Transformers

Film Title: Transformers
Year: 2007
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Length: 144 minutes
Film Genre: Action / Adenture / Sci-Fi / 2007
Director: Michael Bay
Producer: Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay, et. al.
Writers: John Rogers (story), Robert Orci and Alex Kurtzman (story and screenplay)
Players:
Shia LaBeouf as Sam Witwicki
Megan Fox as Mikaela Banes
John Voight as Defense Secretary John Keller
John Torturro as Agent Simmons
Plot: Alien robots have come to earth to find the power of the lost All Spark and have no problem leaving destruction and death in their wake. A band of heroes has also come to save the people of earth.
Acting: The thespian efforts in the film could certainly be better, but story, action and effects make up where acting is lacking. Not one of Torturro's best.
Cinematography: Good. The first time the audience sees Optimus Prime transform, one might hear a cheer from some (coming from a fan of the original show).
Visual: Incredible visual effects throughout, if maybe too much.
Audio: Very good
When I watched it last: A few weeks prior to review
What to watch for: Awesome special effects, Optimus Prime, 2008 Mustang GT and 2009 Camaro.
What to watch out for: Some language
IMDB Rating: 7.7 out of 10
Roger Ebert Rating: 3 out of 4 stars; "It's goofy fun with a lot of stuff that blows up real good, and it has the grace not only to realize how preposterous it is, but to make that into an asset."
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 8.2 out of 10; Transformers is a fun, action-packed adventure to save the world. Don't miss one of 2007's best.
--Reviewed by Brady

Deja Vu

Film Title: Deja Vu
Year: 2006
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Length: 128 minutes
Film Genre: Action / Drama / Sci-Fi / Thriller
Director: Tony Scott
Producer: Jerry Bruckheimer, et. al.
Writers: Bill Marsilii and Terry Rossio
Players:
Denzel Washington as Doug Carlin
Paula Patton as Claire Kuchever
Val Kilmer as Agent Pryzwarra
Jim Caviezel as Carroll Oerstadt
Plot: ATF agent Doug Carlin (Washington) investigates a ferry explosion and finds a secret government experiment that allows investigators to see the past. An obsession with one victim propels Carlin to attempt to change it.
Acting: Denzel strikes again as an enforcer of the law. One would think that he had oversaturated the genre (Out of Time, Training Day, Inside Man, etc...), but once again he impresses with his characterization. None of the other actors are particularly outstanding in Deja Vu, but the sum total of acting is superb.
Cinematography: Good.
Visual: One of the movies strong points. The Special FX in Deja Vu are phenomenal. The explosion of the ferry in the beginning is one of the best ever seen in a film. The digital aspects of the movie are mesmerizing at times. In order to not spoil the film, it will be left at that.
Audio: Good.
When I watched it last: One day prior to review.
What to watch for: Denzel, an awesome plotline, edge of your seat action and suspense, the discussion that will inevitably occur after the movie.
What to watch out for: Language, intense drama, very brief nudity, some violence.
IMDB Rating: 6.9 out of 10
Chicago Tribune Rating: 3 out of 4 stars; "It's an almost overwhelmingly professional picture, murderously fast, slick and full of outlandish notions, painstakingly realized...surprisingly satisfying -- thanks to Washington, a good cast, Tony Scott's swift direction and that unyielding professionalism" (Michael Wilmington).
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 8.7 out of 10; A thrilling ride like you've never seen before...or have you?!
--Reviewed by Brady

Movies of the Millenium

The following is a list of personal favorites made since the turn of the millenium:

2000

Gladiator

Memento

The Patriot

Remember the Titans

Snatch

2001

Harry Potter Series and the Sorcerer’s Stone

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Monsters, Inc.

Moulin Rouge!

Ocean's Eleven

Shrek

2002

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

The Pianist

The Ring

Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones

Ying Xiong (Hero)

2003

Finding Nemo

The Italian Job

Kill Bill: Vol. 1

The Last Samurai

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

2004

Collateral

Crash

Finding Neverland

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Kill Bill Vol. 2

Million Dollar Baby

Shrek 2

2005

Batman Begins

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Cinderella Man

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Munich

Sin City

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith

Wallace & Grommet: Curse of the Were-Rabbit

2006

Babel

Casino Royale

The Departed

Flags of Our Fathers

Little Miss Sunshine

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest

The Prestige

Rocky Balboa

The Pursuit of Happyness

Laberinto del Fauno, El

2007

300

Amazing Grace

Movies that probably should be on the list, but which I never saw:

Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi (2001)

Cidade de Deus (2002)

Untergang, Der (2004)

Hotel Rwanda (2004)

Night at the Museum (2006)

Blood Diamond (2006)

Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)

The Last King of Scotland (2006)

Movie in a Minute: The Departed

What happens when an undercover cop poses as a Boston mafia member and a Boston mafia member poses as a cop? The Departed happens, that's what. This film marked a cinema milestone as Martin Scorsese bagged his first Oscar. The rumors of a snub are finally put to rest and the statuette made its way into Marty's grip. With that said, The Departed stands as a testament to what a great crew can accomplish. Look for a moment at who worked on this film: 1) Scorsese as director, of course [Casino, Goodfellas, Raging Bull]; 2) William Monahan wrote the screenplay [Kingdom of Heaven]; 3) Brad Pitt as a Producer; 4) Music by Howard Shore [Lord of the Rings trilogy] and 5) actors DiCaprio, Damon, Nicholson, Wahlberg, Sheen and Baldwin. This is, arguably, DiCaprio's best and a great performance by Nicholson and Damon. With four Oscars total (Adapted Screenplay, Editing, Directing and the coup de grace Best Film), The Departed cements a spot in the chronicles of crime drama.
Warning: This film contains crude language, violence and extreme awesomeness.
The Cinema Standard "Movie in a Minute" Rating: 8.8 out of 10; If you're a fan of Scorsese, DiCaprio, Nicholson, Damon or crime drama, please get this movie for your collection.
- - Reviewed by Brady

El Laberinto del Fauno / Pan's Labrynth

Film Title: El Laberinto del Fauno / Pan's Labrynth
Year: 2006
MPAA Rating: R
Length: 112 minutes
Film Genre: Art / Drama / Fantasy / Thriller
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Producer(s): Belen Atienza, Elena Manrique
Writers(s): Guillermo del Toro
Players:
Ivana Baquero as Ofelia
Ariadna Gil as Carmen Vidal
Sergi Lopez as Capitan Vidal
Maribel Verdu as Mercedes
Alex Angulo as Dr. Ferreiro
Doug Jones as Pan / Pale Man
Plot: A young girl in Fascist Spain intertwines the real world with a fantasy world where she is a long-lost princess.
Acting: Baquero steals the show, at least among the human characters. Doug Jones as Pan (the faun) really makes the movie.
Cinematography: Oscar for Cinematography, check!
Visual: Oscar for Art Direction, check! Pan looks awesome!
When I watched it last: Two days prior to review
What to watch for: Awesome visual effects and cinematography; a world just beyond our own.
What to watch out for: Some disturbing violence; language in another language.
IMDB Rating: 8.5 out of 10; #50 on the Top 250 Movies of All Time as voted by users.
Roger Ebert (Chicago Sun-Times) Rating: 4 out of 4 stars; "Pan's Labyrinth is one of the cinema's great fantasies, rich with darkness and wonder."
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 8.6 out of 10; Dark and mesmerizing! A fairy tale not intended for kids.
--Reviewed by Brady

The Pursuit of Happyness

Film Title: The Pursuit of Happyness
Year: 2006
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Length: 117 minutes
Film Genre: Biography / Drama
Director: Gabriele Muccino
Producer(s): David Alper, et.al.
Writers(s): Steve Conrad
Players:
Will Smith as Chris Gardner
Jaden Smith as Christopher Gardner
Thandie Newton as Linda
Brian Howe as Jay Twistle
Plot: The true story of Chris Gardner, a down-on-his-luck entrepreneur who wanted a better life for his family. With no qualifications, he attempted to become a stock broker on Wall Street. His struggles and victories are chronicled in The Pursuit of Happyness.
Acting: Though the acting is superb thorughout the film, Will Smith does continue to lock himself into one roll - the dramatic. No complaints to be heard though, as Happyness introduces the father-son duo of Will and Jaden. A bond of love that is shared by few (especially a 7 year old) is witnessed in the film and is a credit to the young Jaden's talent.
Cinematography: Good
Visual: Good
When I watched it last: Three days prior to review
What to watch for: Will and Jaden's performances; a heart-tugger.
What to watch out for: Some language; intense drama.
IMDB Rating: 7.4 out of 10
Roger Ebert (Chicago Sun-Times) Rating: NA
Outside Review: "Inspirational...the word that best captures Will Smith's powerful portrayal of real-life father and pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps worker Chris Gardner" (Adam R. Holz, Plugged In).
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 8.3 out of 10;
--Reviewed by Brady

Batoru rowaiaru (Battle Royale)

Film Title: Battle Royale
Year: 2000
MPAA Rating: N/A
Length: 114 min / Japan:122 min (director's cut)
Film Genre: Action / Drama / Thriller
Director: Kinji Fukasaku
Producer: Kenta Fukasaku
Writers:
Koushun Takami (novel)
Kenta Fukasaku (screenplay)
Players:
Tatsuya Fujiwara as Shuya Nanahara - Boy #15
Aki Maeda as Noriko Nakagawa - Girl #15
Taro Yamamoto as Shougo Kawada - Boy #5
Chiaki Kuriyama as Takako Chigusa - Girl #13
Sousuke Takaoka as Hiroki Sugimura - Boy #11
Plot: At the dawn of the new millennium the Japanese government is near collapse. Unemployment is at an all time high and the violence amongst the nations youth is running rampant. In an effort to combat this problem the government introduces the Battle Royale Act. Each year a class of high school students are selected at random for a "field trip". They are kidnapped and taken to a deserted island where they are forced to participate in a fight to the death, the last one left alive is allowed to return home. The "game" is used as the ultimate sign of what the government will do to punish disobedient youth.
Acting: A bunch of teenage kids. Nothing really top notch. One thing is worth mentioning Chiaki Kuriyama plays Go-Go Yubari in Kill Bill Vol. 1
Cinematography Great overhead shots and great close-ups
Visual: The island is gorgeous with very elaborate sets pieces.
Audio: Standard. Nothing spectacular
When I watched it last: An hour ago
What to watch for: Crazy Story, Social Commentary
What to watch out for: Subtitles, Language, Gory Violence (At times), Sexual overtones
IMDB Rating: 8.0 out of 10
Roger Ebert Rating: N/A
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 8.4 out of 10. I have wanted to see this film for a long time, it is interesting to say the very least. Japanese films tend to be over the top when it comes to violence and this one is no exception. This story accurately depicts the reality of sin and the violent nature of man. Kill or be killed is the law and friend quickly becomes foe in the world of the Battle Royale.
--Reviewed by Jason

Movie in a Minute: Babel

Babel comes from the director/producer of Amores Perros, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu. The 2006 entry by Inarritu was nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, two Suporting Actress nods and other nominations, plus a win for Best Original Score. Babel is an obvious social commentary on the language barrier: the problems it creates, the triumph over it. The film follows four interwoven stories of families in Morroco, America, Mexico and Japan. After the first five minutes, this story quickly becomes tense and never lets up until the credits roll. Relative newcomer roles by Rinko Kikuchi and Adriana Barraza (Best Supporting Actress nominees) in addition to star performances from Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett make Babel a movie definitely worth seeing. Warning: Moments of nudity; language; tense drama.
The Cinema Standard "Movie in a Minute" Rating: 8.0 out of 10...look for Dakota fannings little sister, Elle, as Pitt and Blanchett's daughter Debbie.
- - Reviewed by Brady

Frank Miller's 300

Film Title: 300
Year: 2007
MPAA Rating: R
Length: 117
Film Genre: Action / Art / Drama / History / War
Director: Zack Snyder
Producer(s): Frank Miller, et. al.
Writers(s): Zack Snyder, Kurt Johnstad and Michael Gordon (screenplay); Frank Miller and Lynn Varley (graphic novel)
Players:
Gerard Butler as King Leonidas
Lena Headey as Queen Gorgo
David Wenham as Dilios
Dominic West as Theron
Vincent Regan as Captain
Rodrigo Santoro as Xerxes
Plot: The mighty Persian Empire demands defiant Sparta's allegiance, but King Leonidas will not bow to King Xerxes rule. The million man Persian Army marches against tiny Sparta and King Leonidas takes 300 of his bravest men to challenge them. Loosely based on the true story of the Battle of Thermopylae which took place in 480 BC.
Acting: The acting is certainly over-dramatised in 300, but that is expected (if not necessary) in the portrayal of a graphic novel. Butler, Regan and Wenham stand tall above the rest of the cast as the three main Spartan warriors.
Cinematography: Amazing! See Visual.
Visual: One of the grand visual spectacles of cinematic history! Blood looks like paint on a canvas, helping to drop the uber-violent content. The use of slow-motion and high-contrast desaturation make this movie a heart-pounding thriller and a stunning visual masterpiece. Costume was - for the most part - incredible, especially the many cultures represented in the diverse Persian Army (Chinese, Arab, African and European warriors were all represented). Surreal backgrounds and sets help maintain the feel of a graphic novel. A grainy film technique finishes off the visuals, solidifying 300 as the new benchmark for FX techniques.
Audio: Very good.
When I watched it last: One night prior to review.
What to watch for: Jaw-dropping visual effects; a great story told in the most incredible, sensory-numbing fashion.
What to watch out for: Nudity; Sexual Content including one sex scene and an implied orgy; Surprisingly goes without cursing; Blood and Gore with several decapitated bodies and severed limbs.
IMDB Rating: 8.4 out of 10
Roger Ebert (Chicago Sun-Times) Rating: 4 out of 4 stars (Richard Roeper); "This is a film that never, not for one second, considers taking its foot off the accelerator."
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 8.5 out of 10; Without the nudity and sexuality, I would consider this one of the best films I've ever seen. If blood and sex bother you, don't watch this one. If you love graphic novels and can handle the rough nature of the film, this is the movie for you.
--Reviewed by Brady

Amazing Grace

Film Title: Amazing Grace
Year: 2007
MPAA Rating: PG
Length: 111 minutes
Film Genre: Drama / Biography / History
Director: Michael Apted
Producer(s): Jeanney Kim
Writers(s): Steven Knight
Players:
Iaon Gruffudd as William Wilberforce
Ramola Garai as Barbara Wilberforce
Benedict Cumberbatch as Pitt the Younger
Rufus Sewell as Thomas Clarkson
Michael Gambon as Lord Charles Fox
Albert Finney as John Newton
Ciaran Hinds as Lord Tarleton
Plot: William Wilberforce, a young and ambitious member of the Parliament, comes to a moral dilemma in his life: should he follow the will of God or continue in politics? The striking answer is yes, on both counts. Wilberforce would go on to challenge the British Parliament for years in the fight against slavery.
Acting: Some of the best. Gruffudd is incredible in this film. His portrayal of the ever-tormented Wilberforce is the epitome of great historical drama acting. The supporting cast helps make this one of the year's best.
Cinematography: The camera work was very well done. It is often overlooked in historical dramas.
Visual: Very good.
Audio: Good.
When I watched it last: Less than a week ago
What to watch for: A moving account of the fight against the slave trade in Brittain; Gruffudd and his supporting cast.
What to watch out for: Some language, opium use for medicinal purposes.
IMDB Rating: 8.0 out of 10
Roger Ebert Rating: N/A
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 8.3 out of 10; Well made and worth seeing. If you have any interest whatsoever in the history of slave abolition, you must see this film.
--Reviewed by Brady

Movie in a Minute (or less): Epic Movie

Horrible. Pitiful. Worst movie EVER. These don't come close to describing Epic Movie. If you're considering watching this film, please...PLEASE, don't do it. This movie is the equivalent of Ralphie's Christmas present from his aunt (A Christmas Story). The wrapping might be nice, but there's a pink bunny suit inside...and you're gonna have to wear it for a while - shame and embarassment accompanying the event. Just...don't. Save yourself $8 if you're going to the theater, $3 if you're going to rent it or lots of pain and disappointment if you're going to watch it. DISCLAIMER: This movie may cause permanent brain damage, nausea, vomiting, uncontrollable drooling, bowel spasms, coma or death.
The Cinema Standard "Movie in a Minute" Score: -2.3; #25 and moving toward number 1 on the IMDb Bottom 100 worst movies of all time as voted by users.

Movie in a Minute: Rocky Balboa

Another Rocky movie? Are you serious?! YES, I am! Thank you Sylvester Stallone for not leaving it at Rocky V, one of the biggest disappointments in all of filmdom. Written, directed, produced and starring John Rambo, Judge Dredd or whatever stereotypical Stallone action hero you choose. As is very evident in the film, Stallone has aged quite a bit, but still holds his own. Nearly everything about this movie was good. Nearly everything. There were the now cliche lines one would hear from Balboa, but you almost come to expect them. The acting in the film was as good or better than most of the other films (excluding possibly the original). The cinematography made this movie, along with the seemless interspersion of flashbacks from the previous movies. This movie has heart - and a lot of it - which is tough to come by in a film these days. Two things I must mention: 1) The use of black and white with color accents is great and 2) the fight is filmed as if it were a PPV fight (with the exception of the final round, of course) with info boxes and commentary. Awesome job, Sylvester Stallone...just don't make anymore please. Don't judge this movie until you've seen it!
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 8.3 out of 10
--Reviewed by Brady

Children of Men

Film Title: Children of Men
Year: 2006
MPAA Rating: R
Length: 109 minutes
Film Genre: Action / Drama / Sci-Fi / Thriller
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Producer(s): Armyan Bernstein, Thomas A. Bliss
Writers(s): Alfonso Cuaron, et. al.
Players:
Clive Owen as Theodore Faron
Claire-Hope Ashitey as Kee
Julianne Moore as Julian Taylor
and Michael Caine as Jasper Palmer
Plot: For reasons unknown, humans have become sterile and to make things worse the youngest person in the world - an eighteen year old - has just died. In the chaotic world of not-too-distant-future England, a refugee girl has turned up pregnant and a few brave people must attempt to get her to scientists who can figure out the "cure" to infertility.
Acting: Children of Men is a good movie and better thespian efforts (along with some plot adjustments) could have made this a great movie. Clive Owen is a great actor, but he cannot hold this one up on his own. Julianne Moore proves, yet again, why she should not be allowed to have any serious roles: uninspired and unconvincing come to mind.
Cinematography: Some blurry camera work makes for headaches, almost literally at points, escpecially during close-ups and zooming shots. Otherwise, the cinematography is good. Minus a few easliy recognisable set-up shots, the filming draws you into the story in a very "real" way.
Visual: Settings were often reminiscent of Orwell's descriptions in 1984 and Equilibrium's Libria: the wealthy in their beautiful Greek and Roman inspired neo-cathedrals and the poor or middle class, as it were, in chaotic slums. Scenes of confrontation with police and government authorities are brutal and graphic, many victims with missing limbs and bloody wounds.
Audio: Sometimes the sound seems to come from places it should not, like in a conversation including several persons. The voices come from every direction, but often from the wrong side. A tad bit confusing (and frustrating) for audiophiles, like the author of this article.
When I watched it last: A few hours ago
What to watch for: A good story (maybe poorly executed at times, but still a very good story), a sometimes-exciting thriller
What to watch out for: Language, Strong Violence, Momentary Nudity, Some Drug Use, Julianne Moore
IMDB Rating: 8.0 out of 10
Roger Ebert Rating: NA
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 7.1 out of 10; Some may find it entertaining, but not a great movie by most any means, but a decent film nonetheless.
--Reviewed by Brady