IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT KIM GENTES MOVIE REVIEWS
The appearance of a movie in this review journal does not mean that the movie is endorsed by Kim. He writes reviews of movies that he saw that he recommends people avoid as well as movies that he considers worth seeing. Aside from just critical approval regarding the film, some movies may not be suitable for you or your family. You must make that kind of determination on your own, and stay true to your own convictions on what is appropriate to see. Some movies are well made, but have offensive or difficult subject matter that is questionable to many viewers. Again, the reviews listed here should not be your only filter for whether or not a film is appropriate for you and and your family.
Additionally, Kim has his own view on what movies are and why he thinks they are a worthwhile aspect of current culture to be investigated. You certainly don't have to agree with Kim on his viewpoints of movies, and he would be surprised if you did.
Kim's thoughts on movies -
Movies are the modern art "experience" of our culture. They are transmitted in many forms, on screens in theatres, DVDs, television and even computers. They are the merge of classical theatrical acting and modern day technical set and experience creation (effects). The reason I enjoy and watch lots of movies is that they not only entertain, they communicate the nuances of our society. Of course, some have nothing to do with culture, its just greedy corporations trying to produce profits. I am a guy, and as such am not the ideal audience for romantic comedies or 'chick fliks'. However I am also a husband, and domestic bliss (as well as common sense) compels me to at least review them...occasionally. For the most part, you will find I like (and therefor review a lot of ) action, drama, science fiction, suspense and similarly themed movies.
Entries in western (2)
True Grit (2010)
Monday, December 27, 2010 at 10:29AM 
Not so true. Not much grit.
| Overall Grade: | C |
| Story: | B- |
| Acting: | C |
| Direction: | C- |
| Visuals: | B- |
Summary: I have to admit, I went to this film because it was directed by the Coen brothers. Their ability to take a story and turn its perspective upside down without ruining it is near legendary. And while they certainly did take a seeming classic story and spin its viewpoint, the result is a placid, ineffectual, yarn with little drama and misuse of a star-studded cast.
The Coens had help in killing the life of this film, but not from Hailee Steinfeld. Hailee plays Mattie Ross, a 14 year old girl who is left to deal with her murdered father's affairs. She takes it upon herself to hire two men to track down her father's killer and joins them in the pursuit. Her acting is crisp and well set for the role and story. It could be argued that she overplays the capabilities of a 14 year old, but that seems to be written into the story and not a misrepresentation in her acting.
Jeffe Bridges also does a reasonable job as the drunken, hard-nosed US Marshal, Rooster Cogburn. Flashes of intensity in his character save the film from absolute boredom. Matt Damon is ill-cast as the lucid, weakling Texas Ranger, LaBoeuf. He provides a sympathetic, but nearly ineffectual character that neither fits Damon's intense style or helps the film. Likewise, James Brolen's character is less than what you hope for as well. Neutered by a subjugated role to the "Lucky Ned Pepper" character, Brolen ends up in 2 strange and almost discardable scenes. All this leaves you thinking- "that's the villain?" The real antagonist ends up being the "Lucky Ned Pepper" character, whose namesake is ironically similar to the actor, Barry Pepper, who plays him. Pepper (actor and character) is the only one who seems to take the film as a serious western. If you're looking for "grit", Pepper is all you'll find.
The film fails, in my estimation because it lacks any chemistry between the characters. There is no intensity, no dialog and no attraction to speak of. Nothing relationally seems real in this film. That would be fine if it contained actual and suspense to keep you going, but it fails there too. In fact, the Coen's try to rely on humor to keep you interested. Humor which, though occasionally seems helpful, is ultimately all that is left.
I wish I had more encouraging news on this film. It is definitely not the best movie to see in this season. Both "127 Hours" and "Fighter" are much more worthy of your money, in my opinion.
Amazon DVD Link: http://amzn.to/nx8fdR
Review by Kim Gentes.
No Country For Old Men (2007)
Friday, February 1, 2008 at 12:19PM 
Best gunslinger movie, maybe ever.
| Overall Grade: | A- |
| Story: | A- |
| Acting: | A+ |
| Direction: | A- |
| Visuals: | A- |
No Country For Old Men is a modern gunslinger movie (set in the 1970's) that is more fantastic than Tombstone, more gripping than 3:10 to Yuma (which I liked) and has the nastiest villian in any genre of the silver screen since Darth Vader. What I like about this movie is, well, everything! To begin with the movie is directed with uncanny precision and brutal honesty by the now legenday Coen brothers (Joel and Ethan). Inside the move, the story's hero is a west Texas local name Llewelyn Moss. Played by James Brolin, he is a perfect combination of a likeable, but earthy local man, with plenty of street smarts and a gritty scathe to his voice and actions that make him seem just tough enough to "kick butt" when the situation requires. The local sheriff (played perfectly by Tommy Lee Jones) is a weathered old guy who plods along methodically trying to find answers. Both the hero and the sheriff play exceptional roles. This movie belongs to the characters, so much so that you hardly care where the stories goes. You remain entralled with the great performances of the actors. But the show hangs squarely on the shoulders of the assassin with a self-inforced code of honor. His name is Anton Chigurh (played by Javier Bardem). You really haven't seen a villian like this for a very long time. He transcends the typical nasty villian or brutal tough guy. Yet it is his honor that keeps him even more feared. Whatever he promises will happen- and most of those promises are not nice.
The storyline is simple enough- a case full of money ends up in Llewelyn's hands. Coming upon the aftermath of a drug deal gone bad, our hero takes a turn to selishly grab the spoils after the conflict leaves everyone else dead. In turn, assassin Anton Chigurh is hired to hunt down Llewelyn and get back the cash. Once the storyline spins up there are no less than 5 parties in a hunt for each other. It is a very well written story and the script is simple, pared back for the action to have impact and characters to grip you. It works and works well.
No child under 15 should see this movie, in my opinion. There is some language not appropriate, but its the violence and suspense that will prove too much for younger viewers.
Amazon Link: http://amzn.to/T6GtM0
Review by Kim Gentes