Thurman's Movie List

Updated: 12/23/2005:

Here is a link for you to find out more about the North Plains Library that I am in the process of donating movies for.

I was distracted by a lot of woodworking this summer and had a month long trip to India, so didn't watch a lot of new movies. Well, maybe you'll look at this list and think that is a lot of movies in a six month period, but for me, this is about 1/2 of what I normally watch in six months. I did rewatch a few of my favorites like Saving Private Ryan, We were soldiers and Band of Brothers - playing Battlefield2 really had me wanting to rewatch these. The ones that have "N/A" on the sound were the ones I watched on my trans-pacific flights to/from India. It's a fairly eclectic list.

I also decided it was time to start addressing so many of the movies in the "horde" that I had yet to give any account on. This way it is no longer just a movie in a rating area, but has some thoughts on them as well. All of these were originally rated a 9, but upon reflection and writing about them, I moved a few up to a "10". I think they are deserving of that lofty rating.

I decided to add another genre to the mix - namely "historical". These are movies that teach you about a time in history. It's not a documentary (which speaks for itself), but an adaptation that attempts to show what happened. I would really recommend Hotel Rwanda and Earth for movies in this new genre.

As my list is growing, I decided to further break down the list. Now, only 9's and 10's occupy the cream of the crop and I created another grouping called "standing above the crowd" for the 7's and 8's. The 5's got resurrected and moved into "average fair", which is only fair because 5's really are ok for a rental.

What I really need is a true web application and put all of these into a database. Someday.

** A little bit about me and why I created this site is here **

Now remember, I've got hundreds of reviews - and they're organized by how good I thought they were. In My Humble Opinion, I believe you come here for ideas - so you can start at the top & work your way down to find movies you might not have seen. You can get to the "hoard" of reviews at any time  by using any of the the following links:

The cream of the crop (Ratings 9-10)
Standing above the crowd (Ratings 7-8)
You get what you pay for (Ratings 5-6)
The bottom of the barrel (Ratings 1-4)

The movies below are just the most recent ones and they are NOT in these other areas.

A few notes:

My rating & Genre System 
WIP - movies I want to watch but haven't, also a movie matrix trying to show my top 10, but I have a 100 instead

 

New Movies May, 2005 - Oct 2005 Movie Rating Nutshell Genre Sound Rating Violence
Meter
Sin City,2005 - Yowza! Awesome movie. The single best adaptation of a comic EVER. Robert Rodriguez has always pushed the envelope, and while he doesn't always hit a home run, he clearly did with this one. It's all STYLE baby! Film Noir, action and dialogue all come together for a hellava good time! 10 The real Gotham City Left Brain
Popcorn
Les Diaboliques, 1955 - I loved this move. It drew me in and kept me going and then knocked me over the head in the end. The suspense that the director evoked was great. You are on the edge of your seat on many occasions. It's all in black and white and in French with English subtitles - but don't let that scare you. Broaden your horizons with this classic! 9 Preying on Weakness Classic
Earth,  1998 - I learned a lot about this movie, specifically in 1947 when the British Government left India and at the same time broke it up into India and Pakistan. This movie attempts to show the violence and mayhem that resulted from this split as over seven million people displaced themselves (voluntarily) to live either in India (Hindi) or Pakistan (Islam). Good movie! 9 Division Left Brain
Historical
Hotel Rwanda,2004 - Yet another movie where I was given so much more information than I had ever read from the papers or watched on the news. I had no idea that it was this bad. For Paul Rusesabagina to have so much courage to protect so many, he is truly a blessed man. This is a movie that all must watch. 9 Island of Hope Left Brain
Historical
           
Layer Cake, 2005 - This is an engrossing, smart movie that has lots of layers and twists and turns. It's not a movie about dumb crooks, but rather a smart and comfortable crook who gets in over his head, and begins to drown and how he tries to take advantage of the situation.  8 Weaving straw into gold Left Brain
Batman Begins,2005 - I purposely didn't watch this on the plane because I didn't want to watch what I knew would be a good movie on a 7" screen. This really gives the a good backstory on Batman and his transformation into a legend. It shows he has Pity and that he believes not everyone is bad. The only thing that bugged me is Christian Bale talks like he just came out of the dentist. 8 Fear begets strength Hollyood
Firefly,2002 - It saddens me to write a review on a TV series that is no more. One season is all we get (maybe at some point it will be resurrected, but doubtful as Serenity wasn't a blockbuster). This is amazing Sci-Fi. The writing is awesome and you really care for all the characters. It's mixing of Western and Sci-Fi is something that caught me off guard (and made me change my old review of "Space Truckers" LOL) but works very well. I highly recommend this series because it's a great way to spend over 10 hours. It's just sad knowing when you get to the last disc, there is no season 2. Bummer. 8 Western Sci-Fi Date
Popcorn
Monsoon Wedding, 2001 - They say that every Bollywood movie has a wedding in it. They don't have this wedding. The movie is not about the wedding, but what goes on around it - there are easily 4 or 5 subplots that are all very interesting in their own right. Highly recommended. 8 Arranged Marriage Bollywood
The Terminal, 2004 - This is a very poignant and sometimes humorous movie about a foreigner who gets stuck in a airport terminal - unable to go home and unable to leave the terminal because his visa is no longer good. This was a really sweet and fun movie. Recommended for the entire family. 8 Making due Hollywood
Sopranos - Season 5,2004 - Knowing that a major character bites it, but not knowing the details, had me really wanting to see this season. It didn't disappoint. I thought it was much better than Season 4 and they even tried to tie up some of the "loose knots" that Season 4 left us with. I can't wait for Season 6! 8 Don't betray Popcorn
Finding Neverland, 2004 - This is basically the same plot as Shakespear in Love, but instead of Shakespear, we have Sir James Barrie. How did he come to write Peter Pan? This movie offers one plausible and moving account. It is a very fun and moving picture. 8 A child at heart Family
           
Stander, 2003 - This is a movie about a Cop in South Africa who decides to start robbing banks. It's a decent movie and I was surprised to find out it was actually based on a true story. It gives an account of what it was like to be a white policeman as the raciel inequities were bubbling up to the surface. 7 Inside job Historical
Sideways, 2004 - While I didn't start drinking Pinot Noir after this movie, it did cement for me the disdain I have for the supposed "wine critics" out there. Get a job! LOL. Anyway, this was a pretty good "buddy movie" where one buddy is getting married, but doesn't really seem to get the premise of the sanctity of marriage. 7 Brain below the belt Hollywood
The Bourne Supremecy, 2004 - Once again, we are treated to Jason Bourne and his spectacular ability to perform under pressure. The action is just right with the proper amount of suspense. Good way to spend an evening. 7 Framed Hollywood
National Treasure, 2004 - This was one of those movies that critics loved to pan because it wasn't "accurate". Bah! comeon, you expect this is actually true? If you can check your brain at the door, you will be highly entertained for the duration of the movie. I thought it was a fun and boisterous yarn!  7 Forefather secrets Popcorn
The Longest Yard,2005 - I can't get over that I not only watched this twice on the plane ride to/from India, but was drawn into watching other passenger's screens when they were watching it! This really is a funny movie and I laughed out loud on many occasions. I think this was actually better than the original. 7 Convict touchdown Hollywood N/A
Bill & Ted's excellent Adventure,1989 - I dug this out for my kids to watch and we all enjoyed watching this. This has always held a special place in my movie going history and I wasn't disappointed in watching it again. It still had the corny dialogue and the fun times I remembered. 7 History redux Family
Mr & Mrs Smith, 2005 - I can't stop but think of War of the Roses when I watch this. It's has more levity and I always enjoy looking at Angelina Jolie. LOL. Anyway, it's a fun way to spend a few hours. 7 Secret Lives Teen Family
Popcorn
Ghostbusters, 1984 - Again, another movie I dug out of the vault for my kids. I was kinda surprised at some of the language -wondering how this got a PG and not a PG-13 and then I researched and found that PG-13 didn't come along till 1994. Still a very fun movie and the best of the franchise.

* This is a PG-13 movie folks...the language and sexual innuendo is a bit much in some scenes.

7 StayPuff cryoplasm Family*
Tremors 2 - Aftershocks, 1995 - Campy but fun. While it doesn't hold a special place in my heart like the original Tremors, this is actually not bad and if you liked the original, I would definately recommend you watch this. Lots of humor and worm guts! 7 Worm evolution Popcorn
           
Bewitched, 2005 - This is an interesting take on how to present Bewitched in a movie format. I think it might get a slightly higher rating once I re-watch it on my HT, but for now I'm sticking with average. It was a sweet movie with some fun times, although I think the TV series was still funnier. I was yearning for what my memory recalled and I didn't get much of that.  6 Wiggle your nose Hollywood N/A
Crash, 2004 - I just don't get how some people can rate this movie so high. Ya, it gives a nod to racism and how people aren't always what you expect, but it felt contrived and forced to me...like it was scripted. The other thing that bugged me was that the "crash" really wasn't a unifying or central part like "3 days in the valley" or other similar movies where characters are tied together through  seemingly random events. 6 Stereotype Collision Left Brain N/A
Ghostbusters 2,1989 - This is definately a let down from the original. More dark and ominous than the original. I think the levity is what made the original so special. 6 Power grab Family
Gunner Palace, 2005 - This is an interesting "diary" of a group of soldiers based out of a palace in Bagdad. It really runs as a disjointed number of scenes with some decent rap and music thrown in. While I'm not in favor of the war, how the movie ends with a few anti-war statements just seemed thrown together and really didn't hold a lot of water for me, as nothing in the rest of the movie led up to this. Read "My War" by Colby Buzzell instead. 6 A day in the life of a sodier Documentary
Casque d'Or, 1952 - This is an interesting french film of how a women under a mob boss who thinks he owns everyone. How the mob plays out and the various things they do is interesting. It does play out a bit different in the end, but it felt somewhat rushed after the lazy and long character development in the beginning.   6 Mob - French style Foreign
DodgeBall, 2004 - This is a fun movie, but I thought it could have been so much more had they spent more time. Yes, it should have been another 30 minutes longer. It was just too short and as such, it leaves you wanting for more, because it really had some fun points in it. 6 Dodge THIS Popcorn
Family
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, 2005 - This is just as chaotic as I remember the book. This is definitely not a block buster. It's not bad either, but it's pace and lack of spending just a little time to slow down so the audience can remember a character's name could have been improved. This really should be viewed twice so you can appreciate some of the subtleties. 6 Real world computer Popcorn
           
Chicken Little, 2005 - What a let-down. While the little ones around your house may like this, pre-teens and adults will find it a boring time. It has some OK moments, but overall it was painful to watch. 5 Blame Game Family N/A
Bruce Almighty,2003 - This movie fails in trying to be both funny and serious. If it would have picked either, it might have succeeded for me, but in the end you can't have it both ways. 5 God's power Hollywood
The War of the Worlds,2005 - Tom Cruise is just miscast whenever he is a "victim". I don't like much of what he has done, but he can't pull off victim at all. Also, the constant running makes no sense since they are everywhere and adds little to the movie. It's basically like "Signs" except you get to see the monsters more. 5 No hope Hollywood
Popcorn		 N/A
Billy Connolly: Live The Greatest Hits,2001 - I rented this on a lark, trying to find a comedian that really toots my horn. He's alright, but understanding his accent is tough at times. It was interesting seeing him through the years & how his appearance changed, tho. 5 Scottish funnies Comedy
Creature Comforts, 1989 - For Wallace & Grommit fans, this is a small set of shorts that show some of the early works of Nick Park. Some are OK, but by & large, not something that you would want to watch more than once. 5 Before Wallace Left Brain
Better off Dead, 1985 - A silly teen movie that shows the extent teenagers will go for "love". 5 High School Crush Hollywood
Arrested Development, Season 1 - Sorry, but I just don't get it. After it recieve quite a few accolades, I decided to try it, but I just don't see much beyond any other TV series...meaning most is innane & boring and I can find a better way to spend my time. 5 Poor Rich Family Hollywood
Powwow Highway, 1989 - I was really hoping for something here, but the acting and dialogue are so bad, it fails on all accounts - as a movie and as a vehicle to show how the Indians are screwed even today. 4 Road Trip rash Hollywood
Silver City, 2004 - This is too much of trying to make a political statement instead of a movie. Waste of time. 3 Political contrivance Popcorn
           
           

I think it is high time I went back & added a few tidbits on movies that I watched prior to 2002. I have actually re-watched a few of these (the title is now yellow) & the others are still very fresh in my mind for being so good (title still in green).

Note that for now, these are duplicated in the "horde" of reviews on the subsequent sections but there they do not have a description. Upon my next update, I will merge them back in.

Older Movies that finally get a description Movie Rating Nutshell Genre Sound Rating Violence
Meter
Aliens, 1986 - This is one of the rare sequels that blows away the original. The action and suspense are so pulpable, you can hear the claws scraping on the metal. I don't think people really knew what action meant until this movie came out. A funny story on this movie is that I watched the original in the theaters and when the VHS movies came out, I bought every new "remastered / widescreen" version, but something kept nagging at me - a scene I recalled vivadly was missing. Finally, the DVD comes out and not only is that old scene back in, but additional scenes are available as well. What an oustanding, violent, suspensful movie! 10 Space  Alamo Hollywood
Braveheart,1995 - Watching this film is like going back in time and seeing how Scottland was freed in fuedal times. The movie feels so authentic you feel like it is almost a documentary. Gripping suspense, a little bit of romance, and comradery is what brings this movie together. William Wallace was a brave and courageous man. 10 A man who led a nation Date
Historical
Star Wars 4: The Original, 1977 - who can deny the day movies changed forever? Watching this on the big screen, and the interminable wait we had to go through before it was finally released on DVD - touched up and ready for the hear & now brought back great memories. George Lucas could never hope to equal the feeling we all felt watching this for the very first time. 10 Space Opera Hollywood
Toy Story, 1995 - This is groundbreaking animation and has one of the best pure, original stories that will please kids and adults alike. This is a movie I have a hard time pulling away whenever my kids put it in. Every time I watch it, it is like the first time. 10    Family
Terminator 2, 1991 - Yet another rare example of the sequel outperforming the original. "T2" took the original concept and upped the ante with fantastic special effects and story line. Outstanding movie fare! 10 Savior and Protector Hollywood
Cookies' Fortune,1999 - What happens in a small town, in a family, stays in that family and in that town - or at least it tries until an innocent is targetted. On the surface it seems like such a simple movie, but one that will keep you engaged and has more under the covers than you might think. This is really top-notched character driven film - It takes it's time and is yet another example of  why I continue to have high admiration for Robert Altman. 9 Small town macrocosm  Date
Toy Story 2, 1999 - A masterful followup to the original Toy Story, this time with a few new characters. The "deleted scenes" are some of the most funny scenes I have ever watched. 9 Antique Value Family
The Right Stuff,1983 - Growing up on Science Fiction and and having posters of the space shuttle on my walls as a child, I could only dream of how they did these things. This movie is an phenomenal look at the test pilots and their early work in trying to get to space. It's a funny, gripping and exciting movie! 9 The space pioneers Date
Historical
Usual Suspects,1995 - Ok, I need to watch this one again before I really comment on it. 9    Left Brain
Red Rock West, 1992 - This is a movie that I will typically recommend to people when I say there are some awesome older movies. Hardly anyone has seen this great movie and I have yet to find anyone who did not enjoy this immensely. A good man, who is down on his luck in a major way takes a job that was not his and then tries to get out of it, again & again, but his morality keeps him coming back. Note how many times you see the sign "Now leaving Red Rock". Awesome movie that keeps going just when you think it's finished and you're glad it kept going. 9 A greedy but nice goodguy who just can't leave  Date
ManHunter, 1986 - This is THE original - the movie that started it all. People continue to crow about how good the "Silence of the lambs", and "Hannibal" were so good. While the remake of ManHunter, "Red Dragon" was decent, I still continue to laud and recommend ManHunter to people who want a top notch thriller. The pacing and clues and the detective piecing this together keeps you at the edge of your seat. The director did such a good job that it the clues come together at just the right speed. Awesome movie. 9 Thinking like a killer  Date
Dusk Till Dawn, 1996 - This movie starts out like any other crook / buddy / escape road movie and then HITS YOU WITH A SLEDGEHAMMER. I don't want to give anything away if you've never seen this movie (and don't cheat and read anything about it), but be ready for the ride of your life. This is a movie that instead of taking a right-hand turn, slaps a rocket on your ass and launches you over a bottomless canyon. Way cool! 9 Truck Stop on the edge of Hell Hollywood
Repo Man, 1984 - If you've ever wandered what a "cult" movie is all about, you need to go no further than watching this movie. To me a cult movie is a movie that you can watch over and over again and continue to see new things.  This is the movie that people watch at 2am in the morning after bar hopping all night. You can watch it sober for just as much fun, but the point is, this is a classic B movie that has attained such a high "cult" status, you have to watch this movie. Many times. 9 The green car Left Brain
Resevoir Dogs,1992 - This is a movie that takes place largely in a warehouse after a planned robbery goes horribly wrong. This movie is not so much about action, but about dialogue and how a bunch of anonymous people (instead of using their real names, they adopted names of various colors) fight amongst themselves in trying to figure out who ratted them out. 9 Guilty or innocent Left Brain
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly, 1966 - the pre-eminent western of all time. This is a huge, long, 3 hour movie that comes in many versions - try to find the 3hr one. Amazing story telling with gritty characters and there is no real "good" guy. This is the pinnacle of the spaghetti westerns - films called that because they were filmed in Italy. 10 Clues amongst thieves Classic
Gone with the Wind, 1939 - yes, this is a classic and it is a great movie to watch that is both a war & love story, but for me, I can't rate it higher than an 8. If you've never watched this, you owe it to yourself as this really is fine film-making for it's time. 8 Civil War Love Classic
Freeway, 1996 - Another example of a film I will highly recommend that most have not watched. The analogy of Little Red Riding hood can not be missed. This movie shows Reese Witherspoons Dr Jeckl and Mr Hyde personalities. What you think is a sweet "little red riding hood" can be deceiving. The movie is also decieving - start out nice & sweet and slowly upping the volume until you are gripping the edge of your seat. 9 Little miss muffet with a vengeance Hollywood
Kalifornia, 1993 - This is a road-trip movie, but one that has you squirming in your seat as you can't believe what you are watching. It mixes white/collar with blue-collar and smart / dumb but shows it in a way that you can't help but watch. A thriller through & through. 9 Brains vs Brawn Hollywood
LoneStar, 1996 - This is kinda like Fargo, set in Texas. It's a crime story that moseys along, but also takes you for a ride down memory lane as history in a small town plays a large part in a murder of today. This is a fantastic movie that develops it's characters, keeps the clues close to it's chest and let's the cards lay where they will. 9 Town History
Mystery		 Hollywood
           
           

Jump to:

The cream of the crop (Ratings 9-10)
Standing above the crowd (Ratings 7-8)
You get what you pay for (Ratings 5-6)
The bottom of the barrel (Ratings 1-4)

My rating & Genre System 
WIP - movies I want to watch but haven't, also a movie matrix trying to show my top 10, but I have a 100 instead