Insidious: A film with a strong start but weak ending

So it's Halloween night with a few friends and one of them has a collection of horror movies we have never watched before (or even heard of). We decide to watch Insidious because one of my buds had heard that this was a frightening film. Although the film did have a few good early scares, the ending was just a cheap cop-out.

I kind of feel like this film is a combination of Poltergeist and The Paranormal Activity series. The beginning starts with a typical white family moving into a new house. They have two children and of course a baby. The dad's a teacher and the mom is into music, yada yada. Do I need to go on? The family begins to have weird occurrences such as certain items going missing, weird voices through the baby monitor. When eventually their oldest son falls into what is seemingly a coma. The mother (played by Rose Byrne of Bridesmaids) believes that it is the house that is causing this coma but when the family decides to move into a new house. They discover it is their son that is haunted. BUM BUM BUM!!!!

The few things that worked for this movie were the subtle scares at the beginning, where you can see movements through your peripherals. Where the movie begins to lose its haunting settings is when you start to see the actual ghosts and realize what happened to Darth Maul at the end of Star Wars Episode 1. The more you see of the ghosts the less frightening it becomes.

The ending or even midway through the film takes a complete turn and makes it seem like two films were tied together. It ends up being some fantasy adventure towards the end where the dad has to enter a spiritual realm to find his son. It's a little to Pumpkin Soup for the Teenage Soul for me. You never get attached to any of the characters to really care about what is happening. Overall this film is mediocre at best. I would say watch this film until they move into the new house, THEN STOP! It may make the film more haunting.

Slumdog Millionaire takes it home!

The 2009 Best Picture Winner has that special something for everyone. Slumdog features an incredible love story for the generations, the sick twisted humor that only Danny Boyle can come up with, and a connection with characters that makes you want to cheer them on.



Jamal Malik (Dev Pate) is just one question away from winning a fortune on India's version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" How has this uneducated young man from the slums succeeding in providing correct responses to questions that have stumped countless scholars before him? And will he ultimately win it all or lose everything, including his true love?

This movie truly proves that it is not about the story but rather more how the story is told. The story itself has been done before in many films before it. However what made this movie amazing was the way it was told. With each question the viewer is shown Jamal's life and how he was able to overcome these difficulties to find his true love. Danny Boyle's direction is amazing in this film and truly deserves all the Oscars that it has won. I would highly recommend this film to everyone, it will make you jump out of your seat and cheer.

Please vote for the poll on the side! I really can't wait to see what you guys request.

Please Vote!

I have five movies that need to be reviewed and I want to know which one you would like me to review first. I added a poll to the side of the blog featuring five movies you can vote for. Please vote!

For Your Consideration: "Evenings With Ms. Elouise"

I absolutely love this video. Tell me what you think.

Hi

It has been along time since I have posted and I want to come back. I am here taking requests for any movies you want me to review or any top ten lists you want me to make. Please just post here if you have a suggestion.

Oscar Picks

Best Picture
1. Slumdog Millionaire
2. Milk
3. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
4. Frost/Nixon
5. The Reader

I honestly believe that this movie may break the Golden Globes curse of Best Picture curse. It had done so well at all the other awards, hopefully it will win the big one. I really hope that Benjamin Button doesn't win because I find it to be too similar to Forest Gump.

Best Actress in a Supporting Role
1. Marisa Tomei
2. Penélope Cruz
3. Amy Adams
4. Viola Davis
5. Taraji P. Henson


Unfortunately I have only seen Taraji P Heson's performance, So I cannot fairly judge in this category but I have a strong feeling it will either go to Marissa Tomei or Penelope Cruz.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
1. Heath Ledger
2. Philip Seymour Hoffman
3. Michael Shannon
4. Robert Downey Jr.
5. Josh Brolin


There is obviously no contest here. Heath Ledger hands down. Most of the other nominees are pretty weak. I have a feeling that the Academy did that on purpose to make sure Heath will win. If it isn't Heath than it better go to Philip Seymour Hoffman.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
1. Melissa Leo
2. Kate Winslet
3. Meryl Streep
4. Anne Hathaway
5. Angelina Jolie


Melissa Leo strongly deserves it this year. Her performance in Frozen River drove the movie. That's what a leading actress should do. The movie itself could have gone flat easily but because of Leo's and Upham's (who should've been nominated over Taraji P. Henson) performance the movie is one of the best pictures of the year. However I have a strong feeling it will go to Kate Winslet just because people feel it's her time. To be honest I thought her performance in The Reader was good but not outstanding. If anything at all she should have won for Iris.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
1. Frank Langella
2. Sean Penn
3. Mickey Rourke
4. Richard Jenkins
5. Brad Pitt


Frank Langella should win for his role of President Nixon. The whole entire time you did not see Frank Langella, you saw Nixon. To be able to portray such a strong over the top character is amazing. I did not see The Wrestler so I cannot say Mickey Rourke doesn't deserve to win but I really feel strongly about Frank Langella. Sean Penn is my second pick for this category.

So these are my picks, tell me what you agree with or what you disagree with?

Hey guys I just wanted to let you know about some of the other articles I enjoy to write about that is not about movies. I also enjoy writing short stories which you can read at this cool site called HubPages. So far I have posted two stories online and probably will be writing some more soon. I promise to continue to write more reviews and such, I know it's been awhile since I posted anything but as I'm heading closer to my grad year I start to run out of time for things. However I will continue to post. Also please check out my stories and tell my what you think.

I am Sam (Just a Quickie)

Hey guys, sorry it's been awhile. I just watched I am Sam today for the first time in law today and I have to say that it was amazing. I'm shocked that it didn't get a best picture nomination. Now, Dakota Fanning definitely deserved an Oscar nomination and Sean Penn deserved to win. I thought his performance was much better that Denzel Washington. Heck, Sean Penn was even better than Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man. So I just wanted to do a quick review and I'll probably make a more in depth one when I have the time.

Sweeney Todd - Dark, Demented, Twisted and Loving It

Once again the disturbing dark duo Johnny Depp and Tim Burton are back at it again in Sweeney Todd.

Sweeney Todd is a man unjustly sent to prison who vows revenge, not only for that cruel punishment, but for the devastating consequences of what happened to his wife and daughter. When he returns to reopen his barber shop, Sweeney Todd becomes the Demon Barber of Fleet Street who "shaved the faces of gentlemen who never thereafter were heard of again."

Helena Bonham Carter as Ms. Lovett with Johnny Depp as Sweeney Todd

This may be too dark for some viewers but for someone like me, I find it amazing. From the opening scene, where Ms. Lovett bakes her revolting meat pies, to the end the film delivers it's quirky dim humor. The combination of Depp, Carter and Burton really makes this film what it is. You can really tell that all three of them have a great understanding of one another which makes each one of them be able to bring something to the table as well as being able to blend it together.

The greatest thing about this movie is that it is able to bring horror and musical together in a way that few films can. The only other horror musicals that I can think of is The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Repo! Although I feel that the storyline is good enough without the musical aspect but it does add a nice kick to it.

As for the singing I feel that most of the actors did a good job but not a wow job. However I did enjoy Ed Sanders (Toby).

I feel that the strongest point of the movie was the end because it gives you this depressing feeling that grows on you.

Sweeney Todd is a film that I'd recommend watching because the cast does do a really good job and surprisingly Sacha Baron Cohen does a pretty good job as the wacky barber.

Letter Grade
Singing: C+ I felt that it was a good enough job but not as good as some other musicals.
Performances: B This took some strong character acting and everyone did a great job.
Setting: A It sets the mood completely. I'm glad it won for best art-direction.
Overall: B+ It has definitely earned it's right as a new classic.

THE DRAGONBALL MOVIE TRAILER!!!

Here is the trailer for the new Dragon Ball movie starring Justin Chatwin, Chow Yun Fat, and Emmy Rossum. I hope you guys enjoy!



Special Thanks to Dragon Ball The Movie Blog.

Just to let everyone know, I am disappointed that they chose not to get an Asian actor for Goku.

Weird Video Games Coming to the Big Screen

The first movie may not be that weird of an idea since there was a previous one. However it is a video game movie and that movie is Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li. All you Smallville fans can be excited to see Kristin Kreuk as the main lead. It will also star Taboo (Black Eyed Peas) as Vega, Chris Klein (American Pie) as Charlie Nash and Robin Shou (Mortal Kombat) as Chun Li's master. Sadly I'm disappointed to say that Ryu and Ken will not be featured in the movie. Aaron Horwitz (the epk producer) quotes "Ken and Ryu will not be appearing in this film. But, that doesn’t mean we wont see our red and white-clad heroes in potential sequels…". If the movie does well who knows we might just see them.

There was another strange title I saw on IMDB. It was The Sims Movie. I love the Sims and I think it's a great game but I'm a little bit worried how the movie will turn out. It will be written by Brian Lynch (who is also writing the script for the Shrek spin-off Puss in Boots). Cross your fingers!

Lastly the champion of the weirdest video game turn movie is Dance Dance Revolution. That's right that's what I said. DDR is going to be a movie. I have no information on it at the moment but I will definitely be keeping an eye on it.

So there you have it some weird movies coming out. I can't wait to see how they turn out.

For My Top Card Droppers

I just wanted to let people know that if you are on the list of my top card droppers I will add you to my blog roll. This is just saying thanks to all of you.

Bernie Mac's death is insufficient compared to Heath Ledgers

October 5 1997 - August 9 2008

Okay I don't if you have ever been on the boards for IMDB.com but it is a great site to chat to other people about actors and movies. However there are a few times where it can be absolutely disgusting. When I found out about Bernie Mac's death of course I went to his page on IMDB.com and when I gazed upon his boards I could see horrible topics about the death of actors. People were actually comparing Bernie Mac's death to Heath Ledger. Some were saying that Ledger's death is more tragic then Mac's. Now this really started to grind my gears. How can you compare deaths? Is one person more sufficient than the other. No! All deaths are sad and they should never be compared. This year we lost three great actors, that I am aware of, Bernie Mac, Heath Ledger, George Carlin and plenty of more that I am not aware of.

April 4 1979 - January 22 2008

It's not even just the comparison of deaths that anger me. There is one board that quotes "Why couldn't it have been Cedric the Entertainer?". They actually were referring that another person should die instead. We are all human beings, sure death might be cool in movies or even funny on shows like Family Guy. In real life there is no laughter or oohs and aahs when someone dies. There are only tears from the family and friends who have lost someone close to them.

May 12 1937 - June 22 2008

It just sickens me how people could be so cold.

Upcoming Movies - Students Killing one another

Here is a movie spin-off that is coming soon that I thought I should let you know about.

It is none other than Battle Royale. I don't know if you have ever heard of it but it was an extremely controversial novel, written by Koushun Takami, that was later on turned into a Japanese cult classic movie. Battle Royale is about a high school class that is forced to kill each other. Although it is not guaranteed that this one will be made, because of the Virginia Tech Massacre (for obvious reasons). The original one is an excellent movie that dealt with student relationships, guns, love, hate and more. It is definitely one my top favourite films. If you ever get a chance to go to Japan, make sure to grab the DVD. If your lucky they might have it at a Chinese night market.

Also if you loved Kill Bill. The actress who plays Gogo Yubari is in it.

500 HITS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks so much you guys for all the support of the site. I can't believe I was able to get this high. Thanks for supporting my blog.

This year's summer movies

I want to hear what you think are the best summer films of the season. Personally my fave this year is The Dark Knight. Not watching the last Batman film, I had no idea of what to expect. I knew for sure however that Heath would give an outstanding performance. However, I was shockingly surprised to see the Academy Award Winner for Best Picture. It is really that good. What do you guys think? Which is the best movie of the summer? Is it Iron Man, Indiana, Mamma Mia, Stone Angel or whatever? Tell me what you think is the best movie for summer 2008.

August Rush makes everyone believe again

I know it has been awhile since I have put up a review on my site but here is a movie that just makes you feel so inspired to follow your passion. The film I am reviewing today is August Rush.

It has been a long time since I have seen film that makes you feel this good. The cast does a wonderful job showing their belief in music.

Having shared one extraordinary night, cellist Lyla Novacek (Keri Russel) and rock sing Louis Connelly (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) were a fairytale couple that was broken up by unfortunate circumstances. Eleven years later, both are miserable and share a feeling of incompleteness. Evan (Freddie Highmore) is the son that both of them never knew they had. He too feels incomplete. Evan knows that he can find his parents through the power of music, one day he stops and listens and follows the music.

This movie has a sort of magic to it. For me, Robin Williams really stands out in this movie playing the villainous "Wizard". He was creepy and malicious with all the kids and should have been nominated for at least a Golden Globe. As for the rest of the cast, Freddie Highmore is cute and definitely shows his passion for music throughout the film. There is once scene with Freddie Highmore and Jonathan Rhys Meyers that was really nice and well executed.

As for the music, it was wondrous. The songs had so much passion and emotion in it, even the orchestra music seemed to have voice in it. Jamia Simone Nash hopefully one day will release a record of her own one day (hopefully RnB and not a pop one).

This movie was definetly one of the better ones of 2008 and is definetly worth renting or even buying. August Rush reminds you that it's not impossible to reach your dreams. Your dreams can become a reality if you work hard for it.

Cast: A-

Music: A+

Storyline: A-

Message: Exquisite

Overall: A

My Oppinions on "Torture Porn"

Movies such as the Saw series and the Hostel series are movies that shouldn't be judged by the storyline. It should be judged on how realistic the gore is. I mean honestly when you watch these movies, you don't expect it to win any Academy Awards. The only reason why we watch these films is because we want to see a bunch of idiotic teens and young adults get mutilated from bit by bit. So who cares if the storyline bites all we need is some good blood splattering fun.

The reason I'm writing this because I always here reviewers criticize the storylines. I just think that reviewers need to look at these films in a different way.

It's been awhile but here's number 7 to the Top Disney List

7.


I found Toy Story 1 and 2 both equally good. The first one had great moments with Sid, he was a great start to the Toy Story villians. Then of course you get the sweet mellow sounds of "You've Got a Friend in Me" by Randy Newman. How many times have your kids sang that song. Then you get Toy Story 2 with the feisty cowgirl, Jessie, who is the main reason that Toy Story 2 did so well. When she sang "When She Loved Me", I'm pretty damn sure that everyone that watches that scene is filled up with tears or at least gets a lump in their throat. So those are my two picks for number seven. I really couldn't pick one as better film because they're just so great.

Just to let fans know, it is confirmed that there will be a Toy Story 3. Hopefully it can live up to both these films.

Just want to let people know!

That I also have greeting cards for sale on the side of my page. If you want to buy a greeting card feel free to purchase one. They can be bought with credit cards and pay pal.