October Movies: halfway (part 2)

Here's the second half of the movies that I watched in the first half of October:

9. Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events- It's nice for me to watch a Harry Potter-esque movie without being caught up in the differences from the book to the screen. Really enjoyed this one... a great role for Jim Carrey and the set design and cinematography were top shelf.

10. Clue- Liked this one more than I thought I would too. Made me wish there were other movies based on board games. Perhaps a reworking of "Citizen Kane" starring Rich Uncle Pennybags, dying alone in his hotel on Park Place, pining for his scotty dog. Or a wartime drama: a battlefield shrouded in fog, each side trying to depose the enemy leader. This summer... beware the bombs! Stratego: The Movie.

11. Joe Dirt- Not bad, for a David Spade movie. Plus: Christoper Walken!

12. Kicking & Screaming- Some good moments (the scene in the coffeeshop stands out) but a disappointing Will Ferrell movie, particularly in comparison to Talladega Nights.

13. The Departed- Really amazing storytelling. Ultraviolent, yes... and I thought the very very last scene was unneeded, but best movie I've seen in the theaters this year.

14. Animal Crackers- Not my favorite Marx Brothers movie (that remains Duck Soup), but essential viewing for Marx fans for "Hooray for Captain Spaulding" alone.