Kami

This movie was absolutely horrible in my opinion. The Number 23 spends its whole time trying to find itself and never successfully does so. Parts of the movie reminded me of "Dick Tracey" other scenes to me were reminiscent of Sin City. Part horror, part mystery, part conspiracy, part comedy? The movie was laughable for many reasons, but to me, the fact that it had no direction made me feel silly even watching it. This could have been a good movie if the script had more direction and focus....and if Jim Carrey weren't playing the lead. He still hasn't convinced me that he is anything more than a comedic leading man. He was out of his element in this film.

Political propaganda and unsatisfying ending aside, I thought Children of Men was a well executed, though-provoking film.

A mere 21 years into the future, the population has become sterile, infertile. Rather than exploring the reasons (medical or otherwise) for the widespread infertility, Children of Men explores the social ramifications of this threatening situation.

Children of Men explores a world that has lost hope. Even the thought of assisted suicide is made a point in this film. There is no future for these people. Theo Faron (Clive Owen) is a hopeless cad who is beyond pathetic (but who eventually redeems himself about 30 minutes into the film and becomes a flawed, but determined hero. Thank goodness, I hate not liking Clive Owen).  That is until his ex-lover (with whom he separated over 20 years ago after the loss of their son) asks him to play "Joseph" to a "Mary" who she is trying to protect and get to an absurdly mysterious group called, "The Human Project" for protection.

Although the "Mary's" (the character's name is Kee in the film) conception was hardly immaculate, her pregnant in this lost and dying world is a miracle. The first pregnancy in decades. Theo then takes over protection of Kee and guides her through depressing, cumbling England and this chaotic world where bombings and shootings occur on every street corner and where the concept of govenment seems to have no meaning. A world where man seems to have resorted to animal-like tendencies and has only one goal, survival.

The camerawork is remarkable in this film. Rarely are quick edits used. There is an awesome scene in a car that goes almost five mintue with a single cut and it is one of several with similar lengths. The overall setting and tone of the film is bleak, as it should be. It really sets the tone of the movie. Before a word is even spoken, the color pallete in this film speaks to you and lets you know that this world is not one that any of us would want to live in.

Overall, Children of Men is an excellent film with acting that definitely deserves 5 stars.

I thought it was too early for this movie to be made. Maybe its just me?

Miami Vice. I rented this movie Friday night because I lacked any imagination or enthusiasm when I entered my local Movie Gallery, I just reached for the latest new release and boy was that a mistake. I think I even heard the gal behind the counter chuckle as I exited the store. The ninny could have warned me of my disastrous choice. Though in all honesty, the gal behind the counter really had no obligation to inform me of Miami Vice’s rottenness, the picture of a serious Colin Farrell sporting a mullet on the cover should have tipped me off.

Miami Vice was incredibly shallow and the acting was mediocre. Half the time I could not understand what the actors were saying because they all were mumbling their lines. Jamie Foxx’s portrayal of Rico lacked any enthusiasm and it seems as though his character was an afterthought. Don’t bother with this movie, it would be a waste of your time.

Excellent film, one of the best I have seen in a while. Plus three of my top 5 favorite actors in one film, that was an extra bonus!

This one is "purchase worthy"

 

 

I love this movie. It isn't perfect, but it is original, a breath of fresh air amidst all of the mediocre and stale films that have been covering Blockbuster's shelves lately. Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang is a great dark comedy/murder mystery. It is fast paced and the dialogue is clever and snappy. The chemistry between Val Kilmer and Robert Downey, Jr. is fantastic, they are great together and really play off of one another. I also enjoy Downey's narration in this film, the way the narration is presented added a nice touch to the already off-beat film.

My only complaint is that when it is explained how the two murders are connected, I ended up feeling a little jipped, I think the writers could have come up with a much better twist and a more interesting ending to the film. But that minor dissapointment certainly didn't change my opinion of the film. I thought Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang was entertaining and I enjoyed its unique and the artistic execution.