Australia

Don't let the 165 min. runtime scare you; Australia is worth the time to see on the big screen. If you like classic movies then you should like what this film has to offer, old school silver screen entertainment. Set in northern Australia before World War II, an English aristocrat who inherits a sprawling ranch reluctantly pacts with a stockman in order to protect her new property from a takeover plot. As the pair drives 2,000 head of cattle over unforgiving landscape, they experience the bombing of Darwin, Australia, by Japanese forces firsthand.

From the same guy that brought us Moulin Rouge, Australia has stylized backgrounds, unique camera work, and talented actors. Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman make their characters real fun to watch. They really know what to bring to the table, they understand what kind of movie Australia is, epic. With this movie, the director Baz Luhrmann had made his Gone With The Wind.

With winter upon us, Australia may just be the perfect night out, out of the cold.

It's a C+ for Australia, enjoy!

~Caleb

Man on Wire

This is my favorite heist movie of 2008! The awesome documentary Man on Wire is about tightrope walker Philippe Petit and how he with the help of friends sneaked into the World Trade Center in 1974 and performed a high wire act between the Twin Towers.

The film had me from the very start. The movie plays like a heist film including all the planning, suspense, and mistakes that may botch the entire operation. Brilliant moviemaking from director James Marsh. Marsh lets us get to know Philippe really well, so by the time you see this daredevil on the wire, you feel that you know him and understand his passion.

Man on Wire is a great movie that is now playing at the Moxie. www.moxiecinema.com

Go see it! B- Enjoy!! ~Caleb

Sukiyaki Western Django

Man, was this movie cool! What a great love letter to one of my favorite film genres, the good ole Spaghetti Western. What is a Spaghetti Western you ask? The simplest answer to that question could be the movie The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Are you still confused?

Spaghetti Western, also known in some countries in mainland Europe as the Italo-Western, is a nickname for a broad sub-genre of Western film that emerged in the mid-1960s, so named because most were produced by Italian studios, usually in co production with a Spanish partner.

The typical team was made up of an Italian director, Spanish technical staff and a cast of Italian and Spanish actors, sometimes a falling Hollywood star and sometimes a rising one like the young Clint Eastwood in many of Sergio Leone's films. The films were primarily shot in the Andalusia region of Spain, and in particular the Tabernas Desert of Almería, because it resembles the American Southwest. (A few were shot on Sardinia.) Because of the desert setting and the readily available southern Spanish extras, a usual theme in Spaghetti Westerns is the Mexican Revolution, Mexican bandits, and the border region shared by Mexico and the U.S.

The best-known and perhaps archetypal Spaghetti Westerns were the Man With No Name trilogy (or the Dollars Trilogy) directed by Sergio Leone, starring then-TV actor Clint Eastwood and with musical scores composed by Ennio Morricone (all of whom are now synonymous with the genre): A Fistful of Dollars (1964), For a Few Dollars More (1965), and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966). Atypically for the genre, the last had a relatively high budget, over one million $USD. Leone's next film after the so-called "trilogy" was Once Upon a Time in the West, which is often lumped in with the previous three for its similar style and accompanying score by Morricone, although it differs by the absence of Clint Eastwood in the starring role.

Thanks Wiki for that wonderful insight.

Now, Sukiyaki Western Django is not for everybody, the film will be an acquired taste. It has moments of mainstream appeal, but it's just not that kind of movie.
If the plot of Sukiyaki Western Django sounds familiar to you, that's because the movie takes a lot of cues from other Spaghetti Western classics such as Yojimbo(really a samurai film) and Django. A gunslinger crosses paths with two rival gangs who are both on the hunt for hidden gold in a remote western town. Knowing his services are valuable to either side, he offers himself to the gang that will offer up the biggest share of the wealth. This is a story that's been done to death, but what makes me like it, is the way the story is told.

Style is what this movie has. The whole production is done well with everything from beautiful camera work, surreal set design, cool costumes, and a very awesome chain gun in a coffin. Sukiyaki Western Django true eye candy and a really great tribute to some of the greatest Spaghetti Westerns of all time!

Sukiyaki Western Django gets an A+! Enjoy!!

~Caleb

Hancock

This summer was the best movie summer that I can remember in a long time. It was so good that I neglected Springfield's best and coolest movie theater The Moxie. The Moxie is now open at their new location, which is bigger and better than ever! The summer movies came to a screeching halt with the preview of Hancock. The trailer told me I could wait to see it. I love the idea of a mean homeless looking drunk with superpowers, but what the trailers were showing me just wasn't enough. Time went on and I just figured that the King of July 4th had another Wild Wild West under his belt. This week Hancock was released on DVD, so I went by the ole Redbox to see what I was missing. It turns out that Hancock wasn't all that bad, but it wasn't that great either. The powerful alcoholic and clumsy John Hancock is the most hated person in Los Angeles, and in the process protecting L.A and saving lives; he also destroys properties causing high cost to the city to fix his damages. When he saves the life of public relations agent Ray Embrey from a train, the executive feels in debt to Hancock and wants to help change his image.

I love the idea of a superhero dealing with the consequences of the real world. Hancock truly is a bull in a china shop when it comes to fighting crime, and the city won't stand for it. It is those moments in the film that Will Smith truly shines as the title character.

Sadly the movie does have a pivotal twist that I can't mention at all. This twist is an interesting story device, but the outcome made for a very weak final act in the film. Hancock could make for an interesting franchise.

It's a C+ for Hancock! Enjoy!!! ~Caleb

The real Twilight

To see Twilight or not to see Twilight, that is the question, and the answer is, nope. Before my claws come out, let’s get one thing clear, I understand the whole point and draw of the film. Do I agree, absolutely not? In my research and talking to friends, I have found some laughable and inexcusable things. Concerning the subject of vampires and what myth Stephenie Meyer created. I love vampire movies and there are rules that you do not mess with, period. Tons of films and novels have had different takes on what a vamp can or cant do, creatures of the night that can eat garlic and wear crosses is fine, but day walking and reflections in mirrors is going too far. In the novel and movie Twilight, why even call them vampires? If the so-called vampires can walk around during the day, why call your novel/movie Twilight? I'm going to take a wild guess and say that Stephenie Meyer's favorite books are the Harry Potter series, and that her favorite movies are Underworld and Underworld 2.

If you like the Twilight books and movie may I politely recommend something that has a love story with real vampires?
That's right kids, Buffy the Vampire Slayer! Except no substitutes, trust me and buy or rent seasons 1-3 and you will start to forget about Twilight. The two lovebirds in Twilight have nothing on Buffy and Angel.

~Caleb

Bolt

I am not one of those thirty something film geeks that has always loved animated movies. I can't even remember the last animated movie I saw as a kid in a theater. It might have been an American Tail; the majority of my cartoon film watching was on home video. As a teenager I had some bad luck with Disney movies. I saw Aladdin and Lion King in high school; it was only then when I thought, okay time to see one of these in the theater. Bad move, Pocahontas anyone? So time went on and Toy Story was amazing, Shrek was genius, then Shrek 2 bit the big one, and finally The Incredibles reminded me what is was like to be a kid again. Pixar's latest film Wall-e will show Hollywood and moviegoers that an animated film can win a Best Picture Oscar.

Bolt is not Pixar but Walt Disney's latest animation tour de force. Bolt is the canine star of a fictional sci-fi action show. Bolt has always thought that his powers are real. Separated from his owner, Bolt embarks on a cross-country trek to save his co-star from a threat he believes is just as real.

The previews to this movie really didn't do much for me. When I saw that it was going to be presented in 3-D, I became more interested. Like I figured it would, the 3-D only made the animation pop more, a feature not worth an extra $2.00. The movie is actually quite entertaining. Like Kung-Fu Panda, gone are silly pop culture references that are really played out in animated movies today. The story in Bolt is kids stuff, but has enough substance for adults to be entertained, and all in all makes for a good family fun film. Bolt gets a B! Enjoy!!

~Caleb

P.S. The hamster is awesome!!!

Quantum of Solace

First of all no post in over a month is very sad, on behalf of Catchafick, I would personally like to apologize for the lack of blogs. My poor pity excuses is that I have no computer at my place of residence, and also because I am very lazy as of late. The computer deliria may be taken care of this Christmas, and if not by then, next spring may work out as well. I know the other half of Catchaflick would love to blog all day long about movies and such, but he has a lot on his plate, so I take full responsibility on the poor management of this blog.

Last night I saw one of the best Bond films ever, and my second favorite Bond movie of the 21st Century. Quantum of Solace has been receiving some bad national reviews. Do not believe them, which a lot of moviegoers don't, thank goodness. I do not read reviews of movies until I have seen the movie first. I have only read a couple so far and from what I can already gather, the critics’ distaste is that QS has no plot.

Plot   /plot/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [plot] Show IPA Pronunciation
noun, verb, plotted, plotting.
–noun 1. a secret plan or scheme to accomplish some purpose, esp. a hostile, unlawful, or evil purpose: a plot to overthrow the government.
2. Also called storyline. the plan, scheme, or main story of a literary or dramatic work, as a play, novel, or short story.

Are you ready for this big surprise? Quantum of Solace is about, (drum roll) James Bond seeking revenge for the death of his love, and in the process sets out to stop an environmentalist from taking control of a country's water supply.

Sounds like a plot to me, a great one at that. My love for Bond movies is not that great, so this is not an OO7 fan boy review. In my early 20's, my taste for Bond movies had gone bad. I didn't care anymore for gadgets and over the top super villains; however, I still loved a hot Bond girl. I just no longer became the audience for an OO7 movie anymore. Die Another Day was the last Pierce Brosnan Bond picture, and what I thought was going to be the last Bond movie period. Hollywood's most famous super spy needed an extreme makeover. Casino Royale in my honest opinion is what the 20-picture franchise needed. This movie fan now cares about James Bond again.

QUANTUM OF SOLACE is a gritty Bond film that puts one character in focus. Everything is about Bond getting the answers he wants, but in the process finds out about an secret organization and gets in the way (the only way Bond know how) of a slimy environmentalist. Not only does the title of this 22nd installment sound cool, it speaks volumes by the end of the movie. Daniel Craig's Bond (the second best and my favorite) has some unfinished business, and watching him piece it together is what makes Quantum of Solace my favorite Bond film of the 21st Century! Enjoy!!!

A+

~Caleb

Fireproof

Watched this movie last night. Is it the best acting, cinematography, effects, and directing? No, but that is not the point. The point is that the movie has a Great message. It is wonderful film for couples to watch together. It is very eye-opening. It will be a great tool for people to use to influence & encourage others.

I was personally touched by the film. It left me feeling sparked with a spirit of love for God, my family, my wife, and others. Go see it. "If for nothing else, do it for me".

After watching the movie, I learned a few details:
1. Kirk Cameron is the real deal. I knew that he was a Christian, but this movie has further proven to me on his character intentions. I heard in an interview that the cast & crew were ALL volunteer (minus about 10 people, and this did NOT include Cameron).

2. Kirk refused to kiss anyone other then his real wife, so the actress that plays his movie wife was substituted for his real wife during the filming of the kissing scene. It was backlit, so that only the silhouette of her was seen.

3. A portion of the proceeds from Kirk Cameron's new movie Fireproof will be donated to the community where the film was made. The people of Albany, Georgia will benefit from the success of the film

The Growing Pains star says, "There's a community sports park that's being built and they have basketball courts, tennis courts, walking trails, horse stables and riding trails and a hockey ring and all kinds of things. "So we're investing back into the community that helped volunteer to make the movie."

4. The box office opening of Fireproof, although it debuted in fewer than 1,000 theaters, earned $6.5 million which placed it fourth. It was heavily promoted among church groups.

The top 10 films for the weekend:
1. Eagle Eye, $29.2 million;
2. Nights in Rodanthe, $13.6 million;
3. Lakeview Terrace, $7 million;
4. Fireproof, $6.5 million;
5. Burn After Reading, $6.2 million;
6. Igor, $5.5 million;
7. Righteous Kill, $3.803 million;
8. My Best Friend's Girl, $3.8 million;
9. Miracle at St. Anna, $3.5 million;
10. Tyler Perry's the Family That Preys, $3.2 million.

I encourage you to check this movie out. It was a great experience for me, and I know that others I have spoken to have been touched by it as well.

You can see more about this movie here: www.fireproofthemovie.com/

Goodbye Paul

A true living legend of cinema has left us, Paul Newman passed away at the age of 83 from cancer. I believe for the record and without a shadow of doubt, that Mr. Newman was one of the best actors to grace the silver screen. The man was an icon and a benchmark for other great Hollywood leading men. 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' to my best recognition was my first introduction to Paul Newman. Watching the movie with my parents on T.V and remembering hearing such great things they would say about Newman and Redford, as their child I took every word to heart.

In high school and ever since then, my favorite Paul Newman movie is 'Cool Hand Luke'.

Anybody not familiar with Newman's work, I urge you to check out his body of work on www.imdb.com and see for yourself what classics he has made.

Paul Newman was also a humanitarian, which he won an award for in '94. Newman's charitable giving include Hole-In-The-Wall Gang, a camp for seriously ill children, and his famous Newman's Own products.

My little Buttercup

The Peanut Butter Solution

anyone remember this one?

Righteous Kill

Before I begin, I want to say that I'm sorry for the lack of reviews. Not having a computer at home really makes it hard to post daily. I at least tried to hit the major highlights of the summer, and even then I missed a few. This summer was the best summer for movies since 1999. To save time I will only tell you what was the best of the best, and what was the worst. 'The Dark Knight' is sort of a no brainier when it comes to the best movie of the summer. The second best movie of the summer in my opinion was 'Wall-e'. The biggest dud for me this summer was 'Wanted'.

Summer is over and now it's the Fall/Winter movie season, which is the time of year for your 'I could have rented that on video' type movies. A perfect example of this is the movie I went to see this afternoon. All my life I have been a big fan of Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. It doesn't even take a movie buff to know that these guys are film icons. 13 years ago they shared the screen in one of my favorite movies 'Heat', but it just wasn't enough, they only had two scenes together.

When 'Righteous Kill' was announced last year, I was very excited to see a movie with these two legends again. I was already at peace that the movie might not be awesome. These guys really haven't been in anything really cool since the late nineties. I saw the movie this afternoon, and my thoughts were correct, the film was good, really good, but not great like I had hoped. What I liked, DeNiro and Pacino did not disappoint they were great, and even the whole cast was good as well. 'Righteous Kill' despite the predictable ending, was a very enjoyable dark mystery, which has a lot going for it. What I didn't like was the lack of emotion the film had, the story and acting was decent, but the director failed to emotionally hook me into what was taking place. Over all 'Righteous Kill' should not disappoint.

This decent cop thriller gets a C+! Enjoy!!!!!! ~Caleb

G Movies

OK, these weren't exactly G-rated movies (as most of the "kid" movies weren't back then), but they all started with the letter G.
I showed the following movies to my kids last week. They all definitely brought back memories, especially watching them with my kids and hearing their commentary.

So, here were the "G" Movies that we watched:

1. The Goonies

"Once a Goonie always a Goonie"
- There are WAY too many memorable scenes here to quote.
- Definitely my favorite one of the 3.
- Goonies on IMDB
Here is a picture of a Goonie Reunion:

2. Gremlins

"....and whatever you do...dont feed them after Midnight!"
- and did you know that Corey Feldman was also in this movie.
- along with Howie Mandel being the voice of Gizmo.
- Gremlins on IMDB

3. The Great Muppet Caper

"Lady Holiday and the fabulous Baseball Diamond"

- Great Muppet Caper on IMDB

Do you remember these? What do you remember? What are some of your favorite lines? scenes? etc?
Lets hear it.


This is what I have in store for the next viewing with the kids. I think that I will make it an "L" Movie weekend:
1. The Last Starfighter


2. Legend


3. Labyrinth

Harry Potter & Half-Blood Prince Trailer

leaked Wolverine trailer

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