Sin City (2005)

Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller adapt three stories from Miller’s comic series. This film noir action flick is not for the faint of heart. Gritty Basin City is the backdrop which creates dark comic book style. A great story combined with great casting makes this a fun movie to watch. Grade: A-. IMDB: Sin City.

Spanglish (2004)

Téa Leoni, Adam Sandler, and Paz Vega star in a dramatic comedy about a Mexican housekeeper, the family that hires her, and their quirky interaction. Leoni is perfect as the freakishly neurotic wife, Sandler surprisingly works as a romantic lead, and Vega is simply stunning in this beautiful, emotional film. Grade: A+. IMDB: Spanglish.

V for Vendetta (2005)

This stirring film tells the tale of a freedom fighter attempting to save the people of future Britain from their dystopian fate. The Wachowski brothers adapt the story of heroism and bravery from the graphic novel by Alan Moore. Striking visuals and wonderful performances nearly make this an instant classic. Grade: A-. IMDB: V for […]

Breakbeat Era – Ultra-Obscene (1999)

A collaboration between Drum and Bass producers Roni Size and DJ Die along with singer Leonie Laws. This album blends big fat breakbeats with jazzy instrumentation and lush atmospheres. Leonie’s deep and spacy lyrics blend well to create an almost perfect DnB album. This is a classic in the genre. Grade: A-. Allmusic: Breakbeat Era.

Blade II (2002)

Wesley Snipes returns as Blade, the Daywalker, in a silly vampire flick that blows its wad in the first half hour. The fight sequences at the beginning dazzle and get increasingly contrived and hokey by the end. The story wasn’t just predictable. It was boring, without style, and completely unnecessary. Grade: D-. IMDB: Blade II.

Silent Hill (2006)

Directed by Christophe Gans, this is a cheesy action/horror flick based on the game series of the same name. The special effects are suitably spooky, but in an “I’ve seen this before” way. Plot holes and wooden acting plague the story. This is mainly for fans of the games. Grade: D-. IMDB: Silent Hill.

Of Mice and Men (1992)

John Malkovich and Gary Sinise team up in a beautiful adaptation of the classic John Steinbeck novel. Malkovich is barely recognizable as the incredibly strong, but mentally handicapped, Lennie. Sinise directs and stars as George, who travels to find work with his friend. Great performances make this film a classic. Grade: B+. IMDB: Of Mice […]

The Story of the Weeping Camel (2003)

This Oscar-nominated documentary centers around a nomadic Mongolian family and one of their camels, who has given birth to a colt and rejected it. The family tries everything to get the mother camel to accept the baby and ultimately resorts to getting a violinist to perform a special ritual. Grade: B-. IMDB: The Story of […]

Broadcast News (1987)

William Hurt, Jack Nicholson, Albert Brooks, and Holly Hunter anchor a strong cast in this comedic drama about a network television station and a talentless anchor’s rise to the top. Very well-acted, although quite cheesy in parts, this endearing picture tugs at the heart and evokes a few guffaws. Grade: B-. IMDB: Broadcast News.

William Gibson – Pattern Recognition (2003)

Set not long after the 9-11 attack, and dealing with modern online culture, this novel spins a tale of conspiracy and intrigue. Despite the modern setting, Gibson has managed to keep the “Cyberpunk Cool” factor alive. After all, we are now living in the future. Gibson fans will enjoy this. Grade: B. IBL: Pattern Recognition.

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