The Film Chronicles

One of the characters was a little racist, but he was depicting another character so I guess that supposedly made it “all right”. The writing was clever and won an Oscar, it was fun to watch each detective try and one up the next. Watch it if you want something witty and mind-numbing.

3.8/5

Stripes, Comedy, 1981
Plot: A smart-alec, under-achiever joins the army and struggles to make it through basic training.

9/11: In Plane Site, 2007, Documentary
Plot: This political documentary examined the legitimacy of the 9/11 attacks and questioned whether or not the government was holding something from us.

The Towering Inferno, 1974, Thriller
Plot: In an attempt to cut expenses on a building, drastic corners are also cut. The 135-story building catches flame and everyone inside is trapped.

Avatar, 2009, Sci-Fi
Plot: A marine who’s twin brother has been killed is sent to another planet to be enlisted in the “Avatar” program, that gives him control of a synthetic alien body. The bad humans want an element from the planet and threaten to destroy to get it.

Thoughts: This film is one of my all-time favorites (behind The Godfather parts I and II, obviously). After seeing it the first time in 3-D IMAX, I had to go back again. The creativity and ideas in the overall production of the film separate it from all of its competition. It was a little long, but if I’m paying over $11 to watch a movie, it better worth it.

The most interesting part of the production to me was creating the language. It’s an amazing feat that should get some kind of award (if it didn’t).

Now I know that most people call this movie “Dances with Wolves” and “Pocahontas” and those are both valid comparisons. I also agree with those that say that story is the most important aspect of film and I wholeheartedly agree. I wouldn’t say that the story/ writing was bad, just overdone. I really wish more thought had gone into just the writing (Could you imagine Pixar’s minds toying with this film?? I think I just had a nerdgasm).

It’s a great film with an overdone story.

4.8/5


(Tsu ‘tey’s final fight scene was pretty awesome)

Can We Live Forever? Documentary
Plot: Scientists examine whether humans could have the possibility to elude death’s grasp.

Thoughts: This was an interesting documentary that raised many questions about how the body works. It showed a guy who’s car had gone over 2 million miles (I spelled out million so there wouldn’t be any confusion lol). If we keep our bodies up and replace parts, could even we be able to fend of years of use?

 Following that segment, the documentary looked at growing artificial organs. As surreal as it sounds, the organs actually worked and hearts were pumping. Another scientist created a program that would allow your own personal data and mind to be uploaded to it for future use. It would be like combining the greatest minds 50 years from now.

Do I think we could live forever? Nah, not really.

3.1/5

The One Percent, 2006, Documentary
Plot: The heir to the Johnson & Johnson throne is at it again as Jamie Johnson tries to examine the large gap that separates America’s 1% of people in regards to wealth to the rest of us poor folk.

Thoughts: This film was very similar to his other film that looked at the effects of wealth on young people. He’s an honest guy and is really trying to do a noble thing, but he really needs some experienced filmmakers on his side. His voice is monotonous, camera composition was awful, and many shots were overexposed.

Bad film making aside, we finally get a look at how the rich live and how they hate to talk about their money. It’s a very interesting documentary that allows us an inside look at their level of thinking.

2.9/5

The Social Network, 2010, Drama
Plot: This is based on a book that is based on the story of the founder of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg and the ensuing lawsuits he faced.

I’m not certain how true the entire film was, but they made Zuckerberg a very realistic character. He had huge flaws and was very idealistic. I’m glad that I got a chance to catch this film, finally.

The thing that impressed me most was the editing. It was smooth and very well done. At first it took some adjusting, but when I got into the groove of the film it was very fun and easy to move through the timeline with the characters’ memories. Great film.

4.5/5

P.S. Shoutout to my brother Brian for putting me on FB while it was still in the beginning stages.

NOTE: Another shoutout to my homie Isaiah for correcting me; The Social Network did win the Oscar for best adapted screenplay. (Need to get better at my fact checking).

The Graduate, 1967, Comedy
Plot: Benjamin Braddock, a recent college graduate, comes back to his California home confused and lost about what he wants to do next in his life. His parents’ longtime friend Mrs. Robinson sparks an affair between the two but eventually Ben falls in love with her daughter.

Some of the shots weren’t very appropriate at times, but I still liked how Mike Nichols was ambitious enough to attempt them. The last scene is the epitome of awkward silence and the film does a great job of balancing dark humor with dramatic moments. This was an emotional film that was broken into various segments by comedic breaks. My favorite joke is still the “Mr. Gladstone” bit.

4.0/5

Police Academy, 1984, Comedy
Plot: A city’s Police Department announces that they are allowing intake of all aspiring police officers to its Police Academy.

Pretty good movie that does what it’s supposed to do. I hope I can see Police Academy 2, I loved that movie.

2.9/5