‘Hancock’ Download and Reviews

December 17, 2009 by Paul Wall  
Filed under Action, Comedy, Crime

“Hancock” Movie Details

Hancock tagline: There are heroes. There are superheroes. And then there’s…
Hancock - DVD Cover

Hancock DVD Cover

Actors:
Will Smith John Hancock
Charlize Theron Mary Embrey
Jason Bateman Ray Embrey
Jae Head Aaron Embrey
Eddie Marsan Kenneth ‘Red’ Parker Jr.
David Mattey Man Mountain
Maetrix Fitten Matrix
Thomas Lennon Mike
Johnny Galecki Jeremy
Hayley Marie Norman Hottie
Dorothy Cecchi Woman in Dive Bar
Martin Klebba Convict #12
Akiva Goldsman Executive #1
Michael Mann Executive #2
Brad Leland Executive #3
Directors: Peter Berg
IMDB Rating: 6.6/10 out of 93,445 votes

“Hancock” Movie Review

“Hancock” Plot Summary

A hard-living superhero who has fallen out of favor with the public enters into a questionable relationship with the wife of the public relations professional who’s trying to repair his image.

This deserves some credit

Perhaps I’m being generous, but I think this movie deserves some credit. It’s a serious take on a dysfunctional superhero that isn’t based upon a Marvel Comics or DC Comics character. The special effects aren’t as good as a movie like Transformers, but at least you aren’t getting an animated CGI character hopping around like you do in Hulk and Spiderman. It appears that several elements of this movie may be inspired by the now defunct Broadway Comics. The classic scene of a car being skewered on a spire was depicted in the ‘Powers That Be’ comic and the dysfunctional marriage relationship in the movie is not unlike the ‘Shadow State’ comic by Broadway. Perhaps seeing similar depictions hit the big screen made me appreciate the movie more

Will Smith and Charlize Theron do a great job. The hero is flawed, but he’s not a wimp. The movie’s biggest weakness is the pacing. Some of the special effects go by so fast that you don’t get to appreciate them. Some of the drama plays out so slowly that you might be wondering why they don’t rush it along. The movie is faithful to the trailer. It’s tough writing a spoiler-free review of this since there are some great twists in the plot.

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‘Extract’ Download and Reviews

December 10, 2009 by Paul Wall  
Filed under Comedy, Crime, Romance

“Extract” Movie Details

Extract tagline: This Labor Day, the creator of OFFICE SPACE heads back to work.
Extract - DVD Cover

Extract DVD Cover

Actors:
Jason Bateman Joel
Mila Kunis Cindy
Ben Affleck Dean
Lidia Porto Gabrielle
Brent Briscoe Phil
Kevin Chamberlin Parole Officer
Clifton Collins Jr. Step
Sam Crystal Factory Worker
David Koechner
Marshall Manesh Jewelry Salesman
Dustin Milligan Brad
Matt Schulze Willie
J.K. Simmons
Nick Thune Guitar Salesman 1
Beth Grant Mary
Directors: Mike Judge
IMDB Rating: 6.5/10 out of 8,455 votes

“Extract” Movie Review

“Extract” Plot Summary

Joel, the owner of an Extract plant, tries to contend with myriad personal and professional problems, such as his potentially unfaithful wife and employees who want to take advantage of him.

One of the best comedies in a long time

I just got back from seeing this movie, and all I can say is two thumbs up. I left fully satisfied, money well spent on the price of a movie ticket. Lately the last few movies I saw were a bore including ‘The Goods’ staring Jeremy Piven. It seems now and days the directors are exaggerating comedic scenes to make people laugh if they can even accomplish that. They’ll repeat the same scenes over again because they have no other material to go off of. With Mike Judge’s new movie he does the complete opposite. He takes everyday scenarios of what most normal people go through and puts it in his movies. The viewers can relate to these and that’s what makes it hilarious. I can’t remember the last time I cried so hard from laughing. The actors picked for this movie did an outstanding job in their roles and came through to the end. Ben Affleck was the most surprising. Very pleased with his role, never thought of him as being a comedic actor but by far he did the best job. I definitely recommend this movie to any one in for a good laugh.

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‘Up in the Air’ Download and Reviews

November 24, 2009 by Paul Wall  
Filed under Comedy, Drama, Romance

“Up in the Air” Movie Details

Up in the Air tagline: The story of a man ready to make a connection.
Up in the Air - DVD Cover

Up in the Air DVD Cover

Actors:
George Clooney Ryan Bingham
Vera Farmiga Alex
Anna Kendrick Natalie
Jason Bateman Craig Gregory
Danny McBride Jim
Melanie Lynskey Julie Bingham
James Anthony The Businessman
James Edward Ashton Middle Manager
Marvin Baldwin Jr. Traveler
Zachary Borromeo Josh Slates Ticket Agent
Stephen Brevig Software Technician
Ed Callison Conference Room Executive
Mike Comstock Business Traveler
Eric Dwight Traveler
Steve Eastin Samuels
Directors: Jason Reitman
IMDB Rating: 8.0/10 out of 28,232 votes

“Up in the Air” Movie Review

“Up in the Air” Plot Summary

With a job that has him traveling around the country firing people, Ryan Bingham leads an empty life out of a suitcase, until his company does the unexpected: ground him.

A Very Significant Film.

I’m not a particularly big fan of romantic comedies but after hearing positive feedback from the critics (Particularry Roger Ebert) and that it had themes of our economic recession I felt that that it wouldn’t hurt to see it, My expectations were surpassed and it is now, in my opinion, one of the best films of the year

Ryan Bingham is an socially isolated Corprate downsizing expert whom also gives motivational speeches on how to ‘unpack your backpack’ which is essentially a metaphor for people and things in life holding you back from your dreams (I can relate to his character because I tend to isolate myself too), When a young naive woman comes up with a way of conveniently firing people online with no travel costs, Bingham must teach Kendrick’s character the dignity of their work, being there for them rather than coldly firing them on a messaging device. Clooney’s Character was compelling and his performance brilliant, Vera Farmiga & Anna Kendrick also played convincing roles but Clooney’s cynical performance stole the show though as the film progressed he showed a more emotional human side to him which makes me feel he deserves a nomination for Best Actor

The best element in this film is the screenplay, It intelligently blends cynical pessimistic wit and emotional drama in a very unique way that I rather enjoyed, I hope it gets some recognition at the Oscars a win, if not a nomination

This film contains themes of human relationships, life choices, the indoctrination of technology in our society, isolation, family support and our economic recession and the themes are not blatantly shoved down our throats. This film is smart, witty and emotional. In my opinion this film is one of the best films of the year, 8/10.

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‘Juno’ Download and Reviews

November 20, 2009 by Paul Wall  
Filed under Comedy, Drama

“Juno” Movie Details

Juno tagline: A comedy about growing up… and the bumps along the way.
Juno - DVD Cover

Juno DVD Cover

Actors:
Ellen Page Juno MacGuff
Michael Cera Paulie Bleeker
Jennifer Garner Vanessa Loring
Jason Bateman Mark Loring
Allison Janney Bren MacGuff
J.K. Simmons Mac MacGuff
Olivia Thirlby Leah
Eileen Pedde Gerta Rauss
Rainn Wilson Rollo
Daniel Clark Steve Rendazo
Darla Vandenbossche Bleeker’s Mom
Aman Johal Vijay
Valerie Tian Su-Chin
Emily Perkins Punk Receptionist
Kaaren de Zilva Ultrasound Technician
Directors: Jason Reitman
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10 out of 140,174 votes

“Juno” Movie Review

“Juno” Plot Summary

Faced with an unplanned pregnancy, an offbeat young woman makes an unusual decision regarding her unborn child.

A Great Beginning to the Rest of Your Life

Juno ID# 1677I saw this movie at a special screening at UCLA, just as a last resort for something to do on a free Thursday night. I’m so glad I went, because it was amazing! I had no idea what the movie was about; I only knew Michael Cera (Superbad, Arrested Development) was in it, which was enough incentive for me to go. I walked out literally skipping alongside my best friend, both humming to the tune of the great original songs from the movie. The theme of love existing in so many forms where you least expect to find it just lifted me right out of my doldrums, and made me look at life again from a different perspective. There’s just too much to love about life, so many places you’ll find it, and the only way to do it is just to live. Juno shows you reality, but it highlights the tiny details about love and life that you might start missing or forgetting about

Excuse me for sounding so corny, but that’s exactly what this movie did for me. To put it easily, it’s a ‘feel-good’ movie that leaves you FEELing GOOD. If you’re down or just in the mood to be lifted up even higher, I recommend this movie for you

Enjoy it :) and remember, love is always worth it.

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‘The Invention of Lying’ Download and Reviews

November 5, 2009 by Paul Wall  
Filed under Comedy, Fantasy, Romance

“The Invention of Lying” Movie Details

The Invention of Lying tagline: In a world where everyone can only tell the truth… …this guy can lie.
The Invention of Lying - DVD Cover

The Invention of Lying DVD Cover

Actors:
Richard Arum Caveman
Jason Bateman Doctor
Leigh Belair Movie studio tourist
Douglass Bowen Flynn Tourist #1
Peter Brooke Disc Jockey
Louis C.K. Greg
Ken Cheeseman Shouting Man
Willis Chung Talking Head Teen
Jeffrey Corazzini News photographer
Nathan Corddry
Vincent J. Earnshaw Apartment Crowd Photographer
Scott C England Photographer
Kevin Fennessy Lecture Films Exec.
Shawn Fogarty Casino card dealer
Donald Foley Yelling Man
Directors: Ricky Gervais and Matthew Robinson
IMDB Rating: 6.5/10 out of 13,414 votes

“The Invention of Lying” Movie Review

“The Invention of Lying” Plot Summary

A comedy set in a world where no one has ever lied, until a writer seizes the opportunity for personal gain.

Seen before story, but still a funny and sweet story

A fun comedy that shouldn’t be taken too seriously

The story itself is a very classic fairytale of someone who is at the bottom of the social list, but suddenly gets all that he/she wants. It’s seen before and not a very creative storyline; however Ricky Gervais has put in a lot of creativity

Ricky Gervais is perfect in this role, but he’s a little too comfortable in the lovable looser role with deep insights to his surroundings. His three big hits as a main character after The Office has been almost the excact same character: Extras, Ghost Town and The Invention of Lying. He does it perfectly and with a Babel tower of charm, but it would be nice to see him in a different role

All in all, I enjoyed the movie, regardless of it’s flaws. It has a very mellow and calm mood, which works very well.

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‘State of Play’ Download and Reviews

October 16, 2009 by Paul Wall  
Filed under Drama, Mystery, Thriller

“State of Play” Movie Details

State of Play tagline: Find The Truth
State of Play - DVD Cover

State of Play DVD Cover

Actors:
Russell Crowe Cal McAffrey
Ben Affleck Rep. Stephen Collins
Rachel McAdams Della Frye
Helen Mirren Cameron Lynne
Robin Wright Penn Anne Collins
Jason Bateman Dominic Foy
Jeff Daniels Rep. George Fergus
Michael Berresse Robert Bingham
Harry Lennix Det. Donald Bell
Josh Mostel Pete
Michael Weston Hank
Barry Shabaka Henley Gene Stavitz
Viola Davis Dr. Judith Franklin
David Harbour PointCorp Insider
Sarah Lord Mandi Brokaw
Directors: Kevin Macdonald
IMDB Rating: 7.3/10 out of 27,380 votes

“State of Play” Movie Review

“State of Play” Plot Summary

A team of investigative reporters work alongside a police detective to try to solve the murder of a congressman’s mistress.

Good Political Thriller

This movie is worth seeing just to watch great actors like Russell Crowe, Helen Mirren, & Rachel McAdams practice their craft. Add in a very good plot and a well written script and what you end up with is an excellent movie

I’d read that Brad Pitt was originally supposed to have the starring role of the veteran newspaper reporter played by Crowe but declined the role at the last minute due to artistic differences with the Director over the script. Not sure of the details, but the movie certainly didn’t suffer from Pitt’s absence. Crowe was great as the lead. Some critics carp over his funny ‘American’ accent, but I thought he was very good in the lead role

Rachel McAdams was very good as the cub reporter. I’m not sure if she’s the next Julia Roberts (as some opine) but she certainly is the ‘it’ girl and fills the bill nicely

Helen Mirren was excellent as the imperious publisher/editor of the newspaper

Ben Affleck was good as the politician at the center of the storm

As political thrillers go, this was pretty good. I’d say go check it out, grab a bucket of popcorn and soda, and enjoy.

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‘Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story’ Download and Reviews

September 5, 2009 by Paul Wall  
Filed under Comedy, Sport

“Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story” Movie Details

Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story tagline: Grab Life by the Balls (Australia & Europe)
Dodgeball - DVD Cover

Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story DVD Cover

Actors:
  • Al Kaplon
  • Vince Vaughn Peter La Fleur
    Christine Taylor Kate Veatch
    Ben Stiller White Goodman
    Rip Torn Patches O’Houlihan
    Justin Long Justin
    Stephen Root Gordon
    Joel Moore Owen
    Chris Williams Dwight
    Alan Tudyk Steve the Pirate
    Missi Pyle Fran
    Jamal Duff Me’Shell Jones
    Gary Cole Cotton McKnight
    Jason Bateman Pepper Brooks
    Hank Azaria Young Patches O’Houlihan
    Tournament Referee
    Directors: Rawson Marshall Thurber IMDB Rating: 6.6/10 out of 61,918 votes

    “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story” Movie Review

    “Dodgeball” Plot Summary

    A group of misfits enter a Las Vegas dodgeball tournament in order to save their cherished local gym from the onslaught of a corporate health fitness chain.

    Great Fun!

    Picked this up on DVD for ?3 ($6) – didn’t know anything about it We thought it one of the funniest films we’ve seen for some time. Thought I’d check out the rating and was surprised how low (6.6) it was. Then checked out some of the ‘Hated It’ comments to see why this could be I guess that a lot of people find this film offensive, with stereotypical attitudes – like how a bisexual woman could kiss both a man and a woman (an extraordinary observation). Or that it was unfair to poke fun at someone who spent all his waking hours dressed up as pirate. I think that comment came from a member of the Long John Silver Alliance

    Lighten up! Comedy – like any other artistic endeavour is subjective – all I can say is that I laughed and found that at many points the jokes were coming faster than I could process them – always a good sign

    A good combination of slapstick humour and smart-ass comments delivered at a rapid pace And an ever-popular theme: will the underdogs triumph? Watch it and find out

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    ‘Couples Retreat’ Download and Reviews

    August 13, 2009 by Paul Wall  
    Filed under Comedy

    “Couples Retreat” Movie Details

    Couples Retreat tagline: It may be paradise… but it’s no vacation.
    Couples Retreat - DVD Cover

    Couples Retreat DVD Cover

    Actors:
    Ama’ri Pool Table Boy
    John Bailey White Swallow Bartender
    Jason Bateman
    Michael Patrick Breen Sports Bar Patron
    Scott Burn Trainer
    Nelson Carvajal Airport Boyfriend
    Joe DeVito Couple at Airport
    Jon Favreau
    Nick Ferrin Traveler
    James Ferris White Swallow
    Jon Fleming DJ
    Darren Elliot Fulsher Airport passenger
    Nick Grosvenor Young Guy
    John Michael Higgins
    Ken Jeong
    Directors: Peter Billingsley
    IMDB Rating: 5.6/10 out of 9,185 votes

    “Couples Retreat” Movie Review

    “Couples Retreat” Plot Summary

    A comedy centered around four couples who settle into a tropical-island resort for a vacation. While one of the couples is there to work on the marriage, the others fail to realize that participation in the resort’s therapy sessions is not optional.

    It really worked for me

    Couples Retreat is a comedy centered around four couples who settle into a tropical-island resort for a vacation. While one of the couples is there to work on the marriage, the others fail to realize that participation in the resort’s therapy sessions is not optional. Couples Retreat is like a romantic comedy but without all the romantic stuff, well maybe a little bit of romance at the end but that’s it. It has many funny moments. The locations are wonderful all the landscapes are fantastic. The cast is really good, Vince Vaughn still got the necessary to make people laugh, Jon Favreau is also very funny in this movie. Kristen Bell, Kristin Davis and Malin Akerman all three with very decent performances and the one that steals the show is Latin actor Carlos Ponce with his performance of yoga instructor, he was hilarious. To conclude, Couples Retreat is a movie with the only purpose of entertaining, and I think it accomplishes it very nice.

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    ‘Starsky & Hutch’ Download and Reviews

    August 2, 2009 by Paul Wall  
    Filed under Action, Comedy, Crime

    “Starsky & Hutch” Movie Details

    Starsky & Hutch tagline: They’re the man.
    Starsky & Hutch - DVD Cover

    Starsky & Hutch DVD Cover

    Actors:
  • G.T. Holme
  • Ben Stiller David Starsky
    Owen Wilson Ken Hutchinson
    Snoop Dogg Huggy Bear
    Fred Williamson Captain Doby
    Vince Vaughn Reese Feldman
    Juliette Lewis Kitty
    Jason Bateman Kevin
    Amy Smart Holly
    Carmen Electra Staci
    George Cheung Chau
    Chris Penn Manetti
    Brande Roderick Heather
    Molly Sims Mrs. Feldman
    Matt Walsh Eddie
    Bartender
    Directors: Todd Phillips IMDB Rating: 6.2/10 out of 46,261 votes

    “Starsky & Hutch” Movie Review

    “Starsky & Hutch” Plot Summary

    Two streetwise cops bust criminals in their red-and-white Ford Torino with the help of police snitch called Huggy Bear.

    Fun entertaining movie.

    Of all the recent buddy-cop movies, released lately this is one of the better ones

    Biggest strength of this movie is in the two main characters played by Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson. They are such a great screen duo together and have some great team chemistry on the screen. The movie is filled with many other great comical talented actors such as; Vince Vaughn as the main villain, Snoop Dogg and Will Ferrell and some smaller roles for famous names such as; Chris Penn, Carmen Electra, Amy Smart and Juliette Lewis

    But the movie is more then just an ordinary buddy-movie, it also is a priceless parody of ’70’s TV-shows in general. It uses some of the same camera-positions and style of editing at times, especially in the action sequences. But also the way of acting, dialog and costumes perfectly spoof all those silly ‘70 TV-series. I’m not sure if everybody catch or understood this but I really laughed out loud at some moments

    The comedy can be put in the category silly, so this movie is clearly not suitable for everyone. The humor is really over-the-top but I for one really enjoyed that. The characters are really silly but the professional comedy actors portray them extremely well and likable

    A perfectly fun comedy to kill some time with.7/10

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