Day 106: The Prince of Egypt

The Prince of Egypt
Directors: Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner & Simon Wells
Starring: Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sandra Bullock, Jeff Goldblum, Danny Glover, Patrick Stewart, Helen Mirren, Steve Martin & Martin Short
Rated: PG
Length: 99 min.
Released: December 18, 1998
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
Egypt, eons of years ago: Pharao Seti commands all male hebrew babies to be drowned. A desperate mother places her son in a basket and lets the Hebrew god guide it along its way on the river. The basket is found by the Queen, and Moses is brought up as a brother to the heir of the throne, Ramses. Years later, the brothers, who grew up happily and wealthy, are split by Moses’ recognition of his true heritage and the suppressing system his brother is about to inherit, willing to carry it on. Fleeing from the city in despair, Moses finds himself being called by God. He is given the task of being the messenger in order to free the Hebrews and to lead them into a country where milk and honey flow.

My Thoughts:
One of the first animated films to come out of Dreamworks Pictures, The Prince of Egypt is absolutely brilliant!  An animated masterpiece by all accounts. Emotionally griping, powerful and perfect in every way.

Most who know me know that I’m not one for musicals and/or song in movies…but when the songs are as powerful and well integrated as these I make an exception. This is how it should be done. The song itself becomes an enhanced tool to tell the story in a more emotional way. The songs really are powerful…and they add to the strength of the movie so much.

The animation is 100% perfect. It blends traditional animation with CG animation so seamlessly! It’s such a grand scale movie, and yet grounded in such a personal story. My favorite part of the story is the dynamic of the brotherly relationship between Moses and Rameses. It’s a great foundation for the film and a perfect for the audience to connect and relate to these powerful and historical figures. These two men have such a history and are so easily put on pedestals. Making them so relatable keeps them grounded. That makes you get really invested in the story, the characters and the outcome of their relationship because you care about them so much.

The all-star celebrity cast that jumped on board is awesome and they fit their characters perfectly. I’ve seen the Exodus story told several different times…this is hands down my favorite. If you have not seen this film I don’t just highly recommend it…I implore you to watch this movie. It is animated perfection and the best representation of the story of Moses I have ever seen.

You guessed it…5 stars out of 5.

Day 100: Hoosiers

Hoosiers
Director: David Anspaugh
Starring: Gene Hackman
Rated: PG
Length: 114 min.
Released: November 14, 1986
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
A classic tale of redemption, this film features a volatile coach and a former star player-turned alcoholic leading a small-town basketball team on an improbable run to the Indiana high school championship game. Coach Norman Dale encounters several hurdles in his path: a feisty teacher determined to keep the best player from going out for the team, a town chock full of second-guessing fathers, and a group of undisciplined athletes. Story inspired by the Milan (Indiana) Indians’ state title of 1954.

My Thoughts:
ONE HUNDRED POSTS!!! HECK YEAH!!!

I must say this whole blogging movie challenge has been an interesting ride. Not every day has been easy to make it happen, and while the posting may have fallen a little off at times…they are all their. And yes, the movie watching has stayed accurate. One movie…everyday…for 100 days straight. It’s been a ton of fun so far. Take some time to check out all the posts from the last hundred days if you’d like. It’s been quite the journey….and a ton of fun.

Okay, on with my reaction to Hoosiers…

Like with The Sandlot I got this movie for free from a Kellogg’s cereal box order by mail deal. I mean come on…free movies? Count me in! And it’s one of the top sports movies of all time! I couldn’t pass that up.

Hoosiers is certainly one of the best and arguably the best sports movie ever made. For sure it’s the greatest underdog story ever told. I love how the best spots movies out there are all based on true events. Remember the Titans. The Blindside, We are Marshal, Rudy, Radio…and the list goes on.

This film is a masterful work building the growth of a team and their trust in both their coach and themselves to an amazing final showdown on the court. It also has a small town vs big city rivalry which adds a unique dynamic to the story. I can imagine being from such a small town, anything outside of the norm would be a bit overwhelming.

The energy, and the love for this team builds so well. You can’t help but root for the small town, underdog Hoosiers and hope that they can pull it off beating the big city schools. Having graduated from a small liberal arts college, whenever we were in competitions of any kind (sports or otherwise) it was always a big deal that we were able to “run with the big dogs.”

Hackman is perfect as the head coach, truly. And Dennis Hoper has a great role as the assistant coach still trying to put his life together and rebuild his relationship with his son. Hoper’s character in particular is an interesting one to watch progress and change through the picture.

This one gets 5 stars out of 5…for sure. If you haven’t seen it yet…you need to. It’s a great true story.

Day 92: Zodiac

Zodiac
Director: David Fincher
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr. & John Carroll Lynch
Rated: R
Length: 157 min.
Released: March 2, 2007
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
Robert Graysmith is a cartoonist who works for the San Francisco Chronicle. His quirky ways irritate Paul Avery, a reporter whose drinking gets in the way of doing his job. The two become friends thanks to a shared interest: the Zodiac killer. Graysmith steadily becomes obsessed with the case, as Avery’s life spirals into drunken oblivion. Graysmith’s amateur sleuthing puts him onto the path of David Toschi, a police inspector who has thus far failed to catch his man; Sherwood Morrill, a handwriting expert; Linda del Buono, a convict who knew one of the Zodiac’s victims; and others. Graysmith’s job, his wife and his children all become unimportant next to the one thing that really matters: catching the Zodiac.

My Thoughts:
I hate writing “reviews” about these kinds of movies because I don’t want to give too much away. I knew nothing going into this movie other than it’s about a serial killer in California. That made the story all the more intriguing and I just got sucked in. The suspense of finding who the guy is…just soooo good.

This movie blew me away. I thought it was going to be incredibly lame and it turned out to be just the opposite. The fact that this is based on a true story is really the craziest thing about it. It’s a classic detective story about one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in US history. It’s just insane.

The acting in this film is just stellar. It has a nice supporting role from “Mr. Iron Man” himself, Robert Downey Jr. and a stand up performance from Jake Gyllenhaal as well.

The one down fall I would have to give it is the length. At just over two and a half hours it does seem to go on forever. However, I think that adds to our relatability to the frustrations of those trying to track down this killer. It goes on for years and seems like it is taking forever to find this guy. As a viewer you start to get frustrated with how long it’s taking to get this guy…and that’s the point. When that happens it helps us relate to the hero of the story and what he is feeling at that time.

This one is getting 4.5 stars out of 5.

Day 83: The Silence of the Lambs

The Silence of the Lambs
Director: Jonathan Demme
Starring: Jodie Foster & Anthony Hopkins
Rated: R
Length: 118 min.
Released: February 14, 1991
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
A psychopath known as Buffalo Bill is kidnapping and murdering young women across the Midwest. Believing it takes one to know one, the F.B.I. sends Agent Clarice Starling to interview a demented prisoner who may provide psychological insight and clues to the killer’s actions. The prisoner is psychiatrist, Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant, murderous cannibal who will only help Starling if she feeds his morbid curiosity with details about her own complicated life. This twisted relationship forces Starling not only to confront her psychological demons, but leads her to face with a demented, heinous killer, an incarceration of evil so powerful, that she may not have the courage — or strength — to stop him!

My Thoughts:
There is a reason why this got so many Oscars…it’s just that good. Growing up through the 90s I never saw this film because I was always told it was a “horror” movie. In my mind that meant a slasher flick with stupid teenagers getting hacked to bits. Imagine my surprise when I finally gave it a shot and found that it was really a suspenseful, dramatic, murder mystery with only a couple scenes that could be remotely considered in the “horror” genre.

I would also make a note that the villain, Buffalo Bill…is very often misunderstood as some crazy gay guy and he’s not. Not gay anyway. Watch the “behind the scenes” and “making of” special features on the DVD and they explain it more. Ed Gein is the real life guy that the character was based on, and he wasn’t gay at all. He was very confused…and crazy, but not gay.

As for the acting in this film, it’s top notch!!! Anthony Hopkins is truly at his best in this film. The twist…so good. Just a classic “NO WAY!” moment. I loved it! Jodie foster also does a great job!…and I’m shocked that I’m saying that. I have rarely liked anything she has done. So, for me to use the word “great” with Jodie Foster, and the word “disaster” isn’t anywhere in the sentence…that says a lot.

This is one of my favorites for sure. If the Hannibal movies are something you’ve avoided because you feared they were in the horror genre I would say give them a shot. They weren’t nearly as scary as I thought, and they turned out to be more like a suspenseful murder mystery…not a horror movie. Ignore the Hannibal Rising movie…(gag me)…and just stick with the three Anthony Hopkins flicks. His performance as Dr. Hannibal Lecter is timeless. I’m giving this one 4 stars out of 5.

Day 74: Gladiator: Extended Edition

Gladiator: Extended Edition
Directed by: Ridley Scott
Starring: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen & Richard Harris
Rated: NR (Theatrical rated R)
Length: 171 min.
Theatrical Release: May 5, 2000
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
In Gladiator, victorious general Maximus Decimus Meridias has been named keeper of Rome and its empire by dying emperor Marcus Aurelius, so that rule might pass from the Caesars back to the people and Senate. Marcus’ neglected and power-hungry son, Commodus, has other ideas, however. Escaping an ordered execution, Maximus hurries back to his home in Spain, too late to save his wife and son from the same order. Taken into slavery and trained as a gladiator by Proximo, Maximus lives only that he might someday take his revenge and fulfill the dying wish of his emperor. The time soon comes when Proximo’s troupe is called to Rome to participate in a marathon of gladiator games held at the behest of the new emperor, Commodus. Once in Rome, Maximus wastes no time in making his presence known, and is soon involved in a plot to overthrow the emperor with his former-love Lucilla, Commodus’ sister, after whom he lusts, and also the widowed mother of Lucius, heir to the empire after his uncle, and democratic-minded senator, Gracchus.

My Thoughts:
One of the most epic films…ever. I loved this movie! The extended version is excellent. There are so many good character developing scenes that were added. It’s awesome.

You can clearly see why it was such a huge Oscar winning movie. Crowe is perfect as is Phoenix as the villainous Cesar. There really isn’t a whole lot els I can say…it’s just amazing! It’s in the league of Braveheart and 300…and better than both (in my humble opinion). You may disagree, and that’s fine…but it is undoubtedly one of the best “epic” films ever made.

By far one of my all time favorite movies. 5 stars out of 5!!!

Day 60: Road to Perdition

Road to Perdition
Directed by: Sam Mendes
Starring: Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Jude Law & Daniel Craig
Rated: R
Length: 117 min.
Released: July 12, 2002
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
Mike Sullivan works as a hit man for crime boss John Rooney. Sullivan views Rooney as a father figure. However after his son is witness to a killing he has done Mike Sullivan finds him self on the run trying to save the life of his son and at the same time looking for revenge on those who wronged him. Jude Law co stars as a hit man hired to kill Sullivan.

My Thoughts:

Perdition:
1 a archaic : utter destruction b obsolete : loss
2 a : eternal damnation b : hell

This has got to be one of the most under rated movies I have ever seen…and one of my all time favorites. Oscar winning director Sam Mendes helms the director’s chair for the first time since winning the academy award for best director of American Beauty, but his Oscar status is not the only one around on the set of Road to Perdition. The amount of Oscar and Golden Globe winners involved in this film is quite simply enormous. Both cast and crew are full of all-stars.

Also, to my shock it’s actually based on a graphic novel!…go figure!

My favorite part about this film is the complexities of all the father and son relationships involved. Watch this movie keeping those relationships in mind. Every time I watch this movie I find more elements of it that I like. The acting is superb. The story is great. It’s engaging and complex. It really takes you by surprise. Again, the father/son dynamic is key in this movie.

Also, it’s rare that a film’s art/set direction come together with the cinematography that makes every frame a work of art. To be honest, with most movies that doesn’t catch my eye at all, but this one does. I’ve heard some reviewers say that it’s almost “too good.” I don’t know how that’s possible…but whatever.

It also showcases Chicago well. Chicago is such a beautiful city and they embrace it and show it off very well.

Last but certainly not least is the score. The music for Road to Perdition is so good. It’s the perfect icing on this beautiful cake. It’s so memorable and creates the perfect mood for each moment and key character. It really does a great job doing exactly what a score is meant to do.

Overall one of the best dramatic films I’ve seen in all my years of watching movies. The “point” of the movie is summed up well in one of the last lines of the young Michael Sullivan Jr. “I realized that my father’s worst fear was that I would end up taking the same road he did.” …the road to perdition.

I’m sure you guessed it by now…5 stars out of 5.

Day 55: The Passion of the Christ

The Passion of the Christ
Directed by: Mel Gibson
Starring: James Caviezel, Maia Morgenstern & Monica Bellucci
Rated: R
Length: 127 min.
Released: February 25, 2004
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
A depiction of the last twelve hours in the life of Jesus of Nazareth, on the day of his crucifixion in Jerusalem. The story opens in the Garden of Olives where Jesus has gone to pray after the Last Supper. Betrayed by Judas Iscariot, the controversial Jesus–who has performed ‘miracles’ and has publicly announced that he is ‘the Son of God’–is arrested and taken back within the city walls of Jerusalem. There, the leaders of the Pharisees confront him with accusations of blasphemy; subsequently, his trial results with the leaders condemning him to his death. Jesus is brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor of Palestine, for his sentencing. Pilate listens to the accusations leveled at Jesus by the Pharisees. Realizing that his own decision will cause him to become embroiled in a political conflict, Pilate defers to King Herod in deciding the matter of how to persecute Jesus. However, Herod returns Jesus to Pilate who, in turn, gives the crowd a choice between which prisoner they would rather to see set free–Jesus, or Barrabas. The crowd chooses to have Barrabas set free. Thus, Jesus is handed over to the Roman soldiers and is brutally flagellated. Bloody and unrecognizable, he is brought back before Pilate who, once again, presents him to the thirsty crowd–assuming they will see that Jesus has been punished enough. The crowd, however, is not satisfied. Thus, Pilate washes his hands of the entire dilemma, ordering his men to do as the crowd wishes. Whipped and weakened, Jesus is presented with the cross and is ordered to carry it through the streets of Jerusalem, all the way up to Golgotha. There, more corporal cruelty takes place as Jesus is nailed to the cross–suffering, he hangs there, left to die. Initially, in his dazed suffering, Jesus is alarmed that he has been abandoned by God his father. He then beseeches God. At the moment of his death, nature itself over-turns.

My Thoughts:

HAPPY EASTER!!!

So, seeing as how it’s Easter I figured it was only appropriate to watch The Passion of the Christ. This is a tough movie for anyone to watch. It’s not really the type of movie that you say you “enjoyed” watching. You aren’t suppose to enjoy it…it’s suppose to make you think, and put things into perspective. And if you do “enjoy” it…well then you’re just some sick sadist with a vehement hatred for Jesus or something. A note, for those that are a bit queezy by the show of graphic violence in movies, there is an edited version available on DVD.

I have made a habit of trying to watch this movie once a year and only once a year. That usually ends up being around Easter. Any more than once a year seems a bit excessive, and the “shock” value that is intended is easily lost. Christian or not, this film is an amazing story about the pain, sacrifice and suffering that Jesus was willing to endure…all powered by love. This is a kind of sacrificial love that needs to be seen by most Christians today. The sacrifice and devotion Jesus had to willingly push on through all of this is inspiring…it really is.

Then, as a Christian, I know that he did all that for me…that just blows my mind. Anyone who doubts their worth as a person need only look at what Jesus chose to endure and suffer on their behalf to see they are truly valued by God.

All religious significance aside…

Even if you aren’t a Christian this movie is just done so well. It really is an epic film and totally worth watching at least once. Jim Caviezel pulls of an amazing performance. Had there not been so much pointless “anti-religion” controversy surrounding this film he would have at least been nominated for an Oscar. To pull of such a strong performance, and in a dead language no less…just an amazing performance. But let’s be real, anyone taking on the role of Jesus isn’t going to get nominated for an Oscar…no matter how good it is.

Then there is one of my favorite aspects of any truly good & epic film…the musical score. This one is incredible! It adds so much to the mood, flow and dynamic of the film. It’s one of my favorite sound tracks (Pity, I still don’t have a copy of it. I’ve been looking but it’s hard to find). If you are a dork like me and love motion picture scores…this one is a must have. I know…I don’t have it, but I still stand by my opinion (and the score did get nominated for an Oscar if I remember right, as did cinematography).

All in all this movie is totally worth the watch. If you don’t know much about the story of Jesus or if it’s been a while. It might be worth reading about before you watch it. That helps to put this portion of the “Gospel Story” into perspective. I know there are a lot of people out there that may know about the story. You may “have a pretty good idea,” but there are some things about this movie that really click (if even from just a literary perspective for the “non-religious” out there) if you take the time to just read it yourself. I think they based the movie on the accounts written in the Gospel of John. It’s a rather quick read, and really helps set up the film.

I’ve said all of that to say this. 5 Stars out of 5. It’s a real unique, epic and inspiring film.

Day 51: Timeline

Timeline
Directed by: Richard Donner
Starring: Paul Walker, Frances O’Connor, Gerard Butler & Billy Connolly
Rated: PG-13
Length: 116 min.
Released: November 26, 2003
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
In the heart of the beautiful and historically rich Dordogne Valley of France, a team of archeology students and their professor diligently work to uncover the ruins of a 14th-century castle. For Professor Edward Johnston, the project is the culmination of a lifelong dream. Aided by assistant professor Andre Marek, his son Chris and students Kate, Stern and François, Johnston has made major strides in unearthing not only La Roque Castle but also a monastery and structures from the surrounding village of Castlegard. But things are about to go haywire… Suspicious of the dig’s benefactor, International Technology Corporation (ITC) and the man who runs it, Robert Doniger, Professor Johnston heads to ITC headquarters in New Mexico to get some answers, and while he’s away, his students discover a chamber that has been sealed for more than 600 years. Marek and Kate descend into the unstable room, and just before a near disastrous cave-in, they make two startling discoveries — a bifocal lens, which couldn’t have been invented before the chamber was sealed, and even more intriguing, a handwritten plea for help dated April 2, 1357…from Professor Johnston! Determined to solve the mystery, the students head for ITC headquarters, where they are stunned to learn of Doniger’s new invention — a machine that can actually transmit three-dimensional objects through space. Although he meant for the device to revolutionize shipping, Doniger inadvertently opened a wormhole that leads directly to the 14th century, and Professor Johnston, who had insisted on experiencing the discovery himself, is now trapped in a vicious French vs. English feudal war! Can Johnston’s loyal students survive one of the most violent battles in world history… and make it back to the 21st century alive?

My Thoughts:
So, unlike the comment on the DVD cover… “Braveheart” this is definitely not. This is a softer, more teenage friendly version perhaps…but still it doesn’t come close. The concept is interesting and it’s based on a book by one of my favorite authors Michael Crichton. Still…it’s no Braveheart. The worst part is the cheese romances thrown in the story. They’re either way to cheesy or incredibly hard to believe.

I did, however, enjoyed some of the “action” and some of the nerdy time travel stuff, but overall this was not a fantastic film. The most interesting part about the movie is probably watching Gerard Butler before he became the huge star he is today. That and any time Billy Connolly is on screen he’s always fantastic to watch. So, basically the Scottish actors steal the show.

I’m giving this one 2.5 stars out of 5. It was okay, but it could have been so much better.

Day 41: Mr. Holland’s Opus

Mr. Holland’s Opus
Directed by: Stephen Herek
Starring: Richard Dreyfuss, Glenne Headly, Jay Thomas & William H. Macy
Rated: PG
Length: 143 min.
Released: January 19, 1996
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
Glenn Holland is a professional musician who would like to spend more time composing so in 1965 he takes up teaching at a local high school. Little does he realize how little free time there will be as a teacher. Initially, he is frustrated at his inability to get through to his students but over time, he becomes quite competent at his profession and in fact has a number of successes. At home, he is devastated to learn that his infant son is deaf and struggles over the years to develop a relationship with him. When, after 30 years of teaching, the music program at his school is canceled he wonders what, if anything, he has really accomplished in his life. Friends and students, past and present, show him just what he has meant to them.

My Thoughts:
This is the type of movie that makes you want to become a teacher…or atleast appreciate the good teachers that are out there. This is a fantastic performance by Richard Dreyfuss! It spans 30 years of American history and touches on so many issues that faced the US during these times. More over, it touches on issues that face students, teachers and parents…and Lord knows we’ve all ben one of those in some capacity at least once in our life.

I’ve always given serious thought to becoming a teacher, and it’s the ocasional great teacher or two that made an impact on me that this film is really all about. It’s not based on a “true story”…but it’s based on a lot of true stories. It kind of stands as a tribute to all the great teachers out there who inevitably retire and wonder if it was all worth it…did they make an impact…and this film answers that question.

This one gets 4.5 stars out of 5. It really takes you for a ride and pulls at those heart-strings.

Day 24: The Exorcism of Emily Rose

The Exorcism of Emily Rose
Directed by: Scott Derrickson
Starring: Laura Linney, Tom Wilkinson, Campbell Scott & Jennifer Carpenter.
Rated: PG-13
Length: 119 min
Released:  September 9, 2005
Trailer

IMDB.com synopsis:
A young girl dies under the care of her parish priest. While attending college, Emily believed she became possessed. After medical care ceases to work, she turned to her faith. In the care of her priest she dies and he goes on trial for her death. He is represented by a career-minded and driven lawyer who does not believe in God. Thus is the story of Emily Rose, told by those in the trial and the priest who watched her through her possession.

My Thoughts:
Right away I have to say most people who like “horror” movies will probably be disappointed if you go into this with the mindset of it being a “scary” movie. It’s not much of a horror movie at all. It’s PG-13…it’s a court room drama…it has a couple scary moments sure, but by in large it’s not a “horror” movie at all. So don’t go into it with that mindset. Sadly, I’m sure there are those who don’t like horror movies at all (I can understand that) who chose to avoid this one all together because they assume it’s a horror movie. I mean…what movie would have the word exorcism in the title and not be a horror film?…This one would.

Believe it or not, this movie is based rather heavily on a very real story of a girl named Anneliese Michel. Some of the ideas touched on through this story and the movie are things like making a sacrifice, things that can be gained through suffering, spiritual warfare and being willing to carry a burden for a cause greater than yourself. Now, if you agree with the spiritual side of the story or not, the themes touched on and issues brought to life really make you think…and I love that. There is a Christian heavy metal band called The Ascendicate who apparently saw the movie and was moved by it enough that they made a  song concerning the movie called Burden. It’s good stuff.

If you aren’t a horror movie fan at all I wouldn’t write off this movie. If you are…I wouldn’t associate that much with The Exorcism of Emily Rose. Just having the word exorcism in the title can give people the wrong impression. It has it’s scary moments sure…but it’s more a court room drama…a very serious drama about a very real experience that happened to a real girl, and some deep theological questions that came about as a result of her life and death.

I struggled with the rating to give this one. I originally thought I’d give it 3.5 because it’s a good movie, but I don’t think it’s a huge epic monumental achievement in film making (as far as the strict film making perspective goes). But I decided in the end to give it 4 stars out of 5 because it is a rare film in that it forces the audience to really think about the possibilities of spiritual stuff. This movie goes a lot deeper than I thought it would. It challenges the audience to think a little bit more about the idea of God…the devil…and spiritual warfare. Now a days it takes a lot of guts to put that into a film. A movie that doesn’t vilify the religious aspects and/or heroes is rare in Hollywood. I liked that they had the guts to do that.