hiddenattacker

George Lucas originally created Star Wars: A New Hope in 1977, which was originally intended to stand alone, and when he later created the two sequels "The Empire Strikes Back" and "The Return of the Jedi," the theme of the saga was that of an intergalactic war. With the creation of episodes I (The Phantom Menace) and II(the Attack of the Clones), the central theme for this expanded saga changed to the rise, fall, and redemption of Annakin Skywalker. Walking into the theater, I was dearly hoping that this film would be better than the previous two episodes. I was pleasantly surprised. No, I was AMAZED. I had originally hated the new change in theme, but Episode III did a fantastic job linking together the films. The cinematography was amazing. However, there is one point I feel I must make. Annakin Skywalker is supposed to be "the one," so to speak. How come he was undercut by Obi-Wan in their duel, when he attacked from a lower elevation? Elevation had proved to be unimportant to Obi-Wan when Obi-Wan had slaughtered Darth Maul. Surely, Obi-Wan should be the one then. In any case, the films I think still must be viewed episode 4,5,6,1,2,3 to any people new to Star Wars. George Lucas revealed some information that wouldn't be beneficial to those watching the episodes in straight order. Most people have watched all the episodes already preceding this (chronologically), so I do not think this poses to much of a problem. ****/**** or 10/10

Nicolas Cage plays Roy, a con artist, who has numerous psychological issues. He is an obsessive-compulsive con artist, with an insane need for neatness. Roy also suffers from agoraphobia, yet despite these problems, is an efficient con man. Much like in Luc Besson's Leon (1994), Matchstick Men adopts the same theme of a criminal figure taking in a young female apprentice. Although after the exciting exposition the film has a rather drab middle, the conclusion is stunning. This film is one of Nicolas Cage's finest, whom I have long questioned as to ability in acting. Alison Lohman does a fine job as Angela. Due to the spectacular finish, I am going to give this film ***1/2 / **** or 8/10.

This movie has a spectacular plot (post-apocalyptic world war III), and thus a fascist regime in which feelings, emotions, and so forth are abhorred. Taye Diggs does a great job as Brandt, who takes over as Preston's assistant. I would have liked to have seen more of Sean Bean, but his presence was known anyhow. Christian Bale does an excellent job playing Grammaton Cleric John Preston. The action scenes in this movie surpass those of the once hailed Matrix (1999). The plot builds throughout the film to a brilliant climax near the end. This movie is one of my favorite action movies of all time with both a good plot, stellar acting, and excellent cinematography. Easily a 10/10 or ****/****