Movie’s | The Movie Crew

Love Actually (2003)

Posted on December 11, 2012 by recon8082

Running Time:2hrs 15 min

Directed by: Richard Curtis

Written by Richard Curtis

Ran-Dizzle (Host)

All I want for Christmas is Will to enjoy a movie that doesn’t involve the $5.00 bin at Wal-mart or Youtube.

So This is a movie of about several different ways love invades us all, even around holidays such as Christmas. Most of these stories that John has mentioned below will have a common ground with most of us. But what I loved about these different love stories is how one can connect to the characters, to me that means it’s well written.

I think the worst part about this film is the horrible music “Love is all around us” Bill Nighy Cannot sing at all….Sorry if you read this Bill (But I doubt you will) But the All you need is love during the wedding ceremony was pretty awesome.

Casting was phenomenal and couldn’t imagine a better cast. Although some parts were a little bit over done….like the diving in for the screen play, learning the drums so fast and then playing awesomely for the show…..little cheesy but liked it.

Overall pretty decent chick-flick holiday movie that doesn’t involve traditional holiday shenanigans.

4‘s

Big JD

“Love Actually… is all around”

A series of Love stories strategically placed into one movie. On top of that it turns out to be a Christmas movie. How bout that. A hopeless romantic’s dream movie that can be watched year after year with the excuse that its “tradition”.

This is a look at the many forms of Love that we all encounter in our lives. I feel that this movie really did well at touching upon all forms. Break out your Love Dictionary’s were going on a trip. 1) The” Lost Love”. 2) The “step-parent Love”. 3) The “Puppy Love”. 4) The “We’re Just Married” Love. 5) The “My best friend just married the girl I’m in love with I better keep my mouth shut” love. 6) The “I thought I was in love until she cheated on me” love. 7) The “I’m looking for love but I’m mistaking that for lust” love. 8) The “foreigner’s are always more attractive” love 9) The “we work in a sexual environment but still found each other’s hearts” love 10) The “lust that causes men to cheat” love. 11) The “I think I want to do my boss” love. 12) The “I know you cheated on me to some degree but I’m willing to forgive you for the kids” love. 13) The “secret love”. 14) “The obligated family member love” 15) The “platonic love that one feels for a really good friend” Love. 16) “I love my profession” love. 17) The “I just fell in love with someone I work with” love. And probably the best one in the entire movie. 18) The “I have no idea what you are saying and neither do you but somehow we still fell in love” love. So, with all of those messages of love wrapped into 2 hours and 15 minutes do you feel overwhelmed? No, not actually. I can’t go through all of the story lines, nor can I mention ALL of the actors, but I will talk briefly about what was lacking. Was there anything lacking?

The cast was fantastic. It is really fun watching a movie with so many stars involved. With so many recognized actors it almost made up for the fact that everyone was British (exception of a few) and that’s fine and everything but I have a small pet peeve annoyance for the British accent. I’m sorry, it’s like nails on a chalk board to me. But if that’s the worst I can come up with then this movie will not disappoint you. I will say it’s one of those movie for men that they really don’t want to watch until they’ve watched it and then they say “that wasn’t that bad… it was actually pretty good.” Well, ok let me just say Denise Richards was totally out of place and I could have done without seeing her show up.

Little fact after the movie was over I had realized that the actor that played the friend that was in love with Kiera Knightley’s character is no other than “Rick” from “The Walking Dead”. I was amazed really. Also, saw “January Jones” from “Mad Men & X-Men: First Class” in there. Can you find her?

Comic Book Movie Bonus: Liam Neeson – The Dark Knight Trilogy, Emma Thompson – Men In Black 3, Andrew Lincoln – The Walking Dead …ok it’s TV but I had to mention it, January Jones – X-Men: First Class

Nudity Bonus: Laura Linney – Sarah (1:11:04)(T), Joanna Page – Just Judy (14:32/24:12)(T,A)

4‘s

Willie Good-Cook

-Randizzle pick a good movie for once…actually.-

Take my two least favorite things and put them in one movie and you get this “wonderful” movie. From the opening scenes I knew this movie was not for me. British romance comedy with more characters and stories to tell than a Tolkien novel. This movie has Hugh Grant in it which I guess you could say was their star power…though not in my book (or Liam Nieson…but again…yah.) This movie kind of bothered me honestly. This is a great example of a good idea which was take too far. Lets have 10 couples and tell their whole story and put it all in one movie. or you could cut it down to 2-3 couples and have 2 -3 movies. But no! this director says. Who would want that?

I am not even going to try to sum up the story for you (good luck Ranny,) but I will say most of these stories don’t seem to be rooted in reality. It’s like they tried to fit the plot from every other sappy Romance movie or book and crammed it into one movie. I thought my head would explode by the end of this movie. (but it’s ok, my movie pick next week will promise to bring them both to their knees. MWHAHAHAHAH!) If I were to describe this movie in one word it would have to be: WHY?!

I mostly blame the writers for this movie. The casting was ok…not great. The actors delivered decent performance…but still. You can only fit so much into one movie. You can’t have a person show character development in a 15-20 minute segment. It was like watch a soap opera. Hell, I would have rather watched the soap. At least it isn’t over 2 hours of bad writing. And the way they tie this all together? Lets just do a short montage at the end to show how all the characters have grown and changed because of these experiences….HOW F’N LAZY CAN ONE MOVIE BE!!

If you ask me, there is a reason this movie isn’t award winning, emmy nominated, or anything at all really. The only thing this film deserved was a razzle for having a huge ensemble cast but not being able to make a good movie with it. All this movie was missing was a cameo from Elton John…oh wait. They threw that in too.

-Suggestion- If you dangle between the legs don’t ever…EVER!!!….EVER!!! watch this horrid movie. But if you are a girl…I guess you might like it…a really girly girl….like the Notebook on steroids girly.

0‘ s (Nope, I didn’t forget the rating.)

Top 5 DC Comic Universe Movies

Posted on December 8, 2012 by bigjd1976

Ok, only DC Universe characters only. Hence the word “universe”. There are movies that are based on characters that fall under DC’s imprint “Vertigo”. Those do not count. Ya know Batman, Superman… blah blah blah. *side note* Will has decided to be difficult and deny the fact that the “Watchmen” is not a part of the DC Universe. So, I will leave it because I’m not “that type” of editor. 🙂

Big JD
1. The Dark Knight (2008) (review)

2. Superman (1978)

3. Superman II (1980)

4. Green Lantern (2011)

5. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

.
.
Ran-Dizzle
1. The Dark Knight (2008) (review)

2. Batman Begins (2005)

3. Superman (1978)

4. Batman (1989)

5. Green Lantern (2011)

.
.
Willie Good-Cook

This list might have been the easiest yet. Since there aren’t many good DC movies out there that aren’t Batman movies, I combed through the best of the worst. Dark Knight is easily the best, with Watchmen being a distant second. Green Lantern was better than the Box Office gave it credit for. Batman 1989 was the first comic book movie that I had every seen and it has stuck with me ever since. Jonah Hex rounds out the bottom…mostly because I think Superman movies are garbage and I didn’t want to put another Batman movie.
1. The Dark Knight (2008) (review)

2. Watchmen (not DC universe)

3. Green Lantern (2011)

4. Batman (1989)

5. Jonah Hex (2010)

Top 5 Christmas Movie Remakes

Posted on November 27, 2012 by bigjd1976

A remake of a christmas movie. For example Miracle on 34th street. There was like a 50’s version & then remade in the 90’s. I couldn’t even tell you how many times or different ways “A Christmas Carol” has been done. To be eligible for this top 5 there has to be an original & a second film based on or around the original. Sounds like a buncha lawyer talk to me!

Willie Good-Cook

This is my List. But what I really want is this. ———————————————————————————————————————>
1. Scrooged (1988)

2. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) (Review)

3. How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) (Jim Carrey)

4. Christmas Carol: The Movie (2001)

5. Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas (1997)
.

.
Big JD

.
1. Scrooged (1988)

2. How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

3. Scrooge (1951)

4. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) (Review)

5. Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
.

.
Ran-Dizzle
1. Scrooged (1988)

2. How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

3. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) (Review)

4. Scrooge(1951)

5. Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)
.

Top 5 Star Wars Movies

Posted on November 26, 2012 by bigjd1976

George Lucas started a franchise and the world fell in love it. This top 5 explores all 6 films as well as anything feature length with it being Star Wars related. Yes, that does mean the 2 Ewok made for TV films. But I will not include the Star Wars Christmas Special. I refuse.

Ran-Dizzle

1. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)

2.Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

3.Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)

4.Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)

5.Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)

Willie Good-Cook

For some reason Lucas does a great job on the last movies in his trilogies. The rest are mostly bad with a little good sprinkled in.

1.Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)

2.Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)

3.Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)

4.Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

5.Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)

Big JD

1. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

2. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)

3. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)

4. Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)

5. Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)

Star Wars – Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)

Posted on November 19, 2012 by recon8082

Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace

Running Time: 2 Hrs and 16 Min

Starring-Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman – Directed by – George Lucas

A long long time ago, in a galaxy far away….

Star War: Episode 1- The Phantom Menace

Two Jedi Knights show up for negotiations with the Trade Federation as ambassadors, Once they discover they are Jedi they attempt to kill them and fail the Jedi then attempt to save Naboo, they run into several paths of different characters and a young man who will bring balance to the force. As they are doing this the Sith resurface from hiding and try to put an end to the Jedi Knights work.

Ran-Dizzle (Host)

Since the Star Wars/Disney news I’ve wanted to go back and re-visit Star Wars, Of course these movies never get old with me, (and the Ep.IV – VI bring back some memories of me and dad on the couch watching these movies.) Anyways back to the review

This particular Episode is one that I am 50/50 on. I like the Storyline, how they bring some essence of what Anakin was like, and get to know some back story of Darth Vader, Greedo, Obi Wan, and who gave birth to the hero’s down the line. Although I think Padme was rocking the cradle a little bit, especially when you see this then it jumps to Episode 2..but let’s continue on with Episode 1.

One Character I DESPISE!! Jar-Jar Binks, The most annoying, obviously he was thrown in when George Lucas was drinking or Smoking something at Skywalker Ranch, because this character is 100% annoying and couldn’t figure out other then they make him a connecting point between Jedi and the Gungans. Some compare him to Ewoks…Yes, if your going to compete on which one of any Star Wars Character is going to be considered the “Gay Icon” of Star Wars, My money would be on Jar-Jar…atleast Ewoks are furry and cute, yes annoying, but they are just Midget Chewbaccas… Something else that bothered me a little was the acting of Jake Lloyd, I mean for a Young Anakin, not bad but just when he’s talking to Watto, or just anyone else it kind made me feel like he was over acting, which isn’t hard to do being a child star you don’t really know emotions ect. (I know you are probably thinking “As if I know, your not even in Hollywood.” But I have had some acting classes so I know a little)

I like how the Sith come to light in this movie, Darth Maul was interesting loved the Double-Ended Lightsaber, I think they killed him off too soon. They build this bad-ass sith and then Obi-Wan kills him in a matter of minutes…???

Over all the Special Effects and Storyline was good for a prequel. (Don’t Forget it’s now in 3-D)

4‘s

Big JD

I remember when this movie first came out. I waited in line so excited for a matinee viewing and after it was all over said and done. I was left more overwhelmed than anything. I over looked the whole Jar Jar thing but just to see a Star Wars film was my only care. There was an overload of information and at times there were moments that were completely unnecessary. (corny comedy). After growing up with the original trilogy all that I could do was to take everything in and see how it all related.

We start by seeing a young Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan MacGregor) and his master Qui-Gon Jin (Liam Neeson) acting as ambassador’s in a trade negotiation. Neeson does great in his role as the seasoned veteran Master Jedi. Even with his great acting the Jar Jar Binks character turns it into Gungan mush. Actually the addition of the whole Gungan race was sort of ridiculous. Boss Nass was not much better than Jar Jar. Although it was kind of nice expanding the universe as this movie did.

So Naboo is invaded by the Trade Federation and their crappy Battle Droids. Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman) is captured and we get to see her in a different outfit every scene she is in. Although the wardrobes are great, if she would spend less time changing clothes and more on Diplomatic Process she may have avoided this. Battle Droids. They are weak and not very tough for anyone to get by. That’s all fine and dandy but why must we hear them say unnecessary things. “That doesn’t compute, uh wait, uh your under arrest”.

The introduction of R2-D2 was very exciting to me. I love R2! Better yet we get to see what his main purpose was. Astromech droid. He fixes ships. It makes so much sense now! The intro to his pal C-3PO was also pretty cool “My parts are showing, My Goodness!” Yes, 3PO without his gold body. The comments from him are a bit corny but it is only a taste of what is yet to come in Episode II. And to think… he was built by Darth Vader… Damn that memory wipe!

Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) was young to say the least. Put him in a scene with Jar Jar and it is just painful. Although his “hitting” on Padme was equally uncomfortable. It all comes down to his acting though. “I’m a person, and my name is Anakin”. Not funny. Enter Darth Maul. The second coming of Darth Vader for the fans. They needed to see a bad guy. Darth Maul was pretty cool and so was his initial fight scene. Although we don’t get to see much of him. His final fight scene has to be one of the better Lightsaber fights I’ve seen. Coupled with John Williams’ score only made it great. “Duel of the fates” was/is spectacular.

The whole podrace/Anakin and him being freed felt a little forced story wise but it works out In the end. The podrace in general was pretty neat-o when I first saw it too. Anakin’s Ingenuity and his ability to control the force slightly is really stressed upon here. The announcers were one of the many unnecessary additions to the movie. Oh, and I haven’t seen a digital Jabba I have liked yet.

Why did the “force” need to be broken down? Midi-chlorians? I remember hearing that for the first time and thinking “ok, yeah, that makes sense? But why?” So in the end, Jake Lloyd’s acting, The corny characters (such as Jar Jar, Watto, Battle Droids, etc.) mixed with the one liner’s that were written throughout, and the Midi-chlorians all detract from the movie it could have been. Speaking of Detracting… When I first saw Yoda, I was like “What!?” I thought that he looked that way because he was younger but that much of a difference between 30-40 years when he is like 800 plus years old anyway? Whatever. The Blu-ray release has him digitized and he looks much, much better. I mean, I was all for the use of puppets before but that puppet looked nothing like Yoda.

So, with this being my least favorite Star Wars movie, after you watch it a million times it does get better, although the corny one-liners seem to become more prominent after every watch.

Comic Book Movie Plus: Samuel L. Jackson: The Avengers, Iron Man 2, Marvel Post Credits, The Spirit – Liam Neeson: The Dark Knight Trilogy – Natalie Portman: Thor, V for Vendetta, Terrance Stamp: Wanted, Elektra, Superman, Superman II – Ray Park: X-Men – Dominic West – Punisher: War Zone

3.5‘s

Willie Good-Cook

-Lucas, WHY!!!-

This is going to be long folks, so get your popcorn and drinks ready! Ok, first off I was not alive during the original 3 movies being released. So I missed out on the first Star Wars nerd fever. My parents however did not and they were nice enough to have me watch the movies and impart onto me a little of the madness. I was very excited to hear about this movie coming out. My own generations trilogy. How cool did that sound?! But then came George Lucas….

This movie had some of the things that made the original trilogy great. Great light saber battles, pretty good special effects, a decent story, and nice new characters. He also failed in many ways. Who the f#$% decided to cast that guy as Anakin? Who thought it was a good idea to call him Annie?! Jar Jar….why? WTF is a midi-clorian? Why tamper with the force from the first trilogy?

These were all things that easily could have been avoided had Lucas and his team of writers had their heads pulled firmly out of their a$$es. The actors/actresses did a wonderful job. The score to this movie is one of my favorites in any movie to date. They did a great job of matching the music to the first movies without making it identical or some cheap knock off.

The story line and plot are ok in this movie as well. Except a couple things. How does a kid make a fully functional robot? I tinkered around when I was that age…but come on. Seriously? Why bring two important characters in and then kill them off in one movie? Annie single-handedly takes down the control ship which conveniently shuts down the whole droid army (Avengers style). How did Qui-gon get owned so fast by Darth Maul. They have an even fight for like 20 minutes then all of a sudden he gets facerolled. Whats up with that?

-Suggestion-

Star Wars is for nerds…just like Star Trek. If you have a little nerd in you, indulge him and watch this one.

3.5 ‘s

Top 5 Natural Disaster Movies

Posted on November 17, 2012 by bigjd1976

Top 5 Natural Disaster Movies

The end of the world. Tornadoes, Earthquake, & Volcano’s Oh My! If the premise is about the end of life as we know it on the planet or in the character’s small town it has to be caused by a “natural” disaster. No Aliens here folks. That was 2 weeks ago.

Big JD

1997-98 was a couple of great years for Natural Disaster movies. And I will say this. The president role is very important. I would follow Morgan Freeman (Deep Impact) to the ends of the earth for a Ice Cream Cone as long as he narrated it the whole time. Very crucial.

1. Deep Impact (1998)

2. The Day After Tomorrow (2004)

3. Armageddon (1998)

4. 2012 (2009) (review)

5. Dante’s Peak (1997)

Ran-Dizzle

1. Twister (1996)

2. The Day After Tomorrow (2004)

3. Dante’s Peak (1997)

4. Armageddon (1998)

5. The Poseidon Adventure (2005)

Willie Good-Cook

I picked these because, for one Land Before Time is etched in my memory from childhood. Armageddon is a great movie. 2012 was very entertaining. Twister has great one liners (It does!). And Dante’s Peak was probably Pierce’s best movie. (Sorry James Bond.)

1. The Land Before Time (1988)

2. Armageddon (1998)

3. 2012 (2009) (review)

4. Twister (1996)

5. Dante’s Peak (1997)

Top 5 Alien Invasion Movies

Posted on November 8, 2012 by bigjd1976

They come from another planet to take over ours. Or just to hang out… Mainly these movies are all about the Invasion. You ever have someone stand too close to your personal bubble? Well, it’s kinda like that but only with Aliens, Spaceships & stuff.

Willie Good-Cook

I think my list speaks for itself. They are all very well done. ID4 was back when Bay did no wrong. Mars Attacks has a great cast and is very funny. MIB is MIB. WoTW is a classic that started it all. The Faculty is a favorite of mine and also had a great cast.

1. Independence Day (1996)

2. Mars Attacks! (1996)

3. Men in Black (1997)

4. War of The Worlds (1953)

5. The Faculty (1998)

Big JD

The best invasion movies to me are the ones that try to ask the question “What would happen if Aliens tried to invade Earth?” That and anything made by Marvel. heh heh.

1. Independence Day (1996)

2. War of the Worlds (2005)

3. Signs (2002)

4. Marvel’s The Avengers (2012) (review)

5. Mars Attacks! (1996)

Ran-Dizzle

As much as I love The Avengers. I think these movies kind of made more of an impact in my life, Especially #5 I liked how they kept it in “real time” while it was going on. Overall I think ID4 was and is to me the best Alien Invasion film. However I am shocked Will did not chose his movie as one of his Top 5.

1. Independence Day (1996)

2. Superman II (1980)

3. Men in Black (1997)

4. Men in Black II (2002)

5. Cloverfield (2008)

Top 5 Vampire Movies Of All Time

Posted on November 6, 2012 by bigjd1976

Top 5 Vampire Movies Of All Time

Vamps, Bloodsuckers, children of the night are what we are talking about here. Hey, if we have any “sparkley” vampires in our top 5’s try not to be too harsh.

Ran-Dizzle

1. Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)

2. Interview With The Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994) (Review)

3. The Lost Boys (1987)

4. Dracula: Dead and Loving it (1995)

5. Queen of the Damned (2002)

Willie Good-Cook

I like all types of vampire movies. Though I try to steer away from shimmering glistening ones. I also like some humor in my movies so this is probably reflected in my list.

1. The Lost Boys (1987)

Big JD

It’s obvious that I go for more of the classic vampire type. Actually the older the movie the scarier it gets. Nosferatu has got to be one of the scariest movies of all time. He’s so creepy!

1. Nosferatu (1922)

2. Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)

3. Interview With The Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994) (Review)

4. Blade II (2002)

5. The Lost Boys (1987)

Top 5 Possession Movies

Posted on November 6, 2012 by bigjd1976

Top 5 Possession Movies

I think this top 5 speaks for itself. Demonic, to other means of something or someone taking over your body. Now, this doesn’t fit the whole “Body Swap” genre like Freaky Friday. Nope. These are like “oh sh#t! Billy just got possessed and now he’s talking like Uncle Herman!” Every once in a while, I like to pretend like I’m possessed by an other worldly being so, that I don’t have to talk to people.

Big JD

1. The Rite (2011)

2. Paranormal Activity 2 (2010)

3. The Excorcist (1973)

4. Session 9 (2001)

5. Drag Me To Hell (2009)

Ran-Dizzle

1. Ghostbusters (1984)

2. Evil Dead (1981)

3. The Shining (1980) (review)

4. Amityville Horror (1979)

5. Paranormal Activity (2007)

Willie Good-Cook

The first three on this list came easily. The last two were kinda thrown in. The first two for obvious classical reasons and Bride of Chucky because it brought the humor into slasher films.

1. The Excorcist (1973)

2. The Shining (1980) (review)

3. Bride of Chucky (1998)

4. The Evil Dead (1981)

5. Paranormal Activity (2007)

Top 5 Fantasy World Invades the Real World or Vice Versa Movies

Posted on November 6, 2012 by bigjd1976

Top 5 Fantasy World Invades the Real World or Vice Versa Movies

You know what I’m talkin’ bout! Ya know where someone from a Fantasy world comes to our “real” world and is out-of-place for some reason. Or you could say where the girl/guy from the “real” world is transported to a fantasy world and has to adapt.

Ran-Dizzle

1. Meet Joe Black (1998)

2. Thor (2011)

3. The Neverending Story (1984)

4. What Dreams May Come (1998)

5. Flash Gordon (1980)

Willie Good-Cook

This pick was pretty easy. MMaTLotR is #1 for its awesome originality and superior special effects. The rest pale in comparison. Also, Black Knight was voted one of the worst movies of all time…which makes me love it too!!

1. Max Magician and The Legend of the Ring (2002) (review)

2. Jumanji (1995)

3. The Wizard of Oz (1939)

4. The Neverending Story (1984)

5. Black Knight (2001)

Big JD

Let’s see, we got Real meets Fantasy 4 times & a Fantasy meets Real 1 time. Can you pick out which one’s are which? I think it’s easy to say that I like my characters as “Real” world as they can get and ship them off to a fantasy land. Golly I love that Pleasantville movie. Such a metaphor for life right?

1. Pleasantville (1998)

2. What Dreams May Come (1998)

3. Time Bandits (1981)

4. Sucker Punch (2011)

5. Thor (2011)