Blessed By Fire (2005) NR - 3 Stars

Based on a true story, the movie takes place in 1982 and was filmed in Argentina spoken in Portuguese with English subtitles. Turns out I have rented this movie before but didn't recognize the title or description. But, still not disappointed as it's a good movie of true friendship given the worst of conditions. The film looks back at these three men's lives after the wars end. Narrated by a now 40 year old Esteban Leguizamon, he is summoned to the bed side of one of his best friends Vargas, who has attempted suicide and now in a coma. After Vargas dies, Esteban goes back to the spot to recall the terrible memories and heal his wounds of their times there as merely boys.

Three 18 year old friends Vargas (Pablo Ribba), Edgardo Esteban Leguizamon (Gastón Pauls) and Juan (Cesar Albarracin) all are sent to Malvinas to fight the battle against the British controlling the land. From the moment the boys arrive on the shores of the Malvinas beach, they are questioning how they ended up there. The harsh living conditions from freezing weather, severe hunger and the abuse from their superiors, have them running scared and feeling inadequate. The men feel they are out numbered and up against and army of much better trained and equipped soldiers. But it's not until the end where they will do much fighting against the enemy before the Argentines surrender. Meanwhile, just trying to stay out of the generals way will be their biggest challenge.

The Lieutenant belittles and tries to break the men's spirit by calling them "useless grunts." One day near their foxhole, the three can no longer bare their hunger, and capture and slaughter a sheep for dinner. But while tying to dispose of the carcass, Vargas is discovered and put on public display of humiliation and torture. His friends come to his side and admit their part in the feast. Now the three are ordered to carry equipment to the front line. It is here where the boys will become men as they try and defend Malvinas. In a fierce battle, Juan will lose his life as Esteban disobeys direct orders and trying to bring Juan to safety as they retreat. From Esteban's point of view, the movie shows the slow and gradual immersion of their fragile lives into the heart of death itself. Twenty years after the war, Esteban decides to return to the islands to come to terms with his past and heal his old wounds.

2006 Blessed By Fire - Tribeca Film Festival - Best Narrative Feature.
2005 Blessed By Fire -Havana Film Festival - Best Film.

Koch Lorber Films LLC
Director: Tristan Bauer
Writers: Gustavo Romero Borri, Miguel Bonasso, Edgardo Esteban
Producer: Carlos Ruta

I viewed 7/08

National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007) PG - 4 Stars

I wasn't real excited about watching this sequel as I was not all that impressed with the first one. However, I did enjoy National Treasure 2 - Book of Secrets much better than the first one. But, Cage is going to kidnap the president and even can get into the oval office to look at a desk? Now come on - would that ever be able to happen? However, I liked how they pulled that one off and humanized the president. Taking his parents along on this expedition, well I thought that was a little far fetched, but all and all, the old couple didn't end up bothering me with their presence and I guess the fact she could read the hieroglyphics, helped. I did like a lot of the special effect booby traps.

Ben Franklin Gates (Nicolas Cage) returns as an archaeologist and artifact collector. It's been told that his family could go down in history as is responsible for the assassination of Abraham Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth. But there's a secret diary out there from Booth that is missing 18 pages. Finding them might hold the truth and clear his family's name, as well as unlock secrets that allude to giant worldwide conspiracy. Along with the help of his good friend Seth (Timothy V. Murphy), Gates is able to piece together the pages, completing his map to the treasures while enlisting the President's (Bruce Greenwood), help.

Buena Vista Pictures
Director: Jon Turteltaub
Writers: Wibberleys, Gregory Poirier, Cormac Wibberley
Producers: Jerry Bruckheimer, Jon Turteltaub, Missy Papageorge

I viewed 7/08

National Treasure (2004) PG - 3 Stars

I was a little disappointed in this movie. I love Nicolas Cage but the story line of the movie just sounded so far fetched it was hard for me to let it go an enjoy it properly.

There is a rumor of a great treasure, the Knights Templar Treasure, that is a collection of a great gold stash that allegedly George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin hid during the Revolutionary War. There's also rumors that the way to find out where the treasure is hidden has something to do with the original copies of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Gates my steal the document in order to unleash the secret map.

Benjamin Franklin Gates (Nicolas Cage) is an archaeologist who is dead set on finding the treasure and protecting it. Along with his team consisting of tech geek friend Riley Poole (Justin Bartha) and Dr. Diane Kruger (Abigail Chase), an archivist, they attempt to steal it before it's stolen from history.

Buena Vista Pictures
Director: Jon Turteltaub
Writers: Ted Elliott, Marianne Wibberley, Jim Kouf
Producers: Jon Turteltaub, Jerry Bruckheimer

I viewed 11/07

Vantage Point (2008) PG13 - 3½ Stars

I liked the direction of the movie and it reminded me a lot of other movies like Crash, in where every one's life interconnects with each other somehow. It has some great car chase scenes and of course with Forest Whitaker and Dennis Quaid, it's bound to be good. The trailer looked fantastic and I was a bit disappointed, but over all, still worth the viewing.

President Ashton of the United States, is due to speak at the summit on the global war on terror, held in Spain. Thomas Barnes (Dennis Quaid) and Kent Taylor (Matthew Fox) are two secret service agents sent to protect the presidents' safety. Barnes recently took a bullet for the president and most agents are surprised to see him back wondering if he can handle the pressure. But in a single moment all lives will change when eight strangers with eight different vantage points, help determine the truth behind an assassination attempt on the president's life. Howard Lewis (Forest Whitaker) video tapes the event and Agent Barnes is able to pull the pieces together while taking down the bad guys.

Sony Pictures
Director: Pete Travis
Writer: Barry Levy
Producers: Neal H. Mortiz, Neal H. Moritz

I viewed 7/08

How to Rob a Bank (2008) R - 3 Stars

Now here's an unusual movie where a young man is fed up with all the surcharges associated with his money. When he has $20.00 in the bank, takes the money out and then is now overdrawn because of the $1.50 surcharge his bank added for the transaction, he tries to take matters into his own hands.

Jason "Jinx" Taylor (Nick Stahl) sets off to tell his bank a thing or two about the surcharges that are eaten consumers up alive. Instead, as he enters the bank, he finds a robbery in process and runs towards the back of the bank to avoid gunfire. He runs straight into the vault, which closes behind him, locking him and a young pretty girl Jessica (Erika Christensen), inside.

While armed robber Simon (Gavin Rossdale) search for a way to gain entrance to the vault, Jinx struggles to get out. Meanwhile Officer De Gespe (Terry Crews) and his men surround the bank, trying to talk Simon into releasing his hostages. Jinx soon learns he's in the middle of a scam that Jessica is in on, set up though the Internet. It's where individuals offer their services when needed to join in a common job for a common purpose. For example Jessica was hired by an unknown due to her computer skills, Simon due to his robbing ability and un-compassionate attitude. But Jinx turns out to be the smarter guy, figuring out a way to safely walk out the front door, along with Jessica and wind up in surcharge heaven.

IFC Films
Director: Andrews Jenkins
Writer: Andrews Jenkins
Producers: Rick Lashbrook, Tim O'Hair, Arthur Sarkissian

I viewed 7/08

Open Season (2006) PG - 3½ Stars

Another cute animated story line that I' sure does more for the children than it did for me but none the less still cute. A deer gets a huge grizzly in over his head till both have to leave before hunting season. Not knowing where to go and what to do, the two befriend other creatures in the woods, to chase away the hunters when the animals take over.

Raised by the park ranger Beth (Debra Messing) in her garage ever since he was a just a cub, 900-pound grizzly Boog (Martin Lawrence) is getting too big to stay in the city. When Elliot (Ashton Kutcher) a mule deer pulls up strapped to the hood of a jeep, Boog helps free him just a bit so he can get away. The hunters are outraged and order Boog up for fair game in hunting season. Beth takes her dear friend to the top of a hillside along with Elliot so they'll be out of reach this "Open Season." But Boog doesn't know what to do by not having his food brought to him and the forest can be a scary place. The two join forces with all the other forest animals and together, turn the tables on the hunters.

Sony Pictures
Directors: Jill Culton, Roger Allers, Anthony Stacchi
Writers: Anthony Stacchi, Jill Culton, Ron J. Friedman
Producer: Michelle Murdocca

I viewed 11/07

The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) R - 4½ Stars

I absolutely love this movie and it almost warrants a 5 rating. I love movies that mess with your head and this one does it, always one step ahead of you. The acting is great, the story great and I feel this is one you must own in your collection. Matt Damon enjoys the lifestyle of Dickie so much, he tries to take over his life.

It's the late 1950's and Tom Ripley (Matt Damon) is making a living in New York City as a men's room attendant, part time pianist and full time con artist who's falls into a life of deception by accident. Tom meets wealthy shipping tycoon Herbert Greenleaf (James Rebhorn), who believes Tom's a Princeton student like his son was. The two begin to chat when Mr. Greenleaf offers Tom, $1,000 plus his expenses, to go to Italy and talk his son into returning home.

Meanwhile, off the coast of Italy, Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law), and his girlfriend Marge (Gwyneth Paltrow), are living it up in the Mediterranean, off of daddy's money. When Tom arrives in Italy and meets the couple, he grows extremely envious of Dickie and his lifestyle of leisure and pleasure. The closer Dickie and Tom become, the more Tom wants to stay and hang out. But when Dickie grows tired of Tom and sends him on his way, Tom impulsively murders Dickie and assumes his identity. But just how long can he pull this off?

Awards include:

1999 - The Talented Mr. Ripley - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
1999 - The Talented Mr. Ripley - Broadcast Film Critics Association - Best Score

Paramount Vantage
Director: Anthony Minghella
Writer: Anthony Minghella
Producers: Tom Sternberg, William Horberg

I viewed 11/07

Descent (2005) PG - 3 Stars

Okay I have to admit I am scoring this movie a wee bit high BUT for the Sci-Fi type movies like this, I actually enjoyed it. Okay yeah far fetched, yeah cheesy acting, okay a bit of a stretch on the story line, BUT the two geek hackers are my cup of tea. Coincidentally, I watched this movie on 7/28/08 and it had earthquakes and lava flows and then today 7/29/08, Los Angeles had it's biggest earthquake (5.4) of the last 14 years. Seemed sort of weird to me in a strange sort of way. Okay enough about me....

A group of brainy scientists have constructed a machine that is capable of drilling into the core of the earth, 10 miles down. It is in this area of earth, they have discovered new minerals and produced "Timi" that will power the ship with a nuclear charge, able to drill through solid rock. But all this drilling has caused the tectonic plates to shift around the world, setting off great earthquakes and volcanic eruptions too. (oh yeah I am BIG on red lava flowing so probably another reason I gave it a 3).

Well since they started it, they have to fix it and somehow the military is involved with a secret cover up. Biggest problem is, they will have to drill deeper, 25 miles, then they ever have before. Time is of the essence so let's fire that puppy up and hope for the best. Starring Luke Perry, Rick Roberts and Michael.

Lions Gate Films
Director: Terry Cunningham
Writers: Michael Konyves, L.S. Miller
Producers: Stefan Wodoslawsky, Neil Bregman
Staring: Michael Dorn, Rick Roberts, Luke Perry

I viewed 7/28/08

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) PG - 4 Stars

Okay that's enough Harry Potter for now. Number 5 is as good as all the rest, 4 stars for the imagery alone. Yet another true adventure for our young stars.

Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) now in his 5th year at Hogwarts and once again his friends are with him Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint). Even though Harry dealt with Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) in the last episode, rumor has it that he has returned. Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge (Robert Hardy) tries to keep these rumors underwrap as he suspects Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) may be the one who started the rumors.

Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton). is in charge of watching over the young teens. But even she won't be able to defend the ministry against what's coming to them. Harry must join forces with some of the other students to form "Dumbledore's Army" in order to defeat the supernatural showdown that's about to begin.

2007 - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - Las Vegas Film Critics Association - Best Art Direction

Warner Bros Pictures
Director: David Yates
Writer: Michael Goldenberg
Producers: David Heyman, David Barron

I viewed 11/07

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) PG13 - 4 Stars

The fourth installment to the Harry Potter series and I must say they are have been great up to this point. The special effects are awesome and the acting from all the children is great and you can really feel this group has gotten into their rolls entirely. I think it's great most of the cast has stayed together making it easier to identify the characters as if you know them already.

Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) I guess is now 14 or soemthing. It's fun to watch him grow up before your eyes. In this episode, Harry boards the train to Hogwarts school to start his 4th sememster of magicical training. His best friends Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), (fun watching them grow up now too). In this episode we meet another Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Mad-Eye Moody (Brendan Gleeson). You gotta love his eye. Moody has agreed to take on the infamous "DADA" professorship as a personal favor to Headmaster Dumbledore (Michael Gambon).

The enchanted Goblet of Fire selects Cedric Diggory (Robert Pattinson), Victor Krumand Stanislav Ianevski), Fleur Delacour (Clémence Poésy) and eventually spits out Harry's name, all choosen to represent Hogwarts' Tri-Wizard Tournament. The prize to whoever completes three magical tasks will be the thousand-galleon purse coveted Triwizard Cup, and the admiration of the international wizard community. The most feared wizard in the world, the Dark Mark - Lord Voldemort who hasn't been seen for 13 years, will be looking on as the tournament begins.

2005 - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Production Design

Warner Bros Pictures
Director: Mike Newell
Writer: Steve Kloves
Producer: David Heyman

I viewed 11/07

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) PG13 - 4 Stars

The 3rd in the series and no disappointment. I've never read any of the books and each adventure is definitely worth the ride. The double-decker bus ride was pretty fun with the talking shrunken head. As a matter of fact, all the imagery is awesome.

Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) has turned 13 when his Aunt Marge (Pam Ferris), comes to visit. Harry has never gotten along well with Aunt Marge and after being pushed by her, he causes her to inflate like a balloon and blow away into the sky. The Ministry of Magic strictly forbids students from using magic outside of their world so Harry flees his relatives home, to avoid punishment. Harry joins up for another year at Hogwarts, school of magic run by Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon).

Sirius Black (Gary Oldman), has escaped from the Azkaban prison after 12 years behind bars. It's rumored that Black has returned to seek revenge on Harry for rendering the dark wizard Voldemort powerless. Voldemort was Black's master and he is determined to do away with Harry, who's merely a boy. When Harry learns Black is close he has serious fainting spells that render him worthless. The Defense Against the Dark Arts professor Remus Lupin (David Thewlis), and his friends Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) help Harry determine what the clues mean to help Harry learn his past.

Warner Bros Pictures
Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Writer: Steve Kloves
Producer: David Heyman

I viewed 11/07