#143 - World War Z (2013) Review

World War Z (2013)
3/5

Having not read the book, this is a decent zombie flick. It doesn't add much to the genre, however and it feels more like an action film or war film than a true horror film, like the traditional zombie films. It isn't overly gory, and the performances are fine, but Brad Pitt is more poster boy than believable character, used as a plot device to tie the stories together. Overall a pretty average B grade action film.

#142 - Life as a House (2001) Review

Life as a House (2001)
3/5

This is a solid drama that isn't too sappy, with great performances and interesting characters. Overall it is sappy and stereotypical at time, but the quality acting brings this film to a good level, and it is meaningful and resists the temptation to be overly symbolic. The core of this film is the relationship between father and son and Kevin Kline and Hayden Christensen play these roles beautifully.

#141 - The Five Year Engagement (2012) Review

The Five Year Engagement (2012)
3/5

This is a surprisingly funny and quirky take on the romantic comedy. It turns the overdone Wedding film into a self conscious and modern look at real relationships. It is funny mostly due to the snappy writing and convincing performances by leads Emily Blunt and Jason Segel who have great chemistry. This movie is like a wedding film montage and it's silliness is self-conscious and highly enjoyable.

#140 - Horseman (2009) Review

Horsemen (2009)
3/5

This is a surprisingly good crime thriller and Dennis Quaid is a strong lead, as the emotionally cold and distant be-grieved widow. While some aspects are predictable, it has some strong themes, structure and is justifiable grisly and emotionally tense. Overall a pretty good American thriller with good performances and plot.

#139 - Dogma (1999) Review

Dogma (1999)
3/5

This religious comedy (as strange as that sounds), hovers between trashy comedy, and the dry wit of Kevin Smith, both it's intelligent and funny analysis of Christianity and a funny and strange story ensues. Worth a watch for Kevin Smith fans, but not as good as Clerks (1994), in my opinion.

#138 - Escape from L.A. (1996)

Escape from L.A. (1996)
2.5/5

This ridiculous sequel to Escape from New York (1981) is brilliant in it's over the top insanity. It is far inferior to Escape from New York. The plot is nonsensical and gets more ridiculous the longer the film goes on. While it is basically the same plot as the first film, thus making it more a re-make than sequel it has none of the slick atmosphere that the original had. What Kurt Russell and John Carpenter were thinking in making this film I don't know, however the result is this outrageous, hilarious and terrible film. Worth a watch for fans of B grade trash, Carpenter or Kurt Russell, however no where near the charm of Big Trouble in Little China.

#136 - Perfect Sense (2011) Review

Perfect Sense (2011), David McKenzie
4/5

Don't be fooled by the poster, this isn't your average romance drama. This is an emotional, psychological thriller, with excellent performances and brilliantly complimentary cinematography. Ewan McGregor and Eva Green are outstanding as the leads. At each turn of the film, it went were I wanted it to go, while this was somewhat predictable it was apt and gratifying in the end product. Not sure why it got mixed reviews. Perhaps it wasn't as action and hollywood style or palatable to the masses? I would put this alongside other dramatic science fiction films like Monsters (2010) and Another Earth (2011). While it does have some obvious overtones and sappiness, for the most part it is beautifully crafted. Overall it is really intense and draws so many parallels through metaphor, I found it moving and insightful.