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The Reader, a review by goodguy

The Reader (2008) Written by: David Hare, based on the novel by Bernhard Schlink Directed by: Stephen Daldry Starring: Kate Winslet, David Cross, Ralph Fiennes DVD: R1-US Weinstein/Genius (Apr 14, 2009) My rating: -

Cover blurb:

The Reader isn't as bad as I feared it to be, but it isn't a good movie either. Why did I buy it, despite my low expectations? Well, I happen to like Kate Winslet and she did win an Oscar for her role here - btw, as predicted by herself in that Extras episode three or four years ago.

But while the Best Picture nomination was a joke, Winslet's nomination at least seems to be warranted. I can't say if she deserved to win, since I haven't seen all of the other nominees, and I slightly suspect the combination of Holocaust theme, being nude and handicap acting was in her favor.

Still, especially in the early and middle parts of the movie Winslet is great, while David Kross as her young lover is pretty solid. Ralph Fiennes on the other hand hasn't much to do except looking thoughtful and torn.

The movie itself unfortunately hasn't much to say. It dutyfully poses the "big moral questions" and then slaps easy (non)answers on them in a painfully obvious way. And if that isn't annoying enough, the movie also hedges the small bets it makes with a closing statement from one of the survivors.

Somewhere in all of this are glimpses of a good movie. One cannot help but think that, without the Holocaust backdrop, it could have been more honest and meaningful.


(From goodguy's Watch Log on June 3rd, 2009)

Super 8, a review by Dragonfire

I went to see Super 8 Sunday evening.  I had seen trailers, but I still didn't feel like I knew a whole lot about the movie..and I think that is best.  The movie is very well done and entertaining and definitely worth seeing.  It is one of the best movies of the year.

Basically, a group of friends in 1979 are making a zombie movie to enter in a super 8 contest.  The friends - who are around 14 or so - are shooting at a train station one night when a train goes by.  Charles, the one directing the movie, thinks the train will add to his movie.  They end up witnessing a horrible train derailment before running back home.  The Air Force moves in to take control of the accident site and doesn't tell the local law enforcement much.  Strange things start happening around town and the friends end up trying to figure out what is going on.

There is some mystery and suspense to what is going on as well as a few horror movie elements without being gory.  A few things that happen are a bit upsetting or disturbing.  The movie really isn't one that is family friendly even though certain things about it remind me of The Goonies. 

The characters are interesting and developed decently.  Most of the characters are teenagers which could have been a problem, but the cast is really talented.  I was really impressed by Elle Fanning. 

This is a wonderful movie that definitely deserves to be seen.



I did get a review - without spoilers - posted on Epinions if anyone wants to take a look.

Super 8

(From Super 8 on June 16th, 2011)

NCIS Marathon, a review by addicted2dvd

21. BROTHERS IN ARMS
Director Shepard finds that meeting an informant alone can be murder. The NCIS team must gather all leads to hunt down the killer.

My Thoughts:
While this one has some good scenes... it was never one of my favorites. And you know... I really don't have a good reason for that. There really wasn't nothing bad about the episode. But I just didn't care for it too much.

My Rating:

22. IN THE DARK
The NCIS team taps into a blind photographer's special insight to investigate a crime.

My Thoughts:
This is a pretty good episode. I like the idea of a blind photographer and the story is interesting.

My Rating:

23. TROJAN HORSE
While Shepard is abroad, Gibbs is acting director, but he ignores his duties when a murdered man is found in a cab headed to the NCIS headquarters.

My Thoughts:
This is a fun episode. I liked how Gibbs acts about being left in charge of NCIS. That man just needs to stay in the field... running the entire agency is not his thing!

My Rating:

24. ANGEL OF DEATH
The deepest, darkest secrets of each NCIS team member are about to be revealed after they learn they have to take a Homeland Security polygraph test. Meanwhile, a ruthless drug dealer holds Tony and his girlfriend, Jeanne, hostage.

My Thoughts:
This is an enjoyable season finale... but not quite as good as some of the past seasons. It does end on a little bit of a cliffhanger... so I will be looking forward to starting season 5 before too long. Which will be the last season I have to review at this time.

My Rating:

(From NCIS Marathon on December 27th, 2009)