Munich

Film Title: Munich
Year: 2005
MPAA Rating: R
Length: 164 minutes
Film Genre: Action / Drama / History
Director: Steven Spielberg
Producer: Kathleen Kennedy, Barry Mendel, Steven Spielberg, Colin Wilson
Writers: Tony Kushner and Eric Roth (screenplay) / George Jonas (book)
Players:
Eric Bana as Avner
Daniel Craig as Steve
Ciaran Hinds as Carl
Plot: 11 Israeli Olympians died in a hostage crisis at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. A team of mercenaries was assembled by the Israeli government to "take care" of those responsible. Flashbacks of the hostage situation are interspersed with the assasinations of the Palestinian conspirators.
Acting: Munich stars several up and coming actors plus a few seasoned veterans. The great character alchemist Spielberg creates another incredible ensemble. Bana is a great lead man - belonging with the likes of the also young Christian Bale (Equilibrium, American Psycho, Batman Begins). Daniel Craig, the new and improved 007 (Casino Royale), shows his blooming potential in his protrayal of the ever-abrasive and sometimes comedic David. Hinds' Carl reminds one of a past nearly forgotten in his classic style and demeanor.
Cinematography: You average Spielberg shots - some of the best. A vintage feel with its slightly desaturated color palette.
Visual: Some disturbing usage of explosives (a charge planted in a man's bed, for example), but some of the best witnessed in a film. They are believable and powerful at the same time - a feat hard to come by in a movie.
Audio: Great! Great! Great!
When I watched it last: An hour ago
What to watch for: Performance by Bana, the oh-so-real feel of the film (due in part to clips from actual 1972 news programs and spot-on creations of other broadcasts), a story of Avner's family so many miles away in Brooklyn and finally the madness of a man driven to guilt and paranoia.
What to watch out for: Language, Violence, Mild Sexual Content, Nudity (a woman is shot and left naked)
IMDB Rating: 7.9 out of 10
Roger Ebert Rating: 4 out of 4 stars; "Munich is an act of courage and conscience...As a thriller, Munich is efficient, absorbing, effective. As an ethical argument, it is haunting."
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 8.2 out of 10; The content of the movie may split some opinions of the movie, but it is a striking success of a film. Watch this one.
--Reviewed by Brady

Movie in a Minute: The Polar Express

Robert Zemeckis' Polar Express is a fun-filled adventure to...where else, the North Pole. Tom Hanks plays the main character, a boy who has doubts about Santa Claus and Christmas magic. Hanks also plays the conductor, a stern man who - according to himself - "has never been late". To top it all off, Hanks also voices four other characters in the film. Digital motion capture was used for the entire film, and while from-scratch animation is more desirable (according to this article's writer), the film looks pretty good overall. This children's-classic-to-movie hit will take you on a round trip journey to the North Pole, where magic abounds and all one is asked to do is...believe.
The Cinema Standard "Movie in a Minute" Rating: 7.6 out of 10

The Right Stuff

Film Title: The Right Stuff
Year: 1983
MPAA Rating: PG
Length: 153 minutes
Film Genre: Adventure / Drama / History
Director: Phillip Kaufman
Producer: Irwin Winkler
Writers: Phillip Kaufman and Tom Wolfe (book)
Players:
Sam Shepard as Chuck Yeager
Scott Glenn as Alan Shepard
Ed Harris as John Glenn
Dennis Quaid as Gordon Cooper
Fred Ward as Gus Grissom
Lance Henriksen as Wally Schirra
Plot: The Right Stuff chronicles the origins of the United States Space program. It begins with Chuck Yeager breaking the sound barrier and continues the story through the Mercury 7 space program.
Acting: The acting in this movie was superb. John Glenn is played by Ed Harris who always has the ability to communicate raw emotion on screen. Sam Shepard plays a very determined and proud Yeager, who was not accepted in the space program. My favorite was Scott Glenn's portrayal of Alan Shepard, his hi jinks and his launch sequence scene are classic. Quaid plays the arrogant Cooper, who brags he is the best pilot he's ever seen. His Mercury mission was the last solo space flight of any American astronaut. Ward delivers a great performance as the tough and hardworking astronaut Gus Grissom. If you watch Apollo 13, it opens with the story of Grissom's death in the Apollo 1 fire.
Cinematography The cinematography is as good if not better than some modern space/action films. Launch sequences are shot very much like modern launches are filmed. The placement of a camera in a low position in the space capsule was genius. It captures all the drama and emotion of the pilot's flights.
Visual: The flight / launch sequences and spaces scenes are amazing when you remember this movie was made in '83 and special effects were not all computer generated.
Audio: The sound of engines roaring and fly-bys are as good as modern flight or space movies.
When I watched it last: Last night
What to watch for: The competition between the astronauts, hilarious hi jinks and amazing action sequences.
What to watch out for: Language, Length of film (3+ hours)
IMDB Rating: 7.8 out of 10
Roger Ebert Rating: 4 stars (makes Ebert's Great Movie list)
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 9.0 out of 10. The Right Stuff is a great movie, full of great story telling and action. This movie also affords us the opportunity to see Harris, Glenn, Shepard and Quaid before their careers took off. If you like movies about the US Space program and the history of flight this movie is for you.
--Reviewed by Jason

Riding Giants

Laird Hamilton being towed into a wave

Film Title: Riding Giants
Year: 2004
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Length: 105 minutes
Film Genre: Documentary / Sport
Director: Stacy Peralta
Producer: Paul Crowder
Writers: Stacy Peralta and Sam George
Players:
Surfers:
Jeff Clark
Darrick Doerner
Laird Hamilton
Dave Kalama
Greg Noll
Plot: A look into the origins and history of surfing.
Acting: No real acting. Riding Giants features conversations with many world famous surfers. This film is the telling of their stories, of their surfing exploits and details how surfing evolved and became what it is today.
Cinematography Interviews accompained by surfing footage.
Visual: Some of the footage is just sick. When you see Laird Hamilton drop on a 60+ wave you will have to pick your jaw up off the floor.
Audio: Good soundtrack featuring old beach music and modern alternative.
When I watched it last: 10 minutes ago
What to watch for: Many comedic moments, crazy waves, spectacular wipeouts and amazing stories.
What to watch out for: Some language
IMDB Rating: 7.6 out of 10
Roger Ebert Rating: 3 and 1/2 stars
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 8.5 out of 10. I got into surfing this past summer and fell in love. This movie tells a captivating story with great footage of gnarly waves and nasty wipeouts. Whether you are into surfing or not this documentary is entertaining and full of interesting and colorful stories.
--Reviewed by Jason

Eragon

Film Title: Eragon
Year: 2006
MPAA Rating: PG
Length: 104 minutes
Film Genre: Action / Adventure / Fantasy
Director: Stefen Fangmeier
Producer: John Davis, Wyck Godfrey, Adam Goodman
Writer: Christopther Paolini (novel), Peter Buchman (screenplay)
Players:
Edward Speleers as Eragon
Jeremy Irons as Brom
Sienna Guillory as Arya
Robert Carlyle as Durza
Garrett Hedlund as Murtagh
John Malkovich as King Galbotorix
Plot: King Galbatorix has reigned as tyrant over Alegaesia for many years, ridding the land of the famed Dragon Riders. A young boy named Eragon steps forward to take hold of his destiny as the next - and possible last hope - of the riders.
Acting: A poor rating is probably giving too much credit to most of the actors in this film.
Cinematography: There are few scenes which show any real cinematographic merit. A few of the wide landscape sweeps are nice, but overall it is an average action adventure film.
Visual: Some of the flight scenes are good. Galbatorix's castle/hall/room/whatever you would call it is a poor job of design. It's just sad. I don't think there were actually any walls, it must have been an open set with a cloth map on one side and a big throne on the other.
Audio: A decent soundtrack.
When I watched it last: Two nights ago
What to watch for: Saphira and the incredibly beautiful Guillory as Arya.
What to watch out for: Dark magic, not much else. The acting and screenplay is bad enough. Thanks for ruining an incredible story!
IMDB Rating: 5.0 out of 10
Roger Ebert Rating: 2 out of 4 stars; "Tales of flying dragons and sword-wielding heroes are grand indeed, especially when the child in each of us can find a world of enchantment therein. Eragon could have, and should have been such a tale." (Miriam di Nunzio)
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 5.6 out of 10. As Durza, the Shade, relates Eragon, "I expected you to be...well...more." I couldn't have said it better myself.
--Reviewed by Brady

Joyeux Noel (Merry Christmas)

Film Title: Joyeux Noel (French) / Merry Christmas (USA)
Year: 2005
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (originally R, but was changed on appeal)
Length: 116 minutes
Film Genre: Drama / War / History / Foreign
Director: Christian Carion
Producer: Christophe Rossignon
Writer: Christian Carion
Players:
Benno Furmann as Nikolaus Sprink
Diane Kruger as Anna Sorensen
Guillaume Canet as Lieutenant Audebert
Alex Ferns as Gordon
Daniel Bruhl as Horstmayer
Gary Lewis as Father Palmer
Plot: The recounting of a Christmas truce on the front lines of World War I. Scottish, French and German soldiers share the joy of Christmas, much to the chagrin of their commanding officers.
Acting: The three unit commanders - Scottish Gordon, French Audebert and German Horstmayer - are a superb onscreen trio, but one character stands out from the rest. Gary Lewis' Father Palmer is the true hero of a story filled with heroes.
Cinematography: Not much to brag about, but there is nothing to complain about either.
Visual: There are not a lot of special effects, but probably because the movie is set in World War I.
Audio: Sweeping war-movie music with ebbing symphonies are interpersed throughout the film. The singing in the film steals the show though. Sorensen and Sprink make up a performing duo on and off the stage. The couple are a soprano and a tenor in German opera and share a love interest. They entertain the amassment of troops and bring an emotion to the front line that has been suppressed by the hate which surfaces in war.
When I watched it last: Last Night
What to watch for: Lewis' sermon.
What to watch out for: A bedroom scene with very brief nudity; some blood (it is a war movie, or at least a movie that occurs during a war).
IMDB Rating: 7.7 out of 10
Roger Ebert Rating: 3 out of 4 stars; "[T]his moment of peace actually did take place, among men who were punished for it, and who mostly died soon enough afterward. But on one Christmas, they were able to express what has been called...the brotherhood of man."
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 8.3 out of 10; Though I didn't write much on this film, it is definitely a must see, especially near Christmas time.
--Reviewed by Brady

Brick

Film Title: Brick
Year: 2005
MPAA Rating: R
Length: 110 minutes
Film Genre: Crime / Drama / Mystery / Neo-Noir
Director: Rian Johnson
Producer: Norman Dreyfuss, Ram Bergman, Mark G. Mathis
Writers: Rian Johnson
Players:
Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Brendan
Nora Zehetner as Laura
Lukas Haas as The Pin
Noah Fleiss as Tugger
Naoh Segen as Dode
Matt O'Leary as The Brain
Emilie de Ravin as Emily
Plot: A girl mixed up in the drug world of an average high school dies mysteriously. Her ex-beau decides to find out who is responsible. Welcome to the neo-noir detective movie.
Acting: The acting in the movie is strange to say the least. Every character is played one step beyond normal - an oversaturation of reality, or absurdity at times. I like it for the most part. Gordon-Levitt was a perfect cast for this role and Zehetner's Laura is the epitome of the beautiful femme fatale (it's even mentioned by Brendan in the movie).
Cinematography: The cinematography is nice, but not ground-breaking. Scenes at a tunnel were shot well with some of the action shot outside looking in and some of the action shot from the inside looking out, creating silhouettes.
Visual: When Brendan is punched in the face, a fast white flash (almost comic book starburst style) fills the screen. I'm not sure how I feel about it, but it's a cheap effect to accomplish and at least adds something to the action. Another cheap, but very effective, visual is the way that Johnson transitions from Brendan's dream sequence back to reality. A piece of black plastic moves up a waterway, slides up and covers the camera. Then it is quickly pulled off Brendan's head like the covers of his bed. The plastic coming up the water was actually filmed backwards with Emilie walking backwards as well, so that when played forward the plastic would flow up the water beside the awkwardly walking Emily.
Audio: Slow moving songs with odd sounds - interjected during periods of the film that are devoid of dialogue - match the movie's odd plot and action.
When I watched it last: Last Night
What to watch for: Gordon-Levitt's Brendan, the incredibly beautiful Zehetner, Tugger's Mustang, the Pin's cane, the Pin's mom and any scene involving a fight.
What to watch out for: A shot to the head with much blood, reference to drug use, language.
IMDB Rating: 7.8 out of 10
Roger Ebert Rating: 3 out of 4 stars; "The story is never clear while it unfolds, but it provides a rich source of dialogue, behavior and incidents."
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 8.0 out of 10; I liked the movie but was confused for the most part and still had many questions at the end, but what mystery movie doesn't and shouldn't leave you questioning things?
--Reviewed by Brady

Top Movies

So, you can’t figure out what movie to watch tonight?

How about watching one of the greats – those classic movies that define their respective genres? So here’s a list of 50 great films that everyone should see at some point in their lives. These are our picks for making a great movie night!

Secondary genres are listed in parentheses.

Action: The Matrix (Sci-fi) / Die Hard (Thriller)

Adventure: Indiana Jones: The Last Crusade (Action)

Animated: Toy Story (Comedy) / The Lion King (Drama)

Comedy: Monty Python and the Holy Grail (Historical, or Hysterical) / The Princess Bride (Drama)

Comedy – Romantic: You’ve Got Mail (Drama)

Comedy – Dramatic: Forrest Gump (Historical)

Comic Book: Batman Begins (Action)

Courtroom: A Time to Kill (Drama) / A Few Good Men (Drama)

Creature: Jaws (Action/Adventure) / Jurassic Park (Action/Adventure)

Crime: The Untouchables (Drama/Gangster) / The Godfather (Drama/Gangster)

Documentary: Ken Burns’ The Civil War (Historical)

Drama: The Shawshank Redemption (Crime) / Schindler’s List (Historical)

Epic: Gladiator (Drama)

Experimental: Memento (Suspense)

Fantasy: Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (Drama)

Foreign: Leon: The Professional (Crime/Drama)

Heist: Ocean’s 11 (Crime/Thriller)

Historical: Gone with the Wind (War/Drama)

Horror: The Shining (Thriller) / The Ring (Thriller)

Indie: Pulp Fiction (Crime/Thriller)

Mini-series: Band of Brothers (War)

Musical: The Wizard of Oz (Adventure) / Moulin Rouge! (Comedy/Romance)

Sci-fi: Star Wars: A New Hope (Drama) / 2001: A Space Odyssey (Experimental)

Sci-fi – Alien: The Abyss (Drama/Thriller) / Alien (Thriller)

Sports: The Natural (Drama) / Remember the Titans (Drama)

Suspense: The Sixth Sense (Drama/Thriller)

Thriller: Se7en (Crime/Drama) / Collateral (Crime/Drama)

Thriller – Psychological: The Silence of the Lambs (Crime/Drama)

War – Civil War: Glory (Drama)

War – Foreign War: Braveheart (Drama/Historical)

War – Revolutionary War: The Patriot (Drama/Historical)

War – Vietnam: Apocalypse Now (Drama/Psychological Thriller) / Platoon (Drama)

War – WWII: Saving Private Ryan (Drama/Historical) / Patton (Drama/Historical)

Western: The Outlaw Josey Wales (Drama) / Unforgiven (Drama)

Casino Royale (2006)

Film Title: Casino Royale
Year: 2006
MPAA Rating: P-13
Length: 144 minutes
Film Genre: Action / Adventure / Thriller
Director: Martin Campbell
Producer: Barbara Brocolli
Writers: Neil Purvis, Robert Wade and Ian Flemming
Players:
Daniel Craig as James Bond/007
Ava Green as Vesper Lynn
Mads Mikkelson as Le Chiffre
Judi Dench as M
Jeffrey Wright as Felix Leiter
Plot: The very first assignment for MI6 agent James Bond. Bond's mission: To stop international banker/terrorist Le Chiffre from winning a high stakes poker tournament at the Casino Royale.
Acting: In my humble opinion Daniel Craig is the best Bond since Connery. I stated many months ago that this Bond movie was not going to be anything like the others, and that much like Batman Begins, was going to revitalize the dying Bond movie franchise, I was definately right (I love it when I'm right).
Cinematography This is Campbell's second Bond film (directed Goldeneye) and he does a fantastic job directing this one. This movie is not like Goldeneye or really any other Bond film for that matter. The first 10 minutes of the film are black and white, it really added to the feel that this movie was going to be dark. The movie is definately darker than any of the other movies (which is what I predicted), it has some of the comedic elements of the others films and carries the classic Bond elements but takes it up a notch. The darker feel in my opinion is the way it should be. Bond: "So you're telling me you want me to be half monk, half hitman". James Bond is a series about a spy with a license to kill, this movie is the first time you really see this played out to the extreme and it is awesome.
Visual: Awesome action, camera work is great, gritty, the black and white beginning is awesome.
Audio: Chris Cornell (Audioslave/Soundgarden) does the opening song.
When I watched it last: Last Night
What to watch for: If you like James Bond movies then this one is for you. It is not all gadgets and guns, there is a good deal of hand to hand combat. Watch for the random moments of classic Bond comedy.
What to watch out for: Hmm....torture scene...just wait for it...you'll understand. Pacing is slow at times and it is a little long.
IMDB Rating: 8.1 out of 10
Roger Ebert Rating: 3 out of 4 stars
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 8.7 out of 10. This movie is just plain great. In high school I was a huge Bond fan, especially of the Connery and Moore ones. Goldeneye was alright, but after that the Bond franchise tanked. This movie is the re-invention of a cinematic icon, kinda cool they are starting at the characters beginning.
--Reviewed by Jason

The Godfather

Film Title: The Godfather
Year: 1972
MPAA Rating: R
Length: 175 minutes
Film Genre: Drama / Crime
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Producer: Albert S. Ruddy
Writers: Mario Puzo (novel); Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola (screenplay)
Players:
Marlin Brando as Don Vito Corleone
Al Pacino as Michael Corleone
James Caan as Santino "Sonny" Corleone
Robert Duvall as Tom Hagen
Plot: As the Don of one of the five mafia families of New York, Vito Corleone must somehow prep his reluctant son into taking the family "business".
Acting: With this cast, a director would have to be an idiot not to succeed. The talent in this movie is enough for five blockbusters. Every character was perfectly cast. Brando and Pacino are a duo that simply create magic.
Cinematography: Coppola is a director not afraid to let the camera sit still. The slow (but perfect) pace of the film is dictated by the camera.
Visual: Notice the lighting in the film. Scenes that involve happy moments for characters are shot during the day in well-lit areas with bright colors all around. Scenes involving murder or other shady activity are shot in dark rooms, sometimes in near pitch black with dark furniture and dark walls and often at night.
Audio: For 1972, you won't get any better. In fact, for 1982 you won't get any better. A strangling is not a pleasant thing to hear.
When I watched it last: In the theater (!!!) two weeks prior to review
What to watch for: Brando, Pacino, Duvall - - simply amazing. Add Francis Ford Coppola and an amazing supporting cast...voila! Great movie!
What to watch out for: Violence, Blood, Death; Momentary nudity; Language.
IMDB Rating: 9.1 out of 10; #1 on the top 250 movies of all time as rated by users.
Roger Ebert Rating: 4 out of 4 stars; "[The Godfather] brushes aside the flashy glamour of the traditional gangster picture and gives us what's left: fierce tribal loyalties, deadly little neighborhood quarrels in Brooklyn, and a form of vengeance to match every affront."
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 9.4 out of 10; it's easy to see why some have called it the greatest film of all time.

The Magnificent Seven

FilmTitle: The Magnificent Seven
Year: 1960
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Length: 128 minutes
Film Genre: Western / Adventure / Drama
Director: John Sturges
Producer: Walter Mirisch
Writers: Williams Roberts (Seven Samurai: Akira Kurosawa)
Players:
Yul Brynner as Chris Adams
Eli Wallach as Clavera
Steve McQueen as Vin
Charles Bronson as Bernardo O'Reilly
Robert Vaughn as Lee
James Coburn as Britt
Plot: A small Mexican village is oppressed by the ruthless bandito Calvera. Fearing the worst the villagers hire seven gunfighters to defend them.
Acting: Some pretty good acting out of some of the most famously rugged men in film history. The actors do a good job of mastering the mannerisms of the characters they are modeled after (Seven Samurai). The actors really add so much to this film, creating characters that you really like and can't wait to see how the movie plays out.
Cinematography Good camera work, the angles and action sequences are well done.
Visual: The set pieces are great and the villages have a classic western feel
Audio: Nothing special
When I watched it last: Last weekend
What to watch for: Good acting, a good story (a western remake of Seven Samurai). some really funny comedic moments
What to watch out for:
IMDB Rating: 7.8 out of 10
Roger Ebert Rating: no review available
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 8.1 out of 10. A great remake of Seven Samurai set in the West, full of action, adventure and comedy. If you liked Seven Samurai and like westerns this movie is for you. "What's my name?" "Bernardo" "Dang right!"
--Reviewed by Jason

Nochnoy Dozer / Night Watch

Film Title: Nochnoy Dozer (Russian)/ Night Watch (English)
Year: 2004 (Russia) 2006 (America)
MPAA Rating: R
Length: 114 minutes
Film Genre: Action / Fantasy / Horror / Fiction / Foreign
Director: Timur Bekmambetov
Producer: Varvara Avdyushko
Writers: Timur Bekmambetov
Players:
Anton Gorodetsky: Konstantin Khabensky
Boris Gesser: Vladimir Menshov
Zavulon: Viktor Verzhbitsky
Svetlana: Mariya Poroshina
Olga, sorceress (owl): Galina Tyunina
Ignat: Gosha Kytsenko
Yegor: Dima Martynov
Larisa: Anna Dubrovskaya
Kostya: Aleksei Chadov
Bear: Aleksander Samojlenko
Plot: The forces of Light and Dark have been waging an eternal war. Known as the Others these two factions create a truce and as part of this truce create policing units called Night watch and Day Watch. The Night Watch is the police unit of the Light and enforce the rules of the truce and make sure that the Balance is held.
Acting:
The acting in this movie is good, nothing spectacular
Cinematography The cinematography is pretty standard nothing too fancy. However, the interlacing of the subtitles into the movie itself is shear brilliance.
Visual: Amazing special effects (over 400 in the movie).
Audio: The audio is about as good as the special effects, it really helps to emerse you in the film.
When I watched it last: Last night
What to watch for: Amazing and unique special effects. Interesting twist on an age old story. Awesome subtitles (you just have to see it for yourself)
What to watch out for: Language. Lots of blood. Slow at times
IMDB Rating: 6.4 out of 10
Roger Ebert Rating: 2 stars
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 8.0 out of 10. An interesting concept. Special effects are amazing. Subtitle animation is unique. This movie is the 1st in a trilogy, and a good builder movie. Worth buying if you like these sort of movies.
--Reviewed by Jason

The Shining

Film Title: The Shining
Year: 1980

For production credits see Jason's post on this movie:
Cinema Standard - The Shining by Jason Williams

Acting: Jack Nicholson is the perfect person in the role of Jack Torrence. Between The Shining and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest we see the remarkable Nicholson at his finest - in the flawless execution of a mental crackpot.
Cinematography: This film is a milestone in camera work. Kubrik is at his best, as usual. The slow pace of the film is exacerbated by the incredibly slow pans and zooms. The camera work causes unease for the viewer and a tense mood of anticipation for some absolution of action, which always comes just after you have told yourself it will not happen.
Visual: The hotel is strikingly grandiose and immensely cavernous. The interposed snapshot scenes of the tenants visions are masterfully interwoven to cause the leap-out-of-your-seat scare and the anxiety for what is to come.
Audio: Eerie music and sound effects make your skin crawl. One can see and hear Danny Torrence (Danny Lloyd) riding his trike down the long corridors, the modulation of sound between loud and soft as he traverses the hardwood floors and large carpets. Lack of musical action also increases the tension of the movie.
What to watch for: Jack Nicholson and Danny Lloyd, a great onscreen father/son duo.
What to watch out for: One scene of prolonged nudity which then turns pretty gross; some blood and gore.
When I watched it last: A few days ago.
IMDB User Rating: 8.4 out of 10; #64 on the top 250 movies of all time as rated by users.
Roger Ebert Rating: Included in his list of Great Movies (his top honor); "The movie is not about ghosts but about madness..." (rogerebert.suntimes.com)
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 9.2 out of 10; This is the hallmark of psychological horror.
- - Reveiwed by JB

Shichinin no Samurai / Seven Samurai

Film Title: Shichinin no Samurai / Seven Samurai
Year: 1954
MPAA Rating: None
Length: 3 hours and 27 minutes
Film Genre: Action / Drama
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Producer: Sojiro Motoki
Writers: Akira Kurosawa
Players:
Takashi Shimura as Kambei Shimada
Toshiro Mifune as Kikuchiyo
Yoshio Inaba as Gorobei Katayama
Seiji Miyaguchi as Kyuzo
Minoru Chiaki as Heihachi Hayshida
Daisuke Kato as Shichiroji
Isao KImura as Katsushiro Okamoto
Plot: A village of poor farmers is attacked and plundered each year by bandits. Fed up and scared the villagers recruit seven samurai to defend them.
Acting: The acting is very interesting. As you watch this film you being to love each and everyone of the samurai, the movie is long and allows for the characters to really develop. You also develop a severe dislike for the gutless farmers and their fears. This is the second film that Shimura and Mifune work with Kurosawa, their first being Rashomon.
Cinematography: This is the beginnings of action film making and it really is amazing to look at this film and see how far we have come. The camera work is really cool and Kurosawa uses some techniques that become staples in many modern movies.
Visual: This is a black and white film yet at the same time it does not detract from the movie.
Audio: Good audio nothing special but also remember it was made in 1954
When I watched it last: 3 days ago
What to watch for: Everything, it is a great film any cinema lover should see. Acting is great, story is great, and the humor is hillarious. Watch out for a random farmer who gets smashed when a bandits horse comes riding in....it can't be scripted cause he gets nailed!
What to watch out for: 3 hours long. Slow to build up to the finale. Black and White. Japanese subtitled
IMDB Rating: 8.8 out of 10
Roger Ebert Rating: Great Film (4 stars)
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 8.8 out of 10. A true classic, this film should be watched at least once by any film enthusist. This movie has inspired countless adaptations and spin offs including the western the Magnificent Seven. Akira Kurosawa is one of the most masterful story creaters and tellers in all of cinema history.
--Reviewed by Jason
Brady's Review of Seven Samurai

The Shining

Film Title: The Shining
Year: 1980
MPAA Rating: R
Length: 2 hours and 22 minutes
Film Genre: Horror / Thriller
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Producer: Robert Fryer
Writers: Stephen King
Players:
Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrence
Shelley Duvall as Wendy Torrence
Danny Lloyd as Danny Torrence
Scatman Crothers as Dick Hallorann
Plot: Jack Torrence is a ex school teacher working on a book deal. He agrees to take on the responsibility of winter caretaker of the Overlook Hotel high in the Colorado mountains. Isolated with his wife Wendy and their son Danny, the winter begins to draw long and the isolation begins to take its toll. Not to mention the mysterious history and activity that is going on in the hotel.
Acting: Jack Nicholson will freak you out! Nicholson is one crazy actor and in this movie his crazyness really shines. Danny Lloyd plays well against Nicholson as his slightly unhinged son. This movie consists of 5 major characters, Jack, Wendy, Danny, Dick and the Overlook Hotel/the Shining. The acting in this movie is top shelf considering there are only 5 major players, they all give performances that will stun you.
Cinematography Visual: Kubrick is brilliant with the camera, it is unfortunate most of his movies are for the most part completely strange. The camera angles and use of what i'll call the chase view are amazing. In this film the camera follows the actors several paces behind them, giving us the feeling that we are walking right behind them. The angles he uses to shoot close ups and the action really allows for the raw-ness of what is going on to come through. Also the use of colors adds alot to connect characters and set the tone of certain scenes.
Audio: When I watched it last: 2 days ago
What to watch for: Acting is great. The set is amazing (Overlook Hotel and surrounding grounds). The story is crazy and twisted which holds your attention. Watch out for little hints in the dialogue and other little details that make this movie stand out.
What to watch out for: Language, Nudity (really gross nudity, it is in the chapter called Room 237 for those wanting to avoid it altogether) slight gore and violence.
IMDB Rating: 8.4 out of 10
Roger Ebert Rating: Great movie (probably 4 stars)
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: I am in no way a fan of the modern Horror genre for its love of senseless violence and gore. However, with that said this movie is the measuring stick by which all Horror/Thriller movies should be measured. It will mess with your mind, your emotions and your view of reality and it does it all with limited gore and limited violence. 9.0 out of 10. Watch this movie!
--Reviewed by Jason

Cinema Standard - The Shining reviewed by Brady

Cinderella Man

Film Title: Cinderella Man
Year: 2005

For production credits see Jason's post on this movie:
Cinema Standard - Cinderella Man by Jason

Acting: Incredible. Amazing. Awe-inspiring. Need I say more? Well, I'm going to anyway. You can send me to the gallows for saying this, but this is Russell Crowe's best performance. Renee Zellweger is great as the stand-by-her-man wife.
Cinematography: The camera is perfectly placed at all times. The movie is not filmed with some artful eye for "setup scenes" which look "cool". It's a joy to watch.
Visual: The visual team on this movie hit an absolute gold mine with the special effects during the boxing scenes. Watch carefully and notice that the big hits are actually snapshots taken by the reporters in the audience. There's a bright flash and a slight pause in the action...just as if it were someone taking a picture.
Audio: Watch this movie to feel what it must be like to take a hundred punches in a boxing ring. And it's mostly due to the sound. By the end of the fifteenth round, you may be lying on the floor writhing in pain. The punishing blows are gut-wrenching at times.
What to watch for: All around, a great movie. Thank you Ron Howard for letting family be the central core of the movie, when a boxing career could have - - and according to Hollywood - - should have been center stage. "Cinderella Man is as powerful as its hero’s punches" (pluggedinonline.com).
What to watch out for: Ron Howard's demonic protrayal of Max Baer; some language
When I watched it last: A couple of weeks ago
IMDB User Rating: 8.1 out of 10; #170 on the top 250 movies of all time as voted by users
Roger Ebert Rating: 3.5 out of 4 stars; "Cinderella Man is a terrific boxing picture, but there's no great need for another one. The need it fills is for a full-length portrait of a good man."
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 8.9 out of 10; This is arguably the best movie about...correction - that includes boxing. This is a film to own.
- - Reveiwed by JB

Cinderella Man

Film Title: Cinderella Man
Year: 2005
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Length: 144 min
Film Genre: Biography / Drama / Sport
Director: Ron Howard
Producer: Brian Grazer
Writers: Cliff Hollingsworth
Players:
Russell Crowe as James J Braddock
Renee Zellweger as Mae Braddock
Paul Giamatti as Joe Gould
Craig Bierko as Max Baer
Plot:
Based on the life and boxing career of Jim Braddock. The movie chronicles his life during the Depression and his second chance as a boxer.
Acting:
Russell Crowe and Renee Zellweger give stunning performances as the Braddocks. Both play well against each other and give amazing performances as people from the Depression era. Paul Giamatti also brings alot to the film as Braddock's trainer and manager.
Cinematography Ron Howard does a superb job directing this film. His use of the camera is recognizable. If you look at his work from Apollo 13 and A Beautiful Mind you can see the similarities in camera movement and framing.
Visual: The use of lighting and special camera capture moments really give a life to the fighting in the ring.
Audio: Once again superb.
When I watched it last: a week ago
What to watch for: Everything, this one is the Best boxing movie I've ever seen.
What to watch out for: some historical inaccuracies
IMDB Rating: 8.1 out of 10
Roger Ebert Rating: 3 1/2 stars
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 8.8 out of 10. This movie will stir your heart as you watch the struggle of Jim and his family unfold, but oh is the payoff great.
--Reviewed by Jason

Click here to see Brady's post on this movie.

The Night Listener

Film Title: The Night Listener
Year: 2006
MPAA Rating: R
Length: 82 minutes (91 minutes at Sundance)
Film Genre(s): Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Director(s): Patrick Stettner
Producer(s): Terry Anderson, Michael Hogan, Armistead Maupin, et. al.
Writer(s): Armistead Maupin, Terry Anderson, Patrick Stettner
Players:
Robin Williams as Gabriel Noone
Toni Collette as Donna Logand
Rory Culkin as Pete Logand
Plot: Gabriel Noone's talk show, "Noone at Night", is plagued by his writer's block when he comes in contact with a boy dying of AIDS. A relationship is built over the phone between Gabriel, the boy and the boy's mother until suspicions build concerning Noone's elusive friends.
Acting: Williams character is one of his better portrayals, but would be better suited in another movie. "The Night Listener is mostly about Gabe, but it's not mostly about Robin Williams playing Gabe, and that's a welcome relief" (rogerebert.suntimes.com). Rory Culkin is the real star of this movie, walking tall from under the dark shadow and mottled past of his brother, Macaulay.
Cinematography: The camera work fits that of the generic mystery drama which this movie is.
Visual: Nothing special.
Audio: This film has one of the most freakish and otherworldly sounds ever recorded. What should have been left to the horror genre is included in a latter scene which takes place in a hospital. Noone is searching through the pediatric ward for the sick boy, Pete, when he walks into what he thinks is the boy's room, and instead, he is faced with another child whose vocal chords have been destroyed by cancer. The resulting scream from the child is a hollow, airy wail which gives the viewer chills and haunts the dreams of most people for days to come.
What to watch for: Tense scenes in the middle of the film.
What to watch out for: A no-surprise conclusion.
When I watched it last: A couple nights before review.
IMDB User Rating: 5.7 out of 10
Roger Ebert Rating: 3 out of 4 stars; "[T]he movie makes this twisted tale believable, moment by moment."
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 5.2 out of 10; A poor movie which is almost saved by the quality of the cast...almost.
- - Reveiwed by JB

The Outlaw Josey Wales

Film Title: The Outlaw Josey Wales
Year: 1976
MPAA Rating: R
Length: 135 min
Film Genre: Western/Drama
Director: Clint Eastwood
Producer: Robert Daley
Writers: Forrest Carter
Players:
Clint Eastwood as Josey Wales
Sondra Locke as Laura Lee
Chief Dan George as Lone Watie
Plot: After the murder of his family, Josey Wales decides to take the fight to the men that killed them.
Acting: Clint Eastwood is simply amazing in this film, in my humble opinion this and Unforgiven are his best work. Chief Dan George is hillarious as his Cherokee companion.
Cinematography The emphasis of certain things really stands out (Wales spitting and his gun movements). Nothing really special about the directing, Eastwood is just a good director.
Visual: It's a western. No over the top camera work, no special effects just straight forward camera work.
Audio: Again it is a Western. The audio is good, the gunfire sounds good and all the dialogue is clear and clean.
When I watched it last: 1 day prior to the review
What to watch for: Eastwood and his amazing performance. The evolution of Josey Wales from man with nothing to lose to man that has everything to fight for.
What to watch out for: Brief Nudity and moments of Strong Sexual content
IMDB Rating: 7.7 out of 10
Roger Ebert Rating: 3 out 4 stars
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 8.5 out of 10. This is an amazing western.
--Reviewed by Jason

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby

Film Title: Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
Year: 2006
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Length: 105 minutes
Film Genre(s): Comedy, Action
Director(s): Adam McKay
Producer(s): Adam McKay, Will Ferrell, Ryan Kavanaugh, et. al.
Writer(s): Will Ferrell, Adam McKay
Players:
Will Ferrell as Ricky Bobby
John C. Reilly as Cal Naughton, Jr.
Gary Cole as Reese Bobby
Jane Lynch as Lucy Bobby
Michael Clarke Duncan as Lucius Washington
Leslie Bibb as Carly Bobby
Amy Adams as Susan
Houton Tumlin as Walker
Grayson Russell as Texas Ranger
Sacha Baron Cohen as Jean Girard
and cameos by various NASCAR stars, Elvis Costello and Mos Def
Plot: The famous stock car driver Ricky Bobby is challenged by a Frenchman from "Formula Un", but his determination is crushed after a horrible accident. Laughs around every turn.
Acting: Ferrell is funny and that's all you need to know. Even if you've had a disposition toward him in past movies, you should see this one.
Cinematography: Who cares.
Visual: See "Cinematography".
Audio: See "Visual".
What to watch for: Outrageous hilarity. Grayson Russell's performance near the end will have you peeing-your-pants, doubling-over-on-the-floor, snorting-milk-from-your-nose laughing...and he's under 10 years old.
What to watch out for: Crude humor and some language.
When I watched it last: A few nights prior to review.
IMDB User Rating: 6.8 out of 10
Roger Ebert Rating: 3.5 out of 4 stars;
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 7.9 out of 10 stars; Funny and entertaining! A must see, especially if you're a NASCAR fan.
- - Reveiwed by JB

Heat

Film Title: Heat
Year: 1995
MPAA Rating: R
Length: 171/188 (edited and unedited)
Film Genre: Action/Crime/Drama/Thriller
Director: Michael Mann
Producer: Pieter Jan Brugge
Writers: Michael Mann
Players:
Al Pacino as Lt. Vincent Hanna
Robert De Niro as Neil McCauley
Val Kilmer as Chris Shiherlis
Jon Voight as Nate
Tom Sizemore as Michael Cheritto
Amy Brenneman as Eady
Ashley Judd as Charlene Shiherlis
Natalie Portman as Lauren Gustafson
Dennis Haysbert as Donald Breedan
Plot: Neil McCauley heads a gang of heavily armed and highly determined theives/bank robbers who square off against Lt. Hanna in a deadly game of cat and mouse.
Acting: The acting in this film was top self. Pacino and De Niro give some mind numbing performances, makes you wonder why this is their only film together. Kilmer and Sizemore give amazing support to De Niro as members of his gang. Something to note, most of the support characters in this movie have gone on to big name success themselves (Judd, Portman, Brenneman and Haysbert.)
Cinematography Dante Spinotti does an amazing job as Cinematographer (Director of Photography), no wonder Mann has used him on three of his films (The Insider, Heat and Last of the Mohicans). Mann is an amazing director and you can truly see his unique style in this movie.
Visual: Mann shoots scenes a certain way. If you have seen the trailer for Miami Vice and his movies Collateral and Heat you will note his style. He loves night scenes intertwined with landscape shots, He loves night driving scenes with city lights reflecting on windshields and rear window, running scenes are close up and tight on the characters and a trade mark, he puts you right in the middle of the action. He puts you in the faces of the actors or over their shoulders, this adds so much to the intensity of the action. The movie is a visual masterpiece.
Audio: The sound for the movie is good for an action movie. Subtle volume changes between scenes of action and dialogue. The gun battles are amazing, a must for surround sound owners
When I watched it last: 1 hour ago
What to watch for: Amazing Performances by Pacino and De Niro as well as the supporting cast. Classic diner table scene as Cop and Criminal share a cup of coffee. Classic Michael Mann directing (vehicle tracking shots and down in the action gun battles)
What to watch out for: Excessive Language and Violence. 3 Hours Long!
IMDB Rating: 8.0 out of 10
Roger Ebert Rating: 3 1/2 out of 4 stars
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 9.0 out of 10. Beautiful movie, Amazing Cast, Incredible directing and Gripping story. This movie is the top of what the crime/action/drama genre should be, a must own.
--Reviewed by Jason

Glory

Film Title: Glory
Year: 1989
MPAA Rating: R
Length: 122 min
Film Genre(s): Action / Drama / History / War
Director(s): Edward Zwick
Producer(s): Pieter Jan Brugge
Writer(s): Robert Gould Shaw (letters). Lincoln Kirstein (book)
Players:
Matthew Broderick as Col. Robert Gould Shaw
Denzel Washington as Pvt. Trip
Cary Elwes as Maj. Cobot Forbes
Morgan Freeman as Sgt. Maj. John Rawlins
Plot: Col. Robert Shaw leads the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer infantry, a regiment of Black solders led by white officers. The film tells the story of the regiment and their role in the Civil War.
Acting: All four of the major players of this film give incredible performances. Matthew Broderick gives a stunning performance as Col. Shaw, a solder who reluctantly at times maintains his role as the regiments commanding officer but never wavers in his devotion to his men. Cary Elwes also gives a top notch performance as Maj. Forbes. Elwes plays well against Broderick's sense of duty and brings humanity and compassion to the leadership. Both men shine as the regiments commanding officers. Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington give knock out performances. Freeman is amazing in his role as the Sgt. Maj. and Washington really brings some emotion and power to the film. (Washington received the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for this film)
Cinematography: Cinematographer Freddie Francis won the Academy Award for his work on this film and rightly so. His presentation of the battle scenes are simple yet amazing. Francis uses a lot of close up shots on the title characters, this adds to their performances, he has the uncanny ablility to capture every ounce of their emotion.
Visual: The costumes and set pieces reflect the time period. The special effects and battle scenes are on par with other movies set in this time period.
Audio: This movie also won the Academy Award for Best Sound. The score and sound effects for this film are great.
When I watched it last. During the review
What to watch for: All four of the major characters deliver jaw dropping performances. The scene where Washington is disciplined for dessertion will stir your heart.
What to watch out for: Some of the battle violence is gruesome. Exploding heads are a little shocking. Some language.
IMDB User Rating: 8.1 out of 10.
Roger Ebert Rating: 3½ out of 4 stars
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 8.7 out of 10. An amazing war film with tons of heart. An incredibly moving film about hope, heriorism and history. If you haven't seen this movie before now punch yourself (Jason punches himself)
--Reviewed by Jason

Lady in the Water

Film Title: Lady in the Water
Year: 2006
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Length: 110 minutes
Film Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery, Thriller, Bedtime Story
Director(s): M. Night Shyamalan
Producer(s): Sam Mercer, M. Night Shyamalan
Writer(s): M. Night Shyamalan
Players:
Paul Giamatti as Cleveland Heep
Bryce Dallas Howard as Story
Bob Balaban as Mr. Farber
Jeffrey Wright as Mr. Dury
Sarita Choudhury as Anna Ran
Cindy Cheung as Young Soon
M. Night Shyamalan as Vick
Freddy Rodriguez as Reggie
Plot: A water nymph comes to The Cove to find a special person that will warn man of his impending future, but there are creatures out to get her. A bedtime story through and through.
Acting: Most of the acting is standard Hollywood - nothing's fancy or stand-out about the actors in the film. The comedy of the film is good, a steady crescendo of funny due to the running gags (e.g. Young Soon and Cleveland's relationship with her mother, Reggie's arm, the stoners' conversations).
Cinematography: Shyamalan's camera direction is one-of-a-kind. It's easy to recognize his films (not a bad thing).
Visual: The special effects were very Shyamalan...things in the shadows, rarely seen.
Audio: A fanciful score
What to watch for: Rodriguez's Reggie = hilarity!
What to watch out for: Too much story-telling and not enough story-happening
When I watched it last: Several days before review
IMDB User Rating: 6.3 out of 10
Roger Ebert Rating: 1.5 out of 4 stars; "[I]mprovised and protracted, nonsensically and unnecessarily, just for the sake of stringing us along. And, maybe, putting us to sleep."
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 6.0 out of 10; A decent film worth renting, but it probably doesn't belong in an aficianado's collection. Don't forget...it's a bedtime story. Try not to take it too seriously.
- - Reveiwed by JB

Rashomon

Film Title: Rashomon
Year: 1950
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Length: 88 minutes
Film Genre(s): Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Foreign
Director(s): Akira Kurosawa
Producer(s): Minoru Jingo, Masaichi Nagata
Writer(s): Ryunosuke Akutagawa (story, from "Rashomon" and "In a Grove"); Akira Kurosawa, Shinobu Hashimoto (screenplay)
Players:
Toshiro Mifune as Tajomaru
Machiko Kyo as Masako
Masayuki Mori as Takehiro
Takashi Shimura as the Woodcutter
Minoru Chiaki as the Priest
Kichijiro Ueda as the Commoner
Plot: The account of a murder from four different perspectives.
Acting: There is a lot of overacting in the movie, but it seems to be there for a reason. The characters in the story are each telling a version of a story. These stories are not perfect reality, so in the telling many things are embellished and many things are added and deleted. Shimura shines in this movie as he does in many other films.
Cinematography: A classic, pure and simple. Several of the shots from this movie have been copied ever since. Kazuo Miyagawa was a master of the camera. An early scene with the woodcutter walking through the woods is an example of his skill. Miyagawa constructed a long rail and caught a lengthy stroll with one shot. A moment later the camera stands still as Shimura walks into view and back out on a 180 degree pan. Geometry is an easily recognized aspect. People standing in triangular formation reveals tension between characters and causes tension for the viewer.
Visual: Several of the film's visual aspects were painstankingly created by Kurosawa and Miyagawa. Shadows and lighting were particularly difficult. The shadows of leaves on faces were created by reflecting light off a mirror through tree branches.
Audio: 1950...what can you say.
What to watch for: Shimura and Mifune; a unusual story that you'll probably need to watch twice.
What to watch out for: Allusion to rape; some offscreen violence.
When I watched it last: A few nights prior to review
IMDB User Rating: 8.5 out of 10; #64 on the top 250 movies of all time as voted by users
Roger Ebert Rating: Included in his list of "Great Movies" (his top honor); "The real gift of Rashomon is in its emotions and visuals."
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 8.0 out of 10; See what inspired so many directors, producers and writers.
- - Reveiwed by JB

Seven Samurai / Shichinin no Samurai

Film Title: Seven Samurai; Shichinin no Samurai
Year: 1954
MPAA Rating: unrated (Canada and UK: PG)
Length: 206 minutes
Film Genre(s): Action, Drama, Foreign, Martial Arts, elements of Comedy
Director(s): Akira Kurosawa
Producer(s): Sojiro Motoki
Writer(s): Akira Kurosawa, Shinobu Hashimoto, Hideo Oguni
Players:
Takashi Shimura as Kambei Shimada
Toshiro Mifune as Kikuchiyo
Yoshio Inaba as Gorobei Katayama
Seiji Miyaguchi as Kyuzo
Minoru Chiaki as Heihachi Hayshida
Diasuke Kato as Shichiroji
Isao Kimura as Katsushiro Okamoto
Keiko Tsushima as Shino
Kamatari Fujiwara as Manzo
Kokuten Kodo as Gisaku, "Grandad"
Plot: Each year, bandits attack a small village and pillage the farmers' crops and burn houses. The farmers decide to hire samurai to protect the village. Two worlds come together for a striking action drama for the ages.
Acting: Classic foreign films have always been hard to watch. Subtitles, poor dubbing and cultural differences have often ruined perfectly good classic foreign films (and even some newer foreign movies). This movie is a grand exception to that stereotype. With Shimura and Mifune - by now a seasoned duo - Seven Samurai is pure magic, not to mention the other five samurai who each bring another necessary role to the screen.
Cinematography: Kurosawa was a groundbreaking director as far as the camera is concerned. This was probably his most progressive area of direction. Seven Samurai is yet another example of his dramatic vision. The camera stays still when it should and moves at the perfect time. At times, the viewer feels as though he is watching a documentary of life in feudal Japan, experiencing the joys and trials, victories and defeats and the mudane and exciting lives of the people onscreen. You quickly become empathetic towards them, hurting and hoping with them.
Visual: So many times in Kurosawa films, the camera purposefully peers through set pieces and props. It gives you the feeling of being in the action, a bystander hiding in the background. Mifune's outrageous sword mirrors his confidence and contrasts his naivete.
Audio: The audio is often nothing more than dialogue, which is not strange for the time period. Sound effects were not used often. If you can get past this, you should enjoy the film.
What to watch for: Everything - incredible acting, unforgetable characters, a wonderful plot, perfectly placed humor, forbidden romance, great cinematography and the list goes on and on...
What to watch out for: Language (in subtitles, unless you can understand Japanese)
When I watched it last: One night prior to review
IMDB User Rating: 8.8 out of 10; #7 of the top 250 movies of all time as rated by users.
Roger Ebert Rating: Included in his list of "Great Movies" (his highest honor). "[N]ot only a great film in its own right, but the source of a genre that would flow through the rest of the century. The critic Michael Jeck suggests that this was the first film in which a team is assembled to carry out a mission..."
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 8.9 out of 10; One of the best...ever. Quit your job and buy this movie.
- - Reveiwed by JB
Jason's Review of Seven Samurai

Hero; Ying Xiong

Film Title: Hero; Ying Xiong
Year: 2004 (USA release)
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Length: 99 minutes
Film Genre(s): Foreign, Martial Arts, Action, Drama, Adventure, Fantasy, History, Art
Director(s): Yimou Zhang
Producer(s): Yimou Zhang, Weiping Zhang, Shoufang Dou
Writer(s): Feng Li, Bin Wang, Yimou Zhang
Players:
Jet Li as Nameless
Tony Leung Chiu Wai as Broken Sword
Maggie Cheung as Flying Snow
Ziyi Zhang as Moon
Daoming Chen as King of Qin
Donnie Yen as Sky
Plot: A town prefect claims to have killed the three most dangerous assassins in the land of Qin. As a reward for his courage and bravery, the king of Qin allows the man to come close to the throne and drink with the king to tell the stories, but the king suspects that the prefect is a liar. It’s the tale of an unsung warrior becoming a national hero…in true Chinese mythical style.
Acting: The cast of this film is a veritable walk of fame as far - as Chinese actors are concerned. One could not ask for better performances of the players. Even if the story does not suit a person’s taste, the cast deserves lauds. Emotive and stirring performances pull one right into the action.
Cinematography: One would be hard-pressed to find a more awe-inspiring vision of China, or any part of the world for that matter. Rivaling New Zealand in The Lord of the Rings, the landscapes of the film are incredibly beautiful.
Visual: A-ma-zing! Few films can compare chromatically to the oversaturated palette of this movie. Color permeates the film making it seem surreal and dream-like, above and beyond reality, much like the choreography. “[T]he sets, costumes and special effects are of astonishing beauty” (rogerebert.suntimes.com). As with other Chinese fantasy-fables, physics is not even considered. Fight scenes make use of cables and digital effects. The characters whimsically float about, hang upside down and move with speed and fluidity that blurs time.
Audio: This movie is an audiophile’s dream. The music is wonderful. The best example of the film’s sound quality is in a fight scene between Nameless and Sky. Raindrops falling from eaves can be heard all around. The sounds of the fight envelope you in the action, making it seem as though you are right in the middle of the swordplay. An old man sits and plays a Guzheng (a popular, ancient Chinese, stringed musical instrument which is still played today). The music parodies the fight and at the climax of the scene the old man is playing so violently fast that he breaks all of the strings. That cacophony is the perfect peak point to the scene.
What to watch for: Jet Li’s best; Awesome choreography; Vivid color and imagery.
What to watch out for: A couple of places where the wire work was not fluid.
When I watched it last: One night prior to review
IMDB User Rating: 8.1 out of 10 stars; #153 on the top 250 movies of all time as voted by users.
Roger Ebert Rating: 3.5 out of 4 stars; "[B]eautiful and beguiling, a martial arts extravaganza..." "[A] visual poem of extraordinary beauty."
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 8.2 out of 10; A must-see! One of the great Chinese martial arts movies.
- - Reveiwed by JB

Gangs of New York

Film Title: Gangs of New York
Year: 2002
MPAA Rating: R
Length: 167 minutes
Film Genre(s): Crime, Drama, Historical
Director(s): Martin Scorsese
Producer(s): Maurizio Grimaldi, Michael Hausman, Michael Ovitz, et. al.
Writer(s): Jay Cocks (story and screenplay); Steven Zaillian, Kenneth Lonergan (screenplay)
Players:
Leonardo DiCaprio as Amsterdam Vallon
Daniel Day-Lewis as Bill "The Butcher" Cutting
Cameron Diaz as Jenny Everdeane
Jim Broadbent as Boss Tweed
and Liam Neeson as "Priest" Vallon
Plot: A young boy watches as his father, a supposed priest, is murdered. Years later, he looks for revenge. There's only one problem though, the man who murdered his father is the most powerful man in Manhatten.
Acting: For the most part I liked the characters in the film. Leo Di plays the retribution-driven Amsterdam. "He is the eyes through which we see the others but is not the most colorful person on the canvas" (rogerebert.suntimes.com). Day-Lewis and Diaz add that color, along with characters such as the historical "Boss" Tweed and Happy Jack.
Cinematography: The film is somewhat generic in its use of the camera. There are not as many iconic shots as one would expect, especially from a Scorsese flick.
Visual: Many of the effects made up for the lack of cinematographical mediocrity. A smoke-filled fight between Bill and Amsterdam creates incredible tension about who will be victorious. The final scene is a foreground shot of a cemetary where two main characters are buried with the background being a skyline shot of Manhatten. Four time-progressions occur with the New York skyline growing taller and taller and the cemetary becoming more and more overgrown - the symbolism of a tempestual but forgotten past.
Audio: Music was an important part of this film. U2 performed the opening song The Hands that Built America and Peter Gebriel contributed a song as well. Some 6 performers total contributed original music.
What to watch for: Stunning sets, whether digital or real. Surprisingly good performances by Daniel Day-Lewis and Leonardo DiCaprio.
What to watch out for: Extreme senquences of Violence; Blood; Language; Wanton Sexual Content
When I watched it last: Three nights prior to review
IMDB User Rating: 7.2 out of 10
Roger Ebert Rating: 3.5 out of 4 stars; "It is very good but not great."
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 7.1 out of 10; Skip a scene or two or three; A decent Scorsese movie, but yet another reason why he hasn't won an Oscar.
- - Reveiwed by JB

Million Dollar Baby

Film Title: Million Dollar Baby
Year: 2004
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Length: 132 minutes
Film Genre(s): Drama, elements of Comedy
Director(s): Clint Eastwood
Producer(s): Clint Eastwood, Paul Haggis, Robert Lorenz, Gary Lucchesi
Writer(s): F.X. Toole (story); Paul Haggis (screenplay)
Players:
Clint Eastwood as Frankie Dunn
Hillary Swank as Maggie Fitzgerald
Morgan Freeman as Eddie "Scrap-Iron" Dupris
Plot: A too-cautious trainer who doesn't train girls, picks up an aged boxer-wanna-be Maggie as his student. A story of cowardice and courage, winning and losing, triumph and tragedy...and some of the action happens in a boxing ring too.
Acting: WOW! The three main players are amazing. Clint Eastwood delivers one of his best performances ever - and that's saying a lot. Hillary Swank's dramatization of the epitomous trailer-park-trash, waitress-in-a-small-diner, wishing-to-be-something-more character is spot on. Morgan Freeman's role is secondary to the plot, but it brings so much to the film. This movie only strengthens my belief that he is one of the greatest actors alive.
Cinematography: A true joy to watch because of great camera work. There are several scenes that are absolutely driven by the camera. It's those moments without dialogue that define a well-shot movie. After Dunn (Eastwood) accepts Fitzgerald (Swank) as his protege, the camera goes to a side shot of the two centered around the speed bag.
Visual: It's sometimes difficult to actually pick out the actors bacause it's so dark. At first, I thought this was a poor job, but then I noticed the content of those scenes. Light bulb! (pun intended) These techs are incredible, weaving characters in and out of view using only light strafing, which helps the conversations and mood of the film. The illumination of the entire movie is wonderfully done. Near the end (without spoiling the story), the use of lighting to create an almost black and white effect really mirrors the mood of the movie. All the other visual effects - from costume and make-up, to sets and props was on par with any other Clint Eastwood produced movie.
Audio: Clint Eastwood did most of the movies musical score (all but threee songs). Music is not empahsized very much in the film, but is tastefully complimentary to the action. The score "always does what is required and never distracts" (rogerebert.suntimes.com). The end of the film is nearly devoid of music.
What to watch for: Clint Eastwood - director, producer, music and acting for the film...and he does a great job with all of his roles. He's got the Midas touch. "Million Dollar Baby is Eastwood's 25th film as a director, and his best" (rogerebert.suntimes.com).
What to watch out for: A little language.
When I watched it last: One night prior to review.
IMDB User Rating: 8.4 out of 10
Roger Ebert Rating: 4 out of 4 stars;
"[A] masterpiece, pure and simple, deep and true."
"This is the best film of the year (2004)."
"Movies are so often made of effects and sensation these days. This one is made of three people and how their actions grow out of who they are and why."
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 8.6 out of 10; Buy it, Watch it, Discuss it; This belongs in your movie collection.
- - Reveiwed by JB

Event Horizon

Film Title: Event Horizon
Year: 1997
MPAA Rating: R
Length: 96 minutes
Film Genre(s): Sci-Fi, Horror/Thriller
Director(s): Paul W.S. Anderson
Producer(s): Nick Gillott, Jeremy Bolt
Writer(s): Philip Eisner
Players:
Laurence Fishburne as Captain Miller
Sam Neill as Dr. William Weir
Kathleen Quinlan as Peters
Joely Richardson as Lt. Starck
Richard T. Jones as Cooper
Jack Noseworthy as Justin
Jason Isaacs as D.J.
Sean Pertwee as Smith
Plot: A state-of-the-art ship, built to travel faster than the speed of light, disappeared seven years earlier and has just reappeared in the orbit of Neptune sending out a distress beacon. A rescue mission is sent out to recover the ship and crew but is met with a terror unlike anything anyone has seen before.
Acting: For the most part, the acting in the movie was good. Laurence Fishburne was already a seasoned actor and was well on his way to his best performance in the upcoming Sci-Fi mega movie The Matrix. Richard T. Jones is the necessary comic relief in the movie. His self-confidence and unearned machismo are the only alleviation from the absolute tension of the film. With a full cast of 15 people, a lot of stagecraft is demanded of only a few people. I’m not convinced that Sam Neill is a worthy portrayer of the antagonist/absolute evil. It’s hard to watch Jurassic Park’s hero become a carved-up Devil personification.
Cinematography: This movie demanded much of the camera crew. Uneven floor plans for the sets meant a lot of rigging and movement. In one scene, the camera rotates around the crew as they talk about what should be done. The camera goes back and forth several times making for a nice alternative to several camera switches.
Visual: Visual effects in the movie were both stunning and haunting. The vividly lit green tunnels near the core have been copied to an extent in many movies. Spacecraft design and settings were expansively and visually awesome. Roger Ebert points out a design goof. The Event Horizon is floating in the turbulent atmosphere of Neptune, yet after the initial approach by the rescue vessel, all the scenes seem to take place in calm space.
Audio: Orbital was called in by Paul Anderson to work with Michael Kamen on the film’s music. Dark beats are layered on top of Kamen’s symphonic melodies, which gives many of the scenes an edgy heart-pounding effect.
What to watch for: Awesome visual effects…and that’s about it.
What to watch out for: “Orgiastic” (as quoted by the Paul Anderson and Jeremy Bolt) scenes of sado-masochistic mutilation, torture, blood (lots and lots of blood) and intense gore; language.
When I watched it last: Two nights before review
IMDB User Rating: 5.8 out of 10
Roger Ebert Rating: 2 out of 4 stars; “It's all style, climax and special effects.”
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 5.0 out of 10 stars; Sorry, but I’m not a horror movie fan.
- - Reveiwed by JB