Last week, I watched three movies from Netflix. I also realized I’m more than likely not going to hit 30 movies by the end of July. Maybe half that amount. Life’s busy!

First, I watched Grindhouse: Death Proof, a 2007 movie with Rosario Dawson and Kurt Russell. It’s billed as an action/horror movie. I guess I didn’t view it as a horror flick, although a few scenes are a bit graphic. I really liked the cinematography. It had this “old movie” feel to it. Definitely has that Quentin Tarantino essence. Some parts are funny. Some parts are creepy. But the ending car chase is amazing. I’d give it 4 of 5 stars. Tagline: “It’s going to be a wild ride.” Yes, yes it is.

Next, I watched Vantage Point. I wanted to see this when it debuted in 2008 because I like Dennis Quaid and Forest Whitaker and because this is my kind of movie. Action-adventure told from varying points of view. It’s good, but I had it figured out as soon as the first “incident” occurred. I’d still give it 4 of 5 stars because I did enjoy it. Sigourney Weaver is way underused though. Tagline: “8 Strangers. 8 points of view. 1 Truth.” Perspective is everything.

Finally, I added this next movie to the list based on a recommendation from a Twitter friend. When Zachary Beaver Came to Town  is a heartwarming story about growing up and being accepted. Filming took place in 2003 and then it went on the film festival circuit and didn’t hit theaters until 2005. It will appeal to kids, maybe more than adults. It’s based on a YA novel, and very seldom do books translate to the screen and hold their magic. Unless it’s Harry Potter (which this isn’t). I’d give it 3.5 of 5 stars.

Richard Gere plays a department of public safety administrator who abuses the sex crime perps he’s supposed to be monitoring. Because of his actions, he’s taking early retirement and training his replacement. Then, a girl goes missing and the hunt is on. His co-workers don’t believe him, but he drags along his replacement as they race against time to find the girl.

Released in 2007

What’s Good? Richard Gere! It’s a fast-paced action/adventure thriller with a few twists and turns.

What’s Bad? Why must movies always have an expected ending? Well, it’s not a completely happy ending, but it walks down the predicted path.

What’s Missing? The unexpected twist. I had this one figured out early. Yes, I’m that good.

3.5 of 5

Did this movie play in theaters? Movie release date – 2007. I absolutely enjoyed it. John Cusack plays a widower who decides to adopt a child. Cusack’s character also writes science fiction. The child he adopts believes he came from Mars.

What’s Good?Splendid story. It’s funny, dramatic, charming, disturbing. I could watch John Cusack every day. He’s delightful and this movie seems like a natural fit. And, there’s something about the cinematography. Brilliant colors pop on screen. Anjelica Huston’s scene is chilling and later heartwarming. And Joan Cusack always makes me smile.

What’s Bad? Amanda Peet is underused.She needs more to do, although I know she’s a minor character.

What’s Missing? The flip could be stronger. The twist is good, but it could be beefed up.

4 of 5 stars

Last July, I decided, heck, I’m on vacation. I’m going to watch one movie a day. Thanks, Netflix queue. Well, I’m going to try it again this summer.

First up, Wimbledon with Kirsten Dunst and Paul Bettany. This movie came out in 2004. Not sure how I missed it at the theater.

What’s good about it? It has a bit of quirkiness to it that kept me interested. One of the things I like is how Peter hears all these voices  while playing tennis. It’s a litany of good and bad and shapes how well he does or doesn’t play. The film also has a few interesting camera tricks – slow motion and such – that add a bit of uniqueness.  The character of Lizzie is flirtacious but a bit predictible. Some great tennis shots (although I imagine they were computer generated). Not a bad story, either. Washed-up player meets girl who inspires him. Also like the comet that’s woven into the story. It’s like there’s a higher force bringing people together. Plus, the last line of the movie is very true: (paraphrasing) Thought life would be over without tennis, but Imade a better life.

What’s missing? An unpredictible twist.

What’s bad? Even though it’s not a bad story, it’s predictible. Ending is totally predictible. Sometimes, even a “feel good” movie doesn’t need an I-knew-this-would-happen ending.

Grade: B.