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Bad
Company (PG-13,
2002)
... Average: 2.0
(Chris Rock, Anthony Hopkins, Gabriel Macht, John Slattery,
Peter Stormare) |
 |
 Sue
Hohenadel
I'll be the first to admit that I agreed to see this movie because I
am in awe of Sir Anthony Hopkins and Chris Rock makes me laugh. By
the end of the movie, I was not disappointed.
Bad Company is the story of a CIA director (Hopkins) who is involved in an
underground sting operation to purchase some kind of nuclear devise from
the Czech mafia. Rock is an agent who has infiltrated the Czech
organization as a potential buyer. Unfortunately, he gets killed
before the deal goes through.
Enter Chris Rock (again) as the twin brother of the slain CIA agent.
Rock has no idea that he had a brother and even less of an idea how to be
a well educated, cultured CIA agent. How he transitions from street
hustler to man-about-town operative is good for a couple of belly laughs.
Bad Company is a little far-fetched -- most of Jerry Bruckheimer's films
are. But there's enough laughs, suspense and action to hold your
attention for a couple of hours. It's a better than most popcorn
flick that isn't overly taxing, overly gruesome, or over directed.
And if nothing else, you'll find yourself staring at Anthony Hopkins just
waiting for him to sneer, "Hello, Clarice..."
|
Bandits
(PG-13, 2001)
... Average: 2.5
(Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton, Cate Blanchett, Troy
Garity, Bobby Slayton) |
 |
 Chris
Mal
Bandits is the story of an odd-couple of X-cons (Bruce Willis and
Billy Bob Thornton) who have broken out of prison, and begin robbing banks
to in an effort to finance their dream "paradise" in Acapulco.
Willis plays the impulsive, suave and irresistible "Joe," while Thornton
plays the gentle hypochondriac worry-wart "Terry." They become famous
for their unique scheme of robbing the banks by first going to the house of
the bank manager, staying overnight with their families, treating them
quite nicely and then having them open the bank early to take the
money. Their bank robbing plans and their love lives become
unexpectedly complicated when they are joined by a crazy, manic-depressive
and bored
housewife (Cate Blanchett) in search of herself and an escape from her
ordinary life.
The problem with Bandits is that it doesn't seem to know what it wants to
be. Is it a comedy? Or is it an action film? As such it
doesn't strike a cord strongly in any direction. As a comedy it was
mildly amusing, but not greatly so. As an action film, there were
too many times when it just wasn't moving along fast enough.
Oddly, individually, I was quite pleased with the efforts of the main
characters - Willis, Thornton and Blanchett. It's a rare case
of the sum equaling less than the parts. The plot probably sounded
really good on paper. And I can't really explain why, but the
execution of the plot just seemed forced to me. It's not a bad
movie, but definitely just a rental.
|
Bare
Wench Project (R,
2000)
... Average: 0.5
(Nikki Fritz, Julie Strain, Lorissa McComas, Antonia
Dorian, Lenny Juliano, Julie Smith) |
|
 Drew
Gallagher
In an effort at full disclosure, I must concede that I never saw "The
Blair Witch Project" but feel that this hidden gem probably did it
tremendous justice. It was true to the plot of the original provided that
the original was about four sorority girls with really big breasts seeking
out the mythical Bare Wench. Without giving away too much of the
textured plot, these four women climb a "mountain" (Everest it
isn't, but the money saved on setting was obviously pumped back into the
film in the hiring of gifted actresses and scriptwriters) taking their
tops off at constructive intervals in search of proof that the Bare Wench
really exists. It is a haunted "mountain" with the women
getting hornier with each step of ascent. The suspense of the final
scene when they are confronted by the actual Bare Wench is right up there
with who shot Mr. Burns on The Simpsons. The only lingering mystery
of this film is where was it at Oscar time? But as my good friend
Greg Ciambruschini pointed out, when you have such a talented ensemble
cast they often blend so well that the efforts of the whole surpass those
of the individual.
|
Beautiful
Girls (R, 1996)
... Average: 4.0
(Natalie Portman, Rosie O'Donnell, Uma Thurman, Matt
Dillon, Noah Emmerich) |
|
|
 Chris
Mal
Yes, this could possibly be considered one of those proverbial
"chick flicks" but I liked it, and I liked it quite a bit.
Maybe because if you are a guy, you've probably either felt the growing
pains of sorting out your true views on women, or that misplaced desire to
be with a "perfect" woman or, at least, a perfect looking
woman. Anyone who's ever been in a long-term relationship should see
this movie. Wow, that sounded really chick-flickish, but it's not
really a mushy movie.
 It's a wide cast of characters, brought together for a 10-year class
reunion, all of the men sorting out their problems. They are a
motley crew, not unlike your typical group of high school buddies, none of
them quite turning out to be the people they thought they'd be. Wow,
again that sounds like the basis for a total girl movie ... but, again,
it's not, really.
When it comes down to it, this is really just a movie about people in
general. Initially I thought there wasn't too much of a point to the
movie beyond the voyeuristic pleasure of watching the characters interact
- almost like the movie "Diner" (which, conversely, I thought
sucked out loud). But then as the movie rolls along you begin to
grasp the subtle point.
 The dialog in the movie is fantastic and very real. The characters
were all very compelling. The cast is EXCELLENT and the chemistry
between the characters is equal to the quality of the cast.
Natalie Portman has fewer scenes than some of the other characters, but
gets top billing - and for good reason. I believe she's only about
13 when this movie was filmed, but she is dazzling and totally
beguiling. An absolutely brilliant child performance. It's no
surprise that she has gone on to star in other movies and performed
admirably.
It's entertaining, it's touching, it mixes comedy with real-life everyday
situations, it's thought-provoking, and it's highly recommended next time
you're in the mood for something refreshing.
|
A Beautiful Mind
(PG-13, 2001) ... Average:
4.5
(Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly, Adam Goldberg, Paul Bettany,
Christopher Plummer,
Judd Hirsch, Anthony Rapp, Josh Lucas ... And directed by Ron Howard!) |
|
|
 Chris
Mal
Russell Crowe plays John Forbes Nash, Jr. a seemingly eccentric and
arrogant mathematical genius and loner at Princeton University. The
movie follows his life from his first days as a graduate student in 1947,
obsessed with finding an idea that will make him matter ... through the
heights of his notoriety when the ensuing acclaim wins him a coveted
teaching and research position at M.I.T. It is there that he meets
his wife who loves him for his oddball mind and not despite it, as well as
a shadowy government agent (played by Ed Harris) who recruits him for a
top-secret project ... to the depths of sorrow when you realize that his
social awkwardness and misbehaviors were due to schizophrenia. The film is
fearless in its depiction of schizophrenia, which is presented as very
real, very scary and very much a disease. This is not madness as whimsy or
anti-authority rebellion. It�s madness as something difficult, something
intrusive, something literally sickening.
From there he deteriorates, ultimately finding himself institutionalized
and medicated. And, it is there that he would have remained if it
were not for his incredibly loyal and loving wife (played by the insanely
beautiful Jennifer Connelly) who stands by his side through their
harrowing journey. If this were fiction, Nash's wife would have
seemed extremely unrealistic - way too good to be true. But, as it
is, this is
 a true story! Thanks to her, the story ultimately has a
very happy ending. It's hard to give many details of just how great
this movie is without spoiling it for you, so I'll have to refrain from
saying any more for the sake of anyone who has yet to see this gem.
This movie is absolutely fantastic, a definite must-see - A BEAUTIFUL
MOVIE. Now that I've seen
"Training Day" and this, there is no doubt in my mind that Russell
Crowe was shafted on this one simply because he (deservedly) won Best
Actor last year (for "Gladiator"),
and they apparently wanted to give it to Denzel Washington who had never
won before. Don't get me wrong, Denzel was awesome in "Training
Day," but Crowe's performance here was phenomenal.
A Beautiful Mind is an inspiration, a triumph of the human spirit.
|
|
Big Fish (PG-13, 2003)
... Average: 3.0
(Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup,
Jessica Lange, Danny DeVito, Helena Bonham Carter) |
|
 Mike
Capilo (a.k.a. E. Kim Olipac)
At first I wanted to see this movie because I thought there might be
some Sea Bass shots. (not shot, Mr. Mal; rather photos so I could revel
in their beauty.) But, I was wrong...no sea bass at all. Instead, only
a lousy catfish! That makes this fish movie a sea bass haters dream.
As for the rest of the movie...wait for the video. It's not a bad
flick. It also isn't a date movie, a movie that makes you think, great
visually or anything that requires it to be seen on the big screen.
To summerize: no sea bass, no cinematic appeal, and no reason to run
out to see it....did I mention the actors did a nice job? Well, they
did! |
|
Black
Hawk Down (R, 2001)
... Average: 2.75
(Josh Hartnett, Tom Sizemore, Ewan McGregor, Sam
Shepard, William Fichtner) |
|
|
Drew Gallagher
|
|
 Brian Hohenadel (courtesy of Sue
Hohenadel)
(Editor's Note: This review is provided by my husband -- I did not see
this movie.)
Hey...I like to see things blown up as much as the next guy, but this
movie was too much. It was long, it got boring, and all it is is
people, buildings, people, cars, people, tanks, people, planes, more
people and anything else standing getting blown to smithereens.
I thought "Saving Private Ryan" was graphic, but this movie
takes the cake. I can only take so many intestines falling out,
limbs being blown off and dead and horribly wounded people all over the
screen.
Be glad you (Sue) didn't go -- you would have bitched the whole time!
(Editor's Note: Thanks, Honey.)
|
Blair
Witch Project (R,
1999)
... Average: 4.5
(Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard, Michael Williams,
Bob Griffith, Jim King) |
|
 Chris
Mal
I don't usually go back and review movies that I saw prior to creating
this web site, but I thought I'd give this movie the backing that I think
it deserves. This was THE scariest movie that I have ever
seen. No lie, and no exaggeration. I am telling you with
conviction that I was mortified during this movie.
It seems you either loved this movie or you hated it. I know some
people who actually thought I was joking when I said it was one of the
best horror movies of all time, but I'm baffled as to how anyone could
feel that way.
Yes, I thought the "we're filming this in the woods with a hand-held
camera" thing was a bit overdone in the beginning of the movie, but
it seemed to me that was done just to get the point across. That
"effect" was minimized and utilized only when necessary to make
the movie seem more real as the movie went along.
I also found Donahue's screaming to be a bit TOO ear-piercing at times,
but then again, if you can get caught up in the situation of the movie -
which I certainly did - I bet I would have screamed my ass off at times as
well if I was her.
What made some people hate the movie was that you don't totally see
"the witch" at any point during the entire movie. But, to
that I say, so what? What is more terrifying that something that you
know is there but can't be seen? What is more scary then being lost
in the woods in near total darkness knowing there is something lurking
about?
If you love scary movies, this was the scariest!
|
|
Tony
Porco (CLICK
HERE to go to Tony Porco's Movie Reviews Page)
When I was growing up in Phoenix, my family spent a lot of time
camping in rural Arizona and Utah. I remember these
trips well, and they will always be among my favorite memories from
childhood. Nevertheless, there was one thing I always hated about
those trips�the dark, dark nights in the middle of nowhere, with no lights
except the stars, and even those sometimes hard to see from deep in a thick
forest. I can still remember how scared I used to be, how I loved the
bucolic outdoor days but dreaded the nights. What does any of this have to
do with The Blair Witch Project? Plenty, because it is a film that
recreates this kind of irrational, primal terror, along with the odd and
paradoxical excitement that comes with it. I don't normally like to be
scared, in movies or in real life. This movie compelled me, and even
moved me in a strange way, with its almost palpable recreation of those
scary, black woods, and the old legends that grow in them as readily as the
tall pines.
By now, most of you know the story�three young film
students, full of urban-artist cockiness, set off for a small town north
of Frederick, Maryland to make a documentary on the local legend of the
Blair Witch, a haunting, possibly deadly presence in the woods around the
town.
Instead of the omniscient observing camera that most movies have,
everything that is seen and experienced comes through their hand-held
devices. (Much has been made of the film's mock-documentary feel,
and how irritating it is to watch these cameras shaking and getting
jostled. Personally, I got used to this about fifteen minutes into
the film, and didn't think of it much after that).
There are plenty of implausibilities; for one thing, I've been to the town
where the film is set, and there aren't quite enough woods for what
transpires there. That said, I gave the credibility stretches little
thought, because I was too glued to the screen to even consider them.
That, of course, is one of my major criteria for judging the worth of any
movie. |
Blair Witch 2: Book of Shadows (R,
2000)
... Average: 0.5
(Tristan Skylar, Stephen Barker Turner, Jeffrey Donovan,
Kim Director, Erica Leerhsen) |
|
Tony
Porco (CLICK
HERE to go to Tony Porco's Movie Reviews Page)
 As
I have mentioned before, I usually don't like sequels; most of them are just
cheap money-makers. The Star Wars and Star Trek franchises are among the
few exceptions. So why did I see this movie? I liked the first Blair Witch
project, and I figured that if I liked the first and second Star Trek movies
and the first and second Star Wars movies, I would end up liking the first
and second Blair Witch movies. Boy, was I stupid. This so-called movie
does everything it can to eliminate every last likable thing about the first
film, while coasting on that film's success. The suspense and tension are
gone, replaced by a predictable (and slow) plot. The eerie silences are
gone, replaced by a tiresome, please-as-many-teenagers-as-possible
grunge-rock soundtrack. The primal, dark-woods scariness is gone, with much
of the movie taking place in a slacker's old warehouse. Even the local
characters and their ominous warnings are gone, replaced with tiresome
redneck cliches.
Meanwhile, everything that was merely tolerable (or downright annoying)
about the first BWP is back, this time about ten times worse. Instead of
three over-actors playing somewhat grating characters, we have five of them,
and with (maybe) one exception, they're all twice as irritating as anyone in
the first movie. Even the plot is more minimal in the sequel than in the
first movie; it all revolves around a local slacker/bad boy (Jeff Patterson)
who takes curious fans of the first movie (yes, you guessed it--all the
other characters) out for excursions to the mysterious sights in rural
Maryland associated with the first movie. Maybe that's the whole problem;
there was just too much hip, postmodern reference-to-pop-culture pablum
here, and not enough thought as to what would make a decent movie, let alone
a decent sequel. Even the movie's few good ideas, like a twist that is (or
would have been) a genuine surprise, are so buried in the murk that is the
script that they end up totally unenjoyable.
I have one word that sums up this movie, or rather, one acronym: MST3K. It
is the worst movie I've seen in recent years, except for The Matrix. (As a
postscript, I remember reading after the first BWP came out that some
followers of the Wiccan religion were offended by that movie. That surprised
me, since the whole Blair Witch thing has nothing to do with real witches
beyond its title, but of course they have a right to think about the movie
whatever they want. These people need to think carefully before seeing this
sequel, because its cast of characters includes a tiresome self-proclaimed
"witch," played by the normally attractive Erica Leehrson, who will offend
them far more than anything in the first movie did. If you fall into this
category, consider yourself warned.) |
Bless
the Child (R, 2000)
... Average: 3.0
(Kim Basinger, Angela Bettis, Jimmy Smits, Rufus Sewell, Christina Ricci,
Holliston Coleman)
|
|
Bill
DeHaven
Intense, suspenseful.
|
|
Chris
Mal
In "Bless the Child," the second-coming of Jesus Christ is
born as a girl (Holliston Coleman) to a drug addict. The mother
abandons the little girl leaving her with her sister, played by Kim
Basinger. A Satanic cult, led by a character played by Rufus Sewell,
learns of the fact that "the savior" was born on a specific
date, and begins weeding out children born on that day. This appears
to the police initially as just the ploy of some sort of serial killer
until clues - revealed by an FBI Agent played by Jimmy Smits - lead them to
a more frightening realization.
 The
movie has a very "Omen"-like feel to it, with plenty of bizarre
happenings, and some intense confrontations
between good and evil that are creepy and very real.
Unfortunately, there are a few too many holes in the plot. For
example, clearly the FBI and Police were hot on the trail of this Cult,
yet Kim Basinger's character was constantly frustrating the audience by
defying them and running off on her own. Why? It was totally
out of character, and seemed unnecessary. The two heroes of the film
- Smits and Basinger - make stupid decision after stupid decision to the
point of annoyance. Then, during the dramatic conclusion, where the
heck did everyone go? Kim Bassinger and Jimmy Smits were left all by
themselves to fight evil and then, once victorious, all of a sudden everyone
else showed up? Minor, yes, but there were a long string of that
sort of minor example throughout the movie.
The acting as a whole was sub-par. Kim Basinger, in particular,
seemed extremely flat in her delivery - and I must not have imagined it
because Bev said that same thing just before I was going to make the same
comment.
The film also becomes a little too....literal, is, I guess, the best
word. Did we need to see flying demons, horned devils and such
silliness? Hard to explain what I mean if you
didn't see the movie, but the clearly-superimposed animated demons were a
little hokey.
Speaking of silly, I found it amusing that when Basinger's car was falling
off of a bridge that it couldn't just splash into the cold waters
below. It, of course, had to explode into a ball of flames first.
All of the police are stereo-typically dumb. While the FBI guy (Smits)
uncovers clues they - stereo-typically - think he's just a nuisance and a
crack-pot. (Why is this the case in all movies where the FBI and
police have to intermix? I would love to know if all cops really
despise FBI agents as Hollywood has portrayed so many times over.)
The little girl - played by Holliston Coleman - is VERY impressive.
Unlike most child actors and actresses, she's very believable and
convincing.
Aside from all of that, it did keep my attention, at least, so I guess I
can give it a mediocre 2.5 stars, but there are better rentals than this.
|
Blow
(R, 2001) ... Average: 3.5
(Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Jordi Molla, Ray Liotta, Rachel Griffiths)
|
|
Sue Hohenadel (a.k.a. Catgirl)
I was a little skeptical about seeing "Blow" since I'm not
well versed in drug smuggling. It didn't matter.
"Blow" is based on the true story of George Jung, an average guy
from an average family who decides that he wants to make money without
working for it. He and his friend head to California where they
start selling small bags of weed on the beach. That's the beginning
of the end.
There are two recurring messages throughout the movie -- enough never
seems to be enough, and you can't have any sort of heart or conscience in
the drug trade. Too bad that George never gets either of those
messages.
The movie chronicles George's highs (figuratively and literally) and lows.
Along the way, he loses friends, family, money, and what's left of his
mind.
Blow is a sad story -- I found myself feeling sorry for George because
he's really a nice -- if pathetically gullible -- guy. In the end,
he doesn't want to continue selling drugs, but it's all he knows how to
do. The only justification I have for my reaction to George is
Johnny Depp's dead-on portrayal of the character.
And speaking of Johnny Depp...how hot is he?
Strange career notwithstanding (21 Jump Street to Edward Scissorhands to
Donnie Brasco), Depp is great in the lead role. He made me laugh,
made me cringe and made me feel sorry for the character. And I was
wasn't alone, judging from the collective "oooohs and aaaaahs"
in the theater.
Ray Liotta is sad as George's father -- a man worn down by life and
family. George's mother is a witch from the beginning of the movie
until the bitter end.
"Blow" is worth the ticket price; minimal violence, bizarre
cinematography (a Demme production ritual), a few laughs and uninterrupted
Depp-gazing.
|
Boiler
Room (R, 2000)
... Average: 3.0
(Giovanna Ribisi, Ben Affleck [kind of], Nia Long) |
|
|
 Cat
Girl (a.k.a. Sue Hohenadel)
I went to see this movie for two reasons: the trailers promoting it looked good, and to see my future husband (although he doesn't know it
yet) Ben Affleck. The movie lives up to the commercials -- it's a slick, gritty depiction of small-time, stock broker wannabes and how they'll do and say anything to make money and screw gullible people.
This is one of the few movies I've seen recently in which I DID NOT look at my watch. The characters hold your attention in a "morbid curiosity" sort of way. You know your supposed to be repulsed by these guys, but you can't help watching and wondering what they're going to do next.
As for the second of the two reasons I went to see this movie, I got screwed. Ben is in the movie for all of 5 minutes. He's great when he's
on screen, but he is not a main character. If you wanna see a Ben Affleck movie, rent "Chasing Amy."
All-in-all, a good Wednesday night, I-can't-watch-Regis-one-more-time-this-week-or-I'll-snap kind of movie.
|
Bounce
(PG-13, 2000) ... Average: 3.5
(Ben Affleck, Gwyneth Paltrow, Alex D. Linz, Jennifer Grey, Tony Goldwyn,
Natasha Henstridge)
|
|
Chris
Mal
 This
movie looked like a winner from the previews that I saw, and didn't
disappoint. It was a very cute movie, and very well acted.
It also was, however, one MAJOR "chick flick." Guys, if
you don't like this sort of sensitive emotional aww-isn't-that-sweet kind
of movie - STAY AWAY! I can, on occasion, find it in myself to
"get in touch with my feminine side" and enjoy this sort of
movie, and this was pretty good.
The movie sets Ben Affleck, a big-time advertising agent who is completely
full of himself, in an airport about to get on a plane to fly back home to
L.A. He meets a hot woman in the airport and decides to stay and
"get a piece." So, he gives his ticket to a sweet
middle-aged guy who was flying home but had his earlier flight
delayed. The plane crashes, and Affleck's life follows suit. A
year later, Affleck, still feeling guilty and somehow responsible for the
guy's death, turns his life around, and stops in to see the widow to make
sure she is doing OK. She has no idea that he was supposed to be the
one on the plane. I won't give the rest away but you can see where
it is going, and that is probably the movie's only real flaw - it was
somewhat predictable, but that didn't really take away from my enjoyment
of the story very much.
Ben Affleck and Gwyneth Paltrow really made this movie work. Both
are brilliant. (And for all of you ladies, I'm told that even if
your sound isn't working Ben Affleck is probably worth the price of the
rental!)
In a similar genre (and actually, now that I think about it, a similar
story) "Return to Me" (with David Duchovny and Minnie Driver)
was better, but this was still a good movie. Recommended.
|
Boys
Don't Cry (R, 1999) ... Average: 3.13
(Hilary Swank,
Chloe Sevigny, Peter Sarsgaard, Alison Folland, Brendan Sexton III) |
|
|
 Tony
Porco (CLICK
HERE to go to Tony Porco's Movie Reviews Page)
In 1993, Teena Brandon, a young Nebraska woman dealing with what she
described as a "sexual identity crisis," began living as a man
and calling herself Brandon Teena. For this affront, two despicable
ex-cons brutally murdered her. This true story was made into a
powerful, tragic film by Kimberly Peirce that attacks the hatred of gays
and lesbians that is all too common in this country and this world.
Hilary Swank is perfectly cast as young Teena; her characterization is
thoroughly believable, and sympathetic without a lot of idealization or
bathos. Chloe Sevigny (who first appeared in Kids back in the early
90's) does almost as good a job as her main love interest, a bored teenage
girl. The supporting players are all (too) believable as well, and
the only major objection is a technical one--Peirce and her
cinematographer use shots of fast-motion clouds over the flat Nebraska
landscape one too many times.
The story is so strong that it seems almost unfair to point this out.
This is a movie that will not permit you to forget it, or to forget an
unfortunate person that hate destroyed.
|
|
Chris
Mal
Wow..........I don't know what else to say...............I've
described movies as "disturbing" before, but this movie totally
redefines the word "disturbing." And that really has
absolutely nothing to do with the fact that this is a true story about a
woman with a "sexual identity crisis." That facet of the
movie didn't really phase me. In fact, Hilary Swank does such a good
job of playing the role that you almost forget she's
a woman mid-way through the movie.
The disturbing parts are, firstly, the freaking trailer trash losers that
her life was thrown into. These people were so ungodly low on the food chain
that it actually made me uncomfortable. The
 uncomfortably
was escalated by Swank's character (remember, this is a true story)
masking her true identity throughout the movie. The whole situation
had me nervous from start to finish - the kind of nervous you feel when
something bad is about to happen. This, I would say, is a tribute to
the tremendous job done by Swank. And finally, the ultimate in
disturbing was the last 45 minutes or so - absolutely horrific and
graphic....and wow, disturbing. I won't go into details as to
not spoil it for those who haven't seen it.
There are also some sexual parts of the movie that I imagine would
make some people's skin crawl, but it didn't really
bother me at all. Unlike your typical gratuitous movie sex scenes, the
sexual parts of this movie are necessary to the plot. Unless your a
serious homophobe you should be able to deal with it.
The movie, essentially, is just a look into the tragic life of someone
with one of the most peculiar disorders imaginable. In a way it's
just voyeuristic, but certainly does keep you on the edge of your edgy
seat. If you're looking for an up-lifter, this sure isn't it.
If you are looking for theatrical gem, I think you just found it. |
|
|
Rory Pfeifer
To quote Rory, "Even though I'm a big fan of the Art of
Lesbianism, it just didn't do anything for me. I'll give it 3 stars,
but mostly just for her acting. Besides that it was just
depressing." |
|
|
Janel Pfeifer
Yes, Dad, it was depressing. I guess we are looking at two point of
views. Women, please watch it with a man. Great acting but tough to watch.
Remember it is a true story. :) |
Bringing
Out the Dead (R, 1999)
... Average: 0.0
(Nicolas Cage, John Goodman, Patricia Arquette, Ving Rhames, Mary Beth
Hurt) |
| (No
Stars)
|
 Kerry
McGuinness
This movie was stupid and boring, almost painful to have to sit
through. Even Nicholas Cage was a dum dum in this flick. If you watch it,
all you want is for the movie to end. I do not recommend even picking it
up and reading the back of the box in the video store. Just swear it off.
Don't be fooled (like me) if you see the trailer for it when you rent
another movie. Don't even consider it -- even if you are a Martin Scorsese
fan. This movie, in a word, sucked.
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Brokedown
Palace (PG-13, 1999) ... Average: 2.0
(Claire Danes, Kate
Beckinsale, Bill Pullman) |
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Rory
Pfeifer
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Bruce Almighty
(PG-13, 2003)
... Average: 3.0
(Jim Carrey, Jennifer Aniston, Morgan Freeman, Lisa Ann Walter, Nora Dunn) |
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 Sue Hohenadel
Let me get this out of the way before I say anything else -- I am not
a Jim Carrey fan. He reminds me of Robin Williams -- too much. Always
on, always over-the-top, and always annoying. That being said, I was
pleasantly surprised by this movie.
Bruce Almighty is the story of Bruce Nolan, a tv reporter -- the guy who
gets the "cutesy" stories that makes folks laugh, but is never taken
seriously enough to get the coveted anchorperson job. When one of the
nightly newscasters is set to retire, Bruce and his nemesis, Evan, are up
for the job. Of course, Bruce doesn't get it and finds out during a live
feed. He has meltdown in front of the camera and subsequently loses his
job.
Things start to unravel from there. Bruce starts a huge pity party for
himself and, when all else fails, turns to God to find out why his life
sucks.
The scenes with Carrey and Morgan Freeman -- who plays God -- are
terrific. Freeman's low-key delivery offsets Carrey's manic facial
expressions and silliness. And Carrey is relatively contained throughout
the movie, trying to figure out what he should do with his new-found
powers and learning some valuable lessons in the meantime. And Jennifer
Anniston is actually very good as Carrey's girlfriend -- she plays well
off him and you can see that she must have had a blast making the movie.
Bruce Almighty is a movie with a message. Through the laughs and the
antics, there are some powerful lessons to be learned. Some are subtle,
and others smack you right out of your seat. In all, it's just a nice,
little movie that gives you a subtle kick in the ass.
See the movie -- in theaters or rental. It may change your mind about a
lot of things, including Jim Carrey.
And if I ever have the opportunity to meet God, I hope he really is Morgan
Freeman.
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Mike Capilo
Drew Gallagher
Chris
Mal
Mike
Capilo