The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

For me, a movie needs have a certain element of extraordinary luck or believable fiction in order to achieve the purpose of entertainment. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button follows the ludicrous yet fantastical storyline of a man who ages backwards. This premise alone can be used for a novella, like F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1922 short story, or a feature length film just under three hours, like David Fincher's 2008 movie. Regardless, either way of storytelling introduces a curious concept.

What I liked best about the film was the setup and love story. To have Benjamin grow younger in the cultural hotbed of New Orleans was a nice touch, as he gets to meet all sorts of people. The character development of the others through Benjamin's intriguing perspective in the journal he left behind truly drove the movie for the first hour or so. What powered the story for the rest of the running time was his relationship with his childhood friend, Daisy. With the obvious age difference of an old man with a young girl, there was no romance, just pure friendship. As the two met half way, the romance took off. Benjamin was wise and Daisy no longer naive. 

To tell the entirety of the story in a short blog post would be an injustice to the film and all involved with the story. Simply put, love supersedes time. This simple message is engraved into a lengthy film, decorated with intriguing tangents, believable characters, and special effects and make up to make the entire work on screen as believable as possible to the eye. Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett both deliver performances that their careers will be remembered by. If you haven't seen this film, I highly recommend you watch it and I hope that this post was enough to whet your appetite. If you have seen the film, thank you. We can both share the touching, magical story that was so elegantly put forth on the silver screen. Conclusion: Must See

Rating: 9/10

I Am Legend (2007)

I Am Legend is one of those movies that will be remembered in this slew of apocalyptic movies. It's not because it was a well made film though. It's because of the story.

Imagine Cast Away in an apocalyptic New York City setting. It has the main character who has grown accustomed to desolate life, only accompanied by a sidekick they talk to who will never utter a word back. However, there is hope. The story opens up with a radio signal that there is shelter to the zombie-esque apocalypse. Robert Neville, a scientist, is searching for a cure in this NYC isolation. We learn of his life before the apocalypse through his dreams and flashbacks. He comes across other survivors, but in the end neither him nor his dog make it. Instead, if it's any consolation, Neville may have left his legacy with a cure. 

The story is richer and more developed than that of other apocalypse films. There is also no definitive solution to the problem, and in life, there rarely is. Conclusion: Worth A Watch

Rating: 7/10

No Country for Old Men (2007)

No Country for Old Men is an epic cat and mouse chase. Expertly crafted by the Coen Brothers, the film draws you in from the beginning and doesn't let go. Following the story of drug deal gone bad and a suitcase full of money, the pieces are set from the beginning to light off an absolute explosion of a movie.

NCFOM mainly follows Llewelyn Moss as he comes across a suitcase full of money while he is hunting in the Texas desert. What could be the find of a lifetime proves to be a death sentence as hit man Anton Chigurh is set on his tracks. Wielding a cattle gun, Chigurh is an unrelenting, unreasoning character who doesn't seem to have a purpose other than serve as an angel of death. Following Chigurh's trail of blood is Sheriff Ed Tom Bell, the weakest character to the story. 

Once Moss is murdered by Chigurh, the story seeks a resolution but fails to find one. I shouldn't blame this on the filmmakers as it's not their fault. Having read the book by Cormac McCarthy, I also failed to find that conclusion once shutting the book. This brings me to my greatest problem with the story: what was the point? In a way, this could be an extremely well crafted horror film intended just for thrills. Like other horror films or thrillers, the villain and killer is not to be sympathized with, yet is the most developed character. I saw no purpose to Chigurh's killing rampage as there was no explanation. All that aside, this is an extremely well made film. Conclusion: Worth A Watch

Rating: 8.75/10

Superbad (2007)

This film is iconic amongst most teenagers and high schoolers. Why? Well, for one thing, it is a hilarious and ridiculous comedy that is all the while quite relatable. Secondly, the film discovered certain stars such as Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse.

The story follows a typical group of high school losers trying to get with girls. They resort to the only way they know how to get a girl to possibly sleep with them, which is buying booze. This simple plot element sends the snowball rolling on a ridiculous and hilarious avalanche.

The stars of this film are hilarious in what they do as their performances are genuine and convincing. However, from watching what they have done since, I only see Hill as the actor with true potential. Sure, he has had several roles after Superbad where he was essentially the same vulgar and unlikable fat kid, but he has slimmed down for a few roles and has also performed well as either a shy or rambunctious supporting character.

I would say that if you are or have been in high school and have experienced the under-21 struggle, this film is definitely worth a watch as it is hilarious and relatable. It's a film that'll make you enjoy a period of life that may not have been that enjoyable. Conclusion: Worth A Watch

Rating: 7.5/10

Blood Diamond (2006)

Of the two Leonardo DiCaprio headed films released in 2006, I actually enjoyed Blood Diamond more than The Departed. Instead of a roundabout story about betrayal, this movie examines a much simpler and more brutal lifestyle experienced in Sierra Leone. While people will be drawn to DiCaprio's character, Danny Archer, Djimon Hounsou's Solomon Vandy is a character for the ages who truly moves the film.

The story is set during the Sierra Leone Civil War in 1999 and is based around Solomon and his family. Captured by R.U.F., Solomon is forced to look for diamonds for officials while his son becomes a child soldier. As Solomon stumbles upon a large, pure diamond, he hides it in order to retrieve it later. Danny Archer then comes into the story as he learns of Solomon and his giant diamond. Archer, tortured by his roots, is willing to risk everything to find Solomon's find of a lifetime. One my favorite touches to this film was when Archer pulls out one of his hollowed teeth in order to smuggle a tiny diamond in it. Compare that to the diamond that Solomon found and you know how much this rock means to Archer. 

While Danny is guided by Solomon, Vandy wants to find his son. A heartbreaking scene at the end of this film is when Solomon is held at gunpoint by his son. Through love and belief, Solomon tells his son that this is not the life they should lead. Capped off by an embrace, the conclusion is fulfilling.

The film is tragic and beautiful, punctuated by a strong directorial hand from Edward Zwick and career performances by Leonardo DiCaprio and Djimon Hounsou. You won't regret watching this film. Conclusion: Watch It

Rating: 8.5/10

Million Dollar Baby (2005)

Million Dollar Baby had all the makings of a feel good underdog story, but it didn't deliver. That's not a bad thing, because it isn't that this film had a lack of direction. Instead, everything took a turn for the worst.

The story follows Maggie Fitzgerald, a waiter who aspires to be a boxer. Physically, she has none of the makings of a great fighter. Mentally, she is up for whatever and she will never give up on what she loves. An inspiring character, Maggie is eventually able to convince great boxing trainer Frankie Dunn to train her. As we follow Maggie's uphill climb as a female fighter, her rise is brought to a tragic and abrupt halt as she is landed with a cheap shot that results in a broken neck.

The heartbreaking moment of this movie is towards the end as, spoiler alert, Maggie, the girl who never gave up, gives up on life as she is unable to lead an existence on a bed. She begs Frankie to put her down, which he reluctantly does. I have never cried during a film, but I think this scene is the closest I have ever come to shedding a tear.

The acting performances by Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, and Morgan Freeman make this film great and Eastwood's direction makes this film truly special. This heartbreaking and tragic tale is one to follow and hold to your heart forever. Conclusion: Must See

Rating: 8.75/10

Catch Me If You Can (2002)

Catch Me If You Can is a fun and entertaining movie about Frank Abagnale Jr., a con man who made millions before his 19th birthday. This cat and mouse chase is wild, but all based on a true story. While leaving room for fun, the film simultaneously tells us the intriguing story about the real life con man.

One of the most interesting things that I found in this story is that there is no antagonist. Leonardo DiCaprio's portrayal of the con man is that of a likable and charismatic kid looking to make some fun trouble all the while cashing in checks. If there ever was an antagonist, one may be so inclined to say it could be Carl Hanratty, the detective set on Frank's case. However, the end of the film reaches a fulfilling conclusion as Frank is eventually caught, but becomes one of the authoritative figure of determining forged checks. 

Overall, this is a very fun film that I think all would enjoy. It has a healthy dosage of seriousness accompanied by childish antics. Conclusion: Worth A Watch

Rating: 8/10