July Screenings:
Paycheck - ***
Welcome to Collinwood - ***
Kill Bill Vol.1 - ***1/2
League of Extraordinary Gentlemen - **
Bowling for Columbine - ***
Saturday Night Fever - ***
Duplex - **
Along Came Polly - **1/2
Love Actually - ***
Caligula - **1/2
West Side Story - ****
Fog of War - **1/2
To Live and Die in L.A. - ***
Battlefield Earth - **
The Gift - ***
Darkman - ***
Hanging Up - **1/2
Mambo Italiano - **1/2
The Singing Detective - **1/2
Tomb Raider: Cradle of Life - **
The Core - ***
Saturday, July 31, 2004
Thursday, July 15, 2004
Stuck on You - **1/2
Good performances by Damon and especially Kinnear doesn't help this 30 min. too long comedy about conjoined twins. It has the heart most Farrelly brother films have and moments of inspiried humor, but the 'Star is Born' plot takes up too much of the movie. I enjoyed the beginning with the daily routine of their home-town life and would have much rather seen this as a road-movie, a la Bubble Boy.
Good performances by Damon and especially Kinnear doesn't help this 30 min. too long comedy about conjoined twins. It has the heart most Farrelly brother films have and moments of inspiried humor, but the 'Star is Born' plot takes up too much of the movie. I enjoyed the beginning with the daily routine of their home-town life and would have much rather seen this as a road-movie, a la Bubble Boy.
Stir of Echoes - ***
Given this film's release date was one month after The Sixth Sense and they're both about boys who see dead people, 'Stir' didn't have a chance. How little of a chance? About 270 million dollars less of a chance than the sleeper box-office champ 'Sense' had. Would this film have been the summer sleeper of '99 had M.Knight's film been released a month later? Doubtful--it doesn't have the wonderful intentional slow pace to build suspension that 'Sense' does. However, it plays well enough and has a good enough cast so if you put the similarities aside and concentrate on the film, you'll discover a good movie that knows the secret of horror films--less is more. I can't imagine director David Keopp's state of mind as he watched 'Sense' reign the box-office right up and through 'Echoes' debut.
Given this film's release date was one month after The Sixth Sense and they're both about boys who see dead people, 'Stir' didn't have a chance. How little of a chance? About 270 million dollars less of a chance than the sleeper box-office champ 'Sense' had. Would this film have been the summer sleeper of '99 had M.Knight's film been released a month later? Doubtful--it doesn't have the wonderful intentional slow pace to build suspension that 'Sense' does. However, it plays well enough and has a good enough cast so if you put the similarities aside and concentrate on the film, you'll discover a good movie that knows the secret of horror films--less is more. I can't imagine director David Keopp's state of mind as he watched 'Sense' reign the box-office right up and through 'Echoes' debut.
Tuesday, July 13, 2004
Open Range - ***
I was surprised that I liked it as much as I did. Sure it's Rio Bravo meets Unforgiven meets every other western plot ever, but it's still done well enough that I was never bored. It's not masterful filmmaking like Costern's 'Dances With Wolves' but he does fare much better here than 'The Postman' or his uncredited work as a director in 'Waterworld.' As an actor, Costner holds the screen well enough, yet it's his few comedic moments that shows he return to something more light, a la 'Bull Durham' and 'Tin Cup'.
PS - Just when I thought the sound wasn't very good for a DTS track, the thunder from a storm scene kicked in -- the subwoofer nearly blew me right off the sofa (granted the sub sits directly behind the sofa, but still...) Just a reminder to everyone that DTS rules!
I was surprised that I liked it as much as I did. Sure it's Rio Bravo meets Unforgiven meets every other western plot ever, but it's still done well enough that I was never bored. It's not masterful filmmaking like Costern's 'Dances With Wolves' but he does fare much better here than 'The Postman' or his uncredited work as a director in 'Waterworld.' As an actor, Costner holds the screen well enough, yet it's his few comedic moments that shows he return to something more light, a la 'Bull Durham' and 'Tin Cup'.
PS - Just when I thought the sound wasn't very good for a DTS track, the thunder from a storm scene kicked in -- the subwoofer nearly blew me right off the sofa (granted the sub sits directly behind the sofa, but still...) Just a reminder to everyone that DTS rules!
Monday, July 12, 2004
50 First Dates - ***
Yes, three stars - shut up! This delightful comedy had me smiling all the way through. Adam and Drew really do have some sort of chemistry that reminds me of all the great screwball comedy teams of the 30's and 40's. How about a remake of "His Girl Friday" with the roles reversed, having Adam being the fast-talking reporter who won't let his ex-wife remarry??? A well-made film with all those heart-felt moments I've come to not only respect, but admire in all Adam Sandler films.
Yes, three stars - shut up! This delightful comedy had me smiling all the way through. Adam and Drew really do have some sort of chemistry that reminds me of all the great screwball comedy teams of the 30's and 40's. How about a remake of "His Girl Friday" with the roles reversed, having Adam being the fast-talking reporter who won't let his ex-wife remarry??? A well-made film with all those heart-felt moments I've come to not only respect, but admire in all Adam Sandler films.
Bug - **1/2
A boy squishes a bug and sets off a chain of events and comes full circle to have his actions directly affect his life. It's non-linear "Altman-esque" approach make this an unusual film, but is good enough that I was never bored. It has that, 'waiting for it to get started' feeling and you realize half-way in that it is what it is. Something for those people who say, "it's all been done -- nothing's original anymore."
A boy squishes a bug and sets off a chain of events and comes full circle to have his actions directly affect his life. It's non-linear "Altman-esque" approach make this an unusual film, but is good enough that I was never bored. It has that, 'waiting for it to get started' feeling and you realize half-way in that it is what it is. Something for those people who say, "it's all been done -- nothing's original anymore."
Cold Mountain - ***
Anthony Minghella proves he's a great cinematic director and adds another commendable project to his already honored resume. A great cast, with the exception of a mis-cast Nicole Kidman (or a poorly written part for an always watchable performer), and excellent cinemetography make this a good film, but probably not enough to entice many small-screen viewers to become fans.
Anthony Minghella proves he's a great cinematic director and adds another commendable project to his already honored resume. A great cast, with the exception of a mis-cast Nicole Kidman (or a poorly written part for an always watchable performer), and excellent cinemetography make this a good film, but probably not enough to entice many small-screen viewers to become fans.
Wednesday, July 07, 2004
A Mighty Wind - ***
Great companion to Guest's "Waiting for Guffman" and "Best in Show" (my personal fav of the three). It's so difficult to tell what's improved and what's scripted as it's all seamlessly performed. It's not as funny as the other two films mentioned, but given the talent it takes to carry off something like this it's still entertaining, esp. if you're a *music* lover (i.e., enjoy more than 2 genres). Highly honored for several of it's performances and songs, including winning an Oscar nomination for "Kiss At the End of the Rainbow" and winning a Grammy for "A Mighty Wind."
Great companion to Guest's "Waiting for Guffman" and "Best in Show" (my personal fav of the three). It's so difficult to tell what's improved and what's scripted as it's all seamlessly performed. It's not as funny as the other two films mentioned, but given the talent it takes to carry off something like this it's still entertaining, esp. if you're a *music* lover (i.e., enjoy more than 2 genres). Highly honored for several of it's performances and songs, including winning an Oscar nomination for "Kiss At the End of the Rainbow" and winning a Grammy for "A Mighty Wind."
Miracle - ***
I really hope Kurt Russell isn't forgotten come award season. His accent was dead on, not unlike Bill Macy's in "Fargo" but was never humorous--which is a credit to each actor and their approach (because it is a funny accent!) The film is basically a Mighty Ducks for grown-ups or Remember the Titans on ice, but it's done well enough to work on all levels.
I really hope Kurt Russell isn't forgotten come award season. His accent was dead on, not unlike Bill Macy's in "Fargo" but was never humorous--which is a credit to each actor and their approach (because it is a funny accent!) The film is basically a Mighty Ducks for grown-ups or Remember the Titans on ice, but it's done well enough to work on all levels.
Mystic River - ***1/2
This is one of those films where you know what happens, then you don't, then you're sure you do and you don't care when you're wrong because the story, performances, scenery and over all direction of the film takes you on a fantastic ride. Tim Robbins earned a well-deserved Supporting Oscar, turning in a better performance than the always great Sean Penn (winner of the Best Actor Oscar for this film).
This is one of those films where you know what happens, then you don't, then you're sure you do and you don't care when you're wrong because the story, performances, scenery and over all direction of the film takes you on a fantastic ride. Tim Robbins earned a well-deserved Supporting Oscar, turning in a better performance than the always great Sean Penn (winner of the Best Actor Oscar for this film).
Love Actually - ***1/2
A long running time cuts this short of perfection. Eight couples have a story, each worty of a film on their own right, but they're all condensed and connected like a Robert Altman film. However, extremely brilliant casting and endearing performances all around make this an absolute contender for yearly viewing during the holiday season.
A long running time cuts this short of perfection. Eight couples have a story, each worty of a film on their own right, but they're all condensed and connected like a Robert Altman film. However, extremely brilliant casting and endearing performances all around make this an absolute contender for yearly viewing during the holiday season.
Brother Bear - **1/2
For no reason I didn't want to like this movie. After the first 20 minutes I felt my reason of no reason was justified. Then 'the change' happens and the film kicks into gear. Thankfully, everytime things start to turn down the sappy road, Dave Thomas and Rick Moranis show up as Canadian Moose and save the moment. One would hope we'll eventuall see a video sequal with these two (see Lion King 1 1/2).
For no reason I didn't want to like this movie. After the first 20 minutes I felt my reason of no reason was justified. Then 'the change' happens and the film kicks into gear. Thankfully, everytime things start to turn down the sappy road, Dave Thomas and Rick Moranis show up as Canadian Moose and save the moment. One would hope we'll eventuall see a video sequal with these two (see Lion King 1 1/2).
Murder By Numbers - *
Ryan Gosling gives a memorable performance in this otherwise forgetful remake of Hitchcock's Rope. Note to Sandra Bullock - stick to cute and vulnerable, not bitchy/bossy/macho and vulnerable.
Ryan Gosling gives a memorable performance in this otherwise forgetful remake of Hitchcock's Rope. Note to Sandra Bullock - stick to cute and vulnerable, not bitchy/bossy/macho and vulnerable.
Bubba Ho-Tep - **
A fantastic performance by Bruce Campbell and the always great Ossie Davis, but I feel the film doesn't balance the horror/dark humor as well as one would hope, given such a premise. A sure-fire cult classic, the film just didn't click with me.
A fantastic performance by Bruce Campbell and the always great Ossie Davis, but I feel the film doesn't balance the horror/dark humor as well as one would hope, given such a premise. A sure-fire cult classic, the film just didn't click with me.
Whale Rider - ****
Destined to become a classic. A must-see for kids of all ages, despite a completely unfair PG-13 rating. Keisha Castle-Hughes completely deserved her Oscar nomination.
Destined to become a classic. A must-see for kids of all ages, despite a completely unfair PG-13 rating. Keisha Castle-Hughes completely deserved her Oscar nomination.
In America - ***
A wonderful movie. Beautifully acted, especially by the two daughters who are sister's in real life. I've not seen a film directed by Jim Sheridan yet but I'll be adding all of his work to my Netflix queue.
A wonderful movie. Beautifully acted, especially by the two daughters who are sister's in real life. I've not seen a film directed by Jim Sheridan yet but I'll be adding all of his work to my Netflix queue.
Eight Crazy Nights - **1/2
It's no 'Grinch' but it has at its core the heart of most of Adam's films. May not become a holiday staple, but it may make it into my rotation along w/ A Christmas Story, Scrooged and Christmas Vacation.
It's no 'Grinch' but it has at its core the heart of most of Adam's films. May not become a holiday staple, but it may make it into my rotation along w/ A Christmas Story, Scrooged and Christmas Vacation.
Anger Management - **1/2
I'm a big Adam Sandler fan, with Little Nickey being the extreme exception. Honestly, I found the chemistry between Nicholson and Sandler quite humorous especially when playing opposite each other in an emotional volley of yelling at each other. It's no Billy Madison or Happy Gilmore, but I'm glad Adam's expanding himself or we never would have seen a variation of range he expressed in Punch-Drunk Love.
I'm a big Adam Sandler fan, with Little Nickey being the extreme exception. Honestly, I found the chemistry between Nicholson and Sandler quite humorous especially when playing opposite each other in an emotional volley of yelling at each other. It's no Billy Madison or Happy Gilmore, but I'm glad Adam's expanding himself or we never would have seen a variation of range he expressed in Punch-Drunk Love.
The Lion King 1 1/2 - **1/2
Not quite feature material, but much better than normal video sequel fare. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern approach may not be considered 'original' yet surely rare for this genre. Thankfully most of the original cast are here and make for an enjoyable film.
What's next? Hamlet w/ the cast of Toy Story?
Woody: Alas, poor Mr. Potato Head! I knew him, Buzz - a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy.
Not quite feature material, but much better than normal video sequel fare. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern approach may not be considered 'original' yet surely rare for this genre. Thankfully most of the original cast are here and make for an enjoyable film.
What's next? Hamlet w/ the cast of Toy Story?
Woody: Alas, poor Mr. Potato Head! I knew him, Buzz - a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy.
Pillow Talk - ***
What would Nora Ephron be doing today were it not for films like this? The quintesenntial 'romantic comedy' post screwball era. Rock Hudson and Doris Day fit dashingly into the roles worn by Cary Grant and Kathryn Hepburn before them, and Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan after them.
What would Nora Ephron be doing today were it not for films like this? The quintesenntial 'romantic comedy' post screwball era. Rock Hudson and Doris Day fit dashingly into the roles worn by Cary Grant and Kathryn Hepburn before them, and Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan after them.
The Triplets of Belleville - ***1/2
I regret not seeing this in a theatre but will definitely see it again soon w/ video projection. Visually stunning, nearly silent film with extremely catchy music. Weird, distrubing, funny... everything animation should be!
I regret not seeing this in a theatre but will definitely see it again soon w/ video projection. Visually stunning, nearly silent film with extremely catchy music. Weird, distrubing, funny... everything animation should be!
Fahrenheit 451- **1/2
Interesting enough if you're into that big brother aspect of society. Me, I prefer my music outlawed instead of literature and to fight for my freedom against robots. I only watched it because of it's comparison to Equilibrium (see below).
Interesting enough if you're into that big brother aspect of society. Me, I prefer my music outlawed instead of literature and to fight for my freedom against robots. I only watched it because of it's comparison to Equilibrium (see below).
Taps - ***
Strong performances by Sean Penn, Timothy Hutton and especailly Tom Cruise make this a near 'must see' if you follow any of the actor's careers.
Strong performances by Sean Penn, Timothy Hutton and especailly Tom Cruise make this a near 'must see' if you follow any of the actor's careers.
Equilibrium - ***
I remember liking the look of the film from the trailer, then read horrible reviews and put it out of my mind. Then Roger Ebert made a reference to it on a show saying how good it was (I think sometime around when Matrix Reloaded was released) and changed my mind. Definitely cult film material - look to hear more about this film in the coming years.
I remember liking the look of the film from the trailer, then read horrible reviews and put it out of my mind. Then Roger Ebert made a reference to it on a show saying how good it was (I think sometime around when Matrix Reloaded was released) and changed my mind. Definitely cult film material - look to hear more about this film in the coming years.
Safe - **1/2
Julianne Moore carries this film far, considering it's meticulous pacing, and proved she'd be a contending actress in the coming years. She's the new/next Meryl Streep and has caught my attention since my initial screening of Short Cuts back in 1993. Comparing this effort from writer/director Todd Haynes to his visually stunning Far From Heaven, it seems isolated housewives (both Julianne Moore) may be a common theme that interests him, although I don't recall this theme in Velvet Goldmine.
Julianne Moore carries this film far, considering it's meticulous pacing, and proved she'd be a contending actress in the coming years. She's the new/next Meryl Streep and has caught my attention since my initial screening of Short Cuts back in 1993. Comparing this effort from writer/director Todd Haynes to his visually stunning Far From Heaven, it seems isolated housewives (both Julianne Moore) may be a common theme that interests him, although I don't recall this theme in Velvet Goldmine.
Training Day - **1/2
Above-average 'buddy cop' movie w/ a twist. As much as Denzel was deservedly applauded and honored, I feel Ethan Hawke had a great performanced to match, and it's quickly forgotten that he was nominated for his first SAG and Oscar for this supporting role.
Above-average 'buddy cop' movie w/ a twist. As much as Denzel was deservedly applauded and honored, I feel Ethan Hawke had a great performanced to match, and it's quickly forgotten that he was nominated for his first SAG and Oscar for this supporting role.
Freaky Friday - **1/2
Fun film and entertaining performances by Jamie Lee Curtis and the always promising Lindsay Lohan.
Fun film and entertaining performances by Jamie Lee Curtis and the always promising Lindsay Lohan.
The next few reviews will be very brief as I didn't make any notes while viewing and since the purchase of a video projector, I've spent a lot of time watching and little time writing. Once I'm caught up I hope to expand on some of these.
Mostly I'm just adding these to keep the 'movie log' up to date.
Mostly I'm just adding these to keep the 'movie log' up to date.
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