My Movies (updated: August 20, 2015 03:42:17)

Link Title Year Rating Genres Cast Plot
The Shawshank Redemption
1994
9.3/10
crime, drama
Director: Frank Darabont, Actors: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler, Clancy Brown, Gil Bellows, Ja...
Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison for the murders of his wife and her lover in the late 1940s. However, only Andy knows that he didn't commit the crimes. Sent to Shawshank Prison to do hard time, Andy--a taciturn banker in the outside world--has to learn to get by in the brutal, cutthroat confines of prison life. His quiet strength slowly earns the respect of his fellow inmates--most notably, Red (Morgan Freeman)--and even much of the prison staff. But Andy's seemingly stoic acceptance of his unjust imprisonment hides a fierce determination for freedom. This beautifully crafted movie features touching and sincere performances from the entire cast, with an uplifting message about humanity's indomitable spirit and the redemptive value of hope.
Inception
2010
8.8/10
action, mystery, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Christopher Nolan, Actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Ken Watanabe, Dilee...
Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) doesn't steal things, he steals ideas. By projecting himself deep into the subconscious of his targets, he can glean information that even the best computer hackers can't get to. In the world of corporate espionage, Cobb is the ultimate weapon. But even weapons have their weakness, and when Cobb loses everything he's forced to embark on one final mission in a desperate quest for redemption. This time Cobb won't be harvesting an idea, but sowing one. Should he and his team of specialists succeed, they will have discovered a new frontier in the art of psychic espionage. They've planned everything to perfection, and they have all the tools to get the job done. Their mission is complicated, however, by the sudden appearance of a malevolent foe that seems to know exactly what they're up to, and precisely how to stop them.
Fight Club
1999
8.9/10
drama
Director: David Fincher, Actors: Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Helena Bonham Carter, Meat Loaf, Zach Grenier, Richmond Arque...
The mundane existence of a product liability evaluator and insomniac, who is addicted to self-help groups, is turned upside down when he meets a sado-masochistic anarchist who is secretly plotting to overthrow civilization. As their friendship grows, they become increasingly involved in a secret society of "fight clubs" where men act out their aggressions and violently beat one another to a pulp. In the meantime, the evaluator falls in love with a woman who is also addicted to self-help groups, but is unable to act on his desire for her.
Pulp Fiction
1994
8.9/10
crime, drama, thriller
Director: Quentin Tarantino, Actors: Quentin Tarantino, John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson, Tim Roth, Amanda ...
The film interweaves three tales, told in a circular, fractured manner, which only fully connect by the time the final credits roll. The first story focuses on Vincent Vega (John Travolta) and Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson), two hit men on duty for "the big boss," Marsellus Wallace (Ving Rhames), whose gorgeous wife, Mia (Uma Thurman), takes a liking to Vincent. In the second, a down-and-out pugilist (Bruce Willis), who is ordered to take a fall, decides that there's more money in doing the opposite. The final chapter follows a pair of lovers (Amanda Plummer and Tim Roth) as they prepare to hold up a diner.
The Lord of the Rings 1: The Fellowship of the Ring
2001
8.8/10
adventure, fantasy
Director: Peter Jackson, Actors: Peter Jackson, Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom, Sean Astin, Cate Blanchett, Se...
The setting is Middle-earth, a mythological land populated by elves, dwarves, humans, and the gentle, diminutive hobbits upon whom the story centers. One hobbit, Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood), unexpectedly comes into possession of an ancient magical ring so powerful it invariably corrupts anyone who wears it. In order to prevent the ring's erstwhile owner, the dark lord Sauron, from reclaiming the ring and taking over Middle-earth, a motley band of comrades set out to destroy it in the fires of Mount Doom, where it was forged. Included in the group are Frodo and hobbits Sam (Sean Astin), Merry (Dominic Monoghan), and Pippin (Billy Boyd); the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen); human warriors Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) and Boromir (Sean Bean); the dwarf Gimli (John Rhys-Davies); the elf Legolas (Orlando Bloom). Along the way, they wage battle with monsters, demons, and Sauron's evil minions, all brought to life by spectacular digital technology.
The Lord of the Rings 3: The Return of the King
2003
8.9/10
adventure, fantasy
Director: Peter Jackson, Actors: Peter Jackson, Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellen, Sean Astin, Orlando Bloom, B...
Weary hobbits Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) venture further into the dark realm of Mordor, guided by the increasingly desperate Gollum (Andy Serkis), the two-faced former owner of the Ring that Frodo must destroy in the fires of Mount Doom. Meanwhile Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and Pippin (Billy Boyd) contend with the deranged ruler Denethor (John Noble) at the once-mighty city of Minas Tirith, as Merry (Dominic Monaghan) joins Éowyn (Miranda Otto) and the Riders of Rohan to hold back the forces of Sauron. Amidst the chaos, Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) must rise to his destiny, aided by Legolas (Orlando Bloom) and Gimli (John Rhys-Davies) in assembling allies for a massive battle that will decide the fate of Middle-earth.
The Matrix
1999
8.7/10
action, sci-fi
Directors: Andy Wachowski, Lana Wachowski [Larry Wachowski], Actors: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss,...
Neo is a young software engineer and part-time hacker who is singled out by some mysterious figures who want to introduce him into the secret of 'the matrix'. The cops also seem to be after him, and he takes a chance on discovering what he has always suspected: that the world is not quite what it seems to be and a sinister conspiracy is at work.
Forrest Gump
1994
8.8/10
drama, romance
Director: Robert Zemeckis, Actors: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field, Michael Conner Humphreys, Bob Penn...
The title character leads viewers through an accidental travelogue of American social history from the early 1960s through the present in this revisionist fable. Vietnam, desegregation, Watergate and more are presented from the perspective of Hanks' lovably slow-witted character as he finds himself embroiled in situations he can't quite comprehend.
The Godfather
1972
9.2/10
crime, drama
Director: Francis Ford Coppola, Actors: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, Sterling Hayden, Diane Keat...
Tells an epic tale of Mafia life in America during the 1940s and 1950s. Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) is the family patriarch balancing a love of his family with an ambitious criminal instinct. At the wedding of the Don's daughter Connie (Talia Shire), youngest son Michael (Al Pacino) is reunited with his family. A subsequent assassination attempt leaves the Don too ill to run the family business, forcing Michael and Sonny (James Caan), with the help of consigliere Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall), to lead the Corleones into a vendetta-filled war with other mob families. Violent revenge ensues as the family tries to change from its old criminal ways into legitimacy.
The Lord of the Rings 2: The Two Towers
2002
8.8/10
adventure, fantasy
Director: Peter Jackson, Actors: Peter Jackson, Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Cate Blanchett, ...
While Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) journey to the dreaded Mordor, Merry (Dominic Monaghan) and Pippin (Billy Boyd) are held captive by orcs, and Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Legolas (Orlando Bloom), and Gimli (John Rhys-Davies) search for their abducted companions. Soon Frodo and Sam are joined by the sulking and duplicitous Gollum (portrayed by the voice and motion-captured acting of Andy Serkis), who becomes their guide through the barren lands leading to Mount Doom. Meanwhile Merry and Pippin encounter the looming Treebeard (voiced by Rhys-Davies) and Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli find themselves in the land of Rohan, accompanied by an old friend. As the tale continues, each scenario becomes more perilous, and fierce battles erupt at both Isengard, home of the treacherous Saruman (Christopher Lee), and the massive Helm's Deep.
Seven
1995
8.7/10
drama, mystery, thriller
Director: David Fincher, Actors: Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey, Gwyneth Paltrow, R. Lee Ermey, Andrew Kevin Wa...
Gluttony, greed, sloth, envy, wrath, pride, and lust--these are the seven deadly sins that are being punished with unimaginable cruelty and calculation by an enigmatic killer. Set in a perpetually gloomy unnamed city, the film follows Somerset (Morgan Freeman), a retiring police detective, as he experiences his final week on the job, reluctantly working with assertive newcomer Mills (Brad Pitt). When an obese man is found brutally murdered in his home, the seasoned Somerset realizes this is no ordinary killing--someone tortured him because of his appetite. Slayings that reflect the sins of greed and sloth soon follow, leading Somerset and Mills on a desperate search to find the mysterious John Doe, who is responsible for these methodical murders. As the case builds to a startling conclusion, both Somerset and Mills become more involved than they ever could have imagined.
Gladiator
2000
8.5/10
action, drama
Director: Ridley Scott, Actors: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, Derek Jacobi, Richard Harri...
A man robbed of his name and his dignity strives to win them back, and gain the freedom of his people, in this epic historical drama from director Ridley Scott. In the year 180, the death of emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) throws the Roman Empire into chaos. Maximus (Russell Crowe) is one of the Roman army's most capable and trusted generals and a key advisor to the emperor. As Marcus' devious son Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) ascends to the throne, Maximus is set to be executed. He escapes, but is captured by slave traders. Renamed Spaniard and forced to become a gladiator, Maximus must battle to the death with other men for the amusement of paying audiences. His battle skills serve him well, and he becomes one of the most famous and admired men to fight in the Colosseum. Determined to avenge himself against the man who took away his freedom and laid waste to his family, Maximus believes that he can use his fame and skill in the ring to avenge the loss of his family and former glory. As the gladiator begins to challenge his rule, Commodus decides to put his own fighting mettle to the test by squaring off with Maximus in a battle to the death.
Batman Begins
2005
8.3/10
action, adventure
Director: Christopher Nolan, Actors: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Ken Watanabe, Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes, Gary Oldman...
A prequel to the Batman films based on the DC Comics series, explaining how Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale)--the billionaire prince of Gotham whose parents were killed in an alleyway mugging--transformed into the crime-fighting superhero. With flashbacks to his privileged childhood, young Master Wayne, as he is called by the butler Alfred (Michael Caine), develops a terrible fear of bats when he falls through the backyard garden into a hidden cave. As a young adult, Wayne lives among the League of Shadows, a martial arts group in the mountains of Asia. His leaders Ra's al Ghul (Ken Watanabe) and Henri Ducard (Liam Neeson) teach him strength, endurance, and--unfortunately--evil, against which he naturally rebels. Returning to Gotham and reinstating himself as a dapper socialite and the rightful heir to his parents' enterprise, Wayne quickly devises his secret identity, commanding help from the gadgetry expert Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman). With one eye on his childhood playmate Rachel (Katie Holmes)--now a beautiful woman and dedicated lawyer--and the other on his mission to save Gotham from criminal corruption, Batman makes his fledgling debut. But when the blue-blooded mastermind Dr. Crane (Cillian Murphy) taints the water system with a hallucinatory substance, Batman realizes he has met his first true opponent.
The Avengers
2012
8.2/10
action, adventure, sci-fi
Director: Joss Whedon, Actors: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy...
Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow answer the call to action when Nick Fury, director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., initiates a daring, globe-spanning recruitment effort to assemble The Avengers team to defeat an unexpected enemy threatening global safety and security. Despite pulling together the ultimate dream team, Nick Fury and longtime confidant Agent Coulson must find a way to convince the Super Heroes to work with, not against each other, when the powerful and dangerous Loki gains access to the Cosmic Cube and its unlimited power.
Avatar
2009
7.9/10
action, adventure, fantasy, sci-fi
Director: James Cameron, Actors: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez, Giova...
The story's hero is Jake Sully, an ex-Marine confined to a wheelchair. Bitter and disillusioned, he's still a warrior at heart. All Jake ever wanted was something worth fighting for and he ultimately finds it in the place he least expected- on a distant world. Jake has been recruited to join an expedition to the moon Pandora, which corporate interests are strip-mining for a mineral worth $20 million per kilogram on Earth. To facilitate their work, the humans use a link system that projects a person's consciousness into a hybrid of humans and Pandora's indigenous humanoid race, the Na'vi. This human-Na'vi hybrid - a fully living, breathing body that resembles the Na'vi but possesses the individual human's thoughts, feelings and personality - is known as an "avatar." In his new avatar form, Jake can once again walk. His mission is to interact with and infiltrate the Na'vi with the hope of enlisting their help - or at least their acquiescence -- in mining the ore. A beautiful Na'vi female, Neytiri, saves Jake's life - reluctantly - because even in his avatar body, Jake represents to her the human encroachment on the Na'vi's unspoiled world. As Jake's relationship with Neytiri deepens, along with his respect for the Na'vi, he faces the ultimate test as he leads an epic conflict that will decide nothing less than the fate of an entire world.
Star Wars Episode 4: A New Hope
1977
8.7/10
action, adventure, fantasy, sci-fi
Director: George Lucas, Actors: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Cushing, Anthony Daniels, Alec Guinness...
Luke Skywalker stays with his foster aunt and uncle on a farm on Tatooine. He is desperate to get off this planet and get to the Academy like his friends, but his uncle needs him for the next harvest. Meanwhile, an evil emperor has taken over the galaxy, and has constructed a formidable "Death Star" capable of destroying whole planets. Princess Leia, a leader in the resistance movement, acquires plans of the Death Star, places them in R2-D2, a droid, and sends him off to find Obi-Wan Kenobi. Before he finds him, R2-D2 ends up on the Skywalkers' farm with his friend C-3PO. R2-D2 then wanders into the desert, and when Luke follows, they eventually come across Obi-Wan. Will Luke, Obi-Wan and the two droids be able to destroy the Death Star, or will the Emperor rule forever?
Saving Private Ryan
1998
8.6/10
action, drama, war
Director: Steven Spielberg, Actors: Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns, Barry Pepper, Vin Diesel, Jeremy ...
James Ryan, who has parachuted into France during the Allied invasion of Europe, has just lost three brothers in combat. Government policy dictates that he should return home lest his family be deprived of all its male offspring. A team of soldiers, led by Captain John Miller and fresh from the beaches of Normandy, is assembled to find and save Private Ryan.
The Departed
2006
8.5/10
crime, drama, thriller
Director: Martin Scorsese, Actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Vera Farmiga, Ray Winst...
In South Boston the state police force is waging war on organized crime. Young undercover cop Billy Costigan is assigned to infiltrate the mob syndicate that is run by gangland chief Costello. While Billy is quickly gaining Costello's confidence, Colin Sullivan, a hardened young criminal who has infiltrated the police department as an informer for the syndicate, is rising to a position of power in the Special Investigation Unit. Each man becomes deeply consumed by his double life, gathering information about the plans and counter-plans of the operations he has penetrated. But when it becomes clear to both the gangsters and the police that there's a mole in their midst, Billy and Colin are suddenly in danger of being caught and exposed to the enemy--and each must race to uncover the identity of the other man in time to save himself.
Schindler's List
1993
8.9/10
biography, drama, history
Director: Steven Spielberg, Actors: Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley, Caroline Goodall, Jonathan Sagall, Embeth ...
Oskar Schindler is a vainglorious and greedy German businessman who becomes unlikely humanitarian amid the barbaric Nazi reign when he feels compelled to turn his factory into a refuge for Jews. Based on the true story of Oskar Schindler who managed to save about 1100 Jews from being gassed at the Auschwitz concentration camp. A testament for the good in all of us.
The Silence of the Lambs
1991
8.6/10
crime, drama, thriller
Director: Jonathan Demme, Actors: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Lawrence A. Bonney, Scott Glenn, Anthony Heald, Kasi Le...
Jodie Foster stars as Clarice Starling, a top student at the FBI's training academy whose shrewd analyses of serial killers lands her a special assignment: the FBI is investigating a vicious murderer nicknamed Buffalo Bill, who kills young women and then removes the skin from their bodies. Jack Crawford (Scott Glenn) wants Clarice to interview Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), a brilliant psychiatrist who is also a violent psychopath, serving life behind bars for various acts of murder and cannibalism. Crawford believes that Lecter may have insight into this case and that Starling, as an attractive young woman, may be just the bait to draw him out. Lecter does indeed know something of Buffalo Bill, but his information comes with a price: in exchange for telling what he knows, he wants to be housed in a more comfortable facility. More important, he wants to speak with Clarice about her past. He skillfully digs into her psyche, forcing her to reveal her innermost traumas and putting her in a position of vulnerability when she can least afford to be weak. The film mingles the horrors of criminal acts with the psychological horrors of Lecter's slow-motion interrogation of Clarice and of her memories that emerge from it.
Pirates of the Caribbean 1: The Curse of the Black Pearl
2003
8.1/10
action, adventure, fantasy
Director: Gore Verbinski, Actors: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Jack Davenport, Jonathan P...
Loosely inspired by the time-honored Disney theme-park ride, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL is a swashbuckling high-seas tale directed by Gore Verbinski. When Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), an eccentric rogue, arrives at Port Royal, he barely avoids going down with his ship. Soon enough, he's in the market for a new one, but not before he saves the life of Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), the beautiful daughter of the governor (Jonathan Pryce). This act of bravery sets into motion a sweeping adventure involving Elizabeth's childhood friend, blacksmith Will Turner (Orlando Bloom); a mysterious medallion; and a legendary pirate ship, the Black Pearl. The Pearl's mottled Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) wants Elizabeth's doubloon necklace, and when she's kidnapped by the ol' salty dog and his crew, Sparrow and young Will must rescue her and find out the truth behind the ship's curse. Verbinski's PIRATES is a welcome throwback to Hollywood offerings of yesteryear, filled with rope-swinging heroes, crusty villains, treasure hoards, swift swordplay, and even wittier wordplay. Screenwriters Terry Rossio and Ted Elliott have crafted one of the most clever action-movie scripts in many moons, and this gives the filmmakers and cast (especially Depp) plenty of room to cut loose. Although the skeletal pirates may be a bit frightening for small children, there's lots of humor to temper the scary moments, making PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL a nearly flawless fun film.
Titanic
1997
7.7/10
drama, romance
Director: James Cameron, Actors: James Cameron, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates, Frances Fisher...
After winning a trip on the RMS Titanic during a dockside card game, American Jack Dawson spots the society girl Rose DeWitt Bukater who is on her way to Philadelphia to marry her rich snob fiance Cal Hockley. Rose feels helplessly trapped by her situation and makes her way to the aft deck and thinks of suicide until she is rescued by Jack. Cal is therefore obliged to invite Jack to dine at their first-class table where he suffers through the slights of his snobbish hosts. In return, he spirits Rose off to third class for an evening of dancing, giving her the time of her life. Deciding to forsake her intended future all together, Rose asks Jack, who has made his living making sketches on the streets of Paris, to draw her in the nude wearing the invaluable blue diamond Cal has given her. Cal finds out and has Jack locked away. Soon afterwards, the ship hits an iceberg and Rose must find Jack while both must run from Cal even as the ship sinks deeper into the freezing water.
V for Vendetta
2005
8.2/10
action, drama, thriller
Director: James McTeigue, Actors: Hugo Weaving, Natalie Portman, Rupert Graves, Stephen Rea, Stephen Fry, John Hurt, Tim...
A tale of revolution in an England of the future, one gone fearful and fascist; anyone different, from homosexuals to free thinking artists, is "black bagged" and subjected to torture and inhumane medical experiments. Hugo Weaving stars as V, the mysterious knife-carrying masked avenger who has lightning reflexes, lots of explosives, and intentions to blow up Parliament. He's also on a vendetta against the evil powermongers who made him the lonely monster he is. Natalie Portman is the innocent waif who saves him and winds up hiding out in his nifty secret lair, which is filled with forbidden books, art, and a jukebox that plays Cat Power and Julie London's "Cry Me a River." Meanwhile, there's a hangdog police inspector (Stephen Rea) picking up their trail, and a plethora of evil British government types regularly bullied into action by the intensely odious "Grand Chancellor" (John Hurt).
Star Wars Episode 5: Empire Strikes Back
1980
8.8/10
action, adventure, fantasy, sci-fi
Director: Irvin Kershner, Actors: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, David Prowse, Anthony D...
The forces of the Rebel Alliance are under constant attack from the Galactic Empire as Luke travels to the planet Dagobah to learn the secrets of the Force from the last great Jedi Master, Yoda. Han and Leia must evade the forces of the Empire while Luke draws ever closer to Darth Vader and his destiny.
American History X
1998
8.6/10
crime, drama
Director: Tony Kaye, Actors: Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Beverly D'Angelo, Fairuza Balk, Jennifer Lien, Avery Brooks,...
A dramatic exploration into the roots of race hatred in America. In a shocking opening scene, teen Danny Vinyard (Edward Furlong) races to tell his older brother, neo-Nazi Derek (Edward Norton), about the young blacks breaking into his car in front of the house, whereupon Derek gets his gun and with no forethought shoots the youths in their tracks. Tried and convicted, Derek is sent away for three years in prison, where he acquires a different outlook as he contrasts white-power prisoners with black Lamont (Guy Torry), his prison laundry co-worker and eventual pal. Meanwhile, Danny, with a shaved head and a rebellious attitude, seems destined to follow in his big brother's footsteps. After Danny writes a favorable review of Hitler's Mein Kampf, black high-school principal Sweeney (Avery Brooks) puts Danny in his private "American History X" course and assigns him to do a paper about his older brother, who was a former student of Sweeney's. This serves to introduce flashbacks, with the film backtracking to illustrate Danny's account of Derek's life prior to the night of the shooting. Monochrome sequences of Derek leading a Venice, California gang are intercut with color footage of the mature Derek ending his past neo-Nazi associations and attempting to detour Danny away from the group led by white supremacist, Cameron (Stacy Keach), who once influenced Derek.
The Green Mile
1999
8.5/10
crime, drama, fantasy, mystery
Director: Frank Darabont, Actors: Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan, David Morse, Bonnie Hunt, James Cromwell, Michael Je...
A story told in flashback and narrarted by Paul Edgecomb, now living in an old-age home six decades after working as the head guard on Death Row at a Southen Prison named Cold Mountain Penitentiary. Travelling back to 1935, during the Great Depression, the former prison guard, Edgecomb, reflects on how he developed a poignant, unusual relationship with this one inmate, sentenced to Death Row, who may be innocent. The inmate, John Coffey, is an African-American man--convicted of the rape and murder of a pair of 9-year-old sisters--who awaits his death in this harsh prison. Coffey has strange powers, both mysterious and miraculous; and the creepy characters in the prison have their own views of his gifts... and of God's.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
1991
8.5/10
action, sci-fi
Director: James Cameron, Actors: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, Robert Patrick, Earl Boen, Joe M...
A decade after Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) destroyed the original Terminator, a second unstoppable killing machine (Arnold Schwarzenegger) arrives from the post-apocalyptic year 2029. But this time his mission is to stop an even deadlier Terminator, the T-1000 (Robert Patrick), made entirely of shape-shifting liquid metal and determined to kill young John Connor (Edward Furlong), the future leader of the human resistance. Sarah, John, and the Terminator counter by going after the scientist responsible for developing Skynet, the computer system fated to destroy humanity, leading to an explosive and spectacular clash with the fate of humanity in the balance.
Braveheart
1995
8.4/10
action, biography, drama, history, war
Director: Mel Gibson, Actors: Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan, Alan Tall, Catherine McCormack, Mhairi Calve...
Based on the life of legendary thirteenth century Scottish hero William Wallace. Returning to his homeland following the death of an heirless king, Wallace (Mel Gibson) finds the political landscape precarious. Edward the Longshanks, King of England (Patrick McGoohan), has captured Scotland's throne and threatens the freedom of all Scottish people, as tyrannical policies instituted by the English plague the Scots. Initially, Wallace is content to stand by the wayside, yearning for the simple life of building a home and raising a family. However, when the woman he loves (Catherine McCormack) suffers a cruel fate at the hands of English soldiers, Wallace takes a stand against the new rule. With his fierce patriotism and determination, he gathers an amateur but passionately rebellious army. Although this makeshift force may be outnumbered by the English troops, their desperation and love for their land surpass any military maneuvers, as evidenced in the film's breathtaking battle sequences.
Shutter Island
2010
8.1/10
mystery, thriller
Director: Martin Scorsese, Actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, Emily Mortimer, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Max von Sydow, Michell...
It's 1954, and up-and-coming U.S. marshal Teddy Daniels is assigned to investigate the disappearance of a patient from Boston's Shutter Island Ashecliffe Hospital. He's been pushing for an assignment on the island for personal reasons, but before long he wonders whether he hasn't been brought there as part of a twisted plot by hospital doctors whose radical treatments range from unethical to illegal to downright sinister. Teddy's shrewd investigating skills soon provide a promising lead, but the hospital refuses him access to records he suspects would break the case wide open. As a hurricane cuts off communication with the mainland, more dangerous criminals "escape" in the confusion, and the puzzling, improbable clues multiply, Teddy begins to doubt everything - his memory, his partner, even his own sanity.
Kill Bill: Vol. 1
2003
8.1/10
action, crime
Director: Quentin Tarantino, Actors: Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Daryl Hannah, Lucy Liu, Vivica A. Fox, Julie Dreyfus,...
An entire wedding party is slaughtered during a dress rehearsal in a rural chapel: the pregnant woman in the blood-splattered wedding dress is Black Mamba, better known as The Bride. The assassin, Bill, and his circle known as The Vipers left The Bride for dead, but unluckily for them she was merely comatose. Four years later, The Bride suddenly awakens from her coma and realizes what has been done to her. She sets off on a ferociously focused mission, setting out to seek revenge on her former master and his deadly squad of assassins. One by one, she kills the various members of the assassin group. She saves Bill for last.
The Sixth Sense
1999
8.2/10
drama, mystery, thriller
Director: M. Night Shyamalan, Actors: M. Night Shyamalan, Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment, Toni Collette, Olivia William...
Bruce Willis plays Dr. Malcolm Crowe, a successful Philadelphia child psychologist who is haunted by the sudden reappearance and suicide of a former patient. Months later Dr. Crowe encounters Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment), a troubled, withdrawn young boy who bears a striking similarity to his earlier patient. Dr. Crowe is compelled to help Cole, not only for the boy's sake, but for his own redemption. As Dr. Crowe struggles to determine what torments Cole, he must also come to terms with his increasingly distant relationship to his wife (Olivia Williams). Meanwhile, Cole is unable to describe the horrible things he sees even to his worried mother (Toni Collette).
Back to the Future
1985
8.5/10
adventure, comedy, sci-fi
Director: Robert Zemeckis, Actors: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover, Thomas F. Wilson, Cl...
A fast-moving and heart-warming comedy, BACK TO THE FUTURE is Robert Zemeckis' well-loved 1980s classic. It is the story of a teenager from 1985 who commandeers the time-traveling DeLorean invented by a wacky scientist friend, and is accidentally sent back in time to the 1950s. But the real problems start after he inadvertently disrupts the first meeting between his future parents--and his mom ends up falling for him instead. Eliciting help from the inventor of the time-machine (who is now thirty years younger), the young man must untangle the reverse Oedipal knot he's created, or he will never be born. If he can't influence them to fall in love, he might never exist! And if he somehow manages to succeed, he must then find a way to get "back to the future."
Wall-E
2008
8.5/10
animation, adventure, romance, sci-fi
Director: Andrew Stanton, Actors: Andrew Stanton, Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin, Fred Willard, John Ratzenberger...
As the last robot left on earth, Wall-E (voiced by Ben Burtt) is one small robot--with a big, big heart--who holds the future of earth and mankind squarely in the palm of his metal hand. He's outlasted all the "Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class" robots that were assigned some 700 years ago to clean up the environmental mess that man made of earth while man vacationed aboard the luxury spaceship Axiom. Wall-E has dutifully gone about his job compacting trash, the extreme solitude broken only by his pet cockroach, but he's developed some oddly human habits and ideas. When the Axiom sends its regularly scheduled robotic EVE probe (Elissa Knight) to earth, Wall-E is instantly smitten and proceeds to try to impress EVE with his collection of human memorabilia. EVE's directive compels her to bring Wall-E's newly collected plant sprout to the captain of the Axiom and Wall-E follows in hot pursuit. Suddenly, the human world is turned upside down and the Captain (Jeff Garlin) joins forces with Wall-E and a cast of other misfit robots to lead the now lethargic people back home to earth.
Iron Man
2008
7.9/10
action, adventure, sci-fi
Director: Jon Favreau, Actors: Jon Favreau, Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Shaun Tou...
Robert Downey Jr. stars as Tony Stark, a billionaire playboy and genius who puts as much effort into chasing skirts as he puts into chasing his next big idea. A trip to Afghanistan to sell weapons quickly devolves into chaos, and Stark finds himself at the mercy of a warlord who wants him to build a missile. Instead, Stark creates a powerful suit of armor, turning him into Iron Man and allowing him to escape. When he returns to America, his assistant Pepper Pots (Gwyneth Paltrow), friend Rhodey (Terrence Howard), and right-hand man Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges) all marvel at the change in the man they knew.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
2004
8.4/10
drama, romance, sci-fi
Director: Michel Gondry, Actors: Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Tom Wilkinson, Elijah Wood, Mark Ruffalo, Kirsten Dunst, Jane...
ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND is an unconventional romance told in the abstract, inventive, and comedic storytelling style of screenwriter Charlie Kaufman. Like his scripts for ADAPTATION and BEING JOHN MALKOVICH, this plot works off of a relatively complex idea that is more easily explained through the language of film than through words. In its most basic description, Joel (Jim Carrey) is undergoing a medical procedure to erase the memory of his ex-girlfriend, Clementine (Kate Winslet). However, while he is unconscious and the procedure is underway, he takes a journey through his mind, reliving moments with Clementine for fear of losing her forever. Using disjointed sound and action, foggy periods indicating Joel's confusion, and flashbacks to childhood where objects appear much bigger than they are to adult eyes, the cinematography communicates Joel's dilemma with visual hilarity. Only occasionally is the film laugh-out-loud funny; instead it is much more deeply and darkly amusing as the absurdity of the situation grows. ETERNAL SUNSHINE is nothing short of brilliant--a credit to director Michel Gondry (who has a topnotch reputation for his aesthetic music videos by artists such as Bjork). Carrey is wonderfully understated in the role of a simpleminded nice guy, and his signature goofiness is used only a handful of times. Winslet lights up the screen with her blue hair and orange sweatshirt, playing a lively free spirit and loose cannon. There are also strong supporting performances by Kirsten Dunst, Elijah Wood, and Mark Ruffalo, along with an excellent score by Jon Brion and a peppy soundtrack including songs by E.L.O. and the Polyphonic Spree. The film's conclusion promises to satisfy viewers; it offers a beautiful metaphor for the end of a love affair that brings perfect closure to this excellent film.
Indiana Jones 1: the Raiders of the Lost Ark
1981
8.6/10
action, adventure
Director: Steven Spielberg, Actors: Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, Denholm Elliott, Ronald Lacey, John Rhys-D...
Renowned archeologist and expert in the occult, Dr. Indiana Jones, is hired by the U.S. Government to find the Ark of the Covenant, which is believed to still hold the ten commandments. Unfortunately, agents of Hitler are also after the Ark. Indy and his ex-flame Marion escape from various close scrapes in a quest that takes them from Nepal to Cairo.
The Truman Show
1998
8.0/10
comedy, drama, sci-fi
Director: Peter Weir, Actors: Jim Carrey, Ed Harris, Laura Linney, Noah Emmerich, Natascha McElhone, Holland Taylor, Bri...
The whole world is watching--literally--every time Truman Burbank makes the slightest move. Unbeknownst to him, in this hauntingly funny film by Peter Weir, his entire life has been an unending soap opera for consumption by the rest of the world. And everyone he knows--including his mother, his wife, and his best friend--is really an actor, paid to be part of his life. In this intriguing and surprisingly touching 1998 film, writer Andrew Niccol imagines an ultimate kind of celebrity, then sees it brought to life with comic intensity and emotional honesty by Jim Carrey in what may be the performance of his career. Carrey has exceptional support from Laura Linney and Ed Harris, but it's his show, in a portrayal that demonstrates just what kind of range Carrey is capable of.
300
2006
7.8/10
action, fantasy, war
Director: Zack Snyder, Actors: Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, David Wenham, Dominic West, Vincent Regan, Michael Fassbender...
Tells the story of the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 B.C. Persians under the rule of King Xerxes have already taken over some of the Hellenic city-states, and now threaten Sparta and Athens. King Leonidas of Sparta is left with two options: he will either have to sacrifice himself for the well-being of Sparta or watch it burn to the ground. Choosing the former, Leonidas forms an army of 300 Spartan warriors to block the narrow passage of Thermopylae where Xerxes intends to reach Hellas. The 300 are accompanied by about 700 Thespians who protect the flanks of the passage, and combined, the forces manage to slay tens of thousands of Persians and prevent their entry into Hellas for several days. However, Ephialtes, a reject of the Spartan Army gets his revenge by showing Xerxes a secret goat passage up the flanks of the passage. The story depicts the epic last stand of the finest Spartan soldiers who are aware of their fate, but motivated by "honor and glory", see the battle as their duty to protect the rest of Greece for as long as possible.
Star Wars Episode 6: Return of The Jedi
1983
8.4/10
action, adventure, fantasy, sci-fi
Director: Richard Marquand, Actors: Richard Marquand, Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Ant...
The third and final chapter in the wondrous STAR WARS saga is RETURN OF THE JEDI. Luke (Mark Hamill) must save Han Solo (Harrison Ford) from the clutches of the monstrous Jabba the Hut, and bring down the newly reconstructed--and even more powerful--Death Star. With Solo imprisoned, Luke accompanies his faithful droids R2D2 (Kenny Baker) and C3PO (Anthony Daniels) in a rescue bid, with Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) also lending a hand. After they valiantly disentangle their friends from Jabba's clutches, Luke returns to his Jedi Knight training with Yoda. Meanwhile, the Rebel Troops amass in an attempt to see off the impending threat from Darth Vader (played by David Prowse, voiced by James Earl Jones) and his new Death Star, with the operation being lead by Han Solo. But Luke must face Vader himself if he is to become a true Jedi Knight, and as he enters into a spirited battle with his light saber-wielding enemy, some surprising revelations await the young warrior.
Up
2009
8.3/10
animation, adventure, drama, family, romance
Directors: Pete Docter, Bob Peterson, Actors: Pete Docter, Bob Peterson, Edward Asner, Jordan Nagai, John Ratzenberger, ...
Carl Fredricksen is a 78-year-old balloon salesman. His entire life, Carl has longed to wander the wilds of South America. Then, one day, the irascible senior citizen shocks his neighbors by tying thousands of balloons to his home and finally taking flight. But Carl isn't alone on his once-in-a-lifetime journey, because stowed away on his front porch is an excitable eight-year-old wilderness explorer named Russell. Later, as the house touches down on the world's second largest continent, Carl and his unlikely traveling companion step outside to discover that not only is their new front lawn considerably larger, but that the predators therein are much more ferocious than anything they ever faced back home.
No Country for Old Men
2007
8.1/10
crime, drama, thriller
Directors: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen, Actors: Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Woody Harrelson, Kelly Macdonald,...
The Coen brothers make their finest thriller since FARGO with a restrained adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's novel. Not that there aren't moments of intense violence, but NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN is their quietest, most existential film yet. In this modern-day Western, Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin) is a Vietnam vet who could use a break. One morning while hunting antelope, he spies several trucks surrounded by dead bodies (both human and canine). In examining the site, he finds a case filled with $2 million. Moss takes it with him, tells his wife (Kelly Macdonald) he's going away for awhile, and hits the road until he can determine his next move. On the way from El Paso to Mexico, he discovers he's being followed by ex-special ops agent Chigurh (an eerily calm Javier Bardem). Chigurh's weapon of choice is a cattle gun, and he uses it on everyone who gets in his way--or loses a coin toss (as far as he's concerned, bad luck is grounds for death). Just as Sheriff Bell (Tommy Lee Jones), a World War II vet, is on Moss's trail, Chigurh's former colleague, Wells (Woody Harrelson), is on his. For most of the movie, Moss remains one step ahead of his nemesis. Both men are clever and resourceful--except Moss has a conscious, Chigurh does not (he is, as McCarthy puts it, "a prophet of destruction"). At times, the film plays like an old horror movie, with Chigurh as its lumbering Frankenstein monster. Like the taciturn terminator, NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN doesn't move quickly, but the tension never dissipates. This minimalist masterwork represents Joel and Ethan Coen and their entire cast, particularly Brolin and Jones, at the peak of their powers.
The Lion King
1994
8.5/10
animation, adventure, drama, family, musical
Directors: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff, Actors: Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones, Moira Kelly, Ernie Sabe...
The story focuses on Simba, a young lion cub who's heir to the throne of the animal kingdom. But his evil uncle Scar longs to become king himself, and will do anything to make his wish come true. So he enlists the aid of three wicked hyenas and plots to kill not only Simba's father, but Simba himself. If Scar's plans succeed, all the animals will suffer. But can little Simba do anything to stop his big, bad uncle?
Die Hard
1988
8.3/10
action, thriller
Director: John McTiernan, Actors: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia, Reginald VelJohnson, Paul Gleason, William...
A New York City policeman, John McClane, visiting his estranged wife and two daughters on Christmas Eve, joins her at a holiday party in the headquarters of the Japanese-owned business she works for. But the festivities are interrupted by a group of terrorists who take over the exclusive high-rise, and everyone in it. Very soon the cop realizes that there's no one to save the hostages -- but him.
The Hangover
2009
7.8/10
comedy
Director: Todd Phillips, Actors: Todd Phillips, Zach Galifianakis, Bradley Cooper, Justin Bartha, Ed Helms, Heather Grah...
A blowout Las Vegas bachelor party turns into a race against time when three hung-over groomsmen awaken after a night of drunken debauchery to find that the groom has gone missing, and attempt to get him to the alter in time for his wedding. In 48 hours, Doug is scheduled to walk down the aisle, effectively ending his reign as a rowdy bachelor. Realizing that this is their last blowout with their best friend, Doug's groomsmen organize a Sin City bachelor bash he'll never forget. The next morning, the groomsmen come to in their Caesar's Palace suite to find a tiger in the bathroom and a six-month-old baby tucked away in the closet. Unfortunately, Doug is nowhere to be found. With no memory of the previous night's transgressions and precious little time to spare, the trio sets out in a hazy attempt to retrace their steps and discover exactly where things went wrong. Will they find Doug in time to get him to the wedding back in Los Angeles, or will his bride experience the sharp sting of disappointment when she walks down the aisle to discover that her future husband is nowhere to be found?
Good Will Hunting
1997
8.3/10
drama
Director: Gus Van Sant, Actors: Robin Williams, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Minnie Driver, Stellan Skarsgård, Casey Affl...
A South Boston whiz kid elects to clean the halls of learning rather than enter them, slumming his way through life as a janitor at MIT. But his natural ability to unravel complex equations attracts the attention of a professor who won't let him quit, a beautiful Harvard student who wants to save him, a sympathetic buddy who wants him to escape South Boston, and a counselor who encourages him. A soundly acclaimed, homegrown effort from lifelong Boston buddies Damon and Affleck, who pushed their script through development by disguising it as a suspense thriller.
Donnie Darko
2001
8.1/10
drama, mystery, sci-fi
Director: Richard Kelly, Actors: Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Mary McDonnell, Holmes Osborne, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Patric...
During the presidential election of 1988, a teenager named Donnie Darko sleepwalks out of his house one night, and sees a giant, demonic-looking rabbit named Frank, who tells him the world will end in 28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes, and 12 seconds. He returns home the next morning to find that a jet engine has crashed through his bedroom. As he tries to figure out why he survived and tries to deal with people in his town, like the school bully, his conservative health teacher, and a self-help guru, Frank continues to turn up in Donnie's mind, causing him to commit acts of vandalism and worse.
The Terminator
1984
8.1/10
action, sci-fi
Director: James Cameron, Actors: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn, Lance Henriksen, Paul Winfield, R...
In the year 2029, the rulers of Earth, to ensure their success, decide to reshape the future by changing the past. They send The Terminator back in time to destroy Sarah Connor, who doesn't realize the awesome role her unborn child will play in the decades to come.
Gravity
2013
8.0/10
sci-fi, thriller
Director: Alfonso Cuarón, Actors: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Ed Harris, Orto Ignatiussen, Phaldut Sharma, Amy Wa...
Sandra Bullock stars as Dr. Ryan Stone, a scientist on a space shuttle mission headed by astronaut Matt Kowalsky (George Clooney), a talkative, charismatic leader full of colorful stories that he shares with his crewmates as well as mission control. As the two are on a space walk, debris hits the area where they are working, and soon the pair finds themselves detached from their ship and stranded in space. While figuring out what steps they can take to save themselves, Stone grapples with a painful past that makes her consider giving up altogether.
Alien
1979
8.5/10
horror, sci-fi
Director: Ridley Scott, Actors: Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, John Hurt, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton, Yaph...
In deep space, the crew of the commercial ship Nostromo--comprised of five men and two women--is awakened from their cryo-sleep capsules, halfway through their journey home to investigate a distress call from an alien vessel. The tale unfolds as they further look into the S.O.S. distress call from that battered commercial space vessel--only to discover that it's a warning call, rather than a call for help. However, it is too late to turn back as three members of the crew have already left to investigate the derelict ship. Far away in space and time, all five encounter an awesome galactic horror, that begins to kill the crew members one by one.
Jurassic Park
1993
8.0/10
adventure, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Steven Spielberg, Actors: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough, Bob Peck, Martin Ferrero...
Paleontologist Alan Grant and his paleobotanist girlfriend, Ellie Sattler, give lectures on dinosaur history between digs at remote exotic locales. One dusty afternoon, John Hammond, a millionaire inspired by scientific wonders, makes an offer to the erudite couple that they can't refuse: He asks them to act as consultants on his entrepreneurial endeavor--an amusement park with live dinosaurs as the main attraction. On an island off the coast of Costa Rica, Hammond's already biologically engineering living dinosaurs by extracting and reconstructing dino-DNA from fossilized insects. But bedlam ensues when Wayne, a computer genius, tampers with Jurassic Park's security system so that he can smuggle out a bunch of frozen embryos. The prehistoric creatures break loose around feeding time and the millionaire, the scientists, the park employees, and two children become fair game.
Spider-Man
2002
7.3/10
action, adventure
Director: Sam Raimi, Actors: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Willem Dafoe, James Franco, Cliff Robertson, Rosemary Harris,...
When awkward New York City teenager Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) attends a class field trip to a laboratory, he gets bitten by a genetically altered spider while taking photos of his longtime crush, the lovely Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst). Soon he discovers this bite has given him remarkable powers--heightened strength, dexterity, and awareness, along with the ability to cling to walls and shoot webs from his wrists. Hoping to win Mary Jane's heart using his new talents, Peter becomes distracted from home life with his doting Aunt May (Rosemary Harris) and Uncle Ben (Cliff Robertson), ultimately leading to tragedy--and his new role as the crime-fighting Spider-Man. Meanwhile Harry Osborn (Willem Dafoe), the industrialist father of Peter's friend Norman (James Franco), undergoes a transformation of his own, bringing about the creation of Spider-Man's arch-nemesis: The Green Goblin. In order to save his loved ones--and all of New York City--from the devastating force of the deluded Goblin, Spider-Man must take on the villain in a series of stunning battles.
Star Trek
2009
8.0/10
action, adventure, sci-fi
Director: J.J. Abrams, Actors: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg, Leonard Nimoy, Bruce Greenwood, Eric Bana, John C...
The story of a young crew's maiden voyage onboard the most advanced starship ever created: the U.S.S. Enterprise. On a journey filled with cosmic peril, the new recruits must find a way to stop an evil being whose mission of vengeance threatens all of mankind. The fate of the galaxy rests in the hands of bitter rivals. One, James T. Kirk, is a delinquent, thrill-seeking Iowa farm boy. The other, Spock, was raised in a logic-based society that rejects all emotion. As fiery instinct clashes with calm reason, their unlikely but powerful partnership is the only thing capable of leading their crew through unimaginable danger, boldly going where no one has gone before.
The Transformers
2007
7.2/10
action, adventure, sci-fi
Director: Michael Bay, Actors: Michael Bay, Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, Rachael Taylor, Jon Vo...
The interstellar battle between the Autobots and Decepticons rains destruction down on planet Earth as director Michael Bay adapts Hasbro and Takara's popular Transformers franchise into a big-budget, live-action summer tentpole extravaganza in this ambitious sci-fi action feature starring Shia LaBeouf, Tyrese Gibson, Bernie Mac, John Turturro, Jon Voight, and, of course, Optimus Prime and Megatron. Long ago, on the planet of Cybertron, a massive, powerful alien race divided into two factions, the noble Autobots, and the devious Decepticons. They fought for the sole access to a talisman known as the Allspark, a cube with the capacity to grant infinite power, and eventually the Autobots smuggled it off the planet's surface, hiding it in an unknown location on Earth. Now, hundreds of years later, the Deceptacons have come looking for it, and if the Autobots don't find it first, the Earth will be enslaved or destroyed by the evil aliens' use of its massive power. The Autobots don't know where the cube was hidden, but the information may be stored in the most unlikely of sources, as a gangly young Earthling named Sam Witwicky (LaBeouf) who's just picked up his first car, has a strange connection to the Allspark's history, making him the unlikely ally of these enormous creatures, as they fight for humankind's survival and the chance to return home.
The Big Lebowski
1998
8.2/10
comedy, crime
Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, Actors: Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, David Huddleston, P...
In 1991, unemployed '60s refugee Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski (Jeff Bridges) grooves into his laid-back Los Angeles lifestyle. One of the laziest men in LA, he enjoys hanging with his bowling buddies, pompous security-store owner Walter Sobchak (John Goodman) and mild-mannered ex-surfer Donny (Steve Buscemi). However, the Dude's life takes an alternate route the afternoon two goons break into his threadbare Venice, California, bungalow, rough him up, and urinate on his living room rug. Why? Because Jackie Treehorn (Ben Gazzara) is owed money by the wife of a certain Jeff Lebowski. However, the goons grabbed the wrong Jeff Lebowski. With the right info, they would have invaded the home of philanthropic Pasadena millionaire Jeffrey Lebowski (David Huddleston). The Dude looks up his wealthy namesake, manages to get a replacement for his rug, and meets the millionaire's sexy young wife Bunny (Tara Reid). Later, Jeffrey ("The Big") Lebowski calls in the Dude to deliver a $1 million ransom for the return of his kidnapped wife. Fine -- except that Walter intrudes and botches the ransom drop. As events unravel, the Dude gets caught up in the schemes of Lebowski's daughter, erotic artist Maude (Julianne Moore), encounters both cops and bad guys, and drifts through an elaborate bowling fantasy sequence titled Gutterballs.
I Am Legend
2007
7.2/10
drama, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Francis Lawrence, Actors: Will Smith, Alice Braga, Charlie Tahan, Willow Smith, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Da...
Robert Neville is a brilliant scientist, but even he could not contain the terrible virus that was unstoppable, incurable and manmade. Somehow immune, Neville is now the last human survivor in what is left of New York City, and maybe the world. But he is not alone. He is surrounded by "the Infected"-victims of the plague who have mutated into carnivorous beings who can only exist in the dark and who will devour or infect anyone or anything in their path. For three years, Neville has spent his days scavenging for food and supplies and faithfully sending out radio messages, desperate to find any other survivors who might be out there. All the while, the Infected lurk in the shadows, watching Neville's every move, waiting for him to make a fatal mistake. Perhaps mankind's last, best hope, Neville is driven by only one remaining mission: to find a way to reverse the effects of the virus using his own immune blood. But his blood is also what The Infected hunt, and Neville knows he is outnumbered and quickly running out of time.
Iron Man 3
2013
7.3/10
action, adventure, sci-fi
Director: Shane Black, Actors: Robert Downey Jr., Guy Pearce, Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Rebecca Hall, Jon Favreau, B...
Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) wrestles with inner demons while contending with monsters of his own creation. The story in Iron Man 3 picks up shortly after the events of The Avengers. Having previously entered another dimension in order to save New York City, Tony remains deeply haunted by the experience. Unable to sleep, he throws himself into his work with such intensity that it begins to take a heavy toll on both his mental health and his relationship with Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow). Tony has only started to appreciate the gravity of his problems when an enigmatic terrorist named the Mandarin (Ben Kingsley) hijacks the airwaves and threatens to bring America to its knees with a painful series of "lessons" that even President Ellis (William Sadler) won't be able to ignore. When Tony's former security guard Happy Hogan (Favreau) is badly injured in an explosion caused by one of the Mandarin's agents, the vengeful playboy issues a public threat that results in his home being completely destroyed in a devastating attack, leaving him to face his enemy with only one badly damaged prototype suit. Fortunately, Tony isn't on his own, and with the help of Col. James Rhodes (Don Cheadle) and a young boy named Harley (Ty Simpkins), he pieces together the mystery of the Mandarin, whose final "lesson" promises to be the most painful of all.
Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man's Chest
2006
7.3/10
action, adventure, fantasy
Director: Gore Verbinski, Actors: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Jack Davenport, Bill Nighy, Jonathan Pryc...
Once again we're plunged into the world of sword fights and "savvy" pirates. Captain Jack Sparrow is reminded he owes a debt to Davy Jones, who captains the flying Dutchman, a ghostly ship, with a crew from hell. Facing the "locker" Jack must find the heart of Davy Jones but to save himself he must get the help of quick-witted Will Turner and Elizabeth Swan. If that's not complicated enough, Will and Elizabeth are sentenced to hang, unless will can get Lord Cutler Beckett Jack's compass, Will is forced to join another crazy adventure with Jack.
Interstellar
2014
8.8/10
adventure, sci-fi
Director: Christopher Nolan, Actors: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Mackenzie Foy, Casey Affleck,...
A group of explorers make use of a newly discovered wormhole to surpass the limitations on human space travel and conquer the vast distances involved in an interstellar voyage.
Harry Potter 7: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 2)
2011
8.1/10
adventure, fantasy, mystery
Director: David Yates, Actors: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Helena Bonham...
Follows Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) as they prepare for a final battle with Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes), who is determined to destroy Harry once and for all. In order to defeat the powerful wizard, they must find and destroy Voldemort's last and most elusive Horcrux -- that is, the enchanted piece of soul allowing him to remain immortal -- before his nefarious plans come to fruition.
Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace
1999
6.6/10
action, adventure, fantasy, sci-fi
Director: George Lucas, Actors: Ewan McGregor, Liam Neeson, Natalie Portman, Jake Lloyd, Ian McDiarmid, Pernilla August,...
The first of three prequels to George Lucas's celebrated STAR WARS films, EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE is set some 30 years before the original STAR WARS EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE in the era of the Republic. Naboo, a peaceful planet governed by the young but wise Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman), is being threatened by the corrupt Trade Federation, puppets of an evil Sith lord and his terrifying apprentice, Darth Maul (Ray Park). Jedi knights Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor, performing an amazing vocal imitation of Alec Guinness, the older Obi-Wan) are called on to intervene in the trade disputes. Along the way, they acquire an apprentice of their own in the form of young prodigy Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd), or as STAR WARS fans know him, the future Darth Vader. They also encounter Jar Jar Binks (Ahmed Best), a goofy, lizardlike creature who has been banished from his underwater world for clumsiness. When the Trade Federation launches an attack on Naboo, the queen and her allies must battle hordes of robot troopers while Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan face off against the sinister Darth Maul. One of the most anticipated films of all time, THE PHANTOM MENACE sets the stage for the tumultuous events to come. Lucas fills the screen with detailed sci-fi creatures and locations, revealing the most creative and exquisite sets, costumes, and character designs to hit the screen since the original trilogy.
Taken
2008
7.9/10
action, crime, thriller
Director: Pierre Morel, Actors: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Jon Gries, Leland Orser, David Warshofsky, Hol...
Former government operative Bryan Mills begins the longest 96-hours of his life--and the hunt for the fearsome organization that has taken his daughter Kim. Mills had only recently given up his government career as what he calls a "preventer" to be near Kim, who lives with Bryan's ex-wife Lenore and her new husband. To make ends meet, Bryan joins some former colleagues for special security details (like guarding a pop diva), but most of his time and energy are spent re-connecting with Kim. Bryan's familial goal is nearly derailed when Kim requests his permission to spend time in Paris with a friend. All too aware of the dangers that could lie ahead for Kim in a foreign land, Bryan says no, but Kim's disappointment leads him to very reluctantly relent. Bryan's worst fears are realized when Kim and her friend Amanda are suddenly abducted--in broad daylight--from the Paris apartment at which they've just arrived. Moments before Kim is dragged away by the as yet unseen and unknown assailants, she manages to phone Bryan, who begins to expertly piece together clues that will take him to the darkness of Paris's underworld, and to the City of Light's plushest mansions. He will face nightmares worse than anything he experienced in black ops--and let nothing and no one stop him from saving his daughter.
Indiana Jones 3: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
1989
8.3/10
action, adventure
Director: Steven Spielberg, Actors: Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Alison Doody, Denholm Elliott, John Rhys-Davies, Julian...
Indiana Jones, famed adventurer and archaeologist acquires a diary that holds clues and a map with no names to find the mysterious Holy Grail- which was sent from his father, Dr. Henry Jones, in Italy. Upon hearing from a private collector, Walter Donavan, that the mission for the Holy Grail went astray with the disappearance of his father, Indiana Jones and museum curator Marcus Brody venture to Italy in search of Indy's father. However, upon retrieving Dr. Henry Jones in Nazi territory, the rescue mission turns into a race to find the Holy Grail before the Nazis do- who plan to use it for complete world domination for their super-race. With the diary as a vital key and the map with no names as a guide, Indiana Jones once again finds himself in another death defying adventure of pure excitement.
X-Men 5: First Class
2011
7.8/10
action, adventure, sci-fi
Director: Matthew Vaughn, Actors: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Kevin Bacon, Rose Byrne, Oliver P...
Set in the era before Professor Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr became mortal enemies as Professor X and Magneto respectively, director Matthew Vaughn's X-Men: First Class follows the two former allies as they lead a powerful team of mutants on a mission to save the planet from nuclear annihilation. Charles (James McAvoy) and Erik (Michael Fassbinder) were just young men when it began to appear as if the world was careening toward destruction. And as the Doomsday Clock ticks faster toward midnight, the time comes to take action. In the process of saving humanity, however, Charles and Erik clash. In the years that followed, Professor X would lead the X-Men in the fight for good, as Magneto and the Brotherhood spread chaos and destruction through land.
Thor
2011
7.0/10
action, adventure, fantasy
Director: Kenneth Branagh, Actors: Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgå...
Exiled to Earth after his arrogance fans the flames of an ancient conflict, The Mighty Thor (Chris Hemsworth) of Asgard discovers the meaning of humility when a powerful old foe dispatches a destructive force to crush humanity. Only when the banished prince has defeated an opponent capable of crushing him in battle will he learn what it takes to be a true leader.
Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith
2005
7.7/10
action, adventure, fantasy, sci-fi
Director: George Lucas, Actors: George Lucas, Hayden Christensen, Natalie Portman, Ewan McGregor, Anthony Daniels, Ahmed...
The Force is with us in EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH, the final chapter of the six-part STAR WARS series, which began a long time ago (1977) in a galaxy far, far away... and is now complete in its cyclical perfection. This visually awe-striking kaleidoscope of interplanetary imagination features the unmatched digital animation and special effects of George Lucas's Industrial Light and Magic. With pink and orange skies casting a golden sheen over magnificent landscapes through which space ships dart and light sabers flash, the spectacle of the film, while hypnotizing, is but a complement to the intense, crucial plot. Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) remains the Jedi apprentice of master Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor). Battling dark forces that threaten the Republic, the duo quickly eliminates enemy Count Dooku (Christopher Lee), and Anakin proves--as he states more than once--that his powers have doubled. An intimidating warrior with superior knowledge of the Force, Anakin becomes the pet of Chancellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid), who is connected to the dark side. Meanwhile, Padme (Natalie Portman), the senator and former queen who is secretly married to Anakin, is pregnant, and Anakin is tortured by dreams of her dying in childbirth. With Obi-Wan on Utapau battling cyborg General Grievous (Matthew Wood), and Yoda (Frank Oz) joining the Wookiees of Kashyyyk, the sage warnings of the Jedi council (Samuel L. Jackson, Jimmy Smits) go unheard by Anakin. His moodiness and glowering are a clear precursor to his inevitable, terrifying metamorphosis into Darth Vader, the dark leader of the evil Empire who haunts the remainder of the series. John Williams's famous orchestral score with its thunderous marching themes adds more continuity, with refrains reminding viewers of STAR WARS EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE, in which Padme's children Luke and Leia take charge.
Iron Man 2
2010
7.1/10
action, adventure, sci-fi
Director: Jon Favreau, Actors: Jon Favreau, Robert Downey Jr., Mickey Rourke, Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Joh...
Robert Downey Jr. returns as Tony Stark, the wealthy playboy whose exploits as Iron Man are now public knowledge after his admission at the close of the first film. In the follow-up, Stark is pitted against his Russian arch nemesis, Whiplash (Mickey Rourke), and corporate rival Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell). Also making their Marvel debuts are Scarlett Johansson as the sexy Russian spy Black Widow, and Don Cheadle, who takes over the role of Colonel James Rhodes from Terrence Howard.
The Bourne Ultimatum
2007
8.1/10
action, crime, thriller
Director: Paul Greengrass, Actors: Matt Damon, Édgar Ramírez, Joan Allen, Julia Stiles, David Strathairn, Paddy Co...
All he wanted was to disappear; instead, Jason Bourne is now hunted by the people who made him what he is--legendary assassin. Having lost his memory and the one person he loved, he is undeterred by the barrage of bullets and a new generation of highly-trained killers. Bourne has only one objective: to go back to the beginning and find out who he was. Now, in the new chapter of this espionage series, Bourne will hunt down his past in order to find a future. He must travel from Moscow, Paris and London to Tangier and New York City as he continues his quest to find the real Jason Bourne--all the while trying to outmaneuver the scores of cops, federal officers and Interpol agents with him in their crosshairs.
Guardians of the Galaxy
2014
8.2/10
action, adventure, sci-fi
Director: James Gunn, Actors: James Gunn, Chris Pratt, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Zoe Saldana, Lee Pace, Michael Rooker...
A group of interstellar outlaws team up to save the galaxy from a villain who seeks ultimate power in this comic book space adventure from Marvel Studios and director James Gunn (Slither, Super). Peter Quill was just a young boy when, devastated by his mother's death, he sprinted out of the hospital and was swept into the stars by Yondu (Michael Rooker), the leader of an eclectic band of space scavengers known as The Ravagers. Twenty-six years later, Quill has adopted the nickname Star Lord (Chris Pratt). He's broken away from The Ravagers in an attempt to track down an ancient orb that is also coveted by the evil Ronan (Lee Pace), who is in league with the dreaded Thanos, and who dispatches his top assassin Gamora (Zoe Saldana) to retrieve it from Star Lord. In the process of doing so, Gamora also gets drawn into a fight with furry bounty hunter Rocket (voice of Bradley Cooper) and his tree-like, humanoid companion Groot (voice of Vin Diesel). Subsequently thrown into prison, this unlikely quartet quickly makes the acquaintance of fearsome warrior Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista), who seeks bitter revenge for the slaughter of his entire family at the hands of Ronan.
Catch Me If You Can
2002
8.0/10
biography, crime, drama
Director: Steven Spielberg, Actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen, Nathalie Baye, Amy A...
A gifted forger and confidence man attempts to stay one step ahead of the lawman determined to bring him to justice in this comedy-drama from Steven Spielberg, based on a true story. Frank W. Abagnale Jr. (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a 16-year-old high school student who finds himself emotionally cut adrift when his mother, Paula (Nathalie Baye), leaves his father, Frank Abagnale Sr. (Christopher Walken), after Frank Sr. falls into arrears with the Internal Revenue Service. One day at school, Frank Jr. attempts to pass himself off as a substitute teacher, and easily makes the subterfuge work. His small-scale success gives Frank some ideas, and he soon discovers bigger and more profitable ways of hoaxing others, passing himself off as an airline pilot, a doctor, and an attorney. Along the way, Frank learns how to become a master forger, and uses his talent and charm to pass over 2.5 million dollars in phony checks. Frank's increasingly audacious work soon attracts the attention of Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks), an FBI agent who is determined to put Frank behind bars. Frank seems to enjoy being pursued by Carl, and even goes so far as to call Carl on the phone to chat every once in a while. While posing as a doctor, Frank falls in love with Brenda Strong (Amy Adams), a sweet girl working as a candy striper. When Frank asks Brenda to marry him, he decides to assume a new identity to impress her father, Roger (Martin Sheen) -- who happens to be the District Attorney of New Orleans, LA.
Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World's End
2007
7.1/10
action, adventure, fantasy
Director: Gore Verbinski, Actors: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Geoffrey Rush, Jack Davenport, Bill Nighy...
After Elizabeth, Will, and Captain Barbossa rescue Captain Jack Sparrow from the the land of the dead, they must face their foes, Davy Jones and Lord Cutler Beckett. Beckett, now with control of Jones' heart, forms a dark alliance with him in order to rule the seas and wipe out the last of the Pirates. Now, Jack, Barbossa, Will, Elizabeth, Tia Dalma, and crew must call the Pirate Lords from the four corners of the globe, including the infamous Sao Feng, to gathering. The Pirate Lords want to release the goddess Calypso, Davy Jones's damned lover, from the trap they sent her to out of fear, in which the Pirate Lords must combine the 9 pieces that bound her by ritual to undo it and release her in hopes that she will help them fight. With this, all pirates will stand together and will make their final stand for freedom against Beckett, Jones, Norrington, the Flying Dutchman, and the entire East India Trading Company.
The Hunger Games 2: Catching Fire
2013
7.7/10
adventure, sci-fi
Director: Francis Lawrence, Actors: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks...
Katniss Everdeen has returned home safely after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a "Victor's Tour" of the districts. Along the way, Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) - a competition that could change Panem forever.
Full Metal Jacket
1987
8.4/10
drama, war
Director: Stanley Kubrick, Actors: Stanley Kubrick, Matthew Modine, R. Lee Ermey, Vincent D'Onofrio, Adam Baldwin, Doria...
In this riveting look at military life during the Vietnam conflict, Stanley Kubrick, who made the powerful antiwar classics PATHS OF GLORY (WWI) and DR. STRANGELOVE (the Cold War), once again explores the behavior of men in battle. FULL METAL JACKET (1987), adapted from Gustav Hasford's novel THE SHORT TIMERS, is broken down into two very different parts. The first half of the film focuses on the training of a squad of Marine grunts on Parris Island, and more specifically on the troubled relationship between the brutal drill sergeant (a frightening Lee Ermey) and an oafish misfit (a brilliant Vincent D'Onofrio) who just happens to be a sharpshooter. The second half takes the grunts to Hue City, where the climactic battle of the 1968 Tet Offensive--and the turning point of the Vietnam War--took place. The story is told through the eyes of Private Joker (Matthew Modine), a cynical aspiring photojournalist who is forced to fight for his life and the lives of his fellow recruits. Unusually for Kubrick, FULL METAL JACKET emerged at a time when a trend for films about Vietnam was in full swing. PLATOON had proceeded Kubrick's film by a year, and lesser efforts such as HAMBURGER HILL also emerged in 1987. London's abandoned docklands may not be the most obvious choice of location to replicate the ravages of the Vietnam landscape, but this is where Kubrick shot the film, sticking to his dogged principles of not shooting outside his adopted home. A moving commentary on the dehumanizing process that occurs when soldiers prepare and engage in battle, FULL METAL JACKET is an unforgettable experience from one of the most original voices to ever pick up a movie camera.
Pan's Labyrinth
2006
8.3/10
drama, fantasy, war
Director: Guillermo del Toro, Actors: Ivana Baquero, Ariadna Gil, Sergi López, Maribel Verdú, Doug Jones, Manolo S...
A thrilling, violent fairy tale set in post-Civil War Spain. Ivana Baquero stars as Ofelia, a young girl who moves with her mother, Carmen (Ariadna Gil), into the home of Captain Vidal (Sergi López), in an abandoned mill in the middle of dark, dangerous woods. Vidal is leading his team of soldiers against resistance fighters--and he will do whatever is necessary to kill every last one of them. As Vidal bosses around the pregnant Carmen, a flying creature leads Ofelia through a garden labyrinth and into an underground cave ruled by Pan (Doug Jones), who believes that Ofelia might be the lost princess of this strange yet magical place. To prove she is royalty, Ofelia must complete three tasks, each more difficult and terrifying than the previous one. Meanwhile, Vidal is becoming more and more paranoid, torturing and murdering seemingly at will.
Ratatouille
2007
8.0/10
animation, comedy, family, fantasy
Directors: Brad Bird, Jan Pinkava, Actors: Brad Bird, Brad Garrett, Lou Romano, Patton Oswalt, Ian Holm, Brian Dennehy, ...
A rat named Remy (Patton Oswalt) lives in Paris with a dream (and the talent) to be a chef. Opting to raid the kitchens of Paris rather than the garbage cans and sewers of the city with his family, Remy is inspired by the philosophy of one of the city's most legendary chefs, the late Gusteau (Brad Garrett). One night, Remy can't resist practicing his skill in Gusteau's restaurant. While his guard is down, Remy is discovered by a klutzy young man, Linguini (Lou Romano), who cleans the kitchen. Together Remi and Linguini become a culinary duo, with Remy playing puppeteer by concealing himself under Linguini's chef's hat. Remy pulls Linguini's hair to direct his hands, helping to bring Remy's creations to life. Soon Gusteau's restaurant becomes the talk of the town--but would it still be the toast of Paris if everyone knew a rat was running the show?
The Hobbit 2: The Desolation of Smaug
2013
8.0/10
adventure, fantasy
Director: Peter Jackson, Actors: Peter Jackson, Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, John Callen, James Nesbi...
After successfully crossing over (and under) the Misty Mountains, Thorin and Company must seek aid from a powerful stranger before taking on the dangers of Mirkwood Forest--without their Wizard. If they reach the human settlement of Lake-town it will be time for the hobbit Bilbo Baggins to fulfill his contract with the dwarves. The party must complete the journey to Lonely Mountain and burglar Baggins must seek out the Secret Door that will give them access to the hoard of the dragon Smaug. And, where has Gandalf got off to? And what is his secret business to the south?
The Matrix 2: Matrix Reloaded
2003
7.2/10
action, sci-fi
Directors: Andy Wachowski, Lana Wachowski [Larry Wachowski], Actors: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss,...
Neo, Trinity, and Morpheus arrive in Zion with new crew member Link (Harold Perrineau), and discover that 250,000 dreaded sentinels are close to launching a massive attack on the underground haven for the liberated minds of humanity. When Neo seeks advice from the prophetic Oracle (the late Gloria Foster), their meeting leads to a sorely outnumbered fight with Neo's old nemesis, Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving). While the sentinels advance on Zion, various battles within the Matrix continue to escalate, culminating in an extended highway chase sequence involving Morpheus, Trinity, more imposing agents, and two new adversaries--the relentless white-clad Twins (Adrian and Neil Rayment).
Kick-Ass
2010
7.7/10
action, comedy, romance
Director: Matthew Vaughn, Actors: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Nicolas Cage, Chloë Grace Moretz, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, M...
Dave Lizewski is an unnoticed high school student and comic book fan with a few friends and who lives alone with his father. His life is not very difficult and his personal trials not that overwhelming. However, one day he makes the simple decision to become a super-hero even though he has no powers or training.
How to Train Your Dragon
2010
8.2/10
animation, adventure, family, fantasy
Directors: Dean DeBlois, Chris Sanders, Actors: Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, America Ferrera, ...
Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) is a failure as a Viking: skinny, inquisitive, and inventive, he asks questions and tries out unsuccessful contraptions when he's supposed to be fighting the dragons that attack his village. His father, chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler), has pretty much given up on his teenage son and apprenticed him to blacksmith Gobber (Craig Ferguson). Worse, Hiccup knows the village loser hasn't a chance of impressing Astrid (America Ferrera), the girl of his dreams and a formidable dragon fighter in her own right. When one of Hiccup's inventions actually works, he hasn't the heart to kill the young dragon he's brought down. He names it Toothless and befriends it, although he's been taught to fear and loathe dragons.
Harry Potter 1: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
2001
7.5/10
adventure, family, fantasy
Director: Chris Columbus, Actors: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane, Emma Wa...
Eleven-year-old orphan Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) finds his world turned upside down when he discovers that, like his deceased parents, he is a wizard and has been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. With fellow first-year students Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) by his side, Harry's adventures begin in the rambling castle that is Hogwarts. Vivid special effects make Hogwarts' magic a reality with paintings that come alive, staircases that move themselves, friendly ghosts, and fast-paced Quidditch (the school sport) matches in which students zoom around on their flying brooms. Mixed in with the miracles of Hogwarts are its dark hidden chambers and secrets, which Harry and his friends encounter as they embark on a quest to keep a treasured powerful object from falling into the wrong hands.
World War Z
2013
7.0/10
action, adventure, horror, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Marc Forster, Actors: Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, Daniella Kertesz, James Badge Dale, Ludi Boeken, Matthew Fox, ...
On an ordinary day, Gerry Lane and his family find their quiet drive interrupted by urban gridlock. An ex-United Nations investigator, Lane senses that this is no ordinary traffic jam. As police helicopters buzz the sky and motorcycle cops careen wildly below, the city erupts into chaos. Something is causing hordes of people to viciously attack each other - a lethal virus that is spread through a single bite, turning healthy humans into something unrecognizable, unthinking and feral. Neighbor turns on neighbor; a helpful stranger suddenly becomes a dangerous enemy. The origins of the virus are unknown, and the number of infected grows exponentially larger each day, quickly becoming a global pandemic. As the infected overwhelm the world's armies and rapidly topple its governments, Lane is forced to return to his dangerous former life to insure the safety of his family, leading a desperate worldwide search for the source of the epidemic and a means to stop its relentless spread.
X-Men
2000
7.4/10
action, adventure, sci-fi
Director: Bryan Singer, Actors: Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Famke Janssen, James Marsden, Halle Berry, ...
Takes place in the near future, as certain humans are evolving into mutants with special powers. In the Canadian wilderness, a young runaway mutant named Rogue (Anna Paquin) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), a bad-tempered, quick-healing mutant with retractable metal claws, are suddenly attacked by the powerful Magneto (Ian McKellen) and his lackeys. Fortunately, Cyclops (James Marsden) and Storm (Halle Berry), students of the compassionate Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), interfere and bring them back to Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. Here Wolverine and Rogue learn more about the conflict between Xavier and the militant Magneto, who wants to power a device that will genetically alter humans, with possibly deadly results. Only Xavier's students can stop Magneto's plans.
Star Wars Episode 2: Attack of the Clones
2002
6.8/10
action, adventure, fantasy, sci-fi
Director: George Lucas, Actors: Hayden Christensen, Natalie Portman, Ewan McGregor, Christopher Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, ...
In the second installment of the Star Wars series, EPISODE II--ATTACK OF THE CLONES, Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) is now a teenage Jedi apprentice to Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor). Together they must protect Senator Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman) from a militant group of political activists that is trying to assassinate her. This group is led by the evil Count Dooku (Christopher Lee). Among other troubles, Anakin faces some hard choices as he begins to fall for Padme, knowing this love is forbidden by the Jedi knights' creed. In addition, Anakin begins to show his rebellious attraction to the dark side--which will eventually conquer him, when he becomes the future Darth Vader. The story is set 10 years after STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE, and there are appearances by some of PHANTOM's characters, including Jar Jar Binks. CLONES also brings back familiar faces from the original STAR WARS: the lovable droids R2D2 and C3PO, and Yoda, who plays a key role in this film. Lucas creates an impressive array of beautifully rendered alien planets and beings, sleek spaceships, and dazzling effects; he remains at the head of the class in terms of technical ability and visual imagination. The film's climactic final sequences show the magic with which CLONES' earns its place as part of the beloved STAR WARS series.
Juno
2007
7.6/10
comedy, drama, romance
Director: Jason Reitman, Actors: Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, Allison Janney, Olivia Thirlb...
When a teenage girl is faced with an unexpected pregnancy, she enlists the aid of her best friend in finding the unborn child a suitable home in this coming-of-age comedy drama from Thank You for Smoking director Jason Reitman. Juno (Ellen Page) may seem wise beyond her years, but after sleeping with classmate Bleeker (Michael Cera), the pregnant teen quickly realizes how little she really knows about life. Thankfully, Juno has been blessed with parents (J.K. Simmons and Allison Janney) who trust their daughter's judgment, and a best friend named Leah (Olivia Thirlby), who's always willing to help out in a pinch. With a little help from Leah, Juno soon comes into contact with Mark (Jason Bateman) and Vanessa (Jennifer Garner) -- an affluent suburban couple who have been unable to conceive a child of their own. Mark and Vanessa seem like they would make great parents, and are eager to adopt Juno's unborn child. Now, as adolescent Juno is faced with a series of very adult decisions, she will draw on the support of her family and friends in order to discover who she truly is, and discover that one bad choice can have a lifetime of consequences.
Groundhog Day
1993
8.1/10
comedy, drama, fantasy, romance
Director: Harold Ramis, Actors: Harold Ramis, Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky, Brian Doy...
Once again, for the fifth year in a row, TV weatherman Phil Connors (Bill Murray) is forced to cover the Groundhog Day ceremonies in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, an assignment he truly despises. But this year something truly bizarre happens after he finishes the report: When he wakes up the next morning, ready to leave, he discovers it's February 2 all over again. He tries to tell his producer, Rita (Andie MacDowell), what's happening, but neither she nor anyone else understands; only he remembers that they've already lived through Groundhog Day. When the same thing happens the next morning, he thinks he's going insane and wreaks havoc all through the town. More and more mornings pass, all of them February 2, and all of them with an ever angrier Phil. Desperate to escape, he even tries suicide, but still another February 2 dawns. As he starts realizing that his exploits are not making time march on any quicker, Phil begins to change his behavior, performing a series of lifesaving tasks until he becomes a model citizen, hoping it will be enough to get him out of Punxsutawney forever. Along the way he learns more about the people around him--and himself--than he ever thought possible. The film is extremely well put together by director Harold Ramis, and the script by Danny Rubin and Ramis is sharp and clever. The actors--many of whom have to perform essentially the same scene over and over again, with only subtle differences--is a riot.
X-Men: Days of Future Past
2014
8.1/10
action, adventure, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Bryan Singer, Actors: Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer ...
In 2023, the entire human race is on the brink of extinction. Sentinels, originally created to kill mutants now hunt all of mankind. The remaining survivors cannot stand against the onslaught of the Sentinel army. In order to save the future, Wolverine is sent back to 1973 in order to stop the war before it even starts.
Into the Wild
2007
8.2/10
adventure, biography, drama
Director: Sean Penn, Actors: Emile Hirsch, Vince Vaughn, Catherine Keener, Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt, Jena Malone,...
The film opens in 1992, when Chris (Emile Hirsh) is a promising college graduate. Shortly after graduation, Chris gives his life savings to charity, burns all of his identification, and begins hitchhiking across America, his ultimate goal being Alaska. Citing passages from his heroes, Thoreau and Jack London, he is determined to escape society and get back to nature. He blows from town to town like a tumbleweed, hopping trains, camping with aging hippies (Catherine Keener and Brian Dierker), working briefly with a farmer (Vince Vaughan), and befriending a widowed leather worker (Hal Holbrook). He revels in his newfound freedom, but meanwhile, his parents (Marcia Gay Harden and William Hurt) have no idea where he is, and are sick with worry. While their relationship with Chris was already troubled, they are nonetheless devastated by his disappearance. Chris's sister, Carine (Jane Malone), narrates much of the film, offering her reflections on the effect Chris's absence has on his family. Chris finally makes it to Alaska, where he hikes out to a remote campsite and discovers an abandoned bus. He manages to survive there for a few months living off the land, but he eventually runs out of supplies and becomes trapped, leading to his tragic end.
The Bourne Identity
2002
7.9/10
action, mystery, thriller
Director: Doug Liman, Actors: Franka Potente, Matt Damon, Chris Cooper, Clive Owen, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Brian Cox,...
This spy thriller opens as an amnesiac is rescued at sea by the crew of an Italian fishing boat. Nearly dead, he carries nothing but the bullets in his back and a bank account number embedded in his hip. Although completely without identity or background, he possesses an array of extraordinary talents in fighting, linguistics and self-defense that speaks of a dangerous past. In the present, he is disoriented and wary as he is propelled into an urgent search to discover who he is and why his life has taken a perilous turn. A Zurich safe deposit box yields an assortment of passports, a hefty load of cash, an automatic weapon and a name--Jason Bourne--with a Paris address. What it means remains a mystery, but Bourne quickly realizes that although he knows no one, there are people who recognize him--and do not wish him well. When he meets Marie Kreutz, a hard-luck German-born wanderer, he makes a desperate pitch--$10,000 for a ride to Paris. Despite her reservations, Marie takes the cash and begins a journey with Bourne that changes her life forever. The trail of Jason Bourne's past snakes from Europe to CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia, where Treadstone, a clandestine operation is based. As Bourne and Marie struggle to stay below the radar in France, all of the stealthy muscle of Treadstone is focused on tracking them and neutralizing Bourne as quickly and efficiently as possible.
X-Men 2: X-Men United
2003
7.5/10
action, adventure, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Bryan Singer, Actors: Bryan Singer, Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Ian McKellen, Famke Janssen, B...
Picks up shortly after the first film's finale. At the White House, a would-be assassin--the acrobatic, teleporting blue mutant Nightcrawler (Alan Cumming)--menaces the president. Meanwhile, in the Canadian Rockies, Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) searches for answers to his mysterious past at the top-secret facility where he received his metallic skeleton and claws. Back at Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, Jean Grey (Famke Janssen) and Storm (Halle Berry) instruct students Rogue (Anna Paquin), Iceman (Shawn Ashmore), and Pyro (Aaron Stanford), while Professor Xavier (Patrick Stewart) and Cyclops (James Marsden) pay a visit to the imprisoned Magneto (Ian McKellen). However, Magneto has a secret weapon in the shape-shifting Mystique (Rebecca Romijn-Stamos). Soon allies and enemies alike will unite to defeat the hate-filled military scientist William Stryker (Brian Cox), who wants to rid the world of mutants. When Stryker launches a ruthless two-pronged attack that leaves the school under siege and Xavier and Cyclops captured, Wolverine and the remaining X-Men must spring to action to save their friends and prevent all-out genocide.
Jaws
1975
8.1/10
drama, thriller
Director: Steven Spielberg, Actors: Steven Spielberg, Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, Lorraine Gary, Murray...
One early summer night on fictional Atlantic resort Amity Island, Chrissie decides to take a moonlight skinny dip while her friends party on the beach. Yanked suddenly below the ocean surface, she never returns. When pieces of her wash ashore, Police Chief Brody (Roy Scheider) suspects the worst, but Mayor Vaughn (Murray Hamilton), mindful of the lucrative tourist trade and the approaching July 4th holiday, refuses to put the island on a business-killing shark alert. After the shark dines on a few more victims, the Mayor orders the local fishermen to catch the culprit.
Star Trek: Into Darkness
2013
7.8/10
action, adventure, sci-fi
Director: J.J. Abrams, Actors: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, John Cho, Anton Yelchin,...
When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis. With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction. As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew.
The Notebook
2004
8.0/10
drama, romance
Director: Nick Cassavetes, Actors: Gena Rowlands, James Garner, Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Kevin Connolly, Sam Shepar...
In a modern-day nursing home, a kindhearted man (James Garner) reads a tender story to another patient (Gena Rowlands). The story begins during one glorious summer in small-town South Carolina in the early 1940s. Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling) is a blue-collar log mill worker who courts the wealthy and sheltered Allie Nelson (Rachel McAdams). Before long, sparks are flying and the pair is in love. But eventually Allie's snobby parents force their separation, and when World War II arrives, Noah heads overseas to serve his country. In the meantime, Allie becomes a nurse and falls for another man (James Marsden), to Noah's dismay. Nonetheless, he buys and fixes up the mansion he promised Allie he would one day restore, and when he and Allie reunite just before her wedding, their love blossoms once again. Decades later, in the nursing home, the story reaches its heartfelt conclusion.
Crash
2004
7.9/10
drama
Director: Paul Haggis, Actors: Don Cheadle, Sandra Bullock, Thandie Newton, Matt Dillon, Jennifer Esposito, Brendan Fras...
A stellar cast collides haphazardly in this insightfully written roundelay of racism, rage, and redemption which takes place over the course of one day in LA and involves a circus of cops, robbers, and civilians. A detective (Don Cheadle) with a heroin addict mother and criminal brother investigates the shooting of a black cop by a white one. Two hoodlums (Larenz Tate and Ludacris) jack the car of the District Attorney (Brendon Fraser) and his angry, racist wife (Sandra Bullock). Terrence Howard and Thandie Newton play an upper-class African American couple harassed by a racist cop (Matt Dillon). And the chaos continues, with other roles played by Tony Danza, Michael Pena, and Jennifer Esposito. A propulsive Mark Isham score keeps the disparate narrative threads electrified from the get-go; when they finally connect, the results are explosive and beautiful. Everything is tied together with tight editing and artistic shots of car headlights cutting through dense morning smog.
Cast Away
2000
7.7/10
adventure, drama
Director: Robert Zemeckis, Actors: Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt, Paul Sanchez, Lari White, Nick Searcy, Semion Sudarikov, Vivek...
Tom Hanks is Chuck Noland, a man in a hurry. His job for Federal Express has him traveling the world on a moment's notice, exhorting the company's employees to speed things up--"never turn your back on the clock." When he's suddenly called away for business on Christmas night, his tolerant longtime girlfriend Kelly (Helen Hunt) drives him to the airport. They have their Christmas in the car--and Chuck plunks an engagement ring into her lap right before he gets on the plane, telling her, "I'll be right back." But an unexpected storm cuts the plane's crew off from radio contact and blows them off course. Chuck is the sole survivor of the resulting crash, and washes up on a completely deserted island. Stranded there, he must give up everything that he once took for granted and learn how to survive all alone in the wilderness.
Spider-Man 2
2004
7.4/10
action
Director: Sam Raimi, Actors: Sam Raimi, Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Alfred Molina, James Franco, Rosemary Harris, J.K....
Two years have passed since the mild-mannered Peter Parker walked away from his longtime love Mary Jane Watson and decided to take the road to responsibility as Spider-Man. Peter must face new challenges as he struggles to cope with "the gift and the curse" of his powers, while balancing his dual identities as the elusive superhero Spider-Man and life as a college student. The relationships Peter holds most dear are now in danger of unraveling as he clashes with the powerful, multi-tentacled villain Doctor Octopus aka "Doc Ock." Peter's life-long yearning for M.J. becomes even stronger as he fights the impulse to abandon his secret life and declare his love. In the meantime, M.J. has moved on with her life. She has embarked on an acting career and has a new man in her life. Peter's relationship with his best friend Harry Osborn has been overshadowed by Harry's growing vendetta against Spider-Man, whom he holds responsible for his father's death. Peter's life becomes even more complicated when he is pitted against a powerful new nemesis, Dr. Otto Octavius--"Doc Ock." Peter must now learn to accept his fate and harness all his superhero talents in order to stop this diabolical madman in his octagonal tracks.
Harry Potter 2: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
2002
7.3/10
adventure, family, fantasy, mystery
Director: Chris Columbus, Actors: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Harry Melling, Kenneth Branagh, Fiona Sha...
Harry and his friends Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) return to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for the new school year only to be met with a terrifying mystery. An unknown creature, one that supposedly lives in the legendary Chamber of Secrets hidden at Hogwarts, is attacking students in the school, leaving them literally petrified and as cold as stone. Even the professors seem at a loss for how to solve the chilling mystery, leaving it up to Harry and his friends to save the day. Rowling's story translates well to the big screen, with a magical flying car, a giant spider, a house elf named Dobby, and assorted other creatures making their film debuts.
Harry Potter 4: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
2005
7.6/10
adventure, family, fantasy, mystery
Director: Mike Newell, Actors: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Jason Isaacs, Timothy Spall, Michael Gambon,...
Beset by nightmares, Harry Potter is all too happy to escape his disturbing dreams by attending the Quidditch World Cup. But something sinister ignites the skies at the Quidditch campsite--the Dark Mark, the sign of the evil Lord Voldemort. It's conjured by his followers, the Death Eaters, who haven't dared to appear in public since Voldemort was last seen thirteen years ago--the night he murdered Harry's parents. Harry longs to get back inside the safe walls of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where Professor Dumbledore can protect him. But Dumbledore announces that Hogwarts will host the Triwizard Tournament, one of the most exciting and dangerous of the wizarding community's magical competitions. One champion will be selected from each of the three most prestigious wizarding schools to compete in a series of life-threatening tasks in pursuit of winning the coveted Triwizard Cup. Ministry of Magic official Barty Crouch and Professor Dumbledore preside over a candlelit ceremony as the enchanted Goblet of Fire selects one student from each school to compete. Amidst a hail of sparks and flames, the cup names Durmstrang's Institute's Quidditch superstar Victor Krum, followed by Beauxbatons' Academy exquisite Fleur Delacour and finally, Hogwarts' popular all-around golden boy Cedric Diggory. But then, inexplicably, the Goblet spits out one final name: Harry Potter. Suspecting that whoever entered Harry's name wants to put him in grave danger, Dumbledore asks Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody, the eccentric new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, to keep his magical eye trained on the teenage wizard. Events take an ominous turn when someone is murdered on Hogwarts grounds. As they edge closer to the Triwizard Cup, Harry soon finds himself hurtling toward an encounter with true evil.
The Matrix 3: Matrix Revolutions
2003
6.7/10
action, adventure, sci-fi
Directors: Andy Wachowski, Lana Wachowski [Larry Wachowski], Actors: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss,...
Neo (Keanu Reeves) is trapped in limbo between reality and the Matrix, while Zion, the last human city, is attacked by hordes of machines. Meanwhile, Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), and Seraph (Collin Chou) confront the ruthless Merovingian (Lambert Wilson) to secure Neo's release. As the fight for Zion grows more dire, Neo and Trinity embark on a perilous journey into the heart of the machine city, while Morpheus and Niobe (Jada Pinkett Smith) rush to Zion's aid. Eventually, Neo must face the increasingly powerful Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) in a last battle for the fate of humanity.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
1975
8.4/10
adventure, comedy, fantasy
Directors: Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Actors: Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Micha...
A hilarious send-up of the grim circumstances of the Middle Ages as told through the story of King Arthur and framed by a modern-day murder investigation. When the mythical king of the Britons leads his knights on a quest for the Holy Grail, they face a wide array of horrors, including a persistent Black Knight, a three-headed giant, a cadre of shrubbery-challenged knights, the perilous Castle Anthrax, a killer rabbit, a house of virgins, and a handful of rude Frenchmen.
Troy
2004
7.2/10
adventure
Director: Wolfgang Petersen, Actors: Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, Orlando Bloom, Brian Cox, Diane Kruger, Brendan Gleeson, Sean...
In 1193 B.C., Paris, Prince of Troy (Orlando Bloom), has fallen in love; however, the beautiful woman who has beguiled him is Helen, Queen of Sparta (Diane Kruger), who is wed to King Menelaus (Brendan Gleeson). While Helen is hardly immune to Paris' charms, this doesn't blunt Menelaus' fury when Paris steals her away from him. Menelaus' brother Agamemnon (Brian Cox), the power-hungry king of the Mycenaeans, is eager to expand his empire through Troy to the lands of the Aegean Sea, and he uses Paris' romantic slight against Menelaus as an excuse to wage an all-out war against the great walled city. Priam, King of Troy (Peter O'Toole), summons his armies, led by Prince Hector (Eric Bana), to meet the onslaught of Agamemnon's forces, but while the great city has yet to yield in a battle, Agamemnon has a formidable ally -- Achilles (Brad Pitt), a mighty and seemingly unstoppable warrior whose presence could tip the scales in Agamemnon's favor.
Harry Potter 3: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
2004
7.8/10
adventure, family, fantasy, mystery
Director: Alfonso Cuarón, Actors: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Gary Oldman, Michael Gambon, David The...
Thirteen year-old Harry Potter has reluctantly spent yet another summer with the Dursleys, his dismal relatives, "behaving himself" and not practicing any magic. That is, until Uncle Vernon's bullying sister, Aunt Marge, comes to visit. Aunt Marge has always been particularly horrible to Harry and this time pushes him so far that he "accidentally" causes her to inflate like a monstrous balloon and drift away! Fearing punishment from his Aunt and Uncle--and repercussions from Hogwarts and the Ministry of Magic, which strictly forbids students from using magic in the non-magic world--Harry escapes into the night. Along the way, Harry will try to make sense of Hermione's puzzling appearances and disappearances, with the help of Ron and the giant Hagrid, who has taken on a new position at Hogwarts as the Care of Magical Creatures teacher. A confrontation between Harry and the menacing Sirius Black seems inevitable, but what exactly is Professor Lupin's relationship with Black? What is the dark secret that Professor Snape is so eager to reveal? And just why is Ron's pet rat Scabbers so frantic to escape his grasp? Harry will need all of the courage, magic and support he can muster to answer these questions and uncover the truth behind Sirius Black and his ties to the gifted young wizard's mysterious past.
I, Robot
2004
7.1/10
action, mystery, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Alex Proyas, Actors: Will Smith, Bridget Moynahan, Bruce Greenwood, Alan Tudyk, Chi McBride, James Cromwell, A...
Set in 2035, Will Smith stars as Chicago law enforcer Detective Del Spooner. Called upon to investigate the mysterious suicide of scientist Dr. Alfred Lanning (James Cromwell), Spooner deduces that Lanning didn't kill himself but was, in fact, murdered. Lanning worked for the US Robotics headquarters, where he constructed friendly robots designed to help humans with mundane tasks. Lanning's creations are prevalent all over the city, and have been fully integrated into the culture. They are allegedly programmed not to harm humans, but as Spooner digs deeper, his investigations lead him to a new type of robot that Lanning was working on before his death, and one of these models--the highly charismatic Sonny--becomes the prime suspect in the case. Spooner bears a grudge against robots due to an unfortunate incident, so his case against Sonny is met with shrugs of indifference from colleagues who know his prejudices all too well. Fortunately he meets an ally, and a romantic interest, in Dr. Susan Calvin (Bridget Moynahan), who agrees to help him. As Sonny is cured of his violent tendencies, the other robots amass across the city, working on the assumption that they need to control humanity in order to safeguard its future.
X-Men 3: The Last Stand
2006
6.8/10
action, adventure, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Brett Ratner, Actors: Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Ian McKellen, Famke Janssen, Anna Paquin, Ke...
The world has entered a relatively peaceful period for mutants. There's a mutant-tolerant president of the United States, a blue furry mutant named Beast (Kelsey Grammer) heading up the Department of Mutant Affairs, and Magneto's shape-shifting femme fatale, Mystique, has been captured. The tranquility is shattered by two events. Worthington Laboratories, using a powerful mutant boy, develops a serum that eliminates the "mutant X gene" permanently. This so-called "cure" quickly divides the mutant community; Professor Xavier (Patrick Stewart) and his school are willing to give the government the benefit of the doubt, but Magneto (Ian McKellen) and his mutant Brotherhood see the serum as a vile threat to their way of life. They form an army of mutants and march on the fortified Worthington Laboratory located on Alcatraz Island. A much more dire threat appears in the form of the resurrected super-mutant Jean Grey (Famke Janssen), who has succumbed to her cataclysmic Id identity known as The Phoenix. To face these menaces Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) and Storm (Halle Berry) and the younger members of the X-Men must leap into action, but they must do so without the guidance of Professor Xavier--in a showdown with the powers of The Phoenix, his mind-control powers proved insufficient.
Frozen
2013
7.7/10
animation, adventure, comedy, family, fantasy, musical
Directors: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee, Actors: Jennifer Lee, Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, Santino...
When Anna is cursed by her estranged sister, the cold-hearted Snow Queen, Anna's only hope of reversing the curse is to survive a perilous but thrilling journey across an icy and unforgiving landscape. Joined by a rugged, thrill-seeking outdoorsman, his one-antlered reindeer and a hapless snowman, Anna must race against time, conquer the elements and battle an army of menacing snowmen if she ever hopes to melt her frozen heart.
There Will Be Blood
2007
8.1/10
drama
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson, Actors: Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano, Ciarán Hinds, Dillon Freasier, Kevin Breznahan, ...
On the frontier of California's turn-of-the-century petroleum boom, Daniel Plainview transforms himself from a down-and-out silver miner raising a son on his own into a self-made oil tycoon. When Plainview gets a mysterious tip-off that there's a little town out West where an ocean of oil is oozing out of the ground, he heads with his son, H.W., to take their chances in dust-worn Little Boston. In this hardscrabble town, where the main excitement centers around the holy roller church of charismatic preacher Eli Sunday, Plainview and H.W. make their lucky strike. But even as the well raises all of their fortunes, nothing will remain the same as conflicts escalate and every human value--love, hope, community, belief, ambition and even the bond between father and son--is imperiled by corruption, deception and the flow of oil.
Pacific Rim
2013
7.0/10
action, adventure, sci-fi
Director: Guillermo del Toro, Actors: Idris Elba, Charlie Hunnam, Rinko Kikuchi, Diego Klattenhoff, Charlie Day, Max Mar...
When legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity's resources for years on end. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge. But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless Kaiju. On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes - a washed up former pilot and an untested trainee - who are teamed to drive a legendary but seemingly obsolete Jaeger from the past. Together, they stand as mankind's last hope against the mounting apocalypse.
Twilight
2008
5.2/10
drama, fantasy, romance
Director: Catherine Hardwicke, Actors: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Billy Burke, Peter Facinelli, Sarah Clarke, Ni...
High school romance is difficult enough to navigate when both people are human. But for 17-year-old Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), Edward's life as a vampire complicates things even more. At first, when Bella moves from sunny Phoenix to the rainiest corner of Washington State, she isn't sure where she fits in at her new high school. Then she meets Edward, an ethereal beauty of a boy whose unnatural speed and strength lead Bella to the conclusion that her new crush is one of the undead. Suddenly, Bella's boring life is transformed; she's surrounded by love and danger in equal parts, thanks to the hunger of Edward and others of his kind.
Spider-Man 3
2007
6.2/10
action, adventure
Director: Sam Raimi, Actors: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Topher Grace, James Franco, Thomas Haden Church, Bryce Dallas...
Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) is up to his usual Spidey tricks, attending university classes as an awkward geek, then quickly slipping into his red-and-blue suit to save New York City from various villains. And there are villains aplenty. Thomas Hayden Church blows in as the Sandman, an escaped convict whose molecular structure is destroyed in a particle accelerator. The freak accident gives him the ability to form and reform from piles of dust. While the Sandman sifts through the city streets robbing banks, Spidey must also contend with his onetime friend, Harry (James Franco), who has taken up where his father, the Green Goblin, left off. Harry chases Spider-Man down on his goblin glider, hurling pumpkin bombs. But Spider-Man's biggest battle is perhaps within himself, when he is taken over by meteorite ooze--a substance that gives him great power, but also turns him into a vengeful, selfish jerk.
Edward Scissorhands
1990
8.0/10
drama, fantasy, romance
Director: Tim Burton, Actors: Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Michael Hall, Kathy Baker, Robert Oliveri...
A suburban fairy tale with incredibly imaginative sets, an Avon lady, Peg Boggs (Dianne Wiest), discovers the half-finished experiment--a man/monster named Edward (Johnny Depp)--of a mad scientist (played magically by Vincent Price) living in the neighborhood's old abandoned castle. The scientist died before replacing the shy man's large shears with real hands. When Peg attempts to bring Edward into her suburban world, to live among her skeptical family (husband Alan Arkin and daughter Winona Ryder) and gossipy neighbors, his hands--dangerous yet capable of creating things of great beauty--make for some awkward, funny, and poignant situations: Edward as a topiary gardener, Edward as a cutting-edge hair stylist.
Mission: Impossible 4 - Ghost Protocol
2011
7.4/10
action, adventure, thriller
Director: Brad Bird, Actors: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Paula Patton, Michael Nyqvist, Vladimir Mashkov, Sam...
Blamed for the terrorist bombing of the Kremlin, IMF operative Ethan Hunt is disavowed along with the rest of the agency when the President initiates "Ghost Protocol." Left without any resources or backup, Ethan must find a way to clear his agency's name and prevent another attack. To complicate matters further, Ethan is forced to embark on this mission with a team of fellow IMF fugitives whose personal motives he does not fully know.
The Butterfly Effect
2004
7.7/10
sci-fi, thriller
Directors: Eric Bress, J. Mackye Gruber, Actors: Ashton Kutcher, Amy Smart, Melora Walters, William Lee Scott, Kevin G. ...
Evan Treborn has lost track of time. From an early age, crucial moments of his life have disappeared into a black hole of forgetting, his boyhood marred by a series of terrifying events he can't remember. What remains is the ghost of memory and the broken lives around him--the lives of his childhood friends, Kayleigh, Lenny and Tommy. Throughout his childhood, Evan was under the care of a psychologist who encouraged him to keep a journal, detailing the events of his day-to-day life. Now in college, Evan reads from one of his journals and finds himself thrust suddenly, inexplicably back in time. He comes to realize that the notebooks he keeps under his bed are a vehicle by which he can return to the past and reclaim his memories. But these recollections only leave Evan feeling responsible for the damaged lives of his friends, most crucially that of Kayleigh, his childhood sweetheart who he continued to love into adulthood. Determined to do something now that he was incapable of doing then, Evan purposely travels back in time, his present-day mind occupying his childhood body, in an attempt to re-write history and spare his friends and loved ones these traumatic experiences.
Thor: The Dark World
2013
7.2/10
action, adventure, fantasy
Director: Alan Taylor, Actors: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Idris Elba, Christopher Eccleston, Stel...
Thor fights to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a dark and ancient race, led by the vengeful Malekith. Facing a powerful enemy that even Odin cannot defeat, Thor sets out on a dangerous and personal journey that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to restore order.
Die Hard 4: Live Free or Die Hard
2007
7.3/10
action, adventure, thriller
Director: Len Wiseman, Actors: Bruce Willis, Justin Long, Timothy Olyphant, Maggie Q, Cliff Curtis, Mary Elizabeth Winst...
After a twelve-year hiatus, Bruce Willis is back as New York City detective John McClane, who still plays by his own set of rules. Timothy Olyphant stars as Thomas Gabriel, an evil mastermind who is determined to bring down the entire infrastructure of the United States on Independence Day, sending the country into anarchy and chaos. Joining him on his mission of destruction is the elegant Mai, played by Maggie Q. McClane becomes involved when he gets caught in the crossfire while transporting prisoner Matt Farrell (Justin Long, most well known as the mac in a series of computer commercials), a hacker extraordinaire who is the perfect complement to the old-school McClane, who eschews cell phones, computers, and doing anything the easy way. But when Gabriel kidnaps McClane's daughter, Lucy (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), it gets personal.
Pirates of the Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides
2011
6.7/10
action, adventure, fantasy
Director: Rob Marshall, Actors: Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Ian McShane, Geoffrey Rush, Kevin McNally, Sam Claflin, A...
Flamboyant seafarer Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) lands himself in a bit of a bind after being lured onto Blackbeard's (Ian McShane) ship by enigmatic siren Angelica (Penélope Cruz), and forced to seek out the Fountain of Youth. Trapped on the Queen Anne's Revenge with the most nefarious pirate in history, Captain Jack reflects on his past with the elusive Angelica while embarking on his wildest adventure to date.
Horrible Bosses
2011
6.9/10
comedy, crime
Director: Seth Gordon, Actors: Seth Gordon, Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Aniston, ...
For Nick, Kurt and Dale, the only thing that would make the daily grind more tolerable would be to grind their intolerable bosses into dust. Quitting is not an option, so, with the benefit of a few-too-many drinks and some dubious advice from a hustling ex-con, the three friends devise a convoluted and seemingly foolproof plan to rid themselves of their respective employers...permanently. There's only one problem: even the best laid plans are only as foolproof as the brains behind them.
Harry Potter 5: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
2007
7.4/10
adventure, family, fantasy, mystery
Director: David Yates, Actors: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes, Gary Oldman, Jason Boyd, Kath...
Young wizard-in-training Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) returns to Hogwarts for his fifth year of studies, only to find that the magical community seems to be in a curious state of denial about his recent encounter with the sinister Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) in the fifth installment of the popular fantasy film series based on the best-selling books by author J.K. Rowling. Rumor has it that the dreaded Lord Voldemort has returned, but Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge (Robert Hardy) isn't so sure what to make of all the hearsay currently floating around the campus of Hogwarts. Suspecting that Headmaster Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) may be fueling the rumors regarding Voldemort's return in order to undermine his authority and lay claim to his job, Fudge entrusts newly arrived Defense Against the Dark Arts professor Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton) with the task of tracking Dumbledore and keeping a protective watch over the nervous student body. The young wizards of Hogwarts will need something much more effective than Umbridge's Ministry-approved course in defensive magic if they are to truly succeed in the extraordinary battle that lies ahead, however, and when the administration fails to provide the students with the tools that they will need to defend Hogwarts against the fearsome powers of the Dark Arts, Hermione (Emma Watson), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Harry take it upon themselves to recruit a small group of students to form "Dumbledore's Army" in preparation for the ultimate supernatural showdown.
American Gangster
2007
7.8/10
biography, crime, drama
Director: Ridley Scott, Actors: Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Josh Brolin, Ted Levine, John Ortiz,...
Nobody used to notice Frank Lucas, the quiet driver to one of the inner city's leading black crime bosses. But when his boss suddenly dies, Frank exploits the opening in the power structure to build his own empire and create his own version of the American Dream. Through ingenuity and a strict business ethic, he comes to rule the inner-city drug trade, flooding the streets with a purer product at a better price. Lucas outplays all of the leading crime syndicates and becomes not only one of the city's mainline corrupters, but part of its circle of legit civic superstars. Richie Roberts is an outcast cop close enough to the streets to feel a shift of control in the drug underworld. Roberts believes someone is climbing the rungs above the known Mafia families and starts to suspect that a black power player has come from nowhere to dominate the scene. Both Lucas and Roberts share a rigorous ethical code that sets them apart from their own colleagues, making them lone figures on opposite sides of the law. The destinies of these two men will become intertwined as they approach a confrontation where only one of them can come out on top.
Rocky
1976
8.1/10
drama, sport
Director: John G. Avildsen, Actors: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith, Thayer...
Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), a Philadelphia boxer, is but one step removed from total bum-hood. A once-promising pugilist, Rocky is now taking nickel-and-dime bouts and running strongarm errands for local loan sharks to survive. Even his supportive trainer, Mickey (Burgess Meredith), has given up on Rocky. All this changes thanks to Muhammad Ali-like super-boxer Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers). With the Bicentennial celebration coming up, Creed must find a "Cinderella" opponent for the big July 4th bout -- some unknown whom Creed can "glorify" for a few minutes before knocking him cold.
The Bourne Supremacy
2004
7.8/10
action, crime, thriller
Director: Paul Greengrass, Actors: Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Joan Allen, Brian Cox, Julia Stiles, Karl Urban, Gabriel ...
Two years ago, Jason Bourne thought he had walked away from his past. But now, his past is about to return. Bourne and Marie have maintained their anonymous, underground existence at the cost of permanence. Fueled by splintered nightmares and haunted by the past he cannot remember, Bourne moves Marie from city to city, trying to remain one step ahead of the threat implicit in every unexplained stranger's glance, every "wrong number" phone call--that at any second, without any warning, he might get pulled back into the world he hopes he left behind. When an operative appears in the sleepy village that has been their latest home, Bourne and Marie collapse their lives and head out. His past at the door, their only chance now is to run. But once a line is crossed and the stakes in a new global game of cat-and-mouse are raised, the Jason Bourne created by Treadstone--the covert, now dismantled operation that spawned cold-blooded, professional assassins--returns. Two years ago, Bourne walked away from the deadly world that created him with a promise of retaliation should anyone attempt contact. Now that that world has indeed come calling, Bourne intends to keep his word. They should have left him alone.
War of the Worlds
2005
6.5/10
adventure, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Steven Spielberg, Actors: Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Tim Robbins, Miranda Otto, Justin Chatwin, Yul Vazquez, ...
An ordinary man has to protect his children against alien invaders in this science fiction thriller, freely adapted from the classic story by H.G. Wells. Ray Ferrier (Tom Cruise) is a dockworker living in New Jersey, divorced from his first wife Mary Ann (Miranda Otto) and estranged from his two children Rachel and Robbie (Dakota Fanning and Justin Chatwin), of whom he has custody on weekends. On one such visitation, looking after the kids becomes a little more difficult when, after a series of strange lighting storms hit his neighborhood, Ray discovers that a fleet of death-ray robotic spaceships have emerged nearby, part of the first wave of an all-out alien invasion of the Earth. Transporting his children from New York to Boston in an attempt to find safety at Mary Ann's parents' house, Ray must learn to become the protector and provider he never was in marriage.
X-Men 4: X-Men Origins: Wolverine
2009
6.7/10
action, adventure, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Gavin Hood, Actors: Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Ryan Reynolds, Danny Huston, Lynn Collins, Taylor Kitsch, Wi...
The gruff, adamantium-clawed Marvel superhero Wolverine strikes out on his own in this X-Men spin-off starring series regular Hugh Jackman. The story gets under way as the boy who will become Wolverine makes a shocking discovery about his family bloodline, and gains a brother in the process. Flash forward to find the mutant siblings battling side by side through two world wars and Vietnam -- where they are sentenced to death for killing a commanding officer -- and Logan (Hugh Jackman) and his brother, Victor Creed (aka Sabretooth, played by Liev Schreiber), have joined a top-secret government task force. When their targets begin to include innocent civilians, conscientious Logan escapes to the Canadian Rockies, where he builds a home with pretty schoolteacher Kayla Silverfox (Lynn Collins). Informed by his old commanding officer William Stryker (Danny Huston) that the members of his old team are being targeted for death, Logan is heartbroken when Victor finds and kills Kayla. Vowing revenge, Logan agrees to take part in a dangerous experiment that will fuse his bones with a powerful metal alloy called adamantium, which makes him virtually indestructible and gives him the strength needed to defeat his powerful brother. Subsequently betrayed by Stryker, Logan (now Wolverine) sets out to find his blood-lusting brother and stop the cycle of violence once and for all. Along the way, the temperamental hero is joined by fellow mutants John Wraith (will.i.am) and Remy LeBeau (aka Gambit, played by Taylor Kitsch). But before Wolverine can seek vengeance against Striker and his brother, he'll have to do battle with Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) a formidable mutant instilled with many powers.
Indiana Jones 4: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
2008
6.2/10
action, adventure
Director: Steven Spielberg, Actors: Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Shia LaBeouf, Karen Allen, Ray Winstone, John Hurt, J...
Set in the desert Southwest in 1957--at the height of the Cold War--Indy and his sidekick Mac have barely escaped a close scrape with nefarious Soviet agents on a remote airfield.Now, Professor Jones has returned home to Marshall College--only to find things have gone from bad to worse. His close friend and dean of the college explains that Indy's recent activities have made him the object of suspicion, and that the government has put pressure on the university to fire him. On his way out of town, Indiana meets rebellious young Mutt, who carries both a grudge and a proposition for the adventurous archeologist: If he'll help Mutt on a mission with deeply personal stakes, Indy could very well make one of the most spectacular archeological finds in history--the Crystal Skull of Akator, a legendary object of fascination, superstition and fear. But as Indy and Mutt set out for the most remote corners of Peru--a land of ancient tombs, forgotten explorers and a rumored city of gold--they quickly realize that they are not alone in their search. The Soviet agents are also hot on the trail of the Crystal Skull. Chief among them is icy cold, devastatingly beautiful Irina Spalko, whose elite military unit is scouring the globe for the eerie Crystal Skull, which they believe can help the Soviets dominate the world--if they can unlock its secrets. Indy and Mutt must find a way to evade the ruthless Soviets, follow an impenetrable trail of mystery, grapple with enemies and friends of questionable motives--and above all, stop the powerful Crystal Skull from falling into the deadliest of hands.
The Day After Tomorrow
2004
6.4/10
action, adventure, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Roland Emmerich, Actors: Dennis Quaid, Jake Gyllenhaal, Emmy Rossum, Dash Mihok, Sela Ward, Jay O. Sanders, Ia...
What if we are on the brink of a new Ice Age? This is the question that haunts climatologist Jack Hall. Hall's research indicates that global warming could trigger an abrupt and catastrophic shift in the planet's climate. While Jack warns the White House of the impending climate shift, his 17 year-old son Sam finds himself trapped in New York City where he and some friends have been competing in a high school academic competition. He must now cope with the severe flooding and plummeting temperatures in Manhattan. Having taken refuge inside the Manhattan Public Library, Sam manages to reach his father by phone. Jack only has time for one warning: stay inside at all costs. As full-scale, massive evacuations to the south begin, Jack heads north to New York City to save Sam. But not even Jack is prepared for what is about to happen--to him, to his son, and to his planet.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith
2005
6.5/10
action, comedy, crime, romance
Director: Doug Liman, Actors: Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Adam Brody, Vince Vaughn, Keith David, Chris Weitz, Rachael Hun...
John and Jane Smith are an ordinary suburban couple with an ordinary, lifeless suburban marriage. But each is hiding something the other would kill to know: Mr. and Mrs. Smith are actually highly paid, incredibly efficient assassins--and they work for competing organizations. Mr. and Mrs. Smith both discover a new source of excitement in their marriage, when they're hired to assassinate each other--and that's when the real fun starts. The result is a total action spectacle, as Mr. and Mrs. Smith put their formidable skills to work and their marriage to the ultimate test.
The Mummy
1999
7.0/10
action, adventure, fantasy
Director: Stephen Sommers, Actors: Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Arnold Vosloo, Kevin J. O'Connor, Jonathan...
In the 1920s, a group of archaeologists led by adventurer Rick O'Connell (Brendan Fraser) discovers the mummified body of Imhotep, an Egyptian priest who was cursed for falling in love with the Pharoah's mistress. When they accidentally resurrect him, the battle for survival begins, as the mummy begins to use his powers to reclaim his long-lost love. Director Stephen Sommers updates this classic Universal monster for the 1990s, using a dazzling array of computer-generated special effects. Fun performances from Fraser and Weisz add to the tongue-in-cheek Saturday matinee appeal.
American Pie
1999
7.0/10
comedy, romance
Directors: Paul Weitz, Chris Weitz, Actors: Chris Weitz, Jason Biggs, Chris Klein, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Shannon Elizabet...
A surprise hit comedy, Paul and Chris Weitz's AMERICAN PIE follows four high school friends--Jim (Jason Biggs), Finch (Eddie Kaye Thomas), Kevin (Thomas Ian Nicholas), and Oz (Chris Klein)--through their sexually frustrated senior year. Boy-next-door Kevin hopes to finally lose his virginity to his bubbly girlfriend, Vicky (Tara Reid), while football player Oz begins an unlikely relationship with quiet chorus girl Heather (Mena Suvari). Finch struggles to maintain his cool air of witty detachment, while the neurotic Jim, most famously, has an intimate moment with apple pastry--and, eventually, sexy exchange student Nadia (Shannon Elizabeth). This hysterical yet sensitive movie also features memorable characters such as the ever-wise Jessica (Natasha Lyonne), the imbecilic Stifler (Seann William Scott), the dorky Sherminator (Chris Owen), the flute-playing Michelle (Alyson Hannigan), and Jim's hilariously nerdy dad (Eugene Levy).
Love Actually
2003
7.7/10
comedy, drama, romance
Director: Richard Curtis, Actors: Richard Curtis, Hugh Grant, Martine McCutcheon, Liam Neeson, Bill Nighy, Colin Firth, ...
Everywhere you look, love is causing chaos. From the bachelor Prime Minister of the United Kingdom who, on his first day at 10 Downing Street, falls in love with the girl who brings him his tea, to a hopeless sandwich delivery guy who doesn't think he has a chance with the girls in the U.K., so he heads for Wisconsin. From aging rock stars, to a stony headmistress, to a monolingual Portuguese housemaid--love arrives in many forms, shapes and sizes. Here, ten separate--but intertwining--stories of love all lead up to a big climax on Christmas Eve, proving that love is the driving force in all of these people's lives.
Hancock
2008
6.5/10
action, fantasy
Director: Peter Berg, Actors: Peter Berg, Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman, Eddie Marsan, David Mattey, Johnny...
Will Smith stars as John Hancock, a reluctant superhero. Like the best superheroes, Hancock can fly, is bulletproof, and has insurmountable strength. He uses these gifts to fight crime in Los Angeles and save people in distress, Unfortunately, he also is a drunk who leaves a trail of costly destruction behind during his lifesaving pursuits, and his constant sarcasm fails to win him friends. But after Hancock randomly saves his life, public relations executive Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman) decides to give him a makeover and help the superhero change his image so that the police and citizens of Los Angeles will realize how much they need their seemingly inappropriate hero. All the while, Ray's wife, Mary (Charlize Theron)--who seems to simultaneously have a strange connection and aversion to Hancock--worries that her do-gooder husband will end up disappointed by Hancock's antics.
The Incredible Hulk
2008
6.9/10
action, adventure, sci-fi
Director: Louis Leterrier, Actors: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt, Tim Blake Nelson, Ty Burrell, Chris...
Mild-mannered scientist Bruce Banner has been traveling the globe in search of the antidote that will allow him to break free from his primal alter ego, but both the warmongers who long to exploit him for their own gain and a horrific creature known as The Abomination are determined to stop him from achieving his noble goal in Transporter 2 director Louis Leterrier's take on the classic Marvel Comics superhero tale. For years, Bruce (Edward Norton) has been living in the shadows, pursued by the military and haunted by the rage within. But traveling the world in secrecy isn't easy, and as hard as he tries Bruce can't get Betty Ross (Liv Tyler) off his mind. The daughter of Bruce's nemesis Gen. Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross (William Hurt), Betty represents everything that is beautiful in the world to a man who lives his life on the run. Eventually, Bruce returns to civilization and faces the wrath of The Abomination. While the Hulk may be a formidable force of nature, The Abomination is decidedly more powerful, and determined to destroy Bruce Banner. Created when KGB agent Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth) exposed himself to a higher dose of the same radiation that transformed Bruce into The Hulk, The Abomination is unable to change back into human form and holds Bruce accountable for his frightful condition. With time fast running out for both Bruce and The Hulk, New York City is about to become the ultimate urban battle zone as two of the most powerful creatures ever to walk the earth clash in a massive, no-holds-barred fight to the finish.
Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen
2009
6.0/10
action, adventure, sci-fi
Director: Michael Bay, Actors: Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, Julie White, Kevin Dunn, John Turtu...
First rule of Transformers: the Decepticons don't stay fallen for long. After Sam Witwicky, Optimus Prime and the rest of the Autobots beat back the Decepticon invasion, the planet breathed a sigh of relief. Sam went off to college hoping to put his adventure days behind him. Instead, they followed him and now he's fighting a darker foe that won't rest until the world bends to his will.
The Last Samurai
2003
7.7/10
action, drama, history, war
Director: Edward Zwick, Actors: Tom Cruise, Ken Watanabe, Billy Connolly, Tony Goldwyn, Timothy Spall, Shichinosuke Naka...
Tom Cruise stars as Captain Nathan Algren. Algren, a former Civil War hero, is adrift in 1870s San Francisco after the war, a lost soul struggling to stay afloat in a booze-soaked stupor. When he is recruited by the Japanese government to train the Emperor's army, he departs for the unknown shores of Japan and begins training the soldiers in American military tactics. But these skills are useless against a band of samurai rebels led by the proud warrior Katsumoto (Ken Watanabe), and Algren is easily defeated. He is taken to a remote samurai village where he learns samurai warrior codes and ways of life, developing a deep bond with Katsumoto and sharing philosophical conversations with him. Caught between the feudal culture of the ancient samurai warriors and the encroachment of modern society, Algren is forced to choose between his own culture or Katsumoto's.
The Ice Age
2002
7.6/10
animation, adventure, comedy, family
Directors: Chris Wedge, Carlos Saldanha, Actors: Chris Wedge, Denis Leary, John Leguizamo, Ray Romano, Goran Visnjic, Ja...
Set 20,000 years ago as the Ice Age approaches. Seemingly anti-social Manny, a woolly mammoth (Ray Romano), acts as if he just wants to be left alone. When he meets Sid (John Leguizamo), a sloth, the two become unlikely traveling companions. The plot thickens when the duo finds a human infant and decides to try to return the child to its "herd." Manny slowly but surely reveals his heart of gold, while Sid continues to provide comic relief. Diego (Denis Leary), a saber-tooth tiger with ulterior motives, soon joins them in their search for the humans. Ultimately, this group of misfits becomes its own herd, learning about friendship and loyalty as they brave snow, ice, freezing temperatures, predators, hail, and even boiling lava pits. All the while, a saber-tooth squirrel, Scat, provides comic relief as he valiantly struggles with an acorn.
The Da Vinci Code
2006
6.5/10
mystery, thriller
Director: Ron Howard, Actors: Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Jean Reno, Ian McKellen, Alfred Molina, Paul Bettany, Jürgen ...
Tom Hanks stars as professor Robert Langdon, whose Parisian lecture tour on feminine symbolism gets disrupted when he's implicated in a murder at the Louvre. Audrey Tautou co-stars as the French police analyst who comes to Langdon's aid and who may hold the key to some of the mysteries. The cast is fleshed out by Jean Reno as a hangdog French detective who thinks he can trick Langdon into a confession; Paul Bettany as Silas, the murderous monk; Alfred Molina as an evil Catholic cardinal; and Ian McKellan, who steals the movie in the second act as a crotchety old authority on the Holy Grail. During the course of the film, all sorts of riddles, keys, clues, and enigmas are thrown in our hero's path, along with bullets, knives, and devious betrayals.
Captain Phillips
2013
7.9/10
biography, drama, thriller
Director: Paul Greengrass, Actors: Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, Barkhad Abdirahman, Catherine Keener, Michael Chernus, Max M...
A retelling of the headline grabbing events that occured on the high seas in April 2009 when cargo ship captain Richard Phillips, married father of two, surrendered himself to a group of four Somali pirates in order to protect his crew off the coast of Africa. After an unsuccessful escape attempt, he was subsequently rescued when US Navy SEAL snipers shot and killed three of the pirates.
Gangs of New York
2002
7.5/10
crime, drama, history
Director: Martin Scorsese, Actors: Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz, Daniel Day-Lewis, Jim Broadbent, Jo...
Director Martin Scorsese revisits New York City's notorious past with this dazzling historical drama. A throwback to the epics of yesteryear, GANGS OF NEW YORK is set in the mid-1800s, when the streets of lower Manhattan were teeming with tension and violence. Leonardo DiCaprio is Amsterdam Vallon, the son of a revered gang leader (Liam Neeson). As a youth, Amsterdam witnessed the death of his father at the hands of William "The Butcher" Cutting (Daniel Day-Lewis), the maniacally driven ruler of the city's most powerful gang. Sixteen years later, Amsterdam is finally released from the orphanage that raised him. Determined to avenge his father's death, Amsterdam makes his way back to the volatile Five Points to track down Cutting and exact revenge. As he gradually infiltrates Bill the Butcher's camp and earns the crazed gangster's respect, he must also contend with the tumultuous, but beautiful, Jenny Everdean (Cameron Diaz). Di Caprio and Diaz are impressive in their respective roles, but it is Day-Lewis who steals the show. Resurfacing after a five-year retirement, the Irish actor delivers a performance that is at once cartoonish, electrifying, comical, sincere, and deeply moving. By paying tribute to the early days of New York City in such a grand, spectacular manner, Scorsese also pays tribute to cinema itself.
Knocked Up
2007
7.1/10
comedy, drama, romance
Director: Judd Apatow, Actors: Seth Rogen, Katherine Heigl, Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, Jay Baruchel, Jason Segel, Jonah Hil...
Katherine Heigl (GREY'S ANATOMY) and Seth Rogan star in this hilarious and touching comedy as two mismatched people brought together by a one-night-stand that results in an accidental pregnancy. Using many of the same actors from his previous film, THE 40-YEAR OLD VIRGIN, and his cult television series' UNDECLARED and FREAKS AND GEEKS, director Judd Apatow once again finds fresh humor in relationships and sex. Young, bright, and talented, Alison (Heigl) has everything going for her. After being promoted to an on-camera role at E! Television, Alison goes out to celebrate with her older sister, Debbie (Leslie Mann). Not long into the evening Debbie is called home to her kids, leaving Alison in the eager company of charming slacker Ben (Rogen). In the dark of the nightclub and in the ensuing drunk hours, Ben seems like a great guy. But in the sober light of day, Alison quickly discovers the man in her bed is nothing more than an overgrown child with no job, no money, and the social habits of a teenager. Brushing him off politely as a one-time affair, Alison goes on with her life, until two months later she realizes that the unthinkable has happened. Apatow establishes the differences between his protagonists early in the film, bringing their contrasting worlds to life with stellar performances by secondary characters. Paul Rudd has never been better in his role as Alison's bitter brother-in-law, whose somewhat dysfunctional marriage to Alison's feisty but insecure sister unfolds in parallel to Alison and Ben's story. Meanwhile, Ben's home resembles a frat house, and his friends (Jay Baruchel, Jason Segel, Jonah Hill, and Martin Starr), while hilarious, are hardly role models. KNOCKED UP will have audiences cracking up from start to finish, and it also deals with some serious issues about commitment, life choices, and becoming an adult. The film asks universal questions in a sweet and touching way, achieving a sad humor that distinguishes it from other films of its genre.
Indiana Jones 2: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
1984
7.6/10
action, adventure
Director: Steven Spielberg, Actors: Steven Spielberg, Harrison Ford, Kate Capshaw, Jonathan Ke Quan, Amrish Puri, Roshan...
Filmmaker Steven Spielberg returns as director for this rip-roaring prequel to 1981's smash hit RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK. Here dashing, whip-wielding archaeologist-adventurer Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is joined by comely chanteuse Willie (Kate Capshaw) and a 12-year-old sidekick named Short Round (Ke Huy Quan). Together they search for a mystical stone stolen from an Indian community and stumble upon a dangerous Thuggee cult. Exotic locales, wild chases, death-defying cliffhangers, last-minute rescues, screaming damsels, and tribal sacrifices are the order of the day as the threesome attempt to acquire the stolen stone. A few scenes originally planned for RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK showed up in INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM--most notably the mine chase sequence, which was part of the 80 percent of TEMPLE OF DOOM shot on a soundstage. After the film's release, the MPAA's Classification & Ratings Board created a new rating--PG-13. Spielberg cast actress Kate Capshaw, who would later become his real-life wife, for the film.
Elysium
2013
6.7/10
action, drama, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Neill Blomkamp, Actors: Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Sharlto Copley, Alice Braga, Diego Luna, Wagner Moura, Willi...
In the year 2159, two classes of people exist: the very wealthy, who live on a pristine man-made space station called Elysium, and the rest, who live on an overpopulated, ruined Earth. The people of Earth are desperate to escape the planet's crime and poverty, and they critically need the state-of-the-art medical care available on Elysium - but some in Elysium will stop at nothing to enforce anti-immigration laws and preserve their citizens' luxurious lifestyle. The only man with the chance bring equality to these worlds is Max, an ordinary guy in desperate need to get to Elysium. With his life hanging in the balance, he reluctantly takes on a dangerous mission - one that pits him against Elysium's Secretary Delacourt and her hard-line forces - but if he succeeds, he could save not only his own life, but millions of people on Earth as well.
Harry Potter 6: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
2009
7.5/10
adventure, family, fantasy, mystery
Director: David Yates, Actors: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Helena Bonham Carter, Jim Broadbent, Michael...
Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. Together they work to find the key to unlock Voldemort's defenses and, to this end, Dumbledore recruits his old friend and colleague, the well-connected and unsuspecting bon vivant Professor Horace Slughorn, whom he believes holds crucial information. Meanwhile, the students are under attack from a very different adversary as teenage hormones rage across the ramparts. Harry finds himself more and more drawn to Ginny, but so is Dean Thomas. And Lavender Brown has decided that Ron is the one for her, only she hadn't counted on Romilda Vane's chocolates! And then there's Hermione, simmering with jealousy but determined not to show her feelings. As romance blossoms, one student remains aloof. He is determined to make his mark, albeit a dark one. Love is in the air, but tragedy lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again.
Die Hard 3: With a Vengeance
1995
7.6/10
action, adventure, thriller
Director: John McTiernan, Actors: Bruce Willis, Jeremy Irons, Samuel L. Jackson, Graham Greene, Larry Bryggman, Colleen ...
Hard-luck New York cop John McClane realizes once again that trouble always has a way of finding him. This time it comes in the form of Simon, whose brother Hans Gruber was the villainous mastermind killed by McClane in the first "Die Hard." Simon sets out to avenge Hans's death in a rather perverse manner: periodically, he plants a bomb somewhere in New York City (a subway car or an elementary school, for example). Then he calls McClane with a difficult riddle, and a time allotment for solving it. The answer to the riddle reveals the bomb site. McClane and Zeus, a Black shopkeeper who saves McClane's life and then is forced to join him, wind up in numerous deadly situations as they continuously struggle to save the Big Apple from Simon's bombs. But Simon has other devious plans besides killing McClane: namely to rob the Federal Reserve Bank -- which houses more gold than Fort Knox.
Back to the Future 2
1989
7.8/10
adventure, comedy, sci-fi
Director: Robert Zemeckis, Actors: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Thomas F. Wilson, Elisabeth Shue, Ch...
Time-traveling Marty McFly propels himself into the year 2015 in order to keep his future son from going to prison. But while there, he commits a careless error that threatens to disrupt the precarious balance of the space-time continuum. What follows is a dizzying chase back and forth through nearly seven decades in an attempt to set events back into their proper order. And many of the scenes from the first film are revisited, only this time from a slightly different point of view.
28 Days Later...
2002
7.6/10
horror
Director: Danny Boyle, Actors: Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, Christopher Eccleston, Brendan Gleeson, Megan Burns, Alex ...
A post-apocalyptic thriller set in London after a deadly, Ebola-like virus has swept through the city. Jim (Cillian Murphy), a bicycle messenger who was in an accident just days before the outbreak, is one of very few survivors who awakes 28 days later to a city that has been evacuated and is now utterly lifeless. He wanders the vacant streets of London feeling as if he's trapped in a never-ending hallucination. However, upon entering a church that is littered with dead bodies, he discovers that he is not alone--"the infected" are still living. They are violently sick, fast-moving, bloodthirsty zombies who travel at night in ravenous packs. Jim manages to escape "the infected" and locate a band of survivors--Selena (Naomie Harris), Hannah (Megan Burns), and Frank (Brendan Gleeson)--and they join forces searching for solutions, clinging to hope that somewhere healthy humanity thrives.
Saw
2004
7.7/10
horror, mystery
Director: James Wan, Actors: Cary Elwes, Leigh Whannell, Danny Glover, Ken Leung, Dina Meyer, Benito Martinez, Mike Butt...
Adam (Leigh Whannell) and Dr. Gordon (Cary Elwes) are chained in a vile, disgusting bathroom, separated by a bloody corpse holding a gun and a tape recorder. They are each given a saw--the only obvious way out is to cut one of their feet off. A serial killer who specializes in torturing morally bereft strangers is playing a game with them: Gordon has less than eight hours to kill Adam or else the doctor's wife (Monica Potter) and daughter (Mackenzie Vega) will be murdered. As the two men engage in a battle of wits, alternately trying to help each other and secretly attempting to win the game, a series of flashbacks reveals the history of the madman and the pair of detectives (Danny Glover and Ken Leung) handling the case. Some of the torture scenes are excruciatingly horrible and hard to watch, a real treat for fans of the genre.
Black Hawk Down
2001
7.7/10
drama, history, thriller, war
Director: Ridley Scott, Actors: Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, Tom Sizemore, Eric Bana, William Fichtner, Ewen Bremner, S...
On October 3, 1993, Army Rangers and members of the elite Delta Force participated in a covert operation in Mogadishu, Somalia that went horribly wrong. Sent to abduct two lieutenants of a vicious Somali warlord, the soldiers found themselves surrounded by hostile militia. Two Black Hawk helicopters were shot down and many men lost their lives. Mark Bowden of the Philadelphia Inquirer told the story of the battle in his exhaustively researched, critically acclaimed book, BLACK HAWK DOWN, and filmmaker Ridley Scott (GLADIATOR) and screenwriter Ken Nolan have done an amazing job of bringing the dramatic story to the screen. Like Bowden's book, the film does not thoroughly examine the context of the conflict, but gives a detailed and intense blow-by-blow account of the fighting. The outstanding ensemble cast includes Josh Hartnett as a competent but nervous Ranger sergeant leading his first mission, Ewan McGregor as a "desk jockey" who excels when sent into combat, Eric Bana (THE INCREDIBLE HULK) as a cocky and enigmatic Delta, and Ron Eldard as a downed Black Hawk pilot. The violence of the film is brutal and nearly constant. Scott unflinchingly captures the chaos and mayhem of battle with tremendous visual finesse.
The Terminal
2004
7.3/10
comedy, drama
Director: Steven Spielberg, Actors: Tom Hanks, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Chi McBride, Stanley Tucci, Diego Luna, Barry Shaba...
Viktor Navorksi (Tom Hanks) falls into a bureaucratic crack in the system when his plane lands at New York's JFK airport from the fictitious country of Krakozhia. Unbeknownst to Navorski, his country fell prey to a military coup while he was in flight, causing it to be wiped from the map. This effectively renders his passport null and void, meaning he cannot legally enter America, nor return to his now nonexistent home. Barely able to speak English, the hapless Navorski is offered a sanctuary of sorts by kindly staff who allow him to freely inhabit the airport. With little money to his name, Navorski has to quickly shed his feelings of displacement, confusion, and alienation to survive. Fortunately he has a resourceful nature, and makes a meager amount of money for food by returning baggage carts. As time passes he becomes more comfortable with his surroundings, even finding time to pursue a passing stewardess, Amelia (Catherine Zeta-Jones), who has captured his heart. But airport denizens such as customs chief Frank Dixon (Stanley Tucci), who is a constant thorn in Navorski's side, remind him of his outsider status throughout the ordeal.
We're the Millers
2013
7.1/10
comedy
Director: Rawson Marshall Thurber, Actors: Rawson Marshall Thurber, Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston, Emma Roberts, Will...
After being robbed of a week's take, small-time pot dealer David is forced by his boss to go to Mexico to pick up a load of marijuana. In order to improve his odds of making it past the border, David asks the broke stripper Rose and two local teenagers to join him and pretend they're on a family holiday.
The Illusionist
2006
7.6/10
drama, mystery, romance, thriller
Director: Neil Burger, Actors: Edward Norton, Jessica Biel, Paul Giamatti, Rufus Sewell, Eddie Marsan, Aaron Taylor-John...
In 1900 Vienna, a magician named Eisenheim the Illusionist is mystifying audiences with a remarkable magic act that is seemingly too good to believe. Chief Inspector Uhl, who is in the pocket of Crown Prince Leopold--and considers himself somewhat of an amateur conjurer--becomes obsessed with Eisenheim; Uhl is not only desperate to find out the secrets behind Eisenheim's tricks but also worried that the master magician might pose a threat to the crown prince's nefarious plans. In addition, Eisenheim is quickly growing close to Duchess Sophie von Teschen, his childhood love, who is engaged to Leopold. As Eisenheim's act becomes even more amazing--including apparently raising the spirits of the dead--he enrages the crown prince even further, leading to deception and murder. Edward Norton (FIGHT CLUB), who studied magic with Ricky Jay (THE SPANISH PRISONER) in preparing for the role, is terrific as Eisenheim, an enigmatic showman hiding a dark side. The excellent supporting cast features fine performances by Rufus Sewell (A KNIGHT'S TALE) as the evil, conniving Leopold; Jessica Biel (7TH HEAVEN) as the beautiful Sophie; and Paul Giamatti (SIDEWAYS) as the perceptive but bumbling Uhl. Written and directed by Neil Burger (INTERVIEW WITH THE ASSASSIN), THE ILLUSIONIST, which is based on a short story by Pulitzer Prizewinner Steven Millhauser, is a complex tale filled with mystery and awe. The compelling score was composed by minimalist musician Philip Glass and conducted by Michael Reisman.
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines
2003
6.4/10
action, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Jonathan Mostow, Actors: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Nick Stahl, Kristanna Loken, Claire Danes, David Andrews, Mark...
A decade has passed since John Connor helped Judgement Day and save mankind from mass destruction. Now, 25, Connor lives "off the grid"--no home, no credit cards, no cell phone and no job. Connor has no record of his existence. There is no way he can be traced by Skynet--the highly developed network of machines that once tried to kill him and wage war on humanity. Until, out of the shadows of the future steps the T-X, Skynet's most sophisticated cyborg killing machine yet. Sent back through time to complete the job left unfinished by her predecessor, namely the T-1000, the determined T-X is a machine that is as relentless, as is her human guise beautiful. Now Connor's only hope for survival is to annex with the Terminator, T-101, his mysterious former assassin. Together they must triumph over the technologically superior T-X and forestall the looming threat of Judgement Day--or face the apocalypse and the fall of civilization as we know it.
Cloverfield
2008
7.1/10
action, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Matt Reeves, Actors: Mike Vogel, Jessica Lucas, Lizzy Caplan, T.J. Miller, Michael Stahl-David, Anjul Nigam, O...
About a powerful destructive force that descends upon New York City, and the four desperate people who put their lives on the line to embark on a perilous rescue mission. Rob Hawkins (Michael Stahl-David) is a young American professional who has recently been offered a coveted new job in Japan. Eager to send his older sibling off in style, Rob's younger brother, Jason (Mike Vogel), and his girlfriend, Lily (Jessica Lucas), organize a surprise going-away party to take place the night before Rob boards his Eastern-bound flight. As the party gets underway, Rob's longtime friend and current love interest, Beth (Odette Yustman), shows up with another man as the dejected guest of honor's best-pal Hud (T.J. Miller) encourages partygoer Marlena (Lizzy Caplan) to wish him an on-camera farewell despite the fact that they barely know one another. Moments after Beth storms out following a bitter skirmish with Rob, the entire New York City skyline goes dark. Power is quickly restored, prompting partygoers to turn their attention toward the news, where they learn that a freight tanker has been overturned in New York Harbor. Racing to the rooftop in hopes of getting a better look at the situation, the group is terrified to witness a massive explosion that rains debris across midtown Manhattan, causing mass chaos and unparalleled destruction. But the worst is yet to come, because it soon becomes apparent that this is not the work of a terrorist or an act of war, but a massive creature beyond human comprehension. Now, as the military moves in and the streets of New York City become a virtual war zone, Rob, Lily, Marlena, and Hud race to rescue Beth and get out of the city before the powers that be unleash the ultimate weapon of mass destruction on one of the most populated cities on the planet.
Predator
1987
7.9/10
action, sci-fi, thriller
Director: John McTiernan, Actors: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, Kevin Peter Hall, Elpidia Carrillo, Bill Duke, J...
Sent to eliminate a gun-running camp in Central America, United States Major Dutch Schaeffer (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and his commandos get more than they bargained for when they cross paths with a mysterious assassin. As members of their unit begin to disappear, Dutch, Dillon (Carl Weathers), and Blain (Jesse Ventura) conclude that whatever is hunting them is not of this earth. Every attempt at a tactical defense is a defeated for Dutch and company and it is only in the last stretch of their race to safety that their suspicions are confirmed and they encounter the alien nimrod face to face.
Bruce Almighty
2003
6.7/10
comedy, drama, fantasy
Director: Tom Shadyac, Actors: Jim Carrey, Jennifer Aniston, Morgan Freeman, Philip Baker Hall, Catherine Bell, Lisa Ann...
Jim Carrey returns to his zany, manic roots in this Capraesque comedy from director Tom Shadyac (ACE VENTURA: PET DETECTIVE and LIAR LIAR). Carrey stars as Bruce Nolan, a television reporter in Buffalo, New York who lives a normal life with his sweet girlfriend Grace (Jennifer Aniston). But Bruce isn't satisfied, and after a particularly bad day where everything goes wrong, he blames God. After spewing a tirade of curses God's way, God (Morgan Freeman in a gentlemanly white suit) responds and challenges Bruce to take over and see if he can run things better. Of course, there are some conditions; Bruce can only have the "almighty" powers for 24 hours and only in the Buffalo area. This doesn't stop Bruce, and he responds to his newfound powers with selfish, childlike zeal. Like a kid in a candy store, Bruce sets off making one hysterical, yet disastrous, decision after another. He pulls the moon closer to the earth so he can have a more romantic evening with Grace, unaware that his actions cause a tidal wave in Japan and responds to the prayers of the world with a mass-email "yes" that creates millions of lottery winners, riots, and mayhem. Ultimately, Bruce proves he is only human, and cannot possibly fill God's shoes, although he has a great time trying.
Home Alone
1990
7.4/10
comedy, family
Director: Chris Columbus, Actors: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Catherine O'Hara, John Heard, Roberts Blosso...
Eight year old Kevin MacAllister (Macaulay Culkin) gets lost in the shuffle as his large, upper-middle class suburban family rushes to make a plane that will ferry them off to their Christmas vacation in France; Kevin, having been banished to an attic room as punishment, is subsequently forgotten. At first this is a dream come true, as for the first time in his young life he has no one to answer to but himself, and he takes full advantage of his newfound freedom, eating junk food and watching late-night horror flicks. But when the bumbling Wet Bandits Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern) target his house for a robbery, Kevin must step up to defend his home; he sets a maze of booby traps so elaborate that only an eight year old imagination could concoct them. Ultimately, Kevin learns the importance of family during the holidays in a touching reunion with his clan that is highlighted by the film's amazing original score, which was nominated for an Academy Award.
Face/Off
1997
7.3/10
action, crime, sci-fi, thriller
Director: John Woo, Actors: John Travolta, Nicolas Cage, Joan Allen, Alessandro Nivola, Gina Gershon, Dominique Swain, H...
The ordeal of superheroic, singularly dedicated FBI agent Sean Archer (John Travolta) is only beginning after finally capturing his archnemesis, Castor Troy (Nicholas Cage), an elusive, maniacal terrorist who claimed the life of Archer's son. While Troy languishes in a coma, Archer surgically "borrows" Troy's face in an attempt to gather evidence about Troy's last bomb--which is currently ticking away in a Los Angeles office building. Trouble ensues when Troy wakes up faceless, borrows Archer's visage, and makes a mess of Archer's life; all the while, both men struggle to adapt to their new identities while struggling to blow each other away. Another balletically filmed, thematically complex action smorgasbord from Hong Kong vet Woo.
The Princess Bride
1987
8.2/10
adventure, comedy, family, fantasy, romance
Director: Rob Reiner, Actors: Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Robin Wright, Chris Sarandon, Wallace Shawn, Christopher Guest...
The Princess Bride is staged as a book read by grandfather (Peter Falk) to his ill grandson (Fred Savage). Falk's character assures a romance-weary Savage that the book has much more to deliver than a simpering love story, including but not limited to fencing, fighting, torture, death, true love, giants, and pirates. Indeed, The Princess Bride offers a tongue-in-cheek fairy tale depicting stable boy-turned-pirate Westley's journey to rescue Buttercup (Robin Wright), his true love, away from the evil prince (Chris Sarandon), whom she had agreed to marry five years after learning of what she had believed to be news of Westley's death. With help from Prince Humperdinck's disgruntled former employee Miracle Max (Billy Crystal), swordsman Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin), and a very large man named Fezzik (Andre the Giant), the star-crossed lovers are reunited.
Mission: Impossible
1996
7.1/10
action, adventure, thriller
Director: Brian De Palma, Actors: Tom Cruise, Jon Voight, Emmanuelle Béart, Henry Czerny, Jean Reno, Ving Rhames, And...
After he is framed for the death of several colleagues and falsely branded a traitor, a secret agent embarks on a daring scheme to clear his name in this spy adventure. Though it drew its name from the familiar television series, director Brian DePalma's big-budget adaptation shares little more with the original show than the occasional self-destructing message and the name of team leader Jim Phelps (Jon Voight). The film focuses not on Phelps but his protégé, Ethan Hunt (a reserved Tom Cruise), who becomes a fugitive after taking the blame for a botched operation. He responds by banding together with a group of fellow renegades, and he is soon maneuvering his way through a twisted series of double crosses that mainly serve as excuses for spectacular high-tech action sequences. Much of the activity revolves around a missing computer disk, with the film's most famous scene depicting Hunt's delicate efforts to retrieve the disk from a secure, well-alarmed room in CIA headquarters.
Platoon
1986
8.1/10
drama, war
Director: Oliver Stone, Actors: Oliver Stone, Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe, Forest Whitaker, Francesco Quin...
Director Oliver Stone draws on his experience as an infantryman in Vietnam to convey the brutality of guerrilla warfare: the heat of the jungle, the brushes with such wildlife as snakes and leeches, and, most powerfully, the presence of the unseen enemy. Charlie Sheen stars as Chris, a raw recruit, or "new meat," who serves as the film's narrator. At first he wilts under the rigorous conditions of jungle life, freezes up in a fire fight, and wonders whether he'll be able to survive. But he gradually adapts and, as time goes by, begins to see that the platoon is divided into two groups. One consists of lifers, juicers, and subintelligent whites, the other of blacks and heads. Sgt. Barnes, a combat-loving burnout (Tom Berenger), is the informal leader of the lifers, and Sgt. Elias, a free spirit (Willem Dafoe), leads the latter group. When the platoon takes some gruesome losses, an enraged Barnes kills some Vietnamese and orders the burning of their village, outraging the temporarily absent Elias. As the conflict between these two reaches its tragic climax, Chris must decide what he really values.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
2007
7.5/10
drama, horror, musical, thriller
Director: Tim Burton, Actors: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall, Sacha Baron Cohen, Laura M...
Embittered at having been wrongly imprisoned and determined to seek vengeance against his accusers due to the grim fate that befell his wife and daughter while he was incarcerated, ex-convict Sweeny Todd (Johnny Depp) returns to his hometown and opens a modest barber shop. The one thing different about Todd's shop, however, is that no one who walks in for a trim is ever seen again. Subsequently branded "The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" by the frightened community, Todd continues with his murderous exploits with a little assistance from his amorous accomplice, Mrs. Lovett (Helena Bonham Carter) -- whose popular meat pies secretly have a most unsavory ingredient.
Terminator 4: Terminator Salvation
2009
6.7/10
action, drama, sci-fi, thriller
Director: McG, Actors: Christian Bale, Sam Worthington, Anton Yelchin, Moon Bloodgood, Bryce Dallas Howard, Common, Hele...
The year is 2018. Judgment Day has come and gone, leveling modern civilization. An army of Terminators roams the post-apocalyptic landscape, killing or collecting humans where they hide in the desolate cities and deserts. But small groups of survivors have organized into a Resistance, hiding in underground bunkers and striking when they can against an enemy force that vastly outnumbers them. Controlling the Terminators is the artificial intelligence network Skynet, which became self-aware 14 years earlier and, in the blink of an eye, turned on its creators, unleashing nuclear annihilation on an unsuspecting world. Only one man saw Judgment Day coming. One man, whose destiny has always been intertwined with the fate of human existence: John Connor. Now the world is on the brink of the future that Connor has been warned about all his life. But something totally new has shaken his belief that humanity stands a chance of winning this war: the appearance of Marcus Wright, a stranger from the past whose last memory is of being on death row before awakening in this strange, new world. Connor must decide whether Marcus can be trusted. But as Skynet adapts new strategies to end the Resistance forever, Connor and Marcus must find common ground to take a stand against the onslaught-to infiltrate Skynet and meet the enemy head-on.
Kung Fu Panda
2008
7.6/10
animation, action, adventure, comedy, family
Directors: Mark Osborne, John Stevenson, Actors: Mark Osborne, John Stevenson, Jack Black, Ian McShane, Angelina Jolie, ...
Po (Jack Black), a clumsy and ever-hungry panda, is a huge kung fu fan, but seems destined to sell noodles like his father, Mr. Ping (James Hong), who inexplicably happens to be a goose. When Po literally crashes a ceremony involving martial-arts masters Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) and Oogway (Randall Duk Kim) and their pupils, the Furious Five--which includes Tigress (Angelina Jolie, in a surprisingly small part) and Crane (David Cross)--he ends up being selected by the latter elder as the revered Dragon Warrior. As the skeptical Shifu reluctantly trains the hapless Po, his former star pupil, Tai Lung (Ian McShane), escapes from a high-security prison, setting up a collision course between the bumbling bear and the powerful villain.
Signs
2002
6.7/10
drama, sci-fi, thriller
Director: M. Night Shyamalan, Actors: M. Night Shyamalan, Mel Gibson, Joaquin Phoenix, Rory Culkin, Abigail Breslin, Che...
It's contaminated. That's what pint-sized Bo (Abigail Breslin) says about every glass of water that she tries to drink, then rejects. This is just one in a long list of strange occurrences that are changing the lives of the Hess family. Things go awry when Graham Hess (Mel Gibson) and his brother, Merrill (Joaquin Phoenix), awake early one morning to find the dogs barking and the children--Bo, and her brother Morgan (Rory Culkin)--wandering bleary eyed in the corn fields. They discover a pattern of perfectly carved crop circles left the night before. Trying not to overreact, Graham ignores the media frenzy that has permeated all television and radio stations, and even shrugs off the oddly familiar information that Morgan reads in his book about extraterrestrials invading earth. The real challenge for Graham is to find the faith he needs to pull himself, and his family, through this unexplainable series of events.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2: Rise of Electro
2014
6.9/10
action, adventure, fantasy
Director: Marc Webb, Actors: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx, Dane DeHaan, Paul Giamatti, Colm Feore, B.J. Novak...
For Peter Parker, life is busy -- between taking out the bad guys as Spider-Man and spending time with the person he loves, Gwen, high school graduation can't come quickly enough. Peter hasn't forgotten about the promise he made to Gwen's father to protect her by staying away -- but that's a promise he just can't keep. Things will change for Peter when a new villain, Electro, emerges, an old friend, Harry Osborn, returns, and Peter uncovers new clues about his past.
Dallas Buyers Club
2013
8.0/10
biography, drama
Director: Jean-Marc Vallée, Actors: Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Jared Leto, Steve Zahn, Dallas Roberts, Den...
Real-life cowboy Ron Woodroof's free-wheeling life was upended in 1985 when he was diagnosed as HIV-positive and given 30 days to live. Shunned by many of his old friends and bereft of government-approved effective medicines, Ron decided to take matters in his own hands, tracking down alternative treatments from all over the world by means both legal and illegal. Bypassing the establishment, the entrepreneurial Woodroof joined forces with an unlikely band of renegades and outcasts, establishing a hugely successful buyers' club.
2012
2009
5.8/10
action, adventure, sci-fi
Director: Roland Emmerich, Actors: John Cusack, Thandie Newton, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Peet, Oliver Platt, Woody Harre...
An apocalyptic sci-fi thriller following the prophecy stated by the ancient Mayan calendar, which says that the world will come to an end on December 21, 2012. When a global cataclysm thrusts the world into chaos, divorced writer and father Jackson Curtis (John Cusack) joins the race to ensure that humankind is not completely wiped out.
The Island
2005
6.9/10
action, adventure, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Michael Bay, Actors: Scarlett Johansson, Ewan McGregor, Djimon Hounsou, Sean Bean, Steve Buscemi, Michael Clar...
Survivors of global contamination live in a sterile, self-contained world where their every move is monitored. The rules are easy: be pleasant, refrain from asking questions, and don't rock the boat. Everything they need is provided for them, from the white uniforms that magically appear in their closets, to their customized cafeteria-style meals. The survivors all eagerly await their big payoff: winning the lottery and being sent to The Island, the only remaining untainted land in the world. But Lincoln Six-Echo (Ewan McGregor) yearns for more from his life and begins to wonder what really lies outside the thick walls. When his best friend, Jordan Two-Delta (Scarlett Johansson), wins the lottery, he knows that he has to find out the truth about their world before she departs. What he finds is terrifying enough to send Lincoln and Jordan fleeing from the facility to the real world where they quickly discover that they are clones, and that both The Island and global contamination are a ruse. The clones sole purpose is to be harvested for replacement parts when their sponsors need them. With his business now in jeopardy, Dr. Merrick (Sean Bean), the founder of the cloning company, hires a crack team led by Albert Laurent (Djimon Hounsou) to track down his escaped product. Wild chase scenes through Los Angeles circa 2050 are punctuated by high-tech transportation as Lincoln and Jordan run for their lives and try to assimilate into a world that is completely foreign to them.
Zodiac
2007
7.7/10
crime, drama, mystery, thriller
Director: David Fincher, Actors: Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Edwards, Brian Cox, John Carr...
A serial killer in the San Francisco Bay Area taunts police with his letters and cryptic messages. We follow the investigators and reporters in this lightly fictionalized account of the true 1970's case as they search for the murderer, becoming obsessed with the case. Based on Robert Graysmith's book, the movie's focus is the lives and careers of the detectives and newspaper people.
The Wizard of Oz
1939
8.1/10
adventure, family, fantasy, musical
Directors: Victor Fleming, George Cukor, Mervyn LeRoy, Norman Taurog, King Vidor, Actors: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ra...
The tale of a young Kansas girl who dreams of a better world "somewhere over the rainbow." When Dorothy is thrust into the eye of a tornado and lands in the fantasy world of Oz, she soon finds herself in a heap of trouble with three hapless misfits to guide, an evil witch at her heels, and no way to get home.
Yes Man
2008
6.9/10
comedy, romance
Director: Peyton Reed, Actors: Jim Carrey, Zooey Deschanel, Bradley Cooper, John Michael Higgins, Rhys Darby, Danny Mast...
Jim Carrey returns to hilarious form with this romantic comedy in the same vein as the Carrey classic LIAR LIAR. After a few stints in more serious features like ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND and THE NUMBER 23, Carrey seems right at home playing Carl, a divorcé who starts out the film depressed and withdrawn, scared of taking a risk. Pressured by his best friend, Peter (Bradley Cooper), to get his act together or be stuck with a lonely life, Carl attends a New Age self-help seminar intended to change "no men" like Carl into "yes men" willing to meet life's challenges with gusto. Carl is reluctant at first, but finds the seminar to be ultimately life-changing when he's coerced into giving the "say yes" attitude a try. As the first opportunity to say yes presents itself, Carl hesitantly utters the three-letter word, setting the stage for a domino effect of good rewards, and giving Carrey a platform to show off his comic chops. But over time Carl realizes that saying yes to everything indiscriminately can reap results as complicated and messy as his life had become when saying "no" was his norm. The always-quirky Zooey Deschanel adds her signature charm as Carl's love interest, Allison. An unlikely match at first glance, the pair actually develop great chemistry as the story progresses, the actors playing off each other's different styles of humor. Rhys Darby also shines as Carl's loveable but clueless boss, and THAT 70s SHOW's Danny Masterson appears as another one of Carl's friends. While YES MAN marks no major departure from Carrey's previous work, the sweet crowd pleaser manages to showcase two sides of its leading man.
127 Hours
2010
7.7/10
adventure, biography, drama, thriller
Director: Danny Boyle, Actors: James Franco, Amber Tamblyn, Kate Mara, Sean Bott, Treat Williams, Koleman Stinger, Kate ...
The true story of mountain climber Aron Ralston's (James Franco) remarkable adventure to save himself after a fallen boulder crashes on his arm and traps him in an isolated canyon in Utah. Over the next five days Ralston examines his life and survives the elements to finally discover he has the courage and the wherewithal to extricate himself by any means necessary, scale a 65 foot wall and hike over eight miles before he is finally rescued. Throughout his journey, Ralston recalls friends, lovers (Clemence Poesy), family, and the two hikers (Amber Tamblyn and Kate Mara) he met before his accident. Will they be the last two people he ever had the chance to meet?
Fast and Furious 6
2013
7.2/10
action, crime, thriller
Director: Justin Lin, Actors: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, The Rock [Dwayne Johnson], Jordana Brewster, Michelle Rodriguez, ...
Since Dom and Brian's Rio heist toppled a kingpin's empire and left their crew with $100 million, our heroes have scattered across the globe. But their inability to return home and living forever on the lam have left their lives incomplete. Meanwhile, Hobbs has been tracking an organization of lethally skilled mercenary drivers across 12 countries, whose mastermind is aided by a ruthless second-in-command revealed to be the love Dom thought was dead, Letty. The only way to stop the criminal outfit is to outmatch them at street level, so Hobbs asks Dom to assemble his elite team in London. Payment? Full pardons for all of them so they can return home and make their families whole again.
Godzilla
2014
6.6/10
action, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Gareth Edwards, Actors: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Bryan Cranston, Ken Watanabe, David Strathairn,...
As the story opens in Japan, we find dedicated nuclear power-plant manager Joe Brody (Bryan Cranston) so caught up in his work that he forgets it's his birthday. Sending his young son Ford off to school before reporting to the plant with his wife Sandra (Juliette Binoche), who works in the reactor, Joe begins to suspect that some suspiciously patterned seismic activity may be something more sinister than shifting tectonic plates He's right, too, because when the plant goes into meltdown mode and Sandra gets caught on the wrong side of the containment door, a massive cover-up ensues. Fifteen years later, Ford (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) has become a bomb-disposal expert in the U.S. military. He's just returned home to his wife Elle (Elizabeth Olsen) and their son Sam (Carson Bolde) when he gets word that Joe been arrested in Japan. Long estranged from his father, who was written off as a conspiracy theorist for his failed efforts to prove the Japanese government was attempting to hide something about the earlier disaster, Ford nevertheless ventures to Japan to get him out of jail, and reluctantly agrees to join him in traveling to their old home in the quarantined zone. Subsequently taken into custody, the pair end up in the very plant where Joe used to work, and where scientists Dr. Ichiro Serizawa (Ken Watanabe) and Vivienne Graham (Sally Hawkins) are studying a massive cocoon-like structure that appears to feed on radiation. The situation turns critical when the events of the present begin to mirror those of the past, and a terrifying winged-creature dubbed a "MUTO" is unleashed. Meanwhile, as the military attempts to devise a plan to destroy the beast, signals indicate that it had been calling out to something before it broke free, and the scientists learn that it has awoken a towering, godlike leviathan that has lied dormant for centuries, and may be mankind's only hope for restoring the balance of nature.
The Rock
1996
7.4/10
action, adventure, thriller
Director: Michael Bay, Actors: Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage, Ed Harris, David Morse, William Forsythe, Bokeem Woodbine, Mi...
Gung-ho general Francis Hummel (Ed Harris), armed with deadly chemical rockets and aided by violent cohorts, takes over the island of Alcatraz, holding 81 tourists hostage. Hummel promises to deploy the missiles over San Francisco if Washington doesn't make amends to ignored combat victims to the tune of $100 million. A cadre of Navy SEALs are dispatched to quell the situation, assisted by the mysterious, macho John Mason (Sean Connery), the only man to ever escape from Alcatraz, who must now help the SEALs break back in. Joining them is mild-mannered chemical weapons expert Stanley Goodspeed (Nicolas Cage), who is unaccustomed to such things as guns and military maneuvers. Their high-octane mission is filled with surprises, particularly after Hummel and company quickly annihilate the SEALs--leaving Mason and Goodspeed to save the day all by themselves.
The Wrestler
2008
7.9/10
drama, sport
Director: Darren Aronofsky, Actors: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood, Judah Friedlander, Ernest Miller, Tod...
His sense of identity fading into nothingness after the spotlights dim and he experiences a close brush with mortality, a retired wrestler begins to evaluate his life while considering the comeback that could very well kill him in director Darren Aronofsky's poignant portrait of an introspective former superstar in the twilight of his career. Back in his heyday, wrestler Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke) was an icon in the ring. His image immortalized in action figures and video games, he would headline arenas across the globe. Twenty years later, those glory days have passed, and Randy is forced to earn his keep by brawling before handfuls of fans in high school gyms and community centers around New Jersey. In the wake of a heart attack, the former icon attempts to earn a little extra cash while working in a deli and making an effort to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter, Stephanie (Evan Rachel Wood). Yet, despite Randy's continued attempts at convincing local stripper Cassidy (Marisa Tomei) to settle down with him in his humble trailer, the ring still calls to him. Later, when the prospect of a high-profile rematch with his longtime nemesis presents itself, Randy is forced to weigh his mortality against his desire to hear the crowd roar one last time.
Sleepy Hollow
1999
7.4/10
drama, horror, mystery, thriller
Director: Tim Burton, Actors: Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci, Miranda Richardson, Michael Gambon, Casper Van Dien, Jeffrey...
Ichabod Crane (Johnny Depp) is a squeamish, bookish 18th century New York City investigator sent to a small town in lower Westchester county to look into three mysterious decapitations. When the always rational Crane arrives at the little Dutch village, he finds that most of the townsfolk believe the culprit to be the Headless Horseman, the ghost of a monstrous Hessian soldier (Christopher Walken), who seems to be mysteriously tied in to one of the town's most prominent families.
Batman
1989
7.6/10
action, adventure
Director: Tim Burton, Actors: Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger, Pat Hingle, Robert Wuhl, Billy Dee Williams,...
Behind the black cowl, Gotham City superhero Batman is really millionaire philanthropist Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton), who turned to crimefighting after his parents were brutally murdered before his eyes. The only person to share Wayne's secret is faithful butler Alfred (Michael Gough). The principal villain in Batman is The Joker (Jack Nicholson) who'd been mob torpedo Jack Napier before he was horribly disfigured in a vat of acid. The Joker's plan to destroy Batman and gain control of Gotham City is manifold. First he distributes a line of booby-trapped cosmetics, then he goes on a destruction spree in the Gotham Art Museum while the music of Prince blasts away in the background, and finally he orchestrates an all-out campaign to win the hearts and minds of the Gothamites, hoping to turn them against the Cowled One. Meanwhile, reporter Vicki Vale (Kim Basinger) becomes the love of Batman's life-which of course plays right into the Joker's hands.
Fantastic Four
2005
5.7/10
action, adventure, fantasy, sci-fi
Director: Tim Story, Actors: Ioan Gruffudd, Michael Chiklis, Chris Evans, Jessica Alba, Hamish Linklater, Laurie Holden,...
In this thrill-filled live-action Marvel Comics adaptation, director Tim Story (BARBERSHOP) balances comedy, romantic intrigue, special effects, high action, and even scientific trivia for a rounded FANTASTIC FOUR. Here, Mister Fantastic (Ioan Gruffudd), Invisible Woman (Jessica Alba), The Human Torch (Chris Evans), and The Thing (Michael Chiklis) come together on a space mission that goes wrong. The ship's owner (Julian McMahon)--who later transforms into evil Doctor Doom--refuses to abort the mission during a solar storm, which electrifies the ship and its entire crew, causing radical changes to their DNA. Back on earth, the transformed "heroes" adjust to their new powers, which are specific to their personalities. Mister Fantastic, who lacks assertion, has stretchy limbs of rubber. Invisible Woman, who loves Fantastic but thinks he can't see her for who she really is, does a disappearing act. The Human Torch, an immature guy who is brimming with energy, can burst into flames. And finally, The Thing, a great friend who is as solid as a rock, actually turns into one--and loses his wife due to his weighty disposition. Holing up in Fantastic's scientific lab where they run experiments on themselves in hopes of changing back to normal, the crew learns that Doctor Doom--who is so power hungry that he turns into metal and is able to conduct electrical currents--poses a serious threat. The heroes quickly master their abilities and channel their scientific smarts for one truly fantastic five-way face-off. Visually, action sequences give way to tranquil interludes such as the New York City skyline with the Fantastics' lab glowing atop a skyscraper, while plot-wise, the interplay between the characters brings a human element to the film, with some touching moments from The Thing. At the end, a door is left open for what could be a super sequel.
The Fast and the Furious 5
2011
7.3/10
action, crime, thriller
Director: Justin Lin, Actors: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, The Rock [Dwayne Johnson], Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Ludac...
Former cop Brian O'Conner partners with ex-con Dom Toretto on the opposite side of the law. Since Brian and Mia Toretto broke Dom out of custody, they've blown across many borders to elude authorities. Now backed into a corner in Rio de Janeiro, they must pull one last job in order to gain their freedom. As they assemble their elite team of top racers, the unlikely allies know their only shot of getting out for good means confronting the corrupt businessman who wants them dead. But he's not the only one on their tail. Hard-nosed federal agent Luke Hobbs never misses his target. When he is assigned to track down Dom and Brian, he and his strike team launch an all-out assault to capture them. But as his men tear through Brazil, Hobbs learns he can't separate the good guys from the bad. Now, he must rely on his instincts to corner his prey... before someone else runs them down first.
50 First Dates
2004
6.8/10
comedy, romance
Director: Peter Segal, Actors: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Rob Schneider, Sean Astin, Lusia Strus, Dan Aykroyd, Amy Hi...
Scatological and sentimental, satirical and sincere, 50 FIRST DATES pairs Adam Sandler with Drew Barrymore in this romantic comedy about the power of love and short-term memory loss in Hawaii. Henry Roth (Sandler), the local marina veterinarian, only dates tourists because he's afraid of commitment--that is, until he meets Lucy (Barrymore). Unfortunately, Lucy lost her short-term memory months ago in a car accident, and for her, each day is October the 13th. She follows the same routine every day--breakfast at the same restaurant, pineapple-picking with her dad, and eventually bed time, where sleep wipes away her short-term memory. Henry, however, refuses to be forgotten, and as his puppy love matures, he embarks on a quest to restore her memory, or at least be a part of her everyday routine. But vying for Lucy's attention isn't always easy. Sandler explores various neophytic approaches before making a video for Lucy to watch every morning, reminding her of who she is and what she's doing. The film includes a trademark Sandler ballad as Henry serenades Lucy with his ukulele and a series of familiar salacious puns. Rob Schneider plays Henry's best friend, a goofy native stoner whose physical hijinks earn numerous laughs, and a cameo by Dan Akroyd as Lucy's doctor rounds out the cast.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
2010
7.5/10
action, comedy, romance
Director: Edgar Wright, Actors: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin, Alison Pill, Aubrey Plaza, Johnny ...
Twenty-two-year-old Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) may not have a job, but rocking the bass for his band, Sex Bob-omb, is a tough job unto itself. When Scott locks eyes with Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), he knows she's the girl he wants to grow old with. But Ramona has some serious baggage; her supercharged exes rue the thought of her being with another man, and they'll crush any guy who gives her a second glance. Now, in order to win Ramona's heart, Scott will do battle with everyone from vegan-powered rock gods to sinister skateboarders, never losing sight of his gorgeous goal as he pummels his way to victory.
Meet the Parents
2000
7.0/10
comedy, romance
Director: Jay Roach, Actors: Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro, Teri Polo, Blythe Danner, Jon Abrahams, James Rebhorn, Nicole ...
MEET THE PARENTS stars Ben Stiller as the unfortunately named Greg Focker, a neurotic nurse intent on marrying his girlfriend, Pam (Teri Polo). But when the couple visits Pam's family home for her sister's wedding, he must first win the approval of her father, Jack (Robert De Niro), a protective ex-CIA agent. Before long, the awkward Greg and the suspicious Jack go head-to-head, resulting in hilarious scenes that feature a lie detector test, a suburban car chase, a toilet-trained cat, and a mean game of water volleyball. As the misunderstandings and mistakes reach an almost nightmarish peak, it seems as though Greg may never win over Pam's unflinching guardian. Featuring the inspired pairing of Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller (and an excellent appearance by Owen Wilson), director Jay Roach's clever comedy exemplifies every man's worst fears about courtship. When things for Stiller's character get bad, they just continue to get worse, culminating in a ridiculously funny airport scene. In the tradition of ANNIE HALL and FLIRTING WITH DISASTER, MEET THE PARENTS is an intelligent yet slapstick comedy about the eccentricities of the American family.
Die Hard 2: Die Harder
1990
7.1/10
action, thriller
Director: Renny Harlin, Actors: Bruce Willis, William Atherton, Bonnie Bedelia, Franco Nero, William Sadler, Reginald Ve...
While former New York City cop John McClane, now a member of the Los Angeles Police Department, waits to pick up his wife in DC's Dulles Airport, gunmen suddenly commandeer the building. They're intent on rescuing a drug-dealing foreign despot who's being brought to the US to stand trial. And once again McClane finds himself enmeshed in a terrorist plot that only he can prevent.
The Expendables
2010
6.5/10
action, adventure, thriller
Director: Sylvester Stallone, Actors: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, Eric Rob...
Approached by the shadowy Church to overthrow tyrannical South American dictator General Gaza (David Zayas) and restore order to the troubled island country of Vilena, stoic soldier of fortune Barney Ross (Stallone) rounds up an unstoppable team that includes former SAS soldier and blade specialist Lee Christmas (Jason Statham); martial arts expert Yin (Jet Li); trigger-happy Hale Caesar (Terry Crews); cerebral demolitions expert Toll Road (Randy Couture); and haunted sniper Gunnar Jensen (Dolph Lundgren), a combat veteran who never misses his mark. Traveling to Vilena on a reconnaissance mission with his old pal Christmas, Barney meets their local contact, a cagey guerrilla fighter named Sandra (Giselle Itie). It isn't long before Barney and Christmas have discovered that their actual target is not General Gaza but James Monroe (Eric Roberts), a former CIA operative who has recently gone rogue. Monroe won't be easy to get to either, because his hulking bodyguard Paine (Steve Austin) is a force to be reckoned with. When their mission is compromised, Barney and Christmas are forced to flee, leaving Sandra behind to face almost certain death. But Barney isn't the kind of soldier to abandon a mission, or a hostage, and now in order to get the job done he'll need the help of his old crew.
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
2004
7.3/10
comedy
Director: Adam McKay, Actors: Adam McKay, Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, David Koechner, Ch...
It's the early 1970s and the local anchorman is not only a source of news but a revered local hero. In San Diego, Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell), a mustachioed bachelor with a taste for scotch, unparalleled passion for the jazz flute, and a near-telepathic connection with his spirited mutt, Baxter, is that man. Rounding out Ron's testosterone-heavy news team are his close friends--cologne-obsessed man-on-the-street Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd), sports reporter Champ Kind (Dave Koechner), and mentally challenged weatherman Brick Tamland (Steve Carrell). Their male camaraderie is challenged, though, when producer Ed Harken (Fred Willard), pressured by changing times, brings the first female reporter, ambitious Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate), to the team. Ron finds his chauvinistic ideals compromised further when he starts falling in love with her. Fueled by Ferrell's singularly loopy persona, ANCHORMAN joins the long list of comedies which have successfully poked fun at the styles and mores of the '70s. Here, with Ferrell's script and Adam McKay's direction, the character of Ron Burgundy becomes a full-bodied comic creation whose possibilities for laughs aren't nearly exhausted by the end credits. The result is an often hilarious celebration of moustaches, wide neckties, alcohol abuse, and good, old-fashioned sexism.
The Conjuring
2013
7.5/10
horror
Director: James Wan, Actors: Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Ron Livingston, Lili Taylor, Shanley Caswell, Hayley McFarlan...
A demonic entity lays claim to family living in a secluded farmhouse, prompting them to seek the aid of two renowned paranormal researchers in this tale of possession inspired by actual events. The story gets underway as paranormal researchers Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga) evaluate a mysterious doll discovered by a trio of young roommates in 1968. Believing their house to be haunted by the wayward spirit of a deceased young girl, they give the girl permission to inhabit the doll, and soon their lives become a waking nightmare. Informed by Ed and Lorraine that they have fallen victim to an inhuman spirit (aka a demon) seeking a human host, the roommates entrust the doll to the Warrens, who place it in their personal museum for safekeeping. Flash forward three years to Harrisville, RI, where the Perron family have just moved into their country dream home -- an 18th century farmhouse that offers plenty of space for parents Carolyn (Lili Taylor) and Roger (Ron Livingston), as well as their five daughters Andrea (Shanley Caswell), Nancy (Hayley McFarland), Christine (Joey King), Cindy (Mackenzie Foy), and April (Kyla Deaver). It seems like the ideal place to raise a family until a series of unsettling events leave the Perron family convinced they are not alone. Terrified, Carolyn reaches out to the Warrens for help, and learns that a demonic entity has attached itself to her family, and has no intentions of letting them go. Meanwhile, the deeper the Warrens delve into the farmhouse's history, the clearer it becomes that this spirit has a murderous agenda, and that no one will be safe until it is driven back into darkness.
The Simpsons Movie
2007
7.4/10
animation, adventure, comedy
Director: David Silverman, Actors: Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria, Pamela...
Homer Simpson must save the world from a catastrophe he himself created. It all begins with Homer, his new pet pig, and a leaky silo full of droppings--a combination that triggers a disaster the likes of which Springfield has never experienced. As Marge is outraged by Homer's monumental blunder, a vengeful mob descends on the Simpson household. The family makes a narrow escape, but is soon divided by both location and conflict. The Springfield citizenry has every reason to be out for Simpson blood. The calamity triggered by Homer has drawn the attention of U.S. President Arnold Schwarzenegger and Environmental Protection Agency head Russ Cargill. "You know sir," Cargill tells the president, "when you made me head of the EPA, you were applauded for appointing one of the most successful men in America to the least successful agency in government. And why did I take the job? Because I'm a rich man who wanted to give something back. Not the money, but something." That "something" is a devil's plan to contain the disaster. As the fates of Springfield and the world hang in the balance, Homer embarks on a personal odyssey of redemption--seeking forgiveness from Marge, the reunion of his splintered family, and the salvation of his hometown.
Stand by Me
1986
8.1/10
adventure, drama
Director: Rob Reiner, Actors: Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell, Kiefer Sutherland, Casey Siema...
Based on the Stephen King short story The Body, Rob Reiner's easygoing nostalgia piece is set in Castle Rock, OR, over Labor Day weekend, 1959. A quartet of boys, inseparable friends all, set out in search of a dead body that one of the boys overhears his brother talking about. The foursome consists of intellectual Gordie (Wil Wheaton), born leader Chris (River Phoenix), emotionally disturbed Teddy (Corey Feldman), and chubby hanger-on Vern (Jerry O'Connell). The boys' adventures en route to the elusive body are colored by the personal pressures brought to bear on all of them by the adult world. Richard Dreyfuss, playing the grown-up Gordie, narrates the film, while Kiefer Sutherland dominates every scene he's in as a brutish high-school bully.
Life of Brian
1979
8.2/10
comedy
Director: Terry Jones, Actors: Terry Jones, Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Kennet...
Monty Python delivers a scathing, anarchic satire of both religion and Hollywood's depiction of all things biblical with their second--and tightest--full-length film. The setting is the Holy Land in 33 A.D., a time of poverty and chaos, with no shortage of messiahs, followers willing to believe in them, and exasperated Romans trying to impose some order. At the center of it all is Brian Cohen (Graham Chapman), a reluctant would-be messiah who rises to prominence as a result of a series of absurd and truly hilarious circumstances that parallel the life of Christ--providing ample opportunity for the entire ensemble (John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, and Chapman) to shine in multiple roles as they blaspheme and mock everyone and everything from ex-lepers, Pontius Pilate, and the art of haggling to crazy prophets, Roman centurions, and crucifixion. Directed by Python Terry Jones, MONTY PYTHON'S LIFE OF BRIAN is an uproarious biblical parody that does to ancient Rome what THE HOLY GRAIL did to the Middle Ages. Rome is run by pathetic wimps, liberation fronts fight with each other over acronyms, and gladiators put on bloody children's matinees as the people search desperately for someone to lead them out of their life of misery and poverty. And Brian is that man. Sort of. Well, not really. Chapman excels as Brian, a simple, quiet man suddenly thrust in the role of leading the revolution--while constantly being yelled at by his shrew of a mother.
National Treasure
2004
6.9/10
action, adventure, mystery, thriller
Director: Jon Turteltaub, Actors: Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha, Sean Bean, Jon Voight, Harvey Keitel, Chris...
American history gets a cool make-over in this Jerry Bruckheimer-produced comedic action thriller. Nicholas Cage plays Ben Gates, the descendent of an early American patriot who has left him information relating to a vast treasure, hidden during the Revolutionary War by the Freemasons. A clue at the north pole sets things in motion, and Ben must use his formidable cryptography skills to decipher puzzles hidden in the most unlikely places--one appears on the dollar bill, and another is on the back of the U.S. constitution. Ben's unscrupulous former partner (Sean Bean) and his gang of thugs are also after the treasure for selfish, evil purposes. A plot to steal the Constitution sets off a 13-colony-wide chase with all the trimmings: cops going after the wrong man, the rescue of a cute female cryptographer (Diane Kruger) who tags along for the ride, and Jon Voight answering the door in the middle of the night as Ben's disapproving father.
Rush
2013
8.2/10
action, biography, drama, sport
Director: Ron Howard, Actors: Daniel Brühl, Chris Hemsworth, Olivia Wilde, Alexandra Maria Lara, Pierfrancesco Favino...
Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Bruhl star as legendary Formula One drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda respectively in this biographical drama set during the 1970s, at the peak of their heated rivalry. Both on the track and off, Hunt (Hensworth) and Lauda (Bruhl) couldn't have been more different. Yet as much as Englishman Hunt's showy public persona clashed with Lauda's reputation for tightly-controlled perfectionism, both men remained bound together by one undeniable fact - they were both among the best drivers ever to grace the racetrack. When a horrific crash during the 1976 Grand Prix at the Nürburgring nearly claims Lauda's life, however, a grudging respect begins to develop between the two racers as Hunt realizes just how devoted his greatest adversary is to the sport they both love.
Tangled
2010
7.9/10
animation, comedy, family, fantasy, musical, romance
Directors: Nathan Greno, Byron Howard, Actors: Nathan Greno, Byron Howard, Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy, Ron ...
When the kingdom's most wanted-and most charming-bandit, Flynn Rider, hides out in a mysterious tower, he's taken hostage by Rapunzel, a beautiful and feisty tower-bound teen with 70 feet of magical, golden hair. Flynn's curious captor, who's looking for her ticket out of the tower where she's been locked away for years, strikes a deal with the handsome thief, and the unlikely duo sets off on an escapade, complete with a super-cop horse, an over-protective chameleon and a gruff gang of pub thugs.
Shooter
2007
7.2/10
action, crime, drama, mystery, thriller
Director: Antoine Fuqua, Actors: Mark Wahlberg, Michael Peña, Rhona Mitra, Danny Glover, Kate Mara, Elias Koteas, Rad...
A top Marine sniper who previously abandoned the military after a routine mission gave way to tragedy is double-crossed by the government after reluctantly being pressured back into service. There was a time when Bob Lee Swagger (Mark Wahlberg) was the best trigger-man in the military, but after growing disillusioned with the system, he disappeared without a trace. When high-profile government officials locate him at his remote mountain retreat following an extensive search, Swagger is coerced back into service in order to stop a determined assassin from taking out the President of the United States. In the process of carrying out his mission, however, Swagger suddenly realizes that he has been betrayed when he becomes the subject of a nationwide manhunt. Now wounded and desperate to reveal the culprits behind the conspiracy before it's too late, Swagger sets into motion a revenge plan that will send shock waves rippling to some of the most powerful and corrupt leaders in the free world.
Superman Returns
2006
6.1/10
action, adventure, fantasy, sci-fi
Director: Bryan Singer, Actors: Brandon Routh, Kevin Spacey, Kate Bosworth, James Marsden, Frank Langella, Eva Marie Sai...
For five years, Superman (Brandon Routh) has been away from Earth, coaxed into space by a belief that Krypton may still exist. Finding nothing, he comes back to a changed world--not only has terrorism become rampant, but Lois Lane (Kate Bosworth) has married, started a family, and won the Pulitzer for her piece "Why the World Doesn't Need Superman." After a stop in Smallville to see his adopted mother (Eva Marie Saint), Superman is back in Metropolis, and Clark Kent has his old job back at the Daily Planet, with everyone still incredibly oblivious to his alter ego. But where there's Superman, there's Lex Luthor (Kevin Spacey), and he is likely to be planning something dastardly--in this case, using a piece of pilfered kryptonite to grow an entirely new continent that he will control.
The Mask
1994
6.8/10
comedy, crime, fantasy, romance
Director: Chuck Russell, Actors: Jim Carrey, Cameron Diaz, Peter Riegert, Peter Greene, Amy Yasbeck, Richard Jeni, Orest...
Boring bank account officer Stanley Ipkiss -- your average pushover nice guy -- is tired of kowtowing to his know-nothing boss and being rejected by attractive women. But just before he decides to end it all, Stanley's transformed from spineless accountant to jiving zoot-suited hellion when he discovers the super-human powers of an ancient wooden mask he finds floating in the river. With the mask, Stanley's got the courage to do everything he's ever dreamed of, including woo blond bombshell Tina Carlyle, a torchy singer at the swanky nightclub Coco Bongo. Too bad Tina's caught up with mobster Dorian Tyrel, a brutal villain planning to rob Stanley's bank and take over the city. Now it's up to Stanley to rid the besieged metropolis of Tyrel. When a no-account bank clerk discovers a curious wooden mask he finds it has some interesting properties; to wit, the mask magnifies the wearer's personality to superhuman proportions--oddly, others seem to find this attractive. The no-longer-nebbischy clerk enjoys his new life considerably, but when he seduces the girlfriend of a powerful gangster, complications result.
The Mummy 2: The Mummy Returns
2001
6.3/10
action, adventure, fantasy
Director: Stephen Sommers, Actors: Stephen Sommers, Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Arnold Vosloo, Oded Fehr,...
It is 1933, and eight years have passed since dashing legionnaire Rick O'Connell and fearless Egyptologist Evelyn fought for their lives against a 3000-year-old enemy named Imhotep. Rick and Evelyn are married now, raising their son Alex in London. A chain of events finds the mummy of Imhotep resurrected in the British Museum, walking the earth once more in his search for immortality. But another force has also been set loose in the world - one born of the darkest rituals of ancient Egyptian mysticism, and even more powerful than Imhotep. When these two forces clash, the fate of the world will hang in the balance, sending the O'Connells on a desperate race to save the world from unspeakable evil and rescue their son before it's too late.
Pearl Harbor
2001
6.0/10
action, drama, romance, war
Director: Michael Bay, Actors: Ben Affleck, Kate Beckinsale, Josh Hartnett, Cuba Gooding Jr., Jon Voight, Alec Baldwin, ...
On a sleepy Sunday morning in December as children played and families prayed, squadrons of Japanese war planes screamed across the skies of a Hawaiian paradise and launched a surprise attack on the U.S. armed forces at Pearl Harbor--the infamous day that jolted America from peaceful isolationism to total war and altered the course of world history. The story focuses on the life changing events surrounding December 7, 1941 and the war's devastating impact on two daring young pilots--one from the U.S. Army Air Corps, the other from the British Royal Air Force--and a beautiful dedicated nurse, with whom both of them fall in love. It is a tale of catastrophic defeat, heroic victory, personal courage and overwhelming love set against a backdrop of wartime action.
Despicable Me 2
2013
7.5/10
animation, comedy, family
Directors: Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud, Actors: Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud, Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Benjamin Bratt,...
Once upon a time, Gru dreamt of stealing the moon - these days he's a single adoptive father of three precocious girls. Having given up his spectacular life of crime, Gru now aims to produce a delicious new line of jams with the help of his tiny minions and his old pal Dr. Nefario. Feeling unfulfilled in his newfound role as a jam-maker, Dr. Nefario announces that he will be departing for more evil pastures just as Gru is approached by the Anti-Villain League to capture the mysterious culprit who just stole a top-secret research lab filled with PX 41 -- an experimental serum with the strength to transform harmless animals into ravenous monsters. The AVL is certain that the culprit is covering his tracks by posing as a small business owner at a local mall, and assign their best agent Lucy to aid Gru in identifying him. Meanwhile, Gru's oldest adopted daughter Margo falls for rebellious teen Antonio, the leather-jacketed son of boisterous Mexican cantina owner Eduardo. Now, with Gru's paternal instincts kicking into full gear just as a dastardly plot begins to unfold, the devoted new father must divide his time between saving the world from an enigmatic super-villain, and saving Miranda from total heartbreak. All the while, a suitable mother for the girls may have been standing right under Gru's pointy nose the entire time.
The Fast and the Furious
2001
6.6/10
action, crime, thriller
Director: Rob Cohen, Actors: Rob Cohen, Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Rick Yune, Chad L...
Dominic Toretto drives the streets of LA like he owns them. As far as his crew is concerned, he does. He spends his days rebuilding high performance race cars and perfecting the art of computer controlled fuel injection. By night, Dom pockets up to $10,000 each time someone dares to race him in his own earth-bound rocket of a car. Dom lives off of the adrenaline of street car racing and his fans treat him like a rock star. Brian particularly looks up to Dominic and seeks his approval, but to the rest of the crowd, he's white bread. After a blazing encounter with the ruthless Johnny Tran, Dom decides to take Brian under his wing. Dom's sister Mia sees something she likes in Brian, too. Trouble is, neither of them realize he's an undercover cop and Dominic and his rival Johnny Tran are both the leading suspects in a case involving dirty money and big-rig hijacking.
Salt
2010
6.4/10
action, crime, mystery, thriller
Director: Phillip Noyce, Actors: Angelina Jolie, Liev Schreiber, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Daniel Olbrychski, August Diehl, Dani...
As a CIA officer, Evelyn Salt swore an oath to duty, honor and country. Her loyalty will be tested when a defector accuses her of being a Russian spy. Salt goes on the run, using all her skills and years of experience as a covert operative to elude capture. Salt's efforts to prove her innocence only serve to cast doubt on her motives, as the hunt to uncover the truth behind her identity continues and the question remains: "Who is Salt?"
Déjà vu
2006
7.0/10
action, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Tony Scott, Actors: Denzel Washington, Paula Patton, Jim Caviezel, Val Kilmer, Adam Goldberg, Erika Alexander,...
A high-flung sci-fi action thriller concerning a New Orleans-based maverick ATF agent named Doug Carlin (Denzel Washington) who is brought in on a top-secret government program to catch the terrorist (Jim Caviezel) responsible for a ferry bombing that kills hundreds. Able to do what most law enforcement officers only dream of, Carlin is now able to look back in time at the perpetrator's movements, and at the life of the innocent woman whose death would set the events into motion. Carlin's instincts tell him that something is amiss, however, and while the government agent who tapped him for the job (Val Kilmer) and the team of ultra-cool scientists who run the project (Adam Goldberg, Erika Alexander) tell him one story about the quantum physics behind this marvel of technology, the hotshot agent suspects that there is a greater power at their fingertips -- one that might not just solve the crime at hand, but prevent it.
The Expendables 2
2012
6.7/10
action, adventure, thriller
Director: Simon West, Actors: Sylvester Stallone, Liam Hemsworth, Randy Couture, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, ...
The Expendables are back and this time it's personal... Barney Ross, Lee Christmas, Yin Yang, Gunnar Jensen, Toll Road and Hale Caesar -- with newest members Billy the Kid and Maggie aboard -- are reunited when Mr. Church enlists the Expendables to take on a seemingly simple job. The task looks like an easy paycheck for Barney and his band of old-school mercenaries. But when things go wrong and one of their own is viciously killed, the Expendables are compelled to seek revenge in hostile territory where the odds are stacked against them. Hell-bent on payback, the crew cuts a swath of destruction through opposing forces, wreaking havoc and shutting down an unexpected threat in the nick of time -- six pounds of weapons-grade plutonium; enough to change the balance of power in the world. But that's nothing compared to the justice they serve against the villainous adversary who savagely murdered their brother. That is done the Expendables way...
Back to the Future 3
1990
7.4/10
adventure, comedy, sci-fi, western
Director: Robert Zemeckis, Actors: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Mary Steenburgen, Thomas F. Wilson, Lea Thompson, ...
In this third and final entry in the "Back to the Future" series, loopy "Doc" Brown, the creator of the time-traveling DeLorean, goes back to 1885 -- the heyday of the Old West, and his favorite era -- where he falls in love with a beautiful school teacher. Marty must rescue the good doctor, however, when he learns that the treacherous Mad Dog Tannen, leader of the rascally Tannen gang, is gunning for Doc -- and the yellow-bellied coward won't hesitate to shoot him in the back. Because of his newfound romance, however, Brown doesn't want to leave. Can Marty find a way to bring Doc's love back to the future without destroying the pattern of time?
Jurassic Park 2: The Lost World
1997
6.5/10
action, adventure, sci-fi
Director: Steven Spielberg, Actors: Steven Spielberg, Jeff Goldblum, Julianne Moore, Pete Postlethwaite, Arliss Howard, ...
THE LOST WORLD: JURASSIC PARK is director Steven Spielberg's sequel to his original dinosaur thriller. Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) returns for more dino-horror when, four years after the disaster at the would-be amusement park, another expedition is mounted by millionaire John Hammond (Richard Attenborough). To document the natural behavior of the beasts at a mysterious Site B, Hammond sends a team comprising Malcolm; Malcolm's girlfriend, paleontologist Dr. Sarah Harding (Julianne Moore); and a wildlife videographer (Vince Vaughn). They face adversity in the form of a less-than-scrupulous big-game hunter (Pete Postlethwaite) and, of course, the terrible lizards themselves. The film is loosely based on Michael Crichton's novel THE LOST WORLD, which was named after the 1912 Sir Arthur Conan Doyle novel of the same name. Spielberg proved his determination to alternate making socially conscious films with directing movies of sheer entertainment value; his prior film to THE LOST WORLD was SCHINDLER'S LIST, and he followed the dinosaur adventure with AMISTAD.
Jumper
2008
6.0/10
action, adventure, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Doug Liman, Actors: Hayden Christensen, Samuel L. Jackson, Jamie Bell, Rachel Bilson, Diane Lane, Michael Rook...
David (Hayden Christiansen) has inexplicably been given the power to teleport himself, or jump. He can jump into a bank vault, then to the top of the Sphinx, then back to his luxury Manhattan apartment. But despite all his power, he still misses his childhood love, Millie (Rachel Bilson, THE O.C.). When the opportunity arises, David jets off to Rome with Millie, but it's not all romance in the Italian city. David's unique abilities place him in the middle of a war between the jumpers and the paladins, a secretive group intent on hunting down the teleporters. Led by Roland (Samuel L. Jackson), the paladins track David and fellow jumper Griffin (Jamie Bell) across the world, and Millie may be caught in the crossfire.
Interview with the Vampire
1994
7.6/10
horror, romance
Director: Neil Jordan, Actors: Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Antonio Banderas, Christian Slater, Stephen Rea, Kirsten Dunst, Th...
Chronicles the life of 18th-century nobleman Louis (Brad Pitt) after he is bitten by powerful, charismatic vampire Lestat (Tom Cruise). Though enthralled with the undead lifestyle at first, Louis is unable to warm up to killing humans and grows despondent. To comfort Louis, Lestat creates another vampire (Kirsten Dunst in a star-making peformance), a young girl who from then on cannot age. Antonio Banderas appears as Armand, a 400-year-old vampire, and Christian Slater plays the radio producer who interviews the remorseful Louis. Director Neil Jordan captures the lush decadence and erotic fervor of the novel, infusing the film with rich, dusky tones. The big budget is well used to bring each period and place to sharply detailed life, and there is no skimping on the blood or immortal angst.
Mission: Impossible 3
2006
6.8/10
action, adventure, thriller
Director: J.J. Abrams, Actors: Tom Cruise, Michelle Monaghan, Ving Rhames, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Billy Crudup, Jonatha...
IMF agent Ethan Hunt has given up field work to train agents instead, because he is seeing someone, Julia whom he wants to marry and live a normal life with. But his friend, Billy Musgrave, an IMF big wig informs that an agent he trained is being held by an arms dealer. Ethan decides to rescue her and does but because of a dead man's switch that was implanted in her, she is killed by remote. When Ethan returns, high ranking IMF man, Brassel chastises both Ethan and Musgrave for their actions. Ethan decides to go off book and bring the arms dealer in. But before leaving he marries Julia. After apprehending the arms dealer Ethan returns with him to the States but upon arriving they are attacked and the arms dealer escapes. Later Julia is abducted.
Click
2006
6.4/10
comedy, drama, fantasy, romance
Director: Frank Coraci, Actors: Frank Coraci, Adam Sandler, Kate Beckinsale, Christopher Walken, Henry Winkler, David Ha...
Overworked Michael Newman (Adam Sandler) just can't catch a break. His boss (David Hasselhoff) doesn't want to hear that he has family commitments, and his family is upset that he never has time for them. Michael might be doing the right thing in order to get ahead, but his wife, Donna (Kate Beckinsale), and children feel neglected. His breaking point: the multitude of remote controls in the house are driving him nuts, and Michael ventures out late one evening in search of a universal remote control to simplify his life. His quest leads him to the back room at Bed, Bath & Beyond and Morty (Christopher Walken), the archetypical mad scientist with wild hair, a bowtie, and zany glasses. Michael returns home armed with a top-of-the-line universal remote, but soon realizes that it does more than control the household appliances: the new remote actually works on time and people. With a click, Michael finds himself fast-forwarding through fights with his wife, muting her irritating best friend, and changing the volume of his dog's bark. He's even able to return to scenes from his past complete with commentary. But when his life begins fast-forwarding out of control, Michael begins to understand the importance of spending time with the people you love, being invested in your life, and living every day to the fullest.
Total Recall
1990
7.5/10
action, adventure, sci-fi
Director: Paul Verhoeven, Actors: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sharon Stone, Michael Ironside, Rachel Ticotin, Ronny Cox, Mars...
Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a 21st-century construction worker who discovers that his entire memory of the past derives from a memory chip implanted in his brain. Schwarzenegger learns that he's actually a secret agent who had become a threat to the government, so those in power planted the chip and invented a domestic lifestyle for him. Once he has realized his true identity, he travels to Mars to piece together the rest of his identity, as well as to find the man responsible for his implanted memory.
Red
2010
7.1/10
action, comedy, crime, thriller
Director: Robert Schwentke, Actors: Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman, Mary-Louise Parker, Karl Urban, John Mal...
Frank Moses (Bruce Willis) used to be a hired gun for the CIA. Along with Joe (Morgan Freeman), Marvin (John Malkovich), and Victoria (Helen Mirren), Frank's specialty was carrying out contracts that the government didn't want the public to know about. These days, Frank and his old gang are all retired, but the powers that be are still concerned that they know too much, and dispatch a team of top assassins to ensure their silence. Now, Frank and his former team members realize that their only hope for survival is to break into CIA headquarters and expose the truth. But once they're in, the group uncovers evidence of a massive cover-up that promises to rock the very foundation of our government.
The Transporter
2002
6.8/10
action, crime, thriller
Director: Corey Yuen, Actors: Jason Statham, Qi Shu, Matt Schulze, François Berléand, Doug Rand, Didier Saint Meli...
Jason Statham stars as Frank Martin, a former Special Forces operative who is now a high-priced courier paid a lot of money to deliver packages he would rather know nothing about. His creed: Never change the deal, use no names, and never look in the package. But when he finds out that his latest delivery is a beautiful young woman (Shu Qi), everything changes, and he is off on a wild chase, in his specially made BMW, that includes plenty of explosions, bare-knuckle fighting, cool weaponry, and tongue-in-cheek humor.
Seven Pounds
2008
7.7/10
drama
Director: Gabriele Muccino, Actors: Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, Michael Ealy, Barry Pepper, Robinne Lee...
Gabriele Muccino (THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS) directs this tale of a man devastated by a tragedy in his past who is seeking redemption. To the outside world, Ben Thomas (Will Smith) is a cordial, atypically helpful agent for the Internal Revenue Service. But when he's alone, Ben is tormented by a tragic incident in his past, sinking into grief. He's even cut off communication with his beloved brother (Michael Ealy). Nevertheless, Ben is especially interested in strangers with challenging circumstances. He's taken particular interest in Emily Posa (Rosario Dawson), a lovely young woman with congenital heart disease who is being audited by the IRS. Ben finds himself falling for Emily, and has to choose the best way to follow his heart. Smith wears Ben's heart on his sleeve, the pain of his past loss and his impending future apparent in his face both when he is alone and when he begins to feel happiness--which he doesn't think he deserved--with Emily. He also nails Ben's pleasant work persona, masking his pain as he charms strangers and earns their trust. Dawson is beguiling as Emily, whose only wish is to have more time to experience life, especially once she finds love with Ben. With flashbacks mixed into the story, SEVEN POUNDS takes a circuitous route, saving some surprises for its end. Woody Harrelson appears as a blind man, and Barry Pepper plays Ben's best friend and confidante, Dan.
Cars
2006
7.2/10
animation, adventure, comedy, family, sport
Directors: John Lasseter, Joe Ranft, Actors: Joe Ranft, Owen Wilson, Bonnie Hunt, Paul Newman, Larry the Cable Guy, Chee...
Lightning McQueen, a hotshot rookie race car driven to succeed, discovers that life is about the journey, not the finish line, when he finds himself unexpectedly detoured in the sleepy Route 66 town of Radiator Springs. On route across the country to the big Piston Cup Championship in California to compete against two seasoned pros, McQueen gets to know the town's offbeat characters--including Sally, a snazzy 2002 Porsche, Doc Hudson, a 1951 Hudson Hornet with a mysterious past, and Mater, a rusty but trusty tow truck--who help him realize that there are more important things than trophies, fame and sponsorship.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
2000
7.9/10
action, drama, romance
Director: Ang Lee, Actors: Yun-Fat Chow, Michelle Yeoh, Ziyi Zhang, Chen Chang, Sihung Lung, Pei-pei Cheng, Xian Gao, De...
Legendary martial artist Li Mu Bai is tracking the murderer of his master. The poised and self-assured Li can handle anything -- except his feelings for lithe, pantherish Yu Shu Lien. Jen Yu, the tremulous and spoiled daughter of the Province's governor, is also fascinated by Shu Lien's glamorous life: that a woman can have so many adventures and such freedom is marvelous to her. Though the refined Jen is soon to be married off into respectability, she harbors a sinister plan. By night she transforms into a masked and cunning thief, out to steal the Green Destiny, an invincible blade once wielded by Li. At the same time, Li embarks on his own quest to recover the missing sword, possibly the key to his master's murder.
Mission: Impossible 2
2000
6.0/10
action, adventure, thriller
Director: John Woo, Actors: Tom Cruise, Dougray Scott, Thandie Newton, Ving Rhames, Richard Roxburgh, John Polson, Brend...
Tom Cruise is back as Ethan Hunt, this time battling wits with rogue IMF agent Sean Ambrose (Dougray Scott). Hunt is ordered to recruit Ambrose's former lover, Nyah Hall (Thandie Newton), to infiltrate his hideout. But Hunt never expected to fall for the lovely young thief he must use for bait. The romantic triangle that ensues gives the film a unique emotional balance that is unusual (and most welcome) for an action picture. Ambrose is after the killer Chimera virus and its antidote, Bellerophon; in the old days Ambrose would have been after world domination, but in this new world order of day trading and Internet stocks, all he wants is to corner the market and make a fortune. Woo outdoes even himself with a flurry of martial-arts fights, fiery shootouts, thrilling mountain climbing, and blazing motorcycle chases that lead from the beautiful peaks of Utah through the busy streets of Sidney. All of this is set to a booming hard-rock soundtrack that battles with the explosions and blasting guns for ear space. And he doesn't fail to include his trademark birds fluttering like peaceful interludes in the most threatening of moments.
Starship Troopers
1997
7.2/10
action, sci-fi
Director: Paul Verhoeven, Actors: Casper Van Dien, Denise Richards, Dina Meyer, Jake Busey, Neil Patrick Harris, Seth Gi...
Upon graduating school, Johnny Rico volunteers for the Mobile Infantry to do his Federal Service. Far from having patriotic motives, Johnny has joined the infantry to win the heart of his girlfriend, Carmen Ibanez, who has signed up for the Fleet Academy to become a starship pilot. Johnny undergoes rigorous military training at boot camp along with other young recruits including Dizzy Flores, who has harbored a crush on Johnny from their school days, and Ace Levy who earns Johnny's respect and friendship. Johnny accepts the challenge of boot camp and displays remarkable abilities that eventually earn him the position of squad leader. When a tragic training accident occurs on his watch, Johnny realizes he joined up for the wrong reasons. He is about to resign when Earth is attacked by the Bugs. Horrified by the death of his family and friends, Johnny is on board when the Mobile Infantry travels to distant planets to take the war to the Bugs.
Twilight 2: New Moon
2009
4.6/10
adventure, drama, fantasy, romance
Director: Chris Weitz, Actors: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Billy Burke, Ashley Greene, Peter Faci...
The supernatural tale of starcrossed lovers continues as the Cullen family flees Forks in order to protect Bella (Kristen Stewart), and the heartbroken high-school senior discovers that vampires aren't the only creatures in town. Realizing that Bella will never be safe as long as he's around, Edward (Robert Pattinson) makes the difficult decision to leave his beloved behind shortly after her 18th birthday. Reeling from her loss, Bella embraces self-destruction after being comforted by Edward's image during a moment of mortal peril. But as heavy-hearted as Bella may be, her old friend Jacob (Taylor Lautner) distracts her from her sorrows by helping her renovate a weather-beaten motorbike. When Bella encounters a former adversary with a sizable grudge, she's rescued from harm at the last second by pack of enormous, ferocious wolves. Subsequently delving into the history of the Quileutes, Bella discovers the secrets of Jacob's tribe while looking forward to a reunion with Edward that may have deadly consequences.
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
2000
7.8/10
adventure, comedy, crime, music
Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, Actors: George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson, John Goodman, Charles Durning...
In this update of Homer's "The Odyssey," set in the 1930's Depression-era deep South, three convicts--the garrulous silver-tongued Everett, the sweet and simple Delmar and the maladjusted Pete--escape from a chain gang and embark on the adventure of a lifetime. They set out to pursue their freedom and the promise of sharing in the division of a fortune in buried treasure. With nothing to lose and still shackled, they make a hasty run for their lives and end up on an incredible journey filled with awesome experiences and colorful characters. However, they must also match wits with a cunning and mysterious lawman determined to capture them.
The Book of Eli
2010
6.9/10
action, adventure, drama, thriller
Directors: Albert Hughes, Allen Hughes, Actors: Denzel Washington, Mila Kunis, Ray Stevenson, Gary Oldman, Jennifer Beal...
In a post-apocalyptic America where the once-picturesque countryside has become a desolate and violent wasteland, one man (Denzel Washington) fights to protect that sacred tome that could hold the key to the survival of the human race.
Gone in 60 Seconds
2000
6.5/10
action, crime, thriller
Director: Dominic Sena, Actors: Nicolas Cage, Angelina Jolie, Giovanni Ribisi, Delroy Lindo, Will Patton, Scott Caan, Wi...
Memphis Raines (Nicholas Cage) is a former car thief who is forced to come out of retirement when his younger brother, Kip (Giovanni Ribisi), is unable to deliver 50 expensive cars to dangerous smuggler Raymond Calitri (Christopher Eccleston). With his brother's life on the line, Memphis must enlist his old car-stealing partners for help in order to pull off the ultimate crime. His team includes his mentor, Otto (Robert Duvall), and an old flame (Angelina Jolie), plus a crew of other colorful characters. Once he gets them all together, Memphis has to do the impossible: organize the theft of 50 cars from all over Los Angeles in a single night, hampered by rivals, security systems, and the best efforts of the LAPD detective (Delroy Lindo) who is out to get him.
Scream
1996
7.2/10
horror, mystery
Director: Wes Craven, Actors: Wes Craven, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Skeet Ulrich, Roger Jackson, Dre...
Sidney has more than her share of teenage angst to cope with. Her mom was murdered a year ago, her dad is perpetually away on business, and her boyfriend Billy is pressuring her to go all the way. As if that weren't enough, a brilliant serial killer has begun to terrorize Sidney's quiet hometown, including her highschool classmate Casey Becker. With the calculated genius of a perfect predator, the killer is using his love of scary movies to turn the town upside down - taking everything he knows about the genre to trick his victims, outwit the police and throw his pursuers off base. Now, no one is safe - and everyone is a suspect.
Green Lantern
2011
5.7/10
action, adventure, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Martin Campbell, Actors: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong, Tim Robbins, Jay O. Sander...
In a universe as vast as it is mysterious, a small but powerful force has existed for centuries. Protectors of peace and justice, they are called the Green Lantern Corps. A brotherhood of warriors sworn to keep intergalactic order, each Green Lantern wears a ring that grants him superpowers. But when a new enemy called Parallax threatens to destroy the balance of power in the Universe, their fate and the fate of Earth lie in the hands of their newest recruit, the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan. Hal is a gifted and cocky test pilot, but the Green Lanterns have little respect for humans, who have never harnessed the infinite powers of the ring before. But Hal is clearly the missing piece to the puzzle, and along with his determination and willpower, he has one thing no member of the Corps has ever had: humanity. With the encouragement of fellow pilot and childhood sweetheart Carol Ferris, if Hal can quickly master his new powers and find the courage to overcome his fears, he may prove to be not only the key to defeating Parallax... he will become the greatest Green Lantern of all.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
2010
6.6/10
action, adventure, fantasy, romance
Director: Mike Newell, Actors: Jake Gyllenhaal, Gemma Arterton, Ben Kingsley, Alfred Molina, Steve Toussaint, Toby Kebbe...
Set in medieval Persia, the story of an adventurous prince who teams up with a rival princess to stop an angry ruler from unleashing a sandstorm that could destroy the world. Which is why after the prince was tricked by a dying Vizier to unleash the Sands of Time that turns out to destroy a kingdom and transforms its populace into ferocious demons. In his effort to save his own kingdom and redeem his fatal mistake, it's up to the prince and the princess to return the sands to the hourglass by using the Dagger of Time, which also gives him a limited control over the flow of time.
The Mist
2007
7.2/10
horror, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Frank Darabont, Actors: Thomas Jane, Marcia Gay Harden, Laurie Holden, Andre Braugher, Toby Jones, William Sad...
When a thick fog descends upon a rural community and claims the lives of anyone unfortunate enough to be caught outside, a small band of survivors seeks refuge in a local grocery store. Now trapped in a darkened cloud of pure horror, the frightened denizens of the town are forced to fend off an advancing horde of murderous monsters.
Top Gun
1986
6.8/10
action, drama, romance
Director: Tony Scott, Actors: Tom Cruise, Tim Robbins, Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer, Anthony Edwards, Tom Skerritt, Michae...
Maverick (Tom Cruise) is a reckless F-14 pilot who flies by instinct and breaks all of the rules. While attending the Navy's elite air combat training academy, affectionately known as "Top Gun," Maverick romances the civilian astrophysics instructor (Kelly McGillis) and competes with crackerjack pilot Ice (Val Kilmer) for top honors. He is the quintessential rebel, upsetting senior officers with his antics and risk-taking while simultaneously amazing them with his skill. In the end, Maverick overcomes a tragic loss and his need to stand out in the crowd and proves that he can shine as part of a team.
Bridesmaids
2011
6.8/10
comedy, romance
Director: Paul Feig, Actors: Paul Feig, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ellie Kemper, Meli...
Kristen Wiig stars as Annie, a maid of honor whose life unravels as she leads her best friend, Lillian and a group of colorful bridesmaids on a wild ride down the road to matrimony. Annie's life is a mess, but when she finds out her lifetime best friend is engaged, she simply must serve as Lillian's maid of honor. Though lovelorn and broke, Annie bluffs her way through the expensive and bizarre rituals. With one chance to get it perfect, she'll show Lillian and her bridesmaids just how far you'll go for someone you love. Stars Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ellie Kemper, Melissa McCarthy, Chris O'DowdDirector Paul Feig and producer Judd Apatow team up again for this comedy that stars Kristen Wiig as Annie, a romantically unattached failed bakery owner who fears she's losing her BFF, Lillian (Maya Rudolph), the best thing in her life, when Lillian announces she's gotten engaged. Annie's anxieties deepen as Lillian grows close to Helen (Rose Byrne), a wealthy and beautiful new friend who quickly assumes control of planning all the pre-wedding festivities. On top of the main storyline of a female friendship being torn apart, the movie adds a romantic storyline for Annie, who starts the film answering a booty call from the casually cruel yet undeniably handsome Ted (Jon Hamm), but develops a lovely flirtation with an Irish cop named Rhodes (Chris O'Dowd) after he pulls Annie over one night thinking she's driving drunk. As the low-self-esteem Annie sabotages this new possibility for love, she also feels the most important friendship in her life slipping away.
Taken 2
2012
6.3/10
action, crime, thriller
Director: Olivier Megaton, Actors: Liam Neeson, Famke Janssen, Maggie Grace, Leland Orser, Jon Gries, Luke Grimes, D.B. ...
Bryan Mills, the former CIA man who rescued his daughter Kim from some Albanian human traffickers, is being targeted by the families of the men he killed. When he goes to Istanbul on a job, he invites Kim and her mother, Leonor, whose marriage is on the rocks to join him. When the Albanians learn of this they try to grab them. They get Bryan and Leonor, he warns Kim and she evades them. Later he calls Kim to tell her to go to the Embassy but she insists that he let her help them. Bryan tells her to get his case which is filled with weapons and with that, she finds them and gives him a weapon.
Robin Hood
2010
6.7/10
action, adventure, drama, history
Director: Ridley Scott, Actors: Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, Matthew Macfadyen, Max von Sydow, William Hurt, Mark Stro...
Cast aside all notions of men in tights: Ridley Scott's ROBIN HOOD is decidedly earthier and more grown-up than most romps through Sherwood Forest. The presence of the over-40 Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett cinches the deal, lending a dose of worldliness to a project that means to be about the origins of the famous character, who in this incarnation was evidently a late bloomer. Robin Longstride (that's his name before he started wearing a hood) is just returned from a 10-year jaunt in the Crusades when he loses his king (Danny Huston as Richard the Lionheart) and his job. Back in England, Robin folds himself neatly into a Nottingham family, where a grieving widow named Marion (Blanchett) and her father-in-law (Max von Sydow) hardly care that he doesn't much resemble their own departed warrior. But the merry men and their famous sideline will have to wait: except for one bit of robbing from the rich (i.e., the greedy government of King John) and giving to the poor, this movie is more concerned with creating a portrait of the royal intrigue that went into creating Robin Hood than in detailing the high jinks of the Nottingham outlaws. And that's not a bad thing, because although ROBIN HOOD lacks the mechanical action beats that distinguish most films of its scale, it creates an engrossing story line around its political chess playing (outlined by screenwriter Brian Helgeland and apparently a few others). Crowe is in reliable crusty-tender form and Blanchett summons up more than her sketchy character probably deserves, but the film has a large cast of chewy, fun performers: Mark Strong (KICK-ASS) does baddie duty as the treacherous pal of King John (preening Oscar Isaacs), William Hurt is stalwart and wise as a royal power broker, Eileen Atkins is a carefully considered royal mum, and Matthew Macfadyen is a Sheriff of Nottingham who's no longer central to the villainy--though no less hissable for his ineptitude (and a prime candidate at film's end for No. 1 bad guy in the sequel). In short, not a GLADIATOR re-do for Scott and Crowe, but a civilized tale of tyrants and rebels, staged in a pleasingly old-fashioned way.
Kingdom of Heaven
2005
7.2/10
action, adventure, drama, history, war
Director: Ridley Scott, Actors: Orlando Bloom, Eva Green, Liam Neeson, David Thewlis, Michael Sheen, Jeremy Irons, Marto...
An epic film set in Europe and the Middle East, the story follows one man's struggle to better himself and the world around him. Orlando Bloom stars as Balian, a French blacksmith who is mourning the deaths of his wife and baby when his estranged nobleman father (Liam Neeson) arrives and asks him to join the Crusades in Jerusalem. Mindful that conducting the Lord's work will help him atone for his sins, Balian agrees, and embarks on the perilous journey. Along the way, he reveals his gifts of inherent goodness and fair treatment of all human beings. Upon reaching Jerusalem, a city where his meager beginnings no longer matter, Balian earns respect and fealty, while the evil Guy de Lusignan (Marton Csokas) looks down his aristocratic nose at the former laborer.
28 Weeks Later
2007
7.0/10
horror, sci-fi
Director: Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, Actors: Jeremy Renner, Rose Byrne, Robert Carlyle, Harold Perrineau, Catherine McCorm...
Six months have passed since the rage virus has annihilated the British Isles. The U.S. Army declares that the war against infection has been won, and that the reconstruction of the country can begin. As the first wave of refugees return, a family is reunited--but one of them unwittingly carries a terrible secret. The virus is not yet dead, and this time--showing no outward symptoms--it is more dangerous than ever.
Liar Liar
1997
6.8/10
comedy
Director: Tom Shadyac, Actors: Jim Carrey, Maura Tierney, Justin Cooper, Jennifer Tilly, Swoosie Kurtz, Cary Elwes, Anne...
Jim Carrey plays a lawyer whose penchant for prevarication is tested when his son makes a birthday wish that his father would tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth for 24 hours, so help him God! Without his daily defense of white lies, selfish fibs, and outright deception, the helpless lawyer finds himself blurting uncensored truths with total, and totally outrageous, candor. The script is clever enough to milk the premise for all it's worth, but it's Carrey's energy--particularly in a hilarious bathroom scene where he literally mugs himself to delay a trial--that keeps the movie going to its sappy happy ending.
The Proposal
2009
6.7/10
comedy, drama, romance
Director: Anne Fletcher, Actors: Anne Fletcher, Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Mary Steenburgen, Craig T. Nelson, Denis ...
Those used to seeing the sweet, sunny side of Sandra Bullock might be surprised by her character in this romantic comedy. Here, the actress plays a difficult Canadian boss who forces her assistant (Ryan Reynolds) to marry her so that she can stay in America.
The Boondock Saints
1999
7.9/10
action, crime, thriller
Director: Troy Duffy, Actors: Troy Duffy, Willem Dafoe, Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus, Billy Connolly, David Ferry...
Fraternal twins Conner (Flanery - SUICIDE KINGS) and Murphey (Reedus - GOSSIP) MacMannus are on a mission from God to rid Boston of crime. However, instead of signing up for the police force, these hard-drinking Irish-American brothers take the law into their own hands a la Charles Bronson in DEATH WISH. Heralded as saints by the city's beleaguered residents, the brothers also attract the attention of Paul Smecker (Dafoe - EXISTENZ), the openly gay FBI special agent assigned to investigate the spate of killings amongst the ranks of the Russian mafia. First-time director Duffy pulls out all the breaks in this inventive, action-packed thriller sure to please fans of HARD BOILED and RESERVOIR DOGS.
The Lego Movie
2014
7.8/10
animation, adventure, comedy, family, fantasy
Directors: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Actors: Christopher Miller, Will Arnett, Elizabeth Banks, Alison Brie, Morgan ...
Emmet is an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure who is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which Emmet is hopelessly underprepared.
Batman Returns
1992
7.0/10
action
Director: Tim Burton, Actors: Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Cristi Conaway, Micha...
In director Tim Burton's sequel to his successful BATMAN (1989), the Caped Crusador (Michael Keaton) is pitted against the demented, ravenous Penguin (Danny DeVito), a pitiful, orphaned psychopathic freak who once went on a baby-killing spree, and a "power" hungry capitalist villain Max Shreck (Christopher Walken). As the two criminals plot to gain domination over Gotham City, BATMAN must plot to stop them. In the highly stylized BATMAN RETURNS--complete with dark, Gothic architecture and moody lighting--Batman (and his alter-ego Bruce Wayne) is thrown a third enemy, a terrible distraction: Cat Woman (fearlessly and fabulously played by Michelle Pfeiffer). She is the slinky, sharp-clawed alter-ego of Shreck's secretary Selina. Batman must overcome his own dark past, and his present love entanglements, to rid Gotham of it's evil enemies, this time with even more intricately designed sets and tongue-in-cheek humor, making BATMAN RETURNS an action-packed, but darkly fun adventure.
The Blind Side
2009
7.7/10
biography, drama, sport
Director: John Lee Hancock, Actors: Quinton Aaron, Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Jae Head, Lily Collins, Ray McKinnon, Kim...
Taken in by a well-to-do family and offered a second chance at life, a homeless teen grows to become the star athlete projected to be the first pick at the NFL draft in this sports-themed comedy drama inspired by author Michael Lewis' best-seller The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game. Michael Oher was living on the streets when he was welcomed into the home of a conservative suburban family, but over time he matured into a talented athlete. As the NFL draft approaches, fans and sports radio personalities alike speculate that Oher will be the hottest pick of the year.
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
1994
6.9/10
comedy
Director: Tom Shadyac, Actors: Jim Carrey, Courteney Cox, Sean Young, Dan Marino, Tone Loc, Troy Evans, Udo Kier, Raynor...
Pet detective Ace Ventura may be a clumsy, bumbling fool, but he always gets the job done. His latest assignment: to recover the Miami Dolphins' mascot, a.k.a. Snowflake. Poor little Snowflake has been dolphin-napped -- but luckily, Ace is on the case.
Underworld
2003
7.0/10
action, fantasy, thriller
Director: Len Wiseman, Actors: Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Shane Brolly, Michael Sheen, Bill Nighy, Erwin Leder, So...
Vampires and lycans--an ancient form of werewolf--are at war. While the vampires inhabit a gigantic castle that houses their ancestor's tombs, the lycans live underground in a dilapidated sewer cave. Both teams are equipped with big guns, and they are constantly innovating deadlier bullets to gain advantage over each other. On the vampire side, the leather-clad death agent Selene (Kate Beckinsale) delegates teams of vamps to attack the lycans. But when she discovers that the lycans have kidnapped a human medical student, Michael Corvin (Scott Speedman), she knows the worst is on its way. Against the orders of her superior, Kraven (Shane Brolly), who is obsessively in love with Selene, she awakens the most powerful vampire of all time, Viktor (Bill Nighy) and prepares for a massive feud against lycan leader Lucian (Michael Sheen).
Once Upon a Time in America
1984
8.4/10
crime, drama
Director: Sergio Leone, Actors: Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern, Treat Williams, Tuesday Weld, Joe Pesci...
Spanning four decades, the film tells the story of David "Noodles" Aaronson (Robert De Niro) and his Jewish pals, chronicling their childhoods on New York's Lower East Side in the 1920s, through their gangster careers in the 1930s, and culminating in Noodles' 1968 return to New York from self-imposed exile, at which time he learns the truth about the fate of his friends and again confronts the nightmare of his past. The acting, the re-creation of the time period, the cinematography, and the music are all superb. However, even more important is Leone's ability to make the film work on so many different levels: it's both a criticism of gangster-film mythology and a continuation of the director's exploration of the issues of time and history. Strange as it may seem, the violence and gore in the first half of the film turn into a sad elegy about wasted lives and lost love.
Step Brothers
2008
6.9/10
comedy
Director: Adam McKay, Actors: Adam McKay, Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Mary Steenburgen, Adam Scott, Richard Jenkins, K...
Brennan Huff and Dale Doback are both about 40 when Brennan's mom and Dale's dad marry. The sons still live with the parents so they must now share a room. Initial antipathy threatens the household's peace and the parents' relationship. Dad lays down the law: both slackers have a week to find a job. Out of the job search and their love of music comes a pact that leads to friendship but more domestic disarray compounded by the boys' sleepwalking. Hovering nearby are Brennan's successful brother and his lonely wife: the brother wants to help sell his step-father's house, the wife wants Dale's attention, and the newlyweds want to retire and sail the seven seas. Can harmony come from the discord?
The Patriot
2000
7.1/10
action, drama, war
Director: Roland Emmerich, Actors: Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger, Joely Richardson, Jason Isaacs, Chris Cooper, Rene Auberjon...
Mel Gibson plays reluctant hero Benjamin Martin, a man who fought with both heroism and brutality in the French and Indian War, but who is now seeking to peacefully tend his own fields and ignore the later and greater conflict. Despite Martin's scrupulous parenting, however, his idealistic son Gabriel (Heath Ledger) leaves home to join the colonial army. Soon the war is literally on Martin's doorstep; a cruel British officer named Tavington (Jason Isaacs) kills one of his children and unwittingly galvanizes Martin, Gabriel, and a ragtag militia of locals into a fierce guerilla unit bent on revenge and liberty.
Monsters Inc. 2: Monsters University
2013
7.4/10
animation, adventure, comedy, family, fantasy
Director: Dan Scanlon, Actors: Dan Scanlon, Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Helen Mirren, Peter Sohn, Joel M...
Take a trip back in time to when star Monsters, Inc. employees Mike Wazowski (voice of Billy Crystal) and James P. "Sully" Sullivan (voice of John Goodman) were just two promising young students at Monsters University in this frightfully fun Disney/Pixar prequel. Long before they were lurking in closets for a living, Mike and Sully (voice of John Goodman) were just two Scaring majors at Monsters University, dreaming of the day they would make children shriek in terror. When their heated competition to be the most fearsome in their class gets out of hand, however, Mike and Sully find themselves ejected from the prestigious Scare Program, and forced to seek the aid of the oddball friends in order to get their education back on track.
Maleficent
2014
7.1/10
action, adventure, family, fantasy, romance
Director: Robert Stromberg, Actors: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple, Sam Rile...
Angelina Jolie stars as the title character, who, as a teenager, is a powerful and respected winged fairy helping to rule a magical land full of strange creatures. Her homeland borders a country that is populated by humans and run by the cruel King Henry (Kenneth Cranham). One day, Henry's son Stefan (Jackson Bews) traipses into the fairy's land and meets Maleficent, causing the two crazy teens to fall into forbidden love. Year later, Henry seeks to take over the magical land next to his kingdom, but is thwarted in battle by Maleficent. He demands revenge, and eventually his now-grown son Stefan (played as an adult by Sharlto Copley) succeeds by betraying the fairy and clipping her wings. In response, an infuriated Maleficent swears revenge on Stefan; she gets her chance when the prince becomes king and has his first child, a daughter named Aurora (Elle Fanning) -- as Sleeping Beauty fans will remember, Maleficent curses her to fall into a death-like sleep after pricking her finger on a spinning wheel on her 16th birthday. Stefan demands that all of the spinning wheels be collected, and orders his daughter to be secretly raised in the woods by three good-hearted but dim-witted fairies, who will return her to him the day after her 16th birthday. However, Maleficent refuses to stay away from Aurora and ends up developing maternal feelings for the girl, eventually inspiring her to try to undo the curse she placed upon the princess.
Pretty Woman
1990
6.9/10
comedy, romance
Director: Garry Marshall, Actors: Garry Marshall, Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Jason Alexander, Ralph Bellamy, Laura San...
While driving back to his Beverly Hills hotel, millionaire corporate raider Edward Lewis takes a wrong turn and ends up on Hollywood Boulevard, where he meets prostitute Vivian Ward. She steers him back to his hotel, charming him along the way, and he decides to hire her for the rest of the evening. In the morning, Edward realizes that he could use an escort for the week, so he hands Vivian $3000 to stay -- and sends her on a fantasy shopping spree. What begins as a purely business transaction develops into something more, but can a poor prostitute and a rich businessman really live happily ever after?
Office Space
1999
7.8/10
comedy
Director: Mike Judge, Actors: Mike Judge, Ron Livingston, Jennifer Aniston, David Herman, Ajay Naidu, Stephen Root, Died...
This geeky 1999 office comedy starring Ron Livingston as a corporate Everyman instantly gained cult status for its unabashed caricatures of office personalities, and its theme of corporate sabotage. Peter Gibbons (Livingston) is a typical middle manager living a mundane life amid a gray maze of cubicles. Everything in his life reeks of mediocrity, from the mid-size car he drives to the chain restaurant, Chotchky's (read: TGI Friday's), where he eats lunch every day. Even his apartment, a cookie-cutter duplex with walls so thin that he can chat with his next-door neighborhood through the plaster, is totally lacking in personality. The company where he works is peppered with ambitionless drones who blindly comply with the condescending requests made of them by their Porsche-driving CEO (Gary Cole). Then one day, Gibbons snaps. As a team of experts is brought in to enact large-scale layoffs, Gibbons simply stops trying and adopts an attitude of total disinterest. That is, he's only interested in dating the blond waitress (Jennifer Anniston) at the local restaurant, and putting in place a devilish scheme for some corporate payback. OFFICE SPACE's writer-director Mike Judge (BEAVIS AND BUTT-HEAD), scares up some A-list laughs with this film, while also making an excellent parody of corporate culture. Released just as the dot-com boom began to go bust, with massive trends in corporate downsizing on the horizon, it could not have been better timed. Thus, while viewers will delight in the absurdity of the ultimate office loser Milton (Stephen Root), they will also identify with some frighteningly realistic aspects of the film.
Angels and Demons
2009
6.7/10
mystery, thriller
Director: Ron Howard, Actors: Tom Hanks, Ewan McGregor, Ayelet Zurer, Stellan Skarsgård, Pierfrancesco Favino, Armin ...
Despite his notorious relationship with the Roman Catholic church, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is once again called upon to decipher the clues to a catastrophic conspiracy. The Pope has died, and before a conclave can begin to determine his successor, the four preferitti (primary hopefuls for the papacy) are kidnapped. An ominous threat of their hourly demise, along with the complete annihilation of Vatican City, is issued as an elaborate revenge scheme by a persecuted group known as the Illuminati. With their meager time limit steadily counting down, Langdon, accompanied by beautiful physicist Vittoria Vetra, must travel throughout Rome to unravel the carefully hidden signs that will lead them to a terrifying adversary, a harrowing discovery, and the shocking truth.
Resident Evil
2002
6.7/10
action, horror, sci-fi
Director: Paul W.S. Anderson, Actors: Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, Ryan McCluskey, Indra Ové, Oscar Pearce, An...
Something terrible is lurking in the Hive, a vast underground genetic research facility run by the Umbrella Corporation, a faceless bio-engineering conglomerate. A deadly viral outbreak occurs, and in response, the Red Queen - a vast supercomputer that controls and monitors the Hive - seals the entire facility to contain the leak, killing all the trapped employees. Alice and Rain must lead fellow commandos to isolate the virus that has wiped out Umbrella's entire research staff. The team soon discovers, however, that the workers are not really dead. They are now the ravenous, zombie-like Undead, and they are prowling the hive and turning their victims into zombies. Alice and the military task force have three hours to complete their mission before the Undead threaten to overrun the Earth.
American Pie 2
2001
6.4/10
comedy, romance
Director: J.B. Rogers, Actors: J.B. Rogers, Jason Biggs, Seann William Scott, Shannon Elizabeth, Alyson Hannigan, Chris ...
The students of East Great Falls High have spent a year apart, going to different colleges and learning a bit more about life. Jim has discovered that losing your virginity doesn't necessarily make you suave, while Oz is trying to cope with his girlfriend spending a summer abroad. Meanwhile, Stifler remains his badly-behaved self. Coming together for the first time in a year, the guys rent a beach house and vow to make this the best summer ever. As it turns out, whether that will happen or not has a lot to do with the girls. Vicky has become a little less idealistic, while Michelle is more down to earth. Heather, meanwhile, wants to see all the world has to offer her. Between the wild parties, outrageous revelations and yes, a trip to band camp, they discover that times change and people change, but in the end, it's all about sticking together.
Sucker Punch
2011
6.1/10
action, adventure, fantasy
Director: Zack Snyder, Actors: Emily Browning, Vanessa Hudgens, Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone, Jamie Chung, Carla Gugino, O...
Close your eyes. Open your mind. You will be unprepared. A young girl's dream world provides the ultimate escape from her darker reality. Unrestrained by the boundaries of time and place, she is free to go where her mind takes her, and her incredible adventures blur the lines between what's real and what is imaginary. She has been locked away against her will, but Babydoll has not lost her will to survive. Determined to fight for her freedom, she urges four other young girls--the outspoken Rocket, the street-smart Blondie, the fiercely loyal Amber and the reluctant Sweet Pea - to band together and try to escape their terrible fate at the hands of their captors, Blue, Madam Gorski and the High Roller. Led by Babydoll, the girls engage in fantastical warfare against everything from samurais to serpents, with a virtual arsenal at their disposal. Together, they must decide what they are willing to sacrifice in order to stay alive. But with the help of a Wise Man, their unbelievable journey - if they succeed - will set them free.
The Chronicles of Riddick: Pitch Black
2000
7.1/10
action, horror, sci-fi
Director: David Twohy, Actors: Radha Mitchell, Cole Hauser, Vin Diesel, Keith David, Lewis Fitz-Gerald, Rhiana Griffith,...
A spacecraft carrying an assortment of passengers including Riddick (Vin Diesel), a dangerous, shackled murderer between prisons, is forced to make a crash landing on a barren, triple-sunned planet after the craft suffers severe damage during a meteor shower. The ship is ripped into pieces, killing several crew members and leaving meek officer Fry (Radha Mitchell) in charge of the survivors. After two unfortunate deaths, the survivors discover that the only visible life form on the planet is a species of light-fearing, carnivorous, occasionally cannibalistic aliens dwelling in caverns beneath the desert surface. Using a model of the planet and its suns in an abandoned research station, Fry deduces that she and her fellow travellers have unfortunately descended on the planet on the day of its first total eclipse in 22 years, giving them mere hours before they are bathed in total darkness. Only then is it safe for the hungry subterranean creatures to emerge, seeking to feed on the remaining survivors. However, the dangerous Riddick, through black market injections received in lock-up, is able to see in darkness- causing the surviving crew members to reluctantly remain dependent on the potentially harmful criminal. As the survivors are killed one by one by the hungry creatures, they realize that Riddick may be their only hope.
Blow
2001
7.6/10
biography, crime, drama
Director: Ted Demme, Actors: Ted Demme, Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Franka Potente, Jordi Mollà, Rachel Griffiths,...
George Jung (Johnny Depp) doesn't want to live like his father (Ray Liotta)--always short of money and constantly berated by his mother (Rachel Griffiths). So he sets off for California to live on the beach, where he finds he can make a living selling drugs. Soon George's drug dealing business expands into shipping drugs across the country. Needing a bigger supply of drugs, he travels to Columbia and meets Pablo Escobar (Cliff Curtis). Before long, George becomes the biggest trafficker of cocaine in the United States.
Alien 3
1992
6.4/10
action, sci-fi, thriller
Director: David Fincher, Actors: Sigourney Weaver, Charles S. Dutton, Charles Dance, Paul McGann, Ralph Brown, Brian Glo...
Crash landing on a barren penal-colony planet with an unwelcomed visitor in tow, Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) contends with a group of hardened convicts while using nothing but her wits to battle a terrifying new breed of alien. The sole survivor of her crashed escape pod, Ripley is rescued from the craft by the remaining inhabitants of Fiorina 161, a group of rapists and murders who chose to repent for their sins in deep space after the penal colony was officially decommissioned. When remaining warden Andrews (Brian Glover) announces Ripley's presence to the inmates, their spiritual leader, Dillon (Charles S. Dutton), begins to fear that her presence will stir up trouble. As a result, Ripley is placed in the care of prison doctor Clemens (Charles Dance), and restricted to the infirmary until a rescue ship arrives. But Ripley isn't the only new visitor on Fiorina 161; an alien stowaway survived the crash as well, and it has planted its seed in a feral dog. Before long, a new breed of alien has burst from the dog's chest, a stealthy hunter that moves on all fours and can navigate the darkened prison corridors virtually undetected. When the inmates start to disappear, the remaining survivors must fight for their lives without weapons to defend themselves. The only person who knows the alien well enough to beat it is Ripley, and while her plan to corner and kill the creature just might work, a horrifying discovery reveals that her fight is far from over.
300: Rise of an Empire
2014
6.3/10
action, drama, fantasy, war
Director: Noam Murro, Actors: Sullivan Stapleton, Eva Green, Lena Headey, Hans Matheson, David Wenham, Rodrigo Santoro, ...
Greek general Themistokles (Sullivan Stapleton) assembles his troops to fend off an invading Persian army led by the immortal Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro) and the vindictive Persian navy commander Artemisia (Eva Green) in this sequel to 300 based on the graphic novel Xerses by Frank Miller. In the wake of the Persians' victory over King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans, the God King Xerxes (Santoro) appears poised to conquer Greece. As the ruthless Artemisia (Eva Green) assembles a massive fleet of ships and sets sail for conquest, Greek general Themistokles (Sullivan Stapleton) strives to rally his countrymen to fight for freedom, and he manages to gain the upper hand over the invaders by confronting them at sea. Meanwhile, Leonidas' former advisor and wife Queen Gorgo (Lena Headey) is reluctant to sacrifice any more Spartans in a fight that appears to be unwinnable. When the Greeks enjoy an early victory over Artemisia and her soldiers, however, it appears that Themistokles' unconventional tactics are more effective than the Persian Empire's formidable brawn. But later, after Artemisia's attempt to seduce Themistokles to her side proves unsuccessful, the spurned naval commander deals a devastating blow to her Greek opponents. In the aftermath of that skirmish, Themistokles is presumed dead and Athens falls. The Persian Empire seems on the verge of victory, though when Xerxes and Artemisia learn that Themistokles lives, they realize the fight won't be over until he takes his final breath.
Old School
2003
7.2/10
comedy
Director: Todd Phillips, Actors: Todd Phillips, Luke Wilson, Vince Vaughn, Will Ferrell, Jeremy Piven, Ellen Pompeo, Jul...
In Todd Phillips' OLD SCHOOL, Mitch (Luke Wilson), a thirtysomething businessman, has found himself living a boring, mundane lifestyle. Unfortunately for him, his girlfriend, Heidi (Juliette Lewis), has been getting more adventurous on her own, by throwing wild sex parties while he's away. When Mitch catches her in the act, he moves out and takes up residence in a house close to the local university. This prompts his buddies--the newly married Frank (Will Ferrell) and Beanie (Vince Vaughn), a jaded husband, father, and stereo-store tycoon--to throw Mitch a huge party in honor of his renewed single status. Antics at the party lead to the formation of a makeshift fraternity where age and academics don't matter, and Mitch is the reluctant "godfather." But when the university's scheming dean (Jeremy Piven) catches wind of the new fraternity, he becomes determined to stop their fun. Will the boys overcome the dean's sinister plans? Will Mitch find love again? Will Frank please stop running around naked? And, hey, isn't that the cute girl who plays Jack Bauer's daughter on the TV series 24? These questions--and many more--are answered in the giddily fun and unabashedly immature OLD SCHOOL.
Crank
2006
7.0/10
action, crime, thriller
Directors: Mark Neveldine, Brian Taylor, Actors: Jason Statham, Amy Smart, Carlos Sanz, Jose Pablo Cantillo, Efren Ramir...
Freelance hitman Chev Chelios (Jason Statham) wakes up with a big problem; a DVD left in his apartment by smalltime gangster Ricky Vanero (Jose Pablo Cantillo) tells him that he has only one hour to live. While Chev was asleep, Vanero injected him with a deadly synthetic drug from China--known as the Beijing Cocktail--as payback for Chev's last hit. Now, Chev's only hope to stay alive is to keep his adrenalin pumping. Dead set on revenge against Vanero, Chev also has to keep his girlfriend, Eve (Amy Smart), out of the mob's hands. To complicate matters, naïve, sweet Eve has no idea that her charming British boyfriend is a hitman. Even worse, Chev's boss, Carlito (Carlos Sanz) has no intention of helping his favorite freelancer. Luckily, Chev's friend Doc Miles (Dwight Yoakam) can offer some temporary lifesaving advice; his drugged pal has to keep moving. Downing cans of Red Bull and popping over-the-counter energy pills, Chev is a crazed man on a mission. He has to exact revenge on Vanero, save his girlfriend, and find an antidote, all while keeping his slowing heart pumping. Fear, sex and violence are the best way to keep adrenalin flowing, and there's no shortage of any of them in this nonstop action flick.
Dawn of the Dead
2004
7.4/10
action, horror, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Zack Snyder, Actors: Zack Snyder, Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, Mekhi Phifer, Jake Weber, Ty Burrell, Michael Kel...
The action begins with nurse Ana (Sarah Polley) waking up to discover her boyfriend has become a tasty midnight snack for a formerly cute neighboring kid. To her horror, she realizes that the whole town is in a similar state of ghoulishness, until she runs into still-alive cop Kenneth (Ving Rhames); the levelheaded Michael (Jack Weber); and Andre (Mekhi Phifer), a rebel with a pregnant wife in tow. As in Romero's original, the group heads for the local mall where they barricade themselves inside. More survivors surface, while in the outside world the zombies go about their day by slowly taking over the planet. Undeterred by the odds against them, the survivors plot, scheme, and enjoy their mall paradise.
Disturbia
2007
6.9/10
drama, mystery, thriller
Director: D.J. Caruso, Actors: Shia LaBeouf, David Morse, Carrie-Anne Moss, Sarah Roemer, Aaron Yoo, Jose Pablo Cantillo...
Shia LaBeouf stars as the troubled Kale, who is confined to his home under house arrest after he punches out his Spanish teacher in the middle of class. Kale's array of available diversions dwindle considerably after his mom (Carrie Ann Moss) shuts off his X-Box and his i-Tunes, and he turns to voyeurism instead, carefully noting the daily activities of his neighbors. These include the swimming schedule of the hot girl who just moved in next door, Ashley (Sarah Roemer), whom he ogles with his best friend, the class clown, Ronnie (Aaron Yoo). When Ashley unexpectedly shows up and wants to know what the boys are doing behind their binoculars, they concoct a story about their neighbor, Mr. Turner (David Morse), and their suspicions that he is the serial killer currently on the loose. The teens' subsequent stakeout makes them increasingly convinced that this is in fact the case, and their creepy interactions with Turner bring them ever closer to learning the dark secret that lies inside his impenetrable suburban existence.
I Am Number Four
2011
6.1/10
action, adventure, sci-fi, thriller
Director: D.J. Caruso, Actors: Alex Pettyfer, Timothy Olyphant, Dianna Agron, Teresa Palmer, Callan McAuliffe, Kevin Dur...
Extraordinary teen John Smith (Pettyfer) is a fugitive on the run from ruthless enemies sent to destroy him. Changing his identity, moving from town to town with his guardian Henri (Olyphant), John is always the new kid with no ties to his past. In the small Ohio town he now calls home, John encounters unexpected, life-changing events-his first love (Agron), powerful new abilities and a connection to the others who share his incredible destiny.
Walk the Line
2005
7.9/10
biography, drama, music, romance
Director: James Mangold, Actors: Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Ginnifer Goodwin, Robert Patrick, Dallas Roberts, D...
Tells the life story of country music legend Johnny Cash (Joaquin Phoenix), focusing primarily on the long courtship he had with June Carter (Reese Witherspoon). The film is structured as an extended flashback opening with Cash readying to take the stage at his historic Folsom Prison Concert. The film touches on his childhood, relating a horrific early incident from his life and establishing the troubled relationship he would have with his father (Robert Patrick). Cash joins the military and leaves home. During his time in the armed services he begins writing songs and romances a hometown girl (Ginnifer Goodwin). After the end of his duty he settles down and attempts to begin a music career, but his wife has trouble adjusting to his dreams. Cash auditions for Sam Phillips (Dallas Roberts), signs to Sun Records, and soon finds himself on tour with a roster of young soon-to-be legends that includes Elvis Presley (Tyler Hilton) and Jerry Lee Lewis (Waylon Malloy Payne). On this tour he meets June Carter, the daughter of the famous Carter family, and they take a liking to each other, although she refuses any serious advances from him. Cash gains world-wide fame thanks in part to the inspiration he gets from June, but eventually his marriage crumbles and he develops a serious drug addiction.
Jurassic Park 3
2001
5.9/10
action, adventure, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Joe Johnston, Actors: Sam Neill, William H. Macy, Téa Leoni, Alessandro Nivola, Trevor Morgan, John Diehl, ...
Paleontologist Alan Grant (Sam Neill) has sworn never to return to Jurassic Park. But he needs funding for his research, so when a wealthy thrill-seeking couple (William H. Macy and Téa Leoni) come calling, Grant and his protégée, Billy (Alessandro Nivola), agree to take them on a sightseeing flight. By the time Grant finds out what their true purpose is--to land on the island and search for their missing son--all of their lives are in peril. And Grant's newfound theory about Raptor intelligence will have its deadly proof. Joe Johnston was the right director to take over Steven Spielberg's JURASSIC PARK series. He's experienced with special effects, having worked on the STAR WARS films, while his OCTOBER SKY demonstrates his skill at telling an emotionally involving tale. In JURASSIC PARK 3, with the help of a top-notch technical team and a talented cast (who began filming before the script was finished, improvising much of their dialogue), and a new dinosaur, Spinosaurus, that makes even T-Rex nervous, Johnston has fashioned a rousing adventure with state-of-the-art visuals.
Dogma
1999
7.4/10
adventure, comedy, fantasy
Director: Kevin Smith, Actors: Kevin Smith, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Linda Fiorentino, George Carlin, Bud Cort, Salma Ha...
About banished angels, Loki (Matt Damon) and Bartleby (Ben Affleck) who, after a few millennia in Wisconsin, discover a loophole in Catholic doctrine that would allow them back into heaven--but prove the fallibility of God and destroy the universe. As they make their way to New Jersey to receive a plenary indulgence, God dispatches a seraphim (Alan Rickman) to recruit lapsed-Catholic Bethany (Linda Fiorentino) to stop the angels. She finds help in muses, prophets (Jay and Silent Bob), and the forgotten 13th apostle, Rufus (Chris Rock). Before long, all hell breaks loose (literally), and God (Alanis Morrisette) has to put in an appearance of her own.
Batman and Robin
1997
3.6/10
action
Director: Joel Schumacher, Actors: Arnold Schwarzenegger, George Clooney, Chris O'Donnell, Uma Thurman, Alicia Silversto...
The Caped Crusader returns to battle the abominable Mr. Freeze and green-thumbed Poison Ivy. To save his ailing wife, Dr. Victor Fries turns to a life of crime after a hideous accident makes him unable to tolerate even moderate temperatures, while Dr. Pamela Isley falls victim to mutated plant DNA when things go awry in a jungle laboratory funded by Wayne Industries. Of course, though their interests are diametrically opposed (Freeze wants another Ice Age; Ivy wants to make the world safe for plants), the two villains team up to defeat Gotham's dynamic duo of Batman and Robin, who are joined by butler Alfred's motorcycle-obsessed niece as Batgirl. And when Alfred is diagnosed as having the same terminal disease as Freeze's wife, the trio find themselves not only fighting an altruistic battle, but a personal one as well. A frenetic, colorful, and often overwhelming sequel to "Batman," "Batman Returns," and "Batman Forever."
The Blair Witch Project
1999
6.4/10
horror, mystery
Directors: Daniel Myrick, Eduardo Sánchez, Actors: Heather Donahue, Michael C. Williams, Joshua Leonard, Ed Swanson, ...
The film is composed entirely of reportedly "found" footage shot by three missing college students who made a journey to the woods of Western Maryland in 1994 with the purpose of making a documentary about a "witch" of local legend who is linked to murders and mysterious occurrences spanning 200 years. It begins with footage of the crew leaving their homes and testing their equipment, but before we know it, they are lost deep in the endless woods, with the voices of screaming children piercing the blackness from off in the distance. Things get worse from there.
Batman Forever
1995
5.4/10
action, adventure, fantasy
Director: Joel Schumacher, Actors: Val Kilmer, Tommy Lee Jones, Jim Carrey, Nicole Kidman, Chris O'Donnell, Michael Goug...
The Caped Crusader must once again contend with two strange-looking, personality-impaired villains. First, there's maniacal ex-DA Harvey Two-Face, so named because half his countenance has been horribly disfigured by acid. Then there's the wise-cracking, hyperactive Riddler, whose alter-ego Edward Nygma is a nerdy, highly disgruntled ex-employee of Bruce Wayne. Together, these two masterminds plan to conquer the world with a device that not only mesmerizes users with 3-D television images, but also transports the viewer's thoughts into the Riddler's mind. Batman also has to contend with two other new people in his life. One is lovely psychiatrist Chase Meridian, who has fallen in love with Batman AND Bruce Wayne. Then there's Dick Grayson, a young, orphaned acrobat who desperately wants to become Batman's crime-fighting sidekick in order to get revenge on the man responsible for his parents' death: Harvey Two-Face.
The Chronicles of Riddick
2004
6.7/10
action, adventure, sci-fi, thriller
Director: David Twohy, Actors: Vin Diesel, Judi Dench, Colm Feore, Thandie Newton, Karl Urban, Alexa Davalos, Linus Roac...
The sequel to cult sci-fi hit PITCH BLACK sees Vin Diesel enthusiastically returning to his role as Richard B. Riddick. Director-writer David Twohy is on board again, building on themes established in the first movie, and expanding his vision with some incredible special effects work. Twohy opens the movie with Riddick on the run from a group of bounty hunters. He escapes them with ease, then seeks information from an old friend named Inam (Keith David). Inam informs Riddick that he has been singled out by an Air Elemental, Aereon (Judi Dench), as the one man who can stop the evil Necromongers from taking over the Universe. Suddenly, the Necromongers arrive on the planet, causing mayhem and destruction. They capture Riddick. He soon escapes, only to fall into the hands of the bounty hunters he so deftly eluded at the start of the movie. They take Riddick to a rogue prison planet where he is met by scorching heat, an underground penitentiary, and his female companion from PITCH BLACK, Jack (who is now called Kyra, and played by a different actress, Alexa Davalos). They plan their escape from the planet, and vow to bring down the Necromongers. Things don't go according to plan however, leading to a suspense-filled climax to the film, and an eyebrow-raising ending that suggests Twohy may have plans for further installments in the story.
Clerks
1994
7.9/10
comedy
Director: Kevin Smith, Actors: Kevin Smith, Brian O'Halloran, Jeff Anderson, Marilyn Ghigliotti, Lisa Spoonauer, Jason M...
22-year-old Quick Stop clerk Dante Hicks (Brian O'Halloran) is called into work on his precious day off. There he is besieged by customers ranging from the agitated to the insane, not to mention Randal (Jeff Anderson), the clerk from the video store next door whose commitment to service is made clear when he observes, "This job would be great if it wasn't for the f@&%!#* customers." Dante's love life is a shambles, and the situation at the store goes from bad to worse, but he and Randal are never so beleaguered that they can't find time to discuss why the destruction of the Death Star in RETURN OF THE JEDI may have been morally dubious (uninvolved contractors were probably aboard).
Me, Myself and Irene
2000
6.5/10
comedy
Directors: Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly, Actors: Jim Carrey, Renée Zellweger, Anthony Anderson, Chris Cooper, Richa...
In the Farrelly Brothers' ME, MYSELF & IRENE, Jim Carrey plays Charlie Baileygates, a Rhode Island State Trooper who develops a split personality disorder after his wife leaves him for an African-American midget genius. Due to years of denial and repression while raising triplet sons left behind by his wife and her lover, Charlie finally gets fed up with people taking advantage of his meek nature and snaps, taking on a lewd, aggressive second personality named Hank. Soon afterwards, Charlie is assigned by the police department to protect a woman named Irene (Renée Zellweger), who's being followed by some shady characters who want her dead. As the pair attempt to outwit their pursuers, the kind-hearted Charlie begins to fall for Irene, while battling his sleazy alter ego, Hank. Back in full comedy mode after his more dramatic roles in THE TRUMAN SHOW and MAN ON THE MOON, Carrey once again displays his outlandish brand of physical humor. As with any Farrelly Brothers film, there are plenty of grossly funny yet good-natured moments. (In fact, Charlie's loving relationship with his three brilliant half-African-American sons is one of the film's best and funniest subplots.) Above all, it is the way that Carrey juggles the extreme personalities of Charlie and Hank--basically waging war against himself--that shows why he is one of Hollywood's best comedic actors.
Saw 2
2005
6.6/10
horror, mystery
Director: Darren Lynn Bousman, Actors: Donnie Wahlberg, Beverley Mitchell, Franky G, Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, Glenn Pl...
In SAW, a huge horror hit in 2004, a masked man called Jigsaw orchestrated the kidnapping of two people, chained them in a disgusting bathroom in an abandoned warehouse, and played vicious, brutal mind games with them that potentially could lead to their freedom. Jigsaw is back for more gory fun in SAW II, but this time he comes out from behind the mask to terrorize a troubled cop face-to-face. Tobin Bell reprises his brief role as Jigsaw in the first film with a major starring turn in the sequel. Dying of cancer, Jigsaw lets himself get caught, only to show Detective Eric Matthews (Donnie Wahlberg) that his son, Daniel (Erik Knudsen), has been taken hostage with seven other people, all of whom have been placed in a house of horrors with only the slimmest chance of escaping with their lives. Jigsaw promises Matthews that Daniel will live only if the cop follows the rules of the game, but time is running out, as the captives' bodies have been poisoned with a toxin that will soon destroy them. Meanwhile, in the dank, mysterious, booby-trapped house, the ever-more-desperate group of people (including Shawnee Smith, who is back as Amanda, the lone survivor of SAW) furiously try to find their connection to each other and a way out, but blood and violence lie in their path. Like its predecessor, SAW II is a frightening thriller filled with plenty of tricks and treats to satisfy even the most jaded horror fan.
The Maze Runner
2014
6.9/10
action, mystery, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Wes Ball, Actors: Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Will Poulter, Aml Ameen, Ki Hong Lee, Blake Cooper, Thomas B...
Teenager Thomas wakes up in the Glade, an oasis in the middle of a huge maze. He is surrounded by other boys his age, who like him, have no idea how they got there. The boys try to find a way out of the maze every day, but no one has escaped. Although he has no memory, the maze seems familiar to Thomas.
Scary Movie
2000
6.2/10
comedy
Director: Keenen Ivory Wayans, Actors: Keenen Ivory Wayans, Anna Faris, Jon Abrahams, Marlon Wayans, Dave Sheridan, Carm...
In the tradition of such genre parodies as AIRPLANE!, THE NAKED GUN, and SPACEBALLS, Keenen Ivory Wayans takes on the teen horror flick with SCARY MOVIE, a campy, riotous send-up of everything from the SCREAM and HALLOWEEN franchises to I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER, CARRIE, and THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT. In a small town, a copycat is reenacting the SCREAM murders, and local reporter Gail Hailstorm will do just about anything to get the story. The six high school students who ran over a man on a sharp curve the year before think the killer is out for revenge, but sweet and innocent Cindy Campbell believes that the madman might just lurk a lot closer to home. Cowritten by Shawn and Marlon Wayans (and four others), the script leaves no cliché unturned; in addition to the horror parodies, the film also spoofs such teen sex comedies as AMERICAN PIE and such hit films as THE SIXTH SENSE, THE MATRIX, and FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH. The film never lets up in its striking re-creations of classic scenes, and it never passes up the chance for a joke, no matter how crude. The young, attractive cast looks like it just jumped out of DAWSON'S CREEK, playing everything up to the hilt--and beyond.
Sunshine
2007
7.3/10
adventure, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Danny Boyle, Actors: Cillian Murphy, Rose Byrne, Chris Evans, Michelle Yeoh, Troy Garity, Hiroyuki Sanada, Cli...
In a mere five decades in the future, the sun is dying, and Earth is running out of time. After the failure of a previous mission, it's up to the crew of the Icarus II to reignite the star with a stellar bomb. But the crew faces more than just the blistering heat of the sun and the freezing cold of space as they grapple with the limits of the human mind and heart.
Blade
1998
7.1/10
action, horror
Director: Stephen Norrington, Actors: Stephen Norrington, Wesley Snipes, Stephen Dorff, Kris Kristofferson, N'Bushe Wrig...
Blade (Wesley Snipes) is a half-mortal, half-immortal bent on avenging his mother's death and destined to rid the earth of a race of vampires. Meanwhile, the modern-day technologically advanced vamps he's targeted are in pursuit of his special blood type needed to summon an evil god who plays a key role in their plan to execute the human race.
Planet of the Apes
2001
5.7/10
action, adventure, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Tim Burton, Actors: Mark Wahlberg, Helena Bonham Carter, Tim Roth, Michael Clarke Duncan, Paul Giamatti, Estel...
Astronaut Leo Davidson (Mark Wahlberg) is part of a space station crew that, in the year 2029, is conducting experiments in training genetically engineered chimps to perform complex away missions. When Leo's chimp disappears into a worm hole, Leo unadvisedly goes after him, ending up in a parallel world in which the monkeys are the keepers and humans are traded and caged like animals. It's a horrifying place, and the whole atmosphere, colored by Burton's direction and Rick Baker's incredible special effects makeup, is charged with terror. Leo becomes a heroic figure in the eyes of his defeated human brethren, and he puts his trust--and his hope for escape--in Ari (Helena Bonham Carter), a forward-thinking ape who believes in human rights. But Leo has formidable opponents in Thade (Tim Roth) and Attar (Michael Clark Duncan), two power-hungry, testosterone-charged apes who wish to rid the planet of humans altogether.
Zoolander
2001
6.6/10
comedy
Director: Ben Stiller, Actors: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Christine Taylor, Will Ferrell, Jerry Stiller, Milla Jovovich, ...
Derek Zoolander (Ben Stiller) isn't smart, but he looks "really, really good." An empty-headed yet kindhearted male model, the self-absorbed Derek becomes an unwitting pawn in a international assassination plot masterminded by oddball fashion dictator Jacobim Mugatu (Will Ferrell). Meanwhile, the clueless cover guy must also contend with a new rival, a blonde hipster named Hansel (Owen Wilson). Only adding to his troubles is Matilda Jeffries (Christine Taylor), an inquisitive and sensitive journalist. Stiller's charming and silly comedy liberally skewers the fashion industry while showcasing the actor-director-screenwriter's quirky humor. He casts his real-life family in the film: wife Christine Taylor, sister Amy Stiller, father Jerry Stiller, and mother Anne Meara. As a director, Stiller invokes entertaining performances from Wilson and Ferrell. He also adds cameos by a multitude of celebrities including David Bowie, Natalie Portman, and Lenny Kravitz.
Austin Powers 1: International Man of Mystery
1997
7.0/10
comedy, crime, sci-fi
Director: Jay Roach, Actors: Mike Myers, Elizabeth Hurley, Michael York, Mimi Rogers, Robert Wagner, Fabiana Udenio, Set...
AUSTIN POWERS: INTERNATIONAL MAN OF MYSTERY is the first in the comic series starring this bodacious 1960s spy played by the hilarious Mike Myers. Decked out in the gaudiest mod attire--ruffled shirts, tight-fitting candy-colored suits, horn-rimmed glasses, and prosthetic teeth--Austin Powers is anything but subtle. His near-constant exclamations of "Groovy, Baby," accompanied an uncandid flash of his flirtatious smile, only add to his wonderfully exaggerated hipster persona. Plotwise, Austin Powers and his enemy Dr. Evil (also played by Myers) awake from 30 years of frozen, cryogenic sleep to find themselves in the year 1997. A conniving Dr. Evil plots a reign of terror and mass destruction, but finds that his ideas and methods are a bit out of date. Our hero encounters a similar dilemma, realizing that he is definitely behind the times. A series of well-meaning though bumbling efforts to thwart the insidious Dr. Evil keep Austin Powers and his devastatingly beautiful partner Vanessa Kensington (Elizabeth Hurley) hard at work as they travel from London to Las Vegas. With this tongue-in-cheek send-up of James Bond spy films and 1960s cliches, director Jay Roach compliments Myers' over-the-top performance with a lighthearted soundtrack, fun photography, and amusingly retro sets.
Austin Powers 2: The Spy Who Shagged Me
1999
6.6/10
action, adventure, comedy, crime, sci-fi
Director: Jay Roach, Actors: Mike Myers, Heather Graham, Michael York, Robert Wagner, Rob Lowe, Seth Green, Verne Troyer...
In his second screen adventure, groovy superspy Austin Powers (Mike Myers) returns to 1969, where one after another hilarious gag is worked into a silly, stumbling, knee-slapping plot. This time around, Austin Powers' arch-nemesis Dr. Evil (also Myers) is joined by a midget-sized clone of himself, Mini-Me (Verne Troyer). Having successfully stolen Austin's "mojo" (his libido), Dr. Evil can concentrate on his ultimate mission of destroying the world. Meanwhile, Austin, with the help of gorgeous agent Felicity Shagwell (Heather Graham), must now not only contend with Dr. Evil, but also the small but vicious Mini-Me. Also in this installment, Evil's son, Scott (Seth Green), finds out who his mother is, and Mike Myers stars as a third character--rotund and truly disgusting Scotsman Fat Bastard. More raucous fun in the spirit of its 1997 smash predecessor, AUSTIN POWERS: THE SPY WHO SHAGGED ME once again thrills audiences with its inexhaustible humor.
Paranormal Activity
2007
6.4/10
horror
Director: Oren Peli, Actors: Katie Featherston, Micah Sloat, Mark Fredrichs, Amber Armstrong, Ashley Palmer, Crystal Car...
A haunted house makes no secret of the fact it is not pleased with its new tenants in this independent tale of supernatural horror. Katie (Katie Featherson) and Micah (Micah Sloat) are a twentysomething couple who've just moved into a new home in San Diego, California. Katie has an interest in the paranormal and believes that malevolent spirits have been following her since childhood, though Micah is not so easily convinced. However, after several nights of loud noises and strange happenings, Micah starts to agree with Katie that some sort of ghost may have followed them to the new home. After a paranormal researcher tells the couple he can't help them, Micah decides to take control of the situation and sets up a battery of video cameras so that if a spirit manifests itself, he can capture its behavior on tape. Once the surveillance cameras are in place, Katie and Micah bring in a Ouija board in an effort to talk to the spirits, a move that deeply offends the ghosts.
Twilight 3: Eclipse
2010
4.9/10
adventure, drama, fantasy, romance
Director: David Slade, Actors: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Billy Burke, Bryce Dallas Howard, Xavi...
Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger as Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between Edward and Jacob - knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation quickly approaching, Bella is confronted with the most important decision of her life.
The Bucket List
2007
7.4/10
adventure, comedy, drama
Director: Rob Reiner, Actors: Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman, Sean Hayes, Beverly Todd, Rob Morrow, Rowena King, Alfonso...
In THE BUCKET LIST, cancer doesn't discriminate in its choice of victims. It's equally eager in its attacks on kindly sage of a mechanic Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) and mean-spirited millionaire Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson). When the unlikely pair shares a room at a hospital, they learn that they both have less than a year to live as a result of the deadly disease. Inspired by the words of a college professor, Carter begins to make a "bucket list" of things he wants to accomplish before he dies. With Edward's limitless funds at their disposal, the men embark on an adventure that takes them from Egypt to France to Hong Kong, crossing items off their list as death grows closer. Fans of the leading actors will be glad to see them in familiar territory: Freeman plays a narrator who's nearly godlike in his omniscience, while Nicholson stars as the lovable grump. Both men have won Oscars for similar roles (Nicholson for AS GOOD AS IT GETS, and Freeman for MILLION DOLLAR BABY), so they excel in these parts. Director Rob Reiner's career has jumped between comedy and drama, and despite its serious subject matter, THE BUCKET LIST resides firmly in comedic territory. But fans of weepies such as TERMS OF ENDEARMENT and MY LIFE will find much to like in this film that is sure to require a tissue or two.
Rambo 4: John Rambo
2008
7.1/10
action, thriller, war
Director: Sylvester Stallone, Actors: Sylvester Stallone, Julie Benz, Matthew Marsden, Graham McTavish, Paul Schulze, Re...
Now living like a hermit and wrangling rattlesnakes in Thailand, Rambo is drawn back into the action by a group of do-gooder missionaries who want the taciturn, possibly psychotic, Vietnam vet to ferry them upriver into Burma. Though he initially proves reluctant--"Burma's a warzone"--Sarah, played by Julie Benz, convinces Rambo of their noble intentions. Doesn't he want to relieve suffering and stop ethnic cleansing? But when the group of idealists gets captured by the Burmese army, it's up to Rambo and a team of multinational mercenaries to save the day. What follows is an exhilarating, hypnotic explosion of violence as Rambo fights genocide with genocide, turning men into hamburger meat with high-powered machine guns, well-placed bombs, razor-sharp machetes, and, the most deadly weapon of all, his bare hands.
Enemy at the Gates
2001
7.6/10
drama, history, romance, thriller, war
Director: Jean-Jacques Annaud, Actors: Jude Law, Ed Harris, Joseph Fiennes, Rachel Weisz, Bob Hoskins, Ron Perlman, Matt...
September 1942. The German Army has advanced to the gates of Stalingrad. The Russian Army holds on desperately. It is so poorly equipped that every pair of soldiers is given a single rifle--the second man only gets the weapon when the first is cut down. Trapped in no man's land between the opposing armies, Russian recruit Vassili Zaitsev (Jude Law) finally acquires a rifle from Political Officer Danilov (Joseph Fiennes). Danilov is astonished when Zaitsev picks off several German officers. On their return to the Russian lines, Danilov writes about Zaitsev's exploits in the army newspaper. Zaitsev is assigned to a sniper unit. He kills more German officers and, thanks to Danilov, becomes a hero. In retaliation, the Germans bring in sharpshooter Major König (Ed Harris) from Berlin--to hunt Zaitsev. The two snipers engage in a desperate duel, as the appalling Battle of Stalingrad rages.
Kick-Ass 2
2013
6.7/10
action, comedy, crime
Director: Jeff Wadlow, Actors: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chloë Grace Moretz, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Morris Chestnut, D...
When we last saw junior assassin Hit Girl and young vigilante Kick-Ass, they were trying to live as normal teenagers Mindy and Dave. With graduation looming and uncertain what to do, Dave decides to start the world's first superhero team with Mindy. Unfortunately, when Mindy is busted for sneaking out as Hit Girl, she's forced to retire -- leaving her to navigate the terrifying world of high-school mean girls on her own. With no one left to turn to, Dave joins forces with Justice Forever, run by a born-again ex-mobster named Colonel Stars and Stripes.
National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets
2007
6.5/10
action, adventure, family, mystery, thriller
Director: Jon Turteltaub, Actors: Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha, Jon Voight, Helen Mirren, Ed Harris, Harvey...
Treasure hunter Ben Gates (Nicolas Cage) and his father, Patrick (Jon Voight), take great pride in their ancestors and their family's devotion to the United States. When Mitch Wilkinson (Ed Harris) produces a page from the diary of Lincoln assassin John Wilkes Booth allegedly linking Ben's great-great grandfather to the plot, Ben and Patrick set out on a path to clear their family's name. Ben also believes that the diary page contains hints to the whereabouts of a treasure map leading to an ancient city made of gold, and soon the hunt is on. Tech expert Riley Poole (Justin Bartha) and Ben's now ex-girlfriend Abigail Chase (Diane Kruger) join the Gates in their quest, which takes them from Washington, DC, to Paris, London and the Black Hills of South Dakota. It's true that the storyline and the actions of Gates and his team--which include breaking into the Queen's study at Buckingham Palace, sneaking into the Oval Office, and kidnapping the President of the United States--are completely unbelievable. But with a storyline built on true, interesting trivia and great locations, this film is an amusing, family-friendly romp. Cage has some great moments as Gates-- loyal, patriotic, fair to a fault, and very funny as he goads on Buckingham Palace security. Harris plays Wilkinson with just the right air of mystery and menace: is he after fortune, or does he just want to leave his own mark in history? Helen Mirren fits the bill as Ben's mother and Patrick's estranged ex-wife, Emily, a scholar and historian in her own right.
Valkyrie
2008
7.1/10
drama, history, thriller, war
Director: Bryan Singer, Actors: Tom Cruise, Bill Nighy, Carice van Houten, Tom Wilkinson, Kenneth Branagh, Thomas Kretsc...
Based on a the true story of cadre of Nazi officers who grew to oppose Hitler's murderous pursuits and made several attempts to kill him in the late stages of WWII. It is 1943, and though he has come to be disgusted by Hitler's campaign of evil, Count Claus von Stauffenberg (Tom Cruise) has risen to the level of lieutenant colonel in the German army. Convinced that Hitler must die, Von Stauffenberg requests a transfer to Tunisia, where he loses his left eye and right hand during an Allied air raid. Falling in with a group of similarly disillusioned officers including Major General Henning von Tresckow (Kenneth Branagh), General Friedrich Olbricht (Bill Nighy), General Friedrich Fromm (Tom Wilkinson), and Colonel General Ludwig Beck (Terence Stamp), Stauffenberg is at the center of several attempts on Der Fuhrer's life, culminating in a bombing that kills a handful of his officers and leaves Hitler only slightly injured.
Ghost Rider
2007
5.2/10
action, fantasy, horror, thriller
Director: Mark Steven Johnson, Actors: Nicolas Cage, Eva Mendes, Sam Elliott, Matt Long, Donal Logue, Wes Bentley, Peter...
When a motorcycle-riding stuntman offers his soul to Mephistopheles in order to save the life of the one he loves most, he is forced to play host to a powerful supernatural entity whose flaming skull visage strikes fear into the heart of his enemies in this feature-film version of the long-running comic series. By day, Johnny Blaze (actor and comic-book devotee Nicolas Cage) is one of the world's best-known stuntmen, but when the sun goes down and he is in the presence of evil, the death-defying daredevil bursts into flames to become the indestructible, motorcycle-riding antihero known to the world as the Ghost Rider.
Final Destination
2000
6.8/10
horror, thriller
Director: James Wong, Actors: Devon Sawa, Ali Larter, Kerr Smith, Kristen Cloke, Daniel Roebuck, Chad Donella, Amanda De...
Alex Browning (Devon Sawa) and his entire high school class are bound for a trip to Paris, but just before the plane takes off, Alex has a horrifying premonition of the plane exploding. He panics and in the commotion gets thrown off the plane, along with a teacher and several other students, including a jock (Kerr Smith) and a shy girl (Ali Larter). When the plane then explodes as predicted, Alex and the other teens must deal with the guilt of having escaped death while their friends perished. But death is not finished, as first Alex's friend Tod is killed in a bizarre household accident, and then each of the other survivors begins to die, one by one. While a pair of FBI agents suspect Alex of being involved in the deaths, he and the remaining survivors must learn the mysterious secret that surrounds them before death catches up at last. FINAL DESTINATION is a ghoulish supernatural horror film written and directed by two of the writers of THE X-FILES, featuring lots of references to classic horror films of the past and a sinister turn by Tony Todd (CANDYMAN) as an undertaker.
The Fast and the Furious 4: Fast and Furious
2009
6.6/10
action, crime, drama, thriller
Director: Justin Lin, Actors: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, John Ortiz, Laz Alonso, Gal...
Fugitive ex-con Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) is back in Los Angeles to seek out the truth behind a high-profile crime, but his presence in town doesn't sit well with Agent Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker). These two rivals are forced to unite in the cause of fighting a common enemy, however, when convoy heists and precision tunnel crawls lead them out of Los Angeles and into the Mexican desert. Now, in order to take down a formidable opponent with some serious skills behind the wheel, Dom and Brian forge an uncertain partnership while exploring thrilling new frontiers in the fine art of racing.
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra
2009
5.8/10
action, adventure, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Stephen Sommers, Actors: Dennis Quaid, Channing Tatum, Marlon Wayans, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Joseph Gordon-...
Two soldiers stationed in Kazahkstan (Captain Duke Hauser and his partner "Ripcord") are ordered to transport special warheads created by MARS, an arms' manufacturer controlled by James McCullen. When they are attacked by thieves (led by Anastasia DeCobray, with whom Duke has history), they are saved by a top secret, international special forces unit known as "G.I. Joe". The leader of G.I. Joe, General Abernathy (or Hawk) is on the trail of the thieves: an evil organization called "Cobra". While Duke and Ripcord train to join the Joes, McCullen ("Destro") is secretly working for Cobra and plotting to recapture his metal-eating "Nanomite" warheads. Duke and Ripcord (with help from Heavy Duty, Snake Eyes, and the rest of the Joes) must prove that they are Real American Heroes -- by stopping the launch of these warheads before Cobra uses them to take over the world.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
1992
6.5/10
adventure, comedy, family
Director: Chris Columbus, Actors: Chris Columbus, Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Catherine O'Hara, John Heard...
It's Christmas time again, and the McCallisters are off on another vacation. But Kevin wanders off at the airport, and while the family make it to Florida as planned, he gets on a plane bound for New York City. Once there, he turns the city into his personal playground, as he checks into the Plaza, befriends a toy-store owner, and once again battles burglars Harry and Marv.
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
2004
6.7/10
comedy, sport
Director: Rawson Marshall Thurber, Actors: Rawson Marshall Thurber, Ben Stiller, Christine Taylor, Vince Vaughn, Justin ...
Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn team up once again (following STARSKY & HUTCH) for another comic romp. While hilariously satirizing modern-day gym culture, the film also celebrates a sport that has previously been relegated to the elementary school playground. Peter La Fleur (Vaughn) owns the decrepit Average Joe's gym, which has been losing its clients ever since the glitzy Globo Gym opened up across the street. White Goodman (Stiller), Globo Gym's main spokesman, is a preposterously vain egomaniac on the cusp of taking over La Fleur's failing business. La Fleur learns from a beautiful attorney (Christine Taylor) that if he doesn't come up with $50,000 in 30 days, his career running a gym will be over. Potential salvation arrives in the form of a Las Vegas dodgeball tournament, but conquering a sport one hasn't played in several decades isn't such an easy feat. Fortunately for Peter, he finds a coach for his team: the hardheaded, ex-superstar Patches O'Houlihan (Rip Torn). As Peter and his ragtag team make their way to the championship in Las Vegas, they must contend with White, who has assembled a team of his very own.
Identity
2003
7.3/10
mystery, thriller
Director: James Mangold, Actors: John Cusack, Ray Liotta, Amanda Peet, John Hawkes, Alfred Molina, Clea DuVall, John C. ...
A thriller set at an isolated motel in rural Nevada during an unrelenting rainstorm. With all roads washed out and all forms of communication dead, a group of people become stranded at the motel along with the shifty manager (John Hawkes). Among the stranded are Ed (John Cusack), a former cop turned limo driver; Caroline (Rebecca De Mornay), a self-absorbed actress; Paris (Amanda Peet), a prostitute attempting to escape her profession; Rhodes (Ray Liotta), a cop transporting a prisoner (Jake Busey); Lou (William Lee Scott) and Ginny (Clea DuVall), bickering newlyweds; and George (John McGinley) and Alice (Leila Kenzle), a married couple travelling with their young son. Soon the waterlogged lodgers start dying in mysterious--and brutal--ways, and the increasingly dwindling number of survivors must discover the killer to prevent their own demises. Riveting from the opening sequence, Mangold's suspenseful murder mystery wastes no time in turning on the tension. Realizing that truly scary cinema comes from the unknown and the unexpected, Mangold and screenwriter Michael Cooney keep the audience--and the film's characters--in the dark and continually create situations that go from bad to worse for the luckless travelers.
8 Mile
2002
6.9/10
drama, music
Director: Curtis Hanson, Actors: Eminem, Brittany Murphy, Kim Basinger, Mekhi Phifer, Evan Jones, Omar Benson Miller, Eu...
Set in 1995 in the bleak, urban battle zone of Detroit, the film follows the struggles of a young man who is desperate to make a better life for himself. Jimmy Smith, Jr., better known as Rabbit, is destined for a life of squalor. Living in a cramped trailer with his deadbeat mom (Kim Basinger), Rabbit works in a factory to make ends meet. His only outlet is hip-hop. Possessing a talent for freestyle rapping, Rabbit still hasn't managed to unleash his true potential. But his best friend, Future (Mekhi Phifer), is determined to make that happen. Future forces Rabbit to enter a freestyle battle that he blew the week before, giving him another chance at redemption.
The Girl Next Door
2004
6.8/10
comedy, drama, romance
Director: Luke Greenfield, Actors: Emile Hirsch, Nicholas Downs, Elisha Cuthbert, Timothy Olyphant, James Remar, Paul Da...
High school graduation is nearing for senior class president Matt Kidman (Emile Hirsch), who has been more concerned with getting into college than partying. But all that changes one night when the gorgeous Danielle (Elisha Cuthbert) arrives next door. Engaging, funny, and wild, Danielle is Matt's dream girl come to life, and it appears that she likes him back. But before the two can consummate their relationship, his porn-obsessed friend Eli (Chris Marquette) reveals a shocking secret: Danielle's a porn star! When her wacky producer, Kelly (Timothy Olyphant), shows up to take her back to "work," Matt's life really begins to spiral out of control. All the while, he must continue to rehearse an incredibly important speech that will hopefully earn him a major scholarship. But, most importantly, Matt must win the heart of Danielle once and for all.
Anger Management
2003
6.2/10
comedy
Director: Peter Segal, Actors: Jack Nicholson, Adam Sandler, Marisa Tomei, Luis Guzmán, Lynne Thigpen, Allen Covert, ...
ANGER MANAGEMENT, directed by Peter Segal, looks into the life of Dave Buznik (Adam Sandler), an executive assistant at a pet clothing company. The mild-mannered but overly passive Dave is in love with his girlfriend, Linda (Marisa Tomei), yet his anxious personality keeps him from taking things further, both in their relationship and in his career. However, Dave's life takes a strange turn when he is wrongly accused of "air rage" on a flight and sentenced to mandatory anger management classes. Eccentric anger guru Buddy Rydell (Jack Nicholson) becomes Dave's therapist, but when Buddy abruptly moves in with Dave, the doctor-patient relationship takes an unusual turn. An appropriate pairing of actors with oversized personalities, ANGER MANAGEMENT allows Nicholson to run amuck, while letting Sandler hone the mellower side of his cinematic presence. As Sandler's Dave becomes more bewildered at his predicament, Nicholson's Buddy teeters wildly between wise and rambunctious. Meanwhile, Tomei (who apparently gets more attractive as she gets older) shines in her role as Dave's beloved. Of course, no mainstream Sandler movie would be complete without a number of familiar faces in supporting and cameo roles, and ANGER has them by the boatload. John Turturro steals every scene he's in; Luiz Guzman sports some remarkably unfortunate facial hair; Heather Graham shows up as a brownie-hurling blonde bombshell; and John C. Reilly appears as a bully-turned-Buddhist-monk. And to top it all off, there are cameos by renowned "angry" sports figures Bobby Knight and John McEnroe, as well as the esteemed former mayor of NYC, Rudy Giuliani.
RoboCop
1987
7.5/10
action, crime, sci-fi
Director: Paul Verhoeven, Actors: Paul Verhoeven, Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, Dan O'Herlihy, Ronny Cox, Kurtwood Smith, M...
Peter Weller stars in this urban sci-fi Western as Murphy, a good cop who literally gets shot to pieces while on duty and winds up reborn as a crime-fighting machine. An ambitious executive (Miguel Ferrer) at OCP, the corporation running the futuristic city of Detroit, fuses Murphy's torso with bulletproof steel limbs and rewires his brain with computer chips so he will have no will of his own. Murphy's former partner (Nancy Allen) tries to help RoboCop remember his human past, but his circuitry blocks whatever dim memories remain. Luckily, a chance encounter with one of his killers wakes up the human essence in RoboCop, causing him to rebel against his programming and commence on a one-cyborg mission of vengeance that leads all the way to the top of OCP. This second English-language film by Dutch director Paul Verhoeven is unremittingly brutal, darkly comic, and filled with bits of clever satire and pathos. A special highlight is the hilariously incompetent ED-209, RoboCop's main rival in the department of automated law enforcement.
Lone Survivor
2013
7.6/10
action, biography, drama, thriller, war
Director: Peter Berg, Actors: Peter Berg, Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch, Ben Foster, Eric Bana, Ali Suliman...
The story of four Navy SEALs on an ill-fated covert mission to neutralize a high-level Taliban operative who are ambushed by enemy forces in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan.
End of Watch
2012
7.7/10
crime, drama, thriller
Director: David Ayer, Actors: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Peña, Anna Kendrick, America Ferrera, Frank Grillo, Cle Shahee...
Young Los Angeles police officers Taylor and Zavala patrol the city's meanest streets of south central Los Angeles.The action unfolds through footage from the handheld HD cameras of the police officers, gang members, surveillance cameras, and citizens caught in the line of fire to create a portrait of the city's most dangerous corners, the cops who risk their lives there every day, and the price they and their families are forced to pay.
American Pie 4: American Reunion
2012
6.8/10
comedy
Directors: Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg, Actors: Jason Biggs, Alyson Hannigan, Seann William Scott, Chris Klein, Thom...
The characters we met a little more than a decade ago return for their high school reunion. In one long-overdue weekend, they will discover what has changed, who hasn't and that time and distance can't break the bonds of friendship. It was summer 1999 when four small-town Michigan boys began a quest to lose their virginity. In the years that have passed, Jim and Michelle married while Kevin and Vicky said goodbye. Oz and Heather grew apart, but Finch still longs for Stifler's Mom. And Stifler remains the same as he ever was. Now these lifelong friends have come home as adults to reminisce about- and get inspired by-the hormonal teens they were.
Body of Lies
2008
7.1/10
action, drama, thriller
Director: Ridley Scott, Actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe, Mark Strong, Golshifteh Farahani, Oscar Isaac, Vince C...
Leonardo DiCaprio fights terrorists for the CIA in this rapid-fire thriller from director Ridley Scott (GLADIATOR, BLACK HAWK DOWN). While Roger Ferris (DiCaprio) gets his hands dirty on the teeming Arab streets, his handler Ed Hoffman (Russell Crowe) watches from Washington via spy satellite, cheerfully giving bull-in-a-china-shop style orders while picking up his kids from school. Innocent lives are lost, buildings blow up, and the threat of winding up beheaded on the internet is always one move away. LIES is decked out from front to back with fascinating bits of Arabic and espionage minutiae as it races along its wild mission to track down an elusive terrorist sect leader. Crowe has fun in his portly Southern-accented INSIDER mode, while DiCaprio does his usual anguished moral suffering over the fate of individuals (To Crowe's Hoffman, it's all just part of war and nobody's innocent). As the suave head of Jordanian intelligence, Mark Strong gives a scene-stealing, cobra-like performance that clashes beautifully with Crowe's "ugly American" bullying. The beautiful Golshifteh Farahani plays the obligatory love interest, the nurse who treats Ferris's regularly occurring battle and torture wounds. When most action heroes are completely healed within minutes of every fight, it's refreshing--in a grisly sort of way--to see how Ferris's wounds bruises pile up. The solid, punchy script is by William Monahan (THE DEPARTED) from the David Ignatius novel.
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
2003
7.4/10
action, adventure, drama, war
Director: Peter Weir, Actors: Russell Crowe, Paul Bettany, Billy Boyd, James D'Arcy, Lee Ingleby, Chris Larkin, George I...
Plunges viewers deep into the story of a British Navy ship at sea during the Napoleonic war. Russell Crowe stars as Aubrey, the charismatic captain who wrestles with issues like honor, pride, duty, sacrifice and loyalty while using ingenious tactics to engage his prey--a much larger and better-equipped French Man o' War. Paul Bettany plays his friend, the ship's doctor, who cautions Aubrey about letting revenge cloud his judgement after the French Man o' War almost sinks them in an early battle. Before the incredibly intense final skirmish the men battle a raging storm, launch an excursion to the Galapagos Islands, find time for grog-enhanced merriment, and endure some primitive surgery.
The Interview
2014
7.0/10
action, comedy
Directors: Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen, Actors: Seth Rogen, James Franco, Randall Park, Lizzy Caplan, Diana Bang, Timothy ...
Dave Skylark and his producer Aaron Rapoport run the popular celebrity tabloid TV show "Skylark Tonight." When they discover that North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un is a fan of the show, they land an interview with him in an attempt to legitimize themselves as journalists. As Dave and Aaron prepare to travel to Pyongyang, their plans change when the CIA recruits them - perhaps the two least-qualified men imaginable - to assassinate Kim Jong-un.
Grown Ups
2010
6.0/10
comedy
Director: Dennis Dugan, Actors: Dennis Dugan, Adam Sandler, Salma Hayek, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, Rob Schne...
Thirty years after graduating from high school, five former basketball teammates gather at the lake house where they celebrated their biggest victory to mourn the passing of their late coach. Over the course of the Fourth of July weekend, the five friends realize that just because they've all grown up and started families doesn't mean that they've lost that old spark. Adulthood is what you make of it, and no one at the lake house is eager to be the grown-up of the gang.
Natural Born Killers
1994
7.3/10
crime, drama
Director: Oliver Stone, Actors: Woody Harrelson, Juliette Lewis, Tom Sizemore, Robert Downey Jr., Rodney Dangerfield, Ru...
An over-the-top satire on America's worshipful fascination with tabloid criminals stars Woody Harrelson as Mickey Knox and Juliette Lewis as girlfriend-wife Mallory Wilson. Commencing with the dual murder of Mallory's sexually abusive father (Rodney Dangerfield) and grossly negligent mother (Edie McClurg), the anomic couple take off on a three-week killing spree across the country, telling everyone who they are so that they get the credit for their crimes. The media are immediately enthralled with the couple, especially Wayne Gale (Robert Downey Jr.), the bloodthirsty host of a tabloid TV show who follows their every move. By the time they're finally arrested, they've become such huge media stars that the cops treat them more like celebrities than criminals. Even the maniacal limelight-hogging warden of the Batongaville State Prison, Dwight McClusky (Tommy Lee Jones), is in awe.
The Beach
2000
6.6/10
adventure, drama, romance, thriller
Director: Danny Boyle, Actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel York, Patcharawan Patarakijjanon, Virginie Ledoyen, Guillaume C...
Richard (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a typical twenty-something American whose head is filled with an absurd amount of pop-culture and video game references. While travelling in Thailand in order to broaden his horizons and gain some real world experience, he meets Daffy (Robert Carlyle), a crazy Englishman who gives Richard a mysterious map before committing suicide. Apparently the map leads to an idyllic island where the inhabitants live in a natural paradise. Intrigued, Richard convinces two French acquaintances, Francoise and Etienne (Ledoyen and Canet), to journey with him and see if Daffy was right. Upon reaching the island, Richard discovers that it does, in fact, appear to be the dream that Daffy had promised. They meet Sal (Swinton), a strong-willed woman and leader of the group. Sal has made a pact with the weapon-wielding drug dealers who control the island that her group can remain there provided no new bodies arrive. Richard has a brief tryst with Francoise, but she abandons him when she discovers that he has had another sexual encounter while gathering supplies from the mainland. And when two drugged-out Americans show up and crash the party, Richard's newfound Utopia is threatened once and for all.
The Fast and the Furious 2: 2 Fast 2 Furious
2003
5.7/10
action, crime
Director: John Singleton, Actors: Paul Walker, Tyrese Gibson, Cole Hauser, Eva Mendes, Ludacris, Thom Barry, James Remar...
Back in action is undercover cop Brian O'Connor (Paul Walker) whose career has hit the skids since he let Diesel's character escape at the last film's end. He has sunk in status and is now a fringe dweller on the Miami street racing scene. A chance at redemption arrives when the fuzz recruits him to investigate Carter Vellone (Cole Hauser), a top-dog street racer with dangerous drug connections. O'Connor recruits his bickering childhood pal (model/singer Tyrese), now a nitro-burning ex-con from the Diesel school of toughness, to help him pull the bad guys to the curb with a tire-spinning vengeance.
Just Go with It
2011
6.4/10
comedy, romance
Director: Dennis Dugan, Actors: Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, Brooklyn Decker, Nicole Kidman, Nick Swardson, Bailee Ma...
Danny (Adam Sandler) has a unique approach to picking up women -- in order to break the ice and gain their sympathy, he pretends to be stuck in an unhappy marriage. The instant he brandishes his wedding ring, the deal is all but cinched. But when Danny finally meets a woman (Brooklyn Decker) that he really would want to marry, he abandons his usual approach for something a bit more subtle. Incredibly, it works. But when she discovers the wedding band that he used to use as a pick-up prop, Danny attempts to cover his tracks by falling back on his tried-and-true divorce line. Unfortunately for Danny, the plan backfires when his new girlfriend asks to meet his future ex. Desperate, Danny recruits his office manager, Katherine (Jennifer Aniston), to validate his ruse by posing as his current wife. Before long, the lies are snowballing, and by the time Katherine's kids get involved and everyone comes together for a trip to Hawaii, it's not a matter of if Danny's plan will fall through, but when.
Austin Powers 3: Austin Powers in Goldmember
2002
6.2/10
action, comedy, crime, sci-fi
Director: Jay Roach, Actors: Mike Myers, Beyoncé Knowles, Seth Green, Robert Wagner, Michael York, Verne Troyer, Mind...
He's found his mojo, baby, and now Austin Powers is back again in this shagadelic comedy-adventure! The "sshhh!" hits the fan when Dr. Evil and Mini-Me escape from prison. Joining forces with the superfreaky Goldmember, they kidnap Austin's father, master spy Nigel Powers, in a dastardly time-travel scheme to take over the world. Before you can say "Shake Your Booty," Austin cruises to 1975 and teams up with sexy Foxxy Cleopatra to stop Dr. Evil and Goldmember from their mischievous mayhem.
Escape Plan
2013
6.8/10
action, mystery, thriller
Director: Mikael Håfström, Actors: Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, 50 Cent [Curtis Jackson], Jim Caviez...
Ray Breslin is the world's foremost authority on structural security. After analyzing every high security prison and learning a vast array of survival skills so he can design escape-proof prisons, his skills are put to the test. He's framed and incarcerated in a master prison he designed himself. He needs to escape and find the person who put him behind bars.
Die Hard 5: a Good Day to Die Hard
2013
5.3/10
action, crime, thriller
Director: John Moore, Actors: Bruce Willis, Jai Courtney, Sebastian Koch, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Yuliya Snigir, Radivo...
Iconoclastic, take-no-prisoners cop John McClanefor the first time finds himself on foreign soil after traveling to Moscow to help his wayward son Jack -- unaware that Jack is really a highly-trained CIA operative out to stop a nuclear weapons heist. With the Russian underworld in pursuit, and battling a countdown to war, the two McClanes discover their opposing methods make them unstoppable heroes.
South Park: Bigger Longer and Uncut
1999
7.8/10
animation, comedy, musical
Director: Trey Parker, Actors: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Mary Kay Bergman, Isaac Hayes, Jesse Brant Howell, Anthony Cross...
The now-legendary animated series makes a big-screen splash with a feature-length film that features the same crude animation but now has the license to be as rude as it wants to be. Keep the kids away and enjoy the episode of South Park you always hoped you'd see. Stan, Kyle, Kenny, and Cartman sneak into the R-rated Terrence and Philip movie, and before you know it, their angry parents have declared a war on Canada. A musical in disguise, the film features many memorable songs as well as a touching relationship between Saddam Hussein and Satan himself.
American Pie 3: American Wedding
2003
6.3/10
comedy, romance
Director: Jesse Dylan, Actors: Jason Biggs, Alyson Hannigan, Seann William Scott, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Thomas Ian Nicholas...
In this final chapter of the AMERICAN PIE teen comedy trilogy, mishap magnet Jim (Jason Biggs) and former band geek Michelle (Alyson Hannigan) have decided to tie the knot. Jim's friends Finch (Eddie Kaye Thomas) and Kevin (Thomas Ian Nicholas) are on hand to help with preparations, but the trio soon gets an unwanted fourth wheel in the form of the eternally obnoxious Steve "Stifmeister" Stifler (Seann William Scott). Meanwhile, Michelle's lovely younger sister, Cadence (January Jones), arrives and quickly becomes the object of affection for both the scholarly Finch and the loudmouthed Stifler. Who will win the heart of Cadence? And how many things will go wrong before Jim and Michelle walk down the aisle? (Hint: A lot.) By once again balancing the lewd and the crude with the touching, AMERICAN WEDDING continues the charmingly funny yet gross streak of the first two films. Anchored by creator/screenwriter Adam Herz's obvious love for the characters, the film begins with a hilarious proposal scene and keeps the antics coming. As with past films, Biggs and Scott are the instigators of most outrageous acts, but the movie also gives ample screen time to comedy veterans Eugene Levy (once again playing Jim's always-understanding father) and Fred Willard (who portrays Michelle's overprotective dad). A fitting finale to the series, AMERICAN WEDDING doesn't involve pie, but that doesn't mean something can't happen to the cake....
Napoleon Dynamite
2004
6.9/10
comedy
Director: Jared Hess, Actors: Jon Heder, Efren Ramirez, Jon Gries, Aaron Ruell, Tina Majorino, Diedrich Bader, Haylie Du...
Jared Hess makes an unforgettable directorial debut with NAPOLEON DYNAMITE, a hilarious, tender, and utterly original portrait of a truly eccentric character. Napoleon Dynamite (Jon Heder) is a high-school outcast in every sense of the word. More interested in playing tetherball by himself and drawing pictures of his favorite animal, the "liger" (a combination of a lion and a tiger), Napoleon is ignored by everyone in his tiny hometown of Preston, Idaho. At home, things aren't much better: his uber-nerd older brother, Kip (Aaron Ruell), and ultra-vain Uncle Rico (Jon Gries) are too busy with their own obsessions to give Napoleon the time of day. It isn't until a new student, Pedro (Efren Ramirez), arrives that Napoleon finds friendship and performs an act of brave defiance that makes him a true hero. Written by Hess and his wife, Jerusha, NAPOLEON DYNAMITE brilliantly captures the awkwardness of high school without succumbing to condescension. Most of this can be attributed to Heder, who steps into Napoleon's moon boots with a jaw-dropping flawlessness. The rest of the cast is just as natural, underplaying their roles and letting the comedy unfold without forcing any of the jokes. Add a hilarious soundtrack of 1980s hits and you have an instant classic, a crowd-pleasing riot that has an undeniably universal appeal.
Remember the Titans
2000
7.7/10
biography, drama, sport
Director: Boaz Yakin, Actors: Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris, Donald Faison, Ryan Hurst, Ethan Suplee, Crai...
While on the surface, high school football may seem like an innocent game played by the young, for the young, it is, in fact, much, much more. For millions, including many fans who are well removed from their high school years but who love to sit in those creaky bleachers every Friday night/Saturday morning, it is something akin to a religion. Director Boaz Yakin's REMEMBER THE TITANS captures the heart of high school football while tackling the sins of its fathers, chronicling the true story of the undefeated 1971 T.C. Williams team of Alexandria, Virginia, which was the first integrated high school team in the state. Denzel Washington brings his ever-powerful presence to the role of coach Herman Boone, who is brought in to oversee the transition to integration. Though Boone is eventually successful as a coach, the townspeople dissaprove of him because he replaces the popular, entrenched former coach, Bill Yoast (Will Patton). At first, coach Yoast resents being supplanted, while coach Boone is told that his promotion was just for show--to help the integration--and that he's likely to be lifted if the team loses a game. Will the coaches and players be able to overcome their adversity and make T.C. Williams a beacon for integration in sports? Those viewers who follow history already know the answer. But REMEMBER THE TITANS portrays the story and delivers the inspirational result with a passion and glory that will warm the hearts of all those dedicated high school football fans who continue to bring pride to the sport.
How to Train Your Dragon 2
2014
8.0/10
animation, action, adventure, comedy, family, fantasy
Director: Dean DeBlois, Actors: Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mi...
It has been five years since Hiccup and Toothless successfully united dragons and Vikings on the island of Berk. While Astrid, Snotlout and the rest of the gang are challenging each other to dragon races (the island's new favorite contact sport), the now inseparable pair journey through the skies, charting unmapped territories and exploring new worlds. At the beginning, Hiccup is pressured by Stoick to start a family and become chief, but Hiccup rebels by flying away from Berk and exploring new lands. When one of their adventures leads to the discovery of a secret ice cave that is home to hundreds of new wild dragons and the mysterious Dragon Rider, the two friends find themselves at the center of a battle to protect the peace. Now, Hiccup and Toothless must unite to stand up for what they believe while recognizing that only together do they have the power to change the future of both men and dragons.
Drag Me to Hell
2009
6.6/10
horror
Director: Sam Raimi, Actors: Sam Raimi, Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Ruth Livier, Dileep Rao, David Paymer, Reggie Lee, A...
After nearly two decades of successful detours into mature thrillers (THE GIFT, A SIMPLE PLAN) and superhero blockbusters (the Spider-Man series), director Sam Raimi returns--full tilt--to his scrappy horror roots with DRAG ME TO HELL. Alison Lohman stars as Christine Brown, a soft-spoken Southern girl with a good heart, a PhD-toting boyfriend (Justin Long), and a job as a loan officer at a bank just outside of Los Angeles. When evicting a vile and negligent old woman named Mrs. Ganush (Lorna Raver) seems to be the only way to secure an important promotion, Christine pushes her moral flexibility about as far as it can go (not very far at all) only to dearly pay the price as the recipient of a rather nasty curse. The next three days of Christine's life amount to an unimaginable endurance test in which she is subject to physical and psychological torture while a terrifying demon draws ever closer to take her to hell, where she would burn for eternity. Raimi manages to keep the feverish awfulness of DRAG ME's central concept palpable while layering on his distinctly disturbing and exhilaratingly kinetic macabre-meets-slapstick portraiture, and the result is an efficient celebration of the art of horror movies that's campy, scary, and fun. Similar to HBO's classic TALES FROM THE CRYPT series, HELL feels like a living, breathing EC comic. While it may come as a minor shock that Bruce Campbell, the beloved mouthpiece of the EVIL DEAD franchise, is nowhere to be found in this unabashed horror-comedy, Christine is an excellent twist on Raimi's genre-hero archetype. Fans will get a kick out of seeing her inexplicably leave her gob agape as putrid projectiles pour in, and hearing her, after a bit of pushing, spout a Campbell-ism or two ("I'm gonna get me some!").
Bad Teacher
2011
5.7/10
comedy
Director: Jake Kasdan, Actors: Cameron Diaz, Jason Segel, Justin Timberlake, Lucy Punch, John Michael Higgins, Dave Alle...
Cynical teacher Elizabeth (Cameron Diaz) hates her job. She can't wait for the day she finds a man who makes enough cash to let her walk away from her life of middle-school misery, and when her fiancée cancels their wedding plans, her frantic search intensifies. Just when it starts to look like Elizabeth will have to muscle her way through another semester of skull-crushing hangovers, however, handsome substitute Scott Delacorte (Justin Timberlake) shows up at school sporting a fancy wristwatch and the promise of a care-free future. But in order to earn her meal ticket, Elizabeth will have to out-cute perky fellow teacher Amy (Lucy Punch). And it won't be easy, because Scott is crushing on Amy hard. Now, if Elizabeth can just motivate her students to study so that she can win a state contest to earn enough cash for some new breat implants, perhaps she can finally find a means of diverting Scott's gaze. Meanwhile, much to Elizabeth's chagrin, wisecracking, self-effacing gym teacher Russell (Jason Segel) refuses to admit defeat despite being turned down for a date by his gold-digging colleague time and again.
Sleepers
1996
7.5/10
crime, drama, thriller
Director: Barry Levinson, Actors: Robert De Niro, Kevin Bacon, Brad Pitt, Billy Crudup, Dustin Hoffman, Jason Patric, Mi...
Tommy, John, Michael, and Shakes are four young teenage punks growing up in the streets of Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen in the mid-1960s. When these four friends pull a prank that that goes awry, they find themselves serving time at the Wilkinson School for Boys, where they are repeatedly and sadistically violated and tortured by four guards--the most menacing being Noles, portrayed by Kevin Bacon. Fifteen years later, the foursome is still dealing with the emotional repercussions of their abuse. Tommy (Billy Crudup) and John (Ron Eldard) have become common criminals, and when they spot Noles in a local watering hole they can't pass up the chance for revenge. It's up to Shakes (Jason Patric), a low-profile newspaper employee, and Michael (Brad Pitt), a lawyer with the district attorney's office, to save their friends while keeping the details of their tortured childhoods secret.
Kung Fu Panda 2
2011
7.3/10
animation, action, adventure, comedy, drama, family
Director: Jennifer Yuh, Actors: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Dustin Hoffman, Gary Oldman, Seth Rogen, David ...
Dragon Warrior Po (Jack Black) has matured and mastered many new challenges since learning the art of kung fu and defeating the snow leopard Tai Lung, but he hasn't lost his penchant for steamed buns, nor has he achieved what his teacher Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) describes as true inner peace. Before he can settle into the arduous task of self-discovery, word arrives that a nearby town of musicians has been attacked and their leader Master Thundering Rhino (Victor Garber) killed by a newly invented weapon that breathes fire and spits out metal--a weapon that is a harbinger of the end of kung fu and the domination of all of China by Lord Shen (Gary Oldman). Po and the Furious Five (Angelina Jolie, Seth Rogen, Jackie Chan, David Cross, and Lucy Liu) set out to destroy the mysterious weapon and save kung fu, encountering the imprisoned and very dispirited kung fu legends Master Oxen (Dennis Haysbert) and Master Croc (Jean-Claude Van Damme) along the way, but the group quickly discovers that their task is far from simple. Even as Soothsayer (Michelle Yeoh) adamantly foretells Lord Shen's defeat at the hands of a warrior of black and white, Po struggles with the realization that he must come to terms with his adoption in order to let go of the past and become who he chooses to be. Only then can he achieve the inner peace that will empower him to triumph over his personal insecurities and Lord Shen.
The Bank Job
2008
7.3/10
crime, drama, thriller
Director: Roger Donaldson, Actors: Jason Statham, Saffron Burrows, Stephen Campbell Moore, Daniel Mays, James Faulkner, ...
The year is 1971 and Michael X--emerging black activist and budding crime lord--has British authorities over a barrel after he gets hold of sexually incriminating photos of royal Princess Margaret. Desperate to recover the photos, the government pressures troubled model Martine Love (Saffron Burrows) to recruit a team and steal the bank safety deposit box containing the photos. Martine promptly enlists small-time con man and old flame Terry Leather (Jason Statham), luring him and his crew with the promise of millions. But also in their loot is a ledger detailing payoffs made to crooked cops by reputed gangster Porn King Vogel (David Suchet). Leather and mates soon find themselves on the run from both the British spy community and the ruthless British underworld, needing to stay one step ahead if they are to stay alive.
Rio
2011
7.0/10
animation, adventure, comedy, family, musical
Director: Carlos Saldanha, Actors: Carlos Saldanha, Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, George Lopez, Will.i.am, Jamie Foxx,...
A misfit macaw named Blu (voice of Jesse Eisenberg) heads to Rio de Janeiro, embarks on a magnificent journey, and makes some loyal new friends in this animated adventure for the entire family. Domesticated from the time he was just a hatchling, Blu traded a life in the clouds for a contented existence in Moose Lake with his doting owner, Linda (Leslie Mann). They live under the impression that Blu is the last of his kind, but upon receiving word that a female macaw named Jewel (Anne Hathaway) has been discovered in Rio de Janeiro, Linda and Blu set their sights on South America on a mission to replenish the species. Shortly after their arrival in the Brazilian capitol, however, the two rare birds fall victim to a gang of greedy animal smugglers intent on making a mint by selling Blu and Jewel to the highest bidder. But the headstrong Jewel isn't about to be locked in a cage and put on display, so when the opportunity arises she stages a daring escape with the help of some wisecracking local birds, and takes her new friend Blu along for the ride. With the bumbling birdnappers fast closing in, Blu realizes that his only hope for making a clean getaway and reuniting with Linda is to finally summon the courage he needs to take flight.
Big Daddy
1999
6.4/10
comedy, drama
Director: Dennis Dugan, Actors: Dennis Dugan, Adam Sandler, Joey Lauren Adams, Jon Stewart, Cole Sprouse, Dylan Sprouse,...
Adam Sandler stars as Sonny Koufax, a perpetual adolescent whose girlfriend gives him the ultimatum of taking some responsibility into his life or saying goodbye to her. Magically, the child of his roommate turns up on his doorstep, and Sonny decides to take the child into his care to show the lady he is capable of being responsible.
A Walk to Remember
2002
7.4/10
drama, romance
Director: Adam Shankman, Actors: Adam Shankman, Mandy Moore, Shane West, Peter Coyote, Daryl Hannah, Lauren German, Clay...
Landon Carter (Shane West) and his friends are the coolest kids in Beaufort, North Carolina. They wear the right clothes, drive the right cars, and get into just enough trouble to be rebellious. Jamie Sullivan (Mandy Moore) is the opposite--there doesn't seem to be anything cool about her. The preacher's daughter, plain Jamie wears big boxy dresses and the same sweater every day. She endures the scorn of Landon and his friends with a smile, always looking for the best in people. When a prank planned by Landon and his friend goes terribly wrong, the principal sentences him to tutoring on the weekends and working on the school play, activities in which Jamie is involved. As the two begin spending time together, Landon finds himself intrigued by this guileless girl who sees beauty in everything and exhibits unwavering faith in people and in the world. When circumstances beyond Landon and Jamie's control threaten their love, he stays by her side and does everything he can to make her dreams come true. Based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Nicholas Sparks, the film also stars Peter Coyote and Daryl Hannah.
After Earth
2013
5.0/10
action, adventure, sci-fi
Director: M. Night Shyamalan, Actors: Jaden Smith, David Denman, Will Smith, Zoë Kravitz, Sophie Okonedo, Sacha Dhawa...
Father-and-son space travelers crash-land on a desolate planet Earth 1000 years in the future, and fight to find a way back home in this sci-fi action thriller from director M. Night Shyamalan. It's been nearly a millennium since mankind was forced to flee their home planet for the safety of Nova Prime, and in that time Earth has grown increasingly hostile to human life. Gen. Cypher Raige (Will Smith) has just finished an extended tour of duty when he reunites with his 13-year-old son Kitai (Jaden Smith), and begins making the transition from military leader to father. When an asteroid storm damages their ship, however, a badly injured Cypher and his son are forced to crash-land on Earth. Now, the only way for young Kitai to save his father's life is to find the rescue beacon that was lost when their ship came plummeting through the atmosphere. In order to survive and succeed, Kitai will have to become the type of soldier who would make his father proud.
Underworld 2: Evolution
2006
6.8/10
action, fantasy, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Len Wiseman, Actors: Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Bill Nighy, Tony Curran, Derek Jacobi, Steven Mackintosh...
Tribes of vampires and werewolves battle for supremacy among the undead in this follow-up to the horror hit Underworld. Tracing the bloody history of the ongoing war between the Death Dealers, a gang of upper-crust vampires, and the Lycans, a pack of scruffy werewolves, Underworld: Evolution finds beautiful Death Dealer Selene (Kate Beckinsale) and hunky Lycan Michael (Scott Speedman) exploring their own pasts as well as those of their comrades in hope of uncovering the secrets of this centuries-old conflict. As Selene and Michael deal with their bloody legacy as well as their forbidden romance, the violence between the Death Dealers and the Lycans escalates in what may be the final face-off between them.
Cube
1997
7.4/10
mystery, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Vincenzo Natali, Actors: Nicole de Boer, Maurice Dean Wint, David Hewlett, Nicky Guadagni, Wayne Robson, Julia...
Six ordinary people (student, ex-con, engineer, social worker, cop, mentally handicapped) are trapped in a maze of interlocking cubes with no apparent way out. They have no recollection of how they got there or why they were chosen. They have no food or water and upon further investigation discover some of the rooms are booby trapped with creative devices of destruction. After the initial panic, they come to realize that each person possesses a unique ability which may aid in their safe navigation through the rooms and a possible escape. Can they overcome personal conflict and work together?
You Don't Mess with the Zohan
2008
5.5/10
action, comedy
Director: Dennis Dugan, Actors: Dennis Dugan, Adam Sandler, John Turturro, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Nick Swardson, Lainie Kaz...
Dennis Dugan (BIG DADDY, HAPPY GILMORE) directs this comedy co-written by Adam Sandler, Judd Apatow, and Robert Smigel. Disco- and hummus-loving Zohan (Sandler) is the Israeli army's best weapon. He can single-handedly take out terrorists and swim like a dolphin, and still find time to charm the ladies.
Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls
1995
6.2/10
adventure, comedy, mystery
Director: Steve Oedekerk, Actors: Jim Carrey, Ian McNeice, Simon Callow, Maynard Eziashi, Bob Gunton, Sophie Okonedo, Ad...
All-righty then! Ace Ventura returns in this sequel to the surprise smash hit of 1994. In Africa, a rare white bat has been kidnapped, causing strife between two tribes. Of course, the rubber-faced Ace -- who's afraid of bats -- is sent to find the missing creature, resulting in the kind of mayhem, chaos and silliness that only Ace can create.
Halloween
1978
7.9/10
horror
Director: John Carpenter, Actors: John Carpenter, Donald Pleasence, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tony Moran, Nancy Kyes, P.J. Soles...
Takes us into the world of a mad killer, Michael Myers, who at a very young age stabbed his older sister to death. Locked away for many years in a mental hospital Michael escapes one night and returns to his hometown to continue his killing spree. Jamie Lee Curtis, in her first role, plays the resourceful babysitter who is chased by the killer on Halloween night.
Stargate
1994
7.0/10
action, adventure, sci-fi
Director: Roland Emmerich, Actors: Kurt Russell, James Spader, Jaye Davidson, Viveca Lindfors, Alexis Cruz, Mili Avital,...
In 1928, in Egypt, a strange device is found by an expedition. In the present days, the outcast linguist Dr. Daniel Jackson is invited by a mysterious woman to decipher an ancient hieroglyph in a military facility. Soon he finds that the device was developed by an advanced civilization and opens a portal to teletransport to another planet. Dr. Jackson is invited to join a military team under the command of Colonel Jonathan 'Jack' O'Neil that will explore the new world. They find a land that recalls Egypt and humans in a primitive culture that worship and are slaves to Ra, the God of the Sun. But soon they discover the secret of the mysterious "stargate".
The Fast and the Furious 3: Tokyo Drift
2006
5.9/10
action, crime, drama, thriller
Director: Justin Lin, Actors: Lucas Black, Zachery Ty Bryan, Shad Moss, Damien Marzette, Nathalie Kelley, Trula M. Marcu...
Although street racing provides an escape from an unhappy home and the superficial world around him, for outsider Sean Boswell, his reckless involvement in the sport has made him very unpopular with the local authorities. After one crash too many--and to avoid jail time--Sean is sent to live with his gruff, estranged father, a career military man stationed in Tokyo. Now officially a gaijin (outsider), Sean feels even more shut out in a land of foreign customers and codes of honor. But after a fellow American buddy, Twinkie, introduces him to the underground world of drift racing--an exhilarating balance of speeding and gliding through a heart-stopping course of hairpin turns and switchbacks--he's hooked again, and back in trouble. Simple drag racing is replaced by a new, rubber-burning automotive art form--just bad enough to fit Sean's rebel style. On his first time out drifting, Sean unknowingly takes on D.K., the "Drift King," a local champ with ties to the Japanese crime syndicate Yakuza. Sean's loss comes with a high price tag when he's forced to work off the debt under the thumb of another ex-pat named Han. Han soon welcomes Sean into his family of misfits and introduces him to the real principles of drifting. Whether for pink slips, wads of cash or bragging rights, the stakes remain high for Sean and his competition--as they learn to elevate the race itself to an art form. They will take cutting-edge, modified racers to the densely populated streets of Tokyo's urban landscape at neck-snapping speeds then smoothly glide through tight hairpin turns punctuated by screeches and the acrid smell of smoking rubber. But when Sean falls for D.K.'s girlfriend, Neela, an explosive series of events is set into motion, climaxing with an ultimate high-stakes face off against his nemesis. Punishment for the loser? Banishment from Tokyo forever by Yakuza crime boss--and D.K.'s uncle--Kamata--if they survive the race at all. Honor will be challenged and racing skills will be pushed to the extreme with only one winner standing as champion.
Blade 2
2002
6.7/10
action, horror, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Guillermo del Toro, Actors: Wesley Snipes, Kris Kristofferson, Ron Perlman, Leonor Varela, Norman Reedus, Thom...
In Guillermo del Toro's BLADE II, Wesley Snipes reprises his role as the part-human, part-vampire superhero based on the comic book character. Following a trail of blood that leads to Prague, Blade (aka the Daywalker) slays a legion of bloodsuckers in the search for his abducted mentor, Whistler (Kris Kristofferson). Soon Blade reluctantly joins forces with a band of skilled vampiric warriors called the Bloodpack to hunt down an even deadlier enemy--the monstrous Reapers, who prey on vampires and humans alike, infecting them with an incurable virus. In addition to battling these relentless new foes, Blade must deal with situations brought about by the Bloodpack's tenuous alliance --in particular, his attraction to the lovely Nyssa (Leonor Varela) and his rivalry with the brutish Reinhardt (Ron Perlman). A hyperkinetic motion picture, BLADE II literally explodes onto the screen with hi-tech weaponry and stunning special effects. The fight sequences, choreographed by Hong Kong superstar Donnie Yen (who plays Bloodpack member Snowman), are remarkably hard-hitting and elaborate. The film also improves on the entertaining original by adding a darker, more visceral tone that's fleshed out by del Toro's stylish and brilliantly grotesque visuals. Both frightening and thrilling, BLADE II is sure to astound both horror and action fans alike.
Resident Evil 2: Apocalypse
2004
6.2/10
action, horror, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Alexander Witt, Actors: Alexander Witt, Milla Jovovich, Sienna Guillory, Eric Mabius, Oded Fehr, Thomas Kretsc...
The lovely Milla Jovovitch is back with a vengeance as amnesiac, genetically-altered zombie ass-kicker, Alice, in this sequel to the 2002 hit film, which is based on the video game. This time around the sinister Umbrella Corporation sends a team of investigators into their destroyed underground lab (the ground-zero of carnage in the previous film) and unwittingly unleash the still-staggering zombies and monsters out into the population of Raccoon City. Soon Umbrella has evacuated all of their own key employees and has shut everyone else inside to be devoured. A mastermind chemist's daughter gets left behind in the confusion, and she is the one ticket out for Alice and a handful of dwindling survivors, including the equally hot, skimpily dressed, and almost-as-tough lady cop, Jill Valentine (Sienna Guillory). There's some nifty motorcycle riding, plenty of bullets and splattering blood, and even a new monster--the hulking, heavily-armored, seriously ugly Nemesis. Comic actor Mike Epps is great as a pimped-out hustler who handles the whole dead-coming-back-to-life thing with cool nonchalance. In some ways, this nonstop creep show is even an improvement over the original, with a pervasive mood of nihilistic corporate dehumanization adding extra concern about the future of civilization to the mix of shooting, dying, punching, and munching.
Cruel Intentions
1999
6.9/10
drama, romance
Director: Roger Kumble, Actors: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon, Selma Blair, Louise Fletcher, ...
This modern-day teen update of LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES suffered at the hands of both critics and moviegoers thanks to its sumptuous ad campaign, which hyped the film as an arch, highly sexual, faux-serious drama (not unlike the successful, Oscar-nominated DANGEROUS LIAISONS). In fact, this intermittently successful sudser plays like high comedy for its first two-thirds, as its two evil heroes, rich stepsiblings Kathryn (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Sebastian (Ryan Phillippe), blithely ruin lives and reputations with hearts as black as coal. Kathryn wants revenge on a boyfriend who dumped her, so she befriends his new intended, the gawky Cecile (Selma Blair), and gets Sebastian to deflower the innocent virgin. The meat of the game, though, lies in Sebastian's seduction of good girl Annette (a down-to-earth Reese Witherspoon), who's written a nationally published essay entitled "Why I Choose to Wait." If he fails, Kathryn gets his precious vintage convertible; if he wins, he gets Kathryn--in the sack. When the movie sticks to the merry ruination of Kathryn and Sebastian's pawns, it's highly enjoyable: Gellar in particular is a two-faced manipulator extraordinaire, and Phillippe, usually a black hole, manages some fun as a hipster Eurotrash stud.
The Golden Compass
2007
6.1/10
adventure, family, fantasy, sci-fi
Director: Chris Weitz, Actors: Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Dakota Blue Richards, Eva Green, Sam Elliott, Christopher Le...
THE GOLDEN COMPASS is an adaptation of the first book in the beloved but controversial fantasy series by Phillip Pullman. The story opens with Lyra Belacqua (Dakota Blue Richards) an orphan girl who lives in an alternate world that is similar to earth, but where people's souls exist outside of their bodies in animal form. The people are ruled by a shadowy and oppressive council known as the Magisterium, which is doing it's best to keep everyone from getting information about what is called "Dust." Lyra's Uncle Asriel (Daniel Craig) has been researching Dust, and he has seen to it that Lyra is given safe shelter at Jordan College. But when the visiting Mrs. Coulter (Nicole Kidman) arrives, she asks Lyra to accompany her on a trip to the North to meet the Panserbjorne, a race of armored bears. Before Lyra leaves, the Headmaster gives her a golden compass, a device which only she can read, and from which she can intuit the truth. Lyra leaves with Mrs. Coulter, but when she learns that her friends have been kidnapped by "Gobblers," she heads out to find them, and soon joins forces with the nomadic Gyptians, some witches, and an armored bear called Iorek Byrnison (voice by Ian McKellen). Lyra finds her friends, and so discovers the evil plans the Magisterium has cooked up for the world's children. By the film's end, she has vowed to track down her Uncle Asriel, and to discover the true power of Dust. Hollywood had a tricky time of taming this tale, as Pullman's books portray religion - the Catholic Church in particular - in a less than flattering light. The film version carefully steers clear of these themes, and instead puts its enormous budget into creating visually stunning effects. While fans of the books may find fault with this streamlined version, children are sure to revel in the many talking animals and whimsical airships.
The Internship
2013
6.3/10
comedy
Director: Shawn Levy, Actors: Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, Rose Byrne, Max Minghella, Tiya Sircar, Dylan O'Brien, Aasif Ma...
Wedding Crashers duo Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn reteam on this Shawn Levy-directed comedy as two out-of-work salesmen who have to compete against an army of younger interns for a job at Google.
Resident Evil 3: Extinction
2007
6.3/10
action, horror, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Russell Mulcahy, Actors: Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter, Oded Fehr, Iain Glen, Ashanti, Christopher Egan, Spencer ...
Alice, now in hiding in the Nevada desert, once again joins forces with Carlos Olivera and L.J., along with survivors Claire, K-Mart and Nurse Betty to try to eliminate the deadly virus that threatens to make every human being undead-and to seek justice. Since being captured by the Umbrella Corporation, Alice has been subjected to biogenic experimentation and becomes genetically altered, with super-human strengths, senses and dexterity. These skills, and more, will be needed if anyone is to remain alive.
White House Down
2013
6.4/10
action, drama, thriller
Director: Roland Emmerich, Actors: Channing Tatum, Jamie Foxx, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jason Clarke, Richard Jenkins, Joey Ki...
A devoted father fights a ruthless paramilitary group that has seized control the White House in this high-stakes action thriller. Dejected after being turned down for a position with the Secret Service but unable to break the news to his adoring daughter, Capitol policeman John Cale (Channing Tatum) is taking her on a tour of the White House when a powerful explosion rips through the building, sparking mass chaos. When the smoke clears, Cale learns that heavily armed rebels have taken both his daughter (Joey King) and the president (Jamie Foxx) hostage. As news of the attack creates mass panic and fear of total collapse, Cale realizes that the fate of his daughter, the Commander in Chief, and the entire nation rest in his willingness to fight back against the terrorists who have brought the most powerful nation on the planet to its knees.
The Transporter 2
2005
6.3/10
action, crime, thriller
Director: Louis Leterrier, Actors: Jason Statham, Amber Valletta, Kate Nauta, Alessandro Gassman, Matthew Modine, Keith ...
A former Special Forces agent, Frank (Jason Statham) now works as a driver for a family in Miami. But when their young son is kidnapped, Frank will stop at nothing to find the criminals who are holding him for ransom and get the boy back.
The Descent
2005
7.3/10
adventure, horror
Director: Neil Marshall, Actors: Shauna Macdonald, Natalie Mendoza, Alex Reid, Saskia Mulder, Nora-Jane Noone, MyAnna Bu...
THE DESCENT, a claustrophobic and intense British horror film from Neil Marshall (DOG SOLDIERS), follows six courageous young women who venture down a deep, deep cavern in the Appalachian Mountain range. They are expert rafters and rock climbers--particularly the leader, Juno (Natalie Mendoza), and Sarah (Shauna Macdonald), who is still getting over the death of her husband and daughter the year before. Any healing and bonding is scuttled fast, however, once a cave-in cuts off their return route, forcing them deeper down into the darkness, their flashlight batteries dwindling with every wasted minute. The horror builds, the passageways get tighter and tighter, and then Sarah thinks she have seen something moving in the distance, something that looks almost human.... To give away any more would be a crime, but let's just say horror film lovers should find plenty to love here: there's gallons of gore, jump-in-your-seat shocks, and sly references to other films. The women characters are strongly etched, and excellent editing makes it possible to always know what's happening to whom, even as the flashlights are going out, the darkness is moving in, and the unholy screams are echoing off the cavern walls.
Happy Gilmore
1996
7.0/10
comedy, sport
Director: Dennis Dugan, Actors: Dennis Dugan, Adam Sandler, Christopher McDonald, Julie Bowen, Frances Bay, Allen Covert...
When Happy Gilmore, a would-be hockey player, hits a golf ball over 400 yards, he realizes that his true calling lies in that sport. So, to help his grandma regain her home from the IRS, he trades in his stick and puck for a 5-iron and a tee, and enters the PGA tour. To prepare for this new career, Gilmore hires Chubbs, an ex-golf pro. Happy's "Generation X" status, and his wild, boisterous antics on the green, shake up the stuffy golf world -- particularly when groups of rowdy hockey fans show up at tournaments to cheer Happy on. This dismays Shooter, an arrogant pro who is exasperated with Happy... and will do anything to get rid of him. Can Happy elude Shooter's conspiratorial clutches? And if so, can he win enough money to save his grandma?
Beowulf
2007
6.3/10
animation, action, adventure, fantasy
Director: Robert Zemeckis, Actors: Ray Winstone, Crispin Glover, Angelina Jolie, Anthony Hopkins, Robin Wright, John Mal...
Follows the Scandinavian hero Beowulf (Ray Winstone) as he fights to protect the Danes from a ferocious beast named Grendel (Crispin Glover). Though at first Grendel seems invincible, Beowulf eventually manages to defeat him in a desperate battle to the death. Devastated by her son's violent demise at the hands of Beowulf, Grendel's mother (Angelina Jolie) sets out in search of revenge. Later, Beowulf faces the biggest challenge of his life when he attempts to slay a powerful dragon.
2 Guns
2013
6.8/10
action, comedy, crime, drama, thriller
Director: Baltasar Kormákur, Actors: Denzel Washington, Mark Wahlberg, Paula Patton, Bill Paxton, Edward James Olmos,...
When their attempt to infiltrate a Mexican drug cartel and recover millions goes haywire, Trench and Stigman are suddenly disavowed by their superiors. Now that everyone wants them in jail or in the ground, the only person they can count on is the other. Unfortunately for their pursuers, when good guys spend years pretending to be bad, they pick up a few tricks along the way.
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
2003
6.3/10
comedy, romance
Director: Donald Petrie, Actors: Kate Hudson, Matthew McConaughey, Adam Goldberg, Michael Michele, Thomas Lennon, Shalom...
Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson) decides to spice up her How-To column in Composure Magazine by venturing out into the Manhattan singles market to see if she can make a guy fall for her, and then get him to dump her within 10 days. Simultaneously, advertising executive Benjamin Barry (Matthew McConaughey) makes a bet with his boss that he can meet a woman and have her fall in love with him within 10 days. Naturally the two of them come together, and, oblivious to each other's wagers, they quickly bond. But when Andie turns off her charms and turns on the dumping tactics, Benjamin must do all he can not to be repulsed by her so that he can win his side of the bet. With Andie unable to comprehend why she can't rid herself of her guy, and with Benjamin frustrated at Andie's peculiar behavior, the two of them begin down the inexorable path toward genuine romance.
Three Kings
1999
7.2/10
action, adventure, comedy, drama, war
Director: David O. Russell, Actors: David O. Russell, George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, Ice Cube, Spike Jonze, Nora Dunn, M...
David O. Russell's multifaceted war film is an exhilarating display of cinematic bravado. As the Gulf War winds to a close, three American soldiers discover a map that leads to a stash of gold bullion hidden in a bunker by Sadaam Hussein's army. The soldiers--Sgt. Troy Barlow (Mark Wahlberg), "Chief" Elgin (Ice Cube), and Pvt. Conrad Vig (Spike Jonze)--are busted by Special Forces Sgt. Major Archie Gates (George Clooney). Gates orders a top-secret mission in which the four of them will track down the gold and keep it for themselves. Their journey seems simple enough, as Hussein's troops ignore the Americans due to the recently called truce. But after securing the gold, they witness the execution of an Iraqi woman in front of her family. Their morality compels them to fight for what is right, risking their lives--and the gold--in the process. Working within the limitations of the war genre, Russell manages to reinvent and revitalize it by shooting the film with a bleached out look and hyper-kinetic editing style. He also stuffs it with a potent blend of comedy and drama that is reminiscent of Robert Altman's M*A*S*H, only he updates it for the materialistic 1990s.
AVP: Alien vs. Predator
2004
5.6/10
action, adventure, sci-fi
Director: Paul W.S. Anderson, Actors: Sanaa Lathan, Lance Henriksen, Raoul Bova, Ewen Bremner, Colin Salmon, Tommy Flana...
Follows billionaire Charles Bishop Weyland (Lance Henriksen) and his team of drillers, scientists, and archaeologists, to an obscure pyramid site in Antarctica. Among the icy ruins, allegedly, lies the proof of an empire predating humankind. Once there, however, the group finds more than ancient sarcophaguses and hieroglyphics; rather, their discovery consists of dismembered human skeletons and fossilized remains of the alien creatures that appear to have violently burst out of their chests. Even more horrifying is the evidence suggesting that the aliens may still exist. Indeed, there are aliens below the pyramids, but an equal threat looms above: three Predators, all on the verge of manhood, are engaged in a gruesome rite of passage -- every hundred years, young Predators must travel to Earth and take on a hunting ritual in order to complete the transition to adulthood or die in the process. Before long, the humans find themselves battling for their own lives as the Predators and aliens continue their fight for superiority.
A Nightmare on Elm Street
1984
7.5/10
horror
Director: Wes Craven, Actors: Heather Langenkamp, Johnny Depp, Robert Englund, John Saxon, Ronee Blakley, Amanda Wyss, J...
A replusive, decaying figure with razor-sharp appendages (and an even sharper sense of humor!) suddenly appears in the dreams of four Los Angeles teenagers. It is the ghost of Freddy Krueger, a suspected child murderer killed long ago by the neighborhood parents. Now he's able to exact his bloody vengeance by killing the teens off, one by one, as they sleep. Finally just one girl remains. Desperately, she tries to stay awake by every means possible, but even pills and massive amounts of coffee wear off sometime -- and when they do, she'll have to battle Freddy for her very life. It's her worst nightmare ... and it's coming true.
The Bridge on the River Kwai
1957
8.3/10
adventure, drama, war
Director: David Lean, Actors: William Holden, Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins, Sessue Hayakawa, James Donald, Geoffrey Horne...
British POWs in Burma are employed by the Japanese to build a bridge; meanwhile, British agents seek to destroy it. After surrendering his unit to the Japanese. Colonel Nicholson demands his men behave by the book, and refuses to cooperate with the equally dutiful Japanese commander. When the Japapese insist that the POWs build a bridge, they decide to build the best one possible, thereby restoring morale. But after one of the men escapes to Australia and lets the British commander there know of the operation, he is sent back to the jungle to destroy the tactically-crucial bridge that his comrades are desperately trying to complete.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
2009
7.0/10
animation, comedy, family, fantasy
Directors: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Actors: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Anna Faris, Bill Hader, Bruce Campbell,...
Inspired by Ron and Judi Barrett's beloved children's book of the same name, CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS follows inventor Flint Lockwood (voice of Bill Hader) and brainy weathergirl Sam Sparks (voice of Anna Faris) as they attempt to discover why the rain in their small town has stopped while food is falling in its place. Meanwhile, lifelong bully Brent (voice of Adam Samberg) relishes in tormenting Flint just as he did when they were kids, and Mayor Shelbourne (voice of Bruce Campbell) schemes to use Flint's latest invention--a device designed to improve everyone's lives--for his own personal gain. Mr. T. voices by-the-books cop Earl Devereaux, and James Caan voices Flint's technophobe father, Tim.
Saw 3
2006
6.2/10
horror, thriller
Director: Darren Lynn Bousman, Actors: Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, Angus Macfadyen, Bahar Soomekh, Dina Meyer, Mpho Koaho...
In 2004, a low-budget horror film about a man who put people with moral failings into grisly, murderous situations became a huge hit. In 2005, the sequel scored again, upping the body count and the terror. In 2006, the franchise continued, with plenty of gore as well as an emotional story line that delved into the psychological makeup of the main characters. As SAW II concluded, Jigsaw (Tobin Bell) was dying. But that doesn't mean his penchant for playing games of torture and violence is ending. In SAW III, the murders start occurring again, and Kerry (Dina Meyer) is back on the case, although she thinks this time it might be the work of a copycat. She's only partly right: Amanda (Shawnee Smith), the only victim to have survived both movies, has joined Jigsaw as his apprentice, leading the way through a terrifying game involving Lynn (Bahar Soomekh), a doctor in an unhappy marriage, and Jeff (Angus Macfadyen), a distraught man who is having trouble getting over the loss of his son (Stefan Georgiou) at the hands of a drunk driver. Amanda has captured Lynn and placed her in a neck brace that is linked to Jigsaw's heart monitor; she must keep Jigsaw alive or else the brace will explode. Meanwhile, Jeff is sent on a dangerous journey on which he faces all the people involved in the light penalty his boy's killer received--and it is up to him whether he will seek vengeance or offer forgiveness. Helmed by SAW II director Darren Lynn Bousman and written by original SAW screenwriter and star Leigh Whannell (with a story by Whannell and SAW director James Wan), SAW III is an intricately designed, gruesome thriller with a hard-driving soundtrack featuring songs by Slayer, Helmet, and All that Remains.
A Knight's Tale
2001
6.9/10
action, adventure, romance
Director: Brian Helgeland, Actors: Heath Ledger, Mark Addy, Rufus Sewell, Paul Bettany, Shannyn Sossamon, Alan Tudyk, La...
In the Middle Ages, before television or professional sports, there is only one form of competition to separate the men from the boys: jousting tournaments. William Thatcher (Heath Ledger), a poor and humble squire, has always dreamed of proving himself worthy as a knight. When he gets a lucky chance--seeing an opportunity to disguise himself in the identity of a knight--William decides to maintain the illusion for as long as possible. He is aided by his friends Wat, Roland, and Geoffrey Chaucer--a writer with a knack for forging official papers. Under his new title, Sir Ulrich of Liechtenstein, William wins tournaments and receives monetary awards. However, the only way for William to prove himself as truly noble is to beat out all of his enemies, including the arrogant and undefeated Count Adhemar (Rufus Sewell), in a series of jousts. Once he does so, William will reveal his his true identity.
Letters from Iwo Jima
2006
8.0/10
drama, history, war
Director: Clint Eastwood, Actors: Ken Watanabe, Kazunari Ninomiya, Tsuyoshi Ihara, Ryô Kase, Shidô Nakamura, Hiros...
Clint Eastwood's companion piece to FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS is again set during World War II. But in LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA, he looks at the war from the Japanese perspective, using Japanese dialogue. With American forces on their way, General Kuribayashi (Ken Watanabe, THE LAST SAMURAI) arrives on the island to find his troops woefully under-trained and hopelessly outmatched. Japanese pop and television star Kazunari Ninomiya plays Saigo, a young soldier who asks, "Am I digging my own grave?" as he creates trenches. With no hope of reinforcements, these men have little hope of leaving the island alive. Eastwood and director of photography Tom Stern paint their picture in a palette of taupes and grays. The landscape of the volcanic island is desolate, providing a hellish experience for the stationed soldiers but a stark beauty for the audience. With this bleak setting, LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA is a powerful ode to duty in dire circumstances. General Kuribayashi and Saigo provide the emotional center of the film, giving a glimpse into the minds of both seasoned officers and drafted novices. Eastwood doesn't deal in simple heroes and villains; these characters are sympathetic and real, whether their motives are pride, fear, or loyalty to their country. Though only the Academy-Award-nominated Watanabe is a familiar face to American audiences, each of the actors involved displays his experience working in Japanese film, television, and theater. The battle scenes are breathtaking and brutal, but it's the actors who are the core of the film. The picture has the standard tropes found in any modern war film, like verbal abuse by a superior and battle scenes filled with severed limbs. But Eastwood goes beyond the war-movie boilerplate with this impressive film that deserves every accolade it earns.
Desperado
1995
7.2/10
action, crime, thriller
Director: Robert Rodriguez, Actors: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Joaquim de Almeida, Cheech Marin, Steve Buscemi, Quen...
Director Robert Rodriguez' sequel to his 1993 ultra low-budget movie, "El Mariachi." This film continues the story of the no-name, solitary, brooding mariachi, whose guitar case is stocked with high-powered weaponry. The musician is in a sleepy Mexican town seeking revenge against the much-feared, ruthless Bucho, a drug dealer who once shot El Mariachi in his strumming hand, and killed his girlfriend. When Bucho hears that the guitarist is looking for him, he sends his men out to forestall the attack -- which leads to many well-choreographed and bloody shootouts. Will the Latin adversaries ever confront each other directly? And if so, who will survive?
Hot Tub Time Machine
2010
6.5/10
adventure, comedy, sci-fi
Director: Steve Pink, Actors: John Cusack, Rob Corddry, Craig Robinson, Clark Duke, Crispin Glover, Sebastian Stan, Chev...
Disappointed at the way their lives have turned out, four longtime friends reunite at the ski resort where they used to party and find themselves transported back to the year 1986 by a magical jacuzzi. Adam (John Cusack), Lou (Rob Corddry), Nick (Craig Robinson), and Jacob (Clark Duke) have all seen better days; Adam's and Nick's love lives are in the dumps, Lou is clinging to his hard-partying past, and video-game addict Jacob can't even muster the courage to walk outside. A fun stay at the ski resort where the gang made some of their best memories seems like just the thing to cheer everyone up, but after a night of heavy drinking in the hot tub, the four friends wake up to find they're about to live through the '80s a second time. Determined not to make the same mistakes twice, Adam, Lou, Nick, and Jacob decide to take full advantage of the unique opportunity presented to them, and create the lives they've always wanted.
The Croods
2013
7.3/10
animation, adventure, comedy, family, fantasy
Directors: Kirk De Micco, Chris Sanders, Actors: Chris Sanders, Nicolas Cage, Ryan Reynolds, Emma Stone, Catherine Keene...
Even breakfast is an adventure when you're the last surviving prehistoric family, and the conviction that fear keeps you alive and curiosity will get you killed definitely drives the Crood clan. But Eep (Emma Stone), who's in many ways a typical teenager intent on testing her boundaries and the resolve of her parents (Nicolas Cage and Catherine Keener), yearns for more than hiding out in a dark cave all day. Eep sneaks out of the cave one night and almost gets the whole family killed, but her path crosses with a boy named Guy (Ryan Reynolds), who it seems is destined to change everything for the Crood family. Forced to flee their cave home after it's destroyed, the Croods reluctantly follow Guy on a perilous journey that leads them to discover a whole new world full of breathtaking views, fascinating creatures, and blood-stirring adventure. The animation is lush and gorgeous and the abundance of physical and slapstick humor, especially from Nicolas Cage as Grug and Cloris Leachman as Gran, keeps the plot moving and viewers chuckling throughout the film. What the Crood family's journey eventually reveals is twofold: that focusing on living life and following the light is a viable alternative to hiding in the darkness and that anyone can change.
The Talented Mr. Ripley
1999
7.3/10
drama, music, thriller
Director: Anthony Minghella, Actors: Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law, Cate Blanchett, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jack...
In the late 1950s New York, Tom Ripley, a young underachiever, is sent to Italy to retrieve a rich and spoiled millionaire playboy, named Dickie Greenleaf. But when the errand fails, Ripley takes extreme measures.
Hitman
2007
6.3/10
action, crime, drama, thriller
Director: Xavier Gens, Actors: Timothy Olyphant, Dougray Scott, Olga Kurylenko, Robert Knepper, Ulrich Thomsen, Henry Ia...
An international assassin known only as Agent 47 (Timothy Olyphant) carries out high-profile hits for a mysterious organization known only as "The Agency" in this adaptation of the popular Eidos Interactive video-game series. Agent 47 is an elite, genetically engineered assassin who takes great pride in his work. His lethal grace, steady shot, and unparalleled precision have all served to make him one of the most sought-after assassins in the world. But when the killer without a conscience is faced with an unanticipated series of developments, his entire perception of reality begins to shift. On assignment to take out Russian head of state Belicoff (Ulrich Thomsen), Agent 47 is caught off guard by the appearance of presidential look-alikes. When the high-profile hit captures the attention of such powerful intelligence organizations as the CIA and Interpol, agent Mike Whittier (Dougray Scott) is dispatched to rein Agent 47 in. Meanwhile, a mysterious Russian prostitute named Nika (Olga Kurylenko) has walked into Agent 47's life, causing the methodical killer to become overwhelmed by emotions that were previously foreign to him.
The Evil Dead
1981
7.6/10
horror
Director: Sam Raimi, Actors: Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell, Ellen Sandweiss, Richard DeManincor, Betsy Baker, Theresa Tilly,...
Director Sam Raimi's first film has achieved legendary status since its 1982 release, and for good reason. Though perhaps not as widely seen as its two sequels, EVIL DEAD 2 and ARMY OF DARKNESS, THE EVIL DEAD is arguably the best of the three. It is the story of five college-age friends who travel to a cabin in rural Tennessee where the stumble upon the Book of the Dead, an ancient tome bound in human flesh and inked in blood. After unwittingly awakening the unspeakable terror told of in the book, each of the friends is transformed into the evil dead, one by one, except for Ash (Bruce Campbell). So, Ash is left with no other way to survive than to dismember the living corpses of his sister, girlfriend, and two of his friends. Shot on a shoestring budget, the film boasts some impressive camera work and extremely over-the-top gore effects as well as a sense of humor much more subtle than the tongue-in-cheek aesthetic of the two sequels.
King Arthur
2004
6.3/10
action, adventure, drama, history, war
Director: Antoine Fuqua, Actors: Clive Owen, Stephen Dillane, Keira Knightley, Ioan Gruffudd, Mads Mikkelsen, Hugh Dancy...
Combining the historical appeal and epic sequences of films like GLADIATOR and BRAVEHEART, director Antoine Fuqua (TRAINING DAY) and producer Jerry Bruckheimer provide a sleek twist on the King Arthur legend. Arthur (Clive Owen), a brave Roman/British Christian warrior who leads his band of pagan knights on missions for the Empire, must complete one final mission before the knights can earn their freedom from servitude and Arthur can return to Rome. Along the way, however, Arthur realizes that the pullout of the Romans will open the door for a crushing invasion of Britain by the Saxons, and he takes it upon himself to fight with Merlin (Stephen Dillane) and Guinevere (Keira Knightley) for the freedom of the British people. Stunning battle scenes with extensive attention to historical detail rely very little on computer graphics and instead use intricately realistic props, costumes, and scenery. Featuring the largest film set ever built in Ireland, KING ARTHUR features a scale replica of Hadrian's Wall and two complete villages. Haunting music by composer Hans Zimmer completes this story of unselfish heroism, which ultimately provides a satisfying completion to the legend of Arthur and his knights.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit
1988
7.7/10
animation, comedy, crime, family, fantasy
Director: Robert Zemeckis, Actors: Bob Hoskins, Christopher Lloyd, Joanna Cassidy, Charles Fleischer, Stubby Kaye, Alan ...
The time is Hollywood in its heyday, and cartoons are king. But falling star Roger Rabbit's about lose his place as ruler of the empire. Distracted by his wife's alleged infidelities, Roger is one falling anvil away from being fired -- and studio head R.K. Maroon wouldn't mind hastening the process. So the befuddled bunny hires down-and-out detective Eddie Valiant to help him get back the sultry, bosomy Jessica Rabbit. At first Valiant refuses -- he's got his own reasons for hating the 'toons. But when the studio tycoon Maroon is found dead, Roger's one marked rabbit. So Valiant ignores his better judgment and tries to save the harassed hare from a nefarious Judge just aching to terminate him. For Roger's sake, he ventures into a dangerous and tempting space, the place where anything can happen and imagination rules... the magical, maniacal 'Toontown.
Spaceballs
1987
7.1/10
adventure, comedy, sci-fi
Director: Mel Brooks, Actors: Mel Brooks, John Candy, Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman, Daphne Zuniga, George Wyner, Dick Van ...
In this spoof of STAR WARS and a handful of other sci-fi flicks from the 1970s and '80s, space-bum-for-hire Lone Starr (Bill Pullman) and his half-dog/half-man sidekick, Barf (John Candy), must rescue a spoiled Druish princess (Daphne Zuniga) from the evil Lord Dark Helmet (Rick Moranis) in time to pay off Pizza the Hut. With SPACEBALLS, director Mel Brooks is at it again, this time with a science-fiction parody with all the blue-screen special effects and weird makeup (though in this film, things are always slightly off-kilter and unpolished). Here, maverick space travelers set out to save the planet Druidia, which is being harassed by the Spaceballs, a sinister group attempting to pilfer Druidia's air resources. Among the many gags and jokes is a hilarious parody of a classic scene from ALIEN. Mel Brooks himself makes one of his funniest acting appearances as Yogurt, a send-up of THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK's Yoda.
Gremlins
1984
7.2/10
comedy, horror
Director: Joe Dante, Actors: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton, Scott Brady, Keye Luke, Polly Holliday, Corey Feld...
A hilariously funny, wickedly scary film about a loveable, furry little Christmas gift that multiplies into many little Christmas gifts, with savage consequences. Rand Peltzer (Hoyt Axton) is an inventor who hasn't successfully invented anything. But this Christmas he's bringing his family something special--a small, cuddly creature known as a mogwai. The little fella comes with three crucial instructions. He's not to be fed after midnight, he's not to get any direct light and he should never be given so much as a drop of water. If Rand and his son Billy (Zach Galligan) can adhere to these rules they can avoid the otherwise tragic consequences. Unfortunately, the rules are harder to stick to than it seems, and suddenly Billy finds himself with far too many "pets," all with big appetites. It's up to Billy and his girlfriend (Phoebe Cates) to stop the mischievous gremlins before they ruin Christmas for the residents of rural Kingston Falls.
Resident Evil 4: Afterlife
2010
5.9/10
action, adventure, horror, sci-fi
Director: Paul W.S. Anderson, Actors: Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter, Wentworth Miller, Kim Coates, Shawn Roberts, Sergio Pe...
In a world ravaged by a virus infection, turning its victims into the Undead, Alice (Jovovich), continues on her journey to find survivors and lead them to safety. Her deadly battle with the Umbrella Corporation reaches new heights, but Alice gets some unexpected help from an old friend. A new lead that promises a safe haven from the Undead takes them to Los Angeles, but when they arrive the city is overrun by thousands of Undead - and Alice and her comrades are about to step into a deadly trap.
The Abyss
1989
7.6/10
adventure, drama, sci-fi, thriller
Director: James Cameron, Actors: Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Michael Biehn, Leo Burmester, Todd Graff, John ...
After a nuclear submarine mysteriously sinks in a remote part of the ocean floor, a team of divers on a prototype underwater oil rig are pressed into service by the U.S. Navy in a rescue attempt. When a hurricane cuts off contact between the surface and the underwater depths, the crew begin to see evidence of a strange, possibly alien intelligence at work. While chief Bud Brigman (Ed Harris) bickers with his ex-wife and boss (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio), the Navy commander begins to grow increasingly paranoid about the mysterious alien life and threatens to use a recovered nuclear weapon to destroy everything. James Cameron's undersea epic is a tale of sacrifice and hope in an amazing alien landscape that covers 2/3 of the Earth's surface. Featuring landmark visual effects but plagued by production difficulties, the cast and crew were stretched to the breaking point and THE ABYSS became one of the most expensive films ever made in its time, but the final result is a remarkable blend of action and human drama. Scenes cut from the theatrical version, including a number of special effects sequences involving huge tidal waves threatening the cities of the world, are restored in the Special Edition versions.
Blade 3: Trinity
2004
5.9/10
action, adventure, fantasy, horror, sci-fi, thriller
Director: David S. Goyer, Actors: Wesley Snipes, Kris Kristofferson, Parker Posey, Jessica Biel, Dominic Purcell, Ryan R...
A ramped-up techno soundtrack bleats out adrenaline-pumping action tunes while leather-clad vampire slayers smash through walls and floors and ceilings, break windows with their bodies, and occasionally defy gravity. Cascades of flying glass sparkle in the air and crimson pools of blood shine on the floors of warehouse dens where the hungry creatures hide. This is BLADE: TRINITY, the third installment of the film series adapted from Marvel comics. Here, a new challenge faces the preternaturally sharp hunter, Blade (Wesley Snipes), when a group of vamps resurrect the long-slumbering "Drake" (Dominic Purcell)--the ancient and all-powerful Count Dracula--and Blade meets the ultimate opponent. Teaming up with the Nightstalkers, a group of similar-minded hunters led by tough slayer-hottie Abigail (Jessica Biel) and her joke-a-minute partner Hannibal (Ryan Reynolds), Blade is ready for battle. However, Drake's handlers are an unruly bunch themselves, with sassy goth wench Danica (Parker Posey in a wonderfully exaggerated performance) doing her best to make things as unpleasant as possible. What's more, while Danica's vamp team is harvesting homeless people for their blood, the Nightstalkers' scientist creates a potion that can not only kill Drake but can take the entire bloodsucking race with him. And thus, David S. Goyer continues the BLADE cinema series, satisfying fans with plenty of the nocturnal monster mystique they so desperately crave.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
2014
6.0/10
action, adventure, comedy, fantasy, sci-fi
Director: Jonathan Liebesman, Actors: Megan Fox, Will Arnett, William Fichtner, Alan Ritchson, Pete Ploszek, Noel Fisher...
From their home in the storm sewers of Manhattan, four Ninjitsu-trained turtles, Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo and Donatello and their sensei, Master Splinter, battle evil.
The Longest Yard
2005
6.3/10
comedy, crime, sport
Director: Peter Segal, Actors: Adam Sandler, Burt Reynolds, Chris Rock, Nelly, Bill Goldberg, William Fichtner, Bill Rom...
Director Peter Segal (50 FIRST DATES, ANGER MANAGEMENT) and comedian Adam Sandler are at it again in a fun remake of the 1974 classic, THE LONGEST YARD. In the role of Paul "Wrecking" Crewe, first immortalized by Burt Reynolds (who appears here as Nate Scarborough), Sandler plays an ex-football star whose career ended amidst allegations of point shaving. Fed up, he drunkenly steals his unfriendly wife's (an uncredited Courtney Cox) luxury car and drives it into a multi-car pileup. This lands Crewe in a cruel Texas state penitentiary. His only respite comes from Warden Hazen (James Cromwell) who wants Crewe to help lead his well-equipped prison-guard football team to the league championship. Crewe timorously agrees, suggesting the creation of an opposing team of convicts to the give the guards an easy tune-up before the season. To the ragtag inmates, this is the chance they've been waiting for, and they hustle to get their team together so they can exact some revenge on the harassing guards. In THE LONGEST YARD, Sandler steps out of the spotlight he enjoyed in films like BILLY MADISON and HAPPY GILMORE and is instead content to let his sizable cast of costars shine in the comedic light. Both the guard and the convict teams are infused with solid contributions from a swath of entertaining personalities: ex-football stars Michael Irvin, Bill Romanowski and Brian Bosworth; pro wrestlers Bill Goldberg and "Stone-Cold" Steve Austin; ESPN anchors Chris Berman and Dan Patrick; and famed rapper Nelly. However, it is Chris Rock, as Crewe's friend Caretaker, whose scenes never fail to steal the show, providing some of the movie's most memorable laughs.
Carrie
1976
7.4/10
horror
Director: Brian De Palma, Actors: Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie, Amy Irving, William Katt, John Travolta, Nancy Allen, Bett...
Sissy Spacek stars as Carrie White, the beleaguered daughter of a religious kook (Piper Laurie) and a social outcast tormented by her cruel, insensitive classmates. When her rage turns into telekinetic powers, however, school's out in every sense of the word. De Palma's horrific climax in a school gym lingers forever in the memory, though the film is also built upon Spacek's remarkable performance and Piper Laurie's outlandishly creepy one.
Superman
1978
7.3/10
action, sci-fi
Director: Richard Donner, Actors: Richard Donner, Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman, Marlon Brando, Ned Bea...
The Superman myth is well told, from his birth on the doomed planet Krypton to his childhood in a small Kansas town and beyond, in Richard Donner's blockbuster. After he comes of age, young Clark Kent, as his Earth parents have named him, learns the truth of his alien birth on a voyage of discovery to the Arctic. It is there that he learns--through a link to his long-dead birth parents--of his superhuman abilities and his responsibility to preserve and protect "truth, justice and the American Way." Once he adjusts to life in the big city, Metropolis, he discovers that hiding his superpowers as mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent (Christopher Reeve) isn't easy as he flirts with hard-nosed Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) and battles supervillain Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman).
Scream 2
1997
6.1/10
horror, mystery
Director: Wes Craven, Actors: Wes Craven, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Elise Neal, Jada Pinkett Smith, ...
The hip, darkly comical sequel to self-aware "SCREAM." Sidney Prescott, now in college, once again finds herself the target of a bloodthirsty, cloak-clad, mask-wearing, knife-wielding, psychotic killer whose penchant for pop movie trivia runs deep. This time, however, the body count is higher and the deaths more outrageous--traits of a true sequel, as noted by one unfortunate victim. Not as pithy as the first film, but still a satisfying, definite true-to-form teen slasher.
Pandorum
2009
6.8/10
action, horror, mystery, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Christian Alvart, Actors: Dennis Quaid, Ben Foster, Cam Gigandet, Antje Traue, Cung Le, Eddie Rouse, Norman Re...
When two men emerge from a deep sleep in the middle of space, they discover that they have no memories of who they are and where they're going. But their memory loss pales in comparison to the problem of the murderous warriors on board their ship who don't want to leave anyone alive.
The Man in the Iron Mask
1998
6.4/10
action, adventure
Director: Randall Wallace, Actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jeremy Irons, John Malkovich, Gérard Depardieu, Gabriel Byrne, ...
With a cry of "All for one and one for all!" the Musketeers return to correct the injustices perpetrated by spoiled monarch Louis XIV, whose misdeeds include imprisoning his twin brother on an island and encasing his visage in the titular mask. Teen idol Di Caprio assays the dual title role, while writer-director Randall Wallace goes for the jugular with plenty of pomp and pageantry.
I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry
2007
6.0/10
comedy, romance
Director: Dennis Dugan, Actors: Dennis Dugan, Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Jessica Biel, Dan Aykroyd, Steve Buscemi, Ving ...
Brooklyn firefighters Larry Valentine (Kevin James) and Chuck Levine (Adam Sandler) have watched each other's back since they met in the Academy even though they are different as can be. Playboy Chuck can't get enough of the ladies-and they can't get enough of him. Larry, meanwhile, is a widower raising two young children and still grieving the death of his wife. When Larry saves Chuck's life on a call, he comes up with a unique way for his buddy to repay him: having missed the opportunity to name his children beneficiaries, he asks Chuck to act as his domestic partner so that his children will be provided for if tragedy strikes. But these two buddies soon find themselves the subject of an investigation by the city. Enter Alex McDonough (Jessica Biel), their highly attractive attorney who leaves Chuck desperately wishing he wasn't pretending to be gay. Initially, Chuck and Larry are as guilty of making stereotypical gay jokes as the next average Joe. In fact, pretty much any and every gay joke and stereotype turns up in this film. But their attitudes change when the shoe is on the other foot and they find themselves and their new gay friends the subject of discrimination, mocking and name-calling.
Final Destination 2
2003
6.2/10
horror, thriller
Director: David R. Ellis, Actors: A.J. Cook, Ali Larter, Tony Todd, Michael Landes, Jonathan Cherry, Keegan Connor Tracy...
In FINAL DESTINATION 2, the basic notion of cheating mortality is further refined with an even more gripping plot provided by Eric Bress & J. Mackye Gruber, the duo behind the film BLUNT. Director David R. Ellis revels in film as an entertainment vehicle and the result is a no-holds-barred raucous good time. Ellis' background as a stuntman and stunt coordinator helps him build electric suspense through a chain of seemingly simple actions that in fact loaded and lethal. In the original, FINAL DESTINATION, a group of students avoided the tragic crash of Flight 180 when Alexander Browning had a premonition. Death, however, didn't like being outwitted, and one by one the survivors died in freak accidents. The sole survivor was Clear Rivers (Ali Larter) who voluntarily checked into a padded room at Stonybrook Institute. FINAL DESTINATION II takes place on Flight 180's one-year anniversary. Kimberly Corman (A.J. Cook) is joyriding with some friends on Route 23 when she "sees" herself, her friends, and other drivers involved in a massive multi-car pileup. The scene is so artfully executed, it physically hurts to watch. She and police officer Thomas Burke (Michael Landes) save a group of people who would have otherwise died in the crash. But, as ever, death approacheth, taking the likes of Evan (David Paetkau), the Trans Am-loving lottery winner who puts up a good fight but is ultimately impaled on a fire escape ladder; and Tim (James Kirk), who almost chokes to death at the dentist and is later flattened by a piece of industrial glass. Clear Rivers busts out of the psych ward to help the remaining survivors pool their efforts and read the signs of impending death before it claims their lives.
Rocky 2
1979
7.1/10
drama, sport
Director: Sylvester Stallone, Actors: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith, Tony...
This sequel to the Academy Award winning picture ROCKY finds the champ disenchanted and down on his luck. Through the encouragement of friends and his manager, Rocky agrees to a rematch against Apollo Creed--and that's when the fighting really begins. Sylvester Stallone wrote and directed this exciting follow-up, with Burgess Meredith, Talia Shire, Carl Weathers, and Burt Young all reprising thier roles from the first film.
The Last Airbender
2010
4.3/10
action, adventure, family, fantasy
Director: M. Night Shyamalan, Actors: M. Night Shyamalan, Noah Ringer, Nicola Peltz, Jackson Rathbone, Dev Patel, Shaun ...
Suspense auteur M. Night Shyamalan takes a break from crafting original screenplays to tell this tale of a 12-year-old boy (Noah Ringer) who provides the last hope for restoring harmony to a land consumed by chaos. In a world balanced on the four nations of Water, Earth, Fire, and Air, people known as the Waterbenders, Earthbenders, Firebenders, and Airbenders have mastered their native elements. Though the masters can each manipulate their native elements, the only one with the power to manipulate all four elements is a young boy known as the Avatar. When the Avatar subsequently appears to die while still mastering his powers, the Fire nation launches a global war with the ultimate goal of global domination. One hundred years later, two teens discover that the Avatar and his flying bison have in fact been locked in suspended animation. Upon being freed from his prison, the Avatar embarks on an arduous quest to restore harmony among the four war-ravaged nations.
The Karate Kid
1984
7.2/10
action, drama, family, sport
Director: John G. Avildsen, Actors: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, Martin Kove, Randee Heller, William Zabka...
Daniel (Ralph Macchio) and his mother (Randee Heller) move from New Jersey to Southern California, where he's not too keen about his new home--until he meets Ali (Elizabeth Shue), an attractive girl who seems to like him. But trouble looms when Ali's ex-boyfriend (William Zabka) and his gang of ruffians start tormenting Daniel. One day, as Daniel is suffering a beating at the hands of these louts, Mr. Miyagi (Noriyuki "Pat" Morita), an elderly Japanese handyman, comes to his rescue. To Daniel's amazement, Miyagi manages to take down the whole group all by himself using karate. Daniel begs to learn this ancient martial art, and soon Miyagi begins the boy's training, teaching Daniel that there is more to karate than fighting. Through a series of lessons, the wise mentor instills a sense of honor and nobility in his young pupil while preparing him for the ultimate karate showdown. However, as Daniel studies the discipline and art of karate, his enemies are learning a dirtier kind of fighting from Kreese (Martin Kove), a cold-blooded ex-marine. Ultimately, the boys will fight to the finish in the All Valley Karate Championship in a rousing and triumphant finale. Morita is a gem as the elderly father figure Miyagi, giving the character warmth, wisdom, and comic charm. Macchio's underdog character inspired an entire generation to run out and join the nearest karate school while chanting "wax on, wax off."
Rocky 4
1985
6.7/10
drama, sport
Director: Sylvester Stallone, Actors: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Brigitte Nielsen, Dolp...
Rocky is back and this time he's fighting an unbeatable Russian automaton named Drago (Dolph Lundgren). What does this huge Russkie have in store for Rocky? Can he remain the champ? Written and directed by Sylvester Stallone and starring familiar faces Stallone, Talia Shire, Carl Weathers, and Burt Young, ROCKY IV finds Balboa maturing, having to deal with a growing family as well as reevaluating his career and his future. The intense battles between Balboa and Drago were representative at the time of the last gasps of the cold war.
Scary Movie 2
2001
5.2/10
comedy
Director: Keenen Ivory Wayans, Actors: Anna Faris, Marlon Wayans, Antony Acker, Shawn Wayans, David Cross, Veronica Cart...
The Wayans Brothers return with another horror-flick parody, this one taking shots at THE EXORCIST, HANNIBAL, and HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL, along with non-horror fare like CHARLIE'S ANGELS. In addition to gags (and I do mean GAG) about innumerable bodily functions, there are slyer jabs at Thomas Jefferson and RAGING BULL. As in SCARY MOVIE, the strongest humor comes from making fun of the inane behavior of characters in horror movies. Assisting Shawn and Marlon Wayans are Anna Faris, Kathleen Robertson (in the Carmen Electra role, providing the T&A), and David Cross, as well as Tori Spelling, Chris Elliott, James Woods (as an exorcist with bowel trouble), Andy Richter, and poor Tim Curry, who probably never thought his career would come to this.
Evan Almighty
2007
5.4/10
comedy, family, fantasy
Director: Tom Shadyac, Actors: Steve Carell, Morgan Freeman, Lauren Graham, Graham Phillips, John Goodman, Johnny Simmon...
In this sequel to BRUCE ALMIGHTY, newscaster Evan Baxter (Steve Carrell, THE 40 YEAR OLD VIRGIN) has traded in the news desk for a post in Washington as a congressman. Though his campaign was based on the idea of changing the world, Evan drives a gas-guzzling SUV and spends more time trimming his nose hair than with his three sons. When he has a strange encounter with God (Oscar winner Morgan Freeman, reprising his role from the first film), God tells him to build an ark, just as Noah did thousands of years ago. Though Evan is skeptical, he finally accepts the task after being hounded by dozens of animals that follow him, two by two. By obeying God, Evan risks his family, career, and sanity--but will a flood actually come and prove him right? Though BRUCE ALMIGHTY boasted an edgier PG-13 rating, EVAN ALMIGHTY is a pure family affair. Its predecessor featured some sexual humor, but this is a squeaky clean film that kids and parents can enjoy equally. With hundreds of animals, poop jokes are inevitable, and they're worthy of a chuckle or two. With his roles in THE 40 YEAR OLD VIRGIN and THE OFFICE, Carrell has capitalized on playing awkward characters. The (over)confident Evan is quite a change, and it's interesting to see Carrell stretch his comedic muscle. Though EVAN ALMIGHTY also features the talents of Lauren Graham (GILMORE GIRLS) and Coen Brothers favorite John Goodman, the funniest lines and delivery come from Wanda Sykes (THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE) and Jonah Hill (KNOCKED UP) as members of Evan's staff. Most of the film's jokes garner giggles, but the lines from this pair get guffaws.
Rush Hour 3
2007
6.2/10
action, comedy, crime, thriller
Director: Brett Ratner, Actors: Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker, Max von Sydow, Hiroyuki Sanada, Yvan Attal, Yûki Kudô, ...
In director Brett Ratner's RUSH HOUR 3, African-American cop James Carter (Chris Tucker) once again reunites with Chinese inspector Lee (Jackie Chan) to both taunt and battle bad guys. Whereas the first movie was on Carter's turf, and the second was set in Lee's homeland, this outing finds both Carter and Lee out of their element in Paris, dealing not only with criminals, but also with the quirks of French culture. Along the way, Lee must confront his old friend Kenji (Hiroyuki Sanada) in order to save the day. Fresh off of his highly successful (though critically maligned) "threequel" X-MEN: THE LAST STAND, Ratner tackles the third chapter of his own popular series, which follows the second movie by six years. Once again, Tucker provides the wisecracks, while Chan, who tones down the acrobatics, remains the emotional center of the franchise. Though Sanada (SUNSHINE, RINGU) and Von Sydow (MINORITY REPORT, THE SEVENTH SEAL) add a bit of gravitas to the film, and Polanski amuses with his rare acting appearance, RUSH HOUR 3 isn't quite as quick on its feet as previous installments, but it still provides plenty of slapstick comedy and relatively light action sequences, making it most readily appealing to teens.
Buried
2010
7.0/10
drama, mystery, thriller
Director: Rodrigo Cortés, Actors: Ryan Reynolds, José Luis García Pérez, Robert Paterson, Stephen Tobolowsky...
Paul Conroy is not ready to die. But when he wakes up 6 feet underground with no idea of who put him there or why, life for the truck driver and family man instantly becomes a hellish struggle for survival. Buried with only a cell phone and a lighter, his contact with the outside world and ability to piece together clues that could help him discover his location are maddeningly limited. Poor reception, a rapidly draining battery, and a dwindling oxygen supply become his worst enemies in a tightly confined race against time - fighting panic, despair and delirium, Paul has only 90 minutes to be rescued before his worst nightmare comes true.
Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian
2009
5.9/10
action, adventure, comedy, family, fantasy
Director: Shawn Levy, Actors: Shawn Levy, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Amy Adams, Robin Williams, Hank Azaria, Ricky Gervai...
When the Museum of Natural History is closed for upgrades and renovations, the museum pieces are moved into federal storage at the famous Washington Museums. The centerpiece of the film will be bringing to life the Smithsonian Institution, which houses the world's largest museum complex with more than 136 million items in its collections, ranging from the plane Amelia Earhart (Amy Adams) flew on her non-stop solo flight across the Atlantic and Al Capone's (Jon Bernthal) rap sheet and mug shot to Dorothy's ruby slippers, Fonzie's jacket from Happy Days, the still from M*A*S*H and Archie Bunker's lounge chair from All in the Family. After stealing a security guard's ID badge, Larry (Ben Stiller) slips into the Archives of the Smithsonian, where Kahmunrah, an evil Pharaoh will come to life with the reestablishing of a tablet as a magical force in the museum bringing the old exhibits (Such as Theodore Roosevelt and Dexter) and new exhibits (like General Custer and Al Capone) back to life, and in conflict with each other. Larry enlists the help of Amelia Earheart, who he develops a romantic interest in, and together they try to put everything back in order.
Transporter 3
2008
6.0/10
action, adventure, crime, thriller
Director: Olivier Megaton, Actors: Jason Statham, Robert Knepper, Natalya Rudakova, François Berléand, Jeroen Krab...
Jason Statham returns once again as Frank Martin, the driver-for-hire for whom no job is too risky. Brimming with the usual jaw-dropping stunts, this is another crowd-pleasing entry in the saga, delivered at a brisk and flashy clip by director Olivier Megaton. Following the coercion of Ukrainian environmental official Leonid Vasilev (Jeroen Krabbe) into signing papers permitting the shipping of toxic materials into a harbor by criminal mastermind Johnson (Robert Knepper), Frank Martin is forced into accepting the job of driving Vasilev's kidnapped daughter, Valentina (Natalya Rudakova)--acting as human collateral--from Marseilles to the Black Sea coastal city of Odessa. On the chance the Martin should attempt to flee, Johnson has rigged him with a bracelet that will detonate if he strays more than 75 feet from his car. When Valentina is intercepted by a rival group, Martin will have to push his Audi M8 to the limit to complete his mission and ensure his own survival.
The Emperor's New Groove
2000
7.3/10
animation, adventure, comedy, family, fantasy
Director: Mark Dindal, Actors: David Spade, John Goodman, Eartha Kitt, Patrick Warburton, Rodger Bumpass, Robert Clotwor...
Kuzco (David Spade) is the young, arrogant emperor of a vast kingdom. For his entire life, he has always had everything his own way. When his adviser, Yzma (Eartha Kitt), decides to usurp his power for herself, she has her servant Kronk (Patrick Warburton) poison Kuzco--but something goes wrong, and instead of dying, Kuzco is transformed into a talking llama. The former emperor winds up in the company of Pacha (John Goodman), a simple peasant just evicted from his land by Kuzco's plans for a new summer home. Pacha and Kuzco grudgingly agree to work together to restore Kuzco to his throne--and back to human form--but a series of wacky misadventures and the schemes of Yzma ensure that their journey will be a treacherous one.
The Bone Collector
1999
6.6/10
crime, drama, mystery, thriller
Director: Phillip Noyce, Actors: Phillip Noyce, Denzel Washington, Angelina Jolie, Queen Latifah, Michael Rooker, Michae...
Washington is Lincoln Rhyme, a successful police officer and author of crime novels. After a freak accident on the job, Rhyme is left paralyzed from the neck down (except for his index finger). Jolie is Amelia Donaghy, a troubled cop who finds herself caught up in the investigation of a brutal serial killer. With the help of the bed-ridden Rhyme, she enters a dangerous world that threatens to add her to the killer's list.
The Waterboy
1998
6.0/10
comedy, sport
Director: Frank Coraci, Actors: Frank Coraci, Adam Sandler, Kathy Bates, Henry Winkler, Fairuza Balk, Jerry Reed, Lawren...
Adam Sandler is charming and disarming as he dusts off and mashes together his beloved SNL charcters Cajun Man and Canteen Boy to create Bobby Boucher, the sweet-tempered, simple-minded, bayou man-child who relishes his job of eighteen years as the much-abused waterboy for the local "good" (well-funded but nasty of spirit) university's football team. True to the appropriate cine-formula, there is also a nearby "bad" (under-funded but generous of spirit) university where Bobby seeks tenure after finally being driven away from his long-time place of employment by the relentless cruelty of those whom he seeks only to refresh and hydrate. It is under the kindly tutelage of the "lesser" university's down-and-out football coach (Henry Winkler phones it in, but warmly) that Bobby realizes his unusual athletic prowess and develops some basic people skills. Kathy Bates has an enormous amount of fun, and is a laugh riot, as Bobby's earthy, over-protective, swamp-shack-dwelling mom; and Fairuza Balk is accessibly luscious in a Daisy Mae turn as Bobby's resourceful, tomboyish, creole-cutie sweetheart. Deadpan delivery, satisfying sight gags, and "elbow-your-neighbor-and-point-at-the-screen" cameos make this an attractive option for fans of the genre.
JFK
1991
8.0/10
drama, history, thriller
Director: Oliver Stone, Actors: Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, Jack Lemmon, Jay O. Sanders, Sissy Spacek, Sally Kirkland, M...
Covers the period from 1963 to 1968; Produced and released in 1991. Oliver Stone's self-proclaimed "countermyth," JFK mocks the doubtful veracity of the Warren Commission's findings on the Kennedy assassination and summarizes some of the myriad theories that have been proposed in its contest. Focusing on the investigation by New Orleans district attorney Jim Garrison (Kevin Costner) into the activities of the FBI and other government agencies as well as their attempted cover-ups, Stone weaves fact and speculation into a compelling argument for the reopening of the case files. Garrison begins to investigate local links to the assassination, including Clay Shaw (Tommy Lee Jones), David Ferrie (Joe Pesci), Guy Bannister (Ed Asner), Perry Russo (Kevin Bacon), and Lee Harvey Oswald (Gary Oldman). When the accounts of Ferrie, Russo, and others almost invariably diverge from the FBI versions of events, Garrison begins to suspect a cover-up. Widening his net, he interviews many of the original assassination witnesses and again finds little that coincides with the government's record. Combining interviews with an analysis of the physical evidence, Garrison's team posits the existence of a conspiracy to kill the president. A mysterious Col. X (Donald Sutherland) implies the orchestration of the conspiracy at the highest levels of government, and Garrison is ready to go to trial. Stone deploys video, different film stocks shot at varying speeds, and a dizzying style of montage while harnessing the talents of a large and extraordinary cast to create a film of undeniable power and excitement.
Coming to America
1988
6.9/10
comedy, romance
Director: John Landis, Actors: Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, John Amos, Shari Headley, Madge Sinclair, E...
This fantastical fairy tale stars Eddie Murphy as Prince Akeem, a pampered African prince who is yearning to be self-sufficient in his extremely opulent society, where his every whim is catered to. When Akeem turns 21 he defies the wishes of his kingdom and refuses to marry the beautiful bride who has been chosen for him. Instead, he sets out for America to find true love with his trusty sidekick, Semmi (Arsenio Hall). Determined to appear common, the pair arrive in Queens, New York, and quickly have to adapt to a world where they are no longer royalty and can't seem to find a modern woman who suits the prince's tastes--until he meets Lisa McDowell (Shari Headley), the lovely daughter of Cleo McDowell (John Amos), who owns McDowell's restaurant, a fast-food restaurant suspiciously like McDonald's. Akeem and Semmi get jobs at McDowell's and set about charming the unsuspecting Lisa. As the romance blossoms, Akeem has an increasingly difficult time hiding his true identity, especially when his royal parents (James Earl Jones and Madge Sinclair) and their entourage arrive in New York, eager to return their only heir to Africa. John Landis's comedy is an intelligent, funny movie that shows off the myriad talent of Murphy and Hall.
Underworld 3: Rise of the Lycans
2009
6.6/10
action, adventure, fantasy, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Patrick Tatopoulos, Actors: Rhona Mitra, Michael Sheen, Bill Nighy, Steven Mackintosh, Kevin Grevioux, David A...
Depicts the origins of the centuries-long blood feud between two powerful and immortal tribes, the aristocratic Vampires, known as Death Dealers, and the barbaric Lycans, a line of fierce werewolves.
Conan the Barbarian
1982
6.9/10
action, fantasy, adventure
Director: John Milius, Actors: John Milius, Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Earl Jones, Max von Sydow, Sandahl Bergman, Ben...
Muscleman Arnold Schwarzenegger brings the comic book hero Conan the Barbarian to life in this action fantasy set during a mythical era known as the Hyborean Age. In a magical land overrun by sorcerers and pagan cults, the Nordic super hunk seeks revenge on Thulsa Doom, the evil leader who murdered his parents and enslaved him as a child.
Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues
2013
6.4/10
comedy
Director: Adam McKay, Actors: Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell, David Koechner, Kristen Wiig, ...
Will Ferrell returns to the role of Ron Burgundy in Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, which finds the popular San Diego television newsman pulling up stakes with co-host Veronica (Christina Applegate), his intrepid reporter Brian (Paul Rudd), the overenthusiastic sports reporter Champ (David Koechner), and imbecilic weatherman Brick (Steve Carell) in order to move to New York City and launch the first ever 24-hour news network. Adam McKay, who directed the original, returns as well to helm this comedy.
Marley and Me
2008
7.1/10
comedy, drama, family, romance
Director: David Frankel, Actors: Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston, Eric Dane, Alan Arkin, Kathleen Turner, Nathan Gamble, H...
Chronicles the relationship of John (Owen Wilson) and Jen (Jennifer Aniston) as they face the challenges of marriage and work to start a family. By their side is their beloved dog, Marley, who can chew through drywall, got kicked out of obedience school, and never met a leg he didn't like. The cute pup's antics come to signify the unexpected challenges that everyone faces in adulthood, and the film is ultimately a paean to unconditional love; others may see Marley as the "world's worst dog," but throughout it all, he proves to be the couple's most faithful friend.
RED 2
2013
6.7/10
action, comedy, crime, thriller
Director: Dean Parisot, Actors: Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, John Malkovich, Mary-Louise Parker, Byung-hun Lee, Catherine...
A breezy romp of global espionage and superhero superspies where the wealth of violence is played for laughs and the sly grins stay firmly planted on the faces of everyone involved. As fans of 2010's RED will fondly remember, the hero characters are from the AARP generation, which is also what drives the primary conceptual joke and defines the title acronym: Retired, Extremely Dangerous. In round two, former secret agent Frank Moses (Bruce Willis) is drawn out of retirement (again) by his former cohort Marvin (John Malkovich, acting Malkovich-crazy and loving it) to service a plot that involves a Cold War-era nuclear bomb hidden in Russia and the international effort to retrieve it. Frank is now romantically partnered with RED's sweet Sarah (Mary-Louise Parker, also a comic delight), who wants to follow him into the fray and turns out to be pretty good at the dangerous game of spycraft.
The Last Stand
2013
6.4/10
action, crime, thriller
Director: Kim Jee-woon, Actors: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Forest Whitaker, Johnny Knoxville, Peter Stormare, Jaimie Alexand...
A border-town sheriff pulls out the heavy artillery to prevent an escaped drug kingpin from blasting his way into Mexico in this sun-scorched action opus starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and directed by Kim Jee-Woon. A former LAPD hot shot who opted for an easier life after becoming the sole survivor of a bloody drug raid, Ray Owens (Schwarzenegger) retreated from the city to become sheriff of Sommerton Junction -- a small town on the U.S. /Mexico border. He's just adjusting to life at a more leisurely pace when infamous drug-kingpin Gabriel Cortez (Eduardo Noriega) stages a daring escape from an FBI convoy, and sets his sights on Mexico. With a hostage to guarantee his safe-crossing and a violent mercenary named Burrell (Peter Stormare) clearing him a path to the border, Cortez races south in a custom Corvette ZR1 that can outrun anything on the road. Meanwhile, Agent John Bannister (Forest Whitaker) realizes that should Cortez manage to slip through Sommerton Junction, he may well be lost forever. At first it seems that Sheriff Owens' skeleton crew will be no match for Cortez's speeding juggernaut. But when Owens decides to stand his ground with the help of Sommerton Junction's finest, Cortez comes up against an immovable force with enough firepower to stop him dead in his tracks.
Fun with Dick and Jane
2005
6.1/10
comedy, crime
Director: Dean Parisot, Actors: Jim Carrey, Téa Leoni, Alec Baldwin, Richard Jenkins, Richard Burgi, Carlos Jacott, S...
Dick (Jim Carrey) and Jane (Teá Leoni) are a typical suburban couple. They have a nice house in a development, she works as a travel agent to supplement his white-collar income, and their son's first language is Spanish thanks to spending so much time with nanny Blanca (Gloria Garayua). Things change in the blink of an eye when Dick is promoted to vice president of communications at Globodyne, where he has worked for years. His first order of business: to appear on a popular news show about business and money and lend his magic touch to news of Globodyne's earnings. But Dick doesn't know that Globodyne is about to tank, and in the midst of his interview the situation goes from bad to horrendous and he becomes the scapegoat. In the blink of an eye he is unemployed, his pension is bust, and he can't find a job to save his life. Their front lawn is even repossessed. To make matters worse, Jane quit her job as soon as Dick was promoted, their house has lost value, and their savings was in Globodyne stock. Months later the Harpers find themselves in increasingly dire straits. They resort to paying their nanny with appliances, selling all of their possessions and are facing foreclosure on their house when Dick has a brainstorm: he'll start to steal. Jane joins him, and soon the duo is dressing in elaborate costumes and robbing local businesses and homes. When their final job goes bust, they decide to go for the big heist: scamming Globodyne president Jack McAllister (Alec Baldwin) out of his stolen fortune. Dean Parisot (HOME FRIES) directs this remake of the 1977 film of the same name, which has been cheekily updated to incorporate the phenomenon of white-collar crime. Richard Jenkins and Carlos Jacott round out the cast.
Puss in Boots
2011
6.7/10
animation, adventure, comedy, family
Director: Chris Miller, Actors: Chris Miller, Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis, Billy Bob Thornton, Amy ...
In this fractured fairy tale, Jack and Jill have the magic beans and Humpty Dumpty, with the aid of Kitty Softpaws, convinces his old friend Puss in Boots to help him steal the beans so they can climb the beanstalk to get to the golden eggs. Never mind that Humpty Dumpty and Puss in Boots had a falling out years ago, or that Jack and Jill are completely preoccupied by their squabbling over whether or not to have a child--and regardless that Puss in Boots is a wanted cat who's sworn off his thieving ways, and Kitty Softpaws is a cat burglar who works alone. Comedy abounds in this film, not only in the twists and turns of some classic fairy tales gone awry, but with scenes that range from a litter-box dance fight between crowds of cats to Jack expressing his paternal instincts by strapping on a baby carrier filled with a piglet in a diaper, and, of course, Puss in Boots' crafty use of his famous sad eyes to get just what he wants. The animation is top-notch (especially in the mass cat scenes), the music is compelling, and the voice talents of Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zack Galifianakis, Billy Bob Thornton, and Amy Sedaris are solid. While considered by some to be a prequel of sorts to the four SHREK films, PUSS IN BOOTS is definitely a stand-alone spinoff. What the films do share is a common comedic interpretation of some well-known fairy-tale characters and knack for spinning a funny story that appeals to both kids and adults. While a heightened sense of peril and some extended fight scenes may prove a bit intense for the youngest and most sensitive audience members, PUSS IN BOOTS is generally appropriate for ages 7 and older.
10,000 B.C.
2008
5.0/10
action, adventure, drama, fantasy, sci-fi
Director: Roland Emmerich, Actors: Camilla Belle, Steven Strait, Marco Khan, Cliff Curtis, Joel Virgel, Affif Ben Badra,...
Director Roland Emmerich weaves myth and legend together in this epic love story. As the Ice Age is ending, the Yagahl people are struggling to survive. When Evolet (Camilla Belle), a young, blue-eyed girl is found and brought back to the tribe, their esteemed elder, Old Mother (Mona Hammond), realizes that the child is fulfilling a prophecy and will be instrumental in saving the Yagahl. D'Leh (Steven Strait) swore his heart to Evolet when she first came to the tribe, and after many years claims her as his own. But no sooner are the young lovers together, than they are torn apart by mysterious men arriving on horseback who kidnap many of the Yagahl, including Evolet, for slave trade. Determined to save his love and their people, D'Leh embarks on a rescue mission with his father figure Tic'Tic (Cliff Curtis). Along the way, they encounter different lands, new people, and strange creatures including giant birds akin to a killer ostrich. Mixing history and fantasy, there is little (if anything) that is historically accurate in this film. Rather, Emmerich weaves together myths and legends to unite people from different lands into one force and bring down a great evil that threatens all of their civilizations. Emmerich also tackles multiple universal themes: the redemption of an outsider, the coming of age of a boy who becomes a leader, the importance of loyalty, and the discovery and understanding of new cultures. Ultimately, he tackles the age-old saga of star-crossed lovers and the power of love. Omar Sharif narrates this love story that spans mountains, valleys, deserts, and rivers.
A Christmas Story
1983
8.1/10
comedy, family
Director: Bob Clark, Actors: Bob Clark, Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Scott Schwartz, Ian Petrella,...
The main story involves nine-year-old Ralphie, who desperately wants a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas -- and is waging an all-out campaign to convince his reluctant parents that the toy will be safe in his hands. Meanwhile, Ralphie prepares for the big day with his rather idiosyncratic family. For example, his brother has a strange relationship with food, and his dad is obsessed with a crossword puzzle contest. But the most important question of all is...when Christmas Day arrives, will Ralphie be the proud (and careful) owner of a Red Ryder BB Gun?
Scary Movie 3
2003
5.4/10
comedy
Director: David Zucker, Actors: Anna Faris, Charlie Sheen, Regina Hall, Camryn Manheim, Simon Rex, Anthony Anderson, Pam...
What would happen if the characters in the thrillers SIGNS and THE RING started to hang out together? The answer: SCARY MOVIE 3. In the latest spoof from director David Zucker (TOP SECRET, THE NAKED GUN), beautiful television reporter Cindy (Anna Faris) covers a story about mysterious crop circles in the corn fields around Tom's (Charlie Sheen) home. Simultaneously, a mysterious videotape of disturbing images is circulating around town, and viewers receive phone calls saying that they will die in seven days. Intrepid reporter Cindy has a gut feeling that the crop circles and the videotape are linked--and she's determined to get to the bottom of the story. At the same time, she is playing mother to her creepy psychic nephew, Cody (Drew Mikuska), and sparks are flying between her and Tom's brother, wannabe-rapper George (Simon Rex). Celebrities abound in this goofy satire that pokes fun at a number of recent films through both sight gags and dialogue. Watch for appearances from Queen Latifah, George Carlin, Denise Richards, Fat Joe, Eddie Griffin, Ja Rule, Macy Gray, Pamela Anderson, Jenny McCarthy, Darrell Hammond, Method Man, Redman, and Leslie Nielsen as the President of the United States.
The Running Man
1987
6.6/10
action, crime, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Paul Michael Glaser, Actors: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Maria Conchita Alonso, Yaphet Kotto, Jim Brown, Jesse Vent...
In the 21st Century, the government frames a good cop for a bloody massacre. The authorities take him into custody and then give him an option: he can spend the rest of his life in jail or participate in a "gladiator" type television show that usually culminates with the death of the protagonist. The wronged cop agrees to the challenge, teaming up with a pair of revolutionaries and an innocent young woman to survive the game and overthrow the corrupt system.
The Wedding Singer
1998
6.8/10
comedy, romance
Director: Frank Coraci, Actors: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Christine Taylor, Allen Covert, Matthew Glave, Ellen Alber...
New Jersey wedding chanteur Robbie Hart loses all hope after being abandoned at the altar by his fiancee Linda. Enter Julia, an effervescent ray of light in the shape of a catering-service waitress, who enlists Robbie's help in planning her own wedding--to a sleazy, DeLorean-driving junk bond salesman who tomcats around and treats women like unfeeling slabs of meat. Can our hero win Julia over before she elopes to Las Vegas? Will Billy Idol save the day? And, most importantly, will the fluffy romantic storyline be completely overpowered by the weighty mid-1980s cultural references? Cheesy fun for the nostalgically inclined. Steve Buscemi tries to steal the film in an uncredited role as a drunk best man, but that honor actually goes to Alexis Arquette, as "George."
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
2003
6.2/10
horror
Director: Marcus Nispel, Actors: Jessica Biel, Jonathan Tucker, Andrew Bryniarski, Erica Leerhsen, Eric Balfour, Mike Vo...
Tobe Hooper's TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE appeared like a nightmare in 1974, establishing a whole new genre of horror film. Thirty years later, the TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE is back. Directed by well-known commercial and video director Marcus Nispel, and produced by Michael Bay (ARMAGEDDON, PEARL HARBOR), this remake begins in the same place as the original. Five friends are driving through Texas on their way to a concert in Dallas. But when they stop to pick up a hitchhiker, their trip takes a turn for the worse. The friends--Erin (Jessica Biel), Kemper (Eric Balfour), Morgan (Jonathan Tucker), Pepper (Erica Leerhsen), and Andy (Mike Vogel)--have no idea what they're in for when they ask the local sheriff (R. Lee Ermey) for help. It isn't long before the blood begins to pour and the notorious chainsaw of the maniacal, murderous Leatherface starts to roar. Although considered relatively low budget (9.5 million) by 2003 moviemaking standards, Nispel's remake is worlds away from the no-budget feel of Hooper's original. Where that film left much of the actual gore off camera, Nispel and Bay up the ante by showing every death in all its gruesome detail. They also up the dramatic ante, building to a final act that is relentless and terrifying.
The Time Machine
2002
5.9/10
sci-fi, adventure, action
Director: Simon Wells, Actors: Guy Pearce, Yancey Arias, Mark Addy, Phyllida Law, Samantha Mumba, Sienna Guillory, Alan ...
This adaptation of the classic sci-fi adventure tale by H.G. Wells, directed by Simon Wells (the great-grandson of the author), stars Guy Pearce as Alex Hartdegen, an absentminded New York professor preoccupied with what passes for technology at the turn of the 20th century. However, the one thing that can distract him from his calculations is his love for Emma (Sienna Guillory), his bride-to-be. When tragedy strikes and he loses Emma, Alex uses the time-travelling machine that he's built in secret to change the present by going into the past. When that fails to alter fate, he leaps forward in time, eventually landing 800,000 years in the future, an era where humanity has splintered into two races--the docile Eloi and the ferocious Morlocks. There Alex befriends two of the Eloi (Samantha and Omero Mumba) and attempts to help them resist almost certain death at the hands of the Morlocks. Like Pearce's character, this version of the novel is fascinated with technology and uses a daunting array of special effects. The fast-paced film was apparently not made without incident--Wells reportedly had a nervous breakdown during the shoot. Regardless of production difficulties, THE TIME MACHINE is an engaging spectacle that's anchored by Pearce and enhanced by the commanding appearance of Jeremy Irons.
Monsters vs. Aliens
2009
6.6/10
animation, action, adventure, comedy, family, sci-fi
Directors: Rob Letterman, Conrad Vernon, Actors: Rob Letterman, Conrad Vernon, Reese Witherspoon, Rainn Wilson, Stephen ...
When a radioactive meteor hurtles into Susan Murphy (Reese Witherspoon) on her wedding day, she is transformed into a towering, platinum-haired giant. Taken away by the government and dubbed "Ginormica," Susan is introduced to other scientific oddities, including the amphibious Missing Link (Will Arnett), the dim blob B.O.B. (Seth Rogen), and the brilliant, bug-headed Dr. Cockroach (Hugh Laurie). These "monsters" are released from captivity when a massive alien robot sent by the scheming Gallaxhar (Rainn Wilson) appears in San Francisco and clearly does not come in peace. With little time to adjust to her new stature, Susan must learn to work with her strange allies to avoid an all-out extraterrestrial invasion.
Mr. Deeds
2002
5.8/10
comedy
Director: Steven Brill, Actors: Steven Brill, Adam Sandler, Winona Ryder, John Turturro, Peter Gallagher, Jared Harris, ...
Longfellow Deeds (Adam Sandler) is content to run his pizzeria in the cozy New Hampshire hamlet of Mandrake Falls. His only further desire is to someday see one of his corny rhymes printed in a greeting card. Deeds is awarded much more when he inherits the $40 billion empire of a media tycoon, a distant relative. He is lured to New York City by unscrupulous partners of the deceased where he is preyed upon by greedy stockholders. He also makes ample fodder for tabloid journalists, notably reporter Babe Bennett (Winona Ryder) who poses as a school nurse from Iowa to win Deed's heart and expose him as an idiot to her viewership. Against her will and her own sleazy principles, Babe falls for the charming naivety of Deeds, whose fortune is in jeopardy. Adam Sandler's man-child persona stands in for Gary Cooper in this remake of the 1936 MR. DEEDS GOES TO TOWN. Sandler and longtime collaborator Tim Herlihy have molded the Frank Capra romantic comedy into a perfect vehicle for its star and a love letter to New York City.
Bridge to Terabithia
2007
7.2/10
adventure, drama, family, fantasy
Director: Gabor Csupo, Actors: Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, Zooey Deschanel, Bailee Madison, Robert Patrick, Devon ...
Animation master Gabor Csupo directs his first live-action film in this adaptation of the novel The Bridge to Terabithia, by Katherine Paterson, whose son David co-wrote the screenplay and serves as a producer. Jess (Josh Hutcherson) is misunderstood. Despite Jess' talents as an artist, the school bullies pick on him, his father (Robert Patrick) belittles his dreams, and his four sisters invade his space in the family's cramped house. Jess' bleak world changes when Leslie (Annasophia Robb) moves into the house next door. Bright, creative and outspoken, Leslie also finds herself an outsider in their school. Soon the two are thick as thieves, spending their after school hours exploring the woods beyond their backyards and on the others side of a creek, which Leslie deems the kingdom of Terabithia. Here, they create their own magical world, complete with a Dark Master and his minions, dragonfly soldiers, giant trolls and a treehouse fortress. In Terabithia, the two friends let their imaginations run wild and control their destiny, far away from school bullies and the pressures of adolescence. Hutcherson and Robb are well cast as Jess and Leslie in this coming-of-age tale. Hutcherson handles both the melancholy intensity and unbridled joy of his character beautifully, and Robb's smile and charisma are infectious. Zooey Deschanel also stars as Miss Edmunds, the music teacher who befriends Jess. Parents should read the book or learn more about the story before taking young children to see this film, as the story includes not only some scary creatures, but also the death of a young person. Terabithia and its creatures are created by WETA Digital LTD, the same company that did the effects for the LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy and KING KONG.
Horton Hears a Who!
2008
6.9/10
animation, adventure, comedy, family, fantasy
Directors: Jimmy Hayward, Steve Martino, Actors: Jimmy Hayward, Jim Carrey, Steve Carell, Carol Burnett, Will Arnett, Se...
Horton (Jim Carrey), a thoughtful elephant living in the jungle of Nool, discovers that an entire society, Whoville, rests inside a speck. He gently rests it on a clover flower, and searches for a place where it will be safe from the perils of the larger world. Establishing contact with Whoville's befuddled mayor (Steve Carell), Horton faces disbelief from his animal friends, including his blue mouse pal, Morton (Seth Rogen), and unwittingly incurs the wrath of an uptight kangaroo (Carol Burnett), setting the playful pachyderm on a journey to the most remote parts of Nool, with malicious vultures and monkeys not far behind.
Punch-Drunk Love
2002
7.3/10
comedy, drama, romance
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson, Actors: Adam Sandler, Emily Watson, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Luis Guzmán, Mary Lynn Ra...
Paul Thomas Anderson follows 1999's MAGNOLIA with the intensely compelling character study PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE. Barry Egan (Adam Sandler) is a quiet, shy, socially awkward man with an office in an out-of-the-way warehouse. He is dedicated to his job as a wholesale toilet plunger salesman, he keeps a nice apartment, and he is obsessed with special offers on grocery store products. Barry's latest fixation is on frequent flier miles included with the purchase of Healthy Choice foods. Barry wears a bright blue suit, though he doesn't know why. With seven outspoken sisters, Barry is constantly being nagged, questioned, and berated. He is challenged to explain the reasons for his actions, and it eventually becomes clear that Barry cannot control his often-violent impulses, a trait which is increasingly problematic. When a beautiful woman, Lena Leonard (Emily Watson), walks into his life with an instinctive attraction to him, a nonjudgmental attitude, and unconditional love, Barry undergoes a powerful transformation. Anderson's film is a tour-de-force for which he garnered the Best Director award at Cannes 2002. Set primarily in Los Angeles and Utah, he shoots either bleak deserted spaces (apartment building hallways) or lush, exotic paradises (Hawaii). Aiming for a Technicolor look, the blue of Barry's suit in contrast with Lena's solid pinks, reds, and whites, pops off of the screen. Colorful interludes designed by visual artist Jeremy Blake offer hallucinogenic lapses from the action of the film, while the rapid percussive score by Jon Brion keeps the suspense and the emotional exasperation of the film on a constantly high level.
Hall Pass
2011
5.9/10
comedy, romance
Directors: Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly, Actors: Owen Wilson, Jason Sudeikis, Christina Applegate, Jenna Fischer, Nick...
Anyone familiar with the work of writer-directors Bobby and Peter Farrelly, especially THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY, will be neither surprised nor shocked by the raunchy, gross-out gags that permeate HALL PASS. But what Farrelly fans might not expect is what comes at the other end of the spectrum--namely, a tender, even sentimental point of view in which marriage is sanctified and even a couple of delusional doofuses end up on the right side of righteousness. Buddies Rick (Owen Wilson) and Fred (Jason Sudeikis) have attractive, loving wives (Maggie and Grace, played by Jenna Fischer and Christina Applegate, respectively) and, in Rick's case, a couple of cute kids. But boys will be boys, and after catching their husbands eyeing other women's butts, making rude remarks in front of friends, and so on, the ladies decide to offer them "hall passes"--an entire week during which they can pretend they're not married and do whatever they want, no questions asked, while the wives head for Cape Cod. Rick, for one, is nonplussed; here is a decent guy who refuses to buy beer for his underage babysitter (not to mention resisting her flirtatious come-ons) and generally tries to do the right thing, and he suspects there's more than meets the ear to Maggie's offer (Fred, on the other hand, expects to spend the week scoring young hotties with lines like "You must be from Ireland, 'cos when I look at you my penis is Dublin"). But while Maggie and Grace find themselves courted by some studly minor-league baseball dudes, Rick and Fred mostly just strike out. Their shenanigans are accompanied by a parade of typically sophomoric Farrelly gags: penis jokes (and a couple of real penises), masturbation jokes, scatological jokes, "I'm so stoned" marijuana jokes, and sexual terms (like "eye banging" and "fake chow") that can't be explained on a family website. Some of this is funny, most merely dumb; some viewers will think the humor goes too far, others not far enough. But the overriding impression is that a decade or more past their biggest hits, the Farrellys, who are now in their 50s, have grown up--at least a little.
The Last Action Hero
1993
6.2/10
action, adventure, comedy, family, fantasy
Director: John McTiernan, Actors: Arnold Schwarzenegger, F. Murray Abraham, Art Carney, Frank McRae, Austin O'Brien, Cha...
A teenage boy's unfulfilling life takes a strange turn when he gets sucked into an action film and teams up with its hero, Jack Slater.
Rocky 3
1982
6.7/10
drama, sport
Director: Sylvester Stallone, Actors: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Mr. T, Burgess Meredit...
The third chapter of the life of Rocky Balboa finds Rocky's lifestyle of wealth and idleness suddenly shaken when a powerful fighter challenges him to a bout. After soundly losing, the previously overconfident champ begins training for a rematch. Sylvester Stallone once again directs himself in the film, with Talia Shire by his side. Mr. T makes an excellent villain in this film as the loud and decisive Clubber Lang, who is trying to prevent Rocky from getting the "eye of the tiger."
Commando
1985
6.7/10
action, adventure
Director: Mark L. Lester, Actors: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rae Dawn Chong, Dan Hedaya, Vernon Wells, David Patrick Kelly, ...
After his daughter (Alyssa Milano) is kidnapped by a South American dictator, retired Army Colonel John Matrix (Arnold Schwarzenegger), once the leader of a special commando strike force, swings into violent action.
Flags of Our Fathers
2006
7.1/10
drama, history, war
Director: Clint Eastwood, Actors: Ryan Phillippe, Barry Pepper, Joseph Cross, Jesse Bradford, Adam Beach, John Benjamin ...
Clint Eastwood's early-21st-century output has endeared him to Academy Awards voters, and he makes another bid for their attention with this tale of the flag-raising at Iwo Jima. Eastwood cuts back and forth between the battle that led to the flag being firmly planted in enemy soil, and the tour undertaken by three of the flag-planting Marines (played by Ryan Phillippe, Jesse Bradford, and Adam Beach) in the aftermath of World War II. The re-creation of Iwo Jima features impressive APOCALYPSE NOW-style battle scenes, the air full of thick plumes of smoke, zinging bullets, and pounding explosions. But the most interesting part of the movie comes as the three men are paraded in front of the American public, as they vacillate between embarrassment and anger at the public relations campaign they find themselves embroiled in, while also pleading with the public to help provide funds for the soldiers who are still at war. Eastwood uses a script co-written by CRASH director Paul Haggis and a source book written by James Bradley, the son of John "Doc" Bradley (played by Phillippe in the film), to tell this affecting tale. Tom Stern, who worked with Eastwood on MILLION DOLLAR BABY, employs his skills as a cinematographer once again, deftly coupling vast panoramic battle scenes with darkly contemplative moments between the touring soldiers. Fascinatingly, the director's next jaunt behind the lens was LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA, which provided the Japanese perspective on this famous event.
Idiocracy
2006
6.5/10
adventure, comedy, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Mike Judge, Actors: Luke Wilson, Maya Rudolph, Dax Shepard, Terry Crews, Anthony 'Citric' Campos, David Herman...
When a none-too-bright fighter pilot (Luke Wilson) volunteers for a military experiment that propels him 1000 years into the future, he finds himself in a dumbed-down society in which he is the smartest member.
The Hours
2002
7.6/10
drama
Director: Stephen Daldry, Actors: Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore, Ed Harris, Toni Collette, Claire Danes, J...
Based on the Pulitzer-prize winning novel by Michael Cunningham, THE HOURS employs Virginia Woolf's classic novel and central character, MRS. DALLOWAY, as its foundation and inspiration. Spanning three different eras, during one day, the film focuses on the parallel lives of three women joined in their depression, alienation, and search for love. Nicole Kidman, wearing a prosthetic nose, is virtually unrecognizable as the tortured writer Virginia Woolf whose ongoing battle with mental illness eventually led to her tragic suicide in 1941. The film begins with the moment of her suicide and flashes back on her life and work as she crafted her most memorable character, Clarissa Dalloway, in 1923. In 1950's California suburbia another woman, Laura Brown (Julianne Moore), struggles with alienation and depression. Trapped by her clinging young son and an adoring husband whom she does not love, the desperate woman tries to prepare for her husband's birthday but cannot stop reading MRS. DALLOWAY. Finally, in modern day Manhattan, Clarissa Vaughn (Meryl Streep), a lesbian who lives with her lover (Allison Janney) and her daughter (Claire Danes), struggles to prepare a party for her ex-husband (Ed Harris) who is dying of AIDS. Director Stephen Daltry uses beautiful overlapping editing to sew the women's interwoven stories seamlessly together. At the core of this profoundly moving film is the trio of award-winning actresses who grace the screen with their bold and awe-inspiring performances.
The 6th Day
2000
5.9/10
action, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Roger Spottiswoode, Actors: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael Rapaport, Tony Goldwyn, Michael Rooker, Wendy Crews...
In the not-too-distant future, when pets can be cloned after they die and "virtual girlfriends" can be installed and programmed, Adam Gibson (Arnold Schwarzenegger) works as a helicopter tour pilot. On his birthday he comes home to discover an identical version of himself--an illegal human clone--celebrating with his family and friends. The next thing he knows, a squad of killers is after him in order to hide the evidence of their cloning activities, funded by Michael Drucker (Tony Goldwyn), a powerful businessman who hopes to make billions from human cloning in collaboration with his medical expert, Dr. Griffin Weir (Robert Duvall). Of course, nobody believes Adam when he says there's an impostor living his life, and soon he has to take matters into his own hands while being chased by bad guys who won't stay dead thanks to the magic of cloning and Syncordings, instant memory downloads. THE 6TH DAY is an intriguing sci-fi thriller, combining science fact and fiction with everything viewers could want from a Schwarzenegger movie: terrific special effects and an action-packed story, with two Arnolds for twice the fun.
Scream 4
2011
6.2/10
horror, mystery
Director: Wes Craven, Actors: Wes Craven, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Emma Roberts, Hayden Panettiere,...
Sidney Prescott, now the author of a self-help book, returns home to Woodsboro on the last stop of her book tour. There she reconnects with Sheriff Dewey and Gale, who are now married, as well as her cousin Jill and her Aunt Kate. Unfortunately, Sidney's appearance also brings about the return of Ghostface, putting Sidney, Gale, and Dewey, along with Jill, her friends, and the whole town of Woodsboro in danger.
Bee Movie
2007
6.2/10
animation, adventure, comedy, family
Directors: Steve Hickner, Simon J. Smith, Actors: Simon J. Smith, Jerry Seinfeld, Renée Zellweger, Matthew Broderick,...
Touted as Jerry Seinfeld's first major project since the 1998 end of his long-running eponymous TV series, 2007's computer-animated BEE MOVIE stars the popular comedian as the voice of Barry B. Benson, a young bee eager to explore the world outside of his hive. As he discovers how people live in New York City, he befriends a human florist, Vanessa Bloome (Renee Zellweger), and becomes outraged at the selling of honey, leading to a lawsuit and, of course, plenty of Seinfeldian misadventures. Helmed by directors Steve Hickner (THE PRINCE OF EGYPT) and Simon J. Smith (a member of the SHREK creative team), BEE MOVIE lightens Seinfeld's notoriously stinging humor for a family audience, while staying true to its inherent New York-bred quirkiness. This leaves room for the film to feature impressive (if anatomically incorrect) bug-oriented CGI animation and a solid supporting cast that includes Zellweger, Matthew Broderick, John Goodman, Chris Rock, and Ray Liotta (who plays a honey-peddling animated version of himself). Although it inhabits some of the same insect-populated territory as A BUG's LIFE and ANTZ, BEE MOVIE also nods to THE GRADUATE (admittedly a Seinfeld favorite) in its restless protagonist, resulting in a playful and thoroughly entertaining film that even manages to work an environmental message into its colorful palette.
Resident Evil 5: Retribution
2012
5.3/10
action, horror, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Paul W.S. Anderson, Actors: Milla Jovovich, Sienna Guillory, Michelle Rodriguez, Boris Kodjoe, Aryana Engineer...
The Umbrella Corporation's deadly T-virus continues to ravage the Earth, transforming the global population into legions of the flesh eating Undead. The human race's last and only hope, Alice, awakens in the heart of Umbrella's most clandestine operations facility and unveils more of her mysterious past as she delves further into the complex. Without a safe haven, Alice continues to hunt those responsible for the outbreak; a chase that takes her from Tokyo to New York, Washington, D.C. and Moscow, culminating in a mind-blowing revelation that will force her to rethink everything that she once thought to be true. Aided by newfound allies and familiar friends, Alice must fight to survive long enough to escape a hostile world on the brink of oblivion. The countdown has begun.
Billy Madison
1995
6.4/10
comedy
Director: Tamra Davis, Actors: Adam Sandler, Darren McGavin, Bridgette Wilson-Sampras, Bradley Whitford, Josh Mostel, Di...
Billy Madison, the dim-witted son of a millionaire, wastes his life guzzling beer and devising obscene pranks until his father threatens to leave him nothing. In order to earn his father's respect, Billy, who bribed his way through school, must pass all 12 grades in six months or see a sycophantic assistant get his father's fortune. Billy struggles with the aide and his own idiocy to make good in this gag-filled farce.
Star Trek 8: First Contact
1996
7.6/10
action, adventure, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Jonathan Frakes, Actors: Jonathan Frakes, Patrick Stewart, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Gates McF...
The Borg have once again targeted the Federation--but this time, their devious plot threatens not only the present, but Earth's past as well. While Commander Riker, Deanna Troi, and Geordi La Forge work hard on the surface of 21st-century Earth to keep history on schedule, the rest of the crew plays a desperate game with the genetically networked attackers above the planet, matching former Locutus Jean-Luc and cybernetically naive Data against the erotically mechanized cunning of the Borg queen. Resistance is futile.
Tomb Raider 2: The Cradle of Life
2003
5.5/10
action, adventure, fantasy, thriller
Director: Jan de Bont, Actors: Angelina Jolie, Gerard Butler, Chris Barrie, Ciarán Hinds, Noah Taylor, Djimon Hounsou...
Popular video game character Lara Croft returns to the big screen in this sequel to LARA CROFT: TOMB RAIDER. Intrepid British archaeologist Lara Croft (Angelina Jolie) has made perhaps the most important archaeological discovery in history: an orb that leads to the mythical Pandora's Box. Unfortunately, the orb falls into the hands of Jonathan Reiss (Ciaran Hinds), an evil scientist who deals in killer viruses and hopes to sell the secrets of the box as the ultimate weapon. Recruited by British Intelligence to get the orb back from Reiss, Lara enlists Terry Sheridan (Gerard Butler), a British marine turned mercenary--and her former love interest--to help. The two embark on an adventure that spans continents in an attempt to regain the orb. Lara is a walking advertisement for "girl power." She's brilliant, athletic, courageous, and saucy. She flips jet skis, parachutes to safety from tall buildings, dives, rides horses--nothing seems beyond her. Best of all, Lara is one of the good ones--she'll do whatever she must to keep the world safe. Directed by Jan de Bont, this film was shot on location in Greece, Kenya, Hong Kong, England, and Wales.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
1975
7.4/10
comedy, musical
Director: Jim Sharman, Actors: Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, Richard O'Brien, Peter Hinwood, Jonathan Adams...
Borrowing largely from cinema's horror conventions, the film begins as an innocent young couple is stranded at the home of a mad scientist who is building the perfect man. The castle is filled with a most bizarre group of characters who worship their master, Dr. Frank-N-Furter, played magnificently by the fabulously sexy Tim Curry, in leather jacket, pearls, fishnet stockings, and heavy makeup. Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon) are forced to examine their own sexuality as the voluptuous doctor releases the hidden desires in each of them.
Final Destination 3
2006
5.8/10
horror, thriller
Director: James Wong, Actors: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ryan Merriman, Kris Lemche, Alexz Johnson, Texas Battle, Sam East...
James Wong (THE ONE), who directed the original FINAL DESTINATION film, returns to direct the third installment in the series. High-school senior Wendy (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) is enjoying senior night at the amusement park and taking photos for the school yearbook. A control freak, she's not particularly fond of rides--especially the roller coaster. Despite her fear, Wendy decides to go on the coaster, but is soon traumatized by a vision that a fatal accident is about to occur. She and a group of other riders disembark from the ride--and the rest of the riders do indeed suffer a horrific fate. Having cheated death once, Wendy is tormented by an ominous feeling that something is very wrong. Her classmate, Kevin (Ryan Merriman), does some research and learns that something similar has happened before: a high-school student had a premonition that a plane filled with his classmates was doomed, a group of them refused to board, and the plane exploded in flight. Following that incident, the survivors all died under mysterious circumstances and in the order that they died in the premonition. Soon, Wendy and Kevin realize that the same fate is about to befall those who got off the roller coaster and survived. Perhaps more disturbing is that clues to the impending deaths seem to lie in the photos that Wendy took on the evening of the accident. In an instant, innocuous situations and common objects become fatal, causing particularly gruesome deaths. Ultimately, the real question becomes whether or not Wendy and Kevin can save their classmates--and themselves--from impending doom before it's too late.
Carrie
2013
6.0/10
drama, horror
Director: Kimberly Peirce, Actors: Chloë Grace Moretz, Julianne Moore, Gabriella Wilde, Portia Doubleday, Ansel Elgor...
Stephen King's Carrie gets a new life in this remake casting Chloë Grace Moretz as a teenage girl who discovers she has the extraordinary ability to move objects by the power of her thoughts alone, which eventually leads to mayhem and horror at her high-school prom. Boys Don't Cry's Kimberly Peirce directs, with Julianne Moore co-starring as Carrie's overbearing mother.
American Sniper
2014
7.6/10
action, biography, drama, war
Director: Clint Eastwood, Actors: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Jake McDorman, Luke Grimes, Brian Hallisay, Kyle Gallne...
The autobiography of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, a decorated marksman who spread his skill and passion for weapons by training others how to use firearms, and who was killed with a friend by a fellow discharged military veteran whom they had taken to a Texas shooting range to manage post-traumatic stress disorder. The film follows the Texas native's journey from rodeo cowboy to SEAL Chief with the highest number of sniper kills in U.S. military history.
Mary Poppins
1964
7.8/10
comedy, family, fantasy, musical
Director: Robert Stevenson, Actors: Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, David Tomlinson, Glynis Johns, Hermione Baddeley, Kare...
A magical, musical nanny brings a breath of fresh air into the stuffy Banks household in turn-of-the-century England. Overstuffed with gaiety, this children's fantasy is filled to the brim with wonderful dance numbers and outrageous songs (such as the seemingly unpronounceable "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious"). The film's seamless blending of live-action with animation was a marvel in its day.
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
1989
6.2/10
adventure, comedy, family, sci-fi
Director: Joe Johnston, Actors: Rick Moranis, Matt Frewer, Marcia Strassman, Kristine Sutherland, Jared Rushton, Amy O'N...
A preoccupied inventor accidentally shrinks his kids to 1/4" tall and tosses them out in the trash. They face incredible dangers as they try to get home through a backyard jungle. Includes the Roger Rabbit special "Tummy Trouble."
The Brothers Grimm
2005
5.9/10
action, adventure, comedy, fantasy, thriller
Director: Terry Gilliam, Actors: Matt Damon, Heath Ledger, Monica Bellucci, Petr Ratimec, Anna Rust, Jeremy Robson, Pete...
Matt Damon and Heath Ledger star as Will and Jake Grimm, siblings who travel the countryside as snake-oil salesmen, convincing unsuspecting towns that they are haunted and agreeing to get rid of the demons--for a price. In the meantime, they set their tales down in writing, creating a wealth of oddball, offbeat, and frightening characters. But after they are caught by General Delatombe (Jonathan Pryce) and his sidekick, Cavaldi (Peter Stormare), they are sent to the tiny village of Marbaden to solve the mysterious disappearance of a number of young girls, placing them in the middle of a fantasy world unlike any they'd ever invented. They enlist the help of a peasant woman, Angelika (Lena Headey), and they set off for the evil forest to save the lives of the girls--and themselves. Gilliam has once again built a unique, entertaining land where anything can happen, and he throws in references to such Grimm tales as Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella, Rapunzel, and the Frog Prince for good measure.
We Were Soldiers
2002
7.1/10
action, drama, history, war
Director: Randall Wallace, Actors: Mel Gibson, Madeleine Stowe, Greg Kinnear, Sam Elliott, Keri Russell, Chris Klein, Ba...
In 1965, 400 American troops faced an ambush by 2,000 enemy troops in the Ia Drang Valley (also known as the Valley of Death), in one of the most gruesome fights of the Vietnam War. WE WERE SOLDIERS is a detailed recreation of this true story: of the strategies, obstacles, and human cost faced by the troops that participated. The story focuses on the lieutenant colonel that led the attack, Hal Moore (Mel Gibson), and a civilian reporter who accompanied them, Joseph Galloway (Barry Pepper), as well as a number of other soldiers who were involved. This is an unusual Vietnam film in that it also shows the North Vietnamese perspective on the battle; their leader Lieutenant General Nguyen Huu An (Don Duong) is depicted as a brave soldier and smart commander. And in addition to the many gory battlefield sequences--which seem to have been influenced by SAVING PRIVATE RYAN--we also see how the carnage of war affects those left behind, the soldiers' wives and children. Ultimately this is a moving anti-war film, which, by sticking close to the true stories of real soldiers, very effectively brings home the overwhelming horror of war.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
1997-2003
8.2/10
action, drama, fantasy
Directors: Joss Whedon, James A. Contner, David Solomon, David Grossman, Michael Gershman, Bruce Seth Green, Nick Marck,...
Buffy is sixteen years old and is the "chosen one". She gets to kill vampires because it is her destiny to do so. She had a bad reputation at her old school in Los Angeles because she had burned the gym down. The principal at her new school at first rips up her records, and then tapes her records back together again. Buffy tries to explain that the gym at her old school had to be burned down because it was full of vampires! Buffy and her mom just want a fresh start in their new, suburban California home, where the good part of town is half a block away from the bad part of town. In her new high school, Buffy meets an eccentric librarian who knows that Buffy is the "chosen one". At first, the librarian scares her away by showing her a book about vampires, but then she returns to the library, knowing that the librarian can help her out with fighting off vampires and other supernatural things.
Hostage
2005
6.6/10
crime, drama, mystery, thriller
Director: Florent-Emilio Siri, Actors: Bruce Willis, Kevin Pollak, Serena Scott Thomas, Ben Foster, Jonathan Tucker, Jim...
This well-made thriller harkens back to the gritty crime films of the 1970s. Bruce Willis plays Jeff Talley, a traumatized ex-LAPD hostage negotiator whose new career as small town sheriff doesn't turn out to be as restful as he had hoped; a hostage situation breaks out on "low crime Tuesday" and he is thrown right back into the business he knows all too well. Some punk kids have shot a cop and are holed up in a local mansion inhabited by crooked accountant Walter Smith (Kevin Pollack), his two kids, and a lot of surveillance cameras. Walter's young son (Jimmy Bennett) escapes his bonds and reports to Talley from the air shafts via his sister's cell phone. The sister--a Goth teen played by Michelle Horn--draws the romantic attention of Mars (Ben Foster), the pot-addled sociopath in the gang, thus adding a unique twist to the damsel-in-distress factor. Meanwhile, amid the buzzing helicopters and mobilizing S.W.A.T. teams, another group of bad guys has kidnapped Talley's wife and daughter, in order to force him to retrieve a secret disc in Walter's study. Florent Siri's efficient direction keeps the action flowing in unexpected directions while allowing for plenty of interesting procedural details and sly bits of humor. The score is ominous and the performances are strong, with Foster memorably creepy and Willis excellent as the frightened hero.
The Scorpion King
2002
5.5/10
action, adventure, fantasy, thriller
Director: Chuck Russell, Actors: The Rock [Dwayne Johnson], Steven Brand, Michael Clarke Duncan, Kelly Hu, Bernard Hill,...
In the notorious city of Gomorrah, an evil ruler is determined to lay waste to all the nomadic peoples of the desert. The few remaining tribes, never natural allies, have to unite or perish. Knowing their enemy relies on the visions of a sorcerer, they hire a skilled assassin, Mathayus to eliminate the visionary. After infiltrating the enemy camp, Mathayus discovers that the sorcerer is in fact a beautiful woman. Rather than eliminate her, he takes her deep into the desert badlands, knowing that the ruler's henchman will stop at nothing to rescue her and bring her back. Seriously wounded in the ensuing battle, Mathayus must find the strength to lead his scrappy band of allies back to Gomorrah for a final confrontation.
Grown Ups 2
2013
5.4/10
comedy
Director: Dennis Dugan, Actors: Dennis Dugan, Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, Salma Hayek, Maya Rudo...
Lenny has relocated his family back to the small town where he and his friends grew up. This time around, the grown ups are the ones learning lessons from their kids on a day notoriously full of surprises: the last day of school.
Hairspray
2007
6.8/10
comedy, musical, romance
Director: Adam Shankman, Actors: Adam Shankman, John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Nikki Blonsky, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christop...
Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion--dancing. Her dream is to appear on "The Corny Collins Show," Baltimore's hippest dance party on TV. Tracy seems a natural fit for the show except for one not-so-little problem--she doesn't fit in. Her plus-sized figure has always set her apart from the cool crowd, which she is reminded of by her loving but overly protective plus-sized mother, Edna. That doesn't stop Tracy because if there is one thing that this girl knows, it's that she was born to dance. After wowing Corny Collins at her high school dance, Tracy wins a spot on his show and becomes an instant on-air sensation, much to the chagrin of the show's reigning princess, Amber Von Tussle, and her scheming mother, Velma, who runs television station WYZT. Even worse for Amber is the fact that it's not just the audience who loves the new girl in town; Amber's sweetheart, Link Larkin, seems to be smitten with Tracy's charms as well. This dance party gets personal as a bitter feud erupts between the girls as they compete for the coveted "Miss Teenage Hairspray" crown. At school, however, a short stint in detention and raised-eyebrows caused by the budding relationship between her best friend Penny Pingleton and Seaweed opens Tracy's eyes to a bigger issue than the latest dance craze or the coolest hairdo--racial inequality. Throwing caution to the wind, she leads a march with Motormouth Maybelle to fight for integration and winds up with an arrest warrant instead. Tracy is on the lam now and goes underground--literally--to her best friend Penny's basement. Has Tracy's luck finally run out? Will she miss the final dance-off against Amber and forfeit the title of "Miss Hairspray," or will she sing and dance her way out of trouble again?
Scream 3
2000
5.5/10
horror, mystery
Director: Wes Craven, Actors: Wes Craven, David Arquette, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Patrick Dempsey, Lance Henriksen...
Desperate to escape the demons of her past, Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) discretely cocoons herself in a remote, high-security ranch house in the woods of Northern California, where she works as a phone counselor for a crisis hotline. She's content to remain in quiet seclusion, but finds herself once again facing mortal danger when the masked killer Ghostface (named for the Munch-inspired costume) begins cutting into the cast of STAB 3--the schlocky series of slasher films based upon the Woodsboro and Windsor College murders. One by one STAB 3's stars meet grisly deaths at the hands of the psychopath, who--armed with a cell phone, a copy of the film's screenplay, and an arsenal of B-movie cliches--gleefully hunts down and eviscerates his victims. The killer's modus operandi adheres to the "rules" of engagement codified by the great film trilogies STAR WARS and THE GODFATHER, which dictate that in the third chapter, anything goes. Now Sidney must return to "Woodsboro"--recreated as the set of STAB 3--and team-up with cut-throat reporter Gale Weathers (Courtney Cox), small-town deputy Dwight "Dewey" Riley (David Arquette), Hollywood detective Marc Kincaid (Patrick Dempsey), and the remaining cast of STAB 3 in order to stop the killer before he makes his final cut.
The Invention of Lying
2009
6.4/10
comedy, fantasy, romance
Directors: Ricky Gervais, Matthew Robinson, Actors: Ricky Gervais, Matthew Robinson, Jennifer Garner, Jonah Hill, Louis ...
It's no surprise that Ricky Gervais would be able to assemble a cast of funnymen (and funnywomen) for his directorial debut, but THE OFFICE star truly impresses with this list: Jennifer Garner, Louis C.K., Tina Fey, Christopher Guest, Jeffrey Tambor, and Jonah Hill. THE INVENTION OF LYING stars Gervais (who co-directed and co-wrote the script with Matthew Robinson) as a man living in a world where no one tells lies. When he discovers that he doesn't have to always tell the truth, things begin to change with inevitably hilarious results.
Poltergeist
1982
7.4/10
horror
Director: Tobe Hooper, Actors: JoBeth Williams, Heather O'Rourke, Craig T. Nelson, Beatrice Straight, Dominique Dunne, O...
Ghosts invade suburbia in this 1982 horror film from director Tobe Hooper (TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE) and producer Steven Spielberg. Life in the Freeling family's tract home is comfortably bland, but frisky poltergeists soon put a little excitement into their daily routine--moving furniture and communicating with their youngest daughter, Carol Anne, through the television set. Unfortunately, harmless pranks quickly turn nasty and the previously friendly ghosts kidnap Carol Anne, trapping her in the spirit world. To win the child back, the family calls in a team of parapsychologists and a psychic who conducts an elaborate exorcism. The apocalyptic finale is deliciously macabre, and pushed the limits of the PG rating. A number of sequels followed, and speculation still remains on whether Spielberg--who wrote the story and storyboarded the action--essentially ghost directed the film.
The NeverEnding Story
1984
7.4/10
adventure, drama, family, fantasy
Director: Wolfgang Petersen, Actors: Noah Hathaway, Barret Oliver, Tami Stronach, Moses Gunn, Gerald McRaney, Sydney Bro...
Bastian (Barrett Oliver), a lonely schoolboy alienated from his father and bullied by his classmates, retreats to an attic where he becomes engrossed in a book entitled THE NEVERENDING STORY. It is the tale of a magical kingdom appropriately named Fantasia, since it is a world born of human fantasies. However, as humanity loses faith in the power of imagination, the once-thriving Fantasia is being destroyed by great storms of Nothingness. Dangerously ill herself, Fantasia's youthful empress (Tami Stronach) sends the young warrior Atreju (Noah Hathaway) on a quest to find a cure for the kingdom. After encountering flying dragons, swamp monsters and a vast assortment of other strange creatures, the young hero discovers that only a human boy can save Fantasia, at which point Bastian is drawn, literally, into the pages of the story.
The Expendables 3
2014
6.2/10
action, adventure, thriller
Director: Patrick Hughes, Actors: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, Terry Crews,...
The mercenary group, The Expendables, led by Barney Ross, come face to face with the team's co-founder Conrad Stonebanks. Ross was forced to kill Stonebanks after he became a ruthless arms trader, but Stonebanks survived and has now made it his mission to destroy The Expendables. Ross resorts to recruiting a new and younger generation of Expendables to help the team overcome his old adversary.
Scary Movie 4
2006
5.1/10
comedy
Director: David Zucker, Actors: David Zucker, Anna Faris, Regina Hall, Craig Bierko, Anthony Anderson, Carmen Electra, B...
No spoof is left unturned in director and parody-meister David Zucker's SCARY MOVIE 4, the latest installment in the popular horror-cum-humor series. Among several returnees from previous films, Anna Faris reprises her role as Cindy Campbell, the eternally unlucky and hilariously clumsy heroine. In a send-up of 2004's THE GRUDGE, Campbell is assigned as full-time nurse to a mysterious old lady in a house haunted by the ghost of a small boy. In a takeoff of 2005's WAR OF THE WORLDS, next door lives Tom Ryan (Craig Bierko), a divorced dock worker somewhat in charge of his two kids, who is called into action as Alien TriPods (remove the "Tr" for a hint at the inspiration for their invention) seek to destroy Earth. The two meet and quickly fall in love. Joined by Cindy's ever-present sidekick, the flirtatious Brenda Meeks (Regina Hall), the protagonists must save the planet from aliens and solve the mystery of the ghostly boy. One of the stops along the way includes a sharp lampooning of THE VILLAGE, complete with appearances from SCARY MOVIE veterans Carmen Electra and Chris Elliot, and other cinematic spoofs, including BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, MILLION DOLLAR BABY, and SAW. The satirical wit extends beyond the movies, containing personal jabs both self-inflicted (Charlie Sheen, Shaquille O'Neal, and Dr. Phil) and not (Mike Tyson, Michael Jackson, and George W. Bush). Ultimately, there is more than enough funniness to sate the SCARY MOVIE or slapstick comedy fan's appetite.
Tears of the Sun
2003
6.6/10
action, drama, thriller, war
Director: Antoine Fuqua, Actors: Bruce Willis, Cole Hauser, Monica Bellucci, Johnny Messner, Malick Bowens, Eamonn Walke...
Lt. A.K. Waters (Bruce Willis) and his elite team of Navy SEALS have their work cut out for them when they are dispatched to war-torn Nigeria with orders to rescue an American citizen, Dr. Lena Kendricks (Monica Bellucci). The mission is pretty cut and dry except for one glitch: Dr. Kendricks will have to abandon the natives to whom she has been providing healthcare and those that work in the mission where her rudimentary hospital is located. Of course, Dr. Kendricks refuses to leave without her people, forcing Lt. Waters to choose between completing his orders as directed or putting the lives of his men on the line by helping the refugees cross the border to Cameroon on foot. To complicate matters, the group is being pursued by militant guerillas who destroy everything in their path. Willis is in top DIE HARD form as Lt. Waters, a touch-as-nails military man who confronts his conscience and makes decisions that surprise even him as he finds himself influenced by the stubborn Dr. Kendricks. Directed by Antoine Fuqua (TRAINING DAY), this film offers an enlightening and disturbing look at the conditions that permeate war-torn countries.
Jennifer's Body
2009
5.1/10
comedy, horror
Director: Karyn Kusama, Actors: Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried, Adam Brody, Johnny Simmons, Sal Cortez, Juan Riedinger, Coli...
A cheerleader with the perfect life becomes the girl from hell when she gets possessed and begins killing boys in a small town.
AVPR 2: Aliens vs Predator - Requiem
2007
4.7/10
action, fantasy, horror, sci-fi, thriller
Directors: Colin Strause, Greg Strause, Actors: Reiko Aylesworth, Steven Pasquale, John Ortiz, Johnny Lewis, Ariel Gade,...
The aliens (and a predator) have landed on planet Earth, and small-town America is about to become the scene of an epic interstellar showdown. As these two breeds of cosmic killers clash in the small-town streets Gunnison, CO, the locals are sent running for their lives. From the murky sewers to the rain-soaked streets, Gunnison has become a total bloodbath. Nowhere is safe, especially from the unstoppable new hybrid known as the "predalien." Now, as the once-quiet community of Gunnison is overrun by Aliens, the only hope for humankind is a fierce hunter from the deepest reaches of space. But this predator is far from a benevolent savior of the human race, because he'll kill any man, woman, or child who gets in the way of his mission to destroy every last alien under these stormy Colorado skies.
Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan
1982
7.7/10
action, adventure, drama, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Nicholas Meyer, Actors: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, George Takei, Nichelle ...
Khan, a genetically engineered "superman" prone to megalomaniacal delusions, was exiled years ago to the barren planet Ceti Alpha 5. He blames Admiral Kirk for his hard fate, as well as for his son's death, and vows revenge. When Commander Chekov mistakenly beams down to Khan's lair, the villain finally has a means of escape. Using a parasitic creature that allows him to control the minds of his victims, Khan seizes command of the Starship Reliant. From there he hopes to lure Kirk to his death, using equipment stolen from an experimental research project. These devices allow him to trigger something known as the "Genesis Effect" -- a means of generating new life from existing matter. Khan plans to use the creation machines as weapons, because the same fire of life that creates new worlds must destroy what existed before. Kirk and crew need all the courage and cunning they can muster in order to save their friend and silence Khan forever.
Charlie Wilson's War
2007
7.1/10
biography, comedy, drama, history
Director: Mike Nichols, Actors: Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Brian Markinson, Emily Blun...
The first time the audience sees Texas congressman Charlie Wilson (Tom Hanks) in the early 1980s, he seems far from a model politician. Surrounded by strippers, a Playboy Playmate, and cocaine, the naked congressman lies in a hot tub at a party. Despite the distractions, the TV news catches Charlie's attention as Dan Rather reports from a war-torn Afghanistan. As Soviets invade the country, the Afghans lack the money and technology to defend themselves. Enter Joanne Herring (Julia Roberts), a wealthy Texan who champions the cause of Afghanistan and, by extension in the Cold War, America. Together with CIA Agent Gust Avrakotos (Philip Seymour Hoffman), Charlie begins a secret war where he must unite Israel, Pakistan, Egypt, and America to defeat the Soviets.
Alpha Dog
2006
6.9/10
biography, crime, drama
Director: Nick Cassavetes, Actors: Emile Hirsch, Justin Timberlake, Anton Yelchin, Bruce Willis, Sharon Stone, Ben Foste...
A difficult gestation period led to Nick Cassavetes's ALPHA DOG being delayed and facing possible legal battles after the real-life subject of the film (alleged kidnapper and murderer Jesse James Hollywood) objected to his portrayal. The cinematic version of Hollywood is named Johnny Truelove and played by Emile Hirsch (LORDS OF DOGTOWN). Truelove is a wild 18-year-old who deals drugs for a living and hangs out with his posse, who revolve around a core of Frankie (Justin Timberlake), Elvis (Shawn Hatosy), and Tiko (Fernando Vargas). When a client of Truelove's, Jake Mazursky (Ben Foster), is unable to pay off his crystal-meth debt, the group kidnaps his 15-year-old stepbrother, Zack (Anton Yelchin), who becomes a Patty Hearst-like accomplice in his own abduction. Indeed, Zack positively revels in his new position, and lives it up with the boys at every opportunity he gets. But Cassavetes's film really revs into gear as the cops close in on Truelove's band of outsiders, and they face a tough decision about what to do with Zack. The real draw here is Justin Timberlake, and he makes a decent job of his role as a bodyguard/friend to the kidnapped kid. Covered in tattoos and oozing testosterone, Timberlake revels in his role, and his female following will find plenty to gush over here. The film itself is executed at a lightning-fast pace, with quick jump cuts and on-screen captions that point out who the witnesses in the case were. Cassavetes plays around with split-screen techniques and nonlinear storytelling, but he remains acutely aware of what his young target audience is seeking from a modern crime drama, not letting the tension drop for a second. Small roles for Sharon Stone and Bruce Willis provide suitable support to the young cast, and a thumping rap and metal soundtrack supplies a perfect backdrop to the explosive on-screen shenanigans.
The Strangers
2008
6.2/10
horror, mystery, thriller
Director: Bryan Bertino, Actors: Scott Speedman, Liv Tyler, Gemma Ward, Kip Weeks, Laura Margolis, Alex Fisher, Glenn Ho...
For his film debut, director Brian Bertino has crafted a fantastically creepy horror flick based on the very simple premise of strangers who come knocking late at night. Kristen (Liv Tyler) and James (Scott Speedman) have arrived at a secluded vacation home in the woods after attending a friend's wedding. It's four in the morning, and they're both tearful and emotionally exhausted after a disagreement about their relationship. As they awkwardly try to navigate the long night together, they are distracted by the sound of a heavy knock at the door. They open it to find a dazed young woman hidden in the shadows. Assuming she is lost, James sends her away, but Kristen is disturbed by the late-night visit. When James leaves to go on a drive and pick up some cigarettes, Kristen is left alone, and we watch her move through the huge house in a painfully eerie silence, all the while knowing that she is being watched. By the time James returns, Kristen is in hysterics, and together they must face the terrifying fact that they are indeed in grave danger. Both Tyler and Speedman give excellent, understated performances that lend the film a truly frightening edge of realism. The story's simplicity is a refreshing change from over-the-top torture films like SAW, and the violence in the film is minimal, and much of it off camera. THE STRANGERS also lacks any big-budget special effects. You won't find any CGI creatures or armies of zombies. The only monsters depicted here are the very real human kind, which is what leaves you thoroughly spooked and shaken, and ready to push a chair against your own front door.
Men of Honor
2000
7.1/10
biography, drama
Director: George Tillman Jr., Actors: Cuba Gooding Jr., Robert De Niro, Charlize Theron, Aunjanue Ellis, Hal Holbrook, M...
An heroic life gets a suitably dramatic retelling in George Tillman, Jr.'s docudrama MEN OF HONOR, based on the true story of Carl Brashear, the first African American to become a United States Navy master diver. The film employs the conventional yet pleasurable against-all-odds narrative. Carl Brashear (played with noble grace by Cuba Gooding Jr.) is the son of a degraded Southern sharecropper. Determined to succeed in the vocation he believes he was born for, Brashear enlists in the navy. Once there, however, the determined young man finds his dream inaccessible--thwarted by the forces of institutional and personal racism. When, after a long and difficult struggle, he is finally allowed into diving school, he finds himself under the authority of Billy Sunday (Robert De Niro), a former master diver whose injured lung has left him permanently above water. Sunday becomes simultaneously Brashear's most vicious adversary and most loyal supporter, motivating him to succeed. The story that follows is a highly emotional wave of ups and downs: Brashear overcomes one barrier only to be met by the next, even larger one. MEN OF HONOR is at times heartbreaking and painful to watch, but the triumphant ending makes for a deeply satisfying payoff.
The Forbidden Kingdom
2008
6.6/10
action, adventure, fantasy, romance
Director: Rob Minkoff, Actors: Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Michael Angarano, Thomas McDonell, Morgan Benoit, Collin Chou, Yifei...
East meets West and kung-fu legends collide as Jackie Chan and Jet Li square off in the fists-a-flying, family-friendly FORBIDDEN KINGDOM. Based on the classical Chinese novel JOURNEY TO THE WEST, the film begins in modern-day Boston. There, while teenage kung-fu flick enthusiast Jason (Michael Angarano) is buying bootleg DVDs from his favorite shopkeeper, Old Hop (Chan, aged by prosthetic makeup), he is drawn to an ancient golden staff. When a local bully forces weakling Jason to help rob Old Hop, Jason escapes with the staff and is magically transported to ancient China. He is soon rescued from the forces of the Jade Warlord by Lu Yan (Chan), a raggedy wanderer whose wine-guzzling ways conceal his kung-fu mastery. Yan reveals the truth of the staff, and that Jason is the fabled Seeker who must return it to the Monkey King (Li) to prevent the warlord's evil plans. The two are joined in their quest by a kung-fu master, Silent Monk (Li), and a beautiful orphan (Liu Yifei) who harbors her own personal vendetta. Despite their differences, the two masters teach Jason the ways of the kung-fu warrior. And when Lu Yan is gravely wounded by the warlord's sexy assassin, Jason must bring his newfound skills and courage to bear if he is to save one world and return to his own. Choreographed by action impresario Woo-ping Yuen (THE MATRIX, KILL BILL) and shot on location in China, FORBIDDEN KINGDOM is an appealing family adventure about the importance of working together and the value of believing in one's abilities.
Van Wilder
2002
6.4/10
comedy, romance
Director: Walt Becker, Actors: Walt Becker, Ryan Reynolds, Tara Reid, Tim Matheson, Kal Penn, Daniel Cosgrove, Deon Rich...
Van Wilder (Ryan Reynolds) is a college stud who is in no rush to finish his coursework and graduate. In fact, after six years of partying his way through Coolidge College, his parents have decided to stop paying his tuition, but Van Wilder isn't worried--he just needs to find a way to pay it himself and keep the fun coming. His fundraising ideas include a topless tutorial service and other raunchy schemes, which only help add to Van's "Big Man on Campus" status. A romance develops between Van and Gwen (Tara Reid), who is writing an investigative piece on Van for the school newspaper. Through his exploits, Van eventually begins to turn over a new leaf, and finally grow up.
Where the Wild Things Are
2009
6.8/10
adventure, drama, family, fantasy
Director: Spike Jonze, Actors: Spike Jonze, Max Records, Catherine O'Hara, Forest Whitaker, Catherine Keener, James Gand...
Max, a rambunctious and sensitive boy feels misunderstood at home and escapes to where the Wild Things are. He lands on an island where he meets mysterious and strange creatures whose emotions are as wild and unpredictable as their actions. The Wild Things desperately long for a leader to guide them, just as Max longs for a kingdom to rule. When Max is crowned king, he promises to create a place where everyone will be happy. Max soon finds, though, that ruling his kingdom is not so easy and his relationships there prove to be more complicated than he originally thought.
Doom
2005
5.2/10
action, adventure, horror, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Andrzej Bartkowiak, Actors: Karl Urban, Rosamund Pike, The Rock [Dwayne Johnson], Razaaq Adoti, Deobia Oparei,...
One of the most popular and influential video games ever makes its way to the big screen in this sci-fi thriller. A coalition of Earth's scientific and military interests have established a research colony called Olduvai on the planet Mars, but one day all communication from the outpost stops and no one can tell what has happened -- though the final messages suggest it's not good. Believing foul play may have overtaken Olduvai's crew, the Rapid Response Tactical Squad, a team of specially trained military personnel, are deployed to investigate the situation and, if necessary, eliminate the invaders. But Sarge (Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock) and Reaper (Karl Urban), leaders of the RRTS team, soon discover the situation is far more grim than they could have imagined. An experiment on Olduvai has very literally opened a portal to Hades, and a variety of savage and demonic creatures have overtaken the colony. Now the RRTS must seal off Olduvai, close off any access to Earth, and exterminate the satanic beasts before they can kill again.
End of Days
1999
5.7/10
action, fantasy, horror, mystery
Director: Peter Hyams, Actors: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Gabriel Byrne, Robin Tunney, Kevin Pollak, CCH Pounder, Rod Steige...
The blood-soaked story of a twenty-year-old girl (Tunney) who has nightmares about a mysterious man. Security guard Jericho (Schwarzenegger) finds himself caught up in the situation when he discovers that Satan (Byrne) is roaming the streets of New York City, trying to mate with the girl in the millennium's final hour. If he manages to impregnate her during these sixty minutes, she will give birth to the anti-Christ, who will put an end to the world forever.
Reign Over Me
2007
7.5/10
drama
Director: Mike Binder, Actors: Mike Binder, Adam Sandler, Don Cheadle, Jada Pinkett Smith, Liv Tyler, Saffron Burrows, M...
Demonstrating the same understanding of the complexities of human relationships that characterized his 2006 film, THE UPSIDE OF ANGER, and his short-lived HBO series, THE MIND OF THE MARRIED MAN, writer/director Mike Binder once again taps into the same fertile ground in this story of one man's difficulty reconnecting with the world after experiencing a great tragedy. In another role showcasing his relatively untapped talent for dramatic roles, Adam Sandler is Charlie Fineman, a New York dentist whose post-traumatic stress caused by the loss of his wife and children on 9/11 sees him regressing to a sort of second childhood dominated by videogames, record collecting, and riding his motor scooter around the city. A chance run-in with his former college roommate, fellow dentist, and family man Alan Johnson (Don Cheadle) spurs Charlie's first attempts at remembering his past. But though Alan is genuinely glad to try and help Charlie, it will take more than the company of a good friend to get Charlie back to the world. Striking just the right balance between comedy and pathos, Binder's script elicits another great performance from Cheadle, and allows Sandler to continue to prove that he's capable of far more than the comedies that made him a box-office superstar. They are accompanied by a stellar supporting cast including Jada Pinkett Smith as Alan's vigilant wife, Janeane; Liv Tyler as the therapist who finally gives Charlie a healthy outlet for his grief; and Saffron Burrows as a neurotic patient of Alan's. Though REIGN OVER ME could be classified as a post-9/11 film, Binder never belabors or exploits the point and never actually mentions the event by name. The stunning New York location shots look as lovely as any in cinematic memory.
Behind Enemy Lines
2001
6.4/10
action, war, drama, thriller
Director: John Moore, Actors: Gene Hackman, Owen Wilson, Gabriel Macht, Charles Malik Whitfield, Joaquim de Almeida, Ole...
On a reconnaissance flight over eastern Europe, disillusioned naval pilot Chris Burnett (Owen Wilson) and his partner, Stackhouse (Gabriel Macht), photograph a scene they were not meant to see. When their plane is shot down and Stackhouse is quickly captured and executed, Burnett must struggle to survive in unfamiliar hostile territory with a cold-blooded assassin and hundreds of enemy troops on his heels. Meanwhile, on an American battleship in the Adriatic Sea, Burnett's commanding officer, Admiral Reigart (Gene Hackman), attempts to negotiate his soldier's return amidst tense political and military maneuvers. Soon Burnett discovers exactly why he's being hunted, making his situation--and Reigert's actions--even more perilous. Benefiting from Wilson's straightforward performance and Hackman's typically engaging presence, BEHIND ENEMY LINES proves itself with a solid story (loosely based on real-life events) and excellent action sequences. Shot in a cold, icy light, John Moore's film features a nail-biting aerial chase, a tense race across a grenade-filled wasteland, and a stunningly explosive final battle. Wilson, typically cast in quirky comedic roles, is an unlikely action hero who turns out to be the movie's secret weapon. By avoiding excessive macho posturing, BEHIND ENEMY LINES is smarter, more exciting, and better looking than most Hollywood military thrillers.
Red Riding Hood
2011
5.4/10
fantasy, horror, mystery, thriller
Director: Catherine Hardwicke, Actors: Amanda Seyfried, Lukas Haas, Gary Oldman, Billy Burke, Shiloh Fernandez, Max Iron...
Twilight's Catherine Hardwicke makes her way from vamps to werewolves for this re-envisioning of the Red Riding Hood fairy tale with this Warner Bros. production. Amanda Seyfried stars as a young girl whose attraction to a young woodcutter (Shiloh Fernandez) heads into deadly territory when the moon becomes full. Julie Christie, Gary Oldman, and Lukas Haas co-star.
Rambo 3
1988
5.7/10
action, adventure, thriller, war
Director: Peter MacDonald, Actors: Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna, Marc de Jonge, Kurtwood Smith, Spiros Focás, D...
RAMBO III, which could be called "Rambo in Afghanistan," is set in 1988, near the end of the Soviet Union's involvement there. At the beginning of the film, John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) is living a secluded life in a Buddhist monastery in Thailand. When Rambo's close friend and mentor from the American military, Colonel Trautman (Richard Crenna), asks for Rambo's help with a top-secret mission in Afghanistan, Rambo declines. Trautman goes in anyway and is captured by a ruthless Russian commander. In response, Rambo leaves his peaceful life, determined to rescue Trautman. Armed with only a handful of glow sticks and a dozen detonators, Rambo travels to Pakistan where he meets with a group of Mujaheddin freedom fighters who agree to lead him across the border into Afghanistan. On horseback, Rambo and the Mujaheddin approach the daunting Afghan landscape--high cliffs, jagged desert mountains, and networks of underground tunnels and caves. But before they even reach the prison where Trautman is held, the Russians head them off in a high-speed helicopter chase through steep ravines. From this point forward, the action never abates. Rambo, whose complexion is a deep crimson throughout the film, scales cliffs with his bare (bleeding) hands, and defies husky guards and scores of heavily armed Russian soldiers. There are many intense parts of RAMBO III, including a disturbing look inside a shop that sells machine guns and prosthetic limbs to mine victims, and several action sequences in which Afghan soldiers use American-supplied shoulder-mount rocket launchers against the Soviets. But perhaps the most memorable scene of the film is a close-up on Rambo, alone in a dimly lit cave, where he removes a bullet from his stomach and then performs a dazzling medical trick with the leftover gunpowder.
Wrong Turn
2003
6.1/10
horror
Director: Rob Schmidt, Actors: Eliza Dushku, Jeremy Sisto, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Desmond Harrington, Kevin Zegers, Lindy B...
Revisiting the teenage slasher movies of the 1970s and 1980s, WRONG TURN is a tense, suspense-packed horror film starring Eliza Dushku (BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER). When Chris (Desmond Harrington) is late for a job interview, he drives speedily through a backwoods dirt road, and winds up in a head-on collision with a group of teenage campers. As the cars are totalled, the group has no option but to trek through the woods and seek help. Stumbling upon a mysterious cabin, the unhappy campers soon realize they are in grave danger when they happen upon a mixture of grotesque oddities and body parts, soon followed by the return of the freakish inhabitants of the disgusting abode. The intensity builds as the inbred, kill-crazy cabin dwellers go after Chris and the campers, leading to some grisly scenes in the dense woodland, and a series of brutal, bloody set-pieces from director Rob Schmidt. WRONG TURN takes similar backwoods horror flicks like TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE and THE HILLS HAVE EYES as its inspiration, providing visceral thrills aplenty, and the requisite amount of dumb teenage characters. Never lapsing into self-parody, the film should appeal to older horror movie fans keen to revisit the movies of their youth, and younger fans eager to witness some modern-day stalk-and-slash mayhem!
Tremors
1990
7.2/10
comedy, horror, sci-fi
Director: Ron Underwood, Actors: Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, Finn Carter, Michael Gross, Reba McEntire, Robert Jayne, Ariana...
A couple of luckless dreamers leave the small town of Perfection and cross the desert in search of odd jobs. Instead of a pot of gold, they find worms... humungous man-eating worms that tunnel underground and eat everything in sight, from men to automobiles. With quick thinking -- and a conveniently placed cement wall -- the duo outwit the hungry sand beasts. Back home they brag of their escape to the weird collection of townsfolk. A seismologist who just happens to be studying the area tells them there are lots more of the creatures hanging around. And, like everybody else, the worms are aiming for Perfection...
Police Academy
1984
6.6/10
comedy, crime
Director: Hugh Wilson, Actors: Hugh Wilson, Steve Guttenberg, G.W. Bailey, Kim Cattrall, George Gaynes, Bubba Smith, And...
A big city mayor-elect, eager to make good on a campaign promise to increase-the-peace, waives entry requirements for the police force. The result: mishap, mayhem and mismanagement, as the force is flooded with bumbling buffoons, idealistic idiots, and quixotic quipsters. The crooks never had it so good.
Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny
2006
6.8/10
adventure, comedy, music
Director: Liam Lynch, Actors: Jack Black, Kyle Gass, JR Reed, Ronnie James Dio, Troy Gentile, Paul F. Tompkins, Ned Bell...
Jack Black and Kyle Gass's Tenacious D began life on an amusing yet little-seen HBO series about the band, which featured an array of comedy songs and glimpses into the personal lives of this hard-working outfit. But Black and Gass always had ambitions to take the Tenacious D concept further, so after a hefty bout of touring and recording comes the natural next step in their plans for world domination--a full-length feature film. The movie is directed by longtime collaborator Liam Lynch, and follows the duo as their megalomaniacal plans for the band burst into life. The film begins with a step back in time, where we find Black traveling to California with a head full of rock & roll dreams, and Gass strumming away on a lonely sidewalk. Once Black and Gass meet, they recognize that their Black Sabbath-sized dreams will only be realized if they can get hold of a magical guitar pick belonging to a local rock & roll-themed museum. But the portly rockers find a sizable hole burnt into their plans when their attempts at stealing the pick are thwarted by its original owner--Beelzebub himself. Existing fans who have seen the original HBO show will doubtless recognize the bulk of this story, as most of the ideas in THE PICK OF DESTINY have been rehashed from older Tenacious D material. But it's always a pleasure to see Jack Black embrace his inner rock god, and he frequently lets loose on the ridiculously silly songs that make up the Tenacious D oeuvre as the movie progresses. THIS IS SPINAL TAP still has the rock-satire genre tightly sewn up, but Black and Gass make a fun and entertaining addition to the canon with this first big-screen outing for Tenacious D.
The Princess Diaries
2001
6.2/10
comedy, family, romance
Director: Garry Marshall, Actors: Julie Andrews, Anne Hathaway, Hector Elizondo, Heather Matarazzo, Mandy Moore, Carolin...
Teen actress Anne Hathaway gives an endearing performance in Garry Marshall's delightful Disney comedy, THE PRINCESS DIARIES. Assisted by such seasoned pros as Julie Andrews and Hector Elizondo (a Marshall regular), Hathaway shines here in her first major film role. She plays Mia, a high school misfit who has resigned herself to social invisibility. Mia and her best friend, Lilly (Heather Matarazzo), are outcasts. While Lilly relishes the role, Mia just wishes a cute popular boy she likes, Josh (Erik von Detten), would notice her. Mia's life changes dramatically when her grandmother (Andrews) contacts her and Mia finds out she is heir to the throne of Genovia, a small European country between France and Spain. The klutzy, socially awkward girl doesn't think she's up to the job, but she agrees to be coached in regal manners by her grandmother before deciding if she wants to become a princess. Marshall (PRETTY WOMAN) is clearly in his element directing this light, charming teen comedy. Andrews, perfectly cast as Queen Clarisse Renaldi, makes her character seem both imperious and caring. Hathaway's performance and the presence of teen pop star Mandy Moore assure that young girls, in particular, will enjoy the film.
Poséidon
2006
5.6/10
action, adventure, drama, thriller
Director: Wolfgang Petersen, Actors: Richard Dreyfuss, Kurt Russell, Emmy Rossum, Josh Lucas, Jacinda Barrett, Mía Ma...
German-born director Wolfgang Petersen (DAS BOOT, THE PERFECT STORM) returns to the sea for POSEIDON, a gripping remake of Ronald Neame and Irwin Allen's 1972 disaster classic, THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE. As passengers celebrate New Year's Eve aboard the massive ship Poseidon, a rogue wave devastates the luxury liner, turning it upside down as windows smash, fires break out, electric wires dangle dangerously, and people try to run for their lives--with seemingly nowhere to go. Despite Captain Bradford's (Andre Braugher) pleas for people to remain calm in the ballroom, a small group of people go against his orders and attempt to make their own way to the bottom of the ship, which is now the only section above water. Led by a low-rent gambler named Dylan (Josh Lucas) and the onetime mayor of New York City, Ramsey (Kurt Russell), and including a suicidal architect (Richard Dreyfuss), the former mayor's daughter (Emmy Rossum) and her fiancé (Mike Vogel), a stowaway (Mia Maestro), and a single mother (Jacinda Barrett) and her young son (Jimmy Bennett), they band together as they battle the elements, fight to save their lives, and learn something about themselves along the way. Although the special effects are cutting-edge, starting with the long, complex opening shot, Petersen makes sure to instill humanity into the characters, letting the film be driven by the story, not just the mechanics. To ensure the integrity of the project, one of the executive producers is Sheila Allen, who was married to disaster master Irwin Allen (producer of such films as THE TOWERING INFERNO, VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA, and THE SWARM) until his death in 1991, and played Gina Rowe in THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE (under her maiden name, Sheila Mathews). Fans of the Black Eyed Peas will get a kick out of Fergie as Gloria, the ballroom singer.
Saw 5
2008
5.8/10
horror, mystery
Director: David Hackl, Actors: Scott Patterson, Costas Mandylor, Tobin Bell, Julie Benz, Betsy Russell, Meagan Good, Mar...
Continuing on with its story despite the death of namesake killer Jigsaw in the third installment, SAW V concerns itself with detailing who will carry on with his bloody work. Director David Hackl, the production designer on the previous three films, retains their familiar charnel house look. Though there are fewer grisly death sequences, faithful viewers will enjoy the creative plot twists. The film opens with a man strapped to a table above a pendulum. As the sharp blade begins swinging over his stomach, he has only a minute to stop it by inserting his hands into a device that will crush them. When the machine malfunctions, it's clear that it wasn't the work of the meticulous Jigsaw. Meanwhile, FBI Agent Strahm (Scott Patterson) continues the investigation he began in the previous film, only to wake up to find himself wearing a glass helmet filled with water. With a minimum of self-mutilation, he escapes and continues his investigation with the hunch that Detective Hoffman (Costas Mandylor) is somehow involved in the new rash of killings. Before long, a new group of strangers wakes up in Jigsaw's lair to face a series of brutal tests, and Jigsaw's ex-wife, Jill, is given a mysterious box at the execution of his will. An enormously popular and critic-proof series, SAW gives its fans what they want--creatively executed blood and guts. The fifth installment in as many years, SAW V is more subdued in that department, but the sequences it does contain deliver the goods. Several lengthy flashbacks also allow Jigsaw (Tobin Bell) to make a few appearances. While SAW V isn't the place for beginners to start, those who have stuck with the story this far will find it a fitting entry, happy that SAW VI is just around the bend.
Drive Angry
2011
5.5/10
action, crime, fantasy, thriller
Director: Patrick Lussier, Actors: Nicolas Cage, Amber Heard, William Fichtner, Billy Burke, David Morse, Christa Campbe...
Nicolas Cage headlines this high-octane 3D thriller about a convicted felon who breaks out of prison to prevent the cult that murdered his daughter from sacrificing his infant granddaughter on the night of the full moon. With just three days to go before the ritual killing, Milton crosses paths with knockout waitress Piper, who agrees to help him by stealing her ex-boyfriend's mean, cherry-red muscle machine. Between that high-performance car and Milton's own black '71 Challenger, they may have a shot at taking down the cult and saving his granddaughter's life. But charismatic cult leader Jonah King isn't running scared, because when hell is unleashed on Earth, he will be the most powerful man alive. Unfortunately for Milton, the cops are quickly closing in, and a savage serial killer known only as "The Accountant" is looking to have some bloody fun on the open roads. With each passing minute, Milton's last shot at redemption is fading, so he teams up with Piper to defeat Jonah's legions of loyal disciples, avenge the death of his daughter, and prevent the crazed cult leader from plunging the entire world into infernal darkness.
The Rundown
2003
6.7/10
action, adventure, comedy, thriller
Director: Peter Berg, Actors: The Rock [Dwayne Johnson], Seann William Scott, Christopher Walken, Rosario Dawson, Ewen B...
The Rock (aka Duane Johnson) firmly establishes himself as a major Hollywood force in THE RUNDOWN, an engaging action-comedy directed by Peter Berg. Johnson/Rock plays Beck, a retriever-for-hire, who is sent on one final mission before he can retire and realize his dream of opening up a restaurant. Trading in the cement streets of Los Angeles for the jungles of the Amazon, Beck begins his quest to locate his boss' son, Travis (Seann William Scott). When he walks into the establishment of the beautiful Mariana (Rosario Dawson), he does just that. But before he can drag Travis back to the airstrip and deliver him to his father, the evil Hatcher (Christopher Walken) arrives and reminds Beck that this is his jurisdiction. Apparently, Travis is incredibly close to locating a rare relic, and until that happens, Hatcher isn't letting Travis out of his sight. Of course, Beck uses his talent for kicking butt to escape with Travis, but after their jeep tumbles off a mountain, they find themselves trapped in the jungle with Hatcher hot on their trail. Berg's film breathes with a lighthearted air that is truly refreshing for the action genre, while the relentlessly hilarious interplay between The Rock and Scott is a sight to behold.
Ghost Rider 2: Spirit of Vengeance
2011
4.3/10
action, fantasy, thriller
Directors: Mark Neveldine, Brian Taylor, Actors: Nicolas Cage, Ciarán Hinds, Idris Elba, Violante Placido, Johnny Whi...
The Ghost Rider is recruited to protect a boy from becoming possessed by the devil, who needs a host in order to walk the Earth.
The Other Boleyn Girl
2008
6.7/10
biography, drama, history, romance
Director: Justin Chadwick, Actors: Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, Eric Bana, Jim Sturgess, Kristin Scott Thomas, M...
Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson star as Anne and Mary Boleyn in this adaptation of the bestselling novel by Philippa Gregory. While their story is perhaps one of history's most well known, THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL has fun with the facts, creating a lusty, dramatic tale of deception and betrayal. The film begins with the girls' power-hungry uncle (David Morrissey), discovering that King Henry VIII's (Eric Bana) marriage to Catherine of Aragon (Ana Torrent) is falling apart. Their uncle suggests to their father (Mark Rylance) that he tempt the King into taking Anne (Portman) as his mistress, thus putting the family in the King's favor. But the King has no time for the strong-willed Anne, and instead turns his attentions to her already married, soft-spoken sister Mary. With her eye on the Queen's crown, Anne renews her attempts to seduce the king, driving a wedge between her and her sister. Bana is a brooding, sexy Henry, and Portman and Johansson both give strong performances as the beautiful and bewitching sisters. While some might quibble over the historical inaccuracies of the film (of which there are quite a few), most will let themselves get lost in the sea of beautiful bodices, and the anticipation of when those bodices might be ripped...
Willow
1988
7.2/10
action, adventure, drama, fantasy, romance
Director: Ron Howard, Actors: Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley, Warwick Davis, Jean Marsh, Patricia Hayes, Billy Barty, Pat Ro...
Follows the exploits of the little farmer Willow (Warwick Davis), an aspiring sorcerer appointed to deliver an infant princess from the evil queen (Jean Marsh) to whom the child is a crucial threat. Val Kilmer plays the warrior who joins Willow's campaign with the evil queen's daughter (Joanne Whalley, who later married Kilmer). Impressive production values, stunning locations (in England, Wales, and New Zealand) and dazzling special effects energize the routine fantasy plot, which alternates between rousing action and cute sentiment while failing to engage the viewer's emotions. A parental warning is appropriate: director Ron Howard has a light touch aimed at younger viewers, but doesn't shy away from grisly swordplay and at least one monster (a wicked two-headed dragon) that could induce nightmares.
Eraser
1996
6.0/10
action, drama, mystery, thriller
Director: Chuck Russell, Actors: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Vanessa Williams, James Caan, James Coburn, Robert Pastorelli, J...
A lone-wolf marshal for the elite Federal Witness Protection Program, an "eraser," struggles to protect a beautiful, whistle-blowing former employee of a large, corrupt defense contractor. Along the way, the agent's own loyalty to his country is called into question in this action-filled thriller.
Irréversible
2002
7.4/10
crime, drama, mystery, thriller
Director: Gaspar Noé, Actors: Gaspar Noé, Monica Bellucci, Vincent Cassel, Albert Dupontel, Jo Prestia, Philippe N...
After what would normally be the end credits (which run backwards), IRREVERSIBLE begins with a heated hunt through a gay S&M club. It is a chaotic sequence shot from a wildly spiraling camera seamlessly edited together to appear as one single shot and culminating in one of the most violent murders ever portrayed on celluloid. Following this crescendo, Gaspar Noe's (I STAND ALONE) film uses a reverse narrative structure similar to MEMENTO through which the audience learns the motivations for the murder and the relationships of three parties directly involved, the beautiful Alex (Monica Bellucci) and two men who adore her (Vincent Cassel and Albert Dupontel). The frenzied style of the opening gives way to increasingly static camera work throughout leading to an idyllic final shot of Alex, who the audience has long known is a doomed woman, set to Beethoven and alive with color and youthful innocence otherwise absent from this bleak urban nightmare. The film disregards conventional editing by ending each scene with a dizzying camera whirl. Since each scene is intended to look like a single take (although there are seamless cuts throughout), this gives the film the appearance of one continuous shot.
Splice
2009
5.8/10
horror, sci-fi
Director: Vincenzo Natali, Actors: Adrien Brody, Sarah Polley, Delphine Chanéac, Brandon McGibbon, Simona Maicanescu,...
Clive and Elsa are a pair of brilliant scientists whose cutting-edge experiments in genetic engineering make them superstars in their field. As devoted to their careers as they are to one another, they start conducting unauthorized experiments with new animal species that show great promise. Drunk with their god-like powers, they introduce human DNA into one of their creations, producing a creature that is greater than the sum of its parts: a rapidly developing animal/human hybrid that may be a step up on the evolutionary ladder. While this female creature inspires maternal feelings in Elsa, she evokes something far-from-paternal in Clive, something that poses a threat to them all. Then, when this seemingly perfect organism makes a final, shocking metamorphosis, it is mankind itself that is threatened.
Vacancy
2007
6.2/10
horror, thriller
Director: Nimród Antal, Actors: Kate Beckinsale, Luke Wilson, Frank Whaley, Ethan Embry, Scott G. Anderson, David Dot...
This riveting thriller features Luke Wilson and Kate Beckinsale as a couple whose car breaks down, stranding them at a very dangerous hotel. Director Nimrod Antal carefully builds the suspense as the film gradually leads to horror when the hotel turns out to be a snuff film operation, with cameras everywhere and lots of truly horrific videos of past murders (shot in the same room) lying atop the TV set. The couple needs to think fast before they become the next victims. Beckinsale and Wilson play down their star wattage and get truly involved in their change-of-pace roles, sucking the audience into their situation far deeper than one might think possible. Meticulous use of the tawdry, low-rent motel setting--lots of rotted wood, stained wallpaper, and ugly sofas--provides a realistic sense of space. Intelligently crafted and unfolding practically in real time, VACANCY is edge-of-the-seat all the way. Other strong points are the punchy score from Paul Haslinger, a PSYCHO-ish credit sequence, a creepy Frank Whaley as the hotel clerk, and lots of references to films like TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE and HENRY: PORTRAIT OF A SERIAL KILLER. Thanks to all this care and attention, the scares linger longer than you might expect, so don't watch it alone.
Mortal Kombat
1995
5.8/10
action, adventure, fantasy, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Paul W.S. Anderson, Actors: Christopher Lambert, Robin Shou, Linden Ashby, Bridgette Wilson-Sampras, Cary-Hiro...
This film adaptation of the wildly popular video game comes complete with dazzling special effects and plenty of martial arts action. The plot revolves around a tournament that pits evil against good. The sinister team, led by the vile sorcerer Shang Tsung, includes the ice-wielding Sub-Zero, the serpent-like Reptile, and the gigantic, four-armed, muscle-bound mutant Goro. The good guys are led by Lord Rayden, who uses electricity as a weapon. His pupils include martial arts expert Liu Kang, vain movie star and karate expert Johnny Cage, and Sonya Blade, a task-force commando who KNOWS how to kick some butt. Adding to the tension is the fact that whichever team wins 10 Kombat tournaments in a row will rule the Earth. And Shang Tsung's demonic team has won the last nine.
Little Nicky
2000
5.3/10
comedy, fantasy
Director: Steven Brill, Actors: Adam Sandler, Patricia Arquette, Harvey Keitel, Rhys Ifans, Tommy 'Tiny' Lister, Peter D...
Continuing in the tradition of his hits THE WATERBOY and HAPPY GILMORE, Adam Sandler stars in LITTLE NICKY, a supernatural comedy about Satan's geekiest son. Nicky (Sandler) is relieved when his father (Harvey Keitel) decides to continue as ruler of the underworld for another 10,000 years instead of picking one of his bullying brothers, Adrian (Rhys Ifans) or Cassius (Tom "Tiny" Lister), to reign. Adrian and Cassius, hungry for power, decide to travel to New York City in order to spread Hell on Earth. Only Nicky can stop them and save his father--and the world--from his brothers' evil schemes. But Nicky has no idea what to expect from New York City, and he has to deal with new activities such as eating, sleeping, and meeting a new girlfriend, Valerie (Patricia Arquette). His friends Mr. Beefy, a talking bulldog, and John and Peter, a pair of hardcore heavy metal fans, try to help Nicky stand up for himself and eventually save the universe. LITTLE NICKY features a cast of regulars from other Adam Sandler movies, plus a hilariously bizarre sense of humor that allows all sorts of odd and twisted things to happen.
Bonnie and Clyde
1967
7.9/10
biography, crime, drama
Director: Arthur Penn, Actors: Warren Beatty, Faye Dunaway, Michael J. Pollard, Gene Hackman, Estelle Parsons, Denver Py...
Based on the true-life exploits of the notorious Depression-era bank robbers Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, BONNIE AND CLYDE is recognized as one of the most violent films to come out of mainstream Hollywood. Bonnie (Faye Dunaway) is bored with life and wants a change. She gets her chance when she meets a charming young drifter by the name of Clyde Barrow (Warren Beatty). Clyde has dreams of a life of crime that will free him from the hardships of the Depression. The two fall in love and begin a crime spree that extends from Oklahoma to Texas. They rob small banks with skill and panache, soon becoming minor celebrities known across the country. People are proud to have been held up by Bonnie and Clyde; to their victims, the duo is doing what nobody else has the guts to do. To the law, the two are evil bank robbers who deserve to be gunned down where they stand. Beatty and Dunaway are marvelous as the young criminal lovers, delivering subtle and complete performances. Also excellent are Gene Hackman as Clyde's brother, Buck; Estelle Parsons as Buck's wife, Blanche; and the always enjoyable Michael J. Pollard as C.W. Moss. The film has made a large impact on American culture, expressing the mood of rebellion rampant in the late 1960s and beyond.
Waiting...
2005
6.8/10
comedy
Director: Rob McKittrick, Actors: Ryan Reynolds, Anna Faris, John Francis Daley, Justin Long, David Koechner, Kaitlin Do...
Learn why you should never send your food back and other valuable lessons in this over-the-top comedy set in the food service industry. Dean (Justin Long) and Monty (Ryan Reynolds) are two longtime friends who work as waiters as Shenanigan's, a self-consciously "fun" chain restaurant. Both have been working at the restaurant since they graduated from high school; it's only recently occurred to Dean that he has nothing to show for the last four years of his life but a community college diploma and his name tag from work, and he's developed a sudden urgency to make something of himself. Monty, on the other hand, is more interested in making time with the women on the wait staff at work than accomplishing anything, though his recent relationship with fellow employee Serena (Anna Faris) has rather dramatically crashed and burned. Over the course of an evening at Shenanigan's, Dean and Monty confront obnoxious customers and train timid new employee Mitch (John Francis Daley) while dealing with wildly eccentric chef Raddimus (Luis Guzman), control-freak manager Dan (David Koechner), and a kitchen full of crazed cooks, prep workers, and dish-washers.
Rocky 5
1990
5.0/10
drama, sport
Director: John G. Avildsen, Actors: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Sage Stallone, Burgess Meredith, Tommy ...
A lifetime of taking shots has terminated his career, and a crooked accountant has left him bankrupt. In this final chapter of the ROCKY series, the Balboa family is forced to return to their gritty beginnings in the old neighborhood, attempting to start their lives anew. Life in Philadelphia means a lot of adjustment for the once-wealthy Balboa family--Adrian (Talia Shire) has to return to her job at the pet store, Rocky Jr. (Sage Stallone) struggles to endure a punishingly tough high school, and Rocky is forced to face that his championship career is finally over. Soon, though, Rocky returns to what he knows best--boxing. He becomes a manager for Tommy Gunn (Tommy Morrison), an up-and-coming boxer, teaching him all of the tricks of the trade. Inspired by the memory of his own trainer, Mickey (Burgess Meredith), Rocky is able to find glory in training. However, Tommy leaves his tutelage for George W. Duke (Richard Gant), a flashy Don King-like promoter, and Rocky's rage and sense of betrayal inspire him to fight one final grudge match.
Enter the Dragon
1973
7.7/10
action, crime, drama, thriller
Director: Robert Clouse, Actors: Bruce Lee, John Saxon, Jim Kelly, Kien Shih, Robert Wall, Ahna Capri, Angela Mao, Betty...
Bruce Lee plays a kung fu master recruited by a foreign government to infiltrate the island of a megalomaniac martial artist named Han. Han's bodyguard is also found to have killed Lee's sister, giving Lee a personal vendetta to fight for. The Hall of Mirrors sequence towards the end of the film is now famous, as are Lee's incredibly gymnastic martial arts abilities.
Ali
2001
6.7/10
biography, drama, sport
Director: Michael Mann, Actors: Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, Jon Voight, Mario Van Peebles, Ron Silver, Mykelti Williamson, J...
An informative look at the career of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali and an entertaining and moving portrait of the man. The action begins with the brash young Cassius Clay's surprising victory over Sonny Liston. The film depicts Clay's conversion to Islam, his partnership with "Bundini" Brown (Jamie Foxx in a wonderfully complex turn), his friendship with Howard Cosell (a transformed Jon Voight), his principled refusal to serve in the military during Vietnam, and his subsequent problems with the law and the boxing commission. The film concludes with Ali's battle with George Foreman in the "Rumble in the Jungle." Will Smith delivers a worthy performance, transforming his body, face, and voice to capture the spirit of the charismatic fighter. The work of the supporting cast is superb, including Smith's real-life wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Marvin Gaye's daughter, Nona Gaye, as the women in Ali's life. Mann brings the viewer in close to the boxing action, effectively depicting Ali's unique grace and quickness, and the violent frenzy of the sport. The film shows the familiar public figure of fights and press conferences, and also gives a glimpse of the quiet, thoughtful private life of Ali.
Paranormal Activity 2
2010
5.7/10
horror
Director: Tod Williams, Actors: Katie Featherston, Micah Sloat, Molly Ephraim, Brian Boland, Sprague Grayden, David Bier...
Undoubtedly, the first and most relevant question to ask about PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 is: how scary is it in regard to its predecessor? For horror fans and the legion of viewers terrified by Oren Peli's POV supernatural chiller, the answer is, to echo the quote on the sequel's poster, that your sleepless nights are about to return. Part of the reason for its success is that PA2 hews to the old principle that if it's not broken, don't fix it, so the action here also unfolds via hours of camera footage, stitched together to resemble a documentary. It's also a prequel to the first film, taking place several months before PA1, and focusing on Kristi (Sprague Grayden), the sister of PA1's ill-fated heroine, Katie (Katie Featherston), who also returns here. Seems that the demonic force that pursued Katie also had designs on Kristi, and its relentless assault on her, husband Daniel (Brian Boland), and, most unnervingly, their new son Hunter unfolds in a barrage of quiet-quiet-JUMP! moments that should have most audience members clutching their seats or movie mates throughout the running time. As a pure scare machine, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 is as well-oiled as the first picture, with director Tod Williams (DOOR IN THE FLOOR) innately grasping the inherent chills of strange things happening in static camera images; if there's any complaint to be had, it's over the family maid, who hews too closely to the stereotype of superstitious ethnic servant. That quibble aside, one can expect to get a serious workout for the nerves from PARANORMAL ACTIVITY.
The Butler
2013
7.1/10
biography, drama
Director: Lee Daniels, Actors: Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, John Cusack, David Oyelowo, Terrence Howard, Cuba Gooding...
The remarkable story of White House butler Eugene Allen (Forest Whitaker), who served eight U.S. presidents over the course of 30 years, and witnessed sweeping social change during his three decades of service at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Marie Antoinette
2006
6.4/10
biography, drama, history
Director: Sofia Coppola, Actors: Kirsten Dunst, Jason Schwartzman, Rip Torn, Judy Davis, Asia Argento, Rose Byrne, Molly...
Sofia Coppola follows up her Oscar-winning LOST IN TRANSLATION with her most ambitious effort yet. Based on the book MARIE ANTOINETTE: THE JOURNEY by Antonia Fraser, Coppola's film infuses modern pop-culture elements into a regal, historical biopic, resulting in a strikingly original work. Kirsten Dunst plays Marie Antoinette, a 14-year-old Austrian who is about to wed France's next king, Louis XVI (a fattened-up Jason Schwartzman). Her new life is a constant barrage of pomp and circumstance, which baffles the otherwise ordinary teenager. While love has nothing to do with the union between Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI, producing an offspring does. Unfortunately, Louis XVI shows no interest in having a physical relationship with his willing wife. Instead, Marie Antoinette begins to embrace her life of royalty, biding her time by shopping and partying and living the life of a spoiled teenager. As time passes, Louis XVI works out his problems and soon the couple has begun to bear children. But eventually, the impoverished French people become fed up with the disparity of wealth between the royal family and the average Frenchman, unleashing a revolt that would change the course of history forever. Coppola's decision to use a modern pop-music soundtrack (Bow Wow Wow, the Strokes) is bold, to be sure, yet it is the type of personal choice that rings firmly true. Another brave decision was to let her well-assembled cast (including Judy Davis, Danny Huston, Rip Torn, Asia Argento, and Marianne Faithful) speak in their natural accents. Decisions like these are what make MARIE ANTOINETTE such a personal, distinct work, proving that Coppola only continues to grow as an artist. This film was selected for inclusion in the 44th New York Film Festival organized by the Film Society of Lincoln Center.
The X Files: I Want to Believe
2008
5.9/10
drama, mystery, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Chris Carter, Actors: Chris Carter, David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Billy Connolly, Amanda Peet, Callum Keit...
For the devoted viewers of THE X-FILES, there can be few things more exciting than hearing the familiar notes of Mark Snow's theme song at the beginning of THE X-FILES: I WANT TO BELIEVE. This cinematic follow-up to the series picks up years after it ended, but the characters are still the same ones that audiences loved. Fans who followed the show religiously (and was there any other way to watch it?) won't be surprised to learn that Mulder (David Duchovny) is currently living in hiding, still researching the paranormal while he grows a shaggy beard. Meanwhile, Scully (Gillian Anderson) is working as a doctor at a Catholic hospital. When an F.B.I. agent goes missing, the bureau calls on the pair to return to their old work. The paranormal element of their case is found in Father Joe (Billy Connolly), a former priest who is having psychic visions and leading the team from the F.B.I. to evidence to help them solve their case. Mulder and Scully return to their roles of believer and skeptic as they join in the search. Just as in the show, I WANT TO BELIEVE is a genre-bender that combines science fiction, horror, and thriller. In fact, the film seems like a two-part episode of the show--and that's meant as a compliment. Though six years have passed since the series' finale (and 10 since the first cinematic incarnation), the show's central elements are intact, especially the interaction between Mulder and Scully. For those who weren't fans of the show, I WANT TO BELIEVE offers chills similar to THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS and THE BONE COLLECTOR--but minus the gore. The show was always more about the unseen horrors, and the film works well as it follows its predecessor's lead.
The Spectacular Now
2013
7.2/10
comedy, drama, romance
Director: James Ponsoldt, Actors: Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley, Kyle Chandler, Brie Larson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Dayo...
Tim Tharp's unsentimental tale of adolescent frustration comes to the screen in this comedy drama following the story of a sociable high school senior whose self-delusion shattered by his emerging friendship with an unpopular classmate. Sutter Keely is one of the most popular kids in his class. Outgoing and fun-loving, he's completely oblivious as to what awaits him beyond high school. Lately, however, his drinking has started to become a problem. So when Sutter's girlfriend breaks things off, he reaches for the bottle without hesitation. Awakening in the grass under the gaze of studious, practical-minded sci-fi nerd Aimee Finicky, he isn't quite sure how he got into such a predicament. Over time, however, the two teens who couldn't be any more different on the surface realize they have more in common than either ever suspected.
Good Luck Chuck
2007
5.6/10
comedy, drama, romance
Director: Mark Helfrich, Actors: Dane Cook, Jessica Alba, Dan Fogler, Sasha Pieterse, Ellia English, Connor Price, Chela...
Standup comedian Dane Cook (EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH) stars in this romantic comedy as Charlie Logan, a successful dentist cursed with the affliction of having the women he dates fall in love with the next guy they meet. After a 1985 flashback reveals how, as a child, Charlie came to be hexed, the film finds the grown bachelor taking advantage of his predicament. Because he's never really loved any of the women he's dated, it doesn't hurt much when they leave. But when rumors start circulating that sleeping with Charlie is a lucky love charm, Charlie's popularity reaches new heights that even he, an experienced ladies' man, cannot keep up with. And this luck couldn't come at a worse time, as Charlie's just met his dream girl, penguin zookeeper Cam (Jessica Alba). Perhaps in Charlie's favor is the fact that Cam, despite her beauty and brains, happens to have a hex of her own--extreme clumsiness. Everywhere she goes, minor disaster quickly follows. Will Charlie be the next casualty of her accident-prone charm? While GOOD LUCK CHUCK revolves mainly around a sweet and simple romance, it contains enough one-liners to amuse fans of Cook's standup routine. Though conversations between Charlie and his plastic-surgeon best bud Stu (Dan Fogler) are almost all about sex, the dynamic between Cam and her brother (played by 30 ROCK's Lonny Ross) is slightly more offbeat. The film's sex-driven humor leads to a surprisingly graphic sex-scene montage between Cook and a string of women eager to sleep with him if it means they'll find true love immediately afterwards.
Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa
2013
6.6/10
comedy
Director: Jeff Tremaine, Actors: Johnny Knoxville, Jackson Nicoll, Greg Harris, Georgina Cates, Spike Jonze, Blythe Barr...
Irving Zisman, 86, is on a journey across America with the most unlikely companion his 8-year-old grandson - Billy. Along the way, Irving will introduce the young and impressionable Billy to people, places and situations that give new meaning to the term child-rearing. The duo will encounter male strippers, disgruntled child beauty pageant contestants (and their equally disgruntled mothers), funeral home mourners, biker bar patrons and a whole lot of unsuspecting citizens. Real people in unreal situations, making for one really messed up comedy.
Paranormal Activity 3
2011
5.9/10
horror
Directors: Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman, Actors: Chloe Csengery, Jessica Tyler Brown, Christopher Nicholas Smith, Lauren ...
A leaner, meaner, and altogether scarier entry in the PARANORMAL ACTIVITY horror franchise, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3 is a well-oiled scare machine that delivers the gut-wrenching shocks of the original 2007 film. Fans may initially groan over the plot, which takes the tried-and-true sequel tack of flashing back to the "origin" of the first film's phenomena; here, we discover that the diabolical entity that plagued sisters Katie and Kristi (Katie Featherston and Sprague Grayden, both of whom return in "found footage" clips) has been after the girls since their adolescent years in the late '80s. There's an attempt to provide a reason for the haunting, which may or may not rankle franchise fans; its inclusion, however, doesn't interrupt the barrage of shudders and armrest-clutching frights encountered by the girls' father (Chris Smith), a wedding videographer whose skill with cameras uncovers glimpses of the monstrous presence in his house. Directors Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman (CATFISH) have a keen understanding of how to use the corners of their image to milk maximum suspense from a static shot or slow-moving pan, as shown in one of the film's most memorable scenes, in which a camera mounted on an oscillating fan first suggests and then reveals a terrifying moment. As before, the human element is the weakest link, though Chloe Csengery and Jessica Tyler Brown, as young Katie and Kristi, respectively, are convincingly hysterical at the proper moments.
Righteous Kill
2008
6.0/10
action, crime, drama, mystery, thriller
Director: Jon Avnet, Actors: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Carla Gugino, Donnie Wahlberg, Trilby Glover, Brian Dennehy, Mel...
In director Jon Avent's 2008 crime drama RIGHTEOUS KILL, two New York City police detectives--Turk (Robert De Niro) and Rooster (Al Pacino)--attempt to track down a serial killer who targets only vicious criminals. This enigmatic vigilante has earned the duo's respect, yet they are duty-bound to apprehend the criminal-hunting assailant, and in doing so they strain the bonds of their longtime partnership. Aiding Turk and Rooster are a fiery younger pair of detectives (Donnie Wahlberg and John Leguizamo) and investigator Karen Correlli (Carla Gugino), who are determined to see that justice is served. The second face-to-face film pairing of De Niro and Pacino--the first being Michael Mann's gritty 1995 epic, HEAT--RIGHTEOUS KILL finds the revered veteran actors working within the confines of a police procedural. Ably supported by Gugino, Wahlberg, and Leguizamo, the iconic performers contribute relatively subdued turns, never fully engaging in their signature dramatic fireworks. Working from a script by Russell Gewirtz (INSIDE MAN), Avnet (who also directed Pacino in 88 MINUTES) guides the action through twists and turns while staying rooted in a fairly straightforward LAW & ORDER-like aesthetic. Although RIGHTEOUS KILL may be underwhelming for those expecting a De Niro/Pacino double tour de force, the movie is a fine addition to the cop thriller category.
The Switch
2010
6.0/10
comedy, drama, romance
Directors: Josh Gordon, Will Speck, Actors: Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman, Patrick Wilson, Jeff Goldblum, Juliette Lew...
From a short story by Virgin Suicides writer Jeffrey Eugenides comes a comedy about a middle-aged woman (Jennifer Aniston) who takes conceiving a child into her own hands by using a turkey baster to inseminate herself with a sample of a married friend's (Jason Bateman) sperm.
The Hot Chick
2002
5.5/10
comedy, fantasy
Director: Tom Brady, Actors: Rob Schneider, Rachel McAdams, Anna Faris, Matthew Lawrence, Eric Christian Olsen, Robert D...
Rob Schneider is the titular chick, Jessica, a stuck-up high school prom queen who wakes up one morning trapped in the body of an unattractive 30-year-old man. Thanks to a curse attached to some ancient earrings, Jessica has changed bodies and now must convince hot chick pals April (Anna Faris, of the SCARY MOVIE series) and Keecia (Maritza Murphy) of her true identity before their long, giggly, underwear-filled sleepovers can continue. Meanwhile, Clive, the displaced male, wakes up in Jessica's body (Rachel McAdams) and quickly parlays his hot new form into a lucrative career as a prostitute/stripper. Along the same lines as DEUCE BIGALOW: MALE GIGOLO and THE ANIMAL, viewers can expect the usual Schneider shenanigans and gross bodily humor. What might come as a surprise is the film's underlying sweet nature. While working to restore her original svelte form in time for the big cheerleader competition, Jessica helps save her parents' fading marriage and develops a sense of compassion for the social outsiders she'd previously scorned. Schneider fans, of course, will mainly appreciate his near non-stop prancing and mincing. Fellow SNL alum Adam Sandler executive-produced, and has an amusing cameo as a dread-locked bongo player.
Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist
2008
6.7/10
comedy, drama, music, romance
Director: Peter Sollett, Actors: Michael Cera, Kat Dennings, Aaron Yoo, Ari Graynor, Alexis Dziena, Rafi Gavron, Jay Bar...
With its sweet teen coupling and ardent devotion to music, NICK & NORAH'S INFINITE PLAYLIST feels like the cinematic equivalent of a mixtape made by John Hughes and Cameron Crowe. But the film is actually directed by Peter Sollett, who earned praise for his debut feature, RAISING VICTOR VARGAS. This studio-produced comedy is a bit shinier and more polished, but it still has hints of the authenticity that made his first film so well loved. NICK & NORAH'S INFINITE PLAYLIST centers on two New Jersey teens, newly single Nick (Michael Cera, JUNO) and his fellow music lover Norah (Kat Dennings, CHARLIE BARTLETT), who meet at Nick's band's show in New York City. Their very long night in the city is driven by two searches: one for a secret concert by their favorite band, Where's Fluffy; and a second for Norah's irresponsible and drunk friend Caroline (Ari Graynor, in what should be a star-making performance). The pair bounce through the streets of New York in Nick's Yugo and his bandmate's van, bonding over their shared love of music, while their exes threaten their new romance. Based on a young adult novel by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, NICK & NORAH'S INFINITE PLAYLIST makes an able leap to the screen. Dennings and Cera are likeably awkward in their tentative courtship, but much of the praise should go to music supervisor Linda Cohen and composer Mark Mothersbaugh. Cohen picks of-the-moment bands such as Vampire Weekend, Takka Takka, We Are Scientists, and Band of Horses that are sure to make the soundtrack as big a hit as the film, while Mothersbaugh perfectly complements Nick and Norah's sweet romance with his fun yet unobtrusive score.
Conspiracy Theory
1997
6.7/10
action, crime, mystery, romance, thriller
Director: Richard Donner, Actors: Richard Donner, Mel Gibson, Julia Roberts, Patrick Stewart, Cylk Cozart, Steve Kahan, ...
A crackpot Big Apple cabbie finds himself in a heap of trouble after his self-published conspiracy 'zine elicits the interest of some shady government heavies--and leads to the unexplained murders of all five subscribers. As the J. Edgars close in, he takes to the lam with the one person who may be able to help him--a Justice Department attorney with a mysterious murder of her own to solve.
The Heartbreak Kid
2007
5.8/10
comedy, romance
Directors: Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly, Actors: Ben Stiller, Michelle Monaghan, Malin Akerman, Jerry Stiller, Rob Cor...
Ben Stiller and the Farrelly brothers bring out the best in each other. In THE HEARTBREAK KID, Stiller plays Eddie Cantrow, who--persuaded by his father and friends that he's commitment-phobic--marries a gorgeous and seemingly ideal woman named Lila (Malin Akerman, THE BROTHERS SOLOMON) that he's been dating for several weeks. But after the wedding, things start to go awry... the least of these being that on their honeymoon, Eddie meets a woman who might truly be the girl of his dreams (Michelle Monaghan, KISS KISS BANG BANG). As in THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY, writers/directors Bobby and Peter Farrelly push Stiller away from his increasingly schticky "tense guy" persona and draw out his sweeter, more multilayered earnest side. On his end, Stiller provides a human core to what could just be a festival of raunch and absurdity (the movie features aroused donkeys, deviated septum jokes, and digitally-enhanced body hair, among other items of questionable taste). It only takes a quick comparison with Jim Carrey in ME, MYSELF & IRENE or Jack Black in SHALLOW HAL to see what a surprisingly delicate balance that is. THE HEARTBREAK KID may not be quite as wildly sublime as THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY, but it comes extremely close, with kudos to Akerman for her unrestrained nuttiness.
WarGames
1983
7.1/10
sci-fi, thriller
Director: John Badham, Actors: Matthew Broderick, Ally Sheedy, John Wood, Dabney Coleman, Barry Corbin, Juanin Clay, Den...
In director John Badham's WARGAMES, Matthew Broderick stars as David Lightman, a young hacker who accidentally logs on to the Department of Defense's network. Thinking that he's found a cool new computer game manufacturer, David plays checkers, chess, and other more intriguing games like Global Thermonuclear War. Realizing that their system has been tampered with, military operatives arrest him. However, the computer continues to play the "game" of thermonuclear warfare without David and generates the very real threat of World War III. In an attempt to prevent global disaster, David and his girlfriend, Jennifer (Ally Sheedy), search desperately for the scientist who designed the system before the goverment computer initates a full-scale nuclear war. A landmark of 1980s cinema, WARGAMES was keenly tuned into its time. Computers remained a relative mystery in the early 1980s, as they were used primarily by large corporations and government agencies, but not by many individuals at home. The general public had already been warned of the danger of computer takeover in 1968 with 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY and this paranoia grew as computers became more popular. The threat of communist takeover and nuclear war loomed large in the collective consciousness, before the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the cold war. Video games had become highly popular, however, and for a generation of Pac-Man and Space Invaders players WARGAMES combined the country's deepest fears with its biggest fantasies. Badham's suspenseful film brings those fears to light in an exciting, fast-paced film with a great cast (Broderick, Sheedy, John Wood, Barry Corbin, Dabney Coleman) and excellent special effects.
Final Destination 4: The Final Destination
2009
5.1/10
horror, thriller
Director: David R. Ellis, Actors: Nick Zano, Krista Allen, Andrew Fiscella, Bobby Campo, Shantel VanSanten, Mykelti Will...
On what should have been a fun-filled day at the races, Nick O'Bannon has a horrific premonition in which a bizarre sequence of events causes multiple race cars to crash, sending flaming debris into the stands, brutally killing his friends and causing the upper deck of the stands to collapse on him. When he comes out of this grisly nightmare Nick panics, persuading his girlfriend, Lori, and their friends, Janet and Hunt, to leave... escaping seconds before Nick's frightening vision becomes a terrible reality. Thinking they've cheated death, the group has a new lease on life, but unfortunately for Nick and Lori, it is only the beginning. As his premonitions continue and the crash survivors begin to die one-by-one--in increasingly gruesome ways--Nick must figure out how to cheat death once and for all before he, too, reaches his final destination.
Superman 2
1980
6.8/10
action, sci-fi
Directors: Richard Lester, Richard Donner, Actors: Richard Donner, Gene Hackman, Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Ned B...
Once again mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent (Christopher Reeve), hiding his identity as Superman, must fight for law and order. This time around, a triumvirate of nasty villains from the planet Krypton break free of their dimensional prison and hightail it to Earth, where they enjoy the same superpowers as Superman. Meanwhile, Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) has discovered that Superman and Clark are the same person, so Superman debates whether to give up his abilities to become a normal man and share his life with Lois. Richard Lester (A HARD DAY'S NIGHT) takes the helm for this sequel, which is arguably the equal of the original hit film.
Saw 6
2009
6.0/10
horror, mystery
Director: Kevin Greutert, Actors: Tobin Bell, Costas Mandylor, Mark Rolston, Betsy Russell, Shawnee Smith, Peter Outerbr...
Special Agent Strahm is dead, and Detective Hoffman has emerged as the unchallenged successor to Jigsaw's legacy. However, when the FBI draws closer to Hoffman, he is forced to set a game into motion, and Jigsaw's grand scheme is finally understood.
World Trade Center
2006
6.0/10
drama, history, thriller
Director: Oliver Stone, Actors: Nicolas Cage, Michael Peña, Maria Bello, Jay Hernandez, Jon Bernthal, Connor Paolo, M...
The events of September 11 left an indelible mark on most Americans, and certainly on those in the New York City area. Yet as fresh as the images seem, it's easy to forget the actual grit, sacrifice, and uncertainty of that day. Director Oliver Stone captures the essence of 9/11 by focusing on the true story of two Port Authority Police Department officers who were trapped beneath the wreckage of the fallen World Trade Center.
Universal Soldier
1992
5.9/10
action, crime, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Roland Emmerich, Actors: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dolph Lundgren, Ally Walker, Ed O'Ross, Jerry Orbach, Leon Rip...
Thanks to the wonders of genetic engineering, a group of soldiers killed during the Vietnam War are resurrected by the Defense Department 23 years later and turned into a team of indestructible, anti-terrorist fighting machines. But things begin to go haywire when two of the soldiers, Luc and Scott, regain their memory. Realizing that he is a pawn in an unsavory government conspiracy, Luc defects from the unit, while Scott, a shell-shocked nutcase, remembers that he has a grudge against Luc left over from their 'Nam days and goes after him with a vengeance.
Assault on Precinct 13
2005
6.3/10
action, crime, drama, thriller
Director: Jean-François Richet, Actors: Ethan Hawke, Laurence Fishburne, Gabriel Byrne, Drea de Matteo, Maria Bello, ...
In 1976, John Carpenter paid homage to Howard Hawks' superlative western RIO BRAVO with his second full-length feature film, ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13. Now it's Carpenter's turn to experience some cinematic adulation, with this remake of the film from director Jean-François Richet. Set in Detroit, Richet's film focuses on police Sergeant Jake Roenick, whose failed career as an undercover cop has lead to a New Years Eve stint in charge of the dilapidated Precinct 13. As a snowstorm rattles the windows and doors of the rundown station, Roenick exchanges some festive banter with police psychologist Alex Sabian (Maria Bello); curvaceous secretary Iris Ferry (Drea de Matteo); and retiring veteran Jasper O'Shea (Brian Dennehy). But their merriment is interrupted when a diverted prison bus escapes the ravages of the storm, seeking a temporary haven for its peccant passengers in Precinct 13. Criminal mastermind Marion Bishop (Laurence Fisburne) is on board, along with a junkie, Beck (John Leguizamo), and two young felons, Smiley (Ja Rule) and Anna (Aisha Hinds). Hot on their tail comes police detective Marcus Duvall (Gabriel Byrne), a crooked cop who wants Bishop dead before he testifies against Duvall in court. Bringing a formidable army of fellow corrupt officers with him, Duvall puts the police station under siege in order to snag his man before it's too late. But he doesn't bank on the impressive wiles of Roenick and his rag-tag mixture of cops and criminals, who unite in an attempt to defend themselves from an execrable ending at the hands of Duvall and his men. A highly entertaining action romp ensues, with director Richet delivering a fast-paced thriller laced with violence and surprising plot twists, ensuring viewers are kept on their toes right up until the film's blood-soaked finale.
Sweet November
2001
6.7/10
drama, romance
Director: Pat O'Connor, Actors: Keanu Reeves, Charlize Theron, Jason Isaacs, Greg Germann, Liam Aiken, Michael Rosenbaum...
Based on the screenplay by Herman Raucher for the 1968 film of the same title, SWEET NOVEMBER stars Charlize Theron and Keanu Reeves in the story of an experimental love affair. Theron is Sara, a free-spirited woman who runs across tight-laced ad executive Nelson (Reeves) at the DMV. Nelson wants only to be left alone to continue on the fast track of his career, but Sara is drawn to him. She makes him an offer: to be her November, the man who will live with her for one month only, during which she will "help" him. Not sure why, Nelson accepts, finding that Sara appeals to something he didn't even know was inside him. As she begins to change his life, Nelson realizes what he's been missing in his career-centered world--but just as he begins to reach out to her, Nelson finds that Sara has secrets of her own.
Bring It On
2000
5.9/10
comedy, sport
Director: Peyton Reed, Actors: Peyton Reed, Kirsten Dunst, Eliza Dushku, Jesse Bradford, Gabrielle Union, Clare Kramer, ...
Stellar Kirsten Dunst, as cheerleading captain Torrance Shipman, leads six-time defending cheerleading champions the Toros against a talented inner-city squad, the East Compton Clovers, in BRING IT ON. The film presents a lighthearted, slightly quirky exploration of the cutthroat but perky world of professional cheerleading competitions. Only days after taking over the reins of her hallowed suburban high school squad, Torrance is presented with the ugly truth about her team's success when a new recruit, Missy (Eliza Dushku), a semi-outcast gymnast, realizes that the Toros' cheer was stolen from another team. Missy takes Torrance to inner-city L.A. to see the same routine being performed by the East Compton Clovers. The Clovers throw down the gauntlet; they are going to challenge the Toros for the national championship on ESPN 2. As if having to find new cheers were not enough trouble, Torrance also has romantic decisions to make: She has to choose between her oily but pretty current boyfriend and Missy's less popular but rocking brother, Cliff (Jesse Bradford). BRING IT ON melds a hint of the satire in such movies as SMILE and DROP DEAD GORGEOUS with the competitive fire of films such as THE KARATE KID and WHITE MEN CAN'T JUMP to provide a captivating story enhanced by the engaging performance of rising star Dunst.
Jobs
2013
5.9/10
biography, drama
Director: Joshua Michael Stern, Actors: Ashton Kutcher, Dermot Mulroney, Josh Gad, Lukas Haas, Matthew Modine, J.K. Simm...
SWING VOTE's Joshua Michael Stern takes the helm for this biopic starring Ashton Kutcher as Steve Jobs, and tracing the Apple co-founder's career from his early years in that Palo Alto garage to his rise as one of the computing industry's most admired innovators. By focusing on the key moments that drove Jobs' success and the conversations that made him such a controversial figure among critics, Stern and screenwriter Matt Whiteley present an intimate portrait a driven, deeply complex man who dedicated his life to revolutionizing the way we use computers.
Teen Wolf
2011-????
7.8/10
comedy, drama, horror, romance, thriller
Directors: Russell Mulcahy, Tim Andrew, Toby Wilkins, Christian Taylor, Jennifer Chambers Lynch, Robert Hall, James J.D....
A somewhat awkward teen is attacked by a werewolf and inherits the curse itself, as well as the enemies that come with it.
Friday
1995
7.3/10
comedy, drama
Director: F. Gary Gray, Actors: F. Gary Gray, Ice Cube, Chris Tucker, Nia Long, Tommy 'Tiny' Lister, John Witherspoon, A...
Thoroughly charming and totally hilarious day-in-the-life comedy in which co-writer Ice Cube plays the stoic Craig opposite Chris Tucker's Smokey, a brilliantly rendered hyperactive marijuana enthusiast. The two twentysomethings, Craig recently wrongly fired and Smokey terminally slacking and scamming, barely make it through one highly eventful day. Eloquent commentary on themes like community, family, friendship, and violence is seamlessly blended with lighter treatments of young romance, bathroom emergencies, nosy neighbors and much more. Casually impeccable performances by the entire cast make this film a standout.
Jingle All the Way
1996
5.4/10
comedy, family
Director: Brian Levant, Actors: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sinbad, Phil Hartman, Rita Wilson, Robert Conrad, Martin Mull, Ja...
Arnold Schwartzenegger stars as Howard Langston, an overworked mattress salesman who has been neglecting his family of late; in an attempt to redeem himself, he promises his son whatever he wants for Christmas. Turns out that his heart's desire is a TurboMan doll, coveted by every other kid this year as well, and Howard quickly forgets about his promise until Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, all the stores are already sold out, and Howard embarks upon a wild goose chase throughout the streets of Minneapolis, encountering some wacky characters along the way. These include a postal worker of questionable sanity (Sinbad), a ticket-happy police officer (Robert Conrad), and a con-artist Santa Claus (James Belushi). As Howard's hunt drags on, his bachelor neighbor (Phil Hartman) starts to move in on his wife (Rita Wilson).
Semi-Pro
2008
5.8/10
comedy, sport
Director: Kent Alterman, Actors: Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, André Benjamin, Andrew Daly, Will Arnett, Andy Richte...
Tells the tale of a 1970s-era basketball player who doesn't have much luck in the NBA, but vows to leave his mark on the sport by coaching the Flint Tropics. When the upstart ABA league agrees to be absorbed by the NBA, only four teams will be allowed in. Jackie Moon (Ferrell) must orchestrate a successful season both on the court, and financially off the court with the help of many odd promotional events, in order to remain in the sport he loves.
U-571
2000
6.6/10
action, war
Director: Jonathan Mostow, Actors: Matthew McConaughey, Bill Paxton, Harvey Keitel, Jon Bon Jovi, Jake Weber, David Keit...
Spring 1942: A crew of young submarine sailors are on a much-needed 48-hour liberty when they're suddenly called together and engaged in an expedition. At the helm are Lieutenant Commander Mike Dahlgren (Bill Paxton), Lieutenant Andrew Tyler (Matthew McConaughey), and Chief Klough (Harvey Keitel). Other pivotal crew members include Tyler's Annapolis pal Lieutenant Pete Emmett (Jon Bon Jovi, proving his acting mettle) and Lieutenant Hirsch (Jake Weber), who, along with Marine Major Coonan (David Keith), organizes the mission. As much of the movie takes place in a submarine during WWII, there are inevitable comparisons with the technical masterpiece DAS BOOT, but Mostow's masterfully shot tale can hold its own.
Spanglish
2004
6.5/10
comedy, drama, romance
Director: James L. Brooks, Actors: Adam Sandler, Téa Leoni, Paz Vega, Cloris Leachman, Shelbie Bruce, Sarah Steele, I...
With SPANGLISH, writer/director/producer James L. Brooks (AS GOOD AS IT GETS) unfurls yet another accomplished, tender, romantic comedy. Celebrated chef John Clasky (Adam Sandler) is the patriarch of the Clasky household, but the mood swings of his hypersensitive wife, Deborah (Tea Leoni), are what really runs the show. When the Claskys hire the beautiful Flor (Paz Vega) to be their maid, their already rocky relationship faces some even bigger boulders. Spanish-speaking Flor is a sincere, loving single mother whose daughter, Christina (Shelbie Bruce), receives lavish displays of affection from Deborah. Meanwhile, Deborah neglects her own son and daughter in much the same way that her self-absorbed, alcoholic mother, Evelyn (Cloris Leachman), neglected her. Eventually Deborah crosses a line when she betrays her husband with the real estate broker who is helping her search for a beach house. Faced with this challenge, John and Flor, who share a clear attraction to one another, get the chance to explore their feelings. Brooks populates his film with wholly believable characters. On first glance they may seem like broad caricatures (especially in the case of the roles played by Leoni and Leachman), but the characters subvert viewers' expectations by turning into full-fledged, three-dimensional humans by the end of the film. As in PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE, Sandler delivers a performance that shows his wide range of talent.
Secretary
2002
7.1/10
comedy, drama, romance
Director: Steven Shainberg, Actors: Steven Shainberg, James Spader, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jeremy Davies, Lesley Ann Warren,...
The masochist says to the sadist, "Hurt me." The sadist replies, "No." Everybody's happy. This strange balance plays heavily into the Steven Shainberg-directed SECRETARY, based on a short story by Mary Gaitskill. Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhaal) is a troubled young woman with a secret, destructive addiction fueled by her mother's overprotectiveness and her father's alcoholism. Sheltered and wholly dependent on other people, Lee's only form of self-expression is in this private, painful habit. That is, until she meets her new boss, the lawyer E. Edward Gray (James Spader), who hires her as his secretary. It is exciting for Lee to hold down a job, even if she is a basket case in the office. Mr. Gray watches Lee, studies her, and slowly begins to correct both her typing errors and her personality flaws. At first Mr. Gray's dominance appears scary and overbearing, a true threat to Lee's naive, fragile psyche. But as the film carefully develops these unique characters, revealing their odd strengths and weaknesses, it becomes delightfully clear that Lee and Mr. Gray can genuinely help each other. SECRETARY is a bright, atmospheric movie that shines a light on the "fun" in this dysfunctional relationship, while using brilliant performances by Gyllenhaal and Spader to illustrate the benefits of sadomasochistic love.
Around the World in 80 Days
2004
5.8/10
action, adventure, comedy, family, romance, western
Director: Frank Coraci, Actors: Frank Coraci, Jackie Chan, Steve Coogan, Jim Broadbent, Robert Fyfe, Cécile De France...
In this raucous Disney adaptation of Jules Verne's classic adventure novel AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, Steve Coogan plays Phileas Fogg, a quirky inventor at the turn of the 20th century. After suffering rejection by England's Royal Academy of Science, Fogg strives to prove his scientific worth by accepting a challenge to circumnavigate the globe in a mere 80 days. Fogg, his cohort Passepartout (Jackie Chan), and his new love Monique (Cecile de France), find trouble and excitement as they make their way from Turkey to Morocco to the United States, and ultimately Fogg discovers that scientific validation is not all he needs for a successful life. Jackie Chan shines in his role as Passepartout, who masquerades as Fogg's valet in an attempt to escape authorities after he robs the Bank of England. As he evades his enemies and keeps Fogg in the dark about his true background, Chan provides stellar comedic action and performs daring stunts. Celebrity cameos punctuate the film, with Arnold Schwarzenegger playing a polygamous Turkish ruler (filmed before the start of his campaign for California governor) and Owen and Luke Wilson playing the hilariously squabbling Wright Brothers. In addition to the lavish sets and nonstop action, this version of the classic remains true to the idea that one should hold on to dreams, no matter how improbable or outlandish.
Psych
2006-????
8.4/10
comedy, crime, mystery
Directors: Mel Damski, Steve Franks, James Roday, Stephen Surjik, John Badham, Matt Shakman, David Crabtree, Jay Chandra...
Centers on Shawn Spencer (James Roday), who possesses uncanny powers of observation honed by his police officer father, Henry (Bernsen), who drilled young Shawn to note even the smallest details of his surroundings. When Shawn is accused of committing a crime that he actually solved for the police department (by calling in a tip), he convinces the cops that he's a psychic, and with the reluctant assistance of his best-friend Gus (Dulé Hill), Shawn starts solving cases for an ever-skeptical - but grudgingly impressed - police force.
Youth in Revolt
2009
6.5/10
comedy, drama, romance
Director: Miguel Arteta, Actors: Miguel Arteta, Michael Cera, Portia Doubleday, Ray Liotta, Jean Smart, Zach Galifianaki...
Teenage antihero Nick Twisp moves from the pages of the beloved novel YOUTH IN REVOLT to the screen with this film directed by Miguel Arteta (THE GOOD GIRL). Michael Cera (JUNO) stars as Nick, a teenager who may be wise beyond his years, but that doesn't stop him from getting in all sorts of trouble.
Premonition
2007
5.9/10
drama, fantasy, mystery, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Mennan Yapo, Actors: Sandra Bullock, Julian McMahon, Amber Valletta, Nia Long, Kate Nelligan, Shyann McClure, ...
Sandra Bullock (CRASH, MISS CONGENIALITY) stars as a housewife troubled by a tragic premonition in Mennan Yapo's thriller. Linda Hanson's life revolves around her beloved daughters (Shyann McClure and Courtney Taylor Burness) and her husband, Jim (Julian McMahon, CHARMED). The familiar, picture-perfect terrain of her existence is abruptly shattered when she is informed that Jim has died in a gruesome car accident, and Linda spends the rest of the day in shock. When she awakes the next morning to find Jim calmly eating breakfast in the kitchen, however, she is even more disturbed. As the week progresses, Linda wakes up to find Jim alive again or dead again in an increasingly complex pattern that she struggles to make sense of. Linda realizes she's in the midst of a premonition and decides she must try to save Jim, but when she finds out he might have been cheating on her, her resolve is seriously tested. PREMONITION should appeal to fans of Christopher Nolan's MEMENTO and M. Night Shyamalan's THE SIXTH SENSE, as it too presents an intriguing puzzle for the audience to solve. Despite a few plot holes, the film provides an interesting take on the mutability of time. The notion of a mysterious unknown beneath the mundanity of everyday life is attractive, and the exploration of time as twistable--rather than linear--is fascinating. Nia Long (ALFIE) plays Linda's best friend, and Amber Valetta (HITCH) plays the other woman in Jim's life.
Mr. Popper's Penguins
2011
6.0/10
comedy, family, fantasy
Director: Mark Waters, Actors: Jim Carrey, Carla Gugino, Angela Lansbury, Ophelia Lovibond, Madeline Carroll, Clark Greg...
Based on the 1938 book of the same name by Richard and Florence Atwater, MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS is a comedy about how the surprise appearance of a penguin at a New York businessman's door turns his life completely upside down, while simultaneously teaching him an important lesson about the value of family. Far from the small-town painter featured in the book, the film's Mr. Popper is a real estate developer who lives in an exclusive apartment on Park Avenue, has his sights set on becoming a partner in his firm, and is an every-other-weekend father to his two children. A ruthless developer with no time for anything but business, Mr. Popper resolves to deal with his father's parting gift of a penguin by getting rid of the annoying bird as quickly as possible. That process proves much more difficult than expected, even with the help of his ultra-efficient assistant Pippi, who speaks primarily in P's, and Mr. Popper soon winds up with six penguins. Even more unexpected is how markedly those penguins begin to affect the relationship between Mr. Popper and his children and how that change affects the rest of Mr. Popper's life. Jim Carrey's performance as Mr. Popper is very good--he capitalizes on the many comic opportunities afforded by the idea of keeping penguins in a New York apartment while showing an uncharacteristic restraint that's quite refreshing. Ophelia Lovibond is quite comical as Pippi and Angela Lansbury also makes a strong appearance as one of Mr. Popper's potential business clients. As Pippi would say, the premise of the power of the penguin to promote personal prosperity and perpetuate personal peace positively prevails in MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS.
Into the Blue
2005
5.8/10
action, adventure, crime, thriller
Director: John Stockwell, Actors: Paul Walker, Jessica Alba, Scott Caan, Ashley Scott, Josh Brolin, Tyson Beckford, Dway...
Paul Walker and Jessica Alba are a pair of in-love Bahamas-dwelling naturalists; she wrangles sharks at a local water park, he shepherds tourist scuba divers around the local reefs. Their beach-bum tranquility gets a jolt when a fast-talking buddy (Scott Caan) and his drug-user girlfriend (Ashley Scott) come to visit. While out on a dive, the foursome uncover what could be a dagger from an 18th-century pirate ship--but nearby there also happens to be a downed plane laden with cocaine. Moral quandaries ensue, bad guys get wind of the drugs, guns come out, and the plot thickens.
Gremlins 2: The New Batch
1990
6.3/10
comedy, horror
Director: Joe Dante, Actors: Joe Dante, Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, John Glover, Robert Prosky, Robert Picardo, Christo...
Just when they thought they were safe, young sweethearts Billy (Zach Galligan) and Kate (Phoebe Cates) from Joe Dante's GREMLINS have moved on to the Big Apple, landed jobs in a high-tech office park, and have met up with Gizmo once again. When a series of accidents creates a whole new generation of Gremlins, the three pals must use everything they know to prevent another comic catastrophe. The monsters wreck havoc at Clamp Industries, the "smart building" where Billy and Kathy work, creating madness and mayhem for the Donald Trump-like owner, Daniel Clamp (John Glover), who sees the invasion as yet another opportunity for media attention. But, when the monsters invade "Splice of Life," the top-secret genetics laboratory housed at Clamp Industries, the Gremlins develop new genetically altered powers that make them even harder to destroy. This highly inventive sequel to GREMLINS, successfully combines wicked horror and dark humor in an outrageous and eerily realistic post modern setting.
The Lucky One
2012
6.5/10
drama, romance
Director: Scott Hicks, Actors: Zac Efron, Taylor Schilling, Blythe Danner, Riley Thomas Stewart, Jay R. Ferguson, Joe Ch...
U.S. Marine sergeant Logan Thibault (Zac Efron) was serving his country overseas when he happened across a discarded photo of a beautiful woman. An inscription on the back read "Keep Safe," yet the photo revealed no clues about either the subject or her whereabouts. Upon returning home to civilian life, Logan conducts his own research and discovers that the woman's name is Beth (Taylor Schilling) and that she cares for dogs at a small-town kennel. Before long, Logan manages to get a job at the kennel, and sets his sights on winning Beth's heart. But it won't be easy because Beth's past experiences have made her wary of relationships. Meanwhile, as Logan works to earn Beth's trust, a dark secret from her past threatens to derail his hope for a happy future together.
The Bling Ring
2013
5.6/10
biography, crime, drama
Director: Sofia Coppola, Actors: Katie Chang, Israel Broussard, Emma Watson, Taissa Farmiga, Claire Julien, Leslie Mann,...
A socially awkward teen begins stealing from the rich in order to impress his classmates, and quickly realizes he's gotten in over his head in this adolescent drama ripped straight from the headlines. Zack (Austin Butler) has never been good at making friends, and the moment he meets Natalie (Yin Chang) he wants desperately to be a part of her hip inner-circle. But Natalie and her friends have a warped perception of what it means to be cool; their favorite pastime is raiding the homes of the rich and famous, and making away with a fortune in clothes and jewelry. For a while at least, it feels like they'll never get caught. But all their bragging has done more than just earn them the envy of their peers - it's also attracted the attention of the media. Meanwhile, Zack's mother Iris (Jennifer Grey) is devastated to discover that her son has fallen in with a very bad crowd.
The Animatrix
2003
7.4/10
animation, action, adventure, sci-fi
Directors: Peter Chung, Andrew R. Jones, Yoshiaki Kawajiri, Takeshi Koike, Mahiro Maeda, Kôji Morimoto, Shinichirô...
Taking the characters and premise from the groundbreaking science-fiction film, THE MATRIX, this ambitious project compiles nine short films directed by animation specialists from Japan, Korea, and America. The action is rapidly paced and combines different styles of animation from CGI to anime to more traditional animation, producing a unique and varied look even more stunning than its predecessor.
G.I. Jane
1997
5.8/10
action, drama
Director: Ridley Scott, Actors: Demi Moore, Viggo Mortensen, Anne Bancroft, Jason Beghe, Morris Chestnut, Kevin Gage, Jo...
Demi Moore stars as Lieutenant Jordan O'Neil, the first female candidate for the U.S. Navy SEAL unit, a clandestine strike force drawn from the crème de la crème of the combined services--an opportunity provided her by the political maneuvering of Senator Lillian de Haven (Anne Bancroft). To make the grade, Jordan has to survive a grueling selection process in which 60 percent of all candidates wash out. Enigmatic Master Chief John Urgayle (Viggo Mortensen) runs the brutal training program that involves 20-hour days of running, marching, and crawling through obstacle courses under the worst weather conditions while carrying landing rafts--not to mention eating out of a garbage can during breaks. Along with the best of the men, the lean, mean, shaven-headed Jordan handles the punishment, including a bizarrely motivated beating from her drill sergeant. The top brass, confident that a woman would quickly drop out, becomes concerned as Jordan's ability to handle SEAL training becomes evident. Soon she must contend with trumped-up charges that she's fraternizing with women, and the senator begins receiving threats that military bases in her state may have to be closed.
Mission to Mars
2000
5.5/10
adventure, drama, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Brian De Palma, Actors: Tim Robbins, Gary Sinise, Don Cheadle, Connie Nielsen, Jerry O'Connell, Peter Outerbri...
In 2020, a group of astronauts headed by Luke Graham (Don Cheadle) set out to be the first humans on Mars. After they've landed, they investigate a strange noise near an unusual rock formation, and an unpredicted storm conjures up a living tunnel of sand that wipes out everyone except Graham. His pals back on a space station near Earth spring to his rescue despite the concern of their stodgy Russian captain (Peter Outerbridge) that in the year it will take to reach him, Graham will likely die. Nonetheless, they have to try it. Manning the spacecraft is Jim McConnell (Gary Sinise), a shaky but brilliant space cadet mourning the death of his wife (Kim Delaney); newcomer Phil (Jerry O'Connell); and married astronauts Woody (Tim Robbins) and Terri (Connie Nielsen). After various catastrophic setbacks, they make it to Mars in time to discover some shocking secrets, including the very origin of life in the universe. Highlighted by staggering special effects, this ambitious Brian De Palma film straddles the void between Kubrick's 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY and Cameron's THE ABYSS, with imaginative results. The music is by Ennio Morricone.
Star Trek 1: The Motion Picture
1979
6.4/10
adventure, mystery, sci-fi
Director: Robert Wise, Actors: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, George Takei, Majel Barret...
The original crew of the Starship Enterprise from the 1960s TV show is reunited in this dramatic, full-length science fiction epic. Admiral James T. Kirk (William Shatner), formerly a captain, is called upon to collect his old crewmates in order to save humanity from a giant, hostile alien vessel steadily approaching Earth and destroying everything in its path. The complex alien life-forms apparently possess such an advanced intelligence that even the brilliant Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy) fails to comprehend the massive structure that contains them. There is tension on the ship, as well as in the universe, as Commander Willard Decker (Stephen Collins), the Enterprise's new captain, is relegated to being Kirk's assistant. In addition, Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy (DeForest Kelley), the lovable, crotchety doctor who is constantly at odds with Spock, must be tricked away from his life of relaxation to serve on a voyage he wants no part of. It's not long before the Enterprise is taken over by the alien entity, and navigator Ilia (Persis Khambatta) is abducted. When she is returned to the Enterprise, she informs Kirk that unless the entity is united with its creator, it will destroy the Earth.
Red Dawn
2012
5.5/10
action, thriller, war
Director: Dan Bradley, Actors: Chris Hemsworth, Isabel Lucas, Josh Hutcherson, Josh Peck, Adrianne Palicki, Connor Cruis...
A group of young U.S. patriots wage guerrilla warfare against the invading military that's taken over their small town in this remake of the 1984 Cold War classic starring Patrick Swayze. Their friends and neighbors taken as prisoners of war, the students arm themselves, flee into the nearby woods to organize a counterattack, and strike back at the enemy using home-field advantage.
Collateral Damage
2002
5.4/10
action, drama, thriller
Director: Andrew Davis, Actors: Arnold Schwarzenegger, John Leguizamo, Francesca Neri, Elias Koteas, Cliff Curtis, John ...
Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as a lone Los Angeles fireman whose wife and child are killed by a terrorist bomb in this eerily prescient action drama. Vowing revenge against the Columbian guerilla leader who set the bomb, Gordy Brewer (Schwarzenegger) heads down to Central America where he is soon caught in a crossfire between the terrorists and a cadre of CIA operatives led by hard-nosed agent Peter Brandt (Elias Koteas). Escaping prisons, diving off waterfalls, and biting off ears, Gordy seems unstoppable until he realizes his target has a wife and child of his own, and moral confusion sets in. Action fans expecting typical brainless mayhem might be surprised to find emoting, ethical dilemmas and criticism of US foreign policy in an Arnold vehicle, but they needn't worry: he still finds time for plenty of bone-breaking and blowing things up before the credits roll. Gorgeous Italian actress Francesca Neri (LIVE FLESH) is a major asset as the terrorist's wife. Andrew Davis (THE FUGITIVE) directed the film. Though it has nothing to do with the actual terrorist attack on America or political events in the Middle East, this film's mix of firemen, grief, and terrorism may still strike a sensitive nerve in some viewers.
Conan the Destroyer
1984
5.8/10
action, adventure, fantasy
Director: Richard Fleischer, Actors: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Grace Jones, Olivia d'Abo, Wilt Chamberlain, Mako, Sarah Dou...
Conan is sent on a mission by a queen to accompany her princess daughter to a distant castle to retrieve some mysterious and magical gems. Unbeknownst to him, the queen has a plan to double-cross him and use her daughter for a sacrifice upon their return. Conan steps up for battle.
House of 1000 Corpses
2003
6.0/10
horror
Director: Rob Zombie, Actors: Rob Zombie, Sid Haig, Karen Black, Bill Moseley, Erin Daniels, Sheri Moon Zombie, Chris Ha...
Rob Zombie is the heavy metal hero who has released such albums as SINISTER URGE and HELLBILLY DELUXE as a solo act, and ASTRO-CREEP 2000 with his band, White Zombie. Here, he takes on the world of horror movies in this very bloody, very entertaining tale. The old car-trouble scenario comes in handy, as a group of unsuspecting travelers must spend the night in a place of demented evil--in this case, it's the Museum of Monsters and Madmen. Zombie makes the movie work for the same reason his music career has been so successful: He knows he's going way over the top, and he's not afraid to go as far as he can. So, eager viewers should put their tongues in their cheeks and go along for the raunchy ride. The always beguiling Karen Black, who starred in one of the all-time great horror classics, BURNT OFFERINGS, turns in another terrifically offbeat performance as Mother Firefly, the marvelous matriarch of a murderous family. Other fabulously gruesome characters include the crazy clown Captain Spaulding (Sid Haig) and the oddball "lady killer" Otis Driftwood (Bill Moseley); Marx Brothers fans should note that many of Zombie's characters are named after roles played by Groucho. One of the advertising lines for the movie calls it "positively the most horrifying film ever made!" Zombie does his best to try to live up to that demanding tag, upping the gore quotient with numerous inventive killings that involve lots of blood and innards.
Beastly
2011
5.5/10
drama, fantasy, romance
Director: Daniel Barnz, Actors: Alex Pettyfer, Vanessa Hudgens, Mary-Kate Olsen, Dakota Johnson, Erik Knudsen, Neil Patr...
Wealthy Kyle Kingson (Alex Pettyfer) has everything a teenager could want in life, but he still gets off on humiliating the weaker and less attractive. When Kyle invites his misfit classmate Kendra (Mary-Kate Olsen) to an environmental rally at their school, she questions his motivations but reluctantly accepts. Later, Kyle blows Kendra off, prompting the spurned goth girl to cast a dark spell on the swaggering egotist. The spell causes Kyle to transform into an unsightly creature that strikes fear into the heart of everyone he meets, and the only way to reverse it is for him to find someone who can love him for who he is on the inside. Subsequently sent by his repulsed father to live in Brooklyn, Kyle forges a tenuous friendship with his kindly housekeeper (Lisa Gay Hamilton) and his blind tutor (Neil Patrick Harris). When Kyle witnesses a drug addict in a desperate struggle with a menacing dealer, he intervenes, promising to protect the addict under the condition that his beautiful daughter, Lindy (Vanessa Hudgens), comes to live with the unsightly recluse in his sprawling Brooklyn home. Over time, the two forge a relationship that grows much deeper than anything Kyle has ever experienced before.
The Giver
2014
6.6/10
drama, sci-fi
Director: Phillip Noyce, Actors: Brenton Thwaites, Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep, Cameron Monaghan, Katie Holmes, Odeya Rus...
Set in the future, a boy suspects that the emotionless, crime free, seemingly perfect world in which he lives may not be as utopian as it appears. In this perfect world where there is no conflict, racism or sickness, every member of this society has a specific role, and 12-year-old Jonas is selected to be the Receiver of Memories. The Giver is an old man who teaches the young boy how to use his gift, and slowly Jonas uncovers the truth behind his world's past. He discovers that many years earlier his forefathers gave up humanity in order to have a stable society.
Star Trek 4: The Voyage Home
1986
7.3/10
adventure, comedy, sci-fi
Director: Leonard Nimoy, Actors: Leonard Nimoy, William Shatner, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, George Takei, Nichelle N...
While back on Earth, standing trial for their hijacking of the starship Enterprise, Kirk and his crew are thrust into a new adventure. A space probe threatens to destroy the planet if it is not allowed to continue its longstanding communications with a certain species of Earth mammal -- humpback whales. Unfortunately, there is an obstacle to their simple demand; the whales are extinct in the 23rd Century. So Kirk, Spock and the gang travel back in time to San Fransisco, circa 1986, where they battle culture shock, as well as the clock, while trying to corral a few friendly whales to bring back to the future.
Star Trek 7: Generations
1994
6.6/10
action, adventure, mystery, sci-fi, thriller
Director: David Carson, Actors: Patrick Stewart, William Shatner, Malcolm McDowell, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, LeVar...
A new version of the starship Enterprise is launched with Captain James T. Kirk as the guest of honor, but no longer calling the shots. But, within moments of take-off, the Enterprise receives a distress signal from two ships about to be obliterated, and Captain Kirk is asked to return to the helm. With his vast experience and expertise, he manages to save one of the ships. However, Kirk disappears in the process, and at least one of the passengers he saves is not all thankful. It seems that the rescue yanked him out of an idyllic world of perfect joy. Now he'll do anything, even kill, to return -- and it's up to Captain Jean-Luc Picard to prevent that from happening.
The Wedding Planner
2001
5.1/10
comedy, romance
Director: Adam Shankman, Actors: Jennifer Lopez, Matthew McConaughey, Bridgette Wilson-Sampras, Justin Chambers, Judy Gr...
Jennifer Lopez is Mary, a peppy career woman who is great at what she does: she can turn any wedding into the perfect romantic event. Incurably single, she feels she's hit the jackpot when a chance encounter introduces her to Steve (Matthew McConaughey), a doctor. What she doesn't know--and what Steve doesn't reveal--is that he is soon to marry Fran (Bridgette Wilson-Sampras), one of her high-powered clients. As the attraction between Mary and Steve grows stronger, they are thrust into a series of comically unpleasant situations which force them to confront their feelings for one another.
Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo
1999
5.7/10
comedy
Director: Mike Mitchell, Actors: Rob Schneider, William Forsythe, Eddie Griffin, Arija Bareikis, Oded Fehr, Gail O'Grady...
Schneider is Deuce Bigalow, a bumbling fish tank cleaner. When Antoine, a successful gigolo with a sick fish, has to leave the country for a few weeks, he offers Deuce the opportunity to housesit for him. Predictably, Deuce manages to trash the place and must enlist the aid of pimp TJ (Griffin) to help him pay for the damages. TJ turns him, in a series of absurd preparations, into a prostitute. The subsequent encounters with self-conscious females provide the film with its biggest laughs, and eventual moral: enable a woman to feel confident about herself and she will learn to love you no matter what you look like.
The Land Before Time
1988
7.3/10
animation, adventure, family, fantasy
Director: Don Bluth, Actors: Pat Hingle, Gabriel Damon, Judith Barsi, Helen Shaver, Candace Hutson, Will Ryan, Bill Erwi...
From its lush, dreamlike opening sequence to its epic landscapes, Don Bluth's THE LAND BEFORE TIME is an enchanting prehistoric adventure. Littlefoot (Gabriel Damon), a little bracheosaurus, finds himself lost and on his own while he and his family journey to the lush feeding grounds of the Great Valley. Littlefoot, along with several baby dinosaur pals, must set out across barren, dangerous terrain to reach the Great Valley, encountering perils and adventures along the way. THE LAND BEFORE TIME is a triumph in animation, using traditional methods to create colorfully detailed scenes and character movement. The film serves as an excellent introduction for small children to the fascinating world of dinosaurs.
The Uninvited
2009
6.4/10
drama, horror, mystery, thriller
Directors: Charles Guard, Thomas Guard, Actors: Emily Browning, Arielle Kebbel, Elizabeth Banks, David Strathairn, Maya ...
They say you can never go home again...because you never know when the ghosts of murders past are waiting to shatter the present. Such is the case in THE UNINVITED, an eerie and not-so-family-friendly entry in Hollywood's ongoing fascination with remaking Asian horror films. Based on the South Korean chiller A TALE OF TWO SISTERS, the film first introduces us to troubled teen Anna (Emily Browning) as she prepares to be released from a psychiatric institution. Having witnessed the accidental death of her ailing mother, and having been saved from a subsequent suicide attempt, Anna knows that the road to recovery will be long and bumpy. Making the path more treacherous is the presence of Rachel (Elizabeth Banks), the mother's nursemaid who has now become Anna's father's soon-to-be wife. Already bound by their resentment of her, Anna and older sister, Alex (Arielle Kebbel), come to suspect Rachel of foul play when Anna is visited by the ghost of their dead mother. But as Anna and Alex prepare to reveal who Rachel really is, a more terrifying truth threatens to emerge and destroy the family forever. Directed by the Guard Brothers (Charles and Thomas), THE UNINVITED benefits from a strong mix of both established and up-and-coming actors. The result is a briskly paced tale of revenge that will leave viewers guessing until the final, fatal twist, and prove the validity of that other old saying: Every family has a skeleton (or more) in its closet.
Bowfinger
1999
6.4/10
comedy
Director: Frank Oz, Actors: Steve Martin, Eddie Murphy, Heather Graham, Christine Baranski, Jamie Kennedy, Adam Alexi-Ma...
When never-has-been director Bobby Bowfinger (Steve Martin) finds a movie script he's convinced will take him to the Oscars, he'll do anything to get the movie made--including lying to his actors, "borrowing" film and equipment from a major studio, and coercing border-jumping Mexicans to be his camera crew. With a budget of only $2,000 and no Hollywood clout, Bowfinger can only get backing by casting famous action star Kit Ramsey (Eddie Murphy). When the actor turns down the offer, Bowfinger stages elaborate scenes where his overly eager actors approach Kit, say their lines, and run off while Bowfinger films it, making Kit the unwitting star of the movie. Meanwhile, these strange encounters cause the already edgy actor to become even more anxious, building toward a complete nervous breakdown that might jeopardize the film's big finale. Gleefully spoofing Hollywood staples such as promiscuous actresses, Scientology, sleazy producers, and empty promises, the film celebrates the magic of the movies as much as it pokes fun at it. Director Frank Oz wisely gives free rein to screenwriter Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy, who turns in not one but two winning performances as Kit Ramsey and his goofy look-alike named Jiff. A meeting of great comic minds, BOWFINGER is a Tinsel Town-skewering delight.
RoboCop 2
1990
5.7/10
action, crime, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Irvin Kershner, Actors: Peter Weller, Belinda Bauer, John Glover, Gabriel Damon, Tom Noonan, Roger Aaron Brown...
An even darker, more violent sequel to the dark and violent original. This time around, in addition to the corporate goons who are busy exploiting the blighted city of Detroit, RoboCop must battle a psychotic drug lord known as Cain and his vicious, foul-mouthed, 12-year-old assistant. Now that his own brain has been zapped by a potent new drug known as Nuke, Cain plans to market the substance to the citizens of Detroit. The diabolical drug dealer soon proves to be not only evil, but indestructible; when RoboCop finally succeeds in killing him, Cain is resurrected as RoboCop 2 and embarks on a rampage of murder and destruction.
The Pelican Brief
1993
6.5/10
crime, drama, mystery, thriller
Director: Alan J. Pakula, Actors: Julia Roberts, Denzel Washington, Sam Shepard, John Heard, Tony Goldwyn, William Ather...
Another John Grisham legal thriller comes to the screen, pairing Denzel Washington and Julia Roberts in a film directed by Alan J. Pakula, who is known for dark-hued suspense pictures such as KLUTE, THE PARALLAX VIEW,ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN, and PRESUMED INNOCENT. THE PELICAN BRIEF isn't up to the level of those films, but it is a perfectly entertaining movie about a law student (Roberts) whose life is endangered when she discovers evidence of a conspiracy behind the killings of two Supreme Court justices. She enlists the help of an investigative reporter (Washington) and the two become fugitives. The charisma and chemistry of the leads goes a long way toward compensating for the story's shortcomings, as does a truly impressive supporting cast that includes Sam Shepard, John Heard, James B. Sikking, Tony Goldwyn, Stanley Tucci, Hume Cronyn, John Lithgow, William Atherton, and Robert Culp.
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story
2007
6.7/10
comedy, drama, music
Director: Jake Kasdan, Actors: John C. Reilly, Jenna Fischer, David Krumholtz, Raymond J. Barry, Tim Meadows, Kristen Wi...
Somewhere between pitch-perfect parodies from Christopher Guest and Co. (such as THIS IS SPINAL TAP and A MIGHTY WIND) and slapstick spoofs (such as AIRPLANE and the NAKED GUN) resides the farcical biopic WALK HARD: THE DEWEY COX STORY. Taking the critically lauded Johnny Cash biopic WALK THE LINE as its most obvious inspiration, WALK HARD plows its way through every rock star cliché--from drug use and rampant sex to artistic self-indulgence and spiritual redemption--laying waste to all of them with unremitting blasts of brilliantly lowbrow comedy. Written by Judd Apatow and starring Jon C. Reilly in the title role, WALK HARD is a deliciously basic synthesis of any number of ponderous biographical narratives with the poetic raunchiness of Apatow films, such as SUPERBAD and KNOCKED UP, and the most lovably inane aspects of Reilly's role as Cal Naughton Jr. in TALLEDEGA NIGHTS. In fact, fans will have a blast spotting the endless array of cameos by the gifted comic actors who pepper all of those films, including Jonah Hill, Kristin Wiig, Ed Helms, and Jack McBrayer, among many others. Although Reilly (whose comedic chops are nearly on par with his skills as a dramatic player) is hilarious as the hapless rock-&-roll icon Cox, and Jenna Fischer is utterly charming and slyly multifaceted as Darlene Madison (June to Dewey's Johnny), it's the ensemble cast that makes the film so much fun. WALK HARD is the cinematic equivalent of a rock-&-roll jam session: a basic, yet entertaining and fairly interesting idea gets tossed into the creative arena and everyone gets a chance to play along, riff on the idea, and mug for the camera. Though it's certainly no masterwork, fans will relish the good times as much as the actors so clearly do.
Jane Eyre
2011
7.4/10
drama, romance
Director: Cary Fukunaga, Actors: Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell, Sally Hawkins, Tamzin Merchant, Judi De...
After a bleak childhood, Jane Eyre goes out into the world to become a governess. As she lives happily in her new position at Thornfield Hall, she meet the dark, cold, and abrupt master of the house, Mr. Rochester. Jane and her employer grow close in friendship and she soon finds herself falling in love with him. Happiness seems to have found Jane at last, but could Mr. Rochester's terrible secret be about to destroy it forever?
Charlie Bartlett
2007
7.0/10
comedy, drama, romance
Director: Jon Poll, Actors: Anton Yelchin, Robert Downey Jr., Hope Davis, Kat Dennings, Tyler Hilton, Mark Rendall, Jake...
At the start of CHARLIE BARTLETT, the title character (Anton Yelchin) is expelled from yet another elite boarding school. This incident is just one in a long chain of expulsions resulting from Charlie's eccentric behavior. Despite his charming looks and wealthy upbringing, Charlie is just as insecure and unconfident as many teens. In fact, it's his intense desire to be popular that gets him into trouble. His high-strung, heavily medicated mother (Hope Davis) persuades him to enroll in public school, where he wears a prep school blazer and an all-too-eager look on his face. When he meets school bully Murphey (Tyler Hilton), who shoves his head down a toilet bowl, his dreams of acceptance are quickly crushed. But the young entrepreneur soon finds another use for the same bathroom stall, setting up shop as the school's unlikely shrink to his troubled fellow students, who line up for unorthodox counseling and medication that Charlie gets from his family's on-call psychiatrist. Charlie's the talk of the school until he catches the eye of the depressed Principal Gardner (Robert Downey Jr.). If Charlie is forced to shut down his little enterprise, will his popularity also disappear? CHARLIE BARTLETT is another addition the offbeat teen dramedy genre, with elements strikingly similar to THUMBSUCKER, RUSHMORE, and ROCKET SCIENCE. With the help of strong performances by Yelchin, Davis, and Downey Jr., CHARLIE BARTLETT attempts to appeal to a more mature audience. Despite being precocious, Charlie is innocent at the core, exploring the inner goodness of even the school's meanest bully. As a result, the film shifts back and forth between adult cynicism and childlike wonder as Charlie learns that it's okay to be just a kid.
Star Trek 3: The Search for Spock
1984
6.6/10
action, adventure, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Leonard Nimoy, Actors: Leonard Nimoy, William Shatner, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, George Takei, Walter Koe...
Admiral Kirk (William Shatner) has defeated the genetically created genius Khan, but Spock (Nimoy) is dead and McCoy (DeForest Kelley) is suffering from a strange mental aberration. Defying Starfleet orders, Kirk takes the Enterprise to Genesis to recover the body of Spock. Wonders--and dangers--await the Enterprise crew on the strange new planet.
I, Frankenstein
2014
5.2/10
action, fantasy, sci-fi
Director: Stuart Beattie, Actors: Aaron Eckhart, Bill Nighy, Miranda Otto, Yvonne Strahovski, Jai Courtney, Socratis Ott...
Frankenstein's monster Adam (Aaron Eckhart) gets swept up in a long-running battle between powerful gargoyles and infernal demons seeking the key to his immortality as director Stuart Beattie brings Kevin Grevioux's acclaimed graphic novel to the screen in this sweeping horror fantasy adventure.
Star Trek 10: Nemesis
2002
6.4/10
action, adventure, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Stuart Baird, Actors: Stuart Baird, Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton, Shannon Coch...
The USS Enterprise is gearing up for a challenging mission. While responding to a call from the Romulan neutral zone, the crew comes across a signal on the nearby planet Remus. It turns out to be Data's (Brent Spiner) less advanced brother, B-4 (also played by Spiner). Soon thereafter, Picard is confronted by Shinzon (Tom Hardy), who makes an offer of peace on behalf of the Romulans. As Starfleet enters into negotiations, they realize this treaty may have a twist. Shinzon presents himself as a clone of Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), and as a simultaneous friend and foe. Though the baby faced Shinzon wears an intimidating shiny black metallic suit of armor, and spits his words through a nasty sneer, he is clearly no match for Picard. Meanwhile Data has a nifty side project debugging his clone, whose intentions are not as innocent as they may seem. As tension mounts between the crew of the Starship Enterprise and Shinzon's Reman minions, resulting in riveting high-tech deep-space battle, a vital sacrifice must be made to save the day.
House at the End of the Street
2012
5.6/10
horror, mystery, thriller
Director: Mark Tonderai, Actors: Jennifer Lawrence, Elisabeth Shue, Max Thieriot, Gil Bellows, Eva Link, Allie MacDonald...
A teenager (Jennifer Lawrence) and her mother (Elisabeth Shue) move to a new town and make a gruesome discovery about the house next door in this tale of terror from Hush director Mark Tonderai. Shortly after learning that the neighboring house was recently the scene of a horrific double homicide, the curious teen forges a tender friendship with the boy who cheated death (Max Thieriot) on that fateful night.
Star Trek 9: Insurrection
1998
6.4/10
action, adventure, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Jonathan Frakes, Actors: Jonathan Frakes, Patrick Stewart, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Gates McF...
While on a survey mission, Captain Picard and the crew of the Enterprise stumble on a conspiracy originating high up the Starfleet chain of command that involves a distressing plan of ethnic cleansing. On a remote planet, a small, peaceful race of human-like beings called the Ba'ku seems to be immune to the ravages of aging. Head bad-guy F. Murray Abraham leads another race for which exposure the planet's radiation is the only cure for an advanced state of degeneration, and, using clandestine Starfleet connections, arranges to wipe out the Ba'ku unless the Enterprise has anything to say about it.
Windtalkers
2002
6.0/10
action, drama, war
Director: John Woo, Actors: Nicolas Cage, Adam Beach, Peter Stormare, Noah Emmerich, Mark Ruffalo, Brian Van Holt, Marti...
WINDTALKERS begins quietly--with widescreen aerial shots of clouds that gradually clear to reveal the beautiful mesas of Monument Valley. A bus collects Navajo volunteers Ben Yahzee (Adam Beach) and Charlie Whitehorse (Roger Willie). It's 1943, and the U.S. has developed an indecipherable secret military code based on the Navajo language. Yahzee and Whitehorse are to be trained as code talkers. Then John Woo's Pacific war film erupts into violence, with a savage battle that has one survivor, Joe Enders (Nicolas Cage). Badly wounded and feeling guilty at the loss of his companions, Joe recuperates in Hawaii where he is helped by a sympathetic nurse (Frances O'Connor). Joe disguises his hearing loss and he is promoted as Yahzee's battlefield bodyguard. Ordered to "protect the code at all times," Joe must prevent Yahzee from being captured. At first, Yahzee and Whitehorse, whose bodyguard is Ox Henderson (Christian Slater), are subjected to prejudice--particularly from Rogers (Noah Emmerich). But when the unit is shipped to Saipan, the Marines begin to appreciate the code talkers. Director Woo has created a powerful drama. The visceral battle sequences are strikingly filmed and there is fine acting from Cage, Beach, Willie, Slater, Emmerich, and Frances O'Connor, who portrays the poignancy of love in uncertain times.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning
2006
5.9/10
horror
Director: Jonathan Liebesman, Actors: Jordana Brewster, Matt Bomer, Diora Baird, Taylor Handley, R. Lee Ermey, Andrew Br...
Though it's spawned a handful of sequels, it took more than 30 years for Tobe Hooper's ever-potent horror classic to get an "origin" story. Why is Leatherface so angry? Whose face does he wear as a mask? How did his family get their taste for human flesh? A 2003 remake revisited the original film, painted with post-millenial gloss by former music video director Marcus Nispel. For his second feature, director Jonathan Liebesman (DARKNESS FALLS) follows suit, though wisely eliminating the heavy rock soundtrack of the remake. The film opens with the 1949 birth of the child who would become Leatherface--to an obese slaughterhouse worker. She dies during childbirth and the deformed baby is later found in a dumpster by his adoptive mother. Twenty years later, Chrissy (Jordana Brewster), Dean (Taylor Handley), Bailey (Doira Bird), and Eric (Matthew Bomer) are driving cross country before Dean leaves for his second tour of duty in Vietnam. A run-in with some bikers leads to an intervention by crazed cannibal clan leader Hoyt (R.Lee Ermey), who has just killed the sheriff of the dwindling Texas town and taken on the mantle himself. The chainsawing begins soon after.
The Kid
1921
8.4/10
comedy, drama, family
Director: Charles Chaplin, Actors: Charles Chaplin, Edna Purviance, Jackie Coogan, Carl Miller, Albert Austin, Beulah Ba...
A sad comedy about a woman who abandons her child with the intention of commiting suicide. The little Tramp finds the baby and takes him under his wing. When the woman, Edna, turns out to be an opera star five years later, she spends her extra time doing charity work for youngsters who live in the slums, hoping that she will find her son. Eventually, the truth comes out and the authorities take the baby away from Chaplin. He steals the child back, but is soon discovered and separated once again from him. A reunion at the mother's mansion resolves things happily, yet the earlier somber tone prevails, making this sweet and heartwarming story resonate for the viewer.
What to Expect When You're Expecting
2012
5.7/10
comedy, drama, romance
Director: Kirk Jones, Actors: Cameron Diaz, Matthew Morrison, J. Todd Smith, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Chace Craw...
A household name thanks to her popular fitness show, Jules (Cameron Diaz) can't contain her excitement after learning she is about to have a baby with Evan (Matthew J. Morrison), the sure-footed star of a popular TV dance program. But the closer Jules gets to her due date, the more she and Evan realize the demands of parenthood and the responsibilities of a celebrity couldn't be more different. Meanwhile, outspoken infant advice author Wendy (Elizabeth Banks) contends with surging hormones as her belly begins to swell, and her devoted husband Gary is shell-shocked to discover that his overbearing father's trophy wife will soon be having twins. Of course not everyone is cut out to be a father, and as professional photographer Holly (Jennifer Lopez) prepares to scour the globe for a child to adopt, her reluctant husband Alex gets his first glimpse of fatherhood in a brutally honest support group for new dads. And while some parents spend years preparing for the right moment to have a child, feuding food truck owners Rosie (Anna Kendrick) and Marco (Chace Crawford) get the surprise of their lives when an impulsive act of passion has permanent repercussions.
Turbo
2013
6.5/10
animation, adventure, comedy, family, sport
Director: David Soren, Actors: David Soren, Ryan Reynolds, Paul Giamatti, Maya Rudolph, Michael Peña, Samuel L. Jacks...
Turbo is a snail who dreams of being the greatest racer in the world, just like his hero: 5-time Indianapolis 500 champ, Guy Gagne. His obsession with speed and all things fast has made him an oddity and outsider in the slow and cautious snail community and a constant embarrassment to his careful older brother, Chet. Turbo desperately wishes he could escape the slow-paced life he's living. As luck would have it, he gets that chance one fateful day after a freak accident when he suddenly finds himself vested with the power of incredible speed. Turbo embarks on an extraordinary journey to achieve the impossible: racing against the best that IndyCar has to offer. Turbo is the ultimate underdog who achieves the impossible by refusing to let his limitations get in the way of his dreams.
Breach
2007
7.0/10
biography, crime, drama, history, thriller
Director: Billy Ray, Actors: Chris Cooper, Ryan Phillippe, Dennis Haysbert, Laura Linney, Gary Cole, Caroline Dhavernas,...
Chris Cooper (ADAPTATION) gives a remarkable performance as complicated and bitter FBI agent Robert Hanssen in BREACH. Hanssen is a computer specialist who, after 25 years of service, is put under surveillance as a suspected sex offender. Eric O'Neill (Ryan Phillippe, CRASH) is the ambitious young upstart they put on the job, assigning him to pose as Hanssen's new clerk in order to win his trust and keep an eye on his every move. Eric is dismayed to be put on such low-priority detail, accustomed as he is to investigating high-profile terrorism suspects. His reluctance is multiplied as he gets to know the subject of his inquiry; Hanssen is at first harsh towards his young secretary, but as he opens up, Eric gets to know and respect him as a family man of strong Catholic faith. Soon, however, Hanssen is infiltrating Eric's personal life and causing problems between him and his wife, Juliana (Caroline Dhavernas, HOLLYWOODLAND), and just when Eric is about to give up the case, he discovers that it is much bigger than he ever imagined. Eric finds himself in the middle of an investigation into the biggest security breach in U.S. history, forcing him to resort to dramatic and ingenious tactics in order to bring down the suspect. Director Billy Ray's first directorial effort was the dramatization of the Stephen Glass scandal at the D.C. magazine The New Republic in SHATTERED GLASS, and here he once again turns his eye--with great success--to a true story with a complex villain. Cooper's excellent characterization invites pity and horror in equal measure; his performance is well supported in this character-driven thriller by Laura Linney (KINSEY) as the hard-nosed agent leading the investigation, and Phillippe as the resourceful and introspective O'Neill.
Harold and Maude
1971
8.1/10
comedy, romance
Director: Hal Ashby, Actors: Hal Ashby, Ruth Gordon, Bud Cort, Vivian Pickles, Cyril Cusack, Charles Tyner, Ellen Geer, ...
In the days before home video, when access to anything but first-run Hollywood movies was limited to repertory houses and college film societies, Hal Ashby's HAROLD AND MAUDE achieved cult status and became a surprise hit. In a broad sense, the film is a simple love story about how opposites attract--only, this time around, he's 19 and she's 79. Harold, played with deadpan humor by Bud Cort (M*A*S*H), is under extreme pressure from his overbearing mother, Mrs. Chasen (Vivian Pickles, in a performance that is a sheer delight), to enter the dating world. Unfortunately, the shy and morose Harold would rather spend his time attending the funerals of complete strangers. It is at one of these where he meets Maude (Ruth Gordon), who has the spunk and energy of a teenager. Maude is convinced that Harold needs to come out of his shell and enjoy life, so she brings him into hers. The taboo relationship between Harold and Maude, created by screenwriter Colin Higgins, embodied the spirit of an experimental generation guided by the mantra "If it feels good, do it." The love affair between the film's two eccentrics remains one of Hollywood's most unexpected, but tender, romances. The soundtrack, with songs by Cat Stevens, provides an effective thematic bridge as Harold crosses from extended adolescence into manhood.
Bloodsport
1988
6.8/10
action, biography, drama, sport
Director: Newt Arnold, Actors: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Donald Gibb, Leah Ayres, Norman Burton, Forest Whitaker, Roy Chiao...
This film is based on events in the life of Frank Dux, an American who sought to become the champion of a secret, dangerous, martial arts contest called Kumite. While Dux searches through the streets of Hong Kong for the underground arena where the event is being held, he must outfox U.S. agents who want him to work for the government instead of entering the competition. The exciting climax of the film is the Kumite itself, when Dux faces the imposing, undefeated Chong Li -- who's not above cheating....
Elizabeth: The Golden Age
2007
6.9/10
biography, drama, history
Director: Shekhar Kapur, Actors: Cate Blanchett, Clive Owen, Geoffrey Rush, Jordi Mollà, Abbie Cornish, Samantha Mort...
In 1998's ELIZABETH, Shekhar Kapur added a layer of suds to his history lesson; the director follows the same audience-pleasing recipe in ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE. Since the first film, Blanchett scored an Oscar for her note-perfect rendition of Katharine Hepburn in THE AVIATOR, and she plays the preternaturally bemused monarch in a similar fashion. By 1585, Elizabeth I is an experienced ruler about to face two of her biggest challenges: betrayal by her Catholic cousin, Mary Stuart (CONTROL'S Samantha Morton), and invasion by the Spanish Armada. It isn't so much that the Protestant Elizabeth wishes to rid England of "papists," but that she wants her country to remain free from foreign domination. Closer to her home, she enjoys a sisterly relationship with lady-in-waiting Bess (rising Aussie star Abbie Cornish). That changes when Sir Walter Raleigh (a dashing Clive Owen) hits the scene. In order to continue exploring the New World, he seeks the queen's sponsorship. She is charmed, but Raleigh only has eyes for Bess. As in the previous picture, Elizabeth enjoys better luck at affairs of state than affairs of the heart, but the conclusion is more beatific than before (and Kapur intends a third installment if Blanchett is willing). ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE is a rush of royal intrigue, bloody torture, fantastic headpieces, and irresistibly ripe dialogue, like "I have a hurricane in me that will strip Spain bare if you dare to try me!" To Kapur, victory for the Virgin Queen was a viable alternative to sex.
Star Trek 6: The Undiscovered Country
1991
7.2/10
action, adventure, mystery, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Nicholas Meyer, Actors: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, Kim Cattrall, Walter Ko...
The cold war between the Federation and the Klingons thaws out when the leader of the crumbling alien empire makes a peace offering. Admiral Kirk (Willliam Shatner) and the crew are quickly sent to escort the Klingon ruler to treaty talks, but they unknowingly stumble into the middle of a political assassination--and soon Kirk and Dr. McCoy (DeForest Kelley) are framed for the dignitary's murder. Sent off to a frozen gulag planet, the two plot their escape while Spock (Leonard Nimoy) and the rest of the old gang try to find out who the real killer is. The future of the intergalactic peace movement depends on their success.
Hackers
1995
6.2/10
action, comedy, crime, drama, thriller
Director: Iain Softley, Actors: Jonny Lee Miller, Angelina Jolie, Jesse Bradford, Matthew Lillard, Laurence Mason, Renol...
A young hacker prodigy meets other kids like himself when he and his mother move cross-country and settle in New York City. High school takes on a new light when Dade (Miller) meets a group of misfits and rich kids who hack into computer systems for fun. When one of their group is suddenly arrested, the others band together to take on a corporate hacker disguised as a security officer and attempt to bring down his devious and diabolical plans.
The Informant!
2009
6.5/10
comedy, crime, drama, thriller
Director: Steven Soderbergh, Actors: Matt Damon, Tony Hale, Patton Oswalt, Scott Bakula, Melanie Lynskey, Joel McHale, R...
What was Mark Whitacre thinking? A rising star at agri-industry giant Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Whitacre suddenly turns whistleblower. Even as he exposes his company's multi-national price-fixing conspiracy to the FBI, Whitacre envisions himself being hailed as a hero of the common man and handed a promotion. But before all that can happen, the FBI needs evidence, so Whitacre eagerly agrees to wear a wire and carry a hidden tape recorder in his briefcase, imagining himself as a kind of de facto secret agent. Unfortunately for the FBI, their lead witness hasn't been quite so forthcoming about helping himself to the corporate coffers. Whitacre's ever-changing account frustrates the agents and threatens the case against ADM as it becomes almost impossible to decipher what is real and what is the product of Whitacre's rambling imagination. Based on the true story of the highest-ranking corporate whistleblower in U.S. history.
Splash
1984
6.2/10
comedy, fantasy, romance
Director: Ron Howard, Actors: Tom Hanks, Daryl Hannah, Eugene Levy, John Candy, Dody Goodman, Shecky Greene, Richard B. ...
A literal fish-out-of-water tale about a lovely mermaid who comes to Manhattan, looking for the man she saved from drowning. When the two meet, a romance begins -- even as the ill-at-ease mermaid wreaks havoc and attracts attention everywhere. But the unlikely duo's love is tested when the mermaid must return to the sea, forcing her earthly boyfriend to make an unusual decision.
Dreamgirls
2006
6.6/10
drama, music, musical
Director: Bill Condon, Actors: Beyoncé Knowles, Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy, Danny Glover, Jennifer Hudson, Anika Noni R...
The 1982 Tony-Award-winning musical DREAMGIRLS shimmies its way to the big screen with a stellar cast and undeniable sheen. Set in 1960s Detroit, DREAMGIRLS follows the commercial and cultural struggles of the R&B recording industry, through the rise of the Dreamettes (later shortened to just the Dreams) from backup singers to headlining international superstars. The trio--Deena (Beyoncé Knowles), Effie (Jennifer Hudson), and Lorrell (Anika Noni Rose)--soon discover the harsh reality behind the glamour of fame and fortune, as the group's controlling and shady manager, Curtis Taylor Jr. (Jamie Foxx), uses them to help build his musical empire and capture his dream of crossing over from R&B to the pop charts. He sacrifices Effie's immense talent as lead singer for Deena's stunning, more mainstream look to sell the sound, pushing marketable appeal over musical artisanship--and compromising the ambitions of his protégés. Since its Broadway debut, DREAMGIRLS has been widely rumored to be inspired by the hugely successful girl-group the Supremes, as well as some of Motown's biggest players. Knowles's Deena portrays a Diana Ross-like character, radiant in miraculous recreations of the hairstyles and fashions that made Ross timeless, while Foxx's Taylor exemplifies the style of influential Motown Records founder Berry Gordy Jr. Former AMERICAN IDOL contestant Jennifer Hudson makes her feature-film debut delivering a knockout performance as the larger-than-life Effie, and Eddie Murphy is believable as the misunderstood James Brown-like character of Jimmy "Thunder" Early. Vibrant with colorful costumes and sleek backdrops, the film flows effortlessly from dialogue to musical numbers, each song capturing the richness of the talented cast and the essence of the era, endlessly soaring with fast-paced excitement and nonstop emotion.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2
2013
6.5/10
animation, comedy, family, fantasy, sci-fi
Directors: Cody Cameron, Kris Pearn, Actors: Cody Cameron, Kris Pearn, Bill Hader, Anna Faris, Will Forte, James Caan, A...
Picking up precisely where its hit predecessor left off, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2 finds Flint Lockwood (voice of Bill Hader) invited to join the Live Corp Company, and use his gift for invention for the good of mankind. Just as young Flint prepares to go to work for his hero Chester V (voice of Will Forte), however, the young genius learns that his water-to-food machine is not only still functional, but it's also started cross-breeding animals with food. Now, in order to prevent a growing army of "foodimals" from escaping isolation on an island and wreaking havoc on the mainland, Flint and his loyal group of friends will have to do battle with such delicious, but deadly, hybrids as the ferocious tacodiles, slithering apple pie-thons, and vine-swinging shrimpanzees. Saving the world from these rampaging monstrosities won't be easy, but if anyone is up to the task, it's Flint and company.
All Is Lost
2013
6.9/10
action, adventure, drama
Director: J.C. Chandor, Actor: Robert Redford
The tense adventure drama about a man (Robert Redford) who must fight for survival after being lost at sea.
Dead Snow
2009
6.4/10
comedy, horror
Director: Tommy Wirkola, Actors: Tommy Wirkola, Jeppe Beck Laursen, Charlotte Frogner, Jenny Skavlan, Vegar Hoel, Stig F...
Eight medical students on a ski trip to Norway discover that Hitler's horrors live on when they come face to face with a battalion of undead Nazi soldiers intent on devouring anyone unfortunate enough to wander into the remote mountains where they were once sent to die. It's Easter vacation, and what better way to spend the break than skiing down the isolated hills just outside of Øksfjord, Norway? After packing their cars with enough beer and ski equipment to ensure that a good time will be had by all, the students set out for their destination and prepare for a relaxing snowbound getaway. Shortly after arriving at their remote cabin, however, the students receive an unexpected visit from a rather suspicious hiker. According to their shady visitor, the Nazis occupied this territory during World War II. In the aftermath of their brutal raping and pillaging, the locals revolted, driving the few surviving Nazi soldiers -- including their iron-fisted leader, Colonol Herzog -- deep into the hills. Neither the soldiers nor their leader were ever seen again. Everyone in town assumed that they simply froze to death. But there's something stirring out there in the trees, and it won't be long until the unsuspecting students discover how the story really ends.
The AristoCats
1970
7.1/10
animation, adventure, comedy, family, music
Director: Wolfgang Reitherman, Actors: Phil Harris, Eva Gabor, Sterling Holloway, Scatman Crothers, Vito Scotti, Thurl R...
Set in 1910, this Disney animated classic offers plenty of adventure, humor and music (especially performances by Chevalier). After high-society cat Duchess (Gabor) and her three kittens inherit a fortune from their mistress, a greedy butler plots to get rid of them -- and collect the cash himself. The villainous servant kidnaps the entire feline family and takes them far away from their comfortable Paris home. A bunch of animal pals come to the rescue however, and help restore the cats to their proper place. The heroic rescuers include the friendly alley cat Thomas O'Malley, the gallant mouse Roquefort, and the hilarious hounds Lafayette and Napoleon. The last film personally supervised by Walt Disney himself.
The Human Centipede (First Sequence)
2009
4.5/10
horror
Director: Tom Six, Actors: Dieter Laser, Ashley C. Williams, Ashlynn Yennie, Akihiro Kitamura, Andreas Leupold, Peter Bl...
Two pretty American girls are on a road trip through Europe. In Germany they end up alone at night with a broken car in the woods. They search for help and find an isolated villa. The next day they awake to find themselves trapped in his terrifying makeshift basement hospital along with a Japanese man. An older German man identifies himself as a retired surgeon specialized in separating Siamese twins. However his three "patients" are not about to be separated, but joined together in a horrific operation. He plans to be the first person to connect people via their gastric system, in doing so bringing to life his sick lifetime fantasy "the human centipede".
Junior
1994
4.5/10
comedy, romance, sci-fi
Director: Ivan Reitman, Actors: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Danny DeVito, Emma Thompson, Frank Langella, Pamela Reed, James E...
Upon losing their grant to develop a fertility potion, two male scientists steal an embryo in an attempt to prove their theories correct. The embryo, fertilized, is implanted in the abdomen of Dr. Hesse, who intends to abort it after the first trimester. Instead, the somber Dr. Alexander Hesse starts developing an array of new emotions and insists on carrying the baby to full term. To aid the two doctors in their research, although she does not know what they are really up to, Dr. Diana Reddin helps the two men gain access to the laboratory. In the process, Hess and Reddin fall in love, and Hesse confesses that he is pregnant and with her child. After some initial protest she becomes very supportive. Mayhem follows when Hesse is forced to hide out in a maternity clinic disguised as a woman while being pursued by his former boss.
Date Movie
2006
2.7/10
comedy, romance
Directors: Aaron Seltzer, Jason Friedberg, Actors: Alyson Hannigan, Fred Willard, Jennifer Coolidge, Adam Campbell, Soph...
Continuing in the vein of their wildly successful SCARY MOVIE series, Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer turn their comedic minds to the romantic comedy genre, resulting in DATE MOVIE, yet another rapid fire assault of send-ups of both recent and classic film moments. Utilizing MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING as the framework on which all the other jokes hang, Alyson Hannigan (AMERICAN PIE) is Julia Jones, the obese daughter of a not-so Greek family. Upon meeting Grant Funkyerdoder (Adam Campbell)--a suave British customer at the diner owned by her hummus-obsessed father (Eddie Griffin)--Julia decides to get massive liposuction in an auto garage (in a sequence based on MTV's PIMP MY RIDE) as a means to make herself more attractive to him. But this, as we know, is all merely a setup for a nonstop barrage of gags based on films such as HITCH, MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING, MEET THE PARENTS/FOCKERS, SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE, THE WEDDING PLANNER, and more. A direct descendent of the AIRPLANE and NAKED GUN films, story is secondary in DATE MOVIE---what matters are the gags, and they come fast and furious. If one joke doesn't work for you, there's always another one just around the corner. Friedberg and Seltzer know their audience, and they make the most of their PG-13 rating--crudity abounds, with jokes about bodily functions figuring heavily in the mix. In her first leading role, Hannigan makes an appealing heroine (even transcending the fat suit she wears for for the first quarter of the film), and Fred Willard and Jennifer Coolidge, in an extended riff on Dustin Hoffman and Barbra Streisand's FOCKER roles, add some class to the proceedings.
Alvin and the Chipmunks
2007
5.3/10
animation, comedy, family, fantasy, music
Director: Tim Hill, Actors: Jason Lee, David Cross, Cameron Richardson, Jane Lynch, Justin Long, Jesse McCartney, Tiara ...
This live-action/computer-animated update of Ross Bagdasarian's squeaky-voiced cartoon characters finds the chipmunks (in CGI form) transported from their woodland habitat to the city, where they wind up in the home of Dave Seville (Jason Lee). Dave, a down-on-his-luck songwriter, realizes the potential of a singing chipmunk pop act, and becomes an unlikely mentor/father figure to feisty Alvin, brainy Simon, and dopey Theodore. Meanwhile, the threesome causes chaos in his life, leading to plenty of fun, frenetic scenarios. When a devious record executive (David Cross) enters the picture, however, Alvin and the Chipmunks must deal with both the trappings of fame and their loyalty to the amiable, hapless Dave. Directed by Tim Hill (GARFIELD: A TALE OF TWO KITTIES), ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS simultaneously modernizes and pays tribute to the classic title characters, who first appeared in the late 1950s and became wildly popular in the '60s. While Lee (MY NAME IS EARL) is well cast as the perpetually exasperated Dave, Long (LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD) steals the show as the voice of Alvin, who provides the group's lively spirit. Though some older viewers may wince at the prospect of their beloved Chipmunks rapping, the movie is generally respectful of the franchise's long legacy, and will easily win over a younger generation.
American Pie 4: Band Camp
2005
5.0/10
direct-to-video, comedy
Director: Steve Rash, Actors: Eugene Levy, Tad Hilgenbrink, Arielle Kebbel, Crystle Lightning, Jason Earles, Chris Owen,...
The "Stiffmeister" legacy lives on in this installment of the wildly popular teen comedy series that finds Steve Stifler's younger brother Matt (Tad Hilgenbrinck) sentenced to a summer at band camp after a wild school prank goes awry. It seems that mischief runs in the family, and when Matt is told that he has to spend the entire summer surrounded by trombones and clarinets, he plans a serious of outrageous pranks in a bid to make the best of his nerdy new surroundings. As the summer and the hormones heat up, Stifler sets up a series of hidden cameras in hopes of catching some revealing images of the nubile "bandies." When Stifler reconnects with his long-lost childhood sweetheart, Elyse (Arielle Kebbel), while serving out his sentence, the blossoming romance between the pair forces the perpetual prankster to consider the prospect of curbing his bad-boy ways.
The Kings of Summer
2013
7.2/10
comedy, drama
Director: Jordan Vogt-Roberts, Actors: Nick Robinson, Gabriel Basso, Moises Arias, Nick Offerman, Erin Moriarty, Megan M...
Fed up with his overbearing father's authoritative attitude, frustrated pre-adolescent Joe Toy (Nick Robinson) recruits his best friend Patrick, and handy outcast Biaggio to help him build a house deep in the woods, where they can all live together in total freedom.
¡Three Amigos!
1986
6.4/10
comedy, western
Director: John Landis, Actors: Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, Martin Short, Alfonso Arau, Tony Plana, Joe Mantegna, Abel Fra...
When a villainous bandit terrorizes her small Mexican village, a real-life damsel in distress (Patrice Martinez) enlists the help of three goofy singing cowboy Hollywood stars--mistakenly believing that they are as heroic in person as they are onscreen. Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, and Martin Short star as the swashbuckling Three Amigos! The wimpy actors think they are going south of the border to perform a one-time show for a large fee. When they are fired from their studio, they have no choice but to accept the offer and head south for the show of a lifetime. As they arrive in the tiny oppressed village, they begin to realize that they are caught in a horrible case of mistaken identity and must truly fight for their lives against the evil marauder El Guapo (Alfonso Arau). They cowardly run for their lives and the village is almost destroyed until they realize the importance of their mission and are forced to use real cunning and bravery to try to defeat the villain and his hordes in order to prove that the Three Amigos! were truly as courageous and heroic as they appeared onscreen.This hilarious spoof of old-fashioned Westerns features marvelous physical comedy from its strong cast.
The Blue Lagoon
1980
5.6/10
adventure, drama, romance
Director: Randal Kleiser, Actors: Brooke Shields, Christopher Atkins, Leo McKern, William Daniels, Glenn Kohan, Elva Jos...
Two children and the ship's cook are marooned on a deserted island in the Pacific Ocean. Shortly after coming ashore the old man dies, leaving the boy and the girl to fend for themselves. The two quickly adjust to their surroundings, using survival techniques they learned from the old man before his death. As time passes, the kids enter puberty and begin to discover their sexuality. Without realizing what's happening to her, Em becomes pregnant and gives birth. With the baby comes responsibility and the wonder of discovery, as the parents, themselves still children, learn what it means to have another human life dependent on them.
Arachnophobia
1990
6.3/10
comedy, sci-fi, thriller, horror
Director: Frank Marshall, Actors: Jeff Daniels, Julian Sands, John Goodman, Harley Jane Kozak, Stuart Pankin, Brian McNa...
The film's opening moments picture an insect expert digging up and then tracking the travels of a poisonous male spider who has burrowed in the coffin of one of its victims from the Venezuelan jungle to California. Although the scientist knows they are deadly, he wants to pursue his research regardless of the danger. Then the film cuts to a doctor and his wife leaving the hustle and bustle of San Fransisco and moving out to the country. When they arrive, he becomes the town doctor, but he soon earns the nickname "Dr. Death" because none of his patients survive. At first, he can't understand what's killing so many people; then he realizes the disease might be caused by a rare breed of spider. Not even the exterminator believes him -- until it is almost too late.
Major League
1989
7.2/10
comedy, sport
Director: David S. Ward, Actors: Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen, Corbin Bernsen, Margaret Whitton, Rene Russo, James Gammon...
When the widow of the owner of the Cleveland Indians realizes that she is stuck with a small stadium in a cold climate, she decides that a move to a Southern, warmer climate is called for. Unfortunately the only way she can unload her stadium is due to low attendance, so she needs to plan for a losing and lackluster season. The team of misfits and losers that she has hired, though, decide that if they really pull through, they may not wind up in last place and not be the losers that the owner thinks that they are. This offbeat baseball comedy, starring Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen, Corbin Bernsen and Rene Russo, was a surprise 1989 hit.
You're Next
2011
6.5/10
horror, thriller
Director: Adam Wingard, Actors: Sharni Vinson, Joe Swanberg, AJ Bowen, Nicholas Tucci, Wendy Glenn, Amy Seimetz, Margare...
A family reunion turns into a full-on massacre when a gang of masked killers invade a sprawling country mansion on a ruthless mission of murder. Paul (Rob Moran) and Aubrey Davison (Barbara Crampton) are about to celebrate their wedding anniversary, and they've invited their grown-up children out to the country to share in the revelry. The first to arrive are Crispian (A.J. Bowen) and his new girlfriend Erin (Sharni Vinson). It isn't long before the rest of the family has filed in as well, and the party gets under way. Later, at the dinner table, old sibling rivalries begin to resurface and parental preferences quickly become apparent. Just as tensions begin to flare up, however, a crossbow arrow blasts through the glass window and panic sets in. The family is under attack. But who are the savage invaders donning eerie farm-animal masks, and what is their motive behind slaughtering everyone in the house? No one is safe as the blood starts to flow, but Erin is determined to see the dawn, and she's got the survival skills to strike back at her attackers with deadly force.
The Net
1995
5.8/10
action, crime, drama, mystery, thriller
Director: Irwin Winkler, Actors: Sandra Bullock, Jeremy Northam, Dennis Miller, Diane Baker, Wendy Gazelle, Ken Howard, ...
When computer programmer Angela Bennett boots up some new software, she gets more than she expected -- she gets access to restricted government files. Very soon after, the colleague who had sent her the new program dies in a plane crash. The panicked Angela nevertheless decides to continue as planned and go on vacation to Mexico, where she meets a handsome computer hacker. But her "romantic conquest" cares only about her disc with the top-secret information. By the time Angela discovers his duplicity, and realizes she's in danger, it's too late: her visa is gone, her name and address and credit cards are wiped off the computer, and she's wanted for a number of violent crimes. In fact, as far as the net goes, she doesn't exist at all. Now, Angela must assume another person's name and past if she's ever going to get home and prove her true identity.
Jaws 2
1978
5.7/10
horror, thriller
Director: Jeannot Szwarc, Actors: Roy Scheider, Lorraine Gary, Murray Hamilton, Joseph Mascolo, Jeffrey Kramer, Ann Duse...
Amity police chief Brody discovers that there's more than one fish in the sea--the great white shark he destroyed in the first film has a hungry mate ready to wreak havoc on the community. This action-packed sequel features the welcome return of Roy Scheider and Lorraine Gary reprising their roles from the original blockbuster that did for ocean beaches what PSYCHO did for showers.
Blast from the Past
1999
6.5/10
comedy, drama, romance, sci-fi
Director: Hugh Wilson, Actors: Hugh Wilson, Brendan Fraser, Alicia Silverstone, Christopher Walken, Sissy Spacek, Dave F...
A fish-out-of-water comedy in which Pleasantville meets modern-day Los Angeles, with predictably funny results. Fraser stars as Adam, who was born in the bomb shelter of his paranoid inventor dad (a less-manic-than-usual Christopher Walken), who spirited his pregnant wife (Sissy Spacek, in fine comic form) underground when he thought the Communists dropped the bomb (actually, it was a plane crash). Armed with enough supplies to last 35 years, the parents bring up Adam in LEAVE IT TO BEAVER style with nary any exposure to the outside world. When the supplies run out, and dad suffers a heart attack, Fraser goes up to modern-day L.A. for some shopping and long-awaited culture shock. More of a cute premise with lots of clever ideas attached than a fully fleshed out story, BLAST FROM THE PAST is also supposed to be part romantic comedy, as the hunky Adam hooks up with his jaded Eve (Alicia Silverstone) and tries to convince her to marry him and go underground. The sparks don't fly, though, because Silverstone is saddled with the triple whammy of being miscast, playing an underwritten character, and suffering a very bad hairdo. Fraser, however, carries the film lightly and easily on his broad, goofy shoulders, mixing Adam's gee-whiz innocence with genuine emotion and curiosity; only Fraser could pull off Adam's first glimpse of a sunrise or the ocean with both humor and pathos. Also winning is Dave Foley as Silverstone's gay best friend, who manages to make the most innocuous statements sound like comic gems.
Halloween 7: 20 Years Later
1998
5.6/10
horror, thriller
Director: Steve Miner, Actors: Steve Miner, Jamie Lee Curtis, Josh Hartnett, Adam Arkin, Michelle Williams, Adam Hann-By...
Twenty years after the original HALLOWEEN, Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis), now the headmistress of a Northern California private school under an assumed name, is still struggling with the terrifying memories of the psychotic killer Michael Myers. That horror becomes a reality once again when Michael returns, embarking on a murderous roadtrip from Illinois to California, killing three more people and stealing a victim's car before threatening the lives of Laurie's rebellious son (Josh Hartnett), his girlfriend (Michelle Williams), and the school security guard (LL Cool J). It's up to Laurie to conquer her internal demons and end Michael's evil. And a conveniently placed ax might just help her accomplish the task.
Paranormal Activity 4
2012
4.5/10
horror
Directors: Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman, Actors: Stephen Dunham, Katie Featherston, Matt Shively, Kathryn Newton, Alexond...
This time, the cell phones and computer cameras are focused on a teenage girl (Kathryn Newton) whose family allow a young boy in their neighborhood named Robbie (Brady Allen) to stay with them while his mom is sick. Soon after, eerie things start happening in the household, some of which focus on the girl's younger brother Wyatt. As the bumps in the night become more pronounced, the mysteries surrounding Robbie's family and the house across the street grow to the point where the only thing for the teen girl to do is investigate herself.
Halloween 2
1981
6.5/10
horror
Director: Rick Rosenthal, Actors: Jamie Lee Curtis, Donald Pleasence, Charles Cyphers, Jeffrey Kramer, Lance Guest, Hunt...
Picking up right where the last film ended, this sequel begins as Dr. Loomis pumps evil Mike Myers full of lead, then watches helplessly as the maniac killer stands up again and runs away. Laurie Strode, the teenager last terrorized by Myers, is taken to a nearby hospital to recover from her traumatic ordeal. But Myers isn't through with her yet, and the fright-night monster works his way through the sleepy town, leaving a river of blood in his wake. Determined to get his revenge on Laurie, he eventually descends upon the hospital -- and the dark secret that binds the two of them is finally revealed.
Sanctum
2011
5.9/10
adventure, drama, thriller
Director: Alister Grierson, Actors: Rhys Wakefield, Allison Cratchley, Christopher James Baker, Richard Roxburgh, Ioan G...
An intrepid team of explorers gets trapped in a complex underground cave system when a tropical storm makes it impossible to escape the same way they entered in this claustrophobic adventure drama from director Alister Grierson and executive producer James Cameron. Inspired by actual events, Sanctum tells the tale of Frank McGuire (Richard Roxburgh), a master diver intent on being the first to explore the Esa-ala cave system in the South Pacific. Shortly after Frank descends into the caves with a team that includes his teenage son, Josh (Rhys Wakefield), and expedition bankroller Carl Hurley (Ioan Gruffudd), a massive storm collapses the entrance to the system, forcing the adventurers to plunge deeper into the darkness in search of an alternate exit. With supplies quickly dwindling and water levels rapidly rising, Frank and his team surmise that their best hope for survival is to follow an underground river thought to empty into the ocean. But given that few explorers have ever even dared set foot in the Esa-ala system, no one quite knows for sure whether they're racing toward freedom, or another dead end.
Half Baked
1998
6.7/10
comedy, crime
Director: Tamra Davis, Actors: Dave Chappelle, Guillermo Díaz, Jim Breuer, Harland Williams, Rachel True, Clarence Wi...
A trio of bong-loving buddies hatch a pot-laced plan to spring the fourth member of their smokers' circle out of the Big House, where he languishes after accidentally killing a diabetic police horse. The cinematic equivalent of aerosol cheese, featuring a bevy of buzz-friendly cameos (such as Bob Saget, as a rehabbing cokehead, and the Father of Them All, Tommy Chong).
Save the Last Dance
2001
6.1/10
drama, music, romance
Director: Thomas Carter, Actors: Julia Stiles, Sean Patrick Thomas, Kerry Washington, Fredro Starr, Terry Kinney, Bianca...
With her dreams of becoming a professional ballerina decimated by the accidental death of her mother, Sara Johnson (Stiles) is forced to move from her quiet Midwestern town to her father's ghetto apartment on the south side of Chicago. The stark urban environment's contrast of race and class compound Sara's loss and her misplaced guilt, which are both exacerbated by the fact that her mother had been en route to her dance performance at the time of her death. But when she meets Derek (Sean Patrick Thomas), a popular black student with a passion for hip-hop and a future brighter than his troubled past, her repressed ambition and sorrow are released through a revitalized interest in the cathartic and expressive power of dance. Their friendship and mutual interest in dancing inexorably lead to a passionate romance that raises the sadly typical, bigoted resistance from Sara's white father and Derek's black friends. Widely hailed by critics for being as sophisticated and intelligent as it is viscerally passionate, SAVE THE LAST DANCE enjoyed the top of the American box office in its first weekend in release, playing to sold out shows across the country, a landslide affirmation that Sara and Derek are not as alone as they think.
Red Heat
1988
6.0/10
action, comedy, crime, thriller
Director: Walter Hill, Actors: Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Belushi, Peter Boyle, Ed O'Ross, Laurence Fishburne, Gina Ge...
Viktor, a narcotics kingpin in the USSR, leaves the country and heads for Chicago. Subsequently, Russia's brawniest (and sternest) officer follows him to the Windy City, where he teams up with a loud-mouthed American cop. Together the mismatched, culture-clashing, rule-breaking duo attempt to track down the nefarious Viktor.
Mr. Bean
1990-1995
8.6/10
comedy, family
Directors: John Birkin, Paul Weiland, John Howard Davies, Actors: Rowan Atkinson, Teddy, Matilda Ziegler, Robin Driscoll...
Rowan Atkinson's goofy Mr. Bean is one of those rare characters that manages to appeal to both adults and children alike. Drawing on the classic slapstick traditions of performers such as Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd, Atkinson has created a timeless character capable of providing plenty of merriment.
Tristan and Isolde
2006
6.9/10
drama, romance
Director: Kevin Reynolds, Actors: James Franco, Sophia Myles, Rufus Sewell, Mark Strong, Ronan Vibert, Bronagh Gallagher...
Director Kevin Reynolds (WATERWORLD) delivers a memorable, good-looking version of the enduring Celtic legend, which has remained a quintessential love story throughout centuries of retelling. Ridley Scott makes his presence felt as executive producer, with the story unfolding on an epic scale set in medieval England. The English live under the iron rule of the Irish, and the young Tristan's parents are working to unite the tribes of England against their oppressors. When they are murdered by Irish infiltrators, Tristan is rescued by Lord Marke (Rufus Sewell, HELEN OF TROY), in whose kingdom he is raised as a son. Tristan (James Franco, SPIDER-MAN 2) grows up to be a valiant warrior and noble knight, and when he is felled in battle he is given a king's memorial, sent to sea in a boat that washes up on Irish shores. There, Tristan is revived and healed in secret by the beautiful Princess, Isolde (Sophia Myles), who at the insistence of her handmaiden doesn't tell Tristan her real name. The two beautiful young people inevitably fall in love, but their passion is cut short when Tristan is forced to flee home to England. Tristan eventually returns to Ireland to compete on Marke's behalf in a tournament for the Princess's hand in marriage, and only when he wins does he realize his error when he learns the Princess's true identity. Thus Isolde returns as Marke's bride, and, unable to deny their passion, the lovers take up a treacherous affair behind Marke's back. As Marke's enemies begin to suspect, they devise a plan to use Tristan's betrayal to break up the tenuous alliance between the English tribes.
American Pie 5: The Naked Mile
2006
5.1/10
direct-to-video, comedy
Director: Joe Nussbaum, Actors: John White, Eugene Levy, Jessy Schram, Steve Talley, Christopher McDonald, Maria Ricossa...
The raunchy fun begins with Erik Stifler's worrisome realization that he may be about to become the only Stifler to graduate from high school with his virginity intact. Eager to toss his virginity before slipping on his cap and gown, Erik makes it his mission to find a willing partner. Thanks to reliable, offbeat advice from the ever-present Eugene Levy as Jim's dad, Erik feels prepared when he heads off to the annual Naked Mile race. Packed with sorority girls, the event promises an easy victory. Or does it?
The Animal
2001
4.8/10
comedy, sci-fi
Director: Luke Greenfield, Actors: Rob Schneider, Colleen Haskell, John C. McGinley, Edward Asner, Michael Caton, Louis ...
Marvin Mange (Rob Schneider) has only one dream in life: to become a police officer, like his father. Unfortunately, Marvin's natural clumsiness and lack of self-esteem have made him the laughing stock of his police coworkers. All of that changes after a freak car accident, and a mad scientist's intervention. When Marvin regains consciousness, he can run faster, jump higher, and smell things no ordinary human should be able to smell, allowing him to perform as a top-notch cop. But Marvin's rival on the police force (John C. McGinley) is out to get him. What's worse, Marvin soon learns that he cannot handle his animal urges. Colleen Haskell from the television show SURVIVOR makes her film debut, and Schneider delivers a terrific performance in a perfect comic role. THE ANIMAL is a hilarious collection of gags and bizarre sights (including Marvin's amorous encounter with a goat) that add up to make this silly, warmhearted comedy.
Excalibur
1981
7.4/10
adventure, drama, fantasy
Director: John Boorman, Actors: Nigel Terry, Helen Mirren, Nicholas Clay, Cherie Lunghi, Nicol Williamson, Paul Geoffrey...
Director John Boorman's passionate adaptation of Sir Thomas Malory's LE MORTE D'ARTHUR stars Nigel Terry as the faithful King Arthur. Necromancer Merlin (Nicol Williamson) offers the magic sword Excalibur to the warlike Uther Pendragon (Gabriel Byrne) in exchange for a promise that he'll make peace with his enemy, the duke of Cornwall (Corin Redgrave). He agrees but breaks his word after catching sight of Cornwall's wife, Igraine (Katrine Boorman). With the magician's help he makes love to the woman in the guise of her husband. She bears a child, Arthur, who is taken by Merlin as payment for his assistance and left in the care of Ector (Clive Swift). Years pass, and the boy, now a humble squire, pulls Excalibur from the stone in which Uther had sunk it--a task no other could accomplish. With Merlin's counsel, he marries the stunning Guenevere (Cherie Lunghi), finds a champion in Sir Lancelot (Nicholas Clay), subdues the skirmishing knights, and builds the Round Table to unite them. Yet his half-sister, Morgana (Helen Mirren), lurks in the shadows, preparing to poison her brother's reign. Perhaps the best film made in this genre, EXCALIBUR benefits from an extraordinary cast, including appearances by Byrne, Patrick Stewart, and Liam Neeson early in their celluloid careers. Counterpointing ethereally filtered sex scenes against scenes of graphic blood-and-guts swordplay, Boorman's sumptuous production galvanizes the familiar mythology, as he charts the transition from an age of magic to one of reason.
Something Borrowed
2011
5.9/10
comedy, drama, romance
Director: Luke Greenfield, Actors: Ginnifer Goodwin, Kate Hudson, Colin Egglesfield, John Krasinski, Steve Howey, Ashley...
Rachel is a talented attorney at a top New York law firm, a generous and loyal friend and, unhappily, still single as her engaged best friend Darcy is constantly reminding her. But after one drink too many at her 30th birthday party, perpetual good girl Rachel unexpectedly ends up in bed with the guy she's had a crush on since law school, Dex, who just happens to be Darcy's fiance. When Rachel and Darcy's lifelong friendship collides with true love, it leads to unexpected complications and potentially explosive romantic revelations. Meanwhile, Ethan, who has been Rachel's constant confidante and sometimes conscience, has been harboring a secret of his own, and Marcus, an irrepressible womanizer, can't keep his mind out of the gutter or his hands off any girl within reach.
Best in Show
2000
7.5/10
comedy
Director: Christopher Guest, Actors: Christopher Guest, Fred Willard, Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Parker Posey, Micha...
Christopher Guest brings his unique brand of lunacy to the screen with another mockumentary in the tradition of WAITING FOR GUFFMAN. This one, BEST IN SHOW, is about purebred dog owners feverishly competing for their pets to be named Best in Show at the Mayflower Kennel Club Dog Show. Using many of the same actors who starred in WAITING FOR GUFFMAN--a spoof on the society surrounding the stage--Guest peoples BEST IN SHOW with hilarious, frighteningly real characters played by Catherine O' Hara, Eugene Levy, Fred Willard, and indie stalwart Parker Posey, among others. As the cutthroat competition heats up, the film becomes delightfully absurd. The contestants are hilarious. They include Gerry Fleck, a tacky suburbanite, and his overly popular wife, Cookie; Hamilton and Meg Swan, who are unbalanced, yuppie lawyers with terrible teeth; and Scott Donlan and Stefan Vanderhoof, flamboyant longtime companions who fiercely cheer on their canines while keeping their hearts set on the championship title. A reminder that people often bear an uncanny resemblance to their dogs, BEST IN SHOW takes a funny look at an even funnier business.
Superman 3
1983
4.9/10
action, comedy, sci-fi
Director: Richard Lester, Actors: Christopher Reeve, Richard Pryor, Margot Kidder, Jackie Cooper, Marc McClure, Annette ...
Superman matches wits with an evil mastermind and a computer genius who discovers the one substance that can harm the Man of Steel. Combining the known ingredients of Kryptonite with a guess at the unknown, the genius invents a new Kryptonite that doesn't kill Superman--it turns him evil. Meanwhile, a giant computer has been built for the mastermind that becomes self-aware and cannot be shut off.
The Condemned
2007
6.1/10
action, thriller
Director: Scott Wiper, Actors: Steve Austin, Vinnie Jones, Nathan Jones, Robert Mammone, Manu Bennett, Madeleine West, T...
WWE superstar "Stone Cold" Steve Austin stars as a death row inmate who gets a rare second shot at life in director Scott Wiper's adrenaline-charged action thriller. Jack Conrad (Austin) is a dangerous convict currently awaiting execution in a corrupt Central American prison. "Purchased" by a wealthy television producer and transported to a deserted island, the formidable inmate is offered the opportunity to avoid capital punishment and win back his freedom by fighting to the death against nine other condemned criminals in an illegal game to be broadcast uncensored over the Internet.
Scary Movie 5
2013
3.5/10
comedy
Directors: Malcolm D. Lee, David Zucker, Actors: David Zucker, Simon Rex, Ashley Tisdale, Charlie Sheen, Erica Ash, J.P....
Snooty, aloof, imperious, and oversexed French dance company director Pierre is putting on a new production. Jody, a Caucasian late-20s mother of two and her late-20s African American friend Kendra are both vying for the lead in the production. Jody's extremely controlling former dancer mother is determined that Jody will have the brilliant career that eluded her. The highly skilled mid-30s Diva veteran dancer with the company, Heather Daltry, gets cut from the production and goes berserk.
Exodus: Gods and Kings
2014
6.3/10
action, adventure, drama
Director: Ridley Scott, Actors: Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, Ben Kingsley, John Turturro, Aaron Paul, Ben Mendelsohn, ...
An account of Moses' hand in leading the Israelite slaves out of Egypt.
American Pie 6: Beta House
2007
5.3/10
direct-to-video, comedy
Director: Andrew Waller, Actors: John White, Steve Talley, Christopher McDonald, Jake Siegel, Eugene Levy, Meghan Heffer...
Get ready for the most hilarious and outrageous freshman year in collegiate history - American Pie is pledging Beta House! Join Dwight Stifler, his cousin Erik, Mr. Levenstein (Eugene Levy), and the infamous Beta House fraternity for the hottest, wildest and freshest piece of Pie ever!
Friday Night Lights
2004
7.3/10
action, drama, sport
Director: Peter Berg, Actors: Billy Bob Thornton, Jay Hernandez, Derek Luke, Lucas Black, Garrett Hedlund, Tim McGraw, L...
Tells the true story of a small Texas town in which high school football is the only thing that matters. Set in 1988, the movie opens on the first day of practice for the Odessa Permian Panthers. Under intense pressure and scrutiny from the town's residents, head coach Gary Gaines (Billy Bob Thornton) nonetheless maintains a calm façade. His star player, Boobie Miles (Derek Luke), is a running back with unlimited potential, but the rest of the team is undersized and lacking killer instinct--especially quarterback Mike Winchell (Lucas Black), who's shy and short of confidence, and Don Billingsley (Garrett Hedlund), who is tormented by his father (Tim McGraw) for being too soft. When Boobie goes down on opening day with a career threatening knee injury, the season appears to be over. But Gaines won't give up, and neither will the rest of his feisty players.
We Are Marshall
2006
7.1/10
drama, sport
Director: McG, Actors: Matthew McConaughey, Matthew Fox, Anthony Mackie, David Strathairn, Ian McShane, Kate Mara, Janua...
In November 1970, a plane carrying almost the entire Marshall University football team, its staff and fans crashed, killing 75 people in all and devastating the small town of Huntington, West Virginia. This movie tells the tragic true story of how the university and the citizens of Huntington rebuilt the football program and dealt with the loss of so many of their own. The university's president, Donald Dedmon, earnestly portrayed by David Strathairn, hires the only willing coach to take on such a daunting task, Jack Lengyl (Matthew McConaughey). With the help of the lone Marshall football coach Red Dawson (Matthew Fox) and the three remaining players who weren't on the plane, Coach Lengyl sets out to restructure Marshall's team, and spirit. But for some in the community it's still too soon, including Paul Griffen (Ian McShane) who lost his football-star son. They fear that moving on so quickly is disrespectful to those who died and to the loved ones who still mourn. The film emphasizes this issue, illustrating the struggle of that harrowing time at Marshall, and in college football history.
The Eye
2008
5.4/10
drama, horror, thriller
Directors: David Moreau, Xavier Palud, Actors: Jessica Alba, Alessandro Nivola, Parker Posey, Rade Serbedzija, Fernanda ...
Sydney Wells (Jessica Alba) has been given the gift of sight, but it comes with a horrifying price in the English-language remake of Danny and Oxide Pang's The Eye. The double corneal transplant was to open up a new world for Sydney, a concert violinist whose blindness has plagued her since childhood. With the help of Dr. Paul Faulkner (Alessandro Nivola) and sister Helen (Parker Posey), Sydney's operation and recovery seemed to be on the road to success -- until horrific images start to tear their way into her newfound vision. What's worse is that these episodes appear to foreshadow future deadly events, leading Sydney on a mission to track down the person whose eyes she has inherited and discover what kind of mystery from beyond the grave lies before her.
The Love Guru
2008
3.8/10
comedy, romance, sport
Director: Marco Schnabel, Actors: Mike Myers, Jessica Alba, Romany Malco, Justin Timberlake, Verne Troyer, Jessica Simps...
Mike Myers spoofs the self-help industry with the creation of Guru Pitka, his first original character since Austin Powers. Orphaned at a young age, Maurice (Myers) studies with Guru Tugginmypuddha (Ben Kingsley) at an ashram in India where his classmate is a young Deepak Chopra. Pitka becomes a world-renowned guru in his own right, but despite his best efforts, he repeatedly comes in second to Chopra in the guru rankings. But his manager has a plan: the only difference between Pitka and Chopra is that the latter has appeared on THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW. Pitka's key to an Oprah show appearance is Darren Roanoke (Romany Malco), star player of the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team. Estranged from his wife, Prudence (Meagan Good), who has started dating French-Canadian Jacques "Le Coq" Grande (Justin Timberlake), Roanoke's game has suffered terribly, putting his team's bid for the playoffs and the Stanley Cup in jeopardy. If Pitka can reunite the estranged couple in time for Roanoke to help win the Stanley Cup, he'll get more than just a big paycheck; he'll finally be on Oprah.
Timecop
1994
5.8/10
action, crime, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Peter Hyams, Actors: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Mia Sara, Ron Silver, Bruce McGill, Gloria Reuben, Scott Bellis, J...
In the year 2004 a corrupt politician is secretly using a time travel device to manipulate history and financial markets and eliminate any who get in his way. When a cop catches on to his scheme he must go back in time and catch him before he and his wife are murdered. Produced by Sam Raimi and based on the comic books by Mike Richardson and Mark Verheiden.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 - The Secret of the Ooze
1991
5.9/10
action, adventure, comedy, family, sci-fi
Director: Michael Pressman, Actors: Michael Pressman, Paige Turco, David Warner, Michelan Sisti, Leif Tilden, Ernie Reye...
When reporter April O'Neil does a story on Professor Perry, and his efforts to uncover a certain toxic waste, the evil Shredder concludes that this is what gives the turtles their power, gets his hands on some and proceeds to create dangerous mutants. Armed with Professor Perry's anti-mutant antidote, it's up to the crime fighting turtles and a pizza delivery boy to conquer these mutants.
Ichi the Killer
2001
7.1/10
action, comedy, crime, drama, horror, thriller
Director: Takashi Miike, Actors: Tadanobu Asano, Nao Ômori, Shin'ya Tsukamoto, Paulyn Sun, SABU, Susumu Terajima, Shu...
Welcome to the blood-soaked halls of Yakuza Mansion wherein lurks Ichi, a proverbial Frankenstein monster torn between sexual violence and confused innocence. When Boss Anjo disappears, his yakuza soldiers suspect the mansion's lowlife underworld tenants. The search is led by Kakihara, a garish, peroxided S&M jester with body piercings and a gaping slash extending his mouthline. His quest is a tender affair, for Anjo taught Kakihara the pleasures of inflicting and receiving pain. An old gangster reject, Jijii, has clues to Anjo's disappearance, but vanishes into the corridors of the mansion. Kakihara's brutal torture methods (pins and needles are his favourite implements) quickly upset the yakuza order. With the help of a Chinese club hostess, he learns of a seemingly unstoppable killing machine: Ichi, clad in a super-heroesque bodysuit, equipped with kung fu and razor blades. Has Kakihara met his match? Or is Ichi the only one who can inflict the pain he craves?
Vampires
1998
6.1/10
action, horror, thriller
Director: John Carpenter, Actors: James Woods, Daniel Baldwin, Sheryl Lee, Thomas Ian Griffith, Maximilian Schell, Tim G...
Bitter, tough-as-nails vampire hunter Jack Crow (James Woods) leads a specialized team, funded by no less than the Vatican, that is dedicated to destroying the race of vampires that inhabit the earth. The team is successful, and becomes lazy in its success, eventually falling victim to an elaborate ambush set up by a powerful master vampire. Crow and two others of his team are the only survivors, and are determined to get revenge for the massacre. Carpenter takes the genre to new heights with powerful action scenes, nifty vampire-killing weapons and great special effects. James Woods is wonderfully over the top as the head vampire hunter who has no love for the Vatican and a mysterious past that is never far behind him.
Zookeeper
2011
5.2/10
comedy, family, romance
Director: Frank Coraci, Actors: Kevin James, Rosario Dawson, Leslie Bibb, Ken Jeong, Donnie Wahlberg, Joe Rogan, Nick Ba...
The animals at the Franklin Park Zoo love their kindhearted caretaker, Griffin Keyes. Finding himself more comfortable with a lion than a lady, Griffin decides the only way to get a girl in his life is to leave the zoo and find a more glamorous job. The animals, in a panic, decide to break their time-honored code of silence and reveal their biggest secret: they can talk! To keep Griffin from leaving, they decide to teach him the rules of courtship - animal style.
Star Trek 5: The Final Frontier
1989
5.3/10
action, adventure, sci-fi, thriller
Director: William Shatner, Actors: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, George Takei, Nichelle...
In the windswept desert of Nimbus III, the Planet of Galactic Peace, a lone settler witnesses a man materializing out of the dusty horizon, offering to share and bear the settler's pain. With a laugh, the two join forces and plan to steal a starship. Cutting to the rock and scrub of another desert, the jeans-clad Captain Kirk is climbing bare-handed in Yosemite. After a near-accident followed by a night of beans and whiskey and campfire songs, Kirk (William Shatner), Spock (Leonard Nimoy), and McCoy (DeForest Kelley) are called back from shore leave to the new Enterprise for an emergency mission. Counting on Scotty (James Doohan) to bring the new ship up to specs, they travel to Paradise City on Nimbus III, where delegates from the Romulan, Klingon, and Human races have been kidnapped. The crew soon find themselves joining kidnapper Sybok (Laurence Luckenbill), a renegade Vulcan desperate to discover the secret that lies beyond the Great Barrier at the center of the galaxy. A thrilling and thought-provoking directorial debut from William Shatner, the journey becomes a metaphysical quest for the meaning of life, as the crew of the Starship Enterprise comes face to face with "God."
Coneheads
1993
5.2/10
comedy, sci-fi
Director: Steve Barron, Actors: Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtin, Robert Knott, Michael McKean, Sinbad, Howard Napper, David Spa...
Based on a series of comedy sketches which originally aired on "Saturday Night Live" during the 1976-1977 season. The basic premise of the plot revolves around the Conehead family, newly landed on Earth from the planet Remulak, who find themselves trying to dodge two Immigration and Naturalization officers.
Young Guns
1988
6.8/10
action, crime, drama, thriller, western
Director: Christopher Cain, Actors: Emilio Estevez, Kiefer Sutherland, Lou Diamond Phillips, Charlie Sheen, Dermot Mulro...
In this Western based loosely on actual events and people, Emilio Estevez stars as William H. Bonney (aka Billy the Kid). Sought for a petty crime in Lincoln County, Billy is taken in by John Tunstall (Terence Stamp), a British ranch owner seeking to make it in the cattle business. Tunstall employs a group of "regulators," comprised of wayward youths he's gathered over the years, to watch over his ranch; in turn, he teaches them how to read and reforms them into better men. Tunstall's business interests come into conflict with those of corrupt and murderous businessman Lawrence Murphy (Jack Palance), whose widespread connections make him a power to be reckoned with. When Tunstall won't budge from his right to pursue a living, Murphy's henchmen stage an ambush and kill him. This triggers a vow of vengeance from the quick-tempered Billy and his five fellow regulators, who are deputized to serve arrest warrants in the murder. However, when Billy decides to gun down the suspects instead of detaining them, his loyal pals become accessories in a vigilante spree to wipe the territory clean of Murphy and his web of conspirators. Soon, the supposed lawmen are on the run from bounty hunters, henchmen, and government soldiers, from all directions of the compass.
Dave
1993
6.8/10
comedy, romance
Director: Ivan Reitman, Actors: Kevin Kline, Sigourney Weaver, Frank Langella, Kevin Dunn, Ving Rhames, Ben Kingsley, Ch...
Judging by their looks, conservative United States President Bill Mitchell and liberal minded temp-agency owner Dave Kovic could be identical twins separated at birth. When two Secret Service agents, at Chief-of-Staff Bob Alexander's request, clandestinely draft Dave into servicing his country by temporarily standing-in for President Mitchell, the carefree humanitarian gladly answers his call to duty. After all, as the President's look-alike Dave has aped austere Mitchell before. Luckily, the plan goes off without a hitch. But in an ironic twist of fate, President Mitchell is incapacitated, leaving Dave in a political hot-spot. Once Dave takes the extraordinary opportunity to implement progressive programs, reduce the national deficit and significantly effect social change, he nearly overturns Mitchell's reactionary administration, even as the very handlers begin conspiring against him.
Freddy Got Fingered
2001
4.5/10
comedy
Director: Tom Green, Actors: Tom Green, Rip Torn, Marisa Coughlan, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Harland Williams, Anthony Michael ...
Gord's desire to please his father comes from his special- well, ok, bizarre -innocence. He also has an endearing sense of curiousity about everything, whether it's getting way too friendly with a horse on a stud farm, dancing inside a deer carcass, or wreaking havoc inside a hospital delivery room. Gord's just an overgrown boy with a wild sense of imagination. But when the 28-year-old Gord decides he wants to be an animator, quits his job at a cheese factory and returns home to live in his parent's basement, his father is neither amused nor proud. Dad thinks Gord is a slacker and should give up his dream of "doodling" for a living, grow up, get a real job and get the hell out of the house. But Gord won't budge, and father and son embark on an all-out war that ends up taking them halfway around the world.
Race to Witch Mountain
2009
5.7/10
action, adventure, family, fantasy, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Andy Fickman, Actors: The Rock [Dwayne Johnson], Carla Gugino, AnnaSophia Robb, Alexander Ludwig, Ciarán Hi...
Former professional wrestler Dwayne Johnson (aka "The Rock") plays Jack Bruno, a surly former felon who is trying to stay out of trouble by driving a cab in Las Vegas and who embarks upon the adventure of a lifetime when two teens appear in his taxi and need a ride to (seemingly) the middle of nowhere. He quickly realizes that the mysterious siblings, Sara (AnnaSophia Robb) and Seth (Alexander Ludwig), are far from average--especially when they are pursued by a villain wearing a high-tech suit of armor. With the help of Dr. Alex Friedman (Carla Gugino), the trio travels to Witch Mountain, a secret government outpost in the Nevada desert, with the hopes of evading their pursuers and sending Sara and Seth home--and saving Earth in the process.
Planet 51
2009
6.1/10
animation, adventure, comedy, family, sci-fi
Directors: Jorge Blanco, Javier Abad, Marcos Martínez, Actors: The Rock [Dwayne Johnson], Seann William Scott, Jessic...
When Chuck the astronaut lands on a distant planet filled with little green people, he is surprised to discover that we are not alone in the galaxy. But he gets the shock of his life when the residents of Planet 51 mistakenly believe that his presence is the start of an alien invasion of the human kind! Luckily, Lem quickly realizes that Chuck is friendly and makes it his personal mission to help him return safely to his ship.
Valhalla Rising
2009
6.0/10
adventure, drama, fantasy
Director: Nicolas Winding Refn, Actors: Mads Mikkelsen, Maarten Stevenson, Alexander Morton, Gary Lewis, Andrew Flanagan...
One Eye (Mads Mikkelsen) is the nickname given to a nameless, mute warrior who has become a slave to Barde (Alexander Morton), a wealthy Scotsman who obtained One Eye for his remarkable fighting skills. One Eye is a fierce warrior but shows little loyalty to his master, and when the opportunity presents itself, One Eye murders Barde and his mercenaries and sets off on his own, with a young boy (Maarten Stevenson) tagging along to speak on his behalf. Eager to leave Denmark behind in favor of freedom and adventure, One Eye throws in his lot with a band of Christian Vikings, who've set out on an ambitious quest to travel to Jerusalem and claim the Holy Land as their own. But the voyage to the Holy City is a difficult one, and the Vikings are met with violent resistance, forcing One Eye to rely on his talents as a warrior to protect himself and his young apprentice.
You Again
2010
5.8/10
comedy, romance
Director: Andy Fickman, Actors: Kristen Bell, Odette Annable [Odette Yustman], Sigourney Weaver, Jamie Lee Curtis, Victo...
A high-powered PR professional discovers that her brother is about to marry the woman who made her high school life a living hell in this comedy starring Kristen Bell and Odette Yustman. Back in her teens, Marni (Bell) was a little awkward. These days she's a successful career woman, but the memories of being tormented by popular cheerleader Joanna (Yustman) still make her break into a cold sweat. Flying home for her brother's Will's wedding, Marni realizes to her horror that she will soon be sister-in-law to the pompon-wielding mean girl who once humiliated her in front of the entire student body. And apparently her nemesis learned from the best, because back when Marni's mom (Jamie Lee Curtis) was in high school, Joanna's mom (Sigourney Weaver) served up the same kind of treatment. Now that they're about to become family, Marni and her mom do their best to let bygones be bygones. But old grudges die hard, and by the time the wedding bells chime, these old foes will already have some saucy stories to share with their grandchildren.
The Covenant
2006
5.2/10
action, fantasy, horror, thriller
Director: Renny Harlin, Actors: Steven Strait, Sebastian Stan, Toby Hemingway, Laura Ramsey, Taylor Kitsch, Chace Crawfo...
To the students of the Spenser Academy, the Sons of Ipswich are the baddest boys on campus. But that's not all they share. The four friends also share a 300-year-old secret: they're warlocks, the teenage descendants of a 17th-century coven of witches. So when the long-banished fifth son suddenly appears and threatens to kill their loved ones, they realize they must face their enemy in order to prevent him from stealing their powers and shattering the covenant forever.
Nutty Professor 2: The Klumps
2000
4.3/10
comedy, fantasy, romance, sci-fi
Director: Peter Segal, Actors: Peter Segal, Eddie Murphy, Janet Jackson, Larry Miller, John Ales, Richard Gant, Anna Mar...
Everything is coming up roses for Professor Sherman Klump (Eddie Murphy). His fiancée, the equally brilliant Denise Gaines (pop music star Janet Jackson), loves him for his prodigious mind. Sherman's university has just been offered $150,000,000 for the radical new youth serum Sherman has developed. And the big-eating, trash-talking Klump clan (all played by Murphy) couldn't be happier. The only person who can ruin things now is Sherman's nemesis: his idlike alter ego, the smooth-talking, flashy dressing Buddy Love (also played by Murphy). In an attempt to destroy Buddy once and for all, Sherman manages to locate and extract the DNA strand that represents the last remaining trace of his own private Mr. Hyde. But the gene accidentally mutates with a strand of dog hair, giving birth to a brave new Buddy who sniffs out the Klumps.
Everything Must Go
2010
6.5/10
comedy, drama
Director: Dan Rush, Actors: Will Ferrell, Rebecca Hall, Christopher Jordan Wallace, Michael Peña, Rosalie Michaels, S...
After Nick is fired from his sales job, mostly because of his penchant for alcohol, he comes home and finds that his wife has kicked him and all of his stuff out of the house and onto the front lawn. He is pretty intent on just sitting in his chair, drinking beer, on the lawn. His cop friend, Frank Garcia, thinks he should at least pretend to have a yard sale to make it legal. He slowly starts making friends with a neighborhood kid who needs something to do, and a pregnant wife who has just moved in across the street, and Nick finds himself moving on and selling all his stuff.
The East
2013
6.9/10
drama, thriller
Director: Zal Batmanglij, Actors: Brit Marling, Alexander Skarsgård, Ellen Page, Toby Kebbell, Shiloh Fernandez, Aldi...
A covert female operative infiltrates an anarchist faction that stages clandestine attacks on major corporations, and finds her mission compromised when she falls for the group's charismatic leader in this tense and topical thriller. When a mysterious group begins turning unsafe products against the very CEOs who manufacture them, former FBI agent Sarah Moss (Marling) is hired by a powerful intelligence firm to expose the culprit. Before long, Sarah has integrated herself into The East, the group thought to be responsible the frightening attacks, and she begins to collect evidence against them. In time, however, Sarah finds her sympathies shifting to the very people she once set out to destroy, leading to an intense crisis of conscience that causes her to reassess her priorities as she works quietly to maintain her cover.
National Security
2003
5.5/10
action, comedy, crime, thriller
Director: Dennis Dugan, Actors: Martin Lawrence, Steve Zahn, Colm Feore, Bill Duke, Eric Roberts, Timothy Busfield, Robi...
The film concerns an unlikely partnership that forms between two L.A.P.D. rejects. Hank (Steve Zahn) is a straightlaced L.A.P.D. officer who is fired after supposedly brutalizing an innocent black man. It turns out the "victim," Earl Montgomery (Martin Lawrence), is actually just an angry citizen who is allergic to bee stings. Frustrated after being dismissed from the L.A.P.D. academy due to his bad temper, Earl seizes the opportunity to take out his rage on the hapless Hank. But six months later, when Hank is released from prison, he is determined to avenge the death of his partner. Their paths cross once again when Nash (Eric Roberts), the man who pulled the trigger, robs the warehouse where Earl is employed as a security guard. Angry that Nash refers to him using a racial slur, Earl attaches himself to Hank, who wants nothing to do with the trash-talker. But Earl won't back down, and the bickering pair begin to infiltrate the crooked police department that rejected them months before.
Waitress
2007
7.1/10
comedy, drama, romance
Director: Adrienne Shelly, Actors: Adrienne Shelly, Keri Russell, Nathan Fillion, Jeremy Sisto, Cheryl Hines, Eddie Jemi...
Keri Russell stars as Jenna, a waitress stuck in a marriage to a less-than-lovable lout (Jeremy Sisto). When she learns she's pregnant with his baby, she seeks solace in two things: pie-baking and an extramarital affair with her hunky but nervous OB-GYN Dr. Pomatter (Nathan Fillion). Jenna is an artist with crusts and fillings, creating a ham-and-brie quiche (which she calls "I Don't Want Earl's Baby Pie") and a cinnamon spice custard confection ("Kick in the Pants Pie"). Her relationship with her doctor gives her something to look forward to as her husband grows ever more controlling and her baby bump gets larger.
Into the Woods
2014
6.5/10
comedy, family, fantasy, musical
Director: Rob Marshall, Actors: Anna Kendrick, Meryl Streep, Chris Pine, Emily Blunt, James Corden, Johnny Depp, Christi...
A baker and his wife who desperately want children strike a deal with a witch. She promises to give them a child if they can bring her the cape of Little Red Ridinghood, the milky-white cow of Jack (of beanstalk fame), the slipper of Cinderella, and some of Rapunzel's golden hair. In order to do so, the baker must travel into the dark and mysterious woods and battle a Giant who threatens to destroy the entire village.
The Pirates! Band of Misfits
2012
6.7/10
animation, adventure, comedy, family
Directors: Peter Lord, Jeff Newitt, Actors: Peter Lord, Hugh Grant, Salma Hayek, Jeremy Piven, Martin Freeman, Imelda St...
With a rag-tag crew at his side, and seemingly blind to the impossible odds stacked against him, the Captain has one dream: to beat his bitter rivals Black Bellamy and Cutlass Liz to the much coveted Pirate Of The Year Award. It's a quest that takes our heroes from the shores of exotic Blood Island to the foggy streets of Victorian London. Along the way they battle a diabolical queen and team up with a haplessly smitten young scientist but never lose sight of what a pirate loves best: adventure!
The Counterfeiters
2007
7.6/10
crime, drama, war
Director: Stefan Ruzowitzky, Actors: Karl Markovics, August Diehl, Devid Striesow, Martin Brambach, August Zirner, Sebas...
Salomon Sorowitsch (Karl Markovics) may be a talented artist at heart, but his desire for wealth has driven him to use his creativity for more nefarious means. Arrested by the police inspector Herzog (Devid Striesow) at the onset of World War II, Sorowitsch is sent to the notorious Mauthausen concentration camp. It's not long before Salomon's thinly veiled opportunism earns him a relatively comfortable position as the camp's resident sketch artist, and five years later he is mysteriously swept away to Sachsenhausen. Upon arriving at the camp, Sorowitsch discovers that Herzog, now a commandant, is attempting to destabilize the economies of the Allies while simultaneously funding the Nazi war machine by assembling a special team of counterfeit artists to create millions in fraudulent pounds and dollars. As the operation gets under way, Sorowitsch finds the efforts of the team continually undermined by unyieldingly idealistic collotype specialist Adolf Burger (August Diehl). In the months that follow, the team wrestles with their consciences as Axis forces are gradually overwhelmed by Allied might.
Michael
1996
5.6/10
comedy, drama, fantasy
Director: Nora Ephron, Actors: John Travolta, Andie MacDowell, William Hurt, Bob Hoskins, Robert Pastorelli, Jean Staple...
John Travolta literally spreads his wings in this tale of a slightly sinful, cookie-scented archangel plopped down in Iowa to rekindle a little human faith. The cocky cherub's mission of healing frequently takes a back seat to his delight in such earthly pleasures as dancing, smoking, and drinking, but ultimately his divine duty wins out.
Taken 3
2014
6.2/10
action, thriller
Director: Olivier Megaton, Actors: Liam Neeson, Forest Whitaker, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Dougray Scott, Sam Spruell...
Liam Neeson returns as ex-government operative Bryan Mills, whose life is shattered when he's falsely accused of a murder that hits close to home. As he's pursued by a savvy police inspector (Forest Whitaker), Mills employs his "particular set of skills" to track the real killer and exact his unique brand of justice.
Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment
1985
5.5/10
comedy, crime
Director: Jerry Paris, Actors: Steve Guttenberg, Bubba Smith, David Graf, Michael Winslow, Bruce Mahler, Marion Ramsey, ...
The crazy "Police Academy" graduates are on the street now, and the not unexpected result is sheer chaos. One of their first assignments is to put a stop to a gang of vicious spray-painters.
Cannibal Holocaust
1980
6.0/10
adventure, horror
Director: Ruggero Deodato, Actors: Ruggero Deodato, Robert Kerman, Carl Gabriel Yorke, Francesca Ciardi, Perry Pirkanen,...
Set in the Amazonian jungles, the film is a pseudo-documentary that follows Professor Harold Moore (Robert Kerman) into the "Green Inferno" as he searches for a documentary crew that came to the jungle the previous year to make a film about the storied cannibals that lived there, and never made it back. Now, Moore meets some natives and discovers the footage from the crew's expedition, and upon returning to New York, he watches it to find out what really happened. The truth is too horrible for words, proving that savagery is not limited to indigenous peoples, and the morally outrageous film proceeds to indict the exploitative practices of certain documentary practices.
MacGruber
2010
5.4/10
action, comedy
Director: Jorma Taccone, Actors: Will Forte, Kristen Wiig, Val Kilmer, Ryan Phillippe, Powers Boothe, Rhys Coiro, Maya R...
Only one American hero has earned the rank of Green Beret, Navy SEAL and Army Ranger. Just one operative has been awarded 16 purple hearts, 3 Congressional Medals of Honor and 7 presidential medals of bravery. And only one guy is man enough to still sport a mullet. In the 10 years since his fiancee was killed, special op MacGruber has sworn off a life of fighting crime with his bare hands. But when he learns that his country needs him to find a nuclear warhead that's been stolen by his sworn enemy, Dieter Von Cunth, MacGruber figures he's the only one tough enough for the job. Assembling an elite team of experts -- Lt. Dixon Piper and Vicki St. Elmo -- MacGruber will navigate an army of assassins to hunt down Cunth and bring him to justice. His methods may be unorthodox. His crime scenes may get messy. But if you want the world saved right, you call in MacGruber.
Miracle
2004
7.5/10
drama, family, history, sport
Director: Gavin O'Connor, Actors: Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, Nathan West, Noah Emmerich, Sean McCann, Kenneth Wels...
An inspiring family drama that combines hockey and history in retelling the story of one of sports' all-time greatest upsets. In 1980, amidst the tense political climate of the Cold War, Herb Brooks (Kurt Russell) took over as coach of the U.S. Olympic hockey team. With the help of affable assistant coach Craig Patrick (Noah Emmerich), Brooks selected a group of twenty amateur hockey players who faced the daunting task of bringing respectability to their country's floundering program. While Brooks was well aware that his team lacked the talent and experience of the team from Russia, he nonetheless devoted his energy to realizing his lifelong dream: to coach a team to Olympic gold.
Swimming Pool
2003
6.8/10
thriller
Director: François Ozon, Actors: Charlotte Rampling, Charles Dance, Ludivine Sagnier, Marc Fayolle, Jean-Marie Lamour...
Charlotte Rampling plays Sarah Morton, a prim and proper British author who has written a successful series of mystery-crime novels. However, when she visits her London publisher (Charles Dance) in a dour mood, wearing a depressive pout, and complains that she's no longer his favorite, he invites her to use his vacation home in the south of France as a tranquil escape to try her hand at writing something different. Once there, Sarah receives an unexpected and highly unwelcome visit from his bold, sexy, confrontational teenage daughter Julie (Ludivine Sagnier). The two are instantly at odds with each other, as Julie drinks, smokes, and slinks around the pool topless. Her loose sexual mores and mysterious late nights infuriate Sarah, whose puritanical unease is only exacerbated in Julie's presence. Wonderful scenes of Sarah writing at her computer, her lips twitching wickedly with twisted inspiration, indicate that the story is about to take a turn for the weird. And that it does, quickly, as booze-clouded activities by the swimming pool become dark and seedy. In this immaculate thriller, Rampling and Sagnier ignite the screen with static tension. Stunted conversations, resentful glances, and strange insights about the personality of each character give the story a tangible electricity. The idyllic vacation home and sun-drenched swimming pool put an ironic spin on the haunting story.
Mortal Kombat 2 - Annihilation
1997
3.6/10
action, adventure, fantasy, sci-fi, thriller
Director: John R. Leonetti, Actors: Robin Shou, Talisa Soto, James Remar, Sandra Hess, Lynn 'Red' Williams, Musetta Vand...
The Outworld villains, refusing to accept the outcome of the tenth Mortal Kombat tournament, try their hand at the direct approach--storming Earth instead, amidst the same synthetic fog, computer morphing, and pounding techno score cues as the first film. Waiting to rebuff them are valiant Earth warriors Liu Kang, the burly Jax, and Sonya Blade, as well as a newly humanized Rayden.
Cedar Rapids
2011
6.3/10
comedy
Director: Miguel Arteta, Actors: Ed Helms, John C. Reilly, Anne Heche, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Stephen Root, Kurtwood Smith,...
A childlike insurance salesman discovers his inner grown-up in this comedy from director Miguel Arteta and producer Alexander Payne. Tim Lippe (Ed Helms) sells insurance for a living. He's passionate about his career, so when the top salesman at the company dies on the eve of a big industry convention in Cedar Rapids, IA, his boss, Bill (Stephen Root), decides that Tim should take the trip to represent their company, and possibly accept a major award. Trouble is, not only has Tim never been on an airplane before, but he's in such a state of arrested development that he's even started sleeping with his former elementary school teacher Mrs. Vanderhei (Sigourney Weaver). Arriving at the convention ready to put his best foot forward, Tim hits it off with his hotel roommate Ron (Isiah Whitlock Jr.), but is soon thrust out of his comfort zone when he learns they will be sharing a room with their amoral, hard-partying colleague Dean (John C. Reilly), whom Tim has been instructed to avoid at all costs. Later, when the three unlikely roommates meet up with fellow insurance slinger Joan (Anne Heche), the chemistry just clicks. However, when the ultra-conservative president of the entire organization (Kurtwood Smith) catches Tim in a compromising position, it all starts to fall apart. Now, if Tim can just shed his illusions and finally see the truth about the people he always looked up to, perhaps he can find the courage to recapture his integrity, and return home and face the future with a newfound sense of self-assurance.
Teeth
2007
5.5/10
comedy, horror, thriller
Director: Mitchell Lichtenstein, Actors: Jess Weixler, John Hensley, Josh Pais, Hale Appleman, Ashley Springer, Lenny vo...
A high-school student struggling to suppress her budding sexuality makes a startling discovery about her womanhood after becoming the victim of sexual violence in director Michael Lichtenstein's semi-surreal exploration of the vagina dentata myth. Dawn (Jess Weixler) is a proud virgin and the most active member of her local chastity group. Though she struggles with every ounce of her willpower to resist the pleasures of the flesh, Dawn finds her noble efforts to remain chaste repeatedly challenged by her disturbed stepbrother, Brad -- whose provocative advances are becoming increasingly difficult to resist. When Dawn is sexually assaulted and discovers that her vagina actually has teeth, she struggles to comprehend her anatomical anomaly while experiencing both the benefits and drawbacks of this strange new revelation.
Hard Target
1993
6.0/10
action, crime, thriller
Director: John Woo, Actors: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Lance Henriksen, Yancy Butler, Arnold Vosloo, Chuck Pfarrer, Kasi Lem...
A young woman searching for her missing and homeless father in a seamy section of New Orleans is saved by a martial arts fighter, sometime merchant seaman, when a gang of thugs try to rob her. She hires the man to help track down the lost parent, and they both end up being the targets for a vicious gang of "human" hunters. Chance Boudreaux, a brawny merchant sailor who has come up on hard times saves doe-eyed Natasha Binder from a gang of thugs and she offers him a proposition; she'll pay him well if he'll help find her missing father in New Orleans. But her father may already have been killed by wealthy thrill-seeking businessmen who have made a sport of hunting forgotten, homeless, veterans, and if Chance and Natasha discover this deadly scheme, they just might, be the next victims.
Flight of the Navigator
1986
6.9/10
adventure, family, sci-fi
Director: Randal Kleiser, Actors: Joey Cramer, Paul Reubens, Veronica Cartwright, Cliff De Young, Sarah Jessica Parker, ...
David Freeman (Joey Cramer), a 12-year-old boy, is mysteriously abducted by an alien ship and returns to Earth eight years later, still only 12. He now possesses great navigational powers that enable him to fly his space ship anywhere he desires. Along with the robotic Commander Max (voiced by Paul Reubens under the name Paul Mall) and Mascot Puckmarin, the boy encounters an adventure of extraterrestrial proportions.
Enemy Mine
1985
6.9/10
action, adventure, drama, sci-fi
Director: Wolfgang Petersen, Actors: Dennis Quaid, Louis Gossett Jr., Brion James, Richard Marcus, Bumper Robinson, Caro...
During a bloody battle, two warring ships crash on a barren planet, with only one survivor from each ship. At first, the human pilot and the lizardlike Drac continue to fight, but the planet's harsh climate and the need to survive force them to ally. Over time, they put old hostilities aside and form a friendship. When the parthenogenetic Drac becomes pregnant, the two draw closer, overcoming their external differences to appreciate each other for who--not what--they are.
The Ward
2010
5.6/10
horror, thriller
Director: John Carpenter, Actors: Amber Heard, Mamie Gummer, Danielle Panabaker, Lyndsy Fonseca, Jared Harris, Sali Sayl...
A young girl named Kristen (Amber Heard) awakens in a psychiatric hospital after setting a farmhouse ablaze, and finds herself stalked by a malevolent ghost in this psychological shocker from celebrated horror director John Carpenter (Halloween). Badly battered and seemingly stricken with amnesia, Kristen forges a fragile friendship with fellow patients Sarah (Danielle Panabaker), Iris (Lyndsy Fonseca), Emily (Mamie Gummer), and Zoey (Laura-Leigh) as her compassionate therapist, Dr. Stringer (Jared Harris), works to uncover the source of her mysterious condition. Later, at night, when the lights in her remote ward go dim, Kristen is confronted by an imposing phantom that seems intent on dragging her screaming into the darkness. Eventually, the other girls in the ward begin to vanish, one by one. Now, the harder Kristen fights to avoid falling prey to her shadowy pursuer, the more convinced she becomes that no patient who's checked in to North Bend Psychiatric Hospital ever comes out alive.
Baby Mama
2008
6.1/10
comedy, romance
Director: Michael McCullers, Actors: Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Sigourney Weaver, Greg Kinnear, Dax Shepard, Romany Malco, M...
Successful and single businesswoman Kate Holbrook has long put her career ahead of a personal life. Now 37, she's finally determined to have a kid on her own. But her plan is thrown a curve ball after she discovers she has only a million-to-one chance of getting pregnant. Undaunted, the driven Kate allows South Philly working girl Angie Ostrowiski to become her unlikely surrogate. Simple enough. After learning from the steely head of their surrogacy center that Angie is pregnant, Kate goes into precision nesting mode: reading childcare books, baby-proofing the apartment and researching top pre-schools. But the executive's well-organized strategy is turned upside down when her Baby Mama shows up at her doorstep with no place to live. An unstoppable force meets an immovable object as structured Kate tries to turn vibrant Angie into the perfect expectant mom. In a battle of wills, they will struggle their way through preparation for the baby's arrival. And in the middle of this tug-of-war, they'll discover two kinds of family: the one you're born to and the one you make.
Kickboxer
1989
6.3/10
action, sport, thriller
Directors: Mark DiSalle, David Worth, Actors: Mark DiSalle, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dennis Alexio, Dennis Chan, Haskell V...
When American kickboxing champ Eric Sloane is crippled in the ring by the dastardly Tong Po, his younger brother Kurt (Jean-Claude Van Damme) vows revenge. But if he is to defeat Po, Kurt must first learn a martial art known as Muay-Thai, so he seeks out the expertise of fight guru Xian Chow. Thanks to Chow's unconventional training methods, Kurt becomes an expert kickboxer. But is he good enough to defeat Tong Po?
Radio
2003
6.9/10
biography, drama, sport
Director: Michael Tollin, Actors: Cuba Gooding Jr., Ed Harris, Debra Winger, Alfre Woodard, S. Epatha Merkerson, Brent S...
Set in South Carolina and spanning almost 40 years time beginning in the 1960s, RADIO is the moving story of the friendship between a mentally disabled man (played by Cuba Gooding Jr. in adulthood) and the high school football coach (Ed Harris) who gives him guidance, hope, and confidence. Growing up in the all-American small town of Anderson, South Carolina, "Radio" is a social outcast who lives a lonely, childish existence. He's obsessed with his transistor radio and wanders the streets with a shopping cart full of collected junk. Because of his mental disability, Radio is misunderstood by the local townspeople and is often the victim of mean-spirited pranks. After the local high school football team plays a particularly cruel prank on the naive young man, the team coach decides to mentor Radio. Coach Jones staunchly supports Radio and their bond becomes unbreakable. A devoted football fan, Radio blossoms under the unwavering encouragement of the Coach and becomes the team's unofficial mascot and cheerleader. Ultimately the town is united by Radio's innocence and basic human goodness in this warmhearted drama inspired by a true story.
Superman 4: The Quest for Peace
1987
3.6/10
action, adventure, family, fantasy, sci-fi
Director: Sidney J. Furie, Actors: Christopher Reeve, Gene Hackman, Margot Kidder, Jackie Cooper, Marc McClure, Mariel H...
Superman has recognized at last the greatest threat to humanity, and he is out to rid the world of nuclear weapons. But Lex Luthor, now a nuclear arms entrepreneur, creates Nuclear Man--a solar-powered Kryptonia Android and genetic clone whose powers equal (and potentially surpass) those of Superman--to rid the world of the Man of Steel.
Ginger Snaps
2000
6.8/10
drama, horror
Director: John Fawcett, Actors: Emily Perkins, Katharine Isabelle, Kris Lemche, Mimi Rogers, Danielle Hampton, Jesse Mos...
Brigitte (Emily Perkins) and Ginger (Katharine Isabelle) are unusual sisters. For a school project they take pictures of each other in various suicide poses that look frighteningly realistic. No other students will talk to them. Ginger is almost sixteen, Brigitte a year younger, but they are in the same classes, and neither of them has gotten her period yet. They do virtually everything together--in fact, their motto is "Together Forever"--until one night Ginger gets attacked by the Beast of Bailey Downs, which previously had been killing and eviscerating dogs. And Ginger then begins to change.... John Fawcett's debut feature film is everything a good horror film should be--creepy, weird, oddly funny, sexy, and very bloody, with its conclusion taking place on Halloween night. Michael Shields's moody score lofts above every scene like dark shadows about to envelop the characters. Perkins and Isabelle are outstanding as the two morbid Fitzgerald sisters with a taste for death.
Planes
2013
5.7/10
animation, adventure, comedy, family
Director: Klay Hall, Actors: Klay Hall, Carlos Alazraqui, Dane Cook, Stacy Keach, Brad Garrett, Teri Hatcher, Julia Loui...
Family Guy Presents Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story
2005
7.7/10
direct-to-video, animation, adventure, comedy
Directors: Pete Michels, Peter Shin, Actors: Seth MacFarlane, Alex Borstein, Seth Green, Drew Barrymore, Ron Livingston,...
This feature-length story from the cult-hit animated series The Family Guy follows the pint-sized evil genius Stewie as he searches his true family. Along the way, the diaper-clad mental giant encounters a series of adventures and discovers much about his family heritage.
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog
2008-2008
8.8/10
comedy, musical, sci-fi
Director: Joss Whedon, Actors: Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Fillion, Felicia Day, Simon Helberg, Nick Towne, Jed Whedon, ...
An aspiring supervillain discovers that taking over the world is no easy task while attempting to get accepted into the Evil League of Evil and summoning the courage to finally make conversation with his laundromat crush. Better known to the world as "Dr. Horrible," Billy (Neil Patrick Harris) has big plans for world domination, though they never seem to pan out. If Billy could just accomplish his duel goals of gaining entry into the most exclusive supervillain club in the world and finally break the ice with pretty Penny (Felicia Day), perhaps people would start taking him seriously as a diabolical mad genius. The only thing preventing Billy from realizing his one true destiny as a destroyer of worlds is his arch nemesis Captain Hammer (Nathan Fillion), an irritating do-gooder who thwarts him at every turn, and seems to have an eye on Penny as well. But Billy's got a plan, and if it all goes right he'll soon be sitting pretty in the E.L.E. with Penny by his side, and rid of pesky Captain Hammer once and for all.
The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep
2007
6.5/10
adventure, family, fantasy
Director: Jay Russell, Actors: Emily Watson, David Morrissey, Alex Etel, Ben Chaplin, Bruce Allpress, Geraldine Brophy, ...
Set in Scotland during World War II, the movie focuses on Angus (Alex Etel), a young boy who discovers an unusual egg at Loch Ness. When the egg hatches to reveal a dinosaur-like creature, Angus finds that he has a unique pet--a mythical "water horse," which he names Crusoe. Complicating matters are Crusoe's fast growth rate and soldiers stationed near the lake, factors that make it very tricky to keep the friendly beastie a secret.
Basic Instinct 2
2006
4.2/10
crime, mystery, thriller
Director: Michael Caton-Jones, Actors: Sharon Stone, David Morrissey, David Thewlis, Hugh Dancy, Charlotte Rampling, Sta...
In BASIC INSTINCT 2, a sequel to the 1992 original, Sharon Stone resumes the role that first made her famous. Beautiful American author Catherine Tramell (Stone) is living in London when she is involved in a sexually charged car accident leading to the scandalous death of a famous British athlete. Raunchy and irreverent, Tramell likes to shock people with both her words and her actions. Dr. Michael Glass (David Morrissey), who is evaluating her for trial at the request of Det. Superintendent Roy Washburn (David Thewlis), is no exception. Just coming out of a divorce and facing the resurrection of an old situation that could ruin his career, Glass is slowly but surely sucked into Tramell’s web when he takes her on as a private therapy client. Day by day Glass realizes that she has infiltrated more of his personal relationships, which also leads him to question why so many people in his circle are suffering questionable fates.
Happy Feet 2
2011
5.9/10
animation, comedy, family, musical
Directors: George Miller, Gary Eck, David Peers, Actors: Gary Eck, Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Pink, Carlos Alazraqui, ...
The eagerly anticipated sequel to the Oscar-winning hit Happy Feet Two finds tap-dancing penguin Mumble (voice of Elijah Wood) and his pals using their smooth moves to save the penguin nation. Mumble and Gloria (voice of Pink) have started a family of their own, and their young son, Erik, is just finding his footing among his fellow emperor penguins when a dire new threat thrusts their future into jeopardy. Just when it begins to look as if all hope is lost, the penguin nation bands together to dance the darkness away.
Police Academy 3: Back in Training
1986
5.1/10
comedy, crime
Director: Jerry Paris, Actors: Jerry Paris, Steve Guttenberg, Bubba Smith, David Graf, Michael Winslow, Marion Ramsey, L...
In this second POLICE ACADEMY sequel, the bungling officers' academy is threatened by a state budget crunch, and if more horrible policemen are to graduate from it in the future, then they must find some way to save it.
Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol
1987
4.7/10
comedy, crime
Director: Jim Drake, Actors: Steve Guttenberg, Bubba Smith, Michael Winslow, David Graf, Tim Kazurinsky, Sharon Stone, L...
Where the cockeyed cops left off in the first three films, the motley misfits have taken over as the C.O.P. - Citizens on Patrol.
Evita
1996
6.3/10
biography, drama, history, musical, thriller
Director: Alan Parker, Actors: Alan Parker, Madonna, Jonathan Pryce, Antonio Banderas, Jimmy Nail, Victoria Sus, Julian ...
American Pie 7: The Book of Love
2009
4.7/10
direct-to-video, comedy
Director: John Putch, Actors: Bug Hall, Kevin M. Horton, Brandon Hardesty, Eugene Levy, Beth Behrs, Jennifer Holland, Ci...
Ten years after the first American Pie movie, three new hapless virgins discover the Bible hidden in the school library at East Great Falls High. Unfortunately for them, the book is ruined, and with incomplete advice, the Bible leads them on a hilarious journey to lose their virginity.
Bulletproof
1996
5.8/10
action, comedy, crime
Director: Ernest R. Dickerson, Actors: Damon Wayans, Adam Sandler, James Caan, Kristen Wilson, James Farentino, Allen Co...
Archie and Jack become friends while working for drug kingpin Frank Colton. However, Jack is an undercover cop, preparing a sting against Colton. The bust fails, and a betrayed Archie and Colton flee. Months later, Archie decides to turn himself in. Strangely enough, he wants to be escorted cross-country by his ex-friend Jack, who reluctantly agrees. But during their trek, the bickering pair find themselves targeted by assassins -- courtesy of a vengeful Frank Colton.
Red Sonja
1985
4.9/10
action, adventure, fantasy
Director: Richard Fleischer, Actors: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Brigitte Nielsen, Sandahl Bergman, Ernie Reyes Jr., Ronald L...
RED SONJA is a semisequel to CONAN THE BARBARIAN and CONAN THE DESTROYER. Like those two movies, the film is directed by Richard Fleischer and based on characters created by sword-and-sorcery writer Robert E. Howard. After suffering at the hands of Queen Gedren (Sandahl Bergman), warrior Red Sonja (Brigitte Nielsen) seeks vengeance. When the queen seizes a talisman that yields immense power, Sonja sets out to thwart her. On her journey, Sonja is aided by the mysterious Kalidor (Arnold Schwarzenegger), and meets the 12-year-old Prince Tarn (Eddie Reyes, Jr.) and his bodyguard, Falkon (Paul Smith). After many trials, the quartet arrives in the Land of Perpetual Night where they confront Queen Gedren in her stronghold. Less violent than CONAN THE BARBARIAN, RED SONJA is more brutal than CONAN THE DESTROYER. The film features a contest between Kalidor and Red Sonja--she has vowed never to give herself to a man unless he defeats her in a fair fight. Comic relief is provided by the young Prince Tarn as he tires of watching their extended battle with very big swords. Fleischer (THE VIKINGS, THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER) is an old hand at directing flamboyant swordplay, and he keeps the action moving to the film's explosive finale.
Red Tails
2012
5.9/10
action, adventure, drama, history, war
Director: Anthony Hemingway, Actors: Cuba Gooding Jr., Gerald McRaney, David Oyelowo, Terrence Howard, Nate Parker, Tris...
Aerial spectacle gives this World War II drama a lift. Based on the true adventures of the Tuskegee Airmen, who battled Nazis in the air and racism on the ground, RED TAILS is built around four pilots, each with a character-type-appropriate nickname: the daredevil is named Lightning (David Oyelowo), the likable boozer is Easy (Nate Parker), the kid trying to prove himself is Junior (Tristan Wilds), and the joker is called, uhm, Joker (Elijah Kelley). While these four chafe at their lousy assignments at the front, Colonel Bullard (Terrence Howard, applying his steely rasp to fervent, inspirational speeches) fights back in Washington to give these men a chance to prove themselves… and when they get that chance, prove themselves they do. This is a crucial bit of history--racial integration in the military was a key step leading to the civil rights movement decades later. Regrettably, this powerful material has been reduced to ham-fisted clichés, groaning under the weight of clumsy exposition. Such flimsy hokum is particularly surprising coming from co-screenwriter Aaron McGruder, creator of the sharply satirical THE BOONDOCKS; one suspects that the heavy hand of producer George Lucas was a factor. Nonetheless, when RED TAILS takes to the air, the movie--like the pilots--shows its mettle. Though the digital effects are inexplicably uneven, the dizzying dogfight choreography will make your nerves tingle.
The Roommate
2011
4.8/10
drama, horror, thriller
Director: Christian E. Christiansen, Actors: Minka Kelly, Leighton Meester, Cam Gigandet, Aly Michalka, Danneel Ackles [...
Almost without exception, critics have cited Barbet Schroeder's SINGLE WHITE FEMALE from 1992 as a fondly remembered guilty pleasure and blatantly obvious model for this nearly pleasure-free thriller about a psycho college girl who develops a murderous obsession with her new roommate. So as not to be a glaring exception and to find some reason to talk about THE ROOMMATE at all, here's another plug for SWF, a much more interesting piece of creepy camp entertainment in practically every way. Updated for the GOSSIP GIRL generation, THE ROOMMATE follows a wholly predictable arc that's primarily a showcase for trashy fashion, vapid acting, and an advertisement for the age of entitlement-based teenage immorality. THE ROOMMATE unfolds at the fictional Los Angeles University, where dorms rival four-star hotels and major areas of study are sexy clothes, high-priced hairstyles, and all-around hotness. The story sets up incoming freshman Sara (Minka Kelly) as the good-girl object of demented psychological desire for roomie Rebecca (Leighton Meester) with sledgehammer conceptual blows that end with actual girl-on-girl fisticuffs. Also in the mix are Sara's crinkly-eyed new boyfriend (Cam Gigandet) and lesbian fashionista friend (Danneel Harris), both of whom spark ever more enervating bouts of emotional nuttiness in Rebecca as she progresses to certified wacko who only has eyes for Sara. The fact that a mere workaday case of bipolar disorder is at the root of Rebecca's bad behavior should be cause for outrage among mental health advocates: if only she'd stayed on her Zyprexa! But the entire enterprise is such an exercise in lameness that strong feelings of any kind are difficult to muster. Credibility and compassion are hardly the point in this brand of lazy hit-and-run drama anyway. The reality portrayed is strictly about maintaining beauty and positive emotions from actors pretending to be 18, but who are all pushing 30. A tiny bright spot is Billy Zane who gives a wonderfully dizzy turn as a faux-hip professor of fashion design with a wardrobe that makes a crazier statement about untreated psychosis than Rebecca's bizarre behavior ever could.
Nim's Island
2008
6.0/10
adventure, comedy, family, fantasy
Directors: Jennifer Flackett, Mark Levin, Actors: Jodie Foster, Gerard Butler, Abigail Breslin, Michael Carman, Anthony ...
A young girl living on a tropical island with her scientist father is left to fend for herself after her dad's boat leaves him stranded far away and careless tour companies wreak havoc on the secluded paradise in directors Mark Levin and Jennifer Flackett's adaptation of the popular children's book by author Wendy Orr. Realizing that she will need adult assistance if she truly hopes to save her home, the resourceful youngster soon begins exchanging e-mails with the author of a book she has been reading.
Drop Dead Gorgeous
1999
6.5/10
comedy
Director: Michael Patrick Jann, Actors: Kirsten Dunst, Denise Richards, Ellen Barkin, Allison Janney, Kirstie Alley, Sam...
There can be only one Miss Teen Princess and an overbearing mother will stop at nothing to make sure her daughter wins a beauty contest. A twisted comedy set in a small Minnesota town loaded with some very unladylike behavior. Watch out for the affected Midwestern accents!
The Last Starfighter
1984
6.7/10
action, adventure, sci-fi
Director: Nick Castle, Actors: Lance Guest, Robert Preston, Kay E. Kuter, Dan O'Herlihy, Dan Mason, Barbara Bosson, Norm...
Teenager Alex Rogan lives and works in the trailer-park that his mother owns. His life consists of contemplating his rather bleak future, and waiting for word on his college loan application to arrive. One night all this changes forever. Alex possesses an extraordinary skill at video games, and when this skill attracts a space-travelling recruiter looking for pilots to protect the galaxy from outside forces, he suddenly finds himself on another planet in the middle of an inter-galactic war. It seems that his game-playing abilities are an invaluable military asset to the embattled "Star League of Planets."
The Lawnmower Man
1992
5.3/10
horror, sci-fi
Director: Brett Leonard, Actors: Jeff Fahey, Pierce Brosnan, Jenny Wright, Geoffrey Lewis, Mark Bringelson, Dean Norris,...
A reasonably benevolent scientist decides to test his virtual reality computer program on a mentally-retarded young gardener who has often been brutally taunted, teased and exploited. The experiment, which sends nearly-real computer generated impulses to the man's brain, results in the gardener growing ever more intelligent. As his perceptive ability crosses into the extra-sensory, he seeks revenge on those who used to humiliate and hurt him.
Alvin and the Chipmunks 2: The Squeakquel
2009
4.4/10
animation, comedy, family, fantasy, music
Director: Betty Thomas, Actors: Jason Lee, Zachary Levi, David Cross, Justin Long, Jesse McCartney, Amy Poehler, Wendie ...
The lovable singing-and-dancing trio of famous marmots continues their big-screen hijinks with this follow-up to the 20th Century Fox smash-hit live-action/CG family comedy, this time incorporating a female version of the group entitled the Chipettes.
Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers
1988
5.9/10
horror, thriller
Director: Dwight H. Little, Actors: Donald Pleasence, Ellie Cornell, Danielle Harris, George P. Wilbur, Michael Pataki, ...
This fourth installment of the series takes place ten years after the original and finds the man in the William Shatner mask in a coma and being transferred from Richmond Mental Institute to Smith's Grove. However, the van gets into a horrible accident, skidding off the road and exploding. Predictably, Myers' body is nowhere to be found in the wreckage, alarming both the skeptical police and the indefatigable Dr. Loomis (Donald Pleasence). Soon, Myers is spotted back in Haddonfield, and it becomes obvious that his next target is his young niece, Jamie (Danielle Harris). His return has whipped the town into a frenzied mob, which proves to be unfortunate for the Halloween revelers who have chosen the popular "Michael Myers" mask as their costume. Often considered the best of the sequels, THE RETURN OF MICHAEL MYERS is a return to form for the series after the debacle of HALLOWEEN 3.
Wrong Turn 2: Dead End
2007
5.5/10
direct-to-video, horror
Director: Joe Lynch, Actors: Joe Lynch, Erica Leerhsen, Henry Rollins, Texas Battle, Aleksa Palladino, Daniella Alonso, ...
WRONG TURN 2 takes similar backwoods horror flicks like TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE and THE HILLS HAVE EYES as its inspiration, providing visceral thrills aplenty, and the requisite amount of dumb teenage characters. The sequel focuses on the inbred mother and father characters who are parents to the villains of the first film. In this installment, the creepy duo plague the contestants of a SURVIVOR-like reality series when they get lost in the dreaded backwoods.
Halloween 3: Season of the Witch
1982
4.4/10
horror, sci-fi
Director: Tommy Lee Wallace, Actors: Tommy Lee Wallace, Tom Atkins, Stacey Nelkin, Dan O'Herlihy, Ralph Strait, Michael ...
After the mysterious death of a toyshop owner, a doctor (Tom Atkins) and the man's daughter (Stacy Nelkin) investigate the Irish-dominated Northern California community of Santa Mira, a company town owned by the Silver Shamrock Novelty corporation. Atkins and Nelkin are typical low-rent horror movie protagonists, dim bulbs who discover an INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS-style conspiracy involving sharp-suited corporate robots. But guest star Dan O'Herlihy steals the film as a Celtic joke tycoon who hates the way American kids are despoiling the religious spirit of Samhain and decides to teach them a nasty lesson. His scheme, which involves a stolen Stonehenge megalith and a techno-magic spell that turns the heads of TV watchers into writhing masses of snakes and insects, is value for money, and O'Herlihy mixes enough serious malice into the charm to come across as a great screen bad guy.
Jaws 3
1983
3.5/10
horror
Director: Joe Alves, Actors: Dennis Quaid, Bess Armstrong, Simon MacCorkindale, Louis Gossett Jr., John Putch, Lea Thomp...
The third film in the successful JAWS franchise follows yet another great white shark with a taste for humans, this time invading the opening ceremonies of a marine park in Florida. The brand new complex offers visitors the chance to view the undersea kingdom from the safety of glass tunnels on the seabed. When a 35-foot great white breaks into the structure--seemingly in revenge for the death of its progeny--a group of marine biologists must do battle with the mighty mother beast.
Pathology
2008
6.0/10
crime, horror, thriller
Director: Marc Schölermann, Actors: Alyssa Milano, Milo Ventimiglia, Keir O'Donnell, Michael Weston, Lauren Lee Smith...
The grisly and debauched film PATHOLOGY is a juiced-up medical thriller that plays like FLATLINERS with a mean streak and a broken moral compass. Writers Mark Nelvedine and Brian Taylor have created a premise allowing for CSI-like forensics along with heaps of sex and violence, truly making the most of the film's R-rating. A high-end exploitation film with good performances, PATHOLOGY is strong enough for horror fans and should go down smoothly for non-squeamish viewers with a taste for the dark side. Gifted med student Ted Grey (Milo Ventimiglia, HEROES) arrives at a major Washington, D.C., as an intern, where he is met with suspicion and resentment by the tightly knit group of fellow young pathologists-in-training. Soon, though, Ted is accepted into their circle---where they each take turns committing a murder so that the others may prove their mettle by figuring out the cause of death and celebrate with drug-fueled orgies among the dead bodies in the hospital. Things change for Ted, though, when his law student fiancée, Gwen (Alyssa Milano), moves to the city and helps to scare him straight. Soon, crazed Wallace Stevens-quoting leader Jake Gallo (Michael Weston) turns on Ted, putting both Ted's and Gwen's lives in serious jeopardy. The film opens with the Hippocratic Oath, and it's easy to tell that PATHOLOGY is going to show us doctors behaving badly, and the film is in fact almost gleefully immoral, with an attractive young cast that engages in almost any kind of forbidden behavior one can imagine. Showing that he isn't afraid to take on risky roles, Ventimiglia may surprise his young fans. Director Marc Schoelermann's taste for realism extends to several convincing corpses dissected in close-up, and could prove too much for some viewers, but for others this is the kind of film for which unrated releases were invented.
Double Impact
1991
5.4/10
action, crime, drama, thriller
Director: Sheldon Lettich, Actors: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Geoffrey Lewis, Alonna Shaw, Alan Scarfe, Philip Chan, Andy Ar...
After nefarious developer Nigel Griffith murders their parents, identical twins Chad and Alex are separated as infants. When they finally meet again, the adult siblings find they are as different as night and day. Chad has become a generally nice guy, while Alex sports leather duds, slicks his hair back, and chomps on cigars. But the brothers soon find they have two important things in common: martial arts, and a desire to avenge their parents' death. The city of Hong Kong then becomes a battleground, with the brothers delivering twice the kicks, twice the punches, and twice the "Damme-age", as they combat Griffith and his henchmen. But will the twins end up fighting each other, for the affections of Alex's girlfriend?
AntiTrust
2001
6.1/10
crime, drama, thriller
Director: Peter Howitt, Actors: Peter Howitt, Ryan Phillippe, Tim Robbins, Rachael Leigh Cook, Claire Forlani, Douglas M...
Stanford grad Milo Hoffman (Ryan Phillippe) and his equally talented friend, Teddy (Yee Jee Tso), intend to form an Internet start-up and take the world by storm. That all changes when Milo is courted by deceptively friendly software magnate Gary Winston (Tim Robbins), the immensely wealthy head of world-dominating, Portland-based company, NURV. Milo takes the bait, leaving Teddy behind. Arriving in Portland to a NURV-provided house and car, with his girlfriend (Claire Forlani) in tow, Milo finds himself working on Winston's masterplan--software that will link the world's communications devices together. But it's not long before Milo begins to uncover disturbing evidence of Winston's unethical--and brutal--business tactics. When Winston's web of violence touches Milo's world, he joins forces with fellow NURV programmer, Lisa (Rachael Leigh Cook), and sets out to tell the world of Winston's reprehensible practices. Though obviously influenced by the practices of a certain Pacific Northwest-based software empire and its recognizable leader, Howard Franklin's (THE NAME OF THE ROSE) script is a snappy popcorn-muncher that manages to generate suspense even though it realizes its own excesses. Robbins, as evil geek Gary Winston, is obviously having a good time. ANTITRUST takes the conventions of the conspiracy film and adds a candy-colored millennial sheen.
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1
2012
8.0/10
direct-to-video, animation, action
Director: Jay Oliva, Actors: Peter Weller, Ariel Winter, David Selby, Michael Emerson, Michael McKean, Wade Williams, Ca...
Batman has not been seen for ten years. A new breed of criminal ravages Gotham City, forcing 55-year-old Bruce Wayne back into the cape and cowl. But, does he still have what it takes to fight crime in a new era?
Tomorrow, When the War Began
2010
6.2/10
action, adventure, drama, war
Director: Stuart Beattie, Actors: Caitlin Stasey, Rachel Hurd-Wood, Lincoln Lewis, Deniz Akdeniz, Phoebe Tonkin, Chris P...
A young girl, Ellie Linton, is part of a small band of teenagers waging a guerrilla war on invading enemy soldiers in Australia.
P2
2007
5.9/10
horror, thriller
Director: Franck Khalfoun, Actors: Franck Khalfoun, Rachel Nichols, Wes Bentley, Simon Reynolds, Stephanie Moore, Grace ...
Most people who have been alone in a parking garage have probably felt vulnerable to an attacker amidst the silence of the cold concrete walls, but what would you do if your assailant were the attendant? That's the question posed by P2, which fits into that sub-genre of thrillers that unfold in one primary location (think Mario Bava's KIDNAPPED, PHONE BOOTH, or WIND CHILL). The script, co-written by Alexandre Aja (THE HILLS HAVE EYES, HIGH TENSION), Franck Khalfoun, and Gregory Levasseur, offers a basic cat-and-mouse tale with a couple of jolts of bone-rattling gore. It's Christmas Eve, and young New York executive Angela (Rachel Nichols) is the last to leave her office before heading to New Jersey for a holiday with the family. Already late, she is dismayed to find that her car won't start. The handsome, seemingly helpful garage attendant, Thomas (Wes Bentley), checks out the car for her, but to no avail. The next thing she knows, Angela wakes up in the garage office in a dress, chained to a chair, with a Christmas dinner laid out before her. Thomas has been watching her for a long time, and with everyone else gone for Christmas, he finally has her alone. Angela will have to fight with everything she has to make it through to Christmas morning. Under the first-time direction of co-screenwriter Khalfoun, P2 is a solid thriller that delivers ample action, despite being an amped-up two-person stage play. Nichols is an appealing heroine in a physically demanding role, while Bentley's wacko Thomas never veers into cartoonishness. This isn't one for the SAW crowd, though the two brief moments of splatter are certainly of that gross-out caliber. Vintage Christmas songs are also used to strong effect.
The Island of Dr. Moreau
1996
4.4/10
horror, sci-fi, thriller
Directors: John Frankenheimer, Richard Stanley, Actors: Richard Stanley, David Thewlis, Marlon Brando, Val Kilmer, Fairu...
Marlon Brando stars as the scientist in the third adaptation of the H.G. Wells classic. The archetypal mad scientist, the good doctor has been conducting a number of experiments in his remote island kingdom, producing a race of genetic mutants both man and beast in his quest to produce a superior creature. The mutants treat Moreau as a virtual god, carrying out his orders with blind obedience. To deal with the few rebels, the scientist has embedded electrodes under their skin through which he can induce a degree of pain sufficient for his purpose. A plane crash-lands on the island, and the only survivor, U.N. negotiator Edward Douglas (David Thewlis), is taken to Moreau's compound by the doctor's demented assistant, Montgomery (Val Kilmer), where he's soon imprisoned. Shocked by Moreau's experiments, Douglas desperately seeks escape but is badly outnumbered by the army of mutants. At length, the creatures discover how to remove the controlling devices from their bodies and attempt a rebellion, but it soon becomes clear that their collective intelligence was not increased by their physical transformation. This film became an instant camp classic, the result of a troubled production on which John Frankenheimer replaced the original director after only a day of shooting. The fine camerawork of veteran William Fraker stands out above all else.
Paranoid Park
2007
6.7/10
crime, drama, mystery
Director: Gus Van Sant, Actors: Gus Van Sant, Gabe Nevins, Daniel Liu, Taylor Momsen, Jake Miller, Scott Patrick Green, ...
While Gus Van Sant's PARANOID PARK is in keeping with the atmospheric work of the films in his previous "death trilogy" (GERRY, ELEPHANT, LAST DAYS), this time around he's working from a more conventional narrative to capture the awkwardness and pressures of adolescence. The result is a work of breathtakingly personal cinema--intimate, beautiful, and moving. Based on the novel by Blake Nelson, PARANOID PARK tells the troubled story of Alex (Gabe Nevins), a Portland high school student who loves to skateboard. But after accidentally causing the death of a security guard, Alex must come to terms with the guilty feelings that are threatening to overwhelm him. Unable to tell anyone what has happened, including his best friend, Jared (Jake Miller) and his nagging girlfriend, Jennifer (Tayler Momsen), he keeps it all inside at the risk of imploding with guilt. Van Sant is an impressionistic and deeply sensitive director. His decision to work with acclaimed cinematographer Christopher Doyle (FALLEN ANGELS, IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE) pays off immeasurably, as Doyle combines naturalistic full-frame 35mm with grainy super-8 to create a lush, moody atmosphere. As usual, Van Sant's sonic tastes are impeccable. He once again employs the music of Elliott Smith to great effect, contrasting Smith's heartbreaking songs with slow-motion imagery, further establishing a sense of confusion and loss. The cast, all recruited from the social networking website MySpace, are more than serviceable, yet it is Nevins who steals the show. His Alex is a likeable figure to whom the audience can relate, further personalizing an already intimate tale. PARANOID PARK is a gorgeous, unforgettable tone poem that captures the myriad complexities of teenage life.
Halloween: Résurrection
2002
4.1/10
horror, thriller
Director: Rick Rosenthal, Actors: Rick Rosenthal, Jamie Lee Curtis, Busta Rhymes, Brad Loree, Bianca Kajlich, Sean Patri...
You thought Michael Myers was decapitated at the end of HALLOWEEN: H20? Think again. The latest installment in the popular horror franchise, HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION, uses a clever premise to give the legendary murderer yet another opportunity to wreak havoc on a cast of innocent characters. Back in Haddonfield, Illinois, Freddie Harris (Busta Rhymes), upstart entrepreneur of Dangertainment.com, recruits six lucky college students to partake in a potentially dangerous game. Wearing miniature video cameras, the participants must spend Halloween night inside the decrepit home of Michael Myers, to the delight of Internet viewers all over the country. While most of the kids are in it for fun, fame, and fortune, Sara Moyer (Bianca Kajlich) is a glaring exception. Innocent, shy, and nervous, Sara grudgingly joins her friends Jen (Katee Sackhoff) and Rudy (Sean Patrick Thomas), against her better judgment. As darkness sets in and the bodies begin to pile, it's up to Sara--aided by an Internet pen pal--to put an end to Michael once and for all (or so she thinks!). Director Rick Rosenthal (HALLOWEEN 2) and screenwriters Larry Brand and Sean Hood incorporate technology into the story, using a grainy visual approach to add another layer of creepiness to the proceedings.
Sudden Death
1995
5.6/10
action, crime, drama, thriller
Director: Peter Hyams, Actors: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Powers Boothe, Raymond J. Barry, Whittni Wright, Ross Malinger, Do...
In this action-packed thriller, a ruthless gang of criminals holds the Vice-President of the United States hostage at a Stanley Cup finals ice hockey game in Pittsburgh's Civic Arena. The demented leader of the group threatens to blow up the building unless the government hands over $1.7 billion. However, the villains aren't prepared for Darren McCord, a tough fire marshal skilled in martial arts. McCord, who happens to be attending the game with his two children, struggles desperately to disconnect the ten bombs set to explode in the arena -- and rescue his own daughter, who the creeps have taken hostage. Can he complete the mission before time runs out?
Love Happens
2009
5.6/10
drama, romance
Director: Brandon Camp, Actors: Jennifer Aniston, Aaron Eckhart, Dan Fogler, John Carroll Lynch, Martin Sheen, Judy Gree...
Heartbreak and past pain threaten the budding romance of a florist and a therapist in this romantic drama starring Aaron Eckhart and Jennifer Aniston. Dr. Burke Ryan (Eckhart, THE DARK KNIGHT) makes his living telling people how to live their lives in the present, but the death of his wife three years ago still haunts him. Meanwhile, Eloise Chandler (Aniston, MARLEY AND ME) struggles with the pain of failed relationships and has decided to give up on love. But a chance meeting between the two begins a romance that neither of them can fight.
Universal Soldier 4: The Return
1999
4.0/10
action, sci-fi
Director: Mic Rodgers, Actors: Mic Rodgers, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Bill Goldberg, Heidi Schanz, Michael Jai White, Xande...
Luc Deveraux (Van Damme) is back! Having retired from his career as a Universal Soldier, he now serves as a technical advisor on a top-secret government project to design a stronger, smarter, generally more universal breed of cyborg soldier. However, SETH -- the supercomputer that controls the soldiers -- taking a cue from HAL, the discontent supercomputer from 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, has an agenda of its own, which includes destroying its creators and implementing a reign of terror on humankind. Can the now peaceful Deveraux revert to his old ways and save the human race?
The Last Days on Mars
2013
5.5/10
horror, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Ruairi Robinson, Actors: Liev Schreiber, Elias Koteas, Romola Garai, Olivia Williams, Johnny Harris, Goran Kos...
A secret mission on the surface of Mars leads to a cosmic struggle between a dwindling team of space explorers and an unknown life form. The crew of the Tantalus Base is wrapping up the first manned mission to Mars when one astronaut discovers fossilized evidence of bacterial life. Determined to get credit for the historic find, the astronaut defiantly ventures out to collect more samples despite strict orders to remain on the ship. When the ground seems to swallow him whole, the remaining crew launch a rescue mission that leads to yet another mysterious disappearance. Meanwhile, with the relief ship Aurora drawing near, it begins to appear as if the life form discovered by the Tantalus Base crew is far from dead, and should it somehow find its way back to planet Earth, humankind's days could be numbered.
Touching the Void
2003
8.1/10
documentary, adventure, drama, sport
Director: Kevin Macdonald, Actors: Simon Yates, Joe Simpson, Brendan Mackey, Nicholas Aaron, Richard Hawking, Ollie Ryal...
Bringing to life Joe Simpson's book of the same name, TOUCHING THE VOID details the near-death experience he endured during a 1985 attempt to climb the only mountain in the Peruvian Andes that had not been scaled--the 21,000-foot Siula Grande. With his partner Simon Yates, Simpson successfully reached the peak after a three-day climb. During the descent, however, he fell and shattered several bones in his right leg. Yates attempted to lower Simpson down the mountain 300 feet at a time, but the process was slow and painful for both men. With no food or water, they would both surely die--which left Yates with a painful choice to make--cutting Simpson loose, thus ensuring at least his own survival. This was only the beginning of Simpson's mind-boggling odyssey. Director Kevin McDonald (ONE DAY IN SEPTEMBER) tells this compelling story by combining talking-head interviews with Simpson and Yates and stunningly photographed narrative footage--in which Simpson and Yates' ordeal is actually reenacted on Siula Grande. McDonald's reenactment footage is both engrossing and eye-popping and it could easily stand alone as its own one-of-a-kind adventure film. The interviews, however, add depth that make this a unique, thrilling, and emotional piece of cinema.
The Smurfs 2
2013
5.4/10
animation, adventure, comedy, family, fantasy
Director: Raja Gosnell, Actors: Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays, Katy Perry, Hank Azaria, Brendan Gleeson, Christina Ric...
The evil wizard Gargamel creates a couple of mischievous Smurf-like creatures called the Naughties that he hopes will let him harness the all-powerful, magical Smurf-essence. But when he discovers that only a real Smurf can give him what he wants - and only a secret spell that Smurfette knows can turn the Naughties into real Smurfs - Gargamel kidnaps Smurfette and brings her to Paris, where he has been winning the adoration of millions as the world's greatest sorcerer. It's up to Papa, Clumsy, Grouchy and Vanity to return to our world, reunite with their human friends Patrick and Grace Winslow, and rescue her! Will Smurfette, who has always felt different from the other Smurfs, find a new connection with the Naughties Vexy and Hackus - or will the Smurfs convince her that their love for her is True Blue?
Double Team
1997
4.6/10
action, comedy, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Hark Tsui, Actors: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dennis Rodman, Mickey Rourke, Paul Freeman, Natacha Lindinger, Valer...
A counterterrorist agent on that "one last mission" joins up with a flamboyant, rainbow-haired arms dealer in pursuit of a sleazy terrorist. This situation creates a narrative space enclosing gleefully excessive plot excesses (the arrival of an underground order of militaristic monks) and plenty of basketball-related jokes (a free-throw with a human skull). All of this set to a quick-match pace by Hong Action epic actionmaster Hark.
Ken Park
2002
5.9/10
drama
Directors: Larry Clark, Edward Lachman, Actors: Larry Clark, Adam Chubbuck, James Bullard, Seth Gray, Maeve Quinlan, Tif...
Police Academy 7: Mission to Moscow
1994
3.1/10
comedy, crime
Director: Alan Metter, Actors: G.W. Bailey, George Gaynes, Michael Winslow, David Graf, Leslie Easterbrook, Christopher ...
The inept Police Academy grads are sent on a top-secret mission to undermine a nefarious Moscow Mafia plot. Filmed on location in the former Soviet Union.
An American Crime
2007
7.4/10
biography, crime, drama
Director: Tommy O'Haver, Actors: Ellen Page, Hayley McFarland, Nick Searcy, Catherine Keener, Ari Graynor, Romy Rosemont...
Catherine Keener stars in this disturbing story based on actual events from 1965. When the daughter (JUNO's Ellen Page) of two carnival acts is left under the care of Gertrude Baniszewski (Keener), she becomes the unfortunate victim of the single mother's tortured and abusive mind.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3
1993
4.8/10
action, adventure, comedy, family, fantasy, sci-fi
Director: Stuart Gillard, Actors: Elias Koteas, Paige Turco, Stuart Wilson, Sab Shimono, Vivian Wu, Mark Caso, Jim Rapos...
When April discovers a tarnished, old scepter in a second hand store and mysteriously disappears, the ninja turtles must devise a plan to rescue her. Racing against time and an army of samurai warriors, these half-shell hipsters face unfamiliar surroundings and unfriendly faces when they are transported back in time to 17th century Japan.
Police Academy 5: Assignment: Miami Beach
1988
4.2/10
comedy, crime
Director: Alan Myerson, Actors: Alan Myerson, Bubba Smith, David Graf, Michael Winslow, Leslie Easterbrook, Matt McCoy, ...
Commandant Lassard is to receive one last honor before retirement, having been named Policeman of the Decade for the police chiefs convention in Miami Beach, and his loyal misfits decide to take their vacation and join him.
The Fifth Estate
2013
6.1/10
biography, drama, thriller
Director: Bill Condon, Actors: Benedict Cumberbatch, Daniel Brühl, Carice van Houten, David Thewlis, Peter Capaldi, A...
Bill Condon's thriller THE FIFTH ESTATE charts the creation of WikiLeaks by the ambitious and arguably ethically dubious Julian Assange, played by Benedict Cumberbatch. The movie opens with Assange hiring Daniel Domscheit-Berg (Daniel Brühl), a fellow tech whiz, to help him keep his new website operational. The site gave whistleblowers an entirely anonymous platform to share classified documents, and soon the pair find themselves in possession of information that will bring down a corrupt bank. As their power and influence grows, they must consider teaming with established media sources, especially when they are sent documents that would reveal ultra-sensitive state secrets from some of the world's most-powerful governments.
Romeo and Juliet
1968
7.7/10
drama, romance
Director: Franco Zeffirelli, Actors: Leonard Whiting, Olivia Hussey, John McEnery, Milo O'Shea, Michael York, Pat Heywoo...
As the title characters, fifteen year old Olivia Hussey and seventeen year old Leonard Whiting bring a touching amount of spontaneity and innocence to their roles, which works in the favor of the film, if not always the text. The exquisite cinematography by Pasqualino De Santis and haunting score by Nino Rota are also key elements in the films effectiveness. A supporting cast of largely unknown actors lend the film terrific urgency, especially Michael York as Tybalt, whose duel with Romeo is nothing short of gut-wrenching. This film was a huge hit with young audiences when originally released, and was considered a symbol for the anti-war, pro-peace youth movement. It remains something of a cultural touchstone, a romantic idealization of youth that still strikes a deep, reverberating chord.
Young Guns 2
1990
6.4/10
action, crime, western
Director: Geoff Murphy, Actors: Emilio Estevez, Kiefer Sutherland, Lou Diamond Phillips, Christian Slater, William Peter...
Billy, Doc and Chavez find themselves jailed in the same place and plan an escape. Together with new recruits, they head for the Mexican border not knowing that Billy's one-time friend now wears a badge and is leading a posse with one mission - get Billy the Kid.
Harry and the Hendersons
1987
5.8/10
comedy, family, fantasy
Director: William Dear, Actors: William Dear, John Lithgow, Melinda Dillon, Margaret Langrick, Joshua Rudoy, Kevin Peter...
George Henderson takes his family on a hunting trip in the Pacific Northwest, where they discover the legendary Bigfoot when it accidentally stumbles in front of their station wagon and gets run over. Excited by his rare find, George straps the monster to the roof of the car and takes it back to the Seattle suburbs. But the beast turns out to be alive and within minutes has transformed their dream home into a pile of drywall and splinters. They soon discover, however, that the creature has a genuine heart of gold as well as a brain, and they grow quite fond of the family's new addition. This makes things all the worse when local hunters start setting their sights on the Henderson's beloved, oversized pet.
Hop
2011
5.5/10
animation, adventure, comedy, family, fantasy
Director: Tim Hill, Actors: Russell Brand, James Marsden, Elizabeth Perkins, Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, Hank Azaria, Gary Col...
E.B. is the teenage son of the Easter Bunny, and on the eve of taking over the family business, he leaves for Hollywood in pursuit of his dream of becoming a drummer. Once there, he encounters Fred, an unemployed slacker with his own lofty goals. Feigning injury, E.B. persuades Fred to take him in, and Fred finds himself living with the world's worst houseguest. Back on Easter Island, a power-hungry chick who has lived in the shadows for far too long has been plotting a coup to take over one of the biggest jobs in the world. Now that E.B.'s gone, he's got his chance. As E.B. discovers who he really wants to be and who he's meant to become, everything will lead him and Fred in an epic showdown to try and save Easter.
Rollerball
2002
2.9/10
action, sci-fi, sport
Director: John McTiernan, Actors: Chris Klein, Jean Reno, LL Cool J, Rebecca Romijn, Naveen Andrews, Oleg Taktarov, Davi...
It's the year 2005; the new sport of Rollerball is hugely popular in the unstable, ex-Soviet republics of South Asia. Marcus Ridley (LL Cool J) invites NHL-hopeful Jonathan Cross (Chris Klein) to join him playing for the Zhambel Horsemen, in Kazahkstan. The highly paid Marcus and Jonathon are teamed with low-paid locals, who are routinely severely injured in the game, which is an extraordinarily violent extension of roller derby involving motorcycles, a metal ball, and many trappings of the World Wrestling Federation. Soon the team's star and the darling of promoter Alexi Petrovich (Jean Reno), Jonathan, is thrilled by the high-octane sport, the hype, the sports cars, and female team mate Aurora (a glowering, scar-faced Rebecca Romijm-Stamos). But gradually Jonathan discovers that the cynical Alexi and his opportunistic assistant Sanjay (Naveen Andrews) will go to any lengths to manipulate the game in order to provide an evermore gory spectacle and improve the game's television ratings. Director John McTiernan's movie is grungy and even more violent than the original 1975 ROLLERBALL. He conveys the visceral nature of the game with sharply edited action sequences and a goosed-up soundtrack, and then he shows the volatile game convulsively spinning out of control and causing social upheaval.
Universal Soldier 5: Regeneration
2009
5.2/10
action, adventure, sci-fi, thriller
Director: John Hyams, Actors: Dolph Lundgren, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Andrei Arlovski, Corey Johnson, Zahary Baharov, Emi...
Reactivated to do battle with terrorists who have taken over the Chernobyl nuclear reactor, Universal Soldier Luc Deveraux (Jean-Claude Van Damme) comes face to face with a more powerful upgrade of his former adversary Andrew Scott (Dolph Lundgren) in this action packed sequel from director Peter Hyams. Using stolen technology to transform a fearless fighter (Andrei "The Pit Bull" Arlovski) into an unstoppable force of destruction, a rogue militia holds the world hostage by threatening to blow up Chernobyl. The prospect of a peaceful resolution to the ordeal fading, the decision is made to reactivate Luc Deveraux, and send him in. But Deveraux isn't the only decommissioned Universal Soldier to be resurrected; his old nemesis Scott is back in action, too - and stronger than ever before. Now faced with the prospect of battling not one but two powerful Universal Soldiers, Deveraux braces himself for a fight he might not walk away from.
SLC Punk!
1998
7.5/10
comedy, drama, music
Director: James Merendino, Actors: James Merendino, Matthew Lillard, Michael A. Goorjian, Annabeth Gish, Jennifer Lien, ...
Stevo becomes a punk rebel in Reagan-era Salt Lake City. His ex-hippie father sees his lifestyle as a rite of passage and urges him to attend Harvard Law School like himself- not to sell out to the system, but to buy in. For Stevo, underneath the mohawk haircuts, earrings and leather, the idea, painfully, has some merit.
Beyond Borders
2003
6.4/10
adventure, drama, romance, war
Director: Martin Campbell, Actors: Clive Owen, Angelina Jolie, Linus Roache, Teri Polo, Noah Emmerich, Yorick van Wageni...
Director Martin Campbell (GOLDENEYE) balances a romantic tale, serious political commentary, and beautifully shot scenery from exotic locations in BEYOND BORDERS. Oscar winner Angelina Jolie gives a moving performance inspired by her real-life U.N. work, and has the perfect romantic foil in Clive Owen. Ostensibly a tale of romance triumphing against the odds, this is in fact a multifaceted story that deals with its various topics in a visually arresting style. BEYOND BORDERS follows the problematic blossoming romance between busy American socialite Sarah Jordan (Jolie), and rogue doctor Nick Callahan (Owen). The two initially meet in 1984 at a charity event in London. Sarah is still flushed with excitement from her recent marriage, but is nevertheless enchanted by Nick's impassioned speech on behalf of starving children in Ethiopia. Sarah decides to help the cause in Africa, meeting Nick there and sparking a romantic connection which is cut short because of family and work commitments. Four years later, Sarah finds herself alone after a torrid divorce. Her work for the United Nations now consumes her thoughts, and when the chance to travel to war-torn Cambodia--and reunite with Nick--arises, it proves too good to turn down. The two immediately hit it off, but Nick's commitment to his work once again causes them to separate. Five more years pass, and when Sarah receives a call that Nick has been captured and made a prisoner of war in Chechnya, she realizes she has one more chance to rescue her man, and to rekindle the passion.
Batman: The Movie
1966
6.5/10
adventure, comedy, crime, family
Director: Leslie H. Martinson, Actors: Adam West, Burt Ward, Lee Meriwether, Cesar Romero, Alan Napier, Stafford Repp, M...
When Batman (Adam West) and Robin (Burt Ward) get a tip that Commodore Schmidlapp (Reginald Denny) is in danger aboard his yacht, they launch a rescue mission. But the tip is a set-up by four of the most powerful villians ever, who seek to defeat the Dynamic Duo once and for all! Armed with a dehydrator that can turn humans into dust, the fearsome foursome intends to take over the world! Can the Caped Crusaders use their high-flying heroism and groovy gadgetry to declaw Catwoman (Lee Meriwether), ice the Penguin (Burgess Meredith), upstage the Joker (Cesar Romero), and stump the Riddler (Frank Gorshin) in time?
Return of the Dragon
1972
7.3/10
action, comedy, crime, drama, thriller
Director: Bruce Lee, Actors: Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Nora Miao, Robert Wall, Malisa Longo, Di Chin, Tony Liu, Jon T. Be...
The last film of Bruce Lee's career, released after his death. Here, Lee pays a visit to family members who own a restaurant in Italy. But mobsters, who want the land the eatery is built upon, harass the owners, forcing Lee to defend his family, as only he can. In the film's high-voltage, high-kickin' finale, Lee, for the sake of his loved ones, must battle a U.S. karate expert (Chuck Norris), in a Roman coliseum!
Captivity
2007
4.6/10
crime, horror, thriller
Director: Roland Joffé, Actors: Elisha Cuthbert, Daniel Gillies, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Michael Harney, Laz Alonso, Car...
Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers
1989
5.1/10
horror, thriller
Director: Dominique Othenin-Girard, Actors: Donald Pleasence, Danielle Harris, Ellie Cornell, Beau Starr, Jeffrey Landma...
When the town police ignore his warnings that the madman Michael Myers has escaped his mineshaft tomb, Dr. Loomis tries to persuade Myers' niece to help him trap the evil killer who has embarked on a bloody rampage through the town.
Raw Deal
1986
5.4/10
action, crime, thriller
Director: John Irvin, Actors: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kathryn Harrold, Sam Wanamaker, Paul Shenar, Robert Davi, Ed Lauter...
A Chicago mafia is violently doing away with witness who were to incriminate them in court. Schwarzenegger is the ex-FBI agent enlisted to slip into the nefarious organization. Violence and bloodshed ensue, as Schwarzenegger delivers his own brand of justice!
La Bamba
1987
6.8/10
biography, drama, music
Director: Luis Valdez, Actors: Lou Diamond Phillips, Esai Morales, Rosanna DeSoto, Elizabeth Peña, Danielle von Zerne...
A film biography of Mexican-American musician and singer Ritchie Valens, a one-time fruit picker who became a rock-and-roll legend. The story covers his early career (when he scheduled gigs in between high school classes); his romance with blond, WASP-y Donna, the namesake of one of his pop hits; and the ill-fated national tour he played with Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper.
The Resident
2011
5.2/10
mystery, thriller
Director: Antti Jokinen, Actors: Hilary Swank, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Lee Pace, Christopher Lee, Aunjanue Ellis, Sean Rosa...
Postal
2007
4.4/10
action, comedy, thriller
Director: Uwe Boll, Actors: Uwe Boll, Dave Foley, Verne Troyer, Zack Ward, Chris Coppola, Jackie Tohn, J.K. Simmons, Ral...
An outrageously funny, irreverent, over-the-top spoof on the American way of life. Stars: Zack Ward (Transformers, A Christmas Story), Dave Foley ('News Radio'), Larry Thomas (the Soup Nazi from 'Seinfeld'), Verne Troyer (Austin Powers: The Who Shagged Me). Directed by Uwe Boll (Alone in the Dark, BloodRayne).
Justice League
2001-2006
8.6/10
animation, action, adventure, drama, family, fantasy, mystery, romance, sci-fi, thriller
Directors: Dan Riba, Butch Lukic, Joaquim Dos Santos, Actors: Carl Lumbly, George Newbern, Phil LaMarr, Kevin Conroy, Su...
The Cartoon Network delighted millions of comic book fans when they reunited SUPERFRIENDS in this animated update that introduces a hip new look and additional characters more in tune with the 21st century. Vintage superheroes Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman team with a completely revamped Green Lantern, new addition Hawkgirl, and lesser-knowns The Flash and Martian Manhunter to combat villains in an interplanetary quest for justice.
Police Academy 6: City Under Siege
1989
4.0/10
comedy, crime
Director: Peter Bonerz, Actors: Bubba Smith, David Graf, Michael Winslow, Leslie Easterbrook, Marion Ramsey, Lance Kinse...
The bumbling crimefighters take on a mysterious mastermind and his army of goons.
Dirty Work
1998
6.4/10
comedy
Director: Bob Saget, Actors: Norm MacDonald, Artie Lange, Jack Warden, Traylor Howard, Christopher McDonald, Don Rickles...
MacDonald stars as Mitch Weaver, a down on his luck guy who has been annoying to most everyone who has crossed him. In an effort to raise money for one of his pals, Mitch embarks on a freelance revenge scheme.
Major League 2
1994
5.4/10
comedy, sport
Director: David S. Ward, Actors: Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Corbin Bernsen, Dennis Haysbert, James Gammon, Omar Epps, ...
Still reeling from last year's unexpected victories, the Cleveland Indians begin another season with a new coach and team owner. But now these gloating puffed-up baseball players are arriving for spring training in limos with slick girlfriends. How long will it take each player to realize that it takes teamwork, not high fashion, to win the division?
Alvin and the Chipmunks 3: Chipwrecked
2011
4.4/10
animation, adventure, comedy, family, fantasy, music
Director: Mike Mitchell, Actors: Justin Long, Jesse McCartney, Jason Lee, David Cross, Amy Poehler, Jenny Slate, Anna Fa...
Dave (Jason Lee), the Chipmunks, and the Chipettes enjoy fun and mischief on a luxury cruise before their seafaring vacation takes an unexpected detour to an uncharted island. Now, the harder Alvin and friends search for a way back to civilization, the more obvious it becomes that they aren't alone on this secluded island paradise.
Sniper
1993
6.1/10
action, drama, thriller
Director: Luis Llosa, Actors: Tom Berenger, Billy Zane, J.T. Walsh, Aden Young, Ken Radley, Reynaldo Arenas, Frederick M...
When the American government launches a covert operation to depose an opposition leader in Panama, they team a veteran army marksman with a greenhorn sniper who is unproven on the battlefield to do the dirty work. The kid is arrogant at first, and virtually ignored by the jaded older soldier who's seen-it-all-before. But the stark reality of murder, even at a distance, is too much for the young man to bear. His fear and uncertainty end up putting the entire mission in jeopardy -- and his veteran partner may be the one who pays the greatest price.
Trapped
2002
6.2/10
crime, drama, thriller
Director: Luis Mandoki, Actors: Kevin Bacon, Charlize Theron, Courtney Love, Stuart Townsend, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Dakot...
From the beginning, this picture-perfect family unit oozes with sick foreboding: a glowing young mom (Charlize Theron) and towheaded daughter (Dakota Fanning) bid farewell to Dad (Stuart Townsend), a successful physician, who's on his way to a lecture. Dad no sooner boards his commuter seaplane (which he pilots himself) than all three are separately taken hostage by sophisticated kidnappers (Kevin Bacon, Courtney Love, and Pruitt Taylor Vince), throwing their idyllic family life into jeopardy.
Starship Troopers 3: Marauder
2008
4.4/10
action, adventure, sci-fi
Director: Edward Neumeier, Actors: Casper Van Dien, Jolene Blalock, Stephen Hogan, Amanda Donohoe, Boris Kodjoe, Marnett...
Col. Johnny Rico is back to lead his team on a secret mission to rescue a small crew of troopers stranded on the remote planet of OM-1. Battling bugs, both new and old, the new "Marauder" advanced weapons technology may be their only hope against a treasonous element operating within the Federation itself. As Captain Lola Beck and the rest of the starship crew fight to survive in the harsh conditions, it begins to dawn on them that something on OM-1 is very, very wrong. This time the bugs have a secret weapon that could destroy humanity.
Love in the Time of Cholera
2007
6.4/10
drama, romance
Director: Mike Newell, Actors: Javier Bardem, Giovanna Mezzogiorno, Benjamin Bratt, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Liev Schrei...
In the complex, magical and sensual city of Cartagena, Colombia, a man waits over fifty years for his one true love. Florentino Ariza, a poet and telegraph clerk, discovers his life's passion when he sees Fermina Daza through the window of her father's villa. Through a series of passionate letters, Florentino gradually awakens the young beauty's heart, but her father is furious when he learns of the affair, and vows to keep them apart forever. As the years go by, Fermina marries the sophisticated aristocrat Dr. Juvenal Urbino, who has brought order and medicine to Cartageña, stemming the waves of cholera that mysteriously besiege the city. He sweeps her away to Paris for years, and when they start their lives together back in Cartageña, she has all but forgotten her first love. But Florentino has not forgotten her. Now a wealthy ship-owner, Florentino engages in a series of affairs but still yearns for Fermina. His heart is patient, and he will wait a lifetime for the chance to be with her again.
Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers
1995
4.9/10
horror, thriller
Director: Joe Chappelle, Actors: Donald Pleasence, Paul Rudd, Marianne Hagan, Mitchell Ryan, Leo Geter, Bradford English...
A family moves into the old home of serial killer Michael Myers -- and the blood-letting resumes. Psychiatrist Dr. Loomis, who knows Michael better than anyone, is once again called upon to investigate the killings. The sixth in the "Halloween" series.
100 Girls
2000
5.9/10
comedy, romance
Director: Michael Davis, Actors: Jonathan Tucker, Emmanuelle Chriqui, James DeBello, Larisa Oleynik, Jaime Pressly, Kath...
College freshman Matthew (Jonathan Tucker) falls in love with a mystery woman in a girls' dorm elevator during a blackout. Though he can't see her, they share a tender moment, intimate on both a physical and emotional level. The thing is...he never sees her face! He knows that she lives in the dorm...which narrows his possibilities down to 100 girls! A witty script and a hip young cast featuring Katherine Heigl (ROSWELL), Jaime Pressly (JOE DIRT), and Marisa Ribisi (DAZED AND CONFUSED) headline this youthful sex comedy with a surprising feminist bent.
Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn
2012-2012
7.2/10
action, sci-fi
Director: Stewart Hendler, Actors: Tom Green, Anna Popplewell, Ayelet Zurer, Mike Dopud, Enisha Brewster, Masam Holden, ...
In 2525, as mankind has begun to colonise space, a group of cadets are training to fight against human insurrectionists. One of these cadets, Thomas Laskey, has doubts about his abilities as a soldier and his convictions for this war. Whilst he struggles with himself, the planet is invaded by an unknown alien race. Reeling under the assault, Laskey and his squad mates are rescued by John-117, one of the UNSC's legendary SPARTAN-II super-soldiers. John must inspire Laskey to fulfill his potential as a soldier and a leader to fight against an enemy deadlier than any that humanity has faced before.
Hamburger Hill
1987
6.7/10
drama, war, action
Director: John Irvin, Actors: Anthony Barrile, Michael Boatman, Don Cheadle, Michael Dolan, Don James, Dylan McDermott, ...
In 1969, fourteen new Army recruits, mostly poor whites and blacks, go through the rigors of basic training in preparation for service in Vietnam. Once overseas, they are sent on a suicide mission to capture the insignificant and well-protected Hamburger Hill.
Home
2009
8.6/10
documentary, drama, family
Director: Yann Arthus-Bertrand, Actors: Yann Arthus-Bertrand, Glenn Close, Jacques Gamblin
Narrated by Glenn Close and featuring the provocative and uniquely jaw-dropping aerial photography of famed photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand, this soaring trip across planet Earth allows viewers to experience their home as never before.
The Wild
2006
5.4/10
animation, adventure, comedy, family
Director: Steve 'Spaz' Williams, Actors: Steve 'Spaz' Williams, Kiefer Sutherland, James Belushi, Eddie Izzard, Janeane ...
Ryan, a lion cub, worships his father, Sampson (Kiefer Sutherland), the brawny, brave, uncontested king of a New York City zoo. The film opens as Ryan listens adoringly as Sampson recounts yet another tale of roaring wildebeests into submission on the African savannah. While the zoo animals cavort, Ryan slips into a metal crate bound overseas for a chance to see "the wild" for himself. Now Sampson, with the help of his loyal friends Benny the squirrel (James Belushi), Nigel the koala bear (Eddie Izzard), Bridget the giraffe (Janeane Garafalo), and Larry the snake (Richard Kind), must brave the New York City jungle and then the actual jungle to save his son from the clutches of a crazed wildebeest with aspirations to carnivorousness (William Shatner). To make things worse, Sampson confesses that his heroic stories were fabrications; he's completely lost in his wild surroundings, unable to fight off a rabid poodle or eat a sassy hyrax. Since ANTZ hit the cineplexes in 1993, computer-animated films about chatty animals have proliferated, but THE WILD is perhaps the first that is heavily influenced by its immediate predecessors, taking a little plot from MADAGASCAR, adding healthy doses of the ICE AGE films, and borrowing heavily from the father-son sentiments of THE LION KING (the animals actually pass a Times Square theater playing THE LION KING). However, originality isn't the draw here: it's the world-class voice-acting by Hollywood heavies, and the non-stop slapstick antics that will have children screaming with delight. Amid all the ridiculousness, parents will appreciate the wry asides by Eddie Izzard's koala bear.
Stop-Loss
2008
6.5/10
drama, war
Director: Kimberly Peirce, Actors: Ryan Phillippe, Abbie Cornish, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Channing Tatum, Timothy Olyphant...
Director Kimberly Peirce (BOYS DON'T CRY) tackles another controversial topic with STOP-LOSS, the story of a U.S. soldier forced back into battle. Brandon King (Ryan Phillippe) has just returned to Texas after a harrowing final tour in Iraq. He's accompanied by the remaining men from his unit, all of whom are more than a little shell-shocked. Welcomed home as a hero, Brandon is awarded a Purple Heart by a visiting state senator. But the homecoming quickly turns sour, as each of the soldiers struggles to assimilate back into society. Tommy (Joseph Gordon Levitt) can't lay off the booze, and Steve (Channing Tatum) roughs up his fiancée. Brandon is eager to put the war behind him, but that dream quickly fizzles when he learns that he has been "stop-lossed," or ordered back for another, involuntary tour of duty. Stunned by the news, he goes AWOL and forms a plan to get help from the senator who so recently honored him. He hits the road for D.C., all the while trying to cope with PTSD and battle flashbacks. Torn between his fierce patriotism and what he believes to be outright betrayal by the U.S. Army, he doesn't know where to turn or what to do. He is ultimately faced with the harshest of choices: Iraq, or a life in exile. There are now dozens of films that grapple with the war in Iraq, but STOP-LOSS is unique in its attempt to reach out to a younger audience. Produced by MTV, the film features a striking young cast and a thumping hip-hop soundtrack. There are many commendable performances, most notably from Phillippe and Levitt. Despite the occasional melodrama of some of the scenes, Peirce pulls no punches, and really hammers home the tragic exploitation of American troops.
Wizards of Waverly Place
2007-2012
6.7/10
comedy, family, fantasy
Directors: Victor Gonzalez, Bob Koherr, Robert Berlinger, Mark Cendrowski, Guy Distad, David DeLuise, Robbie Countryman,...
Alex, Justin and Max Russo are not your ordinary kids - they're wizards in training! While their parents run the Waverly Sub Station, the siblings struggle to balance their ordinary lives while learning to master their extraordinary powers. But when they turn 18, only one will be deemed worthy enough to become the family wizard.
Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation
2004
3.5/10
direct-to-video, action, adventure, horror, sci-fi
Director: Phil Tippett, Actors: Billy Brown, Richard Burgi, Kelly Carlson, Lawrence Monoson, Ed Lauter, Colleen Porch, C...
In this sequel to Paul Verhoeven's 1997 film, a squadron of troopers are trapped at an abandoned outpost on a remote, bug-infested planet, while they wait for another team to come and rescue them. Unfortunately for them, the giant insects have a deadly weapon on their side.
Annapolis
2006
5.8/10
drama, romance, sport
Director: Justin Lin, Actors: James Franco, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Donnie Wahlberg, Vicellous Reon Shannon, Mc...
Working-class tough guy Jake Huard (James Franco) gets a chance to make good when he's accepted into the famed Annapolis Naval Academy, but his buddies and dad back at the shipyard doubt he'll last a month. The film moves through his first year at the academy, culminating in the big boxing tournament, which is Huard's chance to get revenge against his stoic-beyond-the-call-of-duty senior officer, Cole (Tyrese Gibson). First, though, the closed-off Huard must learn to ask for help, which arrives via a warmly attractive senior officer played by Jordanna Brewster (THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS). ANNAPOLIS's director, Justin Lin (BETTER LUCK TOMORROW) brings an unpretentious visual approach to this film; he lets the story flow straight as an arrow, sweeping viewers up into the daunting rigors and the developing camaraderie of this challenging environment. A muscular orchestral score by Brian Tyler pushes everything along with maximum heart and impact, and the rich cinematography creates an invigorating sense of you-are-there closeness which, by the time the story gets to the climactic fight, is breathlessly intense. The standout performance is Gibson's--so composed and elegantly tough, he's like a coiled spring. Brewster is also good, lending a welcome contrast of feminine warmth to the sometimes cold world of military discipline. As an inspiring tale of rising up and beating your limitations, ANNAPOLIS makes the grade.
Meet Bill
2007
6.4/10
comedy, drama
Directors: Bernie Goldmann, Melisa Wallack, Actors: Aaron Eckhart, Jessica Alba, Logan Lerman, Elizabeth Banks, Timothy ...
Aaron Eckhart (THANK YOU FOR SMOKING) stars in this dramedy about a man whose life is less than impressive. He's miserable in his job, his wife (Elizabeth Banks, DEFINITELY, MAYBE) may be having an affair with the local newsman, and he's unhappy with his growing gut. When he begins to mentor a student, his own life surprisingly starts to make sense, though that may also have something to do with the arrival of a sexy young woman (Jessica Alba).
Légionnaire
1998
5.3/10
action, adventure, drama, war
Director: Peter MacDonald, Actors: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Steven Berkoff, Jim Carter, Nicholas...
In 1920s Paris, a Belgian club owner gets in trouble with a powerful gangster when he falls for his chanteuse girlfriend. After then being wrongly accused of killing two gendarmes, the Belgian exercises his only option--a five year stint in the French Foreign Legion. Marching through the deserts of Morocco, the Legion is pitted against a Berber tribe and, after surviving the odds, the Belgian returns to Paris to exact revenge on the gangster.
Fists of Fury
1971
7.1/10
action, crime, drama, thriller
Directors: Wei Lo, Chia-Hsiang Wu, Actors: Bruce Lee, Maria Yi, James Tien, Ying-Chieh Han, Nora Miao, Shan Chin, Kun Li...
Bruce Lee kicked around Hollywood for years looking in vain for an American break when Hong Kong came calling. As Kato in the TV series THE GREEN HORNET he had become an Asian star (the series was renamed for his character when it crossed the Pacific) and ripe for his own vehicle. This raw, low-budget effort, called THE BIG BOSS in its native Hong Kong, is a generic revenge drama enlivened by Lee's intense screen presence and martial arts prowess. He's a country boy who takes a job at a Thailand ice-packing plant and discovers it's a cover for heroin smuggling. Lee is held back through the first half of the film by a promise he made his sweet, gray-haired mom not to brawl (which means you have to wait to see him in action), but his indignation turns to fury as friends and coworkers disappear and the boss sends thugs to take care of the brooding, intense country boy. The final half of the film is a series of violent confrontations, culminating in a marvelously choreographed showdown at the ice plant. Lean, mean Lee, with a physique that looked sculpted in bronze, became an overnight sensation with this film, breaking all Asian box-office records and starting an international kung fu craze, but none of the pretenders ever touched Lee's cool cinematic charisma or his martial arts grace.
The Chinese Connection
1972
7.4/10
action, drama, romance, thriller
Director: Wei Lo, Actors: Wei Lo, Bruce Lee, Nora Miao, James Tien, Maria Yi, Robert Baker, Ying-Chieh Han, Yi Feng, Fu ...
After the kung fu instructor of Chen (Lee) is brutally murdered, Chen sets out to find the persons responsible for the killing. When he discovers that the killers are a Japanese gang, and that they are terrorizing his former school, Chen brings swift and deadly retribution to the evildoers.
Poltergeist 2: The Other Side
1986
5.6/10
horror
Director: Brian Gibson, Actors: JoBeth Williams, Craig T. Nelson, Heather O'Rourke, Oliver Robins, Zelda Rubinstein, Jul...
An American Indian helps a broke and homeless family, once again prey to a poltergeist. Stars JoBeth Williams, Julian Beck, Heather O'Rourke, Oliver Robins, Zelda Rubinstein, Will Sampson, Geraldine FitzgeraldThey're back! The restless spirits of the unburied have followed the Freeling family to their new home.
Mars Needs Moms
2011
5.4/10
animation, action, adventure, comedy, family, sci-fi
Director: Simon Wells, Actors: Seth Green, Joan Cusack, Dan Fogler, Elisabeth Harnois, Mindy Sterling, Kevin Cahoon, Tom...
His mother (voice of Joan Cusack) abducted by Martians intent on harvesting her maternal instincts to nurture their young, nine-year-old Milo (voice of Seth Green) stows away in an alien spacecraft bound for Mars in a bid to bring her safely back to Earth. Later, on the Red Planet, Milo befriends a subterranean-dwelling earthling named Gribble (Dan Fogler) and a spirited Martian lass named Ki (Elisabeth Harnois), who agree to help him locate his missing mother and confront the head alien in charge (voice of Mindy Sterling).
Tremors 2: Aftershocks
1996
5.9/10
direct-to-video, action, comedy, horror, sci-fi, thriller
Director: S.S. Wilson, Actors: S.S. Wilson, Fred Ward, Chris Gartin, Helen Shaver, Marcelo Tubert, Michael Gross, Marco ...
When a remote Mexican oilfield comes down with a nasty case of Graboids (for the uninitiated: giant carnivorous worms with tunneling abilities that put Bugs Bunny to shame), it's up to those veteran monster exterminators Burt and Earl (Michael Gross and the wonderful Fred Ward, reprising their roles from the first film) to save the day--and accumulate some much-needed payola in the process. But this time, the slimy critters may have a few new tricks up their...um, sleeves. Although denied a chance to appear in theaters, this unjustly neglected sequel delivers the same winning mixture of cornpone and gore that made the original TREMORS a cult classic. A hoot-and-a-half for horror and SF fans, with some genuine scares and a welcome sense of humor.
Friday After Next
2002
5.8/10
comedy, drama
Director: Marcus Raboy, Actors: Ice Cube, Mike Epps, John Witherspoon, Anna Maria Horsford, Clifton Powell, Don 'D.C.' C...
It is Christmas Eve for most of the Christian world, but when Craig (Ice Cube) and Day-Day (Mike Epps) are rudely awaken by a burglar in a Santa suit, it is definitely another FRIDAY in the ghetto. The phony Santa gets away with all the cousins' Christmas gifts and their overdue rent money after assaulting Craig with a paltry Christmas tree. Cops are called in and do little more than confiscate Craig and Day-Day's pot stash. Though the cousins may be used to such adversity in the 'hood, they have never before had to think about getting real jobs in order to pay the bills. This third installment in the hip-hop stoner series follows L.A.'s lovable losers through their first day as rent-a-cops at a South Central strip mall. As each problem they encounter becomes more and more ridiculous, screenwriter and star Ice Cube and first-time director Mark Raboy have constructed an irreverent African-American holiday farce. The film builds to a fever pitch at a holiday party where nearly every character in the film shows up for a wild finale. The supporting cast delivers outrageously amusing portraits of ghetto stereotypes while composer John Murphy paces the film by deftly blending hip-hop with traditional film scoring.
The Neverending Story 2: The Next Chapter
1990
4.9/10
adventure, drama, family, fantasy
Director: George Miller, Actors: Jonathan Brandis, Kenny Morrison, Clarissa Burt, Alexandra Johnes, Martin Umbach, John ...
This sequel to "The Neverending Story" follows the adventures of schoolboy Bastian and the young warrior Atreyu on their quest to save the enchanted land of Fantasia from destruction. Obstacles along the way include a beautiful but evil enchantress who tempts Bastian with wishes that dull his memory and his powers of imagination -- the weapons he needs to counteract the destructive forces of Nothingness that threaten to wipe out Fantasia. Meanwhile, back at home, Bastian's indifferent father gains new respect for his son as he reads of the boy's heroic journey through the fictional landscape.
Captain Ron
1992
5.6/10
adventure, comedy
Director: Thom Eberhardt, Actors: Kurt Russell, Martin Short, Mary Kay Place, Benjamin Salisbury, Meadow Sisto, Jorge Lu...
Martin Harvey had the wonderful idea to bond his family and make a couple of bucks on the side. Together, they travel to the Caribbean to sail up the coast in a recently inherited yacht that Harvey hopes to sell. He didn't count on the obnoxious macho captain of the ship or seems to be a better man than Harvey is.
Beowulf and Grendel
2005
5.9/10
action, adventure, drama, fantasy
Director: Sturla Gunnarsson, Actors: Hringur Ingvarsson, Spencer Wilding, Stellan Skarsgård, Gerard Butler, Ingvar Eg...
This screen adaptation of the Anglo-Saxon poem brings the ultimate battle between warrior Beowulf and monstrous troll Grendel to vivid life. An all-star cast including Sarah Polley as Selma, an intriguing witch, and Ingvar Sigurdsson as Grendel, duels it out in a war of wicked revenge.
Chalet Girl
2011
6.3/10
comedy, romance
Director: Phil Traill, Actors: Felicity Jones, Ed Westwick, Bill Nighy, Tamsin Egerton, Brooke Shields, Sophia Bush, Ken...
Pretty tomboy Kim Matthews, 19, used to be a champion skateboarder - but now she's stuck in a dead end job trying to support her Dad. Opportunity comes knocking in the form of a catering job in the one of the most exclusive chalets in the Alps. At first, Kim's baffled by this bizarre new world of posh people, champagne and skiing - but then she discovers snowboarding, and the chance to win some much-needed prize money at the big end-of-season competition. But before she can become a champion again, Kim's going to have to dig deep to overcome her fears. Hard enough, without the complicating factor of Jonny, her handsome boss.
Free Birds
2013
5.9/10
animation, adventure, comedy, family
Director: Jimmy Hayward, Actors: Jimmy Hayward, Woody Harrelson, Owen Wilson, Dan Fogler, Amy Poehler, George Takei, Col...
Two turkeys from opposite sides of the tracks must put aside their differences and team up to travel back in time to change the course of history - and get turkey off the holiday menu for good.
Miracle at St. Anna
2008
6.0/10
action, crime, drama, thriller, war
Director: Spike Lee, Actors: Derek Luke, Michael Ealy, Laz Alonso, Omar Benson Miller, Valentina Cervi, Matteo Sciabordi...
The first film ever to tell the story of the Army's all African-American Buffalo Soldier unit, MIRACLE AT ST. ANNA is inherently an important film. Yet rather than allow it to stand on its own as simply a war picture starring African-American actors, Lee takes on myriad social and historical discussions. Based on the novel of the same name by James McBride (who also wrote the script), the movie follows four soldiers as they take refuge in an Italian village after being cut off from their platoon. There are various supernatural elements to the film, the most pronounced of which is a mysterious statue head that one soldier acquires and refuses to part with. There's also a framing device involving a murder nearly 40 years after the conclusion of the war; add to that a subplot involving the Italian resistance movement, and it's easy to get a bit lost in this Byzantine tale. Still, Lee is never anything less than passionate about his subjects, and with MIRACLE AT ST. ANNA he brings that fire to a story that took decades to come to the big screen. Perhaps not the most definitive "Spike Lee Joint," MIRACLE remains a noteworthy film in the canon of one of America's most important filmmakers.
Nowhere to Run
1993
5.5/10
action, romance, drama
Director: Robert Harmon, Actors: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Rosanna Arquette, Kieran Culkin, Ted Levine, Tiffany Taubman, Ed...
Sam (Jean-Claude Van Damme) is a fugitive hiding out on the land owned by Cydie (Rosanna Arquette), a farm widow with two children. After romancing the widow and growing closer to the family, Sam decides to defend her from a greedy developer trying to drive her off her land.
Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning
2012
5.0/10
action, horror, mystery, sci-fi, thriller
Director: John Hyams, Actors: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dolph Lundgren, Scott Adkins, Andrei Arlovski, Mariah Bonner, Rus B...
In a world without government, the surviving Unisols maintain order and choose the strongest of their ranks to rule, testing them in life-or-death combat.
The Woman
2011
6.1/10
crime, drama, horror, thriller
Director: Lucky McKee, Actors: Pollyanna McIntosh, Brandon Gerald Fuller, Lauren Ashley Carter, Sean Bridgers, Angela Be...
Warped country lawyer Christopher Cleek (Sean Bridgers) puts his entire family in danger when he attempts to civilize a feral cannibal woman in this sequel to The Offspring from director Lucky McKee and horror icon Jack Ketchum. An experienced hunter with a secluded house near the Northeast Coast, Christopher is intrigued to discover a badly wounded woman (Pollyana McIntosh) wandering through the woods. Recognizing that the mysterious woman has been living completely outside of society her entire life, the deranged family man captures her and decides to make her his personal project. Little does Christopher realize that the woman's entire clan had just been killed by cops after living in the wilderness for decades, and surviving on human flesh. This is one woman who will not be tamed, and the harder Christopher tries, the more fierce she becomes.
Fireproof
2008
6.5/10
drama, romance
Director: Alex Kendrick, Actors: Alex Kendrick, Kirk Cameron, Erin Bethea, Ken Bevel, Harris Malcom, Stephen Dervan, Jas...
FIREPROOF, from the same team that made the 2006 hit FACING THE GIANTS, is a Christian relationship drama with a very strong message. The film stars Kirk Cameron of the classic television series GROWING PAINS as Captain Caleb Holt, a fireman whose fearlessness is limited to his work. At home with his wife of seven years, Caleb shows little of the bravery he displays on the job, and has a failing marriage as a result. Fighting over every little thing, Caleb and his wife, Catherine (Erin Bethea), are on the verge of signing divorce papers when Caleb's father and coworkers urge him to approach his marriage in the same way he fights vicious flames. When Caleb's father gives him the "Love Dare," a 40-day guide to religiously motivated marriage help, Caleb begins a difficult journey to reclaim his wife, and in the process, his faith in God. With several action-packed scenes, FIREPROOF uses fire metaphors in its exploration of marriage. The film offers an alternative to the common romantic comedy and, some might argue, a more multidimensional view of romance. The film examines both the ups and inevitable downs of married life, offering faith as a prescription for saving what may at first glance appear to have already failed. Likely to please its target audience, the film offers a fresh perspective on marriage and inspiring relationship tips viewers may want to try regardless of their faith.
Center Stage
2000
6.6/10
drama, music
Director: Nicholas Hytner, Actors: Amanda Schull, Ethan Stiefel, Sascha Radetsky, Zoe Saldana, Susan May Pratt, Christin...
All Jody Sawyer (Amanda Schull) has ever wanted is to be a ballerina in the American Ballet Company. Her dream begins to come true when she's accepted to the company's Academy in New York City. Along with street-smart Eva (Zoë Saldana), veteran student Maureen (Susan May Pratt), sensitive Charlie (Sascha Radetsky), and flamboyant Erik (Shakiem Evans), Jody embarks on the stringent Academy training program with the hope of being one of the select few chosen for the Company. But Jody has her own style and has to contend with criticism that she doesn't have good feet and her body type is wrong. In the meantime, she finds herself involved with Cooper (Ethan Stiefel), a talented Harley-riding dancer and choreographer. The masterful dance sequences in Nicholas Hytner's CENTER STAGE are enriched by the performances of real-life American Ballet Theatre star Stiefel, and those of Schull, who was an apprentice at the San Francisco Ballet when she was cast. Peter Gallagher stars as the head of the ballet company, Donna Murphy is featured as an instructor at the academy, and Debra Monk portrays an overbearing mother to Maureen (Susan May Pratt), the best ballerina in the class who is also harboring a dark secret.
My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic
2010-????
7.8/10
animation, comedy, family, fantasy
Directors: Jayson Thiessen, James Wootton, 'Big' Jim Miller, Actors: Jayson Thiessen, James Wootton, 'Big' Jim Miller, A...
The benevolent Princess Celestia, ruler of Equestria, selects unicorn Twilight Sparkle for a very important assignment - to learn about the most important magic of all: friendship. With her new friends, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, Twilight set out on amazing adventures, as they learn what it means to be true friends.
Nancy Drew
2007
5.9/10
comedy, crime, family, mystery, thriller
Director: Andrew Fleming, Actors: Emma Roberts, Tate Donovan, Max Thieriot, Rich Cooper, Josh Flitter, Craig Gellis, Amy...
Nancy Drew is an iconic girl detective created by Carolyn Keene with a passion for mystery and all things old. The small-town Nancy Drew (played by Julia Roberts' niece Emma Roberts) is about to experience a serious case of culture shock as she heads to Hollywood on an extended business trip with her father Carson Drew (Tate Donovan) and prepares to join the 21st century (well, sort of) at Hollywood High. Having promised her father that she'll give up sleuthing in favor of becoming a "normal" teenager, Nancy tries her best to resist the lure of the age-old mystery of famous actress Dehlia Draycott's (Laura Harring) death, but living in Dehlia's old booby-trapped mansion full of clues proves too powerful a force for Nancy to resist. Feeling completely out of place with high school peers who prove self-absorbed and obsessed with fashion, Nancy makes an unlikely friend in 12-year-old Corky (Josh Flitter), the brother of one of the meanest girls at school. Hormones and hero worship land Corky right in the middle of Nancy's dangerous detective work and inspire some good old-fashioned jealousy when Nancy's close friend Ned (Max Thieriot) visits from River Heights. Nancy's deductive skills are as sharp as ever, and her inspired detective work will profoundly impact the lives of complete stranger Jane Brighton (Rachael Leigh Cook), her own father, and a host of others. Offering a faster pace for modern audiences than the classic NANCY DREW films, this 2007 movie is sure to enthrall a whole new generation of tweens and teens while simultaneously living up to their parents' expectations.
Maximum Risk
1996
5.4/10
action, adventure, crime, mystery, thriller
Director: Ringo Lam, Actors: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Natasha Henstridge, Jean-Hugues Anglade, Zach Grenier, Paul Ben-Vict...
After making several violent Hong Kong action films in the style that’s come to be known as heroic bloodshed, Ringo Lam came to Hollywood to make his first American film with Belgian martial arts star Jean-Claude Van Damme. MAXIMUM RISK, like Van Damme’s previous DOUBLE IMPACT, is the story of twin brothers. Unlike the earlier film--in which he played brothers with contrasting characters--here he’s a French policeman, Alain Moreau, who takes on the identity of his dead brother, Mikhail. They were separated at birth when their mother, Chantal, played by veteran French film actress Stephane Audran, gave one up for adoption to a Russian diplomat. He grew up to become a member of the new Russian Mafia operating out of the Little Odessa section of New York City. When Mikhail is murdered in France after a wild chase through the streets, Alain goes to New York, where he’s assumed to be Mikhail by everyone from the local Russian crime boss to his brother’s beautiful girlfriend, Alex (Natasha Henstridge). Working with a seemingly unlimited budget for car crashes, Lam stages the action scenes with a kinetic flair and smartly knits them together with the help of sharp editing by Bill Pankow.
Stargate: Continuum
2008
7.6/10
direct-to-video, action, adventure, fantasy, sci-fi
Director: Martin Wood, Actors: Martin Wood, Ben Browder, Amanda Tapping, Christopher Judge, Michael Shanks, Claudia Blac...
The Stargate saga continues as an elite military unit races back to Earth following the mysterious disappearance of two key team members, only to find themselves in an alternate reality where the Stargate has never been invented. Somewhere in deep space, the SG-1 team is in serious trouble. Two team members have vanished without a trace, and now the SG-1 unit's only hope for survival is to get back to Earth as quickly as possible. Upon touching down the team is relieved to be home, but deeply disturbed to learn that the reality they just returned to isn't the same one they departed from. In this reality, the Stargate has never been discovered and neither the government nor the military has never even heard of the SG-1 unit. But who altered the Earth's timeline, and why? Upon discovering that a malevolent alien known as Ba'al has been meddling with the planet's timeline in an attempt to conquer Earth, the team must race against time to defeat the most powerful adversary that they have ever faced.
In Hell
2003
6.2/10
action, thriller, drama
Director: Ringo Lam, Actors: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Lawrence Taylor, Lloyd Battista, Billy Rieck, Marnie Alton, Jorge Lu...
For killing his wife's lover, Kyle LeBlanc (Jean-Claude Van Damme) has landed himself in Eastern Europe's most brutal prison, where the warden pits inmates against each other in to-the-death fights for his own profit. There, he must continue his winning streak, realizing that he is close to becoming the sort of unforgiving, violent monster that he despises.
Winnie the Pooh
2011
7.3/10
animation, adventure, comedy, family, musical
Directors: Stephen J. Anderson, Don Hall, Actors: Jim Cummings, Craig Ferguson, John Cleese, Bud Luckey, Travis Oates, T...
During an ordinary day in Hundred Acre Wood, Winnie the Pooh sets out to find some honey. Misinterpreting a note from Christopher Robin, Pooh convinces Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, Owl, Kanga, Roo, and Eeyore that their young friend has been captured by a creature named "Backson" and they set out to save him.
Wrong Turn 3: Left for Dead
2009
4.6/10
direct-to-video, horror, thriller
Director: Declan O'Brien, Actors: Tom Frederic, Janet Montgomery, Gil Kolirin, Tamer Hassan, Tom McKay, Borislav Iliev, ...
While rafting in the Bluefish River area, four college kids are attacked by the mutant cannibal hillbilly Three Finger. Only the teenager Alex succeeds in escaping running through the woods. Meanwhile, a group of dangerous criminals are transported from the West Virginia Grafton Penitentiary in a custody bus escorted by three security guards through the backwoods. When they park in a rest stop in a police station, Sheriff Carver is informed about the missing teenagers. The bus driver heads to their destination with the guards and the prisoners but a tow truck driven by Three Finger hits the bus that falls off the road. They are attacked by Three Finger and the perilous Carlo Chavez dominates the guards and the other prisoners. When they accidentally meet Alex, the girl tells how sick and threatening Three Finger is; sooner the survivals discover that Alex is telling the truth.
Outpost
2007
5.9/10
action, horror, sci-fi
Director: Steve Barker, Actors: Ray Stevenson, Julian Wadham, Richard Brake, Michael Smiley, Enoch Frost, Paul Blair, Ju...
The Quiet
2005
6.5/10
drama, thriller
Director: Jamie Babbit, Actors: Camilla Belle, Elisha Cuthbert, Edie Falco, Martin Donovan, Shawn Ashmore, Katy Mixon, S...
Jamie Babbitt (GILMORE GIRLS) makes his feature debut with this suburban melodrama tinged with the trappings of exploitation films and Gothic horror. Dot (Camilla Belle, THE CHUMSCRUBBER) is a deaf and mute girl with a troubled past: her mother died when she was seven, and now her deaf father has been run over by a truck. Things get much worse for Dot, however, when she moves in with the Deer family, who make no attempt to hide their dark secrets from her. Patriarch Paul Deer (Martin Donovan) is having an incestuous relationship with his cheerleader daughter, Nina (Elisha Cuthbert, LOVE, ACTUALLY), who spends much of her time lashing out at the new addition to the family. Mother Olivia remains oblivious, shrouded in a haze of pills. Slowly, the two girls come to a tenuous understanding with one another, united in the secrets they share. The shocking conclusion is unexpectedly lurid given the quietness of the film’s first half, and the two actresses carry the material beautifully. The coldly lit interior of the family home, which is undergoing renovations, ,creates an utterly creepy backdrop and sets the mood for this tone poem of suburban distress.
Stargate: The Ark of Truth
2008
7.4/10
direct-to-video, adventure, fantasy, sci-fi
Director: Robert C. Cooper, Actors: Ben Browder, Amanda Tapping, Christopher Judge, Michael Shanks, Claudia Black, Beau ...
The irrepressible Stargate team faces their biggest challenge yet as they set out in search of the ancient artifact with the power to defeat the villainous Ori before they launch a devastating attack on planet Earth. The Ori are determined to exterminate all traces of mankind, but not if Daniel Jackson (Michael Shanks), Teals (Christopher Judge), Vala (Claudia Black), Sam (Amanda Tapping), and Cam (Ben Browder) have anything to say about it. With a scheming I.O. operative aboard the Odyssey, the final fight for humanity begins to unfold in the deepest reaches of outer space.
Gods and Generals
2003
6.3/10
drama, history, war
Director: Ronald F. Maxwell, Actors: Stephen Lang, Robert Duvall, Jeff Daniels, Bruce Boxleitner, Donzaleigh Abernathy, ...
This epic film from writer-director Ron Maxwell chronicles the early events of the American Civil War. It's a prequel to his earlier GETTYSBURG, with some of the same cast, and is part of a planned trilogy. Stephen Lang plays Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, the famous (and deeply religious) Confederate general who, along with fellow General Robert E. Lee (Robert Duvall), must weigh the mighty consequences of his actions, as each battle costs the lives of thousands of men. Over on the Union side there's Jeff Daniels as Colonel Joshua Chamberlain, who, like Jackson and Lee, is fond of making long, poetic speeches to his troops. Beginning with the start of the war and ending with Jackson's death, the film chronicles the three main battles leading up to Gettysburg, using their actual locations and thousands of actual Civil War re-enactors as extras. Maxwell pays careful attention to authentic period detail as he chronicles the minutiae of the generals' domestic lives in the intervals between the harrowing battle scenes. While a little on the long side, the end result should serve as an invaluable document for history buffs. Mogul Ted Turner was an executive producer and appears in a small role.
The Philosophers
2013
5.7/10
drama, fantasy, sci-fi, thriller
Director: John Huddles, Actors: James D'Arcy, Sophie Lowe, Daryl Sabara, Freddie Stroma, Bonnie Wright, George Blagden, ...
In an international school in Jakarta, a philosophy class is having its last session. The professor challenges twenty-one graduating seniors to select ten who would take shelter underground and reboot the human race in the event of a nuclear attack.
Ramona and Beezus
2010
6.7/10
adventure, comedy, family, fantasy
Director: Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum, Actors: Joey King, Selena Gomez, Bridget Moynahan, John Corbett, Ginnifer Goodwin, ...
Award-winning short filmmaker Elizabeth Allen follows up her debut feature, Aquamarine, with this adaptation of the Newbury Award-winning children's book series by author Beverly Cleary. Scribe Laurie Craig steps in to assume screenwriting duties for the live-action feature centering on the adventures of mischievous youngster Ramona Quimby.
Bring It On 3: All or Nothing
2006
5.7/10
direct-to-video, comedy, sport
Director: Steve Rash, Actors: Hayden Panettiere, Solange Knowles, Gus Carr, Cindy Chiu, Giovonnie Samuels, Danielle Savr...
The bubble gum BRING IT ON series continues with yet another sequel. In BRING IT ON: ALL OR NOTHING, teen cheerleader Britney Allen is forced to slum it after moving from a wealthy neighborhood to the more modest community of Crenshaw Heights. Once there, Britney quickly finds a nemesis in evil cheer captain Camille. Only by securing a spot on the cheer squad will she be able to put her enemy to shame and make a name for herself at her new school. But this will require Britney to make it past Camille's claws.
And Soon the Darkness
2010
5.2/10
crime, horror, mystery, thriller
Director: Marcos Efron, Actors: Amber Heard, Odette Annable [Odette Yustman], Karl Urban, Adriana Barraza, César Vian...
The Music Man
1962
7.7/10
comedy, musical, romance
Director: Morton DaCosta, Actors: Robert Preston, Shirley Jones, Buddy Hackett, Hermione Gingold, Pert Kelton, Paul Ford...
Professor Harold Hill, a travelling salesman, makes his living by duping small towns into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys' marching band. Hill sells parents on the idea by promising to teach the boys how to play, but as soon as they hand over their money, he skips out. His latest stop is River City, Iowa, where he soon has the locals up in arms over the threat to public morals posed by the neighborhood pool hall; how better to save their sons' souls than by creating a boys' band? Only one thing stands between Hill and success: the town's pretty but skeptical librarian, who threatens to expose his schemes -- if she doesn't declare her love for him first.
Anne of Green Gables
1985-1985
8.4/10
drama, family
Director: Kevin Sullivan, Actors: Megan Follows, Colleen Dewhurst, Richard Farnsworth, Jonathan Crombie, Schuyler Grant,...
The story of a young girl who finds adventure (and misadventure) as she makes her way from a series of unpleasant foster families and orphanage experiences to the paradise of P.E. Island and the sternly Cuthbert household of Green Gables.
Navy Seals
1990
5.4/10
action, adventure, thriller
Director: Lewis Teague, Actors: Charlie Sheen, Michael Biehn, Joanne Whalley, Rick Rossovich, Cyril O'Reilly, Bill Paxto...
An elite naval attack group known as "Seals," embarks upon a mission to rescue captives being held in the Middle East. Once there, they stumble upon important information: the terrorists have gotten hold of hand-held nuclear weapons, and they're planning to launch an attack. Now, with the help of a half-Lebanese TV reporter, the unit must make sure they find those weapons before it's too late.
Wrecked
2010
5.2/10
adventure, drama, mystery, thriller
Director: Michael Greenspan, Actors: Adrien Brody, Caroline Dhavernas, Ryan Robbins, Adrian G. Griffiths, Adrian Holmes,...
Cruel Intentions 2
2000
4.3/10
direct-to-video, drama
Director: Roger Kumble, Actors: Roger Kumble, Robin Dunne, Sarah Thompson, Keri Lynn Pratt, Amy Adams, Mimi Rogers, Barc...
This prequel to the hit movie follows the adventures of rakish young Sebastian, who, at age sixteen, is determined to redeem himself for past transgressions and become a one-woman man. His kind intentions are complicated by his recently acquired stepsister, Katherine Mertuil, a viciously manipulative debutante who enjoys toying with the love (and sex) lives of her fellow high school students. Sebastian soon finds himself smitten with the adorably naive Danielle, daughter of his high school headmaster, and sets about winning her heart. But Katherine's duplicity may result in his downfall as she slyly positions herself between Sebastian and his newfound love, offering dual temptations of sex and power. Originally filmed as the prospective pilot for a television series that never materialized.
Moonwalker
1988
5.9/10
action, crime, fantasy, music, thriller
Directors: Jerry Kramer, Jim Blashfield, Colin Chilvers, Actors: Michael Jackson, Joe Pesci, Sean Lennon, Brandon Quinti...
A movie that starts out with the 'Man in the Mirror' music video, it then changes to a montage of video clips of Michael's career. Next comes a parody of his Bad video by children, and then Michael is chased by fans in a fantasy sequence. 2 more videos are shown, and then a movie in which Michael plays a hero with magical powers. In it he is chased by drug dealer Mr. Big and saves three children.
Daddy Day Camp
2007
2.8/10
comedy, family
Director: Fred Savage, Actors: Cuba Gooding Jr., Lochlyn Munro, Richard Gant, Paul Rae, Tamala Jones, Josh McLerran, Spe...
Fred Savage makes his feature-film directorial debut in this sequel to DADDY DAY CARE. Charlie Hinton (Cuba Gooding,Jr.) and Phil Ryerson (Paul Rae) decide to parlay the success of their "Daddy Day Care" into day camps in order to save Camp Driftwood. Once the crème de la crème of camps, Driftwood has seen better days, while rival Camp Canola has become a hot property featuring paint ball, dirt bikes, and jet skis. Charlie and Phil buy the camp in order to save it, only to find themselves completely out of their element, which becomes painfully obvious on the first day of camp. With foreclosure impending, Charlie swallows his pride and calls in the ultimate reinforcement: his father, Colonel Buck Hinton (Richard Gant). Of course, Buck and his son have completely different child-rearing styles, leading to some tension as the elder Hinton tries to whip Driftwood’s motley campers into shape for the annual Olympiad with Camp Canola. DADDY DAY CAMP serves up lessons about the importance of teamwork, honesty, believing in yourself, and following your dreams. And the campers are not the only ones who learn important lessons; both Charlie and Buck learn to be better fathers and to appreciate each other despite their differences. Gooding and Rae step into the roles originated by Eddie Murphy and Jeff Garlin in the first film. Brian Doyle-Murray appears briefly as Uncle Morty, the camp’s owner, and Lochlyn Munro is amusing as Charlie’s childhood nemesis, Lance Warner. But the real stars of this film are the campers, who are subjected to endless nature walks, bus crashes, and commando raids by Canola campers. Spencir Bridges, son of actor Todd Bridges, plays Charlie’s son, Ben.
The Starving Games
2013
3.3/10
adventure, comedy, sci-fi
Directors: Jason Friedberg, Aaron Seltzer, Actors: Maiara Walsh, Brant Daugherty, Cody Christian, Diedrich Bader, Dean J...
A spoof movie that references The Hunger Games, The Avengers, Sherlock Holmes, and the Harry Potter saga.
Poltergeist 3
1988
4.5/10
horror, thriller
Director: Gary Sherman, Actors: Heather O'Rourke, Tom Skerritt, Nancy Allen, Zelda Rubinstein, Lara Flynn Boyle, Richard...
After the horrific spirit invasions of her former homes, Carole Anne has started a new life with her uncle and aunt in their skyscraper apartment in the heart of Chicago. But one day she becomes mesmerised by a mirror, and suddenly grotesque hands burst through. They are back to haunt her again.
Stand and Deliver
1988
7.4/10
drama
Director: Ramón Menéndez, Actors: Edward James Olmos, Estelle Harris, Mark Phelan, Will Gotay, Adelaida Alvarez, R...
Based on a true story, "Stand and Deliver" is an inspirational tale of a dedicated teacher who rescues a group of poor Latino students from potential delinquency by turning them into math whizzes. Using humor, imagination and whatever other means necessary, Jaime Escalante gets his students at a tough East Los Angeles high school so excited by learning that they are able to pass advance placement tests in calculus with flying colors. Their scores are so spectacular, in fact, that the testing board decides the students have cheated and forces them to prove their new-found knowledge by retaking the test.
Conspiracy
2001
7.9/10
TV, drama, history, war
Director: Frank Pierson, Actors: Kenneth Branagh, Clare Bullus, Stanley Tucci, Colin Firth, David Threlfall, Simon Marke...
World War II was beginning to look impossible to win for the Nazi forces in 1942. The entry of the United States into the war coupled with a depleted military gave Germany virtually no chance to emerge victorious. January 20, 1942, a special meeting was held elite Nazi commanders and government officials. From this meeting, Hitler's "final solution" would result, sealing the fate of six million people. This HBO feature film is based on the only account of this meeting. Kenneth Branagh won an Emmy for his portrayal of General Reinhard Heydrich and Loren Mandel earned an Emmy for his script work on this chilling portrait of this fateful meeting.
Far Cry
2008
3.2/10
action, adventure, sci-fi
Director: Uwe Boll, Actors: Til Schweiger, Emmanuelle Vaugier, Natalia Avelon, Craig Fairbrass, Udo Kier, Ralf Moeller, ...
Knock Off
1998
4.7/10
action, comedy, thriller
Director: Hark Tsui, Actors: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Rob Schneider, Lela Rochon, Paul Sorvino, Carman Lee, Wyman Wong, Mi...
Having based so much of his career on the films from the region, Jean Claude Van Damme heads to Hong Kong itself for KNOCK OFF. Set in the 72 hours running up to the British handover to China (and released a mere year after the actual event), the film's action centers around the colony's thriving bootleg business, tied in with a rather convoluted plot concerning the CIA, Russian Mafia, and an attempt to hold the United States ransom through covert attacks. The opening section unwisely tries Van Damme's hand at knockabout humor with partner Rob Schneider but merely proves that the star is severely lacking the sort of humorous touch that Arnold Schwarzenegger has so successfully utilized. Once KNOCK OFF descends into more familiar Van Damme territory, the film--and its leading man--are on surer ground. There are a good deal of spectacular fight sequences, some amazing stunts, and a feisty female sparring partner in the form of Lela Rochen. Even the always-reliable Paul Sorvino pops up. Director Tsui Hark hits upon some interesting and initially invigorating visual effects but soon overdoes them, actually highlighting the lack of decent story rather than enhancing it. There is an incredible film to be made about this period in history but this isn't it. KNOCK OFF is merely another undemanding, high-kicking, high-octane vehicle for Van Damme.
The Deaths of Ian Stone
2007
5.6/10
horror, thriller
Director: Dario Piana, Actors: Mike Vogel, Jaime Murray, Christina Cole, Michael Feast, Charlie Anson, Marnix Van Den Br...
On an otherwise ordinary night the young Ian Stone encounters a mysterious creature and is forced into the path of an oncoming train. Rather than facing certain death Ian finds himself reborn into a new life that feels strangely familiar. After his second deathit becomes apparent that Ian is being hunted by an evil presence and will be forced to die every day until he can solve the mystery of his own life.
The Myth
2005
6.1/10
action, adventure, comedy, drama, fantasy
Director: Stanley Tong, Actors: Jackie Chan, Hee-seon Kim, Tony Ka Fai Leung, Mallika Sherawat, Min-su Choi, Ram Gopal B...
This wild tale showcases Jackie Chan's skills and charm as he plays both Meng Yi, a Qin Dynasty general, and as the same character's reincarnation, Jack Lee. Lee is an archaeologist, but spends much of his time experiencing strange memories from his past life. With an unusual and complex plot that interweaves many disparate elements, this is certainly a departure from Chan's typical work.
Création
2009
6.8/10
biography, drama
Director: Jon Amiel, Actors: Paul Bettany, Jennifer Connelly, Ian Kelly, Jeremy Northam, Anabolena Rodriguez, Guy Henry,...
Actor Paul Bettany and his real-life wife, Jennifer Connelly, star as controversial English scientist Charles Darwin and his wife, Emily, in this biopic adapted from Randal Keynes' book Annie's Box, which tells the story of Darwin's struggle to reconcile his religious views following the death of his beloved daughter, Annie.
Death Warrant
1990
5.5/10
action, crime, drama, mystery, thriller
Director: Deran Sarafian, Actors: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Robert Guillaume, Cynthia Gibb, George Dickerson, Patrick Kilpa...
Prisoners in a Canadian jail are dropping like flies, and an undercover Canadian mountie is sent into the prison to find the cause. Alone and unarmed, he kickboxes his enemies and ferrets out the killer.
Justice League: War
2014
7.2/10
direct-to-video, animation, action, adventure, fantasy, sci-fi
Director: Jay Oliva, Actors: Sean Astin, Zach Callison, Christopher Gorham, Justin Kirk, Michelle Monaghan, Shemar Moore...
Going back to a time when superheroes were new to our world, we learn how the Justice League came together during an alien attack on Earth.
Vehicle 19
2013
4.9/10
action, thriller
Director: Mukunda Michael Dewil, Actors: Paul Walker, Naima McLean, Gys de Villiers, Leyla Haidarian, Tshepo Maseko, And...
An unsuspecting traveler in a foreign country picks up the wrong rental car, which has a woman locked in the trunk. He quickly finds himself tangled in a web of corruption by the local police.
Scarecrow
1973
7.3/10
drama
Director: Jerry Schatzberg, Actors: Gene Hackman, Al Pacino, Dorothy Tristan, Ann Wedgeworth, Richard Lynch, Eileen Bren...
Former photographer Jerry Schatzberg follows up his explosive directorial debut THE PANIC IN NEEDLE PARK with SCARECROW, which captured the Grand Prize at the 1973 Cannes Film Festival. Opening on a desolate highway, two drifters stumble into each other, and decide to hitchhike together across the country. Max (Gene Hackman), just released from prison, wants more than anything to own a car wash in Pittsburgh, staying out of trouble and living his life as an honest man. Lion (Al Pacino), who has returned from working at sea, dreams of reuniting with the wife and daughter he left behind years ago in Detroit. Embarking on their strange, confused journey, the dusty pair encounters a cast of peculiar characters as they struggle to reach their destinations (including a stop-off at Hackman's sister's house in Colorado). In the end, after beginning to accept the truth--that their dreams are not going to come to fruition--they find friendship, trust, and love, giving their lives justification. Superbly acted by Pacino and Hackman--and grittily photographed by Vilmos Zsigmond--Schatzberg's film contains a brilliant blend of comedy, drama, and tragedy, resulting in a truly unforgettable viewing experience (a la MIDNIGHT COWBOY), making SCARECROW a stellar example of the highly personal character-driven films that made 1970s Hollywood such a brilliant, distinct period.
The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior
2008
3.8/10
direct-to-video, action, adventure, fantasy
Director: Russell Mulcahy, Actors: Michael Copon, Karen David, Simon Quarterman, Randy Couture, Andreas Wisniewski, Tom ...
THE SCORPION KING 2 uncovers the origins of the 2002 summer blockbuster which starred Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Mathayus, the most fearsome desert warrior of the ancient world. Reaching deep into the past, this prequel begins with the king as a 13-year-old peasant boy (Michael Copon) who witnesses the kidnapping and death of his father at the hands of the terrifying Sargon (played by towering UFC Heavyweight Randy Couture). Thirsty for vengeance, young Mathayus trains at the Order of the Black Scorpion to sharpen his skills as a killing machine, then journeys to the underworld to retrieve the one sword that can help him defeat Sargon. When the burgeoning Scorpion King finally comes to blows with his murderous rival, the fate of the entire human race hangs in the balance.
Tremors 3: Back to Perfection
2001
5.4/10
direct-to-video, action, comedy, horror, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Brent Maddock, Actors: Michael Gross, Shawn Christian, Susan Chuang, Charlotte Stewart, Tony Genaro, Ariana Ri...
Burt Gummer has been away from home too long. Upon returning to Perfection, Nevada, he realizes that the town of terror has been turned into a tourist trap exploiting the town's reputation as the home of giant killer sand worms. When a simulated attack becomes the real thing, Gummer dons combat gear, loads of ammo and weaponry, and his Atlanta Hawks cap to go back into battle against the very creatures that originally drove him away. Not only does he have to deal with Graboids mutating into the frightening Shrieker monsters, but this time a new, possibly indestructible worm mutation is threatening. Michael Gross reprises his role as the gruff Gummer.
The Hit List
2011
5.4/10
action, thriller
Director: William Kaufman, Actors: Cuba Gooding Jr., Cole Hauser, Jonathan LaPaglia, Ginny Weirick, Brandon O'Neill, Dav...
A down-on-his-luck businessman races against time to save the people he unwittingly marked as targets for a professional hit man.
Marley
2012
8.0/10
documentary, biography, music
Director: Kevin Macdonald, Actors: Bob Marley, Ziggy Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Lee 'Scratch' Perry, Rita Marley, Cedella Marl...
Bob Marley's universal appeal, impact on music history and role as a social and political prophet is both unique and unparalleled. "Marley" is the life story of the musician, revolutionary, and legend, from his early days to his rise to international super stardom. Made with the support of the Marley family, the film features rare footage, incredible performances and interviews with the people that knew him best.
Sisters
1973
7.0/10
horror, thriller
Director: Brian De Palma, Actors: Margot Kidder, Jennifer Salt, Charles Durning, William Finley, Lisle Wilson, Barnard H...
Director Brian De Palma made a name for himself with this twisty shocker starring a pre-SUPERMAN Margot Kidder as the mysterious Danielle. A French-Canadian model, Danielle may be covering up a murder to protect her recently separated homicidal Siamese twin--or maybe not. Plucky female reporter Grace Collier (Jennifer Salt) witnessed the killing from her apartment window but can't convince some clueless cops to investigate, so she hires a private detective (Charles Durning) to help her solve the case. Eventually she winds up at a mysterious sanitarium in the clutches of Danielle's creepy psychiatrist husband, Emil (William Finley), and begins to unravel the shocking truth. Scary, funny, clever, and firmly rooted in a Hitchcockian universe, SISTERS set the tone for many of De Palma's future works, including DRESSED TO KILL and RAISING CAIN. Bernard Herrmann's score even recalls his work on PSYCHO--only this time he's spruced things up with bizarre electronic effects. However, not all of De Palma's work pays debt to the master of suspense. An innovative use of split-screen techniques to heighten the suspense is distinctly his own, as is a memorably twisted black-and-white hallucination sequence.
Ginger Snaps 2: Unleashed
2004
6.5/10
horror, thriller
Director: Brett Sullivan, Actors: Emily Perkins, Brendan Fletcher, Katharine Isabelle, Tatiana Maslany, Janet Kidder, Pa...
While attempting to learn more about her dead sister's lycanthropy by mixing her own blood with the affected blood of her sibling, goth-styled teenager Brigitte (Emily Perkins) becomes affected by the werewolf curse herself. As the "disease" begins to take over her body, she requires increasingly stronger dosages of wolfsbane to combat it. But after a run-in with another wolf-creature, her beaten body is found---and taken to a drug rehab clinic. Unfortunately for the doctors and patients there, she has no access to her wolfsbane. Perkins and Katherine Isabelle reprise the roles they originated in the smart, creepy 2001 Canadian film, GINGER SNAPS.
Scary Movie 5
2009
3.6/10
comedy, horror
Director: Bo Zenga, Actors: Bo Zenga, Steve Howey, Diora Baird, Kenan Thompson, Desi Lydic, Charles Zuckermann, Leslie N...
The monster movie genre gets spoofed with this Stone Village Pictures and Essential Entertainment production written and directed by Bo Zenga, producer of the first film in the SCARY MOVIE franchise. The plot revolves around a video-store employee who has to save his town when it becomes plagued by six famous movie monsters on Halloween night.
American Ninja
1985
5.3/10
action, adventure, romance, sport
Director: Sam Firstenberg, Actors: Michael Dudikoff, Steve James, Judie Aronson, Guich Koock, John Fujioka, John LaMotta...
An American G.I. in the Philippines suffering from amnesia for the last six years is aloof from everyone in his army unit. He meets a girl, the daughter of the commanding officer, and saves her from a group of Ninjas who are in the service of an illegal arms dealer. He then manages to capture the dealer with help from his first sensei, who ironically is employed by the arms dealer.
The Red Baron
2008
6.3/10
action, adventure, biography, drama, romance, war
Director: Nikolai Müllerschön, Actors: Matthias Schweighöfer, Lena Headey, Til Schweiger, Joseph Fiennes, Maxim...
Baron Manfred von Richthofen (Schweighöfer) is the most feared and celebrated pilot of the German air force in World War I. To him and his companions, air combats are events of sporty nature, technical challenge and honorable acting, ignoring the terrible extent of war. But after falling in love with the nurse Käte (Headey), Manfred realizes he is only used for propaganda means. Caught between his disgust for the war, and the responsibility for his fighter wing, von Richthofen sets out to fly again.
A.C.O.D.
2013
5.7/10
comedy
Director: Stu Zicherman, Actors: Adam Scott, Richard Jenkins, Catherine O'Hara, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Amy Poehler, Cl...
Adam Scott stars in this comedy about a man who is surprised to learn that he was once the subject of a psychological study concerning the effects of divorce on young children, and who finds his broken family up in arms when the has-been psychologist (Jane Lynch) who conducted it attempts to remain relevant by convincing him to take place in a belated follow-up survey.
Intimacy
2001
6.3/10
drama, romance
Director: Patrice Chéreau, Actors: Mark Rylance, Kerry Fox, Susannah Harker, Timothy Spall, Alastair Galbraith, Phili...
A man wakes in mid-afternoon in a grungy London apartment. A woman knocks at the door. He lets her in, to an awkward silence. She touches his face tenderly--almost immediately they have stripped and are making love on a mattress on the floor. It is the first of many intense, real-time, sexually explicit encounters between Jay (Mark Rylance) and Claire (Kerry Fox). And director Patrice Chéreau reinforces the intensity by keeping his wide-screen camera very close to the actors. Jay and Claire agree to separate their meetings from the rest of their lives. But after one encounter, Jay follows Claire. He discovers that she acts in a basement theater, and is married to a taxi driver, Andy (Timothy Spall). Following her again, Jay loses her. And, in a reversal of roles--like that in Christopher Nolan's FOLLOWING--when she reemerges from a shop, she follows him. She is amused at first, but is disturbed when he goes to the basement theater. Using Hanif Kureshi's misogynistic stories as a basis, Chéreau shifts the emphasis from Jay and his pain at separating from his wife. Instead, INTIMACY reveals a woman trying to start feeling again, who is caught between a needy lover and an anguished, insecure husband. Fox gives a fine performance (that won Best Actress at the 2001 Berlin Film Festival) that is the backbone of this powerful drama.
Ninja
2009
5.5/10
action, crime, drama, thriller
Director: Isaac Florentine, Actors: Scott Adkins, Tsuyoshi Ihara, Mika Hijii, Todd Jensen, Garrick Hagon, Togo Igawa, Mi...
An American Ninja (Scott Adkins) journeys from Japan to the U.S. on a mission to prevent a collection of valuable weapons from falling into the hands of a dangerous Yakuza.
Swamp Thing
1982
5.4/10
horror, sci-fi
Director: Wes Craven, Actors: Louis Jourdan, Adrienne Barbeau, Ray Wise, David Hess, Nicholas Worth, Don Knight, Dick Du...
Horror vet Wes Craven wrote and directed this campy swamp romp adapted from the DC Comic of the same name. Adrienne Barbeau stars as cleavangelically blessed government agent Alice Cable, sent to the bayou to guard the brilliant Dr. Alec Holland. Holland is using recombinant DNA to create "a plant with an animal's aggressive power for survival." Let's hope none of that volatile secret formula gets spilled! SWAMP THING is an unusual mix of monster movie and superhero flick, but definitely an enjoyable ride. Craven deliberately uses comic-book-style wipes and transitions to keep us from taking anything too seriously, and Louis Jourdan keeps up the tone with his camp performance as the evil Arcane. Also keep an eye out for young Reggie Batts in a terrific deadpan performance as Jude, the helpful gas station attendant.
Titanic 2
2010
1.6/10
direct-to-video, action, adventure
Director: Shane Van Dyke, Actors: Shane Van Dyke, Marie Westbrook, Bruce Davison, Brooke Burns, Michelle Glavan, Carey V...
On the 100th anniversary of the original voyage, a modern luxury liner christened "Titanic 2," follows the path of its namesake. But when a tsunami hurls an ice berg into the new ship's path, the passengers and crew must fight to avoid a similar fate.
Mirrors 2
2010
4.9/10
direct-to-video, horror, mystery, thriller
Director: Víctor García, Actors: Nick Stahl, Emmanuelle Vaugier, Evan Jones, Christy Carlson Romano, William Katt,...
Starship Troopers 4: Invasion
2012
5.9/10
animation, action, sci-fi
Director: Shinji Aramaki, Actors: Luci Christian, David Matranga, Justin Doran, David Wald, Andrew Love, Leraldo Anzaldu...
The bugs have invaded a Federation outpost, and as the terrified survivors prepare for evacuation, two starships prepare to launch an explosive counter-attack. When one of the ships suddenly deserts the other and cuts off all contact, the troopers attempt a daring rescue and discover that the bugs have set their sights on planet Earth.
Bring It On 4: In It to Win It
2007
5.2/10
direct-to-video, comedy, sport
Director: Steve Rash, Actors: Ashley Benson, Cassie Scerbo, Noel Areizaga, Jennifer Tisdale, Michael Copon, Kierstin Kop...
High-flyin' fun, hot music and no-holds-barred competition go to new heights in this all-new comedy! The feisty East Coast Jets have ruled the Cheer Camp Championships with spunk and attitude for the past few years. Now the spirited West Coast Sharks think they have the right moves and grooves to be crowned top squad. But when cheertastrophe strikes and their dreams of taking home the top prize are in jeopardy, the leaders of both squads realize they'll have to work together and bring it on like never before!
The Nativity Story
2006
6.7/10
drama, family
Director: Catherine Hardwicke, Actors: Keisha Castle-Hughes, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Oscar Isaac, Hiam Abbass, Shaun Toub, A...
Following her depiction of youthful rebellion in the independent features THIRTEEN and LORDS OF DOGTOWN, Catherine Hardwicke takes an anomalous detour with THE NATIVITY STORY. A simple depiction of the Biblical tale told from Mary’s perspective, the film lends realism and humanity to a story that is mythical in its proportions, with 16-year-old Keisha Castle-Hughes (WHALE RIDER) delivering a performance indicative of her star potential. The scene is set in ancient Nazareth, where the people live in poverty, oppressed by the heavy taxes and iron hand of King Herod. Herod himself lives in fear of a prophecy that foretells the coming of a great king, and is constantly tightening his grip on an already terrorized land. Mary is a young, virtuous, fun-loving girl whose family arranges her marriage to Joseph, a man she hardly knows but who promises to provide for her. Mary is unwilling, but her rebellion is soon eclipsed by a greater fear when the angel Gabriel appears to her and informs her of her destiny as the mother of Jesus. Having taken a vow to remain pure for a year, Mary is afraid of what the townspeople will do to her when they hear of her pregnancy. She goes to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who also carries a child given to her by God, and who offers her support and comfort. When Mary returns to Nazareth heavily pregnant, Joseph is consumed with jealousy and anger, and only when he receives word from God in a dream does he agree to claim the child for his own. Eventually, Herod decides to take a census in order to find the Messiah foretold in the prophecy, and Joseph and Mary set off on the difficult journey to Bethlehem. The way the couple’s relationship progresses lends heart to the tale, and comic relief is provided by the three wise men (Nadim Sawalha, Eriq Ebouaney, and Stefan Kalipha), making this an effective, inspiring, and joyful rendition of the well-known tale.
Blue Lagoon: The Awakening
2012
5.8/10
TV, adventure, drama, romance
Director: Mikael Salomon, Actors: Indiana Evans, Brenton Thwaites, Denise Richards, Patrick St. Esprit, Frank John Hughe...
After a boating accident, two teenagers find themselves stranded on a deserted island while on their school trip to Trinidad. Dean McMullen, a high school loner, and Emmaline Robinson, a popular perfect girl who Dean dubs: Prom Queen, learn what it really means to trust someone. While waiting for rescue on the island, Emma and Dean will learn more about themselves and each other while falling in love.
Age of Heroes
2011
5.6/10
action, adventure, drama, thriller, war
Director: Adrian Vitoria, Actors: Sean Bean, Danny Dyer, Aksel Hennie, Izabella Miko, Rosie Fellner, James D'Arcy, John ...
Based on the real-life events of Ian Fleming's 30 Commando during World War II - the inspiration for the SAS - this is a story which takes our heroes from the edge of defeat on the beaches of Dunkirk to the mountains of Norway on a dangerous mission behind enemy lines that, if successful, could change the course of the war.
Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love
1996
6.0/10
crime, drama, history, romance
Director: Mira Nair, Actors: Naveen Andrews, Sarita Choudhury, Indira Varma, Ramon Tikaram, Rekha, Arundhati Rao, Ranjit...
KAMA SUTRA is the story of a young woman named Maya (the stunning Indira Varma) who has always been lower on the social scale than her well-born friend Tara (Sarita Choudhury), and has always lived in Tara's shadow, wearing her used clothes and being made to feel inferior. When Tara is betrothed to the handsome King Raj Singh (Naveen Andrews, from THE ENGLISH PATIENT), Tara sneaks into the king's tent on the eve of the wedding and seduces him. Later, after being trained to master the Kama Sutra's many "lessons of love," Maya will be the king's courtesan, and emotions will run high between the former best friends. But the plot is of secondary importance here (a fact that resulted in many mixed reviews), and so KAMA SUTRA works best as a colorful and irresistibly sexy story that is worth seeing just for the startling beauty of the film and its cast.
The Neverending Story 3: Escape From Fantasia
1994
3.0/10
adventure, comedy, family, fantasy
Director: Peter MacDonald, Actors: Jason James Richter, Melody Kay, Jack Black, Freddie Jones, Carole Finn, Ryan Bollman...
Young Bastian retreats to the library to escape the troubles of schoolyard bullies. His flight turns out to be longer than expected, however, when he discovers a mysterious "Neverending Storybook." In this installment, he gets lost inside the magical world of his imagination.
The 7th Voyage of Sinbad
1958
7.2/10
family, fantasy, action, adventure
Director: Nathan Juran, Actors: Kerwin Mathews, Kathryn Grant, Richard Eyer, Torin Thatcher, Alec Mango, Danny Green, Ha...
Sinbad must obtain the egg of a roc, a fierce, giant bird, in order to return the beautiful Princess Parisa to her normal size after she is miniaturized by the villanous magician Sokurah. Along the way Sinbad, Parisa, and their magical genie encounter a calvacade of mythological creatures, including a man-eating cyclops, a two headed roc, a fire breathing dragon, and an army of reanimated skeletons--all lovingly brought to life through the magic of the spectacular special effects of Ray Harryhausen.
The Canyons
2013
3.9/10
drama, thriller
Director: Paul Schrader, Actors: Lindsay Lohan, James Deen, Nolan Gerard Funk, Amanda Brooks, Tenille Houston, Gus Van S...
While calculating young movie producer Christian makes films to keep his trust fund intact, his actress girlfriend Tara hides an affair with an actor from her past. But Christian becomes aware of her infidelity, which leads the young Angelenos into a violent, sexually-charged tour through the dark side of human nature.
Return to House on Haunted Hill
2007
4.6/10
direct-to-video, horror, thriller
Director: Víctor García, Actors: Amanda Righetti, Cerina Vincent, Erik Palladino, Jeffrey Combs, Andrew Lee Potts,...
Sarah Wolfe was the only living survivor from the massacre at the Vanacutt Mansion, but no one believed her claims that ghosts were responsible for the gruesome murders that took place there. Now her recent and questionable suicide leaves her sister, Ariel, no choice but to devote herself to finding out who - or what - was responsible for her death. Ariel discovers that Sarah sent her the diary of the sadistic Dr. Vanacutt just before she died, offering clues to the diabolical evil that resides within the house. But the diary also makes Ariel a target in a deadly treasure hunt that leads a group of unwitting victims back to the Vanacutt Mansion, reawakening the terror imprisoned within the house on the hill.This time, the house and the evil spirits inside are out to make sure that no one leaves alive.
Dog Pound
2010
7.1/10
drama
Director: Kim Chapiron, Actors: Adam Butcher, Shane Kippel, Mateo Morales, Slim Twig, Alexander Conti, Taylor Poulin, De...
Alex (Mateo Morales), Butch (Adam Butcher) and David (Shane Kippel) are three teenage criminals who have sentenced to the Enola Vale Correctional Facility, a juvenile detention facility in Montana. Goodyear (Lawrence Bayne), a guard who looks after the young inmates, is tough but fair-minded and urges the youngsters to play by the rules and quietly serve their time so they can earn a second chance on the outside. But the new inmates have to deal with young men who have been in lockup for a while, many of whom have become accustomed to the violence and intimidation of life behind bars. Banks (Taylor Poulin) is already a hard case who thrives on bullying those smaller and more vulnerable than himself; once he targets Butch, the new inmate starts down a path of retribution from which there is no return.
Titanic: The Legend Goes On...
2000
2.3/10
animation, family
Director: Camillo Teti, Actors: Lisa Russo, Mark Thompson-Ashworth, Gisella Mathews, Veronica Wells, Jacques Stany, Cliv...
An animated retelling of the worst passenger ship disaster in history. In this version, love blossoms between the upper-class Sir William and the blue-collar Angelica, who is hoping to find romance in America. At the same time, there are also a number of animal passengers, including talking dogs, cats and mice, who are also looking forward to arriving in the New World.
Battle of the Year: The Dream Team
2013
4.9/10
music
Director: Benson Lee, Actors: Josh Holloway, Laz Alonso, Josh Peck, Caity Lotz, Chris Brown, Anis Cheurfa, Jesse 'Casper...
A veteran basketball coach whips a talented American breakdancing troupe into shape for the biggest b-boy competition in the world in this kinetic dance drama starring LOST's Josh Holloway. For breakdancers, winning the Battle of the Year is like taking the gold medal in the Olympics. Though the competition originated in the U.S., no American has taken the top prize in the past 15 years. A former b-boy with his eyes on the prize, L.A. hip-hop icon Dante (Laz Alonso) is determined to change that. But it's not going to be easy. In order to get the job done, Dante recruits his old friend Blake (Holloway) to help form a b-boy troupe comprised of the best dancers in the country. Having previously coached a basketball team to victory before falling on hard times, Blake knows a thing or two about winning. But with the competition just three weeks away, they'll need a small miracle to reclaim the Battle of the Year for their country. Undaunted, Dante and Blake prepare to dazzle the judges with the kind of moves that will prove b-boy culture is still alive and kicking in the country where it was born.
Wake of Death
2004
5.8/10
action, drama
Director: Philippe Martinez, Actors: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Simon Yam, Philip Tan, Tony Schiena, Lisa King, Danny Keogh,...
Jeanne-Claude Van Damme is Ben Archer, a gangster from Marseilles who now lives in LA; after a few decades of crime, he's decided to go straight and spend more time with his family. His wife Cynthia is an agent for the INS; she works to keep illegal Chinese immigrants out of the US. But when she discovers Kim (Valerie Tian), a troubled young girl on board a ship full of immigrants, she takes pity on her and brings the girl home with her. This turns out to be a mistake, as Kim is running for her life; when her maniacal father Sun Quan (Simon Yam), the trigger-happy leader of the Chinese Triad, discovers Kim's hiding place, he brutally murders all involved. Upon finding his wife's body, Ben resolves to extract revenge from the killers, and embarks upon a bloodletting of the entire Chinese mob, waging war with the aid of two of his former gang members.
S.W.A.T.: Firefight
2011
5.3/10
direct-to-video, action, crime, thriller
Director: Benny Boom, Actors: Gabriel Macht, Robert Patrick, Carly Pope, Giancarlo Esposito, Kristanna Loken, Matt Bushe...
An expert in anti-terrorism tactics, hotshot LAPD officer Paul Cutler (Gabriel Macht) is ordered to Detroit to train its S.W.A.T. team in the latest hostage rescue techniques. But everything changes when their botched response to a domestic dispute ends with a hostage down and a government assassin (Robert Patrick) now obsessed with terminating Cutler as well as his entire S.W.A.T. team.
The Last Winter
2006
5.6/10
horror, thriller
Director: Larry Fessenden, Actors: Larry Fessenden, Ron Perlman, James Le Gros, Connie Britton, Kevin Corrigan, Zach Gil...
In a cinematic world where most horror films are loud and flashy, it might be easy to overlook Larry Fessenden's quietly creepy THE LAST WINTER. But if they do, genre fans would be missing out on a truly unsettling film that centers on the real-life chills of the changing environment. Ron Perlman (HELLBOY) stars as Ed Pollack, an oil company employee who arrives in Alaska. He's eager to take some of the tundra's oil bounty, but the rising temperatures have an environmental scientist (James LeGros, ZODIAC) worried about the irreparable damage they could do to the Alaskan wilderness. Soon things start to go wrong at their camp, and one of their one dies mysteriously. Whether it's cabin fever, poisonous gas, or supernatural forces, something is threatening the camp and the people who live there. Fessenden imbues the well-paced film with a frightening sense of menace, but he's not without help. Director of photography G. Magni Águstsson perfectly captures the isolation of the Alaskan landscape with his framing of the camp, and Jeff Grace's score adds to the sense of dread without ever descending into cliché. THE LAST WINTER also features a strong cast who ably communicate the growing confusion and terror. As in his work for directors such as Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Guillermo del Toro, Perlman is a highlight here as the gruff Pollack. As Pollack's former love, Abby, Connie Britton shows the talent that fans of her role on FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS have come to expect. Though this is his first film, Zach Gilford--also of FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS--is excellent as the first of the team to feel the eerie effects of the environment.
About Cherry
2012
4.8/10
drama
Director: Stephen Elliott, Actors: Ashley Hinshaw, James Franco, Heather Graham, Lili Taylor, Dev Patel, Diane Farr, Jon...
Enticed into posing nude by her depraved boyfriend (Jonny Weston), shy high-school student Angelica ( Ashley Hinshaw) falls into the world of fetish photography, which she begins to see as a means of escaping her dead-end life. Meanwhile, as she weighs her options and struggles to be a good role model for her impressionable younger sister, her shrewd mother (Taylor) and shady stepfather offer little solace. Under the guidance of a sensitive female porn director (Graham), Angelica stands a good chance of becoming a big star. But as the conflicted teen bares her soul to her understanding best friend (Dev Patel), she also finds herself falling under the spell of a drug-addicted lawyer (Franco) who may be her undoing.
Tremors 4: The Legend Begins
2004
5.3/10
direct-to-video, action, comedy, horror, sci-fi, thriller, western
Director: S.S. Wilson, Actors: Michael Gross, Sara Botsford, Billy Drago, Brent Roam, Ming Lo, J.E. Freeman, Lydia Look,...
The cult film series TREMORS continues with this prequel that examines the origins of the giant killer worms from the three previous episodes. Series regular Michael Gross returns for another starring turn, this time as the ancestor of the character he plays in the other TREMORS films. It's late-1800s Nevada, and the site of a valuable silver mine is rapidly becoming a ghost town after a slew of miners fall victim to mysterious homicidal creatures. Enter the mine's owner, effete aristocrat Hiram Gummer (Gross), who hires a gun-toting mercenary, Black Hand Kelly (B-movie stalwart Billy Drago), to deal with the profit-stifling interlopers. But when the killers turn out to be something other than human, Gummer and the town's few remaining citizens must prepare for a terrifying showdown of supernatural proportions. Eschewing CGI for more primitive animation techniques, TREMORS 4 revels in its low-budget appeal and resurrects the blackly comic tone of the original.
Bring It on 2
2004
4.3/10
direct-to-video, comedy, sport
Director: Damon Santostefano, Actors: Anne Judson-Yager, Bree Turner, Kevin Cooney, Faune A. Chambers, Richard Lee Jacks...
Derived from the teen hit BRING IT ON, BRING IT ON AGAIN follows a group of new college students, spurned from the official college cheerleading team. Rather than give in to defeat, the students band together and form their own cheer squad, but can the win the cheer-off?
2012 Doomsday
2008
1.7/10
direct-to-video, adventure, fantasy, horror, sci-fi
Director: Nick Everhart, Actors: Cliff De Young, Dale Midkiff, Ami Dolenz, Danae Nason, Joshua Lee, Sara Tomko, Caroline...
The end is nigh in this apocalyptic disaster film that mixes Christian values, Mayan mythology, and scientific theories about polar shifts. When four strangers journey into Mexico in 2012, they are drawn into ancient mysteries that foretell the coming of the End Times.
A Single Shot
2013
5.8/10
crime, drama, thriller
Director: David M. Rosenthal, Actors: Sam Rockwell, Jeffrey Wright, Kelly Reilly, William H. Macy, Jason Isaacs, Joe And...
The tragic death of a beautiful young girl starts a tense and atmospheric game of cat and mouse between hunter John Moon and the hardened backwater criminals out for his blood.
Five Fingers
2006
6.4/10
drama, thriller
Director: Laurence Malkin, Actors: Mimi Ferrer, Laurence Fishburne, Touriya Haoud, Ryan Phillippe, Colm Meaney, Gina Tor...
When a young Dutch idealist travels to Morocco to start a food charity he's kidnapped by local terrorists and has to engage in a mental chess match to learn his captors' objectives.
Ninja 2: Shadow of a Tear
2013
6.2/10
action, crime, thriller
Director: Isaac Florentine, Actors: Scott Adkins, Kane Kosugi, Mika Hijii, Shun Sugata, Vithaya Pansringarm, Mukesh Bhat...
Fight everyone and trust no one: it's the code of survival practiced by martial-arts master Casey Bowman after his life of domestic bliss is shattered by a savage act of violence. Vowing revenge, the fearless American stealthily tracks the killer from Osaka to Bangkok to Rangoon with the help of a wise and crafty sensei. His only clues: a series of victims whose necks bear the distinctive mark of strangulation by barbed wire. Fighting to avenge as well as to survive, Casey must sharpen his razor-like responses and take his battle skills to the next level, even using deep meditation to fake his own death. His target: the sinister drug lord Goro, who is flooding the streets with deadly meth cooked at his remote jungle factory. To prepare for his ultimate confrontation, Casey must finally become an invisible warrior worthy of the name Ninja. But just when his prey is cornered, an unexpected twist shows Casey that his battle is only beginning: he truly can trust no one.
Chatroom
2010
5.5/10
drama, thriller
Director: Hideo Nakata, Actors: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Imogen Poots, Matthew Beard, Daniel Kaluuya, Hannah Murray, Megan ...
Eva (Imogen Poots) is a young model whose good looks and poise disguise her aching doubts about herself and her wishes she could be more like others. Jim (Matthew Beard) is still wrestling with the demons brought on by a painful childhood and tries to beat back his fears with drugs. Emily (Hannah Murray) feels plain and unattractive and is filled with resentment towards her ambitious father and mother. And Mo (Daniel Kaluuya) struggles with his sexual desires for children, in particular the sister of a close friend. These four young people are frequent visitors to an internet chat room, where they can talk about their fears and anxieties while being drawn out by the compassionate moderator. But the man who runs the chat room is not all he seems. William (Aaron Johnson) is the unstable and neglected son of a successful author (Megan Dodds); he's grown to hate his more confident brother Ripley (Richard Madden) and has established the chat room in order to manipulate others to his own ends by getting them to share their secrets and using this knowledge against them.
Romeo and Juliet
2013
5.7/10
drama, history, romance
Director: Carlo Carlei, Actors: Hailee Steinfeld, Douglas Booth, Damian Lewis, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Tomas Arana, Ed Westwic...
Finds the innocent young lovers caught up in a bitter feud between their warring families, the Montagues and Capulets. Determined not to let the sins of their families' turbulent pasts stand in the path of true love, Romeo and Juliet run away to wed in secrecy. Alas, happiness was not to come, for in time the flames of their youthful passion will consume them both.
Cruel Intentions 3
2004
4.8/10
direct-to-video, drama
Director: Scott Ziehl, Actors: Kerr Smith, Kristina Anapau, Nathan Wetherington, Natalie Ramsey, Melissa Yvonne Lewis, T...
Ashley Elizabeth and Tom Everett Scott star in this second sequel to the 1999 hit which transferred the sexual manipulation and double-crossing of DANGEROUS LIAISONS to an exclusive prep school on Manhattan's Upper West Side.
Tinker Bell 2: Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure
2009
6.7/10
animation, adventure, family, fantasy
Director: Klay Hall, Actors: Mae Whitman, Jesse McCartney, Jane Horrocks, Lucy Liu, Raven-Symoné, Kristin Chenoweth, ...
A blue harvest moon will rise, allowing the fairies to use a precious moonstone to restore the Pixie Dust Tree, the source of all their magic. But when Tinker Bell accidentally puts all of Pixie Hollow in jeopardy, she must venture out across the sea on a secret quest to set things right.
Sniper 4: Reloaded
2011
5.3/10
action, drama, thriller, war
Director: Claudio Fäh, Actors: Clyde Berning, Chad Michael Collins, Hlomla Dandala, Richard Sammel, Billy Zane, Annab...
Hackers 2: Takedown
2000
6.3/10
crime, drama, thriller
Director: Joe Chappelle, Actors: Skeet Ulrich, Russell Wong, Angela Featherstone, Donal Logue, Christopher McDonald, Mas...
Skeet Ulrich (SCREAM) stars as notorious real-life computer hacker Kevin Mitnick who finds himself in trouble when his crimes, perpetrated solely for his own amusement, escalate until he is forced to run from the F.B.I. Two years pass, and Mitnick returns home, only to discover a pair of agents (Tom Berenger and Christopher McDonald) on his trail. A trick from a fellow hacker (Russell Wong) allows him to stay one step ahead of his pursuers, but how long will he be able to live underground? The real Mitnick was apprehended in 1995.
The Round Up
2010
7.0/10
drama, history, war
Director: Rose Bosch, Actors: Jean Reno, Mélanie Laurent, Gad Elmaleh, Anne Brochet, Raphaëlle Agogué, Hugo Lev...
1942. Joseph is eleven. And this June morning, he must go to school, a yellow star sown on his chest. He receives the support of a goods dealer. The mockery of a baker. Between kindness and contempt, Jo, his Jewish friends, their families, learn of life in an occupied Paris, on the Butte Montmartre, where they've taken shelter. At least that's what they think, until that morning on July 16th 1942, when their fragile happiness is toppled over. From the Vélodrome D'Hiver, where 13 000 Jews are crammed, to the camp of Beaune-La-Rolande, from Vichy to the terrace of the Berghof, La Rafle follows the real destinies of the victims and the executioners. Of those who orchestrated it all. Of those who trusted them. Of those who fled. Of those who opposed them. Every character in this film has existed. Every event, even the most extreme, transpired on that summer of 1942.
The Countess
2009
6.3/10
biography, drama, history, horror, thriller
Director: Julie Delpy, Actors: Julie Delpy, Daniel Brühl, William Hurt, Anamaria Marinca, Sebastian Blomberg, Charly ...
At the dawn of the 17th century, Countess Bathory was the most powerful woman in Hungary. At the age of 14, she married a powerful warlord twice her age and bore him four children. While her husband was away fighting wars, Countess Bathory maintained their estate with the help of her one true confidant, a powerful witch named Anna Darvulia. Over time, Countess Bathory's gained great influence, even holding sway over decisions made by the King. But she was unwilling to accept a world in which men were able to break the rules without consequence while women were expected to be unquestionably subservient, and after her husband died, Countess Bathory fell deeply in love with a young nobleman named Istvan (Daniel Brühl), whom she encountered at a lavish feast. Istvan too was smitten, though his relationship with the countess was cut short when his father, Count Thurzo (William Hurt), forced him to break off the romance. Meanwhile, as Countess Bathory becomes obsessed with the prospect that age was a factor in the failure of the relationship, Count Thurzo begins crafting an elaborate plot against her. Eventually Countess Bathory's blinding sadness gives way to irreversible madness, and she becomes convinced that she can maintain her youth and beauty forever by bathing in the blood of virgins. Her dementia and obsession flowing like the virginal blood she bathes in every night, Countess Bathory eventually realizes that she has become the victim of a vast political conspiracy hatched by the father of her beloved. But by now it's already too late, Countess Erzebet Bathory's downfall had already been set into motion.
The Scorpion King 3: Battle for Redemption
2012
3.6/10
direct-to-video, action, adventure, fantasy
Director: Roel Reiné, Actors: Dave Bautista, Bostin Christopher, Tanapol Chuksrida, Kevin 'Kimbo Slice' Ferguson, Tem...
Since his rise to power, Mathayus' kingdom has fallen. Now an assassin for hire, he must defend a kingdom from an evil tyrant and his ghost warriors for the chance to regain the power and glory he once knew. |
Major League 3: Back to the Minors
1998
4.4/10
comedy, sport
Director: John Warren, Actors: Scott Bakula, Corbin Bernsen, Dennis Haysbert, Takaaki Ishibashi, Jensen Daggett, Ted McG...
Third in the Major League Trilogy (so far). A new manager for the minor-league baseball team The Buzz needs to turn around a team of laughable baseball players in this hard-hitting comedy.
One Chance
2013
6.7/10
biography, comedy, drama, music
Director: David Frankel, Actors: James Corden, Alexandra Roach, Julie Walters, Colm Meaney, Mackenzie Crook, Jemima Roop...
The story of amateur opera singer Paul Potts (James Corden), who went from meek shop clerk to international superstar after his stunning performance on Britain's Got Talent became a viral video phenomenon.
American Ninja 2: The Confrontation
1987
4.6/10
action, drama
Director: Sam Firstenberg, Actors: Michael Dudikoff, Steve James, Larry Poindexter, Gary Conway, Michelle Botes, Jeff Ce...
Bereavement
2010
5.1/10
crime, horror, thriller
Director: Stevan Mena, Actors: Michael Biehn, Alexandra Daddario, Brett Rickaby, Spencer List, John Savage, Kathryn Meis...
Six-year-old Martin (Spencer List) was playing in his front yard when he was coaxed into a truck by reclusive maniac Graham Sutter (Brett Rickaby). In the years that followed, Sutter kept Martin locked up in a deserted Pennsylvania pig farm, all the while forcing the young boy to witness and participate in the most cruel forms of torture imaginable. Five years later, 17-year-old Allison Miller (Alexandra Daddario) is jogging in the country when she catches a glimpse of the young boy in one of the factory windows. Informed by her uncle Jonathan (Michael Biehn) that the factory has been abandoned for years, curious Allison returns shortly thereafter in an attempt to find the young boy, only to realize that once she has gotten in, she may never make it out alive.
Hercules Reborn
2014
4.3/10
action, adventure
Director: Nick Lyon, Actors: John Hennigan, Christian Oliver, Marcus Shirock, James Duval, Dylan Vox, Christina Ulfsparr...
When a young man's bride is kidnapped by an evil king, he turns to Hercules for help. The fallen hero has been living in exile, banished for killing his family, but the young man's courage inspires Hercules. Together, they fight to rescue the bride and reclaim the honor of Hercules.
Sniper 2
2002
5.1/10
direct-to-video, action
Director: Craig R. Baxley, Actors: Tom Berenger, Bokeem Woodbine, Erika Marozsán, Dan Butler, Linden Ashby, Tamás ...
Tom Berenger reprises his role as Sergeant Thomas Beckett in this sequel to the 1993 action/thriller. This time around, Beckett is paired with B.J. Cole (Bokeem Woodbine), a death row inmate on a suicide mission to the Balkans. Their objective: take down a general accused of running "ethnic cleansing" missions. But when Beckett discovers that he's merely a pawn in a larger scheme, he stops following his original plan, and the bodies begin to pile up.
South Park: Imaginationland
2008
8.6/10
direct-to-video, animation, comedy, fantasy
Director: Trey Parker, Actors: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Adrien Beard, Kathryn Howell, Jonathan Kimmel, Mona Marshall, Ky...
The doors of the world's imagination are thrown wide open and the boys of South Park are transported to a magical realm in their greatest odyssey ever.
Tekken: Blood Vengeance
2011
5.9/10
animation, action, sci-fi
Director: Yoichi Mori, Actors: Christine Marie Cabanos, Isshin Chiba, Kyle Hebert, Unshô Ishizuka, Carrie Keranen, Er...
Set during the time between Tekken 5 and Tekken 6, this 3D computer-animated adventure from director Youichi Mouri and screenwriter Dai Sato (COWBOY BEBOP) finds Ling Xiaoyu on a mission to gather intelligence about an enigmatic student named Shin Kamiya. On her way to infiltrate a school in Kyoto for the G Corporation, however, Ling discovers that Shin has recently been abducted. Only by teaming with Alisa Bosconovitch will Ling find the resources needed to locate Shin before it's too late, and blow the lid off of the explosive conspiracy involving the mysterious Mishima Zaibatsu.
Squadron 731
1988
6.1/10
drama, history, horror, war
Director: Tun Fei Mou, Actors: Jianxin Chen, Hsu Gou, Linjie Hao, Tie Long Jin, Zhaohua Mei, Gang Wang, Zhe Quan, Dai Ya...
As World War II draws to a close, Japanese army officers are cooking up biological weapons to deploy as a last-ditch effort. They test their prototypes on Chinese and Russian war prisoners at an underground facility called Squadron 731, conducting horrific experiments. A gory Chinese polemic, considered a cult classic for its sheer shock value. Followed by a sequel, "Laboratory of the Devil."
The Lost Future
2010
5.0/10
TV, adventure, sci-fi
Director: Mikael Salomon, Actors: Sean Bean, Corey Sevier, Sam Claflin, Annabelle Wallis, Eleanor Tomlinson, Hannah Toin...
A group of post-apocalyptic survivors, struggle to survive in a world where jungles and forests and primeval wetlands and deserts have obliterated civilization. They staunchly face genetically mutating beasts and mysterious diseases in an attempt to re-establish the human race as masters of Earth.
Scenes of a Sexual Nature
2006
6.1/10
comedy, drama, romance
Director: Ed Blum, Actors: Holly Aird, Eileen Atkins, Hugh Bonneville, Ewan McGregor, Sophie Okonedo, Douglas Hodge, Tom...
An impressive cast, which features Ewan McGregor, Eileen Atkins, and Gina McKee, brings director Ed Blum's SCENES OF A SEXUAL NATURE to the screen with this production. The film follows the activities of seven couples on one day in Hampstead Heath, London. The couples reveal small details about their relationships, and Blum gently pushes his slow-moving movie through a few clever twists and turns as it reaches its conclusion.
Still Life
2006
7.3/10
drama
Director: Zhangke Jia, Actors: Tao Zhao, Zhou Lan, Sanming Han, Lizhen Ma, Zhubin Li, Haiyu Xiang, Lin Zhou, Hongwei Wan...
This meditative film from Chinese director Jia Jhang Ke follows the parallel quests of two characters: a miner looking for his wife, and a nurse searching for her husband. Taking place in a small town about to be buried beneath the flow of the Three Gorges Dam, STILL LIFE's loosely structured narrative and evocative photography offer an intriguing portrait of China's quickly changing way of life.
Fuck
2005
7.1/10
documentary
Director: Steve Anderson, Actors: Steve Anderson, Drew Carey, Billy Connolly, Bill Maher, Steven Bochco, Pat Boone, Chuc...
The Queen Mother of all dirty words (as it was once described by Jean Shepherd) is examined through all its linguistic, sociological, legal, and ethical implications in this documentary. Filmmaker Steven Anderson interviews dozens of people about the history and function of "the F word," including language historians who have a hard time nailing down its origin, writers (including Hunter S. Thompson and Ben Bradlee) who talk about its role in literature and press freedom, comedians (among them Drew Carey, Janeane Garofalo, and Billy Connolly) who ponder its frequent presence in hipster humor, pop musicians (such as Ice-T, Pat Boone, and Alanis Morissette) who offer their theories about its role in contemporary culture, and social critics (including Michael Medved and Dennis Prager) who believe its currency is taking America into a dangerous place.
The Tillman Story
2010
7.8/10
documentary, biography, mystery, war
Director: Amir Bar-Lev, Actors: Pat Tillman, Josh Brolin, Mary Tillman, Patrick Tillman Sr., Russell Baer, Philip Kensin...
Pat Tillman never thought of himself as a hero. His choice to leave a multimillion-dollar football contract and join the military wasn't done for any reason other than he felt it was the right thing to do. The fact that the military manipulated his tragic death in the line of duty into a propaganda tool is unfathomable and thoroughly explored in Amir Bar-Lev's riveting and enraging documentary.
Anne Frank: The Whole Story
2001-2001
8.0/10
biography, drama, war
Director: Robert Dornhelm, Actors: Ben Kingsley, Hannah Taylor Gordon, Jean-Luc Julien, Brenda Blethyn, Tatjana Blacher,...
Based on Melissa Muller's book ANNE FRANK: A BIOGRAPHY, this film covers young Anne Frank's life from her childhood before the war in Amsterdam, through the harsh war years covered in her diary, to her final days leading up to her death in a Nazi concentration camp. The resulting story is more heartbreaking than ever, as the full scope of Anne's life and family are covered in greater scope than ever before, featuring outstanding performances and a harsh, unblinking look at the conditions experienced by millions during the dark days of World War II.
War of the Worlds 2: The Next Wave
2008
2.1/10
direct-to-video, action, adventure, sci-fi
Director: C. Thomas Howell, Actors: C. Thomas Howell, Christopher Reid, Kim Little, Jonathan Levit, Fred Griffith, Darre...
After scoring a hit with their low-budget adaptation of H.G. Wells's WAR OF THE WORLDS--arguably because of name confusion with the Tom Cruise blockbuster--Asylum Entertainment returns with this continuation of the sci-fi saga. C. Thomas Howell (SOUL MAN) directs and stars in this frightening sequel that imagines the aliens returning to blast away the ruins of mankind. But the ETs had better watch out. This time humans don't just let their germs do their fighting for them!
The King of Fighters
2010
3.1/10
action, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Gordon Chan, Actors: Maggie Q, Sean Faris, Will Yun Lee, Ray Park, David Leitch, Françoise Yip, Bernice Liu...
American Ninja 3: Blood Hunt
1989
3.2/10
action, drama
Director: Cedric Sundstrom, Actors: David Bradley, Steve James, Marjoe Gortner, Yehuda Efroni, Calvin Jung, Evan J. Klis...
Across the Hall
2009
6.1/10
mystery, thriller
Director: Alex Merkin, Actors: Mike Vogel, Danny Pino, Brittany Murphy, Brad Greenquist, Dov Davidoff, Guillermo Díaz...
Follows the tense stand-off between a young man, his unfaithful fiancée, and his best friend. Terry's fiancée, June, is having an affair. After following June to a run-down hotel on the far side of town, Terry quietly rents a room across the hall. With a bottle of whiskey and a loaded gun, he calls his best friend, Julian, and spills his guts. Realizing that it's only a matter of time before Terry goes off, Julian begs his friend to remain calm long enough for him to get to the hotel and diffuse the situation.
Murder-Set-Pieces
2004
3.8/10
horror
Director: Nick Palumbo, Actors: Sven Garrett, Cerina Vincent, Tony Todd, Jade Risser, Gunnar Hansen, Valerie Baber, Edwi...
A fashion photographer exposes his demented childhood and zooms his evil lens on the oldest profession under the moon...in quite possibly the most notorious serial killer film ever made.
Dare
2009
5.9/10
drama, romance
Director: Adam Salky, Actors: Emmy Rossum, Zach Gilford, Ashley Springer, Alan Cumming, Ana Gasteyer, Rooney Mara, Sandr...
An overachieving good girl, a sexually confused outsider, and a rich kid hiding behind his bad-boy persona unexpectedly find their lives colliding during their last semester of high school. Alexa (Emmy Rossum) may get good grades, but she longs to get her nose out of the textbooks and experience life. Meanwhile, melancholy teen Ben (Ashley Springer) wrestles with his sexuality, and good-looking rich kid Johnny (Zach Gilford) realizes that he can't maintain his bad-boy image forever. As their lives slowly converge, it becomes ever more apparent that they have little to rebel against other than their own self-imposed inhibitions.
American Ninja 5
1993
2.6/10
action, comedy
Director: Bob Bralver, Actors: David Bradley, Lee Reyes, Anne Dupont, James Lew, Pat Morita, Marc Fiorini, Carlos Ruiz, ...
In an attempt to rescue the kidnapped daughter of a scientist, the American Ninja enlists the aid of a boy who has been schooled in the ways of the Ninja. The boy is played by newcomer Lee Reyes, the Junior National Karate Champion.
American Ninja 4: The Annihilation
1990
3.6/10
action, drama
Director: Cedric Sundstrom, Actors: Michael Dudikoff, David Bradley, James Booth, Dwayne Alexandre, Robin Stille, Ken Ga...
When four Delta Force commandos are captured by an elite Ninja force in an African forest, two top secret operatives (David Bradley and Dwayne Alexandre) are sent to free them. After taking refuge with an American Peace Corps nurse (Robin Stille), all are captured. Rescue lies in the hands of a retired ex-operative (Michael Dudikoff) who needs some persuasion - until the sinister enemy's ultimate scheme of nuclear terrorism against an American target comes to light. It will take everything he's got when a feared, indestructible Super Ninja is unleashed for an ultimate showdown. With its nonstop thrills, this action blast will wipe you out!
Unearthed
2007
4.0/10
horror, mystery, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Matthew Leutwyler, Actors: Emmanuelle Vaugier, Luke Goss, Beau Garrett, Charlie Murphy, Tonantzin Carmelo, Rus...
IN THEATRES NOVEMBER 9, 2007 A mysterious monster attacks a small town in New Mexico in this creepy film. A sheriff tries to defend his town, but will his efforts be enough to keep the creature at bay?
Sunset
1988
5.7/10
crime, action, comedy, thriller, western
Director: Blake Edwards, Actors: Bruce Willis, James Garner, Malcolm McDowell, Mariel Hemingway, Kathleen Quinlan, Jenni...
Gunslinging lawman Wyatt Earp meets cowboy star Tom Mix on a film set in Hollywood, circa 1929. This film-within-a-film farce has the Mix playing the famous marshal in one of the first Western talkies with Earp on hand for technical advice. Meanwhile both men team up to solve a mystery involving the murder of a notorious madam.
Gunless
2010
6.5/10
action, comedy, drama, western
Director: William Phillips, Actors: Paul Gross, Sienna Guillory, Dustin Milligan, Callum Keith Rennie, Tyler Mane, Graha...
A quiet and peaceful community in the Dominion of Canada is shaken up by the arrival of a wounded and stinky gun-toting American cowboy, simply known as The Montana Kid, wanted for the alleged killing of seven men. A subsequent clarification reveals that his real name is Sean Rafferty, and he admits to killing, not seven, but eleven men. Things only get worse after Sean gets in the bad books of the local militia, and with armed bounty hunters hot on his trail, challenges the local unarmed blacksmith, Jack Smith, to a duel - wild west style!
Pippi Longstocking on the Seven Seas
1970
6.9/10
adventure, family
Director: Olle Hellbom, Actors: Inger Nilsson, Maria Persson, Pär Sundberg, Beppe Wolgers, Alfred Schieske, Jarl Bors...
When Pippi's father is captured by pirates searching for the treasure of the Longstockings, it's up to Pippi, Tommy and Annika to sail away and save the day.
Touchback
2011
6.5/10
drama, family, fantasy, sport
Director: Don Handfield, Actors: Brian Presley, Kurt Russell, Melanie Lynskey, Marc Blucas, Christine Lahti, Sianoa Smit...
On the game winning play of the biggest game of his life, the best High School Football player in the nation injures his knee and destroys his dreams of a college and professional career. But fifteen years later, he receives the opportunity of a lifetime: the chance to go back and change history.
Growth
2010
4.5/10
horror, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Gabriel Cowan, Actors: Mircea Monroe, Christopher Shand, Nora Kirkpatrick, Brian Krause, Richard Riehle, Alexi...
In 1989, a breakthrough in advanced parasitic research on Cuttyhunk Island, gave scientists a jump in human evolution. Initial tests proved promising as subjects were experiencing heightened physical and mental strength and awareness. But, something in the experiment went horribly wrong and the island mysteriously lost three quarters of its population. Jamie Akerman fled the outbreak, which took her mothers life, twenty years ago. She now returns with her boyfriend and step brother, to sell the family property. There, they uncover the key to Jamie's disturbing past, and the horrifying secrets long suppressed by the town leader, Larkin. Now, a new strain of parasite has emerged, and threatens the island once again. Jamie struggles to survive and escape the obsessive pursuit of the local islanders who know that she has inherited more than she could ever have imagined.
Sniper 3
2004
5.2/10
direct-to-video, action, drama, thriller
Director: P.J. Pesce, Actors: P.J. Pesce, Tom Berenger, Byron Mann, John Doman, Denis Arndt, Troy Winbush, Jeannetta Arn...
Tom Beckett (Tom Berenger) returns, this time as the National Security Agency's secret weapon. When NSA agents William Avery (Dennis Arndt) and Richard Addis (William Duffy) hire Beckett to terminate a suspected terrorist, he takes on the mission without a qualm, but when he discovers that his target is an old friend of his, he begins to suspect that his employers' motives are not what they claimed. Beckett undertakes a mission of his own to get to the bottom of the mystery.
Ex Machina
2015
8.0/10
drama, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Alex Garland, Actors: Alicia Vikander, Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac, Chelsea Li, Evie Wray, Sonoya Mizuno, Co...
Caleb, a 24 year old coder at the world's largest internet company, wins a competition to spend a week at a private mountain retreat belonging to Nathan, the reclusive CEO of the company. But when Caleb arrives at the remote location he finds that he will have to participate in a strange and fascinating experiment in which he must interact with the world's first true artificial intelligence, housed in the body of a beautiful robot girl.
Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story
2000
6.7/10
TV, drama, family, romance
Director: Stefan Scaini, Actors: Megan Follows, Jonathan Crombie, Schuyler Grant, Patricia Hamilton, Janet-Laine Green, ...
Anne's saga comes to a close in this final installment. Anne and her husband Gilbert move to New York so that they can focus on their writing an medical careers, respectively. After a lengthy stay there, they move back to wartime Avonlea, where Gilbert feels compelled to join the military. He does, and is soon missing in action-- spurring Anne to travel to the battlefields of Europe in search of him.
Buried Alive
1990
6.6/10
TV, horror, thriller
Director: Frank Darabont, Actors: Tim Matheson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, William Atherton, Brian Libby, Hoyt Axton, Donald ...
A woman yearning for a more glamorous existence than the one her husband seems to be satisfied with enters into an illicit affair with the local doctor. His solution to her problem seems perfect but could harbor some grave consequences.
August Underground's Mordum
2003
3.1/10
direct-to-video, horror
Directors: Jerami Cruise, Killjoy, Michael Todd Schneider, Fred Vogel, Cristie Whiles, Actors: Jerami Cruise, Killjoy, M...
Two deranged friends bring along another guy to go on a random murder rampage. They kidnapped lesbian lovers, couples and they torture them in any way that the viewer can imagine. Your worst fears will come true in this shocking account of a killing spree.
The Dark Side of the Sun
1988
5.4/10
drama, romance
Director: Bozidar 'Bota' Nikolic, Actors: Guy Boyd, Brad Pitt, Cheryl Pollak, Constantin Nitchoff, Milena Dravic, Gorica...
A man finds love and learns life lessons while travelling in search of a cure for a rare skin disease.
Wild Dogs
1974
7.7/10
crime, thriller
Directors: Mario Bava, Lamberto Bava, Actors: Mario Bava, Lea Lander, George Eastman, Riccardo Cucciolla, Maurice Poli, ...
KIDNAPPED (AKA RABID DOGS), unreleased for over twenty years except in limited quantities during the '90s, clearly inspired Quentin Tarantino's RESERVOIR DOGS among other American gangster films. Three thugs hijack a car following their robbery, as the viewer discovers that the car's original drivers, Riccardo (Riccardo Cucciolla) and Maria (Lea Leander), have also just kidnapped a baby, held hostage in the backseat. While the nervous couple fights for the child's life, the thugs feud violently about how to handle upcoming run-ins with the law. Set entirely in the car, the film exudes claustrophobic anxiety. On the tail of the renowned Italian director's major boxset re-release, THE MARIO BAVA COLLECTION: VOLUME 1, KIDNAPPED) offers a filmic digression into reality from the Bava's beloved forays into fantasy and horror. Though not as cinematically imaginative, the suspense-building close-ups in KIDNAPPED) rival chiaroscuro moments in BLACK SUNDAY for amped up tension. As an experiment, KIDNAPPED feels like what has come to be known as classic Bava, though his vintage horror and fantasy films are more visually engaging.
Kingsman: The Secret Service
2014
8.4/10
action, adventure, comedy, crime
Director: Matthew Vaughn, Actors: Colin Firth, Michael Caine, Taron Egerton, Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Strong, Mark Hamill...
A super-secret spy organization that recruits an unrefined but promising street kid into the agency's ultra-competitive training program just as a global threat emerges from a twisted tech genius.
First Position
2011
7.6/10
documentary
Director: Bess Kargman, Actors: Aran Bell, Rebecca Houseknecht, Joan Sebastian Zamora, Michaela Deprince, Gaya Bommer Ye...
The personal and professional lives of aspiring dancers at New York's American Ballet School are chronicled in this documentary.
The Trials of Cate McCall
2013
6.3/10
drama
Director: Karen Moncrieff, Actors: Kate Beckinsale, James Cromwell, Taye Diggs, Nick Nolte, Clancy Brown, Mark Pellegrin...
A disgraced lawyer uncovers a sinister police conspiracy while handling the appeal of a convicted murderess. Cate McCall (Kate Beckinsale) used to be a hot shot lawyer. These days she's lucky she's not in jail. Now, newly sober, McCall must prove a convicted killer innocent on appeal in order to get reinstated in the bar and win back custody of her daughter. Just when it starts to look like she's gathered enough evidence to make a solid case and win back her career, however, McCall uncovers shocking evidence of corruption within the police department, and realizes she is in mortal danger.
Killing Kennedy
2013
6.1/10
TV, drama
Director: Nelson McCormick, Actors: Rob Lowe, Will Rothhaar, Jack Noseworthy, Casey Siemaszko, Boris McGiver, Richard Fl...
As John F. Kennedy (Lowe) rises to become U.S. president, a former Marine grows disillusioned with America. When their paths ultimately cross, the course of history is changed forever as seen in this mesmerizing film about the assassination of JFK -- and its chilling aftermath.
LEGO Batman: The Movie - DC Superheroes Unite
2013
6.6/10
direct-to-video, animation, action, adventure
Director: Jon Burton, Actors: Clancy Brown, Troy Baker, Christopher Corey Smith, Travis Willingham, Charlie Schlatter, T...
Jealous Lex Luthor runs for president after seeing Bruce Wayne bestowed a "Man of the Year" award, and enlists The Joker to build a Black LEGO Destructor Ray.
Ghost Recon: Alpha
2012
7.7/10
short, action, sci-fi, thriller, war
Directors: François Alaux, Hervé de Crécy, Actors: Keith Gilmore, Mark Ivanir, Chook Sibtain, Charles Venn, Eri...
An elite squad of US Army soldiers uses intense training and high tech weapons to take down a dangerous Russian war criminal who has eluded capture for more than a decade in this tense espionage thriller. According to US intelligence, Boris Chevtchenko has hatched a plot to detonate a dirty bomb in the heart of Moscow. Should he succeed, the Russian capitol will be uninhabitable for centuries. The only hope of stopping Chevtchenko is The Ghosts, an elite squad of Future Soldiers capable of carrying out massive strikes with surgical precision. But as The Ghosts prepare to strike, they learn that the stakes are much higher than anyone, including their superiors, suspected. Now, stuck behind enemy lines with no choice but to fight, The Ghosts prepare to engage an adversary that's just as high-tech, heavily armed, and determined to succeed as they are.
Nostradamus
1994
5.8/10
biography, drama
Director: Roger Christian, Actors: Tchéky Karyo, F. Murray Abraham, Rutger Hauer, Amanda Plummer, Julia Ormond, Assum...
Drama about Michel de Nostradame, a remarkably modern man born into the dark and unforgiving world of 16th century Europe. As a young doctor, Nostradamus bravely pursued unorthodox medical experiments including homeopathic remedies, treatments for the Black Plague and the extraction of perfumes. He risked his life and family in the name of his ground-breaking scientific doctrines and his prophecies. Only his close association with Catherine de Medici, Queen of France, protected him. Burdened by intense dreams and stunning visions, Nostradamus foretold world wars, man in space and other momentous events that span across the centuries and into our own.
Blue's Clues
1996-2007
6.8/10
family, animation
Directors: Alan Zdinak, Koyalee Chanda, Matt Sheridan, Elizabeth Holder, Todd Kessler, Nancy Keegan, Jonathan Judge, Luc...
Double Identity
2009
4.5/10
crime, thriller
Director: Dennis Dimster, Actors: Val Kilmer, Izabella Miko, Julian Wadham, Hristo Shopov, Michael Cronin, Valentine Pel...
Some Girls
1988
6.0/10
comedy, drama, romance
Director: Michael Hoffman, Actors: Patrick Dempsey, Jennifer Connelly, Sheila Kelley, Florinda Bolkan, Lance Edwards, As...
Leroy and Stitch
2006
6.2/10
direct-to-video, animation, adventure, family, sci-fi
Directors: Tony Craig, Roberts Gannaway, Actors: Daveigh Chase, Chris Sanders, David Ogden Stiers, Kevin McDonald, Tia C...
LEROY & STITCH is the feature-length conclusion of the LILO & STITCH: THE SERIES television show, and follows the further adventures of the genetically engineered alien Stitch and his human friend, the young Hawaiian girl Lilo. In this film the two must face an alien experiment gone awry in the shape of a creature that resembles a demonic bunny.
Worlds Apart
2008
7.1/10
drama
Director: Niels Arden Oplev, Actors: Rosalinde Mynster, Pilou Asbæk, Jens Jørn Spottag, Sarah Boberg, Anders W. Be...
A girl is torn between her faith and her budding emotions in this coming-of-age drama from Denmark. Sara Dahl (Rosalinde Mynster) is 17 years old and has been raised in a family of strict Jehovah's Witnesses. Sara follows the tenets of the faith and often joins her family to distribute church literature door to door in hopes of attracting new converts. Despite the Dahl family's devotion to their church, there has been a great deal of tension in the household--her father (Jens Jorn Spottag) has been unfaithful to her mother (Sarah Boberg), and while he's deeply contrite, she's unwilling to forgive him. One night, Sara goes out with some friends from school and they end up at a dance club where she meets a handsome boy named Teis (Pilou Asbaek). The two feel an immediate attraction to one another, and as Sara falls for Teis, she begins to encounter a world and ideas she's never considered before, and starts to question the doctrine that she's been taught since childhood. However, Sara's parents are uncomfortable with her relationship with Teis, so they discuss her new attitudes with John (Anders W. Berthelsen), the pastor at their church, and he confronts her both privately and publicly about the morality of her new love.
Avengers Confidential: Black Widow and Punisher
2014
5.8/10
direct-to-video, animation, action, sci-fi
Director: Kenichi Shimizu, Actors: Jennifer Carpenter, Brian Bloom, John Eric Bentley, Grant George, Kyle Hebert, Kari W...
After interfering with a top secret mission, THE PUNISHER is taken into custody by S.H.I.E.L.D. AGENT and AVENGER, BLACK WIDOW. At the orders of Director Nick Fury, Punisher and Black Widow are sent on a mission to stop LEVIATHAN, a global terrorist organization, that plans to sell stolen S.H.I.E.L.D. technology to the highest bidder. Now, the vigilante and spy must work together to prevent this technology from falling into the wrong hands. The fate of the world, and of the AVENGERS, hangs in the balance.
Angel of Death
2009
5.0/10
action, crime, thriller
Director: Paul Etheredge, Actors: Zoë Bell, Jake Abel, Vail Bloom, Brian Poth, Justin Huen, John Serge, Doug Jones, T...
The Bill
1984-2010
6.6/10
crime, drama
Directors: Chris Lovett, Derek Lister, Laurence Moody, Brian Parker, Ian White, Christopher Hodson, Nicholas Laughland, ...
Since its 1984 debut, the long-running U.K. television series THE BILL has captivated British audiences with its dramatic take on the policier formula. In addition to offering standard crimefighting procedurals, the emotionally absorbing series focuses on the personal lives of the men and women who staff London's Sun Hill Police Station.
Bob the Builder
1999-2005
5.2/10
animation, family
Directors: Will Meugniot, Paul Sabella, Sarah Ball, Brian Little, Liz Whitaker, Andy Burns, Gilly Fogg, Nick Herbert, Ac...
Follows the adventures of Bob and his lovable gang of friends and machines ­ Scoop (a scooper), Muck (a dump truck), Lofty (a crane), Dizzy (a cement mixer), and Roley (a steam roller) ­ as they work together to solve problems. Along with Bob's business partner Wendy, his cat Pilchard, and wacky scarecrow Spud, Bob and his crew live in a unique and imaginative world.
The Craigslist Killer
2011
5.3/10
TV, crime, drama, thriller
Director: Stephen Kay, Actors: Jake McDorman, Agnes Bruckner, Joshua Close, Julia Campbell, Kevin Kilner, Sam McMurray, ...
Four Horsemen
2012
7.8/10
documentary, news
Director: Ross Ashcroft, Actors: Noam Chomsky, Herman Daly, Joseph Stiglitz, Max Keiser, John Perkins, Ha-Joon Chang, Gi...
The modern day Four Horsemen continue to ride roughshod over the people who can least afford it. Crises are converging when governments, religion and mainstream economists have stalled. 23 international thinkers come together and break their silence about how the world really works and why there is still hope in re-establishing a moral and just society. Four Horsemen is free from mainstream media propaganda, doesn't bash bankers, criticize politicians or get involved in conspiracy theories. The film ignites the debate about how we usher a new economic paradigm into the world which, globally, would dramatically improve the quality of life for billions.
Big Buck Bunny
2008
6.8/10
animation, short, comedy
Director: Sacha Goedegebure
Big' Buck wakes up in his rabbit hole, only to be pestered by three critters, Gimera, Frank and Rinky. When Gimera kills a butterfly, Buck decides on a payback Predator-style.
The Exploding Girl
2009
6.3/10
drama
Director: Bradley Rust Gray, Actors: Zoe Kazan, Mark Rendall, Maryann Urbano, Hunter Canning, Franklin Pipp, Margot Ruth...
Ivy (Zoe Kazan of Revolutionary Road) returns home to Brooklyn for her summer break from college. She misses her boyfriend, and calls him frequently, but they can't quite seem to connect. She spends a lot of time with her longtime friend, Al (Mark Rendall of 30 Days of Night). Al clearly has a longstanding crush on Ivy, about which he's never done anything, probably out of some combination of fear and respect for their friendship. His confusion is exacerbated when, due to family circumstances, he's forced to stay with Ivy and her mother (Maryann Urbano) during his break from school. As the summer goes on, Ivy deals with her epilepsy and the slow, painful dissolution of her relationship, while Al starts to look for love in other directions.
Kisses and Caroms
2006
4.7/10
comedy
Director: Vincent Rocca, Actors: Vincent Rocca, Nicole Rayburn, Drew Wicks, Nikki Stanzione, Bart Shattuck, Ginger Lynn,...
KISSES AND CAROMS finds an ex-girlfriend conjuring up a unique way of luring her former boyfriend back, all executed in a similar gross-out style found in the likes of AMERICAN PIE and DUDE, WHERE'S MY CAR? Jen (Nikki Stanzione) is the hurt ex with a plan to seduce Zack (Drew Wicks) back into her life--by proposing a threesome with his hot coworker Tara (Nicole Rayburn). Hot-blooded Zack is only too quick to accept, but still isn't keen to get back together with Jen. But when Zack suddenly changes his mind about Jen he may have left it a little too late for reconciliation.
Dragonfyre
2013
3.3/10
action, adventure, fantasy
Director: Kohl Glass, Actors: Rusty Joiner, Masiela Lusha, Wesley John, Isaac C. Singleton Jr., Maclain Nelson, Adam Joh...
In a world of dragons, orcs and wizards, only one man stands between the world and pure evil. As The Sentinel, John must fight with every weapon in his arsenal as he and his unlikely band of heroes battle bloodthirsty orcs and fire-breathing dragons in order to rescue a princess from an evil sorceress who wishes to sacrifice her to take over the world.
The Wildest Dream
2010
7.3/10
documentary, adventure, biography
Director: Anthony Geffen, Actors: Conrad Anker, Susan Robertson, Robert Macfarlane, Ralph Fiennes, Liam Neeson, Natasha ...
Liam Neeson narrates director Anthony Geffen's documentary exploring the mystery of famed British adventurer George Mallory, who -- along with fellow climber Sandy Irvine -- perished while attempting to reach the summit of Mount Everest back in 1924. Eight years after discovering Mallory's preserved body in one of the most treacherous areas of the mountain, American climber Conrad Anker teams with British mountaineer Leo Houlding to retrace Mallory's footsteps on the North East Ridge Route, free climbing in areas of the mountain that have since been outfitted with ladders despite the risk of injury or death.
Amanda Knox: Murder on Trial in Italy
2011
5.7/10
TV, crime, drama
Director: Robert Dornhelm, Actors: Hayden Panettiere, Vincent Riotta, Paolo Romio, Marcia Gay Harden, Amanda Fernando St...
Based on the international headline-grabbing story of the now infamous American exchange student accused by Italian authorities of brutally killing her roommate, the movie poses the question of whether Knox (Panettiere), the Seattle honors student accused of murdering her college roommate Meredith Kercher (Amanda Fernando Stevens) in 2007 with her boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito (Paolo Romio) and acquaintance Rudy Guede (Djirbi Kebe), actually committed the crime or was herself a victim.
American Samurai
1992
4.8/10
action
Director: Sam Firstenberg, Actors: David Bradley, Mark Dacascos, Valarie Trapp, Melissa Hellman, John Fujioka, Rex Ryon,...
When a father passes on the traditional family sword to one of his two adopted sons, the other--in a fit of jealous rage--joins a yakuza drug smuggling mob. When the other son decides to find him and set things straight, things don't seem to go as smoothly as he planned, and a misunderstanding leads the stepbrothers into a Turkish arena to battle swordsmen from around the world.
The Lost Tribe
2009
3.8/10
adventure, horror, thriller
Director: Roel Reiné, Actors: Emily Baldoni, Nick Mennell, Marc Bacher, Hadley Fraser, Maxine Bahns, Terry Notary, La...
A relaxing weekend on the water leads to tropical terror for a group of young seafarers who stumble across an ancient and deadly secret. Shortly after a group of archeologists vanish without a trace on a secluded tropical island, a ship capsizes in the waters nearby, and its frightened passengers swim to the beach for safety. But this secluded paradise is no island sanctuary - it's a hunting preserve for a prehistoric tribe of predators that prey on humans. They've slaughtered the archeologists, and now they've got a new group to hunt.
My Dog Tulip
2009
6.9/10
animation, drama
Directors: Paul Fierlinger, Sandra Fierlinger, Actors: Christopher Plummer, Lynn Redgrave, Isabella Rossellini, Peter Ge...
Sniper 5: Legacy
2014
5.3/10
action, thriller
Director: Don Michael Paul, Actors: Doug Allen, Asen Asenov, Tom Berenger, Chad Michael Collins, Dennis Haysbert, Merced...
A rogue gunman is assassinating high-ranking military officers one by one. When Gunnery Sgt. Brandon Beckett is informed his father, legendary shooter Thomas Beckett has been killed, Brandon springs into action to take out the perpetrator. But when his father rescues him from an ambush, Brandon realizes he's a pawn being played by his superiors to draw out the killer. It's up to the two men, bound by blood, to bring an end to the carnage.
Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends
1981-1986
7.3/10
animation, action, family, sci-fi
Directors: Don Jurwich, Bob Richardson, Actors: Dan Gilvezan, Kathy Garver, Frank Welker, Stan Lee, June Foray, Dick Tuf...
In this series, Spider-Man forms a close friendship and alliance with two superheroes, Iceman and Firestar. Together, the group, informally known as "The Spider Friends", battle crime in New York City. Along the way, they not only face Spider-Man's own enemies, but also other major Marvel Comics villians like the Red Skull and Doctor Doom while also meeting other heroes of the Marvel Universe.
The Perfect Hideout
2008
4.1/10
action, comedy, crime, thriller
Director: Stephen Manuel, Actors: Billy Zane, Cristian Solimeno, Melinda Y. Cohen, Scarlett Sabet, Ken Bones, Cornell Ad...
The Business of Being Born
2008
7.4/10
documentary
Director: Abby Epstein, Actors: Abby Epstein, Mary Helen Ayres, Julia Barnett, Sylvie Blaustein, Cara Muhlhahn, Ricki La...
Natural childbirth is the focus of this documentary by filmmaker Abby Epstein and executive producer Ricki Lake. Much debated issues concerning at-home verses hospital births and controversies of the childbirth industry are explored through intimate footage of several mothers--including Lake--and their birthing experiences.
Dinosaur Island
1994
3.3/10
action, adventure, comedy, fantasy
Directors: Fred Olen Ray, Jim Wynorski, Actors: Ross Hagen, Richard Gabai, Antonia Dorian, Griffin Drew, Michelle Bauer,...
When five military airmen are shot down over a remote island they discover a stone age group of beautiful women who cater to their every lustful whim. The only catch is that ferocious man-eating dinosaurs share the island with the babes.
Princess Ka'iulani
2009
6.1/10
drama
Director: Marc Forby, Actors: Q'orianka Kilcher, Barry Pepper, Will Patton, Shaun Evans, Jimmy Yuill, Tamzin Merchant, J...
The incredible true story of Hawaiian princess Ka'iulani (Q'orianka Kilcher) comes to the screen in this historical drama from first time writer/director Marc Forby. The year is 1888; a rebel alliance with connections to the American government has succeeded in destabilizing Hawaii. When the fight comes to the royal palace, 13-year-old heir to the throne Princess Ka'iulani is spirited away to Victorian England -- where her royalty holds no bearing on her social standing. As Princess Ka'iulani struggles to adapt to her new surroundings, she finds herself falling in love with handsome, rebellious young Englishman Clive Davies (Shaun Evans). Four years later, the princess receives word that the queen has been incarcerated, and the monarch has fallen. In time Princess Ka'iulani realizes that in order to save her people she must give up her romance with Clive, and travel to America in order to speak with President Grover Cleveland. Convinced that she can restore her kingdom by proving to the Americans that her people are not the savage barbarians that the press portrays them to be, the princess makes her way to the United States and wages a valiant fight against the grave injustices being inflicted upon native Hawaiians.
Tekken 2: A Man Called X
2014
2.8/10
action
Director: Wych Kaosayananda, Actors: Kane Kosugi, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Rade Serbedzija, Gary Daniels, Kelly Wenham, Cha...
Suffering from amnesia, a young man trying to discover his true identity is kidnapped by an underground crime organization and turned into a ruthless assassin.
Social Nightmare
2013
4.7/10
TV, drama, mystery
Director: Mark Quod, Actors: Daryl Hannah, Kirsten Prout, Chloe Bridges, Brandon Smith, Brittania Carraway, Rachel True,...
An A-student's life is turned upside-down when inappropriate status updates and photos appear on her online profile. Soon, she learns that even her life is in danger.
Haunting of Winchester House
2009
3.4/10
direct-to-video, horror
Director: Mark Atkins, Actors: Lira Kellerman, Michael Holmes, Tomas Boykin, Kimberly Ables Jindra, Patty Roberts, Jenni...
A family working as caretakers at the notorious 160 room mansion discovers the reason it's considered one of the most haunted locations in the country when their daughter is abducted by a malicious entity...
Dirty Teacher
2013
4.7/10
TV, drama, mystery, thriller
Director: Doug Campbell, Actors: Josie Davis, Kelcie Stranahan, Cameron Deane Stewart, Darlene Vogel, Brennan Elliott, L...
When a high school senior discovers her teacher is seducing her boyfriend, events turn deadly after the teacher tries to cover it up.
Universal Soldier 3: Unfinished Business
1999
3.2/10
TV, action, sci-fi
Director: Jeff Woolnough, Actors: Matt Battaglia, Chandra West, Roger Periard, Burt Reynolds, Jeff Wincott, Richard McMi...
This third installment of the UNIVERSAL SOLDIER finds Luc Deveraux struggling to prevent an evil supercomputer from enslaving the human race. Originally broadcast on television.
Blue Smoke
2007
5.7/10
TV, drama, romance, thriller
Director: David Carson, Actors: Alicia Witt, Scott Bakula, Matthew Settle, Talia Shire, Eric Keenleyside, John Reardon, ...
Star Trek: Of Gods and Men
2007
6.4/10
direct-to-video, action, adventure, sci-fi
Director: Tim Russ, Actors: Tim Russ, Walter Koenig, Nichelle Nichols, Alan Ruck, Garrett Wang, William Wellman Jr., J.G...
The year is 2306... Twelve years have passed since Captain James Kirk was swept away by the Nexus while saving the crew of the Enterprise-B. Sadly, one year later, Commander Montgomery Scott was reported missing along with the passengers and crew of the USS Jenolen, and to this day has not been found. The remaining crewmembers of the USS Enterprise have gone their separate ways. Captain Spock and Doctor McCoy have spent the last several years on Khitomer, continuing their work to establish peace between the Federation and the Klingon Empire, though it is wondered if they will ever establish peace between themselves. Captain Hikaru Sulu and his Excelsior crew are on an extended mission beyond the outer reaches of the Alpha Quadrant. Captain Pavel Chekov, although serving a high post in Starfleet Security, feels his career has stalled, leaving him to thoughts of retirement. Captain Nyota Uhura has been serving as Director of Starfleet Linguistics, a post she finds extremely interesting, though she feels there may be something missing in her life. Now, forty years after their first mission, Chekov and Uhura, along with John Harriman, former Captain of the Enterprise-B, come together for the dedication of a very special ship. However, their reunion is cut short when they receive a distress call from an all-too-familiar planet, where they meet up with an almost-forgotten face, and in an instant something happens that presses the three friends to embark on a mission that will forever change their lives...
The Darkroom
2006
5.7/10
horror, mystery, thriller
Director: Michael Hurst, Actors: Michael Hurst, Shawn Pyfrom, Reed Diamond, Greg Grunberg, Lucy Lawless, Ellie Cornell, ...
Sharpshooter
2007
4.4/10
TV, action
Director: Armand Mastroianni, Actors: James Remar, Mario Van Peebles, Al Sapienza, Bruce Boxleitner, Catherine Mary Stew...
Chilling Visions: 5 Senses of Fear
2013
4.9/10
horror
Directors: Eric England, Nick Everhart, Emily Hagins, Jesse Holland, Miko Hughes, Andy Mitton, Actors: Andy Mitton, Symb...
From the people that brought you Steve Niles' Remains and Dead Souls comes a terrifying new anthology film based on the human senses.
My Little Pony: Equestria Girls - Rainbow Rocks
2014
7.6/10
animation, comedy, family, musical
Directors: Jayson Thiessen, Ishi Rudell, Actors: Tara Strong, Ashleigh Ball, Andrea Libman, Tabitha St. Germain, Cathy W...
The movie finds Canterlot High (CHS) hosting a musical showcase, and Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy are going to be performing with their new band, The Rainbooms. But when The Dazzlings, a new girl group, arrive at CHS and convince everyone to turn the friendly showcase into a Battle of the Bands, tensions mount between the competing musical acts. A now-reformed Sunset Shimmer realizes that the Dazzlings may not be ordinary girls and are after something far more sinister than just being named Best Band at Canterlot High. The Rainbooms call on Princess Twilight to restore harmony to their world to help them perform a musical counter-spell so that they can win a battle that now determines the fate of the entire school!
Freedom Downtime
2001
7.7/10
documentary, adventure
Director: Emmanuel Goldstein, Actors: Emmanuel Goldstein, Mark Abene, Ed Cummings, Robert Darlington, Sean Gullette, Laz...
The Situation
2006
6.4/10
drama
Director: Philip Haas, Actors: Connie Nielsen, Damian Lewis, Mido Hamada, Thomas McCarthy, Nasser Memarzia, Saïd Amad...
Part romantic thriller, part political drama, THE SITUATION is the first U.S. feature film to confront America's occupation in the Middle East, exploring one of the countless stories hidden behind the headlines of the "War on Terror" directed by Oscar®-nominee Philip Haas (Angels & Insects). When Anna (Connie Nielsen), an American journalist, travels to Iraq to report on the conflict, she quickly becomes familiar with the grim day-to-day realities of the conflict. After an Iraqi leader and friend is assassinated, she is determined to uncover the truth behind his death. As she becomes more entrenched, Anna finds herself pulled between the affections of Dan (Damian Lewis), an American intelligence official and Zaid (Mido Hamada), a photographer. After the death of an Iraqi boy at the hands of American soldiers sets off a perilous chain of events that exposes corrupt associations, blurs the lines of justice, and ultimately leads Anna into grave danger.
The Bitch
1979
2.8/10
drama, romance
Director: Gerry O'Hara, Actors: Joan Collins, Antonio Cantafora, Kenneth Haigh, Ian Hendry, Sue Lloyd, Carolyn Seymour, ...
A sexy, debauched divorcee stops at nothing to satiate her favorite recreational desires.
The Shadow in the North
2007
6.6/10
TV, adventure, crime, drama, mystery, thriller
Director: John Alexander, Actors: Billie Piper, JJ Feild, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Jared Harris, Matt Smith, John Standing, Da...
Bugs
2003
3.7/10
TV, horror, sci-fi, thriller
Director: Joseph Conti, Actors: Antonio Sabato Jr., Angie Everhart, R.H. Thomson, Karl Pruner, Duane Murray, Romano Orza...
A subway tunnel inhabited by a team of giant bugs causes FBI agent Matt Pollack (Antonio Sabato Jr.) a few headaches in this creature-feature. Pollack enlists insect specialist Emily Foster (Angie Everhart) and a military team for the investigation, which quickly descends into chaos as they head underground.
Only the Brave
2006
5.5/10
drama, war
Director: Lane Nishikawa, Actors: Lane Nishikawa, Tamlyn Tomita, Greg Watanabe, Jason Scott Lee, Mark Dacascos, Ken Nara...
A searing portrait of war and prejudice, 'Only the Brave' takes you on a haunting journey into the hearts and minds of the forgotten heroes of WWII - the Japanese-American 100th/442nd. In 1941, when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, overnight Japanese Americans were put into internment camps for the duration of the war. Determined to prove their loyalty, 1400 Japanese Americans successfully petitioned the government to serve becoming the 100th Infantry Battalion. They were sent to North Africa, Italy and finally France were they performed an impossibly-dangerous rescue of the Texas 36th Division. During their two years of combat these men received an unparalleled 21 Medals of Honor, 9,486 Purple Hearts, 8 Presidential Citations, 53 Distinguished Service Crosses, 588 Silver Stars and 5,200 Bronze stars - making them the most decorated unit of their size in American military history. This is their story.
Stripper Academy
2007
2.2/10
direct-to-video, comedy
Director: Vincent Foster, Actors: Vincent Foster, Richard Tyson, Katie Cleary, Gabriel Pimentel, Julie Costello, Shawnie...
Pact with the Devil
2004
3.7/10
horror, thriller
Director: Allan A. Goldstein, Actors: Malcolm McDowell, Ethan Erickson, Victoria Sanchez, Jennifer Nitsch, Christoph Wal...
This modern retelling of Oscar Wilde's THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY tells the story of male model Dorian (Ethan Erickson), who has everything a man could want: fame, wealth, and an endless supply of gorgeous women. But when he begins to worry about losing his looks to old age, his mysterious agent (Malcolm McDowell) offers him the gift of eternal youth. Unfortunately, this unbelievable opportunity--should Dorian choose to accept it--will cost him his soul.
The Banned Woman
1997
7.3/10
drama, romance
Director: Philippe Harel, Actors: Philippe Harel, Isabelle Carré, Nathalie Conio, Sophie Niedergang, Julien Niedergan...
The story of an adulterous releationship between a single unattached woman and her married lover.
The Berenstain Bears
2002-2005
7.3/10
animation, comedy, family
Directors: Scott Glynn, Gary Hurst, Actors: Camilla Scott, Benedict Campbell, Michael Cera, Tajja Isen, Corinne Conley, ...
Papa, Mama, Brother, and Sister jump from their beloved children's books right into their all-new animated TV show! They are presented with many situations, such as new neighbors, watching too much TV, and bullies, and solve each dilemma in their own unique way.
Ghouls
2008
2.9/10
TV, fantasy, horror
Director: Gary Jones, Actors: William Atherton, Erin Gray, James DeBello, Kristen Renton, Dan Badarau, Ion Haiduc, Lucia...
Stefan invites his daughter, Jennifer, to travel to Romania for the funeral of his mother. His mystic girlfriend Liz travels with them to the cursed village of Pelosoara, where they are welcomed by Stefan's brother Vladimir, and Jennifer finds the locals are very peculiar people. Jennifer learns that she is the only woman from the bloodline of her father. At the funeral a stranger approaches and asks Jennifer to meet him in the square in one hour. When Jennifer arrives at the meeting place, she sees a creature devouring the man she was there to meet and is saved by Thomas. The man tells her that he is the last druid on Earth, protecting the world against the evil ancients. They were defeated by the druids in the past and banished to the spiritual world. That night, there was to be a reclamation ceremony where the evil queen possesses a vessel to open a vortex between the spiritual and the real world to bring the ancients back to Earth. But Jennifer is to find out that things are more complicated and she is more important than she realizes.
The Dragon Strikes Back
1973
6.1/10
action, drama, western
Director: Mario Caiano, Actors: Chen Lee, Klaus Kinski, Gordon Mitchell, Carla Mancini, George Wang, Giacomo Rossi-Stuar...
Texas is a long way from China, as Chin How (Chen Lee) discovers when he winds up there after drifting aimlessly across the globe. But when How proves to be an excellent fighter he is welcomed by the townsfolk, only to find himself in deep trouble when he takes a job on a crooked cattle ranch.
Slave
2009
3.6/10
horror, thriller
Director: Darryn Welch, Actors: Sam Page, Natassia Malthe, David Gant, Howard Marks, Roger Pera, Michael Maxwell, Lewis ...
Crushed
2009
4.1/10
horror, thriller
Director: Patrick Johnson, Actors: Natalie Dickinson, Henrik Norlén, Robert Paschall Jr., Caitlin Wehrle, Hunter Cars...
Love can be painful. Very painful. The intriguing-on-the-outside, twisted-and-tortured-on-the-inside Tara sets her sights on the unassuming guy-next-door Ray. Their innocent flirting turns into a regretful one night stand which he hopes to put behind him. Tara has different plans for their relationship. It becomes horrifically apparent that she refuses to be cast aside and is willing to go to sick extremes to keep her man as people in Ray's life are met with torturous ends. Amidst this violently twisted love story unfolds a profound social commentary on love and the effects of violence.
The Woods Have Eyes
2007
3.7/10
horror, thriller
Director: Anthony Indelicato, Actors: Anthony Indelicato, Frank Adonis, Joseph Anthony, Ron Arabia, A.J. Diaferio, Adam ...
Held Hostage
2009
4.9/10
TV, drama
Director: Grant Harvey, Actors: Julie Benz, Brendan Penny, Natasha Calis, Bruce McGill, Tom Carey, Michelle Harrison, Ja...
Michelle, a single mother, is kidnapped by three masked men and held hostage until she is forced to rob a bank at which she is a manager, the only option she has in order to save her daughter's life while they are both wired to explode. In the midst of the traumatic aftermath, the tactical criminal defense team calls Michelle's role in the bank heist into question and reveals damaging information about her haunting past that could devastate the prosecution's case against her attackers. Completely dismantled and suffering with PTSD, Michelle realizes that to recover from this terrifying event in a positive way for her daughter and herself, she must embrace her past and heal her life.
The Dark Wind
1991
5.5/10
drama, mystery
Director: Errol Morris, Actors: Lance Baker, Betty C. Barlow, Gary Basaraba, Arlene Bowman, John Karlen, Billy Beck, Gar...
After a mutilated Navajo Indian is found on Hopi land, a Navajo cop straddling two worlds is plunged into a mystery filled with drug dealers, F.B.I. agents, witchcraft, politics and revenge.
Dogfights
2005-2007
8.4/10
documentary, history, war
Directors: Jason McKinley, Robert Kirk, Wayne Weiss, Actors: Phil Crowley, Frederick Blesse, Ralph Parr, Robinson Risner
You Lucky Dog
1998
4.9/10
TV, comedy, family, fantasy, mystery
Director: Paul Schneider, Actors: Kirk Cameron, Chelsea Noble, John de Lancie, Christine Healy, James Avery, Taylor Negr...
A millionaire's death leaves a dog and a pet psychic rolling in dough while the deceased's relatives are left to figure out how to get the money for themselves.
Knight of the Dead
2013
3.0/10
action, fantasy, horror
Director: Mark Atkins, Actors: Feth Greenwood, Vivien Vilela, Lee Bennett, Dylan Jones, Alan Calton, Jason Beeston, Geor...
A band of crusading knights escorts the Holy Grail through a plague-ridden countryside, destined for a distant land. Hunted by assassins, the knights venture into the forbidden Valley of Black Death. What they discover is even more terrifying than the plague and the ruthless killers hot on their trail; the Valley of Black Death is home to the undead. Overrun by hordes of flesh eating zombies, their only chance for survival is a mysterious maiden who might be able to guide them out.
Egypt
2005-2005
8.4/10
drama, history
Director: Ferdinand Fairfax, Actors: Andrew Sachs, Stuart Graham, Julian Wadham, Caroline Langrishe, Alexandra Weaver, L...
The Lion
1962
6.5/10
adventure, drama
Director: Jack Cardiff, Actors: William Holden, Trevor Howard, Capucine, Pamela Franklin, Makara Kwaiha Ramadhani, Paul ...
Young Tina lives with her mother and stepfather on a wildlife reserve in Kenya. While her stepfather believes this is a wonderful environment for her to grow up in, her mother becomes increasingly concerned by her behaviour. These concerns are reinforced when it is revealed that her daughter's best friend in the whole world is a fully grown lion. Worried that her daughter may be turning into a savage, she sends for her former husband, Tina's biological father, in the hope that he can take her back to civilization (in this case rural Connecticut). But it seems as though Tina's mother wants something more than a civilized upbringing for her daughter.
Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning
2008
5.3/10
TV, drama, family
Director: Kevin Sullivan, Actors: Barbara Hershey, Rachel Blanchard, Shirley MacLaine, Hannah Endicott-Douglas, Ron Lea,...
It is 1945 and Anne Shirley (Academy-award nominee and Golden Globe winner, Barbara hershey) now a successful, middle-aged writer has retruned to Prince Edward Islan. A long lost letter from her errant father, discovered under the floorboards in Green Gables, causes Anne to delve into long-buried memories. While writing a play she relives the troubled years after her mother died and before she arrived as an orphan at the Green Gables farm. She confronts the fact that she made up stories about her childhood. During that time, Young Anne (newcomer Hanna Endicott-Douglas), is taken into the care of a wealthy matriarch, Amelia Thomas (Academy-award winner Shirley MacLaine) and her daughter-in-law, Louisa (Rachel Blancard), which changes her life forever.
The Pray
2005
5.5/10
horror
Director: Yûichi Satô, Actors: Tetsuji Tamayama, Asami Mizukawa, Mitsuyoshi Shinoda, Fumiyo Kohinata, Toshiyuki To...
A low-budget addition to the burgeoning Asian horror movement, PRAY tells the story of a group of Japanese punks who capture a young girl hoping to get ransom money for drugs. There's one problem: the girl is already dead, and it looks like the kidnappers are about to join her.
The Plot to Kill Hitler
1990
6.3/10
TV, drama, history, war
Director: Lawrence Schiller, Actors: Brad Davis, Madolyn Smith Osborne, Ian Richardson, Helmut Lohner, Heather Chasen, H...
The true story of the daring attempt by Third Reich insiders to assassinate Adolf Hitler.
Mall Cop
2005
5.5/10
comedy
Director: David Greenspan, Actors: Derek Cecil, Kathleen Robertson, Nick Searcy, Jennifer Morrison, J Barton, Alex Craig...
A contented mall cop sustains a debilitating injury in his effort to capture a fleeing thief, but begins entertaining the idea of robbing the mall after growing frustrated in his search for a new job. Frank's job at the Town Center Mall was an easy one until the day a thief broke into one of the department stores. In his efforts to apprehend the intruder as he smashes through a plate glass window, Frank loses his arm at the elbow. Six months later, Frank has lost his job as a result of his injury. As the job rejection letters start to pile up, a nostalgic Frank pays a visit to the mall, and meets his two replacements - an ex-punk rocker named Donna and a lazy public access television personality named White Wedding. In time Frank and Donna forge something of a romantic bond that is strengthened by Frank's willingness to open up about his injury and resulting job search. But later, as a plucky record store employee sets her romantic sights on Donna, the increasingly embittered Frank grows desperate for cash, and starts to wonder if he, too, might be able to rob the mall and get away with it.
By the Will of Genghis Khan
2009
4.5/10
history, war
Director: Andrei Borissov, Actors: Stepanida Borissova, Sergei Egorov, Gernot Grimm, Eduard Ondar, Orgil Makhaan, Oleg T...
Arriving on the heels of Sergei Bodrov's massive arthouse hit MONGOL (2007), Russian director Andrei Borissov's BY THE WILL OF GENGHIS KHAN also dramatizes the life and exploits of the titular Mongol warrior who overran China in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. The picture undertakes a unique approach to its subject: in lieu of portraying Khan as a barbaric, psychopathic killer as many western films and books do, this outing paints a picture of him as an unqualified hero and the founder of one of China's most successful dynasties, the Mongol Dynasty. At the time of its production, this motion picture checked in as incredibly expensive by Russian standards, with a budget in excess of $10 million dollars. In an effort to reach a massive international audience, producers enlisted a cast comprised of many western actors, including Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa (HEROES, MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA) and Orgil Makhaan, star of the 2005 BBC miniseries GENGHIS KHAN.
Rambo
1986-1986
6.7/10
animation, action
Directors: John Kimball, Charles A. Nichols, Actors: Neil Ross, James Avery, Mona Marshall, Michael Ansara, Alan Oppenhe...
This animated children's program from 1986 was a popular, positive show based on the Sylvester Stallone action movie of the same name. Freedom fighter John Rambo, (voiced by Neil Ross, TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE), is now a member of a special team called the Force of Freedom, which sends him on missions around the world, battling the evil S.A.V.A.G.E. Organization and its leader, General Warhawk. Though it only aired for one season, the show maintains a dedicated fan base due to the exciting, adventurous plotlines and its marked eschewing of overt violence.
The Drifter
1988
5.1/10
thriller
Director: Larry Brand, Actors: Larry Brand, Kim Delaney, Timothy Bottoms, Al Shannon, Miles O'Keeffe, Anna Garduno, Lore...
While driving alone on a business trip, a beautiful woman (Kim Delaney) picks up a man (Miles O'Keefe) while hitch-hiking and they have a one night stand, but a shocking chain of events begins when she discovers that it means much, much more to the man than it did to her.
Planet of the Beast King
2006-2006
7.1/10
animation, drama, mystery, sci-fi
Director: Hiroshi Nishikiori, Actors: Nana Mizuki, Duncan Brannan, Shun Oguri, Akimitsu Takase, Christopher Bevins, Rica...
Thor and his younger brother Rai get sent to a planet for the worst criminals in the Bulken system, where they must survive to see the future of their life.
The Hotshots
1968
5.7/10
comedy, sport
Director: Alex Joffé, Actors: Bourvil, Robert Hirsch, Gianni Bonagura, Monique Tarbès, Michel de Ré, Anne Joliv...
Duroc (Bourvil) has invented a bicycle with a new and improved coasting feature. He is forced to try out his new invention when he flees a bill collector who tries to impound his bicycle. He unintentionally ends up in a bicycle race and is soon followed by the collector, his own wife, and an oily, mustachioed villain. The villain pulls out all the dirty tricks from his bag to try and defeat the determined Duroc. When the bill collector sees the effectiveness of Duroc's invention, he conspires to fall in with the wealthy patron who financed the new bicycle.
Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann
1991
6.5/10
TV, crime, drama
Director: Charles Correll, Actors: David Morse, Megan Follows, Dion Anderson, David Soul, Jack Kehler, Tom Atkins, Taylo...
Playing with Fire
1975
6.4/10
drama
Director: Alain Robbe-Grillet, Actors: Jean-Louis Trintignant, Philippe Noiret, Anicée Alvina, Sylvia Kristel, Serge ...
When Carolina (Anicee Alvina), the daughter of wealthy banker Georges de Saxe (Philippe Noiret), is reported kidnapped, it is upsetting to him even though he knows it isn't true. The kidnappers have taken the wrong person. The banker hires Frantz (Jean-Louis Trintignant) a disheveled, seedy detective to find his daughter and hide her safely away. She soon finds herself in a fantasyland whorehouse, where all kinds of extreme perversions are routinely practiced. There, a near-double of her father whips and then seduces her. Eventually, she and the private eye escape or leave, having extorted the kidnapping money from the girl's father.
Beatles
2014
6.2/10
drama
Director: Peter Flinth, Actors: Louis Williams, Håvard Jackwitz, Ole Nicolai Myrvold Jørgensen, Halvor Tangen Schu...
Four friends growing up in Oslo in the sixties, who occasionally think of themselves as the Fab Four. Based on the best selling book by Lars Saabye Christensen.
A Nightmare in Las Cruces
2011
5.7/10
documentary
Director: Charlie Minn, Actors: Hafid Abdelmoula, Shannon Caruso, Charles Comer, Dora Cothern, Howard Cothern, Robert Di...
Anne of Avonlea
1975-1975
7.5/10
drama, family
Director: Joan Craft, Actors: Kim Braden, Barbara Hamilton, Madge Ryan, Anthony Forrest, Christopher Blake, Jan Francis,...
This TV show was made by the BBC and is based on the novel ANNE OF AVONLEA by author L.M. Montgomery. The character of Anne Shirley (Kim Braden) is reprised from the beloved children's classic ANNE OF GREEN GABLES. Now moving toward adulthood, Anne takes a job as a schoolteacher.
Brilliant Mistakes
2013
5.4/10
drama, mystery, romance
Director: Paul Brighton, Actors: Daniel Dambroff, Christopher Clawson, Aria McKenna, Elise McNamara, Trisha Carr, Chris ...
When a devastating accident nearly kills Gabby and renders her in a vegetative state, Marcus stands determined to make good on his promise to marry her. Challenged by this unfortunate event, Marcus meets Elliot Thurston, a published author of the novel "Brilliant Mistakes," a story about the author's personal regret. A fan of Elliot's writing, Marcus forms with him a bond of common loss, dreams and goals. While Elliot brings color and life to Marcus' seemingly uncertain future, Marcus' trust in others is soon yet again shattered. Brilliant Mistakes' hopeful and inspirational ending will undoubtedly leave audiences' hearts unable to quite fit in their chests.
Bonnie and Clyde: Justified
2013
3.7/10
direct-to-video, action, crime, drama
Director: David DeCoteau, Actors: Eric Roberts, Ashley Hayes, Jim Poole, Stephanie Shemanski, Hagen Mills, Ross Wyngaard...
The Project
2008
7.2/10
drama
Director: Ryan Piotrowicz, Actors: T.J. Allen, Bilal Bishop, Michael Ciesla, Mark Cirnigliaro, Dante E. Clark, Matt Serv...
Three first-time filmmakers, Justin, Dana and John set out to make a documentary about the hardships of inner-city life. Justin follows two NYPD officers while Dana and John focus on Thomas (a black youth poised to move up from his hardships). Stories merge, relationships corrode and the filmmakers become participants in the underground world they set out to document.
Kung Fu Kid
2007
5.7/10
action
Director: Issei Oda, Actors: Zhuang Zhang, Ken Ayugai, Nanami Fujimoto, Pinko Izumi, Mayumi Sada, Takashi Sasano, Masahi...
A diminutive Shaolin monk who has never ventured outside of his remote home village is send by his master to Japan in order to pass his crucial final test. Years of non-stop training have made young Kung Fu a true master of the martial arts, and now the gifted young fighter faces just one last test before he achieves the highest honor imaginable. Kung Fu's master is a wise old man with magical powers. In order for Kung Fu to complete his final assignment, his master uses his powers to transport the boy to the "New Koraku" restaurant in Japan. Later, after getting acquainted with restaurant owner and Tai Chi master Izumi, as well as his young granddaughter Reiko, Kung Fu begins waiting tables at the "New Koraku" while gradually acquainting himself with such foreign concepts as modern technology, grandmothers, and flying noodles - all the while wearing a secret wristband designed to alert him when he meets his final opponent. When Reiko becomes the target of some particularly nasty schoolyard bullies, Kung Fu begins to get the feeling that her pupils have been brainwashed and overtaken by a malevolent force. As the mystery deepens, the young master begins to realize just how perilous his final mission will be.
Banned from the Bible 2
2007
7.1/10
TV, documentary, history
Director: Geoffrey Madeja, Actor: Edward Herrmann
Blue's Room
2006
5.7/10
TV, animation, comedy, family
Directors: Koyalee Chanda, Jonathan Judge, Mac O'Brien, Dave Palmer, Actors: Christiana Anbri, Rob Armstrong, Cheryl Bla...
One of Nickelodeon's most popular characters, the inquisitive but silent pup from BLUE'S CLUES finally speaks in her own spinoff series, BLUE'S ROOM. Transformed from an animated character into an adorably fuzzy puppet, Blue and her eccentric cast of playmates--including a polka-dotted stuffed animal, a toy dinosaur, a jukebox, a dress-up chest, and a fairy named Moona--engage in imaginative games and sing-alongs that teach simple preschool concepts such as spelling, counting, and problem-solving.
Secrets of SEAL Team Six
2011
7.6/10
TV, documentary
Actors: Marc Ambinder, John Gresham, Christopher Mark Heben
Pillaged
1967
7.0/10
crime, drama
Director: Alain Cavalier, Actors: Daniel Ivernel, Michel Constantin, Franco Interlenghi, Irène Tunc, Paul Le Person, ...
A gang of crooks invades a small town in this unusual crime drama. After taking over the police station and the post office, they systematically rob all the banks and factory payrolls. The caper seems to have been motivated by a jilted husband whose wife ran off with a factory manager who absconded with the company funds.
Jesse James: Legend, Outlaw, Terrorist
2005
6.5/10
TV, documentary, biography
Director: Dean Alioto, Actors: Ben Cornish, Daniel Lennox, Roger McGrath, Richard D. Moore, Richard Roraback, Brian Schm...
Stress Position
2013
6.8/10
drama, thriller
Director: A.J. Bond, Actors: A.J. Bond, David Amito, Cbo, Stephen Dunn, Tyler Greentree, Lindsay Jennifer, Bryan Jung, M...
Inspired by a flippant remark about the treatment of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, filmmaker A.J. Bond made a bet with his close friend, actor David Amito, to see which of them could withstand a week of psychological torture at the hands of the other. What begins as a bizarre and darkly humorous experiment gradually spirals out of control, testing the limits of their friendship.
Little Blue
1976-????
7.0/10
animation, family
Director: Digby Turpin, Actor: Harold Purcell
Cinderella
2015
0.0/10
adventure, drama, family, fantasy, romance
Director: Kenneth Branagh, Actors: Helena Bonham Carter, Hayley Atwell, Cate Blanchett, Lily James, Richard Madden, Stel...
Young Ella's merchant father remarries following the death of her mother. Eager to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new stepmother and her daughters Anastasia and Drisella into the family home. But, when Ella's father unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family. Finally relegated to nothing more than a servant girl covered in ashes, and spitefully renamed Cinderella, Ella could easily begin to lose hope. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella is determined to honor her mother's dying words and to "have courage and be kind." She will not give in to despair nor despise those who mistreat her. And then there is the dashing stranger she meets in the woods. Unaware that he is really a prince, not merely an apprentice at the Palace, Ella finally feels she has met a kindred soul. It appears her fortunes may be a bout to change when the Palace sends out an open invitation for all maidens to attend a ball, raising Ella's hopes of once again encountering the charming Kit. Alas, her stepmother forbids her to attend and callously rips apart her dress. But, as in all good fairy tales, help is at hand, and a kindly beggar woman steps forward and - armed with a pumpkin and a few mice - changes Cinderella's life forever.
Fast and Furious 7
2015
0.0/10
action, crime, thriller
Director: James Wan, Actors: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, The Rock [Dwayne Johnson], Jason Statham, Djimon Hounsou, Kurt Rus...
After killing Owen Shaw and his crew, Dominic (Vin Diesel), Brian (Paul Walker) and their crew are able to return to the United States and live the normal life again as they had wanted. But, Owen's older brother, Ian Shaw (Jason Statham) is after Dominic, seeking revenge for the death of his brother, and after learning of Han's death, the crew sets out to kill the man who killed one of their own before he kills them first.
Jupiter Ascending
2015
0.0/10
action, adventure, fantasy, sci-fi
Directors: Andy Wachowski, Lana Wachowski [Larry Wachowski], Actors: Mila Kunis, Channing Tatum, Eddie Redmayne, Sean Be...
Jupiter was born under a night sky and signs predicted she was destined for great things. Now grown up, Jupiter still dreams of the stars, but wakes up each day to the cold reality of a job cleaning toilets and an endless run of bad breaks. But when Caine, a genetically engineered ex-military hunter, arrives on Earth to track her down, Jupiter begin to glimpse the fate that has been waiting for her all along - her genetic signature marks her as next in line for an extraordinary inheritance that could alter the balance of the cosmos.
Kidnapping Mr. Heineken
2015
0.0/10
action, crime, drama, thriller
Director: Daniel Alfredson, Actors: Sam Worthington, Anthony Hopkins, Jim Sturgess, Ryan Kwanten, Jemima West, Yolanthe ...
The inside story of the planning, execution, rousing aftermath and ultimate downfall of the kidnappers of beer tycoon Alfred "Freddy" Heineken, which resulted in the largest ransom ever paid for an individual.
Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs. Bizarro League
2015
0.0/10
direct-to-video, action, adventure, comedy
Director: Brandon Vietti, Actors: Diedrich Bader, Troy Baker, Grey DeLisle, Nolan North, Khary Payton, Frank Welker
Mad Max 4: Fury Road
2015
0.0/10
action, adventure, thriller
Director: George Miller, Actors: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Zoë Kravitz, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, ...
A apocalyptic story set in the furthest reaches of our planet, in a stark desert landscape where humanity is broken, and most everyone is crazed fighting for the necessities of life. Within this world exist two rebels on the run who just might be able to restore order. There's Max, a man of action and a man of few words, who seeks peace of mind following the loss of his wife and child in the aftermath of the chaos. And Furiosa, a woman of action and a woman who believes her path to survival may be achieved if she can make it across the desert back to her childhood homeland.
The Marine 4: Moving Target
2015
0.0/10
direct-to-video, action
Director: William Kaufman, Actors: Paul McGillion, Mike 'The Miz' Mizanin, Melissa Roxburgh, Curtis Caravaggio, Danielle...
San Andreas
2015
0.0/10
action, drama, thriller
Director: Brad Peyton, Actors: Alexandra Daddario, Carla Gugino, The Rock [Dwayne Johnson], Archie Panjabi, Kylie Minogu...
After a devastating earthquake hits California, a Los Angeles Fire Department rescue-helicopter pilot (Dwayne Johnson) and his ex-wife (Carla Gugino) attempt to leave Los Angeles and head to San Francisco to find and rescue their estranged daughter (Alexandra Daddario).