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November 19 In Her ShoesREVIEW: IN HER SHOES
There are movies that you watch and you remember them forever. Then there are those that are forgetfull, yet still worth your while. This is one of those movies. Cameron Diaz and Toni Collette had awesome chemistry, and even as you left the theatre you were still convinced that in real life they were sisters. The actors supported each other really well and they blended nicely. But no doubt, it was still a chick flick. So males beware.
Maggie and Rose are two sisters that couldn't be more different. You have Maggie, the ultra-party girl who craves on getting drunk and hooking up with guys. Then there's Rose, the sister that keeps things to herself and is more conservative, and when the two sisters clash everyone watch out!
This film is a great showing of sibling rivalry, and also one of the best acted ones of the year. Toni Collette has had my attention ever since the movie 'About A Boy'. Toni bears the pain of having to carry the film because her character is central to the story, and she does a great job. She is convincing as the grumy older sister of Maggie. Shirley MacLaine is the ornery, estranged grandmother. The film starts kind of slow, but gets much better and eventually becomes worth the ticket admission. This shoe definatly fits.
I give this movie 4/5 stars ****5
October 09 FlightplanREVIEW: FLIGHTPLAN
I've been a Jodie Foster fan for as long as I can remember. When I hear that she's going to be in a movie I expect the best of the best. And although the film was a major step down for the talented actress, it still wasn't half bad.
When six year old Julia Pratt gets lost on an airplane at 30,000 feet in the air, her mother Kyle is thrown through an emotional loop of anxiety and confusion as she looks desperatly for her daughter. And with the flight attendants in disbelief that Julia ever boarded the plan, and the pilot getting frustrated with Kyle disturbing the passengers, the audience observes and sympathizes with a mother doing whatever she can to find her daughter, no matter what.
The movie was good, but forgettable. Plus, it's very predictable. I guessed the ending at the beginning. Hard core fans of Foster will love it, but fans who know a good and bad movie will realize that is wasn't that great.
I give this movie a 2.5/5 stars **.5345
October 01 Into The BlueREVIEW: INTO THE BLUE
Jessica Alba and Paul Walker were well casted, look wise. But when they opened their mouths, the chemistry just wasn't there. But I don't believe director John Stockwell cared about that, because the whole movie was a bunch of pretty people swimming. I mean, looks keep your interest for a second, but eventually you sit there wondering "Where's this movie going?"
In the nice sand and ocean of the Bahamas lies two fortune hunters Jared and Sam. They're living their lives paycheck-to-paycheck, hoping to one day get enough money to start a bigger and better life. But when their friend Bryce and his extended one-night-stand girl, Amanda come down for a visit, a routine diving excursion reveals a long lost pirate wreck, along with a crashed airplane with a cargo filled with cocaine. With thoughts of money flowing through their heads, the four start exploring the wreck farther, but when the lure of easy money typically associated with drug dealing proves too much, trouble starts to come out from every corner, threatening their find and the treasures that lie within.
I wasn't impressed by this movie. Every once in a while, I'd be interested, but then Paul Walker would put his shirt back on and I'd be bored again =) Jessica Alba can do so much more, I just know it. And I'm waiting for her to take that one role that will prove her talent. I won't write that it was a good movie, but I will say that if you're into the "teen" type movies you'll probably like it. Unfortunatly, I'm not one of those people.
I give this movie 2/5 stars **345 September 24 The Brothers GrimmREVIEW: THE BROTHERS GRIMM
Wow. Matt Damon and Heath Ledger must have been high. What were they thinking? Seriously. If the man who made the very first movie knew that this movie was coming, he would have never made his first movie. The script was awful so awful that sometimes I didn't even know what was going on. It was way to hard to follow. Character development was terrible. And don't even get me started on the cheezy special effects. I felt like I was watching 'The Wiggles'.
The story revolves around the legendary German brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. Jake and Will travell from village to village pretending to protect townspeople from enchanted creatures and pulling off exorcisms. But They're put to the test when they encounter a real magical curse, requiring genuine courage.
The movie is what I like to call the three B's. A Big Budget Bore. I don't think there was one thing that entertained me in this movie. I wanted to fall asleep after the first scene. This film is possibly the worst movie of 2005.
I give this movie 1/5 Stars *2345 September 17 Red EyeREVIEW: RED EYE
It is a rare occasion when I am impressed or intrigued by a Wes Craven movie. This was one of these occasions. Rachel McAdams was the perfect casting for this role. The audience can't take their eyes off of her. Even when she's not on the screen you're wondering where she is and when she'll come back. I believe Mr.Craven owes Rachel a huge hug for the success of this movie.
After the drama of attending the funeral of her grandmother in Dallas, Lisa Reisert must take the dreaded red eye flight back to Miami to make it to work the next day. After her flight is delayed, her day get a little better after Lisa soon meets Jackson Ripner and their attraction grows. But seconds after take-off, Jackson reveals to Lisa her father's wallet that his partner swiped off his desk and his real reason for being on board. Jackson needs Lisa's help to assasinate the deputy secretary of Homeland Security and his family who's scheduled to stay at the Lux Atlantic Hotel, the hotel Lisa is the manager of. If she refuses to help, Jackson will then call his partner on the ground and have her father killed. When you're at 30,00 feet, you have no where to run and no time for rash judgement.
The tension in this movie is outstanding. Craven did a great job at getting the audience on the edge of their seat. It's one of those movies where you wished it never ended. But when it does, you leave satisfied. Actor Cillian Murphy, just as in 'Batman Begins', did a great job as the villian. But if he wants my advice, I'd go ahead and play another character before being typecast as the 'bad guy'. Getting typecasted at the beginning of a career is a real booger bear, and a hard one to run away from. All in all, this movie was decent. I would definatly recommend it. If Wes Craven continues to make movies like this, I will easily become a fan of his films. Don't let me down Wes.
I give this movie 3.5/5 stars ***.545 August 20 The Wedding CrashersREVIEW: THE WEDDING CRASHERS
Rarely to I like these types of movies. But because I loved everyone in the cast, I enjoyed it. Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn stayed in their element by playing the ladies man, so nothing is really different or unique from this movie compared to their other movies. But part of being an actor is knowing your limits and what you're good at, and this is what these actors were born to do.
John Beckwith and Jeremy Grey are Divorce mediators/business partners and lifelong friends who share one truly unique springtime hobby--crashing weddings! No matter what the ethnicity of the wedding party--American, Jewish, Irish, Chinese, Hindu--the charismatic and charming duo always have clever back stories for the oblivious guests and end up becoming the hit of every reception, where they strictly go forth to their proven rules of wedding crashing to meet and pick up women abrazed by the very thought of marriage. At the tail end of another successful season of toasting brides and grooms, Jeremy learns that the daughter of Treasury Secretary William Cleary and his wife, Kathleen, are getting married in what is sure to be the Washington D.C. social event of the year. After inwarding the splendid affair, John and Jeremy quickly set their sights on two bridesmaids, Claire and Gloria Cleary. With the abundant reception in full swing, Jeremy works his game plan to perfection in seducing Gloria, but John's flirtation banter with Claire unexpectedly beomes unprogressive by her pompous, Ivy League boyfriend Sack. Having uncharacteristically fallen hard and fast for Claire, John convinces a resistant Jeremy to bend the crashing rules and accept an invitation to an extended weekend party at the Cleary family compound. Once at the deluxe waterfront estate, John and Jeremy embark on an army of comical mishaps at the hands of the dysfunctional members of the Cleary family, but also learn a few unexpected lessons about love and relationships.
The film really only made me laugh a couple of times, but the laughs were long and hard. Bradley Cooper (Will on 'Alias') did an awesome job, and was part of the reason I wanted to see the movie so badly. Also, there's no one that can tell me that Rachel McAdams is not the next huge thing to hit the screen. She's charming, funny, and beautiful. The movie wasn't a slam dunk, but it certainly hit the rim.
I give this movie 3.5/5 stars ***.545 August 15 Million Dollar BabyREVIEW: MILLION DOLLAR BABY
A great cast, a great story, a good movie. So many people were touched by this movie, and although I liked it, I didn't feel the same emotion from it as others did. But it was still good. Hilary Swank did such a fabulous job, the story of her character and how she developed throughout the film was great.
In the wake of a painful estrangement from his daughter, a boxing trainer named Frankie Dunn has been unwilling to let himself get close to anyone for a very long time--but that all changed when Maggie Fitzgerald walked into his gym. In a life of constant struggle and never succeeding, Maggie had surprisingly gotten herself this far on raw talent, unshakable focus and a tremendous force of will. But more than anything in the world, she wants someone to believe in her. But Frankie feels that the last thing he needs is the responsibility and risk of dealing with a girl boxer. But won over by Maggie's sheer determination, he reluctantly agrees to take her on in the world of boxing. Maggie turns out to be fantastic, in every fight she knocks people out in less then thirty-seconds. The two come to discover that they share a common spirit that transcends the pain and loss of their pasts, and find in each other a sense of family they lost long ago. Yet, they both face a battle that will demand more heart and courage than any they've ever known.
The main thing that I didn't like in the movie was the ending. I definatly would not have ended it that way. But all in all, it was a good movie. Not a bad way to spend two hours. So should you see this movie? Yes, I'll definatly recommend it. Clint Eastwood is quickly becoming a must see director.
I give this movie 4/5 stars ****5
August 11 Must Love DogsREVIEW: MUST LOVE DOGS
I adored this movie! John Cusack was charming and Diane Lane was winsome . Together, they were phenomenal. It's been a while since I've watched a romantic-comedy worth the ticket admission. This movie really was. I loved it.
Sarah Nolan, a young pre-school teacher, is looking for love after a bad divorce. After a series of disastrous, yet hilarious, dates she decides to swear off dating for good. Her well-meaning family and friends are not going to let her give-up quite so easily though. Her sister puts Sarah's profile in an online dating website where she meets and dates yet another handful of goofy guys until she meets a man named Jake. And even though everything seems to go wrong on their dates, Jake and Sarah just know somethings there, they've just got to find it.
Despite good work from it's fantastic leads, the film is still very predictable. And there was one scene that was really stupid and cliche (All the actors are singing a song and playing the piano, it was neither funny nor interesting). But on a higher note, for the past two years, actor Dermot Mulroney has become really funny and charming to me, this movie just sealed the deal. He was a great addition to the film.(and stole whatever scene he was in) All in all the movie adds up to be an above average chick-flick.
I give this movie 4/5 stars ****5
August 04 Sisterhood of the Traveling PantsREVIEW: SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS
I really enjoyed this movie. It was very good, especially for a teen movie. But I think one of the reasons I liked it was because even though the film obviously had a certain teenage demographic that it tried to appeal to, you could tell that it tried it's hardest to appeal to everyone. The script was great, acting, casting, directing, you name it. This movie went the whole nine yards.
As four best friends spend their first summer apart from one another, they share a magical pair of jeans. Because despite being of various shapes and sizes, miraculously each one of them fits perfectly into the pants. So to keep in touch, they each pass these pants to each other as well as the adventures they are going through while apart. Lena goes and visits her grandparents in Greece and meets Kostos, a boy who's family shares a severe dislike for her family. Tibby stays at home, and while filming a movie about how much life sucks, befriends a young girl named Bailey who changes her life and makes her see it differently. Bridget goes to soccer camp in Mexico and finds "forbidden love" in Eric, one of the coaches at the camp. And lastly, Carmen visits her dad in South Carolina and finds out a shocking secret.
Each and every young actress in this movie (especially twelve year old Jenna Boyd, 'Bailey'), have a history in movie making. I came into the movie with high expectations, and they were met. Wherever the pants went the audience went. This is one of those movies where you get so into it that you loose track of time, and wish it would never end. And since this movie is based on a book by Anne Brashares, I hope that the films continue with the two more sequels.
I give this movie 4/5 stars ****5 August 03 HitchREVIEW: HITCH
I've always been a devoted fan of Will Smith, and probably always will be. He has this presence on screen that take some actors years to get(if they ever get it). But in this movie, although the presence was still there, actor Kevin James was the one shining.
Alex Hitchens is 'The Date Doctor'. His job is to create oppurtunities for men to ask women out, then he helps them on the first three dates. He believes that all men have a chance to sweep any women off their feet. Then there's Sara, a gossip columnist for a New York City tabloid. Both Hitch and Sara are very guarded around the opposite sex. But despite their natures, Alex and Sara begin a relationship. But complications ensue when Sara's latest scoop happens to be one of Hitch's clients.
This isn't a great movie, and it seems to be missing a few things. But what it lacks, it makes up for in about four really funny scenes. I don't think that Will and Eva Mendes had that great of chemistry, but the director and script managed to pull their story off regardless. I'm still a fan of Will Smith, and I think I've grown more respect for Kevin James as a movie actor.
I give this movie 3.5/5 stars ***.545
August 01 Hide and SeekREVIEW: HIDE AND SEEK
What a serious waste of talent! When Robert De Niro, one of the greatest actors of all time, can't even save a movie? Wow, that certainly does say a lot. The film started off interesting, snail pace, but interesting. Then when the second half of the movie kicked in, it became a "clock watcher" (as in, you keep looking at your watch to see how long you've been in the movie and try to do the math to see when you're aloud to leave).
Widower David Callaway and his daughter Emily Callaway move upstate after mother Alison commits suicide. But when Emily soon creates an imaginary friend named Charlie, imagiantion takes an unexpected and terrifying turn, to where her father and doctor start to worry about Emily's gruesome habits.
Needless to say, I was extremly dissapointed in this movie. It was neither scary nor intriguing, and the ending was horrble. But the actors did do a good job with what they had, and like always De Niro and Dakota Fanning give it their all and the beginning half of the movie wasn't have bad, so I'll add a point five to my rating.
I give this movie 2.5/5 stars **.5345 July 31 Ladder 49REVIEW: LADDER 49
Joaquin Phoenix has never sold me as a lead actor, I've always saw him as a supporting actor. This movie didn't change my mind, but I did see some hope for him. But on the other hand, I absolutly loved John Travolta's performance. He just rules the streets at playing the hero. Which is funny because his character was meant to be supporting to Joaquin. But to me, it didn't work out the way it was supposed to.
Under the probation of fire Cheif Mike Kennedy, firefighter Jack Morrison matures his way into a seasoned veteran at a Baltimore fire station. But Jack reaches an impossible crossroads, when he starts up a family and he realizes that his job is putting him in more danger then his wife bargained for. And eventually being a hero reaches a sudden stop when he ponders into the worst blaze in his career and becomes trapped inside a twenty-story building. While he looks back on his life, Cheif Kennedy tries desperatly to save him.
This move didn't move me like it should have. The story of a hero can be so liberating and heartfelt. But unfortunatly the film didn't live up to my expectations. The casting was just as off as the script and although even with a promising storyline, it wasn't that good.
I give this movie 2/5 stars **345 July 26 The IslandREVIEW: THE ISLAND
This movie is your above average summer blockbuster. It's action and special effects were right on key and I believe with this film, fabulous director Michael Bay got what he wanted out of it, and so did the audience.
Lincoln Six-Echo is a member of what seems to be a utopian but contained facility in the mid 21st century. Like all of the members of this very controlled environment, Lincoln hopes to be chosen to go to the "The Island" - which is known as the last uncontaminated spot on the planet. But Lincoln will soon discover that everything about him and everyone around him existences is a lie. He and all of the other inhabitants of the facility are actually human clones whose only purpose is to provide "spare parts" for their original human counterparts. Then realizing it is only a matter of time before he is "harvested," Lincoln makes an extremely daring move, and escapes the facility with a fellow resident named Jordan Two-Delta .Relentlessly pursued by the forces of the sinister institute that once housed them, Lincoln and Jordan engage in a race for their lives to literally meet their makers.
Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson have excellent chemistry. The casting director did an great job getting those people for the roles they were meant for. A person who enjoys summer flicks will walk away satisfied. It's a good movie, not great nor extravagent, but I would recommend it.
I give this movie 3.5/5 stars ***.545 July 25 War of the WorldsREVIEW: WAR OF THE WORLDS
So, even though we've all heard the story a hundred times before, it's remarkable how a movie like this still manages to entertain us. But surprisingly, Tom Cruise wasn't the entertaining one. It was eleven year old Dakota Fanning who stole the show. It was as if Tom was backing out and letting Dakota shine, and she did so very brightly.
A working class man named Ray Ferrier lives in New Jersey. He's estranged from his family, his priorities in life are all out of whack, and he's way too stuck on himself to realize it. But then the unthinkable happens to him in an extraordinary sense. His small town life is severly shaken by the arrival of destructive aliens which have come to destroy the Earth. As they move through the country in a way of mass destruction and violence, Ray must come to the defense of his children and protect them(something that's very new to him). As the world must fend for itself by a new and very advanced enemy not of this world, it's own people must save humanity from a far greater force that threatens to destroy it.
I thought this movie was just OK. Some scenes went on longer then they should have. It was as if Spielberg was forcing the movie to be long, it didn't quite fit. I also expected much more of Tom Cruise. But then again, now a days he's more focused on big-buget blockbusters rather then meaningful and more memberable movies. But I also must say that this film did have great special effects. And if you're a fan of Tom Cruise of Dakota Fanning I would recommend this movie, just don't expect much out of it.
I give this movie 3/5 stars ***45
July 24 Cinderella ManREVIEW: CINDERELLA MAN
Spectacular. Excellent. Wonderful.These very words are the one's that describe this movie perfectly. It has been a long time since I've seen a film with this much heart. The director Ron Howard proves that he knows how to tell a story. Never in my life have I watched a movie where every time the main character gets hit, I feel like I'm getting hit.
During the Great Depression, a common-man hero, James J. Braddock--a.k.a. the Cinderella Man--was to become one of the most surprising sports legends in history. By the early 1930s, the ex-prizefighter was seemingly as broken-down, beaten-up and out-of-luck as much of the rest of the American population who had hit rock bottom. His career appeared to be over and done with, he was unable to pay any of his bills, the only thing that mattered to him--his family--was in danger, and he was even forced to go on Public Relief. But deep inside him, Jim Braddock never lived out his determination. Driven by love, honor and an incredible dose of hope and freedom, he made an impossible dream become possibe. In a last-chance bid to help his family, Braddock returned to the ring. No one thought he had a shot. However Braddock, pushed by something more then just competition, kept winning. Suddenly, the ordinary working man became the extrodinary athlete. Carrying the hopes and dreams of every person around hime on his shoulders, Braddock passed through the ranks, until this underdog chose to do the unthinkable: take on the heavyweight champion of the world, the unstoppable Max Baer, only known for having killed two men in the ring.
Just like the tagline says, when America was on their knees he brought them to their feet. As I was walking out of the theater of this movie not one person said a word. The theatre was silent. Everyone was still processing this wonderful movie. I didn't even say anything until we were just about out of the theatre. The producing, directing, cinimatography, script, acting was excellent. Nothing failed in this movie. It was flawless. And to sum it all up is the word wow. Wow is what I say and wow is what you'll say. Go see this movie.
I give this movie 5/5 stars *****
July 22 ConstantineREVIEW: CONSTANTINE
Hell wants him. Heaven won't take him. Earth needs him. This movie was hard to pin point whether or not I liked it. Keeanu Reeves played once again the guy stuck in the middle between good and evil. The storyline wasn't that easy to follow and if you missed one scene or a couple of lines from the movie, it becomes hard to understand. The film did though, have killer special affects.
Constantine is the story of irreverent supernatural detective John Constantine , who has been to Hell and back, literally. When Constantine teams up with skeptical LAPD officer Angela Dodson to solve the mysterious suicide of her twin sister(Whom she believes didn't really commit suicide and was taken over by demons) ,their investigation takes them through the world and life of demons and angels that exists just beneath the landscape of the oblivious Los Angeles.
If you're into Sci-Fi movies then you'll probably find this movie enjoyable. I like watching Keeanu Reeves because, unlike most critics, I believe he is a very good actor.
I give this move 2.5/5 stars **.5345 July 15 ArmageddonREVIEW: ARMAGEDDON
This movie ruled the year 1998. It's ability to carry on a dramatic story while adding in comic bits is fantastic. It's emotional depth towards the end of the movie is a gift that not a lot if movies have, and one that writers Jonathan Hensleigh and J.J Abrams (Creator of 'Lost' and 'Alias), spent long hours on perfecting. And it truly was perfection.
After New York City is severly damaged by hundreds of small meteorites, NASA finds out that an astroid that's as big as the state of Texas is on a collision course with the Earth. They then recruit the best deep core driller out there, Harry Stamper, to train astonauts to have the ability to drill into the center of the astroid and detonate a nuclear warhead. But Harry claims it'd be impossible to train the astronauts in ten days, so he brings in his own team of hard, roughnecks to learn to become astronauts and do the job.
Some critics really bombed this movie. And I disagree with all of them, the film did what it was meant to do. It was meant to be a great summer, popcorn, action flick with emotion. That's exactly what it accomplished. Plus, it has Ben Affleck in his prime which, in those days he was an up and coming great actor. Also, Bruce Willis was perfect for the roll of Harry. These are the kind of movies he's meant for. Great all star cast. See this movie.
I give this move 4/5 stars ****5 July 13 Liar LiarREVIEW: LIAR LIAR
This movie is one of the funniest movies in history and also one of my all-time favorites. Jim Carrey couldn't be more funnier. A person doesn't just chuckle in this movie, he/she laughs, rolls, and aches from the excellent comedy given by Jim Carrey and the fabulous script.
Flethcer Reid is a fast talking lawyer and a continuous liar. And when Max, his son, wishes on his fifth birthday cake that his father will not be able to lie for twenty-four hours, it amazingly comes true. In which case Fletcher dicovers that now his biggest asset(his mouth) has become his biggest liability. Emotional and legal havoc ensue when Fletcher tries to keep his ex-wife from taking Max to Boston while still keeping his job with his new mouth.
I wasn't a huge Jim Carrey fan before this movie. His physical comedy is outstanding. It's as if he's willing to do anything for a laugh (which just makes him twice as funny). If you haven't seen this movie you really should. It's one of those movies that can cure any mood.
I give this movie 5/5 stars ***** July 11 Mr. and Mrs. SmithREVIEW: MR. AND MRS. SMITH
I went to this movie expecting great action, great storyline, script, and just plain fun. Don't do that. To be honest, the movie wasn't that great. It didn't stand out or shine. Some scenes were even boring.
A married couple, who are getting bored with their normal, routine lifestyle find out that they're both assassins hoping the world is killing for hire. But their seperate lives are about to collide when they find out that both of their next targets, is each other.
Jennifer Morrison (Allison Cameron 'House') had one of the shortest roles in the movie, and I wish she had more lines. She's definatly on my must-list for stars to watch over the years. But Adam Brody (Seth Cohen 'The OC') had a good sized comedy role. Over all, the movie was just O.K. One of Angelina'a better movies, but one of Brad's worser movies (if that makes any sense). If you're a huge fan of Brad and regardless what you hear, you're going to see it, then go. Just don't expect much out of it. And don't say I didn't tell you so when it's not that great.
I give this movie 2/5 stars **345 July 07 The Longest YardREVIEW: THE LONGEST YARD
This remake of the 1974 classic movie wasn't better then the orginal, but that's not to say it wasn't still good. Whatever you've always expected from an Adam Sandler movie, that's what it is. If you're into football or Adam Sandler , then see it. But if you're not, ignore it.
Paul Crewe was a big time football player until he got kicked out of the NFL for scraping points. Now he's an unhappy bum who has the devil's sister for a girlfriend. But his life changes after one crazy night of drunk driving leads him to be sentenced to prison camp. This prison camp has annual football games where the guards play against the criminals. Crewe is told to form a team with the criminals (who aren't the best at football to say the least).
No specific actor shines in this movie, which is good and bad. They each help each other, and because of that, they all have amazing chemistry. Plus, just seeing Tracy Morgan play a gay guy is just about worth the ticket admission.
I give this movie 3/5 stars ***45
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