MOVIE REVIEW - Heart Condition (1990)

Early Denzel movie. Very '80's. There really no reason to see this - pretty lame story.

MOVIE REVIEW - I Spy (2002)

Funny enough, I guess. Eddie was a little over-the-top. The plot was weak, but I expected to be such. I've never understood how Owen became an A-lister - not much depth there, especially not comedic depth. Decent action comedy, but nothing great here.

MOVIE REVIEW - Wings (1927)

This is the first Best Picture Oscar winner, and my last Best Picture Oscar movie to watch. Yep, I've now watched the entire AFI Top 100 All-Time Movies and Best Picture Oscar lists. This silent movie is fine - no real qualms here - except that it's a silent movie drama. Tough to sit through. The story is what you'd expect from a 1927 war movie. For most of the movie, you're just saying, "OK, I get it - move on, get to the next scene, hurry up, yes, yes, I know..." But it's alright. Mostly, I'm just glad I'm done with those two lists.

MOVIE REVIEW - Recruit, The (2003)

Decent thriller, but the suspense is lessened when the beginning of the movie drills it into you that "Everything you see is a test." It was drilled into my head, I remembered it, why couldn't Colin? Still, plenty suspenseful, though the plot petered out toward the end.

MOVIE REVIEW - American Splendor (2003)

Very nice indie film about a likeable curmedgeon. The "Song of the South"-style mixture of live action and animation worked very well. Harvey was depressed and depressing, but you root for the guy. It also reminded me of Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, how they kept swapping between the real life Harvey and the actor (Paul Giamatti) playing Harvey. Cool story.

MOVIE REVIEW - Hotel Rwanda (2004)

I liked it, glad to know a little more about the real-life horror. I had a couple of friends who were missionaries at the time in Rwanda. They got out very early on. I knew a little about this history, but something I didn't know: did I hear it right (and did the movie tell it accurately) that the Belgians created the distinction between the Hutus and the Tutsis, simply by going door to door, measuring noses, and saying "You're a Hutu", "You're a Tutsi"? And if so, that this random distinction then rose to the level of hatred and arrogance among the people? Wow, if so. Well, wow, if not, given the horror. OK, everything I've said so far is about the event, not the movie. The movie was fine, sort of a less-intense Schindler's List. Less intense, you say? Well, the movie largely took place inside the hotel, for a protected (not necessarily wealthy) group of people. In the film, we only saw glimpses of the genocide, we saw fear, but not the utter desperation that was surely felt by the nearly 1 million people. Cheadle's character was mostly cool, mostly heroic, but it lacked some emotional pull for me - can't explain why. Definitely worth seeing, definitely a good movie, but not quite as compelling as I expected.

MOVIE REVIEW - Being Julia (2004)

Decent story, but not great. Sort of a light-hearted Dangerous Liaisons. I like Annette quite a bit, but I found her less endearing here than in most of her portrayals. I'm surprised she's getting all the acclaim for this - she's done a much better job prior.

MOVIE REVIEW - In Good Company (2004)

Oh, it's not terrible. Quaid was fairly decent, and his character did develop fairly well. Topher had a few nice moments, but there were multiple instances where he was just trying too hard. My biggest complaint with this movie is, it's not AT ALL how the business world works. Crowds standing around an office applauding when the president walks in (other movies [Disclosure] have made similar infractions), nervous young kid thinking on his feet and coming up with "great ideas" in his first meeting in front of everyone, quickly convincing all the cynical employees that this kid's a go-getter, it just doesn't ring true. Office Space rings true. Additionally, it was slow and just a tad boring. I realize I'm probably biased against Johansson (because she's never been in a movie with Bill Murray), but what's the rage surrounding this woman? Only decently attractive, her acting seems overly reserved, and that voice - is she trying to sound like Kathleen Turner? Cause she doesn't.

MOVIE REVIEW - Dead Man Walking (1995)

I have avoided this movie for years. With Tim Robbins as writer and director, and Susan Sarandon and Sean Penn in the lead roles, I assumed this would be a left-wing preachfest. Maybe they think it is - most of the outspoken supporters of capital punishment in the film were over the top, filmed with vengeance, some even white supremacists. However, I think Tim made an extremely balanced movie here, a movie that even bolstered my positive views on the death penalty. First, all of the cast and Tim did a tremendous job. Susan played such an understated Sister Helen, full of compassion, full of confusion, always moving forward in her attempts at bringing mercy to the world. Sean was great as well. The reason I say it encouraged the death penalty?

**Spoiler Alert**

Sean maintained his innocence, his arrogance, his refusal to take responsibility for his actions - until the last 20 minutes of his life. It was only when faced with his certain and impending demise that he realized there was no need for the front. Without the government's action, he would've forever deceived people, fought for his freedom (and possibly gained it), and continued as the evil manipulator his actions proved him to be. But with his punishment, and with Sister Helen's guidance and love, he was able to get to a place of responsibility and dignity, albeit at the last possible moment. I know that Tim was trying to tell us through Sean that "Killing is bad, whether I'm doing it, or you're doing it, or the government is doing it", even more so as Tim overlayed the death of Sean with the death of Sean's victims (subtly telling us that there is no difference in Sean's actions and the governments actions). But reality came through more loudly, that this was a just and appropriate action. I really liked this movie - nearly flawless.

MOVIE REVIEW - Finding Neverland (2004)

If for no other reason, I gotta give this a good review because the kid who played Peter is So Darn Cute and a really terrific actor. I didn't really want to like this movie - "Why am I watching a story about how a story got written?" - sounds a stretch for a plotline to me. But as soon as the 25 orphans were brought into the theatre to bring a child's eye to the play, I was brought in as well. Like MDBaby, I felt that my emotions were being manipulated, but I didn't really care. Nice movie.

MOVIE REVIEW - Million Dollar Baby (2004)

Hillary Swank deserves a nod if not win. She was terrific, both in acting, being in physical shape for this demanding role, and wow, the boxing matches themselves were fabulous. Her facial and body expressions after each win really sucked you into her utter joy. I do NOT like boxing, but the fights were truly compelling. Clint probably tried a little too hard as director to pull at our heartstrings. But you know what? He still found mine, and it mattered. Nice movie.

MOVIE REVIEW - Along Came Polly (2004)

Bad, bad movie. Too much bathroom humor. All relationships (except the one that didn't work) were completely unrealistic. The title of the movie gave away the ending. The only redeeming moment was Jennifer's sexy dance. This movie is just not worth seeing.

MOVIE REVIEW - Team America: World Police (2004)

They're certainly out to skewer everyone on all sides of all issues. I laughed a ton, though there were moments that dragged. The puppet concept is brilliant and added an additional level of comedy - there were multiple scenes where the puppets tried to act human but failed , and it was great. The songs were probably the best part - overblown country patriotic themes (e.g., "Freedom costs a buck-oh-five"), incredibly bad love songs ("I love you as much as I hate the movie Pearl Harbor"), and the most incredible song, Kim Jong Il singing "I'm so Ronery" - hysterical. Specific celebrities (Helen Hunt, Michael Moore, Tim Robbins, Matt Damon, many others) were lambasted in ways that I've never seen - I'm almost surprised some of them don't sue for libel, but they're probably flattered to be a part of the joke. Please, PLEASE, do not send your kids - one of the most over-the-top adult R-rated movies ever made - but worth seeing, definitely. I can't stop repeating line after line. "Hans Brix? ... Herro, Hans ... You're busting my bawrs, Hans, you're busting my bawrs". Hysterical.

MOVIE REVIEW - Station Agent, The (2003)

Those of you that recommended this gem to me, thanks. Terrific, quirky, pensive, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Fin was so isolated and serious. When he finally said a joke (about moving to NJ to be near Joe), wow, how far he'd come. And then he'd revert. And then make progress again. Such a cool portrayal of hurt people making it through life.

MOVIE REVIEW - Dave (1993)

Had never seen this pleasant comedy from the '90s. A little too sweet, a little too easy on the politics, but still nice.

MOVIE REVIEW - Day After Tomorrow, The (2004)

This is the new blockbuster in the theatres. SUCKS. Even the special effects, which are supposedly great - well, you've seen the best ones in the previews. Dialogue is terrible, politics are atrocious (I literally booed out loud in the movie).

MOVIE REVIEW - Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star (2003)

I really did like it, unexpectedly. David Spade didn't overdue his usual shtick - he used it very well in a movie perfectly suited for (and co-written by) him. Just enough family comedy and feel-good-ness, just enough spoiled brat bad boy to be fun. The best part was the video that rolled during the credits - especially Maureen McCormick's part - HIlarious.

MOVIE REVIEW - Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004)

VERY good movie. Definitely recommend. I laughed throughout, and for a 5 minute stretch, I laughed so hard I couldn't breathe. Rip Torn stole the movie - he was hysterical: "If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball". Stupid? I guess yes. Maybe I was just in the mood to laugh, but boy, did I.

MOVIE REVIEW - Door In The Floor, The (2004)

Kim Basinger, Jeff Bridges, and some kid whose last name is Fanning, first name is not Dakota, is really a good child actor, and who looks exactly like Dakota (clearly, it's her sister). The acting was nicely done on all accounts -except maybe for the teenage boy). But the story was, well, ugh. Self-important, icky, just a really lame story. Kim has become a surprisingly competent actress. But this story was just Not Good, not even worth watching.

MOVIE REVIEW - Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999)

I laughed quite a lot. I loved the loser-girl, the one with the huge ball of string on her head ("I think I misunderstood the assignment"). Also, last year's winner, oh my word, how cringingly hysterical - hurts to laugh, but what else can you do?

MOVIE REVIEW - Duck Soup (1933)

Marx Brothers from 1933. Tons of one-liners don't make a good movie. But I must just not get it, because it's on the AFI Top 100 All-Time Best list. Which is why I watched it. Because it COMPLETED my viewing of this list. That's right, I've now seen all 100 of the AFI Top 100 All Time. I'm also 1 shy of completing the Oscar Best Pictures (I can't find the very first winner, "Wings" from 1929). Good for me.

MOVIE REVIEW - Elf (2003)

Watching it last week on DVD makes my 4th time to see this delightful movie, since I saw it 3 times in the theatre. My friend Zooey (from Mumford) sure can sing. The movie is pure fun. And it makes me smile. Smiling's my favorite.

MOVIE REVIEW - End Of The Affair, The (1999)

Julianne Moore, Ralph Fiennes, good but not great.

MOVIE REVIEW - Running On Empty (1988)

Good performances (Christine Lahti, River Phoenix, Judd Hirsch) and an intriguing story about a family on the run. Many touching moments. The scene between Christine and her father was excellent.

MOVIE REVIEW - Envy (2004)

Jack Black is consistently good. I can take or leave Ben Stiller, but he wasn't that annoying here. Had some good moments, but overall needed a little more comedy.

MOVIE REVIEW - Runaway Jury (2003)

Cusack, with Gene Hackman in his third Grisham installment. This was my least favorite Grisham book. While the movie was different in many ways (Guns instead of Cigs, etc.), it did follow the intent of the book pretty closely. I probably liked the movie a little better than the book (how could a Cusack/Hackman/Hoffman movie be BAD, especially with the hot Rachel Weisz), but still not Grisham's best.

MOVIE REVIEW - Royal Tenenbaums, The (2001)

How quirky and low key is this cool movie? I have heard such mixed reviews, I really didn't know what to expect. This is a comedy? Well, sort of. I'd say, more a dark drama that is so quirky you have to laugh. The characters are well-developed, and I liked Royal's attempts to con his way into his family's life. Bizarre, but nice.

MOVIE REVIEW - Ray (2004)

Great music, NOT a great man, and a very unpleasant movie. It focused so much on his drug use and his philandering. Then, at the very end (I typically don't ruin an ending, but hey, it's a Biography), it wrote one sentence that said, "From 1975 on, he was clean and led a good life". Gee, thanks for the upper. Depressing movie.

MOVIE REVIEW - Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002)

Wow, so compelling. Also slow moving, a little hard to understand, but this is a true story that should not be missed.

MOVIE REVIEW - Frequency (2000)

Nice movie. Quite far-fetched (the extras on the DVD classified it as a science-fantasy), but nicely emotional. I had some qualms with how the story unfolded, but they had already brought me in emotionally by then, so it worked for me. Recommended, good family film.

MOVIE REVIEW - Frenzy (1972)

I'm still catching up on my Hitchcock. This is a later one, and it's not a chilling as his best, but it's still good.

MOVIE REVIEW - Freaky Friday (2003)

There were definite cute moments, but it was SUCH a Disney teeny-bopper movie. I thought it would be more Jamie Lee, but it was definitely more Lindsay. And she's no Jamie Lee.

MOVIE REVIEW - Flight of the Phoenix (2004)

Ugh, please, will somebody make a decent action movie these days? Maybe I'm just a snob, but get a script writer, for goodness sake. Write some dialog - it doesn't have to be deep character development, but these lines are so lame. The scenery was decent (lots of sand), but I just could not appreciate this movie.

MOVIE REVIEW - Fat Man & Little Boy (1989)

The story of the making of the bombs dropped on Japan in WWII. From 1989, starring Paul Newman, John Cusack, Laura Dern, Bonnie Bedelia. Decent story, but the movie wasn't very well done. I'm a Paul Newman fan, but I thought his acting was pretty bad in this one.

MOVIE REVIEW - Taking Lives (2004)

Lacks energy. The plot twists are not as shocking as they should be. The sex scene was not as hot as it should've been (and how is that??? It's Angelina, after all???). It's more of a downer than the content warranted.

MOVIE REVIEW - Terminal, The (2004)

It was plenty enjoyable. There were several moments that didn't ring true, and I don't care for the gorgeous Zeta-Jones, but overall a pleasant movie. There were several moments that I laughed out loud (Gupte was GREAT!!!). Nice movie, though not an Oscar winner.  It could've been much better, that Zeta-Jones character diminished the movie's credibility and likeability.

MOVIE REVIEW - Terminator 3 (2003)

You know the story is bad, you know Arnold is going to say some really lame lines (Yes, he actually said "I'm back"). But the action is pretty stunning. Excellent car chases, things blowing up left and right - just go in knowing that it's lame, and you'll be fine.

MOVIE REVIEW - Timeline (2003)

I read the book, the movie was fine, definitely not great. Paul Walker certainly CANNOT act. The story was fine, adapted to the screen with decent effect, just nothing spectacular.

MOVIE REVIEW - Troy (2004)

Good, not great. There were a few lame dialogue moments, but less than most action epics. It tried to be Gladiator, didn't quite make it, but was still a pretty good movie. Brad is too "pretty" throughout, and there were a few too many "look at me, I'm Brad Pitt" shots (director's fault, not Brad's). It had melodramatic moments, but not so many that it ruined the film. When the writer thought up that huge wooden booby trap idea, well, seems a bit far-fetched .  Could've been better, should not get nominated for any major Oscars, but good enough to see.

MOVIE REVIEW - Truth About Charlie, The (2002)

I'm seeing a bunch of crappy movies, no? This is the remake of Charade. Notice that I reviewed the original above - that's because the DVD for this movie also contains Charade. I decided to watch the original first. I did enjoy that one, but the remake was absent the playfulness of Grant/Hepburn. The plot was remarkably similar, even some of the dialog. But it was not fun, not romantic, not whimsical - just drab. I'm not sure why they made the remake if they weren't going to spice it up a little. Mark is cool, Thandie is NOT pretty and not a good actress. But mostly, it was the producer or director's fault - it just lacked spark.

MOVIE REVIEW - Two Weeks Notice (2002)

Hugh and Sandra. NOT good. Both actors have their phone-it-in "endearing" quirks that competed with each other here. There was no time in the story for them to actually fall in love. I won't ruin the ending for you, but they get together in the end. No, this didn't ruin the ending, as you knew it all along, and really didn't care anyway.

MOVIE REVIEW - Under The Tuscan Sun (2003)

I thought it was going to be some sappy chick flick, and in some ways, it was. However, this is a REALLY Good, Inspiring, cool, carefree chick flick that I thoroughly enjoyed. Diane Lane is so incredibly sexy, but more than that, how nice that she just picked up and did what was required to get OK. I liked it. A lot.

MOVIE REVIEW - How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days (2003)

Definitely has its moments, but overall not so great.

MOVIE REVIEW - House of Sand And Fog (2003)

WAY too slow, they could've cut a good 30-45 minutes out of the movie for a better effect. And Shawn (I think it was Shawn) was right - quite a downer. But I did like the movie overall. It went in the right direction and was wonderfully horrible. Just too slow.

MOVIE REVIEW - Heathers (1989)

It is definitely worth seeing, it has many excellent lines. But for some reason, I didn't like it that much. Maybe it just got too out of hand on the side of evil, maybe I just can't stand Christian Slater. Good flick, just not for me.

MOVIE REVIEW - He Got Game (1998)

Denzel is in prison, his son is the nation's top basketball prospect coming out of high school. A story about ethics, selling out, fame, discipline, and redemption. Good story. The second half gets a bit racy, even a little icky, but worth seeing. I was surprised that I liked a Spike Lee movie. I did.

MOVIE REVIEW - Intolerable Cruelty (2003)

Better than I expected - I had heard this was an unbearable Coen Brothers film (which is hard to imagine). I thought it was ok, even funny. As many twists as we've come to expect from Joel and Ethan.