Worst Movies of 2005

10. Be Cool
9. Dukes of Hazzard
8. Bad News Bears
7. Boogeyman
6. Saw II
5. Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous
4. Deuce Bigalo: European Gigalo
3. Son of the Mask
2. Alone in the Dark
1. White Noise

Top Ten Movies of 2005

1. King Kong
2. Crash
3. Cinderella Man

4. Sin City

5. A History of Violence
6. Walk the Line

7. Good Night and Good Luck

8. Capote
9. Brokeback Mountain

10. Wedding Crashers

Brokeback Mountain

**** Stars

It is now impossible to look at these two fine actors the same ever again. For Heath Ledger, we are now looking at one the most talented young men in Hollywood. But lets not leave out Jake Gyllenhaal, who turns in yet another heartfelt and Oscar worthy performance. Brokeback Mountain sets a new landmark for the film industry. It is powerful, brilliantly acted, and for Ang Lee, this may be his turn to take Oscar glory.

Brokeback Mountain takes place on the vistas of Wyoming and Texas surrounding a love story between to men. is an epic love story set against the sweeping vistas of Wyoming and Texas. Two young men, a ranch-hand Ennis Del Mar (Ledger) and a rodeo cowboy Jack Twist (Gyllenhaal) meet on Brokeback Mountain in the summer of 1963 and begin a life long relationship hidden from the outside world.

Once the summer ends, they part ways, only to be reconnected years later. They marry, have kids, and try to live their lives without one another, when really for them, it is impossible. Michelle Williams is Ledgers wife, Ann Hathaway is Gyllenhaal's and both give powerful supporting performances as two women who will never know who their men truly are. Ang Lee's vision is captivating. The cinematography alone will sweep you away from your home and will place you on top of the most peaceful yet most painful place on earth...Brokeback Mountain.

Speaking a straight man, this is one of the best films of the year.

Munich

**1/2 Stars

Steven Spielberg is one of my favorite film directors. Every single one of his movies is a treasure for me (alright A.I was just ok). But as I walked out of the theater after seeing Munich, it was the first time in my life Spielberg disappointed me.

This is the story of what happened after the massacre of 11 Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympics. It follows a fictitious secret Israeli team assigned to kill Palestinians suspected to have planned the Munich attack. The plot is thick. Spielberg doesn't give us the characters he has given us before. We really don't care for them as much as we should. The assassination squad included four men, headed by Avner (Eric Bana), track down and kill those who were behind the attack. These Israeli’s must look strong to the world in order to protect themselves. But all in all, it really comes down to revenge.

The acting is above par. Bana gives us the performance he can give (he is a Non-Jewish man playing a Jewish man). The supporting cast including Geoffrey Rush and Daniel Craig have their moments. Some scenes are very well done, especially the flashbacks of the actual hostage situation and an assassination on one of the terrorists is quite chilling when it suddenly goes abrupt. But still, after two hours and forty-five minutes, you wonder when Spielberg really wanted it to end. If I had to choose, I would say after minute 120. Many say "Munich" is a bold move for Spielberg. Well that may be, but I don't care. The movie just isn't that good.

Hostel

**1/2 Stars

Hostel delivers the goods...and the god-awful at the same time.

King Kong

Starring: Naomi Watts, Jack Black, Adrien Brody
Directed by: Peter Jackson

**** Stars

“It was beauty killed the beast…”

Peter Jackson's King Kong is one of the great movie-going experiences of my life. It's more than just perfect; it's a visual and cinematic treasure that will live on for generations. Kong is back, and boy is he back all right.

Peter Jackson reminds us that he is a genius. He gives us more spectacles and thrills in three hours then most movies do in a lifetime. But Jackson never loses focus on character and story development. He is the heir to the throne of Steven Spielberg, in being the next great film director of time.

The Lord of the Rings trilogy is one of my favorite films of all time. So, when entering King Kong, I expected the world from Jackson, and he delivered the galaxy.

Jackson starts off with a view of New York City during the Great Depression. It then tells the story of the lying, cheating, and stealing Carl Denham, (the surprisingly creepy Jack Black) a washed-out film director with nothing left to do but to break the rules in hope of a shot at the big time. Fortunately, for him, he discovers a map. This map is the key in shooting his next picture. It is known as Skull Island, where the fate of him and dozens of others will be revealed.

Carl finds Ann Darrow (an Oscar-caliber performance from Naomi Watts), a struggling actress who is looking for stardom. She agrees on the picture but is tricked by Carl saying that the picture will be shot in China. Many of the crew members are unaware of this, as well as playwright/screenwriter Jack Driscoll, who is unwillingly taken on board because he was unable to get off the ship before it set sail.

Kong and Skull Island is not revealed until an hour into the picture. Jackson wants Kong’s presence and first look to be shocking and powerful. And is it ever.

When Skull Island is reached, things start to unfold. Jackson has created the scariest place on earth, with zombies, monsters, dinosaurs, and of course, Kong himself. Its as if hell has been sprouted onto earth.

After meeting natives on the island, Ann is soon captured by them and will soon be sacrificed to Kong. But when Kong sees Ann, he sees beauty; beauty he has never seen before. Ann, scared out of her mind, starts to dance for him to calm him down. We see Kong smile. From this moment, Ann and Kong begin to develop a mysterious and confusing attraction, in which neither one of them understands. Jackson does not use dialogue. He uses emotion. Staring into one another’s eyes, Ann and Kong realize that they are restricted from one another because the world cannot socially accept this.

When Carl’s camera is destroyed, he thinks his career is over. Suddenly, he believes he can take Kong back to New York City, where the world can give him the praise and honor he thinks he so humbly deserves. Carl tricks Ann and Jack (who is in love with Ann) to bring Kong back to the city, where the climax unfolds.

Jackson stays true to the 1933 original and its story. The 2005 King Kong is not just an action-adventure. I mean, of course, it is an action adventure. It is probably the greatest action ever put on screen. But, it is also a touching story of love between Ann Darrow and Kong. There love is forbidden and Jackson creates a powerful experience. I can admit: I laughed-I cried.

King Kong is the best movie of the year and it proves to us that Peter Jackson is one of the great directors working today. Beauty has killed the beast. I am that beast.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe

Directed by: Andrew Adamson

*** Stars

The adaptation of C. S. Lewis's children's masterpiece "The Chronicles of Narnia" is an amazing film to look at, filled with charm and excitement. Many will forgive its early pacing once the true adventure of Narnia begins.

It tells the tale of four siblings, Peter (William Moseley), sister Susan (Anna Popplewell), brother Edmund (Skandar Keynes), and Lucy (Georgie Henley) are sent to an old and mysterious house for their safety during WWII.

On a rainy day, the four children decide to play hide and seek. The youngest, Lucy, finds a lonely Wardrobe in an abandoned room. She hides inside it and literally steps into another world. The view and scope of Narnia is Oscar Worthy.

Lucy meets a faun and soon befriends it. When her friend is taken by the evil Witch of Narnia for not reporting that a human has entered the world, Lucy quickly goes back to tell the others. Eventually, Lucy takes all the other children into the world. And by the way, Lucy is played by an adorable Georgie Henley who gives true emotion and skill to her role.

Edmund, one of the children is taken capture by the evil witch. There is a prophecy saying that four humans will come to end the hundred-years winter and bring freedom back to Narnia from the evil witch. He can only be rescued with the help of Aslan the lion (a perfectly cast voice by Liam Neeson). Together, battles will be fought, and death seems inevitable.

The Chronicles of Narnia plays like a Lord of the Rings Jr. It's exciting and scary, yet charming and lovable. It takes some time to get into the excitement, but once it starts, it's hard to resist.

Rent

"Everyone has aids..."
Team America: World Police

** Stars
Starring: Rosario Dawson, Taye Diggs


Rent is definitely a story of love and friendship. Whether you are black, white, a racial-couple, gay, a lesbian, an ex-boyfriend who's ex-girlfriend is a lesbian, or a transvestite, Rent is still a story of love. Rent is based around the story of men and women struggling with paying the rent, sexually transmitted diseases, drugs, and love. During a year, they will struggle to survive and cope with the losses of careers, love, and life. Rent is a redundant, dissapointing failure. Its flow is somewhat annoying, its delivery is low-key, and its climax is so cheesy that what may have looked good on stage, is a humiliating bore.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Starring:

Daniel Radcliffe
Harry Potter

Emma Watson
Hermione Granger

Rupert Grint
Ron Weasley

***1/2 Stars

A Dark and Mysterious Thrill Ride

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire certainly is the darkest of the first four films, with more action, more humor, and romance. Romance? Oh yes, Harry Potter is fourteen and has got the hots for a schoolgirl.

Harry is back for his fourth year at Hogwarts with his more challenges then ever. This year includes the Triwizard Tournament, in which student representatives from three different wizarding schools compete in a contest with three specific tasks. This will decide who is the champion of all students.

This tournament is decided by what is known as the Goblet of Fire, a mysterious blue fire in which students can place their names in the fire and then are chosen randomly. However, when the names are called on, Harry Potter is chosen to compete. The plot thickens...

Harry Potter is only fourteen. The rules state that only students seventeen and older can compete. Harry’s reputation stagers as many call him a cheater. Who could have done this to Harry? Only Harry can find out by rising to the challenge and competing in the events.

The Triwizard Tournament is gorgeous to look at. The scenes are intense, packed with a deep and emotional presence that is hard to resist. Director Mike Newell really focuses on the transformation of Harry and how his emotion evolves concerning the Dark Lord. Will Harry soon get his vengeance on his parents? Only time will tell.

Not only does the Goblet of Fire change my reviews on the previous films, it has me anxiously awaiting the next chapter in the series (Presently set for a 2007 release).

In a scene during the Quidditch World Cup, Harry walks into the tent he is to stay at. It is the size of an ordinary camping tent. When he enters, he gazes around at a spacious and incredibly roomy household. "I love magic," he says with a grin.

I agree with Harry. And that is why I love this film. It is pure magic.

Good Night, and Good Luck

**** Stars
Starring: David Strathairn, George Clooney, Robert Downey Jr

Directed by: George Clooney

Nothing Short of Genius

"This instrument [journalism] can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and it can even inspire, but it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise it is merely wires and lights in a box.”
-Edward Murrow


The world of news has expanded since 1954, the year of the Murrow McCarthy hearings. America trusted Edward Murrow, the host of weekly news program “See it Now”. There was more to news then just celebrity gossip. Good Night, and Good Luck completely re-masters the excitement and horror of life in the CBS newsroom in the 50’s.

David Strathairn plays the famous Edward Murrow in a bold, and star-making performance. He presents Murrow with confidence and intelligence as he sits and speaks to the public, with his notes in one hand, and his famous cigarette in the other. Director and co-screenwriter George Clooney also stars in his own masterpiece as Fred Friendly, Murrow’s right hand man. During each one of Murrow’s broadcasts, Friendly sat just two feet below him, tapping Murrow’s right leg with his pen when his cue was up. Together, they set a precedent for television media and how corruption and lies were taking down America. Their biggest event was their accusation against Wisconsin Senator Joseph McCarthy and his lies against communists infiltrating the country. Murrow tells the world as it is, without blasphemy and without being fully biased. His tone is pure and his words are sweet, filled exuberant life and sorrow. And Strathairn delivers and reminds us who Murrow truly was.

To spice up the film, Clooney cuts from newsroom footage to singer Dianne Reeves, giving the film a jazzy and mysterious tone. He gives us ninety minutes. Ninety minutes of entertaining, intelligent, and important true events. Well done George. Well done.

Writers Clooney and Grant Heslow have put together a truly sensational piece of work that captures beauty, excitement, and terror of the news. It reminds us of a life-altering event that is underrated throughout the world and should be taught in every classroom around the nation. The film is sophisticated and has an enormous sense of style. It brings us back to the days where everyone smoked, trusted the media, and lied to get ahead. This is one of the year’s best films.

Derailed

**1/2 Stars

Starring: Clive Owen, Jennifer Aniston
Vincent Cassel

Directed by:
Mikael Håfstrom

The one thing I hate is a wasted opportunity. Although Derailed is a decently made thriller with acceptable acting, it doesn't really live up to its hype.

Derailed tells the story of Charles (Owen), a successful ad executive and loyal family man who meets Lucinda (Aniston), an alluring and sexy woman on his morning commute. Flirtation quickly escalates into passion. But this casual fling turns dangerous when a violent criminal confronts them, beats Charles, rapes Lucinda, and later on demands cash or he'll leak the story to their families about their romance. Now Charles must figure out how to turn the tables and somehow save their families.

We see a whole different side of Aniston. She is having an affair then raped. Are we ready to see her like this? Though her acting was respectable, it seems a bit sudden to see America's favorite friend turn into a seducing, high powered woman. I guess she is ready to become more than just paparazzi's puppet. And you know what, props to her on that.

The first 45 minutes or so of this film moves to slow to show any sign of a thriller. But luckily for us, it speeds up and starts to come alive. The only problem is that it comes a little to late. I liked what I saw but I wanted more.

Jarhead

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, Jamie Foxx
Directed by: Sam Mendes

***1/2 Stars

Jarhead is not an action movie. There are no rescues or kills. But even without combat, it shows you that war in general can still suck.

Jake Gyllenhaal plays his best performance to date as Anthony Swofford, a marine (also known as a Jarhead) who experiences boot camp and Operation Desert storm as a marine sniper. Jamie Foxx is Sergeant Siek, Swofford's officer. Peter Sarsgaard plays his best friend Troy who is also a marine sniper.

Director Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Road to Perdition) is a master at his craft. Like American Beauty, Mendes creates a powerful drama with hilarious dark comedy. In a scene you could be laughing viciously when suddenly, you’re dead silent.
However, the only problem with Jarhead is its ending. Not a big problem, but noticeable. Its rushed ending can really change a movie dramatically. But fortunately for Mendes, he saves himself with some hilarious comedy, powerful and intense drama, and acting that raises the bar on Hollywood.

Saw II

Starring: Tobin Bell, Donnie Wahlberg
Directed by: Darren Lynn Bousman

** Stars

After last years Halloween hit Saw, Hollywood created its sequel Saw II, which totally lacks the horror and plot we saw in the first one.

Tobin Bell is back playing Jigsaw, a menace that finds ways for his victims to kill themselves. When police detective Eric Matthews (Wahlberg) finds out that his son is missing and that Jigsaw might have a clue to where he is, things begin to heat up.

The director decided to go with the "bad father at first but finds out his son is missing so then he becomes the hero" scenario. For the love of god just stop.

Eric learns that his son is being held hostage in a room with several other people. The room is filled with a poison and the antidote is in a safe in the middle of the room. They must work together to solve the puzzle.

For about an hour of this movie, it's just screaming and yelling at each other. Where's the story? Where's the plot? The movie sets itself up for a twist so idiotic and so horrid, that it has no business being in the movie. Saw II is a huge disappointment.

*** Stars
NEW MOVIE OUT THIS WEEK

North Country

***1/2

Starring:

Charlize Theron,

Sissy Spacek,

Woody Harrelson

Frances MacDormand,

Sean Bean

Richard Jenkins

Directed by: Niki Caro

And the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role goes to:

Charlize Theron in North Country

North Country tells the story of the first class act lawsuit for sexual harassment. Theron plays Josey Aimes with such power and emotion that it feels as if you were along side her throughout her entire journey. Minus a few flaws involving sub-plots and questionable courtroom proceedings, the film is golden with not one bad performance.

**** Stars
NEW MOVIE OUT THIS WEEK

A History of Violence

A History of Violence

Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, Ed Harris
Directed by: David Cronenberg

"One’s real life is often the life that one does not lead."

— Oscar Wilde, Anglo-Irish wit and author (1854-1900)

Based on the graphic novel by John Wagner and Vince Locke, A History of Violence is a stunning and beautiful film, packed with emotion and fear. It is truly a cinematic triumph. Canadian Director David Cronenberg has created a film so rare and so powerful that it tests the body, the mind, and the soul as few films this year.

Set in a small town in Indiana, Tom Stall (Viggo Mortensen in the role of his career) is a pleasant and likable man who owns a small diner unnoticeable outside the town. He fathers two children, Jack (Ashton Homes), and Sarah (Heidi Hayes) and is married to a lawyer, Edie (an Oscar caliber performance from Maria Bello). Cronenberg captures the family as present day people and not an innocent family from the 50's. Tom and Edie still sneak off for teenage romance in the middle of the day.

Life seems to become chaotic when two men walk into Tom's diner demanding cash from the drawer. As things escalate, Tom defends himself, the employees, and the customers by killing both men with incredible amounts of skill that no ordinary man would know. But, without question, Tom becomes a local hero. This publicity attracts three strange men to the town. The leader of the three is Carl Fogarty (the brilliantly talented Ed Harris) a brutally scared, Irishmen from Philadelphia who claims that Tom is not who says he is. Tom denies this, causing extreme contingency between him and Carl. Ed Harris just seems to get better and better. The way he unfolds each scene with his creativity and style truly is the work of a master.

Later on in the film, Tom kills again in self-defense with skills no ordinary man would know. His family questions his truth. Who is this man? Though I’ll never tell who he really is, I will tell you that later on in the film Tom travels to Philadelphia to end a confrontation between him and a man from his past. This man, played by William Hurt, is one of the greatest cameo performances in the history of cinema. A History of Violence is an exuberant and deeply emotional tale of love. Edie and Tom's love begins to fade. Can they save their marriage? Can their children accept their father once more? The ending will totally blow you away. A History of Violence is one of the crowning spectacle of 2005.

*** Stars
NEW MOVIE OUT THIS WEEK

***1/2 Stars
NEW MOVIE OUT THIS WEEK

March of the Penguins

Narrated by: Morgan Freeman
A Film by: Luc Jacquet

This is a documentary not only filled with intelligence and uncommon knowledge, but a simple story about love and determination. March of the Penguins is simply a true and cinematic delight to all its viewers. It is simply fascinating.

Set in the coldest place on earth, so cold in fact that the only place safe to care for the penguin's newborns is 70 miles away. Each year penguins will travel together to find a mate. Their paths will differ each year. They don't seem to know what they want in a mate. Basically it's just find one and mate with it. So in a way, the penguins are not so different from humans.

Once they find their mate, the long and agonizing torture of waiting for the egg to hatch begins. Mother's and fathers stand together for 8 months in the blistering cold waiting for the egg to hatch. Once it does hatch the wait isn't over. Literally starving to death, the mothers travel another 70 miles to the sea to catch food for themselves and for their child. The fathers however must stay and hold the child warm until the mother returns. It is a true test to their patience and to their newborn. No Penguin here is an enemy. The weather is the true fear. Working together to keep themselves and their newborns alive is the most important factor.

Just like Million Dollar Baby, Morgan Freeman narrates with his soft and gentle voice. His voice is warm and affecting throughout the film. March of the Penguins takes us away from the world we know and brings us to a place beyond our understanding.