This Films is Not Yet Rated (2006,NR) was another film watched during a few days of bachelorhood.  The filmmaker examines the MPAA's rating system and its lack of transparency.  One of the more interesting aspects of the film is how he hires a private investigator to determine the identities of the ratings and appeals board members.  The MPAA is certainly providing a useful service with its rating system, but it also seems like there should be more transparency and that the ratings should be applied with more consistency.

I enjoyed this film.  I give it 4 out of 5.

- Jonathan

Posted by Jonathan at 10:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Another film watched during a few recent days of bachelorhood was Black Snake Moan (2007,R) (ScreenIt! Review).  From ScreenIt!:

When a farmer finds a young white woman beaten and unconscious, he sets out to save her from herself, by chaining her to his radiator so she must stop seeking solace in sex with strangers.

I really didn't know what to expect from this one because all I had seen was a bizarre trailer in the theater one of the few times that I had been there in the last few years...but I was pleasantly surprised.  I enjoyed it.

I give it 4 out of 5.

- Jonathan

Posted by Jonathan at 09:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Back at the end of May, Lisa and I watched Knocked Up (2007,R) (ScreenIt! Review).  From ScreenIt!:

A man and woman try to forge a relationship, despite their obvious differences, when she ends up pregnant after their one-night stand.

I was glad to finally see this one after hearing it cited so often in the same context as Juno (as a "I'm keeping my baby" kind of film).  Someone, I don't remember who, complained to me that he didn't like it because it was too crude.  I won't argue with that except to say that apparently I'm not particularly averse to crudeness.  I enjoyed it, though not as much as Juno.

I give it 4 out of 5.

- Jonathan

Posted by Jonathan at 11:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Another recent family "movie night" featured Evan Almighty (2007,PG) (ScreenIt! Review).  From ScreenIt!:

A newly elected Congressman finds his personal and professional life disrupted when he gets the message from God to build an ark.

This was a cute one that everybody seemed to enjoy.  I give it 4 out of 5.

- Jonathan

Posted by Jonathan at 10:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tonight I finished watching Tristam Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story (2006,R) (ScreenIt! review), a subtle comedy starring Steve Coogan about the making of a movie adaptation of an 18th century novel.  I know Steve from a British TV series that I enjoyed, Saxondale.  I'm sure many don't, but I like British humor...so I liked this one too.

I give it 4 out of 5.

- Jonathan

Posted by Jonathan at 10:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Another film I watched on the flight back from Germany was 3:10 to Yuma (2007,R) (ScreenIt! Review).  From ScreenIt!:

Desperate for money to keep his farm operational, a down-on-his-luck, 19th century rancher agrees to transport a legendary and dangerous robber to a train that will take him to prison.

I've never been a big fan of westerns, but this was enjoyable.  I didn't really like the ending, though...it seemed too sappy or something.  All in all it was good, though.

I give it 4 out of 5.

- Jonathan

Posted by Jonathan at 09:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On the flight back from Germany one of the films I watched was The Beach (2000,R) (ScreenIt! Review).  From ScreenIt!:

A young American traveler and his two new French friends travel to a hidden island, rumored to be a tropical paradise, only to slowly discover that it might not be such an idyllic place.

I enjoyed it.  It was interesting to read on Wikipedia about differences between the book and the movie, and I think I would have preferred that some of the changes that were made hadn't been.

I give it 4 out of 5.

- Jonathan

Posted by Jonathan at 09:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

For movie night tonight we watched The Secret Garden (1993,G).  From Wikipedia:

The recently-orphaned Mary Lennox travels from her home in India to her uncle Archibald Craven's hundred-room house, Misselthwaite Manor, in Yorkshire, England.

I'm pretty sure I'd seen this one before, but it was enjoyable to watch with the kids.  I give it 4 out of 5.

- Jonathan

Posted by Jonathan at 10:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Back in December I watched For Your Consideration (2006,PG-13) (ScreenIt! Review).  From ScreenIt!:

People involved in the making of and reporting on a holiday movie react to news that some of the performers in it might receive award nominations, all while dealing with studio changes to the film to make it more commercial.

I enjoy the mockumentaries from these guys, and this was no exception.  I give it 4 out 5.

- Jonathan

Posted by Jonathan at 05:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A few weeks ago we took a family trip to the movies and saw Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (2007,G) (ScreenIt! Review).  From ScreenIt!:

After the whimsical owner of a magical toy store announces he's leaving, his protégé has doubts about whether she can run the shop without him.

Lisa really liked it.  I though it was OK, and the kids seem to like it.  I give it 4 out of 5 for actually being a decent movie that doesn't make you cringe for you kids to see.

- Jonathan

Posted by Jonathan at 09:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)