Reviews

Holy Cow! We've finally got the Wolverine movie we've all been waiting for and then some! Mr. Mangold has nailed the character and the action, and Hugh Jackman is truly a part of a Wolverine movie that has showcased the true character that the fans had hoped to see full on. Yes, we've seen superb runs and flashes but nothing this deep or this epic.

How could any movie fan in general not just adore this film? It brought elements of a lot of great genres.

Logan has to be considered genre-defining. The characters, action and story were all beyond outstanding in this movie. We are taken for a ride and can relate to Logan once again. The acting is superb and the dialogue is perfect for the level of each character. Every single character feels believable. You follow the story through Logan's eyes and what a ride it turns out to be.

This movie is emotional and moving in every single way that matters and is unique and is as far away from anything X-Men we've seen before. In this case, that's a very good thing. The fight scenes and pace are superb. I honestly could see Oscar nominations here on multiple fronts.

This movie is sophisticated and delivers a grand, tragic story. The action fits in nice but serves the story first. Unlike other "dark" films, the tone is perfect and fits the character. The supporting characters are utilized in a comprehensive and cohesive manner and are wonderful in and of themselves.

I loved everything about this movie and they left it as if this was the perfect end to Hugh's run.

The Wolverine is exceptional in every way. It's an awesome action flick that totally surpasses its predecessors. It ultimately stays true to its comic-book roots while finding a unique and believable pivot point for an outstanding film all on its own. Take out all the action and you'd still have an entertaining character drama. That says a ton.

It's not just that this movie is more character driven yet still delivers thrilling action sequences, though that's true. Rather, it's that there's a whole story here. The Wolverine starts with the perfect pace and springboards in to aspects of the classic Miller/Claremont Marvel Comics mini-series in breath-taking ways. It's a multi-faceted tale with an emotional richness seldom associated with films in this genre. Too much of 2013 has given us good reason to equate summer movies with empty, flash-bang exercises in computer-generated imagery and mindless action. But the writers here are as interested in the subtext as they are in the high quality action. There's no denying that mutant powers are a tool but it's the character depth that really drives this film. They use state-of-the-art special effects to deliver a live-action version of the comic books. What fans already know, however, is that vintage Marvel books are classics because of intelligent writing as much as comic book flare and fantasy. The movie delivers tremendous story and skillfully weaves together character, plot and action. It's just plain spectacular on any level that you judge it.

Well, it's happened again for the armored Avenger. It's no wonder that everyone is again praising Iron Man in some way. Iron Man 3 is a best comic adaptation worthy to follow the greatness known as The Avengers. The original Iron Man may have surpassed every original installment of any superhero film to date. The sequel advanced the character of Tony Stark while setting up Avengers quite nicely. Iron Man 3 goes beyond even that and when you start at the remarkably high level that the first film achieved, that's saying something. It manages to deliver everything with the same style and integrity of the first film but adds more intensity, drama and action. Again, like the original, Iron Man 3 is a film everyone can enjoy because it cares enough to deliver excellence on every front. The remarkable cast more than delivers and Cheadle's Rhodey was certainly an upgrade over his role in the second film. The story itself is told in a masterful, crisp manner featuring the great dialogue that we all now expect from Marvel films. It's witty and uses the perfect use of humor yet again although this is by far the darkest film in the trilogy. The plot features advancement and complex characterization all the way through. Add the huge comic book style scenes and slugfests that were lacking from the first and you have what ten years from now people will be calling the best number three movie ever made. Yes, better than Return of the King. This is truly movie-making of the highest order and it easily deserves all the praise it has generated from both fans and critics alike.

What I said about Spider-Man 2 holds true for this movie. In fact, it took everything good about the second and added more action and excitement.

Spider-Man 3 is not just a good comic book movie. It's a great movie period. Rarely have I gone through such a range of emotions during a film (not since SM2 anyway). Absolutely an incredible experience that everybody should be a part of and everybody should rush to see.

The complexity, depth, heart and action were off the charts. I honestly can't remember when I saw a better movie. I totally agree with the film critic who said it's the best of the three movies due to the added complexities in its storytelling and the evolution and growth of the characters as a whole since the first movie. I was stunned that SM3 is actually an improvement on what was essentially a classic. I know many movies claim to have something for everyone but this one manages to pull it off while remaining interesting and compelling all the way through. There are spectacular action scenes as well as heartfelt family moments. There is romance and there is humor. I can't imagine anyone at any age not enjoying some aspect of this film.

Director Sam Raimi, the cast, the crew and writers should all be proud of this masterpiece and take a bow. The only remotely negative thing I have to say about this movie is how can they possibly top it now? Then again, I said that after Spider-Man 2 so who knows? Bring on Spider-Man 4!

Hostage is just one wild thrill ride and far better then some of the critics would have you believe. What illustrates my point best is my choice of movie refreshment. I purchased (ok so I smuggled it in) a bottle of water to drink during the showing. I placed it unopened on my arm rest and started to watch the movie. After this edge of your seat thriller was over, it was STILL sitting untouched on the arm rest. The movie was so thrilling and so engrossing that I never once reached for it or even took a sip. Nuff Said? This movie is by far Bruce Willis' best in years and it's by far the best currently at the cinema. Hostage beats Sin City six ways to Sunday. An easy 9 out of 10 from me.

I went into this movie with low expectations, and unfortunately the movie did not even meet these standards. There were at least 3 lines in the movie that were said at least 5 times, such as "i make my players maintain a 2.3 gpa because...blah blah blah". the movie had absolutely no character development, and the only character that did get developed ended up getting aborted. this pro-abortion, everything is whitey's fault movie had me looking at my cell phone every five minutes, anticipating the ending. Please do not support this embarrassment to Sam Jackson. It was yet another release from Hollywood with a simply liberal agenda to brainwash the viewer.

-a Mexican libertarian college student

This righteous and sanctimonious film just got on my nerves after awhile and told me nothing I didn't already know. The only people that will think this bias is rehash new are people who have spent more time in a cave in the past three years than Osama bin Laden. Instead of the incendiary expose we were promised, "Fahrenheit 9/11" is more like a Bic lighter that has been fired up at one too many rock concerts. Instead of rousing any rabble, it sees Moore restating information -- in his trademark "just folks" voice that softens sarcasm with bemusement -- that anyone who is really concerned about the direction the wars on terrorism and Iraq have taken already knows. Moore shamelessly exploits a mother's grief in a scene where she visits the White House to vent her anger, a trip blatantly patterned on a similar journey taken by relatives of victims and wounded survivors at the end of "Bowling for Columbine." Nothing original or insightful here.

Spiderman 2 is not just a good comic book movie. Spiderman 2 is a great movie period. Rarely have I gone through such a range of emotions during a film, I mean this is Spiderman not some movie you'd expect such depth from. Absolutely an incredible experience that everybody should be a part of.

Spider-Man 2 is simply one amazing film. The complexity, depth, heart and action were off the charts. I honestly can't remember when I saw a better movie. I totally agree with film critic Roger Ebert when he calls this movie the best comic adaptation film of all-time. I echo the high praise his partner Richard Roeper and just about every other critic in the world has given this instant classic…thumbs WAY up from me too! I was stunned by how many times I was actually moved emotionally by the film's plot. I know many movies claim to have something for everyone but this one manages to pull it off while remaining interesting and compelling all the way through. There are spectacular action scenes as well as heartfelt family moments. There is romance and there is humor. I can't imagine anyone age 8 through 65 not enjoying some aspect of this film. Director Sam Raimi, the cast/crew and writers should all be proud of this masterpiece and take a bow. The only remotely negative thing I have to say about this movie is how can they possibly top it? Also, after giving us something this good, how can I wait years to see the story continue?!? I can't wait! I also can't wait to see Spider-Man 2 again, and again, and again

The movie's go-to gag consists of people getting smashed in the groin or the face with a red rubber ball. This gets old after the first dozen times or so. Anyone with a sizable role in Dodgeball gets mired in the script's dissipated tone. Two of the climactic jokes involve Happy Days references. How tenuous is that? BEN Stiller's overbearing schtick officially reaches its expiration date with the desperate and puerile "Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story." There are a few scattered laughs to be found amid the sports-underdog treacle and crass body-fluid gags that constitute this, the fourth Stiller comedy of the year (so far) - but the diminutive actor's cartoonish mugging is responsible for exactly none of them. This movie reeks of desperation from the start, resorting way too often to the "Funniest Home Videos"-style spectacle of people getting hit in the crotch with red rubber balls. Bad...

Tom Hanks, not the problem. The supporting cast, not the problem. I hated the ending, our Hero deserved better. And our Lady in distress, I never thought for a minute she would leave her lover for our Hero. That is where this movie messed up the ending. It was like watching fireworks shoot into the sky with no bursts of brilliant color. Very disappointing. Director Steven Spielberg is far too interested in walking the line between cute and believable. Victor is basically a human E.T., and we're supposed to laugh as he seems all too happy to be stuck in the airport doing funny stuff, like make cracker sandwiches with ketchup and mustard and make small talk with an INS agent so that he can pass on information to her love-smitten would-be suitor Enrique in exchange for dinner. In other words: "Do tricks for food." I didn't think Spielberg could sink this low.

Moore's hollow moral indignation just turned me right off. Where were the surprise 'truths' he promised us? This movie isn't a documentary about truth or about the war. It's an excuse to bash President Bush and to try and swing an election. Voters should be p*ssed that someone is trying to influence them with their entertainment. There's nothing new here. Moore just goes off about everything from 9/11 to the election of 2000 and hopes to paint some bad light on a President. If anyone gives weight to Moore's voice then they are giving him the power to change this nation. Is that conniving liar really the person you want deciding our future?

Moore's willingness to milk the grief of a Flint mother just made me angry. I can't believe people aren't more outraged with the fact that a pure political propaganda film is being released nationwide in an election year. This is a move that would make Hitler proud. Moore launches a torpedo squarely at the ongoing campaign to finally get the president he wants elected. This is something the KKK would do and is disgusting to say the least.

HORRIBLE. It was actually more fun LAUGHING at the stupid plot turns, events and Kate's awful Transylvanian accent. I love Hugh Jackman, and very disappointed he chose to make such a ridiculous movie. Maybe 3 year olds might like it.

This was not even a movie. It was a group of people in the CGI department getting their rocks off. I can't imagine a movie that could possible be worse in every way (except visually). The writing was beyond stale, the direction was so over-the-top I thought the movie was a parody of an action movie. STAY AWAY! Go see something else, go see anything else, or stay home and watch paint dry. It would be vastly more entertaining.

Another example of how a big studio prostitutes a story to make it likable to a wide audience, miserably failing in the attempt. It aspires to be much more than what it actually is, almost to the point of being pretentious. Only Eric Bana's performance merits recognition and the storyline deviates too much from the original to be taken seriously. Since when do I go to movies to see "what might have really happened"? Lacked proper character identification, much less development; managed to make a 10 year stalemated siege look like 2 months; completely ignored the role of the immortals (except for making some of the characters look deluded); contains 1-lukewarm love story that is supposed to cause this whole event and 1-ridiculously pointless extraneous love story (ps-if this is what really happened, she would only be a trophy); battle scenes were so shaky it was nauseating. This is just the short list. On the whole, lacked epic feel--should have stayed home and watched Braveheart and Gladiator.

Why would that idiot even tell stories that are so odd that no one in their right mind would believe them? They're not particularly clever or eccentric enough to captivate anyone. We, the viewer, were even treated to them visually and that just added to their deplorably foolish nature. I was not captivated or enchanted by even one of these tall tales. This film reminded me of that classic TV moment on the `Simpsons' where homer remarked to Marge about having to pay for concessions he had pilfered after a school drama production… `I had to see Krabopple's butt, believe me I paid for it!' Well, I should have looted my theatre's concessions after this flop because I had to see Danny Devito's butt.

This movie was EXACTLY like watching a two-hour video game. How old was the person that wrote this script? I know you don't go to this type of film looking for a deep plot or even a believable story but you at least expect coherent entertainment. From the opening fight scene with Mr. Hyde through the end of the film, there wasn't one single moment when you bought in to the CGI chaos that was depicted on the screen. When severely underdeveloped characters are flying around and defying every law of physics, you're never allowed to get involved in the movie on any level other then the `cool cartoon' level (and quite frankly very few of the jerky CGI cartoon creature scenes were that cool). I could literally list the WAY over the top, unbelievable cartoon moments but that would fill up an entire page. The sad part is that most of the CGI monsters looked really fake. From Hyde to the baby vampires to the vampire women, they all looked extremely cheesy. Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale are exceptional actors but were so stranded by this script and by the stunts that it almost hurt to watch them floundering on screen from one fake backdrop to another. The hambone that played Dracula threw so much over the top cheese at EVERY single line he delivered that my arteries hardened just watching him. To call this film a disappointment would be an understatement. I was greatly looking forward to it because of the concept, the cast and the obviously huge budget. It's such a shame that they threw this much talent and this much money behind a script written by someone's pre-teen child. I guess I should be asking myself why would I expect anything remotely intelligent from a movie that was directed by the director of The Mummy & Mummy Returns? I'd say next time I'll know better but there won't be a next time for me sitting through any more of this guy's movies.

This movie was 95% talk and 5% action. I wouldn't have minded it so much if the talking was stimulating, but it wasn't. There was one scene where Bill was talking about super heroes and their alter egos. I about puked. Kill Bill One was good. I saw it twice in the theater. I will never see this movie again. It was a total disappointment! After the set up of volume 1, this dull and spectacularly un-clever `sequel' just whimpers home. It tries to inject depth to the one dimensional killers of volume 1 but fails miserably. Even the introduction of a child into the mix fails to resonate any real emotion. This could be the worst film released this year. I agree, if anyone but Tarantino had his name attached to it, critics would be bashing this thing without mercy.

This wonderful revenge film was acted and directed with complete conviction but still found the time to kick ass. This is one of the best movies I have seen this year and I go to at least one movie a week. The acting was good. I would recommend this movie to everyone. I thought it was going to be some type of 80's action movie, but it turned out to be great movie aimed towards an older crowd. The beginning is a bit slow, but the action really keeps you focused. Thomas Jane did an excellent job as the Punisher and Travolta's performance was much better than I was expecting. This is a movie that thinks so deeply about its conflicts and decisions that there are times when the audience itself feels like it has a personal stake in the outcome. This is by far the best film in the reinvigorated sub-genre of comic-book-to-screen conversions.

After the girl's abduction, this movie takes a left turn and just goes right down the tubes. I spent the rest of the movie either annoyed or disgusted by the irritating decisions the direct made. His presentation was awful to the point of nausea. The horrible ending just drove home the point that this is not the way I wanted to spend a couple of hours on a weekend. Any message that the film attempts to convey is sunk by its mediocre storytelling and overall bizarre quality. If you absolutely have to see it, don't expect it to be as good as the trailers would lead you to believe. It starts ok but it's one big let down after that. As for the co-stars, Walken only gets about eight lines in this whole movie and the plot is terrible.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind wants to be a bittersweet comedy about erotic loss and memory loss. But it doesn't have the heart or brain. It does have an idea with so many clever compartments that audiences can unload their emotional baggage into it. And that may be enough to make it a critical hit but it will just tank at the box office. Without more depth and inspiration, all this cleverness ultimately goes down the drain. Critics are determined to give this film a high grade because they want to seem clever but the fact is that this film is just a strange mess and nothing deep at all. Bizarre for bizarre sake because you really don't care about either one of these strange characters.

Saw it again on Good Friday and it really brought home what that holy day represents. After I buy this on dvd, I'll watch it every Good Friday for the rest of my days. A true masterpiece if there ever was one. Believe the people ( over $320 Million at the domestic box office alone) and believe all the big-time critics (Ebert & Roeper: `Huge thumbs up') but don't listen to the ignorant who are unable to fully grasp this epic film and its message. I love the messages of tolerance, love and sacrifice as it's mixed in via flashback with the brutal scenes of His sacrifice. This is indeed the most powerful experience that film can deliver. Thank you Mel Gibson for your courage and your vision.