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The A-Team (2010) - Overkill is Overrated

: Guru Of FIlm
The A - Team returns to the screen in typical remake fashion and comes to a predictable ending. Directed by Joe Carnahan this movie has a very nice build up and back story on each of the characters. Liam Neeson is the glue of the movie as his calm demeanor and confidence carry many scenes that are lacking of anything else. His most memorable line of the night "Overkill is underrated." and the the special effects staff certainly took it to heart.
The A team (2010) - Falling Tank Scene
Templeton 'Faceman' Peck (Bradley Cooper) fights of UAV from a falling tank after their plane explodes.



It seems most of the scenes involve some sort of ridiculous explosion or plane crash and I understand that subtly is not what they were aiming for but I feel there was a line that was crossed. One or two cheesy effect is an annoying distraction; fifteen is almost unwatchable. The film started strong with funny quips, a deepening of the characters and action that advanced the plot line.

This all seems to be put on hold and the second half stagnates as the plot crawls along, characters are forgotten, and the plot line gets insanely twisted and slow despite the incessant explosions. The soundtrack is forgettable although it was comforting to hear the familiar theme. I feel this remake fell to the tradition combination of ills, trying to modernize while the original feel... etc.


P.S. Murdock (Sharlto Copley) puts on a spectacular performance and really is entertaining.

Fail - The movie gets a D, failing but with credit. It showed us how it could have been good...
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The American (2010)- Theatrical Trailer

: Guru of Film
George Clooney returns on September 1st with his newest movie, The American. He plays an aging assassin who is tiring of his life. After a particularly rough job he insists to his handler that this is last job. However things don't go according to plan as he falls for a girl and his life gets accordingly complicated. Jack (George Clooney) starts contemplating his place in the universe with the help of a local priest (Paolo Bonacelli).
I'm excited for this one as George Clooney usually plays calm collected characters with ease. I am anticipating this to be a modest hit.

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Cowboy Bebop the Movie: Knockin' on Heaven's Door (2001)

: Guru Of Film
Cowboy Bebop manages to keep going strong with the addition of a feature Knockin' on Heaven's Door (2001). All of the main characters are in full swing as it is set between the 22nd and 23rd episodes. The movie grabs your attention and although a bit on the long side as it manages to stay relevant and interesting.

Spike Spiegel and his crew of misfits embark on a mission to capture a bounty head for a small fortune. They are soon twisted up it's in it's reach. A former soldier is planning to annihilate humanity to further his personal quest for reality. Trying to stop him Spike Spiegel comes to terms with his own own mortality and examines his lifestyle. Two new characters are introduced Electra Ovilo, voiced by Jennifer Hale, and Vincent, based on Bob Dylan and voiced by Daran Norris. These characters bring a breath of fresh air to the movie and are developed to a meaningful depth making it easy to associate with them.

Spike Spiegel Cowboy Bebop the Movie Knockin on Heaven's Door
Spike Spiegel fights in Cowboy Bebop the Movie: Knockin' on Heavens Door (2001) voiced by Steve Blum.

Fans of the series will find it unsurprising as the movie delves into the darker sided of the human mind in a successful manner, despite the fact it's an animated movie. The themes of mortality, and what really constitutes living and dieing really reminds you the emotions that an animated piece can bring out. That being said it's well written, with expressive voice actors (English version, of course) and emotional but not technical animation.

The drawings are loose in general, and had the occasional background issue. It's easily overcome as the artusts come through in crucial moments. The strong story line and action carry the animators through any rough patches.

Being a fan of the series will definitely make this movie more relevant as you will understand characterizations that Director Shinichiro Watanabe didn't have time to fully reveal, for instance how they all came to be on the Bebop. This film is highly entertaining and raises the bar for animation. I strongly encourage everyone to go see this with an open mind; you may be pleasantly surprised.

Pass - This film follows the advice 'for every laugh, there should be a tear." in a engaging macabre manner.
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The Secret of Kells (2009)

: Guru of Film
A touching animated feature that explores an old Irish myth about the origins of the book of Kells. It takes place within an interesting time period of history where Christianity is replacing the pagan beliefs of old. At the same time raids from the Northmen (Vikings) were disrupting the area through their constant raids.

The Secret of Kells (2009) screenshot
Brendan gets help from his new friend Aisling, a forest spirit.

The animation was very fanciful and I think it enhanced the movie as it helped you understand what the characters were feeling without much set up or dialogue. The characterization is easily done just through the visual clues. It's animation is technically raw, in the vein of Samurai Jack, but works amazing well.

Brendan is a young apprentice in an abbey where he's looked after by his overly protective uncle, Abbot Cellach. He meets Brother Aidan, an illuminator, who fled from a Northmen raid on his home. He is unable to finish the book of Kells without various items and the help of his young apprentice, Brendan. This leads to conflict with Abbot Cellach as they have differing ideas of what is best for the boy.

The melting of pagan beliefs with Christian ones is interesting to watch and even more so when one realizes that it actually happened in somewhat of the same manner.This duality of the story, as well as it's historical significance is one of the things that distinguishes the movie and makes it a memorable piece.

Pass- This visually striking piece has enough substance to make it memorable.

P.S. Here's the theatrical trailer
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Shutter Island (2010) - Not Bad

: Guru of Film
Wow, Leonardo DiCaprio puts on a solid performance in this thriller. He does an adequate job but seems unable to express the personal conflict he's undergoing. He wasn't bad though; he was just unable to capture my imagination. I think it would have been worth considering a more expressive lead for the role.

The suspense is there and created largely by the setting and mood portrayed in the film. The setting is cliched, as it happens at a mental institution set off from the world on it's own secluded island. The theme is dark and the cinematographer, Robert Richardsen, earned his keep shooting a very satisfying piece. He's definitely added another notch to his belt with this one. It was shot throughout Massachusetts and looks good.
Shutter Island (2010) Leonardo DiCaprio
Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio), contemplates his course.

This mood helps you enter into the world of the protagonist, Teddy Daniels, and his journey on the island. The plot holds passing interest but lacks the surprises that would make it stand out. The supporting cast was a convincing bunch, in particular, Mark Ruffalo and Patricia Clarkson put on touching performances.

Let's be honest, the sole reason that this film got so much attention was because Scorsese was directing it, and after it was released the interest dissipated fairly quickly. When one has developed a following as large as his it's difficult to meet their expectations. This film would be considered an achievement for most filmmakers' instead it is destined to be lost in the annals of time.

Pass/Fail
Pass- Get ready for an enjoyable and utterly forgettable feature.
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Addition of Ratings to Movie Reviews

I've never been a big fan of ratings as far as movie reviews were concerned. I've always believed that the reviewer should be able to adequately describe how the movie was and allow you to make your own decision. Recently, however it's been suggested to me by multiple people that I institute some sort of ratings system.

At first I balked but listening to how it can be helpful I relented. Also I realize my writing skills can leave something to be desired. Hopefully, as I become more knowledgeable and my literary skill improves I can get rid of it. From now on I will add a watch / don't watch or Pass / Fail rating system


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Shutter Island (2010) - Movie Trailer


Martin Scorsese returns to the screen with the new dark thriller Shutter Island. The premise of the movie is U.S. Marshalls (Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo) are investigating Shutter Island, a place for the criminally insane. A conspiracy is uncovered and Teddy Daniel (Leonardo DiCaprio) is not sure what to make of it. In this disorienting environment he has to determine who to trust and who to believe, or
Shutter Island (2010) Leonardo DiCaprio Mark Ruffalo Martin Scorsese
Two U.S. Marshalls investigate Shutter Island
whether he can even trust his own judgment. With everything in question, the line becomes blurred as to who belongs on the Island and who's visiting.

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(500) Days of Summer (2009)

(500) Days of Summer is an exceptional movie in the notoriously weak genre known as the romantic comedy. It's a category defined by Matthew McConaughey's numerous back alley abortions. The movie starts with the stark proclamation "this is not a love story" and for once, it isn't. Ladies, don't worry however romance is the driving force and it's the most prominent feature. It's set in LA and makes the city look beautiful, no small feat, considering the geography of the city.

500 Days of Summer Joesph Gordon Levitt Zooey Deschanel
Joesph Gordon-Levitt shares an elevator with Zooey Deschanel

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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)

A very strong showing from a series whose movies started weak and have gradually picked up steam. The fanfare may not have been as fanatical but the movie was defitely polished as well as enjoyable.
The film industry bandwagon has been applauding the restrained use of special effects and I'm jumping on. The fact the special effects took a back seat to the story and plot is a welcome improvement over the previous movies. The dependence on the effects is normally used as a crutch and sadly overshadows the characters and acting.

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List Of Racial Slurs In Gran Torino (2008)

Walt Kowalski, (Clint Eastwood) an unabashed racist, begins a journey
Walt drives home one of his Hmong neighbors, Sue
to a slightly softer viewpoint through his encounters with his Hmong neighbors. However, this in no way stops him from using a wide variety of racial slurs throughout the movie, even from the grave. The huge number as well as the diversity in names, spurned me to document them. I've listed the collection of racial epitaphs, in order of appearance, used by Walt in Gran Torino (2008).

1. Swamp Rats


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