There Will Be Blood

Todd Says:

5 STARS

I've only ever seen four of Daniel Day Lewis' movies, but it is always a treat to watch him act. If he is acting. If you're ever going to make a movie, and one of your characters needs to be completely and totally consumed and driven by a nearly insane singular desire then Day Lewis is the man for the job. He is either very much like this in real life, or one of the top five actors of all time.
There Will Be Blood is a perfect portrait of the American Dream, it's about two men's struggle for power and fortune and the extremes that they are willing to go to reach them. Don't let the title scare you away, this is not a gory movie, on the contrary, most of the villainy you witness is purely psychological. The verbal exchanges between Daniel Day Lewis' character and the ambitious Evangelist Eli Sunday are interestingly intense, but other than a lot of open handed slapping the violence in this movie is mostly just eluded to.
This is one of the most gripping movies I've seen in a long time, and I more than recommend you see this, I implore you to watch. If you are let down with this masterpiece then you clearly have no business watching real movies and should just go back to your good friend Cable TV to help you pass the time. That's right, I'm offering for the first time ever the CINEMAPHILES GUARANTEE 5 STAR GUARANTEE, if you are not completely satisfied with your viewing experience then we will refund you your two and a half hours.
Enjoy.

Alexis says:

5 Stars

I am biased. If it had not been for my love of Day Lewis and his performance in one of my all time favorite movies, Gangs of New York, I might never have pushed to see this movie. But I did and I was more than pleased. His performance as Daniel Plainview was just as good if not better than his portrayal of Bill the Butcher. But enough comparing already, the point is, Day Lewis was amazing to view. Even where the movie could appear slow to some it was gripping to watch Plainview. Imagine a movie where no one says a word until 15 minutes in and yet your interest is kept. This movie is good cinema.

Paul Dano's Sunday twins was also good, I have only seen Dano in Little Miss Sunshine where he was good, but I believe this showed that he can really act. The exchanges between Sunday and Plainview are unmatched in my viewing experience. The way these two get at each other to the core, mostly with oral banter, is gripping and you can't wait to see what the other will do next.

As for the title There Will Be Blood. Well, there is blood but very little and most of the violence and deaths in this movie are done so realistically but without a lot of gore and blood, which I appreciated. So don't let the title scare you away. If it makes you feel better, go with the Upton Sinclair title on which the movie is based, Oil!. There do you feel better.

5 Stars means drop whatever you are doing and watch this film, so why are you still reading?

Disturbia

Alexis says:

3.5 Stars

OK, so first let me say that I don't like horror films or lots of blood and gore but I like thrillers, especially ones about serial killers for some reason even though they leave me frightened and not wanting to go to bed and checking and rechecking all my doors and windows, but then again isn't that what a thriller is for?

I found this movie to be exactly as the box suggests, a nail biter. I should maybe even put a picture of my nails on here to show you the damage that was done by this thriller. The movie was the slightest bit predictable but I jumped when they wanted me to anyways and that David Morse, from 12 Monkeys to this there is just something creepy about that guy.

Overall, I thought this was pretty first rate if you like thrillers and left me analyzing it the next day, which I enjoy about movies but I had one real bone to pick with this movie. What is it about horror genres and thrillers that they need to be written like the only one viewing them is 16? I found this movie to have a little too much high school romance nonsense in it for my taste. Pretty much all the scenes with LaBeouf and Roemer could have been deleted and I would have been a little happier.

If horror thrillers are your thing this one isn't too bad.

Todd Says:

3 STARS

O.K. let me start by saying that a movie like this has to be graded on a curve. Seriously, I mean Disturbia is not ever going to make anyone's top ten list or anything, but if you compare it to Saw instead of Shindler's List then you can appreciate it a little more. Now that we've covered that, this was not a bad horror flick.

I've never particularly cared for the whole killer chasing the babysitter through the house after he killed her boyfriend with a waffle iron movie. But deep down I have to admit that I think you probably should die if you can't get away from a killer who refuses to run. What did those guys think it was just un-cool to chase someone?

Disturbia was good for it's genre. You get what you expect, and not a lot else, but that doens't mean that it's not worth watching.

Lars And The Real Girl

Todd Says:

5 STARS

This is an amazing movie. Somehow this film is both tragically depressing and surreally optomistic at the same time. I don't really know what to say except See This Movie.

Alexis Says:

4.5 Stars

I am a small fan of Gosling's so I was interested to see this movie. I love when I see a movie and I don't know a lot about it or have a lot of expectations because I am not expecting as much. This movie is almost indescribable, but here is an attempt. It is completely original, it is thought provoking and not at all predictable. It is sad and moving and gives new meaning to the ideas of a tight community. The plot is slightly twisted and so is the main character but in a moving way. I recommend that you see this movie, like I did, without too much more knowledge to sway your opinion of it before you view it. If you enjoy really good, original and well made movies you will see this movie for the gem it really is. If you like silly comedies or gore fests you may want to pass this one up.

Here's to hoping you like really good movies.

Juno

Alexis Says:

4.5 STARS

I found this movie funny, touching, moving, sad, and uplifting at different times. I found myself not really liking Juno or Vanessa much at first but the character development was finely written and in the end I really felt for both of them. I found myself relating to Vanessa's character even though are situations were different I felt we could be kindred spirits. And I found myself really liking Juno's parents even though I don't know why anyone would name a child Liberty Bell.

I thought this film addressed teen pregnancy in a new way that was clever and funny, yet real and thought provoking (babies have fingernails!) To say that Juno's just a teen who made a mistake, Vanessa is just a woman who wants a baby, Paulie's just a boy in love with a girl who doesn't seem to know it and Marc's just a selfish man would be simplifying the movie, so go and see this one. And if you don't cry or feel like you could cry if you could make tears, there just might be something wrong with you.

Todd Says:

4 STARS

I enjoyed this quirky little movie a lot, but I can't help thinking that it was a lot like Napoleon Dynamite, if Napoleon Dynamite was a sassy pregnant teenage girl. Part of the problem for me was all the hype. I don't often see movies on opening night, and if the critical praise gets too great I tend to expect perfection.

Although perfection may not have been acheived, Juno still offers a clear put funny look at teen pregnancy. The cast of characters is awesomely funny, Juno's dad being my favorite person in the movie. Some people are just born for heating and air. I highly recomend you see Juno if you like smart comedies.

The Simpsons Movie

Alexis says:

3.5 Stars

Do you love the Simpsons? If yes, you will appreciate all that there is to love about the Simpsons in this movie that feels like a really long episode but doesn't jump around as much as a typical episode.

Complete with cliches, bad jokes and Fox advertising The Simpsons Movie goes where few animated characters get to go. Flanders and Moe, Mr. Burns and Mayor Quimby, Milhouse to Rev. Lovejoy, all your favorite Sprinfieldites are present and just as clever as ever.

If you like the Simpsons and are looking for a comedy this one is worth a viewing, just be prepared to find yourself humming the words to 'Spider Pig' a week later.

Todd Says:

3 STARS

"Spider pig, spider pig, look out here comes the spider pig." Oh, sorry about that. I hope I didn't break that no-spoiler rule. But seriously folks, the Simpsons movie truly is like a realy long episode of the the Simpsons. One of the good ones though.

As you would expect, it's fast paced and off-the-wall all the way from beginning to end, not afraid to make fun of itself (or you). If you are a big fan of the TV show I highly recomend finding an hour and a half to watch it. If you like the show then you will like the movie. If you don't think that the Simpsons are funny, then don't bother with this movie, it is not a departure from their normal routine.

Dan In Real Life

Alexis says:

3 Stars


A not too sappy comedy about a widower raising three daughters (whom at least one of borders on brathood) who goes on vacation with his extended family and falls in love with a woman who turns out to be...his brother's girlfriend. You can imagine all the fun that ensues.

I would have liked this movie a little better if I didn't find it so similar to 'The Family Stone'. Siblings swapping partners is becoming a common theme in Hollywood? I will say that I feel that this movie did the sibling swapping with more taste and allows me to be contented with the ending that I won't spoil for you here.


Steve Carell is not always funny to me though I know that most Americans disagree (I like him in the Office) but I think this movie branches on being a drama and he is likable and entertaining in this tale.


This movie leaves me longing for a more tight-knit family and a parent styled 'Dear Dan' column in my own local paper. It is worth making your list of movies to view and Carell fans may enjoy it even more than I did.



Todd Says:

2.5 STARS

In my opinion a Feel-Good Movie should make you feel good, didn't happen. This movie was fairly well done for an un-original story. I mean it's like beating a dead horse, even if you do it with flair, what's the point. There is nothing new to see here, except...

Steve Carell could be a decent actor. Other than his work on The Office, I've only been able to enjoy him in Little Miss Sunshine (which by the way is an excellent movie). Carell does very well with this role, but it's a role that is a little too cliche for my taste.

All in all I think that this film just doesn't get it done. There were too many times when I found myself knowing what was coming, and hoping that I was wrong. I wasn't. But if you are interested in a predictable, feel good clone then this movie should go on your list.

No Country For Old Men

Todd Says:

4 STARS

I think that No Country For Old Men is as good of a character movie I’ve seen in a long time. None of the characters are what you’d want them to be, but that doesn’t mean they’re not well done (both written and acted). From the beaten-down sheriff (Tommy Lee Jones) to the completely deranged killer (Javier Bardem) the characters in this movie are extremely well developed.

Sure, there is a lot of gore along the way as we follow the hapless moron who finds a bunch of money and is stalked by the maniacal killer all across Texas. Sure, the story doesn’t have a happy ending, or beginning, or middle. Sure, this movie leaves you feeling a little frightened to go out in public. Sure, you probably won’t know how to feel about the ‘good guys’ in this movie. But, you will really be scared of the ‘bad guy,’ and I think that that shows talented film-making.

It’s maybe not a movie you’ll watch over and over, but I do think it’s a movie you should see. There is a lot of talent in this film, both in front of and behind the camera, and it is definitely a worth while watch.

Alexis Says:

3 STARS

It isn't that I totally dislike No Country For Old Men it's that it was not what I expected, I was let down and I thought the ending left a lot to be desired. I wanted my opinion of this movie to change so much that I waited a few days to write my review but even now I feel that the movie was a let down.

That being said I will add that Javier Bardem's character was incredible and won the 3 stars all himself that this movie earned. Bardem's madman is so convincing I was afraid to keep watching. It was believable to the point of making you fear convenient stores and rest stops. His voice, the volume and tone. His stern look. The way he carries his body when he walks. All chilling in the most terrifying way.

But even with an award worthy performance such as Bardem's, I was left feeling underwhelmed.

Sense and Sensibility (2008)

Sue Says:

5 Stars*****

What can I say? I love Jane Austen. I love her happy endings (that's saying a lot because I am not usually a happy ending kind of girl). I admire Elinor’s calm and her ability to see things clearly and I adore Marianne’s outspoken emotional perspective.

Sense and Sensibility is the story of two sisters who have the misfortune of being women and therefore having no control over their futures. When their father dies their half brother inherits everything and Elinor, Marianne, their mother and younger sister are forced to live in a much different manner than they are accustomed. In a time when everyone was defined by their fortune it seems unlikely that either sister will be able to make a good match, but this is Jane Austen after all. There is love, romance, and misunderstanding all around.

Oh, yeah, the movie, this one is my favorite version yet. The settings are beautiful. Especially the seaside, I would live there in a cottage any day.

The cast is age appropriate, unlike the 1995 version when Emma Thompson played Elinor. Emma is a fine actress, but Elinor is 19 and Emma, I don’t know if she ever was. Fanny Ferras Dashwood (the wife of their half brother) could not have been more perfect. From the moment I laid eyes on her I wanted to scratch hers out. I always wish whoever is playing Col. Brandon was a little more handsome, but I suppose that’s part of his charm.

I won’t give away the ending, but even though I knew what was going to happen, I found tears running down my cheeks.

Martian Child

Todd Says:

3 ½ STARS


Touching tale of a misfit adult trying to save a misfit child, and saving himself at the same time. Hallmark cheesy? Sometimes, but not too bad. There are definitely times when you know exactly what’s coming, but this story is deep enough in others places to make that O.K. Like the little boy who may or may not really be from Mars (no spoilers here).

All in all I guess it’s a movie about conformity, the dangers of not fitting in, and the dangers of losing yourself that you face by doing so. Oh, it’s also about a traumatized little boy who has grown up losing everyone that is supposed to love him. Poor Fromar, you will be missed.

This film is certainly worth seeing. But I guess you should consider that this opinion is coming from a grown up misfit who still struggles with these blasted conformity issues. It’s full of emotional ups and downs, as well as good characters that are real enough that you can’t decide whether or not to like them. It’s what you should expect from a major Hollywood studio, but it’s better than most in this flooded genre (the Feel-Good movie).



Alexis Says:

3 Stars

I felt that it was a good movie, with John Cusack channeling the classic Lloyd Dobbler. The ending was really touching, and story was good, but parts of this film made me want to scream: “Why do movies like this have to be so predictable?” Was this written when the writers were on strike?
John Cusack and his sister played off each other well as usual, but it seemed like too much of this movie was ‘as usual.’ The man adopting a little boy that could have been him as a little kid worked alright, but was a bit cliché. The alien analogy was right on, and worked for this one, but when it’s all said and done the movie was just average, and that left me a little disappointed.

Next

Todd Says:

1/2 STAR



Terrible is not too strong a word for this movie. Sometimes a transparent plot can be overcome
(somewhat) by good acting. Sometimes bad acting can be overcome by strong directing and well constructed scenes. Crappy dialog is usually an insurmountable obstacle that no amount of explosions and pointless car chase sequences can do anything about. This movie was a total waste of time. The best thing I can say about it is that it is only 96 minutes long, even though it seemed longer.

I knew the basic premise going in, Nick Cage's character could see briefly into the future, and action ensues. In my mind, this could have been better: more witty banter, maybe less bullet dodging. I mean lets face it, just because you know Mr. Bad guy is going to shoot you doesn't really make you as fast as Neo. And the script must have been written by the costume designer while the writers were on strike, I've heard better dialog in Sci-Fi Channel features. I felt just like the hero of this movie from the beginning, except instead of being able to see only two minutes ahead, I could see 96 minutes ahead, and it wasn't going to turn out well for me.

So let's face it, you know you have something better to do. Don't waste your time on this one.

Alexis Says:

O Stars

Like when holding auditions, I wanted to say ‘next’ shortly after this movie began and move onto the next film in our repertoire, but instead I diligently sat through 96 minutes of far fetched action centered melodrama starring Nicholas Cage as a man who can see into the future, but only two minutes into the future, and can see every possible scenario played out in those two minutes. It’s like time traveling meets clairvoyance and still doesn’t make any sense. This movie seems thrown together and lacks everything from a good plot to digestible dialogue. The hair, make-up and costumes were also disappointing, never have such well known attractive actors and actresses been so unappealing. Cage’s character can see two minutes into the future, but only two minutes of his life, until of course he finds Jessica Biel at a diner. After a scene that is too reminiscent of Groundhog Day the two characters somehow end up in the car together on their way to Flagstaff where they end up in a hotel room for the night and need I really go on? With Biel he can see way much farther into the future, and the rest of what is left of this substandard movie ensues including another scene that seems ripped off from another better movie, A Clockwork Orange. And in the end most of the movie never really happened except you can’t go back in time 96 minutes earlier and do something else with your time.

I highly recommend that you fire Hans G. Struhar, Mr. Cage, and change your jacket and get a hair cut. If the plot weren’t so outrageous and so full of holes maybe I could stomach all the petty one liners poorly delivered by the cast, but it is so outrageous and full of gaps that I want to hurl almost every time Moore opens her mouth to speak. The movie seems jumpy and rushed and most of the action unsatisfying. The best action shots are spoiled in the preview as is most everything tolerable about this movie. So I recommend that you at most settle in for the long two minute trailer to Next, but watch something else.

The tagline for this movie is "If You can see the future, you can save it." Well, you probably can’t see the future but why don’t you just take my word to pass this movie up. There, I’ve saved 96 minutes of your future from a witless unconvincing mindbender.

Your Welcome.

The Passion of Ayn Rand (1999)

Sue Says:



2 Stars

I watched this Friday night. Helen Mirren stars as Ayn and Peter Fonda plays the role of her husband Frank. Eric Stoltz is cast as her protégé and married lover Nathaniel Branden and Julie Delpy plays his wife Barbara. The film covers the time period during the affair while she was writing Atlas Shrugged and a few years immediately after. It is based on a novel written by Barbara Branden, so not quite unbiased.

In the interest of full disclosure I have to say that Atlas Shrugged is one of my least favorite books, and I have wondered on occasion if maybe I just didn’t “get it”. If there is any accuracy at all in this movie I think I can safely say, I did get it.

Ms. Rand taught of self preservation above all else. That man was only responsible for his own happiness and that human beings need feel no obligation to help others, especially if they were put at risk. In Atlas Shrugged a giant gold dollar sign becomes the symbol of what the novel’s “heroes” stand for. For myself this is unthinkable, and admittedly at times I can be overly concerned with the welfare of others, but it is not hard to see why such an idea would appeal to some people.

Because the movie begins half way through her life we do not learn anything about what events may have helped to form these ideals, in fact I would venture that this movie would not appeal to those without some background of Ms. Rand or her writing. I’m also not sure it would appeal to her admirers either, though I bet they could see their way to the logic of it all.

In conclusion, it was interesting, but not necessarily in a good way. I wasn’t really convinced by any of the actors, except the fabulous Helen Mirren, who I enjoy almost as much as some people do George Clooney. All in all, if you happen upon it, why not? But I wouldn’t go out of my way to get my hands on this one.