Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)

You want to be a good archaeologist, you've got to get out of the library. Indiana Jones

For all its hype and promise, in the end I simply wasn't all that impressed with the fourth installment of the Indiana Jones series. Harrison Ford would have been wise to keep his fedora hanging in the closet where it belonged.

What I liked about this movie: the beginning. When the film first started, we find out we're in Nevada in 1957, during the hype of the Cold War. The enemies are no longer Nazi's, but Communists. Already it seems Indy is back to his old tricks getting into trouble.

However, after an initial showdown in a warehouse, the movie takes a turn for the slow. There isn't too much that can be said without giving away key plot points. In my opinion, way too much of Mutt Williams, Shia LaBeouf, and not enough Indy. At one point there was a car chase that seemed to drag on forever - that could have easily been cut down nicely.

All in all, not an awful movie, but not what I would expect. Furthermore, a few of the sets seemed to be recycled from some of George Lucas' and Stephen Speilberg's more, ahem, well known films.

2.5 stars out of 5

Iron Man (2008)

Let's face it, this is not the worst thing you've caught me doing. Tony Stark

A movie full of missiles, explosions, guns, terrorists and tons of electric guitar music is a far cry from the black and white movies I've been seeing in bulk lately. 

Considering I am not a huge fan of Robert Downey, Jr., I did not have very high expectations for this movie, but was pleasantly surprised. Always a fan of the superhero flicks, Iron Man did not disappoint in the action department. Having no prior knowledge of the comic book, I also found the story line entertaining. One thing I really like was the modernization of the story. In the comic, Iron Man takes place during the Vietnam War and he has a butler named Jarvis. For the movie, the story takes place today, during the Iraq War, and his home is equipped with an A.I. butler named Jarvis.

Overall, an enjoyable movie with decent performances by everyone. Not one of my favorites, but far superior than what I anticipated. Anyone interested in a visually-stimulating movie with very patriotic undertones should take in a viewing.

3.5 stars out of 5

And Now It's Time For Something Completely Different

A little note to my avid readers....

I'm taking a very small break from my project to pursue some other means of entertainment. With the fast approach of the Sex and the City movie - out in theaters next Friday - I will spend the next week watching episodes from seasons one through six of the series in preparation for the big screen release of the ultimate chick flick.

That being said.... this break is much needed. Although the older movies are enjoyable, quite frankly I need something a little more contemporary to break in. I'm thinking perhaps after this I'll switch back my Oscar list for awhile. Any more black and white films and I may go crazy. 

See you again in a few weeks!

Some Like It Hot (1959)

American Film Institute's Top 100 Films, No. 25

I don't care how rich he is, as long as he has a yacht, his own private railroad car and his own toothpaste.  Sugar Kane Kowalczyk

Just one word: wow!! What a FANTASTIC movie! It was good to have another comedy tossed in with the number of dramas.

Having never seen Marylin Monroe act, I was surprisingly impressed. While her character didn't seem to require many challenges, she was never the less obviously perfect for the role. I found it entertaining to read that some scenes took her 59 takes to get one simple line correct... so apparently it wasn't much of a stretch.

Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, the latter specifically, were wildly entertaining as women. Josephine and Daphne were a goofy pair, especially with all the flirting coming from other men. Men in drag is always an entertaining concept, perfect example Mrs. Doubtfire, however this film had a lot more class than more recent stories, say Hot Chicks or The Birdcage.

 

Not much else can be said without giving away the plot, but a highly recommended movie for anyone.

4.5 stars out of 5

To Kill A Mockingbird (1962)

American Film Institute's Top 100 Films, No. 25

Don't say "hey" to me you ugly girl! Mrs. Dubose

To this day, Harper Lee's novel remains one of my most favorite books. Likewise, this version of the story is the best I have ever seen - regardless of how many theatre renditions of the story I will see, nothing will ever top this movie.

Gregory Peck's performance as Atticus Finch is without a doubt one of my favorite of all time. He portrayed the character with such grace and perfection, it has been said Harper Lee cried on the set of the movie watching Peck act because he was so dead-on in his take of the character. Over time, the movie has become somewhat dated, but not so much that is no longer enjoyable. 

Children actors tend to be hit or miss with movies, but the younger Finch's and neighbor Dill are an entertaining bunch. I would highly recommend a viewing of the movie to anyone who has ever read the books - and if you haven't read the book, shame on you!

4.5 stars out of 5

The Grapes of Wrath (1940)

American Film Institute's Top 100 Films: No. 23

Seems like the government's got more interest in a dead man than a live one. Tom Joad

It never ceases to amaze me how much more entertaining some movies can be when you're not required to watch them for class. John Steinbeck's classic novel of the Oakies and the Dustbowl was a required read in school, and once we finished reading the book we were "treated" with a viewing of the movie. 

Going back now to watch the movie for fun, I found a much higher entrainment value. I feel certain some of that is due to the fact I'm not half asleep in a desk chair. 

Since the movie is a little older, it is naturally a little hokey in some parts. Some of the dialogue doesn't translate as well to the screen from the page - at time it seems stiff and staged. However, most of that is due simply to the period of time the movie was filmed. Overall, very VERY long, somewhat tedious at times, but an otherwise good rendition of the book. Not a favorite movie but not a bad one, either.

3.5 stars out of 5

It's A Wonderful Life (1946)

American Film Institute's Top 100 Films: No. 20

Get me - I'm givin' out wings! Nick

Regardless of how "cute" this movie is, in my opinion it should be known as Frank CRAPA's It's A Wonderful Life. I've seen this film far too many times, and each year when Mom drags out the VHS it pains me more and more.

All and all, it's a good film. It's a nice plot, and the idea behind it really is a good, solid one. Great family film. The biggest problem I have with this movie, is Jimmy Stewart. The whole two people reading this are probably in shock, but in reality I can't stand his acting in this movie. George Bailey as a character makes me sick. I'm not the slightest bit impressed with his overly sweet nature. His voice itself drives me to near insanity.

All in all, I would probably enjoy this movie if I took about ten years off from watching it, but as it stands, it's too long and too cutesy. 

2 stars out of 5