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

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

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

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: 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

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

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

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 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

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

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