MovieWatch

Not quite "Top 10" material, but these three and a half star movies were all very good (in alphabetical order):

Deep Impact

I wish I hadn't seen the preview that spoiled most of the suspense, but I still liked the setup, the drama and the effects are great.    truck on a mountain road (see "City of Angels").

Living Out Loud

Very funny at times with an original approach. The only flaw was the abrupt ending, but at least they didn't try to make us believe Holly and Danny as a couple (see "As Good As It Gets").

Meet Joe Black

I enjoyed this film very much, but it could have been so much better.  This film needs to be re-edited (a classic addition by subtraction situation).  Take 40 minutes out of this film and you have a four star, top ten success.

Next Step Wonderland

Although romantic comedies are not my favorite genre, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Funny, thoughtful, with engaging characters.  A new twist on an old tale.

The Opposite of Sex

Roger's review is right on, it's like sitting in an average movie with a really clever smart ass sitting in the seat behind you (in this case Chistina Ricci's character). Top notch sarcasm, A-1 cynicism, an over the top dark comedy.

The Prince of Egypt

I am embarrassed to say that I didn't know this story very well, and so I enjoyed the retelling. The animation is very good, highlighted by the creativity of scenes like the chariot race and the drama of the hieroglyphic wall. Word is they spent a fortune on this movie but given the abruptness of the ending ("here are some commandments, the end") maybe they ran out of cash.

Small Soldiers

First Rate effects, and lots of inside jokes. It's been criticized for being too violent for kids (hello roger) but who said it was for kids? (PG-13 means what it says). This movie is "Toy Story" meets "Rambo", and for once the girl doesn't hate the guy in the first scene and love him in the second.

Smoke Signals

A nice little film that most folks missed, you might find one copy at Blockbuster. The characters were very likable, the interactions seemed real and the story made a nice comeback in the 3rd act.

The Spanish Prisoner

Mamet's signature dialogue, direction and pacing create a unique world. I didn't care about the plot problems, I enjoyed the whole game!

The Truman Show

I have got to stop watching previews, this would be a great movie to see "cold". This is a delightful fable, part "Loud Family" part MTV "Real Life", and all enjoyable.

The Wizard of Oz

A classic. We have all seen "the Dorothy movie"  dozens of times (including my 4 and 5 year old niece and nephew), but this was the first time the three of us saw it on the "big screen".  They made the experience even more enjoyable as they warned me about all the "scary parts".   "Look Uncle Michael, she's melting!!!"

You've Got Mail

Very well constructed, acted and written. I almost didn't want to see it, expecting a cornball, predictable flick. I am so glad my wonderful wife suggested that we go.

Zero Effect

A quirky flick with many of the qualities I really like: clever, funny, cerebral, and different.