If the title just flew by you like that (fwing!), let BestFlick.com tell you again — the movie Valentine’s Day is all fluff and nothing much else. Even we felt bad about the half-a-star we gave it on the rating.

Here’s the deal — you have a bunch of A-List stars at your disposal, but Garry Marshall proceeds to waste all that in a totally predictable and lame romantic comedy (sans the comedy, we think). His past movies, all notable because they were funny (Pretty Woman, Runaway Bride, The Princess Diaries), strengthens the growing opinion that Garry Marshall films HAVE to be funny, else they fall flat. This one did.

Valentine's Day - NOT one to watch

I am literally in pain right now, so let me go through my points quickly.

The list of stars in this movie is probably what reeled you in — this is what did us in, too. Jamie Foxx, Jessica Biel, Jennifer Gardner, Eric Dane, Patrick Dempsey, Ashton Kutcher (meh), Anne Hathaway, Julia Roberts — I mean, how could you go wrong, right? It turns out that Garry Marshall (and probably scriptwriter Katherine Fugate) knew exactly how.

The skits were trite and unoriginal. The dialogue was machine-gunned with cliches, as though a huge amount of them would suddenly make it OK for us to hear them. The jokes were not jokes, in that they weren’t funny at all. The star talent on display was wasted on a level that was short of insulting. It felt like they hired A-List stars to hand out fluff, and do nothing much else.

I guess we have to say some positive things or else risk sounding like a heartless bunch. We at BestFlick.com don’t mind sappy love stories once in a while, but this one really took the cake for being that bad. I suppose because it was Valentine’s Day when we watched it, there was an abnormal amount of tolerance for fluff. But we weren’t expecting it to be this bad, I mean Ashton Kutcher-bad. OK, we’re not being nice again.

Anne Hathaway - lovely, anywhere you put her

Let’s see. There were a couple of things that made this bearable. Anne Hathaway, for one, is pretty amazing (and hot, and amazing, and hot…) anywhere you put her. And Jessica Alba’s fine errr… tan. And Jennifer Gardner looking suspiciously hot for Ashton’s platonic “best friend” type. Oh, these are all about babes. Yeah, well, we had to resort to this just for us to be able to finish the film. And oh yeah, that Julia Roberts line (in the blooper reel, with the credits!) alluding to her breakout role in Pretty Woman.

Apart from that, there’s nothing much here to see. If you really want it, buy it in DVD, and watch it in your external DVD drives. No need to get this in Blu-ray disc, no need to stash it in your “best movies” folder in your portable hard drive. No need for that. Buy it in DVD, or borrow someone else’s DVD and watch it.

And so BestFlick.com picks 10 of the best films Miramax put out over the years. As sad the thought is for us, we can and we will still hold on to the Miramax memories. ere are the movies they did which we recommend, in the strongest of terms, that you keep in your collection – be it in Blu-ray or DVD.

#10 – The Crying Game (1992)

While the film is mostly known for that twist, the entire film is a thing of beauty. Stephen Rea and Forrest Whitaker give wonderful performances, and this film grabbed 6 Oscar nominations (including Best Picture). More than just a pop culture reference, the entire film should be in any film lover’s collection for its intensity and social commentary on race and gender issues.

#9 – Beautiful Girls (1996)

We fell in love with Natalie Portman over and over, but this was probably the first time — in her fresh but Lolita-esque turn as the cute neighbor girl. The movie is warm, funny, and packs a solid ensemble cast — Matt Dillon, Uma Thurman, Mira Sorvino, Rosie O’Donnell, Timothy Hutton, Lauren Holly, and the aforementioned Natalie Portman. See how we mentioned Natalie Portman twice? Err… thrice?

#8 – sex,lies and videotape (1989)

This was THE movie that introduced director Steven Soderbergh to the world — he of the minimalist camera techniques. I bet some of you can still remember when he was that good. This fantastic flick won the Palme d’Or back in 1989, and launched Soderbergh’s career in earnest. If you were looking for the film that really started the indie movement’s commercial success – look no further than a film about James Spader’s sexual dysfunction.

#7 – The English Patient

The English Patient (based on Michael Ondaatje’s prizewinning novel of love and loss during World War II) was a critical success for Miramax. Winner of nine Academy Awards and almost every critic’s heart, this is easily one of the most acclaimed films of modern times. Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fiennes give standout performances, and the lazy, romantic, agonizing pace that the movie sets upon is indeed a masterclass in control, beauty, and inspired cinematography. We dare you to NOT get this film for your collection.

#6 – My Left Foot (1989)

How many of you film lovers out there are not convinced of the genius of Daniel Day-Lewis? Right, I see no hands raised. If you’re looking for a way to solidify that belief, check out his first Academy Award win in this story of a young man who can only control his left foot. The logical next joke is of course, Daniel Day-Lewis having more acting talent in his left foot than most actors have in their entire bodies out there.

#5 – Chasing Amy (1997)

Chasing Amy is really Kevin Smith‘s best film to date, bar none. It’s personal and sweet — all that talk about fisting was just pretense. This won a few Indie Spirit Awards, but you can mark this as the point where Ben Affleck‘s career started in earnest. With the film’s low budget, you will be surprised that this small movie has captured the hearts of film lovers all over. The film has long since paid for itself, and about 500 times over too.

#4 – Heavenly Creatures (1994)

This was vintage Peter Jackson, before all the visual effects and monsters. His most realistic and grounded film is still one of his best. Two girls in 1950’s New Zealand live in a fantasy world, and they plan a murder in the real world. It’s all the more affecting when you realize it’s based on a true story and one of the girls grew up to become Anne Perry, bestselling writer of mysteries and thrillers.

#3 – City of God (2002)

This Brazilian gem is a small, gritty, and surprisingly human look at one of the nastiest cities on Earth. Violence and dreams collide as young kids growing up in Rio de Janeiro’s most dangerous slum make choices with profound effects. It’s currently #16 on IMDB’s Top 250 Movie list which is damn impressive for a film with no known stars.

#2 – Trainspotting (1996)

This film has been voted the Best Scottish film of all time, as well as being included in the Top Ten of British films. One of Danny Boyle’s first films, it takes a strange look at a group of heroine addicts. It rocked Cannes in 1996, and was picked up by Miramax for distribution in the states – giving us just a glimpse of Boyle’s talents and the talents of Scottish filmmaking. As brilliant as this film is, I’m with Ewan MacGregor in hoping that a sequel doesn’t get made. *crossing fingers*

#1 – Pulp Fiction (1994)

Not only did it launch Quentin Tarantino even further into the cultural stage, it also relaunched John Travolta’s career. It also made a bunch of violent film fans finally memorize Scripture. How cool is that? And who would ever forget the dance scene, now part of violent movie folklore? Oddly enough, Harvey Weinstein wanted Daniel Day-Lewis (who you’ll remember from a previous entry) to play Vincent Vega instead of Travolta, and Sid Haig was the original choice for Marcellus Wallace (Sid Haig?!?!?). But this is all history now, as Pulp Fiction tops our list of All Time Best Miramax films.

Now, bring out your Blu-ray drives or external DVD drives, get those blu-ray discs out and commiserate with us.

BestFlick comes to you now with a review of GuyRitchie‘s Sherlock Holmes. There’s something strange writing Guy Ritchie’s name together with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s chief protagonist. We all know Guy Ritchie from his all too chaotic creations such as RocknRolla (2008) and more famously, Snatch (2000). But if you’ve read Sherlock Holmes, you won’t recognize him in Guy Ritchie’s version. Not to say that it is at all that bad. On the contrary, it’s one fun ride.

Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law - odd couple

The first thing one notices from the start of Sherlock Holmes is the juxtaposition of time and place. The production design team led by Sarah Greenwood obviously did a heckuva job re-creating 1890s London on-screen, capturing both the city’s gritty squalor and its beautiful architecture in scenes set in and around the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Somerset House and Brompton Cemetery.

The script is authentic but very modern, you feel. This is very obvious in the relationship between Holmes and Watson. The pair behave like a squabbling married couple, with Holmes looking after Watson’s finances to curb his gambling ways, and Watson working overtime to keep Holmes connected with society to retain some semblance of sanity.

I also rest my case with this following argument: Robert Downey Jr. will be one of the actors that will define my age. This was an inspired choice for Holmes, his accent was perfect, his eccentricities compelling. There’s a touch of the insolent brat when he first appears on-screen, but the Iron Man star is charm and eloquence personified, mixed in with vulnerability and physicality to create what  I feel, one of the best original takes on a classic character to date.

The cast makes Sherlock Holmes a truly fun ride

If you want fun, go out and watch this movie. It’s pretty much a Hollywood film in its totality, and sequel-friendly at that. The detail is amazing, I can’t wait to have this in Blu-ray, to bring around and play on my external Blu-ray drive.

#10 – Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Haven’t we had enough of robots turning into cars (and other stuff too)? Apparently not. Haven’t we had enough of Megan Fox? No, no, no, a million times no! Get this one in Blue Ray, for the sheer exhiliration of it.

#9 – Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

The saga continues, and Harry steamrollered most of the opposition in the box office last year, earning a cool $302 million. Enjoy this one, or at least, get one so you don’t have a piece lacking from the set that we know you have.

#8 – Up

Disney + Pixar = Can’t miss. Pixar’s newest offering was another certified hit.

#7 – Star Trek

Trekkies and non-trekkies all over the world agreed on one thing – this one was a very well-executed TV-to-film adaptation — not many of those make the cut. The movie was all action and was a joy to watch on the big screen. High definition viewing beckons.

#6 – The Hangover

One of the few movies in 2009 that succeeded through sheer comedy — the plot, the script, the cast — and not via special efx route. People came in droves to enjoy a good laugh, and that’s exactly what they got, and more. This is one for your collection, highly recommended.

#5 – Avatar

This was a huge success as a year-ender film. A lot of people appreciated it in iMax quality viewing. This has not come out in DVD or Blu-ray yet, but we recommend you get one for your collections as soon as it comes out.

#4 – New Moon (the Twilight Saga)

No Blu-ray for this yet, but people are already buying the special edition DVD set like there’s no more part 3. We know most of you have part 1 already, so no sense in hiding — go get the next one.

#3 – Watchmen

The film itself was amazing in detail. What a better treat for you to watch this in full HD, Blu-ray style.

#2 – District 9

For a relatively low budget effort, this film made waves in 2009. The concept and quality of filmmaking made this an outstanding film for your collection, in high definition Blu-ray.

#1 – Red Cliff

For sheer magnificence — the colors, the epic size of the production, the stars involved, the epic storytelling — John Woo’s Red Cliff is a shoo-in to your Blu-ray collection.

To enjoy all of these in full HD, get your self a Blu-ray drive. If you’re thinking of enjoying your DVDs on your laptop of netbook, it’s probably good to invest in an external DVD drive.

Goodbye 2009!

It was a heckuva movie ride. Bring on 2010. Keep it here on BestFlick.com for news on upcoming movies, DVDs and Blu-ray!

BestFlick brings you our movie review for 2012, Columbia Pictures‘ thrill ride of a movie. Directed and part-written by Roland Emmerich, the guy who brought you that other epic disaster movie “The Day After Tomorrow“, the trailer brought thousand of viewers to cinemas and theaters all over the country, your truly included, to witness it.

This movie was an exercise in destruction and devastation — and graphic effects to be sure. But let us tell you right off the bat that if you’re looking for an intellectually-solid script a la “A Few Good Men“, you won’t find it here. If you got excited by the trailer and just want a thrill ride, that’s what you’ll get.

The storyline, the part where most criticisms of this movie are targeted, is actually simple and solid enough for you to follow. The presentation was weaved into the film in the most logical way possible. The film was actually telling simple stories of characters affected by the drama of an apocalypse, and went about it with few enough frills. The logic may have been because, script nor story were neither the highlight of this movie — it was the visuals.

And boy are you in for some very detailed visual rendering. At one point, you actually forget that most of this were graphically-rendered — yes, it was that good. The attention to detail was such that if you enjoyed this movie, you would probably get excited at the thought of owning this in BluRay, where the sound and the digital quality would bbe nothing short of amazing, I would imagine.

We give this 3.5 stars, there was nothing really groundbreaking and innovative about the film, or the way it told the story. But it was a darned good thrill ride. It was a tad bit long for its own good (2hrs, 45mins) but to its defense, the dragging moments were few and far between, if at all any.

If you haven’t seen it, we suggest you see it on the basis that it should be a fun watch — not something to stimulate you intellectually. Do that and you might actually enjoy the movie like I did. And also, get your Blue-Ray drives ready for when this comes out in Blu-Ray media.

BestFlick.com now dishes out the lowdown on The Time Traveler’s Wife, an August offering by New Line Cinema starring Eric Bana (Star Trek, Troy) and Rachel McAdams (State of Play, The Notebook). This is a film adaptation from the book of the same title written by Audrey Niffenegger and directed by German filmmaker Robert Schwentke, who last worked on the big screen in Jodie Foster’s airborne thriller Flight Plan (circa 2005).

If you’ve read the book, you probably will agree that the premise of the story – albeit conducive to metaphysical and intellectual discussions – is downright ridiculous. Henry DeTamble (Bana) is a Chicago librarian that is afflicted with a genetic abnormality, one that causes him to “time travel”. Lest you start thinking that this is way awesome, there are actually a couple of problems to this – first is that he doesn’t know to when and where he will be travelling (he can’t control it, obviously). Second, he can’t carry his clothes with him when he travels, so yes, it is quite a bummer to be travelling through time, dropping in on places and times unknown completely naked.

The ever-beautiful Rachel McAdams plays Clare Abshire who actually meets Henry as a child, in a meadow behind their home. The child Clare actually is quite taken by this time traveler, who was hiding in some shrubbery, in desperate need of clothing. She falls in love with Henry, who promptly disappears (read: disintegrates) in front of her. Not to worry, the handsome naked guy says to the young child that there will be a lot more times they will meet. And that they do.

Scene From The Time Traveler’s Wife

Although the naked time-jumping does bring about the expected chuckles from the crowd, it is the seamless interweaving of timelines that actually allows them to follow the story coherently. The next time we meet Clare, she bumps into Henry in a library and from there they begin their joint journey into love and relationships.

Or so they tried. One of the more poignant ideas of the book and the movie, whether they allude to real men who leave, is that you cannot propose to build a relationship with someone who just isn’t there. And so it really is the troubles, the little joys and successes, but mostly the troubles, that draw in the crowd and cause some very wet hankies.

Job well done to the actors, who absolutely convinced as they portrayed their love on screen. If there had been any hint of non-commitment from both Bana and McAdams, then the film would have absolutely failed. As such, their zeal for the roles should carry over to any person who has experienced love and lost it, and found it again, and lost it – which is actually most of us. Bravo also to Schwentke, his decision to fully focus almost 90% of the screen time to the couple was probably made in pragmatism, but it turned out quite well. People who have read the book might whine about how Henry’s friendship with Gomez, played ably by Ron Livingston, was not given enough development. But the kudos to the director and to the cast as well, firm in their commitment to highlight this most unusual of relationships, for making quite a tear-jerker of a movie.

Most men were probably sucked in by the title, thinking this had a bit of sci-fi in it. Make no mistake about it, this is mush in its purest state – but one the women will probably be able to convince the guys to watch with them. This reviewer, convinced of the competence of the acting and the filmmaking, did not regret being dragged into the cinema for this – I actually liked the film.

When investigative reporter Rowena Price (Halle Berry) learns that her friend’s murder might be connected to powerful ad executive Harrison Hill, she goes undercover with the help of her associate, Miles Hailey.

Posing as Katherine, a ‘temp’ at Hill’s ad agency, and Veronica, a girl Hill flirts with online, Rowena surrounds her prey from all sides, only to discover that she isn’t the only one changing identities.

The closer Rowena gets to finding the truth, the more we see how far people will go to protect it.

Starring Academy Award winner Halle Berry, Bruce Willis, Giovanni Ribisi, Gary Dourdan, Nicki Lynn Aycox and directed by James Foley.


Blades of Glory

Perhaps nowhere in sports is the marriage of athleticism and grace more evident than in the arena of world champion pairs figure skating–the lifts, the jumps, the routines. Itâ¿¿s an elegant world, a rarefied universe, a noble place populated by the crème de la crème of skating elite.

Well, it used to be. When the macho, swaggering Chazz Michael Michaels takes to the rink, he is the rock star of the arena, leaving a trail of thrashed ice and shrieking female fans in his wake.

The only competitor who can match Michaelsâ¿¿ scores is the driven former child prodigy, Jimmy MacElroy. Spotted as a youth executing triple lutzes on the frozen pond of an orphanage, MacElroy was whisked away to days of endless training, and now stands as the picture of poise, the personification of the highest ideals of the men’s sport.

Michaels and MacElroy have met in finals rounds before, but their latest head-to-head at the World Championships–when they tie for first–is more than either one can bear, and their longstanding rivalry erupts into a no-holds-barred fight.

Starring Will Ferrell, Jon Heder, Will Arnett, Amy Poehler, Jenna Fischer.

Grindhouse

Directors Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez present two full-length movies in a new horror double feature.

In Tarantino’s “Death Proof,” Austin’s hottest DJ, Jungle Julia, sets out into the night to unwind with her two friends Shanna an Arlene. Covertly tracking their moves is Stuntman Mike, a scarred rebel leering from behind the wheel of his muscle car, revving just feet away.

Starring Danny Trejo, Rose McGowan, Freddy Rodriguez, Josh Brolin, and Marley Shelton.

Critics’ Reviews:

“If the trailer sold you on the concept, the film won’t be a disappointment.”

– E Online!

“Like all double bills of the sick, shocking, perverse exploitation movies of old, one is better than the other.”

– Hollywood Reporter

“Though it could probably use an intermission, Grindhouse is three hours of mostly campy fun.”

– USA Today

Tags: Will Ferrell, Halle Berry, Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez

When his wealthy grandfather dies, trust fund baby Jason Stevens anticipates a big inheritance. Instead, his grandfather has devised a crash course on life: twelve gifts designed to challenge Jason in improbable ways, sending him on a journey of self-discovery and forcing him to determine what is most important in life: money or happiness.

Starring Academy Aaward nominee Abigail Breslin, Drew Fuller, James Garner, Ali Hillis, Lee Meriwether and directed by Michael O. Sajbel.

Critics’ Film Reviews:

“The performances are all fine, if unremarkable, and the direction technically capable. Will the film change your outlook on life and “goodness?” Probably not, but it certainly won’t make it any worse.”

– FilmCritic.com

“As a result of its efforts to inspire, teach and transform, this movie won a well-deserved Crystal Heart Award at the 2006 Heartland Film Festival. But make no mistake about it — although boasting many light moments, The Ultimate Gift deals boldly with sorrow and grief. Bring tissues.”

– ReelTalk

300

In the ancient Battle of Thermopylae, King Leonidas and 300 Spartans fought to the death against Xerxes and his massive Persian army. Facing insurmountable odds, their valor and sacrifice inspire all of Greece to unite against their Persian enemy, drawing a line in the sand for democracy.

300 is an action/adventure adaptation of the popular PC game. Starring Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, Michael Fassbender, Vincent Regan, Dominic West and directed by Zack Snyder.
The Namesake

This drama starring Kal Penn, Zuleikha Robinson, Irrfan Khan, Tabu, Jacinda Barrett tells of the the Ganguli family who moves from Calcutta to New York, they embark upon a lifelong balancing act to meld into a new world without forgetting the old. Though parents Ashoke and Ashima long for the family and culture that enveloped them in India, they take great pride in the opportunities their sacrifices have afforded their children. Paradoxically, their son Gogol is torn between finding his own unique identity without losing his heritage.

Directed by Mira Nair, who earned acclaim for her films Kamasutra and Vanity Fair.

New Movies, Movie Reviews,Movie Stars,Movie Preview

The story of Lazarus who used to play the blues. There was a time when he got Bojo’s Juke Joint shakin’ back in the day. Now he lives them. Bitter and broken from a cheating wife and a shattered marriage, Lazarus’ soul is lost in spent dreams and betrayal’s contempt–until Rae. Half naked and beaten unconscious, Rae is left for dead on the side of the road when Lazarus discovers her.

The God-fearing, middle-aged black man quickly learns that the young white woman he’s nursing back to health is none other than the town tramp from the small Tennessee town where they live. Worse, she has a peculiar anxiety disorder. And they venture into twisted misadventures throughout the film.

Also stars Christina Ricci, John Cothran Jr., Michael Raymond-James, and pop sensation Justine Timberlake. Directed by Craig Brewer.

Critics’ Reviews:

“Offensive on multiple levels — if only the plot had any levels at all — Black Snake Moan leaves no Tobacco Road cliche unsmoked. Ricci gives it her all, and then some, but even her body and Jackson’s blues can’t heal a movie that rockets plum off its nut.”

– Rolling Stone Magazine

“The film pushes more buttons than an elevator operator but, in the end, Black Snake Moan works to turn expectations upside down. The movie has things to say about race and religion and the pain of loneliness, and it does so with considerable offbeat wit. It introduces three broken people and shows how a little understanding can salve wounds, if not completely heal them.”

– ReelViews

“…a decent film that may possibly suffer from its own hype and Brewer’s previous success, but will definitely hurt from the lack of dramatic conflict.”

– Film Threat

Story goes like this: Alex Fletcher is a washed-up ’80s pop star who’s been reduced to working the nostalgia circuit at county fairs and amusement parks. The charismatic and talented musician gets a chance at a comeback when reigning diva Cora Corman invites him to write and record a duet with her, but there’s a problem–Alex hasn’t written a song in years, he’s never written lyrics, and he has to come up with a hit in a matter of days. Enter Sophie Fisher, Alex’s beguilingly quirky plant lady, whose flair for words strikes a chord with the struggling songwriter.

The movie also stars Kristen Johnson, Brad Garrett and Campbell Scott.

Critics Reviews:

“Instead of a wedding singer, Drew Barrymore falls for a washed-up singer—Hugh Grant, who reveals a passable pop voice, thrusts a mean hip and charms up this formulaic date flick.”

–E! Online.com

“Although everything that follows isn’t quite as inspired as that three-minute mock clip, the mood has been neatly set for an agreeably loopy romantic comedy that bounces along effortlessly on the genuine chemistry of leads Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore.”

– The Hollywood Reporter