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Reviews
Agent Cody Banks (2003)
Made for Teen Movie; no real surprises here
I had the "pleasure" of viewing "Agent Cody Banks" at my theater before a sneak peak of the film. After viewing the movie, I realized that we haven't seen an innovative spy movie in a long time. This film mimics the James Bond, Spy Kids, etc. script almost exactly. What this means is that any audience member who has seen this type of movie before will know exactly what to expect- all of the spy clichés, the unrealistic circumstances, the big save at the end, and of course lots of explosions. This movie will do well in a teen market, but no academy awards here. The acting is mediocre at best; the director's style is stock; the cinematography is elementary. While Frankie Muniz is a talented child actor, he couldn't save the film. On a final note, I have a qualm with the "PG" rating. This film displays a good amount of violence, including a shot of a man being "eaten away" from the inside. Parents trust these ratings, and I think a "PG-13" rating would be more appropriate. Go see the film if your just looking for a few cheap hours of stale entertainment, but don't expect anything original here.
The Hot Chick (2002)
Exactly what you'd expect from a Happy Madison film and nothing more
I walked into this film expecting your typical Adam Sandler/Rob Schnieder film. You know the kind, Happy Gilmore, Deuce Bigalow, etc. They are all good for a few cheap laughs, but do not really compare to the cinematic greats by Speilburg and P.T. Anderson. I am not stating that there is anything wrong with this just making a short point. Regardless, it is a mildly funny movie, especially if you enjoy this type of humor. A lot of slapstick and corny jokes fill this movie. I do have to say that Rob Schneider does pretty well, playing a female teenager throughout a majority of the film. All of the nuancing does make for a few laughs on screen. I gave this film a six.
The 7th Guest (1993)
Dark and Chilling but great addicting puzzles
I first came across this game when it first came out and immediately bought it just because the box looked really great. Even though it is just a box it really depicts the game. Just as the box is the game is dark, lonely, and invites you to play. I found myself playing it for hours trying to solve the puzzles. At the time the graphics were ground-breaking and the game play was unique. I played and got to the end, with a little help from the strategy guide. Now a few years later I played it again and found myself interested again. As mentioned before the graphics are stunning and the acting is pretty good. The story is very good, except at the end I felt a little confused and wanted more. The puzzles were a good assortment of very easy and very hard (Stauf's face). Overall it is a great puzzle game that will pull you into the house and will not let you leave. Now I understand that they made a sequel, The 11th hour. Ill have to go check that out.
Phantom Town (1999)
A corny horror movie, that can be entertaining if you have absolutely nothing else to do.
When I watched this movie it was an afternoon after I got home from work. I love horror movies and have seen some really cheesy ones, but this takes the cake. The plot presented to the viewer in the beginning of the movie seems a little intriguing, but as the movie progresses the script makes a wrong turn with horrible cliches and bad presentation, which in turn makes the movie completely dull and boring. I don't mean to keep criticizing the script and plot, because believe me that is not the worst part. I have to say as a whole the acting was not terrible for beginning actors, and I was impressed with Taylor Locke, this being one of his first movies. The worst part of the movie was the special effects. They reeked of low budget, and really ruined the viewers entertainment, even if he had been remotely interested in the plot. I do recommend you watch this movie to understand the power of a bad script and plot. Only then can you really appreciate good writers and directors.
The Matrix (1999)
An excellent movie, which intrigues you and dazzles the screen with amazing camera and computer effects.
The Matrix is probably the best movie experience I have seen in a long time. This movie amazed me and, really held my attention well. The plot is very good and unique, which really says a lot about the brothers that wrote and directed the movie.
As I already said I was blown away. Even though it is marketed as a sci-fi film it really appeals to all genres. It had great action, including one incredible scene where Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne fight, comedy, science-fiction, and very little drama. This well rounded film keeps you asking for more after you leave the theater.
To speak for the technology of this film, I think a good word to describe it is revolutionary. In no other film will you see the massive computer and camera effects. All of the fight scenes were very well put together to give you a very good feel for what the actors were doing every move, instead of jerking you around and leaving you clueless. Nothing can describe the amazing computer graphics. It just blows away every other movie out now.
The plot is completely unique and is not too sci-fi to lose its reality. The actors really make the movie. They are great in showing the action, and making you know what is going on.
Finally, I would like to say that I was so impressed that I went to see it three times after I saw it the first. Everything combined makes this a truly great movie that I would see over and over again.