I rented this movie after hearing that it was a pretty big blockbuster. I didn't realize that the guy who directed Glory also directed this movie. In my opinion this is a very well acted, very well directed movie after the price people pay to mine diamonds in South Africa. Although it has some brutal parts, it really makes you think about the cost of getting bigger and bigger diamonds in the diamond industry. I don't know if it is all true, but I did really make you think even if part of it is true. DiCaprio is really an excellent actor and even though I wasn't thrilled with his image in Titantic, he has done a great job getting other roles to play in and acting well in everything he has been given. This movie is very moving and a sad tale of how materialism has become so prevalent in western society. It made me think in new ways about the concept of diamond engagement rings. Some of the movie did seem to almost be too strong and almost preachy, but all in all I think it was an exceptional performance, and a movie that is worth watching. Very action-packed, but also moving, much like the movie Glory which is also directed by the same man. Recommended.

Night At the Museum Review

I had heard this movie was pretty funny, so I decided to rent it and see. Not as great as I was expecting. Decent movie and very politically correct and obvious in an attempt to make history come alive, but maybe I just was expecting too much. It did have some great actors like Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney, Robin Williams, and Owen Wilson (Ok maybe that last name is a stretch), but it just seemed kind of cheesy and silly and some of the story lines just didn't seem to get developed enough. The plot was thin, the acting was decent (Robin Williams seemed to have the best part and acted the best in my opinion), but all-in-all, not a movie I would necessarily rewatch. If the kids want to see it, it is a pretty safe bet, but otherwise watch Stranger Than Fiction (see my review below) for an exceptional movie with a great script and high quality acting.

Rocky Balboa review

Yes, I know Rocky movies seem to go on forever, but I had to go out and rent this one. I have seen all his other movies, and I had actually heard positive things about this one. I will say Sly Stallone has improved over some of his sequals in this series, but still nothing can top the first Rocky movie which I love and own. Anyway this movie picks up with Rocky in his retirement years owning his own restaurant and telling stories of when he used to box in the ring. All of sudden with the modern day technology of computer opponents the news has decided to set up a computer match and pit him against the current champion to see who would win. This of course gets everyone remembering the wonderful days when Rocky used to fight and a real fight is set up between him and the reigning champion (in some ways very similar to the first round in Rocky I). This movie definitely wasn't as bad as Rocky IV and Rocky V, but considering how many movies there are of this guy, the story is starting to get old. I did like the fact that much of the movie is developing the characters rather than just showing the two opponents jumping rope and running up steps. However, I still probably won't buy this one. Decent movie, but again - not as great as the original.

Stranger Than Fiction Review

It seems like it has been forever, since I have penned a review, but that doesn't mean I haven't been watching movies. I just saw a very well made movie on the right which really was surprising in how well written and acted it was. I have seen several Will Ferrell movies and usually after watching one I wonder if I could have used the time better than to sit through a movie watching him be a clown. I do find him funny, I just don't expect him to be in deep movies. He really showed his acting talent in the movie Stranger Than Fiction. This movie had an exceptional script and really made me think about life in a deeper sort of way. I guess you may classify this movie as a feel-good thinker movie, but whatever the recipe and genre it falls into, I liked it a lot. Two thumbs up for an interesting look at why we live life in less-than-ordinary ways. Highly recommended. I may have to go out and buy this one.