1346 - Shutter Island

This was an incredible mind-fuck of a film, and I'm going to keep this extremely short as not to try and give anything away. This is a very different film for Scorsese, and one would bet that he signed up for it almost due to the dream/fantasy sequences alone. He doesn't some beautifully inspired work in those moments.
So I won't say too much other than it's a film that demands your attention and concentration. Not my favorite Scorsese by any means, but worth checking out for sure. Some really nice, smart, harsh twists and turns.

1305 - The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3

I saw the original almost a year ago when this was being advertised. I have to be honest in that I'd never really heard of it before the remake. Sorry, but it's true! Over all I enjoyed it. It's a popcorn flick so you go in with those expectations and it's a fun enough ride. I think that some of the changes they made are really quite smart. I thought that Travolta, as a villain was less intelligent than his Robert Shaw counter-part, and I was hoping for just a little bit more from that regard. I liked that he was no nonsense and did exactly what he said he'd do though.

So it's exactly the film you expect it to be, and the frenetic coke-addled energy of Tony Scott isn't overbearing here, in fact it adds a nice layer to it.

Check it out if you're even remotely interested.

1291 - Eagle Eye

D.J. Caruso makes better films than the advertising or premises would lead you to believe. While this and his previous Disturbia, I suppose, could be billed as popcorn flicks, he's much more than just a popcorn flick director. Here's a guy who knows how to grab you and take you for a ride. I'm in the moment during this entire film, I'm with them. I'm feeling it. He doesn't over plan the sentiment and he doesn't underplay the emotion. He's masterful. The film is far better than it needs to be, which is not meant to be an insult, it just means that with the premise it could have been more over the top, but the film was actually, in a weird way, somewhat relevant and believable. If nothing else, a realistic cautionary tale letting us know that information is sacred and shouldn't be taken advantage of.

It's more than a popcorn flick, I believe, however if that's all you're looking for to watch then it works for that as well. Another great performance from the on-the-rise leading man Shia, as well as a lovely outing for the gorgeous Michelle Monaghan. Check it out if you're at all interested in seeing it.

1276 - Funny Games

First off I want to make it clear that I watched this film as a recommendation for something I'm in the process of writing. Secondly, I'd like to state for the record that I would never ever consider making a film such as this.
Before I go on a rant, I'll say this - I've never seen a film so rife with tension. So that's it's best and only quality. I've also never seen a film so soulless and empty. What's terrible and irritating about the film is that the director didn't make it to tell a story. He just wants to punish us for wanting to see this movie in the first place. So while I know saying this might just pique your interest, please do yourself a favor and do not see this film. It has zero redeeming qualities and practically makes a film like Hostel seem like a wholesome family film.
I will never, ever, watch any film by Michael Haneke again.

1239 - The Taking of Pelham One Two Three

Decided to watch this out of pure curiosity of the remake. It's a really interesting premise, and honestly, I felt like the ending was a bit underwhelming. I was expecting a much more interesting ending than what we got. Either way, the film was quite enjoyable. All of the characters were uniquely drawn and had points-of-view differing to the situation which made it fun to watch. The Mayor thing never came back into play - I guess the joke of him showing up and getting boo'd was the big punch line. Either way, it just felt like they didn't quite service all of the characters as best they could. The opening of the film was fantastic. Watching curiously as it goes along. Definitely worth checking out, if anything, now I'm even more curious to watch the remake.

1171 - Rambo

I'll make this brief, because I'm not a big fan of bad ju-ju and me going on and on isn't going to make a difference or help anyone. I really didn't like this at all. I'm not sure what I expected going it, but it failed on every level for me. I loved the shit out of Rocky Balboa, but this just felt like fluff. Maybe there's a message in there somewhere and I missed it. Sorry Sly, can't recommend it. Not even a little.

1132 - Zodiac

I've been meaning to watch this film for a long time but the damn length kept me from it. It's hard to find time these days to watch a two and a half hour film outside of the theaters. I love that this film doesn't try and speculate on anything. All it does it observe the people that were trying to observe the killer. The tagline for the film "There's more than one way to lose your life to a serial killed" is fantastic, and that's exactly what this film is about. Obsession. The performances are fantastic and never over-the-top. Using only the information that exists it weaves a wonderful little puzzle as we watch a man potentially lose his life and those he loves, not through murder, but through the obsession of a murderer. Really interesting film. Glad I finally found time to watch it.

1103 - I Am Legend

I wasn't expecting this film to be that good, not sure why. I think I'd heard several people trashing it. I was entertained, mostly just because I'd watch Will Smith watch paint dry. The guy is just interesting and never fails to disappoint. There's some minor holes that bother me, but not too much. I'll let them go considering what kind of movie this is trying to be. I think that the ending was perfect and the lead up to it perfectly entertaining. If you can let logic slide a bit, it's a fun ride.

1097 - Cassandra's Dream

I tried to see this film for forever. Tried to see it at TIFF, was about three people away from getting in. Somehow missed it in theaters, and then when it came out on DVD no one was stocking it. I love Woody Allen. I own all his films. Ever since I've been aware of him I've seen all of his films in the theaters (save this one, of course). Not sure what happened here. Great cast, interesting premise, but it just felt... I don't know. When it was good it was great. Some really fantastic moments, especially surrounding the 'event'. I think it could have been a little tighter in spots. Looking forward to "Vicky Christina Barcelona".

1093 - Michael Clayton

Finally I got around to seeing this film. It could be because I watched it late and I was tired, but it didn't do a whole hell of a lot for me. It kind of meandered and felt a bit contrived. The environmental thriller is becoming a bit of a cliché these days. I should give this another viewing when I'm not so tired, just to be fair to it.

1078 - Dial M for Murder (in 3D!!!)

'The Fox' in the beaches is having a 3D festival and when I saw this in the line-up I couldn't resist. Of all the Hitchcock movies this is probably the last one I would expect to be turned into a 3D film (maybe last right after Rope). It's not that it's not a good movie, it's really enjoyable. It's just not all that exciting in terms of actions, etc... It's essentially a chamber piece shot by a visually gifted director. It's refreshing, and I imagine challenging to shoot the same room for almost an entire film. I need to read up more on Hitch's process as he never ceases to impress me in a lot of ways.
It'd be interesting to see a stage play version of this with good actors just to see the difference with Hitch's visuals. Grace Kelly is beautiful as usual, the rest of the cast is quite enjoyable as well. If you haven't seen this - DO IT! Don't kill yourself to see the 3D version unless you're a big geek.