Movie Reviews

OK, time to talk movies.
Here is my ratings system:
Full Price
Matinee
DVD
Don't bother

King Kong in Haiku:
King Kong is Too Long
but damn the action is strong
Watts needs Oscar Nod

I would trim about 30 min off of King Kong, however, it is still without a doubt worth seeing. Get rid of the Brontasaurus chase and the subplot with the young deckhand and his mentor and you are down to about 2:35 or so. The Ape seemed as real as Gollum the Evil One.
Analysis: Matinee with a large screen

Syriana
Did you like Traffic? If so, you will probably like Syriana as it was written by the same gentleman. Most of what takes placed is based on real events and when you leave the theater you will be even more skeptical of the US role in the World Oil business. Everyone talks about George Clooney giving a great performance, but I thought Matt Damon and Jeffrey Wright (also great in Broken Flowers this year) gave wonderfully layered performances as well.
Analysis:
Full Price

Munich
This is Steven Spielberg's best work in quite some time. However, I feel as if it would have been even better if it was edited down 10-15 minutes too. Length is great when it's needed (right, ladies?) but when you know you are watching filler it's a bit disappointing. That criticism aside, this is a very suspenseful and relevant film. Unlike Syriana, I have thought about the events in Munich almost every day since I have seen the film. No, it's not 100% accurate historically, but it doesn't claim to be either. What resonates is the feeling that the Middle East will be a quagmire until someone finally says "enough with the violence" and encourages diplomacy (possible? Maybe, maybe not). 'An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind simplifies the message a bit', but at the same time it's a close as I can come to describe what I think Spielberg is trying to say.
Analysis: Full Price

Rumor Has It
Rumor Has It you should see this movie. Sometimes Rumors are wrong. Great premise here with very poor execution.
Analysis: DVD rental only if you like romantic comedies that are light on the comedy part.

The Matador
Loved it. A very dark comedy with stong work from both Pierce Brosnon and Greg Kinnear. In fact, this might be the former 007's best work ever.
If you think the following line is funny I can guarantee you will like this movie:
Businessman Greg Kinner to Assassin Pierce Brosnon
Greg: "Are you serious?"
Brosnon "As serious as an erection problem"


Analysis: Full Price