Reviews 140

Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2006)

"I'll go to your room, but you'll have to seduce me." -Cristina (Scarlett Johansson)

It may not be Woody Allen’s best, but it’s still very good entertainment, with interesting characters and an amusing & original storyline.

* * * *

250th review!

Stranger Than Fiction (2006)

"No, no. It's not schizophrenia. It's just a voice in my head. I mean, the voice isn't telling me to do anything. It's telling me what I've already done... accurately, and with a better vocabulary." -Harold Crick (Will Ferrell)

An interesting and well executed idea. Ferrell impresses, Thompson & Hoffman are always a pleasure to see and Gyllenhaal is simply charming.

* * * *

Robin Hood (2010)

"Rise, and rise again. Until lambs become lions." -Robin Longstride (Russel Crowe)

Scott’s direction is surprisingly bland. Story-wise, it’s credible, but too slow and full of the incongruities and clichés of blockbusters.

* * *

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)

"That's it then. Cancel the kitchen scraps for lepers and orphans, no more merciful beheadings, and call off Christmas!" -Sheriff of Nottingham (Alan Rickman)

Costner is so bad it could have derailed the movie if not for the amazing performances of Freeman and Rickman who literally stole the show.

* * *

(500) Days of Summer (2009)

"Ringo Starr is your favourite Beatles? Nobody loves Ringo Starr!" -Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt)

A story done many times that shines through its execution and finale. The characters are touching and their humour is subtle & intelligent.

* * * *

Iron Man 2 (2010)

"If you could make God bleed, people will cease to believe in him. Then there will be blood in the water and the sharks will come." -Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke)

Surprisingly good sequel with great performances from Downey Jr. and Rourke. Action and effects are impeccable and the story is interesting.

* * * *

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)

"Son of a bitch, I'm sick of these dolphins." -Steve Zissu (Bill Murray)

A strange little movie, highly stylized with an absurd, idiosyncratic but sweet story. The characters are all original and very well played.

* * * ½

This is It (2009)

"It's an adventure. It's a great adventure. We want to take them places that they've never been before. We want to show them talent like they've never seen before." -Michael Jackson (Himself)

Yes, MJ was a freaky character, but this well made documentary (for fans only) proves that he truly was an extraordinary generous showman.

* * * ½

Zombieland (2009)

"The first rule of Zombieland: Cardio. When the zombie outbreak first hit, the first to go, for obvious reasons... were the fatties." -Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg)

This is a very entertaining Zombie flick, real funny and gory, that's perhaps not as good as Shaun of the Dead, but really not far behind.

* * * *

As Good as It Gets (1997)

"Sell crazy someplace else, we're all stocked up here." -Melvin Udal (Jack Nicholson)

A great little dramatic comedy with an amazing performance by Nicholson, but also from Hunt and Kinnear who give him a run for his money!

* * * *

Avatar (2009)

"Just relax and let your mind go blank. That shouldn't be too hard for you." -Dr. Grace Augustine (Sigourney Weaver)

Technically perfect & visually stunning. It’s unfortunate that the script inspired by Dances with Wolves is way too long and a little bland.

* * * ½

Forrest Gump (1994)

"God damn it, Gump! You're a god damn genius! This is the most outstanding answer I have ever heard. You must have a goddamn I.Q. of 160. You are goddamn gifted, Private Gump." -Drill Sergeant (Afemo Omilami)

This is one of those rare movies, serious yet humorous, that make us go through all sorts of emotions while still remaining entertaining.

* * * * *

Heat (1995)

"Don't let yourself get attached to anything you are not willing to walk out on in 30 seconds flat if you feel the heat around the corner." -Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro)

Impressive. Of course it would be hard to fail with that many great actors… But the story, rhythm and pictures are all of the same calibre.

* * * * ½

De père en flic (Father and Guns) (2009)

"Pas un grief! Habites tes testicules un 'tit peu..." -Jacques Laroche (Michel Côté)

Some good humour, great performances, way too many clichés and a somewhat plain look & feel are all part of this amusing comedy from Quebec.

* * * ½

2012 (2009)

"When they tell you not to panic... that's when you run!" -Jackson Curtis (John Cusack)

The “Scenes of Mass Destruction” are amazing… Everything else is rather boring: recycled action scenes, mediocre characters & empty emotions.

* * ½

Rocky Balboa (2006)

"So, what we'll be calling on is good ol’ fashion blunt force trauma. Horsepower. Heavy-duty, cast-iron, piledriving punches that will have to hurt so much they'll rattle his ancestors." -Duke (Tony Burton)

Surprising film that makes us go through lots of emotions, even with its tired formula. A fitting & satisfying finale for the famous series.

* * * ½

Rocky V (1990)

"My ring's outside." -Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone)

A disaster. Everything is bad (even the music) and I’m not even mentioning the script (long and boring) or the actors (too much overacting).

* ½

Rocky IV (1985)

"I must break you." -Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren)

Rocky IV is really nothing more than a big flashy 80’s music video with a story that offers a simplistic look at the old US vs. USSR rivalry.

* * ½

Rocky III (1981)

"No, I don't hate Balboa. I pity the fool, and I will destroy any man who tries to take what I got!" -Clubber Lang (Mr. T)

We can laugh about Mr. T for being completely over the top, but still, the script is solid and interesting and the story is very well paced.

* * * ½

Rocky II (1979)

"I just got one thing to say... to my wife at home: Yo, Adrian! I DID IT!" -Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone)

The second movie is more about the Rocky and Adrian relationship then the boxing rematch with Apollo. It's predictable but still interesting.

* * * ½

We are back!

November 9, 2009

After a month of convalescence, I feel good enough to start watching and reviewing movies again. Thanks for all the positive thoughts, they helped me a lot getting through these hard times.

For my own pleasure throughout this week, I will be offering reviews of all the Rocky movies, starting of course with the Best Picture winner of the 1976 Oscars...

Rocky (1976)

"Apollo Creed vs. the Italian Stallion. Sounds like a damn monster movie." -Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers)

Truly a masterpiece, from the script by Stallone to Avildsen's direction, without forgetting the famous "Gonna Fly Now" fanfare from Conti.

* * * * *

Temporarily closed

October 4, 2009

Have a little though for me in the next few days because I will be going through an important medical procedure. You can understand that this site will not be updated in the coming week and maybe a little longer.

Truly sorry for that, but rest assured that I will be recuperating calmly in front of the TV and I will share all my reviews as soon as possible!

ZD.

Paris (2008)

"Oh, non, je ne suis pas drôle... Je suis terriblement angoissé et comme tous les gens qui font de l'humour, et bien j'essaye de combler le vide, l'angoisse de la mort" -Roland Verneuil (Fabrice Luchini)

It’s simply life that Klapisch offers here, in beautiful little sketches. And in doing so, he ends up talking about nothing and everything…

* * * * ½

Maverick (1994)

"Well, now, I bring all sorts of plusses to the table. I hardly ever bluff and I never ever cheat." -Maverick (Mel Gibson)

Little Western that elegantly mixes romance, comedy, action and adventure. Gibson, Foster & Garner seem to have as much fun as the audience.

* * * *

140 characters on... Pierre Falardeau

Filmmaker & writer

1946-2009

He was a “rough around the edges” filmmaker that embraced controversy and who made Quebec’s independence the only subject of his life’s work.

Trading Places (1983)

"When I was growing up, if we wanted a Jacuzzi, we had to fart in the tub." -Billy Ray (Eddie Murphy)

It’s got a simple yet very funny story, with Aykroyd & Murphy at the top of their game and we even get to see Jamie Lee’s beautiful breasts…

* * * *

Polytechnique (2009)

"Vous êtes toutes féministes pis j'haïs les féministes." -The assassin (Maxim Gaudette)

Fascinating framing, beautiful images, incredible tension and solid interpretations. Respectful of the actual tragedy, without any missteps.

* * * *

X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

"I come with you, I'm coming for blood. No law. No code of conduct." -Logan (Hugh Jackman)

Pop Corn movie, for better or worse. All the action scenes are great and so is Jackman but the story is rather boring and quickly forgotten.

* * *

The Blues Brothers (1980)

"It's 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses." -Elwood (Dan Aykroyd)

Genius : Illinois Nazis, a mission from God, a vengeful ex-wife, an incredible car chase & a soundtrack with the best bluesmen in the world.

* * * * *

City of Joy (1992)

"The gods have not made it easy to be a human being." -Hasari Pal (Om Puri)

An interesting movie, with Swayze playing a soul-searching hedonist. It offers an interesting look at Calcutta, Indian traditions & culture.

* * * *

140 characters on... Patrick Swayze

Actor and dancer

1952-2009

An actor with undeniable charisma, he is known for some memorable roles in The Outsiders, Dirty Dancing, Ghost, Point Break and City of Joy.

The Ususal Suspects (1995)

"Keaton always said, "I don't believe in God, but I'm afraid of him." Well I believe in God, and the only thing that scares me is Keyser Soze." -Verbal (Kevin Spacey)

A very well made mystery thriller with a good surprise ending. Great performances all around. Singer's direction is efficient and exciting.

* * * *

Excalibur (1981)

"Behold! The Sword of Power! Excalibur! Forged when the world was young, and bird and beast and flower were one with man, and death was but a dream!" -Merlin (Nicol Williamson)

Romantic and lyrical but also brutally realistic, this adaptation of the legend of King Arthur is visually stunning and emotionally perfect.

* * * * *

The Girlfriend Experience (2009)

"We talked, mostly about the economy, but we did not even make love..." -Chelsea (Sasha Grey)

Steven Soderbergh should have called this «The Economy Experience»… It’s distant, confusing, experimental, minimalist but still intriguing.

* * *

Contact (1997)

"First rule in government spending: why build one when you can have two at twice the price?" -S.R. Hadden (John Hurt)

An excellent science-fiction movie that offers interesting theological and philosophical aspects, with a tailor-made role for Jodie Foster.

* * * *

A Hard Day's Night (1964)

"He's very fussy about his drums, you know. They loom large in his legend." -George (George Harrison)

The original music video: energetic, innocent and amusing. See it to discover the Beatles having fun together, before drugs and psychedelia.

* * * ½

Special Review on 09/09/09...

Glory (1989)

"There's more to fighting than rest, sir. There's character, there's strength of heart. You should have seen us in action two days ago. We were a sight to see! We'll be ready, sir." -Robert G. Shaw (Matthew Broderick)

Fantastic performances, great storytelling, beautiful images and superb music make this one of the greatest war picture in movie history.

* * * * *

Braveheart (1995)

"The trouble with Scotland is that it's full of Scots." -Longshanks (Patrick McGoohan)

Beautiful images, strong emotions, some clichés, historical liberties and a forced romance are all part of this great but flawed classic.

* * * *

Race to Witch Mountain (2009)

"Don't go down the pimped out refrigerator Jack." -Jack Bruno (Dwayne Johnson)

For the kids… Amusing, forgettable and without any consequence… Johnson does have a great presence but should tackle something more serious.

* * ½

Män som hatar kvinnor (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) (2009)

"The Vanger family, Mikael, my family... It's one of them that killed Harriet!" -Henrick Vanger (Sven-Bertil Taube)

This is a great adaptation with surprisingly good Swedish actors. But it could seem incoherent if one doesn’t know the richness of the book.

* * * *

Sorry for the lack of updates...

But we have a very sick critic here... Be assured that the second he feels better, he'll be back doing reviews right here, on Reviews 140...

Well, it took me four days to get better, but, hey... Here I am!

Crank: High Voltage (2009)

"Who's got my fucking strawberry tart?" -Chev Chelios (Jason Statham)

This movie is truly all over the place! Tasteless, improbable, incoherent, excessive, brutal, stupid… But it’s still a little entertaining.

* * ½

Inglourious Basterds (2009)

"Monsieur LaPadite, to both your family and your cows I say: Bravo." -Col. Hans Landa (Christoph Waltz)

It’s very Tarantino: fascinating dialogs, dark humour, raw violence & the ultimate vengeance. Actors are having a blast, particularly Waltz.

* * * *

While waiting for the Inglourious Basterds review...

You can check out these two reviews, already available, from Quentin Tarantino's body of work:

Kill Bill Vol. 1 (2003)

Kill Bill Vol. 2 (2004)

Death Proof (2007)

"Ladies, we're gonna have some fun!" -Stuntman Mike (Kurt Russel)

An homage to B-movies from the 70s. The final car chase is spectacular, the dialogs are truly “Tarantinian”, but it’s all a bit too long.

* * * *

Jackie Brown (1997)

"AK-47. The very best there is. When you absolutely, positively got to kill every motherfucker in the room, accept no substitutes." -Ordell Robbie (Samuel L. Jackson)

Jackie Brown is a let-down, it’s true, but it’s far from being a bad movie. It’s simply that Tarantino’s touch is less present, that’s all.

* * *

140 characters on... Best Tarantino Scene

Pulp Fiction (1994)

"Bring out the gimp..." -Zed (Peter Green)

Tension, surprise, humour, action… This is probably one of the weirdest and funniest scene ever written and directed by Quentin Tarantino.

Pulp Fiction (1994)

"Say 'what' again, I dare you, I double dare you motherfucker, say what one more Goddamn time!" -Jules (Samuel L. Jackson)

Tarantino’s masterpiece. See it for the great actors (Travolta, Jackson, Thurman, Rhames, Buscemi & many others) and for the unique dialogs.

* * * * *

140 characters on... Stuck in the middle with you

Reservoir Dogs (1992)

"All you can do is pray for a quick death, which you ain't gonna get." -Mr. Blonde (Michael Madsen)

It’s impossible now to hear Stealers Wheels’ « Stuck in the middle with you » without thinking about this torture scene with Michael Madsen…

140 characters on... The Coolest Slow-motion Scene

Reservoir Dogs (1992)

"All right ramblers, let's get rambling!" -Joe (Lawrence Tierney)

Seeing all those great actors walking in slow motion under the song “Little green bag” is truly one of the coolest moment in movie history.

Reservoir Dogs (1992)

"Yeah, "Mr. Pink" sounds like "Mr. Pussy". Tell you what, let me be Mr. Purple. That sounds good to me. I'm Mr. Purple." -Mr. Pink (Steve Buscemi)

With juicy dialogues, a great deconstructed screenplay, a lot of violence and great actors, this first movie from Tarantino is a little gem.

* * * * ½

Special Tarantino Day

Our critic is set to see Inglourious Basterds in theatres tonight, so we will be presenting critics from Quentin Tarantino's body of work all day long.