Ben's Movie Reviews

[dogopoly]

This movie was reminiscent of Soylent Green and Logan's Run, but where those movies failed to tie up all the loose ends, The Island gave a good, if not long, ending.

The simple premise is that various clones exist in a futuristic semi-paradise and some are invited to go to an Island resort to live a happier life. When one clone gets too inquisitive, he starts to find that things are not what they appear and all hell breaks loose.

Although there were a few minor anomolies, the premise was very good, the acting quite good, the action pretty good, and the overall story line worth watching.

I give it an A- (rather than A) mainly because it was a bit long and some of the action scenes where just a bit too "Hollywood".

[bendogg]

I must echo Dodopoly's and Paniolo's opinions about The Island. This film blew me away! I'm not usually into Sci Fi flicks, but this one did the job. Lots of action, good dialogue, a chase scene similar to that awesome Matrix one a few years back, and of course the gorgeous Scarrlet Johanssen (sic?). Ewan McGregor did a masterful job as well. I loved him in Big Fish as well. So, since this film met all of my criteria (which are, of course, different than yours), I'll give it the coveted A+! This one is definitely worth spending the full admission price on! It is about 2 hours & 10 minutes, but didn't feel long to me.

I am so thankful to you guys & gals for sharing your opinions about new films here, which helps me make more informed choices. I have limited time and opportunity to see these screenings because of work. --Ben Dogg

[dogopoly]

Just got back from this one.

I heard lots of negative reviews but feel they were not justified. In comparison to Spiderman, very few things will compare. However, on it's own it was a decent movie.

The characters were interesting, well developed, and the storyline was decent. The main shortcomings is that they over-stressed the scientific end of things. I guess that was part of the premise (how these ordinary people gained special powers) but they overdid it a bit. Also, the relationships between the characters was a bit weak, especially the love interests, but overall it was a fun movie. I'd give it a solid "B" and worth the matinee price I paid.

Oh, yes, and there will inevitably be a sequel, hopefully as fun as the Spiderman sequels.

[Trigun]

Dodopoly's, Paniolo's, and Bendogg's opinions about The Island are
And the sound in that theater was WOW. A+

[bricheese]

FOUR BROTHERS:

I saw an early screenig of this so its not out for awhile.. really good movie i give it a B though...Not really funny but some funny parts..alittle sad but i really enjoyed watching it (better then hustle and flow) for sure in my OPINION!

[bricheese]

MUST LOVE DOGS:

Cute funny movie, basically a chic flick..I think it could have been better, some funny parts and good acting..I give it a B

[sixpac shakur]

MURDERBALL

One of the BEST movies I've seen this year by far. It was a great documentary about the USA National Wheelchair Rugby team. Very moving and very exciting at the same time. The theater broke into a great round of applause once the credits rolled. I would pay full price for this movie and I rarely say that about any movie.

The movie follows the competitive sport of Wheelchair Rugby. The filmmakers do a great job of transforming the wheelchair bound guys into atheletes with true spirit and promise. It also introduces the sport of wheelchair rugby (including a brief explanation of rules, etc). These guys wheel at full speed and crash into each other with flourish.

The movie has it's share of laughs including a glimpse of an instructional video on how parapalegics have sex and also a hilarious parapalegic practical joke. But it's got a lot of heart as well. The movie follows a newly paralyzed Keith from the re-hab hospital to a gut wrenching moment when he arrives at home and realizes that things will never be the same as they were.

The best thing was that after the screening, several of the members of the wheelchair rugby team were there including two guys who starred in the movie. They hung around for a Q&A period and they actually have some events held in San Diego. I would love to see wheelchair rugby live. I encourage everyone, go see the movie. You won't regret it.

HUGE A+!

[dogopoly]

This movie is about the son of two superheroes as he enters high school--a special one for kids of superheroes with super powers: Sky High School. He hasn't found his powers yet and wonders if he ever will, but meanwhile, everyone knows his incredible parents and have high expectations of him, including some who would rather see him fail. This story is about his growth through this and how he interacts with his old friends and new friends that want him for his potential power rather than his friendship.

This was a cutesy coming-of-age story with super hero undertones, but the story was a bit weak and predictable, the acting was a bit weak, but the supporting staff was diverse enough to make it interesting. This was reminiscent of the cutesy old Disney shows like That Darn Cat that focused too much on one thing and didn't draw the audiende in. Somewhat fun for kids, not so much for parents. I'd rate it a C-...maybe rent it on video for the kids.

[Paniolo]

Fast, action packed, loud, implausible, good sound track: B+


BTW, the women really liked Josh Lucas

[bendogg]

Any of you notice that Apex put movie-related ads @ the top of this page? Maybe it's just a coincidence, but I don't think so. That's the first time I've noticed that before.

[dogopoly]

Any of you notice that Apex put movie-related ads @ the top of this page? Maybe it's just a coincidence, but I don't think so. That's the first time I've noticed that before.

The Google engines are amazing...they review content and know how to find related information, such as links to movies...I'll have to see what some of the other threads show at the top.

[dogopoly]

The Dukes, being just the good ole boys, set out to save Hazzard County once they find out that corrupt leader Boss Hogg has nasty plans for the town.

This movie is filled with action, car chases, races, and car collisions. Loads of fun. I was quite surprised at how much I liked this, although from the TV commercials I didn't have much in expectations. I felt that the actors were slightly miscast but otherwise the storyline was pretty good, the action shots were fun, and the character interactions were quite good. I'd have to give it at least a surprisingly high B, and well worth the fun.

The movie kept the spirit of the TV series, so if you liked it then, you'll like it now!

[Paniolo]

The sound track, & outtakes were , otherwise I rate it a C

[Trigun]

I give it a B-. The outtakes were very funny and like dogopoly I didn't have much in expectations on the movie, although there was too much swearing for my taste.

One great thing about the movie was looking at Lynda Carter (Wonder Woman). Dang she's still hot.

[sixpac shakur]

Overall I'd probably give this movie a C. It stars Bill Murray as a dreary bachelor named Don Johnston who receives a mysterious unsigned letter from a woman who claims that she has a 19 yr. old son and Don is the father. He sets out on a countrywide search to track down the women who he had dated 20 years ago with surprising results. The movie also had Sharon Stone and an excellent appearance by Jessica Lange.

The movie was a little slow at times but I thought the original plot was interesting. The man who played Don's next door neighbor and fellow "sleuth" was great! I definitely wouldn't pay to see it in the theater but it can be a decent DVD rental.

[bricheese]

Broken flowers:

Such a slow boring movie, you knew what was coming, and i was fallign asleep..I did not like the ending. I give the movie a C- good thing i got it for free

[avlena]

Graf and I just saw the movie "My Date With Drew", about an ordinary guy who tries to get a date with Drew Barrymore in 30 days (because that's when he has to return the video camera), and documents it. it's HILARIOUS! Both of us loved it, and came out with a warm & fuzzy feeling. The guy trying to get the date is very personable, and just a funny guy overall, so you can't help but root for him. Sadly, it hasn't gotten much publicity so there was only 10 or so people in the theatre, but they were all laughing as hard as we were. Highly recommended!!!

http://www.mydatewithdrew.com/

[bricheese]

Duce Bigalo, European Gigalo

Funny hilarious movie.......it is a must see if you want to laugh!! Good story line too, some very funny sexual seems, definanlt not for kids Or teenagers, maybe just adults and it is rater R. I liked it better then dukes or hazard. I give this movie an A

[bricheese]

RED EYE

WOW! this movie was suspensful. If you were at the san diego screening last night, that was me screaming so loud. This is one of the best suspensful films Ive seen all year, the acting was good, and the movie wasn't gory, like some movies. I give this movie an A. I hope it does well, i would definantly recommend it

[Paniolo]

I recommend this movie. Good action, & Motown sound track = B+/A-

[PeachieGleem]

Red Eye: Absolutely great movie....Great drama and thriller.... kept your attention at all times. I definetly give this one a A

4 Brothers: Mark Walhberg all i can say is was just awesome in this movie as other actors.... kept your direct attention....i am not into the real gory scenes but besides this an excellent movie. Sound track was great...Total Drama and Crime/Gangster.
Some strong violence, pervasive language and some sexual content.. i myself would not recommend for children, even tho i saw a few of them their....I would rate this one as a A-

The Skeleton Key: What can i say... i really like the ending and never would have dreamed it would end like it did.....violence, disturbing images, some partial nudity and thematic material. I can only rate this movie as about a C.... is was okay not the greatest....

[bendogg]

Nice job on the tripple review Peachie! Good to have you here to share your thoughts. I will see the Red Eye screening Monday on the recommendations posted here.

[bricheese]

SEQUESTO EXPRESSO

Better then I thought it would be ..its about a girl who get kidnapped by these guys, and i guess there are alot of these in that country. Good movie, i really enjoed it. It's subtitled. There was some sexual and fighting scences, but overall good movie. I give this one a B. since I did not fall asleep in it like i do with some independent films

[sunrisetech]

This is a great thread for checking out what you all thought of current movies and DVD releases. I've seen a few moves based on your recommendations. This quote cracked me up so much from Beauty Shop....

(From a girl having a bad hair day) "I'm havin' some Don King issues".

[sixpac shakur]

Pretty good movie, I'd give it a B+. It's a documentary produced by Penn (from Penn and Teller) about the Dirtiest Joke Ever Told. They interview many big name comics such as Robin Williams, Whoopi Goldberg, Don Rickles, etc. as they re-tell in their own style the dirtiest most obscene joke in the comic world.

This movie is not for anyone under 18! There is a lot of obscenity which I found hilarious but an unsuspecting parent might not be too pleased. It is currently unrated because I think the movie producers are fighting an NC-17 rating. The obscenity is necessary to the movie in my opinion.

It's really hilarious and I laughed out loud the whole time. You would think that telling the same joke over and over again would be monotonous but the filmmakers did a good job of keeping each take fresh or focusing on different aspects/views of the joke at the right times. Even a mime, the cast of South Park, and Bob Saget take a crack at the joke.

I don't think I would pay full price for it in the theater but I would definitely recommend it as a rental.

[dogopoly]

Pretty good movie, I'd give it a B+. It's a documentary produced by Penn (from Penn and Teller) about the Dirtiest Joke Ever Told. ...

So what's YOUR version of the joke, so we can all experience this amazing gag.

[sixpac shakur]

So what's YOUR version of the joke, so we can all experience this amazing gag.

LOL! I honestly can't do a version, it would get on this site way too much! Let's just say it might involve: a) sex, b) children, c) various bodily fluids, d) animals, or e) all of the above.

[bendogg]

I saw Red Eye tonight based on your recommendations. I agree it was a good movie with good suspense but it was too short. Like an hour and 15 minutes. I did enjoy what I saw, but was kinda like, "That's It?" when it ended. Rachel McAdams looks A LOT like Jennifer Garner (which, of course isn't a bad thing!). I agree w/ Bri that the lack of gore was a nice change from the norm (especially for a Wes Craven film!). So, I'm going with a B+, definitely worth seeing but maybe not at full price.

[PeachieGleem]

Monday nite: The 40 year-old-virgin.... Andy Stitzer (Steve Carell) is funnier then heck, definitely a guys movie.....alot of comedy and romance. And really R for pervasive sexual content, language and some drug use. I know i would not have paid to seen this movie. But if you want a great laugh this will be the one for you....for the comedy i would give it a B but for the show itself C.....

Tuesday nite: Supercross.... I didn't think this would be a movie i would want to see.... i was more like a tag along for this one....but sure have to admit, it was a great movie.... About Two brothers KC and Trip overcome emotional and physical obstacles to achieve success in the competitive world of Supercross racing.
Alot of Action/Adventure
I would rate this movie as a B+

[bendogg]

Fred Saxon just gave Red Eye 3.5 Stars. I'm glad he liked it.