ROTTEN TOMATOES: Bradley J. Timm's Movie Reviews on Rotten Tomatoes

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Reviews Written:: 42

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The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day (2009)

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I know what your thinking. 10 percent??? Awwww man you're just hating on Troy Duffy and all the rabid Boondockers out there that swear by the magnific... More

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	Votes +15 +15 / -0 thumb up thumb down X-Men: First Class (2011) Genre: Drama 90% Posted on 7/12/11 12:04 AM In spite of all the vitriol that followed the initial trailers and news of a precariously short filming schedule director Brian Vaughn earns himself the right to bitch slap each and every one of us by having produced what turned out to be an X-Men movie that feels more like an X-men movie than its predecessors. Now as a longtime fan of the source material, I was always rather put off by the head scratching liberties Bryan singer took with certain key characters and respective continuities, for example Ice Man was supposed to be a main member of the team, and I don't care how expensive it would be to CGI render his ability to navigate himself by sliding around on obtrusively static ice sleds that would have the tribespeople of the Masquito coast drinking cold beverages for weeks; Likewise - Colossus - who happened to be my personal favorite growing up - is far more impressive than a 30 second cameo during the attack on Xavier's school of mutants would have you believe, and for the love of god, Rogue is a tall, sassy headstrong southern belle not a meek, shrinking violet - a streak of white in Anna Paquin's stringy brown mop is NOT gonna cover up any blatant casting errors thank you very much. I'm not even going to get into the nigh unmentionable third installment that Brett Ratner shat out, and as far as I'm concerned that Wolverine origins movie doesn't exist. Luckily, Brian Vaughn - while somewhat being required to adhere to executive producer Brian Singers let's say UNIQUE re-imagining of beloved X-Men history he at least approaches the material with the same sure handed and efficient craftsmanship that made his previous films stand out. Even the notably unbalanced adaptation of Mark Millar's kick ass, despite a few inconsistancies of narrative and tone, was nonetheless very kinetic and entertaining, which should be the foremost aspiration for any summer movie. (methinx) X-Men first class is a prequel, a term that may elicit groans from those of us who can't help but consider it synonamous to say those wretched George lucas monstrosities that were supposed to show us how gerber grape juice spokeschild anekin skywalker grew into an angsty teenager with limited emotional range and eventually turned to the dark side shortly after knocking up a wooden replica of nataly portman. I digress. My point is, prequel's don't have to suck. Here we have Erik Lehnsherr, a jewish child of world war 2 whos parents are dragged into the camps by those dirty natzis and who's mother was soon after used by the heinous Sebastian Shaw to instigate Young Erik into reproducing his remarkable ability to manipulate magnetic fields. Erik fails to appease this man of mysterious intent and origin at the cost of his mother's life and a tale of revenge Is born. Shaw is known to us comic geeks as the front man for a mutant criminal organization known as the hellfire club, though that moniker is never uttered in this film. Fast forward to the 1960's at the height of the cold war, and this Sebastian Shaw - portrayed with surprising bravura by Kevin Bacon - and his entourage of misfit mutants are toiling subversively to ignite actual war between the Soviets and America with no other reason but to thin the herd; the less of these sniveling, inferior humans the better. The mutant phenomenon is beginning to surface and that's where young professor Charles Xavier comes in. James Macavoy helps us to imagine what a young, brash and lustful Jean Luc Picard would be like as his expertise is drawn upon by young government agent Moira Mctaggert and this all eventually leads to a gathering and recruitment of several young mutants and one angry, veangeful Erik Lehnsherr who as we all know will eventually become Magneto. As you may have already heard, Michael Fassbender's performance is the driving force of First Class; he carries the emotional core of the movie in a way that exemplifies why classically trained British actors are so reliable for gravitas. As one would imagine, the vast array of conflicting emotions inherent In a complicated and especially fictional character like this would be difficult to pull off and he does so effortlessly. Keep an eye out for this cat, he is surely soon to be in Americas public consciousness in no time at all. Charles and Erik form a deeply intellectual friendship and though they are at odds as to where mutants should place in the future they work together to bring down the immediate big bad threatening mankind, though in the end, Chuck is a fan of man, and Erik just wants to finally put Sebastian Shaw to bed for being a complete asshole. Its worth noting that the majority of supporting mutants are engaging enough, and while Emma Frost could have been played by a slice of gluten free white bread more lively then January Jones, Havok, Beast, Banshee, even the silent but ever so deadly Azazel are welcome members of either team - which SPOILER ALERT turn out to be somewhat interchangeable if you catch my meaning. OKAY Wrapping up, X-Men first class is a winning effort by Vaughn, well written, taughtly paced and with all the requisite scenes of fantastic action and period piece recreation I ordain that geeks and even non geeks around the world see this movie. This is Bradley J saying go watch a movie. 27 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: Jbird on 7/12/11 at 06:13 AM I agree. Great review. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 7/13/11 at 02:29 AM I agree. it is truly is a great review. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ljiljana S. on 7/12/11 at 10:18 AM Great review, awesome movie. :) 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 7/13/11 at 02:29 AM Thanking you. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse bia e. on 7/12/11 at 10:22 AM i want to watch this film! by the way, nice review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 7/13/11 at 02:29 AM It is watchable. More watchable than the English Patient/. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Lord Naseby on 7/12/11 at 10:45 AM I pretty much agree with this whole thing. It was a very worthy film of the series. Great review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 7/13/11 at 02:30 AM That's numberwang! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse CinematicMethod.com on 7/12/11 at 10:46 AM Great review! Especially considering you were drunk when you wrote it. I am also nervous when it comes to prequels, but this one was a great success. -Kyle, CinematicMethod.com 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 7/13/11 at 02:30 AM I should drink whiskey before every review but have a timid but sexy librarian edit it. I'm drunk now BTW. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ryan M. on 7/12/11 at 03:18 PM Great review, I loved this too :) 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 7/13/11 at 02:31 AM Thanxxx 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Lauren W. on 7/12/11 at 04:42 PM Great Review, i can't wait to see this! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 7/13/11 at 02:31 AM See it, and the waiting will be over. thx 0 Replies \| Report Abuse HERESSSSSSJOHNNY on 7/12/11 at 05:58 PM This didn't blow me away but I still enjoyed it quite a bit, excellent review. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 7/13/11 at 02:32 AM It sets up a far more fulfilling trilogy though I'd say. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Dylan Smith on 7/12/11 at 06:49 PM A fine review Brad. it's nice to see you writing again and I must say, this and X2, are the best in the series and thank Homer this wasn't a horrible stink bomb film the third and fourth films turned out to be. Anyway, a wonderful job done good sir. I do hope you have a wonderful week and God bless you. BTW, if you have time, be sure to check your Inbox for several reviews and blogs I sent you. Thanks, come back and see me. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 7/13/11 at 02:33 AM Thanks man, I have been taking on quite a bit lately and time is of the essence. I'll be checking stuff out soon. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse H.A.K. on 7/13/11 at 08:19 AM very good review. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 7/14/11 at 12:15 PM Thanx 0 Replies \| Report Abuse leeloo1967 on 7/14/11 at 03:24 AM Very well done review Bradley:) ~I cannot wait to see this film~! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 7/14/11 at 12:16 PM Thanks Leeloooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse leeloo1967 on 7/14/11 at 02:39 PM My pleasure Bradleyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy! Long time no see!!! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Blind Pariah on 7/18/11 at 06:13 PM I wouldn't discount the Hellfire Club being the opponent in the second installment of this... 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Esteban H. on 7/18/11 at 08:51 PM Good review for this movie, and I especially appreciated getting the perspective for how badly Singer treated the franchise to begin with. But the liberties taken here were somewhat unnecessary, in my opinion (you can see what I mean in my review). Can't wait to see what else Vaughn has in store. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Christopher J. on 8/08/11 at 05:20 AM Excellent review. Great film. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 10/23/11 at 06:21 AM I enjoyed it, too. Very good review, mate! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +18 +19 / -1 thumb up thumb down Thor (2011) Genre: Drama 80% Posted on 5/09/11 04:42 PM Thor as a character is a testament to the Silver age of comics and the earnest sensibilities that Stan Lee and Jack Kirby represented. While the idea of a Norse god joining the ranks of more reasonably modern heroic archetypes in defending the earth from various evils may not be the easiest to wrap one's head around, it has somehow worked all of these years in Marvel's expansive universe where the fantastical and even more fantastical get along just fine. Marvel proposes the mythical realm of Aasgard indeed exists, and that our Viking ancestors were in fact paying creedance to an alien race of powerful men who harnessed mind boggling energies and defied physics with what us mortals would call magic. You can scratch your head as you ponder why the Norse mythologies are validated while certain gods of other cultures haven't found a place in Marvels fiction but you would be missing the point. The real trick to enjoying this stuff is to submit to the absurdity. Like most material in the righteous medium of comics, you must let the broader themes play out as they will, allow the fantasy to wash over you, and then you'll find that there is plenty for common folk to connect with. Sure, your not going to pick up a philosophy degree digging through the Marvel archives, but you'll have a lot of fun exploring colorful realms and getting to know characters that reflect the raw passion of some very creative people. While the Silver age would have you take the merging of mythical sub-realities for granted, modernized comics have gradually exploited its own preposterous nature to clever and often amusing effect, and respected veteran actor/director Kenneth Branagh is fully aware of these qualities. He succeeds in simultaneously paying strict homage to the purity of Lee and Kirby's vision while recognizing the kind of incongruity that such robust fantasy can supply. As a result we are bestowed one hell of a summer kickoff to Marvels ongoing grandiose cinematic scheme. Chris Hemsworth - the appropriately accented, chiseled actor who up until now is perhaps known for his brief appearance as Captain Kirk's father in J.J Abram's reboot of the Star Trek franchise - was perfectly cast as the future Avenger. Thanks to him we have a hero who effortlessly exudes the bravado, charisma and hard headed stubbornness you would expect from a young god. Odin, played with gravitas and wisdom by Sir Anthony Hopkins, is pained by his son's flaws, and an act of severe disobedience prompts the aging king to teach Thor some valuable humility before transferring power of the throne. Stripped of his mighty hammer "Mjolnir", his immortal strength and trademark garb, Thor is cast down to our lousy planet for what ends up being a weekend of penance in New Mexico. He garners the interest of uncommonly attractive astrophysicist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) and associates. S.H.I.E.L.D is also snooping around, largely due to the strange alien hammer in the center of a small crater that nobody can seem to lift. It so happens these events were slyly incurred by the covert activities of Thor's jealous adopted brother, Loki - (showcasing a most impressive nuanced performance by Tom Hiddleston) who takes advantage of his brother's banishment to fulfill his own aspirations, which are more complicated than simply evil; the same could even be said for the Frost giants whom Thor's political missteps revolve around. In conclusion, Branagh has concocted a winning formula of action sequences torn straight from the pages, lighthearted humor, and weighty moments of Shakesperian drama all while offering a sumptuous rendition of Aasgard and other realms besides our own. Aside from some glitches in the script and some evidence of diminishing Hollywood tropes, it makes the most of its length in introducing a quintessential Avenger and instantly warranting a sequel of its own. Marvel Studios continues to prove that sometimes, probably most times, source material fairs best in the hands of its creators. PS: Watch out for a cameo of another key Avenger, who happens to be one of my favorites. 28 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: Bruno Youn on 5/09/11 at 04:04 PM Nice review! I was very entertained by this one too 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 5/09/11 at 04:21 PM Thank you sir. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse The Highs and Lows Review on 5/09/11 at 04:17 PM Good review. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 5/09/11 at 04:21 PM Thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Snespy on 5/09/11 at 05:14 PM I could not agree more. I loved the culture clashing of how Thor is rooted in Shakesperian drama where as the people from earth are not at all. It truly highlights the innocence of Mythology and the film brings it in a fun manner without being overly serious. Watching Thor gain humility was a wonderful treat. A man, who possessed a power that is god like was stripped away due to his arrogance and lack of leadership. Unlike other Marvel films, this film starts off with Thor having almost eve 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 5/09/11 at 06:01 PM Indeed. Indeed. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Snespy on 5/09/11 at 06:22 PM And...my comment gets cut off. Thanks RT. :/ 0 Replies \| Report Abuse HERESSSSSSJOHNNY on 5/09/11 at 06:48 PM Great review, I thought it was just ok. A good film but nothing I could watch again. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 5/09/11 at 11:18 PM Gracci. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ljiljana S. on 5/10/11 at 12:06 AM Great review, still have to see it. :) 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 5/10/11 at 01:04 PM Thankya. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse christos v. on 5/10/11 at 01:12 AM good review Bradley J. Timm.;) 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 5/10/11 at 01:06 PM Your appreciation is valued as always C. V. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ryan M. on 5/10/11 at 12:05 PM The trailer made this film look bad, but apparently it IS good. Maybe I'll check it out. Good review :) 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 5/10/11 at 01:07 PM Its hard to get a sense of the more impressive aspects in a two minute trailer for sure. THANX! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Lord Naseby on 5/10/11 at 12:25 PM Great review! I really an excited to see this one. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 5/10/11 at 01:07 PM Giggity! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Lord Naseby on 5/11/11 at 08:35 PM Aaalll riiight. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse leeloo1967 on 5/10/11 at 03:15 PM Awesome review Bradley:) ~I gotta see this~~~Sounds great~! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 5/12/11 at 02:08 PM Glad to once again be of service, Leeloo! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse leeloo1967 on 5/12/11 at 02:24 PM :D 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Matt the Hat on 5/12/11 at 11:34 AM Excellent review. I'm sure I'll see it in the near future. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 5/12/11 at 02:08 PM Thanks Hat, hope you enjoy it. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Alex l. on 5/14/11 at 08:01 PM Great Review! I had fun with it 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 5/31/11 at 07:34 PM thanks Alex (belated) 0 Replies \| Report Abuse H.A.K. on 5/23/11 at 11:04 PM Darn straight! good review. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 5/31/11 at 07:34 PM Thanks yo. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Dylan Smith on 7/10/11 at 03:12 PM A wonerful review Brad. I must say, this has got to be the best blockbuster of the summer so far and while this wasn't completely faithful to Stan Lee's and Jack Kirby's original takee on the character of Thor, this still is a really decent film if so. Anyway, a great job old friend. Keep up the good work and God bless you. Thanks, come back and see me. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +13 +14 / -1 thumb up thumb down Paul (2011) Genre: Art House & International 70% Posted on 3/18/11 01:52 PM Paul turned out to be exactly what one should expect when Greg Mottola (Superbad, Adventureland) directs a script banged out by the two lovable British duo Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. The movie is one big nod in the direction of nerds and their affection for decades of classic Science Fiction, and is at its best when its winking and making references to the wealth of media at the foundation of geek culture. The plot itself is secondary to this fetishism really; Paul (voiced fittingly enough by Seth Rogen) is an alien who was captured by the government decades ago after crash landing on a poor girls dog in Wyoming. They must have fed him a whole bunch of American culture because this alien speaks perfect English, has a pension for vulgarity, pot, and advising production studios on how to make hit television shows in the science fiction vain, I.E Agent Mulder was his idea. Paul has his reasons for escaping the governments grasp which is explained later, and that is how he comes across Graeme and Clive (Pegg and Frost) on their tour from San Diego Comicon, through to Area 51 and onward to Roswell New Mexico. This sets up what is essentially a conventional cat and mouse expedition between the hapless geeks who reluctantly befriend Paul and the government agents chasing relentlessly after them. Amusing turns all around as Jason Bateman plays Agent Zoil; a severe and driven "man in black" on a leash held by "The Big Guy", who is campily portrayed by the great Sigourney Weaver. Bill Hader, Kristen Wigg, and many others tag along and have their moments. The plot, the action sequences, the entire mainframe of the movie is intended to setup in-jokes and references to geek culture and admirably adheres to this cause; unfortunately the jokes themselves are uneven and sometimes lazy, and while generating enough chuckles to warrant a viewing, the more discriminating geek may find many instances where the script could have itself been more inspired rather than just "inspired by" the many shows, movies and literature that prompted Pegg and Frost to write it. Certain gags and punchlines are repeated throughout the whole thing, including a less than subtle attack on religion through Kristen Wiigs sheltered, bible-stifled girl who's instilled paradigm is shattered by the wonders of science and logic as only a wisecracking slacker alien can represent. In closing, Paul is fair attempt at catering to the science fiction fans out there, but I find myself underwhelmed by the overall product. I wasn't expecting this comedy to rank among Pegg and Frosts efforts with the hip and savvy Edgar Write, and I suggest you go into the theater under that pretense and you'll be fine with it. 27 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: Lord Naseby on 3/17/11 at 06:28 PM Great review! I want to see this one. But from the looks of things, It isn't better than Shaun or Fuzz. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 3/17/11 at 07:09 PM Thank the lord. Naseby. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Bob M. on 3/17/11 at 06:28 PM I want to see this though I may wait for DVD. Good review... 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 3/17/11 at 07:09 PM Thanks. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse manofthemovie16 on 3/17/11 at 06:31 PM Great review! I'll go into the theatre with just the right expectation of seeing a Greg Mottola collaboration with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 3/17/11 at 07:09 PM Right on brotha! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse manofthemovie16 on 3/17/11 at 07:40 PM Oh yeah! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Rachel H. on 3/17/11 at 08:28 PM great review! I want to see this 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 3/18/11 at 01:49 PM Thankya. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ljiljana S. on 3/18/11 at 03:48 AM Very good review, looking forward to see it. :) 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 3/18/11 at 01:49 PM Cheers! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse John Harris on 3/18/11 at 10:51 AM I have really been looking forward to this movie, I really hope people weren't expecting another SOTD, really fluid comedy like that is not an everyday thing. Good review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 3/18/11 at 01:49 PM Indeed. Gracci. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse HERESSSSSSJOHNNY on 3/18/11 at 04:09 PM I will see this for sure, I may wait and rent it. Great review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 3/20/11 at 05:25 AM It'll be just as good rented, maybe better if the disc has goofy extras. Thanks yo. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse w@velength on 3/19/11 at 12:26 PM Good review, sounds interesting, unfortunately I'm a sucker for sci-fi comedy but this film doesn't appeal to me one bit. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 3/20/11 at 05:23 AM Just know that its of much higher quality than the trailers would suggest. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse leeloo1967 on 3/19/11 at 07:30 PM Great review Bradley:) ~I really wanna see this~ 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 3/20/11 at 05:24 AM Thanks Leeloo I read what you like and I know you'll enjoy it. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse leeloo1967 on 3/20/11 at 06:03 AM Me too~~~Thanks Bradley:) 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Matt the Hat on 3/20/11 at 12:11 PM Sounds like fun. Good review. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 5/16/11 at 02:43 PM This is late, but thanks hat. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Erik P. on 3/21/11 at 07:51 AM it was cute, i just didnt think it was funny. nice review 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 5/16/11 at 02:44 PM It was certainly more amusing than LOL funny. Thanks. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse TONYS FILM REVIEWS on 5/16/11 at 01:38 AM This is a pritty decent film, good work. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 5/16/11 at 02:45 PM Tankya! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ryan M on 7/08/11 at 03:10 PM I thought it was decent. My main problem with it was that it kept repeating so many jokes and gags to the point where they just weren't funny. I laughed quite a bit in the beginning, and chuckled a couple times throughout, out of amusement, but it was kind of disappointing that a movie with so much potential just wasn't as good as it could have been. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +19 +22 / -3 thumb up thumb down Black Swan (2010) Genre: Mystery & Suspense 90% Posted on 1/26/11 06:19 PM You've heard the buzz, you've heard the accolades and you've heard the minor issues critics and cinephiles have voiced regarding Darren Aronofsky's latest expose of obsession and inner conflict, "Black Swan". I'm going to try my best not to sound like I am repeating these points, rather I will agree with them in my own special way, and I'm getting this out of the way first because there is otherwise a fantastic film experience to talk about. It is true the script is occasionally lazier than the films ambitions, as implied in an early scene where renowned artistic director Thomas Leroy - played convincingly by Vincent Cassel - makes his entrance and introduces himself to the dancers by reciting a tidy synapses of the story of the Swan Lake and the fate of its central female. As if everyone there hasn't read it a hundred times over in preparing for their parts, right? This kind of conventional foreshadowing is too obvious for detail oriented filmgoers, especially those who are expecting anything but mundane. However, this movie does not let your thoughts linger on those flaws, which are really quite few and far between. Ultimately, the sensually unnerving aspects of Aronofsky's unique visual style married with the music and movement of a timeless, passionate art form whisks you along and enters some exceedingly dark territory. Nina Sayers is at the center of every scene, and we are with her as she realizes her dream of landing the lead in the classic ballet Swan Lake, and we follow her as she pressurizes under an overbearing mother, jealous glares and tongue lashings from her peers, and an art instructor who is pushing her to adopt characteristics of the girl she is not; namely Lily (Milla Kunis) who better encapsulates the essence of the Black Swan. Nina's paranoia and frantic reactions to the advances her instructor and rival make on her reflect just how sheltered and unprepared for failure she really is. Natalie Portman performs this role like she intends to prove she is a great actress, and that surge of passion infuses the character of Nina Sayers with credibility. Just like Nina is to Swan Lake, Natalie is ideal for connecting to this material. She is beautiful, intelligent, and - in the many ways that men prefer - she is perfect, except she has spent her life in very safe and undemanding roles. I would like to think this exactly why Aronofsky wanted her for his Swan Queen and he chose wisely. Miss Portman exhibits many layers here, as these layers of beauty and dedication are peeled away, we are both repulsed and hypnotized by the allegory taking place. I've championed Natalie over the years, even after many underwhelming roles this side of V for Vendetta. I'm thrilled to see her show her salt; but I realize that if we are to see her grow as an actress, she needs to work closely with directors with an edge. Imagine her in the next great David Lynch production, for example. Darren Aronofsky proves to be the hero of this film, because he takes a script that could have used another hour in the oven and turns it into an incredibly effective psychological horror movie, and his way of expressing the hardships of competition and transformation are as darkly poetic as Swan Lake; except Swan Lake as seen through the eyes of a trouble Kafka in his prime. The camera dances, jolts, sways and sobs with Nina, and the colors are just right for a fluctuating dream like this. He even manages to insert a molten red hot love scene between Portman and the lovely miss Kunis that simultaneously makes the mankettle boil but maintains the sinister profundity of Nina's descent into madness. This movie is also another reason to get hugely excited about the upcoming Wolverine sequel, which I hope will further the trend of placing comic book properties in the hands of truly talented auteurs. I think about what Aronofsky could and will most likely do with an angry, complex and extremely dangerous mutant at his disposal. Think about that, people. 39 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: Hawaiianguy2991 on 1/25/11 at 11:02 PM Very well written review, I dont see anyone taking the crown away from Ms. Portman come Oscar day. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/25/11 at 11:11 PM Thank you sir. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ljiljana S. on 1/26/11 at 12:42 AM Very good review. :) 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/26/11 at 04:58 AM Thanks for sayin'! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse AndysFilms on 1/26/11 at 02:05 AM Nice review Bradley! There's a sign outside my local cinema that says 'Black Swan' COMING SOON... I really hope this is not a lie... Really looking forward to it! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/26/11 at 04:59 AM You are right to be excited! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Jhon E. on 1/26/11 at 04:39 AM phantasm review, you should write them more often 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/26/11 at 04:59 AM I plan on it. Its just stupid real life and job that gets in the way. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Bob M. on 1/26/11 at 05:38 AM Great film and Portman rocks. Good review.... 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/26/11 at 01:33 PM Much appreciated. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Matt the Hat on 1/26/11 at 06:49 AM Your review was perfect, just like Nina wanted to be. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/26/11 at 01:34 PM Howdy hat. Thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse HERESSSSSSJOHNNY on 1/26/11 at 07:24 AM Great review Bradley, Im in the minority on this one. I thought it was a good film but nothing I could sit through again. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/26/11 at 01:36 PM You know its strange I tell myself that about Requiem For A Dream, but not so much about this film. I think mainly because its comprised of more truly beautiful elements whereas requiem was ugly through and through. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse HERESSSSSSJOHNNY on 1/26/11 at 01:46 PM I didn't like Requiem too much the first time I watched it, I loved it the second time. Who knows, eventually I may give Black Swan a second chance... 0 Replies \| Report Abuse ArizonaSue on 1/26/11 at 08:31 AM Secret Window in a TuTu...predictable 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/26/11 at 01:38 PM I wouldn't say that; first off Secret Window was a pretty lousy movie. There are far better films where the main character slowly goes insane to compare it to. Also, Aronofsky's direction elevates the material, period. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Rachel H. on 1/26/11 at 01:04 PM Great Review! I gotta see this 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/26/11 at 01:40 PM Thanks, yeah, everyone with a taste for the sensual and macabre should make this film a priority. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 1/26/11 at 02:29 PM Good review, it would be perfect if it was shorter! We agree that this is amazing movie! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/27/11 at 12:53 AM If the movie or review were shorter? 1 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 1/27/11 at 08:11 AM Of course the review... I wish that the movie was longer... :-) 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/29/11 at 12:14 AM Your probably right. Report Abuse Matt S. on 1/26/11 at 08:07 PM Great review Bradley! I still need to get around to seeing this one 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/27/11 at 12:53 AM Thanks. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Lord Naseby on 1/26/11 at 08:52 PM I really hope that she wins. The only thing that would keep her from winning is the fact that Annette Benning played a lesbian in a pro-gay movie and Hollywood can't resist that stuff. They tried with Brokeback Mountain and they hate themselves for it now. Anyway, Great review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/27/11 at 12:54 AM Even if she doesn't win, no one will forget her performance. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse leeloo1967 on 1/27/11 at 01:58 PM Excellent written review Bradley:)!! ~I cant believe I havent seen this yet~ 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/27/11 at 07:34 PM Aw shux Leeloo yer too kind. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse leeloo1967 on 1/28/11 at 04:08 AM U are too;) 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ariuza k. on 1/28/11 at 05:11 AM Not my kind of film and i don't plan on seeing it 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/28/11 at 05:36 PM Not your kind of film because? If you hadn't seen it, you don't know whether or not it would strike a chord. That said, the feint of heart should avoid this movie. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Film Ninja on 1/28/11 at 02:32 PM Good review. I agree with all that praise. Hopefully Aronofsky will have the same freedom with Wolverine that Nolan had with TDK. With Disney involved though, sadly I doubt it. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/28/11 at 05:34 PM Fox owns Wolverine (and most X-men Characers) for another two years. Darren Aronofsky was just recently quoted saying "Fox has no idea what its in for." Hugh Jackman was made to gain like 40 pounds of muscle for the role. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse MovieMaster12 on 1/28/11 at 04:08 PM Excellent review. Really well written and insightful. This movie stayed with me for weeks when I saw it in December. Creepy shit. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/28/11 at 05:34 PM Thanks. This I will buy on Bluray the day it comes out. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Alex l. on 1/28/11 at 06:10 PM Can't wait to see it, Great Review! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse SammuelJankis on 2/18/11 at 07:47 AM great review! I loved this movie as well, one of the best of 2010 0 Replies \| Report Abuse stillkrsfromprp on 4/04/11 at 05:16 AM This movie made me say, out loud "Wow"! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +15 +16 / -1 thumb up thumb down An American Werewolf in London (1981) Genre: Horror 90% Posted on 1/13/11 08:05 PM 1981. Those were the days. I was... 4? We're going to have to fast forward to my early tweens when I had first seen John Landis's "An American Werewolf in London". I know for a fact I seen this movie as a kid because that classic scene where the main protagonist undergoes a lovingly filmed metamorphosis was like an ingrown hair of terror that shivered the hell out of my timbers - Some puns intended. Landis wrote the script when he was 19, and that hungry youthful energy and ambition shows like a hickey on a labor of love that becomes more respectable every decade. Edgar Wright sites American Werewolf as the film that changed his life - Click Here To Read That Interview - Go ahead and watch it again with that in mind; the influences are many and easily recognizable. If you haven't seen this film then allow me to give you the rundown: Young friends David (David Naughton) and Jack (Griffin Dunne) are backpacking through Europe and find themselves seeking shelter from the rain in a very small town, more specifically "The Slaughtered Lamb" pub. The locals on the inside regard them both with a heavily awkward silence, and when the boys verbalize their curiosity about a pentagram smeared on the wall over yonder, feathers get ruffled. The only warning the duo get's as the patron's force them out of their drinking hole is "Stay on the roads, stay off the Moors!" Naturally, David and Jack are too busy chattering to notice that they are veering from said road, on to said Moors, and end up having an encounter with a werewolf which is introduced in a vicious, gruesome flurry of gore. Jack gets shredded to bloody smithereens and David barely survives due to the locals having a change of heart and lending a rifle to his aid. David wakes up in a hospital in London where he recovers under the care of Dr. Hirsch (John Woodvine) and receives even more sensual attention from the lovely Nurse Alex Price played by Jenny Agutter, and at the time she was a girl a man could suckle on for a fortnight without breaking for food and water. Delicious! David and Nurse Alex fall for each other, which would be an adorable affair if it wasn't for the fact that David's dead friend Jack seems to be haunting him at every turn, conversationally delivering messages from beyond the grave that not only will David turn into a werewolf at the next full moon and go on a killing spree, but Jack can not pass into the afterlife properly until the curse is broken. Landis did well by injecting a sense of humor, or at least a oddly positive attitude about some very dire circumstances. All of the doom and gloom inherent in a narrative like this is made buoyant by David's happy go lucky nature as he battles with lycanthropy and the corrosion of his sanity. Tonally, the film sets the groundwork for other playful horror movies that would follow as produced by the likes of early Sam Raimi and Peter Jackson. This film also looks great; it is sparse and uncluttered, and no footage is wasteful. The memorable scene where David first becomes the Werewolf is the big payoff, and boy does it pay off. Rick Baker was the first to win an Oscar for a category prompted into creation by his crafty way of elongating limbs and sprouting hairs. The frantic climax is a perfect punctuation to the in-your-face violence that is at once horrific and amusing for its flamboyance. Some, like Roger Ebert, had complained that the film feels unfinished, that perhaps it ends to abruptly and resolves nothing. I subscribe that sometimes less is more. "An American Werewolf In London" holds up extremely well and I highly recommend it. Cheers. www.BradleyJamesTimm.com 23 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: Matt the Hat on 1/11/11 at 03:09 PM Great review. I haven't seen it for donkey years. It also gave me the shivers, maybe that's why I haven't revisited it. Maybe one day when I'm feeling brave... 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/11/11 at 09:07 PM Definitely worth a watch. Cheers! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse HERESSSSSSJOHNNY on 1/11/11 at 03:41 PM Great review, one of my favorite horror films. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/11/11 at 09:07 PM Thankya. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Jack L. on 1/11/11 at 03:55 PM great review, I'm quite a fan of Landis, so I'll probably see this! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/11/11 at 09:07 PM You'll find this among his very best. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Lord Naseby on 1/11/11 at 07:23 PM never seen one of these films. Someday I might. Great review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/11/11 at 09:08 PM Much obliged. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Bob M. on 1/11/11 at 09:13 PM This was very good and I can actually remember seeing it when it opened. Good review..... 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/14/11 at 11:20 AM Thanks a lot brotha. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Alex l. on 1/12/11 at 01:31 PM Great Review! Gotta see this 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/14/11 at 11:20 AM Thanks. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse AndysFilms on 1/14/11 at 02:10 AM Great review Bradley! I have fond memories of this one!... 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/14/11 at 11:21 AM It is more a classic than I originally thought. Thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse leeloo1967 on 1/15/11 at 05:45 PM Bloody awesome review Bradley:)! I agree totally~~~I love this film~~~The werewolf scared the crap out of me~~~Its so horrific looking~!! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/15/11 at 07:12 PM Thanks, Lee to the mutha-flippin' Loo! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse leeloo1967 on 1/16/11 at 05:36 AM Hehehe:) 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Matt S. on 1/18/11 at 08:51 PM Great review! I have yet to see this one, maybe i'll give it a go! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/19/11 at 03:33 AM Thanks and you totally should. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse M Z. on 1/19/11 at 03:11 AM Yeah, the scene of metamorphosis was outstanding, great review. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/19/11 at 03:34 AM Thanks yo. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Mr. Taylor on 3/23/11 at 12:48 PM Love this one and agree with the review. Its in my TOP 100. Well done. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Jbird on 8/21/11 at 04:35 PM I love this movie! Fantastic review my friend. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +8 +10 / -2 thumb up thumb down Easy A (2010) Genre: Comedy 80% Posted on 1/10/11 08:21 PM My radar fancies a broad range of frequencies when it comes to film, but "Easy A" could have very well escaped it. As I get older and codgier, my ability to relate with high school kids who have no idea who Curt Cobain was requires me to enter an uncomfortable state of mind. Not sure what I mean by that but I mean it. Quality high school movies are few and far between; and the last and current generation have both churned out a mere handful of minor classics: IE Election, 12 Things I Hate About You, Napoleon Dynamite, etc. Why did I like Easy A so much? Well, after I was able to identify the absurd contrivances of the overall plot and the a whole slew of rampant stereotypes, I was able to connect with the intelligence of the script. This is of course largely due to a vibrant and committed performance by rising star Emma Stone. Emma plays Olive, a high school student who is smarter than her peers and knows better than to try and become popular. As her senior year draws to a conclusion she makes the awful mistake of patronizing her promiscuous best friend Rhiannon and falsely admitting to having sex for the first time. Oops, Uber-Christian brat Marianne (Amanda Bynes)overhears this confession and a wildfire of distaste and fascination is ignited as rumors circulate that Olive is a slut. I had to get past the fact that the film relied on the misconception that something like this would be considered a big deal in high school, and this was a public school so I don't get how a gang of fanatically chaste bible thumper's would hold so much sway over popular opinion. As a matter of fact, aren't these the kids that would be oppressed by the more diverse factions outnumbering them? As is being slowly revealed in her video blog throughout the movie, Olive follows a very strange instinct to compound this rumor by helping her gay friend escape painful scrutiny by publicly sleeping with him and giving him some cred on the other side of the tracks. She exhibits a saints resolve at using her fictional status as an easy piece of "A" to boost the confidence level of high schools lowliest life forms. The films parallel to The Scarlett Letter isn't understated; in fact that story is plainly made the catalyst of Olives self destructive paradigm. All of this would seem a bit reaching if it weren't for how much fun this movie has with its characters. The silly factor, coupled with a very sharp collage of dialogue that dances the fine line of weightiness and parody is consistently hilarious. Each of the main characters have their own kooky quirk to exploit for laughs, but the laughs are plentiful, and that's a good thing right? Especially Thomas Hayden Church plays a marvelously deadpan teacher with dry wit to spare, and most entertaining of all would be Olives parent's played by Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson. Tucci has never been more charismatic as Dill, who's amiable nuttiness is downright priceless. "Easy A" isn't perfect, but despite its obvious flaws it is a brisk delight. Emma Stone is a redheaded tornado of charm and I am extremely interested in what she will be undertaking as her career advances. You know what? I even wouldn't mind seeing her stay in high school a bit longer, as long as this playful reverence to John Hughes is executed with a wink and a nod. Bradley J. Timm www.bradleyjamestimm.com 15 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: Rachel H. on 1/09/11 at 06:39 AM I adored this film. great review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/09/11 at 04:57 PM TH*NKS YO 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Bob M. on 1/09/11 at 07:58 AM I am seeing this soon. Good review... 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/09/11 at 04:57 PM Eggs Sell Ant! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Matt the Hat on 1/09/11 at 10:29 AM I like the sound of this. Mean Girls was another good film of this type. Great review. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/09/11 at 04:58 PM Back atya Hat. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/09/11 at 04:59 PM Er... that made no sense. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Matt the Hat on 1/10/11 at 11:39 AM Lol. That line had me in stiches. Report Abuse Alex l. on 1/09/11 at 10:58 AM Great Review! Can't wait to see it 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/09/11 at 04:59 PM Gracias. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse leeloo1967 on 1/09/11 at 04:21 PM ~Excellent review Bradley~:)! ~Thumbs up 2 u~!! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/09/11 at 05:00 PM Much obliged! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Lord Naseby on 1/17/11 at 03:10 PM Great review! I have heard that this one is funny. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/18/11 at 12:29 AM Funny like the corpse of Glenn Beck. Thanks Naseby. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ryan M on 2/21/11 at 11:47 AM I liked this one too. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +7 +9 / -2 thumb up thumb down Season of the Witch (2011) Genre: Drama 20% Posted on 1/07/11 04:19 PM Nicolas Cage has lost something over the years. Maybe it was a bet, or maybe it was a crucial slice of dignity... whatever the case may be, the man has commited himself to every lame brain film project a movie studio tossed at him for the better portion of a decade. Would I have cared so much that "Ghost Rider" was an absolute abomination if one of my favorite actors wasn't wittingly at the center of it? Not really; I hadn't been invested in that sub-par Marvel antihero since I was half as tall. Man oh man was "Ghost Rider" ever a bad movie. As a matter of fact, they don't make em' any worse unless their name is Ewe Boll. Early last year there was a misleading spark of redemption in the form of Big Daddy in the surprise cult movie "Kick Ass", which made me anxious to see if Nick could follow that yellow brick road which promised to lead him away from his beaten path. Well, then we got "The Sorcerers Apprentice". Just for the record, that movie is kind of a guilty pleasure, but by no means is it "good" in the way that a seasoned critic would apply the word. With an inexplicable sequel to "Ghost Rider" coming up, we get our fix of Mr. Cage in Dominic Sena's "Season of the Witch". I caught a free screener of this last night and I'm still not sure I shouldn't be demanding a refund for my time. Okay, I'm being hyperbolic; the truth is this movie didn't really profoundly dissatisfy me because my expectations were low upon entry. I mean, Dominic Sena's best film in his entire portfolio is "Kalifornia" and the only people that praise that movie are justifying its existence soley for the inspired pairing of two cool and interesting celebrities like Brad Pitt and David Duchovny. I suppose there are parallels to be noted here; for instance Nicolas Cage and Ron Pearlman saving each other's asses in a sword and sorcery adventure sounds like a great idea! However, In true Dominic Sena fashion this chemistry is squandered. Here we have two legendary knights deserting their posts in the Crusade when it suddenly occurs to them that something is wrong about the church ordering them to target innocent civilians; bare in mind that this is after a montage of Behmen (Cage in what seems to be his favorite wig) and his large comrade Felson gleefully hacking and slashing their way through hordes of heretics across the continent. Like seriously, you guys are betting drinks on how many soldiers you can dismember but now you're deeply appalled because your sword finds its way into a woman's floppy bossom? After casually denouncing the Church they wearily lumber homeward to some ambiguous place in Europe in the 1300's which is stricken with a horrible plague that priests are blaming on a witch that they happen to have in custody. Behmen and Felson are immediately recognized as legendary crusaders and are led to a chamber where physicians wearing Venetian medical masks 300 YEARS BEFORE THEY ACTUALLY EXISTED are tending to the comically disfigured king who was victim to said plague. This king bids the two extraordinary warriors transport this dangerous witch to an abbey where a ritual can be performed with some ancient book to... do something... to cure the... cleanse the... you know they never really explain specifically what the ritual is supposed to do. For its full hour and a half I did not experience the faintest spike in brain activity or emotional response. As much as I wanted to chuckle at Ron Pearlman's one liners - because I freaking love that guy - well, sometimes if a script is lazy and derivative enough, no degree of natural screen presence is going to save a film. This may seem odd, but I would have rather seen something so atrocious that I could passionately rant about it for hours afterward and work up a sweat. Here I find myself quietly disappointed, other than a that nagging uncomfortable feeling I got midway through because the lady next to me was sitting on the sleeve of my coat and tugging at it; each twist of her buttock sucking it further beneath her middle aged chassis. A few sentences ago I used the adjective "ambiguous" and permit me to use it thoroughly in describing the entire tone of this movie. When Nick and the Pearl - and a few other guys for fodder - reluctantly caravan the caged teenager over the mountains and through the woods, there is a sustained ambiguity to the proceedings, and it becomes very transparent that the script was written within a few days - possibly over the course of a long dinner. If I told you anything else about "Season of The Witch" I would effectively be spoiling it, because there really isn't anything to it except a wholesale bundle of recycled themes and langorous dialogue. Movies like this, in all honesty, need to be burned at the stake before their evil influence facilitates similar productions across the land. ... and Nick, come on buddy... say no to duds. Bradley J. Timm @ www.bradleyjamestimm.com 17 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: Jack L. on 1/07/11 at 04:09 AM this is a real shame, I was kind of looking forward to seeing Nic Cage, who is one of my favourite actors, being a knight...excellent review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/07/11 at 09:24 AM Yeah but the writing was on the walls. Check out Sena's filmography and it becomes apparent. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Jack L. on 1/07/11 at 09:59 AM yeah, I suppose you're right, I can't help but feel a bit disappointed though, I thought Nic might be having a bit of a comeback... 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Matt the Hat on 1/07/11 at 01:59 PM Nic Cage has had so many misses I'm forgetting any of his hits. Nice review. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/08/11 at 09:09 PM What up hat? Thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse leeloo1967 on 1/07/11 at 06:39 PM Very insightful review Bradley:)!! ~I'm skipping this witch~ 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/08/11 at 02:03 AM Thanks guys. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Bernard1422 on 1/08/11 at 09:29 PM There is much to be said for your supposition. I also wonder why Cage, and a number of other actors have so little respect for their craft, but indiscriminately crank of one dud after another(sic) 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/08/11 at 11:04 PM It may be laziness. Not like a whole lot of prep is needed for these roles. Getting into character is easy if your just playing Nicolas Cage. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Lord Naseby on 1/08/11 at 10:43 PM 3% approval rating. I knew this would be bad but not that bad. Great review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/08/11 at 11:05 PM Oh its that bad. But it didn't insult me as much as other movies. Thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse christos v. on 1/09/11 at 01:43 AM Almost all say they are a horrible movie,great review Bradley J. Timm.;) 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/09/11 at 01:52 AM Tankoo! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Rachel H. on 1/09/11 at 06:33 AM I was actually kind of looking forward to this because the trailer makes it look awesome, but after I saw the critic's consensus that idea went out the window. great review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/29/11 at 12:05 AM I'm late on this thanks but thanks. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Alex l. on 1/28/11 at 06:10 PM I'll skip, Great Review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/29/11 at 12:06 AM Yeah, totally skip it. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes 0 +1 / -1 thumb up thumb down Your Highness (2011) Genre: Comedy —— Posted on 12/30/10 03:49 PM This could be the "Not quite A Princess Bride but close enough" of our generation! 0 Comments \| Send This \| Comments:
	Votes +10 +12 / -2 thumb up thumb down True Grit (2010) Genre: Western 90% Posted on 12/28/10 07:07 PM I admit it, I haven't seen an abundance of westerns, least of all westerns from John Wayne's era. I have seen enough John Wayne performances to get the impression that the Duke got by on being the Duke, and wasn't by any means a chameleon or method actor. From what I've read, the Coen's adaptation of the Charles Portis novel "True Grit" is far more accurate, and that alone should put it ahead of the previous film, but lets face it; most people are going to see this movie because it reunites our beloved reliable directors Joel and Ethan Coen with Jeff "The Dude" Bridges. You will walk into the theater expecting a quintessential cinematic experience - and it is certainly that - but you will discover majority of this films heart and soul is attributed to newcomer Hallie Steinfeld as the whip smart and indomitable fourteen year old Mattie Ross. Weather worn federal Marshall Rooster Cogburn is portrayed with nuance by Jeff Bridges who leaks a steady southern drawl out of the corner of his mouth with striking authenticity as if Muddy Waters and Slingblade's dialect got married. For a guy that has a history of shooting first and asking questions later, he has the sloppy yet amiable nature of the perpetually drunk uncle who is on his last legs and not really giving a good god damn about much of anything anymore, but boy does he love to ramble about the good old days! We are happy to have him there looking after Mattie as she is required to insistently cattle prod both him and the overtly proud Texas ranger "Laboef" - a perfect character for Matt Damon to flex his capacity for generating chuckles - into hunting down the uni-browed criminal Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin) who unjustly murdered her father. The story's simplicity allows the Coen's and their go-to cinematographer Roger Deacons capture the old western landscapes with effortless artistry as the mismatched trio struggles to overcome their own flaws while seeing the deed done. This movie will be seen in different lights, I know many old fogeys dismissed it out of the gate because they are happy with "the Duke" as Rooster Cogburn thank-you-very-much, and there may even be a handful of poor souls on this planet who would actually deny the Coen's their accolades for being such consistent filmmakers out of... I dunno... spite? Well, it doesn't really matter. The fact is this film hits all the marks of a great western, and because of the Coen's unique proficiencies and their dynamite cast, this tiny tale of vengeance in the age of rawhide and six shooters is universally accessible. Oh, and keep an eye out for Hallie Steinfeld, she sure is something to behold, and I foresee a nice career ahead of her in and out of the Co-Bro circle. be sure to visit my lair at www.bradleyjamestimm.com 20 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: bethann e. on 12/28/10 at 07:37 PM Great review, I just got home from seeing this. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 12/29/10 at 11:58 PM Tanks. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Matt the Hat on 12/29/10 at 03:02 AM Good review. I thought the original was average. Looking forward to this version. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 12/29/10 at 11:59 PM It won't disappoint. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse HERESSSSSSJOHNNY on 12/29/10 at 09:00 AM Great review of a great film. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 12/29/10 at 11:59 PM Exactamundo. THX 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Jack L. on 12/29/10 at 09:05 AM I can't wait to see this one, it looks really great, excellent review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 12/30/10 at 12:00 AM bows humbly 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Adam Moody on 12/29/10 at 01:55 PM good review 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 12/30/10 at 12:01 AM Danku sir. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Hollywood on 12/29/10 at 05:42 PM I never saw the original so I surely don't have anything to compare it to. I enjoyed this one. At times I felt Bridges needed subtitles though. Ha ha! Great review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 12/30/10 at 12:03 AM A pint of whiskey and a rolled cigarette hanging outta my mouth usually muddles my speech as well. Thank you. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Francisco R. on 1/01/11 at 04:20 AM Nice Review....Great film. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/29/11 at 12:08 AM Thankers. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse leeloo1967 on 1/01/11 at 03:14 PM ~Great review Bradley:)~ ~I will be seeing this film~ 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/29/11 at 12:08 AM Rock on. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Lord Naseby on 1/02/11 at 03:47 PM Great review! I highly enjoyed this one as well. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/29/11 at 12:09 AM Gracci. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Alex l. on 1/28/11 at 06:10 PM Agreed Great Review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/29/11 at 12:09 AM High five. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes -1 +1 / -2 thumb up thumb down The Beaver (2011) Genre: Drama —— Posted on 12/14/10 09:58 PM What? What the? Is this Mel Gibson's I'm Still Here? 0 Comments \| Send This \| Comments:

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	Votes +15 +15 / -0 thumb up thumb down X-Men: First Class (2011) Genre: Drama 90% Posted on 7/12/11 12:04 AM In spite of all the vitriol that followed the initial trailers and news of a precariously short filming schedule director Brian Vaughn earns himself the right to bitch slap each and every one of us by having produced what turned out to be an X-Men movie that feels more like an X-men movie than its predecessors. Now as a longtime fan of the source material, I was always rather put off by the head scratching liberties Bryan singer took with certain key characters and respective continuities, for example Ice Man was supposed to be a main member of the team, and I don't care how expensive it would be to CGI render his ability to navigate himself by sliding around on obtrusively static ice sleds that would have the tribespeople of the Masquito coast drinking cold beverages for weeks; Likewise - Colossus - who happened to be my personal favorite growing up - is far more impressive than a 30 second cameo during the attack on Xavier's school of mutants would have you believe, and for the love of god, Rogue is a tall, sassy headstrong southern belle not a meek, shrinking violet - a streak of white in Anna Paquin's stringy brown mop is NOT gonna cover up any blatant casting errors thank you very much. I'm not even going to get into the nigh unmentionable third installment that Brett Ratner shat out, and as far as I'm concerned that Wolverine origins movie doesn't exist. Luckily, Brian Vaughn - while somewhat being required to adhere to executive producer Brian Singers let's say UNIQUE re-imagining of beloved X-Men history he at least approaches the material with the same sure handed and efficient craftsmanship that made his previous films stand out. Even the notably unbalanced adaptation of Mark Millar's kick ass, despite a few inconsistancies of narrative and tone, was nonetheless very kinetic and entertaining, which should be the foremost aspiration for any summer movie. (methinx) X-Men first class is a prequel, a term that may elicit groans from those of us who can't help but consider it synonamous to say those wretched George lucas monstrosities that were supposed to show us how gerber grape juice spokeschild anekin skywalker grew into an angsty teenager with limited emotional range and eventually turned to the dark side shortly after knocking up a wooden replica of nataly portman. I digress. My point is, prequel's don't have to suck. Here we have Erik Lehnsherr, a jewish child of world war 2 whos parents are dragged into the camps by those dirty natzis and who's mother was soon after used by the heinous Sebastian Shaw to instigate Young Erik into reproducing his remarkable ability to manipulate magnetic fields. Erik fails to appease this man of mysterious intent and origin at the cost of his mother's life and a tale of revenge Is born. Shaw is known to us comic geeks as the front man for a mutant criminal organization known as the hellfire club, though that moniker is never uttered in this film. Fast forward to the 1960's at the height of the cold war, and this Sebastian Shaw - portrayed with surprising bravura by Kevin Bacon - and his entourage of misfit mutants are toiling subversively to ignite actual war between the Soviets and America with no other reason but to thin the herd; the less of these sniveling, inferior humans the better. The mutant phenomenon is beginning to surface and that's where young professor Charles Xavier comes in. James Macavoy helps us to imagine what a young, brash and lustful Jean Luc Picard would be like as his expertise is drawn upon by young government agent Moira Mctaggert and this all eventually leads to a gathering and recruitment of several young mutants and one angry, veangeful Erik Lehnsherr who as we all know will eventually become Magneto. As you may have already heard, Michael Fassbender's performance is the driving force of First Class; he carries the emotional core of the movie in a way that exemplifies why classically trained British actors are so reliable for gravitas. As one would imagine, the vast array of conflicting emotions inherent In a complicated and especially fictional character like this would be difficult to pull off and he does so effortlessly. Keep an eye out for this cat, he is surely soon to be in Americas public consciousness in no time at all. Charles and Erik form a deeply intellectual friendship and though they are at odds as to where mutants should place in the future they work together to bring down the immediate big bad threatening mankind, though in the end, Chuck is a fan of man, and Erik just wants to finally put Sebastian Shaw to bed for being a complete asshole. Its worth noting that the majority of supporting mutants are engaging enough, and while Emma Frost could have been played by a slice of gluten free white bread more lively then January Jones, Havok, Beast, Banshee, even the silent but ever so deadly Azazel are welcome members of either team - which SPOILER ALERT turn out to be somewhat interchangeable if you catch my meaning. OKAY Wrapping up, X-Men first class is a winning effort by Vaughn, well written, taughtly paced and with all the requisite scenes of fantastic action and period piece recreation I ordain that geeks and even non geeks around the world see this movie. This is Bradley J saying go watch a movie. 27 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: Jbird on 7/12/11 at 06:13 AM I agree. Great review. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 7/13/11 at 02:29 AM I agree. it is truly is a great review. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ljiljana S. on 7/12/11 at 10:18 AM Great review, awesome movie. :) 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 7/13/11 at 02:29 AM Thanking you. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse bia e. on 7/12/11 at 10:22 AM i want to watch this film! by the way, nice review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 7/13/11 at 02:29 AM It is watchable. More watchable than the English Patient/. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Lord Naseby on 7/12/11 at 10:45 AM I pretty much agree with this whole thing. It was a very worthy film of the series. Great review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 7/13/11 at 02:30 AM That's numberwang! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse CinematicMethod.com on 7/12/11 at 10:46 AM Great review! Especially considering you were drunk when you wrote it. I am also nervous when it comes to prequels, but this one was a great success. -Kyle, CinematicMethod.com 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 7/13/11 at 02:30 AM I should drink whiskey before every review but have a timid but sexy librarian edit it. I'm drunk now BTW. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ryan M. on 7/12/11 at 03:18 PM Great review, I loved this too :) 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 7/13/11 at 02:31 AM Thanxxx 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Lauren W. on 7/12/11 at 04:42 PM Great Review, i can't wait to see this! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 7/13/11 at 02:31 AM See it, and the waiting will be over. thx 0 Replies \| Report Abuse HERESSSSSSJOHNNY on 7/12/11 at 05:58 PM This didn't blow me away but I still enjoyed it quite a bit, excellent review. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 7/13/11 at 02:32 AM It sets up a far more fulfilling trilogy though I'd say. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Dylan Smith on 7/12/11 at 06:49 PM A fine review Brad. it's nice to see you writing again and I must say, this and X2, are the best in the series and thank Homer this wasn't a horrible stink bomb film the third and fourth films turned out to be. Anyway, a wonderful job done good sir. I do hope you have a wonderful week and God bless you. BTW, if you have time, be sure to check your Inbox for several reviews and blogs I sent you. Thanks, come back and see me. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 7/13/11 at 02:33 AM Thanks man, I have been taking on quite a bit lately and time is of the essence. I'll be checking stuff out soon. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse H.A.K. on 7/13/11 at 08:19 AM very good review. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 7/14/11 at 12:15 PM Thanx 0 Replies \| Report Abuse leeloo1967 on 7/14/11 at 03:24 AM Very well done review Bradley:) ~I cannot wait to see this film~! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 7/14/11 at 12:16 PM Thanks Leeloooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse leeloo1967 on 7/14/11 at 02:39 PM My pleasure Bradleyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy! Long time no see!!! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Blind Pariah on 7/18/11 at 06:13 PM I wouldn't discount the Hellfire Club being the opponent in the second installment of this... 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Esteban H. on 7/18/11 at 08:51 PM Good review for this movie, and I especially appreciated getting the perspective for how badly Singer treated the franchise to begin with. But the liberties taken here were somewhat unnecessary, in my opinion (you can see what I mean in my review). Can't wait to see what else Vaughn has in store. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Christopher J. on 8/08/11 at 05:20 AM Excellent review. Great film. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 10/23/11 at 06:21 AM I enjoyed it, too. Very good review, mate! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +18 +19 / -1 thumb up thumb down Thor (2011) Genre: Drama 80% Posted on 5/09/11 04:42 PM Thor as a character is a testament to the Silver age of comics and the earnest sensibilities that Stan Lee and Jack Kirby represented. While the idea of a Norse god joining the ranks of more reasonably modern heroic archetypes in defending the earth from various evils may not be the easiest to wrap one's head around, it has somehow worked all of these years in Marvel's expansive universe where the fantastical and even more fantastical get along just fine. Marvel proposes the mythical realm of Aasgard indeed exists, and that our Viking ancestors were in fact paying creedance to an alien race of powerful men who harnessed mind boggling energies and defied physics with what us mortals would call magic. You can scratch your head as you ponder why the Norse mythologies are validated while certain gods of other cultures haven't found a place in Marvels fiction but you would be missing the point. The real trick to enjoying this stuff is to submit to the absurdity. Like most material in the righteous medium of comics, you must let the broader themes play out as they will, allow the fantasy to wash over you, and then you'll find that there is plenty for common folk to connect with. Sure, your not going to pick up a philosophy degree digging through the Marvel archives, but you'll have a lot of fun exploring colorful realms and getting to know characters that reflect the raw passion of some very creative people. While the Silver age would have you take the merging of mythical sub-realities for granted, modernized comics have gradually exploited its own preposterous nature to clever and often amusing effect, and respected veteran actor/director Kenneth Branagh is fully aware of these qualities. He succeeds in simultaneously paying strict homage to the purity of Lee and Kirby's vision while recognizing the kind of incongruity that such robust fantasy can supply. As a result we are bestowed one hell of a summer kickoff to Marvels ongoing grandiose cinematic scheme. Chris Hemsworth - the appropriately accented, chiseled actor who up until now is perhaps known for his brief appearance as Captain Kirk's father in J.J Abram's reboot of the Star Trek franchise - was perfectly cast as the future Avenger. Thanks to him we have a hero who effortlessly exudes the bravado, charisma and hard headed stubbornness you would expect from a young god. Odin, played with gravitas and wisdom by Sir Anthony Hopkins, is pained by his son's flaws, and an act of severe disobedience prompts the aging king to teach Thor some valuable humility before transferring power of the throne. Stripped of his mighty hammer "Mjolnir", his immortal strength and trademark garb, Thor is cast down to our lousy planet for what ends up being a weekend of penance in New Mexico. He garners the interest of uncommonly attractive astrophysicist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) and associates. S.H.I.E.L.D is also snooping around, largely due to the strange alien hammer in the center of a small crater that nobody can seem to lift. It so happens these events were slyly incurred by the covert activities of Thor's jealous adopted brother, Loki - (showcasing a most impressive nuanced performance by Tom Hiddleston) who takes advantage of his brother's banishment to fulfill his own aspirations, which are more complicated than simply evil; the same could even be said for the Frost giants whom Thor's political missteps revolve around. In conclusion, Branagh has concocted a winning formula of action sequences torn straight from the pages, lighthearted humor, and weighty moments of Shakesperian drama all while offering a sumptuous rendition of Aasgard and other realms besides our own. Aside from some glitches in the script and some evidence of diminishing Hollywood tropes, it makes the most of its length in introducing a quintessential Avenger and instantly warranting a sequel of its own. Marvel Studios continues to prove that sometimes, probably most times, source material fairs best in the hands of its creators. PS: Watch out for a cameo of another key Avenger, who happens to be one of my favorites. 28 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: Bruno Youn on 5/09/11 at 04:04 PM Nice review! I was very entertained by this one too 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 5/09/11 at 04:21 PM Thank you sir. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse The Highs and Lows Review on 5/09/11 at 04:17 PM Good review. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 5/09/11 at 04:21 PM Thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Snespy on 5/09/11 at 05:14 PM I could not agree more. I loved the culture clashing of how Thor is rooted in Shakesperian drama where as the people from earth are not at all. It truly highlights the innocence of Mythology and the film brings it in a fun manner without being overly serious. Watching Thor gain humility was a wonderful treat. A man, who possessed a power that is god like was stripped away due to his arrogance and lack of leadership. Unlike other Marvel films, this film starts off with Thor having almost eve 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 5/09/11 at 06:01 PM Indeed. Indeed. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Snespy on 5/09/11 at 06:22 PM And...my comment gets cut off. Thanks RT. :/ 0 Replies \| Report Abuse HERESSSSSSJOHNNY on 5/09/11 at 06:48 PM Great review, I thought it was just ok. A good film but nothing I could watch again. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 5/09/11 at 11:18 PM Gracci. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ljiljana S. on 5/10/11 at 12:06 AM Great review, still have to see it. :) 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 5/10/11 at 01:04 PM Thankya. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse christos v. on 5/10/11 at 01:12 AM good review Bradley J. Timm.;) 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 5/10/11 at 01:06 PM Your appreciation is valued as always C. V. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ryan M. on 5/10/11 at 12:05 PM The trailer made this film look bad, but apparently it IS good. Maybe I'll check it out. Good review :) 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 5/10/11 at 01:07 PM Its hard to get a sense of the more impressive aspects in a two minute trailer for sure. THANX! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Lord Naseby on 5/10/11 at 12:25 PM Great review! I really an excited to see this one. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 5/10/11 at 01:07 PM Giggity! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Lord Naseby on 5/11/11 at 08:35 PM Aaalll riiight. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse leeloo1967 on 5/10/11 at 03:15 PM Awesome review Bradley:) ~I gotta see this~~~Sounds great~! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 5/12/11 at 02:08 PM Glad to once again be of service, Leeloo! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse leeloo1967 on 5/12/11 at 02:24 PM :D 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Matt the Hat on 5/12/11 at 11:34 AM Excellent review. I'm sure I'll see it in the near future. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 5/12/11 at 02:08 PM Thanks Hat, hope you enjoy it. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Alex l. on 5/14/11 at 08:01 PM Great Review! I had fun with it 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 5/31/11 at 07:34 PM thanks Alex (belated) 0 Replies \| Report Abuse H.A.K. on 5/23/11 at 11:04 PM Darn straight! good review. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 5/31/11 at 07:34 PM Thanks yo. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Dylan Smith on 7/10/11 at 03:12 PM A wonerful review Brad. I must say, this has got to be the best blockbuster of the summer so far and while this wasn't completely faithful to Stan Lee's and Jack Kirby's original takee on the character of Thor, this still is a really decent film if so. Anyway, a great job old friend. Keep up the good work and God bless you. Thanks, come back and see me. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +13 +14 / -1 thumb up thumb down Paul (2011) Genre: Art House & International 70% Posted on 3/18/11 01:52 PM Paul turned out to be exactly what one should expect when Greg Mottola (Superbad, Adventureland) directs a script banged out by the two lovable British duo Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. The movie is one big nod in the direction of nerds and their affection for decades of classic Science Fiction, and is at its best when its winking and making references to the wealth of media at the foundation of geek culture. The plot itself is secondary to this fetishism really; Paul (voiced fittingly enough by Seth Rogen) is an alien who was captured by the government decades ago after crash landing on a poor girls dog in Wyoming. They must have fed him a whole bunch of American culture because this alien speaks perfect English, has a pension for vulgarity, pot, and advising production studios on how to make hit television shows in the science fiction vain, I.E Agent Mulder was his idea. Paul has his reasons for escaping the governments grasp which is explained later, and that is how he comes across Graeme and Clive (Pegg and Frost) on their tour from San Diego Comicon, through to Area 51 and onward to Roswell New Mexico. This sets up what is essentially a conventional cat and mouse expedition between the hapless geeks who reluctantly befriend Paul and the government agents chasing relentlessly after them. Amusing turns all around as Jason Bateman plays Agent Zoil; a severe and driven "man in black" on a leash held by "The Big Guy", who is campily portrayed by the great Sigourney Weaver. Bill Hader, Kristen Wigg, and many others tag along and have their moments. The plot, the action sequences, the entire mainframe of the movie is intended to setup in-jokes and references to geek culture and admirably adheres to this cause; unfortunately the jokes themselves are uneven and sometimes lazy, and while generating enough chuckles to warrant a viewing, the more discriminating geek may find many instances where the script could have itself been more inspired rather than just "inspired by" the many shows, movies and literature that prompted Pegg and Frost to write it. Certain gags and punchlines are repeated throughout the whole thing, including a less than subtle attack on religion through Kristen Wiigs sheltered, bible-stifled girl who's instilled paradigm is shattered by the wonders of science and logic as only a wisecracking slacker alien can represent. In closing, Paul is fair attempt at catering to the science fiction fans out there, but I find myself underwhelmed by the overall product. I wasn't expecting this comedy to rank among Pegg and Frosts efforts with the hip and savvy Edgar Write, and I suggest you go into the theater under that pretense and you'll be fine with it. 27 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: Lord Naseby on 3/17/11 at 06:28 PM Great review! I want to see this one. But from the looks of things, It isn't better than Shaun or Fuzz. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 3/17/11 at 07:09 PM Thank the lord. Naseby. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Bob M. on 3/17/11 at 06:28 PM I want to see this though I may wait for DVD. Good review... 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 3/17/11 at 07:09 PM Thanks. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse manofthemovie16 on 3/17/11 at 06:31 PM Great review! I'll go into the theatre with just the right expectation of seeing a Greg Mottola collaboration with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 3/17/11 at 07:09 PM Right on brotha! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse manofthemovie16 on 3/17/11 at 07:40 PM Oh yeah! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Rachel H. on 3/17/11 at 08:28 PM great review! I want to see this 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 3/18/11 at 01:49 PM Thankya. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ljiljana S. on 3/18/11 at 03:48 AM Very good review, looking forward to see it. :) 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 3/18/11 at 01:49 PM Cheers! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse John Harris on 3/18/11 at 10:51 AM I have really been looking forward to this movie, I really hope people weren't expecting another SOTD, really fluid comedy like that is not an everyday thing. Good review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 3/18/11 at 01:49 PM Indeed. Gracci. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse HERESSSSSSJOHNNY on 3/18/11 at 04:09 PM I will see this for sure, I may wait and rent it. Great review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 3/20/11 at 05:25 AM It'll be just as good rented, maybe better if the disc has goofy extras. Thanks yo. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse w@velength on 3/19/11 at 12:26 PM Good review, sounds interesting, unfortunately I'm a sucker for sci-fi comedy but this film doesn't appeal to me one bit. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 3/20/11 at 05:23 AM Just know that its of much higher quality than the trailers would suggest. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse leeloo1967 on 3/19/11 at 07:30 PM Great review Bradley:) ~I really wanna see this~ 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 3/20/11 at 05:24 AM Thanks Leeloo I read what you like and I know you'll enjoy it. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse leeloo1967 on 3/20/11 at 06:03 AM Me too~~~Thanks Bradley:) 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Matt the Hat on 3/20/11 at 12:11 PM Sounds like fun. Good review. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 5/16/11 at 02:43 PM This is late, but thanks hat. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Erik P. on 3/21/11 at 07:51 AM it was cute, i just didnt think it was funny. nice review 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 5/16/11 at 02:44 PM It was certainly more amusing than LOL funny. Thanks. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse TONYS FILM REVIEWS on 5/16/11 at 01:38 AM This is a pritty decent film, good work. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 5/16/11 at 02:45 PM Tankya! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ryan M on 7/08/11 at 03:10 PM I thought it was decent. My main problem with it was that it kept repeating so many jokes and gags to the point where they just weren't funny. I laughed quite a bit in the beginning, and chuckled a couple times throughout, out of amusement, but it was kind of disappointing that a movie with so much potential just wasn't as good as it could have been. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +19 +22 / -3 thumb up thumb down Black Swan (2010) Genre: Mystery & Suspense 90% Posted on 1/26/11 06:19 PM You've heard the buzz, you've heard the accolades and you've heard the minor issues critics and cinephiles have voiced regarding Darren Aronofsky's latest expose of obsession and inner conflict, "Black Swan". I'm going to try my best not to sound like I am repeating these points, rather I will agree with them in my own special way, and I'm getting this out of the way first because there is otherwise a fantastic film experience to talk about. It is true the script is occasionally lazier than the films ambitions, as implied in an early scene where renowned artistic director Thomas Leroy - played convincingly by Vincent Cassel - makes his entrance and introduces himself to the dancers by reciting a tidy synapses of the story of the Swan Lake and the fate of its central female. As if everyone there hasn't read it a hundred times over in preparing for their parts, right? This kind of conventional foreshadowing is too obvious for detail oriented filmgoers, especially those who are expecting anything but mundane. However, this movie does not let your thoughts linger on those flaws, which are really quite few and far between. Ultimately, the sensually unnerving aspects of Aronofsky's unique visual style married with the music and movement of a timeless, passionate art form whisks you along and enters some exceedingly dark territory. Nina Sayers is at the center of every scene, and we are with her as she realizes her dream of landing the lead in the classic ballet Swan Lake, and we follow her as she pressurizes under an overbearing mother, jealous glares and tongue lashings from her peers, and an art instructor who is pushing her to adopt characteristics of the girl she is not; namely Lily (Milla Kunis) who better encapsulates the essence of the Black Swan. Nina's paranoia and frantic reactions to the advances her instructor and rival make on her reflect just how sheltered and unprepared for failure she really is. Natalie Portman performs this role like she intends to prove she is a great actress, and that surge of passion infuses the character of Nina Sayers with credibility. Just like Nina is to Swan Lake, Natalie is ideal for connecting to this material. She is beautiful, intelligent, and - in the many ways that men prefer - she is perfect, except she has spent her life in very safe and undemanding roles. I would like to think this exactly why Aronofsky wanted her for his Swan Queen and he chose wisely. Miss Portman exhibits many layers here, as these layers of beauty and dedication are peeled away, we are both repulsed and hypnotized by the allegory taking place. I've championed Natalie over the years, even after many underwhelming roles this side of V for Vendetta. I'm thrilled to see her show her salt; but I realize that if we are to see her grow as an actress, she needs to work closely with directors with an edge. Imagine her in the next great David Lynch production, for example. Darren Aronofsky proves to be the hero of this film, because he takes a script that could have used another hour in the oven and turns it into an incredibly effective psychological horror movie, and his way of expressing the hardships of competition and transformation are as darkly poetic as Swan Lake; except Swan Lake as seen through the eyes of a trouble Kafka in his prime. The camera dances, jolts, sways and sobs with Nina, and the colors are just right for a fluctuating dream like this. He even manages to insert a molten red hot love scene between Portman and the lovely miss Kunis that simultaneously makes the mankettle boil but maintains the sinister profundity of Nina's descent into madness. This movie is also another reason to get hugely excited about the upcoming Wolverine sequel, which I hope will further the trend of placing comic book properties in the hands of truly talented auteurs. I think about what Aronofsky could and will most likely do with an angry, complex and extremely dangerous mutant at his disposal. Think about that, people. 39 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: Hawaiianguy2991 on 1/25/11 at 11:02 PM Very well written review, I dont see anyone taking the crown away from Ms. Portman come Oscar day. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/25/11 at 11:11 PM Thank you sir. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ljiljana S. on 1/26/11 at 12:42 AM Very good review. :) 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/26/11 at 04:58 AM Thanks for sayin'! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse AndysFilms on 1/26/11 at 02:05 AM Nice review Bradley! There's a sign outside my local cinema that says 'Black Swan' COMING SOON... I really hope this is not a lie... Really looking forward to it! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/26/11 at 04:59 AM You are right to be excited! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Jhon E. on 1/26/11 at 04:39 AM phantasm review, you should write them more often 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/26/11 at 04:59 AM I plan on it. Its just stupid real life and job that gets in the way. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Bob M. on 1/26/11 at 05:38 AM Great film and Portman rocks. Good review.... 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/26/11 at 01:33 PM Much appreciated. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Matt the Hat on 1/26/11 at 06:49 AM Your review was perfect, just like Nina wanted to be. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/26/11 at 01:34 PM Howdy hat. Thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse HERESSSSSSJOHNNY on 1/26/11 at 07:24 AM Great review Bradley, Im in the minority on this one. I thought it was a good film but nothing I could sit through again. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/26/11 at 01:36 PM You know its strange I tell myself that about Requiem For A Dream, but not so much about this film. I think mainly because its comprised of more truly beautiful elements whereas requiem was ugly through and through. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse HERESSSSSSJOHNNY on 1/26/11 at 01:46 PM I didn't like Requiem too much the first time I watched it, I loved it the second time. Who knows, eventually I may give Black Swan a second chance... 0 Replies \| Report Abuse ArizonaSue on 1/26/11 at 08:31 AM Secret Window in a TuTu...predictable 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/26/11 at 01:38 PM I wouldn't say that; first off Secret Window was a pretty lousy movie. There are far better films where the main character slowly goes insane to compare it to. Also, Aronofsky's direction elevates the material, period. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Rachel H. on 1/26/11 at 01:04 PM Great Review! I gotta see this 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/26/11 at 01:40 PM Thanks, yeah, everyone with a taste for the sensual and macabre should make this film a priority. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 1/26/11 at 02:29 PM Good review, it would be perfect if it was shorter! We agree that this is amazing movie! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/27/11 at 12:53 AM If the movie or review were shorter? 1 Replies \| Report Abuse PantaOz on 1/27/11 at 08:11 AM Of course the review... I wish that the movie was longer... :-) 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/29/11 at 12:14 AM Your probably right. Report Abuse Matt S. on 1/26/11 at 08:07 PM Great review Bradley! I still need to get around to seeing this one 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/27/11 at 12:53 AM Thanks. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Lord Naseby on 1/26/11 at 08:52 PM I really hope that she wins. The only thing that would keep her from winning is the fact that Annette Benning played a lesbian in a pro-gay movie and Hollywood can't resist that stuff. They tried with Brokeback Mountain and they hate themselves for it now. Anyway, Great review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/27/11 at 12:54 AM Even if she doesn't win, no one will forget her performance. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse leeloo1967 on 1/27/11 at 01:58 PM Excellent written review Bradley:)!! ~I cant believe I havent seen this yet~ 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/27/11 at 07:34 PM Aw shux Leeloo yer too kind. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse leeloo1967 on 1/28/11 at 04:08 AM U are too;) 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ariuza k. on 1/28/11 at 05:11 AM Not my kind of film and i don't plan on seeing it 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/28/11 at 05:36 PM Not your kind of film because? If you hadn't seen it, you don't know whether or not it would strike a chord. That said, the feint of heart should avoid this movie. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Film Ninja on 1/28/11 at 02:32 PM Good review. I agree with all that praise. Hopefully Aronofsky will have the same freedom with Wolverine that Nolan had with TDK. With Disney involved though, sadly I doubt it. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/28/11 at 05:34 PM Fox owns Wolverine (and most X-men Characers) for another two years. Darren Aronofsky was just recently quoted saying "Fox has no idea what its in for." Hugh Jackman was made to gain like 40 pounds of muscle for the role. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse MovieMaster12 on 1/28/11 at 04:08 PM Excellent review. Really well written and insightful. This movie stayed with me for weeks when I saw it in December. Creepy shit. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/28/11 at 05:34 PM Thanks. This I will buy on Bluray the day it comes out. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Alex l. on 1/28/11 at 06:10 PM Can't wait to see it, Great Review! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse SammuelJankis on 2/18/11 at 07:47 AM great review! I loved this movie as well, one of the best of 2010 0 Replies \| Report Abuse stillkrsfromprp on 4/04/11 at 05:16 AM This movie made me say, out loud "Wow"! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +15 +16 / -1 thumb up thumb down An American Werewolf in London (1981) Genre: Horror 90% Posted on 1/13/11 08:05 PM 1981. Those were the days. I was... 4? We're going to have to fast forward to my early tweens when I had first seen John Landis's "An American Werewolf in London". I know for a fact I seen this movie as a kid because that classic scene where the main protagonist undergoes a lovingly filmed metamorphosis was like an ingrown hair of terror that shivered the hell out of my timbers - Some puns intended. Landis wrote the script when he was 19, and that hungry youthful energy and ambition shows like a hickey on a labor of love that becomes more respectable every decade. Edgar Wright sites American Werewolf as the film that changed his life - Click Here To Read That Interview - Go ahead and watch it again with that in mind; the influences are many and easily recognizable. If you haven't seen this film then allow me to give you the rundown: Young friends David (David Naughton) and Jack (Griffin Dunne) are backpacking through Europe and find themselves seeking shelter from the rain in a very small town, more specifically "The Slaughtered Lamb" pub. The locals on the inside regard them both with a heavily awkward silence, and when the boys verbalize their curiosity about a pentagram smeared on the wall over yonder, feathers get ruffled. The only warning the duo get's as the patron's force them out of their drinking hole is "Stay on the roads, stay off the Moors!" Naturally, David and Jack are too busy chattering to notice that they are veering from said road, on to said Moors, and end up having an encounter with a werewolf which is introduced in a vicious, gruesome flurry of gore. Jack gets shredded to bloody smithereens and David barely survives due to the locals having a change of heart and lending a rifle to his aid. David wakes up in a hospital in London where he recovers under the care of Dr. Hirsch (John Woodvine) and receives even more sensual attention from the lovely Nurse Alex Price played by Jenny Agutter, and at the time she was a girl a man could suckle on for a fortnight without breaking for food and water. Delicious! David and Nurse Alex fall for each other, which would be an adorable affair if it wasn't for the fact that David's dead friend Jack seems to be haunting him at every turn, conversationally delivering messages from beyond the grave that not only will David turn into a werewolf at the next full moon and go on a killing spree, but Jack can not pass into the afterlife properly until the curse is broken. Landis did well by injecting a sense of humor, or at least a oddly positive attitude about some very dire circumstances. All of the doom and gloom inherent in a narrative like this is made buoyant by David's happy go lucky nature as he battles with lycanthropy and the corrosion of his sanity. Tonally, the film sets the groundwork for other playful horror movies that would follow as produced by the likes of early Sam Raimi and Peter Jackson. This film also looks great; it is sparse and uncluttered, and no footage is wasteful. The memorable scene where David first becomes the Werewolf is the big payoff, and boy does it pay off. Rick Baker was the first to win an Oscar for a category prompted into creation by his crafty way of elongating limbs and sprouting hairs. The frantic climax is a perfect punctuation to the in-your-face violence that is at once horrific and amusing for its flamboyance. Some, like Roger Ebert, had complained that the film feels unfinished, that perhaps it ends to abruptly and resolves nothing. I subscribe that sometimes less is more. "An American Werewolf In London" holds up extremely well and I highly recommend it. Cheers. www.BradleyJamesTimm.com 23 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: Matt the Hat on 1/11/11 at 03:09 PM Great review. I haven't seen it for donkey years. It also gave me the shivers, maybe that's why I haven't revisited it. Maybe one day when I'm feeling brave... 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/11/11 at 09:07 PM Definitely worth a watch. Cheers! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse HERESSSSSSJOHNNY on 1/11/11 at 03:41 PM Great review, one of my favorite horror films. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/11/11 at 09:07 PM Thankya. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Jack L. on 1/11/11 at 03:55 PM great review, I'm quite a fan of Landis, so I'll probably see this! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/11/11 at 09:07 PM You'll find this among his very best. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Lord Naseby on 1/11/11 at 07:23 PM never seen one of these films. Someday I might. Great review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/11/11 at 09:08 PM Much obliged. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Bob M. on 1/11/11 at 09:13 PM This was very good and I can actually remember seeing it when it opened. Good review..... 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/14/11 at 11:20 AM Thanks a lot brotha. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Alex l. on 1/12/11 at 01:31 PM Great Review! Gotta see this 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/14/11 at 11:20 AM Thanks. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse AndysFilms on 1/14/11 at 02:10 AM Great review Bradley! I have fond memories of this one!... 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/14/11 at 11:21 AM It is more a classic than I originally thought. Thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse leeloo1967 on 1/15/11 at 05:45 PM Bloody awesome review Bradley:)! I agree totally~~~I love this film~~~The werewolf scared the crap out of me~~~Its so horrific looking~!! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/15/11 at 07:12 PM Thanks, Lee to the mutha-flippin' Loo! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse leeloo1967 on 1/16/11 at 05:36 AM Hehehe:) 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Matt S. on 1/18/11 at 08:51 PM Great review! I have yet to see this one, maybe i'll give it a go! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/19/11 at 03:33 AM Thanks and you totally should. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse M Z. on 1/19/11 at 03:11 AM Yeah, the scene of metamorphosis was outstanding, great review. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/19/11 at 03:34 AM Thanks yo. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Mr. Taylor on 3/23/11 at 12:48 PM Love this one and agree with the review. Its in my TOP 100. Well done. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Jbird on 8/21/11 at 04:35 PM I love this movie! Fantastic review my friend. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +8 +10 / -2 thumb up thumb down Easy A (2010) Genre: Comedy 80% Posted on 1/10/11 08:21 PM My radar fancies a broad range of frequencies when it comes to film, but "Easy A" could have very well escaped it. As I get older and codgier, my ability to relate with high school kids who have no idea who Curt Cobain was requires me to enter an uncomfortable state of mind. Not sure what I mean by that but I mean it. Quality high school movies are few and far between; and the last and current generation have both churned out a mere handful of minor classics: IE Election, 12 Things I Hate About You, Napoleon Dynamite, etc. Why did I like Easy A so much? Well, after I was able to identify the absurd contrivances of the overall plot and the a whole slew of rampant stereotypes, I was able to connect with the intelligence of the script. This is of course largely due to a vibrant and committed performance by rising star Emma Stone. Emma plays Olive, a high school student who is smarter than her peers and knows better than to try and become popular. As her senior year draws to a conclusion she makes the awful mistake of patronizing her promiscuous best friend Rhiannon and falsely admitting to having sex for the first time. Oops, Uber-Christian brat Marianne (Amanda Bynes)overhears this confession and a wildfire of distaste and fascination is ignited as rumors circulate that Olive is a slut. I had to get past the fact that the film relied on the misconception that something like this would be considered a big deal in high school, and this was a public school so I don't get how a gang of fanatically chaste bible thumper's would hold so much sway over popular opinion. As a matter of fact, aren't these the kids that would be oppressed by the more diverse factions outnumbering them? As is being slowly revealed in her video blog throughout the movie, Olive follows a very strange instinct to compound this rumor by helping her gay friend escape painful scrutiny by publicly sleeping with him and giving him some cred on the other side of the tracks. She exhibits a saints resolve at using her fictional status as an easy piece of "A" to boost the confidence level of high schools lowliest life forms. The films parallel to The Scarlett Letter isn't understated; in fact that story is plainly made the catalyst of Olives self destructive paradigm. All of this would seem a bit reaching if it weren't for how much fun this movie has with its characters. The silly factor, coupled with a very sharp collage of dialogue that dances the fine line of weightiness and parody is consistently hilarious. Each of the main characters have their own kooky quirk to exploit for laughs, but the laughs are plentiful, and that's a good thing right? Especially Thomas Hayden Church plays a marvelously deadpan teacher with dry wit to spare, and most entertaining of all would be Olives parent's played by Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson. Tucci has never been more charismatic as Dill, who's amiable nuttiness is downright priceless. "Easy A" isn't perfect, but despite its obvious flaws it is a brisk delight. Emma Stone is a redheaded tornado of charm and I am extremely interested in what she will be undertaking as her career advances. You know what? I even wouldn't mind seeing her stay in high school a bit longer, as long as this playful reverence to John Hughes is executed with a wink and a nod. Bradley J. Timm www.bradleyjamestimm.com 15 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: Rachel H. on 1/09/11 at 06:39 AM I adored this film. great review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/09/11 at 04:57 PM TH*NKS YO 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Bob M. on 1/09/11 at 07:58 AM I am seeing this soon. Good review... 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/09/11 at 04:57 PM Eggs Sell Ant! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Matt the Hat on 1/09/11 at 10:29 AM I like the sound of this. Mean Girls was another good film of this type. Great review. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/09/11 at 04:58 PM Back atya Hat. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/09/11 at 04:59 PM Er... that made no sense. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Matt the Hat on 1/10/11 at 11:39 AM Lol. That line had me in stiches. Report Abuse Alex l. on 1/09/11 at 10:58 AM Great Review! Can't wait to see it 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/09/11 at 04:59 PM Gracias. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse leeloo1967 on 1/09/11 at 04:21 PM ~Excellent review Bradley~:)! ~Thumbs up 2 u~!! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/09/11 at 05:00 PM Much obliged! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Lord Naseby on 1/17/11 at 03:10 PM Great review! I have heard that this one is funny. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/18/11 at 12:29 AM Funny like the corpse of Glenn Beck. Thanks Naseby. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Ryan M on 2/21/11 at 11:47 AM I liked this one too. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes +7 +9 / -2 thumb up thumb down Season of the Witch (2011) Genre: Drama 20% Posted on 1/07/11 04:19 PM Nicolas Cage has lost something over the years. Maybe it was a bet, or maybe it was a crucial slice of dignity... whatever the case may be, the man has commited himself to every lame brain film project a movie studio tossed at him for the better portion of a decade. Would I have cared so much that "Ghost Rider" was an absolute abomination if one of my favorite actors wasn't wittingly at the center of it? Not really; I hadn't been invested in that sub-par Marvel antihero since I was half as tall. Man oh man was "Ghost Rider" ever a bad movie. As a matter of fact, they don't make em' any worse unless their name is Ewe Boll. Early last year there was a misleading spark of redemption in the form of Big Daddy in the surprise cult movie "Kick Ass", which made me anxious to see if Nick could follow that yellow brick road which promised to lead him away from his beaten path. Well, then we got "The Sorcerers Apprentice". Just for the record, that movie is kind of a guilty pleasure, but by no means is it "good" in the way that a seasoned critic would apply the word. With an inexplicable sequel to "Ghost Rider" coming up, we get our fix of Mr. Cage in Dominic Sena's "Season of the Witch". I caught a free screener of this last night and I'm still not sure I shouldn't be demanding a refund for my time. Okay, I'm being hyperbolic; the truth is this movie didn't really profoundly dissatisfy me because my expectations were low upon entry. I mean, Dominic Sena's best film in his entire portfolio is "Kalifornia" and the only people that praise that movie are justifying its existence soley for the inspired pairing of two cool and interesting celebrities like Brad Pitt and David Duchovny. I suppose there are parallels to be noted here; for instance Nicolas Cage and Ron Pearlman saving each other's asses in a sword and sorcery adventure sounds like a great idea! However, In true Dominic Sena fashion this chemistry is squandered. Here we have two legendary knights deserting their posts in the Crusade when it suddenly occurs to them that something is wrong about the church ordering them to target innocent civilians; bare in mind that this is after a montage of Behmen (Cage in what seems to be his favorite wig) and his large comrade Felson gleefully hacking and slashing their way through hordes of heretics across the continent. Like seriously, you guys are betting drinks on how many soldiers you can dismember but now you're deeply appalled because your sword finds its way into a woman's floppy bossom? After casually denouncing the Church they wearily lumber homeward to some ambiguous place in Europe in the 1300's which is stricken with a horrible plague that priests are blaming on a witch that they happen to have in custody. Behmen and Felson are immediately recognized as legendary crusaders and are led to a chamber where physicians wearing Venetian medical masks 300 YEARS BEFORE THEY ACTUALLY EXISTED are tending to the comically disfigured king who was victim to said plague. This king bids the two extraordinary warriors transport this dangerous witch to an abbey where a ritual can be performed with some ancient book to... do something... to cure the... cleanse the... you know they never really explain specifically what the ritual is supposed to do. For its full hour and a half I did not experience the faintest spike in brain activity or emotional response. As much as I wanted to chuckle at Ron Pearlman's one liners - because I freaking love that guy - well, sometimes if a script is lazy and derivative enough, no degree of natural screen presence is going to save a film. This may seem odd, but I would have rather seen something so atrocious that I could passionately rant about it for hours afterward and work up a sweat. Here I find myself quietly disappointed, other than a that nagging uncomfortable feeling I got midway through because the lady next to me was sitting on the sleeve of my coat and tugging at it; each twist of her buttock sucking it further beneath her middle aged chassis. A few sentences ago I used the adjective "ambiguous" and permit me to use it thoroughly in describing the entire tone of this movie. When Nick and the Pearl - and a few other guys for fodder - reluctantly caravan the caged teenager over the mountains and through the woods, there is a sustained ambiguity to the proceedings, and it becomes very transparent that the script was written within a few days - possibly over the course of a long dinner. If I told you anything else about "Season of The Witch" I would effectively be spoiling it, because there really isn't anything to it except a wholesale bundle of recycled themes and langorous dialogue. Movies like this, in all honesty, need to be burned at the stake before their evil influence facilitates similar productions across the land. ... and Nick, come on buddy... say no to duds. Bradley J. Timm @ www.bradleyjamestimm.com 17 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: Jack L. on 1/07/11 at 04:09 AM this is a real shame, I was kind of looking forward to seeing Nic Cage, who is one of my favourite actors, being a knight...excellent review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/07/11 at 09:24 AM Yeah but the writing was on the walls. Check out Sena's filmography and it becomes apparent. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Jack L. on 1/07/11 at 09:59 AM yeah, I suppose you're right, I can't help but feel a bit disappointed though, I thought Nic might be having a bit of a comeback... 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Matt the Hat on 1/07/11 at 01:59 PM Nic Cage has had so many misses I'm forgetting any of his hits. Nice review. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/08/11 at 09:09 PM What up hat? Thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse leeloo1967 on 1/07/11 at 06:39 PM Very insightful review Bradley:)!! ~I'm skipping this witch~ 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/08/11 at 02:03 AM Thanks guys. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Bernard1422 on 1/08/11 at 09:29 PM There is much to be said for your supposition. I also wonder why Cage, and a number of other actors have so little respect for their craft, but indiscriminately crank of one dud after another(sic) 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/08/11 at 11:04 PM It may be laziness. Not like a whole lot of prep is needed for these roles. Getting into character is easy if your just playing Nicolas Cage. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Lord Naseby on 1/08/11 at 10:43 PM 3% approval rating. I knew this would be bad but not that bad. Great review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/08/11 at 11:05 PM Oh its that bad. But it didn't insult me as much as other movies. Thanks! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse christos v. on 1/09/11 at 01:43 AM Almost all say they are a horrible movie,great review Bradley J. Timm.;) 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/09/11 at 01:52 AM Tankoo! 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Rachel H. on 1/09/11 at 06:33 AM I was actually kind of looking forward to this because the trailer makes it look awesome, but after I saw the critic's consensus that idea went out the window. great review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/29/11 at 12:05 AM I'm late on this thanks but thanks. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Alex l. on 1/28/11 at 06:10 PM I'll skip, Great Review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/29/11 at 12:06 AM Yeah, totally skip it. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes 0 +1 / -1 thumb up thumb down Your Highness (2011) Genre: Comedy —— Posted on 12/30/10 03:49 PM This could be the "Not quite A Princess Bride but close enough" of our generation! 0 Comments \| Send This \| Comments:
	Votes +10 +12 / -2 thumb up thumb down True Grit (2010) Genre: Western 90% Posted on 12/28/10 07:07 PM I admit it, I haven't seen an abundance of westerns, least of all westerns from John Wayne's era. I have seen enough John Wayne performances to get the impression that the Duke got by on being the Duke, and wasn't by any means a chameleon or method actor. From what I've read, the Coen's adaptation of the Charles Portis novel "True Grit" is far more accurate, and that alone should put it ahead of the previous film, but lets face it; most people are going to see this movie because it reunites our beloved reliable directors Joel and Ethan Coen with Jeff "The Dude" Bridges. You will walk into the theater expecting a quintessential cinematic experience - and it is certainly that - but you will discover majority of this films heart and soul is attributed to newcomer Hallie Steinfeld as the whip smart and indomitable fourteen year old Mattie Ross. Weather worn federal Marshall Rooster Cogburn is portrayed with nuance by Jeff Bridges who leaks a steady southern drawl out of the corner of his mouth with striking authenticity as if Muddy Waters and Slingblade's dialect got married. For a guy that has a history of shooting first and asking questions later, he has the sloppy yet amiable nature of the perpetually drunk uncle who is on his last legs and not really giving a good god damn about much of anything anymore, but boy does he love to ramble about the good old days! We are happy to have him there looking after Mattie as she is required to insistently cattle prod both him and the overtly proud Texas ranger "Laboef" - a perfect character for Matt Damon to flex his capacity for generating chuckles - into hunting down the uni-browed criminal Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin) who unjustly murdered her father. The story's simplicity allows the Coen's and their go-to cinematographer Roger Deacons capture the old western landscapes with effortless artistry as the mismatched trio struggles to overcome their own flaws while seeing the deed done. This movie will be seen in different lights, I know many old fogeys dismissed it out of the gate because they are happy with "the Duke" as Rooster Cogburn thank-you-very-much, and there may even be a handful of poor souls on this planet who would actually deny the Coen's their accolades for being such consistent filmmakers out of... I dunno... spite? Well, it doesn't really matter. The fact is this film hits all the marks of a great western, and because of the Coen's unique proficiencies and their dynamite cast, this tiny tale of vengeance in the age of rawhide and six shooters is universally accessible. Oh, and keep an eye out for Hallie Steinfeld, she sure is something to behold, and I foresee a nice career ahead of her in and out of the Co-Bro circle. be sure to visit my lair at www.bradleyjamestimm.com 20 Comments \| Send This \| Comments: bethann e. on 12/28/10 at 07:37 PM Great review, I just got home from seeing this. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 12/29/10 at 11:58 PM Tanks. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Matt the Hat on 12/29/10 at 03:02 AM Good review. I thought the original was average. Looking forward to this version. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 12/29/10 at 11:59 PM It won't disappoint. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse HERESSSSSSJOHNNY on 12/29/10 at 09:00 AM Great review of a great film. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 12/29/10 at 11:59 PM Exactamundo. THX 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Jack L. on 12/29/10 at 09:05 AM I can't wait to see this one, it looks really great, excellent review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 12/30/10 at 12:00 AM bows humbly 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Adam Moody on 12/29/10 at 01:55 PM good review 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 12/30/10 at 12:01 AM Danku sir. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Hollywood on 12/29/10 at 05:42 PM I never saw the original so I surely don't have anything to compare it to. I enjoyed this one. At times I felt Bridges needed subtitles though. Ha ha! Great review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 12/30/10 at 12:03 AM A pint of whiskey and a rolled cigarette hanging outta my mouth usually muddles my speech as well. Thank you. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Francisco R. on 1/01/11 at 04:20 AM Nice Review....Great film. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/29/11 at 12:08 AM Thankers. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse leeloo1967 on 1/01/11 at 03:14 PM ~Great review Bradley:)~ ~I will be seeing this film~ 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/29/11 at 12:08 AM Rock on. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Lord Naseby on 1/02/11 at 03:47 PM Great review! I highly enjoyed this one as well. 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/29/11 at 12:09 AM Gracci. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse Alex l. on 1/28/11 at 06:10 PM Agreed Great Review! 1 Replies \| Report Abuse Bradley J. Timm on 1/29/11 at 12:09 AM High five. 0 Replies \| Report Abuse
	Votes -1 +1 / -2 thumb up thumb down The Beaver (2011) Genre: Drama —— Posted on 12/14/10 09:58 PM What? What the? Is this Mel Gibson's I'm Still Here? 0 Comments \| Send This \| Comments:

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The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day (2009)

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 42 Reviews

X-Men: First Class (2011)

Thor (2011)

Paul (2011)

Black Swan (2010)

An American Werewolf in London (1981)

Easy A (2010)

Season of the Witch (2011)

Your Highness (2011)

True Grit (2010)

The Beaver (2011)

Showing 1 - 10 of 42 Reviews