Shutter Island (2010)

Directed by, Martin Scorsese, Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Ben Kingsley, & Mark Ruffalo 


Shutter Island, based on the novel by Dennis Lehane, is a psychological thriller about two US. Federal Marshal's Edward Daniels (DiCaprio) and Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo), who are sent to a small island, home to Ashecliffe mental hospital for the criminally insane. Their mission is to investigate the disappearance of a dangerous patient. As the investigation progresses, the marshals soon find that there is more to Shutter Island than meets the eye.

First Off, we all know a movie is never as good as the book it is based off of, right? That said, even though I am a huge fan of the novel, I thoroughly enjoyed this film. It does the novel justice for the most part, accurately portraying the characters and setting, and although the plot is a bit more complex in the novel than in the film, the mystery and the twists of the novel, are still produced effectively in the film.

This, is easily accomplished due to the fact that the story was handed over to one of the greatest director's to date, my personal favorite, Martin Scorsese. Thank you Mr. Scorsese. The stylistic form of the film was set up perfectly for a story set in a dangerous mental asylum. The score, was an eerie nails on a chalkboard kind of tune, that adds an extra dose of insanity and madness to every scene, making for quiet a menacing mood. The cinematography only added to this effect, the camera is quick and jolty, yet steady, jumping with pinpoint accuracy from one shot to another. All these components put together with dense and contrasted colors set the perfect tone for the story, brilliant.

As always, DiCaprio and Kingsley were excellent, and so was the entire ensemble cast. From the cool charisma portrayed by Ruffalo as Chuck Aule, to the creepy thoughts and motions of a lunatic characterized by Jack Earle Haley in his small role as George Noyce. This is not shocking though, because when you entrust a story full of unique and round characters to a fantastic director, great acting is inevitable side effect.

All in all, Martin Scorsese, Dennis Lehane, Leonardo Dicaprio, Ben Kingsley, Mental Asylums, Mystery. Is it a "good" movie? really, is that a necessary question?

My Rating: FLAMIN'

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)

Directed by, Terry Gilliam, Starring: Johnny Depp & Benicio Del Toro

"We were somewhere around Barstow, on the edge of the desert, when the drugs began to take hold"

Possibly the most popular of all the movies made that are inspired by famous journalist Hunter S. Thompson (Gonzo), "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," is a hysterically surreal film. Alongside his Samoan attorney Dr. Gonzo (Benicio Del Toro), Journalist Raol Duke (Johnny Depp) narrates the chronicles of their drug induced and idiosyncratic odyssey through Las Vegas. (although the attorney is called "Gonzo" in the film, Raol Duke is the character who is based off of the real Dr. Gonzo). The journey is seemingly ambition-less and extremely clouded with freakish and dream-like adventures into the extraordinary depths of the subconscious mind that only hard narcotics can guide you to. There are numerous cameos made thoughout the film, including Cameron Diaz and Tobey Maguire, which makes for superb and interesting interactions between our protagonist and those he runs into. Bring along your thinking caps, but still be prepared for confusion, because this film is omnipresent all at once.

Though many would disagree, I would classify this as Johnny Depp's best performance. The way he narrates the story and captures the quirkiness of the character is what makes the movie so fun and bizarre! With Benicio Del Toro at his side as the attorney, the mixture of their kooky and crazy personalities makes the story come to life in a bugged out sort of way.

All in All, if your looking for a serious movie about drug abuse and the trials and troubles it brings to the lost souls who have let it take over their now wretched and abhorred lives...Then run as fast as you can away from this film, for it makes dangerous and mind melting narcotics look like a thrill ride through a dreamland of large reptiles, flocks of  bats, Richard Nixon and Acapulco shirts!

My Rating: Spicy

Goodbye Solo (2008)

Directed By, Ramin Bahrani.


"Goodbye Solo," is a story about two men, living in two considerably different stages of life, and their remarkable friendship. One man, Solo, is a young goodhearted African immigrant who supports his family by driving a cab, but dreams of traveling the world as a flight attendant. Unaccustomed to the common apathetic nature of American society, Solo strongly believes that people should take care of, and look out for one-another. So, when he encounters William, an elderly man who many would consider to be vile and mean, he reaches out, seeing that there is more to him then meets the eye. Solo sees that William is a man who is hurting, a man who is lonely, a man who is in need of a friend.


This independent film by Ramin Bahrani was released in 2008 at the London Film Festival in the United Kingdom. But more recently it was re released to larger audiences in august of 2009, which makes it a prime candidate for this years Academy Awards. Believe me, it was worthy.


It's actually quite a sad story, because it accurately portrays the apathetic nature of our society, the fact that a character, like Solo is so rare, is dismal in itself . Souleymane Sy Savane, the actor who plays Solo, did a wonderful job in creating a character that anyone, no matter who you are, would love to be around purely because of his good nature. And when he clashes with his foil, William, who is portrayed by actor, Red West, it makes for a brilliant and touching development.


Also the cinematography was done quite well. When a film has great photography and riveting dialouge (portrayed by talented actors), there is no need for anything else, and that is brilliant film, plain and simple. When you can create a riveting and entertaining film without an overwhelming amount of visual effects or mind blowing action sequences, then you might just have a truly great film on your hands. (not to say that films with action or visual effects cannot be great as well).


All in all, inspiring and touching film. Very, very well done. Bravo.

My Rating: FLAMIN'

City of God (2002)

Directed by, Fernando Meirelles &Katia Lund

"Cidade de Deus," as it is originally titled, is a Brazilian film about growing up in the slums in Brazil, and the violence and crime that surrounds it. The true events that take place are shocking, raw, and brutal. 


The story primarily focuses on two young men who are growing up in, "The City Of God," which is the name that has been given to the crime ridden slums in Brazil. One boy, Lil Ze', follows the all too open road towards Crime, with a mind set on becoming the most powerful kingpin to ever run the City of God. He sets the pace for the new generation of young criminals, by killing anyone that gets in his way. The other boy, Rocket, is the narrator of the film. He has his dreams set on becoming a photographer, of escaping the City of God.


The film plays in a Tarantino-esque style, shot in chapters, with characters that have a sickening desensitization to  raw violence. We see an all too real side of the world, that many more fortunate people are completely unaware of. Possibly the most shocking aspect of this film, is the loss of innocence and comfortability with violence that the children in the slums develop at such an early age. One scene in particular, shows a group of young boys, aged from 5-10, walking casually down a dusky alley, bearing firearms and discussing lightheartedly, who their next victims should be. This scene, is just a small example of the disturbing nature of the entire film.


All in all,  City of God, is a heartbreaking film. To assist the viewer in fully understanding the brutality and violent nature of this hell, it holds nothing back, it is a raw and disturbing film, but it is also necessary. If this film doesn't make you grateful of the life you are living, then nothing will. Go rent it, go buy it, go borrow it, whatever it takes see it, this film ranks up top as one of the best of this decade, don't miss out.

My Rating: FLAMIN'

Avatar (2009)

Directed by, James Cameron__Starring, Sam Worthington & Sigourney Weaver

If you haven't at least heard of Avatar yet, you must be living on another planet. Avatar is director James Cameron's (Titanic, Alien, Terminator etc.) latest film, about a crippled marine who embarks on a journey to study a foreign planet, and it's indigenous people. Avatar follows the trend of Cameron's past films, in that it doesn't aim for anything less than EPIC. 


Visually, this film is immensely creative and surreal, but, other than that, unoriginal. Now, not to say that the outstanding special effects were not enough to make the film enjoyable, but the plot was nothing to drool over. The film played out exactly how i hypothesized it would before i even saw it.


All in all, this is as long as the review needs to be. It's simply a fun film, that is being blown out of proportion due to its visual effects. If your looking for an escape from reality into an exciting dreamworld, go see Avatar, but if your looking for a film that is original and revolutionary, this isn't the one for you.


My Rating: Spicy

Brothers (2009)

Directed by, Jim Sheridan__Starring, Tobey Maguire, Natalie Portman, & Jake Gyllenhaal.

"Brothers," is a portrait of the powerful affliction and anguish war can have on a soldier and his/her loved ones. It tells the story of a man who comforts the family of his brother, who is feared to have been killed in action while serving in Afghanistan. Brothers, is an all around compelling drama that is emotionally draining, and heart wrenching.


Surprising, is the first thing that must be said of this film. Both the story, and the acting took me off guard, and I walked out of the theater a respectfully shocked critic. When I first saw the pitch for this film, it came across  as a sleazy, cheap idea for a drama. I'm so glad I gave it a chance though, because that is not the case at all. This film is heavy. Tobey Maguire (who plays Lt. Sam Cahill) delivers his absolute finest performance to date, as he characterizes a soldier, eradicated and clouded by the tortures of war. He bears a performance I never thought he had in him with such raw intensity, it is truly spell bounding. This film will make a name for him in drama, and resurrect him from his doom as a teen superhero icon.


The intense performance of Maguire is complimented by the other actors involved. A special ovation must be given to Taylor Geare and Bailee Madison, who played "Cahills" young daughters. It is often acceptable and understandable when a child's performance in a film is sub par, but these two talented little girls broke my heart with their bewildering presentations. The list of great performances goes on and on, both Gyllenhaal and Portman delivered astonishing portrayals of suffering and anguish at the near loss of a brother/husband, who was withering away both physically and mentally. All these great performances add up to create a film that is both emotionally/ psychologically phenomenal and complex.


All in all, really powerful dramas like this are the kind you see once, and only once. Not because you did not like it, but because it achieves its purpose at being emotionally draining and psychologically disturbing. It's a good story, that was made great by marvelous acting. Kudos to all the actors involved, this was an intense, heartbreaking, and heavy film. Bravo.


My Rating: SPICY

Invictus (2009)

Directed by, Clint Eastwood__ Starring, Matt Damon & Morgan Freeman


Invictus is the inspiring and true story about former South African president Nelson Mandela, and his struggle to unite the republic of South Africa after years of bitterness and hate between the native Africans and the white "Africanas." Mandela finds that the solution lies simply within a game. Rugby, which for years has served as a channel for manifesting bitterness in this aparthied-torn country, is now the only hope of uniting it.


The only thing that got me into the theater initially was the fact that Clint Eastwood was directing it, which is an automatic selling point for me. I have never been a huge fan of sport movies, "Invictus," however is more than just a sports movie, it is the story of one of the most devoted and beneficent political leaders of all time. Mandela's love for his people was awe-inspiring, it is quite stunning to see how he sacrificed and devoted his life to the cause of uniting his country, and it bothered me that this story is not well known. In America, it seems like our media is so contaminated with dregs of Hollywood gossip, that we become ignorant to inspiring or tragic events that are taking place outside our borders, events that we can learn an immense amount  from. I find that films like Invictus, are necessary for the purpose of drawing our attention to more important current issues, and prominent historical events.


Now, this film wouldn't be what it was without the outstanding performances of everyone involved. I would say, that next to his role in, "The Departed,"(2006), this was the single greatest performance of Matt Damon's Career. Even though this is landmark performance for Matt Damon, Morgan Freeman stole the show. Freeman, who plays Nelson Mandela, demands complete reverence from the viewer. If Nelson Mandela is half the man he is portrayed to be in this film, then he is legendary. Morgan Freeman does him a great respect in this film, characterizing Mandela's Humble, wise, and warm-hearted nature, and his astonishing devotion to his people. I have never felt such respect for a person I knew so little about.


Along with Freeman and Damon's powerful leading performances were the admirable performances of all those involved. Eastwood drew the best out of everyone, and in doing so, was able to duplicate the intensity of the grievousness harbored in each side of the split African Nation.


All in all, it is a great film that tells an exhilarating story. It sends a necessary message about the importance of devotion and unity among a nation, and it does respect to the real life characters who strived to reach this unity.

My Rating: SPICY

The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009)

Directed by, Chris Weitz__Starring, Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner 


Movie number two in the new preteen cult classic series, "Twilight", based on the popular young adult novels. The "Twilight" saga, with the release of its second film, "New Moon," has now made it's name by stealing the third place spot for most money grossed by a film opening weekend. So, it must be an instant classic, yes? Well, it fell a bit short of MY expectations, which, were not soaring too high.


The sole reason this film has been so successful, is because it has the undying support of almost every female who ages from 7 to 25 years of age. how does it do it? The answer is simple, it feeds the hormones of young women all too conspicuously, using rippling male abdomens and OVER THE TOP melodrama. 


It was almost too painful to watch at times, and I try my best not to be harsh, (being that i value my life). The acting alone was too dry and bland, the actors/actresses seemed almost uninterested at times, as if they were applying no effort at conveying ANY emotion, and when they did show emotion, it was usually way over the top, and melodramatic. Had this aspect of the film alone been better, then it may not have been so agonizing to watch. But, the acting was terrible, and the script they were reading did not help. 


Now, I am not familiar with how the novel reads, so this is no negative blow towards the author, Stephanie Meyer. But, the screenplay had to be one of the most repetitive, and worst written all around, that i have seen in a while. Not only that, but nearly every time the script seemed to repeat itself, so did the entire scene. When the film continues to drag on the same mind-numbing conflict and dialouge between the characters, it simply grows dull and boring.


Now, looking at the positive elements of the film, there were a few interesting and exciting sequences. The special effects were, surprisingly, the saving point for the film. There were a few very exciting scenes with CG wolves that were done quite well. But, it seemed nearly every time there was a great scene like this, they would cut away too quickly, bringing us back to more dull melodramatic dialouge with Bella (our protagonist). Though there was one sequence that stood out above all others for me. It was a chase scene through a forest, and the contrast was deep and haunting mixed with slow but intense music. I was actually quite impressed at the artistic level displayed among the rest of the film, which was OVER DRAMATIC and agonizingly tedious.


All in all, Same movie as the first, different boy/monster. I found myself quiet at times when I was meant to be humored, and i found myself laughing at the poor attempts at drama. When a studio is making a film for the sole  purpose of targeting a key audience in order to gain as much profit as possible, and therefore putting the art of film aside, you end up with a poor film, that makes big bucks. 


(p.s.- I would not want my daughter watching this. The ridiculous amount of despair that is portrayed over something so small, like "breaking up" with a boy, is not healthy for young, and already highly emotional girl to see, and obsess over.)

My Rating: BLAND

The Fourth Kind (2009)

Directed by, Omar Osunsanmi__ Starring, Milla Jovovich.

Alien Abduction, True Story, REAL FOOTAGE! how do you take these three words, make a movie where they are the description, and leave the viewer walking away feeling less convinced? I don't know, just ask the makers of "The Fourth Kind." The Premise of this movie seems to be an attempt at provoking thought over whether or not aliens do exist, by using firsthand accounts on encounters made by a psychologist in Alaska. 


Not only did this film not convince me in the slightest, it also bored me to tears, and annoyed me greatly. Where to begin though...oh yes, lets start with the split screen. Throughout the film, there were reenactments of live footage from the events that took place. For some reason unknown to me, the director thought it would be a good idea to have, on one side of the screen, the reenactment of the video, and on the other, the real footage! ok, just pick one. Not only does the reenactment now serve no purpose, but the veiwer is now annoyed and/or laughing. Let's see, what else...oh yes, now let us take a look at the reenactments of abduction. Why am i paying 20 dollars to see this, when the reenactments are reminiscent of a low-budget history channel documentary? Slow motion, and a blurry screen does not make for a haunting abduction.


Now let us move away from the annoying parts of the film...and focus more on the unconvincing parts. When the real footage was shown, whenever alien phenomenon happened, the camera all too conveniently goes out of focus, and into fuzz, as if the alien forces have distorted it...really... Not only is the footage unconvincing, but at the end of the film it tells us that nearly all those involved with the "real" incidents in Alaska, refused any help to the making of the film. Which leaves us with one source, that of the widowed mother who lost a child (supposedly abducted), and frankly, She seems a bit crazy in her interviews. So, why don't we just make a movie about every whacked out hillbilly who claims alien abduction?


All in all, I think the film would have been much better had they just adapted the story into an exciting alien movie, and then maybe shown some of the real footage during the credits. Sure, that wouldn't have convinced anyone really, but neither did this. so all said, along with sub par acting by almost all involved (minus that of Elias Koteas and Will Patton), made for a film that was not too well thought out, and in turn, hard to watch.

My Rating: BLAND

The Road (2009)

Directed By: John Hillcoat__Starring: Viggo Mortensen

DESPERATION. That feeling overwhelms all other emotions in this film. Based on the the new american classic novel by Cormac McCarthy, it is the story of a father and a son fervently attempting to survive in a post apocalyptic world where most of mankind, or whats left of it, has turned savage and cannibal. Trust No One.


It is Rare when a movie follows a novel so closely, and Joe Penhall (screenwriter), achieves this. He juices the novel of its desperation, pain, anguish, and fear, and throws in a little more creating a script that enhances all the underlying morals, and surface emotion. When you take this brilliant adaptation and hand it over to a talented director like Hillcoat, you get a film that has the viewer walking away feeling truly impacted by the story.


The "look" of this film, is grey, barren, and dead. But, the thing is...it's not ugly. Thats how great the cinematography is. There are actually some very beautiful scenes between the man and his son (names purposely unknown), where the photography of the shot enhances the emotion expressed. It's simply amazing to me, that one could portray any beauty in such a horrific world. There are also many shots that in themselves are shocking, like a father and son walking down the middle of an empty freeway overpass, or a forest where not a single tree has been left standing for miles. I found these scenes to be quite haunting and thought provoking, and it is rare when a landscape shot alone can get you thinking. It really makes the viewer feel the sense of hopelessness, like, there really is no one left to turn to.


All in all, I smell Oscar noms. Not only for "Best Picture" or "Best Cinematography," but also a possible "Best Actor" nomination, but I am not quite sure for whom, because the performances of Mortensen, and young Australian newcomer Kodi Smit-McPhee (who portrays the boy), were both absolutely spectacular. And actually now that i think about it, a possible "Best Supporting Actor" might be in order for Robert Duvall, for his brief but impactful performance.


Awesome film, had me thinking about it for days, and when a film can have that kind of effect--you know it is gold.

My Rating- FLAMIN'

Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)

Directed By, Francis Ford Coppola__ Starring, Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder 

Okay, so with this new Vampire Craze that is sweeping the nation, i am sure there will be a lot of movie goers out there who will be looking for some classics to sink their fangs into! So i decided to help you out a little by doing a review on the most expensive vampire movie ever made. "DRACULA" the 1992 version was directed and envisioned by the legend behind "The Godfather", Francis Ford Coppola, but,unfortunately, it will not achieve the form of greatness that "The Godfather" did ,or any other form for that matter.


This film has to be the biggest letdown ever experienced for me. As a fan of the novel "Dracula," by Irish author Bram Stoker, i went in with high expectations. I knew there would be some changes here and there, and minor things would be left out, and yes, that is what happened. Along with one of the greatest desecrations of the story ever! 


Not only are the story, the characters, and the whole moral aspect of the novel changed for the movie, but it is also turned into what seems to be a soft core vampire porn at times! This all wouldn't have even bothered me like it does, had Coppola not put the name "Bram Stoker" in the title of the movie! Then i would have just walked away thinking, wow that was an odd movie, who thought a werewolf would wanna rape you? haha! now your intrigued! But alas, it is not worth it.


Given that the beginning was not half bad, that Gary Oldman (who played Dracula in this adaptation) did a fantastic job with what he was given, and that the whole visual aspect of the film was quite haunting and slightly impressive (This must be noted, because Coppola did a splendid job on the visual aspects of the film), I would not deem this a terrible film. But, the massacred story and the weird sex stuff was (for me) enough to distract from the positive.


All in all, for a fan of the classic novel, this movie will just anger you, so steer clear. but if you are an impartial veiwer looking for a CREEPY interpretation of one of the greatest horror stories ever told, then by all means, find a cheap way to see it. 

My Rating: BLAND-MILD 

ATONEMENT- (2007)

--Directed by, Joe Wright. Starring, Keira Knightly, James McAvoy--

Romance, Betrayal, Desire, Longing, and Passion. These words are often used to describe dramas and romantic films, and I feel they are thrown around all too loosely. So, when I use them now, to describe this film, you must note that I truly mean it. Especially that last word, passion. As I walked away from this film, I felt...a grip around me, a shortness of breath almost, like I had lost the love of my life. Not to be dramatic, but "Atonement" really captures that passion, better than any film I have ever seen, and it is able to do so because of the splendid performances by all the actors/actresses involved. Though all the actors did a fine job, I find the performance of James McAvoy to be the most captivating. What he feels, you feel, and when an actor is able to have that sort of an effect on you there is only one word to describe it, "Bravo."


The cinematography/look of this film is quite stunning as well. With wonderful landscape shots, and scenes of deep contrast and color, the visual aspect alone is a beautiful piece of artwork.


It is a story of lost love combined with the horrors of war, and when you hand that plot over to some very talented Directors, actors, and cinematographers you end up with a marvelous film, that sends a message, and truly has an impact on the viewer. "Atonement" deserved it's nomination for "Best Picture" at the Academy Awards. (too bad it was just such a great year for film, i.e. "No Country For Old Men" or it could have taken home the Oscar.)


All in all, If you really like a good drama about war and romance, and you love great photography, then watching this film will be like striking gold. Amazing Film, True Passion, ATONEMENT.

My Rating: FLAMIN'