At any rate, it's been a while since I have reviewed anything. I know I'm supposed to be writing full reviews, but these shorties should be okay for now, right? I'm a little ashamed, because if this guy can do movie reviews:
then I really have no excuses, now do I?
On to reviews - first the ones that have played in theaters, then I will follow up with Atlanta Film Festival movies.
Coraline, A- What a great movie. The opening was brilliant/creepy as anything. Wonderful animation and very worth the watch. Might be a little scary for kids, but good for all ages.
Friday the 13th, F Walked out. It was just stupid. It has nothing to do with Friday the 13th, it was just a way to slap the brand on a movie, kills some kids in the woods, and make (if I recall correctly) rediculous profits.
Madea Goes to Jail, D- Another terrible movie. Walked out, got dirty looks for doing so. I guess I could maybe understand the appeal, but it's like trying to enjoy a high school play - bad acting, bad filming, okay plot..pity perhaps?
Watchmen, B- I've never read the comic, so I don't know how it compared. Some parts were cool, othes were a bit comicy. It was entertaining overall, but I don't know if I'd watch it again.
Knowing, D++ That extra plus is for Nick Cage. A pointless movie with typical NC acting. I guess if you're on the mindless quest that Allie and I are on (to see all of his movies) you should see it. Otherwise, probably not. Wait for the Rifftrax on it.
The Haunting in Connecticut, D I wanted this to be so much better than it was. Typical horror movie, but a worthless ending. I guess if it's based on true events...
Fast and Furious (4), B+ I don't care what anybody says, this was easily the best movie of the series. Better cars, better action. No comparison, plus it was just fun to watch even if you hadn't seen the rest.
Dragonball Evolution, D+ This is exactly what happens when you try to translate anime directly to live action with little tweaking in between. Wow, it was rough.
Crank: High Voltage, B In the tradition of the last Crank movie, it was nonstop rediculous action. I truly admire these film makers - they work quickly, low budget, and have a great story telling method. Not for everybody - you'll probably feel like you need a shower and a good cry after its done.
Earth, C This was another one I really wanted to be better. Typical global warming, environmental, etc, but it had some really beautiful shots. Planet Earth will still be my first blueray purchase.
Fighting, F Terrence Howard probably has the most annoying speaking voice I've ever heard. Walked out about halfway through.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine, C- I've just realized that this year is the most disappointing for movies I've ever seen. So disappointing. Guess how I felt about Wolverine?
Star Trek, B+ While a good watch and I'm sure great for fans, just didn't do as much for me. Plus it was a Star Wars story ripoff - you all know it, don't pretend Star Trek is original!
Terminator Salvation, A- I watched all of the previous movies up to this one. It was really a good movie in the sequence, especially after Rise of the Blah blah blah... The only thing I didn' t like was super-plastic Arnold. It was somewhere between disgusting and insulting to watch.
UP, B Get mad. I didn't like it as much as previous Pixar. Still a very good movie, but felt kind of kidsy - cheap jokes, nothing too sophisticated. Still better than Cars.
The Land of the Lost, B It was like one long, weird skit. More adult than I expected, but had some really funny moments.
The Hangover, C- I'm ashamed I watched this. I almost walked out, probably should have. I'm done with these kinds of comedies - nothing is funny, they're just trying to be shocking or gross.
Now, Atlanta Film Festival 2009. It was a good festival, lots of good movies playing, including two shorts I had worked on. Hopefully I'll be back some day, probably with a new film.
Rudo y Cursi, A+ Great movie - hilarious, dark, dramatic, but didn't drag for a moment. I don't care if you don't like subtitles, you'd better be watching this movie when it comes out. It's in limited release at the moment, should be on DVD shortly.
500 Days of Summer, C It was a hollywood movies that happened to be indie. It was okay, but the ending just ruined the film for me. It did not belong. I have to wonder if it was tacked on later by Fox in an attempt to make it more mainstream. Question for the director, I suppose...
Deadland, F Like many movies, great poster, terrible followthrough. A plot and some set dressing could have helped. Not sure why it was accepted.
The Death of Alice Blue, F This one wasn't as suprising as Deadland, but I just didn't like it. It was really trying too hard.
That Evening Sun, A+ This is a must-see for anybody, and is now one of my favorite movies. A beautiful script, shot so well. It didn't throw anything in your face and was a great example of what souther movies should be. Rent it, buy it - either way you need to see it.
Squeezebox, C+ Documentaries - not my favorite in any case. I had never heard of Squeezebox, so it was very informative, just not that entertaining.
We Fun, C+ Another one. Documentary. I don't know, I didn't really like many of the bands and Mastadon was on for about 2 minutes. The short before it about Peter Stubbs - brilliant.
That's all for the reviews. Stay tuned for more posts and an update to the site!
