Mini-movie reviews (#7)

I'm adding a new bit to this where if I've seen the movie multiple times, I'll state if my rating has gone up, down, or stayed the same.

Journey to the Center of the EarthDirected by Eric Brevig
Starring Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutcherson, and Anita Breim
Released in 2008
Good: The computer animation was fluid in most scenes.
Bad: Where to begin? Horrible story, horrible adaptation, horrible script, horrible everything. The worst movie of the year, that I've seen.
Rating: 2/10

The Bank Job (second viewing)Directed by Roger Donaldson
Starring Jason Statham, Saffron Burrows, Steven Campbell Moore, Daniel Mays, and James Faulkner
Released in 2008
Good: As much as it pains me to say it, I sort of prefer Statham in the "brilliant gangster" role like he plays in this movie (and Snatch) rather than the "ridiculous action star" role like he plays in Crank and the Transporter movies. He feels like he's more in his element, though I wish he'd find a balance between the two.
Bad: Incredibly predictable, yet still above-average in the "bank heist" type of movie.
Rating: 8.5/10 (raised from an 8/10)
Note: I absolutely love how the poster looks straight out of a 70's multiplex.

Taxi Driver (fourth viewing)Directed by Martin Scorsese
Starring Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Albert Brooks, Cybill Shepherd, Peter Boyle, and Harvey Keitel
Released in 1976
Good: Probably De Niro's best role ever, as deranged and righteous taxi driver Travis Bickle. This ranks as one of the movies that everyone must see at least once in their lives. Brutally honest and well-played by all.
Bad: Nothing at all, really.
Rating: 10/10 (stayed the same)

Burn After Reading (second viewing)Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen
Starring John Malkovich, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Frances McDormand, and Tilda Swinton
Released in 2008
Good: Malkovich's role is spot-on as Osborne Cox, Brad Pitt shows that he is fully capable of having a lead comedic role, and Frances McDormand plays the perfect self-consious gym worker. George Clooney, I feel, just plays a slightly retarded version of himself.
Bad: This is the sort of movie you either love or hate. A lot of people don't see its beauty.
Rating: 9/10 (raised from an 8.5)