LETTERS FROM IWA JIMA


Starring Ken Wanatabe, directed by Clint Eastwood and produced by Stephen Speilburg

Story tells you what happened on the Japanese side of the war during the Battle of Iwa Jima. Just like how Flags of our Fathers told about the American side. This one tell you the opposite. Who lived their, who was in charge, and what their strategy was.

Even thought the whole movie was subtitled thus making me read it really wasn’t that bad. I’ve been waiting for this one to come out so I could watch it. It was better than Flags of our Fathers. It even made you kind of root for the Japanese to win.

The movie is about 135 minutes. Has lots of killing and its graphic about it. Not shying away. I think that you should really go and check this one out. It will be worth your while. Trust.


Im out

Wagner

STOMP THE YARD


Starring Columbus Short, Megan Good, Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, and Harry Lennix.

Story is about young men who after a dance battle in L.A. he and his crew are jumped and his brother is killed. His mother decides to send him to his aunt’s house in Georgia and has him enroll in College. There he finds a new love and a new passion to dance again.


Ok this is pretty much, YOU GOT SERVED, DRUMLINE, STEP UP, and TAKE THE LEAD. All rolled into one movie. The dancing (when there was dancing wasn’t that bad). Story was like any of the movie mention above. Young Black man needing to get away dances away. What I’m saying it’s your typical dancing movie.

It seemed a little long for me, running time is about 120 minutes. If you enjoyed other dancing movies check this one out. Just don’t be expecting award winning acting.

I’m out



Wagner

ALPHA DOG


Starring Bruce Willis, Matthew Barry, Emile Hursh, Justin Timberlake, Sharon Stone, and Ben Foster

The story is based on the life of Jesse James Hollywood, a drug dealer who became one of the youngest men ever to be on the FBI's most wanted list.

Its pretty much a reenactment of what supposedly happened. It starts out as an interview and everyone being asked what happened. At least what they say happened. Emile Hursh (Johnny Truelove aka Jesse James Hollywood) Kidnaps the younger brother of one of his debt beat friends who owes him a lot money, holding the brother as sort of like a marker. What seem like a good idea starts to sink in, that’s when they realize that they could be facing life for kidnapping. So they must think of a way to get out of their current situation no matter what it takes.

It wasn’t that bad of a movie. They did a good job on the trailer, since it makes this movie seem soo good that you have to see it. A lot of valley white boy gangster dialogue. Could have really done without the captions every time somebody was introduced, but it did help and telling who was who in the movie, since there were so many characters that were being introduced. You’ll see what I’m talking about if you see the movie. Timberlake’s character was the only that really the better writing for and not bad acting on his part.

Its rated R for language, nudity, and drug usage. It has a runtime of 135minutes with previews.

Wagner

FREEDOM WRITERS


Starring Hilary Swank, Patrick Dempsey, Mario, April Hernandez. Directed by Richard LaGrevenese.

Its about a 1st year teacher who get assigned to Wilson high school in Long Beach. To teach a bunch of misfit 9th and 10th graders, but helping them learn tolerance. Especially since they only know about their own races and not about other ones. She helps them to kept journals about whatever they like write about, most choosing to write about what they go thru everyday living in their situations.

At first when I first heard about this movie I was like wow Dangerous Minds 2. Then I was like wait nope this one is different. Its based on a true story. Another one of MTV’s movie productions. It really wasn’t that bad. I know some girls that watch this might get a little teary eyed (I noticed some in the audience doing that).
If you like hearted-like movies, then this is the one for you. Otherwise don’t even bother. Hilary Swanks acting wasn’t Oscar material, but it was ok a little annoying at times but ok.

Its rated PG13 and has a runtime of about 140 minutes.


I’m out

Wagner

HAPPILY N'EVER AFTER


Starring Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Michael Cain. Directed by Alfonso Cuaron, same guy who did Harr Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and Y tu mama Tabien.

Story is about world in 2027 that has lost the way to reproduce children. But then a young woman somehow gets pregnant fearing what the government would do. A rebel resistance has ask for help from a former protestor to get her to an organization called the human project.

Story was kind of hard to follow at first, but then it became clear. Lots of action and violence. But the ending was kind weird, I guess it could have been a little better. Its Rated R for all the violence. It has a running time of 135 with previews.

I’m Out

Wagner

PANS LABYRINTH



Pan's Labyrinth is a fanciful and chilling story set against the backdrop of a fascist regime in 1944 rural Spain.

The film centers on Ofelia, a lonely and dreamy child living with her mother and adoptive father; a military officer tasked with ridding the area of rebels. In her loneliness, Ofelia creates a world filled with fantastical creatures and secret destinies. With post-war repression at its height, Ofelia must come to terms with her world through a fable of her own creation.

Directed by Guillermo del Toro the same guy who brought us Hellboy, Hellboy 2 and Blade 2.
For being a movie completely in Spanish (don’t worry it has Subtitles), it wasn’t bad at all, I actually liked the story. Its Rated R for graphic violence and some language. Its R rating made it better. Not really holding back too much on the violence.

You should really check this one out. The running time is about 135 minutes with previews.


I’m out

Wagner

CHILDREN OF MEN


Starring Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Michael Cain. Directed by Alfonso Cuaron, same guy who did Harr Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and Y tu mama Tabien.

Story is about world in 2027 that has lost the way to reproduce children. But then a young woman somehow gets pregnant fearing what the government would do. A rebel resistance has ask for help from a former protestor to get her to an organization called the human project.

Story was kind of hard to follow at first, but then it became clear. Lots of action and violence. But the ending was kind weird, I guess it could have been a little better. Its Rated R for all the violence. It has a running time of 135 with previews.

I’m Out

Wagner

BLACK CHRISTMAS



Starring, Kelli (Katie Cassidy), Dana (Lacey Chabert), Lauren (Crystal Lowe), Megan (Jessica Harmon), Claire (Leela Savasta), Heather (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), Megan (Jessica Harmon) and Melissa (Michelle Trachtenberg) and their house mother (Andrea Martin) who starred in the original.

A group of sorority girls find themselves being harassed by a stranger with menacing phone-calls and begin to die, one by one on Christmas Break. A remake of the 1974 slasher film. The movie tells the story of a young boy named Billy. He is locked in the attic of his home by his mother and her lover. One day Billy breaks out of his musty attic and murders them.

Never really saw the original, so I didn’t really have any high hopes for this movie. Good thing thought cause it was just like any slasher movie out there. This one really should have been a straight to video type. Don’t get me wrong it had a good cast, but even them couldn’t make this one a big hit.

If you aren’t feeling the holidays, like to see people get mangled and killed, and then this is the movie for you. Its about 1hr45min so it will be quick.


I’m out

Wagner

DREAMGIRLS



Staring Beyonce Knowles, Eddie Murphy, Jennifer Hudson, Keith Robinson, Anika Noni Rose, Jaime Foxx, and Danny Glover. A directed by Bill Condon


Story is about a trio of girls whose dreams are to make it big in the music industry. They start off by playing at the famous Apollo. After not winning, they are offered a job to be backup singers to famous singer James Early. Over time they become big enough that they are the big name singers, and at the same time learning more about the cruel world of the music business.

As I stood there watching this movie I really did enjoy this movie. This movie is an adaptation of the original 1980’s Play of the same name. As you watch this movie and if you know the story of the Diana Ross and the Supremes, there are a lot of similarities to them. Except the names of the characters have been changed a course, the producers didn’t want to get sued by Diana Ross. But Unlike them, their outcomes do change a little bit.

Its not a big musical number like Chicago was. A lot of the dialogue was changed from singing to speaking. But when they sang, they sang.

If you’re really into musicals or really has some time to spare. You should really check this one out. You have 3 powerful performances from golden globe nominees Beyonce, Eddie, and Jennifer Hudson.

Im out

Wagner

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM


Starring Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Carla Gugino, Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney, and Bill Cobbs.

Story Is about a guy who is always down on his luck when it comes to keeping a job. He learns that if he cant keep a job he just might not be able to have his kid live with him. So he decides to take up a job as the graveyard shift security guard at the Natural History Museum. Not knowing what was in store for him once the doors where locked and the sun went down.

I didn’t really think this movie was going to be any good, but it was kind of funny. Its rated PG. It did drag for a while at the beginning but it picked up towards the end. Running time is about 2hrs.


Wagner

THE GOOD SHEPARD



Starring Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie, Alec Baldwin, Robert DeNiro, William Hurt, and Joe Pesci. Directed by Robert DeNiro.

This was actually 10 years in the Making, since it was DeNiro “pet project”

The main character is partly based upon the real founder officer of the CIA, James "Jesus" Angelton.

This tells the story of Edward Wilson who was a member of the Skulls and Bones Society a Yale University. Because of his high morals and his honor, was recruited to the newly formed Central Intelligence Agency. There his learned lots of about people, trust and loyalty. His commitment to the Agency, took him away from his family that he barely knew. His dedication to his work does not come without a price though, leading him to sacrifice his ideals and eventually his family.

So I watch this movie, wow I couldn’t believe it was almost 3hrs long. It really goes into a lot of detail. Lots of scenes were going back and forth jumping between the 1960’s the late 1930’s and the 1940’s. Tying all the scenes together.

If you really have 3hrs to spare, give this one a change. Otherwise wait til it come out on DVD.

Im out

Wagner

ROCKY BALBOA



Written by, directed by and starring Sylvester Stallone as underdog boxer Rocky Balboa. It is the sixth and final film in the Rocky series, which began with the Oscar-winning Rocky thirty years earlier in 1976

In this new installment Rocky, who now owns a restaurant in the lower side of Philly gets the fighting bug back after seeing a virtual fight of him and the current World Heavyweight Champion Mason Dixon. Now he must go thru the training so he can get back in the ring and prove everyone wrong that he can still fight. At the same time he has to also try to fix is straining relationship with his son who still lives under Rocky’s shadow.

If you’re a big Rocky Fan, you’ll definitely like this one. The story is there. But you only see the training and the fight during the last 20 minutes of the movie. This movie is about 1hr 45mins. But it does get to the points that it wants to tell you.

I think you should really go out and check this one out. Especially because a new version of the Transformers preview is included at the beginning.

I’m out

Wagner

PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS





Starring Will Smith, Thandie Newton, and Jaden Christopher Syre Smith (the son of Will Smith). Directed by Italian Gabriele Muccino,
Despite Chris' valiant attempts to help keep the family afloat, the mother (Thandie Newton) of his five-year-old son Christopher (Jaden Christopher Syre Smith) is buckling under the constant strain of financial pressure. No longer able to cope, she reluctantly decides to leave.
Chris, now a single father, continues to doggedly pursue a better-paying job using every sales skill he knows. He lands an internship at a prestigious stock brokerage firm, and although there is no salary, he accepts, hopeful he will end the program with a job and a promising future. Without a financial cushion, Chris and his son are soon evicted from their apartment. Chris finds the Food Program at Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood and is befriended by the Reverend Cecil Williams who is impressed by the love that Chris shows for his son.
Despite his troubles, Chris continues to honor his commitment as a loving and caring father, using the affection and trust his son has placed in him as an impetus to overcome the obstacles he faces.
I enjoyed this movie, even thought I was standing up the whole time I was watching it. Will Smiths performance was believable enough for me to feel what his character was going thru. This is based on a true story written by the real Chris Gardner.
If you’re into movies based on a true story, you should give this one a try. It will even make you wanna clap.


Wagner

THE HOLIDAY



Starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Jack Black, and Edward Burns.
Despite being separated by the Atlantic Ocean, Amanda (Cameron Diaz) and Iris (Kate Winslet) share the same dilemma: they've both been disappointed by their significant others, Ethan (Edward Burns) and Jasper (Rufus Sewell), and are now facing a dull Christmas in isolation.
After they meet online, however, they decide to join forces and give each other a hand. They will swap houses and lives for the holidays, hoping new experiences will result in less glum holiday depression. Amanda, a Los Angeles resident, will stay at Iris' home in rural England and Iris will live in Amanda's home in the States. While on holiday, each meets a new lover: Amanda falls for dashing Graham (Jude Law), while Iris finds herself attracted to quirky Miles (Jack Black). But where does the magic of the holiday end and the reality of real life begin?
Ok you ask why I watched this movie. Well I’ll tell you. I had no choice because nobody had screen the movie, so a course I had to watch it.
This is a total chick flick so. If your into this kinds of movie this is the movie for you.

Wagner

Directed by Mel Gibson, the follow up to “Passion of the Christ”.
Tells the story about the Mayans, during their last days before the Spanish conquistadors arrive. It focus on a village where a young warrior who, with his fellow friends and family have been captured by the Mayan ruler and are going to be presented to the gods as human scarifies. He must now find a way to escape and save the ones that he loves.

It was a pretty good movie; it’s made completely in the Mayan dialect (language). So there are subtitles all thru the movie. This is good because it makes you pay attention to the entire movie.

If you have a chance this weekend I suggest that you give this movie a chance. It is a 2hr and 30min but its worth. It is rated R for some brutal scenes, and partial nudity. If you remember Passion, how bloody some scenes where expect the same for this one and even more.

Im out as always,


Wagner

VAN WILDER 2: THE RISE OF TAJ


Starring
Kal Penn as Taj, Lauren Cohan as Charlotte Higginson, Daniel Percival as Pipp Everett, Glen Barry as Seamus, Anthony Cozens as Gethin, Steven Rathman as Simon,and Holly Davidson as Sadie


Taj, Van Wilder's assistant in the first film, heads out on his own and heads to England's prestigious Camden University to further his studies. Along the way, he adopts a group of misfits and shows the uptight student body how to get Wilder!

Wow considering how Good the original Van Wilder was, this barely even matchs up to it. Seriouly National Lampoon has really lost its funny. Not like the old classics.

IF you really like the original, give this one a chance. Without Van Wilder in the movie Taj has to work real hard to make this movie a success...



Im out

Wagner

TURISTAS



Starring, Josh Duhamel(Las Vegas), Melissa George, Olivia Wilde, Desmond Askew,Beau Garrett, and Max Brown.

The story is about a group a turistas who visit Brazil, when a bus accident leaves them marooned in a remote Brazilian jungle that holds an ominous secret. Now they must run or stay and die.

I really this thought this was going to be a good movie, then i sat thru and I was like "what the?" Atleast the movie was pretty short so i didnt have to seat thru much of it.

IF your really bored check it out, otherwise wait for the DVD..


Im
Out'


Wagner

BLOOD DIAMOND


Starring Leonardo Dicrapio, Djimon Hounsou, and Jennifer Connelly. Directed by Edward Zmick, who last The Last Samurai, but he is well know for Glory (1989).

Set against the backdrop of civil war and chaos in 1990's Sierra Leone, Blood Diamond is the story of Danny Archer (Leonardo DiCaprio) - a South African mercenary - and Solomon Vandy (Djimon Hounsou) - a Mende fisherman. Both men are African, but their histories as different as any can be, until their fates become joined in a common quest to recover a rare pink diamond that can transform their lives. While in prison for smuggling, Archer learns that Solomon - who was taken from his family and forced to work in the diamond fields - has found and hidden the extraordinary rough stone. With the help of Maddy Bowen (Jennifer Connelly), an American journalist whose idealism is tempered by a deepening connection with Archer, the two men embark on a trek through rebel territory, a journey that could save Solomon's family and give Archer the second chance he thought he would never have.

I watched it the other night I have barely been on myspace to post it up.

I like this movie, there action was good, writting kept me awake. Not up there with "The Departed by close enough.
The running time on this movie is about 2h30min so you better go to the bathroom before hand.

Have some time this weekend check this one out.


Im out

Wagner

DEJA VU


Starring Denzel Washington, Val Kilmer, James Caviezel

Everyone has experienced the unsettling mystery of deja vu--that flash of memory when you meet someone new you feel you've known all your life or recognize a place even though you've never been there before. But what if the feelings were actually warnings sent from the past or clues to the future? It is deja vu that unexpectedly guides ATF agent Doug Carlin through an investigation into a shattering crime. Called in to recover evidence after a bomb sets off a cataclysmic explosion on a New Orleans Ferry, Carlin is about to discover that what most people believe "is only in their heads" is actually something far more powerful--and will lead him on a mind-bending race to save hundreds of innocent people.

I thought this one was going to be a weird movie, but it wasnt that bad. This one came out last wednesday but if you have a chance go and check this one out.


Im out

Wagner

TENACIOUS D


Starring Jack Black, Kyle Gass, Dave Grohl, Ben Stiller, Tim Robbins, and Meat Loaf.

The story is about two guys who form what they call the greatest rock band in the world...aka Tenacious D. But they realize that they are missing something. By accident they figured that the other great bands, like van halen, and the who had the same guitar pick. Which they find out is housed in the Rock-n-Roll museum. Now they must figure a way to get it.

I watched it last night. The music was freakin awesome but the story was ok, could have been better, especially since this movie was made a couple of years go. Yup the studio had this one on the shelves.

If your into rock, like the music of Tenacious D Check this one out. A lot of the Jokes where from their CD.

Its also ERNESTO approved.

Im Out

Wagner