joaocruzferreira Reviews

Sleepers (1996)

Barry Levinson's Masterpiece

[8/10 · 29 December 2007]

I was stunned when I watched this movie. I had never heard of it and when I saw it was a Barry Levinson movie and the cast, I was really curious, so I gave it a shot and I was absolutely blown-away by the quality and, above all, the honesty of this sad movie.

It should have been a major hit, but it missed with critics and the audience. The scale of tragedy is almost classic Greek.

Kevin Bacon and Dustin Hoffman deserved supporting actor praise for it. Also, I think it's John Williams' single best score ever.

What an example of film-making. Unfortunately, it's almost unknown and highly underrated. 8/10

Into the Wild (2007)

Sean Penn's Masterpiece

[9/10 · 19 November 2007]

"Into the Wild" is based on a true story and the bestselling book by Jon Krakauer. After graduating, top student and athlete Christopher McCandless abandoned all his possessions, gave his entire savings to charity and hitchhiked to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Along the way, Christopher encounters a series of characters that shape his life.

The cinematography of this motion picture is absolutely breath-taking. This is a splendid example of film-making. In addition, I was particular blown away by the performances. In fact, to have this young talent Emile Hirsch working with the old, veteran Hal Holbrook makes the film a must-see. Their scene in the truck near the end is one of the best pieces of acting I have ever seen, as well as easily the most moving scene of the year. The young Emile Hirsch surprised Hollywood and Penn gets a terrific performance out of him, Catherine Keener, Marcia Gay Harden, Vince Vaughn and William Hurt.

Chris' story is worth telling and "Into the Wild" shows this. It is a remarkable film. The two hours and a half are over before you know it, and by then you care not only for the lead character, but for all sympathetic characters we have met on the way.

The snubs were tremendous for Sean Penn (Best Directing, Best Adapted Scerenplay), Hirsch (Best Leading Actor) and Keener (Best Supporting Actres). Not even Eddie Vedder got any respect for his score and songs or Eric Gautier for his excellent cinematography. No one will ever understand the Academy. 9/10

Eastern Promises (2007)

Best of Cronenberg

[8/10 · 31 October 2007]

This fantastic crime thriller has a flawless script and is extremely well directed. It is the best film of the Cronenberg/Mortensen duo.

By setting the film in London and putting the focus on the Russian Mafia, Cronenberg has found an area not often explored and highly benefits from this. "Easterm Promises" is a certainty for the Academy Awards.

Viggo Mortensen manages to portray the mysterious and ruthless Nikolai convincingly. He is excellent in his role, his Russian accent is very believable and so are his mannerisms. Vincent Cassel, Armin Mueller-Stahl and Naomi Watts also deliver great performances.

"Eastern Promisses" will take your breath away. 8/10

American Gangster (2007)

Definite Oscar Contender

[8/10 · 31 October 2007]

Based on true events, Director Sir Riddley Scott, producers Brian Grazer, Steven Zaillian and Oscar winning actors Russel Crowe and Denzel Washington manage to create a truly dramatic, powerful and compelling cop-based gangster movie.

"American Gangster" has already been compared to major gangster epics like "The Godfather" and "Goodfellas" and is starting to be considered a new American classic.

The two leading actors clash like titans and deliver convincing and highly remarkable performances.

The screenplay is very sharp, entertaining and intelligent. It deals with corruption the way it should, not by making any exaggerated statement, but simply by beautifully telling the tale of Frank Lucas, who rose from the poor to become one of the biggest heroin dealers in America.

Scott does an excellent job at recreating New York in the early 70's, with the help of great design and costumes, as well as a flawless cinematography and film editing.

One of the best movies of the year so far. 8/10

Scent of a Woman (1992)

Weak Plot, Dazzling Performances

[7/10 · 4 October 2007]

Al Pacino gives a truly incredible performance as Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade that earned him the Academy Award for "Best Actor in a Leading Role". Chris O'Donnell was also a revelation as the quiet and underprivileged, yet very intelligent Charles Simms.

Apart from Al Pacino's Oscar, "Scent of a Woman" was nominated for Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Motion Picture of the Year.

I'm afraid I can't say the script is as good as the acting. The movie has a poor plot which doesn't allow the story to be taken very seriously. I wouldn't say it's a drag but one of the main themes of this highly acclaimed motion picture is, let's face it, the concept of "snitching".

Al Pacino's best performance, ruined by an overrated screenplay. 7/10

The Life of David Gale (2003)

Very Underrated

[7/10 · 26 September 2007]

Directed by the legendary Sir Alan Parker, this is the story of David Gale, a University of Texas professor of philosophy against capital punishment who is accused of murdering a fellow activist and is sent to death row.

Kevin Spacey and Laura Linney deliver great performances in the flashbacks. This movie is by far one of Spacey's strongest performances, he is always very subtle and insightful portraying David Gale. Laura Linney really makes a name for herself in this motion picture, she's as consistently complex and likable here as she is in "Primal Fear" and "You Can Count on Me". Kate Winslet, however, has problems in carefully crafting her character. She's called upon to cry about four or five times in this film and each time she does so, the action unfortunately rings more and more false. Other than that, she is average. Meanwhile, Gabriel Mann, Leon Rippy and Matt Craven also provide colorful backdrops to the story at hand with their credible supporting characters.

"The Life of David Gale" is a film that had a great opportunity to create controversy about the death penalty. Unfortunately, it is excessively underrated by critics, despite being nominated for the Human Rights Award from the Political Film Society and being present at the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival.

Sad and stunning. 8/10

The Thin Red Line (1998)

Beautiful and Unique Poetic War Movie

[9/10 · 26 September 2007]

"The Thin Red Line", written and directed by Terrence Malick is a World War II film about the U.S. invasion of the Japanese-held island of Guadalcanal in the South Pacific.

Malick brings us this story about how battle affects all the soldiers involved, or, as the tagline suggests "Every man fights his own war".

The acting is amazing. Sean Penn has an Oscar-worthy performance and is by far the most successful in the cast. He is the one who "opens" and "closes" the film. People will surely remember Penn's complete assumption of the character. His Sgt. Welsh is very carefully crafted. Nick Nolte, as Lt. Colonel Gordon Tall, hands in another outstanding performance. Several actors distinguish themselves in supporting roles. John Cusack is so good that he seems underused. Woody Harrelson portrays a mean but heroic Sgt. Keck in his brief role. John C. Reilly turned in a strong performance as well.

"The Thin Red Line" is nearly three solid hours of a beautifully complex and poetic motion picture. It's very realistic, unlike Spielberg's "Saving Private Ryan", for example. Best war movie ever. 9/10

A Beautiful Mind (2001)

A Beautiful Motion Picture

[9/10 · 16 September 2007]

I was shocked not to see this film in the IMDb Top 250. This is arguably Ron Howard's finest work to date. Based on the true story of John Nash, "A Beautiful Mind" is an entertaining, enlightening and passionate drama which tackles the tribulations of a mathematical genius suffering from schizophrenia.

Nash is played by Academy Award winner Russell Crowe (for his portrait of Maximus in "Gladiator"). In my opinion, this is Crowe's finest performance up to date, in which he was nominated for the "Best Actor in a Leading Role" Oscar but only being beaten by Denzel Washington's flawless work in "Training Day". (Actually, Sean Penn was even better in "I Am Sam"). Jennifer Connelly also gives us an honest portrayal of the confused but devoted Alicia Nash, which earned her the Oscar for "Best Actress in a Supporting Role". The rest of the cast was superb.

The amazing work by Howard, Akiva Goldsman and Brian Grazer enabled the movie to have an excellent screenplay and of course, a film is only as good as a screenplay would allow it to be.

A true masterpiece. 9/10

Last Call (2002 TV Movie)

Great Acting

[7/10 · 21 July 2007]

In "Last Call", Jeremy Irons is, in short, F. Scott Fitzgerald himself. Very much like Phillip Seymour Hoffman in "Capote", Irons has captured every mannerism and the speech of the controversial writer.

A level of "classiness" is attained, often on accord of the dynamic chemistry between Irons and Campbell, who in my opinion surprised Hollywood with this great performance in an extended supporting role. Sissy Spacek was also impressive, despite her only being in the film for about twenty minutes, her appearances are very memorable, and she is absolutely magnificent.

Other than the acting by Irons, Campbell and Spacek, there's really nothing that jumps out about this film. However it is an interesting look into the life of the influential and controversial writer F. Scott Fitzgerald. 6/10

American History X (1998)

NOT Just Another Drama

[8/10 · 21 July 2007]

This unrelenting and provocative film that uses the word "fuck" over two-hundred times was made due to a great job by Tony Kaye, who creates this fascinating drama in his debut as a director. The use of black and white cinematography to portray painful flashbacks is amazing, a scene that hasn't yet left my mind, is when Derek (Norton), being handcuffed in slow motion, connects eyes with his younger brother Danny (Furlong). That one glare tells the story of their intense relationship. In fact, that one scene is the screenplay of "American History X" in a glance. Artfully done.

In a role where he had to gain thirty pounds of muscle, Edward Norton undoubtedly delivers the best performance of his career as the intimidating and yet uncomfortably human Derek Vinyard. Edward Furlong is also solid as the young and very confused Danny.

"American History X" is one of the most powerful movies ever released. Since "Schindler's List", I believe the subject of racism hasn't been tackled so masterfully.

Unfortunately, despite the fact that "American History X" is one of the best films in years, it is quite underrated, only being nominated for one Academy Award. Much like most of Norton's movies (Primal Fear, 25th Hour, Red Dragon) this film didn't get the recognition it deserved.

Sad and stunning. 8/10

City by the Sea (2002)

Underrated Melancholic Drama

[6/10 · 21 July 2007]

"When you're searching for a killer... the last suspect you want to see is your son." New York City homicide detective Vincent LaMarca has had a long and distinguished career in law enforcement, making a name for himself as a man intensely committed to his work. On his latest case, the number one suspect is his son Joey. This murder investigation is drawing Vincent home to Long Beach, the self-proclaimed City by the Sea, where the past has been waiting for him to return. The agonizing memory that has tortured him all his life - the death of his father: a convicted murderer who was executed when Vincent was just a boy - still plagues him. In the course of the investigation, he discovers that his own unresolved pain and failures as a father have deeply influenced Joey's life, and now his 18-month-old grandson may be fated to follow their self-destructive paths.

De Niro plays Vincent with an insecurity, a deep-down dose of shame, that we're not used to seeing from this actor in dramatic roles. It's one of his gentlest, most quietly affecting performances. This is one of his strongest performances to date and one of the year's best. Franco meets the challenge of his role opposite De Niro by playing a younger version of his father as he too struggles to make the right life decisions regarding his crime and drug use. Also strong in this ensemble work is Frances McDormand, whose love for Vincent pushes the limits of her commitment to him, and arouses equally difficult choices for her as a result "City by the Sea" is a painful look at how the emotional years of faulty parenting can affect the relationships between fathers and sons as well as the innocent loved ones surrounding them.

All in all, this tense drama is an entertaining movie with great performances. My congratulations to Ken Hixon and Michael Caton-Jones, who managed to create a solid and entertaining motion picture. After directing critically-acclaimed films like "Rob Roy", "This Boy's Life" and now "City by the Sea", we will certainly hear from Caton-Jones in a near future.

An underrated melancholic drama. 8/10

Good Will Hunting (1997)

Best of '97

[8/10 · 20 July 2007]

A South Boston whiz kid elects to clean the halls of learning rather than enter them, slumming his way through life as a janitor at MIT. But his natural ability to unravel complex equations attracts the attention of a professor who won't let him quit, a beautiful Harvard student who wants to save him, a sympathetic buddy who wants him to escape South Boston, and a counselor who encourages him. A soundly acclaimed, homegrown effort from lifelong Boston buddies Damon and Affleck, which granted them the Academy Award for "Best Screenplay".

Matt Damon delivers a great performance and proves himself a charismatic and compelling actor in this movie. Robin Williams also delivers an honest portrayal that adds greatly to the film's character interplay. Overall, the acting was excellent.

This is a kind of spiritual sequel to "Dead Poets Society", where young people lead the way for older ones and rebel against the repressive system which fails to understand them. It features Robin Williams in a similarly extended supporting role. Those who enjoyed the former film will definitely like this one also.

Van Sant has done a terrific job of keeping what is essentially a series of psychotherapy sessions (both inside an office and out) moving along as a cinematic narrative.

With two Academy Awards (Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Screenplay) and seven more Oscar nominations, "Good Will Hunting" was the best of '97 along with "L.A. Confidential" and "Boogie Nights". 8/10

Training Day (2001)

The Very Best of Zel

[8/10 · 18 July 2007]

"Good Cop / Bad Cop"

"Training Day" throws the rules out of the window and hits you in the face with a brutal and highly entertaining story of good cop/bad cop as we are taken on an urban trip of one day on the job for rookie narcotics officer Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke) and his training officer Alonzo Harris (Denzel Washington). When Harris begins to cross the line, Jake finds himself willing to look the other way.

Amazingly set over the course of 24 hours, the movie is a look at the seductive nature of corruption, how deeply it can bloom and how its ruinous consequences permanently stain anyone who comes in contact with it.

Washington radiates a wicked, malicious magnetism he's never displayed, by way of contrast with the heroic roles he usually takes on. This is the first villainous turn of his career. Being bad brings out the best in Washington, and his performance elevates "Training Day" past its familiar street-cops scenario into something far richer. Denzel is surely the star of this film and was quite deserving of his "Best Actor in a Leading Role" academy award, even though I am sure many people claim Russell Crowe deserved it more for "A Beautiful Mind". In my opinion, the winner should have actually been Sean Penn for his work in "I Am Sam". However, I also think Ethan Hawke deserves some praise, this is a guy that has grown on me over the past few years, especially with this film and "Before Sunset".

Obviously Training Day is an example of a movie that showcases the talent of everyone involved, especially the talent of director Antoine Fuqua who, in my opinion, is not getting enough work but I am absolutely sure we will see more from him soon enough. 9/10

Insomnia (2002)

Recommended

[6/10 · 17 July 2007]

"A good cop can't sleep because a piece of the puzzle is missing, a bad cop can't sleep because his conscience is bothering him".

This was Christopher Nolan's first movie after the mind-blowing "Memento" (2000), which granted him an Oscar nomination. It is about a police detective (Pacino) who was sent from the city to investigate the murder of a teenage girl in a small Alaska town. He accidentally shoots his own partner while trying to apprehend a suspect. Instead of admitting his guilt, the detective is given an unexpected alibi, but this "solution" only multiplies the emotional complexity and guilt over his partner's death. Furthermore, there's also a local detective (Swank) who is conducting an investigation of his partner's death...

The two main characters are remarkably well-drawn by first-time screenwriter Hillary Seitz and brilliantly personified by Al Pacino and by Robin Williams who is a revelation in what may be one of the best performances of his career. Pacino is even better, portraying his character's experience and determination as a detective while fully embodying the fatigue that'skilling him. He can't seem to get any shut-eye, even after taping his hotel room shades closed in a failed attempt to keep out the midnight sun, so common of Alaska.

The only negative comment I can make about the movie is Hillary Swank's performance. She is a lost character swimming in a tide too strong for her, completely left out and erased by the brilliant performances by Al Pacino and Williams.

Strongly recommended action thriller. 7/10

The Insider (1999)

The Extraordinary Cinematic Accomplishment of '99

[8/10 · 17 July 2007]

This is a movie based on a true story about malpractices in the tobacco industry. The movie depicted the struggle that goes inside the mind of person as he tries to weigh all pros and cons of a fight.

Crowe retreated from his "tarzan"-type roles to an overweight, quiet man who is torn between the right thing (divulging the rotten secrets and lies of the tobacco companies) and ripping his life apart by telling the truth.

Brilliantly written and acted, "The Insider" is also directed with fascination (by Michael Mann), which granted the movie seven Oscar nominations, including: "Best Actor in a Leading Role" (Russell Crowe), "Best Director" (Michael Mann), "Best Picture" and "Best Adapted Screenplay".

The message? Some battles just aren't worth winning. 8/10

Gladiator (2000)

A Unique Masterpiece

[9/10 · 15 July 2007]

"Are you not entertained?" Russell Crowe shouts to a crowd that has just watched him destroy a half-dozen hulking gladiators. Well, with a motion picture like this one, it would be very hard not to be entertained.

"Gladiator" director Ridley Scott has created a modern spectacle, a "swords and sandals" epic full of wide-screen Mediterranean majesty, high treason, hot passions, and brutal murderous action.

Furthermore, the shots of Rome are incredible, the opening battle mind-is blowing, and even the ability to bring Oliver Reed back from the grave to finish out the movie is very humbling in its own way. And if you're wise, will you see parallels to our modern world?

The film's strong points are unquestionably highlighted in its various battle scenes, but don't let it be said that these fights are set adrift in a plot-less movie. In fact, many internal struggles take place in this picture with love, redemption, revenge, honor, tradition, allegiance and blackmail all making personal appearances

Russel Crowe brings his breath-taking intensity to the role of Maximus, a heroic Roman general caught up in a power play and marked for death by the new emperor Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). I never for one moment doubted his character or his motives. Maximus survives only to end up a gladiator slave in a remote Roman province, where he begins killing his way towards revenge.

A unique masterpiece portrayed with excellence by Crowe. 9/10

The Fourth Angel (2001)

Rather Weak

[5/10 · 15 July 2007]

Quote from the Bible, in Revelations 16:8 : "And the Fourth Angel poured out his vial upon the sun: and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire."

On a holiday flight to India, the family of magazine editor Jack Elgin (Jeremy Irons) are involved in a hijack and killed. When the hijackers are released on a technicality, Jack goes on a one-man mission to kill the terrorists after the governmental powers that be let them go. He uses his resources at work to track them down and eliminate them on his own, bringing him to the attention of US agent, Agent Jules Bernard (Forest Whitaker).

Forest Whitaker makes the most of an underwritten part and when he and Irons come face to face in the climactic scenes they become a duo of powerful screen presences.

The acting could have been better, the direction is sloppy, the screenplay is probably something out of a badly written dime story novel, and the whole premise remarkable in that it expects us to accept this magazine editor as a guy who could somehow defeat masses of heavily armed murderers on his own. A (generous) 6/10

The Good Shepherd (2006)

Should have been an Oscar contender

[8/10 · 15 July 2007]

"The Good Shepherd" is billed as the story of how the CIA began in 1961, but it is really the story of Edward Wilson (Matt Damon) and his involvement in the first covert wing of the CIA.

In his third attempt at directing, Robert De Niro captures the nature of the cold hearted spy with such precision that he seems much more comfortable in the details but less interested in keeping the story gripping. Ironically, this is the exact opposite of the main character Edward Wilson, who keeps his eye on the big picture but misses the small moments he should have noticed, such as, his family.

Nonetheless, "The Good Shepherd" is a great movie that tells us that in a world of lies, cheats and deceits, the one who survives is the one who trusts less, loves less and lives less. Consequently, the main character chooses to stay, and through symbolisms it becomes apparent that Edward Wilson is not able to move on and is trapped and alone in his own world of secrecy. With that, the audience is left with something to reflect on.

Matt Damon does an excellent job by tackling the role of Edward Wilson with such coldness and dedication, in an aloof fashion. This is one of the best roles I've seen him perform.

A movie that should have been a definite Oscar contender. 8/10

Inside Man (2006)

Spike Lee - The Misunderstood Genius (once again)

[8/10 · 15 July 2007]

In his debut directing a thriller, Spike Lee creates a movie that grabs you from the beginning and never lets go. This dazzling bank-heist thriller is so witty and unpredictable, which makes it unforgettable!

In the opening minutes, we meet Dalton Russell (Clive Owen), a cool, collected thief who tells of his "perfect" plan to rob a Manhattan bank. It's not only for the money, he calmly explains, it's "because I can." Into the picture comes Keith Frazier (Denzel Washington), a detective with a spotty record and an eagerness to match wits with Russell. He's clever and good at reading people. He's also smart enough to know that there's more to Russell's motives than just cleaning out a bank. Another wrench is thrown into the mix. Madeline White (Jodie Foster) is a stone-cold power broker hired to protect something in the building that the bank's board chairman (Christopher Plummer) wants to keep hidden.

The action is propelled by the cops and crooks trying to outwit each other, with Foster's sly fixer along for some added mystery.

The three main characters are terrific: Clive Owen has the difficult job of delivering most of his performance through a mask, but his icy calm remains eerie and powerful. Jodie Foster attacks the role of Madeleine White with an electricity that chills. She plays a cunning and somewhat evil character with such dedication. Fascinating. Denzel Washington adds some charisma to his role of Detective Keith Frazier and projects a power that is so typical of Zel.

It's about time the academy gives Spike Lee some respect! 8/10

Se7en (1995)

Amazing Serial Killer Thriller

[8/10 · 13 July 2007]

After the failure of "Alien 3", David Fincher held his breath for three years and made a new start with "Se7en". His signature style of direction is all over it. This is one of the best serial killer movies ever made.

The plot explores the extreme pitch-black side of the human psyche and was entirely the creation of one writer. Andrew Kevin Walker, conceived, a disturbing story of a serial killer who murders all his victims in the style of the seven deadly sins.

"Se7en" is definitely the film that kick-started Fincher's career. Had he made "The Game" right after "Alien 3", there would have been no "Fight Club", or "Panic Room".

Pitt and Freeman deliver great performances. 8/10

Sin City (2005)

Very Entertaining

[8/10 · 13 July 2007]

"Sin City" collects four different stories from the graphic novels written by Frank Miller, also known for Batman: Year One and The Dark Knight Returns. The stories are gritty, fast paced, and action packed The "Sin City" movie is a great film. It truly captured the essence of the comics and brought the series into the spotlight it has deserved for a long time. If you are a fan of Frank Miller, Rodriguez and Tarantino, then chances are you have already seen this film.

"Sin City" plays out like the comic book reads. The visuals, dialog, and stories are straight from the pages of the comic. Frank Miller has stated that, "In a lot of ways this movie is quite literally like having a dream come true." Congratulations to Miller for this entertaining motion picture.

The acting is superb. I particularly liked to see Bruce Willis and Clive Owen, although the stand out was clearly Mickey Rourke as Marv. 8/10

Capote (2005)

A Breath Taking Performance by Hoffman

[8/10 · 13 July 2007]

"Capote" is more than a biography or the dazzling portrayal of Truman Capote in full flight by Philip Seymour Hoffman. It is also the complex portrait of a writer at work and the developing picture is neither simple, nor pretty.

We meet Capote dazzling the New York literary set but unsure of what his next book might be. Until he comes across a particularly brutal murder in Holcomb, Kansas where a whole family has been wiped out by two men. Suddenly, Truman Capote sees the chance to do something quite new and maybe the best work of his life and. Capote sets off for Kansas with his old childhood friend, Harper Lee, a lovely, elegant performance by Catherine Keener. He sets out for Holcomb and his destiny as a writer.

Phillip Seymour Hoffman gives a shattering performance that undoubtedly gives credence to his character. He is, in short, Truman Capote himself, perfectly mimicking everything about the controversial writer.

There's really nothing that jumps out about this film other than Hoffman. Regardless, it is an interesting look into the life of the influential writer that is made possible through great characterization and superb acting that granted Phillip Seymour Hoffman the 2005 "Best Actor in a Leading Role" Academy Award. 8/10

I Am Sam (2001)

Sean Penn, "a master of his craft at work"

[8/10 · 13 July 2007]

"All you need is love"

According to Child and Family Services, a developmentally disabled man with the mental capacity of a seven-year old cannot effectively raise a child to adulthood.

Sam Dawson (Sean Penn) believes he can responsibly raise his daughter Lucy Diamond Dawson (Dakota Fanning). A seven-year old herself, she is just beginning to pass Sam's point of development when Child and Family Services intervenes. Realistically, though, it's preposterous for Lucy to have already reached the age of seven without the authorities taking an interest, without some sort of major mishap, and with only a few wise words from reclusive neighbor Annie (Dianne Wiest) to guide Sam.

The acting by Sean Penn is amazing. Penn plays a kind, naive, earnest and sincere, busboy in a Los Angeles Starbucks, carefully arranging sweetener packets just so. He also adores ritualized dates with friends. Sean Penn amazingly lost the "Best Actor in a Leading Role" award to Denzel Washington (Training Day) on that year.

The authority and emotion of the climax is absolutely incredible. It's difficult to watch, but is so very worth it, if for nothing else than to watch Penn, a master of his craft at work. Sean Penn is truly at the top of his form here, creating a role that will stick in your heart for quite some time after the cinema lights come up. You find yourself rooting for Sam, in a role of the same standards as classic performances such as Dustin Hoffman in "Rainman" or Daniel Day-Lewis in "My Left Foot".

A very moving and wise movie. 8/10

Chicago (2002)

Oh My God!

[8/10 · 10 July 2007]

The movie is based on a 1975 stage musical choreographed by Bob Fosse. Like "Moulin Rouge", this is a musical. Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renee Zellweger, Richard Gere, John C. Reilly and Queen Latifah each sing and dance their own musical numbers throughout the film.

"Chicago" shouldn't even be classified as a movie. It's a very short storyline, the set pieces are bad, as is the directing and editing by Rob Marshall, in his debut. The musical numbers with the telling of the story is achieved through flashbacks, with the transition taking place (literally) on the next word the person speaks...

I cannot simply understand how "Chicago" won six Oscars including Best Picture (when "The Pianist" clearly deserved to win, in my opinion) and was nominated for seven more. In addition to that, "Chicago" was also the "Hollywood buzz" leader going into the awards! 5/10

Ocean's Thirteen (2007)

Recaptures the spirit of the original film

[6/10 · 9 July 2007]

"Ocean's Thirteen" returns to its original setting: Vegas, where ruthless casino owner Willy Bank (Al Pacino) double crossed Danny Ocean's friend and mentor Reuben Tishkoff, putting him in the hospital. Danny calls the crew back to action to seek revenge against Bank and his new lavish Vegas Casino which is geared towards "whales." The plan is to cost the casino over $500 million in just under four minutes, effectively ruining Bank's career.

The story is convoluted and ridiculous at best, but we don't care. All three Ocean's films have been set in a world of wacky unrealistic elaborate situations, which require the right character to be in the right place if something unplanned happens. But again, we don't really care.

Sure, the stars were back, but gone was the stylized crazy story that made the first film so much fun. In my opinion the problem was that they uplifted the characters and placed them in a whole new setting. With an entertaining sequel as this, people want to see more of the same thing.

All in all, it would still be ridiculous not to admit that Ocean's is the mother-of-all-scams sequel. 7/10