Movie | Jack Reacher | PAss

Cruise haters aside, this is a really great thriller. It's too bad that his public persona has overshadowed his professional work, because he is, quite simply, a great actor. If you can ignore all of that for a moment, you're in for a real treat with Jack Reacher.

Movie | Day Watch | Pass

Sequel to the equally ambitious Night Watch. A fantasy-thriller with mild horror overtones (but nothing actually scary), there are some really neat ideas and some awesome special effects. Not great, but certainly interesting. Try to see it with subtitles. I had to see it dubbed (beggars can't be choosers) and it was awful.

Movie | Snow On Tha Bluff | Pass

Gritty reality mockumentary...or is it?...about a drug dealer on the means streets of the hood. I particularly liked it because of the minimalistic approach to an entertaining 118 minutes of movie (one hand-held video camera!). Scary because it's real life for plenty of people. Make this a double with The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia. Thanks to J-Swan for the recommendation!

Movie | Jesus Henry Christ | PAss

Quirky movie in the same vein as Little Miss Sunshine, Juno and similar films. We sure do love us some Toni Collette - she's always great. Worth a rental if you liked the mentioned movies.

Movie | John Dies At The End | PAss

Creative mix of David Lynch, Douglas Adams and Alex Cox, but minus a lot of their style and swagger. Still, an extremely fun mix of horror, science fiction, comedy and the kitchen sink. Well worth a rental, though the ending was a bit anticlimactic.

Movie | Cargo | PAss

Marvelous Swiss science fiction film along the likes of 2001, Moon, Outland and Alien. First time director Ivan Engler is one to watch. Superb and a must see!

Movie | Blood: The Last Vampire | Pass

Despite some major goofiness and a nonsensical ending, I still rather enjoyed this remake of the anime (and manga and anime series) by the same name. They're not vampires - they're demons who drink blood.

Movie | Man On A Ledge | PAss

What a great thriller! The plot slowly reveals itself, which might drive some viewers nuts. I loved it! Everything about this movie is top notch. A must-see!

Movie | Bunraku | Pass

One of my students brought this movie up and, thinking it was another movie, I agreed that I enjoyed it. Turns out I was thinking of Gojoe, I don't know why, and that I hadn't seen this movie. Now I have. It was okay. It's a hyper-stylized (the sets look like a pop-up book) action flick that takes place in a world that rolls out like a chambara. It's all pretty pretentious, never bothering to really flesh out any of the characters. It must have been fun to make, but it doesn't really work in the end. Points for the effort and ambition. Cool cast, the bits are interesting, but ultimately unsatisfying.

Movie | Universal Soldier: Regeneration | Pass

Not bad. Pretty much what I was expecting. Nice to see another decent appearance by an MMA star, this time Andrei Arlovski, whom I've always liked.

TV | Maron | PAss

Another sad sack comedian, this show is very similar to Louie, minus the stand up and more story. I loved it. I find Maron hilarious and rather clever. Thumbs up!

TV | Inside Amy Schumer | PAss

It seems like ever since Dave Chappelle's meltdown, Comedy Central has been chasing that magic. This time, the same formula (skits interspersed with stand up) is applied. It happens to really work this time. Schumer's thing to be outrageously raunchy. That can be such a bad thing, but I found it to be hilarious this time around. I've seen two episodes and am looking forward to more!

Movie | Never Let Me Go | Pass

Suuuuper slow "mild" science fiction about three kids that are being raised to be organ donors. A real downer, but well done. Reminded me a bit of Children of Men minus all of the action. Still, it was worth watching.

Movie | Fighting | PAss

I actually really enjoyed this homage to Midnight Cowboy(ish). Though Tatum is the star, Howard steals the show with a weird voice and fantastic acting. He's the reason to watch this movie. Another fun cameo by Cung Le.

Movie | Frankenweenie | PAss

Delightful in so many ways. Yet another kiddie movie not for little kids.

Movie | The Lookout | PASs

Truly excellent slow-paced thriller. Stylish and extremely well done. A must see!

Movie | Beyond The Black Rainbow | PASs

Super freaky, super slow, super interesting horror film that masterfully mimics the psychedelic films of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Amazing and definitely not for everyone.