Frozen River

Saw Frozen River at a regular theater Sunday, 21 September 2008, at 210pm. One of the best movies I've seen this year! Screenplay and direction were flawless. Melissa Leo and Misty Upham give the performances of their lives. They should be nominated for Oscars.

Son of Rambow

Saw Son of Rambow on DVD via Netflix Saturday, 20 September 2008. First part was just funny and comedic, but the second part became more serious, and that's where the payoff came. Rewarded with a beautiful, bittersweet ending. Highly recommended.

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

Saw Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day on DVD via Netflix Saturday, 13 September 2008. Thought the first part of the movie was delightful and fun to watch. The second part suddenly turned more serious and the intensity level went down a notch. Overall, it was a good, not great, movie.

Redbelt

Saw Redbelt on DVD via Netflix Saturday, 30 August 2008. Not a good way to close August. Very incoherent story. No plot. One of the worst movies I've seen in my lifetime. Do not watch.

National Treasure: Book of Secrets

Saw National Treasure: Book of Secrets on DVD via Netflix Saturday, 23 August 2008. Don't bother renting this one. Wasn't as intense or action-packed as the first one.

the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2

Saw the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 at a regular theater on Saturday, 23 August 2008, at 1230pm. I thought that the first two-thirds of the movie was good, but somehow this was another movie that had a third-act collapse. The first movie was more satisfying.

Caramel

Saw Caramel on DVD via Netflix Saturday, 16 August 2008. Second of 2 films I saw in one weekend that were submitted to A.M.P.A.S. for consideration in the Best Foreign Language Film category. Well-made light-hearted film. Easily one of the best I've seen this year. Highly recommended.

the Year My Parents Went on Vacation

Saw the Year My Parents Went on Vacation online via Netflix Friday, 15 August 2008. First of 2 films I saw in one weekend that were submitted to A.M.P.A.S. for consideration in the Best Foreign Language Film category. One of the year's best foreign films. Deserved to be shortlisted for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar. Too bad it was not nominated.

the Counterfeiters

Saw the Counterfeiters on DVD via Netflix on Saturday, 9 August 2008. Worthy of an Oscar Foreign Language Film nom, but not worthy of the win. I thought that the Band's Visit, 4 Months 3 Weeks and 2 Days, and the Orphanage were all more worthy of winning.

the Band's Visit

Saw the Band's Visit on DVD via Netflix Saturday, 2 August 2008. One of the better foreign language films I've seen this year. Should have been nominated for the Foreign Language Film Oscar. Looking forward to seeing Beaufort.

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.

WALL-E

Saw WALL-E at a regular theater Sunday, 29 June 2008, at 3pm. After watching nearly 250 films since Million Dollar Baby, I have finally found what has surpassed it as what I deem as the best movie I've seen in my life thus far. Making it win the Oscar for Best Animated Feature would be a disservice -- it should win the Best Picture Oscar. Everything about this film was perfect -- kudos to Andrew Stanton for such an amazing job (don't know how he did it.) The score was just magical and enchanting. The computer-generated images were just stunning -- you'd think the rust on WALL-E was real. This movie can last me for the next 700 years.

4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days

Saw 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days on DVD via Netflix on Saturday, 28 June 2008. Definitely deserved to win the Palme D'or in 2007. One of the best foreign films I've seen in my lifetime. Kept me at the edge of my seat, anticipating the next scene until the end of the movie.

In Bruges

Saw In Bruges at the bargain theater Sunday, 22 June 2008, at 2pm. One of the better movies I've seen this year. Deserved to be the opening film of the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. Kept me guessing what was going to happen next until the final shot. Great film to fill up the 100th post of this blog!

Be Kind Rewind

Saw Be Kind Rewind on DVD via Netflix on Saturday, 21 June 2008. I thought it was just OK. Good, not great. Felt disjointed, uneven. Both Jack Black's School of Rock and Michel Gondry's Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind were much better than this.

the Incredible Hulk

Saw the Incredible Hulk at a theater with an UltraScreen Sunday, 15 June 2008. Felt that it was as good as Iron Man. Loved the Bourne-type action sequence in Brazil. Also loved the helicopter-Hulk fight scene on the college grounds -- that was just pure unapologetic unadulterated popcorn action fun! However, I didn't think there was any romantic chemistry between Ed Norton and Liv Tyler. Why is Liv like that?!

Dans Paris

Saw Dans Paris on DVD via Netflix Saturday, 14 June 2008. One of the worst films I've seen this year. What was the point of this movie?!

King of California

Saw King of California on DVD via Netflix Sunday, 8 June 2008. This movie was such an unexpected surprise! Kept me engaged and guessing what would happen until the very end. Very fulfilling. Highly recommended.

Kung Fu Panda

Saw Kung Fu Panda at the IMAX theater Saturday, 7 June 2008, at 410pm. Although it was very good and it was better than Prince Caspian or Indiana Jones 4, I didn't think it was better than Over the Hedge.

the Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

Saw the Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian at a regular theater Wednesday, 4 June 2008, at 310pm. Wasn't as magical and enchanted as the first installment. Although I loved a few scenes, especially the one with Tilda Swinton!

Horton Hears a Who!

Saw Horton Hears a Who! on a plane Monday, 2 June 2008. Well-done film! Will please anyone from 2 to 92! Highly recommended!

Definitely, Maybe

Saw Definitely, Maybe on a plane Monday, 2 June 2008. I felt that this was a below-average romantic comedy. Not really recommended.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Saw a digital presentation of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull Friday, 23 May 2008. Good, not great. I felt that the whole extraterrestial explanation was inconsistent with the Indiana Jones franchise.

Jumper

Saw Jumper on a plane Monday, 19 May 2008. Although the person sitting next to me didn't care for it, I actually thought it was a decent film.

Hors de Prix

Saw Hors de Prix on a plane Monday, 19 May 2008. One of the better films that I've seen this year. Also one of the better French films I've seen.

the Orphanage

Saw the Orphanage on DVD via Netflix Saturday, 10 May 2008. One of the best Spanish films I've seen. Magnificent effort from a first-time feature film director. Definitely a must-see movie!

Starting Out In the Evening

Saw Starting Out In the Evening on DVD via Netflix on Saturday, 3 May 2008. Frank Langella's acting was worthy of an Oscar nomination last year. Lauren Ambrose held her own against Langella. Highly recommended for the powerhouse performances!

Iron Man

Saw Iron Man at the regular theater Thursday, 1 May 2008, at 8pm. What an explosive way to start the summer blockbuster movie season! Jon Favreau is now one of the best superhero movie adaptation directors out there right now. Although a lot of people have praised Robert Downey Jr's performance as the titular character, I really liked Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stane. Much better than any of the Spider-Man movies, but somehow I didn't enjoy it as much as Batman Begins or my fave summer blockbuster last year Live Free or Die Hard.

Ira and Abby

Saw Ira and Abby on DVD via Netflix Friday, 25 April 2008. Great way to end April! Much better than what I was expecting. Lovable performances from all the lead and supporting actors. After reading in a review that it felt like a made-for-TV movie, I can't say that I would have enjoyed it as much if I saw it on the big screen.

Walk Hard: the Dewey Cox Story

Saw Walk Hard: the Dewey Cox Story on DVD via Netflix Saturday, 19 April 2008. This movie was actually a let-down. Although I laughed a few times here and there, it wasn't as funny as the TV Set or Superbad.

the Spiderwick Chronicles

Saw the Spiderwick Chronicles at the bargain theater Monday, 14 April 2008 at 650pm. One of the better movies for kids that I've seen this year. Freddie Highmore was extremely good. Can't wait to see Horton Hears a Who!

Rocket Science

Saw Rocket Science on DVD via Netflix Saturday, 12 April 2008. Quirky little indie film. Halfway through the movie I didn't know how it would end, but I was glad that the movie ended the way it did.

the Kite Runner

Saw the Kite Runner on DVD via Netflix Sunday, 6 April 2008. Great acting performances from all the actors. Excellent film from an excellent director. Marc Forster never fails to amaze me. Can't wait to see what he's up to next in Quantum of Solace.

the Water Horse: Legend of the Deep

Saw the Water Horse: Legend of the Deep at the bargain theater Sunday, 30 March 2008 at 2pm. Great movie! Lived up to the good reviews! Take the kids to see it!

Death at a Funeral

Saw Death at a Funeral on DVD via Netflix Saturday, 29 March 2008. Kept laughing all throughout the movie. Highly recommended!

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

Saw The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford on DVD via Netflix Sunday, 23 March 2008. The cinematography, screenplay, acting and directing are all excellent. Somehow, there's some sort of third-act collapse, but I don't know how to fix it otherwise.

Cloverfield

Saw Cloverfield at the bargain theater Sunday, 16 March 2008, at 710pm. Now, this was a bad movie! I don't know how it got so many good reviews from the critics. They should give me my money back AND pay me extra for having wasted 1.5 hours of my life that I will never get back. I don't know how Star Trek will be like when it comes out next year.

the Nines

Saw the Nines on DVD via Netflix Friday, 14 March 2008. I don't know if this was a good movie or a bad movie.

the Bank Job

Saw the Bank Job at the regular theater Sunday, 9 March 2008, at 240pm. Thankfully, movies like this screen during March! Top notch film! Excellent screenplay, direction and acting! Highly recommended, without any reservations.

Things We Lost in the Fire

Saw Things We Lost in the Fire on DVD via Netflix, Saturday, 8 March 2008. Although the direction and camera work are great, I wasn't too fond of the screenplay. There were some bad dialogue in the movie. Excellent acting from Benicio del Toro. Can't wait to see him as Che Guevarra.

Introducing the Dwights

Saw Introducing the Dwights on DVD via Netflix Saturday, 1 March 2008. Adorable little movie from Australia. Great acting from all the actors, but Brenda Blethyn was the star of the show. I had forgotten that she was also in Atonement.

Lust, Caution

Saw Lust, Caution on DVD via Netflix Sunday, 24 February 2008. A well-crafted Chinese film from one of the most amazing Chinese directors of all time. Now I know why it was rated NC-17! Great way to end February.

Enchanted

Saw Enchanted at the bargain theater Monday, 18 February 2008, at 640pm. After all the hype surrounding this movie, I walked away feeling that it was just OK -- good, not great.

Moliere

Saw Moliere on DVD via Netflix Sunday, 17 February 2008. One of the better French films I've seen this year. Can't wait to see Romain Duris next in Dans Paris.

Persepolis

Saw Persepolis at the regular theater Sunday, 10 February 2008, at 220pm. One of the best coming-of-age stories I've seen. Also one of the better animated films of 2007. I actually liked it more than Ratatouille.

the Darjeeling Limited

Saw the Darjeeling Limited at the budget theater Saturday, 2 February 2008, at 1240pm. Typical Wes Anderson flick. Although, I enjoyed it more than the Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.

Black Book

Saw Black Book on DVD via Netflix Friday, 1 February 2008. Great way to start February! Excellent Dutch film. Could have been nominated for Oscar Best Foreign-Language Film, but unfortunately, AMPAS thought that there were 5 better films last year.

the Diving Bell and the Butterfly

Saw the Diving Bell and the Butterfly at a regular theater Sunday, 27 January 2007 at 235pm. One of the best French films I've seen this year. Julian Schnabel deserves winning the Best Director prize at last year's Cannes Film Festival and getting the Oscar nomination for Best Director. Cinematography and writing were also exceptional. Can't wait to see Persepolis next.

Sunshine

Saw Sunshine on DVD via Netflix Saturday, 26 January 2007. Why did Danny Boyle turn the last act into a slasher flick? Unfortunately, like I Am Legend, it also suffers from "third-act collapse."

This is England

Saw This is England online via Netflix Friday, 25 January 2007. One of the better British films released last year. Worthy of being nominated Best British Film at the BAFTA's.

the Savages

Saw the Savages at a regular theater Sunday, 20 January 2007, at 2pm. At one point, I was thinking to myself that it was better than Juno, but then I felt that some scenes were unnecessary and dragging. In the end, I thought it was a great film with excellent performances. Good to see Laura Linney pick up her third Oscar nom through her performance in this film. Philip Seymour Hoffman's performances in Charlie Wilson's War and Before the Devil Knows You're Dead were superior to this one, though.

There Will Be Blood

Saw There Will Be Blood at a regular theater Saturday, 19 January 2007, at 630pm. After watching the film, I turned over to my viewing companion and said that it's impossible for this movie not to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture (and true enough, it did get the nom yesterday.) Daniel Day-Lewis is sure to win the Best Actor Oscar. I read on the Internet that there were people who didn't like the ending (just like in No Country for Old Men,) but I am very satisfied by how the film resolved itself. It's too bad that Jonny Greenwood's score is disqualified by AMPAS.

Live-In Maid

Saw Live-In Maid on DVD via Netflix Saturday, 19 January 2007. Absolutely found this film adorable. Reminds me of the upper-middle class señoras back home who can't live without a maid (I wonder how many were affected by the 1997 Asian financial crisis.) Loved the ending too.

Charlie Wilson's War

Saw Charlie Wilson's War at the regular theater Saturday, 12 January 2008, at 1210pm. Loved Philip Seymour Hoffman's performance (can't wait to see him next in the Savages.) But, overall, the movie was good, but not great. Don't think it will be nominated for Oscar Best Pic.

Shoot 'Em Up

Saw Shoot 'Em Up on DVD via Netflix on Friday, 11 January 2008. I actually enjoyed this movie a lot. I love the fact that Clive Owen was in a movie where women can no longer bear children (Children of Men,) while here, he's trying to save a baby from Paul Giamatti (who at one point blurted out -- "f*** me Sideways!") Loved the over-the-top action scenes. One of the better actions movies of 2007!

I Am Legend

Saw I Am Legend at the IMAX theater Sunday, 6 January 2008, at 2pm. I agree with one of the critics who said that this film suffers from "third-act collapse." Not that great.

Dan In Real Life

Saw Dan In Real Life at the budget theater Saturday, 5 January 2008, at 220pm. Worse than what I expected. I don't think there were a lot of moments when the audience laughed during the movie. I was surprised when I saw this as one of the nominees for Best Comedy during the Critics Choice Awards. Good thing I only paid bargain price.

Lady Chatterley

Saw Lady Chatterley on DVD via Netflix, Saturday, 29 December 2007. Second of the 2 disappointing French-related movies. After it ended, I couldn't believe that it actually won the Cesar Award for Best Picture. Worse than 2 Days in Paris. Good thing I didn't have to pay anything extra (save for my monthly subscription fee) to see this movie. I hope that the Diving Bell and the Butterfly will not leave me with the same feeling.

2 Days in Paris

Saw 2 Days in Paris at the bargain theater, Friday, 28 December 2007, at 720pm. First of 2 disappointing French-related movies I saw one after the other. I was actually enjoying the first part of the movie. Somehow, after Adam Goldberg's character left the public market to head back to the apartment, the movie fell apart. It just never recovered.

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.