After Sunset: The Life & Times of the Drive-In Theater (1995) – bit of a low budget documentary on the fading glory of the drive-in theater told by Jon Bokenkamp as he recounts a road trip taken with three college friends. I got quite a kick outta this for two reasons. First, I love drive-in theaters and have spent more than my share of nights sitting on the hood of a car staring at a huge wall of moving pictures under the stars. Second, because I recently went on a road trip of my own where I visited many of the same spots shown in the film. I spent half the movie exclaiming “I’ve been there! I’ve been there!” to my empty apartment. This film is sweet, like good old American pie.
Baal (1982) – as for something nowhere near sweet we’ve got the BBC version of Bertolt Brecht’s play. Starring a scruffy young David Bowie (Labyrinth 1986) it’s a must watch for any true fan. Otherwise it’s drab and boring and not worth your time.
Chinjeolhan geumjassi aka Sympathy for Lady Vengeance (2005) – first there was Boksuneun naui geot aka Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance (2002). Then Oldboy (2003). Now Lady finishes off what’s known as Chan-wook Park’s Vengeance trilogy. All violet, but all amazing examples of South Korean story telling. With plots so twisted you never know what’s coming next.
The Descent aka Crawlspace (2005) – I really hadn’t planned on ever watching this, but it was there and so was I? Anyway, it was mildly interesting. A group of thrill seeking women decide to explore a deep cavern in the middle of the woods, and find much more than they were expecting. Blood, gore, blah blah blah. You get it.
Eragon (2006) – Bandy got me to watch this one, and it’s pretty cute. Fans of midlevel knights and such will love it. I’ve never seen Robert Carlyle look so creepy. Way beyond his roles in 28 Weeks Later (2007) or Ravenous (1999).
Freedom Writers (2007) – based on true events about a teacher that inspired underestimated students to do extraordinary things. Basically, another Stand and Deliver (1988) or Dangerous Minds (1995). Don’t get me wrong it doesn’t fail to touch the viewer; it’s a good movie. It’s just very easy to label the type.
G-Force (2009) – in 3D no less! Mom had to see it and I thought why not it’s been a while sense I watched something in 3D. It has its cute and funny moments, but I’ve never been a fan of kiddy movies.
Hak hap aka Black Mask (1996) – Jet Li (The Forbidden Kingdom 2008) kicks ass as the mysterious masked hero, but he does it better in his other movies. This one was laughable, and not quite in a good way.
The Incredible Hulk (2008) – I have to admit I liked this much better than the original Hulk (2003) movie. Better cast, better story. It’s written like the first never existed, and should be viewed as such.
Julie & Julia (2009) – another one of my mother’s picks. Based on two true stories because, I’m guessing, neither could stand on its own? In general I enjoyed the movie, but when it was over it felt very unfinished? It lacks closure of some sort, but I lack the words to say what exactly. Maybe I’m just jealous because people read Julie’s blog and were actively interested in her goal. Where I doubt anyone will read this.
Knowing aka Know1ng (2009) – lately I’ve found myself telling people the world is going to end on 10-09-09, because that’s the prediction discovered by Nicolas Cage (National Treasure 2004). This movie is nothing like I expected. It had me on the edge of my seat the whole time.
Lars and the Real Girl (2007) – a lonely man discovers love and friendship are all around him. Ryan Gosling (Oscar nominee for Half Nelson 2006) is wonderful as a delusional man who falls in love with a lifelike doll. Being told it’s the best thing for him his family and the whole town play along while he works out his issues. Also amazing, as always, is Patricia Clarkson (Oscar nominee for Pieces of April 2003). This is a gem.
Miami Vice (2006) – based on the original television series of the same name writer/director/producer Michael Mann (Collateral 2004) gives it a modern twist that works. I find that refreshingly surprising because the original is iconic for being so totally 80’s. I don’t remember if this was a hit or not, but I liked it.
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian aka Night at the Museum 2 (2009) – the first was cute; the second was 105 minutes I will never get back. I’ve yet to find anyone who liked this movie.
The Osterman Weekend aka Mission CIA (1983) – directed by Sam Peckinpah (Straw Dogs 1971) and based on the novel by Robert Ludlum, a rogue agent seeks revenge for the death of his wife. This is classic early 80’s cinema, and I love it just for that. ok, and for it’s all star cast that includes Rutger Hauer, John Hurt, Craig T. Nelson, Dennis Hopper, Chris Sarandon and Burt Lancaster.
The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004) – just as cute and silly as the first. Perfect for a brain dead weekend afternoon.
The Queen aka La regina (2006) – an interpretation of Princess Diana’s death as viewed by the queen of England. Helen Mirren received an Oscar for her dead on portrayal of the queen. And the film received several other nominations including Best Picture. All deserving in my opinion.
The Ringer (2005) – what I thought would be the stupidest movie was actually kinda cute. Johnny Knoxville (The Dukes of Hazzard 2005) gets pressured into pretending he’s mentally-challenged to rig the Special Olympics, and discovers it’s more of a challenge than he expected.
Suspect Zero aka Suspect 0 (2004) – an agent (Ben Kingsley – Oscar winner for Gandhi 1982) trained in remote viewing uses his talent to do a little house cleaning. A new twist on an old concept; and it works.
Twilight (2008) – I’ll admit it’s been a few months sense I saw this, but I’ll tell you what I remember thinking during the film. at first I thought it too farfetched and silly; I wondered what all the hype was about. But eventually I found myself drawn into the movie. is it a spell? Some kind of brain washing? Hypnosis? Whatever it is I’m actually looking forward to the next segment in the series.
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009) – I’ll admit it; I’m a big fan of Michael Sheen (Frost/Nixon 2008). I think he’s hugely underrated. He’s everywhere in movies, but he’s so good at immersing himself in his roles that most people don’t even realize it’s him. Here is one of the rare times he gets to exude raw sexuality; and no surprise to me he pulls it off exceptionally. I’d like to see him in more roles like this. As for the film, it’s the prequel to Underworld (2003). The story of how the war began between the vampire and werewolf races. And it’s just as good as the first.
Van Wilder 2: The Rise of Taj aka National Lampoon’s Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj (2006) – cute in a Revenge of the Nerds (1984) kinda way. Pretty good, but would have been better if Ryan Reynolds had reprised his role as Mr. Wilder.
Watching the Detectives (2007) – a quirky video store owner falls for a mysterious woman. Lucy Liu (Lucky Number Slevin 2006) plays completely against type as a total flake! I’m so use to seeing her play level headed that it was hard to get use to her being a giggling misfit. Anyway, I liked the movie, but would have liked it more 20 years ago when I could relate better to the characters.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) – all together now “yummy!” I’ve had this total lust thing for Wolverine sense the first movie, and it’s only getting worse. But the interesting surprise here was seeing Ryan Reynolds playing really evil. He’s always a good guy even when playing the bad guy. But he’s all bad here. final verdict, this is the best in the X-Men series.
Yes Man (2008) – a cut-off and timid man suddenly decides to answer “yes” to everything and finds himself on all kinds of adventures. I dare all of you to try this out, answer “yes” to the next opportunity given you. Who knows what you’ll discover?
Zzyzx (2006) – boring. On top of that I hated seeing Kenny Johnson (“Saving Grace” Ham Dewey 37 episodes, 2007-2009) play such a creep.
10 Items or Less (2006) – Morgan Freeman (Oscar winner for Million Dollar Baby 2004) basically plays himself as an out of work actor doing character research for an upcoming part. You kinda feel like you’re watching the creative process behind making this movie rather than the movie itself. Freeman is absolutely adorable making this film a real treat to watch.
As always, you’re welcome to follow my progress here.