Juno

Saw Juno at the regular theater Christmas Day, 25 December 2007, at 705pm. Better than what I expected. Kept laughing all throughout the movie. The exchange of dialogue flowed so effortlessly. I love how the movie resolved itself perfectly. I can see this movie being nominated for an Oscar Best Picture (just like Little Miss Sunshine last year), and for Best Actress (Ellen Page carried the whole movie.)

Atonement

Saw Atonement at the regular theater Saturday, 22 December 2007, at 650pm. I think I went into this movie with high expectations. Unfortunately, they were definitely not met. Before the critics' top ten lists started appearing, this was touted as the Oscar Best Picture frontrunner. The person I went to see the movie with sums it up perfectly -- the whole is less than the sum of the parts. I did like some technical aspects of the film though -- acting, direction, screenplay, editing, cinematography and most especially, the musical score which incorporated the sound of a typewriter. After watching this, I think that No Country for Old Men might actually win the Oscar for Best Picture.

Interview

Saw Interview on DVD via Netflix Saturday, 22 December 2007. I should have checked the Tomatometer for this movie before letting Netflix send the DVD. Steve Buscemi and Sienna Miller's acting talents were wasted by the poor screenplay. The exchange of dialogue was excruciatingly painful to hear. I couldn't wait for the movie to be over (there were times when I tempted myself to just stop the DVD and forget about what I just saw.) Too bad I wasted 2 hours of my life that I'll never get back.

Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Saw Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street at the regular theater on Friday, 21 December 2007, at 730pm. I wasn't getting into the movie during the first couple of songs, but from the moment Johanna sang until the finale, I was pretty hooked. I have to remind myself not to compare it to Dreamgirls or Hairspray coz the former 2 are more chorale-type musicals, whereas the songs in Sweeney Todd were sung by soloists or duets. For what it was, I think it was an extremely well-crafted film. Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter were excellent in the lead roles, but I thought that the real acting gems were Alan Rickman and Timothy Spall. Could be up for an Oscar Best Picture nom.

Chalk

Saw Chalk on DVD via Netflix Saturday, 15 December 2007. I decided to put this movie into my queue after seeing that it ran for a week at the nearby regular theater (and checking the Tomatometer.) When I read that it was a documentary-style comedy, I thought that I wouldn't like it. I was mistaken -- I actually felt that it was a good movie. (But I don't think I would have paid a full-priced ticket to see it at a regular theater.)

I'm Not There

Saw I'm Not There at the regular theater Saturday, 8 December 2007, at 250pm. Although each of the six vignettes were excellent on their own, in the end, the total was less than the sum of the parts. However, the Supporting Actress Oscar buzz for Cate Blanchett is well-justified.

Before the Devil Knows You're Dead

Saw Before the Devil Knows You're Dead at a regular theater Sunday, 2 December 2007, at 220pm. I needed to see a good movie to cleanse the bad aftertaste left by the Golden Compass. Thankfully, this film delivered. Great acting ensemble piece from Sidney Lumet; Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke, Marisa Tomei, Albert Finney and Rosemary Harris were well-cast. Excellent screenplay from first-time screenwriter Kelly Masterson. Hope that it will garner some Oscar noms.

the Golden Compass

Saw the Golden Compass via a sneak preview screening Saturday, 1 December 2007, at 710pm. I did not read the book before I saw the movie, so I was trying to see if I could enjoy the movie as it was. I did not think it was a good film. The film felt rushed; the characters and the relationships between them were not fully developed. I literally gasped when, after an extended pause, I saw the director's name as the credits started rolling. I couldn't believe that Chris Weitz chose to end it like that. The day after the movie, I started reading the book. Granted, I've only read the first five chapters, but it seemed like the book and the movie tell 2 different stories. I read that Chris Weitz needed to make this film financially successful so that he can make the rest of the trilogy. But after this critical flop, who would watch the next 2?

My Best Friend

Saw My Best Friend on DVD via Netflix Saturday, 1 December 2007. What a great way to start December! This enjoyable movie was such a joy to watch! The two leads - Daniel Auteuil and Dany Boon (saw them in the Valet earlier this year) - were great! Kept me engaged until the very end. This was been a great year of French movies for me - I'm looking forward to seeing the Diving Bell and the Butterfly and Persepolis.

La Vie en Rose

Saw La Vie en Rose on DVD via Netflix Sunday, 25 November 2007. Marion Cotillard could very well win the Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of Edith Piaf. The only thing I didn't like about that movie was that there was too much use of the flashbacks and flashforwards towards the end. Otherwise, it was an excellent film. Great way to end November.

No Country for Old Men

Saw No Country for Old Men at a regular theater Thursday, 22 November 2007, at 450pm. This is filmmaking of the highest quality. A lot to digest. I will admit that although I thought the movie was a well-made film and that I liked it, I would have liked it more if I understood some parts there were difficult for me to understand (it was difficult for me to understand the dialogue that were spoken with a Texan accent.) However, I read an early draft of the screenplay by the Coen Brothers and I like the movie even more now. I can now see this movie being nominated for Oscar Best Pic. I can see Javier Bardem winning an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Tommy Lee-Jones and Josh Brolin give the best performances of their career. Great acting from Kelly McDonald and Woody Harrelson as well. Screenplay, direction, editing are flawless. This is probably the first film I've seen with hardly any musical score. I've really come to appreciate the movie, and the effort taken to make it, more now.

Steel Toes

Saw Steel Toes online via Netflix Thursday, 22 November 2007. Exceptional acting from David Strathairn -- proves to us once again that he's worth every bit of that Oscar nom for Good Night, and Good Luck. I was compelled by the movie until about 1:10. Seemed to go nowhere after that.

You Kill Me

Saw You Kill Me on DVD via Netflix Sunday, 18 November 2007. Great screenplay with witty dialog. Wonderful performances from Luke Wilson, Tea Leoni, Philip Baker Hall, Dennis Farina, and, of course, Sir Ben Kingsley. How can he act so differently in every movie (House of Sand and Fog; Sexy Beast?)

Beowulf

Saw Beowulf in Dolby Digital 3-D Saturday, 17 November 2007, at 705pm. What a joy to watch! Robert Zemeckis is a genius; he never fails to entertain us with his movies. His special-effects films have always amazed me (the Back to the Future series, Forrest Gump, Contact, the Polar Express.) This is a must-see in 3-D. Looking forward to watching more 3-D films in 2008 and beyond!

Miss Potter

Saw Miss Potter on DVD Saturday, 10 November 2007. I was hoping that this biopic was going to be as grand as Ray or Walk the Line, but ultimately it was a very small film. Great acting from Renee Zellweger, though.

the Jane Austen Book Club

Saw the Jane Austen Book Club at the bargain theater on Saturday, 10 November 2007, at 1240pm. Fun chick flick with Maria Bello, Kathy Baker, Emily Blunt, Jimmy Smits and Hugh Dancy.

American Gangster

Saw American Gangster at the regular theater Sunday, 4 November 2007, at 310pm.  I can see this movie getting nominated for Oscar Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay.  I can also see acting noms for Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe and Josh Brolin (this guy is outstanding -- after seeing him in this movie and In the Valley of Elah, I can't wait to see him next in No Country for Old Men.)  All of the elements of this film (acting, directing, script, washed out color scheme, costumes, set design, pacing, editing) just turned out perfect.  Definitely one of the best films of 2007.

the TV Set

Saw the TV Set on DVD via Netflix Saturday, 3 November 2007. What a great way to start November! Such a delight to see David Duchovny, Sigourney Weaver and Ioan Gruffudd having fun in this movie. Must-see movie!

Lars and the Real Girl

Saw Lars and the Real Girl at the regular theater Sunday, 28 October 2007, at 220pm.  What a real gem of a movie!  Excellent acting from Ryan Gosling, Paul Schneider, Emily Mortimer and Patricia Clarkson.  Screenplay is flawless!  I also loved the musical score.  Perfect movie.  What more could you ask for?

28 Weeks Later

Saw 28 Weeks Later on DVD via Netflix Friday, 26 October 2007.  Unfortunate waste of my time.

Gone Baby Gone

Saw Gone Baby Gone at the regular theater Monday, 23 October 2007, at 645pm. Not a bad effort from first time director Ben Affleck. Kept me guessing all the way. Excellent acting by Casey Affleck, Amy Ryan, and Ed Harris. Looking forward to future films from the two Afflecks.

Into the Wild

Saw Into the Wild Sunday at the regular theater, 21 October 2007, at 235pm. Well-made film by actor-writer-producer-director Sean Penn. Emile Hirsch was outstanding. Excellent performances from other supporting actors (William Hurt, Marcia Gay Harden, Jena Malone, Vince Vaughn, Catherine Keener, Hal Holbrook.) Everything just went blended together perfectly -- editing, pacing, camerawork, soundtrack from Eddie Vedder, flashbacks, voiceovers. I went into the theater fearing that I might get bored watching a nature documentary, but was relieved in the end, having seen one of the most beautiful pics of the year. (Minor thing -- I didn't like the color and the font that Mr. Penn used in the opening credits. I wished he used the same typewriter font when displaying the chapter titles.)

Reign Over Me

Saw Reign Over Me on DVD via Netflix on Friday, 19 October 2007. I didn't like how this movie got resolved. I found the ending -- the implied pairing up of 2 characters (won't spoil the ending for others who have yet to see the movie) -- too convenient. In the end, I thought that this wasn't a very good movie. Luckily, I didn't have to pay for it aside from my Netflix subscription fee.

Michael Clayton

Saw Michael Clayton at the regular theater Sunday, 14 October 2007, at 2pm. Excellent directorial film debut from veteran screenwriter Tony Gilroy. The leading roles were wonderfully acted by George Clooney, Tilda Swinton, Sydney Pollack and Tom Wilkinson. At the very least, I think this movie should get an Oscar nod for original screenplay. Kept talking about this movie long after it ended. Looking forward to see more Oscar-caliber movies.

Jindabyne

Saw Jindabyne on DVD via Netflix on Saturday, 13 October 2007. I felt unsatisfied by the ending of this movie. Worse, I felt cheated. Also, the pacing was uneven; some parts were "dragging." Good thing I didn't spend more than a subscription for this film.

Beyond the Gates

Saw Beyond the Gates on DVD via Netflix on Sunday, 7 October 2007. Another contemplative film about the Rwandan genocide (the other being Hotel Rwanda.) Well-acted performances from Hugh Dancy and John Hurt. (Hugh Dancy could be the next James McAvoy.) Great way to start October. Can't wait to see more great films out there right now.

the Valet

Saw The Valet on DVD via Netflix on Sunday, 30 September 2007. This French comedy film was a joy to watch! I last saw Daniel Auteuil in Cache. He was great there and he's also great here (proves to show that he can be good in both serious and funny movies.) Probably the best French film I saw this year. What a way to end September. Looking forward to what October has to offer.

In the Valley of Elah

Saw In the Valley of Elah at the regular theater on Wednesday, 26 September 2007, at 720pm. Tommy Lee Jones could be up for another Oscar nom for his performance in this movie. What a great actor! Unfortunately, I'm not sure if this will get an Oscar Best Pic nom, especially with A Mighty Heart and Eastern Promises in the running. Paul Haggis could get a nom for the screenplay.

Transformers

Saw Transformers at the IMAX theater on Sunday, 23 September 2007, at 330pm. Although it was great to see it on an IMAX screen, I felt that Live Free or Die Hard was a better summer popcorn flick. I probably should have waited until it reached the bargain theater or on DVD.

Stephanie Daley

Saw Stephanie Daley on DVD via Netflix Saturday, 22 September 2007.  Tilda Swinton and Amber Tamblyn were excellent in this movie.  I liked the way different scenes from the past and present follow each other randomly (you don't know if what you're watching happened in the past or is happening currently.)  I thought that this was an extremely well-done film.  Could have seen this at a regular theater for full price.

Eastern Promises

Saw Eastern Promises at the regular theater Friday, 21 September 2007, at 645pm.  Finally, I have seen another contender for Oscar Best Pic (the other possibility I saw earlier this year was A Mighty Heart)!  A lot of people liked A History of Violence more, but I liked this movie more than David Cronenberg's previous effort.  His direction was flawless.  Camera work, screenplay, cinematography are perfect.  If Viggo Mortensen doesn't get an Oscar Best Actor nom for his performance in this film, I don't know what else he needs to do to get one.  Armin Mueller-Stahl should also get a Best Supporting Actor nom.  As of today, if this picture wins for Oscar Best Picture, I will not be disappointed.

the Astronaut Farmer

Saw the Astronaut Farmer on DVD via Netflix Sunday, 16 September 2007. This was actually an extremely good movie. Virginia Madsen proves to us again that she deserves her supporting actress nom for Sideways. Also, I didn't expect a cameo appearance from one of Billy Bob Thornton's co-stars in Armageddon. I loved the scene in the gym with the two of them, plus J. K. Simmons and Tim Blake Nelson. Surprisingly, one of the better movies I've seen this year.

Talk to Me

Saw Talk to Me at the budget theater on Friday, 14 September 2007 at 650pm. Although I thought that the ending was a little bit overextended, this was a great movie, with fine performances by the two leads, Don Cheadle and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Martin Sheen also shined in his role as the radio station's chief.

Old Joy

Saw Old Joy on DVD via Netflix Wednesday, 12 September 2007. I have neither good nor bad things to say about this movie.

3:10 to Yuma

Saw 3:10 to Yuma at the regular theater on Sunday, 9 September 2007, at 4pm. Up until probably the last 20 minutes of the movie, I thought to myself that it could be one of this year's Oscar Best Pic nominees. It had everything going for it -- story, cinematography, screenplay (hopefully the screenwriter will get a nom), acting (Russell Crowe, Christian Bale and Ben Foster deserve noms for their performances), and directing (another great film from James Mangold). Unfortunately, like others in the forums of Rotten Tomatoes, I felt that the ending didn't make sense. Worse, I thought it felt cheap. Nevertheless, it was a good start to the Oscar season and I look forward to other movies coming up in the next few weeks.

Broken English

Saw Broken English on DVD via Netflix Saturday, 8 September 2007. Intriguing indie film; kept me interested the whole time. Amazing performances by Parker Posey and Melvin Poupaud (whom I just saw a few weeks back in Time to Leave.)

Live Free or Die Hard

Saw Live Free or Die Hard at the budget theater Friday, 7 September 2007, at 710pm. What an excellent summer popcorn flick. The only regret I have is that I should have seen it back in June! It had a great story (according to the opening credits it was adapted from an article); the dialogue was well-written; the action and stunt sequences were just elegantly done (very little CGI compared to the other flicks these days); and awesome acting from the two leads (Bruce Willis and Justin Long). Kudos to director Len Wiseman!

1408

Saw 1408 at the bargain theater Saturday, 1 September 2007, at 2pm. Started September with a bang! I was determined to see this movie after seeing that it got a fresh tomatometer from Rotten Tomatoes. It was much more than what I expected. Another movie that I could have seen at a regular theater and wouldn't have been disappointed.

Year of the Dog

Saw Year of the Dog on DVD via Netflix Friday, 31 August 2007. Ended August with a bang! Great film from Mike White (who also wrote and starred in School of Rock.) I look forward to watching more movies written by him. Wonderful acting from Molly Shannon, Laura Dern, Peter Sarsgaard (somebody give this guy a long-overdue Oscar nom), John C. Reilly and Regina King. Could have seen this at a regular theater and wouldn't have been disappointed.

Starter for Ten

Saw Starter for Ten on DVD via Netflix Tuesday, 28 August 2007. Excellent romantic comedy set in 1985. Great screenplay and witty dialogue. Superb acting from all the actors, but especially from James McAvoy. Wouldn't have been disappointed if I paid to go see it at a regular theater.

Superbad

Saw Superbad at the regular theater on Sunday, 26 August 2007, at 440pm. Thought that it was extremely well-done. The doodles were the best part -- kept me laughing all the way. It's better than other Judd Apatow/Seth Rogen productions that I've seen (the 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up.) Wouldn't have been disappointed if I paid for a full-priced evening ticket to go see it.

C.R.A.Z.Y.

Saw C.R.A.Z.Y. on DVD via Netflix Friday, 24 August 2007. Although I thought it had an abrupt ending, in the end, it was a very good film. I wouldn't have been disappointed to pay for a full-priced ticket for this movie at a regular theater.

Away from Her

Saw Away from Her at the bargain theater Sunday, 19th August 2007, at 150pm.  Excellent little movie from writer-director Sarah Polley.  Wonderful performances from the three leads (Julie Christie, Gordon Pinsent and Olympia Dukakis.)  Wouldn't have been disappointed if I paid full price to see it.  I hope that Ms. Christie would get a Best Actress Oscar nomination (along with Ms. Jolie in A Mighty Heart.)

Avenue Montaigne

Saw Avenue Montaigne on DVD via Netflix Saturday, 18 August 2007. Good, not great. According to Wikipedia, it was on the shortlist for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar, but I don't think it stood a chance against Pan's Labyrinth, Volver, the Lives of Others or After the Wedding. I'm glad I didn't have to pay more than a DVD rental.

Surf's Up

Saw Surf's Up at the local bargain theater Sunday, 12 August 2007, at 440pm. I'm pleased that this wasn't going to be the 3rd "good, but not great" movie in a row. This was a lot better than I expected. And, definitely better than the last 2 movies that I saw this weekend. I like the fact that it was shown in the style of a surfing documentary. Great to hear the voices of S. Labeouf, J. Bridges, Z. Deschanel, J. Heder and J. Woods. I wouldn't have been disappointed if I paid full price for a ticket. Too bad that it didn't do as well as Ratatouille or Meet the Robinsons (revenue-wise.)

Ocean's Thirteen

Saw Ocean's Thirteen at the bargain theater on Saturday, 11 August 2007, at 2pm. When I saw Ocean's Eleven back in 2001, I came out of the theater telling myself that what I just saw was a well-made movie. Unfortunately, I can only call this third installment good, but not great. (I'm disappointed to say that I've seen 2 "good, but not great" movies in a row.) I didn't see the second installment, so I can't compare this to the previous one. In any case, I love how the whole movie has this Las Vegas neon and desert gold hue. (I also like the fact that the Warner Brothers and Village Roadshow production logos were also stylized to fit the Las Vegas feel of the movie.) Also, it's great to see A-list starts like G. Clooney, B. Pitt, M. Damon, D. Cheadle, A. Pacino and A. Garcia all just having a great time. In the end, I'm glad that I just paid bargain price to see this movie.

Stardust

Saw Stardust at the local theater Friday, 10 August 2007, at 650pm. I thought that this movie was good, but not great. I think it would have been worth a bargain price ticket or renting it on DVD instead of paying for a regular adult evening priced ticket. However, having said that, I thought that both Michelle Pfeiffer and Robert de Niro's performances were stellar (no pun intended.) Ms. Pfeiffer was also excellent in her other summer movie Hairspray.

the Bourne Ultimatum

Saw the Bourne Ultimatum at the local theater on Sunday, 5 August 2007, at 230pm. Definitely the best of the trilogy. Strongly recommend that you watch it on the really big screen. Paul Greengrass outdid himself with this one (he deserved his United 93 directing Oscar nomination -- will the Academy reward him again 2 years in a row?) Screenplay was great. Camera work was excellent. Exceptional performances from all the major actors (Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, Joan Allen, David Strathairn, Albert Finney, Daniel Bruhl, Scott Glenn.) Paid matinee price for the ticket, but would have definitely paid for an adult evening price ticket. This is why we go to the pictures!

Time to Leave

Saw Time to Leave (directed by Francois Ozon, who also made Swimming Pool) on DVD (via Netflix) Saturday, 4 August 2007. I thought the film was good, but I felt a little bit unsatisfied by the last scene. Overall, I was glad to have seen it on DVD.

Meet the Robinsons

Saw Meet the Robinsons at the second-run theater Tuesday, 24 July 2007. I thought that it was the best I've seen from Disney (non-Pixar) in years. As excellent as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin. Although I only paid for a bargain-price ticket, I would have gladly paid for a full adult evening ticket to see it. Strongly recommended. I hope that it gets nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Oscars.

Sweet Land

Saw Sweet Land on DVD via Netflix on Saturday, 28 July 2007. Although it was good, I don't think I would have paid to see this movie at the theater.

Rescue Dawn

Saw Rescue Dawn at the theater on Sunday, 29 July 2007, 230pm -- paid matinee price, but I wouldn't have been disappointed if I paid full price. Great directing by Werner Herzog, great acting by Christian Bale, Steve Zahn and Jeremy Davies. Hopefully, the movie will get directing/acting noms at the Oscars.

the Simpsons Movie

Saw the Simpsons Movie at the theater Tuesday, 31 July 2007, 530pm -- paid matinee price, but definitely worth the price of an adult evening ticket!