Matthew R. Reis: Film and TV Critic

Film mania Blog exclusive! In this new weekly series I will be highlighting the things I love most and least about cinema. I watch a lot of films and obviously some stand out more than others. I didn't actually rank these numerically, but I tried to do my best by listing the films I liked better first. So without further ado here are my favorite films of all time: "Being John Malkovich" (1999, color) "Fantastic Mr. Fox" (2009, color) "Avatar" (2009, color) "Breathless" (1960, black and white) "Slumdog Millionaire" (2008, color) "True Romance" (1993, color) "The Matrix" (1999, color) "Alien" (1979, color) "There Will Be Blood" (2007, color) "Wall-e" (2009, color) "Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb" (1964, black and white) "The Dark Knight Rises" (2012, color) "Star Wars Episode V: ...

When will it be over! (Now on DVD) 2 Stars As featured in: The Ithacan Shane Acker’s first feature- length film, “9,” is a flawed, post- apocalyptic vision of the not-so- distant future. Based on a short film, also named “9,” the film has some thrilling moments but should have never been adapted for the big screen. The film, set in a time of economic upheaval, depicts a dictator known only as the Chancellor who enlists the help of a team of scientists to develop technologies that will allow the state to prosper. The smartest scientist develops a ma- chine so ingenious, fittingly called The Brain, that it regrettably starts thinking for itself. Though the creator insists The Brain isn’t fully operational, it is put to use anyway by the Chancellor. The machine eventually turns its back on its creator, ensuring the inevitable destruction of the world. “9’s” fairly simple story line prevents the film from becoming a great, dark fantasy in the vein of Tim Burton’s “The Nightma...

Refriend this old toy (Now on DVD) 4 Stars Blog exclusive! Note: I did not see the 3D version. Three strikes you’re out? Not in Toy Story 3’s case. Blending tear jerking moments with outstanding CG the creative minds at Pixar have again managed to craft an outstanding film. This new film may even match Toy Story 2’s brilliance. As expected the latest chapter in the series is more of the same, in a good way that is. Part family friendly fun and coming of age tale all rolled up into one Toy Story 3 shows that three is indeed good company. The last time we saw the toys on the big screen was 11 years ago in the aforementioned Toy Story 2. Pitted against the evil Emperor Zurg, Buzz Lightyear’s arch nemesis, the odd ensemble of toys stuck together and managed to save the day. Now the toys have an even bigger challenge on their hands (or should I say parts?). Andy, their owner, is no longer a young lad anymore and is ready to head off to college. College is no place for toys such as M...