I tell ya, while I'm still trying to figure out my film rating for ZODIAC, this is certain.

Mr. Fincher, we missed you.

RR,

I want to see Zodiac. It looks good by the brief previews I saw. Let me know what you think. I was considering seeing it this weekend or soon at any rate.


TIS

You should TIS and I'd love to hear your thoughts on it as well

World Trade Center
Oliver Stone / 2006 / USA (1st time; big screen)

Stone's film has no real energy, no real explosive or electric rhythm, no narrative drive. It's not a bad film by any means - in fact it's rather watchable - but it's decidedly ordinary. It looks like a TV movie, viewable to all, with intentions of inspiration and shortcomings in production value. Two moments of mild effect - when the first tower falls, with the men inside, and when the two survivors first hear help above on the ground. It's a conventional film, though, about an extraordinary event; and what is it that makes Nicolas Cage far more enjoyable to watch when he's deliberately and physically disabled under a pile of rubble, as opposed to a pro-active, no-shit member of the emergency services...? Flat.

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The Illusionist
Neil Burger / 2006 / USA (1st time; stream)

It begins with a "come on, let's get on with it" exposition, a flashback within a flashback, and unfolds finally as a piece of detective fiction, in which the detective is a secondary character yet the one through which we view events, in awe of the mysterious illusionist of the title. The middle third is the best bit by far - it creates great potential for a battle of wits between the master magician in love with the bride-to-be of the jealous, bad-tempered prince. Suggestions of a thriller, potential for a more exciting second half, though, are cut short, and it turns out to finally be rather quite ordinary. Oh well.

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Superman Returns
Bryan Singer / 2006 / USA (1st time; stream)

Action comedy, really, and it's good stuff. In fact, it's very good stuff, at times. A tad long, and the final quarter isn't nearly as good as the first three, but it boasts a shameless charm and succession of cheesy one-liners, a very old-fashioned goodie versus baddie plot with adequate enough romantic interest. A better lead could have helped, because this one is a bit cardboard, but the action scenes are really cool in an "I wish I was Superman" kind of way.

The History Boys
Nicholas Hytner / 2006 / UK (1st time; big screen)

Having not seen the play, one would imagine, knowing there have been only slight and minor changes, it is a superb production - well written, great cast (the original cast show here, too), daring and ambiguous, emotionally involved and involving. The narrative here pitches boys either hitting adolescence or caught up in the middle of it; either way, they're all in some way confused, under the direction of their homosexual teacher who they allow to fondle them out of school hours. It's a very funny script, very sharp, acted in a manner not so different from what the theatrical version would require, but captured vividly with a succession of panning zooms, which creates a lot more movement than what would perhaps be expected. As it progresses, it becomes more and more psychologically complex and a lot more serious. Whether the final coda warms or repels is down to taste and/or mood when viewing, but it is cleverly done even so.

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Also, the films I saw in February can be seen here, and the reviews for a lot of them are here.

Let's Go to Prison *
(First Viewing)

John Lyshitski is a car stealing slacker, with a weed problem, and has been in Illinois' Rossmore State Penitentiary so many times, he knows it's entire population of both staff and cons by their fast names. Cursed with the old ill luck of being in the wrong place, at the wrong time, in possession of the wrong car, he's been deemed a lost cause repeat offender in the eyes of everyone else. When the heartless judge, who has been behind most of his sentences, goes to the big court house in the sky, John decides to ruin the man's legacy by having the judge's only offspring, Nelson Biederman IV, thrown in the slammer along with him. Here, the world-class selfish jerk learns a certain old lesson the hard way: Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. But has John somewhat gone too far in the payback department?

I'm liking Dax Shepard more now that I've seen him in Employee of the Month and now this film. However, too much homosexual tones between Will Arnett and Chi McBride. At first it was funny but by the end of the movie I thought it was enough. Some funny parts but ultimately, I'm glad I got paroled from this film.

It was a joke. It should be nominated for bottom 100 list. Totally ludicrous.

Blade: Trinity ***
(Second Viewing)

The Vampire nation awakens the originator of the race, Dracula. Meanwhile elements of the nation are setting up blade for the murder of human. Blade then teams up with the Nightstalkers, including Whistler's daughter to battle the father of the nosferatu.

Not as enjoyable as the first time around, but still an interesting story. I liked the action sequences in Blade II better. And a BIG beef I had with this film was the fact that Blade only used his sword ONCE in the entire film. In this film there seemed to be more punching, kicking type fighting. In Blade II I liked the use of guns, sword and knives. Some interesting casts in this movie with Jessica Biel, Ryan Reynolds, Parker Posey and Paul Levesque (HHH).

The Crow ** 1/2
(Third Viewing)

Eric Draven and his fiancée are brutally murdered on Devil's Night, a night when the henchmen of crime-boss Top Dollar traditionally indulge in wanton acts of violence and arson. A crow brings Draven's restless soul back from the dead and he sets out to wreak revenge upon his killers.

Third time was a charm for me to really enjoy this movie. Michael Wincott does a GREAT job as the villain and plays them so naturally. It's a shame his film career hasn't taken off better. The last great movie he was in was in 2002's The Count of Monte Cristo. Brandon Lee also did a great job and it's a shame this picture had to be the death of him. It looked like he had a promising career ahead of him.

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen **
(Second Viewing)

In this extraordinary adventure, the Fantom is trying to start a World War, and be at the head of it. The Fantom has highly superior weapons to the normal weapons of that day, and he also has extreme cunning, as we see by his tricking the countries into suspecting each other for war-mongering. A supposed loyalist to her Majesty's Empire is sent to fetch Allan Quatermain(Sean Connery) in an effort to track down the group who is trying to start the war. In a private and secret meeting, Quatermain meets who he is to be teaming up with on this mission. He is accompanied by Captain Nemo (Naseeruddin Shah), Mina Harker (Peta Wilson), Rodney Skinner (the Invisible Man, Tony Curran), Dorian Gray (Stuart Townsend), Tom Sawyer (Shane West), and Dr. Henry Jekyll (Also Mr. Edward Hyde, Jason Flemyng). Soon into their adventure they discover that the Fantom is behind these attacks, but there is more to this war than battle and cunning.

Not as bad the second time around. Sean Connery is always delightful on screen, even if it is in a sub-par movie such as this. What I don't get is, Alan Moore wrote From Hell (which was a wonderful movie), The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and V for Vendetta. However, when the movies came out, he received credits for From Hell and this film, but none for V for Vendetta. Why is that? I know David Lloyd wrote some as well but why only give credit to him and not Alan Moore?

Just saw Zodiac last night. A decent crime flick, some pretty graphic murder scenes...some are hard to watch. Robert Downey Jr. was very good as a crime journalist.

I give it *** stars!

I have read some reviews for Zodiac, and they seem to be pretty good. In reading info on the film, they don't say it's based on a true story. However, it IS isn't it??? I assume it takes place during that era.

I remember it being in the news during the late sixties and seventies. Correct me if I'm wrong, but they never did catch this killer right???

TIS

Never caught him, the guy who most thought was "the zodiac" died of cardiac arrest during an interrogation. The movie is entirley accurate from what I hear. During the none murder scenes the movie is pretty funny, which caught me off gaurd since I was expecting a "CSI" type of movie. I've always liked David Fincer (the director) his movies : Se7en, The Game, Fight Club, and Panic room are always entertaining.

Black Snake Moan *** 1/2
(First Viewing)

A God-fearing bluesman (Jackson) takes to a wild young woman (Ricci) who, as a victim of childhood sexual abuse, looks everywhere for love, never quite finding it.

Samuel L. Jackson is such a GREAT actor. I'm almost convinced the man can play anything. He can play a southern country boy and still make it cool and believeable. Both he and Christina Ricci were awesome in this film. I'd say either this performance or her role in Monster are Christina Ricci's greatest work. Unfortunately, this movie didn't make a lot of noise opening weekend, only $4 million, but I predict it should make its money back on DVD.

Spawn **
(Second Viewing)

An assassin named Al Simmons is double-crossed and murdered by his evil boss Jason Wynn. Al makes a deal with the devil and returns to earth as Spawn to see his wife. He is ordered by the devil's minion, The Clown, to kill Wynn. Wynn has made a deal with the clown too and is suppose to destroy the world with a deadly virus that will help start Armageddon and allow Hell to attack Heaven. Spawn must choose between Good & Evil.

More enjoyable with a second viewing and John Leguizamo was enjoyable as the Clown/Violator.

La Double vie de Véronique **
Directed by Kieslowski. This is full of beautiful images and sounds. I just finished watching this... I am a little confused about the story/plot. But in the end I don't care because my only connection to this movie was at a visual level and not emotionally with the characters.

Maybe I can help a bit with the story/plot.

Kundun ***
(First Viewing)

In 1937, in a remote area of Tibet close to the Chinese border, a two year old child is identified as the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, the compassionate Buddha. Two years later, the child is brought to Lhasa where he is schooled as a monk and as head of state amidst the color and pageantry of Tibetan culture. The film follows him into adulthood: when he is 14, the Chinese invade Tibet and he is forced into a shaky coalition government; he travels to China to meet with a cynical Mao; and, finally, in 1959, ill and under siege, he flees to India. Throughout, he has visions of his people's slaughter under Chinese rule.

I was really surprised I liked this movie as much as I did because it's not Martin Scorsese's usual genre. His second religious movie, with his first being The Last Temptation of Christ. Based on both of these, I'm looking forward to one of his next project's Silence. It's about two Jesuit priests, Sebastião Rodrigues and Francis Garrpe, travel to seventeenth century Japan under the Shogunate regime (which has isolated itself from all foreign contact) to see how the evangelical mission is going. There they witness the persecution of Japanese Christians at the hands of their own government, which wishes to purge Japan of all western influence. Eventually the priests separate and Rodrigues travels the countryside, wondering why God remains silent while His children suffer. Finally, even though he was only in the movie for about 2 scenes, I thought Robert Lin did a great job as Chairman Mao.

fight Club

I loved this movie! It's got such a great twist and the acting is supberb. I'm no good at reviews but this is one of the best movies I have ever seen.

Wow, that would be great.

SPOILER WARNING

In the end the puppeteer says that he made two dolls just in case one of them gets damaged. And he also mentions that the second one avoids the dangers the first one experiences. So I speculate that Veronica and Veronique are something similar to that. Why do they look identical? Is it just a coincidence or they are somehow related to each other? And secondly, the puppeteer says that he later realized why he chose her for answering his question on psychology (that is, would a woman respond emotionally to a stranger) for his book. What does he realize and how does all this fit into the plot?

Eragon ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

Orphaned farm boy Eragon (Ed Speleers) destiny is sealed forever when a mystic stone chooses him for its keeper, this is no ordinary stone, this is the last surviving egg of the dragon race. Eragon is now the new Dragon Rider, the boy who will be savior to the repressed peoples of the Kingdom ruled by the wicked King Galbatorix (John Malkovich) and his evil wizard Durza (Robert Carlyle). Running, hiding and battling across the lands with his mentor Brom (Jeremy Irons) and the gracious dragon Saphira (voiced by Rachel Weisz), together, with the beautiful Princess Arya (Sienna Guillory), this Band of Brothers learn more about themselves, their responsibilities and their destinies. Who shall succeed toward the end? Shall good overcome evil? Or will all be lost to the dark forces forever? Fly with the adventure.

A nice new trilogy could be on the horizon for the fantasy world post-Lord of the Rings. An interesting story line with some good action sequences. If the first story in any trilogy sets the story line, Eragon 2 and Eragon 3 could be some pretty nice fantasy flicks (if they get made). I haven't heard anything yet and this movie costs $100 million to make and only took in $75 million at the box office. It should make a profit on DVD however.

I just watched "Brooklyn Lobster" for the first time and was blown away by the fine performances and its story.

Filmed in Brooklyn's Sheepshead Bay, it tells the story of a man who owns a lobster restauarant/retail outlet who faces losing his business and his family. Danny Aiello plays this guy who loves both. Danny Aiello is ABSOLUTELY SUPERB! as is Jane Curtin who plays his wife. Its a poignant, hard hitting drama well worth seeing.

Its a WONDERFUL character study (other family members and friends) and its nicely told. You'll see some of Aiello's "29th Street" character reinvented here (and I think thats his best role).

Martin Scorsese had SOMETHING to do with this film (but its not listed in the credits).

Check it out! (its on "On Demand" on the local cable stations now).

Aiello is very overlooked. Great actor whenever I see him.

I think so, too.

If you enjoy watching him, you should definitely see this movie, Mick.

Thanks for the recommendation, SC! I'll be sure to look it up in my On Demand menu!

Road to Perdition ** 1/2
(Second Viewing)

Mike Sullivan works as a hit man for crime boss John Rooney. Sullivan views Rooney as a father figure. However after his son is witness to a killing he has done Mike Sullivan finds him self on the run trying to save the life of his son and at the same time looking for revenge on those who wronged him. Jude Law co stars as a hit man hired to kill Sullivan.

I remember seeing this film in theater's over 4 years ago. It didn't blow me away then and it didn't blow me away now. A good cast with Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Jude Law, and Daniel Craig. My only hiccup with the movie is the fact that Tom Hanks is a hitman. I'm sorry, but I don't buy the fact that Tom Hanks mows down people with a tommy gun. I just don't see him in that role as that guy.

I agree Capo. He always gives 100% in his performances and I find him to be very convincing and entertaining no matter what type of character he portrays. He also has an excellent singing voice and whenever he performs at the caberet here where I live, he always sells out.

I have to check out this movie.


Don Cardi

I went Sunday to see Zodiac. Although obviously far from an uplifting movie, it was very good. The first half or so of the movie concentrates on the killings/killer which refreshed my memory, with all the notes/letters this madman sent to the police. It was just a little graphic, but not as blood/guts as it could have been, which I think was a wise move. You get the point without it.

What a reminder of just how "mad" this guy was. So cold. The scene with the mother/baby in the car! Made me cringe.

The acting was good. I am always impressed by Robert Downey Jr. and really only have seen Jake G. in one other movie. However, I went with my daughter who is in love with Jake, and didn't realize it was a true story until I told her.

She did get a chuckle a couple times (as did I), when one police department wanted to fax something to a couple other districts, and neither had a fax. Not to mention how smokey the newsroom was, and some of the plaid pants that the men wore.

Also, Zodiac's first murder in Riverside CA was a RCC student, and that's where both my daughters attended (although years later of course).

TIS

TIS, oh really? That is fascinating.

Irish, glad you liked the movie.

ZODIAC (2006) - ****1/2

Thoughts to be posted later.

TIS, I just checked Graysmith's book (played by Jake G.) out of the library. I didn't start it yet, but I wanted to grab it before the movie made everyone want to go out and get it.