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MikeP-7
Reviews
Training Day (2001)
"Do you want to go home, or go to jail?"
**Spoilers Ahead**
I hope you do not watch this movie only `because Denzel Washington's a bad guy'. You need to watch this because it is a fantastically written and directed film with some super performances, namely Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke. After a couple of viewings, you can really see the evil plan that is churning in Washington's head, and what seemed good for upping `street IQ' was just part of the ongoing scheme to bring down Hawke. In short, a must see film. By the way, why was there such a big deal about Washington being a `bad guy'? He is a great actor with a ton of range (hence the Academy Award), so he should play what and who he wants.
Super Troopers (2001)
Fantastic Comedy
Short and sweet, these guys know what is funny. Super Troopers is very much worth seeing, and I plan on recommending it to all my friends. You would be remiss in not seeing this; it's clearly one of the funniest movies out for 2001 and so far in 2002. In fact, in recent memory I can not remember laughing as much.
Gummo (1997)
What the hell?
A "friend" recommended this movie, and I noticed it was on IFC... I'll be kicking his ass very soon. I figured since I just wasted 90 minutes, I'll waste a few more to warn people not to watch this tripe. Before today, I didnt think something this bad could be made; I mean, I know there are crappy movies out there, but this one takes the big steaming cow pie. Is it really as bad as people say? Yep. My only recommendation for those who "want to see it for themselves" is to try to see it for free, and be able to flip channels. You have been warned.
Mission: Impossible II (2000)
You are going to see it...
...but you have seen it before. There are few if any real surprises and there is little to no concern for the character's development like there was in the first film. Tom cruise is a fine actor, and it seems like he wanted to break out the acting chops but was not allowed to do so (granted this isn't Born on the 4th of July). The same goes for Dougray Scott (he made a great villain). There were great stunts, but you have seen them already in the trailer; also, they are pretty unbelievable, adhering to John Woo fashion. The inevitable end fight scene would be fantastic, but John Woo's incessant slo-mo cuts are disturbing if not quite bewildering. Woo would have done well the follow a slower version of the Jackie Chan school of fighting, and left out the ridiculous slow motion; the fight would have been much, much smoother. You'll see what I mean when you see it...because you know you are anyway. By the way, I don't want to slam John Woo, his films are entertaining when in the mood for them, but this would have been better if it wasn't so "Hong Kongish". I was expecting more of a action-suspense type thriller, but instead I got "The Killer".
Road Trip (2000)
Very funny...
This was a much funnier movie than I thought it would be before going in to see it. I thought the previews held the best shots, but luckily they didn't (thank you Mr. Phillips, because I really hate that). It is quite enjoyable, and the characters are nicely laid out; the four main characters have a realistic bond that you would find among college buddies. Tom Green was great, he was solidly funny, but didn't go over the top (as he tends to do) and therefore didn't take anything away from the other actors. Go see it if you want some great laughs.
Ready to Rumble (2000)
Entertaining, fun film
This was light and enjoyable film of two affable wrestling fans who want to reinstate a recently fallen hero to the top of the WCW world. I have seen funnier films, but this was not a disappointment by any means. Fans of wrestling should really enjoy it, non fans (like myself, although I think I might be becoming one) should still like it. Arquette, Caan, and Platt make a nice trio, and Martin Landau is hilarious as an old-school wrestling guru.
The World Is Not Enough (1999)
A fine addition to the series...
This had all the elements of a really good traditional Bond film, and I feel it could stand up to well in comparison to any of the others. The great gadgets, fast action, super chases and, of course, exceptionally pretty women. It seems to be the majority vote that this was equal to Brosnan's "Goldeneye" and better than "Tomorrow Never Dies". While I adore Connery's James Bond, I can see Brosnan coming very close if not surpassing Connery as THE James Bond in time (but it's going to take some time...calm down people...I'm sorry!)
The 13th Warrior (1999)
Why all the negative press?
This was an entertaining film from start to finish. The acting was fine, the scenery good, and action dynamite (and you will not see any "flubs" in the fight scenes). In my opinion, it is well worth the full price of movie admission, and I'll probably see it again. The plot isn't bad, it is just uncomplicated; 13 warriors go to the aid of another group, bada bing, bada boom. I highly recommend this movie, especially if you like the genre. Enjoy!