Outbreak, a film review.

This 1995 drama film is about a medical disaster after a biological virus spreads into the public domain. It stars Dustin Hoffman, Rene Russo, Morgan Freeman and Donald Sutherland. It is interesting to consider this movie in hindsight as COVID was rumoured to have been engineered in a lab. Now that the pandemic is pretty much over we can learn valuable insights about prevention in the future. Overall I very much enjoyed this film. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Seven, a film review.

 This 1995 crime drama features the acting of Brad Pitt & Morgan Freeman. Set in a sprawling American city this jaded duo set out to solve the case of a serial killer who uses the 7 deadly sins as clues in his murders. This movie was intriguing and gripping in the storytelling.  It is unusually grim its content but paints an honest picture of urban violence in America & globally for that matter. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Sherlock Holmes, a film review.

 This 2009 mystery action film stars Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes. It was directed by Guy Ritchie. This story uncovers a mysterious secret society governed by Lord Blackwood. The movie generated $525 million at the box office & won several awards. It captured the time period of 19th century quite well. Overall, I very much enjoyed this film and recommend it to a mature audience. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Hulk, a film review.

 This 2003 action superhero movie is based on the comic created by Stan Lee & Jack Kirby. It was produced by Universal Pictures in association Marvel, Valhalla & Good Machine. It stars Eric Bana as the Hulk. The story goes a scientist develops an experimental serum that he administers to himself, and he becomes super-strong but nearly uncontrollable. This movie brought the comic to life, and as a collector of comics when I was younger, I very much enjoyed this film. Might not be suitable for all ages, as there is some violence. Overall, I give this movie a 5 out of 5.

Six Degrees of Seperation, a film review.

 This 1993 comedy drama stars Will Smith & Donald Sutherland. It tells the story of a would-be dandy socialite who pulls a fast-one on a couple of upper crust New Yorkers. At first the couple is bedazzled by the man's taste in art & joie de vivre but slowly they catch on to his act. The film closes with the couple pondering the audacity of the brave young man. Overall, this was an interesting film and one that breaks the mould of Hollywood's glass ceiling. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Thor, a film review.

 This 2011 superhero film was a production of Marvel Studios. It tells the story of Thor being banished to Earth without his hammer Mjolnir. Loki his brother plots to ascend to the Asgard throne, Thor must prove himself worthy. Chris Hemsworth plays Thor and does a splendid job of it. The film's musical score was written by Patrick Doyle. This movie captured the imaginative world of the Scandinavian legend quite well. Overall, I very much enjoyed this movie and recommend to anyone for quality family entertainment. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Bridges of Madison County, a film review.

 This film is a romantic drama based on the 1992 book by Robert Waller. IT tells the story of a country wife, who meets a National Geographic photographer who is on site doing a photo shoot of the rural America's covered bridges. It is a lovingly portrayal of an intimate relationship that "broke the rules" so to speak, as it turned out to be an affair. The movie ends with Clint's character passing away and the country wife's family reminiscing about the love they shared. This show illuminated both the sanctity of marriage and the passion of unattached intimacy, in a good way. I very much enjoyed this film, and it is a classic of both Clint Eastwood's and Meryl Streep's portfolio. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Mule, a film review.

 This crime drama was produced, directed and starred in by Clint Eastwood. This movie tells the story of a white lower-middle class man who has emotional baggage, and is looking to make a few quick dollars care of the illicit drug trade with Mexico. He uses his appearance to evade authorities, and much drama ensues. The highly concentrated white powder popular with elites is controversial in and of itself. Back in the day, tribes people would chew cocoa leaves to help stimulate their nervous systems. Altered states do have a place in developing higher stages of consciousness, although the tendency for dependency is there and always a risk. Clint is classic in this movie, and his cool demeanor is a hit. Overall, I give this movie a 5 out of 5.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, a film review.

This 2004 film is a romantic comedy. It is refreshing & stars Jim Carrey with Kate Winslet. The timeline of this movie is part of the intrigue, as it is non-linear. A montage of scenes. It grossed $73 million at the box office on a $20 million budget. This movie paints a picture of the fragility of love.This movie was very well done, and emotionally charging. It is definitely one of Jim Carrey's highlights of his wildly successful career. Overall, I very much enjoyed this movie, and give it a 5 out of 5.

Blade Runner, a film review.

 This 1982 sci-fi movie based on a book by Philip Dick is both adventurous & ambitious. It stars Harrison Ford, and tells the story of an agent tasked with tracking cyborgs. This film helped launch the illustrious career of Ford. This movie is wildly imaginative and slightly dystopian portrayal of the not-so-distant future. At a time when space was a common theme for sci-fi this movie adds yet another attempt to cash in on the popular theme. It created some controversy with the original edit. However, it helped create the cyberpunk genre. Overall, this film was interesting yet a little disturbing. I give it a 4 out of 5.

Finding Nemo, a film review.

 This 2003 animated comedy drama was produced by Pixar Studios for Walt Disney. It tells the story of an parent clownfish Marlin who is searching for his son Nemo.  The vibrant colours of the ocean & the bright hues of the sea life make this an enjoyable watch.  Nemo is also the name of a captain from a book about sea faring. Overall, I very much enjoyed this movie & recommend it to anyone for family viewing. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Corpse Bride, a film review.

 This stop-motion animation is done in a gothic style, and is a macabre portrayal of a love triangle between Victor , Victoria & Emily. It is based on a 17th century Jewish folk-tale. It was directed by Mike Johnson & Time Burton. It was a collaboration between studios in the United States & the United Kingdom. It is set in a small English town. It was nominated for Best Animation at the Academy Awards, and was a commercial success at the box office. Overall, I give this film a 5 out of 5.

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, a film review.

 This is a crime comedy that was written and directed by Guy Ritchie in 2002. It is a laughable series of events involving underground crime bosses, and their gang members with a group of "ordinary blokes" with gambling debts. What I loved about this movie is how it makes the whole idea of crime to be an exercise in futility. It was very well done, and I enjoyed this movie. For a mature audience. It grossed over $28 million at the box office with a $1.35 million budget. It was well acclaimed and helped launch Jason Statham's career. Overall, I give this film a 5 out of 5.

Coraline, a film review.

 This stop-animation film is a dark portrayal of a young girl's fantastical dream world. Her family has a home with a hidden door to another dimension, that is inhabited by dark forces. This film was directed by Henry Selick, and based on the 2002 book by Neil Gaiman. It raised over $186 million at the box office. This film was whimsical, and characteristically lovable for its dark portrayal of Victorian aesthetics. Some adaptation was made for the movie. Overall, I very much enjoyed this movie, maybe best for the Halloween season. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Rick & Morty, a tv series review.

 This adult tv series is a gonzo foray into cartoon family pandamonium that follows series like the Simpsons, Family Guy, & South Park. It features Rick Sanchez, and his grandson, Morty Smith and their family as they plot to deal with advanced technologies, otherworldly creatures, and mayhem of all sorts. This is a gonzo humor show, that is over-the-top half the time. It should be pointed out that Rick is an alcoholic, and there is content that is risque. Overall, it breaks the conventions in a good way, and despite being peppered with violence like all things American, it has an infectious hilarity. Overall, I give it a 5 out of 5.

Steven Universe, a tv series review.

 This fun-loving animated tv series is about a kid who is "half-gem". With his relatives he and the Crystal Gems seek to embody love, healthy relationships and a spirit for adventure. The cartoon is well done with colourful and vibrant scenes. It incorporates other worldly themes and a superpowered ruby is on Steven's stomach. Overall, I enjoyed watching several episodes of this series. I recommend it to anyone for quality family viewing, I give it a 5 out of 5.

Cloud Atlas, a film review.

 This sci-fi film was directed by the Wachowski brothers, and Tom Tykwer. It is based on the 2004 novel by David Mitchell. It is a montage of different time periods in the future. It was one of the most expensive independent films ever produced with a budget of over 246$ million. It stars Tom Hanks, & Halle Berry. It is a bizarre addition to the portfolio of the Wachowski brothers, but in the Matrix style for sure. Overall, I very much enjoyed this movie, For a mature audience. I give a 5 out of 5. 

Eyes Wide Shut, a film review.

 This film features the direction of Stanley Kubrick. The infamous director of Clockwork Orange.  This movie very much broke convention, and stars Tom Cruise & Nicole Kidman. Just to give you an idea of how out of the box this movie was, there was a Hutterite couple sitting in the theatre ahead of me and there were so shocked by the few opening scenes of the movie that they got up and walked out. Being something that defied norms it is a bizarre foray into the surreal melodramatic. Kubrick died shortly after showing Warner Brothers the final cut of the film. Overall, I very much enjoyed this film and give it a 5 out of 5.