The Spirit (2008)

[Movie 167 / Day 179]


An odd film this. It looks fantastic for the most part; very similar to Sin City. Unfortunately, the script is pretty rubbish. It's supposed to be a film noire detective story; but it just comes across as disjointed. The dialogue is plain terrible.

Disappointing.

My rating: 4.7 / 10
IMDB rating: 5.0 / 10
Running time: 103 mins
IMDB link

Lakeview Terrace (2008)

[Movie 166 / Day 178]


Samuel L Jackson is on fine form as Abel, the angry LAPD officer who doesn't like the mixed-race couple that have just bought the house next door. When his kids witness a late-night 'christening' of the pool by the newlyweds, Abel starts trying to force them out.

The tension builds slowly but intensely, but unfortunately it seems that the writer ran out of steam and the final scene changes in feel dramatically - and not for the better. All the way through the film, Abel is coldly calculating; until the very last moment when he seems to lose his mind and acts totally out of character.

Still, it's better than I was expecting.

My rating: 6.4 / 10
IMDB rating: 6.3 / 10
Running time: 110 mins
IMDB link

Menace II Society (1993)

[Movie 149 / Day 160]


Very similar to Boyz n the Hood, Menace II Society follows a young black man, Caine, as he falls deeper into a world of drive-by shootings, revenge killings, drugs and senseless violence in general. Eventually he comes to realise that he needs to get out or he will eventually be put in prison or die.

Much more violent than Boyz, it has an equally potent message. It also has a brilliant line near the opening and a brilliant line near the closing.

I liked it, even if it is a touch depressing.

Features Samuel L Jackson in a cameo as Caine's father. He's badass, as usual.

My rating: 7.4 / 10
IMDB rating: 7.4 / 10
Running time: 97 mins
IMDB link

Cleaner (2007)

[Movie 133 / Day 117]

Distinctly average movie about an ex-cop (Samuel L. Jackson) who now runs a cleaning company that specialises in cleaning up after somebody dies inside a house - ie, mopping up bodily fluids and disinfecting.

He's set up when he's hired to clean a murder scene and unwittingly remove evidence.  With the help of his former partner, Ed Harris, he starts tracking down the murderer and trying to clear his name.

This could have been much, much better - both Samuel L. and Ed Harris are brilliant with the right script.  Unfortunately, it turns out to be a bit boring and obvious.

Eva Mendes is hot as the widow of the murdered millionaire though.

My rating: 6.0 / 10
IMDB rating: 6.1 / 10
Running time: 88 mins
IMDB link

The Incredibles (2004)

[Movie 126 / Day 109]


Possibly my favourite Pixar movie, it's a brilliant comedy revolving around a family of superheros. It's clever and it stands up to repeat viewings. Love it.

My rating: 8.3 / 10
IMDB rating: 8.1 / 10
Running time: 115 mins
IMDB link

Black Snake Moan (2006)

[Movie 35 / Day 20]


This is a bit of an odd film. Christina Ricci plays a nymphomaniac whose boyfriend leaves to join the army. While he's gone, she can't help but throw herself at various men in the small town they live in. Meanwhile, Samuel L Jackson is a farmer and blues guitarist whose wife has recently left him. For his brother. One night, Ricci's character takes plenty of drugs and ends up being beaten and left for dead on the side of the road. Right outside Jackson's farm. He takes her in and helps her to get well. Then he chains her to a cast-iron radiator and says he's going to cure her of her 'sickness'. Eventually, he realises he can't keep her captive and lets her go, but she stays with him and they become friends. Then Ricci's boyfriend comes back after being kicked out of the army.

The ending is a bit crap, but the soundtrack is excellent - apparently Jackson learnt to play the guitar for the movie, and his voice sounds brilliant belting out the blues, plus he's one cool mofo, which helps. Ricci excels at playing the slut (for most of the first half of the movie, she wears a crop top, panties and a chain).

It's OK, but I won't be rushing to watch it again.

My rating: 6.9 / 10
IMDB rating: 7.2 / 10
Running time: 116 mins
IMDB link