35mmReviews

Synopsis: What was Mark Whitacre thinking? A rising star at agri-industry giant Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Whitacre suddenly turns whistleblower. Even as he exposes his company's multi-national price-fixing conspiracy to the FBI, Whitacre envisions himself being hailed as a hero of the common man and handed a promotion. But before all that can happen, the FBI needs evidence, so Whitacre eagerly agrees to wear a wire and carry a hidden tape recorder in his briefcase, imagining himself as a kind of de facto secret agent. Unfortunately for the FBI, their lead witness hasn't been quite so forthcoming about helping himself to the corporate coffers. Whitacre's ever-changing account frustrates the agents and threatens the case against ADM as it becomes almost impossible to decipher what is real and what is the product of Whitacre's rambling imagination. Based on the true story of the highest-ranking corporate whistleblower in U.S. history.

Starring: Matt Damon, Scott Bakula, Joel McHale, Melanie Lynskey, Thomas F. Wilson
Directed by: Steven Soderbergh
U.S. Rating: R

As the poster says... un-be-lie-va-ble! The Informant is one of the funniest movies I've watched in a while! It is not just the plot, the dialogues, the story and situations, it's all about Mark Whitacre! This guys is unbelievable funny! All the things he did, the way he acted, the things he planned and all the situations he got himself involved and... the way he looked! It's HILARIOUS!

The Informant is the story of Mark Whitacre, a technician working for Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), a giant agri-industry focused basically on corn. He is promoted and gets involved in the business area, traveling around the world. Suddenly, he notices that the company has been involved in a multi-national price-fixing conspiracy with their competitors around the world and he decides to take actions and become an Informant for the FBI. Everything turns into an extremely complicated situation when Mark starts creating situations on his mind and pushing everyone involved in the case (company leaders, competitors, FBI, Department of Justice, the Government, the press, his wife, his parents... every possible person and entity!), until the truth is finally revealed.

One of the best performances of Matt Damon. He was able to show his talent in this smart comedy after being in recent drama and action roles. Totally recommended for those ones who want to have a really good time and laughs!

What did I like from this movie?

1. I couldn't stop laughing of Matt's appearance! He looked so freaking HILARIOUS! I couldn't stop staring at his mustache, big stomach, his horrible ties, his haircut! and his glasses. And the funniest thing is that it was so cool in the 80's and 90's! I had few ties like his, cut my hair like him and people looked "cool" that way
2. The script was so smart, really funny
3. Steven Soderbergh nailed it again (one of my favorites directors in Hollywood)
4. Best scenes? When he receives the new briefcase and can't wait to show it to his neighbor and say that "the bureau" gave it to him and he's the 0014... because he's twice smarter than 007! When he's on the conference room and the recorder inside the briefcase starts making sounds... I couldn't believe what he did! I couldn't believe what happened with his hair when he was talking with the FBI and finally... I couldn't stop laughing and being amazed hearing how things increased and turned into something worse every time he opened his mouth! You must watch the film to see it for yourself! You won't be disappointed!

What did I dislike from this movie?

1. It was a really good film. I don't know why he didn't get the Golden Globe for best actor - Comedy role, since he played a really good comedy role... in a comedy film! (Robert Downey Jr played a good and funny role in Sherlock Holmes, but it wasn't a comedy film). Anyway, it is just my appreciation ;)

I would rate this movie with a 4/5

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

20th Century Fox has released the new movie trailer for Oliver Stone's latest film, Wall Street 2. I'm not a big fan of Oliver Stone, I personally believe he's a cheap phony person who loves to stand out the "fruits and utopia" of socialism, but lives the highest life style of capitalism. All of his most recent documentaries and movies have been focused on his "particular" point of view of politics (especially, socialism), but the interesting thing is that he doesn't live in any country where these "amazing" systems rule the social and economical system and people. So, it is easy to say beautiful things about something when you don't experience it by yourself. Said this, I must admit that Wall Street 1 was a really interesting movie, played by a great cast. On Spring 2010, Wall Street 2 will come to the big screen with a renovated cast, supported by the lead role in Wall Street 1 (I'm talking about Michael Douglas). I'll seriously consider to watch this one!

Synopsis: The film is set 23 years after the first film, in June 2008, and Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas) has just been released from prison. Despite his initial attempts to warn Wall Street of the forthcoming economic downturn and stock market crash, no one believes him due to his reduced standing in the financial world. Gekko decides to re-focus his attention on rebuilding his relationship with his estranged daughter, Winnie (Carey Mulligan). Due to their time apart, and the fact that Winnie blames Gekko for her brother Rudy’s suicide, she avoids any contact with him. At the same time, the mentor (Frank Langella) of young Wall Street trader Jacob (Shia Labeouf) unexpectedly dies, and Jacob suspects his hedge fund manager of being involved in the death. Jacob, who is Winnie’s fiance, seeks revenge and agrees to Gekko’s offer of help, in return for which Jacob agrees to help Gekko with Winnie.

Release Date: April 23th, 2010

Check the trailer and let us know what you think about it!

Synopsis: Tired of being pushed into beauty pageants by her parents, Texas teen Bliss finds herself after joining a female roller derby team.com

Starring: Ellen Page, Marcia Gay Harden, Kristen Wiig, Drew Barrymore, Juliette Lewis
Directed by: Drew Barrymore
U.S. Rating: PG-13

Drew Barrymore impressively made such an amazing impression with Whip It, not just for the fresh script, talented cast, but her clever eye on this, her first time role as a director. She had such a great taste and eye, putting everything together and offer such an enjoyable film for everyone. Ellen Page brought once again her charming and sarcastic sense of humor and personality to her role and mixed it with that image of the sweet, modest, naive and honest girl that wants to cross the line and show that excitement for risky sports and the things she wants to fight for. Going against her parents' desires and goals, trying to make her live the life they wanted for her, she found her passion and love when she met the girls of the rough-and-tumble sport of roller derby. The plot is based on all the drama, romance, sport competition involved in her decision and actions. a really good, fresh and entertaining film. Totally recommended.

What did I like from this movie?

1. I was impressed with Drew Barrymore and excellent work as a film director
2. Excellent cast. The film was all about women! Female power!

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?

Sony Pictures has released the new movie trailer for the upcoming and explosive action film, Takers. Starring Hayden Christensen, Paul Walker, Zoe Saldana, Idris Elba and Matt Dillon, Takers will bring the kind of action that I totally love to watch on the big screen!

Synopsis: A notorious group of criminals continue to baffle police by pulling off perfectly executed bank robberies. They are in and out like clockwork, leaving no evidence behind and laying low in between heists. But when they attempt to pull off one last job with more money at stake than ever before, the crew may find their plans interrupted by a hardened detective who is hell-bent on solving the case.

Release Date: May 14th, 2010

Check the trailer and let us know what you think about it!

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: Orphaned at an early age, Peter Parker lives in Queens, New York with his beloved Aunt May and Uncle Ben. Peter leads the life of a normal student, working as a photographer at the school paper, pining after the beautiful Mary Jane Watson and hanging out with buddy Harry Osborn. On a school trip, during which Peter and his classmates are given a science demonstration on arachnids, Peter is bitten by a genetically-altered spider. Soon after, he discovers that he has unusual powers: he is endowed with the strength and agility of a spider along with a keen, ESP-like "spider-sense." Peter first uses his powers to make money, but in the face of a tragedy that hits close to home, he vows to dedicate his life to fighting crime, taking to heart the words of his beloved Uncle Ben: "With great power comes great responsibility." Meanwhile, megalomaniacal businessman Norman Osborn, Harry's father, is undergoing some changes of his own. An experimental formula has gone awry, increasing his intelligence and strength but also driving him insane. He is now the Green Goblin, Spider-Man's arch enemy, who will put young Peter Parker's vow to fight crime and help innocent people to the ultimate test.

Starring: Tobey Maguire, Randy Savage, Willem Dafoe, James Franco, Kirsten Dunst
Directed by: Sam Raimi
U.S. Rating: PG-13

I must say that I forgot all the times I've watched Spider-Man and its sequels, and honestly, I can't get enough of these films. I enjoy them every single time I watch them, and now that I've had the chance to watch them on Blu-Ray, it is even more amazing watching all the HD details involved in these films. Directed by Sam Raimi, I enjoyed his work because he was able to deliver the best of the scripts, enemies, power, responsibility, love, internal fights. and stories on this film and its sequels. An amazing cast selected for what is actually one of the best super-heroes trilogies so far. A film so colorful, fresh and energetic. I honestly can't wait for a new sequel! Totally recommended!

What did I like from this movie?

1. The plot was really, really entertaining
2. The cast was perfect for the film
3. Director Sam Raimi was able to show the best of the hero, story and effects around the story and film

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?

Here's the movie trailer for the upcoming British film, Red Riding. Starring Sean Bean, Rebecca Hall, Peter Mullan, Mark Addy, Warren Clarke, this film promises to bring a dark suspense and drama to the big screen. Based on true events (the Yorkshire Ripper story), this Red Riding is a Trilogy and will be on theaters on February 2010!

Synopsis: Centers on a rookie journalist, Eddie Dunford, whose investigation of a series of child abductions and murders leads him to suspect that there's a terrifying connection between the perpetrators and the upper echelons of Yorkshire power.

Release Date: February 5th, 2010

Check the trailer and let us know what you think about it!

The 82nd Academy Awards Nominations have finally been announced today, February 2nd. We've heard lately some of the possible nominations, especially after the Golden Globes nominations and winners. As well as the Golden Globes nominations, we could say that some of the 2010 Oscars Nominations were quite predictable, but there are also some surprises on the final list. This year we'll have some really big competitions, especially with Avatar, who got just 4 nominations (and won 2 of them) for the Golden Globes and now got 9 nominations for the Oscars. It will be really interesting to see the Best Leading Actress, since both of the top favorites actresses (Sandra Bullock & Meryl Streep) won a Golden Globe, but this time, they will be compiting on the same category.

The 2010 Oscar presentation will take place Sunday, March 7, 2010, hosted by Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin.

If you haven't had the chance to see the list yet, here's the complete list of nominations for the 82nd Academy Awards:

A second red band movie trailer for Hot Tub Time Machine has been released few days ago! Starring John Cusack, Rob Corddry, Craig Robinson, Lizzy Caplan and Chevy Chase., this crazy comedy "Back to the Future Style" promises to be one of the big hits on the first trimester of 2010. Can't wait for this comedy to be released!

Synopsis: A group of best friends have become bored with their adult lives: Adam has been dumped by his girlfriend; Lou is a party guy who can't find the party; Nick's wife controls his every move; and video game-obsessed Jacob won't leave his basement. After a crazy night of drinking in a ski resort hot tub, the men wake up, heads pounding, in the year 1986. This is their chance to kick some past and change their futures - one will find a new love life, one will learn to stand up for himself with the ladies, one will find his mojo, and one will make sure he still exists!

Release Date: February 26th, 2010

Check the trailer and let us know what you think about it!

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?