Godsend (2004)

See cause God bathes people in a holy light right, but this light is kinda unholy, that's right, that's what we call 'symbolism'.

Genre: Drama Horror Thriller (USA Canada)

Starring: Greg Kinnear (Little Miss Sunshine; Nurse Betty), Rebecca Romijn (X-Men; The Punisher)

Directed By: Mark Bomback (The Hole)

Overview: After the loss of their eight year old son, a family accepts the offer of having him cloned. Things turn strange however, when the clone turns eight years old.

Acting: The actors did well, but the secondary characters, like one of the other kids and the black nanny, absolutely sucked, to the point of making the movie a touch more ridiculous. Bad direction Mark! De Niro alone bumps it up a whole notch.
Rating: 7

Cinematography: This was very well done. A few scenes had really well done juxtaposed editing, and that house they live in and the static shots they used really made for a great visual effect.
Rating: 8

Script: The lines are a little overboard at times, but it's a plot issue. The dialogue made perfect sense, if at times a little rote.
Rating: 6

Plot: The plot started off well with the cloning and then the troubles, all good. But the continuity and the believability turned absolutely stupid half way through: a cop stops the family's car on a bridge because down in the river firemen are moving a body. What the hell kind of police force does that? "Plenty to see here, please stop and watch, free trauma." Little things like that followed each other in a horrible domino effect, and any semblance of reality escaped me more and more. I could mention example after example of cheap scares and melodramatic secret revelations, but I'll just let the score speak for me.
Rating: 4

Mood: The mood was great in the first half, all suspense and build up, then it's lame, corny cheesy and Mom screamin' her head off terrified at every little thing while Dad yells at everybody. Thrillers do this a lot I've found. I guess they're harder to write than I think.
Rating: 6

"I don't care how much of a freak you are, just tell me you don't see dead people for the LOVE OF GOD!"

Overall Rating: 62% (Godsend? More like Purgatory.)

Aftertaste: Movies where I roll my eyes and laugh sometimes can create some memories, and I was even told that this movie was bad, and you know what? I watched it anyways, cause I can, cause I have 'Movies on Demand', and yes, yes, I should have watched Goodbye Lenin! instead. I can watch it later. So I watch a crappy movie on purpose now and then? It's in my nature to suffer, and it's also important to watch what the 'lesser audiences' do, isn't it?

Shrek 2 (2004)

"It's over, you can wake up now..."

Genre: Animated Family Adventure Fantasy Comedy

Starring: Mike Myers (Wayne's World; So I Married An Axe Murderer), Eddie Murphy (The Nutty Professor; Beverly Hills Cop)

Directed By: Andrew Adamson (Shrek; The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe), Kelly Asbury (Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron; The Thief of Always), Conrad Vernon

Overview: The fairy tale continues as Prince Charming decides that he wants to have the old human princess back and married to him, instead of that big green ogre.

Acting: I actually had a couple issues with Cameron Diaz's voice in this one. I actually can't put my finger on it. Otherwise Eddie Murphy kicked ass (pardon the pun) as per usual. Everything else was well done too, though I would have liked a bit more drama from Puss.
Rating: 7

Cinematography: The animation was as great as the last one, very professional and well detailed. I think we all know that goin' in though, I mean when you're all CGI, you really have no excuse.
Rating: 8

Script: The script was well written and there were no hitches, though I expected far more laughs. I laughed a lot harder in the original.
Rating: 7

Plot: The plot is solid, and throughout, the logic remains. Very fantastical and as good as you would have expected. The plot, I admit may be even better than the first, lots more edge of your seat action.
Rating: 8

Mood: The score was one hit catchy lyrical song after the other. I really found this distracting. Every time a song came on it took away from the scene, which I found rather odd. I guess like I've heard about A Knight's Tale, you can't mix medieval with hard rock. Other than that, this is pretty excellent. Medieval stereotypes mixed with every cameo or reference imaginable.
Rating: 7

"What you don't like my special ingredient? The special ingredient is 'love'."
"Ewwwww!!!!"

Overall Rating: 74% (As Good As You Knew It Would Be)

Aftertaste: These kinds of movies are always a safe bet, and it was good. But the things I kept hearing about how this one was better than the first? Overrated. I still think the original is better and I really wasn't that impressed with this one. It's good and the kids'll like it and all that, but for me, not all that memorable.

Hebrew Hammer (2003)

And aaaalll racist!

Genre: Comedy

Starring: Adam Goldberg (Saving Private Ryan; Deja Vu), Andy Dick (The Aristocrats; In The Army Now)

Directed By: Jonathan Kesselman

Overview: Who's the circumcised dick takin' on Santa to save Hanukkah? The Hebrew Hammer is! (Shut yo mouth!)

Acting: The acting is great! Seriously this thing couldn't have pulled it off if they weren't all great comedians. The delivery, the dry humour, the hamming it up when necessary, well done!
Rating: 8

Cinematography: The big budget feel of the cinematography and the sets surprised me a little. I really expected less money in this underrated film. It was really professionally done, though nothing terribly original.
Rating: 7

Script: This made me laugh a lot, especially that little Chinese guy in the bib. They really tried too hard sometimes, some of the jokes seemed way too forced, to the point of being groaners. Otherwise, I found myself rather entertained by the gross representation of Christians, Jews and Kwaanzans...
Rating: 7

Plot: The plot is hilarious. Santa's son, the next successor to the heir of Christmas decides that he must end Hanukkah, so he hatches a plot that would end the holy holiday once and for all. The direction this movie goes in is entertaining throughout.
Rating: 7

Mood: This is a touch film noir, a big hunk Jew-sploitation, all comedy. It's really reminiscent of those bad comedies like Spaceballs and Airplane, where the jokes are so blatant as to be so over the edge, you just have to laugh. Stereotypes galore! Funny as chutzpah should be.
Rating: 8

Yessir, the back fo his trunk...

Overall Rating: 74% (Good Times)

Aftertaste: You know those days you want to rent some stupid movie no one's ever seen then you watch it and you're blown away? Yeah, just like Minority Report, I expected something craptastic and ended up with gold, gold, gold. I was still laughing about it the next day, funny stuff.

5ive Days to Midnight (2004)

Thisssssss Manyyyyyyy!!!!

Genre: Action Drama Sci-Fi Thriller Mini-Series (USA, Canada)

Starring: Timothy Hutton (Kinsey; The Dark Half), Randy Quaid (Hard Rain; Quick Change)

Directed By: Michael W. Watkins ("The X Files"; "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman")

Overview: A man discovers his own police report, which tells him that his murder will take place five days later. He does what he can to see if it's a hoax, or if it's a genuine warning from the future.

Acting: The acting had a hint of low-budge directing feel to it. Everyone did well, but every actor (except the kid) seemed so much more melodramatic than they should have been. The cast is all familiar and they could have done well if they had a better script, and better direction, but once you get used to the fact that everyone overacts a little, it's good.
Rating: 6

Cinematography: Again, a touch of the low-budge but really nothing bad. There were a couple of special effects that seemed thrown in to make things look cool, but they were hit and miss, the camera effects tended to work, whereas the actual CGI sort of failed, as they seemed out of context (just inner narrative type stuff). All in all it was fine overall.
Rating: 6

Script: The script was decent and fine, but the child really seemed too smart for her age in what she said. As for the way the conclusion unfolded in the script, again it seemed a touch over the top. It wasn't anything bad though, it was fine. Rating: 6

Plot: The plot is what I liked most here. Really intriguing, amazing premise. This physicist guy finds a briefcase, and first he thinks it's a hoax, but we all know it's from the future, and the questions really are: who sent it, can you change the future, what are it's effects etc... But what was really great is the list of suspects for his murder. In the beginning you know who it has to be, then you start wondering, then maybe everyone has a motive! Without the plot I'd have given up. Twists and turns all over the place, really great, decent ending too.
Rating: 8

Mood: The mood was good, a touch too long though. The intro credits and the score were really well done, really set the mood, but the mood seemed to lack intensity because of some overly done scenes. It's as though the writer had to lengthen the time of the series to fit his vision. It didn't feel like anyone was setting a pace, so much as they were burning time.
Rating: 6

"WTF, they teleport me this lifesaving briefcase from the effin' future and they forget the key?!"

Overall Rating: 64% (How Long?!)

Aftertaste: Maybe I was too hard on it cause I really wanted it to be better, for all its potential. The continuity is great and the premise is wicked but there didn't seem to be enough budget for a proper amount of takes and re-writes. I'll remember it though, I dug it alright, and I learned an important lesson: When doing a movie about changing the future, it's up in the air what the writer decides the physics in his universe are. Is it all pre-destined or is it mutable? And then the rest of the time we just wait and see, which I think is pretty neat.

Broken Saints (2001) - * HIDDEN GEM *

Meditative and perfectly paced, there's nothing broken about these Saints

Genre: Experimental Animated Sci-Fi Mystery Thriller Mini-Series (Canada)

Starring: Michael Dobson (Jin-Roh;"X-Men: Evolution"), Colin Foo

Directed By: Brooke Burgess

Overview: Four people from four corners of the world sense a great evil rising. They follow their faith and come together to stand against the epic foe.

Acting: The actors only have their voices to portray their emotion, and since it isn't actively moving animation, their job is even more difficult. This is obviously the reason that they speak their words with such import and weight. It may seem melodramatic at first, but it's actually quite refreshing to have someone enunciate their words with long breath. Kamimura's voice is my favorite, very meditative, even in anger.
Rating: 8

Cinematography: This was originally made as Flash animation, for an internet audience. Now three years later, it's available on 'CBC on Demand' (if you have access to that) but you can watch the whole thing on the internet too if you like, for free. Also the DVD is available... Point being, this is new and innovative, a totally different medium and the animation style is daring, because it necessitates an enormous focus on the script, as not much else goes on. The cinematography is all about framing, timing and conveying the tale in a minimalist fashion. These guys pull it off so well... I was blown away.
Rating: 8

Script: The script had to hold the whole thing together, without a doubt. It's all poetry and epic speeches, marvelously eloquent and deep. The four main characters are so different from one another it's like they were written by different people. This is one of the best scripts I've ever heard (and read), no bullshit. It's as grandiose as the tale, and it really makes you think, because they don't forcefeed you the plot, which means you really have to pay attention.
Rating: 10

Plot: The plot is pretty basic. Four people get visions and they have no idea what's going on, but they follow them to where they lead. You know by Chapter 2 what the idea is, what the plot's going to be, but by Chapter 16 (half way through) all four characters haven't even joined together. This is what makes the story great. It's not all action and 'get-the-job-done', it's a huge part self-discovery and self-doubt. I mean honestly, what would you do if you had visions? I think I'd be real cautious too. And it doesn't end all fast and hard either, it takes it's time. This is really great.
Rating: 8

Mood: The mood made the medium work, the voices and the score reinforced that perfectly. The delivery and the theme of this mini-series complement each other so well it's almost like Flash Animation was made just for Broken Saints. Either way this will leave an indelible impression on you for a while. When the action starts, things speed up and though it's slow in comparison to actual rapidly moving scenes, it still puts you on the edge of your seat. All in all the epic importance of what these guys are doing in the face of all the danger, you really feel it along with them. Wow.
Rating: 9

You can't quote my favorite book and expect me to think it's no good...

Overall Rating: 86% (Absolutely Terrific)

Aftertaste: This is not the sort of thing that you may necessarily like, it's very different, very Graphic Novel, very slow in it's delivery, but instead of wondering when it'll get there, you really find yourself just enjoying the ride. I love the fact that even though it's so long, it's split up into these 10 minute segments and you can watch the chapters whenever, online or 'On Demand'. It really didn't feel like 12 hours. I'm waiting for more from these guys. I wish everyone would watch this because maybe we'd start having better television in the world. I fear that this will stay a hidden gem forever, but I'm trying to do my part to let the world know about it.

Rush (1991)

Narc is 1 000 000 times better than this toilet floater

Genre: Crime Drama

Starring: Jason Patric (Narc; The Lost Boys), Jennifer Jason Leigh (The Jacket;eXistenZ)

Directed By: Lini Fini Zanuck

Overview: Two cops go deep cover into the drug world, but instead of treading the waters they find themselves deep in the mire of the underworld they seek to infiltrate.

Acting: There was a slight corny overtone that I found permeated this movie and I don't know if it was the era or the characters, but I had slight issues with the taste of the believability. It's like everything Sam Elliot and Jason Patric said was epic and foreboding, like everything that was about to happen would change the face of the planet or something. Einh.
Rating: 6

Cinematography: There was nothing grandiose, but it was professional. Nothing impressive really. Not enough mood setting either. Typical dirst time director not biting of more than they can chew. Safe but bland.
Rating: 6

Script: The script, like the acting seemed to have some elements of early nineties melodrama, a bit of a "L.A. Law" feel in it's self importance. The Characters are pretty believable in the things they say though. Again, nothing worth writing home about.
Rating: 6

Plot: The plot was fairly predictable, though the twists were decent and the drugs and their effects were well represented. They crash hard, they fly high. Overall though, it didn't pull me in like I had hoped. And that ending, ugh, bittersweet.
Rating: 6

Mood: The underground world of filth and crime could have been better in my mind. I mean Requiem for a Dream, Deep Cover and Narc are movies that blew me away and though there was some grim to this, it wasn't as dark or gritty as I would have liked.
Rating: 6

You know a movie sucks when you can't find more than a shot of a dude in a tub to plug it.

Overall Rating: 60% (Don't Hurry On My Account)

Aftertaste: The movie will fade quickly replaced by it's more recent and heavier permutations. I don't know why this is such a classic. Maybe it's more "common denominator", but that conclusion really didn't do much for me. I won't be recommending this to anyone unless they love the genre, but if they do, they'll have already seen this...

28 Days Later (2002)

In this one Sandra Bullock falls in love with a rage-infected zombie...

Genre: Apocalyptic Zombie Horror Sci-Fi Thriller (UK)

Starring: Cillian Murphy (Batman Begins; Red Eye), Naomie Harris (Miami Vice; Trauma)

Directed By: Danny Boyle (Trainspotting; Shallow Grave)

Overview: England suffers a catastrophic virus that fills its infected with rage. Jim and his entourage do what they can to survive.

Acting: The acting is pretty good. Go figure people would act scared during a horror movie, and acts sad when they lose loved ones. Nothing jumped out as being amazing, but Brendan Gleeson does a great Frank and Christopher Eccelston does a great Major.
Rating: 7

Cinematography: This was shot digital, and in theaters I found it gritty and even, at times, a little TOO dirty for a modern-day horror. The DVD however, on a smaller screen seemed to sharpen it up. Though we lose a little detail, it's smooth. So pick... As for the shots and the rest, it's great to see these panoramic, mood setting scenes of empty cities and dark stench-filled tunnels. It's great, it's scary, and the infected freak me right out!
Rating: 8

Script: The script is just right. This movie takes itself seriously, even though they could have made it funny at times. Enough humour to offset the bleak undercurrent, and the writing is never cheesy.
Rating: 7

Plot: The plot is one of survival, people freaking out, rage-filled priests and horny soldiers. What made this movie different from every other zombie movie is not the fact that these guys run, (thought that was so innovative as to change the face of Zombie Horror) it's the fact that there is a great moral question and a hell of a twist and the conclusion is so dramatic and superb that it will stay in your head forever.
Rating: 8

Mood: Horror fans will love this film for it's originality and importance to the genre. It raised the bar on horror writing and realism and I love the fact that low-tech weapons wielded by people who aren't ninjas makes for scary combat. This will frighten you.
Rating: 9

The real mystery is how he woke up 28 days later without a pantful of poo poo...

Overall Rating: 78% (Stays With You Longer Than That!)

Aftertaste: This movie changed the face of zombies forever, and I must say I'm thrilled and disappointed. THESE AREN'T ZOMBIES!!! But they ARE the next best thing. I just want to make it clear that if a zombie is coming after you, shamblingly slow, don't say, "Pff, you're slow." say, "Oh my God! Necrotized flesh is actually animated and trying to come and feast on me, even though it can't digest my protein! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!" (just don't make them run in a remake of a classic, please!)

This film has added a precious element of reality to a great concept, the Zombie. I had to buy this DVD the second it came out, and it's stayed in my mind as a trendsetter. This movie is so scary that I had a creepy dream the same week where we were underground in a 5 level parking garage and all I had was a bat and an axe, and they were coming to get us!
AWESOME MOVIE!!!

Friday Night Lights (2004)

Now there's a man with a kink...

Genre: Drama

Starring: Billy Bob Thornton (Bad Santa; Monster's Ball), Lucas Black (Sling Blade; The Fast And The Furious: Tokyo Drift)

Directed By: Peter Berg (The Rundown; Very Bad Things)

Overview: Based on the true story of a Texas town football team in 1988, trying to make it to the State Championship, and the coach who led them there.

Acting: Oh Billy Bob, you never disappoint me. Another great performance. it was somewhat shocking to see Lucas Black (Sling Blade) all grown up and playing football, and he did really well too. The heavy scenes are well played out, not too hammy, the characters all have enough differentiating them to be unique and interesting. This was great.
Rating: 8

Cinematography: Vast! Panoramas, crane angles and helicopter shots of the stadium. Vibrant colour and great night lighting mixed with quick cuts of plays and cheerleaders. Real big feel, and real effective.
Rating: 8

Script: You know going into this kind of movie that there will be a lot of pep talks and inspirational bits of wisdom and patience, bordering on the saccharine but not quite. Well I was surprised to see coaches yelling in player's faces, "What the HELL do you think you're DOING! Think, with your HEAD! HOW the hell did you lose your HELMET!". Yes, there's some moving scenes, but this movie is far more realistic than expected, lots more "urgent-on-the-field-get-it-together-toot-sweet-or-we-lose" yelling and angry kind of dialogue too.
Rating: 8

Plot: Along with the script, one would expect some overwhelmingly dramatic slow motion last second victory stuff. The situations that the characters are in are far more realistic and down to earth. Honestly it's not about that last moment, it's about the voyage, real refreshing. It's more than just everyone's hopes rely on this game, it's not that grandiose... Like I said, it's more realistic, and it focuses less on the actual obvious stuff, it digs deeper.
Rating: 8

Mood: This movie is more than a team trying to win the big game with a coach telling them how to win it. It's all about the small town feel, all inhabitants holding the big dreams of 'Going to State', and carrying with it the weight of future memories for the players. The weight of 'Responsibility' throughout the movie along with the real yet wholesome attitude works excellently!
Rating: 8

No, no it's actually a real football movie, not one of those fruity... well ok, it's a little fruity...

Overall Rating: 80% (Real Entertaining)

Aftertaste: Friday Night Lights is entertaining and interesting to watch, especially watching Lucas all grown up. And Billy-Bob puts on a hell of a show. I know it's a football movie, and I hate sports, but all in all, this is one of the movies that I'll remember for a good long while.

The Assassination of Richard Nixon (2004) - * HIDDEN GEM *

Lemmy guess. You're thinking, "was Nixon assassinated?!"

Genre: Crime Drama Thriller (USA, Mexico)

Starring: Sean Penn (21 Grams; The Interpreter), Naomi Watts (Mulholland Dr.; King Kong)

Directed By: Niels Mueller

Overview: A man down on his luck tries to do what he can to change the world for the better.

Acting: Sean Penn, these days, seems to be taking on very challenging roles. Mystic River was fantastic and he delivers as convincingly in this. This film is an in-depth character study, and the character traits of Samuel Bicke come at us unabated, without a hint of overacting. The character's melodramatic suffering is bang on. As for his surroundings, those other characters who influence him do as brilliantly.
Rating: 10

Cinematography: The effects are subtle, the stresses Samuel feels are well displayed in the camera work. From the scene in the airport where the lights seem too bright, to the one in his friend's garage, where the customer yells at the mechanic, the movie's camera work is innovative and interesting. Very effective.
Rating: 9

Script: "Now that you shaved that mustache, you look like a Family Man, not some schmuck with some pussy on his face."

The movie is very serious, and Samuel has a certain innocence in the way he speaks and sees the world. Character studies are seldom, if ever, good without a really well-written script. This is well done. Nothing cliché, nothing underdone. Samuel and all who influence him have very well-defined characters, and that scene of the loan application...Very funny.
Rating: 8

Plot: A character study with a real definite plot! You can't go wrong here. Throughout we see what matters to Samuel, what rubs him the wrong way, and how he deals with his tribulations. The Richard Nixon influence upon his life is made to seem very secondary. I commend the writer for redoubling the focus on the life of the man, rather than the obsession that develops.
Rating: 8

Mood: 1974 all over the place! The setting and time isn't overwhelming, as it could have been with all that wicker and new-wave post-modern abstract art, porn mustaches, bellbottoms and high collars. The setting places us firmly in '74 while still having enough connect to our present to keep it from being too prevalent. As for the dramatic, this story is very well done, does well at sinking you deep in Samuel's mire.
Rating: 8

70s pants, where they were called slacks... Hoo yeah...

Overall Rating: 86% (Brilliant)

Aftertaste: The movie is really good. The rating I gave it definitely places it in the 'memorable' category, but something about it didn't really connect to me, maybe I'm too young, not having been born by 1974. Like when I watched The Virgin Suicides, I realized that you can make a really good movie and have everything about it be terrific, but ultimately, I'm not one of three sisters living in the suburbs with an overbearing mother. What I mean to say is the everyman aspect of the protagonist in The Assassination of Richard Nixon didn't pull me in as much as I would have liked, though the movie itself was great.

Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004)

Eyepatches and uniforms... why I can only think of BDSM... that must be my issue...

Genre: Action Adventure Mystery Sci-Fi Thriller (USA, UK, Italy)

Starring: Jude Law (Cold Mountain; Enemy At The Gates), Gwyneth Paltrow (Se7en; The Talented Mr. Ripley)

Directed By: Kerry Conran

Overview: As scientists go missing, an unknown foe controls an army of robots, but to what end? Sky Captain to the rescue!!!

Acting: The acting was great. They took characters and made them caricatures, and it worked really well. All professionals and I really dig Jude, Giovanni and Jolie.
Rating: 8

Cinematography: The special effects weren't perfect. I know, I know, it was the WHOLE movie, and I should see it for the whole film, not just the parts where Jude Law's hand melds with the thing he's holding, or the obviousness of the green screen background, but honestly, lens effects and washed out faces can't make up for the odd , "What's that there?" Overall though... Holy Jumpin' this is effin' amazing.
Rating: 8

Script: The script was good while still being fun as well as full of information. The zingers between Gwyneth and Law were great, though I really would have liked a touch more 50s references in the dialogue.
Rating: 7

Plot: The plot, holy amazing, though I wish they hadn't done all that Shangri-La stuff, I was really into the city scenes and the robot attacks, wow! The plot was perfectly predictable in that comic way, while still being so sci-fi out there. Really great.
Rating: 8

Mood: The film was all mood. I think you knew that going in, and I can confirm it coming out. This is made for the Big Screen, and I'm sorry that I didn't see it there, but hell, the DVD has all the special features, so I get something else. The comic book kisch characters meld perfectly with the 1950s atmosphere and the lasers and robots. Wow. I really don't know how anyone could try any harder at making a movie any more representative of the era it was intended to represent, while still taking it that extra mile and blending it with our generation. Thank you Industrial Light and Magic...
Rating: 10

Final score... Ford Hardtop = 0; Alien laser beams = 34546

Overall Rating: 82% (Super Fun!)

Aftertaste: The long awaited film I ended up seeing... I built up the hype so much that it let me down in the end yes, I know, but it's good, and it's a masterpiece of technical skill. I really would have liked some more plot twists and that sort of thing, more dated dialogue would have been nice to chuckle at too. I guess they erred on the side of caution, just to make sure that they weren't overdoing it.

Midway (1976)

I'm sorry but anyone who has bombers flying out of his nipples is a superstar... Go Heston

Genre: Action War Drama

Starring: Charlton Heston (The Omega Man; Ben-Hur) Henry Fonda (The Wrong Man; The Grapes Of Wrath)

Directed By: Jack Smight (Damnation Alley)

Overview: The Battle of Midway was one of the most important battles of the Pacific. This film takes us through the planning, luck and error that made this day history.

Acting: The acting was fine by all, with a few cheesy moments, but I think the script and the direction were the problem. Can't say that any of the acting for the side-story was excellent. The Japanese actors are did a great job. Too bad they all spoke English...
Rating: 6

Cinematography: The intro credits let us know that real footage from the war in the Pacific will be used as often as possible, and they do. It's unfortunate that some of the footage is repeated (mostly the dogfight and aerial footage of the ships). The rest of the real footage is pretty dramatic though: planes crashing into the ocean, the Yorktown getting blown up, carrier accidents; these really adds a real dimension that the movie would have missed without them. The special effects of people getting shot in their planes and orange blood flying out of their mouths in front of a blue screen though, tres cheesy.
Rating: 7

Script: The War Room and strategy seemed very credible, all the stresses and second guessing seemed very very natural, excellent... But the side-story seemed almost ridiculous in it's clichés and predictability. It was quite obviously filler.
Rating: 6

Plot: The plot's a simple one. We watch the moment of the battle decisions as they are made. These moment by moment stories are always pretty intense. Films like The Longest Day, Bloody Sunday, Tora! Tora! Tora! all have that element of urgency to them. Midway decided to back up and give some more backstory which helped contextually, but that personal side-story plot was unnecessary.
Rating: 6

Mood: The mood, I would say was partly ruined by the mini-plot. Yes, it's one of those, "This is WHY we fought" kind of things, but I think we all know why there was a war in the Pacific and what the consequences would have been.
Rating: 6

What do you get when you put 12 Angry Men in the same room as a Damned Dirty Ape? There you go.

Overall Rating: 62% (Didn't Even Hit The Mid-Way Mark...)

Aftertaste: Maybe it's because I realized I had seen this before but after all is said and done, I don't care that the Japanese cast is the same as from Tora! Tora! Tora!, and might as well be considered the sequel. Midway is nowhere near as well done and I don't even know if the side story was true. I don't recall filler existing in Tora! Tora! Tora! The reason being, its story stood so well on it's own. This will fade quickly enough.

The Matrix Revolutions (2003)

Does it? Thank God.

Genre: Action Sci-Fi Thriller

Starring: Keanu Reeves (Constantine; A Scanner Darkly), Hugo Weaving (V For Vendetta; The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert)

Directed By: The Wachowski Brothers (Bound; The Matrix)

Overview: The final installation of the trilogy, Neo takes the war away from the Matrix, while The Machine takes the final battle to Zion.

Acting: The acting was as good as it was in the others, and as always Agent Smith and Morpheus do the best jobs. Keanu seems to be doing better, but not much. Nothing truly Oscar worthy.
Rating: 7

Cinematography: The scenes are as panoramic and grand as you would expect. Great computer animation, but for some reason I actually, for the first time, "saw through the facade" and realized that it was making up for the parts lacking, which seemed to take away from it by being overdone. "The Machine" was wonderful and well done, and the special effects were seamless, but still it seemed contrived, too much - like the second installment did.
Rating: 7

Script: The script suffers now and then. I actually said, "Oh Please!" at the line: "No I didn't do it...WE did it." If this movie were reduced to a screenplay done with a lower budget, I really think the writers would have outsourced some scenes...
Rating: 5

Plot: The plot was fine, I don't know what people were complaining about. I mean the beginning was a little vague and useless and the end seemed to have a lot of unfinished ends but overall... The whole middle part was fine :P
Rating: 6

Mood: I was quite pleased when I got the subtle imagery in the subway station scene in the beginning. The stop they're at is Mobil, and Neo can't leave the pristine whiteness of that particular station. The word Mobil is an anagram for Limbo. I gave myself the kudos for that one. The mood of this movie was good. Even though some scenes were a little unnecessary and even long at times, the mood was great, and without this, the whole thing would have fallen apart more than it had.
Rating: 7

It's nice to think that that water's really warm for those actors, but it's better thinking it made them piss themselves.

Overall Rating: 64% (Nothing Impressive)

Aftertaste: It seems that the Wachowski brothers tried to make another epic film, but everyone can agree that we simply knew the first film was the only one worthy of being majestic. A prequel, I think, would have been preferable to this one, and all the imagery and extra scenes seemed to be there simply for the sake of self-indulgent art: "We came up with this concept, and it's our baby, and we can do what we want with it". Well Wachowski, take a hint from Lucas. Just because it's your idea, doesn't mean you can run with it without any help.