Movie Review Report

Honestly, I went into this movie thinking I wasn’t going to like it but I HAD to see it because two of my favorite actors are in it: Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio. But I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised.

Plot summary from Netflix:

Newly stationed in Jordan, idealistic CIA agent Roger Ferris (Leonardo DiCaprio) teams up with veteran operative Ed Hoffman (Russell Crowe) and the head of Jordanian intelligence (Mark Strong) to infiltrate an underground network of terrorists and locate a criminal mastermind. Based on the best-selling novel by David Ignatius and directed by Ridley Scott, this suspenseful spy thriller features top-rate performances and explosive action sequences.

I usually don’t like movies that take place in the Middle East and have to do with terrorism because that’s what you hear about so much in the news the last thing you wanna do it go to the movies when you want to relax and hear about it again. Plus, usually I find them to be boring, confusing, too political and just… blah. But I ended up liking this movie and I felt it had a strong plot to keep my interest throughout the whole movie and entertain me even though it was such an involved and sometimes confusing storyline. (At least to me, I try not to think too much during movies if I don’t have to, but this time I didn’t mind thinking so much because it was interesting and suspenseful.)

Needless to say, the acting was great. With Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio you are rarely disappointed in their performances. Although since I have seen every single movie both of them have ever been in I can tell you there have been a few duds between them. Wow, that sounds very pathetic that I’ve stalked them like that but… that’s what obsession will do to you and they have both been victims of my obsessions at some point.

My Rating:

I Liked it

Body of Lies, Russell Crowe, Leonardo DiCaprio, movie review

When Frank Lucas’ (Denzel Washington) boss, the black crime boss in 1970’s Harlem, dies, Frank now has the opportunity to rise to the top of the drug world. He soon does just that with his business mind and twisted code of ethics, as well as his ability to offer a better product for a lower price because of his connections in Vietnam.
Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe) is a cop studying to be a lawyer, who is an outcast among his peers for his sense of morality and the actions he takes because of it. After seeing the huge drug problem on the streets first hand, he starts a Narcotics Unit to try and stop it along with the corruption that is enabling it, starting with the men at the top.
Inevitably their paths become intertwined as Richie’s investigation progresses. Although they are both similar in their integrity and their outcast position in their field, they are on opposing sides of the law and someone has to win.

I actually ended up missing the first few minutes of this movie because I was late, and since going into it I really had no idea what this movie was about I was a little confused at first… but I figured it out. I knew this movie was going to be good though just because of the people that were involved. How could it not be? Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott directing?
And I was right. I loved this movie. It was a great story (which is always much more interesting when you know it’s based on a true story), it had incredible acting, and it was highly entertaining. What more could you want in a movie?
It is now nominated for 3 Golden Globes for: Best Actor- Drama (Denzel Washington), Best Picture- Drama, and Best Director. We’ll see how that goes and I’m sure it will have a few Oscar nominations as well.
It had a few rough scenes that were hard to watch and it was a little long (2 hrs. 37 mins.) but overall I loved it and it didn’t drag at all. The last 45 minutes or so were so intense when it all came together and, I think, the best part of the movie. Definitely worth renting when it comes out on DVD if you didn’t catch it at the theater.

My Rating:

Loved It

Review: 3:10 to Yuma

American Gangster, American Gangster review, movie review, Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Ridley Scott

As previously stated, Christian Bale is one of my favorite actors of all time, so it was one of the main reasons I wanted to see this movie. Plus I was interested because you don’t see many western movies out nowadays do you?

3:10 to Yuma is a remake of the 1957 film of the same title based on a story by Elmore Leonard. Dan Evans (Christian Bale) is a struggling rancher who is unable to make payments on his land and barely able to support his wife and two sons. When the infamous outlaw Ben Wade (Russell Crowe) is captured nearby, Dan offers to join the group to escort him to the train station to catch the 3:10 to Yuma Prison, in exchange for $200. The group faces a difficult task, to get Wade to the station on time before his gang catches up to them, and also keep a close eye on the conniving outlaw. Dan is doing this as much for the money and he is to prove to himself and his family that he’s more than just a failing rancher.

This was such a great movie. It reminded me of the old time classic westerns. It was very well made and not cheesy at all, like most other attempts at western films recently. Some people are saying that this movie may be paving the way for more western movies in the future. I would agree with that…as long as upcoming westerns can meet the high expectations set by this movie.

Both Christian Bale and Russell Crowe did an amazing job in this movie. Bale continues to amazing me with one great performance after another. And apparently there isn’t an accent he can’t perfect or a genre he isn’t able to conquer. He has played so many different characters and been believable in every one.

I would definitely recommend this movie. Even if you’re not a fan of westerns, it’s worth watching it just to see the great performances and the classic story.

My Rating:

Really Liked it

Review: Rescue Dawn

3:10 to Yuma, movie review, Christian Bale, Russell Crowe, western