End of the Spear - Movie Review

Nate Saint is a pilot and Christian missionary who, with his family, lives and works in the jungles of South America near the Amazon. Nate is fascinated by tales he's heard of the Waodani, a violent and aggressive tribe living nearby, and with a group of fellow Christians takes it upon himself to teach them the importance of compassion and forgiveness. However, the leader of the Waodanis, Mincayani, does not trust the white visitors, and believes they may have had something to do with the disappearance of a young girl from his tribe years ago. A meeting between Nate and Mincayani goes terribly wrong thanks to Nate's inability to understand the Waodani language, and Nate and four of his fellow missionaries are savagely murdered by the tribesmen. However, in the final moments of his life, Nate is able to impart a message in Mincayani that bears fruit years later when Steve Saint, Nate's son returns to continue the work his father started.

If this wasn't based on a true story, it would have been an OK plot, but since these events actually happened, it was an incredible story. The thought of finding a tribe of people who haven't had contact with "civilization" is far-fetched, but actually happened. Then add into the mix the fact that these missionaries had contact with them and ended up living with them makes for an amazing story that proves the old saying, "Truth is stranger than fiction." Having said all that, the movie could have been better since it had all of that material to work with. Instead, it focused a bit too much on the missionaries and the tribe separately instead of showing more of their lives together once they met, fought, made up and decided to co-exist. There had to have been some interesting conversations and interactions as the two sides shared their customs and methods of survival. Bottom line, it would have been better if it was a documentary. I'm in luck since there is a documentary about these events called Beyond the Gates of Splendor. I can't wait to see it.

Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Chad Allen, Louie Leonardo

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

Tsotsi - ACE Train Movie Review

Tsotsi is the street name used by a young Johannesburg delinquent who has taken to a life of crime in order to support himself. Tsotsi comes from a blighted upbringing - his mother died slowly from AIDS-related illnesses, and his father was torturously abusive - and he has developed a talent for violence borne of necessity as well as taking strange pleasure in hurting other people. One evening, Tsotsi shoots a woman while stealing her car, and only later discovers that her infant son is in the back seat. Uncertain of what to do with the baby, Tsotsi takes the boy home and tries to care for it - going so far as to force Miriam, a single mother living nearby, to nurse the baby. With time, Tsotsi learns the basics of child care, and the presence of the baby awakens a sense of humanity in him that life on the street had stripped away.

For a foreign film, this was a high quality flick. Of course, you have to get over the fact that they speak Afrikaans with English subtitles, but it really doesn't take anything away from the movie. The acting is excellent and the cinematography is Hollywood quality. The plot is dark and disturbing, but also contains glimmers of promise and hope. I was sucked into the story, but my only complaint is that it's too short and doesn't fully explore all of the topics that are raised. However, you can use your imagination to complete the picture, but it ended so quickly and left me wanting more. I suppose that's the sign of a good movie.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Presley Chweneyagae

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

Something the Lord Made - ACE Train Movie Review

Alfred Blalock is chief surgeon at Johns Hopkins University, where he is pioneering new techniques in heart surgery. Blalock makes the acquaintance of Vivien Thomas, a carpenter hired to work at the University, and to his surprise discovers a man of keen intelligence who has a great interest in medicine. However, as a poor black man in the Jim Crow South, Thomas lacks the financial resources to obtain a medical degree, though he certainly has the knowledge and the desire. Blalock takes Thomas on as his lab assistant, and together they develop a technique that allows them to correct a common congenital heart defect in children. However, while they work side by side in the lab and in the operating room, Blalock and Thomas do not walk the same paths in society, and Thomas develops a deep resentment that he has been given little credit for his contribution to a medical innovation that makes Blalock famous.

This film is based on a true story which always boosts my rating. The story is straightforward and heartwarming, but complicated and cold at the same time. It is deep and tackles many different issues - race, animal testing, human experimenting, society "norms" and gender roles. Some of the topics are more subtle than others and it is executed very well and follows a logical path. I'm amazed that Mos Def (the rapper) was so good and he worked well with Alan Rickman's character. They carried the movie and laid the framework for a great true story of a pair of very different individuals who triumphed over adversity.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Alan Rickman, Mos Def, Kyra Sedgwick

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

Thank You for Smoking - ACE Train Movie Review

Nick is a man who has turned spinning news and information into a successful career for the tobacco lobby. He plots strategies with his colleagues on how to make other dangerous products more appealing to the American public. Nick ends up going to Hollywood with his young son in order to get a movie producer to include characters smoking in his newest film. Nick is kidnapped by a vigilante group concerned about the harmful nature of his product.

This is a great piece of satire that is funny, shocking and most importantly, captivating. It had the feel of a behind-the-scenes documentary exposing things that the public wasn't supposed to know. The fact that the topic was controversial added to the intrigue as well. All of the actors did a great job and were totally believable in their roles. This is a very smart film and a must see for anyone who would like some insight into the kinds of conversations that go on behind the scenes which result in the positive spin of dangerous products (i.e. tobacco companies paying for ads that warn against smoking).

Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Aaron Eckhart, William H. Macy, Rob Lowe, Robert Duvall, Katie Holmes

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

The Wild - ACE Train Movie Review

Sampson is the king of a make-believe jungle far from the African plains - he's a lion on display at a zoo in New York City's Central Park, and he lords it over the other animals, including Nigel, a testy koala bear; Larry, a dumb but well-meaning snake; Bridget, a bright but cynical giraffe; and Benny, a very New York-ish squirrel who is good friends with Sampson and is trying to romance Bridget without much success. The pride and joy of Sampson's life is his son, Ryan, and he's devastated when one day Ryan is crated up and shipped back to Africa. Sampson is desperate to find his boy, and with the help of his pals he escapes the zoo and sets out on a daring mission to rescue Ryan, battling the unfamiliar terrain and Kazar, a wildebeest with a will to power and a passion for choreography along the way.

This film was cute and had some funny parts, but it wasn't very original. Madagascar was much funnier and had roughly the same plot, so if you want to see a movie with talking animals, see that instead - the music was better as well. However, this movie is definitely kid-friendly, so I suppose that's a plus for all the parents out there. It's only 1 hour 15 minutes long, so you can check it out yourself without wasting much time.

Rating: 2.5 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Kiefer Sutherland, Jim Belushi, Eddie Izzard, Janeane Garofalo, William Shatner, Richard Kind

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

Akeelah and the Bee - ACE Train Movie Review

Akeelah Anderson is an 11-year-old being raised by her mother, Tanya, who was left on her own after the death of her husband. While Akeelah is a very bright girl, she's hardly a star student and seems afraid of acting like a bookworm around her friends and classmates. However, Akeelah's teacher sees genuine potential in her student and encourages her to enter the school's spelling bee, convinced Akeelah has the brains and the talent to win. Akeelah applies herself and emerges victorious in the local competition, but discovers the going gets tougher when she goes to a statewide bee, studying for the regionals under the aegis of strict English teacher Dr. Larabee, who consents to act as her coach. Meanwhile, Tanya feels intimidated when she finds the contests are dominated by children from wealthy families and privileged backgrounds, and argues that the competition may not be in Akeelah's best interest, believing instead that homework should be the one and only priority in Akeelah's life. It soon becomes apparent that if Akeelah has any intention of entering the national spelling bee championships in Washington, D.C., she will not do so with Tanya's permission or blessing.

I never thought I would have ever watched a movie about a spelling bee, much less like it. However, I was completely surprised by this film and am glad I took the time to watch it. I'll admit that I was sucked in and was rooting for the little girl to go all the way and win the spelling bee championship. Keke Palmer was excellent in this role and Laurence Fishburne brought a sense of elegance an authority to the film. The lessons learned through this movie are excellent for any kid growing up who feels different and holds their talent back so they "fit in." Even for parents, there's plenty to learn from this film including the need to support your kids and encourage their interests. Don't be turned off by the lame-sounding plot, this is one to watch.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Keke Palmer, Angela Bassett, Laurence Fishburne

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

SJ Sharks vs. St. Louis Blues - 10/5/06

Shawnna and I went to this game which was opening night. After some grub at the Old Spaghetti Factory, it was game on at the tank. The give-away was a poster featuring Jonathan Cheechoo (winner of the Maurice Richard Trophy as top goal scorer) and Joe Thornton (winner of the Art Ross Trophy as top point scorer and the Hart Trophy as league MVP). The trophies were on display in the arena as well. The biggest changes from last season seamed to be an increased ability to project images on the ice during the build-up to the opening faceoff and the change in the song that is played when the Sharks score - it's "Holiday" from Green Day.

Opening night got off on the wrong foot as Dan Hinote scored 36 seconds into the game to give the Blues a 1-0 lead. Matt Carle tied it with a goal 2 minutes later, but that was short lived as Jamal Mayers struck back 1 minute later. Things settled down after that initial flurry and the period ended with the Blues up 2-1.

The 2nd period saw the Blues spending a lot of time in the penalty box and the Sharks took advantage with Milan Michalek storing 2 goals 46 seconds apart - both on 5-on-3 power plays. That put the Sharks up 3-2, but the Blues tied it up when Lee Stempniak deflected a Bill Guerin shot past Vesa Toskala.

The 3rd period featured a lot more than goals as a referee had to leave the game after being hit in the eye by a shot from Milan Michalek. Also, the game was delayed for 20 minutes while the maintenance crew repaired a hole in the boards caused when Jonathan Cheechoo crashed into them. Amongst all that, Mark Bell scored his first goal as a Shark to give them a 1 goal lead with 5 minutes to play. Just when it seemed the Sharks had it in the bag, Bill Guerin scored with 6 seconds to play in the game after the Blues pulled their goalie, sending the game to overtime.

The overtime period was owned by the Sharks. They held the Blues without a shot and Curtis Brown scored on a deflection halfway through the period to ensure the Sharks started the season off on the right foot with a 5-4 victory. Hockey's back!

Score: W 5-4 OT
1st Period
Blues - Dan Hinote (Jamal Mayers, Dallas Drake)
SJ - Matt Carle (Mark Smith, Marcel Goc)
Blues - Jamal Mayers (Dan Hinote)
2nd Period
SJ - Milan Michalek(PP) (Joe Thornton, Jonathan Cheechoo)
SJ - Milan Michalek(PP) (Joe Thornton, Steve Bernier)
Blues - Lee Stempniak (Bill Guerin, Eric Brewer)
3rd Period
SJ - Mark Bell (Jonathan Cheechoo, Joe Thornton)
Blues - Bill Guerin (Keith Tkachuk, Martin Rucinsky)
Overtime
SJ - Curtis Brown (Matt Carle, Steve Bernier)

SJ SOG: 35
Blues SOG: 35
Winning Goalie: Vesa Toskala
Losing Goalie: Manny Legace

Tickets: Section 205 Row 12

A Clockwork Orange - Book Review

A Clockwork Orange takes place in a futuristic city governed by a repressive, totalitarian super-State. In this society, ordinary citizens have fallen into a passive stupor of complacency, blind to the insidious growth of a rampant, violent youth culture. The protagonist of the story is Alex, a fifteen-year-old boy who narrates in a made-up teenage slang. Alex leads a small gang of teenage criminals through the streets, robbing and beating men and raping women.

After a particularly violent attack on an old woman, Alex is arrested and learns that the woman has died. He is sentenced to fourteen years in prison. After a few years, Alex is selected as the first candidate for an experimental treatment called Ludovico's Technique, a form of brainwashing that incorporates associative learning. After being injected with a substance that makes him dreadfully sick, the doctors force Alex to watch exceedingly violent movies. In this way, Alex comes to associate violence with the nausea and headaches he experiences from the shot. The process takes two weeks to complete, after which the mere thought of violence has the power to make Alex ill. He is released from prison and finds that not only is he incapable of vicious acts, but he's defenseless as his earlier victims begin to take revenge on him. If Alex is to survive, it will take a drastic action on his part.

This book is very deep and packed full of fundamental struggles between opposing forces: good vs. evil, man vs. government, commitment vs. neutrality, youth vs. maturity, intellect vs. intuition. The problem is that this level of depth could be lost if you aren't able to look past all of the violence and strange vernacular. The use of a made-up language was a bit troubling at first and I wasn't sure I'd be able to really understand the events taking place, but it got easier as the book progressed - you can guess the meaning of the words based on context most of the time. Anyway, without this quirk, I'm not sure the book would have been asintriguingg and captivating. It's definitely an original literary work that should be read at least once - the book has an extra chapter that the movie doesn't address, so don't try to take the easy way out :-)


Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Would I read it again: No

A Clockwork Orange
by Anthony Burgess
Paperback: 192 pages
Released: 1962

Down in the Valley - ACE Train Movie Review

Tobe is a pretty 18-year-old whose father, Wade, is the sheriff of a town in California's San Fernando Valley. Tobe is driving to the beach with some friends when she stops at a filling station and meets gas jockey Harlan, who dresses like a cowpoke and claims to have recently relocated to Los Angeles from South Dakota. Harlan is immediately and obviously taken with Tobe, and when she asks him to tag along for the day, he impulsively quits his job to follow her. Tobe and Harlan soon become a couple, but Wade is convinced Harlan is not all he claims to be, and Tobe begins to wonder if her father might be right when Harlan takes her horseback riding and their date is cut short after police inform them the horses were reported stolen by Harlan's pal Charlie. Tobe's suspicions grow when Harlan offers to teach her little brother, Lonnie, how to shoot using a pair of real .45 revolvers, as his actions become less charming and more worrisome.

Snooze... This film was pretty boring and disturbing on a couple of levels. The relationship between Edward Norton's character and the young woman was bizarre as was his relationship with the woman's younger brother. It was slow moving and I couldn't figure out what the point of the plot really was. It ended without answering the biggest question I had - who is this guy and what's his play? More than once, the movie reminded me of Brokeback Mountain. Maybe it was the horses and cowboy getup, but I fully expected a gay cowboy love scene - not that there's anything wrong with that :-) It definitely had the "independent" vibe, but it didn't hit the mark as a feature film.

Rating: 2 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Edward Norton, David Morse, Evan Rachel Wood, Rory Culkin

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

Stay Alive - ACE Train Movie Review

In the days following the mysterious death of an old friend, a young group of gaming enthusiasts comes into possession of a chillingly realistic game based on the exploits of a 17th century noblewoman who earned the name "The Blood Countess" for her murderous exploits. Their curiosity piqued by the fact that they were obviously not supposed to come into possession of the grisly game, the teens soon give in to temptation and begin doing battle for high score. When the chilling events of the game begin to bleed over into the real world and the real-life deaths of the players begin to mirror the deaths of their in-game characters, the race is on to defeat the murderous Blood Countess and ensure that other curious gamers don't fall into the same deadly trap that they did.

The premise of this film was very original - events that transpire in a video game start happening in real life. The fact that is was eerie and creepy made it an even better plot. However, it got old pretty quick and the believability factor wasn't there, so it should have been even more over the top with more blood, gore and better special effects. Instead, it got a little corny and predictable toward the end. There are definitely better horror films out there, but I'll give this one credit for putting a different spin on things.

Rating: 2.5 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Frankie Muniz, Jon Foster, Samaire Armstrong

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

Sky Captain & the World of Tomorrow - Movie Review

Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow revolves around the mysterious disappearance of some of the world's most revered scientists. When an investigation is launched, Polly Perkins, reporter for the prestigious Chronicle, and Sky Captain, resident flying ace, are at the forefront of the case. Though the mission's perks include traveling around the world, the stout-hearted duo are nonetheless risking their lives with each passing moment, as the culprit is none other than the nefarious Dr. Totenkopf, and his goal, from what they can gather, is to destroying the earth in its entirety. Luckily, Sky Captain and Polly are not alone - Franky Cook, the commander of an all-female amphibious squadron, and Dex, an unparalleled technical genius, have joined them in hopes of saving the planet before it's too late.

This competes for the worst film I have ever seen. I can't believe 3 "major" Hollywood starts signed up to make this piece of junk. I have never turned off a film without watching it all the way through, but I was very close with this one. Everything that took place in this film was cheezy (the action, the dialog, the special effects). There were several scenes that seemed to be stolen directly from other movies - Jurassic Park, War of the Worlds, Star Wars. So, not only was it unoriginal, but it was painful to watch and I wouldn't recommend it unless you are heavily sedated.

Rating: 1 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

Red Eye - Movie Review

Lisa Reisert is a young woman with more than her share of anxieties about flying. However, when circumstances demand she go to Miami, she gathers her nerves and books a seat on a late-night flight. Sitting next to her is a handsome and charming man named Jackson, whom she already met in the airport, but once their jet is safely in the air, Lisa discovers he's not the pleasant traveling companion she imagined. Jackson is part of a terrorist cell plotting to kill the head of Homeland Security, and he's decided to draft Lisa into helping him. While Lisa has no interest in abetting Jackson's plan, he soon reveals he's holding a trump card - his compatriots are holding Lisa's father hostage, and will kill him if she doesn't cooperate.

For a "Mystery & Suspense" film, there sure wasn't much mystery or suspense. From the beginning, there didn't even seem to be an attempt to throw you off the trail of what you think is going to happen. It's all laid out before you and just follows the track all the way to the end without derailing your expectations one bit. The fact that the terrorists never even mention why they are plotting to kill the head of Homeland Security makes it even more of a shallow film. The best part of the film is the "pen in the neck" scene. Other than that, it's a forgettable movie and a waste of 90 minutes - the fact that Colby from "Survivor: Australia" is main security guard for the head of Homeland Security speaks volumes.

Rating: 2 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Rachel McAdams, Cillian Murphy, Colby Donaldson

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

Loverboy - ACE Train Movie Review

If loving too much were a crime, well-meaning but overbearing mother Emily would be spending life behind bars with no hope of parole. When Emily was a child, her parents were deeply in love with one another but tragically indifferent to their affection-starved daughter. Now a grown adult with a deep-rooted desire to bear a child, Emily goes to desperate lengths to conceive before eventually giving birth to an exceptionally gifted boy whom she names Paul. Emily's devotion to Paul burns brighter than a thousand suns as she creates a wondrous world of books, music, art, and games to share with her growing child, but her ever more desperate attempts to preserve the purity of their relationship reach a frantic fever pitch as a kindhearted local man opens his life to the pair and Paul prepares for his first year of school.

This is a very slow moving and boring film. There are several big named actors whose talents are wasted in this methodical and monotonous movie. It seemed as though the entire film was one big dream sequence where everything was fuzzy and slow moving. There were also a couple of strange and questionable relationships that were never fully developed or explained (like Sandra Bullock's character and her friendship with the little girl). This movie was an adaptation of a best-selling novel, so I assume the book is better, but the film certainly is not worth watching - unless you're having trouble sleeping.

Rating: 2 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Kyra Sedgwick, Matt Dillon, Kevin Bacon, Oliver Platt, Marisa Tomei, Sandra Bullock

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

Running Scared - ACE Train Movie Review

Joey Gazelle is a low-level "mechanic" in the Mafia who hopes to rise through the ranks by doing whatever is needed. One night, a drug deal goes very wrong when police show up and try to close down the operation; shots break out and a battle ensues, with a pair of cops meeting a particularly violent fate at bad end of a gun barrel. Joey is given the gun that killed the policemen and is told to make it disappear so it can't be used as evidence; however, before he can do that, the weapon is stolen by Oleg, a friend of Joey's young son, who takes the pistol and uses it to shoot his abusive stepfather. Now that the gun is implicated in high profile crimes, it's vitally important that Joey find it as soon as possible, but his search for the firearm is complicated by the fact that Oleg's stepdad is affiliated with a rival gang of Russian mobsters, and that Rydell, a seriously corrupt police detective, is hot on Joey's trail. Joey's search for the gun takes him through the grim criminal netherworld of the city, where he must face off against nearly every sort of crook, con artist, and deviate that has ever walked the earth.

This film is action-packed and kept me interested throughout. There are several twists and turns which keep you on your toes, but the number of sub-plots gets to be too much at times. There is even an entire sequence of events that seemed completely unnecessary and could have been removed while not affecting the film at all (the disturbing scenes with the man and woman who had a thing for filming kids). Overall, it was a good movie, but it seemed like they tried a little to hard to keep up the intensity which resulted in some over-acting. It also relied on a few too many coincidences for my taste and the final big twist made the ending way too cliche.

Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Paul Walker, Cameron Bright, Chazz Palminteri

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

Hard Candy - ACE Train Movie Review

Hayley is a 14-year-old teen whose emotional maturity seems to betray her tender age. Jeff is a potential child predator whose intentions toward his young chat buddy seem less than honorable. After meeting in a coffeehouse and getting to know each other briefly in person, Jeff invites Haley back to his place, and it's not long before Jeff's underage guest is pouring drinks and posing provocatively for an impromptu photo shoot. As the evening's questionable activities take a decidedly sordid slant and the raptorial Jeff appears poised to strike, a sudden turn of events finds that his apparent victim has had a plan of her own from the very beginning.

Very dark and disturbing movie that keeps you confused during much of it. There are some very sick things that happen and it raises some controversial issues that make you think about what side you are on - either side you choose can be considered creepy and disturbing. Being an independent feature, it ends without answering all of the unanswered questions which means you have to create your own conclusions. Sometimes, I think this type of ending is lazy, but it seems to work for this film and might not be as good if the ending ties up all of the loose ends. This film is definitely not for the faint of heart.

Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Patrick Wilson, Ellen Page

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

Clerks - ACE Train Movie Review

When Dante Hicks is reluctantly put in charge of the Quick Stop market on his day off, he tries, though half-heartedly, to perform his minimum-wage duties as efficiently as possible. This gets tough amidst the on-going fight with his girlfriend, Veronica, and his attempt to get back together with his ex-girlfriend, Caitlyn Bree. Meanwhile, his friend and alter ego Randall is working behind the counter of the adjacent video store - at least when he feels like it. Randall's unabashed disdain of his place of employment, a long with his self-admitted hatred towards its customers is a sharp contrast to Dante's feeble attempts at the niceties of customer service. Much of the film consists of Randall and Dante's criticism of their customers, their lives, and the world in general.

This is a cult classic which was originally released in 1994. It's so amateurish and low budget that you can't help but like it. The fact that it was filmed on a $27,000 budget and began the career of writer/director Kevin Smith makes it a must see for anyone who has an appreciation for independent films. It should also be appealing to anyone who worked in retail and can relate to the quirky customers who inevitably enter the store and provide fodder for funny bar stories. In this day and age of multi-million dollar films with huge special effects, it's refreshing to watch a movie like this that relies solely on the script and actors to create the entertainment.

Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: Yes
Starring: Brian O'Halloran, Jeff Anderson, Jason Mewes, Kevin Smith

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

Best in Show - ACE Train Movie Review

A television crew is on hand to document the prestigious Mayflower Kennel Club Dog Show, and competition is fierce among the canine devotees vying for top honors. Salesman Gerry Fleck, who is cursed with two left feet (literally), and his wife Cookie have entered their Norwich terrier "Winky" in competition. Wealthy and neurotic Meg Swan and her husband Hamilton are on hand with their Weimaraner "Beatrice," who they fear may have been traumatized by watching them have sex. Scott Donlan and his life partner Stefan Vanderhoof have brought their beloved Shih Tzu, "Miss Agnes." Trophy wife Sheri Ann Cabot and her close friend and trainer Christy Cummings are hoping for a repeat victory for Sheri's poodle, "Rhapsody In White." And Harlan Pepper, who operates a store specializing in fly-fishing gear, has decided to stack his bloodhound "Hubert" up against the competition.

The worst thing a comedy can be is unfunny and that's exactly what the majority of this film is. I suppose if you're really into dogs and dog shows, you can probably find humor in the over-the-top dog breeders and trainers that are portrayed in this mockumentary. However, if you're like me and have never seen a dog show, I doubt find this movie enjoyable. The humor is very dry and the semi-improvised comedy style doesn't work most of the time. There are several recognizable actors in this film, but unfortunately they aren't utilized to their potential. This is one experimental comedy that failed.

Rating: 2 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Christopher Guest, John Michael Higgins, Parker Posey

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

Lucky Number Slevin - ACE Train Movie Review

Upon arriving at the empty apartment of his old friend Nick, the unassuming Slevin is troubled to hear the voice of his missing friend's next door neighbor Lindsay expressing concern as to Nick's safety and whereabouts. When Slevin ventures into Lindsay's apartment only to be greeted by the uninviting fist of a thuggish mob henchman, he quickly realizes that Nick is indeed in grave danger. Soon summoned by the big boss and accused of being the deeply indebted Nick, Slevin's attempts to prove his identity are foiled by the fact that his wallet had been stolen upon arrival in the city. With time running out and a complex plot to assassinate one of the city's most powerful crime bosses slowly coming into focus, the arrival of a notorious hit-man named Mr. Goodkat forces Slevin to step up his desperate search and reclaim his identity before he's forced to pay a debt that could cost him his life.

After the first hour of this film, I didn't think it was very good. The actions of Slevin didn't match the situations he was put in. He seemed too loose and carefree as he was being threatened with violence and death. I thought it was trying to be a funny film where it should have been scary and dramatic. However, the last 30 minutes changed everything. In that time, all of the stories, characters and mannerisms came together and I realized how genius the plot had been. Everything made sense and now I have to watch the movie again to look for clues throughout the film. Awesome!

Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: Yes
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Morgan Freeman, Ben Kingsley, Lucy Liu, Bruce Willis

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

Donnie Brasco - ACE Train Movie Review

Joe Pistone is an FBI agent who is given an assignment to infiltrate the Mafia; calling himself Donnie Brasco, he befriends Lefty Ruggiero, a low-level mob hit man whose personal life is in tatters. Lefty's marriage is falling apart, his son is a junkie, and his health is failing, which only adds to his growing disillusionment about having spent 30 years with the Mafia with little to show for it. But in Donnie, Lefty sees someone who can succeed where he failed; he takes the young man under his wing, and under Lefty's tutelage Donnie quickly rises through the ranks of organized crime; however, the longer he plays the role of the gangster, the more Joe Pistone finds himself becoming Donnie Brasco in his increasingly rare off hours; it drives a wedge between himself and his wife and children, and Joe realizes that a break in character among the hoodlums he's come to know could mean a death sentence for himself and his family. Just as importantly, Joe has come to regard Lefty as a close and trusted friend, and Joe realizes that when the day comes where he has to turn in his Mob associates, he'll be ending Lefty's life as surely as if he put a slug in his head himself.

This is a great film in the same vein as The Godfather. The difference is that this film is told in the perspective of an undercover FBI agent who infiltrates the mob in order to bring it down. The fact that it was based on true events made it that much better and the special feature section even has an interview with the real Joe Pistone who talks about which parts of the movie were true to life and which were embellishments. The saying, "truth is stranger than fiction" definitely holds up for this film as it would have been a good film if it was fiction, but it's a great film since this stuff really happened. You have to give Joe Pistone credit for devoting several years of his life to bringing down the mob at the expense of his personal life. It's crazy to see how much he became one of "them" before the FBI finally ended the operation. This is a must see.

Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: Yes
Starring: Johnny Depp, Al Pacino, Michael Madsen, Anne Heche

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen - ACE Train Movie Review

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen takes place in an alternate universe where the characters of several literary classics exist in reality. As if that weren't enough, they've been assembled together in 1900 by Queen Victoria as a team of evil-fighting heroes. Among them are Allan Quatermain from H. Rider Haggard's King Solomon's Mines; Mina Harker from Bram Stoker's Dracula; Tom Sawyer from several works by Mark Twain; Dorian Gray from Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray; Captain Nemo from Jules Verne's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea; The Invisible Man from H.G. Wells book of the same name; and several others. Working together, the odd assortment of characters must combine their powers to defeat a mysterious villain and save the world from certain destruction.

I really expected more from a Sean Connery film. The premise seemed interesting and should have translated well into an action packed, blockbuster film. Instead, it turned out that the plot was a little cheesy and I never felt any type of emotion about what the League was trying to accomplish which meant I was indifferent and wasn't rooting for them. This made for a rather ho-hum experience. The special effects could have been way better as well, which doesn't say much for a film that relied heavily on them. The ending left it open for a sequel, but I don't think it's nearly good enough to subject anyone to another film unless they get a better director and maybe a larger budget for special effects. Not worth the time to watch it.

Rating: 2 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Sean Connery, Shane West, Stuart Townsend, Richard Roxburgh

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

Friends With Money - ACE Train Movie Review

Olivia is a single woman in her mid-thirties who feels she's reached a crossroads in her life. Unhappy with her career as a teacher, Olivia quits and takes a job as a maid until she sorts out her feelings. However, Olivia feels as if she could use some support, both personal and financial, from her best friends, all of whom at very least have more in the bank than she does. But that's not to say they don't have problems of their own. Christine and her husband Patrick are screenwriters who have discovered that collaborating is more stress than they can deal with. Jane is married to Aaron; they work together as designers, but while their professional relationship is cordial, they've become numb to one another as lovers and friends. And Franny and Matt are a couple who comfortably support themselves and their children thanks to an inherited fortune; while their material needs are met, emotionally they can barely handle marriage and parenthood.

This is one of the worst films I have seen in a long time. It came across like an independent film since the transition between the stories weren't very smooth, but the stories themselves weren't interesting to begin with. The entire film had a depressing feel to it and I kept waiting for that mood to break - I'm still waiting. It's hard for me to find anything positive to say about this movie other than the fact it was relatively short, so the misery didn't last that long. Seriously, this is one to skip. Jennifer Aniston laid a big egg with this one and should stick to light and fluffy roles.

Rating: 1 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Jennifer Aniston, Joan Cusack, Frances McDormand, Catherine Keener

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

The Sentinel - ACE Train Movie Review

Pete Garrison is a veteran Secret Service agent who has had a long and distinguished career helping protect the president of the United States. David Breckinridge is a fellow Secret Service agent who learned most of what he knows from Garrison and holds him in great respect. When intelligence data suggests that there is a mole within the Secret Service who is part of a plot to assassinate President Ballentine, Garrison launches an investigation to ferret out the rogue agent, and asks Breckinridge to go over the evidence with a fine-toothed comb. Breckinridge is shocked when the clues point to Garrison as the traitor within the Secret Service, but his sense of duty compels him to see that his former mentor is placed under arrest. Garrison eludes his captors and struggles to prove his innocence while tracking down the real conspirator and eluding the agents who were once his colleagues. As Breckinridge leads the search for Garrison, another ranking agent, Jill Marin plays devil's advocate, convinced that Garrison couldn't possibly be the rat in the house.

This film is intense and never lost my interest throughout. It was also very interesting since it deals with the Secret Service and a couple of former Secret Service agents consulted on the film to make sure it was as close to reality as possible. The "Secret Service training" really paid off as it was obvious that the actors knew what they were doing and actually could pass for the real thing. Michael Douglas and Kiefer Sutherland were great in their roles, but Eva Longoria and Kim Basinger were obviously there more for eye candy than to add anything to the plot. All in all, I enjoyed watching it and is definitely one I'd recommend watching once.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Michael Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland, Eva Longoria, Kim Basinger

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

The Perfect Storm - ACE Train Movie Review

In October 1991, a dying tropical hurricane from Bermuda collided with a cold front from the Great Lakes, resulting in a "perfect storm" of previously unknown destructive impact that resulted in 100-foot waves; tragically, the crew of a fishing boat was lost in the midst of the fearsome storm. Based on the best-selling book by Sebastian Junger, The Perfect Storm tells the story of the ship's brave and hard-working crew. Billy Tyne, captain of the Andrea Gail, hasn't had much luck finding catch on his most recent trips to sea, and with money short, he and his crew - Bob Shatford, Dale Murphy, and David Sullivan set out again when they hear that the fish are running. Billy's hunch proves correct, but when the ship's refrigeration system goes haywire, they have to return to shore as quickly as possible before the fish spoil, sending them into the middle of the worst storm in history.

George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg were very good in this film and provided a lot of tension, drama and realism to their roles. They were the high point of this film and the rest was just OK. Obviously, the ending was no big surprise and the journey to get there took a little too long - there are only so many scenes you can have where the water is slamming the boat before it gets a little old. I also thought the attempt to show the boat crew as "family men" prior to their perilous expedition was a bit weak - they have loved ones on the shore, we get it (the fisherman hitting on the heavy lady with two kids was downright awkward). Overall, I was disappointed in the quality of the film as a whole and thought they could have done a much better job of telling the story without it being so segmented.

Rating: 2.5 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, John C. Reilly, Diane Lane

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

Something's Gotta Give - Movie Review

Harry Langer is a swinging sixtysomething entertainment executive who is surrounded by plenty of young girlfriends. His latest romance is young petite sophisticate Marin, who takes him to her mother's beach house in the Hamptons for a weekend fling. However, Marin's successful Broadway playwright mother Erica Barry is already vacationing at the house with her sister Zoe. Marin and Harry stay anyway, and Harry ends up having a heart attack. He goes to the hospital and is looked after by thirtysomething doctor Julian Mercer. Impressed by her writing, Dr. Mercer finds himself pursuing a romance with Erica. Because of his serious health condition, he orders Harry to stay near the hospital. While Marin returns to Manhattan, Erica agrees to stay on and look after Harry. Of course they are repulsed by each other at first, but they end up falling in love throughout the recovery process.

As romantic comedies go, this is a pretty good one. It was funny, dramatic, emotional and contained many twists and turns along the way. Jack Nicholson was excellent and had great chemistry with Diane Keaton, but a questionable relationship with Amanda Peet. Keanu Keeves played his typical, clueless role and wasn't right for the part. Even though most of the twists weren't very surprising, it was still enjoyable, sad and uplifting at the same time. This is a great rainy day movie and I'm sure most women (especially older ones) will absolutely love it, but there's plenty for men to enjoy as well if they give it a chance.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Diane Keaton, Keanu Reeves, Amanda Peet, Frances McDormand, Jon Favreau

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

Kauai Trip - August 27 - September 3, 2006

View more photos from the trip here and click on Slideshow to view them all with descriptions.

To view a large map of Kauai marked with many of the locations I mention in this post, click the image below

Kauai is the Hawaiian island known as the Garden Isle and it's easy to see why. Lush, tropical landscapes, cascading waterfalls and towering green mountains are what make this island the best in the Hawaiian chain. I was there in 1995, but Shawnna had never been, so we decided to make the trip so she could witness the beauty firsthand.

Day 1 - Sunday, August 27th
After a 5 hour flight from San Jose to Honolulu and a 2 hour layover, we finally landed in Lihue, Kauai at 1:40pm. We immediately picked up our rental car (silver Chevy Malibu) and headed to our condo. We stayed at the Banyan Harbor Resort which is located just a couple of miles from the airport in Lihue. A friend of a friend has a timeshare there and graciously allowed us to use it for the week. After getting settled in, we were off to explore and find something to eat. The first place we stopped was Coconut Marketplace in Wailua (East Kauai) which is a shopping center and we ate at a little outdoor fish grill where Shawnna had a tuna salad and I went with the fish & chips. Next, we kept driving up the East coast and stopped in Princeville (North Kauai) which is where I stayed last time I was here. However, I wasn't able to find the exact condo where I stayed since there was so much new construction over the last 11 years. We got back on the road and drove to Haena Beach Park which is almost where the road stops on the North side. We walked on the beach and went into the water to test it out (about 75°). After enjoying the moment, we drove back to the East side of the island and ate dinner at Bubba's Burgers in Kapa'a before heading back to the room for some much needed sleep.

Day 2 - Monday, August 28th
We attended an island orientation presentation at the resort which consisted of a bunch of spokespeople for various activities available around the island giving their sales pitch. The best part was that we won the door prize of a 2 for 1 coupon for the Kilihana Luau (we booked it for Thursday). After that, we drove South along the highway (there's one major highway on the island) and stopped in Poipu. We ate lunch at Brennecke Beach Broiler which is across the street from Poipu Beach. After enjoying our BBQ Kalua Pork Sandwiches, we kept driving West on the highway, stopping at the Kauai Kookie Kompany and finally ended up at the end of the road which was the Kalalau Lookout. This lookout provided great views of Waimea Canyon which is nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. It is 10 miles long, 1 mile wide and 3,500 feet deep which was carved over thousands years by the rivers and floods that flowed from Mount Wai'ale'ale (the world's wettest spot with annual rainfall averaging 460 inches). After taking pictures and marveling at the beauty, we headed back and stopped at the Kauai Coffee Company to sample some island brew on the way. For dinner, we drove back to Kapa'a to eat at Coconuts Island Style Grill where Shawnna had the Mahi Mahi and I feasted on Teriyaki Salmon. For dessert, we shared a piece of Banana Cream Pie - the food was so good here, highly recommended.

Day 3 - Tuesday, August 29th
Today we took a 7 hour catamaran trip to the Na Pali Coast and Niihau with Holo Holo Charters. We left from Port Allen which is in Hanapepe Bay on the South side of the island. The catamaran was a 65 foot power catamaran and took about 35 people on the trip. After leaving the harbor, we headed for the Na Pali Coast on Western Kauai and saw a ton of flying fish on the way as well as some playful spinner dolphins that hung around the boat and even a couple of sea turtles. The Na Pali Coast was awesome to see from the boat with its sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls, white sand beaches and many sea caves - the catamaran sailed into one of the caves and we were able to look up through the skylight at the top of the cave. Next, we sailed 17 miles across the channel to Niihau (The Forbidden Island where you must be full blooded Hawaiian to live) and snorkeled off the coast next to a small island called Lehua. While snorkeling, we saw a monk seal, manta ray and a bunch of other tropical fish. After snorkeling, we ate lunch, sailed down the coast of Niihau and headed back to the harbor. On the way back, we saw more dolphins and a school of tuna feeding with a shark taking his share as well. We went back to the room and ate dinner there - Shawnna had leftovers from Coconuts and I got a bacon cheeseburger from JJ's Broiler. We finished the day with chocolate truffles from the Kauai Chocolate Company.

Day 4 - Wednesday, August 30th
We started the day with breakfast at Eggbert's in Kapa'a where I enjoyed the banana pancakes and Shawnna had a veggie omelet. Next, we drove up North to the end of the road at Ke'e Beach which is where the Kalalau Trail starts. This trail winds along the lush, green cliffs of the Na Pali Coast and ends 11 miles later at Kalalau Beach. However, we only hiked 2 miles on the trail and ended up at Hanakapi'ai Beach with only a few other people. The hike is very difficult since it is steep, rocky, slippery and muddy, but since it's the only land access to this part of the coast, it's worth the effort to see the amazing views of the towering sea cliffs and lush valleys (we even saw a couple centipedes). After hiking 2 miles back, we were hungry for lunch, so we drove to Hanalei and ate at the Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant (Shawnna had the opah fish salad and I had fish & chips). We sat at a table right next to the Hanalei River and had a great view of several waterfalls in the mountains. Next, we went to the Kilauea Lighthouse which was built in 1913 and is the northernmost point on the island with great views of the coast and the Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge where we saw a couple of monk seals resting on the shore. After that, we stopped at the Guava Kai Plantation and headed back to Lihue for Dinner at Duke's. The restaurant is located on Kalapaki Beach and we had a great ocean view while Shawnna enjoyed her ono fish and I dined on mahi mahi. We finished it off with hula pie which is macadamia nut ice cream with oreo crust, hot fudge and whip cream on top - yum!

Day 5 - Thursday, August 31st
Ready for another adventure, we headed to Ali'i Kayaks for a kayak & hike trip. We started at the mouth of the Wailua River and paddled 2 miles up the North Fork where we beached our kayaks and began a 1 mile hike through a tropical rainforest to the Secret Falls. This area was once reserved for Hawaiian royalty and the guide told us the history and legends of the area throughout the trip. After eating lunch at the falls, we took a quick dip (it was cold!) and hiked and paddled back to the marina. In the evening, we attended the Kilohana Luau at the Kilohana Plantation (a sugar plantation where the biggest house ever built on Kauai is located) where we received a wagon ride pulled by Clydesdale horses around the property prior to the start of the festivities. The luau was the typical Hawaiian luau with hula dancers, fire dancers, live music and of course, the feast. The buffet included kalua pig, lomi lomi salmon, fresh fruit, mahi mahi, teriyaki beef, stir fry, fried rice, taro rolls, rice pudding, carrot cake and passion fruit cheesecake among other things. Needless to say, we were stuffed when it was over as we waddled back to our car and drove back to the room.

Day 6 - Friday, September 1st
This was the day I was waiting for and Shawnna was fearing - the helicopter ride around the island with Will Squyres Helicopter Tours. We lifted off from Lihue airport at 7:30am on what turned out to be the clearest day that we could have possibly asked for. We went clockwise around the island and were able to see all of the major attractions from the air including Waimea Canyon, Mount Waialeale, Wailua Falls (the falls shown in the opening credits of Fantasy Island) and the Na Pali Coast. Since it was so clear, we actually flew inside of a volcanic crater (not active) to see all of the waterfalls cascading down the sides. This whole ride was a truly amazing experience and allowed us to see things that you aren't able to see any other way. By the end, Shawnna wanted to go "five more times." After that, we drove to Wailua Falls lookout to see the "Fantasy Island" falls from ground level. We ate lunch at Brick Oven Pizza in Kalaheo and our next destination was Barking Sands Beach at the far Southeast end of the island. The paved road ends 4 miles before you get to the beach and then you are forced to drive on a dirt road that is extremely bumpy and car rental companies tell you not to go. After driving on the dirt road for a couple of miles, we decided to turn back since the car was vibrating so much (and so were we) that we felt there were other beaches we could visit that were much easier to get to. On the way back, we stopped at the National Tropical Botanical Gardens and the Gay & Robinson Sugar Plantation. For dinner, we ate at the Bull Shed which is a steakhouse located right on the water in Kapa'a. Shawnna had the filet mignon with cracked pepper and I had the teriyaki top sirloin - my steak was good and the view of the ocean was even better.

Day 7 - Saturday, September 2nd
We rented some snorkel gear and drove to the end of the road on the North side to do some snorkeling at Ke'e Beach. We got there early to avoid the crowds, picked our spot on the beach and jumped in the water. The reef off the shore was teeming with various types of fish and the water was a perfect 75°. After a couple hours of snorkeling and sunbathing, it was time for lunch, so we drove to Lighthouse Bistro which was down the street from the Kilauea Lighthouse. I had a cheeseburger and Shawnna had the fish tacos (food was good, service was bad). Next, we drove back down the coast and went to the Opaeka'a Falls lookout in Wailua. After putzing around for a while, we went to dinner at Wahoo Seafood Grill & Bar in Kapa'a. Apparently, we saved the best for last as the entrees we ordered (Kona fish and Seabass) looked like art on the plate and tasted even better. For dessert, we shared the bananas and cream with caramel topping that was delicious. Couple great food with a tropical setting next to the coconut palm grove and you have a winning recipe for a very enjoyable dinner - highly recommended. That was a great way to spend our last night in Kauai.

Day 8 - Sunday, September 3rd
All good things have to come to an end and today was the day. At 10:20am, we flew out of Kauai and travelled back to reality.

View more photos from the trip here and click on Slideshow to view them all with descriptions.

Poseidon - ACE Train Movie Review

Set adrift in the vast waters of the North Atlantic for a luxury New Year's Eve party staged in the ship's magnificent ballroom, the massive ocean-liner Poseidon receives an unexpected jolt when a rogue, 100-foot wave rolls it completely upside down, forcing the surviving passengers to fight their way to safety. Trapped beneath the waterline and implored by the captain to remain in place until a rescue team arrives, the panicked survivors struggle to keep their cool as the water begins to rush in, infernos blaze all around, and a loss of electricity plunges the doomed vessel into total darkness. Seasoned gambler Dylan Johns isn't willing to wage his life on the prompt arrival of help, though, and as he attempts to navigate the treacherous, inverted maze of death, he is flanked by desperate band of like-minded seafarers including eight-year-old Conor and his mother, Maggie, reticent stowaway Elena, suicidal Richard, and concerned father Robert, whose missing daughter may still be somewhere onboard along with her frightened fiance. With a little luck and a little help from onboard waiter Marco, the desperate team may just live to see the morning after.

This is a straightforward action / adventure film. Nothing was particularly original and I'm sure in a few months, it won't stand out in my mind among all of the other action films. It was really just a twist on Titanic without the character development. Since it was only 90 minutes, it was pretty much non-stop action, so I was never bored. They did a good job of putting the main characters in precarious positions where you weren't sure if they were going to survive (some don't) and the special effects were top notch. If you liked the action sequences in Titanic but didn't like all of the touchy feely stuff, you'll like Poseidon.

Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Kurt Russell, Richard Dreyfuss, Josh Lucas, Jacinda Barrett

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

About Schmidt - ACE Train Movie Review

Schmidt has settled into a dormant life. He has an unfulfilling marriage to Helen, and conspires to spend as much time away from her as possible. Schmidt's daughter Jeannie is engaged to Randall Hertzel, a man Schmidt believes is entirely unworthy of his daughter. When Helen unexpectedly dies, Warren is adrift until he discovers old love letters sent to his wife from his best friend. This inspires Warren to make a valiant effort to stop his daughter's wedding. His plans start to go awry when he meets Randall's extroverted mother, Roberta.

This is a dark comedy that is much more dark than comedic. It was a very slow moving film with not a lot to keep me interested. The best part was Schmidt's letters to his African "foster child" Ndugu. Most of it was actually a bit depressing and didn't make retirement look very appealing. Speaking of appealing (or not), I could have gone my whole life without seeing Kathy Bates naked, but unfortunately there is a particularly disturbing scene in which this occurs. In other words, skip it unless you would like to fall asleep with an image of Kathy Bates naked forever burned in your brain.

Rating: 2 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Hope Davis, Kathy Bates

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

Milwaulkee, Minnesota - ACE Train Movie Review

Albert is the best ice-fisherman in Wisconsin. He is not the sharpest tack in the box, making him susceptible to the less than ethical advances of nefarious Jerry, Stan, and Tuey, who all want in on his tournament winnings. Albert's life becomes even more difficult after his loving mother dies in an unexpected traffic incident.

Independent films are usually hit or miss with me and this one was definitely a miss. The plot sounded mildly interesting, but the execution was anything but. The acting was bad and was awkward to watch (especially in the beginning, but maybe I just got used to it after a while). It was listed under the Comedy Drama category, but I don't remember laughing even once during the entire film. As a matter of fact, the only emotions I felt were embarrassment for the actors at the beginning and lethargy during the rest.

Rating: 2 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Troy Garity, Alison Folland, Randy Quaid, Bruce Dern

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

Brick - ACE Train Movie Review

An outsider by nature, Brendan is forced to penetrate the elaborate ranks of the high-school social scene and its more insidious underbelly when the body of his former girlfriend Emily is found lying lifeless in a remote creek. Though the pair had been on the outs, Brendan can't seem to shake the hysterical phone call that he received from Emily the day before her body was discovered, a call in which she rattled off a number of cryptic words: "brick," "pin," "tug," "poor Frisco." He's determined to find the guilty party, and to do that he'll need to uncover the meaning behind her enigmatic phone call. From the highest-ranking athlete to the lowest-level burnout, no one is above suspicion of leaving her in that creek or putting her in the position to end up there. Brendan's skill for getting the right attention from the right people leads him to a local drug dealer of urban-legendary status, who walks with a cane and lives with his mother. As Brendan infiltrates the social and political web more deeply, his theory solidifies and each player's role becomes clear, from the shifty-eyed pot slinger to an upper-crust innocent who may well be a femme fatale. Brendan may soon be ready to make his case, even if it's too late for him to get out.

This is a very good independent film. It starts out cryptic and confusing and the secrets start to become exposed as the film goes on. By the end of the film, everything comes together and makes sense, but you have to be patient. The story is original and is told in a unique way, but I think the best part of the film was the acting. All of the actors involved in this film were great and intriguing. The various characters played well off each other and were just quirky enough to keep my attention, but not over the top. I was sucked into the plot fairly quickly and I couldn't wait until things started coming together and making sense; which they did little by little. I'll give the writer/director Rian Johnson credit for a job well done.

Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Lukas Haas, Nora Zehetner, Matt O'Leary

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

RV - ACE Train Movie Review

A white-collar workaholic deceptively persuades his family to forgo their much-anticipated Hawaiian vacation for a cross-country road trip in a fully loaded RV, during which they discover the true meaning of family bonding. Bob Munro is overworked and overstressed, and though his proposal to hit the road with his wife and two children at first sounds like a heartfelt bid to get better acquainted with his increasingly dysfunctional family, it soon becomes obvious that he had more career-oriented goals in mind when planning the trip. The Munros have always managed to get by in the past, though, and as they slowly become immersed in RV culture with a little help from a full-time troupe of Winnebago warriors, they might just make it to the Rocky Mountains without driving each other totally insane.

This was one of the films I had very low expectations for and only watched it because it was new and I'm running out of movies on my list. However, I'm very glad I decided to watch it as I was laughing during much of the film and really enjoyed it. So much for my anticipation of a completely corny and unfunny film. I will admit that there are some corny parts, but overall, it was really entertaining and genuinely funny. It's not going to go down as a Robin Williams classic, but it's worth spending 90 minutes to watch it once.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Robin Williams, Jeff Daniels, Cheryl Hines

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

Around the Bend - ACE Train Movie Review

Henry is an elderly man in failing health living in a small town in the Southwest, where he's cared for by his live-in nurse. As Henry's condition grows worse, he's joined by his son Turner, his grandson Jason, and his great-grandson Zach. As the four men deal with Henry's illness, they also try to come to terms with a lifetime's worth of differences between them.

KFC must have paid a pretty penny for product placement in this film. It was really a big commercial for them as a lot of the film took place in various KFC restaurants throughout the country (hard to explain without seeing it). Beyond that, it was a good film with a good message, but a bit strange as well. That was part of its appeal as it was original and goofy. It's only 1 hour, 20 minutes long, so I would suggest watching it and if you don't like it, you won't feel like you wasted a lot of time. However, I doubt you would feel this way if you go in with an open mind and expect an odd, yet deep film about life, death, bitterness and forgiveness.

Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Michael Caine, Christopher Walken, Josh Lucas

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

Oakland Athletics vs. Seattle Mariners - 8/16/06

August 16th was Fremont Day at the Oakland A's game. Not sure what that really means, but I got discounted tickets, so I went to the game with Shawnna and her family. It was the perfect night for a game - not too hot, not too cold and a sold out stadium. It was also a good game to see since their opponent was the Seattle Mariners who the A's have beat 14 straight times.

The A's didn't waste much time getting on the board when Mark Ellis (who was batting in the number 9 spot) hit a 3 run homer in the 2nd inning which scored Nick Swisher and Marco Scutaro. Two innings later, Nick Swisher scored again; this time on a balk by Gil Meche which allowed Swisher to walk home. That was all of the runs that were scored as the A's went on to win the game 4-0. Dan Haren was the winning pitcher giving up 7 hits, striking out 8 and not allowing a run in 6 innings. This win tied a Major League record for the longest winning streak against a division opponent (15). It also solidified my view that going to a baseball game has little to do with watching the "action" on the field and is more about socializing with the people in the stands. Can't wait for hockey... Go Shaaaaaarks!

Fahrenheit 451 - Book Review

In Fahrenheit 451, firemen don't put out fires - they start them in order to burn books. Bradbury's vividly painted society holds up the appearance of happiness as the highest goal - a place where trivial information is good, and knowledge and ideas are bad. Fire Captain Beatty explains it this way, "Give the people contests they win by remembering the words to more popular songs.... Don't give them slippery stuff like philosophy or sociology to tie things up with. That way lies melancholy."

Guy Montag is a book-burning fireman undergoing a crisis of faith. His wife spends all day with her television "family," imploring Montag to work harder so that they can afford a fourth TV wall. Their dull, empty life sharply contrasts with that of his next-door neighbor Clarisse, a young girl thrilled by the ideas in books, and more interested in what she can see in the world around her than in the mindless chatter of the tube. When Clarisse disappears mysteriously, Montag is moved to make some changes, and starts hiding books in his home. Eventually, his wife turns him in, and he must answer the call to burn his secret cache of books. After fleeing to avoid arrest, Montag winds up joining an outlaw band of scholars who keep the contents of books in their heads, waiting for the time society will once again need the wisdom of literature.

This is a classic book in every sense of the word. Although it was written 53 years ago, it might be even more relevant today than it was back then. The world that is described in the book is actually frighteningly close to the world we currently live in. Of course, there aren't any firemen lighting houses on fire for containing books, but there are plenty of people who are constantly glued to the TV, raised by television families and (whether they admit it or not) consider TV an integral part of their everyday life. Currently, there are TV shows about TV shows and game shows that test your pop culture knowledge. There's even several shows that try to suck in the viewers by allowing them to "participate" by voting for their favorite character and then broadcasting a separate show to announce the results. I won't claim I'm completely immune and don't watch TV, but I am going to try to limit it as much as possible. Fight the trend and exercise your brain. Here's a suggestion: read this book.


Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Would I read it again: Yes

Fahrenheit 451
by Ray Bradbury
Paperback: 208 pages
Released: 1953

Subject Two - ACE Train Movie Review

Deep within the snowbound monoliths of the Rocky Mountains, Dr. Franklin Vick is struggling to perfect the fine art of resurrection. Bringing the dead back to life is a tricky game though, and in order to truly carry out his research Dr. Franklin is going to need an assistant. Despite the highly controversial and blatantly unethical nature of Dr. Franklin's research, troubled medical student Adam Schmidt casts aside his doubts and hastily makes way for the doctor's snowbound laboratory to help take part in the potentially historic discovery. As the pair work feverishly to perfect their resurrection methods, they quickly find out that although death may not be as permanent as medical science presently dictates, it most certainly has some troubling side effects.

I failed to understand the point of this film. A doctor keeps killing a guy and bringing him back to life for what? Just to prove he could do it? To create a race of zombies that can last forever? Maybe if there was some interaction with the outside world, there could have been some interesting drama, but it took place in a remote cabin in the mountains, so the entire film had only 5 or 6 characters (2 of which were never heard from again after the beginning of the film). There's only so much "Here, drink this" and "Let's go for a hike in the snow" that I could take. It got very repetitive and ended with a slightly surprising twist that really should have been the beginning and would have made for a much more interesting film.

Rating: 1 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Christian Oliver, Dean Stapleton

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

Beautiful Girls - Movie Review

A high-school reunion in a snowy New England town brings together a diverse band of former classmates. They include NYC pianist Willie who has found only small success playing night clubs and is considering taking a job as a supply salesman. While in town, Willie, who is having relationship problems with his girlfriend, finds himself becoming friends with 13 year-old Marty. Then there's Tommy, the aging jock who though seriously involved with Sharon, cannot resist the occasional walk down memory lane by sleeping with the former prom-queen Darian, who is married but believes that her husband won't find out. Paul is dumped by his waitress girlfriend Jan, in part because of the swimsuit-clad supermodels plastered all over his walls. Paul then becomes attracted to Andera, who is visiting her cousin Stinky, a local tavern owner.

This is what I would term a "cute movie." There's not a whole lot of substance, but it's fairly entertaining. There were so many characters that it was impossible to explore any of them in depth, so you're left with a surface understanding about who they are. Therefore, the interaction between everyone is light and fluffy, although there were a couple of intense scenes. Also, the relationship between one of the men and a 13 year old girl was a bit creepy. It ended much like it began - dull and meandering.

Rating: 2 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Timothy Hutton, Matt Dillon, Lauren Holly, Mira Sorvino, Uma Thurman, Natalie Portman, Rosie O'Donnell

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

Inside Man - Movie Review

Dalton Russell is a bank robber with a difference. In his quest to execute the perfect heist, Dalton has taken every possible factor into consideration. Dalton's uncanny ability of staying one step ahead of the law thwarts even-tempered Detective Keith Frazier's best efforts. But there's another factor at play. The bank president has requested the services of high-profile negotiator Madeline White. Despite her commendable track record, Madeline is something of a wild card, and before the day is over, this bank robbery will go down in history as one of the most elaborate heists ever executed.

Sometimes clever, other times far from reality, this film has highs and lows, but is mostly just average. The overall plot to rob the bank was executed in a clever way, but the interaction between the head negotiator and the head bank robber was a little far from reality - especially when the negotiator was given a tour of the bank by the robber who showed him where the hostages were being held and even dispensed some relationship advise. I seriously doubt that a bank robber of this caliber would let the police get that close and act so friendly. Also, the sub-plot with Willem Dafoe's character seemed to be a waste of screen time and didn't really add to the drama of the story as it should have. The ending was pretty weak as well. Overall, it was an OK movie, but not a must see.

Rating: 2.5 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, Jodie Foster, Christopher Plummer, Willem Dafoe

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

The Godfather: Part III - ACE Train Movie Review

Two decades have passed and crime kingpin Michael Corleone, now divorced from his wife Kay, has nearly succeeded in keeping his promise that his family would one day be "completely legitimate." A philanthropist devoted to public service, Michael is in the news as the recipient of a special award from the Pope for his good works, a controversial move given his checkered past. Determined to buy redemption, Michael and his lawyer B.J. are working on a complicated but legal deal to bail the Vatican out of looming financial troubles that will ultimately reap billions and put Michael on the world stage as a major financial player. However, trouble looms in several forms: The press is hostile to his intentions. Michael is in failing health and suffers a mild diabetic stroke. Stylish mob underling Joey Zaza is muscling into the Corleone turf. "The Commission" of Mafia families, represented by patriarch Altobello doesn't want to let their cash cow Corleone out of the Mafia, though he has made a generous financial offer in exchange for his release from "la cosa nostra." And then there's Vincent Mancini, the illegitimate and equally temperamental son of Michael's long-dead brother Sonny. Vincent desperately wants into the family (both literally and figuratively), and at the urging of his sister Connie, Michael welcomes the young man and allows him to adopt the Corleone name. However, a flirtatious attraction between Vincent and his cousin, Michael's naive daughter Mary develops, and threatens to develop into a full-fledged romance and undo the godfather's future plans.

Without a doubt, this was the weakest of the Godfather trilogy. Not that it was a bad film, but it just pales in comparison to the first two films which were classics. It was strange to watch the Mafia family try to become "legitimate" and turn its back on their past. The life of crime is what made the first two films so interesting and successful. I also question the casting for this film. Specifically, George Hamilton isn't someone I would have picked for that role and Sofia Coppola was horrible and awkward to watch. I spent a lot of time cringing while she was on the screen - I guess being the daughter of the director has its perks. As a stand-alone film, it's OK, but in the context of the other two Godfather films, it's not a must see.

Rating: 2.5 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, Andy Garcia, Sofia Coppola, Joe Mantegna, George Hamilton, Sofia Coppola

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

The Godfather: Part II - ACE Train Movie Review

The sequel to The Godfather parallels the young Vito Corleone's rise with his son Michael's spiritual fall, deepening The Godfather's depiction of the dark side of the American Dream. In the early 1900s, the child Vito flees his Sicilian village for America after the local Mafia kills his family. Vito struggles to make a living, legally or illegally, for his wife and growing brood in Little Italy, killing the local Black Hand Fanucci after he demands his customary cut of the tyro's business. With Fanucci gone, Vito's communal stature grows, but it is his family (past and present) who matters most to him - a familial legacy then upended by Michael's business expansion in the 1950s. Now based in Lake Tahoe, Michael conspires to make inroads in Las Vegas and Havana pleasure industries by any means necessary. As he realizes that allies like Hyman Roth are trying to kill him, the increasingly paranoid Michael also discovers that his ambition has crippled his marriage to Kay and turned his brother Fredo against him. Barely escaping a federal indictment, Michael turns his attention to dealing with his enemies, completing his own corruption.

I think I actually liked Part II better than the original Godfather which is very rare. The reason is that the plot was more complex and was actually two different stories - the rise of Vito Corleone as a kid and the subsequent rise of his son, Michael after Vito's death. This provided a great insight to how the "family" got started and flourished to become one of the top crime families in the country. I also like Al Pacino and think he did an excellent job taking over the role of Don Corleone (he is easier to understand than Marlon Brando). A lot more time passed during this film which meant they focused on many different events in time which were all dramatic or action oriented - never dull, which is a must for a 3 hour movie. Another classic film that is a must watch. I would have been satisfied if this was the last Godfather film, but they had to make one more.

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: Yes
Starring: Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Robert De Niro, John Cazale

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

The Godfather - ACE Train Movie Review

It is the late 1940s in New York and Vito Corleone is, in the parlance of organized crime, a "godfather" or "don," the head of a Mafia family. His son, Michael, a free thinker who defied his father by enlisting in the Army to fight in World War II, has returned a war hero. Having long ago rejected the family business, Michael shows up at the wedding of his sister Connie with his non-Italian girlfriend, Kay, who learns for the first time about the family "business." A few months later at Christmas time, the don barely survives being shot by gunmen in the employ of a drug-trafficking rival whose request for aid from the Corleones' political connections was rejected. After saving his father from a second assassination attempt, Michael persuades his hotheaded eldest brother Sonny and family advisors Tom Hagen and Sal Tessio that he should be the one to exact revenge on the men responsible. After murdering a corrupt police captain and the drug-trafficker, Michael hides out in Sicily while a gang war erupts at home. Falling in love with a local girl, Michael marries her, but she is later slain by Corleone enemies in an attempt on Michael's life. Sonny is also butchered, having been betrayed by Connie's husband. As Michael returns home and convinces Kay to marry him, his father recovers and makes peace with his rivals, realizing that another powerful don was pulling the strings behind the narcotics endeavor that began the gang warfare. Once Michael has been groomed as the new don, he leads the family to a new era of prosperity, then launches a campaign of murderous revenge against those who once tried to wipe out the Corleones, consolidating his family's power and completing his own moral downfall.

Yes, this was the first time I have ever seen The Godfather, 34 years after it was released. I have heard about how great of a film it is and after watching it for myself, I can see why it's one of the classics. Even after 34 years, it seemed relevant and timeless. It was very long, but seemed to go by fairly quickly since it was so interesting and gripping. Marlon Brando's character was hard to understand sometimes since he talked so softly, but that added to the intensity and made you pay close attention. All of the supporting characters, who are now stars in their own right, were excellent and made the film even better. I don't think I really need to recommend a film that is already a classic, but if you haven't seen it, check it out. It definitely gives a whole new meaning to "family business."

Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: Yes
Starring: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Abe Vigoda

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

The Stolen Child - Book Review

From the book jacket: On a summer night, Henry Day runs away from home and hides in a hollow tree. There he is taken by the changelings - an unaging tribe of wild children who live in darkness and in secret. They spirit him away, name him Aniday, and make him one of their own. Stuck forever as a child, Aniday grows in spirit, struggling to remember the life and family he left behind. He also seeks to understand and fit in this shadow land, as modern life encroaches upon both myth and nature.

In his place, the changelings leave a double, a boy who steals Henry's life in the world. This new Henry Day must adjust to a modern culture while hiding his true identity from the Day family. But he can't hide his extraordinary talent for the piano (a skill the true Henry never displayed), and his dazzling performances prompt his father to suspect that the son he has raised is an imposter. As he ages the new Henry Day becomes haunted by vague but persistent memories of life in another time and place, of a German piano teacher and his prodigy. Of a time when he, too, had been a stolen child. Both Henry and Aniday obsessively search for who they once were before they changed places in the world.

This is a very good book with a creative and whimsical plot. The author took an unbelievable turn of events and made it seem believable and realistic. His style is distinct and the format of alternating every other chapter between the perspectives of the two main characters made the story easy to follow and created a sense of divergent lives running parallel in time. The main characters were well developed as were several supporting characters that made the story that much more interesting. This book is definitely a page turner and a quick read.

I don't know what the author's plans are, but I would love to read a sequel. There were enough loose ends left at the end of this novel to leave the door open for further adventures. Much like Harry Potter is a smash hit for young adults who want to explore the fantasy world of the wizards, The Stolen Child is the adult version for those who would like to escape reality and enter the world of fairies and changelings. Although, the fantasy world of Harry Potter is much more complex and completely thought through, whereas The Stolen Child could have been a little more detailed / complete. By the way, the legend of changelings isn't anything new - it's been around for generations and more information can be found here. Overall, I would recommend this book for Harry Potter fans or fantasy fans in general - it won't take much time to read and it's worth every second. Who knows, maybe you'll uncover memories of a stolen childhood.


Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Would I read it again: No

The Stolen Child
by Keith Donohue
Hardcover: 319 pages
May 2006

Eight Below - Movie Review

An American geologist flies to Antarctica to participate in a project at the United States Research Base, where he teams up with arctic guide Jerry Shepard and his best friend, Cooper. The scientist soon discovers that Shepard also has eight other valuable friends - a pack of sled dogs he's worked with for years, who have rescued him from a number of tight spots. As the three men explore a frozen mountain region, an unexpected accident coupled with a massive storm front forces them to fly to safety, leaving the dogs behind. Shepard is determined to rescue his canine friends, but he has to wait until the weather will allow him to travel back to the mountain, while the dogs struggle against the elements to survive as they attempt to make their way back home.

Being a Disney movie about some dogs who get lost, I had very low expectations of this film. I thought it would be really geared toward kids and would be boring, but I was wrong. This was actually a very good film, had a lot of action and actually made me jump during one of the scenes. The acting wasn't the greatest (a little on the goofy side) and the ending was no surprise, but I was pretty well sucked into the story and was rooting for the dogs to survive against all odds. Of course, I'm a sucker for films based on true events, so the fact that this was inspired by a true story involving Japanese researchers exploring the Antarctic in 1957 surely affected my rating in a positive way. Overall, this is a great movie for older kids and adults to enjoy together and might even spark some interesting discussions for families centering around death and love.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Paul Walker, Bruce Greenwood, Moon Bloodgood, Jason Biggs

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

V for Vendetta - ACE Train Movie Review

Based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore, V for Vendetta takes place in an alternate vision of Britain in which a corrupt and abusive totalitarian government has risen to complete power. During a threatening run in with the secret police, an unassuming young woman named Evey is rescued by a vigilante named V - a caped figure both articulate and skilled in combat. V embodies the principles of rebellion from an authoritarian state, donning a mask of vilified would-be terrorist of British history Guy Fawkes and leading a revolution sparked by assassination and destruction. Evey becomes his unlikely ally, newly aware of the cruelty of her own society and her role in it.

I typically like films based on comic books (graphic novels), but a lot of them are pretty light weight and fluffy - more suited for teenagers than adults. Sin City really broke that mold and V for Vendetta continued with the tradition of a "smart" comic book being translated into an intense and dark film. I never read the original comic book, but the special features showed some of the panels and compared them to the film - very similar. The subject matter is grown up as well and needs your attention to really understand the depths of what is happening. The acting is excellent by all involved and it's a trip to watch V who is a good guy and bad guy all rolled up into one - the mask he wears is more than just a literal object. Overall, I would highly recommend this film for anyone who likes action, drama, science fiction, conspiracy theories, political statements, mystery and suspense - in short, everyone.

Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: Yes
Starring: Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, John Hurt

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

Love Actually - ACE Train Movie Review

Love Actually involves more than a dozen main characters, each weaving his or her way into another's heart over the course of one particularly eventful Christmas. The seemingly perfect wedding of Juliet and Peter brings many of the principals together, including heartsick best man Mark, who harbors a very unrequited crush on Juliet. There's also recent widower Daniel, trying to help his lonely stepson Sam express his true feelings to a classmate. Across town, devoted working mother Karen tries to rekindle the passion of her husband, Harry, who secretly pines for a young colleague of his. In the same office, the lonely Sarah not-so-secretly pines for a man just a few desks away, who returns her affections but may not be able to dissuade her neuroses. Providing the unofficial soundtrack for all of the couples is an aging rocker who just wants to cash in and get laid - but even he might find a meaningful relationship in the most unlikely of places.

Talk about a romantic comedy, this is definitely one to check out if you like that sort of thing. From start to finish, it's nothing but what you would expect from a typical romantic comedy - lots of romance mixed with humor. There are no plot twists or much action. It's completely straightforward and you can figure out the end in the first 15 minutes. For this type of film, there are way too many characters and it is way too long (probably because there are way too many characters to give screen time). If you cut the cast in half and only told half of their stories, the film could have been shortened by 45 minutes and it might have been bearable. Let me be clear, it wasn't a bad film, just a bit over the top and way too sweet and predictable for my taste.

Rating: 2.5 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Alan Rickman, Bill Nighy, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Laura Linney, Liam Neeson, Keira Knightley, Billy Bob Thornton

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.