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.

The Breakfast Club (1985)

Reviewed by: Zack Short

Rating: 8.3

The Breakfast Club is a necessary film to own and watch yearly. This is the ultimate high school/college movie and is a joy and a privilege to watch. This is the Epic of high school films and will be revered just as high as Homer's Epic.

You cannot even begin to describe the fun that these diverse characters all shoved into one room together create. And yet they also create a dramatic and touching environment that will be remembered forever by Americans everywhere.

The story does leave a little to be desired and at times you feel that its more of one character's story than the story of everyone in that building.

The ending to this great film will be engraved into your mind forever and you will always cherish this timeless classic. I cannot even begin to describe the fun this movie is to watch over and over again. After watching, you will forever be a member of the Breakfast Club.

Braveheart (1995)

Reviewed by: Zack

Rating: 9.9

Braveheart is the movie that defines fighting for something bigger. The power of one man. And the courage that brought down kings.

The story is something that could have gone down the cliche road but sticks to the path of originality. It also shows the power that one man can achieve and the courage and heart that one man can have. It shows you what's worth fighting for and what kind of man is the one worth fighting with.

The believability is astounding and the acting is superb. The characters are well developed and their development shows, not only their fighting and intense side, but also their fun, encouraging, and good sides.

The amazing will that Wallace has will make you quiver while you look into his eyes and see everything that he thinks and knows to be true.

The single part of the movie I didn't like is the times when it seems like William is fighting only for his wife, when this is not the case at all. Sometimes the film seems to lean to the smaller motivation that his wife is the only reason he fights, whereas he really fights for bigger and more motivational causes for freedom.

Braveheart is the film that will make you quiver with every emotion again and again. The powerful story combined with the astounding characters makes this a nearly perfect movie.

American Gangster (2007)

Reviewed by: Oliver
Rating: 9.5
This film blew me away! Being a fan of Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington I couldn't stay away. I went in expecting an ordinary cops and robbers film, but what I saw was nothing less than pure excellence, and the fact that it's based on a true story makes it seem even more real (if that's even possible). The acting is amazing, as is the cinematography. The movie captures perfectly the attitude of typical New York cops without being the slightest bit cliche. And the anything but stereotypical drug dealer Frank Lucas was mastered by Washington; and at times seemed to be jumping out of the screen into the real world. The film show the ugly, dishonest side of the, "American Dream" and how that side can effect not only your family, but an entire community. It also deals with real life situations, displaying the part of being a cop or drug dealer that's hidden under a mask that reads, "This is cool! Be like us!" It exposes the real side of things without feeling at all like a documentary. Anyone can appreciate this film, almost a perfect movie.

Catch me if you Can (2002)

Reviewed by: Oliver
Rating: 8.5
This has to be one of the funnest movies I have ever watched! I never talk in movies and I found myself laughing, and yelling things like "I can't believe he just did that!" or, "Be Careful!" That's how much I believed what was happening! The heartbreaking, inspiring, and crazy life of Frank Abignale is played out perfectly. DiCaprio and Tom Hanks are a perfect cast for these two incredible characters, and just to put the icing on the cake, they brought in Christopher Walken as Frank's father. The soundtrack is catchy and fitting, and the cinematography is perfect for this movie. The film will take you on a journey that will never be forgotten. DiCaprio's most entertaining film by far. And this is one of the few films that has bonus features that are as fun to watch as the movie, so you won't be disappointed with the 2-Disk set. An impossible story made into an excellent film!

Reviewed by: Zack

Rating: 8.4

This is a movie of the ages that is masterfully made, fun to watch, and reigns supreme over almost every true story ever told.

Catch me if you Can's screenplay is perfect and the life of Frank Abignale brought to us amazingly by DiCaprio and as a bonus we receive Tom Hanks. The script does not only tell a story but makes you believe the story. And beyond that the story is a wonderful and entertaining story.

A few minor faults include some extended character development that could have been cut out to make room for Hanks' character's development. Aside from that, the rest are very minor.

Catch me if you Can is a near perfect movie that will go down in history alongside other masterpieces and mark round of applause for movie watchers everywhere. This is a movie that you will chase after until its caught.

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Reviewed by: Zack

Rating: 7.9

The Pursuit of Happyness does not earn its merit in being an overall well rounded movie, but instead in the amazing screenplay that not only develops the characters, but also makes you love them.

The movie's biggest achievement is the beautiful way it tells a beautiful story. It also brings you a winning cast that tells you the events of this man's life and the nightmare that became his life. The movie shows the love that brought him through his bad dream and what he went through to get there alive.

The picture does, however, lack in areas due to the fact that they only focused on the latter elements. You may find yourself wanting more.

Above all, this is a movie that, while not amazing in all ways, is beautiful. It will leave you touched, crying, and smiling. It is the movie of emotions and just being human and it will stay remembered in your heart always.

Blood Diamond (2006)

Reviewed by: Zack

Rating: 9.4

Blood Diamond is a beautiful work of art and is a perfect example of a movie that tackles big issues in today's society.

The movie's screenplay and plot are written to show what's going on with blood diamonds down in Africa and it brings you face to face with the every day struggles and dangers that the people have to face. The movies really hits home and the astounding acting by DiCaprio and Hounsou makes you see what the people are feeling, thinking, and seeing.

The wonderful cinematography combined with the beautiful setting makes this movie even more believable.

Blood Diamond is a movie that makes you know what's going on, not only in Africa, but in the people's hearts. Topping off the movie is an ending that will make you stand and clap even if you're the only one in the room.

Shutter Island (2010)

Reviewed by: Oliver
Rating: 8
This mystery thriller is a film that will widen your eyes and keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. It has many twists and turns that keep you guessing right up until the credits start. The acting is excellent, and the score is extremely fitting. The cinematography is done in a beautiful and slightly old fashion way that looks great. You wont be disappointed with Shutter Island, It's the perfect combination between mystery, and a psychological thriller. It's unpredictable and very interesting, it drew me in perfectly. The character development is great on the main character, but maybe a bit lacking in others, but by the time the movie is over you don't really care all that much about any character other than DiCaprio's. A great movie.

Ocean's Eleven (2001)

Reviewed by: Zack

Rating: 8.1

Ocean's Eleven is a movie that is not only put together masterfully, but is also extremely fun to watch.

The movie's plot is strung out and wound together so perfectly that the ending is so awesome that you will turn off the TV and find yourself saying, "wow." The characters are so perfect for this group and are played by great actors and portrayed in a way that you can't help but love them.

Aside from some minor faults, the characters of this film make it amazing and simply a joy to watch. Viewing it the first time is just as fun as the eleventh. This movie is one that you're gonna be watching every day and enjoying it more and more without ever losing that amazing fun of viewing this spectacular film.

Rocky (1976)

Reviewed by: Oliver
Rating: 9.3
Rocky is THE BEST underdog movie ever made, period. It's also by far Stallone's best movie. The score is great and cinematography is nothing short of excellence. A very touching movie with a perfect performance on Stallone's part, and a story that plays out beautifully. What else can I say? There's not much to say about such a beautiful work of art other than see it. Rocky is the movie that will be watched again and again forever.

Forrest Gump (1994)

Reviewed by: Oliver
Rating: 8.4
Forrest Gump is an fantastic story that follows the life of a Forrest, a man with a slight case of autism. It is beautifully told and may be Tom Hanks' best performance. From beginning to end this movie kept me laughing, crying, and heartbroken. It drew me in and made me forget I was watching a film. Which is what all quality movies should do, except for a few scenes that seemed to be just thrown in without a specific purpose that the movie could have done without. In my humble opinion a three hour movie should only be three hours if every scene has a purpose. Otherwise every time one of those "time filler" scenes come up I find myself back on my couch staring at a screen instead of right next to the characters experiencing everything they do. Forrest Gump makes up for it though by drawing you right back as soon as the pointless scenes are done and they aren't extremely noticeable. The cinematography is great and the character development is superb. Forrest Gump is everything you want in a movie and more. A must own film to be remembered.

Valkyrie (2008)

Reviewed by: Zack

Rating: 7.8

Valkyrie was an intriguing movie that kept me awake and alive. The whole story was well written and the acting was superb.

This movie was bashed by Tom Cruise haters and I believe didn't get the credit it deserved. The whole movie was overall well done and many parts superb. The camera angles and lighting are a bit different that movies I've seen and I believe it was a very nice touch. I think Tom Cruise is just fine as an actor and is great in this role. The characters are well developed and the movie is fast paced and cool.

Some parts of the film are unneeded and boring at times and a few of the actors are not believable at times.

Overall, this is a well done movie and should be regarded as such. The story is deeper than most other films that are like it and I found it a wonderful addition to my library.

Moon (2009)

Reviewed by: Zack

Rating: 9

This is a story that deals with human emotion and choices that must be made. It deals with the difference between human life and "unimportant" or "expendable" life.

Moon can't be explained without saying it deals with a lot of big issues that are hard for a sci-fi movie to tackle. All humans have emotions and when they discover that their life is being used and all that they thought they held dear is taken away from them, those emotions flow. But when you're alone on the Moon, it comes out in full blast. This movie would have failed if these emotions were not properly conveyed. But Sam Rockwell amazes us with a stunning performance that makes this movie astounding and brilliant.

What is the dividing line between a life and not a life? What would you do all alone on the moon finding out you might actually be all alone in the universe? What would you do? These questions are tough to tackle and the screenplay tackles them hard.

The soundtrack is one of the best I've ever heard. The interesting and futuristic idea adds some interest to the movie, however, there are a few spots that are slow moving and kind of boring.

Moon is a masterpiece held together by human emotions and the messenger that brings them to us is the near perfect performance of Sam Rockwell. The movie is not boring and filled with cool twists but still brings the theme straight home with a home-run and a beautiful addition to the shelves of movie watchers anywhere.

Aliens (1986)

Reviewed by: Zack

Rating: 8.5

Aliens is the movie that you're gonna want to watch over and over again the second the credits start to roll. It is probably the defining sci-fi movie of the 80's and maybe even the 20th century.

This movie is action packed and filled with the shoot em up scenes that the first one lacked. The characters are much more in depth and the cool idea of the Alien universe is still here. All the action and just plain awesome and cool feeling that this movie gives you is enough to make you enjoy this more than most of the more recent (usually more realistic) action movies.

The war between the Aliens and the humans is so intriguing and intense that you will practically be enraged if someone makes you pause. The story is well done, however, the movie doesn't find its merit in being a touching story dealing with big issues (The Shawshank Redemption, Schindler's List, etc.) but in being fun to watch Aliens being blown to bits and humans trying to survive with acid being shot everywhere. It's also fun to listen to the Private yell, "Game over man, game over!"

The acting isn't superb and the ending was a little stupid, but all in all, you don't care after seeing all those awesome weapons tearing through alien flesh.

Aliens is a superb and defining movie that you will not only love but enjoy. It is a movie that far surpasses its predecessor. You can't stop yourself from getting that giddy feeling watching Aliens because it's so freaking awesome.

Zombie Honeymoon (2004)

Reviewed by: Oliver
Rating: 0
This is by far the worst movie I have ever seen! I questioned weather or not I should even review it, but decided it might be fun so here we are. This movie is almost unheard of, and with good reason. I got it in a Christmas gift exchange last year and watched it with my best friend. The acting is sad, and the storyline is horrible. A newlywed couple are on their honeymoon when the husband becomes a zombie. Just wait it gets better, the wife wants to stay with him out of love! so that's where the movie takes off from. from there on it's nothing but screaming, drama, manikins with ketchup, and what may be the cheesiest and most cliche lines in movie history. Me and my friend could barely stand it to the end, but once it ended we regretted wasting those precious two hours of our lives that would have been better spent taking turns ripping each others leg hairs out for money. Save your time and money and take your in-laws out for dinner at Taco Bell, you will have a better time than you will watching this movie!

Hook (1991)

Reviewed by: Oliver
Rating: 7.6
Hook is an imaginative adventure with lots of laughs. The original and crazy storyline of Hook seeking revenge on Peter Pan as a grown up works great, and there was no one better for the cast than Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman. Hook does everything it was made to do, makes the audience feel like children again. It's exciting, fun, and at moments heartbreaking. This is also arguably one of the best father son movies ever made. Although at parts the storyline is week and cheesy, it's still well worth it and has something in it for the entire family.

Reviewed by: Zack

Rating: 8

This is possibly the best children's non-animated movie of all time. Robin Williams,

Dustin Hoffman, and a large array of other cast members make this movie beyond

just cute, but heartwarming and touching.

The characters you will love. The acting is superb and the powerful story is present without

ruining the cuteness of the film. Although some parts are annoying and make you just want

to wait till a funny line comes up again, it is still rewarding in the end.

The theme of the story is so well executed and presented that kids will want to go home

and play in their tree house and, hey, adults will want to do the same. So watch this

beautiful movie just so you can fly again.

The Hurt Locker (2008)

Reviewed by: Zack Short

Rating: 7

The Hurt Locker was critically loved and praised. The screenplay was said to be second to none. I say it wasn't all it was cracked up to be.

I put this movie in with medium expectations. The story was good and the acting was good but nothing was at all superb. The main issues are big topics and tough to tackle. I feel that the issues weren't tackled properly and left me wanting. The movie is, however, cool and not boring to watch. I felt the theme of the movie wasn't completed and the story was lacking.

I must say that the cinematography was superb and I haven't seen its equal almost ever. The story has a very nice ending that leaves you hanging just enough to love it. I felt the ending was beautiful but the rest of the movie wasn't even close to its mastery.

The Hurt Locker is an intriguing movie that ends well but needs to be filled in. The cool story and action will keep you from boring but don't expect to be amazed.

Reviewed by: Oliver
Rating: 7.8
I must disagree with my colleague just a little. While The Hurt Locker was definitely not all it was cracked up to be, it was still a great film and deserves some credit. The story is well played out and comes around for a nice "circle ending". Although it is true some issues could have been portrayed better, the acting and cinematography were in fact, superb. Too bad nothing else in the movie could quite reach that rank. Now the movie was good but when it is unbalanced like that it doesn't deserve film of the year. If you go into this film expecting a perfect masterpiece from God, which is what many critics make it sound like, you will be disappointed. But it is still a great movie I would recommend to anyone.

Schindler's List (1993)

Reviewed by: Zack

Rating: 10

Those of us who have seen Schindler's List know that it's not the most fun and exciting movie to watch. We also know that it is the most well done movie in existence.

Schindler's List is beautiful for many reasons. The story is filled with many sub stories, all of which deal with huge problems. The settings are beautiful and the acting is fabulous. Ralph Finneas makes on of the best villains of all time. The camera is masterful and the black and white makes such an impact when the little girl in the red dress appears.

There is nothing wrong with this movie except that its hard to enjoy. The powerful, moving, and impacting storyline as well as the theme so elegantly portrayed by the little girl in the red dress. Schindler's List is perfect and a masterpiece. You may not enjoy it, but you have to admire it.

Memento (2000)

Reviewed by: Oliver
Rating: 8.8
This movie is a thrilling mystery that will draw you into the story and plot, making you forget where you are and what you are doing. The characters are well developed and the story doesn't disappoint. Watch it with a clear mind though, there are so many twists and turns that take place in this film that I sometimes lost track of where it was, and didn't know where it was going. But don't ask too many questions in the middle of the movie because they all wrap together for a beautiful ending that will make you want to watch it again to catch what you missed before. The cinematography of this movie is stunning and original. The way the story plays out is unlike any other movie I've ever seen. Quite simply, this movie rocks! I highly recommend it for any mystery or movie lover.

Avatar (2009)

Reviewed by: Zack
Rating: 3.2
Avatar: the most anticipated movie of the 21st century. Critically acclaimed a masterpiece and the most grossing movie of all time anywhere. More like the grossest movie of all time.
Avatar bedazzled critics cause James Cameron probably payed them to say that. Everyone knows that this movie was terrible but they don't want to look stupid by not agreeing with the critics.
Most people say the story was terrible and, while it was, it wasn't the part of the movie that disappointed me the most. No, the real shame of the film went to how most of its budget went to making a new world that people would be fantasized by and believe that it was real. Well, I didn't find my self engrossed whatsoever into Cameron's world. In fact, the world was quite shallow and the depth was even lower than that of the storyline.
Avatar is the critically acclaimed, "movie that will change time forever." Well, to quote me, "The movie that will be laughed at forever."


Reviewed by: Oliver
Rating: 4
For the most part, I must agree with Zack. The storyline is nothing more than a watered down Furn Gully, or a more well known example is Pocahontas, and the character development is horrendous. However I have to give them credit for making an amazing "eye candy" movie with lots of big explosions and interesting fight scenes. Although I must say i was more impressed with special effects in District 9. And lets be honest, who the heck goes to a movie to watch fire? I can see fire in my back yard. The acting wasn't the best either and the movie all over was a waste of production, money, and time. I hate sounding like a movie bashing moron but this movie really does deserve some honest hating.

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Extended Edition

Reviewed by: Zack AND Oliver
Trilogy Rating: 10
The Fellowship of the Ring (2001): 8
The Two Towers (2002): 7.9
The Return of the King (2003): 8.4
This is our first combined review in which we will brainstorm what to say and write it as if we were one being.
We both agree that, as a series, this is the best trilogy ever made and is an epic masterpiece.
The story is almost completely accurate to the books and, as all should know, is amazing. It is The Odyssey of today and will forever remain a classic.
The world is complete and filled with funky and interesting creatures and history that you will believe they actually exist. The epic battles are well done and almost never choppy. One of the best movie scores ever.
The characters are extremely well developed and the development is anything but boring. The cast portrays these infamous characters in a way that J.R.R. Tolkein would be proud of and other movies only wish they could achieve.
The Cinematography and landscape are beautiful and believable to the amazing world of Middle Earth.
Fellowship
The Fellowship was a great start to The Epic Masterpiece. Concerning Hobbits, this film introduces and attaches you to the characters without losing its entertainment or down sizing the other important themes of the film.
However, it did seem a little slow at times when nothing important besides character development seemed to be happening. But it is forgiven because this is almost unavoidable given that it is a three and a half hour film.
Two Towers
The action is the best in this installment and the characters all seem to have their own story (in a sense). The bonding of the split fellowship is powerful and well acted.
The thing that bugs me about this movie is that Gimli seems to only be present for comic relief. It would have been nice to see him as developed and loved as the rest of the Fellowship.
Return of the King
Return of the King is the best of the series and has such a powerful ending to each of the story-lines and The Epic Masterpiece's theme was brought together flawlessly and created the most perfect ending to any series ever.
The piece of the film that brought the rating down was the lack of depth for all of the evil forces opposing the Fellowship but mainly the With King and Sauron.
Concluding
The Trilogy is the flawless world of Tolkein combined with the genius and direction of Peter Jackson to create the trilogy of the century.

The Prestige (2003)

Reviewed by: Zack

Rating: 8.6

The Prestige was astounding, brilliant, and most of all, magical. The Prestige is a film that makes you wonder why men do what they do. It makes you wonder how men do what they do. And it makes you wonder the outcome of what they do.

The screenplay is amazing and only a little boring at times till you figure out whats going on after a few scenes. Some parts of the movie were boring and the characters took a while to develop and understand. The acting is incredible and the characters are deep and presented from the core of human emotion. It shows you how much men are alike and how much they differ at the same time.

The most brilliant part of the movie is the way it makes you wonder throughout the whole display. The powerful and extremely characterized lines are a home run where other movies can only try to portray. The red bouncy ball is as much of a symbolic relationship between the characters as the little girl in the red dress from Schindler's List.

The Prestige shows the sacrifices a man makes for his desires. Some men, however, are looking for the wrong thing. The movie's powerful display of wonder and mystery are no better as it shows you the three parts of a stunning magic trick, and Abracadabra, it's beautiful.