I decided to watch a few foreign films that a friend gave me on video. This one was nominated for Best Foreign Language film in 1991. It's a film by Zhang Yimou- I have no idea who this person is. But the film was excellent.
The movie is set in 1920's China. A 19 year old girl, who was at the University, is now the Fourth Wife to a wealthy man who has to share her husband with 3 other wives that live in the same household. Each wife has a differerent house and when the husband spends the night with one of them lanterns are lit at their house. This is one of the many traditions that are followed. The more the husband spends with the wife, the more priviledges she gets. Each wife does her best to get the husband to spend all his time in their beds. The Fourth Wife learns of the other wives and servants manipulation and plots against her for her husbands affections. And soon she decides to join in the game to win the household for herself.
Even though it was in another language, the subtitles were easy to read and the story was well acted. It flowed naturally and kept you hooked. The cinematography was beautiful and I believed I really was a part of this screwed up household.
Worth the money rating: $$$$$
Monday, July 04, 2005
War of the Worlds
I have mixed feelings about this film. I saw this at an old theatre that had the sound coming from behind the screen and all the sharp sounds made my ears hurt. The blood and guts and the aliens made my eyes hurt. The aliens in this film looked stupid even though they tried to follow the original War of the Worlds.
Tom Cruise plays a Dad that isn't a very good Dad. His son and daughter rely on their mother and this particular weekend they're staying with their Dad to spend some quality time together- all parties reluctant. In the back yard a strange storm is brewing– at first cool then creepy. Cruise goes to the center of town to see what's going on and realizes that they're being attacked.
Cruise flees with his son and daughter in the only working vehicle just a few minutes ahead of the aliens. But they catch up. The whole movie is about survival. How is Cruise going to survive and bring his kids through this, if there is, in fact, a way to escape being eliminated.
This film has the destruction of 9/11 and what we'd imagine the end of the world looking like. The only acting I found to be compelling was Dakota Fanning, Cruise's daughter. She's a good screamer. And we see mostly how this attack affects her.
The ending to this film was major cheese after the intense hours of special effects and destruction. You really didn't care whether or not anyone died. There was no routing for the common guy to win- not even when the world was ending.
So, if you're in the mood for an alien film, watch E.T. or Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Better aliens. Better stories. Better movies.
Worth the money rating: $$
Tom Cruise plays a Dad that isn't a very good Dad. His son and daughter rely on their mother and this particular weekend they're staying with their Dad to spend some quality time together- all parties reluctant. In the back yard a strange storm is brewing– at first cool then creepy. Cruise goes to the center of town to see what's going on and realizes that they're being attacked.
Cruise flees with his son and daughter in the only working vehicle just a few minutes ahead of the aliens. But they catch up. The whole movie is about survival. How is Cruise going to survive and bring his kids through this, if there is, in fact, a way to escape being eliminated.
This film has the destruction of 9/11 and what we'd imagine the end of the world looking like. The only acting I found to be compelling was Dakota Fanning, Cruise's daughter. She's a good screamer. And we see mostly how this attack affects her.
The ending to this film was major cheese after the intense hours of special effects and destruction. You really didn't care whether or not anyone died. There was no routing for the common guy to win- not even when the world was ending.
So, if you're in the mood for an alien film, watch E.T. or Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Better aliens. Better stories. Better movies.
Worth the money rating: $$
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Batman Begins
How sweet was this movie! It rocked. Christian Bale was hot and dark and strong and did I mention hot?
Batman Begins goes into more depth about the ramifications of Bruce Wayne's parents dying. It shows how Bruce's fears have always made him feel alone and lost. He travels to Asia and learns combat under the guidance of Liam Neeson. But can't commit to the rules of his new tutors and returns home to Gotham. The city is flooded with crime and the board at Wayne Enterprises is going public, leaving Wayne searching to find a way to save himself and the city by becoming Batman. With the help of policeman, Gordon, and an inventor at Wayne Industries, Bruce takes on the biggest villain in the city- the Scarecrow. Katie Holmes plays a persistent Assistant District Attorney whose passion for justice puts her in danger and right into the arms of the man she loves.
Danger, Asian mystique, cool cars, beautiful people, and bats– this movie has it all. It's a thrill ride that's on the dark side of a story we all know so well. This is by far the best Batman movie made.
Worth the money rating: $$$$$
Batman Begins goes into more depth about the ramifications of Bruce Wayne's parents dying. It shows how Bruce's fears have always made him feel alone and lost. He travels to Asia and learns combat under the guidance of Liam Neeson. But can't commit to the rules of his new tutors and returns home to Gotham. The city is flooded with crime and the board at Wayne Enterprises is going public, leaving Wayne searching to find a way to save himself and the city by becoming Batman. With the help of policeman, Gordon, and an inventor at Wayne Industries, Bruce takes on the biggest villain in the city- the Scarecrow. Katie Holmes plays a persistent Assistant District Attorney whose passion for justice puts her in danger and right into the arms of the man she loves.
Danger, Asian mystique, cool cars, beautiful people, and bats– this movie has it all. It's a thrill ride that's on the dark side of a story we all know so well. This is by far the best Batman movie made.
Worth the money rating: $$$$$
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Cinderella Man
Ron Howard rocks as the director of Cinderella Man. He depicts the Great Depression with such realism that you could taste it. Like Apollo 13, this movie has a different kind of enemy- life, in this instance the Great Depression. It was strong enough to break many men and families apart but not even extreme poverty would tackle Jim Braddock.
Boxer, Jim Braddock finds the strength to box better than he did before the Great Depression because he was man with nothing to lose. He boxed for the welfare of his family. He boxed for the morale of his country. And he boxed because he was willing to give it everything he had to beat the odds. He was a true hero, not because he was super human but because he was a man. A man that loved his family, his life and knew that things could be better.
I saw an interview with Ron and Russell after the movie sneak peak. They spoke of how every boxing scene told it's own story just like Howard had done for the fires in Backdraft. And how this movie could have been seen without any words at all.
Crowe did a magnificent job of acting as did the whole cast. Here is a story I hope parents tell their children in place of fairy tales. It's better because it actually happened.
Worth the money rating: $$$$$
Boxer, Jim Braddock finds the strength to box better than he did before the Great Depression because he was man with nothing to lose. He boxed for the welfare of his family. He boxed for the morale of his country. And he boxed because he was willing to give it everything he had to beat the odds. He was a true hero, not because he was super human but because he was a man. A man that loved his family, his life and knew that things could be better.
I saw an interview with Ron and Russell after the movie sneak peak. They spoke of how every boxing scene told it's own story just like Howard had done for the fires in Backdraft. And how this movie could have been seen without any words at all.
Crowe did a magnificent job of acting as did the whole cast. Here is a story I hope parents tell their children in place of fairy tales. It's better because it actually happened.
Worth the money rating: $$$$$
Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room
This film is based on the book by Fortune Magazine reporters Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind. It's written and directed by Alex Gibney. He examines the rise and fall of Enron tracing it from as far back as 1987.
The film opens with the question WHY?
The film tries to show the greed, the motivation and the catalysts of the world's seventh largest company- how it took years to build and two months to destroy. The key Executives were Kenneth Lay and Jeff Skilling. They created an atmosphere where the only objective was to make money by any means necessary– even if that meant shutting power plants down in California. The brokers laughed why they dictated to Wall Street what was profitable and what was not. Enron's "aggressive accounting" philosophy made it appear that the company was highly profitable when it was millions in debt. One lie masqueraded another and soon a female whistle-blower led to the fall of this highly ambitious business and major manipulator of stocks, ethics and capitalism. This movie shows how empires are made and what kind of people contributed to this corporate animal- it wasn't politics as usual. It was peculiar accounting, abnormal stock traders and the influence of the Bush White House.
At the end of the movie, Gibney calculates what the Enron executives made vs. what was lost in 401K's, pensions and jobs, not to mention years of loyalty. It's sick to see how much money people lost, so that three people could gain.
Obviously the subject matter was interesting to start with, but Gibney added moments of laughter. Truly the greed and corruption that goes on in Corporate America and Enron's CEO's denials of truth are comical. In Gibney's eyes, Enron may be the first to get caught but won't be the last Goliath to overtake Wall Street. Let's hope investors add their numbers much better next time and learn to say NO.
Worth the money rating: $$$ ½
The film opens with the question WHY?
The film tries to show the greed, the motivation and the catalysts of the world's seventh largest company- how it took years to build and two months to destroy. The key Executives were Kenneth Lay and Jeff Skilling. They created an atmosphere where the only objective was to make money by any means necessary– even if that meant shutting power plants down in California. The brokers laughed why they dictated to Wall Street what was profitable and what was not. Enron's "aggressive accounting" philosophy made it appear that the company was highly profitable when it was millions in debt. One lie masqueraded another and soon a female whistle-blower led to the fall of this highly ambitious business and major manipulator of stocks, ethics and capitalism. This movie shows how empires are made and what kind of people contributed to this corporate animal- it wasn't politics as usual. It was peculiar accounting, abnormal stock traders and the influence of the Bush White House.
At the end of the movie, Gibney calculates what the Enron executives made vs. what was lost in 401K's, pensions and jobs, not to mention years of loyalty. It's sick to see how much money people lost, so that three people could gain.
Obviously the subject matter was interesting to start with, but Gibney added moments of laughter. Truly the greed and corruption that goes on in Corporate America and Enron's CEO's denials of truth are comical. In Gibney's eyes, Enron may be the first to get caught but won't be the last Goliath to overtake Wall Street. Let's hope investors add their numbers much better next time and learn to say NO.
Worth the money rating: $$$ ½
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Here's a movie where I actually read the book first. The book was great. The movie was cute. The casting was right on. I often find that the books are better than the movies so I tend to not read them so I can just see the movie and have no expectations. I think if you haven't read this book, the movie will seem better.
Four girls are best friends since birth. Their mothers met during a pregnancy exercise class and now the girls are in their teens leaving each other for one summer for the first time. They form a pact that a pair of jeans, that magically fits all of them, will be sent from one girl to the next and they will write on the jeans what happened when they wore them.
One girl goes to soccer camp. Another girl goes to catch up with her divorced father. The other goes to Greece to visit grandparents and sketch. The last girl stays at home to make a documentary film on the people who work at a convenience store. Each girl runs into situations that makes them grow and they share these experiences by letters to the other girls all summer.
It's a coming of age story about different kinds of love and how friendship helps you deal with it. So if you're not in the mood for sentiment, don't see it. It is mushy and soft.
A second book came out last year. I think I'm going to wait for the movie this time to see what happens.
Worth the money rating: $$$ 1/2
Four girls are best friends since birth. Their mothers met during a pregnancy exercise class and now the girls are in their teens leaving each other for one summer for the first time. They form a pact that a pair of jeans, that magically fits all of them, will be sent from one girl to the next and they will write on the jeans what happened when they wore them.
One girl goes to soccer camp. Another girl goes to catch up with her divorced father. The other goes to Greece to visit grandparents and sketch. The last girl stays at home to make a documentary film on the people who work at a convenience store. Each girl runs into situations that makes them grow and they share these experiences by letters to the other girls all summer.
It's a coming of age story about different kinds of love and how friendship helps you deal with it. So if you're not in the mood for sentiment, don't see it. It is mushy and soft.
A second book came out last year. I think I'm going to wait for the movie this time to see what happens.
Worth the money rating: $$$ 1/2
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Mr. and Mrs. Smith
How hot can the screen get? In this case... luke warm.
Even though the lead actors were Angelina and Brad, there wasn't enough sizzle to make me hot. Perhaps I'm a hard sell. But I expected a lot more of this movie.
Jane and John are married for about 5 or 6 years. They explain how they met and how boring married life-complacency is. The action is slow to start and has breaks that kill the momentum of the movie. There were pauses for laughs and some winks and some forced comedic scenes. Seeing Angelina shoot guns and be tough isn't a new thing since she's done two Tomb Raider movies. I had the same problem with those movies, too slow of a pace. I was bored by those films and bored by this one.
The storyline lacked. There wasn't even enough sex. The movie was PG13 but I felt teased by only having one sex scene. What are movies for if not to fantasize? Maybe 2 hot people don’t make a hot movie. Kind of like two beautiful people don't make a cute baby.
Anyway, some people clapped for joy that it was a fun ride when it ended. I think Mr. and Mrs. Smith was in the National Treasure area of movies, only National Treasure was a better movie. It was more fun and interesting- fresher. This movie feels as though it was just was put together to make money. And although Brad and Angelina have some chemistry, I just don't think the movie was great. It was trying too hard to be a blockbuster.
For the action sequences, see this movie on-screen. There are some fun kabooms. But this movie is definitely a rental. Angelina and Brad's off screen love affair is much more interesting. Real life often is.
Worth the money rating: $$ ½
Even though the lead actors were Angelina and Brad, there wasn't enough sizzle to make me hot. Perhaps I'm a hard sell. But I expected a lot more of this movie.
Jane and John are married for about 5 or 6 years. They explain how they met and how boring married life-complacency is. The action is slow to start and has breaks that kill the momentum of the movie. There were pauses for laughs and some winks and some forced comedic scenes. Seeing Angelina shoot guns and be tough isn't a new thing since she's done two Tomb Raider movies. I had the same problem with those movies, too slow of a pace. I was bored by those films and bored by this one.
The storyline lacked. There wasn't even enough sex. The movie was PG13 but I felt teased by only having one sex scene. What are movies for if not to fantasize? Maybe 2 hot people don’t make a hot movie. Kind of like two beautiful people don't make a cute baby.
Anyway, some people clapped for joy that it was a fun ride when it ended. I think Mr. and Mrs. Smith was in the National Treasure area of movies, only National Treasure was a better movie. It was more fun and interesting- fresher. This movie feels as though it was just was put together to make money. And although Brad and Angelina have some chemistry, I just don't think the movie was great. It was trying too hard to be a blockbuster.
For the action sequences, see this movie on-screen. There are some fun kabooms. But this movie is definitely a rental. Angelina and Brad's off screen love affair is much more interesting. Real life often is.
Worth the money rating: $$ ½
Sunday, May 22, 2005
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
Finally a movie worth going to— or is it?
I'm a huge Star Wars fan. The last two Star Wars movies were total bombs- special effects were great but the the storyline lacked luster. I asked a couple people before I went to this movie whether or not this installement was worth seeing. Of course, I would have seen it anyway, because it's like watching bad reality TV, you just have to see how things turn out. The reviews were mixed- it was darker than the Empire Strikes Back and possibly almost as good as the original triology. The other review was that it was disappointing and the characters weren't developed enough like Anikan and Padme's love affair. The acting wasn't strong enough.
The road is paved with good intentions- this would hold true for young Skywalker. In an effort to protect those that he loves, Anakin decides to fight his good side and become the right hand man for the Emperor. He is angered by the Jedi counsil for not seeing the vision the Emperor has for peace and for himself- becoming the all powerful Jedi he was destined to be. His passion and ambition make him turn against his masters, Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi and the Jedi way. Every step Anakin takes toward the dark side, makes me think how easy it is for all of us to let events in our lives change the core of who we are- our doubts make us believe the worst of people and ourselves and at the end of the day the only question is, how we got where we are and how we can never go back because we've crossed that line. Evil wins sometimes. In today's world it's fear, terrorists, those that can destroy our way of life, and how are we to fight back? Would fear cause any of us to turn the wrong way to protect what we have and not be good, compassionate people anymore?
What I've always liked about Star Wars is that it asks the question- what if? What if there was this personified war of survival against some insurmountable force? Let's not be too deep but the truth is that there is always a struggle between good and evil. Whether that's on a local or global level. But how do we judge what is the right way? In Star Wars it is clear who is good and who is evil- in real life it's hard to tell. But don't we all want peace? Security? Happiness? Anakin thinks he's doing what's right but ends up losing it all- his love, his limbs and his humanity.
I guess this movie makes us feel something different for Darth Vader than the other movies-compassion. It's hard to have that for the enemy but if we don't, do we become our own enemy? Does that change us into being more dark and evil for not being able to see another side of a coin? And can peace happen with everyone taking sides and no one bringing us together?
Yoda is kick-ass in the movie as being a spry younger Yoda with some great moves. Obi-wan bored me. Ewan McGregor didn't come off as a larger than life hero to me. There was definitely a need for better dialogue and parts of the story seemed hurried such as when Padme names her new born babies. Was Lucas in a hurry to just get done with the film? Seems so in parts. The special effects were stunning and Christensen gave a compelling performance as Vader. But everything seemed too cartoony and hollow if that's a word.
Over all this movie was entertaining. It was a dark installment in the Star Wars saga, perhaps I can agree that it is darker than the Empire Strikes Back. But no matter how hot Christensen is, he's no Han Solo. And I prefer the original triology to these new installments in general. But I guess the Force is strong enough for me to say this, "the Star Wars Revenge of the Sith, See you must."
Worth the money rating: $$$
I'm a huge Star Wars fan. The last two Star Wars movies were total bombs- special effects were great but the the storyline lacked luster. I asked a couple people before I went to this movie whether or not this installement was worth seeing. Of course, I would have seen it anyway, because it's like watching bad reality TV, you just have to see how things turn out. The reviews were mixed- it was darker than the Empire Strikes Back and possibly almost as good as the original triology. The other review was that it was disappointing and the characters weren't developed enough like Anikan and Padme's love affair. The acting wasn't strong enough.
The road is paved with good intentions- this would hold true for young Skywalker. In an effort to protect those that he loves, Anakin decides to fight his good side and become the right hand man for the Emperor. He is angered by the Jedi counsil for not seeing the vision the Emperor has for peace and for himself- becoming the all powerful Jedi he was destined to be. His passion and ambition make him turn against his masters, Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi and the Jedi way. Every step Anakin takes toward the dark side, makes me think how easy it is for all of us to let events in our lives change the core of who we are- our doubts make us believe the worst of people and ourselves and at the end of the day the only question is, how we got where we are and how we can never go back because we've crossed that line. Evil wins sometimes. In today's world it's fear, terrorists, those that can destroy our way of life, and how are we to fight back? Would fear cause any of us to turn the wrong way to protect what we have and not be good, compassionate people anymore?
What I've always liked about Star Wars is that it asks the question- what if? What if there was this personified war of survival against some insurmountable force? Let's not be too deep but the truth is that there is always a struggle between good and evil. Whether that's on a local or global level. But how do we judge what is the right way? In Star Wars it is clear who is good and who is evil- in real life it's hard to tell. But don't we all want peace? Security? Happiness? Anakin thinks he's doing what's right but ends up losing it all- his love, his limbs and his humanity.
I guess this movie makes us feel something different for Darth Vader than the other movies-compassion. It's hard to have that for the enemy but if we don't, do we become our own enemy? Does that change us into being more dark and evil for not being able to see another side of a coin? And can peace happen with everyone taking sides and no one bringing us together?
Yoda is kick-ass in the movie as being a spry younger Yoda with some great moves. Obi-wan bored me. Ewan McGregor didn't come off as a larger than life hero to me. There was definitely a need for better dialogue and parts of the story seemed hurried such as when Padme names her new born babies. Was Lucas in a hurry to just get done with the film? Seems so in parts. The special effects were stunning and Christensen gave a compelling performance as Vader. But everything seemed too cartoony and hollow if that's a word.
Over all this movie was entertaining. It was a dark installment in the Star Wars saga, perhaps I can agree that it is darker than the Empire Strikes Back. But no matter how hot Christensen is, he's no Han Solo. And I prefer the original triology to these new installments in general. But I guess the Force is strong enough for me to say this, "the Star Wars Revenge of the Sith, See you must."
Worth the money rating: $$$
The Interpreter
I had to see this movie because it was the only sane one to choose considering the plethora of horror flicks out. Seems Hollywood thinks America likes to be scared right now.
Anyway, this movie was better than I expected. But let me say that I didn't expect that much since the critics liked the film and it stars Nicloe Kidman. She's the same in every role, distant, cold and very Nicole Kidman.
Kidman plays a woman who is an interpreter for the UN. She was born in South Africa so she knows a language most people didn't know and happens to overhear an assassination plot one night when she's picking up a bag she left in an interpreting room. The movie tries to make you wonder if Kidman is making it all up— is she the assassin or someone else? The more Penn's character finds out, the more suspect she becomes. Penn has to deal with his own pains outside of his detective work but finds an awkward comfort in trying to save Kidman as the story unravels. There are bombs going off and plenty of action scenes and suspense but in the end not much of a surprise unless, of course, you weren't paying attention. Penn does well as usual, though perhaps he should be in a horror flick- just for something different.
Perhaps I'm tired of watching Nicole Kidman be cold. Or I'm tired of hearing about assassinations and watching bombs and wondering why people are so screwed up. Is this really interesting storytelling- seems like the same old formula to me. Maybe movie trailers reveal too much. Maybe I just had PMS. My thoughts are this-if you have nothing better to do, see it. If you have basketweaving to do, that'd be more fun. Okay that's harsh- must be the Nicole Kidman in me talking. It is more entertaining than basketweaving but a lot less useful.
Worth the money rating: $$$
Anyway, this movie was better than I expected. But let me say that I didn't expect that much since the critics liked the film and it stars Nicloe Kidman. She's the same in every role, distant, cold and very Nicole Kidman.
Kidman plays a woman who is an interpreter for the UN. She was born in South Africa so she knows a language most people didn't know and happens to overhear an assassination plot one night when she's picking up a bag she left in an interpreting room. The movie tries to make you wonder if Kidman is making it all up— is she the assassin or someone else? The more Penn's character finds out, the more suspect she becomes. Penn has to deal with his own pains outside of his detective work but finds an awkward comfort in trying to save Kidman as the story unravels. There are bombs going off and plenty of action scenes and suspense but in the end not much of a surprise unless, of course, you weren't paying attention. Penn does well as usual, though perhaps he should be in a horror flick- just for something different.
Perhaps I'm tired of watching Nicole Kidman be cold. Or I'm tired of hearing about assassinations and watching bombs and wondering why people are so screwed up. Is this really interesting storytelling- seems like the same old formula to me. Maybe movie trailers reveal too much. Maybe I just had PMS. My thoughts are this-if you have nothing better to do, see it. If you have basketweaving to do, that'd be more fun. Okay that's harsh- must be the Nicole Kidman in me talking. It is more entertaining than basketweaving but a lot less useful.
Worth the money rating: $$$
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Kung Fu Hustle
I haven't been to a martial arts movie for a long time. The previews to the show were cool-- A mix of happening moves choreographed with jammin' music and funny lines a.k.a. old-school slapstick-- so I had to check it out.
The story is that a big loser and his side kick want to be a part of the Axe Gang, the biggest, baddest gang in the streets of Shanghai. They encounter a bitchy landlady and her two-timing husband, plus a mix of intersting characters that live in their slum neighbhorhool, while attempting to fulfill their initiation into the Axe Gang.
When an important member of the Axe Gang gets killed, the gang is out for revenge. They pit themselves against the surprising kung fu masters in this slum. The loser and his side-kick try to prove themselves to the Axe gang but bungle everything in their path. Although this is a comedy, there are surprisingly potent action scenes and engaging special effects. Think road runner and coyote.
Yet it boils downt to this-- there is only one living soul that can truly rid the land of the Axe gang. Who could it be? A lost son? An unsuspecting kung fu master? You'll have to see it to believe it.
Worth the money rating: $$$$
The story is that a big loser and his side kick want to be a part of the Axe Gang, the biggest, baddest gang in the streets of Shanghai. They encounter a bitchy landlady and her two-timing husband, plus a mix of intersting characters that live in their slum neighbhorhool, while attempting to fulfill their initiation into the Axe Gang.
When an important member of the Axe Gang gets killed, the gang is out for revenge. They pit themselves against the surprising kung fu masters in this slum. The loser and his side-kick try to prove themselves to the Axe gang but bungle everything in their path. Although this is a comedy, there are surprisingly potent action scenes and engaging special effects. Think road runner and coyote.
Yet it boils downt to this-- there is only one living soul that can truly rid the land of the Axe gang. Who could it be? A lost son? An unsuspecting kung fu master? You'll have to see it to believe it.
Worth the money rating: $$$$
Sunday, February 13, 2005
The Wedding Date
My roommate wanted to go see the Wedding Date. I don't know about you, but I generally try not to see any wedding movies at all. You know they're going to be about unrealistic romance and dealing with those trying relationships with friends and family. But I suppose the Valentine's weekend wouldn't be complete without a movie like this.
Dermot Mulroney was in "My best friend's wedding" with Carmen Diaz, what five years ago or more? Anyway, I've always liked him in a tux. Here he plays an escort who agrees to go with Debroah Messing, Kay, to London for her sister's wedding. Her EX will be there and she wants her family to believe she's found a new man and is happy.
I'm not sure that these two have great chemistry on screen and the storyline is a flipped "Pretty Woman" with Mulroney deciding whether or not he's falling for Messing and wants to be paid or not paid.
The English countryside is beautiful and without rain. Which actually explains most of this movie. It's not very believable. And again those darn happy endings that couldn't possibly ever happen. But, I guess, if you're going to believe in love at any time of year, this is the time. The supporting cast is cute, some funny moments, but it felt like Four Weddings and a Funeral without the original story. But like it tried to be entertaining.
I give Dermot's ass a very nice rating. And he's sexier than sexy and a confident, smart and very kissable supporting man. So finally some eye candy for women. So if you're alone on Valentine's Day, see this movie and pretend he's your date. After all he won't talk back, hurt your feelings and you can get a good night's sleep without getting a neck cramp from sleeping on a guy's arm. Well, that's my optomistic two cents.
Worth the money rating: $$ 1/2
Dermot Mulroney was in "My best friend's wedding" with Carmen Diaz, what five years ago or more? Anyway, I've always liked him in a tux. Here he plays an escort who agrees to go with Debroah Messing, Kay, to London for her sister's wedding. Her EX will be there and she wants her family to believe she's found a new man and is happy.
I'm not sure that these two have great chemistry on screen and the storyline is a flipped "Pretty Woman" with Mulroney deciding whether or not he's falling for Messing and wants to be paid or not paid.
The English countryside is beautiful and without rain. Which actually explains most of this movie. It's not very believable. And again those darn happy endings that couldn't possibly ever happen. But, I guess, if you're going to believe in love at any time of year, this is the time. The supporting cast is cute, some funny moments, but it felt like Four Weddings and a Funeral without the original story. But like it tried to be entertaining.
I give Dermot's ass a very nice rating. And he's sexier than sexy and a confident, smart and very kissable supporting man. So finally some eye candy for women. So if you're alone on Valentine's Day, see this movie and pretend he's your date. After all he won't talk back, hurt your feelings and you can get a good night's sleep without getting a neck cramp from sleeping on a guy's arm. Well, that's my optomistic two cents.
Worth the money rating: $$ 1/2
Hitch
This is the weekend for cheesy romances to come out in time for Valentine's Day. So I was expecting some really bad movies to come out. But I got caught up in Will Smith's charm and found myself laughing and enjoying this movie along with the packed 6:15p.m. crowd opening night on the Upper West Side.
Basically Will Smith plays Alex 'Hitch' Hitchins who's a date therapist of sorts. He helps men who can't help themselves get noticed by the women they adore. He doesn't advertise in the paper but he's accredited with many New York area weddings. He helps the men over the course of the first three dates, get noticed and get that first kiss. The rest is up to them.
On a night out with one of his married friends he meets Eva Mendes, Sara, a reporter for a daily gossip rag. He tries out his own suave and calculated moves on her and their dates end up being disasters- or do they? Mendes ends up having to choose between her job and her man due to a misunderstanding. Isn't that always the plot foiler in relationships on screen and off? We get to see how far Hitch is willing to go for the woman he loves and whether or not he really is a "Date Doctor".
Unfortunately some of the great sceens were on the previews but the supporting actors and fun mood of the film evens that out. Okay, it's a happy ending of sorts. So if you're a love pessimist don't go see it. But if you're on the border like me, then you can believe it can all have a happy ending for a few hours.
Worth the money rating: $$$ 1/2
Basically Will Smith plays Alex 'Hitch' Hitchins who's a date therapist of sorts. He helps men who can't help themselves get noticed by the women they adore. He doesn't advertise in the paper but he's accredited with many New York area weddings. He helps the men over the course of the first three dates, get noticed and get that first kiss. The rest is up to them.
On a night out with one of his married friends he meets Eva Mendes, Sara, a reporter for a daily gossip rag. He tries out his own suave and calculated moves on her and their dates end up being disasters- or do they? Mendes ends up having to choose between her job and her man due to a misunderstanding. Isn't that always the plot foiler in relationships on screen and off? We get to see how far Hitch is willing to go for the woman he loves and whether or not he really is a "Date Doctor".
Unfortunately some of the great sceens were on the previews but the supporting actors and fun mood of the film evens that out. Okay, it's a happy ending of sorts. So if you're a love pessimist don't go see it. But if you're on the border like me, then you can believe it can all have a happy ending for a few hours.
Worth the money rating: $$$ 1/2
Sunday, January 23, 2005
The Aviator
There is a lot of hype about this movie, and sure enough it's everything they say it is.
Leonardo DiCapprio is brilliant as Howard Hughes. A man of vision. A man of aviation. A thinker. A dreamer. A playboy. And a madman. His performance paints an in-depth and emotional portrait of a complicated businessman who toys with making movies and making millions.
Kate Blanchet plays Katherine Hepburn who has a love affair with Hughes. Their eccentric natures bring each other happiness for a short time. Hepburn's desire for publicity and Hughes a one track mind for aviation spells disaster. He couldn't give her the attention she craved. And due to Hughes paranoia, all of Hughes love affairs with women are short lived and very explosive. But that goes with the territory of dating such an extraordinary man. Hell, it's fun to know not only was he brilliant, he was never boring.
Other than this picture being visually astounding with rich color and all the flavor of that time period, how close it follows Howard Hughes' life, who knows. I've never read about him, so as a novice to his achievements, from this movie, I feel as though I knew the man himself. And in more than one way, I'm very glad I was only an observer. As with men of great passion, there is always madness. But we all have a little bit of ambition that others may deem insane. Whether that's in love or in business. But it didn't overshadow the greatness of his achievements.
This is one movie you just have to see for yourself. Telling you things that happen in it just will ruin it for you. There are notible performances, meaning this is one of the movies that actually all the actors are up to par. So it's a real treat for everyone to watch including critics.
I'm not one for thinking stars need awards to know they're great actors. That's just a given. You are or you aren't. But I do hope DiCapprio is given the credit he deserves for his performance. And Martin Scorsese never ceases to amaze as a director and storyteller.
Worth the money rating: $$$$
Leonardo DiCapprio is brilliant as Howard Hughes. A man of vision. A man of aviation. A thinker. A dreamer. A playboy. And a madman. His performance paints an in-depth and emotional portrait of a complicated businessman who toys with making movies and making millions.
Kate Blanchet plays Katherine Hepburn who has a love affair with Hughes. Their eccentric natures bring each other happiness for a short time. Hepburn's desire for publicity and Hughes a one track mind for aviation spells disaster. He couldn't give her the attention she craved. And due to Hughes paranoia, all of Hughes love affairs with women are short lived and very explosive. But that goes with the territory of dating such an extraordinary man. Hell, it's fun to know not only was he brilliant, he was never boring.
Other than this picture being visually astounding with rich color and all the flavor of that time period, how close it follows Howard Hughes' life, who knows. I've never read about him, so as a novice to his achievements, from this movie, I feel as though I knew the man himself. And in more than one way, I'm very glad I was only an observer. As with men of great passion, there is always madness. But we all have a little bit of ambition that others may deem insane. Whether that's in love or in business. But it didn't overshadow the greatness of his achievements.
This is one movie you just have to see for yourself. Telling you things that happen in it just will ruin it for you. There are notible performances, meaning this is one of the movies that actually all the actors are up to par. So it's a real treat for everyone to watch including critics.
I'm not one for thinking stars need awards to know they're great actors. That's just a given. You are or you aren't. But I do hope DiCapprio is given the credit he deserves for his performance. And Martin Scorsese never ceases to amaze as a director and storyteller.
Worth the money rating: $$$$
Saturday, January 22, 2005
On video-- Wimbledon
Okay, I love tennis. Faithful US Open attendee. This movie made tennis boring, probably because it was about a stupid love story. First of all I don't think Lizzie, Kirstin Dunst, would ever go for a guy like Peter, Paul Bettany. First of all, the guy isn't even attractive and looks awkward playing tennis on the screen. The characters have no depth and the love story happens so quickly we have no idea why they like each other, well other than sex. And relationships based on sex never last, except in movies, I guess.
There was some eye candy in the movie if you're looking for that. And if you're routing for the long-shot, well you may like this movie. Though come-backs in tennis based on love, well, that's a very long-shot if you ask me.
This movie holds little charm. But like my roommate said, "It's better than the bad movies that are on cable right now."
Basically this movie is a tad better than one of Dunst's other bad films, "DICK".
Worth the money rating: $$
There was some eye candy in the movie if you're looking for that. And if you're routing for the long-shot, well you may like this movie. Though come-backs in tennis based on love, well, that's a very long-shot if you ask me.
This movie holds little charm. But like my roommate said, "It's better than the bad movies that are on cable right now."
Basically this movie is a tad better than one of Dunst's other bad films, "DICK".
Worth the money rating: $$
On video-- The Airport
Since there's a major snow storm in New York, I thought I'd check out a few rentals.
I think Tom Hanks is one of the best actors of our time but I'm tired of seeing him just based on the sheer number of movies he continues to be in. His role in this movie has been hailed as one of his best performances since Forrest Gump. Of course, Forrest Gump can't be duplicated.
Hanks plays a forty-something man whose small country is under a revolution and no longer exists as far as the US government is concerned. This happened while he was in mid air on his way to NY. Ivan, Hanks, is forced to live within the confines of the JFK terminal until his countries' status changes. After what seems like two days, Ivan meets Catherine Zeta Jones and starts a romance. Figures, a guy with no job, no home and nothing to offer, finds a girl who is willing to date him in New York. Women out number men here, three to one. Anyway, he gains the support of eveyone who works in the terminal and has one goal for being in New York which unfolds in a sappy moment with Zeta Jones in front of an odd fountain. Does this movie have a happy ending? It's Speilberg, what do you think?
Although this movie has an interesting premise, the only delight was Hank's advisary, played by Stanley Tucci. There were some moments that were really unbelievable— meaning unrealistic. No one would wait nine months in a terminal and possibly enojy it and grow from the experience.
But if you're stuck in a snow storm, I guess the movie's right up your alley. Or should I say, if you're stuck in a terminal, it's for you.
Worth the money rating: $$$
I think Tom Hanks is one of the best actors of our time but I'm tired of seeing him just based on the sheer number of movies he continues to be in. His role in this movie has been hailed as one of his best performances since Forrest Gump. Of course, Forrest Gump can't be duplicated.
Hanks plays a forty-something man whose small country is under a revolution and no longer exists as far as the US government is concerned. This happened while he was in mid air on his way to NY. Ivan, Hanks, is forced to live within the confines of the JFK terminal until his countries' status changes. After what seems like two days, Ivan meets Catherine Zeta Jones and starts a romance. Figures, a guy with no job, no home and nothing to offer, finds a girl who is willing to date him in New York. Women out number men here, three to one. Anyway, he gains the support of eveyone who works in the terminal and has one goal for being in New York which unfolds in a sappy moment with Zeta Jones in front of an odd fountain. Does this movie have a happy ending? It's Speilberg, what do you think?
Although this movie has an interesting premise, the only delight was Hank's advisary, played by Stanley Tucci. There were some moments that were really unbelievable— meaning unrealistic. No one would wait nine months in a terminal and possibly enojy it and grow from the experience.
But if you're stuck in a snow storm, I guess the movie's right up your alley. Or should I say, if you're stuck in a terminal, it's for you.
Worth the money rating: $$$
Saturday, December 25, 2004
Meet the Fockers
Okay, we've all been waiting for the sequel to Meet the Parents with Ben Stiller and Robert DeNiro. It was a packed house on Christmas eve and there were only 20 times the whole crowd laughed. I was in a good mood except for the beer battered old guy who sat next to me and smelled awful and had an equally awful laugh.
Anyway, Gaylord Focker's parents are Barbara Streisand and Dustin Hoffman. They're an overly affectionate and open couple who embarass Stiller in front of DeNiro. Uptight DeNiro still feels as though Stiller isn't the right man for his daughter and goes into CIA mode for some expected laughs. This movie seemed way to staged and hoped for too much. Streisand and Hoffman seemed natural yet overly quirky but were much better than the other players. The baby stole the show though. You'll know why I said that when you watch.
I think too much was trying to go on in this movie that it detracted from the real comedy about the nervousness of getting married and having your parents meet each other. I feel about this movie like I did about Bridget Jones, the Edge of Reason-the elements that made the first films so classic are just strained when made into a continuing movie, though this one did better than Bridget Jones.
High expectations, don't have them for this movie and maybe you'll enjoy it more. Easy time passer but I'd wait for pay per view or video.
Worth the money rating: $$$
Anyway, Gaylord Focker's parents are Barbara Streisand and Dustin Hoffman. They're an overly affectionate and open couple who embarass Stiller in front of DeNiro. Uptight DeNiro still feels as though Stiller isn't the right man for his daughter and goes into CIA mode for some expected laughs. This movie seemed way to staged and hoped for too much. Streisand and Hoffman seemed natural yet overly quirky but were much better than the other players. The baby stole the show though. You'll know why I said that when you watch.
I think too much was trying to go on in this movie that it detracted from the real comedy about the nervousness of getting married and having your parents meet each other. I feel about this movie like I did about Bridget Jones, the Edge of Reason-the elements that made the first films so classic are just strained when made into a continuing movie, though this one did better than Bridget Jones.
High expectations, don't have them for this movie and maybe you'll enjoy it more. Easy time passer but I'd wait for pay per view or video.
Worth the money rating: $$$
Saturday, December 18, 2004
In Good Company
If you want to feel a little depressed and get a good dose of reality, watch this movie. It stars Dennis Quaid, Scarlet Johannson and that guy from That 70's show- can't remember his name. What's interesting is to see different actors play complete opposites. The guy from the 70's show, Carter in this movie, is a very successful young businessman who lucks out and impresses his boss enough to land his dream job by running the sales division of a sports magazine during a takeover by his company Global Com. In this day and age where everyone is merging and no one is sure of their jobs based on the economy and the bottom line, this movie is too real. Losing your job at 20 or 30 or 40 or 50 is all the same. You just have more to lose when you have a family to support. And how would you deal with that emotionally?
Carter is supposed to fire Dennis Quaid. But he's smart enough to know he can't do this job without him so he reains Quaid and fires everyone else. Carter's personal life becomes a shambles and he invites himself over for dinner with Quaid's family. He's a 26 year old who meets Quaid's daughter played by Johannson who is going to NYU for creative writing. A romance insues behind Quaid's back.
Does the movie end up bad or good? Depends on how you look at it. This movie deals with family, loss of self esteem, jobs loss and just plain struggling with who you are and what you know. How obsolete are we on any given day? And how much do we let our emtions run us?
I found Carter's character to be well played. He had hints of humanity while keeping up the facade of a strong businessman. Quaid was okay as a father but I think he over played it and was too dramatic. Johannson was sexy and strong like she was in Lost in Translation. She has a great presence on screen.
This movie gives you something to think about. Like who you really want to keep in good company. I think the title for this movie was a loser. I kept forgetting what it was. The storyline I remember. And although the movie's story is about struggle, it's good to know that we're not alone. It's totally relateable and relevant for today. Maybe a good chaser for this movie would be some vodka.
Worth the money rating: $$$ 1/2
Carter is supposed to fire Dennis Quaid. But he's smart enough to know he can't do this job without him so he reains Quaid and fires everyone else. Carter's personal life becomes a shambles and he invites himself over for dinner with Quaid's family. He's a 26 year old who meets Quaid's daughter played by Johannson who is going to NYU for creative writing. A romance insues behind Quaid's back.
Does the movie end up bad or good? Depends on how you look at it. This movie deals with family, loss of self esteem, jobs loss and just plain struggling with who you are and what you know. How obsolete are we on any given day? And how much do we let our emtions run us?
I found Carter's character to be well played. He had hints of humanity while keeping up the facade of a strong businessman. Quaid was okay as a father but I think he over played it and was too dramatic. Johannson was sexy and strong like she was in Lost in Translation. She has a great presence on screen.
This movie gives you something to think about. Like who you really want to keep in good company. I think the title for this movie was a loser. I kept forgetting what it was. The storyline I remember. And although the movie's story is about struggle, it's good to know that we're not alone. It's totally relateable and relevant for today. Maybe a good chaser for this movie would be some vodka.
Worth the money rating: $$$ 1/2
Thursday, December 09, 2004
National Treasure
I was dead tired but went to see this movie and I'm so glad I did. Okay, Nicolas Cage isn't my favorite actor, unless we're talking Raising Arizona and Leaving Las Vegas... but this was a fun movie. I say, fun because it wasn't a super great movie and it wasn't a really bad movie, it's in that grey area inbetween. That place where you're not expecting that much and are suprised that you enjoyed it since you weren't in the mood to feel really excited even if you wanted to be.
Needless to say, Nicolas plays the youngest son in the Gates family whose legacy has been chasing the mystery of this great treasure. His father spent 20 years of his life looking for it and gave up the dream but Cage just knows it really exists and lives for each clue that brings him closer to finding the treasure. He has a young side kick tech guy and picks up a beautiful art afficianado ( a geek after his own heart) and they try to find the treasure before the bad guys do. There are some interesting action scenes and witty lines but Cage figures out every clue too neatly and the ending is too mediocre for us to care. But it was entertaining. So, ask yourself if dreams are worth pursuing till you die. I suppose if you ask anyone, depends on the dream. I say, why the hell not. No one should take your dreams away from you.
Worth the money rating: $$$ 1/2
Needless to say, Nicolas plays the youngest son in the Gates family whose legacy has been chasing the mystery of this great treasure. His father spent 20 years of his life looking for it and gave up the dream but Cage just knows it really exists and lives for each clue that brings him closer to finding the treasure. He has a young side kick tech guy and picks up a beautiful art afficianado ( a geek after his own heart) and they try to find the treasure before the bad guys do. There are some interesting action scenes and witty lines but Cage figures out every clue too neatly and the ending is too mediocre for us to care. But it was entertaining. So, ask yourself if dreams are worth pursuing till you die. I suppose if you ask anyone, depends on the dream. I say, why the hell not. No one should take your dreams away from you.
Worth the money rating: $$$ 1/2
Friday, November 26, 2004
Bridget Jones, The Edge of Reason
Okay. Here's another Bridget Jones movie. Zellweger is a cutie for sure, but this movie falls flat compared to the first. Maybe it's because the novelty is over. Colin Firth is charming as cautious but less uptight, Mr. Darcy. Hugh Grant as Daniel Clever is the same womanizing jerk. And even thought we all want to see what happens after the supposed happy ending of the first movie, this is like your best friend talking over and over about her romance and you want to slap her because you get it-- they live happily ever after, well, at least as happily as an insecure Bridget Jones can be.
I wanted more out of this movie. There were no surprises and her trip to Thailand seems as though it were a different movie altogether. I'd rather imagine how she and Mr. Mark dreamy Darcy turned out than have watched this film. The film was too contrived and tried way to hard to be funny. Much like bad dates, this was easy to walk away from.
Worth the money rating: $$
I wanted more out of this movie. There were no surprises and her trip to Thailand seems as though it were a different movie altogether. I'd rather imagine how she and Mr. Mark dreamy Darcy turned out than have watched this film. The film was too contrived and tried way to hard to be funny. Much like bad dates, this was easy to walk away from.
Worth the money rating: $$
Monday, November 15, 2004
The Incredibles
Pixar is incredible. They prove this over and over again. The animation was amazing and so was the twist on a typical story line--typical bad guy vs. good guy superheroes. But these heroes are stripped of their superhero status after being sued so much that it costs the government too much money. Forced to stop using their powers, they go from incredible to normal and enter the witness protection program as the family next door. The father works for an insurance company helping every sob story that walks in the office- making his money grubbing boss angry. He moonlights as his superhero self, minus the super getup, every week on "bowling night" with another superhero friend who slings ice. An evil man threatens the safety of New York City with giant robots. And the Incredible family turns back into their incredible selves to make us laugh at every turn and truly amaze us with all the strength a family possess.
Worth the money rating: $$$$
Worth the money rating: $$$$
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