35mmReviews

Synopsis: Matt King is an indifferent husband and fatherof two girls, who is forced to re-examine his past and embrace his future when his wife suffers a boating accident off of Waikiki. The event leads to a rapprochement with his young daughters while Matt wrestles with a decision to sell the family's land handed down from Hawaiian royalty and missionaries.

Starring: George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Mary Birdsong, Nick Krause, Judy Greer, Beau Bridges
Directed by: Alexander Payne
U.S. Rating: R

One of the best films I've watched so far this year 2012. George Clooney has demonstrated one more time why he's considered one of the best actors in Hollywood.

Director Alexander Payne (Sideways, About Schmidt, Paris I Love You, etc) brings one more time a great film focused on those dramas, dilemas and ethical or emotional miseries in life, projecting them with a fresh humor that makes it so, but so enjoyable to watch.Personally, I believe he's one of those great directors who deserve the big respect for his work, since every single film produced/directed has left a great visual experience for the audience.

What does it make The Descendants be such a great film? As mentioned before, it had such an amazing direction, thanks to Alexander Payne's work, the script is such a strong story that offers a little bit of everything you expect: Strong drama, fresh and sarcastic humor, a moral message and a great story line that will keep you focused on the screen through all the film. The cast is superb! And the key element, George Clooney's performance, simply amazing! I haven't watched 'The Artist' by the time I wrote this review, but must say that if he doesn't get the Oscars as best actor for his role in this film, it's because Jean Dujardin's acting performance in The Artist was simply spotless. George Clooney deserves an Oscar for his role in The Descendants.

If you haven't watched it yet and want to know about it, here's part of the plot (I won't post the end!):

Matt King is a Honolulu-based lawyer and the sole trustee of a family trust that controls 25,000 acres of pristine land on the island of Kaua'i. The trust will expire in seven years because of the rule against perpetuities, so the King family has decided to sell the land to Kaua'i native Don Holitzer for development. Just before family members are ready to formally endorse the deal, which Matt favors, a boating accident near Waikīkī renders Matt's wife, Elizabeth, comatose.

Matt and Elizabeth have two daughters, 10-year-old Scottie and 17-year-old Alex. Matt is not very close to his daughters and refers to himself as the "back-up parent." With Elizabeth in a coma at Queen's Hospital, he is forced to confront Scottie's inappropriate behavior with other children and Alex's destructive behaviors.

Matt learns that Elizabeth will never awaken from her coma, which means that under the terms of her living will she must be disconnected shortly from life support. He tells Alex, but not Scottie, that Elizabeth will not recover and must be allowed to die. Alex tells her father that Elizabeth was having an affair at the time of the accident. Matt confronts two family friends, Kai and Mark, and learns that Elizabeth's lover is Brian Speer.

...

The story continues, Matt tries to meet this guy that was having an affair with his wife, confront him and invite him to go and visit her at the hospital before she dies. During this search and confrontation, a series of events will help Matt to be closer to his daughters and with life, taking important decisions that will affect his and his family lives.

1000% recommended!

I would rate this movie with a 5/5

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Synopsis: Mikael Blomkvist is a financial reporter determined to restore his honor after being convicted of libel. Engaged by one of Sweden's wealthiest industrialists, Henrik Vanger, to get to the bottom of the long-ago disappearance of his beloved niece, Harriet -- murdered, Vanger believes, by a member of his large family -- the journalist heads to a remote island on the frozen Swedish coast, unaware of what awaits him. At the same time, Lisbeth Salander, an unusual but ingenious investigator with Milton Security, is hired to do a background check on Blomkvist, a job that ultimately leads to her joining Mikael in his investigation of who killed Harriet Vanger. Though Lisbeth shields herself from a world that has repeatedly betrayed her, her hacking skills and single-minded focus become invaluable. While Mikael goes face-to-face with the tight-lipped Vangers, Lisbeth plies the wired shadows. They begin to trace a chain of homicides from the past into the present, forging a fragile strand of trust even as they are pulled into the most savage currents of modern crime.

Starring: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer, Stellan Skarsgård, Elodie Yung
Directed by: David Fincher
U.S. Rating: R

There's no doubt that David Fincher is one of my TOP favorite directors in Hollywood. Some of my all-time favorite films (Seven, Fight Club, Panic Room, The Social Network) has been directed by this talented director, whom shows he likes to get deep into those books and scripts he decides to bring to the big screen, get the bare essencial content from them, cut, adapt and edit them until he gets such amazing films from this hard work. Most of his films turned into classics and, I'm sure that his most recent one, his personal remake from Swedish international success "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" will also be added to this classics list in the future.

There are two different perspectives to review this film. We can review it from the perspective of those ones who have watched Flincher's remake "after" watching the original Swedish version or, we can also review it from the perspective of those ones who have watched Flincher's remake "before" watching the original Swedish version. I include myself in this second group: Those ones who have watched it before watching the original Swedish one, and that's the perspective I'll take.

Before I start writing my personal point of view and impressions of this film, I must say that I really wanted to go through other reviews from some of the most important Movie Blogs on the net. There were some who shared my personal point of view and thoughts about it, while there were some others critizing Fincher's work and the lead cast's performance. From my personal point of view, I should start saying that I prefer Flincher's film over Oplev's. Note that I'm not saying that Oplev's original version was bad... far from it! It was an amazing and remarkable film! But we can clearly notice the huge directorial differences and styles. In this order of ideas, I must say I definitely liked Flincher's work and film style.

I was wowed with Flincher's version for "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo". The cast gathered for this film was fantastic. There wasn't a better actor to perform the lead role (Mikael Blomkvist) than Daniel Craig. He delivered such a unique performance, even though, it couldn't be considered better than actor Michael Nyqvist's performace in the Swedish version, since Nyqvist was incredibly good too. Now, I have found some controversies on some reviews about Noomi Rapace and Rooney Mara's performances as Lisbeth Salander, a disturbing gothic, anti-social punk investigator/hacker type who lives paycheck to paycheck at the mercy of her weirdo state guardian. Some important reviewers and blogs believe that Rapace's performance was much better than Mara's. I DO not believe that, no matter how incredibly good was Noomi Rapace's performance, Rooney Mara's performace blew me away. Her physical gothic/punk anti-social appearance and look was so, but so much believable than Rapace. Both acting performaces were superb, but Rooney Mara did top her performance on those specific moments when she had to show her punk & anti-social behavior and fictional personality.

While Oplev's original Swedish version was extremely detailed and led by the book, Flincher gave the film a more "theatrical" appeal, printing his personal style and experienced touch. We can easily notice some differences, even though, Flincher kept intact the story and focused just on some important and crucial details, as well as timing perfectly well some relevant events, even when he omitts some not so important events and situations shown on the Swedish version that could be taken as relevant. Flincher's version is 10 minutes longer than the original film, taking it to 2 hours and 40 minutes.

In case you haven't read the book or watched the Swedish film, here's the (short) plot of the film:

Mikael Blomkvist, the co-owner and writer of Millennium magazine, has just lost a libel case against crooked businessman Hans-Erik Wennerström, for which he must pay 600,000 Swedish kronor (approximately 87,000 USD) in damages. Meanwhile, Lisbeth Salander, a researcher for Milton Security and a computer hacker, has compiled a very extensive background check on Blomkvist for Henrik Vanger, retired CEO of Vanger Industries, for a job that Henrik wants him to perform. Despite the recent scandal, Salander passes Blomkvist as "clean."

Blomkvist receives a phone call from Henrik's lawyer, Dirch Frode, who offers him two jobs: to write a Vanger family history, and, using the information provided by Henrik for the memoir, to solve the murder of his niece Harriet Vanger, who disappeared almost 40 years previously; Henrik is convinced that someone in the family killed her.

Blomkvist gets to work right away, staying in a cottage that Henrik provides. He immediately starts investigating the case, collecting some more relevant information about the misterious disappearance of Harriet. He will meet with some members of the Vanger family. Blomkvist finds Harriet's notebook, containing the names of five women with a 5-digit number next to each of their names, secret codes related with some biblical passages showing the killing method used to murder a number of young women over 35 years ago.

Blomkvist begins looking for a researcher to help him find out more about the Bible verses. Frode recommends Salander, whom Blomkvist learns did the background check on him. Upon seeing the incredibly detailed report, he discovers Salander hacked into his computer. He then visits her apartment, making her an offer to help him find Harriet's murderer, to which she agrees.

Soon they will start working together tying all those loosed knots regarding Harriet's disappearance, until they will discover something extremely sordid that might be directly related with Harriet's event.

Definitely, one of the best (if not the best!) thriller films of 2011. The direction was brilliant, the acting performance by ALL cast involved in this film was simply superb. TOTALLY recommended.

I would rate this movie with a huge massive 5/5

In case you haven't watched the original Swedish version, here's the official trailer:

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Synopsis: Blamed for the terrorist bombing of the Kremlin, IMF operative Ethan Hunt is disavowed along with the rest of the agency when the President initiates "Ghost Protocol". Left without any resources or backup, Ethan must find a way to clear his agency's name and prevent another attack. To complicate matters further, Ethan is forced to embark on this mission with a team of fellow IMF fugitives whose personal motives he does not fully know.

Starring: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Paula Patton, Michael Nyqvist, Vladimir Mashkov, Josh Holloway, Anil Kapoor, Léa Seydoux, Tom Wilkinson
Directed by: Brad Bird
U.S. Rating: PG-13

It's clear that the "nuclear war game" is always profitable for good Hollywood action films, and Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol was not an exception. Brad Bird brought one more time the IMF team, led by Ethan Hunt, to save the world from the bad guys and prevent an imminent war between the U.S. and Russia.

It's clear that every single director has shown their own personal style on each of the four Mission Impossible films, starting with Brian De Palma nearly fifteen years ago. He tried to keep the film so close to the original TV series. John Woo and J.J. Abrams tried to give a more relevant approach to Ethan Hunt's character and mixing it with his personal life. What I liked from Brad Bird's job was the exceptional work he did trying to focus the attention to Ethan Hunt's character over any other character on the film. I honestly could say that it looked like a light version of a James Bond film, with the only difference that in this particular case, Ethan Hunt supported his mission on a team that worked synchronized under his leading plan.

Obviously, it's not a surprise that Tom Cruise excelled his acting performance. The plot of the film might not be new, but we certainly can believe that it was extremely enjoyable for the amazing cast gathered for the film, and especially, for Tom Cruise's unique performace. He clearly matched director Brad Bird's vision and personal style.

Director Brad Bird had the unique style to mix the human side of each one of the main characters involved in the team, with some thrilling action scenes, AMAZING stunts (especially the ones performed by Tom Cruise himself!) and some drama.

In Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol, a secret agent is working on an assigment in Budapest trying to get some top secret documents related with nuclear bombs activities. This secret agent is killed by a professional assassin working for another team of extremists. Ethan Hunt is in a Russian prision and he's extracted by a IMF special team. Soon, he'll get his first assignment: To get some secret information attached to the documents lost by the agent killed in Budapest. They will have to get to the secret vault in the Kremlin. Ethan Hunt and his team are framed, accused of terrorism, and the IMF is shut down. Ethan Hunt and his team will have to obtain these secret codes and information before they get to the wrong hands, but they won't count with all the logistics, assistance and protection of their agency. They will have to perform this dangerous secret mission using all they have... Their knowledge, skills and few weapons.

The end of the film shows clearly what we already knew, that we'll enjoy sometime soon a Mission Impossible 5.

I would rate this movie with a 4.5/5

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Synopsis: Woody and Buzz had accepted that their owner Andy would grow up someday, but what happens when that day arrives? In the third installment, Andy is preparing to depart for college, leaving his loyal toys troubled about their uncertain future.

Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ned Beatty, Don Rickles
Directed by: Lee Unkrich
U.S. Rating: G

Woody and Buzz Lightyear are back in what I personally believe, the BEST animated film I've ever watched so far. I've been a huge fan of Toy Story, like most of every single person that has seen the films. We could consider that Toy Story was Pixar's master piece, their Mona Lisa. Obviously, Pixar was working directly with Disney for this project, but this project gave them the unique reputation and success this small team needed to make it big, just like they've been doing with all their animated films.

Andy has become a young man and he's ready to enjoy his new adventure moving to college. While he's packing, he's facing a dilemma with his toys. He has not played with them in years and they feel forgotten and abandoned. When his mom asks him if he wants to donate his toys, Andy decides to take Woody with him to college and intends to store the other toys in the attic. By accident, Andy's mom throws the other toys away, making them think they are no longer wanted; they escape and decide to climb in a box to be donated to the Sunnyside Daycare. Woody tries by any possible way to save his friends before they get into the box, but then he'll be forced to travel with them to their new destination, Sunnyside, while he tries to convince them and explain them that they've been put in this situation by mistake. Andy didn't want to donate them, but they were put away by accident.

Andy's toys are welcomed by the numerous toys at Sunnyside, and given a tour of the seemingly perfect play-setting by Lots-O'-Huggin' Bear (a.k.a. Lotso), Big Baby and Ken, who Barbie falls for. All of the toys are quickly enamored with their new home, leaving steadfast Woody alone to attempt to return to Andy.  He finds a way to escape from Sunnyside, but in his attempt, Woody is picked up outside the school by the imaginative toddler Bonnie. She takes him home and plays with him along with her other toys, who are well treated, happy, and readily welcome Woody. Woody is elated until he hears about Lotso from Chuckles the sad clown. Lotso, along with Big Baby and Chuckles, were once accidentally lost by their original owner, Daisy. The three found their way back to Daisy's home, but Lotso saw that he had been replaced. Though Chuckles realized the truth, Lotso, embittered, convinced Big Baby that they were abandoned, and used Big Baby's size to take mafia-like control over the toys at Sunnyside.  To be honest, this Big Baby is FREAKY!!!

Worried for his friends, Woody hurries back to the daycare and finds that they have been put on task to be played with the rambunctious youngest toddlers. They are also kept under guard at night by Buzz whom Lotso has reverted to demonstration mode restoring his original "Space Ranger" persona and allying with him.

Woody rejoins his friends and they work out an escape plan involving the garbage dumpster. In the process, Buzz is accidentally reset into a Spanish-speaking mode during an attempt to restore him to normal.  I personally believe this is one of the most hilarious moments on this film! The toys reach the dumpster, but are headed off by Lotso and his gang. As a garbage truck approaches, Woody explains to Big Baby that Lotso has lied to him and that his owner still loved him, whereupon Big Baby lifts and throws him into the dumpster. Unfortunately, Lotso manages to pull Woody in with him just as the garbage truck makes it. Woody's friends board the truck to rescue him, during which Buzz is hit by a falling television while saving Jessie, finally returning to his old self. The toys find themselves at the local landfill in Tri-County and are soon pulled onto a conveyor belt leading to an burn pit. They help Lotso to reach an emergency-stop button, only to have Lotso betray them and leave them to be burned. Believing they are at their last moments, they hold hands, but are rescued in time by the squeeze toy aliens using a giant claw. Realizing that being burned in an incinerator is much worse than Andy's attic, they take back everything they said bad about Andy. The toys initially vow revenge on Lotso but Woody successfully convinces them that Lotso is not worth it. They return to Andy's home, while Lotso is found by a garbage truck driver and is tied to the front grille of the truck as a decoration.

At Andy's house, Woody climbs back into the box with Andy's college supplies while the other toys resign themselves to the attic. Woody has a last minute inspiration, and leaves a note to Andy on the toys' box. Andy, mistaking it for a note from his mom, takes the box to Bonnie's home, introduces his old toys to Bonnie and gives her the toys to play with. In the end, Bonnie recognizes Woody, laying at the bottom of the box, to Andy's surprise. Andy is initially reluctant to give him to her, but eventually does so and then spends some time playing with her before he departs. Woody and the other toys find themselves wanted and played with again, and learn through notes passed in Bonnie's backpack that Barbie, Ken and Big Baby have improved the life of all the toys at Sunnyside.

One of my most recent surprises about this film is its Oscars Awards Nomination for Best Film. It was simply amazing to see that nomination. I'm totally convinced it will win the nomination for Best Animated Film, but the strong script, the fresh story and terrific characters are so perfectly assembled and  brilliantly written that I could easily say that some important directors, producers and film creators should learn so many, many things from this master piece.

It was not just a huge pleasure to watch in theaters, but it is definitely a MUST to have in Blu Ray or DVD as part of your personal collection.

I would rate this movie with a HUGE 5/5

Have you watched the film? What did you like or dislike from this movie? What would you rate this movie? Share with us your thoughts!

Synopsis: In a happy suburban neighborhood surrounded by white picket fences with flowering rose bushes, sits a black house with a dead lawn. Unbeknownst to the neighbors, hidden beneath this home is a vast secret hideout. Surrounded by a small army of minions, we discover Gru planning the biggest heist in the history of the world. He is going to steal the moon, yes, the moon. Gru delights in all things wicked. Armed with his arsenal of shrink rays, freeze rays, and battle-ready vehicles for land and air, he vanquishes all who stand in his way. Until the day he encounters the immense will of three little orphaned girls who look at him and see something that no one else has ever seen: a potential Dad. The world's greatest villain has just met his greatest challenge: three little girls named Margo, Edith and Agnes.

Starring: Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Elsie Fisher, Ken Jeong
Directed by: Chris Renaud, Pierre Coffin
U.S. Rating: PG

This was a particular succesfful year for animated films. We had all kind of great films, including How To Train Your Dragon, Tangled, The Princess And The Frog, Tinker Bell, Megamind, among others. But my two favorite ones are definitely... Toy Story 3 and Despicable Me. It will be tough to decide which one will get the Golden Globes and Oscars this year.

Gru is not a conventional villian. He gets satisfaction on those evil little things, for example, giving a balloon with an animal shape to a kid and then explode it in the kid's face, or just freezing everyone at a coffee shop just to avoid waiting in line, etc. He's a villian with huge plans and evil dreams, but with poor skills to make those plans work. So, even when he thinks he's the smartest villian, the world is facing the power of another smart villian in town... Vector. Vector has stolen the Piramids of Egypt, getting all the attention and respect for his evil work. Gru needs to come with a better and more impressive evil plan, so he decides to steal... The moon!

Gru never planned that three little girls he tried to manipulate to help him steal a powerful weapon, would become more important and meaningful in his life than any other plan or evil actions. Gru finally steals the moon, but it comes with a big price, and Gru prefers to pay the price (save the three little girls) instead of getting the world's evil recognition.

An extremely funny animated film for all ages. I loved the way they included some adult humorous details in this film, giving the fresh content for adults to fully enjoy it.

There's no doubt that my top favorite characters are: The Minions! Those little evil "twinkies" are HILARIOUS!!!

The digital copy recently released in the US comes with some extra content that I DO really want to watch. It is definitely a film that you must buy and have it at home. So I hope to have it for my B-day!

I would rate this movie with a 5/5

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Synopsis: Dom Cobb is a skilled thief, the absolute best in the dangerous art of extraction, stealing valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious during the dream state when the mind is at its most vulnerable. Cobb's rare ability has made him a coveted player in this treacherous new world of corporate espionage, but it has also made him an international fugitive and cost him everything he has ever loved. Now Cobb is being offered a chance at redemption. One last job could give him his life back but only if he can accomplish the impossible -- inception. Instead of the perfect heist, Cobb and his team of specialists have to pull off the reverse: their task is not to steal an idea but to plant one. If they succeed, it could be the perfect crime. But no amount of careful planning or expertise can prepare the team for the dangerous enemy that seems to predict their every move. An enemy that only Cobb could have seen coming.

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Ken Watanabe, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Tom Berenger, Michael Caine
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
U.S. Rating: PG-13

NOTE: If you haven't watched the film yet, you might be completely spoiled with my thoughts and review.

I believe I was one of those thousands of people who had to watch Inception more than once to finally (hopefully) understand what really happened with Dom (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his final and most important job, the "Inception". I was patiently waiting for the digital copy, so I could watch it at home and be able to decipher what really happened in this film. I finally got my Blu Ray copy few days ago and watched it, keeping in mind some previous reviews, comments and some very, very important details provided by people involved on this film.

I would like to start my review with a thought that came to my mind this week. I remember the time when we went to watch Avatar. I must say that I still believe it is at the very top of technology. There not a single film in 2010 and yet to come in 2011 that could match Avatar's high tech and visual effects. James Cameron is a master on this matter, no doubt about it. I respect him for his talent using the latest high tech. But in the other hand, I was really happy to see that Avatar didn't win the Oscar for best film, since the plot had nothing special to offer. It was all about the visual, but not the content.

Inception is that kind of film that brings ALL the key elements to make it not just a memorable, extremely entertaining and visually amazing film, but a very smart, challenging and mentally demanding plot and content. It is the kind of film that not just fascinates you with all the amazing visual effects, but keeps you thinking ALL the time, trying to decipher what really happened and even makes you leave the theatre thinking  (for days) about what was all about on this story.

Christopher Nolan, one of my TOP favorite directors, delivered such an amazing film. He brought not just an extremely smart, compact and complete plot, but a very high tech and amazing visual content and effects. Such a professional and unique cast, as well as a brilliant directing work.

Just few days after we went to watch the film, I found an article revealling some very important details related to the plot. One of the most meaningful comments was provided by one of the custom designers who said that Dom couldn't still be in a dream at the end of the film. This custom designer said it was not possible, since the kids dressed different cloths on the very last scene. That changed everything I believed! Since I initially believed he was dreaming all the time and at the end, he really didn't care to see if the totem stopped spinning or not because he just wanted to be with his kids. I had to wait all this time to finally confirm if this comment was true or false.

So, what do I believe about Inception? I'll try to explain it as simple as possible. I'll provide some of the key elements I believe supports my point of view and understanding of this plot.

The main idea I believe is that Dom (Leonardo DiCaprio) was living in a big and complex dream, incapable to decipher reality in his life. He was the best and most experienced person to execute the highest complex extraction, as well as the Inception, but he wasn;t planning and excecuting the Inception on Fisher's mind. All the big plan and multiple level of dreams he prepared were just part of the big Inception planned for him to bring him back to reality. This complex Inception was actually planned by Saito to bring Dom back and be able to live his real life. In fact, he was the one who finally "brought him home". What were the key elements that made me get to this conclusion?

1. Almost every single member of the team asked him to come back to reality. His dad had an important part on this request, when he went to visit him at the university.
2. Arthur told Ariadne that Dom always worked hard to do all those things he used to say that should be avoided. He was constantly creating levels, worlds and situations (most of them based on his memories) and couldn't escape of them, since he completely lost the capability of recognizing the real world. The scene when they went to visit the chemist is very important to understand this.
3. Even though there were multiple dream levels and a complete team involved in this Inception, something important to think about is that Dom always told Ariadne to never reveal the labyrinth created to prevent projections. These projections were people created by the person populating the dream world organized by the architect. Mal appeared in most of these levels and dreams, just because Dom was basically dreaming and populating the big dream.
4. He never had his own totem, he used Mal's totem to check if he was in a dreaming or not. That's why he couldn't know if he was finally dreaming or not. He explained clearly the purpose of totems and why it shouldn't be touched or used by other people. He was using Mal's totem, breaking the rules and purposes  clearly defined for totems.
5. All the members of the Inception team pushed him always to give more and more, saying that his plan wouldn't work. Key phrases were always used by some of the team. Every single one of them played a key role creating and infiltrating the idea of this Inception in his mind to help him to come home... to come to reality. He thought he was creating and infiltrating the idea on Fisher's mind, but the team was really doing it on Dom's mind.
6. When he's finally back with Saito, every member of the team looked at him and showed through their smiles that he made it... he did break through his dreams and was back to reality. There was no conversation or words among them.
7. His dad was waiting for him at the airport, when he never planned that with him. He looked surprised when he saw him there. Obviously, his dad knew about the real Inception.
8. In the very last effort to save Saito, he finds that Saito aged, he never aged. The dream ends when Saito invites him to finish the job and bring them back. Saito invites him to do it, Saito is the one who finally helped him to come back to reality.
9. Most important... When Dom arrives home and sees his kids in the backyard, his kids are wearing different clothes, especially Phillipa, who is wearing a different dress. That clearly shows that he wasn't dreaming, since he ALWAYS kept the same perfect image and memory of his kids. The kids were also older, around 2 years older than the kids shown through his memories.

It's crazy how clever was Nolan. He never revealed what really happened at the end, but he left so many different clues (words, places, clothes, images, people, concepts, time, colors, etc, etc, etc) on this film. The most important thing to know is that no matter if he's in a dream or not, he finally achieves his most desired dream... to see his kids faces one more time and spend the rest of his life with them.

Definitely a pretty smart script, so clever to let every single person the opportunity to have their own opinion and idea of what really happened.


I would rate this movie with a HUGE, massive 5/5

Have you watched the film? What did you like or dislike from this movie? What would you rate this movie?

Do you think my point of view is correct? Or do you have a different point of view, explanation or theory?

Share with us your thoughts!

Synopsis: 'The Departed' is set in South Boston, where the state police force is waging war on organized crime. Young undercover cop Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) is assigned to infiltrate the mob syndicate run by gangland chief Costello (Jack Nicholson). While Billy is quickly gaining Costello's confidence, Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon), a hardened young criminal who has infiltrated the police department as an informer for the syndicate, is rising to a position of power in the Special Investigation Unit. Each man becomes deeply consumed by his double life, gathering information about the plans and counter-plans of the operations he has penetrated. But when it becomes clear to both the gangsters and the police that there's a mole in their midst, Billy and Colin are suddenly in danger of being caught and exposed to the enemy -- and each must race to uncover the identity of the other man in time to save himself.

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Mark Wahlberg, Jack Nicholson, Vera Farmiga
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
U.S. Rating: R

Simply amazing. Martin Scorsese directed one of the best action/thriller films in Hollywood, and it is not just my personal opinion. Four Oscars Awards (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Film Editing, and Best Adapted Screenplay) confirms the great production brought by this talented director and amazing cast.

Something I didn't know about The Departed is that it was a remake of the 2002 Hong Kong film Internal Affairs.

The film takes place in Boston, Massachusetts, where a powerful and ruthless Irish mob boss named Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson) leads his emporium of extortion and organized crime.

Frank introduces Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) to this organize crime at a young age, along with other kids and he becomes like a father to Colin. Colin Sullivan enrolls with the Massachusetts State Police and becomes an important key tool for Frank playing the role of an insider, giving Frank as much information as he gets to protect Frank's business and be a step ahead from any possible police investigations or actions. Soon, Colin gets assigned to the Special Investigation Unit and will be in control of all special actions against Costello's organization.

In the other hand, Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) graduated from Police Academy and applies for an undercover agent opportunity. He's been hired and protected under the secret lead and direction of Captain Queenan (Martin Sheen) & Sergeant Dignam (Mark Whalberg). Billy's assignment is to infiltrate Costello's organization, being part of it and helping Police to turn this organization down.

As both men infiltrate their organizations, war starts trying to identify the leaks and destroy them. At the end, due to a series of events, Colin Sullivan becomes a key part on Costello's detention special operation.

With an unpredictable and unexpected final, The Departed offers 2 hours and 30 minutes of great entertainment. Totally recommended!


What did I like from this movie?

1. The film brings the perfect triple combination: Great direction, strong plot and amazing cast
2. Amazing thriller, intense suspense and really good action scenes

What did I dislike from this movie?

1. Absolutely nothing!

I would rate this movie with a 5/5

What did you like or dislike from this movie? What would you rate this movie?

Synopsis: After winning a trip on the RMS Titanic during a dockside card game, American Jack Dawson spots the society girl Rose DeWitt Bukater who is on her way to Philadelphia to marry her rich snob fiance Cal Hockley. Rose feels helplessly trapped by her situation and makes her way to the aft deck and thinks of suicide until she is rescued by Jack. Cal is therefore obliged to invite Jack to dine at their first-class table where he suffers through the slights of his snobbish hosts. In return, he spirits Rose off to third class for an evening of dancing, giving her the time of her life. Deciding to forsake her intended future all together, Rose asks Jack, who has made his living making sketches on the streets of Paris, to draw her in the nude wearing the invaluable blue diamond Cal has given her. Cal finds out and has Jack locked away. Soon afterwards, the ship hits an iceberg and Rose must find Jack while both must run from Cal even as the ship sinks deeper into the freezing water.ac

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates, Frances Fisher
Directed by: James Cameron
U.S. Rating: PG-13

What should I say that hasn't been said yet about Titanic? For me, it is simply one of the best films ever, as simple as that. A film with the perfect content, cast, direction and emotions to make it forever memorable in our minds.

If you haven't watched it, you're missing one of the best films ever! Totally recommended.

What did I like from this movie?

1. The perfect match and combination: Cast - Content - Direction
2. The emotions and romance expressed through some of the most memorable scenes

What did I dislike from this movie?

1. Nothing at all

I would rate this movie with a 5/5

What did you like or dislike from this movie? What would you rate this movie?

Synopsis: Ryan Bingham, is a corporate downsizing expert whose cherished life on the road is threatened just as he is on the cusp of reaching ten million frequent flyer miles and just after he's met the frequent-traveler woman of his dreams.

Starring: George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Jason Bateman, Danny McBride
Directed by: Jason Reitman
U.S. Rating: R

Excellent film. Obviously it wouldn't win an Oscar for Best Picture, but it was totally worth to be at least, nominated.

I felt some empathy for the story, maybe because I DO enjoy to fly and I DO love Airports. I really like that kind of life. I know it has its benefits, but it also has lots of turndowns, some of them are being clearly exposed on this movie.

Up in the Air brings the story of Ryan Bingham (George Clooney), a man who travels all over the U.S. working for a company that helps other companies with the unpleasant process of firing people. He spends more than 10 months per year traveling around the U.S., collecting miles for all these flights, hotels and services. His personal goal is achieve 10 million miles and be one of the few exclusive clients with access to the highest benefits of Airlines and hotels.

His company is trying to set a new remote system to decrease the expenses and time telecommuting, something that of course, he's opposed. His job is unique, it can't be done remotely, and he's willing to demonstrate it. Helping the new team member, Natalie (Anna Kendrick), the one responsible for the new project, Ryan shows her the business and some other important lessons in life. He also learns from her some important and valuable lessons.

Ryan also meets Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga, who looks really beautiful in this film), an executive woman with a similar life style. They arrange their schedules to always meet in different cities and enjoy their new relationship, an open relationship with no ties or responsibilities. Soon, Ryan will notice that his feelings are changing and due to some of the lessons learned from Natalie, he decides to move forward and make this relationship work, adding some more responsibilities to it. On this process, he'll face a cruel reality.

At the end, Ryan learns how to manage and face the new changes and challenges in his life and how to manage his relationship with his family.

I totally recommend the film. It's a smart plot played by such an amazing plot! So pleasure to watch.

What did I like from this movie?

1. The cast involved, simply amazing!
2. The film delivered a strong, good and super smart comedy and drama content
3. A great direction, bringing all those important details that made the film unique to the view of all of us

What did I dislike from this movie?

1. Nothing at all!

I would rate this movie with a 5/5

What did you like or dislike from this movie? What would you rate this movie?

I should start saying that I'm a huge fan of this great action franchise. I've had the chance to watch every single one of these three films many, many times before, but I watched them as individual films. I never had a chance to watch them all together, as just one big single story. So, trying to enjoy that experience, we decided to have a Bourne week. The great thing about having a Bourne week was that it gave us a different perspective of the story about Jason Bourne and all the journey trying to find the truth about his past.

What love the most of Jason Bourne is the ability and sharpness he shows every time he needs to take a decision and make a move. He barely thinks and uses every single resource found on his way. He's highly trained and able to manage almost any situation. That makes the difference in this story. That's exactly what the director Paul Greengrass and all the production team wanted to offer, reinforce those important details in every single action and decision, making him so unpredictable and extremely dangerous.

Another great thing about the trilogy and story is the ability to move the story and characters from one city and country to another in a matter of just hours, giving the fans the opportunity of experiencing how complex can be the life of a government agent working on a secret mission.

The best of all is that we can get more and more involved in the story with every single new sequel and most important, notice the improvement on the scripts, role performances and situations, making the films and franchise more likable.

By the time I'm writing this review, the good news is that there have been some discussions and conversations about a possible sequel... or prequel. The bad news is that the director Paul Greengrass, involved in two films of the Bourne Trilogy has taken a step back and walked away from these first discussions and, Matt Damon has said that he won't play on a new Bourne sequel/prequel if he's not directed by the same director. So, we'll have to wait and see how these discussions and decisions cross the end line. For all those great lovers of this franchise, I hope it brings back to the big screen Matt Damon, the same director and production team, supported on a strong and amazing script.

We'll see. In the mean time, f you haven't had he chance to watch the trilogy, you must take some time and watch it all! You won't regret it. I personally recommend it :)

What did I like from these movies?

1. The direction and production was simply amazing, especially on the third film. As said before, they got better and better in every single film
2. The cast was perfect. Great selection for this trilogy
3. Matt Damon played such an amazing role in these three movies. He was able to "be" Jason Bourne and deliver the story, experience and journey lived trying to find the truth about his past

What did I dislike from these movies?

1. Nothing at all! Well, I just don't like that they're taking too long to bring a new sequel or prequel of this amazing franchise

Synopsis: The spy thriller opens as an amnesiac is rescued at sea by the crew of an Italian fishing boat. Nearly dead, he carries nothing but the bullets in his back and the bank account number embedded in his hip. Although completely without identity or background, he possesses an array of extraordinary talents in fighting, linguistics and self-defense that speak of a dangerous past. In the present he is disoriented and wary as he is propelled into an urgent search to discover who he is and why his life has taken a perilous turn. A Zurich safe deposit box yields an assortment of passports, a hefty load of cash, an automatic weapon and a name--Jason Bourne--with a Paris address. What it means remains a mystery, but Bourne quickly realizes that although he knows no one, there are people who recognize him--and do not wish him well. When he meets Marie Kreutz, a hard-luck German-born wanderer, he makes a desperate pitch--$10,000 for a ride to Paris. Despite her reservations, Marie takes the cash and begins a journey with Bourne that changes her life forever. The trail of Jason Bourne's past snakes from Europe to CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia, where Treadstone, a clandestine operation is based. As Bourne and Marie struggle to stay below the radar in France, all of the stealthy muscle of Treadstone is focused on tracking them and neutralizing Bourne as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Starring: Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Chris Cooper, Clive Owen, Brian Cox
Directed by: Doug Liman
U.S. Rating: PG-13

I would rate this movie with a 4/5

The Bourne Supremacy

Synopsis: Two years ago, Jason Bourne thought he had walked away from his past. But now, his past is about to return. Bourne and Marie have maintained their anonymous, underground existence at the cost of permanence. Fueled by splintered nightmares and haunted by the past he cannot remember, Bourne moves Marie from city to city, trying to remain one step ahead of the threat implicit in every unexplained stranger's glance, every "wrong number" phone call--that at any second, without any warning, he might get pulled back into the world he hopes he left behind. When an operative appears in the sleepy village that has been their latest home, Bourne and Marie collapse their lives and head out. His past at the door, their only chance now is to run. But once a line is crossed and the stakes in a new global game of cat-and-mouse are raised, the Jason Bourne created by Treadstone--the covert, now dismantled operation that spawned cold-blooded, professional assassins--returns. Two years ago, Bourne walked away from the deadly world that created him with a promise of retaliation should anyone attempt contact. Now that that world has indeed come calling, Bourne intends to keep his word. They should have left him alone.

Starring: Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Brian Cox, Julia Stiles, Karl Urban
Directed by: Paul Greengrass
U.S. Rating: PG-13

I would rate this movie with a 4/5

The Bourne Ultimatum

Synopsis: All he wanted was to disappear; instead, Jason Bourne is now hunted by the people who made him what he is--legendary assassin. Having lost his memory and the one person he loved, he is undeterred by the barrage of bullets and a new generation of highly-trained killers. Bourne has only one objective: to go back to the beginning and find out who he was. Now, in the new chapter of this espionage series, Bourne will hunt down his past in order to find a future. He must travel from Moscow, Paris and London to Tangier and New York City as he continues his quest to find the real Jason Bourne--all the while trying to outmaneuver the scores of cops, federal officers and Interpol agents with him in their crosshairs.

Starring: Matt Damon, Joan Allen, Julia Stiles, David Strathairn, Paddy Considine
Directed by: Paul Greengrass
U.S. Rating: PG-13

I would rate this movie with a 5/5

What did you like or dislike from these movies? What would you rate these movies?

Synopsis: With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to destroy organized crime in Gotham for good. The triumvirate proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a rising criminal mastermind known as the Joker, who thrusts Gotham into anarchy and forces the Dark Knight ever closer to crossing the fine line between hero and vigilante.

Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
U.S. Rating: PG-13

One of the best films of all time. Definitely one of my top 5! No doubt about it! I'm a huge fan of Batman. I used to watch the old TV Series with all the "pow! bam! swaap!..." fighting scenes, the classic movies with Michael Keaton or Val Kilmer... and lately, the amazing ones with Christian Bale, directed by Christopher Nolan.

Nolan was able to deliver one of the most amazing and finest superhero movies in decades! The Dark Knight was a film that revealed the dark side of humans, all those crazy and psychotic instincts that turn men into animals. Heath Ledger playing The Joker was magnificent. He's the perfect example of what Nolan wanted to express on this film.

The Dark Knight is such a highly entertaining film containing all the perfect ingredients: An amazing cast who played their roles in such a brilliant way, impressive and spectacular action scenes, an amazing and unique script, customs, cars and weapons stunningly designed and an unfinished end, leaving everyone wanting more.

Totally recommended. As said before, it is one of the best films of all time. It is impressive to watch either on the big screen or a Blu-Ray (or even on a DVD!). If you haven't watched it, you should add it to your "must watch" personal list ASAP!

What did I like from this movie?

1. Definitely, the best of the film was Heath Ledger's performance. He made the film so worth to watch. I believe he set a standard for all future bad guys and Batman enemies. Every single one will have to "at least" be as amazing as he was on this film. He made his role so real, so tangible, so freaking scary!... "Why so serious, son?!... Let's put a smile in that face!"
2. All the cool gadgets, weapons and cars... simply amazing!
3. The cast, script and direction, such a great job and selection!

What did I dislike from this movie?

1. Nothing at all!

I would rate this movie with a 5/5

What did you like or dislike from this movie? What would you rate this movie?

Synopsis: Peter Parker has finally managed to strike a balance between his devotion to M.J. and his duties as a superhero. But there is a storm brewing on the horizon. When his suit suddenly changes, turning jet-black and enhancing his powers, it transforms Peter as well, bringing out the dark, vengeful side of his personality that he is struggling to control. Under the influence of the suit, Peter becomes overconfident and starts to neglect the people who care for him most. Forced to choose between the seductive power of the new suit and the compassionate hero he used to be, Peter must overcome his personal demons as two of the most-feared villains yet, Sandman and Venom, gather unparalleled power and a thirst for retribution to threaten Peter and everyone he loves.

Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Thomas Haden Church, Topher Grace, James Franco
Directed by: Sam Raimi
U.S. Rating: PG-13

I had the chance to enjoy, once again, the opportunity to watch this amazing trilogy. To be honest, each one of them offers something different, and if I had to choose my favorite one, I would say that the third one is my top favorite. I love the three movies but, I believe that the third one has been able to offer much more material, action and stories about Peter Parker and Spider-Man than the two previous ones. In Spider-Man 3, we have the opportunity to watch a new fresh and amazing script, lots and lots of action scenes, we were able to see more from Peter Parker... fighting and using his powers without a mask. We were able to watch Spider-Man fighting not one, two, or three but four enemies in this film (Harry - the new Goblin, the Sandman, Venom and the dark side of Spider-Man). We also had the chance to see all the drama, love, trouble and romance involved in the relationship between Peter Parker and MJ. We saw the funny situations faced by Peter Parker while he's trying to balance his job with his super-hero responsibilities and his internal fight with his dark side, and his internal fight while he tried to revenge the death of his uncle and found the truth of what really happened (similar situation he faced with his friend Harry and his dad's death).

Such an amazing film and direction. I believe that the film accomplished the perfect combination: Strong script, amazing and creative direction, unique cast. I can only say that I'm more than excited to know that there will be a new sequel on the way, since an amazing work done with these three films can't be left incomplete.

Totally recommended! If you haven't watch it, you have no idea the fun you've missed with this trilogy, and especially, this film.

What did I like from this movie?

1. The script. They were able to include so much material and combine all in a fresh and strong script
2. The cast. Even though, this new sequel kept most of the original cast, the new characters were perfect for their roles
3. Sam Raimi did an amazing work again, great direction
4. The film was so colorful, fresh and loaded with everything you want... action, drama, romance, comedy

What did I dislike from this movie?

1. Nothing at all!

I would rate this movie with a 5/5

What did you like or dislike from this movie? What would you rate this movie?

Synopsis: Set against the backdrop of civil war and chaos in 1990's Sierra Leone, Danny Archer, a South African mercenary, and Solomon Vandy, a Mende fisherman are 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, 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.

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Djimon Hounsou, Jennifer Connelly, Arnold Vosloo, Michael Sheen
Directed by: Edward Zwick
U.S. Rating: R

Based on a cruel reality, Blood Diamond brought to the big screen the drama and conflict of African diamonds to the public eye.

The plot relates the story of Danny Archer (Leonardo DiCaprio), a South African mercenary who tries to survive and collect enough money smuggling conflict diamonds from Sierra Leona and leave the continent forever. He's about to reach his dream when he finds Solomon Vandy, (Djimon Hounsou) a humble family man who was taken from his family and forced to work in the diamond fields controlled by the guerrilla. Salomon finds an extremely rare pink diamond stone worth of millions of dollars, and with the help of Maddy Bowen (Jennifer Connelly), a risky journalist who's in Sierra Leona trying to find the truth of these conflict diamonds and how they're being smuggled and sold to the world. While Maddy meets Danny and tries to get valuable information from him, Danny tries to get help from Maddy to use her influence as journalist finding the refugee camp where Salomon's family is located, Salomon will also try to use Danny to find his son who was captured by the guerrilla and forced to commit horrible things, being just a kid. And obviously, Danny will use Salomon and Maddy with the ultimate goal... find the stone and leave the continent forever.

A vicious circle of personal interests that will bring one of the best drama/thriller films watched within the last few years. With such a strong plot, an amazing cast and great location/direction, Blood Diamond is one of those cruel... yes, but amazing films loaded with an unique drama and great end.

Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Connelly and Djimon Hounsou played extraordinary roles, giving an extra value to the story and film.

What did I like from this movie?

1. I really enjoyed the story. It was simple but strong, being able to show the audience the terrible situation behind these conflict diamonds
2. Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Connelly and Djimon Hounsou played amazing roles. The chemistry among them was amazing, and their individual performances were unique
3. The action involved was cruel but amazing!
4. Good and thoughtful end

What did I dislike from this movie?

1. Nothing at all

I would rate this movie with a 5/5

What did you like or dislike from this movie? What would you rate this movie?

Synopsis: Robert Downey Jr. brings the legendary detective to life as he has never been portrayed before. Jude Law stars as Holmes' trusted colleague, Watson, a doctor and war veteran who is a formidable ally for Sherlock Holmes. Rachel McAdams stars as Irene Adler, the only woman ever to have bested Holmes and who has maintained a tempestuous relationship with the detective. Mark Strong stars as their mysterious new adversary, Blackwood. Kelly Reilly will play Watson's love interest, Mary.

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong, Eddie Marsan
Directed by: Guy Ritchie
U.S. Rating: PG-13

We should start saying that the key success on this film was the chemistry among the lead characters. Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law and Rachel McAdams played brilliant roles with such chemistry that made the film so worth to watch. Even though Sherlock Holmes has been categorized as an action-suspense-thriller film, we can't take seriosly Rober Downey Jr's version of Sherlock Holmes. He played the lead role with such a spontaneous comedy and crazyness that made Jude Law (Dr. Watson) look like the real smart and mature detective on this story. An action junkie, fight lover, and extremely focused on details, this new version Sherlock Holmes brings two hours of action, suspense and lots of good laughs. The plot is entertaining, with no gaps, the story let them work the idea of an immediate sequel, as it is actually happening at this moment :)

Sherlock Holmes is a film that either on the big screen, DVD or Blu-Ray will offer you such an amazing entertaining time. Totally recommended!

What did I like from this movie?

1. The plot. It was easy to be followed, so entertaining
2. The chemistry among the lead roles was amazing!
3. Great CGI effects

What did I dislike from this movie?

1. Nothing at all

I would rate this movie with a 4/5

What did you like or dislike from this movie? What would you rate this movie?

Synopsis: AVATAR takes us to a spectacular world beyond imagination, where a reluctant hero embarks on an epic adventure, ultimately fighting to save the alien world he has learned to call home. James Cameron, the Oscar-winning director of "Titanic," first conceived the film 15 years ago, when the means to realize his vision did not exist yet. Now, after four years of production, AVATAR, a live action film with a new generation of special effects, delivers a fully immersive cinematic experience of a new kind, where the revolutionary technology invented to make the film disappears into the emotion of the characters and the sweep of the story.

We enter the alien world through the eyes of Jake Sully, a former Marine confined to a wheelchair. But despite his broken body, Jake is still a warrior at heart. He is recruited to travel light years to the human outpost on Pandora, where corporations are mining a rare mineral that is the key to solving Earth's energy crisis. Because the atmosphere of Pandora is toxic, they have created the Avatar Program, in which human "drivers" have their consciousness linked to an avatar, a remotely-controlled biological body that can survive in the lethal air. These avatars are genetically engineered hybrids of human DNA mixed with DNA from the natives of Pandora... the Na'vi.

Reborn in his avatar form, Jake can walk again. He is given a mission to infiltrate the Na'vi, who have become a major obstacle to mining the precious ore. But a beautiful Na'vi female, Neytiri, saves Jake's life, and this changes everything. Jake is taken in by her clan, and learns to become one of them, which involves many tests and adventures. As Jake's relationship with his reluctant teacher Neytiri deepens, he learns to respect the Na'vi way and finally takes his place among them. Soon he will face the ultimate test as he leads them in an epic battle that will decide nothing less than the fate of an entire world.

Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez
Directed by: James Cameron
U.S. Rating: PG-13

This is one of the of those perfect examples of why we shouldn't take our decisions based on the critics, reviews and comments of those who claim to be professional movie critics. I'd say that 90% of the reviews that I read (most of them from important portals and newspapers) made me think that this film didn't have what it takes to make history. Of course, most of them said that the effects and 3D technology applied to the film were A1, but the plot was plain and boring. Most of them said that all this film had to offered was delivered within the first 30 minutes of the film. I spent the last 4 weeks going to the movie theaters making my decisions based on any other movie but Avatar, since I wasn't convinced it would be a film worth to watch.

I finally took my decision to go and watch Avatar this week after reading a couple of articles about the top 5 movies in box office's history. I noticed that Titanic has been in 1st place for about 10 years, collecting the impressive amount of $1.7 billions, but Avatar has reached the 2nd place in just 4 weeks after making $1.4 billions! There must be something that is making people going to the theaters and watch this film over and over again!

Avatar is one of those unique films that you MUST watch on theaters... in 3D! If you miss the chance, you're missing the beauty and the best of it! Avatar brings an unique and spectacular new era in especial effects, technology and film scripts.

What's Avatar all about?

Avatar is the story of Jake Sulley (Sam Worthington), a Marine who lost the use of his legs in combat. Jake had a twin brother, a scientist working and training for the Avatar project, who died in an incident. Jake was offered a new life in a new planet, taking his brother's place. This was extremely important, since the Avatars were bio-engineered bodies genetically coded to an specific human. Even though he hasn't got the specific training, Jake got engaged in the project and was able to take total control of his Avatar.

The RDA Comporation is leading the Avatar project in Pandora, the planet inhabited by the Na'vi, a blue-skinned species of sapient humanoids with feline characteristics. Pandora's atmosphere is toxic to human. This is the reason of the creation of Avatars, Na'vi bodies modified with human DNA that are controlled by genetically-matched, mentally-linked human operators. These Avatars let Marines get involved with the inhabitants of Pandora, learn their language and culture, trying to convince them to relocate and let the Corporation and its project to exploit Pandora's reserves of a valuable mineral called unobtanium, valued in $20 millions per kilo. The inhabitants fight against the invaders trying to protect their planet, nature and the fragile balance in their natural world.

Once Jake starts learning the language and culture, getting involved with the inhabitants, he starts learning the importance of their beliefs and nature protection. After a series of events, Jake takes side with the inhabitants and fights Colonel Miles Quaritch and his army with the support and help of the inhabitants and nature, fighting them in an epic battle.

Avatar is one of the most amazing films I've seen so far. James Cameron took technology and visual effects to a higher level. The images and motion capture employed for the film are more than impressive.

The plot, the weak side of the film - according with the "professional reviewers" - is simply amazing. It is actually a pretty basic plot... yes, but a simple and strong script that is able to deliver the drama, action and emotions needed for this amazing film. Everything was beautifully matched... the direction, cast, plot, technology, effects and images.

What did I like from this movie?

1. The 3D technology and CGI effects applied, incredible!
2. The plot is simple but strong and entertaining, it is able to deliver the message and idea of the script, and most important? It matches with the visual side of the film
3. The cast was perfect for the film
4. I loved how colorful the film is!

What did I dislike from this movie?

1. Nothing at all!

I would rate this movie with a 5/5

What did you like or dislike from this movie? What would you rate this movie?

Synopsis: Michael Oher, a homeless African-American youngster from a broken home, is taken in by the Touhys, a well-to-do white family who help him fulfill his potential. At the same time, Oher's presence in the Touhys' lives leads them to some insightful self-discoveries of their own. Living in his new environment, the teen faces a completely different set of challenges to overcome. As a football player and student, Oher works hard and, with the help of his coaches and adopted family, becomes an All-American offensive left tackle.

Starring: Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Quinton Aaron, Lily Collins, Ray McKinnon
Directed by: John Lee Hancock
U.S. Rating: PG-13

Definitely one of the best films watched in 2009. Sandra Bullock played one of her best roles in her professional career, a role worth of a Golden Globe or/and Oscar Award. The Blind Side is based on a true story, supported with such an amazing cast and a pretty strong plot. The film is an inspirational story about the life of Michael Oher, an offensive lineman who plays for the Baltimore Ravens of the NFL. Being for 17 years in foster care with many different foster parents, Michael runs away from his latest foster home. One of his foster parents enrolls him in a Christian School and convinces his coach that he's a great sport guy and would help him on the School football team. Few days later, Michael meets Sean and they immediately become good friends. After a cultural activity after school, Sean's mother, Leigh Anne Tuohy - an important interior designer - sees Michael walking alone on the street in the middle of a rainy night and decides to take him home. After few events, Leigh Anne starts helping Michael to reach his potential and getting him more and more involved with her family. Michael starts achieving some success on school and the field, having some impressive moments in games that caught the attention of several coaches across the country. The film ends with some scenes of the real Michael Oher and his adopted family, at the 2009 NFL draft, showing Michael Oher being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens.

A truly inspiring and touching film with such an amazing role performance played by Sandra Bullock. Totally recommended!

What did I like from this movie?

1. Even though, Sandra Bullock played such an amazing role, we can't deny that Quinton Aaron played also a great role as Michael Oher
2. The little kid, Jae Head was impressively funny and played such an amazing role!
3. The plot was really great and enjoyable. Even though it was a drama, it had some comedy lines that made it even more entertaining

What did I dislike from this movie?

1. Nothing at all!

I would rate this movie with a 5/5

What did you like or dislike from this movie? What would you rate this movie?