The Tournament

This action movie had some recognizable names and the plot was not too bad. However, the movie was completely predictable and the priest character was a little silly for my taste. The movie was too long and the execution was not good.

Again, the netflix community gave this glowing reviews and the trailer was done extremely well. This is again where the trailer is just so much better than the movie itself. You will feel cheated if you go in with high expectations because the movie doesn't deliver what you see in the trailer.

In the first 10 minutes you will know if you like this movie or not. I watched it all the way till the end. I wish I didn't though. I guess you have to watch a lot of bad movies to really appreciate the good ones.

Netflix Summary:

Every seven years, the world's deadliest hired guns converge on a random town to compete in the Tournament. The rules are simple: The last contestant standing receives $10 million and the title of the world's greatest assassin. Meanwhile, the competition is recorded on closed-circuit cameras and broadcast live to a secret room, where billionaires bet on the results. Ian Somerhalder, Kelly Hu and Robert Carlyle star in this killer thriller.

The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior

I have to watch these types of movies because I can't help myself. I knew it was going to be bad because it had an mma fighter in one of the lead roles. I prefer Randy Couture in the octagon than in movies.

That being said it wasn't a completely bad movie. It just wasn't good compared to the first Scorpion King. If there is nothing else to watch, then you might want to watch this streaming on netflix. When I watched it I was a little tired so the movie made me sleepy. I guess that is not a good sign for an action movie. Lol.

Netflix Summary:

This prequel to 2002's The Scorpion King tells the heroic tale of young Mathayus (Michael Copon) and his relentless quest for justice against an evil and powerful villain, King Sargon (Ultimate Fighting champ Randy Couture). Mathayus faces many heart-stopping tribulations during his adventurous, odds-defying trajectory toward his ultimate destiny as the formidable warrior king of an ancient desert empire.

Bright Star

This movie was based on a true story on the John Keats and Fannye Brawne romance. I watch a lot of BBC and period pieces, so this movie appealed to me.

Overall, the movie is presented well with good acting and a straight forward plot. I had higher expectations but the film is better than decent. If you enjoy this type of movie, then you will want to see this at least once.

Netflix Summary:

Critically acclaimed Australian filmmaker Jane Campion helms this drama detailing the passionate three-year romance between 19th-century Romantic poet John Keats (Ben Whishaw) -- who died tragically at age 25 -- and his great love and muse, Fanny Brawne (Abbie Cornish). Much of the story was inspired by Keats's poetry and the actual love letters the pair exchanged. Thomas Sangster, Paul Schneider and Kerry Fox co-star.

Moscow, Belgium (2008)

This movie sounded interesting and the trailer looked decent. Of course, I was also tricked by the positive reviews by the netflix community. Why do I listen and fall for these glowing reviews.

This film for me was like watching a long boring TV show. The characters were not likeable and the scenery was a bit depressing. I wish I could say something nice about it, but I just can't recommend watching this movie. The description says it is a romantic comedy, but it was not funny or romantic at all.

The trailer is better than the movie itself. Upon seeing the trailer again, I should have known better than to listen to the netflix reviewers who are too generous with their reviews.

Netflix Summary:

When harried mother of three Matty (Barbara Sarafian) causes a fender bender with twentysomething Johnny (Jurgen Delnaet), their flirting blossoms into an unlikely affair. But when Matty's estranged husband, Werner (Johan Heldenbergh), declares that he wants back in her life, she must choose between old, familiar love and the uncertainty of starting life afresh. Christophe Van Rompaey directs this comedy.

(500) Days of Summer

This was a lighthearted comedy about a love story that takes place during a span of 500 days. I was expecting a Hollywood type of movie, but this came across as an Indie movie.

It wasn't really funny, but I enjoyed the movie for what it was. I think the beginning is slow, but the movie does redeem itself at the end by showing the growth of the main character. He pulls himself out of his slump into the real world again and realizes that there is life after a breakup.

Netflix Summary:

When his girlfriend, Summer (Zooey Deschanel), unceremoniously dumps him, greeting-card copywriter and hopeless romantic Tom (Golden Globe nominee Joseph Gordon-Levitt) begins sifting through the year-plus worth of days they spent together, looking for clues to what went awry. As he recalls the good and bad times he spent with the commitment-phobic girl, his heart reawakens to what it cherishes most. Marc Webb directs this uncommon love story.

Revanche - 2009 Academy Award: Best Foreign Language Film nominee

This was a great foreign movie to watch. I wasn't aware of this movie until my wife put it in our netflix queue. It became available as a streaming movie so that was even better. I read the reviews and it got many great ones. That always worries me because I then have higher expectations.

I watched the trailer and thought it looked OK. Then I watched the movie and just enjoyed it for what it was. The acting was good, the scenery real, and the storyline executed well. I think the development for the main character from beginning to end was well done.

This was also a 2009 Academy Award®: Best Foreign Language Film nominee.

Netflix Summary:

In a ragged section of Vienna, hardened ex-con Alex (Johannes Krisch) works as an assistant in a brothel, where he falls for Ukrainian hooker Tamara (Irina Potapenko). They hope for escape, but their plans unexpectedly intersect with the lives of a rural cop (Andreas Lust) and his seemingly content wife (Ursula Strauss). Austrian Director Götz Spielmann's Oscar-nominated drama is a tense, existential, and moving portrait of vengeance and redemption.

Surrogates

I think you have to either be a comic book fan or a science fiction fan to really enjoy this movie. I am both a comic book and science fiction fan so this was going to entertain me even if it was half way decent.

There were elements of other sci fi movies that were blended in this film. It took away from its originality, but what do expect when it is based on a comic book.

I also do like most of Bruce Willis' action movies to boot. The movie was not great but it was not bad either. Get some popcorn and enjoy this sci fi action flick. Hope you like it.

Cheers!





Netflix Summary:

Based on Robert Venditti's graphic novel of the same name, director Jonathan Mostow's sci-fi thriller is set in a futuristic world in which humans hibernate at home while living their lives vicariously through robot surrogates. When a series of mysterious surrogate murders occurs, FBI agent Greer (Bruce Willis) ventures out into the world for the first time in years to investigate. Radha Mitchell and Ving Rhames co-star.

Jennifer's Body

This is not really a vampire or zombie movie, but it does feel like it at times. The acting was pretty good, and the storyline decent. It has all the elements of a good horror movie that can even make you jump at times.

I did like this movie for what it is. I am not sure why all the bad reviews are out there, but I would recommend it as a good horror flick. Enjoy!

Jennifer's Body - Red Band Trailer
Uploaded by dreadcentral. - Full seasons and entire episodes online.

Netflix Summary:

After a supernatural romp with a satanic emo band, hot cheerleader Jennifer (Megan Fox) is transformed into a demon with an insatiable appetite for high school boys. Now, it's up to Jennifer's BFF, Needy (Amanda Seyfried), to protect the guys from the bloodthirsty man-eater. Penned by Diablo Cody (Juno), this one-of-a-kind horror comedy co-stars Adam Brody as the devil-worshipping band's lead singer.

Whip It

This movie directed by Drew Barrymore comes across as a good indie movie. Ellen Page is a great talented young actress. The movie was funny at times as we watch the main character figure out what she wants to do in life.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I watched this movie. I was pleasantly surprised. Get some popcorn and enjoy it.

Netflix Summary:

Escaping her smothering mother's (Marcia Gay Harden) beauty pageant plans for her, small-town Texas teen Bliss (Ellen Page) joins an all-girl roller derby team in Austin and begins living a thrilling double life as Babe Ruthless -- a life that might catch up with her. Drew Barrymore makes her directorial debut and plays fellow teammate Smashley Simpson in this smart coming-of-age tale. Kristen Wiig, Juliette Lewis, Eve and Jimmy Fallon co-star.

Up in the Air--2010 Academy Award®: Best Picture nominee

I like George Clooney movies in general, so I am partial to liking his films before I see them. This movie would be considered a romantic, comedy drama. It does deliver a little bit of everything.

The acting was great, the storyline good, and there was even a twist in the end that I didn't see. One thing I did like about this movie is it didn't have the typical Hollywood ending. This movie did get a lot of Oscar nods:

2010 Academy Award®: Best Supporting Actress nominee: Vera Farmiga
2010 Academy Award®: Best Actor nominee: George Clooney
2010 Academy Award®: Best Director nominee: Jason Reitman
2010 Academy Award®: Best Picture nominee
2010 Academy Award®: Best Supporting Actress nominee: Anna Kendrick

I have to say they are all worthy of them too. I do think this is a long shot to win best picture, and would be surprised if it won that category. For all the other categories, I could see all of them possibly winning.

I enjoyed the movie and am glad it got some positive recognition. Enjoy!

Netflix summary:

Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) racks up miles flying around the country firing employees on behalf of companies. But he faces losing the job he savors to recent college grad Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick) -- and losing the ability to escape emotional ties to anything. A connection he builds with Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga), however, might change his outlook on the future. Golden Globe winner Jason Reitman's smart comedy also stars Jason Bateman.

Up - 2010 Academy Award®: Best Picture nominee

This was a Disney Pixar animated movie that came across as an Indie cartoon. I really liked it. It was simply cute and funny, and yet had some adult themes about love and life.

I am a little surprised, but this is a 2010 Academy Award®: Best Picture nominee. Will it win? I doubt it, but you never know. I did enjoy the movie.

Check out the trailer and if that appeals to you I think you will like it. Watch it and enjoy.

Netflix Summary:

After a lifetime of dreaming of traveling the world, 78-year-old homebody Carl (voiced by Ed Asner) flies away on an unbelievable adventure, with Russell, an 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer (Jordan Nagai), unexpectedly in tow. Together, the unlikely pair embarks on a thrilling odyssey full of jungle beasts and rough terrain. Other voices in the Golden Globe-winning film include the renowned Christopher Plummer and Pixar stalwart John Ratzenberger.

2012

I liked this movie and my wife hated it. I knew what this movie was about and I think I have a fascination with these end of the world type movies. This one was just like The Day After Tomorrow movie. A big calamity hits the world, very few live and we watch a few characters' journey to survive.

Yes, this is a corny predictable movie with a Hollywood ending. The big stars do live in the end and live happily ever after. I was entertained just enough. I am going to say you will have to lower your expectations and just enjoy the movie for what it is. Otherwise, this movie will be very long for you.

Netflix Summary:

When typhoons, earthquakes and other disasters suddenly threaten to destroy the world, Jackson (John Cusack), his estranged wife, Kate (Amanda Peet), and others surmise that the secret may lie in ancient Mayan prophecies that describe global calamity in the year 2012. Roland Emmerich co-writes and directs a star-studded ensemble cast that also includesThandie Newton, Oliver Platt, Woody Harrelson, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Danny Glover.

A Serious Man - 2010 Academy Award®: Best Picture nominee

This was an Oscar nominated movie and I didn't hear much about it. I saw the previews and it looked interesting.

The movie was interesting and the characters were developed well. However the storyline has many gaps or holes that left me disliking this movie. There was a 10-15 minute opening of a Jewish husband and wife talking about an event that leads the wife to kill her uncle because she had heard he died. So upon seeing him, she feels he is a demon or evil spirit. I don't know what type of symbolism this represents and have no idea how this relates to the rest of the movie. This may have been a cultural thing, but honestly the directors fail to make this event cohesive with the rest of the storyline.

I think all the actors from the kids to the adults did a great job portraying their characters. Even thought the beginning was disjointed, the real story that begins after that is quite interesting. The movie kept me involved all the way until the end. And just like many French movies I have seen, this film ended like they just ran out of money. This is no joke. A Serious Man seriously fails to execute on a movie that could have been great. Instead, it leaves you with a feeling of being short changed.

The Netflix community seemed to love this movie. I read their reviews and most of their reasons for liking the movie was idiotic. For example, one reviewer gave this a 4 star rating because he liked the music even though the movie was just OK at best. I guess everyone is entitled to their opinion.

Would I watch this movie again? Nope. What I recommend it to a friend? No way. Is this Oscar worthy? Absolutely not. Will it win some awards? It probably will because the Coen brothers directed this movie. LOL.

Netflix summary:

Larry Gopnik (Golden Globe nominee Michael Stuhlbarg) has hit a "rough patch," according to a colleague, and it would seem so: people are dropping dead all around him, his wife (Sari Lennick) wants a "get" and his whining kids (Aaron Wolffand Jessica McManus) only add to the heavy load. Larry is just looking for some help. Can a few rabbis guide him to life's answers? Richard Kind co-stars in Joel Coenand Ethan Coen's 1960s-set, dark Jewish-culture send-up.

Avatar - 2010 Academy Award®: Best Picture nominee

I heard a lot about this movie so I was very skeptical that it would deliver based on all the positive press. I normally don't like what the main stream public likes, but this movie was excellent. I was very impressed with all the special effects they incorporated at every stage of the movie.

The acting was great, even though at times the characters were cartoonish. I am talking more about the military commander that comes across as a GI Joe wannabee. The actual avatars were pretty awesome. The storyline itself is predictable, although it did take a twist I didn't see. I didn't expect so many characters to die, too. That may have actually contributed to the overall story realism. Most Hollywood endings keep everyone alive for purposed of sequels.

Anyways, this is a great movie. Watch it and enjoy. Cheers!

Netflix Summary:

Disabled Marine Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) travels to planet Pandora to become an avatar, ingratiate himself with the natives and help Americans mine lucrative unobtainium. But he finds himself in an interstellar conflict after falling for Na'vi warrior Neytiri (Zoe Saldana). James Cameron writes and directs this Golden Globe-winning CGI odyssey that has broken box office records. Sigourney Weaver and Stephen Lang co-star.

Mimi wo sumaseba aka Whisper of the Heart

My wife and I really enjoyed this movie Whisper of the Heart. Even though it is an animation, I think the film itself is able to capture the country's culture and values and express it to Westerners like us.

This was a fun film focused on the growing up of Japanese kids in their culture. It seems like kids are pressured to get ready for high school exams and are expected to know what they want to do for a career early on.

I have watched many Japanese films, and I liked the fact the animation included some realistic settings such as small apartments, crowded cities, and the rainy weather. A great movie worth watching. Hope you enjoy it too. Cheers!

Netflix Summary:

Schoolgirl Shizuku Tsukishima -- who has a passion for reading and hopes of becoming a writer -- discovers that all the books she checks out of the library have been borrowed before by someone called Seiji Amasawa. Shizuku's curiosity soon gets the best of her, and she sets out to meet the person who shares her literary taste, which leads her to love and inspires her to pursue her dream in this charming animated tale.

The Young Victoria

I watch more bad movies than good ones, so I think I appreciate the well made movies that much more. In this movie The Young Victoria, I did not know what to expect. I have watched many BBC type movies, all the Jane Austen movies, and enjoy British movies in general. This movie did not disappoint me. In fact, I enjoyed this movie so much more than I would have expected.

It is actually based on historical events. How accurate it is I do not know, but the way it was presented was pleasant to watch. I think the characters were developed very well. You like both Queen Victoria and Prince Albert from beginning to end and hope they overcome the politics in their lives.

If you like these types of film, then you will certainly enjoy this movie. I will watch this again in the future. Cheers!

Netflix Summary:

Eighteen-year-old British royal Victoria (Emily Blunt) ascends to the throne and is romanced by future husband Prince Albert (Rupert Friend) in this lush period film that chronicles the early years of the British monarch's larger-than-life reign. Produced byMartin Scorsese and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, the film also starsMiranda Richardson as the Duchess of Kent, Jim Broadbent as King William andPaul Bettany as Lord Melbourne.

Inglourious Basterds - 2010 Academy Award®: Best Picture nominee

I think Quentin Tarantino makes good enjoyable movies like Kill Bill 1 & 2, and the Grindhouse Death Proof. There is almost a formula that he uses to make these movies fun and funny to watch. I think he incorporates it this movie too, but for some reason it falls a bit short.

He has a great cast, interesting plot, but somewhere in there I just felt it didn't deliver on the fun or humor. I can't really say why. Maybe I expected more because of his previous films and big actors. This movie was just ok to me. Not good or bad, but definitely watchable.

I am very surprised it got a few Oscar nods and would even be more surprised if it won best picture. There are just better nominated movies out there.

2010 Academy Award®: Best Director nominee: Quentin Tarantino
2010 Academy Award®: Best Picture nominee
2010 Academy Award®: Best Supporting Actor nominee: Christoph Waltz

The beginning of this movie was extremely slow, but it does build the German character up. Just too much time (15 - 20 minutes) was wasted in this scene. I do think it bothered me a little bit that they take a real figure (Hitler) in history and insert it in this storyline. You might like it or hate it. For me, I was a bit disappointed in a movie I really wanted to like.

Netflix Summary:

A Jewish cinema owner (Mélanie Laurent) in occupied Paris is forced to host a Nazi movie premiere, where a radical group of American Jewish soldiers called the Basterds, led by Lt. Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt), plans to roll out a score-settling scheme. The face-off is about to go down -- that's if Col. Hans Landa aka "The Jew Hunter" (Christoph Waltz, in a Golden Globe-winning role) doesn't get in the way. Quentin Tarantino directs this World War II-set spaghetti Western.

Whiteout

This movie looks like it could be a good thriller but it turns out to be a regular predictable movie. It has Kate Beckinsale as the main character dealing with her past in a remote area of the south pole.

This movie wasn't bad but it wasn't good. I think the attempt to make a good movie is there. The movie has good acting and a decent storyline, but many of the actions the characters make are counter-intuitive. What most normal people do in certain situations are ignored. In a way, it seems like you are watching intelligent people with no common sense. Doing things that only increase the chance of risk and harm to themselves.

All in all, the thriller part just doesn't deliver for me and I know I wouldn't bother watching this over again. You are better off watching any of Kate Beckinsale's vampire Underworld movies.

Netflix Sumary:

The lone U.S. Marshal at a research station in Antarctica, Carrie Stetko (Kate Beckinsale) stumbles upon the continent's first murder victim. With only three days left until the sun sets for six months, Carrie races to solve the complex mystery before darkness falls. Based on a graphic novel by Greg Rucka and Steve Lieber, this tense thriller also stars Gabriel Macht, Alex O'Loughlin and Tom Skerritt.

Fantastic Mr. Fox - 2010 Academy Awards nominated Best Animated Feature Film of the Year

This was a good movie to watch. Very entertaining with quirky characters and simple storyline. I think what I like about it best was the humor in it.

I am also surprised with the big names in it like George Clooney, Cate Blanchett, Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman, Owen Wilson and Anjelica Huston. I wonder what makes them decide to do these voice overs?

This is a fun movie that I will probably watch over again in the near and far future. Hope you like it too. Cheers!

Netflix Summary:

When Mr. Fox's nightly raids on three nearby farms raise the ire of the selfish farmers, he must outwit the men's increasingly outrageous plans to catch him in this animated adaption of the Roald Dahl book. As the farmers' schemes take a toll on his hungry family, Mr. Fox must find a new way to get his paws on the bounty. Wes Anderson directs, and George Clooney, Cate Blanchett, Bill Murray and Anjelica Huston lend their voice-over talents in this Golden Globe nominee.

Paranormal Activity sucks

Yes, another horror movie for us. I heard great reviews about this movie about it being scary. I was ready to be scared. For the Netflix users who gave this 5 stars, I think they are wacked!

Unfortunately, I wasted my time. This movie was crap. The same crap as the Blair Witch Project. That movie was crap. This movie is about at that same crap level. Don't waste your time with this crap.

If you want to know how bad this movie was, try to think of the worst movie you ever saw, and this was still worse than that.

Netflix Summary:

When Katie (Katie Featherston) and Micah (Micah Sloat) fear their San Diego, Calif., home may be haunted by a demonic presence, Micah sets up a video camera to document all the jaw-dropping, hair-raising action over a series of several nights in fall 2006. The paranormal occurrences increase in frequency and significance, leaving Katie more and more distraught -- and determined to put an end to the terror.