Movies8586 Reviews

The Stepford Wives (2004)

Pretty good.

[9/10 · 23 June 2004]

Not exactly the knockout satire I was hoping for, but I delightful way to knock 90 minutes out of your day.

Nicole Kidman gives a great performance as a ball-busting TV producer who loses her job, and recruits her family to the suspiciously perfect town of Stepford, where all of the women are like "deranged flight attendants". Her performance, however, belongs in a slightly better film.

Bette Midler, Roger Bart, and Glenn Close standout in the superlative supporting cast (also including Matthew Broderick, Christopher Walken, Jon Lovitz, Mike White, and country recording star Faith Hill). But... wait until you see (SPOILER!) Nicole Kidman as a Stepford wife. She looks...(sigh)...stunning.

Lapses in logic aside, and while not necessarily an Oscar contender, THE STEPFORD WIVES is a humorous piece of fluff that you might enjoy, depending on what mood you are in.

About Schmidt (2002)

Beautifully written and acted!

[10/10 · 25 May 2003]

Jack Nicholson, Kathy Bates, Dermot Mulroney, and Hope Davis give jaw-droppingly real performances in this hilarious, touching, and completely mesmerizing film from Alexander Payne.

It is a surprisingly sweet-hearted movie about a man who, after decades of employment in a corporation, struggles to find the REAL meaning of his life. Is he a failure, or can he really affect someone?

Great acting and poignant writing are the highlights of this miraculous dramedy!

Femme Fatale (2002)

One of the year's best!

[10/10 · 25 April 2003]

FEMME FATALE, Brian De Palma's latest exercise in the erotic thriller world, is an intoxicating, utterly sexy masterpiece. This is a great example of filmmaking on the highest level, slinky yet elegant, challenging yet fun.

I found myself immensely pleased with the ever-expanding acting talent of Rebecca Romijn-Stamos (who played a sinister villain the terrific X-MEN adaptation). Romijn-Stamos is absolutely perfect in the title role of Laure Ash, an expert con artist: icy, gorgeous, and alluring. Antonio Banderas also gives a very strong performance as Nicolas Bardo, the retired photographer who is unwillingly caught in Laure's web of crime.

If you are looking for a great time at the movies, look no further than FEMME FATALE. When watching it, don't take it seriously. Just have fun and enjoy one of the most entertaining films of the year.

The Hours (2002)

Outstanding, just outstanding!

[10/10 · 20 February 2003]

THE HOURS is a masterpiece, directed by theatre master, Stephen Daldry. It stars three of the best, most diverse, and accomplished actresses of our time: Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep, and Julianne Moore. Also, it has the distinction of showcasing the finest ensemble cast of the year (including Ed Harris, Stephen Dillane, Allison Janney, Claire Danes, Jeff Daniels, Miranda Richardson, Eileen Atkins, Toni Collette, and newcomer Jack Rovello).

The film is based on Michael Cunningham's brilliant novel (which happens to be my favorite), and the screenplay is hauntingly written by David Hare.

I was amazed by every minute of this glorious film.

Punch-Drunk Love (2002)

Simple, strange, sweet!

[10/10 · 20 February 2003]

Paul Thomas Anderson's PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE is undoubtedly the strangest romantic comedy I have ever seen. However, I was completely blown away by how sweet it was, how "real" the two characters of Barry and Lena were drawn.

Adam Sandler gives the best performance of his career as a man who has spent his whole life running away from love. Emily Watson is simply adorable as the mysterious woman who comes into his life and shows him the ups and downs of a relationship. As always, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Luis Guzman are great fun to watch.

Anderson deserves an Oscar for writing this simple, strange, and sweet concoction. It is one of the year's best films.

Adaptation. (2002)

Mind-blowingly clever!

[10/10 · 20 February 2003]

Although I did not particularly like BEING JOHN MALKOVICH, the same team (Spike Jonze & Charlie Kaufman) have produced ADAPTATION, a strange, charming, and funny comedy about Charlie Kaufman's real-life difficulty (and ultimate failure) in adapting Susan Orlean's novel, THE ORCHID THIEF.

Everything you have heard is true. The writing is sharp. Although I never really liked Nicolas Cage, he is wonderful here. Meryl Streep and Chris Cooper are equally enjoyable!

It is refreshing, nowadays, to see such a clever little movie getting so much attention. Hopefully, things won't change.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

Very, very good.

[10/10 · 20 February 2003]

Although it is nowhere near as enchanting and breathtaking as FELLOWSHIP, THE TWO TOWERS is an exciting sequel that (more or less) lives up to the hype. It is a very good movie.

Peter Jackson did a great job, as did Andy Serkis, who turns Gollum/Smeagol into the best character in the film.

Chicago (2002)

Simply irresistable!

[10/10 · 28 December 2002]

(NOTE: This review was written by someone who has seen the Broadway revival of CHICAGO, starring Bebe Neuwirth.)

CHICAGO, the long-awaited film version of the Kander/Ebb/Fosse musical, is a dazzling spectacle helmed by Rob Marshall.

Renée Zellweger gives the performances of her career as Roxie Hart. I knew she could act beautifully (see BRIDGET JONES's DIARY), but could she sing and dance? Yes, and quite well.

Even though I already knew that Catherine Zeta-Jones and Richard Gere started in the musical theatre, there turns still surprised the heck out of me. Especially Zeta-Jones, whose sexy and sly Velma Kelly is a knockout.

Queen Latifah and John C. Reilly are both terrific in there respective roles. Christine Baranski, Taye Diggs, Dominic West, Mya, and Lucy Liu offer splendid support.

Rob Marshall did a great job directing this black diamond of a film. While it must have been a creative nightmare adapting this show for the screen, it looks effortless and fantastic.

CHICAGO is one of the best films of 2002, and will undoubtedly get some recognition when the Oscars come around.

Lovely & Amazing (2001)

The title says it all.

[10/10 · 21 December 2002]

LOVELY & AMAZING is director/writer Nicole Holefcener's brilliant follow-up to WALKING & TALKING.

This film is a beautiful, touching, and realistic portrayal of three young women who are in desperate need to find something good about their lives. These characters are detailed and flawed (just like the rest of us).

This cast is exceptional! Catherine Keener, Emily Mortimer, Brenda Blethyn, Jake Gyllenhaal, Dermot Mulroney, and young Raven Goodwin give terrific performances.

This is, undoubtedly, one of the best films of the year.

Igby Goes Down (2002)

Absolutely terrific!

[10/10 · 12 December 2002]

IGBY GOES DOWN is a wonderful dramedy that follows the adventures of a rude, foul-mouthed rebel who (surprisingly) has a good heart in him.

Keiran Culkin knocks the title role right out of the park. He is backed by a flawless supporting cast (including Ryan Phillippe, Claire Danes, the brilliant Susan Sarandon, Jeff Goldblum, and Bill Pullman).

Although Igby might SEEM like a complete jerk... he is. But, in the end, the audience realizes that there is a lot more going on that what it seems.

This is, undoubtedly, one of the year's very best films!

Insomnia (2002)

An exceptional thriller-drama!

[10/10 · 12 December 2002]

INSOMNIA is a creepy and meaningful drama by Christopher Nolan (the overrated MEMENTO).

This film features tense music by David Julyan and excellent performances by Pacino, Williams, Swank, Tierney, and Jackson.

Among other things, INSOMNIA is a well-written character study, with a pace that never lets up.

Changing Lanes (2002)

An affecting drama

[10/10 · 12 December 2002]

CHANGING LANES is a provocative, twisty, turny drama that exploits the good and bad side in all of us.

Samuel L. Jackson and Ben Affleck give great performances, with a strong ensemble cast (including Toni Collette, Sydney Pollack, William Hurt, Amanda Peet, and Kim Staunton) tightening things up.

To put it simply, this is one of the year's best films.

Far from Heaven (2002)

By far, the best film of the year!

[10/10 · 10 December 2002]

Everything is right in FAR FROM HEAVEN, Todd Haynes's homage to 50's melodramas.

Just from watching this flawless film, you can tell that Mr. Haynes is a natural director/writer. The always-wonderful Julianne Moore delivers the best performance of her career, bringing earthiness and credible emotion to a role that could have been overacted (if Mr. Haynes had cast the wrong actress). Dennis Quaid and Dennis Haysbert are also terrific in their respective roles.

Great acting, tender script, lush musical score, gorgeous costumes & design, brilliant direction... What more could you ask for? Unlike the overrated and completely artificial A BEAUTIFUL MIND, HEAVEN earns the tears of the audience with real sincerity and heart.

PS - Did I mention that this is the best film of the year?

The Ring (2002)

The scariest film of 2002!

[10/10 · 21 November 2002]

Naomi Watts (who was absolutely stunning in MULHOLLAND DRIVE) gives a terrific performance in THE RING, Gore Verbinski's remake of RINGU (a recent Japanese horror film).

The story concerns Rachel Keller, a reporter who decides to investigate the origin of a sinister videotape, following the sudden and unexplained death of her neice.

The more the film goes on, the scarier and more hypnotic it becomes. It all comes down to a final 20 minutes that will have you squirming and screaming in your seat.

Martin Henderson, Brian Cox, Daveigh Chase, and newcomer David Dorfman give god supporting performances (especially Chase and Henderson).

No blood, no big name stars, just atmosphere, dread, and a great film!

Frailty (2001)

One of the year's best horror films!

[10/10 · 7 October 2002]

FRAILTY is a horrifying, and even moving, Southern Gothic horror film, directed by actor Bill Paxton. It is about what happens when a terrible burden is put on a small family.

What more can be said that hasn't been said before? Bill Paxton impresses- not only behind the camera, but in front (he plays 'Dad'). Matthew McConaughey, Powers Boothe, and young actor Matt O'Leary also give great performances.

If you want to see a REAL horror film (and not a slasher flick), see FRAILTY.

Red Dragon (2002)

A masterpiece!

[10/10 · 6 October 2002]

RED DRAGON, the prequel to THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS and HANNIBAL, may very well be the best of the 'Hannibal Lecter' trilogy. It is the scariest, tightest, and most intelligent.

Brett Ratner expertly directs this horrifying tale about how Hannibal got caught, and how he helped a retired FBI agent (Edward Norton) track down a demented killer known as The Tooth Fairy (Ralph Fiennes). Ratner uses his talent to put an urgent rush through RED DRAGON, and it helps to quicken the heartbeat of the audience.

No other actor can play the role of Hannibal like Sir Anthony Hopkins. The man IS Hannibal. All Hopkins has to do is look at you someway or use his soothing, articulate voice to hiss something diabolical... and chills immediately run up and down your spine.

EVERYONE in this outstanding ensemble cast does a great job (standouts include Hopkins, Norton, Fiennes, and Emily Watson).

RED DRAGON is a crafty, inventive, clever, delicious, and suspenseful masterpiece! One of the best films of 2002!

I Am Sam (2001)

Excellent film with brilliant performances!

[3 September 2002]

Although some may dismiss it as a re-hash of played-out ideas, I AM SAM is a wonderful, entertaining, and touching film.

Sean Penn is absolutely magnificent in the title role of Sam. Unlike Russell Crowe in A BEAUTIFUL MIND, I actually forgot that Sean Penn was not really handicapped. He was extremely believable in the role.

Michelle Pheiffer gives another amazingly solid performance as Rita Harrison, the hard-edged lawyer who will do what she can to help Sam regain custody of his beloved daughter.

I AM SAM also showcases a number of other extraordinary performances. Dakota Fanning, Laura Dern, Dianne Wiest, Loretta Devine, and Richard Schiff all turn in great examples of pure acting.

I AM SAM is a heartbreaking and heartwarming film. If you don't believe me, rent it.

Signs (2002)

The best film of 2002!

[1 September 2002]

M. Night Shyamalan's SIGNS is an outstanding film about a priest (Mel Gibson) who loses his faith, following a family tragedy. But, after something very unexpected and other-worldly happens... Well... see the movie!

SIGNS is well directed, well acted (especially by Joaquin Phoenix, whom deserves an Oscar nomination for his touching and accessible performance as Merrill), and just extremely well done.

Thus far, it's the best film of the year!

One Hour Photo (2002)

Excellent and disturbing thriller!

[10/10 · 1 September 2002]

Robin Williams delivers his finest performance in this exceptional film about a man who will stop at nothing to involve himself in a family he has always admired, even though they barely know him.

Everyone in the cast (including Connie Nielsen, Michael Vartan, and Gary Cole) does an outstanding job.

The film was very well directed and written (both courtesy of Mark Romanek). The haunting score was also wonderful.

Suspenseful, intelligent, nerve-wracking, and even darkly humorous, ONE HOUR PHOTO is one of the best films of the year!

Minority Report (2002)

Spielberg's latest masterpiece!

[1 September 2002]

MINORITY REPORT is the latest vision from the legendary director, Steven Spielberg.

Tom Cruise gives an excellent performance as Chief John Anderton. Samantha Morton also gives a riveting performance as Agatha.

Steven Spielberg is a genius.

MINORITY REPORT is one of the best films of the year.

I have nothing else to say.

Monster's Ball (2001)

Very powerful

[10/10 · 26 August 2002]

MONSTER's BALL is a wonderful Southern drama, about the power of true love... even if it means cutting through racism.

Billy Bob Thornton, Halle Berry (in her Oscar-winning performance), Heath Ledger, Peter Boyle, Sean Combs, and Mos Def all deliver magnificent performances.

Credit must go to the director (Marc Foster)and writer's (Milo Addica & Will Rokos) for their heartfelt work.

Need I say more?

In the Bedroom (2001)

An exceptional drama

[26 August 2002]

Where do I start?

Well, everything that you've heard is true: IN THE BEDROOM is one of the best films of 2001. It is raw, touching, engaging, and always real.

This film also features outstanding performances by Sissy Spacek, Tom Wilkinson, and Maria Tomei (who should have won the Oscar for her effective performance). The remaining cast (including Nick Stahl) do wonderful jobs, as well.

Todd Field is certainly a natural film maker. He knows how to use the camera in order to capture the mood and essence of each scene.

IN THE BEDROOM is, quite simply, a brilliant film.

Ocean's Eleven (2001)

A classic caper-comedy!

[10/10 · 26 August 2002]

OCEAN's ELEVEN is a cool, slick comedy!

Let me be brief.

It features smooth performances by all (stand-outs include Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, and Carl Reiner). Steven Soderbergh's direction is inventive. Finally, Ted Griffin's screenplay is snappy and funny.

If you want to have a good ol' time at the movies, check out this solid hit.

Amélie (2001)

Funny, romantic, and charming!

[10/10 · 26 August 2002]

Despite what some people may say, AMÉLIE is such a sweet-hearted, feel-good movie. If you are not in the mood to see a challening, thought-provoking film, see this. Not only will it cheer you up, but it will make you feel differently about the way you interact with people.

Featuring a great performance by Audrey Tautou, and brilliant direction by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, AMÉLIE is pure magic!

Ghost World (2001)

A rich and personal comedy.

[10/10 · 26 August 2002]

GHOST WORLD is a touching drama/comedy from Terry Zwigoff and Daniel Clowes.

It is a funny and emotionally layered film that pokes fun at the glossiness of modern pop culture, as well as establishes an unlikely relationship between two completely different people (with similar hearts).

Thora Birch and Steve Buscemi give terrific performances.