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Reviews
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
Potter movies are going downhill...
Both of us agreed, the Goblet of Fire was a soulless, mechanical, disappointment. The latest Potter movie has no humor, no wit, and substitutes frenetic action for plot and dialogue. The characters seem made of cardboard, being moved about by the director to advance the plot. There is none of the subtlety, or wit of the first movie. None of the character development and advancing friendship between the main characters of the second movie. As the Potter movies advance, they have steadily deteriorated. These movies now absolutely are not for children under 16 and are largely a waste of time. Special effects do not make the movie any more. We give the Goblet of Fire two thumbs down for sloppy script, lack of intelligence and substitution of mishmash for coherence.
Junebug (2005)
A challenging, engaging multi-layered tease of a film
Very few films create characters so interesting that you'll want to discuss and argue about them after leaving the theater. The plot, dialogue and direction are pieces of a puzzle that form an unusual study in personalities and culture. There were a few gratuitous sex scenes we could have done without. They added nothing, but overall most scenes in this film accomplish something and add to the overall enjoyment of the film. The transitional shots take us a little closer to the ambiance of this blue collar family living in North Carolina. The over the top wacky primitive artist is unbelievable yet...they are out there and there are nutty art collectors who do slobber over them and tell them lies to get their hands on their work. The movie presents characters you will recognize, even if you have never lived in the south. The shrew, the flighty estrogen driven daughter in law, the sullen, hurting brother. And the Dad is a masterpiece in understatement. You will get a lot out of this movie if you go to the cinema to be entertained and to think. If you are into car chases and explosions don't bother.
The Constant Gardener (2005)
very overrated, major flaws
We found the Constant Gardener to be a disappointment. Great cast, but poor script and directing made this movie a grade B flick. The directors use of blurry transitions and "cinema verite" jiggly wiggly camera work is the kind of cinema you see from the ranks of junior grade film schools students. The camera style was distracting and detracted from the film rather than add to the ambiance of the story. Fiennes was OK Weitz was good. But both were struggling to make their roles come alive. Fiennes was almost milkquetoast in his portrayal of a British agent who prefers backyard flower pots to intrigue. The book was better. The film has gotten fairly good reviews but these come from the politically correct or incorrect crowd (whichever your persuasion) who think the film has a message worth seeing. We think the film is ham handed and mawkish in delivering its message that the downtrodden of Africa are taken advantage of by western governments and multinational corporations. I have no argument with the premise. But I do expect a film to meet certain professional standards. This one was about as professional as Spike Lee's Bamboozled. (A better film than this one-- at least it was entertaining).
The Island (2005)
just another boring car chase..
Considering how much was spent producing The Island, it is just plain boring. Scene after scene of car chases car crashes and cheesy action sequences. Hollywood really has lost its mind. When a movie about penguins has better scripting, plot and character development than a mega million dollar blockbuster, you know we have a problem in Hollywood. You never really care about the characters. The script is amateurish. The special effects are recycled dregs from past action movies and were stagnant and old five years ago. This movie actually had potential but the director ruined it. The film was produced for eight year olds with attention deficit disorder. The plot barely sets up before the car crashes and chases begin. Go see something worthwhile. Pass this one by. Not worth your time or money. The film is another reminder that just because a studio spends a load of money on a film, it needs heart, soul and conviction to be worthwhile. This movie has none of those things. It is a big Chrysler commercial.
Brødre (2004)
A brilliant depiction of the impact of war on families
Best picture we've seen in 2005. Why can't Hollywood make movies like this any more? Great cast, great direction, dialogue perfectly written comes through with power even in Danish with English subtitles! Connie Nielsen is in a league with Myrl Streep as an actress. The portrayal of the rough and tumble relationship of the brothers is so real it seems alive. Make sure you see this movie either in the theatres or on DVD. Nielsen is gorgeous but realistically portrays a housewife. The parents are classic Scandinavians, stolid and down to earth. Two little girls are played with zest and great energy. And the brothers, are quite believable as brothers. If you are interested in serious cinema and grown up movies "Brothers" should be on your list.
The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
An entertaining movie that provokes some thought...
Some of those who have trashed this movie do so on the grounds of the science. But the fact remains, many animals from the pleiostene flash-frozen in Siberia and China. So at some point 10 to 20 thousand years ago there was indeed a huge rapid temperature drop. It may not have happened the way the movie depicts, but so what? The cast is good and the special effects are great. The pace is a bit rapid, but then weather needs some pacing in order to stay interesting. I would have liked to have seen more scenes from Europe and Asia, but the NYC stuff was spectacular. The Russian freighter drifting down Fifth Avenue was quite memorable as was the depiction of flash freezing fuel lines on British Royal Airforce Helicopters. Highly recommend this movie for anyone even remotely interested in climate and weather and smart hot high school coeds.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Big and Bloated...needed a good editor
If this movie had been edited to 2 1/2 hours it would have been a fine film. As it was.. The Return of the King was much too long, full of scenes that were much too long, redundant returns, and long and wistful glances over and over again. If this movie had been a pizza it would have been an extra-large anchovy, with hamburger, onion, garlic, sausage, mangoes, tomatoes, potatoes, strawberries, munster cheese, cheddar cheese, swiss cheese, apple slices, peaches, salmon and extra thick applications of oregano and pepper. In other words... too much and overdone. A great story, but poor execution, and the shame of it is.. there obviously were few if any budget constraints. A classic example of how less can indeed, be more..
The Cooler (2003)
A taut, well written drama
Excellent cast and acting by all the principals. This drama, based on one supernatural element, is otherwise a tight plot, with no holes. A pleasure to watch. Some violence may be a bit graphic. Not a typical hollywood-bollywood flick... much too realistic for that. I doubt the Vegas chamber will promote it, but it does depict the casino rackets with the glamor stripped off. An excellent movie.
Something's Gotta Give (2003)
A disappointment
A poorly scripted movie with a few amusing moments. The lead actors wasted their talents on this piece. The script had all the markings of an eighth grade romance drama with humor awkwardly worked in to provide comic relief. Nicholson sleepwalks his way through this one. Diane Keaton is a fine actress..but the character and script do not do her justice. She gamely attempts to make her character come alive, but barely succeeds. A money making potboiler from Hollywood. I would not recommend this movie, unless you only attend movies once or twice every two years. Then you'd probably enjoy it because you have nothing else to compare it to.
Gangs of New York (2002)
Bloated and pompous, great cast, awful script
An out of control epic that careens from one unbelievable situation to another. Too long by at least half an hour, some good editing would have helped, but overall it still would have been boring. A true misfire of a movie. Big cast, expensive sets, but disjointed and rambling. This movie was actually worse than I expected, and I expected a fairly bad movie. I would not recommend this movie to anyone except those who want a good example of vanity movie making.
Swimming Pool (2003)
A great movie that goes beneath the surface, with a twist..
This one is truly an escape from Hollywood. Moody, interesting, French setting, sex, sensuality, and a twist ending that will blow your mind. If you liked Mulholland Drive or Mememto.. you will like this one. A fine film with good acting and nice pacing.
The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
a big disappointment...
Special effects trumped plot and scripting in this sequel. A very disappointing movie. Long special effect sequences actually get to be boring after awhile. Neo has the personality of a fish and Trinity is about as sexy as a bag of rocks. Morpheus is given to long pompous statements that really have no depth.. If this movie were food, I'd have to say it was a big fat overcooked greasy cheeseburger.
Daredevil (2003)
Much worse than I expected, and I didn't expect much..
One of the worst movies I've been priveleged to see in the last couple of years. Gratuitous violence, smarmy, maudlin script, no character development and a plot full of holes. Maybe the super heros thing is about to run it's course. If this is any indicator, it's past time. A truly awful movie.
La guerre du feu (1981)
A rare masterpiece, anthropology and paleontology in a movie
If you are into "what if's" about human history, you must see this movie. It graphically traces a possible scenario that led to the ascendance of mankind above the animals. The event being, of course, the mastery of fire. Graphically violent at times, it will hold your attention and even spot you a bit of ironic humor at times. A great movie highly recommended for those interested in human history and the big picture.
The Quiet American (2002)
a great movie..see it on the big screen
A great cast, great mood setting cinematography and shot entirely in Vietnam. Do not miss this movie. It will prove to be a classic, and better to see it on the big screen for the full effect. Just a top drawer movie in all respects. Highly recommended.
Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002)
A must-see for those of the anthropological persuasion...
Just a great movie. Well presented, well acted, nicely photographed. A good true story, but not over dramatized or loaded down with the typical hollywood saccharine. Highly recommended. Take your Trent Lott sympathizer friends along....
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
a highly overrated bloated battle film
If you are not a rabid Lord of the Rings fan, don't bother going to see this movie. Highly over rated. Lots of gore and special effects showing dark soldiers marching to battle. Devoid of any real plot or character development. This middle picture is obviously meant to stretch movie profits and little more. NOT RECOMMENDED.
Diamond Men (2000)
A Classic Generational Film
Explores the ignorance and hormones of youth versus the wisdom and frailty of age. Great character development. Probably Forster's best acting role yet. Wahlberg shows great promise here and Bess Armstrong is just too believable. A down to earth, funny, ironic film. Especially recommended for young people who find themselves impatient with middle aged peers at work, or for middle aged business people who seek a good laugh.
Femme Fatale (2002)
A stylish, layered movie but a bit disappointing
The lead actress has looks and charisma and should have a very good future in films. A new Sharon Stone. The photography and staging is arty and interesting. But the movie is a rip off of major elements of Mulholland Drive. No more details than that so as not to take away the surprises. A lightweight role for Antonio Banderas. Worth seeing for the cinematography and style, but not for the plot.
Minority Report (2002)
a great movie with style and substance
I like this turn toward more serious material that Spielberg has taken. Minority report is a great effort. Entertaining, deep and stylish. I particularly liked the fact that the future setting was just there..as opposed to trying to beat us over the head with special effects. Good casting, good plot, and great drama. Highly recommend this movie for many reasons.
The Bourne Identity (2002)
An elegant intelligent thriller
One of Damon's better efforts lately. And the Potente actress is just great. I need to go check out her Lola Run movie. Haven't seen that one yet. Good casting, interesting plot, slightly far fetched in places, but overall entertaining, thrilling and plenty of curves to keep you in suspense. One of the better chase scenes in a mini-compact ever filmed, as well. Two thumbs up!
Italiensk for begyndere (2000)
A well crafted entertaining romance/tragicomedy
Again the Scandinavians come through with a movie of depth, intelligence, and subtle humor that is rarely found in Hollywood's wasteland. Great cast, nice plot, clever dialogue and heartwarming character development make this a movie not to miss.
The Rookie (2002)
A rare gem, good story that you can take the kids to see...
A really fine movie. Good acting, good plot, fine directing. And there is no profanity or gratuitous sex. In other words its a grown up movie, with no objectionable material. Take your 9 year old to see it with no qualms. Good movie for kids, but adults will enjoy this movie too.
Quaid is really believable and the chick who plays his wife is very credible. Three cheers for "The Rookie". BATTER UP!
The Rookie (2002)
A rare gem, good story that you can take the kids to see...
A really fine movie. Good acting, good plot, fine directing. And there is no profanity or gratuitous sex. In other words its a grown up movie, with no objectionable material. Take your 9 year old to see it with no qualms. Good movie for kids, but adults will enjoy this movie too.
Quaid is really believable and the chick who plays his wife is very credible. Three cheers for "The Rookie". BATTER UP!
The Score (2001)
A well crafted flick
Three crafty actors...from three different generations and a beautiful woman and big bad bouncer make for a tasty movie treat. Highly recommend this movie for those who enjoy DiNiro or Ed Norton. They create a fine, taut drama with a rousing twist at the end.