My Favorite Movies

Not very often is there a movie that moves me in ways that a real-life experience could, but A Beautiful Mind has done just that. The extremely convincing performance of Russell Crowe was outstanding...his best ever. He takes you into the mind of a well thought-out, fascinating character, providing a look into life like you've never experienced it before. He takes you from sanity to insanity and back again. His character is forced to balance insanity with intelligence, and that doesn't come very easy. Russell Crowe proves himself once again as one of the best actors of his generation. He is my absolute favorite, and this movie is just another example of why he has won me over. The movie is extremely interesting, dramatic, romantic, and tragic. Jennifer Connelly's performance was without a doubt wonderful. She proves that she is one of the most amazing, naturally beautiful, actresses there are. This movie is on my top 5 list, maybe even my all-time favorite. I can watch it over and over and still be amazed by the acting. I recommend this to everyone who has not seen it, and for those that have...watch it again, you'll enjoy it all over again. . Definitely a buy!

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of "I am Sam" is Sean Penn's outstanding performance. He has long been one of my favorite actors, and proves his abilities in this film. This is, without a doubt, his best performance to date. He has shown that he loves a great challenge, and that he can not only succeed in the challenge, but also master it. There are a lot of good actors, but I can't name another of off the top of my head that is as diverse as Penn. Penn is an excellent actor with wonderfully broad talent, and offers his audience the finest of performances playing the character of Sam Dawson. Sam is a mentally retarded man who works as a busboy at a local Starbucks, while raising his seven-year-old daughter Lucy, played by Dakota Fanning. Lucy's mother was a homeless woman who left Sam to raise his daughter alone soon after Lucy was born. Sam does a fine job of raising the girl at first, with help from a neighbor and some mildly retarded friends. As Lucy grows, her mental state and intelligence begins to surpass that of Sam, and she is left taking care of him at the early age of seven. Family Protective Services soon learn of the circumstances of the family, and step in. They try to take Lucy away from Sam to eventually be placed in foster care. Sam, knowing that he want to fight for custody of his daughter, then contacts lawyer Rita Harrison, played by Michelle Pfeiffer. At first she turns him down, but later, takes his case pro bono as a challenge from her colleagues. Lucy is taken into FPS custody, and Harrison realized that action has to be taken. Together they fight to convince the system that Sam deserves to get his daughter back. Dakota Fanning in my opinion is the best child actor the big screen has seen in many years. She is able to play any part laid in front of her with great conviction. She manages to steal the hearts of her audience with every performance, and accomplished that early on in this film. This is a wonderful, heart-wrenching, tear-jerking movie. It has a message, and sends it loud and clear. If you have children that need to be introduced to a good life lesson about being kind to others no matter their differences, sit them down in front of the TV for this one. By the end of this film, I guarantee it will have an affect on them, and they may never forget the lesson that they learned or the movie they just watched. It is what life is all about...family, and holding on to them a tight as you can, never letting them slip out of your hands, no matter what life throws your way. The most touching movie I have seen in a long time. This is a definitely buy, and is on personal top 5 list. Highly recommended!!!

Babel may just be one of the best movies ever made. It is definitely one of the best I have seen. Let me start by saying that it took a genius to create this masterpiece of a film. This is the most complex, carefully thought out, masterfully written movie of its time. It is an extraordinary piece of art that goes way beyond anything I have witnessed to date. The film is emotional and intense while remaining raw and realistic. Simply put...phenomenal and mind-blowing. The film takes a realistic look into the lives of perfect strangers around the world, all connected in some form of fashion. It is quite confusing if you move away from the screen for one moment, so wait until you have 2 ½ hours to dedicate. It could be easily misunderstood, but if you pay close attention, you will get the point of the film and the message it is trying to portray. It is all about the tremendous affect that one person's mistake can have on another person's life. Babel takes the most real-life situations of humanity, and the painful reality of the world we live in today, and projects them onto the big screen. The film shows the stories of four different families around the world who are all connected by one bad choice. All of the families are from different cultures, different classes, and all speaking different languages. The cultures are diversified, and well examined throughout the movie. The shared pain and sorrow of all involved is reveal through out the film and allows the audience to relate on so many levels with it's characters. It is a story about the different races, religions, politics, and sexual outlook of today's societies in different cultures of the world. The movie wants you to feel what each character is feeling, while feeling sorry for the situations that they are all stuck in. As we follow the tragic downfall of desperate human beings in desperate situations, and watch them cling to what little hope they have left, you ultimately realize what a heartbreaking film this really is. The actor's performances are incredible to say the least. This movie brings together great actors, both well-known and unheard of, who work beautifully together to produce a remarkable outcome. Brad Pitt and Rinko Kikuchi were among my favorites of the many talented actors in this movie. Brad Pitt gives possibly the most moving performance to date. As far as the directing goes...WOW! Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu, who also directed another favorite of mine, Amores Perros, giftedly directed Babel. The use of light, color, surroundings, and sound assist the audience in really understanding the characters and their experiences. He draws you into the movie with the fascinating jump from place to place, situation to situation, and person to person. What an experience this movie is. Like I said before, the movie has four different languages, including sign language. It is indeed hard to follow at times, but is worth the effort. Don't let the different languages and cultures prevent you from watching this movie and missing out on an experience that you will probably never forget. This movie is easily on my top 10 list, and a definite buy.

"You only love me when you're high,"...the best line of the film "El Cantante". It's sad to say, but I'm sure thousands of people could relate to that statement. At one point in my life, I know I could have. That is what I love so much about the movie; the fact that it is a true story, and shows that the life of the rich and famous isn't much different from the lives every day people. The film is about the life of salsa singer Hector Lavoe (played by Marc Anthony) and his wife Puchi (played by Jennifer Lopez). Anthony is a wonderfully electrifying singer and plays the musician who was credited with helping to begin the salsa revolution of the '60s and '70s. The film is about the chaos of love and fame, and the chaos that Lavoe lives through during his life as the highly popular singer and during his tragic downfall. Lavoe began his singing career at the age of seventeen in New York City. He quickly floated to the top of the salsa world in the 1970's and became extremely well known in the United States and Latin America. Just before he became famous he met his future wife Puchi. His marriage to Puchi was not a conventional one by any means, with the traveling, drugs, and other women that Lavoe sought out, the marriage seemes to be domed. The couple was in love, just unsure of how to make things work the right way. It was a destructive relationship at the least. Lavoe, while using drugs and sharing needles contracted AIDS, which was nearly unheard of during this time. Throughout his life he went through long periods of serious depression and unsuccessfully tried to commit suicide by jumping from an apartment building. He later died of AIDS in 1993. Anthony plays the role so well; he almost makes you believe that he is Lavoe. Anthony helps the audience to understand the thin line that Lavoe walked between tragedy and triumph, between drug and music, and love and hate. He is almost as brilliant as an actor as he is a singer. In the movie, Anthony does his own singing, and sounds very much like Lavoe himself. Lopez, who not only plays Puchi, the cocaine addicted, controlling, co-dependent, pushed-aside wife of the famous salsa singer, but also produced "El Cantante." Puchi struggles to be taken seriously by her husband and the world in general. She is blindly devoted to a man that has no idea how to love anything but music, and continuously put her through a life of hell and rejection. It's almost like she can't keep away from Lavoe because she's in love not only with him, but in love with his image and the charm that he radiates when he's not lost in the high life. Throughout it all, Puchi loyally stays by Lavoe's side, until he finally dies from AIDS related complications at the age of fourty-six. Lopez clearly is the life of the film, and steals the show right out from under Anthony who is supposed to be the focus of the film. Anthony and Lopez are perfect together, on screen and off. The two have a sexual chemistry unmatched in movies these days. They were extremely believable playing their roles. I love this movie, and have never seen anything like it. I own it in my personal collection, but it is clearly not for everyone. At least rent it and give it a chance.

Ok, I'm going to start off this review by going straight to Jennifer Garner. Garner definitely has the capability of being a great big-screen actress. The skinny little toned up action star of the television series Alias has found a way to give an on-screen performance that exceeds expectations. She looks like she was having the time of her life playing a woman that realizes being grown up isn't all it's cracked up to be. While playing this role, not for one moment does she forget that she's actually playing a 13-year-old child that is scared shitless to be in the body and life of a 30-year-old grown woman. Not only does Garner have the physical role down pat, playing an awkward teen that is giggly and adventurous, but she seems to portray the mentality of a 13 year old with just as much excitement. She has proven herself to have the ability to play not only the serious, government operative/spy role, but now she has show the spunky, goofy, lighter side of herself and proved to be quite the light hearted, lovable comedian. She was a great choice for this role, and a commodity to the film. It's hard to take your eyes off of her the entire movie. Garner will hopefully be considered for more of these wacky comedies, as she fits in perfectly with her casual and nutty confidence. Now, as far as the movie goes,I laughed my ass off! My favorite scene was of course when Garner's character Jenna gets the entire party to dance the classic "Thriller" zombie dance. It was hilarious. However, I felt like maybe there were a few writing flaws in the film. I didn't exactly like the fact that we never saw the actual transformation from child to adult take place. But hey, that's what the imagination is for. Even thought this is a whimsical, fantasy-based, hilarious film, there is a life lesson hidden in there somewhere. There are a few cliché catch phrases that come to mind. The whole "do onto others" thing, or "what goes around" thing, or even the "live like there's no tomorrow" come to mind just to name a few. 13 going on 30 is one of the better "age travel" films there are; right up there with Tom Hank's 80's smash Big. This movie is a definite rent for most, but if you ask me, buy it!

3:10 To Yuma is yet another great modern made western to ad to the list. It is a remake of the original from 1957, but in my opinion, was ten times better the second time around. I could hardly make myself sit through the original version. That may have something to do with my age, who knows. I would much rather sit down to a western that was made after 1990 than forcing myself to sit through one that was made in the 50's or 60's. Sometimes I feel like the western is overlooked and under appreciated. I hope to see more westerns come out of Hollywood in the next few years, thinking that somehow this 3:10 to Yuma will ignite the western flame again and spark an awakening in this genre. I'm not saying that this is the absolute best modern western made in recent years, and I know it will probably not go down in history as one of the classics that we will never forget, like Tombstone and Young Guns, but damn, it was definitely a great film, and deserves it's props. Throughout the film there are bullets flying and men being killed in the blink of an eye. But what kind of western would it be if that was not the case. The most surprising aspect of the movie is the unconventional bond that forms between the two main characters Ben Wade (played by Russell Crowe) and Dan Evans (played by Christian Bale). While these men should be enemies by all means, by the end of the movie the bond is apparent and is real. Ben Wade is a charismatic villain, known best through out the West for his killing tally. He has held up every shipment of money to support the expansion of the railroad, and has killed anyone who got in his way. Wade also shows a light, sexy, humorous side and a weakness for the opposite sex. Dan Evans is a married farmer with two young sons who all live on the family farm that has been passed down from the previous generation. The family is going through hard times and about to loss the farm when he falls upon the job of taking Wade into custody and escorting him to the train station a few towns over, then putting him on the 3:10 to Yuma prison train. All this for a measly $200. Who knows how much that would be these days. In Yuma, Wade is to stand trial and be hung. Through out the journey, the relationship between the two men grows into something comparable to the Yin Yang. Evans begins to believe that Wade has some good in him, and Wade begins to believe that Evans just might help him get out of the life ending situation that he is facing in Yuma. The movie shows you the obvious differences in the two men, and yet how much the start to like each other while on their long journey. This factor only leaves you guessing more and more about the final outcome of Wade. Will Evans let him go, or will he stick to his "guns" and fulfill his duty of delivering Wade. The final chapter is the final show down, and you will be surprised how the journey ends for both men. The two actors have a great connection on screen, and both give great performances. Russell Crowe is at his best when he plays the smart, unstoppable type, and Christian Bale at his best is always the hero. The contrast of the two actors is quite noticeable in the film. Bale is as usual intense and tight lipped, while Crowe is in his realm, very relaxed, as the stand out character he always seems to play. Together, the two make a great pair of opposites, on and off of the big screen. This is a definite buy!!!

LOVE IS PATIENT!

American History X is a film that will have you wanting to turn it off, but if you can sit through it, is worth the watch. It is a passionate, compelling, yet brutal betrayal of modern white supremacy in the US. I was wondering throughout the entire movie about the point of this film, then I realized at the end just what the writer wanted to say. How about "You live by the gun, you die by the gun" or "What goes around, comes around." My favorite thing about this movie was Edward Norton. He clearly dominates the movie, and it just wouldn't have been the same without him. He is frightening, chilling, and yet charismatic at the same time. After landing himself in prison for slamming a black mans face on the curb in front of his residence, his family suffers without him, and him brother begins to follow in his footsteps. While Norton is on the inside, he has a change of heart, and begins to reject the white supremacy ideals that have so far ruined his life and his family. When he returns home after being released from prison, he discovers that his younger brother played by Edward Furlong is deeply involved with the leader of the same white supremacy group that sucked him in as a young man. The movie then concentrates on Norton trying to pull Furlong out of the racist life that he has been brain-washed into and lead him down the right path. Unfortunately Norton loses his battle when his younger brother is murdered in his high school by a group of black juvenile's that were previously belittled by Furlong. It is a powerful film that teaches a good life lesson, and is definitely worth the rental. I would not consider buying this one, but I would rent it again.

AWESOME MOVIE. I LOVE ALVARO GUERRERO!

ATL is a great movie for those who are looking for a real-life drama. It takes place in a lower middle class neighborhood in Atlanta, Georgia (ATL). The film is about a group of high school students and the challenges and struggles that they go through during there last year of school. The movie revolves around the local skating rink Cascade, and is heavy based on relationships. The relationship between two brothers who have lost their parents unexpectedly and early in life and are then forced to live with their Uncle George played by Mykelti Williamson, who is not a very good role model for the boys. The only image that you get from him is that he could give two-shits about the brothers, and is only there for a place to rest his neck. It is about the relationship between four friends who have grown up together, and stuck together through good times and bad. And it is also about a new relationship that forms between TI's character Rashad; the older brother trying his hardest to help out with the family, stay in school, and keep is younger brother "Ant," who has worked his way into dealing for a local drug dealer, afloat and out of a life of drugs and crime, and Lauren London's character "New New"; the upper class, privileged daughter of a high society father John Garnett played by Keith Davis, who refuses to let his daughter hang out with her lower middle class friends and forbids her from going to the skating rink. Her father has made his way to the top, working his way out of the hood and into upper class white America by selling out and never looking back. His tight-pant-wearing, nose in the air, white, golfer friends are unaware of the lifestyle he lived as a child. He simply deleted his childhood of coming up in the hood from the pages of his life. The movie is basically a modern "Romeo and Juliet" with a southern hood twist. The soundtrack is unbelievable if you're into Hip-Hop music. I grew up in the South, even lived in Atlanta for a while, and can remember the weekends spent at the skating rink. Those times where some of the best of my life, and I can easily relate to this movie. It is true to the South, and true to real life. The movie has a great cast, some new to the big screen, but all wonderful actors. Tip "TI" Harris is great in the film. Who would have known he had it in him. And Lauren London...simply amazing. She made me feel like I was her in that old school El Camino kissing TI for the first time, nerves going crazy and imagination running wild. Director Chris Robinson pulled the movie together superbly. This was his first movie, he has produced and directed several music videos in his career, but I think he has found his new calling in film. This movie, along with its sound track is a definite buy!!!

I am indifferent about this movie. I was not at all satisfied with writer's efforts. The beginning jumped around a lot. I don't think it was thought out very well. Also, I was not satisfied with the fact that Keri Russell's character never saw Jonathon Rhys Meyers' character again after she found out she was pregnant. In this day and age, if she wanted to have located him, she could have. Also, the fact that the father of the girl did what he did, made me want to vomit, and was not at all believable considering the movie was not set in the 40's or 50's. Baby's being born, then adopted out without the knowledge or consent of the mother is just not possible these days. Like I said...very unbelievable. I was however extremely impressed with the music, and how they used music for more than just a background. Music played a major role itself in the movie, and I loved that. As far as the acting goes...it was okay. Every time I see Keri Russell in a film, it reminds me of Noxzema?LOL. I know it was a long time ago, but I still picture her Noxzema commercial every time. She is an okay actor, not one of the best, nor one of my favorites, by far, just okay. Jonathon Rhys Meyers however, was wonderful. I have never really paid much attention to him before this film, but watching August Rush, I realized what a good actor he is, and what a great actor he could be. Robin Williams was out of his realm a bit with this movie. He is one of my all-time favorite actors, and did a great job portraying his character. However, I would much rather see him play the good guy, not the bad guy - or in this case...mostly bad guy. Freddie Highmore is a remarkable child actor. I have seen most of his work, and I have to say, he is extremely talented. He has a very bright future ahead of him if he can stay focused and away from all of the bad influences that Hollywood has to offer. Overall, I would say give this movie a chance. I think it's one worth renting, but not worth buying!

BY FAR ONE OF THE MOST INTENSE WAR COMBAT MOVIES EVER MADE. TRUE STORY INFACT, AND IF YOU DON'T ALREADY HATE BILL CLINTON'S MILITARY RELATIONS, YOU WILL AFTER SEEING THIS MOVIE. EIGHTEEN US SOLDIERS AND OVER 500 SOMALIANS WERE KILLED DURING WHAT WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN A 30 MINUTE SEARCH AND CAPTURE MISSION. EVEN SO, I REALLY ENJOYED THIS MOVIE. I'M A SUCKER FOR COMBAT MOVIES, AND THIS HAS GOT TO BE ONE OF THE BEST MODERN COMBAT MOVIES MADE. IT FULL OF ACTION, AND NOT A DULL MOMENT IN THE ENTIRE MOVIE.

Blow is a great movie based on the true story of George Jung, played by the great Johnny Depp. Jung was credited with being responsible for cocaine becoming the drug of choice among the rich and famous in the early 1970's. He imported mass amounts of cocaine into the US from Columbia. In a short amount of time, his business was booming and he was a self-made millionaire. As he is in just about everything movie he does, Johnny Depp is simply electrifying. What makes his performance so incredible is that he makes Jung out to be a completely normal, sympathetic, and honorable guy. This film shows the softer side of Jung as a husband, father, and son. Depp is effective in making us believe he really cares for his daughter, despite the life style that he leads. When they are on screen together, it is believable and emotional. It is also about the reality that one faces dealing in a life of money and drugs. Johnny Depp is one of the best actors out there, and as always superb. He makes you believe that he is the character that he is portraying on screen. The beautiful Penelope Cruz plays Mirtha, the woman in Jung's life, and does it well. This movie is recommended if you like drug related, gangster-style movies. I don't own it, but would definitely rent it again.

GREAT HISTORICAL MOVIE. AND WHAT A CAST!!!! I DON'T THINK THAT EMILIO ESTEVEZ COULD HAVE DONE A BETTER JOB ON WRITING, DIRECTING, OR CASTING THAN HE DID. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Okay, I don't care what any of you say, I really liked this movie. Sorry, but it's real life. That's what makes the best movies in my opinion is when they are based on real life. The parts where played excelent. Definately recommend this movie unless you are a homophobe, then I suggest you grow up.

Penelope Cruz and Nicolas Cage, what a pair! As always Gage played the part wonderfully, and Penelope's character stole your heart.

Edward Scissorhands is by far one of the best movies ever made. It is for sure Tim Burton's best ever! He is quite the genius, and this movie proves that. Also, Johnny Depp at his finest! Winona Rider did a splended job as well. The main character, Edward, is one of the most thought-out, well=planned characters to ever to portrayed on the big screen. He is charming, mysterious, different, and weak, but strong in his own way. This is a must see and worth adding to your collection.

great movie! definately recomind this one! this would be a great "date" movie

LOVE THIS MOVIES, IT'S GANGSTER WITH A BIT OF COMEDY

OMG~THIS MOVIE WAS IN ONE WORD...GREAT! I LOVED BARBARA MORI IN THIS. I FIRST FELL IN LOVE WITH HER WHEN SHE PLAYED "RUBI" FROM THE MEXICAN NOVELA. SHE DID A SLPENDID JOB ON THIS MOVIE. AND MANOLO CARDONA...SOOOO SEXY. HE WAS GREAT TOO. A DAMN, THE PASSION THAT MAN RADIATES IN THIS MOVIE, MAKES YOU WANT TO JUMP INTO BED WITH HIM. I DEFINATELY RECOMEND THIS ONE. 2 THUMBS UP!

CHILDHOOD FAVORITE!

FIGHT FOR WHAT YOU WANT OUT OF LIFE, WHETHER YOU CAN HAVE IT OR NOT....FIGHT!

great movie

THE ULTIMATE MOVIE! MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE!

I love this movie! Definately recomend it. The revenge factor is great!!!

Great movie! Heath Ledger's performance was amazing!!! Definately an award-winning performance. Although the movie was a little slow for me at first, the rest of the movie more than made up for it. This movie is a "buyer".

CLASSIC ROMANCE.

GOOD MOVIE TO SEE WITH YOUR KIDS. AND IT WILL KEEP YOU INTERESTED AS WELL.

"Unfaithful" is another one of my many, many favorite movies. Apparently most of you don't agree with me seeing as how it didn't get the best reviews, but I loved it. The story line revolves around Connie Summer played by Diane Lane, who is seemingly happily married suburban housewife with a small son living the typical American dream. Her husband Edward Summer played by Richard Gere is a middle-aged, boring, businessman. One day while on a street in Soho, Connie literally bumps into a stranger on the street. The stranger is Paul Martel, a sexy, foreign boy-toy played by Olivier Martinez. Paul's books go flying, Connie losses everything she had in her arms, and the two scramble to get everything before the windstorm blows it all away. During the incident, Connie is slightly injured, since they are conveniently in front of Paul?s apartment, he invites her upstairs so that she can clean up her wounds. There begins Paul's romancing of the bored with her marriage Connie. The run-in on the street leads to so much more than she ever expected. It will pull Connie into an affair, which will become her obsession and cause all sorts of trouble for her and her family. Paul has got to be one of the hottest men that Connie has ever laid eyes on, and now has gotten into her pants and her head. She feels the need for a daily escape from her boring life, and finds that with him. Despite being in her mid thirties, Connie still has a super hot body and Paul knows just how to bring out the freak in her. She soon becomes almost addicted to him. She likes it hot and heavy, and apparently her husband doesn't do it for her anymore. Edward soon learns of his wife's infidelity and is in complete shock. He blames his wife for ruining their marriage and possible their family life. He finds out where Paul lives, goes to his house with the intent on getting all the sleazy details, but while there, sees a snow globe that was a gift from him to his wife, and loses it. He slams Paul over the head with the globe in a fit of rage, killing him instantly, then realizes exactly what he's done and freaks out. Once this occurs, he dumps the body, and tries to cover up the murder. Now that murder has entered the plot, the movie focuses on the battle of trying to steer clear of police and detectives. The police are unable to link the couple to the murder even though they have linked Connie to Paul, and know that something just isn't right. This film is, in my opinion, an excellent watch. Diane Lane is superb in playing the sex addicted character. She is in one word HOT, and as an added bonus, is not shy in front of the camera. She has a smoldering sensuality about her that is hard to find these days. Richard Gere's performance was a bit out of this realm, but he pulled it off. I definitely advised renting this, if not buying it as soon as possible!

This film is one of my favorite supernatural mystery films ever! You get creeped out from the moment the spirit of Harrison Ford's mistress shows here face in her watery grave. From that moment, you know you will not be let down. Michelle Pfeiffer's performance is with out a doubt, one of her best. You get the feeling that she put her heart and soul into becoming her character. The role is played wonderfully. Harrison Ford also does a magnificent job. His character is extremely two dimensional, and he masters it like he's done it a million times before. They make a great pair, and I would love to see them together again. The atmosphere and mood of this supernatural thriller / horror film are very well planned. There are some truly startling moments when something suddenly jumps out. The ghost-based part of the movie is definitely creepy to say the least. The scenes in the bathroom and at the lake are the best. This movie is well acted, and very well directed. Watching this movie at night, at home alone, in the dark will definitely add to the spookiness. What Lies Beneath is an awesome thriller. It will leave you wondering and in surprise the entire movie. Highly recommended!!! Worth the buy!