Funny people in a not funny movie

I'll never understand why these two funny people opted to be in this contrived movie.

Suprised how much I loved it!

I was never planning on watching this movie but someone put it on during a family vacation and I was stuck watching it. It has been too long to remember when I laughed so much at such a nice feel good movie. Maybe the bad reviews were from those who just couldn't relate to the silly things that can go wrong in life (mind you, not that these things happened to me but I could relate :-) Anyway, just a good light-hearted movie which I thought was so great I'm now buying it.

Not too deep. Not too serious. And a good laugh. Light and perfect for a Sunday movie.

To break up the monotony of their marriage, their jobs and date night, New Jersey couple Phil and Claire Foster (Steve Carell and Tina Fey) throw caution and commonsense to the wind and go to an exclusive restaurant in the City for dinner. Having failed to get a reservation early, they steal another couple's and the shenanigans begin. Two men approach them and suggest that they have stolen something from their boss (Ray Liotta). Once they escape and head for the police station, they soon realize that the two people chasing them were copes and therefore believe "no cops" can be trusted. There are ensuing car chases, shoot outs, crooked cops, bad politicians and other hysterical situations that all produce a few laughs and made for a decent movie. I was entertained. After all, I didn't have to think too hard. The story was simple, short and to the point. The characters and actors were a riot. Mark Walberg (who must have refused to wear a shirt) had an opportunity to show his comedic talents via his interactions with Carell (who constantly asked him "for the love of God" to put on a shirt) and Fey (who acted all googly-eyed, goofy, and constantly batted her eyes). Common and his sidekick (Jimmi Simpson) were perfect as crooked cops (little dialogue but always physically present).Taraji P. Henson, acts well as the cop who knows something isn't right but isn't sure what it is. William Fichtner was the perfect "dirty" DA. And as the two try to make it home safely (to their kids, and now it would seem their perfect lives, which don't seem to be boring any longer), they realize just how extraordinary and in love they really are.

Pretty good (for a Steve Carell movie)

2.5 stars. I don't usually like Steve Carell movies but I do like Tina Fey. Overall, the movie is moderatly entertaining. There were a few LOL spots and some parts that were painful to watch. The plot gets absurd in parts and the writing isn't brilliant but it's better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick (as my grandmother used to say.)

Not bad but not recommended.

Save your $$$-This movie isn't Funny!

This movie is the biggest pile of Not Funny, I have seen in awhile! You would think with 2 comic super stars, I would get lots of laughs but not in this dung heap! Save your $$$ This one is a dog with alot of fleas and maybe BED BUGS.

Better than ever, more subtle, more sophisticated

I have enjoyed the series, but sometimes it seemed to jump the shark. I couldn't understand why such great writers would get so out of hand sometimes, but this season is more subtle, more psychological. People's lives have become more complicated, as they did moving from the 1950s into the 1960s. It seems more real now, and just as darkly witty. I think it's the best season yet.

Unable to connect to view this episode

For the last two days I've attempted to view this episode after paying for it and have been unable to do so. I've tried at various different times during the day and still no go. I've previously been able to watch several other episodes using the Amazon buy-per-episode service. What gives Amazon?

It bothers me that Amazon doesn't offer full download for Macs. Let's grow up... a large portion of Mad Men fans are probably on OSX and there's no excuse for not supplying that service for them.

Don Experiencing Blackouts Plus His Origins with Roger

Don's alcoholism is now so advanced that he begins having blackouts. This takes us back to scenes of how he and Roger Sterling first met and they came to work together. This tale is not at all what one is expecting as facets of Roger and Don, which you never expected, come to the fore. This is probably the best onscreen tv treatment of alcoholism that I've ever seen. (Compare it to the same going on in RESCUE ME right now and that show seems maudlin and sappy in comparison.) Matthew Weiner, the show's creator, won another Emmy for this show, best drama series, the same night that this episode aired This is the top Emmy award for the year, along with best comedy, won by the equally deserving MODERN FAMILY.

Interesting premise

Kick-Ass has an interesting premise - an average guy decides to fight crime and become a "super hero." It starts off very poorly for him, nearly killing him in the process. But at least he gains a super hero in the process (sort of). He also gains the respect of a couple of vigilante crime fighters who make it their life to bring bloody justice to the bad guys. The ending is fairly easy to see coming, but still enjoyable enough. Some great one liners and action shots. The Kick-Ass girl makes the movie. Nicholas Cage is good too.

A Fun Movie

I'll keep this brief (starving right now).

Kick-Ass is an energetic, funny, and unique satire of the superhero genre. If you get offended by Kill-Bill type action scenes or 11 year olds cursing or anything that is generally R-rated, don't watch this movie (and please stop posting reviews).

Here I come, chinese food!

Liked it.

Ok, I liked this film, I don't know why people said it was really funny. It had some slapstick humor but the characters of the super hero were all very good except red-mist who really wasn't a super hero but just a phony wanna be. Towards the end, the film makes you want it to end. Great first half, Nicholas Cage kind of redeemed himself but he really is a bigger actor than all these films he's done recently. What happened to the man who made Leaving Las Vegas? I understand there's an age for everything but I'm happy he's bouncing back and this is definitely a step in the positive direction for him. My favourite thing about the film was the little girl with the cool purple hair, her attitude was amazing. She reminded me of the little sister to the main character in 500 days of summer. The stand-out feature is that the film is not one percent cheesy surprisingly. It is not very very funny unless you found Superbad the funniest film of all time. Slightly geeky and indie but overall a little over-rated. Definitely worth watching, exceeded my expectations but still, I'm not watching the correct films this year.

Kick-Ass DVD

Very entertaining movie. Great plot, acting, and action. Complaints about language and violence are greatly exaggerated, but it is not suitable for young children. Highly recommend this movie.

kick-ass

very surprised by this movie.i loved it.i am yet to see a nicholas cage movie i dont like
heaps of action and laughter

JUST WHAT WE WERE WAITING FOR!

Just what we all were waiting for...the big blow up. I can't wait til season 3. Even though Danielle will not be a cast member, I'm sure to keep the show going they will include her somewhere in the storyline. I have read that Danielle is still an issue for the Manzo and Laurita families so I'm sure she will still come up. I'm anxious to see also the less chaotic but interesting lives of Caroline, Teresa and Jacqueline. They are very dynamic.

Wow!!

I doubt there will be a season 3, but OMG I'm going to miss this show. I can't even begin to go into detail about the different aspects of this show. I know it seemed like this season was all about Danielle, but there weres some non-Danielle moments that I enjoyed quite alot.

Good movie with a timely message

I enjoyed this film, and found the message to be pretty dead on. I enjoyed the way the make-believe family carried with it some of the same disfunction a real family might have, but to an extreme. I think Duchovny was a great choice, bit didn't really think Demi Moore was the right fit for the role. Gary Cole and Glen Headly were great support, and possibly the best part of the film.

complete waste of time....and money

I started watching this movie with the hope it really has something to say, rather portraying another glamorous American life style with absolutely nothing behind it. can't believe that Hollywood is still into making this kind of a "junk-movie." After watching Cinema Paradiso or City of God, I really feel it's is embarrassing to even talk about this "film." Skip it...you won't lose anything!

The perfect family

When I watched "The Joneses" I did not have high expectations, because it had a limited release into theaters, which sometimes means the movie is not very good. However, "The Joneses" was entertaining and enjoyable.

"The Joneses" is about a bunch of marketers who pretend to be the perfect family that has all the latest items. Steve Jones (Duchovny) plays the part of a very successful business man who has a great family, house and items. While his wife Kate Jones (Moore) dresses in head to toe in the latest designer cloths. Steve and Kate's kids play the role of being the most talked about kids at school. They have the latest cell phones, cloths, and accessories.

While the overall and execution of "The Joneses" is not the best, it's the acting that saves this film. Both David Duchovny and Demi Moore have great chemistry as they play husband and wife.

Keeping up with the Joneses just got interesting

I watched this film while I was home sick (which is when I get to watch most movies) and have to say that I was pleasantly surprised! It was limited to only limited theaters and went quickly to DVD which made me a bit leery. However, I found this movie to be quite timely and a fantastic idea overall.

The film follows Kate and Steve Jones as they move into a new town with "their children" Jen and Mick. The family assimilates easily into the upper class neighborhood and they instantly make friends. Well, perhaps friends is to strong a word for Kate, Steve, Jen, and Mick are not a real family. It is quickly revealed to the viewer that they are in fact a "unit" or "cell" that moves into a neighborhood to hawk luxury merchandise to their "friends" (or rather the people around them). Jen and Mick play the part of the popular high school students who everyone wants to be like while their "parents" play the couple that everyone loves and admires. Together the unit's sales skyrocket until things take a more sinister turn and their wheeling and dealing finally catches up with them.

I thought that the acting was wonderful. There were times that the script seemed a bit fluffy but overall the film was very affective. I found the concept enthralling and though I think that were some ways to make the film better it still held my attention and exposed how keeping up with the Joneses is detrimental to all involved. Certainly worth a viewing!

Great movie to think about!

What I loved about The Joneses is it gives you just enough to debate and think over. Not too much information and not too little.
This would be a great film for a psych class.
Thanks Demi and David!
Victoria

It was slightly entertaining

Did not follow the original movie as I thought it would. I was not expecting a masterpiece, so I was not as disappointed as others. I found it slightly entertaining, but I would rather watch the original. They are both cheesy, but the first one has nostalgia.

Great at home in 3D!

This was a fun movie, lots of action and adventure, good characters, visually stimulating and has Liam Neeson as Zeus! You can't beat that.

This movie got a lot of flack for being hastily "converted" to 3D at the last minute before being released to theaters. But I thought it actually looked pretty good. I watched it in 3D at home on a regular TV using my TV Eyes 3D glasses. (They're a type of optical 3D glasses that makes regular movies look 3D without having to use a 3D TV or 3D movie).

The effects really looked good. Medusa in her wrecked castle, slithering around everywhere, her whipsnake body lashing and curling over all the pillars looked amazing. Loved the effect when she turned people to stone.

There were several really good 3D scenes, the toppling of the statue of Zeus, with Perseus's family ship in the ocean below the cliffs, you could really see all the way out to the horizon. The confrontation between Zeus and Hades in Olympus. Hades appearing in the hall like a giant angel of death. The attack of the giant scorpions. And, of course, the Kraken. I especially loved the flying chase scene where Perseus, on Pegasus, has to chase one of the harpies all over the besieged city to get back Medusa's head that it had stolen.

Overall, a very visually vibrant movie. It had a good mythological feel to it. A straightforward story without being too simple. Lots of heroism as Perseus fights not only the monsters, but the gods, and the other humans expectations of him.

The star, who also starred in Avatar, was especially good, I thought. Believable without ever overpowering the role with his "stardom" that's a great quality in an actor. He makes the character come to life.

I gave this movie 4 stars. It's not the most amazing movie ever made, but it is a great way to spend a couple of hours on a lazy afternoon. And it looked great in 3D on my TV. Beautiful stuff. (Especially the location shoots which were very atmospheric and lush.)

a film abomination...

In the beginning, it jumps around. There's nothing dramatic about it. Then, it becomes more dramatic, but you never care about any of the characters, except maybe Io, a little. You never get to see the other gods. You can't tell which ones are which. Zeus and Hades look exactly alike, as far as their faces. I couldn't tell them apart when they were visiting mortals in secret, or disguise. What a waste for Fiennes, who usually does a great job. The ending didn't make any sense. He doesn't marry who you'd think, and she gets sent back from heaven, that would suck. I don't mind, but she's like his godmother. Why the heck? What were they thinking? This movie makes zero sense! They jump around. There's no feeling to it. What a waste! Don't buy it unless it's one or two dollars, and even then, you probably shouldn't bother. What a waste of Sam Worthington, as well. I wanted to see him in it, but it's too bad. What the hell is IT? That's what I'd ask about this movie.

The Original is better

I couldn't believe it. I guess if you've never seen the original with Harry Hamilin, et al, you would think this movie was pretty good. The Kracken was uglier, the princess was not even pretty, and there were times when my sons and I could actually detect the background as computer generated, called blue screening or something. Anyway, considering that this is 2010, we expected something much better. A real disappointment.

Not an improvement

The only saving grace for this movie (and the only reason I didn't give it one star) is the special effects. Everything else is pretty bad. I saw the original when I was a kid and (based on what I can remember), I think the original was bette(and the original wasn't that good). This movie is not an improvement and not worth the money.

Not recommended.

Best show on Television

Somewhat unusual episode for Madmen, asit's more of a comedy than most episodes. As with most other episodes, it's subtle. The acting is amazing as are the sets, costumes, etc etc. If you haven't started watching this show yet, do yourself a favor and start with Season 1. You won't be sorry.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Review

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID

STARRING: Zachary Gordon, Robert Capron, Steve Zahn, Rachael Harris, Devon Bostick, Chloe Mortez, Grayson Russell and Karan Brar

WRITTEN BY: Jackie Filgo, Jeff Filgo, Gabe Sachs and Jeff Judah; based on the book by Jeff Kinney

DIRECTED BY: Thor Freudenthal

Rated: PG
Genre: Comedy
Release Date: 19 March 2010
Review Date: 25 March 2010



It's probably safe to say that nine out of 10 people, who received public education, had at the very least felt uncomfortable at some point during the process. This is largely what will cause so many to relate to the humor found in the new comedy Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

This film will no doubt become one of those that has created several stars. It's oozing with talented child actors who will make it big in the years to come; primarily it's two lead actors Zachary Gordon and Robert Capron. Diary of a Wimpy Kid reminded me of a PG version of High Fidelity; Gordon as John Cusack and Capron being Jack Black. Several of the actors portraying side characters, have bright futures in acting as well.

The film is based on the popular book that has spawned several sequels, written by Jeff Kinney. Our host is Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon) and he wants us to know something: he's about to start his first day of middle school, and wants nothing more than to be popular. Oh, and he wanted this to be a journal, but his mom bought him a diary by mistake.

Being the second shortest kid in school, and having what others consider an outcast for a best friend, Rowley (Robert Capron); Greg has his work cut out for him.

Greg is so caught up with fitting in that he completely neglects, manipulates, and constantly tries to change his best friend Rowley. Despite the fact that it hasn't exactly worked out so well for him thus far, Greg has a textbook idea of what it takes to be popular. We can at least hand it to him that he does want his pal to be popular too.

Like a little Zack Morris in training, Greg has plan after plan to get people to notice and appreciate him. Tormented by his older brother, (Devon Bostick) who promises he will never survive middle school; Greg has to prove him wrong. He tries everything from joining the wrestling team, to signing up for the school's honor program, always dragging Rowley along with him.

Rowley is more than content with who he is and he really steals the show in several scenes. He's a chubby kid, who's a bit of a mamma's boy and doesn't quite understand that kids no longer `play'; as is shown in one funny scene where everyone laughs at him when he asks Greg if he'd care to partake in this once perfectly acceptable activity.

Just like any good movie should, especially one for kids, Diary of a Wimpy Kid has an important moral theme, and man does it go to drastic lengths to get it across. Like a bar of soap after a foul word or two, the themes of integrity and friendship are placed into our mouths, and then sealed shut until the end of the film. The taste sets on our tongue and we have more than learned our lesson by the movie's conclusion; and rightfully so. I just hope that youngsters, who the film is aimed at, will pick up on it, as the ending is rather abrupt with showing our hero learn his lesson. And we learned it without a doubt; but did Greg?

The film could have been a little better I suppose, but it was still better than a lot of comedies I've seen lately, and delivered far more than I expected. Kids will love it and it's a clean film for them to enjoy. As a bonus, adults will laugh quite a bit as well. Still not convinced mom and dad? Did I mention Steve Zahn plays Greg's dad?

great movie for the whole family

This movie is a perfect family movie. It captures the heart of what many kids go through and conveys it with honesty and humor. Highly recommended.

Funnier than I expected!

Now I have not ready the Diary of a Wimpy Kid book series, but you don't need to have read it to appreciate the movie. It is a comedy, of course, that deals with an underdog who keeps a journal (not a diary!) to get himself through the days at middle school. It is a great movie to watch as we have all been there and survived middle school, this is an especially great movie to show kids that popularity is not the most important thing in the world. The movie focuses on real friends and it was a lot funnier than I expected! I think it would be a great family movie to watch!

A Good Translation

There's always some concern when a popular book is splattered up on the big screen. This one, though, is a pretty good translation. I give the movie makers credit for taking a collection of funny and painfully truthful middle school vignettes and turning them into a well made film. A plot line of Greg wanting to get in the year book under the "favorites", thereby solidifying himself as popular, works well and never detracts from what was so good about the book. I'm sure I'm not the only fan of the original material that kept wondering how the movie might have played out if it was done as a cartoon, using the original drawings that added so much to the book's humor. I guess we will never know. Over all, this is well done and definitely worth seeing. It is good family fun.

Chris Bowen
Author of Our Kids: Building Relationships in the Classroom

Power to Losers

Of the three teen self-empowerment movies currently out on DVD and rating for creativity, acting, cinematography, storyline and I never want to see it again vs. I've got to see this one again, is as follows: On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 as a jaw dropping great) then "Mystery Team" is a zero; "Kickass" is an eight; :Diary ..." is a three.

So, good audience - choose your time (life) appropriately.

Love it!

The movie is great! I haven't watch a good movie lately im really glad i watched Book of Eli I got nothing much to say just want to put a 5 star on this movie :)

almost instantly forgettable

A near total waste of time for Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman, both of whom have done much better in the past. Eli is predictable, derivative, and ultimately way too preachy. The movie plays like some kind of teenager's video game, with Denzel lopping off hands, running through a dozen people at a time with his super-sharp machete, and using hand and shotgun to blast away about twice that many more whenever he's threatened. Of course throughout all of this Eli gets away with nary a scratch, at least until the silly plot demands that everything be pulled together in a certain way, no matter how unbelievable it may be.

Gary Oldman as Carnegie looks mad throughout (and really quite oily)---not much of a change from his last few performances. Remember Bram Stoker's Dracula? See that for a fine Oldman performance. Not many do weird as well as Gary O. But in Eli...feh! Who cares what he says or does. Jennifer Beals is completely underutilized, and Mila Kunis as Solara is almost instantly forgettable as Eli's roaming companion. Check the ending (if you make it that far), where for lack of a better plot device Solara inherits the mantle. Gotta keep things going, after all. The Word must get out. Again, unbelievable and dumb.

In sum, I couldn't help but wonder if the need to fit in all the religious stuff got in the way of anyone's thinking that it just might have been religion that caused all the devastation in the first place. Guess we're supposed to believe that the torch must be carried not matter what.

No true Christian would endorse this movie!

I am a sincere Christian and I have watched about 1/4 of this movie, not because of it's title, but because I have in the past enjoyed watching the superb acting talents of Denzel Washington. This was a horribly violent and distasteful movie in my opinion. I have no judging statements to make against Denzel for starring in this movie; but I would not recommend it to anyone to watch. I will also say this movie did not at all represent the biblical account of the priest Eli in the Old Testament of the holy scriptures.

Eli was High Priest, in the line of Ithamar. He was also Judge of Israel, at Shiloh, for 40 years. It was to him that Hannah entrusted her son, Samuel, to be raised (1 Samuel 1:21). Although he was High Priest, Eli failed to curb the sinful behavior of his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who were priests.God told Samuel that Eli's family would be punished for blaspheming God. Samuel told Eli about this and Eli said that the Lord should do what He thinks is best (1 Samuel 3:18). Later, Eli's sons were killed as they accompanied the Ark of the Covenant into a battle against the Philistines. When Eli had heard the news, he fell backwards while seated in a chair, broke his neck and died. He was 98-years old at the time. Eli's descendants continued in the office of High Priest up until the time of Solomon. At that time, Abiathar, who had supported Adonijah's bid for the throne, was replaced by Zadok, thus bringing an end to Eli's line (1 Kings 2:22, 35). This event is mentioned in 1 Kings 2:27 as the fulfillment of the prophecy against the house of Eli.

No true Christian would endorse this film as being appropriate for other Christians to watch or say that it is in any way related to the Holy Bible. I encourage all to read the Bible and see the what is truly said of Eli; and furthermore get to truly know Christians before judging them. True Christians are peaceful people. Please do not be misled by the false impressions about the Christian faith. Always seek to know the truth for yourself before judging others.

The Twilight Zone Episode You Never Saw

Of the two post-apocalyptic movies released in the last year -- "The Book of Eli" and "The Road" -- I think I enjoyed "Eli" much more.

That's because it plays almost like a Twilight Zone episode -- or the first "Planet of the Apes" movie, written if my memory serves me by Rod Serling -- with a neat twist (or two or three) at the end.

"Eli" is beautifully photographed in bleak shades of brown, and it features an excellent cast, with splendid turns by Denzel as the bad-ass survivor on a sacred mission, Gary Oldman as the villain Carnegie, and Mila Kunis as, well, the eye candy (and eventually Eli's companion on his journey).

The fight scenes are topnotch as well, and not too bloody, considering the amount of carnage.

I have deducted a star only because of the absence of extras on the DVD. This practice must stop! Presumably the studio will release an enhanced version in five or ten years featuring the extras that should have been included from day one.

So you might want to rent this or borrow it from your public library first. And buy it when the "deluxe" edition finally and inevitably hits the shelves.

In conclusion, this is a much better film than the grumpy critics allowed, but my favorites, Ebe and Gliebe (Roger Ebert and Owen Glieberman) liked it, and my faith in the opinions of those esteemed gentleman was again rewarded.

Under-rated, thoughtful action film

I found it a very satisying story . Plenty to keep the attention riveted, be curious about. Had a satisfying ending, general humanistic and related to that/in that way, some christian themes, etc. But this is woven into a good action plot. I'd call it a thoughtful action movie - nonthinkers and thinkers alike would enjoy it if they like action movies at all.

Good acting, particularly the key characters. Didn't glorify evil strength as the only way to ultimately survive (to the contrary), nor did it overly sensationalize or exaggerate the violence of the fight scenes, which were filmed with a more b&w palette than other scenes, perhaps to portray that life is at these times a very ugly and harsh reality.

Film starts out with Denzel walking westwards in post-apocolyptic future (in barren desert, as usual). Fight scene style is sort of a mashup of "private ryan" flavor blended with street/martial fighting choreography - so though it's rough, hurray, it's not the dumb comic-book quentin tarentino style. Though we aren't sure right away, little things before and after show us he's a decent guy under the badass. What is not answered is how how did he became so resilient, and how did he learn to be so competent a figher? (like clint eastwood's "pale rider"). There's the usual bad guys abusing people and resources along the way, and he gets to save a few lives. Due to attention to detail, the story is credibly done (for this genre); and not overly romanticized or glam. For some reason all the bibles were hunted down and burned (shades of fahrenheit 451). Note the map on the wall behind villain's desk. It's always interesting how denzel's character reacts, what he says. Also interesting that we see seeds of the human need of little beauty and spiritual in a few others when exposed to what denzel's character says as a decent person or quotes from the bible. The villain misses the book of eli but wants it for power, and denzel needs to bring it to where will be used for good. Unintended funny - in a gunfight he shoots 22-28 bullets out of a semi handgunt, never reloading - it just kept going, and going like the ever-ready bunny, Gee, even in the Matrix they had to reload much sooner.

Sue, My Favorite Character, Sings and Dances!!!!!

I am not a Madonna fan. However, GLEE could have used ANY entertainer it wanted to use if the end result was for me to see at long last Sue perform musically. She was fantastic. Sue gets into Madonna costuming and then sings and dances beautifully. In fact, Sue dominates this whole episode from start to finish as she is the one to declare the school an all Madonna all the time facility, her music blaring at top volume from the PA into all classrooms. Sue, seen in a Madonna pointed black bra over her tracksuit in the principal's office, will remain with me forever as a visual image. I've never seen this actress before, Jane Lynch, but as far as I'm concerned, she can headline her own show, she is so good. The rest of show was more romantic angst among all the other players which was ok but in my book Sue stole the show right out from underneath them this week.

Awesome comedy!!

I think that Hot Tub Time Machine (Unrated) was very funny at times, however there were other times where it seemed rather idiotic. There spread far apart throughout the film, and there isn't many, but I think theres just enough to take away from the film.

Angel Nacianceno

This is without a doubt one of the funniest movies of all time! Ive seen its 5 times in a row, and I laugh again everytime.

Few chuckles even fewer laughs

Hot Tub Time Machine caught my glance when it first came out and I pounced at the opportunity to watch John Cusak, Rob Corddry, and Craig Robinson poke fun at each other and the year 1986. Within a half an hour, I was bored and disappointed.

Cusak, Corddry and Robinson are all friends who have somehow gone astray in their personal lives and their friendship with each other. When Corddry tries to commit suicide, Cusak and Robinson come to see him in the hospital where the gang starts to reminisce about the time that they spent at a ski lodge in 1986. The three decide to return to the lodge to do some much needed bonding and bring Duke along for the ride. The four men start drinking and soon find themselves partying in the hot tub. As the title states, the hot tub transports the men to 1986 which just happens to be the year that Duke was born. They make a pact to relive the night exactly as they had 24 years ago so that they can return to the present. Of course things don't always go as planned and hilarity ensues.

Unfortunately, I found very little hilarity in this film. I chuckled a few times at the period clothing, fear of Russia and communism, and the music. But those were the only jokes that I found even remotely humorous. Otherwise, it was just your typical "American Pie", "Euro Trip" romp which is fun for the first while but I couldn't help but feel that many of the jokes are now old hat. I was expecting more and found this film virtually laugh-free.

Surprisingly Funny

I expected this movie to be ridiculous & stupid and was pleasantly surprised. It's not intellectual humor, but we laughed out loud quite a few times and we're pretty picky about movies. I do think it's better for someone over 29 and under 55 - most of the humor and fun in this movie comes from the 80's flashback. If you sit back and relax instead of trying to pick it apart for accuracy (I'm usually a geek who will Google whether or not that particular Walkman would have been released in the time period they are claiming), you'll probably enjoy it.

It's silly, stupid, fun - kind of like the old National Lampoon movies (the Chevy Chase ones, not the awful contemporary interpretation of NL). It would be fun to watch while sitting around with a few beers with old friends who remember the time period also. A drinking game or two wouldn't hurt either. For once I didn't regret paying for a money before it came out on HBO or Showtime.

First movie I ever walked out of in my own house!

This movie is a real stinker. It has no story line. It's not funny. It doesn't even have a decent flashback soundtrack. But heh, it makes up for it by using a four letter word in every other sentence. Ha, hilarious. Only movie I ever walked out of in my house.

Shutter Island

Shutter Island is a mystery thriller with not only a twist ending but a twist to the twist.

Action Suspence

A suspenceful movie you might not catch the clues to the truth until the end.

Shutter Island

Leonard DiCaprio was great, the movie is a great suspense movie which keeps you going to the end and the price was just great.

A moving experience

Many people will find Shutter Island perplexing and dissatisfying, because the plot structure breaks down in the middle of the film, so you should not go to it with normal expectations of plot and entertainment. It is an exploration into mental illness, and makes the attempt to tackle this from the interior perspective of a deeply troubled shitzophrenic, taking you on their journey and tracking the impact of the illness as medication wears off and delusions and fantasies become more intense. I remember someone once telling me about a similar situation, that these types of mental illness render the sufferer unable to create a cohesive explanation of their life story, and this is masterfully depicted here. For those who have lived with this kind of illness, the film will be fascinating, wonderful, deeply moving and, given its intelligence, its closing question will leave you troubled. Few films have challenged me to this degree (one thinks of Eyes Wide Shut, for example).
It's a pleasure, also, that Martin Scorsese has moved beyond the awful bad language and mundane crime plots of his recent ventures to apply his immense talents to such a worthwhile field. The film has no swearing or sex, but it is definitely for adults only.

good, but where are the extras?!?

I loved this film when I saw it in the theatre, and knew I would buy it when it came to DVD, as it has an intricate plot that would measure up to multiple viewings. I was very surprised to find that the featurettes (only 2, and those are the only extras?) were only available on the Blu-Ray edition!! This is really ridiculous, in my opinion, and unkind to the people purchasing the movie on standard DVD - why shouldn't we get the extras, too?!? This is not enough to affect my rating of the movie, but a cautionary tale to people "only" buying the standard DVD - is this the future of marketing new DVDs? If so, I think it stinks...

Anti-war, anti-American propaganda

Offered here for our disapproval is a contemptible former British Prime Minister, a revisionist's Tony Blair amorally in bed with a mistress and with the evil U.S. in its war vs. terrorism. This one-dimensional character's alleged "crime against humanity" was the rendering of a couple of British Islamic terror suspects to the diabolical CIA for interrogation. A suspect dies in custody. While not presented as the cause of death, waterboarding is mentioned repeatedly and becomes a focal point of this story's self-righteous wrath.

It is a matter of debate whether waterboarding, which produces plenty of physical and psychological stress but causes no physical harm, is torture. Yet this "crime" is judged in the movie's court of public opinion by anti-war zealots and media without the movie offering an opposing viewpoint.

A more intellectually honest script would have presented the moral dilemma between the wartime pursuit of mass murderers whose main tactic is targeting civilians vs. preserving the civil liberties that such pursuit endangers. These worthy and sometimes-conflicting endeavors deserve at least cursory examination here. Just a few lines among the PM's own inner circle explaining to the audience his rationales could suffice. The most we get is the PM's brief and shallow statement about the "defense of freedom," intentionally presented to us as a vapid media sound bite. His cooperation is simplistically presented as definitional evil as if no justification could possibly exist.

It is that one-sided presentation of a clearly controversial matter that makes this movie as propagandistic as if it were approved for public consumption by the Iranian Supreme Court. It assumes unquestioning agreement by the audience of its central theme -- that waterboarding is torture and a crime against humanity. That may be a "fact" to the anti-war crowd, but not to us all, and it's a lie to present it as such.

Truly Hitchcockian handling that brings a dry script alive with sauce.

Few years back, I was mesmerised by his brilliant 'Pianist'. It was refreshing to see 'The Ghost Writer' this year . I saw it twice in three days and this film replaces all before it as the Film Of The Year. Truly Hitchcockian. What attention to details! Build up and suspense is truly magnetic. Embellished by an outstanding musical score by Alexandre Desplat. Hear it. Roman Polanski has handled this script with an ease like Alfred Hitchcock would have done with Saboteur and The Man who Knew Too Much. I was first bowled over by Polanski's 'Rosemary's Baby' and 'The Tenant'. This film is in the true tradition of how a tale has to be told even if the tale has political overtones. Any other director would have found the going dry and tough. Ewan Mcgregor, I always felt had the potential to deliver; and he has done greatly. Pierce Brosnan is adequate. Good supporting work from Timothy Hutton, James Belushi and Tom Wilkinson. Let me get back to Polanski who is the Master Director here and excellent work by Aexandre Desplat. The visuals are breathtaking and perfect for the sombre mood of the script. The music is a perfect fit to this suspensul cocktail of a tale.

The message is in the beginning of the movie

Within the first five minutes, if you watch the characters talk in the book publishing office, you will gain an appreciation of how Polanski uses casting to relay the message of this movie. I won't give it away, but look at race, age, and accent, and you may be able to decipher subtle metaphors of how different countries stand in relation to each other today.

Down to the two Asian caretakers who are sweeping up the mess even as the wind blows.

I've been a fan of Polanski's work, ever since his first jazzy, beat Knife in the Water in 1962. As with that film - this exiled director returns to a taut, tension-strung method of story telling. In the extra, he himself references Raymond Chandler, whose signature is that sense of the diabolical, lying just beneath an uneasy calm. There are no huge car chases with exploding barriers and Parkour jumps across buildings, the CGI is reserved for static backdrops (window vistas) and scenery color.

A noteworthy ensemble, combined with Polish cinematographer Pawel Edelman's (The Life Before Her Eyes) gorgeous steel grey landscape, and Alexandre Desplat's Philip Glassian score complement each other. McGregor's nameless ghost does make many careless albeit convincing mistakes as a writer who apparently has no clue about the company he is in - international espionage, CIA, etc.

An august Eli Wallach makes a delightful cameo.

Low Key Thriller That Pulls You In and Keeps You In

Roman Polanski`s movies don`t ordinarily lend themselves to autobiographical insight. In The Ghostwriter Polanski dabbles at the edge of autobiography in the character of Adam Lang, a former British Prime Minister exiled from England and subject to arrest in most of the world due to war crime accusations. Perhaps it is this convergence of art and autobiography that lead to Polanski's recent legal developments.

Ewan McGregor is a ghostwriter to Pierce Brosnan's Adam Lang who is facing war crimes charges in the Hague. McGregor is hired as a "ghost" to rewrite Lang's memoirs after the accidental death of the previous ghostwriter. McGregor inadvertently finds evidence that the death of his predecessor wasn't so accidental and they've both stumbled upon a secret of Lang's early political career that would cast a different shadow on his legacy as Prime Minister.

This is a thriller that isn't based all on action, car chases, shootouts, or explosions. It's a thriller that pulls you in because of the intrigue of the characters and the events that are created by them or are pulled into. The two male leads of McGregor and Brosnan are two excellent performances. McGregor gives a nuanced performance as "the ghost" as the only name he's given in the movie, a slightly disheveled writer who doesn't know what he's gotten himself into. Brosnan is right on as the former Prime Minister. A man who has had days in power, but still has the self-possessed confidence and retains the subliminal air of authority that everybody looks to when he enters the room. Kim Cattrall is a surprise as Amelia Bly, Lang's assistant. Even though it's suggested that she may have been or is Lang's lover, Cattrall shows here that she can play more than the sexpot or coquette that she has played in "Sex and The City." Timothy Hutton is good as he is in almost anything he does and it's too bad his part wasn't larger. Eli Wallach has a cameo as a crotchety old man who gets McGregor's ghost to start questioning what's going on.

The Ghostwriter isn't a flashy thriller that throws special effects, or car chases at you. As a matter of fact the only would be car chase is aborted because `the ghost' pulls his car off the road and lets the chasing car pass him. The intrigue and thrilling elements are delivered by the situation these characters find themselves in and how the events occur and how the characters struggle to find the resolution to the puzzle.

The DVD bonus features are minimal but give you a nice look inside the production of The Ghostwriter. They include an interview with screenwriter Robert Harris on how he came upon the idea of The Ghostwriter and how it evolved into its final form. A 10 minute interview with the major cast members about their characters, and an interview with Polanski on what he saw in The Ghostwriter.

Good story, well acted, well directed

But filled with very unsubtle statements about America plotting decades in advance to insert a CIA-controlled British PM in place for the Iraq-Afghanistan wars (because we saw that one coming, of course). Well, take it for what it is. Anti-American propaganda directed by a man who has been a fugitive from American justice for over 30 years. Disappointing to see Liam Neeson involved in this; we love his Long Way motorcycles movies.

But you notice that I can be honest about the quality of the movie -- I'm able to keep my head screwed on straight even when I disagree with someone. Let hope others will display the same courtesy when reviewing conservative movies, books, etc.