Slow Summer = Movie watching Galore.

Jobless and broke thus far into my summer has left me to making movies, editing for CBS, and catching up on all the movies I haven't seen.


All I can say is I love my HD television, 5.1 surround sound, and premium cable. I thought I'd share the movies that I've been able to watch and my take on each:



1. Raging Bull (1980) Dir. Martin Scorsese
Rating 5/5
After watching this film, I could not believe I hadn't seen it before. Hands down the best boxing movie I have ever seen. (Yes better than Rocky). Dinero & Pesci serve as a perfect duo as they normally do in a film that makes you love black and white. The shot composition and texture captured in every shot is incredible. Raging Bull is must watch film.


2. My Sister's Keeper (2009) Dir.  Nick Cassavetes
Rating 4/5
My Sister's Keeper  is one of the few films that has forced me to fight back tears through the duration of the film. A truly touching story that makes it's transition from print to film very well.


3. District 9 (2009) Dir. Neil Blomkamp, Peter Robert Gerber, & Simon Hansen
Rating 4/5
When this movie came out, I just could not get into the hype. I never saw the film and the hype came and went. I finally decided to sit down and watch the film and I now understand the hype. District 9 is a very unique film that takes creates a very unusual story within society's infatuation with aliens. The film's unique concept and use of documentary style shooting held my attention all the way through. Worth the two hours of your time. trust me.


4. Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs (2009) Dir. Chris Miller & Phil Lord
Rating 4/5
I might be half way through college and on my way to experiencing the "real world", but I still enjoy a good animation film. Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs is one of the better animation films I've seen in a while.


5. Taking Of Pelham 123 (2009) Dir. Tony Scott
Rating 3.5/5
This film was very surprising. I never thought that Jon Travolta cold play a convincing villain, but he plays his role perfectly in Pelham. Denzel Washington is typical Denzel in this fast moving thriller.


6. Sex Drive (2008) Dir. Sean Anders
Rating 3/5
The film does not have much to offer other than crude humor, but that's never stopped a film from being entertaining (American Pie). For a movie that never made it's way to the big screen, it lives up to the typical teen movie. It's good for a few laughs.


7. Hoosiers (1986) Dir. David Anspaugh
Rating 3/5
I was surprisingly disappointed with this movie. The film is known to be one of the better sports films of all time. The film was mildly entertaining, but other than that, it did nothing for me. I just feel like the film cannot stand the test of time. The sub par acting and constant brawls made  me feel like I was watching West Side Story on the basketball court. I can't put the film in the same league as Miracle (2004) & Rudy (1993).


8. Bedtime Stories (2008) Dir. Adam Shankman
Rating 3/5
As a Disney movie geared toward children, the film does it's job. Other than that, the movie doesn't have much to offer. Adam Sandler has made the transition from crude funny man to low end Disney movie actor.


9. Monsters Vs. Aliens (2009) Dir. Rob Letterman & Conrad Vernon
Rating 2/5
As I said, I've always had a soft spot for animation, but this film is awful. The entire story line isn't intriguing and the majority of the jokes are very corny and fall short. Yes, this is a children's movie; however, so nearly every other animation film that has been created and they appeal to both the younger and older demographic. This is the movie you put on when you want the kids to leave you alone while you get some work done. Not the children's movie that the whole family sits down and enjoys.


I'm sure the movie list will grow as the summer continues to slowly chug along. I'll make sure to update the list as it grows. Besides, what else is a broke film student going to do then watch movies and blog about them?