Hellboy II: the Golden Army

Saw Hellboy II: the Golden Army at the regular theater on Sunday, 27 July 2008, at 230pm. Visually, it was stunning. At one point, the person I saw the movie with leaned over to me and asked, "how does he come up with all these monsters?" In the end, I feel the same way about this movie as Wanted -- judging by the budget, it should have been a spring movie, instead of a summer blockbuster. But, still, highly recommended.

Stop-Loss

Saw Stop-Loss on DVD via Netflix on Saturday, 26 July 2008. This is what I would call a "sophomore slump." Kimberly Pierce's second feature film pales in comparison to her first. It just didn't work out. Really disappointing.

the Dark Knight

Saw the Dark Knight in an IMAX theater Sunday, 20 July 2008, at 340pm. Directing, screenplay, acting, editing, cinematography and musical score were all flawless. This is Mr. Nolan's best movie yet. I don't know how he can top this. Heath Ledger was great, yet, but I wouldn't dismiss the other leading actors' performances. Should be nominated for Oscar Best Picture along with WALL-E!

Under the Same Moon

Saw Under the Same Moon on DVD via Netflix Saturday, 19 July 2008. Well-acted ensemble piece about illegal immigrants living in the US. Pacing was uneven sometimes, but recommended nonetheless.

Journey to the Center of the Earth

Saw a digital 3-D of Journey to the Center of the Earth at a regular theater Sunday, 13 July 2008, at 230pm. The 3-D effects were really cool, but I doubt that people who see the 2D or DVD version would be as entertained. In some ways, the 3D effects during the closing credits were better than those shown during the movie.

Control

Saw Control on DVD via Netflix Saturday, 12 July 2008. Wonderful little film, with excellent performances from all the major actors (Sam Riley and Samantha Morton.) Deserved to be nominated for Best British Film of 2007 at the BAFTA's. I was remarking to the person watching the movie with me that their music sounds like New Order's. I checked Wikipedia and it turns out that Joy Division became New Order after Ian Curtis' passing.

Wanted

Saw Wanted at the regular theater Sunday, 6 July 2008, at 440pm. It felt more like a March movie than a July blockbuster -- I think the $75 million budget reflects this. (I know that this was initially going to be released in the spring, but they set the release date to later during the summer.) I still think Live Free or Die Hard is the best summer action movie I've seen lately. Somehow, Wanted didn't maintain the momentum all throughout (I don't think it could have as it had to tell the backstory.) Also, I think most of the over-the-top action scenes were already shown in the TV spots and the trailers, which is very unfortunate. I did like the scene during the first few minutes when Wesley's dad jumps to the next building, as well as the train action scene in the middle.

the Great Debaters

Saw the Great Debaters on DVD via Netflix Saturday, 5 July 2008. I thought it was just a good, but not great, movie. I can see that they were trying to position this movie as an Oscar contender, but unfortunately, it didn't make the cut.