Reviews 140

Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2006)

2010-05-30T16:53:00.002-04:00

"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)

2010-05-29T13:28:00.001-04:00

"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)

2010-05-28T19:59:00.000-04:00

"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)

2010-05-28T19:51:00.000-04:00

"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)

2010-05-21T18:28:00.001-04:00

"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)

2010-05-16T08:52:00.001-04:00

"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)

2010-05-16T08:44:00.000-04:00

"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)

2010-01-18T14:37:00.001-05:00

"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)

2010-01-15T13:38:00.002-05:00

"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)

2010-01-13T23:24:00.001-05:00

"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)

2009-12-28T15:31:00.001-05:00

"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)

2009-11-24T17:12:00.001-05:00

"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)

2009-11-23T16:13:00.001-05:00

"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)

2009-11-22T14:39:00.001-05:00

"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)

2009-11-21T13:51:00.000-05:00

"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)

2009-11-15T14:16:00.001-05:00

"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)

2009-11-13T12:55:00.001-05:00

"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)

2009-11-12T12:53:00.001-05:00

"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)

2009-11-11T13:17:00.001-05:00

"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)

2009-11-10T14:20:00.001-05:00

"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!

2009-11-09T14:57:00.003-05:00

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)

2009-11-09T14:55:00.000-05:00

"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

2009-10-04T01:55:00.003-04:00

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)

2009-10-02T09:10:00.001-04:00

"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)

2009-09-29T14:58:00.001-04:00

"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

2009-09-26T14:22:00.002-04:00

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)

2009-09-25T18:08:00.001-04:00

"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)

2009-09-22T10:58:00.001-04:00

"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)

2009-09-20T02:34:00.001-04:00

"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)

2009-09-17T14:36:00.001-04:00

"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)

2009-09-16T21:05:00.001-04:00

"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

2009-09-15T09:57:00.002-04:00

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)

2009-09-14T10:04:00.001-04:00

"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)

2009-09-12T15:40:00.001-04:00

"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)

2009-09-11T15:11:00.001-04:00

"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)

2009-09-10T19:54:00.001-04:00

"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)

2009-09-09T15:25:00.002-04:00

"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)

2009-09-08T19:11:00.001-04:00

"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)

2009-09-07T15:24:00.001-04:00

"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)

2009-09-06T15:24:00.001-04:00

"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)

2009-09-04T12:34:00.003-04:00

"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...

2009-09-01T18:18:00.003-04:00

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)

2009-08-30T14:44:00.001-04:00

"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)

2009-08-29T01:00:00.001-04:00

"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...

2009-08-28T18:22:00.003-04:00

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)

2009-08-28T18:00:00.001-04:00

"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)

2009-08-28T16:00:00.000-04:00

"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

2009-08-28T15:08:00.004-04:00

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)

2009-08-28T14:15:00.001-04:00

"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

2009-08-28T13:45:00.003-04:00

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

2009-08-28T13:20:00.006-04:00

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)

2009-08-28T08:01:00.001-04:00

"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

2009-08-28T07:00:00.000-04:00

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.

Passengers (2008)

2009-08-27T17:59:00.003-04:00

"The truth heals." -Claire Summers (Anne Hathaway)

It’s a curious blend of romance, conspiracy theory and supernatural mystery. Too bad the twist ending feels like a watered down Sixth Sense…

* * *

140 characters on... Wikus Van De Merwe (Sharlto Copley)

2009-08-26T16:51:00.002-04:00

District 9 (2009)

"Hello, little one! It's the sweety man coming!"

A fascinating character that goes through a complete metamorphosis (literally & figuratively), played with intensity by a formidable actor.

District 9 (2009)

2009-08-26T13:07:00.000-04:00

"Get your fokkin' tentacle out of my face!" -Wikus Van De Merwe (Sharlto Copley)

It has plenty of action and emotions, great special effects, a solid, surprising and entertaining story with a touch of social commentary.

* * * *

Ladyhawke (1985)

2009-08-24T11:38:00.001-04:00

"Sir, the truth is I talk to God all the time, and no offense, but He never mentioned you." -Phillipe Gaston (Matthew Broderick)

Ladyhawke has a very good story, excellent actors, and some truly beautiful images but is somehow ruined by a horrible pop-rock soundtrack.

* * * ½

140 characters on... Luc Besson's Female Leads

2009-08-21T12:39:00.000-04:00

Héléna, Johanna, Nikita, Mathilda, Leeloo, Jeanne d'Arc...

They are all strong-willed women, beautiful, charming & driven but they also always show a hint of vulnerability and even sometimes naiveté.

The Big Blue (1988)

2009-08-21T12:38:00.000-04:00

"Roberto, mio palmo!" -Enzo (Jean Reno)

A wonderful story that shows us the beauty of the sea, friendship & love. The cinematography, both on earth and under the water, is amazing.

* * * * ½

Sin City (2005)

2009-08-20T10:14:00.002-04:00

"That's the thing with dames; sometimes all they gotta do is let it out and a few buckets later there's no way you'd know." -Marv (Mickey Rourke)

A superbly directed and wickedly stylish piece of eye candy, with great characters played by excellent actors & an overdose of testosterone.

* * * *

140 characters on... Translations

2009-08-19T16:47:00.003-04:00

"T'as pas une gueule de porte-bonheur..." meaning "you don't have a lucky charm face" was used for the french translation of the punch line "You're one ugly motherfucker..." in Predator (1987).

It changes the meaning of the dialog, robs us of the actor’s performance & the intentions of the director. Subtitles are the only way to go.

The Hangover (2009)

2009-08-18T16:02:00.001-04:00

"Jesus, he's like a gremlin. Comes with instructions and shit." -Phil Wenneck (Bradley Cooper)

It’s idiotic and juvenile, but it will make you laugh… The main actors are all excellent, and their banter is well written and delivered.

* * * ½

140 characters on... Sacha Baron Cohen

2009-08-17T14:50:00.001-04:00

Cohen is one of those rare actors capable of completely owning a character and never breaking from the role in the most absurd situations.

Brüno (2009)

2009-08-17T14:34:00.001-04:00

"Can I give you guys a word of advice? Lose the beards, because your King Osama looks like a kind of dirty wizard... or a homeless Santa." -Brüno (Sacha Baron Cohen)

There are moments that are outrageously funny, but it’s not as interesting as Borat: the originality is gone and the rhythm is inconsistent.

* * *

Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006)

2009-08-17T14:10:00.001-04:00

"Although Kazakhstan a glorious country, it have a problem, too: economic, social, and Jew." -Brat (Sacha Baron Cohen)

Borat is hilarious, completely over the top and makes us discover an intolerant America with hysterical, surprising and shocking interviews.

* * * *

New feature: Table of Content

2009-08-16T03:00:00.004-04:00

You now have access to a complete list of all the reviews from this site, in alphabetical order. The search function from Blogger was kind of unreliable and some reviews were not showing up, even with the right title. So now, by using the link provided at the top of the page (under the title bar), you have an easy access to all the 28000 characters that were written for this site...

Scarface (1983)

2009-08-15T15:04:00.002-04:00

"So say good night to the bad guy! Come on. The last time you gonna see a bad guy like this again, let me tell you." -Tony Montana (Al Pacino)

Everything is over the top in DePalma’s Scarface: the violence, the intensity, the characters, and the legendary performance by Al pacino.

* * * * ½

200th review of Reviews 140 !

L.A. Confidential (1997)

2009-08-14T13:21:00.001-04:00

"Off the record, on the QT, and very hush-hush." -Sid Hudgens (Dany DeVito)

With Crow as a tough guy, Pearce as a nerdy rookie, Spacey as a crocked cop and Basinger doing a lurid vamp, it was destined for greatness.

* * * *

140 characters on... John Hughes

2009-08-13T09:04:00.001-04:00

Director, writer and producer

1950-2009

Creator of a lot of successful movies in the eighties, his take on the teenage years was humorous, sensible, intelligent and totally unique.

Trainspotting (1996)

2009-08-12T13:03:00.001-04:00

"I chose not to choose life. I chose somethin' else. And the reasons? There are no reasons. Who needs reasons when you've got heroin?" -Mark Renton (Ewan McGregor)

Dark and troubling, funny and touching. It’s a perfect movie on heroin addiction with superb performances by Ewan McGregor & Robert Carlyle.

* * * * *

Boogie Nights (1997)

2009-08-11T11:27:00.001-04:00

"I am a star. I'm a star, I'm a star, I'm a star. I am a big, bright, shining star. That's right." -Dirk Diggler (Mark Wahlberg)

A lot of style and humour, some excellent music, superbly directed, with an absolutely perfect casting in a big swirl of glamour and kitsch.

* * * * ½

The Great Global Warming Swindle (2007)

2009-08-10T09:06:00.002-04:00

"Apocalypse my arse" -Working title

After seeing An Inconvenient Truth, this well done documentary will hopefully make you doubt a little. A perfect tool for Devil’s advocates!

* * *

An Inconvenient Truth (2006)

2009-08-06T16:49:00.001-04:00

"I'm Al Gore, I used to be the next president of the United States of America." -Al Gore

What’s more troubling about this documentary is that we can see how much better the world would be if Gore had been elected in Bush’s place.

* * * *

140 characters on... The various James Bond

2009-08-05T10:43:00.000-04:00

Connery: the original

Niven: the forgotten

Lazenby: stylish

Moore: the funniest

Dalton: very “British”

Brosnan: almost perfect

Craig: most intense

Hancock (2008)

2009-08-04T16:14:00.001-04:00

"If you don't move, your head is going up his ass. Y'all fellas sure you wanna ride this train?" -Hancock (Will Smith)

For once, the previews did not steal the punch. But unfortunately, it did not even help: the finale is muddled and there is no sense of fun.

* * *

Tropic Thunder (2008)

2009-08-02T19:31:00.001-04:00

"Cockburn, from now on my fist is going to be so far up your shithole that every time you have a thought, it's gonna have to tiptoe past my wedding ring..." -Les Grossman (Tom Cruise)

Downey Jr. and Cruise totally steals the show in this pretty funny movie that makes fun of Hollywood and pays it an homage at the same time.

* * * ½

Kung Fu Panda (2008)

2009-08-01T17:17:00.002-04:00

"I'm not a big fat panda. I'm *the* big fat panda." -Po (Jack Black)

Superb animation, great design and excellent voice casting. The script is downright predictable, but still offers some pretty funny moments.

* * * *

Million Dollar Baby (2004)

2009-07-31T23:01:00.000-04:00

"I don't train girls." -Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood)

This is a superb drama. Directing is impeccable and the script is surprising. Eastwood, Freeman and Swank are simply perfect in their roles.

* * * * ½

The Bank Job (2008)

2009-07-31T22:56:00.000-04:00

"Look honey, I'm going to be working some strange hours over the next week or two, so don't ask me what I'm doing because I don't want to lie to you." -Terry Leather (Jason Statham)

Impressive movie. It’s intelligent, full of unpredictable twists with interesting & well played characters. Statham even show some emotions!

* * * *

21 (2008)

2009-07-31T22:51:00.000-04:00

"You know what I like most about Las Vegas? You can be whoever you want to be." -Jill Taylor (Kate Bosworth)

There is nothing extraordinary in the script or the casting, but still, 21 is a nice little film that offers some pretty good entertainment.

* * *

RocknRolla (2008)

2009-07-31T22:48:00.000-04:00

"We all like a bit of the good life - some the money, some the drugs, other the sex game, the glamour, or the fame. But a RocknRolla, oh, he's different. Why? Because a real RocknRolla wants the fucking lot." -Archie (Mark Strong)

Pretty bland effort by Guy Richie. There is a lot of style, but really no substance… Butler & Wilkinson both offer an excellent performance.

* * *

Role Models (2008)

2009-07-31T22:44:00.000-04:00

"I like to rock n' roll all night and *part* of every day. I usually have errands... I can only rock from like 1-3." -Danny (Paul Rudd)

The only good thing in this movie? The young actors. The rest is without interest. Can Scott play anything else that the Stiffler character?

* *

The Incredible Hulk (2008)

2009-07-31T17:30:00.002-04:00

"This is a whole new level of weird." -Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth)

We are far from Iron Man and even more from Dark Knight, but it’s still better than the other one, because of Edward Norton and Tim Roth.

* * * ½

Hulk (2003)

2009-07-31T17:26:00.001-04:00

"We're going to have to watch that temper of yours." -Dr. David Banner (Nick Nolte)

It’s never-ending! And when it finally start, we’re so bored that we don’t care anymore. Only Lee’s “comic style” direction is worth seeing.

* * ½

Les poupées russes (2005)

2009-07-30T20:13:00.003-04:00

"Les filles c’est comme des poupées russes. Chaque fois qu’on croit tenir la bonne, on en découvre une nouvelle." -Xavier (Romain Duris)

It’s great fun to renew with the characters of l’Auberge espagnole and even if it’s a little more lovey-dovey, it’s still always excellent.

* * * * ½

L'auberge espagnole (2002)

2009-07-30T20:02:00.002-04:00

"Xavier, ça veut dire quoi « la fuck » ?" -Wendy (Kelly Reilly)

A great film, well directed and very original, full of interesting characters, unique situations and the famous European « joie de vivre ».

* * * * ½

140 characters on... Ben Affleck

2009-07-29T15:58:00.003-04:00

Affleck is a terrible actor, but becomes almost bearable when under the direction of Kevin Smith. See Chasing Amy or Dogma for the proof...

140 characters on... The casting of Star Trek

2009-07-27T21:23:00.001-04:00

Star Trek (2009)

"I am and always shall be your friend..."

For J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek, they talked about casting Matt Damon as Kirk. Does that mean we would have been stuck with Ben Affleck as Spock?

Frost / Nixon (2008)

2009-07-27T13:26:00.001-04:00

"That's our tragedy, you and I Mr. Frost. No matter how high we get, they still look down at us." -Richard Nixon (Frank Langella)

A fascinating, intense intellectual and historical battle of wits supported by riveting performances by both Michael Sheen & Frank Langella.

* * * *

Death Race (2008)

2009-07-27T10:45:00.000-04:00

"This is a race! You don't go backwards!" -Case (Natalie Martinez)

Over the top action flick that has no ambition of being something more. It’s violent, gratuitous, badly written, but it’s perfect to unwind.

* * ½

140 characters on... Ron Howard & Apollo 13

2009-07-26T19:06:00.002-04:00

Apollo 13 (1995)

If we compare the old archive footage & Ron Howard’s film, what can be concluded? It’s an homage or does Howard sorely lack any imagination?

Watchmen (2009)

2009-07-26T14:40:00.002-04:00

"None of you understand. I'm not locked up in here with you. You're locked up in here with me." -Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley)

While the movie is visually pleasing and technically perfect, the script leads to a conclusion that lost its meaning when the Cold War ended.

* * * ½

New feature: "140 characters on..."

2009-07-25T15:48:00.002-04:00

We are trying a new feature on Reviews 140. It's called "140 characters on...". Those are appreciations, comments or remarks on small details that are beyond the scope of regular reviews. It can focus on a certain actor's performance, the trademark of a director or a specific detail of a particular movie...

You can have a quick access to all the "140 characters on..." by using the rapid link on the right side of the site.

Check them out and tell us what you think!

140 characters on... The Sixties in Dirty Dancing

2009-07-25T14:48:00.002-04:00

Dirty Dancing (1987)

"That was the summer of 1963 - when everybody called me Baby, and it didn't occur to me to mind." -Baby (Jennifer Grey)

Excuse me? This movie is set in the sixties? But the music comes straight from the eighties, as are the horrible clothing and the haircuts…

140 characters on... Count Dracula (Gary Oldman)

2009-07-25T14:40:00.003-04:00

Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)

"You will, I trust, excuse me if I do not join you. But, I have already dined, and I never drink... wine."

We feel Dracula’s grudge, his hatred, rage and torment with a great performance, subtle but also impulsive, even under 15 inches of make-up!

Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)

2009-07-25T08:32:00.000-04:00

"The blood is the life... and it shall be mine!" -Dracula (Gary Oldman)

The directing, the imagery and the special effects are astonishing. All the actors are great, except for Keanu Reeves who is out of place.

* * * * ½

Les choristes (2004)

2009-07-24T16:04:00.003-04:00

"Action, réaction." -Chabert (Kad Merad)

This is a story we seemed to have seen a thousand times, but never got tired of: melodramatic, very well acted, with a superb soundtrack.

* * * *

Footloose (1984)

2009-07-23T16:39:00.003-04:00

"Hey, I like that hat, man. They sell men's clothes where you got that?" -Ren (Kevin Bacon)

It’s a step up compared to the usual teen musicals, mostly because of John Lithgow & Kevin Bacon, and well developed story and characters.

* * * ½

Dirty Dancing (1987)

2009-07-23T12:04:00.002-04:00

"I carried a watermelon." -Baby (Jennifer Grey)

A typical 80’s chick flick… Morale is cheesy, characters are paper-thin, actors bland, it’s way too long and everything is black or white.

* * ½

Man on the Moon (1999)

2009-07-21T09:15:00.001-04:00

"You're insane, but you might also be brilliant." -George Shapiro (Danny DeVito)

Jim Carrey is absolutely brilliant in this movie that shows rather than explain the mysterious and unique character that was Andy Kaufman.

* * * *