mary-262 Reviews

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)

Very Good

[8/10 · 4 July 2006]

I first saw this movie in a movie theater, and then bought it on DVD. My husband and I were the first of our family to see this movie, to preview it for our children (ages 10 and 4). I'm a huge fan of the books, and highly recommend them to anyone who loves to watch a character grow through a series of novels. I have to write, first of all, that I miss Columbus as the director. His vision of Harry's world was beautiful. And that's probably the main issue with why Warner Brothers went with another director for these "darker" movies further on in the Harry Potter series. I also understand that Rowling really enjoyed how the director Newell crafted this movie, and agreed with what he had to cut out.

The primary scene I was looking forward to being adapted from the book was the quidditch match for the world cup. Overall, it was a short and sweet adaptation. But from that point on, you really just need to hold onto your seat/couch, as this movie takes off at super sonic pace. Again, where is the lovely banter between the characters? Where is the character development? Because of that same pace, that concern to pack into the movie as much of the story as possible, the director seems to have missed that central element of the Harry Potter franchise: the characters and their relationships to one another.

How will Harry and Dumbledore ever get together in terms of having their pivotal scenes in the latest book (Half Blood Prince)? How can anyone buy into these two characters growing with each other? We know Harry cares for Dumbledore and is loyal to him, but beyond that, do we even sense from the movies that Dumbledore cares more for him than any other student? This relationship is something that we know about from the books, and feel their bond so well due to Rowling and her craftsmanship. However, as far as the latest movies are concerned, we don't get that sense at all. And how about the 3 main relationships between Ron, Hermione and Harry? We rarely get to see that at all.

Another note: I have never shown the Voldemort scene (the one of his rebirth) to our children. Neither child is at the point where she could watch this scene and not come away from it with nightmares. I agree that it needed to be in the movie, but be forewarned. Children do not need to see this scene. Probably one scene I would have cut from the movie was the scene where Moody teaches his first class and manipulates a spider. It's gruesome and unnecessary. Especially if you view it repeatedly on DVD...which we have done, and we usually skip that scene as well, at the request of our children.

As Harry and this franchise ages, parents please be prepared. Some scenes will not be viewable by children, and parents should always preview these movies prior to letting their children view them. MPAA has rated this movie as PG-13 for a reason. And I'm sure each HP movie from this point on will have the same rating. As the fake Moody says, "Constant Vigilance!"

And from what I understand, Oldman will not be back for Order of the Pheonix. So, once again, how will moviegoers actually get to see Harry and his "father figure" Black interact with each other? Again, this is a pivotal relationship for Harry.

Overall, this movie is good. But it could have been far better with better editing. This movie wasn't seamless in the least.

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)

Loved It!

[8/10 · 3 July 2006]

I have been waiting and waiting to purchase this DVD site unseen, but bad reviews and my husband stopped me. I found the DVD on sale at Target today for $7.50USD, and viewed it while my kids were napping. I had very low expectations for this movie, and there were times some cheesy dialog, ending, and character development reinforced my expectations. However, what made this movie an 8 out of 10 were the actors, who were actually very good, well casted, and brought an earnestness to their roles. I also really enjoyed many of the fighting scenes. There were some weak plot points, but overall this was a truly enjoyable experience. I would recommend this movie to anyone who asked me.

Underworld: Evolution (2006)

Not As Good As Original, But Guys Will Love It

[6/10 · 22 June 2006]

Contains Spoilers Evolution...not sure it really was an evolution in terms of the plot. The music was better in the first movie (which I've seen 50 times??), as was the main story line. This story line worked hard at being clever, but it never really WAS clever. I thought the beginning was really funny, in that Celine was trying to actually GET BACK to the mansion. The first movie clearly noted that she and Michael were on the run from both of their kinds of people. Where did that plot line go? Mid stream, she turns and goes back to the hide out where Mr. Hybrid was? And then at the end, when Celine turns into some "future" hybrid, when did her transformation take place? Each creature clearly transformed into something evolved, right? So, with Celine...when did she transform? I also read about the threesome in the middle of the movie in terms of a sex scene. I was ready to be grossed out, but it actually was quite tame. Probably not the fantasy every guy imagined there, for sure. However, every male I knew who saw this movie just adored Celine. I really liked the gore scenes. I know, a chick who likes gore! Amazing. I wish they'd shot more of those. I also liked the scene where Celine fought the human soldiers/police in the forest at the beginning of the movie. I wish they'd done more of that as well. The flow of the movie would have been far better if they'd shot the movie with more of the "other world mutant" body movements as well....think fast and furious. Wonder if they'll get the financial backing to make a third?

Howl's Moving Castle (2004)

Wow

[10/10 · 23 July 2005]

Note: Possible Spoilers

I gave this movie a 10 out of 10, so I should warn you ahead of time that I loved this movie completely. My husband and I saw this movie last night on our "date night" and just were blown away. I've read reviews where folks think that this movie is not as good as the other Studio Ghibli movies (we have almost all of them) and so we were wary. Frankly, this turned out to be such a great date movie! It was truly a love story, and I believe that this was the first of Studio Ghibli's true love stories. At least it seems to be the only one of it's kind in English.

The best part of this movie happens when Howl introduces Sophie to a wildflower swept field, which is Howl's own personal space, and is a memory from his childhood. At that point, my husband and I were completely immersed in the world that Ghibli once again wonderfully and almost magically created. Believe me, when you reach that point in the movie, you will be "spirited away." Pun intended.

We will purchase this movie when it is released on DVD, and cannot wait to watch this movie again and again. Our children love Miyazaki's movies, and as well they should...he never has disappointed us.

A Cinderella Story (2004)

Okay

[4/10 · 23 October 2004]

This movie is a teenie bop movie in most every aspect. Duff is a likable enough celebrity, and Murray is certainly not hard on the eyes, no matter what your age. I cry at every movie, and I almost shed a tear when all hope seemed lost for Duff's character.

Almost.

My husband pulled me out of the theater prior to the ending of the story, which tells me we will not be buying this movie for our two girls at home...even though they would love it.

The movie is eye candy. Lots of flashy clothes, accessories, wallpaper, schools, scenes...you name it. Kids will really like this movie. Probably preteen and possibly some teenagers.

I think the overall ranking when I rated/reviewed this movie is accurate at 4. I will give it a 4 out of 10.

Ella Enchanted (2004)

We liked it

[9 September 2004]

Our family liked this movie. We have not read the book, and we're glad we didn't. It seems that many people have commented negatively about this movie having read the book, so I'm glad we didn't read it first.

This movie was one we bought sight unseen and liked it. We didn't love it. We liked it. Our oldest daughter [8 y.o.] loved it. Our two year old daughter adored the singing and dancing, so she was entertained even when jokes were out of her range.

Anne Hathaway was fine. Frankly, we've all seen her do this role before, and it's no surprise she can carry it off well. I understand now why she has appeared nude in a movie and wants to move on from this type of movie. She'll be typecast forever if she doesn't.

The biggest issue we had about this movie was the feminist preachiness regarding Ella's character. I know we all strive to be politically correct, but it got to be a drag when all we heard was how independent Ella is and how all she needs to do is break free of her curse and therefore her life. It kind of went overboard in this regard.

Overall, the music and dancing and singing were just hilarious and wonderful. People who have reviewed this movie have pointed to the one scene in a Giant's Bar, and trust me, it's worth watching just for that one scene. Very funny and well done. My husband even laughed when the three giant women joined Ella in singing. Truly a funny moment.

Overall, a good movie.

Rising Sun (1993)

Pretty good

[28 August 2004]

Sean Connery....what to say? I think I fell in love with that man when I was about 10 and saw him in the first 007 movie. Yummy! And did anybody except probably me and ten other people see him in Medicine Man? That was a wonderful movie that nobody liked, but really showed a bit of depth with Connery. Snipes, well, I liked him in the Blade movies...but he really doesn't have much depth at all. I'd have to agree with the assessment that Snipes and Connery don't have much chemistry, but this was probably intended to be a "vehicle" for Snipes to move beyond that he originally did and into something far more complex. Only this movie didn't gell well with the public.

I love this movie's preface...sort of a who done it caper with an Oriental twist. There are also parts about honor and codes of respect that I think allow us a glimpse into another part of the world. Although parts of the movie have well documented language usage flaws...this movie basically gets this "respect" message across. The movie also shows the seediness of power and corruption.

Overall, this movie is not one I would recommend to everyone, but it's watchable. Nothing over the top, but the cinematography is above average.

Medicine Man (1992)

Why is "Bad" Connery bad???

[8/10 · 28 August 2004]

Why is "bad" Sean Connery bad???? I don't understand this. Why does he always have to fit some form? Some 007 suit? A martini in one hand? Why can't he be a disheveled fellow fallen from grace and struggling with life? Why can't his hair be so so? Frankly, Bracco was the person I struggled with here. A woman who is to act like she is from an upper middle class household, marrying well? She does not fit this role, and casting was poor here. Otherwise, the movie was splendid. I loved the scenery. They could film every movie in the rain forest and I'd be thrilled. Lovely. Sean Connery? Leave him alone and let him be. I believed his struggle. And I enjoyed this ride.

The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)

Pretty good movie

[7/10 · 14 August 2004]

Overall, the Summer of 2004 is not exactly blowing wind up my

skirt. Or jean shorts.

My family [husband, two girls and I] just saw this movie. And I liked

it. My 8 year old loved it and wants to buy it. Now. My 2 year old

walked out with my husband. I am of course the one writing this,

so I get to share my views. I thought it was good enough to buy, as

it will entertain us all. My two year old found things about it [like the

music and the dog and cat] to clearly enjoy for moments. My

husband didn't find anything offensive, and thought it "okay"...so I

think we have a "winner" for an at home DVD!

This is a feel good movie...it's rated G for goodness sake. It's not

going to be offensive, or even a tad rude.

I've read reviews where folks praise the moment where we finally

get to hear Juile Andrews sing a bit [no spoiler here] and frankly I

loved it. What a bit of nostalgic magic. I mean it. Even the camera

fell back in love with Miss Andrews again. If you want to live a bit of

"Old Hollywood Magic", then please do see this movie just for that

brief scene. It genuinely warmed my heart.

Anne Hathaway [I'm sure I'm spelling her name wrong] worked

well with a screen legend in Andrews, and although she didn't

hold her own in some scenes, she did very well overall. Who

could hold their own with Andrews?

This movie was endearing on another level as well. Almost all the

members of the original cast were back and shining. The only

exception being Mia's love interest, who is a cousin of Nic Cage

and is of the Coppola clan. So, I'm sure he could stand to turn it

down and move on. He has a pretty successful musical career,

has a ton of cash, and can roam about freely. Good for him.

Although for the life of me, I can't remember his current name. :)

If you like sappy romantic tales, then go and see this movie. If you

are married and have children, and they are mostly girls, go and

see this movie. And if you have kids or are a sappy romantic [like

me] then go and buy it when it comes out on DVD.

The only part I didn't like was the entire wedding scene. Not

saying who's wedding of course, just that there is a wedding. And

I didn't like that whole preachy thing that Mia did during it. The

sappy romantic in me cried foul.

Overall, very pleasant. And the costuming was stunning. Hats off

there.

Now...can someone please point me to the Summer blockbuster?

Hellboy (2004)

Overall good action film

[7/10 · 13 August 2004]

My husband and I bought this DVD sight unseen. We were very

curious about this one for ages, but never got a chance to see it on

the big screen. We liked it. This movie is not an amazing out of

the park epic, but we would like to see this franchise in the future.

Pearlman was really good in this film, and he really held his own.

Overall, the writing was not what I had hoped for. And it could have

ended sooner. At the end, it just kept going and going. Which is

fine. But editing could have helped this film. Del Torro, what to

say? Frankly, I'm not a fan. Blade 2 turned my stomach....too

much needless gore and such blood, it just went overboard. At

that point I swore that I'd never see another Del Torro film. Blade 2

just made me ill...and I adored the first film totally. So, for me to

buy Hellboy...well, it was a leap of faith. And I'm glad I took it. I

bought it in a two pack of DVD's...and the other? Resident Evil?

Well...that's another review. In summary, buy Hellboy, or rent it. It's

pretty good. Not great. But pretty good.

Resident Evil (2002)

Yuck

[3/10 · 13 August 2004]

What I mean by "yuck" in the subject line is the yuck of the film, not

the useless slugs/zombies. Zombies...what makes them so

special? This movie played out like a video game, but a really bad

video game that you immediately regret buying or renting or seeing

on the big screen. We bought this DVD in a package deal with

Hellboy. Hellboy was good, but this one is such a stinker, I

wouldn't give this to anybody as a "gift." My husband refused to

see it, as he just thinks the whole premise is stupid. I do too, but

was curious. And I'm so sorry for that. Don't waste your time. I

thought the whole writing was terrible, and the acting!!! Goodness!

These people just didn't get it. And the director? Somebody just

glue him to a chair and force him to watch this dang thing

repeatedly until he apologizes. Yuck.

Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004)

Eh...

[6/10 · 2 July 2004]

First of all, if you have any feelings of political correctness about

you, then you will not like this movie. If you are open minded and

like screwball comedy, then this movie is for you. If you have some

twinges of PC and still like screwball comedies, then you'd be like

I am...feeling a bit ambivalent about this movie.

A word to the wise: stay until after the last credits roll to see

another scene of the movie with Ben Stiller. I covered my eyes and

only peeked through a couple of times...it was raunchy. My

husband? Well, he laughed so hard I thought he'd have to go

running to the bathroom.

One couple in front of us [the PC types???] left after the first five

minutes. And I guarantee you they asked for their money back.

The rest of the sparse crew in the theater stayed for the full monty,

and mostly laughed. Some jokes fell quite flat.

This movie has a ton of jokes in them, one right after the other, and

you really don't get a chance to breathe much less laugh at them

all.

The basic premise of the movie is how an underdog can choose

to rule the day, if they push themselves hard enough and

overcome their own personal demons. I loved that basic story line,

and I think that's why I'd ultimately recommend it. Not highly

recommend it, mind you. I'd recommend either tossing the bucks

away to see it once at the theater, or buying it when it comes out on

DVD if you like screwball comedies.

I gave it a 6 out of 10.

Spider-Man 2 (2004)

Spectacular

[9/10 · 1 July 2004]

My family and I were completely blown away by this movie. I've

read where this movie is better than the original, and I absolutely

agree with this. The only concern I have is for young children. We

took my 2 year old to this movie, and she was scared by some

points, but not many at all. My 8 year old loved it completely, so it

was fine for her.

This is a movie with heart, and excellent far above par

cinematography. I mean it, the filming is just streamless and

breathtaking at points. The way the camera captures the actor's

expressions, and then pans out as if impacted by the blow of the

actor's emotions...wow! Whoever did the editing and overall

cinematography just did an outstanding job. And Mary Jane and

Peter Parker! There were scenes where I literally cried. I'd

watched Dunst in an interview where she called the filming

"beautiful" and I for one agree with her. Sam Raimi [with his friend

Bruce Campbell once again making a great appearance] really

seemed to balance the ironic/funny interludes of life with the raw

emotion of Parker's sacrifice of his life and hope and happiness

and dreams...all because he has made a choice to save others. I

love the part where others literally support the character of Spider

Man. And I love the ending where the statement is made about

"who saves Peter Parker?".

Just some lovely moments in this film. That's what lifted this

movie from the simple action/adventure hype of the Summer

draws. This movie has those too, by the way.

But what the other action/adventure movies don't have is the heart

and great character development that this film brings brilliantly to

the big screen.

I've always admired how Stan Lee intricately developed his

characters, drawing us into their fictional lives and personal

stories...along with the fights with the villains of course! And Sam

Raimi continues this tradition wonderfully.

I gave this movie a 9 out of 10. I would recommend it for anyone,

with special consideration given to the very young [i.e., think twice

before taking a toddler like we unwisely did]. The movie moved

along at a brisk pace, and was wonderfully written.

We cannot wait for Spider Man 3!

Rush Hour 2 (2001)

Great movie

[7/10 · 1 July 2004]

Ever read about the concerns that some media groups have about

violence in movies and bad language and how that effects our

children? Well, I'm writing this review to remind us all that it's true.

We bought this movie years ago, and on a snow day from school

[kids were out for a week here] we let our oldest daughter watch

both RH 1 and RH 2 back to back for a couple of days in a row. We

warned our then second grader about how there is bad language

and martial arts moves in this movie that were never to be

said/repeated in public. She swore she would never do/say such

things. And then she went back to school.

That first day back, she completed a series of martial arts kicks on

kids [mostly boys] on the playground. And then she used the "B

Word" on two boys and a girl during the school day [that's Chris

Tucker's favorite cuss word in this movie].

Needless to say, she was grounded. And she also was put on a

"diet" of G movies until she learned her lesson completely [about a

year].

This movie was excellent. But don't be fooled. Young children are

indeed highly impressionable and do not need to watch these

movies until they are old enough to understand fiction/reality.

I gave this movie a 7 out of 10. My husband and I find this whole

series just wonderful. Chan's and Tucker's chemistry just keep

getting better and better as the years go by. However, I'd

recommend this to adults or older teenagers only.

Rush Hour (1998)

Good movie

[7/10 · 1 July 2004]

Ever read about the concerns that some media groups have about

violence in movies and bad language and how that effects our

children? Well, I'm writing this review to remind us all that it's true.

We bought this movie years ago, and on a snow day from school

[kids were out for a week here] we let our oldest daughter watch

both RH 1 and RH 2 back to back for a couple of days in a row. We

warned our then second grader about how there is bad language

and martial arts moves in this movie that were never to be

said/repeated in public. She swore she would never do/say such

things. And then she went back to school.

That first day back, she completed a series of martial arts kicks on

kids [mostly boys] on the playground. And then she used the "B

Word" on two boys and a girl during the school day [that's Chris

Tucker's favorite cuss word in this movie].

Needless to say, she was grounded. And she also was put on a

"diet" of G movies until she learned her lesson completely [about a

year].

This movie was excellent. But don't be fooled. Young children are

indeed highly impressionable and do not need to watch these

movies until they are old enough to understand fiction/reality.

I gave this movie a 7 out of 10. My husband and I find this whole

series just wonderful. However, I'd recommend this to adults or

older teenagers only.

Brother Bear (2003)

Amen! Loved it!

[18 June 2004]

I must say, my family and I didn't buy this movie for some time after

it came out on DVD because of the bad reviews. Boy, were those

reviewers wrong. It was an excellent movie. I'm not kidding. And I

don't write that often here. It was excellent. My two year old

crawled along the floor to mimic the animals. My eight year old

laughed at the jokes and thought the story was great. My husband

laughed every time the guys from "Strange Brew" voiced the Moose

brothers. We've seen "Strange Brew" probably 30 times. We know

some parts by heart. That's what finally made us buy the Brother

Bear DVD. And the story! And the character development! Wow

on both counts! It was predictable at some parts, but overall just

an excellent original piece by Disney. And Disney hasn't come up

with anything original in a long time.

And isn't it sad to note that we won't be seeing this type of movie

drawing anymore? Disney did away with the whole "2 D" group.

They're sticking with the Pixar-type of "3 D" character drawing

involving computer animation. Of course, they're not sticking with

Pixar...which is ridiculous. Pixar is the hottest thing in animation

around today.

But still...as the sun set on this movie....I felt a twinge of nostalgia

for the old "Snow White's" of the movie world. Wonder what Walt is

thinking up in heaven? He's probably shedding a tear or two I'll

bet.

Ah, Modern Man. Where will we go from here?

Me? I love the background drawing/animation/artwork of

"Sleeping Beauty." There was a well drawn film. Just a classic.

Oh yeah...Brother Bear. I give it an 8/10. Buy it. You'll like it.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

EH...ho hum

[6/10 · 5 June 2004]

My family saw this movie...my husband and two young children.

There were scary parts of this movie that my toddler did not like at

all, so first off be wary of taking very young children to this movie.

My 8 year old loved the movie. We've seen the first two movies

probably 40 times each [no joke]...we are huge fans of the books

and movies.

This movie was really hyped by critics who didn't like the first

movies. Frankly, I was hyped myself to see the third installment,

as I had hoped for an edgier film. It is an edgier film. But most of

the camera angles left me feeling as if I'd just watched a home

movie...you know how you get that feeling of vertigo? Sort of

motion sickness? That's what I came away with, and found out

later that my eldest child and husband came away that way too.

So, be forewarned.

If you are a "slave to the story" the way Rowling wrote it, you will be

disappointed. There are scenes in it that are completely rewriting

the book. Many things were cut out. And I can respect that, due to

the sheer length of Rowling's recent HP books. Understandable

indeed. However, it seems that a little too much trimming took

place, and part of the joy of watching the characters interact was

lost. And I suppose in a sad way that's how it will continue given

the length of the following HP books. If they are to be adapted to

the screen, cutting will have to be done.

Also, did it strike anyone else as odd that the characters,

especially "Harry Potter" himself Daniel Radcliffe, grew so quickly?

His physical growth was really representative of the other

characters quick physical growth as well....many actors grew

considerably from a physical standpoint. And then it hit me...this

whole series will be over so quickly...and then they will be no

more. What will we ever do without Harry Potter and that wonderful

world that Rowling created. Frankly, she is a master at character

development, and I'll miss that when she writes her last on this

series.

All the things you read/hear about this movie are true: The movie

is edgier, darker, more mature in nature, and downright scarier for

younger children.

Something wicked this way comes....and I wish it would have

stayed around a little longer.

I gave it a 6 out of 10. The filming left something to be desired. A

little too much liberty taken with the actual story. Not enough

character development where you actually cared for the characters

this time around. And the background renderings left you wanting

to hurl at particular points. Go and see it. Just leave your

expectations lower than before with the other two. And let's pray

that they don't fire the younger actors for looking too "old."

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

Excellent Start

[8/10 · 24 May 2004]

I have an 8 year old daughter and niece, and they both love the

Harry Potter books and films. I've watched this movie probably 50

times [not kidding] and it's just a good film. When I watch the

second movie, I love going back to the first movie to see how the

children have grown so quickly! We all cannot wait for the third

film, and will be taking our 2 year old daughter to the theater as

well. We all love the films here. The DVD has some interesting

games on them, and my eldest daughter loves to play them. I just

think that JK Rowling did a fine job creating and molding these

characters and allowing them to grow with each book. I've read all

of them. I'm 35, and cannot wait for the next book! Or movie!

Shrek 2 (2004)

Bit of a disappointment

[6/10 · 22 May 2004]

I have two young children, and have probably seen the original

Shrek 40-50 times. We were very excited about seeing this movie.

This movie was really hyped by other critics/reviewers, and so I

just gleefully entered the movie theater, with high hopes. Maybe

that was the issue. But this movie really did not live up to the

original. It was almost too stuffed with funny anecdotes. It was

manic in pace, and when a coffee-holic makes a comment like

that...well...let's just say I usually am very alert. The pace was a

little too much for me. I wasn't as thrilled with the second movie as

the first. But overall, it was a good movie. I still gave it a 6 out of

10. The writing was great, but not excellent like the first movie.

The story line was great, but not excellent like the first movie. The

scenery was excellent, and it was really better than the first movie.

The landscapes were really lush. One of the things I was looking

forward to was the clever music, and with the exception of the fairy

godmother's song, it was a let down. Overall, please do go and

see the movie. I would recommend it. It's great, but not as

excellent as...well...yep...you guessed it...the first movie. So, as

long as we're clear on that, then I've done my job. God bless us

everyone.

The Wind and the Lion (1975)

Oh My

[9/10 · 21 May 2004]

I just cannot emphasize enough what a lovely movie this is. Just

the memory of this movie right now enchants me. If you want to

see a sweeping epic of a movie, with wonderful actors in vivid

scenery, with great dialogue, reminding you of what early America

could have been like [what the world could have been like back

then]...well...I highly recommend this movie. Especially during a

time of war and conflict in Iraq...when our American image is not at

all what it used to be...this movie takes you back to a time when we

were just starting out. When being an American meant really

picking yourself up by your bootstraps and getting going. When

the world was such an untamed and unknown place. Well, this

movie has that...and more. Enjoy.

Underworld (2003)

Loved it!

[8/10 · 18 May 2004]

I am honestly amazed at some of the comments made about this

movie on imdb. I loved this movie. We bought it sight unseen and

we've seen it nightly since. It's a good movie, not too deep, simply

fun to watch. And frankly Bekinsale is elegant in the way she

moves in the fight scenes. Very graceful. I saw/read where she

has a dancer's background, and it shows. But in a good way. I

just watched the movie again today when my toddler napped. And

I'll see it again probably by the close of this week. It's a fun movie.

And I don't agree that it's a rip off of Matrix. The Matrix ripped off

other movies in the second and third versions of it's franchise! [so

there] If you want to see a good sci-fi movie, then see this movie.

I'm looking forward to seeing the sequel of Underworld when it

arrives in 2005. Good luck in advance Kate Wiseman! :)) Go kick

some butt. Your new husband will guaranteed make you look

great while leaping tall buildings in a single bound...wait...wrong

movie. :))

The Hot Chick (2002)

Wow!

[7/10 · 18 May 2004]

My husband and I purchased this sight unseen. We've seen it a

ton since then...when the kids go to bed of course. :) Simply put,

it's a funny movie. Frankly, Rob Schneider [spelling?] is a great

actor. I'm really surprised he wasn't allowed into an actor's guild

lately [Tom Hanks reportedly doesn't like his work...an interesting

rumor], as I think Rob has depth and talent and is just truly

underrated. I've always looked forward to his movies coming out,

as he's just funny. I like that. Life is tough enough these days and

to just put in a movie and laugh...well, that's a gift from a really

great place. :)) The whole premise of the movie is funny. I won't

spoil it for anyone by giving details. It's just so funny. And the

outtakes at the end are funny as well. And I really like it that in the

end it really comes down to supporting your friends and family.

That's a nice touch. So, way to go Rob! Keep the laughs coming.

The Scorpion King (2002)

Old Fashioned Fun

[6/10 · 18 May 2004]

Do you want a good movie? One that will make you laugh, but has

great action adventure scenes? Do you want to look at good

looking people in little clothing? Do you like "historical" pieces that

take you somewhere else for a short bit of time [i.e., while you're

watching the movie]? Well, this could be the movie for you.

Granted, there are points in this movie where you are laughing at

the silly comments coming from somebody's mouth [and they

were to be serious]...but hey, mistakes can be funny too. My

personal favorite is where Duncan's character produces a line

[paraphrasing here] "Will you stand alone before the fury of your

enemies?" [I don't think that's a spoiler, that was in many teaser

trailers] I thought I would howl with laughter. My husband and I

will quote that line often out of the blue at home just to watch the

other crack up with the knowledge of the scene. Very funny. I like

the Rock in this one. This was his vehicle, and he did it well.

Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001)

Warning, do not buy movie!

[2/10 · 18 May 2004]

I really must say, I read imdb prior to purchasing this movie sight

unseen. We have purchased many dvd's this way. I was just

shocked at how bad this movie was. My husband and I just

laughed at parts that were to be serious and just could not get over

how bad some of the fight scenes were. And the beast at the end

of the movie? Just awful and contrived and every bad thing you

could imagine wrong with a climax. We didn't know a great deal

about the background of the movie, but thought since the reviews

were good, we'd take a chance. Now we're stuck with a movie we

wouldn't give to our worst enemy. It's just that bad. God bless the

poor soul who purchases this next. I gave it a 2. But only because

some of the actors were cute. Nuff said.

Van Helsing (2004)

Not a good movie!

[3/10 · 17 May 2004]

My husband and I saw this movie, and people actually laughed when Anna's brother died. Then, when Anna and her family appeared in the clouds at the end of the picture, people laughed so hard, you could hardly hear the end of the movie. This movie was that cheesy. It was sad, as my husband and I were both so excited to see this movie. It was the first date movie we've seen in months. Very sad. I would not waste my time on this movie again.

We won't be buying this movie, we won't see any sequels, and we wish we'd chosen to find where Hellboy was playing so we could have at least seen something that was ranked as good. We'd give this movie a 3 out of 10. Even the CGI was so fake, and so contrived, it just didn't bring the movie up in our esteem at all. And we love Hugh Jackman and just purchased Kate Beckingsale/Wiseman's movie "Underworld" and love her in that.

We'll see future Underworlds, and will probably even buy Hellboy sight unseen, but will never see this franchise again. Boo.