Update! 9/7/07: I was getting sick of this space, I've wrote here for years. It is now official an archive, with the start of my new blog, called amazingly enough: What I Watched Last Night - You'll find the reviews are longer, pictures and links for almost every film. So if you're one of the few consistant readers of this site, please bookmark the blog.

I started keeping a list of everything I see at the begining of 2001. Mostly just to count how many movies I actually see in a year, but to also help me remember what I've seen. I've decided to post it on my website, because I know you're anxiously awaiting to see what I watch next. I know you're going to be here day after day, it's just that damn interesting. To make it slightly more interesting for you, I will to write short notes about most of the films I see, and I may even provide an interesting link for some. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions on what I watch email me.

A guide to where I saw the film: (T)=Theater - (D)=DVD -
(V)=VHS (Ugh.. believe me I'd rather not.) - (TV)=Duh (A rarity.)

Please keep up with the new blog: What I Watched Last Night

  • August

    • 9. Alone in the Dark(D) - I don't know why I continue to torture myself with Uwe Boll films. Something's just so wrong with them, that it's hard to look away. He gets decent actors, good photography and effects, but the basic filmmaking is just so off. The actors are terrible, the story's retarded, the editing barely makes sense at times... almost hypnotic in it's terribleness. I don't know how he continues to keep making films.
    8. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix(T) - Was in a Potter mood after finishing the last book recently. A good adaptation, maybe my 2nd favorite film after the 3rd one.
    The Big Nothing(D) - Another one of those films, where non-criminal types try to pull off a big score and everything goes wrong. A fairly well done one with Simon Pegg and David Schwimmer.
    The Cradle(D) - I rented this because it sounded very similar to a vague idea I had for a horror film. A couple dealing with a new baby in a house out in the middle of nowhere. Some good scares, a lot of tension and a good ending. Highly recommended for those looking for something other than gore in a horror film.
    Golden Days(D) - Click back for full review.
    7. Pathfinder(D) - An okay fantasy type film about a Viking boy growing up with some Indians and then fighting off the Vikings when they return and destroy his home. Some good sword fights.
    Tenacious D and the Pick of Destiny(D) - Thought this would be funnier the second time around, and I was right. Some very off-the-wall scenes.
    Bad Education(D) - Pedro Almodóvar makes some of the most off-beat, yet still believable films; he really is in a world all his own. Always interesting, well made, well acted and beautiful to watch.
    6. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows(Book) - Probably the most looked forward to book of my life (and everyone elses). Another great read, it's a hard read for a while, because the humor from the first books is missing, because everything has gone so bad. But it's all still very interesting as everything is revealed, and the ending really couldn't have been any better. I don't think many Potter fans will be disappointed.
    Dead & Breakfast(D) - One of the best and most original horror movies I've seen in quite a while. I'm really surprised that I hadn't heard more about it. A definite cult-classic.
    Everything's Gone Green(D) - Sold as a stoner film, but the main character never smokes a bit. Instead it was a fairly good film about the struggle of learning who you are in your early 20's. And it was very nice to see Vancouver as itself, they make some good jokes about the movie business there.
    4. The Number 23(D) - Some good photography and fun effects for the dream world stuff, an okay mystery revealed... but never grabbed my full attention.
    3. Once(T) - I'd heard some wonderful things about this extremely small musical film from Ireland. I really loved the movie and the low-key love story and the almost zero budget feel to the film. But it never completely took me over... well worth seeing though.
    1. Roadgames(D) - A pretty good Rear Window type film, but from the moving windows of a truck driving through the dessert of eastern Australia. A charasmatic performance by Stacey Keach, some great chase sequences and some cool photography. A hidden gem.

  • July

    • 31. Monster Squad(D) - I hadn't seen this film since I was a kid, and I was afraid it wouldn't hold up, but it did great. A very fun story, good photography, good monsters, a couple of cheesy performances from the kids, but overall it's still a pretty good film.
    Spielberg on Spielberg(D) - A pretty good documentary that covers most of his career; it was nice to hear his theories on these films, since he's never really opened up about them.
    27. The Simpsons Movie(T) - First movie in quite a while that I felt like I had to be there opening night. Very funny of course, plays like a good long episode, with slightly better animation and some jokes they couldn't pull off on TV. I wasn't blown away, but I was satisfied.
    26. Half Nelson(D) - Watched this for Ryan Goslings Oscar nominated performance, and that's about all it was worth watching for. Didn't do much for me otherwise.
    25. Hills Have Eyes 2(D) - I was surprised by how much I liked this sequel, I wasn't expecting much though. Bad acting drags it down at first, but once it gets going, there are some great death scenes and good freaks. A worthy succesor.
    21. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?(Book) - I've meant to read the book Blade Runner is based on for years, finally got around to it. The basic story is the same, but so much is different, you learn a lot more about the world that they live in. Well worth reading.
    15. Unrest(D) - A horror film that starts with a good build-up and keeps it up for about two acts, then completely falls apart at the end with one of the stupidest explinations ever.
    15. Happy Endings(D) - One of those "Sundance" flicks with the dark-suburbian-humor and the 10 characters all connected in random ways. Wasn't great, but not bad either.
    Wizard of Oz(D) - Been watching this over the last couple nights with our son. He really seemed to dig it, got into the songs and the colorful sets. Just an absolute classic that will live on forever, something that every generation of kids will be able to enjoy.
    14. Diggers(D) - A nice little drama about some clam-diggers in the 70's in Long Island, very understated and true-to-life.
    13. Nacho Libre(D) - I enjoyed this one more the 2nd time around. Great photography, a fun, goofy story and a typical Jack Black performance... people will appreciate this one more in the years to come.
    12. Transformers(T) - Sadly one of my most anticipated films of the summer... and it didn't dissapoint to much, but my expectations were pretty low to begin with. A fun lead in Shia and the robots looked cool and some fun action scenes, but about 20 minutes too long and too much bad comic relief.
    One Missed Call(D) - An okay Japanese horror film, that director Takashi Miike seems to be spoofing the genre a bit. He's one of the most interesting filmmakers out there, check something out from him first.
    10. Black Snake Moan(D) - Director Craig Brewer is quickly becoming one of my new favorites. The man knows how to shoot a scene, get good performances out of his actors, incorporate music, and make it all entertaining... something that seems rare these days. An explotation film with a heart.
    9. F*CK(D) - Click for full review.
    8. The Revelation(Book) - A decent horror novel by Bentley Little about Satan trying to fight his way back to earth through a small town. Some great imagery.
    7. Shooter(D) - An okay action flick with Marky Mark; half Commando and half The Fugitive.
    4. Ratatouille(T) - Another wonderful film from Pixar and Brad Bird... not up to Incredibles standard, but some damn good entertainment.
    3. Joe Dirt(D) - A guilty pleasure of mine. David Spade in a mullet wig makes me laugh.
    1. Havoc(D) - An okay teen drama about some rich girls looking for some outside-the-norm entertainment. Honestly I rented it because I heard Anne Hathoway showed her boobies... yes, I'm a perv, and no, she didn't dissapoint.

  • June

    • 28. Steath(D) - Dumb, dumb, dumb... had a couple of good blow-shit-up scenes though.
    26.     The Impaler(D) - The second time I watched this doc, I felt like I missed some stuff the first time around.
    25. Reno 911: Miami(D) - I've watched the show a few times, it's a good goof... the film is a slight step up, made me laugh a bit, but I don't need to see it again.
    23. Meet the Fockers(D) - Needed some brainless comedy, this filled in well.
    22. Primeval(D) - A pretty good giant-killer-croc flick that had a good spirit to it. I wish they'd kept some of the Africa upheaval/drama out of it, that stuff needs to be seen, but it felt way out of place in this film.
    The Long Goodbye(D) - I woke up at 4am and couldn't go back to sleep, for some reason it felt like the perfect time to lay down with this early Robert Altman film. A great, charasmatic performance by Elliot Gould, really the best I've ever seen from him, and a fun gumshoe story. The best "Fletch" movie I've ever seen.
    21. Penny Dreadful(D) - An okay horror film that is basically a girl trapped in a car for the whole movie... some tension is built, but the death scenes and the final payoff were pretty weak. Only bother with if you're a major horror fan.
    20. The Impaler(D) - Click for full review.
    19. Alpha Dog(D) - A decent little drama about some kids who are in way over their heads.
    Only You(D) - A romantic comedy that had escaped me until now... a fairly original idea and a great cast. One of the better ones I've seen lately.
    17. Surf's Up(T) - It was cool to see them actually take a bit of a risk with a CGI flick and make it sort of a surfing documentary spoof, a very adult idea, that made me enjoy seeing animated penguins again.
    16. Ghost Rider(D) - It amazes me how movies with 100 million dollar budgets can be so inept. The acting was horrible, the direction laughable, the writing pathetic, the effects were okay, other than that I had fun with this piece of B-movie trash.
    15. Epic Movie(D) - I don't know why I keep renting these, all the Scary Movie's and Date Movie never really made me laugh. Just seemed really flimsy, with all the same well-worn jokes. But we wanted a comedy for some friends that were over and this was the only thing everybody hadn't seen. Probably should have just broke out some classic that we all love.
    13. Mirrormask(D) - A Wizard of Oz for this generation. Probably a little too out there for normal folks, but I could see showing this to our son over and over. Has a really wonderful look.
    12. The Hills Have Eyes(D) - Rewatched this remake because I was in the mood for some gore. I like how hardcore this film is, they don't hold back. Makes the revenge that much sweeter.
    11. Garden State(D) - My wife wanted to watch this again for her birthday movie. I don't know if it was the mood I was in, or if I've just seen it too many times, but it's starting to lose some of its magic.
    Music & Lyrics(D) - A slightly entertaining romantic comedy, made watchable by the two leads.
    10. Pirates 3(T) - I wasn't all that excited to see this after the last one, but I enjoyed it more than the 2nd. At least a half hour too long, and way too many storylines going on, but it was entertaining and beautiful to watch.
    The Road(Book) - After getting through the dense Blindness, it was nice to read something fast. I've been wanting to read this since it was originally released, but just got the chance. I think it got way too hyped up for me. I liked it, but I was wanting more, more tension for the characters, more explanation for what was going on. But it's mainly just a really well told story about a father and son, which was fine. It would make a great movie, but I think they would have to add a couple of scenes of terror to really make it work... otherwise it'd just be some arty thing that I'd probably like, but wouldn't catch on with the public.
    Fast Food Nation(D) - A fairly underwhelming Richard Linklater film, a sort of Traffic for the fast food biz. I didn't hate it, but I thought it'd be more powerful.
    9. The Fountain(D) - This is one of those films that I think in 20 years will be fully appreciated. It's the most beautiful film I've seen since Dark City. The story is really well told, a great addition to the Sci-Fi genre. Critics complain about everything being the same, and when something truly original comes along, they tear it to pieces.
    8. Gravedancers(D) - An okay horror film with a weird premise about ghosts following people home because they danced on their graves. One good shiver moment, and kept moving along well, except for the ending which got completely ridiculous.
    7. Lost in America(D) - Found this DVD for $4 and watched it the same night. A great early Albert Brooks film, who's films always crack me up.
    6. Hannibal Rising(D) - Not a terrible film like I'd heard, but really didn't fit in well with the others. More of a war film than a serial killer thing, but the kid who played the young Hannibal did a decent job.
    3. Babe(D) - Our son is finally moving into more live action films, thought we'd show him the "pig movie". He enjoyed it.
    2. Fur(D) - A really offbeat film about Diane Arbus, who's one of my wife's favorite photographers. Good performances, beautiful photography and just a weird vibe to the whole thing.
    1. The Breed(D) - A decent horror film about a pack of crazy dogs on a deserted island. At least it was different from all the other horror films coming out, and I'm glad they went will all real dogs, no fake looking CG things.

  • May

    • 25. Clerks II(D) - Second time around for this Kevin Smith film, a decent follow-up, but one of the lesser of the View Askew series.
    The Man With the Screaming Brain(D) - As a fan of Bruce Campbell I could pass up this film which he wrote, directed and starred in. Not a good film by any means, but made entertaining by the man.
    30. 28 Who the %&@# is Jackson Pollock?(D) - A decent documentary about an old truck driver who bought a painting from a secondhand store for $5 and heard from an art teacher it looked like a Jackson Pollock. From there she goes on a journey to find out the truth behind the painting and trying to sell it for $50 million.
    29. Doom(D) - Pretty standard dumbed-down sci-fi shoot-em-up flick, with a couple of cool scenes, but mostly forgettable.
    28. Blindness(Book) - A very good book about the whole world going blind and the events that follow the first sufferers. Maybe the most difficult book I've ever read just in a technical sense, the writer doesn't use paragraphs, they go on for pages at a time, sentences are just as bad, with commas running on forever, and absolutely no use of he said, but somehow it all works. It actually won the nobel prize a few years back.
    27. North Country(D) - A pretty good drama about the first big sexual harrasment case. Very tough to watch in some scenes.
    25. 28 Weeks Later(T) - I really enjoyed this sequel to the wonderful first flick. Continues the story organically, didn't feel like a total sell out. A good edition to the "end-of-the-world" genre. The only thing I didn't like, was most of the action scenes were almost impossible to watch, so jumpy and fast cut that you could barely tell what was going on.
    21. .45(D) - Rented this for the wife, who loves Milla. I was expecting some cheesy shoot-em-up based on her last few flicks and the description of the film. But it was a pretty intense drama about a battered-girlfriend of on scary dude. Worthwhile if you know what you're in for.
    19. Shrek 3(T) - Went and saw this for our little one, and found it really underwhelming. The first one was a lot of fun, the 2nd was decent, this was a real mess... it felt like Shrek was hardly in it, way too many side characters.
    18. Arthur and the Invisibles(D) - A pretty good kids film from one of my favorite directors Luc Besson, who hasn't directed anything in few years. Nothing special, but has some fun sequences.
    Decoys 2(D) - A pretty terible sequel to an okay straight-to-video horror film... I was looking for something cheesy with some nudity, and I got that, but was hoping for something slightly better.
    17. Dust Devil(D) - A weird, experimental horror flick about some kind of demon terrozing the few citizens in a small desert town in South Africa. Had some very cool moments, but some slow parts as well.
    Bubble(D) - A decent little movie from Steven Soderberg, with some good performances by non-actors and a surprise ending.
    15. Hot Fuzz(T) - Another fun film from the Shaun of the Dead guys, this time they take on Hollywood action films... some hilarious, truly inspired moments, but I still like Shaun more.
    14. Milo and Otis(D) - Trying to get our boy to start watching some live action films, figured this film all about animals would be a good start. Kept his attention through most of it. Amazing the amount of work that went into shooting this, but not a great film by any means.
    13. Van Wilder 2: The Rise of Taj(D) - Was in the mood for a cheesy comedy, and it turned out to be better than expected. Kind of a Revenge of the Nerds redo, but had some good moments and lot of hot chicks. And a bonus for actually shooting some of it in London, usually they cheap out on that kind of stuff, especially for a lame sequel.
    Hostel(D) - Watched this for a second time. The torture stuff didn't really bother me at all this time around, felt more like an extremely dark comedy than anything. I'm stoked to see the 2nd one.
    12. Catch and Release(D) - An okay romantic comedy with a good cast, including Kevin Smith, but it never felt like a cohesive story, just kind of jumped from one scene to the next.
    11. Double Dare(D) - Click for full review.
    10. The Motel(D) - A decent coming-of-age indie-dramedy, that I was hoping would be a little better, never really grabbed me.
    8. Happily N'ever After(D) - A pretty unispired CGI kids film; recycled jokes and characters from the Shrek universe, with zero style and humor.
    7. Deja Vu(D) - A pretty typical film from the Bruckheimer, Scott and Denzel Washington crew... looks great, over-the-top action, decent acting, dumb script. Brainless fun for a boring night.
    5. Little Children(D) - I really liked this emotionally charged dramedy the second time around, I'm surprised it didn't get more fanfare. I think it'll prove to be one of the best films of the year in the future. A must see if you like films like American Beauty.
    4. Night of the Living Dorks(D) - A German film that mixes teen-sex-comedy with zombies. A lot of fun, if you're into something offbeat. I was really surprised by how American it all was.
    3. The Host(T) - A very fun Korean monster movie... the opening sequence alone is worth the price of admission. A very realistic take on the genre.
    Private School(D) - I hadn't seen this 80's teen-sex-comedy in about 10 years. I'd put it in the 2nd tier, not great, but pretty funny, with a ton of boob shots.
    1. Smoking Aces(D) - Style and more style... just completely over the top action film with a ton of flair, worth a watch.

  • April

    • 30. The Gaurdian(D) - It was nice to see a film about the Coast Guard, hadn't seen one before. Overall fairly decent, but too long and the ending was cheesy.
    29. ATL(D) - A fairly good coming-of-age film about a group of inner-city kids from Atlanta who roller-skate to escape their troubles.
    Willard(Book) - A very enjoyable book that's an easy read. Written like a notebook, the story of an outsider who adopts a family of family of rats, and then starts to train them to help him cause mischief. Both the movie adaptations got the basic part of the story, but this of course goes deeper, with more understanding of the guy's feeling towards his rats.
    28. Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?(D) - Slowly getting to all the classics that I feel I need to see. This is a really well written film, with a ton of great dialogue and some very good performances, but it moves along very slowly because it's shot like a stage play, which it was adapted from. I've seen it now, don't need to see it again.
    26. Harsh Times(D) - From the writer of Training Day, this is pretty much part II, with Cristian Bale and Freddy Rodriguez driving around LA causing all kinds of caos. Badly overacted by both, who are both usually really good.
    25. Lifeforce(D) - Another film that I loved as a kid. I'm surprised this one isn't held in higher esteem. A cool story about alien-vampires that turn people into zombie-vampire things, with some very good special effects and an extremely hot girl that walks around naked for half the film. And I never hear anybody ever bring it up, should be considered a cult-classic.
    24. Robot Jox(D) - One of those silly sci-fi films that I loved when I was a kid. Held up fairly well considering everything about it screams 80's. "I'm gonna get in this thing and KICK YOUR ASS!"
    Where the Truth Lies(D) - A good indie-mystery about some old-school celebrities who were involved in a girl's death. Good performances by Colin Firth and Kevin Bacon.
    23. Eragon(D) - An okay fantasy film, that pretty much follows the Star Wars story, but with Dragons. Kids will like it.
    'Tis(Book) - I enjoyed Angela's Ashes so much that I went right into the sequel. Same quality of writing, but the story wasn't as interesting or I was starting to tire of it. Still worth reading, though it took me a long time to get through it, because I wasn't looking forward to it every night.
    22. Blades of Glory(T) - I didn't have to see this Will Ferrel flick in the theaters, but a friend was going who I like seeing comedies with. It was pretty much as expected, but I still laughed quite a bit.
    Wicked Little Things(D) - An okay little horror flick, not really scary, but decently made with some creepy looking kids.
    21. Rocky Balboa(D) - Pretty good if you're a fan of the series. Much better than V and a much more satisfying ending.
    Four Eyed Monsters(D) - Such a quicky easy watch, but so full of wonderful visuals that I had to watch it again, plus I wanted the wife to see it.
    20. Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle + Half Baked(D) - Celebrated 4/20 with a couple of friends. Watched a couple of the best movies to enjoy it right. Both very funny in the right situation.
    19. Black Xmas(D) - One of the better horror remakes to come out lately. Directed by the guy who did the Willard remake, which I also enjoyed.
    17. Camera(D) - Absolutely awful movie that's supposed to be real life footage from a stolen video camera, but so horribly acted that you can't believe a second of it. Only made it about a half hour in before I turned it off... and I never turn anything off.
    16. Air Guitar Nation(T) - Check back for full review
    Zombie Prom(T) - An absolutely brilliant black-comedy/musical, a mix between Grease and My Boyfriend's Back.
    15. Big Dreams Little Toyko(T) - A fun, quirky fish-out-of-water comedy, that I was really enjoying until I couldn't keep my eyes open for the last twenty mintutes, but people were really cracking up about. Need to watch it again.
    Prime Cut(D) - A good grindhouse flick with Gene Hackman and Lee Marvin.
    Four Eyed Monsters(D) - A truly original film, one that speaks about this exact moment in history better than anything else out there. Very independently made and an inspiration for all aspiring filmmakers... buy the DVD for yourself!
    14. Beyond the Call(T) - An incredible documentary about some incredible people. Very inspiring... a must see!
    Expiration Date(T) - A pretty funny and well made dark comedy from a Seattle filmmaker. It was fun to watch all the locations I recognized, including his apt. which sits a few blocks from our old place.
    13. Full Disclosure(T) - Normally I don't feature shorts here, but I saw this at AIFF and was really blown away by how well written and funny it was. I got to have a beer with director Douglas Horn afterwards, he's a real talent to watch for.
    13. My Name is Bruce(T) - A sneek preview screening of Bruce Campbell's horror-spoof. Not fully finished, but gave you a very good idea of where it's going. Had some wonderful moments, and some really bad ones as well. A room full of Bruce fans ate it up, but that's really the only audience for it. It's too cheesy for anyone else.
    12. The Turning Point(T) - The premiere of my documentary at the Ashland Independent Film Festival. It went well, the audience seemed to really dig it. Got a lot of laughs and some people crying as well. The best part was the comments afterwards, seemed like it really effected some.
    11. Transamerica(D) - Was a decent little drama with a really good lead performance. Don't need to ever see it again though.
    9. In the Bedroom(D) - I liked this film the first time around. I wanted to see it again, because I loved director Todd Field's Little Children so much. A really powerful film, full of wonderful performances and it hit me a lot harder, because now I'm a father myself.
    8. The Ninth Gate(D) - I didn't really like this horror film from Polanski and Depp the first time around, but something told me I needed to give it another chance. I really enjoyed it, of course a great performance from Depp and the slow build-up worked for me this time.
    13. Everyone's Hero(D) - Grandpa decided to rent this one for us... better than one would expect about a talking bat and baseball, but not great by any means.
    6. The Grindhouse(T) - The best time I've had at the movie theater in a long time. Rodriguez's Planet Terror was a hilarious zombie spoof full of great characters, effects and showers of blood. Tarintino's Death Proof had some of that great dialogue he's known for and the car crash was an instant classic and the car chase at the end, the best of the decade. The trailers that split the two were wonderful, especially Eli Roth's Thanksgiving.
    The Good Year(D) - An okay effort from Russel Crowe and Ridley Scott. Well put together, but not emotionally engaging, because the material felt so tired.
    5. Butterfly Effect 2(D) - Was in the mood for something brainless and I hadn't seen before, this did the trick. Don't bother unless you're a huge fan of the 1st, which I'm sure there aren't too many of you out there.
    4. Kicking and Screaming(TV) - This was playing on HBO-HD at the house we were staying at, beautiful to watch, but provided few laughs and was instantly forgotten.
    The Brothers Grimm(D) - Probably the worst Terry Gilliam film, but still has some enjoyably creative moments.
    2. Just One of the Guys(D) - Finally got around to this on DVD. One of my favorite guilty pleasures of the 80's.
    1. Box of Moonlight(D) - A friend of mine has been telling me about this film for the last few years. A really enjoyable dramedy about a grown man coming of age, with great performances by John Turturro and Sam Rockwell.

  • March

    • 31. Major League(D) - Watched this while we were driving down south to see family. My favorite baseball movie, always have to watch it before the season starts, always makes me laugh.
    30. Turistas(D) - An okay entry into the torture genre. Mostly made watchable by the beautiful scenery and the hot girls in tiny bikinis.
    28. I Am A Sex Addict(D) - A quirky little biographical film about filmmaker Caveh Zahedi and his battle with his addiction to prositutes and how it has affected his relationships over the years. Really quite unlike anything else I've ever seen.
    27. Conversations With Other Women(D) - Heard somewhere this was good, and it was interesting from the start, but about 10 minutes in I started to get really annoyed with the split screen, but then I got over it and started to like it. A really well done, pure talking piece film between two character's who had a relationship long before.
    26. The Holiday(D) - You can't get much more of a chick flick than this... wanted to see it because of the great cast, and it would have been an okay watch, but it's about 30 minutes too long. Way too many scenes with characters saying every possible thing in the world, instead of letting the audience figure a bit out.
    Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2(D) - I don't know why I bothered with this one again, I enjoyed it even less than the first time around. I read somewhere that it was a good film, and I like the director, so I wanted to give it another shot, but it's pretty bad.
    25. Apocolypto(D) - A really beautifully made film, lush photography, incredible looking cast and some amazing sequences. Most of the film is a chase scene on foot, which is fun, but the best part is when they go into the Mayan city... nothing like I've ever seen on film before. I'm glad that Mel Gibson decided to tackle this subject.
    24. Look Both Ways(D) - A twisted little Australian dramedy obsessed with death. Has some very cool little animated scenes in it. Fun if you're into offbeat films.
    22. Tidland(D) - I've been dying to see this, since it's Terry Gilliam's latest, my favorite director this side of the Coen Brothers. But I was mostly disappointed. Had some fun imagery, but the story didn't do much for me, just seemed weird for the sake of weird. I never got involved. The best part of the DVD was a short documentary that goes into Gilliam's filmmaking process.
    20. Babel(D) - I've wanted to see this one for a long time, since I knew it was the new movie from the Amores Perros director, before all the award season hype... but it took me this long. Somehow it didn't lose any effect and was still a very powerful film. Amores is still my favorite, but this one was much better than 21 Grams. Deserves all the hype it receieved.
    19. Open Season(D) - An okay CGI cartoon... had a couple of fun moments, but I don't think we'll bother buying it for our son.
    18. War of the Worlds(D) - Hadn't seen this one since it was in theaters... the ending still bugs the heck out of me, but the rest is some good Spielberg magic.
    X-Men: The Last Stand(D) - Guess I was in the mood for some big budget explosions this day... holds up pretty well with the rest of them, despite changing directors.
    Akeelah and the Bee(D) - You can't get much more formulaic than this film. I never every beat about 10 minutes ahead. Not horrible, just predictible.
    17. The C.S.A.(D) - Check back for full review.
    Sleepaway Camp(D) - One of the few Friday the 13th clones from the 80's that's worth a damn. Classic ending!
    16. Little Children(T) - I've been wanting to see this for months, and it finally opened in our small town. A really wonderful film about young parents and the domestic problems they face... and touches a lot on their neighbors... sort of an American Beauty type film and feel.
    Beer League(D) - After the crapfest that was The Benchwarmers I stayed away from this one, but broke down when I couldn't find another cheesy comedy to check out. Actually ended up being pretty funny and the most amazing part was that the film was competantly put together, so you cared about the story all the way through, which seems rare for these type of comedies.
    Night of the Dead(D) - Another cheesy-zombie-flick that I wasn't expecting much from, but turned out to be pretty fun. Sort of a Re-Animator type treatment of the idea, some very funny and very gross moments... worth checking out if you like these kinds of films.
    15. Zodiac(T) - David Fincher's latest serial killer film... but don't be expecting Seven. After a few kills near the beginning, the rest of the film is mostly police procedural type drama, which may sound boring, but Fincher makes it very fun to watch.
    14. Eight Below(D) - An okay, sappy movie about some sled dogs left behind in Antartica... probably would have loved it if I was seven.
    Dead Man's Shoes(D) - Couldn't find a more different movie than the one above. Very raw, brutal Scottish film about revenge and the price it makes you pay. An extremely intense ride.
    13. 300(T) - I'm pretty sick of this giant battle movies, but the beautiful photography dragged me in. An absolutely gorgeous film, with some amazing fight sequences... really couldn't ask for more from a film of this type.
    The Queen(D) - I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this film. I expected a stodgey British film... but it actually moved along at a good pace, with a nice sence of humor to it all.
    12. Blood Diamond(D) - Got pretty much what I expected from this one... powerful story, intense action scenes, good acting... a really well made film top to bottom, but in the end it didn't leave me with a whole lot.
    Film Geek(D) - An often hilarious and akwardly painful film about a guy so pathetically in love with film, that he loses his job at a video store. Sets him off on a new path in life that leads to a girl of course. Very low budget, but nicely made.
    11. For Your Consideration(D) - I was really looking forward to seeing the latest from Christopher Guest and team... funny stuff, but not as inspired as their earlier films.
    Underworld: Evolution(D) - Decent sequel to a decent vampire vs. werewolf flick... entertaining in a brainless sort of way.
    10. The Grude 2(D) - These creepy Japanese girls crawling around with hair in their face is almost a joke by now, but it had a couple of good jumps to it.
    8. Tenacious D and the Pick of Destiny(D) - This film had been built up for too long... 5-7 years ago it would have killed me. But it was still funny enough, might be one of those comedies that gets better after a couple of viewings.
    7. Safe Men(D) - A film that friends of mine have been telling me to see for years, and finally got around to. Great cast, nearly everyone in here is a indy-film staple... some very funny situations and dialogue... don't you make the mistake of not watching it for years.
    5. Factory Girl(D) - A pretty good film about Edie Sedgwick, who for a short time was one of Andy Warhol's muses... good performances by Sienna Miller and Guy Pearce.
    4. Volver(D) - There is nothing quite like a Pedro Almodóvar film, he's in a world all his own. Another fascinating, beautifully photographed, well acted film.
    3. Stranger Than Fiction(D) - A really wonderful film that I've been dying to see since it came out in theaters. A great, offbeat script that plays as sort of Charlie Kaufman light and very well directed by Marc Forster who is quickly becoming another of my favorite directors.
    2. The Incredibles(D) - My favorite Pixar flick, which is really saying something. We were getting sick of watching Cars every day, so we re-introduced this to our son... unfortunately I'll probably get sick of this one now.

  • February

    • 28. Angela's Ashes(Book) - Probably the best memoir I've ever read, not that I've read that many, but a really well written book about the author's life growing up extremely poor in Ireland. Made me feel good to be an American. Incredible in the way he completely throws out the typical grammar of speaking, without using any he said or quotation marks he makes you feel like your there without ever confusing you with who is saying what. I'm instantly starting the sequel 'Tis, I have to find out to him once he gets to America.
    27. The Interpreter(D) - A fairly good thriller, with some good performances from Sean Penn and Nicole Kidman.
    Lucky Numbers(D) - An okay dark-comedy with John Travolta, one of those films where a good guy schemes to rip somebody off and everything possible goes wrong. Had a couple of good moments, but don't need to see again.
    Dreamer(D) - An okay girly horse movie that my wife wanted to watch. The thing that annoys me is these films that say "based on a true story" and about %1 of it really is. Just make a movie and don't try to lie to me.
    26. Bridge to Terabithia(T) - Don't get to the theater very often any more, but had a chance... this was the only thing playing I had any interest in after some good reviews. It's a really well made kids film, with a surprisingly tough ending. Something I'll show to my son when he gets older.
    Syriana(D) - A well made film about Big Oil told from various perspectives, from the guys working the oil fields to the guys in the boardroom. Not the easiest movie to sit through, very tough politically.
    Bandidas(D) - I hadn't heard of this film, but once I saw Salma and Penelope on the cover I was all over it. Was a fun western flick, with some good chemistry between the leads and a lot of cleavage.
    24. Underground(D) - A very long Ugoslavian film about a strange story of pair of men through the history of WWII up to the present. Very funny and oddball, but notd for everyone.
    22. Cellular() - Needed to bring the brain-level down about 10 notches after Underground, this average-action-flick filled the moment. Had a couple of good scenes, but mostly forgettable.
    23. Gray Matter(D) - A decent documentary about another disturbing part of the Nazi regime; where a doctor in Austria killed mentally disabled kids to study their brains. Pretty unbelievable stuff.
    22. The Prestige(D) - I sort of ruined it for myself because I figured out one of the main twists about half way through the film. But the film is so wonderfully crafted that I didn't really care in the end. Christopher Nolan is quickly becoming one of my favorite directors.
    21. Legend of Billie Jean(V) - I hadn't seen this "classic" 80's flick since I was about 12. I've been waiting forever for it to come out on DVD, but just couldn't stand it anymore, had to watch a crappy VHS copy. Stands up pretty well, is well made film, with a fun story and a good moral to it. Couldn't get much more 80's.
    20. Marie Antoinette(D) - This much maligned Soffia Coppola film is the best costume drama I've seen in a long time. I thought it was wonderfully made and entertaining.
    19. Black Dahlia(D) - Except for a few fun De Palma moments, this film is a mess... very boring and not very well thought out.
    18. Four Brothers(D) - An okay revenge flick with Marky Mark, instantly forgetable.
    17. Getting It On(D) - Ran across this 80's teen-sex comedy somewhere and decided to give it a shot. Extremely low-budget film, with nobody involved going on to do anything else, the characters are unappealing, the story is retarded, the jokes fall flat. In other words, don't bother.
    14. School for Scoundrels(D) - A fairly funny comedy with Billy Bob and Jon Heder, sadly one of the better comedies I've seen lately.
    13. Science of Sleep(D) - A weird romantic dramedy, full of some trippy visuals, from the director of Enternal Sunshine. Recommended if you like offbeat cinema.
    12. Altered(D) - A really well done low-budget alien invasion flick, by the director of Blair Witch. Sad that it took him this long to make another film, because he certainly has a talent for building tension.
    11. Sympathy for Lady Vengance(D) - Another twisted masterpiece from the director of Oldboy, not as great as that film, but very well made, with an edge, all while making you think.
    10. Trust the Man(D) - I was hoping for a better romantic comedy with the incredible cast, it's not a bad film, but it kind of fell apart at the end.
    9. Strangers with Candy(D) - I've only seen the show a few times, but thought it had a funny premise. It started off really good, but quickly went downhill, towards the end I wasn't laughing at all.
    7. Unknown(D) - One of those flicks where you stick around to see what the whole mystery is, but once it's all unraveled you don't really care anymore. Worth watching once.
    Born Rich(D) - Click for full review.
    3. Conquest(D) - A Lucio Fulci sword and sworcery film that's shot almost entirely out of focus, underlit or through fog, it makes it a tough watch for that reason. But if you're a fan of cheese this is a good one, full of ridiculous costumes, naked girls and gory beheadings.
    3. Black Christmas(D) - Great old slasher flick, highly influental, pretty much invented the "stalker-cam".
    Scoop(D) - A pretty good Woody Allen flick.
    2. Pan's Labrynth(T) - A beautiful film all around, wonderful story, beautiful photography and effects, great acting. This one has it all.
    Invincible(D) - Pretty standard Disney sports flick, doesn't get much more formulaic than this. But it's a formula that works, I enjoyed it for what it was.

  • January

    • 31. Zombie Nation(D) - An absolute complete mess of a movie, not a single redeeming feature. Badly written, shot, acted, edited, everything, I really can't believe movies like this get made.
    Barnyard(D) - An okay CGI film, that my boy enjoyed, but I don't need to see again. He can go on watching Cars everyday.
    30. Saw III(D) - A decent follow-up to a decent horror series. Everybody kept talking about how this was the best one, but I actually thought it was the weakest.
    Thank You For Smoking(D) - Very good film, with some great writing and good performances, funny and thought provoking.
    29. American Pie Presents: The Naked Mile(D) - A dumb comedy full of bad sex jokes and bare breasts, kept me entertained, but I don't need to ever see it again.
    Howl's Moving Castle(D) - Continuing our little Hayao Miyazaki kick, I think this is his best film. I love every frame of it.
    28. Who Killed the Electric Car?(D) - Check back for full review.
    27. Wicker Man(D) - A pretty bad remake of a not-so-great to begin with cult classic. Nic Cage overacts his way through the whole thing.
    Beerfest(D) - The lastest comedy from the Broken Lizard troupe, this one was consistantly funnier than Club Dread... but I think you need to be drunk with a bunch of buddies to fully enjoy it.
    25. Weatherman(D) - One of the better movies from last year, didn't get a fair shake... Proves Gore Verbinksi can direct more than huge pirate films and a good performance by Nic Cage going through a mid-life-crisis.
    24. Fallen(D) - Decent supernatural-thriller starring Denzel, that I hadn't seen since it originally came out.
    23. Idiocracy(D) - Dumped by Fox,from the director of Office Space, a film better than the treatment it received. Pretty funny futuristic-comedy starring Luke Wilson, scary in the way that it's true how stupid people are breeding out of control.
    22. Illusionist(D) - A cool, well made romantic murder-mystery that is pure pleasure to watch.
    40 Year Old Virgin(D) - One of the better Hollywood comedies of the past few years, still needs about 20 minutes cut out of it though.
    20. Snakes on a Plane(D) - Finally got around to seeing this intentional cheese-fest that didn't go as far out as I hoped. After a few inspiring moments near the beginning, it treads into familiar ground the rest of the way.
    Kiki's Delivery Service(D) - After enjoying Hayao Miyazaki's Totoro, we thought we'd watch this one with our son too... very good.
    Pursuit of Happyness(T) - Enjoyed this pretty well done drama on the first date my wife and I have had in months. I think the best part of the film was the relationship between father and son.
    19. Little Miss Sunshine(D) - Enjoyed this cute, fun little flick a second time around. I can't believe it has "best picture" buzz though, it isn't that good.
    Oldboy(D) - Since Blockbuster online has been screwing with me and I haven't been getting new films quick enough, I watched this film again, which was in dire need of a second viewing. An absolutely brilliantly messed up movie on all levels, watch it now, before Hollywood ruins it with a lame remake.
    Stephen King: On Writing(Book) - A very good book, highly inspirational and very informative. Made me feel good about my writing techniques, in that I already follow a lot of the advice that he had.
    17. The Protector(D) - Tony Jaa's second film is full of more amazing fight scenes and nothing else, of course what else would you watch it for? I prefered Ong Bak, if you haven't seen Jaa before.
    16. Monster High(D) - A cheesy 80's horror film I hadn't seen in a long, long time. While lacking in most technical aspects, the film has a good spirit and sense of humor.
    14. A Scanner Darkly(D) - Very cool, trippy film based on one of my favorite author's books. Definitely not for everyone.
    12. Last Kiss(D) - Second time around, a nicely made film that naturally evolves from bitingly hilarious to emotionally tough to watch. One of my favorites from 2006.
    11. Crank(T) - Non-stop over-the-top and at the same mediocrely shot and edited action. It definitely gives it a good go, comes up short, but in the end is still entertaining.
    9. Children of Men(T) - Just maybe the best film of "2006", I really hope it gets nominated for Best Picture, and I'd probably root for it to win. An incredibly well made film on all fronts, and a scary, realistic sci-fi story with a great heart.
    Dust to Glory(D) - Click for full review.
    9. My Super Ex-Girlfriend(D) - An okay high concept romantic comedy. Has a few cool moments, and it never really bored me, but I don't think I ever need to see again.
    A Prairie Home Companion(D) - A fitting last film to the incredible career of Robert Altman, a true orginal who will be missed.
    My Neighbor Totoro - Finished this after a couple of nights of watching it with our son. It was so refreshing to watch some hand-drawn animation again after the overload of CG lately. It's an artform that I hope sticks around, at least we can rely on the Japanese to keep it alive.
    8. Pulse(D) - An okay horror film, with a far superior Japanese predecessor. If you have to watch one, get the Japanese version, it'll knock your socks off.
    Make Love: The Bruce Campbell Way (Book) - I loved Bruce's autobiography If Chins Could Kill, thought I'd give his second book a chance. But his style, which I loved so much and fit his autobiography so well, doesn't work in novel form. I just didn't buy any of the adventures he goes through, there's some funny moments, and if you're a Bruce die-hard you've probably already read it, so I can't really recommend it.
    6. Baraka(D) - One of those films that you have to watch "enhanced", so I normally couldn't recommend it, but it's an absolutely gorgeous film that with out a word, makes you really think.
    5. Kicking and Screaming(D) - I hadn't seen this early 90's comedy since then, it hasn't aged that well. Still some funny dialogue, but it's very outdated in some ways.
    The One(D) - I was in the mood for something cheesy and this fit the bill, an okay Matrix rip-off with Jet Li. The last line in the film kills me every time.
    4. You, Me and Dupree(D) - Owen Wilson and Matt Dillon are just kind of running through the motions with this one, fairly unispired comedy.
    3. Miami Vice(D) - I was hoping for a better film, from the fabulous Michael Mann, but I thought the whole thing was pretty lame, with a few high spots here and there.
    The Breast Cancer Diaries(D) - Click for full review.
    1. Happy Feet(D) - With nothing to do, we tried to take my two-year-old to see this "pengin-mobie", he made it about half way through and mom had to take him out. I ended up staying the whole time. It's got a great look, and a nice message at the end... but way, way too much singing!
    The Ant Bully(D) - We ended up watching this one at home when we got back... he made it all the way through this one, but I really don't need to see another movie about 3D animated ants, ever.

    Back to 2006.