tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56910643610664398482024-03-13T15:27:19.930-07:00The Swedish Fish Movie ReviewMovie reviews and comments from a guy that loves seeing movies and believes they are better while eating Swedish FishUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691064361066439848.post-34455041414114256512009-04-25T22:24:00.000-07:002009-04-25T22:26:19.537-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcdiu0hsKMFzxlieI127B9OCFEyJSl92szZP-stUMyVtTcrZSa7VFQEJocyXmi-fWj205L4N1l29C93B0uEJuMMx21sLU5Df1Dc4hC-6g8vwNSqw7T7777HFNHgkXhJCNSZeu3dG2l1M-/s1600-h/1+fish.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328866728100945378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 121px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcdiu0hsKMFzxlieI127B9OCFEyJSl92szZP-stUMyVtTcrZSa7VFQEJocyXmi-fWj205L4N1l29C93B0uEJuMMx21sLU5Df1Dc4hC-6g8vwNSqw7T7777HFNHgkXhJCNSZeu3dG2l1M-/s320/1+fish.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><strong>Observe and Report</strong></div><div><br />I often pick movies based on who is playing in it. This movie started Ray Liotta(as Detective Harrison) and Seth Rogan(as Mall Cop Ronnie Barnhardt). Both of whom I have liked in pervious movies they have made. Unfortunately, good actors can’t make up for a bad movie. In addition to it not making any sense, the characters where not very believable and the words they were made to say were just plain stupid. Furthermore, am I the only one that noticed they ripped off the storyline of “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” (2009). The movie is “R” rated and earns it with a surprise ending you will wish you hadn’t seen! Don't say I didn't warn you.</div>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05779733165735716686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691064361066439848.post-2581417209240590502009-04-11T17:15:00.000-07:002009-04-11T17:19:24.249-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6L09NhYW7i5bN_6GsPU4I3fEcrz3MmG4Dd3uo4iSN_oDKbOqi4cEOMDi1UuyP8RCxMrh0yVeW7bKfKSyWS5rteAsNV_Ax5VKVX7_DRXw6_WqtC-j-9s3fkKgVw0y8Vf2vfQ7XA9qOjVdk/s1600-h/4+fish.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323592098079604370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 110px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6L09NhYW7i5bN_6GsPU4I3fEcrz3MmG4Dd3uo4iSN_oDKbOqi4cEOMDi1UuyP8RCxMrh0yVeW7bKfKSyWS5rteAsNV_Ax5VKVX7_DRXw6_WqtC-j-9s3fkKgVw0y8Vf2vfQ7XA9qOjVdk/s320/4+fish.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>Sunshine Cleaner</strong><br /><br />Life is messy. We make our choices and live with the consequences, Sometimes our choices lead to “Game over”. Sometimes our actions and their outcomes are part of a bigger story yet to be told. Rose Lorkowski(played by Amy Adams) with little choices in front of her decides to “cash in” on the lucrative business of crime scene cleanup. In need of a partner, she drags her younger sister Norah into the business(played by British actress Emily Blunt). The business causes them to intersect with people’s life’s when things are at the worst for their clients. Rose deals with the horrific crime scenes by believing she is helping others. The interaction between the two sisters is well done. I hope to see the actresses that played them in another movie together. Alan Arkin plays the girl’s father; an off-beat salesmen/peddler. If you like him this movie make sure you see Alan in “{Little Miss Sunshine”(2006). As a black comedy, this movie will not appeal to movie goers just looking for some laughs. (The crime scenes get a little gross). However, the characters are very real and the story line is interesting and thought provoking. </div>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05779733165735716686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691064361066439848.post-51721239822013009612009-04-06T20:16:00.000-07:002009-04-06T20:18:02.639-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MjNeBvhC6MYnr1A482U-zqL_xC7fMlhX44IBJPdhy1IjbcFjjucCtwbhWWgYl-abykFiYhBHLi0cEe6yWg7JYlv1iWO2Nx1YghD2ClT2ys88GtRF22xV0EnlkFA8nNyEU6BQV54cVCGp/s1600-h/3+fish.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321783200799369666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 95px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MjNeBvhC6MYnr1A482U-zqL_xC7fMlhX44IBJPdhy1IjbcFjjucCtwbhWWgYl-abykFiYhBHLi0cEe6yWg7JYlv1iWO2Nx1YghD2ClT2ys88GtRF22xV0EnlkFA8nNyEU6BQV54cVCGp/s320/3+fish.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>Fast and Furious 4</strong><br /><br />My three fish rating for this movie is based on me being a Gearhead(not sure what a “gearhead” is..go <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=gearhead">here</a>). My wife(who wouldn’t go see this movie if I agreed to do her dishes for a month) thought I was being too generous with my Swedish Fish rating. I love fast cars and this movie had a lot of them. Fast and Furious 4 brings back the original cast from its debut movie “The Fast and the Furious” (2001). The two heavy hitters in both movies are Vin Diesel(who plays Dominic Toretto the tough bad ass) and Paul Walker(who plays Brian O'Conner the undercover cob). Vin has tried other more sensitive roles but always goes back to this one. Paul Walker’s character is a little confusing. He puts one foot in Dominic’s world and the other on the side of the law. It makes for some interesting chase scenes but does not seem to be grounded in reality. So if you are looking for a movie that fits the bill for the guy’s night out, Fast and Furious 4 will do the trick. If you are picking a movie for your date night, I would look elsewhere! Will there be a Fast and Furious 5? My prediction is yes. Why not ride this one until it runs out of gas. </div>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05779733165735716686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691064361066439848.post-38907763565484656412009-03-29T20:43:00.000-07:002009-03-29T20:44:31.604-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1lis5zHnVy6kH05P7fghP1mq8OB12XVlsSel9Mm-8UXombhlkBVdGBl9eKlc7KxFHd9gZebSPmgFawmbNeVxOI9j-5MOrl3UJmG-5yXdehgXtQ94OpB42iIBnQU2sPaI-FRf-N-MgcwJ/s1600-h/3+fish.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318821519313483746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 95px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1lis5zHnVy6kH05P7fghP1mq8OB12XVlsSel9Mm-8UXombhlkBVdGBl9eKlc7KxFHd9gZebSPmgFawmbNeVxOI9j-5MOrl3UJmG-5yXdehgXtQ94OpB42iIBnQU2sPaI-FRf-N-MgcwJ/s320/3+fish.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>Knowing</strong><br /><br />What if you knew when and where a disaster was going to happen? What if you were told the date of your death? How would you live the last moments of your life if you could predict the total destruction of the world? These are the questions put before us in the movie “Knowing” staring Nicholas Cage. I happen to be a big fan of Nicholas Cage and have seen most of his movies (looking for a good Nic Cage rental try Matchstick Men 2003) However, I don’t expect Nic to “knock one out of the park” like a Tom Hanks. His performance in “Know” was consistence with my expectations. Two supporting actors in this movie also did a great job-Chandler Canterbury(who plays Nicholas’ son Caleb Koestler) and Lara Robinson. Lara plays both the disturbed school kid of 1959 and her present day grandchild. Parents should pay attention to the PG-13 rating of this movie. In my movie theater, one mother brought her 8 year old daughter and spent most of the movie sitting in the lobby. Today’s special effects can seem very real! </div>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05779733165735716686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691064361066439848.post-48523801403747949852009-03-22T15:58:00.001-07:002009-03-22T16:04:33.549-07:00I Love you, man!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjniZnEWQb8NFH9-Z5rx8Vkp0ogqZNXbWIzYKUsLKRq_xGLWcUwpH6QpRTUj6V36Wq6-YP0k9Dn5aHVyo5HHhAHdVGB8l8X8hnwLjHxRFSWqG0TlG6V0pSVJ2bDyMJrrNCK_jWdxz51Ael6/s1600-h/4+fish.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316150509832214802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 110px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjniZnEWQb8NFH9-Z5rx8Vkp0ogqZNXbWIzYKUsLKRq_xGLWcUwpH6QpRTUj6V36Wq6-YP0k9Dn5aHVyo5HHhAHdVGB8l8X8hnwLjHxRFSWqG0TlG6V0pSVJ2bDyMJrrNCK_jWdxz51Ael6/s320/4+fish.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>I Love you, Man!</strong></div><div> </div><div>As Peter Klaven(played by Paul Rudd) prepares for his wedding to Zooey(played by Rashida Jones) he realizes that he has no one to be his best man(usually reserved for your best friend). This motivates him to go “shopping” for someone to play this role. His process for finding a best friend resembles that of finding a soul mate. This leads to the kissing of some frogs (both figuratively and literally!) Like dating, when you least expect it, your “intended” will appear. Peter finds kinship in the likes of Sydney Fife(played by Jason Segel) Jason Segel is hilarious as usually. Jason (who also started in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “Knocked up”) has no trouble carrying the movie. Because Peter never had a best friend(or many guy fiends for that matter) growing up, he does not know the vocabulary and mannerisms of the average American Neanderthal male. Learning to talk and act like a guy puts Peter into some funny scenes. It is not surprising that the king of male testosterone (Lou Ferrigno/The Incredible Hulk) makes several cameos in the movie. As an added bonus, Peter and his new best friend Sydney share a love of the 70’s rock group RUSH. They go to a RUSH concert that features their hit “Limelight”. The movie earns its “R” rating due to its dialog. A must see for any guy that enjoys poking fun at the strange things guys do and say.</div>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05779733165735716686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691064361066439848.post-30203406110894142092009-02-08T19:43:00.000-08:002009-02-08T19:47:38.111-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKJHmZy9vzz40FTbzKJqjz1Y1S_l5gJ2zF2PWF5dWLk0LkKgUvaqcrFnD4pifYMGfeFcC7kfrRxJOhuTNpmgmBuZKSRudn777cw-u7PMEf_M468Wp7qEYW7luYGuw4NJI9Vz7Sx-UfxON/s1600-h/3+fish.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300638236105935154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 95px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKJHmZy9vzz40FTbzKJqjz1Y1S_l5gJ2zF2PWF5dWLk0LkKgUvaqcrFnD4pifYMGfeFcC7kfrRxJOhuTNpmgmBuZKSRudn777cw-u7PMEf_M468Wp7qEYW7luYGuw4NJI9Vz7Sx-UfxON/s320/3+fish.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>Push</strong></div><div><br />Like many movies before it, Push uses the “humans with special powers” formula to entertain its audience. Set in Hong Kong, Push introduces us to: Watchers(can see the future), Pushers(can influence your thoughts), Movers(can move objects with their mind), and several others. I especially liked the scenes containing both the good and bad characters possessing the same special power. The result is both physical and mental warfare. Dakota Fanning plays the main character(Cassie Holmes) and is the big star in the movie. She did a great job and I look forward to seeing her in many future mature roles. A wide age range of viewers will enjoy this movie. The younger viewer will appreciate the special effects and the older viewers (like me) will enjoy the plot. One test of a good movie is its ability to bring you back for a sequel. The writers leave that door open and I believe I would go see it.</div>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05779733165735716686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691064361066439848.post-40461738992533907092009-02-03T20:23:00.000-08:002009-02-03T20:29:37.029-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZqXr6A-A931uIcSr7ujn7N6UsUKJMlofG6H5Iiz7sU3g9FZnHwRuf0NPBnk7SOWz8x6FkeOYl9573nhhnf7etpZF3aiUnOSRHkPHyr3C92eyKX_8ez9wNE0ZFFhRPfFnbivshc7gDoGt/s1600-h/4+fish.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298793163341279570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 110px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZqXr6A-A931uIcSr7ujn7N6UsUKJMlofG6H5Iiz7sU3g9FZnHwRuf0NPBnk7SOWz8x6FkeOYl9573nhhnf7etpZF3aiUnOSRHkPHyr3C92eyKX_8ez9wNE0ZFFhRPfFnbivshc7gDoGt/s320/4+fish.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>Milk</strong></div><div><br />Milk is the true story about Harvey Milk and takes place in the Castro District of San Francisco in the 70’s. Harvey Milk was California's first openly gay elected official. He held the office of San Francisco Supervisor. At first glance, you might think this is a movie about gay rights. You would be right but it is about much more. It is about human rights. It is about living a meaningful life and it is about being brave and doing what’s right. Sean Penn and James Franco did an awesome job as Harvey Milk and Harvey’s gay lover respectively. Although the love scenes were uncomfortable, it added realism to the movie. That being said, it is “R” rated for a reason and is not appropriate for younger kids. Because it is a true story, we all know that Harvey Milk(and San Francisco Mayor George Moscone) is shot and killed by another San Francisco supervisor-Dan White. For those of you that are too young to remember seeing this on the TV News in 1979, Google the term “Twinkie Defense”. It will make you think twice about consuming mass quantities of junk food high in sugar!</div>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05779733165735716686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691064361066439848.post-44734395185730914312009-01-24T08:44:00.000-08:002009-01-24T08:46:44.435-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfuaiVmkPECnb73lpB774hMJWT_TPHJOcdvtWzMWOuBb_qdiUKE0B5viCRBhnhu-1e4FIzJhujcUNAjPNmQ8d-lPMRxghjg17nPMx9ZSWybba2Ww8R73x5qB4Uh-vw72r7LZ_AZcxztXzS/s1600-h/5+fish.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294902288222095730" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 110px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfuaiVmkPECnb73lpB774hMJWT_TPHJOcdvtWzMWOuBb_qdiUKE0B5viCRBhnhu-1e4FIzJhujcUNAjPNmQ8d-lPMRxghjg17nPMx9ZSWybba2Ww8R73x5qB4Uh-vw72r7LZ_AZcxztXzS/s320/5+fish.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>Slumdog Millionaire</strong><br /><br />This is my first five Swedish Fish rating and for good reasons. The movie has everything I enjoy in a movie: great plot, believable story, intriguing characters, and an interesting backdrop for the movie (Mumbai, India). Slumdog Millionaire’s underlining theme is we are all a sum total of our experiences. Jamal Malik(played by Dev Patel) uses his experiences to answer obscure questions while on India’s version of “Who wants to be a Millionaire”. Watching a very poor and homeless Jamal (and his brother Salim played by Madhur Mittal) growing up in Mumbai; my first thought is “how can anyone live like that”? The answer came again and again as Jamal and others are determined to survive doing wherever it takes. If you watch closely you will notice several subplots: the love and the betrayal of a brother, rags to riches physically but never really leaving the slums mentally, the desperate children that are ultimately stronger than those that take advantage of them. Freida Pinto plays Latika who is Jamal’s friend as a child and who becomes his destiny as an adult. Slumdog Millionaire gets my vote for Academy Award’s Best Picture. Not too bad for a movie that was originally scheduled to go directly to DVD!</div>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05779733165735716686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691064361066439848.post-60790296622474013742009-01-03T22:57:00.000-08:002009-01-03T22:58:29.749-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQsBSqtbxUnO8OpwZhMAI1E3wqRO4ICSyNAT0bSTqI-j8FLcPXJxKfpQ9_oTlfNtycD6bNi7pFV9pF2Fes49BhaEqCOlES7YugV3C_ZIM4zObzlGIwmr8Hfrm_ofhlLzQUk1ZXykDLLpV/s1600-h/3+fish.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287329325497710530" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 95px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQsBSqtbxUnO8OpwZhMAI1E3wqRO4ICSyNAT0bSTqI-j8FLcPXJxKfpQ9_oTlfNtycD6bNi7pFV9pF2Fes49BhaEqCOlES7YugV3C_ZIM4zObzlGIwmr8Hfrm_ofhlLzQUk1ZXykDLLpV/s320/3+fish.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>Yes Man</strong></div><div><br />I find people either love or hate a movie where Jim Carrey is in the starring role. You couldn’t pay my wife to sit through a movie with him in it but I am the exact opposite. In his comedy movie’s (i.e. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective-1994) he is “spilt-the-gut” funny. In his serious roles (i.e. The Truman Show-1998) he is very believable. This is one of his classic comedy movies. Yes Man has your standard gags but also has your unexpected twists that keep the movie interesting. The movie also stars Zooey Deschanel who plays Carrey’s love interest- Allison. I have never seen her in any other movies but I think she did a great job alongside Carl Allen (Jim Carey). The movie pokes fun at the motivational speaker stereo type with the all too real “cult-like” following. However, before the movie ends, it does show you the “man behind the curtain”. A very funny supporting character is Carl’s boss Norman played by Rhys Darby. Norman’s “Harry Potter” and “300” theme parties are very comical. If you like Carrey’s type of humor you will enjoy this movie. </div>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05779733165735716686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691064361066439848.post-48190873403124553052008-12-30T10:47:00.001-08:002008-12-30T10:48:36.670-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWoctsiyCC-rw9cINgV2HI6-Qnm9JezdK4J3BxC8E4C0_Xhmy17k8pdb-JUB8pj5DrOpHMHCb4EjJWdDZGV2-YKCCCmoqMePcUoo76sXB6R7IRUBwDj6lCUoe-Tw-pHU9x2fsiZAFkzPWb/s1600-h/4+fish.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285656923498018626" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 110px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWoctsiyCC-rw9cINgV2HI6-Qnm9JezdK4J3BxC8E4C0_Xhmy17k8pdb-JUB8pj5DrOpHMHCb4EjJWdDZGV2-YKCCCmoqMePcUoo76sXB6R7IRUBwDj6lCUoe-Tw-pHU9x2fsiZAFkzPWb/s320/4+fish.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Gran Torino</strong><br /><br />I have been a big fan of Clint Eastwood from the Spaghetti Western(i.e. High Plains Difter) and the Dirty Harry days. He embodies all of the attributes of a strong male leading actor. As he has gotten older, he has focused more on the Directing and Producing side of the film industry. In Gran Torino he does all three!<br />The movie opens with a glimpse into the life of Walt Kowalski(Clint). As he reviews his relationships and experiences, over the years, he has mixed feelings. Ultimately, he comes to terms with what he has accomplished after his Hmong(Asian ethnic group in the mountainous regions of southeast Asia) neighbors become his very unlikely friends. I especial like the Hmong teenager Sue Lor. She is played by newcomer Ahney Her. She not only exposes us to the traditional Hmong culture but also to the integration challenges of any non-American culture in the US. To add to these challenges, Sue’s younger brother (Thao played by Bee Vang)is being recruited by the local Hmong street gang. To keep Thao away from the gang life, Walt shows him what he means to be a real man and it leads to some very funny dialog. The movie pulls no punches with the racial slurs used by Walt. This movie is not appropriate for younger viewers and the powerful ending has lots of religious overtones.</div>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05779733165735716686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691064361066439848.post-10034698834992729162008-12-22T20:25:00.000-08:002008-12-22T20:27:02.704-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBuh0aL9l3Ye0oNNUfBzYhwzE6zYekaAiFUCPaczMhWqMgce7agd5LchyJFywnNd3JhXgjeeDaaq7ZCX45RZRBswNzBc9TRzvYPUOqH8dyHMXYmikYn-DvIt5eTQhH8AeiKap9ZwvzAUK_/s1600-h/3+fish.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282837095173426258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 95px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBuh0aL9l3Ye0oNNUfBzYhwzE6zYekaAiFUCPaczMhWqMgce7agd5LchyJFywnNd3JhXgjeeDaaq7ZCX45RZRBswNzBc9TRzvYPUOqH8dyHMXYmikYn-DvIt5eTQhH8AeiKap9ZwvzAUK_/s320/3+fish.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>Seven Pounds</strong></div><div><br />Because this was a Will Smith movie, I had very high expectations. I had been noticing the trailer for Seven Pounds for a couple of weeks and was anxious to see it. Trailers are often very cryptic and only share enough to get you in the theater. Unfortunately, three quarters of the way through the movie, I still had no clue where the movie was taking me. Just when I thought a scene was going to help me connect the dots, I would just end up with more “points to ponder”. By the time the ending was revealed, I had felt a little like someone had taken off my blindfold. In contrast, my eighteen year old son loved it. He was ok with the confusing story line and was very touched by the ending. I did enjoy one of the movie’s minor characters. Joe Nunez plays a motel owner with some very funny dialog with Will Smith. If you are ok with a movie taking you on an unknown journey, you might like this movie. If you are a Will Smith fan and like to understand the story line along the way, wait for his next super hero movie (i.e. Independence Day or I, Robot). I am sure he has one in the works</div>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05779733165735716686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691064361066439848.post-42174241012888720192008-12-13T09:44:00.000-08:002009-01-06T20:06:43.100-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYz8o7mhFMxyykXDEb3el3GGu-6g1eg0nc7zGBLedfL-tF2PBx1gLXcJT4MkFzhrcD1uzaAuGEuHefyYehtzKdKV_XAmDp-hWPwbr5BzPA5Up7o05Q58H3X_4pPxECAeqxK1UIdO-EAPP/s1600-h/4+fish.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279332195076246514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 110px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYz8o7mhFMxyykXDEb3el3GGu-6g1eg0nc7zGBLedfL-tF2PBx1gLXcJT4MkFzhrcD1uzaAuGEuHefyYehtzKdKV_XAmDp-hWPwbr5BzPA5Up7o05Q58H3X_4pPxECAeqxK1UIdO-EAPP/s320/4+fish.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p></p><p><strong>Nothing Like the Holidays</strong></p><p><br />Many cultures have their unique holiday traditions. This movie gives us a view into the lives of one Puerto Rican family from West Chicago during a Christmas gathering. We get to see the Puerto Rican version of a White Christmas. I really liked the honesty of this movie. Although the setting was “Home for the Holidays”, it is anything like the Perry Como version. Life is messy and this movie explores how real people deal with it (or not deal with it). One of the characters is played by Luis Guzmán(you might remember him in “The Count of Monte Cristo” 2002). His portrayal of a macho Puerto Rican guy is hilarious! Debra Messing plays the pasty white wife of one of the sons. Her character’s effort to fit-in makes for some very entertaining scenes but is genuine. If you are looking for a movie with an ending that ties everything together in a nice bow you won’t like this one. If you are looking for a holiday movie that plays to real life issues this movie could be one you add to your holiday collection.</p>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05779733165735716686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691064361066439848.post-64611049744832629142008-12-06T09:37:00.000-08:002009-01-03T23:10:20.093-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJZLSv2NEYWO5Ixx-YXywS1ztRu9VYRof2TRSvWbeDy4ylU67Xz2TqqLi5I4geaWwUws5Lct2zMU4Rl22118DZWPl_bFCX52lKz7i8BFx_nV6n0ME7NU7DpFf9hkAN-7l0OIVSqjCwoGD/s1600-h/4+fish.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276732815366527858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 110px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJZLSv2NEYWO5Ixx-YXywS1ztRu9VYRof2TRSvWbeDy4ylU67Xz2TqqLi5I4geaWwUws5Lct2zMU4Rl22118DZWPl_bFCX52lKz7i8BFx_nV6n0ME7NU7DpFf9hkAN-7l0OIVSqjCwoGD/s320/4+fish.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div><strong>Australia</strong></div><div><br />This is a “Big Screen” movie. You really only get the full effects and beauty of the Australian landscape when seen in the theater. From that regard, it reminded me of the movie “Out of Africa (1985). Nicole Kidman did a fabulous job. This was the first time I realized she is one of the great actresses of our time. I believe when we look back on this period we will think of Nicole Kidman as we think of Elizabeth Taylor, Joan Crawford, and Bette Davis from years ago. I also liked many of the other supporting actors in the movie. Nichole’s aborigine “son”( Brandon Walters) was played by a 8 year boy who also narrated the movie. He was very believable and true to his local native character. Another very likeable character is the alcoholic accountant. He is played by Jack Thompson, a popular Australian actor. Max’s character starts the movie as a fall down drunk but ends as one of the heroes in the movie. I also like movies where, in addition to being entertained, I learn something new. I was not aware of how badly the Aborigines were treated in the early 1940s by the “white” Australians. It reminded me of how Native Americans were treated in the United States. I also learned that Australia was directly in the path of the bombing Japanese war planes that had just came from Pearl Harbor. This movie is appropriate for all ages (although there is one love scene you might want to not share with your young kids). However, with all of the special effects movies out today, your teen age kids may get a little bored. So my advice would be to leave the kids at home and make it a “date movie”. </div>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05779733165735716686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691064361066439848.post-84362198048474632982008-11-29T09:37:00.000-08:002008-11-29T09:38:14.169-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vhcMWhyphenhypheno9NUNQ9Nmwrzod9MKSc5as_BBY3N2TDKxHVKd216euU2zOwD3UvG0_QtL7EcbqpD60k_E0tKEHDcDJL2q_NGDs7cUEXskqe86r5oY9Jdnx5o3pKBeLB25JGDPC0uHr2Wb0zuq/s1600-h/4+fish.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274135043325692514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 110px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vhcMWhyphenhypheno9NUNQ9Nmwrzod9MKSc5as_BBY3N2TDKxHVKd216euU2zOwD3UvG0_QtL7EcbqpD60k_E0tKEHDcDJL2q_NGDs7cUEXskqe86r5oY9Jdnx5o3pKBeLB25JGDPC0uHr2Wb0zuq/s320/4+fish.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Transporter 3</strong><br /><br />It would be hard to deliver a sequel to the original Transporter let alone two. However, I have enjoyed Jason Statham playing the role of Frank Martin (Ex-Special Forces) in all three Transporter movies. I would even say I liked Transporter 3 better than the second installment of the series. Transporter 3 brings back a lot of the original flare of the movie because it is set in various European countries (as opposed to Miami, Florida in Transporter 2). Jason Statham is the perfect actor for this role. He is a good combination of a bad-ass fighter and a likeable guy. I like that his character (Frank Martin) does not take himself too serious and is basically good. Jason does all of his own fight and car chase stunts. It was interesting that in most of the fight scenes he gets his jacket/shirt torn off. This will surely play to the female movie goers. The male audience will enjoy the intense driving. In one scene, he drives his Audi on two wheels between parallel semi tractor trailer trucks. Besides extreme fight scenes and car chases, the Transporter series is linked together by Frank Martin’s relationship with French Inspector Tarconi and quirky leading ladies. In the first movie, Frank is being investigated by Tarconi. In the third Transporter, the movie opens with both of them fishing together. I guess their relationship has evolved! The leading lady, in Transporter 3, is played by Natalya Rudakova. As far as I can tell, this is her first time on the silver screen. She does a good job of being this movie’s strange leading lady for Frank. Transporter 3 is good fun and has something for everyone. The content should be ok for most ages with both men and women enjoying it.Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05779733165735716686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691064361066439848.post-89395787702961143812008-11-22T06:34:00.000-08:002008-11-22T09:53:09.518-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uPfAtuPGep3GYJxAsW8Gz6LZHAXttF0TBg0zVsgvEA0KOZwNvDJh68m2k2an533lJuVt24abjx7PN39GvNtNfWBu0WRLJ0FL_BjLgn9Zqo-53I03AV36OjBdrnVfSveDFxQ8Hjts6mO5/s1600-h/4+fish.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271490398551706162" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 110px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uPfAtuPGep3GYJxAsW8Gz6LZHAXttF0TBg0zVsgvEA0KOZwNvDJh68m2k2an533lJuVt24abjx7PN39GvNtNfWBu0WRLJ0FL_BjLgn9Zqo-53I03AV36OjBdrnVfSveDFxQ8Hjts6mO5/s320/4+fish.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Role Model<br /><br /><br> <br><br /></strong></span></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong></div><div></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>With not much to choose from and not being the target audience for Twilight, I took a chance on this movie. The trailer made it look like just another “B” (comedy) movie. Luckily there were more funny scenes than what was just included in its trailer. However, my recommendation is assuming you are not taking your younger kids or your wife. The language and the “adult situations” make it inappropriate for one and “just not that funny” to the other. Christopher Mintz-Plasse<em><span style="font-size:85%;">(“McLoven” from the movie SuperBad)</span></em> and Jane Lynch <span style="font-size:85%;">(The psychologist in the TV show Two and a Half men)</span> steal the show. If you are looking for a movie that is easy to watch with lots of laughs, this one fits the bill!</div><div></div>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05779733165735716686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691064361066439848.post-7907503784865171502008-11-21T17:52:00.000-08:002008-11-22T09:48:46.748-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1L5cHPpDSJgcFNTpOM7M123pOhCnZaGoELuAPNz6IKJI5eoLhvUeXjcJjAhR2Drn3j8mwX8bq6c9ujU3l07B63rVs3UFbR2o_7bAWwecQNAKc4BD8Pu3H90VOJVMIoe_pVoe6Qd6n1ZFw/s1600-h/3+fish.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271304191887689490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 95px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1L5cHPpDSJgcFNTpOM7M123pOhCnZaGoELuAPNz6IKJI5eoLhvUeXjcJjAhR2Drn3j8mwX8bq6c9ujU3l07B63rVs3UFbR2o_7bAWwecQNAKc4BD8Pu3H90VOJVMIoe_pVoe6Qd6n1ZFw/s320/3+fish.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Quantum of Solace(James Bond)</span></span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></span></strong>I have never been a big fan of the James Bond series but I went to see this one because I was told it resembled the Jason Bourne movies(i.e. The Bourne Identity). The problem is Daniel Craig(James Bond) is no Matt Damon(Jason Bourne). Also, this James was much more dark and troubled than the James Bond of the 70’s(Roger Moore). As expected, good car chase scenes and a few “Bond girls” to bring in the over 40 male crowd. The plot does take several twists and turns and if you don’t watch carefully you can get a little lost. But as with any blockbuster movie, the director ties it all together in the end.</p><p></p>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05779733165735716686noreply@blogger.com1