Released: 2011
OVERALL RATING: * * * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Director: Gonzalo López-Gallego
Writers: Brian Miller, Cory Goodman
Main Actors: Warren Christie, Lloyd Owen, Ryan Robbins
Producer: Michael Wolkoff
Directing: * * * *
Acting: * * * *
Plot: * * * *
Overall Entertainment Value: * * * *
Predictability Factor: * * * *
Okay - I LOVED this movie. I don't get why it is rated so badly on imdb. I totally disagree with them. I guess they didn't like the style of the movie - it was a bit 'jarring' to watch.
The movie kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The acting was amazing. I was totally pulled into the film. It was an hour and a half of full escape. That is how I like my movies.
I really liked how sound played such a big role in the film. It was a major part, especially since some of the film had black outs or grainy images.
Let's see, what else can I say about this movie? Oh yeah, SEE IT!!!! Unless you don't like suspense, then don't see it - I'll try not to call you lame to many times.
www.lunartruth.com
Favorite Scene: I'll call it "The Extraction" on the Liberty. If you see it, you'll know what I'm talking about.
Favorite Quote: Jalapeno Dick
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Mothman
Released: 2010
OVERALL RATING: *
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Directing: * *
Acting: * *
Plot: *
Predictability Factor: *
Director: Sheldon Wilson
Writers: Patrick Walsh, Sonny Lee
Main Actors: Jewel Staite, Connor Fox, Susie Abromeit
Wow, now I know my addiction to 'made for SyFy' movies is real. I watched the entire movie. Now, I do have a special place in my heart for Jewel Staite - she was in Fire Fly and Stargate Atlantis after all. But I do wish she had not chosen to do this movie.
The acting was mediocre and the graphics were just silly. The entire Mothman festival was an ad for just how low a budget the movie really had. It should have ended multiple times before it really did.
Let's see... positive aspects of the movie... people were killed somewhat disgustingly. That is always fun. And guns, it had guns.
Little things would have greatly helped this movie. At the beginning, the body of the kid was way too far away from them. That made no sense! The drunk teens had just drowned the kid and he floats all the way to the side of the river within 5 seconds? Come on... a little realism please!
Anyway, if you share my addition to SyFy movies, please see this. Otherwise, a waste of time.
Favorite Line: Kill the bastard Katharine!
OVERALL RATING: *
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Directing: * *
Acting: * *
Plot: *
Predictability Factor: *
Director: Sheldon Wilson
Writers: Patrick Walsh, Sonny Lee
Main Actors: Jewel Staite, Connor Fox, Susie Abromeit
Wow, now I know my addiction to 'made for SyFy' movies is real. I watched the entire movie. Now, I do have a special place in my heart for Jewel Staite - she was in Fire Fly and Stargate Atlantis after all. But I do wish she had not chosen to do this movie.
The acting was mediocre and the graphics were just silly. The entire Mothman festival was an ad for just how low a budget the movie really had. It should have ended multiple times before it really did.
Let's see... positive aspects of the movie... people were killed somewhat disgustingly. That is always fun. And guns, it had guns.
Little things would have greatly helped this movie. At the beginning, the body of the kid was way too far away from them. That made no sense! The drunk teens had just drowned the kid and he floats all the way to the side of the river within 5 seconds? Come on... a little realism please!
Anyway, if you share my addition to SyFy movies, please see this. Otherwise, a waste of time.
Favorite Line: Kill the bastard Katharine!
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Cowboys & Aliens
Released: 2011
OVERALL RATING: * * .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4)
Director: Jon Favreau
Writers: Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman
Producers: Brian Grazer, Ron Howard
Main Actors: Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Sam Rockwell, Olivia Wilde
Acting: * * * .5
Directing: * * *
Story Line: * .5
Predictability: * *
I hate giving this low a rating to a movie where I got to see Daniel Craig's chest. Such a pity. The story had so much potential, but really was a 'fail'. It just didn't work that well.
The acting and effects were good. Gotta like stuff blowing up! The visuals of this movie make it worth seeing, but I can't get past that story line. There were even a couple times I was hoping it was almost over.
Harrison Ford did well in his role, but I found myself wanting to know more about his character. I don't think they did enough development of his role, which was a bit of a waste. There was a missed opportunity there I think.
Anyway, if you're looking for something to watch and only want some action visuals, see this movie. Otherwise, save your money.
Favorite Quote: "Don't yank on it. It's not your pecker."
OVERALL RATING: * * .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4)
Director: Jon Favreau
Writers: Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman
Producers: Brian Grazer, Ron Howard
Main Actors: Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Sam Rockwell, Olivia Wilde
Acting: * * * .5
Directing: * * *
Story Line: * .5
Predictability: * *
I hate giving this low a rating to a movie where I got to see Daniel Craig's chest. Such a pity. The story had so much potential, but really was a 'fail'. It just didn't work that well.
The acting and effects were good. Gotta like stuff blowing up! The visuals of this movie make it worth seeing, but I can't get past that story line. There were even a couple times I was hoping it was almost over.
Harrison Ford did well in his role, but I found myself wanting to know more about his character. I don't think they did enough development of his role, which was a bit of a waste. There was a missed opportunity there I think.
Anyway, if you're looking for something to watch and only want some action visuals, see this movie. Otherwise, save your money.
Favorite Quote: "Don't yank on it. It's not your pecker."
Monday, July 25, 2011
Insidious
Released: 2010
Director: James Wan
Writer: Leigh Whannell
Producer: Jason Blum
Main Actors: Patrick Wilson; Rose Byrne
OVERALL RATING: * * * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4)
Directing: * * * *
Acting: * * * *
Plot Line: * * *
Predictability: * * * *
Wow... I was engaged, surprised, and on the edge of my seat most of the movie. I recommend this film (yes, it gets the to be called a "film" in the Val review) for anyone who likes suspense / horror films. It was truly awesome.
I really like that it didn't quite go as I was expecting. It did move in the overall direction I thought it would, but the details of it were surprising. I'd write more about this topic if I wanted to spoil it for you and I don't want to do that, so no more on this subject.
The cinematography worked very well for the film. The camera angles and movement speed were spot on for what was happening. There - my shout out to the cinematographer has been stated.
Ever since I saw the first few episodes of Damage, I have had a high respect for Rose Byrne. She is a very good actress and doesn't disappoint in this movie. Yeah, yeah... another shout out.
Favorite Scene: At the beginning, when Josh and Renai were going to bed and started joking around. It was endearing and cute. Made me want a marriage like that - end of a hard day and your spouse still makes you giggle.
Director: James Wan
Writer: Leigh Whannell
Producer: Jason Blum
Main Actors: Patrick Wilson; Rose Byrne
OVERALL RATING: * * * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4)
Directing: * * * *
Acting: * * * *
Plot Line: * * *
Predictability: * * * *
Wow... I was engaged, surprised, and on the edge of my seat most of the movie. I recommend this film (yes, it gets the to be called a "film" in the Val review) for anyone who likes suspense / horror films. It was truly awesome.
I really like that it didn't quite go as I was expecting. It did move in the overall direction I thought it would, but the details of it were surprising. I'd write more about this topic if I wanted to spoil it for you and I don't want to do that, so no more on this subject.
The cinematography worked very well for the film. The camera angles and movement speed were spot on for what was happening. There - my shout out to the cinematographer has been stated.
Ever since I saw the first few episodes of Damage, I have had a high respect for Rose Byrne. She is a very good actress and doesn't disappoint in this movie. Yeah, yeah... another shout out.
Favorite Scene: At the beginning, when Josh and Renai were going to bed and started joking around. It was endearing and cute. Made me want a marriage like that - end of a hard day and your spouse still makes you giggle.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Trust the Man
Released: 2005
Director: Bart Freundlich
Producer: Bart Freundlich; Sidney Kimmel; Tim Perell
Main Actors: David Duchovny; Julianne Moore; Billy Crudup; Maggie Gyllenhaal
OVERALL RATING: * * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Directing: * * *
Acting: * * *
Story Line: * *
Entertainment Value: * * *
Predictability: * * .5
This is a bias review. I'll state that right now. You can choose to stop reading due to this fact, but I, of course, want you to read this in it's entirety.
Why is it bias you ask? Well, I am totally in love with David Duchovny and would never, ever, EVER trash anything he's done. I just couldn't. Don't ask me to, cause I won't.
Another reason is that I DO NOT like certain things that take place in this movie. It is wrong, wrong, wrong (did I mention it was wrong?) to cheat on your spouse. I won't say anymore about it so that I don't spoil it for people that want to see it.
I did cry a little during a scene with Tobey (Crudup) and Elaine (Gyllenhaal). I could really identify with the emotions she was feeling. Ahh, the ups and downs of relationships. Speaking of, I don't recommend this movie early on in a new relationship. Its too... well... I just don't recommend it.
With that being said, it was an engaging movie and kept me entertained. There were some unexpected things that happened, which was good. I was fearing a typical story line.
Favorite Scene: Julianne Moore in the kitchen on her last night to eat carbs. Been there / done that!
Director: Bart Freundlich
Producer: Bart Freundlich; Sidney Kimmel; Tim Perell
Main Actors: David Duchovny; Julianne Moore; Billy Crudup; Maggie Gyllenhaal
OVERALL RATING: * * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Directing: * * *
Acting: * * *
Story Line: * *
Entertainment Value: * * *
Predictability: * * .5
This is a bias review. I'll state that right now. You can choose to stop reading due to this fact, but I, of course, want you to read this in it's entirety.
Why is it bias you ask? Well, I am totally in love with David Duchovny and would never, ever, EVER trash anything he's done. I just couldn't. Don't ask me to, cause I won't.
Another reason is that I DO NOT like certain things that take place in this movie. It is wrong, wrong, wrong (did I mention it was wrong?) to cheat on your spouse. I won't say anymore about it so that I don't spoil it for people that want to see it.
I did cry a little during a scene with Tobey (Crudup) and Elaine (Gyllenhaal). I could really identify with the emotions she was feeling. Ahh, the ups and downs of relationships. Speaking of, I don't recommend this movie early on in a new relationship. Its too... well... I just don't recommend it.
With that being said, it was an engaging movie and kept me entertained. There were some unexpected things that happened, which was good. I was fearing a typical story line.
Favorite Scene: Julianne Moore in the kitchen on her last night to eat carbs. Been there / done that!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Horrible Bosses
Released: 2011
Director: Seth Gordon
Writers: Michael Markowitz; John Francis Daley
Main Actors: Jason Bateman; Charlie Day; Jason Sudeikis; Kevin Spacey
OVERALL RATING: * * * 1/2
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Acting: * * *
Directing: * * * *
Entertainment Value: * * * *
Predicability: * * * *
Story Line: * * *
This was quite an enjoyable movie. I laughed a lot. It is definitely worth seeing. It will also make you appreciate your boss (or make you really want to act on the wish to kill them).
I have to admit, I am NOT a Jennifer Aniston fan, but I have to give her props for her role in the movie. She did a good job as a sex kitten bitch - really. I love her darker hair too. It actually took me a moment to realize it was her.
Jason Bateman, what can I say, I love him in movies. I don't think I've seen him in anything I don't like. He was great in this movie.
I enjoyed that there were many unpredictable parts in this movie. It went ways I wasn't quite expecting. Of course, there were the normal 'gotta put it in there' things, but overall, I wasn't anticipating what was happening next.
Favorite Scene: Recon at Bobby's House
Favorite Quote: "I'm getting so good at sifting things out of cocaine!"
Director: Seth Gordon
Writers: Michael Markowitz; John Francis Daley
Main Actors: Jason Bateman; Charlie Day; Jason Sudeikis; Kevin Spacey
OVERALL RATING: * * * 1/2
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Acting: * * *
Directing: * * * *
Entertainment Value: * * * *
Predicability: * * * *
Story Line: * * *
This was quite an enjoyable movie. I laughed a lot. It is definitely worth seeing. It will also make you appreciate your boss (or make you really want to act on the wish to kill them).
I have to admit, I am NOT a Jennifer Aniston fan, but I have to give her props for her role in the movie. She did a good job as a sex kitten bitch - really. I love her darker hair too. It actually took me a moment to realize it was her.
Jason Bateman, what can I say, I love him in movies. I don't think I've seen him in anything I don't like. He was great in this movie.
I enjoyed that there were many unpredictable parts in this movie. It went ways I wasn't quite expecting. Of course, there were the normal 'gotta put it in there' things, but overall, I wasn't anticipating what was happening next.
Favorite Scene: Recon at Bobby's House
Favorite Quote: "I'm getting so good at sifting things out of cocaine!"
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Super 8
Released: 2011
Director: J. J. Abrams
Producers: J. J. Abrams; Steven Spielberg
Writer: J. J. Abrams
Main Actors: Elle Fanning; Kyle Chandler; Joel Courtney
OVERALL RATING: * * * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4 with 4 being best)
Entertainment Value: * * * *
Acting: * * * *
Directing: * * * *
Predictability Factor: * * * *
Story Line: * * * *
My first thought about this movie is, well, brilliance. I want to see it again! I was on the edge of my seat for a lot of the film. Yes, this movie has earned my reference to it as a film.
I dreamed of making movies when I was young (and I still do). Watching this brought me back to my childhood and the fascination and passion that comes with being young and working to make your dreams happen. Did I mention the film was brilliant?
And of course, there was SCI FI!!!!!!! Yahooooweeeeee! Those of you that know me are fully aware I'm a sci fi fan and aliens are totally cool to me. It isn't surprising I like this film.
I'll state the obvious - I highly recommend this movie. You may not appreciate it as much as I do (or some of my friends that I know will love it), but it is a very good movie. I think some defining movie making moments are going to come out of this film. The train crash could very well become the next 'Indiana Jones running with the bolder behind him' scene. Everyone knows it.
Favorite Line: "And wash your hands this time."
Favorite Character: Cary (played by Ryan Lee)
Favorite Scene: Duh - the train crash, but I also liked the scene in the pot head's car
Director: J. J. Abrams
Producers: J. J. Abrams; Steven Spielberg
Writer: J. J. Abrams
Main Actors: Elle Fanning; Kyle Chandler; Joel Courtney
OVERALL RATING: * * * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4 with 4 being best)
Entertainment Value: * * * *
Acting: * * * *
Directing: * * * *
Predictability Factor: * * * *
Story Line: * * * *
My first thought about this movie is, well, brilliance. I want to see it again! I was on the edge of my seat for a lot of the film. Yes, this movie has earned my reference to it as a film.
I dreamed of making movies when I was young (and I still do). Watching this brought me back to my childhood and the fascination and passion that comes with being young and working to make your dreams happen. Did I mention the film was brilliant?
And of course, there was SCI FI!!!!!!! Yahooooweeeeee! Those of you that know me are fully aware I'm a sci fi fan and aliens are totally cool to me. It isn't surprising I like this film.
I'll state the obvious - I highly recommend this movie. You may not appreciate it as much as I do (or some of my friends that I know will love it), but it is a very good movie. I think some defining movie making moments are going to come out of this film. The train crash could very well become the next 'Indiana Jones running with the bolder behind him' scene. Everyone knows it.
Favorite Line: "And wash your hands this time."
Favorite Character: Cary (played by Ryan Lee)
Favorite Scene: Duh - the train crash, but I also liked the scene in the pot head's car
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