The Midwest Movie Review

Slumdog Millionaire

noreply@blogger.com (Dad) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 02:59:00 +0000

Slumdog Millionaire, in its simplest terms, is a rags to riches story, set around India's version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, that is centered around three people - Jamal, Salim, and Latika.

Through a series of unfortunate circumstances and events - orphaned through violence from religious unrest, taken captive by an unscrupulous con artist, just to name two - Salim becomes a hit man for Mumbai's biggest gangster, Latika becomes that same gangster's prize girl (against her will) , and Jamal, who has and always will love Latika but was obviously separated from her, uses India's biggest game show as a means to reunite with her.

Although I don't think Slumdog Millionaire was worthy of this year's Best Picture, it is a good movie, and I'd definitely recommend you watch it if you haven't already.

PS- As my brother-in-law is currently in India, bonus points have been awarded.

Rating: 7.5/10

Death at a Funeral

noreply@blogger.com (Dad) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 02:40:00 +0000

Death at a Funeral is a perfect example of British comedy at its finest. Whether it was an extramarital lover blackmailing the grieving family, the bathroom scene, or the multiple instances of acid use (which, let's be honest, was a theme played out during most of the film), I guarantee that you will be laughing long after the credits roll on this one.

Having said that, it probably won't come as a surprise, then, when I tell you that you absolutely, absolutely, absolutely need to see this movie.

Rating: 8.5/10

Tropic Thunder

noreply@blogger.com (Dad) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 02:34:00 +0000

Good parts to this movie:
1) Tom Cruise's dancing.
2) Robert Downy Jr. Seriously, he was so good, he even got an Oscar nod for his role as Kirk Lazarus.

Overly hyped to the point it was disappointing parts to this movie:
1) Everything else.

Rating: 6.5/10

Gran Torino

noreply@blogger.com (Dad) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 16:12:00 +0000

Walt Kowalski, played by Clint Eastwood, is an abrupt, set-in-his-ways man. Having served in the Korean War, worked a blue collar job at the local Ford plant for decades, and having recently become a widower, Walt has led a tough life. Unofrtunately for him and those closest to him - inlcuding his two sons - these experiences grizzled the old man to the extent that he has willingly pushed his loved ones away.

Without a wife, and with a family that only feels obligated to check in on him, Walt is left with only his dog Daisy, a harsh racism he developed from serving in the war, and, to make matters worse, an increasingly diverse and dangerous neighborhood closing in around him.

Fortunately for Walt, whose own health gradually deteriorates throughout the film, he learns something from a young neighbor, an outspoken Thai girl who just doesn't seem to want to leave him alone: he has more in common with his neighbors than he would ever have thought.

With a growing respect for his neighbors, Walt begins to see a them as a loving family, but one with unfortunate ties to a dangerous lifestyle. Before he knows it, the old man begins to take action to help the children make something better of themselves. The only question, however, is will it be enough before those negative influences lead the children down a similar path of wasted hatred, not much unlike the one Walt has already taken?

A definite Oscar snub this year, Gran Torino is an absolute must-see.

Rating: 8/10

Be Kind Rewind

noreply@blogger.com (Dad) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 14:41:00 +0000

When Jerry (Jack Black) attempts to "sabotage" the local power plant, but is instead electrocuted and magnetized, it seemed like the end of the road for an already fledgling video store when, after his debacle, he accidentally erases all the tapes. However, in an attempt to please what few customers "Be Kind Rewind" still has, Jerry convinces his more sensible buddy Mike (Mos Def) that they should remake the store's inventory of movies themselves.

Someway, somehow, their new video movement catches on with the locals and, much to store owner Elroy Fletcher's (Danny Glover) surprise, his tiny video store - shrugged off as a slum building by the city and scheduled to be demolished- has a chance to save itself.

I won't give away any more of the plot in case you haven't seen it, but if indeed you haven't, I would recommend doing so. Even if you have watched it, I think it's time to watch it again.

Sweded!

Rating: 7/10

Schindler's List

noreply@blogger.com (Dad) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 14:14:00 +0000

Understandably, any movie that chronicles the holocaust is going to be difficult to watch. It may make one feel angry, hopeless, or any range of tense, exhaustive emotions, but it is the ultimate message of Schindler's List- that of hope in the human race- that makes this movie so great.

You may be thinking to yourself that it seems paradoxical to add a message of hope to a movie that includes the story of the senseless murder of millions of people, but when you see just what Oskar Schindler accomplished in the face of such oppression, you can't help but feel hopeful.

Schindler himself, although the hero of this movie, was far from a perfect person. An unfaithful husband with the intent of becoming a war profiteer, the fact that he was able to become wealthy, only to turn around and spend all of his money to bring the persecuted people under his protective wing makes is what makes this film so compelling.

Based on a true story, and a film that will undoubtedly have an impact on you, you absolutely need to own it and watch it.

Rating: 9.5/10

When Harry Met Sally

noreply@blogger.com (Dad) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 22:58:00 +0000

Avid readers of my blog, meet Harry. He's laid back, but kind of a pig who speaks his mind with reckless abandon.

Avid readers of my blog, meet Sally. She's up-tight, structured, and conservative.

Harry and Sally, two polar opposites who share a fateful car ride from Chicago to New York City after college graduation, think they'll never see each other again. Fortunately for each, that's a thought they're both comfortable with.

What neither one considered that day, though, was that fate could have other plans for them. Despite different career paths and seemingly happy relationships for both of them, they do live in the same city (no matter how big), and eventually run into each other. As they grow a little older and a little wiser, and as their respective relationships crumble, each finds a unique comfort in the other's company and the initially strained acquaintance blossoms into a close friendship and ultimately love.

True, it's a romantic comedy, but it's a good movie just the same. Guys, give this one a shot.

Rating:7/10

PS - Based on my recent posts, I think I've developed a crush for old women.

Get Smart

noreply@blogger.com (Dad) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 22:43:00 +0000

I love Steve Carell. I would love to have Anne Hathaway's babies. I do not, however, love this movie.

I thought Max Smart was supposed to be a fumbling, stumbling idiot, and although he did have a couple of moments like that, his ascent to being the hero of Get Smart was too easy and ultimately unsatisfying to me.

Don't get me wrong, I did sit down to this movie expecting something light and mindless, but even with that mindset, I still didn't get any enjoyment out of it.

I won't hate you for watching it, but if you ask my opinion, you're better off watching something else - unless it's Hidalgo of course.

Rating: 5.5/10

The Duchess

noreply@blogger.com (Dad) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 22:11:00 +0000

The Duchess, starring Keira Knightley as Georgianna, Duchess of Devonshire and Ralph Fiennes as the Duke of Devonshire, takes place in 18th century England and is a striking story about the importance of social standing and the limits on female rights of those times.

Hastily married to the Duke as a teenager on the promise that she would provide him a male heir, Georgianna is whisked away to Devonshire with the world seemingly at her feet. However, as quickly as her life seemed to have taken a turn for the better, the Duchess soon realizes that the Duke is fond of extramarital affairs and increasingly indifferent toward her, which becomes more evident as she continually fails to give birth to a son.

The Duchess' unhappiness ultimately reaching a breaking point with her husband's new live-in mistress, Georgianna eventually seeks emotional refuge in a new-found love with an ambitious politician named Charles Grey (who eventually would become the Prime Minister).

Unfortunately for Georgianna, upon the Duke's discovery of the relationship with Grey, tension between the couple escalates to levels that unravel into eventual unhappiness and unbearable despair for both Georgianna and the movie's viewers.

If you value well-done, quality film, I strongly urge you watch this movie. I guarantee it will impact you deeply.

Rating: 8.5/10

Ghostbusters

noreply@blogger.com (Dad) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:55:00 +0000

There's something about the Ghostbusters - maybe the theme song or Sigourney Weaver or the absurdity of the storyline - that makes it one of the "best bad" movies in my collection.

If you haven't watched the first Ghostbusters film in awhile, or haven't seen it yet, you should give it a look-see. As mentioned, it's not the best movie ever (Bill Murray is pretty damn annoying in it, honestly), but it's an overall fun watch and great for Halloween.

By the way, I think I just made up my mind that Sigourney Weaver is the primary reason for my bias of this movie.

Rating: 6/10

Shaun of the Dead

noreply@blogger.com (Dad) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:35:00 +0000

The collective "they" always say that the original idea is always the best. Having already watched its US counterpart, Shaun of the Dead most definitely reinforces that statement.

I have watched this movie a handful of times, and it still baffles me how Simon Pegg and Nick Frost were part of a movie that not only makes zombies scary again, but also takes us to the verge of tears when main characters die - making us laugh all the while.

It may sound impossible that a movie could make you feel so many emotions so far removed from each other on the emotional scale, but take my word for it - the movie's ability to do just that is a testament to its complete and utter awesomeness.

Watch it, people.

Rating: 8/10

House on Haunted Hill

noreply@blogger.com (Dad) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:21:00 +0000

I'm sure the original House on Haunted Hill was good, but the remake? Not so much. Don't watch it unless you're a pimply-faced male teenager without friends, because that's about the only audience that could find this movie enjoyable - and that's a stretch.

And just in case you were wondering, the house IS haunted and DOES kill people. However, what makes this film suck so much was the stupid plot twist three-fourths of the way through the movie in which the audience discovers the bitch wife is plotting to kill her rich husband with the help of the "doctor."

I'm not even going to waste any more time on this review. Just don't watch the movie. Watching paint dry is more entertaining.

Rating: 1.5/10

Dead & Breakfast

noreply@blogger.com (Dad) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 23:39:00 +0000

The Ain't It Cool News claims that Dead & Breakfast is ..."the US answer to Shaun of the Dead," but I don't see it. Maybe that's why I didn't think the movie was as good as it could have been...you don't just throw statements like that around. However, whenever you manage to get Diedrich Bader (The Drew Carey Show) to play a grumpy Frenchman and David Carradine to play a crazy spiritual dude (sound familiar?), you usually should watch it. So I did. And I laughed when the zombies danced and when the arrogant asshole character slipped on the blood on the kitchen floor for two minutes straight, and when the lead singer from the local band serenaded me between scene transitions, but overall, it just wasn't Shaun of the Dead caliber.

It's not a movie for everyone, so I say, very cautiously, that you should give this flick a shot.

Rating: 6/10

Halloween IV

noreply@blogger.com (Dad) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 23:23:00 +0000

Throw in a convenient "Oh, those characters aren't dead, they just survived a massive fire from a couple of movies ago," and you've got yourself the beginnings of a pretty sweet horror film.

In all actuality, Halloween IV manages to give us just the right amount of cheese and spooks to be a pretty good movie...at least for its genre.

Although we don't get to follow on the adventures of Laurie "Yep, I'm Jamie Lee Curtis and I'm still hot even though I'm old and in Beverly Hills Chihuahua" Strode, we do get to see Michael Myers terrorize her little daughter Jamie, born somewhere between the second installment and this movie. Tagging along for the night full of death is Jamie's cousin and unwilling babysitter Rachel, and that "I just survived a massive fire from a couple movies ago" Dr. Loomis.

In all, a good film in the Halloween franchise, and one that you should keep for those cold, late October nights right before Halloween.

Rating: 7/10

Halloween III

noreply@blogger.com (Dad) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 23:19:00 +0000

Halloween III sucked.

Rating: 3/10

Halloween II

noreply@blogger.com (Dad) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 23:03:00 +0000

You may be asking yourself after reading the movie title of this post why the first installment of the Halloween series isn't being reviewed before Halloween II. The answer is simple, really...I watched Halloween right before this blog was launched and didn't feel like watching it again so soon. Sorry.

Anyway, despite arguments I've heard to the contrary, Halloween II is really only an average horror flick. It's not as good as the first film, but I will still give it some props for keeping Michael Myers creepy (something many horror films manage to forget quickly with their respective villains) and for starring the "I used to be hot but now I'm old but still kind of hot in a strange way" Jamie Lee Curtis.

Watch it just to say you've watched it before, but don't expect it to be the best film you've ever seen.

Rating: 6/10

Apocalypto

noreply@blogger.com (Dad) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 22:52:00 +0000

Apocalypto excels at making you ill at ease because of what the main character, Jaguar Paw, must deal with in his fight for survival. Whether it is the initial ambush and slaughter of his small village, a close call on the sacrificial table, or a multiple day chase back to the village, Apocalypto keeps you interested from start to finish.

Although not as good as The Passion of the Christ or Braveheart, Mel Gibson's latest go-round behind the camera is still worth a watch or two.

Rating: 7/10

Alien vs. Predator: Requiem

noreply@blogger.com (Dad) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 23:33:00 +0000

I've heard that the people behind the first Alien vs. Predator hated how the movie turned out. Yeah, that movie did suck, but Alien vs. Predator: Requiem was worse...way worse. Don't even bother wasting your time. I'm sure you can think of a million better things to do instead.

Rating: 3/10

Awake

noreply@blogger.com (Dad) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 01:15:00 +0000

The thought that a person can actually experience "anesthesia awareness" is scary and quite disturbing to me.

What's also scary and disturbing is the acting of Jessica Alba and, although I hate to admit it, Hayden Christensen.

Oh well. At least it was enough to keep me awake and moderately entertained on the long and sleep-deprived trip back from Boston.

Rating: 5/10

Eagle vs. Shark

noreply@blogger.com (Dad) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:41:00 +0000

If you're familiar with the comedy stylings of Flight of the Conchords, the fact that Jemaine Clement stars in Eagle vs. Shark should peak your interest. However, don't expect more of the same from him in this dark comedy.

In Eagle vs. Shark, Clement plays Jarrod, a man who seemingly doesn't notice the fact that he is a loser. Starring opposite him is actress Loren Horsley, who plays the equally awkward but lovestruck Lily.

After a chance opportunity allows Lily to attend a "Dress Up Like Your Favorite Animal" party thrown by Jarrod, a quirky romance between the two begins. Through all the romantic awkwardness, no matter how humorous, the audience soon learns that the seemingly arrogant Jarrod is actually struggling with his personal demons and that Lily, who has already taken that journey herself, is just what Jarrod needs to find himself again.

A great indie flick that teaches us that letting down your guard is difficult but necessary in order to come to terms with ourselves, Eagle vs. Shark definitely deserves a watch or two.

Rating: 7/10

Batman Begins

noreply@blogger.com (Dad) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:17:00 +0000

Although not as good as its sequel, Batman Begins is still an amazing film in its own right. The chemistry between director Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale is undeniably strong and shows through on screen. The cast of Liam Neeson as Raz al Gul was an excellent choice. The acting of Gary Oldman as Lieutenant Gordon (which was so good that I almost believe that Oldman is an unsure, clumsy person in real life) was even better. Even the addition of Michael Caine as Alfred was refreshing, his character's wit often lightening the excessively serious mood of the film.

With its appropriately dark tone and interesting backstory on how Batman became Batman, this is a great film that should also be recognized as the movie that returned the Batman franchise to its former glory - a feat that seemed impossible after the releases of both Batman Forever and Batman & Robin.

Rating: 8/10

Batman: The Dark Knight

noreply@blogger.com (Dad) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 01:32:00 +0000

With a dark and brooding plot, tension in every scene, and multiple instances of sacrificing yourself for the greater good, Batman: The Dark Knight physically affected as much as any other movie ever has, and is the first film to do so since Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.

Throw in a brilliant performance by Heath Ledger (who, despite the unfortunate hype stirred from his untimely death actually lived up to the billing), an unstoppable synergy with director Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale, and a full bag of Batman gadgetry tricks, and you've got one of the best movies of the year.

See this movie once, then see it again...it's that good.

Rating: 9/10

Once Upon a Time in the West

noreply@blogger.com (Dad) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 01:26:00 +0000

It would appear that after the recent lack of quality films I've subjected myself to, Once Upon a Time in the West has given me hope once again that there are still good films out there to be watched.

And one more thing: Charles Bronson is the man.

Rating: 7.5/10

Hancock

noreply@blogger.com (Dad) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 01:06:00 +0000

Hancock, portrayed as "not your average superhero," was average as a movie. Many of what would have been the film's best scenes were made stale by the trailer, and both the big surprising twist and antagonist plotlines would have been interesting... if they had been completely fleshed out.

Bottom line: Hancock could have been great, but when the credits roll, you will probably just sit there wondering why the movie ended when it did, and why it didn't grasp its full potential.

Rating: 6/10

Hancock

The Running Man

noreply@blogger.com (Dad) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 01:40:00 +0000

Horrifying one-liners. Crap graphics. Arnold. It's cheese-tastic!

Rating: 4/10