Stir of Echoes: The Homecoming (2007) R - 1½ Stars

I don't think this movie did a very good job of explaining why Lowe came back as dysfunctional as he did. Even though he keeps having flashbacks, I dunno, he just wasn't very convincing to me of someone who gave a crap about much.

Ted Cogan (Rob Lowe), is a captain in the National Guard who has just returned home from his duty in Iraq. He has trouble putting his life back in order, as he is continually haunted by visions of Iraq. These visions dramatically interrupt his life when he keeps replaying faces of the innocent bystanders accidentally killed by him in Iraq. After his son takes it out on an Arab looking local boy, Ted seeks the help of a psychic to try to regain control of his life.

Lions Gate Films
Director: Ernie Barbarash
Writer: Ernie Barbarash
Producers: Philip Stilman, Claire Welland

Gone Baby Gone (2007) R - 3 Stars

For me this movie started out on the slow side with a lot of mumble jumble that didn't make sense to me. Like, why were these two young private investigators called, were they famous or something? Affleck's roll I didn't find convincing and there was no chemistry between the couple. The story is tough to follow but finally it took a twisted series of events and pulled itself out of the hole and had a decent story line ending. Thank God for Morgan Freeman but to me, the movie is not as good as some reviews I have read.

Patrick Kenzie, (Casey Affleck) and Angie Gennaro (Michelle Monaghan) are boyfriend and girlfriend and also work together as Boston private investigators. An amber alert has been issued for a kidnapped girl. The couple watch the news in their home and sympathize with the mother Helen (Amy Ryan) and the police efforts. Three days later Helen's sister Bea McCready (Amy Madigan), and her husband Lionel (Titus Welliver), approach Patrick and Angie to hire them to help find their missing niece.

Captain Jack Doyle (Morgan Freeman) and Detective Remy Bressant (Ed Harris) are the lead police on the case and they don't take too kindly to the young private "dicks." But they all come to the conclusion that Helen is a drug addict and they know about her involvement in robbing drug lord big wig, Cheese (Edi Gathegi). They figure they can trade the money back to Cheese for the child. Up at the cliffs during the night, they make an arrangement to hand over the money for the child. Instead, things go wrong, shots are fired and something falls into the river below and Angie jumps from the cliff thinking it was the child.

The case is dismissed thinking the child had drown even though the her body was not found. That is until, the two stumble upon new evidence and some very unusual characters, that can cost them their lives, their love for each other and put their morals to the test.

Awards are numerous and include:

2007 - Gone Baby Gone - Austin Film Critics - Best First Film
2007 - Gone Baby Gone - Boston Society of Film Critics - Best Supporting Actress
2007 - Gone Baby Gone - Boston Society of Film Critics - Best New Filmmaker
2007 - Gone Baby Gone - Chicago Film Critics Association - Most Promising Director

Miramax Films
Director: Ben Affleck
Writers: Aaron Stockard, Ben Affleck
Producers:Alan Ladd, Jr., Dan Rissner, Sean Bailey

Vacancy (2007) R - 2½ Stars

I guess the conecpt of the movie idea was okay, just not well executed. It seemed like the whole town is a bunch of dummies that don't pay attention. It just wasn't very believable.

David (Luke Wilson) and Amy Fox (Kate Beckinsale) are driving along when their car breaks down in the middle of nowhere. There is only one motel near by so they settle in for the night to make the best of it. There is a VCR in the room with a bunch of tapes so they decide to put one in and see what's on it. The tapes consist of low budget slasher type movies that seem strangely familiar. As they are viewing, they notice the films were shot in their room. The setting is exactly the same and now they realize they are being video taped for some sickos next movie. David and Amy must now find a way to get out of the room before they become the killers next fright flick.

Sony Pictures
Director: Nimród Antal
Writer: Mark L. Smith
Producer: Hal Lieberman

I viewed 9/19

State of Play (2009) PG13 - 4 Stars

Really enjoyed this intense suspenseful drama with great performances by Crowe, Affleck, McAdams and Mirren. For me, it's one of Crowe's best performances and I also thought Affleck was cast perfectly as Congressman Collins. The story takes many twists and just when you think you have it solved, there's more. It's a "hold-onto-the-edge-of-your-seat" thriller. Crowe gets answers where others can't and the movie does a good job defining the corruption steamed from power, and greed in both corporate and government.

Cal McAffrey, (Russell Crowe), is a journalist for the Washington Globe. He's working on a murder of a homeless man. He arrives on the scene of the crime with coffee in hand in hopes of insider information from detective Donald Bell, (Harry Lennix). Cal has a way of obtaining information that the police aren't even able to find.

U.S. Congressman Stephen Collins, (Ben Affleck), is rising up the corporate ladder very quickly. He's the chairman of a committee that oversees spending habits of the Department of Defense. Sonia Baker, (Maria Thayer), is Collins aide and mistress, and on her way to work falls in front of an oncoming train and is killed. Collins learns of her death just minutes before he's to speak to the committee about his findings of corruption against military contractor, Point Corp. Instead, he tearfully breaks down leading most to believe there is more between these two co-workers.

Junior reporter Della Frye (Rachel McAdams), shows up athe the Globe trying to get information from Cal about Collins. She has learned that the two go way back to college days and figures he can give her the dirt for her blog on the congressman. Cameron Lynne (Helen Mirren), editor of the Globe tries to get Cal to make nice with Della but he's insulted by her tabloid intent and refuses.

While Cal is working on the murder story of the night before, Collins shows up with no where else to go. He has to dodge a bullet in the media after Sonia's death as now it looks like a suicide implying killing herself because Collins wouldn't leave his wife. Watching his grand career about to take a dump, Collins asks for advice from a friend from a media point of view.

As Cal looks farther into Sonia's death, he decides to use Della's services and sends her out on tough assignments to prove her worthy of reporting. Together they start to unravel more information that directly connects Senator Fergus (Jeff Daniels), to the corruption at Point Corp as they obtains photos that prove Sonia was pushed onto the tracks in a cover-up.

Awards:
2009 - Australian Film Institute - Best Actor - Russell Crowe

Working Title Films, Universal Pictures
Director: Kevin Macdonald
Writers: Matthew Carnahan, Tony Gilroy, Billy Ray
Producers: Andrew Hauptman, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner

Captivity (2007) R - 2½ Stars

This movie had the potential, maybe, of being better. I sort of liked the end result of the plot but it just didn't have it going on. It also has a lot of gross parts which don't turn me on.

A psycho stalks and captures model Jennifer Tree (Elisha Cuthbert), but instead of killing her, he physically and emotionally tortures her. As she's beginning to think there's no way out, she hears someone in the room next to her. It ends up being a man Gary (Daniel Gillies) who seems to be in the same predicament as she is. When the two are able to communicate, and eventually put together, she no longer feels so alone. Little does she know he is in on the game.

Freestyle Releasing, After Dark Films
Director: Roland Joffé
Writers: Larry Cohen, Joseph Tura
Producers: Mark Damon, Gary Mehlman, Sergei Konov

I viewed 11/18

Eastern Promises (2007) R - 3 Stars

A Russian sex trafficking ring has illegal girls held hostage and rapes them for sex toys. After one teenage girl becomes pregnant and about to go into labor, Anna Khitrova (Naomi Watts) a midwife at North London's hospital, delivers the baby but the mother dies. Anna finds the mothers diary and tries to trace the baby's relatives. The diary is written in Russian and Anna's Russian-born uncle Stepan (Jerzy Skolimowski) warns Anna she might not know what she is getting into.

When Anna finds a business card for a local restaurant inside the diary, she takes it to the restaurant in search of clues. There she meets Semyon (Armin Mueller-Stahl), who agrees to translate the diary for her. Semyon tells her the diary contains information about his son Kirill (Vincent Cassell). After Kirill threatens Anna, she doesn't know who she can trust anymore but realizes the child's life may be in danger.

Nikolai Luzhin (Viggo Mortensen) is a driver for the Vory V Zakone criminal brotherhood. After learning of the child's fate, Nikolai has to decide to help either help Anna or keep his loyalty to the Vory.

2007 - Eastern Promises - Toronto Film Critics Association - Best Actor.

Focus Features
Director: David Cronenberg
Writer: Steve Knight
Producers: Robert Lantos, Paul Webster

I viewed 1/18

Capturing the Friedmans (2002) NR - 2½ Stars

I'm sure the true life story of the Friedman's was more interesting then the documentary. The way the film is put together, I didn't find that it really made everything clear. Did they or did they not abuse the children? Dad looks like he could have for sure but mom doesn't look the type.

In 1987, the prominent family of Arnold and Elaine Friedman and their three sons , Jesse, Seth, and David turns dysfunctional when it's found out that Arnold and Jesse are abusing and sodomizing the children in Arnolds class. Through their home videos this is the true story of the Friedmans struggle to keep their family together after being accused of molestation. The cameras are given to the family to record and document life at home.

Awards include:

2003 - Capturing the Friedmans - Boston Society of Film Critics - Best New Filmmaker
2003 - Capturing the Friedmans - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Documentary (Runner-up)
2003 - Capturing the Friedmans - Sundance Film Festival - Documentary Grand Jury Prize.

Magnolia Pictures
Director: Andrew Jarecki
Producers: Andrew Jarecki, Mark Smerling

I viewed 11/17

Buried (2010) R - 3½ Stars

Being semi claustrophobic, I wouldn't last 5 minutes under these conditions. Perhaps that's why this movie made me totally uncomfortable, leaving a knot in my neck. It's pretty hard to make a good movie with just one on screen actor but if you crave edge of your seat thrillers, you'll love this one.

You'll find there are many things you think he should be doing in this situation and at least for me, I found myself yelling at the screen. Also, there are way too many calls and videos sent from just one bar of phone charge left. Perhaps the bag should have shown a spare cell phone battery inside and when he finds the cell phone number, why does he only leave a message for his wife? So don't spent too much energy over analysing what he should or should not be doing, instead sit back and enjoy this intense and horrifying thriller.

Paul Conroy (Ryan Reynolds) is a truck driver in Iraq and he's just awakened to find himself bound and buried alive in a coffin. Reaching around in the dark, he finds a lighter to scope out his dyer situation. A sudden ring finds he's also been left with a cell phone. An Iraqi voice on the other end tells him 5 million dollars will get him out. With 90 minutes of time, a limited supply of oxygen, and trying not to panic, Paul must blindly call numbers to find someone to locate and free him.

Awards:
2010 - National Board of Review - Best Original Screenplay
2010 - National Board of Review - Best Independent Film

Projectes Mevi, The Safran Company, Versus Entertainment, Dark Trick Films, Lionsgate
Director: Rodrigo Cortés
Writer: Chris Sparling
Producers: Peter Safran, Adrian Guerra

Frozen (2010) R - 4 Stars

I really don't remember hearing about this movie coming out but I have to say, I LOVED IT. The movie made me completely eerily uncomfortable with chills and the feeling of coldness. For that alone, I have to give it 4 stars for evoking that "edge of your seat" feeling throughout most of the movie. Frozen is a simple yet believable story line of 3 teens getting stuck on a chair lift as the mountain closes down for the weekend and everyone goes home not realizing they are still aboard the lift. Though the movie is sometimes slow it manages to raise your blood pressure significantly at times. I really loved the concept of the story line and you will think twice about being one of the last to get on a ski lift.

Parker O'Neil, (Emma Bell), her boyfriend Dan Walker, (Kevin Zegers), and his best friend Joe Lynch, (Shawn Ashmore), are all looking forward to a full day of snowboarding on Mount Holliston. Unfortunately they don't have enough money to all afford the lift tickets so they talk Parker into sweet talking the lift operator Jason, (Ed Ackerman), to let them ride for a flat cheaper rate. Jason agrees to pocket the extra money and look the other way. Parker is just learning how to snowboard so much of their day is spent with her practicing rather than racing downhill. Right at dusk, the three decide to take one last ride up the lift and give it everything they have coming down. Jason again lets them on the lift one last time but is called away after they depart and his replacement is told to look for three last kids coming down the mountain. As he sees three youths make their way down the slope he turns off the lift unaware these are not the three just sent up. Mount Holliston is in a small town and only open on weekends and now they are closing down until next weekend leaving Parker, Dan and Joe dangling in mid air. With a snow storm approaching, their cries going unnoticed and the trio must find a way off the lift before frostbite and hypothermia set in. That won't be an easy task as other unknown obstacles are in their way.

A Bigger Boat, ArieScope Pictures
Director: Adam Green
Writer: Adam Green
Producers: Peter Block, Cory Neal

The Reaping (2007) R - 3 Stars

Katherine Winter's (Hilary Swank), whole life was with the ministary. But after her husband and daughter are killed in Sudan through a sacraficial event, she stops believing in God. Now, a university professor and theology scholar, she believes more in studying facts rather than beliefs. She has traveled the world investigating all sorts of phenonomin like bleeding palms and weeping statues.

After the town of Haven, Louisiana has been swarmed on by locust and seen their rivers turn blood red, they believe a revisiting of the Biblical ten plagues has been thrust upon them. They also believe that a child Loren McConnell (AnnaSophia Robb) is the work of the devil and most want to destroy the girl in order to bring peace back to the town. However Katherine's tries to save the young "choosen" girl as she can be the one to defeat Satan's work.

Warner Bros Pictures
Director: Stephen Hopkins
Writers: Jacob Aaron Estes, Carey Hayes, Christopher Markus
Producers: Robert Zemeckis, Herbert W. Gains, Susan Levin

I viewed 11/17

Return to Paradise (1998) R - 3½ Stars

If your friend was in trouble in another country and the only way you could save their life was by going to jail yourself, would you? This movie asks that question of how far are you willing to go to help a friend. Good plot, makes you feel the pressure of those tiny little voices in the back of your mind that tell you to walk away.

John 'Sheriff' Volgecherev (Vince Vaughn), Lewis McBride (Joaquin Phoenix) and Tony Croft (David Conrad) are on a dream vacation of a lifetime. In the exotic country of Malaysia, the three spend days drinking rum, smoking hashish and having their way with the local women. Eventually it's time to return to their normal lives. John and Tony leave to go back to their corporate lives in New York while Lewis stays behind to devote his life, joining a team to rescue orangutans. As soon as John and Tony leave, Lewis gets arrested with a huge leftover stash of hash, charged with drug trafficking, punishable by death. Lawyer Beth Eastern (Anne Heche) travels to New York in search of John and Tony to convince them to return to Malaysia saving their friend from certain death. If they do return they will definitely spend time in a third world jail.

Polygram Filmed Entertainment, Propaganda Films, Tetragram
Director: Joseph Ruben
Writers: Pierre Joliver, Olivier Schatzky
Producers: David Arnold, Alain Bernheim, Lashan Browning, Steve Golin, Ezra Swerdlow

I viewed 5/15

I Love Your Work (2004) R - 2½ Stars

I didn't care too much for this movie. I felt it is pretty twisted and the story line is all over the place making you totally clueless as to what the movie is trying to get across. Maybe it's just me but then the movie becomes nothing but predictable.

Gray Evans (Giovanni Ribisi) is a celebrity at the young age of 20 having a slow meltdown. He's married to a beautiful successful actress Mia Lang (Franka Potente). Gary drinks up the attention of the spot light making most think his life should be perfect but Gary's obsessed. He's obsessed thinking he has a fan that is stalking him.

While he is at a video store, he meets a guy named John (Joshua Jackson). John tells Gary he's one of his biggest fans. This makes Gary extremely nervous that his belief is true and that it is John who is the one that has been stalking him. Gary decides to turn the tables and starts to follow John to keep tabs on him. When he returns to the video store he meets John's wife, Jane (Marisa Coughlan). The two seem to have a perfect caring marriage so Gary feels sort of silly thinking John could have been involved in actually stalking him. But now that he's met Jane, he's driven to stalk her as he'd like to be in her life. Confused? Yeah me too.

THINKFilm
Director: Adam Goldberg
Writers: Adam Butchart, Adam Goldberg, Adrian Butchart
Producers: Adrienne Gruben, Terry Spazek, David Hillary

I viewed 5/15

The Reef (2010) R - 3½ Stars

The suspense in this movie is pretty good. I could feel my blood pressure raise more than a few times. Based on a true story, the movie offers you a good thrill ride. Though I would have liked to have gotten more acquainted with the characters before they were thrown out to sea, you really begin to feel their fear yelling to yourself, "Swim, you fools swim!"

A brother and sister, plus their significant others, Luke (Damian Walshe-Howling), Kate (Zoe Naylor), Suzie (Adrienne Pickering), Matt (Gyton Grantley) and Warren (Kieran Darcy-Smith) head off to explore Australia's Great Barrier Reef. When the boat tears a hole in the bottom of its haul, it capsizes leaving it's five travelers in the water. Now,the group has to decide if  they stay with the boat hoping to be rescued or put themselves in shark infested waters,  to swim to a shore more than 12 miles away they can't even see?

Lightning Entertainment, Screen Australia, Image Entertainment
Director: Andrew Traucki
Writer: Andrew Traucki
Producers: Andrew Traucki, Michael Robertson

I viewed 7/12

Black Water (2007) R - 3 Stars

Pretty good thriller about what lurks below the surface in the black water swamps of Northern Australia. Two sisters and one boyfriend set off on an adventure exploring around the swamps very few tourists ever see. Their trip turns to tragedy as their tour guide is eaten by a hungry Kroc who haunts the trio as they try an escape. Based on true events, Black Water will put you on the edge of your seat.

Adam (Andy Rodoreda), Lee (Maeve Dermody) and Grace (Diana Glenn) find an ad in they tour book to explore and fish the swamp lands of Australia. But when they arrive to the tour place, the boat has already left. Jim (Ben Oxenbould), is in the office and offers to take the trio on their adventure in the wet lands. But a hungry crocodile capsizes their boat and takes Jim for tasty snack while making it known he plans on returning. Now stranded in a mangrove swamp, they must plan their escape which forces them back into the water.

Territorial Film Developments, ProdigyMovies, The Australian Film Commission
Directors: Andrew Traucki, David Nerlich
Writers: Andrew Traucki, David Nerlich
Producers: David Nerlich, Andrew Traucki, Michael Robertson

I viewed 7/12

Trespass (2011) R - 2 Stars

Loving Cage and having total respect for Kidman's roles, this movie sounded like it should be exciting. But this is one of Kidman's and Cage's worse films ever. I feel robbed by wasting my time watching such a ludicrous script. To me, it's not suspenseful even though the musical score tries to suck you in. It's also a ridiculous plot and I became bored quickly.

This is my quick version of the characters. Dad - work aholic, Mom - Lonely, Daughter - Rebellious, spoiled and into boys. Mom's trying to put together a family dinner. Daughter sneaks out, robbers enter, most wearing horrible see-thru masks. Threaten family with a syringe of paralyzing serum. (Please tell me, if the robbers put so much effort into casing the joint inside and out before then, why bring a psychotic airhead girl with them that serves no purpose.) Then Dad tells the robbers he won't open safe. Daughter returns and offers money from a party she was just at. Daughter leaves, one robber's in love with the wife, fights break out with other robbers. (I'm still unsure if wife is in on it or not and even if she is, who cares.) After the fire scene I turned it off, which is so unlike me as I usually give the movie the benefit of the doubt, watching to the end. In my opinion, there is no ending that could have made this a good movie. I've read some other reviews before writing mine because I felt I was being harsh. I have to say, I'm surprised to read to see so many people enjoyed it. Were we watching the same movie? I'd advise not wasting your time.

Businessman Kyle Miller(Nicolas Cage), and his trophy wife Sarah (Nicole Kidman), are a well to do family living with their rebellious daughter Avery (Liana Liberato), in a secure neighborhood. They are having some work done to their home and Sarah can't help keep her eyes off of one of the handsome workers Jonah (Cam Gigandet). All seems normal in their somewhat happy home even when Avery sneaks out to go to a party she's forbidden to attend.

Little do they know that a thief named Elias (Ben Mendelsohn), has been casing their home for months. Now, complete with masks, Elias decides the time is right to move in. Along with a group of thugs and a girl named Petal (Jordana Spiro), Elias knocks on the door of the Millers home. The group of criminals barge in and take control over this family refusing to leave until their demands are met.

Millennium Entertainment
Director: Joel Schumacher
Writers: Eli Richbourg, Karl Gajdusek
Producers: Irwin Winkler, René Besson, David Winkler

I viewed 11/11

The Canyon (2009) R - 3½ Stars

I certainly was not expecting the ending of this film and I think that alone makes this a good movie. Really a mind screwer though the acting could been better. For example, I had a hard time believing Lori's character was so strong at first. The scene where she's battling the wolf could have been done much more convincing. But after her first two battles, you start to believe she is actually getting pissed off and ready to attack back and very realistic at the end. Reminds you to think twice about invading into natures territory.

A young couple Nick (Eion Bailey), and Lori (Yvonne Strahovski), have just eloped in Las Vegas. For a quick honeymoon, before they tell their friends and families, they take a drive to the Grand Canyon for a little sun and adventure. Their goal is to take a mule ride to the bottom of the canyon but everywhere they learn it's too late to get a permit to enter the canyon. They arrive at a local bar where they meet mountain man Henry (Will Patton), who tells them he can solve all their problems. After all, he's been exploring these canyons for years and knows them like the back of his hand. He also has an Indian friend that can arrange the mules and that specially neded permit. The couple agrees and the three set forth on the trip of a lifetime to the canyon floor.

Henry really knows his stuff and Nick wants to see it all so he agrees to go to another area of the canyon where ancient explorers have discovered caves unseen by most. The trip seems like a dream come true for Nick and Lori tags along supporting her new husband. Henry tells the couple ancient tales of the wolfs and crows that inhabit the area. But just around the next bend, they encounter rattle snakes who manage to get two could bites in on Henry. The scared mules run off down the canyon with Nick in fast pursuit. Unable to regain control of them, the threesome is left without food, water, medical kits or bedding and must make due this first night below the stars.

The next morning, Henry has not done well and with out the proper medical attention he succumbs to his poisonous system and dies. One lone wolf has been following the trio and eagerly awaits a tasty meal in Henry so the couple tries to bury him as best they can. Now they are left in the canyon without a guide and unaware of the proper path to get back. They have matches, a knife, cell phone with no service, chewing gum, chap stick and sun tan lotion. It's up to them to figure out which way they came in and back track their steps before the wolves show up looking for dessert.

Middle Fork Productions, Pierce/Williams Entertainment, Zero Gravity Management
Director: Richard Harrah
Writer: Steve Allrich
Producer: Mark Williams

I viewed 7/12

Splice (2010) R - 3 Stars

I was in need of a good Sci-Fi so I rented Splice hoping to be a little horrified and/or amazed over the concept of this movie about playing God. This was not the movie to do it. The sad part is the movie leaves itself open for a sequel. Not sure we need to see it all over again. First off, I would have liked to had a little more information on how Ginger and Fred, the blob like organisms, were created. I felt we are rushed in too quickly before building a story line to get us there. But then as I was thinking about that, the writers probably didn't want to tell us too much or it would have been even more unrealistic. I did however like the splice "D's" very intriguing face.

Genetic engineers, Clive (Adrien Brody) and Elsa (Sarah Polley), have created a hybrid creature that could revolutionize modern medical science. Fame and glory are bestoyed upon them until they add human DNA into the mixture. Dren (Delphine Chanéac), is born and as she evolves they soon learn trying to play God can be a mistake.

Gaumont, Copperheart Entertainment, Dark Castle Entertainment
Director: Vincenzo Natali
Writers: Doug Taylor, Vincenzo Natali, Antoinette Terry Bryant
Producer: Steven Hoban

I viewed 10/10

Monster (2008) NR - 1½ Stars

I gotta say folks, this is one of the worst monster movies of modern times. Shot in a Blair Witch, Cloverfield, type format, this movie really stinks. Here's what you do. Give two fairly decent looking girls a camera , break the switch so it turns on and off randomly, throw in a few Japanese friends willing to lower their dignity and a squishy octopus you rarely see and yes you too can make a movie. Supposedly, this footage has been found two years after Tokoyo Japan is reported to have had a major earthquake.

The so called "monster" you never really even see. I think they could have done so much better with some sort of special effects that at least focus on the ministering menace. Oh yeah, it's an octopus but it leaves underground like a giant worm? I'm confused but I guess I've seen worse.

After a massive earthquake hits Tokoyo Japan, thousands are dead. The world chocks it up to just another earthquake in that part of the country. But two years later, tapes are found belonging to sisters Erin Lynch(Erin Evans), and Sarah Lynch (Sarah Lieving), documenting what really happened to the town as they captured while on and expedition to report on global warming.

The Global Asylum
Director: Erik Estenberg
Writer: Erik Estenberg
Producers: Jeff Cagle, Paul Bales

I viewed 2/12

Monsters (2010) R - 3 Stars

So I just joined Netflix from my Xbox and flipped through a few movie selections and accidentally hit the icon for this movie. Okay so since it's a lazy rainy day, I decided to give in and check out what Monsters has to offer.

The movie sort of throws you right into the action with very little set up, making it take awhile to warm up to the characters. She's a semi spoiled rich girl seeking answers to her reservations against her upcoming wedding while visiting San Jose, Central America. He's an arrogant cocky yet determined photographer who's more concerned with getting his shot then the couples safety. Though the stand out like a sore thumb in the middle of another country, fear knows no boundaries and they soon fit in with the other panicked residents.

I did like the electrifying baby growths attached to the trees and the monsters were pretty good. I also liked showing two languages with sub titles easy to follow. For a low budget independent Sci-Fi's thriller, the special effects are pretty damn good. It's cheesy but does have it's moments and worth the rent if you like Sci-Fi.

When a NASA space probe crashes to earth, not far from the American border, Andrew Kaulder (Scoot McNairy), an American journalist, is on the front line in the danger zone, trying to capture the first live photos. Samantha "Sam" Wynden (Whitney Able), the daughter of a wealthy newspaper owner who happens to have hired Kaulder, has gone missing from her trip inside of Mexico. Kaulder pledges to his boss, Sam's father, that he will find her and get her safely back to the United States. But their journey will not be a easy one since it will take them directly into the Infected Zone where alien monsters run ramped, destroying anything in their way. Two strangers stuck in a nightmare will discover romance and terror as they make they way back to safety.

Awards include:

• 2010 - Austin Film Critics - Best First Film
• 2010 - National Board of Review - Best Independent Film

Vertigo Films,  Magnet Releasing
Director: Gareth Edwards
Writer: Gareth Edwards
Producers: Allan Niblo, James Richardson

I viewed 2/12

Contagion (2011) PG13 - 3½ Stars

Scary look at our world's bacteria and germ problems and how what we do can effect the entire world. Through something as simple of a bat eating a banana, the world's immune system becomes compromised, with millions of people dying. Contagion gives a reasonable account on what the world is faced with in the fear of a pandemic viral outbreak. Rumors spread fast throughout the Internet, people panic and rules are broken all to save personal life yet we still don't take proper precautions to keep ourselves safe.

With an all star cast, the movie could have been so much better if the focus was more on the horrible deaths and lives upended globally. At the beginning it's very scary watching how fast a virus can infect the world and the lives it takes. For me, it would have been much scarier and more realistic if the focus showed more of the taking of lives, showing how tragically a virus can spread and it's horrible consequences. With our recent epidemic of Swine flu, effecting the entire world, the movie is probably loosely based on that fear brought to the surface showing how easily this can happen. Luckily we live in a modern world with modern technology to work on solutions faster, but the threats of bacterial contamination producing deadly viruses are real and should be in our faces more often.

Dr. Leonora Orantes (Marion Cotillard), Dr. Ellis Cheever (Laurence Fishburne), Dr. Ally Hextall (Jennifer Ehle), and Dr. Erin Mears (Kate Winslet), are up against the wall when an unknown lethal airborne virus is discovered and people around the world are dying within 24-48 hours of contact. Beth Emhoff (Gwyneth Paltrow), is a business woman traveling to Hong Kong in the wrong place at the wrong time. She comes in contact with a virus newly formed after her company recklessly bull dozes banana trees down in a community of bats. As she returns home, her husband Mitch Emhoff (Matt Damon), hopelessly watches her agonizing death that quickly spreads to their small son. Though Mitch appears to be immune to the disease, the world is at a standstill awaiting a solution from administrators at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. With the government not telling all, people have turned to the Internet and battle with false information and reporters like Alan Krumwiede (Jude Law), trying to make a name for themselves.

Participant Media, Imagenation Abu Dhabi FZ, Warner Brother Pictures
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Writer: Scott Z. Burns
Producers: Steve Soderberg, Ricky Strauss, Stacey Sher

I viewed 1/12