sirvertual Reviews

The Way Back (I) (2010)

Study the Time period and history of this B4 U GO...BUT SEE IT...

[7/10 · 8 June 2011]

Great Filming...incredible views of very realistic(?) surroundings which you can imagine must look pretty damn foreign to anyone walking there for the 1st (or 10th) time...In places it reminded me of crossing the Salt Flats...where you look down and you're traveling at 110MPH! without realizing it at all...Look in the distance at a certain mountain (that doesn't look THAT far away, then 45 minutes later you see the same mountain in the distance...like standing still at 110MPH...Regardless though, the performances are all top notch in this film...Not quite an Epic film, as it lacks the intensity of the moment scenarios as with a film like uhh, Hidalgo(?)- the story of the half-breed, down & out, Spiritually LOST horseman who travels to Arabia (after a dare/insult to compete with his horse for the prize money to redeem himself (to himself) & the Native People known as the great horse culture...Well, this film lacks those intense 'of the moment' scenes which keep you on your toes... Unless you know the history of this time (in this place) and in these circumstances, you may find yourself 'looking away' from time to time...So to really 'enjoy' all this film has to offer, it's well worth it to do a little research (if that's your thing) and get the most out of a really good, well done film that offers several moments that will take you to many different places (both geographically...and within your own heart and mind)...My best advice?...Google it, read about it...and then go rent it, but watch it just the same!...

Kindest Regards, All!...

T~

Iron Man 2 (2010)

was just settling in to a plot/storyline...

[4/10 · 10 November 2010]

...and by the time I was ready for a twist or something of a plot, well there was a fight of robots going on and the credits began to roll...I actually went back through the scene menu to make sure I hadn't missed an entire chapter (or three)...But sure enough, I'd 'witnessed' this entire (very straightforward) flick...So, my advice is to either have your popcorn and drinks ready to roll before hitting the start button because you really don't have the time to go for snacks...The movie will be over and you'll have missed the on screen action...but at least you wouldn't have missed any type of storyline, because it's just not there to begin with...I'd think this is the end of the Iron Man 'series' as apparently they really have nothing else to say about it...I felt like I'd seen an episode of 'Modern Marvels' or something along those lines, but not 'really a movie' (with a story, any twists, turns or other stimuli) Like you might expect in what most people cal 'a Movie'...take it or leave it on this one either way, you aren't getting a lot...

Papillon (1973)

A movie soo good, it literally sets the standard for all other dramatic films of the era...

[10/10 · 17 March 2010]

I really have to state my opinion as: 'A movie soo good, it literally sets the standard for all other dramatic films of the era'...It really is that good...the Proverbial 'Lightning in a Bottle'...

I saw this film as a young person upon it's release at a 'real' theatre...(meaning, an old theatre located in a prominent uptown setting (before urban malls had killed most small towns and UPTOWNS / DOWNTOWNS were really the center of all activity within a city's limits)...This wonderful place (where previously I'd only seen the release of 'H.R. Puff' N' Stuff'!), a single-screen huge-theatre 'complete with a real balcony...At any rate, it was as a wonderful place to really be engulfed in 'whatever' was presently headlining...I saw all the Bond films from the late 60's thru the 70's there and several others, BUT NONE could compare to the all encompassing story of Papillon...There's really nothing about this movie that anyone could complain about (regardless of how finicky)...In fact, This is probably the only film which one can only 'sing it's praises'...a true landmark of a film, no matter of when it was made, fine acting from the best in the business Steve McQueen doesn't need any bragging, nor does Dustin Hoffman...or for that matter any of the other casting selections...Just about as perfect as it can get!... As a side-note...which I have always found to be very 'weird'...Dustin Hoffman, with all the success this film brought him (and he to the film)...has never acknowledged...EVER...his time with Steve McQueen or their 'Butch & Sundance' equivalent performances in this landmark-film...It's as though it never existed for him...I may be wrong (completely), but I have never, ever seen him or even heard of him mentioning Steve McQueen or Papillon...and considering the magnitude of this film and their performances, I personally find that (as I stated)...nothing short of Weird!...

Echelon Conspiracy (2009)

Another 'forgettable' conspiracy

[3/10 · 5 November 2009]

Here we go again...a definite 'B'Movie...masquerading around as something it'd (definitely) not...I just watched this the night before last and I already can't remember what it's really about...It's just a mediocre script...portrayed by mediocre talent...leaving us with a mediocre (at best) film...and easily forgettable, at best...It's not even among the top 100 of the similar storlines in the sea of conspiracy oriented movies...as a contrast, look at Mel Gibson's Conspiracy movie and judge it by that movie as the benchmark...made a decade earlier, a hundred explosions less, 10,000 miles less traveled and still we have a totally forgettable film here, by totally forgettable cast members...It's just not worth any effort...unless that might just be pushing the button on a remote (on a rainy Sunday afternoon, playing in the background while you sneak in a nap)...Otherwise 'save your coin'...and 'your time'...otherwise, it's just a conspiracy to get your money...even if it's a dollar from you at the Redbox (which is still 'TOO MUCH!...

Land of the Lost (2009)

Wil at his best!

[9/10 · 5 November 2009]

To anyone who didn't see Wil Ferrel's genius in his Saturday Night Live performances, well you're missing an element of humanity that cannot be implanted or explained...you're probably the same people who didn't recognize the hilarious genius of this film either...IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE A SUPER SILLY, LAUGH OUT LOUD FLICK...AND IT SURPASSED THIS GOAL IN EVERY WAY!...FOR THOSE WHO SAW THE GENIUS I'M SPEAKING OF..BRAVO!...'GOOD FORM EVERYONE!'...'DON'T BE AFRAID TO POINT YOUR TOES!'...This movie is extremely well written...(FOR WIL FERREL)...and doesn't disappoint from start to finish... If you are in the mood for a silly, silly movie with lot's of laughs > This is exactly what the Doctor (Rick Marshall) ordered! ...DON'T MISS THIS ONE UNLESS YOU ARE SO STUCK UP THAT EVEN LOADS OF FIBER IN YOUR DIET WON'T HELP, THEN MAYBE YOU ARE BEYOND HELP!..OTHERWISE, DON'T MISS THIS FLICK...In short, IT'S SIMPLY HILARIOUS...SIMPLY SILLY AND REALLY FUN & REALLY FUNNY!!!

The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009)

Uhhh, we lost the script, but I think we can make it anyway...

[2/10 · 5 November 2009]

This movie finally made up my mind about something that has been bothering me for some time...would I rather watch a movie with big names or a movie with some unknown actors in the lead roles...and it comes down to 'whether they lost the darn script or not'...This one really pushes my last nerve though...Not only did the apparently lose the script, but these guys are obviously so sure of themselves that they feel they can move on ahead an just 'fake it'...because surely with the promos, people will buy tickets and they'll get paid anyway...this is without question a joke of a movie...without any jokes...The beginning teases you that this is gonna' be an involved, crime mystery, action flick...that less than midway...becomes obvious it's a 'running through the paces, 2nd rate script (if they had one at all)...That's nothing more than a predictable and EXTREMELY BORING MOVIE...NOT NEARLY WORTH THE FILM...and could easily have been done on a hand-held camcorder with the same results and BORING OUTCOME...NO WONDER IT FOUND ITSELF AT THE REDBOX ONLY WEEKS AFTER THEATRICAL RELEASE...THESE GUYS JUST DROPPED SEVERAL LEVELS DOWN ON MY ' MUST SEE METER'...Complete and utter junk for a film...not impressed...Uhhh, disappointed says it better...

Humanity's End (2008 Video)

The Redbox special...

[5/10 · 28 September 2009]

It's probably exactly what you expect..Rarely do films actually 'Surprise!' you these days...with all the hype given to any movie (regardless of how odd or bad) with a large budget, you get an idea of the movie...especially after a few reviews, what your friends say, and so on and so on....Well the same goes for these movies...the one's you 'Don't' hear about...You don't see the 'stars making the rounds on all thee late night talk shows, promoting their newest flick (& always pretending they have 'no-idea' what the clip is they brought with them)...So these films end up in the usual places...the bargain bins, the blockplaces will have a single copy (usually) and then there's Redbox...who unlike most places, let's you know upfront they have a mixture of the the best movies as they're released and tell you honestly that they have some genuine 'B'- movies...So, yeah, rent this one if you like sci-fi flicks, realizing it was done on a less than stellar budget and cut everyone involved with it some slack...The great thing about it is 'You might just find a real gem' among the 'B'-Movies available, but don't expect it...This has some good points and some low spots...But then again, keep in mind it had a 'B' budget too...

Horton Hears a Who! (2008)

Good Show..(finally) Worthy of Suess in 2009...

[9/10 · 9 June 2009]

A good show...for practically anyone...er' any age, I mean...for a lot of folks (even an ol' buzzard)...it'll be: " Emotional...Well, here come the water-slide"...This script is crafted so well, inter-weaved with everything from outright lessons to some 'nearly subliminal' messages..."So let that be a lesson to one and to all...a person's a person - no matter how small"...

I developed & created a natl. (weekly) TV show's 3-D graphics & animations (several years ago while '3-D for broadcast was still in it's 'infancy')...Basically, a corporate situation, they bought an expen$I've computer and the expen$I've software, hired a single artist (me) & expected 'immediate-magic'...My point is (even though I 'did' accomplish some darn-good animations (in record-time & by-myself), Although I have followed all the 3_D animated feature$ that have come along in the last 15-years, I WAS COMPLETELY 'BLOWN-AWAY' BY THE ABSOLUTE-INFINITE QUALITY & METICULOUS-MIRACULOUS ATTENTION TO DETAIL THE ANIMATION-'TEAM' HAS ACCOMPLISHED IN THIS FILM...(regardless of whether you like 'the 3-D medium or not, & regardless of the state-of-the-art of 3-D software 'today', this is really 'high-art' and truly a must-see film...).

If you have children, 'Buy the movie' (as something new will be seen and learned in every viewing...If you're just looking for a quality flick to watch: 'rent this movie'.Either way, don't miss a moment (which is an eternity in 3-D speech!)... Bottom line is: It's well-worth the watch and the quality is all over this one...a classic adaptation of a classic master...

Milk (I) (2008)

Should've been a great documentary film...instead...

[4/10 · 25 March 2009]

Yes, this entire story would've been done much more justice (for those seeking the true story - versus another: 'Based on a True Story' movie)...

I also think the film was given much more merit / credit simply because of the subject matter combined with the tremendous amount of hype dedicated to this film's debut.

I would really have liked to have seen this true-story covered as an in-depth / informative documentary rather than a theatrical film, because of just that...

It's a true story...

Bangkok Dangerous (2008)

nicholas cage in another melodramatic narrative storyline...

[5/10 · 21 January 2009]

bangkok predictable...this would have been as effective as a pop-up type book...perhaps with a narrative tape telling the story...I'm really bored with this type of project from nicholas cage...It's just so monotone and predictable...it's best described as 'purposely detached storytelling'...It almost appears that it's a labor to narrate the story...Of course, because of his previous body of work, people will pay to see his movies...regardless of the content, story, the reviews or whatever...but this is just enough of the same...I'm bored watching it...there are literally millions of folks who worry daily (including me) about how to pay all the bills each month, so I feel a little guilty about complaining about a movie where millions of dollars are spent destroying perfectly usable property (in the name of entertainment...assuming the last eight years have left you with anything to pay on...all in the name of getting a film together...At least, with this much money being spent, it seems like EVERYONE would be giving it their all to produce the best thing they are capable of...Let's just hope this isn't the best thing cage is capable of...Maybe try letting someone else narrate the story???...Heck, I'll read the lines for pennies per word (cosidering it's at least a few paragraphs (and I get screen credit!)...The point is, this approach just doesn't work (more than a few times, by the same actor)...so TRY SOMETHING ELSE...PLEASE!...

A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints (2006)

no, no...sorry...it's just not what it shoulda' been...

[5/10 · 21 January 2009]

It's easy to see what they were shooting for and it coulda' been successful...BUT, it just fell short in several areas...several areas that when added up, make it a failure for the movie it was, coulda' been...a various mixture of issues...not just a single issue or even a couple, but several that definitely combine to throw this film a bit off track...and results in a theatre experience that leaves you with a series of let downs....too bad too...as it really could have been a good film experience...I almost feel like there may have been a little too much 'power' left to the actors, versus being directed to a cohesive finished product with a story told by one story-teller's view (an accomplished director)...instead, I feel like I was seeing each actors take on the film...without the direction that would have brought this film into a solid cohesive project...needless to say, I left feeling a bit underwhelmed at a story that was a bit too 'disjointed' to make it the success it really could have been...

100 Million BC (2008 Video)

Hard to believe, but it's as bad( (OR WORSE) than everyone says...

[1/10 · 17 January 2009]

100 Million B.C....'A team of time-travelers journey into the past and unwittingly bring back a bloodthirsty dinosaur to modern-day Los Angeles. As this prehistoric menace roams the city streets, the feeding frenzy begins'...OK...his is a plot that definitely would make a great movie...(for me anyway, this type of stuff interests me and I'll watch about anything associated with these topics)...Almost anything, that is!...I've discovered I have a limit to what I'll watch...regardless of the plot, actors, topics, whatever...In 1989 I began working with an early animation system for broadcast TV. Realizing there were some boundaries of what I could actually accomplish within the time constraints of producing & art directing a weekly Natl. TV program, I designed the animation and graphics that were of the highest quality I was capable of (with this 'state of the art' computer animation system, with it's maximum 20 KILOBYTES of memory)...The animations and graphics I designed 20 years ago still 'look good' for their intended usage...At any rate, I absolutely 'hated' the look of computer generated 'realistic' subject matter...especially life forms....everything looked like it was just that: a computer generated representation of a living form (the fake video game look)...So I kept my animations to subject matter that worked within the confines of the system...and 'WERE SUCCESSFUL for their purposes!'...Only the 'COMPLETE OPPOSITE' can be said about this..UHH, 'MOVIE(?)...(concerning the CGI)...Putting aside the fact that the story, the acting, the set, art direction, etc, etc are all extremely poor quality (making this title 'ONE TO AVOID'...The ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE 'claymation(?)' miniatures and stop-motion(?) procedures used are nothing short of absolute garbage for this application...On the other hand, had this effort been utilized in a Sunday afternoon 'CLAY-DAVEY' for kids short, it would be 'acceptable (especially if it had a 1969 production date on the reel)...But to look at this footage in an editing suite and even consider this is (even remotely) passable for 'lifelike movement' in a 21st century film...well, it's just 'inexcusable'...This is 'without question' a complete disregard for the viewer...Regardless of the situation, the schedule, etc. (anything)...This P.O.S. should have been shelved until it could have been re-edited with 'at least' some (halfway) decent CG (at the very least)...Instead, it was distributed, complete with a CD cover to unsuspecting 'real people' who had to take their 'real money' and 'pay' to see this poor excuse for a movie...At its best...it's motivated me to finally start working (again) on my screenplay...If this empty, disjointed series of 'scenes' can be printed, packaged and marketed, then maybe I still have a shot at (at least) getting my screenplay 'read'...I can guarantee it would be a much more enjoyable watch than this junk that made it all the way to distribution with generated revenues...It almost sounds like another scam that came out of the last 8 years' administrations activities and put on the public...Otherwise, I really can't imagine how it went so far...IN SHORT: JUST AVOID THIS ...Rent the Original KING KONG...or even an early Godzilla title (with subtitles)...

Blackout (IV) (2008)

Another poor screenplay...another poor movie...

[2/10 · 14 January 2009]

Lacking a storyline, it must be difficult to develop a movie...Add poor acting to an incredibly poor screenplay and the result is 'Blackout'...The entire storyline of this movie could have (should have) been a single scene within a real movie... I'm not sure what the point to this movie was ...or if it even tried to have one, except perhaps that even semi-ordinary people can be horrible human beings...Three losers get stuck on a rickety old elevator and one is a murderous a-hole, while the other two are simply uncaring jerks...This one's not even worth a watch on TV...Just a poor, long, drawn-out scene that literally 'goes nowhere'...(except down)...Avoid this one...just wait on the next one...it would have to be better than this...

The Bucket List (2007)

Find the joy...In your time with this one...

[8/10 · 3 November 2008]

The Bucket List - (Referring to when he's asked his name:) "Uhh, It's actually 'Matthew'...but he finds that too Biblical"...hehe...and that's just a sample of the dialogue in this (yes, predictable...yet emotionally hinting) film, referring to Sean Hayes' character (from Jack Nicholson's portrayal of the 'ultra-ego & ultra-mega-rich Edward Cole...However, that's only a minuscule sampling of the of one-liners that make this quite enjoyable and (without-question) worth watching...

Morgan Freeman (as always) carries his 'developed' Carter Chambers character as well as...well, as well as you'd expect Morgan to...You really don't see Morgan Freeman...You get to know Carter Chambers through the small snippets here and there, its his private expressions that really let you into who he is...So even if you're not usually a softy-feely-movie type person, The Bucket List is still a flick you shouldn't miss... Morgan Freeman has always been one of my favorite actors, (if not my favorite) for obvious reasons which I feel certain (as box office receipts prove) are shared with many, many others...Nevertheless, I'm obviously somewhat prejudiced here, regardless...It would be easy to sit through two hours of something as mundane as a herd of penguins walking around in the white abyss, as long as Morgan Freeman was narrating...Oh wait a sec...been there, done that...But, to prove my point; it was a step-by-step (literally) look into the lives and reproduction processes of penguins that (I don't think) I would have sat through (without a short power-nap), otherwise...*In all seriousness, it was really fascinating and Morgan Freeman only made it even more so with his distinctive voice and concise manner...

Edward: " You're shitting me." Carter Replies: " No, the cats beat me to it! "...and another bucket list item bites the dust...(Laugh until You Cry...)

Of course I have no idea how much make-up or pre-filming character work Nicholson did to 'get ready to look sick', but I must say 'it was a little 'startling' to see him and all his 'few extra pounds'...Maybe its been longer than I realize since 'The Departed' was filmed???...but he sure has changed in look since playing the part of Harry Sanborn in 2003's Something's Gotta Give...really a dramatic difference in appearance.

"95% of the people are always wrong"...there's another (sorrowfully truthful, however) remark that'll make this a treasure trove of quotes that you can use for about any situation...Heck you'll look like the fastest car in the garage whipping out smartarse remarks like a

I just hope those were POS 'junk cars' they were smashing-up on the track...there's some things you just shouldn't do...regardless of the budget!

" Our lives are streams flowing into the same river towards whatever heaven lies in the mist beyond the falls...Find the joy in your life ________________."

P.S...This is definitely one of the movies that may be even more enjoyable at home...versus the theater...So you can take your time and really enjoy the dialogue between these two, not to mention the scenery.

Brooklyn Rules (2007)

Yet another coming-of-age 'in NY' movie...(that must be seen...or else)

[6/10 · 22 June 2008]

If you enjoy any of the (non-comedic) 'coming-of-age' movies that have come out since the mid-eighties (with Stand By Me in 1986)...Also, any Alec Baldwin fans must see this. Although I really don't feel Alec was in nearly enough scenes and could have substantially helped this movie considerably by his presence with 'the boys'...Even if he'd been superimposed as a ghost that 'somehow influenced their decisions'...The acting (or maybe casting) of the main characters was a lil' sketchy from tie to time, in my opinion and left e feeling somewhat like 'hey, I'm watching a movie'...which is distracting, as it's a sign of quality when you are 'only able' to stay immersed in the story being told and literally 'forget' you are watching a movie...I even found myself 'taking a couple of breaks (to let the cat out, take a pee, get a drink, etc, etc.) during some of the slower 'connecting' scenes...And I'm sure you know what I mean...The sign of a really well-done film, is when you literally 'can't take your eyes off the screen', allowing any normal distractions to go completely unnoticed (or when the distraction is too much, you flip out and extinguish whatever -or whoever- is the cause of the distraction)...That's a great movie and although this one doesn't fall into that category, it's still one that shouldn't be missed...Overlook the small 'blips' in the acting (it really does get a little awkward -and forced- in a few scenes) and the 'non-emotion' in a few scenes (when there should be a great deal of tear-jerking emotion)...And, as previously stated, the 'under-use' of Alec Baldwin in scenes where he could have definitely been utilized in some creative (and often obvious) ways, which would have really contributed to the overall 'effectiveness' of the story trying to 'get-told'...Otherwise, it's a decent attempt and still stands as (yet another) must-see coming-of-age movies...In easier terms...put it on your 'list-o'-flicks' and when the movie you wanted to see isn't available, grab a copy of this instead...it's pretty much guaranteed to be in-stock...and you won't feel like it was a wasted trip to the 'get a movie place' after you've seen it...Just don't feel like you are incapable of emotion, when you think you should be 'upset over this' or whatever...It's not you, it's the film...

The Grand (2007)

I disagree...shoulda' been a sports channel Sunday special...or...

[3/10 · 21 June 2008]

I'd be hard-pressed to even classify this as a 'real' movie...It's more of a display of Penn's attempt at 'riding on the edge' of any conventional-type comedy film, meaning it's an (obviously)'improvisational comedy that centers around a cardgame ('The Grand')...Fairly enough, it's taglined as 'an improvisational comedy...using a handful of actors playing characters competing in an actual poker tournament', which is quite accurate...So, you have been warned...I think the problem here (aside from the old 'ust because someone gives you the money to do soething, doesn't mean you should), no the problem is that it's a little 'too improvisational' and feels like it might 'all-be' an improvisation...LIKE NO SCRIPTED LINES WHATSOEVER...It's like a musical where the orchestra didn't have any sheet usic, but a guy going "like this: dong-cha-dong-chucka-dong-dong-dong"...At least that's the way I felt watching this...In fact, the thought 'kept' coming into my mind...I said "self"..."I don't think they had a written script"... The other problem is that it's really 'not funny'...The characters aren't funny...they are irritating and I get enough irritating people when I go out in public...and they are 'sometime (usually) funnier!...So for my money, it's a comedy..THAT IS NOT FUNNY... It probably pitches like it could be funny (and even successful), but it falls apart as a film, completely...If you understand this, then you also understand it sounds more like an off-Broadway play...As a matter of fact (and the ore I think about it), this 'movie' would probably do very well in a live theatrical format...Heck, it could take on a life of its own and become syndicated, making the US cities tour, complete with building sized promos appearing in each city months before it premiers to build the anticipation...I'm certain performing arts centers all over the country will sell out all the shows quickly as anticipation grows and of course the wealthy season ticket holders would let everyone know they'll be busy on Friday evening, because they will be at the 'premier' of that play...'The Grand'...As a matter of fact, the more 'I' think about it, given the opportunity; 'I'd' pitch it! (as a play), because it 'would' be successful (as a play)... The problem (again) is that we aren't talking about 'The Grand-the play'...we're talking about 'The Grand--the movie'...which sadly, doesn't work...The other alternative for this material would be a SNL skit...or maybe the Comedy Channel coud've made it an hour and a half long TV comedy-movie, but even then there would need to be some casting revisions and a lot of editing... The way it is just doesn't work and shouldn't have been financed or released onto an unsuspecting public...I'll take a second look at anything Woody Harrelson is in from now on and won't spend my oney on anything Penn's in charge of...How does Jr. say it???...Trick me once shame on Penn...trick the public twice...and I get two terms to rape the country...(that's not an exact quote, but that's probably a bit more accurate!)...

Hero Wanted (2008)

1st rate!...9 stars...leaving room for perfection, but great film-making nonetheless!

[9/10 · 21 June 2008]

Enthralling from start to finish...Excellent performance by Cuba Gooding Jr. as the hapless Liam Case...Unlike soo any of today's films, you actually get a chance to learn about the characters in the story and this one takes you into every one's psyche...with the exception of Ray Liotta's character: Detective Terry Subcott, who you only get the chance to learn he's a detective and that's about it... The road to hell is paved with good intentions...'Well ain't that the truth!?'...even if this (film) is taking that tagline to the extreme...He seemed a little too trusting (a couple of times), especially after all the guy had been through... Obviously born from a good script and followed through with good, solid directing, acting, editing, art direction, etc, etc..nobody fell down on this production anywhere, making it well worth the time and money...Probably the best 'one-liner' description I can offer is: 'edgy and enjoyable from start to finish'...It's got a good 'look' to it as well...one that matches the subject and helps in bringing it all together in a nice coherent finished project... The only other problem I have with this movie(really) is with the same one I see in a lot of movies..The portrayal of the 'uniformed' cops...They are represented as complete idiots (granted there are some, but that's in every profession & can you imagine the majority of people they deal with day in & day out?)...From their 1st entry until getting blown to smithereens by automatic rifle...driving right into it, getting out of the car, then standing there as if trying to get shot!...I mean com'on!, these guys do this professionally, 5+ days a week - 8+ hours a day...It's their job! I'm pretty sure they pick up a few things along the way...(like being somewhat cautious and prepared for criminals with automatic weapons!?!)...I mean, when was the last time a traffic cop stopped a car without being prepared to pull his pistol?, much less pull right into a multi-gun battle without any knowledge of what's going on and see eager to get shot like paper targets!...It just doesn't happen, yet they are continually portrayed as 'complete idiots that can't get their guns out of the holsters' and seem to 'attract bullets like magnets'...It's just always stupid-looking and unrealistic...

Lastly, since the story was taken to the end...I would have liked to know how much time one has to ponder, being a hero...that would have been a nice finishing touch, if even given by a V.O or some screen-notes; just 'something' about what the deal was (how long in the suit & chair, etc)...but I'm just being picky now, as I can imagine whatever I want I guess...

Regardless, this is a 1st rate film that anyone who likes crime dramas can't miss...Id go so far as to say "It's the best one I've seen in years".

Sunshine (2007)

I'm hooked...I love this stuff...

[8/10 · 18 June 2008]

Yeah...I 'm all-in on anything that has to do with space travel / save the planet / death missions with no chance of success...anything along those lines and I'm there...BUT, IT HAS TO BE GOOD QUALITY ART DIRECTION, MINIMAL (or at least 'very effective') CG...and GREAT ACTING...I can overlook several blips in editing and even direction and story-telling / script issues, etc...Same goes with ANYTHING that has to do with TIME TRAVEL...In fact, I'd love to see these guys with a script in the time travel / adventure theme...28 weeks is a good example of what to expect from UK origins and limited budgets with a decent idea, a decent script and good talent...and this is no exception, even with my perversion towards the subject matter...You're pretty much assured 'a good experience at the movies'...So, without any spoilers whatsoever...(like you wouldn't know what to expect from the title & poster/trailers alone)...THIS IS A SURE BET...Unless you're one who likes to pick apart details for whatever reason, you're gonna' enjoy this...TRY TO HAVE ALL YOUR POPCORN, DRINKS, SMOKES, (WHATEVER BLOWS YOUR SKIRT UP!)...just have everything ready for a non-stop shuttle flight to the surface of the sun...It's a Good/nearly GREAT RIDE!...Enjoy!...I SURE DID...

Hitman (I) (2007)

T..T..T...Timothy Olyphant...I'd be a lousy casting director...

[8/10 · 14 June 2008]

I just never would have seen him as 'the Hit-man'...but it's a good thing they did, because he really plays the part well...as a matter of fact (in my opinion, anyway), after seeing this film; it's hard to think of a better 'Agent-47'...He really takes the part to a great level (for this movie)...balancing the right doses of 'hitman' looking out for numero-uno, the dedication to 'the job'...and an inner tenderness (required to babysit the damsel in distress), which somehow survived the creation of 'the cold-blooded killer'...The art direction is 1st rate here...every attention to even the smallest detail is..er, well..'paid every attention'...I'm always hesitant to give undue credit to actors 9especially) that come from 'well connected families'...It's probably just my envious nature pushing thru...or maybe its knowing how hard (or rather how much harder it can be) for someone who starts at 'Zero' and eventually 'makes it' through pure self-reliance, perseverance, etc, etc.(SLY)...Although, I think (in reality) it's a lot more of 'being in the right place at the right time'...or...'Luck of the draw'...or...it's not what you know, but 'who you know', or 'just plain dumb luck'(!?)...Regardless, T..T..T...Timothy Olyphant (stuttering with fear there)...Does a great job and is worthy of any & all accolades associated with this role...Oh, and I'd be a lousy casting director, because I just never would have considered him for the part...But luckily, I'm just an ordinary guy that: (a)Never had any ambition. (b)was never in the right place at the right time. (c)Surely have a curse on me, ensuring I'll never amount to anything more than some idiot that can barely use the remote-control (and never stands a chance of learning how to program the clock on my betamax VCR...) Good show..Well worth the watch, so don't miss it!...Gotta' go buy some Orville Redenbacher stock while the market's still open...and before the buzzer sounds on the microwave!

Burn Notice (2007–2013)

As good as the 70's...(er, 80's)...Again...

[9/10 · 12 June 2008]

Yeah...cutting a 9 (outta' ten) here, because (after-all) it is TV...BUT this a well scripted (so far) lil' deal that has that same comfort as the Rockford files...Heck, we even get the older & a bit scrubby guy (that cleans up OK when needed) & that's got your back...Even tho it's a bit shaky(the 'got your back' part...and of course MOM'S got a part in here, too...reminiscent of 'what's their name & whats their name'...the 2-brothers that were detectives (we're talking mid-80's here...I just can't remember their last name, but at the same time that '30-Something' was showing, high on the charts)...It's not a Columbo, by a long-shot, but then again, how are you ever gonna' get that one man chemistry again (you never saw his wife he was always getting home late to)...Of course the whole (super-successful)concept behind Columbo is that you got a front row seat to the crime at the very start of each show...and then got to watch as a 1-glass eyed, drivin' a vintage, smokin'-Peugeot clunker (diesel)...& wearing a rumpled raincoat as he drove the (rich), greedy-bastard-murderer completely insane with 'just one more question' and you thought he didn't see that...Nobody gave that glass-eye enough credit!...BUT...IN MY OPINION...& even though it started 'one of the worst fashion disasters since disco', it's waay better than Crocket and lamo'-sidekick tubbs...like I said, that's MY OPINION...and since I'm comparing apples to pine-apples here...IT can't touch the Hawaii based 'guy that every-guy wanted to be'...or at least have that gig, house sitting the absent owner's mansion...we know who it really was anyway, don't we?...(cough-Higgins-cough-cough)...At any rate...for now anyway...It's a good show...I personally hope we get a few good seasons of good scripts...these will be great reruns in a few years and perfect for a Sunday afternoon, with nothing to do....Best of luck, BurnNotice...Oh, and the sassy 9mm wearing slightly off-center (girlfriend?)...is a hottie worth watchin...Good Show!...

Rambo (2008)

Gimme' the 50 Caliber...and be Sly about it...

[8/10 · 12 June 2008]

Watching the 'extras-snippets' section (on the DVD, after the movie), I found myself enthralled in learning about weapons, like the Barrett .50-caliber long-range Army-sniper special forces, bad to the bone rifle. 'Engaging' targets at up to 2,000 meters 'with incredible, smack-in-the-middle precision...while taking the 'entire' back of the skull with it...'THIS IS NOT A TOY'. (hehe)...

Lightweight, exotic-alloy, frame-mounted, bolt-action sniper rifles with multi-coated ex-low dispersion optics, sending rounds rifling at

an astounding 4000 feet per second. Yes...this shoulder-fired, recoil operated semi-automatic .50 caliber consistently delivers fire-power against enemy targets that are usually considered outside a trained rifleman's limitations of range, size, location, mobility and visibility. However, in the hands of a trained sniper, it can surgically take out strategic targets while minimizing collateraldamage. It is capable of slicing through personnel targets (bad guy's heads, brain matter, eyeballs, etc) as far away as 1500 meters while causing extensive & explosive gory damage and pierce material targets built of welded cold-rolled, steel, like the bad guy's military vehicles out to 2000 meters (causing massive damage and hopefully carrying a few of the bad guys!)...It's what dads everywhere 'really want' for Father's Day!...I know I do and I'd never even heard of one before today!

Good grief!, Man! Gee-Beav, that's just the 'tip of the iceberg' here! I mean 'heck' we haven't even started on Burmese 'factoids'...or any of the'inside the movie production biz's insider's-info that's included in thesnippets-extras section of the DVD!)... Oh, the movie!?!...a good, solid (yet predictable) storyline and of course it's incredibly gory, gritty, sweat & rain-soaked Rambo-Enigmatic mystic-realism with a powerful, on-the-money sound-bed hitting every note(in precision-perfect tempo with every head-popping, blood-splattered, gut-ripping explosion...and you can't overlook Rambo's own handmade & very lethal 'survival' knife action... In reality, It was a little disappointing when I realized the movie was drawing to a close, at what seemed like 'a bit too soon because there were still some nasty 'bad guys' left running away that coulda' used a lil' more .50 caliber action up their mean-asses...and you just kinda' knew there was gonna' be some(semi-forced) self-reckoning scene on the horizon...probably back in 'the hometown'...with a sunset in the same horizon...But you'll hafta' watch it yourself to see, cause I'm not spoiling it. At any rate, it gives anyone a great glimpse (and more) into the creative-type work ethic of Sly and crew...I'd think this DVD should be 'must watch material' for any film school student, plus the storyline is pretty good (dealing with the real-world...yet not quite news-covered) insanity going on south of the border...Burmese-style.... Rambo is definitely worth the time and actually left me wanting it to last a little longer...Yeah, this one's pretty slick...er, Sly...Make sure to check it out...Even if you just want to know a little more about the Burmese situation, or the movie biz and skip the movie altogether...It's worth the time, without question...

Cloverfield (2008)

Great idea - Bad idea &...'WARNING: YOU MAY GET SICK!

[5/10 · 7 May 2008]

OK, getting directly to the point... This is exactly the kind of storyline (and probably the kind of script) that makes a great movie...ie.- The kind of movie that you're actually glad to find while channel-surfing the TV ten years later... like on a lazy Saturday afternoon - when the weather sucks - or you've just mowed the lawn - or you find yourself with 'that wonderful feeling of nothing to do'...Rather it 'COULD HAVE BEEN' that kind of movie (like, oh let's say a movie like 'the 5th Element, a Die Hard or even something with a little more of an edge, that you can watch several times through the years...OK, OK, back to the point...It could have been just that...The 1st person story-line was fine...The big, big, (behemoth) mistake?...It's the lack of cameras, combined with the Blair-witch camera effect...It's 'just too much for Hollywood'...and often nauseating at the same time...The bottom line?...This could have been 'that great movie' (as described above) if only they had kept several(few?)camera options available for the editing and the filming to 'tell the story'...While utilizing all the hand-held camera effects for strategic 'storytelling' shots is fine (in their usage and movement), it's a really bad experience to 'try' and watch an entire movie that 'is supposed to be' shot by a 1st time shooter 'Hud' with a $400 video camera...So either Hud's an expert with a non-linear editing package and the camera also has a great shoulder-mount because so much of the video is rock-steady (even when it's slanted at 60 degrees, but who knows; maybe 'Hud' has one leg that's a lot shorter than the other?...or he's got some kindov' wacky 'vertigo' happening...?) You really don't see very much of him. You mainly hear him continually yelling for/at Rob!!, Rob!!...At any rate, he's definitely got the best lines and with the slight lisp (lithsp), he's pretty funny too...All in all (aside from the lack of camera(s) planning), it's a pretty decent flick...And on the risk of repeating myself, AGAIN...I really wish it had been shot from the 3rd person perspective with 'Hud's camera-work' sprinkled in between. I'm convinced that's all it would have taken to be a really watchable and much more enjoyable film...I guess its true - sometimes less is more and this feels like a prime example of it... Ohh, the lil' creatures look to be 1st rate work, regardless of how they're done, even glimpses of them are pretty evil... Have fun & remember...If you get sick while watching 100 minutes of 'shakey' camera movement...beware cause you may find yourself quite nauseated!...

Charlie Wilson's War (2007)

Tom Hanks is Charlie Wilson...this time...

[8/10 · 23 April 2008]

Even though there was no question about it, the portrayal of Charlie Wilson confirms once again that Tom Hanks deserves all the awards and accolades he's garnered over the years... One might think Tom Hanks wins so many top character parts to ensure box office receipts, regardless of how well he may exact a certain character portrayal, but seeing him on screen and only seeing the character kills that theory completely...In fact, I don't really even know if I like Tom Hanks (because I can't remember seeing 'him' since 'BIG')...and yes, I'll still watch Forrest Gump whenever I see it while flipping through the channels on a weekend afternoon...

The Bottom Line: Watching Tom Hanks in the title role as Charlie Wilson (Wiii-iiillsson?!?) is worth the price of admission (or rental at this point)...so, if you're over 21 (at least), don't miss it...

Thanks...and Kindest Regards...Ya'll.

Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007)

Sir Vertual's 'quicritique' of 'Before the Devil Knows You're Dead'

[8/10 · 22 April 2008]

a great script...makes for a very good movie... although its a random, rambling story...it's done very well by accomplished pros, so it's a very enjoyable (and watchable) movie... It runs art about the same pace as 'crash', but the affairs are kept in the family (w/ a few friends),so to sp... watching it, I continually kept thinking of how the script would read...but still enjoyed the show ...and the story...

watch this one...especially if you're someone who's been thru enough (lived enough life) and had to 'figure out what you were gonna do through a situation'...

then don't miss it...

Lions for Lambs (2007)

At this time in history...

[7/10 · 11 April 2008]

This is basically the same 'verbage' that I posted in response to a user's comments on the messageboards for this film, but I feel it also has some merit speaking to anyone who may be considering watching this film or not based on the reviews here... --------------------------------------------------------------- I'm afraid we're headed straight to hell in a petroleum-based, lead-painted, Chinese-made, plastic handbasket... Speaking to the movie however, I'd have to bring your attention to the scene where M.Streep's character is in the cab and drives past the military cemetery...I would think everyone should realize these massive cemeteries (with their endless rows of small white marble gravestones) are in thousands of cities...the (very small) town I now live in has two Veteran's Cemeteries...(a Natl. Veteran's cemetery and a newer one on the grounds of the Veteran's hospital, started because the natl. Cemetery literally ran out of space and the Veteran's hospital grounds had the acreage to accommodate the quickly growing need for veteran's graves)...Keeping in mind that the majority of soldier's graves are in private cemeteries in family plots, that adds up to a lot of dead soldiers...a lot of heartbroken families and a lot of untold sacrifices...Sooo, that brings everyone (hopefully) to the same question: 'Are the ultimate sacrifices paid in the dirty sands of Iraq (although as painful and heartbreaking), are they as critical and necessary as the ones paid in WW2?'...To that, I say that 'any' film...especially one involving so much heavyweight talent...any film or discussion at this time in history: it's important, regardless of where you stand on the issue... -------------------------------------------------------------- http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8187301869971500776 --------------------------------------------------------------