Benny and Joon (1993)

This was a pretty cute film. The characters were very interesting and their stories keep you very engaged. Johnny Depp does a terrific job playing the eccentric Sam who falls for the mentally ill Joon played by Mary Stuart Masterson. It really is quite intriguing to see how they each interact with each other and the world. There are many humourous moments and overall it is quite entertaining. 8 out of 10

The Grudge 2 (2006)

Although entertaining this film did not really bring anything new to the genre. The effects used were very similar to The Grudge (2004) and The Ring Series. It for the most part just continues the story where it left off and we find out what happens next in the Grudge saga. It is good to see the story continue but it really is not spectacular. If you are new to the series I would check out the first one and if it catches your attention and you want to see more of the story them check out this. 6 out of 10

The Harrad Experiment (1973)

This just barely survived the 30 minute rule. The story was just kind of weird and trippy. Similarly to The Boy in The Plastic Bubble (1976) with the bad music and bad video production. You probably will not continue watching it for any reason other than trying to figure exactly where they are going with it and what weird thing they will do next. I would recommend it only if you are looking for something really odd but otherwise I would pass. 4 out of 10

The Boy in the Plastic Bubble (1976)

This turned out to not be nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. Trust me it was not great though. The music was pretty bad and the video was not very good. It had a very old look to it that made things kind of blurry. The story was alright though even if it was kind of corny with an ending that does not really close things off very well. Over all worth checking out if you are looking for a mediocre kind of film. 6 out of 10

Lean on Me (1989)

I have heard good things about this movie throughout the years but I just never got around to checking it out. It turns out that what I heard was correct because it ended up being terrific. We follow Joe Clarke (Morgan Freeman) as he attempts to regain control over Eastside High School before the state is forced to take over. This movie really is kind of inspirational and the fact that it is based on a true story is pretty amazing. It is definitely worth checking out. 8 out of 10

Bonnie and Clyde (1967)

So with this I was hoping for a good gangster action flick. But unfortunately what I got was a slow and drawn out drama that had little for entertainment value. Unfortunately that means that another classic falls to the 30 minute rule. 1 out of 10

Singin' in the Rain (1952)

This movie ended up being OK, the story was good and some of the song and dance numbers were entertaining. My favorite one would probably be "Make Them Laugh". My biggest gripe would probably be that some of the dance numbers tended to go a little too long and would take away from the story line. If you are into classic musicals then you will probably enjoy this. 5 out of 10

Semi-Tough (1977)

I find that Burt Reynolds' films are so often hit or miss that you never know exactly what you are going to get. This one was one of the unfortunate ones that for the most part was unbearable to watch for more than 30 minutes of. 1 out of 10

Vanity Fair (2004)

Perhaps the earlier versions give this story justice but this one was terrible. Slow moving + Over dramatic acting + a terrible story make this a perfect candidate for the 30 minute rule. 1 out of 10

Shampoo (1975)

The story for this one is what made it fail. It was really boring and was not going anywhere fast. Enough said. 1 out of 10

The Poseidon Adventure (1972)

More of a comedy than an action movie really. Mainly because the acting is pretty over the top. Leslie Nielsen in a serious role of course does not help. Watching him play a ship captain you can not help but think of him in Airplane! Unfortunately even he could not save this sinking ship and it fell victim to the 30 minute rule. 1 out of 10

The Omen (1976)

This movie ended up being pretty good but if you are going to see a version I would recommend the 2006 remake over the original. The story line is for the most part identical but the updated special effects is what really makes the difference. In the original they just seem dated and make it funny where it should be disturbing. The story is very good and the creepy ending will leave you wanting to know more. 7 out of 10

Wall-E (2008)

This film is fantastic and can be enjoyed by everyone children and adult alike. The animation is top notch and the story is fascinating. I had heard that there was no talking in the entire film. If you have heard this rumor and are worried about it do not be afraid. Although there is not a ton of talking there is enough to keep the story going without making it uninteresting. It is very humorous and the characters are quite enjoyable. For once there is a highly rated film that is actually good. 10 out of 10

Bird on a Wire (1990)

This movie was just OK. Although it came out in 1990 it has that cheesy 80's comedy with a little bit of action mixed in feeling. The acting and the story were OK but there really were not any stand out moments and overall it is a pretty unmemorable movie. Check it out if you do not have anything better. 6 out of 10

Hancock (2008)

This ended up being pretty good. It has elements of your usual super hero movie however there are several twists that keep the movie and genre from becoming stale. Will Smith does a great job playing the superhero Hancock who wallows in his own misery and causes more harm than good anytime he attempts to do anything heroic. As fate would have it he actually saves Ray Embry (played by Jason Bateman) a PR specialist who is grateful for Hancock's help and thus Hancock's transformation begins. If you are into super hero type movies then I recommend checking this out. 8 out of 10

Once Upon a Time in America (1984)

I have read that when this film was originally released it bombed. Supposedly from it being released as a two hour version instead of the intended four hour one. But honestly 30 minutes is all that is needed to figure out that this movie is bad. The story is pretty slow moving and for the most part uninteresting. Even Robert De Niro acting could not save this one. 1 out of 10

The Dead Next Door (1988)

OK let me start with the fact that there is really nothing scary about this movie. In fact it is more comedy than horror. But I suppose that it is not really meant to be that way. The blood and zombie effects were pretty bad and helped to increase the humor level but unfortunately not enough to make it past 30 minutes. Give it a go if you are into Cheesy horror flicks but otherwise pass. 1 out of 10

The Wicker Man (2006)

This movie was pretty weird. It has a good story line and you will probably spend most of the time trying to figure out exactly what is going on. But because of this it will keep your attention. The version that I saw was the unrated version where they dropped the original ending scene and leaves you with a holy crap what just happened feeling. But overall it was a very good film and worth checking out if you are looking for something creepy. 6 out of 10

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly (1966)

I was looking forward to seeing this because I heard so many great things. Unfortunately though another highly praised classic has been shot down by the 30 minute rule. I found this to be very very slow moving and what dialogue there was, was way too dramatic. Give it a shot if you generally like supposed classics that are highly rated, but otherwise I would stay away. Perhaps I need to see the first two movies and my opinion will change but as for now it gets a 1 out of 10.

The Burial Society (2002)

This movie seemed like it might be kind of odd and interesting and it did not fail to deliver. With a quirky funny story that follows a Bank Loan Manager who finds himself in a bit of trouble and decides to infiltrate the Chevra Kadisha. With some good twists and turns that will keep you guessing it is definitely worth checking out if you are looking for something a little different. 7 out of 10

Judge Dredd (1995)

This movie was alright but not nearly as good as I hoped. Not that I really expected too much. It was your typical cheesy sci-fi action movie from the mid 90's. The acting was pretty bad and the story was just passable enough to keep my attention. Do not go in expecting anything major and you may be entertained slightly. 4 out of 10