Tropic Thunder

Tropic Thunder is a comedy inspired by what goes on behind the camera, and having a laugh at the vanity, greed, shallowness of the industry. It's funny, but I had a feeling that because many of the jokes are based on life in front of the camera, industry jokes, it might be funnier for hollywood professionals than for joe blow movie fans. You don't have to be a car washer to get the humor in Car Wash, and that's because the humor was about common human foibles. The problem with Tropic Thunder is that the humor is not aimed at human vanity or egos and is very specific to actors and the movie business. This creates a distance with the audience, a sense of sharing the experience with what is happening on the screen. This is why you root for a character or boo them. Because so much of the story is specific to the Hollywood experience, rather than human experience, Tropic Thunder has a difficult time engaging the audience. I think this is why critics have given it less than unanimous praise. However, even with it's flaws, the movie is still head and shoulders better than many comedies in the last few years, including several starring Ben Stiller himself. Read Movie Review

Death Note aka Desu nôto

Death Note originated as a highly popular comic in Japan. It's now available worldwide as a DVD. Asian horror has been popular of late however I wouldn't categorize this film as horror because it's more about the thrills and suspense than any actual killing or bloodletting. If you're looking for heads popping off and sprays of blood you'll have to look elsewhere. The movie has a strong plot, and good pacing between moments of suspense and surprise. Read DVD Movie Review

Appleseed Saga: Ex Machina

Appleseed is an animated film that changes the way we think of science fiction as well as animated films from Japan. It explores themes of identity, love, peace, and war while piling on the John Woo style of action choreagraphy. Read the Review