DrLaser's stats
- Review count280
- Helpfulness votes157
- First reviewMarch 15, 2008
- Last reviewAugust 14, 2013
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4
Overall rating
4
/
5
Defiance is a strong film
PostedFebruary 17, 2009
This is Edward Zwick's strongest film since Glory. Its a previously unknown true story about brothers leading a group of Jews to standup to the Nazis. Their relationship is quite complex and brings out some great acting. The scenes are as powerful as they are frightening with a constant undertone of sadness and hope. Its written with wit and charm. The constant reminder of imminent disaster makes this a truly compelling film.
Forget 007. This film is exactly what Daniel Craig should be making. Liev Schrieber is great.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Gran Daddy Clint
PostedFebruary 10, 2009
Clint plays a crotchety version of the High Plains drifter abandoned by all who were close to him. All that remains is a young priest who has to keep a promise to try to save Clint's soul, and that's no easy job. Reluctantly he finds himself defending the Asian neighbors who have moved in next door and becomes a hero to them, even though he despises anyone not white. Slowly and with humor we see the transformation from distance to warmth and finally to a higher place as he changes places with the priest and works to save not only a life but a soul.
I can only imagine what he will be doing a decade from now! But see him now while he's still in top form.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Amazing Action film
PostedFebruary 3, 2009
Luc Besson has outdone his Transporter movies with this heart stomping action film starring Liam Neesom in a role he turns out to be surprisingly suited for. He shows just the right blend of humanity and ruthlessness that makes this one outsine any of the Jason Bourne films.
Neeson plays a retired spy trying to rebuild a bond with his 17 y.o. daughter. While on a trip to Paris, and during a cell call to him she realizes she is about to be kidnapped. His calm instructions to her set off a chain of events that leads him on one of the most exciting chases ever. There are lots of surprises in store as he systematically hunts down the bad guys. Its not the usual mix. Its far better!
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Wrestling with their souls - Deeper than you'd thi
PostedJanuary 28, 2009
Mickey Rourke is trying for his comeback just like his character in the movie. And he's great both in acting and in form. His body and wrestling moves are amazing. Marissa Tomei is the stripper he loves but sees him as a customer. Its a sad relationship that evolves.
The insight into the decency and comradery of the wrestlers off stage really makes you think in a new light about them.
The insight into the decency and comradery of the wrestlers off stage really makes you think in a new light about them.
His life is a mess but he has both heart (symbolicaly broken by a heart attack) and self awareness and wants more but just can't get a break anywhere but in the ring.
Even if you hate wrestling this is worth seeing.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Oliver Twist in India
PostedJanuary 20, 2009
Danny Boyle always delivers the unusual and unexpected. Here he has interwoven the traditional Oliver Twist story with Who Wants to be a Millionaire. Each question leads to a flashback explaining how it is known and relevant to the storyline. But the real story is about Destiny. Keep your eyes focused on the opening question written on the screen and the end of the film.
This is an excellent heart wrenching tale of love and how it affects the lives of two brothers from poverty. Each follows a different path ordained by their destinies.
There are some laughs but this is not a comedy. It's a well written and powerful drama unlike anything that Hollywood offers and a must see,
There are some laughs but this is not a comedy. It's a well written and powerful drama unlike anything that Hollywood offers and a must see,
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
YES!!!!
PostedJanuary 14, 2009
I was going to see another movie but arrived late and Yes Man was a second choice. Well, to my surprise it turned out to be very enjoyable.
The story is simple, a man who has gone into hiding after a sad divorse has become negative about life until he attends a group mjeeting that teaches him to say yes to everything. Although its a slim premise, it actually works and all the little random pieces of the puzzle start weaving together, some better than others. It does have some strong sexul language and brief non-sexual nudity (which is quite funny).
Carey is very good as is his co-star the upcoming actress Zooey Deschanel and their chemistry works. Its lite and fun. Stay for the credits for a wild ride!
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Fair job
PostedJanuary 8, 2009
The cast is made up of better actors than Tom Cruise and that clearly helps. Considering that you know the ending there is still a good amount of suspense. I found the writing a little tepid.
If you are into history its an interesting story. If not you might not find this interesting at all. Tom Cruise is maturing as an actor, but I think this will leave many of his fans feeling unsatisfied.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Sweet Dreams
PostedJanuary 1, 2009
Adam Sandler has gone Disney here and it makes for a very cute family film with a nice message that things can work out in the end if you just believe. The cast is quite good and each story is both funny and well constructed however bizarre.
For Sandler fans there are a ton of cameos of all his regulars like Rob Schneider that make for fun watching. For the kids there is a wonderful bug eyed guinea pig that is the center of recurring sight gags that will leave them laughing. And for all of us there is a simple story here of perserverence and love that is universal. Its a very likeable film. I highly recommend it to you.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
3
/
5
Mixed feelings
PostedDecember 24, 2008
Daniel Craig is quite good in the role of Bond, but the editing is far too choppy and stylized for ANY movie. I didn't care for the director's style of story telling which felt like a poor man's version of the Bourne Conspiracy gone bad.
He makes Judi Dench's role as M feel downgraded and misused.
He makes Judi Dench's role as M feel downgraded and misused.
Its a very different telling of the Bond saga and I have no problem with getting away from the gadgets and making Bond into a more real person. Now Bond is simply an acrobatic killing machine and somehow that works.
This movie feels uninspired and you get the impression its a middle movie of three. The middle child left a bit neglected.
Its ok but a tad hard to watch in the choppy action scenes.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Great action, predictable but fun
PostedDecember 11, 2008
Having enjoyed both previous Transporter films, I had to see this one. Jason Statham is probably the most understated of all the action heroes. Somehow his cool under pressure makes his martial arts skills more believable.
There are no surprises in the plot, but there are a few new novel action scenes that even James Bond would be amazed by. Its a clean fun film packed with excitement and a touch of humor and romance.
I went with someone who never saw a Transporter film and was afraid he wouldn't be able to follow it. Afterwords he said he thought it was pretty good. That says a lot.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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