Wanted

Movie Title: Wanted

Genre: action/fantasy

Starring:
James McAvoy

Angelina Jolie

Morgan Freeman

Review:

It's summer in the US. And Wanted is just one of the many movies that aims to thrill, entertain, and nothing more. It's one of those movies that defies logic and dares you to suspend your disbelief for a little less than two hours. But is it fun? Hell, yeah. You could very well be a Wesley Gibson (James McAvoy), stuck in your cubicle and doing nothing more than keying in numbers in the computer all day long. And when you check your name on Google, nothing relevant to you comes up. This is why watching this movie is almost living out a fantasy, albeit vicariously. Who knew you could actually shoot the wings out of an innocent fly? Who knew your aim is so extraordinary, you could almost tell the bullets which way to go? These and more will make you want to root for the unlikely hero. And Angelina Jolie makes a strong case here as to why the Brad Pitts of the world are crazy about her. She doesn't even have to say much. Her eyes (and the rest of her body) do most of the talking.

reviewed by: Avid

Rating: 7.5
10 - worth dying for!
9 - magnificent; don't miss it!
8 - great movie; worth your time
7 - good movie; very entertaining
6 - passable, if you don't have anything important to do
5 - not worth your time
4 and below - i never knew such movies existed

Ironman

Movie Title: Ironman

Genre: action/adventure

Starring:
Robert Downey Jr.
Gwyneth Paltrow
Terrence Howard
Jeff Bridges

Review:

The superhero movie
It's not often that I go see a movie without having seen its trailer. And it's even rarer that I haven't seen one of a highly anticipated blockbuster like Iron Man. So, what made me decide to see this movie? Mmmm, none other than Robert Downey Jr. I saw him on TV a few days ago, and said something like he would often argue with director Jon Favreau just so not to make the script sound so cheesy. He said it with such a straight face that you'll believe him. And I can believe him as "Iron Man," even as he says in the film, he's not the superhero type. He is not. Unlike the red suit he wears in the film, it's the orange suit that he wore once in real life that sticks in your memory. Still, his acting chops is what elevates Iron Man from your typical superhero movie. You believe he can control all those robotic devices and make weapons from the crudest piece of metal to the most advanced technologies. The blaring musical score obviously wants to attract the typical teenage male, but the movie's special effects seem to improve on what most of us have already seen in Transformers. Is this the best superhero movie since Batman Begins? The answer is a resounding "yes". If you're patient enough to wait until the very end of the roll of credits, there is a teaser of what is yet to come.

reviewed by: Avid

Rating: 8.5
10 - worth dying for!
9 - magnificent; don't miss it!
8 - great movie; worth your time
7 - good movie; very entertaining
6 - passable, if you don't have anything important to do
5 - not worth your time
4 and below - i never knew such movies existed

The Savages

Movie Title: The Savages

Genre: drama

Starring:
Philip Seymour Hoffman
Laura Linney

Review:

Keeping up with The Savages

The moment I knew this movie was finally being released in a theater near me, I immediately made plans to see it before it disappeared. Philip Seymour Hoffman and Laura Linney play siblings, struggling to juggle the demands of their careers and the responsibilities of looking after their ill father, played magnificently by Philip Bosco. How they cope with having to be together for someone who abandoned them when they were kids is essentially what the movie is all about. The movie is peppered with comedic moments, as if to ease the long-running tension surrounding the three main characters. The movie is a must-see for the sterling performances, as well as for its poignant portrayal of relationships gone wrong and still worth saving. If you liked You Can Count on Me, that other brother-sister movie in which Linney also got an Oscar nod, you will love this one.

reviewed by: Avid

Rating: 9.0
10 - worth dying for!
9 - magnificent; don't miss it!
8 - great movie; worth your time
7 - good movie; very entertaining
6 - passable, if you don't have anything important to do
5 - not worth your time
4 and below - i never knew such movies existed

Over Her Dead Body

Movie Title: Over Her Dead Body

Genre: romantic comedy

Starring:
Paul Rudd
Eva Longoria Parker
Lake Bell
Jason Biggs

Review:

I somehow enjoyed the movie, though at some point I find it very typical. I really had some good laughs, but it lacks the uniqueness and the x-factor that I’m looking for. The story is really simple and.. that’s it, too simple. If you’re looking for a very light movie that just entertains you, you might consider grabbing it. But if you’re for a more meaningful and a thinker-type of movie, leave it alone.

reviewed by: Geli

Rating: 6.5
10 - worth dying for!
9 - magnificent; don't miss it!
8 - great movie; worth your time
7 - good movie; very entertaining
6 - passable, if you don't have anything important to do
5 - not worth your time
4 and below - i never knew such movies existed

The Brave One

Movie Title: The Brave One

Genre: action

Starring:
Jodie Foster
Terrence Howard
Nicky Katt

Review:
This is a typical vigilante type of movie. But the actors and actresses’ performances made the difference. This is about an inner struggle of a woman for revenge. It was really interesting from start to finish, but it still left a feeling of emptiness and guilt on the side of the main character. But it will remind you that vengeance is not always the answer.

reviewed by: heart

Rating: 7.5
10 - worth dying for!
9 - magnificent; don't miss it!
8 - great movie; worth your time
7 - good movie; very entertaining
6 - passable, if you don't have anything important to do
5 - not worth your time
4 and below - i never knew such movies existed

Beowulf

Movie Title: Beowulf

Genre: Sci-fi/Fantasy

Starring:
Robin Wright Penn
Anthony Hopkins
Ray Winstone

Review:
When I saw this on the newspaper on the movies section, I never thought it was animated. I thought it was some kind of “300” or “Apocalypto” movie, which made me really curious and excited. It also came in 3D animation in some selected movie houses, although I just watched it in DVD. The animation or CGI was superb; it almost seemed like the real thing! Even the voices were from big stars including Anthony Hopkins and Angelina Jolie. What amazed me more are the facial expressions of the characters, which really expressed emotions. The sound effects were also stunning which made the movie engrossing. Although there are parts in the story where you get to hate the main character because of his arrogant and haughty behavior. Generally, the movie is great. If you’re the type of person who enjoys action/adventure, then no doubt you’ll enjoy this.

reviewed by: Shinra

Rating: 8.5
10 - worth dying for!
9 - magnificent; don't miss it!
8 - great movie; worth your time
7 - good movie; very entertaining
6 - passable, if you don't have anything important to do
5 - not worth your time
4 and below - i never knew such movies existed

Babel

Movie Title: Babel

Genre: drama

Starring:
Brad Pitt
Cate Blanchett
Gael Garcia Bernal

Review:
This movie is a real heart breaker. It can show you how tragic life can be. If you’re the type of person who is prone to heart attacks, stay away from this movie. Well, ok, that’s exaggerated. But I must admit this movie kept me at the edge of my seat. However it also has its dramatic moments that will touch your heart. What I liked about the plot is it’s hard to guess what would happen next. Another thing is, it features 3 different cultures which gives you a feeling of involvement whichever part of the globe you are.

FYI: this film gathered 7 Oscar nominations including best director, best original screenplay, best film editing and best original score.

Rating: 8.0
10 - worth dying for!
9 - magnificent; don't miss it!
8 - great movie; worth your time
7 - good movie; very entertaining
6 - passable, if you don't have anything important to do
5 - not worth your time
4 and below - i never knew such movies existed

Cloverfield

Movie Title: Cloverfield

Genre: Sci-fi Thriller

Starring:
Michael Stahl-David
Mike Vogel
Lizzy Caplan
Jessica Lucas

Review:

Look out!

Eager to find out if the film lived up to the hype and if the magic JJ Abrams has so successfully fleshed out on TV (think Felicity, Alias, and Lost) translates well on the big screen (he was mildly successful in MI:3), I went out and saw Cloverfield for myself. And just as the ticket seller was handing out my movie ticket, she blurted out a disclaimer about how the movie was filmed like a handheld camera was used, and that it is not the fault of the theater's film projector if it drove me nauseous later. I said to her, I know...like I knew what I was getting into (and paying for). Let me start by saying that this movie is not for everybody. Not for anyone who enjoys the comfort of seeing film that is shot in focus. And certainly not for anyone who jumps at the sight of a small bug hovering nearby. Because minutes shortly after you've found a good seat, the movie gets into high gear and tries mightily to keep you at the edge of your seat, if not make you squirm uneasily as the characters, played by mostly unknown actors, not only run for cover, but run for their lives. The film succeeds in exposing just enough horror, the monster is not seen in its entirety, and takes you as close to the destruction, and cluelessness as to what is actually happening, as the characters themselves.

reviewed by: Avid

Rating: 7.5
10 - worth dying for!
9 - magnificent; don't miss it!
8 - great movie; worth your time
7 - good movie; very entertaining
6 - passable, if you don't have anything important to do
5 - not worth your time
4 and below - i never knew such movies existed

Semi Pro

Movie Title: Semi Pro

Genre: Comedy

Starring:
Will Ferrell
Woody Harrelson
Andre Benjamin

Review:
Synopsis: Will Ferrell stars as Jackie Moon. a One Hit Wonder artist that amassed enough wealth from that One Song to afford him to own an ABA team just right before the Merge with the NBA.

Aka... Will's using the basketball theme this time as his excuse or canvass for his usual brand of nonsense talk comedy style.

Review: Jackie Moon pretty much echoes the whole movie. extremely entertaining, but also shallow at the same time. Yes, even more shallow for Will Ferrell Movie standards. However, it will deliver you belly ache after belly ache of laughs.

The jokes, either you get it or not, simple as that. If you've never liked The Anchorman, don't waste your time with this one. If you like Will's movies, this one won't turn into a classic, but worth a watch.

reviewed by: BeerhandBop

Rating: 6.0
10 - worth dying for!
9 - magnificent; don't miss it!
8 - great movie; worth your time
7 - good movie; very entertaining
6 - passable, if you don't have anything important to do
5 - not worth your time
4 and below - i never knew such movies existed

Gone Baby Gone

Movie Title: Gone Baby Gone

Genre: Drama

Starring:
Casey Affleck
Michelle Monaghan
Amy Ryan

Review:
Late last year, I had the fortune of seeing what I thought was easily one of the top 5 movies I've seen in 2007: Gone Baby Gone. I remember how actress Jennifer Garner, Ben Affleck's wife, was so proud of this film, back when it was still in production, while Late Show host David Letterman was visibly unconvinced. It turns out that Garner wasn't just patronizing. Gone Baby Gone is clearly a gem. Ben Affleck, in his directorial debut, has chosen the right project and the right actors. His brother, Casey, is perfectly cast. The younger Affleck may just be one of the guys in Ocean's 11 to 13, but in this movie, he shines and surprises us at how good he is at every turn. Set in Boston, the movie zooms into the investigation of a missing child, and how the community has responded. Sooner rather than later, you, too, as the viewer will also be thinking what's the best thing to do in this situation. Often in the theater, you'd just be sitting there and enjoying the cinematic ride. This movie is different. It dares you to be emotionally involved.

reviewed by: AVID

Rating: 9.0
10 - worth dying for!
9 - magnificent; don't miss it!
8 - great movie; worth your time
7 - good movie; very entertaining
6 - passable, if you don't have anything important to do
5 - not worth your time
4 and below - i never knew such movies existed

Atonement

Movie Title: Atonement

Genre: drama/romance/war

Starring:
James McAvoy
Keira Knightley
Ailidh Mackay

Review:
It is touted as one of 2007's best movies. Based on Ian McEwan's novel, Atonement is all about the power of perception, and how it ultimately changed the lives of the three protagonists. Brilliant performances and outstanding cinematography elevate this love story, set in pre-war and wartime England, into a future classic.

reviewed by: AVID

Rating: 9.0
10 - worth dying for!
9 - magnificent; don't miss it!
8 - great movie; worth your time
7 - good movie; very entertaining
6 - passable, if you don't have anything important to do
5 - not worth your time
4 and below - i never knew such movies existed

Transfomers

Movie Title: Transformers

Genre: action/adventure

Starring:
Shia LaBeouf
Megan Fox
Tyrese Gibson

Review:
Honestly, I wasn't planning to see this movie. Why would I sit through more than two hours for a movie that is expectedly all about mayhem and explosions? But I still went...I felt I needed to relax and a see a movie that's not too demanding on my brain. So there it is...I got what I paid for. Movies now are, more than ever, all about taking you into another world...and Transformers does that: you're in a world where cars or any other electronic appliance can turn into powerful, giant robots. Humans are relegated as spectators. And we can't help it but just watch, and see if these highly advanced robots will settle their own issues among themselves and leave us alone with our favorite gadgets.

Transformers isn't going to be the best film of the year, but it is entertaining enough for us to see the magic that is computer animation. The live actors are not useless. They provide comic relief between these spectacular sequences. Yet with the exception of newcomer Shia Labeouf, the robots are the stars of the show.

reviewed by: AVID

Rating: 7.0
10 - worth dying for!
9 - magnificent; don't miss it!
8 - great movie; worth your time
7 - good movie; very entertaining
6 - passable, if you don't have anything important to do
5 - not worth your time
4 and below - i never knew such movies existed

The Last Kiss

Movie Title: The Last Kiss

Genre: comedy

Starring:
ZackZach Braff
Jacinda Barrett
Casey Affleck

Review:
This is one of those movies that I hate and love at the same time. I hate it because of the values the characters have shown in terms of love and relationship. I love it because it left many questions in my head and made me reflect on my own experiences. I often argued for some instances in the movie that the message conveyed by the characters are immoral… well, ideally speaking. But what I like the most about the movie is it kept me thinking for hours…

Rating: 8.5
10 - worth dying for!
9 - magnificent; don't miss it!
8 - great movie; worth your time
7 - good movie; very entertaining
6 - passable, if you don't have anything important to do
5 - not worth your time
4 and below - i never knew such movies existed

Gridiron Gang

Movie Title: Gridiron Gang

Genre: Sports; drama

Starring:
The ROCK
Xzibit
Jade Yorker

Review:

This movie is an eye-opener for me. If you have seen “Dangerous Minds” and “Coach Carter” and were inspired by them, then you’ll love this movie as well. The story is about a coach of who plans to change a group of lost young individuals in a correctional facility into a great football team. In his journey, he meets a lot of hardships that would challenge his faith. What’s even more interesting is that this is based on a true story. At the end are some video clips of the real people in action they are portraying in this movie.

Rating: 8.5
10 - worth dying for!
9 - magnificent; don't miss it!
8 - great movie; worth your time
7 - good movie; very entertaining
6 - passable, if you don't have anything important to do
5 - not worth your time
4 and below - i never knew such movies existed

Honey

Movie Title: Honey

Genre: Hip-hop dance; drama

Starring:
Jessica Alba
Missy Elliot
Lil' Romeo

Review:
If you have seen Step Up, You Got Served, and Stomp the Yard and liked them, then this is one of the likes. The only thing new here is the main character is a woman. Though Jessica Alba (I'm honestly surprised) can dance well! It's a feel-good movie which illustrates that you can reach your dreams without compromising your principles and integrity.

Rating: 7.5
10 - worth dying for!
9 - magnificent; don't miss it!
8 - great movie; worth your time
7 - good movie; very entertaining
6 - passable, if you don't have anything important to do
5 - not worth your time
4 and below - i never knew such movies existed