BronzeKeilani26 Reviews

Princess Kaiulani (2009)

Amateurish and a bit offensive.

[4/10 · 18 August 2011]

This movie was disappointing. As a native Hawai'ian, I was excited to see and support a historical movie detailing a significant period in our history filled with issues that still weigh heavy on us until this day. Most of the movie seemed amateurish and poorly put together but it tells a story so I guess thats what mattered. There are several scenes which serve merely to develop the viewer's sympathy for Ka'iulani in love, begging us to be overly sensitive towards our heroine and an interest in love while in England ..instead of building her character around more important issues that were her life. Characters like Alice, Archie, Miss Barnes are shallow and rather dull. They exist solely to enhance Ka'iulani and funnel the plot towards her own turmoils in romance.

Though the dialog has its moments (like the lovely conversation at dinner in regards to food and politics), the whole movie gets sidetracked by just another fated love story... the same one we've seen a million times: Girl and boy from different situations, finances, countries, and dispositions are supposed to hate each other, but end up falling madly in love. There were also many significant events in Ka'iulani's life that are not portrayed in the movie.

The Lady Shogun and Her Men (2010)

UNIQUE! Two thumbs up for brilliant storytelling!!

[8/10 · 27 April 2011]

I have to say I was blown away by this newer version of "Ôoku"! It turned out to be much better then we imagined it would be.

But first of all, let me say that I don't know why someone wrote Sci-Fi for the genre here at IMDb. It doesn't even come close to a Sci-fi flick. I was not expecting a story with such depth tho...The cinematography, the art direction, and the sheer enormity of the visuals were as beautiful as expected of Japan in various seasons. And even more, the acting was superb! Very emotional at times. Personally, I think that the characters are very well developed because they are complex, deceptive and quite multi-dimensional in their basic human drives. They make sense within the constraints in which they are cast. We get the full spectrum of a movie; varied scenery and ambiance, multiple stories, realistic characters, a realistic society portrait, and so on. Certainly, this movie has strong characters, but like the inner chambers of any Shogun's castle, they are puppets. Along with intense & emotional moments, it concludes with a mind blowing twist that'll keep this movie on your mind long after it's over.

Lastly, the filmmakers who designed and implemented all the sets and costumes should take a hell of a lot of pride in what they do. Some of the most lavish personal quarters and outfits I've ever seen in a Japanese flick of this time period!

Overall, it's an entertaining movie with an understandable story and believable characters that no Japanese movie lover should miss! :)

Yamazakura (2008)

Brilliant!! Completely !!!!!

[8/10 · 12 July 2010]

This is a sweet, breath-taking little gem that all lovers of Japanese films will truly enjoy. I love the way Noe's reluctant humble character slowly draws us into her journey after running into noble Tezuka again. It than evolves into an emotional, mesmerizing, story that leads up to a compelling and beautiful conclusion.Based on a short story written by Shuhei Fujisawa (who also wrote the popular trilogy Twilight Samurai, The Hidden Blade, Love and Honor), the film depicts the uneasy life of Noe Isomura (Rena Tanaka) with the difficult family she has married into after her former husband passed away. Rena Tanaka perfects her character with such elegance and grace, the audience is sure to become immersed in the dream-like tone and background set by Mr. Shinohara. All the actors were simply amazing, falling into character w/ powerful performances! It will definitely leave you thirsty for more films like this *wink* THANK YOU JAPAN!!

Village of Doom (1983)

Based on true events,Tsuyama Massacre!

[10/10 · 15 June 2010]

As the storm cloud of war gathers over Japan, the desperately patriotic Tsugio waits for his call up to duty. But in the close-knit community of his hometown of Higureya, the women have grown desperate for the company of men. When Tsugio stumbles upon one adulterous union, he too is quickly seduced. But this newfound experience quickly sours when Tsugio is diagnosed with tuberculosis and ostracized by the village. With everyone turned against him, Tsugio takes to the streets, fully armed and thirsty for bloody revenge.

Masato Furuova, the star of this film and who plays the alienated Tsugio, committed suicide in 2008. This seems cruelly apt, as Village Of Doom is a film full of images of death, whether of a body hanging under a tree, spilled poison, gunshot wounds, stabbings or a shotgun barrel entering mouths, although the principal violent events occur at the end. Starting as a film in which Tsugio helps to send a friend off to war and then, after being denied active participation in the real struggle overseas ends up bedding several war wives almost by accident, it ends with him shouting "Banzai!" again - this time to himself, before marching off on a bloodthirsty campaign of his own. Between these two pivotal events is the story of a tubercular youth faced with his physical disadvantages, as well as the frustrations of living in a small, presumably in-bred village. Here, it is said, blood kin sleeps with blood kin and unwanted outsiders are "buried in the hills." During the war there are "always lonely women" the results of their liaisons, it is suggested, being dropped in the river. In many ways this is a return to the isolated and feudal Japan of the past: inward looking, where feuds were brought to bloody and formal climax.

Director Tanaka spent a good deal of his early career in the Japanese porn industry before branching out onto more ambitious and complex subject matter. Village Of Doom betrays some of these origins, as Tsugio's early encounters are filmed in characteristic fashion (there is notable finger-fellatio scene which is dwelt upon) and his serial bedding of those lonely wives, their husbands serving conveniently overseas, would be standard fare for a sex comedy. However Tanaka and his screenwriters have a different tale to relate, one whose success depends to great extent on how sympathetic their lead character is, rather than any libidal considerations. And it's a brutal story, based on a novel, but which one feels might just as easily been inspired by real wartime events. Tsugio's actions are staged in such specific and grisly fashion that they feel like a reconstruction of a case; whether or not this is true, there is no doubt that they provide a powerful conclusion.

Wolfhound (2006)

WoW! Russia pulls a Hollywood...amazing!

[7/10 · 2 May 2010]

This movie blew me away! It was the most interesting 2 hrs I've spent engulfed in a fantasy film in over 2 years! The fact that it was really from a foreign country with real Russians speaking Russian put the icing on the cake...mmmh delicious! The plot was tight and well scripted, the acting was kick a--, and I really believed I was back in time with the back drop and costumes. I didn't even realize Russians were such beautiful people! Oh yes, one more thing...the special effects was so impressive, I felt like I was in movie lala land! Hey! no plot holes here, either. Now you know, thats quality film making and writing there *wink* If you enjoy this genre in films, sword fighting, fantasy, and happy endings...don't miss this little gem!

Future X-Cops (2010)

6 yr, old Power Rangers should enjoy this!

[2/10 · 23 April 2010]

Americans will yawn or laugh this sci fi off the screen, for the most part, but if you dig Andy Lau in Future Cops (1993), or you're a 6 yr old Power Ranger, you should dig this spectacle. The plot is an overlong, unengaging mess. I was'nt able to cease all brain activity, kick back and enjoy hard hitting action sequences which I do in most good Chinese action films. While the special effects are not up to the Hollywood standard and far from reasonably convincing, it can be a teeny bit entertaining if you appreciate how far Hollywood has come. Hong Kong used to be seen as the home of unintentionally comical chop-socky movies of interest only to kung-fu freaks and those who like to day dream about kicking some bully's a--. While that's not a fair assessment of that country's current output, it's not a totally undeserved one concerning its past. So it made a refreshing change to see that Hong Kong – along with other Asian countries – had begun producing stylish wuxia, biopics, and energetic efforts like Yip Man, Bodyguards and Assassins, and The Banquet. Sadly, I don't think they're quite ready to stray off from that if they're going to introduce their films to the rest of the world.

The film's first big action sequence provides a weak mix of 'futuristic plot holes' and bad 'character development', all of which threaten to scupper the entire project until a potential surprise that goes for the heartstrings, which is why I gave it 2 pts. I did read somewhere that Wong claims sci-fi was never his goal, and that he was trying to tell a moving and emotional story. Strange mix? I'll say. To fully enjoy it, (whispers...) make sure to turn a blind eye on the special effects, seriously. The visual effects by Korean VFX house Kinomotive are hilariously awful, managing the same effectiveness as Wong Jing's The Wesley's Mysterious File, which came out a full eight years ago. Surprisingly, Wong Jing's skills with CGI has not improved in 8 yrs. Neither has his storytelling or directing ~by bluepeas

Hidden (2009)

Great acting but a HUGE MESS! Very disappointing!

[2/10 · 20 April 2010]

The story-telling & direction was HORRIBLE in this film. Pieces of the entire plot are fed to us in so many kibbles that the movie ends up a huge MESS. The director and writer attempted to use the element of surprise to make the film more jaw dropping by throwing in scenes to throw us off, such as the constant presence of this female inn keeper and finding a female officer's photo crumpled up & stashed under water. Than KK catching up to Peter in the forest and Peter mirroring his hand motions as if to say it's actually KK seeing himself. Because a number of scenes and ppl were totally irrelevant & unnecessary, instead of serving it's purpose, it made the film even more chaotic. It was all over the place. Just a big mess! The entire backdrop was of dark dense colorless woods through most all the film, and an old huge deteriorating "filthy" home that should have been less filth & more spook. Even worse, 75% of the film was filmed in this mess of a house. Unlike other foreign films, or another Norwegian film which showed beautiful landscape or country sides of their homeland, this film did not as some claim in their reviews here. I have the DVD on my PC right now and just glanced back through it. The reviews are completely dishonest so I assume were made by those affiliated w/ the film. The purpose of piles of ugly hand stitched dolls is never explained, which we assume would serve a reasonable purpose considering the film & camera also revolved around the quantity while keeping the dolls in almost every scene. I gave it a 2 for good acting by the lead actors and that is the lowest I ever gave any film in my IMDb career. So that should explain anything I left out.

The Message (2009)

Oscar Worthy!! Should have been their Best Foreign Film entry!!!

[10/10 · 17 April 2010]

I swear, DO NOT listen to negative comments, which is why I took so, so long to watch this mind boggling, fast paced, amazing film! In the past few wks, I started running more & more into fantastic reviews on The Message, so I finally decided "reluctantly" to watch it! I went ahead and chilled, kicked back with low expectations, and prayed not to fall asleep.

I kid you not! Soon as it started to roll, the suspense and action kicked in! I love the way it started too and it's fast paced. No long drawn out scenes and I didn't take my eyes off the movie once. The acting was fantastic, powerful and intense. And the story was a high level THRILLER with many corners to keep us guessing! Seven to 10 main actors, so don't expect to lose your way in all those Chinese names. That's a good thing! The story-line & plot was so good, they had every loose end covered. It's rare to find a good flick with no holes. There's a lil twist at the end too. I'm not into spy films but this was kick a-- and the Chinese have been throwing out top notch films better than the U.S, Japan and everywhere else in the past 5 yrs. They are truly getting better and better at their game, heheh...I'm so serious. The 2 beautiful female stars were amazing & had our eyes glued to the screen. I loved the way their drama & expressions sucked us into the film and I heard they were nominated against one another for best actress award in this film in the Golden Horse Awards! This is like the 3rd film in 4 wks I ran into with few and bad reviews here, but great reviews elsewhere, which turned out to be EXCELLENT films. If you've become addicted to GOOD films such as I have, YOU WILL LOVE THIS!

The Sword with No Name (2009)

The Sword With No Name aka The Last Empress, fantastic!!

[9/10 · 26 March 2010]

Director Kim Yong-gyoon's tale played out as a fascinating driven journey blending swordplay, high romance, and politics with nice action sequences and mind-boggling scenery! An excellent biopic of the beautiful & strong-willed 15 yr old consort of King Kojong from the Yi period, played by the Korea's enchanting Jae-woong Choi. It revolves around a 15 yr old girl named Ja-young, who later is crowned Queen Myeongseong, considered a national heroine in South Korea today, and her bodyguard, Moo-myoung. Moo-myoung starts off as a Joseon dynasty headhunter who tracks down fugitives and lives off their rewards. One day, he encounters a beautiful noble girl, Ja-young, and falls in love with her. A few years later, Ja-young enters the royal palace as the next queen of Joseon, Empress Myeongseong. Lovesick Moo-myoung becomes the personal guard to the Empress in order to be closer to her.

Empress Myeongseong (19 October 1851 – 8 October 1895), is arguably one of the most controversial figures of the entire Joseon Dynasty back in the Yi period. Her parents passed away when she was 9, leaving her a poor orphan who had to live with the Mins of Yju, the place of her birth. She was made the royal consort in 1866 at the urging of Lady Min, consort of Hungsn Taewngun and mother of her future husband, King Kojong. At barely 16, she married the 15 yr old boy king at the Joseon Dynasty. She's portrayed as pure, innocent (but not naïve), devoted, and defiant. This movie is about her rise to power and bloody assassination (at the hands of the Japanese), which all seems to fall in line w/ historians. After Japan's victory in the First Sino-Japanese War, she advocated stronger ties between Korea and Russia in an attempt to block Japanese influence in Korea, which was represented by the Daewongun, her father-in-law. She is an assertive and ambitious woman, unlike other queens that came before her, and later becomes quite interested in politics and the western world via a French friend (Sophie Broustal); the arrival of electricity in the country; and international power politics. Miura Gorō, the Japanese Minister to Korea at the time and a retired army lieutenant-general, backed the faction headed by her father-in-law, whom he considered to be more sympathetic to Japanese interests. She tries to modernize the dynasty by allying with foreign nations but becomes turmoiled into a political power struggle. Moo-myoung must fend off devastating threats from her father-in-law and the foreign army(Japanese) in order to protect Ja-young from harm.

A powerful & moving biopic. The Koreans have in recent years produced some pretty decent swordplay movies Bichunmoo, The Restless, The Duelist and Shadowless Sword being some of the more memorable movies. 9 out of 10 from me!

Hit and Run (2009 Video)

An extremely unrealistic and stupid script!!!

[1/10 · 19 March 2010]

The acting was good & I think thats probably why so many felt it was fun but gave it a low score...but the storyline is dumb as heck, seriously. I seen when she drove off from the wreck & there was NO BODY under or on her car. And the cameras doesn't even try to hide it, lol. But even worst...this is one of those very low budget movies that the main character does ""every single thing"" even the dumbest person wouldn't do! I had to fast forward a little because it way to dumb on most parts & the editing was REAL BAD. It jumps scenes. They weren't trying to be professional about it, in other words. Now if you're home all alone way in the woods & you hear someone in your house...you r not going to the top of the stairs & say, "HELLO??"", and not turn one light on, lol. And thats only in the first 10 min. Imagine the rest. I don't want to include spoilers, just wanted to give u an idea of how ridiculous the story line is so you don't waste money renting this than end up mad b/c you could have rented something less stupid, smdh

Phantom Punch (2008)

Not just a boxing movie, a amazing story untold!

[8/10 · 18 March 2010]

This film isn't just swagger, or an imitation of Sonny Liston. This is a deep, sensitive, poignant, and romantic story about one of the greatest public figures of the twentieth century. A conglomerate of great acting, great direction, and a great story that needed to be told. When I was young I use to hear Patterson and Sonny Liston's name all the way till I became an adult. Yet I never knew who they were outside of being famous boxers back in the day. This film is socially important because it raises up one of the most notable and under-appreciated figures of the twentieth century, Sonny Liston. His fights with Patterson is also in the film so I learned a lot here. The fights are not rocky-type or "entertaining" but REAL. Never long and drawn out but super exciting for someone not into boxing, like me. My mother & I really got into this movie than researched after, and boy were the males in out family surprised. They didn't show a younger Liston but instead had Ving play the entire role from his discovery by the Catholic priest in prison to Liston's champ days, and finally his passing. Sadly, fate forced him to have ties to the mob. It was boxing or a life in prison. And a lot of shady people were attached to boxing back than. Some just weren't so lucky. Surprisingly, the movie was so good & went by so fast, no one even noticed. But I am so glad I didn't pay attention to any neg reviews in here! This movie gives us all an important lesson. That we can be anything we want! This certainly is a movie worth seeing.

Confucius (2010)

Stunning, gripping & intense epic story!!

[10/10 · 11 March 2010]

I came inches close to missing this gorgeous epic tale & cannot understand how few posters could feel negative. Unless they're not fans of Asian films or fake posters with motives against the film's makers? But I am so glad I decided not to believe their reviews. First of all, Yun Fat Chow is not going to turn down a major role in Red Cliff to be in another bio-story type film not just as amazing. And this film was far from long & drawn out. If you're a fan of most popular Chinese epic films than you'll love this! Every camera shot was gorgeous as with the costumes. It's rare to find present epic Asian films that aren't tastefully shot anyway. The color was stunning, and the interpretation of the classic tale was unique with plots that never disappoint. Xun Zhou was as beautiful & cunning as she was in Painted Skin which I watched 4 x's, lol. With all the characters, the actors each held such a powerful presence. It's very tough to develop any character singularly while you have so many important characters with their own mythos and chronicles, but each actor really held up professionally! The amazing battle sequences & periods of war were not drawn out(thank God). And formations, strategies & clever weapons take centerstage in the first major confrontation with Confucius advising the King.

Confucious is a solid film that is both a mega blockbuster and quality film-making--------One of the best films ever...epic, complex, realistic, emotionally engaging and unforgettable

Carmen of the North (2009)

The Dutch version of "Carmen: A Hip Hopera"!

[7/10 · 16 January 2010]

Carmen van het noorden -aka- Carmen of the North is a pleasant but surprisingly watered down version of "Carmen: A Hip Hopera", which is an American hip hop remake of the classic film "Carmen Jones". Carmen Jones was a classically seductive role most prominently tackled by DOROTHY DANDRIDGE almost 50 years before! The original 2001 hip hop version starred America's internationally known, award-winning music artist, Beyonce Knowles from Destiny's Child, as Carmen. This Dutch version was almost identical but w/ Sanguita Akkrum playing Carmen as an inspiring rap artist. Beyonce played a seductive, aspiring actress who meets Off. Hill, a principled, hard-nosed cop whom gives up those principles hoping to experience a lifetime of passion with her character, Carmen. Sgt. Tony Portera was his supportive supervisor. Lt. Miller was the quietly menacing villain in the dept. Ultimately, he becomes a corrupted, cop friend who betrays Off. Hill in the end.

In Carmen van het noorden, veteran actor, Thom Hoffman, was convincing and professional in his role as the corrupt cop and his expressions & delivery went extremely well. Akkrum's portrayal of Carmen was powerful, intense, and very seductive. It combined well w/ her stand-offish behavior! I don't how she did it but she rocked it and really put some kind of flavor in her character Carmen, I liked her game, she looked amazing, very sexy and attractive. It was the lead, Tygo Gernandt that let the film down. Because he wasn't convincing & didn't seem comfortable in the role of a rookie detective, the film lost some of it's potential. Obviously the film wasn't important enough for him to research his role. And, the fact that they had him more concerned than everyone else about the murdered victim (by reminding his girlfriend & bosses hubby that he dealing w/ a DEAD VICTIM & had to stay focused), didn't sit to well w/ him spending 95% of the film daydreaming & chasing Carmen rather than trying to solve the case. Whenever he did decide to go to work, his bosses were yelling at him b/c he would never answer his cell & they were never able to reach him! Huh?! And it started before Carmen. Is that how cops operate in Netherlands? I didn't see the purpose for throwing that in the script. No doubt Gernandt can act, but his acting isn't flexible or creative enough to deliver 'just any' lead performance or role. Without Hoffman & Akkrum carrying the film, the acting here is average yet adequate enough and compensated by one decent musical delivery (the same song plays through the whole film). Still, the movie is definitely very decent and although you probably wont hurt your brain watching it, it will entertain you.

(note: Carmen's story has been told a thousand times over films & opera but introducing some interesting variations. She is usually a prostitute, temptress, or a gypsy woman as in the Spanish version w/ (Paz Vega). Never-the -less, she is a sultry, sexy, bedazzling woman, who has the mouth of the devil, the temper of a 'toro' and who recklessly leads men to their doom. The American/Dutch plot is great for a modern day version of the fantastic opera, and I couldn't think of anyone else but Beyonce & Sanguita Akkrum playing the role.)

The Lovely Bones (2009)

2 thumbs up!!! Loved it!

[9/10 · 4 January 2010]

Actually, I found this movie way more satisfying than I expected. Mark Wahlberg did a fantastic job as a grieving father! He hit it on the mark and had me crying so hard they had to bring me a handful of Kleenex. I also know he did a fantastic job because I am a mother who lost her only teenage son in the summer of 2006. My baby was the third victim in this man's life of murders. But my son's murder put him in prison and he was promptly murdered himself. So I can truly say that life here is nothing but a mass of cycles and as human beings, we get what we put out. Some ppl here didn't like the ending because her body wasn't found. But see, they missed the true message in the film which is also a lesson in life. Bad things and bad ppl doesn't matter & will NOT matter beyond and after. If we stay focused on the bad things in this life, we'll miss the good. Once she let go of her thoughts of revenge, things took it's proper course which is universal law. The killer got what he had coming. So it had a stunning payoff in my opinion. The film also lets us know to always pay attention & listen when you've lost a loved one. Dead doesn't mean dead and in spirit doesn't mean gone, and that's the truth! I was truly able to relate to this film as I'm sure many other parents who have lost children, will too. The film wasn't long & drawn-out. I thought it was satisfying and filled to the brim with suspense, emotions and beauty! I've learned that at IMDb, whenever a film has over 7, 8 pgs of reviews, it's usually a good film regardless of the negative comments ;)

Triangle (2009)

Fantastic day at the ocean!!!

[8/10 · 24 November 2009]

Oops! Well actually it wasn't a fantastic day at the ocean. It was more like one hellish boat-trip to the other side, lol! An extraordinary psychological suspense and thriller from beginning to end. My family and I really enjoyed the acting and the film both. The story was well written and if you have any questions in the beginning, the end will surely hold the answers. The writer and director did a unique and wonderful job by leaving no stones unturned. Like the acting, the story also holds our interest while keeping us mesmerized and anticipating the next scene. I won't put any spoilers in here or give away the plot but it was very creepy in so many parts, like the setting at sea when the wind and storm rolls in. It was fantastic yet so eerie! It reminded me of the amazing special effects in Perfect Storm with George Clooney. Melissa George was a terrific choice for the part of Jess. She carried the film single-handedly with brilliance and ease thrilling her audience from scene to scene when the camera focused mainly on her character. Bravo! *claps* It's certainly worth seeing!

Sin Nombre (2009)

As real as it gets!!!!!!!

[7/10 · 12 November 2009]

I gave this film a 10 because it was one of those movies we could watch more than five times and still enjoy it! Every scene was realistic so you truly won't be yelling at the screen for dumb stuff no one would do and the young actors were fantastic! Everybody basically explain what the storyline consist of so I won't go there..but I will say this isn't your average Americanized gang banging movie. This comes from the heart of where one of the countries gangs originated from. Furthermore, in this generation it's storyline is still consistent with how things work and how they operate. The actors will have you feeling every emotional and dramatic scene and I hope to see them in more films! Enjoy it on the big screen or buy it on DVD when it comes out because it is well worth owning!

Law Abiding Citizen (2009)

Unique thriller, great ending!

[9/10 · 12 November 2009]

In this strong, twisting court room crime drama thriller a man becomes angry because his family was murdered and they received no justice in the courtroom. We all know in real life, justice doesn't always come by way of the court room...so now the plot thickens. I loved this movie because it also had a message in it. Our justice system is very flawed and half the time prosecutors don't have faith in themselves or have more cases than they can handle and simply plea bargain with bad guys. This is the best I've seen Gerard Butler do since 300. He fares better in serious roles instead of comedy. Jamie Foxx wasn't his usual self but I give him a B for effort. All in all the movie had some great twists and mind blowing ideas to make it exciting!

The Echo (I) (2008)

Worth a watch

[7/10 · 12 November 2009]

This film had powerful acting and the plot was good but some scenes made me angry. Sometimes I think the directors have actors do what they think is acceptable for the film not considering whether it's realistic to the audience. What makes a good film is when it's realistic and everybody reacts in a way the majority would. The lesser complaints the better the film. I have several complaints but like I said, it was worth a watch at home. I could think of films that were ruined completely from being unrealistic, which isn't the case here. Like I said, not a strng ghost story but the plot and storyline was good and the acting was dramatic

A Perfect Getaway (2009)

Great thriller, beautiful landscape!!

[8/10 · 12 November 2009]

I love Steve Zahn ever since seeing him in Out of Sight with George Clooney. He's so funny in his films but he pulled a fast one on us this time. That killer look on his face reminded me of Edward Norton in American History X, so real! Amazing how these actors in no way could be familiar with people in the criminal element who kill or watched them in action "yet" they have it down to the tee. Zahn shows his flexibility in roles & this will be one of those moments that leaves the audience salivating for his next performance. Even though I'm not really a fan of Milla Jovovich, she was great also. The acting here was light and powerful. Twists were believable and surprising.

Julie & Julia (2009)

Boeuf à la Bourguignonne

[10/10 · 12 November 2009]

Julia Child's Boeuf à la Bourguignonne is all I thought about 24/7 after seeing this film, lol, till I finally made it! And, boy was it good! The film won't make you hungry. It'll make you c-r-a-v-e. Meryl Streep never ceases to amaze us! She had Julia down to the tee and my God I would have given anything to live her life in Paris & have access at genuine french cooking lessons. If you hate cooking this film should inspire you! They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach and that's the truth. Both women's lives & relationships made the movie even more interesting and their recipes made it even more appealing! It was a great idea to combine both women's lives into one film & I hope Meryl win an award for this one! I researched the real Julie and commend her for succeeding with her blog and completing the Art of French Cooking, amazing. I gave this film a ten because it was obvious a lot of hard work went into it and everyone contributed with such creative performances

This Is It (2009)

Musical Genius!

[9/10 · 12 November 2009]

There's only one human being like Michael Jackson on this entire planet & millions are going to miss him. This film showed how much he contributed to music & how he used his music to promote kindness, concern and love for the planet and mankind. He was a gift full of gifts to the world and now he's entertaining the heavens! It was interesting to see how they prepare for great shows and all the hard work that goes into it with musicians who truly love their fans. I watched This Is It several times and just couldn't believe how phenomenal he was at making music, singing, and dancing! This film shows how humble he was and it made me sadder, realizing he's gone & how we don't appreciate what we have till we lose it.

Deadline (I) (2009)

Ending bombs out

[6/10 · 31 October 2009]

+Starts off with good potentials to be a great thriller but it bombed out midway. They should have kept it on the realistic side but it started losing its grip when the director started chopping scenes & than putting to much on it. It caused the plot to become chaotic, confusing & so unrealistic. Brit suspects someone else is in the house so she goes looking around sometime after midnight. Next were looking at an intense scene with Brit scoping out a small dark rm, than the audio goes sky high at the fall of a chair, making us jump out our seats. The scene abruptly ends & now were looking at Brit in bed waking up on a bright sunny morning like nothing happened. Why few directors like shooting those types of scenes is beyond me when those are the movies that flop. They had a good, unique storyline with a good killer twist but messed that up at the very end when they suddenly attempted to take it in a "LAME" & senseless direction. I guess it was meant to be a 2nd out-the-blue killer twist at the end but instead it left everyone moaning in disappointment, complaining about how weak the movie was, etc, etc. It would have been a half a-- decent story-line if they would have showed the killer's body proving that Brit's character was telling the truth, which was the original twist. Like I said, the film had potentials to be a good thriller w/ great acting but completely flopped due to the script+ +

Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (2009 TV Movie)

Powerful film! One of Cuba's best

[10/10 · 14 September 2009]

As usual, Cuba Gooding was fantastic in this drama! He's as good in comedies also! No one else comes to mind for playing Dr Ben Carson with the passion he projects throughout the movie. This is a man's man. Torn between his loyalty to his skills as a surgeon and a lack of faith in himself made this film all the more realistic! Cuba and Elise give performances that are amazing to watch! Comments to another forum express their objections to the way the race relations play in the movie while at the school..."but" it can't get any realer than that. I've seen it with my own eyes while attending colleges & this film really puts it down. Very emotional & inspiring film. Thanks to everyone involved for bringing us this fantastic true story!

Something Is Killing Tate (2008)

Intense, riveting!!!

[10/10 · 29 August 2009]

First of all, without a doubt the acting and quality of this film is moving and powerful! Some in the U.S may feel the movie is too 'extreme', but ALL details of offenses against children should be exposed considering it's been kept in the dark much too long. Mainly in the U.S where some states, such as Florida which is full of sexual predators, still has not put the 2 and 3-stike law into effect. Calif and Washington States apply the 3 strike law to the fullest. Also, I feel the media makes excuses to eliminate "details" of many sexual criminal offenses in their articles because Americans still aren't ready to accept what all goes on behind closed doors and not ready to put this country on blast in front of the world. I was actually drawn close to the characters due to fine acting. All the actors provide very genuine, endearing performances—essential if the audience is going to empathize with them and the disturbing issue which is the heart of the story told. This movie will frequently make child advocates and parents uncomfortable—very uncomfortable, but hang in & you'll find it teaches us how to observe signs which may one day save a life. The ending is rewarding!

The Poker House (2008)

Horrible, shabby script!! (good acting tho)

[3/10 · 28 August 2009]

The abrupt way the film cut off just as it was starting to take form, made it the worst ending to a movie I've seen in a long time! And, we go to the matinée most every wk end, rent & watch a lot of movies. The acting from Selma, Bokeem and Jennifer Lawrence is truly convincing & professional in this film. Also, acting by the children & teens are exceptionally well. Unfortunately, it couldn't save the film considering this isn't one of those films we could sit back, relax & enjoy. In most parts, the script seemed incomplete & chaotic, such as, forcing viewers to put in work second guessing exactly what roles certain characters played in the main character's life(Agnes), who was who & what was the point of a few interesting scenes w/ no outcome(which eventually made them irrelevant). That caused the film to drag on more often than not. It was like trying to use your own imagination while listening to someone in a drunk stupor (and depressed), tell you about 3 days & fifteen minutes out of 150 chapters of their unstable, hectic life. Nearly as bad was the way it transitioned from one scene to the next & careened from plot to plot, such as the connection we never make to the scenes w/ the youngest sister(Chloe Moretz). Matter of fact, we aren't aware Agnes & Cammie are sisters or even know one another until Agnes picks 2 sisters up instead of 1 off an overpass at night, and they drive off five min before the ending! None of us could figure out if the boring scenes w/ a little girl "always" in a complete different setting were flashbacks to when Agnes was a little girl, or her mother. Lastly, if watching a 13 yr old **** tease & bust slob with a black pimp is interesting to you, and you can believe he allows her to sit across from him & call his peers n*(ggers)during their conversations, than forces himself on her 10 minutes before the movie cuts off, and unlike other 'based on true event" films...we can't research what happens after or to other characters...along with all the above, than this miserable movie is right up your alley. Enjoy! because I doubt they'll be another made like it (thank God)