Glory: A Movie Review

Today I will be blogging on my first war movie, and arguably one of the best movies out there in this genre.  "Glory" was released December 15, 1989 under the production of Edward Zwick.  The main actors in this movie are Morgan Freeman, Mathhew Broderick, and Denzel Washington, who portray the 54th regiment in one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War.

Before I give my opinion of this movie, I want to start off by sharing with my readers one of the negative aspects that is shared by several people out there.  And that is that this movie was a potentially racist movie because it was seen mostly through the eyes of the regiment leader, Robert Shaw as opposed to one of the black soldiers in the regiment.  This is preposterous, if one has any knowledge of the background of this movie.  This movie was based on the letters Robert Shaw was writing and he is the narrator of this movie.  So why shouldn't the movie be seen through his eyes?  Now granted, I think Washington and Freeman are the better actors.  But, that just means that there should of been a  better lead actor other than Broderick.  I think the director's goal was to show his viewers how a white man reacted to the blacks.  Maybe he didn't believe viewers would sympathize with the blacks unless they saw a white man's reaction.  Anyways, like I said before, this racism complaint is absurd.  This movie has nothing to do with racism, it is the telling of how black men, primarily free but also slaves lead by white men, give their all(their everything) in a seemingly lost battle.

Now that I have hopefully cleared that up let's talk about the movie.  I will not be sharing too much about the movie, because it is a must see for those war movie buffs out there.  I will say that this movie is the best war movie I have ever seen mainly because of the chemistry between Freeman, Washington, and Broderick.  Like I all ready mentioned, I believe there could of been a better lead actor than Broderick, it does not take much away from the movie.  I also enjoy the themes brilliantly portrayed in this movie: friendship, devotion, and courage.  In one of the most desecrating battles of the civil war, where the 54th regiment was running uphill practically into gunfire, courage and devotion was the only thing that could possibly get them through.  Director Zwick did a remarkable job interweaving these ideas together through excellent acting and cinematography.  "Glory" won three academy awards in 1989, including best cinematography.

Before, I finish my review I want to leave with you a short dialogue from the movie.

" Lord, we stand before you this evening, to say thank you! And we thank you, father, for your grace, and your many blessings! Now I run off, leaving all my young'uns and my kinfolk, in bondage. So I'm standing here this evening, Heavenly Father, to ask your blessings on all of us. So that if tomorrow is the great getting-up morning, if that tomorrow we have to meet the Judgement Day, O Heavenly Father, we want you to let our folks know that we died facing the enemy! We want 'em to know that we went down standing up! Amongst those that are fighting against our oppression. We want 'em to know, Heavenly Father, that we died for freedom! We ask these blessings in Jesus' name. Amen! "

So, in conclusion, this movie is an excellent portrayal of courage and devotion even in the hardships of war.  I would highly recommend it to anyone out there who loves war history.  Even if you are not a fan, you will be touched by the compelling acting of the main characters and the themes so brilliantly conveyed in this movie.

What are your thoughts? Concerns? Was this movie a success?  Who would you of chosen to play Broderick's role?

Law Abiding Citizen: A Casual Review

"What would you do if you had ten years"

Have you ever had so much revenge and bitterness swelling up inside you, that you could hardly contain it?
"Law Abiding Citizen" was released on October 16, 2009 under the direction F. Gary Gray. If you are unfamiliar with Gray, he also directed a classic heist movie, "The Italian Job"(2006). This movie stars, Gerald Butler(Shelton) and Jamie Foxx(Rice) Before we delve into the summary and so forth, lets take a glimpse into the incredible actors and their careers. Gerald Butler has played in big hits such as "Ugly Truth", "300", and "Phantom of the Opera". Jamie Fox has starred in "Collateral" with Tom Cruise and "Ray", and "Miami Vice", just to name a few. These men have both played diverse roles, whether it be a hilarious comedy or a suspense thriller.
"Law Abiding Citizen" is a movie about revenge, the attempt to redeem what has been taken. In the opening scenes, the most precious treasure in Shelton's life was taken from him, his wife and daughter. He immediately goes to the "system" to receive his due justice, but nothing can be done. The one who had brutally murdered his daughter has been set free due to a plea bargain. So what does he do? He decides to do what no normal man would do; he goes against the seemingly unjust system and takes things into his own hands. He not only targets the one who killed his family, but also everyone involved in his family's case. So what does he do to enact his revenge. Well, if I leaked that information out the movie would be ruined. So, you will have to see for yourself!
I love this movie for several reasons. But before I share those reasons, I am going to share a reason why some viewers do not like this movie. And that is due to the fact that some of the stunts Shelton pulls to carry out his revenge seem implausible and unrealistic. To this response, I point back to the title I used to illustrate my review: "What would you do if you had ten years?" Shelton had ten years to plot and devise methods to get back at those who had taken away what was most dearest to him. Even so, realism was probably not Gray's goal in this movie; but instead to show what happens inside a man's heart when he looses something as precious as his family.
So, why is movie incredible? I love the actors Gray chose to star in this movie. The chemistry between Foxx and Butler is, to say the least, is brilliantly amazing! They played their roles with emotion and power. I had no problem understanding what Butler was trying to convey in his role. And Foxx did a remarkable job portraying the know-it-all detective who wanted the easy way out.
This movie is one of those movies that keeps you on the edge of your seat, because you are constantly wondering how Shelton is able to pull off his revenge in prison. Not only are they seemingly implausible, but He is in prison? How is a locked up man able to make such irrevocable chaos in such short amount of time?
What are your thoughts? Did you like the movie? What could have made the movie a better success? Please share!

"He's about to paint his masterpiece."

Today I will be blogging on the movie, "Man on Fire"  This movie was released back in April 0f 2004 under the direction of Tony Scott.  If you are not familiar with Scott, he has also directed "Unstopppable"(Denzel Washington and Chris Pine) and "The Taking of Pelham 123"(DenzelWashington and John Travolta)

Tony Scott devised an excellent cast for this movie in Denzel Washington(Creasy), Christopher Walken(Rayburn), and Dakota Fanning(Pita).  Creasy is a retired, but seemingly bitter well-aged and raving alcoholic, who had offered to become the bodyguard of young Pita.  This movie takes place in Mexico City during a time where kidnappings have been frequent to say the least.  Creasy takes this job with reluctant attitude only because there is nothing else for him to do to get his mind off his dark past.  As the movie unfolds, Creasy obviously conveys through this emotions and mannerisms, that he really wants nothing to do with the question-minded young girl filled with curiosity.  Pita asks him simple questions but questions that, unless remained unanswered, would involve Creasy entering back into his desired-to-be-forgotten past.  As the movie continues, a radical change is seen in Creasy, as Pita  is kidnapped.  The man who once wanted nothing to do with this little girl, is now filled with revenge-smitten anger.  Not only because he had actually grown a little attached to Pita, but also because it was his sworn duty to protect her and the family.  So, what happens?  Well go get a copy and see for yourself!

I love this movie; in fact it is one my most favorite Denzel Washington movies.  Denzel portrays his character excellently.  He fills the viewer with curiosity up until the very end.  The emotions he is able to convey in this movie are fantastic and keep you on the edge of your seat.  What makes this movie great is the chemistry between Creasy and Pita.  Although their relationship seemed distant at first(which can not be blamed on either party, seeing that the one was a alcoholic with a dark past, and the other a curios girl with limited understanding of life and its troubles)  the two grew to love each other.  The reason why I love this movie most, is the incredible acting by the young Dakota Fanning.  She, without a doubt, proved herself as a great actor in this movie.  In fact, it is most likely the best childhood acting I have ever seen.  

Now that I have shared my opinion on the movie, I want to inform you why some people have accumulated negative reactions to this film.  One reason, is that the subtitles Scott uses, hindered the movie.  I did not think they harmed the movie in any way, but that is just my opinion.  I also want to warn that is not movie to sit down and enjoy with your children.  It is not a "Toy Story 3" type movie.  It is brutally violent in two scenes and also infested with language.  But, what can you expect from a bitter-struck man filled with vengeance and the desire and obligation to bring back the one thing he was supposed to protect(Pita and her family)  Creasy does whatever it takes in this movie with no regard to how it gets done, just that it gets done.  

For both of the above reasons, this movie has received some gripes and complaints.  I just wanted to share them with you so you would be informed.  But, I was not swayed by any others' critiques, and never am.  When I watch a movie, I block out the negative critiques and watch it with a open mind.  After concluding the film, these reasons did not detriment the film whatsoever.  This is a must see film for those of you out there who love watching suspense-engaging thrillers.


If you have seen this movie, please share your thoughts.  Was this movie successful?  Did you enjoy the cast.  What could have made this film more productive?


If you have just visited my site, you are probably wondering what it is all about.  My name is Josh and I am using this blog as a site where readers can receive movie buzz and plugins for movies and share their opinion on those movies. I would love to hear your opinion on whether or not the director and actors did a good job and what could of made the movie better.  



If you are interested in more information on this movie such as great quotes and trivia, check out my Hub Pages link on the top of my website.


  http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0328107/

"Living superficial seems effortless, but is this simplicity as rewarding?"

If you have been following my articles, you may have noticed a vital component missing from my website.  Where are his blogs on comedy movies?  Does he not like to entertain himself with a hilarious screenplay from time to time?  If you are asking these questions, I do not blame you because it would be an utter shame if I did not enjoy comedies.  Fortunately for those of you who love to watch funny movies, I share the same desire form time to time.  I love watching movies that cause me to rack my brain.  However, once in a while, I would rather not think and just simply watch a movie.

Today I will be blogging on this sort of movie.  "Crazy Stupid Love" was released this past summer under the direction of Dan Fogleman( a director who is done various genres but is mainly know for his animated movies "Cars" and"Tangled").  The cast for this movie was brilliantly selected, insomuch that they were picked more for the chemistry they would have together instead of "hey he can fill this role, so lets get him!"  The actors selected definitely could play their individual roles almost effortlessly, but you can sense while watching, that the potential chemistry was in continual thought during the writing of this movie.

The cast of main actors for this movie are Steve Carell(Carl), Juliann Moore(Emily), Ryan Gosling(Jacob), Emma Stone(Hannah), Marisa Tomei(Kate), and Kevin Bacon(David).  I am sure many of you are familiar with Steve Carell simply because his of big-hit TV series, "The Office".  Since this article is not debating the TV show, I will not go off on a rabbit to debate or argue whether he should of stayed on this show.  However I do believe he is still very big on the radar map of the entertainment industry; "Crazy Stupid Love" being a major reason for this.  You are also probably familiar with Ryan Gosling who has been in several films such as "Drive", "Blue Valentine", "Fracture", and "Murder by Numbers"(one of his first main roles in a movie).  I could continue to delve into the acting careers of this stellar cast, but I think you are beginning to realize what I am attempting to convey here.

"Crazy Stupid Love" centers around a friendship established between two completely opposite men.  Carl, a shy but lovable guy who seems to have a honest and caring way about him randomly bumps into a cocky, ladies' man.  Carl and his wife Emily apparently have a great relationship.However, Emily randomly proclaims to her husband(in the beginning of the movie) that she wants a divorce.  Shocked, and rightfully so,  Carl chooses to mourn by frequenting the local cocktail lounge in hopes to find someone else.  He goes to these lounges and sits at the counter bar, spending his time drinking and griping/mumbling about what has recently taken place.  As he is routinely going through this process of mourning, he notices Jacob(the ladies' man) effortlessly smooth-talk his way into bringing a different girl home every night.  As Jacob converses with these women, he can overhear Carl's griping and it is clear to him what has happened in Carl's life.  Jacob decides to take Carl under his wing by supplying him with a make-over and new tips on how to pick up girls.  Carl eventually, through the coaching of Jacob, meets up with Kate, while Jacob unexpectedly falls in love with Hannah.  Jacob begins to gradually acknowledge that maybe there is something enticing about an honest and real relationship as opposed to a superficial one.

This clever strand of relationships brings a brilliant layer of twists and excitement to the movie.  A major reason that causes this comedy to stand out, at least in my opinion, is the fact that it is composed of good-hearted people.  When does this happen in Hollywood comedies these days?  It is a relaxing change to the comedy realm.  I am not saying that other types of comedies are horrible.  I loved "Just go With It" and "Horrible Bosses".  It was just a surprising change to see a comedy with a clever plot and pleasant characters.

Also, this movie took very thoughtful concern of its characters.  Not that the characters were very deep like Leonardo Dicaprio in "Shutter Island" or Denzel Washington in "Man on Fire".  This movie creatively allows the characters to convey their feelings, and to some extent become surprised by those feelings.  All in all, this comedy was excellent.  The direction was fantastic and the actors complimented each other very well.  In my opinion, this idea to create a comedy movie different than what most viewers are used to was a clever idea.

As usual, what are your ideas on this movie?  Could the cast decisions have been any better? Was this movie a success?  What could have made this movie better?  Please share your thoughts!

If you have just visited my site, you are probably wondering what it is all about.  My name is Josh and I am using this blog as a site where readers can receive movie buzz and plugins for movies and share their opinion on those movies. I would love to hear your opinion on whether or not the director and actors did a good job and what could of made the movie better. 


http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1570728/

"Are you watching closely?"

I am sure that many of you out there share the same interest as me when it comes to magic tricks.  I have always enjoyed the sleight-of-hand and illusion because it makes me wonder.  How did he/she do it?  If you are like, me you have asked this question several times when it comes to magic.  This is because our mind works in complex ways.  We are curious creatures with a yearning for adventure, something to disrupt the mundane, normal and routine lifestyles we all have experienced from time to time.  We want something we can marvel at, even if we know that it is fake or illusory.

Well, if in fact you do share this same interest, you will without a doubt love the movie I will blogging about today.  "The Prestige" directed by Christopher Nolan, and co-written by his brother Jonathan Nolan, was released on October 20, 2006.  This movie is saturated with rich, vivid illusions performed by none other than Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman.  Coming along their sides for role support are Michael Caine, Scarlet Johansson, and David Bowie.  If you have seen movies directed by Nolan such as "Memento" and "Inception" and have enjoyed them, you will certainly not be displeased with this magical masterpiece.  Nolan is most known for his genuine ability to immerse his films with intellectual elegance sophistication.  If any of out there do not mind racking your brain for answers while watching a film, then "The Prestige" is a must see!


" Every great magic trick consists of three parts or acts. The first part is called "The Pledge". The magician shows you something ordinary: a deck of cards, a bird or a man. He shows you this object. Perhaps he asks you to inspect it to see if it is indeed real, unaltered, normal. But of course... it probably isn't. The second act is called "The Turn". The magician takes the ordinary something and makes it do something extraordinary. Now you're looking for the secret... but you won't find it, because of course you're not really looking. You don't really want to know. You want to be fooled. But you wouldn't clap yet. Because making something disappear isn't enough; you have to bring it back. That's why every magic trick has a third act, the hardest part, the part we call "The Prestige."

"The Prestige" takes place in the 19th century Victorian world where magic and illusion are what everyone does; its how you made a living.  Christian Bale(Alfred Borden" and Hugh Jackman(Robert Angier) who were once friends, share a mutual hatred and vengeance towards each other due to accidental death of their "lovely stage assistant Piber Perabo(Julia McCulough) who was Robert Angier's wife.  Supposedly this was the result of some risk-taking by Alfred Borden for stage effect.  The once "best friends" came vicious enemies wanting nothing better than to demolish one another through competitive magic tricks.  Throughout the movie, Borden and Angier do whatever it takes to "one-up" each other on stage.

Although the acting in this movie is incredible to say the very least, in my opinion, it seems to appear subservient to the plot.  This may seem to sound negative, but in reality is a very good thing!  If you think about it, you do not go to a magic show to see the emotional integrity the assistant coveys as she is being "sawed" in half.  Rather, you go to be utterly amazed how the assistant is able to get up and walk in one piece after being seemingly mutilated by the magician.  So in regards to "The Prestige" the acting is amazing, but what will really entice the viewer, is the plethora of plot twists that keeps you on the edge of your seat.  

As I have all ready mentioned, Nolan's dexterity in intellectual directing becomes very apparent throughout the entirety of this movie.  This movie is saturated with plot twists as it layered with countless flashbacks to cause the viewer to desperately attempt to concentrate on what is taking place in the film.  This eager desire to comprehend the storyline is what causes the film to be so incredible.  I know that at least for me,  I starve for this aspect in movie making.  I do not want a movie to simply provide me the answers.  I want to discover these answers for myself, because that gives some sense of accomplishment.

Before concluding I would like to share one last quote from the movie...
"You never understood, why we did this. The audience knows the truth: the world is simple. It's miserable, solid all the way through. But if you could fool them, even for a second, then you can make them wonder, and then you... then you got to see something really special... you really don't know?... it was... it was the look on their faces... "  In my opinion, this movie did exactly that.  Throughout the entire course of this movie, I was in wonder and awe.  Even though I may, unfortunately, have to return to normal life here on earth, at least for a few hours I could experience a marvelous masterpiece of cinemetography and screenplay.

For all of these above reasons, I would highly recommend this movie to anyone out there who is not opposed to opening their minds.  But, as always in any case, I am well aware that some people out there did not like this movie for certain reasons.  If so, I would love to know why.  Was this movie a success?  Do you think Christopher Nolan accomplished his desirable goals in this film?

If you have just visited my site, you are probably wondering what it is all about.  My name is Josh and I am using this blog as a site where readers can receive movie buzz and plugins for movies and share their opinion on those movies. I would love to hear your opinion on whether or not the director and actors did a good job and what could of made the movie better.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0482571/