Reviews
A Country Christmas (2013)
Interesting just for children
It's a low budget movie. You can see that based on the few locations and sets. Also, it's a very childish movie for adults. There's no deep message on it. It's just for children's entertainment. And there's no much of comedy on it either. I love Christmas movies but I almost gave up on this one. But it's not that bad. But as I bought it, I wanted to see it. Surprisingly, the acting is not bad at all. Kevin Pollack is the usual bad guy here. And there's no much of "country" on it although it was produced by Kix Brooks of "Brooks and Dunn" and Tracey Atkins made a very small appearance on it. It will go directly to my local community library.
The Trial (2010)
Surprisingly good!
Surprisingly good movie with Mat Modine.
Some people said it's a religious movie but it's not as much others I've seen lately. Except for some dialogs between Mac and the psychiatrist, there's no more of that.
The plot is kind of predictable but much better than several of the current courtroom dramas we see in the theaters or TV.
The movie has very good acting with some exceptions but those don't compromise the movie itself. Very touching, with some twists and some suspense in the end.
I would recommend for my friends.
Jerusalem Countdown (2011)
Not as bad as some reviewers want us to believe.
I saw much more worst movies than this.
I think the main issue here is that people don't like the movie because it is a Christian movie. If it wasn't, the reviews would be better. In another words, people has a prejudice against Christian movies.
Now, the movie itself:
First things first: David White should leave the acting to other actors. He's good as director, not as an actor. But the acting in the general is good.
The plot is interesting, captivating, and, contrary to other opinions written here, I don't think that push so much the Americans as the good guys against the "bad guys". Any Chuck Norris or Steven Seagal movies is more pushing that this one.
I will recommend this movie to my friends and other people as well.
American Gangster (2007)
Excellent movie, but... not accurate according the 'real" Frank Lucas and others
It's interesting the fact that, after 15 minutes of movie, I mentioned to my wife that, no matter which character Denzel Washington is playing he's always "classy" and seems to be a gentleman. And it's not a negative critique.
But the fact is, if you google the name "Frank Lucas", you have a link for the wikipedia. There you learn that according Frank Lucas and others, the movie is "1% true and 99% Hollywood".
Also, the real Richie Roberts was upset with the movie because of(WARNING: SPOILER HERE)the custody battle scenes. After all, according to him, he never had a child!!! And again, according to him, the real Frank Lucas was an illiterate, and extremely violent man.
Despite of all the things above, it was a pleasure to watch another very good performance of Denzel Washington and Russel Crowe (although he's not one of my favorites).
The Family Man (2000)
A new "Christmas Carol"
This movie is a romantic comedy that uses almost the same idea of the old "Christmas Carol". A kind of "angel" that gives to a rich and lonely financial mogul another chance in his life with the woman that he abandoned in the college. There isn't anything new on it but the cast is perfect, including Jack's friend performed by Jeremy Piven, a very good actor that deserves a leading role. A movie with no doubt, for the whole family.
Snatch (2000)
Hilarious...
Hilarious, fast and very funny movie where everything goes wrong to everybody. Except for the dog that almost "steals" the attention. This movie was a nice surprise for me. It was the first time that I saw Benicio del Toro and although his part was short (unfortunately), I liked it very much. Dennis Farina gave a very comic tone to his part. Brad Pitt though, could be better. This movie is a must to people who likes to laugh at dumb robbers in action.
Left Behind (2000)
Intriguing Movie
I bought this movie with intention to lend it to friends who don't believe in Jesus Christ as our only Savior and don't believe in the Judgment Day.
The movie is good although except for Kirk Cameron, his wife Chelsea Noble and Brad Johnson, the acting seems to be amateur sometimes. But the purpose of the movie can be easily achieved.
Congratulations to the cast and crew. I'm waiting anxiously for "The Tribulation Force".
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000)
ONE OF THE BEST SERIES I'VE EVER SEEN
Takes another another angle of vision for cops and crime series. Everything is perfect: the choose of the cast, the cast themselves, the stories, etc. Although some can think of gore scenes, the episodes are not so violent as the similar we have usually. A suggestion: it should be a good idea to start to show some aspects of the their personal lives.
Two Shades of Blue (1999)
I've seen worse movies than this
It's a bad movie but not the worst I've ever seen. But everything on it is obvious. After 30 min, I told my wife that the character of Gary Busey was not dead. I was right. But at the same time, they didn't say who was murdered there. Besides, as far as I know no other operator but Susan, took the calls between the D.A. and the character of Eric Roberts (in bad acting as usual). More, the detectives were dumb! They should watch a few episodes of Law & Order!!! Thinking better: it's not the worst movie I saw but it's one of them....
One Small Hero (1999)
VERY POUR HERO
I can't understand how someone can do such thing. I don't know if it was independent movie or what. But I never saw so bad image (like every scene was "blur" or something)in a movie, even in independent ones. The script is predictable, the actors are bad acting, trying to make scenes funny. Instead they have come ridiculous. So, why did I watch it, someone can ask: because my kids (11 and 13yo) asked us to watch any movie in the TV with them. Then I suggested them to choose one. And they did! But even they didn't like it. It should be better if they had chosen other films at Nickelodeon or Disney channel that are re-run several times a week. My time wouldn't be so wasted as it was. And this movie was played at prime time on HBO Family!!!!!
The Thirteenth Floor (1999)
This is our future?
An intriguing thriller that makes you thinking about the possibilities of the virtual reality.
If this movie was casted with Keanu Reeves and L. Fishburne the success would be greater than The Matrix 'cause the script is better than the other and keeps you seated all the time. It doesn't need the special effects to keep you interested. But the cast is very good though. Muller has a small but crucial character that he plays very confidently.
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Interesting but not so scary
The idea of the movie was excellent. The actors really seem to be scary (I heard that they were scared by the crew during the making of the movie). But maybe because I've already read lots of things about the movie, it wasn't scary to me. I didn't "jump" from my chair anytime. And I saw the movie at night, with the lights off. I expected an end with "no end", after all, the idea is that it was a tape found by people...
The Story of Us (1999)
You can save a wrecked marriage, yes...
Although I didn't identify myself on this movie, I've identified some friends in trouble and, why not? some issues that happens to my marriage. This movie, although extremely realistic and sometimes strong, shows optimism when two persons realize that above the problems, they still love each other and then decide to fix this marriage. The final dialogue (or monologue) of Michelle Pfeifer worths for the rest of the movie....
The Devil's Advocate (1997)
...
Although the story is very similar with "The Firm", it's a very good movie, with breathtaking scenes, excellent performances (specially for Pacino) and a beautiful scenario. But definetively, it's not a movie for chidrem.
Inspector Gadget (1999)
I expected more
The movie is very short. The story could be more elaborated and the visual effects could be less poor. However the actors can be convincent once it's a non-sense movie. If you and your kids don't have anything better to watch or to do, you can go for it, although it's better and cheaper wait for the video release. If you expect a Disney standard movie, forget it!
I Love You, I Love You Not (1996)
A sweet story that could be us on it
A girl who loves to stay with her grandmother who was a jew survivor from the "camps" of Hitler, but hides her story, falls in love with an athlete guy in a high-school where the teens have prejudice against her and her way of life. Sweet, but slow movie, although Danes and Moreau are superb.
From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)
Violent but surprising movie
Two brothers robbed a bank, kill a lot of rangers, kidnap a family and try to run away to Mexico. During the run, they fence strange people in a desert bar. When you think you are watching just another violent movie of Tarantino, you'll be surprised with the happenings. Very funny and different.
Don't Look Behind You (1999)
First grade thriller
Although after 40 minutes the movie goes to a common plot, the beginning of the movie is breathtaking with ups and downs all the time, with a lot of tension all over the almost 2 hours. Patrick Duffy seems to be free from "Boby Ewing" character and is good for other dense performances. Although it is a thriller with murders and tension, you don't have unecessary violence in it.
Six Days Seven Nights (1998)
Expected more from a movie with Harrison Ford
Based on the other movies with Harrison Ford, I expected something serious from him and not this movie that is not more than a comedy/drama/action movie. And not some much action. But you can watch it if you don't have a better one to watch. Although her real life, Anne Heche is good as the romantic partner for Ford. The scenario is beautiful.
Fargo (1996)
Amazing film.... JA!
I've just seen drama/comedy film, action/comedy film, but this was the first time I saw a thriller/comedy film and it was amazing. The story is very funny and the characters brilliant. She deserved the Oscar and the rest of the cast was brilliant too. If you didn't watch it yet, don't delay... Go for it. JA! JA!
Amadeus (1984)
A lesson of classic music
At the same time we watch a excellent movie, we learn more about the classic musician Mozart, well performed by Hulce. At the same time Murray Abraham is excellent as Salieri, the antagonist of Mozart, and he deserved his Oscar. Unfortunately, Hulce didn't receive his. Some folks told me that the story wasn't exactly as they told but who cares? No strong scenes, no sex either. My kids loved to watch this movie.... Absolutely brilliant.
Assim Era a Atlântida (1975)
The Golden Era of Brazilian Movie
It's a documentary about the beginning of the brazilian movie industry. Interviews, short images, songs with the old actors, actresses, and directors of that period. If you remember that period and would like to watch these images, don't miss it.
I'll Be Home for Christmas (1998)
Just relax and enjoy it a little...
OK. You can't expect a new "Miracle on the 34th street" here. But I like the Christmas season and the movies that are carried on with it. But the most important for me: My 9 yo son laughed a lot.....
For All: O Trampolim da Vitória (1997)
II World War in Brazil
Tells about the period of WWII when USA stablished a military base in Northeast of Brazil, the changes for better or worse that made in the population.... Tells the story using actual characters, sometimes with jokes around the history.
Heat (1995)
Two Monsters in the same movie
First: Does anyone know if Pacino and De Niro were actually together in the same scene at the bar meeting? The movie is about two genius. One is the good guy (Pacino) and the other is the bad guy (De Niro). The script runs around the intelectual fight between them and the involvement for their parties. Except for the bank robbering, and the last scene, don't expect a lot of action in this movie. Instead, be sure you'll find an excellent script and performances. The director of this movie (Michael Mann) is the same director responsible for the TV series Miami Vice. And he directed another movie (L.A. Takedown - 1989 - TV) that actually looks like today as a "draft" for HEAT...