Review: The International (2009)

Good political thriller with powerful message. Very loosely based on true events.
First 30 minutes is very slow and boring but it picks up momentum and keep you interested. There is some action too.
plot is somewhat similar to Lord of war. Not a shoot 'em up movie, the story build up gradualy with slow pace.

Story is about a Interpol agent trying to bring down a bank that is involved in a huge arms deal scam.

Best quote in the movie, regarding war and banking industry by Umberto Calvini the Italian prime ministerial candidate.

The IBBC is a bank, their objective isn't to control the conflict, Its to control the debt the conflict produces. You see the real value of a conflict, the true value is in the debt that it creates. You control the debt you control everything.

You find this upsetting, yes but this is the very essence of the banking industry. To make us all weather we be nations or individuals slaves to debt.

Starring Clive Owen, Naomi Watts

Directed by Tom Tykwer

Distributed by Columbia Pictures

Running time: 118 minutes

Rating: 8/10 (The International)

Review: Synecdoche, New York (2008)

Different and twisted story. Really a depressing movie. Cannot say I enjoyed it much but I loved the acting by Hoffman.
I like serious movies but this one is very weird.

Story is about a theater director who is tormented by life around him.

Starring Philip Seymour Hoffman

Directed by Charlie Kaufman

Distributed by Sony Pictures Classics

Running time: 124 minutes

Rating: 6/10 (Synecdoche, New York)

Review: He's Just Not That Into You (2009)

Nice interconnected story (Comedy) about misinterpretation and misunderstanding about obvious human behaviors in relationships. Movie has some funny parts, many laughing points are stupid ideas we have in life, so its kind of laughing at ourselves
This is kind of a Chick flick, so ladies you are gonna love this one.
I'm pretty sure that you'll find some part of this movie to be a documentary about your life.

Watch out for the Gigi's monologue in the end of the movie, you can learn lot from that.

Movie is based on a book by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo (Same name)

Surprisingly there are lot of big names in the movie,
Starring Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Scarlett Johansson, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Connelly, Justin Long, Ginnifer Goodwin, Bradley Cooper, Kevin Connolly

Directed by Ken Kwapis

Distributed by New Line Cinema

Running time: 129 minutes

Rating: 8/10 (He's Just Not That Into You)

Review: Ong bak 2 (2008)

Now this is a excellent martial arts movie. non stop fighting with well choreographed fight scenes. The movie features fights in variety of Asian martial art styles.
Realistic fights, totally unique experience that you will not get from any other movie.
There is a really nice elephant taming scene, Thailand style.
First movie was good but this one is totally awesome.

The story is about a young Thai boy on a path of self discovery and revenge.

Movie is in sub titles since it's a Thai movie. You don't need worry about it, Movie is 80% fighting.

By the ending of the movie we can expect Ong bak 3 very soon.

Starring Tony Jaa

Directed by Tony Jaa, Panna Rittikrai

Distributed by Sahamongkol Film International

Running time: 97 minutes

Rating: 9/10 (Ong bak 2)

Review: Behind Enemy Lines: Colombia (2009)

This movie was a time waster for me. Acting was terrible and seems like low budgeted.
It has some good action but when you compare it with the first movie this is awful.
This movie stars World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) "Mr. Kennedy" (Kenneth Anderson). If you are a wrestling fan, then you should probably watch this movie because Mr. Kennedy is a Top Gun who plays a major role in the movie.

The story is about a special unit of Navy SEALS who are fighting Colombian special forces to regain their honor and rescue a hostage.

No real story only non stop Action.

Starring Kenneth Anderson, Joe Manganiello

Directed by Tim Matheson

Distributed by 20th Century Fox

Running time: 94 minutes

Rating: 6/10 (Behind Enemy Lines: Colombia)

Review: Swing Vote (2008)

I first thought this was a comedy. It turns out be a mix of good comedy and drama with a very big and strong message. This is a must for everyone. You won't regret watching this movie. The plot is pretty original with a superb ending.

Story is about entire presidential election been decided on one single vote. Bud Johnson who is an alcoholic and totally clueless on who to vote.

This movie shows us how everything around us is so commercialized. The bottom line is power and money nothing else.

Interesting quote from the movie, told by Bud Johnson while reading a letter from a citizen.

"If this is one of the richest countries in the world, why is it so many of us can barely afford living here?"

Starring Kevin Costner (Earnest "Bud" Johnson), Madeline Carroll (Molly Johnson)

Directed by Joshua Michael Stern

Distributed by Touchstone Pictures

Running time: 114 minutes

Rating: 8/10 (Swing Vote)

Review: Without a Paddle: Nature's Calling (2008)

For me it was a waste of time. Acting was dumb and terrible with very little humor. There were some funny parts like the really mad squirrels and some scenes of Earth child. Maybe you should give it a try and see, only 90 minutes.

Story is about two friends who are on a crazy adventure to find a missing girl who they know from the grade school.

The first Without a Paddle movie was super. They should have kept the actors from the previous movie for this one also. It could have made a big difference.

Starring Oliver James, Amber McDonald

Directed by Ellory Elkayem

Distributed by Paramount Pictures

Running time: 96 minutes

Rating: 6/10 (Without a Paddle: Nature's Calling)

Review: Changeling (2008)

Great movie which I will remember for a long time. What is really shocking is to see that this movie is based on true events that happened in 1928 Los Angeles.

The story centers around Christine Collins struggle to find her missing child.
This movie take a deep look at political corruption, police corruption and treating women secondly back in 1920's.

We all must salute the courage of this one women who stood up for her rights and demand justice.

Watch out for your temper since you will get really mad seen the social injustices she faces.

Starring Angelina Jolie (Christine Collins)

Directed by Clint Eastwood

Studio: Imagine Entertainment, Malpaso Productions

Distributed by Universal Pictures

Running time: 141 minutes

Rating: 9/10 (Changeling)

Review: Frost/Nixon (2008)

Excellent remake of the famous Frost/Nixon interviews. I don't think it could have been much better. This is a must watch for any person who loves Biographical movies.
Outstanding performance by both Michael Sheen (David Frost) and Frank Langella (Richard Nixon). The first half of the movie was boring but it gradually pick up momentum into the end.

Famous quote by Richard Nixon

"I'm saying that when president does it That means it's not illegal"

I have not seen the real Frost/Nixon interviews. Some say it's better than the movie.

Starring Michael Sheen, Frank Langella

Directed by Ron Howard

Studio: Imagine Entertainment, Working Title Films, Relativity Media, StudioCanal

Distributed by Universal Pictures

Running time: 122 minutes

Rating: 8/10 (Frost/Nixon)

RocknRolla Johnny Quid Monologue (Piano Speech)

This must be the best Quote from the RocknRolla movie.
Johnny Quid do a Monologue about Irony about smoking. Piano is also played for a nice melody.

Johnny Quid: You see that pack of Virginia killing sticks on the end of the piano?

Pete: Yes.

Johnny Quid: All you need to know about life is retained in those four walls.

Johnny Quid: You will notice that one of your personalities is seduced by the illusions of grandeur - the gold packet of king size with a regal insignia, an attractive implication towards grandeur and wealth, the subtle suggestion that cigarettes are indeed your royal and loyal friends, and that, Pete, is a lie.

Johnny Quid: Your other personality is trying to draw your attention to the flip side of the discussion, written in boring bold black and white, it's a statement that these neat little soldiers of death and in fact trying to kill you and that, Pete, is the truth.

Johnny Quid: Oh, beauty is a beguiling call to death and i'm addicted to the sweet pitch of its siren.

Johnny Quid: That that starts sweet ends bitter, and that which starts bitter ends sweet.

Johnny Quid: That is why you and i love the drugs and that is also why I cannot give that painting back. now please, pass me a light (or lie).

Pete: Oh you are something special, Mr johnny quid.

Review: Dead Like Me: Life After Death (2009)

Frankly I found this movie to be very boring, Nothing funny till the 25th minute. Maybe I missed the best part or something else. acting was also bit rusty and shady.
I had high hopes for this movie, turned out be a big disappointment for me.
The story line is original for a movie (based on Dead Like Me television series).

Story is about a group of reapers who are under a new head reaper Cameron Kane.

Starring Ellen Muth

Directed by Stephen Herek

Distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Running time: 87 minutes

Rating: 5/10 (Dead Like Me: Life After Death)

Review: The Hurt Locker (2009)

Very realistic movie about the Iraqi war. Very good suspense will keep you glued to the seat. We must salute all who risk their lives for betterment of others specially bomb disposal units who always gamble with life every time they go out to disarm a bomb. The character James was a real wild character wonder if there are people really like him in the Army.
Movie silently talk about the heavy emotional toll on soldiers in this messy Iraqi war.

Story is about a special bomb squad unit called U.S. Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). How they face bomb threats every day in a very hostile environment.

Starring Jeremy Renner, Ralph Fiennes (strangely a small role)

Directed by Kathryn Bigelow

Distributed by Summit Entertainment

Running time: 131 minutes

Rating: 7/10 (The Hurt Locker)

Review: Balls Out: Gary the Tennis Coach (2008)

Movie was not bad but could have been better. Good "Stupid Humor" category movie.
I can say it's worth a watch.
Seann William Scott is always funny but this movie is not good as his previous hits like American Pie, Road Trip or Dude, Where's My Car? maybe it's because he had to do a one man show in this movie. Philippine exchange student was good too.

Story is about a overenthusiastic high-school janitor who is handed over the coaching of a pretty messed up tennis team. Now he wants them to win the Nebraska state championship.

Starring Seann William Scott

Directed by Danny Leiner

Distributed by Sony Pictures

Running time: 92 minutes

Rating: 7/10 (Balls Out: Gary the Tennis Coach)

Review: Wonder Woman (2009)

Theme is simple, Don't mess with the Amazon Women :)
Good animation with Action and a Fighter jet dog fight. Some fight scenes were stupid they could have been better. Good story with a Ironic ending.

Story is obviously about how Wonder Woman became to be the super hero we all know.

Nice quote from the movie,

Secretary: Mr President the threat has been neutralized.
Mr President: How?
Secretary: It seems by a group of armored Super Models.

Voice: Keri Russell (Wonder Woman), Nathan Fillion (Steve Trevor)

Directed by Lauren Montgomery

Distributed by Warner Premiere, Warner Bros. Animation, DC Comics

Running time: 75 minutes

Rating: 8/10 (Wonder Woman)

Review: How to Lose Friends and Alienate People (2008)

Entertaining comedy mixed with us and British humor.
This guy Sidney Young really know how to annoy people with his British jokes.
He is so funny and a lunatic. A must watch, don't miss this movie.
Movie is funnier when it rolls onto the middle.

Story is about a British writer who is working on a famous magazine in New York trying to figure out how things are done "Big Time".

Based on Toby Young's memoir "How to Lose Friends & Alienate People"

Starring Simon Pegg, Kirsten Dunst, Jeff Bridges, Megan Fox

Directed by Robert B. Weide

Distributed by Channel Four Films, Paramount Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Running time: 110 minutes

Rating: 8/10 (How to Lose Friends & Alienate People)

Review: Taking Chance (2009)

Good drama movie about war and how it affect a nation. War is cruel and blind it consume everything around it and leave the side effect for years to come.
This movie emotionally unfolds how a fallen American soldier is brought back home.

Story is based on true events about a volunteer military escort officer (Lt. Col. Michael Strobl) taking the body of Marine Chance Phelps to his home town.

I hate war and I hate politics. War is all about politics.

Naturally, the common people don't want war: neither in Russia, nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But after all it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship . . . Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. (at the Nuremberg Trials, shortly before being sentenced to death)

Hermann Goering

Starring Kevin Bacon

Directed by Ross Katz

Distributed by HBO Films

Running time: 77 minutes

Rating: 8/10 (Taking Chance)

Review: Resident Evil: Degeneration (2008)

I'm completely disappointed in this film. I expected much more form this movie since I have seen the Resident Evil film trilogy. I thought this been an animation they will blow my mind off by spectacular effects. Movie is not bad but could have been much better.

The story is based on the popular Game Resident Evil. Resident Evil film trilogy plot was different than the actual game but this movie is set with same characters you will find in the game like Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield.
This time Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield come together to fight a new kind of terrorism and a new virus called G virus.

Directed by Makoto Kamiya

Distributed by Sony Pictures Entertainment

Running time: 96 Minutes

Rating: 6/10 (Resident Evil: Degeneration)

Review: Religulous (2008)

Nice documentary by Bill Maher. Filled with humor and sarcasm but talks about a very complex subject "religion".
If you are a Christian, Muslim, Jew, Scientology or any variant of given religions you should be ready to accept freedom of speech to watch this movie.
I agree with the most of the points Bill Maher show. Documentary is worth your time if your religion is based on a god, if not you already know most of the facts Bill Maher show.

Starring Bill Maher

Directed by Larry Charles

Distributed by Lions Gate Entertainment

Running time: 101 minutes

Rating: 7/10 (Religulous)

Review: The Wrestler (2009)

Great movie peaking into a wrestlers real life.
You can find out how the real wrestling act is done. How they pre plan all the moves done in the ring. Even though all moves are planned it takes lot of skill and stamina to survive in the ring. One false move could be fatal.
Sometimes the movie was slow but the overall experience was good.

Story is about a retired professional wrestler Randy "The Ram" who tries to put together his shattered life.

Mickey Rourke's performance was pretty good.

Starring Mickey Rourke (Randy "The Ram"), Marisa Tomei (Pam)

Directed by Darren Aronofsky

Distributed by Fox Searchlight Pictures

Running time: 115 minutes

Rating: 8/10 (The Wrestler)

Review: Hulk Vs. (2009)

Hulk Vs. are two short films by Marvel Studios. If you love Marvel super heroes you will also love these two movies.

Hulk vs. Wolverine is my personal favorite and is better than Hulk vs Thor, lot of known super heroes are there including saber tooth. Story begin with Wolverine been called into action to hunt down a mysteries green monster.

If you love Thor don't watch Hulk vs Thor. Hulk beat the crap out of Thor.

In both stories there's not much of a plot to follow. But you can surely enjoy the total wrath of Hulk fall upon who cross his path.

Directed by Frank Paur and Sam Liu

Distributed by Lionsgate Home Entertainment

Running time: 82 minutes

Rating: 8/10 (Hulk vs. Wolverine)

Rating: 7/10 (Hulk vs. Thor)

Review: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

This is a great story. You will learn even if it's backwards or forward the ultimate final result will be the same.
Carefully listen to Benjamin Button narration. You would pick up really good advice and lessons of life.
Cannot say the plot is 100% original because of Forest Gump's. It was a great experience to watch this movie till the end.
If someone ask what is the best drama movie you have watched I will say The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

Starring Brad Pitt (Benjamin Button), Cate Blanchett (Daisy)

Directed by David Fincher who directed Fight Club (My all time favorite movie)

Distributed by Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros

Running time: 165 minutes

Rating: 9/10 (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)

Review: Bolt (2008)

This movie can be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike. Very good animation, Good touch.
If Walt Disney is apart of something you can expect good work.
Very funny, cute and sometimes emotional movie.
Watch out for Rhino and Pigeons they are super cool.

Story is about an action star hero dog (Bolt) who thinks he has fictional super power for real.

Voice: John Travolta, Miley Cyrus

Directed by Chris Williams

Distributed by Walt Disney Pictures

Running time: 96 minutes

Rating: 7/10 (Bolt)

Review: The Express (2008)

This movie is a excellent biographical movie about the great Syracuse University football player Ernie Davis. The movie was worth every second. If you need a inspiration for your life, this is the movie for you. The story also reflect the heavy racial tension that was around 50's and 60's in USA.

Starring Rob Brown, Dennis Quaid

Directed by Gary Fleder

Distributed by Universal Pictures

Running time: 130 minutes

Rating: 8/10 (The Express)

Review: RocknRolla (2008)

Wow superb British crime movie with lot of black humor. How the story unfold is really great. I recommend anyone to watch RocknRolla. Realistic action, Look out for the character of Johnny Quid and his monologue when he plays the piano, Something we surely need to think about. I loved the two Russian hitmen they never stay beaten down.

Story is about the London's underworld real estate market and centers around one big deal with a Russian.

Starring Gerard Butler, Tom Wilkinson, Thandie Newton, Mark Strong

Directed by Guy Ritchie

Distributed by Warner Bros

Running time: 114 minutes

Rating: 8/10 (RocknRolla)

Review: City of Ember (2008)

City of Ember is a good family movie. I feel it's more suitable for kids. Original story line and express a good message to the world - "Take care of our planet".
Overall acting was good but I expected more from Bill Murray.

City of Ember is a city built underground for human survival since the earth surface is no longer support life (Reason is not mentioned in the movie). The Ember city is powered by a large generator for years, now the generator is starting to fail and ember citizens must find a way out.

City of Ember(Movie) is based on a novel (City of Ember) written by Jeanne Duprau

Directed by Gil Kenan

Starring Bill Murray, Saoirse Ronan, Harry Treadaway

Distributed by 20th Century Fox, Walden Media

Running time: 90 minutes

Rating: 7/10 (City of Ember)

Review: Taken (2008)

Taken is an excellent thriller. You should definitely watch this film.
Action, drama, suspense everything is perfect. Acting was excellent by Liam Neeson.
Never seen a good thriller like taken for a long time. Realistic action, you'll enjoy the movie every bit. Don't miss this one.

Story is about an Ex CIA agent (preventer) who needs to rescue his kidnapped daughter from been sold to slave trade. He will need all his experience and skill to accomplish this mission.

The story is not original but don't be fool by that.

Directed by Pierre Morel

Distributed by 20th Century Fox, EuropaCorp

Running time: 93 minutes

Rating: 9/10 (Taken)

Review: Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon

Excellent Chinese war film. I'm always a big fan of Chinese dynasty warriors. Really good war scenes, lot of action and fighting. Music is also good. I'm sure anyone will enjoy this film.
Sometimes the story just fast forward all of a sudden. That's the only complaint I have. Other than that the movie was Great.

Story is about the legendary general Zhao Zilong of the Kingdom of Shu. His rise and fall.

Movie is based on the historical novel Romance of Three Kingdoms.

Directed by Daniel Lee

Distributed by Sundream Motion Pictures

Running time: 102 minutes

Rating: 8/10 (Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon)

Review: What Just Happened (2008)

In overall not very good. I must say the movie had some funny moments.
Not my taste, maybe you'll like it. There's a really pissed off Bruce Willis in the film for a small part.
I really expected more because Robert De Niro has very good reputation.
Story is very lame and boring sometimes. Movie lacked something, maybe too slow.

Story is about a Hollywood producer who is trying to make his new movie work.

Directed by Barry Levinson

Distributed by Magnolia Pictures

Running time: 104 minutes

Rating: 6/10 (What Just Happened)

Review: Body of Lies (2008)

Body of Lies is a very good thriller and a spy movie. Story is not very original, I have seen similar plots previously.
Very good performance by Leonardo DiCaprio (Roger Ferris). Sadly there is a needless love story in the movie also.

Story is a about a CIA operative who is trying to track down a terrorist leader active in Jordan.

This movie is based on a novel written by David Ignatius.

Distributed by Warner Bros

Running time: 128 min

Rating: 8/10 (Body of Lies)

Review: Inkheart (2009)

Inkheart is a magical and charming story.
Classic family movie which will take your mind through a fantasy world. Great for kids.
Nice to see Brendan Fraser in a film like this. He is famous for the mummies movie.
Preatty original story line, Unique story which I never seen before.

Story is about a man who has the power to bring characters out of the story books. He and his daughter along with a story book hero should stop an evil villan from unleashing great evil (shadow) to this world.

(Movie is based on a novel by Cornelia Funke)

Distributed by New Line Cinema

Running time: 106 min

Rating: 7/10 (Inkheart)

Review: The Reader (2008)

The Reader Excellent story about love and secrecy. This story shows you how easily young people could seduced to make love and do any bidding for the lover. It's so strange that how much ones first love can affect their whole life.

The story is mainly about a man who is shadowed by a love he had with an older woman when he was 15 years. Story unfolds centering the mans past and present showing how he silently suffer from his old memories.

Very strong and strange story of love. Very good acting by David Kross as Michael Berg, Kate Winslet as Hanna Schmitz, Ralph Fiennes as Michael Berg (Adult)

The film is based on a novel written by Bernhard Schlink

Distributed by The Weinstein Company

Running time: 124 min

Rating: 8/10 (The Reader)

Review: Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009)

I can say it's average, Nothing special. I expected more from this movie.
Story is about a mall cop (Kevin James) which suffer from hypoglycemia (He will pass out when his blood is low in sugar). One day a group of criminals take over the mall, then its up to Paul Blart: Mall Cop to save the day.
I like to talk more about the criminals. They are very acrobatic and agile. Most of them do urban stunts, BMX bike stunts and skate board stunt. You can enjoy it very much.
Some jokes were very dumb, I'm really disappointed on this film.

Studio: Happy Madison

Distributed by Columbia Pictures

Running time: 88 min

Rating: 7/10 (Movie)

Review: The Spirit (2009)

The Spirit is a film similar to Sin City. Comic type of a movie.
These films has different color scheme and effects than normal movies, Even the acting is weired and awkward.
What I can say for this movies is that its crap compared to Sin City. So sad that Samuel L. Jackson is part of this movie.
There is no good story to follow, Only thing you can enjoy is the killing with a sense of humor.
I love the movies directed by Frank Miller but this must be the worst.

Distributed by Lions Gate Entertainment and OddLot Entertainment

Running time: 102 min

Rating: 6/10 (2009)

Review: Marley and Me (2009)

Marley & Me is a sweet and very dramatic movie filled with humor.
Marely (labrador retrievers) is the most misbehaved dog you'll ever see. (My dog is also somewhat like him too)
Any dog lover should watch this movie.
The story is about a couple (Owen Wilson & Jennifer Aniston) who are going through typical life problems, to make problems worse they have to live with a dog who misbehaved all the time.
Story touch your emotions as the couple step by step raise their family and Marely.
Great movie, very touching.

(Marley & Me is based on an autobiographical book by journalist John Grogan)

Distributed by 20th Century Fox

Running time: 115 minutes

Rating: 8/10 (Marley & Me)