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Reviews
Hugo (2011)
Hugo is a Winner!
Amazing story, characters, cinematography, costumes, cast, effects. Loved the story and how everyone filled out their roles. The Story was woven together so well you get sucked in and root for Hugo (Asa) and Chloe (Isabelle)to finish their adventure the right way. We had hoped for more out of the Automaton but OK with it's critical history and so glad it survived. Always new Martin Scorsese was a gifted director but other types of movies. He has proved himself again with this Excellent Family Production. We Would see it again without hesitation. Worth seeing and great for kids especially if they love adventures and have imaginations.
Neverland (2011)
A Neverland that Never Delivers
My Wife & I really looked forward to this special show and were so disappointed. The characters were interesting in the beginning and then mostly not that likable. Plot so far off and jazzed up with low budget special effects from the original story that it was painful to watch at some points. The events in Neverland were so "Dark" that it was hard to feel good at the end. Poor editing for the TV-Commercial format were like they literally chopped scenes for commercials. The most abrupt ending going to credits and commercials for the next shows not appreciated. SyFy Channel used to do better. Wished we had back the (3)hours of viewing time for something better. Feel sorry for everyone who watched the full 4 hours with commercials.
The Expendables (2010)
Great on Action movie but short on Story
This is a great Action movie as in Great on Action but very short on story. I know it's not an awards type movie unless body count is a new category but it has some character development so you know the players but some characters were limited time in the movie. Great intro scene to the "job" with Bruce W. & Governor Arnold. It needed more story to help with the chaos and action the Expendables caused. So why did they name themselves the expendables??? Good chemistry with Sly, Jason & Jet and Mickey. Eric R. was a good Bad guy as the real heavy. Might make enough to do a sequel but it needs to have more story to get me interested. Hopefully they don't bother with any ideas of going 3-D. Too many movies out there in 3-D that shouldn't be already. Enjoy it for the pure Action movie it is. Nothing more.
Piranha 3D (2010)
Great Piranha Sequel but 3-D not worth it
I enjoyed this new sequell/remake. Good Characters, actors, script overall. Jerry O. was perfect as the Movie Director/Producer! Likable Characters for the Sheriff and her Kids and supporting cast. Would have been nice to see more of Christopher Lloyd too. Maybe in a sequel. And Kelly Brooke-What else can you say but she is Awesome on Film! Wish it was out in 2-D because it was not worth the extra $$ to watch with glasses. This was an Entertaining movie with lots of action, huge body count and some really mean fish. I might see it again if it gets out in 2-D. Don't go see it expecting an award for anything other than special effects. It's not that kind of movie. Just enjoy it for what it is.
August Rush (2007)
One of the Top 5 Movies in 2007!
What a great movie. Can't say enough about it. Great Story, performances, settings, editing and Soundtrack. You like August from the first time you see him in the boys home and on through his search for his parents. If you have trouble with viewing scenes with lots of camera motion, sit in back. The music in motion was incredible but sometimes hard to follow but the editing was so good- who cares. You see into each character more and more through the movie and keep hoping for the best. Has to be up for Best picture, Screenplay, Actor, Actress, Cinematography, soundtrack categories. Not just because of August but the Love Story and what happened to 2 young Musicians and their Lives. Would see it again in a second.
No Country for Old Men (2007)
Excellent Movie!!
Very Well Directed, excellent Performances by everyone. Tommy Lee Jones at his Best. Keeps you hanging in there for the Llewelyn. He and Anton are like Energizer Bunnies-They just keep taking it and come back for more. Llewellyn was always trying to do the right thing but the odds were so high against him. May be frustrating to some who want "Closure" and a different ending. Hope the DVD offers alternate endings. Still an Excellent movie to see. Nominations for Best Actors, Supporting Actors, Directors, and Movie for sure at the next Academy Awards. Too bad there has to be only (1) winner each. This movie keeps you thinking for a while so do something fun after-wards.
Anger Management (2003)
You may need AM after this movie!
We may need Anger Management after seeing this movie. All that Talent. All that potential. All those production resources. But for a pretty dark, not-very-funny-most-of-the-time movie, it was a waste of our time. Our Theater was 1/3 full of people Waiting to laugh.
They were so close to being funny, so many times. The slapstick scenes and hot and cold Wacko behavior, was not worthy of the talent put into the movie. If fingers were pointed- the Director and Writing staff should Be Ashamed. The over all message of the movie was clear but it was delivered badly.
Won't watch it again. Won't rent it either. Save your $$. Go watch "Analyze This" again to at least give you some real laughs.
Barely a 4 out of 10.
Bringing Down the House (2003)
Funny Movie!
This is a Fun to watch movie. Some very funny parts. Steve, Queen and Eugene were great. Especially Eugene. He really got into his role of the Hip, swinging Lawyer Dude. Some parts were a stretch and seemed awkward but a good effort overall.
Worth a 6 out of 10.
Shogun (1980)
Easy to lose yourself in the Series.
What an excellent Mini-Series! After reading the book then seeing it come to life on TV, you can lose yourself in the Series. The Casting, Cinematography, Sets, Costumes and Acting were nothing less than Perfect.
You can actually learn some basic Japanese words and phrases from closely reading the book. James Clevell blended the Language lessons into Pilot's training and familiarization so well, you felt like you learned and felt with him. The Series did it almost as well but you were distracted by seeing living, breathing characters. The life and times were hard. The Barbarian world with the Unhealthy and downright odd beliefs and superstitions. Then the Ancient Culture of Japan, Brutal but with much beauty and creativity. Both full of Scheming, Evil, Honorable, Likeable, and Hateful characters.
I consider this the all-time #1 made for TV movie events. Too bad the voting scale only goes to 10.
Old School (2003)
Old re-hash- Yes!
An old rehash of many movies already long gone. Updated a bit for 2003. In many ways a waste of good actors or comedians. Some inspired scenes and a few down right hilarious ones. Too bad they are blended with a lot of poorly or overdone or just plain crude and stupid material.
Revenge of the Nerds meets Animal house and no where near as funny or original as those 2 movies. Directing and acting very uneven. A few Highs and lots of Lows.
Hope they don't make enough money to bother with a sequel. Giving it a 5 but that's being "kind". Save your $8.
The Life of David Gale (2003)
Makes you think hard about Capital punishment.
This was an excellent movie. Characters with substance. Likeable but with flaws. Very well acted. The plot and pace were good over-all. The Mystery man in the pickup truck kept you wondering what his intentions were all along. The last plot twist was not a total surprise but I don't know if it could have been done any different.
They keep you guessing until the end. Final scenes even make you speculate what the full agenda was.
We live in an imperfect world. Evidence can and will be used, or mis-used against you. Everyone has an agenda. Even those on Death Row.
A tough movie with a tough subject but Very worth while to see.
The Recruit (2003)
Al Pacino at his Best!
A great movie with Al Pacino at his best. Yes, Colin Ferrell is the real deal too. He matched Pacino for Character and performance under pressure.
Great dialogue. Good Pace. Good chemistry. What a process of elimination or addition. Al seems to be enjoying these kinds of roles. He was excellent in Devil's Advocate. Excellent in Insomnia and Just as great in The Recruit.
They had you going most of the time. Hoping for one thing, expecting another and then getting something else in the bargain.
Good effects and Great performances- hard to beat. Especially when the
characters are more important than the effects.
A solid 8!
Two Weeks Notice (2002)
Fun and friendly movie.
This was a funny movie. Some more facets in their roles for both Hugh and Sandra. Elements of past characters but different enough to keep you interested. Both eccentric in many ways and some what of a stretch for how they end up working together but well done overall. Two flawed people- 1 striving for perfection in everyone and everything and never happy. 1 not wanting perfection, willing to bend, listen and settle for less and mostly happy. Until he sees what he's missing.
A few awkward moments. Especially the office gathering Farewell scene. Combination of poor script and direction left us asking ourselves if it was Awkward or confusing or just poor execution? It didn't work!
A good story overall. A better ending than the abrupt "Someone Like You" which just ended on the street. The extra scene at the end was GREAT!!
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
Non-stop adventure and excitement
The 2nd movie of the series does not disappoint. It was non-stop adventure and excitement The few parts that did seem to slow down were long to sit through but helped give you more background or information on the characters.
The battle between good and evil is even more overpowering in this movie. Gollum/Smeagol was such an unusual character. The real actor is never seen but knowing he was actually being filmed and CGI altered later made his part even more difficult. His face was ugly at first but his eyes were mesmerising after the first few closups. Obsession was running wild for him, Frodo and others.
So many characters are being Tested during the movie. Do the right thing or take the easy way. Turn on Frodo or not. Steal the ring or not.
A more than worthy sequel in the series. We are so glad they decided to put in the ENT's.
The Ring (2002)
Creepy, Suspense filled & 95% Well Done!
This was one Creepy and suspense-filled movie. Overall, Very Well done. I won't give anything away. I think I figured out the ending but it could have been made better to clear a few things up. Hopefully not done just to leave room for the sequel. (Not a bad idea but it would have to be well written.) Plenty of evil left over for the next one.
Great Acting- especially Naomi. She showed courage in spite of what she learned along the way. Not the best of Mom's but she proved to be strong and willing to improve.
Makes you wonder about the original Japanese version that is so popular over there. It would be difficult to see in sub-titles.
The special effects and photography were great.
I do recommend it but not if you don't like creepy movies. If you are sensitive and a light sleeper- don't watch. You won't trust your TV for weeks.
Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
Sweet Reese!!
Sweet Reese does it again. She's done another excellent job on the Big Screen in a lead role. She can carry a picture- if she has too. The good news is this was a very good movie.
A bit slow in parts but for a fish out of water- fish goes back in the water story, very well done overall. You learn more about her character as the movie rolls along. Why she left is sooooo important. Why she came back is under the surface.
The most emotional scenes- in the graveyard and when she and her husband Really talk, were great.
Good supporting cast. We miss seeing Patrick Dempsey. He's had some plastic surgery and looks like a real Ladies man and he's still got what it takes. He can still be a real Loverboy or a real Bad guy. He just needs the right parts.
Candice Bergen has carved out a real niche for herself in an almost as Evil, mean role as she had in Miss Congeniality. So bad but so fun to watch and listen too. She can cut people down to size in a heartbeat.
A fun, entertaining and very Romantic movie. Worth seeing-even twice.
Blood Work (2002)
Good Work on Bloodwork.
Clint Eastwood has not lost his touch for directing. An unusual story. Similar to a few other movies but enough new or altered material to keep you interested.
Jeff Daniels- EXCELLENT! One sneaky neighbor or what! A Profiler's nightmare if ever we saw one. A chameleon with long hair.
The story was all good except for the part about Clint getting a new girl friend. Too much of a stretch on the age difference. Not good romance material at all. It didn't help and they both seemed uncomfortable in scenes.
Worth seeing.
Road to Perdition (2002)
The road to Excellence!!
A great movie on the road to Excellence. It was such and excellent movie. Tom & Tyler were an awesome pair as Father & Son. Tom was no saint. Raised hard, lived hard but with a Soul deep down and at least some sense of Justice. Not just revenge. A bit of Robin Hood rolled in for good measure. Paul Newman was very good. He always is. Left you wanting to see him hang on but he lead a hard life too.
Jude Law was downright evil. You forget all his other parts and stay on edge just watching him track the Sullivans'. Hobbies within Hobbies like you've not seen before. An Artist in some respects but WITH no respect.
Surprises along the way right up to a very fitting ending.
I would see it again without hesitation. A true 10 all the way to the Oscars.
Signs (2002)
All The Right Signs!
A controversial subject to say the least. This Movie had all the right "signs" for making you want to see it. VERY Interesting trailers that did not disappoint you once you sit in front of the big screen and watch it unfold.
Everyone, including the Kids, were EXCELLENT! What a different role for Mel. At first it was hard to understand why he seemed obtuse in his responses to others- the Sheriff and his Brother. Then you learn what he and his family have been going through and where he's coming from.
The plot seemed slow at first then just rolled along. You ask yourself where are they going with this? Hoax, Spoof, or some new variation. M. Night did such a great job weaving this tail, doing some very convincing cameo work and what an ending.
No Big Sci-Fi Effects blockbuster. A mind teaser and keep you on the edge of your seat experience.
Would see it again gladly.
Minority Report (2002)
Tom & Steven are Back!
What a great movie! Tom & Steven are definitely back. After the mixed reviews and a little too-deep A.I.(with no likeable characters) and Vanilla Sky with a story that sucks you in then drops you flat, Minority Report was a huge improvement for both.
A few things to overlook but great characters, great story and yes- Excellent special effects. Moral issues about genetics are raised and make you ask questions the entire movie. Twists, turns and unexpected outcomes take you for an emotional ride with Tom and Agatha. Reminded us of Terminator series. The future is not set.
The movie did not just stand on special effects. They were blended in and such a part of the story. One scene with the Spiders is so vivid in how it shows humans adapting to technology, loss of privacy and yet nothing got in the way of human interactions.
A great movie. Worth seeing. A 10 all the way.
Panic Room (2002)
Home Invasion Roller-coaster!
What an Exciting Movie. A real home invasion roller-coaster. Jodie Foster was Great. Kristen Stewart may get nominated for supporting actress. Good interaction with Jodie. Forest Whitaker was perfect.
Dwight Yoakam was downright Evil. He was good in Sling Blade but this was a much more sinister role. He character slowly emerged and you liked him less & less. One scene was very reminiscent of Jack in "The Shining". You'll see. Dwight may get nominated too but they have to get over disliking his character.
The twists and turns were very well scripted and directed. Amazing how things change. The Cinematography should get nominated. Screen play was great. Special effects may get nominated too. Not one thing to
dis-like about this movie except it's hard to grasp home invasion incidents. The best laid plans- don't always work do they.
I am amazed there are no votes out on this movie yet. Worth seeing but please don't bring children. Saw way too many 5-10 year old kids with parents and you have wonder what the heck they are thinking. This movie could make some kids very edgy on dark, stormy nights. Be prepared for a few nightmares if you take yours.
Would see it again in a heartbeat.
We Were Soldiers (2002)
All that Military power and so little Mil-Intelligence. Just Courage.
This was an EXCELLENT Movie. As hard to watch at times as Saving Private Ryan. Harder for me remembering friends who went over.
I've heard of this story but never read about it. It so hard to comprehend what happened. Not just to the 7th as the first to Fight but for all 58000+ who died and those who were wounded and survived with so many kinds of scars.
The brutality and reality of war had to be close to the real thing. Gut wrenching and shocking but they handled it well. It doesn't need to be more real. The messages were all clear. Including how inept their command and intelligence structure were. NO ONE Was truly prepared except the Vets who went. And they went in anyway. Think about it.
Mel should be nominated for Best Actor. The Movie should be for best picture. Best Director as well. There were way too many good supporting performances to pick just one.
I vividly remember the Draft Lottery in High School. I was lucky and drew a high number. But I can't count how many times I've wondered what may have happened with a lower number. It angers me still to know how some in our country treated those young men and women returning alive. Shame is the only word kind word that comes to mind.
A movie worth seeing if you have a strong stomach. Whatever events were altered for the Cinema can't overshadow the final result. A powerful movie you won't forget.
Showtime (2002)
The Bob & Eddie Show!
This is a funny movie. The Bob & Eddie Show feel of it could lead to a sequel but I doubt it will make enough money.
Deniro proves he can be a great Straight man again with some hilarious and spontaneous moments. Eddie was fun to watch working with people instead of CGI animals and rodents. Rene Russo- well she's just fun to watch anyway and she's played her part excellent.
Some wild and unusual stunts, especially the garbage truck scene. This was worth seeing in the theater. We needed a good laugh and got many from the movie and the great out-takes at the end. DO NOT LEAVE at the start of the credits!
At least a 7.
Collateral Damage (2002)
Arnold does it again.
Yes, Arnold does it again. A Well paced action movie with some good performances. Arnie can take and give punishment with the best. After
all the concern for reaction to this movie following 9-11, we felt nothing was improper, in bad taste or poor timing. Not an easy beginning to watch but they did not go overboard on special effects explosions and gore like Swordfish. We know what Hollywood effects can do. They're just not always necessary. The lack of language was not a loss at all. The torture scene with the Slithering supporting actor did not seem to fit but was unusual to say the least.
The plot was a stretch for how successful Arnold was in reaching his prey. Some visual effects were just not that good. Arnold played a believable Character and his pain and rage were well done. Being a parent himself probably helps compared to past movies.
The Twists and turns at the end were done very well. Everyone played their likeable, lovable or hateful parts. Francesca Neri, a new face for us, was convincing, smooth, cool and downright sexy. This role should lead to more for her.
John Leguizamo & John Turturro were Very good in supporting roles. Especially since Arnold could not provide any comedy in this one.
At a least a 6 but I'll go with a 7 out of 10. See it on the Big Screen!
The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)
A Certain amount of Revenge IS a good thing!
We went to this with mixed expectations but this was such a good movie it makes you think a certain amount of Revenge IS a good thing.
All the characters were true to their parts. You liked them or hated them which fits so well. We really enjoyed (like the audience did) each twist and turn. True friends were revealed along the way and more than equal to the true enemies he encountered.
Richard Harris did such a great job. Made you wish for more scenes.
A bit of a story stretch for one man to have so much information and skills to exchange after 11 years in prison. All his personal perks were puzzling, but we suspended our dis-belief and enjoyed the ride.
Jim C. has steadily proven he can carry larger leading roles. Guy P. has proven his versatility again. He was so EVIL! Jealousy in it's purest human form.
An excellent movie worth seeing. Even twice.