Inception: This Generation's Matrix?

Greetings and apologies to all 3 of my loyal fans. An apology is in order due to my delinquency in making a new post. With that said, on to the review.

Inception, see this movie! Ok...ok...it may not be for everybody, in fact I can think of at least two people in my life that wouldn't like this movie. If you get confused easily, don't like to think, and didn't enjoy Nolan's past work (i.e., The Dark Knight, Memento) then you may not appreciate this film. I am always afraid to gush over a movie, for fear that my friends, family and readers will disagree with my view. However, in this case I am willing to say that Inception is a fantastic movie, worthy of the "masterpiece" label.

Inception is a movie about an alternate reality in which it is possible to enter a lucid dream with a group of people. I won't go into the details of this process, but, needless to say, it is quite cool. "Inception" is the ability to plant an idea in a subject's head, making them think that it is their own idea. This is the opposite of "extraction," where a person, or a group of persons enter a dreamer's mind in order to obtain information. "Inception" is supposed to be near impossible. "Inception" is of course the task of our protagonist, Cobb (played by the incomparible Leonardo DiCaprio, yes I am a DiCaprio fan).

I'll let you watch the film to get more of the plot. But, I highly recommend seeing this film. The ensemble cast does a fabulous job. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, in particular, does a fantastic job, often stealing the spotlight from DiCaprio. The visual effects are stunning, realistic and blend CGI with live-action stunts and effects. This film is a great example of how a film should use CGI. I won't harp on this point but, in watching some behind the scenes specials I was able to see that Nolan demanded that they actually design a rotating set for the "anti-gravity" fight scene. Other film makers would have chosen to create this scene through after effects. The use of a set that actually rotates upside down, created an unparalleled level of realism. The construction of that set actually reminded me of the sets that were used in the making of several Nightmare on Elm Street films, particularly the scene were Johnny Depp meets his maker.

The one criticism I will make of the film is that every character, aside from Cobb, lacks any real development. However, most won't notice this as there is so much else going on in this film.

This is the type of film that will leave you scratching your head, leave others creating wild theories, and consistently promote goodhearted debate. Bravo Mr. Nolan, you have another winner on your hands.

Final Verdict: See this film, and enjoy some popcorn.



For other films with a similar vibe, check these out:

Knight and Day: Care Free Summer Action

I went into the theater thinking one thing, "entertain me."  With the bar set at that level, I walked away satisfied.  Knight and Day won't be winning any Oscar's, and it probably won't be making anyone's top ten list.  But, if you're not expecting it to do those things then it will probably entertain you and give you that summer time movie feel.

I am a fan of the phrase "summer popcorn movie."  Like so many movies before it, Knight and Day knows exactly who it is, and isn't ashamed of it.  The movie sets out to do one thing, take the viewer on a fast paced, high intensity roller coaster.

The film is about a secret agent, Roy Miller (Tom Cruise), that may or may not have gone rogue over a new kind of technology, the "Zephyr."  In executing his plan, Miller bumps into (literally) June Haven (Cameron Diaz), the cute, but slightly clueless (or is she?) love interest.  From that point on the film brings the viewer from locale to locale, and action sequence to action sequence, all the while setting up the "funny moments" we have all come to expect from this brand of action comedy.  I won't ruin any plot points, although it probably wouldn't matter if I did.

The Verdict: If you want to go to the movies to forget reality for a little while, check this flick out.  It is a good summertime movie, worth a rental at least.




For similar movies, check out:

Until my next review: Enjoy these

You know you love this kid:






Would you eat this, sounds tasty!

Blind Mind: Things That Puzzle Me

This post amused me:

Blind Mind: Things That Puzzle Me

Until the next review, enjoy this:

Ah, a new take on the old classic,The Never Ending Story:



Yeah, on this one fastforward to 6:35:

The Time Traveler's Wife: Chick Flick with Some Heart

I fought it, I really did.  I tried as hard as I could to avoid this movie.  I had heard that The Time Traveler's Wife stunk.  But as we so often have to, I caved in and watched it with my wife.

Is this movie going to win an Oscar?  We already know the answer to that, but the film isn't half bad, and it has a nice little story to boot.

The Time Traveler's Wife is a film about a man (Henry) with a genetic mutation.  This mutation allows, or rather forces him, to travel through time.  Henry can't really control the ability, but he always seems to travel back to the same places and points in time.  On top of not being able to control the ability, Henry can't bring any of his clothes with him...you get the picture.  For all you ladies out there, yes we know Eric Bana is hot.

Henry's love interest is played by the incomparable Rachel McAdams.  As usual McAdams does a great job, in fact, the whole ensemble cast is believable and heart felt.

At it's core, The Time Traveler's Wife is a chick flick/romantic drama.  Layered on that it is a science fiction film.  If you stop and try to think about what is going on, you'll probably give yourself a headache, or you'll probably realize the film has some major plot holes in how it deals with the overlapping time periods and parallel universes.

What I mean by that is this, Henry goes back in time and prepares his future wife for their, what appears to be, inevitable meeting.  But, if Henry hadn't done this, would they have even met, or fell in love?  The movie takes the position that regardless of what you do, you can't change how things are supposed to play out, destiny anyone?  The movie often contradicts itself by having the characters talk about making their own decisions.  Either the film is contradicting itself, or the characters want to believe this is the case.  If you get caught up in the 'how' of the film, you will definitely miss out on the 'why.'  The Time Traveler's Wife essentially conveys the message that love conquers all, and somehow finds a way.  The film really tugs at your heart strings, while entertaining, and telling a pretty good story.  At times some parts seem shallow, but if you really look close you can see some significant foreshadowing and other advanced story telling techniques.  I am sure the novel does a great job of expanding on these characters.

As an aside, I feel it is my obligation to mention that some people might be able to construe some sort of pedo-vibe in the film.  Henry first meets his future wife when she is in elementary school, and as I mentioned earlier, he is naked during the encounter.  Maybe this is why so many people didn't like the movie?  Or maybe they just didn't get it.  Either way, what is probably a harmless story device could be deemed inappropriate, given how Henry essentially grooms this pre-pubescent girl to be his wife.  I will leave it at that, let me know what you thought about that part.

As it is, the movie does a great job of showing how such an awesome power, can actually be a devastating burden.  Don't worry about the details, just sit back and try to enjoy it.  If you have a heart, I bet you will.

The Verdict: rent it, or if you are a huge RayMac (yeah that's what I call Rachel McAdams) fan, pick this up when it becomes more affordable.

Pass the popcorn and stay tuned for my next movie review, likely, A Serious Man.

Nightmare on Elm Street: The Classics Never Die

A Nightmare on Elm Street, this is the movie you all know, and if you have any sense, all love (I kid, you're all entitled to your own opinion). What more can be said about this immortal classic? Probably not much, but I am going to anyway.  Given the fact that this movie has been discussed ad nauseum, this will be a quick and dirty break down.

I recently watched this film with a buddy of mine.  He hadn't seen it in years, and I wanted to see if I could get him to watch the whole series, for better or worse, with me.  I also figured it was worth a review, seeing as how the re-imagining had recently hit the theaters.

The old saying, "they just don't make them like they used to," is definitely applicable here.  The film uses virtually no CGI (computer generated images) to create the many memorable images.  Is the film dated?  Arguably some parts are, even the film makers will tell you the part where Nancy's mom is ripped through the window looks a bit ridiculous.  However, that being said, the film holds up extremely well.  It reaffirms why Freddy became the horror icon he is today.

The film has many running themes and subplots.  Ultimately, it is a fantastic horror film by any standards.  It really breaks away from the traditional slasher formula.  It was ahead of its time, and it continues to leave its mark on today's horror movies.   The movie has a creepy vibe and the pacing is wonderfully orchestrated, like one of Beethoven's symphonies.  The movie gives you just enough to want more of that lovable knife-toting dream master.  I could write a whole book on this film, but given it's place in horror history, and the fact that it has been reviewed to death, I will end it right here.  I will hopefully be rewatching the sequels soon, so get ready for some of those reviews, I will probably get a little more in depth with them.

The Verdict: if you haven't seen this, do yourself a favor and watch it, if you have seen it, see it again.

Pass the popcorn, and if you really want to treat yourself and are a film and horror fan, see Never Sleep Again, the Nightmare on Elm Street documentary.  It is a fantastic examination of the entire Nightmare collection, don't miss it!

LEGION: Exorcist meets Rambo meets Crouching Tiger

So I finally watched Legion.  A movie review site that I trust recommended it as a strong rental.  So for the uninitiated, Legion is a film about the apocalypse.  Angels are sent to Earth because the big man upstairs is once again at his wits end with humanity, ala Moses and the Arc.  The movie has some horror vibe, in addition to some nice action scenes.  Special effects are decent, of course CGI plays a large role.  Call me old fashioned but if used wrong CGI can kill a flick.  I'm not saying that happened here, just throwing it out there so you know where I am coming from.



Basically, the plot feels familiar because you've probably seen it before.  Hey, I like apocalypse stories, probably more than the next guy, and I dig movies with biblical references as well, and I like action films too.  So I should love this movie right? Right?  Wrong!  The movie was o.k.  It had a lot of potential, but sadly it just didn't come through in any department.  Some scenes are cool.  No doubt you have seen the grandma from hell from trailers and previews, and there is a reason for that, it's probably the best part of the whole damn movie.

The movie starts out vague, and then gets even more cloudy.  The movie just goes nowhere and never really develops.  Pacing is off and the whole thing just leaves you saying, "that was it?"  A whole lot of nothing happens.  And the worse part is that nothing is explained to us, such as "why now," "why this baby," "why the horrible actor?"  Looking at the talent in the film, Dennis Quad, a favorite of mine, he does alright.  Tyra, of Friday Night Lights fame, makes the film watchable, if you know what I mean (yes I just made the 'wink wink' face).  Charles Dutton probably gives the best performance.  But for the life of me I just cannot figure out how Lucas Black continues to get roles.  Black plays "Jeep," a stereotypical 'hick,' with no future and a dumb accent, basically the same schmuck Black has played in every other film.  We get it, you're not the brightest bulb (if you want to know what Black's character is like and you have seen Jarhead, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, or Friday Night Lights, then you have already seen it) who keeps hiring this guy?  And yes, I only know his name because I looked it up to see what the terrible actors name was.

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

Some may say I am being too harsh.  Truth be told, maybe I am.  Legion isn't a bad movie.  It is a movie that had potential and wet the bed, so why waste your time when there are so many better films?

For better films in a similar vein rent or buy:




















The Verdict: Pass, unless you really have nothing else to watch, or your aunt Velma gave it to you as a present.

Pass the popcorn and stay tuned for a classic review: A Nightmare on Elm Street is coming up next!

Legion: Review Coming Soon

To keep you entertained until my next review:





Man Engulfs His Backyard In Flames - Watch more Funny Videos

Sex in the City 2: You Know You Love It!

Well...I hate to admit it as a heterosexual male, but Sex and the City has never failed to amuse me.  After purchasing the series for my wife last year, I also apparently agreed to watch every episode, and the first movie over the next eight weeks.  And truth be told, it pretty much rocked.  At times I was like, "no he didn't," "girlfriend, what is she wearing?"  No I didn't actually do that, but I did find myself laughing and having a good time.

That is exactly how I felt while watching this worthy sequel.  The movie clocks in at about two and a half hours.  One indication of a good movie, or at least an entertaining movie is that you aren't checking your watch to see how long you've been watching.  I didn't check once.

To put it bluntly, the film gives you more of what made the series great: contrived drama, nice jokes and four characters that really get into your head and make themselves comfortable.

We saw the movie with another couple, they seemed to share our feelings as well.  A welcome appearance from Aiden really fills the cast out nicely.  But, as my friend put it, "the nude male ass to boob ratio is way off, hell they could have at least showed Aiden's butt."  Of course he was kidding, but I am not...

The Verdict is:  If you liked Sex and the City the t.v. show, and if you liked the first movie, you won't be disappointed.

Pass the popcorn.



Check out the first movie on blu-ray:








Next up: Legion.

Enjoy these:

Iron Baby
Heidi Montag Audition

Barely a Movie Review: A Movie Blog for the Rest of Us

Hello world! Welcome to my little experiment. I am an avid move watcher and a lawyer. I have opinions on movies. The real question is, does anybody care?

That is what I aim to find out. I will try to amuse and inform. All feedback is welcome. Please leave suggestions if you would like me to review specific movies. I love all types of movies and won't hesitate to review anything that I have seen. Some reviews may be long, some may be short, it's all in the hips!

A little bit about me: my favorite genre is horror. Within that genre I particularly like zombie flicks. That being said, I am not afraid to get down and dirty with the It's Complicated's of the world, e.g., see my review of Sex in the City 2, otherwise known as Sex in the City: in the Middle East.

So...I leave you to read and hopefully enjoy.  BTW if you are reading this...thank you!

And click on an ad while you're here.


Pass the popcorn.