Reviews

I am such a huge fan of the original 'Saw' movie and I had been excited to watch 'Saw II' for about a year. I started watching it and from the first minute, I knew that this movie would shock me.

As you go along through Jigsaw's newest game, you become shocked with the new traps he has set up, which I will not go into. They were just too incredible and sick to imagine. The entire game itself was very well thought out by the filmmakers.

Every character in the film has an interesting personality, role, or background that helps add plot and spice to the movie. Although the original 'Saw' was more mysterious and original than the sequel, 'Saw II' is still worth watching because it definitely gives you a new perspective outlook of the original.

I must warn you though, the ending leaves you questioning and confused. I know it did to me. But taking some time into it helped me understand more of the film and appreciate it. So I'm not saying to not see 'Saw II'. Go see it! 'Saw' fans won't be disappointed because it's just like Jigsaw promised - "Oh, yes. There will be blood."

After watching it, I felt glad for director Darrne Lynn Bousman for his fine work as directing a major motion picture for the first time. I will expect another surprise from any other sequel in the future and you won't be disappointed.

After I heard the news that Tim Burton and Johnny Depp were working together again on a film called Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, I knew that this film could not fail audiences; particularly myself.

I'm sure most of you know the story of the film from its musical originator, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory from 1971; so I won't bother giving you an idea of this story's plot. I very much enjoyed the story of the film, where director Tim Burton added a few things to make it more fun to watch; which I won't say.

I have an opinion on both leading roles of the film. Like everyone says, the film was very quirky and Johnny Depp's interpretation of the fabulous chocolatier Willy Wonka was thought by many to be creepy. In my opinion, Depp's vision as Wonka was far more original than I'd thought it would be. The new Wonka was more eccentric, childlike, emotional, and above all more quirky.

The second leading actor, Freddie Highmore as Charlie Bucket, impressed me a little more on a different level. Highmore's portrayal of the title character was also far more original that I had expected. His character had very much of a heart of gold and Highmore was talented enough to make all of Charlie's feelings and intentions genuine. I am impressed by these acting skills from a boy his age.

As for director Tim Burton, I was just as impressed with his performance on the film's production than I was with Depp's. I've always thought that Burton's visions of his past films were very creative and inspiring. So it was no surprise that I'd count this as his best film up to date. I think that Burton visualized exactly what author Roald Dahl was thinking of when he wrote the children's novel. Heck, he might've been the only man on Earth able to do it! The chocolate factory was filled with adventure in every corner, the Oompa-Loompas were very animated, and everything was just incredible. Danny Elfman's musical score of this film was very powerful and the "heaviest notes" were very inspiring.

I am grateful that I got the chance to watch this at IMAX theaters. I most definitely recommend this mind-blowing and heart-warming film for the entire family. I certainly hope this review is helpful to you all.

Regards,

J.C. Urbina

Peter Pan has always been a classic tale to me; as a matter of fact,a classic Disney tale is more of what i think of it. But what I didn't realize was that there had been another classic tale behind the Peter Pan tale; the tale of the man who imagined it all, Sir J.M. Barrie. Watching the imagination of J.M. Barrie on 1950's technicolor had warmed my heart with joy and eternal happiness. But to understand everything magical their is to know about the tale, you must experience the imagination of J.M. Barrie's mind. Johnny Depp, being one of my favorite actors, portrays one of his greatest roles of his career. Johnny Depp almost becomes J.M. Barrie himself in the film for all I know. What I can tell you is that J.M. Barrie (Johnny Depp) was a playwright who meets a beautiful widow (Kate Winslet) and her four boys. This family inspires J.M. Barrie to write his most well known play of his life, Peter Pan. Depp's performance has never let me down through the film. Another performance that I shall always remember would be the performance of child actor Freddie Highmore, who portrays one of the four boys and who happens to be the closest to J.M. Barrie while trying to learn how to see imagination through the eyes of J.M. Barrie. The London setting was shown beautifully, the costumes were made beautifully and what was the most beautiful of all from this movie was to see the reaction of both audiences on different sides of the screen; the audience of the film and the audience watching the film, including myself. A true classic and more than worthy enough of an Academy Award nomination or winner. I give this film a 10/10 because of the moral it tells me; there is a unique Neverland within all of our imaginations and they must be shared with the world. Johnny Depp's portrayal of the great playwright taught me that and as long as I shall live, I cannot ever forget that.

The Crow is one of the best hero movies I have seen. I don't really know if the Crow is actually a super hero, but he plays a great one. This is one of the darkest movies I had ever seen. It has a dark sense of humor and plenty of knife-stabbing, gun-firing action. This a creepy tale of vengeance over a dead fiancée. A highly recommended film, however the subjects in this movie may be hazardous to the unstable. I gave this movie an 8. Perhaps a thrilling classic in film history. While there will be many seuqels to come, the original Crow will always be the best one. If you have any agreements or comments for me, please e-mail me at tylerripen@yahoo.com.

Tim Burton has always impressed with his unique styles in filmmaking. I grew up loving his films, particularly The Nightmare Before Christmas. I had heard of Stainboy not too long ago, possibly a few months ago. At first I had no idea who Stainboy actually was. This may sound pretty silly, but I pictured Stainboy as a boy who kept wetting the bed or something like that. Well, now I know that he can wet his beds, but not with urine. Instead, with greasy stains. I also discovered that Stainboy is a superhero, whose only power is to stain. I found a link on imdb.com to watch a video clip of Stainboy, which was titled The Birth of Stainboy. I enjoyed watching this short clip very much. In fact, I watched it over and over again. I thought that The Birth of Stainboy was partial to a long-length movie. Then I discovered that Stainboy was an Internet cartoon series. So I found the link to atomfilms.com and I was stunned by the remaining five Stainboy cartoons I had missed. I was truly stunned by Stainboy's unique--and short--adventures. Then I heard that the characters from Stainboy were originally from Tim Burton's poetry book, The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy & Other Stories. I quickly became obsessed with Stainboy and quickly purchased The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy & Other Stories. I also took great interest to the other bizarre children that Stainboy encounters in the cartoon series and the bizarre children from Tim Burton's book. The book may possibly be a tad inappropriate for young children, but I am 14 and I know I love it. Tim Burton never ceases to amaze me and I cannot predict and wait for whatever else he has in store. Stainboy is unlike any other superhero, and that is one thing that makes him special. Every Tim Burton character is special. I love them all and I am glad that I introduced myself to Stainboy and Tim Burton's book. Believe it or not, I never knew that Tim Burton had written a book. If Tim Burton illustrated the pictures in his book, I must say he has powerful imagination. He's very artistic in anything he does. If there are future Stainboy episodes coming soon, I am eager to see them. Tim Burton is my hero for his inspiration to me. I recommend Stainboy very much. If you are thrilled by the short cartoon series, you will be even more thrilled by The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy & Other Stories.

No words can explain this film's brilliance and supremacy. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly is one of the greatest films I have ever seen. The performances of the good, the bad, and the ugly characters. Clint Eastwood shines in this classic western as he and Sergio Leone have done it again! The most impressive Man with No Name western, without a doubt. There is plenty of action going on in this western, be it gunfights or Civil War battles. Three gunslingers go on a hunt for $200,000, and let me tell you: this expedition for money has been the most entertaining journey I've seen. Twists and turns everywhere, anybody would love this classic. Unfortunately, this is the conclusion of the adventures of Clint Eastwood's character, the Man with No Name. But the conclusion has been his greatest adventure of the trilogy. I give this film a score of 10/10. Classic western beauty as Eastwood travels through the western frontier in search of priceless cash. There is also a bit of humor in this film, for those who seek mirth in western films. This movie has been a very inspiring film to me and I'm positive that it will inspire many other audiences in the future. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly is an immortal classic that will stay as a classic for generations to come. Bravo, once again, Eastwood and Leone. Bravo.

Normally I am a western fan when it comes to Clint Eastwood, but after seeing Tombstone I thought it was the best non-Eastwood western I've seen. I saw many familiar faces in this movie, but the main characters obviously played the best roles. The two actors that really impressed me were Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer. Trouble in the town of Tombstone is always caused by the merciless Cowboy gang, who the Marshals of Tombstone must stop. Not with vengeance, but with justice. Truly a classic like many people say, Tombstone is a great movie and western that is recommended by myself to anyone, not just western fans. I congratulate everyone who worked on this film on what a great job they have all done.

In my opinion, the Last Crusade is truly the best Indiana Jones adventure of the trilogy. In his latest adventure, Indiana Jones is on the hunt for the one and only Holy Grail, using clues that his father, played by Sean Connery, left behind. Once again, Indiana Jones has to fight off the Germans, who want their hands on the Holy Grail. Like all the other Indiana Jones films, the Last Crusade contains a sense of humor and in this case between father and son. My favorite scenes is the tank battle in the desert and inside the temple that holds the Holy Grail. Indiana Jones faces three intelligently made booby traps that his father had figured out with clues. If you don't believe me, watch the Last Crusade! The acting is once again brilliant and the work of Spielberg and Lucas are fantastic. I give this film an 11/10. Although this may be a long movie, it is definitely worth watching and no Indiana Jones fan should miss. Harrison Ford is once again the courageous and funny archaeologist who teams up with his explorer father, Professor Henry Jones. Truly the best adventure yet, the Last Crusade will amaze audiences everywhere. I have seen the conclusion of the current Indiana Jones adventures and I wish Spielberg, Lucas, Ford good luck on the fourth installment!

I have no clue on how to describe this wondrous western. While I was watching Hang 'Em High on TV, I noticed that after that movie, The Outlaw Josey Wales would be showing, as well. Since I am a Clint Eastwood, I couldn't say no to this great western, especially one that Eastwood personally directed and personally acted out the role of Josey Wales, a Missouri farmer who becomes a wanted outlaw. Josey Wales makes friends along the way of running away from Fletcher's gang. After watching how impressive Eastwood did in Unforgiven, being both an actor and director, I knew that I wouldn't be disappointed watching Josey Wales. Many men hunt down Josey Wales for the money he's worth, but Josey always manages to defeat them. Be it alive or dead. I give this movie a score of 10/10. Truly one of Eastwood's greatest American westerns. Eastwood's performance is once again inspiring and there is a bit of a sense of humor now and then in the movie. Any western or Eastwood fan would be proud of this film as I am myself. I congratulate Eastwood once again as he becomes a triumphant western figure in every western he stars in. In this case, he is the Outlaw Josey Wales!

As Clint Eastwood's first American western, it was no surprise that Hang 'Em High would be a thrilling western. This proves that Eastwood is capable of acting in great westerns without the help of legendary Italian director, Sergio Leone, and Hang 'Em High was not a bad try for a beginner in American westerns, if you understand what I mean. I give this film an 8/10 and I recommend this western to any Eastwood fan. Eastwood becomes Marshal Cooper as he hunts down outlaws that tried to hang Cooper. I congratulate Eastwood on his first try on an American western and that this was the start of a dawn of future westerns that would sure become classics. Good job, Clint.

Truly the greatest comic-book-based film in history. But also, one of the greatest films of all time. Spider-Man 2 proves to outstanding and much more entertaining than it's amazing original film. The new villain, Doc Ock, is a very challenging and worthy opponent of Spidey and Doc Ock's tentacles are terrifying and powerful that could've ripped the web-head to shreds. Hatred builds up between Peter Parker and Harry Osborn as they go from best friends to their worst enemies. As one of the greatest sequels in history, this film definitely deserves to be on the top list of the greatest movies. I give this film a 10/10 and if I could, I'd give it a 12/10. This films leaves me anxious to found out what will happen next between Spider-Man and his future enemies. The relationship between Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson grows more and more, but the risks will be greater. Spider-Man never gives up and will fight criminals and super villains until they meet utter and bitter defeat. A new villain's appearance rises in this film and you'll have to watch it to find out. Spider-Man 2 is one my favorite films of all time and I can watch it over and over again. Doc Ock is the worst, and I mean that in a good way, villain yet and I'm eager to find out who Spidey's next opponent will be. Sam Raimi has done it again. He's impressed millions of audiences and he sure knows how to give the Spidey fans one heck of a thrill!I congratulate everyone who has worked on Spider-Man 2 and to keep up the excellent work. Spidey has spun his second web, but it won't be his last!

So far, this is the only Clint Eastwood western I've seen without the direction of Sergio Leone. But I am impressed with Eastwood's directing of this film. He took all of his experience as western figures and came up with an incredible western film, so incredible that he became an Academy Award®-Winner for Best Director & Best Picture. Eastwood's age caused no problem for the film. The acting was inspiring and the gunfights couldn't have been better. Sergio Leone and Clint Eastwood make a great team together, but Eastwood going solo proves himself to be unpredictable and is making me looking forward to future films with him as director and perhaps an actor, as well. Just as impressive as the Sergio Leone films and I wish Eastwood good luck in the future. We all can't wait for his next western. Bravo, Eastwood.

Spielberg, Lucas, and Ford have done it again! They've taken the character of Indiana Jones and used him to impress people all over the world with his latest adventure, the journey through the Temple of Doom! I wouldn't say that this is the best Indiana Jones film of the trilogy, but in a way each Indiana Jones film gets more and more entertaining. Indiana, along with two other explorers, lead their way into the Temple of Doom where they must fight for survival! From black magic to tumbling bridges, the Temple of Doom is a film that no one should miss for the world! What impressed me was how Indiana Jones got himself and others out of hostile situations such as booby traps. Those proved to be awe-inspiring. What also impressed me was the brilliant acting of the young actor, Jonathan Ke Quan, who plays Indiana's young assistant and best friend. Indiana faces new villains and meets the lovely young woman, Wilhelmina Scott. The Temple of Doom is an impressive second installment to the famous Indiana Jones trilogy. This film made me want to run off and watch the conclusion of Indiana Jones' journeys. Until I found out that an Indiana Jones 4 was in production, then I realized that his adventures are not over yet. This left me inspired and will amaze audiences everywhere. However, Indiana Jones' adventures still aren't over.

Truly the greatest way to start off an adventurous trilogy! Raiders of the Lost Ark proudly introduced Indiana Jones to the world. He fights as both an archaeologist and an adventurer to get ahold of the treasures he is looking for. He will stop at nothing to get the Germans out of his way, but the action sequences are extraordinary and it's great to see Indiana Jones and Marion Ravenwood team up and find the Lost Ark of the Covenant. Spielberg, Lucas, and Ford make a great trio together and all come up with Indiana Jones' greatest adventures. Watching Raiders of the Lost Ark made me want to rush off and watch the next installment of the famous trilogy. I recommend Raiders of the Lost Ark for anyone interested in the adventures of archaeology and a of course the World War II subject. Spielberg, Lucas, and Ford have outdone themselves in the production and a brilliant classic adventure film was born! But this is not Indiana Jones' last adventure, for it is only the beginning of the thrilling adventures up ahead. There are still more treasures, villains, and women to hunt for, for that is the life that Indiana Jones lives!

Once again, Clint, you haven't let me down. For a Few Dollars More is a triumphant second installment to Sergio Leone's infamous, and by infamous I mean that in a great way, trilogy. This film proves to be just as entertaining as A Fistful of Dollars and yet For a Few Dollars More is a better film. There is plenty of gunfighting in this film and nobody can't be entertained by the wild showdowns that two partnered bounty hunters face on their journey to capture a lethal bandit named Indio. Once again, no words can describe how inspiring this film is. Unfortunately, I was only able to watch A Fistful of Dollars once, but now I am free to watch For a Few Dollars More over and over again. Clint Eastwood's portrayal as the Man with No Name proves to be superb and inspiring. A true western classic that no western fan, especially a Clint Eastwood one, should miss. I wouldn't have missed this film for the world and I am looking forward to watching the conclusion of Eastwood and Leone's infamous trilogy; The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, which I know will the most impressive of the three. Eastwood and Leone haven't let me down and they never will. Perhaps Eastwood's performance in westerns may still prove superb even without the assistance of Italian director Sergio Leone. But the two of them side by side help them film Eastwood's most classic westerns and above all, his most classic films of his career. Bravo, Eastwood. Bravo.

I've always been a Clint Eastwood fan and unfortunately, my obsession over him did not start with the Sergio Leone films. But after watching Unforgiven, I grew restless and I just had to watch the Clint Eastwood/Sergio Leone westerns. So I decided to start off with the first installment by the name of A Fistful of Dollars. Unfortunately, I was only able to see it once, but it was an intelligently made movie and Eastwood's portrayal of the Man with No Name was superb. If I could, I'd watch it over and over again. Sergio Leone and Clint Eastwood make a great team working together in these "spaghetti westerns." The musical score made me want to listen to it over and over again. I give this film a solid score of 10/10. It made me want to run off and watch the next installment of the trilogy. Eastwood never ceases to act brilliantly as the Man with No Name and as a gunslinger of the wild west. I recommend this film to any western fan, especially Clint Eastwood fans. No words can describe how inspiring this movie was and it will amaze future audiences. Clint, you never let me down.

Van Helsing is the best movie of 2004 yet and one of the greatest films I've seen in my life. Van Helsing is a movie worth spending your money on. Sommers has impressed me with all the effort he and his crew had put into the making of a horror classic. Van Helsing introduces classic horror monsters into newly transformed beasts: The Wolf Man, Frankenstein's Monster, and...Count Dracula. Van Helsing (Hugh Jackman) must find a way to destroy Dracula and this film delivers a perfect adventure for our monster-hunting murderer/holy man. Anna Valerious (Kate Beckinsale)is determined to help Van Helsing and avenge her family. Van Helsing will leave people stunned and amazed, and it will fill your boring day with anxiety, surprise, and satisfaction. Van Helsing is the man mortals need, but what immortals fear...

The Passion of the Christ is truly a powerful story. Based on the true facts of history, Jesus of Nazareth had himself sacrificed to have our sins forgiven. He had suffered a scourge...He had suffered a cross-shaped burden on his shoulders...He had bled to death on the cross with nothing but a loincloth and a crown of thorns. This film brought tears to my eyes and more tears when I even think about it. People may feel regret after watching this film, but most likely, they forget it all and continue their cruel, old selves. It's true that sin exists in nature and in man, woman, and child, but there are those who betray their families and friends. I, myself, had always believed that I should only love those who love me. But Jesus in my heart had taught me to also love my enemies and pray for their forgiveness. Christ had his entire body ripped to the bone...His head pierced by a crown of mockery and humiliation. The Christ had lived in my heart since the beginning of my life, and no matter what happens to me, I shall never deny Christ or God...not like some people I've seen. I pray to the Lord every night and I treat others with all the respect my heart can bare. I suggest everyone else should do the same. Mel Gibson had helped with this film to redeem himself and probably to help us redeem ourselves. But we never needed Gibson's film (although it was a very impressive one.) to help us understand why Christ had sacrificed himself. He never fought...He never swore...and most importantly, He never gave up. I treasure this film like no other and I hope that I shall go to Heaven in the afterlife because of who I am and what good I've done, not because I had seen this film. Gibson delivers yet another powerful film, his most powerful since Braveheart and The Passion of the Christ may be his best. God bless the world and may He bless all of His children.

Big Fish is a superb film with adventures that may seem like exaggerated stories, but it doesn't matter. Tim Burton was always good with fantasy and Big Fish is one of his classic films. We remember Edward Scissorhands, A Nightmare Before Christmas, Beetlejuice, and many others all shown through the imaginative perspective of Tim Burton. Big Fish is enjoyable for all ages with superb stories of fantasy and romance. Definitely the best picture of the year yet. Superb performances from all the actors and the most superb performance of Edward Bloom. There are many adventures in life and in each one, there's uncatchable fish to be caught. This is definitely a story as big as life itself. A 10/10 rating and added to one of my favorite movies. If you want superb fantasy, watch Tim Burton's Big Fish.

Spawn: Armageddon is truly a blood-chilling adventure in which you are literally trapped in a war between Heaven and Hell. In Spawn: Armageddon, you control Spawn, the future leader of Hell's army, in 23 different levels in unlimited settings where you mutilate hundreds of enemies both celestial and demonic. Spawn: Armageddon is all thanks to Todd McFarlane. Spawn: Armageddon is truly the game of the year. Battle vicious enemies in subways, rooftops, Hell, an Angel Space Station, and countless more. Your blood will run cold and your heart will pound with no gift of foresight to tell you what will happen next. Every event comes out as a surprise, you'll never know who or what you'll battle, or even kill, yet. Spawn: Armageddon deserves a score of 10/10. A highly recommended game from a huge fan of Spawn. Spawn's arsenal is amazing which includes guns, chains, and Agony, Spawn mighty axe. If you enjoyed Spawn's appearance in Soul Calibur 2, you'll definitely enjoy the quest of Spawn: Armageddon to search for an answer to Spawn's question, "Will it be Heaven to conquer Hell? Or will Hell have triumph over Heaven?" I am a boy of Christian religion, and I believe that if you don't take this game too seriously, you'll be fine. This game is perfect for those with or without Christianity. Even though McFarlane shouldn't play with holy and unholy issues, this game is amazing.

Lord of the Rings: Return of the King is literally the greatest film of all time. No film can replace Return of the King. If I were to give this film a score, the score would be the last number in the number system. Over a googolplex. From the characters to the settings, no film can ever match with this one. I treasure the entire trilogy. I had hopes for The Fellowship of the Ring, I adored The Two Towers, now, I honor Return of the King. I thank J.R.R. Tolkien for bringing this fantasy to this world, and I thank Peter Jackson for bringing Tolkien's fantasy to life. This film is true Oscar material. This film will make all the way to the top of the 250 Top Movies List. No words existing can describe my feelings toward this film nor the trilogy itself. The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and Return of the King will astound you like no other movie has ever done. I thank all those who have worked on this trilogy. But most importantly, I thank the man who started this in the first place, John Ronald Reuel Tolkien. I thank you Tolkien, very much.

Yours truly,

Juan Carlos Urbina, a true Lord of the Rings worshipper

Spawn has become one of my favorite superheros of all-time. There's no words for this film. IT'S SUPERB!!! The fx are amazingly done and McFarlane should be proud of this film. Spawn is a new hero to our world, his appearances are only about 10 years old. But that doesn't matter. I believe that this movie demonstrates what Hell can really be like. Spawn is a super original hero that only a person like McFarlane create. If there are any remakes or sequels, this one will remain the best!! I'm disappointed with the rating though. Spawn has also made a great appearance in Soul Calibur 2. This movie has a great cast and the costumes are magnificent. Lequizamo is strangely humorous in this film and insane. The Violator was also superb. Bring on part 2! McFarlane has proved himself powerful by creating Spawn. I truly recommend it. Spawn is one of our top heroes of all time.

I must say, I saw The Texas Chainsaw Massacre on the day it came out and it was truly terrifying. There were so many surprises that made the WHOLE audience scream!! Leatherface is the greatest slasher in horror history! Listening to the chainsaw struck terror in my heart. Whenever Leatherface used the chainsaw, parts of my body went numb, mostly my legs! If you want the greatest re-make ever, this is definitely it!! Marcus Nispel did a fantastic job in directing this re-make. MUCH BETTER THAN THE 1ST ONE!!!! Job well done, Marcus! When it comes out on DVD, I'm getting my hands on it!! The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a great horror film that anybody will love. To be honest, watching this movie has caused me to be afraid of the dark. If you haven't seen it yet, hurry up right away! The theater was full, but I was grateful that I got a chance. This is a fantastic psychotic film. Leatherface has proved himself scary and insane. I love horror films and this may be the best one I've seen!! See it now!! I give this film a solid 10! Ths film is truly frightful and intense! Leatherface may have proven himself the most powerful killer in filmmaking. I hope he stars in a movie vs. Fred Krueger AND Jason Voorhees!! Only those three are the best!! Fred Krueger, Jason Voorhees, and Leatherface are the best killers in movie history!!

Nightmare before Christmas is an instant classic of Touchstone and Disney. Burton was always the master of weird things such as Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands. But this one is his greatest yet!! And this film makes an interesting appearance in the classic game, Kingdom Hearts. I never get tired of watching it and Jack is one of the most confident characters I've seen in any movie. Oogie Boogie is a great villain with his mischievious kids, Lock, Shock, & Barrel. This film has interesting characters and story. Halloween and Christmas is kinda cool. Except that it means Devil's Night vs. Christ's Birthday. Well, this film wasn't that evil. it's just all for fun. Besides, the citizens of Halloween Town are actually nice in a creepy way. And the clay figures look like it was filmed with real creatures. Amazing!