Slumdog Millionaire - Movie Review

Here's my spoiler for this review. If you read my review on "Benjamin Button", then you will notice that I liked this movie 20 times more than "Benjamin Button".

Slumdog Millionaire was a fantastic movie! How is it that overseas is beating us out of everything, could it be hard work and originality? First we outsourced our technical and call center jobs overseas, and now, we may be outsourcing our movies. Honestly, I don't think that Hollywood will ever go away, but I must say that it is a really good competition. Slumdog Millionaire keeps you on your seat just wondering what will happen next and how does this story all get pieced together. When walking out of the theater, I could only think of two things. One, "Did I like everything about that movie?" Two, "Who was that cute boy (Dev Patel)?"

I really don't want to give away anything about this movie that will spoil someone's first time viewing of the movie. I do want to say though that the actors in this movie did a great job, from the young kids to the older adults. These actors delivered a wonderful story in such a real way. This movie was more believable and realistic than "The Blaire Witch Project". I am really going to look forward to seeing some more movies from these actors and this studio. Can they do it again?

May I also say that I actually liked Anil Kapoor, playing the host of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire", much more than I like Regis Philbin hosting.

One last thing, the music in the movie is just captivating, I am sure I will be buying this soundtrack off of Itunes! The music was great and the end credits dance sequence was just incredible, them showing off their talent and having fun too! Much like Tom Cruise at the end of Tropic Thunder, but hotter.

Have you seen the movie? Do you know who the third Musketeer was? What did you think of the movie? If you liked Slumdog Millionaire, then you should also check out "The Kite Runner" or vice versa.


Grade:A+

After seeing Slumdog Millionaire I just hope that Bollywood can keep these movies coming!

Read more...

Benjamin Button - Movie Review

So let me start out by saying that I did like this movie, it was very moving and it really did know how to tug at the old heart strings.
Now, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" was very much like "Forest Gump" and "Titanic". I kind of got the feeling, in the movie, that this is exactly what the writer, director, and studio was thinking. They probably figured that if they make it similar to those movies, then the outcome of their success will be similar as well. Honestly too, I don't really think that there was a single part of the movie that surprised me.

As far as, jobs well done, I would have to hand that to the Special Effects team. I heard that they actually digitally aged, and made younger, Brad Pitt for this movie. If you pay close attention too, the smaller versions of Benjamin Button, in some parts, are Brad Pitt. I don't give Brad the award, or pat on the back, because I really don't think he deserved it. Some parts where Brad did his older man voice, was pretty annoying after awhile, and also I saw a lot of "Meet Joe Black" in this movie. We all know that Brad can act, but not in this movie.

Did Brad get naked enough in this movie? No not really, I mean can we get enough of nude Brad ever? I do have to say though that Brad did do some hot sex scenes in the movie and showed some of his backside, worth watching the movie for that scene.

As for the other actors in the movie, I am not a fan of whinny Cate Blanchett, but I will say that as her character got older in the movie, Cate's acting actually got more believable. The younger versions of Cate were done by a different actor, a child, and the most annoying part was when I noticed that the little girl's voice was Cate's dubbed in. Come on now, why can't they just use the little girl's voice, what is this, the Chinese hosting the Olympics again?

All in all, I liked the movie, the story was different and the special effects were pretty cool. Since I already have "Forest Gump", "Meet Joe Black", and "Titanic" in my movie collection, I probably won't be adding this one to it for sometime.

Grade:B-

Read more...

Doubt - Movie Review

So earlier today we finally made it, out of our busy schedule, to the movie theater and got to watch "Doubt" with Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Meryl Streep. So I know in my pre-review that I posted earlier, I mentioned how I was sure there was going to be racial notes in it, but not as many as I thought. I had also read earlier that the movie had put too much faith in the two main actors to really carry this on their back, but I believe this statement to be wrong. I surprisingly liked the movie. I had to keep on bugging Zack about some of the terms or traditions that the catholic church does, during ceremony. A quick synopsis, Sister Aloysius Beauvier (Meryl Steep) accuses Father Brendan Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman) of "favoring" a young black school/ altar boy a bit too much!

So this movie was very entertaining, a bit slow in a few parts (as you should expect), but all in all it was a very good movie and kept me on the edge of my seat, waiting to find out what the sisters were going to do about the whole issue. The three main actors did a very good job with their roles, and made things very moving and believable. I would have to say though that there is an actor who did an excellent small part, and a very emotional dialoge that deserves credit where credit is due.
Viola Davis plays the role of Mrs. Miller, the mother of a student at the catholic school. Davis' dialogue was so moving and believable, I would say that for a small role, she did an excellent job and deserves to get at least nominated for something.

I give this movie an A-. This was a slow movie, yet still all in all entertaining. I am still actually wondering where the truth lies in the whole movie. The movie was worth seeing because of the pure acting in it. There are no explosions or spectacular filmography in this to take you away from a good natural story that can stand up to any other movie out right now, as far as entertainment value goes.

I suggest that you check out this movie if you have an interest in religion, the catholic church, and shall I say, doubt.

Grade: A-

Read more...

Waltz With Bashir - June 12, 2008

Waltz with Bashir is a movie that was recommened by Tony LeTigre, reader of Boi In Austin and contributer for "Just Out", a gay newspaper in Portland, OR. Tony has seen this movie, but I have not yet seen this and I will plan on seeing this probably soon. Just need to find a way to rent the movie, so I can see it, since Netflix does not have it in their queue. From the trailers and clips that I have seen though, this movie looks phenominal.

Here is a really good synopsis that I pulled from Blockbuster.com:

Director Ari Folman's animated, quasi-documentary Waltz With Bashir follows the filmmaker's emotional attempt to decipher the horrors that unfolded one night in September of 1982, when Christian militia members massacred more than 3,000 Palestinian refugees in the heart of Beirut as Israeli soldiers surrounded the area. Folman was one of those soldiers, but nearly 20 years after the fact, his memories of that night remain particularly hazy. After hearing an old friend recall a vivid nightmare in which he is pursued by 26 ferocious dogs, Folman and his friend conclude that the dream must somehow relate to that fateful mission during the first Lebanon War. When Folman realizes that his recollections regarding that period in his life seem to have somehow been wiped clean, he travels the world to interview old friends and fellow soldiers from the war. Later, as Folman's memory begins to emerge in a series of surreal images, he begins to uncover a truth about himself that will haunt him for the rest of his days. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

With myself knowing what war is like, and get the idea of how you tend to forget what you have seen and done, I would really like to see this, not for just the story of the war, but also for the memory block and how he overcomes it.

I would really like to check this movie out, if anyone knows of any ways that I can, please email me or comment here about it.

Read more...

Vulgar - 2000 / 2002 - Movie Review

So first off, this is a dark movie that is really hard to swallow at points. This movie is to make you uncomfortable in your seat. Vulgar came out in 2000 or 2002, unsure because it is reported differently everywhere. I loved this movie because it was so original and done in such a dark way. Yes, it is a low-budget film and yes the acting is not something to send to the Oscars. The director, Bryan Johnson, does deserve a standing ovation, in my opinion, for making us laugh and cringe within minutes of each other.

The movie is about a "loser" kid's clown struggling to make a living, while his mother is just "wonderful" (sarcasm). Basically he has a pretty disappointing life. He finally decides to try something new for business and to do an introductory act for bachelor parties as a goof on the guest of honor. So summing it up, things don't go the way he hoped. Brian O'Halloran does an excellent job portraying "Flappy" for the kids, and "Vulgar" for the adults.

I went into this movie, not knowing what to expect, or anything. I was extremly happy that I stuck through the movie to come to a decent ending. This is a Kevin Smith crew, with Kevin Smith making an appearance and even Jason Mewes showing up in a small part, but IT IS NOT A "Jay and Silent Bob", "Clerks" kind of film. Also, please don't let the kids watch it. This is one out of few that I would not let the kid's ever watch.

Let me know what you think.
You can get this movie through Netflix, and highly suggest that you do!

Anote about this trailer. This is not a good trailer for the film, this trailer makes it seem like this is a light movie, kinda funny. It is not though. This movie is much darker than trailer.

Read more...

Coming Soon to a Theater Near You!

Ok, So these are all movies that I am curious about. No sure if they are going to be good or bad or what. Most of these have been pretty low on the radar too! I guess we shall see!

So the first one I will point out, "While She Was Out", which had a premier release to LA, NY, and Austin on Dec. 12th, 2008. Seems to be pretty interesting and dark for a Christmas movie. I'm sure it ends with Dela, Kim Basinger, winning in the long run.

"Seven Pounds" has Will Smith playing an interesting role, where I guess he is doing some kind of "Pay It Forward" role. Looks interesting, just not sure if I will go see it in the theater or choose to Netflix it. Release date was December 19, 2008.


So "The Tale of Despereaux" looks really cute. Looks like it will be the younger kids choice for a movie this Christmas. This movie seems to be a mixture of the Fievel Mousekewitz movies and "Ratatouille", I may not see it in the theater, but it is a maybe. Release date was December 19, 2008.


As far as "Yes Man", with Jim Carrey, I am going to wait for that to come to DVD. I liked "Liar Liar" and the Ace Ventura movies, but I think doing the same formula is getting to be, NOT FUNNY! Honestly I am surprised that Tom Cruise isn't the movitavional speaker for the YES MAN! group. May of been better. Release date was December 19, 2008.


Walt Disney's "Bedtime Stories", with Adam Sandler, looks cute because of the kids, but other than that it looks pretty bad. Adam Sandler was funny, and good in "Big Daddy" but is starting to get too old to do the stupid noises. The story line is good though, not really unique, but different, maybe they could of gotten another under-used actor to play the father. Release date is December 25, 2008.


I have already done a review, or at least my opinion on "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button", with Brad Pitt. Please see my blog post about that! Release date is December 25, 2008.


So I love dogs, I am a dog person. So that could be why I would see this movie, "Marley & Me", with Owen Wilson. I think what sells me on this movie is a quote from Owen Wilson's character, "A dog doesn't care if you're rich or poor. Give him your heart and he will give you his." This looks like a good family movie, specially if you like dogs. Even just watching this trailer reminds me of the things we have been going through with raising Juneau. I would love to see this in the theater. I also heard that this was an awesome book. Release date is December 25, 2008.


Frank Miller's "The Spirit" has been surprisingly getting bad reviews. I basically heard that the story sucks, and is corney, but I could only imagine that the artistic side of it is just awesome. I will wait for this on DVD. I still need to see "Sin City". Release date is Decemebr 25, 2008.


"Valkyrie", with Tom Cruise, has been on my mind since I saw the trailer. The movie looks interesting from the trailer. I have heard that this was filmed 2 years ago, but they tried a couple things that in the end didn't work. Things that I heard, were an issue, were "bad German accents" and "a Colonel Klink problem".(Here is a Batman and Colonel Klink reference.) Most of these were issues with Tom Cruise, so you will notice that no one in the movie is trying to act German or speak German. I am thinking that is going to piss me off, since it should be done in German and with accents, my opinion, but I heard that it is still fantastic without all of that. I will try to go see it in theater. Release date is December 25, 2008.


"Doubt", with Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman, is one that I won't be doubting to turn our heads. These two actors I always love, especially when they play sinister roles like this. I look forward to seeing this in theater and I am sure I will not be disappointed. This is one movie I am sure that some catholics may not like, since it questions and tackles religion, morality and authority, not to mention probably child abuse, and racism. Release date is December 25, 2008.


So these are the movies that are taking out of 2008 and into 2009. I am still really excited about the year 2009. I am just interested to see if this year will be better than the last. As far as movies go, I think it will be a pretty big year for some pretty big movies!

Let me know what you think! PLEASE COMMENT OFTEN!

Read more...

A movie for the Holiday's - "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" - Dec 25, 2008

So Gene Shalit gives a wonderful review on the Christmas release movie, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”.

This movie looks heartbreaking and wonderful for the holiday season. I think it will be similar to “Meet Joe Black” or maybe even “Titanic”, with a bit of “The Green Mile” with its magical story of love.

I hope I can make it to the theater with in the first few days that it is out, so I can get a fresh look at it, before someone bashs it and ruins it for me.

I would suggest you do the same, and have a wonderful holiday! Merry Christmas All!

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Read more...

While At BNAT X

So while I was at Harry Knowle's Butt-Numb-A-Thon 10, okay so I was standing outside, I had someone randomly walk up to me and sit next to me.

So the full story is simply this, I was waiting for McG to finish up with his presentation of Terminator: Salvation, and drinking a sprite, outside the Alamo Drafthouse - South Lamar, when people started to come out of the theater for a cigarette. Mind you this is like 8:00 AM on a Sunday morning. These people coming outside had been at the theater since Noon the previous day, watching movies and drinking alcohol. So there I was just sitting at a picnic table, when next thing I know, Elijah Wood is standing next to me. I was in a suit with a tie and here he is with his cute messenger bag and smoking a cigarette. I just about fell out of my seat, in which case I probably would of smacked him with my hand, he was that close, but in the end, I didn't fall. I ended up just quietly and slowly moving away and giving him room. I should of asked for a handshake or a picture or something, but really I was just thinking in my head, "God, he is so cute!" I have never really liked Elijah or found him attractive until then, now I see it.

His eyes in person are just so beautiful, he is just so small and cute too. I noticed too that he seemed very nice and down to earth, he was interacting with everyone as if he was just a regular guy and not a guy that makes over $200,000 per year. I would love to get to know Elijah more, maybe sit, smoke, and just lounge and chat, seems like a really cool guy!

Elijah if your listening, hit me up.

Read more...

Terminator: Salavation - May 22, 2009

The new Terminator addition is on it's way. Yes I know that it is a ways away, but the BUZZ is starting on it. Shall I mention that I recently had a conversation with McG himself. So here it is, in my spare time, I do chauffering for a limo company here in Austin, TX. McG came into Austin to attend Harry Knowles Birthday Butt-Numb-A-Thon, where McG made a small apperance to promote Terminator: Salvation and gave Harry some birthday gifts in hope for a good review, it happens in Hollywood all the time. I drove McG and the Warner Bros crew around Austin from their private jet and hotel.

As for what I learned about the movie that made me excited was this. Christian Bale is obviously the playing John Conner, but Christian is not just an actor in this movie, he is also taking a large part in making the movie, much like he did with Batman Begins and Dark Knight. This tells me that we should be just excited for Salavation as we were for Dark Knight and Begins.

McG has said that we should be excited, especially the die hard fans, because of the referenceing it does and the questions it answers for us. This movie has the support of James Cameron, and with that said, we should all support this movie and be extremly excited.

Check out the new trailer for the movie. Read up on it yourself. Make your own decision, but me, I am supporting it 100%. Get ready for Salvation! The End Begins!

Stay Tuned for more updates here! Oh and yes, McG did promise to stay in contact with me, we really got along great and had a blast!

Read more...