Flock of Dodos: The Evolution-Intelligent Design Circus (2006)

5316As an atheist and proponent of evolution, it really chaps my hide that a ludicrous fictional tale such as Intelligent Design would be created, and attempt to be accepted. What intelligent design is by sheer proof is the cowardice of Creationists. It’s a “theory” that was built to seem like science when really all it is, is creationism with a few pretty science terms thrown in for respectability. And what’s humorous is that creationists who shun science and evolution would invent a “theory” that reverts to science immediately. It all comes back to science.

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The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

pursuit-of-happyness-in-spirelsSo, why was this such an easy film to review, and like? Because hell, I’ve been through situations very similar to this. Trying to get by, almost being thrown into the streets, being forced to watch parents suffer to ease their children’s. I’ve seen it all. And in the end of the film, it’s still a situation that’s happening to thousands all over the world. “The Pursuit of Happyness” is an admirable every man tale about the working man’s attempts not to make it big in the world, but in his attempts to just get by. Smith plays Chris Gardner with a lot of gusto offering up a truly solid performance.

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American Pastime (2007)

I’m always grateful of films that manage to use its cast of actors for their talents and not the pigeonholes they’ve had put upon them. “American Pastime” is one of the few movies I’ve seen in years that uses its Asian American cast to provide some strong performances, and not fight mystic martial arts of some kind. There’s always talk of African Americans being used poorly in America, but the most suppressed race in the film medium are the Asian Americans. “American Pastime” brings out a strong turn out from its cast of seasoned veterans exploring the plight of the Asian Americans during Pearl Harbor, and many established families being forced to live in Internment camps.

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Wicked Little Things (2006)

wltOf course, if you’re looking for something new or original, you’d better look elsewhere. “Wicked Little Things” offers the same old things for the audience, and none of it is ever pleasing. You mean there’s a ghost that can communicate with the youngest daughter? You mean the youngest daughter is the only one that can see her special ghost? You mean, they’re moving into a small town up in the middle of the woods? Who actually does that beyond cults? And, what a surprise, the cell phones the characters own aren’t working, there isn’t help for miles and miles, there are newspaper clippings of missing children plastered all over walls, there’s a hillbilly local station manager, and of course there’s the young child attune to the supernatural, and the older child that’s rebellious and smart mouthed; how utterly original.

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Cabbie (2007)

In spite of the caveats, Steve Gelder takes the role on with a really funny sentiment that makes the title character in the film worthy of a viewing. Gelder takes the character on with finesse, and adds a sense of dimension that brings this character into a different view as this person who is so pathetic, and yet so oddly compelling. His delusions keep us wondering, and Gelder really dives into the role. Unfortunately, much of the comedy played for, during “Cabbie” doesn’t quite hit the stride as much as it wants to.

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Vanishing Point (1971)

I know Tarantino would love to take the credit for the popularity and new found interest in “Vanishing Point,” thanks to his repeated references to the movie in his underrated “Death Proof,” but that’s simply presumptuous, considering many people have been singing the praises of “Vanishing Point” for years and years. It’s been deemed as the best car movie ever made, and is considered a pure cult classic, way before Chin McGee mentioned it on celluloid, and that’s a fact. “Vanishing Point” is really nothing but a one hundred minute car chase across country, and I loved every minute of it.

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No One's Watching: An Alien Abductee's Story (2006)

nnnlIt’s funny that in my own website, I’ve become truly feared by filmmakers. Even filmmakers who happen to be buddies of mine. Why is that? I’m not sure. But if you send me a film, expect an honest opinion. You have to either have to accept that, or don’t send anything at all. I’m glad director Jeremy Vaeni for “No One’s Watching” seems to know and appreciate that, as he sent his film to me with the letter stating that whether I love or hate it, he would love a review. I’m honest, and that’s just what’s what.

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