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Reviews
Valkyrie (2008)
Bryan Singer and Tom Cruse do a fine job
Director Bryan Singer has turned in another very interesting movie about attempts to assassinate Hitler.
Written by screenwriters, Christopher McQuarrie and Nathan Alexander, Valkyrie kept my interest throughout and more so in the second half.
The talented cast of actors, with Tom Cruise in the lead role includes Kenneth Branagh, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson, Carice van Houten, Thomas Kretschmann, Terence Stamp, Eddie Izzard, Kevin McNally, Christian Berkel, Andy Gatjen, Jamie Parker, David Bamber, Tom Hollander and David Schofield. All of them do a fine job.
Some very fine cinematography by Newton Thomas Sigel. And a lovely musical score by John Ottman.
Singer (along with the writers) was also able to interject some humor in this very serious piece.
Enjoyed it.
Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
Worth watching
The director, director, Danny Boyle, did a very good job with Sumdog Millinairem which was written by Simon Beaufoy (screenplay) and Vikas Swarup (novel). The pacing and the way they got us involved in the story works great.
The actors were all excellent.
I think it's about time that non-Hollywood-formula movies are starting to rise. Technology has brought us here, because now, more than ever, movies are being made in places other than Hollywood. Maybe now, we'll see stories which don't conform, with regard to the script and the actors, to old fashioned Hollywood standards, and that the majority of the people on this planet would find interesting.
So good work to all involved. The personal aspect of this movie kind of reminded me of 7 Dias - another foreign made movie.
The Dark Knight (2008)
It's about time
Although I made a pledge to myself that I would only start reviewing independent movies, I had to see The Dark Knight only because of all the publicity it has gotten. Okay... It is about time that they made a famous comic book superhero movie where our hero isn't ultra clean. That is exactly what made the first ROBOCOP so good. I really enjoyed this movie and didn't even mind the stale popcorn that was given to me at the theater! All of the actors were wonderful. The story was tight. The production design fit right in. The score, stunts, special effects, editing all came together wonderfully under the accomplished hands of the director. If there are going to be any sequels I hope to see them moving in the same direction. And why would there not be sequels? The movie has already grossed several hundred million already. Normally movies go on just a tad too long for me. But I could have watched this for a little bit more. My hats off to the filmmakers on this one
Channels (2008)
A beautiful, poetic and somewhat existential love story.
This kind of film is a wonderful mix of a contemporary love story and some old fashioned comedy. There is a real sincerity here which promotes a really nice feel all along the way.
At first I wondered if the kids of today would like it as much. And I though, yes. We may be at a time where people of all ages are getting more reflective about our time here.
The cast is superb. The lead guy,played by Nat Christian, underplays the character of Black just right. He brings out what he needs to with a subtlety that only true artists can do. Kim Oja, the female lead, is sweet and fun in the role of Katherine. As always, Ed Asner, the consummate actor is compelling to watch. Taylor Negron, John Kassir and Joan Van Arc balance out the cast with impressive skill and talent.
The direction and the writing (also by Nat Christian) walks a fine line between comedy, philosophy and drama and I feel that Mr. Christian executed the incredible task beautifully.
I was left thinking about the movie hours later and even after I went out and I came home. It just stayed on my mind. CHANNELS truly comes form an artist's point of view. An original voice. And I sure do feel we need more original voices.
Il postino (1994)
A poem.
I love these kinds of stories. Poetic in nature and heartfelt. This is a very touching love story. THe soundtrack combined with the poetic way the film moves along and the narration all come together wonderfully. The director, Michael Radford did a superb job of mixing the guy girl relationship and the guy guy relationship evenly. And what beautiful cinematography. It's not often that I say this, but I wish that it went on just a little longer. Maybe because I loved the soundtrack so much! I only wish that more movies were able to be made like this in the U.S. I really do think that there is an audience out there for this. I love independent movies. I'm new to the IMDb and look forward to catching new projects all the time.
Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004)
Wonderful entertainment
I saw this movie for the third time and enjoyed it again. It may have it's few childish moments, but all in all it was a movie well made. The actors were interesting to watch. The running time, in my opinion, was just right. I really liked the pacing. At first I was intrigued by the title of the movie. But after word of mouth got around - some good - some not so good, I thought I'd give it a try. Well, as I said, on my third viewing, I still enjoyed it a lot. Kudos to the filmmakers and Ihope to see more of these guys. I'd also be interested to see how these filmmakers mature in their movie-making process. Story telling, directing, etc. I'll give it the proverbial thumbs up.