Movies Viewed And Reviewed In 2006

Submitted by greenmind on Tue, 02/21/2006 - 11:44
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  1. JANUARY
  3. 2 : Born Into Brothels (2004) [B/78] - A really average documentary about a really touching subject.
  4. 4 : *Good Night And Good Luck (2005) [B/78] (S) - I appreciated the message and politics of this movie, but it was an hour too short and lacked a knockout punch.
  5. 7 : Quiz Show (1994) [B-/74] - A little bit too smart for its own good, Gets stodgy at points. Turturro and Morrow are excellent.
  6. 12 : *Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe (2005) [B-/73] (S) - So grandiose that I was able to forgive the fact of how simple the story is.
  7. 13 : The New Guy (2004) [A-/83] (+) - Really creepy and frightening and yet nearly as funny as "Office Space."
  8. 16 : *The Matador (2005) [B-/72] (S) - This movie was better as "Analyze This." Still incredibly funny and worth watching.
  9. 17 : Meet The Fockers (2004) [C+/67] - Had an overeliance on winks back to the (much funnier) original but overall a fun movie.
  10. 19 : *Chicken Little (2005) [C+/69] (S) - It's no "Toy Story" but it's amusing enough for those over 12.
  11. 19 : *Zathura (2005) [D-/28] (S) - I wished the bratty children would die the whole movie just so it would end.
  12. *21 : Faith Of My Fathers (2005) [C/58] (TV) - Just screamed TV movie. I call it "The Passion of John McCain" since the last half hour is just him getting tortured.
  13. 24 : *Tristan & Isolde (2006) [B/77] (S) - All the battle scenes seemed underdone and yet confusing. The story itself is good.
  14. 25 : Wal-Mart: The High Cost Of Low Price (2005) [B+/82] (+) - Blatently partisan but at the same time wonderful because it features mostly Republicans against Wal-Mart.
  15. 27 : *Next Stop, Greenwich Village (1976) [B/79] - The best movie Woody Allen never made. Could have had more oomph but funny and true just the same.
  16. 28 : A Very Long Engagement (2004) [B/75] - Seems to meander way too much on its way to the conclusion.
  17. 29 : Hostage (2005) [B/78] - The most exciting movie Miramax has ever made. Though that's not saying much.
  18. 31 : Confidence (2003) [C/64] - Interesting premise but we've come to expect better cons than this.
  20. FEBRUARY
  22. 1 : [NEW GRADE] Brazil (1985) [C/56] - Too much metaphor, not enough straight ahead satire.
  23. 2 : *King Kong (2005) [B/76] (S) - Too much bear vs. shark at points but the ending was spectacularly shot and most of the story was done well.
  24. 4 : *Yuva (2004) [B/78] - Would be a great movie except Lallan's storyline and the cheesy fights kept screwing things up.
  25. 5 : [NEW GRADE] *Bunty Aur Babli (2005) [C/57] - For a comedy I didn't laugh once and the music is the worst I've ever heard in Bollywood.
  26. 6 : *Blade 2 (2002) [C/62] - Formula: start to get good, stupid fight, repeat cycle. Just couldn't get into the super vampires.
  27. 7 : *Underworld: Evolution (2006) [C/64] (S) - Not as deep or stylish as the first but answers all the important questions about vampire sex.
  28. 8 : Bull Durham (1988) [A-/84] - Costner just know how to do baseball. He is spectacular in this film!
  29. 9 : *Munich (2005) [B+/82] (S) - Other than needing a montage to shorten it up, it's a great insightful movie about the human reaction to killing.
  30. 11 : *21 Hours At Munich (1976) [B+/80] (TV) - Fills in the blanks before watching "Munich." Straight ahead telling that still shocks and saddens.
  31. 11 : Enron: The Smartest Guys In The Room (2005) [B/77] - Tried to be a bit too stylish and never quite succeeded in laymanizing the story.
  32. 13 : Murderball (2005) [B+/81] - Never thought I'd get so choked up watching a movie about rugby.
  33. 15 : *Glory Road (2006) [B-/74] (S) - Disney needed to keep their poo hands off of this movie - too sanitized and family oriented.
  34. 16 : *Hostel (2006) [C+/68] (S) - Really two movies, one bad sex comedy and one good graphic horror film.
  35. 17 : *Saw 2 (2005) [B-/73] - Better than the first since it explores group dynamics. Other than that, the same.
  36. 18 : Badlands (1973) [B/78] - Really, really good but really, really distractingly boring.
  37. 18 : Rated R: Republicans In Hollywood (2005) [C+/66] (TV) - The title says it all. It's almost too neutral in that it just interviews a bunch of Republicans in Hollywood.
  38. 19 : Open Water (2004) [B-/74] - A unique experience but lacked thrills. Great realism, however.
  39. 21 : *Wallace & Gromit: The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit (2005) [C+/68] - About as cutesy as could be expected with a movie about animated rabbits. Funny at points but not overall.
  40. 22 : *Brokeback Mountain (2005) [A/88] (S) - A universally sad film about love and loss that shouldn't be considered a niche movie.
  41. 23 : *Final Destination 3 (2006) [B+/81] (S) - A return to bloody form, but slightly less intellegent than the first movie.
  42. 24 : Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban (2004) [C+/66] - Words can't describe the special effects but too many of the best parts of the book were cliffs noted for the movie.
  43. 25 : Cool Runnings (1993) [B-/73] - Suprisingly good. Some very lump in throat moments mixed in with slightly stereotypical (though still funny) comedy.
  44. 25 : Grizzly Man (2005) [B/79] - At its best when Herzog is letting Tredwell tell his own story from beyond the grave and not acting like a prosecutor.
  45. 26 : Rent (2005) [A-/83] - Amazingly coherent for a movie where all the dialog is sung. This shows the greatness of the story.
  46. 26 : Sword Of Gideon (1986) [C/58] (TV) - For those who hated "Munich," see this average telling from the same source and see the magic of Spielberg's direction.
  47. 27 : Maria Full Of Grace (2004) [B+/81] - Dragged a tiny bit at points, intense at others. A gritty portrait of the an experience not often recorded.
  48. 28 : The Interpreter (2005) [C-/53] - There was supposed to be political drama somewhere in this underdone mush but the development wasn't there.
  50. MARCH
  52. 1 : *Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire (2005) [C-/54] (S) - Big, loud, stupid garbage amazingly dumbed down from a children's book with some moments of levity to ease the pain.
  53. 1 : Dark Days (2000) [B/78] - Would have been better with a plot and not just filmed slice of life. As it is, an eye-opening look at homelessness.
  54. 2 : Red Eye (2005) [B+/81] - Classic thriller for most of the movie with an ending with a few too many modern sensibilities.
  55. 3 : The Weather Underground (2003) [B/77] - A well made albeit one dimensional (only showing the weathermen's reflections and some history) documentary.
  56. 4 : The Adventures Of Rocky And Bullwinkle (2000) [C-/56] - Wonderfully irreverent and a funny satire of Hollywood and television but too cartoony (punnish?) and scattered.
  57. 4 : Antwone Fisher (2002) [B+/80] - Not Denzel's best movie but still emotionally satisfying when all is said and done.
  58. 4 : Hoosiers (1986) [B-/74] - Set the bar for the underdog sports drama but has been lapped as technology has gotten better and stories more gritty.
  59. 5 : Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002) [B/77] - Understatedly powerful film (especially considering the age of the actresses) and beautiful to boot but not much meat.
  60. 6 : Permanent Midnight (1998) [D+/49] - For a movie that depended so much on music, the story was tone deaf. Good performances save it from total disaster.
  61. 7 : *Freedomland (2006) [B-/72] (S) - Every scene could have been better than it was but as it stands a somewhat scathing review of race relations.
  62. 8 : Thirteen Conversations About One Thing (2002) [B/75] - Raises a lot of questions about something (the role or luck and fate?) without being preachy.
  63. 8 : Jarhead (2005) [C+/67] - Spread itself too thin trying to depict everything but I liked its realist view of war.
  64. 9 : *Fun With Dick And Jane (2005) [B-/72] (S) - Starts out straddling the line between silly and stupid nicely but sinks into marginally humorous half-baked capers.
  65. 9 : Gangster No. 1 (2000) [C/58] - Almost stylish, almost convincing, almost told right (hits its stride at the end) skewed gangster movie try.
  66. 10 : The War Within (2005) [B/79] - Asks what can be done about terrorism by telling a story and leaves the viewer to answer the tough questions themselves.
  67. 11 : In Cold Blood (1967) [C/64] - Too much last 60s mentality inserted into a 50s case and couldn't decide on a narrative technique but good quotes.
  68. 12 : *Tristram Shandy: A Cock And Bull Story (2006) [B+/82] (S) - Fall on floor funny or just vaguely amusing and weird depending on if you get the inside jokes about British cinema.
  69. 12 : The Hustler (1961) [B/77] - Loved the Minnesota Fats book ends. The rest just felt like a distraction with amazing dialogue.
  70. 13 : The Unbearable Lightness Of Being (1988) [B/78] - Wastes so much time on sex scenes when the politics and portrait of life in Czecheslovakia was where the movie thrives.
  71. 13 : Get Crazy (1983) [C-/53] - An inperfect time capsule of early 80s rock/pop schlock slapstick comedy. It could be decent drunk at midnight.
  72. 14 : *Capote (2005) [A-/84] (S) - The greatest written anti-hero of the past 10 years at least.
  73. 15 : *Walk The Line (2005) [B+/82] (S) - A real love story for the ages and every second true and never feeling forced on the viewer.
  74. 15 : About Last Night (1986) [D/43] - About the only redeeming quality about this movie is it served as a template for every better Cusacks vehicle.
  75. 16 : Sky High (2005) [C+/68] - The typical high school clique story with a new twist. The high school story is good but the super hero story, iffy.
  76. 17 : Into The West (1993) [B-/71] - A little too much suspension of disbelief to be great even if taken as the charming modern Irish fairy tale it is.
  77. 18 : Agnes Of God (1985) [B+/81] - A movie that burns out at the end but in general asks powerful questions about religion.
  78. 18 : Corpse Bride (2005) [B/77] - In its romance elements it's beautiful, in its comedy and musical elements it's a one joke pony.
  79. 18 : I Am David (2004) [C/63] - Bits and pieces of a journey that never really add up to a whole.
  80. 19 : Shock Corridor (1963) [B-/74] - There have been better descent into madness pictures without pundit writer directors.
  81. 19 : The Quiet Man (1952) [B/76] - So stereotypical and quaint I expected leprechauns to start dancing on the screen but it does lift your heart.
  82. 19 : A History Of Violence (2005) [A-/83] - Like a foot on your throat for 100 minutes. Really intense using few words.
  83. 21 : The Big Easy (1987) [B-/70] - It was almost sad to see such a good, unique crooked cop movie go down in flames due to the resolution chosen.
  84. 22 : *CSA: Confederate States Of America (2005) [B+/81] (S) - Despite its poor production value and historical implausability, it keeps you both angry and laughing.
  85. 23 : [NEW GRADE] *Memoirs Of A Geisha (2005) [C-/51] (S) - A boring (felt like it was ten hours long) Cinderella story with pretty face paint.
  86. 24 : Where Truth Lies (1996) [B-/72] - While the dream sequences are pretty silly and the ending sucks, I really liked the mindscrew aspect.
  87. 24 : The Cranes Are Flying (1957) [B-/73] - A good anti-war movie from the Russian side of the cold war. But, a little thin in the plot department.
  88. 25 : The Football Factory (2004) [C/64] - Like a poor man's "Trainspotting" with soccer hooligans. Would be totally lost on anyone who doesn't like soccer.
  89. 25 : My Girl (1991) [A-/83] - A tear jerker which actually has something more to it as a coming-of-age story.
  90. 25 : Three Kings (1999) [B-/72] - A truly unique war story with a slight political agenda though a bit too much of a rock video feel.
  91. 26 : Planet Of The Apes (2001) [C/63] - Plot inconsistencies abound along with odd political asides but a decent climax makes it alright.
  92. 26 : The Cup (Phorpa) (1999) [B/79] - A simple tale that's really a touching metaphor about national identity.
  93. 26 : Ed Wood (1994) [B-/74] - Pretty much a straight point a to point b biopic with some interesting characters. Landau is spectacular as Bela Lugosi.
  94. 27 : [NEW GRADE] Emma (1996) [C/58] - Decent sense of comedic timing and relating it to the modern day but by the end I just didn't care who was with whom.
  95. 28 : Running On Empty (1988) [A-/85] - Absolutely powerful performances compliment a unique subject matter.
  96. 28 : Paradise Now (2005) [B-/74] - It was awesome that it shot in Palestine but could explain terrorism without endless monologues and dialogs on it.
  97. 29: *V For Vendetta (2006) [C+/67] (S) - Surprisingly aveage action movie with an interesting distopian vision of the future.
  98. 30: *Syriana (2005) [C/59] (S) - Some people say this movie says important things, I say it mumbles important things with too much background noise.
  100. APRIL
  102. 1 : The Producers (1968) [B-/70] - Just sort of silly. Decently funny and un-P.C. before P.C. was in vogue.
  103. 2 : Domino (2005) [C-/53] - Why we needed so much back story, I will never be able to figure out. Almost worth watching for its memorable style.
  104. 4 : *Thank You For Smoking (2006) [B+/80] (S) - A movie that found intelligent humor in any situation and takes jabs at all sides.
  105. 5 : Madagascar (2005) [C/61] - Funny parody moments mixed into a inane run-and-scream plot.
  106. 6 : *Eight Below (2006) [B/78] (S) - Every time I started to get cynical about the amorphization level of the dogs, it tugged at my heart again.
  107. 8 : Brighton Beach Memoirs (1986) [A-/83] - I felt like I knew this family despite the differences in time, place, and the fact that it was nothing like my own.
  108. 9 : Flightplan (2005) [B-/73] - Some parts of the story are very implausable but suspending disbelief it's a thrilling ride.
  109. 10 : Green Card (1990) [B-/73] - Great chemistry between the leads and a great ending. It inspired a generation of INS fraud.
  110. 11 : Swimming With Sharks (1994) [B/76] - Worth seeing just to see Kevin Spacey play the most evil boss ever. But so dark it loses the humor.
  111. 12 : My X-Girlfriend's Wedding Reception (2001) [C-/54] - Wanted to root for it as it's a good premise and somewhat funny but too many cliches in the situations.
  112. 13 : *Hoodwinked (2006) [C+/67] (S) - I swear the creators of these recent non-Pixar animation movies make the films on drugs because they are all trippy.
  113. 14 : The Island Of Dr. Moreau (1996) [D/42] - Like "Lord Of The Flies" but hiding behind calling it animal nature. Why wuss out like that?
  114. 16 : Stay (2005) [D+/46] - Had the makings of a really good movie if the director didn't try to make it so intentionally confusing.
  115. 18 : [NEW GRADE] *The Constant Gardener (2005) [C/56] - A really boring, disjointed movie that doesn't do its important subject any justice at all but a good portrait of Kenya.
  116. 19 : Dirty (2006) [C-/55] - One of the most intense Russian Roulette scenes in cinamatic history surrounded by 80 minutes of garbage. Zombies?
  117. 20 : *The Pink Panther (2006) [C/62] (S) - A decently funny and harmless forgettable flick even if it feels like all the jokes and pratfalls have been done before.
  118. 21 : Cyrano De Bergerac (1990) [C-/53] - Cyrano De Boregerac. Alright, that's not original, but it's true. Immediately forgot what I just watched.
  119. 22 : Elizabethtown (2005) [B/77] - Really crap but I liked every minute and was even choked up at times. Like "Before Sunrise" for the a.d.d. generation.
  120. 24 : Breakfast On Pluto (2005) [C+/68] - Gets consistently sidetracked to the point where I'm not even sure what it was mainly about.
  121. 25 : The Ice Harvest (2005) [B-/73] - For a crime caper movie it misfires, but as a dark comedy it's a bullseye shot right in the forehead.
  122. 26 : *Lucky Number Slevin (2006) [B/75] (S) - The first caper movie I've seen in ages where all of the pieces of the puzzle are plausable. Funny and quotable as well.
  123. 27 : *Firewall (2006) [C-/54] (S) - I've seen a lot worse. Then again, I've seen a lot that were exactly the same. A screenplay written by monkeys I think.
  124. 30 : Hustle & Flow (2005) [B/78] - The come up from nothing has been done, but the side plots separate this movie from other bootstrap and sweat stories.
  126. MAY
  128. 1 : A Day Without A Mexican (2004) [C/63] - There is so much unrealized potential in this story due to production quality but the documentary factoids were good.
  129. 2 : *Failure To Launch (2006) [C+/65] (S) - Were it not for the stupid animal, children, and Parker bits, this could have been a classic romantic comedy.
  130. 2 : Talk To Her (2002) [C/64] - Do Spaniards have a thing for boring movies about people spouting philosophy by hospital beds?
  131. 3 : [NEW GRADE] Derailed (2005) [C/57] - I liked the idea of the movie (especially the crime) but like most of its genre, the protagonist is unbelievable.
  132. 4 : The Upside Of Anger (2005) [C/61] - Well acted interesting (even quirky) story but the estrogen factor is just a lot higher than the sum of the parts.
  133. 6 : 13 Going On 30 (2004) [B-/73] - Relies way too much on 80s nostalgia schmalz but there is such a good heart to this movie. Garner was perfect casting.
  134. 7 : Lord Of War (2005) [C/58] - Started from a set of facts they wanted to build a story around instead of a set of characters. Good narration though.
  135. 8 : *Inside Man (2006) [B/79] (S) - An incredibly well written movie that needed a much better reason (hostage negotiation) to exist.
  136. 9 : The Red Violin (1999) [B-/74] - The path of the violin was fascinating but the path of Jackson wasn't even the same movie. Dumb way to tell the story.
  137. 9 : Sweet And Lowdown (1999) [C+/68] - Like almost all Woody Allen, it's great film making with incredible performances and absolutely no point.
  138. 9 : Hitch (2005) [B-/73] - Not a deep study of what makes relationships tick but I felt like I got a few useful or useless pointers.
  139. 10 : Your Friends & Neighbors (1999) [B/76] - Neil LaBute is a sick man and I love him for it every moment.
  140. 11 : *16 Blocks (2006) [B/77] (S) - A typical good cop/bad cop cat-and-mouse that strives (and almost succeeds) to be a little more personal.
  141. 13 : The Island Of Doctor Moreau (1977) [D-/34] - Sadly the 90s crap remake improves on this remake. At least the later remake made some sense.
  142. 13 : *Goal! The Dream Begins (2006) [B-/72] (S) - The movie all U.S. soccer fans have been waiting for because it treats the game with respect. I just wish it was better.
  143. 13 : A Day In October (1992) [B/75] - A simple touching story about WWII Danish resistance heroes but maybe a little too simple.
  144. 13 : *I Heart Huckabees (2004) [D/38] - A Jonze movie written by a pretentious 12-year old with Nietsche cliff notes. It actually offends me this movie exists.
  145. 14 : Once Upon A Wedding (2005) [D/41] - Someone please tell me that this was a film school project that Esai Morales did for a friend as a favor.
  146. 14 : The New World (2005) [B/76] - Really deep in the silences but Malick just has to have the annoying voiceovers because thinks us morons won't get it.
  147. 15 : Cinderella Man (2005) [B+/81] - The main character illicits more sympathy for his activities outside the ring than in. That's nice to see.
  148. 16 : *Scary Movie 4 (2006) [C-/53] (S) - Starts out promising and collapses due to the setup time for jokes that should be rapid fire like most Zucker.
  149. 17 : *Brick (2006) [B/78] (S) - Got taken out of the movie too much by the slang to fully enjoy it but other than that, it is an amazing piece of work.
  150. 18 : Shark Tale (2004) [D+/48] - This doesn't pay homage to mafia movies, it burns them to the ground and salts the earth. Badly mixed ethoses as well.
  151. 19 : The Dancer Upstairs (2002) [B-/70] - Too much wordless exposition, but the political thriller aspect was more interesting than most.
  152. 21 : *The DaVinci Code (2006) [C+/66] (S) - Relatively even-handed but generally flawed. Does make you think though which is more than most action pics.
  153. 22 : The Barbarian Invasions (2003) [A-/85] - Told so delicately and passionately that you feel as though you're among his group of friends.
  154. 23 : Tapeheads (1988) [D/42] - Another example of guest musician actor hip factor (but points for Jello) mixed with 80s humor, of lack thereof.
  155. 24 : *Poseidon (2006) [C/58] (S) - I could have cared less about the characters but the situations were so intense I actually felt physically ill.
  156. 25 : *United 93 (2006) [A-/84] (S) - A scaled metaphor for 9/11 as a whole - chaotic and when the dust settles, a truly moving experience in retrospect.
  157. 28 : The Notebook (2004) [A/86] - This just feels like how a classic romance movie on screen should be. Makes me feel like love exists.
  158. 29 : *X-Men : The Last Stand (2006) [C+/67] (S) - Reverts to typical superhero movie quality but there are some really conclusive, shocking story arcs.
  159. 29 : Aeon Flux (2005) [C-/54] - Potential for really deep ethics question but instead likes to have Charlize kicking behind in latex.
  160. 31 : Take The Lead (2006) [D+/47] (S) - Takes the inner city sub story and strips out any menace, life lessons, or entertainment. Like an after school special.
  161. 31 : The Gambler (1980) [B-/73] (TV) - Snappy dialog and a great poker game cancel out the low production value and sillily choreographed fights.
  163. JUNE
  165. 1 : [NEW GRADE] *Batman Begins (2005) [C/56] - A good attempt at making Batman not lame but all it does is explain what in his past makes him so lame.
  166. 4 : Hey Ram (2000) [B+/81] - A little bit unnecessarily trippy at points but a great film about religious intolerance from a different view.
  167. 5 : Ice Age (2002) [B-/71] - Kind of annoying as neither the mammoth or sloth are very likeable. But a touching story.
  168. 7 : *Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006) [C/58] (S) - All of the annoyance of the first one (plus one more crap character in Ellie) but without the pathos.
  169. 7 : *The Wild (2006) [D/42] (S) - Strips all the wit away from animal animation and leaves a hollow core of computer critters screaming and falling over.
  170. 8 : Something New (2006) [C-/53] - How can a movie that takes on such important issues be both uncomfortable and uncomfortably bad?
  171. 14 : *Art School Confidential (2006) [C/63] (S) - Lacks all subtlety in its satire (hello stereotypes) and is really too simple a story to try and say so much.
  172. 15 : *Akeelah And The Bee (2006) [A-/83] (S) - This little movie with used subplots has no right to be this amazing and inspirational for the kids.
  173. 16 : Kingdom Of Heaven (2005) [B/77] - I wonder if Fox knows how liberal this movie is? Shows how messy and self-interest driven (religious) war can be.
  174. 17 : Cup Final (Gmar Gavi'a) (1991) [B-/73] - While it didn't seem to have a logical emotional story arc, it's sad to see two similar groups fighting depicted well.
  175. 19 : Fire (1996) [B+/80] - Too many side stories trying to be controversial on their own when the main story is so real it suffices.
  176. 21 : *Friends With Money (2006) [C+/66] (S) - An entertaining, if unsatisfying, movie about the foibles of rich people. Kind of purely for voyeurs.
  177. 22 : *Mission: Impossible III (2006) [C+/68] (S) - A decent mission planning movie with some exciting explosions but it's still popcorn, just better popcorn.
  178. 22 : Green Street Hooligans (2005) [B+/81] - Starts out a bit slow and Wood is never quite believable but it builds to a scarily intense climax.
  179. 23 : Gia (1998) [C/58] (TV) - Answers the question if it's possible for a movie about supermodels to be far too stylistic and of the moment.
  180. 24 : Earth (1998) [B-/71] - Not the best vantage point to tell the story of partition but Amir Khan as a bad guy is worth the "price of admission."
  181. 27 : Valiant (2005) [C-/55] - Hey look! Disney can make crap CGI movies with Scottish and English accents as well.
  182. 28 : *A Prarie Home Companion (2006) [A/86] (S) - Almost perfect in its simplicity and hidden depth but surprisingly morbid and depressing. Not for the faint of spirit.
  183. 29 : *The Sentinel (2006) [B-/74] (S) - This movie shouldn't work but somehow it does due to the fact that it's a thriller that actually has thrills.
  185. JULY
  187. 1 : Date Movie (2006) [D-/30] - Should be called "gross movie" because it's all toilet humor. The only funny jokes have nothing to do with the plot.
  188. 1 : Things To Do Before You're 30 (2004) [B+/81] - It's probably just the point I'm at but this story of longterm friendship in struggle struck a chord.
  189. 2 : [NEW GRADE] The Forgotten (2004) [C/56] - The movie is really thrilling until it reveals what it's really about and then it's just really silly.
  190. 3 : Road To Perdition (2002) [B/79] - Some of the most complex characters I've seen in a while. Finally a not squaky clean role for Tom Hanks!
  191. 5 : Black Hawk Down (2001) [C+/67] - There's a lot of shooting and acts of heroism and then it's over with absolutely nothing really said or done.
  192. 6 : *Over The Hedge (2006) [B-/73] (S) - A funny look at what it means to be a human consumer today through the eyes of animals.
  193. 9 : The Goalkeeper (El Portero) (2000) [C/62] - The story is touching albeit told many times in many ways but the humor is inappropriate and lame.
  194. 12 : Night Watch (2005) [C/63] - Possibly the worst movie I want to watch again. The mythology and visuals are great, the rest is meh.
  195. 13 : *The Break-Up (2006) [B+/81] (S) - It's painfully cynical and realistic about relationships and for that it deserves praise not derision!
  196. 14 : The Libertine (2005) [D+/49] - An uninteresting biopic about an interesting character that tries to punch above its weight with some great lines.
  197. 15 : Little Black Book (2004) [C+/66] - If you can handle the first 70 minutes of rom-com the ending just breaks all boundaries. Murphy is Tatouesque.
  198. 18 : Girl With A Pearl Earring (2003) [C/61] - One of the most pointless but artistically sound films ever. Just a bunch of "who cares" moments strung together nicely.
  199. 19 : *The Devil Wears Prada (2006) [B-/71] (S) - Cared about the characters but annoyed by the over-the-top world. Like "Swimming With Sharks" with a happy ending.
  200. 20 : *Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006) [D/38] (S) - It's It's as if they ran out of ideas for harrowing escapes but made the movie anyhow. Not funny and technically mediocre.
  201. 21 : *Clerks II (2006) [B/76] (S) - Kevin Smith does an amazing job of developing but not changing the well loved characters. Just felt a little piecemeal.
  202. 23 : Clerks: First Cut (1994) [B/78] (+) - Shows the rough edges on the acting that was smoothed out a bit for the release. No new funny lines or anything.
  203. 23 : The Chumscrubber (2005) [B-/71] - "Magnolia" and "Donnie Darko" mixed in a weirdness blender and spat out not quite as good as its parts.
  204. 24 : 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003) [C-/52] - It's amazing how much less convincing Walker is in this film. In fact, everything that saved the first one is gone.
  205. 25 : Tsotsi (2006) [B/79] - Economical in dialog and yet never fails to get its point across exactly and powerfully.
  206. 26 : *The Road To Guantanamo (2006) [C/63] (S) - I felt as bored as if I was the one sitting in prison indefinitely. Too much story, not enough events.
  207. 27 : *The Fast And The Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006) [D+/48] (S) - Had nothing to do with the series at all and even the Tokyo scene was less interesting than L.A. or Miami.
  208. 30 : My Big Fat Independent Movie (2005) [C/62] - Despite the vitriol from indie defenders, I found the poking fun at indie conventions and cliches just that - fun!
  210. AUGUST
  212. 1 : *Nacho Libre (2006) [C/57] (S) - At least it wasn't overly offensive. Though not overly creative either - just stupid slapstick.
  213. 9 : Shopgirl (2005) [C/61] - Steve Martin needs to stick to comedies because this came off so untrue it wasn't even funny.
  214. 10 : *Click (2006) [C/63] (S) - It's so hard to dislike this movie since its heart is in the right place. Too bad its brain is missing.
  215. 12 : The Squid And The Whale (2005) [B/77] - Just ended too abruptly with too much unresolved after keeping me along for the ride with its great story.
  216. 13 : The Matchmaker (1997) [C/56] - Kind of a mess as it throws in far too many "local color" characters trying to prove how Irish it is.
  217. 14 : Monster (2003) [B-/72] - I think people are concentrating on the performances and missing the fact that the story is Lifetime quality.
  218. 16 : *Scoop (2006) [C+/66] (S) - Like every other Woody Allen movie (with him in it) ever made but with a plot.
  219. 17 : *The Lake House (2006) [B-/70] (S) - Can be obnoxiously overdramatic (especially Keeanu's acting) but still a good concept.
  220. 19 : A Shot At Glory (2002) [C+/68] - All the pieces of a great story that come together at points but usually in a cliche way.
  221. 20 : Mephisto (1991) [C-/54] - Did a great job of ruining a potentially good story by trying to make it arty.
  222. 22 : Sorry, Haters (2005) [B/77] - Temporarily loses its way a few times. Still a very shocking, provoking look at perceptions about post-9/11 NYC.
  223. 24 : *You, Me, And Dupree (2006) [C/63] (S) - Somehow manages to carve its own niche while being really paint by numbers. Funny and yet annoying.
  224. 26 : The Station Agent (2003) [B-/73] - A bit too much on the sentimental side for the majority of the film with a sudden jolt of a tone change near the end.
  225. 26 : Shaun Of The Dead (2004) [B/75] - Wasn't nearly as funny as I heard the hype proclaim it but it was a better than run of the mill zombie movie.
  226. 27 : Blast From The Past (1999) [B-/73] - A really pleasant surprise of a romance movie. Just wish it would have touched on the culture shock more.
  227. 27 : High Tension (2005) [C/56] - The title isn't misleading - its really tense. Unfortunately, everything else about the movie is misleading.
  228. 30 : Pizza, Beer And Smokes (1998) [B/78] - The story may be too simple for some but I found myself caring for the characters and the general plight in Buenos Aires.
  229. 31 : [NEW REVIEW ON YAHOO MOVIES] *Zoom (2006) [D/43] (S) - Tim Allen playing Danny Boneduce isnt really that impressive and neither are the children's derivitive stories.
  231. SEPTEMBER
  233. 1 : Dog Day Afternoon (1975) [B+/80] - The motive story aside (the transsexual character is silly and tonally inconsistent), its chock full of thrills (Im still scared of John Cazales character) and social awareness.
  234. 3 : Everything Is Illuminated (2005) [B/79] - Plays completely by its own rules and especially color palette (its so unique looking) and having been to Ukraine, I can verify its pretty accurate about everything.
  235. 4 : Little Miss Sunshine (2006) [B/76] (S) - Amusing enough but hardly life changing due mostly to the fact that it cant choose what it wants to be - dark comedy or farce.
  236. 4 : Thumbsucker (2005) [C+/68] - There a reason more movies dont look at teenage life in an honest, linear fashion - its not really a plotty type of thing.
  237. 7 : Snakes On A Plane (2006) [B-/73] (S) - Oddly enough it accomplished what Poseidon set out to do - create an old style disaster movie where you care about the characters dying. The cartoonish nature just brings it down a bit.
  238. 8 : 11:14 (2005) [B/77] - Starts out really badly but by the end, it becomes a twisty, interesting fate movie.
  239. 10 : Super Troopers (2002) [C-/53] - Surely the people who claim this is one of the greatest comedies ever are having a go. This was less thought out than Broken Lizards "Club Dread".
  240. 10 : The Weather Man (2005) [B/75] - You want the existential dilemma supposedly in that crap movie, "I Heart Huckabees". Its right in this movie.
  241. 12 : Suburbia (1983) [B/78] - Besides the amateur acting (which adds realism) this movie is exactly what punk sentimentalism is.
  242. 13 : Accepted (2006) [C/58] (S) - Almost falls on a cliche sword completely but survives on quick wittedness at points.
  243. 16 : ATL (2006) [B/77] - A peak into the side of the dirty south most movies dont show. Sure there are drug deals and guns, but theres also heart-felt stories about growing up.
  244. 17 : Find Me Guilty (2006) [B-/71] - Vin Diesel gives a great performance (try saying that one more than once) in a really interesting mafia film (showing the part we usually don't get to see, the courtroom).
  245. 18 : Beyond Rangoon (1995) [C+/66] - As a political movie it's brilliant but most of it is just one giant chase scene.
  246. 20 : Lady In The Water (2006) [C/64] (S) - Loved Shyamalan's little jabs at his own genre and the setting and tone are interesting. The weakness is that the fairy tale itself and the way it's told aren't that interesting.
  247. 28 : World Trade Center (2006) [B+/82] (S) - The hardest movie to watch in a long time. To see what was actually happening at ground level instead of just seeing the body count on T.V. is really hard to digest.
  248. 30 : The Odd Couple (1968) [B-/74] - It is classically funny but gets grating when the same things happen again and again at the beginning. Though once the crap hits the fan, wow!
  250. OCTOBER
  252. 1 : The Producers (2005) [D/39] - What may constitute projection in the (live) theater just comes across as shrill on screen. Nathan Lane is painful.
  253. 1 : Smoke (1995) [C/63] - A somewhat touching but pointless (the vignettes don't add up to much beside a tretise on family) slice of Brooklyn life made to lead to one really good scene.
  254. 3 : The Tao Of Steve (2000) [B/76] - As is usually the case, the philosophy in the title is deeper than the story. Still very funny.
  255. 3 : Show Boat (1936) [B-/71] - This version is so dated, it's offensive. Robeson singing "Old Man River," however, is something special.
  256. 4 : Game 6 (2006) [C+/66] - The very definition of an average movie. It's got nothing wrong with it, it's kind of smart (and an interesting picture of New York) but it doesn't have any surprises or revelations.
  257. 5 : Talladega Nights: The Ballad Of Ricky Bobby (2006) [C/59] (S) - When it wasn't incredibly funny, it was a painful exercise in ugly Americanism (purposely). Not really smart enough to be satire.
  258. 9 : Cars (2006) [B/78] - The transformation of everything into cars was near perfect. It's rare where I want to watch animated movies again for what I missed.
  259. 12 : Barnyard: The Original Party Animals (2006) [C-/53] (S) - A really good excuse to go cow tipping because that's much more funny than this crap.
  260. 19 : Gridiron Gang (2006) [B-/74] (S) - It makes it seem like the documentary would be amazing. The Rock just can't act.
  261. 26 : The Illusionist (2006) [B-/71] (S) - A good character study but really not that exciting. Kept me guessing what was really going on.
  263. NOVEMBER
  265. 2 : The Guardian (2006) [B-/73] (S) - A surprisingly gripping, emotional movie but still in the end turns into a typical military adventure at times.
  266. 8 : Marie Antoinette (2006) [D-/34] (S) - Wanted to join the people who walked out of the theater for this dreck. Sofia Coppola is the worst director on Earth and tells a story like someone's behind and hopes her visual will wow.
  267. 16 : Man Of The Year (2006) [C+/66] (S) - Plenty funny and some biting insight. But it's not satirical enough and the funniest lines are in the preview.
  268. 22 : The Prestige (2006) [B+/81] (S) - Not sure that I completely understood it but I walked out of it saying, "that movie was awesome." Great conflict movie.
  269. 30 : Open Season (2006) [D-/35] (S) - I didn't even think it was possible for Ashton Kutcher to be more annoying animated than live action. Oh, it's possible, it's very possible. And a crap story to boot!
  271. DECEMBER
  273. 7 : Stranger Than Fiction (2006) [B+/82] (S) - Such an interesting and unique premise that it made me want to give up writing as I'll never come up with something as good. The only weakness - Maggie Gyllehaal sucked in this.
  274. 9 : The Miracle Match (2005) [B/76] - I cried through the whole movie since it was like watching the reenactment of the creation of U.S. soccer; but aside from that it's definitely a simple, likeable underdog story worth watching.
  275. 10 : Hard Candy (2005) [B+/80] - This movie is flat out disturbing. While it's got its flaws, such as an illogical plot toward the end, its incredibly tight, well written, and unique.
  276. 14 : Flags Of Our Fathers (2006) [C/58] (S) - There might have been something here if the plot hadn't been so hamfistedly jumpy. I can now see how people don't appreciate Paul Haggis as a screenwriter. However, great performances.
  277. 16 : Strangers With Candy (2005) [C-/53] - I was expecting so much more - like maybe it being funny. It seems like Stephen Colbert hogs all the good lines for himself and leaves the rest of the cast with scraps.
  278. 18 : Water (2005) [B/77] - Wish it had chosen a viewpoint instead of jumping around through three characters and making it impossible to tell whose story it was. But once that mystery is solved, it's a touching movie.
  279. 19 : Volver (2006) [B-/70] (S) - A quirky, funny film that is maybe a little bit too much in a local vernacular for Spain.
  280. 21 : The Queen (2006) [B-/73] (S) - Felt like the Brits airing their dirty laundry for the world. I loved the portrayal of Tony Blair and the nudge and wink to his current trevails.
  281. 24 : Sara Silverman: Jesus Is Magic (2005) [C/58] - There were some truly funny memorable moments. I actually would have liked more skits and less standup. It was very good about dealing with uncomfortable things but she is so shrill.
  282. 26 : Merry Christmas (Joyeux Noel) (2005) [B+/81] - I actually broke into tears when the big event finally happens. It's like a perfect world that actually happened for a couple of days (watch the extras, all of the events were based on true stories).
  283. 27 : Christmas With The Kranks (2004) [C/63] - Just enough of a likeable Christmas fable to make it worthwhile despite obvious acting shortcomings (a.k.a. Tim Allen).
  284. 28 : Flushed Away (2006) [C+/66] (S) - More pop culture referencing than a lot of the animated movies out there and therefore actually feels current and not timeless (for good or bad).
  285. 29 : Audition (2000) [B-/71] - Really screwed up. Left me on the edge of my seat until the scary started and then it was just disjointed (albeit disturbing) but still a truly troubling film.
  286. 29 : Rock 'N' Roll High School (1979) [C+/67] - Do the rock stars in these movies even read the lines before they say them? The Ramones seemed like idiots but the movie is incredibly funny 80s cheese humor.
  287. 30 : Serenity (2005) [B/76] - Where on Earth did this come from? It was a sci-fi movie with an actual message and not one forced down your throat like certain other *cough* Matrix *cough* movies.
  288. 30 : Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith (2005) [B/75] - When the characters weren't in fights shouting action b-movie catchphrases, there was actually some great character development. I don't know though it stands on its own without knowing parts 4-6.
  289. 31 : The Last Kiss (2006) [B-/72] - Firmly establishes Zach Braff as the John Cusack of post-Generation X. Doesn't condescend even if the characters do things most real people probably wouldn't.
Author Comments: 

The reviews are my "two cents" from Netflix. I write them for every movie I see regardless of if I rented it from Netflix or not.

Bolded are movies watched in the last 24 hours (or 24 hours before the last update).

RATINGS KEY - my ratings are based up to 40/100 on quality of filmmaking and up to 60/100 on how much I personally liked it. Both are subjective mental calculations and I don't break them down except upon request. :)

Just a hint about weighing my ratings. I'm not really into films from before 1980. I just appeciate modern sensibilities a lot more. Chances are any film from the 1970s or before I rate a B, everyone else rates an A or A+.

93-100 (A+): One of my favorite movies of all time (usually reserved for second viewings of A and A-s that hold up). [*****]
86-92 (A): A really life changing movie. [****.5]
83-85 (A-): Moving and memorable or roll on the floor, can't breathe funny. [****.5]
80-82 (B+): Memorable, quotably funny, or otherwise separated from the pack of good movies. [****]
75-79 (B): Well made, good movies that will stand the test of time in my mind. [***.5]
70-74 (B-): Better than run of the mill but nothing to really differentiate themselves enough from the pack. Many good but boring movies end up here. [***]
65-69 (C+): Better than average fluff. Usually reserved for flawed movies that have redeeming qualities I enjoyed. [***]
56-64 (C): Most popcorn movies that I enjoy slightly but would never watch again. [**.5].
50-55 (C-): Flawed releases that I didn't enjoy but didn't hate either. [**].
44-49 (D+): Crap movies with at least something redeeming about them (like self-effacing humor). [**]
36-43 (D): Movies that left me wondering why they got greenlighted. [*.5]
27-35 (D-): Movies that I wanted to turn off or leave the theater except I make sure to always finish what I start. [*]
0-26 (F): Movies that actually cause me some degree of physical pain or discomfort to watch. [no stars or .5]

Direct to video releases are denoted by a (+).
Made for television movies are noted by a (TV).
Movies seen in the theater (big screen) are noted by a (S).

I wrote full reviews (about ten paragraphs a piece) for any movie with a (*). Clicking on the link will send you to the full review (in a separate window through the magic of the "_blank" tag).

RosieCotton02/21/2006

Welcome to Listology! If you don't want an item to be numbered, simply preface it with an underscore (_).

greenmind02/22/2006

I want my list to be numbered. I actually typed in the numbers myself. :)

But if any formatting changes make it easier for you to count the list, let me know and I'll incorporate it.

RosieCotton02/22/2006

Yes, numbering is good :).

Listology will number your items automatically unless you put the underscore in front if them. Your list appears with bullets AND numbers. What do the bullets signify?

greenmind02/22/2006

The bullets are movies that I saw in the theater. Not that it makes a huge difference to anyone reading the list, but I'm personally wondering what my tendencies are for DVDs v. Theatrical Releases (i.e. do I rate movies I see in the theater higher).

CaptMal02/28/2006

Thank you for not liking Brazil. I thought I was the only one.

And I write "Two Cents" Netflix reviews for every movie I see, too!

greenmind02/28/2006

I thought I was the only one too. There are certain movies I don't like that I want to almost found a support group for because the looks I get from most people on my opinion of "Brazil" is "you're crazy!"

Since the friends feature was added on Netflix, the site has become so great. More and more of my friends are writing two cents and those are a lot more helpful than just an overall star rating.

CaptMal02/28/2006

When was the Friends feature added? I've only been a member for about a year, so it's been there my entire tenure.

greenmind02/28/2006

The earliest friends list confirmation I have in the e-mail folder I devote to Netflix (shipping issues and the like) is December 21, 2004. I think that's right around the time it went live (my Netflicted real life friends and I hopped the boat pretty early).

jay_b05/05/2006

2 : Talk To Her (2002) [C/64] - Do Spaniards have a thing for boring movies about people spouting philosophy by hospital beds?
Which other 'boring Spaniard movies about people spouting philosophy by hospital beds' have you had in mind? ;)

greenmind05/05/2006

"The Sea Inside." That movie made me want to be euthanized after a certain amount of time. :) Though, truthfully and thankfully, I did like that one more than "Talk To Her" because there were some really good interactions between the characters and because it hit a hot button topic. I gave "The Sea Inside" a "B" but it was really slow and boring as well.

jay_b05/05/2006

I don't like Talk to Her that much also. And also the shrinking lover part wasn't all that fantastic, 'just an ok anegdote. Haven't seen The Sea Inside.

greenmind05/05/2006

I actually found the shrinking lover part to be tonally inconsistent with the rest of the movie. I may be remembering wrong but I think that was the only time where the film left a straight ahead reality or flashback perspective.