Heads up movie lovers! You can now rent your favorite movies and even upcoming movies online. Nowadays, going to the movies will cost you a lot especially when you have to tag your family along. Imagine the gas and food expenses and this is aside from the movie tickets that you have to pay for.

Going to the movies is a luxury that most of the families today do not have because it is very expensive to do so, that is why many people miss out on the movies that they want to watch. But this won’t go on forever since people can now rent movies online, have it delivered to their homes, and watch it to their heart’s desire, with only a monthly subscription to spend on. The maximum amount of movies that can be watched per month that comes with the subscription is unlimited and yes, you read it right - unlimited.

The Convenience of Blockbuster Total Access

Want to know where to get such great offers? Then go online and get yourself a monthly subscription at Blockbuster Total Access. Blockbuster Total Access may not be the pioneer in the online movie rental industry, but ever since they have existed, more families have been able to share not just one movie but a number of them in their very own entertainment area.

For a cheap price of $14.99, you can get 2 movies at a time. Once the two movies are returned to Blockbuster Total Access, you will get the next two movies that are in your list and once you return the next two, you will then get the following two movies, and so on and so forth. The movies that are sent by Blockbuster Total Access are really up to you since you will be the one to specify this in their online reservation service. For families, this proves to be very convenient since all types of movie genre is covered with a subscription at Blockbuster Total Access. You can even get a reservation for a DVD movie that is yet to be released.

Blockbuster Total Access also has an exchange promo for their movies which will allow you to increase the number of movies you watch. If you can return the movies you got in the mail to your nearest local store, then you get a free in-store movie for each of the movie you return. They also have coupons that give away a free movie every now and then.

The Advantage of Blockbuster Total Access

One problem that you might encounter when ordering your movies online is lost mail or damaged product because of shipment matters, and while this may really be frustrating, Blockbuster Total Access is professional enough to have an online reporting facility for such incidence and will send a replacement DVD as soon as possible for the lost or damaged mail. If you want a faster replacement method, you can just bring the damaged DVD to a local Blockbuster store and have it replaced with something that works.

Late fees are not something that Blockbuster Total Access charges its client. Just as long as your subscription stays active, you can keep the movies for as long as you want especially if you do not have the time to watch it just yet. What is even better is that with the monthly subscription of $14.99, you also get to rent games as well, but this game rental is currently not available online so you have to go to your local store to rent the games that you want to play.

Definitely, a subscription at Blockbuster Total Access will save your family a lot of money. It is a practical way of having leisure time while not damaging your budget for a single movie. Just think of all the movies you can watch with a low monthly subscription and compare it to a single night of bringing your family members out to a movie and you will be able to identify the good that it can bring you.

UPDATE: Blockbuster is now accepting PayPal for even easier online movie rental subscriptions!

The story line of Made of Honor is no different from the rest of the movies in the romantic comedy genre such as My Best Friend’s Wedding and When Harry Met Sally. But suckers for these types of romantic comedy will yet enjoy another lighthearted and humor-filled love story with Made of Honor.

The Story of Made of Honor

Tom is the name of the character that Dempsey portrays and Tom is just like any other guy you meet who loves women. In fact, he met Hannah, played by Michelle Monaghan, when he mistakenly crawled into her bed instead of her slutty dorm roommate. Ever since then, they have become each other’s confidante and best friend, no matter how unacceptable Tom’s behavior to women is to Hannah. He is a playboy who sleeps with a different woman every single day.

The plot thickens when Hannah moves to Scotland for a job. While in Scotland, she gets stuck during a rainstorm and well, you can guess what happens next. She is rescued by Colin, played by Kevin McKidd, a Scotsman of royal origin. Then, they fall into a whirlwind romance which leads to the planning of their wedding in a short amount of time. Nothing could go wrong for Hannah because Colin is everything that a woman hopes for – dashing, rich, handsome and cool.

However, when Tom learns about this, he is appalled at the notion that his best friend may be getting married to the wrong guy. What makes it worse is that she has asked him to be his maid of honor. In the process, he realizes that he is falling for his best friend. Another comedic revelation adds to this already well-loved theme and that is having one of the bridesmaids in the wedding to be someone Tom has slept with and dumped in the past.

Tickle Your Girl Fancy

A humorous and chaotic plot, which will give good hearty laughter and will definitely tickle a girl’s fancy of being swept off her feet by two different guys. One thing to admire about Made of Honor is the superb acting that all the actors have done to make the movie a believable one. Nothing can also beat the Scottish scenery and the romantic feel that it gives the viewers.

There is really nothing new to see in this movie, but if an afternoon of light comedy will suit you, then by and far, this movie is one recommended flick to watch, especially with your ever supportive boyfriend. Just make sure that you promise him a trade for watching this movie with you so that you will not hear him complaining about how the movie’s theme is already a thing of the past. Most of all, do enjoy watching the movie and don’t stop yourself from identifying with Hannah.

Tony Stark: Playboy by Day, Superhero by Night

The main character, Tony Stark, played by Robert Downey, Jr. is a rich and well-known playboy. He is also a brilliant genius and is a heavy manufacturer of weapons. The story of Iron Man is not really the type that builds up fast into introducing the superhero; instead many processes are being undertaken before he dons the iron suit. Tony Stark’s character is very unpredictable because of the many layers that hide his real being. He has a great wit and is eccentric at times but during difficult times, he is able to show that he has a kind heart.

The Iron Man plot is not the typical save the world fare that is usually seen in superhero movies. Change is very essential to the character since his personal views are put into question. The acting performance done by Robert Downey Jr. is superb and he is a perfect fit for the role. It is his acting that proves to be the strongest part of the movie. Downey Jr. has identified with the character so well that it seems as if he is Iron Man himself.

No superhero goes without a lady love and the choice of Gwyneth Paltrow could not get any better. Remaining the sweet person that should be portrayed in her character, Paltrow effectively delivers a change in emotion that varies from hurt, confusion, and desire with just the slightest movement in her face. The other actors in the film also complement the acting of both Downey Jr. and Paltrow and add to the remarkable movie that is Iron Man.

The IronMan Special Effects

The special effects and computer generated graphics (CGI) of the movie is not the typical overboard superhero movie special effects we’re used to, but it remains outstanding. People who love a great story that is coupled with some cool effects to complement it will surely love Iron Man. Definitely a Marvel comics portrayed at its best, this will not only entertain you but also give you a sense of satisfaction as you finish with the movie.

Highly recommended to the viewing public who wants to have a good time thinking and watching superhero/action films, Iron Man is a definite blockbuster movie that no one should miss. If you haven’t seen it yet, then you better go out (right now!) to do so. You’re also going to want to pick up the Iron Man DVD, Iron-Man Blu-Ray, and the Iron Man movie soundtrack on CD as well. You’re also going to want to pick up the Iron Man video games for the Home Computer PC, Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PSP, and Sony Playstation 2. While Iron Man may not currently be as popular as other Marvel and DC superheroes such as Batman, Superman, and Spiderman are at the present moment, he will continue to have a constant following from his new converts.

UPDATE: Iron Man 2 is in development! And it seems like War Machine will make an appearance! Subscribe to our blog feed and subscribe with email updates to keep up-to-date with any new developments!

10,000 B.C. Special Effects Masterpiece

The storyline of the movie is not really that outstanding but the effects that go along for the ride in the movie will make you forget this fact. Yes, the effects are so great that you’re going to have to hold on to your seat for every single one of the amazing action packed scenes in 10,000 BC. We all know that there are some movies that you watch for the storyline and it’s obvious that 10,000 BC will not be one of them - it’s all about the special effects. In that sense it’s sort of like Jurassic Park - decent storyline but amazing special effects. The movie, from start to finish, is a remarkable special effects masterpiece created by an army of technicians to make it really POP on the movie screen.

I’ll let you watch the movie yourself and have your own opinion on if the storyline and plot is acceptable, but I’ll definitely state that’s it’s a good enough movie to spend your time and money on. The story revolves around revenge, love, sacrifice, and survival. There will be some scenes that may not be very suitable for kids so bringing them to watch the movie might not be a good idea, even if they might be interested in seeing prehistoric animals like woolly mammoths and sabertooth tigers. The flow and historical facts presented in the movie isn’t very accurate or easily defined but you’ll be able to identify the eras presented in the movie.

What The Movie Does Great: Entertain

Even after telling you these negatives, it’s obvious that 10,000BC is a movie created to entertain. Watching this movie specifically for historical as well as anthropological accuracy should not be a focus for you - if it is you’re going to get very disappointed since 10,000BC is really off on these historical details. What this movie will do is delight you and anyone else that watches it with you with the many visual spectacles that are presented through superb special effects.

The acting is very mediocre in the film but then again, the characters are there just to provide life to a story, in a movie that was made to show the world the amazing leaps that special effects technology has taken in the past few years. There are acting scenes in the movie that are commendable but as a whole, the actors in the movie seem to all portray one emotion - fear. This is completely understandable though because most of the scenes contain events which cause the characters to get real scared (sabretooth tiger attacks, for one). I’m officially tagging this movie as one to watch if you have the free time to do so.

The Final Word on 10,000 B.C.

Generally speaking, the movie will never be the blockbuster hit that Independence Day was, but it is one movie that can stand on its own. Watching 10,000BC will give you the “lighter” side of evolution because sometimes, we just have to have the imagination to see beyond what our history books are telling us - 10,000BC gives us just that with all the amazing special effects there is possible today.

10,000 B.C. is currently available in both DVD and Blu-Ray movie formats.

I caught Harry Potter and the OotP last night with Wan, after a nice dinner with my cast and crew last night (of which I had to foot the bill, lol). So here’s the review. Briefly, I’d tell you to AVOID this show.

Right, now to the proper spoilery review.

History

The first two Harry Potter movies were most forgetable, what with Daniel Radcliffe’s wooden performance and Chris Columbus’ lame directing. Alfonso Cuaron, however had set the standards high for a Harry Potter movie with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. He went with a lot of wide shots (where the whole luscious Scottish scenery can be seen), and it was tightly paced. After the third movie, then came the fourth movie (Goblet of Fire) - which was okay, thanks to the very well done Triwizard Tournament sequences, and the ending which reveals Voldemort.

The fifth movie, the Order of the Phoenix (OotP), however, falls seriously short. Really short. And to me, I think it may join the ranks of the first two movies in being extremely forgettable.

Stellar Cast

The cast in this movie was awesome. If you look into Ivanna Lynch’s eyes, you’ll realize that she IS Loony Lovegood. And of course, Matthew Lewis shows a broader range of emotions as Neville Longbottom. Katie Leung was good too as the wet eyed Cho Chang (I love Katie!!!). And of course, you have the oozing slimeball Alan Rickman as Snape. As for Imelda Staunton, you really feel like punching her. That’s how good her acting is. Emma Watson and Rupert Grint are as usual, pretty Hermione and Ron-ish, great acting, and Potter himself has improved vastly over the previous movies.

The baddies too were played well. Helena Bonham Carter played Bellatrix to the way I imagined it in my mind, while Ralph Fiennes didn’t have much exposure as Voldemort, neither did Jason Isaacs as Lucius Malfoy.

So what went wrong with such great acting?

Bad Pacing

Seriously, the pacing of the movie is so slow, that I actually nearly fell asleep. Somehow, the movie was edited with such a slow pace that it felt like there was nothing going on. David Yates tried to emulate Alfonso Cuaron by doing the wide shots, but he failed miserably. Cuaron’s style is absolutely his own, and is hard to emulate. There wasn’t enough on screen conflict to carry the movie on its own (though there were a lot in the book).

I felt that the story on film showed too much unnecessary exposition. The director assumes that those who watched the movie have read the book, hence focused on a lot of other unnecessary exposition. He unfortunately missed out the necessary ones, and made it feel incomplete as a movie.

Another thing about the pacing is that there were a lot of silent moments which were neither sombre nor tense. This leads to lots of boredom.

And of course, worst of all is the music.

Nicholas Hooper (the composer) should be shot in the head. John Williams gave Harry Potter an epic feel, while Nicholas Hooper, he made Harry Potter a pop-image. The score basically ruined the whole movie. Cues were in totally the wrong places, and music is boring at best. It feels like Nicholas Hooper had been composing for pop music a while, giving Harry Potter a MTV feel, or like a 90s lame movie. Horrid, most horrid.

The screenplay wasn’t very good. I was quite surprised at this too, as I though J.K Rowling wouldn’t have approved such a screenplay. It was filled, as I noted, with lots of silence pause. They were not tense, they were not pregnant. They are just plain silences that simply sucked. Gone are the witty lines of Harry Potter. At least GoF had more interesting scenes.

I know this movie is supposed to be a dark movie, but hey, silence is boring. So is inactivity.

The only commendable part with the changes they made are with Sirius Black’s death. I read somewhere that it was J.K Rowling who plotted it this way. It’d give more hints to what is behind the veil. Most interesting. At least I hope it was J.K Rowling’s change to it. Because if it weren’t then it’d be boring.

The final fight scene between the Death Eaters and the Order members tried hard to look good, but doing everything in one take (it looks like it’s one take) is really confusing. There were no clear orders on how they fought, what with white light and black smoke hitting each other. Horrid.

Many roles have been muted in this movie, to make way for senseless and pointless stuff, like the silent moment in the carriage with the thestrals, and the inane Daily Prophet scenes (argh!!! ENOUGH OF THOSE!!!). Also, some characterizations of the movie characters have changed. Harry isn’t as angsty as he is in the book, as he seems to flip flop with his emotions. Not that he can’t act, but he wasn’t well directed.
The whole movie feels disjointed. I’d blame it on the screenplay and editing.

I give Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix a 4/10.

In the vast landscape of the feature film, Hairspray really doesn’t have much of a reason for being. It is a movie version of a broadway version of a movie, sort of the same path that The Producers took when the musical version hit screens back in 2005. Anyway, back to the reason for being, well it does not offer anything new storywise, nor does it bring anything new to the musical movie. So, why should anyone go see it? The answer is simple, it is an absolute blast of upbeat energy. Even if you are not a fan of musicals, and I am not their biggest champion, I dare you not to have a stupid smile plastered on your face while you tap your toes to the beat. I swear to you that it is quite infectious.

Even if you have not seen the 1988 John Waters film, or the musical, like me, you are likely already privy to what the story entails. It involves a rotund ball of energy, Tracy Turnblad (played by the inhumanly energetic and charismatic Nikk Blonsky), whose absolute bestest dream is to be a dancer on the Corny Collins Show, a local Baltimore based teen dancing show not unlike American Bandstand. Each day, Tracy and her best friend Penny Pingleton (Amanda Bynes) count down the minutes at school while attempting to stay awake, so that when that final bell rings they can rush home to watch the popular show, much to the chagrin of their parents.

One day, she gets a shot to try out for the show. Of course, Tracy’s size proves to be a detriment, and she is laughed off the set. Then, back at school, she gets detention for cutting class (you know, so she could go to the tryout). When she arrives at that fated room, he is greeted by class full of black kids (you know, in these unenlightened days the black kids were a bad influence, as evidenced by their only time on the Corny Collins Show being the once a month Negro Day headed up by Queen Latifah). Here likable energy allows her to fit right in and learn some new dance moves, which she in turn takes to the studio (kinda like Elvis). She catches the eye of Corny and is put on the show.

Now that she is on the show, Tracy finds herself at the heart of the integration movement, beginning with the whitewashed dance show. Like I said, it does not offer anything new by way of the story, the fight for civil rights, the desire to dance, the want to be accepted for who you are, but it has so much energy. Hairspray is so bright, innocent, and happy, that it is nearly impossible not to get sucked in. Even if you recognize the story, where it is going, and how it will end, you will still float along as if it was the first time that you’d seen it.

In essence, the movie is pure pop. Musicals are not known for there basis in the real world, they are true fantasies. How else would you be able to explain why everyone knows the words and the dance moves? Well, they don’t actually, but no matter. It is merely a conceit that you have to accept if you expect to get any enjoyment out of the genre. With that out of the way, you need to take a look at the songs contained within, and the songs here are fun. Many of them are big showstopping numbers that worm their way into your head and transport you to another, more innocent time. The music and delivery perfectly evokes a 60s fantasy world, an innocent time scene through innocent eyes with a desire to do what is right, a desire that comes as naturally as breathing to these kids.

The cast is filled with recognizable faces and up and coming talent. The most notable cast member would have to be John Travolta if, for nothing else, the fact that he is all bundled up in a fatsuit and a dress. This has been a point of contention for some groups considering Travolta’s membership in the Church of Scientology, and their non-acceptance of gay lifestyles. I don’t really have an opinion on that, but I am willing to give my opinion on his performance. He is not a convincing woman, you can see Travolta underneath all of that latex, however he does bring a sweet girliness to it as a woman trying to come to grips with herself. Then there is the Saturday Night Fever dancing, with the slight nod to Pulp Fiction’s Vinnie Vega. The humor is increased by having him paired with Christopher Walken in the best display of dancing, the only way Walken can, since the “Weapon of Choice” music video. They are an unlikely couple, but the make it work. The other major adult role is filled by Michelle Pfeiffer, the villainous Velma Von Tussle. She may be manipulative, backwards thinking, and downright evil, but she is still looking good. Finally, there is James Marsden, Cyclops with a bleached smile, playing ringleader to the dancing kids as the aptly named Corny Collins.

The real stars are the kids. The kids are led by Nikki Blonsky, in her first role, and she makes the most of it. She has a strong voice, can dance well, and has such an exuberant screen presence that she really carries the film. Amanda Bynes is the adorable best friend who seems to be a perpetual state of amazement, and is never far away from a lollipop. On the other side of the gender barrier, you have the likes of Zac Efron and Elijah Kelly. Efron is an up and comer hot from High School Musical, here he plays Link Larkin, the dance shows heartthrob and the object of Tracy’s affections. Now, Elijah Kelly, he is fantastic as Seaweed, son of Maybelle (Queen Latifah) and a fantastic dancer who shares his moves with Tracy while falling for Penny.

Bottomline. You know, this is not typically the sort of movie that is at the top of my list. That does not preclude me from enjoying this. I think that if I didn’t enjoy it, I wouldn’t have a pulse. It is just so sunny in its disposition, I guarantee that you will smile. Despite not bringing anything new to the table, everything it does, it does right.

Grade: B+

Want to get movies downloaded to your computer? Get Movies and MP3s!

Like two friends daring one another to take it a step further, Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez dispense with the pretense of simply making movies that nod to the lurid, exploitive ones of their misspent youths and actually create a double feature of the sort that might have played at the grindhouses young Quentin and Robert may have frequented. Hell, it’s all right there in the title, isn’t it?

Like Tarantino’s Kill Bills, which were little more than a comfortable cinematic quilt stitched together from homages, allusions and straight samples of ’70s genre entertainment, Grindhouse is a valentine to the era, a museum of retro pop culture curated by an aficionado and tour-guided by a boisterous carnival barker.

And like 1995’s Four Rooms (which the pair directed the very best bits of), it’s an anthology picture showcasing A-List directorial talent, with Eli Roth (Cabin Fever, Hostel), Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead), Rob Zombie (House of 1,000 Corpses, The Devil’s Rejects) and Rodriguez himself providing trailers for four outrageous films that have to be made (Particularly Rodriguez’s; I’ll say nothing more of these for risk of spoiling their awesomeness).

It’s a decidedly unique viewing experience–at least at a 2007 multiplex, it is–with the films themselves embedded in a celluloid time capsule composed of the trailers, old school theater announcements, ratings segments and ads inserted, all of them “aged” with nicks, scratches and jumps to look like old movies (Oddly, both of the feature films include cell phones, text message and references to current events, dispelling the illusion that they were made 30 years ago).

First up is Rodriguez’s Planet Terror, his take on the zombie apocalypse genre that has been back with such a fierce vengeance since 2002’s 28 Days Later (And the zombie renaissance’s moment has passed, as far as I’m concerned, moving from zeitgeist-grabber to cynical moneymaker). Of course, like the best zombie apocalypses, it never uses the word “zombie,” and they’re not even technically undead. Rather, Rodriguez’s zombies are simply infected disease carriers who will eat you.

The Rodriguez who shows up is the same one who made Desperado and From Dusk Till Dawn, the action director intent on knocking your eyes out of their sockets and either turning your stomach or making you laugh your guts up with crazy gore (depending on your predilection for super-fake ultra-violence).

As for the plot, in Austin, Texas, some shady characters at an abandoned military base are making a deal involving a poison gas that turns people into slow-moving, rotting cannibals covered in big, pulsing flesh bubbles (Sort of the equivalent of humanoid boils, which makes it all the gorier when they get themselves popped).

The gas gets into the air, and soon a small band of badass Lone Star State survivors are all that stand between the surprise cameo Big Bad and a whole planet of infectees. These include Rose McGowan’s Cherry Darling, a go-go dancer (not a stripper!) with a couple dozen “useless talents” that end up proving quite useful; Marley Shelton’s Dr. Dakota Block, who wears syringes on her garter belt; Freddy Rodriguez’s Wray, a tow truck driver with a mysterious past and some sweet moves; Michael Biehn’s Texas sheriff; Naveen Andrews’ Iraqi biochemist who dresses like a member of Aerosmith. Look for mandatory cameos from Tarantino and Tom Savini.

Rodriguez projects an infectious giddiness in the action and sight gags, but even though the whole thing feels like a lark, it’s incredibly well-written, with no line or scene wasted and the characters so organic and likeable it oughta embarrass the hell out of Hollywood’s whole horror industry for the crap they churn out. The delirious climax, involving an unexpected use of McGowan’s well-publicized prosthetic leg, is pretty much the cinematic definition of the word awesome.

Planet Terror is a hard, maybe impossible, act to follow, so its perhaps unsurprising that Tarantino’s Death Proof–which meshes a proto-slasher flick vibe with incredible pre-CGI style stunt driving of the sort not often seen outside the Hazzard County lines–seems a little flat in comparison.

A group of hot, nubile young women convene at an Austin bar patronized exclusively by hot, nubile young women owned by a character played by Tarantino himself. There they meet a creepy but charming character by the name of Stuntman Mike (Kurt Russell) who drives a scary stunt car that’s “better than safe….it’s death-proof.” He soon demonstrates just how death-proof it is by using it as a weapon in beautifully constructed (if horribly gory) scene.

Later, a second group of hot, nubile young women are introduced, but these are the wrong hot, nubile young women to fuck with–Hollywood stylist Rosario Dawson, stuntwoman Tracie Thoms and (real-life) stuntwoman Zoe Bell (who was Uma Thurman’s stunt double in Kill Bill).

The flick bears all of Tarantino’s trademarks, both good and bad. A mostly washed-up actor proving just how good he really is, talky dialogue, characters from other films wandering through, and a carefully chosen soundtrack (a juke box gets so much screen time in this flick, I was surprised it didn’t get a listing in the cast credits). His is an oddly structured film, with a long build-up to a horrific act, followed with another, even longer build-up to a bravura action sequence and a kung fu flick sudden freeze frame ending. But by the point a second group of beautiful young women who speak exactly like Tarantino writes appear, the novelty had grown a tad tiresome (Tarantino also repeats a trick Rodriguez used in his segment to capitalize on the truncated running time, to lesser effect).

It’s still a fun, funny and engaging flick full of visceral thrills, but it would have probably played stronger as the opener of the double feature, given that it lacks the propulsive momentum of Planet Terror.

Are you an aspiring filmmaker or want to know how to make an amateur movie? Check out the guide!

As I am writing this review I’ve just returned from seeing “1408″ and I’m house sitting for some friends. It’s just me and Murphy (their dog) in this quiet house. After seeing “1408″ I have to admit I am a little spooked at the moment. That alone would render it a passable horror film but it’s not the only positive characteristic the film has. It’s much better than average. As someone who doesn’t have much taste for the horror genre, I would classify “1408″ as a first rate thriller. It’s not that I’m not for the genre, it’s that I think most horror films are awful movies and they almost never have anything clever to say and are only there for blood and gore.

However, “1408,” like most Stephen King stories, has more on its mind than just blood and gore. In fact, you’ll find little of both in this film. “1408″ is one that gets into your head and sticks with you after you’ve left the theater.

The opening credits may tell you the film stars John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson, but it’s really just Cusack. Seriously, Jackson is in the film for like ten minutes. With all due respect to the acting abilities of Mr. Jackson, “1408″ is really a one man show and an impressive one at that. It’s Cusack’s picture from beginning to end and he does his fair share of heavy lifting by putting this film on his back and carrying it all the way through.

Cusack plays Mike Enslin, a horror writer who has written books with titles like “The 10 Scariest Graveyards” and the one he is currently working on is called “The 10 Scariest Hotel Rooms.” He’s in search of a real encounter with poltergeists and whenever someone says their hotel is haunted, he sets out to see for himself if it is or not and he records each stay like a chapter for his book.

One day, he gets a postcard in his mail from the Dauphin Hotel in New York and on the back it reads “Don’t go into 1408.” It gets Mike’s attention and he quickly books a stay at the hotel. When he arrives, he is greeted by the hotel manager, Gerald Olin (Jackson). Olin begs and bribes Mike not to stay in 1408, claiming that 56 people have died in that room and no one has ever lasted more than an hour. He tells Mike: “I don’t want to have to clean up the mess.” Of course, Mike doesn’t listen and chooses to see it for himself like he always does.

From here “1408″ is like a state-of-the-art haunted house at a fair. Mike walks in thinking everything is just fine and dandy (“It’s just a room”) and then all hell breaks loose. Starting with the alarm clock coming on by itself gag, the thrills and chills come like one sucker punch after another and keep you grasping your armrest. I guess the reason I liked the film is its psychological approach. Is Mike really being terrified by an axe murderer or is he losing his mind? “1408″ concentrates on the latter part and then expands on it. Like the cunning warrior, it goes after the heart and torments Mike with his troubled past.

Director Mikael Hafstrom seems to have gotten the right touch and mood with this picture and never once goes overboard. He also deserves credit by making elements that have been used before still feel fresh. The film is well structured with a nicely twisted ending that leaves you thinking and it leaves the scary parts right where they belong structure wise, in the middle. Cusack is like the one man marching band here, making everything work on his own. He is essentially the key to the film’s success but “1408″ probably could have benefited from a few more helpings of Sam. But overall, I was pleasantly surprised and unpleasantly spooked by “1408″. Gotta go, the stereo just mysteriously popped on by itself!

Want a horror story for only $7? Mr. Gluts Greed: Horror Story

I finally watched TMNT last night, after a few false starts (involving the stupid wrong listings the cinema puts up on their website).

Short review - It was an awesome movie.

Right. Now let’s move on to the longer, spoilery review.

Story
The story starts out with a brief introduction to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and a little background to the story - the narrator was Laurence Fishburne. It then proceeds to show the current whereabouts and conditions of the brothers. Leonardo is training in the South Americas, and April O’ Neil found him there, and convinced him to go home to his brothers. April was in Central America for business - acquisition of some stone statues (which, in the opening, was described to be Generals of an immortal, whom the audience shall come to know as Max Winters).

April fails to convince Leonardo to come home to New York City, April came back and delivered the stone statue to Max Winters, who wants to reunite his generals and continue his grand plan to conquer the world.

When Leonardo decided to return home to NYC, things did not bode well with Raphael, whose aggressive attitude had led him to take up a new identity as the Night Watcher. The two turtle brothers had a fight and so on and so forth. Watch the movie yourself to find out more. Along the way, the Foot Clan got involved, and Karai (the current leader of the Foot Clan) is voiced by none other than Zhang Ziyi!

The ending will yield some mild surprises (especially the intent of Max Winters), but that is all I will say.

Characters
Oh c’mon. Who doesn’t know the Ninja Turtles characters already? Oh okay, since most of you are too young to remember Ninja Turtles, here they are:

[L-R] Michelangelo, Donatello, Sensei Splinter, Leonardo, Raphael, April, Casey

Leonardo - named after Leonardo da Vinci, he is the oldest of the Ninja Turtles. He wears a blue eye-band, and wields double katanas (though in this movie, his katana looks like normal swords, and towards the end, he wielded more than 2). Being the oldest amongst his brothers, he’s naturally looked upon as the leader, the responsible one.

Raphael - Raphael is the anti-thesis of Leonardo. He is rash, and quite irresponsible. He wears a red eye-band, and wields double sais. As the Nightwatcher, though, he wields heavy chains as his weapon of choice. He is named after the Renaissance artist, Raphael

Donatello - my favourite character in the past. He wears a purple eye-band, and uses a staff for fighting. He’s the genius of the group and is technologically adept. In the beginning of the movie, he works as a IT call support technician (which amounted to quite some laughs). Did I tell you that he’s my favourite turtle?

Michelangelo - is well, named after the real life Renaissance sculptor (who sculpted David). He’s the goof of the group, and often say silly things. His trademark callsign/battlecry is “Cowabunga!”. Wearing an orange eye-band, his weapon of choice is the nunchucks. He’s the comic element of the show, and the inner kid.

Sensei - Sensei was a little cute in this movie. Rats.

There was a good amount of character development for Leonardo and Raphael, especially when they were wresting for leadership. However, the other characters are kept quite flat. Not much is shown on Donatello or Michelangelo (though Michelangelo’s humor is still prevalent). As for Sensei, he’s just so cute. April and Casey are preparing to settle down, but other than that, no other development is available throughout the whole movie. The whole movie seemed to revolve mainly around Leonardo and Raphael only.

Good Cinematography
I felt that the cinematography of the show was extremely good. I mean, yea - the fight scenes all looked very polished, and the movie has a stylized feel to it. From the opening to the end, I felt that the movie was very old-school animation - i.e not a lot of individual details in, but feels detailed. I get the feeling that “this was how CGI was done in the past!”, but with upgraded lighting and shading techniques. To wit, I was right. There wasn’t any motion capture involved, and all the animation were hand keyed.

Oh yeah, back to cinematography. Watch out for the fight scene in the rain between Leonardo and Raphael. That was just superb. Watch for the very subtle lighting, and great angled shots. And New York City’s rooftop never looked so much alive than in the movie.

That said, I can’t say the same for the final fight scene. It was comprised of too many fast cuts, and in the end, it is pretty hard to follow the action. For me, it’s 1-up for the fight in the rain, and 1 down for the final fight. There were some other memorable scenes that impressed me quite a bit too, such as the war scene in the opening, and the scene where the 13th monster was chasing the Cowabunga Carl truck.

I was impressed by the quality of animation. It’s some good quality animation there. As I said before, it felt old school. Minimal objects involved, but with a smoothness that is uncomparable. This is how action CGI movies should be done. Oh.. there were two scenes in the fight-in-the-rain scene that were homages to Matrix Revolutions too.

Other Miscelleny (and Grouses)

• The movie, I feel, ultimately is about brotherhood. This is depicted especially in the Raphael-Leonardo conflict
• Leonardo seemed a little skinny.
• Karai had a small role (hey, this grouse is because I like ZZY)
• Not enough development of the other turtles. It was as if Michelangelo’s sole purpose was to provide comic effects, and Donatello… he apparently didn’t exist much.
• Music was fitting - rock all the way, but I am not such a fan of rock music individually, so no comments.
• I don’t mind the cartoony human characters. The turtles are rendered good!
• Sensei.. is so cute.
• The movie is kinda short

Conclusion
In conclusion, this movie is fun to watch. Boys’ fun. I’d give it a 7.5/10 for this movie. Watch it!

Want to download free full-length movies? Check out the movie downloads!