Reviews

I am surprised at how this movie did so well in the box office. The fact that it is an additional film to the already, immensely popular Indiana Jones series, doesn't take away the fact that this film is appalling. I give Harrison Ford credit for coming back to the film, after all he is well into his years now, which is to say that he wasn't exactly young in the first place when he filmed the first three. Harrison Ford also, did his best with the story, and direction at hand because, it appears as if George Lucas has determined to destroy all of his masterpieces from the past. George Lucas has done to this story exactly what he did to his Star Wars saga, he made it so "over the top" un-believable, that he forgot why people liked the first three to begin with. The adventure was there, the story was a continuous mystery that kept the movie-goer hooked. This wasn't the case with Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. This must be what they call the George Lucas effect.

The addition of Kate Blanchett, and Shia LaBeouf however, is actually what made this film somewhat bearable. Although, this was clearly one of Miss. Blancett's worst rolls, it is clear she was chosen for this roll based on her ability to act but, it fails her previous rolls. Shia LaBeouf seems to be a very versatile actor, and I would like to see him do more adventure-genre films.

I recommend this film only to those who have some time to kill. If you are looking for the same magic, as in the previous three; sorry you won't find it here.

Every now and then a film is made which, encompasses every aspect of film-making. A great story, (with a plot), solid characters, a thorough explanation of events, all of which culminate to a finale which is appropriate for everything have just seen. Of course, this is in addition to a bit of humor scenes, dramatic scenes, even death scenes.

This film reminded me so much of Forrest Gump, which I absolutely admire with all respect. It used the same pacing, same type of storyline, mixed with an amazing score, and breath taking scenery. The characters reflected Forrest Gump as well. Of course not exactly the same but, very similar. Brad Pitt's character was born with a significant set back, which he had to deal with his entire life people saw him as being old and they treated him in the same way, just as Forrest Gump was seen as being stupid, so they treated him as if he was stupid. Both Benjamin Button and Forrest Gump had girls the were amorously engaged with. In this case instead of Jenny, it was Daisy played by the lovely Kate Blanchett. In addition to all of that, their was his little "tour of duty" on a Tug Boat. He saw some time in WWII, and his Capitan, Capitan Mike was killed, this is all very similar to Forrest in Vietnam, and Lt. Dan. This all happened while this girl that he has "loved" since childhood, ran off and lived her adventurous, yet promiscuous life, and only after suffering dearly does she return to the one she loved. Daisy does this, in much the same way that Jenny did it in Forrest Gump.

All in all, this film was spectacular. This is a movie however, that like Forrest Gump is difficult to mass produce, and therefore it stands the test of time. Benjamin Button will be a movie that will be seen, comfortably, by families for decades. It's a story that is a great lesson for children, and a bit of wisdom on the part of the adults. I believe that everyone should approach this film with an open heart, and the mind of child.

I highly recommend this film to anyone.

I remember going to see this movie, in the theater, not expecting much. Dwayne Johnson (The Rock) after all didn't strike me as that decent of actor. Sure, he did the Scorpion King but, that wasn't a far stretch from WWE Raw, all it was, was the Rock flexing his muscles. That was until "The Rundown" made it to the big screen.

The opening sequence in this film has got to be one of the best hooks in recent movie history. His cool demeanor, confidence, and the persona of a "closet chef," makes this scene awesome. The way he takes out those players is awesome, and I like to see guy's like the Rock, every now and then, kick some Heine.

The film doesn't stop being good after the first scene though, Sean Willam Scott is better than I thought too. This is definitely not, American Pie. He actually displays some Lead Roll tendencies and dishes out humor that isn't at the consequence of the scene.

The movie moves into the "jungle" scene and again, even the extra's do a decent job of acting. Of course, when you have a film like this the speaking parts are not what you want to watch, films like this speak with action, and the little-tike warriors in the jungle deliver with a punch, (or a kick)! All in all, this film is great, and it's one I do not get bored watching over and over. Not exactly a movie you want to watch with your girlfriend but, not one she will think is completely stupid either.

Please for all those people who are deciding to go see this movie please do not read any of these negative comments. They are wrong and have a totally corrupted view of a great family movie. It is unfortunate to say that too many people out there cannot handle a sad movie.

This movie is ultimately about love, and how insignificant our daily problems are to a dog. When some becomes a dog owner they are in a sense adopting someone into their families, and although, at times, that dog can be a pain ultimately we love our dog's, and cherish our times together. The acting by both Owen Wilson, and Jennifer Aniston was brilliant. They brought a unique real life feel to their characters which is easily understandable to most people.

I do agree though that this movie should have a PG-13 rating. BUT! That is no reason not to bring your children to the theater. I know it's tough for some folks to explain to their children about life but, as for me and my children they understood perfectly. Yes they were crying at the end, and so was I, (men cry too). I really did love this movie, and it reminded me of how appreciative I am of my dog, and my family for sticking together. I am sorry for all those pessimists who haven't experienced life with a Dog the way the characters do in this movie. If you feel this was a bad film, fine, that's your opinion but, in my opinion there should be more movies like this made.

I recently watched this film again after not seeing it for a few years, and I still can't believe how captivated I am. Every aspect of this film keeps you interested in what's going to happen next, from the intro-scene where the two title characters are digging up fossils, to the ending-scene where they are flying away over the ocean, I love this movie with absolute certainty.

I remember growing up as a boy, idolizing T-Rex's and Brachiosauri. Watching how the film, (and book which is even better than the movie), explains how the creatures are created, from finding the DNA, to the actual full-sized,(CG), version, it is a visual production of my own dreams. Although, some critics have commented on the amount of gore, and violence associated with a family film. Yet, this is an acceptable level in my eyes and should be acceptable to most other who view this film.

Big props to Spielberg, and Crichton for creating this lovely story. I just hope there is some young boy, or young girl out there who still have not seen this movie, and after the first time they view it they dream about it. That's what this film and story are about, letting us know that imagination is still important.

I'd like to say first of all, that I absolutely love this film. When I first saw this film in the theater I was taken back by how flawlessly, the Director expressed the story of the title character Forrest Gump. I am surprised however, by all the Forrest Gump haters out there, who view this as some sort of propaganda machine, or film about a man who skates his way through life and achieves everything. Boo hoo, are those haters jealous because he did everything right or because he made "a gazillion dollars"? Well, life is different for everybody. Maybe somehow, these people don't believe that something like this is possible? How could a simple, southern man from Greenbow, Alabama succeed when all he does is follow the direction of others? This films theme after all, (SPOILERS), is whether life is governed by destiny or, by chance? I won't get into a debate about that here but, lets remember this is fictional, and it's for entertainment. Don't take it so seriously...enjoy it! The acting by Tom Hanks is beautiful. It is hard to view Tom Hanks, now, as anything other than Forrest. His character was completely submersed in this role. The accent was spot on, and the journey through the south, (Alabama, Savannah Ga., etc), was remarkable. Forrest is portaied as immediately different from the supporting cast. He goes through the same course of life as everyone around him but, he achieves his milestones in a unique way that only makes sense, but possibly not, to Forrest. The title character always brings his definition of life back to what he was taught by his "Mamma." I think this is a very real, and touching way of showing respect to all the mother's out there who are constantly defining for their children what the world is about. The life of Forrest is logical only to him. He doesn't question the advice given by his mother as being wrong, and he stops at that. No further thought is involved, he takes the advice and uses it as he "floats" his way through life. Every scene in this film is used to convey how destiny and chance usually occur at the same time.

All in all I give this film two thumbs, way up. I recommend for anyone who loves a great story, and wishes their lives could be this easy.

Schindler's List is to Steven Spielberg, as the Mona Lisa was to DaVinci. If there ever was an absolute masterpiece of cinema this would be it. All the necessary requirements of film are met: Great story, outstanding cast, flawless camera works, and tempo.

Mr. Spielberg departs from pieces about dinosaurs, aliens, and adventure seeking archaeologists by bringing something personal to the screen.

This film is about the difference between good and evil. Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), who is a German Industrialist, (not an evil trader), who like all other German's in the 30's and 40's became unwilling supporters of the Nazi's. Like the good industrialist he is, he seizes the opportunity of war to make a profit. Schindler, being the business man that he is, accepts Jewish laborers from the Nazi party. Afterall, what business wouldn't want to reduce labor costs. The money starts rolling in and times are looking good. Schindler is happy with the money and the added bonus of Nazi connections while, the Nazi's are happy with decent Munitions, pots and pans, and the added benefit of putting the hated Jews to work.

However, the Nazi's plans are revealed to Schindler, with the assistance of his accountant (Ben Kingsley), when Amon Goethe (Ralph Fiennes), takes over his workers to put in to play Hitler's evil "solution." The good man, and smart business man realize that the SS are motivated by two things: Power and Money. Schindler realizes the sacrifice of his amassed fortune is the only way to save these Jew's from execution.

In the end the film reveals that Good can come the the least likely of sources.

This piece of cinema cannot be topped by any other. Just as every brush stroke of the Mona Lisa defined it as a masterpiece; The black and white setting, the coldness of each scene, and the highlighting of the little girl in Red, and the flame of the candle set this film apart from the pack.

Congratulations to Mr. Spielberg for giving such a wonderful masterpiece of American Art.