‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’ Download and Reviews

December 13, 2009 by Paul Wall  
Filed under Crime, Drama, Mystery

“The Talented Mr. Ripley” Movie Details

The Talented Mr. Ripley tagline: How far would you go to become someone else.
The Talented Mr. Ripley - DVD Cover

The Talented Mr. Ripley DVD Cover

Actors:
  • Alessandro Fabrizi
  • Matt Damon Tom Ripley
    Gwyneth Paltrow Marge Sherwood
    Jude Law Dickie Greenleaf
    Cate Blanchett Meredith Logue
    Philip Seymour Hoffman Freddie Miles
    Jack Davenport Peter Smith-Kingsley
    James Rebhorn Herbert Greenleaf
    Sergio Rubini Inspector Roverini
    Philip Baker Hall Alvin MacCarron
    Celia Weston Aunt Joan
    Fiorello Fausto
    Stefania Rocca Silvana
    Ivano Marescotti Colonnello Verrecchia
    Anna Longhi Signora Buffi
    Sergeant Baggio
    Directors: Anthony Minghella IMDB Rating: 7.2/10 out of 59,958 votes

    “The Talented Mr. Ripley” Movie Review

    “The Talented Mr. Ripley” Plot Summary

    In late 1950’s New York, Tom Ripley, a young underachiever, is sent to Europe to retrieve a rich and spoiled millionaire playboy, named Dickie Greenleaf. But when the errand fails, Ripley takes extreme measures.

    Elegant, literary thriller

    THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY Aspect ratio: 1.85:1Sound formats: Dolby Digital / DTSWhilst in Italy, a young American chancer (Matt Damon) assumes the identity of a wealthy playboy (Jude Law) with whom he’s become emotionally obsessed, leading to murder and betrayal on a grand scale

    Elegant, literary thriller based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith (the subject of an earlier adaptation, PLEIN SOLEIL, in 1960), in which sociopathic anti-hero Tom Ripley (Damon) cheats, steals and murders his way to a position of huge good fortune, leaving a trail of devastation in his wake. Set against the backdrop of tourist Italy – encompassing Rome and Venice and all points in between – Anthony Minghella’s film is a compelling treat from start to finish, layering detail upon detail as Damon’s friendship with Law blossoms and sours, leading to an inevitable plot twist which introduces a whole new set of complications for the central characters, rendering the audience complicit in Ripley’s escalating crime wave

    Damon may seem a little too young and unworldly for such a complex character, but he judges the role with great sensitivity, especially in those scenes where (overtly or otherwise) he indicates a sexual attraction to Law which goes unreciprocated (or does it?), until the characters are driven apart by jealousy, bitterness and – ultimately – violence. His fantasies shattered by harsh reality, Damon finds solace in the arms of a mutual acquaintance (Jack Davenport), the only person capable of taking Law’s place in Damon’s affections, only for their chance of happiness to be snatched away by a cruel trick of fate. Terrific, Oscar-caliber support by Gwyneth Paltrow and Philip Seymour Hoffman (as Law’s fiancee and best friend, respectively); beautiful, classy production values throughout. Followed by RIPLEY’S GAME (2002).

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    ‘The Box’ Download and Reviews

    December 7, 2009 by Paul Wall  
    Filed under Drama, Horror, Mystery

    “The Box” Movie Details

    The Box tagline: You Are The Experiment
    The Box - DVD Cover

    The Box DVD Cover

    Actors:
    Cameron Diaz Norma Lewis
    James Marsden Arthur Lewis
    Frank Langella Arlington Steward
    James Rebhorn Norm Cahill
    Holmes Osborne Dick Burns
    Sam Oz Stone Walter Lewis
    Gillian Jacobs Dana
    Celia Weston Lana Burns
    Deborah Rush Clymene Steward
    Lisa K. Wyatt Rhonda Martin
    Mark S. Cartier Martin Teague
    Kevin Robertson Wendel Matheson
    Michele Durrett Rebecca Matheson
    Ian Kahn Vick Brenner
    John Magaro Charles
    Directors: Richard Kelly
    IMDB Rating: 6.1/10 out of 9,441 votes

    “The Box” Movie Review

    “The Box” Plot Summary

    A small wooden box arrives on the doorstep of a married couple, who know that opening it will grant them a million dollars and kill someone they don’t know.

    Would you press the button??

    You have to see the whole movie to understand it, and get the concept that the movie is trying to convey to the viewer. To me I think it is an excellent movie. The movie would send primary questions like: Would you take the appealing move even if you have to kill somebody on the way?, or Would you take the next exit without taking in consideration that you will result in the fatal accident in the rear view mirror? The only bad thing in this movie is the unnecessary stretching of the story, which is attributed to the short story it is based on. The movie deserves a 7-7.5 points, but I had to use a 10 point vote because of the unfair judgment in some of the comments I have reviewed. So, Would you press the button??

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    ‘Carlito’s Way’ Download and Reviews

    October 28, 2009 by Paul Wall  
    Filed under Crime, Drama, Thriller

    “Carlito’s Way” Movie Details

    Carlito’s Way tagline:
    Carlito's Way - DVD Cover

    Carlito's Way DVD Cover

    Actors:
    Al Pacino Carlito ‘Charlie’ Brigante
    Sean Penn David Kleinfeld
    Penelope Ann Miller Gail
    John Leguizamo Benny Blanco
    Ingrid Rogers Steffie
    Luis GuzmГЎn Pachanga
    James Rebhorn Dist. Atty. Norwalk
    Joseph Siravo Vincent ‘Vinnie’ Taglialucci
    Viggo Mortensen Lalin
    Richard Foronjy Pete Amadesso
    Jorge Porcel Saso
    Frank Minucci Tony Taglialucci
    Adrian Pasdar Frankie Taglialucci
    John Ortiz Guajiro
    ГЃngel Salazar Walberto
    Directors: Brian De Palma
    IMDB Rating: 7.9/10 out of 48,177 votes

    “Carlito’s Way” Movie Review

    “Carlito’s Way” Plot Summary

    A Puerto-Rican ex-con, just released from prison, pledges to stay away from drugs and violence despite the pressure around him and lead on to a better life outside of NYC. add synopsis

    One of the best movies ever; a dead end

    I think ‘Carlito’s Way’ is one of the most underestimated movies ever, a technically beautiful film, a rare pearl and in my opinion, one of the best achievements in the gangster genre. Not that people usually find it bad, they just don’t consider it as important as it actually is. Many people say it is a kind of unofficial sequel of De Palma’s ‘Scarface’, and they’re not completely wrong because there is an undeniable link between the main character of both films; Brigante is not the antithesis of Montana but just the same man if he could physically no more be a criminal. He doesn’t stop crime activities simply by choice but due to a physical obligation; Carlito represents, in a way, Tony Montana if he had lived longer. I find that this idea of the bad guy searching for redemption by necessity very interesting. And of course, Pacino is the perfect one to play such a complex role

    More fascinating are the reasons why there is no way for Carlito : he makes himself a target because he has still felonious reactions and feel indebted to Kleinsfeld; he is still conditioned by the gangster code he knows since his childhood. It is not an usual thriller at all, the romance has a great part in it, as if Pacino himself was bored of the crime genre that made him so famous and wanted to change the movie into a love story, even if the spectator knows since the beginning that it won’t be possible. The fact is that this romance is the center of Brigante’s actions; thus, in a very touching scene, Carlito explains how he has changed, is now aware of his weakness and by doing so, opposes himself to the archetype of the cold and strong drug dealer. This is people expecting some kind of usual gangster movie could be disappointed if they don’t get in mind that the center of the story is the main character’s search for love and quietness. The conclusion of this search has no importance compared to the path chosen to achieve it; Carlito’s Way is about acting, not about succeeding

    From an aesthetic point of view, the direction is well-mastered and incredibly dynamic for a film of that kind. De Palma is undeniably a virtuoso and loves more than all to make the camera move in an harmonious way, just as if it was following Pacino’s gesture. Of course, the long shot showing Carlito hidden in Grand Central illustrates well this approach. The pool sequence is also a strong example of Hitchcock’s legacy and influence on De Palma; the suspense that results from the situation is at its top and constitutes a pure form cinema based on the agreement between the main character’s feelings and the audience’s. The director also knows how to use ‘cliche’ scenes to reverse them and make them become truly original. It is something rare enough in my experience of moviegoer to be put forward

    I think De Palma developed perfectly the main character (as he did in his ‘Scarface’) and had the good idea to do not idealize him. It seems that according to the director, a gangster can hardly repent; De Palma shows how hard it is for a criminal to regain a good reputation in a society that has changed while he was in jail. Carlito himself doesn’t fully understand the world he’s coming in after his years of prison and it is one of the reasons why his integration becomes very hard. Even the rules of the underworld in which he grew up have changed in such a way that he can’t have any place in it; he progressively understands how alone he is. Of course, beside Pacino, there is Sean Penn in one of his greatest roles as Dave Kleinfeld, a lawyer that will progressively show his true color. Penelope Ann Miller also creates a very touching character and the other supporting actors (including some that were in De Palma’s ‘Scarface’) give an important contribution for creating this typical NY environment. Concerning the music, Patrick Doyle composed a wonderful and very sad theme that fits perfectly with Carlito’s tragic story. However, don’t forget the various pieces of the score that are related to clubbing and very well chosen among the best of the 70’s. Thus, I am always sad to notice that this masterpiece is not more appreciate because it’s a movie you never forget. As I am a huge Pacino fan, I have to say that to my opinion, this is his greatest and deepest performance, far away from his usual gangster roles (Tony Montana was an unusual character, but not as touching as Carlito Brigante). Furthermore, the opening sequence and the ending are certainly among the most tragic and successfully made I have ever seen in a movie. This is an emotive masterpiece. Notice that the French magazine ‘Les Cahiers du Cinema’ chose ‘Carlito’s Way’ as the best movie of the 1990’s; I truly agree with that statement. 10/10 for a pure cinema moment.

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    ‘Independence Day’ Download and Reviews

    September 6, 2009 by Paul Wall  
    Filed under Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

    “Independence Day” Movie Details

    Independence Day tagline: We’ve always believed we weren’t alone. Pretty soon, we’ll wish we were.
    ID4 - DVD Cover

    Independence Day DVD Cover

    Actors:
  • Lisa Jakub
  • Bill Pullman President Thomas J. Whitmore
    Mary McDonnell First Lady Marilyn Whitmore
    Jeff Goldblum David Levinson
    Judd Hirsch Julius Levinson
    Margaret Colin Constance Spano
    Will Smith Captain Steven ‘Steve’ Hiller
    Vivica A. Fox Jasmine Dubrow
    Randy Quaid Russell Casse
    Robert Loggia General William Grey
    James Rebhorn Albert Nimzicki
    Harvey Fierstein Marty Gilbert
    Adam Baldwin Major Mitchell
    Brent Spiner Dr. Brackish Okun
    James Duval Miguel Casse
    Alicia Casse
    Directors: Roland Emmerich IMDB Rating: 6.5/10 out of 141,707 votes

    “Independence Day” Movie Review

    “ID4″ Plot Summary

    The aliens are coming and their goal is to invade and destroy. Fighting superior technology, Man’s best weapon is the will to survive.

    Great sci-fi movie

    Since it’s release in theaters 11 years ago, Independence Day has taken a lot heat. While I personally disagree that this movie is so horrible, it is easy to beat up the film seeing that its directed by one of the most boring directors of our time, Roland Emmerich

    However, I believe this is his finest work. The first act is all about the build-up of the alien invasion and the attacks. This takes about fifty minutes, which also develops many (too many) characters and their places in the apocalypse

    The attacks are good, but it is not unexpected. The special effects give it its credibility, and the second act begins the day after

    In the wake of the devastation, mankind is limping on to survive, all main characters personally affected in someway by the attacks. While everybody does a good job bringing out the emotional side of the attacks, Will Smith is the only one that degrades this. After battling the aliens and failing, he has a close encounter with an alien and reacts unrealistically, punching it and sarcastically greeting it. Then he’s dragging it through the desert, screaming at it because he is missing a barbecue. HELLO?!? This is an alien race far superior to our own and it has single handedly brought mankind to its knees, and all he can do is yell at it for ruining his day? His performance is plausible but not his role. Thank God this is the only thing that I did not like in the second act

    After Will Smith brings the alien to a secret alien research facility in Area 51, the doctors decide to perform an autopsy. The autopsy scene is a classic. It is probably the best sci-fi scene I have EVER seen. It could fit into a 50’s classic, and makes the movie so great

    At the end of the second act, they finally figure out how to take down the alien’s shields and destroy their monster-sized spacecraft. This is where the lousy third act begins

    July 4 is the opening of the third act, in which they round up as many pilots as possible. One is my least favorite character, a guy named Russell who claims he had been kidnapped by aliens 10 years earlier. The guy is lackadaisical cornball. He has one good line (Hello, boys. I’m back!!!!). All pilots around the world, including Russell will be in the ultimate battle. They will fight the alien ships while Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum plant a virus inside the mother ship. This is sadly the only interesting part of the third act, the rest of it from before being a cornball of cliches

    The interior of the mother ship is so breathtaking, I actually found myself wishing somehow their ship would malfunction and they’d be stuck inside, forcing them to venture through the space frigate for about an hour in a style reminiscent to ‘Alien’. But seeing that the movie is already 2 1/2 hours, I guess they decided to not to

    Jeff Goldblum’s and Will Smith’s chemistry work wonders while they’re in the mother ship, and every moment inside it is really good

    The movie shortly ends after their departure from the mother ship, so it pretty much comes to a screeching halt. The world is still in ruins, and Emmerich leaves us to ponder how humanity will get back up

    All in all, the movie manages perfectly for 81% of the movie. I would’ve given it a 9.0 if it weren’t for Will Smith’s comic relief in the second act, Russell, and mainly cliched third act. 8.1/10.

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    ‘Scent of a Woman’ Download and Reviews

    September 4, 2009 by Paul Wall  
    Filed under Drama

    “Scent of a Woman” Movie Details

    Scent of a Woman tagline: Col. Frank Slade has a very special plan for the weekend. It involves travel, women, good food, fine wine, the tango, chauffeured limousines and a loaded forty-five. And he’s bringing Charlie along for the ride.
    Scent of a Woman - DVD Cover

    Scent of a Woman DVD Cover

    Actors:
  • Frances Conroy
  • Al Pacino Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade
    Chris O’Donnell Charlie Simms
    James Rebhorn Mr. Trask
    Gabrielle Anwar Donna
    Philip Seymour Hoffman George Willis, Jr.
    Richard Venture W.R. Slade
    Bradley Whitford Randy
    Rochelle Oliver Gretchen
    Margaret Eginton Gail
    Tom Riis Farrell Garry
    Nicholas Sadler Harry Havemeyer
    Todd Louiso Trent Potter
    Matt Smith Jimmy Jameson
    Gene Canfield Manny
    Christine Downes
    Directors: Martin Brest IMDB Rating: 7.7/10 out of 48,856 votes

    “Scent of a Woman” Movie Review

    “Scent of a Woman” Plot Summary

    A prep school student needing money agrees to “babysit” a blind man, but the job is not at all what he anticipated. add synopsis

    Good story, brilliant acting, what more do you want?

    This movie once again proves that Pacino is one of the greatest actors of our time and that we all should be very glad he choose to portray Colonel Frank Slade in ‘Scent of a woman’, no one else could have done it. The story of ‘Scent of a woman’ stands and falls with Pacino’s acting and the bringing alive of his character. It’s touching and makes you smile and leaves you behind with the feeling that you’ve just have had the pleasure of meeting Colonel Frank Slade, a crazy but interesting man. Chris O’Donnell does what he has to do, he gives Pacino the opportunity to shine and triggers the story. The interaction between him and Pacino does the job and provides us with great lines. Overall a great movie. I give this one a 8 out of 10.

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    ‘Meet the Parents’ Download and Reviews

    September 2, 2009 by Paul Wall  
    Filed under Comedy, Romance

    “Meet the Parents” Movie Details

    Meet the Parents tagline: First comes love. Then comes the interrogation.
    Meet the Parents - DVD Cover

    Meet the Parents DVD Cover

    Actors:
  • John Elsen
  • Robert De Niro Jack Byrnes
    Ben Stiller Gaylord ‘Greg’ Focker
    Teri Polo Pam Byrnes
    Blythe Danner Dina Byrnes
    Nicole De Huff Deborah Byrnes
    Jon Abrahams Denny Byrnes
    Owen Wilson Kevin Rawley
    James Rebhorn Dr. Larry Banks
    Thomas McCarthy Dr. Bob Banks
    Phyllis George Linda Banks
    Kali Rocha Atlantic American Flight Attendant
    Bernie Sheredy Norm the Interrogator
    Judah Friedlander Pharmacy Clerk
    Peter Bartlett Animal Shelter Worker
    Chicago Airport Security
    Directors: Jay Roach IMDB Rating: 7.0/10 out of 80,152 votes

    “Meet the Parents” Movie Review

    “Meet the Parents” Plot Summary

    Male nurse Greg Focker meets his girlfriend’s parents before proposing, but her suspicious father is every date’s worst nightmare. add synopsis

    Kinda unusual role for Robert De Niro

    This film was great but I needed some time to get use to idea that Robert De Niro is playing in comedy. I’ve seen many his movies and in most of them he’s playing gangster I’ve never seen him playing in comedy before but he was actually very suitable for this role. All other actors did a great job too, especially Ben Stiller. There were many funny and memorable moments. The idea of this film itself was very good for a comedy. I heard that this movie is a remake and I really would like to see an original bu it’s kinda hard to find. I haven’t see the sequel yet but I definitely gonna do it because Meet the Parents is one of the best comedies I’ve seen.

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