Ken and I were in New York over the Columbus Day weekend and we saw No Country for Old Men. It was the centerpiece presentation of the 45th Annual New York Film Festival at the new Rose Theater at Lincoln Center.
In a nut shell, No Country for Old Men is a familiar tale of a drug deal gone bad and the struggles of a man who attempts to make off with something that is not his own. It is set in 1980 West Texas and the violence that is depicted in this period makes the Wild West of the 19th Century seem like a walk in the park in comparison.
The book is wonderfully written by Cormac McCarthy (which we both read after we saw the movie) and the movie is directed by the Cohen brothers who have a nack for the crime genre movies (ie Blood Simple, Fargo and Miller's Crossing. In fact some of the sequences were so very well done it was nothing short of shocking.
I was happy to see the this terrific novel make such a graceful transition to the screen. For the most part the movie was true to the book. The exemptions being the elimination of one character, another characters' philosophical soul searching was not expanded, and the ending was appreciatively and hastily conceived for the movie.
However, the movie does honor the topics and characters that McCarthy illustrates in his book.
The main characters in this movie are Tommy Lee Jones (Ed Tom Bell)as the sheriff of a small town; Josh Brolin (Llewelyn Moss) as the average man at the wrong place, at the wrong time; Woody Harrelson as a the hired hand; and introducing Javier Bardem who plays the memorable villain, Anton Chigurh with ruthless audacity. It is our opinion that this movie will become a cult classic, where fans will learn the words to the more memorable scenes.
The cinematography is excellent and startling. Viewers not having read the book will be captured by the situations on screen which are often hard to predict and will be afraid to look what they fear will happen next.
Tommy Lee Jones was excellent in his role as the Sheriff. And so was Bardem as the diabolical Chigurh.
The film editing is stunning; the score is discreet and foreboding; making No Country for Old Men pleasant to watch and listen to.
No Country for Old Men is an excellent movie. Please look for it at a theater near you sometime this fall. Ken and Len give No Country for Old Men 4-Stars.
Please visit us soon as we bring you Our Two Cents Worth at the Movies.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Monday, October 15, 2007
We Own the Night; an Intense Period Piece
We Own the Night, is a gritty, well made, well acted film.
This is a period piece set in New York City during the 1980's when the NYPD waged a bloody battle with the Russian Mafia.
Joaquin Phoenix is excellent as Bobby Green; the manager of a popular night club in the Bronx, who struggles to keep his family's ties (Robert Duval and Mark Walberg) to local law enforcement, secret from everyone except his his devoted girl friend Amanda.(Eva Mendes)
The movie tells of the blatant criminal activities that occurs at the club to which Bobby turns a blind eye.
Police raid the club one night and a Russian Mafia boss's nephew kills himself rather than be questioned by the police which leads to the Russian Mafia declaring war on all New York Police.
Now Bobby has to choose between the glamorous life of the night club circuit, or the life of his father and brother as police officers.
Duval and Walberg are good too but this is Joaquin's movie.
We Own the Night was non-stop, non-hip, drama and suspense with a strong cast and a great performance from Phoenix. We give this movie 3.5 stars
Please check back soon as Ken and Len continue to bring you Our Two Cents Worth at the Movies
This is a period piece set in New York City during the 1980's when the NYPD waged a bloody battle with the Russian Mafia.
Joaquin Phoenix is excellent as Bobby Green; the manager of a popular night club in the Bronx, who struggles to keep his family's ties (Robert Duval and Mark Walberg) to local law enforcement, secret from everyone except his his devoted girl friend Amanda.(Eva Mendes)
The movie tells of the blatant criminal activities that occurs at the club to which Bobby turns a blind eye.
Police raid the club one night and a Russian Mafia boss's nephew kills himself rather than be questioned by the police which leads to the Russian Mafia declaring war on all New York Police.
Now Bobby has to choose between the glamorous life of the night club circuit, or the life of his father and brother as police officers.
Duval and Walberg are good too but this is Joaquin's movie.
We Own the Night was non-stop, non-hip, drama and suspense with a strong cast and a great performance from Phoenix. We give this movie 3.5 stars
Please check back soon as Ken and Len continue to bring you Our Two Cents Worth at the Movies
Monday, October 1, 2007
THE KINGDOM (2007) - Snipets of the Evening News
America is at war in Afghanistan and in Iraq. The world is at war against terrorism; but Hollywood feels that Americans and the world, have not have their fill of war in the last 4 years so they have given us, The Kingdom (2007).
Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Garner are certainly good in their roles. However their stories are such a part of today's evening news broadcast from Iraq, that we found it difficult to find the subject matter interesting enough for a feature film movie while there are existing conflicts to consider.
The one review I had seen before I saw this movie was..." More brawn than brains....". I tend to agree with that thumbnail assessment.
The movie is action and violence packed, but in the end fiction can only imitate reality. The action scenes tended to be chaotic and difficult to follow. The plot weak and undefined. Sounds like the real thing if you ask me.
At least in the movie, the Americans gave the impression that they were fighting the battle to win. That was about the only fiction in the movie. In present day America, war has become a business. The winner is the government contractor that makes the most money. The loss of life has become inconsequential to those that promote these senseless conflicts.
The Kingdom (2007) may have a better audience in 50 years once the pain and the embarrassment of this conflict has been soothed by the passing of time.
Ken and Len give The Kingdom (2007) 2.5-STARS.
Please check back with us soon as we will be the first one in our zip code with "Our Two-Cents Worth" review of No Country for Old Men. We are traveling to New York for the NYC 47Th Annual Film Festival and we have tickets for the premier film of the festival. See you when we come back.
Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Garner are certainly good in their roles. However their stories are such a part of today's evening news broadcast from Iraq, that we found it difficult to find the subject matter interesting enough for a feature film movie while there are existing conflicts to consider.
The one review I had seen before I saw this movie was..." More brawn than brains....". I tend to agree with that thumbnail assessment.
The movie is action and violence packed, but in the end fiction can only imitate reality. The action scenes tended to be chaotic and difficult to follow. The plot weak and undefined. Sounds like the real thing if you ask me.
At least in the movie, the Americans gave the impression that they were fighting the battle to win. That was about the only fiction in the movie. In present day America, war has become a business. The winner is the government contractor that makes the most money. The loss of life has become inconsequential to those that promote these senseless conflicts.
The Kingdom (2007) may have a better audience in 50 years once the pain and the embarrassment of this conflict has been soothed by the passing of time.
Ken and Len give The Kingdom (2007) 2.5-STARS.
Please check back with us soon as we will be the first one in our zip code with "Our Two-Cents Worth" review of No Country for Old Men. We are traveling to New York for the NYC 47Th Annual Film Festival and we have tickets for the premier film of the festival. See you when we come back.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
"The Brave One" Rises to the Top
Last weekend's number one top grossing movie at the Box Office was The Brave One. We saw it Saturday afternoon matinee and it was more full than usual for the time of day.
Jody Foster and Terrance Howard were very compelling in their performances. She as a woman engaged to be married dealing with the loss of her fiance to a senseless episode of gang violence and the subsequent indignities of being a victim of a crime. He, as a New York City cop, who has become disenchanted with the imperfections of our justice system, which sometimes seems to protect the criminals and persecute the victims.
This moody toned and carefully balanced drama, deals with the grubby concept of revenge and retribution. But in the end it was the elegance of the human spirit that prevailed when the "law", without the benefit of any judice prudence, is dispensed in unusual measures.
Granted, the concept was awkward and the movie was slow moving at times. But the acting was exceptional by its two protagonists and the direction was superb by Neil Jordan (The Crying Game). Ken and Len give The Brave One 3.5 Stars
Please come back soon so we can share with you Our Two Cents Worth
at the movies.
Jody Foster and Terrance Howard were very compelling in their performances. She as a woman engaged to be married dealing with the loss of her fiance to a senseless episode of gang violence and the subsequent indignities of being a victim of a crime. He, as a New York City cop, who has become disenchanted with the imperfections of our justice system, which sometimes seems to protect the criminals and persecute the victims.
This moody toned and carefully balanced drama, deals with the grubby concept of revenge and retribution. But in the end it was the elegance of the human spirit that prevailed when the "law", without the benefit of any judice prudence, is dispensed in unusual measures.
Granted, the concept was awkward and the movie was slow moving at times. But the acting was exceptional by its two protagonists and the direction was superb by Neil Jordan (The Crying Game). Ken and Len give The Brave One 3.5 Stars
Please come back soon so we can share with you Our Two Cents Worth
at the movies.
Monday, August 6, 2007
BOURNE ULTIMATUM - Thrills like No Other
Welcome to another installment of Our 2-Cents Worth.
This week we bring you our thoughts on, The Bourne Ultimatum.
We were hoping that this movie was going to be a good "threequel" in a summer that has brought us several "threequels" with varying degrees of success. We did not hope in vain.
This movie is by far this summer's best sequel (or threequel). In fact it may just be this year's best movie in this genre.
From the beginning, The Bourne Ultimatum, is relentless with its masterfully shot, breathtaking, heart pounding, chase sequences. The movie delivers almost two hours of non stop, in-your-face, excitement under the superb direction of Paul Greengrass.(United 93) A two hour adrenalin rush with such sustained energy and tension that it made us feel exhausted when it was done.
The Bourne Ultimatum is an intelligent screenplay, beautifully written and brilliantly executed by its ensemble cast.
Matt Damon has grown into this role perfectly and he is excellent in this contemporary spy tale of deceit and government corruption.
It may not have been entirely apparent at first, but Bourne is unquestionably Damon's signature role, the one in which a viewer becomes most complicit in the actor's identification with a character. The subjective camerawork merely increases the degree to which one is completely with him in the series, and if this is indeed his last "Bourne," as he has said, then this is a performance to be savored all the more.
Joan Allen returns as the CIA investigator who has slowly come to see that Jason might be the real deal. And Julia Stiles as an in-over-her-head agent again shows up for no credible reason other than the producers want her back. (They're right.)
The movie swings through Moscow and Paris; Turin, Italy; London; Madrid; Tangiers, Morocco; and New York as Jason hones in on who did this to him. Beautiful location shots.
The Bourne Series, has been an incredible box office success with over $500 million in box office receipts from the first two installments alone. Ultimatum opened this weekend as the #1 movie with an additional $70.2 million. (The biggest opening for a film in August EVER) We hope they can talk Robert Ludlum into extending the series because it has become one of the best movie franchises in history. ( The latest in the series is The Bourne Legacy, yet to be filmed)
Matt Damon must return as Jason Bourne.
I hope there is a "fourquel" with the Bourne Legacy; Here are some names that come to mind for future installments:"Bourne Reborn"; "Bourne Again"; "Bourne to Run"; or even" Bourne to be Wild"
We recommend, The Bourne Ultimatum, as the best film of the summer. We give it 4-Stars.
Please stop by again soon, and see what else has received, Our 2-Cents Worth.
This week we bring you our thoughts on, The Bourne Ultimatum.
We were hoping that this movie was going to be a good "threequel" in a summer that has brought us several "threequels" with varying degrees of success. We did not hope in vain.
This movie is by far this summer's best sequel (or threequel). In fact it may just be this year's best movie in this genre.
From the beginning, The Bourne Ultimatum, is relentless with its masterfully shot, breathtaking, heart pounding, chase sequences. The movie delivers almost two hours of non stop, in-your-face, excitement under the superb direction of Paul Greengrass.(United 93) A two hour adrenalin rush with such sustained energy and tension that it made us feel exhausted when it was done.
The Bourne Ultimatum is an intelligent screenplay, beautifully written and brilliantly executed by its ensemble cast.
Matt Damon has grown into this role perfectly and he is excellent in this contemporary spy tale of deceit and government corruption.
It may not have been entirely apparent at first, but Bourne is unquestionably Damon's signature role, the one in which a viewer becomes most complicit in the actor's identification with a character. The subjective camerawork merely increases the degree to which one is completely with him in the series, and if this is indeed his last "Bourne," as he has said, then this is a performance to be savored all the more.
Joan Allen returns as the CIA investigator who has slowly come to see that Jason might be the real deal. And Julia Stiles as an in-over-her-head agent again shows up for no credible reason other than the producers want her back. (They're right.)
The movie swings through Moscow and Paris; Turin, Italy; London; Madrid; Tangiers, Morocco; and New York as Jason hones in on who did this to him. Beautiful location shots.
The Bourne Series, has been an incredible box office success with over $500 million in box office receipts from the first two installments alone. Ultimatum opened this weekend as the #1 movie with an additional $70.2 million. (The biggest opening for a film in August EVER) We hope they can talk Robert Ludlum into extending the series because it has become one of the best movie franchises in history. ( The latest in the series is The Bourne Legacy, yet to be filmed)
Matt Damon must return as Jason Bourne.
I hope there is a "fourquel" with the Bourne Legacy; Here are some names that come to mind for future installments:"Bourne Reborn"; "Bourne Again"; "Bourne to Run"; or even" Bourne to be Wild"
We recommend, The Bourne Ultimatum, as the best film of the summer. We give it 4-Stars.
Please stop by again soon, and see what else has received, Our 2-Cents Worth.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Blades of Glory - Comedic Farce on Amateur Skating
We saw Blades of Glory in-flight from Salt Lake City to Orlando on our return flight from our wonderful summer vacation on July 7th, but had forgotten to include it in our movie reviews. (See our ODDS and ENDS page for a full pictorial and narrative account of our trip as well as our EATING AROUND TOWN and BEYOND for reviews of the Bars and Restaurants we visited)
First I will say, that we are not Will Ferrell nor Jon Heder fans. The last thing we remember seeing Ferrell in was Stranger than Fiction, which, had we been reviewing movies at the time, we would have given, at best, a 1.5-Star rating. In fact that was not just our opinion, but my sister and her husband, my two nieces and my nephew and his lover, which we had taken to see this movie over the Christmas Holidays, all canned it.
The last thing we remember Heder in, of any note, was Napoleon Dynamite. While it enjoyed commercial success, Napoleon Dynamite, was also not one of our favorites movies and Heder not one of our favorite actors.
All that being said, Blades of Glory, was funny, in spite of, Farrell and Heder.
Blades.... is about the world of competitive skating and this movie made fun of many of the rituals, customs, and music used by skaters during competition.
The movie is at its funniest and most original when zinging the sometimes pretentious world of competitive figure skating. Whatever combination of choreography, camera angles and special effects were required to render unbelievable, hyper-real skate numbers, they're executed with wit and originality. We found the movie to be frequently funny because of it. The fact that it was two men, competing in the pairs competition, added some humor but not enough to carry the entire movie with out the fun made at skating in general.
Blades of Glory has funny moves even when its characters can barely move. It has its moments of loopy ingenuity.
This blissfully silly movie is one of those rare comedies that puts a goofy smile on your face with the premise alone. We give it 2.5-Stars.
Please check back soon to see what else we have seen and given Our 2-Cents Worth.
First I will say, that we are not Will Ferrell nor Jon Heder fans. The last thing we remember seeing Ferrell in was Stranger than Fiction, which, had we been reviewing movies at the time, we would have given, at best, a 1.5-Star rating. In fact that was not just our opinion, but my sister and her husband, my two nieces and my nephew and his lover, which we had taken to see this movie over the Christmas Holidays, all canned it.
The last thing we remember Heder in, of any note, was Napoleon Dynamite. While it enjoyed commercial success, Napoleon Dynamite, was also not one of our favorites movies and Heder not one of our favorite actors.
All that being said, Blades of Glory, was funny, in spite of, Farrell and Heder.
Blades.... is about the world of competitive skating and this movie made fun of many of the rituals, customs, and music used by skaters during competition.
The movie is at its funniest and most original when zinging the sometimes pretentious world of competitive figure skating. Whatever combination of choreography, camera angles and special effects were required to render unbelievable, hyper-real skate numbers, they're executed with wit and originality. We found the movie to be frequently funny because of it. The fact that it was two men, competing in the pairs competition, added some humor but not enough to carry the entire movie with out the fun made at skating in general.
Blades of Glory has funny moves even when its characters can barely move. It has its moments of loopy ingenuity.
This blissfully silly movie is one of those rare comedies that puts a goofy smile on your face with the premise alone. We give it 2.5-Stars.
Please check back soon to see what else we have seen and given Our 2-Cents Worth.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry. (You May Kiss the Groom)
.......Chuck and Larry, managed to pull off the unexpected. It was the top grossing movie in the country for the weekend that brought us the 5th installment of Harry Potter and Hairspray starring John Travolta in Drag. That was a surprise to me too. Even though the showing we attended was 80% full on Saturday afternoon, I never expected Chuck and Larry to beat the competition.
The critics panned .........Chuck and Larry, with an average rating of 48/100. Comments ranged from, "USA Today Claudia Puig
A movie that gives marriage, homosexuality, friendship, firefighters, children and nearly everything else a bad name." to "Rolling Stone Peter Travers
No comedy this year can beat this dud for mealy-mouthed hypocrisy. OK, where were we? Oh, that's right, the number one movie in America for the weekend.
This movie was a simple, low budget, situation comedy with somewhat stale material that has been presented in other sit-coms before. However, anything with Adam Sandler is likely to do well. Add to that the appeal that Kevin James generated with his now retired show, King of Queens, and you have a winning box office formula. Jessica Biel is just the cherry on top.
Are the critics wrong? No. The movie is irreverent, shallow and politically incorrect. The movie is as they say it is, but it made America laugh. Sometimes critics carry the weight of the world's social moral order on their shoulders and feel that "laughs" obtained under "irreverent" circumstances should not be encouraged. Where were they when they reviewed Borat?
......Chuck and Larry, is a funny little comedy with Adam Sandler. It made us laugh. We are tired of political correctness. We were not insulted in any way. We give this movie 3-Stars.
Please check back with us soon when we bring you another installment of Our 2-Cents Worth.
The critics panned .........Chuck and Larry, with an average rating of 48/100. Comments ranged from, "USA Today Claudia Puig
A movie that gives marriage, homosexuality, friendship, firefighters, children and nearly everything else a bad name." to "Rolling Stone Peter Travers
No comedy this year can beat this dud for mealy-mouthed hypocrisy. OK, where were we? Oh, that's right, the number one movie in America for the weekend.
This movie was a simple, low budget, situation comedy with somewhat stale material that has been presented in other sit-coms before. However, anything with Adam Sandler is likely to do well. Add to that the appeal that Kevin James generated with his now retired show, King of Queens, and you have a winning box office formula. Jessica Biel is just the cherry on top.
Are the critics wrong? No. The movie is irreverent, shallow and politically incorrect. The movie is as they say it is, but it made America laugh. Sometimes critics carry the weight of the world's social moral order on their shoulders and feel that "laughs" obtained under "irreverent" circumstances should not be encouraged. Where were they when they reviewed Borat?
......Chuck and Larry, is a funny little comedy with Adam Sandler. It made us laugh. We are tired of political correctness. We were not insulted in any way. We give this movie 3-Stars.
Please check back with us soon when we bring you another installment of Our 2-Cents Worth.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End ? Perhaps not
(Len)
Pirates, "At World's End", is a lavish spectacle of swash-buckling fun. It offers wonderfully scenic and impressive action sequences. Some of which are so lengthy and elaborate, that remembering what came before becomes a test on mental focus. The last hour of the movie was some of the best "Pirates" I have seen. The first 90 minutes, not so much.
Johnny Depp's swishing pirate captain illuminates this movie but it is not enough to carry almost 3 hours worth of Pirate fun.
And you can bet your "peg-leg", "Pirates" will be back. I hope #4 is re-energized and not just resuscitated.
Spider-man 3 was a better movie.
I give this film 3.25 stars.
Please check us out again soon as we continue to bring you "Our 2-cents Worth"
Ken and Len
Pirates, "At World's End", is a lavish spectacle of swash-buckling fun. It offers wonderfully scenic and impressive action sequences. Some of which are so lengthy and elaborate, that remembering what came before becomes a test on mental focus. The last hour of the movie was some of the best "Pirates" I have seen. The first 90 minutes, not so much.
Johnny Depp's swishing pirate captain illuminates this movie but it is not enough to carry almost 3 hours worth of Pirate fun.
And you can bet your "peg-leg", "Pirates" will be back. I hope #4 is re-energized and not just resuscitated.
Spider-man 3 was a better movie.
I give this film 3.25 stars.
Please check us out again soon as we continue to bring you "Our 2-cents Worth"
Ken and Len
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Spider-Man 3 Spins a Terrific Sequel
(Len)
The summer movie season is officially here with the release of Spider-Man 3. This mega-block buster, has broken all sorts of records pertaining to opening weekend grosses, etc.
I enjoyed it very well. It had great special effects, good action sequences and an interesting story line. And yes, it had the requisite romantic scenes. The most fictional account on this movie however, is the singing and dancing. I can believe that he (Tobey) is a spider-man sooner than I can believe that he is a dancer. (or Kirsten Dunst a singer). However this is the best of the three in the franchise, in my opinion.
I give this film and Superhero 3.5 stars out of 5-stars.
I reserve the 5-stars ranking for my very own superhero, Superman (aka Ken), because he is my hero and is a Super Man to me.
Have fun at the movies this weekend as Shrek the Third, comes to a theater near you. Please check back soon for that review and others when we give you once again "Our Two Cents Worth"
The summer movie season is officially here with the release of Spider-Man 3. This mega-block buster, has broken all sorts of records pertaining to opening weekend grosses, etc.
I enjoyed it very well. It had great special effects, good action sequences and an interesting story line. And yes, it had the requisite romantic scenes. The most fictional account on this movie however, is the singing and dancing. I can believe that he (Tobey) is a spider-man sooner than I can believe that he is a dancer. (or Kirsten Dunst a singer). However this is the best of the three in the franchise, in my opinion.
I give this film and Superhero 3.5 stars out of 5-stars.
I reserve the 5-stars ranking for my very own superhero, Superman (aka Ken), because he is my hero and is a Super Man to me.
Have fun at the movies this weekend as Shrek the Third, comes to a theater near you. Please check back soon for that review and others when we give you once again "Our Two Cents Worth"
Monday, April 30, 2007
FRACTURE, but certainly not broken
(Len)
FRACTURE, is a moody and suspenseful, psychological thriller that is brilliantly acted by Sir Anthony Hopkins and Ryan Gossling.
Watching a veteran like Hopkins verbally joust with Gossling is worth the price of admission.
It was a treat to watch both actors in this compelling and surprisingly funny thriller.
The cinematography is stunning at times; the script was clever and original; and the supporting cast was strong and first rate.
I enjoyed this movie very much. Partly because I love Hopkins as an actor, and because FRACTURE was well done. I give this cinematic treat 3.75 STARS.
Please stop by again soon when we will give you "Our 2-Cents Worth" on this summer's 1st Blockbuster, Spiderman Three.
FRACTURE, is a moody and suspenseful, psychological thriller that is brilliantly acted by Sir Anthony Hopkins and Ryan Gossling.
Watching a veteran like Hopkins verbally joust with Gossling is worth the price of admission.
It was a treat to watch both actors in this compelling and surprisingly funny thriller.
The cinematography is stunning at times; the script was clever and original; and the supporting cast was strong and first rate.
I enjoyed this movie very much. Partly because I love Hopkins as an actor, and because FRACTURE was well done. I give this cinematic treat 3.75 STARS.
Please stop by again soon when we will give you "Our 2-Cents Worth" on this summer's 1st Blockbuster, Spiderman Three.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Meet the Robinsons (in 3-D) - An Amuzing Invention
(Len)
This Walt Disney Studios' animated feature film (Meet the Robinsons in 3-D) pleases in every regard. It is state of the art animation; it is a good story; it is touching; and it is entertaining and fun.
This story of an orphaned brainiac child, takes us through his search for the family he so desperately desires. Introduce a little science fiction, and VOILA!, The search becomes assisted by a little time travel to the Future.
The innate feelings of belonging are tenderly explored as Lewis hopes to become adopted.
The movie unfolds at a surprisingly rapid pace and never looses it focus.
I am a big kid at heart and I give this beautiful and hilarious animated sci-fi-ish-cartoon 3.5 Stars.
While on the subject of animated films, I saw Happy Feet this weekend. This won the Academy Award for best Animated film from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. I enjoyed it and it was well done, but it my humble opinion Cars should have taken the Oscar.
(Ken)
I agree with Len on this movie. (Meet the Robinsons) It was a good animated movie; the 3D effects were great; the story line was simple and the plot predictable. However I did enjoy it and it held my interest the entire time. It was cute and amusing, even though I do not normally go to this type of movie.
I would give it a middle of the road ranking of 2.5 stars.
For Happy Feet, I thought the dancing animation was excellent and think it probably got the Oscar for that, however, like Len, I enjoyed Cars a lot more."
That is this week's installment of "Our 2-Cents Worth". Please check back soon and see what else is UP at the movies.
Until then, "Keep Moving Forward" (Walt Disney)
This Walt Disney Studios' animated feature film (Meet the Robinsons in 3-D) pleases in every regard. It is state of the art animation; it is a good story; it is touching; and it is entertaining and fun.
This story of an orphaned brainiac child, takes us through his search for the family he so desperately desires. Introduce a little science fiction, and VOILA!, The search becomes assisted by a little time travel to the Future.
The innate feelings of belonging are tenderly explored as Lewis hopes to become adopted.
The movie unfolds at a surprisingly rapid pace and never looses it focus.
I am a big kid at heart and I give this beautiful and hilarious animated sci-fi-ish-cartoon 3.5 Stars.
While on the subject of animated films, I saw Happy Feet this weekend. This won the Academy Award for best Animated film from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. I enjoyed it and it was well done, but it my humble opinion Cars should have taken the Oscar.
(Ken)
I agree with Len on this movie. (Meet the Robinsons) It was a good animated movie; the 3D effects were great; the story line was simple and the plot predictable. However I did enjoy it and it held my interest the entire time. It was cute and amusing, even though I do not normally go to this type of movie.
I would give it a middle of the road ranking of 2.5 stars.
For Happy Feet, I thought the dancing animation was excellent and think it probably got the Oscar for that, however, like Len, I enjoyed Cars a lot more."
That is this week's installment of "Our 2-Cents Worth". Please check back soon and see what else is UP at the movies.
Until then, "Keep Moving Forward" (Walt Disney)
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
(Ken)
Now I cannot express myself as well as Len, but this movie had me staying awake the whole way through, which is very unusual. Not disregarding the fact that I really enjoy "action". This movie delivered, Mark Wahlberg played an excellent role, and kept me interested and wanting more. Shall I go into the story line? ........ You need to go and see this one for yourself.
I give this movie a SOLID 4 stars out of 5. Great cast, good story line. What more can I say????
Now I cannot express myself as well as Len, but this movie had me staying awake the whole way through, which is very unusual. Not disregarding the fact that I really enjoy "action". This movie delivered, Mark Wahlberg played an excellent role, and kept me interested and wanting more. Shall I go into the story line? ........ You need to go and see this one for yourself.
I give this movie a SOLID 4 stars out of 5. Great cast, good story line. What more can I say????
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
"Shooter" hits the Mark
(Len)
The "Shooter" delivers with Accuracy.
Mark Wahlberg stars in this non-stop action/adventure, edge-of-your-seat story of a former Marine Sargent who retires from the service after a mission goes bad, only to be re-recruited a few years later as a consultant for the government on an assassination attempt. What unfolds after that, is a suspenseful series of events that make the movie's running time, fly by.(124 minutes)
Wahlberg is excellent in this role as he was in "The Departed". I have never been a "Marky Mark" fan, but Wahlberg has proven that he can be successful as an actor and not just as an underwear model for Calvin Klein.
The "Shooter" makes the audience care for the "rogue" characters. I found myself cheering when corrupt politicians in the movie, were left out of the sequel.(if you know what I mean, wink, wink)
I liked this movie very well. I give it 3.5 Stars.
Please drop in again next week, when we hope to bring you another installment of "Our 2-Cents Worth" at the movies.
The "Shooter" delivers with Accuracy.
Mark Wahlberg stars in this non-stop action/adventure, edge-of-your-seat story of a former Marine Sargent who retires from the service after a mission goes bad, only to be re-recruited a few years later as a consultant for the government on an assassination attempt. What unfolds after that, is a suspenseful series of events that make the movie's running time, fly by.(124 minutes)
Wahlberg is excellent in this role as he was in "The Departed". I have never been a "Marky Mark" fan, but Wahlberg has proven that he can be successful as an actor and not just as an underwear model for Calvin Klein.
The "Shooter" makes the audience care for the "rogue" characters. I found myself cheering when corrupt politicians in the movie, were left out of the sequel.(if you know what I mean, wink, wink)
I liked this movie very well. I give it 3.5 Stars.
Please drop in again next week, when we hope to bring you another installment of "Our 2-Cents Worth" at the movies.
Monday, March 19, 2007
(Ken)
"Zodiac" had me thinking along with the Jake Gyllenhaal character. I enjoyed the movie but did not think much of Robert Downey Jr. However Jake Gyllenhaal and Mark Ruffalo played good parts.
I would give this movie 3 1/2 stars out of 5.
(Len)
I enjoyed the movie "Zodiac". It was a very interesting tale of a still unsolved case. The movie keeps you involved with its sustained suspense and its dark humor. The story is really about the people looking for the killer and not really about the killer himself. Jake Gyllenhaal was good is his character as the cartoonist for a San Francisco Newspaper, where the action takes place.
I have never been a Robert Downey Jr. fan (although he was OK in "Less than Zero" where he may have been type-cast)and I am still not.
However the movie is worth seeing.
I agree with Ken, and give this movie 3.5 stars
Stop by next week when we hope to bring you our "2-Cents Worth" on "The Shooter"
"Zodiac" had me thinking along with the Jake Gyllenhaal character. I enjoyed the movie but did not think much of Robert Downey Jr. However Jake Gyllenhaal and Mark Ruffalo played good parts.
I would give this movie 3 1/2 stars out of 5.
(Len)
I enjoyed the movie "Zodiac". It was a very interesting tale of a still unsolved case. The movie keeps you involved with its sustained suspense and its dark humor. The story is really about the people looking for the killer and not really about the killer himself. Jake Gyllenhaal was good is his character as the cartoonist for a San Francisco Newspaper, where the action takes place.
I have never been a Robert Downey Jr. fan (although he was OK in "Less than Zero" where he may have been type-cast)and I am still not.
However the movie is worth seeing.
I agree with Ken, and give this movie 3.5 stars
Stop by next week when we hope to bring you our "2-Cents Worth" on "The Shooter"
Thursday, March 15, 2007
"300" - Classical and Modern - Entertainment for All
(Len)
First, please keep in mind that "300" is an adaptation of a graphic novel. To me, a graphic novel is a cartoon for adults. This movie is a cartoon brought to life by director Zack Snyder. Some reviewers are forgetting this essential fact.
I found the movie to be entertaining,beautiful to look at and very well done. The characters have a subtle humanity that transcends the almost 2,500 years since the battle of Thermopylae.
Gerard Butler is excellent as king Leonidas. He is funny and warm, but a warrior to his last breath.
The stylized decapitation and slashing scenes are not as gory as you might expect. The blend of Hollywood and CGI ( Computer Generated Imagery) works very well in this "epic".
Not your typical"war movie", my "2-Cents Worth" on "300" is 4.25-stars.
First, please keep in mind that "300" is an adaptation of a graphic novel. To me, a graphic novel is a cartoon for adults. This movie is a cartoon brought to life by director Zack Snyder. Some reviewers are forgetting this essential fact.
I found the movie to be entertaining,beautiful to look at and very well done. The characters have a subtle humanity that transcends the almost 2,500 years since the battle of Thermopylae.
Gerard Butler is excellent as king Leonidas. He is funny and warm, but a warrior to his last breath.
The stylized decapitation and slashing scenes are not as gory as you might expect. The blend of Hollywood and CGI ( Computer Generated Imagery) works very well in this "epic".
Not your typical"war movie", my "2-Cents Worth" on "300" is 4.25-stars.
Monday, March 5, 2007
(Ken)
"Wild Hogs" surprised me by being a pleasant comedy and I am glad that I did not go into it expecting anything more from John Travolta and William H. Macy. But with Martin Lawrence and Tim Allen being in the cast, this can only be a comedy. I enjoyed the antics of the group, who worked well together and I am sure a lot of fun was had by all of them. Marisa Tomei played a good supporting role, as did Ray Liotta. And, of course, what is a "biker" movie without a presence by Peter Fonda.
To sum it all up - this movie is both entertaining and light-hearted and I give it 3 stars.
(Len)
I think Ken said it all.
It is a light hearted comedy, that wants to be dumb, but can not hide that there are some intelligent folks involved. The homophobic humor was anachronistic for the 21st century but I must admit I laughed too. While it will not be nominated for any awards, I found the movie to be "fun" enough to give it 3 stars.
Look for "Our 2-Cents Worth" again next week when we hope to bring you our thoughts on "300".
"Wild Hogs" surprised me by being a pleasant comedy and I am glad that I did not go into it expecting anything more from John Travolta and William H. Macy. But with Martin Lawrence and Tim Allen being in the cast, this can only be a comedy. I enjoyed the antics of the group, who worked well together and I am sure a lot of fun was had by all of them. Marisa Tomei played a good supporting role, as did Ray Liotta. And, of course, what is a "biker" movie without a presence by Peter Fonda.
To sum it all up - this movie is both entertaining and light-hearted and I give it 3 stars.
(Len)
I think Ken said it all.
It is a light hearted comedy, that wants to be dumb, but can not hide that there are some intelligent folks involved. The homophobic humor was anachronistic for the 21st century but I must admit I laughed too. While it will not be nominated for any awards, I found the movie to be "fun" enough to give it 3 stars.
Look for "Our 2-Cents Worth" again next week when we hope to bring you our thoughts on "300".
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Our "2-Cents Worth" February 28th, 2007
(Ken)
The awards have just been handed out, new movies have already started being distributed for the upcoming year and yet another reviewer (us), has something to add. Congratulations to The Departed, Forest Whitaker and Helen Mirren, all of which were excellent choices, and follow along with my own predictions. Len disagreed with me on the movie, he wanted Letters from Iwo Jima to win, but he had to bow to superior knowledge this time - lol.....
But that is all in the past now, and 2007 has loomed with new movies to review. We missed out on some of the movies released in January and February, but we will continue with some of the newer ones.
Currently 2 movies seem to be standing out, these are Breach and Amazing Grace (trailer: http://www.amazinggracemovie.com/ ). These are on my list of "must see in the theater", some of the others will remain on my list of "rentals".
(Len)
My back is still sore from "bow"ing to Ken's "superior knowledge" on the winning film. I agree that The Departed was a deserving winner. However I was touched by the subject matter and the "humanization" of the enemy, from an American perpective, in Letters from Iwo Jima.
Politicians make war. Regular people fight in them. Regular people with families, friends, hopes, dreams and fears, no matter your nationality. Letters..... brought that message home and for that, it will always be a winner in my heart.
Moving on though, to 2007, we can't wait till the arrival of this summer's Block Busters which begin in May with the release of Spider Man 3, followed by Shrek the Third, and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End; (JUNE) Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer; (JULY)Transformers, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and the Simpsons Movie.
We have missed out on the new movies in January and February, but as a professional movie reviewer (Tom Charity) said: "Epic Movie," "The Hitcher," "Smokin' Aces," "Codename: The Cleaner," "Because I Said So," "Hannibal Rising," "Norbit"... every week brings another dismal low". So we really have not missed very much.
I would like to add Zodiac ( http://www.zodiacmovie.com/) to Ken's list of "must see in the theaters", which opens this weekend.
We will be back soon to share with you Our "2-Cents Worth"
The awards have just been handed out, new movies have already started being distributed for the upcoming year and yet another reviewer (us), has something to add. Congratulations to The Departed, Forest Whitaker and Helen Mirren, all of which were excellent choices, and follow along with my own predictions. Len disagreed with me on the movie, he wanted Letters from Iwo Jima to win, but he had to bow to superior knowledge this time - lol.....
But that is all in the past now, and 2007 has loomed with new movies to review. We missed out on some of the movies released in January and February, but we will continue with some of the newer ones.
Currently 2 movies seem to be standing out, these are Breach and Amazing Grace (trailer: http://www.amazinggracemovie.com/ ). These are on my list of "must see in the theater", some of the others will remain on my list of "rentals".
(Len)
My back is still sore from "bow"ing to Ken's "superior knowledge" on the winning film. I agree that The Departed was a deserving winner. However I was touched by the subject matter and the "humanization" of the enemy, from an American perpective, in Letters from Iwo Jima.
Politicians make war. Regular people fight in them. Regular people with families, friends, hopes, dreams and fears, no matter your nationality. Letters..... brought that message home and for that, it will always be a winner in my heart.
Moving on though, to 2007, we can't wait till the arrival of this summer's Block Busters which begin in May with the release of Spider Man 3, followed by Shrek the Third, and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End; (JUNE) Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer; (JULY)Transformers, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and the Simpsons Movie.
We have missed out on the new movies in January and February, but as a professional movie reviewer (Tom Charity) said: "Epic Movie," "The Hitcher," "Smokin' Aces," "Codename: The Cleaner," "Because I Said So," "Hannibal Rising," "Norbit"... every week brings another dismal low". So we really have not missed very much.
I would like to add Zodiac ( http://www.zodiacmovie.com/) to Ken's list of "must see in the theaters", which opens this weekend.
We will be back soon to share with you Our "2-Cents Worth"
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