Movie #304 - Inception

Inception
2010 - Rated R - 2 hr 28 min
Director: Christoper Nolan
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Ken Watanabe, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Tom Berenger, Marion Cotillard, Pete Postlethwaite, Michael Caine

This movie seems to be quite polarizing, at least in my opinion.  People either love it or hate it.  I happen to love it, mostly because I love a good "thinking" movie that sparks hours of debate when it's over.  Sure enough, everytime we watch this movie, the debate starts up all over again.  And every viewing also brings additional information to the table through new discoveries.

If you haven't seen it, I won't spoil anything for you.  Suffice it to say, Leonardo DiCaprio and friends know how to go into peoples' dreams and extract information.  The premise of this movie - the concept of inception - is a little harder than that.  With inception, the team must plant an idea seamlessly into someone's mind, making it seem as though it were there all along.  As DiCaprio's own past starts to catch up with him, Ellen Page tries to help him root out the truth and confront his guilt.  What happens to DiCaprio - and the end of the movie, in particular - is the subject of the debate.  Is it possible to lose track of reality when you jump through dreams for a living?  Makes sense to me.

Anyhow, I really love this one.  If you don't, I'd love to hear why not.  Plot too convuluted, overall movie too artsy, characters too flat... whatever.  I certainly wouldn't object to another debate on this one.

Movie #303 - The In-Laws

The In-Laws
2003 - Rated PG-13 - 1 hr 38 min
Director: Andrew Fleming
Starring: Albert Brooks, Michael Douglas, Ryan Reynolds, Robin Tunney, Lindsay Sloane, Maria Ricossa

This movie uses a similar framework to Meet the Parents but with a different spin.  The parents of a young to-be-married couple are getting to know each other when the groom's father (Michael Douglas) gets the bride' father (Albert Brooks) into a whole lot of trouble.  Douglas is an undercover CIA agent - waaaaay undercover - and Brooks gets accidentally dragged along.  He's nervous, uptight, and scared of almost everything, adding to the awkward comedy of this movie.

The young couple is played by Ryan Reynolds and the chick that played Big Red in Bring It On. Reynolds is like a little baby in this movie.  They're okay, but not really a focal point of the film, just necessary players to set up this wacky premise.

It's a fun movie, nothing extraordinary, but the chemistry between Douglas and Brooks is worth watching.

Movie #302 - In Her Shoes

In Her Shoes
2005 - Rated PG-13 - 2 hr 10 min
Director: Curtis Hanson
Starring: Cameron Diaz, Toni Collette, Shirley MacLaine

Another book to movie, In Her Shoes is based on the best selling novel of the same title by Jennifer Weiner, a personal favorite of mine.  So I know this book well and I can honeslty say that the page-to-screen transition was not as smooth as I'd like to see.

Obviously, most of the "booky" scenes were cut out and the filmable scenes were made more "filmy."  As a stand alone piece, it's coherent and tells a very emotionally engaging story. Except for Cameron Diaz, who has the emotional engagement capacity of a dead fruit fly.  Toni Collette is great as Rose except for one minor detail: she's not overweight.  In the book and even in the movie itself, there are several references to Rose being overweight.  So there's Toni Collette saying, "Clothes don't fit right and food just makes me fatter" and you're thinking, "UM....what?!"  She could've plumped it up a bit.  Or cut the references to Rose's weight.  It's jarring how off-base the comments are, and dressing Collette in baggy clothes doesn't do enough to make you believe it.

Still, I can step back from the novel and just enjoy the movie for itself.  It's a charming story, one all sisters can find something in common with, and I do like watching it.  I prefer to read the book, but that takes longer than the 2 hours this does.

Movie #301 - In Bruges

In Bruges
2008 - Rated R - 1 hr 47 min
Director: Martin McDonagh
Starring: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Elizabeth Berrington, Ralph Fiennes, Eric Godon

On a quick side note, welcome to the 300s of our wild movie ride! I've got another hundred titles behind me and we're almost halfway there (at which point we'll absolutely be 'Livin' on a Prayer' - just fyi).  Anyway,  here's a great movie to kick off this new batch of 100!

I love In Bruges and even though it's got a plot that can't really be summed up properly in a blog post - it's just that kind of movie - it is so good, it's ridiculous.  So Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson are two hired killers hiding out in Bruges, Belgium, waiting for word from their boss, played expertly by Ralph Fiennes.  The basic joke is that Fiennes' character things Bruges is the best place to vacation on earth, a Fairytale land. And Farrell likens it unto hell.

As things progress, we start to find out why these two are in hiding, what Farrell did to get them there, and what Fiennes wants to do about it.  A few colorful characters get introduced along the way - including a racist dwarf - and there are a few hysterical scenes strewn throughout this dark comedy to keep you laughing.  The overall tone is very bleak and dark, but with vibrant characters and a simple-but-complicated plot (I realize that's contradictory, but I promise that makes sense), everything falls into place to make this one enjoyable watch from beginning to end.

Movie #300 - The Importance of Being Earnest

The Importance of Being Earnest
2002 - Rated PG - 1 hr 37 min
Director: Oliver Parker
Starring: Rupert Everett, Colin Firth, Frances O'Connor, Reese Witherspoon, Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson

Yay, Oscar Wilde! The first time I watched this movie, I was actually playing a minor role in the stageplay.  So I can speak to the accuracy of the screenplay.  Barring a few minor cinematic changes that don't affect anything at all, this is pretty true to Wilde's original text.

Even better, the casting is superb.  This show's success hangs on a solid ensemble and this one's spot on.  Especially Reese Witherspoon, who I had my reservations about.  Her accent is impeccable and her portrayal of Cecily is adorable.  And with the addition of a Rupert Everett / Colin Firth duet, the movie version of this stage classic is perfect.  I love this movie!

Movie #299 - Immortal Beloved

Immortal Beloved
1994 - Rated R - 2 hr 1 min
Director: Bernard Rose
Starring: Gary Oldman, Jeroen Krabbe, Isabella Rossellini, Miriam Margolyes, Johanna ter Steege, Valeria Golino

I first saw this movie in high school on a friend's recommendation.  And since then, it's always stuck in my mind for some reason. This was my itnroduction to the fabulous character actor that is Gary Oldman-- nearly unrecognizable in his role as Ludwig van Beethoven.  Brilliant, too.

Immortal Beloved takes place after the composer's death, as his secretary (Jeroen Krabbe) searches high and low for the woman Beethoven referred to as his "immortal beloved, his other self."  He interviews three women important to Beethoven during his life to determine which of them has inherited his estate.  Putting the pieces together not only solves the question but also opens one of the women's eyes to a mystery from her own past.  It's bittersweet and heart-breaking, so romantically tragic.

I don't know how much of this is based on fact, but they take a historic figure and give him more humanness than the history books do.  Really well done, from beginning to end.  I love this one.

Movie #298 - The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
2009 - Rated PG-13 - 2 hr 3 min
Director: Terry Gilliam
Starring: Christopher Plummer, Lily Cole, Heath Ledger, Andrew Garfield, Verne Troyer, Johnny Depp, Jude Law, Colin Farrell

Admittedly, this movie's plot is kinda complicated and the style is fairly artsy and pretty fantastical.  But it's Terry Gilliam. And Christopher Plummer. And Heath Ledger's last movie.  And although the plot seems complicated, the theme is the simplest there is: good versus evil. 

The movie centers on a traveling stage act where immortal Christoper Plummer allows spectators to enter his Imaginarium.  Inside, they must face a temptation found in their own imagination and choose between the good and the evil choice.  A wager between Dr. Parnassus (Plummer) and Nick (aka the Devil) becomes the central plot, as Parnassus' daughter and friends face their own battles. 

If you hadn't heard about this one yet, Heath Ledger died before filming was complete.  Depp, Law, and Farrell stepped in to help finish the movie, free of charge, as friends of the late actor.  How does that work? Pretty ingeniusly, actually.  Ledger completed all the "real world" shots but not the scenes inside the imaginarium.  The three fill-in actors take turns playing his character inside the fantasy world, where your appearance can be changed by your imagination.  This minor obstacle is worked seamlessly into the fill and not overexplained or hidden.  Each fill-in actor is meant to look as close to Ledger as possible, but it's not a big deal that they're not exact.  Surprisingly, it's not as jarring as you might think.

For all its artisticness and its subbing in of other actors, I really do enjoy this movie a lot.  Although set in modern times, The Imaginarium transports you into another world where all these fantasy elements seem quite commonplace.  Really well done, all around.

Movie #297 - The Illusionist

The Illusionist
2006 - Rated PG-13 - 1 hr 50 min
Director: Neil Burger
Starring: Edward Norton, Jessica Biel, Paul Giamatti, Rufus Sewell

A little bit of misdirection goes a long way, as illustrated by this film about an illusionist.  The love story at the center (Norton and Biel) is strong and drives the whole plot, even without you realizing it at first.  I won't give too much away, but all the magic stuff is just gravy.  Fun to watch, sure, but this is really a story about love.

Rufus Sewell doesn't add much more than his usual sinisterness.  And Paul Giamatti does well as the main investigator and narrator.  The Austrian accents really get me down, since no one seems to be able to do them very well.  It doesn't enhance the story, just makes it harder to understand the dialogue.  Overall, this isn't the strongest movie based on magic nor is it the strongest performance given by any of the four main actors.  But for its originality, I like it.

Movie #296 - Idiocracy

Idiocracy
2006 - Rated R - 1 hr 24 min
Director: Mike Judge
Starring: Luke Wilson, Maya Rudolph, Dax Shepard, Terry Crews, David Herman, Justin Long

This movie is both hillarious and terrifying.  What would happen if stupid people kept reproducing and smart people stopped?  What if eventually the scales tipped in favor of mankind's less intelligent?  Not only would Darwin rollover in his grave, but the events portrayed in this movie might actually happen.

Luke Wilson and Maya Rudolph participate in an army program that freezes them, then gets shut down, leaving them in their pods for 500 years before they are accidentally opened up and set loose into the world.  Society is filled with idiots and the world is suffering.  Wilson now finds himself the smartest man in the world, a title which brings great responsibility.  Can he help save the crops and solve all the world's problems in one week? Or will he be executed, Colosseum style?

This movie is mostly low-brow comedy, but I think it's pretty funny.  And Terry Crews as president is just about my favorite thing in the entire movie.

Movie #295 - Identity

Identity
2003 - Rated R - 1 hr 30 min
Director: James Mangold
Starring: John Cusack, Ray Liotta, Amanda Peet, John Hawkes, Alfred Molina, Clea DuVall, John C McGinley, Jake Busey, Rebecca De Mornay

I really love this movie.  The early misdirection gets you looking the wrong way and just when you suspect something's up, they tell you what's going on.  They don't try to drag out the big twist too long.

And then of course, that ending just BAM.

I realize if you haven't seen this movie, you have no idea what I'm talking about.  But I can't really go any further into detail than that.  A group of strangers wind up at a motel on a rainy night and bad stuff starts happening.  What happens after that, I can't spoil.

Just be prepared for a some really unique story-telling and a great cast of characters.

Movie #294 - The Ice Harvest

The Ice Harvest
2005 - Rated R - 1 hr 32 min
Director: Harold Ramis
Starring: John Cusack, Billy Bob Thornton, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Platt

I'm moving steadily through the I's and the seventh shelf, so I'm pretty excited about that.  Plus, the letter I seems to be treating me pretty well so far.  Nothing I can't stand yet and plenty more goodies on the way.

Here, we have John Cusack, a personal favorite, in a movie that's a bit odd, but still decent.  A dark comedy about a mob-lawyer and a gangster who plot to rob their mob boss - what could go wrong?  Double-crosses happen, everything comes out in the wash, and our main character manages to wriggle free of all the traps set in front of him.

Oliver Platt is great as Cusack's "best friend" who openly admits he was sleeping with his wife while  Cusack was still married to her.  And oh yeah, Platt's married to her now.  Meanwhile, Cusack's in love with a strip club owner who's not exactly got his back.  Who's helping who?  And who survives?

The twists and turns make this one worth a watch.  Plus, the ensemble cast is just plain fun.  And crime movies set at Christmas are always a good time.

Movie #293 - I, Robot

I, Robot
2004 - Rated PG-13 - 1 hr 55 min
Director: Alex Proyas
Starring: Will Smith, Bridget Moynahan, Bruce Greenwood, Alan Tudyk, Chi McBride

Another book adapted into a movie staring Will Smith. And in the letter I.  I've never read the Isaac Asimov book this is based on, so I can't speak to that angle of the movie.  As a stand-alone futuristic action movie, I really do like this one.

Will Smith falls easily into the shoes of his hero character and the analysis of a society largely reliant on robots is not new territory, but explored with a fresh perspective.  They "can't" hurt humans and there are all these other rules that restrict them.  But a loophole, and a new model, start causing serious problems.  The central robot character, who actually feels emotions and dreams while he sleeps, voiced expertly by Alan Tudyk, is a really compelling figure - although that may be surprising.  Overall, the plot keeps you invested in this movie, rooting for our main robot.  And the end is a nice cap on a solid plotline.

Movie #292 - I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry

I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry
2007 - Rated R - 1 hr 55 min
Director: Dennis Dugan
Starring: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Jessica Biel, Dan Aykroyd, Ving Rhames, Steve Buscemi, Allen Covert, Rachel Dratch, Richard Chamberlain

Okie dokie, folks.  The premise of this movie intrigued me. Not because I thought it would be good. Or even a revolutionary film for the gay community.  It's not that, although it has the good intentions to be.  It's really just an awkward comedy about two guys who do what they have to do for each other.  Although Adam Sandler resists as much as possible.

Still, watching these two overweight middle-aged guys embrace a same-sex "relationship" is inspiring while it's disturbing.  (Not disturbing because of the gay thing, just because it's Kevin James and Adam Sandler...) Friends got your back. And what they do - even if it is illegal - inspires those who are gay in the community to step forward and live openly.  Good things come from this trainwreck, so it's not all bad.

Movie #291 - I Love You, Man

I Love You, Man
2009 - Rated R - 1 hr 45 min
Director: John Hamburg
Starring: Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, Rashida Jones, Sarah Burns, Jaime Pressly, Jon Favreau, Jane Curtin, JK Simmons, Andy Samberg

Who doesn't love this movie? Paul Rudd's so adorably awkward that you can't help but laugh.  And the modern bro-mance is forever captured here on film.  The twist on the rom-com is clever and the relationship between our two "bros" is fun and realistic. It may not be heavy on the thinking, but it's a good laugh.

It's also nice to see the Hulk working again, sleeper holds and all.  The Lou Ferrigno subplot is one of the best parts of this movie, as well as the Rush concert cameo.  There's enough here to make this a great comedy, even if the plot is a tad bit predictable.  But hey, isn't using two dudes in a rom-com enough of a twist to keep things interesting?

Movie #290 - I (Heart) Huckabee's

I (Heart) Huckabee's
2004 - Rated R - 1 hr 47 min
Director: David O. Russell
Starring: Jude Law, Jason Scwartzman, Naomi Watts, Mark Wahlberg, Dustin Hoffman, Lily Tomlin

What's the meaning of life? Why are we here? Are thing within the universe connected or arranged out of pure chaos? Does it matter what we do?

And can we achieve pure being by hitting ourselves in the face with a big red ball?

These are the questions that the characters of I Heart Huckabee's strive to answer.  The movie itself brings us web of characters who seem to be connected but may also be strewn hither and thither as a result of said chaos.  Can they really impact one another? Does it even matter if they do?

Yes, the movie's not great.  There are some funny bits here and there, plus the overall theme is one we can all relate to.  And Huckabee's style of business is a huge metaphor for the whys and hows explored in the movie.  It seems like a Hollywood attempt at philosophical thinking, if you choose to watch it that way.  Or you can just watch it as a weird movie filled with random actors who behave oddly.  I pick B.

Movie #289 - I Hate Valentine's Day

I Hate Valentine's Day
2009 - Rated PG-13 - 1 hr 38 min
Director: Nia Vardalos
Starring: Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Judah Friedlander, Rachel Dratch

This movie reunites the couple from My Big Fat Greek Wedding, which is cute but might hurt the film overall.  The story's not as good - though it does have its moments - and you're immediately comparing the two films together.  There's also something not quite right about Nia Vardalos's performance here.  Her acting just isn't as good and can be a bit cheesy at times.  Like she's overdoing it.  Perhaps this results from her role directing herself.  Hmm.

Don't get me wrong. I like this movie and it's unusual approach to a classic rom-com scenario.  Girl doesn't want romance, goes out of her way to avoid it.  Guy thinks that's great.  But all of a sudden, it's not great.  It's fun, witty, and filled with missed connections - something I love to watch.  I mean, come on, if the love interests don't work for it... where's the fun? Where's the payoff?   This movie has good payoff, but it's certainly not Vardalos's best work.

Movie #288 - I Am Legend

I Am Legend
2007 - Rated PG-13 - 1 h 51 min
Director: Francis Lawrence
Starring: Will Smith, Alice Braga, Charlie Tahan, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Willow Smith

I watched the movie, read the book, and was surprised by the differences.  The basic idea is the same: one man alone in a world of vampire-like disease-ridden people.  He's lonely, he's fighting to stay alive.  In the book he's not a scientist, nor does he go down quite like the movie shows it.  Still, I liked the modern updates, the revamp this story gets.

While I don't like the way they redo the meaning of the titl. In the book, he becomes the "legend" to a society of vampires who fear him, like a bogeyman. In the movie, he becomes the "legend" for finding what could become a cure.  The basic details of his life are the same, however, and so this story at its core is about one man on his own and what can happen in such extreme circumstances.  It's compelling, either on film or on the page.  I think both deserve to be held separate and appreciated.

And that scene with the dog still gets me every time.

Movie #284 - How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog

How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog
2000 - Rated R - 1 hr 47 min
Director: Michael Kalesniko
Starring: Kenneth Branagh, Robin Wright, Suzi Hofrichter, Lynn Redgrave, Jared Harris, Peter Riegert, David Krumholtz, Jonathan Schaech, Kaitlin Hopkins, Peri Gilpin

Grumpiness doesn't get much better than Kenneth Branagh's Peter McGowan, troubled has-been writer who's wife desperately wants kids and who's latest play has the potential to fall apart at any moment.  Enter a barky neighborhood dog, a new kid next door with cerebral palsy, a director who sings all day long, and a doppelganger - that's the perfect recipe for a movie.  Of all his roles, this is my favorite Branaugh.  Robin Wright is also perfect as his dancer and would-be mother wife.

The movie has a sadistically comic tone, but the most beautiful storyline somehow evolves between Branaugh's character and the little girl next door.  A sweet, simple understanding blooms there and it seems to pure and real that you can't help but get emotionally invested.  It will warm (and break) your little heart.

Movie #287 - Human Nature

Human Nature
2001 - Rated R - 1 hr 36 min
Director: Michel Gondry
Starring: Tim Robbins, Patricia Arquette, Rhys Ifans, Hilary Duff, Peter Dinklage, Rosie Perez, Miranda Otto

This movie's so bizarre.  I don't know why I liked it so much the first time, or how it ended up on the shelf, but this revisit wasn't all bad.  Actually, it's kinda funny.  It's an excuse to "study" human relationships and dynamics, but it's really just a messed up love square.  Yes, a square.

So one girl's been super hairy her whole life, gets outcast by other people and ends up living in the forest, writing nature books.  She winds up with a doctor trying to teach table manners to lab mice.  Who has an assistant that worships him and speaks with a fake French accent.  When they find a man in the woods who was raised by his father to be an ape, all hell breaks loose.

Yes, it's super weird.  But it's kinda fun to watch this complicated story unfold.  And the ending is just twisted enough to be worth watching the whole movie.  I'm sure most people won't, but I like it.

Movie #286 - Hudson Hawk

Hudson Hawk
1991 - Rated R - 1 hr 50 min
Director: Michael Lehmann
Starring: Bruce Willis, Danny Aiello, Andie MacDowell, James Coburn, Richard E. Grant, Sandra Bernhard, David Caruso, Frank Stallone

This movie is so early 90s, it's ridiculous.  It's campy, the comedy is kinda forced, and the characters are more like caricatures.  Bruce Willis isn't really so great as the goofy hero... and Andy MacDowell's dolphin bit just isn't funny.

Can you tell I don't really like this one?  It's not that I'm a snob, I just like my comedies to be a little more witty. A little less cheesy.  Mike loves this one, probably because he originally saw it when he was about 10, and I just can't get behind it.  If you have your first watch of this as an adult, you probably won't love it either.

Movie #285 - How to Lose Friends & Alienate People

How to Lose Friends & Alienate People
2008 - Rated R - 1 hr 50 min
Director: Robert B. Weide
Starring: Simon Pegg, Kirsten Dunst, Megan Fox, Gillian Anderson, Thandie Newton, Jeff Bridges, Danny Huston

Oh, Simon Pegg.  Even when he's being a total jerk, he's so charming.  As a British writer struggling to get it together and climb to the top in New York City, Pegg's easily blinded by celebrity glitz and glamour. For example, Megan Fox.  But as Kirsten Dunst unexpectedly creeps up on his radar screen, things might have to change while his priorities shift.

This movie's nothing amazing, but the ensemble has good chemistry.  I'd never put Pegg and Dunst together, personally, but here they make sense. Weirdly.  Anyway, it's a cute movie, with lots of great Pegg moments, and I think most would enjoy it.

Movie #283 - The Golden Compass

The Golden Compass
2007 - Rated PG-13 - 1 hr 53 min
Director: Chris Weitz
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Dakota Blue Richards, Freddie Highmore, Ian McKellan, Eva Green, Sam Elliott, Ian McShane, Christopher Lee, Kristin Scott Thomas, Kathy Bates

First thing's first, this movie is not as good as the book. More so than usual.  I mean, the book is always better. But in this case, the changes and edits they made in the screenplay really messed up the story line.

If you haven't read these books, I highly recommend them.  The Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman establishes a fantasy world that's truly unique.  The daemon/souls, the parallel worlds, the alethiometer.  I loved these books even as an adult.  And I wish the movie had done a better job so they'd make all three.  The first one isn't even the best one. 

While the movie is fine as a stand-alone, it's a poor substitute for the book.

Movie #282 - From Dusk Til Dawn

From Dusk Til Dawn
1996 - Rated R - 1 hr 58 min
Director: Robert Rodriguez
Starring: George Clooney, Quentin Tarantino, Harvey Keitel, Juliette Lewis, Salma Hayek, Cheech Marin, Danny Trejo

So two bad brothers are making big bad deals and just happen to pick the one vampire hangout in town. Could happen. In fact, it's that randomness about this movie that makes it so much fun to watch.  It's completely implausible, and a little bit of ridiculous, but Robert Rodriguez says, "Hey, let's kill some vampires in the middle of this movie. Why not?"  And you say, "Yes sir!"

You gotta love it.  Plus, any time Quentin Tarantino gets to be a sick bastard on screen is pretty awesome. And surprisingly, George Clooney can indeed kick ass.

Movie #281 - Elizabeth: The Golden Age

Elizabeth: The Golden Age
2007 - Rated PG-13 - 1 hr 54 min
Director: Shekhar Kapur
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Clive Owen, Geoffrey Rush, Samantha Morton, Abbie Cornish, Rhys Ifans

Yay! We added the sequel to the wall (finally) after I watched the first and regretted its absence. Of course, it's one more movie to watch. But I guess as long as it's good, it's fine.

In this movie, Cate Blanchett reunites with director Shekhar Kapur to reprise the role she was born to play: England's Queen Elizabeth I.  Honestly, she's just phenomenal.  More gushing, just like the review of the first. I can't help myself.

Here, she battles a whole new cast of enemies, deals with more court intrigue, and continues to grow as the greatest ruler England has ever known.  She's more fierce, more devoted, more powerful.  And all of this growth is evident in Blanchett's flawless performance. 

I'm so glad to have this one up on that wall!

Movie #280 - Edge of Darkness

Edge of Darkness
2010 - Rated R - 1 hr 57 min
Director: Martin Campbell
Starring: Mel Gibson, Ray Winstone, Danny Huston, Bojana Novakovic

So Mel's Boston accent isn't exactly up to par, but it was nice to see him working again after all the crap he was stirring up not too long ago.  He may be crazy, but he's pretty good in this crime thriller as an investigator who's daughter winds up dead, all because of a secret she was trying to expose.

His hunt for the truth gets him into some messy situations, not the least of which involves a poor unsuspecting friend of his daughter's.  Let's just say that car scene still makes me jump, even though I know it's going to happen. Yikes.

All around a good mystery/crime drama but nothing really sets it apart.

Movie #279 - Charlie & the Chocolate Factory

Charlie & the Chocolate Factory
2005 - Rated PG - 1 hr 55 min
Director: Tim Burton
Starring: Johnny Depp, Freddie Highmore, David Kelly, Helena Bonham Carter, Noah Taylor, Missi Pyle, James Fox, Deep Roy, Christopher Lee

Okay, so it's not the original (entitled Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory), but to be fair, it's miles closer to the original book by Roald Dahl, starting with the choice of title.  But of course, it's Tim Burton and Johnny Depp collaborating once again, so it's got to be weird.  Them's the rules, see?

And perhaps my opinion is skewed, because I happen to be madly in love with Johnny Depp, but I liked his interpretation of the hermit/genius Willy Wonka.  He didn't just copy Gene Wilder (who's portrayal is legendary), instead he was brave enough to do his own thing. Make it weird. Make him talk in a funny voice.  And make him wear purple rubber gloves. 

It's hard to compare the two versions, so I won't. I think each can be celebrated for its own unique take on the children's classic book.  Plus, Deep Roy makes one heck of a troop of Oompa Loompas. And Freddie Highmore's just plain adorable.

Movie #278 - As Good As It Gets

As Good As It Gets
1997 - Rated PG-13 - 2 hr 19 min
Director: James L Brooks
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear, Cuba Gooding Jr, Skeet Ulrich, Shirley Knight, Yeardley Smith

The late addition reviews continue with this, the winner of both Best Actress and Best Actor at 1998's Academy Awards ceremony.  It lost Best Picture to Titanic that year, just so you can get your bearings on that tidbit.

Anyhow, this movie's fun.  Curmudgeony, OCD-battling Jack Nicholson is a treat to watch, even if he is a bit annoying. And the relationship that blooms between him and Helen Hunt's friendly waitress / troubled mother of a sick boy, well it's about as awkward as possible.  This is the first movie I remember seeing Greg Kinnear in and I loved him right away.  The chemistry among these three on their "getaway" makes the whole movie worthwhile.  Why it's over two hours, I can't be sure. It does drag in parts.

Overall, a great "feel good" movie that's really a study in human relationships... also human/dog relationships.  Cute and funny, but I guess not more impressive than a sinking cruiseliner.

Movie #277 - Air Force One

Air Force One
1997 - Rated R - 2 hr 4 min
Director: Wolfgang Petersen
Starring: Harrison Ford, Gary Oldman, Glenn Close, William H Macy, Dean Stockwell

"Get off my plane."

Perhaps the only line worth quoting from this presidential action flick, it's delivered with such commitment, you can't ignore it.  Not as iconic as "No ticket," for sure, but a stand alone line that deserves some notice.

Harrison Ford is perhaps the most kick-ass president modern cinema has ever seen.  Is he a good president? We don't know. Can he re-hijak his hijaked plane? Absolutely.  I can't imagine George W Bush moving like this, but Obama might have a chance.  Don't mess with him, Gary Oldman, I bet Obama's got moves.

In any case, this movie's entertaining - if completely implausible - but not one you absolutely must see.

The Seventh Shelf

So I've finally finished the sixth shelf, which took far longer than I wanted it to.  I need to amp up my movie-watching, so I've got some pretty ambitious goals moving forward.  Even though I'm making good time and some serious progress (only one shelf left on this unit and only 3 more titles for the letter H), it's not enough.  Why not? Because someone (who shall remain nameless) keeps buying new movies.  Instead of 612 movies, I now have to watch somewhere close to 750.  I'm not even halfway there and I've got only six months to reach my goal.

In light of these new developments, I'm extending my deadline to October 31 (one extra month) to compensate for the additional titles.  That's one month to watch 100+ extra movies that we've acquired since I began.  I think that's fair. And since I make the rules, no one gets to argue.

Now, moving onward, I've got a few add-ins from previous letters to tackle and then I'm moving on to Shelf Seven! Woohoo!!

The last shelf of the first unit is as follows:

1. How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog
2. How to Lose Friends & Alienate People
3. Hudson Hawk
4. Human Nature
5. I Am Legend
6. I Hate Valentine's Day
7. I (heart) Huckabee's
8. I Love You, Man
9. I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry
10. I, Robot
11. The Ice Harvest
12. Identity
13. Idiocracy
14. The Illusionist
15. The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus
16. Immortal Beloved
17. The Importance of Being Earnest
18. In Bruges
19. In Her Shoes
20. The In-Laws
21. The Incredible Hulk
22. The Incredibles
23. Inception
24. Independence Day
25. Indiana Jones & the Raiders of the Lost Ark
26. Indiana Jones & the Temple of Doom
27. Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade
28. Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
29. Inglourious Basterds
30. Inside Man
31. Interview with the Vampire
32. Iron Eagle
33. Iron Man
34. Iron Man 2
35. It's a Wonderful Life
36. Jackass: The Movie
37. Jackass Number Two
38. The Jacket
39. Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back
40. Jersey Girl
41. John Candy Collection: Uncle Buck
42. John Candy Collection: The Great Outdoors
43. John  Candy Collection: Going Berserk
44. Johnny Mnemonic
45. Judgment Night
46. Jumanji
47. Juno
48. Jurassic Park

Some good titles on this shelf. Should be a good time. But before I get there, I'm tackling the add-ins...

1. Air Force One
2. As Good As It Gets
3. Charlie & the Chocolate Factory
4. Edge of Darkness
5. Elizabeth: The Golden Age
6. From Dusk Till Dawn
7. The Golden Compass

I also have to watch Clue... which was leant out when I watch the C's. So that's going to get added in too :)
Wish me luck!

Movie #276 - House of Flying Daggers

House of Flying Daggers
2004 - Rated PG-13 - 1 hr 49 min
Director: Yimou Zhang
Starring: Takeshi Kaneshiro, Andy Lau, Ziyi Zhang, Dandan Song

Like Hero, this movie is really pretty to watch.  Fight scenes play out like a ballet, with robes flowing as the actors glide through the air.  The colors used to set the scenes in this film are superb.  The heart-breaking story of one woman's love triangle, which ultimately consumes her and results in her death, is a timeless tale relevant even today. 

I think I like the unconventional story-telling of Hero better, but Ziyi Zhang is equally enchanting in this role. And also driven by powerful emotions that tell her story for her.  But even if this isn't my favorite film style or my favorite movie, I can still appreciate it's artistry and the superb performances.

Movie #275 - The House Bunny

The House Bunny
2008 - Rated PG-13 - 1 hr 37 min
Director: Fred Wolf
Starring: Anna Faris, Colin Hanks, Emma Stone, Kat Dennings, Hugh Hefner, Christopher McDonald, Katharine McPhee, Rumer Willis, Kiely Williams, Dana Goodman

Another campy one, House Bunny also knows how dumb its premise is.  A Playmate gets tricked into leaving the Playboy Mansion by another playmate and finds a home among a college sorority for misfits...as their house mother.  Emma Stone and friends (including Bruce & Demi's daughter Rumer and an American Idol runner-up) make a great ensemble, playing off Anna Faris's spot-on Shelly.

Hugh Hefner can't act, which we quickly establish in this movie but somehow don't mind, and Colin Hanks plays the charming, handsome love interest.  They seem mismatched, Anna and Colin, but they are adorable together in their own way.

This one's just fun to watch, thanks to Farris's all-in performance. She's all bunny, all blonde, and all funny too.

Movie #274 - Hot Tub Time Machine

Hot Tub Time Machine
2010 - Rated  R - 1 hr 41 min
Director: Steve Pink
Starring: John Cusack, Rob Corddry, Craig Robinson, Clark Duke, Sebastian Stan, Lynsdy Fonseca, Crispin Glover, Chevy Chase

I know this movie should be dumb. But what makes it work is that this movie knows it's supposed to be dumb.  A group of middle-aged guys tries to relive their glory days with a vacation in their favorite old ski resort town... which is now a dump.  Disappointed, they get hammered and have a party in the hot tub. Which is a time machine that sends them back to the best vacation of their lives. In 1986.

Stupid. I know. But as a lover of classic John Hughes 80's classics (and John Cusack), it's hard not to want to love this movie.  The 80s jokes abound, the cast embraces their own ridiculousness, and the writers are acutely aware that their plot is campy.  It works.  And I think it's just plain hysterical.

Movie #273 - Hot Fuzz

Hot Fuzz
2007 - Rated R - 2 hr 1 min
Director: Edgar Wright
Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Martin Freeman, Bill Nighy, Timothy Dalton, Jim Broadbent
UNCREDITED appearances: Cate Blanchett, Steve Coogan, Peter Jackson

Who doesn't love a good Simon Pegg movie now and again?  In Hot Fuzz, he plays a straight-laced, do-good cop with an amazing record of arrests that put his colleagues to shame. He gets promoted, but only if he leaves the bustling city of London to work as a Sergeant in a tiny podunk British town.  Of course, he never expects that the crime levels there will rival London's... or that he'll uncover a tangled web of disturbing conspiracies.

His partner (played by Nick Frost) gets to play the funny guy.  A cop following his father's footsteps, or trying to at least, who's more interested in police movies than police work.  The two make an unlikely pair, yet they manage to overcome their differences to work together.

I really like this one.  I think the characters are entertaining, the plot line is just complicated enough to be interesting (but not too convoluted), and the cameos sprinkled throughout keep you paying attention.  A fun one to watch again.

Movie #272 - Hook

Hook
1991 - Rated PG - 2 hr 24 min
Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Robin Williams, Dustin Hoffman, Julia Roberts, Bob Hoskins, Maggie Smith, Caroline Goodall, Phil Collins, Dante Basco

Quite possibly the best thing about this movie is Dustin Hoffman as Captain Hook. I like the reboot concept: Peter Pan leaves Neverland and grows up, only to forget who he once was.  When Hook kidnaps his kid, Peter has to go back, remember how to fly, and save his kids.  Aside from Robin Williams being explained away as distincty NOT having a British accent (he was adopted by Americans), the disturbing plotline of him marrying Wendy's granddaughter, and a whiney son, the movie's pretty good.  This was definitely a childhood favorite that's still good but not as great as I remember.

Again, Dustin Hoffman is amazing. And Ruffio and the Lost Boys are fun to watch. I could skip Julia Roberts's Tinkerbell, but she doesn't ruin the movie.  Overall, a fun family movie that's still enjoyable after all these years.