A 10-hour flight to Argentina and Delta’s seatback in-flight movie picture show viewer has given me time to take in a few four cines. And, because my butt is really numb and my iPhone has power to burn I’m gonna yap about what I’m watching and kick out an ill-conceived review.
So, grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy.
Sin Nombre. Well done foreign film guys. El Smiley, El Casper, and Sayra help a great movie unravel before mine eyes. Set in Latin America (Honduras to Southern Mexico) viewers enter into the 13 gang life and a young padawan El Smiley who is brought in by the misguided 13 member, El Casper. Miles away, a brother introduces his niece (Sayra) to her father for the first time, and the three travel north to a free America. I’ll end with this (since anything more would spoil the flick) the gang life intertwines with the travelers on a train headed for the border. Well written and acted, Sin Nombre.
I rate it: [★★★☆]
Paranormal Activity. Why was this such a big hit? A boyfriend ‘n girlfriend share a huge San Diego house (seriously the house is quite awesome for a young unmarried couple). And so it goes, the girl has been haunted by something her entire life. The boyfriend buys a camera and starts recording everything. She’s supposed to be in school, and he’s supposed to be a day trader. Bad acting (Blair Witch had way better acting and that’s not saying much) and every paranormal cliche you can think of smattering the screen. Floors creak, doors slam, spontaneous fires, people flying, bruises, all in an attempt to (unsuccessfully) scare moviegoers. I’m all for shooting movies on a budget (District 9 did a great job and so did the You Tube short Attaque del Panico) but this show lacked depth and excitement. Sorry PA, you sucked (and so did your ending).
I rate it: [★★★☆]
The Informant!. Hey look, Matt Damon still acts. Before the movie starts I should say that I don’t have high hopes for this one. And now, your feature evaluation…hmm, a stache and some extra weight on ole Matty (FYI, passing gas on an airplane is awesome). Train of thought narration is fine and all, but couple it with the bumbling Damon character and it’s just annoying. Poor Bakula, you were great in Quantum Leap, what happened? Man, this movie is too long (30 min in). Passing Bogota! Ugh, still going (60 min in). Make it stop. Uh, yeah, this movie is not awesome. Mark Whitacre, your story is crazy for sure, but the movie is absurdly awful.
I rate it: [★☆☆☆]
Inglorious Basterds. Four hours to go and a 2 hour movie to accompany me. As I leave South America for Germany, I can’t help but wonder what Quentin has in store. Didn’t quite dig the first chapter. Good thing chapter 2 came along. The movie is gettin’ real swell. Strike that. What’s with these filler chapters? Oh, I see, make everything interconnect. Couldn’t you have done this a little better? Seriously, why does Q drag each and every scene out like Stretch Armstrong? Johnny Cash doesn’t seem like the obvious choice. Was that JC? Not sure, and I’m not entirely sold on this movie. It may have been Aldo’s masterpiece, but it wasn’t Q’s.
I rate it: [★★★☆]
And so it goes, 4 in the box. Cheers.
Seen any of these? Share your review below or send me an e-mail at me@y2kemo.com.
