Speed Racer

Is it ok if I admit that I sort of liked this? It had style, and echoed the original cartoon really well. I think that most people who saw it weren’t overly familiar with the source material though, and a lot of the movie was lost on them. My only complaint was that it could have been “darker”. They could have taken the source material, and just gotten wicked with it: blood, sex, violence, etc. But, I know that’s not a realistic expectation. The thing is that I think it’d have worked a lot better that way. All the fans of the original are adults now, so why make this into a kids movie? Perhaps that’s where the movie fell short – it was too “grown-up” for kids, and to childish for grown-ups.

Hancock

Mildly entertaining… But just mildly. Mostly, I was thinking, “boy, this is pretty dumb”. They had an interesting premise – superhero with ‘psychological issues’, but had nowhere to go with it. I mean the whole backstory seemed kind of contrived.

Coraline

Went to go see this in 3d, but they’d moved it to the 2d theater because some teeny-bopper concert flick had taken over the 3d theater. Dangit. Anyway, even in 2d, it was an entertaining artistic feast. There was lots to like from start to finish, for young to old.

Rare Birds

Run the other way. There is so much wrong with this movie, I hardly know how to put it into words. From the premise (guy fakes a sighting of a rare bird to attract visitors to his remote restaurant) to the characters (beautiful woman inexplicably falls for older man with no redeeming qualities), to the plot details (glow in the dark plastic panels the CIA is after), this movie is a complete mess. How do these movies get financed and made?

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Yes, this was interesting to watch, just for the curiosity factor… How about a movie where someone ages in reverse? Isn’t that interesting? Yes, I suppose… But I’m not sure I really learned much about anything. I don’t need to learn something every time I watch a movie, bit this was one of those movies that had an aura like it was teaching some grand life lesson… But there really wasn’t one that I could discern. I was just left thinking… “hmm… I guess that was interesting”.

Mongol

A detailed study of the early life of Ghengis Khan… Helping to explain how he became who he was. I do wish they’d continued the story a bit into the rest of his life, because though he was a famous person, I think few people have a good understanding of exactly what he did, and how he did it. I was watching this, thinking, “ok, now that I understand where he’s coming from, this is going to get really interesting”… and then it ended. It’s worth watching for the filmography alone, just don’t expect any epic battle scenes of a thousand Mongol horsemen sweeping across the steppes.

Man on Wire

For all those people who are told “no” again and again… But refuse to give up because there is something stronger in their heart telling them “yes” 11 times more… This is your movie. For the rest, let this be a lesson on breaking the rules.

Good Hair

What is the matter with people? Can’t they just love who they are? It is a fascinating look into a subculture I never gave much thought to… But left me scratching my bald head. Hmm… Maybe I should get a weave.

The Cove

Just when you think that people can be despicable, ugly creatures… This movie comes along to prove that you’re right. But, there is room for redemption as well. I just hope that some day the ugliness illuminated by this movie will come to an end. See it.

Sideways

Want to see a movie about a couple of pretentious jerks? Sure, they redeem themselves just a touch toward the end… But not much. I never really understood the appeal of movies like this. Just watching people I don’t like remind me why I don’t like them? Why?

The Blind Side

Sure it’s a nice, feel good movie. And sometimes you need a movie like that. Just be advised, there is basically zero tension. So, if you’re looking for some kind of plot twist or crisis… There isn’t one. They do try to add a little drama at the start/end but it’s pretty weak tea.

Awakenings

Sometimes, when he doesn’t completely overact, Robin Williams does a decent job.  he did a decent job in this one.  It was a really unique story – and a true one to boot.  What would you do if you woke up tomorrow and it was 30 years later?… and you discover that you might not wake up tomorrow?

Austin Powers III

I lauged a lot at this movie. It didn’t really take itself seriously, and that’s why it worked. It was like a parody of itself while it was happening. I thought the Austin Powers character had run its course after the second movie, but this one shows it still has some life. I hope there isn’t a #4 though… I think it’s really done now.