Current Reviews - Updated 2/17/2003
| 5 ***** Star system. (1/2's counted) |
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| 50 First Dates | ****1/2 | Sandler can really dish out the entertainment. This movie is a bit crude near the beginning but still delivers the humor, and finds its way to be romantic and charming. |
| The Big Bounce | ** | It had good actors. But it wasn't very funny for a comedy, and not dramatic enough for a mystery. Another good thing to say is that it ended well. |
| Master And Commander | ** | Everybody raves about this movie. However I ask them what was good about it? The part where the guy got shot in the head, or the time they decided to leave a man stranded out in the water? My point is: Yes this movie had great acting, it was well done in its depiction of life on a boat. The British men on this boat worshiped England and that was why they put themselves in that deplorable condition, that of 'bad food, brutal discipline, and no women' (quote from Jonathan Frankes in Star Trek: Generations). However there was no beauty, no scenes to go home and tell anyone on how exciting it was, there was only bloody death after bloody death. There were a couple of scenes that I thought were good, but just a couple and they didn't last long. So when someone tells you how great they thought the movie was, ask them what scene they enjoyed? Think back to the movie 'Glory' with Matthew Broderick and Morgan Freeman. There was so much substance and beauty to this movie, even though it was a war film, that didn't have a happy ending, it was very entertaining. 'Master And Commander' is not entertainment, its a documentary. I also call into question the rating policy.. this movie PG-13?? |
| Looney Toons: Back In Action | ***** | Its outrageous! They did more movie rips than the 'Scary Movie' series, especially many old Sci-Fi TV shows. I was busting out laughing many times. This movie is a must see! If I were to take away anything from the film, it would be Steve Martin, his character went too far in a movie that was already corny. |
| Scary Movie 3 | ***1/2 | I laughed a lot more than I expected. But much of the story was just a bit too stupid. The big movie rips in this movie was 'The Ring' and 'Signs'. |
| Out Of Time | ***1/2 | The first 30 minutes of the movie was really slow, and I was about to judge the movie harshly. But after the pieces came together, and the clues added up, the movie turns around, and becomes very exciting, and it keeps you on your toes all the way to the end. I wish I could say you could miss the first of the movie, but this is a suspense thriller, so the clues are there. |
| The Medallion | ***1/2 | Another Jackie Chan flick. He makes so many, it's a wonder even he can keep up. This movie reminded me of 'Bulletproof Monk', that came out a few months ago. It was funny, but also pretty cheesy. The moment 'Claire Forlani' came on to the screen, they did this pause and played stupid music, as Jackie supposedly eyed her up and down. Don't get me wrong it is 'Claire Forlani' afterall (she was fantastic in 'Antitrust'), but still cheesy. Some real highlights of the characters were his partner, and his partners wife, who they never focused enough attention on played by 'Christy Chung'. |
| My Bosses Daughter | **1/2 | Not too much of the movie really had to do with the bosses daughter. Most of the movie was just one thing after another that bad luck brings to the lead character. At first it was funny and showed real promise, but after he gets to house sitting at the bosses house, it just goes on and on with the same theme, and you get tired of it. |
| Tomb Raider: The Cradle Of Life | ****1/2 | This one is twice as good as the first Tomb Raider. It doesn't have the hokey scenes that you saw in the first one, where she is dancing and dodging bullets. This was very much a Bond Movie mixed in with Indiana Jones, substitute Angelina Jolie. I was impressed that the producers didn't seem like they spared any expense. It starts out in Greece, and then moves all around the world. The length of the movie being just shy of 2 hours tells u that it's not just a movie to capitalize on the first movies success. |
| Johnny English | ***1/2 | A short bond spoof. Very entertaining, the trailer to the movie, has some scenes that are not in it, I like it when they do that. |
Older Movies -
| Pirates of the Caribbean | **** | Very well done. It was hokey, but at the same time very entertaining. Johnny Depp was supposed to be the captain of this terrible rabble of Pirates, and yet he was too nice a guy. So nice that he acted kinda gay in his mannerisms. But still he had some of the best lines of the movie. Keira Knightley also in 'Bend It Like Beckham' praised on this review page, was fantastic. |
| The Hulk | *1/2 | This is no super-hero movie. This was a man that was doomed from childhood to become a monster movie. All the depressingly boring steps it took for him to be born, and so on, through his life. Finally he changes into the Hulk, after an hour has gone by, and still what action there is leaves you wanting. I thought the Government characters were stupid as well, probably written that way in the comic book, but still doesn't help a boring movie. Then the events near the end, are just like, why is this movie still going on, can I leave now? |
| Bruce Almighty | ****1/2 | Very funny movie, Morgan Freeman was brilliant. Jim Carrey played his usual crazy self with some serious moments. It falls short of being as good as Liar Liar. |
| X2: X-Men United | ****1/2 | It's a comic book, so if they appear dead in the first movie, but are still important to the story they show up again, just as able bodied and ready to fight as if they hadn't been hurt. I was impressed with the effort that went into the movie, and the length of it. They didn't just make a hour and half movie, to make millions off the first one. It is well over two hours. I do find fault that it was even more violent than the first one, more death and blood to the point of gore. The soundtrack was also weak, not befitting a super hero movie. Is it better than the first one? I don't know, I would need to watch both of them again. The only reason X-Men shows up in the above list as a worthy movie of 2000, because it was a slow year for great movies. |
| Holes | ***1/2 | The likable modern characters in the movie were the kids, but nevertheless it is a funny movie for older people too. I say modern because a considerable portion of the movie takes place 3 generations or so earlier in memory scenes. The redneck camp instructors seemed like the guys from Home Alone, not the same actors, but that kind of clumsy bad guys. I like casting of Yelnats father being that of Henry Winkler, I think he does well in these hilarious roles just like in the Water Boy. |
| Finding Nemo | **** | This was no Shrek or Monsters, but it is still a heart warming digital cartoon. |
| Bulletproof Monk | ***1/2 | It was no Remo Williams, but it still has merit. The story was cool, the humor was good. It needed an awesome soundtrack, and better characters in the modern era. |
| Anger Management | *** | The plot was pretty wild, and appalling. The scenes with which they would set up for Adam Sandler to lose his temper, wasn't all that funny. I did laugh, but it wasn't a Sandler classic like the Wedding Singer or Happy Gilmore, or even as good as Mr. Deeds. Jack Nicholson's part, was the same part he plays in all his movies, the rash goodhearted mean person, and people love it for some reason. I never understood how the guy can play the exact same part in every movie, and he gets an award almost every time. However Adam Sandler is also playing the same part in every movie, but I happen to like him for it, and wonder why he doesn't get the awards that Jack has. You'll notice a lot of the same actors in Sandler's movies, and I've begun to love looking for them to show up, and I think it makes the movie even more entertaining. |
| Bend It Like Beckham | ***** | A Brittish Indian girl despite her parents goes off to play football (soccer for us Americans). Filled with comedy and wonderful music, this one is a must see. As I was walking out, I compared this movie with My Big Fat Greek Wedding, and I and others agreed that it was 10 times better. |
| The Core | **** | It is just like Armageddon, but not as good. Lots of impossible scenes, but still filled with comedy. Some scenes that were very intense. You could predict who would be left alive in the ending half way into the movie. |
| Catch Me If You Can | ***1/2 | A great true story about a brilliant thief before his time. It does a good job showing the character from all sides, you understand why he does what he does, and why the FBI is after him, and both characters are likable. It needed more humor and a soundtrack worthy of John Williams. |
| Children Of Dune | ***** | Sci-Fi channels sequel to last years Frank Herbert's Dune. The voices and the music were mesmerizing. The story stayed on the confusing side, but still very entertaining. The ending was a bit rough setting up for yet another sequel. |
| Shanghai Knights | ***1/2 | Funny... As good as the first one. Shanghai Noon |
| Two Weeks Notice | *** | Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock played their type-casted roles well. However it lacked substance. It needed more emotion or humor or something. |
| Maid In Manhattan | ***1/2 | It is good. The only problem is that its been done so many times. It doesn't stand out. |
| Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers | ***** | Another 3 hours of Lord Of The Rings bliss. Showing the courage of Man, Elf, Dwarf, and Hobbit against all odds. Missing some of the beauty that The Fellowship had, but it's the second part of three, so that was expected. |
| My Big Fat Greek Wedding | ***1/2 | It was funny, but not worth the hype and success that it has been given. There are many better Romantic Comedies listed even in this review page. |
| Reign Of Fire | **1/2 | I can't help but love the British actors. But that was about it. It beats the last two Jurassic Park movies. The story line was completely unbelievable, even from the stand point of fantasy. I can't tell you why without giving the ending away. |
| Star Trek: Nemesis | ***1/2 | I gave this movie 3 and half stars, but for a Star Trek it is a weakest of the series. They're trying to cater to a larger audience in this movie, to the dismay of hard-core Star Trek fans. I didn't mind the similarities to Star Trek 2. The only real redeeming factor was the reused music. Unfortunately due to the lack in theater attendance for this movie, it will likely be the end of the ST movies for a while. It was a fantastic series! |
| Taken (Sci-Fi mini-series) | ***** | Steven Spielberg's collaboration with the Sci-Fi channel. It was 10 two hour segments, covering aliens on earth since 1947 to the present. The first week was rough because, you would just get to like a certain character, and he would end up getting killed. However you can't help but keep watching. The second week was incredible, and your heart goes out to this little girl that is focus of all of the series. |
| The Count Of Monte Christo | **** | Well done movie, good music and story. My only issue with the movie, is the last 30 minutes is all about how this guy takes his revenge, despite the advice of an earlier character. |
| Chocolat | *** | Delightful movie. The story is a little slow, and comedy isn't the best, but still has merit. |
| Solaris | ****1/2 | This movie is not for everybody. It's very slow mesmerizing abstract Science Fiction. The music, camera angles, plot, was designed to leave you continually trying to understand what was happening. It could easily pass as a good Twilight Zone episode. |
| 8 Crazy Nights | *** | Funny, but it goes way too far. |
| Die Another Day | ***** | Bond comes back from two weak movies, to Die Another Day. Funny, intense, and all around thrilling movie. At the beginning I was surprised how different and serious it was from other Bond movies. |
| Transporter | *** | Mostly stupid violence. But some scenes have some humor worth a look. |
| K-19 | ** | One depressing scene after another. Good acting, and deep meaning. One could look at the movie, and ask oneself, what would I do in this situation? But not very entertaining. |
| Evolution | *** | Dumb Sci-Fi. David Duchovny works well here, in this spoof movie. |
| Showtime | *** | An attempt at humor, that misses. It was nice to see William Shatner, Robert De Niro, Eddie Murphy, in silly roles, but I didn't laugh much. William Shatner's character is interesting, because he plays himself, teaching the actors about his days on T.J. Hooker. |
| Tuxedo | ***1/2 | Another Bond take off, but this one, Jackie Chan does a very good job. The way they present the Tuxedo, it makes sense that it can do the things it does. It does get cheesy here and there, but it is still very funny. |
| Swimfan | ** | Very predictable movie. You get it from the commercial; Stupid guy, obsessed girl. |
| Signs | **1/2 | Quiet, slow, creepy movie. A few scenes caused me to chuckle, a few caused me to jump. But most of the movie, I was either shaking my head, or frowning. It tries to get you to believe in predestination. Imagine your in the movie Independence Day, except you are a small town Reverend. The highlight of the commercials, is the crop circles, however they spend little time examining what those mean, and spent more time developing the characters of the uninteresting small town family. It's like they had a script for a 6 hour movie, that was hacked up to 2. |
| Lilo & Stitch | ***1/2 | Very funny! Interesting Sci-Fi. I expected a little more, but still worth a look. |
| Simone | *** | When watching this you'll laugh a lot. But it takes a turn to the serious side, that doesn't really fit real well with the movie. |
| XXX | **1/2 | It had its moments. Most of the stunts in the movie should have killed him. The bad guys should have killed him. The music was rough, as was the action. It was an American version of a Bond movie, well as usual the British are better. |
| Men In Black II | **** | Great sequel! As good or better then the first one. |
| About A Boy | *** | Same style as Notting Hill, however no where near as entertaining. |
| Mr. Deeds | **** | Hilarious! Don't listen to the critics! |
| Minority Report | ****1/2 | A future fugitive! The music was by John Williams, but he must have been tired after Star Wars, so the music was weak. |
| Bourne Identity | ***** | A must see! Reminds me of 'The Saint' Good music, and thrilling action sequences. |
| Bad Company | **** | You go into the movie expecting a really silly Chris Rock film. However it is really well done, and the only silly part about it is Chris Rock. |
| Star Wars Episode 2: Attack Of The Clones | ***** | George does it again. Scene after scene of dazzle! As good as Episode 1... hmmm. As good as the original Star Wars Episode 4 absolutely! It will take its place among my favorites. Pay attention, there is much mystery. I've talked to many who have seen it more than once, yet still don't comprehend the things that are in the movie. |
| The Sum Of All Fears | **** | A bit less than I expected. The soundtrack was done by Jerry Goldsmith, who is usually incredible, but this movie was kinda quiet. It is all a bit slow. However it's slowness does not preclude the great mysteries, and the intensity of the situation near the end. You have to love all those reused actors for this type of movie, such as James Cromwell and Michael Byrne. |
| Spiderman | *** | Started off promising. But quickly descends into dorkyness, with a stupid bad guy. Oh, and of course the same time, a super hero is created, a super villian shows up, typical child like comic book stuff. If you like a lot of body-slamming this is your movie. The bright spot of the movie being Kirsten Dunst. The ending wasn't all that good either, with them setting you up for the sequels. If you want a super hero movie, watch Superman I. If you want body-slamming watch X-Men. |
| Clockstoppers | ***1/2 | Very entertaining. It slips over into the dorky side, but tolerable. Directed by Jonathan Frakes of Star Trek. He even slipped in a comical line that appears in most TNG episodes. |
| Ice Age | **** | Another awesome digital cartoon. Well written, with fantastic graphics. |
| Time Machine | **** | A little short, but sweet. Some hard to understand scenes. |
| Kate And Leopold | **** | It is of course first a love story. But there is some cool sci-fi in the movie, and of course it is very funny. |
| B5: The Legend Of The Rangers | **** | Sci-fi channels, 2 hour tele-film The latest Babylon 5 installment. The best TV you'll ever watch. |
| A Beautiful Mind | *** | Slow tear jerker. Good true story. |
| The Majestic | ***1/2 | A better tear jerker. |
| Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring | ***** |
Currently listed as my favorite movie. The best music,
photography, dialogue, and special effects. Great Sci-fi Actors:
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| The One | **** | More than just gratuitous violence. A lot of thought went into the science fiction in this movie. |
| Serendipity | *** | Another love story that just sort of happens. I've seen better. |
| Ocean's 11 | ***1/2 | I couldn't get over the plot. The whole plot of the movie is to knock over a casino. However they looked really cool doing it. That's the point of the movie, is everything was designed to look cool. Even the actors they choose. |
| Shallow Hal | ***1/2 | Funny, heart warming movie. I didn't expect much from it, I was surprised |
| K-Pax | *** | A bit slower than I hoped. You must pay attention. |
| Monsters Inc. | ****1/2 | I had to stuff my mouth, I was laughing so loud. Even some interesting science fiction, particularly the doors, and how the Montropolis energy crisis was solved. |
| Hearts in Atlantis | **1/2 | Slow, mildly interesting, clean movie. |
| Pearl Harbor | ****1/2 | Very well done. Aside from the love triangle, the characters and events really happened. I've heard many say they didn't like Ben Aflick, being one of two heros of the skies in the movie, when in fact there were two heros, that took off from a particular airport that shot down 6-8 planes, just like in the movie. |
| Musketeers | *** | Its been done. This time with dopey fight scenes. |
| Rat Race | *** | Go, Start, Commence, Begin! Hilarious! |
| Legally Blonde | ***1/2 | Better then I expected. |
| Antitrust | ***** | Keeps you on the edge of your seat. Interesting likeness to Microsoft CEO. The ad for the movie doesn't do it justice. This movie may make my favorite list. I'll have to watch it a dozen or so times. |
| The Princess Diaries | ***1/2 | Good, Clean, Funny movie |
| A Knight's Tale | *** | Too much fighting, not enough humor or story. |
| Rush Hour II | ***1/2 | Good sequel, I hope they make more |
| American Sweethearts | **1/2 | It was all right. Nothing special. |
| Planet of the Apes | ****1/2 | Interesting...Down right weird, especially the ending. Prepare for many sequels |
| Spy Kids | ***1/2 | Nice gadgets and actors. The story could have used some work. |
| Jurassic Park III | 1/2 | I can't believe my friends talked me into this. I almost walked out. |
| Final Fantasy | *** | You may have to watch more than once. Not for kids. |
| AI | **1/2 | Interesting, but slow and boring |
| Lara Croft: Tomb Raider | **** | Surprisingly great! |
| Atlantis | ****1/2 | Star Wars meets Star Gate in a animated film. |
| Shrek | **** | Super funny! Makes fun of all the old fairy tales |
| Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles (Episode 3) | *** | A decent follow-up movie. I laughed! |
| Finding Forester | *** | Inspirational, but also slow |
| Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon | **1/2 | Mostly stupid violence, but it has its moments. |
| Recess: Schools Out | ***1/2 | Hilarious! |
| Escanaba in Da Moonlight | **** | 5 Michigan UP'pers in a hunting shack. Hilarious! |
| 13 Days | **** | Excellent, intense, could have used maybe some more dramatization |
| Cast Away | *** | What I expected, I'm not about to cry over a Volleyball |
| Family Man | ***1/2 | Very interesting and funny |
| Miss Congeniality | **** | Very funny, good story, Sandra rocks |
| What Women Want | **1/2 | Interesting, but a bit boring |
| The Emperor's New Groove | *** | Very funny, but too short |
| Frank Herbert's Dune | **** | Well done, but too much blood for me |
| Bounce | *** | Good Movie, but could have used some climatic music and more humor. I was touched |
| Red Planet | *1/2 | Started off, really good, but then turned into, a "who's going to die next?" movie |
| Unbreakable | ** | Very interesting story, but they ran out of money or something and it died |