Matthew R. Reis: Film and TV Critic

Break a leg. 4 Stars Blog Exclusive! I'm in between classes and my work is done so I thought I'd talk about "Breaking Bad." In my opinion I feel that "Breaking Bad" is one of those rare shows that makes viewers disregard clichés, and embrace uncertainty. Each episode I've watched so far (mind you I only have completed the first 2 seasons) contributes something to the viewer(s). The creative team behind "Bad" force the viewers to think, react and interact with the show in a very cerebral way. That being said, for the first time in a long time I don't feel like I've lost any brain cells watching this series. Rather at least for me, I gain a lot of knowledge about filmmaking, and the harsh realities of the drug trade. The show also delves a lot into human psychology and makes each character's problems seem plausible. I feel that the show accurately talks about tough, real life issues. Changing pace... another thing that comes ...

Believe it or not. Blog exclusive! One Sentence Synopsis and Review "The Talented Mr. Ripley" 1999 3 Stars Synopsis: When Tom Ripley (Matt Damon) receives the offer of a lifetime -- an all expenses paid trip to Italy to retrieve Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law), the free-spirit son of a wealthy shipbuilder -- he accepts despite knowing full well that he will never make good on the offer and instead plan's to assume Dickie's identity. Review: Ripley's "friendship" with Greenleaf is erratic because at any moment they are either fighting or getting along just fine, yet this isn't the thing in "Ripley" that stands out because John Seale's cinematography, beautiful and devastating, makes the viewer forget about the film's meandering plot (riff with murder, music, bewilderment) a bit more tolerable. Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jude Law star. See Matt Damon and company in action below by watching the exciting trailer: As ...