The opening of The Island is powerful and pays tribute to the beauty of film-making. The overall look and background music (props to Steve Jablonsky) applied have been done near-perfect. It's a short but powerful introduction to the feature and...
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The opening of The Island is powerful and pays tribute to the beauty of film-making. The overall look and background music (props to Steve Jablonsky) applied have been done near-perfect. It's a short but powerful introduction to the feature and probably one of the most memorable scenes I have seen in a while.

At the first part of the movie, we learn about the lives of "clones." Clones are the "insurance plan" for people who can afford to have them. It's a good concept but not something unique. I have no problem with that and am always appreciating ideas being used if they are executed successfully. In this case, for the most part, it is.

The place where the clones reside is very high-tech and certainly seems to have a lot of security. Set design has been greatly done - you can see various equipment such as televisions, tubes, furniture that all match a futuristic theme. Every so often, there is the so-called "lottery." The clone that wins think he or she is going to "The Island." Although, he or she would be disappointed if they were to find out the reality of this scientific breakthrough.

This lottery is fixed and specific clones win it for a reason (if the clone's client has fallen ill and needs their limb). Later on, we find out more about some of the questions we have been wondering. We start to find out more on what the memory of the clones are like and such. Later, the movie changes drastically from sci-fi to action.

SPOILERS AHEAD...
Michael Bay is notable for including action scenes in his movies. The Island doesn't contain as many as some of his previous works but still some pretty impressive ones. The later half revolves around two clones who have escaped. We're pretty much focused outside of the sci-fi environments we were used to at the first part. Although, there are some various futuristic vehicles driving by.

One other thing to point out is the various product placement in The Island. We see far too many logos (particularly Calvin Klein, MSN and Xbox), which do kinda detract from the experience. They're not "just there" but at a few points, there is direct focus on the product placement.

The Island presents some interesting ideas. Maybe nothing too unique but certainly something to make The Island watchable. The two lead roles do great and indeed have a good bond. Length is suitable and probably The Island is one of my favourite movies of 2005. The cinematography, ideas and soundtrack are excellent. Certainly strong points to make me consider watching The Island again in the future.

Mean Creek I found to be a very hard hitting and powerful story of revenge gone wrong. A group of teens are getting fed up with the meaner, bigger bully and decide something must be done when he finally pushes the limit. So, they decide to take...
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Mean Creek I found to be a very hard hitting and powerful story of revenge gone wrong. A group of teens are getting fed up with the meaner, bigger bully and decide something must be done when he finally pushes the limit. So, they decide to take revenge by bringing him to the creek.

This bully at first seems to be the most arrogant and annoying person you don't want to bump into. Now, these teens are fed up with his actions and persuade him to come to the creek to let them do their prank on him.

Now, things seem more personal and it shows that this tough bully really isn't so tough after all. He seems more friendly to the others. They all seem to think this matter has gotten out of control and have had second thoughts on carrying out this prank.

However, one guy doesn't want to give in and assists that they go ahead. As things progress, the truth of why they brought him there finally comes out and things get heated. The bully gets out of control and begins to go back to his old ways by insulting everyone around him.

You'll often feel like this movie has really hit you hard in the stomach because of the later events. It certainly poses a lot of questions once you've finished watching it. This drama is not to be missed as it provides a great meaning and a good plotline that will keep you gripped throughout.

Star Kid isn't necessarily the brightest star of films out there but it sure is worth watching for the family. The character Spencer meets "Cy," whom he enters and is able to become powerful. Spencer is a shy guy and finds it hard to...
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Star Kid isn't necessarily the brightest star of films out there but it sure is worth watching for the family. The character Spencer meets "Cy," whom he enters and is able to become powerful. Spencer is a shy guy and finds it hard to communicate with a girl he has a crush on. He's also the target for being picked on by the meaner, bigger bully kid.

The opening of Star Kid is great. You see a battle literally out of this world but the part that I found really great was the transition to Earth. When the shot focuses on Earth, it transitions to a marble on the ground (back on Earth). The effect from this is amazing and you would have to see it for yourself to understand.

So, the main character, Spencer doesn't want to upset anyone and tries to cope in awkward situations. However, things can just get too much for him at times. So, when he meets this Cyborg, he is able to get into him and take control. The differences between these characters is shown throughout the film (for example - not being able to understand jokes). It's your typical save the earth type-movie from invasion by the enemies.

There are plenty of funny moments and really well constructed scenes. This is something that hopefully the family can enjoy. With some added emotion and some decent acting - this makes it stand out that little bit more.

Now, Sacha Baron Cohen is great at doing different roles. I have known him for mainly being Ali G but now he takes up a new and promising role as a character from Kazakhstan called "Borat."

His role as this character called...
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Now, Sacha Baron Cohen is great at doing different roles. I have known him for mainly being Ali G but now he takes up a new and promising role as a character from Kazakhstan called "Borat."

His role as this character called Borat existed for a short time in his British television show. Now, Sacha Baron Cohen has brought this character into a more public view with his own motion picture.

The character of Borat comes from Kazakhstan. The country is made to look negative with prostitutes, poor people and such. Borat explains this in a documentary-type setting at the beginning of the film. The real action begins when Borat moves to the "US and A."

Borat's character is made to look stupid when it comes to interviewing other people in the USA. Even the simplest of tasks set by individuals from the USA can prove difficult for him. The question remains: How much patience will one have with Borat? In fact, many people became irritated by him and used many methods to try and get rid of them. A few ways of getting rid of him consisted of threatening him physically or calling the cops.

You will see at one point where Borat is stopped for no reason by the cops. Throughout the film, many cultural differences are made to be clear. For example - the way we speak, greet and treat people are put to the test. Where as in the USA, it is typical to be polite at the dinner table; in Borat's culture it seems to be typical to talk about sex.

The film is not there to educate. It is there for pure enjoyment and for you to see how one might react to Borat because of him not being American. Throughout you will be wondering if Borat can get away with doing this, if Borat will successfully push someone to their limits and whether he will fulfill his mission on finding Pamela Anderson. It's rude, it's funny and worth watching.

Boys Don't Cry really does know how to put you into this world of cruelty. It shows you how people can be affected because of them wanting to be another gender.

The film is about a woman who is dressed and acts like a man. From now...
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Boys Don't Cry really does know how to put you into this world of cruelty. It shows you how people can be affected because of them wanting to be another gender.

The film is about a woman who is dressed and acts like a man. From now on, this woman is referred to as "he." Being the opposite gender proves a challenge as he still has his women qualities about him. However, he feels confident and comfortable by being a man. He is so confident that he meets up with a girl.

Although, nobody knows he is really a she, it soons becomes increasingly difficult to make up excuses and such. The thing that hit me most about this film was the disturbing nature of some of the scenes - dealing with physical abuse and rape because he is really a she.

It goes to show how cruel a society can be around one who wants to be different. Throughout the film, there are challenges for him, Brandon and later proves to be deeply disturbing and emotional.

Austin Powers in Goldmember brings back Austin in yet again some pretty funny instances. The opening spoof scene was a great addition to put in which made it at first seem like a high-budget action movie. When the real opening occurs, it once...
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Austin Powers in Goldmember brings back Austin in yet again some pretty funny instances. The opening spoof scene was a great addition to put in which made it at first seem like a high-budget action movie. When the real opening occurs, it once again reminds you that Austin Powers is back and ready for more. The whole dancing routine and the way that Austin does stuff never gets old for me.

Whether it be at the beginning, in the middle or at the end of the film - it leaves you chuckling throughout. The way the characters are stereotyped, dressed and such adds to the humour of Austin Powers in Goldmember. Many of the scenes are easily memorable because of their uniqueness brought to you by Mike Myers.

The film focuses on Goldmember which clearly takes inspiration from Goldfinger from James Bond. The hilarity created from this character and many of the others always wants me to watch this film another time and another time. Each and every scene is carefully done to guarantee you to laugh and although it's bizarre - it certainly works well.

Austin Powers in Goldmember is a great addition to the franchise which brings you some great stars including Mike Myers, Beyonce Knowles, Seth Green, Michael York, Michael Caine and many more. Worth watching for the crazyiness and laughs.

The Cure is a very touching movie based around a young boy called Dexter with AIDS. It seems some people are very prejudice towards his disease; some assuming you can simply catch AIDS by breathing it.

Dexter befriends an older boy...
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The Cure is a very touching movie based around a young boy called Dexter with AIDS. It seems some people are very prejudice towards his disease; some assuming you can simply catch AIDS by breathing it.

Dexter befriends an older boy called Eric. The difference between Dexter and Eric is that they have very different parents. Eric at first seems to pre-judge him before finally befriending him and realising how Dexter must feel with all the intimidation. It is not taken kind-heartedly though by Eric's mother who seems to be very prejudice towards AIDS. However, as Dexter and Eric build up a strong relationship it puts them in an awkward situation of constantly being bullied by others.

When watching, you'll begin to notice how Eric's mother reactions can be. Some you may often make you think "that's totally out" or "why is she like that?" The thing is, people need to realise AIDS simply isn't transmitted by homosexuals (as assumed by some characters in the movie). In this case, a blood transfusion caused him to get AIDS.

Anyway, being a kid can be great fun as detailed in this movie. Eric and Dexter look out to find "The Cure" they had read about in the local newspaper. As cheesy as it may sound, that's what they try to attempt. They aim to find "The Cure" somehow. It's a summer of a true friendship.

A great movie and recommended for a great telling of friendship.

Jurassic Park is undoubtedly the best so far in the series. What it aims to do is provide action, emotion and suspense all in one bag.

We are not taken straight into the world of dinosaurs first thing. Instead, we get an idea of who's...
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Jurassic Park is undoubtedly the best so far in the series. What it aims to do is provide action, emotion and suspense all in one bag.

We are not taken straight into the world of dinosaurs first thing. Instead, we get an idea of who's who.

Sam Neill plays Dr. Alan Grant who seems to just hate the idea of kids and always seems to work out some logical way of doing something.

Laura Dern play Dr. Ellie Sattler who would love to just place herself right into the action. She seems to be very confident and doesn't like sexist remarks at all. Goes to show that women do indeed have the guts to enter a park full of dinosaurs.

Later on we meet Dr. Ian Malcolm (played by Jeff Goldblum) who seems to be a very funny sort of guy and quite flirty too. He's role is indeed good for Jurassic Park.

Richard Attenborough plays John Hammond who seems to be like the main leader of this Jurassic Park. He's a billionaire and has high expectations for making this park accessible by anyone no matter how rich or poor they are. He does a good job at defending in what he believes in.

John Hammond's grandchildren make their appearance into Jurassic Park too. Lex (Ariana Richards) and Tim (Joseph Mazzello) are like your typical brother and sister. We have Lex who always loves to be on her computer and then Tim who seems to like more "exciting" things than using a computer. These two are very different from each other.

The way this film is shown to us is purely unforgetable. From the moment the dinousaurs appear it is just asking for you to keep on watching. It is very well directed and does a good job of providing a good story, acting, suspense and drama between the characters. I think Jurassic Park truly is one that belongs in the beasts collection.

If you have never seen this film then by sure you are missing out on a truly exciting adventure film.

Home Alone is a great family movie and probably definitely worth watching during the Christmas period.

Now, kids can be a right pain and Kevin is no exception. Right from the beginning we learn that he can be a nightmare to live with....
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Home Alone is a great family movie and probably definitely worth watching during the Christmas period.

Now, kids can be a right pain and Kevin is no exception. Right from the beginning we learn that he can be a nightmare to live with. Who could possibly think such a sweet kid could be a right pain?

Since Kevin pushed the limit with his family he was sent to the "third floor". Nobody goes up there but because he pushed his ways too far he was sent there. Anyway, the next morning the family are going on a trip to Paris, France. Sounds nice, huh? Okay, did you check the doors? Check. Did you remember to bring your essentials? Check. Did you remember to bring Kevin? No!

How could a mother possibly forget to bring her child with her? Well, she doesn't notice this until she is on the flight. Whoops. Big mistake. Now, Kevin did wish that they would just disappear and he seems to have thought it worked. Can he handle this "home alone" stuff? I don't think so. So, we learn that Kevin thinks he can do everything by himself but deep down he probably wouldn't survive without his family.

Whilst his whole family are in Paris he gets some rather unwanted attention. Two sneaky men have been wanting to rob his house for a long time. Kevin will be as creative as possible to figure out a way to lure those creeps away.

It really goes to show that every kid needs their family around them - especially during Christmas. Kevin finally shows this during the ending when his mother comes back.

This is probably one of the few documentary films I have watched. As I have McDonalds every now and then I thought I might as well see what happens to this guy who is about to eat McDonalds multiple times a day.

I think the film...
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This is probably one of the few documentary films I have watched. As I have McDonalds every now and then I thought I might as well see what happens to this guy who is about to eat McDonalds multiple times a day.

I think the film offers a lot of information and facts about McDonalds and this film seems to have everything against McDonalds. Don't expect any good things to be said. This film is out there to encourage people what eating McDonalds is really like.

It goes on about why McDonalds is making us fat and the film blames them for it. I disagree with some points of this film because of the way McDonalds is criticised. Come on, people can decide if they want to go in for a McDonalds. They ain't exactly forcing you to eat it! I wish this documentary had been more neutral rather than all negative. As I said, there are hardly any positive points the documentary makes about McDonalds.

Nevertheless, great education for me and at times it was quite funny seeing Morgan Spurlock trying to eat all those Big Macs!

(spoilers)

Simon Birch tells a wonderful story of friendship between two near-teenage boys. What I like about this film is a mix of comedy, seriousness and emotion. Most of the film is focused on Simon Birch and Joe Wenteworth. They...
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(spoilers)

Simon Birch tells a wonderful story of friendship between two near-teenage boys. What I like about this film is a mix of comedy, seriousness and emotion. Most of the film is focused on Simon Birch and Joe Wenteworth. They are very close friends and will do whatever it will take for one another. Although in the film the other kids can tease Simon, Joe sees him as his best friend. It goes to show that friends will be friends despite what condition he has.

As the film progressed, it got more serious and in-depth. It sort of makes you realise that relationships can be very fun and emotional at times; like these relationships are an important aspect of our lives.

The main idea of the film is to get the audience to realise many aspects. One of those being friendship and the other being the cope of loss. Whilst Simon grew up to parents that didn't really care about him (probably due to his condition), Joe on the hand grew up with his mother who loved him to bits and wanted to only have him as her child. Joe doesn't know who his father is but gets along perfectly well later when the loving Ben Goodrich falls in love with his mother.

When Joe's mother dies (due to baseball hitting her temple) he gets really upset and only has his grandmother and Ben to look after him. The problem is that Simon was the one who finally was allowed to swing the baseball bat. When the hit was made people were astonished. The ball went so far - in fact too far having hitting Joe's mother on the head. From then on, the film gets really sad. Simon seems to believe it was God that caused this and that he has a plan for everyone. Joe doesn't seem to appreciate his faith and gets angry at him.

Joe's mother told nobody who his father was and now she is dead how will he know? Simon believes that whoever took the baseball that killed Joe's mother is the father but finding him will prove a difficult and very emotional journey.

Towards the end we see Joe as a fully grown adult with his son. This part proves that life simply goes on no matter what happens. He seems to have moved on and now has his own kid. This was a very good ending which featured Jim Carrey in a more dramatic/serious sense.