Because I have no time to write long reviews
Cars (2006) 7/10
Despite the predictability of the plot, Cars is an enjoyable jaunt into Pixar’s world that comes with its good graphics and an enjoyable albeit cliche storyline
Ginger Snaps (2001) 5/10
Better off as an angsty coming of age tale than a wannabe werewolf flick. The lack of budget clearly shows in the werewolf that is more laughable than scary, which takes away any possible dramatic tension. The last part of the film feels like a tired SCREAM retread, and the film ultimately ranks as mediocre B-horror offering.
Eragon (2006) 5/10
Eragon is a tale about a farmboy, Luke Skywalker
Eragon who must battle the evil Darth Vadar King Galbatorix. Galbatorix was once a jedi knight dragonrider who fell into the dark side and killed his fellow jedis dragonriders. Guided by Qui Gon Jin obligatory mentor figure who happens to be an ex-jedi Dragonrider. He must save the beautiful Princess Leia Sienna Guillory even though Yoda Jeremy Irons asks hims not to.
The film basically plagiarizes Stars Wars and imitates Lord of The Rings with even a dash of Harry Potter. The result is a clunky, sometimes ridiculous but definitely inferior version of the abovementioned films. Edward Speelers as Eragon is painfully wooden as the lead character and exudes zero charisma. John Malkovich painfully overacts while the rest of the cast sleepwalks through the film. The poorly written script is exacerbated by the frequent use of deus ex machinas to further the plot, like how Eragon will magically discover new skills to get out of dangerous situations, or the dragon magically grows to adulthood in the manner of minutes. The landscape and battle scenes ape LOTR, but one cannot shake off the feel that it is a lousy imitation of the real deal. The only praise i can give is that the dragon is well rendered. Beyond that Eragon is a poor imitation of far better films, and a poorly executed imitation at that.
Shortbus (2006) 6/10
Largely a mixed bag, the film sometimes works as a mediation of love and sexuality in the modern age. The controversial explicitness is there; the film falters not because of that, but because the multiple plotlines are not sufficiently interesting enough to sustain audience attention. Overall, occasionally interesting, but lacks focus.
Paris Je’taime (2006) 6/10
Like all collections of short films, there are good and bad parts. I liked the Coen Bros piece featuring Steve Buscemi as well as the Sin City meets Underwold piece with Elijah Wood. Others range from occasionally amusing to boring. Good for an occasional distraction, this omnibus of short films by different directors gives Paris the perfect showcase of its status as the city of love, but the uneven quality of the shots prevent me from recommending it heartily.
