Phil sees SAUSAGE PARTY from Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures - December 18, 2016

Every now and then I'll see a movie that completely takes me into another world that I've never seen before. Others introduce me to exciting and interesting characters that I've never met before or show  me stories and lives that I haven't lived yet. And then there another film's that make ask myself, "What the f*ck to I just f*cking Watch?!? Seriously, what the f*ck was that?!?" Yup, this happened to me recently when I finally sat down to watch SAUSAGE PARTY from Sony Pictures.

The film's official synopsis: In this R-rated CG-animated movie, one sausage leads a group of supermarket products on a quest to discover the truth about their existence and what really happens when they become chosen to leave the grocery store. The film features the vocal talents of some of today’s best comedy stars – Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig, Jonah Hill, Bill Hader, Michael Cera, James Franco, Danny McBride, Craig Robinson, Paul Rudd, Nick Kroll, David Krumholtz, Edward Norton, and Salma Hayek.

Ok, I'm forgoing my usual review and just doing something completely different. Was this an original film? Yes. Was it funny? We're the voiceover actors great? Yes. Did it have funny characters? Yes. Was it politically incorrect? Yes. Was it racist? Yes. Was it misogynistic? Yes. Was it highly offensive? Yes? Was it way over the top? Yes? Was it made for adults? Yes. And lastly, was I entertained? Yes I was!!

I can honestly say that I have never seen anything like this before! Ever! And I've watched some crazy shit in my lifetime!! I mean for crying out loud, I watch Troma movies!! But this was something all together new. And the end of the third act?!? Holy shit I did not see that coming at all!! All I can say is that that shit never happened when I worked at Safeway back in the day!!

SAUSAGE PARTY is one of the most f*cked up, disturbing and hilarious animated comedies I have ever seen!! And it's also the best comedy film of 2016!! The filmmakers really pushed the envelope with this movie! It's not what you'd expect. It's something more, way more than you can possibly imagine. So, if you want to politically and socially offended, then go see this movie!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

SAUSAGE PARTY is still playing in select theaters across the country. The movie is also available on Blu-Ray and DVD. It is also available on iTunes, Video On Demand, Netflix and Redbox.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees LES MISERABLES at the Camera 7 Pruneyard Campbell-January 27, 2013

I woke up early Sunday morning because I was going to see a film that was about three hours long! The film has also garnered eight Oscar nominations! So I made my way over to the Camera 7 in the Pruneyard to see the film LES MISERABLES, which is based on the musical of the same name by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg which is in turn based on Les Misérables, the 1862 French novel by Victor Hugo.

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, this motion-picture adaptation of the beloved global stage sensation tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption--a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. After he breaks parole, ex-prisoner Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) is hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Russell Crowe). When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's (Anne Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette (first by Isabelle Allen as a child, then by Amanda Seyfried), their lives change forever.

I have never seen the play before, but I did the book back in high school. However at that point in my life, my world consisted of horror and B-movies, comic books, and punk/indie rock. Looking back it's a wonder I even grew up! Being older, I now appreciate the arts more; frequenting the San Jose Museum of Art, seeing stage productions throughout Downtown San Jose, and catching on reading the classics by John Steinbeck, Ernest Hemingway, and Jack Kerouac. I appreciate that arts now more than ever and I wish I had seen the stage production of this film!

Witnessing the film in a darkened movie theater was like experiencing an act of God or something to that extent. I have never seen a film of this magnitude; with its lavish production values, a magnificent ensemble cast, breathtaking directing, and beautiful songs, it's no wonder that film has been nominated for eight Academy Awards!

If I may be so bold as to jettison my usual tried and true critique and allow me to just say this: LES MISERABLES is my favorite film of 2013 and is one of the greatest films I have ever seen in my entire life!! Words cannot do this film justice! YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS FILM!! In fact, stop reading this review right now and go see it!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

LES MISERABLES is currently playing in theaters nationwide, including at the Camera Cinemas here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees MOVIE 43 at the Camera 12 Downtown San Jose-January 26, 2013

The fourth film I saw on Saturday over at the Camera 12 was the politically incorrect, toilet humored, foul mouthed, insensitive, offensive, raunchy comedy MOVIE 43. Now, I've seen the trailer for this film numerous times, and I was really hoping that it would be all it hyped itself to be. After viewing it, I found it to be mildly amusing.

The film's official synopsis: A series of interconnected short films follows a washed-up producer as he pitches hilarious and insane story lines featuring some of the biggest stars in Hollywood.

The film was directed and produced by Peter Farrelly, and written by Steve Baker, Rocky Russo and Jeremy Sosenko. It features twelve different storylines, each one done by a different director including Elizabeth Banks, Steven Brill, Steve Carr, Rusty Cundieff, James Duffy, Griffin Dunne, Patrik Forsberg, James Gunn, Bob Odenkirk, Brett Ratner, and Jonathan van Tulleken. It stars one of the biggest ensemble casts ever in film, including Halle Berry, Gerard Butler, Anna Faris, Hugh Jackman, Johnny Knoxville, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Seann William Scott, Emma Stone, and Kate Winslet.

According to Farrelly the film, "was made over four years, and they just had to wait for a year or two years for different actors. They would shoot for a week, and shut down for several months. Same thing with the directors. It was the type of movie you could come back to."

So, the film was funny, but not, "Oh my God! I'm peeing my pants because I'm laughing so goddamn hard!!" The film had it's moments, but I forget what they were. Hold on a sec, let me see if I can remember........hmmmm......let me think.......OK I remember some of them.

1) Hugh Jackman having testicles dangling from his neck. That was pretty funny.
2) Naomi Watts as Samantha attempts to de-virginize her homeschooled son. I'm sorry but if Naomi Watts was my mom, I would have sex with her too!
3) Chris Pratt being hit by a car and crap exploding out everywhere! That was gross but pretty humorous.
4) The "iBabe" cutting off young boys' fingers and penises. *insert chuckle here*
5) The "Superhero Speed Dating" segment was overall pretty funny. I liked that sketch.
6) Hallie Berry with HUGE FAKE BREASTS!! Not bad.
7) Seeing an animated cat named Beezel masturbating to pictures of his owner Josh Duhamel. Funny.

So that's about it. Oh and MOVIE 43 wasn't really all that funny. Like I said, it had its moments but between those moments there was a bunch of crap that wasn't funny. Just watch the Red Band trailer for the film. It's a lot funnier than the movie itself! 2 out of 5 stars! It's a rental at best!

MOVIE 43 is currently playing at select theaters nationwide, including at the Camera Cinemas here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees GANGSTER SQUARD at the Camera 12 Downtown San Jose-January 26, 2013

From the early 1940s to the late 1950s, a new film genre arose from the ashes of World War II. These films tackled crime and were filled with vice, femme fatales, and gangsters. This genre was called Film Noir and it laid the foundation for all crime thrillers and dramas to follow. Now in the 21st century, Hollywood still refers back to these classics for inspiration. The new Warner Brother's film GANGSTER SQUAD tips its hat to film noir movies of the past while maintaining modern filmmaking and sensibility.

The film takes place in 1949, post-WWII Los Angeles and Brooklyn born mob boss Mickey Cohen (Sean Penn) has become the most powerful figure in the California criminal underworld, and intends to continue to expand his criminal enterprise across the Western United States, forcing out his rivals in Chicago. In order to stop him, Police Chief Parker (Nick Nolte) recruits gung-ho Sergeant John O'Mara (Josh Brolin) with creating a secret group of unorthodox officers to bring Cohen down by any means necessary. Soon, O'Mara and his squad Wooters (Ryan Gosling), Harris (Anthony Mackie), Kennard (Robert Patrick), Ramirez (Michael Pena), and Keeler (Giovanni Ribisi) begin destroying Cohen's empire. But when Wooters falls for Cohen's girl Grace (Emma Stone) and he discovers their identities, the squad must prepare for a war that will determine the fate of the city.

The film is loosely based on the story of LAPD officers and detectives forming a group called the "Gangster Squad unit" who attempt to keep Los Angeles safe from Mickey Cohen and his gang during the 1940s and '50s.

Director Ruben Fleischer is mostly known for directing comedies such as ZOMBIELAND and 30 MINUTES OR LESS. With this his third film, Fleischer tries to break out of his norm and attempt to stretch his wings out as a director. While some of criticized the film and its director, this reviewer found it very enjoyable. It was well directed, well paced with some great action sequences. The film is filled with car chases, shoot outs, Tommy guns, hard boiled detectives, sexy dames, and crime. Fleischer does a fine job balancing the action and the story as well as creating that 1940s feel. The movie really has that film noir sense to it.

Once again Sean Penn gives an outstanding performance as the ruthless gangster Mickey Cohen. Penn channels the heavies of film noir past and is completely lost in his role. Josh Brolin is equally intimidating. Though he's on the side of law, you won't want to get on his bad side. The last time we saw Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone snuggle on screen was in the 2011 film CRAZY STUPID LOVE. Here the chemistry is slightly off. Their acting in the movie is fine, but I felt their relationship was under developed and could've been more fleshed out.

While watching the film, the only thought that was running in my mind was, " I wish this was filmed in black and white." While it was fantastic to see the film in color, but given the film's setting and the genre, it would have been a real treat to have watched it in black and white.

The movie's first trailer was released on May 9, 2012, with the film to be released September 7, 2012. However, in the wake of the mass shooting at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado on July 20, the trailer was pulled from theaters and television. It was also removed from the Internet because of a scene in which gangsters are shooting submachine guns at moviegoers through the screen of Grauman's Chinese Theatre. About a week after the shootings in Aurora, Warner officially confirmed that the film would be released on January 11, 2013 and on August 22nd (my birthday), the cast reunited in Los Angeles to completely re-shoot the main action sequence of the film, which now takes place in Chinatown.

All in all GANGSTER SQUAD is a great crime thriller that keeps the film noir flame alive in this new century. If you love crime films, then I think you'll enjoy this one! 4 out of 5 stars! Recommended!!

GANGSTER SQUAD is currently playing at select theaters nationwide, including at the Camera Cinemas here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees DJANGO UNCHAINED at the Camera 7 Pruneyard-December 29, 2012

When one sees a Quentin Tarantino movie, always expect the unexpected and always now you're gonna be entertained as Hell! His films are never boring, full of movie references, always melding several different types of genres, and are always causing some sort of controversy. He continues this tradition with his newest film: the highly entertaining, over the top violent, spaghetti western entitled DJANGO UNCHAINED.

The film's official synopsis: In the pre-Civil War South, Django (Jamie Foxx) is a slave whose brutal history with his former owners lands him face-to-face with German-born bounty hunter, Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz). Schultz is on the trail of the murderous Brittle brothers, and promises to free Django and re-unite him with his wife Broomhilda (Kerry Washington) in return for his assistance in tracking down his bounty. They soon learn that Django's wife is under the hands of Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio), who just happens to be a ruthless plantation owner.

Now normally I would go on and write my critique, but I'm going to do something that is not normal. I'm just going to say this: The movie was badass!! And now I'm going to repeat it over and over again: The movie was badass!! The movie was badass!! The movie was badass!! The movie was badass!! The movie was badass!! The movie was badass!! The movie was badass!! The movie was badass!! The movie was badass!! The movie was badass!! Did I mention it was badass?!?

The only real fault in the film is when Quentin Tarantino appears in the film as one of The LeQuint Dickey Mining Co. Employees and he spoke with a horrible accent. I think he was trying to do an Australian accent but it came out really, really bad. So I'm taking off half a star because of this. Also look for Samuel L Jackson in the film and look out for the controversial N-word. But what'd you expect from a Tarantino film?!?

DJANGO UNCHAINED is a one of Tarantino's best films, and it's already been nominated for 5 Golden Globes!! So stop reading this, get your ass to you local theater and see this movie!! 4 1/2 out of 5 stars!! Highly badass and recommended!!

DJANGO UNCHAINED is currently playing at select theaters nationwide, including at the Camera Cinemas here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show

Phil's B-Movie Madness: Phil reviews BEACH BABES FROM BEYOND (1993) from Full Moon Features-December 13, 2012

BEACH BABES DVD Cover (2011)

BEACH BABES FROM BEYOND
Starring: Sarah Bellomo, Tamara Landry, Nicole Posey, Michael Todd Davis, Ken Steadman, Michael Roddy, Linnea Quigley, Joe Estevez, Albert Andrukaitis, Burt Ward, Joey Travolta, Don Swayze, Jackie Stallone
Written by Alexander Sachs
Produced by Charles Band, Jerry Goldberg, & Karen L. Spencer
Directed by David DeCoteau (as Ellen Cabot)
Originally released by Torchlight Entertainment
Re-released by Full Moon Features

Hello there my faithful followers and welcome to the return of Phil's B-Movie Madness! It's been a long time since I reviewed one of the many classic B-movies that I used to watch when I was younger. Now tonight's film is in my Favorite Top Ten B-Movies of All Time. Featuring an impressive ensemble cast, sophomore humor, cool special effects, and scantily bikini-clad girls, BEACH BABES FROM BEYOND has all the markings to make this a true B-movie classic for the ages!

The film's official synopsis is as follows: An intergalactic babe named Xena (Bellomo) borrows her dad's T-bird ship to do a little planet hopping with her two friends Luna (Landry) and Sola (Posey), but they run out of fuel unexpectedly, and must land on earth. They land on the California coast and run into Dave (Davis), Jerry (Steadman), and Ziggy (Roddy), where they have fun and a few close encounters at the beach. Dave's Uncle Bud (Estevez), who just wants to meditate and hang out, is being threatened with condemnation of his beach house unless he puts some money into repairs. The alien babes offer to enter the local bikini contest with their way-out designs to try and win the money he needs, but they are hampered by garment designer Sally (Quigley) who will stop at nothing to win.

Making cameos in the film are Don Swayze (younger brother of Patrick Swayze) and Jackie Stallone (Sylvester Stallone's mother) playing Xena's parents Gork and Yanna, Burt Ward (Robin from the 1960's TV show Batman) as suntan lotion king Mr. Bun, and Joey Travolta (younger brother of John Travolta) portrays scientist turn vegan snack shack owner Dr. Veg.

Original Promotional Poster (1993)

The film was the first release under the new Torchlight Entertainment banner, a line conceived by Full Moon founder Charles Band, which produced softcore films for the adult market. Band is an icon in the horror film world, having creating the PUPPET MASTER series, the SUBSPECIES series, and the TRANCERS series for Full Moon. His previous company Empire Pictures released such cult classics like GHOULIES, RE-ANIMATOR, TROLL, and FROM BEYOND. In the 1990's Band also created the family oriented company Moonbeam Entertainment to produced films aimed at kids and tweens. Torchlight Entertainment was just another way for Band to tap into a specific type of audience and entertain them the only way he knew how.

The film was directed by David DeCoteau, who was one of the Top Three B-movie directors during the 80s (the other two being Rick Sloane and Fred Olen Ray). DeCoteau has directed several low-budget classics from the 80s, such as CREEPOZOIDS, NIGHTMARE SISTERS, and DR. ALIEN. DeCoteau would also go on to direct films for Full Moon Entertainment: PUPPET MASTER III (1991), THE KILLER EYE (1999), and newest installment of Full Moon's flagship title,  2010's PUPPET MASTER: AXIS OF EVIL. All together, DeCoteau has directed over 80 films in his career!

At the end of every single Full Moon movie, there was a new instalment of Full Moon's VideoZone; a video magazine that contained behind the scenes making of, Spotlight interview, trailers, and ordering cool collectibles. BEACH BABES had it's own as well entitled Torchlight's VideoZone and it was very similar to Full Moon's. Now the VideoZone on the DVD here is different than the original that was seen on the VHS tape. The one on the DVD was the original version, but host Sara Suzanne Brown didn't like the way it was shot and complained to Band, thus having to reshoot her segments. While it was cool to see the original VideoZone, it would've been nice for Full Moon to have the VHS version included on the DVD as well. The transfer of the film isn't that great either, but seeing that this is the only way to watch the film now that the VHS copy is long out of print, I can't complain too much.

All in all, BEACH BABES FROM BEYOND is a cult classic that I hold near and dear to my heart! I rented the film when it first came out back in 1993 and I've held on to my old, beat up VHS tape for all this time. It's great to see it again on DVD. So if you're looking for some light, silly, sexy, B-movie fun, then look no further! 5 out of 5 stars!! Recommended!!

BEACH BABES FROM BEYOND is currently available on DVD. To purchase a copy, visit the Full Moon website at www.fullmoondirect.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil once again hosts the Cult Movie screening of THE PRINCESS BRIDE at the Camera 3-September 15, 2012

Theatrical Movie Poster (1987)

Hello again from the midnight hour! Once again yours truly hosted the Camera 3 Cult Movie screening of THE PRINCESS BRIDE. Saturday night's show had an even bigger turn out than Thursday's show! Over 80 people attended the screening, along with my friends from Barely Legal Productions, the Bay Area's best THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW shadowcast! Again I handed out prizes from our friendly sponsors over at Streetlight Records and Time Tunnel Toys here in San Jose!

Remember next moth's cult film will be the Sam Raimi's 1988 film EVIL DEAD 2: DEAD BY DAWN on Thursday, October 18th at 9:30pm and again on Saturday, October 20th at midnight! So mark these days on your calender and come out and have some cult movie fun! To view the rest of the Cult Movie Series schedule, visit the Camera Cinemas website at www.cameracinemas.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil hosts the Cult Movie screening of THE PRINCESS BRIDE at the Camera 3 Downtown San Jose, September 13, 2012

Hello my fellow cult fanatics and welcome to Month Eight of the Cult Movie Series here at the Camera 3 in Downtown San Jose! So for tonight's cult film we screened that beloved children/fantasy film THE PRINCESS BRIDE. Once again yours truly was the host for tonight's screening. Prizes were donated by Streetlight Records and by Time Tunnel Toys, both located here in San Jose. There were also yummy donuts to eat, courtesy of Psycho Donuts located in the lobby.

Theatrical Movie Poster (1987)

Based upon the 1973 novel of the same name by author William Goldman, the film was directed by Rob Reiner, who first became famous for portraying Michael 'Meathead' Stivic on the 70's television show All In The Family. In the early 80's he became famous for directing films such as THIS IS SPINAL TAP and STAND BY ME. In 1987, he formed Castle Rock Entertainment and directed such hits as WHEN HARRY MET SALLY, MISERY and the critically acclaimed A FEW GOOD MEN.

The film had a great ensemble cast! Peter Falk (Columbo) portrays a grandfather who visits his sick grandson, portrayed by Fred Savage, who was only ten years old when he made a film (A year later, Savage would go on to star on the hit TV show The Wonder Years). Cary Elwes (HOT SHOTS, ROBIN HOOD: MEN IN TIGHTS, SAW) portrays the hero in the film Westly, who must rescue the love of his life Buttercup (Robin Wright from FORREST GUMP, SHE'S SO LOVELY) from marrying the evil Prince Humperdink (Chris Sarandon from FRIGHT NIGHT, CHILD'S PLAY. He was married to Susan Sarandon from 1967-1979). Joining Westley on his mission are his friends: the enormous Fezzik (portrayed by the late, great wrestling legend Andre the Giant) and Spaniard swordsman Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin) who wants revenge against the man who killed his father, Count Tyrone Rugen (Christopher Guest from THIS IS SPINAL TAP, WAITING FOR GUFFMAN, BEST IN SHOW, A MIGHTY WIND). Also appearing in the film are Wallace Shawn (Rex from the TOY STORY films), Peter Cook, Mel Smith, Carol Kane, and Billy Crystal.

The film was released by 20th Century Fox on September 25, 1987. It made $30.8 million at the boxoffice on a budget of $13 million. Not too shabby back then, however, the film wasn't the big hit like the studio was hoping for. So to them it was a commercial failure. But when it was released on VHS, the film finally found its audience, and soon became a cult classic.

What a great crowd we had! Over 60 people came out to see the film! Now there is still one more showing of THE PRINCESS BRIDE this Saturday, September 15th at midnight. Then next moth's cult film will be the Sam Raimi's 1988 film EVIL DEAD 2: DEAD BY DAWN on Thursday, October 18th at 9:30pm and again on Saturday, October 20th at midnight! So mark these days on your calender and come out and have some cult movie fun! To view the rest of the Cult Movie Series schedule, visit the Camera Cinemas website at www.cameracinemas.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees THE EXPENDABLES 2 at the Camera 7 Pruneyard-August 24, 2012

So I've been trying to get caught up with what's out in the theaters. Now earlier in the day I saw the powerful indie film BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD, then the political comedy THE CAMPAIGN. And so I ended my movie day with the new action/adventure film THE EXPENDABLES 2. Let this be a lesson to myself: I need to quit while I'm ahead.

So here's the film's synopsis that was written by its distributor Lionsgate, "The Expendables team of Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone), Lee Christmas (Jason Statham), Yin Yang (Jet Li), Gunnar Jensen (Dolph Lundgren), Toll Road (Randy Couture) and Hale Caesar (Terry Crews) along with newest members Billy the Kid (Liam Hemsworth) and Maggie (Nan Yu) are reunited when Mr. Church (Bruce Willis) enlists them to take on a seemingly simple job. When things go wrong, the Expendables are compelled to seek revenge in hostile territory, where the odds are stacked against them. Hell-bent on payback, the crew cuts a swath of destruction through opposing forces, wreaking havoc and shutting down an unexpected threat in the nick of time - five tons of weapons-grade plutonium, more than enough to change the balance of power in the world. But that's nothing compared to the justice they serve against the villainous adversary (Jean-Claude Van Damme) they seek revenge from." Somewhere in this synopsis, Lionsgate forgot to mention that the movie sucked ass. I hate it when Hollywood studios leave that part out.

There is absolutely nothing new in this sequel. It's lame, it's boring, it's the same crap that we saw in the first film! Stuff blows up, guns are shot, big fight scenes, and two dimensional characters portrayed by juiced up actors who are way passed their prime. Sure it was a hoot to see Chuck Norris return to the big screen as the lone wolf Booker, but it was kinda painful to see the very old and haggard Arnold Schwarzenegger as Trench. In some scenes, it looked like Schwarzenegger was having a heart attack. However, Norris looked great in the film, and didn't show his age at all! Also making a small appearance in the film is BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER alum Charisma Carpenter as Lee Christmas' girlfriend Lacy. Oh how the mighty and popular have fallen.

The film was directed by Simon West, the man responsible for such films as LARA CROFT: TOMB RAIDER, WHEN A STRANGER CALLS, and THE MECHANIC starring Statham. West has another film coming out in September called STOLEN, starring actor for hire Nicolas Cage. And I bet you that one is going to suck as well.

THE EXPENDABLE 2 is your typical brain dead, shoot 'em up, big explosions, testosterone driven, action flick that will lower your I.Q. The only two good things about the film is the poster and the ending. So let's say we skip seeing this one folks, unless you want to come out of the theater totally brain dead. 1 out of 5 stars!

THE EXPENDABLE 2 is currently playing in theaters nationwide, including the Camera Cinemas here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees TO ROME WITH LOVE at the Camera 7 Pruneyard-July 7, 2012

The name Woody Allen brigs to mind, at least mine, some of the most beloved and admired films of the last 40 years: ANNIE HALL, BANANAS, SLEEPER, HANNAH AND HER SISTERS, and RADIO DAYS are some of this reviewer's personal favorites from when I was younger. In the new millennium, after hitting some would say a "creative slump," he left New York for London, where he directed 2005's massive comeback hit MATCH POINT. Then he hit his peak again with last year's critically acclaimed film MIDNIGHT IN PARIS. Now Allen unveils his newest film TO ROME WITH LOVE.

Featuring an ensemble cast that includes Alec Baldwin, Roberto Benigni, Penelope Cruz, Fabio Armiliato, Judy Davis, Antonio Albanese, Jesse Eisenberg, Greta Gerwig, Ellen Page, Alison Pill and Woody Allen (making his return to acting since his 2006 film SCOOP), this romantic comedy follows a number of people in Italy whose stories are told in four vignettes and the romances, adventures, and predicaments they all get into.

Writer/director Allen has been on a rollercoaster ride of a comeback recently. Since the 2005 release of MATCH POINT, Allen has been working nonstop. He has made seven films since 2005, one per year. With this film, I feel that Allen has made yet another great romantic comedy. What has made Allen hit his second wind? What has been his muse for the past seven years?

The answer to that question, in my humble opinion, is scenery. For most of his career, New York was the backdrop for a majority of his films. From MANHATTAN to HANNA AND HER SISTERS to RADIO DAYS, New York was his inspiration. But you can only tell so many stories about good 'ol NY that eventually, the stories begin to sound the same. Enter London in the year 2005. With the release of MATCH POINT, both critics and fans were surprised and welcomed back their friend. Also having the breathtaking Scarlett Johansson in the film didn't hurt either. Soon Allen was back and making critically acclaimed films at an astounding rate. With last year's international hit MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, Allen hit his creative peak. As one would imagine, it would be very difficult to follow up that film. But in my opinion, he crafted yet another stellar hit with this picture.

Rome is indescribably beautiful in the film, and Allen makes sure we see it all with 360 degree pans, high altitude camera angles, and adding to its beauty is the hilarious stories that Allan's characters find themselves in.

TO ROME WITH LOVE is an instant classic, filled with love and laughter set against one of the most majestic cities in the world! While not quite up to PARIS, Allen has crafted yet another romantic comedy winner! Defiantly take a date to this movie! 4 1/2 out of 5 stars!! Recommended!!

TO ROME WITH LOVE is now playing in theaters nationwide, including at the Camera Cinemas here in Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at http://www.cameracinemas.com/index.shtml

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees MIDNIGHT IN PARIS at the Camera 7 Pruneyard-June 19, 2011

The third and final film I saw on Sunday was just amazing. Simply amazing. Again, like SUPER 8, the trailer for the film never revealed as to what the plot was about. Upon sitting down in the theater and when the lights dimmed, I was transplanted to another place, and believe it or not, another time. Yes my friends, Woody Allen's latest film MIDNIGHT IN PARIS is one of my new favorite films by this gifted director.

The film follows Hollywood screenwriter and frustrated author Gil Prender (Owen Wilson) and his fiancee Inez (Rachel McAdams) as they travel around Paris with her parents John and Helen (Kurt Fuller and Mimi Kennedy). Both Gil and Inez run into two of her friends Paul and Carol (Michael Sheen and Nina Arianda) and Gil is soon forced to hang out with them, much to his dismay. After leaving a party, Gil wonders through the streets of Paris, admiring the charm of the City of Lights. Of course it doesn't help that he drank to much and is completely lost. But help does arrive, and he is whisked away and taken to a lavish party where he meets the greatest artists of all time. He also becomes smitten with the lovely Adriana (portrayed by the exquisite Marion Cotillard). Soon Gil finds himself, as he puts it so eloquently, "I'm in a very perplexed situation." I dare not expose what the film is about, but I will tell you this: This film is full of laughter, surprises, and love.

Writer/director Allen has been on a rollercoaster ride of a comeback recently. Since the 2005 release of MATCH POINT, Allen has been working nonstop. He has made six films since 2005, one per year. With this film, I feel that Allen has made his best romantic comedy since 1977's ANNIE HALL. What has made Allen hit his second wind? What has been his muse for the past six years?

The answer to that question, in my humble opinion, is scenery. For most of his career, New York was the backdrop for a majority of his films. From MANHATTAN to HANNA AND HER SISTERS to RADIO DAYS, New York was his inspiration. But you can only tell so many stories about good 'ol NY that eventually, the stories begin to sound the same. Enter London in the year 2005. With the release of MATCH POINT, both critics and fans were surprised and welcomed back their friend. Also having the breathtaking Scarlett Johansson in the film didn't hurt either. Soon Allen was back and making films at an astounding rate. Now we are privileged to view his love letter to the City of Lights. The hopeless romantic in Allen radiates in every frame of the film. The first two and a half minutes of the film is a montage of the elegance, beauty, and charm of Paris. As we travel with Gil, we relate to him. Being a writer, falling in love with the city, finding inspiration, and also finding love and your true self.

MIDNIGHT IN PARIS is the romantic comedy film of the year, and Allen's best film this millennium. The film was a complete surprise, and I relished in its originality. I can honestly say that this is a must see date movie. So I say this to all you lovely couples out there, go see this film, and get ready to fall in love with Paris. It truly is the most romantic city in the world!

MIDNIGHT IN PARIS is now playing in theaters nationwide, including at the Camera Cinemas here in San Jose. To view showtimes, visit their website at http://www.cameracinemas.com/index.shtml

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!