Tag Archives: Movies

Gnomeo & Juliet, 2.5/5

Posted on February 25, 2011 | Leave a comment

A Shakespearean tragedy depicting the trials of star-crossed garden gnomes could have been a charming, clever 10-minute short if were done by Pixar (emphasis on could). Alas, it was done by Miramax (Really? Hmmph) and it’s about an hour too long. While nothing to write home about, it’s harmless and perfectly tolerable. Continue reading →

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The King’s Speech, 5/5

Posted on January 26, 2011 | Leave a comment

Some movies just make you feel good. The King’s Speech, a funny and touching historical drama, is one of them.

Kings of the Middle Ages could garner respect through battle exploits, fear or even just plain old good policy decisions. Kennedy beat Nixon, we’re told, because he was more telegenic. But when an heir to the throne must also become a war-time radio star what’s a stuttering monarch to do?

In the real-life case of Prince Albert (not in a can), you get horribly frustrated with yourself and avoid the microphone like the plague. Continue reading →

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True Grit, 5/5

Posted on January 24, 2011 | Leave a comment

After slacking off during 2010, I’m going to try my darnedest to get into the habit of reviewing the movies I see. Up to bat first: True Grit starring Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, and amazing newcomer Hailee Steinfled: Continue reading →

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Adios, 2010

Posted on December 31, 2010 | Leave a comment

0: Traffic Stops
2: Road trips with a Giraffe
3: Websites built
4: Train rides
4: Tires purchased

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30×30 update

Posted on June 15, 2010 | 1 Comment

via Dinosaur Comics

Another birthday, another year wiser/older and another opportunity to check in on my 30×30 list. I’ve actually made some significant progress without even trying. Out of the original 30, I knocked out eight in the past 12 months. and have six more in the works. Actually, it’s conceivable I could knock out 20 of the 30 by the end of the year. Of course, a list like this is purely arbitrary; it won’t be like my first 30 years of life will be a failure if I don’t make it. It’s just nice to have goals and ideas to work toward.
Continue reading →

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I’m Not a Film Snob

Posted on January 11, 2010 | 6 Comments

I’m not a film snob. Oh sure,  I came name more than one film by Hayao Miyazaki and I fully agree that Citizen Kane is still the greatest movie ever made. Yes, I abhor “full screen” DVDs and I insist that foreign films run with the English subtitles instead those awful English audio tracks. Fine, I’m also aware that M*A*S*H was a movie long before it was a TV show and I actually know what the key grip and best boy do. Continue reading →

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Year-End Movie Wrap Up

Posted on January 1, 2010 | 1 Comment

A list like this hardly seems necessary since I saw so few movies this year. But “not necessary” has never stopped me before (click here for the 2008 list). The 2009 Stubbies© go to: Continue reading →

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Not Late Late Late Late Late But Still Short Short Short Short Short Short Movie Review: Avatar 4/5

Posted on December 31, 2009 | 1 Comment

Rated PG-13. Click here to watch the trailer.

Pros:

  • The 3D is breath-taking. The technology is ready for prime time. It’s not something I need every day, but it was effective and did not distract from the movie.
  • I think the CGI is the best I’ve seen.
  • It has Giovanni Ribissi. Score!
  • Blue Cat Aliens are surprisingly sexy.
  • You need to see it.

Cons:

  • Sam Worthington – the main Blue Cat Alien – is not a good actor.
  • If it weren’t for the 3D and amazing CGI, it’s a pretty meh story (it’s basically Dances With Wolves in space).
  • Uses “papyrus” for the title font and its subtitles. Lame. Papyrus is only marginally better than Comic Sans.
  • It’s way too long. 162 minutes.

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Late late late Movie Review: Harry Potter 6

Posted on December 31, 2009 | Leave a comment

Rated PG. Click here to view the trailer.

If you’re ever going to see it, you will have already done so. I give it 3.5 out of 5. The end.

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Sherlock Holmes, 4/5

Posted on December 31, 2009 | Leave a comment

Rated PG-13. Click here to view the trailer.

Man Crush Alert: I love Robert Downey, Jr.

Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes is a muddy, muddled mess, but RDJ is infinitely watchable as any character, so it’s no surprise that he’s a winner as the English super sleuth. Jude Law turns in his least annoying performance in years, Watson and together their repartee and rapport cover a multitude of cinematic sins. Continue reading →

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