Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

I really love what the Marvel Cinematic Universe has become. A modern depiction of our world with technological advancements all pointing in the right direction. From what I've seen, they do include your usual Hollywood cliches; to name a few, boy/girl afraid to express love, unrealistic fight scenes and action scenes. For example all these highly trained soldiers unable to hit Captain America with a single bullet? Come on.. but the general substance of the stories and other fine details outweigh this annoyance. I love anything that probes the thoughts of genetic advancements; scientific enhanced evolution, and aliens, which are prime underlying subject matter of this film. Also the special effects utilized to make Chris Evans appear skinny for a good chunk of the film were impressive. I look forward to the future this universe has to portray.

7.5/10

VERDICT: WATCH IT!

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

I was not a fan. I felt it was aimed at a much younger audience. Very poor CG, and overused. Felt like a video game at times, not a big budget feature film. Really nothing unique, new, or original to take with you from this 3 hour epitome of cliche; everything from the directing and characters down to the slow motion, "NOOOOOOOO'S". This might be a hit with every 6th grader... But some will have better taste than this.

4/10

VERDICT: WASTE OF TIME.

The Last Word (2008)

Wes Bentley played his character perfectly. The eye movement, mild expressions and tone of voice are point on. As did Winona Ryder and Ray Romano. This is the first feature film written and directed by Geoffrey Haley and I hope not his last. I thought it was a pretty entertaining dark romantic comedy.

6.5/10

VERDICT: IT'S WORTH A WATCH! 

Prometheus (2012)

The CG in this is superb. I spent the first few minutes of the intro wondering if it was in-fact CG. I was instantly sucked into the story; full of intrigue. I was on the edge of my couch and glued to the screen throughout the entire film. A great introduction to a hopefully epic story.

8/10

VERDICT: RENT DAT SHIT!

The Great Gatsby (2013)

This new rendition of The Great Gatsby is ridiculous; and believe me, I always try to see the best in things, old sport. The party scenes and music choices literally had me laughing out loud AT this film, not with it. An attempt at modernization of a vintage tale in all the wrong spots. Even some of the serious scenes felt overacted and unbelievable. With a budget of over 100 million I had expected much more elaborate costuming and sets. I did like the outfits that were used, but I just could not buy into all the digital settings. This is both a tragic story, and a tragedy for the film vault. I wish  Tim Burton would have directed a modernization of this, I can see Johnny Depp as Gatsby or even Nick.

5/10

VERDICT: SKIP IT

Human Traffic (1999)

"So many ideas. So little memory. The last thought killed with anticipation of the next."
I saw this for the first time 3 years ago and I remembered liking everything about it, so I purchased it tonight to see if it was still worthy. Written and directed by the awesome Justin Kerrigan. He portrays the mechanism of communication in a daunting glass door and shatters it with a blast of realness. There really is not a single dull moment to this flick. It's rolled fat and tight with unique, funny, chunks of dialogue that are all too true; and laced with a fresh stylistic direction. A bit dated now, but still, nothing but good vibes from this flick. I was surprised to see that Justin didn't put out another movie for 10 years. Apparently his producer fucked him over and didn't pay him any money that they received from the screenings or dvd releases. Kerrigan released "I Know You Know" in 2009 and I just bought it brand new without ever seeing it; just to support this guys talent. Hope it's not disappointing! ^_^

10/10

VERDICT: INSTANT CLASSIC! MUST WATCH!

Fando and Lis (Fando y Lis) (1968)

[SPOILER! SPOILER! SPOILER! SPOILER!]


"What would you do if you were a famous pianist and I cut off one of your arms?"
"I'd be a famous painter!"
This started out good. Bizarre mystical images and a story teller. I thought, dialogue in an Alejandro Jodorowsky flick? And story development?! And this early on?! I loved the whole intro and the love between Fando and Lis. Then... everything went sour. Fando turned out to be a psychotic fucking asshole, apparently they messed up when they supposedly took the madness stone out of his head when he was a child. I don't like hating the main character of a movie. And of course the story just stopped explaining itself and decided to just happen and rely on imagery in a manner that only Jodorowsky can think of. His first feature length film, and his worst, which is expected. His imagery becomes more bizarre and beautiful in his later works.

4/10

VERDICT: SKIP IT

Batman Returns (1992)

I was a little hesitant to watch this after watching the first Batman from 1989; which I gave 5/10. It has just become outdated with The Dark Knight releases. But much to my delight, I was pleasantly surprised. Daniel Waters serves up a hilariously awesome screenplay blotted with a surprising amount of straight foreword adult humor. The characters are all fun. Mix that in with Tim Burton's always unique sets, and this feature turns out to be a real treat. Danny Elfman provides the soundtrack which I had mixed feelings about this time. The theme and the intense parts felt right, but some of the scenes seemed like he was fumbling with the instruments... experimenting might be a better word. Regardless, great flick!

9/10

VERDICT: DEF WORTH A WATCH!

S. Darko (2009)

This movie had potential, but it failed. It is a useless unnecessary film based on the world created in Donnie Darko. Nothing new is brought to the 'Donnie Darko realm'. Instead it leaves you with even more questions than you have going into it, and the questions left unresolved pertain to this story only. This does not deserve to be called a sequel to Donnie Darko. It dies as soon as it starts breathing. I was thinking during the first 40 minutes or so that this movie does not deserve the terrible rating and reviews it has gotten... Then I watched the rest of it and understood. The only thing keeping this film at the generous four/ten star/rating is some of the dialogue which I found amusing.

4/10

VERDICT: DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME ON THIS ONE!

The Matrix Trilogy

The matrix trilogy is one of the greatest works of science fiction to date. It's production has greatly evolved the realm of special effects in film, which get exponentially better through Revolutions. A cautionary tale to our generation about the power and potential that can be achieved through AI. A real revolutionary concept for the mind. You will question your reality. If you are unfamiliar with The Matrix, I highly suggest you upgrade your brain by watching this trilogy. Temet nosce ;)

The Matrix: 8/10

The Matrix Reloaded: 8/10

The Matrix Revolutions: 9/10

Trilogy: 9/10

VERDICT: THIS IS A MUST WATCH TRILOGY!

The Matrix
The Matrix Reloaded
The Matrix Revolutions

El Topo (1970)

Alejandro Jodorowsky provides an all you can consume buffet of imagery for your emotional palette. The music encompasses the imagery perfectly. This seems like some sort of strange prequel to The Holy Mountain, which I think now will make a lot more sense. Language, though lightly used, seems to be unnecessary in these strange works of humanly universal art. Jodorowsky's tales are very confusing in parts, but regardless, he is truly an original master of cinema.

6.8/10

VERDICT: ADD ALL JODOROWSKY FILMS TO YOUR COLLECTION!

Spring Breakers (2012)

Harmony Korine films are like the secret show in the backroom that I have to pay to see even though I know it will be a waste of time. If the screenplay and plot were humans they would be diseased with muscular dystrophy, weak and slow moving; which is the trend in most Harmony Korine films. There is quite a bit of repeated dialogue to fill the silence of the over used montage scenes which are there to try and accommodate for the poor screenplay. This movie WAS directed beautifully, some great visually appealing shots, and no I don't just mean all the ass and titties. I enjoyed the dark neon vibrant scenes. I'd love to see Harmony direct a movie with a brilliant plot and screenplay for a change... But I will still watch every movie he makes.. It's a curse. The best thing I watched on this Blu-ray is the VICE special featurette on the ATL Twins. I had never heard of them before this, but they seem like a couple cool dudes.

4/10

VERDICT: SKIP IT

Cannibal Holocaust (1980)

[SPOILER! SPOILER! SPOILER! SPOILER!]

[EXPLICIT CONTENT!]

[THE MOST BANNED FILM IN THE WORLD!]

This is one of the most controversial films ever made, and rightfully so. A very disturbing, yet very well put together 'mockumentary'. So well in fact that I am still unsure whether parts of the footage were acted or not. There is obvious animal murder; a very gruesome scene of a turtle being slain. And the scene where a female is skewered on a post also looked real, which is freaky. The only thing that convinced me that the penis being cut off and death of the film crew was staged is the fact that the actors are apparently still alive. The cast had to sign a contract saying they would disappear for a year after shooting to add to the films controversy, which was quickly remedied when the director, Ruggero Deodato, was arrested for murder weeks after its showing. Despite all the gruesome explicit scenes, the story and moral of this film are great. A unique contrast of city life to that of the jungle life. Complete with an original, enjoyable sound composition by Riz Ortolani.

CLICK HERE FOR OFFICIAL VERIFICATION OF WHAT WAS REAL AND FAKE

7/10

VERDICT: WATCH IF YOU CAN STOMACH IT

An Evening with P. Oswalt [AKA Patton Oswalt: Werewolves and Lollipops] (2007)

"I'm gonna fill your hoo haw with goof juice!"

This feels more like a film starring only Patton Oswalt, than a stand up comedy special. The small club atmosphere provided by the 40 Watt Club, which accurately describes the lighting, makes it seem so much more organic than a large venue. The creative intro devised by Patton Oswalt and Henry Owings also add to the unique feel of this stand up special, making it appear to be in Pattons private performance chamber. If you've never heard Patton Oswalt before you are in for a real treat. This was my first exposure to this comedic being and certainly not my last. I found this for rent on Netflix, however this video was an accompaniment of his CD.

9/10

VERDICT: GO BUY HIS CD/DVD!

Hell Ride (2008)

Larry Bishops writing/directing felt like the pyrite version of Quentin Tarantino's golden style. The elements were all there, gore, seemingly badass characters with just as seemingly badass character intros, and the sixty\seventies sounding oldschool soundtrack (Because we all know Tarantino is all about the old school...). However, the elements were... lacking (other than the soundtrack). The weak plot may be the culprit. It felt like it was trying to be bigger and better than it actually is. There were some sexy scenes worth noting, but all in all, nothing too exciting in this picture.

5/10

VERDICT: SKIP IT

Harold & Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay (2008)

The good thing about comedies is you can get away with almost anything, as long as it's funny. Take off your logical glasses of reality and look through the unrealistic ludicrous scenarios and just laugh. It does have some dumb childish jokes as filler, but overall I found myself laughing throughout most of the film. The soundtrack is good too, almost every song is about sex and or marijuana which are the roots of this movie.

6.5/10

VERDICT: WORTH A WATCH!

Pee-Wee's Big Adventure (1985)

A zany tribute to James Bond. Pee-Wee Herman is a super-genius-man-child and a loner; a rebel. This is a very fun, quirky film; exploding with original comedy for humans of most ages, about Pee-Wee Herman on a search for his stolen bike. There is a verbal sort of magic rooted throughout the film. Danny Elfman orchestrates a perfectly choreographed medley of tunes to whirl you through the scenes. A true marriage of styles between Tim Burton, Danny, and Paul Reubens. Also, this is the only movie I have seen where a dog argues with a human on the phone.

VERDICT: WATCH IT IF YOU HAVEN'T AS AN ADULT. AND IF YOU'RE NOT AN ADULT, WATCH IT ANYWAY :)

8/10

Citizen Kane (1941)

[MILD SPOILERS]

What is your greatest desire? What is your purpose? These are just some of the elements of your being that Citizen Kane sets its scopes on before leaving you with the ever fleeting, 'What if?'. A powerful original soundtrack guides you  through the life of one of the wealthiest men on Earth who acquires everything he has ever wanted (or so it seems). The cinematography is exceptional for the time period. Orson Welles utilizes some very unique camera shots. Some sets were quite beautiful, there were lots of cool doors. The star door was my favorite.. Orson was a true visionary to be able to Write/Produce/Direct and star in his own vision. I feel this movie has more to be soaked up out of it by my brain in a future dunk.

7.5/10

VERDICT: ADD IT TO YOUR QUEUE!

Mister Lonely (2007)

"You can live forever! And you too! And you! And you! And you!" That's one of my favorite scenes (embedded below ;). A Michael Jackson impersonator meets a Marilyn Monroe impersonator and she invites him to come live on an impersonator commune. This must be Harmony Korines least disgusting film (That I've seen). A beautiful tale about finding who you are... or rather, who you are not. Uplifting at times, and strange... and sad. No doubt an enjoyable watch with a soundtrack to soothe a lonely soul.

7/10

VERDICT: WORTH A WATCH!

The Place Beyond The Pines (2013)

[SPOILER! SPOILER! SPOILER! SPOILER! DO NOT READ IF YOU PLAN TO WATCH!]

This adrenaline infused film starts with a very cool opening scene without a single cut, ending in the motorcycle ball of death. I wish the director would have kept up with this style, but I didn't notice anything else worth mentioning on the direction side, though I will check out Derek Cianfrance's other films. I went into this feature without reading anything except, "stunt motorcyclist robs banks" and the 2h20m runtime, so I was shocked when Gosling died early in. I like how Derek Cianfrance showed the aftermath that one death can have, he took the movie in a direction that caught me completely off guard. The characters are all realistic and believable. This was a great cast for Gosling, he pulls off the 'man of few words' character nicely. I think he almost broke character while doing his high pitched  'get on the fuckin floor' voice in one of the scenes. During the first bank robbery I thought my heart was going to pound it's way through my rib cage, but it doesn't stop there. This film triggers a lot of emotion while telling a very unique story.

VERDICT: WATCH IT ON THE BIG SCREEN!

7.75/10

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

"Right now we are alive and in this moment I swear we are infinite."
I liked this movie, but with mixed feelings. There is a common symptom films set in high school (Chronicle, for example) suffer from that leaves them feeling so... unbelievable, for lack of a better word. Maybe it's the cliches or the overdeveloped characters with flaws that shouldn't be there. Regardless, the story is good and the characters were fun. I found it funny how Charlie gets high and suddenly 'wakes up'. A really likeable (likable?) group of actors. I haven't read the book, but it's cool to see an author make a movie about his own novel.

6.75/10

VERDICT: WORTH A WATCH!