Meet the Fockers is the 2004 follow up to Meet the Parents. It was also a huge financial success – just like the first one. Universal also appears the be hedging its bets on the upcoming sequel called Little Fockers, due out this year.

So Meet the Fockers, while still having the same cast as the hilarious first and it made a fist full of dollars for those that produced and distributed, wasn’t quite as good as the first one – which is typical, though it was very funny to see how the former CIA spy would react to a bunch of half crazed Fockers.

The thing that probably hurt the most about the film was watching the sexual content scene, starring middle aged people – really didn’t do it for me, regardless of how funny they were. There was something weird about that.

Overall, the film was still good and we’re anticipating the next one to come out. Kids and crazy antics are usually a great combination.

Budget: $80 million
Director: Jay Roach
Starring:
Ben Stiller
Robert De Niro
Dustin Hoffman
Barbra Streisand
Blythe Danner
Teri Polo
Owen Wilson
Alanna Ubach

Resident Evil: Apocalypse is a 2004 and sequel to the first film. The story picks up where the first one ends; with Alice in the hospital and the virus having spread from the Nest below Raccoon City and up to the people above. Quickly, just like in the video game, the city begins to tear itself apart, while Umbrella Corporation uses this time as an opportunity to test their new creation.

Overall, the film was really good. Makes for a great weekend horror movie. Has plenty of eye candy and gore for the guys as well.

Budget: $43 million
Director: Alexander Witt
Starring:
Milla Jovovich
Sienna Guillory
Oded Fehr
Thomas Kretschmann
Jared Harris
Mike Epps
Sandrine Holt
Iain Glen
Zack Ward

The Day after Tomorrow is a 2004 film starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Dennis Quaid. Through a series of spectacular special effects, Roland Emmerich shows the earth changing from the world we know now; and into a type of planet in the middle of a new ice age. All of this takes place over a matter of days and not years like you would imagine.

The story centers around discovering the anomaly, then focuses on saving as many people as possible; including Jake Gyllenhaal, who is trapped in NYC with friends.

Overall, a really good film, very entertaining.

Budget: $125 million
Director: Roland Emmerich
Starring:
Jake Gyllenhaal
Denis Quaid
Emmy Rossum
Sela Ward
Austin Nichols

The Passion of Christ is a 2004 Mel Gibson film. It claims to be the most detailed film about the final hours of Jesus Christ and his crucifixion upon the cross. Well, it is detailed, that is for sure. Seemed to be at one point, just a beating movie.

Overall the film was interesting with alot of its detail recognizable from the bible. Some scenes, took a few minutes to understand what was going on, with switching between reading subtitles and watching the film.

Budget: $30 million
Director: Mel Gibson
Starring:
James Caviezel
Maia Morgenstern
Christo Jivkov
Francesco De Vito
Monica Bellucci

I, Robot is a 2004 film starring Will Smith as he tries to solved the murder of a scientist. In the future, the world is filled with Robots; they work and live side by side with humans. During Smith’s investigation, he begins to suspect that maybe the scientist was killed by one of the Robots. This isn’t suppose to be possible, since all the Robots are governed by three rules, they can’t break. But want if someone changed the rules or they can break them? That would mean the rest of the humans would be in danger.

During the course of his investigation, people and Robots try to stop his efforts, even to the point of trying to kill him.

Overall, the film is great and makes a great rental or to own.

Budget: $120 million
Director: Alex Proyas
Starring:
Will Smith
Bridget Moynahan
Alan Tudyk
James Cromwell
Bruce Greenwood

The Notebook is a 2004 film that has been adapted from a book. The movie is a very well put together love story about two people, one poor, one rich, and a family that comes between them. the story covers several years of their lives, and how, though they may separate for a little while, love always finds its way back.

It doesn’t matter if you’re the biggest burly man on the planet, you’ll want to have a box of tissue handy for this film. While it is a drama – it does have some very sad, upsetting moments. A very good movie.

Budget: $30 million
Director: Nick Cassavetes
Starring:
Ryan Gosling
Rachel McAdams
James Garner
Gena Rowlands
Sam Shepard
James Marsden
Kevin Connolly
Heather Wahlquist

Like all films, whether successful or not – it started with an idea. That idea was SAW, not necessarily a franchise, but if it comes about, who’s going to say ‘no.’

That idea was started by two guys; James Wan & Leigh Whannell. They met each other during film school. James wanted to be a director and Leigh was a screenwriter; a perfect combination.

The two got together and hashed out the idea for SAW, in 2003, they created a short film around the concept and began pitching it.

Lionsgate picked up the film in 2004 for financing and once produced, it was featured at the Sundance Film Festival. The following October, like all the Octobers after that, they released the film theatrically. The film and the sequels have been very successful. So successful, year after year, the budget grew, and another film was produced.

With less than an estimated $50 million dollars spent on production of all the films, the SAW franchise has gone on to make over three quarters of a billion dollars in revenue. Not a bad investment on Liongate’s part.

Below are some of the posters and characters from each of the films.

In all 6 films have been released, with a 7th planned for production February 2010.

Total Budgets: $61.5 million
Gross (all films): $603 million
Directors:
James Wan
Darren Lynn Bousman
Kevin Greutert
David Hackl
Starring:
Leigh Whannell
Cary Elwes
Danny Glover
Shawnee Smith
Donnie Wahlberg
Tobin Bell
Beverley Mitchell
Dina Meyer
Costas Mandylor
Bahar Soomekh
Julie Benz

This situation can actually happen to any one of us. If we receive an anonymous emergency call on our cell line, will we treat it as a prank or as a real one? If it is a real emergency, will we risk our lives to help a stranger out or left him/her in the cold? That is a real dilemma. Watch how this film turns out.

Chris Van Allsburg authored this wonderful book more than 2 decades ago, and it just goes to show that something really wonderful is never really outgrown by many. This is his legacy for the coming generations to enjoy. The power of imagination is endless, especially for kids. Come aboard the Polar Express, be elated, delighted, and enjoy the amazing artistry. It wouldn’t really hurt to buy the DVD, you won’t regret it. It can pretty much be a treasure to keep.

Trivia: This was the first mainstream film to be simultaneously released as a 3D IMAX presentation

Plot Outline: On Christmas Eve, a doubting boy boards a magical train that’s headed to the North Pole and Santa Claus’s home.

The tagline says “Journey Beyond Your Imagination”…well, damn right it is! This movie definitely came right on time during the holiday season of 2004, therefore it was rightfully dubbed as the holiday film event of the year.

Elastigirl is so interesting in this movie! Having kids does not prevent one to be cool. Stretching yourself to grab a falling bottle five yards away or eavesdropping a conversation also from that distance is awesome.

Mr. Incredible’s sagging belly (which he eventually had after retiring as a superhero) was one of the things that made his character so relatable.

But the character that I loved most in this movie was the feisty midget costume designer. I thought she’s cute and amusing, and damn filthy rich!

The Incredibles is an extraordinary family-oriented CGI film. It has great animation, great storyline, screenplay, and direction. Truly a Pixar masterpiece! Rated PG