jewbearjosh

On new years day, 2008, I saw the film "The Bucket List." It was not my first choice of a film that I wanted to see. To be honest, however, I probably would not have enjoyed any of the films that I would have chosen more. This film is very well done. I liked the screenplay, by Justin Zackham. I liked the direction, by the real talented Rob Reiner. And I was very impressed by the acting. Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman did a superb job, playing two dying old guys who befriend each other, and together have the adventure of their lives. The film is very good. The plot involves this hospital owner-Edward Cole-who is dying from cancer, and another cancer victim-Carter Chambers-who meets Cole while getting treatment at the same hospital. After they both find out that they each have only a few months to live, they agree to travel together all over the globe, and follow this list of tasks. They call it the bucket list.

Nicholson gives a real touching performance as Ed Cole. He plays Cole funny, sad, stubborn, angry, strong, fearless, and loud. Morgan gives an equally touching performance as C. Chambers. He plays Chambers smart, cool, romantic, funny, fearless, and emotional. Both men are very moving in this film. They are great sharing the screen. I really enjoyed watching them play scenes together. It was for me a real treat. These guys, Nicholson and Freeman, are two of our finest actors. And this film is no exception.

Even though "The Bucket List" is a small film about friendship, and the meaning of truly living, I do not recommend it for the preteens. There are some very adult scenes. However, families with teenagers will enjoy seeing it together.

Josh Weinman

It goes without saying that Will Smith is one of the most talented actors working in film today. In I am Legend, he proves that fact.

To summarize the plot, Smith plays a scientist named Robert Neville. Neville and his dog, Samantha, spend each day running around Manhattan (the year is 2012) looking for any other survivors. It seems that a man-made virus, originally a solution that cures cancer, has made the country virtually deserted of people and animals. This epidemic quickly wiped out the country. It only took three years. However, Neville is not alone. Hiding in the dark parts of the island are creatures called The Infected. These creatures have only one goal-feed. Every day, Neville risks his life looking for one of these creatures. Once he can bring one of The Infected back to his lab, he can spend time testing potential cures on it. The question is, will Neville-who is immune-finally come up with the cure, or will he make a mistake and become one of The Infected? I was real impressed with Smith's performance. He really does a great job of showing emotion. And, he is not afraid to be vulnerable. I think also that he truly makes this character his own. Smith has no one to act out scenes with here. Its just him, acting for the audience. All by himself, in a deserted city. Trying to outrun creatures that are looking for humans to feed. How does someone perform that? It must not be an easy job. In fact, I bet its real tough, emotionally and physically. But, Smith makes it look effortless.

I am Legend has some awesome camera work-sound effects-cinematography-production design-special effects-digital animation-and creature design. It is a vary well done science fiction film. I will even say that it is a must see. But, do not bring the children. There are scenes in the movie that will frighten them.

josh weinman

sometimes you have to catch a film on a big screen, while it is still in movie theaters. "The Mist" is clearly in that category. I will be thinking about this scary, moving, smart, and original work for days. I would like to say nice job for the screenplay, and direction, to Frank Durabant. He obviously understands the genre, and how to keep an audience engaged for a few hours, in the dark. There really is not much more to say about "The Mist." The cast, lead by Thomas Jane and Marcia Gay Harden, is brilliant. Some of the camera shots are amazing. The look of the supernatural creatures is stunning. The sound design in this film is creepy, and beautiful. The production design, art direction, is great. Every aspect of film making comes together here.

To summarize the story-in a small town in Main, VI, a man/David Drayton/and his son, join a big group of people hiding from supernatural creatures in a supermarket. These bug like creatures are brought to the town by a mist, which envelopes the town, and everyone there. I would describe "The Mist" as a cross between "8 Legged Freaks," and "War of the Worlds." It is original, scary, dark, serious, smart, and moving.

I have one large problem, though. The ending, which I will not discuss in detail with my comments, is in my opinion to realistic. We go to the movies to escape reality, not to visit reality. However, please do not wait for this film to appear at the DVD store. You might miss out on the chance to get real close to your date, when you get scared and you want him or her to protect you.

In closing, I will be brief. Do not miss this film. Go. I am real happy I had the chance to see "The Mist" in a theater. My hope is that you all get that chance as well.