Focus (2001)
Posted on June 3, 2006
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Mild-mannered personnel manager, Lawrence Newman, discovers anti-Semitic discrimination, bigotry, and hatred, toward the end of World War II, after he gets new glasses that make people mistake him for a Jew. Stand-out performances from William H. Macy, Laura Dern, and Meat Loaf make this a memorable film.
Grade: B.
IMDB: Focus.
Walk the Line (2005)
Posted on June 2, 2006
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Country Legend Johnny Cash and his wife June Carter Cash are the subject of this biopic. Joaquin Pheonix and Reese Witherspoon are wonderful in the lead roles. The music shines in this film as Pheonix and Witherspoon sing songs instead of lip syncing. This is an interesting and engaging film.
Grade: A-.
IMDB: Walk the Line.
Ray (2004)
Posted on June 2, 2006
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A truly engaging story of struggle and triumph is crafted around the biography of the legendary entertainer, Ray Charles. Jamie Foxx’s portrayal of Charles is honest and never feels like caricature. The strong supporting cast and excellent script make this a must see film. Mr. Foxx’s oscar is well deserved.
Grade:Â A.
IMDB:Â Ray.
Patton (1970)
Posted on June 2, 2006
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This film tells the story of General George S. Patton’s World War 2 campaigns in Africa and Europe. The sometimes loved, sometimes hated general is portrayed by George C. Scott. Karl Malden is also notable as even-tempered General Bradley. General Patton’s idiosyncrasies are celebrated in this mostly entertaining film.
Grade: B-.
IMDB: Patton.
Bonhoeffer: Agent of Grace (2000)
Posted on June 2, 2006
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An excellent cast, none of whom are major names in America, and solid acting bring the story of one theologian’s principled resistance to the Nazi regime in Germany to life. A palpable undercurrent of fear, particularly of the German resistance getting arrested and executed, is always present in this drama.
Grade: B.
IMDB: Bonhoeffer: Agent of Grace.
The Excalibur Kid (1999)
Posted on June 2, 2006
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This unbelievably horrible film is a fine example of terrible acting, juvenile dialogue and unprofessional special effects. It makes Plan 9 From Outer Space look like Tombstone. I’ve walked out of only two films; this one and Star Wars Episode 1. I’ve spent more entertaining evenings vomiting from food poisoning.
Color: Blood Red
IMDB: The Excalibur Kid
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Posted on June 2, 2006
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Other war movies focus on elite forces, major battles or rag-tag groups overcoming incredible odds. This well-acted and exceptionally-executed film instead relates a fictional story of a small band of soldiers simply following orders to save the last surviving brother of four that were killed during D-Day.
Color: Royal Blue
IMDB: Saving Private Ryan
Zero 7 – Simple Things (2001)
Posted on June 2, 2006
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A nicely laid-back collection of instrumental and vocal downtempo songs, this album delivers a lush, soulful set of ethereal tracks that feature vocalists Mozez, Sia Furler, and Sophie Barker. Destiny, In the Waiting Line, This World, and Spinning stand out, along with the beautiful instrumental arrangements and solid songwriting.
Grade: A-.
Allmusic: Simple Things.
Thank You For Smoking (2005)
Posted on June 1, 2006
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A silver-tongued tobacco lobbyist battles to defend a besieged industry and to save his relationship with his son. Corporate Culture, D.C. and Hollywood are skillfully juxtaposed to force the audience to wonder which are the most bizarre. At the end, one may even feel sympathy for the antagonist / hero.
Color: Green
IMDB: Thank You For Smoking
Kung Fu Hustle (2004)
Posted on June 1, 2006
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Two wanna-be gangsters try to extort a run-down village. When the real gangsters arrive, the city’s secret Shaolin masters reveal themselves. The film is funny but becomes serious and even moving at moments. Well worth watching not just for the comedy, but also the well choreographed fight scenes.
Color: Blue
IMDB: Kung Fu Hustle [Cantonese with English Subtitles]