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: $$$
Sunday, May 22, 2005
The Interpreter
I had to see this movie because it was the only sane one to choose considering the plethora of horror flicks out. Seems Hollywood thinks America likes to be scared right now.
Anyway, this movie was better than I expected. But let me say that I didn't expect that much since the critics liked the film and it stars Nicloe Kidman. She's the same in every role, distant, cold and very Nicole Kidman.
Kidman plays a woman who is an interpreter for the UN. She was born in South Africa so she knows a language most people didn't know and happens to overhear an assassination plot one night when she's picking up a bag she left in an interpreting room. The movie tries to make you wonder if Kidman is making it all up— is she the assassin or someone else? The more Penn's character finds out, the more suspect she becomes. Penn has to deal with his own pains outside of his detective work but finds an awkward comfort in trying to save Kidman as the story unravels. There are bombs going off and plenty of action scenes and suspense but in the end not much of a surprise unless, of course, you weren't paying attention. Penn does well as usual, though perhaps he should be in a horror flick- just for something different.
Perhaps I'm tired of watching Nicole Kidman be cold. Or I'm tired of hearing about assassinations and watching bombs and wondering why people are so screwed up. Is this really interesting storytelling- seems like the same old formula to me. Maybe movie trailers reveal too much. Maybe I just had PMS. My thoughts are this-if you have nothing better to do, see it. If you have basketweaving to do, that'd be more fun. Okay that's harsh- must be the Nicole Kidman in me talking. It is more entertaining than basketweaving but a lot less useful.
Worth the money rating: $$$
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: $$
Monday, November 15, 2004
The Incredibles
Pixar is incredible. They prove this over and over again. The animation was amazing and so was the twist on a typical story line--typical bad guy vs. good guy superheroes. But these heroes are stripped of their superhero status after being sued so much that it costs the government too much money. Forced to stop using their powers, they go from incredible to normal and enter the witness protection program as the family next door. The father works for an insurance company helping every sob story that walks in the office- making his money grubbing boss angry. He moonlights as his superhero self, minus the super getup, every week on "bowling night" with another superhero friend who slings ice. An evil man threatens the safety of New York City with giant robots. And the Incredible family turns back into their incredible selves to make us laugh at every turn and truly amaze us with all the strength a family possess.
Worth the money rating: $$$$
Worth the money rating: $$$$
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Ray
First of all, I've never heard the full story on Ray Charles so I have no idea if this movie took lavish liberties with the truth. But it certainly was dramatic. Jamie Fox brilliant as Ray Charles. The music was great. It was interesting to find out how the songs got created. And I had no idea I knew most of them. That's how much he's ingrained in our pop culture.
Ray Charles, before he lost his vision, suffers from watching his brother drown in a wash basin and blames himself for it the rest of his life. To quiet his inner demons, he starts heroin. There are many flashbacks from childhood of how he learned to deal with his blindness and instead of crippling himself, he turned his impediment into pure gold, records.
Greed and self destruction insue, which is much like the storyline of every rock star we've ever heard of. But in order to appreciate the Ray Charles legacy, it's important to know that he overcomes his inner demons and brings the world many first's-- mainly blues and gospel in a new inspirational form-- all his own.
Although the story was compelling, I got distracted by the screen swipes since they only went from left to righ as though advances have never been made in that department. But that's just the movie geek in me.
If you want to watch the internal struggle of a musician trying to make good, this is the story for you. If you're not a journeyman, pass on it. It makes you want to believe.
Worth the money rating: $$$$
Ray Charles, before he lost his vision, suffers from watching his brother drown in a wash basin and blames himself for it the rest of his life. To quiet his inner demons, he starts heroin. There are many flashbacks from childhood of how he learned to deal with his blindness and instead of crippling himself, he turned his impediment into pure gold, records.
Greed and self destruction insue, which is much like the storyline of every rock star we've ever heard of. But in order to appreciate the Ray Charles legacy, it's important to know that he overcomes his inner demons and brings the world many first's-- mainly blues and gospel in a new inspirational form-- all his own.
Although the story was compelling, I got distracted by the screen swipes since they only went from left to righ as though advances have never been made in that department. But that's just the movie geek in me.
If you want to watch the internal struggle of a musician trying to make good, this is the story for you. If you're not a journeyman, pass on it. It makes you want to believe.
Worth the money rating: $$$$
Monday, October 18, 2004
Timeline
Here's a movie where I read the book after. The book was better but not by much. It's about some scientists or archaeologists who go on a dig. Their professor ends up missing. Oh the drama and mystery that brings these characters back in time to France during one of their wars. I'm not a history buff. Nor did I care. I did care that Paul Walker was in it. Though he didn't do much acting and unfortunately there wasn't any nudity involving him. Darn! At least I could have stayed awake for it. Anyway, there were wars and knights and these time travelers try to find the professor, not screw up history and make it back to the present. I didn't care if any of them died.
The film sucked.
Worth the money rating: $
The film sucked.
Worth the money rating: $
Honey
Another rental I saw awhile ago startting Jessica Alba from Dark Angel and previously Never Been Kissed. It's fun to see Alba all tough and dancing but there was no storyline at all that was the least bit interesting. Watch the movie for the dancing, the music, the hip hop celebrity scene stealers and a good soundtrack. Basically you could play ping pong and watch this movie and you wouldn't miss a thing.
Worth the money rating: $$
Worth the money rating: $$
Mona Lisa Smiles
Here's a story of Julia Roberts who's the hippie woman from California sent to a conservative school on the East coast to teach the women of the 50's about art. Even though Roberts is supposed to be an outsider in this film, I feel she doesn't even fit the film's role at all. Roberts struggles as a woman who feels that WOMEN in general should have a career and live up to their full academic potential. Julia Stiles plays a young college woman who could be the next lawyer and go to a prestigious law school but instead opts to get married. Roberts can't understand this. The films deals with some women doing what was expected and others actually finding themselves and choosing other paths. Kristen Dunst plays the angry girl in the film which creates most of the film's tension.
This films brings up interesting topics for discussion about women's roles in society for that time and today. It was an interesting film. The girls learn from Roberts and Roberts learns from the girls. I didn't learn much, but the fashion was fun.
Worth the money rating: $$ 1/2
This films brings up interesting topics for discussion about women's roles in society for that time and today. It was an interesting film. The girls learn from Roberts and Roberts learns from the girls. I didn't learn much, but the fashion was fun.
Worth the money rating: $$ 1/2
Thursday, October 07, 2004
The Prince and Me
Imagine a real Prince Charming (Prince of Denmark) and an ordinary farm girl falling in love at college in the US. Crazy? Crazy-cute. Julis Stiles is in yet another teen movie about falling in love. She's her usual sassy self and finds Luke Mably, or Eddie— short for Prince Edward or Edvard in Danish. Eddie is an odd student who has a strange side kick who fixes him eggs benedict in his dorm room. Paige, Stiles, finds herself spending time with Eddie when he gets a job working with her at the school cafeteria. She's pursuing pre-med, he's pursuing her. Through spending time with Paige, Eddie finds he's learning about more than how to be a man, but how to be the next King of Denmark. Does this story have a happy ending? Here's a secret— there was a real life wedding with the Prince of Denmark to his non royal wife, who apparently are living happily ever after.
Predictable but fun and Mably is quite charming. Fitting, don't you think?
Worth the money rating: $$$ 1/2
Predictable but fun and Mably is quite charming. Fitting, don't you think?
Worth the money rating: $$$ 1/2
Jersey Girl
No matter what anyone says about Ben Affleck and his Benniffers, I like him as an actor when he's in the right roles. Jersey girl was his kind of movie. J. Lo has the first 10 mintues with him onscreen delivering a baby and dying leaving Affleck with a daughter. Affleck having no baby experience who's used to being a big PR exec. loses his job and moves back home with his dad to New Jersey. Affleck fights with the reminants of his past life and his current life with his daughter. He meets Liv Tyler at the video store and they begin to spend time together. Affleck keeps trying to get his old life back and stumbles over the fact that he may just have a great one already.
It's a heartwarming story about a man growing up and finding out what's really important. It has Ben. It's a no brainer. Rent it.
Worth the money rating: $$$ 1/2
It's a heartwarming story about a man growing up and finding out what's really important. It has Ben. It's a no brainer. Rent it.
Worth the money rating: $$$ 1/2
Big Fish
I've got to start reading books before they become movies.... Naw!
Tim Burton's film is quite good based on the book Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions by Southern writer/illustrator Daniel Wallace. Billy Crudup stars as the son of a traveling salesman who tells presumably tall tales of his life rather then tell the truth. Crudup is home for his father's last days, listening to more stories of his father's life starting with how he met his wife. Ewan McGregor plays the father as a young man. He's plays his part to a T. Wide eyed and sappy at times, McGregor takes us on a ride of the way life should be, interesting and full of beautifully fun people and places. Crudup wonders if there's any truth in his father's stories, he's spent more of his life fabricating than in touch with what's real. He comes to grips with his lifelong misunderstanding of his father, and he learns that there's a little of dad in himself that he can hold onto when his father passes.
It's a beautiful movie to watch with full, rich colors and imagination appeal juxapostioned with the reality of the end of someone's life. I hope we all can go out having a life like this to talk about.
Rent this. This is one big fish that's a keeper.
Worth the money rating: $$$$
Tim Burton's film is quite good based on the book Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions by Southern writer/illustrator Daniel Wallace. Billy Crudup stars as the son of a traveling salesman who tells presumably tall tales of his life rather then tell the truth. Crudup is home for his father's last days, listening to more stories of his father's life starting with how he met his wife. Ewan McGregor plays the father as a young man. He's plays his part to a T. Wide eyed and sappy at times, McGregor takes us on a ride of the way life should be, interesting and full of beautifully fun people and places. Crudup wonders if there's any truth in his father's stories, he's spent more of his life fabricating than in touch with what's real. He comes to grips with his lifelong misunderstanding of his father, and he learns that there's a little of dad in himself that he can hold onto when his father passes.
It's a beautiful movie to watch with full, rich colors and imagination appeal juxapostioned with the reality of the end of someone's life. I hope we all can go out having a life like this to talk about.
Rent this. This is one big fish that's a keeper.
Worth the money rating: $$$$
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)