Bgb217 Reviews

The Raven (2006 Video)

Blasphemous

[1/10 · 13 March 2008]

If only you were able to rate with negative stars. New rule: if you're going to make a movie based off an author's work, and put the name of that author in the title, ie: "Bram Stoker's Dracula", or "Edgar Allan Poe's The Raven" as this movie is called, then you should at least make an attempt to address the source material at some point.

This movie has nothing whatsoever to do with Edgar Allan Poe or his poem "The Raven." There are select passages read out of context in the film, but none of these have any meaning whatsoever to any of the characters or the plot; they just try to make it fit the convoluted serial killer plot.

This film truly is a disgrace to Edgar Allan Poe's genius. "The Raven" is a work that is only meant instill fear through the possibilities it raises of madness, desperation, and that there may be no heaven, afer life, being after this.

But that has not stopped them from making this piece of crap, of the older version with a young Jack Nicholson that I also recall having nothing to do with the poem; but, at least from what I remember of that at a young age one late night on cable, that one had a plot.

This does not. It also features some terrible acting, completely senseless plotting... I don't know why we finished watching this, but we did.

Total piece of crap. Don't waste your time.

Cold Mountain (2003)

This is why movies are made. Tops my list of 2003.

[10/10 · 28 December 2003]

`Cold Mountain' may perhaps be the best picture of 2003. In a year of such feats as `The Station Agent' and `The Human Stain'. I think I am coming to realize, that the Civil War epic love story (sounds like it's been done before, doesn't it?) stands in a high place, maybe above those other first two.

You see, `Cold Mountain' is the type of movie that is rather hard to review, as there are aspects of the film and plot that one can't allude to without something being given away; with that I say, if you are an avid movie fan, and think you may want to see this film in any (even small) way, go see this art and experience it for yourself. Each performance in this movie fits into the larger puzzle in pieces, with supporting performers such as Natalie Portman or Donald Sutherland or Philip Seymour Hoffman playing their parts with a certain flawless, true and often brutal, beauty. And so it goes for the leads-each is simply spellbinding. I believe Nicole Kidman to be one of our time's greatest actors, and as Ada, one part of the epic (though unconventional) love story, gives a phenomenal performance; capturing an inexperienced character in love and life in the beginning pieces of the film, and taking that character on an amazing, harsh journey into real life and romance in the face of such terror, through the film's remainder. And Jude Law; I did not know he had this in him. I'd seen very good performances from him in `Road to Perdition' and even `The Talented Mr. Ripley', but as Ada's lover Inman, he blew me away. His accent, look, body language were all perfectly woven together in his character. As is also the case with Renee Zellwegger; of course, given the uneducated attitude one might attribute to a stereotypical `hillbilly' type of her character, it is not hard to see how some would think her performance strictly comic relief. But Ruby, her character, is so much more than all that. She's funny, she's honest, and she feels; she's human. A beauty character-in a beautiful ensemble.

On to the story, which has been called `uneven' by some, for reasons which include every thing to its only having one graphic strictly battle scene in the film's opening (one extremely powerful piece of cinema that effected me in a way I'm not sure I've been touched before) to Inman and Ada's relationship before the war being to brief, to the fact that Inman is a deserter, low-life, traitor of his cause. If you watch `Cold Mountain', and still think that, then I do not know what to tell you. Yes, it is about a deserter; a man who leaves the war he's fighting what is his life's love, for he yearns for life beyond the death of war and no longer wants to support anything such as the brutal ugliness of the Civil War. That is what the whole movie is about, love and life, and the pointlessness of fighting in the extreme ways of war. The story is about the people-not strictly the battle fought on the field, but of the ones fought in the soul-their love, their simplicity, their depth, their comic moments, their tragic moments; as the moments of their lives.

No other film this year has captured me into the state of emotional involvement, also. Though the film is something close to two and a half hours, to me it seemed nothing like the time. It did not seem short, but it was in no way `long'. It was a perfect piece of time during which I experienced some great, involving art. And while you have to see the film to understand the type of love story it is, I can tell you the love story had me entirely swept away (unlike Minghella's other major work "The English Patient". The final hour of the film had me, and then, I knew this was a feat of cinematic achievement regardless of the ending, and I let the film take me entirely.

The result was quite possibly one of the greatest movies I've ever seen.

I highly recommend you go see `Cold Mountain'. A standing ovation from me for director Anthony Minghella, leads Nicole Kidman, Jude Law, and Renee Zellwegger; and all those involved. Avery large, enthusiastic thumbs up.

The Hours (2002)

Divine.

[10/10 · 1 February 2003]

I saw "The Hours" almost two weeks ago, and now I am glad I finally have time to write about it. Fantastic film. Funny how some small brained critics for some rather large publications were scared by it. That aside, before I saw the film I thought I was going to be disappointed; I'd heard it was all about suicide, and from that I thought I had guessed the ending. Boy was I wrong, and boy was I glad; the film is not about suicide being the only way out sometimes-- "The Hours" is about life, as it should be lived. Brilliantly written, told, acted, and therefore done, "The Hours" is a true masterpiece.

When I left the show after seeing this, the first thing that occurred to me was how great each and every actor in this movie was; Nicole Kidman WAS for the two hours I watched the film Virginia Woolfe, Meryl Streep WAS a woman named Clarissa living in New York in the year 2000, Julianne Moore WAS 1950's depressed housewife Laura Brown, and even Ed Harris WAS his character of a dying writer. I have to admit, I was a bit concerned with Kidman's fake nose, but that did not cheapen her performance or the movie in any way; it added to its greatness. The way she walked, the way she talked, the way she was-- was all so brilliant; Nicole Kidman is simply amazing. And Meryl Streep, her scenes of the emotions her character goes through are so genuine that they are simply brilliant. And then you have Julianne Moore who was nothing less than perfect as a depressed housewife. And then you get to Ed Harris, who plays a character with such emotional scenes that are so intense; some of the speeches he gives about writing and life-- I think I have rarely identified with a character in a movie such as I did to him with those words. And aside from his speeches, he not only looks the part, he acts them out in a perfect way that's simply brilliant. Give the whole damn cast an award, IMO.

But, without the writing, of course, there would be no "Hours". The adapted script and the way that it is shot is nothing less than brilliant; the idea behind it, a story of three women living in different times but reading the same book, still amazes me in a perfect way. And the three stories are told so seamlessly; it's simply an experience you have to see for yourself.

I would end the review here, had I not have to mention the aspect of sexuality that has been brought up in reviews I've seen: such reviews dubbed this as one about three lesbian women. And to that I say: say wha? I see one character who's sexuality is clearly defined, one character who tries something to see how her life would be if it were differently and is disappointed, and one woman who is clearly not a lesbian (I saw the kiss she gave to a woman as a way of saying good bye). But that said, I'm sure others may interpret the film differently. Also, in no way do I see this film as saying homosexuality equals madness; of course, believe me, it can lead to depression, though a kind that is not the clinical kind, one that is brought on by society in general giving you the message you're wrong just about every day, but I do not, in any way, see this film as against homosexuality.

In conclusion, "The Hours" is a purely brilliant film that's not to be missed. While it may be too much for some people, I still give this a high recommendation; the writing, performances, and overall execution are divine in this movie that stands among the most deep and moving ever made. Brilliant. Four out of four stars.

Chocolat (2000)

Sweet, charming, funny, and nice.

[10/10 · 13 December 2002]

Well, just got finished with this nice little movie I had never seen before and loved it. Great stroy, great actors, great look. As always, Johnny Depp has a great taste for roles, but it's Juliette Binoche who really carries this one. The story's rather simple, at first, and it's been said here a million times so I won't go into that. All I'll say is if you like good movies, and have taste :-), you'll like this one. I enjoyed it from beginning to end, most every second of it. I rented this on DVD, and I would soon love to buy it for my connection. And, just a word before closing to those who think it's anti-Catholic or whatever: did you watch the ending?

Wrapping up, Chocolat charmed me, made me laugh, and made me surprised I had hardly heard of the movie before. It's very well worth a see. Three out of four stars for me.

Terms of Endearment (1983)

I laughed! I cried! I laughed! And then I starting sobbing!

[10/10 · 11 November 2002]

Exactly how in the world did I never see this movie before? I rented it on DVD the other night because I heard it was good, but I didn't expect it to be as good as it was. Incredible story, such powerful and passionate acting, it's just such a great film.

I don't think I need to say anything about the acting in it, if you've seen Terms of Endearment you know that Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger, and Jack Nicholson bring their characters to a life rarely seen in movies. I just can't get over how great this movie was. The story is so good, it's so funny and at times among some of the saddest moments I've ever seen portrayed in the movies. I don't want to go any further for fear that I might spoil it for those who haven't seen this incredible story about life and love and laughter among family. Oh, and if you haven't seen one of the greatest movies ever made, go do so now.

Wrapping up, if you can't tell I loved Terms of Enderament. I guess I had always stayed away from it because it seemed like THE chick flick, but it's not. It's such a great story, great acting, everything of a great movie. 10 out of 10.

Red Dragon (2002)

Excellent film, also an excellent adaption of the book.

[10/10 · 10 November 2002]

Well I finally saw Red Dragon, and having the book be one of the best I've ever read, I was wary of seeing it. I never really cared for Manhunter, but boy did I get a surprise with this version, a version that actually cared enough about the original work to call it by that name, obviously Red Dragon. I also thought that they would change it around to put more of everybody's favorite cannibal in, which they really didn't. So he's in the beginning more, but that was what basically happened in flashback in the book, they only drew it out more in the movie. And the other scenes with Hannibal that were added helped to cover all the ground they needed to do with the story, and they worked perfectly. Let me explain.

Who woulda thunk it that Ed Norton would be the perfect fit for Will Graham? I didn't, but he was. I think he's such an incredible actor, and he more than proves it here, bringing the character to a great and realistic life. Of course we need not say anything about Anthony Hopkins, who is more than the brillant fit for Hannibal Lector. But Ralph Fiennes as Dolarhyde? I thought that was a really bad choice-- I was proved wrong there again. He gives such a performance as the Tooth Fairy that I now believe he was perfect, and did perfect in, for the part. Emily Watson as Reba was also incredible, as was all the other supporters. The actual shots of the movie were incredible, and along with the rather brillaint script it worked perfectly. Of course some things were changed, but little things, and not much. And not a single changed thing took away from the original story, I am astounded at how good an adaption this turned out to be. (And I usually am very unforgiving with film versions of great books).

In conclusion, Red Dragon is a great film. Brilliant performances and an excellent adaption of a screenplay play out perfectly in this incredible film. Did the novel it's very deserved justice in my opinion. And the ending, the final part, of course it wasn't in the book, but that was incredible! Loved what they did there!

A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)

It's an okay movie, it does chop up the brillaint play though. Spoiler alert.

[20 October 2002]

Let me start by saying that I know this version of A Streetcar Named Desire was made in the ultra-conservative 50's. The play is butchered up and fit onto film in a choppy way that's an insult to one of the greatest plays ever written, period. The aspects they take out and change make the story confusing and makes it now fit just write. The way they handled Blanche's first husband's death is probably the worst. In the play she had walked in on him and another man, but tried to act like it never happened. Then one night on the dance floor she blurted out to him that she saw what she was doing, she knew, etc, etc. Then he goes out and kills himself. But, in the movie, Blanche wakes up one night and hears him crying, and then on the dance floor she tells him he's weak and she doesn't love him. It just comes off so wrong in the movie.

Also, the change of the ending is just wrong. And it doesn't make sense. In the play, or the real story, Stella doesn't leave Stanley at the end. Cut to move and she does. But why? She has just had Blanche committed for saying she was sexually assaulted by Stanley (which she was), and are we supposed to think she leaves Stanley then for assaulting her? It just doesn't make sense, but the play's ending does, the real ending which is tragic and real.

But then again, the acting in this play had good potential. Damn good potential, if they had only remained true to the story, Viven Leigh would have been immaculately brillant, she would've given one of the all time best performances. But, she still does in here, but the changed story just kills the movie. Go the play if you want an incredibly good story.

Donnie Darko (2001)

Twisted, DARK, and very good.

[10/10 · 29 September 2002]

I had no idea what this movie was about before watching it, had only heard it recommended, and was plesantly surprised. And it isn't without some flaws, but it's a pretty good film.

Jake Gyllenhaal is really good in this, bringing to life such a disturbed character. And, by the way, how can you not be totally creeped out by that freaky bunny that looks so much like a bug??? The rest of the acting is all pretty good, even from the people you so wouldn't expect it from, like Patrick Swayze and Drew Barrymore. The story's good also, it has some kinks that probably could've been worked out (like most of the ending which becomes kind of goofy until you realize what's going on, and then you're just like "oh." nothing big), but for the most part it works. The directing and overall execution is very well done too.

In conclusion, Donnie Darko is not a film for every, that's the kind of good it is. Great acting, good story, very good execution. Would recommend. 3 out of 5 stars. EDIT AFTER SEVERAL VIEWINGS: 5 out of 5 stars.

Possession (2002)

An extremly good & well done movie, I liked it!

[10/10 · 2 September 2002]

I went to see Possession with some expectations, I haven't read the book but I'm a fan of Gwyneth Paltrow and the trailers and pre-reviews for this looked good, and I have to say I was very pleased. I think it's the last great movie of the summer (this there have been many, Unfaithful (wait, was that summer?), Road to Perdition, Signs, and now Possession), and I couldn't be happier. The actors (all of them) shine in this, the drama, the romance which is overwhelming but great, the occasional comedy all blend together with a good story that is told magnificently.

Gwyneth is, in my opinion, one of the best actresses out there today and she lived above and beyond the call of duty for my expectations in Possession. Aaron Eckhart, who I've never seen in anything before is good and has great chemistry with Gwyneth. The writing in this is very good, the way the story shifts works great also, the stories fit into each other perfectly and quite beautifully if I may add. The atmosphere and overall look of the film is also quite breathtaking, it's safe to say I loved this film.

In conclusion, Possession is a great film. Great acting, especially from Gwyneth Paltrow, the chemistry is great, the story's great, the way it looks is great, and the way it's told is great. Oh, and great romance too. If you're not the romantic type I would steer clear of this movie, but being that I am I loved it. Simply, you guessed it, great. 3 out of 4 stars.

The Sixth Sense (1999)

Brilliant, number one in my book.

[26 August 2002]

Having just watched The Sixth Sense and all the extras, I have one thing to say about my favorite movie. It's brilliant. Every second of the film has a point and keeps it's pace, a rarity in modern movie making. The masterpiece of film which is incredibly moving and monumental, and above all things, GOOD, is ultimate film perfection. M. Night Shyamalan is a story telling genius and this movie is NOT for die hard, spiritual side-less, skeptics of anything remotley beyond only what the eye can see. The story is one of the best and to top perfect direction and storytelling, every single actor can hold a scene incredibly.

Bruce Willis, who is a very good actor, when the scripts give him a chance (Story of Us) is the best he's ever been in here. And Haley Joel Osment is a very good actor, and not just a kid actor at that. I can't think of another one like him, who is an adult actor in a kid's body. Everyone in this movie holds up their scenes with brilliance, giving the audience a movie that I remember hooking me from the first scene. Each time I see this movie I see something new, from the 3 times I saw it at the show and the countless others I've seen it at home, larger than life goosebumps never fail to overcome me in the film's finally moments (tears come also, and throughout the very moving film. The film is just perfect, through and through, with an original (to whoever compared it to Ghost...? Ghost was incredibly corny). The scene with Haley Joel and Toni Colette in the car at the end, is one of the most moving ever to be filmed. There are simply not enough words of praise for this film, it's my favorite ever (sharing the spot with a select few). I love it, I love it, I love it. Oh, and the film is brilliantly scored also. Also, The Sixth Sense is not only about the twist ending, the film before that is more than enough to hold an entire one on, but the ending boosts the film up to perfection. I simply love this movie. It's the greatest. Infinite stars out of ten.

One Hour Photo (2002)

Disturbing, but very good.

[25 August 2002]

One Hour Photo is, to sum it up as easily as possible, a very intense thriller that is anything but mainstream. The extremely disturbing film is a very tense story, wrapped together with a very good character study of Robin Williams' character Cy. It may be one of the best movies of the year, a year where there have been only a handful of ones, three or four at the most, but they are of very high quality, and I think Robin should definitely get nods during the award season for this (I'm adding him to my category of Richard Gere, Mel Gibson, and Tom Hanks that I want nominated for the men's acting prizes).

Robin Williams is exceptional in this because after a while as I was watching him act, I forgot the character actually was the actor, he took on the role with an almost chameleon approach where he blended into the character, and that always further movies on along up the scale, for you are more able to focus on the plot and story. The kid is also good in this; he clearly has some talent. The plot also successfully messes with your head, making you constantly change your opinions about Cy, I personally almost felt sorry for him at parts, and then it changed and went back and just went on changing till the last forty five minutes or so. Which proves the psychologically thrilling greatness of this movie.

Overall, I give One Hour Photo a recommend, but it is intense and very intensely creepy, but still a very good film. Robin Williams is an incredible actor and in here he even goes past the great performance he gave in Insomnia earlier this year. 3 out of 4 stars.

Forrest Gump (1994)

Simply my favorite move.

[20 August 2002]

I have said in other reviews here that other movies are my favorite, but only a select few all share my top number one spot. Forrest Gump is one of them. I felt I had to write something about it, after just seeing the end again on TV; I was just flipping and came across the ending of the most compelling movie ever.

Need I say anyway of Tom Hanks' brilliance in this role, I just love the character of Forrest Gump. And the story-- oh, the story, it's so heartbreaking at times, it's so hysterical at times, it's so everything but bad at one point or another-- it's perfect. The story is told so well, the characters are so good, the lines are unforgettable. Needles to say the way they blended the amazing story in with real history is above brilliant... there isn't a thing wrong with this movie. It's my favorite of all time.

Concluding, Forrest Gump is cinematic perfection, to all the highest degress. Everyone and thing in it is brillaint, ten out of ten, no, infinite stars is what this movie deserves. Forrest Gump is my favorite all time movie, and that's all I got to say about that.

Signs (2002)

Really, really, really, really, really, good.

[3 August 2002]

Signs is an incredibly good movie. All levels of it work to perfection, it makes you laugh, cry, jump, and most importantly-- feel. M. Night Shyamalan is one of the best film-makers out there now, and I have a really good feeling that he will be become an all time great. This film simply triumphs so much, all over the place, that along with Road to Perdition it's my favorite film this summer.

This film is scary, in fact, utterly terrifying at parts, a real nail biter. The mood and how it is executed, is amazing. I am in awe of M. Night Shyamalan, the man is brilliant. Acting wise Mel Gibson has, as the commercials say, never been better; the way he shows his character's struggle is so good. Joaquin Phoenix also has a very strong performance in this. And on top of that the two kids are so good (by the way, isn't that little girl the cutest thing?). And yes, the movie as a whole isn't all about aliens and crop circles, but I thought it was simply the best alien movie (which it really shouldn't be grouped in that category, it's so good) ever. This movie, for real, made me shake during the majority of it, goose-bumps and all. I literally cried also, this film is simply amazing. A masterpiece on every single level.

Wrapping up, if you haven't yet seen Signs, GO DO SO as soon as possible. I believe it was Oscar Wilde who said "In matters of opinion our adversaries are always insane." And that is what I feel strongly and always think about when I read negative reviews of movies I loved or when I read glowing reviews of ones I loathed. But, for Signs, I think my adversaries in this matter of opinion are really, really, insane. Lastly, M. Night is a film-making genius. Signs' acting, ideas, execution, story, emotion, and feel (all of it) is an absolute triumph. Go see Signs now. Five out of five, definitely.

Road to Perdition (2002)

A masterpiece. Best movie of the year by far.

[20 July 2002]

I would like to start this off by saying that every piece of this film oozes with greatness. The acting- Tom Hanks is simply one of the greatest actors of all time and he is beyond incredible in here, Paul Newman is also just great in this, everybody is. The story is simply a masterpiece character study, that entertains throughly. The look of it is also knock-you-socks-off quality, you actually feel as if Hanks & Mendes & company traveled back in time to shoot this.

I was interested to see how Hanks would do in this role, as a "bad" (or is he really?) guy, and he traveled far beyond any and all expectations; I see a third Best Actor Oscar in his future. Paul Newman is also just so good in this, everyones acting, even the kid's, blew me away. The story is incredible. And Jude Law, he so impressed me in his great portrayal of a true psycho. It combines above top of the notch character studies with an incredible story, which is a very hard thing to do. This movie as literally made my heart race, something I haven't done in a while actually at a movie. The emotion all the actors draw out is so amazingly real. The scenery & sets, I could go on all day about how incredible they looked... this film is just simply, in my opinion perfect.

Road to Peridition is not what I've heard some "critics" call a "fad" movie, which by that they mean that since the other "critics" hype it and say it's so good is the only reason people think it's so good. What the "critics" say never holds any barring over whether or not I like a movie. So, concluding, I loved Road to Periditon; an amazing film, with perfect, top notch acting, an amazing story line and amazing character studies, and an amazing look. If you haven't already I would Strongly, with a capitol S, recommend to go see this right now. Extremely touching movie. This is the best movie of the year.

But I'm a Cheerleader (1999)

Charming, funny, great, feel good film with a conscience.

[10/10 · 25 June 2002]

I have to say that I simply loved But I'm A Cheerleader with Natasha Lyonne; it was funny, witty, made me feel good, was truthful, and had a brain all at the same time. I nice little gem that I saw the trailer for on HBO one night, while I was flipping, and decided to settle in for it. I got a very pleasing surprise, this is a very good movie. Two things though not exactly related to the movie: why isn't there a soundtrack (great music)? And why is it R? It really could've gotten away with a PG-13, but anyway I am so glad that this movie was made.

The premise is totally believable, the popular girl who doesn't want to accept her homosexuality, so she just shelves it in the closet of her sub-consious, and is sent to the so-sad-that-places-like-this-really-exist "rehabilitaion center" True Directions. Now, while some of the characters may be based on stereotypes, they are not all, for example the one really feminine guy could be a stereotype-- but there are some gay people who actually act like that, most don't but some do. Also, I can't see why people would call this entire film a stereotype, the message at the core of this is be who you really are. The film was just hilarious, and most of the things in their I guess people can't get if they haven't been through the experience of growing up in a straight-is-the-only (bs) world. Just hilarious. And everyone is especially good in this movie, especially Natasha Lyonne, who has a TON of talent shown here, and Clea DuVall also.

Finishing up, I really liked But I'm A Cheerleader, it's a charming, cute, funny, and realistic film about the lives of some teenagers who are forced to do things like this. It's just a great movie all around-- it's hysterical and it has a great, true message-- Always be yourself no matter who it is. A high recommend, but not if your the close minded type who is scared just by the premise.

Hearts in Atlantis (2001)

A really great movie.

[10/10 · 14 June 2002]

Hearts in Atlantis is one in a string of movies based on Stephen King novels/novellas/short stories, like Apt Pupil, The Green Mile, The Shawshank Redemption, and Stand by Me that actually live up to the book. But we all know the book is always better. I'm very thankful that films like this are being made from SK's works now, after such awful ones like Graveyard Shift or The Dead Zone (The DZ which is a brilliant novel), I've always felt so bad when SK movie don't turn out, as a writer the man is a genuis.

Aside from that Anthony Hopkins is very good and moving as Ted Brautigan, a psychic who changes a boy's life, during a summer where he comes of age. Even the kid who played Bobby looks to have a strong future carrer, he did a very good job, as did all the other kids, like the girl who played Carol. This movie is just chocked full of good acting, and the changed plot works BEAUTIFULLY. I'm glad that all the references to King's Dark Tower stories were taken out and replaced with more, down to this earth kind of stuff if you will, because this movie is marketed to a mass audince, whom of which most probably haven't read a Dark Tower nove, and if all the DT things were left in it would lead to MASS confusion. Even with me, who after reading the DT books (good, but not great) is still a little confused. So, naturally I loved the script written for this, very touching and very beautiful.

In conclusion, I have to say I loved this movie, powerful performances from all, make this a good film-making classic in my book. Hearts in Atlantis is one movie that I would strongly recommend, if your the type who isn't entertained by only big, thing-blow up-every-other-second blockbusters, but by good film.

The X-Files (1993–2018)

Simply the greatest show ever in TV history.

[27 May 2002]

Thank you. Thank you, Chris Carter for your show, thank you, thank you, thank you, it's been great. The X-Files is and will ever remain, in my view, the greatest show ever to grace the silver screen. Everything about it was just original and brilliant, and I know since I've been a fan since it started. The characters, the writing, the acting, just everything is just perfectly brilliant.

I wonder if David Duchovony and Gillian Anderson knew that they'd creat cultural icons when the started to play the characters of FBI agents Mulder and Scully, who investigate strange and bizarre cases in the division of the X-Files. Cause they did. Everyone knows who Mulder and Scully are, even those who never watched the show, it just became that big. The acting by these two and all the others who have graced the show over the years. The writing throughout the years has been so exceptional--- the stories, the character development, all amazing and again, IMHO the greatest television ever. The scripts are so involved and worked on, showing the great and truthful research in Scully's dialouge, and countless other things. Scully and Mulder have had the greatest chemistry in TV history and I for one loved, LOVED, LOVED the final episode, it was just exceptional, they couldn't have possibly ended it any better, I really hope they just leave it at that and don't do a second movie.

Concluding, here's to you, The X-Files people who gave to the world the greatest ever TV show, it's been great, and most of all, thanks. It is sad thinking of no new X-Files episodes being on Sunday nights next season, in the best hour of television, but it's a been great. The X-Files is, was, and will forever be my favorite television show of all time.

From Hell (2001)

Good movie, really, really, really gross.

[10/10 · 26 May 2002]

I thought From Hell is a very throughly well done movie, with all around good performances, a good plot and delivered story (some holes, but forgivable ones). But extremly, extremly gross. Very gross. Very, very gory and gross, but good.

Johnny Depp is good in this, Heather Graham is surprisingly good, and the all around presentation of this movie was great. The disturbing picture of Victorian England. The story, involving a possible who Jack the Ripper was scenerio, is also well executed, with the exceptions of one or two scenes not being so great. The intertwined love story is also very, surprisingly good in this. So, I give From Hell two thumbs up, a good movie, but very VERY gross, the slashing noises and throat cuttings are very disturbing and graphic. All in all a very good, delivering thriller.

Six Feet Under (2001–2005)

Excellent, one of the best shows I've ever seen.

[8 May 2002]

It's hard to describe to those who haven't watched this brilliant show what it's like. Six Feet Under is simply in my opinion, the best hour on television, and one of the best shows ever. Of all time. Brilliantly written, brilliantly told, brilliantly acted, brilliantly brilliant. I've never used brilliant so much in a review before.

First off, it's a show about a very real family, with very real issues to deal with. The family, who have just recently lost the father consists of the mother Ruth, two sons Nate and David, and sister Claire. The two brothers run the business prviously owned by the father, a funeral parlor. I just love this show. There is not a single bad actor on the show, in every role. The family is probably one of the most real ever portrayed on TV, the characters being all easily relatable to, I myself can relate to two of them in particular. It's fresh, at times funny, at times sad, at times everything. Every single actor is amazing in their roles from Brenda to David to Keith to Ruth to Frederico to everybody. And the story lines are just so brilliant, dealing with life and it's purpose, seen throught the eyes of these people who work with death in a funeral home. It's just amazing.

I could rave on and on for hours about how great this show is and how much I love it, but I have to stop sometime. If you haven't yet watched Six Feet Under please do yourself a favor and do. I love it and it's one of my all time favorite shows. Simply, yes, you guessed it, brilliant.

The Others (2001)

Good movie.

[10/10 · 4 May 2002]

I really, really liked The Others starring Nicole Kidman, I saw it last summer a little before it took that re-boost at the box office. It is a drama-thriller, that's classy and well acted, with a great plot. And while it is along the same vein as other movies like The Sixth Sense at parts, it's original, not the same idea with both movies.

Nicole Kidman never does cease to amaze me, and wow did she give a great one in this movie as Grace, the mother of two children living in a mansion in 1940's England. And the children happen to be allergic to light. The plot is also such a good one, one that I can't give too many details about, if you haven't seen it already see it when it comes to video. The movie as a whole as gave me the great feeling of an almost throw-back to older, classic, almost Hitchcock-ian thrillers. Ones where extreme violence reigns suppreme and gratuitus nudity is all over.

Concluding, The Others was a great classy and smart thriller, please do yourself a favor and see this movie if you haven't. It's great. Nicole Kidman is her always amazing in this movie that is greatly acted all around. Just a great drama and thriller at the same time.

Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

My head hurts...

[7/10 · 3 May 2002]

I have just finished watching Eyes Wide Shut, and yes I do have a headache. First of all, I'm surprised so many people liked this movie, I didn't care for it too much. I think I knew what it was trying to say, and I appreciate for that it was just so, so, not really my kind of movie.

Now, I LOVE Nicole Kidman, she's my favorite actress out now, and she was the best part of the movie, giving an amazing performance, incredible. Tom Cruise did his usual, ok performance, as did the rest of the actors. The plot is extremly hard to grasp, and I think my headache's from the day I've had, but trying to figure out this movie contributed. I tried my hardest during the creepy mask part, but then realized I had to just sit back and watch it, and the general idea of it came to me. At times I thought the movie was just plain weird, but I appreciate it.

Wrapping up here, I didn't really like this movie. Hard to understand, and incredible performance from Nicole Kidman. Drags out so long at parts, not a movie for the average film goer, but a more artsy if you will type movie lover. So, I don't really recomend it, but Nicole's performance was a wow one.

The Mothman Prophecies (2002)

Good movie.

[27 April 2002]

The Mothman Prophecies is a very good movie, with top notch elements all the way around. From the performances of Richard Gere, Laura Tinney, and even Debra Messing (even though she's not in it a whole hell of a lot), to the good plot, a horror one that actually has a message, and yes, actually a good one!

Richard Gere is great as always in this supernatural thriller, playing a recent widower who is drawn mysteriously into a web of the unknown in a small town that is plauged by the mothman. Laura Tinney, whom I have never seen before in a film, is a very good actress and her performnace in this was top notch. Debra Messing too is a great actress (both serious like here and comical). The plot only had one or two not so hot things about it, but it was a great one. I have no idea why some of the critic reviews I've seen from it blabbed on and on about plot holes, while I'm on the subject of critics, I know that 99.9% of them have no clue how hard it is to write a working story. Anyway, the plot is very creppy and very good, and delivers a very good message, and The Mothman Prophecies is just a good movie. On another note, this film didn't copy of The X-Files, even though it has a very X-File-y feel to it, the book's been around since the 70's.

Concluding, this was good movie, defintly worth viewing. With incredible performances and a great plot. If you love horror movies, thrillers, or just movies with a message, go see this.

Moulin Rouge! (2001)

If possible to describe it in one word, emotional roller-coaster. I loved it!

[10/10 · 3 April 2002]

The only way to start this is to say just what I thought of Moulin Rouge, it was great. I only write comments here when I really feel that a movie is just so bad (ie Lord of the Rings) or when I love a movie so much (ie A Beautiful Mind). And I've been writing quite a few of these lately, and I noticed in my ones for Pay it Forward and A Beautiful Mind, which I did about a month ago I said "best movie I've seen in a while" because they were just that good. So is Moulin Rouge.

This movie is just plain spectacular, spectacular, visually stunning, incredibly acted, and over all so good. Nicole Kidman is amazing as Satine, giving a mind blowing performance, I didn't think she had it in her, she was great in The Others... but wow. Ewan McGreggor also gave an incredible performance in the role of Christian, and again, for him too, I didn't know he had it in him. The story is very sad, but so good, but it isn't for people who aren't comfortable with love stories. Baz Luhrman's direction was incredible; new, hip, fresh, interesting, and dramatic. The whole film is just something to be taken in, a real work of art.

Now, if you haven't seen the movie maybe you shouldn't read this paragraph, ship it over, but maybe not. Because if is revealed in the first part of the movie that, she dies. I didn't think that this took away from the story as was what I heard a lot of, I thought it added to it, Christian says that Satine is dead, but he doesn't say how that happened, and all through the movie it was just, just, you have to see this is you haven't, see what you think of it.

Concluding, I loved Moulin Rouge, WOW acting, incredible directing, the sets and everything were just, there's no other word to use to describe it WOW, and a great story. That is above all things about love. If you haven't seen this great movie; do yourself a favor and go do.

Se7en (1995)

Wow.

[10/10 · 16 March 2002]

Seven is a good movie. Extremly disturbing, but at the same time thought provoking. The entire all star cast is just incredible in it, Morgan Freeman amazing as always, Brad Pitt is also very good in it, Gwenyth Paltrow is also her usual amazing in it. And the story is just so... so... you have to see it.

When I sat down to watch this movie I didn't expect too much from it, just another serial killer movie, which in this case happens to be about a killer who kills according to the seven deadly sins. But I was way wrong. This movie combines great food for thought with some of the most disturbing parts of movie history I've ever seen. One certian part in it, which those who've seen it know what I'm talking about, made me jump more than I ever had during a movie before. Wrapping it up, Se7en is damn good, a wow story, incredible performances and everything. If you haven't seen it, and aren't at all squeimish, go see it right now.

Will & Grace (1998–2020)

Incredible, one of my favorite comedies ever.

[11 March 2002]

Will and Grace is simply, in my opinion, one of the funniest shows ever. It never fails to crack me up, but while some episodes don't crack me up as much as others, it never fails. For me W&G is the show I can count on.

Eric McCormack is just great as Will, the more masculine lawyer who happens to be gay, who's always funny. Debra Messing is just down right perfect & hysterical as Grace Adler the interior decorator, and I agree totally with the one comment about how if there ever was another Lucille Ball, Debra Messing's her. She's just perfect in every aspect of the show, she masters the comedy with her expressions and everything she does, her body humor, and her lines are just hysterical. And she can do the serious parts wonderfully as well. Her and Will together are just plain rolling on the floor hysterical. And Sean Hayes' character Jack is so funny too, especially along with the always no-words-can-really-describe-how-funny (that goes for all the actors/characters on this show, as well as the show itself) Megan Mullally as Karen, who never, ever fails to crack me up multiple times during the episodes.

All in all Will and Grace as as brilliantly perfect cast, and amazing writing, comic genuises, and is just plain funny. But then again it's not a show for people who aren't really comfortable with their sexuality. All around perfect, if you want to laugh watch Will and Grace.