Cybertoad's Blog

The Libertine (NetFlix) – Wow. What can I say? This is definitely not a family movie nor it is even a movie for those easily offended. Still, it is a fascinating story based on a real historical figure that has you transfixed. Not the most action-packed film but Johnny Depp does a great job. I personally think it’s one of his best role. It’s a period piece, so beware. Think of it along the veins of Dangerous Liasions – you’ll come out despising and pitying the main character, all while being revolted and fascinated.

Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her (NetFlix) – Yet another movie with Cameron Diaz… and Glenn Close, Calista Flockhart, Kathy Baker, Holly Hunter, Amy Brenneman… The all-star cast drew me to the story but the female characters sort of freaked me out. The movie is a series of vignettes and as predicted, everyone is sort connected but they don’t realize it. Each woman has her own personal conflict/issue to deal with it and the viewer gets a glimpse into a small part of it. Interesting but it got a lukewarm review from me becasue each woman was just a bit too odd for me. If one or two had been odd, fine. But all of them had bizarre personality quarks that made them a bit too unrealistic for me and too “made for TV”. Instead of sympathy from me I was actually turned off by some of the characters.

Jarhead (NetFlix) – Kenny saw this in the theater but I never made it out to see it. The film was good and even though Kenny told me it wasn’t violent, I still expected some macho action scenes. There weren’t really any. It was actually a very emotional, intellectual film with strong acting (added bonus: Jake built up *nicely*). Ladies, it’s almost downright girly when it comes to the emotions so I recommend you rent this and watch it with the hubby – if for nothing else than to see Jake without his shirt off. Seriously, the film brings up some serious issues about the war in the Middle East and is made more compelling by the fact that it is based on the autobiography of an American soldier.

Prisoner of the Mountains (NetFlix) – This was in Kenny’s queue and is the first truly Russian film we have seen. It was filmed in the 90’s after the Chechen conflicts and focuses on two Russian soldiers that are captured by some Chechen villagers. Compelling, remarkably decent film quality (considering its Russian) and strong characters. You’ll get drawn into the story but beware. Russians aren’t known for their happy endings. A recommended film if you don’t mind reading subtitles.

The Village (TiVo) – Another M. Night Shyamalan movie. I don’t know. It was an interesting plot twist but it still does not beat out The Sixth Sense. I’d rate this as just another average movie. Lucius (Joaquin Phoenix’s character) is a little too melancholy for me and everyone’s stilted period speech gets on my nerves after a while (they all sound like they are acting in a high school play). Not much else to say. If you can’t find anything else you want to see, rent it, but don’t go out of your way to see it.