Bad Teacher, 2011, Comedy
Plot: A teacher goes through a semi-midlife crisis and begins to date one of her coworkers.
Thoughts: Jason Segel really saved this movie with his comedic timing. JT really just needs to stick to singing because I have yet to be impressed by his thespian skills. The story was paced pretty well, I just really wish that they had spent more time on a better overall story and less on the Family Guy-esque dialogue.
2.2/5
Natural Born Killers, 1994, Psycho-Drama (if that’s a genre)
Plot: A psychotic couple travel along a highway, killing people for no good reason and are exploited by the mass media.
Thoughts: This was a movie that could only come from Oliver Stone or Quentin Tarantino…and of course it did. Woody Harrelson continues to be one of the most underrated actors of our time and really captured the screen. A good chunk of the film features shots like the famous acid scene in Easy Rider. Good film if you’re in the right mood to have your visual senses abused. Also: Downey Jr. was pretty good, as usual.
2.8/5
Previously Reviewed at: http://365filmaday.blogspot.com/2011/09/mooz-lum.html
Fast Five, 2011, Action
Plot: Dominic makes a comeback to the world of illegal auto activity and he and his crew have to figure out how to stay out under the radar.
Thoughts: This was the best the Fast and the Furious since the original, but please don’t get me wrong when I say that that’s not that big of a compliment. The action was nice and the way the different characters interacted and complimented each other was nice, but the story was unoriginal and not inspired. This is an above average popcorn flick.
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| Come at me, brah! |
2.7/5
Monsters, 2010, Sci-Fi
Plot: A woman and her guide make the trek from Mexico to America despite the dangerous giant aliens that loom in the Central American jungles.
Thoughts: This movie felt shorter than it actually was but it was beautifully shot (by far Central America has the best landscapes for film). The special effects were also a great addition to the movie. The story seemed like an excuse to get all of this in a movie and the ending was really weird.
3.1/5
Girl in Gold Boots, 1968, Drama
Plot: A girl goes for a life on the edge wanting to become a go-go dancer in the city.
Thoughts: This movie was lame and that’s pretty much all I can say. The MST3K version was fantastic though. The story includes a character literally being inserted midway into a shot. The filmmaking is ridiculous and inspires a young brother like me to do better for less.
1.2/5
Old School, 2003, Comedy
Plot: After being cheated on by his significant other, a man has a mid-life crisis and, along with his 2 best friends, founds a fraternity at a local University.
Thoughts: Funny movie that gets better every time I watch it. It is what all of these romedies try to be these days, ultimate partying with a decent storyline about a man trying to find himself. I really enjoyed Vince Vaughn and Will Ferrell as they were allowed to let loose their comedic wit.
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| Frank the Tank! |
4.1/5
MST3K: Touch of Satan, originally released 1971, Horror
Plot: A man travels to a random town and ends up staying with a cursed family.
Thoughts: The premise of this movie is part of the problem…everything else enhances said problem. The acting, dialogue, special effects, anything. I was creeped out by the old lady but more so by the younger girl. Hilarious movie though by the MST3K crew.
4.6/5
Pan’s Labyrinth, 2006, Fantasy
Plot: A young girl’s taken on a quest that has the ability to sway the momentum during the Spanish Civil War, but is her new life purely imagined?
Thoughts: A phenomenal adventure, in my opinion. I really grew attached the various characters and the story was very well told visually. The juxtaposition of both the gruesome with the beautiful mind of Olivia reminded me of “Life is Beautiful” (if you haven’t seen it, watch it). The beginning of the film entices you, the middle thrills you, and the ending is the perfect mix of happiness and tragedy that only a few storytellers have mastery over. Wonderful movie that I’ve seen several times and you should definitely watch it. (Be aware that this is all in Spanish)
4.7/5
Tales from Earthsea, 2006, Family
Plot: A kid investigates after people begin to see dragons around their area and meets someone who may be friend or foe.
Thoughts: This was created by Miyazaki the son not the father; and, in so many words, it showed. The story was paced well and beautifully animated but it just lacked that “it” factor that so many Studio Ghibli films have. It tried to be deeper than it was and failed to hold its audience’s attention. I may try his next movie “From Up on Poppy Hill” to see if he can redeem his family name.
2.6/5
The Film Chronicles