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Reviews
Ladder 49 (2004)
Hits you like a Sledgehammer
Wavering between overwrought and boring "Ladder 49" is much more of a character study than "Backdraft". (The comparison seems inevitable.) Ron Howard's film has much more action - and more importantly - more interesting characters. I can't speak to the accuracy of what is depicted since I know almost nothing about firefighting. But one thing bothered me. When Jack is injured early in the film he falls quite a distance (at least several stories) onto a debris pile below. He radios in that he is "busted up". How then can he crawl over to a brick wall and knock a hole through it? I understand the plot point here. But my suspension of dis-belief only carries so far. That aside this movie is a nice tribute to firefighters.
The Butterfly Effect (2004)
Morbid, derivative but mildly interesting
The ideas in this film are not new. In fact you can find elements of Groundhog Day, Its a Wonderful Life, even a Simpson's episode about a time travel machine in the form of a toaster. I suppose it all stems from Ray Bradbury's short story A Sound of Thunder. Go back in time step on a butterfly and vastly change the future. The problem with this film is that the "butterfly" effect seems to apply only to the main character's inner circle. Not anyone else.
Anyhow, the acting is pretty decent considering the characters have to go through all these different lives/timelines. But I found the movie over-long and incredibly morbid. I'm sure it appeals to Gen-X/Y'ers who may relate fully to the angst, depression and massive regret the story's characters embody.
Kung Fu (1972)
"As quickly as you can...snatch the pebble from my hand..."
Highly intelligent scripts, superb acting, and authentic Eastern philosophy. This show still captivates 30+ years after the fact.
The fight scenes are lame measured against what the great martial artists of the '70s were depicting. But the show isn't about that. Each week Cain would apply that which he had learned from his masters to resolve whatever conflict he faced. Fighting skill was only one tool in the Shaolin priest arsenal.
I bought the first season DVD last week and recommend it highly to fans of the series. The extras are not all that great, but the first 15 episodes (along with the pilot) are well worth the purchase.
Even those new to the series (like my wife) will enjoy this stand out drama from a golden age of television.
The Fog of War: Eleven Lessons from the Life of Robert S. McNamara (2003)
Watched it twice
Fascinating and technically superb documentary showcases the recollections of one of the Cold War's principal architects.
Former Defense Secretary Robert McNamara is 85 years old at the time these interviews were shot. None the less his mind is like a steel trap. Forthcoming about many facts and guarded about others McNamara's vivid description of those days in concert with the director's artistry make for a vivid history lesson.
McNamara's name will always be synonymous with the Viet Nam war. But the story of his life encompasses World War II, the Cold War and the World Bank. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the Cold War years and the Viet Nam era.
Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
Just awful
"Natural Born Killers" meets "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"
How is this in the IMDB top 250? Oh...never mind...all the under 18 year olds voted 10.0 looks like.
Now that Q.T. can make whatever movie he wants he pukes this out. Nothing but self indulgent tripe. And enough with the close-ups of Uma's ugly toes ok Quentin? Thanks.
I'm a fan of classic samurai and kung fu theater with lots of wire work but the fighting in this (with few exceptions) is terrible. I won't go into details but see if you can find a classic samurai flick like "Sword of Doom" and compare the action.
Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003)
Disjointed and overly complex. Easily the worst of the three.
I enjoy Robert Rodriguez's work. El Mariachi was a brilliant exercise in low-budget film making with an original idea and a couple of plot twists along the way. In Desperado Cheech Marin was hilarious. Antonio and Salma looked fabulous. And while light on plot the action in Desperado was superbly shot and fun to watch.
This film has none of those redeeming elements. The plot is overly complex for the genre. And the movie jumps around haphazardly between flashbacks and present day. Mickey Rourke and Willem DaFoe are wasted. Johnny Depp is entertaining as always, but it wasn't enough to save this mediocre film.
Angels in America (2003)
Very well acted
This is essentially a propaganda piece. It advocates gay rights and protection under the 14th Amendment while pointing the finger of blame for the AIDS epidemic on everyone from Ronald Reagan to God himself.
Al Pacino is fabulous (when is he ever bad?). I also enjoyed Emma Thompson's angel although she was barely able to mask her British accent in her portrayal of a nurse in a NY hospital. (She plays several roles.)
The premise here seems woefully dated, since much has occurred since the mid-80s where this story takes place. However the performances are stellar for the most part. And there are some very humorous scenes. If you don't find bashing right-wing politics and fundamentalist religion offensive I'm sure you'll enjoy viewing this adaptation.
Bowling for Columbine (2002)
Provocative, but not a documentary
Let me preface this comment by saying that I enjoy much of Michael Moore's work. He is witty and a skilled film maker.
However, Bowling for Columbine has about as much documentary value as Oliver Stone's JFK. The inaccuracies and deceptive tactics used in the film have been well documented elsewhere so I won't waste time rehashing them.
My biggest problem with Moore's work here is the various contradictions in his approach to the gun violence issue. As a viewer I couldn't tell what Moore was trying to prove. Much of what he presented actually supports the NRA point of view - guns don't kill people, people kill people.
Watch Bowling for Columbine and enjoy it for what it is. A slick piece of propaganda.
Smilla's Sense of Snow (1997)
Best part of this movie is the title
What is Smilla's Sense of Snow?
That it the biggest problem I had with this film. Smilla's expertise in reading snow and ice is never really demonstrated, except in a limited sense. We have to assume the level of her skill since she is from Greenland (which as we all know is mostly ice).
The opening act of the film is captivating. But the snow and cold degenerate rapidly into a formulaic murder mystery. The plot is disjointed. And who even cares about what the bad guys are trying to hide?
Ormond is terrific to look at. But her character and the others seem hollow or wooden despite the fact the cast is composed of veteran actors with talent.
See it on DVD if you must, for the arctic outdoor shots.
My First Mister (2001)
The set-up was better than the pay-off
The first hour or so of this film shows much promise. But then fast-forward the timeline, throw in a couple big time formula plot twists and the movie degenerates rapidly.
I enjoyed the performances, but the writers should have spent more time developing the relationship between "J" and "R". They win each other over so quickly that what follows loses all potential to be emotionally moving.
Despite the shortcomings this is not a bad film. Just one that had a lot more promise that was not explored.
Panic Room (2002)
Way too many holes
This film could have been much better. The cinematography was excellent, the performances adequate, and Jodi looked great running in slo-mo.
However, gross factual errors and inexplicable character behavior ruin this movie. It becomes insulting to the viewer's intelligence as a decent set-up and fair amount of tension morph into some mutated form of the "Home Alone" series.
I can't pan it totally, just don't go out of your way to see it.
About Schmidt (2002)
Face reality
Some movies just speak to some people while others don't. Life is what it is. People get old, dreams go unfulfilled, people die.
I'm younger than Schmidt, but I found myself able to identify fairly well with the character. It is what most men will face later in life. Things that you get up in the morning and go through life for gradually disappear. It seems depressing, until the end of the film where the very existence Schmidt questions finally makes a difference to someone. Outstanding performance by Jack and supporting cast.
I thought this was a great film.
Changing Lanes (2002)
Ending ruins decent film
Not sure I can recommend this film. The payoff doesn't live up to the set-up. Fine acting by Jackson and Affleck. The supporting cast was decent too. The feud between the two men after a fender-bender escalates rapidly but seems resolved too quickly. After the film goes to great lengths to portray them as flawed both men suddenly contract a case of morality. And the Hollywood ending reduces this potentially good film to a trite disappointment.
Bears some resemblance to "Falling Down", although not as original or hard-hitting in the end.
We Were Soldiers (2002)
Somewhat cliched but reverent
This look at the early U.S. involvement in Viet Nam is not perfect but I found it engrossing. With my fondness for war films I had a hard time sitting through the first third of the film which was entirely character development. I understand the importance - I just wanted the action to start. I wasn't disappointed. The battle scenes were well portrayed and intense. However the way the battle ended in the film is not historical. None the less the action is equal to the level of blood & guts elevated by movies like Saving Private Ryan.
A quick note to my fellow posters overseas: If these American war films are so much flag waving patriotism to you guys - why keep watching them? This is a honorable look at men who had no idea what they were walking into. But they walked into it willingly to serve their country.
Ali (2001)
Sounds to me like many of you weren't there...
This was not an epic motion picture. And certainly some of the scenes between the boxing matches were boring, causing the film to drag. Some important elements are omitted from the story. Such as the second Frazier fight, what exactly influenced Ali to join Islam, and why he was broke after winning the heavy weight championship. Other elements were given undue importance, especially the intense focus on the prevailing civil rights battle during the period.
That being said, the boxing match re-enactments were very well done. Great effort went into creating much of what actually transpired in those fights. And Will Smith's performance duplicated Ali's manner of speech and body language exactly. The supporting cast was adequate.
Despite his flaws, Muhammad Ali was a folk hero. He single handedly turned the sport of boxing around. He backed up his talk by defeating stronger and more heavily favored opponents. The heavy weight division of professional boxing has been going down hill steadily ever since the Ali era ended. For boxing and/or Ali fans the movie is well worth viewing.
Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)
Better than Episode 1. Doesn't hold a candle to Ep 4/5/6
My major problem with Star Wars Episode II (and Episode I for that matter) is that I don't really care about the characters. They are not nearly as vivid as Han Solo/Princess Lea/Luke etc. The characters seem two-dimensional, propped up by fantastic CGI effects. I will give Ewan McGregor credit however. He sounded like Alec Guinness which added continuity to the story. His performance was much improved compared to Episode I.
Some aspects of the film were enjoyable to me. I thought Chris Lee was a great bad guy (as he always is). And his formidable command of the Force made the character even more intriguing. And it was nice to see Yoda put down his walking stick and kick some butt for a change. (However I do miss the muppet Yoda.)
Episode II would be a great film if Episodes IV-VI were never made. As is stands the comparisons are inevitable. The film is well worth seeing in my opinion. But the quality of the saga itself has deteriorated.
The Thing (1982)
Ranks with Alien
I recently obtained the Collector's Edition DVD after having seen this film in theaters and countless times on VHS. Still one of the best in the thriller/horror/SCI-FI genre, not quite as good as it's predecessor ALIEN but very close.
The paranoia of the hapless research station staff is palpable. Enhanced by the claustrophobic surroundings of the station buildings and inclement polar weather outside. And in 1982 if the director wanted a special effect they actually had to BUILD it. No CGI here. To my mind the effects hold up well considering it was 2 decades ago. Thankfully a second-rate sequel was never made, preserving the impact of the thought provoking ending.
THE THING is a classic. I recommend the DVD - wide screen being the only way to view John Carpenter's vision. An updated "making of" documentary with cast/crew recollections is also quite interesting.
Mulholland Dr. (2001)
I have a different take...
**POSSIBLE SPOILER(S)**
This film was Lynch all the way. Spooky and strange. However I enjoyed the viewing. Obviously out of chronological order much like a Tarantino film. Many have stated the plot to be part dream/nightmare, part reality. I believe the first half of the movie takes place after both women are dead. (One suicide, one murdered.) Diane's afterlife - where they meet as ideal lovers. One of them with amnesia the other a wholesome girl next door type. Adding to the ideal for Diane is her success in being cast on the big screen (as Betty). Which was her dream in life. The second half of the film depicts events leading up to that point - Camilla dumps Diane, Diane in her rage hires a hit-man to kill Camilla etc.
Can't say I'm much of a David Lynch fan. Not a bad film though.
Original Sin (2001)
Not sure I can recommend it
Lavishly filmed and with high production values this movie none the less fell short for me. It was simple to put together who the villain was, and the Hollywood oh so happy ending killed everything. An ending that didn't pull any punches would have given the story more credibility.
Featuring two of the best built human beings in Hollywood may be this film's one redeeming quality. You will have to judge that for yourself.
Black Hawk Down (2001)
At least read the book before you pass judgement
This film is very well done and follows the book faithfully (although some of the more shocking details were omitted from the movie).
I noticed most of the negative posts were from people outside the US. Perhaps you guys should stop watching American made war films. (They're not directed at you anyway.)
These events really happened, but were not highly publicized at the time for political reasons. The film does not explore the politics of US involvement in Somalia. It depicts one disastrous event that occurred during that period. And yes, it was a disaster for both sides.
Not for the faint of heart, this movie is quite graphic. And despite the complaints from other posters about lack of character development, I felt pain and sadness watching the depiction of our young men bleeding to death on screen.
This film (and the book it is based on) increased my respect (which was already tremendous) for the American men & women who sacrifice all to protect our Freedom. It is well worth viewing.
The Fast and the Furious (2001)
The Moronic & Ridiculous
This move was so dumb I don't even know where to begin. Put next to this, films "Stone Cold", "Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man", and "Road House" look like cinematic masterpieces. If only it were true that you could roll a car 12 times at 100 miles per hour and come out with hardly a scratch.
Granted there are some outstanding stunts, but not enough action overall to offset the non-sense plot and 3rd rate acting. Don't get me wrong I consider Vin Diesel a pretty good actor, but the script sounds like it was written for (or perhaps by) 8 year olds. Vin, your talents were wasted buddy.
Watch "Grand Prix" instead.
Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)
Not for the men of the family
Girl (who is supposed to be unappealing to men, but is not) gets boy, girl loses boy, girl gets boy, loses boy, finally gets boy - sheesh! (Well, it is a comedy but it just didn't work for me.)
All the male characters are either obnoxious prats, gay, or spineless jellyfish. The film is rife with contrived and improbable scenes. Such as Bridget having dinner with her married friends, and the entire conversation centers around asking Bridget how her love life is, or pointing out that her biological clock is ticking, etc. The epilogue (which was deleted from the final cut of the film) is probably the funniest scene containing a self parody by Hugh Grant. (DVD version.)
It's said that Renee` gained 25Lbs for the role. Interesting, it made her look normal. Rates 9 out of 10 on the "Chick Flick" scale.
The Sopranos (1999)
First season was best
I've greedily watched "The Sopranos" on HBO since episode #1. However I must render my opinion that the show has gone down hill fast. Seasons two and three had their moments, but the first season had much more depth to the characters and more interesting plot lines. The second season introduced some really annoying characters such as Tony's sister Janice and Richie Aprile. The expanded role for Tony's mother also grated on me. In season three we have Christopher a made man - and hating life. Please.
Beyond the Italian stereotypes portrayed in the series, some behavior seems pretty unrealistic to me. I couldn't imagine (and I know something of Italian families, believe me) an Uncle trying to wack a nephew, or a Mother trying to wack a son - no matter what. Remember the agony of Michael Corleone at putting the hit on his brother? He went to his death regretting it. Much more plausible.
During the first season I couldn't wait until the following week to see what would transpire. The show doesn't generate that same excitement for me anymore. We'll see what this next season holds. Those of you that haven't viewed season one, rent the DVD. You'll see what I mean.
Léon (1994)
Director's cut is a completely different movie
If you haven't seen the international version of "Leon", you haven't seen the movie. The restored scenes (mainly depicting in far greater detail the relationship between Leon & Matilda) add much more dimension to what I would consider a pretty good action movie.
Having already viewed "The Professional" (as is was called in the States) several times before viewing the international version I was stunned. It's like two different movies. If anything Leon and Matilda's relationship is much more ambiguous in the U.S. cut. The additional scenes also give you more insight into the character of Leon, and his background.
Look for the extended version of "Leon", it's well worth viewing even if you have seen "The Professional".
Dogma (1999)
Exceedingly boring disappointment
"Clerks" is one of my favorite movies of all time. The ability to make such a hilarious movie using razor-sharp dialog and everyday situations on zero budget is a credit to Kevin Smith's abundant talent.
That being said, I found "Dogma" dismal and unfunny. And I can't believe how everyone raves about this movie. God is a woman (and not a very attractive one). How obvious can you get.
Silent Bob was a much funnier and profound character when he didn't have any dialog.
Rent the "Clerks" DVD instead.