work1113 Reviews

Hugo (2011)

Green eggs and ham

[7/10 · 11 March 2012]

I love watching movies Reviewing the acting, site and sound I hope my review will help you, So you will not be let down

Let's start with the good, A few things stand out, The acting was well done That I have no doubt.

The picture was crisp, The visuals were clean, To enjoy this movie, You can be older than a teen

Now with the bad, I am sorry to say The story of the movie, Made no sense in anyway

A riddle for you A train station, the origin of movies, a one-legged man, a homeless boy with no mother, What do they have in common? They are all in this film, one way, or another

I didn't understand the train station And the idea of the clocks And how the film ended, It made as much sense as a pet rock

Martin Scorsese, A Director, a leader, and much respected man, Made this movie for his children, Not really for his fans

Nothing was explained at the end It was a "happily ever after" But nothing really made sense It caused quite the chatter

I get why people like this film, I for one, did not The reason for the dislike Is that it had no real plot

I love Scorsese I love most of his shows, But stick to the basics, And that of which you know

Goodfellas, Departed, Shutter Island, Gangs of New York, Raging Bull All great pieces of work Leaving the audience full

Then comes along Hugo Greeted with Joy, honor and cheer But let's be serious. Stick with movies like Cape Fear.

A 3, a 6, a 5, maybe a 4? The acting was good, the film was bright, But the story was very poor.

Biutiful (2010)

Blocking out the sun

[4/10 · 11 March 2012]

First – I want to send a warning, I am very mixed feelings on this movie.

I actually bought this movie meaning to watch it for the last year – finally after 8 months, I watched it.

Let me preface what I am about to say, that I believe just because a movie makes little sense, is ambiguous, and can be interpreted many different ways, doesn't make it a great movie (good maybe, but not great)

First – let's start with the good.

1) The acting was well done, Xavier as definitely solidified himself as an A list actor. 2) This movie most certainly defines the human condition, not just for poverty stricken people, but choices for us all.

The so-so

1) The subtitles made the movie hard to enjoy – I know its Spanish but I'm just being honest

The not-so-good

1) This movie made no sense at all – I went on the message boards to get a better understanding of this movie – here is what I found: most people interpreted this movie in a completely different way. There were more questions at the end of the movie, than in the beginning. No one, including myself had any clue what was going on. 2) If a commenter has to say, "Yes, this was hard to sit through, due to length and tediousness, then seriously, why would you say you liked this movie, and thus grade it high? If the academy had said Transformers 2 was a best picture nominee, people would flock to see it, and justify liking the movie. 3) Strip clubs, crack and boob headed women in the middle of the movie, accidentally killing Chinese immigrant works, dead people floating on the ceiling, no answers to anything in any way, and a death/heaven scene at the beginning and end the seemed more like a murder mystery than the afterlife. Apparently, you can smoke cigarettes in Heaven. 4) It's one of those movies where when it's about to get interesting, then it starts to fade to black, and you say "If this is it, I will be so let down" If you have to research a movie after seeing it, just to try and understand what the heck happened, it's difficult to enjoy.

This movie was about the human condition, changing ones' life, and making things right while you can, and making peace – while the gruesome reality that his children will be left behind with no Father, and battling to find someone to take custody of his children. A great premise – but why so flipping long? Way, way too long – at the end, I didn't care much anymore.

This movie will be good if you like foreign films with subtitles, experiencing the reality of hardships in life.

You will not like this movie if you don't like, long, drawn out movies that leave you asking questions that can't be answered at the end.

You will also not like this movie if you don't like getting poked in the eye with a stick, wasting time, or agreeing with the general public that this is a good movie, just to agree.

That's it – read the internet summary at Wikipedia, and save yourself some time. Sorry Xavier, good job though

Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths (2010 Video)

A Different Justice League

[8/10 · 23 February 2010]

I have to say I was skeptical when I reviewed the casting for this installment.

I enjoyed "Superman: Doomsday", and "Public Enemies". I really like the animated movie series installments that Warner Brothers has been releasing. Having withdrawal from "Batman: The Animated Series" and "Justice League", these new animated movies are just what the doctor ordered.

The main topic of discussion for this series will be why some of the main voice characters weren't cast.

If I don't say it now, I will regret it. Kevin Conroy, I hope your listening, no one does Batman like you - period.

I read around and didn't find a legitimate source on why you weren't cast as Batman, but I'm confident it has to do with the new "Batman - Arkym Asylum 2" that he is currently doing voice over work for. Warner Brothers is pretty set on the deadline of getting these series to the public, so I would conclude they made the decision to film this one with another cast of characters.

I won't spoil the movie, but this particular story arc is very similar to season 2 of Justice League "A Better World" with a little bit of a twist.

In short, If you liked the other installments - you will like this version. Yes it is a little different, and the mannerisms of some of the League members are different - but take it for what it is and enjoy the story.

I give it an 8.5 (-1.5) just for the simple fact Batman isn't played by Kevin Conroy.

Smallville: Absolute Justice (2010) Season 9, Episode 11

Satisfying Buffet of Hero's

[8/10 · 13 February 2010]

Bring on the buffet of super hero's.

This was one of the better episodes of the season, and it had a more sustainable and independent story line than the other Zod-esquire episodes.

I love Dr. Fate - he is the wise of the old, the Martian Manhunter of the elders. Hawkman's character was also well played.

I wish they would have included a few marquee players in this episode (Batman, Wonder woman, Flash). But I do understand the rights and legalities involved - so it was in all likely hood a challenge just to get the ones they did have.

The only complaint I have is using the Iceman-dude as the villain. Stupid. Why use that actor too? Was he Tom Wellings friend? How did the metro sexual guy with the lisp get that part? The fight sequence between Stargirl and Iceman was poorly choreographed as well - so was that particular dialogue.

Oh well - keeping in mind, it is CW and resources are limited. How about NBC? I heard they need a few more quality shows.

Anyway, good episode - and like I said - it stands alone, so you don't need to have background of the season in order to enjoy.

8.5/10.00. - (-2.5) for using that weird actor as the iceguy.

Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Hollywood's darkest hour this year.

[1/10 · 5 February 2010]

Buckle down tight if you decided to take a chance on Tarintion's new film.

Absolute garbage, absolute garbage absolutely.

I get the whole dark comedy attempt. I get that some people think Tarintino is an artistic genius. I don't get this movie.

I tried 3 times to make it through this movie, and when I finished, I wondered how much valuable time that I just lost.

The plot is mediocre, the dialogue is completely overdone - and the acting is all over the place.

Brad Pitt's accent was as distracting and annoying as his relationship with Angelina. The sex scene in the middle of the film is a perfect gauge of how demented, perverted, and gross Tarintino is.

I enjoyed "Pulp Fiction", I even thought "Jackie Brown" was mildly entertaining - but just to create a pathetic movie, slap your so-called artistic genius on it, with an "A" list actor, does not make a movie Oscar worthy.

This movie is like Mexican food. It may look good at first glance - but two hours later your sorry you ate it.

Precious (II) (2009)

Might just change the way you think.

[7/10 · 5 February 2010]

There are certain movies that have certain elements, that change the way one thinks - or the way one views someones way of life - this is one of those movies.

This is a very difficult movie to sit through - with many difficult situations to witness.

Its not very often that a movie explores the real true-to-life aspects of a difficult life.

Similar to "Monster" and also "Monsters Ball" for the gruesome and depressing genre's in which they were illustrated - but both produced values of the human condition, that we all try to cast out or forget in our society.

Let's be honest - this isn't a feel good movie. Not having read the book, its hard to compare and contrast - but you don't need to in order to understand the characters and screenplay.

Mirah Carey did a good job - I can't tell you how impressed I was with what Gabourey Sidibe was able to accomplish.

Chances are you won't see this film again once you see it - but seeing it once, is enough.

Surrogates (2009)

Boring Concept.....

[5/10 · 1 February 2010]

Bruce Willis attempts to save another movie. Surrogates had potential - but failed on multiple accounts.

Surrogates is an interesting concept, but this idea was already done, maybe you've heard of "The Matrix".

Bruce Willis is the only reason to see this movie. The story is lackluster, the acting is mediocre, and the idea is generic.

There are too many other great titles to view in place of this one. "The Hurt Locker", "The Blind side", "Up in the Air", "Avatar", etc.

You'll forget this movie 5 seconds after you see it. This movie is very Michael Bay-esquire. You'll get more stimulation reorganizing your sock drawer.

5/10

Law Abiding Citizen (2009)

Refreshing and entertaining movie

[7/10 · 30 January 2010]

If you haven't seen this film, go see it. If you have seen it - I hope you enjoyed it as much as I.

Gerald Butler took on a great role and did a fine job. Jaime Foxx was born to play a cocky lawyer with an edge.

This is one of those movies I really appreciate. I appreciate from the idea that I think we have all been there - with the world against us, and wanting to fight back and assume vengeance to everyone who has ever hurt us.

The main character in this film has had a crappy day, and it changes his persona forever. You can't help but root for the guy who goes postal - and it conjures up ideas of what you would do in his situation.

The only slight downfall, was how it ended. It seemed a little out of place considering how well written the rest of it was.

If you liked "Payback" with Mel Gibson, "Breakdown" with Gibson, liked The Joker's Character in "The Dark Knight", or liked the chases and intellectual concepts in "Seven" - you will like this film.

Very enjoyable, very refreshing, and a change of pace with the Apocalyptic thrillers out right now, and of course "Avatar".

7/10.

Jennifer's Body (2009)

Please reconsider watching....

[3/10 · 27 January 2010]

Oh my. Usually I wouldn't take the time to surrender my thoughts on a movie of this caliber, but you need to be warned.

"Jennifers Body" is not a good movie. The premise of the movie bad, and so is the non-existent story line. You get the feeling that Ms. Fox took on this role as she saw it as an opportunity to put to rest the rumor of how terrible an actor she is. To be fair, she wasn't bad with what she was given to work with.

The story line is boring and doesn't make sense. After a particular bar scene in the movie with some band members - the story arc turns weird.

This movie's story line was very reminiscent of a movie called "The Faculty" - with that kid from Lord of the Rings who's name escapes me. If you liked that movie, you will like this movie.

If your looking for a scary movie that has some substance - I recommend "Paranormal Activity" instead.

Not worth your time, unless you're bored and want to financially support Megan Fox's acting career.

The Book of Eli (2010)

Worth a Look

[7/10 · 23 January 2010]

I saw this film last night, and it offers a variety of emotions.

Hollywood is unleashing the "Apocalypse" wave, as it did when "Armageddon", "The Core", "Deep Impact", was released. – expect this time it is post-apocalyptic If you saw "The Road", then you know what I'm talking about in terms of similar genres.

I hated this movie when I first saw it. But the next day, I started to like it a little more than I did initially. There was a couple of light-bulb above the head moments at the end as well.

I was really frustrated with the lack of development for Gary Oldman's character. What a poor use for one of the most talented actors of our time. Some of acting is pretty cheesy, but if you listen to the lines, you can't expect much from the actors.

I was also frustrated with the identity of this film – what was it trying to be? A story that looks at the human condition? Or was it trying to be a post apocalyptic western thriller, with a weird twist at the end? I don't know – just trying to think about what this movie was trying to do hurts.

On the positive - I will say, the message was cool in the end. Denzel and Gary Olman in the same movie is worth a look. Also – its very fun and interesting to experience, compare and contrast all these post-apocalyptic thrillers that in the media right now.

You won't be sorry you saw this movie, but you will definitely have questions at the end – Don't expect the answers to life's equations solved at the end – just enjoy the show.

The Box (I) (2009)

Green Eggs and Ham

[4/10 · 12 January 2010]

Ha ha. - oh no - what to say about this film? Yes - green eggs and ham makes more sense than this movie. Where does one start? A lot of the good stuff has already been said - so I won't divulge into the same territory. I believe you already have the movie summary - so I won't paraphrase the movie.

First - let's start the with good.

1). If you like psychological thrillers that make you think (as I do) the first 29 minutes of this film will be for you - this is one of those films that illustrates the question that you always talked about on long car drives when you were kids like (what if you had to chose one family member live, another to die, or, what if you had to die by drowning or fire) This movie is a great concept - bottom line.

2) The wardrobe group did a fine job with bringing us back to the 70's. Realistically though, how difficult is that to accomplish? .....Okay, that's about all for the good. Let's talk about the bad.

1). This movie feels like a 2 hour "Twilight Zone" episode. This could easily be 90 minutes. That might have made the movie tolerable.

2). Do you remember in the movie "From Dusk til Dawn?". The movie started out interesting, then halfway through the movie it just took a degrading turn? Yep - same thing here. I would venture to say that the writers started with a concept, then had no idea what to do with it. I've gotten deeper thought provocation out of Transformers 2.

3). Yes - we get the dilemma in the film. We understand the philosophical undertones and Utilitarian approach - but the story jumped around way too much, didn't elaborate on the current story arc, and took a(forgive me)completely insulting direction.

4). The ending didn't make sense. Not at all. None.

This movie would make a great term paper in college philosophy 101. If you're board out of your mind, in bed sick, or have ever enjoyed being hit in the face with a pie, and can view this free on-line - by all means, go for it.

If you need to pay anything to view this movie, don't waste your time - you're better off watching old Howie Mandel stand-up on You Tube. You will get more philosophical stimulation reorganizing your sock drawer.

District 9 (2009)

Mixed Review

[6/10 · 27 December 2009]

So, after seeing this movie, I actually liked it for the first few minutes after it was over. The next though, was a different story as I began to analyze.

First - if you're a sci-fi lover, you will enjoy this movie, if you are not, you still might actually like it due to the hypothetical and theoretical undertones regarding race, acceptance, "What ifs" The story takes a short peak at (What if the extraterrestrials we encounter to the first time and nothing of what we expect) they are lazy, gross, and don't enlighten our society - maybe even less of a race than we are.

So it is even more ingenious that this fill takes place in Johannesburg, one of the most racially and culturally historic place sin our world.

The CGI is absolutely incredible. The story is a little lack-luster, but the special effects are great enough to override the dull story.

The not so great: These aliens in the first few minutes are by far superior in physical strength - but at the end of the movie, they are being pushed around, jailed, and subdued like they can't fight back. I found myself saying "Comon, fight back aliens! 30 minutes ago you were kicking people to the moon and ripping the enemies arms off" - half way through the movie.

Secondly, this race - that is confined to slums typical of Africa - cant' do much put eat tires and jump all over the place. But all of a sudden, one of the members can make a super fuel and also have a supreme plan for getting his race back to the ship - so, 90 percent of the race cant figure it out, but one dude has all the answers - doest make much sense.

Also - the choice for some dork faced actor for the lead role is awful. I had no sympathy for the guy at all - and I lost interest in what might happen to him - I felt disengaged.

This is a good story as it takes a look at racial confliction and hate, and how unaccepting our society actually is - at a 3rd world level - and then adds some alien weaponry.

Still a good idea - but the story could have been enhanced. If Peter Jackson would have been the director, instead of taking a weak producer role - it might have made a better movie.

The alien weaponry is awesome, but th

Justice League Unlimited: Flash and Substance (2006) Season 3, Episode 5

Flash and great story

[8/10 · 29 July 2009]

If you haven't seen this episode yet, I highly recommend. I decided to have a quiet night in and go through some old episodes of the Justice League Unlimited.

Although not the best episode of season 5, it definitely is entertaining. In Flash and Substance, there definitely is substance.

This episode develops deeper into one of our original 7 superhero's life. I think it is always interesting when the writers do back stories of the characters life (especially the Flash's) because he is so different than the rest of the cast of Super Hero's with his quirkiness and originality.

Season 5 definitely digs deeper into the Flash's persona and how important his personality is to the rest of the team. As was mentioned in the commentary, Flash could be one of the, and possible the most powerful hero's if he was less theatrically – but the story itself reconciles with the fact that it is not that way, and the Flash is indeed the glue that holds it all together (As was mentioned in previous story arcs) This is less serious of an episode, and more playful than the rest of the series. Like the others, it is a masterpiece of its own 8/10

Wanted (2008)

Worth a look - that's about it

[22 July 2009]

I have to say, I thought about this movie for quite some time after I saw it a week ago.

The story as I goes, is a very good story (or at least on paper) Let's start with the good. The special effects and chase sequences are eye candy. Jolie was a good choice for the role. Her knack and expertise in playing a seductress and assassin was well done. James McAvoy is an up and coming star. I felt he played his role as a depressed socialite in a tedious environment well.

The only thing that lacked was the story development. The first scenes don't relate or fit well, or even explain, what it means to the rest of the story. Without giving anything away, the script tries to make a twist 2/3rds way through the movie - and it is fairly obvious. The movie ended much like it started - vague, and questionable. If you like to judge a movie by it's replay value - it doesn't have any.

Another writer mentioned Morgan Freemans role and how he looked like he didn't want to be there - I couldn't agree more. His character is under-used and it appears he wasn't given a whole lot to work with in regards to character development.

I think if some of the fight scenes would have been a tad more realistic, (instead of matrix-like) this would have made an average movie into a good movie Take the movie for what its worth - if you like action movies, can over see the obvious plot holes, and want to be entertained, you will enjoy, (maybe not love) but enjoy.

Worth watching if you tivo'd and want something to do. Otherwise, I wouldn't recommend running to Hollywood Video and renting 4/10

Justice League (2001–2004)

Could go toe to toe with most movies?

[10/10 · 19 July 2009]

To be honest, I accidentally feel backwards into this series. My cable network added a channel (boomerang) in which this show still runs.

I'm a huge Batman The animated series fan, and always have been. The animation was well done, the story lines were intense, and the voice-overs were perfectly matched. It was a sad day when Batman TAS ended.

The first episode I saw was "Twilight". If you've seen the show, you know it's one of the best, fully developed episodes of season 2. I was glued to the television for the whole running time.

This show, without spoiling it for the fans that have yet to taste what a great show this is, is top notch. I've watched every episode of Justice League, and also JLU. The worst part about this series is when it ended. Bruce Timm and Paul Dini are geniuses.

If you liked The Dark Knight, especially the intense plot development, you'll like this series. Easy enough for children, but the essence of it, and its dialogue is geared towards adults.

This series is better than most Superhero Movies and you don't need much background on the comics.

I would also recommend, if you would like to hear more tangents of Superman, and Batman, and get some background on villains and story lines in upcoming movies - don't wait and get your hands on a copy of this series. You won't be disappointed.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)

Revenge is oh so sweet?

[4/10 · 10 July 2009]

I saw this movie in Hong Kong. Chinese really appreciate their fighting robots; cheers and jeers through the good and bad times, which ironically made it much more fun for myself. Bay played the game and he played it well for his sequel, he does what he does best and knows how to do, blow up stuff and create amazing action sequences.

Going into this movie, take into consideration that this franchise started as a toy line, morphed into a cartoon, and then (excuse the pun) transformed into a movie.

If you enjoyed the first installment, you should, by enlarge, enjoy the second.

But - I cant help think how much more money this movie would have made had it actually been good.