Movie Review - Suspect Zero **

Suspect Zero (2004)
Directed by - E. Elias Merhige
Writing credits - Zak Penn (story), Zak Penn (screenplay)
Genre: Thriller / Crime / Horror / Drama
Main Cast:
Aaron Eckhart .... Thomas Mackelway
Ben Kingsley .... Benjamin O'Ryan
Carrie-Anne Moss .... Fran Kulok

Don't assume a scary thriller as I did after watching the trailer for this movie. It wasn't scary at all and was too slow paced to consider it a thriller. The storyline and acting were lacking and dull.

I'm not sure if the actual actors selected fit the movie though. I would have gone with a different casting. Ben Kingsley might have fit the role of a dark frightful serial killer, at least so it seemed in the first five minutes of the movie. However, as stated earlier the movie went a different direction. Aaron Eckhart, who plays the other main character of the movie, is bland. I found myself more irritated at his character more than anything else. The forced relationship between him and Carrie-Anne Moss, his partner seemed to be thrown and mixed together just to add some substance to the story.

This won't be the worst movie you'll see far from it, but wait until you've seen all the other movies you want to see. This one can wait. I'd say rent this one if it's the only one on the shelf.

Rental Movie Review - All About My Mother ***

Todo Sobre Mi Madre - 1999
Directed by - Pedro Almodóvar
Writing credits - Pedro Almodóvar
Genre: Drama / Comedy (more)
Main Cast:
Cecilia Roth .... Manuela Coleman Echevarría
Marisa Paredes .... Huma Rojo
Candela Peña .... Nina Cruz
Antonia San Juan .... Agrado
Penélope Cruz .... Sister María Rosa Sanz
Eloy Azorín .... Esteban Coleman Echevarría

Most of Almodóvar's films have come to be expected as good rent worthy films for me. He has directed a few 'must see' films and the realism depicted in many of these films demand respect from this amateur critic. The bad thing from being a well known director is that viewers develop a sense of expectation based on the previous viewings. I am glad to report that this movie met my expectations. This small movie as with other Almodóvar’s films intertwines different lives and brings them together with one event. A well written story with interesting characters and nice plot is another must see movie.

There are charismatic characters that the actors portray, especially Antonia San Juan, who plays the transvestite loyal friend. This character was a delight to watch. I'm not a fan of Penélope Cruz. I think he acting is over hyped & can be replaced. Her face however does bring certain innocence about her. That look helped her with one of the film's characters. The true star of this film is Manuela's character (the mother)- Cecilia Roth. She performs well not overacting in scenes that could have easily taken her there.

Movie Review - Open Water **1/2

Open Water (2003)
Directed by - Chris Kentis
Writing credits - Chris Kentis
Genre: Drama / Thriller
Main Cast:
Blanchard Ryan .... Susan
Daniel Travis .... Daniel

You are better off renting this movie, and only if you actually like shark movies and unique film style. The film was presented in documentary low budget style, gving you the genuine feeling of reality. This actually fits perfectly since the story is based on a true story. Do not expect your typical hollywood fairytale endings with this one. You will enjoy the reality of the film especially the interaction between the main actors. I was very pleased ith their acting and their lines within the story. It was exactly what you'd expect a couple to go through and relate to. Overall a decent film, but you could afford to wait until released for renting.

Movie Review - Manchurian Candidate **1/2

Manchurian Candidate, The (2004)
Directed by - Jonathan Demme
Writing credits - Richard Condon (novel), George Axelrod (1962 screenplay)
Genre: Thriller / Mystery
Main Cast:
Denzel Washington .... Ben Marco
Meryl Streep .... Eleanor Shaw
Liev Schreiber .... Raymond Shaw

A Rental Candidate Instead

Was it because I was tired? Doubtful, this movie wasn't as good as I expected. I think some scenes went farther than they should have been, to the point of complete disbelief and irritation. I expected an edgy film dealing with government conspiracy in a realistic modern day scenario. After all this was a remake of much older film. Without giving too much information about the movie, the outcomes and behavioral changes in the platoon could have been achieved by drugs and hypnotism alone. Spoiler here - NO NEED for brain probing and implants. I can forgive the implants, but the cheesy lines that surrendered the characters into a trance were more idiotic and funny than serious.

Many events were also too predictable. I mean common there was a woman who was overly friendly to Denzel's character. We later find out the reason, however no one is that assertive and persistant unless she's a hooker, even if it is Denzel. Movie dragged on, you are better off waiting to see this movie as rental instead.

Movie Review - Collateral ****

A Must See Action Thriller that will THRILL you

To no surprise to me is the fact that Tom Cruise's charm transcends into his character. Playing a villain for the first time was a nice change of pace. You don't fall in love or have deep sympathy for him, but you can't help to chuckle a few times at his take for his profession. A hired assassin with a job of 5 people within a short period of time, Vince (played by Tom Cruise) hijacks a cab driver to transport him to these their various locations.

I enjoyed the pace of this movie. Some movies hit you off with action sequences off the bat - those are the action movies. Others build up the suspense till toward the last part of the movie, those would be the suspenseful thrillers. Now that brief lesson is over: Collateral eases you in developing the cab driver's character (Jamie Foxx) and builds a bond between you and him and then hijacks you as well in a smart impacting ride.

Jaime Fox adapted well to his character, although I can see why Cruise played the Villain in this film as his character has a stronger spark. This film hold it's plot and anchors it's story with great action sequences. This film has everything required in a summer block buster. The girl, the guy (although no cheesy romance - great omission in this film by the way) and superb action shots. Shooting, car chases, jumping, running, I was thrilled. If you like action go see this movie. If you like suspense movies, go see this movie. If you like either of the main characters go see this movie.

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Movie Review - Bourne Supremacy ***1/2

Bourne Again - Good Again

The story from this sequel was actually better than the first. It was an intense movie that had you and didn't give out it's entire plot as many blockbuster movies do within the firat 15 minutes of the movie. Within the first 15 minutes of this movie you actually get a surprise twist.

I agree with many of the other reviews for Bourne Supremacy. They story is Great the Acting is Great, Matt Damon NICE

The non traditional camera action could have been better if not used in the fighting sequences and the car chase. I can see how sometimes directors prefer this in order to get a closer look or a feeling that you are the one actually seeing things. When it comes to fighting and chasing cars though, I want to see everything, having snipets of the impact shots goes gar more instead.

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