Bones: Season 2 and 3

Movies 127 & 128

4.5 stars

In the second season of Fox's darkly comic series, the uneasy alliance between forensic anthropologist Temperance "Bones" Brennan (Emily Deschanel) and FBI agent Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz) continues. Despite wildly clashing styles -- both personal and professional -- the scientist and sleuth put their heads together to solve a number of puzzles, including the murder of a senator and the long-ago death of Brennan's own mother.

Cast: David Boreanaz, T.J. Thyne, Michaela Conlin, Eric Millegan, Emily Deschanel, Tamara Taylor






Favorite Episode: "Aliens in a Spaceship"- The episode opens with Bones and Hodgins waking up in a car...that is buried. I think I cried 4 times during this episode. :)

Trivia:

• Eric Millegan, who plays Dr. Zack Addy, a grad student younger than the other scientists, is actually one year older than T.J. Thyne, who plays Dr. Jack Hodgins, two years older than Emily Deschanel, who plays Dr. Temperance Brennen, his teacher, and four years older than Michaela Conlin, who plays Angela Montenegro.

I guess it's his hair cut that makes him look so young.

• The episode "Player Under Pressure" was originally suppose to air in April 2007 as episode 19, but was delayed in the wake of the Virginia Tech massacre, as the episode's plot featured finding human remains on a college campus. The episode later aired in April 2008 as apart of the third season, with new footage shot for the episode.

Favorite Character: Cam Saroyan - new head of the forensic division.
















Bloopers:





5 stars

Brilliant forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance "Bones" Brennan (Emily Deschanel) and FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz) return for a third season in this popular procedural drama about solving decades-old murder mysteries. Bones applies her unique ability of finding clues in the victims' skeletal remains, while Booth uses the people skills that she lacks. The hit series is based on the cases of a real-life forensic scientist.

Cast: Emily Deschanel, David Boreanaz, Michaela Conlin, Eric Millegan, T.J. Thyne, Tamara Taylor





This season was a lot better than season 2. The season featured a cannibalistic serial killer, nicknamed the Gormogon. The main reason I feel as though this season was better than season 2 is because of recurring storylines. At first I think the creators were trying to make Bones more like Law and Order, where the viewers can pretty much just pick up any episode and not be confused. Well, Bones proved to have a good following...there was no need to dumb down the storyline for new viewers.

Favorite episode: Definitely the season finale...it was soooo good.

Favorite Character: prosecutor Caroline Julian. She is soooo hilarious

Trivia:
The season took a 4-month hiatus due to the Writers Guild of America strike beginning after "The Boy in the Time Capsule" on December 20, 2007, with episodes resuming on April 10, 2008 with "The Knight on the Grid".

Bloopers:

Mister Foe - 2007

Movie #126

3 stars

In a darkly twisted plot, teenage voyeur Hallam Foe (Jamie Bell) spies on his stepmother, Verity (Claire Forlani), through binoculars, finding himself irresistibly attracted to her even as he becomes convinced she murdered his mother. When Hallam flees to the city and meets a woman (Sophia Myles) who resembles his mother, his binocular-spying obsessions begin anew. But when Verity and his father track him down, will the truth surface?

Cast: Jamie Bell, Sophia Myles, Ciarán Hinds, Claire Forlani, Paul Blair, Ewen Bremner, Gerry Cleary, John Comerford, Stuart Hepburn, Jamie Sives, Maurice Roëves, Ruth Milne, John Paul Lawler, Kirsty Shepheard

Director: David Mackenzie


Tagline: Some people see life differently

Filming Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Note: Although much of Hallam Foe is filmed in central Edinburgh, the film avoids showing Edinburgh Castle, which is visible from many of the real life locations. I did notice this

Likes: The writer was not afraid to make the characters F-ed up! I mean c'mon...Jamie Bell spies on people, is obsessed with boobs, he sleeps in his tree fort under a blown up picture of his dead mom, he wears war paint, sometimes wears his mothers dress, and pierced his ear with his mother's earring. CRAZZZY.

I guess the story was interesting and creepy at times but somewhat enjoyable. I really liked the scenes of Edinburgh...I think that if it was filmed in the US I would have given it a 2.5.

Dislikes: The music...it was sooo loud and it interrupted the storyline. The funny thing is...the soundtrack it thought to be good.

From Wikipedia: Domino Records provided the entire soundtrack with bands including Franz Ferdinand with their song Hallam Foe Dandelion Blow along with songs from James Yorkston, u.n.p.o.c., King Creosote, Sons and Daughters, Four Tet, Psapp, Juana Molina and Test Icicles, amongst others. The soundtrack has won several awards, and is integral to the film.

whaaa?

Another dislike is the fact that some parts were supposed to be dramatic...and well...they were comedic. Like the parts where Jamie Bell puts that crazy skunk head on (see below).

Overall Recommendation: You can watch this one as background entertainment

Evil - 2003

Movie #125

5 stars

Adapted from a best-selling novel, this Swedish drama follows rebellious teenager Erik (Andreas Wilson) as he's expelled from high school for fighting and sent to the prestigious Stjärsnberg Academy. Having endured many beatings from his father, Erik is dismayed to face a similar threat from the academy's senior students, who bully the younger ones mercilessly. But this time, Erik is determined not to crack and lash out in violence.

Cast: Andreas Wilson, Henrik Lundstrom, Gustaf Skarsgard, Jesper Salen, Marie Richardson, Johan Rabaeus, Kjell Bergqvist, Linda Gyllenberg

Director: Mikael Hafstrom


Tagline: It's time to take a stand.

Filming Location: Stockholm, Sweden

This film is amazing! The viewer first sees Erik as "evil" after he beats up a classmate. The mother is portrayed as a somewhat pitiful character as she simply ignores the beatings that Erik receives from the stepfather. It is evident why Erik is "evil"...he wants to take his pain and suffering and transfer it to other people.

So, why the complete change by Erik? My hypothesis....its the school uniform. Once his mom sells some of her belongings in order to enroll Erik in a boarding school. Erik puts the uniform on and he feels that he can now be someone that is respected.

The viewer sees the good characters as good and the bad characters as reallly bad.

Trivia:

• 120 people turned up for audition of the role of Erik Ponti.
• After the film's final fight scene, Fredrik af Trampe asked a make-up girl take a Polaroid of him in his post-fight make up, which featured blood coming out of his mouth and nostrils. He gave the picture to his mother, who had it framed and still has it on her bedside table.
• The movie is based on a novel by Jan Guillou. Jan Guillou attended a boarding school himself when he was a teenager and the novel is partly based on his own experience

Overall Recommendation: You have gotttt to watch this!!!!!!!!

Rory O'Shea Was Here - 2004

Movie #124

5 stars

When Rory O'Shea (James McAvoy) moves into a home for the disabled with a diagnosis of muscular dystrophy and befriends a deeply bored young man with cerebral palsy (Steven Robertson), he infuses his pal's life with renewed hope, even as he struggles with his own demons. O'Shea refuses to surrender to the desperation of his life, choosing instead to embrace the potential in everyday opportunities.

Cast: James McAvoy, Steven Robertson, Romola Garai, Gerard McSorley, Tom Hickey, Brenda Fricker, Alan King, Ruth McCabe, Anna Healy, Sarah Jane Drummey

Director: Damien O'Donnell

Tagline: Live life like you mean it

Filming location: Dublin, Ireland

UK Film Title: Inside I'm Dancing (I guess I can see why the title was changed for the US Release...close-minded people would feel uncomfortable with this title)

This movie was incredible!!!! The acting was superb and the story was amazing. Not only was the story thought-provoking but it was also fun to watch. Yes, I know, when you are dealing with serious issues it is hard to make an enjoyable while still sending an effective message. The comic relief that both the script and acting skills provided made this a 5 star movie.

Even though James McAvoy did an awesome job, best actor goes to Steven Robertson. Once you watch the movie it will be evident.

When I was young I used to think The Cure was one of the my favorite life-changing movies...now it is Rory O'Shea Was Here.

How much more can I say? WATCH THIS MOVIE!!!!


Trivia:

• The original story was conceived by Irish writer Christian O'Reilly, inspired by his own experiences working at the Centre for Independent Living in Dublin where he worked closely with Dermot Walsh, a man who has cerebral palsy.
• James McAvoy would spend up to 12 hours a day in a wheelchair while filming.
  

If you are interested in this movie then watch it!...and then watch this special. If you aren't that interested then watch the special and you will surely want to watch the movie.

Tell-Tale - 2009

Movie #123

3 stars

In this thriller inspired by Edgar Allen Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart," Josh Lucas stars as Terry, a single dad who's kept alive by another man's heart -- a scenario that suits him fine until he discovers that the ticker's original owner was murdered. Worried that he might come to a similar end, Terry embarks on a desperate search for the donor's killer.

Cast: Josh Lucas, Lena Headey, Brian Cox, Beatrice Miller, Dallas Roberts, Ulrich Thomsen, Pablo Schreiber, Jamie Harrold, Tom Riis Farrell, Tom Kemp

Director: Michael Cuesta

Tagline: Truth Lies a Heartbeat Away.

Filming Location: Rhode Island


Likes: The movie was interesting I suppose. There were times that were definitely suspenseful. I liked Josh Lucas and I like Lena Headey...but....

Dislikes: ....the writing was pretty bad. To say that the movie was inspired by the Tell-Tale Heart is an overstatement. Yes, the main character can hear his heartbeat...but that is about it. Even I guess my major complaint is just the fact that the movie dragged...a lot.

I was reading a review on IGN and this paragraph pretty much sums it up...

But ultimately the movie is a disappointment for fans of Cuesta's previous feature output who might be looking for something more than just a standard thriller here. The director seemed to feel the need to explain himself in this regard at the screening IGN attended, telling the audience prior to the film's start that this was much more of a genre picture than his other movies. That's pretty much all it is -- a decent if unremarkable little thriller.

The Unborn - 2009

Movie #122

3.5 stars

Tortured by frightening dreams at night and the ghost of a young boy during the day, young Casey (Odette Yustman) turns to a spiritual adviser (Gary Oldman) for help. Together, the two uncover and try to stop a powerful family curse dating back to the Nazi era.

Cast: Odette Yustman, Gary Oldman, Cam Gigandet, Meagan Good, Carla Gugino, Idris Elba, Jane Alexander,


Rhys Coiro, Gene Fojtik, James Remar, C.S. Lee

Director: David S. Goyer

Tagline: Evil will do anything to live. (that's a pretty good one)

Filming Location: Illinois (you don't see that very much)


Likes: Normally the plot of horror movies are rather shallow --> there's a killer loose and the killer is....uhh...trying to kill people - think I Know What You Did Last Summer. So the question is...is this movie an anomaly or is the horror genre slowly adapting into a likable...or even thought provoking genre. It may be that every time I watch a horror movie I have such low expectations that I find that they are better than they actually are. This movie was good...The Orphan was good....there may be a common denominator though....children!

Think about it....



















The Exorcist, 1973; The Omen, 1976















The Shining, 1980, Sixth Sense, 1999














The Ring, 2002; The Orphan, 2009














and now...this creepy boy from The Unborn. so...if you want to make a scary movie--- put some kids in there...oh and make them sing...that is really scary.

Ok- so other than plot, I really liked the cast. Odette Yustman did a really good job..and readers already know I like Cam Gigandet. Idris Elba was a good choice because of his voice but he was lookin pretty crazy.

Overall Recommendation: Watch this...with the lights off.

Troubled Waters - 2006

Movie #121

3.5 stars

Jennifer Beals (Flashdance) stars as intrepid FBI agent Beck, assigned to solve the case of a multimillionaire couple's missing daughter (Olivia Ballantyne). As clues begin to reveal themselves, Beck draws an explosive line connecting the kidnapper and the girl's mother -- and brings to light their dark, disturbing secret. Racing against the clock, the determined agent must discover the real reason for the abduction and save the child's life.

Cast: Jennifer Beals, David Storch, Stuart Hughes, Olivia Ballantyne, Sharon Lewis, Laura Vandervoort, Frank Moore, Matt Birman, Stewart Arnott

Director: John Stead



Likes: The Length- if the movie was any longer I think it would have dragged a little bit. Even though the story was kinda dull and a scenario that has been played out many times before- there were enough twists to keep you interested. Another big thing was that there was no cheesy music. Yes, I know...I talk about cheesy music a lot- but I really really dislike cheesy music.

Dislikes: I wish the film went deeper into Jennifer Beals' character. It seemed as though her past would have made an interesting side story.

Overall Recommendation: This one is worth watching

Blindness - 2008

Movie #120

2.5 stars

After a plague of blindness overtakes the residents of a city, all sense of order breaks loose in the hospital where the victims are being quarantined. It's up to a woman (Julianne Moore) who's keeping her sight a secret to lead a group safely to the streets.

Cast: Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo, Alice Braga, Danny Glover, Gael García Bernal, Sandra Oh

Director: Fernando Meirelles

Filming Locations: Canada, Uruguay, Brazil

Tagline: Your vision of the world will change forever.


Why a 2.5? It could have been so much better. The book was totally changed to try to make it a successful movie. The book is not only in Porteguese but it takes place in the 30's...the movie is in English ("If you do it in English you can sell it to the whole world and have a bigger audience") and it takes place in the 60's...or later (so audiences could relate to the characters). So whats my problem? Like I said before, the movie could have been better. If there goal was to appeal to a larger audience then the movie should have been more exciting...people who watch subtitled movies are more open...but that's just my observation. And the thing about the time period....isn't the whole point of the movie to make people feel uncomfortable...to make them think about life. If the movie was based in the 30's then viewers may feel (a) appreciative that they are not blind and (b) grateful of technology. But that's just my thoughts.

Ok...so my major dislike how they went about making the book into a movie. One thing I am not too sure about is the fact that the characters did not have names and you did not know their past. How are we supposed to put ourselves in the characters shoes in order to have an emotional connection to the character when we don't know anything about them? Maybe it is reverse psychology...by not giving the characters any names, the viewers may see themselves in any of the characters.

****SPOILER ALERT*******
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In the final minutes of the movie, the first man who went blind gets his sight back. All of the other characters start to have hope that they will get their sight back too. Julianne Moore goes out onto the balcony and looks up...all she sees is white....is she going blind??!? No....the camera then cuts back to the skyline and she can see all of the buildings. Yes, it may have been effective by the fact that the audience would have had a sinking feeling thinking, "oh no...don't make her blind." (this is a stupid viewer) But why revert back to doing what the audience is comfortable with. First it was making the movie in English then it was not having a depressing ending. In my opinion...the movie would have been more effective...and thought provoking....if Julianne Moore, the only person who had not been affected by the blindess, would have gone blind.

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Julianne Moore lookin tore up















Gael looking crazy and Danny Glover (best actor in the movie)


Overall Recommendation: Watch it while surfing the internet...you won't miss out on anything.

Pandorum - 2009

Movie #119

4 stars

Upon rousing themselves from hyper-sleep, Payton (Dennis Quaid) and Bower (Ben Foster), a pair of crewmen assigned to work on a spacecraft, discover startling gaps in their collective memory -- including who they are and what, exactly, their mission was in the first place. The plot thickens when they realize they're not the only ones on board the ship. Cam Gigandet co-stars in this gripping sci-fi thriller.

Cast: Dennis Quaid, Ben Foster, Cam Gigandet, Antje Traue, Cung Le, Eddie Rouse, Norman Reedus, André Hennicke, Friederike Kempter, Niels-Bruno Schmidt, Wotan Wilke Möhring, Yangzom Brauen

Director: Christian Alvart


Tagline: Don't fear the end of the world. Fear what happens next.

Likes: It seemed as though the movie was never boring. Just like Control, the storyline was interesting and though provoking. I liked how the creepy monsters all looked uniques, not like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory where all of the oompa loompas were the same. The oompa loompas were the best part of the original...















The major like of this movie was the ending...wow.

Dislikes: I can't really think of any major dislikes...i guess the only real reason I am not giving it a 5 is because of the fact that I don't think I would watch it again.











































Best Actor: Cam Gigandet-- His character was critical...and he sure did pull it off....oh...and he's not bad to look at. I can have a momentary slip :)





















Overall recommendation: you gotta watch this! (atleast once)