my holiday experience part 4: off to the movies.
What holiday experience is complete without a little bit of good movie watching? Here are some movies we saw and my thoughts:
Flight of the Phoenix (theater)
This movie is horrible. Very slow and very dull. Dennis Quaid has now reminded me of why I should not go see any of his movies (anyone remember Day after Tomorrow?). Also, is it just me or is Giovani Ribisi still (and always) playing his character from The Other Sister? This movie definitely was trying for the feel-good be-good image, but it falls short. (Rating -1/5)
The Aviator (theater)
WOW. After watching the last Scorsese/DiCaprio collaboration (Gangs of New York) and harboring a bad taste for it, I had low hopes for this movie, and was completely overwhelmed. It was an amazing biopic, and DiCaprio actually did such a good job I was not annoyed by the fact that he perpetually looks 14 years old. Cate Blanchett is clearly the most amazing actor in the movie, and her portrayal of Kate Hepburn is truly astounding...the voice is amazing particularly. Overall, this is one of the best movies I have seen all year - I recommend that you see it in the theater, though, to get the full effect of the plane crashes. (Rating 4/5)
Garden State (DVD - Rental)
Zach Braff takes on a different role in this film, and does an excellent job of it. I am not sure what I was expecting, but this movie is somewhat of a deep introspection into this one guy's life as well as somewhat of a quirky romantic comedy. Though I've become annoyed with her lately, Natalie Portman is incredibly charming in this role and I thought this was an extremely cute part for her to play. Still not sure if this is a romantic feelgood comedy or a downer drama, but I do know I liked it. (Rating 5/5)
Napoleon Dynamite (DVD - Rental)
This was a funny movie, and Pedro by far steals the show. Perhaps I had heard too much about how great this movie was, or perhaps Garden State was so good that I was underwhelmed by this movie, but I didn't find it to be as impressive as I had expected. It was not a bad movie by far, and very very funny. It just wasn't all that. (Rating 4/5... sweet)
Collateral (DVD - gift)
Good movie overall, relatively action packed and whatnot, but there are better movies out this year. Jamie Foxx is incredible in this movie, though, as a cab driver who accidentally gets involved in Tom Cruise's murder plot. (Rating 3/5)
The Sword in the Stone (DVD - gift)
One of my favorite Disney animated flicks of all time - this movie is a heartwarming verseion of the King Arthur tale. I am very happy to own this, yet slightly disappointed in the lack of bonus features. (Rating 4/5)
Other movies I received for Christmas but will have to review DVDs later: The Aristocats, Harry Potter 3, The Audrey Hepburn Collection (3 movies), Kill Bill vol 2., Alice in Wonderland Special Edition, The Bourne Supremacy
movies on.
cameron