Bugmaster

This movie is the live action version of a brilliant Japanese Comic and Animated series. Don't miss out on this transcendental experience that utilizes both Shinto and Buddhist beliefs to paint a picture of a world in which the foundations of organic life are not all that exist. Hiroshi Nagahama's animated series was made up of stand alone episodes, which created a coherent plot by successfully expressing the totality of the story as a collage. It also used highly phantasmal interpretations of "Mushi",creatures that exist symbiotically with our own world however mostly in a parallel dimension. Therefore Katsuhiro Otomo's live-action version had some serious technical issues to decide. His decision was to take an organic approach in displaying the phenomenon known as "Mushi" as phosphorescent fungi and insects mostly. The music and sound effects from the anime were also more captivating than here. Watching the animated version first will increase your understanding of the story, however probably jade your overall enjoyment of this film. It would probably be better to read Yuki Urushibara's comic, because it allows this versions organic and phosphorescent look more of a chance. The more organic approach was very interesting but ultimately different than the anime. The acting wasn't amazing, but it didn't have to be because the script was well adapted and managed to capture the core feeling of the story. Stylistic approaches that Otomo took like the graininess and darkness, seemed to mimic the look of an older film, but was another questionable choice. Being a huge fan of the Anime it was hard to accept the aesthetic differences at first, but never the less it was a very unique approach and Otomo effectively captured part of the mystique of "Mushishi".

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

Not to much to like about this movie other than the set design and make-up. The Cgi didn't work at all, there wasn't enough focus on the love story, and the acting was transparent. This movie was never able to draw me in. It looked like a bunch of crazy people Cosplaying instead of an interesting prequel to Underworld. The lack of character analysis destroyed what probably could have been an interesting horror movie.

Rachel Getting Married

Five Star's? Yes Five Star's, I haven't seen a more interesting and twisted story that involves a wedding in a long time. This was a sobering drama, but in a musical wonderland with joy and festiveness. There were a couple scenes that made me the viewer just feel completely awkward. It horrified me, because I'm going to be the Best Man where my best friend is marrying my sister. I really liked how this movie attempted to portray a world in which race and ethnicity melt together perfectly. Melodic Music, unconditional love and painful loss fused this film together in a tapestry that textured a well thought out story. I really don't know whether to love this movie or hate it to death. It was so pretentious and the manic joy was overwhelming, however at the same time it was hypnotically interesting and intense. There are a few scenes that really didn't work, but as a whole, the positives about this look into the lives of a privileged black and white family who are harmoniously merging through the marriage of their children was very entertaining. Self medication and it's subsequent need for psychological rehabilitation adds a palpable contrast to the dream like happiness that surrounds this blissful portrayal of a wedding. I can see how others might think this film is a steaming pile of pretentiousness, but the bipolarity of this story made it just the sort of manic depressive balance that really makes me enjoy watching movies.

Still Life

While I've seen a few movies that deal with the three gorges damn project in China, this movie certainly does a good job of pointing out the human aspect of being forced to relocate and the problems it can cause with finding people who once lived in the area's that were flooded. The ever present water warning marks of how high the water level will rise, work as poignant examples of the coming misfortune. Still Life did a wonderful job of using imagery to create mood. The lead characters quite personality was a perfect example of don't say anything unless you have something important to say. It seemed his words always seemed to have meaning an wisdom behind them. This movie had some strange quarks that definitely didn't feel like they should have been in the movie, but then they really did add personality to this interesting character drama. If you think you've seen poverty, then this movie will redefine the average Americans understanding of just how different life can be. And still this movie still held true to the typical communal culture of the Mainland Chinese. Certain communist values where sewed throughout this film, which in my opinion offered yet another interesting perspective and insight into the life of the working class in China. I enjoyed seeing a few examples of right of the worker to hold management accountable for their mistakes, all the while capitalist forces begin to surface their ugly heads. Interesting and enjoyable film.

Changeling

When it comes to Clint Eastwood movies I can easily say that I usually really enjoy them, however from time to time a mediocre movie comes along like Changeling. The setting and costume design were good. I really loved the focus on the mass transit that used to exist in Los Angeles plus the old cars and and buildings also added a great feel to this movie. It was the little things that I did like about this movie, the detail the background that Clint Eastwood is able to show in most of his movies makes them all worth watching. However, Angelina's performance here was just not believable. Her character was static, and the acting performance was laughable at times. Eastwood was able to draw me into the story about half way through, but unfortunately by then it was to late to call this a good movie. Three stars for technical enjoyment.

Zhou Yu's Train

Can't help but fall for this slow but beautifully woven together story about love and how so few are ever able to make it work. It looks like a few reviewers had a hard time getting into this tragic drama for the ever depressed soul. But while some might think this was a failed attempt at a classically Chinese approach to drama, I can't help but look at the pieces and think that this movie was nothing less then a great film. The acting was good, the story plausible, the music beautiful and the cinematography was amazing, with hauntingly gorgeous shots of tropical meadows coupled with industrially polluted cities. This is a really great visual story. The symbols of nature for health and the city for sickness truly are magnificent. I loved the symbolism and I didn't actually start piecing it all together until just now. Excellent movie!

Step Brothers

I'm stepping out of the Box and giving this movie five stars because it accomplished to do something that so few movies can, keep me laughing. I laughed almost every second and it took me back to why I loved "OldSchool" so much. Will Ferrell delivers and average performance with extra slapstick comedy but the casting and writing in this film worked perfectly. If your looking for a no brainer that is going to make you laugh like "Dumb and Dumber" then check Step Bothers out.

The Foot Fist Way

Couldn't help but love this movie. Just stupid enough to make me laugh like hell and not so stupid as to make want to turn it off. Danny R. McBride is hilarious. I can see how this movie could be a hit or miss for some people. If you liked the Pinapple express then your going to definitely want to watch this one. If you think Taekwondo being expressed in a "White Trash" perspective might be funny, then this movie is for you.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time has finally arrived in the U.S. and it's about time. This beautiful Anime has been compared to the works of masters Hayao Miyazaki and Makoto Shinkai for good reason. This is Definitely one of the, if not the best Anime to come out of Japan in 2006. With the studio Mad House involved and Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, the character designer from Evangelion, it's no wonder that this Digimon Director Mamoru Hosoda had all the building blocks to be the first Japanese animator to receive the first Japanese Animation Academy Award. I'm proud to review and recommend this beautifully written and executed story adapted from the manga "Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo -Tokikake-". After a little digging I was able to discover that this Animation is actually a sequel to a 1983 Live action movie based on the original novel "Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo", by Tsutsui Yasutaka. If you are new to Anime this wouldn't be a bad start for you. This is a slice of life/sci-fi drama that makes you feel good to be alive. I liked this almost as much as "Millennium Actress" by Satoshi Kon, so check this one out if you haven't already imported it for yourself. Simply a Wonderful, splendid, exquisite movie.

Sukiyaki Western Django

Not a fan of Takashi Miike? Well I wouldn't start trying to become one by starting with this movie. This is basically a remake of Akira Kurosawa's classic "Yojimbo" which is ultimately much better than Miike's attempt to create a "B" Western based on Sergio Leone's "Fistful of Dollars" and a little known movie named Django. This is a weird interpretation that uses Japanese actors speaking bad English. Throw in Quentin Tarantino as an actor in this film and you get a seriously confusing blend of styles and genres. Samurai classic meets the O.K. Coral. However since I am a big Miike and Tarantino fan I can't say that this movie was a complete disaster. It was definitely unique and never boring. There were even a few very carefully crafted shots that were visually intense and emotionally intriguing that you can always expect from a Miike movie. I've seen better stunt coordination but the choreography was done well enough as to not make this movie look amateur. There were many moments where I felt as if I was watching a play not a movie. Example: Lets say you went to Japan and their English department at a University decided to recreate "A Fist Full of Dollars", I'm thinking it would have a similar feel. Not a masterpiece but I liked it because of it's unique feel and interpretive adaptation of Kurosawa, Leone and the Corbucci's.