New Blog + Top 20 Films of 2011

Hello to anyone who will read this. As you can see, I haven't updated this blog in a long time. That's because I started a new blog http://www.therantking.com/ where I will post all future film reviews, along with albums reviews, and other stuff. So if you're still following this blog, be sure to follow the new one instead. I've just posted My Top 20 Favorite Films of 2011 over there:


Check it out! Thanks.

- Zach

Up in the Air



On the surface, Up in the Air appears to be just another Hollywood romantic comedy starring George Clooney. Thank goodness it isn't. With a cleverly-sophisticated screenplay, fantastic performances, and some solid direction from Jason Reitman, Up in the Air soars above the pitfalls and cliches of typical Hollywood dramedies or rom-coms.

Clooney plays Ryan Bingham, a man that is specifically hired to fly across America to fire people from their jobs, because their own managers simply do not want to do it. This type of lifestyle detaches him from any type of serious human relationships, and he seems complacent with that. But he begins to realize what really matters as he descends down to ground.

Clooney is smooth and charming as always, yet displays a solitary loneliness in contrast. This particular role surpasses most of his other performances by a long shot. He is also accompanied with some superb supporting performances from Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick.

Up in the Air is extremely moving, and it is full of compelling messages that are very relevant to real-life human relationships. The unconventional poignancy of the story pulls at the heartstrings, but that's what makes this a great film. It is not often that a Hollywood rom-com delves into such deep territories so successfully.

Invictus Review



Invictus is the newest effort to come from legendary director (and actor), Clint Eastwood. Eastwood has been on a streak of directing many powerful and emotive films over the last decade. There is no doubt that the story of Nelson Mandela is uplifting and moving, but the film itself doesn't quite satisfy as emotionally as some of Eastwood's past efforts.

Invictus is a combination of a biopic and a sports film that specifically covers the story of the newly-elected president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, and his efforts to bring a divided country together through the sport of rugby.

Morgan Freeman's portrayal of Nelson Mandela is incredibly well-done here, and I wouldn't expect anything less. The subtlety and humbleness that he brings to this role is what makes Freeman a truly great actor. The accent might come and go a couple times throughout the film, but it doesn't bring down the performance too much. Matt Damon's performance is also very solid as he plays the role of Francois Pienaar, captain of South Africa's rugby team. Matt Damon brings a lot of determination and a respectful demeanor to this role.

Eastwood's keen direction is demonstrated well as he seems to embrace a simple and old-school style. The film has a very natural and appealing look. He has proven over time that he doesn't need abnormal flashiness to make a solid film.

However, one of the problems with Invictus is it's long-winded pacing. The film doesn't flow quite as engagingly as some of Eastwood's past films. Also, the final rugby game is drawn out just a little too long and it ends up being anti-climactic, overall. Part of the rugby game problem may be that most Americans, like myself, have no idea what the rules of the game of rugby are, so it is a bit difficult to follow.

Despite some of the flaws in Invictus, Clint Eastwood is still one of the most consistent directors of today. And this film still levels above most of the crap that is released in theaters.

The Road



With the world supposedly coming to an end in a couple years, lots of apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic films are being released. Frankly, most of them are not very good at all, however, The Road is a welcomed exception.

The Road is based from the novel of Cormac McCarthy and the story revolves around a father (Viggo Mortensen) and son (Kidi McPhee) striving to survive in a harsh and unforgiving post-apocalyptic era.

Viggo Mortensen's performance is sensational, and definitely worth noting. A somber, yet heartfelt performance as he struggles to journey on while protecting his son at all costs.

The look of this film is incredible. A darkly gray, and desolate environment is crafted to perfection. The cinematography is hauntingly beautiful.

This film is not for everyone. It is not action-packed, nor is it a feel-good story. The overall feel of the film is very dark and grim, but there is still a tiny glimpse of hope, a relentless perseverance, and an emotionally touching relationship between a father and son.

Avatar Review



The visual spectacle of James Cameron's Avatar is an experience that can't necessarily be described in words. By that, I mean that there are not enough positive adjectives or previews to give this film the justice it deserves. To put it simply, you just have to witness it for yourself, particularly in 3D, and even better - in 3D IMAX.

One of the initial big questions about Avatar was whether or not it will live up to the anticipation. Upon the release of a film with such a large profile, a lot of high expectations were generated, and along with those high expectations - came a lot of skepticism. This is Cameron's first film since the release of the record-breaking Titanic, and it has spent over 10 years in the making. The film also has a GIGANTIC budget, which has been approximated to be somewhere between $300-$400 million dollars. The film also uses some of the most technologically-advanced effects ever to be used. And not to mention, the promotion and advertising for this film has been abundant (I'm sure you've noticed). So does Avatar live up to the expectations? My answer is: Yes.

The other pressing question about Avatar was whether it will have a good plot to go along with the visuals, or if it will just be another technology-driven film with no substance. The premise of the film is about an ex-marine stationed on an exotic planet that is almost like a futuristic, space-aged version of Jurassic Park. He finds himself caught between two completely different societies. The plot draws parallels from many other fantasy stories, and some might even say a lot of it is cliche, but it is Cameron's ability to deliver a captivating, and engaging story with many different emotions that still makes it a great plot. The story is so well-done that it eliminates most complaints about cliches. Cameron is also a master at deploying build-up and progression, which gives this epic film a great pace.

The visual achievements in Avatar are a pinnacle of this generation. The world that is created is like nothing ever witnessed before, and will bring about wide-open eyes across all theaters. And I emphasize that it is not just the big and extravagant creations that are amazing, but it is the attention to the little details that are just as impressive - from the leaves on the plants, to the tiny particles floating in the air. Throughout the film, many images with gorgeous scenery are displayed and accompanied with a beautiful musical score. But like I mentioned earlier - you just have to witness it for yourself to appreciate it.

The film is truly moving on a visual and emotional level. Avatar is such a great accomplishment in film, and a movie-going experience like no other. My praise goes to James Cameron for creating a masterpiece that will change the way people view films that utilize special effects, and for setting a very high standard.

- ZKM

Fantastic Mr. Fox Review



It seems that over the last decade, CGI animated Pixar films have been dominating the animated films world (well deserved), but Wes Anderson throws in a whole new twist into the game with his innovative creation, Fantastic Mr. Fox. This is Anderson's first animated feature and it proves to be a risky, but successful effort. This is a fresh breath of air in contrast to the recent surge of smash-hit Pixar films that have taken control of the animation genre.

Fantastic Mr. Fox is a tale based on Road Dahl's book (of the same title). The story revolves around Mr. Fox and his family. Mr. Fox is trying to change the ways of his past of stealing and going on night raids, but he decides to do a couple more thief jobs, big thief jobs. He then finds himself in a jumble.

The animation in Fantastic Mr. Fox is a very unique style called stop-motion animation. This means that it was produced frame-by-frame. I can't begin to imagine how tedious the process of stop-motion animation is, but it churns out great results, as this film is a crisp treat for the eyes with vibrant details.

This film has a huge, superb cast of voices that includes George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray, Willem Dafoe, Michael Gambon, Jason Schartzman, and more. The superstar cast never becomes a distraction from this delightfully modest story.

Fantastic Mr. Fox is an entertaining film with a special sense of humor that will bring many laughs and enjoyment to all different ages. Don't miss out on this wonderful little story.

- ZKM

Precious Review



With a cast featuring Mariah Carey, Mo'Nique, and Lenny Kravitz, this would be one of the last films you would expect to be award-worthy. These are some of the people that have been in some of the worst films ever made, so how could a film with all of them in it be generating so much critical acclaim and buzz? Let me tell you, Precious is definitely no Glitter or Soul Plane, nor should it even be compared to those atrocities in the first place.

Precious: Based on the Novel PUSH by Sapphire
is a tragic, but hopeful story about Precious, a 16-year-old African-American girl who has been dealt an immensely horrible family situation, and a dreadful way of life. She lives in poor, welfare-provided living conditions. She's impregnated by her incestuous father for the second time. And if that isn't bad enough, she lives with her enraged mother who is extremely abusive to her.

The only thing keeping the story of Precious from being an absolute devastation - is her will to persevere. She doesn't feel comfortable at her school, and she has to come home to her physically and emotionally abusive mother every day (played be Mo'Nique), but Precious seems to escape into her own world and just brush it off.

There are a couple of very significant performances in this film. Gabourey Sidibe, who plays Precious, does a tremendous job in this role. But most notably (and surprisingly), is Mo'Nique's portrayal of Precious' evil and abusive mother. Mo'nique gives a remarkably emotional performance of such a nasty and rancorous character.

Despite the powerful performances in this film, overall, it is not the most enjoyable or entertaining film to watch because of its dark and bleak story. By the end of the film, I found myself more disturbed, than moved by it. It still has noteworthy direction, and it has a couple of must-see performances, but I think the re-watch-ability level of this film is very low due to the overall, depressing and dreary story.

- ZKM

Pirate Radio Review



The jumbled premise of this film has the recipe to be a sinker or a floater. Despite a few flaws along the way, luckily, this joyful and spontaneous comedy does just enough to keep itself from sinking.

Pirate Radio is about a group of Rock 'n' Roll Rebel DJs who broadcast their radio station from a boat in the middle of the ocean. These DJs have a huge, devoted fanbase who tune into their radio shows religiously. They also have a lot of enemies - The British government who, at the time, forbids Rock 'n' Roll music, and is set on pulling the plug on the radio station at all costs.

The DJs are a unique group of characters, each having their own personality to go along with each of their radio shows. Pieces of their individual stories are revealed throughout the film. The cast is great as they deliver tons of off-beat humor, along with some raunchy, laugh-out-loud moments.

One of the obvious strengths of this film is its wonderful soundtrack, as it should be. The soundtrack is full of classic hits from prominent artists of the '60s that are still enjoyable to everyone today, and these songs are greatly executed throughout the film.

Pirate Radio may bring a lot of mixed feelings to different audiences, but it seems impossible to not take pleasure in the feel-good nature of this film.

- ZKM

500 Days of Summer Review



It is hard to praise romantic comedies, not just because I am a guy, but most of them are too cheesy and unoriginal for my taste. Once in a while, an exception might come along. 500 Days of Summer is one of those exceptions. 500 Days is not your typical romantic comedy or love story. We must emphasize that it actually is NOT a love story.

500 Days is a quirky, and off-beat romantic comedy that tells the tale of a not-so-perfect relationship between a hopeless romantic boy, and a girl who has very different ideas and outlooks on love . The plot jumps around between a time-line of multiple days throughout their relationship - good times and bad times. Even though the plot is nonlinear, it is still very easy to follow.

The script is fresh, unique, and blunt. It has nothing to hide or sugarcoat. The performances from Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel are fitting to the screenplay. When times of their relationship are good, they display an unrelenting chemistry, but when times of their relationship are bad, there is a clearly distant tension between the two. The story does a fantastic job of displaying emotions of joy and infatuation, while demonstrating misery and heartbreak when called for. These moments could make someone feel heartbroken just by watching it.

It is the brutal honesty and truths throughout this story that makes it a wonderfully, bittersweet tale. Not all relationships are glamorous or have fairy-tale endings. 500 Days escapes from all of the cliches of routine romantic comedies and turns out to be one of my surprisingly, favorite viewings of the year.

- ZKM

Paranormal Activity Review



In a world full of gimmicky, slasher horror films, Paranormal Activity is a breath of fresh air from that. Films like Saw and Scream have never impressed me because they are predictable and unconvincing (and pretty laughable for the most part). Yet, these seem to be the types of horror films that people flock to. Those films have opened the doors for multiple imposters that have taken over the mainstream horror film world, so it is rare when a legitimate one makes its way onto the scene. I prefer the horror films that revolve around the supernatural and the paranormal, and if they're based off of true events - then even better. What is more convincing and spine-tingling than that? The story in Paranormal Activity may not be specifically based off of true events, but it still brings the chilling elements of the supernatural. In no way, should this film be compared with the likes of The Exorcist like some audiences have hyped it up to be, but nonetheless, it is a modern horror film that moves in the right direction.

Paranormal Activity
was shot with an extremely low budget. It is mostly made up of hand-held camera footage from the couple living in the haunted house. This makes it a very raw, amateur look that gives this film a very realistic atmosphere. This type of formula for a horror film can go either very right, or very wrong (The Blair Witch Project), but it proved to be a successful formula in Paranormal Activity. The scare tactics in this film are based from subtle moments, but it is the true fear that these subtle moments could possibly happen in real life that could give anyone an uneasy feeling.

The people who complain about Paranormal Activity "not being scary" are usually the same people who get scared from surprise/slasher films. This is the example of the thick divide between modern horror films. People have also been complaining that Paranormal Activity is boring and that not enough happens in it until the end. Great horror films are the ones that have a build-up of suspense into climactic moments, rather than constantly predictable crap jumping out of nowhere while a soundtrack of "intense" music sets it up.

This film surpasses most recent horror films because of it's realistic and convincing elements. But if you are thrilled by the repetitive gimmicks of all other modern horror films, rather than a realistic portrayal supernatural phenomena, than Paranormal Activity is simply not for you.

- ZKM

Zombieland Review



I have never been a fan of the Zombie film sub-genre, nor have I ever understood the semi-common obsession with zombies in general. With that said, I really enjoyed Ruben Fleischer's Zombieland.

This film is a pleasant and fun watch. It's nothing incredible, of course, but it is very solid for what it is. You know, there really isn't much suspense or thrill, most of the film is relatively predictable, actually. And in no way should this be labeled under the "horror" genre, but that's fine, because that's not what Zombieland is supposed to be. This film is full of laughs and it is very entertaining throughout. Whether it is the compromising interaction between the cast, or the brutal slaughterings of some zombies, Zombieland keeps you engaged all the way through.

Woody Harrelson's character in this film is pretty hilarious as he plays the hard-nosed, badass guy who is indeed very humorous at the same time - without trying to be funny. I wish I could say Jesse Eisenberg separates himself from comparisons to Michael Cera, but he really doesn't, however, he still fits the part nicely. Emma Stone plays the clever, tough and tenacious chick, and I must say that she looks incredibly hot holding a shotgun. There is also a fantastically executed cameo that makes for one of the most amusing moments in the story (I won't give away any details).

So sit back (or be on-guard) and enjoy Zombieland, and don't forget to follow the rules of survival.

- ZKM

Where the Wild Things Are Review



Directer, Spike Jonze took on the ambitious task of re-creating the cult-favorite children's book: Where the Wild Things Are. Wild Things is a childhood favorite of mine, so I was very excited, and confident that it would be incredibly magical on the big screen. However, my high expectations left me mildly disappointed as the film failed to fully deliver.

While the the visuals are stunning, there is an overall emptiness about the middle-ground of the plot, and that is where this film fails. It seems that if there is a long stretch where the film loses its magic, and a lot of this is due to the uncanny depiction of the creatures. The film takes a bad turn as the blatant personality disorders of the creatures come on display. The way that they interact with each other and with Max is very awkward and strange. Their attitudes bring a very grim element to the film, which makes it too bleak for it's own good. The main creature, Carol (voiced by James Gandolfini, who I am a huge fan of) is the most unstable one out of them all. He seems to have severe emotional problems and insecurities which lead him to an extremely bad temper. He has so many ups and downs (mostly downs), and outbreaks that I was actually expecting Tony Soprano to jump out and start whacking people. While Gandolfini played the part very well, the type of character he had to portray just seemed too unnecessary for this film.

There is no doubt that the visuals in Wild Things are absolutely astonishing. The cinematography is truly beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. The special effects are top-notch, giving the creatures a very imaginable look. The film captures a stunning setting and atmosphere that is definitely a triumph in the world of cinema. There is also a wonderful soundtrack to accompany the ravishing visuals. Though, with so many emotional downers, and a scarce amount of feel-good moments throughout the plot, the story fails to ever come back up from the hole it digs itself into.

- ZKM

Away We Go Review




Director Sam Mendes is known for directing big Hollywood films that generate a lot of Oscar buzz. This time around, he goes in a different direction and brings us the off-beat indie dramedy, Away We Go.

Away We Go shows the journey of an unmarried couple that is expecting their first child. The journey is not just the pregnancy, but their travels across the United States in order to find a home and complacency to raise their family. During their travels, they meet up with various old relatives and friends. The people they meet along the way all share one trait - they are very quirky and bizarre. The solid acting from all around create some extremely awkward moments, that even made me feel embarrassed and uncomfortable as viewer. Some moments were actually a bit too bizarre.

This film has some very funny moments, but with those moments come a lot of serious reflections and weariness of the future. The unique script makes this film very enjoyable. There is also a nice little laid-back, acoustic folk soundtrack that fits the mood of the film very well. Some pleasant cinematography is also present.

Away We Go has it's flaws, but it is a nice change from all of the typical, predictable Hollywood romantic comedies.

- ZKM

Sin Nombre Review




Sin Nombre is an independent foreign film, and a feature debut by writer and director, Cary Fukunaga. Sin Nombre tells the story of two different Hispanic teenagers. Their lives and stories intertwine as the film progresses. One character is a girl (Sayra) living in Honduras, who is in search of a better fortune. She and some of her family members set out on a dangerous journey to Mexico in order to eventually get to the United States. The other character is a boy named Casper, who lives in Tapachula, Mexico, and is a member of the Mara Salvatrucha gang (MS-13).

Sin Nombre is a very raw and graphic, but powerful film. The plot-line is intense and emotional. The flow of the film keeps you very engaged, as the future is very uncertain for both of the characters. Sin Nombre does a fantastic job of showing two totally different worlds as they unite to cause love and tragedy.

One particular standout in this film is the beautiful cinematography. It manages to show some stunning shots of scenery, despite the overall sense of darkness and hopelessness of the story.

This thrilling journey and tragic love story is easily one of 2009's best films. It is already getting compared to films like 2002's Cidade de Deus (City of God). It might not be on the same level of Cidade de Deus, but it is definitely a must-watch film for 2009. Many people in the mainstream audiences probably do not know that this gem of a film even exists, but anyone who stumbles across this film will probably be left breathless by the end as they witness truly raw and powerful film-making.

- ZKM

District 9 Review




When I first heard about the sci-fi film, District 9, I did not have very high expectations for it. Sci-fi films have never been a top genre preference of mine. I realize that some of the greatest films of all time have been sci-fis and are considered to be classics in the world of cinema, but let's face it, there have been a lot of shitty ones made too. I am always very skeptical about new sci-fi films, especially ones involving aliens, because it is easy for them to come off as corny and trite. Attempts at extraterrestrial-based films are very risky. Neil Blomkamp, a new director, took that risk with District 9. Even though this film was done with a relatively low budget compared to other big sci-fi adventure films, it is still a toss-up of how well it will be received with general audiences. The prolific Peter Jackson was on board for production of District 9. Peter Jackson is a mastermind in the film industry and has done little wrong in my eyes, however I still had my doubts about this film. Now with all of that said, was District 9 a successful risk? Yes, yes it was.

To be completely honest, District 9 blew me away. All of my initial doubts had been erased by the end of the film. Actually, they had been erased even earlier as I found myself in the middle of viewing a brilliant spectacle of film. The visual effects in District 9 are phenomenal, especially considering the scanty budget. But it isn't just the top-notch effects that make this film amazing, it is the emotionally deep narrative that makes this film absolutely astonishing. This aspect is what separates District 9 from other sci-fi films. The special effects are spectacular and believable, the action scenes are intense and gritty, and the plot-line has a strong and moving message.

I blame myself for not originally having more faith in this film. It is a true masterpiece, not just in the sci-fi genre, but in all films in general. I am now convinced that anything Peter Jackson is involved with has a great chance of being outstanding. I also want to commend Neil Blomkamp for doing a terrific job in his big film-directing debut, and let's hope for more great things to come from this newcomer in the world of film.

- ZKM

Sugar Review



Everyone knows that there has been numerous amounts of sports films made. A large number of them have been about baseball. They are either hit or miss. It seems that most sports films have already been perfected throughout the last few decades. Recent sports films are overplayed, very predictable, and too formulaic. However, the independent film, Sugar takes a different approach and avoids the typical sports film formula. This makes Sugar a unique hit.

Sugar tells the story of Dominican baseball player, Miguel "Sugar" Santos, a young pitcher with his heart set on playing in the major leagues. This film presents a very realistic portrayal of a Dominican player's road in the minor league system. There are many ups, downs, and roadblocks along the way. It can be a very complicated and frustrating process, many factors can either make or break your career.

The truly most interesting aspect of Sugar is the display of Sugar's journey in America. He is faced with the obvious language barrier of being in a foreign country, and he has to adapt to many different customs along the way. He experiences new kinds of enjoyments, but is also faced with many pressures. The simplistic display of Sugar's encounters in America is what makes it a beautiful watch and separates it from a lot of sports films.

Do not count Sugar out as just another baseball film. It is much more than that. It is a fresh treasure in the sports film genre, and it is also one of 2009's best indie films.

- ZKM

In the Loop Review



In the Loop is a sophisticated and smart political comedy. It revolves around a miscommunication between British and American governments about a decision to go to war or not. This sends everyone into a frenzy.

In the Loop demonstrates satirical humor to perfection. Each and every character is extremely quick-witted and brutally honest. I also must note that they show no shame or remorse in saying vulgar obscenities, which makes it that much funnier. The actors played their roles perfectly, each having their own niches in the bundle of levity. The incredibly clever script of In the Loop provides non-stop hilarity and priceless, witty lines throughout the whole thing. The script is also full of facetious, and derogatory American pop culture references. All of these elements create one of 2009's best comedies.

In the Loop is easily one of the funniest films of the year, but it will probably be ignored by most people, due to the popularity of mainstream, gimmicky comedies. In the Loop is unique and fresh, a pleasant watch for anyone who appreciates an intelligent, sharp-witted comedy.

- ZKM

Inglourious Basterds Review




I don't think I need to give much introduction for Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds, one of the summer's most highly anticipated films. But as you all should know, Inglourious Basterds takes place in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. A very small Jewish-American group infamously known as "The Basterds" set out to kill as many Nazis as possible and eventually get involved in ultimate plans of destruction.

Basterds is classic Tarantino style film with intermingling plots. It's extremely graphic, suspenseful, and hilarious all at the same time. The acting in Basterds is superb. Before the release of this film, there was a lot of questioning about the casting of Bratt Pitt to play this role, but he played it to perfection and was absolutely hysterical, yet charismatic. I am very tempted to say that this is one of the best Roles Bratt Pitt has ever played. Another notable performance is by Christoph Waltz, who plays Colonel Hans Landa. He is a complex character who is combined by an intimidating nature, arrogance, and a little bit of loopiness. The musical score throughout Basterds is tremendously fitting and adds a lot to the already powerful scenes. The shoot-out scenes are top-notch, as I would not expect any less from a Tarantino film.

A lot of people might complain because there's not quite as much action in it as the previews make it seem like. But this film is based mostly off of build-up dialogue to raise the suspense for the action scenes, as how most Tarantino films are. My only wish is that there would have been a few more scenes of "The Basterds" doing what they do best. But either way, Inglourious Basterds lived up to expectations.
It is safe to say that Quentin Tarantino made a stellar "comeback" with Inglourious Basterds. After a lot of doubt, and not-so-stellar films, he proved that he can still put together an excellent and impressive gem.

- ZKM

The Hurt Locker



The Hurt Locker is an intense portrayal of a bomb squad who work to disarm roadside explosives in the unstable areas of Baghdad during the war in Iraq. The plot focuses on only three main characters, so it avoids any type of stray-offs and allows you to grow a close connection with the characters as a viewer. Character development is at it's best in this film. You are presented with displays of the emotional and physical turmoil that soldiers have to endure during war time.

The Hurt Locker is not the typical war film. It does not dwell on over-the-top action and explosion scenes that most recent war films are built on. The atmosphere of this film is very natural and realistic. It gives you an intimate, in-depth perspective of the grittiness of war. The Hurt Locker captures the insanely intense "do-or-die" moments that bomb squads experience during their term of war. Scenes like these are more powerful and emotional than the aforementioned action scenes of recent war films.

I want to proclaim that this is one of the best films of the year, and possibly, one of the most raw and honest war films of all time.

- ZKM

Moon



Moon is a sci-fi drama about an astronaut who is stationed on the moon working for an energy company in order to supply more efficient fuel for planet Earth. The astronaut is played by Sam Rockwell, who does a tremendous job in this role. His only companion on the moon is a sophisticated, talking computer. He experiences the psychological effects of being alone and isolated from home.

The wonderful cinematography and the shots of Earth from the moon are spine-tingling because it gives us the complicated and virtually unattainable perspective of being so close, but yet so far away from home. The moon setting captures the dark and lonely isolation that could make anyone go crazy.

Moon raises many ethical and moral subjects that present the dark side of certain technological advancements, which I considered to be the most powerful part of a slower-moving film. And just for this reason, I think everyone should go see it. This film may not be well-received by "mainstream" audiences, but anyone who likes a well-done thought-provoking film will appreciate this. Moon has been called by many people as "the Anti-Transformers" film. It was in independent theaters around the same time that Transformers 2 was in theaters. Transformers 2 made incredible amounts of money at the box office, and Moon made just a sliver of that, but I think we all know which is actually the better film.

- ZKM