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Hannibal (2001)
Hannibal, a hearty helping of horror and hilarity
Silence of the Lambs was undoubtedly a film for the ages and a cinematic masterpiece. How could director Ridley Scott and Anthony Hopkins create a better sequel? They couldn't. But they are pretty darn close.
Hannibal Lector is Anthony Hopkins at his best. He has not lost the knack for portraying the only cannibalistic serial killer in history to win an Oscar. One may say that Jodie Foster was lost however. Then I would add "they gained JulieAnn Moore." She was very believable and did a great job filling Jodie Foster's role as Clarice Starling. I loved Ray Liotta as Paul Krendler. He was perfect to play a 'ratfink' such as Krendler. And although you never saw his real face, the makeup on Gary Oldman to portray Mason Verger was one of the most disturbing parts of the film. The acting of the film deserves an A+, undoubtedly.
Note: There may be some spoilers here so proceed with caution if you haven't seen the film.
At first I was a little disappointed after the movie- it was different than the first one...a lot. I didn't want this sequel to ruin the image of the original, as many sequels do. I wanted to like it - I relly did. As time progressed, I thought the movie wasn't that bad- in fact not bad at all (this took all of 30 minutes or so). We still got some freakishly freaky chills. We got a good filling of home-fried human organs. The plot, though much different than the first, grabbed my attention the whole time- no question about the entertainment. Yet some parts were funny. I can't think of anything funnier than Hopkins saying "OkeeDokee" before he kills people. I think that humor though just goes along with my appreciation of all three Thomas Harris novels with Lector and the first film.
My favorite part - without a question- was when Lector trapped Starling by her hair in the fridge. He went in like he was going to eat her but added "That's my girl." Classic. Classic, classic, classic.
This next thought may be downright sick for a 16 year old to say publicly but I got a kick out of Krendler eating his own brain. I was laughing (to myself) at the kid on the plane ("It's good to try new things"). I realize now how much I did enjoy the film.
If you walk into the theatre expecting a movie superior to the original, you may be disappointed. If you walk in not expecting anything, I guarantee you'll love this film. I didn't like the ending of the Hannibal book but I really liked that of the movie. Kudos to Ridley Scott. I sincerely hope they make a movie based on the first book, "Red Dragon"- a movie with Anthony Hopkins. Though he's a little older, at this point, no one else can play him. It's like getting someone else to play Indiana Jones- it's just not cool.
So, I recommend this movie to anyone. It's much better than those teeny-bopper horror films starring Joe Blow from Dawson's Creek or whatever. This is a movie. A movie that has 'dogs and cats living together'- dogs being humor, cats being horror. Go do yourself a favor: get a nice bottle of Chianti and see it. Dinner's ready; come and get it.
Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)
A Knee-Slappin Good Time
What can I say? The guy gives us "Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frakenstein" as classic slapstick films. But the best was yet to come. When Director Mel Brooks wrote "Men in Tights," I can't even fathom what he was thinking. And I'm saying that in a good way.
Cary Elwes (Robin Hood) gives a great performance with excellent comic timing and a wide-range of voices. The classic "Unlike some Robin Hoods, I can speak with an English accent" pokes fun at the myriad of Robin Hood films ever made.
Richard Lewis played Prince John and I must say this was his finest work. The mole- oh, the mole- in a different place every scene ("I have a mole?") and the stupidness he exerts in his role is not one to go unrecognized. The fact that he is Prince of England yet has NO English accent whatsoever adds to this insane display of comedy.
As for the extensive characters and cameos, we see Rabbi Tuckman (Brooks), the circumcizing Jew with the sacred wine; the Abbott (Dick Van Patton) and the annoying "HEY ABBOTT!"; the Godfather wannabe (Dom DeLouise) and his lizard and tongueless assistant; and Blinkin', Little John, Achoo, Will Scarlet O'Hara, and more.
I must say however, one of the most well-known parts of the film is the classic song and dance number with all the guys singing "We're men, we're men in tight, TIGHT, tights" is the funniest musical parody I have ever seen.
So whether your mood is good or bad, you will walk away smiling and not able to get that song out of your head. You'll hide a grin when hearing "Chastity Belt" and you won't be able to forget the song and, actions, that occur behind that sheet hanging up in the woods.
Congrats to Brooks and the cast on making one of the most intelligently-written parodies of our time and a film that will go down in history as.....ridiculous. In a good way. :)
Opportunity Knocks (1990)
Dana Carvey makes another great film
I just saw the film "Opportunity Knocks" for the first time last night. I've seen it twice since then. This film just proves how talented Dana Carvey is. He provided laughs and fun throughout the movie.
Being a fan of "Saturday Night Live" since the first time I saw it, Dana Carvey has been the funniest (in my opinion) ever to star on the show. During the movie, Mr. Carvey portrays his oh-so-famous impersonation of George Bush (no one could do it better).
I think "Opportunity Knocks" is a great film and you can't watch it without smiling at the things Mr. Carvey does. So, for a fun time and lotsa laughs, you should go see it.
The Waterboy (1998)
What great film will Adam Sandler think of next?
"The Waterboy" starring Adam Sandler (who plays Bobby Boucher) was probably the funniest film I've seen this year. Some people say that Adam Sandler's getting too old to play in roles like this but I have to disagree. Adam Sandler is a talented comedian and should play in comedy movies because that's what he does best.
When I went to see "The Waterboy," I went into the theatre feeling sad and depressed about something. I left feeling relaxed and happy, not even thinking about the problem I had before. When people get sad, sometimes they just need to see a movie to feel better. "The Waterboy" is that movie.
Henry Winkler plays the coach of Bobby's team. He's most famous for playing "Fonzie" on the old show "Happy Days." The character he played was funny, too.
I'd say, actually, "The Waterboy" wasn't just the funniest film I've seen this year but my favorite. Adam Sandler also co-wrote "The Waterboy." Which leaves only one question: What will Adam Sandler think of next? The answer? Only another great film.
Happy Gilmore (1996)
Yet Another Great Adam Sandler Film
The film "Happy Gilmore" starring Adam Sandler (one of my favorite actors) was definitely an "A+" in my opinion. If you are in the mood to crack yourself up and keel over laughing, see this movie. Even if you've seen it a million times, it's almost impossible not to laugh!
One of the funniest parts is how Adam Sandler changes his moods SO quickly. One minute he's talking regular then all of a sudden starts yelling........truly a funny aspect of comedy.
Then there's the guy who plays once-professional golfer Chubbs.
This character adds another great element to the film. He has a wooden hand- because an alligator bit his off.
Christopher McDonald, who plays the golf-pro "Shooter McGavin" is perfect as the stuck-up, annoying character he's playing.
"Happy Gilmore" is a terrific film to rent- or buy- and watch at parties, with family or even by yourself. There's no way you could watch an Adam Sandler film (specifically this one) and not laugh and have a good time.