Mud (Blu-ray, 1st viewing) – When I read about a film that receives almost unanimous praise from critics and film goers alike, I usually approach with some apprehension. I think this time, though, they got it right. This is arguably the best acted movie I’ve seen in a while. I predict the two child actors will go on to do big things. Mcconaughey continues to prove to me that he IS a good actor, and Witherspoon is good too. This is almost as good of a Southern movie as Forrest Gump and Sling Blade.
8/10
Frozen (Blu-ray, 1st viewing) – I like Adam Green, and consider him to be something of an underrated director; at least as far as horror films go. Most people consider this to be his best work, and while it is certainly unique and well done, I felt it dragged on a little long. This is one of those movies where you’ll put yourself in their seats, and you’ll find yourself scratching your head at some of their actions. I guess I shouldn’t call this horror, but probably more a thriller. It’s not a bad movie, but don’t expect a classic.
5.5/10
The Fourth Kind (Blu-ray, 1st viewing) – has a few decent scares along the way, but the way its shot really killed it for me. There’s not really much here to recommend.
3/10
The Details (Blu-ray, 1st viewing) – has a solid cast and gets off to a strong start, but ultimately gets a little too weird and ludicrous for its own good. Fans of dark comedy will enjoy it some, but the masses would definitely find it too over the top. As someone who does like dark comedy, I thought it was decent. I’m not sure Tobey Maguire was the greatest choice for playing an unfaithful husband, though.
6/10
Training Day (Blu-ray, 2nd viewing) – Probably Fuqua’s greatest work, at least in terms of critical reception. As a film, I think it’s pretty solid, but Denzel easily elevates it considerably. His character just oozes charisma, and in some of the scenes he’s very scary. Ethan Hawke is good, too, as are all of the supporting actors. If you like the gritty police/detective dramas, this is the cream of the crop.
7.5/10
Olympus Has Fallen (Blu-ray, 1st viewing) – I intended to see this when it was in theater, but never got around to it. I enjoyed it quite a bit, and though it’s a pretty formulaic action movie, it works well. Antonie Fuqua is underrated, and Butler makes for an excellent lead man here. The “takeover” sequence is tense and awesome, and it doesn’t really lose a lot of steam after that. It has a predictable ending, but you might find yourself on the edge of your set more than you’d expect. This gets a definite recommendation to those who wanted more from DH5, or those who really liked Fuqua’s earlier works like Tears of the Sun and Shooter. After giving it a few days to simmer, I can definitely say this is one of my favorite pure action films.
7.5/10
Chronicle (Blu-ray, 2nd viewing) – I believe I gave this an 8.5 the last time I watched it, and though I did enjoy it again this time around, it lost a little steam with a 2nd viewing. The leads are all very good considering this is the largest project most of them have undertaken, and the effects are also pretty solid for a found footage film. It was kind of hard to watch Andrew’s rise and fall, but Dane Dehaan plays the part extremely well.
8/10
Oz: The Great and Powerful (Blu-ray, 1st viewing) – it definitely won’t have the legacy that the original OZ has, but it’s still a decent entry in the fantasy genre. It has a lot of big name actors and the visuals are outstanding. I almost felt like this was a Tim Burton film, it definitely has that same sort of vibe. If you can forget its connection to the timeless classic, you will probably enjoy it more.
6.5/10
The Mechanic (Blu-ray, 2nd viewing) – doesn’t really pull any punches and for the most part is typical Statham fare, but I still find myself enjoying it quite a bit, even with subsequent viewings. I credit this mostly to Ben Foster, as he’s always a strong member of any cast, and he meshes surprisingly well with Statham. I only wish there could be another film (supposedly there is a sequel) with Foster cast opposite Statham again.
7/10
Full Metal Jacket (DVD, 3rd viewing) – This is my favorite Vietnam movie, and I could make a case for it being my 3rd favorite war movie all time, behind Saving Private Ryan and Black Hawk Down. The first half of FMJ is far superior to the second half, but the second has its share of great scenes and lines, too.
8.5/10
8/10
Frozen (Blu-ray, 1st viewing) – I like Adam Green, and consider him to be something of an underrated director; at least as far as horror films go. Most people consider this to be his best work, and while it is certainly unique and well done, I felt it dragged on a little long. This is one of those movies where you’ll put yourself in their seats, and you’ll find yourself scratching your head at some of their actions. I guess I shouldn’t call this horror, but probably more a thriller. It’s not a bad movie, but don’t expect a classic.
5.5/10
The Fourth Kind (Blu-ray, 1st viewing) – has a few decent scares along the way, but the way its shot really killed it for me. There’s not really much here to recommend.
3/10
The Details (Blu-ray, 1st viewing) – has a solid cast and gets off to a strong start, but ultimately gets a little too weird and ludicrous for its own good. Fans of dark comedy will enjoy it some, but the masses would definitely find it too over the top. As someone who does like dark comedy, I thought it was decent. I’m not sure Tobey Maguire was the greatest choice for playing an unfaithful husband, though.
6/10
Training Day (Blu-ray, 2nd viewing) – Probably Fuqua’s greatest work, at least in terms of critical reception. As a film, I think it’s pretty solid, but Denzel easily elevates it considerably. His character just oozes charisma, and in some of the scenes he’s very scary. Ethan Hawke is good, too, as are all of the supporting actors. If you like the gritty police/detective dramas, this is the cream of the crop.
7.5/10
Olympus Has Fallen (Blu-ray, 1st viewing) – I intended to see this when it was in theater, but never got around to it. I enjoyed it quite a bit, and though it’s a pretty formulaic action movie, it works well. Antonie Fuqua is underrated, and Butler makes for an excellent lead man here. The “takeover” sequence is tense and awesome, and it doesn’t really lose a lot of steam after that. It has a predictable ending, but you might find yourself on the edge of your set more than you’d expect. This gets a definite recommendation to those who wanted more from DH5, or those who really liked Fuqua’s earlier works like Tears of the Sun and Shooter. After giving it a few days to simmer, I can definitely say this is one of my favorite pure action films.
7.5/10
Chronicle (Blu-ray, 2nd viewing) – I believe I gave this an 8.5 the last time I watched it, and though I did enjoy it again this time around, it lost a little steam with a 2nd viewing. The leads are all very good considering this is the largest project most of them have undertaken, and the effects are also pretty solid for a found footage film. It was kind of hard to watch Andrew’s rise and fall, but Dane Dehaan plays the part extremely well.
8/10
Oz: The Great and Powerful (Blu-ray, 1st viewing) – it definitely won’t have the legacy that the original OZ has, but it’s still a decent entry in the fantasy genre. It has a lot of big name actors and the visuals are outstanding. I almost felt like this was a Tim Burton film, it definitely has that same sort of vibe. If you can forget its connection to the timeless classic, you will probably enjoy it more.
6.5/10
The Mechanic (Blu-ray, 2nd viewing) – doesn’t really pull any punches and for the most part is typical Statham fare, but I still find myself enjoying it quite a bit, even with subsequent viewings. I credit this mostly to Ben Foster, as he’s always a strong member of any cast, and he meshes surprisingly well with Statham. I only wish there could be another film (supposedly there is a sequel) with Foster cast opposite Statham again.
7/10
Full Metal Jacket (DVD, 3rd viewing) – This is my favorite Vietnam movie, and I could make a case for it being my 3rd favorite war movie all time, behind Saving Private Ryan and Black Hawk Down. The first half of FMJ is far superior to the second half, but the second has its share of great scenes and lines, too.
8.5/10
