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Star Trek (2009)
Great Fun!
This was a good take on the development of the characters in the original show. As a fan of the original series, I always found the Star Trek movies with the original cast to be disappointing. It almost seemed like they were just going through the motions to make the Star Trek movies (with the notable exception of "The Wrath of Khan").
Though a couple of the Star Trek TV series' that came later were good, they always fell short of expectations. TNG was the best, all the others that followed was either bad, or worse.
This movie, however, has kept the characters to what you had always hoped they were, and made them even better, all the while keeping the plot going with a lot of action. It even added a few ideas that put a new light on watching reruns of the original series. On this, I will just say that Kirk really was as sexually prolific as was thought and that Spock has a little more than just logic in his head.
The Prestige (2006)
Oscar Sleeper
Sleeper for Oscar. The suspense keeps adding up throughout to an unbelievably astonishing and satisfying ending. I predict Best Supporting nominations for Michael Cain and Scarlett Johansson. Best Actor nod for Hugh Jackman and Best Picture nomination. I went in at the urging of my wife and was incredibly captivated with this saga. I never knew what "The Prestige" meant (or is), but was slowly drawn into it's full meaning through the skillful writing and the expert acting and staging of this period piece of art. Not only skillful acting, writing and staging, but magnificent and sweeping cinematography and a score that, while unnoticed during the movie, came to a crescendo that matched the satisfaction I felt at the end.
Crash (2004)
Stunning Comeback
About half-way through, I was ready to walk out. It seemed like this movie was going nowhere that we hadn't already been. Typical "pick on the police" Hollywood garbage - portraying the bad guys as the good guys and vice-versa.
Then, the movie changed and we saw the reasons why the seemingly flawed characters, whose actions in the first half of the play were completely unflattering, behaved as they did. We were also provided moments when the earlier unflattering (and sometimes downright evil) behavior, was rendered meaningless because of newly introduced circumstances that truly tugged at my conscience and gave me a feeling of exultation at the inner workings of coincidence. In fact, it left me a feeling that there are no coincidences, that only God could intervene with new circumstances that provided the characters in the film with the second chances that could redeem their lives and give new hope to each. In the end, my heart was extremely moved to sympathy for some of the characters whom earlier I tended to condemn, and vice-versa.
I would have rated the it a 10, except for the fact that the movie still portrayed the LAPD as an overall evil and corrupt organization (an undeserved charge), and because of the excessive use of profane language (which, though realistic, is quite unnecessary).
The Phantom of the Opera (2004)
Wonderful
This movie kept me enthralled throughout. Having seen, and loved, the stage version, I can only say that this movie was an experience that brought me even closer to the story. I have always loved the music, and the performers in the movie made me love the music even more. However, I fell even deeper in love with the story and the music having seen this masterpiece. Though the stage version was an experience like no other, I feel this movie came as close as possible to the stage, while also enlivening the characters and the story in my mind as if I was part of the cast.
You people who are nitpicking this piece of art to death are just not getting it! This is not the stage, this is not the book, this is film. It is a different genre for cryin' out loud! And this movie brings the book and the stage version into a work that is alive and vibrant as a film can be.
I want to see it again! Andrew Lloyd Webber, you are a genius!
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)
The Crane! The Crane!
I will never be able to see another chase scene that will match up to this one! I'm spoiled now, and mad, because I don't know what will top this scene. I guess a chase scene involving a oil tanker may do it, but I don't know how they would put wheels on an oil tanker. Maybe a good director could rev up a chase scene with one of those Monster Trucks from Caterpillar or something. I don't know what's going to top this one.
Vanilla Sky (2001)
Should have been, at least, nominated for Best Picture 2001
Please, people, get over your "cruiseaphobia." I don't like a lot of his movies, either, but this one is an exception. He is really good in Vanilla Sky and, actually, deserved an Oscar (or at least a nomination). The writing was excellent, the story provided a, somewhat, unique twist and it kept me in suspense, and my mind active, and glued to the story throughout the film. I never felt abandoned by the script. Please give credit where due.