New Reviews (posted 3/11/08)

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

The third installment of Disney's wildly successful Pirates of the Caribbean sequence does not pack the punch that the superb original did, nor does it disappoint to the extent of sequel Dead Man's Chest . Rather, At World's End is somewhere in between its two prequels. Although its special effects are magnificent and acting is good, the plot of the recent Pirates film is infested with plot holes, and so confusing that it leaves the movie permanently second-rate.

At World's End picks up roughly where Dead Man's Chest left off, at least chronologically wise. The crew of the Black Pearl, led by recently resurrected Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush), is on a quest to bring fallen Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) back from the dead. At the same time, evil Lord Beckett is hanging just about anyone he can find who is connected in any way to piracy. This film chronicles the impending doom of the pirates, their attempt to save their dying way of life, and the last stand between them and the British army. The acting is just as good as ever, with all the regulars from movies one and two returning for the final encounter. However, the story is thoroughly perplexing, throughout all of its extensive 169 minutes. There are so many things happening at once that it is hard to keep track of them all, and though the plot does seem interesting, it is hard to be very enthralled while trying to understand what in the world is going on.

I did like many things about this latest addition to the Pirates series. Its special effects are absolutely brilliant – the Maelstrom scene, in which the Black Pearl and Flying Dutchman do battle around a furious whirlpool during a raging thunderstorm, is nothing short of amazing. This movie contains some of the best special effects I have ever seen on film. It also has some superb scenery, giving the viewer some gloriously beautiful glimpses of the Caribbean 's most lovely locations. Hans Zimmer's genius score is simply wonderful – he flawlessly fuses the classic themes (composed by Klaus Bladelt, the maestro of Curse of the Black Pearl) with his own new compositions, which are just as good as (if not better than) the originals.

Overall, Pirates 3 could be an excellent film. It has breathtaking special effects, a score to match, and exceptional acting. Its only problem is the drawn-out, over-complicated story. There are individual parts that are simply radiant, including the ‘Multiple Jacks' sequence and the highly emotional introduction to the final battle. But when all put together, the story is just too fractured for a viewer to fully appreciate all of the film's good qualities. If there is ever a Pirates 4 – which is fully possible, judging by the way number three ended – I hope that the writers recapture the spirit of the first movie, so that the next can achieve that title of excellence which the third could so easily deserve.

Movie: The Notebook

Runtime: 124 minutes

Monster-in-Law is about a free-spirited woman Charlie, who after years of looking for Mr. Right finally finds the man of her dreams. His name is Kevin Fields and she discovers that his mother Viola is the woman of her nightmares. She is a recently fired news anchor who is afraid she will lose her son the way she had just lost her career. Viola is obsessed and is determined to scare off her son's new fiancé by becoming the worst mother-in-law in the world. She puts on a good and caring act around her son but immediately starts planning against Charlie. As her long-time assistant Ruby does her best to help Viola execute her crazy schemes. One scheme includes Viola putting pieces of peanuts into gravy purposely and Charlie eating it and going into an allergic reaction. Charlie decides to fight back and battle Viola to see who really is the alpha female. In the end both Charlie and viola make peace between each other and Kevin and Charlie are happily married.

In my opinion, this is an okay comedy. There were some really good and funny parts but some were boring. Being that I like the actor Michael Vartan (Kevin Fields), it made the movie worth watching. There were some parts where you could not resist laughing and others you wanted to fast forward. Overall I would recommend this movie.

Movie: The Notebook

Runtime: 124 minutes

The Notebook focuses on an elderly man reading a story to an elderly woman in a nursing home each day. The story he reads follows two young lovers named Allie Hamilton and Noah Calhoun, whom he met one evening at a carnival. But they are separated by Allie's parents who disapprove of Noah's lack of wealth and move Allie away. After waiting for Noah to write her for several years, Allie meets and gets engaged to a soldier named Lon. In a local newspaper, Noah's picture catches Allie's ye. He is standing in front of the restored home, which was designed to look exactly like the one she wanted. Allie's heart explodes and she even faints. She has to go back, see if Noah is okay, and tell him about her marriage. When she visits him he is in shock at first and later on their passion is rekindled. She chooses Noah over her high-class fiancé. The elderly man and the elderly woman are in fact Allie and Noah themselves and they had three children.

In my opinion, this is a great movie. It teaches you that love is more important that money in the end. Also, that you have to do what your heart says instead of what others tell you to do because in the end it's what makes YOU happy. This movie is one of the most romantic and touching movies I have seen.

Casablanca

Casablanca , possibly America 's best-loved movie has retained the same level of respect and admiration since when it was first released in 1942. Set in the Vichy-controlled Moroccan city of Casablanca , this film takes place a year after the Germans invaded France during World War II. The leading actors in the film are Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Bogart plays Rick Blaine, the American owner of an upscale café in Casablanca . He appears to be a very cynical, unsentimental and sarcastic man until he meets Ilsa Lund, played by Bergman. Ilsa, his ex-lover from Paris , unknowingly walks into his café with her husband, wanting “letters of transit” so that she and her husband can flee from the Nazis and escape to America . Having Ilsa back in his life, Rick falls apart emotionally, and submits to helping the couple run away. The ultimate decision he must make is choosing between his love for Ilsa and doing the right thing by helping her husband run away and fight against the Nazis.

Why has Casablanca remained successful for more than half a century? For many reasons. This is a film that has survived the true test of the times. It is a combination of witty dialogue, great depth in characterization, moving and believable performances by the actors, and is emotionally powerful as a whole. Even though the movie is very profound, it is not at all difficult to understand. This is because it is a well laid out and simply told story. It also stands out because of its unconventional ending, which was very unique for the times. The film does not end happily, but still ends effectively, leaving the viewer strangely content.

Casablanca is a classic all-time favorite of movie-goers world-wide. If you haven't yet had the opportunity to experience this evergreen film rent it, now!

"FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS" rated R

"Flags of Our Fathers" follows the soldiers who raised the flag on Iwo Jima during WWII, as they become promoters for American funds and morale.
Character development is poor despite a hopeful story line, great cinematography, and gallant dramatic effort. The theme that war is bad, resounds throughout the piece, but falls short in evoking patriotism from its audience. "The Sands of Iwo Jima" starring John Wayne didn't have half the gore or profanity, yet was ten times as moving. Considering it is true, the story deserved to be better told.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

In attempt to destroy the race of men, Sauron's forces advances towards Minas Tirith, the capital of Gondor. Greatly out-numbered the kingdom of Gondor is in desperate need of men and a king. It is up to Aragon to answer the call to become the king that he was born and destined to become. While the forces of Sauron increases and moves closer and closer to Minas Tirith, Gandalf unites the men of Gondor into action. Also, aided by Rohan's King Theodon and his force, the race of men are still greatly outnumbered and no match for Sauron's force of thousands. The great battle between Sauron and Gondor is fought by the men with one main goal in mind, to distract Sauron and give Sam and Frodo a chance to destroy the ring in the fires of Mount Doom . The fate of man kind lies within the hands of the two hobbits, Sam and Frodo.

A Cinderella Story (Movie rated PG)
This movie stars Hilary Duff and Chad Michael Murray. It is a modern version of the classic story of Cinderella. Hilary Duff plays the character Samantha, whose father died when she was young, but not before marrying an evil step-mother who had twin daughters that became Sam's step-sisters. Life for Sam becomes depressing and miserable. Then she finds love in a Princeton Chatroom. The movie is good (well, at least for girls) and Chad Michael Murray is adorable, so go see it!!!

The Village (Movie rated PG-13)
This movie stars Joaquin Phoenix, Adrien Brody, Judy Greer, Bryce Dallas Howard, William Hurt, and was directed by M. Night Shyamalan (of Sixth Sense and Signs fame). Set in the 1890's, this film takes place in a village surrounded by woods. When Lucius (Phoenix) enters the woods one day, the repercussions of his actions cause the creatures who live in the woods to come beyond the boundaries to place blood upon the doors. This movie is suspenseful, but the ending is rather a disappointment to some. Still, if you like Shyamalan's other movies, give this one a try.

Spiderman 2 (Movie rated PG-13)
This movie stars Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, JK Simons, Alfred Molina, and Rosemary Harris. In the sequel to Spiderman (2002), Peter Parker is having trouble controlling his powers. He also faces problems with managing his busy schedule. This powerful, action-packed movie will have you on the edge of your seat the entire movie.

Shrek 2 (Movie rated PG)
This movie uses the vocal talents of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, and Jennifer Saunders. In this light-hearted animated film, Shrek encounters problems with acceptance in Fiona's family. However, more problems arise when Prince Charming, Fiona's betrothed, and his mother become involved. With the help of Donkey and his new companions, the ogre fights to gain his place in the royal family. An exciting comedy that will have you laughing, Shrek is a well recommended movie.

Troy (Movie rated R)
Troy stars Brad Pitt, Orlando Bloom, Eric Bana, Diane Kruger, and Peter O'Toole. When Paris (Bloom) falls in love with Helen (Kruger), Menelaus's wife, and takes her away from Sparta to his homeland of Troy, Menelaus retaliates and sends fleets of ships after him. Thus begins the Trojan War. Though this movie does not fully follow the Iliad and other historical documents, it is still an action-packed epic. If you liked movies such as Gladiator or The Patriot, see this movie!!!

Mean Girls (Movie rated PG-13)
Starring Lindsay Lohan, Tina Fey, Jonathan Bennett, Lizzy Caplan, and Ana Gasteyer, this movie is similar to most other teen movies. Cady (Lohan), who has lived in Africa for 16 years, moves to the States. She experiences highschool for the first time and meets the “plastics”, a clique of the most popular girls in school. After the lead plastic steals Cady's crush, she decides to declare war. This movie brings some laughs, and is great to watch with your friends.

King Arthur (Movie rated PG-13)
This movie stars Clive Owen, Stephen Dillane, Keira Knightley, Hugh Dacy, and Ioan Gruffud. If you go into this movie expecting the legends of King Arthur of Britain as you find them in The Sword and the Stone, you may come out of the theater disappointed. The film portrays the story of Arthur in 450 A.D., the time of the fall of the Roman empire. Britain is in disunion, and only one man, Arthur, can succeed in uniting the nation. The movie was full of action, however we were still disappointed as it didn't meet our high expectations.