Did I tell you that I hated – HATED – The Legend of Zorro?  Well, I did, I really hated it.  But as much as I hated it is how much I loved this film.  So call me a sap.  Yes, it runs every single cliché this type of movie can have, and I didn’t care.  It’s so well done, and Dakota fanning is such a doll, it all worked.

FF= 0

I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would.  I haven’t liked a lot of Cronenberg films and thought I’d be adding this to the list, but I liked the cast so I gave it a try.   Glad I did.  Its four set pieces of violent action are things of beauty.

FF=0

Is this what life is like in East Africa?  The misery, the disease, the violence, the anarchic tribalism, the hopelessness . . . appalling.  A real downer both in plot and setting, but riveting.

FF= 0

Many of your favorite monsters from past films have cameos, plus a poorly grafted chop-socky, Matrix-esque subplot.  I watched with my 7-year-old grandson.  We’re both about the same mental age so we had a great time.

FF= 0

This film is a tad too cute, a tad too clever, a tad too arch, a tad too self conscious for its own good, but it’s a LOT of fun. Post-modern seems to be passé term these days, but this would certainly fit the bill with its self-referential storyline and constant breaking of the 4th wall. Robert Downey Jr, who I like a lot as an actor, is perfect for the lead.

But if you ain’t into the tropes of Hollywood noir, you’ll probably find it boring and confusing. Even then, you might find yourself scratching your head. Don’t fret, just sit back and enjoy the ride. It’s dark and violent but has its share of humor too. The Russian roulette scene made me laugh out loud (which feels really weird when you’re sitting alone in the dark).

FF= 0

This film seemed fairly incoherent.  It started out as a zombie film, then became a sci-fi / UFO film.  But I was engaged enough to keep my finger off the FF button (that could also be because my hands were otherwise engaged with signing tip-in sheets for THE TERY).

FF= 0

I found this Miazaki anime film magical (no pun intended), moving (again, no pun), and utterly charming.  If you liked Princess Mononoke or Spirited Away, this is a must-see.

FF= 0

Y’know what? Not bad. Better than not bad. Fun. But you’ve got approach it as what it is: a film based on a videogame. The storyline offered some surprises and is more intelligent than it needs to be. I think if you’ve played this game, (as I have – and very few males out there haven’t), you’ll have a good time. The first-person shooter sequence is straight out of the game –- that and the BFG (wow) had me grinning. Favorite line: The Rock saying, “I’m not supposed to die!” as he gets pulled through a grate by one of the mutants.

FF=0

I’d seen this 1982 B-movie before but had a hankering for another look.   Written and directed by Larry Cohen, starring David Carradine, Richard Roundtree, and a scenery-chewing Michael Moriarty.  A weird mix of police procedural and giant monster movie that gets lots of bang from few bucks. Cheesy fun.

FF=0

Yeah, I know: What was I thinking? I never watched the TV show so maybe there were references in the film that slipped past me, but…I don’t get it. I just don’t get it. Jessica Simpson is certainly nice to look at, but after-images of her teeth are still flashing on my retinas. (The low FF rating does not reflect my level of engagement. It was the end of a long day and I simply let ‘er run.)

FF= 0