Friday, July 31, 2009
Film Festivals 2009
Movie Festivals and Events Worldwide
Europe
Berlin International Film Festival (Wikipedia) (Official Website) (IMDb)
05 to 15 February 2009
Golden Bear: The Milk of Sorrow (La teta asustada) --- Claudia Llosa --- Peru
Cannes Film Festival (Wikipedia) (Official Website) (IMDb)
13 to 24 May 2009
Palme d'Or (Golden Palm): The White Ribbon (Das weiße Band) --- Michael Haneke --- Germany
Grand Prix: A Prophet --- Jacques Audiard --- France
Prix du Jury (Jury Prize): TIE: Thirst --- Park Chan-wook --- South Korea,
Fish Tank --- Andrea Arnold --- United Kingdom
London Film Festival (Wikipedia) (Official Website) (IMDb)
The Sutherland Trophy: TBA
Moscow International Film Festival (MIFF) (Wikipedia) (Official Website) (IMDb)
19 to 28 June 2009
Golden George: TBA
Venice Film Festival (Wikipedia) (Official Website) (IMDb)
02 to 12 September 2009
Golden Lion: TBA
USA and Canada
Austin Film Festival (Wikipedia) (Official Website) (IMDb)
22 to 29 October 2009
Feature Film Award: TBA
Chicago International Film Festival (Wikipedia) (Official Website) (IMDb)
08 to 21 October 2009
Gold Hugo: TBA
Heartland Film Festival (Wikipedia) (Official Website) (IMDb)
15 to 24 October 2009
Crystal Heart Award: TBA
Hollywood Film Festival (Wikipedia) (Official Website) (IMDb)
21 to 26 October 2009
Indianapolis International Film Festival (Wikipedia) (Official Website) (IMDb)
15 to 25 July 2009
For Indianapolis International Film Festival Awards click here
New York Film Festival (Wikipedia) (Official Website) (IMDb)
26 September to 25 October 2009
Grand Marnier Fellowship Award: TBA
South by Southwest (SXSW) (Wikipedia) (Official Website) (IMDb)
13 to 21 March 2009
SXSW Wholphin Award: Sister Wife --- Jill Orschel --- USA
Grand Jury Award: Made In China --- Judi Krant --- USA
Sundance Film Festival (Wikipedia) (Official Website) (IMDb)
15 to 25 March 2009
Dramatic Grand Jury Prize: Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire --- Lee Daniels --- USA
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) (Wikipedia) (Official Website) (IMDb)
10 to 19 September 2009
People's Choice Award: TBA
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Review: Orphan
Powered by IMDb
Title: Orphan
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Writer(s): David Johnson (screenplay), Alex Mace (story)
Staring: Vera Farmiga, Peter Sarsgaard, Isabelle Fuhrman, Jimmy Bennett, Aryana Engineer
MPAA Rating: Rated R for disturbing violent content, some sexuality and language.
Running Time: 123 min (2 hr and 3 min)
Synopsis: A husband and wife who recently lost their baby adopt a 9-year-old girl who is not nearly as innocent as she claims to be.
Critics:
Roger Ebert: 3 ½ Stars
Michael Phillips: 2 Stars
EW: Owen Gleiberman: D+
Other Sites:
At The Movies: Ben Mankiewicz: See It, Ben Lyons: Skip It
Rotten Tomatoes: T-Meter: 45% (Rotten), Top Critics: 43% (Rotten), RT Community: 66% (Fresh)
Metacritic: Critics: 43 out of 100, Users: 7.2 out of 10
MRQE Metric: 51: (7.5% A, 22.0% B, 41.3% C, 28.9% D, and 0.0% F)
Yahoo Movies: Critics: C Users: B+
Source Material: Original: David Johnson (screenplay), Alex Mace (story)
Acting and Dialogue: B-: The adult actor pulled it off in this film. My favorite scenes were with the little girl named Max played by Aryana Engineer. I am not sure if see is deaf herself but she plays her part beautifully.
Art Direction: B: The art with the story line was different and creepy, especially near the end of the film.
Cinematography: C: Nothing that impressing .
Direction: B-: Jaume Collet-Serra did his job to creep me out. You don’t know how many times I want to say “Holy Shit”…Did a 9 year old girl just do what I think she did?
Sound and Music: C: Stereotypical eerie score.
VFX: C: Mainly a make-up and special effects movie, which weren’t half bad.
Overall: C: There is a lot of weakness to this film but when looking at the whole its not too bad.
Title: Orphan
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Writer(s): David Johnson (screenplay), Alex Mace (story)
Staring: Vera Farmiga, Peter Sarsgaard, Isabelle Fuhrman, Jimmy Bennett, Aryana Engineer
MPAA Rating: Rated R for disturbing violent content, some sexuality and language.
Running Time: 123 min (2 hr and 3 min)
Synopsis: A husband and wife who recently lost their baby adopt a 9-year-old girl who is not nearly as innocent as she claims to be.
Other Reviews
Critics:
Roger Ebert: 3 ½ Stars
Michael Phillips: 2 Stars
EW: Owen Gleiberman: D+
Other Sites:
At The Movies: Ben Mankiewicz: See It, Ben Lyons: Skip It
Rotten Tomatoes: T-Meter: 45% (Rotten), Top Critics: 43% (Rotten), RT Community: 66% (Fresh)
Metacritic: Critics: 43 out of 100, Users: 7.2 out of 10
MRQE Metric: 51: (7.5% A, 22.0% B, 41.3% C, 28.9% D, and 0.0% F)
Yahoo Movies: Critics: C Users: B+
My Review
Source Material: Original: David Johnson (screenplay), Alex Mace (story)
Acting and Dialogue: B-: The adult actor pulled it off in this film. My favorite scenes were with the little girl named Max played by Aryana Engineer. I am not sure if see is deaf herself but she plays her part beautifully.
Art Direction: B: The art with the story line was different and creepy, especially near the end of the film.
Cinematography: C: Nothing that impressing .
Direction: B-: Jaume Collet-Serra did his job to creep me out. You don’t know how many times I want to say “Holy Shit”…Did a 9 year old girl just do what I think she did?
Sound and Music: C: Stereotypical eerie score.
VFX: C: Mainly a make-up and special effects movie, which weren’t half bad.
Overall: C: There is a lot of weakness to this film but when looking at the whole its not too bad.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Independent Film Companies
2929 Productions
Artisan Entertainment
Davis Entertainment
Destination Films
Dimension Films
Fine Line Features
Focus Features
Fox Atomic
Fox Faith
Fox Searchlight Pictures
Gold Circle Films
HDNet Films
Hollywood Pictures
Icon Entertainment
IFC Films
Lakeshore Entertainment
Lionsgate
Lucasfilm Limited
Magnolia Pictures
Miramax Films
Newmarket Films
Overture Films
Paramount Vantage (Paramount Classics)
Picturehouse
Relativity Media
Rogue Pictures
Samuel Goldwyn Films
Screen Gems
Sony Pictures Classics
Summit Entertainment
Think Film
Triumph Films
Troublemaker Studios
Warner Independent Pictures
Working Title Films
Yari Film Group
Zeitgeist Films
Artisan Entertainment
Davis Entertainment
Destination Films
Dimension Films
Fine Line Features
Focus Features
Fox Atomic
Fox Faith
Fox Searchlight Pictures
Gold Circle Films
HDNet Films
Hollywood Pictures
Icon Entertainment
IFC Films
Lakeshore Entertainment
Lionsgate
Lucasfilm Limited
Magnolia Pictures
Miramax Films
Newmarket Films
Overture Films
Paramount Vantage (Paramount Classics)
Picturehouse
Relativity Media
Rogue Pictures
Samuel Goldwyn Films
Screen Gems
Sony Pictures Classics
Summit Entertainment
Think Film
Triumph Films
Troublemaker Studios
Warner Independent Pictures
Working Title Films
Yari Film Group
Zeitgeist Films
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Exclusive Review: Willow
Powered by IMDb
Title: Willow
Distributor: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
Director: Ron Howard
Writer(s): George Lucas (story) and Bob Dolman (screenplay)
Staring: Warwick Davis, Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley, Jean Marsh and Patricia Hayes
MPAA Rating: NA
Running Time: 126 min (2 hr and 06 min)
Synopsis: A reluctant dwarf must play a critical role in protecting a special baby from an evil queen.
Other Sites:
Rotten Tomatoes: T-Meter: 46% (Rotten), Top Critics: NA% (Rotten), RT Community: 82% (Fresh)
Metacritic: Critics: NA out of 100, Users: NA out of 10
MRQE Metric: 65: (12.8% A, 51.4% B, 24.2% C, 11.4% D, and 0.0% F)
Yahoo Movies: Critics: NA Users: B
Source Material: Original:George Lucas (story) and Bob Dolman (screenplay)
Acting and Dialogue: B+: Remember I am reflecting on a 80's movie so yes I see it as somewhat cheesy, I give kudos to Warwick Davis for being a mighty actor even thought he's stature is working against him.
Art Direction: B: For an 80's fantasy it wasn't haft bad.
Cinematography: B: The cinematography work hand-in-hand with the art direction, so it wasn't half bad.
Direction: B+: This is were Ron Howard stared to gain creditability as a filmmaker.
Sound and Music: C: Really not that remember able, mainly the music represented "peril"
VFX: B: Good for the times, it not as magical as today's VFX.
Overall: B-:I enjoyed this film. As of late I been watch old school Sci-Fi and Fantasy to compare them today wok. So if you have my same ambition to explore old art then yes I recommend it for an older fantasy.
Title: Willow
Distributor: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
Director: Ron Howard
Writer(s): George Lucas (story) and Bob Dolman (screenplay)
Staring: Warwick Davis, Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley, Jean Marsh and Patricia Hayes
MPAA Rating: NA
Running Time: 126 min (2 hr and 06 min)
Synopsis: A reluctant dwarf must play a critical role in protecting a special baby from an evil queen.
Other Reviews
Other Sites:
Rotten Tomatoes: T-Meter: 46% (Rotten), Top Critics: NA% (Rotten), RT Community: 82% (Fresh)
Metacritic: Critics: NA out of 100, Users: NA out of 10
MRQE Metric: 65: (12.8% A, 51.4% B, 24.2% C, 11.4% D, and 0.0% F)
Yahoo Movies: Critics: NA Users: B
My Review
Source Material: Original:George Lucas (story) and Bob Dolman (screenplay)
Acting and Dialogue: B+: Remember I am reflecting on a 80's movie so yes I see it as somewhat cheesy, I give kudos to Warwick Davis for being a mighty actor even thought he's stature is working against him.
Art Direction: B: For an 80's fantasy it wasn't haft bad.
Cinematography: B: The cinematography work hand-in-hand with the art direction, so it wasn't half bad.
Direction: B+: This is were Ron Howard stared to gain creditability as a filmmaker.
Sound and Music: C: Really not that remember able, mainly the music represented "peril"
VFX: B: Good for the times, it not as magical as today's VFX.
Overall: B-:I enjoyed this film. As of late I been watch old school Sci-Fi and Fantasy to compare them today wok. So if you have my same ambition to explore old art then yes I recommend it for an older fantasy.
Exclusive Review: Labyrinth
Powered by IMDb
Title: Labyrinth
Distributor: TriStar Pictures
Director: Jim Henson
Writer(s): Dennis Lee (story) and Jim Henson (story)
Staring: David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly
MPAA Rating: NA
Running Time: 101 min (1 hr and 41 min)
Synopsis: 15-year-old Sarah accidentally wishes her baby half-brother, Toby, away to the Goblin King Jareth who will keep Toby if Sarah does not complete his Labyrinth in 13 hours.
Other Sites:
Rotten Tomatoes: T-Meter: 58% (Rotten), Top Critics: 50% (Rotten), RT Community: 83% (Fresh)
Metacritic: Critics: 50 out of 100, Users: 8.6 out of 10
MRQE Metric: 67: (10.0% A, 52.5% B, 37.5% C, 0.0% D, and 0.0% F)
Yahoo Movies: Critics: NA Users: B+
Source Material: Original:Dennis Lee (story) and Jim Henson (story).
Acting and Dialogue: C:Bad acting and cheesy lines but then their is some prestige because there could be up to five performers simultaneously woring together to make one character come to life.
Art Direction: A+: The artistry in the film is amazing.
Cinematography: B+: Many beautiful shoots
Direction: C: Jim Henson is great with puppeteers but horrible with actors.
Sound and Music: C: I hate the David Bowie promotional aspect of the film.
VFX: B: I love how this film draw most of the VFX from art and puppetry.
Overall: B-:Technology this film is beautiful and amazing so I say watch it for those aspects but with the lame story and sound track you might reconsider. Find a better 80's fantasy.
Title: Labyrinth
Distributor: TriStar Pictures
Director: Jim Henson
Writer(s): Dennis Lee (story) and Jim Henson (story)
Staring: David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly
MPAA Rating: NA
Running Time: 101 min (1 hr and 41 min)
Synopsis: 15-year-old Sarah accidentally wishes her baby half-brother, Toby, away to the Goblin King Jareth who will keep Toby if Sarah does not complete his Labyrinth in 13 hours.
Other Reviews
Other Sites:
Rotten Tomatoes: T-Meter: 58% (Rotten), Top Critics: 50% (Rotten), RT Community: 83% (Fresh)
Metacritic: Critics: 50 out of 100, Users: 8.6 out of 10
MRQE Metric: 67: (10.0% A, 52.5% B, 37.5% C, 0.0% D, and 0.0% F)
Yahoo Movies: Critics: NA Users: B+
My Review
Source Material: Original:Dennis Lee (story) and Jim Henson (story).
Acting and Dialogue: C:Bad acting and cheesy lines but then their is some prestige because there could be up to five performers simultaneously woring together to make one character come to life.
Art Direction: A+: The artistry in the film is amazing.
Cinematography: B+: Many beautiful shoots
Direction: C: Jim Henson is great with puppeteers but horrible with actors.
Sound and Music: C: I hate the David Bowie promotional aspect of the film.
VFX: B: I love how this film draw most of the VFX from art and puppetry.
Overall: B-:Technology this film is beautiful and amazing so I say watch it for those aspects but with the lame story and sound track you might reconsider. Find a better 80's fantasy.
Exclusive Review: Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Powered by IMDb
Title: Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Distributor: Columbia Pictures Corporation
Director: Steven Spielberg
Writer(s): Steven Spielberg (written by)
Staring: Richard Dreyfuss
MPAA Rating: NA
Running Time: 135 min (2 hr and 15 min)
Synopsis: After an encounter with UFOs, a line worker feels undeniably drawn to an isolated area in the wilderness where something spectacular is about to happen.
Other Sites:
Rotten Tomatoes: T-Meter: 95% (Fresh), Top Critics: 100% (Fresh), RT Community: 91% (Fresh)
Metacritic: Critics: NA out of 100, Users: NA out of 10
MRQE Metric: 86: (57.0% A, 37.3% B, 0.0% C, 3.3% D, and 0.0% F)
Yahoo Movies: Critics: A- Users: B+
Source Material: Original: written and directed by Steven Spielberg
Acting and Dialogue: A: When looking at the film it seem a bit cheesy and dated but it was made in the late 70's.
Art Direction: A: It was a beautiful film in both the art direction and cinematography
Cinematography: A: Many iconic images form the history of Sci-Fi
Direction: A: Steven Spielberg at his prime
Sound and Music: A: John Williams is always a good addition to a films score. The whole score was based off those famous five notes.
VFX: A: It is very advanced for the time it was made. I love seeing the primordial forms VFX.
Overall: A: If you are looking for a good old school Sci-Fi then check out Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Title: Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Distributor: Columbia Pictures Corporation
Director: Steven Spielberg
Writer(s): Steven Spielberg (written by)
Staring: Richard Dreyfuss
MPAA Rating: NA
Running Time: 135 min (2 hr and 15 min)
Synopsis: After an encounter with UFOs, a line worker feels undeniably drawn to an isolated area in the wilderness where something spectacular is about to happen.
Other Reviews
Other Sites:
Rotten Tomatoes: T-Meter: 95% (Fresh), Top Critics: 100% (Fresh), RT Community: 91% (Fresh)
Metacritic: Critics: NA out of 100, Users: NA out of 10
MRQE Metric: 86: (57.0% A, 37.3% B, 0.0% C, 3.3% D, and 0.0% F)
Yahoo Movies: Critics: A- Users: B+
My Review
Source Material: Original: written and directed by Steven Spielberg
Acting and Dialogue: A: When looking at the film it seem a bit cheesy and dated but it was made in the late 70's.
Art Direction: A: It was a beautiful film in both the art direction and cinematography
Cinematography: A: Many iconic images form the history of Sci-Fi
Direction: A: Steven Spielberg at his prime
Sound and Music: A: John Williams is always a good addition to a films score. The whole score was based off those famous five notes.
VFX: A: It is very advanced for the time it was made. I love seeing the primordial forms VFX.
Overall: A: If you are looking for a good old school Sci-Fi then check out Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Genre: ACTION: Disaster Film
Genre: A disaster film is a film genre that has an impending or ongoing disaster (such as a damaged airliner, fire, shipwreck, or an asteroid collision) as its subject. (Wikipedia)
Like: I like these type of films because the question of what would mankind do if this happened to the world. A film like this can really show the primordial nature of humanity.
Dislike: Being a sub-genre of action disaster film suffer form the same weakness of to much syndrome.
Websites Top's:
IMDb
EW
IGN
AFI
Wikipedia: Films Considered the Greatest Ever
My Top:
Armageddon
Backdraft
Dante's Peak
Day After Tomorrow, The
Independence Day
Knowing
Titanic
Twister
Sum of All Fears , The
War of the Worlds
The Future of Disaster:
2012
Like: I like these type of films because the question of what would mankind do if this happened to the world. A film like this can really show the primordial nature of humanity.
Dislike: Being a sub-genre of action disaster film suffer form the same weakness of to much syndrome.
Websites Top's:
IMDb
EW
IGN
AFI
Wikipedia: Films Considered the Greatest Ever
My Top:
Armageddon
Backdraft
Dante's Peak
Day After Tomorrow, The
Independence Day
Knowing
Titanic
Twister
Sum of All Fears , The
War of the Worlds
The Future of Disaster:
2012
Exclusive Review: Eastern Promises
Powered by IMDb
Title: Eastern Promises
Distributor: Serendipity Point Films
Director: David Cronenberg
Writer(s): Steven Knight (screenplay)
Staring: Naomi Watts, Viggo Mortensen, Vincent Cassel, Armin Mueller-Stahl
MPAA Rating: Rated R for strong brutal and bloody violence, some graphic sexuality, language and nudity.
Running Time: 100 min (1 hr and 40 min)
Synopsis: A Russian teenager living in London who dies during childbirth leaves clues to a midwife in her journal that could tie her child to a rape involving a violent Russian mob family.
Other Sites:
Rotten Tomatoes: T-Meter: 88% (Fresh), Top Critics: 88% (Fresh), RT Community: 91% (Fresh)
Metacritic: Critics: 82 out of 100, Users: 7.2 out of 10
MRQE Metric: 75: (29.6% A, 50.5% B, 17.2% C, 0.0% D, and 0.0% F)
Yahoo Movies: Critics: B+ Users: B
Source Material: Original:Steven Knight (screenplay) .
Acting and Dialogue: A:The acting in this film was excellent.
Art Direction: A: Admirable
Cinematography: A: It was very well done.
Direction: B+: David Cronenberg put together a good piece of art work.
Sound and Music: A: It complement the images on screen.
VFX: B: It more of a dramatic driven film so not real noticeable VFX.
Overall: A-: I liked the film and I recommend it. The only thing I didn't like was the ending.
Title: Eastern Promises
Distributor: Serendipity Point Films
Director: David Cronenberg
Writer(s): Steven Knight (screenplay)
Staring: Naomi Watts, Viggo Mortensen, Vincent Cassel, Armin Mueller-Stahl
MPAA Rating: Rated R for strong brutal and bloody violence, some graphic sexuality, language and nudity.
Running Time: 100 min (1 hr and 40 min)
Synopsis: A Russian teenager living in London who dies during childbirth leaves clues to a midwife in her journal that could tie her child to a rape involving a violent Russian mob family.
Other Reviews
Other Sites:
Rotten Tomatoes: T-Meter: 88% (Fresh), Top Critics: 88% (Fresh), RT Community: 91% (Fresh)
Metacritic: Critics: 82 out of 100, Users: 7.2 out of 10
MRQE Metric: 75: (29.6% A, 50.5% B, 17.2% C, 0.0% D, and 0.0% F)
Yahoo Movies: Critics: B+ Users: B
My Review
Source Material: Original:Steven Knight (screenplay) .
Acting and Dialogue: A:The acting in this film was excellent.
Art Direction: A: Admirable
Cinematography: A: It was very well done.
Direction: B+: David Cronenberg put together a good piece of art work.
Sound and Music: A: It complement the images on screen.
VFX: B: It more of a dramatic driven film so not real noticeable VFX.
Overall: A-: I liked the film and I recommend it. The only thing I didn't like was the ending.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Movie Recommendation
Trailers Brought to You By: The Movie Box
If you don’t like my picks and want to know what’s coming out visit these site: Coming Soon, Film-Releases, Kerasotes, or Movie Web
The Best Movies for the Month of July
National: Public Enemies
Indies: (500) Days of Summer
Comedy: Funny People
Sci-Fi/ Fantasy: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Family: G-Force
Animated: Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
Movies I Recommend to See in August
National: Inglourious Basterds
Indies: Paper Hearts
Comedy: No Recommendation
Sci-Fi/ Fantasy: District 9
Family: Shorts
Animated: Ponyo
Keep In Mind for the Month of September
National: Gamer
Indies: Extract
Comedy: Fame
Sci-Fi/ Fantasy: Pandorum OR, The Surrogates
Family: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Animated: 9
If you don’t like my picks and want to know what’s coming out visit these site: Coming Soon, Film-Releases, Kerasotes, or Movie Web
The Best Movies for the Month of July
National: Public Enemies
Indies: (500) Days of Summer
Comedy: Funny People
Sci-Fi/ Fantasy: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Family: G-Force
Animated: Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
Movies I Recommend to See in August
National: Inglourious Basterds
Indies: Paper Hearts
Comedy: No Recommendation
Sci-Fi/ Fantasy: District 9
Family: Shorts
Animated: Ponyo
Keep In Mind for the Month of September
National: Gamer
Indies: Extract
Comedy: Fame
Sci-Fi/ Fantasy: Pandorum OR, The Surrogates
Family: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Animated: 9
Exclusive Review: A Clockwork Orange
Powered by IMDb
Title: A Clockwork Orange
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Writer(s): Stanley Kubrick (screenplay) Anthony Burgess (novel)
Staring: Malcolm McDowell
MPAA Rating: NA
Running Time: 136 min (2 hr and 16 min)
Synopsis: In future Britain, charismatic delinquent Alex DeLarge is jailed and later volunteers for an experimental aversion therapy developed by the government in an effort to solve society's crime problem... but not all goes to plan.
Other Sites:
Rotten Tomatoes: T-Meter: 90% (Fresh), Top Critics: 71% (Fresh), RT Community: 91% (Fresh)
Metacritic: Critics: 78 out of 100, Users: 8.5 out of 10
MRQE Metric: 86: (56.4% A, 38.0% B, 5.4% C, 6.1% D, and 0.0% F)
Yahoo Movies: Critics: A- Users: B
Source Material: Based on the dystopian novel by Anthony Burgess.
Acting and Dialogue: A: This film showcases Malcolm McDowell’s talents at his prime. He is now a season actor and still performing at high remarks, well I think so anyways. I say this because I am a fanboy of the television show Heroes and Malcolm McDowell plays Mr. Linderman the main “villain” in Season One.
Art Direction: B: It’s not that is was bad it just not that tasteful.
Cinematography: A: It was very well done. Some cool shots that I enjoyed.
Direction: B+: I am not familiar Stanley Kubrick’s work so it is always hard to compare and commit. As far as story and pace it was good, confusing but good
Sound and Music: B: I liked the contrast between the whimsical classical music and the on screen violence.
VFX: B: It more of a dramatic driven film so not real noticeable VFX like Kubrick’s other film 2001: A Space Odyssey
Overall: B: Films like this confuse me…or should I say I don’t know what to make of them. If I were to look at the film as a piece of art, I would have to say it is a good painting. I am not going recommend it to the general audience. I only recommend it to film buffs and film students.
Title: A Clockwork Orange
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Writer(s): Stanley Kubrick (screenplay) Anthony Burgess (novel)
Staring: Malcolm McDowell
MPAA Rating: NA
Running Time: 136 min (2 hr and 16 min)
Synopsis: In future Britain, charismatic delinquent Alex DeLarge is jailed and later volunteers for an experimental aversion therapy developed by the government in an effort to solve society's crime problem... but not all goes to plan.
Other Reviews
Other Sites:
Rotten Tomatoes: T-Meter: 90% (Fresh), Top Critics: 71% (Fresh), RT Community: 91% (Fresh)
Metacritic: Critics: 78 out of 100, Users: 8.5 out of 10
MRQE Metric: 86: (56.4% A, 38.0% B, 5.4% C, 6.1% D, and 0.0% F)
Yahoo Movies: Critics: A- Users: B
My Review
Source Material: Based on the dystopian novel by Anthony Burgess.
Acting and Dialogue: A: This film showcases Malcolm McDowell’s talents at his prime. He is now a season actor and still performing at high remarks, well I think so anyways. I say this because I am a fanboy of the television show Heroes and Malcolm McDowell plays Mr. Linderman the main “villain” in Season One.
Art Direction: B: It’s not that is was bad it just not that tasteful.
Cinematography: A: It was very well done. Some cool shots that I enjoyed.
Direction: B+: I am not familiar Stanley Kubrick’s work so it is always hard to compare and commit. As far as story and pace it was good, confusing but good
Sound and Music: B: I liked the contrast between the whimsical classical music and the on screen violence.
VFX: B: It more of a dramatic driven film so not real noticeable VFX like Kubrick’s other film 2001: A Space Odyssey
Overall: B: Films like this confuse me…or should I say I don’t know what to make of them. If I were to look at the film as a piece of art, I would have to say it is a good painting. I am not going recommend it to the general audience. I only recommend it to film buffs and film students.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Genre: ACTION
Genre: The action genre is a class of creative works characterized by a more emphasis on exciting action sequences than on character development or story-telling. (Wikipedia)
Like: What nice about action is it keeps your attention in a movie. If a movie is two hours plus I would lie to stay awake for that whole time.
Dislike: To much action can lead to horrible story telling. If you entire film is three 30 minute,action sequence then where's the story.
Websites Top's:
IMDb
EW
IGN
AFI
Wikipedia: Films Considered the Greatest Ever
My Top:
Bourne Series, The
Casino Royale
Desperado
Die Hard
Hunt For Red October, The
Kill Bill Vol. 1
Matrix, The
Taken
Top Gun
Transporter, The
The Future of Action:
Gamer
Inglourious Basterds
Sherlock Holmes
Robin Hood
Book of Eli, The
Expendables, The
Like: What nice about action is it keeps your attention in a movie. If a movie is two hours plus I would lie to stay awake for that whole time.
Dislike: To much action can lead to horrible story telling. If you entire film is three 30 minute,action sequence then where's the story.
Websites Top's:
IMDb
EW
IGN
AFI
Wikipedia: Films Considered the Greatest Ever
My Top:
Bourne Series, The
Casino Royale
Desperado
Die Hard
Hunt For Red October, The
Kill Bill Vol. 1
Matrix, The
Taken
Top Gun
Transporter, The
The Future of Action:
Gamer
Inglourious Basterds
Sherlock Holmes
Robin Hood
Book of Eli, The
Expendables, The
Review: Moon
Powered by IMDb
Title: Moon
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
Director: Duncan Jones
Writer(s): Duncan Jones (original story), Nathan Parker (screenplay)
Staring: Sam Rockwell, Kevin Spacey (voice)
MPAA Rating: Rated R for language.
Running Time: 97 min (1 hr and 37 min)
Synopsis: Astronaut Sam Bell has a quintessentially personal encounter toward the end of his three-year stint on the Moon, where he, working alongside his computer, GERTY, sends back to Earth parcels of a resource that has helped diminish our planet's power problems.
Critics:
Roger Ebert: 3 ½ Stars
Michael Phillips: NA
EW: Owen Gleiberman: B-
Other Sites:
At The Movies: Ben Mankiewicz: NA, Ben Lyons: NA
Rotten Tomatoes: T-Meter: 90% (Fresh), Top Critics: 77% (Fresh), RT Community: 91% (Fresh)
Metacritic: Critics: 67 out of 100, Users: 8.7 out of 10
MRQE Metric: 72: (30.9% A, 43.0% B, 18.0% C, 6.1% D, and 0.0% F)
Yahoo Movies: Critics: B Users: A-
Source Material: Original story by Duncan Jones
Acting and Dialogue: A: Sam Rockwell vs. Sam Rockwell was masterfully done. I love the duelship and compare and contrast atmosphere of the film.
Art Direction: A: I like how it was a lived in future, not a shine future like most film. I also think additive textures like moon dust gave the film an authentic feel.
Cinematography: A: I like the stylization of the cinematography. It was very similar to 2001 Space Odyssey which I also enjoyed.
Direction: B+: For a debut director Duncan Jones did beautifully. I love how the film kept me in suspenseful state, like what going to happen next and that was unexpected.
Sound and Music: B: Sound design was nice and the score fits the film.
VFX: A: They pulled off the two Sam’s awesomely. No show boating with the effect, which made it a better film.
Overall: A-: I enjoyed the film. The film doses have some similar aspects 2001 Space Odyssey but it is a very different film. As a Sci-Fi film it may very well rank in my top ten Sci-Fi films, or at least work its way up there. I do recommend it even though it is an indie film and maybe hard to come by in smaller towns.
Title: Moon
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
Director: Duncan Jones
Writer(s): Duncan Jones (original story), Nathan Parker (screenplay)
Staring: Sam Rockwell, Kevin Spacey (voice)
MPAA Rating: Rated R for language.
Running Time: 97 min (1 hr and 37 min)
Synopsis: Astronaut Sam Bell has a quintessentially personal encounter toward the end of his three-year stint on the Moon, where he, working alongside his computer, GERTY, sends back to Earth parcels of a resource that has helped diminish our planet's power problems.
Other Reviews
Critics:
Roger Ebert: 3 ½ Stars
Michael Phillips: NA
EW: Owen Gleiberman: B-
Other Sites:
At The Movies: Ben Mankiewicz: NA, Ben Lyons: NA
Rotten Tomatoes: T-Meter: 90% (Fresh), Top Critics: 77% (Fresh), RT Community: 91% (Fresh)
Metacritic: Critics: 67 out of 100, Users: 8.7 out of 10
MRQE Metric: 72: (30.9% A, 43.0% B, 18.0% C, 6.1% D, and 0.0% F)
Yahoo Movies: Critics: B Users: A-
My Review
Source Material: Original story by Duncan Jones
Acting and Dialogue: A: Sam Rockwell vs. Sam Rockwell was masterfully done. I love the duelship and compare and contrast atmosphere of the film.
Art Direction: A: I like how it was a lived in future, not a shine future like most film. I also think additive textures like moon dust gave the film an authentic feel.
Cinematography: A: I like the stylization of the cinematography. It was very similar to 2001 Space Odyssey which I also enjoyed.
Direction: B+: For a debut director Duncan Jones did beautifully. I love how the film kept me in suspenseful state, like what going to happen next and that was unexpected.
Sound and Music: B: Sound design was nice and the score fits the film.
VFX: A: They pulled off the two Sam’s awesomely. No show boating with the effect, which made it a better film.
Overall: A-: I enjoyed the film. The film doses have some similar aspects 2001 Space Odyssey but it is a very different film. As a Sci-Fi film it may very well rank in my top ten Sci-Fi films, or at least work its way up there. I do recommend it even though it is an indie film and maybe hard to come by in smaller towns.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Genre Post
For The New "Genre Post" these are the genre and sub-genre I will be focusing on.
ACTION:
Disaster Films
Dick Flick (Guy Films)
Martial Arts
ADVENTURE:
ANIMATION:
COMEDY:
Black / Dark Comedy
Drunk / Frat / Stoner Comedy
Musicals
Parody
Romantic Comedy (Romcom)
Teen / Sex Comedy
COMIC BOOK:
Graphic Novel
Superhero
CRIME & GANGSTER:
Courtroom Drama / Prison
Con-Man / Bank Robbery / Heist
Serial Killer
Mystery
CULT:
DRAMA:
Biography (Biopic)
Chick Flicks
EPIC & HISTORICAL:
Religious Epic
Swords and Sandals
War
Western
FANTASY:
INDIES:
SCIENCE FICTION (Sci-Fi):
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is an example of what the post may look like:
Genre: The name of that week's featured genre and its definition will appear here.
Like: What I like about that week's featured genre will appear here.
Dislike: What I dislike about that week's featured genre will appear here.
Websites Top's: This is where I will link to other website's list of favorites movies in the that week's featured genre
My Top : A list of my top movies in the that week's featured genre.
Future: A short list of what's to come movies in that week's featured genre.
Director: Filmmakers know for making movies that fit into that week's featured genre.
ACTION:
Disaster Films
Dick Flick (Guy Films)
Martial Arts
ADVENTURE:
ANIMATION:
COMEDY:
Black / Dark Comedy
Drunk / Frat / Stoner Comedy
Musicals
Parody
Romantic Comedy (Romcom)
Teen / Sex Comedy
COMIC BOOK:
Graphic Novel
Superhero
CRIME & GANGSTER:
Courtroom Drama / Prison
Con-Man / Bank Robbery / Heist
Serial Killer
Mystery
CULT:
DRAMA:
Biography (Biopic)
Chick Flicks
EPIC & HISTORICAL:
Religious Epic
Swords and Sandals
War
Western
FANTASY:
INDIES:
SCIENCE FICTION (Sci-Fi):
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is an example of what the post may look like:
Genre: The name of that week's featured genre and its definition will appear here.
Like: What I like about that week's featured genre will appear here.
Dislike: What I dislike about that week's featured genre will appear here.
Websites Top's: This is where I will link to other website's list of favorites movies in the that week's featured genre
My Top : A list of my top movies in the that week's featured genre.
Future: A short list of what's to come movies in that week's featured genre.
Director: Filmmakers know for making movies that fit into that week's featured genre.
What's NEW at Cinematard Central
NEW POSTS
Genre:
This will be a post where I am going to try and reveal a new genre each week and tell what I like about the genre, movie in that particular genre, and so on.
Exclusive Review:
This will be were I review movies that have one or more of these stipulations:
The two new post above will have their own labels but there is a third NEW label, it is Indies. This label will be attached to anything pertaining to independent filmmaking including my reviews.
UPDATES and ADDITIVES
As far as the filmmakers post goes sometime next week I will finish the director/filmmakers category with The Wachowski Brothers, and Robert Zemeckis. I will then move on to producers/filmmakers most likely staring with J.J. Abrams.
Look for post and other information on my Twitter, or my Facebook. I am posting Movie Reviews on Flixter starting now. This will included any new reviews and exclusive reviews.
Genre:
This will be a post where I am going to try and reveal a new genre each week and tell what I like about the genre, movie in that particular genre, and so on.
Exclusive Review:
This will be were I review movies that have one or more of these stipulations:
- Movies On DVD.
- Movies made before my time that I am just now getting around to watch.
- Movie Reviews I forgot to do or didn't have time to write.
The two new post above will have their own labels but there is a third NEW label, it is Indies. This label will be attached to anything pertaining to independent filmmaking including my reviews.
UPDATES and ADDITIVES
As far as the filmmakers post goes sometime next week I will finish the director/filmmakers category with The Wachowski Brothers, and Robert Zemeckis. I will then move on to producers/filmmakers most likely staring with J.J. Abrams.
Look for post and other information on my Twitter, or my Facebook. I am posting Movie Reviews on Flixter starting now. This will included any new reviews and exclusive reviews.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Review: Harry Potter 6
Powerd by IMDb
Title: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Director: David Yates
Writer(s): Steve Kloves (screenplay) J.K. Rowling (novel)
Staring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson
MPAA Rating: Rated PG for scary images, some violence, language and mild sensuality.
Running Time: 153 min (2 hr and 33 min)
Synopsis: As Harry Potter begins his 6th year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he discovers an old book marked mysteriously "This book is the property of the Half-Blood Prince" and begins to learn more about Lord Voldemort's dark past.
Critics:
Roger Ebert: 3 Stars
Michael Phillips: 3 ½ Stars
EW: Lisa Schwarzbaum: A-
Other Sites:
At The Movies: Ben Mankiewicz: See It, Ben Lyons: See It
Rotten Tomatoes: T-Meter: 87% (Fresh), Top Critics: 90% (Fresh), RT Community: 66% (Fresh)
Metacritic: Critics: 80 out of 100, Users: 7.9 out of 10
MRQE Metric: 73: (21.8% A, 54.4% B, 22.2% C, 0.0% D, and 0.0% F)
Yahoo Movies: Critics: B+ Users: B+
Source Material: Based on the book with same title written by J.K. Rowling
Acting and Dialogue: B: There is a good amount of comic relief that makes the film entertaining but then you get to the end and a piece of the dialogue becomes pointless because the filmmaker forgot to add the mystery behind The Half-Blood Prince and his potions book , which now Harry owns. Acting between the trio (Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson) is very good.
Art Direction: A: Harry Potter’s production design and art direction has always been top notch and this film continues to that trend.
Cinematography: A: I love that this film it mix cool and beautiful shoots.
Direction: B: David Yates could be the best thing that happened to the Harry Potter franchise. His style and vision fits the grown up Harry Potter, were the family film Harry Potter fits with Chris Columbus style. So it is the ultimate trade off.
Sound and Music: B: It wasn’t John William like in the first but it was fitting.
VFX: A: Magical but grounded in the real world.
Overall: A-: Very good film over all. I going to warn super Harry Potter fans you maybe disappointed like you always am. Film fans you may get a bit confused because you haven’t read the books. But trust me it is good.
Title: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Director: David Yates
Writer(s): Steve Kloves (screenplay) J.K. Rowling (novel)
Staring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson
MPAA Rating: Rated PG for scary images, some violence, language and mild sensuality.
Running Time: 153 min (2 hr and 33 min)
Synopsis: As Harry Potter begins his 6th year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he discovers an old book marked mysteriously "This book is the property of the Half-Blood Prince" and begins to learn more about Lord Voldemort's dark past.
Other Reviews
Critics:
Roger Ebert: 3 Stars
Michael Phillips: 3 ½ Stars
EW: Lisa Schwarzbaum: A-
Other Sites:
At The Movies: Ben Mankiewicz: See It, Ben Lyons: See It
Rotten Tomatoes: T-Meter: 87% (Fresh), Top Critics: 90% (Fresh), RT Community: 66% (Fresh)
Metacritic: Critics: 80 out of 100, Users: 7.9 out of 10
MRQE Metric: 73: (21.8% A, 54.4% B, 22.2% C, 0.0% D, and 0.0% F)
Yahoo Movies: Critics: B+ Users: B+
My Review
Source Material: Based on the book with same title written by J.K. Rowling
Acting and Dialogue: B: There is a good amount of comic relief that makes the film entertaining but then you get to the end and a piece of the dialogue becomes pointless because the filmmaker forgot to add the mystery behind The Half-Blood Prince and his potions book , which now Harry owns. Acting between the trio (Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson) is very good.
Art Direction: A: Harry Potter’s production design and art direction has always been top notch and this film continues to that trend.
Cinematography: A: I love that this film it mix cool and beautiful shoots.
Direction: B: David Yates could be the best thing that happened to the Harry Potter franchise. His style and vision fits the grown up Harry Potter, were the family film Harry Potter fits with Chris Columbus style. So it is the ultimate trade off.
Sound and Music: B: It wasn’t John William like in the first but it was fitting.
VFX: A: Magical but grounded in the real world.
Overall: A-: Very good film over all. I going to warn super Harry Potter fans you maybe disappointed like you always am. Film fans you may get a bit confused because you haven’t read the books. But trust me it is good.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Review: Public Enemies
Powerd by IMDb
Title: Public Enemies
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Director: Michael Mann
Writer(s): Ronan Bennett (screenplay) and Michael Mann (screenplay)
Staring: Johnny Depp, Christian Bale
MPAA Rating: Rated R for gangster violence and some language.
Running Time: 140 min (2 hr and 19 min)
Synopsis: The Feds try to take down notorious American gangsters John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson and Pretty Boy Floyd during a booming crime wave in the 1930s
Critics:
Roger Ebert: 3 ½ Star
Michael Phillips: 3 Stars
EW: Lisa Schwarzbaum: B-
Other Sites:
At The Movies: Ben Mankiewicz: See It, Ben Lyons: Rent It
Rotten Tomatoes: T-Meter: 65% (Fresh), Top Critics: 60% (Fresh), RT Community: 69% (Fresh)
Metacritic: Critics: 70 out of 100, Users: 6.8 out of 10
MRQE Metric: 68: (17.8% A, 47.3% B, 30.0% C, 4.7% D, and 0.0% F)
Yahoo Movies: Critics: B Users: B+
Source Material: An adaptation of Bryan Burrough's non-fiction book Public Enemies: America's Greatest Crime Wave and the Birth of the FBI, 1933–34.
Acting and Dialogue: B: Jonhny Deep was great, Bale on the other hand well, it wasn’t the batman voice like in every other film.
Art Direction: A-: Period pieces always amaze me when it comes to art and costumes, can you say possible Oscar nomination.
Cinematography: A: I like that the film had a sepia tone overtone feel to it even though it was filmed in color.
Direction: B: It was a bit long and dragged in some areas.
Sound and Music: A: Very good sound mixing. The ratio between soundless and foley was amazing.
VFX: B+: Most of it was done by practical FX witch was pulled off nicely.
Overall: B+: I liked the film. In my opinion there could have been a few more bank robberies. This film was more of a drama and I think I wanted action…besides that it was a good film.
Title: Public Enemies
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Director: Michael Mann
Writer(s): Ronan Bennett (screenplay) and Michael Mann (screenplay)
Staring: Johnny Depp, Christian Bale
MPAA Rating: Rated R for gangster violence and some language.
Running Time: 140 min (2 hr and 19 min)
Synopsis: The Feds try to take down notorious American gangsters John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson and Pretty Boy Floyd during a booming crime wave in the 1930s
Other Reviews
Critics:
Roger Ebert: 3 ½ Star
Michael Phillips: 3 Stars
EW: Lisa Schwarzbaum: B-
Other Sites:
At The Movies: Ben Mankiewicz: See It, Ben Lyons: Rent It
Rotten Tomatoes: T-Meter: 65% (Fresh), Top Critics: 60% (Fresh), RT Community: 69% (Fresh)
Metacritic: Critics: 70 out of 100, Users: 6.8 out of 10
MRQE Metric: 68: (17.8% A, 47.3% B, 30.0% C, 4.7% D, and 0.0% F)
Yahoo Movies: Critics: B Users: B+
My Review
Source Material: An adaptation of Bryan Burrough's non-fiction book Public Enemies: America's Greatest Crime Wave and the Birth of the FBI, 1933–34.
Acting and Dialogue: B: Jonhny Deep was great, Bale on the other hand well, it wasn’t the batman voice like in every other film.
Art Direction: A-: Period pieces always amaze me when it comes to art and costumes, can you say possible Oscar nomination.
Cinematography: A: I like that the film had a sepia tone overtone feel to it even though it was filmed in color.
Direction: B: It was a bit long and dragged in some areas.
Sound and Music: A: Very good sound mixing. The ratio between soundless and foley was amazing.
VFX: B+: Most of it was done by practical FX witch was pulled off nicely.
Overall: B+: I liked the film. In my opinion there could have been a few more bank robberies. This film was more of a drama and I think I wanted action…besides that it was a good film.
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