Moriarty's 2006 List -- FINAL!!

[Moriarty]

January 13th Update!!

I may end up seeing more of the movies released in 2006 -- in fact, I'd say count on it -- but this is it as far as consideration for my year-end list is concerned.

As always, I use the five-tiered rating system: EXCELLENT, VERY GOOD, GOOD, NOT SO GOOD, and FUCKING AWFUL.

And if something's moved since I last updated list, it's safe to assume I've rewatched it since and felt comfortable moving it. It's not arbitrary. Promise.

These are in no particular order within the categories. I haven't picked a number one yet, or ranked anything else. All told, there were 305 movies that made this list for consideration, and I ended up not seeing about 75 of them.

Not bad. Not bad at all.

NEW RELEASES SEEN IN 2006 (230)

EXCELLENT (27)

A SCANNER DARKLY
BREAKING AND ENTERING
THE GOOD SHEPHERD
STREET FIGHT
HAPPY FEET
THE HOST
DREAMGIRLS
LAKE OF FIRE
THE PRESTIGE
THE ILLUSIONIST
CASINO ROYALE
THE DEPARTED
BABEL
PERFUME: THE STORY OF A MURDERER
UNITED 93
CHILDREN OF MEN
PAN'S LABYRINTH
CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER
LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA
THE SCIENCE OF SLEEP
BLACK SNAKE MOAN
VOLVER
THE FOUNTAIN
BLACK BOOK
INLAND EMPIRE
BRICK
TALLADEGA NIGHTS: THE BALLAD OF RICKY BOBBY

VERY GOOD (68)

BORAT
THE LIVES OF OTHERS
NOTES ON A SCANDAL
THIN
MEMORIES OF TOMORROW
WORDPLAY
MIAMI VICE
CATCH A FIRE
THE QUEEN
A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION
THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS
SHORTBUS
SWEET LAND
FACTOTUM
MARIE ANTOINETTE
L'ENFANT
APOCALYPTO
ROCKY BALBOA
THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND
MONSTER HOUSE
CRANK
BUG
EVIL
JESUS CAMP
DELIVER US FROM EVIL
INFAMOUS
BUBBLE
THE PROPOSITION
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 2: DEAD MAN'S CHEST
SOMERSAULT
THE DEAD GIRL
THE DEVIL AND DANIEL JOHNSTON
THE NOTORIOUS BETTIE PAGE
THE HILLS HAVE EYES
DAVE CHAPPELLE'S BLOCK PARTY
OVER THE HEDGE
COCAINE COWBOYS
INSIDE MAN
THE KING
JACKASS NUMBER TWO
IDIOCRACY
DEAD MAN'S SHOES
EDMOND
BLINDSIGHT
THIS FILM IS NOT YET RATED
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 3
HARD CANDY
V FOR VENDETTA
AKEELAH & THE BEE
NACHO LIBRE
WHO KILLED THE ELECTRIC CAR?
AIR GUITAR NATION
DISTRICT 13
THE WOODS
CLERKS II
BACK HOME
LONESOME JIM
DUCK SEASON
FISSURES
THE ROAD
SYMPATHY FOR LADY VENGEANCE
49 UP
WAH-WAH
EL AURA
SORRY HATERS
BROTHERS OF THE HEAD
BOB DYLAN: NO DIRECTION HOME

GOOD (78)

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
CLEAN
FLUSHED AWAY
ONLY HUMAN
LITTLE CHILDREN
THANK YOU FOR SMOKING
A GUIDE TO RECOGNIZING YOUR SAINTS
TENACIOUS D IN THE PICK OF DESTINY
GOAL! THE DREAM BEGINS
CARS
BEERFEST
STRANGER THAN FICTION
ATL
DOWN IN THE VALLEY
OFFSIDE
TEN CANOES
JET LI’S FEARLESS
SLITHER
CASHBACK
SHAITEN
WHY WE FIGHT
AWESOME: I FUCKIN' SHOT THAT!
X3
NEIL YOUNG: HEART OF GOLD
LOOKING FOR COMEDY IN THE MUSLIM WORLD
THE BREAK-UP
THE LOST CITY
INVINCIBLE
HALF NELSON
SCREAMERS
INSIDE
16 BLOCKS
FIND ME GUILTY
SKETCHES OF FRANK GEHRY
I TRUST YOU TO KILL ME
THE YACOUBIAN BUILDING
SUPERMAN RETURNS
GLORY ROAD
VENUS
THE GROOMSMEN
NANNY MCPHEE
SEARCHING FOR ORSON
AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH
FROZEN DAYS
THE NIGHT LISTENER
FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS
ART SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL
HOSTEL
KINKY BOOTS
STRANGERS WITH CANDY
FRIENDS WITH MONEY
2:37
ACCEPTED
THE PROTECTOR (aka GIVE ME BACK MY BABY ELEPHANT!!!)
STICK IT
SNAKES ON A PLANE
EIGHT BELOW
SILENT HILL
THE FAST & THE FURIOUS: TOKYO DRIFT
JOHN CARPENTER'S PRO-LIFE
FEAST
HATCHET
ON A CLEAR DAY
MINI’S FIRST TIME
GRANDMA'S BOY
HOW TO EAT FRIED WORMS
THE DA VINCI CODE
FINAL DESTINATION 3
DEJA VU
BOBBY
BLACKBALLED: THE BOBBY DUKES STORY
CURIOUS GEORGE
THE HISTORY BOYS
THE GOOD GERMAN
WATER
WASSUP ROCKERS
MISS POTTER
THE PAINTED VEIL

NOT SO GOOD (40)

WORLD TRADE CENTER
PULSE
ROMANCE AND CIGARETTES
ASK THE DUST
NIGHT WATCH
THE PROMISE
STEP UP
UNACCOMPANIED MINORS
WHO LOVES THE SUN
NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM
THE BLACK DAHLIA
ANT BULLY
THE BLOOD DIAMOND
LET'S GO TO PRISON
THE HOLIDAY
LADY IN THE WATER
CLICK
HOLLYWOODLAND
UNDERWORLD: EVOLUTION
TRISTAN & ISOLDE
ALL THE KING’S MEN
POSEIDON
SCARY MOVIE 4
FIREWALL
WHEN A STRANGER CALLS
THE PINK PANTHER
THE SENTINEL
YOU, ME & DUPREE
HOODWINKED
RUNNING WITH SCISSORS
KEEPING UP WITH THE STEINS
SHE’S THE MAN
MAN OF THE YEAR
THE COVENANT
TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE: THE BEGINNING
ANNAPOLIS
THE LAKE HOUSE
BATTLE IN HEAVEN
IDLEWILD
RUNNING SCARED

FUCKING AWFUL (17)

STORMBREAKER
BEOWULF & GRENDEL
SHADOWBOXER
THE WICKER MAN
OPEN SEASON
SAW III
DATE MOVIE
SIMON SAYS
BASIC INSTINCT 2
AMERICAN DREAMZ
THE SHAGGY DOG
STAY ALIVE
THE WILD
FAILURE TO LAUNCH
BLOODRAYNE
AFTER...
THE LAST KISS

DIDN’T SEE (76)

THE HIDDEN BLADE
AMERICAN GUN
THE ROAD TO GUANTANAMO
LOWER CITY
MANDERLAY
FAMILY LAW
THE DEATH OF MR. LAZARESCU
FREEDOMLAND
CALVAIRE
FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION
12 AND HOLDING
SHERRYBABY
AN AMERICAN HAUNTING
LEMMING
LEONARD COHEN: I'M YOUR MAN
THE OH IN OHIO
LOUDQUIETLOUD: A FILM ABOUT THE PIXIES
LOVERBOY
WINTER PASSING
MARILYN HOTCHKISS' BALLROOM DANCING & CHARM SCHOOL
LUCKY NUMBER SLEVIN
ICE AGE 2
THE BENCHWARMERS
RV
THE OMEN
CONVERSATIONS WITH OTHER WOMEN
DAYS OF GLORY
FAST FOOD NATION
13 (TZAMETI)
QUINCENERA
FUR
WE ARE MARSHALL
TIDELAND
HARSH TIMES
SLEEPING DOGS LIE
THE NATIVITY STORY
A GOOD YEAR
JUST MY LUCK
PEACEFUL WARRIOR
PUFFY CHAIR
SCHOOL FOR SCOUNDRELS
MY SUPER EX-GIRLFRIEND
ZOOM
EVERYONE STARES: THE POLICE INSIDE OUT
THE AMATEURS
TRUST THE MAN
THE QUIET
OLD JOY
LOOKING FOR KITTY
GHOSTS OF CITE SOLEIL
THE US VS JOHN LENNON
AL FRANKEN: GOD SPOKE
GRIDIRON GANG
AMERICAN HARDCORE
RENNAISANCE
THE GROUND TRUTH
KEEPING MUM
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
MY FIRST WEDDING
HOUSE OF SAND
RIDING ALONE FOR THOUSANDS OF MILES
THE GRUDGE 2
DRIVING LESSONS
DIXIE CHICKS: SHUT UP AND SING
DOA: DEAD OR ALIVE
THE BRIDGE
SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE
ERAGON
CHARLOTTE’S WEB
BLACK CHRISTMAS
FACTORY GIRL
THE WIND THAT SHAKES THE BARLEY
MUTUAL APPRECIATION
SCOOP
LAST HOLIDAY
SOMETHING NEW

[Bean]

V for Vandetta is a VERY GOOD? Not an EXCELLENT?

Please oh PLEASE tell me you're not thinking of paying to see Bloodrayne...please?

[Ribbons]

Hey, Very Good is pretty good, I'd wager. Keep in mind that we haven't even seen the damn thing, I think we should give Moriarty the benefit of the doubt in this case.

[DrSnatchCatcher]

I was pleasantly surprised by Looking For Comedy In The Muslim World. I have read/heard a lot of complaints about it, but I enjoyed it. It wasn't great, but I definitely liked it.

[awesomebillfunk]

Has mori actually reviewed V yet? Is there anywhere I can find that?

[Coldfire24]

Hey read your list last night I went and rented Grizzly man and I loved it. It just seemed so surreal. I mean most people interviewed in the movie didn't care that he was dead. One guy said he deserved what he got...Thanks for the recommendation. Oh and all my roommates liked it too.

[Windfola]

Very good is still.. well.. very good..

But I was expecting that V for Vendetta would be in the "excellent" category after reading those rave reviews after the BNAT screening..

[Cottonwood]

Given that Moriarty's seen it at BNAT, leaves one theatrical screening. Get out much, do we?

[the man with no name]

How to make friends Cottonwood!

[Moriarty]

Cottonwood's right. I haven't gone to a single screening yet this year aside from the Albert Brooks film, and when I went to a theater tonight, it was to see GRIZZLY MAN, which I've already seen, since I wanted to meet Werner Herzog.

But I've also been working on a new script non-stop since the start of the year, and watching a shitload of stuff on DVD.

I get off to a slow start every year. And I actually need to update to include the second new film I've seen since the start of the month...

[Pacino86845]

Hey Mori, how about a little blow-by-blow on the Herzog conversation? I have huge admiration for the director, and I'm glad to see that Grizzly Man is so strongly hailed as a masterpiece. I can't wait to see it.

And does anyone know what it is exactly that's being left out of the DVD?

[Cottonwood]

Cottonwood's right. I haven't gone to a single screening yet this year aside from the Albert Brooks film, and when I went to a theater tonight, it was to see GRIZZLY MAN, which I've already seen, since I wanted to meet Werner Herzog.

But I've also been working on a new script non-stop since the start of the year, and watching a shitload of stuff on DVD.

I get off to a slow start every year. And I actually need to update to include the second new film I've seen since the start of the month...

I was kidding, to be sure. Last year you saw what, 170 in a theatre? I'm a humbled man. Plus you have a baby, so you don't NEED to get out, I know, been out for a movie only once myself in '06 - but my DVD player surely is a good friend, all thru the night.
And more so, on that list of new movies that are running, it's slim pickings, my friend.

[Ribbons]

And does anyone know what it is exactly that's being left out of the DVD?

I think I do. Apparently Treadwell appears on "Late Night with David Letterman" and Letterman makes a joke about how he's going to get eaten by bears. Although I can't back that up, that's just what someone told me.

[Pacino86845]

Thanks, Ribs. I was worried for a second that it might have been something integral to the story.

[psychedelic]

Sorry to be annoying and split hairs, but wouldn't Why We Fight be a 2005 movie since it's probably in Oscar consideration for 2005? It played in festivals in 2005 and Documentaries is one category where a movie doesn't have to play for a week in L.A. in order to qualify. Of course, it's your list so put it where you see fit. It’s just a minor issue to consider.

I’m surprised to see V For Vendetta not in the Excellent category. I’d give it an 8 or 9 out of 10. It’d be Excellent for me. I’m looking forward to seeing it again in theatres; I’ve been telling everybody to go see it.

Hostel is dull. Eli Roth is a great promoter and wonderful cheerleader; his enthusiasm is infectious and welcome. But I’ve found his movies underwhelming and not ambitious story-wise. His real talent may be as a producer.

How was it meeting Herzog? Back when Incident At Loch Ness came out he did a signing at Cinefile Video. After he signed my DVDs I hung around and asked questions for 30-45 min. as he signed stuff. A small audience was there. What a thrill! He’s so intelligent and well-spoken and seems a long way from the raving maniac some people make him out to be. He may be too serious for his own good, but I think he’s trying to find humor in his later years. He also tries to be positive. I would love to work with him some day either on his crew or (now watch me dream) as an actor in my movie. I’ve got a role in mind for him. 8) I haven’t seen Julien Donkey-Boy yet. It’s on my hit list.

[DrSnatchCatcher]

I cannot wait to see V, especially now that it will be in IMAX.

[MiltonWaddams]

Hostel is dull. Eli Roth is a great promoter and wonderful cheerleader; his enthusiasm is infectious and welcome. But I’ve found his movies underwhelming and not ambitious story-wise. His real talent may be as a producer.

'dull' is not the word i would have picked. i enjoyed it for what it was.

i hope you motherfuckers aren't overblowing v for vendetta, because i'm really looking forward to that.

[psychedelic]

I saw Why We Fight. It's copyrighted 2006 so I guess it would be a 2006 movie. The Academy's rules make it difficult to decide. The reason I bring it up is this: Does it help the movie more to give it attention in a 2005 best of documentaries list which might boost Oscar chances which in turn gives the movie a wider audience OR if it's 2006 put it on some list at the end of the year which would help it more? Quibble, quibble, quibble. I drive myself nuts this way.

As for the movie itself, it's very good with excellent execution. Most of the material has been covered in different places, but what makes it exceptional is how it clearly lays out the cause and effect of our contradictory foreign policy since WWII in an understandable linear fashion. It details just how deep the Military Industrial Complex goes into our society. It's definitely worth seeking out, but be warned, it's monumentally depressing.

[HollywoodBabylon]

Hey Mori, how about a little blow-by-blow on the Herzog conversation? I have huge admiration for the director, and I'm glad to see that Grizzly Man is so strongly hailed as a masterpiece. I can't wait to see it.

And does anyone know what it is exactly that's being left out of the DVD?

I'm too looking forward to seeing Grizzly Man. I've read an interview with Herzog where he states he's actually heard audio footage of the couple being attacked and killed by the bear (they had on their sound recording when the attack took place). It's supposed to be deeply unsettling and Herzog stated he would not use it in the film or DVD release.

[Ribbons]

I'm too looking forward to seeing Grizzly Man. I've read an interview with Herzog where he states he's actually heard audio footage of the couple being attacked and killed by the bear (they had on their sound recording when the attack took place). It's supposed to be deeply unsettling and Herzog stated he would not use it in the film or DVD release.

Yeah, that is actually documented in the movie. There's a scene of Herzog sitting there listening to the tape of the grizzlies mauling Treadwell and his girlfriend. I'm not sure how I feel about that. I think if he really wanted to he could've just left the tape out of the documentary entirely.

[Moriarty]

Updated with my fourth and fifth 2006 titles seen so far.

I'm actually planning to hit about 15 films in the next two weeks and get back into the swing of review writing.

[colonel_lugz]

Wow! Final Destination 3 made it to 'Good', Wasn't that impressed with the second installment.

[Moriarty]

I think it's all about expectations, Lugz.

I really, really disliked the first FINAL DESTINATION. I thought it took itself way to seriously, and that kid who starred in it... Devon Sawa... makes my eyes bleed.

The second one benefitted from the directorial hand of David Ellis, an action pro as a second-unit guy, and from the fact that it seemed to be more aware of itself as a simple gore factory.

This one has even less character work or story exposition, and is pretty much one elaborate death gag after another.

Taken as such, it works. It's not a "film," per se, but it's a good rollercoater ride for gore fans.

[Cottonwood]

thanks for the update - works really well for quick reference.

The other day I went out for my 2nd (second!!) visit to the movies in the first month, saw BROKEN FLOWERS, Very Good.

[Moriarty]

Updated to include BRICK.

[John-Locke]

WOW Excellent eh, I thought BRICK looked promising, it's now definitely one of my most anticipated movies of the year, watching the trailer made me extremely jealous, I don't think I could ever make a film like that (I say that having not seen it) it just seems so well thought out, maybe it's just great work from whoever cut the trailer though.

[colonel_lugz]

I just watched the trailer..................Looks really really great actually, as much as i disliked Mysterious Skin, Joseph Gordon-Levitts performance was fantastic, im looking forward to this

[DrSnatchCatcher]

I just saw the trailer for Brick last night. It boasted the headline of an AICN review.

It looked good, but the AICN thing makes me kinda wary. Don't get me wrong, I love the site, but.... eh. I'll stop now before I dig my hole any deeper.

[Cpt Kirks 2pay]

No go on, you were saying...

No one's gonna tell anyone of AICN what you think about their reviews (hehehe!). I mean you're a long way off from being a Mod and being beheaded by me.

[DrSnatchCatcher]

It's not meant to be a knock on the site. But let's face it, AICN is not the New York Times. In the past, the movie ads I have seen that have boasted AICN reviews are the ones that didn't have a lot of positive reviews to choose from. Brick does not strike me as the same type of movie as the other ones, so I don't even really think that trend (if you want to call it that) would even fit in this particular instance, but that is what I have noticed in the past nonetheless.

I love reading the reviews by the AICN staff for various reasons, depending on the author. Mori has some of the best written reviews I read anywhere. I don't necessarily agree with all of them, but I enjoy the shit out of reading them. I enjoy reading Grande Rojo's reviews almost as much as Moriarty's, but for entirely different reasons. Grande Rojo is a fanboy. I don't really take most of what he writes seriously, but I still enjoy reading his reviews.

But regardless of any of that, the fact that AICN reviews may be publicized by the wrong people in no way reflects the quality of AICN. Every major critic, at one time or another, praises a movie that most of the rest of the country thinks is a steaming pile of shit.

[Moriarty]

Okay, color me shocked.

Just added HILLS HAVE EYES.

[bluebottle]

Okay, color me shocked.

Just added HILLS HAVE EYES.

Excellent?!

Get the fuck out.

[dimnix]

Okay, color me shocked.

Just added HILLS HAVE EYES.

excellent? thats kicks ass. color me excited. I hadnt even been all that interested in it.

[Moriarty]

Blue... dim... nobody's more surprised than I am.

I thought HIGH TENSION was a well-directed film with a miserable third act and a script that owed more than a little to Koontz's INTENSITY. I thought it cheated terribly, though, and it bugged me too much to say I liked it.

Aja stepped up, though. For the first time, one of these new horror remakes completely eclipses the original and delivers unrelenting horror. This may be the single hardest R-rated film I've ever seen a studio release. This thing's really, really ugly.

I was impressed mightily.

[Keepcoolbutcare]

so, FINALLY, a 2006 release that gets my attention.

can we expect a review soon Mori?

[Moriarty]

Yeah... working on it now, KCBC.

[Moriarty]

Look at that IN RELEASE BUT UNSEEN list.

Did I really miss much?

Am I going to ever see more than about five of those films later in an effort to catch up?

Film distributors hate January and February, man, and it's easy to see why.

[havocSchultz]

wow...Hills Have Eyes huh...? must be similar to the final destination 3 thing (not in quality) but in an "expectation" sort of thing - it's great when a movie sneaks up on you - when you're not really expecting much - than BAM! it rips your pants off and bites you in the sack...i am so pumped for this movie now - Aja is a GREAT horror talent - say waht you will about the stupid twist and what-not in High Tension - but the dude knows how to tighten the screws on a suspense scene - slowly - and also how to completely let loose with insane crimson madness... brilliant... i can barely even wait for Mori's review - let alone the film itself...

[Keepcoolbutcare]

Look at that IN RELEASE BUT UNSEEN list.

Did I really miss much?

Am I going to ever see more than about five of those films later in an effort to catch up?

Film distributors hate January and February, man, and it's easy to see why.

well, it gives one time to catch up on all those Oscar contenders, I suppose.

and yeah, the 4 films you've listed as EXCELLENT and VERY GOOD are all must-sees, just haven't been released upon the rest of us non-movie reviewin' plebians. Nightwatch only getting a good tho'? It deserves better, if only for the fact they were able to get those results out of only a 3.5million dollar budget. It left me really wanting the sequels, which I suppose is the point of the first part of a trilogy...

[The Vicar]

Underworld: Evolution

Do not waste your time

Do not waste your money

You saw the first one? Then you've seen this one.

Ideal for lining your cat's litter box.

[raasnio]

Blue... dim... nobody's more surprised than I am.

I thought HIGH TENSION was a well-directed film with a miserable third act and a script that owed more than a little to Koontz's INTENSITY. I thought it cheated terribly, though, and it bugged me too much to say I liked it.

That's exactly how I saw High Tension.

I'll have to check out The Hills Have Eyes now.

[AtomicHyperbole]

Sooo.... any more updates? ^_^

[King Of Nowhere]

Underworld: Evolution

Do not waste your time

Do not waste your money

You saw the first one? Then you've seen this one.

Ideal for lining your cat's litter box.

here here !

[Moriarty]

BUMP!

[Leckomaniac]

BUMP!

Sadly Moriarty...I don't think that the BUMP will ever make a come back. It has gone the way of the Hustle.

[havocSchultz]

BUMP!

what?!?!?

Pan's Labryinth Excellent...???

Superman Returns only Good...???


Did I miss reviews for these on the main site - or are these the ones you just added...

And if so, then where are the reviews on the main site...

I sooooo can't wait for Pan's Labryinth...

[Leckomaniac]

Whoa whoa whoa...The Hills Have Eyes, Over The Hedge, The Notorious Bettie Page and Nacho Fucking Libre better than Superman Returns??

Somehow I highly doubt that will be the case. It seems more and more Moriarty and me have vastly different opinions on movies. The only reviewer on this site who I tend to agree with anymore is Massawyrm. H@rry just gets overly excited about damn near everything and Quint is hit or miss.

I second the excitement for Pan's Labryinth.

[havocSchultz]

Whoa whoa whoa...The Hills Have Eyes, Over The Hedge, The Notorious Bettie Page and Nacho Fucking Libre better than Superman Returns??

Somehow I highly doubt that will be the case. It seems more and more Moriarty and me have vastly different opinions on movies. The only reviewer on this site who I tend to agree with anymore is Massawyrm. H@rry just gets overly excited about damn near everything and Quint is hit or miss.

I second the excitement for Pan's Labryinth. Oh...and

I think alot of what it comes down to is expectations...like when Mori first put Hills Have Eyes as Excellent - I believe he mentioned something about the fact that he didn't expect too much going in - and was blown away.

I am still pumped for Supes - but I know how Mori reacted to the script and what-not and I'd like to hear how much of that ended up in his movie experience...

Either way - like we said, Pan's probably couldn't arrive any sooner...

Agree with Mori's reviews or not - it does just add to my anticipation...

[Leckomaniac]

I think alot of what it comes down to is expectations...like when Mori first put Hills Have Eyes as Excellent - I believe he mentioned something about the fact that he didn't expect too much going in - and was blown away.

I am still pumped for Supes - but I know how Mori reacted to the script and what-not and I'd like to hear how much of that ended up in his movie experience...

Either way - like we said, Pan's probably couldn't arrive any sooner...

Agree with Mori's reviews or not - it does just add to my anticipation...

Yeah I get that. I actually avoided ALL Superman Returns stories because I wanted to head into it completely spoiler free...so I didn't read Moriarty's review of the script. I am assuming from what you posted he did not like it. That is precisely why I never read a script before seeing a movie...it completely effects the way you experience the film. I think part of the reason why I wasn't all that impressed with X3 is because people were very cavalier about posting major plot points all over the internet. I mean I knew who died in the film a good 3 or 4 months before the movie ever came out. That left me totally jaded as I entered into the movie theatre.

I suppose what I am saying is this...I come to this site for certain movie news...who is directing or writing what...but I don't come for the reviews. The AICN boys are probably some of the most biased reviewers out there...I love this site and what they have achieved...but I always take what they have to say with a HUGE grain of salt.

[Moriarty]

I think alot of what it comes down to is expectations...like when Mori first put Hills Have Eyes as Excellent - I believe he mentioned something about the fact that he didn't expect too much going in - and was blown away.

I am still pumped for Supes - but I know how Mori reacted to the script and what-not and I'd like to hear how much of that ended up in his movie experience...

Either way - like we said, Pan's probably couldn't arrive any sooner...

Agree with Mori's reviews or not - it does just add to my anticipation...

Yeah I get that. I actually avoided ALL Superman Returns stories because I wanted to head into it completely spoiler free...so I didn't read Moriarty's review of the script. I am assuming from what you posted he did not like it. That is precisely why I never read a script before seeing a movie...it completely effects the way you experience the film. I think part of the reason why I wasn't all that impressed with X3 is because people were very cavalier about posting major plot points all over the internet. I mean I knew who died in the film a good 3 or 4 months before the movie ever came out. That left me totally jaded as I entered into the movie theatre.

I suppose what I am saying is this...I come to this site for certain movie news...who is directing or writing what...but I don't come for the reviews. The AICN boys are probably some of the most biased reviewers out there...I love this site and what they have achieved...but I always take what they have to say with a HUGE grain of salt.

There's no such thing as an unbiased movie watcher.

And there's certainly no such thing as an unbiased critic.

Everyone has things they like and things they don't. Everyone has things that pull them out of movies. Everyone has actors they like and actors they don't.

It's just a fact. When you say we are "biased," that means nothing. Less than nothing. It's just a fact in terms of having a critical opinion. If I had no biases of any kind, then I would just tell you all films are equal.

And they aren't.