Plainview Is Finished!

The End

2009-11-24T19:58:00.000-08:00

Yes ladies and gentleman, we knew this day would come. Plainview is finished, once and for all. I am going on to bigger and better things. Whether or my endeavors succeed... let's just say if they do, this blog is not the last you'll be hearing of Evan T. So I bid you adieu, and leave you with this parting wisdom...

In the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make...

Psyche! That's not the last sentence of my blog. This is.

"I'm finished!"

Theater Review: 2012

2009-11-24T19:49:00.000-08:00

Roland Emmerich returns, (I suppose he isn't really returning; he was never gone), to the disaster flick with his overblown epic, 2012. The film stars John Cusack as Jackson Curtis, an unpopular writer, (Martian Child, 1408, anyone?), trying to balance his temp job as a limo driver with seeing his estranged children. If that isn't hackneyed enough for you, throw in 150 minutes of special effects, "complemented" by the god awful script. 2012 is an epic failure, if nothing else. A nice highlight: Woody Harrelson as the crazed DJ to first predict the disaster.

One and a half stars out of five.

Starring, John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Oliver Platt

Directed by Roland Emmerich

2009

Theater Review: Capitalism: A Love Story

2009-10-16T17:40:00.000-07:00

Michael Moore comes back to wide release with his new documentary, Capitalism: A Love Story. Don't be fooled by the title; Michael Moore's documentary is as poignant and informative as they come. I was personally impressed with his work on such previous films as, Sicko, and Bowling for Columbine, but this seemed a lot better to me. Strangely enough, the film is both horrifying, and surprisingly optimistic. I wouldn't want to steer people the wrong way however. So, I suggest you seek out one of his previous films first. If you enjoy it, then get ready for something better. If you didn't... well... you will tolerate it.

Five out of five stars.

Starring, Michael Moore

Directed by Michael Moore

2009

Watch the trailer here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhydyxRjujU

Read about the movie here:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1232207/

Join the fight here:

http://www.michaelmoore.com/

Theater Review: Zombieland

2009-10-03T14:19:00.000-07:00

Now let's get this straight; I'm a zombie movie fan. Some are better than others, but generally, I go for movies of the genre. Zombieland is a bit different. The movie starts out in somewhat predictable form, but about five minutes in, I've gotta say, I was hooked. The film follows Columbus, a twenty-something year old who just happens to be trapped in the middle of the zombie apocalypse. No worries though; Columbus has figured out a set of rules to follow, when dealing with the undead vermin. This changes drastically when he meets up with Tallahassee, a man bent on killing zombies, purely for an adrenaline fix. Further down the line, they meet up with Wichita and Little Rock, a pair of sibling con artists, also bent on survival. The movie is surprisingly economical for a zombie movie, clocking in around eighty minutes. There is no doubt that there have been better movies, but really; who could turn this down?

Three out of five stars

Starring Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, Abagail Breslin

2009

Watch the trailer here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-cIjPOJdFM

Watch the redband trailer here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zTEXWoACBY

Read about the movie here:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1156398/

Theater Review: Extract

2009-09-16T12:30:00.000-07:00

Mike Judge returns after a long absence from mainstream film, with his workplace comedy Extract. The movie follows Joel (Jason Bateman), the owner of an extract plant who runs into trouble after an employee loses a testicle in a freak accident. I was skeptical of Extract at first; the plot seemed thin, the trailer didn't look very good, and all and all I thought Mike Judge had lost his touch. Boy, was I wrong. Apart from the film itself being ridiculously funny, it has a certain kind of wisdom, similar to that of his two earlier efforts, Office Space and Idiocracy. This is a must-see for every Mike Judge fan out there. And remember, don't pay any attention to the trailer.

Four and a half out of five stars.

Starring, Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig, Mila Kunis

Directed by Mike Judge

2009

P.S. I intentionally left out the link to the trailer below.

Read about the movie here:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1225822/

A New Poll!

2009-09-01T16:47:00.000-07:00

The new poll is:

"How many movies do you see a month, on average?"

The poll will close on September 8th, and please, do put your vote in!

Sincerely,

Evan T.

Theater Review: Julie & Julia

2009-09-01T16:31:00.000-07:00

"365 days, 524 recipes..." repeats Amy Adams, in Nora Ephron's latest comedy/biopic, Julie & Julia. The film follows Julie Powell, a woman who decides to cook her way through Julia Child's book, Mastering The Art Of French Cooking. As her story unfolds, so does the story of Julia Child, (well-played by Meryl Streep). The idea itself is unconventional, and the director does capture an unmistakable sense of nostalgia. However, the intertwining of the two stories is shoddy at best. With mediocre directing, and clumsy editing, Julie & Julia is recommended for the endearing performances, if nothing else.

Two and a half out of five stars

Starring Meryl Streep, Amy Adams

Directed By Nora Ephron

2009

P.S. I just realized I left out links to read about the movie in question and watch the trailer... Sorry!

Watch the trailer here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjvJHsJD8ic

Read about the movie here:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1135503/

Theater Review: District 9

2009-08-19T11:07:00.000-07:00

Aliens come to earth and are treated like second-class citizens in Neil Blomkamp's District 9. The film follows Wilkus Van De Merwe, an employee of MNU (Multi-National United), who is sent to evict all aliens from their district outside of Johannesburg, and move them into a new more "concentration camp"-esque area. Things go terribly wrong when he is exposed to an alien made liquid that slowly transforms him into one of the foreign beings. Not only is the film surprisingly well-made and heartfelt, but it has a very important moral point. What that point is... Well, you're just going to have to see it for yourself!

Four out of five stars

Starring, Sharlto Copely, Nathalile Boltt

Directed by Neil Blomkamp

2009

Theater Review: G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra

2009-08-13T18:15:00.000-07:00

Let me start this review by saying, that any movie which has been backed primarily by Hasbro, is not promising. G. I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra is, quite literally, the most cliched movie on the planet. Yes, it has the hardened fighter with a sensitive soul. Yes, it has one of the main characters reaching the vulnerable side of the somewhat nerdy, bookish girl. Yes, it has the tough general, who in the time of duty, goes against all odds and turns the table on his higher power. Oh, and did I mention it has explosions? It has a lot of those. The bottom line is, if you want to be entertained mildly... I wouldn't spend nine bucks to see this.

One out of five stars

Starring, Dennis Quaid, Marlon Wayans, Channing Tatum

Directed by Stephen Sommers

2009

Theater Review: In The Loop

2009-08-04T19:02:00.000-07:00

When a British minister claims that war in an unnamed middle-eastern country is "unforeseeable", he sets off a chain of events, all involving bureaucrats in both Britain and America. In The Loop is the title of this satire, and may I say, firsthand, that this film gets the official Plainview Is Finished! honor as,

Best Comedy Of The Year!

(So far)

Filled with sharp, quick paced dialogue, In The Loop is a treat to watch. It's a joke-a-minute kind of movie with a lot of "what'd he just say?" interplay. If this kind of comedy is not your style, I still recommend you give it a try. After all, I didn't think it was my style either...

Five out of five stars

Starring, Tom Hollander, James Gandolfini

Directed by Armando Iannucci

2009

Directed By Armando Iannuci

Theater Review: Bruno

2009-07-18T15:16:00.000-07:00

Sacha Baron Cohen, (of Borat fame), is back with his new film, Bruno. Using the same technique as Borat, Bruno features the title character, a flamboyantly homosexual Austrian fashonista, who comes to America with hopes of becoming a superstar. Along the way he has encounters with several people, all of whom are shocked and disgusted by his behavior. Now, don't get me wrong, I enjoyed Borat. Yes it was crude, rude, and devoid of any taste, but I didn't cringe, or shudder, or cover my eyes. Bruno is quite different. Whether it's Cohen trying to seduce Ron Paul, or 30 seconds of a large, rotating penis, you will be sure to leave the theater either laughing hysterically, or, like me, with a bad taste in your mouth.

Two out of five stars.

Starring, Sacha Baron Cohen

Directed by Larry Charles

2009

I Am Actually Back!

2009-07-18T15:13:00.000-07:00

Yes, yes, I know I haven't posted anything for a while, but I am not kidding this time, I am back! So I think I'll kick things off with a fresh review, shown above.

Holidays, Delays and More!

2009-01-08T17:47:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone and welcome back to Plainview Is Finished! after a long month and a half absence. Luckily some devoted fans were checking my blog daily and e-mailed me about my leave. I would like to apologize to those who were dissapointed. However, I also have good news! A fan and friend is joining me in the everlong pursuit of filitering out all of the bad movies out there, and pointing you to the good ones. Yes, we have a new reviewer! Max S. we'll be joining me with an occasional review. If any of you fans think you are good enough to write for my blog, contact me by email at plainviewisfinished@gmail.com. Thank you and check back weekly for more reviews!

Theater Review: Four Christmases

2008-12-07T19:20:00.000-08:00

Seth Gordon directs the new Christmas comedy, Four Christmases. It follows a happily unmarried couple who, when their flight to Fiji is canceled, have to visit all four of their divorced parents' houses for Christmas. May I simply state, before going into further detail, I loathe this movie. Why? Because of it's forced acting, unimaginative directing, and it's shameless, filthy, raunchy, offensive script. Filled with plenty of the same old slapstick, sex and vomit jokes, Four Christmases is sure to please people with no real sense of humor.

1 out of 5 stars

Starring, Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon

Directed by Seth Gordon

2008

Read about the movie here:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0369436/

P.S. Due to busy schedules, I will do the "Top 5" tomorrow.

Poll Results: Week 2

2008-12-07T11:11:00.000-08:00

The results from my second poll are in. The question was:

What is your favorite Simon Pegg/Nick Frost/Edgar Wright effort?

Unanimously, the winner was:

Hot Fuzz

Thanks for voting! Come back later for this week's "Top 5".

Sincerely,

Evan T.

DVD Review: Eyes Without A Face

2008-12-03T19:55:00.000-08:00

From 1960 comes the living proof that, contrary to popular belief, movies made over 50 years ago can still be chilling, haunting, and very usually disgusting in the horror piece, Eyes Without A Face. The film follows a surgeon who, after horribly injuring his daughter in a car crash, begins to kidnap women, and graft their faces onto his daughter's. With exquisitely unique directing by Georges Franju, Eyes Without A Face is a sure fire gem for both horror fans, and serious cinema fans alike.

5 out of 5 stars.

Starring, Pierre Brausseur, Alida Valli, Edith Scob

Directed by Georges Franju

1960

Buy it here on DVD:

http://www.amazon.com/Eyes-Without-Face-Criterion-Collection/dp/B0002V7O0Q/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1228363389&sr=8-1

DVD Review: The Hustler

2008-12-02T20:40:00.000-08:00

From 1961 comes Robert Rossen's film, The Hustler. Widely applauded by critics and film goers alike, the movie did quite well at the box office. But here's the kicker, it deserved it. The film follows "Fast" Eddie Felson, an expert pool hustler who travels from table to table, building up cash. But when legendary pool player, "Minnesota" Fats comes around, he doesn't hesitate to challenge him. After 40 painstaking hours of games, running on nothing but whiskey, Eddie loses. Ashamed, he leaves town and lives with a woman whom he met at the bus station, and gradually come to love her. This film is, simply put, masterful. Not only are the actors great, but the writing and directing are oddly superb, in a film which feels almost like a two hour soliloquy.

Five out of five stars

Starring, Paul Newman, Piper Laurie, Jackie Gleason

Directed by Robert Rossen

1961

Buy it here on DVD:

http://www.amazon.com/Hustler-Two-Disc-Collectors-Paul-Newman/dp/B000O77SPO/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1228279918&sr=8-1

This Week's "Top 5"

2008-11-30T09:54:00.000-08:00

#5: Four Christmases tops Twilight in the box office.

#4: Kurt Wimmer, (director of Equilibrium, Ultraviolet), rumored to direct Metal Gear Solid film adaptation.

#3: George Carlin's 14th and final HBO special is released on DVD. (I know it's not a film, I just felt I had to include it.)

#2: Australia seems to flop, as it takes in 20 million dollars. That would be okay for any normal production, but it might not go over well considering the gargantuan amounts of money spent on the film.

#1: Let The Right One In gets a wider release, after being praised by critics and audiences.

Buy George Carlin's special here:

http://www.amazon.com/George-Carlin-Its-Bad-Ya/dp/B001D5C1FI/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1228068326&sr=8-1

Poll Results

2008-11-29T22:51:00.001-08:00

The results of the poll from the first week are in. The question was:

"What is your favorite Tim Burton/Johnny Depp film."

In the end, it was a four way tie, between:

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Corpse Bride
Ed Wood

Thanks for voting. Check again tomorrow for another poll, as well as this weeks "Top 5" biggest developments in film.

Sincerely,

Evan T.

Theater Review: Let The Right One In

2008-11-27T19:40:00.001-08:00

If I told you there were not one but two films about adolescent love and vampires in theaters currently, would you believe me? If you said yes, you are correct. Forget about Twilight, Let The Right One In is the ultimately superior movie. Set in Sweden in the 1980's, the movie follows the bullied, lonely boy named Oskar. He falls in love with the oddly beautiful Eli, who, guess what, is a vampire. Not only is this movie amazingly directed and written, but the chemistry between Oskar and Eli is more than just apparent, it's incredible. This movie may appear to some as a revenge fantasy, and they are correct, but I see it as much, much more.

5 out of 5 stars.

Starring, Kare Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson, Per Ragnar

Directed by Tomas Alfredson

Swedish with english subtitles

2008

Read about the movie here:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1139797/

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T09:38:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is here, and with thanksgiving comes turkey, stuffing, and sadly no movie reviews, for I am taking the day off to visit my relatives. I will be back tomorrow with more reviews and information. Feel free, once again, to post anything on my blog while I am gone.

Sincerely

Evan T.

P.S. Enjoy your turkey!

DVD Review: Tropic Thunder

2008-11-26T10:34:00.000-08:00

Who says Hollywood has lost it's originality? From Ben Stiller comes on of the most refreshing satires on action films ever, Tropic Thunder. With an outstanding supporting cast including, Robert Downey Jr. and Jack Black, Tropic Thunder makes it mark as one of the greatest satires of all time. The plot is simple; five actors making a war movie are, through a series of freak occurrences, taken out of their fictional movie, and thrown into very real battle situations. Gut-busting one liners and outstanding physical comedy make this movie truly entertaining.

4 out of 5 stars

Starring, Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black

Directed by Ben Stiller

2008

Buy it here on DVD:

http://www.amazon.com/Tropic-Thunder-Jr-Robert-Downey/dp/B001H5X7I4/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1227843013&sr=8-1

And here on Blu-Ray:

http://www.amazon.com/Tropic-Thunder-Unrated-Directors-Blu-ray/dp/B001H5X7KC/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1227843118&sr=8-1

My New Hit Counter

2008-11-26T10:33:00.000-08:00

hit counter

DVD Review: Nightmare Alley

2008-11-25T19:00:00.000-08:00

For my first review, I will be talking on a strange little movie which recently became available on DVD. It's 1947's Nightmare Alley. It stars Tyrone Power (acclaimed pretty boy of the 40's), in his most serious, outstanding performance. He stars as Stan Carlisle, a small-time carney turned nightclub playing mind-reader turned suave confidence man. He and a strong supporting cast including, Joan Blondell and boxer "Iron" Mike Mazurki, make watching the rise and fall of the lead character an entertaining experience.

3 out of 5 stars

Starring Tyrone Power, Joan Blondell, Coleen Gray

Directed by Edmund Goulding

1947

Buy it here on DVD:

http://www.amazon.com/Nightmare-Alley-Fox-Film-Noir/dp/B0007ZEO8C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1227843176&sr=1-1

My Top 15

2008-11-25T17:56:00.000-08:00

As an introduction, I fell it would be interesting to list my top 15 favorite movies of all time. Feel free to converse, applaud, or criticize them as you wish.

P.S. These films are in no particular order, I hate drawing absoulutes.

There Will Be Blood (2007)
How Green Was My Valley (1941)
Au Hasard Balthazar (1966)
The River (1951)
Vertigo (1958)
Last Year At Marienbad (1961)
Grave Of The Fireflies (1987)
The Tree of the Wooden Clogs (1978)
Sleuth (1972)
Singin’ In The Rain (1952)
The Illusionist (2006)
Michael Clayton (2007)
Hot Fuzz (2007)
V For Vendetta (2005)
Young Mr. Lincoln (1939)

Sincerely,

Evan T.

Hello Everyone!

2008-11-25T17:49:00.000-08:00

Hello one and all to Plainview Is Finished!, where it's movies 24/7. I will be reviewing movies on DVD and in theaters, as well as providing a list every Sunday of the 5 biggest developments in movies for the previous week. This list will include the biggest movie releases, the hidden gems only I and select people know about, and the updates on future films. You can also post what ever you want on my blog, if it's asking about a movie I havn't reviewed, or if its just talking about film in general, I am always glad to have conversations with fellow movie fans. Not to mention you can e-mail me at plainviewisfinished@gmail.com

So come, read, post, and enjoy!

Sincerely,

Evan T.