That's really tough, the best bet are online stores.

it wasn't not bad at all, it was really good i thought. great storytelling from Boyle and co.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

David Fincher is really building a strong reputation with his latest movie, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, by far 2008's most ambitious film. In this movie, we follow the life of Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt), who was born old, ages backwards and died as an infant. While the ultimate premise is fantasized, the theme and plot of the movie isn't. Throughout Benjamin's life, we see him growing up (or rather getting younger), meeting people, experiencing great adventures, and of course fell in love, with Daisy (Cate Blanchett). If this reminds you of Forrest Gump, you're spot on, as Eric Roth was one of the screenwriters.

This is where David Fincher comes in, the man behind the cameras. With more than a decade of experience behind him, he directs this movie with perfection, so much so I regard this as his best work to date, even surpassing cult classics Se7en and Fight Club. He brings together a tough screenplay, churns it into something magical and tops it off with brilliant performances from Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. The Fincher-Pitt partnership is sure to be the next Scorsese-DeNiro, especially after this movie.

Though this film succeeds in all aspects - technically, visually and emotionally, you'll start to wonder, how different can this movie be without the idea of Benjamin aging backwards? Yes, we see a different perspective of love and life from his point of view but really, what can be learned from this movie? It makes us think, it makes us wonder, but it's surely isn't something that can be grasped and reflected on reality, because no one ages backwards. This is my only gripe from this film and personally a real big one.

That aside, like I said, it's a truly magical and beautiful film. Spellbinding in all areas. And athough I wouldn't want to see this movie bagging the Best Picture award, I wouldn't be all pissed if it really wins it come February. However, I would really want to see David Fincher winning Best Director, his statue is way overdue, give it to him already! Brad and Cate for nominations that's for sure. Highly recommended.

3.5/5

Actually yes. The whole idea of aging backwards make no sense initially and i was hoping for it to be redeemed in the movie, but sadly it didn't. it's real sad, i really wanted to love it.

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Added on December 30, 2008, 5:53 pmNicely said. I loved it too, though not as much as American Beauty (still a masterpiece IMO). The traces of AB could be felt distinctively throughout the whole movie though. Leo and Kate performed brilliantly and I could see it's gonna be a tough year for the Best Actress award. I was really expecting more from Kate. Leo was amazing though, I hope he gets a nomination (though unlikely)

This post has been edited by Makakeke: Dec 30 2008, 05:57 PM

Finally this thread is picking up some speed, and with some good reviews

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Added on December 31, 2008, 3:00 pmThe Wrestler is a very good movie. Brutal, violent but most of all it has a heart, that kept the viewers to care and emphatize with Rourke's character. I would definitely love to see him bagging the Best Actor award.

This post has been edited by Makakeke: Dec 31 2008, 03:00 PM

I won't be surprised if Milk triumphs but the thing is Penn has just won the Oscar 4 years ago and that's a pretty short period for a 2nd. I wouldn't say he doesn't deserves it but sometimes the Academy can be quite predictable. If they don't award Rourke the award where he truly deserves now, he won't get a 2nd chance anymore.

Hunger

Excusing the thick Irish accent, Hunger is one of 2008's best movie. Directed and written by debutant Steve McQueen (not to be confused with the legendary actor), the movie is a testament of simplicity. Though simple, it never lacks the energy that it's trying to convey. Filled with still shots, long takes and silence, McQueen carefully carries us through the life of the protesters as they battle through hunger and their strike. The highlight of the movie is of course when our protagonist spent 15 minutes debating with a priest, all in a single take! It's just one of the films that manages to sustain our attention, even though it was never that enticing. Excellent stuff.

4.5/5

it actually didn't felt like a documentary, it was like a narrated story. very well done film i must say.

Defiance

Quite a good movie with a fair share of grit, courage and action but it left a lot to be desired. It could have been a far greater movie given its potential. But given the budget and talent invested in this one, I'd say they did a great job.

3.5/5

The Godfather, again. haha...

you missed the point of the movie then, it was meant to annoy you and by succeeding to do so, it succeeded.

Dude doesn't the title of the movie already gave it away? She was carefree, unconcerned and the fact that she was annoying in the driving scenes all the more made her perfect for the role. It was meant to annoy you, so to speak

well i enjoyed it, i thought the subtle transformation of Poppy at the end of the movie after her argument with the instructor was well made. she was the essence of the movie and i thought she pulled it off damn well.

I agree with everything you say, really. Milk was a good biopic but all too familiar. I don't rate In Bruges as high as you but it was a great comedy indeed. The Tottenham joke really cracked me up! Synecdoche NY isn't a movie that one can understand with just 1 viewing, I watched it myself and couldn't understand it completely, but it makes me wanna watch it again and that's not a bad thing at all. I suspect that I'll watch it several times. Seven Pounds was a real borefest, I didn't believe what Burga told me, (the ratings were kinda high in imdb) but i soon realized what he meant. I couldn't even finish 1 hour of 7 pounds.

That is one film that I need to watch again. I don't think it gets you with the first viewing, unless you've read the book. Well, it didn't work for me the first time.

Joe Pesci? Haha, yeah, Deniro's best side kick.

Just watched Roman Polanski's Rosemary Baby. Great classic and subtly a horror movie. Good watch I must say.

A Bronx Tale - Deniro's directorial debut and it was quite a good attempt. Scorsese's influence was obvious in it, especially Goodfellas nonetheless a well depicted story of a boy growing up in the bronx. Very simple story with great characters. The first half was excellent, went to a little downslope halfway but was redeemed towards the end. 4/5.

Eraserhead is truly one f*cked up movie!

Coraline - I thought it was quite entertaining. It isn't what it looks like though, it was quite thrilling and horrifying at some scenes. Music was great, in fact that's the only playful side of the movie me finds. Selick is really the 2nd Burton.