This webpage is constantly "in the making". I am Jals and having been a fan or Siskel and Ebert, I have become somewhat disgusted with Ebert's new "partner" (whatever his name is), and Ebert has gone down ever since Siskel passed. It is my intention to bring to you short, concise opinions on films (not book long summaries). I will tell you why I did or did not like a film so that you can make your own decision whether to spend your "lunch money" or not. This site will be updated sporadically for now, occasionally getting in some older movies. Reviews are based on the five star system. THX JALS
Team America: World Police (2004)
"Alive" *** (Jul) A true story of a Uruguayan rugby team stranded in the Andes after an airplane crash. This is a really good movie to see after viewing "Into Thin Air". The latter, is the true story by John Krakauer, a writer for "Outside" magazine, who just happened to pick the (up to that time) most deadly day on Mt. Everest to ascend the aforementioned mountain. Once viewing "Into Thin Air", one can truly understand the struggle that one can have at such altitudes just to take a step. "Alive" is more than just a struggle for air, however, it is a struggle for food. Some gut-hurdling effects really bring this movie home. One really gets to feel (well, not REALLY) what these men experienced.
"All the Pretty Horses" ** 1/2 (Jul) - I do not go much for "chick flicks", apparently I don't go much for "guy flicks" either, as this film is being touted as a "guy film". Directed by Billy Bob Thornton the film is about a couple of young men (Matt Damon as "John Cole" and Henry Thomas as "Lacey Rawlins") who decide that life MUST be better on the other side of the border. They meet up with a young trouble maker, Cole has an affair, they get stuck in a Mexican prison, and end up back home. BORING! The scenary was nice. Though, not much different from my view outside my window (one hour from the border). Especially bothersome was missing dialogue. Spanish is spoken here and there throughout the film with English subtitles. What bothered me was that nothing would be said in Spanish, and then the subtitle would appear. Did we view an unfinished edit? Or was it supposed to be funny? Very bad decision and editing as far as I can see. The acting was fine, especially Henry Thomas. And though young Lucas Black always seems to play a character with that same recognizable drawl, he was quite good. Question : What was the purpose of this film other than to show people that the Rio Grande is actually a very shallow river. Two and one half stars for the countryside and acting ONLY.
"Almost Famous"*** - "Almost" a good movie. I gave this three stars because it was an entertaining, enjoyable sleeper type film. Not much story though. Written by Cameron Crowe, and semi-autobiographical, the film centers on a semi-boy genius whose goal is to write for rock music magazines. The rest of the movie revolves around the boy trying to do just that. No Academy Award material here that I can see. Although I thought that Jason Lee (Jeff) was really good - and convincing as a rock muscian. Patrick Fugit, who played the teenaged William (aka Crowe) didn't have to do much but look innocent and naive. He did do a good job of that. Certainly worth renting. But nothing to write home about.
Also, noteworthy are the original songs (three or four). Some of the characters in the film retain their "real" names (Lester Bangs), while others, such as Cameron Crowe himself (in the film he is William), have fictional names. The band which William is interviewing throughout the film is fictional as well. My question is - who is this band "really" supposed to be??? Led Zeppelin? Creedence Clearwater? Deep Purple? You know? - email me!
"Blade Trinity"*** - I have long wanted to see a film in this series, but didn't get around to it till this one. If you are not familiar with the series, it is basically about killing vampires. The "hero", "Blade" being basically an ex-vampire out to save the human race from vampirism. This was a little dissappointing as the Blade character develpment for "Blade" was rather thin. He came across as a very stiff, rather boring character with a darth vader voice. The character of Hannibal King, however, as well as that of Abigail whistler stole the show. Hannibal King played by comedic talent Ryan Reynolds was a character that you hope to see more of in the future. Reynolds, the star of the long gone and underated sitcom "Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza Place", seems to have finally found the part that may break him into super stardom as he so totally deserves. He is a major talent and deserves roles that express that talent. He proved that he can carry himself as well in an action film as a comedy film, and really is the star of this film. Jessica Biel plays a strong character as Abigail, a long lost daughter of Abraham Whistler. Parker Posey also gives a notable performance as Queen of the vampires, Danica Talos. Not that Wesley Snipes is to blame per se. But the Blade character, at least in this film, is boring. 'Course, then you have that cheesey video game music which is much like disco was in the '70's. Over produced and full of synthesizers. Brings the film out of the serious action genre down to the pre-teenage video film genre. The special effects were cheap and cheesy. I give it three stars instead of two for Ryan Reynolds performance.
"Chicken Run" ** (Jul) - Just so-so... kids would probably like the animation, but this is in no way a children's movie. Unless, of course you want your child to be a vegetarian...which probably isn't a bad idea. Update 01/22/2001 - Film was nominated for a Golden Globe Award. Update 02/13/2001 - Film nominated for several Academy Awards.
"Dangerous Liaisons" ***** (Jul)Rather than go into the subtleties of the plot, I will simply say that John Malkovich and Glenn Close are marvelous. Basically themed on promiscuity, this is simply a vehicle for some great, yet subtle (hence, effective) humour. An all around great production with excellent acting, humour, screenplay, costume design, camera angles, etc. Well done. Sour points,... Uma Thurman, whose performance is irritating at best.
"Erin Brockovich" **** (Jul) - Excellent "feel good" movie. It appears that Julia Roberts CAN act, but only if the part suits her. Fortunately, this part suited her well. Albert Finney is beyond excellent in his role as Brockovich's boss, Attorney Ed Masry. The film is based on the true story about water contamination in Hinckley California, near Barstow,CA. Brockovich, of course is the main character, and unseeming heroine of the "tale". It is a classic good over evil story that keeps you on your toes.
I feel that Albert Finney is superb in this role and deserves at least an Oscar Nomination. Julia Roberts is excellent as well, but probably won't receive a nomination due to her inconsistency in other roles ("Hook" for example). I give it 4 stars (Albert Finney's performance 5 stars).
Update 01/22/2001 - Film was nominated for a Golden Globe Award. Albert Finney received a Golden Globe Nomination for his performance and Julia Roberts won a Golden Globe for her performance. Update 02/13/2001 - Film nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture & best original screenplay. Albert Finney nominated for Best Supporting Actor and again Julia Roberts won for Best Leading Actress.
"The Green Mile" ***** (Jul) - This was the best movie I have seen in YEARS! Everything is superb about this film. From the casting ( I won't single out any actors because they were ALL superb!)and acting to the sound and sound effects, visual effects, story, editing.... just a superb overall Production. The main theme is more important than the details of how "we" get there. But basically it revolves around a group of prisoners and their guards. Now, I do not care for Stephen King's "stories", but I liked this story and this film very much. Yes, it is three hours long... but it is not noticable. And if no one has ruined the ending for you yet,... go rent this movie... NOW!
"Heart Breakers" *** - (Jul) Borderline ** 1/2 to ***. Romantic Comedy sort of deal starring Gene Hackman, Jason Lee, and Jennifer Love Hewitt. Sort of funny, sort of stupid. Entertaining enough. Worth the movie ticket. This is about two women who turn the tables on the men and play them for what they are worth. Only one problem... they end up falling for some of their victims. Jennifer Love Hewitt is actually pretty decent in this. Jason Lee, however,... well, he's cute, but very very bad in this,... like he just read the script 1 minute before shooting. Over all, decent. There is no nudity, but this is rated PG-13 for adult subject matter. But I wouldn't take MY 13 year old kid to see it.
"High Fidelity" * 1/2 (Jul) - I was very disappointed in this movie. Obnoxious characters and obnoxious actors. The movie centers around a record store owner played by John Cusack. I am an ex-DJ, music collector and trivia buff... and except for John Cusack's character I could not relate to the imbecile characters in this record store. Especially obnoxious was the character "Barry" played by the equally irritating and over acting Jack Black. This film had no real theme or purpose. Boring. 01/22/2001 - John Cusack was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for his performance.
"Les Miserables *** (Jul) - This is a four hour long - made for TV mini-series. The European version is longer,.. This movie was chock full of good performances. With John Malkovich as "Javert", a Police Inspector perpetually chasing the ex-con, "Jean Valjean", played by Gerard Depardieu. Both put in a fine performance. I have not seen any other version of this film.. so my opinions aren't tainted. I think that Malkovich's Javert was effective.. maybe not quite as harsh as I had expected. But Malkovich tends to play the cold hearted rather than angry spitting character. Christian Clavier did well as Thenardier, seemingly the seemiest of all the lot. I really liked Enrico Lo Verso as Marius. He seemed to "grow on you" as the film progressed. All in all, I liked it. A bit disappointed in the story itself, just seemed kind of weak. It was ok... three stars.
"Lost In Translation 0 stars (Jul) - Don't even get me started. This movie was sooooo awful! Ok, yes, there were maybe two (2)(dos)(ni)(II) instances that were mildly funny. I like Bill Murray and I understand his dry humor, but this is toooo dry. Sorry, I just don't get the lounge lizard thing. It is NOT funny. This film is dark, depressing, boring. And well, my husband and I walked out three quarters of the way through. I had to wake him up to go!
"Mission Impossible II" 1/2(*) (Jul) - Awful... gooshy boy girl bull where is isn't needed or wanted. Even the high adventure special effects are dull and stupid. Freshman theme of "save the world or save a girl". Please. Stupid stupid movie.
"Of Mice and Men" **** (Jul) - Based on the John Steinbeck novel, not many critics gave this production very high marks There were at least two previous versions. In one previous version, Randy Quaid played a convincible Lennie. But in this newer production, rather than play Lennie as more of a "monster" type role, John Malkovich brings more sympathy to the Lennie character. This makes for a much more moving film. Gary Sinise and Malkovich make the movie worth seeing. Other notable performances from John Terry and Ray Walston.
Keep your eyes peeled for an impromptu moment when George and Lennie are at the river cleaning up and getting a drink. It's all Sinise can do to keep from cracking as Malkovich blows water on himself and Sinise. It's short and brief, but one of the best moments of the film.
"The Patriot" *** (Jul) - One of the better films of the year. Noteworthy is Heath Ledger as "Gabriel Martin", the son of Colonel Benjamin Martin (played by Mel Gibson). Heath is not only easy on the eyes... but is a very fine actor. I first saw him in "10 Things I Hate About You", which, of course, he also shined in.
"Pay It Forward" ** 1/2 (Jul) - This is an ok film. It is the story of a boy, who in the process of completing a class project, gets a few other people in the community involved. I was a bit disappointed in the ending. I felt the ending made the rest of the film senseless. Of course, Kevin Spacey and Helen Hunt are at their usual peak. Haley Joel Osment, also delivers a good performance. Angie Dickinson was also in this film and does a fine job. Nothing real spectacular. An interesting story. Touching in parts. I give it 2 1/2 stars
"Remember the Titans"** 1/2 (Jul) - I did not like this movie that much. It was entertaining and I liked it o.k.. Seemed like repetition of subject matter. If you want to see a good "Black and White" football movie rent "Brian's Song". I really enjoyed the performance of Donald Adeosun Faison as "Petey Jones" one of the football players. He reminded me of Matthew Broderick, and I would look forward to seeing him in future comedic roles. He has very good command of facial expressions, and has much ahead of him. Although he's been in quite a few films already, he is still quite young and I would bet that we will be seeing much more of him. Also noteworthy was Kip Pardue as "Sunshine". I give this film two and a half stars.
"Shadow of the Vampire *** (Jul) - This was Nic Cage's first producing project with his company Saturn Films. It is the sometimes fictitious, sometimes factual story of the filming of the 1922 horror "Nosferatu". The aforementioned film was produced by F.W. Murnau. Murnau could not get the rights from Bram Stoker's widow to film "Dracula". Thus, he changed the name of the film to "Nosferatu" and the character to "Count Orlock", and basically filmed "Dracula". Shadow of the Vampire touches on the supposed "genius" of Murnau and the lengths to which he would go to make his film "authentic". This is interesting and very creepy at times, with a touch of humor. I found it entertaining enough. But Willem Dafoe's performance as Max Schreck, a German actor who takes his parts so seriously that he "supposedly" is always in character, even when not filming, was so extraordinary... that the character stays with you long after the film. A reason why, I suppose, he was nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance.
John Malkovich delivers a standard performance as the crazed Murnau. While Willem Dafoe actually "makes" the film. Noteworthy for his terrible performance is Cary Elwes as cameraman "Franz Wagner". His German accent sounds more like a mental dissorder. Also, the film is very "grainy" in parts. This is due to the usage of firelight and or candelight as the sole source of lighting. It was noticeable enough to bother me, though it is not entirely distracting... and may actually add more to the early Twentieth Century feel. Not a five star film, but it lingers with you and is worth seeing, if just for Dafoe's performance.
Update 02/13/2001 - Film was nominated for an Academy Award for best Make-up (on Dafoe who looked strikingly like the original Max Shreck. Willem Dafoe was nominated for Best Supporting Actor.
"Shanghai Noon" ** (Jul) - another so-so movie. Nothing great, nothing awful, some cute moments, decent entertainment. Jackie Chan is always fun to watch with his very well choreographed martial arts moves. Good comedic family entertainment. If you've never seen a Jackie Chan movie,.. be sure to stick around during the credits for the "bloopers".
"Team America: World Police" ***** (Jul) - Almost the funniest movie I have ever seen. I would give it four stars, but I cannot think of one single comedy that deserves that much, so I am giving it five (television has been much more comedic than movies have ever been- witness "I Love Lucy", "Saturday Night Live", "Southpark", "The Simpsons", and of course "Invader Zim"). When I first saw the trailers I thought "A marionette movie! This is gonna be funny!" Here we have marionettes (for those of you who are not old enough to remember the original "Thunderbirds", marionettes are puppets which are moved with strings from above), posing as a modern-day super cop world task force. The story of world policing, terror fighting marionettes, peace loving actors, and over zealous world leaders, is simply a vehicle for humor. If you will read other "professional" reviews, writers will complain about seeing the puppets' strings. HELLO! That's part of the humor idiots! They will also complain about the "foreign languages" spoken. Basically all "foreign" languages are meaningless mumblings in this film. Sorry, that's funny too. There is no political agenda here either. Everyone and everything is something to be laughed at. So far, this is the best movie all year. The film is rated R for language and marionette nudity and situations. Yet, it is funny despite the filth. And sometimes because of it. The only problem I see with this film is the timing. It takes a bit lightly the situation in Iraq while we still have people fighting and dying over there.
"Unbreakable" * 1/2 (Jul) - Starring Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson.If you thought it was going to be a "thriller", forget it. This movie is slow and often boring. Basically, Samuel L. Jackson's character, Elijah, is born with a dissorder which causes his bones to break easily. Bruce Willis' character, David, on the other hand, is the exact opposite. After a train crash in which David is the sole survivor, Elijah makes contact with him. His purpose? Apparently to convince David that he has a purpose in life. Without getting too much into the plot, this movie seems to me to be a crooked metaphor on minorities. Even if I am wrong on the Director's purpose here, the theme is so strong that after viewing this film I could not believe that Samual L. Jackson even did it.
In my view, Samuel L.Jackson plays the "victim" of society, taunted and teased as a child by other kids for his differences (fragility). On the other side of the fence, we have David, the character played by Bruce Willis. David is the all powerful... never breaks a bone in his body. No one makes fun of him. And what does a person do whom is torchered by society? Well, you'll have to see the film, but I wouldn't recommend it! I rather much saw this movie as cheasy. I would rate this 1 1/2 stars. Jul
NOTE: This film has been advertised as better than "The Sixth Sense". Not even. Surprise ending? I don't think so. A bit of a twist perhaps, but nothing unexpected. Very dull.
"Vertical Limit" ** (Jul) - This story revolves around a family of climbers, the cheapness afforded lives by corporate mountain climbing companies, and sacrifice. The greatest lesson here is on sacrifice (and lot's of it) the rest is just fodder. Possibly the best part of this movie are the first five minutes and the last five minutes. It definitely isn't slow and pretty much keeps you on edge. However, it was rather thin and narrow minded in purpose. Much too much sacrifice for reality. I attribute the best performances to Chris O'Donnell as "Peter Gilbert" and Scott Glenn as "Wick", especially. This was an ok film, but I give it only two stars due to the lack of depth in the story, and the overfabrication of the story.
"Walking Tall" ** -(Jul) - I give this movie two stars instead of one and a half, because I am impressed with "The Rock"'s performance. The 70's version had a bigger impact at that time I think. A watched the 70's version recently and it came through as kind of lame to today's world. I got the same feeling from this version, but not quite as bad. The setting is a bit different and the story is a little bent differently, a little less political. Hopefully the best thing about this is that "The Rock" will come out as the 2000's version of Charles Bronson. We need something like that. Hopefully some better movies will come along.
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