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

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

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.