Some movies I've seen:

I saw a few movies, and thought I would post about them here, careful there are some spoilers around here.

Bend it Like Beckham - I loved this movie. It stars Parminder Nagra (who eventually gets a gig on ER, and she is still there) and Kiera Knightley (who has been in King Arthur and Love Actually) as young women in London, who are trying to "make it" in women's football (soccer). The movie, from what I understand, is about how they are struggling against traditional cultural roles to try to fulfill their dreams. But when I watched it, whether it was from the great acting, the true and realistic portrayal of Indian life in London, or the newly acquired parental viewpoint that I have, I saw it a little different than that. I felt that it was more about their parents realizing that traditional cultural roles and following your dreams aren't necessarily mutually exclusive. The football footage was pretty good, but wasn't as spirited a Shaolin Soccer. I thought that they could have done a few less locker room scenes. Most of the team members were actually real footballers, so those scenes were too realistic, they could have thrown a few models in so I could be a little less blatantly chauvinistic.

Appleseed - Wow, all I can say is that this movie was unbelievable! It is the 2004 remake of the 1988 anime phenomena. They blew me away. The combination of Computer Generated Images (CGI) and expertly-crafted anime was nearly seamless and visually jaw-dropping. The heroine (Deunan) is "rescued" from the wastelands left after the Third World War, and brought to Utopia. But then it is revealed that half of the inhabitants are Bioroids. They have no emotions and were created to act as humanity's anchor, stabilizing society so there won't be anymore mass conflicts like the war that just ended. We eventually learn that Deunan's mother created the Bioroids and gave Deunan the key to saving them (the military is trying to revolt and release the virus that would kill them all). It was pretty complex, so I think after I watch it again I might be even more astounded, now that I have figured out most of the plot. Wonderful ride.

Unleashed - This movie was not quite what I expected. I had a feeling when I heard about the cast: Jet Li, Morgan Freeman, Bob Hoskins, and Kerry Condon. I actually got a little nervous, could such a diverse and talented cast mesh together and not try to outshine each other? It was awesome. First off, from what I have observed, a lot of martial arts stars I've seen have a lot of trouble acting or even appearing comfortable when they aren't displaying fists of fury. But Jet Li really displayed more talents then just his speed and punching strength. He bound the story together with his transformations (when the dog collar he is forced to wear is removed, he becomes - unleashed), his awakening in the loving home of Morgan Freeman and Kerry Condon, and his turmoil in the very emotional climax of the film. Morgan Freeman is the quiet giant. Letting his co-stars shine, but expertly crafting his own performance. But I think that I was the most surprised by Bob Hoskins. His vision and skill of the villain who murdered Jet Li's mum, then kidnapped him, and trained and brainwashed him into a savage ruthless killer was really breathtaking. The film is set in Glasgow, Scotland, and if nothing else, Bob Hoskins' accent is wonderfully accurate. This is definitely the best movie that I have seen in quite some time, the emotional growth of Jet Li really infused the film with something so special and unexpected. I can't wait for this to come out on DVD for the extra features, and making-of bonuses.