Seven Psychopaths (2012)

Thoroughly entertaining! Seven Psychopaths is essentially about Marty (Colin Farrell) trying to write a screenplay of the same name. It is helariously funny at times. Not surprisingly, there's lots of blood and dead bodies...LOTS. Some parts were sad and if you're in the right mood, you will conclude that this, seemingly superficial movie, actually has a deeper message. The great part about it is that if you don't want to analyze it that far, you don't have to. You can just take what they're showing and be entertained.

The fast pace from the beginning doesn't sustain throughout the movie. Few times I found myself sighing at the lack of progress, but there's just enough humor to hold you over till the end.

The biggest downer of this movie is Colin Farrell. His Irish accent is at times indistinguishable, but that isn't even comparable to his lack of connection to the audience and his co-stars.

Christopher Walken as Hans is so incredibly funny and heartfelt. I can't even describe what a terrific performance it is. Walken alone is worth watching!

Throughout the movie, there are many stories within the story, so you do have to pay attention. There were also a couple of interesting twists. The movie took a semi-hard turn about half way and there was a slight disconnect between the two halves, but overall it makes sense and pretty much comes together at the end.

On a scale of 1-10, Seven Psychopaths: 8.5

Perfomance distinction for Christopher Walken as Hans: highly underrated.

Scene Spotlight: Every scene with Christopher Walken.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1931533/?ref_=ttexrv_exrv_tt

Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009)

An absolute must for any dog lover. Another must? A box of tissue! Based on a true story of the unbreakable bond between a man and his dog. Hachi is the American remake of the Japanese movie, Hachi-ko (1987).

Richard Gere is grossly underrated and pulls you in from the moment he enters the scene. He plays Parker Wilson, a Professor at the local college who takes the train to and from work. Joan Allen is Cate Wilson, Parker's wife, who is the closest thing you're going to get to an antagonist in this film. Jason Alexander plays Carl, the train station controller. Its nostalgic to see Gere and Alexander together again on screen.

Hachi is a simplistic story so don't expect any action. Its slow moving throughout the entire movie. Parts of it are reminiscent of Benji (1974). Toward the end of the movie, there is very little dialogue. The relationship development takes a while but its necessary and worth it. The emotional connection is incredibly deep, hence the tissue. Its heartwarming and heartbreaking with bits of humor sprinkled around.

The camera views from the dog's perspective is a bit strange, but its not that often. This story is so touching, you're willing to ignore how a shiba inu turned into an akita. There's nothing more to say except, watch this movie!

On a scale of 1-10, I give Hachi: A Dog's Tale...a 9.0
                 with distinction: underrated.

Performance distinction for Richard Gere: Highly underrated.

Scene Spotlight: Cate with Hachi at the train station.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1028532/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1