Supersize Me - 8 stars out of 10
Everybody should see this movie at least once in their life. Aside from presenting Morgan Spurlock's fascinating journey, it is an informative look into nutrition, living an active lifestyle, and healthy eating. Although the victim restaurant in this film is McDonald's, it could be any fast food place (with the exception of Subway). This film shows that fast food is never going to be a healthy option but can be acceptible in moderation. "Supersize Me" will make anybody think twice about what you order at a fast food restaurant, whether you eat out as a treat once in a while or visit the drive through every night in lieu of cooking.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Gangs of New York - 9 stars out of 10
Gangs of New York - 9 stars out of 10
"Gangs of New York" is one of the most impressive period pieces out there, immediately transporting you to 19th century New York City and engulfing you into the world ruled by Bill the Butcher. The cast list is packed with renowned actors, from Liam Neeson's brief role at the beginning to DiCaprio, Diaz (who I did not want to strangle and actually enjoyed), Reilly, and Broadbent. The feature actor of the film is Daniel Day-Lewis who, inspite of his mustache, earned his Oscar nod with emotional monologues and intense conflict. Although the film is only loosely based on true events, the sets and costumes truly preserve 1860's New York. The film is long but Scorsese's Oscar-nominated directing makes it easy to stay "into it" for the duration of the film. This is a film that you don't want to miss.
"Gangs of New York" is one of the most impressive period pieces out there, immediately transporting you to 19th century New York City and engulfing you into the world ruled by Bill the Butcher. The cast list is packed with renowned actors, from Liam Neeson's brief role at the beginning to DiCaprio, Diaz (who I did not want to strangle and actually enjoyed), Reilly, and Broadbent. The feature actor of the film is Daniel Day-Lewis who, inspite of his mustache, earned his Oscar nod with emotional monologues and intense conflict. Although the film is only loosely based on true events, the sets and costumes truly preserve 1860's New York. The film is long but Scorsese's Oscar-nominated directing makes it easy to stay "into it" for the duration of the film. This is a film that you don't want to miss.
Friday, September 30, 2011
The Life of David Gale - 10 stars out of 10
The Life of David Gale - 10 stars out of 10
The Life of David Gale is an incredible drama told through the eyes of a victim making his final stand before he meets his execution. Spot-on performances by Spacey, Winslet, and Linney bring the story to life in the film's moral stance against capital punishment. Spacey and Winslet are two of the finest actors in Hollywood and I would love to see them team up again. Although you may see the twist coming, it will not make the jaw-dropping moment any less shocking and satisfying.
The Life of David Gale is an incredible drama told through the eyes of a victim making his final stand before he meets his execution. Spot-on performances by Spacey, Winslet, and Linney bring the story to life in the film's moral stance against capital punishment. Spacey and Winslet are two of the finest actors in Hollywood and I would love to see them team up again. Although you may see the twist coming, it will not make the jaw-dropping moment any less shocking and satisfying.
1984 - 5 stars out of 10
1984 - 5 stars out of 10
My first instinct was to warn you that there is a lot of nudity in this film but after finishing "1984," I am more inclined to warn you about the incredibly disturbing torture scenes that begin with the rack and end an eternity later with the rats. During the torture sequences, the agony on John Hurt's face is impressive but difficult to watch. The genius of George Orwell's distopian story lies in the progression of the plot. The first 70 minutes are predictable as the main character is torn between his individualism and society's expectations; however, the twist propels the film in an entirely different direction as Big Brother's control over a mindless society becomes the least of Winston Smith's concerns. The film moves slowly but is worth it to experience the story. This is only if you think that you can handle the story, as the second half of the film is so unrelenting that you may find yourself searching for a distraction.
My first instinct was to warn you that there is a lot of nudity in this film but after finishing "1984," I am more inclined to warn you about the incredibly disturbing torture scenes that begin with the rack and end an eternity later with the rats. During the torture sequences, the agony on John Hurt's face is impressive but difficult to watch. The genius of George Orwell's distopian story lies in the progression of the plot. The first 70 minutes are predictable as the main character is torn between his individualism and society's expectations; however, the twist propels the film in an entirely different direction as Big Brother's control over a mindless society becomes the least of Winston Smith's concerns. The film moves slowly but is worth it to experience the story. This is only if you think that you can handle the story, as the second half of the film is so unrelenting that you may find yourself searching for a distraction.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
The Hunt for Red October - 2 stars out of 10
The Hunt for Red October - 2 stars out of 10
This may be the slowest moving thriller in the history of film. It literally takes 110 minutes for the action to begin. I don't blame this story or script, but rather the fact that a bunch of men inside of a submarine moving slowly through the water whose only conflict lies with men on another sub creates a lot of monotony. My college roommate antagonized me for 7 years about falling asleep during this movie but now I blame the movie and not my tiredness that evening. With all of these amazing actors, I had high expectations but its snail's pace negates their good performances. If you are looking for action or intensity, do not choose this one.
This may be the slowest moving thriller in the history of film. It literally takes 110 minutes for the action to begin. I don't blame this story or script, but rather the fact that a bunch of men inside of a submarine moving slowly through the water whose only conflict lies with men on another sub creates a lot of monotony. My college roommate antagonized me for 7 years about falling asleep during this movie but now I blame the movie and not my tiredness that evening. With all of these amazing actors, I had high expectations but its snail's pace negates their good performances. If you are looking for action or intensity, do not choose this one.
The Babe - 3 stars out of 10
The Babe - 3 stars out of 10
"The Babe" doesn't offer incredible acting or impressive sports action sequences, but it does tell the fascinating story of Babe Ruth's life. From his delinquent beginnings at a Baltimore orphanage, moments of Ruth's life are brought to life by John Goodman. I am assuming that Goodman was cast because of his physical appearance, but his personality also works well with Ruth's erratic lifestyle. I didn't care for this movie because it seemed too sporadic. Nothing really tied all of the events together, except for the fact that anytime they showed a short clip from a baseball game, you knew that the film was about to fastfoward through 4 years of Ruth's life. I understand that they wanted to make the most of the controversial moments in his life, but we remember him as a baseball player so the film should have focused on the important baseball moments. That being said, it was very magical to see the sequence with the boy in the hospital and Ruth's legendary calling of the home run brought to life. This film's greatest draw is nostalgia but in the end, it reads more like a telling of several random moments in Ruth's life without enough baseball. And even from a nostalgia stand-point, "Eight Men Out" is much more effective.
"The Babe" doesn't offer incredible acting or impressive sports action sequences, but it does tell the fascinating story of Babe Ruth's life. From his delinquent beginnings at a Baltimore orphanage, moments of Ruth's life are brought to life by John Goodman. I am assuming that Goodman was cast because of his physical appearance, but his personality also works well with Ruth's erratic lifestyle. I didn't care for this movie because it seemed too sporadic. Nothing really tied all of the events together, except for the fact that anytime they showed a short clip from a baseball game, you knew that the film was about to fastfoward through 4 years of Ruth's life. I understand that they wanted to make the most of the controversial moments in his life, but we remember him as a baseball player so the film should have focused on the important baseball moments. That being said, it was very magical to see the sequence with the boy in the hospital and Ruth's legendary calling of the home run brought to life. This film's greatest draw is nostalgia but in the end, it reads more like a telling of several random moments in Ruth's life without enough baseball. And even from a nostalgia stand-point, "Eight Men Out" is much more effective.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
The Basketball Diaries - 6 stars out of 10
The Basketball Diaries - 6 stars out of 10
This story is so sad, especially because it is true. Though it isn't as graphic and disturbing as "Requiem For A Dream," DiCaprio's portrayal of withdrawal is pretty brutal and continues to get worse from there. The film successfully paints a picture of the horrors of drug addiction by beginning with the typical glamorous view of getting high and showing how quickly it can ruin multiple lives. Although "Titanic" is the film that brought DiCaprio international stardom, it is amazing that films like Gilbert Grape and this one are often overlooked on his resume. This is not a good date movie but is excellent if you want to experience impressive young performances by DiCaprio and Mark Wahlberg. Not only does their acting show their descent into addiction but it is impressive to see the physical breakdown of their appearances. I recommend it, but prepare yourself first.
This story is so sad, especially because it is true. Though it isn't as graphic and disturbing as "Requiem For A Dream," DiCaprio's portrayal of withdrawal is pretty brutal and continues to get worse from there. The film successfully paints a picture of the horrors of drug addiction by beginning with the typical glamorous view of getting high and showing how quickly it can ruin multiple lives. Although "Titanic" is the film that brought DiCaprio international stardom, it is amazing that films like Gilbert Grape and this one are often overlooked on his resume. This is not a good date movie but is excellent if you want to experience impressive young performances by DiCaprio and Mark Wahlberg. Not only does their acting show their descent into addiction but it is impressive to see the physical breakdown of their appearances. I recommend it, but prepare yourself first.
Monday, September 26, 2011
The Great Outdoors - 1 star out of 10
The Great Outdoors - 1 star out of 10
I was waiting for the humorous antics to begin... I'm still waiting. This movie was just SO DUMB - not entertaining dumb humor, but just a bunch of pointless "why am I watching this" moments. The dialogue is just awful:
"I've never even had a girlfriend. I mean, I've dated girls but yanno, I've never had one that I called my girlfriend." "What would you call me..." "Officially?" [suggestively nods her head] [clears his throat] "Girlfriend?"
The love story is horrifically cheesy. To say that the acting is subpar would be an understatement. This movie is definitely a low for Dan Akroyd. And um... the lightning guy? Could this movie possibly have any more random moments? Why are there 4 scenes of raccoons with subtitled thoughts about eating garbage (and why do they swear so much)? I just don't understand. Throw in a Boy Who Cried Wolf moral and a random dance party during the ending credits and you have... I'm not quite sure what you have, but it earned a 1-star rating.
I was waiting for the humorous antics to begin... I'm still waiting. This movie was just SO DUMB - not entertaining dumb humor, but just a bunch of pointless "why am I watching this" moments. The dialogue is just awful:
"I've never even had a girlfriend. I mean, I've dated girls but yanno, I've never had one that I called my girlfriend." "What would you call me..." "Officially?" [suggestively nods her head] [clears his throat] "Girlfriend?"
The love story is horrifically cheesy. To say that the acting is subpar would be an understatement. This movie is definitely a low for Dan Akroyd. And um... the lightning guy? Could this movie possibly have any more random moments? Why are there 4 scenes of raccoons with subtitled thoughts about eating garbage (and why do they swear so much)? I just don't understand. Throw in a Boy Who Cried Wolf moral and a random dance party during the ending credits and you have... I'm not quite sure what you have, but it earned a 1-star rating.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
The Lion King 3D - 10 stars out of 10
The Lion King 3D - 10 stars out of 10
Just when you thought that it couldn't get any better than "The Lion King"... it has returned in 3D. The experience of seeing this version of "The Lion King" is two-fold. First, it is absolute magic to experience this film on the big screen again. With Hans Zimmer's score playing in surround sound and these incredible Disney characters appearing larger-than-life before your eyes, it becomes a surreal experience. I'm the most excited for teenagers and children who were not born when this film came out and now have the opportunity to see it in theaters. Second, the film translates perfectly into 3D and you will think that the film was intended to be viewed this way. The chills will begin as the camera moves toward Pride Rock, flying behing Zazu for our first view of Simba, and keep coming back until Simba victoriously climbs that same piece of landscape to reclaim his throne. The depth of every landscape is wonderful as you are transported into this African world.
For my review of the film (and not just the 3D enhancement), see:
http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2011/07/lion-king-10-stars-out-of-10.html
Just when you thought that it couldn't get any better than "The Lion King"... it has returned in 3D. The experience of seeing this version of "The Lion King" is two-fold. First, it is absolute magic to experience this film on the big screen again. With Hans Zimmer's score playing in surround sound and these incredible Disney characters appearing larger-than-life before your eyes, it becomes a surreal experience. I'm the most excited for teenagers and children who were not born when this film came out and now have the opportunity to see it in theaters. Second, the film translates perfectly into 3D and you will think that the film was intended to be viewed this way. The chills will begin as the camera moves toward Pride Rock, flying behing Zazu for our first view of Simba, and keep coming back until Simba victoriously climbs that same piece of landscape to reclaim his throne. The depth of every landscape is wonderful as you are transported into this African world.
For my review of the film (and not just the 3D enhancement), see:
http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2011/07/lion-king-10-stars-out-of-10.html
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog - 8 stars out of 10
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog - 8 stars out of 10
"Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog" isn't quite a movie and doesn't really qualify as a tv show. It would be more appropriate to categorize it as "Awesome." The Whedon brothers' time-passing activity during the Writer's Strike in 2008 has become a cult classic that blends comedy, musical numbers, and lovable characters. While Nathan Fillion and Neil Patrick Harris are fantastic as the rival hero and villain, the highlight for me is Felicia Day. Her soft singing voice and innocent, selfless disposition make her the perfect Penny and driving force of this film. In spite of its low budget, "Dr. Horrible" provides catchy music that you will likely purchase on iTunes after your first view, as well as clever dialogue and over-the-top situations that will keep you laughing. The best part is that this gem is only 42 minutes long, making it easy to enjoy during a lunch break or when you don't have enough time for a feature-length movie.
"Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog" isn't quite a movie and doesn't really qualify as a tv show. It would be more appropriate to categorize it as "Awesome." The Whedon brothers' time-passing activity during the Writer's Strike in 2008 has become a cult classic that blends comedy, musical numbers, and lovable characters. While Nathan Fillion and Neil Patrick Harris are fantastic as the rival hero and villain, the highlight for me is Felicia Day. Her soft singing voice and innocent, selfless disposition make her the perfect Penny and driving force of this film. In spite of its low budget, "Dr. Horrible" provides catchy music that you will likely purchase on iTunes after your first view, as well as clever dialogue and over-the-top situations that will keep you laughing. The best part is that this gem is only 42 minutes long, making it easy to enjoy during a lunch break or when you don't have enough time for a feature-length movie.
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