The scene starts as Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya and his vice captain are escorting a relic called the “King’s Seal” across the real world when suddenly they are assualted by a masked soul reaper and two viazards ( viazards are soul reapers who are able to maifest their hollow energy into physical form thus increasing their power). Hitsugaya takes on the masked Soul Reaper and is fatally wounded by his sword. He is suddenly reminded of his past. As the masked Reaper runs away Hitsugaya abandons his transport to chase after this person whom he believes is a diseased friend from his early days named Kusaka. The entire 10th division (his squad of soul reapers) is placed under arrest until Hitsugaya is found. It is Ichigo who finds him and seeks answers to the strange behavior that Hitsugaya is showing.

Toshiro leaves Ichigo to find the truth. Meanwhile, the entire Soul Society is in pursuit with some for truth others for capture. Kusaka is revealed to be the devious Soul Reaper who has taken the “King’s Seal” and has a dangerous plot to not only Toshiro but the entire Soul Society in a whole. Will Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya be able to see the reason for this whole sordid affair? Will Soul Society ever begin to understand that duty is two fold? And will Ichigo ever hook up with one of his many admirers? Well the first two can be answered, unfortunately the third will have to wait!

The animation is crisp in this movie. Noriyuki Abe really put a lot of work into displaying all the emotion and raw feeling of battle and honor that has made Bleach fans fall in love with the series. Michiko Yokote and Masahiro Ōkubo wrote a very deep and in depth plot line that is not cut up and flows very well. Fans of Shonen Jump and mangas alike will enjoy the cleverness and deep rooted themes. Those who enjoy the visual art will not be disappointed either with the gorgeous display of colors, no choppiness, and emotional actions that is sometimes left out inside full length features (Naruto can sometimes be called on for this).

So in closing definitely see this movie. It is a nice display of all the Bleach animators and their capabilities, as well as ingrain you into a story that if you haven’t been following you will want to. A 5/5

So there is a it of familiarity with this film, such as the same type of prison theme you see time and time again. Shaun Parkes plays Joey’s cell mate, and though enjoyable to watch is very cliche’. Not to mention Gil Bellows’ performance feeling very reminiscent of Mickey Rourke’s character in Bullit. Visually there are some really nice scenes artistically but not enough that will keep you entertained. The writing also is a bit drab, trying to be philosophical but coming off as dribble and out of place. The music does add to the effects though as most of it is taken from the Blue Notes and gives some added ambiance. But overall the theme is predictable and the story pretty much tells its ending all throughout which gives the viewer a bit of a letdown.

I would definitely say to rent this one and check it out if you’re in the mood for a semi moody noir but don’t go in with high expectations. There are some pretty good scenes and semi solid writing but overall a 4.5 out of 10 because it is a theme that is played out and has been played better and a bit predictable.

Sean william Scott and John C. Reilly star in this comedy. Doug Stauber (Scott) is an assistant manager of a convenience grocery store trying to come up with a way to become noticed and provide for him and his fiancee.

Richard Welhner (Reilly) is an assistant manager brought down from a store in his home of Canada (not sure where). Stauber finds out about a new store about to be built and is told by his boss (played by Fred Armisan) that he is a shoe in for store manager. However, rivalry soon occurs when Welhner states he will be vying for the position as well. The two stay in a constant state of competition and one upness as Welhner tries to learn how to become a better person through audio tapes, and Stauber tries to become a provider and get a house for him and his fiancee (played by Jenna Fischer). Who will win over the corporate execs to get the coveted store manager position? Will Welhner ever truly learn how to better himself through audio tapes? Will there ever be any store resolve for the many issues it has? Only watching the movie will tell you.

Now to scrutinize! First off I was not blown away by any of the acting or the writing. Much like one of my previous reviews Everythings Gone Green I can see what the director wanted to portray but he just doesn’t show it. Often times the jokes are lost to some other action going on in the scene. Scott, who normally goes all out for his roles, really plays himself down and this time he really shouldn’t have. Reilly didn’t have his usual chemistry that I am used to either and the supporting characters just weren’t built strong enough to support this one. I did like the overall theme and I didn’t mind too much the lackluster scenery as it set the feeling of a middleclass struggle. Overall there just wasn’t enough to propel this to even rental status. I give this one a 6 out of 10.

Movie Posters

Though this documentary is one sided, it does bring up many topics that the computer world still seeks to answer today. Hacking back in those early years was an exploration of answers for kids whose techno intelligence was far more advanced than that of the people who were providing the technology at times. Another thing I like is that even though you do get a Michael Moore feel in the light-heartedness that Emmanuel Goldstein emits, he never strays from the main story of this film and every route he takes leads back to the subject of Kevin Mitnik.

So in closing if you enjoyed Hackers are People Too then try to find this one. It is distributed through the 2600 site and you may be able to find it on one of your local non-commercial movie rental stores. Another nice thing about gettig this movie is there is a follow up interview with Mitnik and Godstein that is really nice to hear because you get a sense of what it was like throughout the whole time Kevin was being chased. This film easily earned a 8/10.

This film had my full attention from the very first scene zipping through Gotham City toward Gotham National Bank to the final scene 2 hrs and 30 minutes later. It seemed to me like it just started, when Lieutenant Gordon (played by Gary Oldman) used an axe to shatter the bat signal in the final shot of the best film I have had the pleasure of watching in several years.

Christian Bale rocked the house as a fantastic Batman. I would have to return again and again in order to capture all the action that took place in this fast paced movie. So much going on, the special effects where tops. The all star cast: Christian Bale, Late Heath Ledger, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Cillian Murphy, Anthony Hall, Eric Roberts. Should in my opinion receive many awards. Director Christoper Nolan – one of his best in special effects. Finally! Warner Brothers has a winner in every aspect of this must see film!

To sum it up, I will be seeing it again in the re-release in January 09 and I can’t even tell you how many times I will pay to see it!! Best film to come out of Hollywood in a long time. I recommend this movie highly! 10 out of 10!

The Dark Knight Movie Posters

The Dark Knight Movie Posters

Vin Diesel has returned to the sci-fi screen as Thoorop, a merc for hire on the outskirts of the free nation. He lives in hiding and by one rule; trust no one. He is hired as a bodyguard for a young girl named Aurora (played by Melanie Thierry) and her convent mother Sister Rebeka (played by Michelle Yeoh) to the Free Nation (how quiant, the U.S. can someone say IRONY). The journey will lead Thoorop into dealing with his trust issues and see what it’s like to have a family to protect as well as get a chance to show off some really neat-o (roll eyes) X-games style action sequences. Will he deliver his transport to the Free Nation and will he deliver her to the right people?

This movie takes so much from others of this genre. You have a bit of Children of Men, with a failed attempt of a futuristic atmosphere of Bladerunner and writing that tries to have the feel of The Fifth Element. It fails at this. It fails miserably. The acting is dry and no feeling of any interest into the characters is given. Any attempt at immersing the viewer into the atmosphere is lost as it’s nothing you don’t see outside of your stereotypical modern day metropolitan area. And if you’ve made it this far into the movie without either gasping at the bad rip off attempts, or the fact that Vin Diesel still can’t act, then wait til the ending. I’ll I’m going to say is if you’ve ever been letdown before, well then this one will be that much worse.

Mathieu Kassovitz fails! His direction is off, his writing is dismal, and from a man who actually showed some promise back in the day with Gothika (not a great movie but I thought it had some really great points and some strong behind the camera work) he has reverted to that of a bad undergrad putting out his first film. He lacked a lot in his action scenes, gave no character depth as well as trying to rush a theme that should not have been there (or picked the wrong actors to portray it).

So in closing, don’t see this unless it is on F/X in the next 3 months and even then question it. A 1/2 out of 5!

Each character has a story of their own that plays out so hysterically throughout the movie you will be entertained; through Speedman’s trying attempts at overcoming his former role as a retarded boy (which Lazarus explains to him he played full- retard and you never go full retard), Lazarus’ issue of becoming too much a part of his character, Portnoy’s need for a heroin fix, Chino’s “issues” and Sandusky’s need to rise up and keep them all together. All of this and that is just the beginning of the film.

As stated early on, Stiller hit a home run and brought three runners in with him with this film. The actors chosen were brilliant with their performance and play together so well. The comedy is top notch, leaving out any political correctness (Robert Downey Jr. character got surgery to brown his skin to play a black man and Speedman’s portrayal of a mentally handicapped character). Even the minor characters had hit all the right cues. Nothing is rushed and everything is well placed together as the story evolves and you’re not left with any open ended questions as to what happened with such and such.

One could say that with a budget as big as what they had it was impossible to fail, but as we’ve seen in the past, the budget doesn’t make the film the director writers, and actors do. I will warn you that this is not for anyone who is conservative or politically correct because no punches are pulled, which makes it all the better because it feels like they really did want to entertain you for your dollar. And don’t worry about not coming out of this one without any one liners because you’ll be quoting it for a few months around the office or school or where ever your social watering hole you quote at is. The only downside of this movie for me is that I actually had to enjoy McConaughey! So for that reason, along with the great break dancing scene of Grossman (you have got to see that it is hilarious) I give this a 8 out of 10.

Tropic Thunder Movie Poster

Tropic Thunder Movie Poster

I love Kal Penn who plays Kumar (if you haven’t seen Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle you may know him from the award winning t.v. series House). John Cho who plays Harold also brings his A game. These two team up to bring you a unique plot line with a series of very strange scenes, including unicorns, whorehouses and Dookie Houser? I spent half the movie jaw dropped thinking “wait wtf” and the other half laughing. One of my favorite bits has to be the cyclops but you’ll have see that for yourself.

The pot smoking duo start out on a mission to Amsterdam in search of Harold’s lady love. Soon into their travels things go astray and they find themselves tangoing with a gun ho U.S Homeland Security officer. Secretary Fox (Rob Corddry) deems them a threat to national security and sentences them to be locked up in Cuba’s Guantanamo Bay prison.

The entire film pokes fun at the overbearing discretion utilized by Homeland Security. President bush (no not the real one) even makes an appearance! This movie is great for evening conversation, its not the best ever but its worth watching so I give it a 6.9/10!

As I am married to a British citizen I already knew much of what was portrayed in this well laid out film. However there is a lot to be said about the other countries that I was at least partially unaware of. I like to think a fair amount of U.S. citizens know just how bad our health care system has become but when compared to country’s that you just out right expect to have a lesser system in place such as Cuba only to find they are a few levels ABOVE us?!? There was something *I* personally learned.

Michael Moore goes out of his way repeatedly to avoid biased opinions from the people he interviews and continuously finds new “average citizens” of the various countries he travels to in order to give the viewer a well rounded perception.

Its hard for me to imagine there is a place where people are given top notch health care and no one is in huge debt from receiving life saving treatments, such a place sounds like something out of a fairy tale. On the flip side of that, in all the countries in which such things are true (and there are many) those people can not imagine our situation. There is right and there is wrong and denying a person Chemotherapy with 80% success rate because they can’t pay, well that’s wrong.

The revealing information regarding top name insurance companies of this country is fascinating and if for no other reason everyone should view this film to see that aspect. Well worth the 123min! 8.7/10

Unfortunately for him his personal life needs fixing as well. To make matters worse, one of his firms long lasting cases just suffered from one of the attorneys (Wilkinson) breakdown. Through the course of this movie, Michael is forced to not only try to keep Wilkinson together, but keep defense attorney Karen Crowder (Swinton) from gaining the upper hand, and saving his own personal life from going down in flames.

At first glance I got the feeling that this is another Grisham rip off with a Clooney spin. Within the first 15 minutes I was (as almost always) proven wrong. Tony Gilroy (Director) does a wonderful job moving us through this story and making sure that there are enough twists and turns to keep the viewer interested. Swinton does a great job holding her own against Clooney and I loved Tom Wilkinson taking on the role of the emotionally distraught attorney. Each character shows what Gilroy wanted to portray; principles, morality, and how far dedication will take you.

If I had something negative to say, it would have to be that George Clooney didn’t seem to give this his usual on screen power and lets a lot of the other actors carry him. Still the moods are done well and the ending is not as predictable as you might think. I wouldn’t say rush to the theaters for this one because it’s the kind of movie that you’re going to want to watch when it comes to video (can’t wait for the director commentary). I’d give this one a 7.5/10

Our story starts off with our main character Ryan (Paulo Costanzo, “40 Days and 40 Nights”) who in the span of one day loses his girlfriend, his apartment, his job, and the chance at a lucky lottery ticket. When calling in the ticket he finds out it is the wrong numbers but the right time for his call. He gets a job doing stories for a lottery winner newspaper and it is from here that he meets his new life, there are many choices that he must make that begin to make him question his morals, and the morals of the people around him.

The movie starts off great. I’m a big fan of Paulo Costanzo due to his like-ability and charisma on screen. Unfortunately after the first fifteen minutes he misses the cues of keeping the character like-able nature and loses a lot of life that he shows. The supporting actors didn’t do a very good job either except for the parents who remind me of a Freed Willard and Catherine O’Hara duo.

The writing jumps around way too much, one minute Ryan is learning about how to live his new life, the next he’s giving dissertations on other peoples. Also the transitions between scenes fast forward a lot and the audience is left with far too much to speculate. The scenery however does save this film from being bad, as it shows some of the best that Vancouver Canada has to offer. If you’re stuck on whether or not to check this one out I would not advise it and that hurts me to say. The acting is a trifle lacking, the story jumps around a bunch, and the writing just isn’t there. I hope Douglas Coupland can redeem himself from this one because I did see what he could be capable of. This film gets a 4/10!

The “Saw” movies after the first were a letdown to me, as well as “Touristas” being as dry and unoriginal as a remake of “The Hitcher”. My major issues with the first in the “Hostel” series were that I had no feelings towards any of the characters, the plot line moved way to slow, and the scenery was just not up to par with Eli’s previous film “Cabin Fever”. With all that going wrong I almost wrote off the sequel altogether. Lucky for me I did not.

The film starts off where the last one ends, and we get a conclusion with Jay Hernandez’s character. They move on to Italy, where our main characters, Beth (Lauren German “You are Here”) Lorna (Heather Matarazzo “Welcome to the Dollhouse”) and Whitney (Bijou Phillips “Havoc”) are studying art abroad. they befriend one of the art models (Vera Jordanova) who tells them of her get away spa retreat in the wonderful state of Slovakia. They stay at a Slovakian Hostel that has a very sinister secret (one we all know) and right away we are shown that things are not what they seem to be. We also get to look at the other side, the “evildoers” side if you will. We are shown the intricate workings of the secret organization and a bit more about the customers (played by Roger Bart and Richard Burgi).

The rest of the story plays out in the same fashion that all types in this genre do. However, Roth takes the time to introduce many new themes to the movie. Previously we only got to see the story through one character. This time around we are introduced to both sides of the story, the victim’s, as well as the assailants. He also did a really nice job of giving us some character background with some enjoyable twists that make this film more enjoyable for those of us who did not enjoy the first. The locales are shot with better angles, and the camera work is top notch. Eli also shows us what type of message he was going for, the human psyche and the will of survival, a lot more clearer than his previous work.

My only issues with this movie are that the storyline gives itself away a little too early and in doing so makes some of the film a bit too cliche. Another problem is, though I liked the ending, it was rushed a bit too much as if they were stuck with a time constraint and decided to use this part to cut back on. But over all I loved the way that the scenery was shot, the characters were given a stereotypical view but later on changed, and the message as a whole was portrayed. I am very happy with this sequel and am glad to see that Quentin Tarantino did not fall short on seeing Eli’s talent as a storyteller. A lot of people that I’ve read who gave a review complained about this installment but I have to disagree. I now am wanting to see his third installment of the series to see where he is going to take off from this storyline, as well as looking forward to watching the growth of his visions as I feel Eli Roth’s talents are being molded as he is getting more time with screen writing and directing. In closing I give Hostel: Part II, 6.5/10.

Jennifer Connelly is a gem and not at all disappointing in this film herself! She brings compassion and a soft beauty to otherwise sad and hard faced scenes. She plays an action addicted reporter who honestly cares about the tragedy around her and believes herself there to make a difference not just write about the drama.

Blood Diamond is a profoundly meaningful film. It is not often I genuinely learn something from a movie and feel enlightened and altered by watching it…

This film takes place in present day and is about a strife oceans away in Africa where one could easily lack knowledge of the ongoing affairs. Where horrific things take place involving women and children and very bad people. A strife this country and others like it have helped to fund. The most heart wrenching thing about this film is that there are facts to the fiction.

I don’t want to give away important details so here is my most basic plot outline. Blood Diamond is about an entire country becoming homeless and about children being brain washed into warriors. Its not the fly in the eye starving children commercial you can see any day of the week but something even more tragic. Tribes turning against each other and unimaginable hatred and greed as they risk life and limb for the thirst of Diamonds. There is however a silver lining, there are the people who want to change all these things and restore Africa. There are the people willing to risk everything to achieve the smallest justice and they are who you cry with as the story unfolds.

I enjoyed this film in a very realistic way I not only recommend you see it but I urge you to do so. This movie deserves no less than a 8.5/10.

Blood Diamond Movie Poster

This film was based on a true story and successfully pulls on your heart strings. I hadn’t seen so much as a trailer when I sat down to watch this film and was in fact clueless as to what it was about prior to watching it…boy was I shocked to find out it was a total tear jerker! I did however find it to be well written and superbly acted.

This is the type of movie that makes you grateful for what you have no matter how little it may be. Its a story about family about love and about true dedication to strive above circumstances to become more than you are. If this film doesn’t motivate you to try harder at whatever it is you wish to achieve then nothing ever will. It is thought provoking and causes self reflection.

I was interested throughout the entire film, there were no dull spots though it is not a fast paced movie. I’d say its a great film for anyone to watch and encourage you to set aside the 77min to do so. I give this one a enthusiastic 7.5/10

The 80’s pop band the entire film is based around was so ingeniously crafted that you almost remember it like you were there (in a good way, I promise).

Drew Barrymore co-stars with Grant in such a superb match up that you find yourself engulfed in their story. I was briefly saddened at times by mistakes made be either character and then lifted high by the gravity of gestures made to redeem them. Barrymore brings her usual girl next door with just a smidge of crazy to make it interesting…..

Brad Garret (known best for being Raymond’s over-sized brother on “Everybody Loves Raymond”) also makes a few well placed appearances. I find his acting refreshing and hope to see more if him on the big screen.

This film is believable and full of light hearted hilarity! Have your pop corn ready because from the moment the intro starts you don’t want to miss a beat. I enjoyed this film on so many levels I can recommend it to anyone with a strong 8.5/10