topdogwoof69

Number ONE of the three best Movies of 2006 so far. I can't sit through a movie as though it is "mindless entertainment", being a writer and an artist I unwillingly break the movies apart. Judging them by these things: 1. If the Director was able to capture the heart of the film, while over coming predestined obstacles. 2. If the Graphics were wisely chosen. 3. If the movie used its own ideas or stole from others. And finally, 4. If the actors, cinematographers, and producers were able to flow with the directors vision. OH YEAH and I didn't have to be on drugs to see it!

That being said, "X-Men The Last Stand" was a great depiction of the source material. This movie did so well (for me) because of the casualties of war. This movie had casualties lost in their fight for their own individual causes.

(HERE COME THE SPOILERS)... First off is: WOLVERINE: After establishing his back story with the first two films, Last Stand wonderfully utilizes his skills and his ties to all the characters. He takes time for Rogue, fills in for Cyclops, challenges Xavier, bonds with the Phoenix and rallies the X-Men during their darkest hour. Like I said, wonderful use of Logan. MAGNETO: The other main catalyst of the film. His ambitions, charisma and his power make him the perfect antagonist for the near perfect sci-fi adventure. JEAN GREY: Nuff Said! Don't argue that she was not a casualty, even if she comes back- she still lost herself and was the pure essence of power. The perfect example of power corrupting and absolute power corrupting absolutely. Her psychotic breaks were wonderfully portrayed by Famke. BEAST: A great new voice with a great new look. Kelsey was perfect PROFESSOR XAVIER: One of the most important roles in the movie because we finally see shades of gray from Xavier (or shades of GREY if you will). The allusion to Professor X not being able to help Jean like he was unable to help Jason from X2. The frustration Xavier feels as he explains to Logan why he had to place barriers in Jean's mind is palpable. Also, the reaction of the children during his memorial is the most moving and emotional moment in any of the three films.

Anyways, for the task of making a great sequel... that offered more then the first and was able to expand on the second- it met all requirements with FLYING COLORS! The pace was better, the effects were better, the writing was at least as good, the additional characters were nicely patched in, Wolverine kicked backside, and over all this is the best film of the SUMMER '06!!!!!!

You think the box office flop here had anything to do with the plot of The Island being too stupid to believe?

MAJOR SPOILERS........................................

How do they expect you to believe that this clone base and their illegal behavior wouldn't have been exposed in seven years? Congress passed legislation and specific laws yet no one ever enforces these laws? No one ever checks on the status of these clones in their "vegetative state?" None of these four thousand employees would suffer a crisis of conscience (killing mothers directly after giving birth?) and leak anything to the media? Employees like Steve Bucheme wouldn't talk or be an informant for cash?

Did we need the obligatory car crashes on the freeway scene? Can you say Matrix or Bad Boys 2? You would think that the truck driver would've noticed that he was losing most of his load after the first dozen giant metal dumbbells fell off his truck but no, he kept on driving.

It was nice to see that killer mercenary have a change of heart and help Scarlett at the end of the movie. Who cares that he was guiding his crew to kill as many cops as possible just a few scenes earlier on the streets of LA. Very believable plot turn there. Why did Scarlett assume that they would just capture her on the swingset? They've been firing bullets at her all day long and trying to kill her on site yet, they arrest her and don't even check to see if she's armed? Next, she's being prepped for surgery yet no one notices the gun? Unless she had the piece wedged clear up her huha, what's the deal with that? The ending is too stupid for words. He pulls one lever and everything blows up. Thus saving the day and making it possible to finish the movie with Michael Bay's patented wide angle swoop slow motion shots. (Not to mention the "guy kissing girl swoop slo-mo shot-I thought I saw Ben Affleck kissing Liv Tyler in the background)

I could go on pointing out the stupidity of this movie but I've already wasted too much of my time on this trash. Some flops are just pure justice.

"The Punisher" is a shining example of revenge and vigilante-style justice done right. It's also yet another comic book adaptation done properly. In fact, this may be the first time I wished we could give half-vaults, because it was just that good. In the compendium of comic movies, this falls just shy of the two X-Men movies, but it is right there with Spider-Man and easily surpasses Batman, Superman and The Hulk. The fact that it is an R-rated movie will kill any possible chance of decent box-office numbers, but it was a necessary step to take, and the quality of the movie just makes up for it. Hopefully this was Thomas Jane's breakout role, as he was outstanding and has the potential to be a contender to Ben Affleck, Hugh Jackman, Colin Farrell, and Matt Damon as the next middleweight action star. If you like action movies, check out this movie. If you like comic book adaptations, check out this movie. Heck, if you just like movies in general, The Punisher is two hours well-spent. Like Thomas Jane himself says, "Frank Castle is dead. Long live The Punisher."

As far as movies go, In Good Company leaves a lot to be desired. I can't believe how cheesy it actually is. If you can stand the repetition and lack of inventiveness and don't care about anything beyond the "eye candy" value, I suppose this movie has the capacity to entertain. But, like most hollow, shallow entertainment of this sort, it's probably best seen after a number of alcoholic beverages. It's a car-wreck of a movie, the sort of cinematic disaster that one watches with a morbid fascination, the way some people slow down to inspect an accident scene. You keep asking yourself, how bad can it get? Unhappily, in this case it always manages to get still worse. Happily, it does eventually end.

I went with a certain amount of trepidation, but I came out of this movie impressed with the way the story was told. Jennifer Garner is gorgeous and the villains were wonderful. Elektra is an anti-hero (a person who kills people, not saves them; but soon chooses a better path), so expect a lot of violence and action. The refreshing thing is that there is real dialog and real depth also in this surprising film. I recommend this movie to anyone who has got an imagination, a taste in movies, an action movie lover or a Marvel fan. Bottom line - go see this because you will not be disappointed. It is a fun action movie with a good story.

Finally, a movie that was worth the admission fee. This is an action fan's dream that will keep you on the edge of your seat, while delivering an actual plot. 5 stars, I know it's early but so far the best movie of 2005.