Movie Review #5 Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2012)

-Why would you watch the second when the first was so bad?

I try to go into all movies with a clear head and an open mind and I did even with this one, but what I've found is that there was no need to do that for this sequel.

When a good movie gets a sequel that doesn't have the same level of production crew (director, writer, etc) the fan base will tear you a new one with outcries. However when a bad movie gets a sequel and that movie doesn't have the same level of production crew there isn't the same outcry, positive or negative. Spirit of Vengeance is a warning that perhaps there should be some outcry, because things can always get worse.

Movie Review #4 The Grey (2012)

-Taken with Wolves

I really don't know exactly when Liam Neeson turned into a sellable action star but I'm really glad he did. There is just something about his voice and demeanour that demands respect. He's hitting 60 years old now and has a bunch of action-oriented movies that I have really enjoyed.

It's quite possible that growing up in school, your English teacher taught you about conflict and the various ways that it can be portrayed to the reader or (in this case) the viewer. The Grey has three of the seven basic match-ups against Man (I should specify right now that the movie contains almost no women) if there had been some cyborg ghosts who controlled free will in a totalitarian world (awesome movie?) we would have all seven but we'll stick with vs Man, Nature and Self. If it weren't for the fifteen-year gap, this would have easily taught me 1/8^th of my grade 10 English course. Then again, no school would allow a viewing with that much gore and bad language - consider this my warning to those who are faint of heart.

Movie Review #3 Underworld: Awakening (2012)

- Fourth time is a charm?

Kate Beckinsale in a leather corset with latex pants running around killing things like it ain't no thang hardly seems like a no-brainer for great movie fluff for those who would be into those things. While I do agree that Beckinsale is a fine specimen to look at and her clothing choices are nothing to frown about, an actual plot wouldn't hurt to back up this little action romp.

Movie Review #2 A Separation (2011) Jodaelye Nader az Simin (Original Title)

- We all have flaws, and this movie isn't afraid to show them.

I watched this movie knowing only a few things about it. First, it had quickly gained popularity on IMDb and second it was an Iranian movie. I admit, my knowledge of Iran is rather poor, and I hoped that the movie might teach me a thing or two. How little did I underestimate the movie.

A Separation is about the choices made by two small families in Iran based around themes of divorce, the sick and elderly, and death. The director/writer Asghar Farhadi created a movie that shows our basic flaws and how we cling to certain responsibilities while sometimes we forget about the impact we have on others.

Once the title shots have finished the fast paced lives of Nader (played by Peyman Moadi) and Simin (played by Leila Hatami) are going to be thrown at you for the next two hours so be prepared. We are introduced to the characters arguing about getting a divorce in court to a magistrate. I feel as if the strength of the movie is shown in this scene and never really lets up. Nader and Simin are both so wonderfully crafted as real, that they seem organic on screen. None of the main characters are the archetype hero in the picture. They all have flaws that shine so brightly that they themselves don't see them as flaws, something I feel is quite true in nature. The arguments portrayed in the movie (and be warned most of the movie is arguing) flow with such a ferocity that I want to believe director Asghar Farhadi sat down and wrote out arguments couples were having. But then that might be a dishonour to the acting of Peyman Moadi and Leila Hatami who give stunning performances. Another side of the story is that of the explosive character Hodjat (played by Shahab Hosseini). His emotional rage partnered with the emotions of his meek wife create some strong sequences along with Nader and Simin. There is such life between the four that I was shocked and pleased that again the foreign film scene has brought me this much enjoyment.