This movie, very nicely, moves from a mystery to a thriller to a horror film. It almost fools you into thinking it’s a different type of movie than it actually is, and this is a good thing. The surprises keep coming even up to the end. The role of the little girl Lilith was played very well by Jodelle Ferland. There were times when I really felt concerned for her saftey and others where I feared for everyone elses.

Case 39 takes you on a trip and you can’t help but follow along as the story twists and turns. I watched it with someone who doesn’t normally watch horror movies and they didn’t know it was one until they were caught up in watching it. I really enjoyed this movie and give it a 4 out of 5 marks.

All the actors were pretty good but the only one I recognized was Max von Sydow. He played the part of a Jewish survivor of the Holocaust and was the only character that spoke English in the entire movie. Intacto is a Spanish film. When I rented it I was prepared to sit down and read subtitles but I found the DVD does have a 2.1 English track you can choose instead of the 5.1 surround sound Spanish one. I opted to listen in English.

One of the great things about this movie is the discovery of this world of underground gamblers, the games they play to test their luck, and the currency they put up as collateral in order to compete. I would have liked for there to be a visual representation of the luck of the gamblers as it changed bodies and was used. The concept of how luck could be absorbed and given out by certain people was interesting. This was one of those films where you just go along for the ride and enjoy it’s twists and turns. I rented this movie based solely on its premise and was pleased to find it was much more. I give this film a 3 and a half out of 5 marks. Here’s the trailer:

This movie is for all intents and purposes a “B” movie. It’s low budget. It’s about the hood and the drug game, and it has only one or two recognizable actors. That being said, I found it to be more enjoyable than I expected. Ving Rhames was disgustingly evil and every evil act he did was as fun to watch as it was out of bounds. Another thing that made this movie interesting is how it portrayed the drug game. Everyone who comes from the hood has their idea on how the drug game should be played and the way the main character played it is how anyone would expect a successful drug dealer would. The way that the devil explained his motivation and actions was surprisingly clear and almost fair. If not for the supernatural element, I’d say this movie almost celebrates the drug game. I enjoyed this film and give it a 3 and a half out of 5 marks. Check out the trailer:

Thought it was a little slow at times, I found this movie intriguing. Part of the time I was waiting for Will Ferrell to do some outrageously, comedic, stupid bit which amazingly didn’t happen though much of his more subtle funny stuff made it through. The other part had me wondering where it was all going as, over time, it seemed to become less and less of a comedy and more of a romantic drama. I’ve never been much of a fan of Will Ferrell and tend to pass on films he stars in but I’m moved to say I liked him in this. In fact it was such a surprise that I give it a 4 out of 5 marks. It’s one of very few films that I’ve sit through more than once.

The whole phenomenon started out with an original clip circulated around the Internet via YouTube. That got the discussion going and in the movie you see additional skits after which there are interviews from people who have just seen it. The only recogizeable actor is Jimmy Jean-Louis who plays the main male role in all the skits. You can find out more about the film and the phenomenon at the official website.

The movie is available for immediate streaming on Netflix so if you’re looking for something to watch with a group of mixed friends that will spark discussion, this could be it. It definitely worked out that way at my house. I give this film a 3 and a half out of 4 marks. Here’s the video that started it all:

There were a lot of recognizable actors in this movie and I’d say the movie was well acted as a whole. Even Luke Wilson wasn’t terrible and while Téa Leoni’s character was a bitch, she was quite a likeable one. The film is definitely a comedy but it’s not really laugh out loud funny though it does make you smile a lot. Ben Kingsley is awesome and the movie is really just plain fun … even when it tries to be serious. I give it a 3 and a half out of 5 marks but I’m considering giving it 4. Here’s the trailer:

I was looking back trying to figure out why I hadn’t seen this movie in the theater and found out the movie was released in the U.S. on only a few screens due to the actual columbine incident. It was later re-released seven years later. There is already a sequel which I have seen and also recommend called The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day. It’s nearly, if not just as good, as the original. I ended up screening both movies back-to-back with friends and a good time was had by all. I consider them both classics and easily give the original 5 out of 5 marks. Check out the trailer for the original:

There’s a lot to like about this movie. It’s clearly low budget but somehow contains all the elements of a great Superhero movie. There’s plenty of comedy as Mirageman learns about the superhero business through trial and error; from who he should trust, what clothing he should wear, to how to get around transportation issues. What really stands out here is the martial arts. This was some of the best fighting choreography I have ever seen outside of a Chinese or Japanese film. There’s no slow motion, just awesome, real-looking fight scenes.

As I said before, this film was made in Chile so it is English dubbed but if you’ve ever watched old martial arts movies of the past then getting through this will be easy. The Superhero movement and action is somewhat similar to the old Spider-Man live action television show. It’s a little cheesy but definitely entertaining and fun to watch. The music is good too. I give this movie a 4 out of 5 marks. Check out the trailer:

This movie is subtitled but the conversations happen slow enough for them to be easily read without missing anything important in the movie. Some parts of the film play out like  a Kung Fu movies with guns instead of hand to hand combat. The personalities of each of the friends are relatively distinct and each is likeable in his own way. There are plenty of action scenes and since there are lots of bullets flying, there is plenty of blood but not to the point of it being gory. The enduring friendship of the main give guys is fun to watch as it plays out amidst the backdrop of bullets, crime, and gang bosses. The movie takes place in Macao, China and has its appropriate comedic and dramatic moments woven into this action piece.

None of the actors were recognizeable to me but everyone seemed to play their part well. This was an enjoyable film. It was directed by Johnny To who I never knew but now have an appreciation for. I easily give this movie a 4 out of 5 marks. Enjoy the trailer below then go rent the movie.