Humor Movie Review

BASEketball

Cast: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Dian Bachar

Director: David Zucker

Producer: Zucker Brothers Productions

Genre: Comedy

Writers: David Zucker & Robert LoCash

Year Released: 1998

Language: English
Rated: R
IMD Rating: 6.4/10

Synopsis:
These two best friends who are basically "losers" in the beginning of the game invent a new sport called BASEketball. At first it was just a game to them, but suddenly it got huge. People from all over were playing the game. So they decided to make it go professional. They got a millionare to back it up and from then on they were called the Milwaukee Beers. When the the man that backed it up died, Coop (one of the inventors) was given all ownership of the teem. He didnt want anyone to change the rules of the game, but another millionare who was an owner of another team, thought he was going to be able to change the rules by in a way bribing the other inventor Remer. This caused a controversy for the Beers, and Cooper has to figure out a way to keep BASEketball the way they designed it without hurting the sport and the woman he loves.

My Opinion:
This movie is my dads favorite movie of all time. I think him and my sisters have all seen it at least 1000 times. The two actors are the creators of South Park so you can only expect that their is outrages types of humor. I was really young when i first saw it so i didnt fully understand some scenes, but now i cant ever stop laughing when i set my eyes on every scene. Theres no really significant camera angles, or anything that a big production type film would have, its all based all the humor and over the top scenes put into the film. I personally love this film, it's probably one of my favorites. Theres one special thing i guess you could say that comes from this film for me, "I love ya', always have" Coop and Remer say that to eachother whenever they're having a moment. My dad tells me that at least 50 times a day. So because of that, i love the film a tiny bit more.

Would I Recommend It?
Personally, I wouldnt tell someone that doesnt like over the top dirty and outrages humor. For instance, my mom hates the film because of the humor, so if she didnt see it i probably wouldnt tell her to watch it. Other than that factor, i would tell anyone to see it, just for all the one liners and all the laughs you'll get out of it.

My Rating: 9.0

Imitation of Life (1959)

Imitation of Life (1959)

Cast:  Lana Turner, John Gavin, and Sandra Dee 
Director:  Douglas Sirk
Producer: Universal International Pictures
Genre: Drama/Romance
Writers: Eleanore Griffin & Allan Scott
Year Released: April 30th, 1959
Running Time: 125 minutes
Language: English 
Rating: IMD 7.7/10

Synopsis:
 The film starts off showing a woman searching for her lost daughter. When she actually finds her young daughter she is playing with another girl. While she was there, there was another woman standing there whom she thought was just a woman watching them. This woman was African American and was the mother of the little girl who her daughter was playing with. Though the girl and the woman didn't look like each other because the young girl was very "light-skinned". When they were about to leave, the girl and her mother didn't have anywhere to stay so Laura (the woman searching for her daughter) let them stay the night. Later on, she actually stayed and became an in home nanny. As time went on, Laura was able to become an actress which was her dream. Annie (the nanny) and Laura both raised their daughters together, but as time went on they both noticed how Annie's daughter didn't like to be black and rejected her mother in public. Throughout the film they show the struggles that Laura and her daughter face for finding time to spend together and Annie trying to get her daughter to love herself for who she is.

My Opinion:
I really did like the movie, but there was just one thing that really bothered me. I didn't understand why they didn't focus more on how Annie's daughter was so angry at the fact that she was African American. The director mainly focused on Laura's acting career and romance. Maybe it was because it was during the time where African Americans weren't really casted as main points in movies, but i was really hoping they'd focus more on that. Other than that I thought it was a great movie!

Would I Recommend It?
I would, but only to mature people because some people might not be as entertained and they'll just get bored. I honestly think though its a fantastic movie!

My Rating: 7.5/10

My Favorite Movie

(500) Days of Summer 

Cast: Zooey Deschanel, (Zooey got her big break when she was 17 playing a model in TV sitcom "Veronica's Closet" in 1997, then got her first film role the following year in "Mumford". She has starred in Our Idiot Brother, Yes Man and now she has her own show New Girl. Personality wise she's well known for her bubbly personality and unique singing abilities)  Joseph Gordon-Levitt (he became better known for starring on the hit television series "3rd Rock from the Sun" in 1996, for which he earned two Hollywood Reporter Young Star Awards. Before he was in television he got his big break in A River Runs Through It in 1992. He's well known for his ability to do any type of role. Recently he's been in Looper, 50/50 and Lincoln) and Geoffrey Arend (he first started out as providing voices for video games such as Daria's Inferno and soon after got small roles in films such as Super Troopers and Bubble Boy. He now appears in the medical drama television series Body of Proof on ABC)

Director: Marc Webb ( The Amazing Spider Man, No Doubt: Return of Saturn etc.)

Producer: Fox Searchlight Productions

Genre: Comedy, Drama, and Romance

Writers: Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber

Year Released: August 7, 2009

Running Time: 95 minutes

Language: English

Rating: PG-13

IMD Rating: 7.9/10

 Synopsis: "This is not a love story. This is a story about love." The tag line pretty much says it all. This movie is about the story of a boy, falling in love with a girl who in reality was never really his. He falls head over heals in such a short matter of time with this girl who doesn't believe in love. When the two break up, Tom goes into a deep depression full of anger and a lot of drunken nights. He starts to throw all of his anger onto his work, which is making greeting cards. He decides to quit his horrible job and become an architect. While pursuing his career, he finds out the girl that brought him so much pain is engaged to be married! In the end, he realizes his rights from his wrongs and ends up meeting the next possible love of his life. 

My Opinion: If I didn't love this movie I probably wouldn't have chose it to be my favorite movie. I've probably seen this movie over 100 times and I still love every moment of it. This film has a lot of different camera angles and several lens changes. The directer used music to show how Tom's mood changed in every scene. Marc Webb also would split the scene so on one side you could see the possible out come and then the actual outcome. All of the aspects in this movie just made me truly love this film. 

Would I Recommend It?

Yes! The dark humor and sarcasm between actors is worth the watch. I think every one should give (500) Days of Summer a chance! 

My Rating: 15/10 for OFF THE SCALE!

Holiday Movie Review

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! 

Cast: Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen, and Jeffrey Tambor 
Director: Ron Howard
Producer: Universal Pictures
Genre: Comedy, Family, Fantasy
Writers: Dr. Seuss and Jeffrey Price
Year Released: 2000
Running time: 104 minutes
Language: English
Rating: PG
IMD Rating: 5.8/10

Synopsis: On a snowflake lived a happy, cheerful town named WhoVille. Everyone loved Christmas, there was never a Who that didn't love that special time of year. Except one Who or maybe not so much of a Who, but know one quite knows what he actually is. The Grinch is the one person that doesn't like Christmas! He got so tired of Christmas one year that he tried to stop it from coming! While he plots and schemes to end the holiday, he ends up meeting one of the sweetest Who's of them all, Cindy Lou Who. They come together at some parts, but the Grinch still has his Grinchy ways. In the end, he realizes he's done wrong and what the real meaning of Christmas is.

My Opinion: I've loved this movie since I was a kid. My mom has read me the actual book since I was born, even now on Christmas Eve she'll read me the story as I recite every word. I loved the animated version of the movie, but the Jim Carrey version just has so many extra laughs that I always enjoy when the movie comes on during ABC's 25 days of Christmas movies. This movie will always be one of my favorites.


Would I recommend it? 
 Yes I would! I don't have a doubt in my mind that anyone wouldn't laugh during this film. It's probably one of the best Christmas movies out there. It's great for all ages, not just little kids. 

My Rating: 10!

Horror/Suspense Movie Review

Saw

Cast: Cary Elwes, Leigh Whannell, and Danny Glover

Director: James Wan

Producer: Evolution Entertainment 

Genre: Horror

Writers: Leigh Whannell and James Wan

Year Released: 2004

Running Time: 103 minutes

Language: English

Rating: NC-17

IMD Rating: 7.7/10

Synopsis: Two men wake up in a dark room after being kidnapped with the horrifying conclusion that they're most likely going to die. While they struggle to figure out how they got there, a man behind closed doors watches and records their every move. Having to fit the pieces to this mans crazy puzzle, they go through continuous pain and mentally challenging problems. 

My Opinion: When I first watched this film I was absolutely terrified. The deep tones played and the suspenseful music would curl my skin. It's always hard for me to get into horror films, but for some reason this film I was able to sit through it and actually enjoy it while being scared to death. There are sad parts to this film. I honestly believe this film captures most of the human emotions. I enjoyed the film so much, i've seen all the rest of the film in the Saw movie series. 

Would I Recommend It? 

If you're into mind wrenching, twisted plot horror films then i'd definitely recommend it! I believe this film actually has a good story behind all the evil puzzles of the mastermind of pain. People who think they can actually sit through this movie and not run out of the room crying of fear should watch it, you'll become addicted to the series. 

My Rating: 8.0 

Film Noir Review

L.A Confidential

Movie Review Student Name: Ashton Hinkle 

Cast:  Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce. 

Director: Curtis Hanson

Producer: The Warner Bros. Pictures

Genre: Noir, Crime, Mystery

Writers: James Ellroy, Brian Helgeland, and Curtis Hanson 

Year Released: 1997

Running Time: 138 minutes

Language: English

Rating: IMDb gives it a "8.4"

Synopsis:

The setting is 1950's L.A, where the crime isn't just in the public, but also within the people that are supposed to be the crime fighters, Los Angeles Police Department. Three policemen are dedicated to finding out the truth behind several murders that they think are truly the work of their own kind. The film is full of different types of people, from sleezy to kind heart-ed. In the end, justice is served whether living or not.

My Opinion:

I personally enjoyed the film! Next to the Social Network, L.A Confidential was my favorite movie we've watched so far. I thought the character development throughout the film made me want to keep on watching. As we watched the film, we saw how the characters were outside of their jobs. Yes, some had hidden agendas, but that's what made me get sucked in! *SPOILER ALERT* I would have never imagined for the HEAD of the police department to be behind all of the killings! It was so spread out, it kept you interested. The dialogue that was used also made me like the film as well. The witty, back and fourth conversations that Ed would use between him and other officers would always make me laugh! When him and Lynn, got together, i was stunned because i would have never expected that out of his character, but that's when I really knew his character was changing. I think the film is all around a great work of production!

Would I recommend it?

I most certainly would! If you're like me and you love cop movies then you'll definitely want to watch this film. The movie keeps you interested! There's so many high points to the film, and so many laughs to be enjoyed. There are some sad moments, but in the end you'll know why I highly recommend it! I personally give it a  9.5!