tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2876907321661729962024-03-14T01:58:46.302-07:00What Movie to RentHarrison Ferronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328628325940728117noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-287690732166172996.post-15140103022160822752009-07-18T19:32:00.000-07:002009-07-20T14:22:57.152-07:00Pick of the Week 7/20/09<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/SmTdtY8MclI/AAAAAAAAAKM/iV3hmzOl4-A/s1600-h/MV5BMjAwMTI0Mjk5NV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwMTczNzc5._V1._SX100_SY137_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 100px; height: 137px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/SmTdtY8MclI/AAAAAAAAAKM/iV3hmzOl4-A/s400/MV5BMjAwMTI0Mjk5NV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwMTczNzc5._V1._SX100_SY137_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360653228336509522" border="0" /></a>PAYBACK<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"No More Mr. Nice Guy</span>"<br /><br /> Every once in a while I get an itch to watch a movie that for lack of a better expression kicks ass. This might seem like a somewhat undignified feeling from someone who appreciates good film, but they are not mutually exclusive when it comes right down to it.<br /> Beat-downs, explosions, beautiful women and bad guys you can’t help but cheer for are something that needs to be experienced once in a while. So, when the mood strikes you, PAYBACK is the movie your gonna want to watch.<br /> Mel Gibson enters the role of Porter, a con man/thief and all around crook who is double crossed and left for dead by his partner, played by Gregg Henry. The story doesn’t get much more complex from there. Porter embarks on a mission to get back his half of the score his partner double crossed him on, a sum of $70,000, which the higher up the organized crime hierarchy Porter gets seems more and more trivial. It's the principal of the thing. Nevertheless, dry humor and great one-liners prevail in this somewhat epic gangster revenge caper. You can’t help but root for Porter deep down in the dark portion of your heart. Plus, Lucy Liu makes a great cameo as a dominatrix, which is just about the most ironic thing I have seen in a long time.<br /> Who knows, this may be the best all around movie experience you've had in a long time.<br /><br />Starring Mel Gibson, Gregg Henry, Maria Bello, David Paymer and Kris Kristofferson.<br />Released in 1999.<br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.ireel.com/">watch movies online</a> by going to iReel.com , a Video On Demand web based streaming service. There is no cost to join, and subscriptions, premium accounts and download to own options are available. Follow the link to Payback here <a href="http://www.ireel.com/search_result/index?q=Payback+Straight+Up%3A+The+Director%27s+Cut&f=s">http://www.ireel.com/search_result/index?q=Payback+Straight+Up%3A+The+Director%27s+Cut&f=s</a>. iReel.com has a selection of major, minor and independent film titles in standard definition and high definition ready to stream to your computer right now. No plug in or downloaded software required. Check them out!Harrison Ferronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328628325940728117noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-287690732166172996.post-16140397415715151102009-07-02T09:24:00.001-07:002009-07-07T07:26:24.300-07:00Pick of the Week 7/6/09<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/SlI1KhONp5I/AAAAAAAAAKA/Klzb8xkX1zY/s1600-h/MV5BMTgwMzg0NTg2OF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMTc5ODAyMQ%40%40._V1._SX98_SY140_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 97px; height: 140px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/SlI1KhONp5I/AAAAAAAAAKA/Klzb8xkX1zY/s400/MV5BMTgwMzg0NTg2OF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMTc5ODAyMQ%40%40._V1._SX98_SY140_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355401361729890194" border="0" /></a>THE SAINT<br /><br />Once in a while a movie drops in theaters and gets a perfectly respectable audience reaction, then goes on to become a bone of contention between movie aficionados. The Saint is one such movie.<br />I’m of the opinion that The Saint is a great movie in the way that action, conspiracy, humor, compelling story and competent writing make something that warms the heart and gets the blood pumping at the appropriate times. If you are looking for the best movie of the year, or a golden globe nomination, then best look somewhere else. Those awards don’t mean anything anyway. They only come about because enough subjective opinions come together to form a lopsided consensus. Anyway, enough of that.<br />The story revolves around legendary thief Simon Templar (Val Kilmer), that becomes embroiled in political maneuvering and the controversy surrounding renewable energy. His services are aquired to steal the formula for Cold Fusion, a new free energy source, from beautiful physicist Emma Russell (Elisabeth Shue). Even back in the late 90’s screenwriter’s had already discovered that renewable energy could make for an interesting plot base. This whole thing might sound somewhat contrived, but add to the mix Russian oil patriarchs, the mafia and some well placed action, and you get a solid movie that can’t fail to make you feel like your time was used well.<br /><br />Starring: Val Kilmer, Elisabeth Shue and Rade Serbedzija.<br />Released in 1997.<br /><br />You can now <a href="http://www.ireel.com/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">watch movies online</span></a><a href="http://www.ireel.com/"></a> by going to iReel, a Video On Demand web based streaming service. There is no cost to join, and subscriptions, premium accounts and download to own options are available. Follow the link to The Saint here: <a href="http://www.ireel.com/search_result/index?q=the+saint&f=s">http://www.ireel.com/search_result/index?q=the+saint&f=s</a>. iReel has a selection of major, minor and independent film titles in standard definition and high definition ready to stream to your computer right now. No plug in or downloaded software required. Check them out!Harrison Ferronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328628325940728117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-287690732166172996.post-50052146315202744512009-06-22T09:48:00.000-07:002009-06-22T09:53:07.239-07:00PIck of the Week 6/22/09<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/Sj-2jhaa2HI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/SYr0NXNU63Y/s1600-h/MV5BMTY4NjQzOTExM15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMDIzMjMyMQ%40%40._V1._SX100_SY136_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 100px; height: 136px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/Sj-2jhaa2HI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/SYr0NXNU63Y/s400/MV5BMTY4NjQzOTExM15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMDIzMjMyMQ%40%40._V1._SX100_SY136_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350195603720296562" border="0" /></a>HEAVEN CAN WAIT<br /><br />Heaven Can Wait was one of the first truly memorable movies from my childhood, and seeing as I was only allowed to watch black and white movies till I was 11 this was a pretty big deal.<br /> Playing Joe Pendleton, the Rams star quarterback in a millionaires body, was easily one of Warren Beatty’s best screen parts, excluding Bulworth, matched only by Julie Christie’s performance as environmentalist Betty Logan. The story starts with Beatty’s character training for the Superbowl, when he is ripped from life and transferred to heaven, where it turns out he is not supposed to be in the first place. The problem becomes how to get Beatty back into a body that can compete in the Superbowl. Instead, he ends up in an aging corporate millionaires body, who has been murdered by his wife and chief assistant. The story gets more complicated from there, complete with love, football and an interesting ending.<br /> Some of you may be reading this and thinking that this sounds a lot like the Chris Rock version Down To Earth. Watch the original first as it is order of magnitudes better than the remake.<br /> Definitively a movie for the whole family and any occasion.<br /><br />Starring Warren Beatty, Julie Christie, James Mason, Jack Warden and Dyan Cannon<br />Released in 1978<br /><br />You can watch Heaven Can Wait at <a href="http://www.ireel.com/search_result/index?q=heaven+can+wait&f=s">http://www.ireel.com/search_result/index?q=heaven+can+wait&f=s</a> , a Video On Demand web based streaming service. There is no cost to join, and subscriptions, premium accounts and download to own options are available. <a href="http://www.ireel.com/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">http://www.ireel.com/ </span></a>has a selection of major, minor and independent film titles in standard definition and high definition ready to stream to your computer right now. No plug in or downloaded software required. Check them out!Harrison Ferronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328628325940728117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-287690732166172996.post-27346999843982344322009-06-05T12:12:00.000-07:002009-06-05T12:50:06.579-07:00Pick of the Week 6/5/09<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/Sil0j5r5s4I/AAAAAAAAAJw/guIWBw2k38I/s1600-h/MV5BMjE3NDM1NDgyN15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMzg4MDQyMQ%40%40._V1._SX100_SY136_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 100px; height: 136px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/Sil0j5r5s4I/AAAAAAAAAJw/guIWBw2k38I/s400/MV5BMjE3NDM1NDgyN15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMzg4MDQyMQ%40%40._V1._SX100_SY136_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343930592981005186" border="0" /></a>WONDER BOYS<br /><br />Every time I sit down to watch this movie I honestly don't know what to expect, even after multiple viewings. I don't mean that I have forgotten the storyline, but that each time I wa<img src="file:///Users/hferrone/Desktop/MV5BMjE3NDM1NDgyN15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMzg4MDQyMQ@@._V1._SX100_SY136_.jpg" alt="" />tch Wonder Boys I see something different in the characters, in their relationships, and more importantly I sometimes see my life in a different perspective. And yes, I laugh till it hurts most of the way through it too.<br />This is the power of Curtis Hanson's amazing adaptation of Michael Chabon's much<img src="file:///Users/hferrone/Desktop/MV5BMjE3NDM1NDgyN15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMzg4MDQyMQ@@._V1._SX100_SY136_.jpg" alt="" /> loved novel. The fact that Michael Chabon is involved with this movie makes it worth mentioning on its own.<br />The story revolves around Professor Grady Tripp (Michael Douglas) many years after the writing of his great literary work, struggling to finish the follow up. Stoned and drunk most of the time, having an affair with a married woman, and attempting to mentor a dark and disturbed young student (Tobey Maguire) while fending off the advances of his housemate and admirer (Katie Holmes) doesn’t leave Douglas much time to do anything but coast through life. However, like all lasting cinematic works, Wonder Boys is really about choice, and more importantly about the ability of individuals to make decisions instead of letting life dictate every step of the way.<br />If you are looking for a deep, emotional and hilariously funny movie, complete with great writing and cast, then Wonder Boys is it.<br /><br />You can now watch Wonder Boys on iReel.com, a Video On Demand web based streaming service. There is no cost to join, and subscriptions, premium accounts and download to own options are available. iReel.com has a selection of major, minor and independent film titles in standard definition and high definition ready to stream to your computer right now. No plug in or downloaded software required. Go to <a href="http://www.ireel.com/">http://www.ireel.com/</a> and check them out!<br /><br />Starring Michael Douglas, Tobey Maguire, Katie Holmes, Francis McDormand and Robert Downey Jr.<br /><br />Released in 2000.Harrison Ferronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328628325940728117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-287690732166172996.post-29758103570491633812008-11-28T13:21:00.000-08:002008-11-28T13:31:29.710-08:00PICK OF THE WEEK: 11/28/08<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/STBi2jN_TvI/AAAAAAAAAJo/nJEVNxwfOdQ/s1600-h/MV5BNzg4NjY1NzI1OF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNjEyOTgyMQ%40%40._V1._SX98_SY139_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 98px; height: 139px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/STBi2jN_TvI/AAAAAAAAAJo/nJEVNxwfOdQ/s400/MV5BNzg4NjY1NzI1OF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNjEyOTgyMQ%40%40._V1._SX98_SY139_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273823852957224690" border="0" /></a><br />APPLESEED<br /><br />As I am not the most knowledgeable person on the subject of anime, I will nevertheless go so far as to say that this is one of the most intriguing and ingenious depictions of what animation technology and good writing can potentially produce.<br />Appleseed is set in the future where mankind has started and finished WWIII. Much like the <span style="font-style: italic;">Matrix</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;">Equilibrium</span> style movies, humans have realized that their predisposition for violence and aggression will eventually lead them into extinction. So with new technological developments, the humans create a species of human looking robots to govern and safekeep humanity.<br />Most of the plot revolves around the struggle between the human run military and the rest of the robot run government.<br />The action is breathtaking and unlike anything out there in cinema today. As this post will be a little dated, I will say that the sequel, <span style="font-style: italic;">Appleseed: Ex-Machina</span>, that was just released on DVD is also superb, but the original is still on another level entirely.<br />Released in 2004.Harrison Ferronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328628325940728117noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-287690732166172996.post-76987059204500486652008-11-28T13:12:00.001-08:002008-11-28T13:20:55.647-08:00FLATLINERS<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/STBgYY8XcpI/AAAAAAAAAJg/uc4p-1lK6zM/s1600-h/MV5BNzgxMzQ2NzQzMV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMzMyMjAzMQ%40%40._V1._SX97_SY140_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 97px; height: 139px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/STBgYY8XcpI/AAAAAAAAAJg/uc4p-1lK6zM/s400/MV5BNzgxMzQ2NzQzMV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMzMyMjAzMQ%40%40._V1._SX97_SY140_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273821135779623570" border="0" /></a><br />What to say about this movie. Engrossing is a not often word used these days to describe movies, so I'll start with that. A great look at life, love, the sins of yesterday and<img src="file:///Users/harrisonferrone/Desktop/MV5BNzgxMzQ2NzQzMV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMzMyMjAzMQ@@._V1._SX97_SY140_.jpg" alt="" /> the hopes of tomorrow. Flatliners delves into not just the science fiction aspects of life after death, or of coming <img src="file:///Users/harrisonferrone/Desktop/MV5BNzgxMzQ2NzQzMV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMzMyMjAzMQ@@._V1._SX97_SY140_.jpg" alt="" />back from the dead, but also looks at spirituality, religion and modern science in a way that forces the viewer to consider these things from another perspective.<br />The movie is set in a somewhat ambiguous setting, dark and morbid at times, but it all adds to the story and the development of each character as they each battle with some negative aspect from their pasts in search of salvation.<br />Maybe not a date night movie, but definitely a good stay at home for rainy, dreary day.<br />Flatliners stars Keifer Sutherland, Julia Roberts, William Baldwin, and Oliver Platt.<br />Directed by Joel Schumacher and released in 1990.Harrison Ferronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328628325940728117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-287690732166172996.post-14245235788420208172007-10-18T14:48:00.000-07:002007-10-18T15:02:43.600-07:00EQUILIBRIUM<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/RxfXaOKHbUI/AAAAAAAAAGI/vXJ8Tkqb7hM/s1600-h/equilibrium.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/RxfXaOKHbUI/AAAAAAAAAGI/vXJ8Tkqb7hM/s400/equilibrium.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122799946634325314" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Two men. One battle. No compromise."</span><br /><br />Yeah! I mean seriously, this movie was absolutely fantastic. Truly a great movie.<br />The acting was believable, the action was unbelievable and the setting, context and to some degree the philosophy of the movie were all relevant.<br />Again, this is one of those movies that doesn't have a uniquely original plot line, but manages to supersede that fact and bring to the screen something altogether individual and absolutely worth viewing.<br />Christian Bale plays a High Cleric, a member of an elite police force in a future where all feelings have been suppressed in the populace by intervals of low-dose numbing drugs. His wife was taken away for sense-offence crimes (feeling), his children are anesthetized to his presence, and his partner is a part of the resistance. Through all of this he felt nothing. But there comes a time when he must face the fact that the most important part of his humanity has been willingly and consciously stripped from him, and he must rise up. He is feeling.<br />Forget the action in <span style="font-style: italic;">THE MATRIX</span>. This is better and well spaced throughout the film.<br />Starring Christian Bale, Taye Diggs, Emily Watson, Sean Bean and Angus Macfadyen.<br />Released in 2002.<br /><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://whatmovietorent.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a><br /><br /><a href="javascript:void(rollpop=window.open('http://www.blogrolling.com/add_links_pop.phtml?u=www.whatmovietorent.blogspot.com&t=What Movie To Rent: A Guide','rollit','scrollbars=no,width=475,height=350,left=75,top=175,status=yes,resizable=yes'));rollpop.focus();">Blogroll Me!</a>Harrison Ferronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328628325940728117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-287690732166172996.post-14486998026923675512007-10-14T13:04:00.001-07:002007-10-18T14:48:20.683-07:00PICK OF THE WEEK 10/17/07<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/RxfT_-KHbTI/AAAAAAAAAGA/mZyMo2ZrShg/s1600-h/the+fifth+element.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/RxfT_-KHbTI/AAAAAAAAAGA/mZyMo2ZrShg/s400/the+fifth+element.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122796197127875890" border="0" /></a><br />THE FIFTH ELEMENT:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Time is not important, only life is important."</span><br /><br />Firstly, this is a Luc Besson film. That in itself usually merits watching. But for this movie, it went even further. Bruce Willis is perfect for this role, as it's almost going back to his <span style="font-style: italic;">DIE HARD</span> days, but with a little spice, a little zing.<br />This is one of the first action movies I watched as a teenager, and surprisingly it's value has lasted and even exponentially increased over time.<br />Bruce Willis plays a ex-armed forces taxi driver in a futuristic city (presumably New York), when an escaped woman (Milla Jovovich) unwittingly drops into his cab; literally, through the roof. What follows is an action-packed adventure in search of a legendary weapon that is needed every 5,000 years to save the world. But wait, there's more. Chris Tucker, Gary Oldman and Ian Holm all add there special performances to make this movie outstanding.<br />With Willis delivering the punches, Tucker supplying us with his trademarked humor and hilarious style and Holm as the voice of reason, they battle against Mr. Zorg (Oldman) and his crew of ugly aliens to a climatic finish.<br />A fantastic action/sci-fi movie for anyone who has ever wanted to see the future.<br />Released in 1997.<br /><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://whatmovietorent.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a><br /><br /><a href="javascript:void(rollpop=window.open('http://www.blogrolling.com/add_links_pop.phtml?u=www.whatmovietorent.blogspot.com&t=What Movie To Rent: A Guide','rollit','scrollbars=no,width=475,height=350,left=75,top=175,status=yes,resizable=yes'));rollpop.focus();">Blogroll Me!</a>Harrison Ferronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328628325940728117noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-287690732166172996.post-79407502887518566802007-10-14T11:11:00.001-07:002007-10-14T11:21:57.453-07:00REIGN OVER ME<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/RxJd6-KHbQI/AAAAAAAAAFo/xFr21tslVMo/s1600-h/reign+over+me.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/RxJd6-KHbQI/AAAAAAAAAFo/xFr21tslVMo/s400/reign+over+me.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121258993972899074" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Live every day like it's the best day of your life."</span><br /><br />This is a gutsy movie. I don't know how else to describe it. Not gutsy in the way it's normally used, like brave or courageous, or even groundbreaking. This movie is gutsy because it makes you feel it in your gut, deep down in that place that tells you your in love, or tells you your wrong, or most of the time tells you your hungry. That's where this movie gets you.<br />Adam Sandler gives a surprising performance in an even more surprising role. There is a bit of his usual humor thrown into this film, but it's very minimal and sparsely distributed. Don Cheadle is outstanding as well. Come to think of it, all the actors in this movie were well chosen and played their parts to perfection. And Donald Sutherland's brief role at the end was awesome.<br />This movie is long, the soundtrack is great, and Mike Binders writing and direction really gave the audience a chance to empathize with the characters, a feat most movies miss. But don't be fooled by the trailer, which makes this movie out to be another Sandler comedy. It's a drama through and through. I highly recommend this movie, as well as Mike Binders other somewhat recent film <span style="font-style: italic;">THE UPSIDE OF ANGER. </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">REIGN OVER ME</span> was released this year, 2007.<br /><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://whatmovietorent.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a><br /><br /><a href="javascript:void(rollpop=window.open('http://www.blogrolling.com/add_links_pop.phtml?u=www.whatmovietorent.blogspot.com&t=What Movie To Rent: A Guide','rollit','scrollbars=no,width=475,height=350,left=75,top=175,status=yes,resizable=yes'));rollpop.focus();">Blogroll Me!</a>Harrison Ferronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328628325940728117noreply@blogger.com327tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-287690732166172996.post-78953836329909229622007-10-12T19:11:00.002-07:002007-10-12T21:29:25.062-07:00YOU KILL ME<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/RxBJE-KHbNI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/liebFtC780U/s1600-h/you+kill+me.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/RxBJE-KHbNI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/liebFtC780U/s400/you+kill+me.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120673126073986258" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Love is always worth another shot."</span><br /><br />This is going to be another one of those movies where 80% of people are not going to like this at all, 15% of people are not going to have any particular feelings either way, and 5% of people (like me) are going to enjoy it.<br />Ben Kingsley's deadpan delivery is killer, only to be surpassed when Tea Leoni's is in the scene with him. I haven't seen a solid dark humor comedy in a long time, and I think I was overdue.<br />This film is about an alcoholic hit man who moves to San Fransisco, trying to stay on the wagon, and not kill anyone in the process. But what he wasn't counting on was the support of a newfound community and the possible love of a wonderful woman that might just complement his personality perfectly. Shot throughout with sporadic action, an interesting musical score (maybe some sort of string instrument) which made it almost soprano-like in a lighter way, and some great lines really made this movie a joy to watch. I picked it off the shelf simply because someone had reviewed it as being "an uproarious instant classic" (or something to that degree). Maybe this kind of selection process will work for you too.<br />Released in 2007, co-starring Bill Pullmand, Luke Wilson and Dennis Farina. Directed by John Dahl.<br /><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://whatmovietorent.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a><br /><br /><a href="javascript:void(rollpop=window.open('http://www.blogrolling.com/add_links_pop.phtml?u=www.whatmovietorent.blogspot.com&t=What Movie To Rent: A Guide','rollit','scrollbars=no,width=475,height=350,left=75,top=175,status=yes,resizable=yes'));rollpop.focus();">Blogroll Me!</a>Harrison Ferronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328628325940728117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-287690732166172996.post-54812760408212629992007-10-12T19:11:00.001-07:002007-10-12T21:47:00.727-07:00KICKBOXER<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/RxBM9eKHbOI/AAAAAAAAAFY/BtOPxpnM4NI/s1600-h/kickboxer.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/RxBM9eKHbOI/AAAAAAAAAFY/BtOPxpnM4NI/s400/kickboxer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120677395271478498" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Action has a new hero"</span><br /><br />This is going to be short and sweet.<br />If you're in the mood for a good action/martial arts movie, and you like watching old ones because, one, some of them are so bad that now their good, or two, because you're just in the mood for something simple, entertaining and not wholly a waste of time. (Those reasons, and <span style="font-style: italic;">MORTAL KOMBAT</span> was out. Just kidding), then <span style="font-style: italic;">KICKBOXER</span> would definitely hit the spot for you. Even the tagline is vintage, how can you beat that?<br />There's nice scenery, a bit of story, some great characters and a little eastern history thrown into the mix. That, and great fight scenes and a believable villain. And, the best part is that the brothers character is absent most of the time, so without him the acting is stable for the meat of the movie (minus Van-Damme's accent).<br />A good movie to think of when putting newer ones like <span style="font-style: italic;">ONG BAK</span> into perspective. Plus, in one hilarious scene, you get to see Van-Damme dance in a bar. It's so outstandingly ridiculous it's good, the guy actually has rhythm. Who would have thought? Not to be missed.<br />Released in 1989. Starring Jean-Claude-Van-Damme, Dennis Chan and Michel Qissi.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://whatmovietorent.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a><br /><br /><a href="javascript:void(rollpop=window.open('http://www.blogrolling.com/add_links_pop.phtml?u=www.whatmovietorent.blogspot.com&t=What Movie To Rent: A Guide','rollit','scrollbars=no,width=475,height=350,left=75,top=175,status=yes,resizable=yes'));rollpop.focus();">Blogroll Me!</a>Harrison Ferronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328628325940728117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-287690732166172996.post-5129659982458718832007-10-12T14:23:00.000-07:002007-10-14T12:32:07.666-07:00THIRD PICK OF THE WEEK 10/12/07<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/RxJur-KHbSI/AAAAAAAAAF4/4F7fV7qJU_I/s1600-h/empire+records.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/RxJur-KHbSI/AAAAAAAAAF4/4F7fV7qJU_I/s400/empire+records.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121277427972533538" border="0" /></a><br />EMPIRE RECORDS:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Damn the Man! Save the Empire!"</span><br /><br />I'm putting this movie up because it made me believe that a good teen movie could actually be written, produced, and last for over a decade and still be awesome. Even thinking about this movie still makes me smile.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">EMPIRE RECORDS</span> in itself is not a masterpiece of film, but a reminder that teen movies used to mean something, and used to be about more than winning the heart of the popular girl at school, or being prom queen. The kids in this movie are fighting against a giant corporation, against society, and for the freedom to have an independent piece of the world where they can simply exist.<br />The music is pulse pounding, the characters are laugh-out-loud funny, and the romance angles are there but not overbearing. I mean seriously, it's fantastic.<br />If your looking for a great comedy, that has great music (like <span style="font-style: italic;">HIGH FIDELITY</span>) and is just plain good fun, then <span style="font-style: italic;">EMPIRE RECORDS</span> is your movie tonight.<br />Starring Liv Tyler, Ethan Embry, Rory Cochrane, Johnny Whitworth, Robin Tunney, Anthony LaPaglia and Renee Zellweger. Directed by Allan Moyle.<br />Released in 1995.<br /><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://whatmovietorent.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a><br /><br /><a href="javascript:void(rollpop=window.open('http://www.blogrolling.com/add_links_pop.phtml?u=www.whatmovietorent.blogspot.com&t=What Movie To Rent: A Guide','rollit','scrollbars=no,width=475,height=350,left=75,top=175,status=yes,resizable=yes'));rollpop.focus();">Blogroll Me!</a>Harrison Ferronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328628325940728117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-287690732166172996.post-25167409090003686192007-10-12T11:36:00.004-07:002007-10-12T22:09:46.515-07:00THE BOONDOCK SAINTS<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/RxBS5OKHbPI/AAAAAAAAAFg/2Ek42bNcl1E/s1600-h/boondock+saints.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/RxBS5OKHbPI/AAAAAAAAAFg/2Ek42bNcl1E/s400/boondock+saints.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120683919326801138" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"They're on a Mission From God"</span><br /><br />My friend turned me on to this movie one rainy saturday afternoon. She is of course Irish, and was equally appalled that I had not seen this movie and that I had never even heard of it. Since then I have seen the error of my ways. (lol).<br />This is up there on my list with <span style="font-style: italic;">THE MATRIX </span>and <span style="font-style: italic;">EQUILIBRIUM</span> for great action that goes hand in hand with a great story. Above all, this movie surprised me, and surprise is a quality in a film that I greatly value.<br />The story of two brothers, I should say Irish brothers (because it matters in this movie), who take it upon themselves to be God's avenging angels in a time in Boston where crime, violence and sin are perpetrated on the innocent and the guilty without distinction. Alone, they stand between all that is evil and all that is good, and not quite knowing if they themselves are one or the other. If I didn't know better, I would think this was a comic book.<br />And for all you who are familiar with this movie, the sequel IS coming, just be patient.<br />Willem Dafoe also delivers a magnificent performance as an FBI agent on the brothers case.<br />Released in 1999. Starring Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus and Billy Conolly. Directed by Troy Duffy.<br /><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://whatmovietorent.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a><br /><br /><a href="javascript:void(rollpop=window.open('http://www.blogrolling.com/add_links_pop.phtml?u=www.whatmovietorent.blogspot.com&t=What Movie To Rent: A Guide','rollit','scrollbars=no,width=475,height=350,left=75,top=175,status=yes,resizable=yes'));rollpop.focus();">Blogroll Me!</a>Harrison Ferronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328628325940728117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-287690732166172996.post-78779298528566257482007-10-12T11:36:00.003-07:002007-10-14T12:33:09.795-07:00THANK YOU FOR SMOKING<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/RxJqZuKHbRI/AAAAAAAAAFw/tMr9y75vGzA/s1600-h/thank+you+for+smoking.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/RxJqZuKHbRI/AAAAAAAAAFw/tMr9y75vGzA/s400/thank+you+for+smoking.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121272716393409810" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"America is living in spin."</span><br /><br />This is one of the best satirical comedies I've seen. Period.<br />It's funny, it's deadly serious, and it looks at multiple angles of a question that matters in our world today. Hell, it's a social and political commentary wrapped in the skin of humor and farce.<br />Nick Naylor (Aaron Eckhart) is a spokesperson for the big tobacco industry, spinning their product into something that is not bad for average person, but in fact may be a needed factor of life. For this kind of job, I can see why he would be payed a ridiculous salary. However, throughout the movie Naylor struggles with being a father and a role model to his son, whom he sees wanting to be like him. Is this a good thing? he asks himself. Who knows, but the movie is hilarious and at some points truly on the ball with issues and arguments we face in daily life.<br />Co-starring Maria Bello, David Koechner, J.K. Simmons, Todd Louiso, William H. Macy and Katie Holmes. Written and Directed by Jason Reitman.<br />Released in 2005.<br /><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://whatmovietorent.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a><br /><br /><a href="javascript:void(rollpop=window.open('http://www.blogrolling.com/add_links_pop.phtml?u=www.whatmovietorent.blogspot.com&t=What Movie To Rent: A Guide','rollit','scrollbars=no,width=475,height=350,left=75,top=175,status=yes,resizable=yes'));rollpop.focus();">Blogroll Me!</a>Harrison Ferronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328628325940728117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-287690732166172996.post-13982383851204572732007-10-12T11:36:00.001-07:002007-10-12T19:09:42.935-07:00STRANGER THAN FICTION<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/RxAoheKHbMI/AAAAAAAAAFI/m2p1nzGBge8/s1600-h/stranger+than+fiction.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/RxAoheKHbMI/AAAAAAAAAFI/m2p1nzGBge8/s400/stranger+than+fiction.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120637331816541378" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />"Harold Crick isn't ready to go. Period. "</span><br /><br />Ok, hands down one of the best movies I've seen out of any category in the past year. This movie almost changed my life. If movies like this can be made, and manage to impart such strong feelings to the viewer, then creativity and originality still live, and even thrive, in the world of cinema.<br />Harold Crick (Will Ferrel) is an IRS agent. He leads a normal life, he has a steady job with the government, and he brushes his teeth the prescribed number of times each day. But Harold Crick might not be in control of his life.<br />This is all I can write about this movie because it's so well done that it would be a shame to spoil it any further.<br />Suffice it to say that supporting cast Emma Thompson, Dusting Hoffman and Maggie Gyllenhall all give tremendous performances, and Will Ferrel's comedy couldn't be better. If I believed in rating movies with a number, I would give this movie 4 1/2 stars out of 5!<br />Released in 2006.<br /><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://whatmovietorent.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a><br /><br /><a href="javascript:void(rollpop=window.open('http://www.blogrolling.com/add_links_pop.phtml?u=www.whatmovietorent.blogspot.com&t=What Movie To Rent: A Guide','rollit','scrollbars=no,width=475,height=350,left=75,top=175,status=yes,resizable=yes'));rollpop.focus();">Blogroll Me!</a>Harrison Ferronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328628325940728117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-287690732166172996.post-38267934511985383352007-10-11T13:28:00.000-07:002007-10-12T21:51:00.913-07:00SECOND PICK OF THE WEEK<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/RxAmS-KHbLI/AAAAAAAAAFA/97dugsa08Lw/s1600-h/the+cider+house+rules.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/RxAmS-KHbLI/AAAAAAAAAFA/97dugsa08Lw/s400/the+cider+house+rules.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120634883685182642" border="0" /></a><br />THE CIDER HOUSE RULES:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"A story about how far we must travel to find the place where we belong."</span><br /><br />I'm running out of words to describe the great movies that I have seen and want to share. Of all things. I think I might have to invest in a good thesaurus.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">THE CIDER HOUSE RULES</span> is a stunning film, shot in Maine it's cinematography is simply breathtaking. This movie has been in my collection from the first week it was out on VHS, almost as long as I've had my copy of <span style="font-style: italic;">HOW TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE</span>. (Also a great classic).<br />It recounts the story of a young orphan (Tobey Maguire) who is raised and tutored by the head doctor (Michael Caine) to become a doctor in his own right and eventually take over the business of running the orphanage he was raised in. However, like all young people, he feels the need to discover some of life's mysteries on his own, and so sets out with a couple (Charlize Theron and Paul Rudd) that were visiting the orphanage, accompanying them back home and to a vital time of trials and realizations that is necessary for all persons who are intent on finding their own path in life. <span style="font-style: italic;">THE CIDER HOUSE RULES</span> is a fresh take on coming of age.<br />A story of love, grief, and the necessity of experience in the full human spectrum of emotions, this movie is a fantastic viewing experience.<br />Released in 1999, and a favorite in my collection.<br /><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://whatmovietorent.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a><br /><br /><a href="javascript:void(rollpop=window.open('http://www.blogrolling.com/add_links_pop.phtml?u=www.whatmovietorent.blogspot.com&t=What Movie To Rent: A Guide','rollit','scrollbars=no,width=475,height=350,left=75,top=175,status=yes,resizable=yes'));rollpop.focus();">Blogroll Me!</a>Harrison Ferronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328628325940728117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-287690732166172996.post-53128432645512668822007-10-11T13:04:00.001-07:002007-10-11T13:27:03.605-07:00BE PREPARED BEFORE YOU WATCH THIS<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/Rw6GD-KHbKI/AAAAAAAAAE4/1g4o-tHoMCY/s1600-h/american+history+x.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/Rw6GD-KHbKI/AAAAAAAAAE4/1g4o-tHoMCY/s400/american+history+x.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120177229149990050" border="0" /></a><br />AMERICAN HISTORY X:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"See reality in your eyes when hate makes you blind."</span><br /><br />This movie really had a profound effect on me when I first saw it at a friends house. Granted, I don't think he should have owned it at that age, but I don't think his parents knew about it.<br />Anyway, <span style="font-style: italic;">AMERICAN HISTORY X</span> recounts the story of a highly intelligent and introspective neo-nazi skinhead (Edward Norton) who gradually discovers that all in life is not black and white. Subsequently, before this grand realisation, he is incarcerated in a state prison, only to be paired with a black man in the laundry room. What follows is a journey of self-discover and a painful march towards higher logic, a true show of how much strength is needed to overcome a lifetime of prejudice and hate, to expand into a life of knowledge and acceptance, and most importantly, of change.<br />Edward Norton gives a powerful performance, only adding to the importance of a film like this to open our eyes (albeit a little late) to the fact that everything is not all right with the world, and at the same time giving hope for unstoppable change.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">This movie is rated R for a reason.</span> There is non-stop racism, brutal racist violence, prison violence, and strong language. Having said that, if you are at an age where you are capable of moving past these kinds of things to get to the philosophical heart behind, then this is a must see. If not, wait until you are.<br />Released in 1998, starring Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Fairuza Bailk, Avery Brooks, Beverly D'Angelo, Ethan Suplee, Elliott Gould and Guy Torry. Directed by Tony Kaye.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://whatmovietorent.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a><br /><br /><a href="javascript:void(rollpop=window.open('http://www.blogrolling.com/add_links_pop.phtml?u=www.whatmovietorent.blogspot.com&t=What Movie To Rent: A Guide','rollit','scrollbars=no,width=475,height=350,left=75,top=175,status=yes,resizable=yes'));rollpop.focus();">Blogroll Me!</a>Harrison Ferronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328628325940728117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-287690732166172996.post-21477774762769392282007-10-11T08:23:00.000-07:002007-10-11T13:00:47.723-07:00THE LIVES OF OTHERS<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/Rw555uKHbHI/AAAAAAAAAEg/dOiiRWAgla4/s1600-h/lives+of+others.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/Rw555uKHbHI/AAAAAAAAAEg/dOiiRWAgla4/s400/lives+of+others.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120163858916797554" border="0" /></a><br />Wow.<br />This was a truly fantastic film, as most reviewers and recommender's would agree, but it's beyond that. <span style="font-style: italic;">THE LIVE OF OTHERS</span> branches into the realm of gifted storytelling and realistic drama, to say nothing of the superb character development, portrayal and acting. It was quite simply excellent in all respects.<br />A warning; the movie runs about 2 and a quarter hours, so it's a bit long, but the writing and the directing are so accomplished that it's a pleasure to watch and worth the time. Also, this film is German, so it has to be watched in subtitles, but don't let that stop you. This movie could only be what it is BECAUSE of the spoken German language. It wouldn't have any of it's realism if it was in English, or dubbed.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">THE LIVES OF OTHERS</span> goes back to chronicle the lives of persons in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) before the wall fell. It's story concerns itself around the Stasi (State Security/The SS) and the possibility for change in the human soul (of an SS captain), when conscience is upheld no matter the cost, and personal ethics and beliefs of a common person are not cast aside in the face of overwhelming power and control.<br />A great cinematic achievement, <span style="font-style: italic;">THE LIVES OF OTHERS</span> is such a well fashioned piece of art that it should not be passed up. (By anyone)<br />A new release, it was put out in 2006 and is now available to rent on DVD.<br /><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://whatmovietorent.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a><br /><br /><a href="javascript:void(rollpop=window.open('http://www.blogrolling.com/add_links_pop.phtml?u=www.whatmovietorent.blogspot.com&t=What Movie To Rent: A Guide','rollit','scrollbars=no,width=475,height=350,left=75,top=175,status=yes,resizable=yes'));rollpop.focus();">Blogroll Me!</a>Harrison Ferronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328628325940728117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-287690732166172996.post-23779800526256651722007-10-09T18:37:00.001-07:002007-10-11T13:02:14.351-07:00HERO<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/Rw6AaOKHbJI/AAAAAAAAAEw/Vf6oGXuce2I/s1600-h/hero.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/Rw6AaOKHbJI/AAAAAAAAAEw/Vf6oGXuce2I/s400/hero.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120171014332312722" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"This land doesn't know a real hero. Yet."</span><br /><br />This post will be my third mention of a Jet Li movie (sorry), but I can't help remembering all the good movies he's made, not to mention the questionable ones too.<br />However, this movie deserves mention because it took films like <span style="font-style: italic;">CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON</span> to the next level, both in action choreography and in the intellectual depth of the story.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">HERO</span> tells the story of one man (Jet Li), who defeats the legendary Kung Fu masters of a region in China in order to gain an audience with the Emperor. But don't let this simple script description fool you, there is so much beneath the surface that it would be rude of me to unveil any of it here.<br />Needless to say, this movie is outstanding, not only for its magnificent action but also for its drama, character depth and realism, and revolutionary scenery; a rare quality in Kung Fu movies, or any movie for that matter today.<br />Released in 2002, <span style="font-style: italic;">HERO</span> stars Jet Li, Tony Leung, Maggie Cheung, Zhang Ziyi and Donnie Yen.<br /><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://whatmovietorent.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a><br /><br /><a href="javascript:void(rollpop=window.open('http://www.blogrolling.com/add_links_pop.phtml?u=www.whatmovietorent.blogspot.com&t=What Movie To Rent: A Guide','rollit','scrollbars=no,width=475,height=350,left=75,top=175,status=yes,resizable=yes'));rollpop.focus();">Blogroll Me!</a>Harrison Ferronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328628325940728117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-287690732166172996.post-70343505900792278022007-10-09T18:36:00.000-07:002007-10-11T13:01:22.496-07:00ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA (1)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/Rw59ouKHbII/AAAAAAAAAEo/qL6xERUWiZc/s1600-h/once+upon+a+time+in+china%281%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/Rw59ouKHbII/AAAAAAAAAEo/qL6xERUWiZc/s400/once+upon+a+time+in+china%281%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120167964905532546" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">"</span><span style="font-style: italic;">Never was a hero needed more..."</span><br /><br />For all the martial arts fans out there, if you haven't seen this movie, then you've missed out on an important landmark in this genre.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA(1</span>) is the story of real life hero Wong Fei Hung, who stood up against the westernization of China in the early 19th century. Played by Jet Li, Wong Fei Hung sets out to defend his aunt and the rest of China in the only way he knows how; with Kung Fu.<br />Despite it's somewhat generic script, <span style="font-style: italic;">ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA(1)</span> expands beyond the common Kung Fu flick and into the realm of emotions, politics and personal beliefs, shaping itself into a complete, groundbreaking movie.<br />Packed with incredible action by Jet Li in his prime, this film is a staple of the martial arts genre, as are its two successors to a lesser extent. Don't bother with the 4th and 5th installments of this series, their not worth it and seriously degenerated the uniqueness of this true story.<br />Released in 1991, <span style="font-style: italic;">ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA(1)</span> stars Jet Li and Rosamund Kwan. Directed by Hark Tsui.<br /><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://whatmovietorent.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a><br /><br /><a href="javascript:void(rollpop=window.open('http://www.blogrolling.com/add_links_pop.phtml?u=www.whatmovietorent.blogspot.com&t=What Movie To Rent: A Guide','rollit','scrollbars=no,width=475,height=350,left=75,top=175,status=yes,resizable=yes'));rollpop.focus();">Blogroll Me!</a>Harrison Ferronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328628325940728117noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-287690732166172996.post-6339481304604663002007-10-09T18:14:00.001-07:002007-10-11T13:01:49.624-07:00THE HITMAN<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/RwwqU-KHbGI/AAAAAAAAAEM/8JPkqaWazfw/s1600-h/the+hitman.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/RwwqU-KHbGI/AAAAAAAAAEM/8JPkqaWazfw/s400/the+hitman.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119513416184589410" border="0" /></a><br />I haven't seen a movie this interesting in a long time. Surprising and fairly recent, <span style="font-style: italic;">THE HITMAN </span>(1998) reels you in so that you are constantly wondering what will happen next, and are even more dumbfounded when the next scene starts to play out.<br />I can't even begin to understand how someone wrote a script with this much irony and dry humor built in, but they did. The whole premise of the movie is based on just that, a juxtaposition of irony and humor culminating in start to finish consistency in theme. It was unbelievable to watch.<br />Jet Li stars as a rookie hitman who can't seem to find any work, has a mother to support, and worst of all is possessed of a kindly character. (see, the irony already begins by positioning killing as an acceptable, commonplace profession). The humor begins when Jet Li is paired with his would be 'agent', and enters a race to find another killer (ironically enough), with $100,000 hanging in the balance, while being ruthlessly pursued by other professional hitmen and a police inspector (Simon Yam, of <span style="font-style: italic;">KILLZONE</span>) who won't let up.<br />Excellent action, great humor (although subtitled) and a mesh of rich culture and charm so rare in Kung Fu movies, <span style="font-style: italic;">THE HITMAN</span> delivers a solid front for anyone who loves real Hong Kong action style movies.<br /><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://whatmovietorent.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a><br /><br /><a href="javascript:void(rollpop=window.open('http://www.blogrolling.com/add_links_pop.phtml?u=www.whatmovietorent.blogspot.com&t=What Movie To Rent: A Guide','rollit','scrollbars=no,width=475,height=350,left=75,top=175,status=yes,resizable=yes'));rollpop.focus();">Blogroll Me!</a>Harrison Ferronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328628325940728117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-287690732166172996.post-81951496073933033792007-10-09T08:47:00.000-07:002007-10-12T21:33:16.112-07:00'PLANET TERROR' IS RIGHT!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/Rwul5uKHbEI/AAAAAAAAAD8/z8teEqnagyo/s1600-h/plante+terror.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/Rwul5uKHbEI/AAAAAAAAAD8/z8teEqnagyo/s400/plante+terror.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119367812498287682" border="0" /></a><br />Writing about this movie might be a little after the fact, since most viewers already have their own opinions about Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez, but the second installment of GRINDHOUSE is coming to DVD this month, so I think it's pertinent.<br />This movie was over the top, gory, violent and highly sexual, and you know what? It was a wonderful revival piece. I personally enjoy watching movies like Evil Dead when the mood is right, and Planet Terror is of that same genre. Well, of Army of Darkness anyway.<br />Planet Terror chronicles the aftermath of the release of a bio-weapon which turns affected victims into zombies and the group of survivors intent on survival. Corny, to be sure, but all the better because it was written for that purpose only. Planet Terror took the B-movie genre into Hollywood, not the first to do so I'm sure, but nevertheless an entertaining movie in light of recent cinema choices.<br />The better half of the dual feature in my mind, Planet Terror is without a doubt a mood movie, but when you get the mood it really hits the spot.<br /><br />Starring Frederick Rodriguez, Rose McGowan and Bruce Willis. Written and Directed by Robert Rodriguez.<br /><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://whatmovietorent.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a><br /><br /><a href="javascript:void(rollpop=window.open('http://www.blogrolling.com/add_links_pop.phtml?u=www.whatmovietorent.blogspot.com&t=What Movie To Rent: A Guide','rollit','scrollbars=no,width=475,height=350,left=75,top=175,status=yes,resizable=yes'));rollpop.focus();">Blogroll Me!</a>Harrison Ferronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328628325940728117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-287690732166172996.post-86562622321407520132007-10-08T17:31:00.000-07:002007-10-09T18:38:01.973-07:00BEAR WITH ME...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/RwrO3-KHbDI/AAAAAAAAAD0/0M1auEhhWFk/s1600-h/fantastic+four:2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/RwrO3-KHbDI/AAAAAAAAAD0/0M1auEhhWFk/s400/fantastic+four:2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119131387433544754" border="0" /></a><br />FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER<br /><br />This may possibly be the shortest and most ambiguous post I have written yet, and for good reason; everybody is going to have to make their own decisions about this movie.<br />For comic book fans, this movie was better than the first, with better action, better story and overall better style. However, on its own it is only mediocre.<br />I enjoyed it because it had been recommended to me solely because it WAS better than the first installment, and to be perfectly honest, the first one was incredibly unsatisfying. I didn't want my impression of the first movie to represent what I thought of Marvel Comics movies.<br />I like the fantastic four, I grew up with marvel comics, and i enjoyed this movie.<br />But.<br />This is not to say that renting this movie for anything but mindless entertainment is going to bring you the same result. So.<br />Garner what you will from this muddled review. I'm not quite clear on this movie myself. I only recommend it because when the end titles rolled I felt like it had done a decent job with the material it was given.<br /><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://whatmovietorent.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a><br /><br /><a href="javascript:void(rollpop=window.open('http://www.blogrolling.com/add_links_pop.phtml?u=www.whatmovietorent.blogspot.com&t=What Movie To Rent: A Guide','rollit','scrollbars=no,width=475,height=350,left=75,top=175,status=yes,resizable=yes'));rollpop.focus();">Blogroll Me!</a>Harrison Ferronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328628325940728117noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-287690732166172996.post-18025361689770026412007-10-08T16:36:00.000-07:002007-10-08T17:52:22.070-07:00Pick of The Week 10/8/07<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/RwrCr-KHbAI/AAAAAAAAADc/Jx91Hu7Hvn8/s1600-h/i%27m+reed+fish.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aWwyjLZ1oeM/RwrCr-KHbAI/AAAAAAAAADc/Jx91Hu7Hvn8/s400/i%27m+reed+fish.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119117987135581186" border="0" /></a><br />I'M REED FISH:<br /><br />I was a little skeptical about this movie the first couple of minutes into it, but I held true and trusted that I picked a good one at the video store. So when you rent this, give it some room to breath and stretch out to its full potential before passing any cinematic judgment.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I'M REED FISH</span> is actually written by a man named Reed Fish, in what I can only assume is a part of his life's story, which is very interesting to consider when watching certain parts of the film.<br />Reed Fish (played by Jay Baruchel, of Million Dollar Baby and winner of the best actor award for this movie) is a small town disc jockey and a local landmark in the town of Mud Meadows. He has a beautiful fiance (Alexis Bledel, of Sin City), loving in-laws, a supporting community and a fulfilled life in its own small way. The trouble is, he isn't really happy. So, when his old crush Jill (<a href="http://imdb.com/name/nm0004922/">Schuyler Fisk</a>) comes back to Mud Meadows for the summer, his seemingly perfect life is given the chance to become what Fish has always wanted it to be. His own.<br />Co-starring DJ Qualls (The New Guy) as his best friend, this movie is filled with laughter, sorrow and some good music, and despite being slightly unorthodox, is a fantastic screenplay.<br />Well worth watching if your in the mood for something genuine from the heart that will make you laugh as easily as it will make you identify with the film scenarios.<br /><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://whatmovietorent.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a><br /><br /><a href="javascript:void(rollpop=window.open('http://www.blogrolling.com/add_links_pop.phtml?u=www.whatmovietorent.blogspot.com&t=What Movie To Rent: A Guide','rollit','scrollbars=no,width=475,height=350,left=75,top=175,status=yes,resizable=yes'));rollpop.focus();">Blogroll Me!</a>Harrison Ferronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328628325940728117noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-287690732166172996.post-74054859597548241422007-10-08T10:46:00.000-07:002007-10-08T10:46:26.013-07:00film babble blog: 1408 And A Cry For Quality Cusack<a href="http://filmbabble.blogspot.com/2007/10/1408-and-cry-for-quality-cusack.html#links">film babble blog: 1408 And A Cry For Quality Cusack</a>Harrison Ferronehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17328628325940728117noreply@blogger.com4