All the actors were pretty good but the only one I recognized was Max von Sydow. He played the part of a Jewish survivor of the Holocaust and was the only character that spoke English in the entire movie. Intacto is a Spanish film. When I rented it I was prepared to sit down and read subtitles but I found the DVD does have a 2.1 English track you can choose instead of the 5.1 surround sound Spanish one. I opted to listen in English.

One of the great things about this movie is the discovery of this world of underground gamblers, the games they play to test their luck, and the currency they put up as collateral in order to compete. I would have liked for there to be a visual representation of the luck of the gamblers as it changed bodies and was used. The concept of how luck could be absorbed and given out by certain people was interesting. This was one of those films where you just go along for the ride and enjoy it’s twists and turns. I rented this movie based solely on its premise and was pleased to find it was much more. I give this film a 3 and a half out of 5 marks. Here’s the trailer:

Thought it was a little slow at times, I found this movie intriguing. Part of the time I was waiting for Will Ferrell to do some outrageously, comedic, stupid bit which amazingly didn’t happen though much of his more subtle funny stuff made it through. The other part had me wondering where it was all going as, over time, it seemed to become less and less of a comedy and more of a romantic drama. I’ve never been much of a fan of Will Ferrell and tend to pass on films he stars in but I’m moved to say I liked him in this. In fact it was such a surprise that I give it a 4 out of 5 marks. It’s one of very few films that I’ve sit through more than once.

The whole phenomenon started out with an original clip circulated around the Internet via YouTube. That got the discussion going and in the movie you see additional skits after which there are interviews from people who have just seen it. The only recogizeable actor is Jimmy Jean-Louis who plays the main male role in all the skits. You can find out more about the film and the phenomenon at the official website.

The movie is available for immediate streaming on Netflix so if you’re looking for something to watch with a group of mixed friends that will spark discussion, this could be it. It definitely worked out that way at my house. I give this film a 3 and a half out of 4 marks. Here’s the video that started it all:

I was looking back trying to figure out why I hadn’t seen this movie in the theater and found out the movie was released in the U.S. on only a few screens due to the actual columbine incident. It was later re-released seven years later. There is already a sequel which I have seen and also recommend called The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day. It’s nearly, if not just as good, as the original. I ended up screening both movies back-to-back with friends and a good time was had by all. I consider them both classics and easily give the original 5 out of 5 marks. Check out the trailer for the original:

There’s a lot to like about this movie. It’s clearly low budget but somehow contains all the elements of a great Superhero movie. There’s plenty of comedy as Mirageman learns about the superhero business through trial and error; from who he should trust, what clothing he should wear, to how to get around transportation issues. What really stands out here is the martial arts. This was some of the best fighting choreography I have ever seen outside of a Chinese or Japanese film. There’s no slow motion, just awesome, real-looking fight scenes.

As I said before, this film was made in Chile so it is English dubbed but if you’ve ever watched old martial arts movies of the past then getting through this will be easy. The Superhero movement and action is somewhat similar to the old Spider-Man live action television show. It’s a little cheesy but definitely entertaining and fun to watch. The music is good too. I give this movie a 4 out of 5 marks. Check out the trailer:

There are a lot of interesting little characters here, each with their own little story, the hotel owner, the whore, the doorman, the guy who works in the hospital morgue, and others. This story is more about the challenges, hopes, and dreams of the people you tend to ignore as you go on about your personal business. The taxi drivers, janitors, maids, and countless others are people you pass by and don’t give a second thought but their lives can be vibrant, challenging, and full of flavor. I enjoyed this movie and give it a 4 out of 5 marks.

This movie is kind of out there. You don’t know where it’s going until it’s over then your remember you had a pretty good time getting there. Here, it’s clearly more about the journey than the destination. If I had to describe it better I say that it was about two people being genuine and connecting. What comes of it? Well, you’ll just have to check out the movie to see for yourself. There’s no big action and no sex, just two people hanging out really. At first I wondered where this all was going but once I let that notion go I enjoyed this film. I give it a 4 out of 5 marks. It’s worth a rental.

All that sappy stuff aside, this was a surprisingly good movie and just when I thought I figured out how it was all going to work out, a plot twist came out of nowhere and threw me for a pleasant loop. When I saw the movie I had to read subtitles so if that’s not your bag, make sure you get the English dub. Apparently this is a classic story that has already been made into a movie and a TV drama but probably not here in the U.S. If you’re already an Anime Fan then you’ll love this. If Anime is new to you then this just might be a pleasant way to start getting to know the genre. I’ve included the trailer so you can have a look at it.

I came across this film sort of by accident. It was the title and premise that made me give it a shot and for the most part I was pleasantly surprised. The characters did a lot of what I considered I might do with a time machine. It did hurt my brain at times to keep up with everything but I didn’t mind the challenge. This film has few, real special effects but manages to make the time travel device seem plausible. None of the actors are well known and in truth, the film didn’t require incredible amounts of acting chops. The story is the star here.

This film isn’t for everyone. It’s definitely low budget Sci-Fi and while it can be confusing at times, it was also interesting and rather intelligent. I consider it worth checking out and give it a 3 and a half out of 5 marks. On a good day I’d give it a 4.

One of the things I like most about the movie is the soundtrack. It is made up entirely of East Coast Hip Hop music though there is no African American male starring in the entire movie. In fact the protagonist character in the movie played by Giovanni Ribisi comments that he is embarking on the White person’s version of selling crack rock, becoming a stock broker. The movie has a cast of well known young actors including Ben Affleck, Tom Everett Scott, Jamie Kennedy, and Vin Diesel as well as Ron Rifkin as the Father and Nia Long as the love interest and only African-American member of the cast.

This movie was enjoyable all the way through and I especially loved the soundtrack. I give it a 4 out of 5 marks.