Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

Reviewed by: Zack

Rating: 9.8

The center of the trilogy of time is the fifth of episode of Star Wars. It is the highlight of the Star Wars mantle and the shining perfection of Lucas' genius. None can match the epic perfection of The Empire Strikes Back.

There is not much to say except that the perfection of the story, characters, symbolism, and pure epic adventure are unmatched. The adventure of space and timeless legacy is unscathed and without fault (except for a few cliche moments).

The action and adventure rarely cease and the intellectual and symbolic nature of the film keep it always intriguing. Darth Vader and Luke are some of the most amazing examples of character contrast and comparison in movie history. Han Solo is at his best and the droids are awesome and Yoda can not even begin to be described, as his amazing character is perfectly portrayed by the masterful Frank Oz.

The plot is unmatched and all Sci-Fi films to date will be compared to it. The universe of Lucas is still expanding and most of it off of his second attempt (and success) to change movie history forever.

The world of science fiction remains well behind the achievement of George Lucas in this astounding installment of the greatest movie epic of all time. If you think you've seen sci-fi then you haven't seen the half of it until you've seen Episode V of Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back.

Star Wars IV: A New Hope (1978)

Reviewed by: Zack
Rating: 9.5
Star Wars is not only a timeless classic and the top of the movie legacy pyramid, but also began with George Lucas' powerful story of a farm boy, an old man, a sarcastic smuggler, a strong hearted princess, and the black masked entity of evil.
There is no other epic that can compare to that of Lucas' masterpiece. His movies changed the way our culture lived and breathed. A New Hope is only the beginning to this timeless Trilogy.
And one of the best beginnings I've ever seen. It is not only an enjoyable and a perfectly made movie, but also the most intuitive and genius film I've seen in ages. The history of the characters motives can only be revealed by watching the entire legacy, but after returning to view this picture I was amazed and blown away by the heartlessness of Vader and the Wise Obi-Wan's true thoughts.
Knowing this, the astounding portrayal of these characters weave the story together in a plot that jump-starts this epic adventure.
A New Hope is the defining movie of the century and cannot be described by mere words. If you have not seen this movie then you have been living under a rock in Antarctica and are missing out on the biggest adventure of your life.

Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Reviewed by: Zack

Rating: 8.9

Silence of the Lambs is possibly the most amazing crime thriller to ever smash through box office and the Academy Awards. It stole the spotlight from every other 90's flick ever.

The movie is not great for a cool way to catch a criminal or anything like that, it deals more with the intense dealings of Hannibal Lecter. His genius, calm, and psychopath characteristics make him the most ironic, intriguing, and most amazing horror villain ever devised by the human mind. His brains combined with his cruelty is the perfect villain and is portrayed in the most convincing sense by the astounding Anthony Hopkins.

The side story of Buffalo Bill takes the stage at the end and steals from the glory of Lecter and deprives the movie of its near perfection. The ending would strike me more if it ended about thirty minuets earlier.

Silence of the Lambs is a must see movie in all aspects. The terror and psychological twists will keep you on the edge of your seat every minuet you keep your eyes on the screen. After all, this is the movie you need to see to make the lambs stop screaming.

Of Mice and Men (1992)

Reviewed by: Zack

Rating: 8.5

This is a movie that will tear your heart from whatever cold and stony strings it's attached to and make your brain turn from all the ethical and humane questions that could have ever been shoved into a single movie.

You will have a big meal to swallow with this movie as you question the character's actions and the overall tapestry that makes up this touching picture. When you try to relate with the characters you will have to take a step back and see exactly what's going on in their heads. Even if it seems that nothing is happening there is a lot going on.

While at times the movie was a tad slow and some parts seemed unnecessary, these are minor to the speechless feeling this movie gives you.

The movie poses amazing characters and a touching story that will keep on the edge of toppling over the edge of understanding and an ending that will make you accept that no other ending would suffice.

To Kill A Mockingbird (1952)

Reviewed by: Zack

Rating: 8.7

To Kill A Mockingbird is perhaps the most astounding movie ever made. Its beautiful story and memorable characters are to be cherished and loved for all years to come.

There is little wrong with this movie as the characters demonstrate the theme with such perfection but also draw you into the story. You will find yourself laughing and crying almost back to back.

Nothing can withstand the standing ovation of Atticus Finch but neither can be toppled as Boo Radley is brought to life by the talented Robert Duvall. While the only things bothering me are small I was still able to pick them out in the smallest of areas.

To Kill A Mockingbird is such a masterpiece that you will be knocked out of your seat by the touching and heartwarming story. I dare you to say to my face that this is the worst movie you've ever seen. If you take that dare, I doubt you'll have any more face to lie with.

Indiana Jones (1981)

Reviewed by: Zack

Rating: 8.3

This is a movie that will make you enjoy sitting in one place for two hours. You cannot even begin to describe the pure entertainment that you will be receiving while viewing this great picture.

A perfect balance of all the genres of entertainment (not horror). You will find yourself laughing and gaping at this wholly awesome movie. Harrison Ford is the perfect action hero to bring all these elements to the screen.

While a little cliche you will find yourself not caring as you enjoy Indiana Jones. The movie might be a little repetitive at times but, again, while engrossed in the awesome historical fiction you will not give even a single thought to it.

Indiana Jones is a movie that all will love and is a classic in its own respect. It is a movie that will match star wars in its fame and income. There is nothing that you will lose adding this timeless classic to your library and eternal collection.

The Expendables (2010)

Reviewed by: Zack

Rating: 8.1

The Expendables is not only an awesome action movie. It's THE awesome action movie.

Let me get this out of the way first. There can be no more action in any movie in any way. You might as well be playing a video game. The action is superb and is almost never choppy. The weapons utilized are super cool and the constant stream of bullets, knives, and punches is enough to make you want the adrenaline of action.

The story is much better than most other action movies out there and can only be beaten by movies such as Die Hard. The theme of the story is a very true and powerful theme but was not presented as well as it could have been and seems to be ignored at times.

The characters are awesome and the interactions are realistic and have some comic relief.

The beginning starts off fast and quickly drops back to a slow pace for a while which makes you sit through needed yet still slow character development. There are a few unneeded scenes that could have been put aside to have room made for presenting the theme of the movie.

The Expendables is not only the coolest action movie you will ever see, but also has a far better than average story that contains only a few minor flaws. It is a movie that should be seen and will give you the rush of the battle with weapons, explosions, and a whole lot of Stallone style action.

Million Dollar Baby (2004)

Reviewed by: Zack

Rating: 9.1

Million Dollar Baby is a beautifully woven story of hope, victory, loss, and life.

Clint Eastwood deals with tough topics in this film (and almost all of his others) and he pulls the movie off so well that it looks easy to make. The acting is superb in every way and Morgan Freeman makes the best supporting role I have seen in a very long time.

The whole movie is well rounded around a circle of superbness. There is little at fault here. The biggest is some very boring scenes at times that make you want to gt back to the good stuff.

Million Dollar Baby will beat your heart to pieces only to reshape it into a brilliant new creation. Life will try to beat you down but all you can do is keep on living.