| ALL ARTICLES BY Max Braden |
WatchmenMovie Review - Mar 6, 2009
|
Violent, jarring in tone, and far too long, this adaptation of the graphic novel feels like something Paul Verhoven would have directed twenty years ago. But Jackie Earle Haley and the movie's grandiose theme makes it worth your while. |
New In TownMovie Review - Jan 30, 2009
|
Renee Zellweger stars as a big city corporate suit sent to shut down Harry Connick Jr.'s Minnesota factory in this romantic comedy. Not everything in theaters can be an award contender, so this one settles for being pleasant. |
Movie Award Calendar for 2008 ReleasesMaximum Impact - Jan 25, 2009
|
With the Oscar nominations announcement this past week, Hollywood's own movie awards are underway. Check out this calendar of guild awards ceremonies in preparation for Oscar night, February 22. |
Margot at the WeddingDVD Review - Feb 21, 2008
|
Nicole Kidman plays an unpleasantly opinionated sister to Jennifer Jason Leigh, who is getting ready to marry Jack Black. A movie for people who like picking at scabs. |
The Best of 2007 in MoviesMaximum Impact - Feb 19, 2008
|
With the Oscars approaching, take a look at 2007's most praised and successful movies, with my picks for best of the year. |
Definitely, MaybeMovie Review - Feb 16, 2008
|
Ryan Reynolds gives his daughter (Abigail Breslin) a bedtime story about how he chose her mom from the trio of Elizabeth Banks, Isla Fisher, and Rachel Weisz. This year's Valentine's Day date movie is decent but lacks much spark. |
In BrugesMovie Review - Feb 10, 2008
|
Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson star as hit men in a comedy about honor among thieves, with Ralph Fiennes. Limited release Feb. 8. |
Movie Award Calendar for 2007 ReleasesMaximum Impact - Jan 26, 2008
|
With Oscar nominations announced this week, take a look at what the movie industry guilds have nominated as the best among 2007's releases, with my predictions for the ultimate winners. |
CloverfieldMovie Review - Jan 19, 2008
|
Audiences finally have a chance to find out what's attacking New York in this higly anticipated monster thriller from "Lost" producer JJ Abrams. Just be sure to sit far enough from the screen so that you can see what you're looking at. |
JunoMovie Review - Jan 9, 2008
|
SAG-Nominated Ellen Page stars as a pregnant high schooler (by "Superbad"'s Michael Cera) who decides to be the stork for a childless couple in this very funny comedy from "Thank You For Smoking" director Jason Reitman and first time screenwriter Diablo Cody. |
I Am LegendMovie Review - Dec 15, 2007
|
Will Smith stars as the sole survivor of a plague that has wiped out humanity. Stranded in New York, he evades creatures of the night while searching for a cure. From Richard Matheson's novel, this sci-fi actioner will have you jumping out of your seat. |
The Brave OneMovie Review - Sep 14, 2007
|
After her husband is killed by thugs, Jodie Foster's new gun keeps going off right in the direction of bad men. Will detective Terrence Howard take her down? Opens Sept. 14. |
The Masutatsu Oyama TrilogyDVD Review - Jun 27, 2007
|
Japan's martial arts star Sonny Chiba portrayed his real-life karate mentor Mas Oyama in a trio of films in the 1970s. "Karate Bull Fighter," "Karate Bear Fighter," and "Karate For Life" are now available as a box set. |
1408Movie Review - Jun 22, 2007
|
In this adaptation of a Stephen King short story, John Cusack plays a haunted house travel writer who is in for the night of his life. He's about to check in to room 1408 of a New York hotel, against the warnings of manager Samuel L. Jackson. Prepare for a very scary thriller that will have your heart pounding before the action even gets started. |
Ocean's ThirteenMovie Review - Jun 8, 2007
|
The larcenous crew that always has every base covered returns to Vegas for a third heist, this time with Al Pacino and Ellen Barkin as the marks. As with Ocean's Eleven and Twelve, "Ocean's Thirteen" is about style over substance. In a summer of just-okay trequels, is this the one to deliver on your ticket price? |
Mr. BrooksMovie Review - Jun 1, 2007
|
Kevin Costner plays a schizophrenic serial killer who is forced to take on an apprentice (Dane Cook) while evading the police (Demi Moore) and tending to his family. William Hurt plays Costner's alter ego in this darkly funny thriller. |
SeveranceMovie Review - May 29, 2007
|
A cast of mostly British actors get picked off one by one in this cabin-in-the-woods horror that delivers plenty of shock value, with some laughs. Limited expansion June 1. |
Born to FightDVD Review - May 21, 2007
|
Fans of Tony Jaa's martial arts films "Ong Bak" and "The Protector" may be interested in this 1986 movie starring Panna Rittikrai, who became Jaa's stunt trainer, choreographer, and story writer. |
The ExMovie Review - May 11, 2007
|
Zach Braff and Amanda Peet play a couple torn apart by her ex, paraplegic Jason Bateman. Other than a few laughs, it feels like a half hour sitcom drawn thinly over feature length. |
The Best of 2006 in Movies - Part IMaximum Impact - Feb 25, 2007
|
In the first of a three part series, I list the best movies of 2006 by award recognition and box office success. |
February 2007 Movie PlannerMaximum Impact - Feb 21, 2007
|
A quick look at movies in theaters and DVDs being released this month, with my suggestions on what to see. |
Notes on a ScandalMovie Review - Jan 17, 2007
|
Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett have received SAG nominations for this drama about obsessive relationships. |
January 2007 Movie PlannerMaximum Impact - Jan 11, 2007
|
A quick look at movies in theaters and DVDs being released this month, with my suggestions on what to see. |
December 2006 Movie PlannerMaximum Impact - Dec 31, 2006
|
A quick look at movies in theaters and DVDs being released this month, with my suggestions on what to see. |
October 2006 Movie PlannerMaximum Impact - Oct 7, 2006
|
A quick look at movies in theaters and DVDs being released this month, with my suggestions on what to see. |
The ProtectorMovie Review - Sep 15, 2006
|
Muay Thai martial artist Tony Jaa stars in his second movie, which follows a similar formula to his first, "Ong Bak." |
September 2006 Movie PlannerMaximum Impact - Sep 1, 2006
|
A quick look at movies in theaters and DVDs being released this month, with my suggestions on what to see. |
Snakes on a PlaneMovie Review - Aug 22, 2006
|
One of the year's most hyped thrillers is one of its most disappointing flops. |
August 2006 Movie PlannerMaximum Impact - Aug 18, 2006
|
A quick look at movies in theaters and DVDs being released this month, with my suggestions on what to see. |
Little Miss SunshineMovie Review - Jul 26, 2006
|
One of the funniest movies you'll see all year is in limited release but worth seeking out. |
July 2006 Movie PlannerMaximum Impact - Jul 6, 2006
|
A quick look at movies in theaters and DVDs being released this month, with my suggestions on what to see. |
June 2006 Movie PlannerMaximum Impact - Jun 30, 2006
|
A quick look at movies in theaters and DVDs being released this month, with my suggestions on what to see. |
May 2006 Movie PlannerMaximum Impact - May 10, 2006
|
A quick look at movies in theaters and DVDs being released this month, with my suggestions on what to see. |
The Best of 2005 in Movies - Part IMaximum Impact - Feb 1, 2006
|
The first of three annual recap articles, this one lists the top movies of 2005 by box office and award nominations. |
January 2006 Movie PlannerMaximum Impact - Jan 14, 2006
|
A quick look at DVDs and movies in theaters this month, with award show and Sundance festival info. |
CasanovaMovie Review - Jan 10, 2006
|
Heath Ledger plays the legendary 18th century Venetian lover who meets his match with Sienna Miller in this enjoyable romantic comedy. Wide release Jan. 6. |
Match PointMovie Review - Jan 6, 2006
|
Woody Allen's story about tragic obsessive passion is unlike anything he's done in years, and better for it. Limited release Jan. 6. |
Melinda and MelindaDVD Review - Oct 28, 2005
|
Woody Allen gives us a two for one, not quite the sum of its parts, with a comedy and a drama about a woman and her romantic woes. |
Dust to GloryDVD Review - Aug 23, 2005
|
A great documentary on the Baja 1000 race from "Step Into the Liquid" filmmaker Dana Brown, this is some of the best cinematography this year. On DVD Aug 23. |
Red EyeMovie Review - Aug 19, 2005
|
Director Wes Craven's airplane thriller starring Rachel McAdams and Cillian Murphy doesn't live up to its potential, but at least you won't be a captive audience for long. In theaters Aug. 19. |
The Ballad of Jack and RoseDVD Review - Aug 16, 2005
|
Daniel Day-Lewis stars in a drama about the loss of a simple life and childhood innocence, directed by his wife Rebecca Miller. On DVD Aug 16. |
Comme une image (Look at Me)DVD Review - Aug 15, 2005
|
This light dramedy from France tells the story of a girl who wants to be noticed for who she is inside, and her self-centered father. On DVD Aug 9. |
Charlie and the Chocolate FactoryMovie Review - Jul 15, 2005
|
Despite an offputting trailer, Johnny Depp and director Tim Burton deliver a decent revision of the children's classic. |
March of the PenguinsMovie Review - Jul 14, 2005
|
This excellent documentary about the mating ritual of emperor penguins in remote Antarctica is fun and poignant, the perfect family or date movie this summer. |
Layer CakeMovie Review - Jun 7, 2005
|
Be sure to catch this smart British crime movie, starring Daniel Craig, from J.J. Connolly's novel. |
Ladies in LavenderMovie Review - Jun 7, 2005
|
Don't be fooled - Judi Dench and Maggie Smith reading a phone book isn't always worth the price of admission. |
OldboyMovie Review - Mar 23, 2005
|
Winner of last year's Cannes Grand Jury Prize, this Korean thriller is one of the best written and acted movies of the year. In select cities 3/25/05. |
2005 Movie PlannerMaximum Impact - Feb 14, 2005
|
75 movies you need to know about this year, with my box office estimates and top ten predictions. |
ConstantineMovie Review - Feb 11, 2005
|
Keanu Reeves stars in the good vs. evil sci-fi thriller based on the graphic novel Hellblazer. In theaters Feb. 18. |
The Best of 2004 in Movies: Part IIIMaximum Impact - Feb 8, 2005
|
Part III of III, my picks for top ten of the year and five most overrated. |
Ong-bakMovie Review - Feb 8, 2005
|
Thai martial artist Tony Jaa debuts in a crushing blow to action star pretenders. In selected cities Feb. 11. |
The Best of 2004 in Movies: Part IIMaximum Impact - Feb 3, 2005
|
Part II of III, take a look at my picks for the best in genres and performances. |
The Best of 2004 in Movies: Part IMaximum Impact - Feb 1, 2005
|
Part I of III, take a look at the award nominees and box office winners of 2004. |
Ocean's TwelveMovie Review - Dec 8, 2004
|
The entire original cast (Clooney, Pitt, Damon, Roberts) are back to dodge detective Catherine Zeta-Jones and some new master thieves. Too bad this sequel doesn't quite hit the jackpot. In theaters Dec. 10. |
I'll Sleep When I'm DeadMovie Review - Jul 15, 2004
|
"The Croupier" collaborators Clive Owen and director Mike Hodges deliver a revenge thriller that doesn't thrill but does disappoint. In selected cities since June. |
De-LovelyMovie Review - Jul 9, 2004
|
Kevin Kline portrays song composer Cole Porter in a romance/musical biography, with Ashley Judd. An excellent selection of songs is offset by a distracting pace. In selected cities July 2. |
The TerminalMovie Review - Jun 25, 2004
|
Is it a romance? Is it a drama? It's both and neither, and the combination of big names like Spielberg, Hanks, and Zeta-Jones barely manage to hold it together. In theaters June 18. |
Napoleon DynamiteMovie Review - Jun 24, 2004
|
One of the year's best movies so far, this is the funny story of a high school nerd who couldn't really care less. You should care. In selected cities since June 11. |
StatesideMovie Review - May 22, 2004
|
This under the radar romance drama has a number of familiar names, but fails at any attempt to deliver the story. In limited release May 21. |
Super Size MeMovie Review - May 21, 2004
|
In an excellent documentary that may very well change your life, a man does the unthinkable: put his life in the hands of Ronald McDonald. You need to see this movie. In selected cities since May 7. |
The Passion of the ChristMovie Review - Mar 15, 2004
|
Jim Caviezel plays Jesus in Mel Gibson's third directorial production. |
SpartanMovie Review - Mar 12, 2004
|
Val Kilmer stars in a gritty "Bourne Identity"-style thriller from writer/director David Mamet. |
2004 Movie PlannerMaximum Impact - Mar 10, 2004
|
75 movies you need to know about this year, with my box office and Oscar thoughts. |
Max's 2003 FavoritesMaximum Impact - Mar 9, 2004
|
My top ten favorite movies of 2003, and a few I didn't think deserve the list. |
Cold MountainMovie Review - Jan 7, 2004
|
Jude Law's trek to return to Nicole Kidman during the Civil War is long and depressing, but well worth your patience. Based on the novel and directed by Anthony Minghella, this movie should figure prominently among the Oscar nominations |
PaycheckMovie Review - Jan 6, 2004
|
Ben Affleck and John Woo don't quite give you your money's worth on this sci-fi action flick. At least if you go, you won't remember wasting your time. |
2003 Fall Preview/Year ReviewMaximum Impact - Sep 1, 2003
|
Get ready for Oscar season with this big list of box office and critic's picks for the Fall, with a review of the year so far. |
Open RangeMovie Review - Aug 17, 2003
|
Stock up on patience and limit the size of your drink if you go see Kevin Costner's latest western in theaters. |
SeabiscuitMovie Review - Jul 27, 2003
|
Gary Ross takes us on a nostalgic trip to the 30s with a sports drama that is sure to be a hit at the box office and Oscars. |
ConfidenceMovie Review - Apr 26, 2003
|
Performances by Ed Burns and Dustin Hoffman make up for some storytelling don'ts in this heist movie. |
A Man ApartMovie Review - Apr 5, 2003
|
Vin Diesel's generic cop revenge drama suffers most from poor pacing and plotting. |
2003 Movie PlannerMaximum Impact - Jan 9, 2003
|
75 movies you need to know about coming in 2003, with box office and Oscar predictions. |
Two Weeks NoticeMovie Review - Dec 16, 2002
|
Max reviews yet another weak romantic comedy about how Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock can be really charming. |
EquilibriumMovie Review - Dec 9, 2002
|
Max Braden laments the limited distribution of "Equilibrium," noting its homages to several classic films. |
|
CD Giveaway - Paper Bird, "Rooms"
Ends May 28, 2013
Drifting ever so slightly away from traditional folk music, this Colorado band delivers harmony and energy aplenty. |
|
|
