Transformers – Destroy and Protect

January 27, 2010 by Paul Wall  
Filed under Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Their War. Our World.
Transformers - DVD Cover

Transformers DVD Cover

Actors:

Shia LaBeouf Sam ‘Spike’ Witwicky
Megan Fox Mikaela
Josh Duhamel Captain Lennox
Rachael Taylor Maggie
Tyrese Gibson USAF Master Sgt. Epps
Jon Voight Keller
Anthony Anderson Glen
John Turturro Agent Simmons
Michael O’Neill Banachek
Peter Cullen Optimus Prime
Charlie Bodin USAF Staff Sergent
Andrew Caldwell Cafe’ kid 1
Bryan Cox
Keith David Barricade
Frederic Doss Navy Petty Officer
Directors: Michael Bay
IMDB Rating: 7.4
out of 10 (166,258 votes)

“Transformers” 2007 by Michael Bay – Movie Review

If you think that good battle-robots Autobots and bad battle-robots Decepticons have landed on our dearest planet Earth in 2007 – you’re strongly mistaken. Because they came to our world in the times of the notorious Moscow Olympiad-80, when suddenly bubble-gum and coca-cola appeared in Moscow for the first time. Although the robots landed not in Moscow but in Japan. That is where these amusing robots-transformers were invented. They were the models of different automobiles which then could be transformed into battle robots.

Autobots

Autobots

The American toy company Hasbro got interested in these toys and bought the rights to produce them in the US. Interested in the American toy company Hasbro, and then bought the rights to their production in the States. Due to the fact that they approach marketing in the USA with all the possible seriousness. That’s why these nameless by the time auto-robots received their personal names. Which is more, they received a whole history explaining which planet they came form and what they do here. Well, and thirdly, the whole comics industry started hard work on creating the epci story of the planet Cybertrone on which the good robots Autobots under the leadership of brave General Optimus Prime (originally it was Prime Time but later reduced to simply Prime) are fighting against the bad robots Decepticons headed by an treacherous Megatron.

Thus, everyone was happy: Hasbro sold megatons of transformers, the Marvel company produced mountains of comics, and Sunbow Production crafted animated cartoons about the adventures of elusive Autobots behind the Decepticons’ enemy line. In the end Sunbow even produced full-length animated film “Transformers” in which Autobots and Decepticons arrive on Earth and start all kinds of battles, while a guy named Spike is helping our folks Autobots. But the movie was a failure. Why? Either due to the fact that there were too many robots and too few people, or due to the fact that the kids already got fed up with transformers – it is hard to say. After that the Transformers have almost disappeared – people lost interested in them. The new type of heroes has settled in the kids’ hearts – Spiderman, Pokemons and the like, resulting in the transformers being forgotten in the far corners of dusty garages. Nobody was interested in the fate of the planet Cybertron anymore.

Transformers Movie Screen Transformers Screen 2 Transformers Movie Screen 3 Transformers Girl Megan Fox
Click here for more Transformers Posters and other Transformers Movie Goods

However, in the mid-nineties Hasbro managed to revive the interest in the transformers. They invented a new concept: robots can now be transformed into animals. After that when the creators imagination started to blossom with new models, the kids’ interest woke up again, resulting in creating fan-communities which could fiercely argue upon which transformer is more cool – a hamster/crocodile or eagle/ram type.

Read more

Alien – Visionary Sci Fi Masterpiece

January 17, 2010 by Paul Wall  
Filed under Action, Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller

In space no one can hear you scream.
Terminator Salvation - DVD Cover

Alien 1979 DVD Cover

Actors:

Tom Skerritt Dallas
Sigourney Weaver Ripley
Veronica Cartwright Lambert
Harry Dean Stanton Brett
John Hurt Kane
Ian Holm Ash
Yaphet Kotto Parker
Bolaji Badejo Alien
Helen Horton Mother
Directors: Ridley Scott
IMDB Rating: 8.5
out of 10 (152,694 votes)

Top 250: #49

“Alien” 1979 by Ridley Scott – Movie Review

“Alien” is a break-through film. A sensation on the battlefield for the moviegoers’ money. The movie which, along with several other movies shot in the late 70’s – early 80’s, defined the mainstream for many years (I would also mention that the era of “Alien” is not over yet, although it is close to its sunset as never before).

Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver)

Ellen Riplay (Sigourney Weaver)

Gothic story in futuristic surroundings convincingly dusted by the wind of time (the interiors of the ship were artificially “aged”) sets the highest standards for the genre of space sci-fi. And a few have managed to surpass it. To tell the truth only James Cameron was able to do better in the “Aliens”.

Originally the screenwriter Dan O’Bannon was thinking about the storyline of gremlins spreading havoc on board the B-17 bomber. Later B-17 turned into a small starship named “Snark” with exclusively male crew. But the producers insisted that two women be included in the crew, and one of them should defeat the main villain. Time has shown that it was the right decision. Seemingly fragile but strong Ripley became the second – after her toothy enemy – most important symbol of the “Alien” cult universe.

According to the original intent the dying alien would scratch a triangle on the dashboard. Searching his ship the people from “Nostromo” would find a stone pyramid nearby with the aliens eggs. This idea was never implemented (though Giger did the necessary sketches), but the idea of the pyramid was finally used in the “Aliens v. Predator” movie.

Alien 1979 Screenshot Alien Face Hugger Alien 1979 Thumb Alien
Click here for more Alien posters and other Alien Movie Goods

Read more

‘Avatar’ Download and Reviews

December 17, 2009 by Paul Wall  
Filed under Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

“Avatar” Movie Details

Avatar tagline: Enter the World
Avatar - DVD Cover

Avatar DVD Cover

Actors:
Sam Worthington Jake Sully
Sigourney Weaver Dr. Grace Augustine
Michelle Rodriguez Trudy Chacon
Zoe Saldana Neytiri
Giovanni Ribisi Selfridge
Joel Moore Norm Spellman
Laz Alonso Tsu’Tey
Andrew Emilio DeCesare Trooper
Christian Di Salvo Dragon Pilot
Leandro Di Salvo Dragon Pilot
Peter Dillon Shuttle Crew Chief
Kevin Dorman Tractor operator
Matt Gerald Lyle Wainfleet
Luke Hawker Med Tech
Kelson Henderson Dragon Gunship Pilot
Directors: James Cameron
IMDB Rating: 8.6/10 out of 183,267 votes

“Avatar” Movie Review

“Avatar” Plot Summary

A paraplegic marine dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission becomes torn between following his orders and protecting the world he feels is his home.

AVATAR has a soul

AVATAR has a soul I saw AVATAR today. It was a boiling 40 degrees Celsius in Australia. I caught a bus and train to get there. I spent months on a forum before that. Incremental stops included a scriptment, stills, a teaser, a foot, AVATAR day and a full trailer. Now released I have had many reviews to read which have been mostly very positive. It is a marvel to watch. The opening scenes are very sci-fi with a glimpse of low gravity aboard a space-craft. Sam Worthington fills us in with a short narration. He is taking over his diseased brother’s role in the AVATAR program. These opening scenes are actually among the most effective 3D in the film, pulling you into this story, tracking shots putting you into the steps of the characters. I jump ahead, like the film, to The world of Pandora which is lush with earthly life as seen through pulp fantasies. The rendering of this world is terrific. The life and activity is in the plants as much as it is the animals. Wonder is generated with this ambitious creation. Cameron has lifted the bar. The CG is the best I have ever seen. Everything you have heard is true. The 3D enhances this with leaves falling and swaying branches life-like in the foreground. The realisation of the Navii is also ambitious. They are CG but there are many moments that make you think they are real and in terms of the story they are more than good enough to propel the narrative with strong emotional content. I went into this film knowing mostly everything within it. Hours of reading, some from the treatment and pages of the recent reviews. It is very much a family film like ‘Nealz’ said in his IMDb review. There is a moment where one of the ferocious animal species that earlier were attacking Jake are seen with a litter, the children in the audience loved the cute pups! The spiritual side of this film is much better than expected. It is in fact a beautiful story. The structure is classical film-making but with amazingly new scope in CGI to express grand images. An epic The journey that Jake takes through Pandora is lovely. He is taken in by the Navii and explores their culture, language and habitat. Natirii, the female Navii he meets while lost, helps him through this journey. This is a love story of both soul mates and with a wider picture. Existential connections with the natural world. Personal destiny. I had tears in this film. I tried to hold them back but by the roll of credits they came. This is a movie that I have anticipated for so long. I think the ingredients of its story and my connection to this films production gave me a very emotional response. I cant imagine this disappointing any of the fans on the board. Keeping in mind that it is a family film but delivered everything I wanted. Expect a special edition. After AVATAR is a hit, a special edition will make its way to the cinema. I can understand why they would cut the earth scenes and it works. The actual film seems pretty brisk and it could also have more padding out. You want more of it and that is a triumph for this type of film running two and a half hours. It is a good balance because at two and a half hours AVATAR is aimed directly at the cinema going audience. Broadly appealing with elements for everyone. My earlier prediction of a billion or more world-wide seems safe. I don’t want to go on about visuals too much but the lovely shots of the natural wonderland of glowing life in still 3D shots is magical. Something to take kids to see. Floating tiny neon life jellyfish their way through the air with grace. The monkey-like extra-limbed creatures with the peeping eyes flock through the forrest quickly. The creature design is done in a clever way with the motion of a living thing. The action is over the top, epic, frenetic and a new take on the battle sequence. James Cameron didn’t stuff this up. He probably pressed the studio way beyond their comfort zone with the time, money and effort that has gone into this. Sam Worthington is excellent casting choice. Sigourney Weaver ads frank reason. Stephen Lang chews the scenery as the ultimate you know what. Zoe Saldana is beautiful as Jakes guide into this world and. I went to the cinema and it was a very hot day. By the time I left the cinema, the streets were wet with rain. A warm humidity was thick in the air. Lightning splashed my walk to the train station with white light. I honestly wondered if It was my time to be struck down with a bolt of electricity from the sky. Watch this film. It is destined to become a childhood classic to many little-ones too young to be on this forum. It will be talked about at high school by male and females as spectacular. It will be watched multiple times by fans. I loved it but beyond my appreciation for the film itself, is the the message of love permeating from this movie that I hope enters the zeitgeist like elements of Cameron’s other stories have. At its heart is a soul. AVATAR is an achievement in many technical departments but I wouldn’t say the story is deficient. It is a beautiful experience and the story is surprisingly what I loved most. Believe the hype.

Avatar - Movie Still 1 Avatar Movie Still 2 Avatar Movie Image 3 Avatar Screen Image
Click here for more “Avatar” Posters and other “Avatar” Movie Goods

Read more

‘Insomnia’ Download and Reviews

December 4, 2009 by Paul Wall  
Filed under Crime, Drama, Mystery

“Insomnia” Movie Details

Insomnia tagline: Days never end. Nightmares are real. No one is innocent.
Insomnia - DVD Cover

Insomnia DVD Cover

Actors:
Al Pacino Detective Will Dormer
Martin Donovan Detective Hap Eckhart
Robin Williams Walter Finch
Oliver ‘Ole’ Zemen Pilot
Hilary Swank Detective Ellie Burr
Paul Dooley Chief Charlie Nyback
Nicky Katt Fred Duggar
Larry Holden Farrell
Jay Brazeau Francis
Lorne Cardinal Rich
James Hutson Officer #1
Andrew Campbell Officer #2
Paula Shaw Coroner
Crystal Lowe Kay Connell
Tasha Simms Mrs. Connell
Directors: Christopher Nolan
IMDB Rating: 7.2/10 out of 61,140 votes

“Insomnia” Movie Review

“Insomnia” Plot Summary

Two Los Angeles homicide detectives are dispatched to a northern town where the sun doesn’t set to investigate the methodical murder of a local teen.

Solid thriller with strong acting

Glad to be getting away from the Internal Affairs investigation in their department in LA, Will Dormer and his partner Hap Eckhart fly up to assist on a murder case in Alaska. Will quickly makes the progress that his reputation led young officer Ellie Burr to expect. However when a suspect is chased through fog, Will accidentally shoots Hap. He covers it up and blames the suspect, conscious that IAD will assume that he killed Hap to prevent him cutting a deal with them. However later he gets a call from the killer who saw the whole thing and is holding it over Will in return for him framing someone else. With fewer options and Ellie investigating the shooting, Will finds himself unable to sleep in the 24 hour sunshine and getting increasingly strung out

Better known as part 2 of Robin Williams proving he can do more than just sentimental crap, I was looking forward to seeing it. I haven’t seen the original film so I can’t contrast the two and say which is better – I could only judge this on its own merits. I found the film to be a very enjoyable thriller that was very atmospheric. The story itself is quite intriguing and is at its best when Will and Walter are playing cat and mouse games with each other. The main investigation and the investigation into Hap’s shooting all add to the intensity

Although it is quite slow at times it is actually well paced – some fast paced exciting moments but mostly dialogue driven scenes that are just as exciting. The direction is excellent and the whole film has a bright crisp feel to it. The final shot of the film is powerful yet still, with the protagonists frozen against a background of lake and mountains

The film’s main driver is the strength of the performances. Williams is excellent, I was never sure what to make of his character because Williams kept him complex enough to hold the interest. Pacino is also great. He actually looks dog tired progressively through the film. Like Williams, his character has enough meat on it to be of interest and when either of them was on the screen, my interest was guaranteed . Swank had a difficult task to play opposite Pacino in the majority of her scenes but she really holds her own. Donovan is good but brief, but to be honest it is Pacino and Williams’ film the whole way

Overall this is a classy little thriller that has more than enough going on to keep it interesting. The plot is well written so that it avoids a simplistic good/evil approach and the performances bring the well-drawn characters to life.

Insomnia - Movie Still 1 Insomnia Movie Still 2 Insomnia Movie Image 3 Insomnia Screen Image
Click here for more “Insomnia” Posters and other “Insomnia” Movie Goods

Read more

‘Conan the Destroyer’ Download and Reviews

November 27, 2009 by Paul Wall  
Filed under Action, Adventure, Fantasy

“Conan the Destroyer” Movie Details

Conan the Destroyer tagline: The most powerful legend of all is back in a new adventure.
Conan - DVD Cover

Conan the Destroyer DVD Cover

Actors:
Arnold Schwarzenegger Conan
Grace Jones Zula
Wilt Chamberlain Bombaata
Mako Akiro ‘The Wizard’
Tracey Walter Malak
Sarah Douglas Queen Taramis
Olivia d’Abo Princess Jehnna
Pat Roach Man Ape/Toth-Amon
Jeff Corey Grand Vizier
Sven-Ole Thorsen Togra
Bruce Fleischer Village Heckler
Ferdy Mayne The Leader
AndrГ© the Giant Dagoth
Matt Conner Zeus
Angel Ashley
Directors: Richard Fleischer
IMDB Rating: 5.4/10 out of 19,092 votes

“Conan the Destroyer” Movie Review

“Conan” Plot Summary

Conan leads a ragtag group of adventurers on a quest for a princess. add synopsis

This was great

I don’t know why it got such a low rating, I really enjoyed Conan the Destroyer. I wasn’t as good as the first one, but it was a very good sequel, and definitely worth watching. Good acting, good music, the special effects could have been better, but they were still good. WATCH THIS! Arnold did a really good job with this movie. I think one of the reasons people thought it wasn’t good was because it was either confusing or boring. It wasn’t boring at all. And it was a little confusing because it is a fantasy adventure movie! Look at Lord of the Rings, that is fantasy, only everybody loves that! What the….

Conan - Movie Still 1 Conan the Destroyer Movie Still 2 Conan Movie Image 3 Conan the Destroyer Screen Image
Click here for more “Conan the Destroyer” Posters and other “Conan” Movie Goods

Read more

‘Red Sonja’ Download and Reviews

November 22, 2009 by Paul Wall  
Filed under Action, Adventure, Fantasy

“Red Sonja” Movie Details

Red Sonja tagline: A woman and a warrior that became a legend.
Red Sonja - DVD Cover

Red Sonja DVD Cover

Actors:
Arnold Schwarzenegger Kalidor
Brigitte Nielsen Red Sonja
Sandahl Bergman Queen Gedren
Paul L. Smith Falkon
Ernie Reyes Jr. Prince Tarn
Ronald Lacey Ikol
Pat Roach Brytag
Terry Richards Djart
Janet Agren Varna, Red Sonja’s Sister
Donna Osterbuhr Kendra the High Priestess
Lara Naszinsky Gedren’s Handmaid
Hans Meyer Red Sonja’s Father
Francesca Romana Coluzzi Red Sonja’s Mother
Stefano Maria Mioni Barlok, Red Sonja’s Brother
Tutte Lemkow Wizard
Directors: Richard Fleischer
IMDB Rating: 4.3/10 out of 11,006 votes

“Red Sonja” Movie Review

“Red Sonja” Plot Summary

The tyrant Gedren seeks the total power in a world of barbarism. She raids the city Hablac and kills… add synopsis

OK I admit I enjoyed it!!

Let’s just settle this before I start – this is a bad bad movie! You will be hard pressed to find such awful acting anywhere as Miss Nielsen, ‘veteran’ director Richard Fleischer stumbles blindly through a non-existant plot, and you will feel absolutely no sympathy for either the good guys or the bad – in other words you just won’t care!I would love to have hated this film – as a self-proclaimed ‘movie-buff’ this is the kind of film I should not even go near. But I’m loathed to admit…I enjoyed it! The two stars, amongst their awful acting, are actually quite engaging in a comedic way (intentional or not!). I began to relish the dialogue scenes just to see if a line could have been delivered with any more wood! The intentional comedy comes from a young prince (Ernie Reyes Jr) and his bodyguard (Paul Smith). Although I wished the prince to find the end of a sword as quickly as possible from his first scene, the interplay between these two characters was amusing, with some one-liners that could not have been more out of place in this film! The villainous queen (played by Sandahl Bergman) is unfortunately bland and forgettable. But one real treat for me was another completely out-of-place commodity – a great rousing score from maestro Ennio Morricone!This was Schwarzenegger’s return to his CONAN genre after hitting it big with THE TERMINATOR. It isn’t too surprising that this was the last ’swords and sorcery’ movie he did – but I promise you won’t hate it! You’ll want to!….but you won’t!

Red Sonja - Movie Still 1 Red Sonja Movie Still 2 Red Sonja Movie Image 3 Red Sonja Screen Image
Click here for more “Red Sonja” Posters and other “Red Sonja” Movie Goods

Read more

‘V for Vendetta’ Download and Reviews

November 19, 2009 by Paul Wall  
Filed under Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller

“V for Vendetta” Movie Details

V for Vendetta tagline: Remember, remember the 5th of November, the gun powder treason and plot. I know of no reason why the gun powder treason should ever be forgot.
V for Vendetta - DVD Cover

V for Vendetta DVD Cover

Actors:
Natalie Portman Evey
Hugo Weaving V
Stephen Rea Finch
Stephen Fry Deitrich
John Hurt Adam Sutler
Tim Pigott-Smith Creedy
Rupert Graves Dominic
Roger Allam Lewis Prothero
Ben Miles Dascomb
SinГ©ad Cusack Delia Surridge
Natasha Wightman Valerie
John Standing Lilliman
Eddie Marsan Etheridge
Clive Ashborn Guy Fawkes
Emma Field-Rayner Guy Fawkes Lover
Directors: James McTeigue
IMDB Rating: 8.2/10 out of 205,843 votes

“V for Vendetta” Movie Review

“V for Vendetta” Plot Summary

A shadowy freedom fighter known only as “V” uses terrorist tactics to fight against his totalitarian society. Upon rescuing a girl from the secret police, he also finds his best chance at having an ally.

Entertaining and intelligent

V for Vendetta is an adaptation of a graphic novel by Alan Moore. While V can be seen as an action film, it’s much more. Although set in Britain, and originally conceived and written by a British artist, this film seems designed to speak to American political sensibilities. V probes the purpose of government and brings up themes which contemporary Americans seem to have forgotten – the basic concepts of the separation of church and state, government by and for the people, the right to overthrow leaders who exercise their own will at the expense of the nation. V reminds us of our duty to resist and rebel against megalomania and totalitarianism. Though grown in England, and tapped into English history, the message applies everywhere and to everybody, but seems especially appropriate for those of us living with the Bush administration and fearful of its legacy

Natalie Portman plays a young woman who is afraid of her own shadow. Out after curfew one night, she is approached by a pair of ruffians and rescued by the verbose, masked V (Weaving). V is a man who has lost his identity as a result of events in his past which are mysteriously connected to the fascistic government (presided over by John Hurt). He draws his identity out of a relatively obscure event in British history, an attempt to blow up parliament, and dons a mask which is a caricature of the leader of this gunpowder revolution

The plot and characterizations are complex, with adequate but not overbearing back-story. The script is occasionally goofy but excellent – retaining many elements of the comic medium without losing any credibility. The acting is simply wonderful. Natalie Portman is phenomenal. Weaving carries a difficult role very nicely, giving powerful humanity to a man who remains shrouded in mystery. Stephen Rea and John Hurt – always great – both lend strong support. The cinematography is very good and fits the story nicely

Since this film involved the Wachowski’s many have seen fit to compare it to the Matrix. Although there are some similarities, I think the comparison is unfair to both films. V is a much less subtle and, in a purely practical political way, a more intelligent and less playful film. It is also less cinematographically innovative and less reliant on scope. Where The Matrix unfolded in the playground of ontology, V is firmly situated in the gladiatorial arena of social psychology. Besides, V was directed by James McTeigue, not the Wachowskis

Even if you don’t get it from a political point of view, you are very likely to enjoy this film. I recommend it to all free-thinking individuals who have not lost hope for humanity.

V for Vendetta - Movie Still 1 V for Vendetta Movie Still 2 V for Vendetta Movie Image 3 V for Vendetta Screen Image
Click here for more “V for Vendetta” Posters and other “V for Vendetta” Movie Goods

Read more

‘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.

Carlito's Way - Movie Still 1 Carlito's Way Movie Still 2 Carlito's Way Movie Image 3 Carlito's Way Screen Image
Click here for more “Carlito’s Way” Posters and other “Carlito’s Way” Movie Goods

Read more

‘Kill Bill: Vol. 1′ Download and Reviews

October 23, 2009 by Paul Wall  
Filed under Crime, Drama, Thriller

“Kill Bill: Vol. 1″ Movie Details

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 tagline: In the year 2003, Uma Thurman will kill Bill
Kill Bill Part 1 - DVD Cover

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 DVD Cover

Actors:
  • Yuki Kazamatsuri
  • Uma Thurman The Bride
    Lucy Liu O-Ren Ishii
    Vivica A. Fox Vernita Green
    Daryl Hannah Elle Driver
    David Carradine Bill
    Michael Madsen Budd
    Julie Dreyfus Sofie Fatale
    Chiaki Kuriyama Gogo Yubari
    Sonny Chiba Hattori Hanzo
    Chia Hui Liu Johnny Mo
    Michael Parks Earl McGraw
    Michael Bowen Buck
    Jun Kunimura Boss Tanaka
    Kenji Ohba Bald Guy (Sushi Shop)
    Proprietor
    Directors: Quentin Tarantino IMDB Rating: 8.2/10 out of 214,982 votes

    “Kill Bill: Vol. 1″ Movie Review

    “Kill Bill Part 1″ Plot Summary

    The Bride wakes up after a long coma. The baby that she carried before entering the coma is gone. The only thing on her mind is to have revenge on the assassination team that betrayed her – a team she was once part of.

    Fantastic

    Probably Tarantino’s most universal movie to date, with a little less character dependency than most of his films and a more linear approach than usual, Kill Bill Volume 1 is a great place to start for anyone new to his movies. I don’t mean to imply this is a shallow film (far from it), i simply found it easier on the mind than Tarantino’s other movies

    Uma Thurman, left for dead by her ex-boyfriend (Bill) doesn’t die and begins her quest for vengeance, by hunting down Bill’s gang members in a search for Bill. Armed with a Samurai sword and a deadly blend of martial arts skills, Uma delivers action, violence and passion as she plays out the character with beautiful precision

    Need i say, this is excellently directed, brilliantly scripted and cast, and should be in everyone’s Tarantino collection.10/10 Second only to Pulp Fiction. Although it has wider appeal (I think)

    Kill Bill Part 1 - Movie Still 1 Kill Bill: Vol. 1 Movie Still 2 Kill Bill Part 1 Movie Image 3 Kill Bill: Vol. 1 Screen Image
    Click here for more “Kill Bill: Vol. 1″ Posters and other “Kill Bill Part 1″ Movie Goods

    Read more

    ‘88 Minutes’ Download and Reviews

    October 20, 2009 by Paul Wall  
    Filed under Drama, Mystery, Thriller

    “88 Minutes” Movie Details

    88 Minutes tagline: He has 88 minutes to solve a murder. His own.
    88: 88 Minutes - DVD Cover

    88 Minutes DVD Cover

    Actors:
    Al Pacino Jack Gramm
    Alicia Witt Kim Cummings
    Amy Brenneman Shelly Barnes
    Leelee Sobieski Lauren Douglas
    Benjamin McKenzie Mike Stemp
    Deborah Kara Unger Carol
    William Forsythe Frank Parks
    Neal McDonough Jon Forster
    Stephen Moyer Guy LaForge
    Michael Eklund J.T. Ryker
    Michal Yannai Leeza Pearson
    Brendan Fletcher Johnny d’franco
    Carrie Genzel Stephanie Parkman
    Dexter Bell Reggie
    Paul Campbell Albert
    Directors: Jon Avnet
    IMDB Rating: 5.9/10 out of 28,898 votes

    “88 Minutes” Movie Review

    “88: 88 Minutes” Plot Summary

    In Seattle, the successful forensic psychiatrist and college professor Jack Gramm is in evidence since…

    Frantic and exciting thriller with good performances from Al Pacino and his nemesis Neal McDonough

    Tense and suspenseful thriller film with a stunning race against time. This Hichcockian movie deals about a forensic psychologist and University professor with tortured past named Jack Grimm (Al Pacino ) who receives a phone call telling him which has only eighty eight minutes to live. Jack was witness on trail against serial killer Jon Foster (Neal McDonough)and influenced the tribunal to condemn him to death row. In narrow time he desperately seeks to communicate with a problematic student (Ben McKenzie,OC), his associate Shelby (Amy Brenneman), assistant (Alicia Witt), his friend and FBI agent(William Forsythe), a security guard (Brendan Fletcher) and University dean (Deborah Kara Unger). Meanwhile being pursued by a delinquent (Stephen Moyer) and besieged by numerous threatening cellular calls

    Gripping, original action movie with Al Pacino desperately trying to find the means avoid to be murdered. Acceptable thriller full of intrigue and tense, this is a fast-paced, stylized action-suspense film. The tension of this picture keeps snowballing as the clock ticks ever close for continuous killings. The tale appears to unfold in real time as the many on cellular calls will verify. Most unusual is the device of having the victim play desperado and hunt the killer, and saving himself, as time runs out. The flick is well filmed in Seattle, Washington State and Vancouver ,British Columbia , Canada. Casting is frankly magnificent, Al Pacino as tormented psychiatrist, unsettling when approaches his last minutes of life, though Neal McDonough takes honors as a psychopath who attempts to turn the tables on the victims before Pacino can save them. Plus, a good secondary cast, such as William Forsythe, Deborah Kara Unger, and Stephen Moyer, among them. Adequate musical score accompanying the action by Ed Shearmur and inventively photographed by Denis Lenoir, both of whom share his skills in the following John Avnet’s movie ?Righteous kill? also with Al Pacino and Trilby Glover who again plays a defense attorney. The motion picture is regularly directed by John Avnet because of it contains some gaps and flaws. Avnet is a nice director who achieved his greatest success with ?Fried green tomatoes? and ?Up close and personal? and failures as ?The war?. He directed and produced some hits, though today also making TV movies as the excellent ?The uprising ? and television episodes.

    88: 88 Minutes - Movie Still 1 88 Minutes Movie Still 2 88: 88 Minutes Movie Image 3 88 Minutes Screen Image
    Click here for more “88 Minutes” Posters and other “88: 88 Minutes” Movie Goods

    Read more

    Next Page »