Rate the last film you watched.

[Clark Nova]

Slumdog Millionaire (Danny Boyle & Loveleen Tandan, 2008)

rantsandmusings.wordpress.com/2009/02/04/slumdog-millionaire/

[Clark Nova]

The Reader (Stephen Daldry, 2008)



an absolute bore concerning the Holocaust that has a decent moment or two, at best (and Kate Winslet naked in just about every other scene ). In other words, an ideal Best Picture nominee

6.5/10

[Clark Nova]

I haven't seen Religulous, but Bill Maher is the fucking MAN Ever watch Real Time?

[captainofbeef]

^Yea, I agree ith you 100%. I liked Religulous too

[captainofbeef]

The Wrestler
9/10
Rourke takes control of this movie and the viewer and he never lets go. Aronofsky perfectly balances Rourke's performance with his odd direction and plot that seemingly flows coherently despite not having any particular order to it. Tomei and Rachel Wood turn in great supporting performances but they are completely overshadowed by Rourke's effort. He should definitely take home the gold on Oscar night.

[captainofbeef]

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist
7/10
This movie would totally flounder if not for its charming leads and excellent setting. Cera and Dennings are both excellent in their roles and they lend charm to a tale that has been played out hundreds of times before. The NYC setting adds to the movie's mystique. Yes, the film is totally unrealistic and juvenile. Definitely a movie for younger people only.

[Clark Nova]

Milk (Gus Van Sant, 2008)

rantsandmusings.wordpress.com/2009/02/09/milk/

[captainofbeef]

Milk
9.5/10
A front runner for best film of the year and rightly so. The story of the United States first openly gay public office holder is riveting both as entertainment and from a historical standpoint. Milk's election was clearly a massive step toward equal rights for all people in the US and it is scary to see how little progress we have made since then (Prop 6=Prop 8 in more ways then one). Sean Penn is riveting as always but the performances of Franco and Hirsch stand out as well. If not for a slight lull in the middle section, this would be the best movie of 2008.

[Clark Nova]

Harold and Maude (Hal Ashby, 1971)



Sheeeeeeeeyit, if the world was THAT obnoxious and the adults in my life were THAT exaggeratedly clueless and buffoonish, I'd try killing myself over and over again too.

6/10

[captainofbeef]

Step Brothers
3/10
Has some amusing moments, but it can be easily forgotten.

[Clark Nova]

McCabe & Mrs. Miller (Robert Altman, 1971)

rantsandmusings.wordpress.com/2009/02/17/mccabe-mrs-miller/

[captainofbeef]

Zack and Miri Make A Porno
7/10
It is nice to see Kevin Smith step outside his familiar world and actually make a good movie, rather than the atrocity that was Jersey Girl. Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks carry this movie and without their charming performances, this would just be another run-of-the-mill sex comedy. Instead, they and their supporting stars inject much needed charm into the dirty humor. There are a few awkward moments of sentimentality and the end is a bit cheesy. But, it is still a very enjoyable film.

[Clark Nova]

Vicky Cristina Barcelona (Woody Allen, 2008)



Doesn't stand up to Woody's best from the 70s and 80s, or even Match Point for that matter, but still, enjoyed it. He's pushing 75, but Woody's still got a hell of a knack for that dialogue that's neurotically witty and yet fluid and realistic at the same time, and that (and an unfathomably beautiful Spain, serving as an admirable successor to Woody's beloved New York) is what made one of the more bizarre love triangles (well, love square really, or three-way relationship with a fourth on the outside looking in, or whatever you wanna call it...) you can imagine believable. Solid effort. Reports of Woody Allen's demise are, for now at least, exaggerated 8)

7.5/10


Rachel Getting Married (Jonathan Demme, 2008)

rantsandmusings.wordpress.com/2009/02/22/rachel-getting-married/

[Clark Nova]

Two-Lane Blacktop (Monte Hellman, 1971)

rantsandmusings.wordpress.com/2009/02/23/two-lane-blacktop/

[Clark Nova]

Pineapple Express (David Gordon Green, 2008)



At long last, the world takes its revenge on Rosie Perez for her performance in Do the Right Thing ;D

But anyway, this was absolutely hysterical. A great mix between the typically nutty/witty dialogue you'd expect from an Apatow production and just ridiculous over-the-topness that's an homage to old, shitty action-fests, great chemistry between Rogen and Franco (Rogen can't stop himself from being his stupidly over-the-top annoying self here and there, but that's rare - these guys are great together), and enough of David Gordon Green's signature great photography and lighting to keep the snobs at bay. And whaddya know, a plot with more labyrinthine twists 'n turns and misunderstandings between opposing characters than the likes of Blood Simple! (or Dumb and Dumber...) Jolly good fun

8/10

[captainofbeef]

Body of Lies
6/10
If it were not for the unbelievable abilities of Ridley Scott, Russel Crowe, and Leo Dicaprio, this movie would be just another run-of-the-mill spy thriller. But they carry it above the usual fare. Dicaprio and Crowe have a chemistry that is unmatchable and Scott directs the film with his usual preciseness. However, the film lacks a strong plot and so many of the elements feel hackneyed. Even the ending is forced. Overall, definitely not the strongest effort from these three giants.

[Clark Nova]

Baraka (Ron Fricke, 1992)

rantsandmusings.wordpress.com/2009/02/26/baraka/

[captainofbeef]

Sicko
6/10
Moore is certainly affective with his arguments and I agree with many of his points. But his documentaries are nothing more than liberal propaganda. This one is probably his worst yet. So much emotional manipulation its ridiculous.

[captainofbeef]

The Changeling
7.5/10
Eastwood's first of his 2008 duo is definitely not as strong as his second. The cast is superb. Jolie absolutely carries the film and Malkovich is equally as strong in his small supporting role. And the plot is excellent and Eastwood's direction is simply beautiful. However, the film drags on about twenty minutes too long and by the ending scenes, you are simply wanting the film to be over. Gran Torino is definitely a better Eastwood effort.

[Clark Nova]

Fat City (John Huston, 1972)

rantsandmusings.wordpress.com/2009/03/01/fat-city/

[captainofbeef]

Choke
5/10
A very quirky movie, but not quirky in a good way. The story is definitely a nice idea and the performances of Huston and Rockwell are very good but they can't save the film from being flat weird and boring in parts. I'm sure the book is better but I just didn't see the appeal of this film.

[captainofbeef]

The Reader
6/10
Despite Winslet's Herculean performance, the Reader is clearly another melodramatic film that was made solely for the purpose of gaining the Academy's approval. And it certainly worked as it was nominated for more Oscars than other, more deserving films. Don't get me wrong, Winslet's performance is amazing and it certainly warrants an Oscar. But the film attempts to woo its audience with its saddening score and its moral objectivity, but it cannot hide its obvious flaws. The film is very predictable, has very little flow to it, and its ending offers nothing. If it weren't for the great performances involved, this movie would be utterly unwatchable.

[Clark Nova]

I can't even agree with Winslet's performance being great. I even thought that was an average, dull, paint-by-numbers performance helped along by tits and old person makeup. This movie was an absolute bore. Could've been better if Bruno Ganz wasn't as underused as he was.

[captainofbeef]

Tropic Thunder
7/10
Is this movie incredibly dumb at times? Yes, it is. Does that stop it from being incredibly funny? No, it does not. Tropic Thunder has one of the most hilarious first halves of a movie I have seen in a long time. Its too bad that its second half does not live up to its first. Downey Jr., Stiller, and Black are all hilarious and its great to see Downey get some recognition for his excellent comedic performance. Sure, it falls flat sometimes, but overall, it was quite enjoyable.

[PTAhole]

Synecdoche, New York (Charlie Kaufman; 2008)
I don't know whether I like this movie or not. On one hand, I find it very clever, and on the other, I find it very impressed with itself. I love Charlie Kaufman, but he is certainly a better writer than he is a director. The direction here is fine, but doesn't really lift the script into a movie. Phillip Seymour Hoffman does the best he can with what is given to him. His character is the most uninteresting protagonist Kaufman's ever written. I feel that had Spike Jonze or Michel Gondry had directed this movie, it would have turned out better.
I did enjoy most of the movie, though everything before Caden started the theater piece is more focused and intersting than everything afterwards.
I have no idea what to score this movie, so I won't. I'd recommend you see it, because it's certainly an interesting film, but I think it could have been a better film in another director's hands.

[captainofbeef]

The Human Behavior Experiments
9/10
This is not really a great movie but instead it is a movie about a few great experiments. The information presented in this film is both horrifying and incredibly important. These three psychological tests show just how brutal the human race can be when confronted with certain situations and the few instances in which general human solidarity prevails over cruelty. Definitely a must see for everyone, regardless of interest in the subject.

[captainofbeef]

JCVD
8/10
Van Damme really breaks the mold with this movie and actually gives the viewers an excellent performance. Who knew this guy could actually act? And act damn well to boot. The plot is excellent and the tributes to Godard are quite clear. Even the way in which to story is told is fun and innovative. I wasn't a huge fan of the ending and there were definitely some slow parts, but this is definitely not your typical Van Damme movie and it is a very interesting watch.

[Clark Nova]

The Hurricane (John Ford, 1937)

rantsandmusings.wordpress.com/2009/03/04/the-hurricane/


Key Largo (John Huston, 1948)

rantsandmusings.wordpress.com/2009/03/04/key-largo/

[captainofbeef]

Watchmen
8/10
As someone who has never read the graphic novel, I don't know if I am entirely qualified to review this film. However, I enjoyed it very much, mostly because of the story and the characters, not because of the acting or the film itself. It honestly made me want to immediately go out and buy the book. Definitely a must see movie, even for those who have not read Moore's original.

[drone]

Watchmen: 9/10

Saw it at the midnight screening and loved it. I've never read the novel either, for reference.