Boot Camp (2008) R - 2½ Stars

Aka Straight Edge, this movie tells a decent tale of romance while revealing the story of terror at some teenage boot camps. Based on a true story, this tough love camp goes way overboard when it comes to teen rehabilitation. Though I jokingly say I know a few "at-risk" teens who could benefit from a trip to this island, places like this really exist and troubled teens are sent to these environments every year. Mostly from rich parents who don't care or can't be bothered and involved in their child's life. If and when they do eventually return, most are worse off then when they left. Mila Kunis does a good job in her role as Sophia making you feel her contempt and pain. The story is about a teen boy who sacrifices his own well being to be sent away to rehabilitation camp in order to find his girlfriend, who's already a member. At this camp, the punishments can be as rough as doing jail time. These young inmates have less rights than prisoners on death row.

When drug addicted Sophia (Mila Kunis), gets sent away by her parents to rehabilitation camp on a tiny island in Fiji, she has no idea what's in store for. Camp Serenity, run by Dr. Arthur Hail (Peter Stormare), runs his island more like a penitentiary than a rehab and young teens are treated as if they were in jail. Dr. Hail's prison like setting operates by a strict set of rules filed with brainwashing and ultimately breaking down these teens spirits.
Sophia's straight laced boyfriend Ben (Gregory Smith), finds a way to get himself into trouble sending him straight to the island. His goal is to find his girlfriend and get her out of there. They both soon learn that Logan (Tygh Runyan), enforces the laws Dr. Hail sets forth and Ben and Sophia though determined to escape realize they are surrounded by water.

Metro Goldyn Mayor, Nomadic Pictures, Edgey Productions
Director: Christian Duguay
Writers: John Cox, Agatha Dominik
Producers: Christian Duguay, Michael Frislev, Chad Oakes

I viewed 1/12

25th Hour (2002) R - 2½ Stars

Edward Norton is pretty good in this movie that really takes a long time to get going. A few different scenarios happen right away but you'll be damn if you know what they mean. Even after you do know what's going on, it makes no sense. I mean truly if the FBI comes into your house and finds kilos of drugs in your couch, bottom line is you're going to jail immediately. I don't think the movie explains well why he gets another 25 hours of freedom before they send him to jail. It's a decent film about relationships and since Spike Lee directed it, he manages to get in a few racial messages of his contempt.

Montgomery "Monty" Brogan (Edward Norton), Jakob Elinsky (Philip Seymour Hoffman), and Francis Xavier Slaughtery (Barry Pepper), have all been best friends for ever. After school, Jakob went off to become a well respected high school teacher and Frank headed off to Wall Street. Monty makes plenty of money too but his craft took him in a different direction as he makes his living selling drugs. His life is thrown out of balance when the FBI barges into his house and discovers a large about of drugs. Now, he has just 25 hours to enjoy this last day of freedom before going away on a seven year jail sentence. In an effort for redemption, he tries to make amends with his father James (Brian Cox), who put his Queens bar up against Monty's bond. He then goes out for a night on the town with his best friends where they drink to happier times. As he thinks about where he went wrong he suspects his girlfriend Kostya Novotny (Tony Siragusa), might be the one who turned him in. He comes up with a plan that brings a shocking ending to this tragic story.

40 Acres and A Mule Filmworks, Industry Entertainment, Gamut Films
Director: Spike Lee
Writer: David Benioff
Producers: Edward Norton, Jon Kilik, Tobey Maguire

I viewed 5/11

Sensation (2010) NR - 3 Stars

Here's a quirky little Irish film of a shy sexually frustrated boy turning becoming an online pimp. Gleeson plays the perfect sexually disturbed farm boy that you don't really know if you should trust completely as he looks as if he could snap. Gordon also is good with her subtle charm that never lets you in on if she's scheming Donal or somewhat cares about him. A nice little drama with a touch of comedy thrown in, full of unfamiliar characters.

A lonely farm boy has a new fixed sensation on a call girl he meets via the Internet. His father has recently died leaving him a nice inheritance consisting of a farm, sheep and everything on it. He decides to give it all up to be with an online whore. When she suggests setting up her own call girl service, he gladly fronts the money to do anything to be near to her. But business is too good and the neighbors catch on eventually bringing the cops to their door.
Donal (Domhnall Gleeson), is a 26 year old young man living on a farm with his father. His life consists of cleaning poop, hauling food and attending to a large herd of sheep. Life is dull and boring for Donal still he's very passionate about satisfying the urge between his legs, considering sheep for his partners. While in the field satisfying in needs, his father is left unattended and dies waiting in chair on the stair lift. His best friend Karl (Patrick Ryan), tells him his fathers death might just be the best thing to ever happen to him. Now Donal is free to do whatever he pleases and gains a nice chunk of change to boot.

He immediately uses his free time and the Internet to turn up a beautiful call girl named Kim (Luanne Gordon), "Courtney," as shes known on line. He fantasizes about her until he gains the courage to book her for an appointment. Then he's conveniently available when she needs help. These two lonely people discover an odd partnership when Courtney dreams up running her own escort business and Donal has the money needed to back her. Their relationship is awkward and jealously erupts as Donal is not having his sexual needs met, eventually pitting the two against each other in a court of law.

Irish Film Board, Blinder Films, River Park Film
Director: Tom Hall
Writer: Tom Hall
Producers: Cathleen Dore, Katie Holly, Herman Slagter, Kieron J. Walsh

I viewed 8/12

127 Hours (2010) - 3½ Stars

Can you imagine spending 127 hours trapped deep in a hole and no one knows where you are? This is the real life story of an adventuring risk taker named Aron Ralston who takes off on a hiking trip in Moab, Utah without telling anyone where he was going. While hiking, he slips, falling deep into a slot canyon where his forearm becomes trapped by a large boulder that falls in after him. With a limited water supplies and facing certain death, his desperate situation forces a choice between losing his arm and/or losing his life. Equipped only with an extremely dull pocket knife, Aron must do the unthinkable in order to escape this quite dark tomb.

I can't even imagine being in this predicament but then again, I would never go hiking like this on my own. Luckily, James Franco does a great acting job being he is really the only star of the movie. Most of the action is spent in a small crevasse focusing on the emotions of what one might mentally go through, faced in this predicament. At the end of the movie, they show the real Aron Ralston and from his appearance alone, he didn't strike me as the same arrogant mountain man as the movie portrays.

Aron Ralston (James Franco), is an experienced avid hiker. No rock formation is out of reach to explore. He sets out on a journey to rock climb in Moab, Utah. After parking his car, Aron jumps on his bike and rides it as far as he can until he has to hike the rest of the way. Along his trail he runs into Megan (Amber Tamblyn), and Kristi (Kate Mara), two lost travelers who he arrogantly lures them into a crevasse that empties them into a large underground pool. After swimming, he puts them on the correct path to where they are headed. The girls are extremely grateful and invite Aron to their party later in the evening. But as Aron confidently skips off, he steps on unsettled ground, sending him down a deep cavern where his arm becomes stuck under a large unmovable boulder. When his food and water supply ends, he does the unthinkable to see the sun shine one more day.

Awards Include:
2010 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Male Lead
2010 - Utah Film Critics - Best Picture
2010 - AFI Film Award - AFI Movie of the Year
2011 - Nominated Academy Awards - Best Achievement in Film Editing
2011 - Nominated Academy Awards - Best Motion Picture of the Year



Pathé, Everest Entertainment, Cloud Eight Films, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
Director: Danny Boyle
Writers: Danny Boyle, Simon Beaufoy
Producers: Danny Boyle, Christian Colson, John Smithson

I viewed 4/11

After Innocence (2004) NR - 3½ Stars

This documentary will make you think twice about our criminal justice system and how seriously flawed it is. Jessica Sanders does a great job interviewing at least 10 men who have been wrongly convicted and released. I was surprised that most of these men were not more bitter. On some cases, everything they had, good jobs, nice home and family life, has been destroyed with no more than a "whoops sorry about that!" Even the police themselves can fall pray. One of the men interviewed was a police officer who spent way many years behind bars where even his badge couldn't save him.

I can't even imagine what it would be liked to be yanked off the streets, handcuffed, taken away and accused of a crime you didn't do, spending 20 plus years in jail. Being accused of murder or rape, many of these men have received life sentences and they are totally innocent. This makes me have mixed emotions about my hard stand on the death penalty. On one hand, I believe when one takes another's life in a crime of passion, the good old rule of an eye for an eye should take place. This can save tax payers lots of money keeping someone alive in a jail where they get better health care and services than a lot of our upstanding, yet poor, citizens. Then, on the other hand, what if innocent men or women are executed or sent away for life sentences when they've done nothing wrong. This is the basis of this documentary which profiles 10 men who have been wrongly accused.

Even after DNA has cleared these men of all charges, some were still not promptly released till years later. And what about the cases that are so old, DNA evidence was not taken at the time or was destroyed or become lost in the haystack of chaotic order. To me, it's very surprising that these men still have their dignity even now as they're still considered criminals with records that have not been cleared. Somehow these men have kept their pride. They can never get back the time they've lost, they're not given any monetary compensation, no emotional therapy and not even the basic job training needed to fit back into society. Some families have bankrupted their retirements funds and placed mortgages on their homes, fighting for the justice of their loved one. Shouldn't someone be responsible and do more for these men?

The documentary also talks with "eye witnesses" who wrongly pointed the finger and how they feel today knowing their testimony helped put an innocent man away. Project Innocence was formed with the emergence of DNA evidence and today they are still hard at work looking into an overload of cases of the wrongly accused. I believe more attention should be paid to this as their case load is overwhelming of new clients eager to be heard. Bravo Jessica Sanders for the hard work done.

Awards:
2005 - Sundance Film Festival - Special Jury Prize

American Film Foundation, Showtime Independent Films, New Yorker Films
Director: Jessica Sanders
Writers: Marc Simon, Jessica Sanders
Producers: Marc Simon, Jessica Sanders

I viewed 6/12

Skyline (2010) PG 13 - 2 Stars

This movie almost makes me mad for wasting my time as I had such high anticipation of it being a great movie. It's nothing more then a good concept with bad execution. Though it has decent special effects, with a teeny bit of suspense, it does nothing with character development making the viewer not care whether the people are taken or not. The dialog doesn't explain anything and when you factor in the cheesy acting with direction leading all over the place, it's really is a huge waste of time. It looks as if the story was built around the CGI animation instead of a solid foundation to support it. Truly disappointing to me and just plain cheesy from start to finish.

Jarrod (Eric Balfour), and his girlfriend Elaine (Scottie Thompson), have come to Los Angeles to help celebrate Jarrod's best friend Terry's (Donald Faison), birthday. But as soon as they arrive, invaders come to take over the planet.

Rogue, Hydraulx Entertainment, Rat Entertainment, Transmission Pictures
Directors: Greg Strause, Colin Strause
Writers: Liam O'Donnell, Joshua Cordes
Producers: Kristian James Andresen, Liam O'Donnell, Colin Strause

I viewed 10/11

Dead In the Water (2001) R - 2½ Stars

Due to the lack of action and direction with this movie you might find yourself feeling almost "dead in the water" not understanding where the movie is going. I remember mumbling to myself "alright already, let's get on with it," but after hanging in there, the ending did bring that warm cozy feeling of justice. The right idea for a movie just could have been executed better.

Gloria (Dominique Swain), is a spoiled rich girl, living in Rio de Janeiro and seems to have it all going on. A smoking hot body, money and a life style of luxury. When her on again-off again boyfriend Danny (Scott Bairstow), and his best friend Jeff (Henry Thomas), want to go out on her fathers motorboat, her father requests Gloria also take a business associates son, Marcos (Sebastian DeVicente), out with them. Her father confides to Gloria that he is in major financial trouble and this boys father is the only reason he's still afloat. Gloria agrees and they pick this Brazilian looking stud up to take him for the ride. Marcos can't help but notice how attractive Gloria is but keeps his distance, knowing she is spoken for.

The four spend a fun day in the water, swimming, rafting and soaking up the rays. Danny and Jeff take a long swim off towards a close island while Marcos stays behind on the boat. As Gloria ponders over her 4 year relationship with Danny, Jeff has made it known he also desires to be with her. Before she knows it, Marcos too is putting on his moves. As Gloria is enjoying this 3rd eligible man, the boys return and Jeff catches the two involved in a passionate kiss and embrace. Danny runs to her side and throws Marcos overboard then taking off with out him. But when he returns to pluck Marcos out of the water, Marcos is gone. Thinking he has drowned, the three now must come up with a story that will keep them free of trouble from this influential family. Instead, the begin to unravel and as their true personalities appear.

Awards: 2002 - Feature Film Award - New York International Independent Film & Video Festival.

Nuts and Lloyd Films, E.H. Filmes
Director: Gustavo Lipsztein
Writer: Gustavo Lipsztein
Producer: Gustavo Lipsztein, Georg Lipsztein, Evan Astrowsky

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

Source Code (2011) PG13 - 4 Stars

This film belongs in an episode of a modern day Twilight Zone. A great psychological thriller, Source Code weaves you through an alternate reality that hooks you into solving the mystery.

The story is of a soldier being kept alive to channel the last fragments of his brain via "source coding" helping him look into another man's life. He has just 8 minutes to ride the train, uncovering the bomb and it's creator. The problem is, he must re-play the scene over and over again as he keeps running out of time. With each replay the viewer is slowly allowed deeper into the story, almost the same as Captain Stevens is.

Aboard a crowded Chicago train, a bomb goes off derailing the train and killing hundreds of people. When it's learned that a larger bomb will explode in the heart of town, the government has no choice but to try a wild card experiment known as "Source Code." US Army helicopter pilot, Captain Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal), is kept alive to be artificially transported back in time to the 8 minutes before the train explodes. The last thing he remembers is flying in Afghanistan and now waking up in a commuter train, bound for Chicago. As the train explodes, he finds himself in a small pod where the voice of one doctor, Colleen Goodwin (Vera Farmiga), encourages Stevens to go back 8 minutes and try to find the device and bomber. She explains the importance of encountering the bomber to save hundreds preventing a much larger explosion about to hit downtown. But Stevens begins to loose reality after encountering a passenger Christina Warren (Michelle Monaghan).

Vendome Pictures, The Mark Gordon Company
Director: Duncan Jones
Writers: Ben Ripley, Billy Ray
Producers: Jordan Wynn, Philippe Rousselet, Mark Gordon

I viewed 8/11