I Am Legend (2007)

8.5/10

I held off on watching this film for a long time, I don't get into the zombie/horror genre that much. It's all a question of suspension of disbelief and entertainment, and these films tend to be very far removed from anything plausible and more concerned with quantity of blood and gore rather than entertainment. "I am Legend" was a huge shock for me, this film was all about story and characters, even the zombies that were given very little screen time were given a personality. What really made this film for me were the following

1. They gave the zombie story some believability but having a back story of a super virus.
2. Will Smith was amazing in what was basically a 1 man show
3. The film had a message that wasn't told in buckets of blood but rather with some very dramatic scenes.

The Plot:

Robert Neville is a scientist who was unable to stop the spread of the terrible virus that was incurable and man-made. Immune, Neville is now the last human survivor in what is left of New York City and perhaps the world. For three years, Neville has faithfully sent out daily radio messages, desperate to find any other survivors who might be out there. But he is not alone. Mutant victims of the plague -- The Infected -- lurk in the shadows... watching Neville's every move... waiting for him to make a fatal mistake. Perhaps mankind's last, best hope, Neville is driven by only one remaining mission: to find a way to reverse the effects of the virus using his own immune blood. But he knows he is outnumbered... and quickly running out of time.


The Cast:

	Will Smith	...	Robert Neville
	Alice Braga	...	Anna
	Charlie Tahan	...	Ethan
	Salli Richardson	...	Zoe
	Willow Smith	...	Marley
	Darrell Foster	...	Mike - Military Escort
	April Grace	...	TV Personality
	Dash Mihok	...	Alpha Male
	Joanna Numata	...	Alpha Female
	Abbey	...	Sam
	Kona	...	Sam
	Samuel Glen	...	Military Driver - Jay
	James Michael McCauley	...	Male Evacuee (as James McCauley)
	Marin Ireland	...	Woman Evacuee
	Pedro Mojica	...	Sergeant

Trailer:



The Movie:

Rock Star (2001)

8/10

I love this movie, and I think anyone who was into the 80’s glam metal scene would also love it! Take it as you want, be it a parody or a trip down memory lane, to a time where decadence was a virtue in the music industry. Rock star has all the trimming of that era, big hair, crazy parties, hotel trashing, groupies,drugs and slammin’ tunes!
Mark Wahlberg was excellent in his role as the fanatic fan that becomes a star!
Jennifer Aniston, while one of my favorite stars, was not total suited for her role in this film, she came through with an air of maturity that seemed beyond the years of the character. Still stunning to look at though.
The star of the show for me though if you will pardon the pun, was Timothy Spall,as Mats, the bands road manager, he nailed this role in my opinion like no one else before him.
If you wore tight pants in the 80’s then this is a must see!

The Plot:

Chris Cole was born to rock. His longtime girlfriend Emily believes his talent could take him all the way - but Chris worships at the altar of Bobby Beers, the fiery frontman for heavy metal legends Steel Dragon. By day, Chris still lives at home with his parents and spends his days repairing copy machines. But when Chris takes the stage, fronting Pennsylvania's premiere Steel Dragon tribute band, all of that disappears. Chris Cole is Bobby Beers - mesmerizing audiences with his perfect imitation of Beers' electrifying vocals. The night his bandmates boot him out of the group, Chris is devastated - until an unexpected phone call changes his life forever: He, Chris Cole, has been tapped to replace Bobby Beers as the lead singer of Steel Dragon. In an instant, Chris rockets to the dizzying heights of sudden stardom, rising from devotee to icon, from rock fan to rock god - the wanna-be who got to be. So what happens when an average guy gets everything he wants - and discovers it's not enough?

Cast:

Mark Wahlberg...Chris 'Izzy' Cole

Jennifer Aniston...Emily Poule

Jason Flemyng...Bobby Beers, Steel Dragon Lead Singer

Dominic West...Kirk Cuddy, Steel Dragon Guitarist

Jason Bonham...A.C., Steel Dragon Drummer

Jeff Pilson...Jorgen, Steel Dragon Bassist

Zakk Wylde...Ghode, Steel Dragon Guitarist

Timothy Spall...Mats, Steel Dragon Road Manager

Timothy Olyphant...Rob Malcolm, Blood Pollution Guitarist

Blas Elias...Donny Johnson, Blood Pollution Drummer

Nick Catanese...Xander Cummins, Blood Pollution Guitarist

Brian Vander Ark...Ricki Bell, Blood Pollution Bassist

Dagmara Dominczyk...Tania Asher, Steel Dragon Public Relations

Matthew Glave...Joe Cole

Michael Shamus Wiles...Mr. Cole

Trailer

Ocean’s Thirteen (2007)

7/10

Very entertaining and with an all star cast, every one had a role to play and they all played it very well! That said this is still another Ocean’s movie and as usual they have a plan where everything seems like it is going to fall apart at every turn, but somehow comes off exactly as they intended it too! When I see on of the Ocean’s film I get the feeling that this is more of an “In” movie, than one for the fans.
Still very cool, very slick and plenty fun to watch!

The Plot:

The last time we saw Danny Ocean's crew, they were paying back ruthless casino mogul Terry Benedict after stealing millions from him. However, it's been a while since they've come back together, which is all about to change. When one of their own, Reuben Tishkoff builds a hotel with known casino owner Willy Banks, the last thing he ever wanted was to get cut out of the deal personally by the loathsome Banks. Banks' attitude even goes so far as to finding the amusement in Tishkoff's misfortune when the double crossing lands Reuben in the hospital because of a heart attack. However, Danny and his crew won't stand for Banks and what he's done to a friend. Uniting with their old enemy Benedict, who himself has a vendetta against Banks, the crew is out to pull off a major plan. One that will unfold on the night Banks' newest hot spot opens up, when the crew is out to bankrupt one of the city's most despised businessmen. But they're not in this for the money, but for the revenge.

Cast:

Brad Pitt...Rusty Ryan

George Clooney...Danny Ocean

Matt Damon...Linus Caldwell / Lenny Pepperidge

Michael Mantell...Dr. Stan

Elliott Gould...Reuben Tishkoff

Ray Xifo...Reuben's Butler

Al Pacino...Willy Bank

Adam Lazarre-White...Bank's Junior Executive

Eddie Jemison...Livingston Dell

Don Cheadle...Basher Tarr / Fender Roads

Shaobo Qin...Yen / Mr. Weng

Casey Affleck...Virgil Malloy

Scott Caan...Turk Malloy

Bernie Mac...Frank Catton

Carl Reiner...Saul Bloom / Kensington Chubb

Trailer

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

9/10

This film has more pure heart than I have seen in a long time, it is not a love story between a man and a woman, but rather that between a father and a son. “The pursuit of happyness” is a total must see movie!
This is the first time I have seen Will Smith portray the underdog, casting off the cocky, arrogant, super cool, super slick character tat he is so over prone to portraying. Instead Will Smith plays a father; at the end of his rope, desperate and destitute, only the love of his son, and his need to provide for his son, driving him to find his place in the world and provide the life that we wishes for his son and for himself.
I really recommend this film to anybody and everybody, though I feel that it will most appreciated by parents or people who have hit bottom and fought their way back.

The Plot:

Chris Gardner has big dreams for him and his family but it doesn't seem to come together for him. Chris has an opportunity to be a stock broker but first he has to go through a grueling internship which means no pay. Chris decides to do it but when his wife leaves and he is evicted, he has to take care of his son on his own. So they find themselves sometimes living on the street and struggling to get by. But Chris is determined to make it.

Cast:

Will Smith...Chris Gardner

Jaden Smith...Christopher (as Jaden Christopher Syre Smith)

Thandie Newton...Linda

Brian Howe...Jay Twistle

James Karen...Martin Frohm

Dan Castellaneta...Alan Frakesh

Kurt Fuller...Walter Ribbon

Takayo Fischer...Mrs. Chu

Kevin West...World's Greatest Dad

George Cheung...Chinese Maintenance Worker (as George K. Cheung)

David Michael Silverman...Doctor at First Hospital

Domenic Bove...Tim Ribbon

Geoff Callan...Ferrari Owner

Joyful Raven...Hippie Girl

Scott Klace...Tim Brophy

Trailer

Love in the time of Cholera (2007)

8/10

I read the novel by Gabriel Garcia Marquez over 10 years ago, and was captured by its brilliance. While the story line is somewhat far fetched in today’s world, I can’t help but wonder if tales like this one took place in the world of the 1800’s. The story aside, it was Marquez’s characterization that really got a hold of me, his characters were real, their was no Romeo & Juliet in his work, but he wrote of a love and a passion that was well on par if not beyond Romeo's & Juliet's.
So when I heard it was finally making its way to film was stoked, and not at all disappointed! The saying goes, “The Film is never as good as the book” and i believe that is true, but as far as a film can take a story like this one, I think they did a great job.

This is a lovers film, it is all about the heart and forbidden love, you wont find any action here and only a touch of comedy. Plenty of nudity and sex, though neither is the focal point of this film.

The Plot:

Florentino, rejected by the beautiful Fermina at a young age by the will of her father, devotes much of his adult life to carnal affairs as a desperate attempt to heal his broken heart, while he waits patiently for the Husband of his Fermina to die

Cast:

Benjamin Bratt...Dr. Juvenal Urbino

Gina Bernard Forbes...Digna Pardo

Giovanna Mezzogiorno...Fermina Urbino

Javier Bardem...Florentino Ariza

Marcela Mar...America Vicuña

Juan Ángel...Marco Aurelio - 40's

Liliana Gonzalez...Marco Aurelio’s Wife (as Liliana Alvarez Gonzalez)

Catalina Botero...Ofelia Urbino - 40's

Miguel Angel Pazos Galindo...Ofelia’s Husband

Maria Cecilia Herrera...Urbino's Sweet Wife

Luis Fernando Hoyos...Urbino Urbino

Carlos Duplat...Mourner #1

Francisco Raul Linero...Mourner #2

Unax Ugalde...Florentino Ariza - Teen

Liev Schreiber...Lotario Thugut

Trailer

Into The Wild (2007)

10/10

I cannot begin to tell you all how great this movie is! I fear by telling you why i loved it so much I would be robbing you of the journey that this film is. It is such a pure story, of heart and love so real. It is the ultimate romance between one and all! It is a must see film!
Do not download this film, buy it! When art like this is created, the artists behind it deserve their merits, this is no cheap thrill ride or feel good film, this is a tale worthy of being told and shared and embraced!

The Plot:
Just watch it! You will not regret it!!!!!

Cast:

Emile Hirsch...Christopher McCandless

Marcia Gay Harden...Billie McCandless

William Hurt...Walt McCandless

Jena Malone...Carine McCandless

Brian H. Dierker...Rainey (as Brian Dierker)

Catherine Keener...Jan Burres

Vince Vaughn...Wayne Westerberg

Kristen Stewart...Tracy

Hal Holbrook...Ron Franz

Bart the Bear...The Bear

Dan Burch...Passerby

Joe Dustin...The Beast

Zach Galifianakis...Kevin

Cheryl Francis Harrington...Social Worker

John Jabaley...Announcer

Thure Lindhardt...Mads

Robin Mathews...Gail Borah

Kathleen Mattice...College student

Parris Mosteller...Young boy (voice)

Signe Egholm Olsen...Sonja

Haley Ramm...Young Carine

J. Nathan Simmons...Tourist

Susan Spencer...Parent

Haley Sweet...Bank Teller

Bryce Walters...Chris McCandless at Age 4

Steven Wiig...Ranger Steve Koehler

Trailer

Rocky Balboa (2006)

7/10

I refused to watch this film for quite sometime, but then while sitting at home a little bored I thought what the hey. I was pleasantly surprised, this does not mean i liked the film, but it also doesn’t mean i hated it. I remember the first time i saw rocky (the first one) and I thought no here is a great film, full of heart, determination, love. Essentially Rocky represented the underdog in all of us, the good guy that just wont quit till he gets where he wants to be. In this latest installment I felt that Stallone had finally returned to that guy, With his beloved wife Adrian now passed, his career over and his son off doing his own thing, Rocky for once has to face his darkest demon...His legacy and his pride.
Stallone does great in this, his most famous role, but the story line tends to wonder off a little into sentiment that is never fully explained. I get that he misses having Adrian by his side, and that he wants to be closer to his son, but would that really justify taking in a single mother and her teenage child after a brief encounter in a bar, and a momentary stroll down memory lane? Also the Boy goes from bad ass street kid to the perfect kid within 3 scenes.
I really loved the scene with Rocky and his son outside the restaurant, there was some hard truths laid bare in that scene that really need to be voiced, as we are faced with an ever more apathetic generation of twenty somethings. Any way well worth a watch if you are a fan of Rocky, the other movies are kind of a must see prior to this one, as they really create the mood of the film, and add depth to its sombre reminiscence.

The Plot:

widower of many years now Rocky has fallen into a routine of looking back to his past. A coincidental meeting with a girl that is now all grown up gets him back on track. Rocky always wanting to help those that he cares about lends a hand out for she and her son. Rocky now owns a small restaurant in the heart of Philly, he finds himself telling stories to those that ask about old fights and taking photos with his fans. Paulie, his wife's brother shows him an ESPN exclusive about a virtual fight between reigning undefeated heavy weight champion of the world Mason "The Line" Dixon. The virtual bout intrigues everyone with Rocky "the Italion Stallion" as the winner. Rocky feels like he needs to get back in the ring not for a title shot, but for some local fights that will satisfy his love of the game. When Rocky is approached by Dixon's managers Rocky can't turn the semi charity event down. After tying things back up with his son, Rocky, Duke (his former trainer), Paulie, and Rocky Jr. get to work training the still in shape former 2 time heavy weight champion of the world. You'll be inspired by the heart vs skill bout of ten amazing rounds.

Cast


Sylvester Stallone...Rocky Balboa

Burt Young...Paulie

Antonio Tarver...Mason 'The Line' Dixon

Geraldine Hughes...Marie

Milo Ventimiglia...Robert Jr.

Tony Burton...Duke

A.J. Benza...L.C.

James Francis Kelly III...Steps

Talia Shire...Adrian (archive footage)

Lou DiBella...Himself

Mike Tyson...Himself

Henry G. Sanders...Martin

Pedro Lovell...Spider Rico

Ana Gerena...Isabel

Angela Boyd...Angie

Trailer

The Movie: