Rambling Film

I'm sure many of you were thinking the same thing I was when I first saw this trailer: "again?" Yes, this is a classic tale told over and over, Britain's most famous Christmas story. Heck, I think more Americans recognize this story over the most famous American story (The Gift of the Magi) Director Robert Zemeckis (Beowolf, Polar Express) was probably also thinking the same thing, that's why he did his best to make it his own. I know you can't really alter this famous tale, but adding the 3D animation and the always dependable Jim Carrey as Ebeneezer Scrooge's voice, Zemeckis manages to turn this wonderful tale into a fun 3D thrill. More updated for kids today, the animation is wonderful, the effects are great (although I'd still say Coraline is still reigning as my favorite 3D film) The voice actors are wonderful, although perhaps too over-shadowed by Carrey, they consist of Gary Oldman, Robin Wright Penn , Bob Hoskins, Cary Elwes, Colin Firth. ...

I've literally followed the production of this movie since early 2007 when it begin filming. It started off as "The Decameron: Angels and Virgins". Sounds dramatic right? Then It changed to simply "The Decameron". Then "Angels and Virgins" Then apparently the people marketing the film realized they weren't trying to sell a period piece and moved on too "Guilty Pleasures", then "Chasing Temptation" and finally landing on the questionable choice of "Virgin Territory." I came across this film whilst browsing Mischa Barton's film creds. I was (key word) one of the few people that actually remembered the talent she had in earlier films such as "Lawn Dogs" and "Skipped Parts" and was a little depressed to see how it was being wasted on 'The O.C" When I first read the synopsis of this film: "Young Florentines regale one another on the Italian country side while the black plague decimat...

With Halloween right around the corner, many people are gearing up for costume parties, horror movie marathons, or taking a younger sibling trick or treating. (Or perhaps you're trick or treating for unicef?) With not so great horror movies like 'Saw VI' and 'The Stepfather' out in theaters now, I've decided to run down my top 10 favorite horror films that are available to rent. They make for a great, scary, and some times even amusing fun. 1) The Exorcist Often proclaimed as 'The Scariest Movie of all time" The Exorcist does live up to those expectations. Back in 1973 when this film was released, it caused so much hysteria people were fainting in theaters, rushing out of them, One woman allegedly even had a heart attack. While today's generation might not be so sheltered when it comes to gore, the idea of this movie is still a scary one. Linda Blair (only 12 when she shot this) gives an unbelievable performance as Regan, the poor girl that'...

I have to start by saying that I am a die-hard Ellen Page fan! I've seen nearly everything she is in and I always love her performance. In 'Whip It' she's no different. She shines in Drew Barrymore's directorial debut. 'Whip It" follows Bliss Cavender (Page) who's mother (Marcia Gay Harden) puts her through the family tradition of beauty pageants and winning crowns. Bliss is not amused by this and when she stumbles upon a roller derby term. She's found her vice. A team of tough chicks that call themselves the "Hurl Scouts". Bliss is at first wary, but she fits right in. One of the things that made "Whip It" so good was the cinematography during the roller derby scenes. Drew apparently used hand held cameras to shoot most of them, but it doesn't come off as cheap and grainy. It's fun, and perfect for the mood. The supporting cast is great as well, although Page is arguably the best in the film, Kristen Wiig, Zoe Be...

"Zombieland" is a horror/comedy directed by Ruben Fleischer. It may not be the first to tackle the zombie franchise, but it's one of the best. Perfectly balanced with gore, humor, and surprises. 'Zombieland' is one of the best horror/comedies out there. Great writing, over-the-top zombie killing and witty characters make this little gem shine. Our story follows Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg: 'Adventureland', 'The Squid and the Whale') He's one of the last few people on earth that hasn't turned into a zombie. He shares with us his "rules" on how to survive Zombieland, and they flash across during every demenstration. He meets Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson: No Country for Old Me) by this point they explain that they use the names of the cities they are from, so that they do not get to close to their newly found travel companions. Tallahassee is very tough and badass, he loves killing zombies and he's been on a serious hunt for a ...

Anyone else's theater have this displayed as "Inglorious B" since apparently even when spelled incorrectly, "Basterd" cannot be displayed at a movie theater. (Although "Meet the Fockers" is apparently fine?) Quintin Tarantino does not disappoint in this WWII Nazi explotation flick. While it's got quite the running time (153 mins) it never gets boring. The story is almost 3 different stories woven into one. The main one being a group of Jewish-Americans led by Lt. Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) are dropped in France for one reason, and one reason alone: Killin' Nazis. Yes, they are referred to as the "Basterds" they don't just shoot the Nazis, they scalp them, terrorize them, and have the Bear Jew (The man behind the 'Hostel' flicks, Eli Roth) bash their heads in with a baseball bat. The ones that they do let live get a swastika carved on their forehead. Oh yes, the Basterds are brutal, but it's all in good fun. After all, th...

South African born Neill Blomkamp brings us an interesting take on the Alien/Human genre. The Peter Jackson produced "District 9" is a lower budget sci fi film that never quite feels that way. It greatly exceeded my expectations. District 9 sets itself in Johannesburg, South Africa. An alien race nicknamed "Prawns" hovers above the city before humans decide to take matters into their own hands and invade the ship discover that the aliens are ill. They are placed in government slum-like camps, the humans will not let them leave. Multi-National United (MNU)is a private company more interested in using the aliens for warfare then for the Prawn's actual well-being. Newcomer Sharlto Copley plays Wikus, a filed operative who is supposed to help move the aliens to a new districts. Wilkus is exposed to some liquid of the Prawns, and eventually begins to mutate some similarities of theirs. MNU tries to preform tests on him, but he escapes into District 9. He strikes a...