Cybertoad's Blog

I only had 2 books to review but I have ton more movies to review… there are 10 reviews so I am once again using the extended entry to post them…

Maria Full of Grace (Netflix): A Colombian film that got much acclaim when it came out. I agree. It deserved the praise. A sad, compelling story with wonderful acting, especially by the beautiful lead actress.

Km. 0 (NetFlix): I had to rent this Spanish film but I have so many fond memories of visiting “Kilometro 0″ and the Plaza del Sol in Madrid where it can be found. I also have several pics of my feet on it, as can be seen here (taken during our honeymoon back in 1998).

Da Vinci Code (theater): What can I say that hasn’t already been said? I did not read the book (Kenny did) but I did listen to the abridged version in the car on tape. Tom Hanks was mediocre, Audrey Tautou can do better and the whole movie was just so-so. It was dragged out – scenes were more melodramatic than necessary – and the cinematography wasn’t that exciting. Oh well. It wasn’t horrible either.

Over the Hedge (theater): Another great animated film from Dreamworks Animation – as always there is an adorable excitable character with big eyes that steals the show and this time his name is Hammy. I still love A Bug’s Life better but Over the Hedge is still a very enjoyable summer flick and my ticket money was not wasted.

X-Men 3 (theater): I actually think I liked this better than the 2nd one but the first film is still the best. And Magneto’s helmet is just so silly – I couldn’t help but laugh each time he wore it…

Nacho Libre (theater): Cute, endearing, no award-winning acting. A standard Jack Black comedy (think School of Rock) that the whole family can enjoy.

Click (theater): This was more enjoyable than I thought although relatively predictable. Fun family movie with standard Sandler schtick. Do wish there had been more of Christopher Walken though!

Superman Returns (theater – preview): Kenny got preview tickets so we saw this the night before it opened (free popcorn, drink and candy included)! What can I saw that hasn’t already been said? It was long – a bit too long – and there was not enough superhero action. Kevin Spacey didn’t get enough snarky lines either. I will say though that the style of the movie was kept classic 50’s and I liked that. It made the 3 hours more enjoyable. But I have one question – how did Lex Luthor keep his white trench coat spotless throughout the ordeal?

Proof (Netflix): I have never really liked Anthony Hopkins but a crazy genius mathematician is a good role for him. Paltrow does a good job as his daughter. Interesting and unique story line, well done with a Jack Gyllenhaal as a math grad student.

Shopgirl (Cable on-demand): Based on Steve Martin’s first novella which I read when it 1st came out, I had to see the film. Claire Danes plays the lead with Jason Schwartzman (Rushmore) and Steve Martin himself playing two men both interested in her. I have to admit Steve Martin has aged well and Schwartzman just creeps me out as a greasy guy but they both did an excellent job in this film. The role was perfect for Claire Danes and I recommend watching it if you like pseudo-independant art flicks. Beautiful cinematography with attention to such things as a scene’s color saturation.

Fun with Dick & Jane (Netflix): I only watched this with half my attention but what I saw was cute. I think they were a bit desperate a bit too quickly but then what would be the point, right? I keep not wanting to like Téa Leoni but she continues to pick good roles for her. Jim Carrey is pretty classic Carrey. Good rental and child-friendly.