Michael Joseph Jackson’s untimely death on June 25, 2009 shocked the world. The world’s greatest entertainer had died and far too soon at that. MJ still had work to complete. There was the long rumored new album to launch his “comeback,” which I was anticipating. There was the record-setting 50 sold out shows in London, which he was to perform at the O2 arena. MJ seemed to be laying the groundwork for re-entry into the public music scene again. No one was more excited by this than I was – a loyal fan who’d been following his career since the age of six.

As a child, I had two huge musical influences that played a huge role in my life – Prince & The Revolution and Michael Jackson. MJ’s music first connected with me as a child with his Motown 25 performance. I remember being bedazzled with his performance of “Billie Jean” and of course, the moonwalk. After that performance, I became a fan for life, and I always stayed loyal to him. My faith in MJ as a human being, entertainer, and musical genius never wavered. Where many doubted he could perform the 50 This Is It shows, I never did. After viewing the This Is It film on opening day, it only reaffirmed what I always believed – that MJ still had it.

Note: Some portions of this review contain excerpts from my Twitter film review of This Is It.

When the beginning credits for This Is It rolled, you could feel the reverence, respect, and calm in the crowd. Never felt anything like it.

I actually saw This Is It twice before writing my review. At both showings, I was very much aware that I was amongst MJ fans. For both showings, there was such a respectful tone in the audience, and I really could feel the love and yes, even somberness of the others in the theater. It was definitely an interesting in-theater experience, which I will describe in further detail later. (more…)

Author’s Note: When I watch movies, I usually send out a tweet review on Twitter after the film. I have wanted to follow up my tweet reviews with an actual movie review on my site, but due to other writing projects, my time is limited. However, after my tweet review for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (aka Transformers 2), I decided to make the time. I felt like my tweets weren’t enough because I wanted to expand on some things about the movie. Additionally, I also realize that not all of my readers follow me or use Twitter. I wanted to share my thoughts and impressions of the film for everyone. Considering everything, I will say this will not be your typical movie review by any means. I am going to be experimental by incorporating my tweet review with an expanded movie review. I will also clearly indicate the beginning and ending of movie spoilers as best as I can. Finally, other than cleaning up typos, and formatting the things I said on Twitter (because there are no italics/bold and editing options), my tweet quotes shall remain as I originally tweeted them (on June 24, 2009). Thanks.

Two years ago, Michael Bay’s Transformers hit theaters. I remember being very excited for the live action adaption of the cartoon and successful toy line. I grew up as a child of the 80s, and I was a faithful Transformers cartoon watcher. I was such a fan that I begged my parents to take me to the movies to see the Transformers: The Movie cartoon film. So when the live action version hit theaters in 2007, I knew I would be viewing the film. Even though my movie tastes were shifting in 2007, I really enjoyed Transformers a great deal and looked forward to the sequel.

Fast-forwarding to present day, I wasn’t anticipating Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen as much as I did the first film. I am definitely a different movie watcher than I was in 2007, and my enjoyment level for summer popcorn movies has waned. Nonetheless, I was committed to watching Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen because I still have that childhood love for the cartoon. Additionally, I really liked the first live action film. I decided to watch the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Wednesday, June 24 right after work. (more…)

Warning: This review contains spoilers. Since it’s been a number of years since I wrote a movie review, it’s going to take me some practice not to be so spoilerish. Thanks.

Director David Fincher (Se7en, Fight Club, Zodiac) is one of my favorite directors. His movies are the epitome of perfection and passion for filmmaking, which seems to be rare in mainstream Hollywood these days. Fincher has the ability to drive the actors in his films to reach down deep and pull out performances that often leave you awed and amazed. He also has the ability to make a good story great with his vision as a director. So, as soon as I saw the teaser trailer (best…trailer…ever) for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and realized that Fincher was attached, I was determined to see this film opening day. I was ready to be awed and amazed again.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is based on a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The film centers around the story of Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) who is born as an elderly infant (with some of the symptoms of old age) that ages backwards while everyone else ages forward. This theme remains a central plot point throughout the remainder of the film, and it’s relatively easy to figure out the ending. However, it’s all about the journey and life experiences of Benjamin Button, and what an interesting journey it is. (more…)