Layer Cake - Rob

Ok, I really wanted Patti to write the blog entry for this movie. Why? Well, to be honest, I don't really remember much about it. I do remember liking it, but I can remember very little about the actual plot and/or characters. When did we watch it? About a week ago.

I guess that says something about the flick. Director Matthew Vaughn's debut (he produced "Snatch" and "Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels"), is another entry into the British gangster flicks genre, but lacks some of the personality of the two afore-mentioned films. Yeah, Daniel Craig (soon-to-be 007) was excellent, infusing his callous, nameless character with some personality and humanity, and the visual style of the movie was engaging, but if, a week after seeing it, I can't remember enough to write a proper review, maybe something was missing...

Either way, I *do* remember thinking it was really good immediately after watching it, and we will probably buy it and I will give it a second viewing. If you dig fast-paced, wry British movies like "Snatch" and "Lock, Stock," you will enjoy "Layer Cake." It may not live up to the standard set by Guy Ritchie's flicks, but it's a worthy addition to the genre.

VERDICT
WHO FELL ASLEEP: Rob dozed a little
WHO RECOMMENDS IT: both
BUY/RENT/SKIP: buy

The Devil's Rejects - Rob

The second outing from Rob Zombie was, in my opinion, much better than his first (House of 1000 Corpses). It's not so much a horror movie as a psychological thriller, with a few gore scenes thrown in. I wouldn't say it was "scary" - disturbing would be more appropriate. And while it did fall short in places, especially towards the end, it was a satisfying ride.

The worst aspect of the film was Rob's wife, Sheri Moon Zombie. Her acting was sub-par throughout, and the few shots of her rear-end were simply gratuitous - Rob Z saying, "Hey, look everbody - here's my lady's tush!" Pointless. The rest of the acting was pretty solid, especially William Forsythe as the revenge-obsessed Sheriff and Bill Moseley, reviving his part of Otis, the twisted leader of the Rejects.

Direction, camera work and editing were top-notch in my book. All in all a solid flick, for those who don't mind a *lot* of cussing, some gross-out gore and a little nudity here and there. Patti didn't care much for it, but what does she know? Girls... sheesh.

VERDICT
WHO FELL ASLEEP: Patti
WHO RECOMMENDS IT: Rob
BUY/RENT/SKIP: rent

Common Wealth - Rob

When Patti and I watched the trailer for this movie, neither one of us were too excited. In fact, she wanted to pass altogether, but I went back to the IMDB page for the film (http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0255067/) to try to remember why I rented it in the first place. The ratings and user comments were all very favorable, so we decided to go for it.

"La Communidad" (Common Wealth) ended up being well worth the rental. It was a funny, suspenseful, well-acted film that kept our interest throughout. The story revolves around an unsuccessful real estate agent who takes up residence in an apartment she's trying to sell, and finds a huge sum of loot left by another apartment dweller who died recently. To say more would give away too much, but the rest of the tenants are a mix of wacky characters (including a Star Wars fanatic who spends 90% of the film in a Darth Vader costume), who all share a secret that leads up to the film's entertaining climax.

Note: the bizarre trailers on the DVD are worth the rental alone.

VERDICT
WHO FELL ASLEEP: neither one of us
WHO RECOMMENDS IT: both of us
BUY/RENT/SKIP: rent