bulletproofclod Reviews

Fringe (2008–2013)

Fringe is a More than Satisfactory New Television Show

[8/10 · 11 December 2008]

I'll admit, at the beginning of the show I saw a promising concept that yielded minimal satisfaction, but the character of Walter, played to perfection by John Noble, kept me interested long enough for this show to finally start to reach its potential.

Sure, it's a storyline that's been done frequently what with the X-Files and other similar but less lucrative series, but Fringe has a lot going for it. The show has a good cast that sometimes displays a bit of wooden acting here and there and the protagonist Olivia started out seemingly frigid and more bland than rice and beige combined, but as the season carried on, everything started to improve episode by episode.

There are twists and turns at every corner, a lot of cast members to keep things fresh and chemistry between leads Olivia and Peter that is played to perfection so as to offer the obligatory but not overwhelming will they/won't they angle that most crime shows feel the somewhat unnecessary need to touch upon. But at least thus far the show has been successful in keeping the possibility as a background afterthought and have only made efforts to develop their friendship, which is a safe bet so early in the series.

While in the beginning the show took itself too seriously, the writers and producers seem to have finally decided to go with what works, especially evidenced in the blossoming of Olivia Dunham. And while she won't be a fan favorite any time soon, she has become increasingly more likable and easier to relate to.

Only time will tell if Fringe will age like fine and well-cared for wine or simply turn vinegary from neglect, but the twists, turns, the increasingly bizarre story lines and Walter's presence are enough to make a sci-fi fan or crime show buff want to tune in.

Twilight (I) (2008)

Too Loyal of an Adaptation that Suffers from Corny Dialogue

[2/10 · 28 November 2008]

Let me start off with a basic disclaimer, though it almost seems silly because most people judge a review by the rating and subheading. I am a fan of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series. The books, and even the movie, is a fun form of escapism for people of all ages...though primarily the target audience seems to be adolescent girls with stars in their eyes over the fictional Edward Cullen.

The movie is made quite well, though some of the casting is suspect (the choice of Carlisle leaves much to be desired) and whether you are a die-hard fan of the books or not, one must acknowledge the corniness that is Twilight. Admittedly it's different when you're reading two teenagers profess their undying love and swear an eternal commitment, but when you see it on film it is undeniably cheesy, and there is nothing Catherine Hardwick, Robert Pattinson or Kristen Stewart can do about it.

The high school awkwardness is endearing and rings true as opposed to what Hollywood typically portrays adolescence to be (re American Pie, Gossip Girl, almost any teen movie of the nineties) it's easy to identify with Bella Swan, fish out of water and chock full of clumsiness.

The script simply reflects the novel, and it suffers accordingly. Some of the hackneyed lines could have been removed without detriment, and some of the cringe worthy scenes even evoke laughter from the crowd. The meadow scene, a fan favorite, is disappointing and almost silly, evoking awkward giggles when the bad CGI kicks in.

It's an entertaining movie that followed the popular book, but a less loyal adaptation would have been better.

Tropic Thunder (2008)

Worth Its Weight in Fun

[8/10 · 8 September 2008]

Once upon a time August was considered a sort of dumping ground for subpar films that couldn't make the grade for the May through July season, but recently late summer films have been triumphant.

Ben Stiller's latest film takes place on the set of a Vietnam War movie based on memoir by Four Leaf Tayback, who is an intense veteran and amputee played to perfection by a nearly unrecognizable Nick Nolte.

Thanks to the unreasonable and ridiculous behavior displayed by the four main actors, the studio threatens to pull the plug on the war epic. Fear of failure drives the desperate director to take Tayback's advice and drop the divas into the wilderness.

The cast is led by Ben Stiller, who both acted in and directed the film, playing fading action star Tugg Speedman who sees this as his last chance to stay afloat in the movie industry.

The amazingly talented Robert Downey Jr. takes an unforgettable turn portraying Kirk Lazarus, a passionate method actor who undergoes a controversial surgery in order to portray the black platoon sergeant.

Some of the funniest moments come from his attempts to embody a stereotypical African American. Lazarus's extreme submersion into the role leaves him incapable of dropping the character, cleverly satirizing the lengths actors are willing to go to in order to perfect their 'craft.'

Jack Black portrays Jeff 'Fats' Portnoy, a lowbrow comedian hooked on everything but phonics, suffers through withdrawals throughout the course of the film and his crudeness opens up many comedic avenues.

Actual African American rap star Alpa Chino, portrayed by Brandon T. Jackson, butts heads with Lazarus, disgusted by the actor's ridiculous dedication to becoming and acting like a black man.

The cast of the epic catches the attention of the jungle's prime drug manufacturers, the Flaming Red Dragon Gang, who initially believes that the oblivious thespians are a threat to their organization.

Speedman continues to believe that the whole experience is doctored and remains convinced that the cameras are still rolling even after the team is ambushed by the drug dealers and real landmines explode.

It is levelheaded rookie actor Kevin Sandusky, played by Jay Baruchel, who holds the team together when Speedman goes off on his own to continue making the movie that everyone else realizes is long over.

When Speedman is captured by the malicious drug lords and forced to perform his critically panned role of Simple Jack for the locals, his costars must think of a way to rescue him as well as save their own skins.

While the action is well spaced and the film is punctuated by many belly laughs, Tropic Thunder is not for the light of heart and is rated R for good reason. There's vulgarity enough for everybody as well as grossly realistic severed limbs and bad language galore.

Downey Jr. leads the pack, portraying the preposterously serious Lazarus with a straight face, despite all of his laughable absurdities, but he does not stand alone. The cast is strong and the dynamic between the five clueless actors creates the perfect environment for both clever comedy as well as the occasional cheap laugh.

The controversy surrounding the film is not without merit for there are many risqué moments and vulgar jokes that could easily upset the sensitive.

However, the offense taken by Lazarus adopting black face and the debate besieging Speedman's portrayal of a mentally challenged character is taken out of context. One can only presume that those who take such great offense to "Tropic Thunder," never bothered to see it.

The point of both controversial depictions is to poke fun at the movie industry and how actors, like fictional Lazarus and Speedman, can take both themselves and their roles far too seriously.

Tropic Thunder succeeds as a great ensemble piece, the main and supporting actors playing off each other perfectly. There is even a hilarious bit part by a nearly unrecognizable Tom Cruise.

This is a movie best taken with a laugh and a grain of salt and true fans of Downey Jr., Stiller and Black will not be disappointed. The politically correct and easily offended should do their best to avoid it.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)

How dare they?

[10/10 · 23 May 2008]

The latest in the epic series of "Indiana Jones" has completely messed up my ideas behind the worthiness of a film due to its chronology. Before this installment, Raiders of the Lost Ark was by far my favorite, followed by The Temple of Doom and, in last place by far, The Last Crusade. Now Spielberg, Lucas and Ford came together again and made a complete mockery of my belief that movies and their sequels diminish in value by the order they are created. I'm happy to be wrong.

The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull holds up to the hype, it has that old Indiana Jones feel surrounding it, with action, suspense, romance and the supernatural neatly tied into one explosive package. While The Last Ark is still, in my opinion, the best of the series, this forth installment certainly holds up to the precedent set by the previous films.

Harrison Ford is amazing, even in his mid sixties he can give those Commies a run for their money. Cate Blanchett is a great villainess, Karen Allen is fantastic as Jones's returning love interest, even Shia LaBeouf, who I had reservations about, served the film well as a sort of aspiring tough guy who bumbles along the way. It's a must see, and those who are already whining and complaining need to take a deep breath and realize that all the elements that made the series great are still alive and well in this movie, though perhaps not quite so strong as in the beginning.

Leatherheads (2008)

Leatherheads Entertains, But Ultimately Fizzes

[8/10 · 7 April 2008]

While the dialog is clever and the acting is up to par, the mix of sports and romance ultimately falls flat. The legitimizing of football in the 1920's is the main plot point, with Clooney's Dodge Connelly attempting to popularize it through recruiting war hero turned college football phenomenon, Carter Rutherford, played by Krasinski.

The plot thickens when an officer who fought alongside Rutherford claims that the golden-boy's actions during the war are less than heroic.

Zellweger's ambitious Lexie Littleton doggedly pursues the truth behind the tall tales, all the while being pursued by the meant-to-be charming football has-been Connelly and the bright eyed Rutherford, who's reputation she is meant to dismantle. While Zellwegger looks the part of a '20's bombshell, Littleton is little more than an instigating character meant to stir up rivalry and trouble.

Though Littleton and Connelly's repartee is meant to mirror that of classic characters, she remains a shadow of prior female protagonists and never comes fully into her own. Her wavering affections for Rutherford and Connelly do not fit into the classic feminine archetype she was meant to embody.

While Clooney's smooth-talking Connelly was written with the intent of being charming, his actions oftentimes appear more arrogant than anything else. He is an unabashed trickster both on and off the field, but instead of coming off as an artful beguiler, he instead appears dishonest and at times unworthy.

Krasinski's Rutherford is by far the most charming and likable character in the film; his aw-shucks demeanor is disarmingly enchanting.

While Rutherford was built up as a rival for the aging Connelly, it is difficult to perceive in what way they are meant to compete with each other. He is stuck in a lie that snowballed into epic proportions, and his naiveté shows when he is genuinely wounded by Littleton's betrayal.

The remotely villainous CC Frazier, played by Jonathan Pryce, is an amusing feature of the film. His immoral approach to business and his eager desire to take advantage of the talent of others, namely Rutherford, shows a different and less promising side to the professionalizing of football.

While the conflict between Rutherford and Connelly appears somewhat stilted, the banter between the two is unequaled throughout the film. Most of the truly funny moments are between the two, honoring slapstick bits made famous in early cinema.

Randy Newman's swinging score is jazzy and jaunty, adding light excitement and highlights the screwiest scenes.

The Mention, and the ignoring of, prohibition also added legitimacy to the film, leading to an entertaining old-fashioned police chase involving Littleton and Connelly.

The football scenes were initially exciting, with Connelly's dupes and playing dirty rallying the spirit of football and Rutherford's clean and direct approach offering an interesting parallel. However, the final game is rather anticlimactic.

What was meant to be the pivotal scene in the football game was dissatisfying and confusing, using old suspense-building clichés to mount a weak scene. The final game was meant to be dull in order to put across Connelly's assertion that the rules of football ruin the game, but nonetheless it results in disappointment.

The costume designs, including the old-fashioned football uniforms and Littleton's various old time dresses make one feel as if they are taking a look back into the past, as does the beautiful cinematography.

"Leatherheads," is entertaining and fun, but its attempt to emulate the past genre ends up ultimately dissatisfying.

The Departed (2006)

Fan-bleeping-tastic

[10/10 · 20 January 2008]

Best film of '06, hands down, feet up. This is not a point on which I am willing to argue, because while Babel was well-acted, Little Miss Sunshine was hysterical and Letters From Iwo Jima was fascinating, no movie that year came close to being the cinematic masterpiece that "The Departed" is. The leads and supporting actors were not good, they were fantastic, gritty and raw. The moral fiber is shredded, the line separating good and bad faded, and drugs, money, and crime reign dominant. There was no one shining star in this film, Wahlberg, DiCaprio, Sheen, Damon and lets not forget Nicholson were superb. The camera angles were innovative and the writing was amazing, if there is one bone to pick its the semi-weak performance of the only central female character, and even that is only in comparison to the extremely talented cast surrounding her.

Stardust (2007)

Magical and fantastical

[10/10 · 20 August 2007]

There are not many movies around that have given me a feeling like Stardust did all throughout the course of the film. As magically fairy-tale-like as The Princess Bride, Stardust is most definitely the most wonderful fantasy spectacle of the 2000's as well as the 1990's. Exciting, hilarious and equipped with wonderful imagery as well as unforgettable characters, Michelle Pfeiffer and Robert DeNiro's especially, I challenge anyone to watch this movie without a smile. From the first ten minutes of the film you know perfectly well how it will end, but it is the journey and not the destination that enthralls the viewer from start to finish.

Ten stars, and not a decimal less.

Spider-Man 3 (2007)

For once, I'm laughing with them...all the way to the bank

[8/10 · 21 May 2007]

I may be in the minority, seeing as I was shocked to read all of the negative impressions on the third installment of the Spiderman series, and I found myself enjoying it more than the former two. This combines elements of campy humor consistent with the comic books, action and a mushy love story-turned-betrayal and whatnot, making it the sort of film you cross your legs real tight to avoid having to take a bathroom break and missing a moment. It was sheer entertainment, exciting and nerve-wracking with dialog that should be hovering from a speech bubble overhead. The second film had so many eye-rolling, lame, supposed-to-be-cute moments with formulaic elements and predictable story lines that I feared the worst when entering the theater, and I was delighted to find that instead of a continuation of this, we were faced with a script that pokes fun at itself and its roots justly, making the characters sympathetic and understandable instead of infuriating.

I give it an 8/10 because I enjoyed every second, and for once it seemed that the parts I was laughing at were supposed to be funny.

TMNT (2007)

Not Bad At All

[7/10 · 26 March 2007]

Seeing as I had no choice in seeing TMNT this weekend, I will say that I was pleasantly surprised to find myself not repulsed by the movie. It was lame, it was hokey and the jokes were targeted toward younger people (fortunate seeing as I went with my seven and five year old cousins) but it was well done and definitely entertaining. The pace was a good one, the story was interesting but not so complex as to lose the target audience. The actions sequences were cheesy, but what is to be expected in a movie called 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'? As a Sarah Michelle Gellar fan I was glad to see something recent of hers that I am not ashamed of, and happy that this film will definitely be a favorite of many kids, as well as it already acquiring a bit of a cult following in high school students.

I give it a 7 out of 10 because while it is by no means a perfect movie, it certainly keeps you interested from start 'til finish.

300 (2006)

Glorious and wonderful masterpiece

[10/10 · 14 March 2007]

As an avid Lord of the Rings, Pulp Fiction and Departed fan (I know, a bit of a geek) I must say that seeing 300 in theaters gave me the best feeling I have ever experienced in my history at the cinema. The concept of an 'army' of 300 men plus allies being able to do what it is that they did is unbelievable...until you see it for yourself.

With no 'big names' this movie, in it's entirety, centers around itself and its characters and its own story lines and visual effects, opposed to many films nowadays that seem to revolve around the actors they lasso into playing the roles.

Every moment depicted is breathtakingly perfect, the cinematography unbelievably fascinating as well as the battle scenes that embody the Frank Miller-esquire manner of fighting, making the deaths almost comical and quite drawn out.

There is nothing about this film that I would change, given the opportunity, and for this I award 300 with a 10/10, because I just can't rate it any higher.

Music and Lyrics (2007)

Alex and Emma...with music, a better plot, acting, and character development

[9/10 · 17 February 2007]

Drew Barrymore is more adorable than ever as the rambling Sophie Fisher and Hugh Grant is charmingly befuddled as has-been Alex Fletcher of the eighties pop era. She is lacking in self- confidence and he cannot write his own songs without her assistance. The pair are adorable, especially seeing as they are not all over each other every minute or constantly flirting. The best part of the entire movie was the sincerity that shone through Barrymore and Grant, the adoration and chemistry that has more basis in emotions opposed to sexual. Brad Garrett, of the Everybody Loves Raymond fame, brings a certain 'oomph' to the story with his rapport with Grant with his integrity...an actually honest agent! How rare. The plot is simple to follow with few twists and turns, and the dialog sparkles. This film simply brings a smile to your face, and I wholeheartedly vouch that this is entirely worth the $9.50.

Norbit (2007)

Revelation...the humorless need to take a breath and see this for what it is.

[6/10 · 11 February 2007]

This is NOT meant to be a serious movie. Those who created Norbit did not set out to make a witty, comical masterpiece that made the viewers think and contemplate...this is a comedy. No one seems to understand it, be the long, winding and rather dull critical remarks on the movie bringing 'a new meaning to distasteful' or something equally as yawn-worthy, what needs to be realized is that this is riddled with clichés and fun, comical satire. This is not meant to make one think, it exists because it must have been entertaining to make and it is funny. This is no Little Miss Sunshine, and it serves its purpose, I spent one hour and forty-two minutes without a decent thought in my head. Those humorless people who continue to bore us with their in depth reasoning for 'why this movie isn't good' need to stop for a second and look at the plot and concept...this is not meant to be taken seriously.

The Holiday (2006)

Kate Winslet simply makes the movie!

[8/10 · 8 December 2006]

The writing is, at times, hokey and formulatic, but not a one of the leading stars are without their due talent, though Kate Winslet as Iris outshines the lot of them. She as an actress radiates just as her character does, and it is she and she alone who make the Los Angeles storyline the best out of the two. She is simply adorable, while Cameron Diaz is a bit too work-aholic commit-a- phobic for my taste. Her eventual romance is obvious the instant one lays eye on the object of her affection, while Iris goes through a bit more character development and has a bit more depth than the other leading lady. Jude Law is adorable, perhaps as a result as the fictional family resemblance? Jack Black is funnily awkward, as he is meant to be, making his persona flawed to perfection. This movie is quite a good way to spend a night with nothing better to do, and, in my humble opinion, as I am sure all reading can already assert from reading thus far, Kate Winslet sparkles like a diamond while the rest merely glint.

Closer (I) (2004)

As said before, Natalie and Clive are spectacular

[6/10 · 8 October 2006]

As Clive Owen's Larry often comments, "how could he leave you?" The idea of Jude Law's Dan leaving the sexy, exuberant and very snarky Alice for the plain-Jane Anna is a hard concept to wrap your mind around. You simply must believe in the concept of two souls so unbelievably drawn to each other that nothing else matters.

I feel as though I am giving Julia Roberts the short end of the stick, she acts the part with moderate success, only shining on the rare occasion that her dialog exceeds anyone else's. The movie is a tale of deception and love and complicated a complicated love...square?

Where this film exceeds more spectacularly is not only in Owen and Portman's brilliance, but in the outside character development. In many movies with similar story lines the two characters who instigate the affairs have significant others that are either a) unsatisfying and dull, b) too nice for their own good or, c) one who is not up to par with their partners. In this case, none of the above apply. Alice shimmers and turns heads everywhere she goes and despite her love Dan still finds it fit to cheat on her relentlessly. How he goes from attempting to convince Anna to see him to being loving boyfriend in a split second is quite amazing.

I am not the first to say that the two nominated for Academy Awards in this picture are truly the greatest, there was no oversight whatsoever for the other two leads. Jude Law does have chemistry with Alice that makes their relationship all the more believable, but you cannot help but wonder...why in God's name would he leave her?

The Libertine (2004)

Mild smut poorly passed off as artistic

[6/10 · 16 September 2006]

Let me first begin my review with a commendation; all of the acting was superb, especially Johnny Depp as the Earl of Rochester. My first critique (that is not truly a critique) is that nearly every single character is, nonetheless, unlikable. Rosamund Pike, the loving wife, has dialog that at time repulses you. The love interest was unpleasant and the directing and such are formulated in such a way as to, in vain, make the viewer see this as a great artistic film, which it is not.

I won't do a plot overview, seeing as the section atop this movie page does that for me, but I will say that the plot is without great interest. A sexually liberated man with his numerous conquests attempts to conquer the times with his 'revolutionizing' writing and such with Lizzy Barry as the ambitious actress.

This movie was mildly entertaining, emphasis on the mild, and though some enjoy it I found many of the elements tiredly formulatic, finding love and a reason to live, becoming ostracized and the like. If this were a film with no-name or B-list stars it could be passed of as pornography, but with Johnny Depp in the lead they attempted the impossible: making something quite filthy into a shrewd masterpiece.

5.5/10, rounded up to six.

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

A hysterical satire on beauty competitions and family

[10/10 · 19 August 2006]

Well worth the nine dollars it took to get in to see this under-appreciated gem. I saw it yesterday and found that it was already in the small theater with a small audience opposed to the large, crowded one it deserved! The entire story was interesting and cleverly plotted, but it was the last twenty minutes that made the whole film for me, I swore that I burst a blood vessel and I could barely breathe properly. Steve Carell is brilliant as usual as uncle Frank who had just attempted suicide and father Greg Kinnear makes you wish you could hit him square in the jaw. Though I am usually opposed to any goth-like character, Dwayne made the film fresh and was a definitely a highlight in the story. The cast was sparkling and brilliantly acted, including Olive, the young daughter who aspires to eventually become Little Miss Sunshine. If this movie does not win any Academy Awards I will be sorely disappointed.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)

Phenomenal

[8/10 · 26 July 2006]

Perhaps the most anticipated movie of the summer, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest does nothing to disappoint the loyal viewers of the first film. Captain Jack returns, perhaps better than ever. The love triangle that was only insinuated in Curse of the Black Pearl is brought back, leaving every Pirates fan with something to look forward to next summer. The chemistry is sizzling, and the dialog is clever and smart enough to keep adults and young children alike entertained.

Keira Knightley can be a low point in this film, I found her facial expressions to be somewhat irritating, but her character is definitely one of great importance. I wait in bated breath for the next installment, and know that I am not the only one.

Little Women (1994)

Loved the first part, but can't watch the second

[7/10 · 21 July 2006]

The entire movie is an incredibly good and seemingly realistic story of what life was like back in the late eighteen hundreds to early nineteen hundreds. Winona Ryder as Jo is phenomenal as is the rest of the cast, apart from Samantha Mathis who I believe did not suit the role of bratty Amy as well as Kirsten Dunst did. The entire movie is captivating and mostly flawless, at least the first half or so.

It does not go down hill due to acting, writing or anything else that is by the fault of the actors or director, but it is the story written as is that is a punishment. From here on out there will be spoilers. In the book there is a basic understanding as to why Lawry and Jo were not meant to be together, but all throughout this film not only do Ryder and Bale have incredibly good chemistry, but the story is believable.

Jo states that they would be fighting all the time, though not once in the movie do we see a genuine argument between the two, apart from during the proposal. She is affronted when people consider Meg and Lawry to be together, and does as Amy says 'hog him'. Every action, every glance seems to be pointing to the two of them being in love, but then she flatly refuses his hand. In Louisa May Alcott's book it is made clear that she sees him as a brother and nothing else and even has aspirations for he and Meg, which is perfectly understandable. However, this film is not the book!

When Lawry proposes and eventually marries Amy, it truly seems as though he is settling for anyone related to Jo and becomes involved with Amy much as Mr. Wickham does with Lydia in Pride and Prejudice. In this adaptation I cannot understand why the two do not end up together. This is a movie, a completely separated object from the book. One is not expected to read a story before watching the film, and that is the only way you can truly understand what is going through their heads.

Ever since I first saw this in full, I always stop it after Meg's wedding, knowing that I have fallen in love with Lawry/Jo all over again and can't stand to watch it happen again. The character development is nearly flawless so that I can relate to the two and am upset when they do not get married.

7/10, love the beginning, the last half is painful for me to watch.

South Park: Smug Alert! (2006) Season 10, Episode 2

South Park losing it? No way in hell!

[10/10 · 22 June 2006]

This was an excellent episode on one of the best and seemingly uncensored shows on television! This episode captures the irritating, haughty and stuck-up nature of many extreme liberals and environmentalists who believe that just because they drive a Hybrid they are a superior race. Hysterical and quotable, one that no one will forget for a long time. The way this show is written illustrates the sheer perfection that resulted in this television series, with ****************spoiler****************** Kyle being forced to move away after his father becomes too full of himself over his environmentalist

mentality, prompting Stan to write a song about Hybrid cars and leading to a SMUG STORM resulting from the townspeople's attitude resulting in this change. Cartman has to attempt at rescuing Kyle, who is suffering in the strange

San Francisco, seeing as due to his absence, Cartman is without someone to constantly make fun of. Guaranteed to be hysterical!

Sin City (2005)

Comicbook masterpiece

[9/10 · 13 May 2006]

There is Spiderman, Superman, the Punisher, Wonderwoman, Batman and many other comic book adaptations floating around since as early as the seventies. Most of these were loosely translated onto film, maintaining the main character and a love interest or two. Frank Miller's Sin City is without a doubt the greatest adaptation of them all.

Using unique camera techniques and dialogue directly out of the graphic novels it is no wonder that this ranks #60 on IMDb's top 250. With ingenious choreography and different yet intertwining stories taking us through Basin City this movie is spectacular and incomparable to any others like it...expect for the fact that there are no others like it.

The acting is top notch, especially that of Clive Owen (Dwight), Bruce Willis (Hartigan) and who could possibly forget Mickey Rourke in arguably his best role as Marv. This is a must see for older audiences who will not shy away from graphic violence and some admittedly gratuitous nudity scenes.

I score this a 10/10 and am eagerly anticipating the sequel!

Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)

A forgettable, but not badly acted, popcorn movie

[6/10 · 19 February 2006]

I didn't go into the theater with great expectations. First of all, I am an avid Jennifer Aniston fan and believed that Brad Pitt (John) was scum for cheating on her and Angelina Jolie (Jane) was trash for going so as well. Now that that is out of the way, onward to my comments.

It starts with a couple whose relationship firstly began with passion, though after five, or six, years it was all but lost. They have normal relationship issues excluding one. Oops, they're spies and they find that they're next assignment is each other. I saw it a few weeks after it opened and already the details are escaping me.

John and Jane both have their own insecurities, wondering whether or not the other just married them to make an easier kill. The sparks are genuine, I'm afraid, and the acting is not the problem. I enjoyed this movie somewhat though I can remember what I ate at the theater better than all of the witty banter. It's strictly a popcorn movie with no other value, no undermining lesson except 'be honest, for all you know your spouse could be a hit (wo)man.'

Some of the issues of the movie were the fact that the 'surprise' of the film were shown in the commercials (unavoidable, but...) and the 'twists' are not surprising and you can see them coming from a mile away. Despite the fact that I dislike Jolie and Pitt personally (well, from what I know of them) it is undoubtable that they did a fine job in this movie and the acting was above par. Don't go into this too eagerly, it's not worth that, but, considering it all, it's not a bad movie.

6/10 stars

Serenity (2005)

Even if you have not seen Firefly, this movie is still awesome.

[10/10 · 23 January 2006]

Serenity is one of those rare movies that, to me, at least, seems as though it never gets old. It is a humorous, adventurous, mystery with every possible element added to it.

This is one of Joss Whedon's best works (in my opinion) and I have rarely seen such convincing acting in a 'space flick', as my sister called it. The clichés are embraced and made fun of, the storyline is versatile and excellent. I rented this on a whim when I weighed either Red Eye or this against one another and, obviously, chose Serenity. I was extremely impressed and surprised, especially by the cast that has often been incorporated in other Whedon works (i:e Angel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, obviously Firefly...)

I give this a ten out of ten and suggest that anyone who has the means and ability to see this movie SEE IT IMMEDIATELY!