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Reviews
Paranormal Activity 2 (2010)
Wow - lots of fun.
I was not a huge fan of the first film but I was happy to see the film-makers stay with the same look and tone of that film as opposed to going the Blair Witch route which was a disaster.
I think they were also wise to keep the scares to a minimum so we were not over-loaded with CG that would have ruined the movie.
Believe it or not it was actually an ad for some lifetime film (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyQhXUKD85Q) that my sister sent to me that prompted me to see PA2.
Weird, I know, but I think it reminded me of how much i like being scared.
White Irish Drinkers (2010)
A Tremendous film.
I was invited to an advanced screening of White Irish Drinkers with no expectations of the film, and I must say I was truly impressed.
From the acting of Steven Lang, who, as always - was extraordinary, to the under-appreciated Karen Allen in one of her best roles. And finally to Nick Thurston who delivered a strong, measured performance that anchors the story.
In addition, Seamus Tierney provided some exceptional cinematography shot on location in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn - rarely seen on film since Saturday Night Fever in 1977, which coincidentally is the roughly the year when Drinkers is set.
But it is the director/writer/producer John Gray who's long career of solid work has served him well in bringing this powerful story to life.
The Sum of All Fears (2002)
One of the Best
Pound for pound the best adaptation of a Tom Clancy novel after Hunt for Red October.
Robinson was able to extract a terrific performance from Affleck (no easy feat) while Freeman did not disappoint - as always.
The production design and cinematography were outstanding with some of the most incredible set pieces of any action film.
The score never missed a beat.
And the story was wonderfully developed with pitch perfect dialogue all directed by a director, Phil Alden Robinson, who needs to make more films. There is too much garbage produced for him to be standing on the side-lines.
Drag Me to Hell (2009)
Worst film of the year.
I'm not sure what is worse, that Sam Raimi puts his name on this garbage or that such a talented actress agreed to star in it.
It is only the 2nd film in my life that I have walked out on, and I was with four friends - all of whom could not believe what we were watching - and we're all in the film industry in Los Angeles!! From the dated effects and poor cinematography to the director's over-use of disgusting visuals and sounds that wore out their welcome in the first 15 minutes, I would say this will go down as Raimi's fall from grace.
Never again will I ever see a film with his name attached.
I would ask that everyone associated spend a year watching classics like The Exorcist, The Shining, - hell even recent films like The Exorcism of Emily Rose which blew this turd away.
Rules of Engagement (2000)
What a waste of good actors
There are so many things wrong with this film but let me simply point out the obvious. Let me understand this, marines are being picked off one by one by an obvious sniper and none return fire??!! defies logic. Then all of a sudden Samuel Jackson's character decides he has enough and orders his men to shoot into a crowd of protesters including women, children and men un-armed!!?? How Tommy Lee Jones allowed himself to star in this is unimaginable. I myself am a film producer and it continues to disgusts me when I see such horrible scripts made into films - everyone associated from the studio execs to the producers of this piece of crap are to blame.
The Andromeda Strain (2008)
Terrific Remake across the board!!!
From beginning to end this is as good as it gets when it comes to a TV mini-series. The acting is tremendous with Viola Davis and Andre Braugher turning in especially strong perfs.
The direction and photography are first rate along with some of the best production design and CG work ever seen on TV. The story completely updates the original film with some spectacular moments reminiscent of 28 DAYS LATER.
Clearly they had a huge budget and it shows. The film is also quite graphic for TV but never gratuitous. Also the score by Joel Richard always hits the right tone without ever being over-used.
All in all A&E should be proud of a great project.
K Street (2003)
Brilliant Television
I have worked as a TV producer in Los Angeles for almost 18 years and this is by far one of the best series ever created. To start, Matlin and Carville are beyond fantastic in K Street. I realize it is probably very close to who they really are but they are still acting out fictional story lines and it is better than any of the real actors in the series - not that they are not good - they are, just not as mesmerizing. Next to TRAFFIC I have rarely seen a true environment depicted so authentically. In addition, Clooney and Soderberg need to be given credit for using no no score whatsoever to increase the documentary-style approach. While the Francisco Dupre character is over-the-top and out-of-place at times, it is Matlin and Carville's reaction to him that blow you away - they are thinking what we are thinking. All in all one of HBO's finest moments.
Untraceable (2008)
Terrific Thriller
I would say Hoblit's best film to date. He is very careful to let the film build slowly and he never goes for the cheap scare.
Diane Lane is tremendous as always, she can do no wrong. Burke and Hanks are solid supporting cast. The cinematography is excellent. I was surprised at how well the film balanced the thriller and drama beats. Someone after the movie said this was the thinking-man's SAW and I would have to agree.
Also Joseph Cross delivered an effectively creepy performance as the killer.
The score by Christopher Young does not disappoint. He remains one of the best composers working in film.
Flightplan (2005)
Overall - a very good film!!
From the opening credits - you know you are watching a film that will keep your interest. To begin with Ms. Foster has always been, and continues to be, one of the best talents we have. She proves that again in FLIGHTPLAN. Only a very few can express more with a simple glance. The rest of the cast is equally up to the task - across the board. The production design is remarkable and the DP should be given equal credit along-side the director. His camera movement is near perfect. The score was decent - but not memorable. The CG work was strong through-out, so I have no idea what some other critics were whining about. While the story heads towards a traditional outcome which I did not see coming - I still very much enjoyed the ride.