While Malick has achieved a very poignant and romantic film, it feels empty at times. Perhaps he meant it that way, in an attempt to further his underlying themes. Perhaps that is just the way it ended up. Whatever the case, it is a slight disappointment that the film could not capture the romanticism it strives so hard for, while at the same time advancing Malick’s attempted motifs. In the end, it is a good film, but not a masterpiece. Beautifully shot, and well produced, it is not perfect, but it is an excellent period piece, though ultimately flawed for what the director attempted to accomplish.

The script is also rather poorly written, but given the plot that isn’t too surprising. It isn’t really a plot-heavy film and so the dialogue, while cheesy and sometimes predictably ridiculous at times it just doesn’t feel that out of place. Perhaps if the plot had been less confusing and the overall production had been better crafted the script would have been more notable. As it stands though, it just isn’t.

What happened to the A?

Overall, Loggerheads is an effective and fairly entertaining film. While it is not perfect, and certainly has a few moments where it is lacking, they are not enough to detract from the film overall. The performances are all relatively solid, however none of them truly stand out as above-ordinary. The overall production is also solid, it isn’t lacking, but that is not to say it is far above average either. An interesting cinematic piece, it is memorable for the questions it raises, not for its entertainment factor.

It is perhaps one of the most interesting romantic comedies of recent memory. The production values are all nearly flawless, and the performances are truly top-notch. Once the viewer is able to overcome any objections to the plot material there is not much to prevent this film from being infectiously delightful. One of the best films of recent months, and what looks to already be one of the best films of the year, it is a film that is not to be missed.

Overall, the film is an enjoyable diversion, and certainly a massive improvement over the second film in the series. While it is certainly not a masterpiece by any means, and it has its share of problems, it is generally able to overcome them by delivering an entertaining, and strangely darkly comedic tale. The film is certainly not for everyone; but fans of the original will likely enjoy this one immensely.

With a bit more character development, perhaps Zeger’s character would not have been so utterly distant from time to time. Perhaps Huffman’s character would have had a greater redemption in the end instead of the semi-hollow feeling that is left when the credits role. Most of the blame can be placed on the script, which is good, but not as inspiring as the subject it tackles. While certainly it is a journey worth taking, if only to witness Huffman in a truly inspiring role, Transamerica could have been even better.

Some viewers will be able to find a greater connection with the characters based on previous life experiences, and for them this film will likely have a greater emotional impact. For others, the characters may seem somewhat hollow, but nearly everyone can at least somewhat identify with the story as presented. While it is not a masterpiece of film, it is a classic and it deserves that status entirely. It is a film that should be compulsory viewing for all, though as stated one’s interpretation and reaction to the film will vary depending on how one can relate to the characters presented.

Even with its problems though, the film is easily one of the better spoofs in recent memory. It certainly far outdoes the original two films in the Scary Movie franchise, and as it feature a great deal less gore and sexuality, is certainly more accessible to many audiences. While it is certainly not for everyone, and some audience will find the crudeness too far out there for their tastes, it is enjoyable for what it is: an unoriginal but hilarious recycled concoction of numerous films and popular culture from the past few years.

Overall though, When a Stranger Calls really isn’t a bad film, if one can accept that it strives quite far from reality. If one can also accept that the characters actions really are rather stupid from time to time, then the film can at least be enjoyed to some degree. It isn’t a great film by any stretch of the imagination, but it is enjoyable for what it is – a minimally thrilling, mindless, check-your-brain-at-the-door, extremely predictable but somehow entertaining suspense film.

When the end credits finally roll, it is unfortunate that the film ended up being as completely underwhelming as it did. While Woody Allen is known for making brilliant films, it is no secret that he has been in somewhat of a slump as of late. This film is no exception, and is such a weak film overall that it will likely not be remembered much as part of his legacy. If it weren’t for the fact that the characters end up feeling so utterly shallow in the end, this film actually could have worked. It had an interesting premise, and a decent, albeit overused set-up, with a character falling for his future in-law’s lover, but sadly it just can’t pull it off in the end.

Overall, it isn’t a great film by any stretch of the imagination, but Firewall does manage to entertain fairly decently. With a bit more attention to detail and the removal of some of the obvious plot holes, the film could have been even better. It might have risen above its current level as a mediocre action-film to an above average thriller. While it is generally billed as a thriller, the problem remains that it just isn’t very thrilling. It does succeed for one thing and that is to entertain for its 100-minute runtime. Provided the viewer can allow for the inconsistencies in the plot, it’s a fairly entertaining film.

As it stands however, it Mrs. Henderson Presents is quite enjoyable though certainly a film that will be remembered in years to come except perhaps as another in a string of amazing performances by Judi Dench. It is a fun movies, and certainly entertaining but it could have been even better.

Overall, 16 Blocks is really just of a run-of-the-mill drama with a few action scenes. There isn’t truly anything special or notable about the film, but it is entertaining to some degree. If one was not required to suspend such a large amount of disbelief it might have worked better. And of course, if Mos Def had not been cast in the film, it would have instantly been a great deal more entertaining.

Which one did you like most, Date Movie or Matchpoint? (I don't know if your grades are all on 1 measuring style or if you give according to genres, expectations and stuff.

Thanks for clarifying

I personally grade things a bit different depending on the content of the movie. For example, I really liked Last Holiday and would give it an A, and I would give Brokeback a B-, but I still consider Brokeback to be the better film.

Thanks again.

Nice reviews

Good article. Still digesting, though you pretty much hit every point. It is what it is: a problem without a solution... a question without an answer .... a bottom without a top.

Good article. Still digesting, though you pretty much hit every point. It is what it is: a problem without a solution... a question without an answer .... a bottom without a top.