Spenser Confidential (2020) R - 3½ Stars

While this is not your typical comedy, it does offer up enough sarcasm and wit to keep you entertained. Action packed with a touch of violence, Mark Wahlberg plays an ex-cop that's been in prison for attempting to take a dirty cop down. Once released hell take on the Boston Police dept to confirm his hunch regarding corrupt cops. He vows to make things right and bring down the bad guys.

The day Spenser (Mark Wahlberg) gets out of prison, he's already been warned about what's waiting on the outside for him. He's just done time for assault on a Boston police officer. As it turns out Spenser, also an ex-officer himself, is not liked by a small handful of Boston's finest. His only friend is his ex trainer, Henry (Alan Arkin), who gives him a ride and offers him a place to stay. Along with a another boxer in the house, Hawk (Winston Duke), Spenser vows to not let the cops get away with it again.

NETFLIX
Director: Peter Berg
Producers: Bill Bannerman,Eric Heffron,John Logan Pierson
Writers: Sean O'Keefe, Brian Helgeland

The Platform (2019) TVMA - 3½ Stars

This movie originally titled "El Hoyo", starts out like a train wreck, so very weird and wrong but you just can't look away. I instantly felt a familiarity to a similar style of filming like with the first Saw movie. Your first glimpse into this prison is watching a man wake in a poorly lit room where you can almost smelling the stench. There is no rhythm or reason as to why you are which sets up a psychological journey into your own mind of understanding the visual. "There are three kind of people in here. The ones above, the ones below, and the ones who fall." With not a large budget for special effects, the movie sends a huge message. You're instantly drawn in to feeling screwed as you watch human greed and selfishness at it's primeval finest.

Goreng, (Ivan Massagué) wakes up in a tiny small cement room known as "the pit." A vertical prison with two inmates per floor, and a slab of food is lowered per floor giving inmates a two minute window to grab food to eat. As the platform gets lower, less and less food is available for the starving people below. What will this do to Goreng's mind.

Director: Warner Bros Pictures
Writers: David Desola, Pedro Rivero
Producers: Raquel Perea, Carlos Juárez, David Matamoros, Elena Gozalo, Ángeles Hernández

Red State (2011) R - 3 Stars

Here's a freaky one for you starring John Goodman. A religious group of gay haters congregants three young boys who were looking for sex on the Internet. This grandpa preacher thinks he can save their souls by killing them. For me it was sort of a small glimpse into religious Wacko fanaticism as you watch these believers defend their holy grounds along with their preacher and an arsenal of weapons. The ending is not what I had expected. Not great, but worth a watch if you have Netflix.

Three young teenagers Travis (Michael Angarano), Billy-Ray (Nicholas Braun), and Jarod (Kyle Gallner) make an online date with an older woman (Deborah Aquila) who after some lewd conversation agrees to take on all three boys. The excited boys show up at the woman's trailer and offered beer to drink to set the mood. The beer is tainted knocking all three teens out. When they awaken, the boys are tied up together in the hands of Pastor Abin Cooper (Michael Parks), who accuses the boys of homosexuality since they were willing to have sex together with this woman. Pastor Cooper and his daughter Sara (Melissa Leo), as well as the entire congregation are convinced the boys need to die to rid the Satan within them. Government agent Joseph Keenan (John Goodman), has to treat these religious fanatics have now become terrorists and must be eliminated.

Awards:
2012 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards - Best Supporting Actor Michael Parks
2011 Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival - Best Actor - Michael Parks
2011 Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival - Best Film - Kevin Smith

Harvey Boys, SModcast Pictures

Director: Kevin Smith

Writer: Kevin Smith
Producer: Jonathan Gordon

I viewed 8/15

The Expendables (2010) R - 3 Stars

Gosh, I usually love Lionsgate movies but for having such an all star cast, the movie is not only predictable but cheesy in oh so many ways. Though, if you like a good action movie to increase your testosterone levels, you'll probably love this one. I don't get how this macho Stallone, full of void and void of emotions, lets a woman he just met, get to him. For me, the best part of the movie is the massive gun Hale Caesar uses to blow everything away. Arnold Schwarzenegger even makes a brief cameo appearance.

Barney Ross, (Sylvester Stallone), is loyal to no one except his team of modern day warriors. When Church, (Bruce Willis), offers him an profitable assignment in Vilena, he quickly pulls together his team consisting of Lee Christmas, (Jason Statham), a former SAS who prefers knives to guns, Hale Caesar, (Terry Crews), weapon specialist, Gunner Jensen, (Dolph Lundgren), a precision sniper, Toll Road (Randy Couture), expert on blowing things up and the short guy, Ying Yang, (Jet Li). Their treacherous mission is to overthrow American Vilena dictator General Gaza,(David Zayas). In doing so, they will learn who their real enemies are in James Munroe, (Eric Roberts), former CIA and his body guard Paine, (Steve Austin). As Church and Ross scout out the island, their contact Sandra, (Giselle Itie), a guerrilla fighter, refuses to leave her people behind and is captured instead. Non emotional Ross, can't seem to bare he failed getting Sandra off the island, so he returns with his merry mob determined to save this damsel in distress.

Lionsgate
Director: Sylvester Stallone
Writers: Sylvester Stallone, Dave Callaham
Producers: John Thompson, Kevin King-Templeton, Avi Lerner

I viewed 12/10

Oxy-Morons (2011) NR - 3 Stars

Flipping through the choices on Netflix, this film caught my attention. Though I have heard about the drug known as "Oxy," I didn't realise the drug was so powerful. Writer John Hickey is also the main character Danny who's re-living his real life drama about his dependency on a pain relief opioid known as "Oxycontin." His purpose for the film, is to help others make the decision against abusing this powerful pain killer. This film is based loosely on his prior episodes with this drug and law enforcement. From the movie's official web site, "John Hickey makes his film debut as writer and director of “Oxy-Morons”. Known to local law enforcement as one of the most notorious “Oxy Bandits” in the Boston area, Hickey’s reign came to an end one night when jumped by a rival gang in Quincy MA and thrown off an 80 foot cliff. As his road to recovery and redemption progressed, Hickey produced the “Oxy-Morons” screenplay from his prison cell where he spent three years for a string of pharmacy robberies and the illegal distribution of Oxycontin. Upon release, Hickey went to work for the Federal Government helping law enforcement expose and incarcerate some of the most nefarious Oxycontin dealers in the country. When he was finally given a chance to put his screenplay into production, Hickey dove into the main role, fully committing to reliving his life experiences in an attempt to educate, as well as entertain." http://oxymoronsthemovie.wordpress.com/johnnyhickey/

The film is pretty violent but also for those addicted like John Hickey was, it's probably a pretty realistic portrayal of the dark side of surviving as a junkie. Language is not suitable for teens, though they hear it all in their music. I thought the acting was pretty good and the message very loud. Definitely gives the viewer the cons of addiction to this drug as it's not a glamorous life but this movie is not for everyone.

Danny (Johnny Hickey), and brother Jason (David Burns), have been raised alone by their addicted mother Patty (Patty Ross),after their father was killed years ago by a cop. Along with their best bro Fruit Loops (Brendan Brennan), the three hang out on the streets of Boston and are no strangers to law enforcement constantly being arrested for petty crimes. But the boys get themselves into robbing drug stores for Oxycontin, as this powerful pain killer can bring in more money. Though Jason keeps a clean head about the drug, Danny becomes addicted snorting all of his profit. Det. Greico (Damien Di Paola) and Det. Griffen (Jim Cullity) watch their every move and eventually they are all behind bars. But the story runs deeper when a dirty cop has something to hide about their father's murder.

Complex Films, Synergetic Distribution, Johnny Dangerously Film
Director: Johnny Hickey
Writer: Johnny Hickey
Producers: Damien Di Paola, John Gulielmetti, Brendan Brennan

I watched 10/12

Downloading Nancy (2008) NR - 2 Stars

When I saw the name of this movie, I had to see it since it had to do with computers, and the main character is named Nancy. However, this is one dark bizarre depressing movie. Based loosely on the true story of Nancy Stockwell, who canvased the Internet to find someone to kill her and end her misery. The film really takes some time to get going and seems confusing at the beginning but I wasn't ready for where it was going.
 
The story... The wife is bored at home, been sexually abused as a child and wants to end it in a violent struggle. She meets an abusive man on line and hooks up with him to be pleased, tortured and eventually killed by him. But this sicko man loves the abuse so much himself and turns up at the Nancy's home in hopes of being tortured by her husband. Yes I do have it in my bizarre category.

Nancy Stockwell (Maria Bello), has lived most of her life with depression. From her early childhood abuse, she's learn to take comfort in self-inflicted pain. She lives with her husband Albert (Rufus Sewell), but is not satisfied in their marriage. While Albert is at work, Nancy leaves him a note saying she is going away to visit an old friend. She never calls her husband and when she doesn't return in a timely manner, Albert learns she's been using the computer to meet men like Louis Farley (Jason Patric). It seems Nancy's has been trying to recruit men on-line to kill her as she's can't take her life on her own. When she meets Louis, their attraction is strong and Albert's discovers this is who Nancy is with to plan her murder.

Tule River Films, World Premiere Entertainment

Director: Johan Renck

Writers: Pamela Cuming, Lee Ross
Producers: Igor Kovacevich, David Moore, Cole Payne

I viewed 4/11

Rampart (2011) R - 1½ Stars

I gotta say this movie is pretty bad and very boring and after watching it I couldn't care a less for the main character or not. Woody what were you thinking by taking this gig? It's not his acting that ruins the film while playing a dirty cop with a bad attitude. It's the horrible cinematography, the horrible musical score, and even Harrelson's dramatic performance isn't enough to save the day. The movie feels completely pointless and the ending doesn't explain any better. There is not one person in the entire movie that I cared two cents about. Here's the story...

A cop has two daughters and he'll do anything to protect them and his image in their eyes. The children are from different mothers who are sisters, therefore they are first cousins/step sisters. They all live together under one roof and Harrelson sleeps with both sisters as well as any other female he chooses. The oldest disrespects her father calling him "date rape" for short. This cop has everyone watching him because of his irratic behavior on duty and if they can pin their division scandal on him, there free and clear in the public eyes. But he continues to clear the streets of public scum, gaining no respect in his children's eyes. Hey wait, maybe that's the story! We're supposed to hate this overworked, under loved and unappreciated, dirty cop that is tarnishing the reputation of the L.A.P.D. Are there cops like this in the system? We'd like to think not but there are those who think that putting on the badge gives them the right to harass and take down bad guys by any means. I guess this movie is trying to show one in particular that worked at Rampart Division. I walked away with nothing from this movie except a quick review for my blog.

Dave Brown (Woody Harrelson), is being watched by his Rampart Division of the L.A.P.D.. He has allegedly killed a serial date rape which in his eyes is part of doing his job. Internal affairs Joan Confrey (Sigourney Weaver), goes after Brown while Kyle Timkins (Ice Cube), investigates him after video shows Brown brutally injuring a black unarmed civilian. Brown's cash flow begins to run low so he dips his hand in the bad guys cookie jar once last time. You decide the ending.

Lightstream Pictures, Waypoint Entertainment, Amalgam Features, The Third Mind Pictures
Director: Oren Moverman
Writers: James Ellroy, Oren Moverman
Producers: Clark Peterson, Ben Foster, Ken Kao

I viewed 8/12

Kidulthood (2006) R - 3 Stars

Taking place in London, the strong British accents might throw your sense of comprehension for a loop, but stick with it and you'll find you don't really need to hear correctly. Even though I had a real hard time understanding the dialog, btw there are no subtitles, for some reason it didn't bother me. In this case, actions speak louder than words. One should realize right away this movie is about all different forms of bullying. From the young girl who commits suicide, to those who'd rather look away than make a difference, to the prejudice of quilt by association and even teen pregnancy. The film offers a hard look about a variety of behavioral problems of 15 year olds growing up in the hood of west London. Though, not a family film I think it's worth a watch on Netflix. It's not my idea of a quality musical score, however it mimics the on screen chaos well. The acting is surprisingly good.

Trife (Aml Ameen), used to hook up with Alisa (Red Madrell), but now he's turned off after Sam's (Noel Clarke), told him he's been with his girl. That is, right after Sam has just kicked Trife and his good buddies Jay (Adam Deacon), and Moony (Femi Oyeniran), asses. Alisa has just found out she is pregnant and now Trife rejects her, thinking he's not the dad. Meanwhile entire school has been given the day off in out of respect for the memory of one of it's students, a young girl named Becky (Jaime Winstone). Becky has been tortured by other girls and boys at the school and has hung herself when she can no longer endure the constant bullying, mainly by Sam (Noel Clarke). Just about everyone is afraid to confront Sam or the mean girls. These next 24 hours, with the kids turned loose on to the streets of west London, will put them at risk to the same society that has shaped them.

TMC Films, Cipher Films, Stealth Films
Director: Menhaj Huda
Writer: Noel Clarke
Producers: Menhaj Huda, George Isaac, Damian Jones

I viewed 8/12

White Lightnin (2009) NR - 3 Stars

Perfect movie to watch after the documentary of "The Wild and Wonderful Whites." In black and white, this film focuses on Jesco White. After you listen to the family members in the above mentioned documentary, you get a good perspective into Jesco White's background.  I love the accompanying musical score for the movie. Hearing the voices that takes over Jesco's mind give a good impression of what one might be thinking having voices take over their mind. I thinking filming it in black and white adds to the gloom.

Living in Boon county West Virginia, the Whites have the notorious reputation for bringing out their worst in front of people. Growing up in the back woods of the West Virginia, papa D R White lays claim to a family of trouble. It wasn't his intention but growing up uneducated, he had feet did most of his talking. Famous for his back country shuffling tapping shoes, D R just wanted to make people happy by entertaining them. His young son Jesco found every opportunity for trouble, sniffing gas and paint for grins. Jesco was in and out of institution at his young age but the damage was already starting to take hold of his brain. When his father was killed by two local drunks for fun, Jesco pledges to avenge his father's death. But not before taking his father's tap dance routine on the road.

Film and Music Entertainment, Mainframe Productions, Filmfreak Distributie, Vice Films
Director: Dominic Murphy
Writers: Eddy Moretti, Shane Smith

I viewed 4/12

Kalifornia (1993) R - 3½ Stars

I love, love, love any movie Juliette Lewis is involved in, She is a great actor and her roles usually get under my skin. A very different side of Brad Pitt and he's fantastic playing a psychotic Early, Adele's deranged boyfriend. He really compliments her well. Laughlin and Kessler are also great as the somewhat naive but trendy couple on a road trip. The movie gives me the creeps and for that alone I think it's well worth the ride. On the violent side, not for all audiences.

Carrie Laughlin (Michelle Forbes) and Brian Kessler (David Duchovny) are boyfriend and girlfriend looking for a new adventure. Carrie is a freelance photographer and Brian is a writer and the two decide to take a trip, touring sights where famous murders have taken place in order to document them. Their journey takes them cross country but with the prices of gas, they offer a ride to a couple to share the expenses with them.

Enter Early Grayce (Brad Pitt) and Adele Corners (Juliette Lewis). Early is an ex con who is on the run for just murdering his landlord. Adele is a ditz and copy's the glamour look and behavior of Carrie to the point of obsession. Carrie and Brian soon realize their next chapter could be about themselves as they share this ride through hell.

Gramercy Pictures
Director: Dominic Sena
Writers: Tim Metcalfe, Stephen Levy
Producers: Gregory Goodman, Steve Golin, Sigurjon Sighvatsson

I viewed 4/07 and 11/11

Death Race 2 (2010) Unrated - 2½ Stars

Now you really have to use your imagination here. Island housing prisoners, okay, I'll buy that. Fights and unrest breaking out at the prison, okay, I'll even buy that. All these pretty woman locked up for life taking part in the Death Matches and Death Races, NOT! Pretty game show host calling all the shots in the prison, getting really hard to buy and if anywhere in the U.S. allows prisoners to kill each other well just think of the housing costs America could save. Since this is supposedly happening in present day, well enough said. It's not my type of movie however having said that, the acting is fairly good from a few of the men. If you love action, weapons and wrecking cars, then you're going to love Death Race. Be forewarned, it looks like Death Race 3 is in store.

It's 2012 and private corporations now own and manage the prison systems. Terminal Island houses some of the most violent criminals in the world and the Weyland Corporation, now hosts a show called Death Match, a televised pay per view competition, with it's unscrupulous producer September Jones (Lauren Cohan), from the island. Death Match does just what it says. It films the battle of two of the strongest inmates who fight to the death. Rating levels have been dropping off and Summer is looking for something new to put her ratings back on top.

Carl "Luke" Lucas (Luke Goss), is the getaway driver for a robbery requested by crime boss Markus Kane (Sean Bean). Luke is working with two new guys who botch up the robbery and Luke ends up killing one of the cops in order for the men to escape. He drops off the two rookies in the midst of being chased and eventually is caught and sent to Terminal Island as a convicted cop killer. Summer has seen how well Luke drove to evade the police and decides to start "Death Race" to get her ratings back on top. In this case, inmates will compete in death races till only one remains and that one is given his freedom back into normal society. She is eager to get Luke to race right away. Luke's pit crew consists of Lists (Frederick Koehler), Goldberg (Danny Trejo), and Rocco (Joe Vaz). Luke is paired up with Katrina Banks (Tanit Phoenix), a woman on death row and now it's a fight to the finish. The two battle to stay alive and possible win their freedom.

Impact Pictures, Capital Arts Entertainment
Directors: Roel René, Roel Reiné
Writer: Tony Giglio
Producers: Paul W.S. Anderson, Mike Elliott, Jeremy Bolt

I viewed 1/11

Unthinkable (2010) R - 4 Stars

Wow, Samuel L. Jackson gives an over the top performance as an interrogator gone mad in this war thriller. A Muslim extremist has placed three nuclear bombs in unknown U.S. cities and it's Jackson's job to make him talk. Warning, some of you are not going to like his methods but don't think that didn't happen in the days following our invasion of Iraq.

Yusuf, formally named Younger, (Michael Sheen), is a Muslim extremist who states he's planted three nuclear bombs in major cities across the United States that are set to go off if his demands are not met. FBI's Special Agent Helen Brody (Carrie-Anne Moss) is sent to work with "H" (Samuel L. Jackson), a special interrogator, to get the information of the bombs locations. When traditional methods don't work, "H" is authorized to go to work on Yosuf. He takes out a small hatchet, chopping off one of Yusuf's fingers to show he means business thus horrifying Agent Brody. Yusuf has been trained to resist torture while maintaining his silence so "H" thinks Yusuf may be faking his claim. Yusuf agrees and gives an address that sends them on a wild goose chase only to find a bomb exploding in a nearby mall, killing over 50 people. This angers "H" to increasing the strength of his interrogation as Yusuf demands the withdrawal of American troops from the Middle East. The United States doesn't negotiate with terrorists so "H" must now do the unthinkable in order to achieve the needed locations of the bombs.

Senator Entertainment
Director: Gregor Jordan
Writer: Peter Woodward
Producers: Marco Weber, Caldecot "Cotty" Chubb, Vanessa Coifman

I viewed 10/10

Hunger (2008) NR - 2 Stars

WTF! Directed by Steve McQueen -huh? Obviously not THE Steve McQueen just done in 2008. The only thing I can say good about this movie is the incredible performance by Michael Fassbender. How in the hell could his body be put through this performance, unless of course it's special effects? I knew it was based upon the true story of one of the leaders of the Irish Republic Army, Bobby Sands (Michael Fassbender), and his strong belief in the IRA to stage a hunger strike that many other incarcerated men followed suit on. I can only imagine it looked as hideous as shown in this movie.

It's hard to understand Fassbender with his heavy accent and I turned subtitles on with his talk between the priest (Liam Cunningham), in order to understand what was being said. I didn't care for this movie as it is extremely slow and wastes film on scenes of no importance, like smoking in the snow and folding tiny foil packages. With no character development what so ever, the movie assumes you know a lot about the IRA movement and it doesn't explain anything about Bobby's life and how he got there. And who the hell is the guy who gets aced while visiting his mother? Was he the warden - a cop - prison guard? To me, the movie is just made up of shock value with good acting, a horrible story and no enlightenment.

Two other members Gerry Campbell (Liam McMahon), and Davey Gillen (Brian Milligan), share a cell together and along with other IRA members, they endure continual beatings in protest of wearing the prison attire. The want to be recognized as political prisoners and allowed to wear their own clothing. When that gets them no further than beat, Bobby decides to stage a final hunger strike to have their voices heard long after the men are dead.

Film4, Blast Films, IFC Films
Director: Steve McQueen
Writers: Enda Walsh, Steve McQueen
Producers: Laura Hastings-Smith, Robin Gutch

I viewed 1/11

The Stoning of Soraya M. (2008) R - 5 Stars

This movie disgusted me and made me very angry. Long before 9/11, I was actively involved in spreading information regarding conditions the woman of Afghanistan endure with their suppressed conditions. Not able to be seen in public without another family member present, not able to get a decent education, treated like worthless commodities to the superior male population and face stoning if they disobey. I was really naive to the fact it's still happening in other countries around the world. This Iranian story is sub titled but don't let that stop you as it's a must see. The incredible true story of Soraya M., wife, mother of 4, niece, friend and neighbor, who was ruthlessly stoned to death for adultery based upon a lie her husband started to get rid of her. In a country where women will always be considered guilty while men are always presumed innocent, women have very few resources to defend and protect themselves.

The story...

Soraya M (Mozhan Marnò), is an Iranian woman with 4 young children, 2 boys and 2 girls. She is married to Ali (Navid Negahban), who acknowledges his sons but ignores his daughters. Soraya has withheld sex from her husband, and bares many bruises across her body to his lawful right to take from her. Now, Ali is no longer interested in her since a young 14 year old has caught his eye. He wants to marry this new girl soon with the blessings and assets of her wealthy and powerful father.

Ali refuses to pay wages to Soraya and she will not give him a divorce without it. A neighbor, Hashem (Parviz Sayyad), has just lost his wife and can not manage taking care of his young autistic son on his own. The village council suggest Soraya take a job with Hashem in exchange for wages to help feed and shelter her daughters. Soraya's outspoken aunt Zahra (Shohreh Aghdashloo), does what she can to comfort Soraya and help her keep her head held high. She begins to smile again as she feels useful as a caretaker. But Ali's assets will not allow him to return Soraya's dowry as custom dictates in a divorce, so instead he plans another way to get out of the marriage. He has dirt on Mullah (Ali Pourtash), and threatens to expose him if he does not follow through on Ali's accusations of infidelity. Ali also threatens Hashem to go along with his story or his son will end up in as an orphan in a mental institution. When Ebrahim (David Diaan), the mayor is told, he holds a fast tribunal to determine Soraya's guilt. It is determined she must be put to death by public stoning, in one hour, for the disgrace she has brought to the village. She is buried waist deep with her hands tied behind her back. Even the male children are allowed to witness and participate with Ali throwing the first stone which brings blood as her sons follow suit. Soraya's body is not allowed to be buried and the women take it next to the river to rest. The very next morning, Freidoune Sahebjam (James Caviezel), a journalist is diving by when his car breaks down. He must spend the day in this small village while his car is repaired. Zahra bravely contacts him in order to get her message out for the world to hear.

I want to pick up a boulder and smash it into Ali's skull so I guess that means Navid Negahban did an excellent job at convincing me he's a monster. Shohreh Aghdashloo, Zahra, is fantastic in telling the story. Unbelievable performances, see this fantastic movie, not for the squeamish, as it is a very realistic violent portrayal of a woman wrongly accused and stoned to death. This is the 21st century and it looks like we're back in the uncivilized stone age, no pun intended. Get as outraged as I did and do something about it. Please visit the web site http://www.thestoning.com/flash.php#/involved/ and do your part. I wouldn't last 5 seconds in a country like this. A movie you will never be able to erase from your mind.

Roadside Attractions, Mpower Pictures, Lionsgate
Director: Cyrus Nowrasteh
Writers: Cyrus Nowrasteh, Betsy Giffen Nowrasteh
Producers: Stephen McEveety, John Shepherd

I viewed 1/11

Machete (2010) R - 4 Stars

OMG - WTF! How the heck do I describe this Tarrintino feeling wild ride. At first, I thought I'd rented a movie I was going to hate. There's more violence before the opening credits then I've ever seen before. But the more I watched, the more it grew on me with it's comedic edge on the politics of immigration. In a sick sort of way, it's refreshing to see a comedy, violent, action, drama, ORIGINAL film, which is also why I gave it an extra 1/2 star. A wee bit more character development in Machete might have given me a warmer fuzzy feel but I have to say for a somewhat serious farce, it was pretty funny, especially towards the end. With an all star cast, Michael Rodriguez is perfect, Cheech is Cheech and fits right into the padre, DeNiro hilarious racist senator, a naked Lindsay Lohan playing herself, Jessica Alba immigration agent with a mean right hook and a heart and Luz, the best looking taco girl around.

If you can handle watching a sharp machete and lots of blood, you will enjoy this film. It's certainly not going to be for anyone who's anti violence. But I've gotta say, I've never seen anyone pull a cell phone from her privates, swing through windows by intestines or laughed at blood squirting. DEFINITELY not for children or anyone easily offended.

Machete (Danny Trejo), used to be a Mexican Federale until he was set up while trying to save a girl while on the job. Remarkly, three years later he's on the street looking for a job. In Texas, he meets Luz "She" (Michelle Rodriguez), a taco vendor who befriends the illegals on the street. Her goal is to create a network to help these people find jobs.

Senator McLaughlin (Robert De Niro), is running for election of the state with his promise to bring an electrical fence to the borders keeping all illegals out. With no cheap day laborers, Americans will be forced to pay more for U.S. products thus making larger profits. The Senator's been seen with a rifle and a group of vigilantes, run by Lt. Von Stillman (Don Johnson), who drive around welcoming illegals crossing the border with a shinny new bullet. McLaughlin needs more public support to win so, sleazy drug lord Torrez (Steven Seagal), and mobster Booth (Jeff Fahey), concoct a plan to attempt the Senator's assassination by a Mexican. Machete is hired for $150,000 US. and he immediately gives the money to Luz to help her support her network. Then he's off to take out McLaughlin. But he's been framed to be the fall guy while another shooter wounds him and the Senator. Aha! The perfect plan right? The Senator is the hero and a Mexican is to blame therefore enforcing the Senators' border plan. But you can't keep a good Machete user down and along with the help of an armed holy man and brother, Padre (Cheech Marin), a caring Mexican immigration agent, Sartana (Jessica Alba), and Machete's new network behind him, they ride into battle in the finest low riders.

Overnight Productions, Hyde Park Entertainment, 20th Century Fox
Directors: Robert Rodriguez, Ethan Maniquis
Writers: Álvaro Rodriguez, Ethan Maniquis, Robert Rodriguez
Producers: Rick Schwartz, Aaron Kaufman, Elizabeth Avellan

I viewed 1/11

Legend of the Guardians: The Owls Of Ga'Hoole (2010) PG13 - 3½ Stars

Beautifully created animation of some of my favorite creatures, the owls. The animation in the owls faces and feathers are really great and so real looking. In some cases it looks like the faces match the voices that bring them to life. However, I am not sure this movie is for small children but more for a mature audience. The conversations between owls, is a little too complex for small minds and it actually is pretty violent in the fighting scenes. Not having children it's hard for me to critique what your choice should be, but I think the animation can still allow them to enjoy the movie. Also, I was unable to see it in 3D and it looks like it has some neat special "in your face" effects. All in all, a cute little movie, beautifully done, about good winning out over evil, faith and family rivalries.

Two young brother owls Soren, (Jim Sturgess), and Kludd, (Ryan Kwanten), are just learning to "branch," flapping their wings to practice flying. Mom and Dad tell them of stories about the Guardians of Ga'Hoole to help them fall asleep. Soren always stares in awe over the stories and dreams about becoming just like them. After their parents have gone to find food, Soran and Kludd who should be in bed, keep practicing. But they haven't yet mastered the art of flying and find themselves on the ground below, leaving their young sister Eglantine, (Adrienne DeFaria), alone in the nest. This is one place an inexperienced owl does not want to find himself as many dangers lurk in the dark on the forest floor. From out of the dark flies a pack of the dreaded Pure Ones who snatch Soren and Kludd up taking them far away to St. Aggie's, St. Aegolius Academy for Orphaned Owls, where owlets are moon struck, brainwashed and trained to comply. The Pure Ones are trying to eliminate all owls of the forest and use them as Soldiers or Slaves. The Soldiers will be trained to defend the army of the Pure Ones while the Slaves will pick through regurgitated pellets to find sparks to add to the giant energy field that defends them. Soren and Kludd get separated as Kludd decides he wants to join with the enemy and denounces his brother sending Soren to the depths of the pellet pile. Soren and his new friend Gylfie, (Emily Barclay), escape with the help of one old owl Noctus-Grimble, (Hugo Weaving), who's hoping someone can finally get away. They head towards the sea in search of the guardians of Ga'Hoole to warn them what evil Metal Beak, (Joel Edgerton) and Nyra, (Helen Mirren), are doing with young captured owlets. While stopping to rest, Soren and Gylfie meet Digger, (David Wenham), and Twilight, (Anthony LaPaglia), who have just settled down to enjoy a meal of Soren's good friend and snake, Mrs. Plithiver, (Miriam Margolyes). Soren convinces Twilight not to eat Miss Plithiver and instead join them on their quest to find the guardians.

Arriving at the tree of Ga'Hoole they meet Ezylryb, (Geoffrey Rush), the old wise guardian who sees something special in Soren. He trains Soren for a great mission to rescue and save the kidnapped owlets and stop the Pure Ones from their wrong doings. Soren finds the strength to become as great as the guardians he looked up to.

De Line Pictures, Village Roadshow, Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution
Director: Zack Snyder
Writers: Emil Stern, John Orloff, John Collee
Producer: Zareh Nalbandian

I viewed 12/10

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (2009) R - 4 Stars

The worker at Blockbuster suggested I watch this movie. I'm told there will be three in the series starting with this one. Based on the trilogy of novels by the late Stieg Larsson. It has a ton of alias names, Maend der hader kvinder , Man Som Hatar Kvinnor, Men Who Hate Women, Menn som hater kvinner, Miehet jotka vihaavat naisia and Millenium.

Even with subtitles, it's easy to stay focused on the action without loosing the story, however you can watch the dubbed English version for easier viewing. Possibly one of the best foreign movies I've seen. I went in with an open mind and uncovered a very dark powerful movie that certainly won't be for everyone. I've not heard of Noomi Rapace before and she gives one hell of a performance as Lisbeth, a young troubled girl eager to get revenge with the men who formed her life. She's the ultimate computer hacker and with Nyqvist, they work on a 40 year old unsolved murder case. Definitely not a family flick as it can be brutally violent at times but also necessary to see inside the mindset of Lisbeth. Acting is powerful from entire cast and will leave a lasting impression in your mind. Full of surprises, twists and turns that keep you guessing. Not sure how close it is to the book having not read any of the trilogy. One note: there is a scene at the beginning with Lisbeth getting out of a woman's bed and there is no tattoo on her back. Then at the end when she rises, she has the tattoo. Glitch or purposeful info I missed - that confused me a little but I'm looking forward to the next two parts. I only hope they are half as good as this one which should take many foreign film awards.

Journalist Mikael Blomkvist, (Michael Nyqvist), works for magazine Millennium. He and the magazine loose a libel case against Swedish tycoon Hans-Erik Wennerström, forcing  a large sum of money to be paid and Mikael getting sentenced to 6 months in jail. Before he does his time, he's hired by wealthy Vanger family member, Henrik Vanger, (Sven-Bertil Taube), to find clues in the disappearance of his niece, Harriet Vanger, (Ewa Fröling). As he's nearing his own death, Henrik is eager to learn what happened to her before he dies and horrified by the thought a family member is responsible cutting her from his inheritance. The Vanger family owns and inhabits a private island and live their in separate homes. Henrik believes that Harriet was murdered on this island at a gathering over 40 years ago when Harriet was just 16. The bridge that encloses the island to the mainland was closed that day allowing no access in or out so someone in the family must be involved. Harriet's body was never found, and with little to go on, Mikael decides to take the case before he has to do his time in prison.

Lisbeth Salander, (Noomi Rapace), is a talented computer hacker. She spends her time in cyberspace studying rape cases, trying to find overlooked clues. She hacks into Mikael's computer to offer him a clue on the Vanger case. The two become cohorts as they dig deeper into the past, seemingly a bit too close to stepping on toes of other Vanger members. The more clues they uncover, the more their lives seem in danger as the Vanger's will stop at nothing to keep their skeletons tightly locked away in their closets.

Awards include:

2010 Guldbagge Awards - Best Actress & Best Film
2010 Monte-Carlo TV Festival - Outstanding Actress in a Mini-Series
2010 Palm Springs International Film Festival - Best Narrative Feature

Momentum Pictures, Yellow Bird Productions
Director: Niels Arden Oplev
Writers: Nicolaj Arcel, Rasmus Heisterberg
Producer: Soren Staermose

I viewed 10/10

Black Rain (1989) R - 3½ Stars

Here's an underrated, sleeper movie I don't remember hearing anything about. Also known as "Pioggia Sporca," Douglas is at his finest in "Black Rain." Great little action / drama of a cop determined to get his man. Though it's hard to believe that one detective would be so committed, you don't pay attention to that but more with the honor Douglas wins back, taught to him by a simple Japanese assistant detective. Not your typical cop movie, the acting is superb with great character development and excellent cinematography. It's most definite worth the cost of a rental and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

New York vice cop Nick Conklin, (Michael Douglas), is under investigation for skimming money off the top of a recent drug bust. With an ex wife to pay and a child to feed, investigators are pretty sure they have their man. His partner Charlie Vincent, (Andy Garcia), trusts Nick is not involved in any wrong doings. While consoling Nick at the bar, members of a Japanese mafia enter the restaurant killing two men after the exchange of a small box. Nick chases the bad guys down and captures Sato, (Yusaku Matsuda); a major player in Yakuza mafia gang. Problem is Nick can't put this thug in jail as the Japanese government is holding the cards of extradition and all Nike can do is to be in charge of flying him home to Japan.

Upon landing in Japan, Charlie and Nick are tricked into surrendering their prisoner to the wrong people. Nick is dedicated into recapturing Sato and will stop at nothing, bending the laws and rules of Japan to do so. The Japanese police are unwilling to receive Nick and Charlie's help, remove them of their weapons and assistant detective Masahiro Matsumoto, (Ken Takakura), is assigned to watch over them. In a world of no one to trust, Joyce Kingsley, (Kate Capshaw), offers Nick important yet beautiful assistance.

Paramount Pictures
Director: Ridley Scott
Writers: Craig Bolotin, Warren Lewis
Producer: Michael Douglas

I viewed 12/10

Life Is Hot in Cracktown (2009) R - 2½ Stars

The ending of this movie reminded me a bit of the movie "Crash," but on crack. It's a brutal epic of surviving life in the hood. I have to say the acting was pretty intense for the little known cast, which gave the story a bit more believability. Troubled families who don't have the means to get out,  must survive in their darker side of reality. From a mother pimping her daughter, the little punk, macho, packing, hoodlums, trying to get even for the anger their young lives have experienced already, to daily struggles with drugs and personal sexuality. I almost gave it 3 stars.

Here is the story of four troubled families heading for collisions in their lives. Pre-op transsexual Marybeth, (Kerry Washington), works as a prostitute to save enough money for her final surgery. Her line in boyfriend Benny, (Desmond Harrington), pulls small time burglaries to help pay for their expensive crack habit. Manny, (Victor Rasuk), works security in a run down apartment complex where Willy, (Ridge Canipe), a ten year old boy, lives with his sister Susie, mother (Illeana Douglas) and her short tempered boyfriend.  With a mother strung out, Willy begs for money on the streets to insure he and his little sister are taken care of.  At night, Manny work at a 24 hour convenience store where all the freaks solicit. After almost getting shot one night, Manny now keeps a gun in the store for protection. His wife, Concetta, (Shannyn Sossamon), stays home and tends to their small infant boy who seems to always cry tugging on their last nerves.  Romeo, (Evan Ross), is a young thug terrorizing anyone in his path as he searches for his younger brothers' killer. Gabriella, (Hope Olaide Wilson), is still in the closet but about to make her debut to her mother. But in an instant, all their lives will be tragically changed as that's just how it is in Cracktown.

Lightning Media, Magic Film & Video Works, Streetwise Films
Director: Buddy Giovinazzo
Writer: Buddy Giovinazzo
Producers: Larry Rattner, William Fisch

I viewed 12/10

A Killer Within (2004) R - 2 Stars

With horrible acting right from the start, it was not hard for me to leave the room a few times without pausing the action, if you can call it that. It's not the worst movie I've ever seen and the storyline finally does come into play, but getting there was a ride I almost got off before it started. But it actually does have a plot and has an ending I was not exactly expecting.

Dallas attorney Addison Terrill, (C. Thomas Howell), works long hard hours to have a luxurious home and a trophy wife he adores. However Becky, (Sean Young), is bored with motherhood, drinks too much, acts like a spoiled brat and really doesn't like their child too much. When Addison has to work late one night, he arrives home to find his wife has been brutally murdered. With his son in the hospital as the only eye witness, Addison becomes the prime suspect. With time running out against clearing his name, he must request the help of best friends Sam, (Ben Browder), and wife Sarah, (DeDee Pfeiffer).

Fireside Entertainment, FilmCor Pictures, LLC
Director: Brad Keller
Producers: Joey Stewart, Anthony Bologna
Writers: Chris Peirson, William Peirson

I viewed 12/10