2008 movies A-E

title                                       genre                                                    ages                    PLUSes       MINUSes        

BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA comedy 8+Dog adventure for girls. cute, innocuous. improbable. hokey.

BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA
dog epic
6.5
fun, silly entertainment
BEST FOR: DOG lovers
GOOD FOR: all ages
NOT FOR: rocket scientists

WHO
Many in search of a simple movie escape should find this does the trick, especially if you like dogs. F oriented, but fine for non overly-macho guys.
Okay for kids, but warning: potentially offensive stereotypes.

WHAT
What "Indiana Jones/ Crystal Scull" is to boys, "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" can be to girls. They are very similar movies.  Heroes, evil villains, thrills, chases, impossible escapes, Mayan temple ruins, romance, a few laughs.

WHERE
Will be okay on DVD.

WHEN
dates, couples, families. chicks can drag guys.

HOW
A variety of good sets. Good script. Except for the unnecessary racial stereotypes. Good acting, but the lead voice (b.h. chihuahua) wasn't ideal.

WHY
Not utterly stupid, as I was afraid it might be.

okay 9+
stereotypes
cute
light
f oriented
date movie

BOLT cartoon 7+  family, entertaining adventure, message. animation. commercial feel, travolta

reviewed by AD

cartoon
7
cute, good message

WHO    Good for kids. Many adults will also enjoy.

WHAT
This cartoon positively covers relationship issues, trust issues, growing up issues. 

WHEN
families, friends, okay dates,  younger couples

WHERE
Looks good on big screen. 

HOW                Animation good in longer shots, less good on close-ups.        I saw the non-"3-d" version.  Voices good, not great.  Cyrus is fresh, Travolta is preserved.

WHY
MADAGASCAR 2 is better in every single aspect.           BEV HILLS CHIHUAUA is better for dog lovers.
 

good message
cartoon violence
funny
cute
wide audience
family
date movie
group movie
inspiring

BOLT  reviewed by CABRAN

animated family film
8.5
adventure story with a heart

BEST FOR: children, families, people who like a "Hollywood ending"
GOOD FOR: anyone looking for a fun fast-paced yet safe movie
NOT FOR: people who don't like formula movies

60+ good
45-60 very good
30-45 okay
20-30 okay if you want a movie to watch with your kids
15-20 okay, especially if you're a Miley Cyrus fan
-15 perfect

WHO
This is definitely aimed at tweens.
People who like movies about Hollywood may also like this, especially people who understand how a "spin" is always put on stories concerning anyone (in this case even a dog) who is famous.

WHAT
Definitely a film for the whole family to watch together... you'll laugh and root for the hero and never have to wonder if any part of it is inappropriate for the little ones.
Definitely a feel-good movie

WHERE
Best on the big screen

WHEN
night out with the family, weekend day outing to the multiplex

HOW
Good animation, excellent expressions on the faces of the characters (most of which are animals)
Uplifting story with a hopeful message
Classic "Hollywood ending"

WHY(optional)
Good message here: even if you're not as great as you've been told, you can learn to be great in your own way.
Another good message is how re-evaluating your priorities and who's important in your life can make your life better, even if your life turns out to be completely different than you thought it was.


fun
good message
stereotypes
funny
cute
visual
dramatic
light
escapism
family
group movie
witty
inspiring

The Boy In The Striped Pajamas drama  teens-30s. well-meaning, historic value.  dialog, pacing.  

THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS
drama
6.5
heavy drama

BEST FOR people unaware of history
GOOD FOR students
NOT FOR escapism


60+ maybe
45-60 maybe
30-45 okay
20-30 okay
teens good

WHO
I'm not sure who this movie is good for. It's a very sensitive subject.
It's educational with entertainment thrown in. It could be an effective way of showing people the horrors of nazi germany.
No gun violence, blood, or fighting on. Much more horrifying scenes: WARNING!

WHAT
Children and concentration camps, not your typical entertainment fare.
This movie has plenty to think about. The subject and situations are full of dramatic potential, but the moviemaking doesn't quite take it to a great movie.
Best value is the reality what this movie attempts to address.

WHERE
Theater or DVD

WHEN
Not a good date movie! Okay for married couples, school groups.
Heavy movie.

WHY 
Glad this important subject is not forgotten: "Never again", and "Stop Genocide everywhere".

HOW
Most  sets, camera angles, and scenes are average, while some are very powerful.
Excellent portrayal by the dad. I know it's unPC, but the kids could have been a lot better due because of direction, script, casting, cinematography, make up.

 reviewed by ADAM

BURN AFTER READING
cynical comedy
6.5
oddball goofball

BEST FOR coen fans
GOOD FOR affluent 45+
NOT FOR most
Hardcore Morons

60+ okay
45-60 okay
30-45 okay
20-30 okay
teens doubtful
-14 not for.
sex, nonstop "cool"  profanity.

WHO
The problems of suburban professionals on the downslope probably appeal to those they're mocking.
40s+, upscale, perhaps east-coast, americans may like this film. Non-coen-fans can leave it alone.

WHAT
A movie like this is filled with wacky clueless moronic characters doing goofy oddball things causing wacky silly and bizarre circumstances.
And through all this mayhem, mirth is to ensue.
I found this movie mildly entertaining. The c.i.a-superior scenes are hilarious and linda litzke is good, but Brad Pitt is horrible, absolutely stinks up the screen . I found myself hoping it would end quickly and painlessly, and it did.

WHEN
DVD. This movie would be good in the background at a potluck, cocktail party, or at 2am on a saturday night.

HOW  

Certainly these guys know how to make movies. The bleak interiors and exteriors and the nonsensical people doing nonsensical things are done well. The lineup of talented actors do well generally, sometimes with a little too much smirk, having fun on camera.  The CIA chief is the best.       I have to admit, I see Brad Pitt in the supermarket checkout line papers more than in the movies. But his performance in this movie is  the worst I've seen since Sandra Bullock's lowlights. I disagree with those who say Pitt may be as bad as Jessica Simpson- She's much better!!!!

WHY
It's hard to choose made-for-movie morons over a better movie about real-life morons: "W".
 
slow
sex
violence
offensive
stereotypes
profanity
escapism
married couples
group movie
wait for DVD
non-thinking
waste of time
dark
college educated

Burn After Reading reviewed by CABRAN
dark comedy
7
performance-driven slapstick

BEST FOR: fans of the Coen Brothers
GOOD FOR: fans of indie films as well as fans of George Clooney and Brad Pitt
NOT FOR: people who like formula movies

60+ probably not
45-60 okay
30-45 good
20-30 great
15-20 okay
-15 no

WHO
This if for people who like dark comedies and indie films, who don't like knowing how a movie will end 10 minutes into it.
Funny performances by A-list stars and indie favorites, though over all not exactly a feel-good movie.

WHAT
Another notch on the Coen Brothers' belt, definitely a must-see for their fans.
A complete departure from their last effort, the Best Picture winning "No Country For Old Men"... this is dark but nowhere near the depression factor of "No Country"... at least this one makes you laugh, or at least smile.

WHERE
no rush to see this on the big screen, would have the same effect on DVD

WHEN
a movie to see on a date, for discussion afterwards, or for a group of friends to see, if they're ready for something not quite mainstream

HOW
Well directed and acted, keeps your interest as you wonder what will come of the characters as their lives intersect.
Brad Pitt and Frances McDormand play the funniest and most engaging characters in the film.
Not necessarily the Coens' best, but for their fans and people familiar with their style and pacing, definitely something to see, if only once.

WHY
See this if you enjoy "different" movies, and if you enjoy seeing familiar faces in a less-than predictable story... definitely not a formula movie.

fun
violence
profanity
funny
escapism
date movie
group movie
now on DVD
witty
dark

Cadillac Records    historical drama  20-80. entertaining, educational. realistic. Sets. Beyonce. splat.

 CADILLAC RECORDS
historical drama
7.5
entertaining, historic

BEST FOR: aaM/F 18-80
GOOD FOR: all 18/80
NOT FOR: -17 sex, violence

60+ great
45-60 excellent
30-45 excellent
20-30 excellent
15-20 vg 17+
-15 NO

WHO
Good for 20s, 30s: educational as well as entertaining. Good for 50+ nostalgic and entertaining.
Aimed at a wide range of the african american audience, will appeal big  to "crossover" audiences.

WHAT
Nice, smooth, evenly paced film.

WHERE
Great historical visuals for the big screen. But noisy audiences can be distracting.

WHEN
any groups over 18 y.o., friends, couples, okay date movie.
Especially when you want to see a movie with a noisy audience.

HOW
Production is solid, very good in all visual and technical aspects, with no  flaws noticed.  Sets and scenes are 100% period-believable.  Wardrobe, hair, cars all just right.
Wright can act, but he could be a lot better- that is unless he's striving for the Keanu Reeves, Michael Keaton "flat" style.
Acting is good to very good, plus Chuck Berry and Little Walter with excellent performances.
Beyonce, who was fantastic in Dreamgirls, is only good here. She plays only one character in a long, historical story.

WHY(optional)
Most of the time I see the movies at special screenings for movie industry people. The audiences are always respectful.
I saw Cadillac Records at the San Francisco Metreon at 9:30 pm on a monday night. There were 40-50 people, mixed b & w 50/50, all ages.
There was a message played right before the movie started, imploring the audience not to comment, talk, or yell during the movie.
There were a number of witless shouts at the screen from all areas of the theater. Some came from a gang 20 y.o. men looking completely like hardcore thugs. Upon closer look, their hips swayed and wrists were limp- Beyonce /Diva fans.

sex
violence
profanity
date movie
married couples
group movie
music
college educated
working class

Changeling historical drama interesting, single mother, jolie. violence gore. loong. jolie's huge red lips

historical drama
6.5
jolie good, rest okay.

BEST FOR: history fans
GOOD FOR: many
NOT FOR: the impatient

60+  good
45-60 good
30-45 good
20-30 good
15-20 okay
-15 gore

WHO
Should please some in every age group.
If you want to see Jolie in a good movie.
Probably best for nostalgic ages.

WHAT
True story in early L.A. Kind of around the era of "Chinatown", the great movie. This movie is less urgent, less stylish, less fascinating.
Good, not great.

WHERE
DVD okay.

WHEN
Slow, nothing to do time. Not for dates. Groups okay.

HOW
The star is excellent, the preacher is excellent. But there are many uneven performances, and imperfect scenes.  Could have been more dramatic and flowing with better music.

gore
dramatic
heavy
light
reality
wait for DVD
dark

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

REVIEWED BY CABRAN

rating # 10
note: visually beautiful, unique premise, good actors

BEST FOR: date movie, group movie (it's a good movie to discuss after seeing)
GOOD FOR: anyone wanting to see an unusual story unfold
NOT FOR: people who shy away from long movies... this is much lengthier than your average film

60+ ok
45-60 excellent
30-45 excellent
20-30 very good
15-20 ok
-15  possibly

WHO
this movie could be enjoyed by almost anyone... people who like love stories, people who like character studies, people who enjoy epic movies with great cinematography and special effects
this will work as a date movie, as a movie to see with friends if you want something to talk about afterward, almost anybody could get some enjoyment out of this
people who like literal interpretations of ideas may be frustrated by this, it's definitely a fantasy film which doesn't explain the scientific reason for the title character's "difference"... the movie simply presents a "what if" and then takes us on a journey to see how our hero lives his life in spite of, or because of, his "difference"

WHAT
an epic fantasy, a story that covers over 80 years of time and takes over 2 hours to tell, yet stays interesting, and often touching, during the whole story

WHERE
definitely something to see at the theater, people who wait for DVD will miss a lot of the scope of this film... it's a larger-than-life story which really fills a big screen

WHEN
great for a weekend, either on a date or with friends, but anytime would be good to see this as long as you have time to discuss it with someone afterward

HOW
the effects used to portray the various ages of people are excellent, the story is unusual and unpredictable, the characters are likeable, and overall the movie leaves you feeling hopeful and positive about people and their effect on others' lives
it's also beautiful to look at, no doubt because director David Fincher pays so much attention to detail, you know every inch of every frame was designed, created and approved by him

WHY
this is one of my two favorite movies this year (the other being "Milk")... the acting by Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett is great, and also supporting people (Tilda Swinton, Taraji P. Henson) are excellent in their roles
I'd like to see Brad Pitt get an Oscar nom for this... Cate Blanchett surely will be nominated because every year she gets nominated for something (and deservedly so)
My first choice for actor to win an Oscar this year has to be Sean Penn (again for "Milk"), but a close second choice for me would be Brad Pitt for his portrayal of Benjamin Button


good message
sex
violence
funny
cute
beautiful
visual
dramatic
escapism
wide audience
date movie
married couples
group movie
intelligent
witty
romance
inspiring

The Clueless Case of Benjamin Button  pseudo-intellectual. cute. visual.  gump-intellectual. pointless. empty. nonsense.

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

reviewed by ADAM

drama?
4.5
I didn't get it.

BEST FOR: ?
GOOD FOR: ?
NOT FOR: me

60+ ?
45-60 ?
30-45 ?
20-30 ?
15-20 ?
-15 ?

WHO
I don't get who this movie is for.  I didn't get it. Not one scene, not one minute.

WHAT
Looked like the kind of film that's saying something profound, but this one seemed empty and meaningless.  I kept looking for something, something the story was saying. Nothing. hour after hour.

I didn't get the premise. Okay, someone was born old and went backward. But if you're going to do a story about that- shouldn't there be some kind of depth, something beyond an emptyheaded string of scenes? Something to make you ponder?

WHERE
on DVD while doing housework? Vacuum away with out fear of missing any important dialog.

There are literally 30 episodes of Twilight Zone more intelligent than this film. You can see 5 episodes instead of watching this film, in less time.

WHEN
I don't know when would be a good time to see this movie.  Airplane? On mushrooms?

HOW

I didn't get the choice of shots. I didn't get any of the dialog. I didn't get the point, the plot. I didn't get this movie. It looked good scene by scene. Sets, cinematography, costumes, lighting are all very good.

Two and 3/4  hours of flat, soul-less, incoherent story and that's it.  I enjoyed less than 10 minutes out of it.

Did the film-makers just try and do too much with a potentially interesting premise based on an idea from a short story?  Or did the filmmakers have to do a massive work-around over an unacceptable performance by the actor playing the essential central character.

I disagree with those who say that if Brad Pitt was in a scene with Jessica Simpson, she'd out-act him every time.   I think they're about equal right now.

WHY

I didn't get this film even though many in the audience said they enjoyed the film (the director was there with a question and answer session afterwards). After reading the publicity brochure where they explain what they're trying to say in this film, I can only say, "I still don't get it"? I don't think there is anything to get!! They must have tried to say something in this film, but it just didn't work.

135 minutes too long

slow
visual
heavy
light
escapism
f oriented
non-thinking
waste of time

The Dark Knight:Batman  drama 13+Best sp. effects! exciting.Acting, Script, Dialog, H.L. death hysteria no review

DOUBT  drama  30+ drama, suspense, Streep!! Acting, Editing, Script, Dialog, Streep!! molestation              

DOUBT reviewed BY ADAM

drama
8
suspenseful, dramatic

BEST FOR: dialog fans 30+
GOOD FOR: all 15+
NOT FOR: action movie fans

60+ fantastic
45-60 great
30-45 excellent
20-30 great
15-20 okay
-15 sex inference

WHO
Great for thinkers, perhaps religious people.
Great for suspense fans, fans of Streep, great performances.
Okay for aware teens to elderly.

WHAT
Movie takes place in a church and school, covering complex issues, one of which is child molestation by the clergy, so be forewarned.
Great script. Pacing on "go" from start to finish with Meryl Streep giving a performance for the ages.

WHERE
See it soon before you hear too much,
don't wait for DVD.

WHEN
Great choice when you want a heavy duty drama.

HOW
Great script, dialog, treatment, pacing. Basically, Merle Streep takes the movie at the 1 yard-line, carries it 100 yards for a touchdown, then spikes the ball in the end zone!
Watch the superstar completely controlling every inch of the screen.  I sat there in the front row savoring every word she spoke so deliberately, so perfectly.  Like an earthquake, each millisecond the word continues is as if time is standing still.

good message
sex inference
visual
dramatic
heavy
intelligent
witty
dark
college educated
drama

DOUBT   drama 18+ powerful performances by all actors, storyline, stylized shots heavy dialogue for -18

reviewed by CABRAN

9.5
scenes between seasoned, talented actors are electric

BEST FOR: fans of live theatre, anyone who has experienced the "Catholic school thing"
GOOD FOR: anyone who appreciates fine acting and unpredictable plotlines
NOT FOR: people who prefer action to dialogue in films
60+ ok
45-60 excellent
30-45  excellent
20-30  good
15-20  possibly
-15  not good

WHO
people who actually attended Catholic school in the 60s will probably find characters familiar... anyone who enjoys going to plays will appreciate the pacing and acting style in this film
you may not enjoy this if you're not fond of heavy dialogue in films, or not comfortable with the idea of scandal in Catholic churches or schools

WHAT
this is an example of a movie driven by acting, like old-style dramas or stage plays... no relying on exotic locations, special effects, or car chases here... a story that keeps you interested and wondering what will become of every character involved

WHERE
this is best seen on the big screen, where you can see every inch of every frame and really absorb the mood and feel of every shot, and the overall grayness of the movie -- which adds to the feeling of something sinister on the horizon

WHEN
good for older audiences, or younger ones if they're educated and/or appreciative of character-driven films... good for a weekend or even a weeknight at the movies

HOW
this film is very well made and well-acted, and stylish but without the usual "Hollywood tricks" -- the only "gimmick" I noticed were some shots in which the camera was slightly tilted, a la Hitchcock, but that worked, it added to the drama of the shot without distracting from it

WHY
Meryl Streep will almost certainly be nominated for an Oscar, and probably Philip Seymour Hoffman too... their scenes together are excellent, and the story keeps your interest until the last moment

good message
visual
dramatic
heavy
date movie
married couples
intelligent
dark

Elegy drama   55+  relationship introspective. june-september romance. Penelope.  Slow, long. dry. aging.

ELEGY
drama
6.5
june-november romance

BEST FOR: wistful widowers
GOOD FOR: rainy night
NOT FOR: light n fluffy

60+  good
45-60 good
30-45 maybe
20-30 gals?
15-20 dull
-15 nudity

WHO
Penelope Cruz fans.
Good for thinkers, romantics, closer to 60.
Depressed people.

WHAT
This film is about a 60-something sexual professor and 20s student relationship. It's sad, remorseful. From the 60s guy perspective.
Pacing steady: slow.

WHERE
okay to wait for DVD, unless you want to see Cruz's artistic nude modeling on the big screen.

WHEN
Not a date movie. Old guy's night out?

HOW
Ghandi is okay. Penelope Cruz is great. She's very effective, although the edits suggested they might have needed a lot of takes to maximize her performance.

slow
introspective
sex
heavy
m oriented
wait for DVD
important film
semi-intelligent
romance
dark
college educated