1408

this is the good kind of scary movie that has you on the edge of your seat but never stoops to gore. John Cusack is a strong enough actor to carry this movie single-handedly, with a bonus great appearance by Samuel Jackson as a classy high-end hotel manager. it did seem, though, like part of the book didn't make it into the film - the beginning sets up some father-son issues that never pay off. nevertheless, what is there is solidly spookly and suspenseful.

a mighty heart

we all know, plot-wise, how it ends, but the way the search for Daniel and his kidnappers unfolds is fascinating, and Mariane Pearl's attitude throughout and take on terrorism is inspiring. it's no surprise this is a great film with Michael Winterbottom at the helm, but Angelina Jolie really outdoes herself in this one. watching this on the day that an AUSA here in Puerto Rico died led to some serious reflection on mortality. let me state unequivocally that I am happy to be alive.

ocean's thirteen

the problem with this movie is that it completely relies on the other two for character development, and while I saw ocean's eleven and twelve, I honestly can't remember much about them. so this is a movie about some guys who want to screw this other guy, because he's a jerk. there are some cute tricks in it, but honestly, it's been 40 minutes, and I'm already starting to forget this one too.

yo soy boricua, pa' que to no sepas

Rosie Perez put together this documentary about her family, Puerto Rico and Nuoyoricans. some of it was filmed on my street. it has some really interesting historical bits - the sterilization of Puerto Ricans was more widespread than anywhere else in the world, and the leader of the Puerto Rico independence movement during the last century was jailed and tortured for 20 years. a particularly great movie for those of us who either live in Puerto Rico, love Rosie Perez, or both.

the italian

this is a Russian movie about a little boy in an orphanage. and it's actually not that depressing. it's good, but there isn't all that much to the story, so I don't really want to give away any major plot points. the only hint I'll give you is that the Italian is not really Italian.

fantastic four rise of the silver surfer

the title of this movie has more to say about it than I do. you were probably expecting it to be really dumb, make no sense, and have pretty lame special effects. you were right. but the highlight of the experience was my discovery of one of the three remaining independent cinemas in puerto rico. four dollar movies, my friends. and no commercials, just previews. I would have paid extra just for that.

venus

this is a great film blessed with a fantastic director (Roger Michell), writer (Hanif Kureishi) and star (Peter O'Toole). yes, I love old people, but I still think this movie is for everyone. illness, death, horniness, regret, brutal honesty, and medication jokes - it's all there.

the good german

this movie is beautifully shot and has a slamming first half hour, but it's totally downhill from there. I lost interest then couldn't really follow what the 'mystery' was. the grand revelation in the last scene just made me hate myself for watching the movie at all. oh well, Stephen Soderburgh. it was a decent idea fairly poorly executed.

the valet

this is a very light French comedy, so if you're looking for something fluffy and warm-hearted, you're in luck. Virginie Ledoyen is cute as a button, Kristin Scott Thomas is wonderfully conniving, and you could drown in Gad Elmaleh's somewhat vacant blue eyes. curling up in a cozy seat, eating sushi, and watching this movie makes for a great lunch hour.

fay grim

having been a Hal Hartley fan for almost 20 years and an equally passionate follower of Parker Posey, I expected to really enjoy this movie. unfortunately it was kind of dull and talky, especially for a 'spy' movie. it's a sequel to Henry Fool, so maybe I should have watched that again first to jog my memory, but whatever the problem was, I really didn't like this much at all. Saffron Burrows and Elina Lowensohn were kind of cool as hot pseudo-spies though.

stomp the yard

good things about this movie: some beautiful cinematography, good dancing, cool stepping, an homage to La Haine, and Meagan Good. not-so-good things about this movie: not enough dancing, not enough stepping, some scenes shot in a confusing way so you feel like you missed something, very formulaic. overall, I enjoyed it. bring on more stepping movies!

breaking and entering

good cast and director, but it was hard to feel anything for this movie but slightly intrigued detachment. I really didn't understand Jude Law's character. if he hated his ice-cold girlfriend and autistic, insomniac daughter so much, why didn't he just leave? Vera Farmiga was particularly unbelievable and heinous as a skanky Slav.

lovewrecked

it's been a while since I watched a dumb, cute movie like this, so it amused me. Amanda Bynes, wide-eyed as ever, schemes to prolong her stint on a 'deserted' island with the pop star of her dreams. everything obvious happens, and they all live happily ever after. sigh.

the dead girl

this dark, creepy movie is a faintly original take on the serial killer movie, but mostly depressing as hell. Karen Moncrieff, who did Blue Car five years ago, wrote and directed. Kerry Washington and Brittany Murphy give good performances, but did I mention how depressing this movie is? and creepy.

knocked up

finally!!! a comedy that's really funny!!! Seth Rogen, yes. Jason Segel, yes. Martin Starr, yes. I'm so happy. time to watch Freaks and Geeks again.