Baraka – Sure, this documentary that just shows superb cinematography all over the world is at times beautiful and breathtaking. But, it inherently feels long too, and I would probably have enjoyed it more in little pieces, rather than as a movie. B-
Grandma’s Boy – Not that there aren’t moments in this Adam Sandler-less film from the Adam Sandler line, ones that are still kinda funny months later, but it’s not actually any good. This is mainly because the film trudges along with silliness for the first 75 minutes, before suddenly realizing it needs some overarching plot in the last fifteen. Not suprisingly, it actually does feel like a movie made by stoners. D+
Inception – For intellectual action, Christopher Nolan has been the go-to guy for a few years now. So, its no wonder that Inception is occassionally awe-inspiring. It definitely deserves to be seen twice, though I’m not sure that further viewing will be necessary. A-
Punisher: War Zone – A superhero movie told through a slasher-film lens, PWZ sees Ray Stevenson taking over for Thomas Jane as the brutal vigilante. It’s grotesque actually, and it barely tries to make Stevenson’s character likeable. In that way, it’s pretty fascinating, especially as a low-level superhero flick for the Saw generation. B
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World – It’s not a perfect film or anything, but I had more fun watching this graphic novel adaptation than any other movie I can think of in quite a while. It certainly feels different, with a chaotic amalgam of pop culture/video game/comic book references. It’s essentially very cute, but it’s overzealous attention to quirk makes it rather amazing. I’d really like to see it again, if only to find out if it retains it wonderment. A-
X-Men Origins: Wolverine – I’m a sucker for superhero movies, so I was always slightly interested in this X-Men spin-off, especially since it apparently had Ryan Reynolds kicking some ass. I was also pleasantly entertained. It’s convoluted plot may seem like too much, but there’s plenty of time for it and decent action sequences, basically loading it up and making it feel longer (in a good way) than it is. It’s silly, yes, and stupid, but I had fun anyway. B
The A-Team – B
April Fools Day – B-
Bangkok Dangerous – C-
Fanboys - C
Inglorious Basterds – A-
Kick-Ass – B- (Though I do want to watch it again)
Midnight Movie – D
Starship Troopers 3: Marauder - D
Tropic Thunder - B
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