Reviews

I truly enjoyed this film from beginning to end. Somewhat predictable, just enough twist to keep it fresh. Keke Palmer as Akeelah was brilliant, hopefully we'll see her grow up in future films. Laurence Fishburn did an excellent job as well, although I thought his character was a little too rigid, or "clenched" at first. As the story develops we find out why, it wasn't just over the top acting but a result of the character's past. A relief.

My biggest complaint, the clichés and stereotypes were overwhelming. The Asian father, emotionless and only focused on the honor of winning... All of Akeelah's family... The good son in the military, and the son running with the wrong crowd. The late Father who rose above his surroundings to be a better person, the workaholic single Mom... etc, etc. While all of these things are facts of real life, they seemed over done a bit. I was grateful that the well to do friend (Javier) she made was Hispanic, not white. One movie cliché they skipped, to a point.

The story was good enough to overcome my complaints, but I think it could have been better if it was just brought down a notch. As another reviewer wrote, the Karate Kid came to mind for me as well.

Anyway, a great film of all audiences, would be a great family or date movie. Hope you enjoy it as I did.

As someone who's watch many documentaries on Mongolia, I was already fascinated with the country. The beauty of the landscape, the lives of its nomadic people, etc.

The story has a very documentary feel, as if all of this is real, and a camera crew just happens to be following the right family for this story.

Not much happens plot-wise for the first 75 minutes or so of this movie, but you don't notice. Watching the culture of this family of herdsman on the Mongolian plain is enough. The day to day routine of nomadic life, and how they work trough problems was very interesting.

You are really rooting for the family as they try a number of ways to get the mother camel to accept her young. The young camel really sounds as though it is weeping, and hurting.

The boys, Dude and Ugna, bare an unbelievable level of responsibility, and show a maturity well beyond their years when the journey to find help for the rejected camel.

What would be the simplest, if not most unappealing market place to Westerners, it may as well be Manhattan to these two young boys. Ice cream, electricity, television (especially cartoons, kids are kids), really unheard of things to these youngsters.

I think story was as much about the brothers view of the world as it was about the rejected camel. The power of music is but one of the great lessons of this movie as well.

Something else I noticed was in the subtitles. Arbitrary conversation was not subtitled, only relevant speaking parts that had an effect on the plot were translated. I thought it made the movie flow better, less distracting, and let you focus on the culture and scenery more. Nice touch.

The friend I was with when I suggested this title didn't seem to interested. I told her to think "National Geographic" and not "Disney." Ended up being her favorite selection of the night.

The cover of the DVD stated the movie was 87 minutes long. Nothing unexpected happened in the first 75 minutes. Walter gets a job, no one knows his past. Keeps to himself, but manages to make a friend, and lover, in Vicki. Eventually who he is leaks out, and the expected confrontation takes place. Like I said, nothing unexpected, but enough to keep you watching.

What happens in the last 15 minutes is worth every minute you waited. Walter starts down a familiar path, but his perspective changes. Hard to say much more without spoiling it. The subplot with 'Candy' takes a similar path as well.

I thought all the actors were great. Had to be a difficult part for Kevin Bacon to play. Eve was cool... moral of that story, if Eve wants you, don't tell her "no." I loved Mos Def's portrayal of Sgt. Lucas, especially the investigation at the end. You know he knows.

While the subject matter of this movie is very serious and disturbing, it wasn't as difficult to watch as I had expected. The short running time may have helped.

Obviously not a feel good movie, but worth a look. Gives the perspective of the pedophile, instead of the victim. While pedophiles are the lowest of the low, they are human and have a sickness we normally wouldn't see. You almost find yourself feeling sorry for Walter, then you remember who he is...

Fans of the alter ego in "Fight Club" and the memory issues of "Memento" will love this dark drama. Trevor Reznik takes a deep look at himself through an alter ego. Much like Edward Norton's character, Trevor has some should searching to do, and the lack of sleep (it's been a year) may have caused his inner struggles to manifest into a "freind" others don't seem to see.

Trevor is ravished with guilt, and seems to have forgotten something very important from his past. A series of post-it notes (Memento, again) and events with the mystery co-worker, are part of the pieces that put it back together.

We find out much of Trevor's life are illusions created from within, both the happiest moments, and the greatest hardships.

Christian Bale was amazing, we all know the story about the weight loss. The sunken eyes, and protruding bones told a story of their own, greatly adding to the troubles Trevor was battling.

In the final scene, which I won't give a way, fans of the band Audioslave will walk around with the chorus to "Exploder" in their head for days (I did), "If you're free, you'll never see the walls." If you like dark dramas, dealing with human issues, don't miss this Brad Anderson gem.

Danny Trejo used drugs for the first time at 8 years old. Spent a number of years in prison for crimes including assault and armed robbery. Probably one of the toughest, meanest looking men you'll ever see.

Since then, Danny has helped countless people as a drug counselor and has stared in scores of movies. He has one of the best attitudes on life a person can have.

Danny Trejo is an incredible example of how one can turn their life around and make the world a better place. I saw the film at the Phoenix Film Festival and had the pleasure of a Q and A session with Danny and the director. Later, I ran into Danny at the festival, got to shake his hand, and had a few seconds of conversation with him.

Champion is a Great motivational film for anyone, trouble past or otherwise. Danny is a man that loves life, and lives to help people.

Don't miss this film.

I saw this at the Phoenix Film Festival, almost by accident. My first choice for the time slot was full, and this would end in time to see my next screening, so I grabbed a seat as the lights went down.

A very pleasant surprise. I really enjoyed this movie, walking into it with out the slightest idea what it was about.

While the premise may not have been 100% original (man helps man get back the girl... but falls for her himself), I thought it was very well done. We should all wish to have friends as dedicated as Antoine, and we can all relate to Louis at some point in our lives.

While the movie may not have been hysterical, I found myself smiling or laughing most of the time. The end result wasn't completely unexpected, yet how they got there was a surprise to me, with the last gag being a nice touch.

Definitely recommend this film. Not one you'll discus what it means for hours, but one you should enjoy while you are there.