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Reviews
Mutual Appreciation (2005)
Stunning in Its Horribleness
Throughout history, there have been people who have changed the world. Edison gave us the light bulb; Guttenburg the printing press. I feel I am offering a public service for all mankind just as great by warning people to stay away from "Mutual Appreciation".
It is perhaps the most monotonous movie I have ever seen. Nothing happens. These slackers, who are really disturbing to look at, just sit there and talk. I wouldn't have a problem with that if they had something interesting to say. They don't. And they have nothing to say in the most dreary manner possible. No ups, no downs. Just flat, unemotional speaking. It is just true torture. Please, please, for all that is good and holy, ignore the critics who liked this and avoid this horrific piece of...film.
Lost (2004)
Really entertaining
I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. Some of the dialog was a bit contrived, but so what? It was still a wild ride with unexpected moments thrown in throughout. I thought Dean Cain did a good job.
This movie is like a poor man's Duel (which I consider a compliment.) Duel, I believe was Steven Spielberg's directorial debut as this is for Darren Lempke. He has real talent. He is very good at building up suspense. I also liked the way it ended -- it wasn't a cop-out. It had good camera work and everything made sense at the end, which often does not in these types of movies. It was a fun way to spend 90 minutes. P.S. I don't have a clue as to why a reviewer thought this movie was a sci-fi picture. It bears absolutely no resemblance to one.
Spider-Man 3 (2007)
Horrible
Most urban dwellers are familiar with, well...droppings of all manner and variety. We've seen dog, pigeons, mouse, even horse droppings littering city streets. With the opening of Spiderman 3, we now have a very good idea of what spider crap looks like. It isn't pretty.
It is a tedious re-hash of the previous Spiderman movies, which were both fun, energetic outings. Yet where the first two had a great sense of joy, "3" is labored. Where the others had one evil-doer, we've got three (for most of the film). In '3', we have more fight scenes. More Mary Jane in peril. More Aunt May moping about Unclue Ben! (He's been dead for years now...get over it already!!) More! More! More! Unfortunately, it has more tedium. I can't imagine ever wanting to see this film again. Once is more than enough for "3"!
Notes on a Scandal (2006)
Great acting in a so-so film
Yes, yes, Judi Dench and Cate Blanchette were very good. Exceptional acting, however, cannot make a film great, or even good, as is the case here.
One of the joys of going to see a film is the willingness to be swept up in the world of the characters, and nowhere is this more essential than in a drama. Therefore, when characters act in ways that are so unbelievable as a device to move the plot forward, the audience is cheated and the movie falls apart. Without giving anything away, that is how I felt about Notes on a Scandal. Well acted, interesting, but ultimately failed the most important mark of great drama -- believability. Notes on a Scandal had the potential to be a great psychological thriller, but fell far short.
Happy Feet (2006)
It Should Just Be Called: Penguins Good. People Bad
Sorry, but any "childrens" movie that has my daughter watching in awed delight in the first half and crying in the second half is not my kind of "childrens" movie.
Yes, like many others, I found the animation beautiful and enjoyed watching the penguins dance (although that got a little tiring after a while), but I also found the eco-message to be way too preachy. Talk about bait and switch! You would have no idea from looking at the ads that the second half was nothing more than an Al Gore screed denouncing people and their polluting ways. Ugh! It was "An Inconvenient Truth Lite".
If you are looking for a fun film for your child to enjoy, rent Shrek, or Toy Story 2, or The Incredibles. If you want them to be depressed, feel guilty for no reason and never want to visit an aquarium again, then run to see "Happy Feet".
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006)
This movie stinks
I went in to see Borat with high expectations and everything I read about it sounded hilarious. Wow, what a disappointment! Yes, there were parts that were funny -- some very funny -- but sitting through this movie was like watching a stretched out Saturday Night Live skit that should have been only 4 minutes long.
My problem with the film was NOT that the material was often offensive. To me, the more un-PC the better -- but this was just a one-joke film.
The theater I saw it in was packed and everyone was laughing, but I couldn't help but think I was witnessing the Robin Williams Syndrome where everyone laughs because they feel like they have to. Well Robin Williams is a tedious bore on talk shows, no matter how much Jay Leno guffaws like a stuck pig, and Borat just isn't funny, either, no matter the number of magazine covers or critics saying he is a comedic genius.
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Exceeds Expectations
Little Miss Sunshine (LMS) is simply an outstanding film. So often, I watch a movie with high hopes after reading great reviews from critics, only to be underwhelmed. LMS exceeded all of the great expectations I had. It's funny, touching, dramatic -- everything you want in a movie. All the actors did a phenomenal job and the script is wonderful. At the end of the movie, the sold-out audience applauded. Do yourself a favor and have a fun time at the theater. RUN, RUN, RUN to see LMS!!! It is the best movie of the year so far. It will be very hard to beat! While it is unusual for comedies to be nominated for the Best Picture Oscar, LMS should be nominated and should win. It's that good.
Match Point (2005)
I liked it better when it was called "Crimes and Misdemeanors"
I really, really wanted to like this movie. Finally -- a Woody Allen movie that would live up to all the hype. Critics have called it 'outstanding' and his best in decades. Well, what a disappointment. The dialog, especially in the beginning, is so studied and forced as to not be believable.
It's beautifully filmed and it kept my attention throughout the entire movie. What ruined the entire movie for me was the ending, which was just so completely cynical. It was such a drag to leave the theater feeling that way. And aside from everything else, it is completely derivative of Crimes and Misdemeanors, a much, much better Woody Allen film.
Million Dollar Baby (2004)
I Don't Get The Hype
Very good film, but hardly "the masterpiece" described by Roger Ebert. It is basically a very well done Hallmark Hall of Fame TV Movie. It has Clint Eastwood as a lovable curmudgeon with a heart of gold. Hillary Swank, who is terrific, plays a strong-willed survivor with a heart of gold. Morgan Freeman is cast in his usual role of a wise, quiet observer with a heart of gold. All this becomes ultimately too cloying. Perhaps I expected more because so much was written about it. A good movie, but still doesn't surpass "Sideways" as best picture of the year. Hillary Swank should get the Oscar for her acting, however. See it, but not with your expectations too high.
Shrek 2 (2004)
Shrek 2 Blew
This movie would have gone straight to video except for the fact that the producers knew that people would spend millions in the theater to make it a huge hit. Viewers beware. You're wasting your money.
This sequel has none of the original's charm, wit or warmth. Puss N Boots was the only funny part of the film. The rest of it was just plain boring. I'm also sick of the pop culture references at every turn. It's lame. Changing the name "Burger King" to "Burger Prince"? What a stroke of genius! Those writers at Dreamworks must have spent weeks coming up with that bit of comic gold.
Lost in Translation (2003)
Major Bore-fest
This is a profoundly overrated film. Good acting does not make a film great. It is stupifyingly dull. It is to be avoided at all costs. I have no doubt that it will win many Oscar nominations. While I wouldn't object to it winning in the acting categories, it would be outrageous if it won for best director or best film.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Outstanding
Forget these "gentle, little films" like Lost in Translation or Station Agent -- this is what I call a REAL movie. It is outstanding in every way. While I felt the first two LOTR films dragged and I couldn't get into them, this final chapter kept my interest from the opening scene. Truly spectacular!
The Station Agent (2003)
Just OK
Great reviews and a friend's recommendation prompted me to see Station Agent. Good acting, especially by Patricia Clarkson, made the film watchable. The story, however, was pretty run of the mill. A decent movie to rent if the DVD you're looking for isn't available at Blockbuster.
Elf (2003)
Completely Forgettable
Totally mindless movie which kids will enjoy. From an adult point of view, it is extremely average. If this is destined to be a holiday classic like "It's A Wonderful Life" than we have forgotten what great films are. I can't imagine wanting to see this movie more than once.
The Hours (2002)
Utterly Pointless
This film tells the story of mentally ill individuals who live mentally ill lives and who destroy the lives of those who love them. It is an ode to dementia.
Anyone who can relate to these characters and can sympathize with them needs to check themselves into the nearest nervous hospital immediately.
About Schmidt (2002)
An Instant Classic
"About Schmidt" is one of the most beautiful movies I have ever seen. It is touching, funny, poignant and ultimately uplifting. It is so devoid of Hollywood cliches that it is amazing it actually got made. This is a great film -- an "It's A Wonderful Life" for a new generation.
Far from Heaven (2002)
Overrated Claptrap
I agree with all those who have panned this movie. Because the characters were so cartoonish, I felt no sympathy for them whatsoever. Yes, I guess the 1950's sets were interesting and picture perfect, but the whole effect left me cold.
I also felt the acting was just serviceable. While Julianne Moore was totally fine, I don't see why so much praise is being heaped on her. I could picture many actresses who could have played that role just as effectively.
It was boring, one dimensional and had trite dialogue. Look for it to sweep the Oscar's.
Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002)
A TOTAL RIP-OFF
This was a terrible movie, completely unfunny. Normally, comedies that fail at humor do not get me angry, but this one did. Clearly, Mike Myers has such contempt for his fans that he feels that he can put together garbage and know that he can make millions off it. Let's not make him rich off such junk -- If you haven't seen it -- DON'T!!
P.S. The so-called "hilarious" cameos in the beginning are mildly amusing at best, and the concept was basically ripped off from a similar stunt in "Pee Wee's Big Adventure" done well over a decade ago.
Ghost World (2001)
Not Very Good
After reading all the critical raves, I had high hopes for this movie, and once again, I was let down. I wanted to like this movie, and I tried to, but it fell short. The acting was excellent, but I found the situations unrealistic and the humor lacking. A rather dreary outing. Not horrible, just completely average. 4 out of 10.
Dancer in the Dark (2000)
Yuck
So many people have written that this was a difficult film to watch and I'd have to agree, since it was one of the worst movies I have ever seen. I really was intrigued about the movie since it appeared on so many top ten lists. I was completely disappointed. Inane does not begin to describe the scenes where she just breaks out into song. It was laughable. Yeah --I get it -- she lives in her own fantasy world -- I figured that out after the first musical number. Do I have to be inflicted with the same gimmick throughout the whole thing? A profoundly stupid film.
The Producers (1967)
The Funniest Movie Ever Made. Period.
Nothing can compare to the comic genius of this film. Mostel and Wilder are incredible together. Their chemistry is so good, and the film is so brilliant, that I will never see the stage version of the film that is opening on Broadway. It's impossible for Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane to duplicate on stage what Wilder and Mostel did on screen. Impossible!
The Hudsucker Proxy (1994)
What A Great Movie!
While I can understand that this movie is not for everyone, I certainly thought it was great. The sets, music and acting were all first rate. I am a huge Coen Brothers fan, and this movie is right up there with Fargo and Raising Arizona. It is interesting reading the comments on this film. Alot of people don't like Jennifer Jason Leigh's acting in the film, but I think it was perfect; she was supposed to be over the top and a parody. If you don't see it that way then her character will drive you crazy. It seems you'll either love Hudsucker or hate it; there's no middle ground. I love it and have seen it over and over again. It gets better each time.
The Piano (1993)
Hideous
This film is a hideous piece of pretentious garbage. Nothing about this film is entertaining, and I am baffled how no one seems to notice that this films celebrates sexual harrassment. The Holly Hunter character is forced to "service" Harvey Kietel's character and then she begins to like it. Is that "art"? I find this film totally offensive. It's even worse than The English Patient, if that's possible.
Man on the Flying Trapeze (1935)
A Great Comedy
Without a doubt a comedy classic. The last and only time I saw it was over twenty years ago and the laughs still stay with me. Does anyone know of any way to get this movie on video? Will it ever be available? What's the reason for the holdup???
UPDATE: May 2007 -- Great news -- this gem is now available on DVD. It is as funny now as when I saw it decades ago. I don't remember it being so short -- it is only 65 minutes -- but those are hilarious minutes. WC Fields is a genius! The entire cast is perfect. The interaction with his family is just terrific. I especially like the scenes with Fields and the woman playing his daughter -- they were very touching. This is a MUST SEE film!