Snoopymichele Reviews

Knocked Up (2007)

Horrible piece of drivel

[1/10 · 7 November 2007]

CONTAINS SPOILERS THROUGHOUT

When I rented this movie, I expected a great comedy-all of the reviews I read gave it four stars. Well, imagine my surprise to find that this was one of the worst films I have ever seen in my life. We, as viewers with half a brain, are supposed to be convinced that a beautiful, successful girl would schtoop a fat, nerdy, slacker and then wind up keeping his "love child" and pursue a relationship with him, all for the sake of the baby. Now that's a laugh.

How schizophrenic was this movie when the word "abortion" couldn't be used, but "boobs and bush" are the catchphrase of the film, not to mention the oodles of drug scenes and references to drug use throughout? Don't get me started on Alison-was she so lonely and desperate that she had to keep Ben around-and hang out with his weirdo, freaked out stoner friends? What was with the lame storyline with his friend growing his hair and his beard, just to be subjected to the jokes about Middle Eastern terrorists? It was a one-note joke that lasted until the movie! Besides Ben, she did not have a single friend in the whole film, unless you count her vapid, bitchy sister who doesn't deserve to have the great husband and beautiful children she has. So her husband plays fantasy baseball! It's better than listening to her whine and bully him every second they are together. Her voice was so annoying, it made me want to put my head in the oven and turn the gas on high! It was anti-feminist (if a young woman on the fast track in a dream career living with her sister in a cottage on their estate can't raise a baby by herself, who can? Why choose to keep the baby at all? It's not like it would be her last chance!), misogynistic (what in the world was the deal with all of the breasts and vagina jokes-not to mention that we got treated to someone's whoozywhatsis pushing out a "baby's head"), and had no likable characters. Alison was annoying and needy, Ben was socially retarded and completely incapable of acting like a normal person until he lost Alison, his friends were repulsive, Debbie was mean and self-centered-what was that stupid freakout scene with the doorman all about? Talk about living in a fantasy world! Pete was a dork who should have thought that Debbie did him a favor when she kicked him out of the house for (gasp-having a hobby all of his own, that didn't involve her whiny self) and he had absolutely no self respect by crawling back to her and allowing her to emasculate him completely. Even the shopping around for OB/GYNs was ridiculous and completely unfunny. The awkward sex between Ben and Alison, was the icing on the crap-cake. How many times did he say he didn't want the baby to get hit in the face with his Johnson? Aye carrumba!!! Must we be subjected to hear him explain to Alison the true meaning of the phrase "Doggy style?" Blech! This movie was a horrible piece of drivel, and it's a sorry state of affairs when critics say it's one of the funniest films of the year.

It gets one out of ten stars, and when I say that I am being generous.

Baby It's You (1983)

A Tale of Star Crossed Lovers for the Ages

[13 September 2007]

*** Contains Spoilers***

I first saw this film in ninth grade 23 years ago, and fell in love with it as a teenage girl. I saw it again the other day, and loved it just as much. It's flat out a great movie, and the chemistry between Vincent Spano and Rosanna Arquette is palpable. These two fantastic actors bring a warmth and sensitivity to their characters who would be otherwise unlikeable if played by any other actors. Arquette's innocent beauty and Spano's edgy good looks are perfect for these roles.

When they meet in high school, Jill (Arquette) is a sheltered, pampered princess whose grand passion is acting in the school play. Sheik (Spano) is the new boy at school who sticks out like a sore thumb compared to all the schoolboys that Jill is surrounded by. His grand passion is Jill, and she's attracted to this dark and dangerous charmer. The fact that he's obsessive and volatile only make her more titilated, and when he kidnaps her and holds her and her friend at gunpoint (albeit it's an unloaded gun), she doesn't hesitate to date him again. Only later on in college does the experience come back to haunt her.

While in her freshman year, Jill finds herself in Sheik's shoes in the sense that she's an outsider in the crowd she's surrounded with up at school. In high school, she was a big fish in a small pond. At college, she's a little fish in a large pond. When she seeks him out in Miami Beach where he's attempting to break into show business in a seedy little club, she ends up sleeping with him all the while knowing that they have no future because he's not the kind of man she can see settling down with. He's too volatile and obsessive for her somewhat still innocent liking, and their personalities just don't mesh together for any real future together. He's old-school macho and she's a liberated pseudohippy.

The music is terrific-60's classics mixed with two of Jersey's finest, Springsteen and Sinatra that carry the storyline and add to the emotion of the film.

Breakout performances by both stars, with strong support from Tracy Pollan, Matthew Modine and Liane Curtis (in a one-eighty from her role as Molly Ringwald's best friend in Sixteen Candles). This film is a coming of age love story for the ages, and it absolutely stands the test of time. A 10 of 10!

Trust the Man (2005)

Lousy, stereotypical movie

[4/10 · 24 June 2007]

CONTAINS SPOILERS

This is the kind of movie that I would normally like-great cast, cute premise, gorgeous NYC scenery. But all in all, I thought it was a jumbled mess.

Billy Crudup, woefully miscast as Tobey, a "36 year old slacker," comes off as an effeminate (what was that silliness with Eva Mendes's character in the restaurant???), self-centered jerk who only acts like a decent person when his girlfriend Elaine (a cute and perky Maggie Gyllenhaal) rightfully leaves him. But her new boyfriend is a stereotype of the European pseudointellectual who is one of the most unlikeable characters ever to grace the screen in this decade. Given the choice between the "Sprocket" and her lovesick, obsessed ex-boyfriend, it's no wonder she chooses to go back with a guy who at one time refused to drive her to work because he didn't want to move his car from the opposite side of the street.

Julianne Moore plays Tobey's sister Rebecca, a successful but insecure actress who is married to David Duchovny's stay at home husband Tom. Duchovny, who is a terrific actor, doesn't have much to work with, and his character is so schlubby and whiny you wonder why a gorgeous divorcée (another stereotypical Manhattan newly divorced single mom on the prowl just waiting to pounce on Mr. Mom) and a glamorous actress would want to spend even ten minutes in his company. The irony is that this seemingly asexual man is actually a sex addict who joins a support group called (stereotypically of course) Sexaddictsrus. Of course he makes a mockery of his first session, making up a preposterous story about being wrapped in deli meat in order to be satisfied. Oh, and of course he uses a fake name. Eventually he does come clean and admit that he has a real problem because he can't have a meaningful relationship with his sexy and dynamic wife, and his affair ends just like that. Naturally, his wife forgives him after he pulls a crazy stunt on the opening night of her play, and Elaine dumps her Eurotoyboy after Tobey screams out his undying love for her in the theater on the very same night. None of the issues are ironed out on screen, and a sweet and tidy ending is in store for the viewer who dares to stick it out.

The film was supposedly modelled after the Woody Allen films like Annie Hall and Manhattan, but it's light years away from them because it's boring and the characters are completely unlikeable. The conversations are totally pretentious, with the characters making sweeping generalizations about the nature of their relationships and very existences.

Overall, it's a lousy, stereotypical movie that is a 4 out of 10.

Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974)

Scorsese + Burstyn= A Masterpiece

[10/10 · 7 March 2007]

As a girl, I watched "Alice" on TV and enjoyed the sitcom. I vaguely knew it was based on a movie, but never watched the film until now. It is amazing-with wonderful performances by Ellen Burstyn, Kris Kristofferson, Diane Ladd, and that little scene stealer Alfred Lutter. Scorsese gives them the freedom to become their characters and directs with a loving hand.

The chemistry between Burstyn and Kristofferson is palpable-they are one of the best on screen couples I have ever seen. Their romance, set against the gorgeous backdrop of Tuscon, is both tender and tempestuous. Alice is a woman who for years has had lousy taste in men, so naturally her guard is up and she wants to be independent. David is a rugged outdoorsman who wants to open up his heart and his home to both Alice and her bratty son, Tommy. A spoiled only child, Tommy treats his mother with about as much respect as you'd expect from an 11 year old adolescent who is constantly uprooted and bored to tears. Tommy is a pragmatist, wise beyond his years, and Alice is a dreamer, who at 35 is still naive about the ways of the world. It's a good thing when she strikes up a friendship with the sassy, foulmouthed Flo (played to the hilt by the marvelous Diane Ladd). Alice needs a lesson or two on how to take control of her life, and she does a tremendous job of learning who she is.

Beautiful outdoor scenery, atmospheric music, a great script, and tremendous performances by the actors from the maestro Scorcese make this picture a perfect 10 out of 10.

Catch Me If You Can (2002)

Great fun, DiCaprio is perfect

[9/10 · 7 March 2007]

SPOILERS BELOW

This is one of those movies that you're not sure you are going to like, and you watch it, and you end up loving it. It's fast paced, well acted and directed, and great fun.

Leonardo DiCaprio is utterly charming and endearing as Frank Abagnale, Jr., a teenager who in the 1960's posed as an airline pilot, a doctor and a lawyer-all the while evading the FBI who wanted him for check fraud. Tom Hanks shines as Carl Hanratty, the fed who first wants to nail Frank, then ends up taking him under his wing and giving him new direction in his life. Christoper Walken and Nathalie Baye as Frank's star-crossed parents also give fine performances. Amy Adams nearly steals the movie as the young woman who steals Frank's heart.

The film is about a young man who is traumatized by what the US government has done to his family so he decides to literally become other people to escape from whom he really is. Frank is a charming smooth talker with an uncanny knack for forging checks and documents. He's so angelic looking and unassuming that none of his victims are aware they are being conned. As he has proved time and again in films like "This Boy's Life," "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," and "Titanic," DiCaprio is more than just a pretty face. He has the talent to back it up, and this role is tailor-made for him. Under Spielberg's direction, he's taken that talent to another level. Ultimately it becomes about a surrogate father/son relationship between Frank and Carl. While he's trying to outwit and outrun the sometimes curmudgeonly FBI agent, Frank admires him at the same time. Carl, for his part, does hold a soft spot for Frank, and he leads him down the path to redemption.

The sets, the costumes, and the music all capture the essence of the sixties, when anything was possible and nothing was out of reach if you wanted it.

I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked this film-I give it a 9 out of 10.

People I Know (2002)

Al is great, but the movie isn't

[6/10 · 6 March 2007]

CONTAINS SPOILERS BELOW

As a long time Al Pacino fan, I decided to rent this film because the DVD box made it seem like an interesting watch. Too bad it didn't live up to the promise the description on the box gave. On paper, it seems like a great idea for a movie-an Ivy League Southern Boy out of his element amongst the gliterati of the who's who in New York Society. Pacino is outstanding as Eli, a once-idealistic Harvard Law School grad who chooses to spend his time "cleaning up messes" for his famous client (he's a publicist). Too bad his own life is a mess. He's a bachelor who may or may not like women (it was a bit ambiguous at times), a pill popping bundle of nerves, and is plagued with a health problem that takes the viewer on a journey inside his bladder (was this an excuse for the screenwriter to get Al to utter a line about his male anatomy?). From the get-go, you know the character is not long for this world-and it makes you wonder if he's going to go by natural causes or open up his big mouth and invite someone to murder him. As an actor, Pacino is never afraid to take chances, and his work here is excellent as usual.

The supporting cast of Tea Leoni (who steals the movie as a hedonistic TV actress/model), Ryan O'Neal (it was good to see him on screen again, but it was a shame that he wasn't on more) Kim Basinger (as a Southern Bell hot to trot for Eli) and Robert Kline (who knew he could play a menacing character?) was terrific.

The basic premise was interesting, but the story gets caught up in political self-righteousness and loses focus. By the time it ends predictably, you find yourself not caring about what happens to Eli.

Overall, it's not a wasted hour and a half, but it's not one of Al's best films overall. True Pacino fans will want to see it for Al's trademark tirades, and there is one in there that is a doozy. I give People I Know a 6 out of 10.

Crossing Delancey (1988)

Beautiful, Endearing, and Enchanting!

[10/10 · 3 March 2007]

SPOILERS BELOW

As an unmarried Jewish woman who has old fashioned elders, I can appreciate this movie now at 37 more than I did when saw it for the first time at 19. It is beautiful, endearing, and enchanting-not to mention funny and poignant.

From beginning to end, Amy Irving gives a delightful performance as Isabel, (Izzy) an "Uptown Girl" who prides herself on her independent life in the literary world. Her friends, her colleagues, her entirely lifestyle is highbrow, and she feels comfortable in this world. Then she meets Sam, the "Pickleman", who is played by the always wonderful Peter Reigert. Although she likes him, her snobbery almost gets the best of her. Her awkward attempt to fix him up with her friend ends up backfiring, as she comes to realize what a true gem of a man he is. Add to that, she is engaging in a cat and mouse flirting game with the sexy Jeroen Krabbe, an enigmatic (and egotistical) Dutch writer who ultimately only wants her around so she can be his assistant. The line when she tells him off is priceless! Sylvia Miles, as the yenta matchmaker adds a lot of laughs with her over the top performance. Watching her eat alone adds much comic relief. The real scene stealer however, is the magnificent Reizl Bozyk as Isabel's "Bubby," the sweetnatured, sentimental, all-knowing Ida.

With its New York scenery, rich characters and believable storytelling, this film is among the best romantic comedies ever made. It is one worth watching over and over, to cherish more and more through the years, especially as the older generations of Jews, with their old-world traditions and wisdom become a memory to their children and grandchildren. And any young Jewish woman who has ever encountered a matchmaker (which I have) just has to appreciate Hannah Mandelbaum's sincerity and desire to bring young people together to preserve the traditions and Jewish way of life. This film is a perfect 10 out of 10.

The Black Dahlia (2006)

Aaron, how could you?

[2/10 · 28 February 2007]

I saw this movie because I like Aaron Eckhart and was curious to see if it was as bad as the reviews said it was. Well, Aaron was great as usual, but even he could not save this schlock. For the record, it really is as bad as the critics said.

The performances by Hillary Swank (you'd never know that she was a two-time Oscar winner from her work in this film) and Scarlett Johansson (so great in Scoop and Match Point-I guess what's missing here is that Woody Allen was not involved in this project) were phoned in. Josh Hartnett is flat and flat-out boring as "Bucky" Bleichert, a walking cliché of every film noir cop ever made. As the Black Dahlia herself, Mia Kirschner gave an interesting performance, but at times it did not seem like this movie was even about her character.

The storyline was confusing and convoluted, the sets were so dark that at times it was hard to tell what was going on, and the film moved slower than molasses.

Bottom line, if you want to see a great film noir with amazing performances, watch LA Confidential. I give this film a 2 out of 10.

Marie Antoinette (2006)

Child Bride of Versailles

[8/10 · 23 February 2007]

SPOILERS BELOW I admit, I went into watching this movie (I rented it) expecting not to like it. Guess what? I loved it. I thought it was visually stunning, the performances were amazing, and even the 1980's music worked. I admit, it was a bit jarring at first to see Marie and her friends dancing to Siouxsie and The Banshees "Hong Kong Garden," at a masked ball, but it honestly works. The ever amazing Sofia Coppolla takes a huge gamble and in my opinion comes out a winner with this movie. It's daring, sexy and utterly charming.

Kirsten Dunst is enchanting as Marie, Jason Schwartzman is adorably awkward as Louis XVI, and their characters' inability to sexually connect until he becomes king had me laughing out loud. When Marie finds her groove in the boudiour, she really comes to life and the character becomes far more interesting. She is a passionate woman who won't be denied, and having children adds to her happiness and secures her place (or so she thinks) on the throne, especially after the birth of the Dauphin.

The scenery was gorgeous, the cinematography stunning, and it's just a delicious guilty pleasure. I give it an 8 out of 10.

Prelude to a Kiss (1992)

Still a great film after 15 years!

[9/10 · 6 January 2007]

I saw this film in the theater over 15 years ago and decided to revisit it. I loved it even more-it's one of the most romantic movies ever made. Meg Ryan is amazing as the complicated Rita. She is both free spirited, yet unbelievably pessimistic. Alec Baldwin is brilliant as usual as Peter, who falls head over heels with Rita despite all of their differences. When a strange old man kisses Rita on her wedding day, they switch bodies, and it is Peter who knows his beloved so well that he immediately figures out that "Rita" is not herself. When he meets the old man and wants to be with him because he knows that his wife's soul is inside the old man's sick and dying body-it's just heartbreaking. Kudos also goes to Sydney Walker, who plays the old man-his monologue about life brought me to tears, and he brings out the true spirit of who Rita really is. A must see for anyone who believes in true love and its power. I give it a 9 out of 10.

Dream for an Insomniac (1996)

Another indie gem

[8/10 · 3 January 2007]

When I saw this movie 10 years ago on video, I was captivated by the story and the acting, but turned off by Frankie's blathering. When I watched it again last night, I had the same reaction.

The acting-especially the adorable Mackenzie Astin (who was such a cute kid on Facts of Life, nice to see he grew up so well)-more than make up for the sometimes awful lines that the luminous Ione Skye has to mutter. She's such a good actress that I actually cringed at some of her dialogue. It's the earnestness in which she says it that made me not laugh out loud though. Instead of coming off as a pompous, pretentious poser, Skye portrays Frankie as a hopeless romantic. She's a lonely dreamer who finds her soul mate at just about the time she's given up on the notion that he is out there. So when she meets David (Astin), her world is rocked. Love at first sight happens for both, but there is one glitch-he has a live in girlfriend. Of course, David is so sensitive and sweet that one has to wonder what he's doing with a cold, pragmatic law student named Molly Monday. Of course, he just has to give in to his desire to be with Frankie, even if it means relocating yet again to another city.

The fact that David spends loads of time with Frankie and leads her cousin (Michael Landes in what should have been a break out role)and friends to think that he has a thing for her despite hiding his relationship means nothing to her though. Instead of seeing him as someone who can't be trusted, Frankie is determined to break up his relationship and claim him for herself. She doesn't want to hear her friend Allison (played brilliantly by Jennifer Aniston) tell her that there are other fish in the sea. She only wants the David Shrader fish. Who could blame her? Astin plays this role with grace and sensitivity, even when David acts like a weasel. It's hard to dislike his character-he's captivating and brilliant. No one is perfect, and neither is this movie. Silly dialogue aside, it's close to it. I give it an 8 out of 10.

Mrs. Harris (2005 TV Movie)

A Walk on the Campy Side

[8/10 · 2 January 2007]

I saw this movie upon recommendation from a friend and I have to say, I am not disappointed with it. It's campy, yes, but the campiness works because of the talented cast. The mighty Ben Kingsley as Hy Tarnower and the always terrific Annette Bening as Jean Harris are electric together. The supporting cast was great too-Cloris Leachman, Mary McDonnell, and Francis Fisher all gave top-notch performances.

My only complaint with this film is all the flashback scenes of the murder. I mean, it starts out with the murder, but then we see it for what seems like five times more. It was too much. Jean Harris was portrayed as alternately a cold blooded killer and a woman scorned who shot her lover accidentally because she was doped up on a pills. The truth must lie somewhere in the middle.

I liked the way the characters gave testimonials (Brett Butler was hilarious), and the script was very well done. The dialogue was at times a bit silly, but not overly insulting. Overall, I would give Mrs. Harris an 8 out 10.

Frankie and Johnny (1991)

Love love love this movie

[10/10 · 2 January 2007]

What is there not to love about this movie? It's got Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer (who were so amazing together in Scarface) together again-and believe me, lightning does strike twice with them, great writing, an outstanding supporting cast (wouldn't we all love a neighbor like Nathan Lane? Or a boss like Hector Elizando?), and great direction.

The chemistry, so palpable between Pacino and Pfeiffer in Scarface, is abundant here in this film. The love scenes between them are realistic and beautifully done. From beginning to end, this movie is entrancing. The lead characters are so earnest and so good that you just want nothing but happiness for them both. After all the hemming and hawing that Frankie does, they do manage to make that elusive connection that Johnny is seeking-both with each other and with the audience. This is an outstanding, highly underrated movie, and I give it a 10.

The Holiday (2006)

Total schlock

[4/10 · 27 December 2006]

Contains Spoilers! I wanted to like this movie, I really did. Each of the four main leads I have enjoyed watching for years. And the previews looked amazing. But when you get right down to it, it's total schlock. The characters are cardboard, the story lines are filled with clichés, and the ending is predictable. There are more plot holes and NO WAY!!! moments in this film than Carter has liver pills.

We have Iris (Kate Winslet), a sweet English girl in love with a cad who has cheated on her with a co-worker of theirs, and then gotten engaged to said co-worker. Jasper (Rufus Sewell), the novelist object of Iris's affection is handsome, charming, and suave. He's also a two timing snake who can't bear to lose Iris despite the fact that he's engaged to another woman. When she hears of his engagement, Iris engages in a Sylvia Plath moment, when ba-bing! she gets an instant message from a newly single (and also cheated on) California businesswoman named Amanda who happens to find Iris's English country cottage on a homeswap website. Talk about being saved by the instant message! It seems Amanda has been in a bad relationship for a while, and finally ends it, and she wants to just chuck her life in Cali for a while and be all by her lonesome in another country to forget about her troubles. Her only prerequisite to swapping houses is that there are no men in the town that she is going to spend the Xmas holiday in.

Much to her surprise, it seems there is at least one man in that town-Iris's brother Graham (Jude Law) who shows up on Iris's (now Amanda's) doorstep drunk as a skunk after a night of drinking at the pub. Naturally, he has to spend the night, and Amanda sees it as an opportunity to have meaningless sex with a stranger because she is sure she will never see him again. Isn't that what Eli Wallach's character Arthur would call "meeting cute"? Law is great at playing the aloof commitment-phobe cads, and it seems like Graham is one of those. But alas he is not. He's on the fence about getting involved with Amanda because his life is complicated by Olivia and Sophie-his daughters. It turns out he is a widower with two cute as pie lasses and he's worried about turning their lives upside down by introducing a mommy figure into their lives. So, instead, he embarks on a relationship with a woman who has a full and complete life (sans Mr. Right) about 5,000 miles away from him. They try to hash out a way to see each other and maintain a long-distance relationship with him in London and her in LA, but she projects what the breakup would be like because she's a)turned cynical by the breakup of her parents and therefore unable to cry b)rebounding from a relationship that ended only the day before she slept with Graham and c)she's a realist who doesn't want to give up her life just to be with a man. Then he drops the bomb on her and tells her he loves her. She's stunned and can't say it back. It's okay though, because it's a romance and we know that all a woman's problems are solved by a sexy, handsome, and successful man who sews and buys his daughters tutus declaring his love in a British accent.

For her part, Iris is content to try and get over her broken heart by befriending Arthur, an elderly former screenwriter (Eli Wallach) and Miles (Jack Black), a film composer who she meets because he works with Ethan (Edward Burns), Amanda's ex-boyfriend. The homeswap happened so fast that Miles didn't know that a cute single girl would be living in the house. He is clearly attracted to Iris-even stopping to take something off her eyelash during a sudden Santa Ana wind-in front of his actress girlfriend, no less. He's involved with Maggie, but he only has eyes for Iris. Which is why when Maggie cheats on him, he has no problem hopping over to Iris, who is magically cured of her love for Jasper after he flies out to see her but is still engaged.

Despite the formulaic plot lines and sometimes nauseating dialogue they had to work with, the acting was good. Black and Winslet are delightful together. Law and Diaz have a ton of chemistry, which is why you root for them to stay together, at least for New Year's Eve. But did it have to take so long? The movie seemed like it would never end. But it did, and it left me disappointed. I give it 4 out of 10 stars.

Mini's First Time (2006)

Thank Heaven for Little Girls

[13 December 2006]

Contains spoilers.......................

Nikki Reed, who was so great in "Thirteen" as the femme fatale corrupting Evan Rachel Wood, is even better as the totally twisted Mini who takes delight in doing anything to get what she wants. In this case, it's her dear old stepdad Martin (played to the hilt by the always amazing Alec Baldwin). Mommy Dearest (Carrie-Ann Moss in a terrific turn)is a drunk named Diane who only had Mini to squeeze eighteen years of child support out of a producer, who died a year after Mini's birth.

The dynamic duo of Martin and Mini want Diane out of the picture, so they hatch a plan to drive her crazy so Martin can ship her off to the nut house and shack up with Mini. When their half-baked plan goes awry when Diane overdoses on pills, they decide to finish her off by making it look like she committed suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning with her Jag running in the garage. What's a little murder between lovers?

After Diane's death, the cat and mouse games begin-with Martin as the mouse and an unknown blackmailer as the cat. Martin's world begins to unravel as he tries to keep up the appearance of being just Mini's father. The pace is fast and furious, and you can't wait to see what Mini has up her sleeve next. She's not a bad girl, just misunderstood-and she makes Dede from "The Opposite of Sex" look like a girl scout.

Jeff Goldblum gives an awesome performance as a sleazy TV producer who had Diane at one time, and now has his sights set on bagging Mini. He's a lecher, but a likable one at that. Owen Wilson is perfect as a hard-nosed detective who is trying to prove that Diane's death was not a suicide, and Mini has him wrapped around her finger-or so she hopes.

It's a dark comedy about a girl gone wild, and it's worth the ride. My vote is 9 out of 10.

Bobby (I) (2006)

Powerful and unforgettable

[10/10 · 9 December 2006]

Contains spoilers Emilio Estevez has hit one out of the park with this movie-it's quietly powerful, intense, and filled with some of the most amazing performances I have ever seen on screen.

Sharon Stone is the comeback queen of the year with her poignant and brave performance as a hairdresser/manicurist at the famed Ambassador Hotel. Ashton Kutcher is hilarious as a hippie who introduces two square Kennedy campaign workers to the world of acid. Lindsey Lohan, who was so enjoyable in "A Prairie Home Companion," does it again here as a bride-to-be marrying for the sake of keeping a classmate from going to Viet Nam. Demi Moore, channeling the spirit of Judy Garland, is phenomenal as a washed up alcoholic singer who performs drunk before introducing Bobby Kennedy to the Ambassador crowd. And how great was it to see her and Emilio Estevez together again on screen for the first time in nearly 20 years?! Martin Sheen and Helen Hunt as a married couple trying to keep it together are sheer magic together.

There is not a weak link among rest of the cast of familiar and talented faces, which includes the incomparable William H. Macy who makes it really hard to hate his two-timing sleazy character, a luminous yet vulnerable Heather Graham whose ambitious hotel switchboard operator character is trying to get ahead by sleeping with the boss (how 1968!), the always fun to watch David Krumholtz as Moore's fast-talking manager who can't see his client is a spiraling has-been, a sweet as pie Elijah Wood as Lohan's nervous groom-to-be, Freddy Rodriguez as "The Once and Future King" noble Jose who touches the wise, Zen-like Lawrence Fishburne with a random act of kindness in the form of a gift of Dodgers tickets to a game where Don Drysdale is expected to pitch his sixth straight shut-out, a feat which had not been done in 64 years (how many true sports fans would be able to do this?), Christian Slater as a racist hotel employee who avenges his (justifiable) firing by Macy in telling Stone of Macy's infidelity with Graham, and the enchanting Anthony Hopkins as a retired Ambassador doorman who gets his last shot of glory by greeting Bobby Kennedy at the door of the hotel, after he has spent the day reminiscing about all the celebrities he met at the hotel and challenging Harry Belafonte and Emilio Estevez to games of chess.

The movie is vignette-style, and although it starts off slow, the individual stories are riveting, and most of the characters are united in the tragedy of the shootings that occur in the hotel kitchen after Kennedy's moving and eloquent speech. The use of the actual Kennedy footage and speech is awe-inspiring and spine-tingling. His message is filled with hope for the future and made me mourn for his loss in a way that I never really have, since I was not born when he was killed. I felt as if I were really there as it was happening, and the ending is unforgettable. Kudos to Estevez for making this extraordinary film-his writing and directing are top-notch, and it is evident that it was a labor of love. My vote is 10 out of 10.

The Skeleton Key (2005)

A creepy movie if ever I saw one

[7/10 · 22 August 2006]

SPOILERS.......

A friend recommended this movie to me, because she knows that I am a fan of Kate Hudsons, and that I like old-school horror movies like Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte and The Shining. So I decided to give it a whirl and watch the film. While I thought the beginning was slow-moving, by the middle, I was riveted, and the end had me completely mesmerized.

The performances are top-notch. Gena Rowlands (who proves here why she's had a decades-long career-the woman is a spectacular actress), Peter Sarsgaard (whose Southern accent and fake charm make him doubly creepy), John Hurt (who gives a nearly silent performance, but is so effective when he's trying to communicate), and the aforementioned Kate Hudson (as the naive and sweet Caroline who is trying to atone for her father's death by taking care of other dying people) fit their roles beautifully.

The New Orleans scenery is wonderful, but my main problem was that more use was not made of it. My other problem was that most scenes were very dark, and it was hard to see what was going on. Toward the end, it was impossible to see exactly what was happening, and I felt like I was on some roller coaster ride waiting for it to end. Speaking of endings, that twist was completely unexpected-although I did think that I saw glimpses of Gena Rowlands's face when Kate Hudson looked in the mirror. It's a horror so unimaginable, that even the most hardened scary movie aficionado would have a difficult time guessing the outcome of this film. I knew something was up with Sarsgaard's character at the end, and that he had some sort of strange connection to Rowlands's, but the scenes in the attic at the end just blew me away.

With that said, there were plenty of plot holes and I found myself scratching my head a lot during the film. My vote is 7.5 out of 10.

Donnie Brasco (1997)

Depp and Pacino, a one-two combination

[9/10 · 22 August 2006]

Johnny Depp gives one of the best performances of his career as Special Agent Joseph Piscatone (aka Donnie Brasco), a man dedicated to his job to the point where he nearly loses his wife (played beautifully by Anne Heche). As such, he walks a fine line between law enforcement and a strange sort of loyalty to Lefty Ruggiero (the always brilliant Al Pacino)whom he is investigating for the FBI. The chemistry and camaraderie between Depp and Pacino is ever-present from their first scene together, to their last. Like Piscatone, the audience feels for Lefty, who at first glance is a tough mobster, but throughout the movie it is evident that he is just a foot soldier-a low man on the totem pole who has worked his whole life to be somebody in the mafia, only to sit on the sidelines and watch men like Sonny Black (Michael Madsen, playing this role to the hilt) rise through the ranks. Pacino portrays Lefty as more of a wannabe mobster than an actual menace, and it works. He's a loser, who doesn't know he is a loser. Lefty is a far cry from the powerful and hypnotic Michael Corleone.

This movie works on so many levels-it's not just a mob movie-it's a deep and penetrating character study of two men who are trying to survive in the worlds that they have created. For Joe, this is difficult, because he loses himself in the character of Donnie Brasco that he is now becoming. It's an atmospheric film, filled with great music, old cars, and it conjures up the toughness and dog-eat-dog world of 1970's New York City mobsters. My rating for this movie is a 9 out of 10.

Your Friends and Neighbors (1998)

Extremely underrated film

[8/10 · 14 August 2006]

CONTAINS SPOILERS THROUGHOUT The first time I saw this film, I came away not liking it. It was disturbing, heavy, and none of the characters were very likable. But through the years I have seen it a few more times, and it has grown on me considerably.

I must be honest here-I saw it only because it had Jason Patric and Aaron Eckhart (two actors that I can truly say I became a fan of from seeing them in their earliest roles-Lost Boys for Patric and In The Company of Men for Eckhart), and they delivered on their performances. Patric's character is one of the most twisted and narcissistic characters in cinema history, but he brings a vulnerability and a likability to the screen, and it's hard to hate him. You want to know where he's coming from, and you get a glimpse after he describes a brutal sexual encounter in which he attacks a classmate, and then says it's the best sex he ever had. Even though it is an ensemble cast, Patric owns the film. Eckhart, in a 360 turn from his character in the aforementioned In The Company of Men, plays a nerdy, emotionally distant husband who can't enjoy sex with anyone but himself. Amy Brenneman, as a neglected housewife who has an (almost) affair with Ben Stiller's character does a good job, but you never see it coming when she ends up with Patric, and it makes no sense. The always brilliant Catherine Keener puts in another deadpan performance, this time as the bitchy artist type who decides she prefers a woman (the luminous Nastasja Kinski) over Stiller. She does get hers in the end, after she snottily rejects Patric's character and he puts her in her place. Ben Stiller, who most of the time annoys me with his constant mugging and nervous jittery energy, fits in well with the cast, and you end up feeling sorry for his character. He means well, he just seeks out the wrong women.

The movie is talky, but the conversations are riveting. You want to hear more, and learn more about what makes these characters tick. Overall, I give the movie an 8 out of 10.

You, Me and Dupree (2006)

Nice summer fare

[8/10 · 1 August 2006]

When I saw the previews for this film, I wanted to see it-after all, it's got Owen Wilson, Kate Hudson, Matt Dillon and Michael Douglas in it. Then I read the reviews, and started having second thoughts about it. In the end, I went, and I am so glad I did. I really enjoyed it-it's light, funny, a bit touching, and the performances were great. Owen Wilson's Dupree is (amazingly enough) pretty complicated-he's goofy, but well-meaning. He starts out obnoxious, but he grows more lovable throughout the movie. He's a boy trapped in a man's body, but he does have his epiphany, which makes the end justify the means. As Carl, a newlywed working for his wife's overprotective father, Matt Dillon shines. He's both befuddled, amused, and ultimately angered by Dupree, but he too comes around. Kate Hudson gave her usual bubbly, sweet performance (I never was reminded so much of Mama Goldie than in this movie)and when Molly grows to like Dupree, it's almost like the audience is given permission to like him too. The only weak link in this film is Michael Douglas. He's a terrific actor, but there isn't much for him to do here. He goes from being a jerk to downright manipulative, and then violent. Then, poof-he sees the light and decides to be nice to Carl. The movie would have been better without an obnoxious father-in-law to cause the Petersons trouble, because they have their hands full with Dupree. What went on with Mr. Thompson could have been saved for a different movie-and it's been done a million times before.

Overall, it has a lot of laughs-some side-splitting-and it's good, fun summer fare that lets you come along for the sometimes bumpy ride.

Laurel Canyon (2002)

McDormand rocks

[7/10 · 24 July 2006]

As a huge fan of Frances McDormand, I went in seeing this movie with high expectations of her performance, and was not disappointed. As the record producer Jane, McDormand comes off as both worldywise and vulnerable. Jane's seeking shelter in the storm that is her life-she wants to connect with her son and future daughter-in-law, and she wants to find happiness in the arms of a much younger man, even though deep down she knows the relationship is all wrong. She's terrified of growing old, and has managed to combine single motherhood with a successful career. The always smoldering Christian Bale puts in a simmering sensual performance as her son-the-doctor Sam. Kate Beckinsale, as good as I have ever seen her since Cold Comfort Farm, is Alex, Sam's fiancé who decides to take a walk on the wild side while out in California. As a somewhat sheltered New Englander, she takes like a duck to water the laidback California lifestyle. The transformation is natural, and it does her character a world of good.

The chemistry between McDormand and Beckinsale is crackling throughout, and odd to say, there is more chemistry between these two actresses than there is between Beckinsale and Bale. When his character is sexually attracted to a fellow doctor (played by the ethereal Natasha McElhone) you almost find yourself rooting for the two of them to get together.

A friend recommended that I see this movie, and I am so glad she did-it is severely underrated, and an engaging character study.

Married to the Mob (1988)

Great fun!

[8/10 · 23 July 2006]

Michelle Pfeiffer and Matthew Modine are a joy to watch in this screwball comedy. Alec Baldwin, who was an up and coming star when the film was made, is a hoot. Dean Stockwell, in a sendup of John Gotti, is hysterical. But Mercedes Ruehl, as the paranoid and over the top Connie steals the movie.

Jonathan Demme, previously known for wacky comedies like "Something Wild" and "Melvin and Howard"-proves once again that he is a genius. I was not surprised at all when he went on to win the Oscar for directing "Silence of The Lambs." The performances he evokes from his actors in "Married" are inspired, and the audience is taken along for a wild and wooly ride.

One of the cutest, most endearing films of the 80's, it stands head and shoulders above many of the satires of its era.

And Justice for All (1979)

Just as good as I remembered

[8/10 · 22 July 2006]

Pacino is in excellent form as Arthur Kirkland, an idealistic and passionate defense lawyer. He is a rebel, and often clashes with his colleagues, judges, and even his girlfriend.

For the most part, the supporting cast is delightful. Jack Warden is again a joy to watch as a crazy-like-a-fox judge. John Forsythe plays against type as a manipulative judge accused of raping and beating a young woman. Lee Strasberg is perfect as Grandpa Sam. Jeffrey Tambor steals the movie as Arthur's partner Jay. However, the normally likable Christine Lahti is out of place as Gail, the self-righteous and judgmental but requisite love interest for Pacino's character. The two have little chemistry-the romantic scenes are flat, and even when their characters argue, it seems forced.

I saw this film many times as a child, and I loved it. I saw it again the other night, and it's just as great as I remembered. It was and always will remain one of my favorites.

The Girl Next Door (2004)

Not what I expected

[1/10 · 22 July 2006]

This was one of the worst movies I have ever had the displeasure of watching. It looked like your average t&a movie from the trailer I had seen, but my friend convinced me to go because she said it was like a modern day "Fast Times at Ridgemont High." As if it were one thousandth as good as Fast Times! From beginning to end, this movie is ridiculous. The kid is a total geek, and it's completely unbelievable that a hottie ex-porn queen would even spend three minutes in his puppydog slobbering presence. When her sleazy agent (or is it pimp?????) or whatever he is (it's not fully explained), the story takes an even sillier turn, as it is up to the Geek Next Door to save her from going back into the porn industry. This spells a road trip for him and his dork buddy-but they forget they are in Connecticut and somehow end up driving to Vegas in time to make it to school the next day. More asinine capers ensue, none of which are fully explained and insult the viewers' intelligence.

The movie is amateurishly filmed and a waste of Elisha Cuthbert's talent. As viewers of 24 know, she's more than just a pretty face-but this movie objectifies her. The script seems as if it were written by a horny 14 year old who fantasizes about the women he looks at in his porno mags and internet sites. A major waste of celluloid trash.

The Opposite of Sex (1998)

Ricci the vixen-rock on

[8/10 · 22 July 2006]

Christina Ricci showed audiences that she had indeed arrived into adulthood. In this inspired performance of a spoiled brat who is hell-bent on ruining the lives of everyone in her wake, Ricci tears up the screen.

The hugely underrated Martin Donovan plays her half brother, who finds himself alone after she seduces his young lover (Ivan Sergei doing a great job as the clueless Matt). Lisa Kudrow and Lyle Lovett give solid supporting performances, and Johnny Galecki-so sweet on Roseanne-gives an excellent against-type performance.

Dede's not bad-she's just misunderstood, or else that what she tries to convince the audience. She's a total witch, but Ricci is so likable and actress, it's hard to get mad at Dede. She's sympathetic because she's so young and confused. She's an angry young woman, and she is selfish to boot-but she's not evil.

The script is well-written, the direction right-on, and the film moves between comedy and drama with ease. It's a real joy, and deserves to find a bigger audience.