Untraceable

Diane Lane is the star of this movie. She plays an FBI agent who works scanning websites looking for bad guys. One day she discovers a site that shocks everyone. A person that has been abducted is tortured and killed slowly. The more hits the website gets the faster the person is killed.
From the trailers and previews this film looked very interesting and unique. I couldn’t wait to see it. As it turns out I was very disappointed. I love movies and I could name on one hand the number of films I didn’t care for out of the hundreds I’ve seen, and this one has joined those ranks.
The idea for the movie was sound however it never really seemed to go anywhere. It was continuously predictable from one scene to another. More bothersome was the climax of the film and the FBI agent acting like an idiot in getting herself caught by the bad guy.
I really wanted to like the movie but it just couldn’t pull it off.

“Are We Done Yet” (2007)

“Are We Done Yet?” is a sequel to “Are We There Yet?”, although it began as a remake of the classic, “Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House”, starring the famous Cary Grant and Myrna Loy.

This movie is a comedy about a mother, Suzanne, played by Nia Long who was raising two young, smart-mouthed children on her own (a boy and a girl). She is now married to Nick, played by Ice Cube, whom she met in the prequel and they are starting a new life together. They’re buying their first home, a fixer-upper in suburbia.

The movie focuses on the many set backs and comical errors they encounter while turning their money pit into a house and home. The excitement of starting a new life turns into a nightmare. Their contractor Chuck, played by John C. McGinley doesn’t help matters, as his approach to business is odd to say the least. Chuck gets close to Suzanne and the kids, but he and Nick are worlds apart.

The children, played by Philip Daniel Bolden and Aleisha Allen, made the comical content and were great in their roles…a pleasure to watch. I give both two thumbs up. They portrayed their characters in a believable way, as children who get into trouble and can be a handful. Unfortunately, the long list of secondary characters was more of a detriment to the story line rather than adding substance and humor.

This comedy is rated PG, for innuendos and language content and was a big disappointment for this viewer. I give 1 1/2 out of 5 stars for that very reason. “Are We Done Yet” had potential to be excellent viewing for all members of the family. One would think a movie starring young children would be acceptable and appropriate for the younger audience. The writers and directors apparently went way off course in their attempt to do so…far removed from “Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House”, which was a delightful comedy.

World Trade Center (2006)

“World Trade Center” is directed by Oliver Stone and stars Nicolas Cage as John McLoughlin and Michael Pena as Will Jimeno. Other stars include, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Maria Bello and Stephen Dorff.

The movie is based on the true events of 9/11 and follows the story and lives of what happened to two Port Authority police officers (Will Jimeno and John McLoughlin) on a tragic day that will never be forgotten. It’s rated PG-13 for intense emotional content, disturbing images and some language.

The acting, directing and set design are all absolutely phenomenal. The viewer can get a glimpse into the panic and horror these people felt being trapped within the twin towers, both as it was ablaze and as it was collapsing. The viewer can almost sense, the layered and harrowing experiences, alongside the main characters.

Much of the movie focuses on the two police officers while trapped midst the horrific rubble and debris and their efforts at keeping each other in a positive frame of mind, awaiting rescue.

Although some of the images tend to be graphic and disturbing, it’s well worth seeing this movie to remember the many courageous men and women who sacrificed or lost their lives on that tragic day. Some went in after the fact, to bring out as many survivors as they possibly could, some losing their own lives.

This is such an excellent movie to have in your own video library, and to watch again and again …. as not to forget. It captures an emotional chapter in history, that reminds us not only of how precious every moment is, but of the courageous heroes in our country who stood tall! I give this movie a definite 5 out of 5 stars!

Whisper (2007)

“Whisper” stars Josh Holloway, Sarah Wayne Callies, Blake Woodruff, Joel Edgerton, John Kapelos and is listed under the crime, horror and thriller genres.

If you are a big fan of the television series “Lost”, you’ll enjoy seeing Josh Holloway, who plays “Sawyer”, acting in something a little different. Not so far removed from his character on the tv series, he plays a down and out ex-con who only wants to start anew with his fiance. Trying to live life on the straight and narrow becomes quite an effort.

After the disappointment of being turned down for a bank loan, in order to start a new life as a restaurateur, he now sees returning to a life of crime as his only option.

Along with his fiance and a couple of shady, albeit fumbling, characters from his past, he embarks on a plan to kidnap the son of a very wealthy woman. At first, it appears as though nothing can go wrong. They capture the child without a hitch as they hide out to the lodge of a summer camp that has been closed down for the winter months. As they await further instructions from their “anonymous” top boss, strange events start to take place.

Max’s (Holloway) fiance, grows an attachment to the child and only wants to protect him while they wait for the ransom money to arrive, and then return him safely back to his mother. As they are soon to discover, this child needs no protection from anyone. David, the child, played by Woodruff is anything but ordinary, both in character and for his stellar performance.

This movie is rated “R” for terror and its violent nature, but the violence is tame in comparison to a lot of other horror movies. Personally, I found the movie more suspenseful than anything. The acting is well done, making the characters very believable and leaving you sitting on the edge of your seat. The ending is a total and unexpected surprise.

I give “Whisper” a 4 1/2 out of 5 stars for its excellent acting and top-notch directing by Stewart Hendler. I recommend the movie for an evening in front of the tv with a bowl of popcorn….and a friend!

Finding Forrester (2000)

Sean Connery more than aces his performance, portraying the multi-faceted William Forrester, a man who becomes agoraphobic after a painful loss. He has a passion for writing, acclaimed decades earlier, for his Pulitzer prize winning, but sole novel. He disappears for years after this publication and surrounds himself with books in his lonely and desolate apartment, struggling with his inner demons.

Jamal, a black teen, played by Rob Brown is from the wrong side of the tracks. He has great potential, but fears not being able to dig himself out of his roots. Jamal is acknowledged for being a star basketball player, but what most don’t know, is his passion for writing. Forrester often watches Jamal and his friends playing ball from his window, which overlooks a battered court.

Jamal and his friends identify Forrester as the man in the window, since that’s all they’ve seen of him. Jamal is dared to break into Forrester’s apartment and take something from it. Forrester scares Jamal out of his wits and as he rushes away, his book bag trails behind. Inside this bag holds the treasures of Jamal’s heart, his stories and poetry. This event changes both of their lives forever.

Forrester unknowingly critiques Jamal’s work and drops the book bag down on the street where it can be found by the young boy. An unlikely relationship develops because of their shared love of writing. Forrester offers to be Jamal’s mentor for writing in exchange for Jamal keeping hush about his reclusive life.

Anna Paquin plays the role of Claire Spence, a classmate of Jamal’s at an elite school he’s accepted into after he’s offered a scholarship. Although their romance is not played out, she adds to the script, along with supporting roles played by Busta Rhymes and F. Murray Abraham.

Forrester’s most profound display of friendship is seen as he defends Jamal when a skeptical teacher judges a writing contest and accuses the boy of plagiarism. The boundaries of age and backgrounds don’t deter the two from forming a deep bond and mutual respect. They become the perfect blending to steer each other toward a new light.

“Finding Forrester” is directed by Gus Van Sant and rated PG-13 for brief strong language and some sexual reference. This movie lingers within the emotions of the viewer long after the last scene. A well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (R:2007)

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (R: 2007)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0408236/
Johnny Depp .. Sweeney Todd, Helena Bonham Carter … Mrs. Lovett, Alan Rickman … Judge Turpin, Timothy Spall … Beadle Bamford, Sacha Baron Cohen … Signor Adolfo Pirelli, Jamie Campbell Bower … Anthony Hope, Laura Michelle Kelly … Lucy / Beggar Woman, Jayne Wisener … Johanna, Ed Sanders … Toby, and many more.

Set in London, in dark Victorian England, the story of Sweeney Todd is brought to the screen by noneother, but the fabulous artist Tim Burton. With his favorite actor of choice, Johnny Depp, plays the wrongly imprisoned barber who sets out for revenge on the judge who imprisoned him. A tragic love story where lovers are separated, by greed and lust, and unspeakable evil. Returning he teams up with a cannibal, and off they are set to give mankind what they feel they deserve. A clean shave and a meat pie. Based on the story and the Broadway musical, this film is stunning with panoramic talent, excellent cinematography, and stunning visuals. Acting was excellent as well. I’m not the largest fan of musicals, but this one was enchanting. Rated 5 stars out of 5.

Wasting Away (R:2008)

Wasting Away (R: 2008)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1027762/ or http://www.wastingawaythemovie.com/
Director: Matthew Kohnen; writers: Matthew and Sean Kohnen. Release date: 4 July 2008. Cast: Jose Acevedo … US Soldier, Christopher ‘Critter’ Antonucci … Zombie, Betsy Beutler … Cindy, Michael Cornacchia … Frumpy Guy, Matthew Davis … Mike, Colby French … Nick Steele, David Garcia … and many more.

preview/ premiere pre-screening at Festivus Film Festival ath the Oriental Theater in Denver, CO
An excellent new vision of zombie flicks where the plot is viewed from the zombies perspective. You get to see the world in the eyes of a zombie, where everyone else seems to have gone mad and crazy. Re-animating zombie creating toix green goo seeps into Mike, Tim, Cindy, and Vanessa’s ice cream gives to the unsuspecting victims what they see as brain freeze. But all of a sudden, they have super-human powers that they learn are from becoming super-soldiers. Flashing from black/white to color, seeing through the lens of a human and the lens of a zombie - its a fight of survival and figuring out why humans want to kill zombies, and why brains taste so great. They find the secrets of life - love, destiny, and a sense of purpose. With a great twist of having some zombie lovin’ … we get to view young zombie love from the inside. Excellent indie film with a great new perspective. A must see. A great comedy. Rating 4.5 stars out of 5.

Wind Chill (2007)

“Wind Chill” stars Ashton Holmes (who you might also recognize from “Peaceful Warrior”), Emily Blunt, Martin Donovan and is directed by Gregory Jacobs. It’s produced by the one and only George Clooney along with Steven Soderbergh and Ben Cosgrove. Runtime is 1 hour 31 minutes and is rated R for some violence and disturbing images. It’s classified as being a suspense, horror, thriller, but this viewer wasn’t too shaken by the short snippets of horror thrown in here and there.

The appeal of this movie was the two main actors and how extremely well they portrayed their characters (even though you never found out their names), making them so believable, layered and memorable. The two are a mismatch in many ways, but he seems to know more about her than he should.

The story begins in a north Eastern college during the start of Christmas break. The young man, having a crush on the young lady, figures out a way to drive her to her home in Delaware for the holidays. He has motives and hopes the long drive will surely give him the time needed to woo her. Certain events occur along the way that bring them to a place where they meet up with a variety of ghosts…one being very dangerous, during a winter blizzard.

This movie may have been a very low budget flick, with only the two main characters (the boy and girl), and just a handful of supporting cast to add to the ambiance and plot, but it’s definitely directed very well. You instantly become involved with the story line and grow an attachment to the young man and the young lady. The movie is slow at times, but secrets unfold and suspense builds.

“Wind Chill” has a very surprise ending, one you wouldn’t expect in a “horror” flick, but certainly leaves you thinking about the movie and characters, in an endearing way, long after the closing credits. I give this movie 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.

Veggie Tales The Pirates who don’t do anything

Aarrgh, the most talented and cutest vegetables to hit DVD and then Saturday mornings now have a new big screen movie that hit theaters Friday. The Pirates who don’t do anything: A Veggie Tales movie will surely be an instant hit with the younger crowd and possible some of those past six as well.

If you’ve ever watched Veggie Tales, then you know that it is cartoon featuring witty vegetables who usually have a ‘moral of the story’ ending to their shows. While the Veggie Tales are meant for children, their quick wit is funny enough to provide entertainment for adults, too.

The movie is about three of the Veggie Tales wanting to become pirates. What starts off as simple play turns into a high seas adventure.

It looks to be a fun movie for kids and should provide mild entertainment for adults, too.

Crank (2006)

This movie is fast-paced and an excellent choice for the “guys” or anyone needing a good adrenalin hike.

“Crank” stars Jason Statham (who also starred in “The Transporter and its sequel, “Transporter II”). Other stars include, Amy Smart, Efren Ramirez, Jose Pablo Cantillo and Jay Xcala, with a cameo appearance by country singer, Dwight Yoakam.

The movie is directed by Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor. The length is average, with a run-time of 1 hour and 23 minutes and is rated R for strong violence, language, sexuality, nudity and drug use.

This movie has you sitting on the edge of your seat, as you watch the non-stop action and over-the-top stunts. Chev Chelios (Jason Statham), a hit man for hire, has been injected with a highly lethal dose of poison and in order to stay alive, he must keep in constant motion to keep his heart from stopping. In doing so, he finds himself racing through the streets of Los Angeles, encountering numerous situations and set backs, in hopes of finding the antidote that will save his life.

A well-directed movie, one that would surely challenge any director, as the pace of this movie is constant. Credit must also be given to those in charge of the musical score for this picture, as it plays an integral part in keeping the audience in tune to every second of the action. Although the acting isn’t top notch, by this viewers perspective, the action and background score definitely makes up for it.

While this movie may be not for everyone, it’s action-packed and worth checking out. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

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