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Flash of Genius, a review by Rich

Flash of Genius



The Kearns were a typical 1960s Detroit family, trying to live their version of the American Dream. Local university professor Bob married teacher Phyllis and, by their mid-30s, had six kids who brought them a hectic but satisfying Midwestern existence. When Bob invents a device that would eventually be used by every car in the world, the Kearns think they have struck gold. But their aspirations are dashed after the auto giants who embraced Bob's creation unceremoniously shunned the man who invented it. Ignored, threatened and then buried in years of litigation, Bob is haunted by what was done to his family and their future. He becomes a man obsessed with justice and the conviction that his life's work--or for that matter, anyone's work--be acknowledged by those who stood to benefit. And while paying the toll for refusing to compromise his dignity, this everyday David will try the unthinkable: to bring Goliath to his knees.

A film regarding an inventors fight to prove he had created the worlds first intermittent windscreen wiper does not sound the most exciting idea, and so it proved. Clearly the film is concerned more with the fight Bob had with Ford to prove his patents were valid, and the effect such a lengthy legal battle had on both himself and his family.
Greg Kinnear comes out of the film with credit, at times he holds together a tired script and ponderous pacing. This is not the worst film you can invest in, but I would best describe it as a good made for TV film.
 



(From Riches Random Reviews on March 12th, 2009)

How to Train Your Dragon, a review by Silence_of_Lambs

Summary:
Long ago up North on the Island of Berk, the young Viking, Hiccup (voice: Jay Baruchel), wants to join his town's fight against the dragons that continually raid their town. However, his macho father and village leader, Stoik the Vast (voice: Gerard Butler), will not allow his small, clumsy, but inventive son to do so. Regardless, Hiccup ventures out into battle and downs a mysterious Night Fury dragon with his invention, but can't bring himself to kill it. Instead, Hiccup and the dragon, whom he dubs Toothless, begin a friendship that would open up both their worlds as the observant boy learns that his people have misjudged the species. But even as the two each take flight in their own way, they find that they must fight the destructive ignorance plaguing their world.

My Thoughts:
This movie came with a lot of praise in advance, so I was somewhat skeptic if it could keep up with my expectations.
To cut a long story short: It could do this easily.
I wish I was more eloquent to describe this little masterpiece of modern animation.
The story is kept simple, but every time you feel inclined to say it's predictable, it adds a little surprising turn. Not too much to distract from the mainplot, but always enough to keep your eyes glued to the screen.
BTW: "Glued to the screen", the programming is simply breathtaking, in the flying scenes enjoy the clouds, it's the first time they are not coming around as cotton candy in the sky. Even though the programmers did a great job this movie does not drown in beauty, it's always and only there to support the plot. Other than for example "Ratatouille" where after the umptienth headshaking even the dumbest should have understood that they are now able to trace hair.

The characters are simply gorgeous, you have to love them all.
The sound is ... let's say it this way: Great!

DreamWorks did it all correct again and once more set up a hallmark for other animated films to measure up against.
If you haven't done so already: Watch it, you will not regret it.


My rating: (out of possible 5)

(From Michael's random reviews on October 23rd, 2010)

Tom's Random Reviews, a review by Tom

Bollywood Hero (2009/United States) IMDb | Wikipedia Anchor Bay Entertainment (United States) Director: Writing: Length: 167 min. Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78 Audio: English: Dolby Digital 5.1 Subtitles: English

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Stars:


Plot:SLUMDOG MILLIONAIREExtras:

• Deleted Scenes
• Outtakes
• Scene Access

Chris Kattan is sick of being passed on lead roles, he decides to take the offer of being the lead in a Bollywood production. This three episodes series was fun to watch. A good balance between culture clash and rom-com.

Rating:

(From Tom's Random Reviews on May 21st, 2011)