Gojira/Godzilla

No, not the 1998 American remake.  I mean the original 1954 cult classic Gojira, the about how American nuclear tests created the unstoppable King of the Monsters, Godzilla. 

Really?  Haven't seen this?  Okay okay, it's a Japanese 1954 film, styles were different then, and black and white isn't for everyone.  However, given the time period and effects of the era, this truly is an excellent film.  And I mean film, not movie.

Unlike the campy monster movies that it inspired, Gojira is an unflinching metaphor as to the devastation that nuclear bombs and war in general, causes.  And damn, is it well done. 

Really.  They don't call it a Masterpiece for nothing.

So, if you like monsters, and are looking for something a little more than the usual monster movie, I have one question for you; why haven't you watched this? 

Oh yeah, and this includes the American release of it, under the name Godzilla.  Either of them, go pick up on the originals. 

Ninja Assassin

Dude, your movie about ninjas bored an ADHD into sweeping the floor.

No seriously, I love ninjas, fighting scenes, awesome.   But when I was watching Ninja Assassin, during the childhood flashbacks, I swept my room. 

Yes, I'm ADHD, but honestly, I felt like I've watched it before because I could predict the plot so well.  While simple may be solid, it doesn't really work for this movie.

Or maybe it does. While the plot may not be in any way considered brilliant, it does have fairly decent acting and awesome effects.

By which I mean eye candy by Korean star Rain, and huge amounts of fake blood.

So, if you can fast forward, ignore or sit through the flashbacks, this movie is great for the blood spilling!  Enjoy!

Adam

Note: I am bending my rule on spoilers here, and focusing a lot on issues relating to Autism. My disclaimer for this is that I am an autistic adult, so I have a bit of a vested interest. If you are interested in knowing more about Autism, I have a blog No Stereotypes Here that links to reliable information.

I had originally planned to write this big, long review for Adam, a very literary review discussing the techniques of storytelling to illustrate the points of view of the main characters, both Beth and Adam, a young autistic man.

I was going to look at how the movie is about growth, of Beth with family and dating issues, and Adam with dealing with losing his father and becoming more independent.

It was going to be quite a long review.

Then I decided, I wouldn't. Sometimes, you need to let people see something and let them form their own impressions.

So.

Adam is an interesting and thoughtful romantic drama about two strangers who meet each other. It takes the time to realistically establish and address the issues of both characters, one of which is diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, a form of Autism. The plot is very well written, with an exceptional cast that did a superb job. It was a wonderful slice into these people's lives without being overbearing or sounding like an autism infomercial.

In conclusion, it is a touching, witty and charming film, with what I think is one of the best depictions of an autistic person I've seen.

Gunless

Okay, I have to admit from the start that I am not a Western fan. I am somewhat familiar with the stereotypes about Westerns, but have never actually watched a Western until I heard of Gunless. So I was surprised when I found myself wanting to watch it.

It is a refreshing relief from the slapstick, potty jokes and romantic comedies that seem to fill the comedy movie shelves.  The plot is simple, but solid, the characters well written and excellently played, and while some of the jokes are more mature, they are not vulgar or cheap.  Including the Mountie jokes.   


In conclusion, it is an awesome movie that could be seen for the entire family.  It has a little action, a little romance, but above all, it has a lot of fun in the Canadian West.