Reviews & Ratings

[MrHyeSev]

Re: Reviews & Ratings

Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay

Two friends who are planning to go to Amsterdam find themselves in a predicament when on the plane they decide to use weed with a bong & people are mistaken that it is a bomb, the government is trying to search where they are & they are doing everything in there powers not to get caught.

I've seen this one & White Castle.....I have yet to seen the Christmas one
4/5

[Haykakan]

Re: Reviews & Ratings

Found this - sounds interesting.

Movie Review: If Only Everyone

http://www.ianyanmag.com/2013/01/20/movie-review-if-only-everyone/

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT - BY JANET KLJYAN ON JANUARY 20, 2013 10:54 AM

If Only Everyone is a thoroughly post-Soviet Armenian film. It's
written in two languages, Armenian and Russian (three, if you count
Karabakhi Armenian), with a Soviet soundtrack and a plot intimately
intertwined with Armenia's relationships with its neighbors - Russia and
Azerbaijan. The film viewing was at the St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral
on 2nd Avenue and 34th Street in Manhattan (where I attended Armenian
school as a child). Staying true to our Armenian roots, the viewing
started a full half-hour late and the planned Skype Q&A session with
Mr. Poghosian was derailed by crappy internet connection.
While I watched, I wondered how everyone else was taking it in. I read
the English subtitles to understand the Russian dialogue; others in
the audience perhaps needed the subtitles to understand the whole
film, or only when the particular dialect of Armenian was beyond their
grasp; and yet others had no need for the subtitles. We experienced
the film in our own ways; but we laughed at the same parts, and cried
at the same parts.

The film's plot can be revealed, since the joy of it is does not stem
from a suspenseful plot. Sasha Maslennikov (played by Yekaterina
xxxxova) arrives in Yerevan from Saratov, Russia, carrying a young
birch to plant at her father's gravesite. Sasha's father was Russian,
and her mother was Armenian, killed in the Sumgait massacres of
Armenians by the Azeris that sparked the war between the two nations.
The Sumgait (and Baku) massacres followed as a result of a vote by the
majority-Armenian population of Karabakh to secede from Azerbaijan.
The war ended with ceasefire in 1994. Sasha's father died fighting
beside the Armenians. In Yerevan, she finds Gurgen (`Gugo,' played by
Michael Poghosian), who was the commander of her father's unit and
presumably knows where her father is buried. Gugo confesses he doesn't
know the site of his grave because he was laying in a field hospital
at the time of his death; his coming-to-terms with his survivor's
guilt is integral to his character's development throughout the film.
Gugo takes Sasha to meet his fellow fedayeen, nicknamed `Arj' (`Bear')
in Vayk, who may know the location of her father's grave.
Upon arriving in Karabakh, and conferring with another
brother-at-arms, a man nicknamed `Mult' (`Cartoon'), they discover
that the grave is located beyond the heavily-guarded border - on
Azerbaijani-controlled land. Gugo and Sasha eventually sneak over the
border and plant the birch, when an Azeri shepherd confronts them
weapon in hand. Gugo and Sasha explain their purpose, and the Azeri
man lowers his weapon. He explains that he is a Karabakhi and his
10-year-old son died from an exploding landmine, on a grave beyond the
border, on Armenian-controlled land. Back on home territory, Gugo and
Sasha plant a birch on the gravesite of the shephard's son on his
behalf.
Undoubtedly, the film's humor and its attention to detail are what
make it so enjoyable. Simple and surprisingly uncontrived, everything
about the film makes sense. Though they lack some depth, Arj, Mult and
Gugo are very lovable and have great chemistry together. Aptly named,
Arj and Mult stole the show; Arj, a diabetic with a reckless appetite
for ice cream and hibernation, and Mult, who is perfectly balanced on
the line between character and caricature. I appreciated the scenes of
everyday life: the holiday of Vardavar, making tonir-baked lavash, a
kef, and of course, a kef brawl.

I anticipate that some will say that the film wasn't `political.'
Some will say that this is a flaw, some will say, a strength.
Certainly, `If Only Everyone,' selected as the Armenian entry for Best
Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards, lacks the fierce
nationalism and patriotism that characterizes much of the rhetoric of
Armenian politics and the collective identities of Armenians around
the world. In the midst of unsuccessful peace negotiations between the
two nations' presidents, each character in the film struggles to make
peace with themselves - their own losses, their own pain, and their
nagging questions about the war and its purpose.
A wise friend of mine once said - with regard to Armenian-Azeri
relations - that acknowledging someone else's pain does not diminish
your own. The film reflects this very notion - between Gugo and the
shepherd - who developed trust in the instant they acknowledged each
other's loss. Don't misunderstand me: `If Only Everyone' is much too
self-aware and honest to promote a We-Are-the-World-type message.
Instead, it suggests that it's time to move on from brooding over who
committed which inhumanities against the other. It proposes, as my
friend did, that perhaps each side acknowledging the other side's
pain - and thus, building trust - would be enough to actually turn a page
in these ongoing peace negotiations. I can't imagine a more
`political' message.

Now, the film isn't perfect. Sasha's lack of depth is exacerbated by
xxxxova's performance: xxxxova is much too aware of her own
character's child-like qualities and is, frankly, a very unconvincing
giggler. Poghosian's performance is borderline melodramatic. Moreover,
at times, the film almost seems as if it is geared toward a
non-Armenian audience - it is a little too focused on the `quirky'
aspects of Armenian culture, as an outsider would see them. However,
perhaps this is excusable since Sasha is, in fact, an outsider
experiencing Armenia for the first time (in this regard, If Only
Everyone is eons better than Braden King's film, Here, which was shot
entirely in Armenia). If Only Everyone is clever, brave, and
beautifully filmed, and certainly worth the watch. I look forward to
more like it.
Trailer:

If Only Everyone, directed by Nataliya Belyauskene, written by Michael
Poghosian, screenplay; Theresa Varzhapetyan and Michael Poghosian,
starring Yekaterina Chitova, Michael Poghosian, Vahagn Simonyan, Mher
Levonyan, Karen Jangirov, original music; Vahagn Hayrapetyan.

[Haykakan]

Re: Reviews & Ratings

I thought it was very insightful the way the film showed how the mental illness of an individual effects his whole family. It was also insightfull in showing how blinded people can be by a single goal while missing out on life and all it has to offer. It took him forever to figure out that what he wanted was not really what he needed and that someone better was there with him all that time.

I wrote this review for Silver Linings Playbook else, but since we finally have some activity in this thread, I'll post the review here as well.

I disagree with PepsiAddict in that the film was boring. This was a pretty entertaining film and quite refreshing for a conventional Hollywood film. I also somewhat disagree with Haykakan in that the film was a great insight into the lives of these types of people. I mean, the film does essentially use mental illness for entertainment. I also think this is the best I've seen Bradley Cooper. I thought Jennifer Lawrence was great as well, though her performance in Winter's Bone is probably my favorite thus far. I also didn't find the film long, but that's just me.

Silver Linings Playbook

I can't say I was looking forward to this film, considering I'm not a fan of David O. Russell's work. The Fighter was, in my opinion, one of the most overrated films of 2010 with aesthetic decisions that drove me nuts; pop music and excessive camera movements, which all reminded me of why Martin Scorsese is good and why those who copy him are just that, copycats.

In Silver Linings Playbook, David O. Russell doesn't necessarily hold back. The same aesthetic decisions are still there, though it's much more natural to its settings. The film follows Pat (Bradley Cooper) from his release from a mental institution. Pat's problem is that he's bipolar, but he'll also say anything that's on his mind. In the film, he admits that his mind has no filter, so whatever he's thinking - mostly inappropriate thoughts - come straight out of his mouth. Pat's desire is to reconnect with his wife, who has left him for obvious reasons, and along his path, he stumbles across Tiffany, a widower who has problems of her own.

Silver Linings Playbook, like The Fighter, explores family dynamics. Pat's parents, Pat Solitano, Sr. (Robert De Niro) and Dolores Solitano (Jacki Weaver), make attempts in helping their son, but they're too self-concerned. Pat's mother is passive whereas his father is OCD and is addicted to making meaningless bets.

The very conventional structure of the film along with its very predictable payoff - all the character intentions are obvious and it's even more obvious where the film is going - is made watchable by its snappy writing and the deliverance of one-liners by the cast. The film is definitely an ensemble piece, with a rare appearance by Chris Tucker, and much of the film simply works because these are talented actors.

It's great to see Robert De Niro in a good role again - he utters the word "fuck" in his opening line, as if it's a nod to the characters we loved seeing him play. Bradley Cooper plays against his usual image and is great with the ups and downs of his characters. These two are the standout performances of the film, with Jennifer Lawrence giving a good performance herself.

[One-Way]

Re: Reviews & Ratings

I wrote this review for Silver Linings Playbook else, but since we finally have some activity in this thread, I'll post the review here as well.

I disagree with PepsiAddict in that the film was boring. This was a pretty entertaining film and quite refreshing for a conventional Hollywood film. I also somewhat disagree with Haykakan in that the film was a great insight into the lives of these types of people. I mean, the film does essentially use mental illness for entertainment. I also think this is the best I've seen Bradley Cooper. I thought Jennifer Lawrence was great as well, though her performance in Winter's Bone is probably my favorite thus far. I also didn't find the film long, but that's just me.

Silver Linings Playbook

I can't say I was looking forward to this film, considering I'm not a fan of David O. Russell's work. The Fighter was, in my opinion, one of the most overrated films of 2010 with aesthetic decisions that drove me nuts; pop music and excessive camera movements, which all reminded me of why Martin Scorsese is good and why those who copy him are just that, copycats.

In Silver Linings Playbook, David O. Russell doesn't necessarily hold back. The same aesthetic decisions are still there, though it's much more natural to its settings. The film follows Pat (Bradley Cooper) from his release from a mental institution. Pat's problem is that he's bipolar, but he'll also say anything that's on his mind. In the film, he admits that his mind has no filter, so whatever he's thinking - mostly inappropriate thoughts - come straight out of his mouth. Pat's desire is to reconnect with his wife, who has left him for obvious reasons, and along his path, he stumbles across Tiffany, a widower who has problems of her own.

Silver Linings Playbook, like The Fighter, explores family dynamics. Pat's parents, Pat Solitano, Sr. (Robert De Niro) and Dolores Solitano (Jacki Weaver), make attempts in helping their son, but they're too self-concerned. Pat's mother is passive whereas his father is OCD and is addicted to making meaningless bets.

The very conventional structure of the film along with its very predictable payoff - all the character intentions are obvious and it's even more obvious where the film is going - is made watchable by its snappy writing and the deliverance of one-liners by the cast. The film is definitely an ensemble piece, with a rare appearance by Chris Tucker, and much of the film simply works because these are talented actors.

It's great to see Robert De Niro in a good role again - he utters the word "fuck" in his opening line, as if it's a nod to the characters we loved seeing him play. Bradley Cooper plays against his usual image and is great with the ups and downs of his characters. These two are the standout performances of the film, with Jennifer Lawrence giving a good performance herself.

[Haykakan]

Re: Reviews & Ratings

Wow. Amazing how people can have such different reactions to the same movie. I thought this movie was a great insight into the lives of so many people struggling with emotional and other personal issues. Its not often that you can say Deniro's acting was overshadowed by his costars but both Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper did a awsome job of acting - i would say this movie was the best acting performance for both of these stars up to date. A great take away from this movie is what you want the most in life may already be next to you but you have to open your heart to feel it. Yes the movie was a bit long so i give it 4.5/5

Silver Linings Playbook

Basically Bradley Couper lost everything. The movie starts off when after spending time in jail he moves back in with his parents trying to reunite with his wife but falls for another woman. Too long of a movie & quite boring....
2/5

[MrHyeSev]

Re: Reviews & Ratings

Silver Linings Playbook

Basically Bradley Couper lost everything. The movie starts off when after spending time in jail he moves back in with his parents trying to reunite with his wife but falls for another woman. Too long of a movie & quite boring....
2/5

[MrHyeSev]

Re: Reviews & Ratings

Fugitive at 17

When 2 high school students decide to go to a college party, there one of them meets a college man who spikes her drink & kills her. He takes the other friends spikes her drink & stuffs the drugs in her purse. Cops come to investigate & she's on the run.

3/5

[Haykakan]

Re: Reviews & Ratings

The Hobit-8.0 Yes it was not as good as the other movies but those were very good movies where as this one is only a good movie. It was too long and it was a setup movie but it was watchable and my wife and i both enjoyed it-especialy the scenes with golem. This movie had halflings(hobits) dwarves, orcs, trolls, ogres, elves..reminded me of E.Q..

[ara87]

Re: Reviews & Ratings

Movies

The Hobbit 6.5/10- Didn't like the 48 frames per second format(fps), and recommend watching it in the traditional 24fps. The overall film isn't as good as the previous films in the franchise either, but I'm still waiting to see the next installment.


Les Miserables 8/10- I think most people would like this movie so long as they had some prior knowledge of the story. The plot is already fast paced b/c it's covering decades in 2.5 hours, and b/c this version is a musical, sometimes years are covered in one song, so if you don't know the story and you get up to go the bathroom or get some more pop corn you could get lost.

Super 8 7/10- Watched this film last night for the first time and liked it. I often heard that it was a copy cat of E.T. the Extraterrestrial, but found it different enough that I don't think it's a clone. The film has more to do with the boy and his father getting over the death of the mother/wife than the actual alien.


Television

American Horror Story 7.5/10 - the show is interesting b/c it's an anthology series, meaning that every season is a completely different episode, though many of the actors return in the second season playing different characters. It's mostly well written and acted, one of the main actresses received a golden globe for her performance in the show's first season.

[MrHyeSev]

Re: Reviews & Ratings

The Campaign
Two powerful CEOs to control of a crucial North Carolina district in this comedy . On the eve of an upcoming election, Cam Brady (Ferrell) makes a misstep that threatens to end his career in politics. Recognizing the opportunity to gain influence Marty Huggins (Galifianakis) as Brady's political rival, quickly shaping him into a viable candidate with the help of a seasoned campaign manager. As Election Day draws near, Brady and Huggins cast ethics aside to engage there contemporary politics straight down the toilet.