Reviews

I liked the acting for the most part in this film and there was a very nice surprise twist at the end that I didn't anticipate. It's always good when I can't predict how the film will end. Also the visual effects were very good, as was sound design. Well done!

Well done film, especially the storytelling and cinematography. I had the privilege of watching this film at the Glendale International Film Festival. Suffice it to say, it won the Cinematography award which I wasn't surprised about. The acting was really good too - you could feel the tension between the three main actors. All in all, well done.

I saw this film at the Glendale International Film Festival and it won the "Best of the Fest" award. And rightly so! Through it's one hour, it takes you on a quest of figuring out about parallel realities with a group of talented actors whom are stuck in one room for the whole time. Basically it was "12 Angry Men" but with a modern sci-fi twist. I was immersed the whole time and was satisfied with the ending. A definite must see!

Well, if you wanted to know what is reality and what is not, just go see Shakespeare's Dead. I saw it at the Action on Film Festival back in July 2008. Very well done film. Just like their other short film, 'Intermission Man' which also played at that aforementioned film festival, it is clear to me that the filmmakers are a fan of the esoteric and philosophical. On the surface, it seems like it's about an assassin trying to figure out life by talking to his therapist, but it's really much more than that as you will see by the end of the film. I've heard from others that they didn't get the ending, and perhaps some will not, but if you are one who is philosophical, trust me you'll understand and like this ending. That said, hope you have a chance to see this short!

I enjoyed watching this film at the Action on Film Festival back in July 2008. I especially enjoyed the music. Very effective and carried the point of the film across. I also liked the shadowy character - reminded me of The Shadow. Whoever put together the costume design should be rewarded for a job well done. It's obvious that the filmmakers are esoteric and philosophical in their thinking (just like their other short film 'Shakespeare's Dead') - is the shadowy character just a figment of the main actress' imagination? Or is that shadow somehow real? And I guess that's the gist of it: aside from the music and a cool costume design, it's the plot that makes this short film intriguing from beginning to end. I say if you haven't seen it, go see it at the upcoming Phoenix Comicon Film Festival.

"Crank" (2006), directed by Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, is a decent action flick starring "The Transporter" star Jason Statham as the lead character Chev Chelios, who has only one hour to live and must decide what to do in that time. An interesting premise for sure, the way it's done is very mind-numbing, mostly due to the MTV-style editing and visual effects. Because of this style, the story and script itself becomes unnoticeable, and your mind must be set on auto pilot while you are taken from scene after scene after scene. My advice: just go along for the ride, it's a thrill to be sure though afterwords you will be left wondering what exactly happened. A 6 out of 10.

"Flyboys" (2006), a film by producer Dean Devlin (of "Independence Day" fame) and director Tony Bill, is a wonderful look into the first war planes (fighting during World War I - in this film, 1916-1917 - with planes only invented 10-some years ago). Using present-day visual effects (which reminds me of "Star Wars" fights including a black colored "villain" plane), we see very impressive and welcome air fights (and there are plenty of them in this film). The weaker points of this film include the somewhat predictable script and some miscasting (including James Franco as the lead character - whom I cannot fully buy in the role of Blaine Rawlings). Regardless though, an impressive film - a high-flying 7 out of 10.

"Thank You for Smoking" (2005) is a hilarious satirical romp of a comedy. Directed by Jason Reitman (son of another comic genius Ivan Reitman), this film had me in its addictive grips from its unique title to it's intriguing plot. Who would have ever thought to get into a mind of a tobacco lobbyist (in this case, Aaron Eckhart who is perfectly suited for the role of the aforementioned lobbyist, Nick Naylor). His charm and charisma will make anyone a believer in whatever he says. Also hilarious is his "rival" in the film, William H. Macy in a humorous performance as Senator Ortolan K. Finistirre - it's not about the "cheese"!). The cinematography is also a big plus in this film. All in all, a rousing 8 out of 10.

"The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift" (2006) is a very entertaining addition (the 3rd film so far) to the "Fast and the Furious" films. While most sequels tend to be inferior to the originals, I found this one very refreshing and unique. Expertly directed by Justin Lin, this movie is definitely style over substance, but a great style it is! When you see the cars "drift", you are in for a ride (pardon the pun!). So while the story and script are unoriginal, and the acting by Lucas Black as the lead character Sean Boswell not up to par, it's still a must-see - at 7 out of 10.

P.S. - Watch out for a welcome "cameo" from the first film!

"Awakenings" (1990) is a film by veteran and master director Penny Marshall. This is the type of film that works all the way around - from the strong screenplay by Steven Zaillian (who also penned "Schindler's List"), to the strong acting by Robin Williams as the shy Dr. Sayer who helps to diagnose a certain catatonic state by 15 patients in a hospital, including the first to be given the diagnosis and treatment that causes his "awakening" - Robert De Niro in one of his strongest and emotional role as Leonard Lowe. To accompany the already strong elements listed above is the emotional charged score by Randy Newman. All of this will be sure to cause you to shed at least one tear by the film's end. A true gem - 9 out of 10.

"Cutter's Way" (1991) is a great film by director Ivan Passer. What really makes this film work is the acting by the main trio (John Heard as Alex Cutter, Jeff Bridges as Richard Bone (Cutter's best friend), and Lisa Eichhorn as Maureen Cutter, 'Mo' (Cutter's wife)). Especially John Heard, who took on a very challenging role as a Vietnam War veteran who has lost one of his eyes, arm, and legs, and has also taken to the drink. You can see his unfocused life and his anger, wanting to blame someone for what has happened to people like him. The death of a teenage girl leads him to focus again on his life by blaming J. J. Cord, a rich citizen of the same city they both live in (Santa Barabara). Also great is Lisa Eichhorn as his estranged wife who tries to rectify her depression due to her husband's condition by drinking and also falling for Richard Bone. A very intriguing film that shows what the Vietnam War has done to certain people. 8 out of 10.

"The Brothers Grimm" (2005), is another macabre fantasy tale from and the first film for Terry Gilliam in 7 years. Although not his best, it's nice to see him make another film. These aren't the best roles for Matt Damon and Heath Ledger as the Brothers Grimm. The production value is definitely there, and homages to various Grimm stories are definitely interesting to see. However, the story and script are also somewhat incohesive and the film is sometimes difficult to follow, and when you can it's somewhat predictable - but then again isn't this supposed to be a happy ending? Well maybe not fully . . . a "grim" 6 out of 10.

"Four Brothers" (2005), the latest film from acclaimed Oscar-nominated director John Singleton, is another hit for him. About 4 adopted brothers who avenge their caring and kind mother's death, this film soon turns out to be more complicated than it actually is (due to a very sharp script and dialogue). The acting is top-notch from our cast, including Mark Wahlberg as one of the brothers, Bobby Mercer. Also of note, though her role was minimal, is the mother herself, Fionnula Flanagan as Evelyn Mercer (I first enjoyed her performance as Data's mother in the 1993 "Star Trek: The Next Generation" TV series episode "Inheritance"). The camera work is also top-notch here, showing the gritty reality of Detroit. All in all, a high 8 out of 10. Highly recommended.

"Domino" (2005), directed by famed "Top Gun" director Tony Scott, is a really jarring film. From its disjointed script (which isn't chronological in any way - told from a flashback point of view) to the jarring editing (using many post visual effects to give it a MTV-like style), this film really was an eye-sore. I also couldn't buy Keira Knightley as a bounty hunter, especially in the title character of Domino Harvey (I had the same problem with her performance in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series). Mickey Rourke though was quite good as her bounty hunter mentor Ed Mosbey (his performance reminded me of his acting in "Sin City" as Marv). All in all though, this film just doesn't hold water - a 6 out of 10.

"Fun With Dick and Jane" (2005) is a classic example of a comedy-misfire. Directed by Dean Parisot, this film stars Jim Carrey as Dick Harper and Téa Leoni as Jane Harper, as the husband-wife duo who lose their jobs and in the process the good-life they have grown accustomed to. At fault is Dick's shady boss Jack McCallister (played by Alec Baldwin) whom of course they must seek revenge on. What really didn't work isn't the story or script, but unfortunately the acting of Jim Carrey - while I found him funny in his earlier films ("Ace Ventura" comes to mind) - in this film, he seemed dated in his comedic antics. That said though, I still like Carrey and hopefully he makes better films in the future which I will for sure see. A 5 out of 10.

"Match Point" (2005) is the latest film by famed director/actor Woody Allen. This wonderful film find its strengths in the acting - mainly between Jonathan Rhys Meyers as the British Chris Wilton who must decide between marrying into richness or going out with the American wannabe-actress Nola Rice (played expertly by Scarlett Johansson). The story also has a very smart twist at the end of the film - won't give it away but it does involve a ring. This film also marks a different take for Woody Allen - this film not only takes place in Britain instead of New York, but also is very serious in its subject matter. Definitely a must-see film - at 8 out of 10.

"Hostel" (2005) is the latest film by "Cabin Fever" director Eli Roth. One thing I can say about this film is the gore, gore, gore! There's a lot of it so this movie isn't for the squeamish. Along with lots of T/A, this film is a horror fan's treat. Taking place in exotic Amsterdam, the film takes time to get going (about 30 minutes to get to the gore), but once there, it's one helluva ride! Though the dialogue doesn't really hold merit and the script is also somewhat predictable, Jay Hernandez (of "World Trade Center" fame) does a great job in the lead role as Paxton (one of two friends from America in Amsterdam on vacation). What happens to him and his friend is so frightening and sickening, you have to see the film to believe it. A shocker of a film - at 7 out 10.

"Blue Velvet" (1986) was the film that saved David Lynch's career after the muddled epic that was "Dune" in 1984. Armed with a truly unique and brilliant script, and again working with his "Dune" actor Kyle MacLachlan, he brings this film to life (earning him an Oscar nomination as Best Director in 1987). Along with the script, the acting is top-notch - the aforementioned MacLachlan is superb in his role as the college student Jeffrey Beaumont who discovers that the small town he grew up in holds more secrets than he can imagine. Along for the ride is a young Laura Dern (still in her teens) as Sandy Williams, Isabella Rossellini as the singer/seductress Dorothy Vallens, and an over-the-top and excellent performance by Dennis Hopper as Frank Booth (he really must have had fun making this film). All in all, a must-see 8 out of 10.

"The Notebook" (2004) is a wonderfully romantic film directed adeptly by Nick Cassavetes. While the script is somewhat predictable (I mean who can't figure out the elder couple played by James Garner and Gena Rowlands is really the younger couple as told when they were younger in the 1940s). But it is the acting from the aforementioned veteran actors and the younger couple themselves - Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams - which really make this picture work. It's a pleasure to watch these four interplay throughout the film - thereby making the predictability okay in my book. On top of that, the cinematography is exceptional and mesmerizing. All in all, a wonderful 8 out of 10.

"Hollywoodland" (2006), the story that tells about the mysterious circumstances surrounding actor George "Superman" Reeves' death, is a very well done film. Directed masterfully by Allen Coulter, this film also marks a return to form for Ben Affleck (after several duds including "Gigli" and "Daredevil"), who plays George Reeves himself. Also spectacular (as usual) is Adrien Brody as the detective hired to look into Reeves' death. One of the weaker points for me unfortunately was the script, it just didn't have that extra energy and seemed to just be the first 2 acts. In fact when it ended, I was surprised it ended, because it didn't feel like there was a climatic act 3 yet. But regardless, I enjoyed seeing this period piece if only for the wonderful acting. An 8 out of 10.

I don't usually give a film the elusive 10 out of 10 score, a score that connotes a perfect film, but in this case I must. During and after seeing "Collateral" (2004), a film by veteran and master director Michael Mann, I was thoroughly impressed. From the sharp story/screenplay (with its ingenious dialogue) to the acting by Tom Cruise as Vincent and Jamie Foxx as Max, this is one thrilling ride (pardon the pun!). The interplay between them not only works really well, but you actually begin to understand how both Vincent and Max think, even to the point you start to feel sympathetic for both characters. The cinematography is top-notch too, as well as the music. A true gem - a 10 out of 10.

As a special note: though I think Tom Cruise in some films gives an okay performance, there are times like in this film where I see his true genius come out - this was a role that was the right fit for him, a GREAT performance!

Nominated for 6 Oscars at the 2006 Oscars including Best Picture of the Year, "Good Night, and Good Luck." (2005) is a very informative movie about the fine line that can be crossed against freedom of expression and national security. There is no doubt that this movie was made because of the concerns of increased national security after 9/11 and whether that's crossing the line of censure-ship. Overall, the film relies on black and white cinematography, hearkening back to the B/W days of the 1950s (when this movie takes place). But what really makes this film a wonder is the Oscar-nominated performance by David Strathairn as Edward R. Murrow - without this performance, this movie probably wouldn't hold water. This intriguing movie should be seen if only to get a handle as to what the 1950s McCarthy era was like - an informative 8 out of 10.

"Ray" (2004) is a spectacular biopic film mainly because of the outstanding Oscar-winning performance by Jamie Foxx as the lead character Ray Charles. The film takes place during the late 1940s to the 1960s, following Ray Charles' rise to fame and the price that comes with it including heroin addiction that leads to bouts with the police, and numerous affairs with other women besides his wife. Not only that, there are flashbacks to his childhood in the 1930s and how his mother influenced what he was to become. Also kudos in acting go to Kerry Washington as his wife Bea and Regina King as his mistress Margie Hendricks. This is a must-see film for the acting - an 8 out of 10.

"Capote" (2005) is an inspiring film. Directed masterfully by Bennett Miller, it tells of the story of Truman Capote (played expertly by Philip Seymour Hoffman in an Oscar-winning performance) as he develops a close relationship with a killer who would inspire his famous novel "In Cold Blood". Also inspirational in performance is Catherine Keener as "To Kill A Mockingbird" novelist Harper Lee and their "relationship" together. The story and script are also top-notch (which also earned an Oscar-nomination for the writer Dan Futterman ) as well as the subtle score Mychael Danna. This is truly a must-see film if only to see Hoffman tackle the complex character of Capote. A 9 out of 10.

"Crash" (2004), the 2006 winner for Best Picture, deserves every bit of that honor. Directed by Paul Haggis (who helped write the upcoming James Bond film "Casino Royale"), it is a masterful direction that really works due to its intelligent and evenly-paced script (also an Oscar winner for Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen) dealing with racial issues in Los Angeles, as well as the right ensemble cast to tackle the subject matter. Of the actors, the best ones are Don Cheadle as Det. Graham Waters, Terrence Howard as the studio director Cameron Thayer (he also won this year for Best Actor in another film "Hustle & Flow"), and Thandie Newton as his wife. You will never look at Los Angeles the same way again. A 9 out of 10.