Joe Monday

There’s a huge discrepancy between what professional “critics” thought of the movie and what regular moviegoers have thought so far. 51% compared to 80%??? Really? It was a fun watch, the story was perfectly fine and easy to follow, and the CGI and action sequences were awesome! The acting was also exceptional, with Harrison Ford and Anthony Mackie really delivering outstanding performances. Ignore the critics on this one! They suck.

I predict that, with the passage of time, this movie will be recognized for the masterpiece that it is. I do understand why it did not meet the expectations of most. However, once those expectations and preconceived notions of what the story should have been are set aside, the magic and artistry of the film shines through with a brilliance that is absolutely mesmerizing. The acting alone is phenomenal. Add to that the cinematography and musical score and it already surpasses any standard of excellence in filmmaking. Make no mistake. This film is brutal. It is dark and deeply disturbing at times. But I found that it is also real. Real in the sense that the story doesn’t necessarily take you to where you want to go. It takes you down that labyrinth of psychological trauma and questions of personal identity and the struggle it depicts is at once visceral and painful beyond words. Where it leads is to a certain kind of redemption, one that at last transcends despair, even in the midst of darkness, rejection and violence.

Mel Gibson as a tough, grizzled, gun-toting Santa Claus with a heart of gold! This movie isn't for the kiddies (lots of violence and dark humor) but it's a great antidote to the soul-numbing consumerism that always seems to swallow the Christmas season. In its own "over the top" way, FatMan reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas - sacrificial giving and tough love in the face of human evil.

Finally! Halloween makes it to the next level! Some people may be disappointed that this movie doesn't follow the same old formula of all the other entries, but I say that's what makes this one so awesome! The storyline is unique and more realistic when it portrays how scared citizens would react to such a horrific situation. And their fear only adds to Michael's power, which is exactly how evil operates - evil begets more evil. I thoroughly enjoyed this Halloween thrill ride!