status: 2010; in theaters
rating: * * * (an extra star for the ending) (3 out of 5 stars)
Ok, ok. I know its Saw 7 and I know its absurd, but I went this far and had to finish it. I have to admit it was better than 5 and 6 in my opinion. I spent most of the film laughing because of ridiculousness of the acting, traps, situations and level of gore. Spikes through the face, spinning saw blades, fishhooks, plyers; all pieces in the final set of traps. The return of Mr. Carey Elwes was one redeeming thing in this "final" chapter. I won't say how the ending unfolded, but it was kinda cool how they tied it all up.
Now, if only Hollywood would just stop and leave this franchise alone I'll be happy.
P.S. 3D was completely unnecessary.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Doghouse
status: 2009; on dvd
rating: 0 stars
I wouldn't normally do this, but just so no one else has to suffer I need this posted.
This movie sucked on a massive level. DO NOT see it!
That is all.
rating: 0 stars
I wouldn't normally do this, but just so no one else has to suffer I need this posted.
This movie sucked on a massive level. DO NOT see it!
That is all.
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest
status: released in Sweden in 2009; in select theaters
rating: * * * (3 out of 5 stars)
The conclusion to the "Millennium Trilogy" was a bit of a let down. The first movie set the scene with introducing the viewer to Lisbeth with a striking series of events. The second movie framed up Lisbeth as a killer, only to have her freed from that while unraveling her past. The third movie however failed to live up to my expectation.
"The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest" is told in a more "courtroom drama" style than anything, which makes it a bit dull. There are a lot of politics and story telling in order to square away the truth about Lisbeth's past. The movie's tail-end displays some action/violence to entice the viewer a little, but it feels a too little too late.
I have to admit Noomi Rapace and Micheal Nyquist still put on great performances. I did enjoy that the story finally came together, but I do wish it was a bit more fulfilling as its predecessors.
rating: * * * (3 out of 5 stars)
The conclusion to the "Millennium Trilogy" was a bit of a let down. The first movie set the scene with introducing the viewer to Lisbeth with a striking series of events. The second movie framed up Lisbeth as a killer, only to have her freed from that while unraveling her past. The third movie however failed to live up to my expectation.
"The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest" is told in a more "courtroom drama" style than anything, which makes it a bit dull. There are a lot of politics and story telling in order to square away the truth about Lisbeth's past. The movie's tail-end displays some action/violence to entice the viewer a little, but it feels a too little too late.
I have to admit Noomi Rapace and Micheal Nyquist still put on great performances. I did enjoy that the story finally came together, but I do wish it was a bit more fulfilling as its predecessors.
Monday, September 13, 2010
The Road
Status: DVD 2009
Rating: ** (2 Stars)
When are they just going to die? That is all I thought through this entire movie. Its never good to wish death upon your main characters. When they die the movie ends, but in this case the movie ending prematurely would have been an improvement. The movie was slow and boring. I must have gotten up a half a dozen times to go to the fridge, and another handful of times to the little girls room, and yet missed nothing.
I believe it was put best by my friend Rich, "I feel like I just got done balancing my check book..."
Favorite scene: Finding Spam.
Rating: ** (2 Stars)
When are they just going to die? That is all I thought through this entire movie. Its never good to wish death upon your main characters. When they die the movie ends, but in this case the movie ending prematurely would have been an improvement. The movie was slow and boring. I must have gotten up a half a dozen times to go to the fridge, and another handful of times to the little girls room, and yet missed nothing.
I believe it was put best by my friend Rich, "I feel like I just got done balancing my check book..."
Favorite scene: Finding Spam.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Machete
status: in theaters
rating: * * * * (4 out of 5 stars)
Robert Rodriguez's newest "Mexploitation" film fills the over-the-top, ridiculous nature of exploitation films to a "T". Danny Trejo in his first starring role shows that he can rip up the screen the way fans knew he could. The film is filled with graphic decapitations, a number of sex scenes (complete with porno music), and plenty of throwbacks to the grindhouse days.
Rounding out the cast is Steven Seagal, Jessica Alba, Michelle Rodriguez, Robert De Niro, Jeff Fahey and a number of faces Robert has used in the past. Together this group makes for an in-your-face, absurd ride into bloody cinema. I couldn't have been more pleased with Machete. Thanks to the fans of the trailer aired in Grindhouse, this film saw the light of day. It would've been unfortunate for this one to fall between the cracks. Robert keep 'em comin'!
rating: * * * * (4 out of 5 stars)
Robert Rodriguez's newest "Mexploitation" film fills the over-the-top, ridiculous nature of exploitation films to a "T". Danny Trejo in his first starring role shows that he can rip up the screen the way fans knew he could. The film is filled with graphic decapitations, a number of sex scenes (complete with porno music), and plenty of throwbacks to the grindhouse days.
Rounding out the cast is Steven Seagal, Jessica Alba, Michelle Rodriguez, Robert De Niro, Jeff Fahey and a number of faces Robert has used in the past. Together this group makes for an in-your-face, absurd ride into bloody cinema. I couldn't have been more pleased with Machete. Thanks to the fans of the trailer aired in Grindhouse, this film saw the light of day. It would've been unfortunate for this one to fall between the cracks. Robert keep 'em comin'!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Fantastic Mr. Fox
status: 2009; on dvd
rating: (an unexpected) * * * * (4 out of 5 stars)
I held off from watching this until now, despite my love for Wes Anderson, because of it's seemingly lame, family-friendly nature. I can honestly say that I should not doubt Wes Anderson's brilliant visions. Starring the voices of many familiar faces from Wes' body of work (plus the infamous George Clooney), Fantastic Mr. Fox has everything that makes a movie a joy to behold.
Using the platform of being a PG movie and still making it very funny/witty for adults is no easy task. Wes replacing swears with "cuss" is a good example. Also, the style in which the film is presented is beautiful. I was admittedly unsure if I would enjoy this, but the stop-motion animation was great.
Bottom line, say to yourself "What the Cuss?!" and watch Fantastic Mr. Fox to see for yourself.
rating: (an unexpected) * * * * (4 out of 5 stars)
I held off from watching this until now, despite my love for Wes Anderson, because of it's seemingly lame, family-friendly nature. I can honestly say that I should not doubt Wes Anderson's brilliant visions. Starring the voices of many familiar faces from Wes' body of work (plus the infamous George Clooney), Fantastic Mr. Fox has everything that makes a movie a joy to behold.
Using the platform of being a PG movie and still making it very funny/witty for adults is no easy task. Wes replacing swears with "cuss" is a good example. Also, the style in which the film is presented is beautiful. I was admittedly unsure if I would enjoy this, but the stop-motion animation was great.
Bottom line, say to yourself "What the Cuss?!" and watch Fantastic Mr. Fox to see for yourself.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
The Girl Who Played with Fire
status: released in Sweden in 2009; in select theaters
rating: * * * * (4 out of 5)
In the sequel to "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo", we follow our goth heroine on a much more aggressive road. Lisbeth gets framed for three murders and one of the only people that believe she is innocent, Blomkvist, cannot find her. She's been traveling abroad, but keeping tabs on certain people.
The story unravels more of her past in a bit of a Jason Bourne way. You see snippets of her tortured past in her dreams. This movie follows Lisbeth a bit more closely, seeing that she is being hunted. The performances by Noomi and Michael are still just as powerful and fierce as its predecessor. I am definitely looking forward to this tale's conclusion.
rating: * * * * (4 out of 5)
In the sequel to "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo", we follow our goth heroine on a much more aggressive road. Lisbeth gets framed for three murders and one of the only people that believe she is innocent, Blomkvist, cannot find her. She's been traveling abroad, but keeping tabs on certain people.
The story unravels more of her past in a bit of a Jason Bourne way. You see snippets of her tortured past in her dreams. This movie follows Lisbeth a bit more closely, seeing that she is being hunted. The performances by Noomi and Michael are still just as powerful and fierce as its predecessor. I am definitely looking forward to this tale's conclusion.
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