March Screenings

Hancock - ** 1/2
A different take on the (anti) superhero film, but lacks any distinct vision that sets it apart from any other wanna-be summer blockbuster (but it does have Jason Bateman, which counts for an extra 1/2 star). It's loud with lots of effects and very little story. If you like either of the Fantastic Four films, you'll be okay with this.

A Star Is Born (1954) - ** 1/2

The Invincible Iron Man - ** 1/2

Close Encounters of the Third Kind - ***1/2
Always in contention for 2nd place in the list of my favorite Spielberg films (Raiders will forever be #1). It has those great Spielberg moments, which somehow got lost after he did "The Color Purple."

Rain Man - ***1/2
After his underappreciated role as Vincent in "The Color of Money", Tom Cruise really started to bridge the gap between 'Hollywood's "It" Kid' and serious film actor with his portrayal of Charlie in this film. Hoffman's performance stole all the attention but Cruise's ability to hold each and every scene with the veteran actor showed real promise which he followed up with an Oscar nominated role in "Born on the Fourth of July" the following year. It's this Jerry Maguire/Collateral/Magnolia Tom Cruise I love to watch.

The Last Picture Show - ***1/2

The Mummy: Curse of the Emperor's Tomb - *

The Goodbye Girl - ***

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian - **

Kissing A Fool - **1/2+
The dreaded decision to go for the "average" 2 1/2 stars or "quite good" three stars. Is this film as good as the three stars "The Goodbye Girl?" No. Is it as disappointing as the big budget "Hancock?" No. So where does a film like this fit in. It's a charming romantic comedy with a great cast. The script has a few contrived twists that don't really fit but it's a very identifiable story for anyone who's been in a whirlwind relationship. Basically, a poor man's (yet more 'glossy') CHASING AMY.

The Lady Eve - ***
This is an enjoyable Preston Surges comedy with Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda.

My Favorite Blonde - **1/2
A 'road' picture with Bob Hope without Bing Crosby (well, almost). Hope's comedic timing is still ahead of its time and I doubt his audience will ever really catch up to him. He is a true legend in an enjoyable film for all ages.

Nothing Sacred - **
I've been cinematically spoiled since college. Seeing every film in (mostly) pristine 16mm projection, with several prints coming from private vaults across the country, I've seen rare films in conditions that met or exceeded any expectations I had about seeing "old" movies. I know I'm spoiled because I found myself very nearly unable to enjoy this Carol Lombard comedy satire because the DVD transfer was abhorrent. Seriously, it's the worst I've ever seen and that's counting any of those found in the dollar bins at the grocery store. This film deserves better treatment than this. Granted, this was a non-anamorphic transfer blown up on a 100-inch screen. If you watched this on any "standard" TV set, it may not appear as bad but I found it nearly unwatchable. Nearly, because Carol Lombard is worth watching in a film no matter its condition. I just hope this film find a proper release someday.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone - ***
This is a great beginning to what’s become, to nobody’s surprise, a lucrative franchise for WB. The cast is perfect.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - **1/2
When watched consecutively after the first film, it seems to repeat itself a bit too much. Still, a lot of fun.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - ***1/2
I'm giving this an extra 1/2 star over the rest of the 1st five films as I found this the most visually interesting film of the first five releases.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - ***
(A/K/A Harry Potter goes to Shermer High School) Even with it's John Hughes teen themes, the cast continues to grow and develop their characters with a helpful script that makes this journey into adulthood a treat. Emma Watson (Hermione) really stands out here and I'm looking forward to seeing more of her work outside of this franchise. However, with all the teen hormones raging, Harry's central storyline gets cast to the side in favor of a Hogwart's Olympics, which only at the end provides us with what we really want--more Ralph! I mean, Lord Voldemort!

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - ***
This film continues to uphold what we expect from a Harry Potter film but doesn't separate itself visually like 'Azkaban' does. However, WB had enough faith in director David Yates's vision to give him the rains to this film as well as the rest of the films in the series. As capable director as he is, I feel this is a mistake as, unless he consciously makes the decision to differ them visually, the films will start to blend over time, especially when viewed in succession. Imagine Danny Boyle, Guillermo del Toro or (gulp) Michael Bay directing. I'm just saying, I disagree with going with the same director for 4 of the 8 films in the series.

Texasville - ***
Great when seen shortly after "The Last Picture Show" as it really gives you extra depth after seeing how these characters turned out. If you were to see it without knowing it was a sequel, it wouldn't make much sense, but still an interesting character film. I'm not sure why Chloris Leachman's and Timothy Bottom's character's were cast aside to much smaller roles as their story was my favorite from the previous film. One figures because Jeff Bridges became much more successful as there's no reason other than money to deny these great characters (and actors) another chance to shine.

Being John Malkovich - ***1/2
I forever became a Charlie Kaufman fan after seeing this film. Much of the focus upon it’s initial release was given to director Spike Jones for the originality of this film, but time has shown us it was its writer who had the true vision.

The Hunt for Red October - ***
Was Alec Baldwin really ever that young?! He shows great promise as an anti-action hero in this highly suspenseful and well-produced film. Watch on a good home theatre system as its effects really shine in this Oscar winner for Best Effects and Sound Effects Editing.

Patriot Games - **1/2
Harrison Ford replaces Alec Baldwin in this follow-up in the Jack Ryan series. It's worth seeing as it solidified Ford's stance as action hero, even without a blaster or whip at his side.

A Clear and Present Danger - **1/2
Too long for its own good, this third film in the Jack Ryan series has Ford reprising the role in standard summer action fare. It was, however, fun to see how clunky and low-tech all the "high-end" computers were. Ah, technology, we barely know ye.

Watchmen - ***
Having not read the graphic novel in over a decade, I barely remember what this film was supposed to be about other than superheroes aren't appreciated in this alternate 1985 universe. As an adaptation, I'd like to revisit the novel to get a real sense of what it did or did not accomplish, however, as a film on it's own, if you're not familiar with its historical significance in the comic book world, this films is a well-produced, but much too long superhero film. Jackie Earle Haley and Patrick Wilson stand out as the better performances. Director Zack Snyder does have some great visuals and would be a great candidate for a (much different) Harry Potter movie.

The Fugitive - ***1/2
Now *this* is a non-Indy Harrison Ford film to which you can be proud of being a fan. Wonderfully paced action film that lures you in from the start and never lets go. This film was nominated for a well-deserved seven Academy Awards (sadly winning only one for Tommy Lee Jones as Supporting Actor). Director Andrew Davis must have had lighting in a bottle for this film only as his career has yet to prove anything as worthy of mention.

Also, as of this writing, WB is planning on remaking this. This is why the recession is bad.

Schindler's List - ****
While it doesn't fit in the same style of what I love about Spielberg, it shows he's a fantastic director without his standard Spielbergism's. I think it's an amazing film, which comes dangerously close to making you think it's a documentary, in the sense that you really lose focus that it's a film with actors, props and sets. A must-see for everyone and should be seen on the biggest screen you to which you have access.

Jurassic Park - ***
At the polar opposite end of the film spectrum from Schindler's List, Jurassic Park demonstrates the trademarks of camera movement and lighting of the Spielberg to which I am the biggest fan. This is all fun and gags and is one long amusement ride, which is well worth the price of admission.

Saving Private Ryan - ***
The first half-hour is probably my favorite 30 minutes of film footage ever. The DTS mix causes my sound system to weep with pleasure. I cannot comprehend the amount of work put in to make D-Day look so real. However, the film doesn't have the character development needed to match those 30 minutes on Normandy thus I slowly lost my interest slowly as the film progressed. Production-wise, it's really fantastic, but it's over-hyped as a great film. Still, it should be standard annual viewing on Veteran's and/or Memorial Day for its incredible realistic portrayal of battle. (suggested viewing -- HBO's "Band of Brothers" is a great compliment to this film)

Thoroughly Modern Millie - *
This film is thoroughly ridiculous on every level and I can only recommend if you're really into production design and wardrobe. How can a "musical" have so few songs yet be so long? What an awful film for Julie Andrews to have following "Mary Poppins" and "The Sound of Music."