I just saw a couple of great flicks over the past month, namely (in random order starting with though I watched in the theater)
Night in the Museum 2 - Yes, it is titled that in the ‘international version’.
Taken - Only managed to catch it in time, three to four weeks after its release, before it was gone FOREVER! Well, till the video release, of course 
Star Trek - It was not bad for a non-Trekkie like me, but I’m not feeling the awesomeness from J.J., one of my favorites.
Monsters Vs. Aliens - Again, not bad, but compared to the ‘Prince of Egypt’ period, DreamWorks Animation had better work. Nevertheless, I couldn’t be a fair judge of this as it is apparently a reflection upon the old monster/alien movies in the ‘black-and-white’ days of America… and I don’t live… in America…
Magnolia - One of the most intelligent films I have encountered. Really dig this one because of its well-crafted storyline, but not recommended for those who don’t like ‘chatty’ movies.
Amelie - Otherwise known as The Fabulous Life of Amelie Poulain, this foreign film is made for the sake of good, semi-clean fun. A lighthearted romance flick with laughs along the way and, some really abstract messages expressed through the great visuals in the movie.
Dark City - Leave your sense of logic behind, ladies and gents, 'coz this one will get you puzzling. Nice twist at the end… Heck, the entire film is twisting… and twisting… and twisting… Dark City is not recommended to lighthearted people. The director did a fine job of presenting that whole dirty atmosphere that keeps you impatient for daylight’s return.
Fight Club - Another puzzling film with more sense of logic applied, though, once again, the twist will leave most jaws unhinged. Edward Norton at one of his best - better than his performance in The Incredible Hulk, I would say. The contrast between the beginning and the end of the film is possibly wider than any Pixarian’s imagination.
American Beauty - So, why did Kevin’s character ended up the way he is at the end? Well, he did tell you at the beginning of the film that it will end up that way. Certain viewers - such as me - probably thought it had metaphorical meanings to that. Another ‘American’-based film that requires me to live through the American life to truly understand the abstract meanings behind the film. This one’s great if you’re in the mood for some sizzling scenes that are definitely unavailable in a Pixar movie.
The Neverending Story - Fun movie. Great fantasy flick for the kids. Great song. Nice visuals for its time. Cute princess. <3
The Goonies - Another fun movie for the kids, and American adults who wish to reminiscent their American childhood life. Kids over here never get to do half of the things shown in this movie. <_<"
Big Trouble in Little China - Think live action Kung Fu Panda - without the animals. This excellent portrayal of the Chinese culture is a proud film to watch for Asians, while those in the States could, at the same time, gain knowledge about their historical aspects. Not to mention… Jack Burton. 
“It’s all in the reflexes.”
And finally, this great Bryan Singer masterpiece I’ve only watched halfway through…
The Usual Suspects - So far so good. Though you would see many suspense films with comparable standards as the film today, back then in the '80s, it was probably a jewel in the desert. Again, a somewhat of a mind-twisting journey.
That’s all for this month. Hopefully, I will have more to update in the next one.
Oh, and we need salvation from Terminator Salvation. DON’T WATCH IT IF YOU’VE WATCHED THE FIRST TWO FILMS! Compared to them, it is an utter money-making failure, and I’m greatly disappointed that we wouldn’t receive a greater amount of quality - heck, not even the same amount - in the fourth installment as we were given in T1 and T2.
Of course, no one could ever match up with Cameron’s direction in them. He practically prepared the scripts for both movies way before pre-production even started, as with Aliens, the sequel to the Ridley Scott classic.
Whereas with T3 and T4 - they never just call it Terminator 4 or Crank 2 or Transformers 2 - it was rather a ‘spur of the moment’ thing. The studio was the one who asked for the sequels, not the filmmakers themselves. Naturally, the quality of the story diminished when they were pushed against a deadline, while Cameron had probably prepared the scripts since his youth or something.
Oh, and just because Christian ‘Do you fking understand’ Bale shouts around in the studio, it doesn’t mean the script will change. It doesn’t mean McG’s direction will improve. It doesn’t guarantee salvation for the ‘would-had-been’ epic movie. If the script (pardon me for using the term) sucks, the actors/actresses could do little to change that, even if they’re co-producing the film.
Afterall, the director’s authority still overpowers those of the co-producers/producers/executive producers/etc. and the director’s direction, if any good, is only as good as the script. It’s a whole vicious circle that requires a well-picked team, much skill in the direction of the movie, and a lot of luck. Even if all goes well, if the audience unfortunately doesn’t like the final product due to certain misfortunes such as poor marketing coughWatchmencough it is still a box office failure, giving H-wood a chance to be cynical about it, and thus, offering the opportunity to create a movie to those of lesser skills and quality.
realizes the amount of rant I’ve typed out
Wow… 
Well, there’s your daily movie knowledge for you. 
Till next time, choose your movie wisely because H-wood gives us more of what we pay for, and until next time… may good movies remain in forever existence! 
