Reviews by The Cineast

With the success of Mike Judges' previous projects, including Office Space, Idiocracy, and Beavis and Butthead, I was very much looking forward to his newest film Extract. Though not the biggest fan of Beavis and Butthead, I still enjoyed Office Space, and am yet to complete Idiocracy. I became a rather big fan of Judge, after seeing his genius ways of putting together a hilarious working environment, and adding the perfect characters with excellent chemistry. for example with Office Space, The events going on, and the hilarious characters can be easily be traced back to real life, due to it's realism. I would definitely put his work into the "Acquired taste" category. It's really not for all viewers.

While starting the movie, you immediately recognize what the workplace will be, and know your going to be in for a wild ride. At least that's the appearance. Sadly Extract doesn't do what I would have hoped. A lot of the scenes are indeed as dull as extract. That's not going so say there aren't quite a fair share of comic moments though, and the good outweighs the bad by far. The jokes are sub par in comparison to a lot comedies out there, but as the story progresses, the characters grow on you, and you can't help but to give in. I haven't seen a whole lot of Jason Bateman's work, but was very impressed with his role in this film. I felt the cast was well put together, with the exception of a few.

Though I was expecting a little more, Extract is definitely work a watch or two. It's not for everyone, and don't expect another Mike Judge gem, but you will enjoy it.

6.8/10

With all the hundreds of new shows being aired recently, I thought this one would stick out, and I just had to see what it was like. It seems nowadays half the shows that come out frankly suck, and companies are desperate for money. Saying that, I was a little skeptical how this would do.

Accidentally on Purpose didn't even exceed my lowest of expectations. It's just your common romantic comedy show, with a bit of a twist. I could only bare one episode of it, and kept wondering to myself "Why was this show made"?. Because to be honest, it probably shouldn't have been.

The plot of the whole thing is different, and a nice change, but the acting and writing to go along, is just purely dull. The lead actress annoys the crap out of me, and the supporting cast isn't much better. I just couldn't connect with any of them. Not to mention the things that are going in the show. Just mundane and boring events.

I don't know what I will do if this show carries on for more seasons. what has this world come to?

5.1/10

Parks and recreation is nothing short of an Office rip-off, with a female character portraying Michael Scott. All the other characters are however there own unique selves. While watching this show it's difficult not to notice the fact that almost literally every gesture, phrase, or mishap the main character Leslie does is ridiculously identical to that of Michael, and that just isn't good. If she was funny however, it would be a different story. Amy Poehler just doesn't cut it for me. It's as of she's trying too hard, where as Steve Carell in The Office is naturally hysterical. I found myself laughing more and enjoying more of the other characters, for example Ann Perkins and Tom, they are actually genuinely pretty funny. Bottomline: If you enjoy "The Office" type shows, then give this show a whirl, just don't expect a whole lot, and give it a few episodes to sink in.

7.2/10

Dog Soldiers is one of a couple good films from Neil Marshall. I would call this more of an action/comedy than a horror movie however. I saw Doomsday and thought pretty positively of it, so I thought I would check this out.

"Soldiers" takes place in the same general area for most of the duration, which was fine because it takes away having to focus a lot, or for that matter having to use your brains much. I thought the scenario in which it was filmed in was excellent: An awesome looking wilderness located in England, with plenty of dark and gritty features to show so. Very convincing locations.

The plot in Dog Soldiers isn't exactly impossible to wrap your brain around: A group of soldiers practicing a routine exercise in the Scotland wilderness encounter a pack of vicious/man-eating werewolves. My first thought after reading the plot, was "Sweet", mainly due to how intrigued I am with this genre. The whole survival of the fittest really interests me, and not to mention the military was involved, so that's just another plus. To be honest, I usually just jump right into films without doing much research, because either A. I love to watch most any kind of movie, and highly enjoy the unexpected, or B. I already knew what it was about. I did a bit of extensive research on this particular picture however, and it turned out to be good.

Dog Soldiers has such a fun and entertaining plot, with superb character development, and great locations that its almost impossible not to be glued to the screen within minutes, and after its over, wanting more of it. With me, I can't wait to watch the sequel. While this flick won't be for everyone, I still recommend it to those into violent action/horror movies with non-stop entertainment. Just sit back, relax, and allow yourself to be entertained. It's just pure fun for an hour and a half.

7.1/10

What you don't see often these days is originality. With all the summer blockbusters being released worldwide, A Perfect Getaway is just what the doctor ordered. It has plenty of originality along with a very unique story.

I had pretty high expectations for this film and was really excited after seeing the previews over and over again on television. Yes, there are plenty of movies that came before this to put up some competition, but those lack something of much importance. Transformers 2 and G.I. Joe are just a couple to note. While those might be fun and blasting with crazy special effects, they are just same old same old in terms of filmmaking. I am not saying I can't enjoy a film like that, but repetitiveness is rather annoying after some time.

A Perfect Getaway strives in the categories of creativity, uniqueness, and originality, but also puts you on the edge with the suspense it packs. Not only was I entertained the whole way through, but was also excited to see what would be next, unlike a lot of other movies out there, where your pretty sure what's going to happen, and just kind of want it to be over.

I haven't mentioned how good the cast was, with a rather unusual role for Steve Zahn to play. I haven't seen him this gritty before. He's a successful Screenplay writer, and he was great. Mila Jovovich was great as his wife and really shined here. Olyphant had a nice role as well, playing the ex special forces nature guide (not really but it sounds good) He had a partner as well, and was played by Sanchez. He was probably the pivotal part of the movies interest level for me because he really kept the movie going, and was just a pure bad-ass.

While this flick may not be for all movie-goers, it's still highly entertaining, with a cool twist, and some memorable moments. One of the best of this year.

7.4/10

Never Surrender was barely even worth watching for free, and to be frankly honest with you, I'm still debating with myself as to why I did watch it. It's quite pathetic when these come around.

I highly suggest any movie goer, or mma fan to avoid it at all costs. I was hoping for at least a little more. I mean the acting could have at least been decent, yes decent! it was horendous! along with any other aspect of this so called "film".

If your looking for a lot of ridiculous sex scenes, and the most horribly choreographed fights ever put on screen, then please do give this film a whirl. AVOID THIS! That is all I have to say about this flick.

1.7/10

Seeing as this is Scorsese's first film, I gave it more of a chance to sink in. It was an overall pretty good flick, but the pace was off, and I wasn't really hooked from beginning to end. The first half hour or so is rather slow, showing what the characters are about, so that was fine, but you never really get a feel for what the movie is about until after awhile. Or maybe I just missed it. Once I realized what the film was about however, I really enjoyed it.

I personally love the cast, especially Robert De Niro's character Johnny Boy. He is a comical guy, but at the same time a gritty one too. You can't forget Harvey Keitel's memorable role either. It's maybe his best I have seen him in. That's the best thing about this feature. You won't find many better characters in cinema.

Mean Streets isn't a Scorsese classic per say, but it definitely delivers enough entertainment, and nearly flawless acting, to either rent or purchase.

7.3/10

Goodfellas was made back in 1990, and really is Scorsese at his best. My personal favorite movie is The Departed, so I will admit that this didn't quite stack up to it, but tons will disagree. It was rather difficult however to pick between the two.

Scorsese has hit gold numerous times, and I noticed he's really into recreating true stories. The Aviator, Raging Bull, and Casino are just a few to note. Goodfellas falls into that category, but brings a bit more to the table. There are quite a few aspects that were created by Scorsese. For example, the Billy Batts scene was altered minorly with the shoe shining part being false. Tommy Devito (Pesci) really did have a rough past with Batts (Vincent), but not relating to shoes at all. You need to add something to make it more hollywood-like. That didn't bug me at all though because the film is too good to be affected by it.

This movie tells the story of Henry Hill, played by a great actor in Ray Liotta. You get to see Hill becoming a gangster at an early age, and his life throughout 25 or so years. The way he was able to become so powerful and successful in such a short amount of time, really amazed me.

The cast was a powerhouse for this film, featuring Joe Pesci, Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, and Frank Vincent. Wow were they excellent.

Scorsese really out did himself, and proved why he truly is the best Director in all of cinema (in my opinion of course). Goodfellas still, and always will remain as one of my all-time favorite films.

10.0/10

In Bruges tells the story of two hitmen; Ray (Farrell) and Brendan Gleeson. They just finished up a big job, and are sent on a "retreat" by their boss (Fiennes) to little town called Bruges (located in Belgium).

Hilarious mishaps occur, as secrets are uncovered, and tons of twists and turns get in the way of a nice so-called vacation for these two hitmen. Their boss is meanwhile eager to have them both killed, which creates a lot more tension.

This flick is filled with everything you could ask for. Great acting, an intense shootout, and excellent comedy. I won't spoil the ending for you, but it's worth multiple viewings. Viewer discretion is advised however.

In Bruges will be sure to have an impact on you, whether it be massive laughter, feelings for the characters, or in complete awe of how entertaining it is. I can't recommend this film anymore. One of the best of 2008.

7.9/10

Wedding Daze looked like an average low budget flick, with not much going for it. I thought it was just gonna pass by me, and leave a rather negative impression. I saw the "American Pie" series which also featured Jason Biggs. The films are in no way similar to each other, and it was a bit odd seeing him in something different.

Lets just say I was very impressed after watching this. It really sparked, like you wouldn't expect. The humor isn't all there, but there are quite a few scenes that had me laughing.

The plot is pretty simple, with a guy asking the next girl he sees to marry him, after losing his previous girlfriend. That wasn't bad in this case though. simple is good sometimes, and this was pulled well.

There is a good supporting cast featuring Isla Fisher and Rob Corddry. Don't go into this movie expecting comedy excellence, because you won't find it here. Just enjoy it for what it is: A pretty good comedy with a couple memorable scenes.

7.5/10