‘Ocean’s Twelve’ Download and Reviews

December 11, 2009 by Paul Wall  
Filed under Comedy, Crime, Thriller

“Ocean’s Twelve” Movie Details

Ocean’s Twelve tagline: You cross one ocean, you face them all
Ocean's 12 - DVD Cover

Ocean's Twelve DVD Cover

Actors:
  • Mini Anden
  • Matt Damon
    Bernie Mac
    Vincent Cassel
    Brad Pitt Rusty Ryan
    Catherine Zeta-Jones Isabel Lahiri
    George Clooney Danny Ocean
    Ed Kross Bank Officer
    Julia Roberts Tess Ocean
    Don Tiffany House Painter
    Anne Jacques Shop Owner
    David Sontag Plainclothes Goon #1
    Larry Sontag Plainclothes Goon #2
    Andy Garcia Terry Benedict
    Casey Affleck Virgil Malloy
    Dina Connolly Virgil’s FiancГ©e
    Scott Caan Turk Malloy
    Nelson Peltz Partygoer
    Supermodel
    Directors: Steven Soderbergh IMDB Rating: 6.0/10 out of 83,677 votes

    “Ocean’s Twelve” Movie Review

    “Ocean’s 12″ Plot Summary

    Daniel Ocean recruits one more team member so he can pull off three major European heists in this sequel to Ocean’s 11.

    A brilliant satire of the heist movie… I think.

    I sat for a couple hours after seeing Ocean’s Twelve trying to figure out why Soderbergh and gang had made such an outrageous film. Too much of it didn’t add up: the ridiculous laser system guarding the egg in the museum and the equally ridiculous way in which it was defeated; the flashbacks containing information that completely undermined the apparent narrative thrust; Julia Roberts’ plot twist and the avalanche of seemingly nonsensical and irrelevant self-reference that immediately followed; O12 had me completely stumped. Until I re-interpreted these scenes as clues towards something else: that O12 is not, in fact, a heist movie, but a *satire* of the heist movie

    Why else would someone of Sod’s stature overstuff the film with cliches, like the enigmatic and debonair master thief, and the colorful and completely trustworthy team of people who would never exist in real life? One character (the woefully underused Eddie Izzard) even overtly mentions that one particular element of the film is a cliche — but he doesn’t say what it is a cliche *of*. Notice all the decoys, impostors, holograms, secret languages… O12 is littered with breadcrumbs, and I’m willing to believe that there was never actually a spec script called ‘Honor Among Thieves.’ As a heist movie, it falls flat on its face, arguably worse than Hudson Hawk (which suffered more from sheer goofiness overload, rather than bewildering nonsense). It simply does not make sense. How did the Night Fox get into that house in Amsterdam? Conveniently not explained. How did Benedict find all of the Twelve at once? Conveniently not explained. How did Julia Roberts’ plot twist work, while Matt Damon is with her but does not experience the same story change? Conveniently brushed off. How in the name of Zeus did a certain someone show up out of the blue while the gang was locked up and help them with a certain problem? How was this individual aware of certain aspects of Isabel Lahiri’s paperwork? An outlandish narrative convenience… or a satire of the genre? Why was so little narrative dedicated to convincing the audience of Benedict’s extremely vindictive motivation? How else do you explain the obvious expenses the thieves racked up in their very quest to make money? I mean, come on, when Damon and the other two remaining thieves start spouting off all the heist jargon as they try to figure out a contingency plan… it’s preposterous. No one talks like that

    Maybe I’m reaching. But either way you slice it, O12 is much, much more enjoyable as a *satire* of the heist film. That’s the only way I can understand the film. I know why a sequel was made, certainly: The original made over $450 million dollars worldwide, far and away Sod’s most financially successful film. Its closest competitor is Erin Brockovich, which made a little over $250M worldwide, and Traffic clocks in at a little over $200M. Successful, certainly, but not blockbusters like O11 was. A sequel was as inevitable as death and taxes. So it occurs to me that Sod decided he might as well have fun with it — screw with the audience a little, poke fun at the actors themselves (good naturedly), and they still walked away with about $360M.There also might be a meta-commentary going on about American audiences and how little they catch on to stylistic subversion (I am an American myself, for the record) but it’s pure speculation. All I can tell you is that O12 simply does not work as a straightforward film and can really only be enjoyable as a satire. There’s simply too many outrageous scenes and too many cliches. There are simply too many lines of dialog that only make sense if the whole movie is a genre skewer. It’s also much easier on my brain. And I’d like to think that Sod hadn’t morphed into a cynical robber baron who no longer cared about making a good movie.

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    ‘Dragonball Evolution’ Download and Reviews

    December 4, 2009 by Paul Wall  
    Filed under Action, Adventure, Fantasy

    “Dragonball Evolution” Movie Details

    Dragonball Evolution tagline: This Easter the legend comes to life.
    D.B.E. - DVD Cover

    Dragonball Evolution DVD Cover

    Actors:
    Justin Chatwin Goku
    Joon Park Yamcha
    Christopher Sabat Shenron
    Jamie Chung Chi Chi
    Luis Arrieta Weaver
    Texas Battle Carey Fuller
    Richard Blake Agundas
    Yun-Fat Chow Master Roshi
    Ernie Hudson Master Mutaito
    Randall Duk Kim Grandpa Gohan
    James Marsters Lord Piccolo
    Julian Sedgwick Mr. Kingery
    Shavon Kirksey Emi
    Emmy Rossum Bulma
    Eriko Tamura Mai
    Directors: James Wong
    IMDB Rating: 3.3/10 out of 18,693 votes

    “Dragonball Evolution” Movie Review

    “D.B.E.” Plot Summary

    The young warrior Son Goku sets out on a quest, racing against time and the vengeful King Piccolo, to collect a set of seven magical orbs that will grant their wielder unlimited power.

    This is cinematic filth of the highest degree.

    My childhood is ruined. I have witnessed the death of a beloved franchise millions have come to adore and respect. This movie is not an adaptation, nor is it an homage of any sort. It is a mockery. A sheer insult to all those whom cherish Dragonball deep within their hearts and souls

    Why does this video-tape recording (I absolutely refuse to deem it ‘film’ status) fail to such a devastating degree? It does not capture any of the charm, wit, excitement, humor, or bad-assery to be found in its source material. James Wong has simply taken the title, characters, and… errm, hairstyles, and has furtively stapled them to the bloody forehead of a poorly scripted, heavily underdeveloped movie about collecting seven golden balls that when gathered, will summon a flying dragon who will grant you one magical wish! How fantastically whimsical!Who cares

    There is nothing compelling about this film. It’s painstakingly difficult to care about any character in this film, and that goes for Goku as well. Right from the get-go, you bare witness to a horribly underwhelming fight session between Goku and his Asian(?) grandfather Gohan, who carries a bizarrely flawless American accent.. go figure. The reason I imply confusion behind Gohan’s Asian ethnicity is that his grandson Goku is, well… nevermind. It isn’t even worth getting into; the casting for this movie made no sense. No consistency whatsoever. Disgusting

    The dialogue is cheesy and executed improperly in every way conceivable. You want cheesy dialogue done right? Go watch the Wachowski brothers’ Speed Racer released last year, truly a masterpiece as far as anime adaptations are concerned. What is improper about it, you inquire? It causes you to cringe without the ability to hold back. Every single word muttered is a bleak reflection on each actor’s terrific inability to act in any way, shape or form

    Speaking of form.. Don’t even expect half a thrill from this movie’s excuse for action sequences. These actors cannot fight under any set of circumstances. The wirework is so blatant and poorly imposed that I swear to have caught eye of a couple unedited out wires left in some of the more acrobatic scenes

    Really? Come on, Hollywood. Come on, Fox

    These sort of mistakes became a thing of the past DECADES prior. If a movie based on the almighty Dragonball franchise is going to suck this severely OUTSIDE of the fight sequences, at LEAST refine those few scenes (Dragonball’s saving graces, so to speak) into something worthy of admission price. Get a couple professional choreographers on the set to help out, if you don’t mind. (what a strange and unusual concept, huh!?) I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; if this entire project had been up to the legendary Stephen Chow, we could have had a sheer masterpiece on our hands. (refer to Kung Fu Hustle, what I believe to be the most faithfully Dragonballesque live action movie ever made) I shall continue no further. This movie does not deserve any longer of a review. In fact, slice this eloquently written verdict in half and it would still be far too flattering in length

    I feel that if FOX wishes to maintain any credibility they have left with their audiences, they will hold back on dumping this atrocious landfill upon the United States’ precious array of cinemas. Of course, we know this is not realistic

    It’s nice to dream.

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    ‘Ghostbusters II’ Download and Reviews

    December 3, 2009 by Paul Wall  
    Filed under Action, Adventure, Comedy

    “Ghostbusters II” Movie Details

    Ghostbusters II tagline: Be ready to believe us.
    Ghostbusters II - DVD Cover

    Ghostbusters II DVD Cover

    Actors:
  • Henry J. Deutschendorf II
  • Bill Murray Dr. Peter Venkman
    Dan Aykroyd Dr. Raymond Stantz
    Sigourney Weaver Dana Barrett
    Harold Ramis Dr. Egon Spengler
    Rick Moranis Louis Tully
    Ernie Hudson Winston Zeddemore
    Annie Potts Janine Melnitz
    Peter MacNicol Dr. Janosz Poha
    Harris Yulin Judge Stephen ‘The Hammer’ Wexler
    David Margulies Mayor Lenny
    Kurt Fuller Jack Hardemeyer
    Janet Margolin The Prosecutor
    Wilhelm von Homburg Vigo
    William T. Deutschendorf Baby Oscar
    Baby Oscar
    Directors: Ivan Reitman IMDB Rating: 6.1/10 out of 42,273 votes

    “Ghostbusters II” Movie Review

    “Ghostbusters II” Plot Summary

    The discovery of a massive river of ectoplasm and a resurgence of spectral activity allows the staff of Ghostbusters to revive the business. add synopsis

    Great plot, fab characters, brill movie sequel!

    I saw this film before I saw the original, and found that on its own, it was a great movie. The story was original, but gripping, and there was plenty more comedy thrown in by Bill Murray than in the original. The problem with sequels is that people compare them to the magic and novelty of the original. Usually they are just as good, if not better. And if this film had been released on its own, it would have been as smash-hit as the original.

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    ‘Miss Congeniality’ Download and Reviews

    November 23, 2009 by Paul Wall  
    Filed under Action, Comedy, Crime

    “Miss Congeniality” Movie Details

    Miss Congeniality tagline: Unpolished. Unkempt. Unleashed. Undercover.
    Miss Undercover - DVD Cover

    Miss Congeniality DVD Cover

    Actors:
  • Gabriel Folse
  • Sandra Bullock Gracie Hart
    Michael Caine Victor Melling
    Benjamin Bratt Eric Matthews
    Candice Bergen Kathy Morningside
    William Shatner Stan Fields
    Ernie Hudson FBI Asst. Director Harry McDonald
    John DiResta Agent Clonsky
    Heather Burns Cheryl Frasier, Miss Rhode Island
    Melissa De Sousa Karen Krantz, Miss New York
    Steve Monroe Frank Tobin
    Deirdre Quinn Mary Jo Wright, Miss Texas
    Wendy Raquel Robinson Leslie Davis, Miss California
    Asia De Marcos Alana Krewson, Miss Hawaii
    Ken Thomas FBI Agent Harris
    FBI Agent Jerry Grant
    Directors: Donald Petrie IMDB Rating: 6.1/10 out of 39,807 votes

    “Miss Congeniality” Movie Review

    “Miss Undercover” Plot Summary

    An FBI agent must go undercover in the Miss United States beauty pageant to prevent a group from bombing the event. add synopsis

    Wonderful comedy, unmissable!

    I absolutely loved Miss Congeniality, it was funny warm and completely likable. The best aspect was the charming and funny performance of the underrated Sandra Bullock as Gracie, in possibly her best role. Gracie is a beautiful woman, but her behaviour like the pig snorting isn’t very typical of women. She is excellently supported by a witty, side splittingly funny script, and some lovely camera-work. (the painting scene was priceless)Not to mention the original plot that never marred the feel good nature of the film. The performances of Michael Caine and Candice Bergen were excellent. But if I had one minor criticism, it would be that William Shatner slightly overplayed his part of Stan, other than that it is a comedy you just don’t want to miss. 9.5/10 Bethany Cox.

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    ‘Ghost Busters’ Download and Reviews

    September 7, 2009 by Paul Wall  
    Filed under Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi

    “Ghost Busters” Movie Details

    Ghost Busters tagline: Here To Save The World Again [re-release]
    Ghostbusters - DVD Cover

    Ghost Busters DVD Cover

    Actors:
  • Jordan Charney
  • Bill Murray Dr. Peter Venkman
    Dan Aykroyd Dr. Raymond Stantz
    Sigourney Weaver Dana Barrett
    Harold Ramis Dr. Egon Spengler
    Rick Moranis Louis Tully
    Annie Potts Janine Melnitz
    William Atherton Walter Peck/”Wally Wick”
    Ernie Hudson Winston Zeddmore
    David Margulies Mayor
    Steven Tash Male Student
    Jennifer Runyon Female Student
    Slavitza Jovan Gozer
    Michael Ensign Hotel Manager
    Alice Drummond Librarian
    Dean Yeager
    Directors: Ivan Reitman IMDB Rating: 7.8/10 out of 79,824 votes

    “Ghost Busters” Movie Review

    “Ghostbusters” Plot Summary

    Three unemployed parapsychology professors set up shop as a unique ghost removal service.

    Comedy Classic

    The 1980s was a decade known for its variety of unique entertainment, especially in film. As a child, I was raised on these movies, but none stand out more than that of Ghostbusters (1984). While not the most sophisticated piece of cinema to come out of that decade, it still stands as one of the most iconic. From the jumpsuits to the sigma, Ghostbusters made a permanent mark on popular entertainment. What makes the movie a classic comedy are not the iconic costumes and props, but the interactions between the Ghostbusters themselves

    Each character has their own mold, which they fit into. Starting off, Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis) portrays a typical scientist; dry, humorless and an avid collector of spores, molds and fungus. Although also highly intelligent, Ray Stantz (Dan Akroyd) plays the dimwit of the group with a major lack in common sense or just sense in general. This is blatantly apparent during the scene which he purchases a junker car that needs a plethora of tune-ups and replacements, but only cost them $4800. Peter Venkmen, played by Bill Murray, is a sarcastic quick-wit who plays off both Egon’s seriousness and Ray’s stupidity. Winston Zeddmore (Ernie Hudson) completes the Ghostbuster team by being the new guy with zero experience in paranormal investigation, yet still manages to fit in due to the remainder of the team’s lack of professionalism

    Despite their unprofessional methods, the Ghostbusters still make good business and Venkmen is even able to get a date with customer Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver). Things go awry though when Barrett is possessed by the evil demons haunting her apartment and from here, the movie takes off into a hilarious yet apocalyptic direction. This in itself is another reason why Ghostbusters is such a good comedy

    Speaking for myself, when I hear terms such as ‘Armageddon’ or ‘Judgment Day,’ hilarity usually does not ensue. However, these elements are very prevalent yet the movie still garners countless laughs. This occurs for two reasons. The first being the brilliant script written by Harold Ramis and Dan Akroyd who, as mentioned before, star in the film. The second can be accredited to Bill Murray’s trademark smug, sarcastic persona. One moment which comes to mind when Murray portrays this ideally is when he shares quips with the demon possessed Barrett. Murray’s acting and mannerisms supply the comedic lifeblood to the script like no other actor could

    As stated above, Ghostbusters is not the most serious of films, but during some parts it can be a little too corny. This is most apparent during the scene where the frightening demons are finally seen on screen in clay animation, also known as ‘claymation’. I realize the film came out before movies featured giant spectacular effects; however I think by 1984 other options existed. Another minor gripe I have with the film is the acting done by Weaver during her demon possessed state. I really do not know how someone is supposed to act in such a state, but the entire scene where Dana, while being demon possessed, was talking to Ray felt a bit awkward. Her heavy panting came off as more of a person suffering from an asthma attack than a hellacious demon. However, do not let these two minor complaints stop you from enjoying this classic comedy

    Looking at the film with a realistic point of view, Ghostbusters is a movie about four men trying to prevent Judgment Day from occurring due to two people’s demonic possessions. In actuality, the movie is based around four guys who enjoy their job and make light of even the grimmest of situations. For those who disagree with this; I have only one statement: ‘Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.’

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