Forget all that Brothers Grimm crap...this is the real deal! SHREK ROCKS. Zany characters, humor that kids and adults can both understand and charming in its own weird way! A backwards romp! Something clever and exciting that Disney stopped doing after the early nineties.... Remember when a new Disney movie was a big deal...and how it was actually entertaining? Well, this might take you back to those glory days.
Reviews
26 Reviews
A Kid in King Arthur's Court
(1995)
Bearable; sends a positive message; funny
30 December 2001
I've owned this movie on video for quite sometime. Unlike some other Disney disasters from the nineties, this one does a suitable job. Its funny (if not always historically accurate; there was no King Arthur) and the actor who plays calvin is so clueless you gotta love him. Thumbs up to the boy toy. Very cute. Warm.
Embodies all the right themes
29 December 2001
I just saw this movie today and let me tell you, compared to the books this movie is 100% better. Tolkien, and many people agree with me here, is quite boring. And the fact that someone could present Fellowship Of the Rings so excitingly and fresh, amazes me. Who could be a better Frodo than Elijah Wood? This guy is a great actor with the depth needed to portray this meek hero. But let us nt forget what really sets this apart from just any old special effects flick. Number one it has all the right themes for a story of this magnitude. Those are good and evil, undyielding friendship and devotion, that the little guy is capable of daring feats and where there's a will there's a way. I genuinely love this film, especially how it leaves you begging for more, right at a climax. Between Harry Potter, Star Wars and this...it seems I won't be leaving the movie theater for quite some time!
1776
(1972)
A clever and imaginitive portrayal of our forefathers' struggle for freedom!
17 December 2001
I really liked this one! When I found out it was going to be a musical...I was sure its integrity would be ruined. But the music made it all the more brilliant and beautiful. I think the cinematography was half its allure. Some of the camera angles and lighting, really dazzled. The musical numbers are catchy and none are overdone or tacky. Very simple and yet captures the viewer. John Adams, who it seems to be centered around, is portrayed as the stubborn revolutionary, a patriot who's views seem a bit radical. Ben Franklin, is a wise man of his years, who has an excellent sense of humor and infinite patience. I liked Thomas Jefferson too, but I think his character looked a little weak in comparison. And the whole part about his sex habits and wife was unnecassary. Other than a few weirdly out of place moments, I think this was a great film, worthy of being shown in schools to educate and provide some light-hearted entertainment.
Oh and by the way...the real John Hanncock never said that bit about his signature and King George.
Oh and by the way...the real John Hanncock never said that bit about his signature and King George.
Shanghai Noon
(2000)
I didn't love it, I didn't hate it
6 December 2001
This was a funny movie with Jackie Chan and That Other Guy. I think That Other Guy is pretty cute and he was good in his part. I remember seeing this the Friday it came out and it seemed appealing after a long day...I laughed and had a good time. Its worth the time if your in the mood to see a light-hearted, not exactly historically correct comedy for a few laughs. Unlike some other dumb-ass crap mills from the past few years... this is not TOO overdone and ridiculous, although it has its moments.
The Omen
(1976)
Not a flat out hilarious comedy (e.g. "The Excorcist")
1 December 2001
I was about twelve when I saw this movie for the first time--and man did it freak me out. Unlike The Excorcist, there was no pea soup or head spinning to keep me in tears of laughter...this was just scary...something that the excorcist never really accomplished.
It happened one night when the Thorn couple was expecting their baby. Instead they wound up with an adopted infant who's real mother was an animal. They named the new born boy, Damien (which probably was a really innocent name until this movie came out) and he eventually grew into a kindergarten aged murderer with the ability to communicate with rottweilers and order them to do his nasty willing.
After his nanny hangs herself (she became possesed) a new satan worshipping woman comes to take her place...she is a follower of the devil and caters to his every need, also telling him what to do.
By the movie's end he has killed everyone in his immediate family despite efforts by Gregory Peck to kill the little sucker. This was wicked cool, litterally!
It happened one night when the Thorn couple was expecting their baby. Instead they wound up with an adopted infant who's real mother was an animal. They named the new born boy, Damien (which probably was a really innocent name until this movie came out) and he eventually grew into a kindergarten aged murderer with the ability to communicate with rottweilers and order them to do his nasty willing.
After his nanny hangs herself (she became possesed) a new satan worshipping woman comes to take her place...she is a follower of the devil and caters to his every need, also telling him what to do.
By the movie's end he has killed everyone in his immediate family despite efforts by Gregory Peck to kill the little sucker. This was wicked cool, litterally!
The Sound of Music
(1965)
All around great movie, but I don't know why it beat Dr. Zhivago for best picture
1 December 2001
The Sound Of Music is an all around classic, with the talented Julie Andrews (who will always be Mary Poppins in my mind) playing governess to the Von Trapp family. Mr. von Trapp is a retired captain of the navy, his wife died many years ago leaving him with seven kids and a bad attitude. Because of his lack of interest & nurturing, the children try to win his attention by annoying the hell out of every governess he hires. The movie opens famously, with a camera descending upon the majestic austrian mountainside, capturing a gorgeous view, as Julie runs in the grass singing. Her character, Maria, is somewhat lost, she grew up wanting to be a nun but her mentors seem to think that the quiet life is not for her. They gather together in the abbey and sing about it of course, because this is a musical. The reverend mother tells Maria that she should first go out into the world and get a job so that she would have time to rethink things. So Maria winds up as the Von Trapps' governess. Inexperienced and awkward in her new position, she tries her best and eventually wins the hearts of the children and their trust. They learn to sing and go on many jolly holidays in the hills...until daddy finds out and has a hissy fit one day, when his snobby baronesss girlfriend is over with her plans to marry him and get rich. But soon (almost three minutes later in fact) Mr. Von Trapp's stone heart breaks when he walks in hearing his kids crooning. They hug and he makes up to them in a very memorable Kodak moment. He too apologizes to Maria and this is the beginning of a love thang between them.
The Sound Of Music is among one of the best movie musicals, if not movies ever made. With its touching plot and gorgeous scenery along with the music...you have a real winner. But I will never forgive it for winning out against Dr. Zhivago for the Best Picture Oscar of 1965.
The Sound Of Music is among one of the best movie musicals, if not movies ever made. With its touching plot and gorgeous scenery along with the music...you have a real winner. But I will never forgive it for winning out against Dr. Zhivago for the Best Picture Oscar of 1965.
Almost exactly how I imagined it! Excellent!
17 November 2001
I saw it! I saaaaaaaaaaw it!! Does this mean I am cool now? As an avid reader of the series, I have to admit I was a bit skeptical of how accurate it would play out on the big screen. Nevertheless, I was SO EAGER to sit through all 2 hours and 32 minutes of it! I COULDN'T BELIEVE THE MOVIE WAS THAT LONG. It seemed more like 15-30 minutes, even though I had to desperately use the bathroom! My mind was completely sucked in; I was so absorbed with the special effects and the simple brilliance of every scene. Unlike so many other movies based on books that I've watched, all the places like Diagon Alley and Hogwarts, Harry's cupboard...were almost exactly like I imagined them! And I was very happy to see that a lot of the actors' dialog is taken directly from Ms. Rowling's books. The kids are great and stay true to their descriptions. (I know that Daniel Radcliffe is practically Harry's twin, but I was a little bummed that he didn't do his hair black...you can just say I'm obsessed with the books.) The only fault I held with it was that the Sorting Hat didn't sing it's poem! OK, so this might seem like a minor detail, I was looking forward to seeing that scene (so was my friend). Overall, Chris Columbus, J.K. Rowling and the cast did an EXCELLENT job!! (For anyone who was confused about Quidditch like I sorta was, when they play you will definitely understand it! It actually educated me!) I think I'm going again tomorrow...if I can wait that long!!!
Monsters, Inc.
(2001)
Go see Harry Potter. Its better.
17 November 2001
This movie was another one of Disney's very predictable, very overdone, and very unfunny "comedy" adventures. Of course it was all computer animation...you won't make any money if you actually draw or use talent anymore. As for a plot, there really isn't one. Their promos you see on TV or before other movies (such as the one I saw before Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's stone) was a lot more truthful and clever than anything Disney's done in a loooong time. I am serious.
Psycho
(1960)
Don't go in the shower!
17 November 2001
What made me love this movie was Norman Bates. He seemed like a such a nice every-day type guy...that just so happens to be psychotic and stab people in their showers. Janet Leigh (who is a much better actress than her daughter) was a great choice for her character. On the other hand, I really hated the whiny girl they cast as her sister. What made psycho work as a thriller/ horror phenonemon was the way it was marketed..because, let's face it--the shower scene isn't THAT scary. The reason why its so memorable is because of the way it shocked people who didn't know what to expect. I mean if you watch the old trailers, it doesn't give away much. So Psycho really should go down in history as a classic.
Bride of Frankenstein
(1935)
(Prominently cheesy) But my favorite!!
17 November 2001
This was the successful sequel to the first mainstream Frankenstein movie. Bride Of is my favorite for a couple of interesting reasons. I loved the scenery (especially in black and white), the plot twists and the Bride's hair-do! All of these elements made for a great movie. At times the acting is less than adequate and the monotomous "let's-chase-the-monster-with-burning-torches!!" attitude from the villagers got to be much. But all this stuff only makes it classic! I suggest renting this movie, for a good laugh or two, or just to be entertained by some good, old fashioned monster moments.
Blossom
(1990–1995)
This and Full House every weekday
11 November 2001
I am only 15, so I don't really remember this show when it originally aired. But a few years ago (I was maybe ten) they used to play it every week day after I got home from school. I started watching it and soon it was just a daily habbit I couldn't break. Although, the fashions & some of the antics are completely outdated..whenever I see it it brings back good memories. This and Full House every weekday...and they were shows that made me feel happy.
Mary Poppins
(1964)
Down with "The Sound Of Music"!!!!
15 September 2001
Hands down, this movie is better than The Sound Of Music. The story of Mary Poppins will endure as the greater classic, because it has been around for so long and was the first to make Andrews a movie star. (She got the best actress Oscar for her superb work.) The songs, actors and plot fit together and really make it work on screen. Some of my favorite songs are "Feed the Birds" and "Sister Suffragette" (although "Chim Chim Cher-ee" recieved the best song academy award..thats good too!). The story begins as Burt, a chimney sweep (or a hobo, I can't figure it out), sings songs in the streets of London to passer-bys for a little money, as he predicts the arrival of his good friend Mary Poppins by feeling the direction of the wind. ('Changing wind' becomes symbolic in the story.) Turing to the camera after his performance he greets the audience and helps us find number 17 Cheery Tree Lane, residence of George Banks, an upstanding, no-nonsense british banker type (I guess his last name is just a coincidence...) who believes that all children must be 'molded' and taught by very stern methods. Mrs. Banks, on the contrary, is a free-spirited, feisty women's rights advocate who relishes in throwing eggs at the prime minister and going to rallies. Their two children Jane and Michael (very cute) are left with nasty, old nannies who cannot stand them and so they run away and get in trouble. Trouble indeed ensues after the most recent nanny leaves, when Mr. Banks finds out about the situation he decides to put an advertisement in the Times and hand pick the next one himself. With a little bit of Mary Poppins magic, the advertisement that Jane & Michael write declaring that the new nanny should have "rosy chheks" and "play games, all sorts" gets reprocessed after Banks tears it up in the fire place, regarding it as rubbish. Mary Poppins of course answers it from her home up in the sky and over takes the household, making it a cheery and fun place to be. Her magic and charm pays off as at the end, after a lot of meditating on Banks part and some blows to his ego, he comes around and learns how to communicate with his children. The wind changes, and so Mary is off to help others in need of a spoon full of sugar to make the medicine go down. This movie is practically perfect in every way.
Emmanuelle
(1974)
Weird People Doing the Freaky!
9 September 2001
The subject line I gave basically sums this flick up. There's this girl named Emmanuelle who lives with this older guy and he allows her to do the freaky with other people. She falls in love with another woman and eventually share a passionate night together. Make sure to watch for other wholesome lil' tidbits in between such as, naked women swimming together, a seventh grader who loves to masterbate and horny guys in a jungle.
How to Marry a Millionaire
(1953)
A Witty Comedy (Marilyn Monroe Rocks!)
7 July 2001
When I first saw "How To Marry a Millionaire" it was about three o'clock in the morning and I was very depressed about something going on in my personal life. But only a few minutes into the movie (after the LONG overture) I was laughing and completely losing myself in this HILARIOUS comedy, starring the delicious Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable and Lauren BaCall. Marilyn and her two talented co-stars play single girls trying to work it and nab some wealthy husbands. The leader of the group (BaCall) rents an upscale apartment in a posh area of New York City, she invites her good friends (Monroe and Grable) to move in on the plan. I don't want to spoil it, but after some trials and moments of truth they all come to realize that its not how much money a man has, its his character that counts. Comedy thats witty and another wonderful Marilyn flick. I loved it! My score: 8
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
(1953)
Entertaining But Lacking A Real Plot...
7 July 2001
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoyed this movie for its comic and musical qualities but overall there isn't really a firm plot that one can get engrossed with. It revolves around two small town country girls as we are made aware of in the first few minutes of the movie by a musical number with flashy red costumes. Lorelie, (Monroe) is engaged to the son of a rich business tycoon, who is suspicious of every move she makes. When she and her friend (Jane Russel) get on board an expensive boat cruise to meet Lorelie's fiancee in Paris, mischief follows and the trouble begins. With a sad obsession for diamonds (and just about all things sparkly) Lorelie cozies up to an elderly British guy, who JUST SO HAPPENS to have access to a very expensive, diamond tiara. Trouble ensues and of course, the clever Jane Russel, gets them out of it. Flashy costumes and dance numbers seem to be more important though and the plot is sometimes put on the back burner. Monroe sings her famous "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend". My Score: 7
Charlotte's Web
(1973)
Something EVERY Child Should See
6 July 2001
I can't even describe how charming this movie is! Unlike most movie recreations, this one actually followed the book and did not leave out any sensitive detail. The story is kept intact and teaches the valuable lesson of what true friendship really is. The themes of life and death are presented and shown in a tasteful and heart-wrenching way. The simple animation can be overlooked because of the actual story that's being told. This is a timeless story, and the movie will remain so too. If you're like me, be ready to cry your eyeballs out by the bittersweet ending. You'll be left thinking: "That was SOME Pig." And that was some movie.
Swiss Family Robinson
(1960)
An Action Packed Adventure For the Family
6 July 2001
Filled with action, adventure and romance, this classic tale of a swiss family trying to escape the suppression of their native land and wind up ship wrecked on a tropical island, is nicely adapted on the big screen. The acting is nothing to go woof over but what it lacks in that department it surely makes up for in scenery. You get the impression that the cast was just to breath taken to perhaps concentrate on their lines, being surrounded in paradise. The entire movie was shot on location, in the lavish South Seas. Dorothy McGuire does a nice job playing the mother of three sons, struggling to raise them "properly" although they are in the middle-of-nowhere; while James MacArthur gets loads of screen time with just him and his bare chest. And yes, just as you think you were safe...that annoying kid who was in EVERY DISNEY MOVIE IMAGINABLE...pops up as the youngest (and whiniest) of the brood, Francis. Don't let his stupid remarks, ruin the movie for you. Disney compensated us with many slick plot twists involving: pirates, wild animals and a love interest for Fritz (chest boy) and his punier brother, Ernest. This is a movie EVERYONE can watch munching on popcorn and having a few laughs. My score: 6
The Unforgiven
(1960)
A Fair Audrey Hepburn Movie
5 July 2001
I've seen Audrey in a lot better films, where her accent made sense and her fashion sense...well, A LOT better. If you are looking for a nice, quiet western with a racially positive ('She's our sister and even if we're not blood, WE'RE FAMILY'--sort of message.) then check this one out. If you're intent on seeing a CLASSIC Audrey Hepburn movie, do yourself a favor and indulge in GIGI or BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S. These are the ones that made her a legend. It wasn't the script or the plot which made this flick unbearably boring at times, it was the miscasting of Audrey Hepburn as a NATIVE AMERICAN which made this film mediocre and bland. My score: 6
A Summer Place
(1959)
Sandra Dee Make-out Fest
5 July 2001
Warning: Spoilers
I've seen "A Summer Place" about 7 or 8 times, mostly because every time I turned on the tube last summer it was on AMC. I think that this is the kind of movie you see once and you love, you see twice and you love a little less...and then by the third or fourth time you start to see all of its faults. The script is so 1950s socially and morally conscious that at times you almost want to gag. The plot is excellent and it would have been carried splendidly if only it wasn't for some of the Lack-luster performances we see with Sandra Dee and the piece of wood that played her love interest, Donahue. It does have a great theme song and some riveting plot twists (sometimes TOO riveting) but nevertheless, it captures the audiences attention.
WHAT HAPPENS: To make a long and over acted story short, Sandra D.'s dad falls in love with the Piece of Wood's mom and they have an affair. Sandra D.'s ma, being the huge spoil sport she is, threatens to ruin his reputation and crap and takes out her anger on Sandra Dee. Meanwhile, Sandra D. and the Piece of Wood get a little freaky, there is a huge battle within their souls over right & wrong but in the end, hormones give out. Sandra D. gets pregnant, they get confused and in between there are some really humorous scenes involving the Wood. Fairy tale ending...aahhhhhh.
You got to love this camp fest for what it is. I am ambivalent. My score: 9
WHAT HAPPENS: To make a long and over acted story short, Sandra D.'s dad falls in love with the Piece of Wood's mom and they have an affair. Sandra D.'s ma, being the huge spoil sport she is, threatens to ruin his reputation and crap and takes out her anger on Sandra Dee. Meanwhile, Sandra D. and the Piece of Wood get a little freaky, there is a huge battle within their souls over right & wrong but in the end, hormones give out. Sandra D. gets pregnant, they get confused and in between there are some really humorous scenes involving the Wood. Fairy tale ending...aahhhhhh.
You got to love this camp fest for what it is. I am ambivalent. My score: 9
Carousel
(1956)
A Splendid Rodgers & Hammerstein Musical
5 July 2001
This is nicely acted and beautifully sung musical drama. Shirley Jones is very believable as Julie Jordan, the lovely and ever patient mill worker, who falls for a carousel barker, Billy Bigelow, the town heartthrob. Portrayed by Gordon MacCrae. With such heart felt ballads such as "If I Loved You" and "Mr. Snow" its no wonder that it is still popular today. I also like Carousel because its the only Rodgers and Hammerstein concept that deals with darker themes. Any fan of musicals will delight in this classic. Tissues will be mandatory. My score: 8
Very Funny, If You Feel Slap Happy and High.
4 July 2001
I don't know if I can qualify myself to write this since I am not a big South Park fan, I might have an unfair bias. GOOD! This was a rude, crude, dirty movie, with senseless antics (much like the show) and obscene language. But...I have to admit, this was a funny parody of annoying musicals we all remember. The timing for most of these things were so off I couldn't help but laugh. I would probably like this movie even more if it wasn't for the stupidity of the motion picture industry. What I am talking about is the Oscars this film got nominated for!! What a complete disappointment. My Score: 4
Dumb and Dumber
(1994)
Trash
4 July 2001
This movie made me ANGRY. How can such trash actually draw people in or for goodness sakes, ENTERTAIN? This movie was in one word: TERRIBLE. Not one part is worth watching, and after spending an hour and some minutes of my life watching this garbage, I am ANGRY. If you are a fan of real comedy, please heed my review and do yourself a favor by going out and renting an Abbot and Costello movie. They aren't that funny, but trust me, you'll get many more laughs. My score: 1
Life of Brian
(1979)
Clever and Hilarious!!
4 July 2001
The Life Of Brian is, in my opinion, one of the Monty Python crew's funniest and cleverest comedies! Taking such a solemn subject as religion and turning it into mumble-jumbled non-sense is one of their specialties. It is not done tastefully (i.e. Biggus Dickus) or reverently. Its done with a sarcastic wit and in good fun. I've showed this film to many of my friends, some of whom are very religious, but they all seemed to think it a riot! Rent this on a boring summer night and you'll be happy you did. My Score: 9
Bus Stop
(1956)
Marilyn Monroe At her Sweetest....
4 July 2001
First of all, this was a landmark film for Marilyn Monroe, who for once shed some of her glossy, sex symbol status and proved to audiences and surprised critics that she really could act. I think what made this a stand-out performance, was the fact that she used many of her emotions from a rocky private life and gave the character of Cherie, a depth that only she could master. Don Murray is also very good in this film, playing a rough and tough cow boy, named Beau, who learns the facts of life and love in a very funny and dramatic way all at the same time. Yes, the story line is a little predictable and cliched (boy meets girl but must prove himself a gentleman, etc.) but this is why so many love it! Hope Lange (who was in Peyton Place later on) appears in parts of the movie, too. All in all, this is a cute romantic comedy/drama, that any Marilyn Monroe fan should see. Sensitive people be aware! You'll probably need a box of tissues by the time of the sappily sweet ending! My Score: 8
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