a great drams with a great cast that keeps you fully immersed the whole time
343110
This was a well acted movie with good strong performances that put a group of unhappy passengers stuck in a desert with a airline captain they loathed and a company vip. The one character that says little mysteriously had shown up at there job site a few months prior and now was along for the ride turns out to be almost like a heavenly messenger of sorts as he proposes a seemingly impossible task of building a new plane out of the wreckage of the old. The prime instant was very clear and I appreciated the use of closed captions as well. everyone can enjoy this struggle that contains no nudity or sexual innuendo however there is some violence however mild compared to today's films.
2609317
Superb acting, great set design, wonderful story. Jack Nicholson and Meryl Streep give amazing and heartfelt performances in this moving period piece.
1933992
I loved the way Wes Craven handled this film.  I agree with the other reviewer that the level of detail given to the supporting cast made it all much more interesting and engaging as you wonder how they will each come into play later on.  And they all do.  Impressive is the fact that most of the film takes place on a plane, and it never seems boring and shots are never repeated.  Sure, it's a formulaic script but it also stretches the genre in its own way by use of the supporting cast and the ingenious way in which our heroine is trapped into this impossible situation.  The performances of Rachel Mcadams and Gillian Murphy make it work.  This a very entertaining and fun film.
4728868
One of the greatest movies with one of the greatest casts anyone could ask for.
4934636
What a great ride! I wasn't expecting much from this movie, but it was great from start to finish and got me hooked right away.  I usually knit while I watch movies but I couldn't take my eyes off this visual feast.  Cate Blanchett isn't one of my favorites - I think she has great talent but leaves me cold for some reason, though her performance here is flawless.  She is perfect as Elizabeth; I can't imagine anyone else playing the part. The settings and costumes were really elaborate.  And I really enjoyed feasting my eyes on Clive Owen.  Definitely worth watching more than once.  I might buy this one.  Check it out.
4563284
The film speaks for itself; It's a Rocket ride right from the start of the discovery of the board game. The Extras explain the link to JUMANJI, and no its not made to be a sequel.

It is clearly done on a lower budget, but the director shows that the marriage of practical FX and CGI works superbly. For a film that revolves very much around an essentially  single set, with additions, this is fun. You can get to see  how Stan Winston Studios did such a great job. And the extras, including the commentary all exude enthusiasm for the film craft.

Do not expect a JUMANJI clone, but DO expect all of the craft that the Van Allsburg imagination has created. There is an interview with Allsburg that just shows beautifully how he has created so many different worlds.

The Audio is carefully crafted; the visuals are great, and the fun is immense.

ENJOY
958841
As a previous reviewer mentioned, this movie repays repeated viewings, which is quite a goal for a three hour film.  When you do, watch for all of the multiple roles that most of the actors play (even Malcolm McDowell plays a different character in the black & white film that runs at the beginning).  One of my favorite aspects of the film is Alan Price's soundtrack.  The songs (which relate very well to the action in the movie) are not only played in a studio by the Alan Price combo throughout the story, the band is actually part of the plot!!  The director's cameo at the end of the film is one of the most clever in the history of cinema.  And I would be very remiss if I did not mention the extremely lovely Helen Mirren in one of her early film roles.  My thirty-plus year-old crush on Ms. Mirren started with this movie.
930239
If you're tired of formulaic fare - both at the multiplex and in the horror movie scene - this film is a breath of fresh air.  Had the pleasure of seeing this at a festival last year and it's one of the best indie movies I've seen in a long while.  The clever storyline seems to be a psycho thriller about a misfit's revenge then shifts into a tale about said misfit trying to find love and happiness before giving way to a third act that throws all manner of curveballs at the viewer.  Great performance from Kevin Corrigan in a rare lead role plus fun supporting performances from Barry Bostwick and Karen Black, both of whom steal scenes with a veteran's skill.  It's also directed with an eye for color and deadpan dark wit by Jack Perez, who also helmed the underrated LA CUCARACHA.  This is a cult movie in the making - and fans of that sort of fare are advised to take a gamble on this deserving effort.
750259
Simply put, this is one of the greatest laid back fun movies I've watched recently. It has great characters and dialog, plus the stop-motion and cinematography are breathtaking (make sure you see it on blu-Ray). The only small downside might be the plot, which is a bit generic, but it follows the story from the book. As to how much a child will enjoy this, I do not know, it has some heavy adult themes in it. The comedy is very offbeat, as always in Wes Anderson's films. I don't normally do reviews on here, but I was so amazed by this movie, that I just had to write something and hope it brings more attention to it. I didn't think it was the best movie of 2009, either. It was just a very, very fun, charming watch.
4609882
A great, tight thriller that takes a few turns along the way (do NOT watch any trailers or read any plot synopses before going in; you do not want to spoil any surprises).
Great cast; Dan Stevens defines a charming but potentially scary vet who just seems to be the right guy everyone needs right then.
Maika Monroe and Brendan Meyer are excellent as the somewhat lost kids that initially accept the guest as a replacement for their lost brother but pull together for each other when things go south.
And It was a treat to see veteran actor name withheld pop up when needed. This person is always great at bringing in GRAVITAS when needed.
A fun, sometimes shocking, slow build thrill ride.
2506123
This film will enter the world of the Classics!  Something worth watching at any time, now or in the future.
If I was watching it for just or pure entertainment I would be critical of some of the acting, dialogue, sound and other technical `flaws'.
But when I think of why I wanted to see the film in the first place and then also learning about what I think was referred to as the `broken shoe-string' budget then the criticism becomes constructive inspiration for improvement when the opportunity arrives.
So minus the critic areas, my feelings are that a great thing was done; a great job was performed and the story was delivered in a fantastic way by all the actors.  They definitely must be proud of the job they have done and the lives and minds they have and will help in individuals "Finding Me".
Ache' - Well done!
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Finding-Me/dp/B001U418RO/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Finding Me</a>
1389499
This movie is my introduction to Alexander Payne and I am very impressed. With a simple story and homegrown, naturalistic performances from his actors, he created a movie that resonated with me in a strong way. NEBRASKA is about an old man, played by Bruce Dern, who gets one of those Publisher's Clearinghouse-type of letters in the mail and thinks he's won a million dollars. All he has to do is take the letter with him to Lincoln, Nebraska.  Eventually his son, played by Will Forte, decides to take him there in order to placate him. Along the way, he learns a lot about his family and grows closer with his father. Thematically, there's actually quite a bit going on beneath the surface. On one hand, you have subtle commentary on the illusory nature of the "American dream" but the film says more about finding a sense of purpose, self-worth and hope. And all of it is shown through the lens of small-town America. It wasn't anything profound, but it didn't need to be. It was simple, straightforward and did it in a very homey way. Speaking of "homey." I thought the character work here was as strong as anything I've seen in years. It's like the actors weren't even acting. They just seemed that real to me, like these were people I could have known when I was growing up. They had such an authentic manner of speaking, and a lot of what they said was endearing and comical, in equal measure. Though the entire cast gives great performances, the standouts were Bruce Dern (who got a well-deserved win at Cannes last year), Will Forte and (to my surprise, although I didn't have any expectations going in) June Squibb as Woody's long-suffering wife. She was a very no-nonsense woman who was given some brilliantly acerbic dialogue. Will Forte also gave a performance I'd never have expected from him, given the comic persona he honed on Saturday Night Live. And Bruce Dern, as usual, gave an outstanding performance as a man who finds something to live for, even if it's just in his mind. It's like this movie was the real-life crowning achievement that his character hopes for in the film. As far as other aspects go, the movie was shot in black-and-white, an appropriate choice in my opinion. It, along with the conservative camerawork, gave the movie a stripped-down feel which helped to bring out the story and dialogue more, as opposed to the imagery (which still looked fantastic). This movie was also all shot on location, and there was great work there as well. I also loved the score, which had a down-home feel to it with the minimalist strings and guitar (banjo?). Had I seen this last year, I'm positive this would have been my pick for the best one. Still, it's great that I've finally seen it and I look forward to digging further into Alexander Payne's back catalog. Highly recommended to any self-respecting cinephile.
391223
The Loft is an intense drama, set against the adulterous activities of a group of friends who are sworn to secrecy.  Having not read the book in advance, the story arc was completely new to me and I enjoyed every minute of the movie.  Karl Urban is a great leading man, and James Marsden is a likable guy who just wants to keep a kept woman from keeping on the way she has been ;)  Eric Stonestreet's portrayal of an alcoholic big mouth is only a bit of a stretch from his role as Cameron Tucker on "Modern Family."  The twists and turns will keep you watching, and the ending is...well, one that I really liked.  Not an award-winning script, but good if you want the almost 2 hours of entertainment that it offers.
3289512
The Baxter is about a nice guy named Elliot Sherman (Showalter). He's the kind of guy who doesn't get the girl in the movies. He reads the Dictionary for fun and is an accountant by trade (working for the second best firm in New York City no less) - it doesn't get much more ordinary than that. He is a nave, idealistic dreamer in the same vein as Miranda July's character in Me and You and Everyone We Know. The Baxter champions nice guys and the unsung heroes who may not be dynamic leading man material but fascinating in their own right.

Michael Showalter is excellent as the ultimate nice guy/doormat. He walks through life with a perpetually cheery, glazed facial expression that is priceless. With his pursed lips and oblivious nature, he's like a live-action version of Charlie Brown. He has such an expressive face - ideal for all of his funny looks and reaction shots when something doesn't go his way: wide eyes when surprised and narrowed when suspicious.

The always watchable Michelle Williams is absolutely endearing as Cecil the temp. Even though she is made to look mousy, her natural beauty and charisma come through. Her character is infinitely more interesting than Caroline and this is due in large part to Williams. There is something about her, an old fashioned quality in what her character wears, her inhibitions and her naivete that is refreshing in this day and age with actresses like Angelina Jolie who reveal too much so that there is no mystique to them. This makes them less interesting to watch.

Five minutes into The Baxter and it already has you immersed in this fascinating and idiosyncratic world. You find yourself already caring about what happens to Elliot. He is instantly endearing and engaging. And this extends to other characters via extensive use of close-ups so that we can see them emoting - essential for a character-driven movie like this one. In the first five minutes it is readily apparent that is a wonderfully personal, independent movie.

There is a brief "Blooper Reel" that features four scenes where actors blow their lines. It's amusing but hardly earth shattering. Where is the audio commentary or obligatory making of featurette?
3494040
This movie is so engrossing, you cannot stop watching it. It is hard to figure out what is going to happen next, very unpredictable, but the formula works very well. It is funny, there are numerous parts of the movie where you feel like you are personally overhearing  conversations between the characters of this movie. The screen writer, director, editor, lighting director, ...and the actors, all deserve kudos!
4078351
This movie was breathtaking from start to finish.  Johnny Depp, as usual, proves that no matter what type of character he plays, he plays it well (ok, except for Willy Wonka, which seemed like a bad impression of Michael Jackson!).  And for the boys, they were incredible, especially Freddie Highmore, who I want to steal and make him my own kid!  He has exceptional talent: you smile when he smiles and you cry when he cries.  Kate Winslet, is gorgeous, despite the fact that she is sick in the movie.  Dustin Hoffman also gives some funny line while looking very rigid!  This movie has some very silly parts that has you laughing like a kid and it also had some very serious parts, which will have you weeping.  Both sides of the movie are fantastic and the best part is that you won't find a lot of cursing to ruin a good movie.  I think this shows Hollywood that you don't need filth to make a great movie.  It's all about the plot and the actors.  As far as whether everything in this movie is accurate I'm not sure that it really matters.  The movie says that it is based on true events, so like any kind of movie like that, you will find artistic liberty to make a story more entertaining.  The point is that you will find what the impact of innocent, playful children can have on the imagination of adults.  The end result of course, is Peter Pan, one of the most celebrated and revered children stories of all time.  So grab your tissues and be prepared for an outstanding movie that never drags...it just keeps you wanting more!
1088395
This is one of my favorite movies. The cast loved making it and it really shows. The cinematography is breathtaking in the dance sequences and the general flow of the film, with intercutting of pseudo-"Movietone" newsreels is great with never a dull moment, right until the climax of the film, which brings tears to my eyes almost every time I watch it. For me the highlights were "Heaven", "There's no business like showbusiness" and "They can't take that away from me". The whole production has a very stylish look and feel. I loved Brannagh's productions of "Much Ado About Nothing" and "Othello", but I love this one most of all.