Havoc - Unrated

Watching this movie, the first thing that came to mind was, "Wow, these kids sure are fake." In many initial reviews, this movie was derided as being a joke. It was either hearing about the various nude scenes of Anne Hathaway or a bunch of white kids trying to act black, and doing it poorly.

I said that that "fake" was the first thing that came to mind, because we are immediately presented with this group of rich white kids acting like they are black. However, it is being mistaken by some reviewers that these actors are doing a bad job. What we are really seeing is truly how superficial that these kids are. They are fake, in every sense of the word, and that is the whole point of the movie. Don't try and act like something you aren't because there are consequences.

I say this is a social commentary, not perfectly executed, but still fairly well done nonetheless. It does truly present many aspects of youth behavior nowadays that most people don't really look at. We are given a true side to high school, where there are fake people everywhere, underage and illegal activity is happening, and its all going on without parents there to see. This movie takes the comedy out of the teenage life that has been prevalent in movies over the past 8 years or so such as American Pie and other similar styled teen comedies and turns it to a sort of opposite view. Now I am not by any means saying that this movie is a guiding light which everyone should see. In fact, I don't know if this movie is for everyone, because of the issues it presents. Some people, especially parents, would undoubtedly have problems coming to terms that the behavior seen in this movie happens. Now it doesn't happen everywhere, or in every school, but I'm pretty sure that you know what I mean.

I think this movie, is backed up by pretty well performed acting done by the majority of its cast. Anne Hathaway, who many doubted had the range to tackle such a role, seemed very natural in the part. I don't mean that negatively, and I actually give her credit for really becoming the character. The rest of the cast does a good job, but it is her performance that truly helps you understand most of the underlying message of the movie.

I know that some will not see in this movie what I saw, but to each their own. I do hope that people see this movie and don't criticize it solely on what they think is bad acting. It has a much deeper theme than that, and I think that the more people understand that, the more people will realize this is a pretty good movie.

amores perros - R

This Mexican movie was surprisingly good. I confess the sin of prejudice concerning Mexican cinema, this being maybe the second Mexican film I have ever seen, but here my sins are punished. This is the work of a director of big talent. Hopefully, he will not be spoiled by the success.

Three different stories in today's Mexico mix with very few common elements. The characters belong to different social categories, and nothing connects them at first sight, excepting the feeling of un-happiness, and - yes - dogs. Dogs play an important role in all three stories. One more warning - there is a lot of cruelty including dog fights - this film is certainly not for sensitive animal lovers.

Directing is excellent, the stories are human and complex and despite their melodramatic or sometimes tragic outcome, they still leave you with a shade of hope - maybe because the humanity that the author uses to create his characters. There are so many memorable scenes, that I would commit another sin to pick any and describe it here - just rent, or go to watch this movie in the theater - it is worth all 150 or so minutes you will spend.

Batman Begins

Batman Begins is a well told story of the origin of Bruce Wayne/Batman (Christian Bale). It covers a lot of the same ground as Michael Keaton's original Batman, but goes much further in depth in many factors of his creation. It goes into great detail about subjects such as how he got his costume, what exactly it is. Same goes with the Batmobile. We also find out why he chose to be bat-like.

One of the more interesting aspects here is how it shows Bruce's father, Thomas Wayne (Linus Roache), and how he molded Bruce's life and instilled good judgment within him, a point which is misunderstood about him by most people he comes in contact with. Thomas, too, teaches Bruce valuable lesson, such as "We fall so we can learn to pick ourselves up". This is pretty close to the theme of the movie or motto Bruce Wayne lives by. The resemblance of the father & son is pretty good, too.

I also thoroughly enjoyed the training Bruce Wayne endured becoming "invincible". Bruce is trained by Ducard (Liam Neeson) in many ways like a ninja (The concept of Batman IS similar to a ninja). He is taught many valuable lessons in this temple and is shown no mercy. Eventually, we even see his first real enemy as a superhero/vigilante.

Although I am not positive as to how true to the comic book this movie is, I am sure it took a few liberties, as did Spider-Man. Most of the small examples I have noticed are for the better and make for a good story. The Batmobile is more believable as an expensive armored vehicle that the military would not spend the money on than a juiced up Corvette (or whatever that was). Same with the Batsuit.

Katie Holmes is excellent as Rachel Dawes, a D.A. who is not afraid to go after the big villains in court. Also worthy of mentioning is Michael Caine as Alfred the butler. I do not believe they could have found a better man for that role, although I could not get the image of Caine as Austin Powers' dad out of my head when he was on screen.

Finally, in my opinion, Christian Bale makes a much better Batman than the three recent previous ones in Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer and George Clooney. Something about him makes Batman darker and more mysterious. Hopefully, DC Comics and movies have learned from their mistakes and we will not have to worry about Batman picking up a sidekick in this newest installment of the Batman series

Charlie and The Chocolate Factory

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is great film and I would recommend it for anyone. Somehow Tim Burton is back on track with his excellent direction of this film so close to the book. Roal Dahl should be proud. Johnny Depp as always is excellent and play a great Wily Wonka. The original is brilliant but I find the second one to be far more what Charlie and The chocolate factory should be. Gene Wilder will always be Willy Wonka Just as Micheal Keaton will always be Batman. But this film has to be one of the most fun and well put together of this year. If you haven't seen it go see it and don't expect the original. Johnny Depp is great the film is cast better and seems to flow a lot better than the first movie.

Crash - R

People are born with good hearts, but they grow up and learn prejudices. "Crash" is a movie that brings out bigotry and racial stereotypes. The movie is set in Los Angeles, a city with a cultural mix of every nationality. The story begins when several people are involved in a multi-car accident. From that point, we are taken back to the day before the crash, seeing the lives of several characters, and the problems each encounters during that day. An LAPD cop (Matt Dillon) is trying to get medical help for his father, but he is having problems with a black HMO clerk who won't give his father permission to see another doctor. He in turn takes out his frustration on a black couple during a traffic stop. A socialite (Sandra Bullock) and District Attorney (Brandon Fraser) are carjacked at gunpoint by two black teenagers. Sandra takes out her anger on a Mexican locksmith who is changing the door locks to their home. Later that night, the locksmith is again robbed of his dignity by a Persian store-owner. Many of the characters switch from being bad-person-to-hero in ways that may surprise you.

This is one movie you must see for yourself, but you can't go to the movie thinking that you will escape life for 2 hours. "Crash" forces the viewer to confront racism in the real world. You may take a look at yourself and examine your own preconceptions about race, and see if you are prejudiced. The depth of the performances by all the actors was brilliant.

Sideways - R

There's no doubt that Paul Giamatti is one of the finest actors around, and here he is teamed up with Thomas Haden Church, another great actor, together they form Miles and Jack. Miles got divorced two years ago, he's trying to get his book published and he knows wine like his own pocket. Jack on the other hand is getting married within a week, doesn't know much about wine although he loves the taste. These two guys sets off down California's "wine-side" and soon they get to know each other, and life, better...

SIDEWAYS being a comedy and drifting elegantly into drama sometimes is without doubt one of 2004's most enjoying, cool and entertaining movies. It's so not Hollywood, but in the same time it doesn't take things to a new level, it's a very simple movie. Though SIDEWAYS' big hidden treasure possibly lies just there, it's so simple that you don't have to worry about much while watching it, just enjoy it. Here goes the Miles' character into great loops; being depressed and a bit worried about a lot of things, he tries making his buddy Jack realize that he is actually getting married, while Haden Church's character doesn't see the serious in much of it.

So SIDEWAYS is elegant, it's smooth and it looks great; especially when we surf around in beautiful vineyards or whatever happens, it looks both realistic but elegant. It's a movie about life generally, all the way, no big things happening here except we get to know a couple of guys who really wants more out of life than just don't living it. Either's when it's serious drama, it's love in the picture or the pure fun of it (scenes when they get in trouble with golfers, tries making a fake-accident, getting wallet back...), SIDEWAYS works in ways that everybody should learn and enjoy.

The Godfather Part 2

Okay, here's the scenario: You've just written and directed one of the most popular movies of its time. You win three Oscars including the Best Picture Oscar. Your film is being hailed as ground breaking and will probably be on a lot of top 100 movies lists in years to come. How in the hell do you make a sequel to that?

At least that's what would be going through my mind if I had been Francis Ford Coppola coming off the heals of The Godfather. But somehow, he actually managed to achieve one of the most astounding events in cinematic history. He made a sequel to his masterpiece which was considered better than its predecessor! Godfather Part 2 also won twice as many Oscars and is unquestionably the best sequel in the history of film!

It really is amazing that when a film, especially a sequel, is this popular, we tend to forget just how brilliant a film like this is. It is a flawless character study of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino)while comparing him to his father Vito (Robert De Niro, replacing Brando in a performance that won him his first Oscar) in the early days of the Corleone crime family. It is an amazing contrast and the film is full of stellar performances, a hauntingly subtle soundtrack, great characters, fantastic stories and a haunting conclusion. The Godfather Part 2 is worthy of all of its acclaim and is definitely better than the original.

Before Sunset - R

I loved this film, as I loved the first one, possibly more. More because the characters are much more 'real' here. They grew up like we all did, they went through sorrow, disappointment, they learnt a lot, and still, for many things, they are the same people they were 9 years ago, because they still dream and they're still looking for their perfect love, that love they let go 9 years before. It's what Jesse says at some point - nobody really ever change. Being of the same age group of the characters, I could identify a lot with what they say and feel. Which means that Hawke and Delpy did a great job, both acting and writing this film. It's subtle, delicate, and it needs to be listened to very attentively, not to miss one word of the great, deep dialogue. Well done to all of them. And, it's so true, the only problem with this film is that it ends.

Sex Y Lucia - R

This is a film not just with lots of steaming hot sex; it's more than that!!! It's such a contradicted film; everything in this film has double meanings, and hidden messages. So while seeing this movie, please do not be deceived by your own eyes and ears; instead, try to find the hidden messages that this film wants to tell you!!

For instance, this film sure has more sex scenes than other films have (of course, except those porn movies). However, to me what this film wants to say is not just to have more pleasurable sex but to look out and take good care of your desires!! This film illustrates lots of examples why and here I came up with 3 of them.

1. A beautiful, unforgettable, careless sex with Lorenzo, Elena became pregnant and fascinated by that sex she once had. She wanted to leave the man she's with now and what's more, she wanted to find her child's father even though her child's father is a total mystery to her, no name, no address, not to mention what her child's father did for a living. She has completely no clues. Trying to find her dreamed man, the fate bought her to Madrid where she lost her precious daughter.

2. While Lorezo, the father, and Belen, the babysitter, were aroused by their desires and attempting to have sex, Luna, the daughter, was attacked by a fierce dog and found dead. How ironic, Luna was created by the sex and destroyed also by the sex.

3. The sex between Belen's mother and Antonio or let's say the desire between Belen and Antonio made the relationship among Belen and her mother and Antonio became tense and unpredictable. And which leaded the mother and daughter disappeared and Antonio himself went far far away and disguised himself in a little island where Luna was formed.

This film is also a film for females. Look into this film real seriously, you may find that actually it's a film about females, about their fantasies, about their capabilities, and about their desires to sex. Thus it's not surprising to find no male jerking off scene but a female one!!!

Besides the sex theme, Sex and Lucia has more to offer. This film is a story within several stories. A writer writes his/her life or people around them, so does Lorezo. His novel is interweaved with his own life story which not only made himself but also the moviegoers confused, and bewildered. And because of this factor, everything is possible and workable in this film. For example, if you don't like the life you have now, you can get into the imagining hole to start all over again as the writer, Lorezo suggested. And that is what this film did at the end, which made this film an always happening and might also be a happy one if you want.

This is such a good film with good-looking actors, beautiful actresses, good acting, splendid scenes, wonderful music, adventurous themes, creative imagination, interesting plot and many many more!!! Really what's more can you ask in a film!!!!

9/11

It's pointless to try and "review" this film. It is merely a montage of horrendous footage you never saw on any of the networks. It is terrifying, harrowing, and inspiring all at once. It's also impossible to watch without getting a lump in your throat. It takes the viewer back to that despicable day and reminds us of the feeling of powerlessness we all felt. Most important, it reminds us of the resolve we all felt as Americans in those first few weeks after the attacks. Parents should buy it and show it to their children when they are old enough to handle it. There couldn't be a more terrifying glimpse of history unfolding if a film had been shot inside the USS Arizona as it was sinking at Pearl Harbor.

The Devil's Advocate - R

The Devil's Advocate' is not your ordinary courtroom drama movie. It is outstanding in such many ways. I have seen this movie approximately 20 times, and none of the luster has worn off. Keanu Reeves, and especially Al Pacino, give us performances we'll never forget. And Charlize Theron - Of course she's very beautiful, her acting is terrific. Al Pacino is at his best with a convincing portrayal as the devil in disguise. The ending of the movie had more twists and turns than Lombard Street in San Francisco. Pacino is masterful and his in-your-face analysis of power-hungry achievers makes you wonder if this is fiction or reality. The special effects are incomparable. A must see and keeper.

Before Sunrise - R

Before Sunrise is the sort of movie that is very rarely made. The entire film is based on the conversations of two characters, who meet accidentally and gradually begin to like each other. There are no supporting actors of any sort. Apart from cameos and extras, the entire film is just two people walking the streets of Vienna and getting to know one another. This is perhaps the films greatest strength, its ability to keep you draw into what is just the regular conversation of two people. There are no special effects or the typical hollywood style soundtrack.

It's one of the best love story movies, I have ever seen. So real and simple, yet so deep and touching. there are no words to describe it. just beautiful. This is a terrific film. We need more movies like this; but maybe what makes the movie so special is that we have too few movies like this; I guess that is why I enjoy it so much.

The actors are well matched and it is refreshing not to see a 60 yr old actor romancing a 30 yr old women.

Y tu mama tambien - R

This is quite possibly the best movie I've seen in the past year. An excellent movie on every level, but mostly because it makes you think by taking you through a story that seems to be one thing but is really many, many other things under the surface. Superb acting of the three leads, you'll enjoy this movie on so many wonderful levels if you listen and watch with an open heart and mind. I was blown away. Many life lessons here presented with an originality that you won't see in any American film.

What makes Y Tu Mama Tambien a GREAT film? The story. Two older teens embark on a spur of the moment road trip with a sexy older lady, that turns into a story about social differences, life, love, and the true meaning of life.

The Godfather - R

Every Thanksgiving the WHOLE family was sitting at the table, eating, drinking. There is always a family member flipping thru channels after football, and you get to the USA network or AMC and The Godfather's on. It's safe to say that every person in that house that day saw The Godfather a hundred times and the comments were, "My God, I've seen that so many times..." and within ten minutes everyone was in the living room, holding dishes in their hand, eating standing up, watching this movie that everyone knew inside out, everyone quoting from the movie as the actor's spoke, and so on. Trivia facts shared, general info on the movie, and EVERYONE glued to the picture. THAT is the sign of a great movie. If a movie can hold this kind of hypnotic magic, even after all these years, it has succeeded in the art of story-telling. Perhaps no other movie has this attraction like Godfather I. So, don't feel silly if you are seeing this movie for the tenth time (Or the hundredth time). It's always a winner.