Kim's Film Reviews - 'Before Midnight (USA, 2013) - directed by Richard Linklater - T R A V E L L E R S B A Z A A R

Long-time and recent readers of my blog, I am officially back!

After a 4+ year hiatus, I am back reviewing films at Traveller's Bazaar.

Below is the link to my first review with Traveller's Bazaar. Like us on Facebook at Traveller's Bazaar for updates on all my future reviews:

Kim's Film Reviews - 'Before Midnight (USA, 2013) - directed by Richard Linklater - T R A V E L L E R S  B A Z A A R

The 3rd Annual Kimbo Awards

With over 75 2008 released films under my belt, I present you with this year's version of the Kimbo Awards:

Nominees are ranked in order of preference.

BEST PICTURE



Winner
Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father

Nominees
WALL•E
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Chop Shop
Doubt

BEST DIRECTOR



Winner
Kurt Kuenne – Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father

Nominees
Andrew Stanton – WALL•E
Danny Boyle – Slumdog Millionaire
Ramin Bahrani – Chop Shop
John Patrick Shanley – Doubt

BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE



Winner
Alejandro Polanco – Chop Shop

Nominees
Mickey Rourke – The Wrestler
Sam Rockwell – Snow Angels
Frank Langella – Frost/Nixon
Sean Penn – Milk

BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE



Winner
Sally Hawkins – Happy-Go-Lucky

Nominees
Meryl Streep – Doubt
Jess Weixler – Teeth
Anne Hathaway – Rachel Getting Married
Michelle Williams – Wendy and Lucy

BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE



Winner
Heath Ledger – The Dark Knight

Nominees
Eddie Marsan – Happy-Go-Lucky
Javier Bardem – Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Philip Seymour Hoffman – Doubt
John Malkovich – Burn After Reading

BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE



Winner
Amy Adams – Doubt

Nominees
Viola Davis – Doubt
Vera Farmiga – Nothing But the Truth
Rosemarie DeWitt – Rachel Getting Married
Kristen Bell – Forgetting Sarah Marshall

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
Sample of winning score linked to film title



Winner
Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father

Nominees
Milk
Changeling
WALL•E
Slumdog Millionaire

BEST ORIGINAL SONG



Winner
“Inside of You” (Forgetting Sarah Marshall)

Nominees
“Gran Torino” (Gran Torino)
“The Wrestler” (The Wrestler)
“Another Way to Die” (Quantum of Solace)
“We’ve Got to Do Something” (Forgetting Sarah Marshall)

BEST DOCUMENTARY



Winner
Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father

Nominees
Trouble the Water
Encounters at the End of the World
Bigger Stronger Faster*
Young at Heart

BEST ENSEMBLE



Winner
Chop Shop

Nominees
Doubt
Burn After Reading
Rachel Getting Married
Milk

Winners in the remaining categories

BEST FILM EDITING
Quantum of Solace

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
WALL•E

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Doubt

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
WALL•E

BEST ART DIRECTION
Changeling

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Quantum of Solace

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Let the Right One In

BEST SOUND EDITING
WALL•E

BEST SOUND MIXING
WALL•E

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

My 10 Favourite Films of 2008

What a roller coaster ride this year turned out to be. While many of the critically lauded films fell short of impressing me, I found solace *wink* in areas I least expected. While '08 can never boast in being an all-time best in regards to overall film quality, I found a few films at the top that I would rank amongst the best this decade has to offer. Here are the 10 I appreciated most:

The Cream

10. Milk



Chronicling the latter years of political activist Harvey Milk, Gus Van Sant presents a stark reminder of the atrocities people can be led to when driven by hate and intolerance. It is a socially relevant, compelling near-masterpiece as far as biopics go. It's primary flaw - a criminally underdeveloped antagonist, which lessens the film's overall impact, but not nearly enough to not warrant a spot on this list.

9. Blindness



An appealing twist on a genre flick, Blindness captures the claustrophobia, uncertainty and survival instincts of the best "quarantine"-centered films. What sets it apart is that there are no monsters, just people reduced to uncivilized creatures by fear and the unknown. It is technically sound, and well-acted, and probably the most unfairly criticized film of the year. Many found it self-important and improbable. I found it mesmerizing.

8. Slumdog Millionaire



Critics' darling and awards season sweeper, Slumdog Millionaire does not disappoint. It is a classic love story portrayed in a most original way. Few films this year have been more memorably directed, edited and shot. This will probably walk away with the biggest prize at tomorrow night's Oscars and, of the nominees, I have no objections.

7. The Wrestler



Score another one for Darren Aronofsky, who manages to silence critics by proving he can "play it straight." The Wrestler can be compared to a requiem, and is a slow, tragically beautiful depiction of a broken man's attempt to recapture faded glory. Mickey Rourke delivers a performance that will be remembered for years to come.

6. Quantum of Solace



Even with it's lackluster reviews, I found QoS to be almost surreal in it's serenity, beauty and melancholy. Daniel Craig once again proves that he is the quintessential Bond, and Olga Kurylenko is one of the most beautiful Bond girls ever. In my opinion, the pinnacle of the year's achievements in both editing and cinematography.

5. Doubt



As far as stage play adaptations go, this is one of the best I've seen in a long time. It's presentation is virtually flawless, and led by the ever reliable Meryl Streep, it is complete with four standout performances. Despite many people claiming that it's convictions are far too easy to determine, I'm one of the few that believes it is all open to interpretation.

4. Chop Shop



One of the most "real" and authentically portrayed films of the year. When you watch Chop Shop, you aren't watching actors, but a true-to-life depiction of the ins and outs of a chop shop through the eyes of a boy on the cusp of adolescence. All year there hasn't been a performance that is able to match the raw naturalness of Alejandro Polanco. He never seems to be aware that a camera is even present, and this masterclass of "exhibitionist acting" as I call it is what makes the film work.

3. Forgetting Sarah Marshall



Hands down, this year's funniest film, that features not one, but two of the best original songs I've seen in film all year. This film's "rewatchability" factor is sky high, as I've seen and enjoyed it at least 8 times already. Complemented by a standout, reappearing cameo by Paul Rudd, this memorable ensemble nails every delivery, and will likely leave even the most reserved in stitches.

2. WALL·E



Quite possibly the cutest film I've ever seen. I enjoyed it so much, I battled long and hard mentally when deciding my #1 film of the year. With the use of minimal dialogue and some impressive as ever sound mixing, WALL·E's hard work and dedication, which showcases so much endearing personality that you forget he's a robot, will melt even the coldest of hearts.

1. Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father



As harrowing, engaging and affecting as any documentary (or film) I've ever seen. What starts out as a project to acquaint a baby boy to his fatally murdered father, ends up a story that reaches to the depths of the soul. Directed, narrated and scored by Kurt Kuenne, I can't remember ever being this moved by a piece of non-fiction since Hoop Dreams. The crowning jewel of the year's achievements.

The stock
Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Definitely, Maybe, Keith, Let the Right One In, Rachel Getting Married

Distant Voices, Still Lives - 1989, Terence Davies

Terence Davies is a master at capturing moments in time. Distant Voices, Still Lives proves this as well as any of his films could. In a mere 80 minutes, he manages to fashion an engaging, entertaining, somber, almost voyeuristic look into the lives of a mid-20th century English family. Not only is the story evocative, it is downright affecting.

The use of song in this film is really unlike anything I've seen before. The music is seamlessly intertwined with the story and is never jarring, which can not be said about many musically generated motion pictures.

The film is divided into two segments; the first, Distant Voices, is a look into the lives of the five member family as the three children grow up in a household with a verbally and physically abusive father and a caring and hard-working mother. The story is seen through the memories of individual members of the household, as they reminisce about their lives in the wake of their father's passing. The different perspectives give us a thorough and unbiased picture of some of the events that shaped their lives.

Still Lives focuses on the lives the children lead after getting married. What makes this story effective is not that it is important; but that we are watching the lives of ordinary, "normal" people unfold set in an era far gone. It is a striking portrayal of just how fleeting and insignificant our lives really are. We are important to our significant others, yet so irrelevant in history.

The non-linear approach taken by a number of directors in portraying their story can sometimes be confusing, but here it is seamless. It is beyond me how so much story and character development could be woven into two 40 minute stories. Watching this film is like peering through a time capsule into the lives of forgotten people.

The performances here are all naturally crafted; there is no weak link to be found. My favourite of the bunch is Debi Jones, whose turn as family friend Micky was all sorts cheeky and delightful. The camerawork and editing are a work of art. The real standout, unsurprisingly, is Terence Davies, whose signature direction is at its bleeding best. Here he crafts a film that is melancholy without being overbearing, engaging without being important.

Few directors are able to move an audience without resorting to heavy manipulation the way he does, and few directors command my respect more deservedly.


♥♦♠♣ 10/10

© 2009 Kim Bartlett

Sidney Poitier

Words can not express the greatness of this moment...

watch it here.

The most beautiful actress. Ever

The Screenwriter's Journey, 2.0

Progress, progress, progress! Seriously, God bless David Trottier. If any of you ever seriously think about writing, go out and buy The Screenwriter's Bible post-haste. I'm trying to follow everything to a T, and shake off my shortcut tendencies to ensure I give this my best effort.

I've become really attached to the story, it's characters and situations. I even have in mind who I would like for the two leads. The scary part is the actual writing of the thing. I have pages upon pages of prep work, and a 30-page first draft, now I'm gearing down to stepping out the scenes and onto writing a complete first draft. I still need to do a bit more research of the location and era, but as early as Monday, I will begin to write. I can hardly wait.

So, to give you a bit more info on what the story is actually about... it's a drama, mainly set in early 90s Pittsburgh, and is bookended in Philadelphia 1964 and Pittsburgh 200_. I will refrain from posting any plot description until I register my script with the WGA. You know, for safety reasons.

The idea has truly grown and been re-shaped since I first thought of it last year. Some of you who heard about the story when I first talked about it, may not even recognise some of it if I was to show you what it's become. The gist of it is still the same, but some of the details have developed into something more.

I've narrowed down my list of screenplay competition prospects from five to three. So my focus is now on: Nicholl, PAGE and Scriptapalooza. The deadline for two of them is April 15th and for the other is May 1st. With the material and prep work I have, I plan to do some revision on my completed first draft, right up to submission. Of course, the work won't stop there, as I plan to revise until perfect, and then start working on a marketing plan.

The story I have is nothing short of affecting. I just have to gather all my scruples together and write a fantastic script!

Online Gaming

If online casino gaming is your forte, you may find this website of interest. Best Online Casinos ranks and rates the best of the best in online gaming web sites. Each website is given a thorough treatment, as it is analyzed in nearly every relevant category.

The sites are given a score based on the editor's opinion, as well as users' opinion. The overall game experience is broken down and rated according to game selections, graphics and sound quality and game speed. A "trust score" is given based on site security, fair play, customer support, deposit options and payout speed. There is also an editor's review that makes mention of the necessary components of the site experience.

A FAQ sheet is made available to answer basic questions regarding general online gaming. Popular websites such as Rushmore are reviewed, as well as other lesser known web sites.

For a guideline into the best the net can offer in online casino gaming, give this site a look.

Domain Registration

For all the web junkies out there, I have something that may be of interest to you. If you are working on a web project of some sort, or interested in setting up your own personal website for business or recreation, then this web site is perfect for you to register domain names.

Whatever your needs may be, you can register your domain name using any host server you find suitable. Payless Domains is fully equipped to handle all required needs and answer any questions you may have. They provide 24/7 customer support, free email hosting, free URL forwarding, free member account, web hosting packages and much more... all for an amazingly low price. They also provide an incredibly thorough FAQ help sheet, that covers any questions you may have.

This website provides all the tools needed to register your domain name and get your site started, all at an affordable price and in a professional manner. Visit now and see for yourself.

My 10 Favourite Films of 2007

2007 was interesting in that while it may not have provided the most amazing crop of films of the decade (or even the past two years), it certainly produced a crop of unique and memorable motion pictures. These are the 10 that impressed me most <>

The Cream

(updated)
10. 3:10 to Yuma
9. Into the Wild

8. Show Business



Detailing the road taken by 4 new broadway musicals on the way to the Tony Awards, this documentary feature was one of the most fun, refreshing and exhilarating motion pictures I've had the pleasure of viewing last year. I actually found this one by mistake, which could've added to my overall appreciation of it. For lovers of theatre, this is an enthusiastic recommendation.

7. Grindhouse



Seeing this was the most fun I had in a movie theatre last year. This film is pure adrenaline, and features two fresh, original and funny throwbacks to grindhouse features. Fake trailers and purposefully sloppy editing added another element that created the perfect atmosphere for this type of feature. While I preferred Planet Terror slightly to Death Proof, each brought it's own edge to the project and showcased each director's capabilities. But someone should really tell QT to stop "acting."

6. There Will Be Blood



Paul Thomas Anderson lends credibility to his versatility with this very impressive adaptation. The cinematography, score, art direction and sound are all top notch, and the film is accentuated by two incredible performances by Lewis and Dano. The Daniel Plainview uttered quoted, "I drink your milkshake" is one for the ages, and will be remembered for years to come.

5. Lust, Caution



Ang Lee brings insight, personality and unprecedented sensuality to this production. Lust, Caution excels in nearly every area and the atmosphere broods with tension and unpredictable brutality. This is one of the best combinations of cinematography and editing for the year, and the score could very well be the year's best (although my sentiments lie with Howard's work in I Am Legend). Tang Wei crafts a memorable lead (in more ways than one), and brings her all to this most impressive debut role.

4. Once



Hands down, the sweetest movie of the year, whose ending is possibly my favourite since 2004's Before Sunset. The songs are all magical, the story perfect in it's simplicity, and the film unforgettable in it's sincerity. This is my favourite movie musical since Moulin Rouge! Once hits you when you least expect it, and with it's emotionally satisfying cadre of songs, will not soon be forgotten.

3. I Am Legend



So good in so many ways, I am still baffled by the hate towards this near-perfect genre flick. Will Smith's performance is spot-on, and he single-handedly carries this film, with a little help from his dog Sam. The atmosphere is perfect, the score is perfect, and even though it's resolution may have been a bit contrived, I was completely satisfied both times I watched it.

2. In the Shadow of the Moon



The most impressive documentary I've seen in a long time, and this year marks the only year I've ever included two docs in my end of year Top 10. What sets this apart is the combination style of re-telling the events. We are treated to the story of man's journey to the moon, from the POV of the astronauts involved, both at the time, and in retrospect. David Sington's use of footage is put together admirably, and the emotion and sheer pride felt from the men involved is highly contagious. For a brief moment last year, I considered this for my #1 spot.


But last year's crowning jewel was without a doubt...

1. No Country for Old Men



Bardem's Anton Chigurh is one of screen's most compelling antagonists, and he dominates the screen in this profoundly multi-layered film. The film's tagline "You can't stop what's coming" perfectly sums up this onion in a nutshell, and this is one of the most impressive films I've seen in the past few years. The sole perfect rating I handed out last year, and most deservedly so. I can recommend no 2007 release more strongly.

The Leftovers
Black Snake Moan, Cashback, Gone Baby Gone, Into the Wild, Juno, 3:10 to Yuma

Cash Advance made easier

What makes this web site unique, is that not only does it refer you to the best outlets for cash advance and payday loans, but it also reviews various websites to ensure you get the best service for you. Cash Advance and Payday Loans is a web page created by TrustSource.org and it is a neatly packaged resource that can be quite beneficial if utilized.

Within the web site is a referential cash advance guide that gives a basic rundown of the rules, regulations and stipulations associated with this type of service. No matter what type of loan it is you need, you can find it here. The web page is as simple as it gets, and is straight to the point without any excessive or unnecessary information.

Loan types featured include: Additional Earnings, Women's Payday, Silent Cash and Urgent Cash Relief, to name a few. So whether you are short on cash or just need some extra money in between paychecks, Cash Advance and Payday Loans can direct you to the most suitable site which will get money to you as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Visit the attached link above to see what this website can offer.

The 2nd Annual Kimbo Awards

Here, I present you with my official 2007 Film Nominations and Wins. With exactly 100 films seen, I've viewed more films released in the past year than any previous year. After a thorough assessment of what the year had to offer, I've come up with a list of the best of the best in every Academy recognisable category (minus the shorts). And they are as follows:

Nominees are presented in order of preference

Best Picture



Winner
No Country for Old Men

Other Nominees
In the Shadow of the Moon
I Am Legend
Once
Lust, Caution

Best Director



Winner
Ang Lee – Lust, Caution

Other Nominees
Joel & Ethan Coen – No Country for Old Men
Paul Thomas Anderson – There Will Be Blood
David Sington – In the Shadow of the Moon
Francis Lawrence – I Am Legend

Best Actor in a Leading Role



Winner
Daniel Day-Lewis, as Daniel Plainview in There Will Be Blood

Other Nominees
Will Smith, as Robert Neville in I Am Legend
Casey Affleck, as Robert Ford in The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Brad Pitt, as Jesse James in The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Benicio Del Toro, as Jerry Sunborne in Things We Lost in the Fire

Best Actress in a Leading Role



Winner
Amy Adams, as Giselle in Enchanted

Other Nominees
Christina Ricci, as Rae in Black Snake Moan
Jodie Foster, as Erica Bain The Brave One
Tang Wei, as Wong Chia Chi in Lust, Caution
Ellen Page, as Juno MacGuff in Juno

Best Actor in a Supporting Role



Winner
Javier Bardem, as Anton Chigurh in No Country for Old Men

Other Nominees
Paul Dano, as Paul/Eli Sunday in There Will Be Blood
Hal Holbrook, as Ron Franz in Into the Wild
Justin Timberlake, as Frankie Ballenbacher in Alpha Dog
Sam Rockwell, as Charley Ford in The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

Best Actress in a Supporting Role



Winner
Saoirse Ronan, as Briony Tallis in Atonement

Other Nominees
Marisa Tomei, as Gina Hanson in Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead
Jennifer Garner, as Vanessa Loring in Juno
Marcia Gay Harden, as Mrs. Carmody in The Mist
Olympia Dukakis, as Phyllis in In the Land of Women

Best Original Score
Sample of winning score linked to film title



Winner
James Newton Howard - I Am Legend

Other Nominees
Alexandre Desplat - Lust, Caution
Nick Cave - The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Dario Marianelli - Atonement
Jonny Greenwood - There Will Be Blood

Best Original Song
Sample of nominated songs linked to song title



Winner
“Falling Slowly” – Once

Other Nominees
“So Close” – Enchanted
“Lies” – Once
“Le Festin” – Ratatouille
“Forever” – The Man from Earth

Best Film Editing



Winner
Cashback

Other Nominees
Lust, Caution
300
No Country for Old Men
There Will Be Blood


Winners in the remaining categories

Best Original Screenplay
Craig Brewer - Black Snake Moan

Best Adapted Screenplay
Joel & Ethan Coen – No Country for Old Men

Animated Feature
Ratatouille

Best Art Direction
There Will Be Blood

Best Cinematography
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

Best Costume Design
Elizabeth: The Golden Age

Best Documentary Feature
In the Shadow of the Moon

Best Foreign Language Film
Lust, Caution

Best Makeup
Elizabeth: The Golden Age

Best Sound Editing
Atonement

Best Sound Mixing
There Will Be Blood

Best Visual Effects
Sunshine

Looking for something? You can find it here...

Okay, I just came across a site that has excited me more than any site has recently. Savebuckets provides price comparisons on over a million products worldwide, ensuring that you get the best deal possible in your search for merchandise of any kind. On the webpage, there is a search bar that offers all-inclusive search listings, as well as an option to search only shops you know. There is also a price range option that only lists products within your specified range. If the product you are looking for isn't available in your range, Savebuckets will email you the instant it becomes available.

The search listings are amazingly thorough, featuring the most affordable prices on top name brands (Sony, Panasonic, etc.) in electronics such as mp3 players, digital cameras and digital camcorders, computer hardware and software, clothing, sports equipment, music, books, DVDs... you name it, it's there. Guaranteed. And with such a wide range of price listings, you will be sure to get the best deal possible.

There is also a search guide that assists you in your search queries, and offers insight into what you need to look for no matter what it is. A FAQ sheet and contact info are also made available to keep you knowledgable and to ensure your experience is as smooth as possible. Visit Savebuckets right now and check it out for yourself... you won't be disappointed!

In the Shadow of the Moon

Simply amazing. One of the most moving and thorough documentaries I have seen in quite some time. It succeeds in every way, as not only do we revisit the voyage of man to the moon in the late 60s and 70s, but we see how it has impacted the men involved to this day. The direction is top notch, and the execution is just brilliant. One of 2007's few gems. A near flawless motion picture.

My father was born shortly after the Wright Brothers. He could barely believe that I went to the Moon. But my son, Tom, was five. And he didn't think it was any big deal.

9/10

© 2008 Kim Bartlett

Online Casino Games Insight

So I joined Rushmore the other day, and I must say I was impressed. It was everything I thought it would be, and I found the website very easy to navigate. There are many websites devoted to providing online gamblers a safe haven of website listings to educate users on the best casino sites the web has to offer. Online Gambling & Casino for US Players is such a website.

For a thorough unbiased online casino listing, complete with reviews and personal blogging, this site is the place to go. It provides insight from a personal point of view on just what each of the most popular online gambling destinations provide. What gives this website a unique touch is that it even provides rules and tips for some of the more frequently played games such as craps and roulette. If online casino games tickle your fancy, check this site out for a guide into the best of the best.

Before the Devil Knows You're Dead

A well-edited, well-written tale of a robbery gone bad. Sidney Lumet does a commendable job of directing this compelling tale, that falters only slightly on it's way to a conclusion. The score is perfect, and represents one of the more memorable efforts of the year. An exciting, watchable caper flick that should stand up even on repeated viewings. And Marisa Tomei's Gina may just be the best cute/sexy combination of the decade.

As far as performances go, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Marisa Tomei are memorable and Ethan Hawke is effective. Albert Finney, Amy Ryan and Rosemary Harris were adequate.

Can I help you to seconds?

8/10

© 2008 Kim Bartlett

Got Bad Credit?

What a hole to be in. It seems like everything is run by credit these days, and a person with bad credit can find themselves at a serious disadvantage. Have you ever wondered if there was some way to maximize your position while you try to get back on your feet? Bad Credit Offers is a free resource that specializes in finding consumers the best bad credit loans available. A site like this is a remarkable necessity to someone with bad credit.

What makes this website stand out, is that it provides consumers the opportunity to compare dozens of bad credit offers in a variety of areas to suit each personal need. From credit cards, to home and auto loans, Bad Credit Offers covers a lot of bases to give you options instead of having to take what you get.

If you are looking for an opportunity to rebuild your credit, I can't think of a more practical and feasible option. Visit the website today and be on your way to a brighter financial future.

The 10 Worst Films of 2007

These are the 10 worst films released in 2007 that I've had the displeasure of viewing. Avoid at all costs.

10. Good Luck Chuck



You would think that image alone would make the film worth watching, huh? Try again. Alba's the endearing equivalent of a baboon and the romance doesn't work because it's between two unlikeable characters. Delivers a few laughs, but Alba's train wreck of a character single-handedly ruined it for me.

9. American Pie Presents: Beta House



By far the worst of the "sequels." The storyline feels so rehashed and idiotic that I was even bored by the nudity. And there was plenty of it.

8. Cougar Club



In a nutshell? Two idiots get the opportunity to make money by starting a cougar club (a club devoted to older women wanting to pay for young boy toy sex). Throw in a cliché annoying girlfriend and overdone genre plot tactics, and there ya have it.

7. The Haunting Hour: Don’t Think About It



Don't ask me why I watched this. I was a rabid Goosebumps fan as an adolescent and I tried to recreate some of that magic by watching this. Not an entirely bad movie... if you're a six year old. Tobin Bell makes a memorable cameo, though.

6. Across the Universe



About as much structure as diarrhea. The cinematic waste of time of the year, that is so pointless and self-aware I don't remembering cringing more in a single film... ever. I do give it props for maybe one or two (of about 20) well done covers of The Beatles songs, and for some pretty interesting visuals.

5. License to Wed



Not interesting. Not funny.

4. Shrek the Halls



This film gets such a high placement because, for it's short running length (a little over 20 minutes), it managed to bore me to tears. The Shrek series has been on a steady decline since it's first 2001 release, and there is no reason that a 20 minute version should be the least watchable. More Donkey dumbness, more Shrek getting angry, more stupid pointless accidents, yawn. For shame.

3. Norbit



Norbit the character is so expressionless, bland and uninteresting that I have to wonder why Murphy did this. His performance as Norbit's wife Rasputia was mildly entertaining and surprisingly realistic, but the overall quality of the story, characters and humour was unforgivably poor.

2. Hostel: Part II



Takes the term "exploitative" to a new low. I'm a fan of the first one, but this disgraceful, sick piece of trash is not watchable on any level. And even outside the gratuitous gore and dismemberment, the "plot" is about as intuitive as spit.


However, no film released in 2007 was less watchable than...

1. Dead Mary



Okay, I will be honest. This film is probably better overall than a few other titles on this list. However, it takes the crown as my least favourite film of 2007 for having the single most incompetent ending of a film this decade. The ending makes so little sense (and not in a deep way) that I was amazed at how such a bad movie could get so much worse in it's final 2-3 minutes. My choice for the worst film '07 had to offer.

© 2008 Kim Bartlett