Control - 2004

Movie #118

3.5 stars

2004R98 minutes Lee Ray Oliver (Ray Liotta) -- a sociopath a few cans short of a six-pack -- secretly gets a second chance to duck death row when pioneering scientist Miles Copeland (Willem Dafoe) uses Oliver as a test subject for an experimental drug designed to stifle violent tendencies. Oliver assumes a new life under an alias but his killer instinct remains strong … too strong. Stephen Rea and Michelle Rodriguez costar in this direct-to-video thriller.

Cast: Ray Liotta, Willem Dafoe, Michelle Rodriguez, Stephen Rea, Polly Walker, Kathleen Robertson, Stewart Alexander, Nick Brimble, Glenn Wrage, Mark Pickard, Tim DeKay, Ivan Kaye, Mark Letheren, Raicho Vasilev, Mac McDonald

Director: Jonathan Baker, Tim Hunter

Ok...so what is up with Bulgaria? Contractor (movie #117) was also filmed in Bulgaria. AND...just like Contractor, Control went straight to DVD. I wouldn't feel so bad about spending $9 to see Control in theatres...Contractor on the other hand...

Likes: The acting was good...the story line was kinda unique...Ray Liotta actually made me like him a little bit...and the ending was good. Do you notice something? The word "good." Well, the movie was just that...good.






Ray Liotta lookin craaazy










Michelle Rodriguez was in her prime in SWAT :)









Dislikes: The movie dragged a little in the middle. If the ending wasn't as good then I would have given it a 3.

Trivia: Ray Liotta replaced Matt Dillon in the lead role. --> I used to mix the two up when I was little.

The Contractor - 2007

Movie #117

2.5 Stars

Ace marksman James Dial (Wesley Snipes) comes out of retirement to eliminate a top terrorist he failed to kill years earlier. But when the mission goes awry, Dial realizes he's been framed, goes on the run and gets unexpected help from … a 12-year-old girl (Eliza Bennett). With the British police hot on their trail, the unlikely pair joins forces to prove Dial's innocence in this explosive action thriller from director Josef Rusnak.

Cast: Charles Dance, Lena Headey, Wesley Snipes, Ralph Brown, Eliza Bennett, Velizar Binev, S.J. Evans, Richard Harrington, Sousila Pillay

Director: Josef Rusnak


Filming Location: Bulgaria-- whaaa? It was supposed to take place in London.

Tagline: The world's greatest marksman is now a marked man... (hmmmm---- sounds like Shooter- Rhona Mitra would have been a nice addition to this movie)












Likes: There was no cheesy music. I guess I should have put "like"

Dislikes: The complete lack of storyline. I found myself saying, "Ok...lets get on with it." The twist came halfway through the movie and from there it was as if the film lolly gagged towards an ending.

Overall Recommendation: Avoid this...there is a reason this went straight to DVD

But look at these numbers:

DVD Units Sold: 823,010
Consumer Spending: $15,623,319

I feel sorry for those 823,010 people...and the waste of $15 million!

Like Stars on Earth - 2007

Movie #116

5 stars

A chronic daydreamer, 8-year-old Ishaan (Darsheel Safary) finds his life take a turn for the worse when his parents, frustrated that he keeps getting into trouble, send him away to a boarding school in hopes he'll become more disciplined. But Ishaan's misery abates when the unconventional new art teacher, Ram Shankar Nikumbh (Aamir Khan), decides to try to help his imaginative young student discover his true identity in this charming Indian drama.

Cast: Aamir Khan, Darsheel Safary, Tanay Chheda, Tisca Chopra, Vipin Sharma, Girija Oak, M.K. Raina

Director: Aamir Khan

2 hours 45 minutes

ONE OF MY TOP 10 FAVORITE MOVIES!

Likes: The acting was incredible. Darsheel Safary was amazing, especially considering he is just a boy. The singing and dancing parts were very much related to the story and actually helped the film progress (for the most part). Even though it is more than 2 and a half hours long, it didn't feel that long. Even though the film was a little cheesy, it wasn't toooo cheesy.

Dislikes: none :)


Interesting trivia (courtesy of good ol' wikipedia):
In looking for an actor to play the central figure of Ishaan, Gupte and Bhatia turned to Shiamak Davar’s Summer Funk workshops. Gupte had a number of boys audition for a scene in which they would informally describe how they would bunk school after being given a few scenarios. Of his decision to cast Darsheel Safary, Gupte recalls that, "it was a tough call. But Darsheel has the mischief in his eyes to be Ishaan. Everyone just naturally gravitated towards him."

Oscar Worthy?: Like Stars on Earth was not selected for the Academy Awards. Why? It's length and musical content. Well I think this is a bunch of buillsh**. Aamir Khan thinks so too..."I don’t make films for awards. I make films for the audience. The audience, for which I have made the film, really loved it and the audiences outside India have also loved it. What I am trying to say is that film has been well loved across the globe and that for me it is extremely heartening and something that I give very high value to."

Screen shots:








I used to sleep like this! My mom can vouch for me :)










How cute is this?

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown - 1988

Movie #115

4.5 stars

After being dumped by her lover, Iván (Fernando Guillén), Pepa (Carmen Maura) finds her life -- and the lives of those around her -- spiraling out of control in this madcap farce from acclaimed Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar. As Pepa tries to contact Iván, her friend Candela (María Barranco) reveals her involvement with a terrorist, Iván's wife visits with loaded guns, and Iván is about to board a plane that Candela's boyfriend plans to hijack.

Cast: Carmen Maura, Antonio Banderas, Julieta Serrano, Rossy de Palma, María Barranco, Kiti Manver, Guillermo Montesinos, Chus Lampreave, Yayo Calvo, Fernando Guillén Cuervo

Director: Pedro Almodóvar


The power of one: Crazy characters are united by a crazy storyline from crazy director Almodóvar.

My favorite character: Candela- All of her scenes were brilliant, especially the ones she shared with Antonio Banderas. Look at how funny he looked...a whole lot different than now. But hey...this movie was made 22 years ago :)













I always like Almodovar's use of color....whether it is the clothing, hair, or furniture. The movie seems rather simple but the funny one-liners and just plain old hilarity of the story is capturing.















Trivia: Contrary to popular belief, the cab driver is not played by director Pedro Almodóvar, but Guillermo Montesinos.

what? The taxi driver was not Almodovar??!?....lets take a closer look shall we












Someone is playing a prank on us. Here is Guillermo Montesinos -->





He sure look a hell of a lot like Almodóvar.

I was fooled







Overall Recommendation: Watch this!!!!!! oh- and watch out for the gazpacho :)

Echelon Conspiracy - 2009

Movie #114

3.5 stars

After stumbling upon a strange cell phone that seems to steer him toward limitless wealth, a young engineer (Shane West) goes along for the ride. But the road veers into dangerous territory when he becomes the target of a global conspiracy. Edward Burns, Ving Rhames and Martin Sheen co-star in this politically charged thriller about a deadly device and the lengths to which people will go to get their hands on it.

Cast: Shane West, Edward Burns, Ving Rhames, Martin Sheen, Steven Elder, Yuriy Kutsenko, Tamara Feldman, Sergey Gubanov, Sandra De Sousa, Ilan Goodman

Director: Greg Marcks

Filming Locations: Bangkok, Thailand; Moscow, Russia; Prague, Czech Republic; Sofia, Bulgaria

Tagline: Security comes at a price... (hmmmm...not a very good one)

The power of one: After Shane West gets a mysterious package containing a phone, he becomes extremely lucky....but civilization is in danger!

The best part of the movie was the fact that it really was never boring. The concept may have been a little....stupid...but it was exciting. Shane West is still a pretty bad actor. Remember Whatever It Takes?




















Fun little fact about Mr. West: At the end of A Walk to Remember (2002), his character had gone off to and was accepted to medical school. Two years later, he played a doctor on "ER" (1994)--> now, whoever came up with this is truly a nerd....but it is kinda cool














Moving on....the female lead in this movie was pretty hot. But the question is...what the hell is she doing with Bruce Willis:













gross






Ok...enough of the ragging. The best actor (of the movie) goes to Edward Burns. It wasn't that he was particularly good it is just the fact that I kinda forget about him. He's not bad lookin...but what do I know ;)

Overall recommendation: if you are in the mood for something mindless but entertaining...watch this.

The Last Word - 2008

Movie #113

3 stars

Reclusive writer Evan (Wes Bentley) has created for himself a unique job: writing suicide notes for people who are about to kill themselves. When he unexpectedly falls for Charlotte (Winona Ryder), the sister of one of his recent clients, his whole way of life is upended. Although Evan has a knack for the work he does, he's understandably nervous to have others learn about his secret job -- especially his new girlfriend.

Cast: Winona Ryder, Wes Bentley, Ray Romano, A.J. Trauth, Allan Rich, Gina Hecht, Kurt Caceres, Alison Moir, Paul Haasch, Katherine Boecher, Brendan Miller, Michael Cornacchia

Director: Geoffrey Haley


The power of one: Wes Bentley is paid to write people's suicide notes but his morbid life is threatened when he falls for a previous client's sister.

Basically, Ray Romano was this movie's saving grace. He was so sarcastic it was hilarious. "I think today is going to be pretty good...it started with a really good dump." Or this one-- "Whatever you do, don't f*** her in the ass. Sodomy changes everything"

Apart from Mr. Romano, the movie was bland. It's interesting to imagine people hiring others to write their suicide note. I could have turned the movie off at any point and not feel very motivated to finish it. However, the ending was the best part...and not because it was over but because it made watching the movie actually worthwhile.

The Babysitters - 2007

Movie #112

3.5 stars

When honors high school student Shirley (Katherine Waterston) becomes romantically entangled with Michael (John Leguizamo), the married father of one of her baby-sitting clients, she quickly recognizes the affair's potential for turning a profit. The enterprising Shirley soon sets up a teenage prostitution ring made up of school chums who she matches up with Michael's bored married friends, all under the guise of baby-sitting.

Cast: Katherine Waterston, John Leguizamo, Cynthia Nixon, Andy Comeau, Lauren Birkell, Denis O'Hare, Halley Wegryn Gross, Ethan Phillips, Alexandra Daddario, Spencer Treat Clark

Director: David Ross



hmmm....this was pretttty creepy...i mean....old men paying their babysitters for the dirty. I know that its acting but the dads were such pervs, especially John Leguizamo. Nonetheless, Katherine Waterson did a really good job. She looks really young and was actually able to pass for a high school student...unlike allll other movies involving high schoolers.

creepiest line in the movie: Brenda, when you go home I want you to take a picture of yourself, because right now, you're perfection. And I want you to look at that picture every day and never change.

First line of the movie: Shirley Lyner. I'm a junior at Alfred E. Groves high school. This is my babysitting service. The answer is no: mom doesn't drink, dad didn't hit me, Uncle Steve never showed me his privates. I don't even have an Uncle Steve. The money is nice, and paid fellatio isn't that much more humiliating than flipping burgers. But that's not why I do it.

Rated R for disturbing strong sexual content, language and some drug use - involving teens. (no shit Sherlock)

Overall Recommendation: it's worth watching once

Clash of the Titans (3D) - 2010

Movie #111

4 stars

If he is to save the life of the beautiful Princess Andromeda (Alexa Davalos), the valiant Perseus (Sam Worthington) -- born to a god but raised as a man -- must lead a team of intrepid warriors on a quest to battle a host of powerful, beastly enemies. This sweeping fantasy epic, a remake of the 1981 hit, also stars Liam Neeson as Zeus, Ralph Fiennes as Hades, Danny Huston as Poseidon and Gemma Arterton as Io.

Cast: Sam Worthington, Alexa Davalos, Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Danny Huston, Gemma Arterton, Jason Flemyng, Tine Stapelfeldt, Mads Mikkelsen, Luke Evans, Izabella Miko

Director: Louis Leterrier johnson



I have to admit...this movie was pretty good. The first 20 minutes kind of dragged but the rest of the movie was very entertaining. I feel like watching it in 3D really made a difference (even though it wasn't made for 3D). The only thing I didn't like was the fact that Sam Worthington's Australian accent came through a lot.

Overall Recommendation: Watch it!...in 3D






(same guy from After the Wedding)








Liam Neeson looking creeepy








crazy monsters that came out of the sand

Recap: Movies 100-110

Ranking (the order you should watch them in):

All About My Mother - #110
Fried Green Tomatoes #101
The World Unseen - #100
Date Night - #109
The Pool - #104
Bones: Season 1 - #108
Cashback - #107
Spartan - #102
Gossip - #105
Dead Like Me: Life After Death - #103
The International - #106


Best Movie Poster: Date Night

All About My Mother - 1999

Movie #110

5 stars

An Oscar winner for Best Foreign Language Film, writer-director Pedro Almodovar's compassionate tribute to women examines the life of Manuela (Cecilia Roth), who leaves Madrid for Barcelona shortly after she witnesses her son's accidental death. Once there, she reunites with an old friend (Antonia San Juan), a pre-op transsexual prostitute, and forms a fast but enduring friendship with a pregnant nun (Penelope Cruz).

Cast: Cecilia Roth, Marisa Paredes, Candela Peña, Antonia San Juan, Penélope Cruz, Eloy Azorín

Director: Pedro Almodóvar

Spanish, subtitled. Filmed in Barcelona and Madrid (so pretty)


Everything about this movie was awesome!...the acting, the storyline, the scenery, the colors...everything! This movie tackles many issues that movies now don't even tackle...and this was 10 years ago! Agrado (the transsexual prostitute) offers a lot of the comic relief but the character also has a very important monologue scene.

Penelope Cruz seems soo young! She did a fabulous job. I also liked all of the colors (see the umbrella below). Even on a dark, rainy night Almodovar finds a way to throw in some color.
















Trivia (courtesy of imdb):
Agrado's monologue was based on a real life event. When the electronic system of an Argentinian theater failed, the director suspended the show. Actress Lola Membrives decided to give the news to the audience and make them an offer: if they'd stay, they could listen to the narration of her life.

Favorite Quote:
Agrado: Well, as I was saying, it costs a lot to be authentic, ma'am. And one can't be stingy with these things because you are more authentic the more you resemble what you've dreamed of being.


Overall Recommendation: What are you waiting for? WATCH THIS MOVIE!!!

Date Night - 2010

Movie #109

4 stars

Who knew simple dinner reservations under a different name could turn one New Jersey couple's date night so terribly upside-down? Claire (Tina Fey) and Phil (Steve Carell) Foster leave their kids with the sitter and head out for a night on the town -- as the Tripplehorns.

Cast: Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Mark Wahlberg, James Franco, Leighton Meester, Taraji P. Henson, Jimmi Simpson, Common, William Fichtner, Kristen Wiig, Mark Ruffalo, Mila Kunis, Ray Liotta

Director: Shawn Levy






If it wasn't for Tina Fey- this movie would have stunk. I really can't picture any other actress being able to pull off her lines...and be funny. I also just really like Tina Fey..how could you not...her dancing! Anytime she dances I just bust out laughing...ask Pari :)














Another reason I think the movie was somewhat a hit was because of the cast. There were so many good people in it! Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, James Franco, Common, Ray Liotta, Kristen Wiig (only for a couple minutes though) and Taraji P. Henson. All of these people usually star in movies---whether or not these movies are good is another question.

Trivia (courtesy of imdb):

• In all of Mark Wahlberg's scenes, he is shirtless. His scenes were carefully filmed at specific angles to avoid showing a tattoo of Bob Marley that he has on his left shoulder

• In the scene where Tina Fey's character is preparing for bed, she is shown wearing a "University of Virgina" t-shirt. Tina Fey graduated there in 1992.
• There is an additional scene after the credits. (dammit...I left)

Overall recommendation: watch it with some friends...you'll laugh harder :)

Bones: Season 1 - 2005

Movie (yes, i know, it's not a movie....but I'm counting it anyway) #108

5 stars

Inspired by the work of a real-life forensic anthropologist and novelist, this darkly comic series follows Dr. Temperence Brennan (Emily Deschanel), an employee of a Smithsonian-like institution who has a knack for finding clues in the bones of murder victims. Called in to assist law enforcement in their investigations, she's often teamed with a government agent (David Boreanaz) who mistrusts the connection between science and solving crime.

Cast: Emily Deschanel, David Boreanaz, Eric Millegan, T.J. Thyne, Michaela Conlin, Jonathan Adams

Director: Greg Yaitanes



I don't really have much to say about the show...except that Emily Deschanel can really kick some ass..and I love it.

Courtesy of Wikipedia: (Could you imagine life without it)

• Emily Deschanel was cast in the role of Temperance Brennan just before production began on the Bones pilot. After Deschanel finished the film Glory Road, the film's producer Jerry Bruckheimer recommended that she audition for Bones. Deschanel impressed Hart Hanson at her audition with her assertiveness. In a tense moment in the audition scene, David Boreanaz stepped closer to Deschanel. Deschanel held her ground rather than retreating. Hanson remarked that, in such a situation, "90% of actors would take a step back". Deschanel was subsequently cast in the role.
• Most of Bones is filmed in Los Angeles, California, despite the fact that the show is mainly set in Washington, D.C., where the fictional Jeffersonian Institute is located. The external shots are of the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles. The interiors of the Jeffersonian Institute were specially built on a large soundstage at the 20th Century Fox lot in Century City, Los Angeles, California

OK- since I don't really have a lot to say- im just going to give you some youtube videos :)

Cashback - 2006

Movie #107

4 stars

After breaking up with his girlfriend, aspiring artist Ben Willis (Sean Biggerstaff) develops insomnia and takes a night-shift job at a supermarket to pass the hours. He soon discovers that he can freeze time and begins fantasizing about pretty checkout clerk Sharon (Emilia Fox). When he's not dreaming of Sharon -- who may hold the key to resolving his sleeplessness -- Ben roams the aisles disrobing beautiful customers and sketching them.

Cast: Shaun Evans, Sean Biggerstaff, Emilia Fox, Michelle Ryan, Stuart Goodwin, Michael Dixon, Marc Pickering, Michael Lambourne, Nick Hancock, Keeley Hazell

Director: Sean Ellis

Filming location: London England

yes- there was lots of nudity but it wasn't completely unnecessary. There is one scene where Ben freezes everyone in Sainsbury's (a grocery store in London) and then pulls down..or up...womens clothing and then draws them. It is kinda silly but isn't that the point of movies sometimes.

There wasn't a moment when I was watching where I decided that I wanted to do something else...which happens a lot when I am watching movies. I also liked the crazy camera work. At first I thought it was cheesy but it started to be entertaining.

Trivia:

• The feature includes the 18 minute Oscar-nominated short film of the same title within its running time.
• In one shot, Ben clicks his fingers to start up time, it then cuts to Ben opening the door to his friend. Between those two shots is a two year gap as the short was filmed two years previously to the feature.
• The single shot of Ben falling from the payphone into bed was done in camera and a whole day to film out of the 25 day shooting schedule.

Tagline: Sometimes love is hiding between the seconds of your life (Clever but not very capturing)