The Big Year Review

The Big Year

Release Date: 1st March 2012 - Australia


Production Companies
Fox 2000 Pictures (presents)
Red Hour Films
Deuce Three
Sunswept Entertainment
Dune Entertainment (made in association
with)
Ingenious Media (made in
association with)


Distribution 
20th Century Fox Australia

Genre: Comedy

Rating: PG

Runtime: 95 minutes


Budget: $41,000,000

Box Office Gross: $7,448,385
(Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Looking to shake up their 

routine lives, three amateur 

watchers compete to 

become the ultimate "birder" 

by spotting the greatest 

number of species within 

a single calendar year. But 

the friendly rivalry soon turns 

into a hilariously complicated 

cross-country adventure as 

each man begins to realise 

that the quest for success 

comes at a price - and that's 

not chicken feed!

Cast

Jack Black - Brad Harris

Steve Martin - Stu Preissler

Owen Wilson - Kenny Bostick

Rosamund Pike - Jessica Bostick

Rashida Jones - Ellie

Anjelica Huston - Annie Auklet

Jim Parsons - Crane

JoBeth Williams - Edith Preissler

Brian Dennehy - Raymond Harris

Dianne Wiest - Brenda Harris

Anthony Anderson - Bill Clemens 

Tim Blake Nelson - Phil

Joel McHale - Barry Loomis

Kevin Pollak - Jim Gittelson

Calum Worthy - Colin Debs

Stacey Scowley - Vicki

John Cleese - Historical 
Montage Narrator (Cameo)

Crew

Director - David Frankel
Inspired on Novel "The Big 
Year: A Tale of Man, Nature
and Fowl Obsession" - Mark
Obmascik
Screenplay - Howard Franklin
Producers - Karen Rosenfelt,
Stuart Cornfield and Curtis Hanson
Co-Producer - Brad Van Arragon
Production Designer - Brent Thomas
Costume Designer - Monique Prudhomme
Director of Photography - Lawrence Sher
Film Editor - Mark Livolsi
Music Supervisor - Julia Michels
Music - Theodore Shapiro

Review

I must say, it felt somewhat of a task to have to sit through the two hour entirety of 'THE BIG YEAR'; its stars which included Jack Black, Owen Wilson and Steve Martin were unable to recover this movie from being a corny second rate comedy bomb. Honestly, there is nothing very special about this movie, although there is the occasional laugh present in some scenes of worth-watching. This tolerable comedy's setting is mainly about bird-watching and I'm not interested in this old-fashioned hobby, having to make fun of the concept is an extremely difficult challenge.

The three actors Jack, Steve and Owen whom I've already mentioned, are a dream team of comedians, but it was disappointing that they have to sit through a film that is partially a comedy. Few of the other actors like Jim Parsons of 'Big Bang Theory' did a good job on the supporting roles but I should wish his character would be given more of a presence, instead of him being under the radar.

I do certainly enjoy the occasional comedy film, but it should be more of a drama and 'THE BIG YEAR' simply does not cut the mustard or the cheddar!

Star rating: (6/10) Fair Movie

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How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) Review

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Release Date: 30th November 2000 - Australia

Production Companies

Universal Pictures (presents)

Imagine Entertainment (presents)

LUNI Productions GmbH and 

Company KG

Distribution

Universal Pictures Australia

Genre: Family/Fantasy

Rating: PG

Runtime: 104 minutes

Budget: $123,000,000

Box Office Gross: $346,524,444 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Existing from inside a

snowflake is the magical land

of Whoville, which is home

to the Whos, an almost

mutated kind of munchkin-

like people. All the Whos

love Christmas, except for

the Grinch, a reclusive and

nasty creature who lives
outside of Whoville, does not
and decides to ruin it from
the Whos, whom he loathes.
With his reluctantly hapless

dog Max in tow, the

Grinch arrives from his

mountaintop home and slinks

into town to steal everything

holiday-related from the

Whos. Unfortunately, for the

grumpy curmudgeon, there is

a snag in his plans when he

comes across the lovely Cindy

Lou Who.

Cast

Jim Carrey - The Grinch

Taylor Momsen - Cindy Lou
Who

Kelley - Max the Dog

Frank Welker - Max the Dog (Voice)

Jeffrey Tambor - Mayor
Augustus May Who

Bill Irwin - Lou Lou Who

Molly Shannon - Betty Lou
Who

Clint Howard - Whobris

Josh Ryan Evans - 8-Year-Old
Grinch

Anthony Hopkins - Narrator (Voice)

Christine Baranski - Martha
May Whovier 

Mindy Sterling - Clarenella 

Rachel Winfree - Rose

Rance Howard - Elderly Timekeeper

Jeremy Howard - Drew Lou Who

T.J. Thyme - Stu Lou Who

Lacey Kohl - Christina Whoterberry

Nadja Pionilla - Junie

Jim Meskimen - Officer Wholinan

Michael Dahlen - Customer

David Costabile - Biker Who

Mary Stein - Miss Rue Who

James Ritz - Crazy Mose

Deep Roy - Post Office Clerk

Jessica Sara - Sophie

Mason Lucero - Who Boy

Ben Bookender - 8-Year-Old
Augustus May Who

Landry Albright - 8-Year-Old
Martha May Whovier

Reid Kirchenbauer - 8-Year-Old

Whobris/Kid

Rebecca Chace - Shopper

Suzanne Krull - Shopper

Steve Kehela - Shopper

Lillas White - Shopper

Rain Pryor - Shopper

John Alexander - Shopper

Kevin Isola - Tree Trimmer

Gavin Grazer - Yodeler

Walter Franks - Clerk

Verne Troyer - Band Member

Clayton Martinez - Cook

Q'orianka Klicher - Little Choir Member

Caroline Williams - Tiny Who Woman

John Short - Tiny Who Man

Grainger Esch - Near Miss Who

Eva Burkley - Pudding Chef

Bryce Dallas Howard - Surprised Who (Cameo)

Charles Croughwell - Balloon Who
Ron Howard - Surprised Townsperson (Cameo)
(Uncredited)

Crew

Producer/Director - Ron Howard

Based on the Book "How the
Grinch Stole Christmas" - Dr. Seuss

Screenplay - Jeffrey Price and 

Peter S. Seaman
Associate Producers - Linda Fields Hill
and Louisa Velis

Associate Producer/First Assistant Director -

Aldric La'auli Porter

Associate Producer/Unit Production Manager -

David Womark 
Executive Producer/Second Unit Director -
Todd Hallowell 

Producer - Brian Grazer
Casting Directors - Janet Hirshenson
and Jane Jenkins 

Production Designer - Michael Corenblith 

Supervising Art Director - Dan Webster
Art Director - Lauren E. Polizzi
Set Decorator - Merideth Boswell

Property Master - Emily Ferry

Costume Designer - Rita Ryack

Associate Costume Designer - Daniel Orlandi

Special Makeup Effects/Puppeteer - Rick Baker

Makeup Artist: Jim Carrey/Sculpture/Design:

Cinovation Studios - Kazu Hiro

Director of Photography - Don Peterman

2nd Unit Director of Photography - Keith Peterman

Production Supervisor/Location Manager -

Michael J. Malone
Stunt Coordinator - Charles Croughwell

Special Effects Coordinator - Allen Hall
Special Effects Supervisor - Joe Montenegro 

Visual Effects Supervisor - Kevin Scott Mack

Additional Visual Effects Supervisor/
Visual Effects Producer - Kurt Williams 
Visual Effects Producer: Digital Domain -
Julian Levi

Visual Effects Producer: Rhythm & Hues -

Joyce Cox

Visual Effects Executive Producer: Digital Domain -

Nancy Bernstein

Visual Effects Executive Producer: Rhythm & Hues -

Lee Berger

Computer Graphics Supervisor: Digital Domain -

Matthew E. Butler

Compositing Supervisor: Digital Domain -

Bryan Grill

Character Animation Supervisor: Digital Domain -

Randall J. Rosa
Digital Supervisor: Rhythm & Hues - Edwin Rivera

Editors - Daniel P. Hanley and Mike Hill

First Assistant Editor - Robert Komatsu

Supervising Sound Editor - Scott Hecker

Production Sound Mixer - David Macmillan

Re-Recording Mixers - Chris Jenkins,

Frank A. Montano and Michael Barry

Foley Artists - Gary A. Hecker and Matt Dettman

Music - James Horner

Music Supervisor - Bonnie Greenberg

Music Editors - Joe E. Rand,

Jim Henrikson and John LaSalandra


Awards

2001 Academy Awards
Best Makeup - Rick Baker and Gail Rowell-Ryan (Won)
-------------------------
Best Costume Design - Rita Ryack (Nominated)
Best Art Direction - Michael Corenblith and
Merideth Boswell (Nominated)

Review

Seasons greetings. It's the date above Christmas Day. Many have read some books by Dr. Seuss as children and watched all of the movies and animated specials adapted from his famous works like HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS. As I recall, it is one of the nostalgic, reminiscent moments I enjoyed in my childhood. This feature interpretation resembles a Tim Burton film through his trademark designs and sheer weirdness. I'm glad it isn't because the director, Ron Howard, is not Burton, though he tries to imitate his style. This live-action remake of the animated special was nearly as bad as the next film based on another Dr. Seuss classic (i.e. The Cat and the Hat, which I've heard didn't get any positive reviews). It nearly destroys what makes the Chuck Jones animation How the Grinch Stole Christmas so outstanding. Further entrenching this film into a pit of shame is the strange makeup and obnoxious portrayal of the Whos and set design unsuited to the live-action setting.

Even more disappointing, to say the least, the scriptwriters had tried to humanise the Grinch character as performed by Jim Carrey by giving him a backstory on how he came to despise Christmas as a child when he was already in his infancy. I don't blame Carrey for being over-the-top in his portrayal. I do admire his work on noted comedies such as Dumb & Dumber. Jim is one of these actors who can turn a bad movie into a good one through his well-seasoned comedic acting abilities, but his performance isn't enough to redeem this film.

While I don't expect the GRINCH movie to be a bizarre holiday humbug, I should wait for the upcoming animated film in CGI, set for 2018. This version is silly and incapable of carrying the holiday spirit. It brings nothing new to the original story and is a poor update that was two sizes, two small. It deserves to be largely ignored by everyone else who has come searching for a decent Christmas feature. I suggest you read the book and watch the animated special.

Star rating: (3/10) Disappointing

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The Nightmare Before Christmas Review

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Release Date: 10th November 1994 - Australia

Production Companies

Walt Disney Pictures (3D version)

Touchstone Pictures (original

release) (presents)

Skellington Productions Inc.

Tim Burton Productions (uncredited)

Distribution

Walt Disney Studios Motion

Pictures Australia

Genre: Animation/Family/

Fantasy

Rating: G

Runtime: 73 minutes

Budget: $24,000,000

Box Office Gross: $107,798,585 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Jack Skellington, Halloween Town's beloved Pumpkin King, is bored with the same

scare-and-scream routine he

pulls in every Halloween and

has wanted something more. He accidentally stumbles upon the threshold of Christmas Town and plans to spread the magic of Christmas around Halloween Town. But Jack's yuletide plan goes astray when it puts Santa in jeopardy, and his attempt to fill his boots turns into a nightmare for all good little boys and girls.

Voice Cast

Chris Sarandon - Jack

Skellington

Danny Elfman - Jack

Skellington (singing voice)/

Barrel/Clown with the

Tear Away Face

Catherine O'Hara - Sally/Shock

William Hickey - Doctor Finklestein

Ken Page - Oogie Boogie

Glenn Shadix - Mayor

Paul Reubens - Lock

Edward Ivory - Santa Claus

Susan McBride - Big Witch/W.W.D.

Debi Durst - Corpse Kid/Corpse Mom/

Small Witch

Greg Proops - Harlequin Demon/

Devil/Sax Player

Kerry Katz - Man Under Stairs/

Vampire/Corpse Dad

Randy Crenshaw - Mr. Hyde/

Behemoth/Vampire

Sherwood Ball - Mummy/Vampire

Carmen Twillie - Undersea Gal/

Man Under the Stairs

Glenn Walters - Wolfman

Crew

Director - Henry Selick

Based on a Story and Characters/

Producer - Tim Burton

Adaptation - Michael McDowell

Screenplay - Caroline Thompson
Associate Producer/Music and Lyrics/

Original Score - Danny Elfman

Producers - Denise Di Novi and

Don Hahn (2006 3D Version)
Co-Producer - Kathleen Gavin

Art Director - Deane Taylor

Assistant Art Directors - Kendal Cronkhite

and Kelly Asbury

Assistant Art Director/Model Maker -

Bill Boes

Artistic Coordinator - Allison Abbate

Character Designer - Bud Luckey
Additional Character Designers - David Cutler,
Barry E. Jackson and Chris Ure (Uncredited)

Additional Character Designer/

Storyboard Artist - Jorgen Klubien

Visual Consultant - Rick Heinrichs
Storyboard Supervisor - Joe Ranft

Set Designer & Dressing Supervisor - Gregg Olsson

Set Construction Supervisor - Lee Bo Henry

Animation Supervisor/Animator - Eric Leighton

Additional Animator/Track Reader - Daniel Mason

Character Fabrication Supervisor - Bonita R. DeCarlo
Armature Supervisor - Tom St. Amand

Snow Animation: Walt Disney Feature

Animation - Dave Bossert

Director of Photography/Visual Effects

Supervisor - Pete Kozachik

Camera Operators - Jim Aupperle, Jo Carson,

Selwyn Eddy, Ray Gilberti, David Hanks,

Richard Lehrmann, Pat Sweeney and Eric Swenson

Assistant Camera - Mike Bienstock, Mark Kohr,

Sara Mast, Jimmy Matlosz, Carl Miller,

Cameron Noble, Chris Peterson, Brian Van't Hul

and Matthew White

Assistant Production Coordinator - Kat Alioshin

Digital Effects Supervisor: Walt Disney

Feature Animation - Ariel Velasco-Shaw

Stereoscopic Supervisor - Phil 'Captain 3D'

McNally (2006 3D Version)

Editor - Stan Webb

Consulting Editor - Chris Lebenzon

Additional Editor - Michael Kelly

Associate Editor - Edie Ichioka

Supervising Sound Editor - Richard L. Anderson

Special Sound Effects - John Pospisil

Re-Recording Mixers - Terry Porter

and Greg P. Russell

Re-Recording/Songs & Music Mixer -

Shawn Murphy

Vocal and Song Arrangements/

Orchestrations - Steve Bartek

Music Editor - Bob Badami

Awards

1994 Academy Awards
Best Visual Effects - Peter Kozachik,

Eric Leighton, Ariel Velasco-Shaw and

Gordon Baker (Nominated)

Review

A delightful, ageless movie, THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS is considered one of master director Tim Burton's cinematic treasures. But even though he didn't direct it, he did come up with the idea and the characters. This movie comes gift-wrapped with loads of macabre-filled fun and entertainment for families, not to mention there are frightening scenes to scare young viewers with its ghoulish aspects. This animated feature doesn't fail to fulfil its promises intended for Burton lovers seeking its iconic status, visual style and fast pace.

The pairing of Tim Burton's designs and classic stop-motion animation, as seen in specials such as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, combined well. Not only was it Burton's first full-length animated feature, but it was also the first for its director, Henry Selick. It opened their eyes to stop-motion animation, which led them to create other movies using the same animation technique, such as James and the Giant Peach, Corpse Bride, Coraline and Frankenweenie.

This sensationally animated musical is not without the liveliness and catchiness of Danny Elfman's music. I had no idea that Elfman is thrice the composer, singer and songwriter as his reputation. The movie's rhythmical flair reflects this talent. One could imagine that he could have gotten an Oscar nomination for one of the film's best songs, such as "This Is Halloween", "Sally's Song", "Jack's Lament", "What's This?" and "Oogie Boogie's Song". The actors are equally fantastic, with characters voiced by unparalleled and notable names, including Catherine O'Hara, Chris Sarandon and Ken Page.

I can't give enough thanks to Tim Burton for creating THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS. It is an unusual holiday classic that's dark, funny, spooky and fearfully cheerful. I have to watch this movie again with others by the legendary director. Or I like to revisit one of his old favourites like Edward Scissorhands? I recommend to enthusiasts of Burton and animation that this excellent work is for you to watch, and to do so will put a smile on your face!

Star rating: (9/10) Excellent Movie

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Jingle All the Way Review (With Guest Reviewer)

Jingle All the Way

Release Date: 21st November 1996 - Australia

Production Companies

20th Century Fox (presents)

1492 Pictures

Distribution

20th Century Fox Australia

Genre: Comedy

Rating: PG

Runtime: 86 minutes

Budget: $75,000,000 

Box Office Gross: $129,832,389 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

After being hard at work

taking last-minute orders

from customers to whom

he can't say no, Howard

Langston, a high-powered

businessman, must get his

son a Turbo Man action

figure, the hottest toy

in the season! But there

is one BIG problem for

Howard. It's Christmas Eve,

and everyone has bought

all Turbo Man action

figures since Thanksgiving!

What began as Howard's

quest to find Turbo Man

has quickly turned into an

odyssey wilder than he

could have ever imagined.

During his seemingly

endless Yuletide

misadventures, he runs

into crazed mailman Myron,

another father on the same

quest. Langston's moral

code gets tested as the

clock starts ticking before

he learns Christmas's real

meaning.

Cast

Arnold Schwarzenegger -
Howard Langston

Jake Lloyd - Jamie Langston

Sinbad - Myron Larabee

Rita Wilson - Liz Langston
Robert Conrad - Office Hummell
Martin Mull - D.J.

Phil Hartman - Ted Maltin

Jim Belushi - Mall Santa

E.J. De La Pena - Johnny

Laraine Newman - First Lady
Justin Chapman - Billy

Harvey Korman - President

Richard Moll - Dementor
Daniel Riordan - Turbo Man

Jeff L. Deist - T.V. Booster/Puppeteer

Nada Despotovich - Margaret

Ruth Afton Hjelmgren - Single Mother Judy

Caroline Kaiser - Single Mother Mary

Chris Parnell - Toy Store Sales Clerk

Kate McGregor Stewart - Toy Store Customer
Danny Woodburn - Tony the Elf
Bruce Bohne - Santa at Warehouse Door
Paul Wight - Huge Santa

Nick LaTour - Counterman

Peter Breitmayer - Sparky

Phil Morris - Gale Force

Amy Pietz - Liza Tisch
Curtis Armstrong - Chain Smoking Booster

Spencer Klein - Kid in Turbo Man Commercial

Danny Pritchett - Kid in Turbo Man Commercial

Verne Troyer - Mini Santa (Uncredited)

Crew
Director - Brian Levant

Writer - Randy Kornfield

Associate Producers - Paula DuPré Pesmen

and Warren Zide
Executive Producer - Richard Vane

Producers - Chris Columbus,

Mark Radcliffe and Michael Barnathan

Co-Producers - Jennifer Blum and James Mulay

Casting - Judy Taylor

Production Designer - Leslie McDonald

Supervising Art Director - Tony Fanning

Art Director - Thomas Fichter

Set Decorators - John H. Anderson

and Ronald R. Reiss

Property Master - Russell Bobbitt
Costume Designer - Jay Hurley

Supervisors: Turbo Man Suit - Howard Berger,

Robert Kurtzman and Greg Nicotero

Special Makeup Artist: Cannom Creations

Inc. - Greg Cannom

Key Makeup Artist - Jeff Dawn

Makeup Artist: Second Unit - Michael Key

Makeup Effects Producer: Cannom

Creations Inc. - Keith VanderLaan

Hair Stylist - Beatrice De Alba

Key Hair Stylist - Peter Tothpal

Director of Photography - Victor J. Kemper

Camera Operator: Second Unit - Michael Ferris

First Assistant Director - George Parra

Second Assistant Directors - John G. Scotti

and Robin Solo (Uncredited)

Second Unit Director/Director of

Photography - Steve Boyum

Stunt Coordinator - Joel Kramer

Special Effects Coordinator - Jon G. Belyeu
Visual Effects Supervisors - Gregory L. McMurry

and Glenn Neufeld

Visual Effects Producers: VIFX - Josh R. Jaggars

and Scott Peterson

Digital Effects Supervisor: VIFX - Derek Spears

Effects Supervisor: Optical Illusions, Inc. -

Jeff Matakovich

Digital Producer: VisionArt Design and

Animation Inc. - Joshua D. Rose

Digital Compositing Supervisor: VIFX -

Edwin Rivera

Film Editors - Kent Beyda,
Wilt Henderson and Adam Weiss

First Assistant Editor - Mary Morrisey

Sound Effects Design - John P. Fasal

Supervising Sound Editor - John A. Larsen

Sound Effects Editors - Craig Berkeley,

Paul Urmson and David Lewis Yewdall

Re-Recording Mixers - Bob Beemer,

Bill W. Benton and Chris W. Carpenter

Foley Artists - John Roesch and

Hilda Hodges

Music - David Newman

Review (Film Guru Lad)

Now, if you're thinking about which Christmas-themed movie I will review to celebrate this festive time of the year, I have decided to review JINGLE ALL THE WAY, starring the one and only Arnie Schwarzenegger. I had seen and critiqued his previous action-oriented film roles of tough guys and killer machines. It is a downturn of what will become Arnie's second-greatest mistake, and I feel so sorry for my favourite actor. Arnie got cast alongside Sinbad in a movie that is nothing good compared to his over-the-top performance in next year's Batman & Robin. JINGLE ALL THE WAY has a comedy display in the holiday tradition with a crazy story and exceptional humour. It was a tough break for Arnold because he was an action hero and made a few films that belonged to the comedy genre. It is unable to break the mould of his preferred genre.

Arnie was miscast in this movie. I would have preferred to see Robin Williams or Steve Martin take the reins in this comedy. Also featured in this film is another notable actor who is a child by the name of Jake Lloyd. This young-talented chap would later play 9-year-old Darth Vader in The Phantom Menace. His lacklustre acting can't save the movie from a few of its lacklustre choices.

I am displeased to be the one to criticise this film for its flaws, being that I am an Arnie fan, but I endeavour to be unbiased and honest. In closing, JINGLE ALL THE WAY was merely an average seasonal gift, and it could have been better if a comedian like Steve Martin or the late Robin Williams had put to work in this movie.

Star rating: (5/10) Average


Review (Guest Reviewer)
But if you are looking for a family-orientated and well-written funny movie that celebrates the Christmas spirit in a comedic fashion. It would be a good movie for you. I have watched this feature several times, and it seems funnier each time. The actors are well-cast. Arnold accurately portrays an overworked, stressed father who wants his son and wife to think the world of him. Sinbad, Jim Belushi and Phil Hartman fit the bill perfectly for their roles and work well together in this movie.

The scenes that stuck with me in this film are when Arnold becomes jealous that his next-door neighbour is baking cookies with his wife and yells to his neighbour, "Put that cookie down, NOW!" Also, the scene when Sinbad and Arnold have a fight and chase scene to see who will be the first to claim the infamous Turbo Man toy from the radio free giveaway offer. There are no dull moments. It flows at a pace and, at any point, never gets boring. It appeals to all ages and offers a well-written comedy with a Christmas theme unparalleled by any other movie I have seen.

This movie has an excellent re-watch value, and I recommend it to anyone who has not seen it. Also, it is nice to see Arnie cast in a different kind of role outside of his usual action-hero work. He demonstrated his versatility as a multi-skilled actor. Thanks for listening, and please feel free to leave feedback. : )

Star rating: (7/10) Good Movie

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My Sixth Important Message

Hey there, everyone. It's your favourite movie critic FilmGuruLad, and I am just writing to inform you I have placed some new changes to several of my reviews. Some changes include changing some of the wording, changing some of the images, correcting some typing errors and deleting repeated sentences. I discovered these errors; somehow, these critiques were not receiving many page views. Therefore, I decided to revisit them and check for errors. It was lucky I did this when I discovered the mistakes.

Here is a list of changes that I've finalised, and you can click on the names of the movies below if you want to.

1. Australia (2008) 
2. The Castle (1997)
3. Super 8 (2011)
4. X-Men 2 (2003)
5. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) 
6. Race (2007) 
7. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) 
8. Legend (1985) 
9. X-Men: First Class (2011)  
10. Faeries (1999) 
11. Die Hard (1988) 
12. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
13. The Road to El Dorado (2000)
14. Batman & Robin (1997)
15. Grown Ups 2 (2013)
16. Green Lantern (2011) 
17. Now You See Me (2013) 
18. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
19. Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979)

None of you has ever visited the post about the three best movies of 2013 (click here). I've entirely fixed it, and for those who haven't discovered the updates I've mentioned in that post, feel free to check it!

Also, I would like to add when anyone reads my reviews and notice any errors or mistakes. I would be grateful if you to leave feedback in the comment tab. Thanks, and happy film-watching!

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Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Review

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No 
Good, Very Bad Day

Release Date: 28th November 2014 - Australia

Production Companies

Walt Disney Pictures

21 Laps Entertainment

The Jim Henson Company

Distribution

Walt Disney Studios Motion

Pictures Australia

Genre: Family

Rating: PG

Runtime: 82 minutes


Budget: $28,000,000

Box Office Gross: $101,379,287
(Worldwide)


Plot Summary
Follows the exploits of 11-
year-old Alexander as he
experiences the most terrible
and horrible day of his young
life-a day that begins with
gum stuck in his hair,
followed by one calamity 

after another.

But when Alexander tells 
his upbeat family about 

the misadventures of his
disastrous day, he finds little
sympathy and begins to
wonder if bad things only
happen to him. He soon
learns that he's not alone 

when his brother, sister, 

mom and dad all find 

themselves living through 

their own terrible, horrible, 

no good, very bad day.

Anyone who says there is no 

such thing as a bad day just 

hasn't had one. (Source -
Metro Cinemas)

Cast
Ed Oxenbould - Alexander Cooper
Steve Carell - Ben Cooper
Jennifer Garner - Kelly Cooper
Dylan Minnette - Anthony Cooper
Kerris Dorsey - Emily Cooper
Bella Thorne - Celia Rodriguez
Elise & Zoey Vargas - Trevor
Cooper
Sidney Fullmer - Becky Gibson
Mekai Curtis - Paul
Donald Glover - Greg
Dick Van Dyke - Himself
Jennifer Coolidge - Ms. Suggs
Mekai Curtis - Paul

Crew

Director - Miguel Arteta

Based on Book "Alexander 

and the Terrible, Horrible, 

No Good, Very Bad Day" - Judith Viorst

Screen Story and 

Screenplay - Rob Lieber
Producers - Lisa Henson,
Daniel S. Levine and Shawn Levy
Cinematography - Terry Stacey
Film Editor - Pamela Martin
Music - Christophe Beck

Review

I have recently had the pleasure of watching 'ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY' on the big screen, after watching this film, my afterthoughts are that it had a meaningful and funny plot that conveys a message that there are sometimes good days that can turn into the worst day ever and that getting through these days can draw a family together in working together to turn a bad situation into a good one. I am impressed with the slapstick comedy which at moments I found myself in fits of hysterical laughter because of the hilarious misfortunes of the family.

The actors had worked well together and appeared to have a fun experience which really compliments the quality of the movie. I was quite surprised to see old-school legend Dick Van Dyke in being featured on a hilarious guest appearance, Dick is well known for his association with Disney in 'Mary Poppins'. The filmmakers used the song of INXS "Need You Tonight" on the film's closing scene and it suits well considering that the movie takes pride in referencing some of the Australian cultural aspects.

There are those who are to accept that despite having a lot of adult-oriented jokes, this is not a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad movie! It certainly is entertaining and sure to appeal to certain diverse age groups who may not yet have read the book that this movie is based upon..

Star rating: (8/10) Very Good Movie

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Star Trek: The Motion Picture Review

Star Trek: The Motion Picture


Release Date: 21st December 1979 - Australia


Production Companies
Paramount Pictures (presents)
Century Associates
Robert Wise Productions

Distribution
Paramount Pictures Australia


Genre: Sci-Fi

Rating: PG

Runtime: 132 minutes
                 136 minutes
                 (director's cut)


Budget: $46,000,000

Box Office Gross: $139,000,000
(Worldwide)


Plot Summary
An alien phenomenon of
unprecedented size and
power is approaching
Earth, destroying everything
in its path. The only starship
in range is the U.S.S.
Enterprise--still in drydock
after a major overhaul. As
Captain Decker readies his
ship and his crew to face
this menace, the legendary
Admiral James T. Kirk
arrives with orders to take
command of the Enterprise
and intercept the intruder.

But it has been three years
since Kirk last commanded
the Enterprise on its historic
five year mission...is he up
to the task of saving the
Earth? (Source - IMDb)


Cast

William Shatner - Admiral 

James T. Kirk

Leonard Nimoy - Commander 

Spock 

DeForest Kelley - Dr, Leonard
"Bones" McCoy

James Doohan - Scotty

Walter Koenig - Chekov

George Takei - Sulu

Nichelle Nichols - Uhura
Persis Khambatta - Ilia
Stephen Collins - Willard
Decker
Majel Barrett - Dr. Christine Chapel
Grace Lee Whitney - Janice Rand
Mark Lenard - Klingon Captain
David Gautreaux - Commander Branch
Marcy Lafferty - Chief DiFalco
Jon Rashad Kamal - Lt. Commander Sonak
Terence O'Connor - Chief Ross
Michael Rougas - Lt. Cleary

Crew
Director - Robert Wise
Based on Series "Star Trek"/Producer -
Gene Roddenberry
Story - Alan Dean Foster
Screenplay - Harold Livingston
Associate Producer - Jon Povill
Producer (2001 director's edition) - David C. Fein
Special Science Consultant - Isaac Asimov
Casting Director - Marvin Paige
Production Designer - Harold Michelson
Production Illustrators: Apogee, Inc. - Jack Johnson,
Martin A. Kline, Syd Mead and John R. Shourt
Art Directors - Leon Harris,
Joseph R. Jennings and John Vallone
Set Decorator - Linda DeScenna
Costume Designer - Robert Fletcher
Director of Photography - Richard H. Kline
Second Unit (Uncredited)/Special Photographic
Effects Director - Douglas Trumbull
Special Photographic Effects Supervisor -
John Dykstra
Special Photographic Effects: Director of
Photography/Producer - Richard Yuririch
Film Editor - Todd C. Ramsay
Sound Effects Creators - Dirk Dalton,
Joel Goldsmith, Alan Howarth,
Francesco Lupica and Frank Serafine
Composer: Theme "Star Trek" -
Alexander Courage
Music - Jerry Goldsmith


Awards

1980 Academy Awards
Best Art Direction-Set Decoration - Harold Michelson,
Joseph R. Jennings, Leon Harris and Linda DeScenna (Nominated)
Best Visual Effects - Douglas Trumbull, John Dykstra,
Richard Yuririch, Robert Swarthe, David K. Stewart and
Grant McCune (Nominated)
Best Music, Original Score - Jerry Goldsmith (Nominated)

Review

When I first saw the first and original movie of 'Star Trek' on TV, as I recall it felt very slow-paced and boring. Years later, as I'm after having watched nearly all the later 'Trek' originals and the J.J. Abrams reboots. I said it before and I will say it again, I am not a die-hard Trekkie. At first, in revisiting the old and first 'Star Trek' only in the director's cut edition, it doesn't contain the action scenes that many fans were promised before its release. The plot-line is very similar and identical to Stanley Kubrick's '2001: A Space Odyssey' which I can now see the differences in both movies of the science-fiction category. It didn't surprise me that some of the effects team responsible for the vfx on Kubrick's masterpiece were needed once again for 'STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE'. 

Although the director Robert Wise is an interesting candidate to helm the 'Trek' saga for the first instalment, the quality of the movie is lessened as a result of the main cast wearing bad outfits and slow moving pace. The film's musical score by Jerry Goldsmith complimented the moments of percussion in the film and I find it to be a better 'Trek' film score than the others.

The Trekkies have been moping about the results of this product since its release in 1979, it only has the exploration and mystery in a greater sense. It may not be the 'Trek' we knew in many years, but it's a lengthened cinematic experience for non-Trek fans.

Star rating: (7/10) Good Movie

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Finally.... The Moment Has Arrived!

Hi, sci-fi fans. I have some exciting news about the new upcoming Star Wars VII film. In doing some research, I discovered that this film is about to be released in December of 2015, so the movie is still in a galaxy far, far away before we can finally enjoy it on the big screen. However, a teaser trailer for Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens was released, which you can view below. It has already gone viral.

Please keep checking my reviews for updates on the upcoming Star Wars movie. If you have any information about the film, feel free to share it in the comment tab.

Here it is, the new Star Wars teaser trailer. ENJOY!

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Legend Review

Legend

Release Date: 2nd January 1986 - Australia

Production Companies

Legend Production Company (made by)

Embassy International Pictures

Distribution

20th Century Fox Australia

Genre: Fantasy

Rating: PG

Runtime: 95 minutes
               89 minutes (USA)

               115 minutes
               (director's cut)


Budget: $24,500,000

Box Office Gross: $23,506,237 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Set in a magical land

where all creatures live in

peace and unicorns hold

the secret of light, this is

the story of the eternal

struggle between good

and evil. But light is

deadly to the Lord of

Darkness, and with the

mystery stolen from him, a

human named Jack and a

beautiful princess must

face the terrors of his

underground castle to save

the unicorns and defeat the

darkness.

Cast

Tom Cruise - Jack

Mia Sara - Lili

Tim Curry - Darkness
David Bennent - Honeythorn Gump
Alice Playten - Blix/

Honeythorn Gump (Voice) (Uncredited)
Billy Barty - Screwball
Cork Hubbert - Brown Tom
Peter O'Farrell - Pox
Annabelle Lanyon - Oona

Kiran Shah - Blunder
Robert Picardo - Meg Mucklebones
Tina Martin - Nell

Crew

Director - Ridley Scott
Writer - William Hjortsberg

Producer - Arnon Michlan
Co-Producer - Tim Hampton

Casting: London - Noel Davis and Jeremy Zimmermann

Casting: Los Angeles - Jane Feinberg and Mike Fenton

Production Designer - Assheton Gorton

Conceptual Designer - Alan Lee (Uncredited)
Supervising Art Directors - Leslie Dilley

and Norman Dorme

Assistant Art Directors - John Fenner

and Jim Morahan

Construction Managers - Ken Pattenden

and Michael Redding

Set Decorator - Ann Mollo
Costume Designer - Charles Knode
Special Makeup Creator - Rob Bottin
Makeup Supervisor - Peter Robb-King 
Director of Photography - Alex Thomson

Additional Photography - Max Mowdray

and Harry Oakes

Underwater Unit - Jordan Klein Sr.,

John McCloughlin and Gavin McKinney

Camera Operator - Peter MacDonald

Unit Manager - David Barron

Production Supervisor - Hugh Harlow

First Assistant Directors - Garth Thomas

and Bill Westley
Unicorn Master/Stunt Coordinator - Vic Armstrong
Special Effects Supervisor - Nick Allder

Supervising Film Editor - William D. Gordean
Editor - Terry Rawlings

Additional Editor - Pamela Power

Supervising Dialogue Editor - Chris Greenham

Production Sound Mixer - Roy Charman

Chief Dubbing Mixers - Graham V. Hartstone

and Hugh Strain

Music - Jerry Goldsmith and

Tangerine Dream (USA Only)

Awards

1986 Academy Awards
Best Makeup - Rob Bottin and Peter Robb-King (Nominated)

Review

The fantasy movie LEGEND has always been overlooked by several movie-goers of the 80s when it flopped in the same year as the other fantasy but animated spectacle from Disney, The Black Cauldron. This cult movie had a turbulent history and was director Ridley Scott's intention to switch his sci-fi category into the fantasy genre after he went through the controversial changes in Blade Runner. Many years from now, after a long time since having seen LEGEND, it won't be in the same repertoire as many of his great timeless films. It approaches the dark fairytale adventure and manages to capture the spiritual elements of the story. It's a bold, daring move for Ridley but has its visible flaws, which disappoint the overall quality. Ridley had a team enlisted to supervise the designs and make-up to create the world and creatures of such beautiful European folklore.

What fascinates me the most is how Tim Curry does a superb performance as the demonic figure of Satan. You can't escape this monstrous look and deep voice, which manages to frighten the young viewers. Tom Cruise already has the youth and charisma and then adds solid-based acting to further his leading role as the protagonist. Another thing I truly liked about this version of the film is the background instrumentation by Jerry Goldsmith. It's mystical, defining and uplifting in a keen sense of scoring.

If Ridley Scott made the final cut of Blade Runner, then why couldn't he do the same for LEGEND in restoring the balance of the vision he once had? Choose the director's cut if you have the chance. Unfortunately, this version is only available in Region 1. But you can order it on eBay or watch it online.

Star rating: (7/10) Good Movie

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Barnyard Review

Barnyard

Release Date: 21st September 2006 - Australia


Production Companies
Paramount Pictures

Nickelodeon Movies
O Entertainment

Kumar Mobiliengesellschaft mbH & Co. Projekt Nr. 2 KG

Distribution

Paramount Pictures Australia

Genre: Animation/Family/

Comedy

Rating: PG

Runtime: 90 minutes

Budget: $51,000,000

Box Office Gross: $116,755,080 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

When the farmer is not around, the animals begin to party as they play, sing and dance in their free time. Eventually, someone has to step in and keep things in order around the farm, and that responsibility falls to a carefree cow named Otis.

Voice Cast

Kevin James - Otis the Cow
David Koechner - Dag the Coyote

Jeff Garcia - Pip the Mouse
Courteney Cox - Daisy the Cow
Wanda Sykes - Bessy the Cow

Sam Elliott - Ben the Cow
Danny Glover - Miles the Mule
Rob Paulsen - Peck the Rooster/

Gopher/Pizza Twin #1
Tino Insana - Pig the Pig
Cam Clarke - Freddy the
Ferret
Dom Irrera - Duke the Dog
Andie MacDowell - Etta the Hen
Madeline Lovejoy - Maddy the Chick

Earthquake - Root the Rooster

S. Scott Bullock - Eddy the Cow
Maurice LaMarche - Igg the Cow
John DiMaggio - Bud the Cow/

Officer O'Hanlen
Maria Bamford - Mrs. Beady

Steve Oedekerk - Snotty

Boy/Mr. Beady/Snotty Boy's Father
Fred Tatasciore - Farmer

Peter Stenstrom - Skunk

Jill Talley - Snotty Boy's Mother

Laraine Newman - Snotty Boy's Friend

Katie Leigh - Snotty Boy's Friend/Additional Voices

North Mississippi Allstars - Barn Boys

Crew

Writer/Producer/Director -
Steve Oedekerk

Associate Producer/Cow Designer -

Mark Beam
Executive Producers - Julia Pistor,

Aaron Parry and A.K. Madhavan

Producers - Pam Marsden

and Paul Marshal

Production Designer/Art Director -

Phillip A. Cruden

Lead Character Designer - Bill Schwab
Character Designers - Dale Hendrickson,

Jim Clark and Jerry Mahoney

Additional Character Designer -

Andre Medina

Head Sequence Director - Jeff Siergey

Sequence Directors - Anthony Bell,

Frank Marino and Jeff McGrath

Lead Animation Supervisor - David Andrews

Animation Supervisors - T.J Sullivan,

Steve Baker and Richard Bazley

Lead Character Modelling/Animation Supervisor -

Todd Grimes

CG Supervisors - Graham D. Clark

and Tom Capizzi
Background Animation Supervisor - Alastair McLeod

Lead Technical Supervisor - Jason Barlow

Layout Supervisor - Steve Kolbe
Visual Effects Supervisor - Martin Lauzon

Film Editors - Billy Weber and

Paul D. Calder

Additional Editor - Bret Marnell

Assistant Editors - Danik Thomas

and Craig Paulsen

Sound Designer - Odin Benitez

Sound Designer/Effects Editor - Yann Depulch

Supervising Sound Editor - Michael Hilkene

Production Sound Mixer - Devon Bowman

Re-Recording Mixers - David E. Fluhr

and Myron Nettinga

Foley Artists - Robin Harlan and

Sarah Monat

Music - John Debney

Executive Music Producer - Karyn Rachtman


Review

BARNYARD is a weird kiddie-loose comedy created by the same makers that did Jimmy Neutron. I found BARNYARD to be a product of shame from the network and a disappointment for the film's creators. Throughout the movie's 90-minute duration, several aspects let this film down. The computer animation is so low-budget and makes you wonder why the creator wanted the male cows to have udders to be funny since it's not in their biology. It has unoriginal storytelling. Some of its themes are cut or taken from Disney's The Lion King. For example, the overarching theme is to grow up and be more responsible; the main character's (Otis) carefree lifestyle is similar to Simba's. This film was an uninteresting comedy with a most unconvincing set of jokes (save for some, like the part where the cows do "boy tipping").

I almost didn't recognise some of the film's characters, but now I know Kevin James, Danny Glover, and Sam Elliott were among the voice talents. I already knew Wanda Sykes was in the film; this was her third voice role. How unfortunate that it could not have been a more successful animated comedy. 

I recommend you watch this film only once if you have high expectations, as it does not come close. It's full of a younger audience appeal, and you must bury the movie under a haystack. I have not watched the TV show. But after seeing this movie, I saw a few of its episodes.

Star rating: (4/10) Below Average

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