Bones: Season 5 - 2009/2010

Movie (well not really) #177

5 stars

Season 5 was sooo good.  What is this based on?...the fact that I CANNOT wait until season 6.  Every single episode was interesting...yes, some more than others but overall my love for Bones has only grown.

Let's talk about the interns...even though it would be nice for them to actually pick who their full time assistant is going to be I can't tell you which one I want them to pick.  I love them all.  My least favorite would have to be Clark but it's not that I don't like him...I just don't like him as much.

The 100th episode: WOW!  How crazy was that episode.  And you know what?  After rewatching some of the earlier episodes (like season 2) you can definately tell...it's like the creators knew the whole time.  Well, I think they did know the whole time.

Oh...and speaking of rewatching season 2...Hodgins has gotten muchh better looking. See...(season 2 v. season 5)

Overall Recommendation: If I haven't made you want to watch Bones after reviewing season 1-4 then I am probably not going to be able to...but it's your loss.

Filming Location: LA...weird.

Bones: Season 4

Movie (well not really) #171

5 Stars


The season opens with Bones giving a lecture at the University of England.  It was a nice change from the normal setting but Parts 1 and 2 of "Yanks in the U.K." were a little bit boring.  This just goes to show that the supporting cast really does support the show.  Webcams just aren't enough.  There is another episode that doesn't take place in the Jeffersonian..."The Passenger in the Oven."  This episode was actually pretty good...but I think it's because the story was better, unlike the season premiere.

The most interesting episode was when Bones and Booth had to go undercover and pretend they are a circus act ("Double Trouble in the Panhandle").  But the most exciting episode was when Booth was captured by the gravedigger ("The Hero in the Hold").  I have to admit, I cried a couple times.

My favorite aspect of the season is how we get to know the past of some of the main characters...including Cam and Sweets.  Just like in season 3...the major improvement from season 1 and kinda season 2 is that the creators moved away from a Law and Order kind of series, where you can just watch any episode and not be confused, to a series where you invest your time.

Time to talk about the finale.  It is a dream that Booth is having while in a coma (yeah...you just gotta watch the season).  All of the character are given different roles.  Bones and Booth are married and run a nightclub, Sweets is the bartender, Wendell is the bouncer, and Cam is an FBI agent.  That is only a few of the characters.  It was definitely an entertaining episode but as far as finales go..it left wayy to many unanswered questions.  I can see where it was frustrating when it aired and viewers had to wait to get answers.  Luckily for me though, I began season 5 the next day.



I have to admit...those bloopers aren't the best...but still pretty good.

Full Metal Jacket - 1987

Movie #164

5 stars

Marine recruits (including Matthew Modine and Vincent D'Onofrio) endure the grueling ordeal of basic training and later face the unrelenting Viet Cong during the 1968 Tet Offensive in this grim Stanley Kubrick drama, based on a novel by Gustav Hasford.

Cast: Matthew Modine, Vincent D'Onofrio, R. Lee Ermey, Dorian Harewood, Ed O'Ross, Adam Baldwin, Arliss Howard, Kevyn Major Howard, John Terry, Kieron Jecchinis, Kirk Taylor, Tim Colceri, Jon Stafford, Bruce Boa, Ian Tyler

Director: Stanley Kubrick

Tagline: In Vietnam The Wind Doesn't Blow It Sucks
I loved this film!  In a way I am glad that I hadn't seen it yet.  There are some movies that you should see when you are too young...like The Exorcist.  I will never be more scared watching The Exorcist than when I was 13 or however young I was.  As far as Full Metal Jacket goes, I probably wouldn't have known what a reach-around was when I was 13. 
The first part of this film was amazing.  The boot camp was both hilarious (the sgt. was amazing) and mind-blowing...literally.  Once I started the film I didn't want to stop watching it.  I must admit though, once the film switched to Vietnam I wasn't as enthralled.  But it was still very very good.

Like: D'Onofrio did an amazing job.  wow...I can't even describe how he did such a great job.

Trivia: D'Onofrio gained 70 pounds for his role as Pvt. Pyle, breaking Robert De Niro's movie weight-gain record (60 pounds) for Raging Bull. It took him 7 months to put the weight on and 9 months to take it off.

My only dislike was the narration.  I just didn't see the point of it...and it was distracting.  There wasn't even that much narration.  In my opinion I think Kubkrik could have avoided most of the narration.  Like when the soldiers are going to search the town (I don't know what to call this scene)...the narration of why they were searching (?) could have easily been replaced with the commanding officer giving orders to the men.  I'm just not a big fan of narration...I think that it is overused and it's a cop out. 

The characters were interesting and the story kept my attention.  There isn't anything to really dig deep into...I guess the biggest thing to take away is how these men were not just fellow soldiers...they were friends.  I guess this is true in most every war film...and in real life...when you risk your life for another person you establish a unique bond that lasts forever.  ok..thats cheesy

I love to put some of the film's good quotes but there are too many good ones..and it would just spoil it.

Overall Recommendation:  If you haven't seen it...see it...if you have seen it...see it again.

Budget: $30 million
Domestic Gross: $46.4
Rank #23, Year 1987

Ben X - 2007

Movie #146
5 stars


Harassed by bullies because of his mild autism, teen Ben (Greg Timmermans) finds refuge in an online computer game, which leads him to his virtual dream girl, Scarlite (Laura Verlinden). Together, the odd couple seeks revenge against Ben's tormentors.


Cast: Greg Timmermans, Laura Verlinden, Marijke Pinoy, Pol Goossen


Director: Nic Balthazar


Filming Location: Belgium

In 93 minutes, this film sent a message to the viewer. In 93 minutes, this film can change peoples lives. So what is the message? People are different and bullying is a terrible thing. This seems not only simple but..well...like common sense. The difficult part about making this kind of film is (a) not to go overboard and (b) entertain as well as educate. Ben X is practically perfect. Actually, I wouldn't change a single thing. The film had a perfect blend of seriousness...and well...realistic comedic relief (is there such a thing).


Ben feels connected to the online video game, and in turn, the video game becomes part of the film. The viewers attention is sparked as Ben's real life is mixed with the game.


There is no doubt in my mind as to why this film is so good. The director is so passionate, so committed to this story that it just seeps out into the film. To top it off, this is Nic Balthazar's first film. This is what he said about making the film:

I was wondering what I should write about and there was this 17-year-old young man who threw himself off a medieval castle in Ghent, the city where I live [in Belgium]. Apparently he was mildly autistic - he suffered from Asperger syndrome - went to a normal school and in his letter of goodbye he said that he had basically been bullied to death.


The lead actor did a wonderful job. My only dislike may be that he definitely does not look like he is in high school....but could a 16 year old really play this part? The acting ability of the main character would make or break this film. Greg Timmermans was perfect for this role.


Overall recommendation: This film just might change your life.

The Stoning of Soraya M - 2008

Movie #134
5 stars

Set in 1986 Iran at the start of Khomeini's reign, director Cyrus Nowrasteh's drama tells the true story of Soraya (Mozhan Marnò), whose husband plots to have her falsely accused of adultery so he can divorce her and marry a young girl. French journalist Freidoune (Jim Caviezel) is pulled into Soraya's tragic story when he meets a desperate woman named Zahra (Shohreh Aghdashloo).

Cast: Shohreh Aghdashloo, Mozhan Marnò, James Caviezel, Navid Negahban, Ali Pourtash, David Diaan, Vida Ghahremani

Director: Cyrus Nowrasteh

Filming Location: An undisclosed location in the Middle East (how awesome is that)

Like: The cast was amazing!! Everyone did an excellent job. Especially the husband. The viewer starts to hate the husband right off the bat...solely because he just looks evil.

Like: The film was very moving. I started to feel for Soraya right away. The whole time I was watching it I still hoped that she would somehow get away...even though it was evident that she was dead. I think this is a hard feat...given the fact that the viewer knows her fate even from the title.














Dislike: Yes, i know the title gives it away but the stoning scene is just too much. The whole process, from her walking, to being buried waist deep, to her final breath, takes about 20 minutes. It is hardcore stuff! Maybe the scene was this way because the audience has already been preparing itself from the start...so the creators felt the need to go a little overboard. If they were going for shock effect, the story in itself is already disheartening. Is it not enough to murder an innocent woman? Do you have to show every strike?

Dislike: The side stories were rather shallow. The husband blackmailed the mullah for something the husband viewed in jail while he was working as a guard. But what was it? I wish I could tell you. The Aunt's story isn't very developed...or should I say not as developed as it could have been. I feel as though in order to get to know the story of Soraya M, one needs to understand the stories of her murderers.

















Overall recommendation: It may seem as though I am bashing this film more than I am praising it but its only because I don't want to give anything away. You should definitely watch this movie...but brace yourself for the stoning.

First Line (title card): Don't act like the hypocrite, who thinks he can conceal his wiles while loudly quoting the Koran. - Hafez, 14th Century Iranian Poet

Last Line: The world will know!

American Violet - 2008

Movie #133

5 stars

Inspired by true events, this penetrating drama centers on Dee Roberts (Nicole Beharie), a 24-year-old mother of four who's forced to take on a corrupt district attorney (Michael O'Keefe) when she's unjustly prosecuted in a large-scale drug case. Directed by Tim Disney, the inspiring tale also stars Alfre Woodard as Dee's mother, Alma, Tim Blake Nelson as ACLU attorney David Cohen and Will Patton as retired narcotics officer Sam Conroy.

Cast: Nicole Beharie, Michael O'Keefe, Will Patton, Alfre Woodard, Tim Blake Nelson, Scott A. Martin, Malcolm Barrett, Charles S. Dutton, Jackson Beals, Michael Beasley, Samantha Beaulieu

Director: Tim Disney

Filming Location: New Orleans (even though it is set in Texas)

Yes, director Tim Disney is indeed the grand nephew of Walt Disney) - surprising because of the fact that this film is anything but a fun filled day at Disney. However, the viewer becomes emotionally attached to each character as the truth of the unjust drug raids is unraveled.


















The movie is "based on a true story," which always makes the movie a little more interesting (especially horror...think about it). But it also makes the viewer wonder how much is true and how much is just Hollywood. It is disheartening to think that people actually have to go through such events. This film shows people practically forced to take a plea bargain because they are afraid of the maximum penalty...even if they are innocent. The director says that 95% of the movie is based on reality. Which is still pretty high. In a perfect world though you would want 0% of this story to be based on reality.

I have read a lot of the film's reviews and I sadly have to say...most critics are somewhat bashing this movie. Why? Basically because this movie has been made so many times. I disagree...sooo much.



Regina Kelly (who the film is based on) and Nicole Beharie

And yes, that is Xhibit...

Moving on...the best actor (besides Nicole Beharie of course) was Malcolm Barrett. He played Byron Hill, the ACLU lawyer's assistant. His one scene was sooo pivotal to the movie and up until that point his character barely said a word. Excellent job. Oh...and he certainty transformed himself from his Better of Ted character.












Overall Recommendation: WATCH IT!

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:

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.