Blades of Glory

I had four (4) drinks before this and laughed all the way through. Seriously silly stuff.

Behind the Mask

Clever, funny deconstruction of horror movies. Creative use of video and film. Good performances from the leads. After a while it becomes a regular horror movie, which is not a bad thing, but the first half is definitely funnier.

The Shooter

Great action sequences, terrible story.

The Lives of Others

Well-acted, emotional thriller. Scary that depicts a period in the 80’s – not that long ago. Ending is a bit prolonged, but otherwise, top-notch. Anything that makes journalists heroes, instead of bottom-feeding assholes, right?

Premonition

I can SWEAR that this doesn’t track. Female friends tell me it doesn’t matter. It tracks emotionally. Is it a male thing for me to demand logic?

The Host

Korean Godzilla. Great first-act set-piece, but it goes downhill from there. Certain things are lost in translation; come off as goofy.

Black Snake Moan

Strange. This bizarre departure features an unusual fusion of relationships and genres. It could almost be a Tennesse Williams play. Performances are great, and Chritina Ricci in her skimpy bloomers is nifty, but the means don't really justify the end here, which makes the whole thing feel like a lark.

Xala

Weird, superstitious African movie using non-actors. It is, to some, admirable to use non-actors. But there’s a reason actors are actors. They’re trained. Imagine the opera, circus or ballet with “untrained” performers. Now imagine an African movie with untrained actors. That’s right: bad. A lot of stiff line readings and people staring blankly at the camera. I couldn’t wait for this to end.

Ali: Fear Eats the Soul

Not bad. Older woman character very well performed. Younger man talked so much like Tarzan, it was comedic.