Movie | Space Master X-7 | Pass

In contrast to The Creation of the Humaniods, the plot for this one is a stinkeroo. A virus/fungus from space threatens the human race and there's only one woman who holds the key to stopping it...

Hokey it is. But, that's not the real reason to see this 1958 black and white scifi drama. No, it's the appearance of actors Paul Frees and Moe Howard. You know Frees as the voice of the Haunted House in Disneyland (among other notable appearances) and Howard is one of the the 3 Stooges, of course. Both play dead straight roles here (Howard's character does not appear often and is rather lightweight). But, they're both great in this movie. It's fun to watch both of them.

For period and genre (or period-genre, if you prefer) fans only. One thumb up and a Pass.

Movie | The Creation of the Humanoids | Pass

This early 60s scifi flick about robots plotting to take over the human race has a surprising interesting (if a tad slow) plot that integrates Asimov's 3 Laws of Robotics.

The acting is relatively period (read: poor) and the sets are cheap, but it all somehow works.

Of special note is the utterly gorgeous texture and color of the film. Nostalgic while being compellingly creepy, it's worth watching this just for the filming alone. I'd love to see a remastered copy of this. From what I've gathered, it doesn't exist (yet).

This is one for seriously hardcore genre fanatics, but I give it one and half thumbs up and a Pass.

Movie | Ninja Assassin | Pass

Fun, bloody and possibly the best Ninja movie ever made. There, I said it!

A good plot, good acting, good dialogue and a good soundtrack that includes a Spiderbait song over the credits. Was there anything I didn't like? Yes, a minor comment. Some of the editing is rather abrupt, for purposes of the plot but also it seemed like it was to cut down on overall running time for better marketability.

So, hopefully, there will be a director's cut. If you're looking for great action, don't mind a lot of decapitations and want to be treated like a viewer with a mind, you'll love this one. Two thumbs up and a Pass!

Movie | Eastern Promises | Pass

Cronenberg makes a Russian Godfather and it's superb, surprisingly.

Unlike the unlikeable A History of Violence, there's real style and substance here. The violence is disturbing as usual (for Cronenberg), but it all makes sense and gives us a peek into a completely alien and unappealing world in a utterly engrossing way.

Watts is only present as a plot device, which is a bit disappointing. Mortensen is perfection and Cassel adds a surprising amount to the film. But the real gem is Armin Mueller-Stahl, who is simultaneously warm and fuzzy while being evil incarnate.

The knife fight is one of the best I've seen on film, although the choice of linoleum knives is bizarre.

Two thumbs up and a Pass.

Movie | The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus | Pass

This movie is for absolutely rabid Gilliam fans only. I loved, loved, loved it, but it will surely turn off more people than not.

The excellent cast and visual candy won't be enough to overcome the simplistic, yet confusing plot and slow pace. It's your basic good versus evil, but the constant character confusion will frustrate those that aren't open minded to it.

It's too weird for most and not weird enough for others.

This was Ledger's last film and a trio of good to great actors stepped in to help when he died (all proceeds apparently going to Ledger's daughter). As much as I like Ledger, I once again didn't find him all that original. This time around, his performance was clearly influenced by Brad Pitts' performance in Twelve Monkeys, which was in turn influenced by Robin Williams' performance in The Fisher King (and arguably on back through the Gilliam catalog).

Still, I thought it was great, loved all of the interesting references (especially Don Quixote) and I give it a hearty Pass!

Movie | Defendor | PASS

This has got to be one of the best superhero movies I've seen in a long time. It's about a "normal" guy who lives to fight crime. A great cast just really makes this simple movie sing. I loved it. And, don't forget to stick around for the great song by the great band, Metric, and the end.

Think of this as sort of cross between Watchmen (minus all of the gross stuff and the overly complex plot), The Punisher (but with more humor) and Superman (without so much of the hokey malarkey). This not a happy-happy movie, though, and it will leave you thinking.

Definitely a Pass! Viva la Defendor!

Movie | Snakes On A Plane | Pass

Surprisingly straight-forward action flick about transporting a key witness on a commercial airplane filled with venomous snakes (put there to kill him). I thought this would be much more campy, but it wasn't. Julianna Margulies was great, as usual. Tiny role for Agam Darshi, from the TV show Sanctuary. The rest of the cast was pretty good, too.

Take a look at the photo above. Since when do snakes have teeth? Fangs, yeah, but full-on chompers?

Again, I wanted more camp. But I still enjoyed it - Pass!

Movie | Hot Rod | Pass

Huh? Wait a minute...I've seen this movie before! Super Dave Osborne, Napoleon Dynamite, etc. This is not an original movie, whatsoever. They even mention Super Dave in the dialogue!

Charming enough because of the cast and the humor never gets too gross. A pass-ish.

Movie | American Shopper | Pass

A rather forced but funny documentary about a guy in a small town who tries to create a new sport called Aisling. "Athletes" dance and prance down supermarket aisles trying to pick up specific items before the time limit expires.

Unfortunately, this was the first and last time "Aisling" existed.

If you liked Best in Show and similar movies, you'll find this enjoyable enough. The true story is about the characters and their personal struggles. Unfortunately, none of it comes across as real, which hurt the movie for me a bit.

Still worth seeing, though, for the kookiness and creativity. A Pass.

Movie | Birthday Girl | Pass

Chapman and Kidman power this mild thriller along about a lonely Englishman who sends for a Russian mail-order bride. Of course it's a setup and there's gonna be trouble, but the real movie is about strangers (who have some severe emotional issues) meeting and finding a bond when there is seemingly none.

While the movie never goes terribly dark, if you're nervous about such things (potential violence) this one isn't for you. I liked it. It kept me on my toes and it was original enough. They let the characters be less than decisive at all times, which is probably why US audiences never picked this one up.

Kidman's performance reminded me of a similar movie with her in it, Dead Calm, which I enjoyed thoroughly. While this movie isn't quite the same, it has a sinister quality to it, too. She's a superb actor, that's for sure. It's hard to remember that when her personal life has overshadowed her skill and talents these days. But, this movie reaffirms her as a major talent. I give it a better-than-average Pass.

Movie | The Hard Word | Pass

I'll see just about anything Guy Peirce is in. He picks interesting movies and he's a fun actor to watch. This Australian heist movie about 3 criminals who don't like anybody getting hurt is a fun one.

The cinematography and editing is a bit artless, but the actors make up for it. There is this constant hint of humor throughout, sometimes dark, sometimes not.

Yep, it has violence, harsh language and some mild sexual situations, but if you liked Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, this is a must-see and a Pass.

Movie | Sky High | Pass

This Disney live action movie is about a kid with no super powers. When he goes to high school his secret comes out, much to the disappointment of his parents, who are the two most famous superheroes around.

The plot is painfully predictable and there are no surprises. But, the cast really saves the movie and makes it worth watching.

Strangely, the soundtrack is all remakes of cool 80s songs. They don't add anything new to the music itself and I wonder why they chose to do that. Appeal to the parents of the target tweens?

Worth watching if you're looking for something light and a Pass-ish.