texrangers31 Reviews

Up (2009)

'Up' works for all ages

[8/10 · 23 November 2009]

Pixar films tend to all follow some similar plot archetypes. A hero or protagonist that we are shown is inevitably flawed, but towards the end of the movie we see has changed their ways a great deal and has endeared themselves to the audience. While "Up" follows this trend it does so in a more mature way then its Pixar predecessors. The film follows Mr. Fredrickson and details an adventure he goes on inspired by his late wife Elie. Their marriage is shown to be an adorable one and they have been through the trials of realizing she is infertile. The subject matter while not inappropriate for younger children to see may be a bit over children's heads. The film can cross multiple age demographics because of its emotional undertone and message delivered through lovable and flamboyant characters and adventures that children will enjoy. "Up" was a great movie and enables parents and children to sit through the same film and still come away with something.

Into the Wild (2007)

Incredible Acting!

[8/10 · 9 November 2009]

I have always been a fan of Emile Hirsch and thought he had amazing potential. This film finally put him in a role where he is able to carry a film and prove that he has the chops to be considered for an Oscar. Sean Penn does a fantastic job of translating the popular book onto the big screen while still capturing the true essence and character of Chris's story.

The film is an emotional ride as we have to meet and say goodbye to so many lovable characters at the expense of Chris's journey. The length of the film might be an issue for those out there looking for a ninety minute movie fix, but the acting and the message of the film help to carry it through.

Children of Men (2006)

Clive Owen delivers, 'Children of Men' follows suit

[8/10 · 1 February 2008]

A post-apocalyptic vision of Earth where human infertility is the cause of massive chaos and anarchy. Clive Owen is joined by a duo of Oscar winners in Michael Caine and Julianne Moore, however don't expect to see too much of Moore. This movie had me locked in and focused the entire time. It packs a lot more action than you think and the plot is easy to follow yet very complex. Owen plays a character thrown into a plan to save mankind by helping the first pregnant woman on Earth in 18 years. Excellent directing, stunning cinematography, and fantastic acting make this movie one of the best I have ever seen. The only reason I give it an 8 out of 10 is that the film is at times depressing, and even in its brightest moment is accompanied with sadness.

No Country for Old Men (2007)

I fail to see the brilliance

[5/10 · 1 February 2008]

I have read FAQ's, reviews, and comment boards and I still don't understand the ending to this movie. With the majority of the plot still up in the air the movie literally stops. It just stops--in mid sentence. It was absolutely ridiculous. I still managed to give the movie a 5 out of 10 because up until that point the movie was pretty amazing. It was fast paced, and full of plot twists, and than it just ends. My thoughts were, "Wow, that was amazing for the first hour and a half, but I don't pay $8 to go to the movies and make up my own ending to the movie". I'm sure that mostly every review that you will read will say how amazing this movie is, and I certainly see where they are coming from. The ending just frustrated me so much that I failed to see its brilliance. I would offer this advice to you, read the book first. That way you may have some type of idea what's going on when the movie ends.

Charlie Wilson's War (2007)

Seymour and Hanks light up the screen

[9/10 · 1 February 2008]

I have always been a huge Tom Hanks fan, that is what immediately drew my eye about 'Charlie Wilson's War'. I was very pleasantly surprised with the performance of Phillip Seymour Hoffman. He was absolutely brilliant, and he brought such a witty and sarcastic humor to a film that had everything that a good movie should have. A solid plot, great character performances, and Tom Hanks. Julia Roberts was sub par at best, but her role is limited to the point where she can't drag down the brilliance that Hanks and Hoffman have with their chemistry on screen. This was one of the best films of the year! I highly recommend it and will definitely purchase it when it becomes available on DVD.

Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007)

Reilly needs Ferrell, but makes a valiant effort

[5/10 · 1 February 2008]

Maybe it was the fact that there was no Will Ferrell cameo, or maybe it's the idea that John C. Reilly was so ridiculously hilarious in Talladega nights that I had such high expectations. Whatever it was, this film did not measure up. While it definitely makes you laugh out loud multiple times, and will have you repeating lines to your friends, it didn't have the "flow" that most good movies have. It felt like a bunch of random scenes thrown together with little plot. Now I realize that it isn't a drama and that plot development isn't that important for a film like this, It just felt like it was missing something. I would recommend that you see it, just make your friend pay for the rental or something.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990–1996)

Simply the best show on television

[10/10 · 1 February 2008]

If they still made sitcoms like 'The Fresh Prince' I would probably be glued in front of my television every night. Thankfully they don't, because I have a hard time turning the channel when Will and the Banks family are on. This is quite simply the best sitcom in the history of television. Yes, it is better than Seinfeld. It simply covers some serious elements of life, yet always makes you laugh out loud. Will Smith is brilliant and it is obvious what Hollywood saw in him that made him into such a successful movie star. The biggest compliment I can give this show is that it is absolutely timeless and I will continue to watch rerun episodes, because it is just that good.

A Goofy Movie (1995)

A classic and a must see!

[10/10 · 31 January 2008]

'A Goofy Movie' is my favorite movie of all time. You may think that I am just saying that because I really like the movie, but I'm not. Maybe that is childish of me, but it is true. Max and Goofy remind me a lot of my dad and I. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who has forgotten what it is like to be a kid. Whether you are 5 or 85 you will laugh at some part in this movie. Also if you ever had doubts if Big Foot was real, this film pretty much puts that debate to rest. It is remarkable to me how as I've grown up this movie still makes me smile every time I watch it. I highly recommend you see this film, I promise you will not be disappointed.

Cloverfield (2008)

I wish 'Cloverfield' was as good as it's marketing campaign

[7/10 · 31 January 2008]

J.J. Abrams has a reputation for leaving audiences hanging. While I won't reveal if 'Cloverfield' follows the trend, I went into the theater ecstatic about seeing the mysterious monster that he had cooked up for this film. The first person camera is difficult to handle at first, but after about 10 minutes you will hardly notice it. Abrams does a good job of not having it shake when the character is running or during action shots. The plot is very fast moving, and the characters in the film are very real. Getting to see the monster is probably the best part of the film. I would recommend this movie, but it probably won't make my top five for 2008. It really isn't as bad as people make it out to be. 'Cloverfield' isn't a must see...I would classify it as a "Should See".

Untraceable (2008)

Diane Lane get's it done again

[7/10 · 31 January 2008]

As I have stated before, I love scary movies even though I get frightened by everything. Untraceable caught my eye the first time I saw a trailer for it. The plot is very fast paced, and you will find yourself playing detective while watching. The best part of this movie is that it doesn't go for cheap scares, such as something jumping out or ominous music at key points in the film. If you can handle a little bit of gore, you should be fine. The ending won't blow you away, but you shouldn't be disappointed either. This is a solid film that isn't too scary, but it's no Muppet movie. Colin Hanks is solid as usual. The killer didn't quite meet my expectations on the creepy scale, but he is serviceable.

Juno (2007)

This movie is numero JUNO

[9/10 · 5 January 2008]

As far as independent films go, this is one of the best I've seen. One of the greatest things about this movie is how closely it depicts reality. All of the characters are just so real. Juno herself has such a likable personality and the audience falls in love with her almost instantly. Michael Cera's character doesn't have enough screen time as I anticipated but his role suits him perfectly. I wouldn't classify this movie as a comedy, but it is the type of movie that will make you smile at parts, and you will leave with a smile on your face. I saw 5 movies over my Christmas break, and I would say that Juno is the best movie that I saw. I would have to say that JUNO is the surprise of the year!

One Missed Call (2008)

'One Missed Call' missed the mark

[2/10 · 5 January 2008]

I am a fan or horror movies. I get scared by almost anything, and I will admit that once I read the plot summary for 'One Missed Call' I was intrigued. My friend and I both thought it had potential. Than I saw the trailer, and was almost as disappointed as I was I saw 'The Land Before Time 16'. I went to see this movie expecting it to be comically ridiculous, and I wasn't disappointed. If you want a good laugh, go see it. If you are frightened by a missed call on your cell phone than you may want to sleep with the lights on, otherwise you should be fine. The worst part about this movie is that it isn't quite corny enough to be considered entertaining. It simply leaves you constantly turning to the person next to you to say "What was that?" because of how childish the plot becomes.