Reel 2 Reel Movie Reviews

Twilight

2008-12-05T01:09:00.000-04:00

I happened upon the Twilight book by Stephenie Meyer on a recent flight to Las Vegas. I was travelling alone, meeting the Reel Ninja there, and at a loss for on-board entertainment, so I decided to peruse the book store at the airport. The cover should have given it away, but having become a recent fan of True Blood on HBO, I thought that a vampire story might be the perfect read for my flight across the country. It was not until I was nearly half way through the book that the flight attendant interrupted me with, “I just read that! Glad to see you’re not as embarrassed as I was about reading a teen novel. I only read it when I was alone”. Nice one. Point to my little blurb here on the book… I was hooked! Great little story, fantastic characters and I could have cared less that it was driven to teenagers. And once I heard there was a movie coming out the following week, I was elated!

Read more of my review here.

Reel Ninja Blog

2008-04-04T10:23:00.000-03:00

The Reel Ninja Movie/TV Series Blog

Our Wedding Planning

2006-09-18T18:21:00.000-03:00

What a slacker eh? Well as per usual I've been working on something new. Ajay and I have created another website www.organizeourwedding.com and I've begun writing a blog for it, with all of the trials and tribulations wedding planning can offer. Take a peak.

Our Wedding Planning

2006-09-18T18:20:00.000-03:00

Underworld 2 - Movie

2006-07-05T13:34:00.000-03:00

This is not exactly my type of movie to be honest, but that's not to say that I couldn't enjoy it.

There were some inconsistancies which I think you'll notive for yourself, but aside from that it wasn't the worst movie I've seen

The story took some work to figure out, seeing that I haven't seen part 1 but my trusty sidekick helped out with those details.

I give this movie 4 'hybrids' out of 10.

For more, check out Suggestamovie.com

V for Vendetta

2006-07-03T10:27:00.000-03:00

Great movie, if you enjoy something that makes you think. I'd highly recommend having the subtitles turned on for this one, unless you've got really keen ears.

Check out my review at suggestamovie.com

Superman Returns to the Big Screen

2006-06-29T13:09:00.000-03:00

I just saw Superman Returns! Awesome.

Check out my review here on

www.suggestamovie.com

New Movies, Same Old Story

2006-06-18T21:13:00.000-03:00

Remake of Have Gun Will Travel is in the works with Eminem at the helm.

Scary.

We've Moved! And Upgraded!

2006-06-09T13:16:00.000-03:00

We're taking our reviews one step further and asking YOU! to get involved too.

Suggest A Movie .com

This movie review forum is designed for everyone to share their views and reviews on the movie scene, from films, to actors, to gossip and fanfare. Included with this forum is our new Movie Blog.

Please stop by for a peek and see what you think... if you're interested, add something yourself and be sure to have your say. Or, if you want to know if a movie flopped or topped at the theatre over the weekend before seeing it for yourself, see what everyone else is saying!

Wedding Crashers

2005-07-26T08:31:00.000-03:00

imdb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0396269/
official: http://www.weddingcrashersmovie.com/

Forgive the hiatus.... I've been busy building my Twenty-Ten blog.

Holy crap... this movie is HILARIOUS!!

It's impossible to highlight any one line from this nonstop roller coaster of comedy. Vince Vaughan's speedy rants are cause for subtitles when this DVD hits the shelves. I expect to be one of the first owners of this flick.

Ordinarily I am far from a fan of Owen Wilson, for some reason I just can't get past his nose. I realize that it's his trademark, but surely to God, Dr. 90210 could offer him some assistance. Perhaps he could be remembered for his sloppy blonde locks instead of that beak.

If you're looking for funny, off the wall comments and you've got a couple of hours freed up... this is the movie to go and see!

Enjoy! And feel free to add your comments below... I hope to spread the word about Wedding Crashers far and wide.

Harry Potter - Movie & Book Releases

2005-07-08T11:37:00.000-03:00

Sadly, this past week the theatres are running movies that I won't pay the money to see, or the ones that I've already seen and reviewed. I thought that I would throw out another trailer for a highly anticipated future release, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, release date: November 18, 2005

Generally speaking this is not my genre, but last year a friend talked me into reading the books over a summer and now I'm tearing at the bit to read the latest edition, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, release date: July 16, 2005

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Meme: Movies To See

2005-07-06T21:18:00.000-03:00

This is something I saw on another blog and thought it might be fun.
You are suppose to answer the questions using song titles from a favorite artist. I'm going to rework it with movie titles.

1. Are you male or female? Girlfight
2. Describe yourself: Mi Vida Loca
3. How do most people feel about you? Funny Girl
4. How do you feel about yourself? Dazed and Confused
5. Describe your significant other: Unbreakable
6. Where would you rather be? Planet of the Apes
7. Describe what you want to be: The Manchurian Candidate
8. Describe how you live: Gone In 60 Seconds
9. Describe how you love: Closer
10. Share a few words of wisdom: Pay It Forward

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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

2005-07-06T11:15:00.000-03:00

imdb: http://imdb.com/title/tt0367594/
official: http://chocolatefactorymovie.warnerbros.com/

I fondly remember reading Roald Dahl's , Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, as well as Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator and James and the Giant Peach. His imagination seemed to have an endless limit. And while the movie, released in 1971, did play true to most of the story it did not truly do it justice. I am looking forward to this most recent adaptation of the book, which from what I have read does not seem to be as much a remake as a fresh perspective. Johnny Depp and Freddie Highmore, both of whom played in Finding Neverland are sure to make this movie as spectacular.

Look for a review on this film quickly following its release date, July 15th. View trailer.

For a review from an early screen, take a peak here.

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Fantastic Four - July 8th North American Release

2005-07-05T11:30:00.000-03:00

It's finally happening. The longest running comic book series in history is ready to take the big screen by storm. With Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch and The Thing battling the evil Doctor Doom, spectators should be in for an incredible show. I am definitely looking forward to seeing just how big this movie can be, and if it's half as well put together as the website, this movie can't go wrong!

Anyone interested in submitting a review of The Fantastic Four to this site, please email me at dumassays.

View the behind the scenes trailer.

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Batman Begins

2005-07-03T18:56:00.000-03:00

imdb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0372784/
official: http://www2.warnerbros.com/batmanbegins/

It took George Lucas three attempts to make a prequel that was worthy of its franchise but Christopher Nolan struck gold in his first attempt. Batman Begins lives up to the vision of Tim Burton when he made Batman 1 and 2. The star cast of this movie, with the exception of Katie Holmes, is stunning and although it takes a few minutes to get used to Christian Bale as Batman, it's easy to see why he was chosen for the lead role once those minutes have passed. His acting, as we have seen in 'American Psycho', is intense and dark just like the movie and he steals the show from veteran actors such as Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Liam Neeson and Gary Oldman.

Michael Caine, as usual, was great as he brought life into Bruce Wayne's father figure and butler, Alfred. His character is witty and stern and no one could have pulled it off better. We do not get much of Morgan Freeman in the movie although I do hope that changes in the next installment. Morgan Freeman plays Lucius Fox, the inventor and scientist who made Batman's suit and his gadgets.

The story blends very well between the childhood memories of Bruce Wayne and his present life (in the movie), helping us understand what really created the anger within Bruce Wayne. The movie walks us through the trial and error experiences of Batman which helps Bruce Wayne, Lucious Fox and Alfred create the Bat gadgets. The movie also answers all the questions we had about Batman's past like how did he train to become Batman, how did the Bat symbol come about and how did he get the ideas for his Bat Tools. Overall, a great experience.

I would have given this movie 5 popcorn bags but Katie Holmes grabbed one thanks to her acting which made her character resemble a nagging and annoying old woman.

View the trailer here.

This movie has been reviewed by a guest blogger: Ajay Shroff

If you're interested in contributing a review on a recent movie you've seen, please drop me a note at dumassays .

~Dumas

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War of the Worlds

2005-07-02T10:50:00.000-03:00

imdb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0407304/
official: http://www.waroftheworlds.com/

With the recent negative publicity surrounding Tom Cruise, I'm thinking Amblin Entertainment and Steven Spielberg specifically, must be biting their nails with the potential spill over on to War of the Worlds. In my opinion, any movie-goer who misses this flick because of the personal pitfall position Cruise has put himself in, is denying themselves what will likely be THE movie of the summer of 2005.

War of the Worlds certainly has the star quality that you would expect in a blockbuster, with Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, newcomer Canadian, Justin Chatwin and a short but stunning performance by Tim Robbins. It also has all of the special effects that we demand now from the likes of Spielberg and the Sci-fi genre.

Cruise plays the role of a divorcee, and somewhat deadbeat dad, who not only has to take his two kids for the weekend, but also protect them from the onslaught of a deadly alien race. Cruise does not disappoint in the least in this movie so whether you are a die hard fan of Cruise or Spielberg, or someone just looking for something fabulous on the big screen, this is the movie to see. Waiting for the DVD release is not recommended.

For those of the squeamish nature, be weary as there are some scenes in this movie that literally had my stomach doing flip flops.

The only thing in my mind that would prevent this movie from stealing this coveted title of "movie of the summer" would be if movie-goers saw Batman Begins.

Enjoy this movie! View the trailer here.

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American Film Industries' Top 100 Movie Quotes

2005-06-27T13:15:00.000-03:00

Movies I've seen are bolded... 60/100 not too bad at all :)

1. "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn."
GONE WITH THE WIND-1939
2. "I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse."
THE GODFATHER-1972
3. "You don't understand! I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I could've been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am."
ON THE WATERFRONT-1954
4. "Toto, I've got a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore."
THE WIZARD OF OZ-1939
5. "Here's looking at you, kid."
CASABLANCA-1942
6. "Go ahead, make my day."
SUDDEN IMPACT-1983
7. "All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up."
SUNSET BLVD.-1950
8. "May the Force be with you."
STAR WARS-1977
9. Fasten your seatbelts. It's going to be a bumpy night."
ALL ABOUT EVE-1950
10. "You talking to me?"
TAXI DRIVER-1976
11. "What we've got here is failure to communicate."
COOL HAND LUKE-1967
12. "I love the smell of napalm in the morning."
APOCALYPSE NOW- 1979
13. "Love means never having to say you're sorry."
LOVE STORY-1970
14. "The stuff that dreams are made of."
THE MALTESE FALCON-1941
15. "E.T. phone home."
E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL-1982
16. "They call me Mister Tibbs!"
IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT-1967
17. "Rosebud."
CITIZEN KANE-1941
18. "Made it, Ma! Top of the world!"
WHITE HEAT-1949
19. "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!"
NETWORK-1976
20. "Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."
CASABLANCA-1942
21. "A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti."
THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS-1991
22. "Bond. James Bond."
DR. NO- 1962
23. "There's no place like home."
THE WIZARD OF OZ-1939
24. "I am big! It's the pictures that got small."
SUNSET BLVD.-1950
25. "Show me the money!"
JERRY MAGUIRE-1996

For the rest please visit AFI's site!

How many have you seen?

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Bewitched

2005-06-25T17:58:00.000-03:00

imdb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0374536/

official: http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/bewitched/site/

I did not hold high hopes for this movie, but my niece wanted something to do on a super hot day, and I thought a couple of hours in an air conditioned theatre would hit the spot nicely.

When Bewitched the television series was created, it was the type of show that took a stab at poking fun at the societal norm of being a submissive housewife in the mid '60s. The movie doesn't necessarily try to recapture that setting, but it does place Nicole Kidman in a submissive role to Will Farrell. This just didn't work for me, another one of those unbelievable couples. What's wrong in Hollywood these days? Why can't they bring together two characters who can manage to act just enough to make a relationship believable? I mean, it's only a 90 minute film... that's got to be feasible.

The "magic" in the movie, was clever and is really the only place that I can give real credit, other than that Kidman was a perfect cast for this role, as she has a strong resemblance to the original Samantha, especially when she wiggles her nose. I'd also have to give credit to Shirley MacLaine, who does a remarkable performance as Endora. The story however is boring at best, and dismal at worst.

My recommendation - if you're looking for something to see at the theatre, or you have a niece to entertain on a hot afternoon, skip Bewitched and opt for Madagascar. At least Madagascar has some funny lines to keep you from falling asleep.

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The Longest Yard

2005-06-23T07:47:00.000-03:00

imdb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0398165/

official: http://www.longestyard.com

Download TLY Wallpaper

I haven't laughed like that in a long while. Welcome back Adam Sandler.

Sandler hasn't offered a performance of this scale and quality since Happy Gilmore. With movies like Punch Drunk Love and Eight Crazy Nights, you had to ask yourself if Sandler had lost his golden touch, though he did save himself with his dramatic roles in Spanglish and 50 First Dates. Sandler, like Jim Carrey and Robin Williams, really belongs in the comedic roles, where quick wit and obvious adlib are not only welcomed but expected. Sandler absolutely dominates in this film.

He wasn't hurting for supporting characters either, Chris Rock's role as Caretaker is a bit unbelievable, but he delivers his lines with his well known stand-up approach to comedy. He's funny and loveable, a definite asset to the movie. Burt Reynolds, taking on the senior role this time around, as opposed to the lead in the '74 version, obviously has a lessor impact on the story, but he plays it well with his hard nosed, shy but deadly, attitude. Then there is Terry Crews as Cheeseburger Eddy... if you thought that this guy was funny in White Chicks, then you can expect more of the same hilarity in The Longest Yard. Every scene with Crews is laugh out loud.

I didn't know what to expect from this movie being that it was a remake, but I can say with sincerity that I was truly impressed with the acting and story line. With characters like Sasquatch, Mc-Asshole and Colonel Sanders, it would be difficult not to be. This movie is not to be missed!

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Mr. & Mrs. Smith

2005-06-20T11:22:00.000-03:00

imdb: http://imdb.com/title/tt0358082/
official: http://www.mrandmrssmithmovie.com/

Download Mr & Mrs Smith Wallpaper

'Awkward' is probably the best word I could use to describe the on screen chemisty between this supposedly married couple of 5 or 6 years. While Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are fine actors respectively, together they just didn't sell it. Another viewer I overheard as we were making our way out of the theatre commented that they had a "totally unrealistic relationship", which I have to agree with. For two supposed spies/hitmen to not realize that they are each living a fictitious life with one another is somewhat ridiculous. Where did they park their instincts?

The worst of the unrealistic points of this movie has to be when Mr. and Mrs. Smith face off. There is just something disturbing about a husband smashing his wife up against the wall and repeated blows to her abdomen. But I don't want to spoil all of the fun here, let's just say that there are two saving graces in this film, Jolie's ass whooping fight scenes and Vince Vaughan's character is a hoot! I wouldn't have thought that he could shine any brighter than he did in Be Cool, but once again Vaughan has captured my heart as the whacked out underdog in this role.

I think that this movie is somewhat ill-suited for the kiddies, the violence and the occasional profanity is really driven more towards the teenagers and up crowd.

View the trailer and see for yourself.

Robots

2005-06-15T18:16:00.000-03:00

imdb: http://imdb.com/title/tt0358082/
official: http://www.robotsmovie.com/

Download Robots Wallpaper

What a beautifully written movie. From the moment this movie started till the last flicker of light on screen I found myself caught up in the wonder that animated stories of my childhood provided.

Technology has advanced greatly in the past twenty years, especially in the field of animation. I have found that some animated movies spend so much effort on the visual that the storyline falls apart or never makes an impact. This movie will not disappoint in either respect. The animation is top notch, with lifelike characters whose facial expressions and emotions are far more genuine than those of some of the actors we pay to see onscreen. The story itself is a marvelous coming of age tale of a young robot who learns to believe in himself and brings together a mismatched gang of outmode robots to prevent their world from being overthrown by a pair of greedy, self-centred and completely unusual duo.

The diversity of the characters mimics real life, and the message of being happy with oneself is delivered in a colourfully wrapped box with a big red bow.

Notable characters who make the movie worth seeing:

Fender - Robin Williams (phenominal performance... he has a gift, see this movie for William's alone)
Rodney - Ewan McGreggor (he lends a perfect voice to this character... giving life to this innocent nieve character)
Tim the Gate Guard - Paul Giamatti (this guy is just hilarious... playing this tiny little character on a huge power trip)

I even enjoyed the musical score of this movie. This one is definitely a family favourite, and for children of all ages!

Monster In Law

2005-06-15T13:37:00.000-03:00

imdb: http://imdb.com/title/tt0369735/
official: http://www.monsterinlaw.com/

Download Monster In Law Wallpaper

Bringing Jane Fonda, Michael Vartan and Jennifer Lopez (aka: J-Lo, Jenny From The Block… do you smell a tax shelter scandal?) together for a movie should have atleast brought forth more than just a chuckle or two sprinkled in throughout the movie, but it didn’t. While the storyline is “plausible”, it doesn’t offer much more than what you see in the preview clips: spoiled son of wealthy mother meets, and falls instantly in love with, bohemian, broke-but beautiful girl. Mother makes wild attempts at splitting the two lovers up while still saving face with the son. Mother and daughter-in-law to be become friends in the end and the guests throw rice.

Notable characters who make the movie worth seeing:

Ruby - Wanda Sykes (This woman was hilarious, credit to the writers of her lines of course... but a magnificent delivery of the material. If it weren't for Ruby's character this movie would have been a complete bore.)

Viola Fields - Jane Fonda (The best scenes of this movie are indesputably the ones where Viola is throwing her tantrums and having repeated break downs. The best of these scenes is during the tv interview where she pounces on an unsuspecting Britney Spears doppleganger.)

Notable characters for all the wrong reasons:

Charlie - Jennifer Lopez (It's that I don't believe the sincerity of her character. It's not horrible throughout the movie watching Lopez but there are a couple of scenes where I just rolled my eyes and thought 'where was the director on that shot? why didn't they reshoot that scene? that was completely phony' You'll notice this in the scene where she receives the engagement ring from Vartan and says "Really?".)

Kevin - Michael Vartan (Believe it or not, he's in the movie... but you'd have to watch the credits to confirm it. If they had pulled a guy in off the street to play the role it would have had as much impact.)

If you're looking for a handful of chuckles and a supporting character who steals the show, this flick is a winner.

Madagascar

2005-06-15T09:49:00.000-03:00

imdb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0351283/
official: http://www.madagascar-themovie.com/

Download Madagascar Wallpaper

There has been a tremendous amount of hype surrounding this movie... the next Shrek supposedly. While I found the characters loveable and the quips numerous, this movie lacked the same quality of entertainment value I've found in movies like Shrek, Shrek 2, Monsters Inc and Ice Age.

The animation genre is sometimes lacking in appeal for the adult crowd, and I find that Madagascar has come up short in providing enough of the classic one liners found in the likes of Aladdin , Toy Story and Robots.

Notable characters who make the movie worth seeing include:

King Julian the Lemur - Sacha Baron Cohen
Skipper the Penguin - Tom McGrath
Marty the Zebra - Chris Rock

Notable characters for all the wrong reasons:

Melman the Giraffe - David Schwimmer (worst performance ever, he should stick to movies where his dumbfounded expression gets him some credit).
Gloria the Hippo - Jada Pinkett Smith (while she had some decent moments, on the whole the movie could exist without this character and there be no significant loss.)
Alex the Lion - Ben Stiller (lackluster is the best word I can use here to describe his delivery of lines... he's supposed to be a central character but he just comes across as a pain in the butt.)

While I would recommend seeing this movie, for movie-goers of all ages, I wouldn't get too pumped up about it unless your mom still packs a lunch for you.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

2005-06-15T09:42:00.000-03:00

imdb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0403508/
official: http://sisterhoodofthetravelingpants.warnerbros.com/

Being a woman you would think that I would not only flock to this movie, but come bearing a box of tissue, loads of chocolate and three of my closest girlfriends for this anticipated tear fest. While I did manage to sneak some chocolate in, and a McDonald's Big Extra (modified into a quarter pounder), and my closest girlfriend, the tissues were in absentia.

The movie starts out with some heart felt moments, albeit a bit cliche, between 4 teenage girlfriends setting out for the summer with the magic of the mysterious lyrca-laden jeans unbeknownst to them. While the storyline is moving, the onscreen "action" is slow and at times tedious enough to be begging for the next scene to begin. The characters are portrayed as your typical middle-American highschool girlsquad, with the blonde bombshell, Bridget, the misunderstood artistic genius, Tibby, the shy but beautiful searching-for-herself, Lena, and last but certainly not least, the recipient of the most magic from the jeans (as it is bafflying to the mind that she fit into them as readily as the other three remarkably more petite characters) Carmen, who is struggling with the realities of divorce and the loss of attention from a distant father. The storyline does away with the pulling at the heartstrings approach to drama and inserts a vicious attack by adding a dying child to ensure tears are shed by viewers.

While I left this movie with a streak of emotion on my cheek, I do not feel that it was given the justice that the readers of Ann Brashares' book would have wanted based on their reviews. Unless you're desperate to see a chick flick, save your money and rent this one.

Warning!!

For the men: under no circumstances should you punish yourself with this movie... even to impress a potential girlfriend or gain brownie points from an existing one.

For the ladies: asking a man to see this movie with you is the relationship kiss of death. If you have to see it, see it with a girlfriend.

Characters Notable and Otherwise:

Amber Tamblyn .... Tibby

Alexis Bledel .... Lena

America Ferrera .... Carmen

Blake Lively .... Bridget

Jenna Boyd .... Bailey