Cookie9102 Reviews

Iron Jawed Angels (2004 TV Movie)

Girl power, 1920 style!

[7/10 · 17 November 2004]

"Iron Jawed Angels" follows the true life stories of Alice Paul, Lucy Burns, and the other brave suffragettes who fought for a woman's right to be heard in the government. What a fabulous movie!! A topic that could have been boring was brought to life by director Katja von Garnier, as well as wonderful performances by Julia Ormond, Molly Parker, Vera Farmiga, and the amazing Hillary Swank, who brings chills with her powerful monologues. The soundtrack, despite not being from the 1910s or 1920s, is also a great listen.

An important piece of history brought to life that all women should see and appreciate.

From Justin to Kelly (2003)

Is it really THAT bad?...yeah, it is...

[2/10 · 16 November 2004]

WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD

"From Justin to Kelly", publicized as a "Grease" for the new millennium, features the two winners from the first season of "American Idol", Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini. Justin and Kelly, playing college students on Spring Break, find true love in Florida despite the pressure to hook up with random people and Kelly's meddling best friend.

This movie plays into stereotype after stereotype: Justin's player friend looking to make money and lust after women, Justin's nerdy white-boy friend looking for his internet girlfriend, Kelly's friend who falls in "love" with a local busboy (a la Love Story), Kelly's hoochie friend who tries to steal away any man she can find.

On top of the one-dimensional characters, the plot does not help either. Kelly and Justin have trouble getting together because of Kelly's scheming friend Kaya. Ooooooh noooo! But in the end, "fate" wins out, and the two Idols can be together and profess their love, until it's time to PARTAY, spring break style!!!!

Clearly, the plot/characters were not the initial hook to the movie. The music and the singing were supposed to be.

The music/singing, sadly, did not help any. All the songs sound alike, and despite Clarkson's talent, not even she could save the movie.

All of the critics and the general public were right. This movie is NOT worth it. My recommendation is to just rent "Grease" instead.

Center Stage (2000)

Entertaining, for what it is...

[6/10 · 14 November 2004]

"Center Stage" is a movie that focuses on a group of friends at the American Ballet Academy, and the drama of their lives, all with a fantastic dance sequence at the end.

Most of the characters are played by professional dancers, and you can tell, as the acting leaves something to be desired. Clearly not the same as "Fame", "Center Stage" takes its strong suit, dancing, and runs with it.

Yes, the actors are lame and the lines are cheesy, but yipes, can they dance!

This movie is a fun, brainless way to spend two hours. But don't expect too much, other than the dance sequences.