A Year of Movies

Week 27: July 2, 2010 to July 8, 2010
Total number of movies watched: 10

Okay, let's get to it.

261. The Prestige -- An incredible movie (based on the book, The Prestige, by Christopher Priest) which only further demonstrates Christopher Nolan's amazing talents as a director. Without giving too much away, I'll say that I did figure out most of what was going on as the movie was playing--but I didn't solve the final bit until near the end. A great cast too--Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, David Bowie, Andy Serkis. Even after multiple viewings, I still enjoy this movie quite a bit.

262. Whiteout -- Take away the setting (Antarctica) and Kate Beckinsale and this movie would have blended in with a lot of other law enforcement vs brutal killer movies. Since I enjoy watching Kate Beckinsale in movies--I enjoyed this movie. It's just that simple sometimes.

263. I Am Legend -- I have mixed feelings about this movie. Some parts of this movie, I really loved. Some parts, I did not. I loved the relationship between Will Smith's character, Neville, and his dog. That was perhaps the best part of this movie (and I watched both the theatrical version and the extended/alternate version w/alternate ending). I did not like the CGI remake of the....plague victims. They looked fake--and I didn't see the point of the CGI. I loved the flashback scenes--and Will Smith quoting Shrek--and the feeling of a desolate NY. I didn't care for either ending though I think the theatrical ending was the better of the two.

264. Independence Day -- I had to watch this for the 4th of July. Well, I suppose I could have gone with Born on the 4th of July, but honestly, I just love this cheesy sci-fi action movie. Sure, it has a lot of one-dimensional characters saying a lot of one-liners, but it's just a fun, summer movie. Still love Bill Pullman's rallying speech about the 4th of July no longer being just an American holiday.

265. Ordinary Decent Criminal -- Kevin Spacey as a master criminal in Ireland seemingly always a step or two ahead of the law. An entertaining caper movie.

266. The Men Who Stare At Goats -- With a cast consisting of George Clooney, Kevin Spacey, Ewan McGregor and Jeff Bridges I was expecting A LOT! I didn't quite get what I wanted. Parts of this movie were very funny--and most of those parts were put in the trailer.

267. Ocean's 11 -- With a cast consisting of George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, etc....I was expecting A LOT--and this time, I got what I wanted and much, much more. Slick dialogue. Great caper. Great locations--Vegas just looks good on screen. One of my favorite movies.

268. Ocean's 12 -- Thought I'd watch the Ocean's movies back-to-back-to-back. While I still like this movie well enough, (it's fun just to watch this group of actors/actresses having fun) it is the weakest of the three. Having watched this movie before, I understood the story this time around--but I remember watching it the first time and wondering--what just happened here? The story seemed like it was trying TOO hard to be slick and misleading.

269. Ocean's 13 -- Back to Vegas and back to being really good. Loved the addition of Al Pacino and Eddie Izzard (yes, he was briefly in 12 but I liked him better here) and Ellen Barkin. And now that I've watched all three in a row, I wonder how Brad Pitt doesn't gain any weight--he was ALWAYS eating in these movies! I wish they'd make an Ocean's 14....but I'm not holding my breath.

270. Orange County -- I wasn't expecting a whole lot from this movie but I was pleasantly surprised. Starring Colin Hanks, Jack Black and Schuyler Fisk, this is not just another teen movie. Instead, it was actually a fairly funny and entertaining coming-of-age comedy. What ever happened to Schuyler Fisk? After watching this, I thought she would have had more roles.

Favorite movie this week....probably The Prestige--though I'd put Ocean's 11 and 13 as close seconds.