sponge3 Reviews

Val (I) (2021)

"He's In His Prime"

[10/10 · 6 August 2021]

So raw and so real. His wonderful book prepared me for this film and it doesn't disappoint. Not sure how many "A" list actors would allow the public behind this very private curtain. As a fan, I felt privileged to be let into his homes and special relationships with friends and family alike. I don't think you have to be a Val fan to appreciate this work and/or be moved by it. With all of the footage over the years, I can't help but wonder what an extended version would look like? Count me in.

Wesley would've been amazed and so proud. Keep going Val!

The Book Thief (2013)

Oscar worthy?

[9/10 · 30 November 2013]

I'm SURE this will be nominated for several Oscars. It's that good. Best actor/actress, best supporting and/or best picture are headed it's way. The scenery and colors are stunning. The acting is incredibly believable and draws you in. Your emotions will run high and low, and to me, that's what I'm looking for in a movie. The theme and timing of the movie reminds us that as humans, truly, we had/have a lot to learn. I think we are looking at two,(Sophie Nélisse/Nico Liersch) young actors that we will continue to hear from.

Any "Best Picture" fans will want to catch this now. Go see this before the word really gets out. I think you'll be glad you did.

Hell and Back Again (2011)

Worth Watch & Streaming On Netflix

[7/10 · 23 February 2012]

I'm a civilian and love my men and women that have served, and continue to serve, our great country.

To me, for better or worse, this documentary just tries to be honest. The images and facts of war can be difficult to watch, but sometimes what war can do to an individual, can be equally tough to witness.

Although this documentary is focused on one individual, I feel that it might be applicable to a great number of our armed forces, that return home wounded. This particular hero is back home trying to recover from a pretty serious injury and all he can think about is getting back out there.

What's most humbling to me, is that you get to see how much effort, time, love and passion that it takes to mentally and physically try to recover from war. Those closest to the wounded, ultimately share in their soldier's sacrifice.

Ultimately, I feel that when I say "thank you for your service", it clearly isn't enough. Feel free to acknowledge the care givers as well, it looks awfully hard on them too.

Thanks to our great men and women of our armed forces!!!

Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father (2008)

For Better or Worse, You Have To See This

[2 July 2011]

No Spoilers.

This documentary is truly a labor of love. This death prompts a close friend to try and document (to his friends unborn son) who his father was and why so many people loved him. You really get to know this victim and are sad that this happened. This death is not an ordinary situation and we encounter many twists and turns along the way. Even though it's a documentary, you really aren't sure what is going to happen next. The drama is thick and the reality of death, keeps punching you in the gut. I can't reiterate enough how well this story (for better or worse) will resonate with you. I hope you will take the time and watch this documentary, it's well worth the time invested.

American: The Bill Hicks Story (2009)

Short, To the Point Review

[6/10 · 2 July 2011]

This documentary is very in depth but it's focus on still photography/animation left me wanting more. The story of Bill's life is definitely covered very thoroughly but I almost felt like this could have been an audio book. I enjoyed it but would have liked to (visually) see more interviews, Bill's comic sets and video of real life people that would get you to know Bill.

I just felt it could have been done better but you do get to know "the guy". IMDb requires ten lines of text for a review so I will have to fluff this review with garbage in order to have this review be approved. Are we there yet?

Bloodworth (2010)

Slow Down, Relax & Enjoy (Has Flaws But Worth Watching)

[6/10 · 1 July 2011]

I love Val and Kris. And recently, Dwight has shown his acting chops so I had to see this. This is a slow moving story with mostly great acting so it was able to maintain my interest. The Brady Bloodworth character (W. Earl Brown) is over-acted in my opinion but the rest of the characters can hold your interest. You want to see what ultimately happens so you keep watching.

Watch this if you are willing to give it time but don't watch if you need car chases, or something to blow up. Mostly great cast and a few classic lines from some Hollywood legends. Beautiful scenery is just a bonus to this film. Bright, vibrant scenery adds to the overall experience of this down home Americana type film.

For better or worse, this story is very believable on many levels. Relax, turn off the phone and enjoy.

"I'm Warren, your son. When I was a boy you said you'd take me fishin, you never did. C'mon."

The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

Relish This Effort

[8/10 · 8 October 2008]

This title is probably more suited to males that have brothers but definitely is not exclusive to this group.

Our main, wealthy brother has had a life changing experience and is now looking to bring his family back together. What's left of his family comprises his two brothers and his mom. He (Owen) will spare no expense or detail to make sure that the end result of this journey will bring his family closer. There are PLENTY of adventures along the way that make this task more daunting than it should have been. By most accounts, these feelings (that the brothers share) could of been aired out during a Thanksgiving dinner but clearly, our group needs more time and energy to be heard. Their adventures make sense and it shows how dis-functional blood relations can be.

Great writing, along with a spectacular cast make this character driven masterpiece worth investing time in.

Expect some laughs, maybe a tear but also, make the time to follow a great story line. This is not a typical Hollywood format. But then again, that might be why I loved it so much.

Next (2007)

Cool Premise But Falls Flat

[4/10 · 8 February 2008]

The beginning of this movie holds so many possibilities and you can't help but wonder where they will take you. Unfortunately they take you down a path of bad acting, poor storyline and laughable dialogue. This really could have been so much more but the blame can be spread throughout.

Do they really watch the final effort and say "yes" this is what we wanted? I think not. It's probably more about a budget and more about getting product to market. This flick falls flat on soooo many levels that pinpointing fault wouldn't be fair.

I went into this looking for an action/adventure that could hold my attention and I promised myself I wouldn't expect too much. I either lied to myself or this was overly bad. I think it was the latter. The bottom line is they had a cool idea but failed to execute.

This Is England (2006)

It's not about the title

[8/10 · 8 February 2008]

If you are a movie buff and enjoy a variety of films, you almost certainly will love this effort. I was pleasantly surprised by the acting ability of this cast and the fact that the storyline held my interest. You don't have to be curious about England or the Falkland War to appreciate this flick.

Shane Meadows (writer/director) draws on personal experience to bring this film to life. A young Thomas Turgoose does an incredible job of playing Shaun and making the viewer care and worry about his every move. Stephen Graham (Combo) can almost get you to sign up for the cause when he pleads his case. But, some take the (cause) too far and lose sight of real friendship.

Great acting combines with a (perceived) good vs. evil and a non "Hollywood" chain of events. You won't have to think real hard to enjoy this but it will be a while before you can forget it. Hats off to a great all around effort.

Several chuckles and some feel good times, combine with heart wrenching events that hold the viewers interest through the entire movie.

Reign Over Me (2007)

Not Warm and Fuzzy but it IS Great ~ Don't Miss This

[8/10 · 1 February 2008]

I didn't know what to expect with this one. I was pleasantly surprised as well as shocked. Adam Sandler met and surpassed any expectations I would have ever had with a dramatic role.

This film will take you through an emotional roller coaster and because of it's execution, you won't even mind. The story itself is too painful to imagine but the range of emotions are very understandable. You can't help but feel something for both of the leads but the story is clearly focused on Sandler. Adam delivers a more than capable performance in a VERY demanding role.

Whatever you were/are expecting from this film, expect more. Set aside two hours and prepare to involve yourself. I was actually disappointed when it ended because I wanted more story. How often can you say that?

The Salton Sea (2002)

Gripping, powerful and very entertaining

[8/10 · 19 January 2008]

Thanks to IMDb and some cross referencing, these type of movies reveal themselves. This is not some cookie cutter plot with the typical results. This is a dark, revenge based story that hits all of it's marks.

You have to get past the initial drug induced stupor to see what this film is all about. Our lead character (Val) is very focused on the task at hand and will stop at nothing until his goals are achieved. In order to right a wrong, he is more than willing to "play" anyone and everyone involved. There is something to prove here and our lead will stop at nothing and sacrifice everything, to ease his conscience. What happens along the way is a very enjoyable, tense, powerful and entertaining 1 hour and 43 minutes.

Besides Val, Vincent D'Onofrio and Peter Sarsgaard turn in great performances. You can't help but want to see more of their work.

3:10 to Yuma (1957)

More than likely, you've seen the new one so...

[7/10 · 19 January 2008]

I am thankful they remade this movie. I for one, would not have taken the time to watch the original. The films are very similar and in my case, watching them in reverse really helped. This 1957 version is well done and the actors are very charismatic. Of course, this version is not quite as ruthless as the 07 effort but for it's day, it equally makes it point.

Basic plot - A ruthless stage coach robber gets caught after a successful heist but he's not worried. His gang is loyal and won't see their boss behind bars. An unlikely hero (in the form of a common rancher) is called upon to help bring him to justice. Justice will come in the form of the 3:10 train that will take him to Yuma for trial. The rancher is in over his head but feels he has no choice but to see this task through.

If you don't need special effects and are not frightened by B&W films, you will probably enjoy this effort.

I Will Fight No More Forever (1975 TV Movie)

Lots Of Facts, Draws You In, But Shows It's Age

[7/10 · 17 October 2007]

Having just purchased a home in the general area of Big Hole, I found myself becoming interested with this piece of American history. I've seen the documentary at the Big Hole State Park, read some of the different publications and as of now, I've seen this movie.

Obviously the "Hollywood" production falls flat compared to facts and figures. However, I did find that this movie makes it's best effort to depict actual events and timing. I also think that considering the times (1975) that this effort is well worth watching. I'm no 70's movie buff but the effects and dialogue more than met my expectations. I think at the very least, this movie would hopefully motivate others to research the specific plight of this group of native Americans.

At minimum, the Nez Perce fought 10+ battles while being chased by about 10 U.S. divisions and all this with only around 100 warriors. They traveled 1300+ miles in about 108 days (over 12 miles per day) before chief Joseph's famous speech. This also marked the last of the big battles between the U.S. government and the Indian tribes.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

Give Me More Movies Like This!!

[9/10 · 24 July 2006]

If you enjoy watching movies, you have undoubtedly seen how Hollywood tries to tell the same story over and over again. This time however, something is different. The actors really seem to be enjoying themselves and are interacting well with one another. The story itself isn't so predictable and just when you've got it figured out, you're wrong.

Kilmer and Downey could write a book on how to create "on the set" magic. You really get the impression that these guys like each other and neither one is worried about playing second fiddle. Rarely do I watch a movie more than once but I've seen this 3 times now and would love to see it again. The first 30 minutes might seem slow but it all comes together and makes sense.

Sure, there are more than a few scenes that aren't believable but you will find yourself wrapped up in these characters and hoping the best for them. I would love to see these guys together in the future! Not a spoiler but make sure to listen for Downey singing in the closing credits. Quite a talented guy and he better stay clean!!!

Lady in the Water (2006)

Creative & Different But Not Great

[6/10 · 24 July 2006]

Watching this film was a spur the moment decision. After having a nice meal and a couple of cocktails at one of the many "all in one" casinos here in Vegas, we decided to see a movie. I didn't have and preconceived opinions about this movie.

The theater was modestly filled for a Friday evening but that didn't really mean anything (to me) one way or the other. I figured the movie was going to be a sort of fairy tale and I was right. There were some laughs, a couple of scary moments and an overall feel good premise to the story. The acting seemed fine but nothing that knocked my flip flops off. The writer/director has a role in the film but I didn't feel that it added anything to the movie, and for me, it seemed kinda forced. Even though this was a fairy tale, there were more than a few scenes that had you going "huh"? The overall impression that I got from the rest of the audience was similar to mine. I didn't hate sitting through this on the big screen but I would have rather watched it as a DVD rental in my own home theater. I liked the fact that you can't really compare it to anything but that is where the majority of my score comes from. I think I wanted more but I'm not really sure what that would have been.

If you aren't expecting great things from this flick, it might be a nice little 110 minutes for you. If you are looking to be blown away, I think you will have to look elsewhere.

Beautiful Girls (1996)

Thoroughly Enjoyable (revised review 7/1/2011)

[10/10 · 6 November 2004]

Update 7/1/11 I still love this movie!! I have to watch it at least once a year and I can't say that about too many movies (I've now seen this more than Star Wars IV). Please allow yourself time to kick back and enjoy a very believable story of Anywhere USA Americana. Below is my original review from many years ago. Thanks

Prior Review--

I love this movie. Too bad Demme is Donne because this is great work. Every single role is believable and not over-acted. Maybe it's my 30 something (now 40 something) mind working but this is a great movie to sit down and enjoy. Nothing blows up and I can't recall a single car chase but if you can allow yourself to get involved with a storyline, this is for you.

You can fall in love with Natalie Portman and I don't know that I've ever seen Rapaport in a better role. There isn't anyone more anti Rosie Odonell than me, but even her role is great. The bad news for friends and family is that I've stolen many lines from this flick because I'm not original enough to come up with my own stuff.

"What's he all creased about"

I would be first in line to purchase a (another) DVD that is Dolby Digital and has some extras. Lastly, don't miss the soundtrack, there is a great blend of feel good music along with some new, cool licks.