TRACKER

12/3/2011

 
Violent yet beautiful story about a broken old Boer tracking a fugitive seafaring Maori with British troops on their tail. Ray Winstone and Temuera Morrison are perfectly cast in well written roles.
Official Site: http://www.trackerthemovie.com/

FAST FIVE

11/3/2011

 
The last twenty minutes are great: lots of destruction. Vin looks too pumped-up and morose, while Dwayne carries the show. Not much here, but it looks cool...

LITTLE BIG SOLDIER

9/26/2011

 
The action sequences are fine, but the rest of the film stinks. It's interesting to see Jackie Chan play a grizzled old soldier who wants to be a farmer again, but how many horses have to be tripped and probably seriously injured? Makes True Legend look masterful in comparison.

PAUL

9/8/2011

 
Slightly funny, space alien movie homage from Nick Frost and Simon Pegg. Doesn't compare with their previous work; Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz. The cast is fine, direction: ho-hum.
Official Site: http://www.whatispaul.com

BLITZ

8/29/2011

 
Jason Statham is a bad ass mofo and expert at mumbling pithy lines delivered with withering stares. Love him. Pair him with Paddy Considine as his gay boss / partner, add U.K. flair and style to a police drama which includes a female cop straight out of rehab and have them all chase a fascinating evil psycho cop killer perfectly realized by Aidan Gillen. Loved it.

More info: http://www.britscene.com/2010/10/blitz-2/3634

HARVEST

7/1/2011

 
Indie Family Drama. The old folks, Robert Loggia & Barbara Barrie portray interesting characters, but the rest of the family is, well, meh... Cool music from composers Duncan Sheik and David Poe

Official Site: http://raisingharvest.com/
Netflix: http://movies.netflix.com/Movie/Harvest/70170904?trkid=496624
 
American New Wave drama starring Jack Nicholson, Bruce Dern, Ellen Burstyn, Scatman Crothers, photographed by László Kóvács, directed by Bob Rafelson set in Atlantic City. What I love about this and '70s films in general; long takes with one camera which allow the actor to act, and the viewer to relax and become engaged with the characters who drive the story. The need for constant editing, narration and explanation of what's going on is absent. I could deliver a long feminist analysis, but that's another blog: just enjoy Jack, Bruce, Ellen & Atlantic City!

Netflix: http://movies.netflix.com/Movie/The_King_of_Marvin_Gardens/672598?trkid=496624
 
My dad served in the Korean War, and after watching Tae Guk Gi (the South Korean flag) I understand why he refused to talk about it. What a mess... Engaging, violent story of two brothers and a nation torn apart by war. Lots of horrific battle scenes. Too many cuts, but one of best, if not the only film I've seen on the subject.

Official Site: http://www.sonypictures.com/homevideo/taegukgithebrotherhoodofwar/
Netflix: http://movies.netflix.com/Movie/Tae_Guk_Gi_The_Brotherhood_of_War/70012788?trkid=496624

THE MECHANIC

6/19/2011

 
Under-appreciated, satisfying actioner starring bad ass mofo Jason Statham and junior bad ass mofo and more Ben Foster. Short in length, action packed, violent, Louisiana locations: what more could one hope for?

Official Site: http://www.themechanicmovie.com/
Netflix: http://movies.netflix.com/Movie/The_Mechanic/70136075?trkid=496624

THE GREEN HORNET

6/17/2011

 
Jay Chou isn't bad ass enough to be Kato, Christoph Waltz's role is under-developed, and Seth Rogan is still Seth Rogan. There's a few laughs. Michel Gondry succeeds in elevating the script above the average bromance humor action film. Sony did the rest: over 230 million worldwide.

Official Site: http://www.thegreenhornet-movie.net/
Netflix: http://movies.netflix.com/Movie/The_Green_Hornet/70117699?trkid=496624