156 reviews from couchdog53

Cyxork 7
Not as bad as I expected. Why did I rent it, you ask? Well because I like some cheesy B movies, and even find some hidden gems once in a while. This is not one of those. Objectively I would give this 2*, but since I rate movies subjectively, I can't say I didn't like it. It was funny sometimes and the acting was not bad. I got a kick out of it. Just don't expect too much.

Macon County Jail
Great B action flick! What can I say? I took a chance and it paid off. Sure it has some cliches, plot holes, and other flaws but what do you expect? You can pick it apart or enjoy it. Lots of violence including a rape scene so sensitive viewers beware. However it's not extreme compared to modern horror and some other action movies (not gory). This is a fun movie for action fans, and it's not boring. Just don't expect perfection and you should have a good time with this.

How the Garcia Girls Spent Their Summer
In my opinion this is an unrealistic picture of three generations of a family of three pathetic women. Sex is portrayed as a necessary evil, and love is not a factor in the story. The puritanical and hypocritical views of the mother and grandmother are more in line with a fundamentalist upbringing, and seem out of place with their catholic background, especially considering they are not very religious. The teenage daughter played by America Ferrera is interested is sex mostly out of curiosity. Her character is the most believable and the most likable of the three. The mother and grandmother are uptight and conflicted and have got to have it, in spite of their moral standards. When they get it, their experiences are devoid of joy, passion, and excitement. There seems to be a conflict between instinct and reason, and I guess that could be what the movie is about. I don't know, I'm probably missing something. As a fan of exploitation I may be biased. This film is the opposite of that. Why does the oldest and least attractive character show the most skin? Is that meant to shock us? Is it to show that the filmmaker is not shallow? Well this film may be deep, but I found it to be pretentious and self indulgent. It is also too long. However if you like slow boring drama about bored lonely women looking for sex, this might be right up your alley. Otherwise I don't recommend it.

Black Cloud
This is about a young Navajo Indian man dealing with racism and his own resentment. It's also a sports flick and a coming of age story. I understood the hate and anger, but it got kind of old for me. It dominated his personality and I was wishing he would let it go. Eddie Spears did a good job and I'm sure his acting will improve as he gets more experience. For a better Native American film I recommend Dreamkeeper, Dance Me Outside, or Smoke Signals. Still, this is pretty good. Rent it if you like the genre.

Macon County Line
This is an edgy B Indie from the 70's. It starts out with two brother on a road trip, up to no good, getting into some mischief, but mostly just having fun. There is a tension throughout the film that builds as it progresses. Viewers who are not fans of 70's cinema in general may consider it dated. I think this is about a 3.5* rating but I'm rounding up to 4* because I really do like movies from the 70's, and while this one is not the greatest, it is a good example.

Wet Gold
This was about like I expected. There was nothing wrong with it, but there was nothing great about it either. It's a decent popcorn flick. Same old gold fever. Greed, jealousy, paranoia, murder, we've seen it all before, but it is still fun.

Maid in Sweden
Christina Lindberg is awesome but her "talents" are kind of wasted in this plotless movie. For sexploitation with violence and a plot, see Thriller: They Call Her One Eye. It has low production values but is highly entertaining as long as you like sex, nudity, and violence done gratuitously. Thriller: a Cruel Picture is said to be the X rated version of the same film but I can't critique it as I haven't seen it. For a better quality sexploitation film with decent acting and a good story see Anita: Swedish Nymphet. It is a classier film with a kind of pseudo sophistication to it. You can also see Christina in a supporting role in Sex & Fury which is a great Japanese sexploitation flick.

Pineapple Express
This is more than a stoner comedy, more than a buddy flick, more than anything I expected, and much better than any comedy I've seen in a long time. It is outright crazy over the top fantastic and just plain fun. If this does not spawn a entirely new sub-genre, it defines and sets the standard for it. Meet the Stoner Action flick! It starts out funny and just gets better. The laughs don't stop with the action. It is hilarious before after and during the great action sequences. I knew James Franco was good, but he has outdone himself in this movie. I suspect this will give a huge boost to his career and I predict we will be seeing him in more leading roles both comedic and serious. Seth Rogen is good too, but I think Franco stole the show. The whole cast did a great job, and the writing and directing were excellent. Everything came together in this near perfect masterpiece. I couldn't ask for more and I highly recommend this Stoner Action Comedy to all.

Dark Honeymoon
This movie had some high points that I enjoyed, like the seductive character played by Tia Carrere. Actually it's her I like more than her character. She is always a pleasure to watch. Eye candy for me. The movie vacillated between 2* and 3* stars most of the way through until the completely predictable and unsatisfying ending. I just had to roll my eyes and round down a 2.5* rating to 2*.

The Hive
Ants sticking together to form giant prehensile gravity defying columns that worked like hands, was an interesting concept even if it was a bit stupid. So was the ant computer, and the ants drawing pictures to communicate with humans. The story did have some originality to it. The FX were cheesy from the beginning but I sort of got used to it. This movie kept me mildly amused throughout. I wasn't bored. The beautiful Thai countryside was perhaps the best part. Don't rent it unless you have a high tolerance for really bad B Sci-fi.

The Horsemen
Before the Soviet invasion and before the Taliban, there was an Afghan culture that was rich and diverse. Filmed when Afghanistan was still ruled by King Sahir Shah, during a forty year period of stability, before playing music, singing, dancing, kite flying and even shaving were outlawed. Back then women had more rights than today, but for some reason there is only one female character in the story, a beautiful young woman of low caste and morals (played by Leigh Taylor-Young) who is cold hearted and consumed with greed. This film takes a look at Buskashi, a sport that goes back to ancient times, and at some people who are obsessed with it. Omar Sharif plays an unlikable tortured soul who feels he must win an important Buskashi tournament. This movie is dark and brooding, and takes a nihilistic view of humanity, that deals with issues of pride, lust, envy, and stubbornness, but eventually forgiveness and redemption. Animal advocates will be appalled by the cruelty, mainly the fighting of animals for gambling purposes, including camels and rams. I don't think any of it was simulated, in other words, yes, animals were hurt during the making of this film. However it is an important part of the culture and it adds to the realism of the story. Don't rent the movie if scenes of animal cruelty offend your sensibilities. Even some of the treatment of the horses is questionable. With all it's shortcomings, I still think this is a great film. Excellent cinematography featuring spectacular panoramic vistas, top notch directing and award worthy performances by Omar Sharif and Jack Palance make this a most memorable viewing experience, and I highly recommend it.

Yuma
The picture quality is not very good and the DVD has no special features or other menu options, but it is still worth watching for Western fans. The story is mostly predictable but with a twist or two to keep it interesting, and the acting is professional if not stellar. Clint Walker is good. If you have never seen the 50's TV series Cheyenne, he's kind of like Chick Conners in The Rifleman. Strong honest straight shooting tough guys you wouldn't want to mess with. The indians in this movie are played by white guys in make up. That's typical for when it was made, but that always irritated me, even when I was a kid. Another thing typical of these old Westerns is nobody bleeds when they get shot, even if it's at close range with a sawed-off shotgun. Overall the movie turned out to be about what I expected. I didn't love it, but I liked it, and I think most fans of old Westerns will too. If you are a fan of Clint Walker you will like it for sure. However if you don't particularly like him or the genre, you may find nothing here worth your while.

Wargames 2: The Dead Code
Apparently this is a sequel and there is no comparison to the original. Judged on it's own merit, it does have some good parts. Decent action and suspense in the first hour make it an alright popcorn flick if you are not too critical. The ending is a totally predictable and ridiculous spin on the original. I'm not sorry I watched it, as I found it to be mildly entertaining. However, I can't say I recommend it.

The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor
This predictably suffered from what most but not all sequels suffer from, a downgrading of the writing and acting and an excess of special effects and whatever else made the first one good, but to the point of overkill. Of course I was already expecting that, after having seen the first sequel, "The Mummy Returns". I loved the first "The Mummy". It was funny, had a great story and lots of action plus great effects (and Rachel Weisz). Yes, I too missed her in this one. I like Maria Bello and I think she is a good actress, but It was hard not to compare the two versions of the same character and they were like two different people. After I got over that and the old son, I managed to enjoy the movie for what it is, a fantasy adventure. Michelle Yeoh was a pleasure to watch and Jet Li was okay. The legions of dead (then undead, then dead) were kind of funny, as were the the good guy yetis. The monsters were over the top ridiculous. For mummies, Egypt is hard to beat but it was hinted that the next sequel will be in Peru. I'm sure I will watch it too when it comes out because I'm a sucker for these kinds of movies, even when they are cheesy.

Never Back Down
This is a decent movie if you like to watch Mixed Martial Arts. The lead actor Sean Faris was obviously selected for his fighting skills, because his acting skills were, well, he didn't have any. The other actors were not a lot better except for Djimon Hounsou who was good as usual. Most of the High School students looked like they were in their twenties (typical) and they all appeared to be rich except for our hot headed hero. But I really can't complain. The fight scenes are plentiful enough to keep this from being boring. The choreography was done well and so was the camera work and editing. I did enjoy it and I think most genre fans will find it satisfying. Recommended if you like to watch fighting.

Dance Me Outside
The story takes place on a Canadian Indian reservation, with Adam Beach in a starring role. If you like Native American Cinema you probably already know him. Fans are guaranteed to love this captivating tale of life on the res. Viewers who are not familiar with the genre will be divided. Don't expect a lot of action or very serious drama. This is more of a comedy, even though serious social issues are prevalent throughout. The acting is really good, the mood is light, and I had a smile on my face most of the time. Everything I saw was believable and most of the characters likable. It was lots of fun for me. Check it out. You might enjoy it as much as I did.

Final Analysis
When I read who's in the cast in this one, I had to rent it. I'm glad I did. It's a great thriller, I don't care what anybody says. I admit the sound had issues with all the whispering, but I just turned the volume up and listened closely. It was a minor inconvenience. What started off as a rather predictable plot ended up having some good twists that I didn't expect (not that I was trying to figure it out, I was too busy enjoying it). Richard Gere is a shrink who thinks he can always read people, but this time he may have bitten off more than he could chew. But could anyone resist the charms of someone who looks like Kim Basinger? She and Uma Thurman played sisters who both seemed a little nuts, but you were never quite sure, who is manipulating who? Eric Roberts is in it too, type cast as bad guy mobster. He is good as usual. I think he is underrated. Part erotic thriller and part courtroom drama, this is great entertainment, that if nothing else, will please fans of the actors. I recommend it.

Silip: Daughters Of Eve
This is some excellent Asian Sexploitation, that is more dramatic than campy, more artistic than pornographic, but ultimately trashy and nihilistic. The opening scene shows a water buffalo being slaughtered and butchered for food so sensitive animal lovers and and vegans may wish to fast forward or avoid the movie altogether. Those who have a problem with sex and nudity should also avoid it. The three lead actresses are exquisitely titillating and their characters likable as they naturally show off their perfect bodies. The movie is about lust and deceit, religion and guilt, jealousy and rage, puberty and adolescent desire, and murder. But most of all it is about sexual obsession. No one will have an excuse for being shocked if they read this and the other reviews. Pass on it if you are not sure, it may be above your tolerance level. For those who can handle it, go with the excellent subtitles rather than the cheesy dubbing. I highly recommend this for exploitation fans only. You know who you are.

Komodo vs. Cobra
Do you like seeing people getting eaten by giant reptiles on an exotic island paradise? if you do then this is a good movie for you as long as you don't mind bad acting and everything else that goes with it. This is similar in quality (or lack of it) to Python, Boa vs. Python, Sabertooth. It appears to be a sequel of Curse of the Komodo, but now they have added giant cobras. Why not? Before "the Curse of" there was a movie called Komodo (made in 1999) that was actually better. It had better acting and FX and it was scarier, more of a horror flick. Another cheesy monster movie that I think is better is Frankenfish. That is closer to the quality of Anacondas: the Hunt for the Blood Orchid. Of course none of these movies are to be taken seriously and if you do you will be disappointed. As for me, once in a while I like to kick back and relax, and turn off my brain and enjoy a super cheesy B sci-fi horror flick like Komodo vs. Cobra. I usually get a kick out of it.

Puerto Vallarta Squeeze
Another B action gem gleaned from the myriad obscure titles available for those who search and are willing to take a chance like yours truly. Sometimes the search is futile and results in a dud. Other times it pays off as in this wonderful action adventure. I relish this type of low budget, low class fare and I'm a sucker for films in and about Mexico or anywhere south of the border. Amoral and unapologetic, this movie takes a skewed view of life and death that will please those who are not too quick to judge. After all it is a movie, and a B movie at that. It is not perfect. Some parts are not believable, while other parts have a strong element of realism. Scott Glen gives good performance as a likable hitman, and Craig Wasson plays a unlikable loudmouthed whiner, and his acting is a bit over the top. Harvey Keitel plays a complete jerk but at least he keeps his clothes on. Giovanna Zacarias is a beautiful young actress who I had never seen before and she really shines in her leading role. I hope to see more of her in the future. Don't expect a great masterpiece but this movie is very good. I recommend it unless you only like typical mainstream Hollywood stuff.

Excessive Force
If you are looking for realism, originality or great acting, you might be disappointed with this one. But if you can live with better than average fight scenes, a cliched and predictable story, and plenty of fast paced action, then you will probably like it. Entertaining and not boring, but strictly for action fans that aren't too critical. 3.5*

Born to Fight
It looks like a lot of people got hurt while they were making this film. It's a great martial arts action flick. Fans of Tony Jaa should like this one too. He is not in it, but there are many talented kickboxers, although none may be at his skill level, but then who is? The stunt work is phenomenal with no wires or computer effects. At the end when the credits are rolling you can see them practicing their stunts and getting hurt. Some of the jumps and falls are practiced with cushions to fall on, then they are removed for the final take. There is a huge cast as an entire village fights back against the evil communist drug dealing troops that took them all hostage. It's loads of fun and even the English dubbing is quite good. There's lots of shooting and explosions and lots of killing that is not too bloody. If you are into martial arts and action you can't go wrong with this movie. I recommend it.

Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation
It's a cheesy low budget sequel, but really not that bad if you judge it on it's own, and don't compare it to the first Starship Troopers. It wasn't nearly as bad as I expected after seeing all of the 1 star ratings it got from other reviewers. I have to admit I liked it. It is more Horror and less Sci-fi than the first, but compared to other B Horror movies I've seen lately, it is on par. I enjoyed it enough to not regret watching it, which is by no means an endorsement, but rather a half-hearted defense of it. For me it was okay.

Kings of the Sun
Funny looking Maya Indians were attacked and ran off from (the ruins of) Chichen Itza by Indians from the west with metal swords. Huh? Swords? Yeah, I know. Some of the Indians had blue eyes. Most had ridiculous looking costumes and hairdos. Some had funny looking hats. The Mayans escaped to the north in what looked like Phoenician style sailing ships and arrived at a place where the Indians lived in teepees on the coast of... Texas maybe? Yul Brynner was their chief. He had a sort of top knot hanging off the back of his head that looked like it was left over from when he played Rameses in the Ten Commandments. He had a really bizarre walk that was like a panther or a peacock. He looked at the other actors like he was thinking "what am I doing here with all these amateurs?" He was captured by the Mayans. The Mayan king was tired of his religion and decided to make it more humane. A cast that included a couple thousand extras was pretty much wasted. If all this sounds ridiculous, that's because it is. It's so bad it's... well, just bad... really bad.

Chop Shop
So realistic it feels like a documentary sometimes, this is a great indie drama. Alejandro (Ale) and his sister Isamar live amid the body shops and wrecking yards in Queens, New York. You feel for these characters. Ale hustles to make a better life for his sister. He is very protective of her even though he is the younger brother. There is not much of a plot, just the story of the day to day struggle that is reality to these kids. With no parental guidance, crime and poverty are elements of everyday life that cannot be avoided. The movie is sad and kind of slow paced, and may not be good for fans of feel good or mainstream cinema. There is nothing mainstream about this, and it even has a foreign film feel to it. For those who like art house independent drama, I highly recommend Chop Shop. I think you will find it to be well worth your while.

The Resurrection of Amanda Morales
Very cheaply done. Bad acting, terrible make up and FX. Wait, the FX was the crummy make up. The story was okay or could have been, and some parts bordered on being scary. I almost didn't finish it, but I stuck with it to the end, hoping to get my $1.25 worth. But alas, it was only worth about 39 cents. The second star was for some nice scenery. See it if you must, at least you have been warned.

Buckle Brothers
This is interesting but nothing to shout about. Good for fans of bull riding or obscure documentaries. Horse stables and farms in Compton and Watts, CA. where you would least expect them, provide an environment for a few African American teenagers to grow up as cowboys. Not your typical inner city youth. They grew up around horses and rode all their lives, and went to a ranch in Perris, CA. that has rodeo bulls and learned to ride them. Some of them go on to compete in the pro rodeo circuit. That's about it in a nutshell. I enjoyed it, but I would hesitate to recommend it, unless you are into rodeo sports or want to see an example of some good kids in a bad neighborhood. No stereotypes here.

Wanted
Judging from the previews and reviews of this I knew I would have to cut it some slack in order to enjoy it. I love action movies and over the top action. I liked Hitman a lot, I loved Shoot 'Em Up, and Jumper was good. They were pretty ridiculous but I was able to suspend my disbelief in order to get the most out of them. That's what I did for Wanted and I went in with an open mind and a forgiving mood. Unfortunately that wasn't enough. I guess I still require some semblance of reason, or at least an illusion of logic. Bullets that curve and inherited abilities of mind over matter I can take, but assassins that take there orders from a loom? Okay I don't want to spoil it so I will stop there with the details. That was just one of many things that bugged me. I wanted so much to like this movie that I gave it the benefit of the doubt until I couldn't give anymore. It went from ridiculous to just plain stupid, but not stupid funny (that I can take). It was bad but not "so bad it's good" (I like that). All the rave reviews are a mystery to me. But go ahead and see it for yourself. I didn't hate it. I almost gave it 3*, but I rounded down from 2.5* because I would be lying if I said I liked it.

Mandingo
Exploitation anyone? How about a masterpiece of titillating tasteless schlock of epic proportions? Only in the 70's could something like this have been made. Potentially shocking and disgusting to some viewers, this movie is best left to fans of the genre. It is like Roots' evil twin or a quality version of Goodbye Uncle Tom, but with a plot. Produced by Dino De Laurentiis, this is a big Hollywood production, not your typical B movie. High production values and a good cast including British actor James Mason, Susan George, and boxer Ken Norton, excellent cinematography, and a great soundtrack help to make this an amazing exercise in voyeuristic entertainment. Of course it is also crude and trashy and completely lacking in any moral decency or political correctness. Sounds good huh? Seriously though, slavery is an abomination and there are many more socially responsible movies that deal with the subject in a respectful and mature manner. This on the other hand is best left up to fans of exploitation, and if you are not one, why would you want to watch it?

The Atomic Cafe
This is a humorous look at a serious subject. The whole movie is archival footage of mostly government propaganda all about convincing the American public that the atom bomb is our friend. Some parts are hilarious. If you don't feel comfortable laughing at such a serious subject, check out White Light Black Rain: the Destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. That one is truly horrific and will make you cry. It's mostly about victims and survivors. Or see Trinity and Beyond: Atomic Bomb. It is more neutral and is mostly a history of the making of the atom bomb and has lots of footage of awesome mushroom clouds. It has some funny parts too like when Chinese calvary soldiers (yes on horseback) charge towards ground zero swinging swords and shooting rifles. However if you really want to laugh you must see the Atomic Cafe. It's the best of the three, and except for a few scenes of Hiroshima burn victims, it's mostly a light hearted and self deprecating look at some ridiculous historical footage.

Bone Eater
Super cheesy B movie. I'm not sure if it was made for the Sci-fi channel but that's the style, although if it is, it's not one of the better ones. This movie is bad enough to be funny and the cartoonish monster actually looks pretty cool. The story and acting are ridiculous and the over the top stereotypical Native American theme could be offensive to some, as well as the non-Indian actors, including Bruce Boxleitner who was supposed to be half Indian. If that's funny to you you might like it. He plays the part so badly I can't tell if he was trying or not. I got the impression the cast was whoever could show up in a day's notice and, that it was filmed over a weekend. If you like B movies or worse, it might be good for a laugh or two if you are not disgusted by the quality (or lack of it).

Blood and Wine: A Brazilian Story
While I found this to be an excellent political drama, it was a little too depressing for my tastes. I can't say I liked it a lot but I can say it is well made, well acted, and interesting, and the subtitles were very easy to follow, although the translation was a little off. Recommended for fans of dark depressing political drama. I liked it but not a lot. I'm sure some will like it more than I did, but for me it was just okay. Those looking for a feel good flick with a happy ending will hate it. Because of disturbing scenes of torture and murder this will not be good for kids or sensitive viewers.

The Pledge
This is a low budget Western apparently made for TV. I wasn't expecting much so I wasn't disappointed. Unfortunately I wasn't surprised either. The plot was a generic land baron tries to steal the family ranch with the help of the corrupt sheriff type of story, completely predictable and unoriginal. The cast was really small, I suppose because of the low budget. The acting was not great but decent, and the one actress was pretty. There were no sweeping panoramas and the gunfights were not done very well. I could go on picking it apart but I won't because in spite of all it's flaws it really wasn't that bad. I guess it depends on what you compare it to. I've seen plenty of worse movies, and I actually liked this one, although I'm sure my lower expectations helped. Objectively it stinks, but subjectively I enjoyed it and I'm not sure why. I would recommend it only to those who are not too critical and like B Westerns.

My Blueberry Nights
Basically a chick flick (no surprises there) with Nora Jones taking lessons from the pros. Actually she was not bad for a debutante, but appeared more like an observer than a participant. Good acting by Jude law and Natalie Portman and absolutely stellar performances by Jason Strathairn and especially Rachel Weisz made this a movie worth seeing. Nora Jones is visually stunning and if she continues with the acting part of her career, I think we can expect better from her as she gets more experience. Still not bad for a debut. This is a romantic drama but not too dark and should satisfy those looking for a feel good flick as well as fans of independent film in general. It was actually better than I expected and I wouldn't mind watching it again sometime.

Shotgun Stories
Passable indie drama. Low budget and low key but well acted. It held my interest, but unlike the name implies it has very little on screen violence and no action to speak of. If you are not into independent flicks in particular there is not much to recommend here. However if you are into obscure indies you will probably find it worth your while. Some people will love it just for not being your typical Hollywood fare. Pretty good, but not great. You be the judge if you care to give it a try.

City of Men
Fans of the Brazilian TV series "City of Men" will love this movie of the same name. From the director of "City of God" this is a continuation of the story of Acerola and Laranjinha, two boys growing up in a Favela (hillside slum) in Rio De Janeiro. The English subtitles are better now, slower and easier to read. Some of the names and nicknames have been translated. Madrugadao (a local gang leader) is "Midnight", Acerola is now "Ace", Cristiane is "Cris" and Laranjinha is "Wallace", which I think is the English equivalent of his real name (Laranjinha is a nickname). Anyway Ace and Wallace are both turning eighteen and they continue the struggle to survive as the neighborhood erupts into an all out gang turf war. If you have already watched the series it makes it nice because you already know the characters. However this movie stands on it's own merit and is excellent even without the context of the series. If you had to choose between the TV series and the movie, I would definitely go with the movie. It has more action and it's darker and more dramatic. But the series is good too, so in order to maximize your pleasure watch it first if you can.

City of Men
This is a Brazilian TV series about two boys (Acerola and Laranjinha) growing up in one of the Favelas (hillside slums) of Rio De Janeiro. The Favelas are accessed by foot traffic only, as the street and alleys are not wide enough for vehicles and are mostly stairways. Police only venture into the area in force and heavily armed, but on foot. The series (at least what is available as far as I know) consists of 3 discs with 6 half-hour episodes each. Fans of the movie City of God will notice similarities, but there are some differences. Mainly this TV series is not as dark, it has more humor and it has a positive message of the boys staying out of the gangs and off the drugs that dominate their neighborhood. The portrayal of teenage sexuality seems natural in the Brazilian context, but may put off some American viewers who apply their own standards of morality and political correctness to it. The one negative for me was that the English subtitles were fast and hard to follow, but with practice I was able to keep up by the end of the first disc. If you have trouble with subtitles that may bother you. Give the first disc a try and see if you can keep up. It is worth a little extra effort. For me it was an inconvenience I could live with, and I really enjoyed the series. If you like this series be sure to see the movie of the same name. The story continues and it gets even better.

The Violin
This film had a profound affect on my psyche and cut into the depths of my soul. I feel for the filmmaker and everyone involved, and I have no doubt they put their lives and families at risk by showing a brutal and realistic portrayal of the government's treatment of indigenous insurgents. People who have little left to lose after being exploited and marginalized for centuries, who want no more than a little bit of land to grow some food, and a chance to raise their families in peace, to survive, and maybe a chance at an education for their children. This film is a masterpiece. To call it artsy would be an insult, but it is true art. It's art is manifested not in abstract imagery or melodrama, but in the sheer beauty of the stark reality of it's subject and the unflinching telling of the story. I saw no claims of being based on real events, but the universal truths are reflections of civilization since the beginning, as the weak, outnumbered and underprivileged are dominated and victimized by the powerful and corrupt. The film was not preachy or judgmental, but overwhelming in it's simplistic view of a dire situation, and it's message that anyone will fight back if pushed hard enough. With no heartwarming moments or sappy ending to lift one's spirits it may not be for the feint of heart or young children, but fans of Mexican cinema and serious drama will love this movie. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in filmmaking at it's best. You won't be disappointed.

Zandalee
This is a quirky low budget affair. More erotic than thriller, this movie is blessed by the ravishing beauty of Erika Anderson's body and cursed by some of worse acting I've seen from Nicolas Cage. It's hard to believe he already had a dozen or so films under his belt when this was made including Raising Arizona, which he was good in. Judge Reinhold was okay. The plot was... well, what plot? You already know the whole story. A guy seduces his friend's wife (who happens to be ripe for the plucking). That was about it. Why were these guys friends? They never appeared to like each other. The backdrop of New Orleans helped make it worth watching. Apart from showing off her assets, I thought Erika Anderson's performance was the best of the lead actors, and the only believable character of the three. For me she made the movie.

Keb' Mo': Sessions at West 54th
This is very good. If you like the artist, then you will like the DVD. His style reminds me of Taj Mahal, although I like Taj even better. Some of his songs were almost too mellow for my tastes, but I really liked the bluesier stuff. Dr. John sat in on one song only. I can't say I was crazy about the whole thing but I did like it a lot. I do recommend it to blues fans, and if you like Keb' Mo' then it's a no brainer.

Honeydripper
This is an easygoing, slow paced drama with some cool music. Danny Glover plays a night club owner who is stubborn and old fashioned and about to lose his business. Charles S. Dutton is his more likable sidekick. Keb' Mo' plays a blind street musician. Gary Clark Jr. plays a drifter with an electric guitar who gets arrested by the local sheriff (played by Stacy Keach) and sold to a cotton farmer for slave labor. If this sounds interesting you may like this film. It has good acting, but I'm still not really sure why I liked it as much as I did. There is no action to speak of, there is not a lot of music, and the drama is not intense. In spite of all that I really enjoyed this movie. I just can't put my finger on the reason why. That's why I wouldn't recommend it to everyone. Some viewers may find it boring, but if you are a fan of the actors in it, and you don't mind a slow mellow drama, then you might like it as I did.

Mongol
This is a hard review for me to write, because I have such mixed feelings about this movie, and it's hard to explain without giving something away. First of all I really liked this film even though there were many things that bother me about it. Genghis Khan to me is one of the most fascinating historical figures and probably my favorite conqueror. For years I have waited for a good movie about him. I hope this film generates lots of copycats and sequels. This covers Temudjin's childhood and then his rise to power up to his uniting of the Mongol tribes. It left me wanting more. I think I would have preferred a more summarized version of that in order to see the Mongols conquer part of China. There were many convenient plot loopholes where the scene would change or some assumed mystical force would resolve a problem without explanation. Temudjin was a really nice guy, too nice in my opinion, and didn't start killing anyone until he was an adult, which I think goes against both history and legend. Also I think there was too much romance. On the positive side I really loved the cinematography with the vast panoramas of the mongolian country and the battle scenes were pretty good. Also the costumes and weaponry appeared pretty authentic, but I think the horses were too big. Please excuse me for picking it apart but I would have loved to love this movie and I only liked it a lot.

Witless Protection
Whether you love or hate Larry the Cable Guy, there is a good chance you are more familiar with him than I am. This is only the second time I've seen him. The first time was in Delta Farce which I really liked, so I thought this would probably be good too, and I wasn't disappointed. I like comedy. Especially comedy that is funny. There are a lot of sitcoms on TV that are considered comedies but to me they are just not funny. This is funny. In fact it's hilarious. This is slapstick. Stupid childish falling down fat redneck fart joke funny. If you require more sophistication than that, then you had better look elsewhere. I also like smart comedies, parodies, even British dry humor. But for laugh out loud, knee slapping, rolling on the floor stress relief, stupid comedies are hard to beat, and this is a good one. I would feel stupid not recommending it. So lighten up and watch this stupid funny movie, if you think you can stand it.

The Happening
Hoping to avoid the weekend Incredible Hulk crowds I opted instead to go see M. Night Shyamalan's latest endeavor. Having read various reviews of The Happening I saw that opinions varied widely as usual for his movies. So I went in with an open mind and parked my disbelief at the door. After all, his stories are always pretty far-fetched. Aware of some complaints about the ending I decided to enjoy the journey and not worry too much about the destination. Now I don't know how much my attitude affected the outcome of my experience, but I really enjoyed this movie. Eerie, surrealistic, and mysterious, this is great storytelling and the cinematography is remarkable. I don't like all of Mr. Shyamalan's films, but I really liked The Sixth Sense and The Village, and now this one. I didn't care for Unbreakable, Signs, or Lady in the Water. If you liked some or all of his previous films there is a good chance you will like this one. Also I must mention that this is his funniest movie to date, with some unexpected and refreshing humor providing some welcome comic relief. Overall it was very enjoyable for me. I think you will enjoy it too as long as you have an idea of what you are getting into. Don't expect realism or something believable because that's not what you'll get without giving up a little logic and skepticism. If you can do that I think you will find this film to be well worth your while, as I did.

Funny Games
There was nothing for me to like about this. Even though I haven't seen the original, I know that had to be better. The synopsis says this is an indictment of the media's fascination with violence. Where did that come from? I don't see it. All I see is a bad movie. The two bad guys never had me convinced. Their characters were not believable to me, which meant they were not scary. The movie had no plot other than "two guys torture a family". Who were they? Why were they like that? Why were they like clones of each other? We will never know. I realize other viewers may see this differently, and this is my subjective point of view. One thing I give it, it's disgusting. For me it went from disgusting to boring about half way through then back to disgusting. It's not the torture that bothered me. Torture is fine but add some context to it. Naomi Watts and Tim Roth did a good job but for such great actors it's more like second nature and not anything special. It's possible I missed something but I'm not going to watch it again to try and find it. I will let you give it a try. It might work for you. For me it didn't even come close to working.

La Sorpresa
"La Sorpresa" means "the surprise" but there were no surprises here. It's a Mexican B movie. That part is okay. I like Latin American Cinema so I am willing to take a chance on some really obscure films like this one, once in a while. Sometimes I am pleasantly surprised and find a hidden gem, but not this time. It has good actors, but decent acting was not enough to make up for other areas that were lacking. Like some character development and a plot. Among the questions that were left unanswered was "what is this movie about?". The two lead actresses are beautiful and I suppose the two male leads might be good looking too. Apart from three or so more actors with bit parts, that was the whole cast. The sex and betrayal were not enough to make this an erotic thriller and the very limited nudity had no real exploitative value. I would recommend avoiding this movie unless you have nothing better to do, which I think would be unlikely.

King of the Gypsies
This is an interesting, unflattering look at American Gypsies in New York. Eric Roberts plays a young Gypsy man named Dave who is disillusioned with the customs and lifestyles of his people so he runs away and tries to make it on his own in the city. He has a drunken abusive father who is played by Judd Hirsch. Sterling Hayden plays his grandfather and "King of the Tribe". When he dies he turns his leadership over to his unwilling grandson which greatly angers the abusive father. Susan Sarandon shines as Dave's mother and Brooke Shields has a small role as his little sister. Eric Roberts surprised me with a very good performance. The mood is dark and many of the characters are rather unlikable so don't expect a feel good movie. There are a few funny parts but this is basically a drama. Some very good music and some cool dancing add to the entertainment value, but don't worry, it's not a musical. I recommend this film to viewers who like seeing something different. I would rate it 3.5* but I'm rounding up to 4* because although it's not great, it's well above mediocre.

Caribe
This is basically a soap opera about infidelity with a subplot of; beach town residents fight an American oil company to save the local ecology. Nice scenery and one very hot home wrecker. Not bad considering it's a Costa Rican movie.

The Naked Prey
Cornel Wilde produced, directed and starred in this amazing action adventure. The savagery and brutality of man and nature are portrayed to near perfection in this classic tale of survival. The killing and butchering of elephants for their ivory may upset sensitive animal lovers, but it appeared to be stock footage and not something that was done for the movie. The breathtaking scenery of the Transvaal (northern South Africa) and Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) is the backdrop for a story of a great white hunter running and fighting for his life while being hunted like an animal. Not too long and never boring, this is an edge of your seat adventure not soon to be forgotten. My only complaint is that the firearms appeared too modern for a time when the slave trade was still going on. But that is a minor detail I can live with. I first saw this movie on TV as a kid and it left a lasting impression. I saw it again on VHS many years ago and this is the third time (at least) I've seen it. Every time I watch it I love it as much as before. If you have never seen it now is a good time. I very highly recommend it.

Belizaire the Cajun
This is a great family film. Armand Assante really shines in his role as a cajun healer who loves a cajun woman who is married to the non-cajun son of a rich landowner. Although the story takes place in Louisiana this is a basically a Western in style and fans of that genre should like it. It is a very entertaining movie, one the whole family can enjoy. I highly recommend it.

The Machine Girl
This is a tongue in cheek over the top gorefest. Not as bad as I expected or as good as I had hoped for. I watched it with the excellent English dubbing but you can watch it in Japanese with subtitles if you prefer. I'm not a real big gorehound and the neck and stump geysers were kind of annoying to me, but the dialogue and great stylized overacting made up for it. There were some really hilarious scenes, especially the drill bra. You will have to watch it to see what I mean. If you like outrageous, campy, bloody, comedy check this out. If not then don't bother. Viewer discretion advised!

Boarding Gate
This film is kind of weird. I believe it is French which partly explains the artsy trashy quirkiness. However it's mostly in English (not dubbed) with subtitles occasionally when they are speaking French or Chinese. I like Asia Argento. That's why I'm willing to give most if not all of her movies a chance. For me they are hit or miss but I always like Asia. I like Michael Madsen too but here he was too low key and seemed to be under acting. Or was that just bad acting? Asia was typically brilliant but I think her potential would be better realized in a better movie. I would love to see her in something directed by Tarantino or Rodriguez. The first part of the movie seemed to drag as I waited for something to happen. Later on it picked up and I really started enjoying it. Towards the end it started to fizzle but overall ended up pretty good. Viewers who are into quirky B foreign flicks will probably like this, but most mainstream movie viewers will be turned off by the weirdness and low production values. I didn't love this film but I can't say I didn't like it. You may want to take a chance on it and judge for yourself. What have you got to lose?

The Take
John Leguizamo is a great actor in my opinion and this heist flick is evidence to support that assertion. As an armored car driver who gets shot in the head and left for dead, then struggles to recover and find the man who did it to him, he brings a high level of realism and raw emotion to the screen without over acting. He is one of the most underrated actors today. His performance in this movie is phenomenal. Rosie Perez also does a great job as his loving wife. Apart from being a good actress she is still looking good at 43. Tyrese Gibson plays a brutal sociopath who doesn't hesitate to kill for what he wants and he is very convincing in this role. You won't have to give up anything to enjoy this film. It won't require you to leave your brain behind and there are no plot holes to forgive. This is not a major studio production but it is by no means a B movie. We're talking quality here. A hidden gem indeed. It has some brief nudity and a sex scene and some moderate graphic violence so viewer discretion is advised. This is an excellent edgy adult action drama and I highly recommend it.

The White Dawn
Marooned whalers are rescued by Eskimos in this excellent outdoor drama. Native Americans living in the Arctic are now usually referred to as Inuit, but when this movie was made they were still called Eskimos. Louis Gosset Jr. plays Portagee, a superstitious harpooner from Brazil and Timothy Bottoms is his good hearted companion. Warren Oats rounds out the trio as a bull-headed borderline sociopath. All three give stellar performances, as do even the native actors. This is a very authentic look at survival in the far north and the customs of the Eskimos at the time of European encroachment into their world. Excellent acting and directing and the stark beauty of the north help to create a story of survival as well as love, lust, betrayal, and revenge. There is some nudity and graphic violence including the killing of animals, so viewer discretion is advised. The Inuit actors speak only in their native tongue (with English subtitles) which adds to the realism. If you are interested in native cultures or just want to see a good movie and don't mind some raw brutality and a not so happy ending, this one is for you. I highly recommend it.

Crossroads
Ralph Macchio (The Karate Kid) plays a Juilliard student of classical guitar who's heart and mind are somewhere else. He's a young hotshot who wants to (and thinks he can) play the Blues. He has the technical skills but has yet to pay his dues. He finds Blues legend Willie Brown (aka Blind Dog Fulton) in an old folks home and wants Willie to help him find Robert Johnson's long lost song so he can make his mark as a Bluesman (folklore has it that Robert Johnson wrote 30 songs and only 29 got recorded). Willie convinces the naive teenager to help him get back to Mississippi to wrap up some unfinished business. Thus begins a coming of age and road trip story that is predictable but satisfying. It's the Karate Kid all over again with a musical twist. I would expect that anyone who loves the Blues will like this movie, and I heartily recommend it to all kinds of music and movie lovers.

Blind Justice
This is a tongue in cheek dark comedy western complete with cliches, cheesy one liners, campy over acting and ridiculous story line. In other words it's a great B movie! It's got spaghetti western written all over it, and it's actually very well done. Only those who like their westerns serious will complain. Armand Assante is great and I think this is the best role I've seen him play. I expected more from Elizabeth Shue, who I thought was rather bland. I can think of a couple of things that could have helped her performance, but she was okay. Jack Black has a bit part that is nothing to shout about. All told it was Armand Assante that makes this movie a pleasure to watch and I recommend it for a good time if you can handle the schlock!

Shattered
This is an edge of your seat, suspenseful thriller. It is hard to describe without spoilers but I will resist the temptation to say too much. Apart from one unbelievable out of place plot hole that was atypical of an otherwise great story, this turned out to be an excellent movie. What's a flaw or two? Most movies have them. On the other hand the acting was flawless. The three lead actors give peak performances and are clearly at the top of their game. The ending is clear and satisfying as all the loose ends are tied up. No interpretation required. Although rated R, the violence, language, and adult content are minimal and relatively family friendly. In my opinion it should be okay for any young person mature enough to be interested in thrillers.

The Flock
This movie is a blend of genres and as such will probably not satisfy many viewers. It's part serious drama/ thriller and wannabe horror flick. Fans of serious Drama will not appreciate the exploitative nature of the gore. Hard core Horror fans will find the gore factor to be inadequate and wish for more. Fans of psychological thrillers who are not too critical may enjoy it. The acting is top rate. Richard Gere is very convincing as a man with deep emotional scars caused by the nature of his work. Claire Danes also gives an excellent performance as a fresh naive woman who is torn between (and frightened by) her partner and the sex offenders they are investigating. For me this movie is good but not great and I can't recommend it highly, but I believe some viewers will find it to be worth watching.

The Great Debaters
This movie had a profound effect on me. I admit I'm a sucker for a good drama. Although I usually prefer my dramas to be darker, sometimes a positive message can be an inspiring and enjoyable way to spend an evening. The beautiful cinematography and the fine acting are mesmerizing and had an almost surrealistic effect. The feel good message and the likability of the characters are enough to propel the story onto a higher moral plane that overshadowed the underlying sick and cruel undercurrent of racism that permeates the film. Shocking and sad, the violence inherent in 1930's Texan society took a back seat to a story of hope and change. While based on a true story, like all movies of this type, the accuracy of the details is suspect. Still, I prefer to give it the benefit of the doubt. Here the goal seems to be to educate and entertain at the same time. I feel like this film ultimately succeeds at that and it is also a work of art. I highly recommend it.

Redbelt
I was expecting this to be a Martial Arts movie. It started out pretty good. It had good acting, some decent character development and what appeared to be a good story with potential. About half way through it started to drag and then the story started falling apart. The last half of the movie became convoluted, contrived, boring and moronic. The plot was understandable but not believable. Even so some decent action could have saved it. After all it's a Martial Arts flick, right? I thought it was, but apparently not. So far there hadn't been any real fighting, just a scene or two of some training in the dojo, and one very short bar fight. There was an implied hope of a good fight at the end. When that fight did actually occur I found that the director chose to employ the hand held shaky camera technique that unfortunately is so popular these days. What was the point? Was it to cover up some sub standard fight choreography? I'm sure it wasn't just to irritate me. By the time it reached the ridiculous and sappy ending, this movie had failed in my opinion, and I very much do not recommend it.

Emerald Cowboy
This is a low budget Colombian movie (and apparently true story) about a Japanese emerald dealer from Los Angeles named Eishy Hayata. As if that weren't odd enough they cast a Hispanic (Lucho Velasco, Colombian?) to play the part of the young Hayata for the first half of the movie, which takes place in the 1970's and 80's. That seems like an odd choice. In the second half, Eishy Hayata plays himself and the movie gets even better and becomes a sort of Docu-Drama. About a third of the dialogue is in English (not dubbed) while the rest is in Spanish (with English subtitles). Although the production values leave a lot to be desired, the uniqueness of this movie is noteworthy. Also the story is so fascinating and the scenery so magnificent it truly makes for a worthwhile experience. Sure it has some flaws, but I would watch it again. For sure. Did I mention it has a fair amount of action? Little or no profanity, no sex or drugs, and violence is not too graphic, so don't worry about the kids. Unusual, unique, and different, I recommend this to those not looking for perfection, but for a new movie viewing adventure.

Firestarter
Drew Barrymore really shines as the girl with pyrokinetic powers in this fun Sci-Fi thriller. She is the star around which the rest of the cast orbit. While George C. Scott is memorable in his portrayal of the most evil character in the script, his is a supporting role that serves to cement Drew as the star. Martin Sheen is gleefully wicked as well and David Keith plays the father who lovingly supports his daughter despite her destructive tendencies. Fortunately this movie does not deal in morality, and as the story develops so do the death, destruction and awesome pyrotechnics. The special effects are excellent, and just get better as it builds to it's climactic ending. I really like this movie and I highly recommend it.

Paulie
Everyone knows some parrots can talk. Have you ever known one that can talk like a human and that's just as smart too? No? Then obviously you have never met Paulie. Well what are you waiting for? This movie needs to be seen. It needs to be seen by anyone who has had a stressful day, or has lost their faith in humanity. It needs to be seen by all animal lovers, and bird lovers in particular. It needs to be seen by fans of Tony Shalhoub and Cheech Marin. It especially needs to be seen by anyone who has kids (seen with them of course). If you are old enough or young enough to push the play button, this is for you. Take a break from the dark and dreary dramas, the explosive mind numbing action flicks, and take a flight of fantasy and delight. It's inspiring and heartwarming, sad at times but never for long, but most of all it's just plain fun. Give it a chance and you will love it as I do.

Y Tu Mama Tambien
This seems to be a love it or hate it affair. I'm on the love it side with a few reservations. At first the voiceover and subtitles seemed a bit convoluted with the introduction of the characters and their relationships. After a while I got used to the voiceover and it felt right as it helped to tell the story. This is an excellent comedy/ drama about a couple of spoiled rich brats, on a belated coming of age road trip with a sensuous and seductive older woman. The two male lead characters Tenoch and Julio (played by Diego Luna and Gael Garcia Bernal) are obnoxious but ultimately likable. The charming Luisa played by Maribel Verdu is a tortured soul who escapes with her new found friends for reasons of her own and wreaks havoc on the hormones of the two boys. The interactions between the three friends are disturbing at times but totally believable and very realistic in my opinion. If it wasn't for a couple of scenes that bothered me I would have given this movie a 5 star rating and objectively speaking it may deserve it. Be warned there are some graphic sexual scenes that may upset the sensibilities of some viewers and it is definitely not for children. Ignore the last part of the last sentence of the synopsis. There is absolutely nothing in this film that has anything to do with poverty. I don't know where they got that from. What is does have is great writing, directing, acting, and cinematography, with beautiful scenery of the beaches and the Mexican countryside.

Red Rock West
Nicolas Cage plays a man who is down on his luck and who appears to have more cajones than brains in this exciting thriller. Every move he makes seems to be the wrong one. He might have thought it seemed like a good idea at the time, each time he made a another mistake, but he ends up fighting to survive more than just once or twice. Dennis Hopper steals the show with his crazy over the top portrayal of a hardened criminal with a sense of humor that his intended victims just don't appreciate. This is a low budget movie with a high budget appeal for fans of modern day film noir. It's a definite must see for fans of Nicolas Cage and in my opinion it's one of his better movies.

Rosario Tijeras
This is awesome. It's an erotic thriller and a romance and a serious dark drama with some action. Flora Martinez is sizzling hot, and she puts on a superb performance. Although not quite as good as either, this movie reminded me a lot of both City of God and Scarface. Don't look for it to be the same, it just reminded me. One major difference is this movie has a lot more sex and nudity. So it won't be for the kids, also because of the rampant drug use. Of course that's up to parental discretion. This is the best Colombian movie I've seen to date and you can bet I will be looking for more hidden gems like this. The English subtitles lose a little in the translation, but not enough to ruin it. It may appeal more to those who understand Spanish (like yours truly) than to the average subtitle reader. I only noticed them getting too fast a couple of times. I've seen worse. If you are looking for a good action/ drama/ erotic thriller with a good story, great acting and a heavy dose of sex and violence, including a killer femme fatal, Rosario Tijeras may be right up your alley. I recommend it.

One Little Indian
Is that James Garner on a camel? Yep, sure is. That's funny. He was great in this. So was a cute 10 or 11 year old Jodi Foster. This is wholesome feel-good Disney fare, sappy and heartwarming, great for the whole family. Serve it up with a big bowl of popcorn. Sit back and enjoy.

The Target
This is a quirky independent thriller. The cinematography is outstanding and the acting is excellent. Sure there were a few plot holes and a couple of huh?'s but overall it is worth watching and at least it is original. Half way through the movie there is a turning point where redemption and rebirth take over for pride and arrogance. A cold hard dark drama transforms into a thing of beauty. You won't get a clue from the synopsis of what this movie is about. The only thing they got right was the two lead actors' names. They also failed to mention that it was filmed in Cape Town, South Africa. It's actually a foreign film. But don't worry it is in English. If it wasn't for a problem with the accents and some other details I might have given it 5 stars. Still I liked it a lot, and I think you might too if you don't mind something different and cut it a little slack.

Ilsa, Harem Keeper of the Oil Sheiks
After seeing Ilsa, She Wolf of the SS which I liked a lot for it's exploitative senselessness and depravity, I added this to my queue, but I put it off for months because I thought it wouldn't be nearly as good judging from the reviews of it. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by how good (bad) it was (funny too). This one is definitely going on my "so bad it's good" list. This must be a cult classic. If it's not it should be. Sick, twisted and depraved, it is only for fans of B exploitation flicks. It's actually an action/ adventure flick too... sort of. At least more so than the first Ilsa. Lots of gratuitous sex and violence. Actually not much sex but lots of female nudity done in a tasteless and titillating manner that makes this a sexploitation jewel in my opinion. Don't rent it if you will be offended, but for fans of exploitation I highly recommend it. I also recommend seeing Ilsa, She Wolf of the SS, and it doesn't matter which one you see first.

The Sugarland Express
According to the synopsis this is Steven Spielburg's first film. Actually Duel was his first (made for TV). This is a fun chase flick and funny at times. I don't rate it higher because it seemed kind of dated and for some reason that I can't put my finger on I don't think I would watch it again. Once is enough. Goldie Hawn was good although her acting was over the top and her character obnoxious. It seems odd that it has a PG rating, it seems more like PG-13. I think they were more liberal with their ratings back then. Anyway I don't think it would be good for young kids. All in all it was a worthwhile watch, and I recommend it at least to Spielburg fans, and also anyone who loves a good chase flick.

Iron Man
Robert Downey Jr. as a super hero? Heck yeah! He played the part to perfection. Jeff Bridges has never been better and Gwyneth Paltrow is getting better with age. The computer graphics were top notch. The story was well told and there were aptly timed moments of comic relief. As comic book super hero movies go I think this is one of the best if not the best. It's a good one for the big screen so see it at the theater if you can. I highly recommend it.

Hula Girls
This is an excellent emotional and heartwarming true story. A one hundred year old mining company in Japan is planning on closing the mine and to help compensate for the loss of jobs they are planning to build the Hawaiian Center, a tourist attraction complete with a tropical setting and hula dancers. The residents of the company town have known only mining their entire lives and will not listen to reason but protest and demand that the mine stay open even though that is not an option. They resist the efforts of some who look to the future and try to help the project succeed. A few courageous girls sign up for the dance class taught by a dance instructor who is a professional dancer from Tokyo that is down on her luck. against all odds and bitter opposition from relatives and neighbors, the girls struggle to maintain their hope for the future and their dreams of a better life, while the teacher finds strength and redemption in the girls' innocent hope and courage. With great acting and a truly inspiring story that is never boring, this classy movie is a rare treat and I heartily recommend it to all.

Gypsies Are Found Near Heaven
This is a romantic Russian epic. It's a story of love between a horse thief who is a local legend and the most beautiful girl around. Can that love compete with their love of freedom itself? It was filmed in 1975 with beautiful costumes and it has some singing and dancing. I watched with the adequate English dubbing but you can also watch it with the original Russian language and subtitles if you prefer. It helps if you have some interest in other cultures and an appreciation of foreign films. The movie won't be good for everyone, but for romantics and free spirits it may have a special appeal.

Wounded: The Bandit Queen
This is an interesting Indian movie. I like the fact that it doesn't have Bollywood song and dance routines. But it does have some major flaws. The subtitles are too fast and I had to rewind often to read them. I watch a lot of subtitled films and I usually don't mind, so I feel I am being objective when I say these were faster than average. This is a lower quality remake of Bandit Queen filmed in 1994 which while not a masterpiece, was in my opinion much better than this one. If you are interested at all, I recommend seeing the other one first. There are some major differences in the stories between the two and I am not qualified to say which is more accurate. The part of this movie that covers events 13 years after her original abduction star Seema Parihar as herself, while on bail/ parole. It makes me wonder how much government censorship if any was involved. See the 1994 version of Bandit Queen first and if you like it you may want to watch this one too.

Bandit Queen
This is the story of a young girl who was forced to become a bandit and eventually became a legend in her own time and a sort of folk heroine. Phoolan Devi, who is referred to as Seena Parihar in the remake of this called Wounded: the Bandit Queen, became a symbol of hope for the downtrodden poor of the lower caste Indians. I'm not sure why the name discrepancy. I think Phoolan Devi is a title given to her by her followers and/ or admirers. It might also have something to do with the remake being made with Seena Parihar starring herself while on parole. The story told in each movie varies widely and after my limited research I believe the story in this one to be the more accurate of the two. It is by far a better movie, although darker, more violent and disturbing, and it includes rape scenes. The remake seems like a kind of whitewashed version, a family version if you will. I suspect it might have been subjected to government censorship. At any rate if you are interested, I recommend watching this one first. Then if you like it you may want to see the remake.

The Forbidden Kingdom
What an exciting magical kung fu fantasy epic this turned out to be. Exquisite cinematography and special effects were very tastefully done and the martial arts choreography was excellent. This is the first time Jet Li and Jackie Chan have worked in a movie together. They were both great as usual and Jackie was hilarious with his famous drunken style. The plot was easy to understand and everything seemed to work to perfection. One of the most enjoyable movies I've seen in a while. I highly recommend it.

Luna: Spirit of the Whale
This is a pleasant lighthearted affair made for Canadian TV. Filmed in beautiful British Columbia, by far the most memorable thing about this is the magnificent scenery. Of course the cute Orca is the star. For anyone who has trouble finding movies for children of all ages, here you go. This is a good one for family night. As for me, even though I usually prefer more action or at least drama with a healthy dose of gratuitous violence, I must admit I did enjoy it, and I recommend it to anyone who likes Disney style family films.

In the Valley of Elah
The horrors of war are brought home in this emotional drama. Tommy Lee Jones' performance is phenomenal and Charlize Theron also does a fine job. I don't recommend this movie to anyone who has a family member in the military. It paints a very bleak picture of a very controversial subject, namely our country's involvement in Iraq. It's about the unintended consequences of following orders at all costs and the dehumanizing effects combat can have on a soldier's psyche. There is also an undercurrent of racism. I make no judgement on the story that is told here, only on the quality of the writing, directing, acting, and cinematography which in my view are excellent. If you are staunchly patriotic in a conservative sense you will undoubtedly hate this movie. If you are vehemently opposed to the war it will serve to reinforce your convictions. Or you may set your political views aside and enjoy the fine production values as I did. Due to it's controversial nature I cannot recommend it to everyone. I hope this review helps you decide if it is a good viewing choice for you. It was for me.

Street Kings
This is an exciting action cop drama with plenty of graphic violence, car chases and shootouts just like you would expect. It was kind of predictable but I would rather have that than a story that doesn't make any sense, which is what I've been seeing a lot of lately. Don't look for romance or anything heartwarming, unless it warms your heart to see bad guys get blown away. There is plenty of that, done in a non-sensitive tasteless way that works fine for me, at least in this case. That's what good action flicks are all about. There's no need for excuses. The stereotypical cops are to be expected, we know all cops are not corrupt. Hey it's a movie. I know some people have a problem with Keanu Reeves' acting but if you can stand him at all give him a pass, cause he wasn't that bad. Forest Whitaker gave his usual top notch performance. I was entertained and got to escape from myself for awhile. That was well worth the ticket price. In my opinion this is the best cop movie since Training Day and I highly recommend it.

Two-Lane Blacktop
My expectations were low for this and that's a good thing. Warren Oates was the only actor in the movie, at least the only good actor. Dennis Wilson and James Taylor were stoic throughout the entire movie. They said maybe a few dozen words between them at best, and seemed to struggle with that. The "actress" who played the hitchhiker chick wasn't much better. Maybe the director thought the lack of dialogue was cool, or they didn't have time to learn some lines, or they had no writer. Okay, so much for the negatives. If you like hot rods the racing scenes are pretty cool. Also I think there was an attempt at being artsy. At least it was unusual enough to appeal to viewers who like anything as long as it's different. It was really not that bad, but about the time I started to enjoy it, it ended abruptly, which didn't surprise me. This is a B movie that's not action, drama, or comedy. It's a racing flick pure and simple. For me it rates about 2.5 stars but I'll give it another half star for the cool cars.

Trudell: Independent Lens
This is a documentary about John Trudell who is a leader of the American Indian Movement (AIM) and an excellent public speaker. Although I personally don't consider his speeches to be poetry, I agree the man is extremely eloquent. Some important events in modern history are covered in this film. Events that most younger viewers may not be aware of, like the siege at Wounded Knee, South Dakota and the occupation of Alcatraz by a group of Native American activists. While I found this documentary to be interesting, I would not call it outstanding. It was more educational than entertaining. I recommend it if you are interested in the subject matter, otherwise you may want to pass on it. If you watch this and like it, then I recommend seeing Incident at Oglala: the Leonard Peltier Story. It's a related documentary on par with this one.

Becket
Judging by the reviews of this I thought it would be a great movie. Well I'm sure it is but it sure didn't work for me. It had great actors who didn't seem like they were at their full potential. However it wasn't so much the acting that bothered me. It was the slow boring story and totally unlikable characters that grated on my nerves like fingernails on a chalkboard. Recently I watched "the Tudors" TV series which I thought was quite good. Even though I know it is a fictionalization of the life of a young Henry VIII, I found it to be much more believable than "Becket". Much more entertaining too. Of course this review is simply my subjective opinion and I'm sure it is an excellent movie for some people. You may have to watch it and judge for yourself. Just don't say I didn't warn you.

Sugar Cane Alley
This is a sad but inspiring and realistic film about poverty, racism, colonialism, and exploitation. It is also about love, hope, and perseverance in the face of a harsh reality. On the Caribbean island of Martinique, being born into a life of virtual slavery means a lifetime of hard work in the sugar cane fields, with little hope of reward other than the meager wages that would not even buy a decent meal. It's about an intelligent boy and his grandmother who wants him to get an education and have a chance at a better life. It is a little slow and it has subtitles so it won't appeal to everyone. However if you have patience and don't mind reading a little with your viewing, you will find it to be worthwhile. I'm not a big fan of French films but I thought this was better than most, and I think you will find it both informative and entertaining.

Warriors of Heaven and Earth
The visuals in this movie were stunning. However the awesome cinematography and beautiful scenery were not enough to counteract the convoluted ridiculous story or the cheesy and unrealistic battle scenes even though there was no flying around on wires. The mostly bloodless killings gave the impression of a sort of chinese Disney style epic. I'm sure this movie will appeal to some people but it just didn't work for me. Even though the story made it 2 stars for me I'm going to give one more star because it was so beautifully filmed.

La Misma Luna
This is an excellent movie that doesn't take sides on a controversial subject. It tells a very common story in a very realistic manner without judging and with no political agenda. It just tells the story. And in telling that story it draws the viewer into an emotional and personal relationship with the characters. You smile as they learn to love, and feel their pain when they suffer and even the most macho viewer may shed a tear or two. It's a very sad but also heart warming drama, that pulls no punches and makes no excuses. It is truly a worthwhile film and I highly recommend it.

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre
What a great classic! It's high adventure with bandidos, gold and greed, murder and drama, and one of the most famous movie quotes ever. "Badges... we don't need no stinking badges!". Actually that is sort of a generic condensed version, The whole thing goes like this: "Oiga senor" (which loosely translated means "Hey mister"). "Oiga senor, we are federales... you know, the mounted police". "If you're the police where are your badges?" "Badges... we ain't got no badges. We don't need no badges. I don't have to show you any stinking badges!" It cracks me up every time I see it. The expression on the bandido's face is priceless. It's so funny you may want to rewind it a few times. Anyway rather than write a detailed review I thought the complete quote would be a fun bit of trivia. I hope it was helpful. The whole movie is great. It's a wonderful classic western and it's my favorite Humphrey Bogart flick. I highly recommend it.

Revolver
From everything I read I wasn't expecting this to make sense so I wasn't disappointed. However I wish I would have been surprised. The movie seemed really "cool" and surreal and the acting was really good but the story ending was ambiguous to say the least. I payed close attention and I think I understood it as much as possible, and even predicted the ending about halfway through. It was meant to make you think and I believe everyone will have a different idea of what it is about. I didn't love it or hate it, but I did like it so I'm giving it 3 stars. For me it was much better than War and Chaos, but not nearly as good as the Bank Job. It is worth checking out so watch it and judge for yourself. What have you got to lose?

Elephant Man: Direct from Jamaica
The synopsis say this guy is a reggae artist so I rented it. I like reggae. I was expecting a reggae concert and what I got was a rapper on a TV set rapping a dozen "n word"s a minute with a beat box droning a string of monotonous samples in front of a small group of bored looking fans. There was not a single live musician in sight. Now this may be what passes for "dancehall" nowadays but don't call it reggae. I like what used to be called dancehall reggae with artists like Gregory Isaacs and Sugar Minot but this was just... suffice it to say I didn't like it. In my opinion being a Jamaican rapper does not make you a reggae artist. But then maybe I'm old fashioned. Excuse me while I go spin some Bob Marley... or Steel Pulse.

Things We Lost in the Fire
This is an okay film at best. Normally I love Halle Berry but I found her performance to be shallow and contrived. Benicio del Toro was good as a junkie who was more likable than the grieving widow played by Berry who came off as a major B word to put it nicely. I almost think it would have been better if the roles had been reversed, with Halle Berry as the junkie and Del Toro as a grieving widower. In my opinion the movie tried to be great and failed. Overall I found it to be tolerable if not enjoyable, but somewhat pretentious and tedious. For me it is only worth watching once. However I'm sure some viewers will like it much more than I did. It's a matter of taste. If you like heavy, slow, depressing dramas, check it out and judge for yourself. Who knows? For you it may be phenomenal... or not.

The Bank Job
Wow! What a difference over the last two movies I saw Jason Statham in. Those were "War" and "Chaos". They both had ridiculous plots that I found irritating if not insulting. This movie out classed those by a mile. Every part of it was excellent. It joins the ranks of other Jason Statham movies I love including "Snatch", "the Transporter" (the first one) and "Crank" and this may even be his best movie to date. I'm sure any fan of J.S. will enjoy it. Based on a true story, I understand that the bank robbery really did occur and the rest is pretty much fiction. That's okay because it's a great story with great acting and never a dull moment. The plot is complex but not too hard to follow and actually quite believable. For a really fun time rent this movie. You won't regret it.

The Other Conquest
The Other Conquest is about the the conquest of the souls of the survivors of the annihilation of the Aztec people. Its slow pace and low budget feel may turn off some viewers, but the directing and cinematography are good. The film feels a lot like a play. More symbolic than realistic, it's a study of religion and spiritual survival. I thought the point of view of the Indians that the Spaniards had already stolen their gold and now they wanted to steal their souls was very fitting. Viewers that are interested in the subject matter may enjoy this movie, while others may find it boring.

August Rush
Every once in a while I like to take a break from the mindless action/adventure blockbusters and sick twisted thrillers that fill up my queue and occupy my evenings. At those times I look for a feel-good chick flick or heartwarming family drama to fill the void left by hours of gratuitous sex and violence that pervade my favorite genres. In other words sometimes I need to pick out something for my wife. August Rush turned out to be perfect for such an occasion. It's an innocent but intelligent and inspiring fantasy of magical musical awakening. It's an odyssey of hope and love lost and found, with a predictable ending that will lift your spirit, ease the stress of your day and bring tears of joy to your happy face. You will feel refreshed and renewed, ready to dive into another dark and demented roller coaster ride of death and destruction (if you're into that). Or you could watch another chick flick, but trust me, this one is a hard act to follow.

Africa Unite
At first I thought this would be a 3 star movie but it got it better as it went along. Clips of the concert and historical footage interspersed with political and social commentary developed into a message of hope for a continent in need. Africa Unite will appeal to anyone who is interested in colonialism and its aftermath, as well as fans of Reggae music and Bob Marley in particular. Of course if you don't like reggae you wouldn't rent it would you? As the film progressed it had more music and less dialogue until it reached a climax of musical bliss at the conclusion of the concert. By then only the hardest heart could help from choking back a tear. And by then 3 stars had grown to 5 in my humble and subjective opinion.

Ride with the Devil
This is a fun movie. The story takes place in Missouri. Toby Maguire and Skeet Ulrich play two friends who are caught up in the turmoil of the Civil War. This movie has it all. Drama, action, romance, a great story, and good acting. Very entertaining but it's more than a popcorn flick. At first glance you might think this is a B movie but it's not. It's a serious well made film. Highly recommended.

Into the Wild
Beautifully filmed and directed, this compelling story struck a chord in my soul. Few viewers will deny the magnificence of this movie. Admittedly it will not appeal to all, but for anyone who has ever wanted to leave it all behind and live off the land, it will stimulate your mind and your memories. This true story proves that one can be both intelligent and foolish at the same time. To call Christopher McCandless naive would be too kind. Extreme idealism and his love for nature clouded his judgement to the point of intellectual arrogance and denial of humanity. Although I wouldn't call him likable I felt a bond with this character, and my subconscious was awakened, if not assaulted, by his tortured soul.

500 Nations
This is a history of the conquest of America. The story has been told before on film, but not in this much detail, to the best of my knowledge. Some may see it as one-sided, but how can genocide not be one-sided? How can the decimation of entire peoples not be one-sided? This is a subject that has interested me all of my life, but here I learned many facts that were new to me. From the Aztecs of Tenochtitlan to the California coastal communities; from the Central Plains nomads to the tribes of the East Coast woodland towns and villages; this in-depth documentary covers many areas of North America and its early history. As far as I know this history has never been taught in any public elementary, junior high or high school. The many rich and varied cultures that are covered remind us that Native Americans encompassed a variety of life styles that went beyond just the plains tribes that are normally portrayed in many western movies. I only wish the mini-series would have continued to include the conquest of Central and South America. Overall this is an interesting and well made series that I highly recommend.

The Old Man and the Sea
The Old Man and the Sea is a sad but inspiring story. It is a story of a man down on his luck who refuses to give up. Each time he goes out he believes he will catch the big one. Anyone who has ever been fishing can relate to that. And for anyone who has ever been obsessed with fishing there is something awe inspiring in this story. You have felt the frustration many times, of a fish that got away, or the specter of a giant fish that has eluded you and haunts your dreams at night. Is it faith or compulsion or madness that leads you to believe that one day you will find and catch that record fish and show it off to all the non-believers who deride your obsession? Anticipation engulfs your mind and reality is blurred. This story is timeless and I recommend the movie to all. The remake starring Anthony Quinn is also very good. See them both. I can't decide which I like best.

The Old Man and the Sea
This is a movie based on a novela written by Ernest Hemingway. It is about a fisherman down on his luck who refuses to give up. It is a story of faith and perseverance and friendship. This is a remake of the original movie starring Spencer Tracy that was released in 1958. They are both really good. I recommend seeing both of them. See which you like best. I can't decide, I really like them both.

Jaws
I saw this in the theater when it fist came out, and let me tell you this is the only movie that ever really scared me. That earns it the top spot on my horror list. Before watching this movie, when at the beach I would occasionally swim a little ways out past the waves, or do a little body surfing. But after seeing it I would get my feet wet a little and maybe go out waist deep. Then I would be looking around, and I would see a dark shape below the surface and say to myself "okay time to get out of the water now!". I'm almost embarrassed to admit it, but at least I was not alone. There must have been at least a million other people who felt the same way. Maybe I should hate the movie for instilling that fear in me, but I don't. After all I feel safer on dry land anyway.

Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid
Let me start by saying that if you want to pick a movie apart, then this is a good choice. If you enjoy movies with many flaws you can laugh at, again, good choice. This in no way compares to the first "Anaconda". That was a quality movie with a B movie feel. This is B movie all the way, so be prepared for some bad acting and cheesy lines. If you don't like B movies at all and want every movie you watch to be good, you might want to avoid this one. However I must say that for me the movie was fun and I never got bored. And for me, that is a good thing.

Attack the Gas Station!
This is a crazy Korean action/comedy flick that anyone who likes asian and/or B movies should enjoy. It's a crazy over the top wild ride of chaos and mayhem, about some very likable bullies, who take over a gas station, and start running it (sort of). The synopsis is mostly correct except for the reference to Snatch (I don't know where that came from). All of the characters are fun to watch and the whole thing develops into a very climactic and satisfying ending. More tongue in cheek than dramatic, it can't be taken too seriously. The violence is not bloody or fatal and there is no sex or nudity, so it should be okay for sensitive or younger viewers, except for some bad language on the English dubbed version, which I recommend unless you understand Korean. The words are a little out of sync with the lip movement, but I don't think that matters with this type of movie. At least the voices and dialogue are good. Enjoy!

Trade
This is a horrible, heart wrenching story, that brings attention to the global sex slave trade. Well acted, serious but not boring. Similar to Bordertown, in tone, but with a different theme, both movies are well worth watching. Highly recommended.

So Close
If Charlie's Angel's were asian and knew how to fight, this it what they would look like. Now get rid of Bosley, and Charlie's voice, and add a healthy dose of Hong Kong style action including some really cool over-the-top shootouts and what do you get? So Close of course. Acually, Charlie's Angels in no way compares to this movie, but I got your attention didn't I? The only thing the two movies really have in common is three hot chicks. I think So Close even wins on that point too. But then that is a matter of taste isn't it? The plot is, well... huh... plot? Okay, so just give your brain a rest and enjoy it.

Howard the Duck
When I saw this on VHS for the first time, about 20 years ago, I just had to watch it again the next day. I admit I don't remember everything about this movie, but I do remember that I loved it. I looked for it on DVD for years and finally found it here, but it's still in the saved section. I hope it is available soon. It's funny, and has great SFX, and it's a little stupid. I take that back, call it campy. It's really a lot of fun. When I see it again, if it is as good as I remember, I will change my rating to 5 stars. But in fairness to members, I can't give out 5 stars based on 20 year old memories. Also in the name of objectivity I have to admit some people I know hated it, while others agreed with me. So rent it as soon as you can, and judge for yourself.

Pit Fighter
Just because a person likes B movies doesn't mean that person likes all B movies. Maybe that explains why some reviewers hated this so much. Or maybe they just don't like B movies at all, in which case they shouldn't have rented it in the first place. Something needs to be said to counter all the negativity. So here I am taking on the unpleasant task of defending this piece of work. Why? Because I feel like I owe it to the movie for giving me an hour and a half of decent entertainment. Is it bad? Yes. Is it stupid? Maybe a little. Does it have some good fighting? Yes. Ultra violent? Yes of course, just as the name implies. So what do you want? Despite what everyone is saying it will be a good rental for some. I am thinking of seeing it again. So get over it, what's an hour and a half out of your life anyway in the overall scheme of things? I know you can never get it back, but I don't want my hour and a half back.

Fool's Gold
I went into this with low expectations from the negative reviews and things I had heard. But I just couldn't pass up a caribbean treasure hunting flick with a great cast. As I smiled and laughed and had a good time, I couldn't help feeling like I had walked into the wrong movie. Could this be the same movie everyone is bad-mouthing? Maybe my tastes aren't so sophisticated but I couldn't find anything wrong with it. Okay, maybe it is a lot like "Into the Blue", but so what, I liked that one too. This one is better. It had a few mandatory reggae songs (including some Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff). The rest of the soundtrack was not so good, but it was tolerable. Some girls with curves would have been nice, but cute skinny chicks are okay too. And the acting was not great, but good. What did you expect? "There Will Be Blood"? Overall this is a fun adventure flick, not too dark, not to violent, not hard on the eyes, and not too hard to follow. It should be fine for the entire family.

No Such Thing
This is a very unusual movie. To call it quirky would be an understatement. It's about a "real life" monster and a beautiful young girl (Beauty and the Beast?). Sort of, but with a different spin. See how the media glorifies a pitiful creature ultimately accelerating his dark demise. A must-see for fans of quirky independent films.

Anaconda
Jon Voight was great in this! What's wrong with over-the-top acting? He did such a good job playing snake hunter Paul Sarone, a character was so vile you love hating him, with his squinty stare and evil sneer. And what's not to love about a campy jungle adventure with an excellent cast and cheesy giant snakes? I admit that the snakes are some really cheesy CGI, but I just think it's funny. I have seen this movie several times and I can watch it again and again and still enjoy it. It's one of the few flicks I can watch over and over. I know I'm being redundant, but I can't help it, I really love this movie. It's one of my all time favorites.

Onibaba
This is a really bizarre and surrealistic movie. It is hard to predict who would enjoy this and who might hate it. It is a sort of Twilight Zone meets Sansho the Bailiff. It is probably like nothing you have ever seen before. Check it out for a taste of something different. What have you got to lose?

Captain Pantoja and the Special Services
This is the only Peruvian movie I have seen to date, but it is a really good one. It's a lighthearted romantic comedy. It's a kind of sexploitation flick, but without the B movie feel (it is actually a quality movie). I was surprised and pleased by how good it was. Quite funny and lots of fun. Lots of eye candy for the guys, but most ladies should like it too. Highly recommended. Unique and very enjoyable.

Lady Snowblood: Love Song of Vengeance
This sequel to Lady Snowblood is worth watching if you enjoyed the first one, but not as good in my opinion. The story is more complex, and involves a lot of political intrigue, and has some slow parts around the middle. However it picks up again later with a very climactic ending. I recommend seeing Lady Snowblood first.

Lady Snowblood
This is a really sweet revenge flick. For those not familiar with Meiko Kaji, this is probably the best one of her movies to start with. If you like this, then you might want to check out the sequel (Love Song of Vengeance) and/ or the Scorpion series. Don't go into this expecting a lot of long and expertly choreographed Hong Kong style fighting sequences. She dispatches her enemies swiftly. It's less about stunts and more about attitude. If you are familiar with Japanese samurai flicks from the 70's like Zatoichi, then you know the style and you will probably like this movie. This is about revenge, and has some bloody visuals, some nudity and a rape scene, so if you have a problem with that you had better pass on it.

The Invasion
This is the latest remake of Invasion of the Body Snatchers. It is basically the same plot but without the pods. There may be several previous versions of this movie, but I am only familiar with two of them. The original starring Kevin McCarthy from 1956 and the remake made in 1978 starring Donald Sutherland. Both are good 4 star movies in my opinion. I have always liked both of them, so naturally when I heard about a new remake I wanted to see it. Having missed it at the theater, I rented it as soon as it was available on DVD. Judging from the user reviews I was afraid it would be terrible, but guess what. It wasn't. I liked it. I liked it a lot. There was action and suspense, and it moved along at a good pace. There wasn't much chemistry between Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig, but that okay. I don't expect romance from this type of movie anyway. For me Nicole Kidman is always a pleasure to watch and she didn't disappoint. This movie is lots of fun, not a masterpiece, but definitely a good popcorn flick. So don't set your standards too high, and just enjoy it.

Fido
What a pleasant surprise this movie is. A rare find. A diamond in the rough. A refreshing change of pace, guaranteed to put a smile on your face, with lots of laugh out loud moments too. Not slapstick like Shaun of the Dead, this is more tongue-in-cheek. More of an intellectual zombie comedy. Wait, did I just say that? Is that an oxymoron? Oh well, never mind, back to the story. Being the only family on their block that doesn't have one of the latest domesticated zombies marketed by ZomCon, Timmy's mom decides to buy a pet zombie for her son (against her husband's wishes). Timmy becomes close with his new pet and promptly names it Fido. Timmy's dad happens to be zombiephobic (is that a word?... of course not) due to a traumatic experience in his past. Sounds funny already doesn't it? This movie impressed me beyond my expectations. Carrie-Anne Moss gives an awesome performance as Timmy's mom, and there is great over the top acting by the entire cast. Set in the 1950's, the pristine cars, bright colors, and clothing of the period, give the movie a surreal aura. And don't forget those outrageous zombies. The gross-out factor is not too bad. Except for a few scenes of severed arm munching and some bloody neck bites, it is really not that gory, relatively speaking. It could have been much worse. At any rate this movie is funnier than a screen door in a submarine. Ask anybody. You would have to be dead not to like it.

The Pinky Violence Collection: Girl Boss Guerilla
70's Japanese sexploitation, girl motorcycle gangs, Miki Sugimoto, Reiko Ike. Need I say more? See them terrorize tourists, fight with the Yakusa, oh... and maybe get raped and tortured along the way. But it's all in good fun. After all it's just a movie. (Hello, that's why they call it sexploitation.) This is a wacky wild ride. See hot Japanese chicks fight for their lives (and for the hell of it). Warning: watch at you own risk, some people don't like these sorts of things, and may even consider it sick or perverted. If that sounds like you, don't even rent this movie! Leave it for fans of the genre. Fans that know how to appreciate a bad movie. That's bad as in Bad Movie! That's Bad with a capital B (good though). It's hilarious sometimes, ridiculous most of the time, and thoroughly entertaining all of the time. It's a masterpiece of stylized mayhem. If campy and over-the-top are descriptions that get your attention, this movie may be for you. Prudes and people that want their movies to conform to standards of common decency should stay away. Need I say more?

Bootleggers
Enjoyable good old fashioned hillbilly flick. A few bloodless killings and mild action, combined with lighthearted fun and a couple of downright hilarious scenes translates into a good popcorn movie for the whole family.

Rambo
I just got back from seeing this and it was everything I had hoped for and more. Anyone who hasn't seen this will think I'm exaggerating when I say this is the action movie that all action movies will be judged by from now on. Action fans who have seen it will know what I'm talking about. The bar has been raised, a new standard has been set. This is what action fanatics live for. I'm going back to see it again tomorrow. From start to finish never a dull moment. Scene after scene your senses are assaulted by violence so extreme it thrills and excites to the end. Not for the squeamish or small children, exploding heads and flying body parts may be disturbing to some. Others will enjoy these excellent special effects as an added bonus to an already fantastic movie. Sorry but I just can't say enough. If you like your action extremely violent and lots of it, do yourself a favor and see it on the big screen.

I Am Legend
Being a fan of both sci-fi and Will Smith, I went to see this movie with great anticipation, having loved previous hits of his like "Independence Day", "Men in Black" and "I, Robot". The movie started out well as he raced about the streets of an abandoned New York City, chasing after some unknown species of deer. He finally made the kill only to have it stolen by a strange species of... lion? That's a strange looking CGI lion. Maybe that's what lions will look like in the future... nah! Oh well I can take a little cheesy CGI, at least if the story is good.... I began to realize that was just wishful thinking, as the story went downhill and just kept