fernandez_1989 Reviews

Son of the Dragon (2006)

If you are not a poet , become a poem

[11 February 2007]

The princess of a Chinese-style shogunate has to choose a husband for her wedding between a variety of prince's from neighboring nations. One of them is an elegant handsome white man who looks like an American from the East Coast. He has to compete with other tough men, but obviously he wins the Princess' heart.

But in fact he is not a prince but a fake! He wants to steal a valorous gem from the inside of the castle. With the help of Ting Ting he goes to success and fall in love. Ting Ting is beautiful and very pretty. She looks like an American from San Mateo County, California. The diversity of America is so great.

Americans of Asian ancestry are improving the country and making it even more interesting and fascinating.

David Carradine is another great American Actor from California. He is specially good in his role and I like him a lot for his talent of acting.

I recommend this movie for action, drama and pretty girls who fall in love with a handsome tall white man. But also for brave and strong Asian men who are making America great.

Rocky (1976)

Absolutely awesome and unforgettable movie that made History

[2 February 2007]

***MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS***

This is probably one of the best movies ever done and considering the low budget it is even more wonderful what a talented scriptwriter like Sylvester Stallone can do.

Although the movie starts with a fight, the whole story is about sacrifice, desperation and hope of a new life for a Philadelphia local guy of Italian-American ancestry called "Rocky" Balboa.

His struggle through life will inspire millions of people not only now but also in the next centuries. I learned when I saw this movie that freedom is the most important thing. Freedom brings opportunities for everyone and freedom allows anyone to take the opportunity and success.

Like Apollo Creed a smart American patriot says, America is the land of opportunity, so he decides to give a chance to an unknown boxer to fight for World Championship.

Rocky Balboa is a kind guy that when he falls in love with a shy woman he is able to be very sweet and gentle. He gives advice to any kid there is in the street and helps whenever it's necessary.

The characters of Paulie and Mickey are terrific. As well as Mr Gazzo, that makes one of the best performance in cinema history. And Talia Shire, what can I say, she does excellent. All four of them deserve the biggest congratulations for their important role in making this movie so great.

This is my favorite scenes' list:

1- When Rocky gets up a at 4:00 am and goes jogging through the frozen streets of Philadelphia. I can feel that terrible cold even when I watch the movie in summer.

2- When Mickey goes to Rocky's shabby apartment and offer him to be his manager and coach. That conversation they have between each other is one of the best things ever done in cinema history.

3- When Rocky starts walking alone in the street after he shouted: I assure you I'll break your thumbs!!!! when he was called "meat bag" by Mr Gazzo's driver.

4- When Rocky goes running through the alley where there is a crowd of people looking at him and someone throws an orange to him and Rocky takes it.

5- When after knocked down by Apollo he gets up with unbelievable stamina just because of his pride, his indomitable attitude, his strength, his determination to "GO FOR IT". And Adrian stares at him with a lovely glance.

All in all the soundtrack, the original music, is a masterpiece of modern art. Bill Conti, from USA, will be honored for ever by this phenomenal and brilliant music, during the training, the combat and the ending credits.

The smart patriotism of Apollo Creed, Rocky hitting the meat on TV, the shabby restroom with just a small piece of mirror... There're plenty of unforgettable details in this movie.

Finally I only can say that the best thing you can do is watch this movie.

Fernanda Monteiro, Lisboa, Portugal

Black Hawk Down (2001)

The best and most realistic war movie ever made.

[17 January 2007]

As you may know already, this movie is based on facts. A faction of Somali militia that was hostile to foreign presence in Mogadishu murdered 24 UN peace-keepers. The starvation would kill 200,000 people.

The UN could only call for help to the USA, and at that time, Bill Clinton sent US Special Forces like Rangers, Delta Force and Navy SEALs to capture the leaders of the hostile militia.

When the US General Garrison had reliable information about Mohamed Farrah Aidid local allies' location, American soldiers went for them.

In the most brilliant direction work, Ridley Scott portrays a band of brothers overwhelmingly outnumbered, who end up fighting for life in the worst moments of the raid.

When you watch this movie, you cannot avoid feeling a deep connection to those young men, who keep heading forward to complete the job. Every detail in this movie is awesome. There's a time when you realize what heroism means- I'm talking about Randy Shughart and Gary Gordon. These two brave men payed the ultimate sacrifice just trying to rescue a pilot who's chopper crashed in a hostile area. They made it- Mike Durant, the pilot, is alive today. This is what I call American heroism.

After watching this movie I was speechless, stunned. Now, I respect more than ever American servicemen. Thankyou for all the good causes you have been fighting everywhere.

Forrest Gump (1994)

Tom Hanks' best performance

[22 December 2006]

This awesome movie is about an innocent man who represents how the world should be: he's loyal, humble, honest, he would never cheat or lie. He does everything with good heart and reaches success at the most important tasks of life.

Only in America he could live such an interesting life: meet Elvis Presley, President Kennedy, John Lennon... He goes to Vietnam's war and he does everything following his heart. He becomes an American hero.

Gary Sinise is a great American actor in his best performance too. He served in Vietnam with Forrest and was also a hero, protecting his men and fighting for his country.

All in all this is a must-see movie for everyone, specially for non-Americans, so we can enjoy American culture and icons, as well as learn some American history, which is very useful.

Three Kings (1999)

Good movie about the 1st round of Iraq war

[22 December 2006]

This movie shows intelligent Iraqui people who want to be free but they cannot as long as Saddam Hussein remains in power. Several American soldiers of different race and religion- it shows the American diversity- go in search of gold into the desert.

They find people who are living under the oppression of the Baathist regime and they decide it's their duty, as Americans, to help them. George Bush had abandoned Shia people because he followed UN resolutions instead of listening of the US General's advice. We know UN is not going to do anything to protect innocent people, so the US soldiers like Major Gates (George Clooney) and his squadron are the only ones who can help these poor and innocent Muslim people.

Thanks to the American soldiers they could save their lives. Also Mark Wahlberg plays an important role. He says the truth: Michael Jackson changed his color because he wanted to.

George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg are too handsome Americans who make this movie very interesting.

Air Force One (1997)

The Best Victory Against Terrorists !

[20 December 2006]

This movie shows with total realism the heroism of a band of American people when their plane is high-jacked by terrorists. Harrison Ford plays the US President and he is not going to make things easy for terrorists- that's for sure. In my country we see Harrison Ford as a true American hero. He rocks in every movie.

The great storyline and wonderful acting of a great cast full of amazing American actors will make you enjoy this superb production that has everything.

Good drama and spontaneous signs of patriotism, together with a powerful script and unexpected ending. This movie shows a lot of good things about how Americans deal successfully against terrorists. They have got what it takes and know how to lead.

All in all it is a must see and you will always remember some good quotes along the whole movie. Specially people from Europe and Asia will love this excellent movie which has everything.

Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985)

The best warrior of the world......RAMBO

[20 December 2006]

This is one of the most exciting movies I have ever seen. When Rambo is sent to Vietnam to take photographic evidence of American prisoners of war who broke their neck fighting for their country, nobody would think that it is a woman the person who is going to be his partner during his Herculean-task.

Actually, Julia Nickson plays a woman whose family had always worked together with the Americans in the fight for liberate South-East Asia from communist imperialism. She is the most important character in the movie apart from Rambo, and deserves all respect for the fantastic job she does for freedom.

All the action in this movie is very good and Rambo's final quotes will let you speechless. And I understood what is heroism just watching Rambo's attitude on behalf of his fellow soldiers who were brutally tortured by the North Vietnamese communist regime.

Perhaps at US public opinion the war was lost, but in the battlefield no doubt Americans won overwhelmingly. History will honor the sacrifice of thousands of heroic American youngsters in that war against communist imperialist oppression.

This is a must-see movie.

Pearl Harbor (2001)

The Greatest Love Story in War-time

[20 December 2006]

I really love this movie which is awesome for me in every detail. I was speechless after watching it with my husband and other friends at home. I cried and cheered all the time. My friends also loved it. Because this is one of the greatest love stories ever told and deserves 10 points rating- no doubt about it. That makes me think how silly are people who cannot appreciate this movie.

Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Empire of Japan, and the American democracy entered the war to protect its freedom. Japan forced the USA to get into the war and the strength of American people during that exhausting struggle turned out to be the road to victory.

Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett are terrific handsome American guys who make it big in this movie. Kate Beckinsale plays an American voluntary nurse who enlists to serve her country and finds love.

The music by Hans Zimmer is absolutely awesome... I bought the CD of the original soundtrack the same week I watched the movie.

All in all this is a must-see movie for intelligent people able to understand history and the sacrifice payed by the Greatest Generation of Americans to defeat the Japanese and German imperialism and bring democracy and freedom to the world.

Behind Enemy Lines (2001)

One of the best military movies nowadays

[20 December 2006]

This is an excellent movie based on facts about the terrible conflict that devastated the Balkans. An evil faction of the Serbian Army who participated in the genocide of Bosnian people attacks an American aircraft which was patrolling the air space.

The great American actor Owen Wilson, playing a courageous American fighter pilot is shot down after a realistic and truly efficient set of special effects that will leave you speechless.

And what a brilliant soundtrack all the time. It is not a secret that the movie alone is a clear example of what an American fighter pilot can do: take care of local people, give signal calls to friendly troops and take photograph evidence of the Bosnian genocide. It was heart-breaking to see the mass-murderers Serbians killing all that innocent people. Thank God the Americans stopped that terrible war and Milosevic's Hitler-style plans. This movie reminds us how important is to keep freedom and the real cost of it. Gene Hackman plays the Admiral who has to take the most important decisions in the most difficult moments. As a great US NAVY commander he will do what it needs to finish the job. The UN, as usually is irrelevant and unable to take any simple decision, even if thousands of civilians' lives are pending on it. If it wasn't for American leadership, the war wouldn't have finished.

All in all it is a must-see movie for everyone who is intelligent and wants to learn some history. Of course, only serious and intelligent people will understand this superb movie.

The Rock (1996)

Absolutely superb action movie

[19 December 2006]

Just the beginning of this movie is quite awesome, with that powerful song while the soldiers walk and the choppers go through the sky. Beautiful American military spirit.

It is Ed Harris best performance- no doubt about it. General Hummel is a former Special reckon Marine, and we already know how tough these guys can be. They go from one mission to another serving their country with outstanding stamina. They are elite and deserve the highest respect and gratitude from all.

But one day, Gen. Hummel goes mad about a betrayal operation in Baghdad resulting in several Marines being abandoned under enemy fire after serving the cause of freedom with indomitable honor. This is when Hummel decides to stomp in and try to change things in a terrific way. Another great American actor, Nicholas Cage is the Chemical expert who can stop a group of crap mercenaries who threaten the beautiful American city of San Francisco with chemical weapons that could kill the whole population. Sean Connery is a perfect complement for this excellent action movie where Michael Bay shows how brilliant director he is.

Supercop (1992)

Probably the best Jackie Chan movie

[19 December 2006]

The storyline of this movie brings us from a prison in China to Hong Kong. With its large Manhattan-style skyscrapers and its gangsters.

Jackie Chan plays an undercover detective with wonderful charisma and has the will to achieve its purposes with total disregard of his own security. He puts duty first.

Thank God he is not alone. A gorgeous Chinese woman, martial-arts expert and efficient cop is doing her part all the time to protect Jackie Chan's back. Michelle Yeoh is the perfect complement.

Wah Yuen is another top actor from Hong Kong and plays a successful role as the Hong Kong top gangster's little brother. He is so brilliant in his role and this give us a good impression of the excellent actors there are in Hong Kong who deserve an opportunity to go to Hollywood. When the action gets to Malaysia things even improve much more. And the city of Kuala-Lumpur with its American-style buildings is another great scenario for this good movie.

Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)

Probably the best James Bond movie

[19 December 2006]

This movie takes us through a wide range of different places, such as Germany or China. As it's usual in James Bond's movies. The soundtrack could have been more active in certain sequences, but all in all it was pretty acceptable. This is another excellent Hollywood action flick. That's why Hollywood is so successful.

The fantastic car Bond learns to drive in five minutes is a good part of this entertaining movie. Although the best leading role is Michelle Yeoh, no doubt about it! She is a gorgeous Chinese woman who has the ability of making every movie a worth-see. That's why I decided to purchase this movie. And also because of another gorgeous American actress, Teri Hatcher, whose eyes makes you dream in fantasy.

The rest of the movie can be pretty unbelievable, but the important thing is that you enjoy your pop-corn while cheering for James Bond! And celebrate he finally takes the girl ( Michelle Yeoh)

Rush Hour (1998)

A great Hollywood Comedy-Action flick

[19 December 2006]

This movie is pure comedy from the beginning to the end. You will have a good laugh thanks to Chris Tucker in his role of Carter, a clumsy LA cop. The city of Los Angeles is spectacular and is a great scenario for this entertaining movie. Jackie Chan at its best kicking asses everywhere with an outstanding humble attitude. I think Americans love Jackie Chan because he's so nice and great person.

The main reason why I like this movie is the wonderful duo they play, constantly arguing, while walking around exciting California, USA, about everything, but in the meantime they are loyal partners. The great diversity there is in America singles out in a city like Los Angeles when we go through Chinatown. And fortunately, the movie brings us out there. Interesting cultures melt into a huge variety of ethnicities that make anything possible to happen. This is why America is so interesting and wonderful and we from abroad love her as a beautiful land.

All in all, this is a worth-seeing Hollywood movie and probably you would like to watch it several times!

The Fast and the Furious (2001)

The best races on the streets

[19 December 2006]

This movie shows what people mad about racing cars can make. It's absolutely awesome that any of those cars can reach such high speed in the streets of an American big city. This is due to the good quality of the asphalt and the skills of the drivers. One thing that impressed me was the Detroit-made car driven by Toretto.

America looks like an awesome country.

Dominic Toretto is an American car builder who has the reputation of being the best at everything that has something to do with gasoline. And Vin Diesel carries out his task with an awesome performance.

Paul Walker is another great American actor, very handsome, who plays a good-guy who is loyal first and foremost to his buddies. He would never let them down. He shows a fascinating charisma and that is what make a difference. The style of American customized cars is astonishing and you will dream with those cars for a while. This great Hollywood movie is worth to see several times.

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Never so many owed so much to so few !

[19 December 2006]

The greatest battle in the twentieth century took place at the shores of Normandy, and it was fought by courageous soldiers who spilled their guts and payed the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

Out there in that beach, Dog Green Sector, Omaha beach, hundreds if not thousands of courageous American soldiers took and kept a vital position for an invasion to liberate the old continent. Their warrior spirit allowed them to gain a bitter victory.

Too many young Americans died in that battle for making possible to send other people free. This source of American pride moves me in so many ways. We love the American heroism and we share our admiration for the greatest warriors: the American soldiers.

This movie, starring a great American actor, Tom Hanks, in the role of Captain Miller, 2nd Ranger, shows the American attitude and the struggle they went through to achieve one of the greatest American victories in world history. It is not easy to understand the huge victory it was for America and world freedom to win the most important war in history. I will always love America for that.

Other fantastic American actors like Vin Diesel and Giovani Ribisi play an awesome performance as heroic kind-hearted soldiers in the face of evil, showing all the heroism we can expect from an Army Ranger.

All in all this movie is a must-see and it is worth to buy the DVD. The fantastic soundtrack and the emotional flag-waving at the end of the movie make your eyes to water-up. You will never forget this excellent Hollywood production and the wonderful story told will get you speechless for a while.

xXx (2002)

The kind of hero we need on these days

[19 December 2006]

This is a movie where everything blows up. You can expect everything coming from Xander. He is a tough American guy raised on the streets, and he has the ability to carry Herculean-tasks where others fail.

He can take an American Chevrolet Corvette, an awesome car, and blow it up in fifteen minutes! Or he can destroy anything alive while jumping ridding a motor-bike! That's the great thing about Hollywood movies, anything can happen and I love it- just like most of people do.

The music is pretty cool, as usual in American productions and the action goes from the bottom to the top in a few seconds.

Vin Diesel is probably one of the best American action-flick's actor, he rules in any movie where there're explosions. In addition, the dynamic script and great plot makes this one a movie that encourages you to see it again.

This movie shows American heroism.

Rush Hour 2 (2001)

Another Hollywood successful sequel

[18 December 2006]

A lot of comedy in this movie, which makes this movie so entertaining, from the beginning to the end. Lots of action in such different places, like Hong Kong, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. It is very interesting to follow the storyline through those different cities. The LA's skyscrapers are always spectacular in any movie. Jackie Chan is well as usual and Chris Tucker seems to be inspired, except when he is talking in Chinese language!

Chris Tucker is a great American actor and we like him as an example of a good patriotic American.

Inspector Lee and Carter are an awesome duo, they seem to be the only thing in this movie, but the kick in Carter's face from Hu Li makes clear it is not so. Zhang Ziyi is a perfect complement to this couple. John Lone is very credible in his role. And American actress Rosalyn Sanchez is a stunning surprise.

Barbara Wood - Das Haus der Harmonie (2005 TV Movie)

A complicated love story takes place in Singapur

[18 December 2006]

An elegant gentle tall very handsome white businessman from United States falls in love with a Singaporean belle who believes in fate. They share a common interest and discover the passion between each other. Beautiful Singapore.

Harmony, a beautiful bi-racial girl, is the fruit of that unlimited desire of a weird love.She goes to America in search of his father and she also finds great opportunities. The actors from Singapore play very credible characters, and maybe the locations of the movie aren't very good. It would have been great if they had gone to California to shot part of the movie.

Maggie Q was amazing, she is an underrated American actress and Fann Wong was at her best. The ending of the movie will not disappoint you. It needs a better soundtrack I think. All in all is a good story, interesting to watch if you have time and you will dream of falling in love with an American man.

Conspiracy Theory (1997)

In New York anything can happen

[18 December 2006]

In this movie we see Julia Roberts playing a single lawyer, and Jerry (Mel Gibson), a taxi driver, is in love with her. Jerry always looks after her, he wants to protect her if anything happens. But his life is much more interesting than you might think! He lives in an awesome apartment decorated with United States flags and has everything under control. He reads hundreds of newspapers searching for possible conspiracies, and he writes a "Conspiracy Theory Bulletin" himself alone.

The soundtrack in this movie is excellent, with a beautiful song "Can't take my eyes out of you" that you will remember after you see the movie. New York is a great place for this film, since it has plenty of interesting locations and the streets are clean and glamorous. In the ending credits take a look at the beautiful woods of Connecticut and enjoy the American natural landscape.