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Shall We Dance? (2004)
Slow to start but picks up speed by the end.
Shall We Dance? is slow to start but picks up speed by the end film. Richard Gere is a lawyer named John Clark who takes dancing lessons at a local dance studio and falls for a beautiful dance instructor named Paulina. Jennifer Lopez plays the beautiful ballroom dancer instructor that Gere falls for. The movie also co-stars Susan Sarandon as Richard Gere's suspicious wife who believes that he is having an affair. Shall We Dance? has some slow moments which lead into the better parts of the movie. The monologue scenes that Richard Gere gives at the very beginning are pretty boring but they lead up to better scenes with Gere and Stanley Tucci. This is a major chick flick, so guys won't probably like it. Women will probably like it because of the "love triangle" between Richard Gere, Jennifer Lopez and Susan Sarandon. I was a little disappointed that they did not have more scenes with Stanley Tucci. However, I thought the comedy in the movie was hilarious. Overall I gave Shall We Dance? 7 out of 10 stars. If you liked Shall We Dance? then I would suggest renting Pretty Woman or Maid In Manhattan.
Hitch (2005)
Kevin James stole this film!
I loved this movie about Will Smith, who plays the "love doctor," Alex 'Hitch' Hitchens, who helps men with their relationship problems. His latest case is a man played by Kevin James, Albert, who hopes to entice a multimillion dollar heiress, Allegra Cole played by Amber Valletta. During this time Hitch meets up with and falls a gossip columnist named Sara, played by Eva Mendes who threatens to shut his quiet little operation down after finding out that Hitch is connected to one of her stories. Every time Hitch goes out of his way to try and impress Sara it comes back in his face. Kevin James from the King of Queens stole the movie away from Will Smith as his portrayal as Albert. However, the movie largely revolves around Will Smith. I was a little disappointed that there weren't more scenes with Kevin James. However, I thought the scene where Will Smith was teaching Kevin James how to dance was hilarious. Overall I gave Hitch 8 out 10 stars, and if you liked it I would recommend seeing Six Degrees of Separation, Independence Day, Bad Boys I & II Training Day and the TV series King of Queens, co-starring Jerry Stiller and Leah Remini.
Blade: Trinity (2004)
Not as good as the original, but better than the second.
Ryan Reynolds stole the show, playing ex-vampire, Hannibal King. It seemed like in every line Reynolds had something catchy to say. In Blade Trinity, as well as being up against vampires, now Blade (Wesley Snipes) has to face the human race. However, we forget all about that after the first half hour or so. In Blade Trinity, Blade goes toe to toe against Dracula himself or Drake as he's called in the film, played by Dominic Purcell. However, Parker Posey plays the devious Danica Talos, who I thought did a poor job acting wise. Another person who I believe won't get any more acting jobs in Hollywood anytime soon is Paul Michael Levesque, or he's better known in the wrestling ring as Triple H, unlike his friend Dwayne " The Rock" Johnson, Triple H doesn't bring that same charisma onto the set and most of his lines sound forced. However, I loved Jessica Biel as Abigail Whistler. I would suggest see the seeing the other two Blade films first and then going to see this one, because they hint on some of the things that were introduced in the other two movies, such as the idea of "familiars" and the other two movies might give you a further and more in depth explanation about Blade and Kris Kristofferson's character, although Kristofferson isn't in this one that much. Overall, I gave Blade Trinity 7.5 out of 10 stars.
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004)
Funny, Worth Seeing!!
Vince Vaughn plays Peter La Fleur, a man who is down on his luck and is the owner of Average Joe's Gym. However, Vaughn is about to have his gym taken from him and sold to the competition, White Goodman played by Ben Stiller and Global Gym. Vaughn has to raise $50,000 to stop Global Gym from making Average Joe's Gym into a parking lot. In order to get the money they decide to play dodgeball. Stiller learns of their plans and tries to stop them by entering a team into the tournament. Rip Torn is excellent in this film. Rip Torn plays Patches O Houlan, coach for Average Joe's Gym and ex-dodgeball player. Besides Rip Torn, I also liked Ben Stiller's portrayal as White Goodman. Average Joe's team also consists of a geek, a nerd, a man who thinks he is a pirate and Christine Taylor. However, the movie is a little predictable, but overall I gave the movie a 8 out of 10.
Garfield: The Movie (2004)
One of the worst movies I've ever seen.
Garfield was one of the worst movies I've ever seen. The movie is based on the comic strips and the late 80's early 90's television show, Garfield and Friends. There was no real character development which we could see. Also, there was no real plot to the movie. Garfield was also too slow and not that well written. It lacks the substance that any good movie should have. Bill Murray gave a weak performance as the fat orange feline. Breckin Meyer gave a terrible performance as Jon. Stephen Tobolowsky, played Happy Chapman, the 'villain,' of the film. However, I didn't buy him in that role at all. I've seen Bill Murray in much better films, including Rushmore, Groundhog Day and What About Bob? The only good thing in this film is the lovely Jennifer Love Hewitt, who plays Liz, Jon's love interest in the film. If you like Jennifer Love Hewitt, I would recommend seeing I Know What You Did Last Summer, I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, and Heartbreakers. Overall I gave the movie 3 out of 10 stars.
The Incredibles (2004)
Great from beginning to end, but meant more for the adults.
The Incredibles is great from beginning to end. However, with some scenes of fantasy violence and some sexual innuendos this movie is meant more for the adults. The movie stars Craig T. Nelson as Mr. Incredible, an out of work superhero, who has been recruited to find out what has happened to some missing superheroes. While Mr. Incredible has been in retirement from the superhero game, he has married and had three children. His wife, voiced by Holly Hunter has the ability to stretch, his daughter Violet has the ability to become invisible and his son Dash has the ability run at lightning speed.
The movie also stars Lucius Best a.k.a. Frozone, voiced by Samuel L. Jackson. They all face off against Syndrome, voiced by Jason Lee, from Dogma and Almost Famous, who plays a super villain who wants the world for himself. The movie was great from beginning to the end. It had great visual and sound effects, the characters were well developed and overall well done. Overall I gave The Incredibles an 8 out of 10.
Ray (2004)
Jamie Foxx deserves an Oscar nomination for his performance as Ray Charles.
Jamie Foxx deserves an Oscar nomination for his performance as Ray Charles. Jamie Foxx plays the late, great Ray Charles, portraying the singer's life. The movie shows Charles' battle with drug addiction. Also, the movie shows the problems that Ray Charles had with women, like Margie Hendricks played by Regina King. Regina King was also great in the film. Kerry Washington also did a great job playing Della Bea Robinson, the wife of Ray Charles. The movie also goes into further detail about the problems facing Ray Charles in his home life. Another part of the movie that I enjoyed very much were seeing the flashbacks into Ray's childhood describing the origins into his past and see what got him interested in music and how he became blind in the first place. The child who played Ray Charles as a young kid did a fantastic job as well, and deserves some sort of recognition for his work on the film. The overall plot was fantastic and the filmmakers did a great job portraying Ray Charles. Overall I gave this movie 8 out of 10
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
Too slow and not that well written.
Anchorman received many good reviews from other critics. I have no idea why though. The movie lacks the substance that any good movie should have. As well as a decent plot or strong character development. There are many guest appearances from many big name actors, such as Ben Stiller, Tim Robbins, Vince Vaughn, Jack Black and Luke Wilson, but after one or two scenes they're never seen again. The main story is it's the 1970's, and Christina Applegate's character becomes the first anchorwoman on television and Will Ferrall and his friends feel threatened by her arrival. Meanwhile, Will Ferrall develops a romantic relationship with Applegate's character. Anchorman does have its moments, but for the most part it's filled with cheap laughs and antics. I thought Will Ferrall did a much better job in Zoolander. Overall I gave the movie 4 out of 10 stars.
Man on Fire (2004)
Slow at the beginning, but picks up the pace as it goes on.
The movie, Man on Fire, starring Denzel Washington was a good movie. It could have been better in parts, and it didn't need to be as long as it was, running nearly two and half hours long. The movie is about an ex-CIA operative who becomes a bodyguard to a little girl and her family down in Mexico. When the girl is kidnapped and Washington is nearly murdered in the process, he must then find the people responsible and extract his revenge. Christopher Walken plays Denzel's best friend and mentor; he was great in this film. The movie was slow at the beginning, but gradually picked up the pace as it went along. Overall I gave the film a 6 out of 10.
Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
A Great Film
Kill Bill Vol.1 is Quentin Tarantino's best work since Pulp Fiction and Uma Thurman's best work ever. It's a classic revenge tale, in which Thurman's character seeks revenge on the crew of assassins who tried to kill her. Thurman's character simply known as the Bride was a former member of the crew who attempted to kill her. After the Bride is attacked she goes into a comma for a few years, she wakes up and only has only one thing on her mind
REVENGE!!! Kill Bill is the perfect combination of action, comedy and Japanese anime. Uma Thurman is excellent as the bride. Lucy Liu is great as the half Chinese half American, O- Ren Ishii. Quentin Tarantino does it again. The entire film was good from beginning to end. I can't wait for volume 2 to come out later on this year. Vivica A. Fox is awesome and lethal as Vernita Green. However, David Carradine fans will be disappointed. He is only in a couple scenes throughout the entire film. Hopefully we will see more of him and Michael Madsen in Kill Bill Volume: 2
Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
A Great Film
Kill Bill Vol.1 is Quentin Tarantino's best work since Pulp Fiction and Uma Thurman's best work ever. It's a classic revenge tale, in which Thurman's character seeks revenge on the crew of assassins who tried to kill her. Thurman's character simply known as the Bride was a former member of the crew who attempted to kill her. After the Bride is attacked she goes into a comma for a few years, she wakes up and only has only one thing on her mind
REVENGE!!! Kill Bill is the perfect combination of action, comedy and Japanese anime. Uma Thurman is excellent as the bride. Lucy Liu is great as the half Chinese half American, O- Ren Ishii. Quentin Tarantino does it again. The entire film was good from beginning to end. I can't wait for volume 2 to come out later on this year. Vivica A. Fox is awesome and lethal as Vernita Green. However, David Carradine fans will be disappointed. He is only in a couple scenes throughout the entire film. Hopefully we will see more of him and Michael Madsen in Kill Bill Volume: 2
Mystic River (2003)
Great film and a great cast
This was a great film. Sean Penn and Kevin Bacon each dealt out great performances in this film. Kevin Bacon, Tim Robbins and Sean Penn play childhood friends who come back together after the brutal murder of Penn's 19 year old daughter, Katie Marcus. Penn plays the grieving father Jimmy Marcus, who wants vengeance for his daughter's death. Kevin Bacon plays a cop as well as an old friend of Penn's, who teams up with Laurence Fishburne in order to bring the killer to justice. Clint Eastwood does a great job directing this film. However, Laurence Fishburne only plays a small role in this great film. Marcia Gay Harden does an excellent job playing the wife of Tim Robins, who is one of the prime suspects in the murder of Penn's daughter. Overall Mystic River was a great movie. However, some scenes were a little slow and predictable in parts. Overall, I gave Mystic River 8 out of 10. If you liked this movie I would recommend An Eye for an Eye, I am Sam and Cadillac Man.
Swordfish (2001)
It's worth renting
Swordfish is one of John Travolta's better movies. After last year's blockbuster flop, Battlefield Earth, it's nice to see that Travolta still holds his role as the `comeback kid.' Swordfish is worth seeing but the plot does get a little confusing at times. In the movie, John Travolta plays corrupt CIA agent, Gabriel Shear who needs help from Stanley Jobson, a former computer hacker, played by Hugh Jackman. An associate of Travolta's named Ginger, played by Halle Berry recruits Jobson to hack into the computer mainframe of a bank to relinquish funds that equal up to about $9 billion that the CIA has been holding since the 60's. The bad part about Swordfish, is that there's too much action. In all the explosions and shooting you forget there's actually suppose to be a plot. Another downside is that John Travolta's whole explanation for all of this is to protect the U.S. citizens from themselves. If you're a big Travolta fan or if you just like Halle Berry I would recommend that you go see the movie. Overall I gave Swordfish a 7 out of 10.
Blade II (2002)
Not as good as the first, but still worth watching
Blade 2 was not as good as the original, but it's still worth watching. Wesley Snipes returns to the big screen as Blade, half-human and half-vampire. Known as the Daywalker, Blade has made a pact with the people he has vowed to kill in order to destroy an even more powerful group of vampires. The special effects are great. Snipes' character has become apparent. Instead of him just walking around like the living dead, his character has become more developed. Kris Kristofferson returns as Whistler, who died in the first, but they brought him back for the sequel. Besides Wesley Snipes and Kris Kristofferson, the only other recognizable name in the film is Ron Pearlman. I thought Blade 2 had more life to the movie and I thought Blade was funnier than he was in the original. The movie took more of a comic book approach to it. However, overall I gave Blade 2 a 6 out of 10.
American Wedding (2003)
It's the last and best slice of pie!
Some of the movies I've seen this past summer have been flops at the box office. However, American Wedding was a hilarious movie that I personally enjoyed. It has been a long time since I've seen a comedy where the audience has laughed all the way through the movie. Loser and Saving Silverman both bombed at the box office, so it's nice to see that he can still make a good movie. However, I would suggest seeing the first two American Pie movies before seeing this.
In this one Jim proposes to Michelle and Finch and Stifler fight over Cadence, Michelle's sister. As usual, the gang finds themselves in hilarious and provocative situations throughout the entire film. However Thomas Ian Nicholas' character doesn't have a big role and is mostly used as window dressing. It was a good movie and I would rate it about an 8. It was funny throughout the whole movie. I would recommend seeing the first two American Pie movies before seeing this. Some other Jason Biggs' movies that would be good to watch include Saving Silverman and Loser.
Panic Room (2002)
A Very Predictable Movie
The movie was too predictable. You knew what was going to happen. However, I do think Jodie Foster was a better choice than Nicole Kidman was. The story wasn't really explained that well. Forest Witaker was good in it. You tend to loose interest after the first hour. For a movie that was suppose to be suspenseful, I wasn't frightened at all. Save yourself the trip and the seven bucks you would have paid to see it plus the money for the snacks and go rent a movie. Overall I gave this movie about a 6 out of 10 and that's being generous.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
This was a Great Film
This is a great movie. I rented it this past weekend and I thought John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson were great in the film. It's a little violent, but overall it's a great film. The movie is actually three stories that are put together. It was full of crime and action. Two thing that I like. The film could have done without all the cursing. This isn't a film for the kids. However, it was a great film. The three stories fitted perfectly into one another. However, it did have its slow moments. This is an automatic classic. It has some memorable scenes that should be watched over and over again. Overall, I gave the movie a 8 out of 10. The other cast members included such names as Bruce Willis, Uma Thurman, Harvey Keitel, Ving Rhames and Tim Roth. I would also recommend The Matrix, The Godfather or The Godfather Part II.
A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)
One of the worst movies I've ever seen
This movie was too long and had too much hype behind it. Haley Joel Osment just didn't do it for me, especially after his performance with Bruce Willis in The Sixth Sense. Osment's performance in Pay It Forward was just as bad if not worse then in this movie. It seems that every movie that Osment has done has gotten worse and worse. This movie was just a high tech version of Pinocchio. This movie was a real disappointment. Movies as long as this need to keep your attention. In order to keep your attention, movies such as this one need to have a simple plot as well as characters and dialogue which you can follow. Simplicity is the key to make a film keep your attention. In films such as Gladiator, Independence Day, and Titanic they are simple and to the point. That's why films such as Titanic stay in the #1 spot for 15 weeks straight. Aliens are attacking and that's it. There's no backstory or long confusing plot. Movies like ID4 had a lot of special effects, but not so much as to lose the audience's attention. Just like Star Wars: Episode I-The Phantom Menace, this movie had too much hype behind it. People see commercials on TV and previews for upcoming movies and it seems to look good. Most studios spend thousands of dollars just to promote their movie and hope to regain that money in ticket sales. However, too little hype can kill any chance a movie has at the box office. A good movie like Almost Famous was slaughtered by little hype. People will go and see A.I. because of the hype but will be very disappointed by the outcome. To clarify, A.I. is a drama. This movie is meant for people from ages 13 and up. However, to every gray cloud there is a silver lining. Jude Law is the silver lining in A.I. as well as the robotic teddy bear that Osment carries around with him. Overall, Artificial Intelligence was too long, too boring and too confusing to keep the audience's attention. I gave it a 3 out of 10 at most. If you liked this movie, which I didn't, here are a couple of movies I would suggest seeing: Pay It Forward, The Sixth Sense, and Arlington Road.
Planet of the Apes (2001)
Ome of the better summer movies
Planet of the Apes was a real delight after a summer of disappointing movies. This summer has been one disappointment after another. First there was Tomb Raider, which was full of dumb cliches. Then there was A.I, which had too much hype behind it and was too long to keep your interest. After all the disappointments it's a real relief that the studios can still come up with a good movie. Tim Burton brings us another blockbuster hit. This is Burton's best work since Sleepy Hollow. Burton uses his unique techniques to bring the apes alive for the film. His artistic expertise that Burton displayed in the making of Planet of the Apes has probably made him one of the most well known directors today. The mere talent that Burton brings to a film makes him one of the most unique directors of our time. Mark Wahlberg is wonderful in this film. He plays Leo Davidson, a United States captain who crash lands on the planet and discovers that the apes rule the planet. This is a step up for Wahlberg from 1994's Renaissance Man, where he plays Private Tommy Lee Haywood. This is probably Wahlberg's best film since Boogie Nights. Tim Roth plays the evil General Thade, general to the ape army. He despises the human race. Charlton Heston makes a small cameo appearance as General Thade's Father, the only ape with a gun. Overall I gave Planet of the Apes a 6. If you liked this I would suggest renting Sleepy Hollow, Batman, and Edward Scissorhands.
The Mummy Returns (2001)
A Fantastic Movie
The Mummy Returns is filled with action, comedy and is a wonderful movie. If you like action packed movies then go see The Mummy Returns. It proves once again that a sequel can be just as good, if not better than the original. This is probably Brendan Fraiser's best performance yet. With wonderful performances from Brendan Frasier, Rachel Weiz, and John Hannah this is the first summer hit of 2001. The Mummy Returns starts off ten years after The Mummy (1999). Rick O Connell (Frasier) is now married to Evelyn and they have a son. They then uncover the long lost bracelet of the Scorpion King played by WWF's The Rock. They then are joined up by Imotep and some other foes, and plan to destroy the Scorpion King and gain control of his army so he can rule the Earth. In order to save their son and stop the mummy from controlling the Earth, they must stop Imotep and the Scorpion King themselves before the world becomes a formless wasteland. WWF fans maybe disappointed however. The Rock, in his film debut is only in two scenes throughout the entire movie. He truly outdoes himself plating the Scorpion King, a warrior who gives his soul to become the ultimate warrior. Although it's a small role, The Rock gives a great performance as the Scorpion King. All that time in the wrestling ring has really paid off for him in his new role as the Scorpion King. Although some sequels have been known to be bombs at the box office, this movie is a nonstop thrill ride. It's filled with action, comedy, romance and everything else that makes a movie an instant favorite at the box office. Only a few sequels however have measured up to the original. This one is worth seeing again. The whole cast gave an outstanding performance. From 1 to 10, I would have to give The Mummy Returns a 7.8, for its outstanding performances and the well thought out plot. Brendan Frasier and the rest of the group do a fantastic job in The Mummy Returns. The summer of 2001 is nearly here and I suggest going to go see The Mummy Returns. If you like The Mummy Returns, then here are some recommendations for movies you should see. First, you might wish to see The Mummy, so you may see for yourself how the original compares to the sequel. Some other movies you might want to see if you enjoyed The Mummy Returns, would probably be the Indiana Jones Trilogy (The Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade).
One Night at McCool's (2001)
It's a little dumb, but worth renting.
One Night at McCool's is an edge of seat thrill ride. This is a movie not to be missed. The story is told from three different points of view. Liv Tyler (Armageddon) breaks out of her shell (and her dress) and put on an outrageous performance as Jewel, the object of everyone's desire. She'll do just about anything and anyone to get what she wants. She's attractive, she's alluring, and she will make your life a living Hell if she doesn't get what she wants. Matt Dillon (There's Something About Mary, Wild Things) does a good job portraying a bar tender whose life gets turned upside down when one night he meets up with Liv Tyler. When her former boyfriend, Utah, played by Andrew "Dice" Clay attacks her, he comes to the rescue, well sort of. When Liv and Matt are done doing the deed for the first time, Utah forces him to go back to bar where Liv gives him what for. Paul Reiser (TV's MAD ABOUT YOU) plays Matt's dumb-founded cousin, who really doesn't serve a purpose in the movie. Reiser is just like Benjamin Brat in Miss Congeniality and the good he does in the movie is taking hits. He may be a fine actor, but he serves no real purpose in the movie. Reiser's obsession with leather in this movie is freaky but completely unnecessary. Although Reiser delivers a weak performance, John Goodman's character (Blues Brothers 2000) delivers an outstanding performance to more than make up for Reiser. I have to admit I had mixed feelings when I heard John Goodman was in the film. I wasn't a big fan of such movies as Blues Brothers 2000, however he was good on TV's Roseanne and I liked him in some other movies he's done. Watching a John Goodman movie is like playing Russian Roulette, you either win big or lose it all. However, this is a movie not to be missed. John Goodman plays a detective investigating the murder of Utah. When he saw Liv, he fell in love with her. He continues to fall in love and obsesses about her. John Goodman's performance is one of his best. Michael Douglas is the hit man that Dillon hires to kill Tyler after a falling out with Taylor. He acts in and produces the film, and although he has a small role in the film Douglas delivers an outstanding performance as a well-to-do hit man. The story itself is a little far fetched. It was a little slow in some of the scenes (most of the scenes with Reiser) but in all a pretty good movie. Out of 10, I would give it a 6.75. It was well plotted and had a good cast. Liv Tyler is wonderful as the sexy girl next door. If you liked this movie some recommendations for movies to see would be There's Something About Mary, What Planet Are You From, and Wild Things.
Shrek (2001)
A wonderful movie
I never set the bar too high for children or animated films because adults can never seem to get into them. Adults go to animated films because their kids complain and fuss and drag them to see it with them. Meanwhile, the parent is stuck there trying to watch the movie, but can't because all the children are either asleep or screaming their lungs out and the parent just wants to go see the new action flick playing right next door. It's a waste of $7.00, I know. However, Shrek was a real treat to go to and is meant for an older crowd.
The bedtime stories our parents used to tell us as children and which we pass down to ours is retold to please a much older crowd who grew up with these stories. It's a spoof of all the fairy tales that we all know. However, this story has a wonderful twist to it. There's no prince charming and there's no dashing night to save the day. Shrek is an ogar, who has to rescue the princesses so he can get back his land from the storybook characters that have overrun it.
Mike Myers is witty and brilliant as the voice of Shrek. He allows the role of Shrek to come alive. This probably has to be one of Mike Myers' better films, and the great thing about working as a voice animator is that you don't have to spend three hours in make up and another hour or so in wardrobe. You can just get up at six o' clock in the morning go in say your lines and get out.
The other great thing about this movie is that it spoofs of such movies as the matrix and almost any fairy tale ever made. However, it so original in plot.
Eddie Murphy steals the screen as the talking donkey. It seems everything out of his mouth gets wittier and wittier throughout the entire movie. He brightens up the screen with a zany performance.
Cameron Diaz shines as the princesses. She enlightens us with her witty charm and surprising outbursts. John Lithgow plays the devious prince who sends Shrek on the quest to save the princesses. For some reason John Lithgow seems to have an amazing and talented voice. All in all I enjoyed the film and would give it about a 7. If you liked the movie I would suggest watching There's Something About Mary, Wayne's World, and Austin Powers.