DC Movie Review: District 9

I went into this movie with high expectations, but I had been let down before by Peter Jackson (King Kong). Let me tell you he and rising star director Neill Blomkamp did a hell of a job.

I don't like to give a lot away in a review, but here is a quick summary...

Basically if you know anything about history this movie is really doing a little social commentary on the Apartheid. Don't worry it doesn't get bogged down trying to send a message. Our main character is a guy who is working for MNU ( Multi-National United), which is an organization that has been formed to deal with this strange space ship that has been hovering over South Africa for 20 years. All the aliens have been moved to slums, and are basically separated much like blacks during segregation. MNU is now in charge of moving them to basically a concentration camp, while also trying to find a way to use the alien's weapons, which can only be turned on with their DNA.

So, out main character starts going around kicking the aliens out of their homes, when he is suddenly infected and starts changing into.....one of them! The story takes off from their, and let me just say it is one of the more intense movies I have ever seen. It does a great job with the CGI, and making everything look gritty and real. The actions sequences, which there are a ton of, are awesome and even though it is sci-fi you really feel like this could happen.

Do yourself a favor and take some time to see this movie. It is one of those movies you need to see in theater because of the sound, and the way it is shot.

Grade: 4.5/5

DC Movie Review: Bruno

This is the single toughest review I have had to write so far. Was the movie funny? Yes. It was also the most uncomfortable, gayest thing I have ever seen in my life...

"Bruno, who has no known surname, is a homosexual Austrian fashionista claiming to be a reporter from an Austrian television station. Sacha Baron Cohen who plays Bruno interviews unsuspecting guests about topics such as fashion, entertainment, celebrities and homosexuality, with an emphasis on the latter as each interview progresses (movies.com)."

I don't know who should be more offended by this movie...Gays or blacks. There are parts of this movie that had me laughing so hard that I felt like I was going to throw up. There were also parts of this movie that made me want to just throw up. I don't want to give anything away, and I think people should see it....IF you can deal with over-the-top gayness, and have a good sense of humor about just about everything....

Grade: 7/10

DC Movie Review: Angels & Demons

I had read mixed reviews going in, and now I can see why. Was the movie entertaining? Yes, but for the most part I saw every twist coming, and there is one scene that is just like..."if that guy lives I should walk out". It happens, I stayed, should have left. Saying all that, it was somewhat interesting. Basically what is going on is...

"The Illuminati--a secret society of anti-religious freethinkers--is out to destroy the Catholic Church. So they steal some anti-matter capable of blowing up most of Rome, kidnap some cardinals on the eve of the selection of a new Pope and, luckily for Tom Hanks, leave TONS OF CLUES like a bread crumb trail of puzzle pieces.(Movies.com)."

I like the whole science vs. religion concept, and I bet the book was fantastic. The problem really was the directing. You could tell they had a good story, but a lot of times it is hard to fit a book into a movie. Some part seemed rushed (even though it is a long movie), and you just felt like there could have been a whole lot more back story to all of this.

Oh yea and if you are going to go to see Hanks' awesome mullet that he had in the first movie, it's not there....

Grade: 5 out of 10

DC Movie Review: Star Trek

I have never been a big Star Trek guy, but I have seen all the movies, and overall they never bothered me. Well this movie is fucking awesome. JJ Adams is the best director going right now, and this movie could have been a really big flop, but instead he reenergized the franchise. The movie is action packed, the acting is great, and the story keeps you involved throughout.

This movie could have easily fell in the mold of the old Star Trek movies, where Kirk dominates the movie, and has to the lead throughout. In this movie the importance is spread over a couple characters, so there is no "overacting". Do yourself a favor, and give this movie a shot. You will probably have to put up with some dude with pointy ears, talking about the difference between the original and Generations, but if you can deal with that the movie is well worth it.

9 out of 10

DC Movie Review: Detox

We have had trailers up on the site for this movie for a while now, and I was really excited to finally see this movie. In short, I was not disappointed. Three of our writers were part of this movie. Scott Beer, Ross Hockrow (aka The Answer) did the filming/directing, and Shawn Wootten (aka Woot) was the lead actor.

The story is basically this guy (Shawn) who is a fuck up and messed up on drugs. His brother comes up with a plan to steal from this "mob" boss, and Shawn goes along with it, because all he has to do is hold the package. Things obviously get fucked up, and the brother is killed. With now even less in his life Shawn turns to an old friend for him, but first he has to straighten himself out. The movie goes on to show us the horrors of getting out of that way of life, and sometimes what replaces it isn't much better.

I was blown away by this movie, because of a couple things. One was that I have known Shawn for a while now, and while watching the movie I forgot it was him. That is a credit to his acting, as he really immersed himself in the character. Another reason was the way the movie was shot. I knew the budget could not be very big, but you wouldn't know it by watching it. They really did a great job at using the resources they had, and camera tricks to make it believable. I am not the best at explaining movies, but I suggest getting a copy when it comes out in a couple weeks. The movie has everything from good acting, to plot twists, so I think all DC fans would enjoy it. We'll let you know when the DVDs are released.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Movie review

Film: Watchmen
Staring: Malin Ackerman, Billy Crudup
Directed by: Zack Snyder (300, Dawn of the Dead)


Bmack came to visit this weekend for our movie premiere and im pretty sure the trip was a success....but at one point we wasted 3 hours of our lives inside a movie theater....watching this film.

Garbage. This movie is absolute garbage. Three hours it runs, and during this torturous amount of time they drag you along the impossibly boring tale of a group of superheros. If you read the book and liked it, i understand...i get it, its probably a great book. But trust me, the story in no way translates well on the screen. The plot jumps around from point to point with careless abandon and it is consistently attempting to have a deeper meaning throughout, almost having to bed the audience to hang in there and pay attention. Some of the characters are pretty cool, but because of the story they are in, they lose effectiveness.

Its rated R, so i was hopeful of some hardcore shit to happen. There were some pretty hardcore killings, and a very hardcore sex scene that could easily be classified as pornographic. However, one of the reasons the movie was rated R is because of a giant blue dick. That's right, one of the superheroes is this all knowing being who glows blue. Well, he walks around naked throughout the film and we have to watch his super member the whole time....its horrible. You see plenty of this and begin to ask yourself.....why?

Don't see this movie unless you need to take a nap and you have no where else to do it. Its a waste of time, and a waste of money, and a waste of a potentially good storyline. As a young filmmaker, this film is all the inspiration i need. If this movie got made, anything can get made.


1/2 a star. and thats generous

Movie Review

Film: The Wrestler
Starring: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei
Directed by: Darren Aronofsky (Robocop, Requiem for a Dream)



Now you listen to me world of DC faithfuls, go see this movie. If its not playing around you anymore, wait for it to come out on demand, or at the movie store and buy it. Dont rent it, fucking buy it.

'Real' is the best word to describe this movie, but it doesn't do it justice due to the terms' daily overuse. The story is obviously about a wrestler who is coming to terms with the fact this his wrestling days are numbered due to a heart condition he has developed over a long period of steroid and drug use, drinking, and over exertion. The job Rourke did is phenomenal, simply phenomenal. he is this role. The film completely pulls you into the story and you forget that its a fictional story all together. Its realistic basis and natural process of events allows us to believe in the reality being expressed.

And welcome back Marisa Tomei. Dear lord, welcome back indeed. She plays a stripper/friend to Rourke and struggles with crossing the line from customer to love interest. Her characterization is well crafted and supports the lead role very well. And also, we get to see her tits numerous times, that which are both accented by pierced nips....yes its true. But aside from her breasts, her performance was stellar.

Fantastic movie. Dont rent it, spend a few more bucks and buy it.

5 Stars

Movie Review

Film: Coraline
Staring: Dakota Fanning, Terri Hatcher
Director: Henry Selick (Nightmare Before Christmas)



Fuck the haters, this movie is awesome.

You wanna talk about creative story telling? You wanna talk about depth of moral dilemmas? You wanna talk about a story that on so many levels relates to reality through the imagination? Then you wanna talk about Coraline.

This three Dimensional tale is one of the best stories i have ever heard. And yea, its a children's story, and yes its a cartoon, but it transcends the stereotype of animation. As Selick did with Nightmare Before Christmas, this take is captivating from the opening scene. The 3-D effects are that which have never been done before, and are sure to entertain you even if the story somehow doesn't.

The film is a tale about a young girl named Coraline. She is the only child to two struggling writers. Consequently the parents spend most of the time writing and working on their latest work and have little time to pay attention to Corlaine. However, having just moved into a new house Coraline has a huge historic home to explore, and explore it she does. She uncovers a door that leads into a parallel universe of sorts that features the same characters in her normal life, but seemingly better. They openly discuss the differences in each world and contest that Coraline should stay with them in this fantasy life where she gets anything she wants. But Coraline soon realizes this world is not all it seems to be and she comes to the realization that reality is better than fantasy.

Follow Coraline as she journeys to resurrect her true existence and free herself from the fantasy she thought she wanted to become truth. The array of characters is seemingly endless, from an Austrian circus ring leader, to two busty, over the top opera singers. She utilizes them all as she seeks out the life she always wanted, and then realized she always had.

have a heart. Relax. Don't expect something that its not, and you will enjoy it.

5 Stars.

Holla

Movie Review

Film: Taken
Staring: Liam Neeson
Directed by: Pierre Morel



This film was a great popcorn thriller. I wont say it was like the Bourne movies, because it wasnt that good, nor that well thought out. However, the action sequences were pretty cool and Liam neeson whooped some serious ass in it. Only at one point did he even remotetly face an even opponent. The story line is that his daughter is kidnapped in Paris by a bunch of Albanians in order to sell as sex slaves in the lucrative underground human trafficing world that is europe. Liam Neeson a former employee of the govenment goes to Paris to seek out his daughter and reign vengance upon those that are responsible.

Some of the scene were a bit rediculous. There are times when he should have been killed hands down, and yet manages to escape. Great for entertainment purposes, but put a strain on the overall believablility of the tale. If your looking to go to the movies and want to see some sweet action scenes and the story of an overall badass, this is your film. However, if in the season of the Oscars, you want to see a quality film that deserves recognition from the Acadamy, you may want to search elseware.

rating: 3 Stars

DC Movie Review: Friday the 13th

Big fan of the entire series, and this was supposed to be a "reimagining" of the 1st three movies. Michael Bay did an OK job, but there are things in this movie that will piss you off if you have too high of expectations.

The beginning of the movie rocks. Classic Jason rampaging, and finding new and creative ways to kill the stupid roaming teens. We get the whole back story to Jason...mother dies in front of him, he's pissed, and kills the same kind of people his mother did (teens who smoke, drink, or have sex). So of course a bunch of teens go to Crystal Lake to smoke, drink, have sex, ect. Normal set up, everything is great, but I wish Bay would have done more about when Jason found his mask. He was running around with a bag of his head, and it was kind of an iconic moment, but whatever. Some smoking girls in this movie, decent comedy lines, good killings (though not a lot of imagination other then the beginning). The ending of the movie is OK and falls in line with how the first 3 movies went, but there is a kind of a hole in the story. I won't tell you, but if you see it you'll know what I'm talking about. The other problem with the movie is that it is exactly like Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake, and the Hill Have Eyes, which were both done by the same production team. All they really did was plug Jason into the exact same storyline/scenes.

Rating: 3 out of 5

DC Movie Review: Gran Torino

This movie had a lot of hype around it, but for the second time in a row a movie lived up to it (the first movie that lived up to the hype was Slumdog Millionaire). Clint Eastwood stars as an old, angry, racist, Korean War vet. He has just lost his wife, and is living in a neighborhood that is being taken over by gangs. He eventually finds some good in the neighborhood, but don't think for a second it stops him from being the biggest bigot around. Eastwood is fantastic in this movie, even though he is 78 years old. The acting all around is very good. It is not as good as Slumdog, but to be honest few movies are. If you like racist jokes, Eastwood being a badass, then you'll love Gran Torino.

4 out of 5 stars

DC Movie Review: Slumdog Millionaire

I know this movie has been out for awhile, but I finally got the chance to see it this weekend. There was so much hype around this movie I really felt like I was going to be let down, but let me tell you right now, this movie is everything that is right in film making.

The movie is an independent film about an an 18 year-old orphan from the slums of Mumbai, who's life is basically shit. The story goes back and forth from his time on "Who Wants to be a Millionaire", and his life growing up. While on the show, he is arrested on suspicion of cheating. He is brought to a police station where he is questioned on how he knew each answer. The story moves to different points in his life to show how he may have known the answer. I don't want to give away too much of the story, and I don't feel like I am doing it justice, so if you want to read more...CLICK HERE.

Anyways, do yourself a favor and go see Slumdog Millionaire. It is up for many awards such as four Golden Globe Awards for Best Motion Picture - Drama, Best Director - Motion Picture (Danny Boyle), Best Screenplay (Simon Beaufoy) and Best Original Score (A. R. Rahman), and five Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards.

5 out of 5 stars from me...

Movie Review: My Bloody Valentine

So yesterday I decided to go for it. Me and the girl went to see My Bloody Valentine and I got this to say to you; don't see this movie unless you get 3D glasses. They didn't hand them out at my movie theater but I also live in New Orleans. The movie made me jump like 100 times and was full of action, but it was a very good/bad scary movie and the ending was the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen. For a scary movie, it did it's job, but if you're expecting to see a good movie don't bother.

The movie gets 3 couches out of 5.

Movie Review

Film: Seven Pounds
Staring: Will Smith, Rosario Dawson
Director: Gabriele Muccino (Pursuit of Happiness)



I went to go see this because A: Will Smith is in it, and im pretty sure at one point will smith is going to need to save the world for real, so im down with whatever hes doin. THAT BEING SAID. i like movie hes in always, and this one seemed very interesting because we got no idea what the fuck is going on in the trailer, and ya know what, we got no clue through most of the movie also.

If you dont like emotional movies don't see this. I got misty eyes during it a few times no homo.

But straight up, a good movie. The story all in all is a feel good plot. Will smith delivered a solid performance and you simply cant take your eyes off Rosario Dawson. The best scenes are between the two of them trying to figure out what it is exactly that their relationship is. Throughout the whole film the rest of the people in the movie are trying to find out what Will Smith is up to. What he actually ends up being up to is craziness. absolute craziness.

if your bored, got nothing else to do, wanna see a movie, waste some time, go see this one.

Rating 3.9 Stars

Movie Review

Film: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Staring : Brad Pitt Cate Blanchette
Director: David Fincher (Fight Club)



Ladies and gentleman, I have been waiting for a film to come around and blow us away. This movie, in my eyes, is unlike any film i have ever viewed in my life. The story is one told through the southern hospitable mindset of a man named Benjamin. He was born old. He was to go through his life slowly growing younger. Thats the basis of the tale.

But there is much more beyond the surface of the film. We get to examine the family Benjamin is raised by and how they function with him. His adoptive mother (who played the part miraculously) was flamboyant in showering love over Benjamin, and in that way he grew to have strength. living in a home for the elderly Benjamin tuns 17 and decides its time to leave and see the world. So at age 17 he looks about 67 and a tug boat captain takes him on as crew and he pulls his weight. His journey begins.

Through his quest to experience life, he always haves in the back of him mind a girl named Daisey (Blanchett). She is about 13 years old at the time so their relationship is put on hold until their unique ages somehow match up. For now he is at war and she is a professional dancer.

I wont tell the whole story but from that point on, they finally meet for the last time. The love has never been called into question, and an explosion of passion propels the emotions right out to the film. At this stage of the story they are similar in age...kinda and things begin to happen. thats all im saying.


BEfore i wrote this i was tryin go think of the last movie to touch me in this way. It was, as far as i can tell...a perfect movie. The story itself is fantastic i would read the book if i was the kinda guy that read books. there were some comedic moments as well throughout. I cant think of any other movie that i saw and liked as much as this one. not since TMNT but thats obvious.

This movie is as close to perfection as anything you have ever seen. IF you don't like it, its ok, you just don't know anything about film.

Rating: 5 Stars

Movie Review

Film: Milk
Staring: Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, Emile Hirsch, James Franco, Diego Luna
Director: Gus Van Sant (Finding Forrester, Good Will Hunting)



First of all I would like to say that DC has a stanch reputation of being strictly a heterosexual blog. We enjoy the finer things in life most of which have something to do with the female body. THAT BEING SAID. This movie was fantastic.

They truck is to not let yourself be distracted by the love and intimacy shared by the charatcers, because trust me theres a bunch. But its all done very tastefully and i for one walked out with my heterosexuality intact. If your the type of guy who gets all weirded out seein two dudes kiss, this prolly isnt your movie.

The story is awesome. Another movie depicting actual events in history. Sean Penn plays Harvey Milk a man trying to run for political office in the swinging sanfransico days. He faces opposition from the main stream constituencies because of his sexual orientation. BUt slowly and surely his popularity beings to rise and he finds himself with an opportunity to become the first openly gay man ever elected to public office.

Its a story about triumph. Its a story about striving to get to the top so that changes can be made. Its about believing in yourself and having the right people around you supporting you that believe in you too. Its about fighting for what you believe in even if the majority of people are against you. Never violet, but always present.

Sean Penn will win the Academy Award for best actor for his performance here, I have very little doubt. Put money on it even. I highly suggest seeing this movie for many reasons some which i have stated. Others include the supporting cast, they portray characters that have deeply realistic characteristics and tendencies. It allows us to see that these are people going though this struggle, not just characters in a movie.


Rating 4 Stars

Movie Review: Resurrecting the Champ

This movie came about over a year ago, but I hadn't seen it till last night, and I don't think I am the only one. The reason I am writing is because this movie was really good in my opinion. It stars Samuel L. Jackson, Alan Alda, and Josh Hartnett. The story is about a struggiling sports writer Erik Kernan (Josh Hartnett), who find a bum on the street, but this bum isn't any ordinary bum, its one-time boxing great Bob Satterfield (Samuel L. Jackson). Erik sees this has an opportunity to turn Satterfield's, and his own, life. He begins writing a story called "Resurrecting the Champ" (this is all based on a true story). The story has a lot of twists in turns, but I think it was very well put together, and it was good to see Samuel L. Jackson actually act, instead of just playing Samuel L. Jackson. The funny thing throughout is that Samuel L. Jackson's characters voices sounds a lot like crack head character from the Chappelle show, Tyrone Biggums...thanks to Wootman for pointing that out. So, if nothing else you can watch the movie and laugh at that.

Anyways, here is the trailer...

-BMack

Movie Review

Film: Role Models
Staring: Paul Rudd, Sean William Scott
Director: David Wain



This is a story of two guys who work together (Rudd and Scott). they work as marketers of an energy drink traveling around to local schools pushing the drink on todays youth. Rudd's character is depressed about being there for 10 years so tries to spice up his life. After his girl dumps him he has a huge outburst eventually landing both him and Scott in a great deal of trouble. Their punishment is to either go to prison or join this program with children.

Its pretty funny. These two guys keep a casual yet humorus dialogue going through most of the film. The two kids they get paried up with are hillarious and alot of the supporting cast is recognizable from some of Paul Rudds other films. Its vulgar, profane, and a great movie to go see. It doesnt try to be too much, it knows its a pretty unrealistic set of events throughout and stays within its limits by continuously making jokes i cant repeat infront of my grandmother. I recomend going to see this, there are a few shots of some titties also so....yea.

Rating: 4 Stars.

Movie Review

Film: The Haunting of Molly Hartley
Staring: Haley Bennett, Jake Weber
Director: Mickey Liddell



I went to the movies to see Role Models, it was sold out. And since im in my girls town in NJ they do free movies on Tuesdays (yea, jersey...who knew). It was between this movie and Madagascar. i wish i saw Madagascar. This movie gave me a headache it was so shitty. It was a very poor excuse for a horror movie that had an empty plot filled with cliche teenage characters. You have the new girl trying to fit in, the cool jock who has his eye on her, the jealous blond bitches, and the rebellious 'i dont give a fuck' cute girl who befriends the new girl. When they talked i wanted to put a revolver in my mouth.

its about a girl who's mother stabbed her in the chest and so she got locked up and the girl and her dad moved away to start over. the girl experiences flashbacks and visions of what went down and it is a very predictable and mundane experience.

Go see anything but this. I'm so pissed i didn't see Madagascar, the first one wasnt bad either.

Rating: 1 Star

Movie Review: Audition

In a world full of Saws, Hostels and gross gore movies this one by far is the goriest/ most disturbing one I have ever seen. I will admit that this movie starts off real slow and the plot is sometimes hard to follow, however, by the end of the movie you will feel weird and gross. The movie itself is about a man who's wife passed, and after a while he fakes having a movie audition to find a woman to date. He finds this very sweet, soft Asian woman who is somewhat mysterious. He thinks he finds the right woman until he takes her on a vacation then she disappears. When searching for her he starts to find out no one really knows her and that she has a very troubled past. He starts to get over her only to realize she broke into his house and drugged his drink, paralyzing him. She then puts him through excruciating torture including sawing his feet off with a wire, and putting metal pins in his body and eyes.

All in all I give it a 8 out of 10 on creepy, scary, disturbing movie scale.