Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Ben X - Throwback Review


Alright, so this is my first review on an older title so I wanted to pick a good one. "Ben X" is the story of an autistic teenager who struggles to communicate in the real world so he delves into internet gaming where he becomes accepted. However, the majority of the movie takes place in the real world where he finds himself constantly bullied and pestered by those around him. Without a real place where he fits in, he becomes suicidal. Luckily his internet girlfriend "scarlite" has other plans for Ben.

So first off, let me make it clear that this movie is not for everyone. The movie is in Belgian so if you can't stand subtitles than it's your loss. Also, the film follows his daily life and at times can seem slow. It's a true drama, and as such it takes the time to develop the character thoroughly and encourages watchers to try and think as Ben does. The psychologic aspect of this movie will leave you thinking about it for hours after the credits are over.

Final Verdict: If drama or psychoanalyzing is your cup of tea and subtitles don't turn you off, then this movie will be a diamond in the rough for you!

(Final Rating: 8 out of 10)

She's Out Of My League - Movie Review


I'll be honest, I went into this movie expecting a dud. Thankfully I was pleasantly surprised! The movie is raunchy, has stereotypical characters and wreaks of predictability. However, you'll be laughing your butt off every predictable second of it!!!

This movie comes highly recommended to anyone who liked "Knocked Up" or "Superbad." Lets face it, we like seeing quirky funny guys with hot women. And lucky for us, the lead character comes with offbeat friends who are always more than willing to give some bad advice and stir up trouble.

Final Verdict: If your girlfriend wont see it with you, go with the guys! This will be a movie you will be quoting for quite a while.

(Final Rating: 7 out of 10)

The Green Zone - Movie Review


"Chief Warrant Officer Roy Miller is done following orders," and Matt Damon isn't ready to let "Jason Bourne" die. In the film Roy plays a man who genuinely believes in his job as he searches various sites in Iraq for weapons of mass destruction. However, after failed attempt after failed attempt, he realizes something isn't right-uncovering a conspiracy, he takes it upon himself to figure out just what is true and who is calling the shots.

The Movie makes use of the shakey cam at times and switches camera angles so much that you will have seen so many different views that you actually miss the majority of the action taking place. Matt Damon's character seems almost identical to Jason Bourne-minus likable parts about background and character development.

Final Verdict: The movie wasn't terrible, it just wasn't amazing. To me it seemed to lag on at times, but there are good parts as well; the interpreters character for instance shows depth and supplies a bit of a unintentional comedic touch at times. I'd say wait to rent this one unless you're a big "spy-thriller" fan.

(Final Rating: 5 1/2 out of 10)

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

The Crazies - Movie Review


Honestly, this was one of the best Zombie/virus infection movies I've seen in a long time! Though it did not possess anything particularly original, this is a fine addition to the zombie horror genre. Anyone who enjoyed "28 Days/Weeks Later" movies will love this movie!

If you're in the mood for a movie with a dark atmosphere and at times a claustrophobic feel, then this movie will not disappoint. The Crazies brings everything we expect from this kind of movie... Gore, Unexpected monsters and, surprisingly, decent acting!!!

It's a short flick, but definitely one you'll wanna convince your significant other to see with you.

Final Verdict: This is not the type of movie that's award winning by any means, but purely for the sense of entertainment and scares, this is a surefire winner!! I'd recommend seeing this one in theaters. (Best viewed in the evening or late night )

Brooklyn's Finest - Review


Brooklyn's Finest was a decent paced cop-drama. The movie focused on three cops, Ethan Hawke as Sal, Don Cheadle as Tango and Richard Gere as Eddie. The three characters show distinct differences both in the job and in their home lives.

Ethan Hawke brings "Sal" to life beautifully as the dark cop struggling to keep his life together emotionally and financially. Despite his proneness to angry outbursts, his character is surprisingly like-able. He makes all the wrong choices for all the right reasons.

Eddie, played by Richard Gere, plays a cop on his way out. He shows little personality and is by far the least interesting of the three main characters. Only towards the end did they even bother developing his character at all. All though this character did not live up to my expectations, I don't blame Gere at all for this: The character seems written to be dry.

Don Cheadle as Tango carried the movie. His scenes as an undercover cop were beautifully done and as audience, you sympathize with him more than any other of the three main actors.

Final Verdict: Above Average, but leaves you with a bad taste in your mouth. The movie as a whole was good, but the ending leaves you walking out of the theater wondering what the point was. All in all, the movie is worth your time but not your money! (Unless it's Matinee)