One of the gripping thrillers from the past ten years is Derailed. After watching this, you'll agree with the so-called professional critics that this was no good or it was missing something.
Phillippe LaRoche, a French criminal is out to ruin a random man's life with a series of blackmails and such. Story starts with a 9-to-5 guy who has a boring life. Charles is having marital problems and his daughter is suffering from diabetes. So he is determined to keep working. One day he falls asleep on his commuter train and he gets a ticket. Some random woman, who goes by Lucinda (Jennifer Aniston), pays his fine which leads to an eventual affair behind their spouses' backs. That's where it all starts. A chain reaction which leads to several blackmails and getting certain people and things involved takes place. LaRoche comes in the pair's hotel room and that's where it begins.
This is a quite different thriller as it has many actors who are often not seen in blockbuster movies. Even Jennifer Aniston, who was trying to put her 'Friends' typecast behind her, didn't make this film that interesting. Although I can't imagine who else would have taken her place. The film also stars two rappers, RZA and Xzibit, who play good and bad guys, respectively.
Would I recommend this? Only for date night, or if you're in the mood for an unpredictable thriller. Not to give it away (spoiler!), but there are some weird coincidences that occur in the end. So what to believe, what to believe.....
My rating: 5 out of 10
Friday, March 7, 2014
Thursday, March 6, 2014
03/06: Brave
I thought I'd do another Pixar/Disney one, this time Brave. It was the most recent original Pixar movie with its original characters. This was to continue their power streak, as well as building on to the Disney empire.
The title, as one would think, is inspired by the film's main character, a young princess named Merida. She is one of those heiresses who doesn't want to live by family traditions and would rather march to the beat of her own drum. If you remember the previews, she is shown to be an archer. Archery is a sport that is continuing to regain in popularity (especially for women). The Hunger Games played no small part, and Brave was to add more hype to it. Anyway, Merida goes to a witch (who disguises herself as a wood crafter) to bargain with her. Merida's mother Elinor accidentally transforms into a big bear, and it is up to Merida to undo the spell.
As said above, Pixar has had a long continuous streak of hits, starting with Toy Story. But, for some reason I felt this one was missing something. Sure, it is a great film kids can easily enjoy. Me and Roger Ebert did agree on something though: parents or grownups who were expecting a movie for all ages may seem disappointed. I'd still give this one a go if you have children.
My rating: 6 out of 10
The title, as one would think, is inspired by the film's main character, a young princess named Merida. She is one of those heiresses who doesn't want to live by family traditions and would rather march to the beat of her own drum. If you remember the previews, she is shown to be an archer. Archery is a sport that is continuing to regain in popularity (especially for women). The Hunger Games played no small part, and Brave was to add more hype to it. Anyway, Merida goes to a witch (who disguises herself as a wood crafter) to bargain with her. Merida's mother Elinor accidentally transforms into a big bear, and it is up to Merida to undo the spell.
As said above, Pixar has had a long continuous streak of hits, starting with Toy Story. But, for some reason I felt this one was missing something. Sure, it is a great film kids can easily enjoy. Me and Roger Ebert did agree on something though: parents or grownups who were expecting a movie for all ages may seem disappointed. I'd still give this one a go if you have children.
My rating: 6 out of 10
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
03/05: Go Ask Alice
This strangely, bizarre TV movie was based on the controversial novel of the same name. The title itself comes from the Jefferson Airplane 'White Rabbit' lyric, possibly referring to 'Alice in Wonderland'. The song is known for its drug references, which also triggered a lot of controversy during the turbulent 1960s. Before the days of ABC's 'Afterschool Special', this would've been a great fit.
So why do I say strangely and bizarre to this tragic drama? I really don't want to give it away, but for starters, the story is NOT true. It is not based on any individual, alive or dead. Instead, it is believed that it was the common stereotype of a good girl gone bad after hanging with the wrong crowd. Such were those times during the 1960s (as well as any generation for that matter). Alice is a high schooler who turns to alcohol and drugs while trying to adjust to a new place and school. Peer pressure gives in. It is always a tragedy to see someone make horrible choices, including those that affect not just their behavior and habits but their loved ones and friends. We see this as the movie goes, as Alice slowly descends.
As always the case, the book supposedly provides more details. I have not read it, as I'm sure it is very hard to come by. Perhaps, the Pirate Bay may have a copy, who knows. I'm gonna have to deduct some points since while this was a TV-movie, it should have been longer. Sometimes stories like these don't take that amount of time, and I feel it could have been 'beefed up' in a way. What's also noteworthy is this has William Shatner playing Alice's dad. This was during, what I call his 'slump years' between the two Star Trek periods. It's also Mackenzie Phillips' first project, right before American Graffiti.
My rating: 4 out of 10
So why do I say strangely and bizarre to this tragic drama? I really don't want to give it away, but for starters, the story is NOT true. It is not based on any individual, alive or dead. Instead, it is believed that it was the common stereotype of a good girl gone bad after hanging with the wrong crowd. Such were those times during the 1960s (as well as any generation for that matter). Alice is a high schooler who turns to alcohol and drugs while trying to adjust to a new place and school. Peer pressure gives in. It is always a tragedy to see someone make horrible choices, including those that affect not just their behavior and habits but their loved ones and friends. We see this as the movie goes, as Alice slowly descends.
As always the case, the book supposedly provides more details. I have not read it, as I'm sure it is very hard to come by. Perhaps, the Pirate Bay may have a copy, who knows. I'm gonna have to deduct some points since while this was a TV-movie, it should have been longer. Sometimes stories like these don't take that amount of time, and I feel it could have been 'beefed up' in a way. What's also noteworthy is this has William Shatner playing Alice's dad. This was during, what I call his 'slump years' between the two Star Trek periods. It's also Mackenzie Phillips' first project, right before American Graffiti.
My rating: 4 out of 10
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
03/04: Finding Nemo
With all the hype of the Oscars dying down, I figured I might as well right a review with a film with Ellen DeGeneres in it. Mr. Wrong? Haven't seen it nor do I want to see it right away. EdTv? Haven't seen it just yet. Finding Nemo stands out as one of the greatest animated classics for (I guess its safe to say) the generation below me.
If you've seen the movie, you'll know right away after watching it the message is 'hope'. Let's hope this will happen. Let's hope we can find Nemo. Red once said in The Shawshank Redemption, "Hope drives a man insane." Not to be 'Negative Nancy' in any way, but miracles don't always happen. Sometimes they do though. A short rundown of the story: A father-son fish duo are separated when he lets his son Nemo go to school. You see, Marlin, the dad is overprotective after what happened to Nemo's mother years back. Along the way to 'finding Nemo', Marlin meets a spazzy, ditzy, klutzy Dory (DeGeneres) who unbelievably leads him to an obstacle course to get to their destination.
Truly a great family and kids movie that will go on for generations. Its too bad something like Pixar didn't exist well when I was little. But they still came out when I was young, fresh out of my teens. As much as I hate to say it, its sad to see, in my humble opinion, Pixar beginning to decline. I personally don't think Finding Nemo needs a sequel, as Finding Dory is due to come out two years from now. Sure, the sequel thing worked with Toy Story, but then again, Pixar has always proved everyone wrong and leaving their critics silent. Bring it on.
My rating: 7 out of 10
If you've seen the movie, you'll know right away after watching it the message is 'hope'. Let's hope this will happen. Let's hope we can find Nemo. Red once said in The Shawshank Redemption, "Hope drives a man insane." Not to be 'Negative Nancy' in any way, but miracles don't always happen. Sometimes they do though. A short rundown of the story: A father-son fish duo are separated when he lets his son Nemo go to school. You see, Marlin, the dad is overprotective after what happened to Nemo's mother years back. Along the way to 'finding Nemo', Marlin meets a spazzy, ditzy, klutzy Dory (DeGeneres) who unbelievably leads him to an obstacle course to get to their destination.
Truly a great family and kids movie that will go on for generations. Its too bad something like Pixar didn't exist well when I was little. But they still came out when I was young, fresh out of my teens. As much as I hate to say it, its sad to see, in my humble opinion, Pixar beginning to decline. I personally don't think Finding Nemo needs a sequel, as Finding Dory is due to come out two years from now. Sure, the sequel thing worked with Toy Story, but then again, Pixar has always proved everyone wrong and leaving their critics silent. Bring it on.
My rating: 7 out of 10
Monday, March 3, 2014
03/03: The Great Muppet Caper
I remember the days back in the 80s when every other weekend me and my sisters would pick out videos to rent at the local video store, Treasure Trove. I would always pick the kiddie movie, and usually it was something Disney or with Muppets. Hard to believe that today they are corporate sisters. Funny and not-so good or bad how times change like that....
The latest Muppet movie will come out this month. So why not review a Muppet movie from the past? Well, here's the second big screen effort for those unforgettable puppets, or 'Muppets'! Put out just two years after their first (as well as right after their TV series ended), this one followed the same formula. With a little comedy, music, song-and-dance, celebrity cameos here and there. But this one is about solving a mystery. The glamorous Lady Holiday has her jewels stolen, and Miss Piggy is framed for it. Oh, Miss Piggy, how she was annoying....but anyway....
There are several cool scenes, as so 'Muppety'. First, there's the Happiness Hotel. A run-down but free place to stay. Everything a traveler's worst nightmare there is, but you have your lovable furry friends who are just like you running the place. Then you have the 'Baseball Diamond' which is the thieves' main destination to steal.
If you love the Muppets, I say definitely put this one on. Lots of corniness and silliness but in true Muppet style. For me, that's good.
My rating: 7 out of 10
The latest Muppet movie will come out this month. So why not review a Muppet movie from the past? Well, here's the second big screen effort for those unforgettable puppets, or 'Muppets'! Put out just two years after their first (as well as right after their TV series ended), this one followed the same formula. With a little comedy, music, song-and-dance, celebrity cameos here and there. But this one is about solving a mystery. The glamorous Lady Holiday has her jewels stolen, and Miss Piggy is framed for it. Oh, Miss Piggy, how she was annoying....but anyway....
There are several cool scenes, as so 'Muppety'. First, there's the Happiness Hotel. A run-down but free place to stay. Everything a traveler's worst nightmare there is, but you have your lovable furry friends who are just like you running the place. Then you have the 'Baseball Diamond' which is the thieves' main destination to steal.
If you love the Muppets, I say definitely put this one on. Lots of corniness and silliness but in true Muppet style. For me, that's good.
My rating: 7 out of 10
Sunday, March 2, 2014
03/02: Titanic (1997)
Welp....tonight was the Academy Awards for 2013, so apologies for making this post late. It was just announced that 12 Years a Slave won Best Picture (as some newspapers predicted). So, I'm going to go ahead and finally write about one of my favorite guilty pleasures of all-time, Titanic! Titanic needs no introduction; it is the king of the world! (Pun intended)
Just about all of us are aware and were taught about the historical real-life sinking of the Titanic ship which happened more than a century ago. But what is the main fictional part of the movie is of course the love story between Jack Dawson and Rose Dewitt. It is a classic love tale that blends so many elements. Sure, its nothing we probably haven't seen before; girl is forced to marry for security reasons, meets better guy who is poorer, rich guy turns aggressive...yeah, we all have seen that somewhere. However, this is all put together uniquely by James Cameron as it is all set on a huge cruise ship during a classic time in history.
Besides the sinking, one of the many things that I did like about the movie was how it did bring about people who were actually on board during the ill-fated voyage. From the famous people at the time to the not-so famous. The wealthy John Jacob Astor is arguably the most famous victim, as he is portrayed in one scene. It also showed 'the unsinkable Molly Brown' which was well-done by Kathy Bates. Several characters make this film unique as it is. I could go on....
Though the film is close to 3 hours long, I know James Cameron did what he could to try to squeeze it all into one. It would be cool to get at least a more in-depth look at what happened and more into the story. But I know the film would have to be at least a few hours longer in order to do so! While I do find the disaster genre a bit depressing, this one I would have to leave as an exception.
So was Titanic perfect? Yes, in some of my standards. Where else can you find something that brings so much imagination of an incident, where hardly anyone was alive to tell about anymore, to the big screen? With that, the combination of a love story, which also told us a tale about class divisions, along with the great performances of several of the actors. Even the people who were part of the ship's production (captain, owner, designer) were well-put in the story. You can argue if anything was really true about what really happened to them in real life. I know, there were several technical and other goofs that one obsessive person would write a book about. So, on the other hand, it surely can't be that perfect. For most of us that remember more than 15 years ago right before this movie came out, Cameron's destiny wasn't always clear. People, both critics and movie-goers, thought this movie would tank. It was doomed for failure, for various reasons. Remember the due dates? Remember the budget? But James Cameron and his cast and crew hung in there, and he did more than prove everyone wrong. And he did that several years later with Avatar. I can still remember, right before I saw it with my family at the theater, girls in my Sunday school class yelled out, 'Go see it! Go see it!'. And I'm glad I did.
This is an excellent picture, and as noted, it can't be perfect, but to me, this is my generation's Godfather. For those not familiar with how I judge movies, its very rare I give a film a '10'.
My rating: 10 out of 10
Just about all of us are aware and were taught about the historical real-life sinking of the Titanic ship which happened more than a century ago. But what is the main fictional part of the movie is of course the love story between Jack Dawson and Rose Dewitt. It is a classic love tale that blends so many elements. Sure, its nothing we probably haven't seen before; girl is forced to marry for security reasons, meets better guy who is poorer, rich guy turns aggressive...yeah, we all have seen that somewhere. However, this is all put together uniquely by James Cameron as it is all set on a huge cruise ship during a classic time in history.
Besides the sinking, one of the many things that I did like about the movie was how it did bring about people who were actually on board during the ill-fated voyage. From the famous people at the time to the not-so famous. The wealthy John Jacob Astor is arguably the most famous victim, as he is portrayed in one scene. It also showed 'the unsinkable Molly Brown' which was well-done by Kathy Bates. Several characters make this film unique as it is. I could go on....
Though the film is close to 3 hours long, I know James Cameron did what he could to try to squeeze it all into one. It would be cool to get at least a more in-depth look at what happened and more into the story. But I know the film would have to be at least a few hours longer in order to do so! While I do find the disaster genre a bit depressing, this one I would have to leave as an exception.
So was Titanic perfect? Yes, in some of my standards. Where else can you find something that brings so much imagination of an incident, where hardly anyone was alive to tell about anymore, to the big screen? With that, the combination of a love story, which also told us a tale about class divisions, along with the great performances of several of the actors. Even the people who were part of the ship's production (captain, owner, designer) were well-put in the story. You can argue if anything was really true about what really happened to them in real life. I know, there were several technical and other goofs that one obsessive person would write a book about. So, on the other hand, it surely can't be that perfect. For most of us that remember more than 15 years ago right before this movie came out, Cameron's destiny wasn't always clear. People, both critics and movie-goers, thought this movie would tank. It was doomed for failure, for various reasons. Remember the due dates? Remember the budget? But James Cameron and his cast and crew hung in there, and he did more than prove everyone wrong. And he did that several years later with Avatar. I can still remember, right before I saw it with my family at the theater, girls in my Sunday school class yelled out, 'Go see it! Go see it!'. And I'm glad I did.
This is an excellent picture, and as noted, it can't be perfect, but to me, this is my generation's Godfather. For those not familiar with how I judge movies, its very rare I give a film a '10'.
My rating: 10 out of 10
Saturday, March 1, 2014
03/01: Double Jeopardy
Today was Mardi Gras. I live in the St. Louis area, and we are known to be the 2nd greatest city when it comes to celebrating that day. What it made me think of was the movie Double Jeopardy, which was partly set in New Orleans. The customs, the decor, everything.
This thriller stars Ashley Judd as a woman who was framed for murdering her husband, Nick. Nick and Libby (Judd), who have a son Matty, are having themselves a happy loving vacation when literally overnight, something goes terribly wrong. Nick successfully makes it look like a bloodshed scene as he escapes the boat. As Libby is trying to scramble what is going on she is caught with a bloody knife in her hand as it is easy to assume she did something horrendous. She is later convicted of murder, along with getting unwanted attention from the media and her peers.
A friend of Libby's looks after Matty. During a phone call from prison to Matty, Libby realizes that her husband is still alive and he took Matty. She is eventually released from prison after 6 years and is granted parole. The detective work begins for Libby as she escapes and successfully traces Nick's steps which take her from Washington state to New Orleans. There, Nick has assumed a different name and newer rich lifestyle. The entertainment gets better from there.
While this movie did get mixed to negative reviews (25% Tomatometer rating), I found this one to be very good at some levels, and is worth watching over and over on occasion. The New Orleans culture is unique as Mardi Gras is shown at nighttime in downtown N'awlens. Tommy Lee Jones also does a great performance as Libby's parole officer, Travis.
My rating: 7 out of 10
This thriller stars Ashley Judd as a woman who was framed for murdering her husband, Nick. Nick and Libby (Judd), who have a son Matty, are having themselves a happy loving vacation when literally overnight, something goes terribly wrong. Nick successfully makes it look like a bloodshed scene as he escapes the boat. As Libby is trying to scramble what is going on she is caught with a bloody knife in her hand as it is easy to assume she did something horrendous. She is later convicted of murder, along with getting unwanted attention from the media and her peers.
A friend of Libby's looks after Matty. During a phone call from prison to Matty, Libby realizes that her husband is still alive and he took Matty. She is eventually released from prison after 6 years and is granted parole. The detective work begins for Libby as she escapes and successfully traces Nick's steps which take her from Washington state to New Orleans. There, Nick has assumed a different name and newer rich lifestyle. The entertainment gets better from there.
While this movie did get mixed to negative reviews (25% Tomatometer rating), I found this one to be very good at some levels, and is worth watching over and over on occasion. The New Orleans culture is unique as Mardi Gras is shown at nighttime in downtown N'awlens. Tommy Lee Jones also does a great performance as Libby's parole officer, Travis.
My rating: 7 out of 10
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