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.