Aug
15
06
Internet Movie Database link.
Official movie website.
A big disappointment. I was all set for an entertaining two hours of crime, action, and chases. What I got for my money was a boring, predictable movie.
A good half of the film is devoted to Farrell and Gong making out. There’s never any real teamwork by Farrell and Foxx. The plot is unimaginative and predictable. It is too long by at least 20 minutes. Some scenes are too violent and gory, in stark (and disturbing) contrast with the tameness of the rest of the film — I overheard several people complain about this. It’s just not worth it.
Rating: Avoid.
Filed under Avoid, M, Action.
Aug
04
06
Internet Movie Database Link.
Official movie site.
With well choreographed action scenes, agile camera work, and unrelenting pace, this movie is very entertaining. The action is up to par, and the way the impossible mission turns into a personal affair is well handled. There’s just about the amount of explosions, wrecks, high-tech equipment, flying bullets and pretty girls one would expect.
I especially liked the sequence where the bad guy is taken away from Cruise by an undercover special forces team. It’s very well executed, not too fast, and had me sitting in the edge of my seat.
Rating: Excellent.
Filed under Excellent, M, Action.
Jun
15
06
Internet Movie Data Base link.
Official movie website.
Not as polished or as well-rounded as Le Peuple Migrateur, March of the Penguins tells the harrowing, deeply moving tale of the emperor penguins’ fight to raise their chicks in the toughest corner of the planet. If you are pregnant and you think you’re having a hard time, this movie is a must-see. It’ll make you feel better.
The affection between penguin couples, their lock-step coordination, and their love for their chick makes one marvel at the miracle of life.
Rating: Good.
Filed under Good, M, Documentary, Drama.
Jun
01
06
Internet Movie Data Base link.
Official movie website.
(Disclaimer: I’m a huge Woody Allen fan). What a great movie. It mixes suspense, romance, intrigue, love, infidelity, luck, murder, and serendipity into a perfect blend. The film unrolls at a slow, determined pace that lets all the details sink in while the spectator admires the great acting. (Except for Ms. Scarlett Johansson, who goes on to prove she’s the worst actress to ever mar an Allen movie. If he can’t get her to act, no-one can).
This film’s theme and dialog are very different from your usual Allen movie. I highly recommend it, whether you are a fan of his or not.
Rating: Excellent.
Filed under Excellent, M, Drama.
Mar
04
06
Internet Movie Data Base link.
Official movie website.
This film is breathtakingly beautiful. From start to end it will transport you to another world, one exquisitely crafted and where all human passions itermingle.
It has its weak points. The three main actresses (all of exquisite beauty) are chinese, not japanese, and it shows. The story is not an actual Geisha story, but the product of the imagination of an American writer. It could be said it’s just one more Hollywood love story.
I don’t care. This film is simply a masterpiece of the art of cinema. A must-see.
Rating: Excellent.
Filed under Excellent, M, Drama.
Nov
27
05
Internet Movie Data Base link.
Official movie website.
I’m a big fan of Woody Allen in general. I love his dialogs and his acting. Above all, I find him incredibly funny; I tend to laugh my socks off in his movies.
Having said that, Melinda and Melinda is not one of his more memorable movies. It’s not specially witty, funny, or psychologically deep. I always marvel at how Allen can get unique performances out of his actors, and M&M is a classic example. They all sound, move, and act like Allen himself — which I guess can be good or bad depending on your tastes.
Rating: Good.
Filed under Good, M, Drama.