Metropolis

This animated feature from Taro Rin is a beautiful, if confusing film. The Anime was state of the art when released, and viewers may never see another film quite like it, with it's unique characters, and massive scale. The story revolves around the futuristic city Metropolis where Humans and robots live, sectioned off according to different levels of normal and subterranean cities. When the small boy Ken-Ichi finds a beautiful young robot girl, he must help her to find out her purpose for existing, a purpose both of them are not prepared for. The art is incredible, and the story interesting, but the messages are not as clear as they ought to be, still over all, an intriguing film, well worth discovering.

B

Spirited Away

This film from the master of japanimation Hayao Miyazaki is nothing short of breath taking. Without even considering the story, the animation stands out as some of the best ever brought from Japan. The story is what really gives this movie it's incredible nature, something of a Japanese Alice in Wonderland, the young heroin Chihiro starts as a whining brat, but when she finds her self caught up in the magical world of the spirits, she must discover her ability to do what's right even in the face of great danger, to save herself, and her parents. The world inhabited by spirits could not be any more sinister and fantastical at the same time, the whole movie is so steeped in the Japanese culture that some American audiences my find it hard to understand or appreciate, but for those with a well rounded knowledge of Asian culture, anime, or magnificent storytelling, this movie is sure to captivate.

A+

The Matrix Revolutions

The third and final Matrix installment was a an ending not quite as anyone expected. It picks up RIGHT where reloaded stops, and due to the ambiguity of the second film expectations on this one were very mixed. An explosive finish to the much debated film saga, this movie ends very true to it's anime roots. The film has some amazing special effects, this time in the real world, and stronger acting than that in reloaded, the symbolism from the first is back, but the ending leaves viewers not quite satisfied that everything is over. Revolutions has all the elements of a perfect ending, but somewhere along the way, they must have missed something.

B+

The Matrix Reloaded

The second film in the Matrix Trilogy follows Neo and other people freed from the matrix as they begin the countdown to either total annihilation, or ultimate redemption from the machines. Possibly the most abrupt cliffhanger ending in recent film history, but none the less a good action epic. Good visuals, good story, or half of a story, the only negatives are some cheesy line deliveries, and some super heavy dialogue. Worthy of it's place alongside it's predecessor.

A-

The Matrix

What with my new movie reviewing website, I feel it's necessary to write my first official review (Walter Mitty was a test) on my most favorite movie ever.

This Action packed Cult favorite somehow mixed ambiguous philosophical messages with the most revolutionary special effects since the original Star Wars Trilogy. With unmatched visuals, solid acting on everyone's part, an inventive captivating story all with enough food for thought to keep you thinking long after Neo and Trinity's first big kiss, this movie has taken place as my favorite ever, bar none.

A+

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (1947)

This classic with Danny Kaye, released by HBO Home Video, is a film version of the short story following the life of an average day dreamer who gets caught up in a ring of mystery and murder.

Good story, good plot. Only negatives are poor visuals.

A-