might frighten the little ones.



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.