My Two Cents - Summer '07 In Review

Well...I can finally say...it was a good summer for movies. Thankfully...considering what a dud 2006 turned out to be. I will say...there were some disappointments (the most notable of which was "Spider-Man 3"), but I would have to say that the movie as a whole was a good one. There were more hits than misses. And now, to quickly review my earlier post of my most anticipated releases of the summer...and update how I felt about them.
First and foremost, I must say that I did not get a chance to see "1408" or "28 Weeks Later". I do plan to rent "1408" on Netflix...and I will let you know what I thought after that. That being said, let's continue.
"Spider-Man 3"...I already reviewed it...but here it is again. VERY disappointing. Easily the biggest let-down of the entire summer. Should have been WAY better than it actually was.
"Live Free Or Die Hard"...I was expecting it to be good. I was amazed at how awesome it really was!!! Bruce Willis just keeps getting better every time he plays John McClane...and this time out was great! Excellent supporting cast, good story...and loads of action and witty one-liners. In other words, everything we come to expect from a "Die Hard" movie.
"Transformers"...what can I say besides..."When does the sequel come out!!!!!!!!!" Hands down, no contest, the best movie of the summer!!! Everything I anticipated and then some!!!
"Pirates Of The Carribean - At World's End"...I am of the opinion that "Pirates Of The Carribean - Dead Man's Chest" was not a very good movie. So...I went into this one not expecting much. Thankfully...they redeemed themselves. "At World's End" was a perfect third chapter. It tied up all the loose ends from the first two movies...but left the door just wide open enough for the possibility of a fourth movie.
"The Bourne Ultimatum"...Easily as good as the first movie. Robert Ludlum needs to write more Bourne books!!!
"Fantastic Four - Rise Of The Silver Surfer"...I was a little underwhelmed with Galactus...but a small nit to pick. Otherwise, a strong sequel for an under-rated film.
"Ocean's Thirteen"...Like "At World's End", I was disappointed with the second movie of the "Ocean" series. And again...they managed to redeem themselves somewhat. It still wasn't as good as the first one...but this one was better than the second one.
"Resident Evil - Extinction"...Not as good as the first two, but still an entertaining movie.
Of course...that's just my opinion...

My Two Cents - Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder

Hey, all y'all!!!

OK...I know I haven't posted in quite some time. I may never grow tired of movies...but I'm afraid I did hit a dry spell for posting to the blog. However...have no fear, for I have returned! And I've got a ton of stuff to talk about, too!!!

My Two Cents - You Might Be A Movie Fanatic If...

Unless you've lived under a rock for the last several years, odds are you know who Jeff Foxworthy is. A stand-up comedian of some dubious talent...Foxworthy is best known for his jokes about whether or not you qualify as a redneck. Well...that's all well and good. But, this blog does not wish to know such things. What concerns me is whether or not you might be a movie fanatic. So...without further adieu...a little test to determine whether or not you are, indeed...a movie fanatic.
If you ever got a job at a movie theater for the free tickets...you might be a movie fanatic.
If your home theater system cost more than the car you are driving...you might be a movie fanatic.
If a friend, family member, or co-worker wonders aloud if a movie is any good, and the first thing anybody says is, "Ask so-and-so"...you might be a movie fanatic.
If you compare movies with other movies...you might be a movie fanatic.
If upon returning from the restroom or concession stand, you have asked a total stranger what happened during the movie...you might be a movie fanatic.
If you have ever planned an entire day around a movie...you might be a movie fanatic.
If you quote movies that nobody else has ever heard of...you might be a movie fanatic.
If you don't go to Blockbuster Video because you've seen everything they have...you might be a movie fanatic.
If you go missing, and the first place anybody looks for you is a movie theater...you might be a movie fanatic.
If you have lost count how many movies you have seen...you might be a movie fanatic.
If you can tell the difference between movie theater popcorn by blindfolded taste...you might be a movie fanatic.
If you've ever spent an entire day inside a movie theater...and don't work there...you might be a movie fanatic.
If you've been nodding for the majority of this list...sorry, you're a movie fanatic.
But that's just my opinion...

My Two Cents - Good Movie VS Great Movie

It could be the age old question - what separates a good movie from a great movie? What's the difference between three stars and four to five stars? How do you bring a movie from "so-so" to having people rave about it to anybody who can stand to listen to them? I'm sure almost everyone has their own opinions on the what and the how. So...in my humble opinion...here are the top five things that I think take a good movie and make it a great one.
1) Character development. It sounds pretty simple. But it can make all the difference in the world. Every movie has characters in it. And granted, you can't learn everything about every single character...you just don't have enough time. But at least take the time to develop SOME of the characters. Character development works in two ways. One...it makes the characters more interesting...and it connects the audience to them more. It's easier to care about somebody you actually know something about. Two...it gives insight into some of their actions. One of the most powerful moments of "Saving Private Ryan" is where Tom Hanks' character tells the squad that he is an English teacher from Pennsylvania. It has absolutely nothing to do with the story...but it makes Hanks' character a little bit more human. You connect with him a little more. And yet so few movies take the time to do this.
2) Special effects in moderation. You've heard it your entire life. Everything in moderation. A little of something can be a wonderful thing. Too much can be horrible. The same goes for making movies. Special effects in the movies have come unbelievably far just in my lifetime. Compare the special effects from "Star Wars" to "Revenge Of The Sith". As I said in an earlier post, it's like comparing a Model T Ford to a Prius. They can do things in movies now that they wouldn't even have imagined doing twenty years ago...simply because there was no way on Earth that they could have done it. BUT...to paraphrase the immortal words of Ian Malcolm from "Jurassic Park"...moviemakers get so preoccupied with whether or not they can do something, they never stop to ask if they should. Special effects can add so much to a story. But too many just distract from the story itself. Good special effects are like sprinkles on a sundae. They shouldn't be the main attraction...they should make the end result that much more amazing.
3) Trying to do too much. Another point of moderation. I've said it before...and I'll say it again. Nothing drops a movie from great to good faster than trying to do too much. Whether it is too many new characters, too many sub-plots, too many twists...too much is NEVER a good thing. Especially in a medium where you only have two hours to tell your story, give or take. The two greatest examples on this point are "Spider-Man 3" and "X-Men: The Last Stand". Both are fine movies. But they could have been great movies...except for one minor detail: They tried to do too much.
4) Waiting for something good. I remember quite well when I went to see "The Hulk." I was so psyched about it. I had bought my ticket a week in advance. I went at eleven o'clock at night. And then...I waited an hour before I actually got to see the title character. I know...I timed it. I know that sometimes, patience is a virtue. When you have to wait sixty minutes out of a two hour and eighteen minute movie to see the main character...that's pushing it.
5) A flat ending. This has happened many times before. You have a great movie. It is astounding. It is incredible. And then...it ends. And the ending just ruins it. Suddenly, what should have been a great movie drops to an OK movie. Classic example - "Lord Of The Rings - Return Of The King." It was a great movie...and then the ending took half an hour. By the time the movie actually ended...I was glad that it had ended! I have seen movie endings where the audience stands and applauds. That is how you want a movie to end.
But, that's just my opinion...

Review - Spider-Man 3

"Spider-Man 3" is the third installment on the classic Marvel Comics series.
Life is finally looking up for Peter Parker. His girlfriend, Mary Jane Parker, is a star on Broadway. He is planning on asking her to marry him. And Spider-Man is finally becoming popular. Little does he know how much trouble awaits him. Harry Osborn is still obsessed over the death of his father...and becomes the New Goblin to hunt down Spidey. Small-time criminal Flint Marko has an accident with a science experiment...turning into The Sandman, who is literally made of sand. Pesty photographer Eddie Brock is hounding both Spider-Man and Peter. And when Spider-Man finds himself covered in a mysterious black substance that augments his powers...but also starts to change him for the worse...can he find a way to make everything right again?
I waited a long time for this movie. And it was entertaining...don't get me wrong. But...I found myself drawing the unfortunate comparison to "Star Wars Episode III". Essentially, they tried to do too much. Too many characters...too many sub-plots...too much in too little time. You have Spider-Man battling both the New Goblin, Sandman, and towards the end of the movie, Venom (who deserved an entire movie all to himself). You have sub-plots involving Mary Jane's acting career, a possible second love interest in Gwen Stacy, the rivalry and animosity between Peter/Spidey and Harry/Goblin, the distraction of Eddie Brock. By the end of the movie, you almost need a scorecard to keep it all straight.
The inevitable comic book geek nitpick - Topher Grace as Venom?????? In the comics, Eddie Brock is a weight-lifter of near Olympic levels. Grace is only two and a half inches taller than Tobey Maguire...and let's face it, folks...he doesn't look like a weight-lifter to me. While he does capture Brock's trademark arrogance...he just doesn't have the physique to make it convincing.
All in all...an entertaining movie...but it should have been so much better. "Spider-Man 3"...we can only hope "Spider-Man 4" is better.
Starring - Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Topher Grace, Thomas Haden Church, Bryce Dallas Howard, Rosemary Harris, J.K. Simmons, James Cromwell, and Theresa Russell. Directed by Sam Raimi.
Time - 2 hours, 20 minutes. Rated - PG-13 (Comic book violence, some language)

Review - The Condemned

"The Condemned" is an action-thriller brought to us courtesy of World Wrestling Entertainment.
Ian Breckel is a television producer with a revolutionary new concept: He will take ten death row inmates from various Third World countries. He places them all on an island covered in cameras. The sole survivor after thirty hours leaves the island with their freedom and a million dollars. Among his "contestants" are a husband and wife, a monstrous Russian, a martial artist, a psychotic ex-British Special Forces soldier...and Jack Conrad, who was sitting on death row in Central America. But Conrad isn't what he appears...and neither is the contest. Who will survive? And how many people will tune in?
In the right hands, this could have been a very interesting movie. The concept alone is unique, a commentary on our lust for violence...and the willingness to pay to watch it. In that aspect, it is ironic that the WWE produced this movie, seeing as they charge $35 for people to watch men beat each other up as "sport". And that becomes the movie's biggest problem...because it plays out almost like a WWE pay-per-view.
The acting is almost non-existant. There is a weak subplot involving Conrad and his ex-girlfriend...and even the fight scenes aren't that spectacular. In several of them, you can barely make out what is happening. One of the few highlights of the movie is Vinnie Jones, playing Ewan McStarley...and he delivers his parts with venomous relish. Unfortunately, that's about all you can really say about this movie.
"The Condemned" should be just that...to a video store bargain bin near you with all speed.
Starring - "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Vinnie Jones, Rick Hoffman, and Dasi Ruz. Directed by Scott Wiper.
Time - 1 hour, 53 minutes. Rated - R (Language, extreme violence, a scene of suggested rape)

Review - Spider-Man 2

"Spider-Man 2" is the sequel to the popular comic book movie, "Spider-Man."
We once again join up with our old friend Peter Parker...who now struggles through his complicated double life. He tries the usual things...holding down a job, taking care of his Aunt May, making time for Mary Jane Watson...but when you're also trying to save the world as Spider-Man...it gets a little hectic. Peter gets a chance to meet one of the great scientists of the world, Doctor Otto Octavius. Dr. Octavius is about to experiment with a highly unstable element...and has four metallic arms to assist him. Unfortunately, an accident leaves his wife dead...and the arms permanently fused to his body. Going mad from the input from the arms, Octavius transforms into the evil Dr. Octopus. As if that isn't enough for Spider-Man to deal with...he must also contend with Harry Osborn, his best friend who blames Spider-Man for the death of his father (who we all know was the Green Goblin...except Harry does not know this). It all becomes too much for Spider-Man...who hangs up his costume and turns his back on his life as a super-hero. Will he unretire in time to save the city from Dr. Octopus?
Many people consider "Spider-Man 2" to be better than the original. There is a deeper storyline, which focuses on Peter's dual existance...and the toll it takes on his life. One can only imagine what that must be like...to live with such amazing abilities...but to have to pay such a high price for having them. Tobey Maguire gives an outstanding performance as the ever-conflicted Peter/Spider-Man...to the point where you can feel for him wanting to go back to his "normal life" as a college science geek. Alfred Molina also gives a great performance as Octavius/Doc Ock...a classic case of a man who isn't truly a bad guy...but extraordinary circumstances have driven him to do things he ordinarily would not do.
As with the first movie, the special effects are fantastic and the action sequences are top-notch. But again, it is the performances that set this one apart from the original.
For a web-slinging good time, "Spider-Man 2" is second to none.
Starring - Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Alfred Molina, James Franco, Rosemary Harris, J.K. Simmons, and Donna Murphy. Directed by Sam Raimi.
Time - 2 hours, 7 minutes. Rated - PG-13 (Action movie violence, some language)

My Two Cents - What To Look Forward To In Theaters This Year

Ah, it approaches. The summer movies. I don't know about any of you...but in my opinion, last summer was one of the worst for movies in I can't remember when. But isn't that how it always works? You get your hopes built up...and then, they get dashed into the rocks by the promise of a great movie that should have been, but wasn't. Well...get your hopes up, true believers, because here are the movies I'm getting ready for this summer.
1) "Spider-Man 3". FINALLY...we get Venom! Three bad guys (we also get Sandman and the New Goblin), and we get not only Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane...but we also get Bryce Dallas Howard as Gwen Stacy. The rumor mill claims that this will be Tobey Maguire's final turn as Spidey...or will money talk?
2) "Live Free Or Die Hard". Yippi-ki-yay, mother...well, you know. Bruce Willis rides again in his most famous movie role, this time battling Internet terrorists. We also get John McClane's daughter, Kevin Smith, and what looks to be some incredible action sequences.
3) "Transformers". One of the great cartoons of the 1980's gets the big-movie, live action treatment. Big-budget CGI and Michael Bay (who made a career out of blowing stuff up)...so, will this be "Armageddon" or "Bad Boys"...or "The Island"?
4) "Pirates Of The Carribean - At World's End". OK, I'll be the one who says it. I did not think "Dead Man's Chest" was that good of a movie. It certainly wasn't better than the first one. So, can they make up for it with the final installment? The previews look promising...but, they did for "DMC" as well.
5) "The Bourne Ultimatum". Matt Damon lucked out by latching onto this series...and if "Ultimatum" is even half as good as the first two, then this will be an entertaining film.
6) "Fantastic 4: Rise Of The Silver Surfer". Wow...Marvel sure has a lot of characters. The Silver Surfer gets his turn on the big-screen in the sequel to one of the more under-rated Marvel adaptations.
7) "28 Weeks Later". "28 Days Later" was a horror classic. The trailer for the sequel looked good...can lightning strike twice?
8) "Ocean's Thirteen". See "Pirates Of The Carribean". The last one wasn't that good, after a spectacular first movie. Can the third installment make up for it, or just make us wish we had stayed away?
9) "Resident Evil: Extinction". I am of the opinion that the "Resident Evil" series has been an under-rated gem. Can "Extinction" continue to keep it rolling?
10) "1408". Anything based off of Stephen King's work has a 50/50 chance of being great or a disaster. The trailers for "1408" give it promise...and anything with John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson can't be all bad. Right?
But that's just my opinion...

My Two Cents - Great Questions Of The Movies

Throughout movie history...we have been left with many questions. Some have been easy, some have been hard, some have been downright unanswerable. I'm not here to provide answers...I'd have a much better paying job if I was that smart. Instead, I will just leave you with them...and let you have as much fun pondering them as I have.
1) What is in the briefcase in "Pulp Fiction"?
2) What happened to Charlie Sheen and Patrick Swayze in the end of "Red Dawn"?
3) What happened to MacReady and Childs in "The Thing"?
4) Why was Lex Luthor the bad guy in almost every single "Superman" movie?
5) Why did Clint Eastwood throw his badge away at the end of "Dirty Harry"?
6) Whose bright idea is it to keep making sequels to movies that should have been stopped after the first one?
7) Why did the ending change from the 1956 version of "Invasion Of The Body Snatchers" to the 1978 version?
8) Why did Blondie let Tuco live in the end of "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly"?
9) How many people actually believed that "The Blair Witch Project" was a real movie?
10) Does it make any sense to buy a movie with a surprise ending, after you've seen it?
But that's just my two cents...

Three Best Of - Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks is quite possibly one of the most well-known and well-liked actors around today. He has done just about every kind of movie imaginable...from historical dramas to screwball comedies. He has been nominated for Best Actor at the Academy Awards five times, and has won twice (1994 for Philadelphia, 1995 for Forrest Gump). The last time an actor won back-to-back Oscars for Best Actor...the late 1930's, when Spencer Tracy did it for "Captains Courageous" and "Boys Town". Hanks himself was quoted as saying, "I've made over twenty movies and five of them are good." Well, I think he's done a little better than that. Here now, I give you in no particular order, my three picks for Tom Hanks' best movies.
1) "A League Of Their Own" (1992). While the female cast members were the main stars of the movie, it was Hanks' performance as an alcoholic ex-baseball player that was one of the highlights of this movie. His initial reluctance, which slowly turned into begrudging respect for the women he was (more or less) forced to manage, plays wonderfully...and his on-screen relationship with Geena Davis swings from touching to hilarious.
2) "Philadelphia" (1993). The movie that won Hanks his first Academy Award, and considered by many to be one of Hanks' best movies ever. Hanks brings both sympathy and strength to Andrew Beckett, a lawyer who is fired from a law firm after his employers learn that he is HIV positive. Watching as Hanks seems to waste away on screen before your eyes is moving and powerful...Hanks himself lost almost thirty pounds on the film. Even more impressive is that AIDS was still a very misunderstood ailment at the time of this movie...and Hanks' performance helped to bring a lot of awareness to it.
3) "Saving Private Ryan" (1998). On Veterans Day in 1999, Hanks received the Distinguished Public Service Award, the highest honor the United States Navy can bestow onto a civilian, for his work on this movie. It also earned Hanks his fourth Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. His portrayal of a war-wearied Captain leading his unit on a mission to find a single man, and his underlying animosity towards him lends a great deal of power to an already incredible film. Hanks has made a career out of playing ordinary men and turning them into something more. This movie is a great example of that.
Honorable Mention - "Forrest Gump" (1994), "Apollo 13" (1995), and "Road To Perdition" (2002).

Review - Catch Me If You Can

"Catch Me If You Can" is a drama film, based on the real-life events of Frank Abagnale, Jr.
Frank Abagnale, Jr. was not your typical American teenager. By the time he was nineteen years old, he had been an airline pilot for TWA, a pediatrician in Atlanta, and a lawyer in Louisiana. He also managed to swindle millions of dollars in elaborate check fraud scams. All the while, he managed to stay one step ahead of the FBI...and the dogged investigation of Special Agent Carl Hanratty.
The most amazing part of this entire movie is the fact that everything that happened in the movie really did happen. It makes for an incredible film...and the story keeps you wondering what is going to happen next. The casting for the film was perfect...and everyone gives amazing performances. Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio both give great performances, and Christopher Walken received an Academy Award nomination for Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Frank Abagnale, Sr.
A great cat-and-mouse chase story...with great characters and an absolutely unbelievable plot. "Catch Me If You Can" is worth the chase.
Starring - Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen, James Brolin, and Jennifer Garner. Directed by Steven Spielberg.
Time - 2 hours, 21 minutes. Rated - PG-13 (Language, mild violence, some sexual content)

Review - Bandidas

"Bandidas" is an action/adventure/comedy, following two very different women on the same path.
Maria is a simple farmer's daughter. Sara is the educated daughter of the local bank owner. But their worlds collide when a New York bank decides to take over several farms in order to put down a new railroad. Sara's father is murdered. Maria's is shot...and her home burned to the ground. The two women choose the same response - to rob the bank that crossed them both. After some training from a former well-known bank robber...the two blaze a trail of revenge across Mexico. But can their totally opposite personalities keep them out of trouble?
This isn't a terrible movie...but it isn't a very good one, either. The premise of the story is interesting...and that is a shame, because this could have been a good movie. But for whatever reason...it just doesn't work. The stars do their best with what they have...and despite some good performances, it just isn't enough. You can just about predict from the opening credits how the movie will turn out.
The movie has a few good points...but a few good points aren't worth sitting through an entire movie. In the end, the only thing "Bandidas" will steal is a chunk of your time.
Starring - Penelope Cruz, Salma Hayek, Dwight Yoakam, Steve Zahn, and Sam Shepard. Directed by Joachim Roenning and Espen Sandberg.
Time - 1 hour, 33 minutes. Rated - PG-13 (Violence, nudity, some sexuality)

Review - The Reaping

"The Reaping" is a horror/thriller, which focuses not only on the ten Biblical plagues, but also on faith.
Katherine Winter is a professor and former ordained minister. After a tragic and brutal personal loss challenges her faith, she now travels from place to place debunking so-called "miracles". She is then called with her assistant Ben to Haven, a small town in Louisiana. A two-mile stretch of a local river has seemingly turned into blood. At first, Katherine approaches this with her usual skepticism. But as the plagues add up...and signs point towards a mysterious young girl as the possible key...can Katherine regain her faith?
This movie works in several aspects. The loss of Katherine's faith...and her slow struggle with what she wants to prove and what she knows is the truth in her heart...is a powerful battle on the screen. Actress Hilary Swank provides an exceptional performance and that gives this movie a real bonus. A lesser actress in the same part would have brought this movie down several notches. The story keeps the audience guessing...and jumping at the right spots. And there are several plot twists that you won't see coming.
There are some disturbing moments in the movie...and those on the squeamish side may want to give this one a miss. But anyone else looking for a good jump-out-of-your-seat thriller..."The Reaping" delivers.
Starring - Hilary Swank, David Morrissey, Idris Elba, Stephen Rea, and AnnaSophia Robb. Directed by Stephen Hopkins.
Time - 1 hour, 36 minutes. Rated - R (Violence, some language, some sexuality, disturbing images)

Review - Pathfinder

"Pathfinder" is a historical action/adventure, based on the Vikings who first invaded North America.
An American Indian woman discovers the wreckage of a Viking ship. On board, she finds a young orphaned Viking. Adopting him as one of their own, Ghost grows up as an outcast...not a member of this world...but knowing little of the world he came from. Inevitably, the "dragon men" return...and when his village is destroyed and everyone he ever knew is slain...Ghost must look for vengeance against his own people.
A popularly told tale...the misfit outsider who gains a chance at acceptance through the return of his former people. However...in this case, it was not particularly well-told. There are some spectacular battle scenes. Unfortunately, the rest of the movie isn't very entertaining. Parts of the movie reminded me of "First Blood"...the lone warrior in the woods battling a numerically superior foe, picking off enemies one by one.
The unfortunate part is that this could have been a very good movie. But..."Pathfinder" is best left for a Saturday night video rental.
Starring - Karl Urban, Russell Means, Jay Tavare, and Moon Bloodgood. Directed by Marcus Nispel.
Time - 1 hour, 39 minutes. Rated - R (Brutal and graphic violence)

My Two Cents - What The Movies Have Taught Us

Who would have thought it? All this time...I could have saved money and time and effort! I didn't need school! Everything I ever needed to know...the movies taught me.
I've learned that not even death can stop true love...it can only slow it down for a while. That life moves pretty fast...and if you don't stop and take a look around once in a while, you could miss it. Snappy one-liners and a shaken vodka martini can get you far in this world. There are monsters in the world...even if your parents tell you that there aren't. Do...or do not, there is no try. Women and children can be careless...but not men. Nothing is over as long as it is still night.
I've learned that wisdom often comes from the most unlikely of sources. That the hero doesn't always win...and the good guy doesn't always get the girl. That sometimes, it's all right to cheer for the bad guy. That human liver goes well with fava beans and a nice Chianti. That we all go a little mad sometimes. That the power to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force. When there is a lot of excitement, it's easy to forget if you fired six shots...or only five.
I've learned that there's no place like home. That two people who despise each other can eventually fall in love. That sometimes, what you went looking for...you had all along. That there are few things fetching as a bruised ego on a beautiful angel. That with great power comes great responsibility. That you never rat on your friends and you always keep your mouth shut. That the greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world that he didn't exist. That a man can convince anyone he's somebody else...but never himself. That the future is not set...there is no fate but what we make for ourselves. That a rumor isn't a rumor that doesn't die. That an offer you can't refuse is usually just that.
I've learned that you never tell me the odds. That no reward is worth some things. That with enough courage, you can do without a reputation. That some people need to be kissed and often...and by someone who knows how. That during any crisis in your life, you should have a handkerchief. That sometimes...you just don't give a damn.
And that tomorrow is another day.
But that is just my two cents...

Review - Pulp Fiction

"Pulp Fiction" is a drama/action movie, with several storylines carrying on simultaneously and occasionally overlapping. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress. It won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.
Ringo and Yolanda are in the middle of holding up a diner. Jules and Vincent have to retrieve a briefcase for crime boss Marsellus Wallace...as well as deal with a small problem with their car. Butch takes money to fix a boxing match...only to double-cross the fixer. Vincent has to take Marsellus' wife Mia on a date...and hunt down Butch, who double-crossed Marsellus. And Marsellus and Butch have a small problem...not only with each other, but with a couple of psychos and "The Gimp".
This is arguably Quentin Tarantino's best movie. Although it is slightly confusing at times...certain scenes take place out of order...and if you don't pay attention, it can make you question what is going on. But the cast for this movie is spot-on...and there are some of the most quotable moments in movie history taking place. The best scenes take place between Jules and Vincent...two professional hitmen who carry on conversations over just about everything...from foot massages to charming pigs to what you call a Big Mac in France.
Great dialogue, great casting..."Pulp Fiction" is a modern classic.
Starring - John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Ving Rhames, Bruce Willis, Christopher Walken, Tim Roth, Amanda Plummer, Eric Stoltz, Rosanna Arquette, and Harvey Keitel. Directed by Quentin Tarantino.
Time - 2 hours, 34 minutes. Rated - R (Violence, language, drug use, adult situations)

Review - The Crow

"The Crow" is a dark drama/action film, based on the comic book by James O'Barr.
Eric Draven is a guitarist and singer in a band called Hangman's Joke. He is engaged to be married to his girlfriend, Shelly Webster. Unfortunately, on Halloween Eve, known as "Devil's Night"...the pair is attacked in their apartment. Shelly is beaten and raped, and later dies in the hospital. Eric is beaten, and thrown out a window...where he falls to his death. One year later, guided by a mysterious crow, Eric returns from the dead to seek revenge on the men who killed him and his fiancee. One by one, Eric works his way through the ruthless killers...but can he save another life as well?
"The Crow" is not your typical comic book movie, in that the story is a very dark one. This is reflected well into the movie...which almost comes across as black and white. It rains almost constantly for the entire movie, which only serves to increase the dreariness and despair that shows in both the city and the people who inhabit it. Brandon Lee, who was tragically killed in a stunt accident gone wrong, is perfectly cast as Eric Draven/The Crow. He brings the right blend of driven avenger and reluctant comic...a poetic soul with a dry sense of humor.
This is not a movie for everyone. The story is based on darkness and revenge...horrible violence and tragic death. But it also shows that even in the worst tragedy...love survives...even beyond the grave. To me, one of the most powerful scenes of the movie is when the battered and exhausted Eric collapses next to Shelly's tombstone...and she walks towards him in a simple white gown, gently caressing his cheek...calling him back to her arms.
For a most different love story, in a dark and violent comic book setting..."The Crow" is a true classic.
Starring - Brandon Lee, Ernie Hudson, Michael Wincott, David Patrick Kelly, and Tony Todd. Directed by Alex Proyas.
Time - 1 hour, 42 minutes. Rated - R (Violence, language, drug use, adult situations, depictions of rape)

Review - Ferris Buellar's Day Off

"Ferris Buellar's Day Off" is a classic 1980's comedy, written and directed by John Hughes.
Ferris Buellar is not your typical high school student. He has his life planned out pretty well...and today, that involves taking the day off from school. Along with his hypochondriac best friend Cameron and his girlfriend Sloane, Ferris looks to take the city of Chicago by storm. However, Ed Rooney, the high school principal with an axe to grind, is looking to bring Ferris down hard. In addition, Ferris must also contend with his easily irritated sister, Jeanie. But, with his laid-back attitude and quick wit...Ferris keeps one step ahead.
John Hughes is one of the most noted directors of the 1980's, and "Ferris Buellar" is quite possibly his masterpiece. He uses every set to the fullest, and brings out both laughs and sympathy for his characters. Granted, he does stretch reality to a degree...but that is what makes Ferris Buellar so appealing. He is larger than life, a legend and an icon...and he knows this. Ferris' impromptu conversations with the audience makes you feel as if you are along for the ride...and there are some true gut-buster moments. Most of them revolve around clueless principal Rooney...and watching as his day gets progressively worse as Ferris has the time of his life is true poetic irony.
There are movies that you can watch a thousand times...and they are just as great the one thousand and first time as it was the first time you ever saw it. "Ferris Buellar's Day Off" is one of them.
Starring - Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara, Jeffrey Jones, Jennifer Grey, Kristy Swanson, Ben Stein, and Charlie Sheen. Directed by John Hughes.
Time - 1 hour, 42 minutes. Rated - PG-13 (Mild comedic violence, language, adult situations)

My Two Cents - Remakes & Sequels

In all of movies, fewer things are more vilified than a remake and a sequel. Which is not to say that every remake or sequel is a bad one. You could spend a great deal of time and energy arguing about what sequels were worth making...and which ones were an absolute waste of everyone's time and energy. Look no further than a scene from...a sequel. The classroom argument on sequels in "Scream 2"...where Jamie Kennedy, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Timothy Olyphant banter on sequels that bettered the original film.
Sometimes, a sequel or a remake can be a good thing. The story couldn't be told in one shot...or there were loose ends that needed to be carried over. Most likely, in the grand world of Hollywood...the first movie made so much money, they decided "why stop with just one?" As far as remakes go, some stories are actually told better the second time around. Or maybe there were limitations with the filmaking of that time.
I will be the first one to admit...there are a great deal of sequels that pretty much aren't worth the film they are printed on. They could have quit the "Elm Street" series after "Dream Warriors". They should have stopped with the "Halloween" series after the second one (don't even get me started on "Halloween 3 - Season Of The Witch"). And how many times have there been sequels to movies that shouldn't have been made in the first place? Most people would probably argue that "Friday The 13th" should have stopped after "Friday The 13th."
Likewise, there are remakes that were completely needless. Rob Zombie's upcoming remake of "Halloween" springs instantly to mind. Come on, Rob...like you're going to outdo John Carpenter? I think not. Zombie's version will be gorier...I'm envisioning buckets of blood a-plenty. But how could it possibly come close to the masterpiece that was Carpenter's original?
And while we're on the topic of sequels...how come they could never do another bad guy in any of the "Superman" movies, other than Lex Luthor? Come on...one time, you could have given us Bizarro. Or Brainiac. Heck...you could have done Solomon Grundy for all I cared.
So, what do you think, faithful reader? Got a sequel or a remake that you loved? One that should never even have seen the light of day? One that needs to be done? Let's hear it!

Review - Batman

"Batman" is an action/adventure movie based on the legendary DC Comics character created by Bob Kane.
As a child, Bruce Wayne witnessed the brutal murder of his parents. Now a grown and tortured man, he stalks the night as a fearsome figure of justice...the Batman. Gotham City is his hunting grounds...and now, he has a new foe - The Joker, a homicidal prankster who resembles a terrifying clown. Throw in a love interest and everyone viewing Batman as a vigilante...can he stop the Joker's evil plot?
The Batman always made for an interesting character, in that he wasn't your regular superhero. He has no powers...he can be hurt...and can be killed, just like a regular man. It is his training, his "wonderful toys", and most importantly...his dedication, that makes him what he is.
I will be the first to admit...when I first heard Michael Keaton was going to play Batman, my immediate reaction was, "You have got to be kidding me." To this day, I still believe there had to be someone better...but for the sake of giving the devil his due...Keaton did a good job. Tim Burton lent his usual quirky style to this movie. But it is Jack Nicholson's Joker who grabs this movie by the throat and doesn't let go. He steals every single scene he is in...and has to easily be the best portrayal ever of the Clown Prince of Crime.
Granted, this movie does drag in a few parts...and the supposed love interest between Bruce Wayne and Vicki Vale seems more forced than genuine. But, overall...an outstanding movie with spectacular performances.
"Batman"...always brings a smile to my face...
Starring - Michael Keaton, Kim Basinger, Jack Palance, Robert Wuhl, Billy Dee Williams, and Jack Nicholson. Directed by Tim Burton.
Time - 2 hours, 6 minutes. Rated - PG-13 (Violence, language, adult situations)

Review - Spider-Man

"Spider-Man" is an action/adventure movie based on the world famous Marvel comic book, created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.
Peter Parker is your average high school student. He is a photographer for the school paper, and he has a crush on the girl next door, Mary Jane Watson. While on a school field trip to a research lab, he is bitten on the hand by a radioactive spider. Suddenly...he has amazing abilities - strength, speed, agility, the ability to climb walls, shooting webs from his wrists, and he can sense when something is about to happen to him. When his uncle is killed by a robber that he could have stopped...he vows to use his abilities for the good of all...and becomes Spider-Man. Unfortunately...he must contend with the Green Goblin...a madman bent on destruction and chaos. Can he save the day and still get the girl?
To me, "Spider-Man" is one of the better super-hero movies ever made. Our hero did not ask to be a hero...it was more or less forced upon him. He fights with the struggles of trying to be a hero and living a normal life at the same time. The casting for this movie couldn't have been better. Tobey Maguire is absolutely perfect as the somewhat nerdy Peter Parker...and is believable enough as Spidey. Kirsten Dunst makes an excellent Mary Jane...but it is Willem Dafoe who steals the movie as Norman Osbourne/The Green Goblin. He is perfect as the violently obsessed Goblin...who will stop at nothing to beat Spider-Man. The story is entertaining enough that even a non-comic book fanatic will enjoy the movie...and will know what is going on.
Great story, great characters...a great ride all in all. "Spider-Man" is worth a spin.
Starring - Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Willem Dafoe, James Franco, Cliff Robertson, and Rosemary Harris. Directed by Sam Raimi.
Time - 2 hours, 1 minute. Rated - PG-13 (Violence, some language)

Review - Liar Liar

What if a lawyer could not lie at all for one whole day? That is the premise covered in "Liar Liar".
Fletcher Reede is a lawyer for a prestigious firm...and also the biggest liar alive. He pretty much lies to everyone...his co-workers, his clients, even his ex-wife and son. He lands a huge client whose case could potentially make him a partner in the firm. But...while celebrating with one of his co-workers...he misses his son's fifth birthday party. When he gets his cake and makes his wish...he wishes that for one day...his dad couldn't tell a single lie. And all hell breaks loose from that point on...
While being an excellent comedy, the movie does raise a valid point. Think about how many times you lie during a single day...and what would happen if you couldn't lie at all. Now, imagine that your livelihood depends on your ability to either stretch the truth or out-and-out lie like a rug.
This was Jim Carrey's first movie after the absolute disaster, "The Cable Guy." And he redeemed himself big time, with one of the most memorable performances of his career. His rubber-faced expression gags were in full effect...and watching him stick his foot in his mouth over and over just kept getting funnier as the movie went on.
The sub-plot with the ex-wife got a little tired...but overall, this is a great comedy film and quite possibly Jim Carrey's best work ever.
"Liar Liar"...great movie...that's the truth.
Starring - Jim Carrey, Maura Tierney, Cary Elwes, Amanda Donohoe, Jason Bernard, Swoosie Kurtz, and Jennifer Tilly. Directed by Tom Shadyac.
Time - 1 hour, 26 minutes. Rated - PG-13 (Mild violence, language, sex-related humor)

Review - Meet The Parents

"Meet The Parents" is a comedy centering around the worst nightmare of every man - meeting the parents of the girl he loves.
Greg Focker is madly in love with Pam Byrnes. And just as he is preparing to pop the big question...Pam is interrupted by a phone call from her sister. It seems that her sister is getting married...after her fiancee asked her father for permission. Now...Greg must try to win over Pam's father, Jack. But, not only is Jack a set in his ways kind of guy...he's got more than a few secrets up his sleeve. Throw in a well-trained cat, an overachieving ex-fiancee, and several disasters...and this makes for one long weekend.
For the most part, "Meet The Parents" is the classic set-up in comedy. A well-meaning guy tries his hardest to impress his girlfriend's parents...except that everything he tries ends up blowing up in his face. The movie isn't rolling on the floor hilarious...but it does have its amusing moments. You watch cringing as Greg keeps digging his own grave deeper and deeper...but you know that everything will turn out all right in the end.
With a lesser cast, this movie could have been a true disaster. But everyone in this movie is perfectly cast...and Robert DeNiro gives an outstanding performance as the overbearing and ultraprotective dad.
You won't die laughing...but you will get a good laugh when you "Meet The Parents".
Starring - Robert DeNiro, Ben Stiller, Blythe Danner, Teri Polo, and Owen Wilson. Directed by Jay Roach.
Time - 1 hour, 48 minutes. Rated - PG-13 (Language, mild violence, drug and sex related content)

Review - Streets Of Fire

"Streets Of Fire" is an action/adventure movie, set in "another time, another place."
Ellen Aim is one of the hottest singers around...and she's back in her old hometown to do a benefit concert. Unfortunately, the concert has some uninvited guests...in the form of Raven Shaddock and the Bombers. They kidnap Ellen and cause general havoc in the process. Enter Tom Cody...ex-soldier and Ellen's one-time flame. He's back in town on his sister's request...and after striking a deal with Ellen's manager, Billy Fish, agrees to rescue Ellen. With the aid of fellow former soldier McCoy, the unlikely heroes must head deep into Bomber's territory and then get back out. But even if they succeed...there are other issues that must be resolved.
"Streets Of Fire" follows the old format of the unlikely group of heroes who travels on a quest to rescue the maiden fair...and generally picks up members as the trip continues. While rock-and-roll seems to be the unifying factor in the story, the cars and guns seem to place the movie in an older time. No one ever actually says where the movie takes place...but New York seems to be a likely possibility.
The story in general is a little cliche...and some of the acting seems a little more like over-acting. But, the movie moves along at a good pace...and the characters are entertaining. And...there is some pretty good music in here as well.
An entertaining tale of action and romance with a good 1980's soundtrack..."Streets Of Fire" saves the day.
Starring - Michael Pare, Diane Lane, Willem Dafoe, Rick Moranis, Amy Madigan, Rick Rossovich, and Bill Paxton. Directed by Walter Hill.
Time - 1 hour, 33 minutes. Rated - PG (Violence, language, adult situations)

Review - Grindhouse

"Grindhouse" is a throwback to the old 1970's double-feature exploitation films, which reveled in excessive blood, gore, violence and nudity. Two of Hollywood's most notable rebel directors - Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino - each helm a movie. Directors Eli Roth, Edgar Wright, and Rob Zombie all contribute with a fake movie trailer.
Part one of the double feature is "Planet Terror". A biological weapon unleashed is turning ordinary people into flesh-eating zombies...and a handful of heavily armed survivors must fight them off. Included in this gang of warriors is El Wray (who never misses what he shoots at), Sheriff Hague (who is preoccupied with stealing his brother's barbeque recipe), and Cherry Darling (an ex go-go dancer with a list of useless talents).
Part two is "Death Proof". A group of young women out for a night on the town in Austin, Texas are pursued by Stuntman Mike...a movie stuntman in a tricked-out muscle car. His car is "death proof"...heavily modified by stunt standards to survive unbelievable crashes. He rides around, looking for victims...until one group of women decides to fight back.
"Grindhouse" is not your typical film. The movie has a grainy, beat-up look and feel to it. Add in the old-school special effects (including some of the old-fashioned fake blood), "missing reels" (parts of the movie seemed to have been intentionally left out), and cheesy trailers and credits...and it gives the impression of being a lot older than it really is.
As far as the actual movies themselves..."Planet Terror" wasn't bad. It reminded me a lot of "Dawn Of The Dead", just with more survivors. There are some great gunfights in here, and some pretty amusing lines between various characters. Rose McGowan absolutely steals this movie as Cherry Darling.
"Death Proof" is Tarantino stamped, through and through. There are several cases of characters having quirky conversations and the usual vintage soundtrack. Unlike "Terror", which dives head-first into the blood pool..."Death Proof" takes its time in getting to the gore. And compared to "Terror", there is relatively little. But it does give you one of the best car chase scenes in recent movie history. Kurt Russell gives an interesting turn as the bad guy for a change...and Stuntman Mike could be one of the most creative killers ever on the screen.
All in all..."Grindhouse" is a little on the long side. It would have been interesting to see what they could have done with "Planet Terror" in a typical movie setting...and "Death Proof" takes a little too long to get to the chase (no pun intended). But...as long as you don't set your expectations too high..."Grindhouse" does not disappoint.
Starring - Rose McGowan, Kurt Russell, Michael Biehn, Rosario Dawson, Josh Brolin, Jeff Fahey, Vanessa Ferlito, Stacy Ferguson, Freddy Rodriguez, and Bruce Willis. Directed by Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino.
Time - 3 hours, 11 minutes. Rated - R (Violence/gore, language, adult situations, brief nudity)

Three Best Of - Arnold Schwartzenegger

Arnold Schwartzenegger. The action movie icon of the 1980's and 1990's. Let's face it...odds are, you are never going to hear someone say, "And the Academy Award for Best Actor goes to Arnold Schwartzenegger". But, boy...could he make a kick-butt action film.
So, without further adieu...in my humble opinion...the three best movies of Arnold:
1) "The Terminator" (1984). Without a shadow of a doubt, this is the movie that made Arnold a superstar. He was already famous before this movie...but after his first stint as the Terminator, EVERYBODY knew who he was. In the two sequels, Arnold's Terminator became the good guy...but here, Arnold not only played the bad guy...he played it to perfection. The Terminator's straight-ahead, take no prisoners, kill 'em all approach was chilling...and if ever a person was the model of what a cybernetic assassin is supposed to look like, here was the guy.
2) "Twins" (1988). By this point in Arnold's career, he had pretty much made playing a one-man killing machine into an art form. Often times, when an actor goes against what he plays best...it has a tendency to backfire horribly (can anybody say "Rhinestone"?). However, Arnold not only played a comedic role...he played it brilliantly. Seeing the usually stoic and uber-violent Arnold playing a pacifist intellectual was amusing in and of itself...but when you factored in that he was the fraternal twin brother of Danny DeVito...it just kept getting better.
3) "True Lies" (1994). Arnold returned to his roots for this one, playing a secret government agent who leads a double life. In his "other" guise, he is a mild-mannered and quite boring computer tech. Arnold plays the two roles quite well...giving a James Bond turn in one scene, and returning to domestic bliss with Jamie Lee Curtis in the next. The scene where Arnold and Jamie Lee have been captured, and Arnold is drugged with truth serum is quite possibly the best part of the whole movie.
Honorable Mention - "Predator" (1987) and "Eraser" (1996).
Agree? Disagree? Don't keep it to yourself!

My Two Cents - Really Bad Movies

Have you ever noticed that there are certain things in life that just stick out? Like, for example...a REALLY bad movie?
We all remember the great movies. The ones that we talk about endlessly. The ones that when we merely mention it around friends, you can see their eyes glazing over...because they know they have at least two hours of misery awaiting them. But, we also remember the bad ones too. Especially the big bombs.
Now...every now and again...there is a movie that is so bad, it's actually kind of good. I have to admit, I didn't think "Showgirls" was as bad as everyone made it out to be. Granted, you are never going to see that on any classics list...but it wasn't THAT bad.
And then...there are the true bombs. I'm talking Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and Elvis couldn't save this picture. Movies so freaking bad, you couldn't even finish watching it. For example..."In Dreams", with Annette Bening and Robert Downey Jr. I made it about half an hour into the movie...and quit. All the while, I was shaking my head in disgust that I wasted thirty minutes of my life and three bucks renting that stink bomb.
So...what do you all have to add? Got a movie that you disowned someone over? Ever left a movie theater and asked for your money back? Let's hear about them...

Star Wars Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

"Star Wars Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back" is the second movie of the original "Star Wars" trilogy, and the fifth overall.
The Rebellion's celebration of the destruction of the Death Star is short-lived. The Galactic Empire is pursuing them all over the galaxy...driven by Lord Darth Vader's obsession with finding Luke Skywalker. While hiding out on the polar planet Hoth, Luke has a vision of Obi-Wan Kenobi...who tells him to seek out the Jedi Master Yoda. While Luke travels to Dagobah to learn the ways of the Force, his friends have their hands full. Han Solo, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, and C-3PO are being relentlessly chased by the Empire...and the Millenium Falcon keeps breaking down on them. Add a group of bounty hunters, a city in the clouds, and a shocking secret revealed...will this spell the end of the Rebellion?
Many (yours truly included) consider "Empire" to be the best of the original trilogy...and quite possibly the best of the entire series. This is a much darker tale than most of the rest of the saga (with the possible exception of "Revenge Of The Sith"). While there are some spectacular action sequences (the chase between four TIE Fighters and the Millenium Falcon through an asteroid field is especially thrilling), there are not as many as in some of the other movies of the series. You do, however, have the first exceptional lightsaber fight...between Darth Vader and Luke.
It is the interaction between the characters that truly makes this movie special. The banter between Han Solo and Leia is especially amusing...watching as their love/hate relationship continues to grow. Another great interaction takes place between Luke and Yoda...as we watch him attempting to become a Jedi Knight like his father before him.
The last half hour of this movie contains quite possibly the biggest shock in movie history. Even watching it for the eighty-fifth time...you still get chills.
For an awesome sci-fi classic...and the best of the "Star Wars" series..."Empire Strikes Back" is the one.
Starring - Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Billy Dee Williams, Kenny Baker, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, David Prowse, and Frank Oz. Directed by Irvin Kershner.
Time - 2 hours, 7 minutes. Rated - PG (Sci-fi violence)

Review - The Covenant

"The Covenant" is a horror/thriller, featuring a young cast of mostly unknown actors and actresses. It is based on a graphic novel by Aron Coleite and Tone Rodriquez.
Caleb, Pogue, Tyler, and Reid are best of friends...almost like brothers. They attend a well-to-do private school in New England, and seem to have it all. As a matter of fact...they not only seem to have it all, they may have more than others think. The four boys are descendants of four families who all survived the Salem witch hunts...and they have inherited incredible power. But when someone is using their power to haunt them...can they find out who...and more importantly...why?
This movie was a lot better than I thought it might have been. The plot is pretty simple...four teens with amazing powers suddenly find a problem in their otherwise perfect lives. For a cast of virtual unknowns, they turn in a surprisingly good performance. The four "Sons Of Ipswich" are especially entertaining. The special effects are good, but the movie doesn't completely rely on them to tell the whole story. And as is always the case in a story such as this...they leave the ending ripe for a sequel.
All in all, "The Covenant" is worth scaring up for a good time.
Starring - Steven Strait, Laura Ramsey, Sebastian Stan, Taylor Kitsch, and Chace Crawford. Directed by Renny Harlin.
Time - 1 hour, 37 minutes. Rated - PG-13 (Violence, disturbing images, partial nudity, language)

Review - Resident Evil

"Resident Evil" is a horror/action movie based on the popular video game series of the same title.
In the beginning of the movie, we are shown a top-secret lab facility. Someone has just stolen an experimental virus...but not before releasing a sample into the lab. Knowing the threat it represents, the computer system that monitors the lab locks it down and kills everyone inside. We then meet Alice...a young woman in a large mansion. The only problem is...Alice can't remember who she is or why she is there. Or why there are automatic weapons in her underwear drawer. When a mysterious stranger and a special forces unit show up...they take Alice with them into the Hive...but who will make it out alive?
Movies based on video games seem to run in the same circle as movies based on comic books. They are either spectacular (such as Mortal Kombat) or absolutely dreadful (Bloodrayne). Thankfully, "Resident Evil" ranks closer to spectacular. The action sequences are incredible and hard-hitting. One of the most entertaining parts of the movie is watching as Alice slowly remembers who she is...and more importantly, what she is. Her returning memory also gradually fills in holes in the plot...just at opportune moments, usually.
Loads of fun to watch and an entertaining entry of the horror/action genre..."Resident Evil" is a good play.
Starring - Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, Eric Mabius, James Purefoy, and Colin Salmon. Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson.
Time - 1 hour, 40 minutes. Rated - R (Violence/gore, language, sexuality/nudity)

Review - Dawn Of The Dead (1978)

"Dawn Of The Dead" is the second in George A. Romero's "Living Dead" movies.
The zombie epidemic which started in "Night Of The Living Dead" has spread rapidly. Major cities are becoming graveyards...and unfortunately, the bodies are wandering around. A newspaper reporter, her helicopter pilot boyfriend, and two SWAT officers decide to take a news chopper and try to find somewhere less populated by ghouls. They take up residence inside a large shopping mall...close the place off and clean out the "inhabitants". But soon, their paradise is threatened by another source - a gang of all-too human looters.
While this one was in color (where the original "Living Dead" was black and white), this is still a pretty low-budget film. The special effects are pretty cheesy by today's standards. It is interesting to imagine what it would be like to live inside a shopping mall (a mall that includes a grocery store and a gun store...but hey, it is a movie).
It is also interesting to watch apparently how easily the world we know and love can unravel. These are people who had jobs, lives, friends...and now, their only instinct is survival. Romero also gives a sly commentary on our obsession with material possessions. The characters living inside the mall wear designer label clothing, expensive jewelry, and play poker with money they took from the bank inside the mall. One character becomes enraged when the looter gang breaks into "their" mall.
An excellent horror movie with a subtle social message...when there is no more room in Hell, the Dead will walk the earth. "Dawn Of The Dead" is an excellent sequel.
Starring - Ken Foree, David Emge, Gaylen Ross, Scott H. Reiniger and Tom Savini. Directed by George A. Romero.
Time - 2 hours, 6 minutes. Rated - R (Violence, language, horror gore)

Review - The Toxic Avenger

"The Toxic Avenger" is probably the ultimate example of a B movie. It's a science-fiction/action movie, which has become a long-running series.
Melvin Junko is the prototypical nerd - a skinny janitor at a health club in Tromaville, New Jersey (the Toxic Waste Capital Of The World). Insulted and bullied, one day after a particularly cruel prank, he jumps out a window into a barrel of toxic waste. Melvin is transformed into The Toxic Avenger...a monstrous, hulking creature who sets out to clean up the town of all bad guys.
Oscar material, this ain't, folks. This is about as low-budget and low-brow as you are going to get. The best way I can adequately sum it up is...it's so bad, it's almost good. Almost. The majority of the movie is gore, topless women, and more gore.
If you watch this movie...about the main reason you're doing it is so you can say you did.
Starring - Andree Maranda, Mitch Cohen, Mark Torgl, Pat Ryan, and Jennifer Prichard. Directed by Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz.
Time - 1 hour, 27 minutes. Rated - Unrated (Violence, language, nudity, adult situations)

Review - A Knight's Tale

"A Knight's Tale" is a semi-historical action film, which takes medieval jousting and turns it into something between professional sports and a rock concert.
When his knight dies before a joust, young William does the unthinkable and takes his place. This is because only men of noble blood are allowed to joust...and William is most certainly not. However...he wins, and this encourages him to try to get better. With the aid of his fellow squires Roland and Wat, he begins to train and heads off to enter another tournament. On the way, they encounter a naked man wandering down the road. He introduces himself as Geoffrey Chaucer, and also informs them that the tournament requires proof of nobility...which he is adept at forging. With a new identity as "Sir Ulrich von Lichenstein of Gelderland", William quickly becomes the rising star of the jousting world. Along the way, he encounters an undefeated jouster, the heir to the throne of England, and an enchanting young lady. Can William realize his dream and become champion? Or will his past catch up to him?
Historical movies with jousts and sword fights are nothing new. Historical movies with jousts and sword fights set to songs such as Queen's "We Will Rock You" and BTO's "Taking Care Of Business" is something new. "Knight's Tale" tells its story with a sly wink...and the main reason it works is simply because it never takes itself too seriously. The jousting sequences are unbelievable...and the blows taken by the jousters will make you wince. The sub-plot involving William and Jocelyn is a little tedious...but not unbearable. And as with most sport-related movies, you can tell how this movie will end halfway through. But it is still a pretty entertaining film...provided you realize what you're sitting down to watch.
"A Knight's Tale"...ye shall truly enjoy it, if a good time is what ye seek.
Starring - Heath Ledger, Rufus Sewell, Shannyn Sossamon, Paul Bettany, and James Purefoy. Directed by Brian Helgeland.
Time - 2 hours, 12 minutes. Rated - PG-13 (Violence, brief nudity, mild language)

Review - Infamous

"Infamous" is a drama, based on the novel by George Plimpton called "Truman Capote: In Which Various Friends, Enemies, Acquaintances, and Detractors Recall His Turbulent Career".
The movie itself centers around Truman Capote, the well-known writer. Capote reads a small blurb in the newspaper about the gruesome murders of an entire small-town Kansas family. With the aid of fellow writer and longtime friend Nelle Harper Lee (the author of "To Kill A Mockingbird"), Capote travels to Kansas to uncover the story. At first, his bizarre big-city ways alienate him from the Midwestern crowd...but slowly, he works his way in. When the killers are caught, he goes to get their sides of the story. He has little trouble with young Dick Hickock...but enigmatic Perry Smith proves something of a challenge.
The movie itself is something of a historical drama. However, it also goes between segments where people from Capote's life (friends, lovers, fellow writers) discuss him. The movie didn't move along particularly well. Some of the parts seemed thrown in just for the heck of it. The section where Capote visited Perry Smith in prison seemed especially long, and some of the parts of it didn't seem to fit in to the overall story. There are some disturbing moments to this movie, including the execution of the Clutter family and a few unsettling moments in prison as well.
All in all, "Infamous" isn't a terrible movie. Slightly on the long side, and it does tend to drag at points. However, some terrific performances make it worth a look.
Starring - Toby Jones, Sandra Bullock, Sigourney Weaver, Gwyneth Paltrow, Daniel Craig, Jeff Daniels, and Peter Bogdanovich. Directed by Douglas McGrath.
Time - 1 hour, 50 minutes. Rated - R (Language, violence, sexuality)

Review - Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope

"A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away..."
And with that simple phrase began one of the greatest sagas in motion picture history. We were introduced to a universe of heroes and villains...of robots and pirates...and most importantly, of the Force. "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope", or as most refer to it, "Star Wars", has become one of the classic examples of science-fiction fantasy. The movie was nominated for ten Academy Awards (including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor), and won six Oscars. It is the second highest-grossing movie in United States box office history (only "Titanic" made more money at the theaters), having made over $460 million dollars.
The story revolves around two robots, C-3PO and R2-D2, who have been given a private and urgent message from Princess Leia Organa, a Galactic Senator from the planet Alderaan. They must locate Obi-Wan Kenobi, a former Jedi Knight...and possibly the only hope for the galaxy. Pursuing the droids and the Princess is the evil Galactic Empire...and its horrifying hunter, Lord Darth Vader...a master of the Dark Side of the Force. The droids come into the possession of a family of farmers on the remote desert planet of Tatooine, and most notably young Luke Skywalker. Luke and the droids find Obi-Wan...but in the process, Luke's aunt and uncle are murdered by the Empire's Stormtroopers. With no reason to stay on Tatooine, Luke and the droids follow Kenobi to Mos Eisley, a space port filled with smugglers and criminals. Seeking a transport vessel to Alderaan, they find Captain Han Solo, a seasoned smuggler and his co-pilot, Chewbacca, a seven-foot tall Wookie. The motley crew takes off...only to be pursued by the Empire. Can they deliver the message in time?
What made "Star Wars" so fascinating...and the reason it still holds such great fascination...is the simplicity of the story. It is a fairy tale, pure and simple. You have monsters, sorcerers, a princess, a young hero. A small force for good fighting an impossible battle against a vastly superior evil army. And yet...George Lucas weaves such an intricate and wonderful tale, you can't help but to be swept along with it. It reminds you of the old cliffhanger serials of the early days of movies. There are shocks...twists...turns...situations you think the heroes cannot possibly escape. And it keeps you twisting on the edge of your seat until the final frame rolls.
Another strong point for the movie is that it literally has something for everyone. There is the obvious science-fiction tie-in. There is action, romance, laughs, drama, scares, and magic. This movie holds just as much magic for me as the first time I saw it, many years ago.
There are movies that are called classics. And there are the very rare few that deserve the title. "Star Wars" is one of the rare few.
Starring - Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Cushing, Sir Alec Guiness, Peter Mayhew, David Prowse, Kenny Baker, Anthony Daniels, and James Earl Jones. Directed by George Lucas.
Time - 2 hours, 5 minutes. Rated - PG (Science-fiction violence, mild language)

My Two Cents - Movie Watching Essentials

Everyone watches a movie differently. Some people like to sit all the way in the back...others prefer the front row. Some like the aisle seats...some right in the middle of the row. Popcorn, soda, candy, nachos...some or all of the above...and some just prefer to smuggle their own refreshments in from the outside. So, here's the way I prefer to see a movie:
Where to sit...I prefer a back corner. In the old days, you needed to sit towards the center of the theater to hear it best. However, in today's world of digital surround sound, seating placement is pretty much an irrelevant point. The advantage to me of sitting in the back row is that you don't have to worry about anybody sitting behind you to bother you. And unless a person in front of me is about eight feet tall sitting down, I have nothing to worry about there, either.
Refreshments. A general "must-have" for movie viewing. However, nobody is enthused about paying $9.50 for a bag of popcorn and a soda. If I have the time, I generally prefer to smuggle my own refreshment in to the theater. Besides...not many theaters serve my beverage of choice (Mountain Dew...what were you thinking?). There are rare examples here and there (in my area, the Showcase Cinemas serve Pepsi products). If I do smuggle something in, I seem to lean towards either Burger King or Chik-Fil-A. No particular reason...just the way I roll. If I'm feeling saucy and decide to splurge on the over-priced movie theater food...I'll go with popcorn (just plain...I have no desire to coat my fingers in greasy fake butter) and a drink (Mountain Dew if it's an option, root beer if it's available, Coke if I must). At home, my refreshments of choice are Orville Redenbacher's Movie Theater Butter popcorn (or home-popped, depending on the mood), Mountain Dew, and peanut M&M's.
Another big preference becomes when to go to the theater. The local theaters here have bargain Tuesdays ($5 for any show, all day long). They also have bargain matinees on other days of the week...but that will still run you around $6.50 a ticket. I have Wednesdays and Thursdays off...so those usually work best, but if I get off work early enough...I have no problem with going to a later show on Tuesday night.
So...Tuesday night. Save me the back corner seat...and if I'm wearing a big coat with a lot of pockets...you know what I brought.

Review - The Pelican Brief

"The Pelican Brief" is a political thriller/drama, based on the best-selling novel by author John Grisham.
Two United States Supreme Court Justices have been murdered. At Tulane University, a young law student named Darby Shaw has just finished a paper. She believes that she knows the reason why the two Justices with seemingly nothing in common have both been killed. Her paper quickly finds its way up the levels of power...and the young woman is now seen as a threat. One that must be neutralized quickly. On the run, Darby's only ally is a dogged newspaper reporter named Gray Grantham. Together, they must validate Darby's story...and try to stay alive.
There are some writers whose material, no matter how good it might be, never translates well to the big screen (Stephen King comes immediately to mind). John Grisham seems to be one of the few writers whose novels make successful movies. "Pelican Brief" is no exception. The story follows the novel closely, which always helps. The acting is superb, with a great cast. Even if you have read the book first (which I did), the movie does not disappoint.
For an excellent drama, or for any fan of John Grisham..."The Pelican Brief" is a great choice.
Starring - Julia Roberts, Denzel Washington, Sam Shepard, John Lithgow, Stanley Tucci, Hume Cronyn, and Tony Goldwyn. Directed by Alan J. Pakula.
Time - 2 hours, 21 minutes. Rated - PG-13 (Violence, language, some sensuality)

Review - Reservoir Dogs

"Reservoir Dogs" is a hard-edged crime drama, and a powerful ensemble character piece.
Six career criminals are gathered by crime boss Joe Cabot to pull a job - a jewel heist. The men know nothing about each other...not even their names. They are given new names by Cabot...to prevent them from learning anything about each other. The job goes extremely wrong. Some of the gang are killed...some are wounded...some are missing. And the ones who made it out alive now only have one question - What went wrong? Slowly, they begin to theorize that one of their group is an undercover cop...but who?
Quentin Tarantino is know well-known for his extremely visual and unorthodox style of filmmaking. "Reservoir Dogs" was the first widely distributed example of his vision. This is not a movie for the faint of heart. Tarantino has no bones about spilling blood and does so with relish. But everything he places in a movie has its place...even the things that you barely even notice. This movie did not have a huge budget...but between Tarantino's style of directing, an excellent story, and a great cast of characters...it comes out as a success.
The strength of any of Tarantino's movies are the chemistry between the actors. And "Reservoir Dogs" is a great example of that. He seems to have the ability to pick the perfect person for a role...and gets the best performance out of that actor.
As I pointed out earlier, this is not a movie for everyone. But anyone looking for a hard-nosed crime drama that isn't afraid to get its hands dirty, "Reservoir Dogs" will deliver.
Starring - Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Chris Penn, and Steve Buscemi. Directed by Quentin Tarantino.
Time - 1 hour, 39 minutes. Rated - R (Violence, language)

Review - Ghost World

"Ghost World" is a dark comedy/teen drama, based on a comic book series by Daniel Clowes.
Best friends Enid and Rebecca have just graduated high school. The pair of disinterested slackers plan to move into an apartment together, provided they can find jobs and Enid can finish a summer-school art class she needs to graduate. While hanging out one day, they look through the want-ads and find a particularly depressing one. They call the number to play a vicious prank on the placer of the ad. When the pair follow the man to his home, Enid actually begins to care for someone other than herself...and her whole world begins to quickly unravel as a result.
This is a different movie. Enid and Rebecca are quite possibly the most foul-mouthed individuals you will ever meet...and it seems as if all they care about are themselves. At first glance, you wonder how you can ever truly care about such a couple. However, by an excellent script and wonderful performances by the actresses playing the pair, you truly begin to side with them. Thora Birch delivers an especially strong turn as Enid, who goes through a great deal of soul-searching and personal change as the movie progresses. And the always entertaining Steve Buscemi turns in an outstanding performance as a wise and world-wearied record collector.
Granted, not everyone will get this movie. There is very little in the way of action, and it is the dialogue between the characters that keeps this movie moving forward. But, if you are interested in a unique dark comedy, "Ghost World" is the place for you.
Starring - Thora Birch, Scarlett Johansson, Brad Renfro, Illeana Douglas and Steve Buscemi. Directed by Terry Zwigoff.
Time - 1 hour, 51 minutes. Rated - R (Language, sexual content, mild violence)

Review - The Departed

"The Departed" is a crime drama with heavy doses of suspense and thrills. It is based on parts from a trilogy of Hong Kong pictures, "Mou gaan dou" (Infernal Affairs). The movie was nominated for five Academy Awards, and won four (including Best Picture and Best Director).
The movie focuses on Boston crime lord Frank Costello. He has been the head of the Irish Mob for as long as anyone can remember...and he rules his neighborhood with an iron fist. At the same time, two young men graduate from the Massachusetts State Police. Colin Sullivan is top of his class, an intelligent and well-spoken go-getter who is fast tracked into a joint task force with the FBI. Billy Costigan Jr. is arrested for assault and battery, thrown off the force, and finds himself back on the tough streets of South Boston where he grew up. Eventually, he finds a home within Costello's organization. Both men soon learn that there is an informant amongst their own people...a man from Costello's group inside the police, and a man from the police inside Costello's gang. The question becomes: Who will find their rat first?
This is flat-out an excellent picture. The A-list all-star cast delivers top-notch performances. It amazed me that out of all the incredible people playing in this movie, only Mark Wahlberg (playing an acid-tongued police supervisor with the Special Investigations Unit) received an Academy Award nomination in the acting categories. The characters move the story, which weaves an intricate web of lies and blood. The story is interesting enough...how both sides of the law could place one of their own within the others' ranks...and how they could use it to their advantage.
One of the truest signs of a great movie is when you can feel something for even the slimiest character. Frank Costello is a low-life criminal...a drug dealer and a murderer. But at the same time, he looks out for people in his neighborhood and remembers even the slightest detail about someone's family. There are times when you actually see him as just a regular person. That is a tough thing to do...but a talented actor, a good story, and a great director pull it all off with ease.
This is not a short movie by any stretch...and it does leave you with a couple of questions at the end. But all in all, this is a spot-on movie.
"The Departed" - Great actors, great story, great directing = Great picture.
Starring - Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Martin Sheen, Mark Wahlberg, Alec Baldwin, and Anthony Anderson. Directed by Martin Scorsese.
Time - 2 hours, 31 minutes. Rated - R (Violence, language, adult situations, drug use)

Review - The Descent

"The Descent" is a psychological thriller/horror movie, which explores just how far someone will go to stay alive.
Adventure seeking friends Sarah, Beth, and Juno have just finished a wild white-water rapid rafting trip...observed by Sarah's husband Paul and their daughter, Jessica. When a tragic car accident takes Paul and Jessica's lives, Sarah goes into a deep depression. Some time later, the girls and a couple of other friends meet up to go spelunking. They head down into a cave system...but when the tunnel collapses, they find themselves trapped inside. Forced deeper into the tunnels...they soon discover...they are not alone in the dark...
A lot of horror movies are undone by the simplest fact in the book: They try to get too creative. Sometimes, simplest is best...and "The Descent" uses this to its advantage. You have a small group...a small setting...darkness...and you have no idea when to expect something to happen. It is impossible not to feel the plight of the trapped characters, and you root for their escape, even if you know it may not happen. The movie takes on a darker side as it progresses....and after the cave-in, you cannot imagine how the movie will turn out. But you will be shocked when you see how it does.
What I found most impressive was the psychological aspect of the film. As I pointed out earlier, this is a simple movie. But it uses what it has to great effect. There are some truly brutal moments that occur...and every one of them has a consequence.
For an excellent horror film with strong psychological underpinnings, "The Descent" is one not to miss.
Starring - Shauna MacDonald, Natalie Mendoza, Alex Reid, Saskia Mulder, MyAnna Buring, and Nora-Jane Noone. Directed by Neil Marshall.
Time - 1 hour, 39 minutes. Rated - R (Horror violence/gore, language)

Review - The Marine

"The Marine" is an action/adventure movie of the truest sense...in that you need absolutely no thinking at all to enjoy it.
John Triton is a member of the Marine Special Forces...and in the beginning of the movie, we see him stage a daring rescue of captured US soldiers. Unfortunately, he violated orders doing so...and is discharged from the only life he has ever known. He returns home to his lovely wife Kate, and attempts to re-enter civilian life. After an unsuccessful first day in a "normal" job, the pair decides to take a vacation. As they leave, their paths cross with a gang of jewel thieves...who have just pulled off a violent daylight heist. With their own car disabled...they take John's...and Kate along with it. Now...John must call on his training to save his wife...by any means necessary.
This is a WWE movie...and that ought to tell you everything you need to know right there. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to understand this movie...and it probably helps you more if you aren't. This is a pure-and-simple action movie - shoot or blow up everything in sight...and beat the stuffing out of everyone. Professional wrestler John Cena gives a decent performance in the movie...obviously capable of the action sequences, and with just enough charisma to keep you interested when he isn't shooting or fighting. So long as you don't take the movie too seriously (which it seems like no one involved did), this is a good and entertaining film.
If you're looking for explosions, gunfights, butt-kicking and good old general action movie mayhem, "The Marine" gives you all that and then some.
Starring - John Cena, Robert Patrick, Kelly Carlson, Anthony Ray Parker, and Jerome Ehlers. Directed by John Bonito.
Time - 1 hour, 33 minutes. Rated - PG-13 (Violence, language, some sensuality)

Review - The Sentinel

"The Sentinel" is an action/drama, based on the novel of the same title by Gerald Petievich.
Pete Garrison is a highly decorated and honored Secret Service agent. Currently, he is assigned as the bodyguard for the First Lady...and he is nearing his retirement. Then, his world is turned upside down...as he is accused of being a mole inside the Service. Now, not only is he being accused of attempting to assassinate the President...he is being pursued by a dogged FBI Agent with a personal grudge. Garrison must clear his name and stop the real assassin from completing his mission.
Even by action movie standards, the plot of this movie is slightly far-fetched. In the hands of a lesser group of actors, this could have been a real bomb. However, the very talented cast pulls it off. There is a edge-of-your-seat thrill ride aspect to the movie...you hang on, waiting to see where the next curve takes you. There are some predictable moments...but there are a couple that you won't see coming, either. All in all...not great...but definitely better than average.
There are other movies that follow the same premise...but "The Sentinel" is worth a view.
Starring - Michael Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland, Eva Longoria, Kim Basinger, Martin Donovan, and David Rasche. Directed by Clark Johnson.
Time - 1 hour, 48 minutes. Rated - PG-13 (Violence, language, some sensuality)

Review - Shooter

"Shooter" is an action/adventure/drama, involving top-secret government agencies and the lengths that they will go to to preserve their warped ideals. The movie is based on a novel called "Point Of Impact" by Stephen Hunter.
Bob Lee Swagger is a former Marine Corps sniper now living in isolation. One day, he is approached by a mysterious Colonel...who informs him that someone within the United States Government is plotting to assassinate the President. They need his expert opinion to figure out where the assassin will take his shot. Swagger reluctantly agrees...and becomes the fall guy in an intricate plot. On the run and pursued by both the real authorities and those who want him dead...can Swagger clear his name and bring those responsible to justice?
What sets "Shooter" apart from many other movies like it are a couple of factors. The cast does an excellent job. There are several incredible action sequences, including intricate battle scenes and a good car chase. As in most action movies, you are required to suspend belief in various points...but then again, you don't go to an action movie for realism. There is a good plot...which can be a rare thing for movies such as this. All in all, this is an enjoyable and fun movie...definitely worth a see!
Action by the truckload, a plot, and a great cast..."Shooter" hits the mark.
Starring - Mark Wahlberg, Danny Glover, Elias Koteas, Rhona Mitra, and Ned Beatty. Directed by Antoine Fuqua.
Time - 2 hours, 4 minutes. Rated - R (Violence, language, adult situations)

Review - The Thing From Another World (1951)

"The Thing From Another World" is a science-fiction movie based on the short story, "Who Goes There?" by John W. Campbell, Jr., and was remade in 1982 as "The Thing."
The movie opens at an Air Force base in Alaska. A group has been dispatched to a scientific research outpost in the Arctic...to investigate a strange electromagnetic phenomenon. Arriving at the site, they discover what appears to be a flying saucer buried underneath the ice. They attempt to remove it from the ice with thermite bombs...only to blow up the craft. As they are preparing to leave...they find something else - the occupant of the vessel, also frozen in the ice. They dig the being out and carry it back to the base. While they argue over what to do with it, it thaws out of the ice and comes back to life. Soon, soldier and scientist alike are in a battle for their lives against an alien being with one wish - to turn humankind into its food source.
For a science fiction movie created in the early 1950's, this is a well-made and well-acted film. The Thing is rarely shown well...usually in shadow or in brief glimpses. It serves to lend the creature more dramatic effect...since you never know when you will see it next. The movie was considered quite terrifying for its time. I remember my father telling me that after he saw it...he made my grandmother go upstairs first at night...just in case The Thing was waiting.
While it is not as graphic or as cerebral as the remake (which followed the short story closer), it is still an effective and entertaining film.
If you are in search of a good science-fiction picture, "The Thing From Another World" brings it home.
Starring - James Arness, Margaret Sheridan, Kenneth Tobey, Robert Cornthwaite, and Douglas Spencer. Directed by Christian Nyby.
Time - 1 hour, 27 minutes. Rated - Unrated (No rating system in the 1950's)

Review - The Ice Harvest

"The Ice Harvest" is a dark comedy/crime drama, and quite possibly one of the first movies you will ever see that has almost an entire cast made up of socially negative characters.
It is Christmas Eve...and crooked mob lawyer Charlie Arglist has just swindled over two million dollars in cash from local gangster Bill Guerrard. Aided by his associate, a pornographer and general low-life, Vic Cavanaugh...all the pair has to do is lay low until morning...and then leave town rich men. Unfortunately, several situations arise that threaten to derail their well-laid plans. A notorious hit man has just shown up in town...looking for the pair. Strip club owner Renata asks for an incriminating photo from Vic. A local councilman with a lot to lose needs a favor. And a major ice storm is hitting the town like a ton of bricks. How much can happen in one night...and how much can one man take?
Most movies...even dark comedies such as this one...have at least a couple of characters who seem to have some socially redeemable qualities. With the seeming minor exception of Charlie's daughter...this movie left them out. The characters in this film are hustlers, thieves, backstabbers, con artists, cold blooded murderers, and general lowlives. And yet...you can still feel empathy for them.
There are a few points of contention with the movie. There are a lot of people out and about, considering the town is in the middle of a major ice storm...and it appears that their cars have amazing traction. Several times you witness cars stopping on a dime from full speed without even skidding. The story drags in a few points...and it almost seems like they shot several of the interior scenes in the same house, just with the furniture moved around and different lighting.
Despite those, this remains a decent movie...if for nothing else, than some amazing performances by an all-star cast.
It's dark...it's a little out there...but "The Ice Harvest" comes through.
Starring - John Cusack, Billy Bob Thornton, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Platt, and Randy Quaid. Directed by Harold Ramis.
Time - 1 hour, 28 minutes. Rated - R (Violence, language, adult situations, nudity)

Review - Alien

"Alien" is a science-fiction classic, and has become one of the most popular and widely imitated movies ever.
The movie opens in a cryogenic chamber aboard a deep space vessel called the Nostromo. Its crew has just been reawakened by the computer reacting to a distress beacon. They trace the beacon to a desolate planet, and upon entering the long-abandoned vessel, they discover hundreds of eggs. One hatches...and attacks a member of the crew. Brought back on board with an alien attached to his face, the crew struggles with what to do. Then, suddenly...the alien seems to die on its own. But as the ship returns to space...little do they realize that the horrors have just begun...and that there is something more sinister to all this than they realize.
The basic premise of "Alien" (a small group of people in an enclosed place, suddenly becoming hunted by a vicious monster) has quickly turned into one of the most used themes in all films (most notably science-fiction and horror). In this version, however, it is tense and well-played. The ship has a dark, cramped...almost claustrophobic feel...and it lends strongly to the movie. The characters' portrayal of fear and desolation grows with every crew member who dies. This movie also contains one of the first classic examples of a woman as the hero. Prior to "Alien", women were usually delegated to victims or screaming background pieces. Sigourney Weaver's Ripley is now considered one of the greatest female leads in movie history.
And of course...there is the alien itself. You never get a good look at it...which adds to its element of fear and surprise. H.R. Giger's design of the alien is one of the most unique in movie history...and easily one of the most memorable.
All of this adds up to an enjoyable and tense thrill ride from start to finish, and one of the best science fiction movies ever made.
"Alien"...in space, no one can hear you scream...
Starring - Tom Skerritt, Sigourney Weaver, Harry Dean Stanton, Yaphet Kotto, John Hurt, Ian Holm, and Veronica Cartwright. Directed by Ridley Scott.
Time - 1 hour, 57 minutes. Rated - R (Violence, language)

Review - First Blood

"First Blood" is an action/adventure with dramatic elements, and is based on the novel of the same title by David Morrell.
In the beginning of the movie, we meet John Rambo, a former Vietnam veteran searching for an old buddy from his platoon. Upon learning of his friend's death due to cancer, he wanders into the nearby town, where he is picked up by the sheriff. After a second encounter leads to Rambo's arrest...he is treated roughly by the sheriff's men...and escapes into the woods. Hunted by the sheriff and his growing posse, they learn that they are going after a combat-tested Green Beret...and he will not go quietly.
Despite being an "action" film, there is a great deal of character drama involved in this movie. Rambo is a complex character...he is strong, quiet, focused...but haunted. He is both a victim of his situation and the cause of it at the same time. Sylvester Stallone's portrayal of Rambo is one of the iconic movie roles of our time. He brings a sympathetic undertone to the character...and even though we know that he has to face punishment for what he does in the movie...you still feel sorry for what drove him to it. The most powerful part of this movie is the underlying subplot involving the Vietnam veterans and their return to this country after the war. Rambo himself points out; "Back there, I could fly a gunship, I could drive a tank. I was in charge of million dollar equipment. Back here, I can't even hold a job parking cars!"
It is unique to see a movie that actually holds its hero accountable for his actions. In most action movies (sad to say, but the two sequels to this one come instantly to mind), not only does the hero blow up half the free world and kill three-quarters of its inhabitants...he usually walks scott-free afterwards. It is also interesting to note that Rambo dies in the novel, while he lives in the movie version. This touched off several points of controversy...including a key actor leaving production.
For a powerful and entertaining movie with a relevant message about the treatment of returning soldiers, "First Blood" delivers.
Starring - Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna, Brian Dennehy, Chris Mulkey, and David Caruso. Directed by Ted Kotcheff.
Time - 1 hour, 37 minutes. Rated - R (Violence, language, brief nudity, adult situations)

Review - Night Of The Living Dead (1968)

"Night Of The Living Dead" is the first in director George A. Romero's classic series of zombie films, and is one of the greatest horror films ever made.
The story takes place in the countryside of Pennsylvania. A young woman and her brother have gone to visit their mother's grave...when the two are attacked by a strange man. On the run for her life, the woman finds her way to a remote farmhouse. She is joined by another man, and later discover five other people in the basement. With no phone, no car, and no help in sight, the unwitting band of survivors must work together to stay alive and fight for morning.
While "Night Of The Living Dead" may not be the first zombie movie ever made, it is now the movie by which all other zombie films are now measured. Shot on a small budget, it has since become one of the classic horror movies ever...and was one of the first movies added to the National Film Registry in the Library of Congress. While it is obvious that this was a low-budget movie, the story is intense and engrossing. What is most intriguing about this movie is that for its time, this movie was a lightning rod for criticism. Here you have a movie where the dead rise from the grave, you see human beings being devoured...and several other gruesome moments. It is also ground-breaking to note that a movie made in the late 1960's (a time of racial turmoil in the United States) has an African-American as the hero.
While this movie has been remade twice, and followed by several sequels and remakes...it remains a classic example of a small film that captures a huge audience.
"Night Of The Living Dead"...a horror classic that has endured and will continue to do so.
Starring - Duane Jones, Judith O'Dea, Karl Hardman, Marilyn Eastman, Keith Wayne, Judith Ridley, and Kyra Schon. Directed by George A. Romero.
Time - 1 hour, 36 minutes. Rated - Unrated (Rating as of 1968)

Review - The Usual Suspects

"The Usual Suspects" is an excellent crime drama and winner of the 1996 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
The movie moves from both the present to the past, filling the viewer in on various parts of the tale as it unfolds. Career criminal Roger "Verbal" Kint is sitting in a police station, awaiting the paperwork for his release. U.S. Customs Agent Dave Kujan wants to know about his involvement in a shootout at a local boatyard...where hundreds of millions of dollars (and dozens of corpses) were found. What Agent Kujan gets is an intriguing story involving five criminals, a couple of jewel heists...and a mysterious criminal mastermind known only as Keyser Soze.
Movies that shift from present to past can often times seem muddled or confusing. This movie keeps you right where you need to be...giving you exactly what you need to know when you need to know it. The performances in this movie are top-notch...most notably, Kevin Spacey (winner of the aforementioned Oscar). He brings a vulnerability to crippled con man Kint...and his narration of the story is both witty and insightful. The last ten minutes of this movie may be one of the most powerful moments ever seen in a movie...and cannot be missed.
For an incredible crime/drama...and one of the best stories ever captured on film, "The Usual Suspects" is a keeper.
Starring - Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, Stephen Baldwin, Benecio Del Toro, Kevin Pollak, Chazz Palminteri, and Suzi Amis. Directed by Bryan Singer.
Time - 1 hour, 46 minutes. Rated - R (Violence, language, adult situations)

Review - Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil

"Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil" is a character drama based on the novel of the same title by John Berendt.
When New York reporter John Kelso travels to Savannah, Georgia, he meets up with an eclectic and varied group...including the celebrity transvestite The Lady Chablis, fetching Mandy Nichols, the eerie voodoo priestess Minerva, and local millionaire James Williams. Williams is involved in a questionable relationship with Billy Carl Hanson...and when Billy Carl turns up dead, James is the prime suspect. But in Savannah...nothing is what it appears to be...and truth, like art, is in the eye of the beholder.
Clint Eastwood directed this hidden gem of a movie...and his touches show throughout. Most notably in his choices of music, and the soundtrack to this movie is a must-have. The actors turn in both memorable and enthralling performances, and the story (which is based on actual events) keeps a good balance of dramatic elements and a few light-hearted comic moments. Some of the cast of the movie were actual people mentioned in the novel (The Lady Chablis plays "herself", and the judge is played by Jim Williams real-life lawyer, Sonny Seiler).
All in all, a movie that does not disappoint from beginning to end...and a true under-rated classic. "Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil" is a destination you can't wait to return to.
Starring - John Cusack, Kevin Spacey, Alison Eastwood, Jude Law, and Irma P. Hall. Directed by Clint Eastwood.
Time - 2 hours, 35 minutes. Rated - R (Brief violence, language, adult situations)

Three Best Of - Clint Eastwood

Ah, opinions. Such a wonderful thing. This is what allows someone (such as yours truly) to give their opinion on anything. In this case...what I consider to be the three best movies of actor/director Clint Eastwood.
Let me first say that I have not seen every single movie that Clint Eastwood has ever starred in. And obviously...the three I select may not be the three that you, the good readers of this blog, may have picked. Hey...like I said...opinions! And if you have one...let me know what it is! I'm an equal-opportunity presenter of opinions!
With that said...my three selections for Clint Eastwood's best movies:
1 - "Dirty Harry" (1971). The first of the classic "Dirty Harry" series and easily the best. This movie was the first movie where the cop wasn't a clean-cut, Joe Friday type. This was a cop you would fear if you were a criminal. One who shoots first and asks questions later. One who wasn't afraid to get dirty to get the job done. Eastwood's dead-pan delivery and cool under fire gave Harry Callahan presence and strength...and who could ever forget the classic speech involving a .44 Magnum? Beyond the character, this movie has an excellent supporting cast, as well as an interesting storyline.
2 - "Play Misty For Me" (1971). "Play Misty For Me" is practically the anti-"Dirty Harry". Eastwood isn't a gun-toting super cop...he's a DJ in a jazz station in Carmel, California. But it is his vulnerability in the face of a "Fatal Attraction" style-stalker that makes this movie so unique. It is also Eastwood's first venture on the other side of the camera...as he directed "Misty" as well. Here, he shows that he is as good a director as an actor.
3 - "In The Line Of Fire" (1993). I can already hear the crowd. "Where are the westerns?" Well, I liked them just fine. But it was Eastwood's performance in "Line Of Fire" that stands out to me. His haunted and near-obsessed portrayal of the only Secret Service agent to ever lose a President is powerful and convincing...and he carries the seasoned air of a man resigned to the pages of history. And with an equally powerful supporting cast, as well as a gripping story and the always-excellent direction of Wolfgang Petersen, "Line Of Fire" is easily one of Eastwood's best.
There you have it. Now...agree or disagree? Let me hear it!