jamminjillo8 Reviews

The A-Team (2010)

Not the Best, but Better than Average

[6/10 · 29 May 2011]

I didn't go into this movie with high expectations. I have watched the television show multiple times and came to the conclusion that there would be no way to recreate the characters that they had in the show.

Going in with that perspective, I was pleasantly surprised by the casting. Bradley Cooper was fantastic as Face. He had the charm and relaxed attitude as Face in the series. Liam Neeson was a bit too serious for Hannibal's character. Sharlto Copley was pretty good and Quinton Jackson was only average.

The special effects were amazing. I was impressed by the major feats the A-Team faced in the film. It definitely brought the team into the 21st century, which did take away from the feel of the series.

Overall, I would watch it again. But if I wanted to see the real B.A., Murdock, Hannibal, or Face, I would always always go back to the television series. Their chemistry and schemes are a lot more developed than what was portrayed in the film.

Megamind (2010)

Never Thought I Would LOVE This Movie!

[10/10 · 29 May 2011]

I saw this on a whim at my school. I did not know anything about it and had no idea what to expect.

WOW! I have not laughed this loud in theaters in the longest time. It is hard to be laugh out loud funny without being offensive or crude these days, but Megamind exceeds with flying colors.

Will Ferrell and Brad Pitt have a fierce villain/hero rivalry that escalates quickly. The plot thickens with not your average anchorwoman Tina Fey tries to figure out what the two of them are all about. Add in Jonah Hill as the dorky camera man in love with Tina Fey and you have a hit.

The animation is great, the music is wonderful, and the dialogue is the best. The dialogue is creative and hilarious. I hope to see more from the writers of this film!

Despite any prejudices you hold against Dreamworks or Will Ferrell etc, you should really go see this movie. It made me laugh more than any other animated film and you will smile at the end of the movie. I promise, it earns the 10 out of 10 that I gave it.

Peter Pan (1953)

Best Disney Film. Ever.

[10/10 · 12 March 2010]

Peter Pan is the classic tale of a boy who will never grow up.

The Darling children become part of his world and soon, we are all taken for a ride off to Neverland.

What makes this Disney film so special is that is it so unlike any other movie. There are no princesses, no princes, no dragons. It is a magical adventure about children, friendship, and a crazy crocodile.

The music isn't brilliant, but that's not the point of this film. Characters like the Lost Boys, Captain Hook, and Smee provide such a great comedic element that the use of musical numbers would be too much to handle.

As always, the animation was above excellent. Neverland was beautifully drawn, every aspect was perfect. It glitters and shines.

Overall, Peter Pan leaves you feeling happy and wanting to be a kid again. I could watch it again and again and still find something new to marvel at. A true Disney classic.

Shutter Island (2010)

Wow...Suspense at its Absolute Best

[10/10 · 21 February 2010]

I saw this movie last night and am waiting to see it again. There is truly no other movie like this. I could come up with none.

Leo and Mark do a fantastic job in their roles of Teddy and Chuck, innocent bystanders in a less than innocent island. The two of them are looking for a prisoner, Rachel, who has escaped. All of the staff will not give them any answers or files that will have evidence to help the case. The longer they search for evidence, the more suspicious everyone becomes.

The plots constant, yet believable, twists keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time. You will be thinking about it for days. The end packs the biggest punch I have ever experienced.

I cannot give this movie enough credit. Be warned, this movie will have you questioning your life and the music will forever haunt you.

Glee (2009–2015)

an original series

[10/10 · 1 January 2010]

Television lately has become full of crime dramas and lame comedies. GLEE stands out of the normal shows and really makes a new genre for itself.

Centering around a high school glee club, this show shines light on a rather rejected club. It brings together a variety of characters that all have a back story that is told throughout the seasons. High school drama becomes more of a parody, rather than a stereotype. The obvious rivals and crushes change from each episode keeping the audiences anticipating the next episode.

The song and dance in each episode is phenomenal. The fact that all the cast members sing all the songs and dance all the dances alone, automatically puts it above any High School Musicals. The talents GLEE has found will not be forgotten.

For anyone unsure of GLEE, watch the pilot. I promise, I do not know a soul who is not in love with this show.

Schindler's List (1993)

amazing from start to finish

[10/10 · 1 January 2010]

This movie is brilliant.

Everything, EVERYTHING was portrayed so well. The settings, the characters, the emotions were all so solid and spot on to the time period.

Spielberg did an excellent job in his take on the Holocaust and Poland during World War II. The cinematography was more than amazing. I cannot get over Ralph Fiennes and Liam Neeson's performances in this movie. Both of them won me over, I hated and loved them. They made their characters so believable and REAL.

It's shocking how real everything was in this movie. It's almost safe to say that this is not a movie. Schindler's List will capture you from start to finish, and guaranteed, you will be changed at least a little bit by the end of the film. Definitely one of the best.

The Departed (2006)

Impossible to Miss!

[10/10 · 26 December 2009]

Whenever I rate a movie, I judge it against this movie. It is fantastic in every way.

The cast is beautiful. Damon and Wahlberg step out of their usual roles and execute their characters stunningly. I was blown away by Mark Wahlberg's performance particularly. The intensity he has throughout the movie is so real and vivid. DiCaprio and Nicholson were also brilliant, but I really thing Wahlberg takes the cake in this movie.

The plot speaks for itself. It's dialogue, action, and raw emotion alone make it so great.

This review will never do the movie justice, it is ESSENTIAL to see this movie no matter what a review says. Seriously, this movie will open your eyes to what movies should be.

Reservoir Dogs (1992)

Definitely Exceeded My Expectations

[9/10 · 26 December 2009]

I had started and stopped this film many times before actually sitting down and watching it all the way through. After sitting through it, I can't stop thinking about it.

The film was composed beautifully. Instead of a simple plot line, it was broken up and rearranged making the audience work until the end. The music and character transitions were perfect.

Tarantino did a great job making the characters true to the people portraying them. Mr. Pink, Mr. Blonde, and Mr. White could have not been more perfect to their characters. The sheer fact that I hated and loved the various characters almost to a point of them being real is a feat in it of itself.

I felt that the profanity was a bit much and it may be necessary to the plot and emotions, but at times it was a bit overbearing.

Overall though, I was very impressed by the rawness of the story and how developed all of the characters were. Amazing!

Guys and Dolls (1955)

One of the Best!

[10/10 · 26 December 2009]

This is what the musical genre was made of. Humor, talent, romance, and action all rolled into one.

Frank Sinatra was wonderful. Nothing else needs to be said. Marlon Brando, although not a singer, did a great job winning the hearts of many with his portrayal of Sky Masterson. The fact that he couldn't sing added to his character. The ladies in the film were alright, but the men in the movie definitely stole the show.

It is a true classic that can be appreciated at any age. It connects with all audiences and makes you smile and laugh.

Definitely a movie to be watched and enjoyed!