Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)

Why, yes, I got to see this. And in 3-D, no less. Oooh ooh. Okay, basically, this movie wasn't annoying so much as it was just silly. Talk about suspension of disbelief. Everything was done with a subtle breaking of the fourth wall to try and make us laugh at how silly the plotline is... a style I don't care for in most movies, and certainly not in this one. However, plot aside, there were some fun adventure moments. I could see my little brothers really liking it. But to anyone who's not a ten-year-old boy, this movie really doesn't have much to offer. 2 stars.

Punch-Drunk Love (2002)

Oh, my gosh. The world is clearly at an end. Adam Sandler made a movie that didn't make me want to punch him in the face. Who knew this was even possible? But, no, this was actually a very entertaining movie. Adam Sandler's character actually seemed to have a soul in this movie. Although the movie as a whole was a little too disjointed-indie-movie, the characters were watchable and the story pleasant. Odd movie, but worth seeing. 3.5 stars.

Deceiver (1997)

This movie tries to be a shocking mind-bending thriller, but all the twists simply make the movie convoluted without any clear resolution. The ending brings confusion rather than a moment of, "Wow, I didn't see that coming!" Several of the plot points seem contrived, although this may have been deliberate in showing the unbelievable deceptions that the two key characters try to pass off to each other. Tim Roth delivers a magnificent performance, however, and the movie is possibly worth watching just for him. 3 stars.

Down with Love (2003)

Seldom have I seen a movie that tried so hard and came so close. Ewan McGregor and Renee Zelleweger portray very likeable and entertaining characters who you actually *want* to end up with each other. However, those performances can't make up for the abysmal script and nonsensical plot. Perhaps it was meant as a tribute to old screwball comedies, but while those were able to take these stories and somehow make them seem like the most natural thing in the world, Down With Love makes it clear that the screenwriters were struggling to tie it all together. If only these same two characters, played by the same two actors (throwing in David Hyde Pierce and Sarah Paulson in their respective parts) could have been placed in a different movie... 2.5 stars.

Sling Blade (1996)

This very touching drama may be slow-moving, but it draws a fascinating character for us and lets us see his world... Billy Bob Thornton not only plays this character but also wrote and directed him, and all that work pays off. Thornton's so immersed in the character that he easily pulls you into the rest of the movie as well. Definitely worth watching. 4 stars.

Man With a Movie Camera (1929)

Wow. This was one bizarre movie. I know I couldn't actually recommend it to anyone, but it was strangely compelling. Truly an experimental film, without plots, actors, or dialogue. Just a long series of quick shots of various people... for an hour. Some of the shots seemed to tell a story, others only giving us a snippet of these people's lives. Although I couldn't say I enjoyed it in any real sense of the word, I found it a fascinating watch. One of the most unique movies I've seen thus far in my film class. 3 stars.

Flubber (1997)

Oy vey. I didn't even care for the original movie, but it was significantly better than this. The flubber is intelligent? This guy has created all sorts of amazing inventions, like a sentient robot, and yet his college is still struggling to make any money? This movie is just nonsense. The thin plot becomes even thinner, the jokes are bland, and what the HECK is up with the robot suffering from unrequited love? Were people just sitting around saying, "You know what would be completely idiotic and random if we put it in the movie? LET'S DO IT!" Sigh. Don't bother with this. 1 star.