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Reviews
Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004)
So much better than the first (sorry) attempt...
I am a "Scooby Doo" fanatic!! No one was more excited about the live action version back in 2002 than me (although I was looking forward to a Scarborough-esque retelling when Mike Myers was still attached to the project (complete with a Barenaked Ladies cover of the second greatest theme song in television history!!)). I, a 30+ year-old woman, much to the chagrin and delight of my friends/work colleagues, even had a "Scooby Doo" countdown. I bought my nieces and friends (forced to accompany me to what was sure to be the film event of a generation) Scooby-Doo merchandise. Nothing could ruin this moment for me, until I actually saw the film! Needless to say that my utter disappointment in their first attempt (Shaggy is a vegetarian...hello what about all of those salami sandwiches he and Scooby ate in the cartoons!!) didn't put me in a state of readiness for the second offering but my love of that wacky Great Dane and the promise of the superb Seth Green did make me want to see Number 2...a little bit. Well, this time I was not disappointed! They actually got it right this time!! A tribute rather than a joke at the expensive of long time (and yes over 30!) fans and only one fart joke (and not a bad one at that!)! It was great to see all the old monsters creatively redone in CGI! The cast was excellent (ok, it's not Shakespeare but they did a great job with the fantastic, pure camp that they had and it was good, old-fashioned fun camp this time too!). And yes, Seth Green was amazing as ever (psycho, cute, and lovable all wrapped up in one neat little package!) So, go and see SD2, especially if you didn't like the first one. If you're anything like me (and heaven help you if you are!) you'll like it...a lot!!!
Ella Enchanted (2004)
For those who never want to outgrow the chance of a Happy Ending
Admittingly, when one reaches a certain age they are supposed to let go of the notions that life can actually be a fairy tale and that "happily ever after" can be more than just words in a book. But isn't there a little girl in every woman who still believes that she can win the heart of her Prince Charming? "Ella Enchanted" is a movie for all of those who still believe in the fantasy (even just a little bit!) and all of those who like to escape to an alternate reality where dreams really do come true. It is full of innocent love and obvious comedy with a few good musical numbers thrown in for good measure. The movie-goer is invited to put on their rose coloured glasses and view the world as it might be if we did indeed live between the pages of a book. What would our taxis look like, or our malls? And how could you marry the notion of being a strong-willed, independent woman with being a soft-hearted, sweet girl who's falling in love? Anne Hathaway continues to elude a screen presence full of spunk and charm. Hugh Dancy is suitably rugged and handsome (in a teenage girl's dream kind of way). And it is a real treat to see Cary Elwes as the cartoon villian, oozing charisma and character, the complete opposite (although just as charming and handsome!!) as his heroic turn in "The Princess Bride". All in all, any fan of the romantic genre or the fairy tale comedy (yes, indeed the elements of "Shrek" are palpable!) will love to carried away and certainly this movie "won't go breakin' your heart."
Cold Mountain (2003)
There Are No Small Actors
This is a great drama that contains many interesting elements of romance, struggle, and the human condition, that nicely combine into a satisfying plot but it is truly the actors (and mainly the supporting ones at that) that make this a film worth seeing. There are many striking performances from individuals who ofter go above and beyond their pre-established skill levels. Indeed, it is not the actors telling the story but rather the characters themselves. The Stanislavski method was definitely in use and just as the actors had immersed themselves in the roles, we, the audience we're able to be fully immersed in the story. Of particular note (besides, of course, the incomparable Renee Zellweger, who is fantastic but won her Oscar based not only on this performance but that of the last three years of work!) are Natalie Portman, Giovanni Ribisi, Kathy Baker and Philip Seymour Hoffman, who all make the most of their brief, yet poignant, appearances in the film. Each of these actors make their jobs seem effortless and all have an incredible way of getting at the soul of the piece and the heart of the audience. All in all, this is a fine drama and worth at least one look. Be prepared to get lost in the story and inwardly applaud those who made its telling possible.
Starsky & Hutch (2004)
70s Cool, 2000s Laughs, and Vince Vaughn's oh so Sexiness!
If you need a good laugh or just want to see how hot (my future brother-in-law) Owen Wilson looks in tight jeans and biker leathers, then go and see "Starsky and Hutch". It's a perfect escape movie--filled with good-looking, funny men who don't take themselves too seriously (Ben Stiller's earnest (and hilarious) performance of serious cop David Starsky not withstanding) and many different types of humour that combine to give you an hour and a half of blissful non-thinking! Special mention should be given not only to the aforementioned cute and funny Stiller and Wilson, who always seem to fit together as an unbeatable odd couple, but also to the uber-sexy and ultra-cool Vince Vaughn who steals every scene that he is in with his dry wit and unique way of talking. What can I say, the guy is always money, baby!! And Snoop Dog plays it straight and cool as Huggy Bear, not overacting and not buying into his own hype. There were also fine performances from Jason Bateman and Juliette Lewis (though this is definitely not a movie that supports any strong feminists views nor as any "great roles" for women!!) So throw in some great car chases, funny disguises, and did I mention the really sexy Vince Vaughn, and you've got a movie that's definitely worth seeing (though maybe half price Tuesday is your best option!). So go see "Starsky and Hutch". Do it. Do it!
Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights (2004)
If you can't say something nice...at least compliment the wardrobe!
All good parents tell their children "If you can't say something nice, then don't say anything at all." (Of course, most good parents also warn you about running all over a foreign country at all hours of the night, but I digress!) So....
(INSERT EXTRA LONG PAUSE FILLED WITH TONGUE BITING SILENCE!!)
So, I promise that I won't go on about the injustice done to a modern day classic by slapping it's title on an overly cliched and not well acted (or overly well danced) sloppy second and I won't recount how creepy Patrick Swazye is looking (when exactly did he see her dancing, is the creepy old guy stalking her!?!). Instead, I will say that John Slattery and Sela Ward tried their best with what they were given and the female costumes were stunning (although how she went from a prudish, sweater wearing introvert who had to borrow a "sexy" outfit from the maid to having a zillion low cut, less than demure dresses I'll never know!)
So, now that I've done my best to say a little "something nice" and a whole lot of "anything at all"s, let me finish knowing that although I'll do my best not to take a piece of this movie with me, I think that, unfortunately, a little piece of it will always stay, well not in my heart, but definitely with me!!
50 First Dates (2004)
An Original Mix of Comedy and Romance
What a pleasant surprise! "Fifty First Dates" successfully combines all of the elements of a laugh-out-loud comedy with a tug-at-your-heartstrings romance in a truly original way! There's enough gross-out, hurt angry guy and silly song comedy to satisfy any Adam Sandler fan. And the love story is both sweet and funny (as all good love stories should be) without being too cliched or predictable.
And although the movie-goer is pretty sure that they, along with Adam and the always silly and sweet Drew Barrymore, will get a happy ending, the movie takes you on the road less travelled and truly delivers a heartwarming and unique conclusion. This is definitely one date movie where both the girl and the guy will leave the theatre feeling happy (I know that I did!)!!
Mona Lisa Smile (2003)
Gennifer Goodwin continues to shine
A lovely movie and capable cast (with a nice turn by cutie Topher Grace) but the best parts were definately the wonderful costumes and the very talented Gennifer Goodwin, who shines in all that she does (comedy, drama, and tv).
Win a Date with Tad Hamilton! (2004)
Formula Romantic Comedy that still makes you go "Ahhhhh!"
If you love "love" and you want to see a movie that reaffirms your faith in "great love" and romance, see "Win a Date with Tad Hamilton". Gennifer Goodwin, as the quirky best friend (with the funky hairstyles) and Topher Grace as the earnest, quick-witted, and oh so handsome boy next door, both give excellent performances. Kate Bosworth and Josh Duhamell add just the right about of sugar and spice. Elements of the plot could have been flushed out more but there are enough variations on the theme of unrequited love and new twists in the pursuit of dreams to keep any fan of the romantic comedy happy. Not a really great movie but well worth seeing (especially if Topher Grace can make you sigh "Ahhhh!")
Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)
A kiss to end all kisses
Just wanted to say that the ending of this movie is simply wonderful...that kiss!! WOW! The whole movie still gives me hope, even though I am in my 32nd year of being a singleton and I did not meet any handsome men in awful reindeer sweaters at a turkey curry buffet over the holidays!