The Lost Thing - 5 stars out of 10

The Lost Thing - 5 stars out of 10

"The Lost Thing" is a cute story with a children's book feel to it and a simple message: Everybody and everything has a place in this world, but we should help each other to find their place. Unique animation and good narration, I just wish that I was longer.

The World's Fastest Indian - 9 stars out of 10

The World's Fastest Indian - 9 stars out of 10

Although the title is a bit off-putting, "The World's Fastest Indian" is a must-see film that tells the true story of a kindhearted old man and the people that he meets on his way to achieving his dream. I thought that this film was just going to be about racing motorcycles but was surprised to find a perspective into the culture shock of a foreigner coming to America... and even more surprised to find some strong statements regarding the value of kindness in a typically cold society. My only complaint was the the movie flew by so fast. Burt Munro is an awesome character. Period. Anthony Hopkins delivers a fantastic performance as one of the most innocent, kind characters that I've seen. He touched the life of every person with whom he came into contact and this film is a beautiful tribute to the life and success of Burt Munro. Don't be put off by the title - this film is awesome and you will walk away with a sense of hope for goodness in the world.

The Evil Dead - 2 stars out of 10

The Evil Dead - 2 stars out of 10

"The Evil Dead" doesn't have much of a story but it isn't about that - the zombies are horrifying and the gore is foul, and that's what really counts in this cult classic.  After watching this film, I am convinced that a cabin in the middle of the woods is an excellent setting for a horror film.  This film isn't scary as much as it's just a ton of nasty gore. Although the dialogue is terrible, the zombies are very animalistic and make some of the most horrific sounds in the world, sending chills down your spine. The entire film is over the top and there is an oft-unnecessary amount of blood that appears for no particular reason (and Ash always seems to find himself trapped underneath a bookshelf), but in spite of its shortcomings, it'll surely gross you out and entertain you for 90 minutes.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit - 7 stars out of 10

Who Framed Roger Rabbit - 7 stars out of 10

"Who Framed Roger Rabbit" is an incredible feast for the eyes and is one of the greatest artistic accomplishments in 1980's cinema, convincingly splicing together the real world with the cartoon world. Richard Williams deserved his Special Achievement Oscar and the labor of the animators and editors were rightfully awarded with three Oscars. You won't want to look away, trying to find some flaw between the real footage and the animation. You will not find one. Not to mention the excitement of seeing many of your favorite animated characters appearing in the places that you would least expect. One might think that this type of film is "below" directors/producers like Spielberg and Zemeckis but it takes two genius minds like that to do a convincing job with this script. All of the actors interact well with the cartoon characters, Charles Fleischer's voice acting as Roger Rabbit is incredible, and the animation of Jessica Rabbit = wow (and most guys will probably agree), not to mention Mel Blanc in one of his final performances, voicing the classic Looney Tune characters! If you think that "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" is a children's movie, you are going to be surprised by the grit and intensity brought into the cartoon world.

Graduation - 7 stars out of 10

Graduation - 7 stars out of 10

Four high school friends decide to rob a bank before graduation - it sounds like a loser but turns out to be a decent heist film. The first half of the film effectivey develops the characters but ineffectively manages to provide more substance than high school drama. The second half of the film is much different, delivering several unexpected twists and a genius resolution to this heist-gone-wrong. The film sarcastically stereotypes several "important" high school moments with amusing results but dramatic ending is what would draw me to this film again. That... and Aimee Garcia who is smoking hott. This film is not of Ocean's Eleven calibre but is certainly a worthwhile heist film.

Paul Blart: Mall Cop - 2 stars out of 10

Paul Blart: Mall Cop - 2 stars out of 10
150th Review

It's unfortunate that it took an hour for the plot of this movie to get started. What I learned from this movie: In order to pull off a heist, you must be a gymnast and qualify to compete in the X-games. Though the previews looked funny, the funny moments were limited to the final 30 minutes of the movie. I guess that I was confused because this movie is obviously geared toward kids, and yet there's a long scene where he is drunk and would be inappropriate for kids. I won't be seeing this one again anytime soon.

Au revoir les enfants - 6 stars out of 10

Au revoir les enfants - 6 stars out of 10

"Au revoir les enfants" is a sad story of friendship within Nazi-occupied France. The story transitions from sad to devastating when you realize that it is based on childhood events from director Louis Malle's life. Though the acting of Gaspard Manesse and Raphael Fejto is wonderful, the writing creates a slow-moving story that lacks a powerful emotional scene that should make this story a tear-jerker. The friendship between the boys is more realistic than the way that a Disney movie would have them become instant best friends who are finishing each others' sentences, which adds to the genuine feel. Unfortunately, I have to point out that the boys' hands do not match up with the music during the piano scenes and that always irks me. It isn't "Life is Beautiful" or "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas," but it is a powerful WWII film that is worth watching.

Morning Glory - 8 stars out of 10

Morning Glory - 8 stars out of 10

In a generation of dirty, everything-goes-wrong comedy movies (The Hangover, Forgetting Sarah Marshall), here is a feel-good, heartfelt comedy that relies on good acting instead of cheap gags. This film's excellent soundtrack provides the film with its initial energy via Joss Stone and features big recording artists throughout. The acting is quality, with Rachel McAdams playing a high-strung but lovable part that makes you want to see her succeed. While she provides the (often dramatic) drive of the film, comic relief is readily available from Diane Keaton, like the sequence where her and the weatherman do all of the ridiculous news segments - hysterical. Although the chemistry between Ford and Keaton could have been better, Ford is incredible on his own throughout the film. Amidst the comedy, an incredibly heartfelt moment appears in his dialogue, perfectly delivered to McAdams as they sit on that bench. Although he has become stereotyped in "grumpy old man" roles, he plays them SO well! The underlying theme is that when you have actors like Keaton, Wilson, and Goldblum in the supporting roles of a good script, you know that you're in for a treat. Not to mention that the film ended in exactly the right way. I've grown tired of the overflow of dirty comedy films but "Morning Glory" is a breath of fresh air.

The Name of the Rose - 5 stars out of 10

The Name of the Rose - 5 stars out of 10

"The Name of the Rose" is an interesting murder-mystery set in a 14th century monestary. Although the character William of Baskerville is certainly not Hercule Poirot, Connery plays the role with dialectic expertise. This story is very interesting but much of the acting left something to be desired. This very young Christian Slater was pretty stale and didn't offer much emotion, while I couldn't stop thinking "Salieri" everytime F Murray Abraham was on screen. The height of my distaste occured during an unnecessarily pornographic sex scene. The point could have easily been made without such a graphic sexual portrayal and, though this film may have been staying true to the book, it was just too much to stomach. I recommend this film for it's story and a twist that you will never see coming (there's a hint in there) but please skip past the sex scene or you'll be left with a sour sensation as well.

Look Who's Talking - 3 stars out of 10

Look Who's Talking - 3 stars out of 10

"Look Who's Talking" is an 80's comedy a la Full House. There isn't too much special going on in this predictable comedy with its standard characters getting into typical troublesome situations. After a clever (but disgusting) opening sequence, I was distracted for the duration of the film, wondering "Why can't Kirstie Alley look like this today..." Travolta is entertaining but the story lacks, never really going anywhere. This film is okay for background noise but I don't think that I'd invest 90 minutes into it.

La Strada (The Road) - 6 stars out of 10

La Strada (The Road) - 6 stars out of 10

"La Strada" is a character-driven film about a foul-tempered circus performer and his assistant. The success of the entire film is contingent upon the audience falling in love with Gelsomina's quirky personality... and though I was doubtful at first, she won me over. Giulietta Masina?M)s facial expressions often reminded me of Harpo Marx, not needing extensive dialogue to portay her emotions as her expressive eyebrows told her story. Anthony Quinn is marvelous (and monstrous) as Zampano, the heartless strongman who constantly rejects Gelsomina. Punctuated by a beautiful musical theme by Nino Rota, La Strada will tug at your heart and make you thankful for acceptance in this world.

Rabbit Hole - 9 stars out of 10

Rabbit Hole - 9 stars out of 10

After seeing "Rabbit Hole" on stage and on the screen, I can see that it isn't necessarily the individual performances, but the emotionally-charged story, that makes this such a moving experience.  Granted, the story serves as a great medium for powerful performances, but it's the portrayal of how the loss of a child can turn a family's world upside down that will leave you breathless.  No scene is more poignant than the argument between Kidman (who certainly earned her Oscar nomination) and Eckhart (who easily could have been nominated) regarding Kidman's "erasing" of the memories of Danny from the house.  I could watch Eckhart scream that dialogue 7000 times and still get chills.  Each distraught detail of the couple's life is exposed, showing how two victims of the same tragedy cope in very different ways.  A further perspective comes from the main character's mother, played convincingly by Dianne Wiest, who is still dealing with the loss of her own child many years ago.  I have to think that the playwrite was involved in the casting because every role was perfectly portrayed and the chemistry between the characters makes a strong statement in a mere 90 minutes.  The adaptation for the screen enhances the story (and refreshingly eliminates most of the f-words to make for a more pleasant watch and a PG-13 rating).  "Rabbit Hole" is a figurative punch to the face composed of drama and emotions.  See it.