She Says, He Sheds: Free Movie Review

Santa vs. The Snowman (IMAX 3D)
	"CUTE!! I love this 3D stuff. I do feel the beginning was much better and exciting 3D-wise. It kind of wore off with a few awkward character-development moments by the end. I’d take any kiddo to this one."		"IMAX 3D is very cool. Thankfully, the movie is only 38 minutes long which works well, because it can be a little dis-concerting to be seeing 3D that's 50x larger than your face. The clarity of the image was so good that you really wanted to reach out and touch it. As for the story? It's not very good, but that's not why people see this movie."

After the Sunset
	"This was a typical Pierce Brosnan crime movie. Very formulatic, and shallow. The best part of the movie though is the setting on a tropical island paradise. You could practically smell the sunscreen. I felt like I’d taken a vacation when we left."		"Yet another diamond-heist movie. No matter how many they do, there's still a longing in each of us to be one of those cool, calm and collected thieves who think three steps ahead. In this movie, they really only think a step and a half, but it's still decent."

The Incredibles
	*"[To Michael]: It wasn't free, so it doesn't count Cheater!!!!!"*		"Alright! So we didn't get see this for free... we even had to pay full price. However, it was just too good not to include here. It lives up to it's name: INCREDIBLE! Period."

Alfie
	"Wow, this is the perfect role for Jude Law, and almost certainly why he got People Magazine’s “Sexiest Man Of The Year” award. He was so lame in Cold Mountain and AI, this was definitely the role he was made for. It’s a different style from any other movie out there. He talks directly to the camera so you feel like he’s singling you out individually and taking you on a very personal journey through his life. Since this was a preview and I’d never seen the original version, I had no idea how much sexual content was in this movie, so I was surprised to find that as the focus of the movie."		"This was an alright movie. I liked it because the characters were so well done, as was the editing. I especially like Jude Law. I think he's an excellent actor and fit into this role perfectly. The end credits were especially cool."

Resident Evil 2
	"Michael decided to “prep me” by having a special screening of the first installment of this flesh-munching zombie movie, so I knew what I was getting in to. This really helped me enjoy the goofy horror movie as what it was – a goofy horror movie. It’s not something I would have picked on my own, but hey, it was free and it was funny, and I get a chick flick out of it in return… right Michael?"		"There's nothing particularly resident or evil about this movie, but it is, for some odd reason, kind of cool. Maybe it's the fact that the female lead is so tough and cool, yet remains the strong silent type. Maybe it's because of the scene where she runs down the side of a building. Who knows - I couldn't tell you. Maybe just watch it as a rental if you're into brainless, trigger happy movies. Mmmmm... Brainless."

Anacondas
	"I was really freaked out going into this movie. I haven't seen a truly scary monster movie for many, many years and I certainly didn't want to embarrass Michael... Aside from nearly ripping his arm off during especially scary moments, I really did enjoy it. You know it's going to be bad going into it, and these expectations are definitely fulfilled. The acting is weak, the snakes aren't very believable and yes, the monkey really is the unintentional star. But if you go into it thinking of these things it's really not that bad. I give it one thumb 2/3rds up."		"Hmmm. I couldn't say many positive things about this movie. Although, I did learn something... Snakes will actually explode. Also, it must be very hard to be an young and up-and-coming actor and have the spotlight stolen by a monkey. And the lead woman's accent was really bad -- one minute her accent made her from Kentucky and the next from California. Don't rent this, but if you're at a party and someone else rents it and you're bored and there's nothing else to do and your foot is swollen from hurting it earlier in the day and you can't walk on it and people are waiting on you and you're on a comfy couch, then feel free to watch it."

Alien vs. Predator
	*"I wasn't there. Thank goodness."*		"Typically, this would be considered a guy movie. What it turned out to be was awful. Both the Alien and Predator movies were great for the science fiction genre. After all these years, you'd think a good script could be written. Instead, Predator, who once slayed many men in the jungle pointlessly and hunted Arnold to the bitter end, has now befriended a human woman. Together they fight the evil aliens who mysteriously were being harvested on planet Earth. Don't bother with this one... Watch Anacondas instead."

Collateral
	"Hmm... This one's all right. I wasn't terribly fond of it though. It's not very intellectual, although it sure tries. Most of the movie happens in a cab where it's obvious no one's driving and consists of mainly dialogue -- which is great but gets boring after 2 hours. Tom Cruise does a fantastic acting job, which is unfortunately distracted by the audience trying to figure out if he really does look as old as they try to make him appear. His pants are really short too."		"A good flick. Period. It takes the typical "good-guy-get-mixed-in-with-the-bad-guy" movie and makes it good. A tight, well written script makes this one a winner. Although at times it feels sluggish, it actually adds to the late night atmosphere where the movie takes place. And Tom Cruise makes one bad dude."

I, Robot
	"This one was both good and bad and therefore difficult to give a straight up thumbs up or down. The computer generated characters were amazing and fascinating. However, the plot had countless pot holes and loose ends. The entire film is either about Will Smith against the robots or Will Smith against the world. Any interaction between humans in the movie is incredibly weak and eye-roll-able. The film attempts to force chemistry between Will Smith and leading lady Bridget Moynahan in the midst of horrible acting and flat characters. The overkill scenes destroy the early believability of the film and become special effects overload. Will Smith and the computer generated robot Sonny are the movie's saving attributes. There are two very random and pointless shower scenes, one of which displays muscle-bound Smith absolutely, completely naked with a strategically placed leg. Neither scene have anything to lend to the movie other than a half-hearted attempt at sex appeal and sensationalism. This type of Hollywood is shameful and tasteless. This is a murder mystery. It should have been more focused, more mysterious and more scary. So what's my verdict? If you're willing to withstand the acting and overlook the faults, the robots are quite cool and special effects fun. It would be worth seeing just for that. It might not be worth your $7.50, but free movies can't be beat."		"Yuh! Sonny is the next Jackie Chan. I can feel it. Cool, calm, and collective. The robot CGI was top-notch (I think it was the geniuses at WETA). Unfortunately, everything else looked kind of fake. The humor was good and well placed, but the story suffered. It moved almost as quick as the robots (again - go, Sonny, go). A renter at least. Also, for those Will Smith fans, there's something more mature about his acting, which has certainly improved, although this movie doesn't lend itself to having him showcase it. And the rule: 'Every good movie has a shower scene' still hold true somewhat, although I, Robot should have been doubly as good, which it wasn't."

Anchorman
	"For so much build-up, this comedy was really lame. I know, I know, it's Will Ferrell. I like him too, but no matter how you toss the dice this movie is a disappointment. The crude humor is directed for middle school boys and a far cry from empowering women as the film suggests. The horrible, immature, terrible jokes that are supposed to make fun of the way women were treated are still offensive and tasteless. The worst part is that the Strong Female falls for the jerk and thus undermines her professional character. For those looking for this type of mindless crude humor (don't be ashamed, you're among many friends), you probably can't get enough of this stuff and will take comfort in whatever Michael writes. For the rest of us "grown ups," don't sell yourself short and don't waste your time on this lame, crude, tasteless film for immature pubescent boys. Anchorman doesn't make headlines."		"I like anything that Will Farrell does. His on-screen presence makes people smile... A very funny man. While the story behind the movie wasn't anything to write home about, the small tongue-in-cheek jokes and silly gags makes this one worth seeing (either rented or cheap movie night). And, yes, Sarah and I still love each other. :)"

Spiderman 2 *
	"Spiderman 2 definitely lives up to all the rumors: it truly is just as good if not better than the first film. Just like Shrek 2, the audience goes into the theatre with a certain list of expectations based on the first film: excellent special effects, solid acting, an emotional journey for the hero and villain and audience, a comic book style, a coming of age, romance, danger, adventure, a little fear, and victory. This sequel has it all and then some. Any kid-at-heart who grew up with a stack of comic books under the bed will love this. There really isn't much more to say. It does exactly what it set out to do. It's a fantastic, fun work of art!"		"Poor jumpy Spidey. Racing off to fight crime at the sound of every single siren. Too bad for him e lives in New York and not somewhere quiet like Fargo or Spuzzum. Thankfully people know his identity and love had been found - with the lovey dovey stuff done, let's hope #3 is chauk full of action. Still one of the better action hero movie. (and is that suit not the coolest?)"

* we didn't get advance screening tickets for this, but used a gift certificate Sarah had. It's still a free movie....

Fahrenheit 9/11
	"I really liked this movie - not necessarily for the political side, but for the 'Wow, Isn't Life Crazy' side. I work at a radio station full of mega-conservative Republicans, so this has been a HUGE conversation piece -- which is really what it should be. My biggest fear is that people will take this at face value without thinking everything through -- which is one of the main things Moore hits on with this film. It truly is an education and very well done. Just like my hamburgers."		"People pick at Moore for inaccuracy. Too bad he doesn't make movies to be accurate. He makes them because he wants people to think and to ask questions. This movie does this. Everyone should see it."

The Terminal

"LOVE LOVE LOVE this one! 12 thumbs up! It's clean, it's emotional and it really takes you on a journey - even though it's all in the same place. Tom Hanks has never been better. Man do I love this one!"

"Not Speilberg's best, but it was an excellent movie*. Hanks was excellent!"

*and I'm not saying this because Zeta-Jones was in it, Dave :)

Two Brothers
	"This is SO adorable! OOOHHH!! I promised Michael to wait 328,571.3 years until we have kids to watch this with. Even Michael, Mr. Shoot-Em-Up-Movie himself liked it! No, I did not cry, but I bet Michael did..."		*"Too long for a kids movie, but it was still amazing how they put it all together."*

The Chronicles of Riddick
	"Gross. I mean, really. I like adventure movies. I even get into occasional Shoot-Em-Up movies, but this was really hard to watch. Lots of flashing between super dark and super bright, a sci-fi geeky cult, and a young dude in the audience wearing a black cape, black top hat and a black cane topped with a skull. Gross."		*"It was alright. We got free ticket to 'Two Brothers' from it. And I was given a free shirt."*

The Notebook
	"This is one of the most beautiful love stories I have ever seen. When the credits began to roll there was audible weeping in the theatre. I laughed and cried harder than I've ever done in any movie before. If you're sensitive to things, beware the sob factor. Probably not a good first-date movie -- it's not very impressive to be sniffing and dribbling all over your date. Poor Michael... The movie became very personal for me on many levels. Absolutely beautiful. Bring many kleenexes. (Kleeni?)"		*"A chick-flic, but very moving. Maybe it's because Sarah and I can somewhat relate."*

The Day After Tomorrow
	"This movie was actually much better than I expected, AND there was a plot! Have you seen the trailers? They're all "mindless" special effects. It turned out to be really quite good and the special effects were for the most part rather believable and very "cool." The movie was definitely a piece of "environmental propaganda," making everyone in the audience (or at least just me) feel guilty and personally responsible for the end of the world. It's a good message though. When we left the theatre it was raining outside and we couldn't help but be a little worried. I'm going to go hug a tree and teach all the squirrels to cross at the crosswalk now."		*"It made you feel cold when you left the theatre. See it, you'll know what we mean. Worth a rent."*

Coffee & Cigarettes
	"This movie sucked. Really. It was absolutely awful. Miserable. Stupid. The "short" vignettes that comprise this movie were pointless, unconnected, plotless, gouge-my-eyeballs-out boring. I have NEVER seen such a terrible movie. Oh, except for Lost In Translation - which also has Bill Murray. Hmm... Bill Murray, come back! What happened to the golden days of Groundhog Day and SNL? Come back to us! Turn away from the dark side! The creators must have thought they were being artistic. But what is art? NOT THIS. Give me back my two hours of life I wasted sitting through this movie!!"		*"Oh man. We barely made it through this boring movie. This is the reason why indie films are not taken seriously. Baaaaad."*

Shrek 2
	"SO GOOD. It was a different experience than the first movie, since we went into the theatre with high expectations from the characters, plot, setting, jokes, and quality of animation. They blew those expectations out of the water. What an amazing movie. We laughed so hard and had so much fun!"		*"The first one took us by surprise, so we may have expected too much for the second. Still very good."*

Starsky & Hutch
	"This one's alright. Not quite the quality of a Shrek 2, not quite the misery of Coffee & Cigarettes and not anything like The Notebook. It's your basic run-of-the-mill cop comedy. It's predictable but has some really funny moments. I LOVE Snoop as Huggy Bear. He really can't act, but he plays himself better than anybody else could... I'm getting tired of the Ben Stiller / Owen Wilson combo and was glad to see just Stiller in Dodgeball. But we're not talking about Dodgeball - besides, we paid to see that one."		*"Hmph. Stiller and Owen have been in better movies. Snoop Doggggg didn't help either."*

Connie and Carla
	"YAY! So much fun! This movie is adorable and hilarious! A great escape, cute music, and although predictable, it broke new ground in it's exploration of the drag queen culture. I love their tag line, "girls will be boys will be girls." Don't shy away from this movie -- it would be very hard not to love this one!"		*"It was actually very entertaining and quite funny! Worth a rent."*

Standing Tall
	"Blah. The Rock -- do I need to say more? Does anyone realize this man's first name is The? It's supposedly "loosely" based on a true story, but absolutely unbelievable. It's alright for a freebee, but not worth even going to the two dollar cheapo theatre"		*"Thankfully El Rock only had 16 lines of dialog."*

The Human Body (IMAX)
	*"I love IMAX movies. This was incredibly fascinating and educational. Very well done. I left the movie so much aware of the wonder of life. Everybody should see this one."*		*"Very up-close-and-personal. Is that really what my stomach looks like?"*