MovieWatch

I enjoyed the film, although not nearly as much as the real critics did, this is showing up on top ten lists around the country.  The problem is that all we know about Pollock is that he paints a lot and drinks a lot, we aren't given any clues as to why. 

It is a fable in the truest sense, and I liked it from beginning to end.  Chocolat is composed perfectly to give a sense of timelessness, it really doesn't matter what year it is.  The film is full of wonder and joy, and if you just want to get away from it all, this is a good one to see. 

The violence in the film finds a balance between shock and humor similar to the approach in Fargo or Pulp.  But I suspect that many will not see the light side and will instead be repulsed by the gritty nature of the film.  This is not for kids.  

Brad Pitt continues his quest to avoid the pretty boy label and he succeeds as the speech challenged gypsy who can knock 'em out with one punch (but loves his mum more than anything.)  There are some scary characters in this film, especially Mullet (Ewen Bremner), the powerful crime leader who has a unique way of disposing of his victims.  

I enjoyed the surrealistic cinematography in the film, it reminded me of Three Kings, Requiem for a Dream and Traffic.  There is a new style emerging in film, taking advantage of technical advances and heavily influenced by quick cut MTV videos.   

Since then I learned all about the blockade and the Turkish missile exchange, but what I liked about Thirteen Days was the introduction of the real battle in the White House, the struggle between President Kennedy and his military leaders.  They wanted war, and it was all he could do to maintain his authority as they tried to conveniently get "rules of engagement" approved that would likely lead to a Cuban invasion.  What I didn't like about "Thirteen Days" was Kevin Costner.  There really should be an act of Congress passed that would prevent Kevin from appearing in any film that requires him to use an accent.  This time, it's the Kennedy New England dialect, and coming from Kevin's mouth it is a constant distraction.  

NOTE: This is another one of my "don't read further if you don't want to know the end" sections.  

Why did the marketeers of this film feel it necessary to reveal in the trailer the fact that Hanks makes it off the island after 4 1/2 years?  What possible reason could they have in revealing the ending?  I didn't watch the trailer and tried not to hear it, but it's next to impossible not to, and I heard the fateful line that revealed the ending.   Do they think people would watch the Super Bowl if they knew the final score??? 

Bagger is played by Will Smith, as the caddy who is really a coach for Rannulph Junuh (Matt Damon).  If Bagger were alive today he would be on Oprah every day.  He is nice... and gentle... and seems to have an amazing effect on Junuh by making subtle suggestions on life and golf.   He changes Junuh's life, then walks into the sunset.  A Christ figure?  Perhaps....  or he may just be a wise and gentle man enjoying life by helping others enjoy theirs. 

NOTE: This film is not rated but is clearly for adults, it has some very intense scenes. 

That's one way to sum up Unbreakable, the latest by writer/director/producer M. Night Shyamalan, the creator of The Sixth Sense.   Again he pairs with Bruce Willis (who has finally given up on his cheesy hairpieces and adopted a buzz cut of what is left of his hair).  Bruce is alive this time, very alive. 

M. is clearly in control of every aspect of Unbreakable, the pacing is deliberate, the look consistent.  The plot unfolds carefully, building suspense slowly and effectively.  I suspect that many will describe this film as too slow, and they may be disappointed when comparing this effort to the shock ending of Sixth Sense.  But I enjoyed it more, I found it original and thought provoking. 

Cuba Gooding Jr. plays Carl Brashear  and the film is based on his life.  He overcomes his limited education, institutional racism and physical challenges to reach the rank of Master Chief in the U.S. Navy.  His determination against high odds is admirable.  However, his quest reminded me of mountain climbers that will train for months, ignoring their family while spending a fortune just to get to the top.  How much could Brashear have accomplished if he channeled his amazing drive to the betterment of his fellow man?   

*********************

Pay it Forward is a fascinating blend of three story lines.  First, the love story between Arlene and Eugene, with only an alcohol soaked past in common.  The performances here by Kevin Spacey and Helen Hunt are outstanding.   The title provides the second thread as a 7th grader (Haley Joel Osment - the kid with the great vision from The Sixth Sense)  develops the naive idea that he can change the world by encouraging people to repay a kind act by forwarding three more to others.  Sort of a human kindness honor system marketing ponzi scheme.  The clever construction of the third element is what makes it interesting.   A reporter investigates the pay it forward scheme backwards after being a recipient (new Jaguar) while the rest of the movie moves forward to catch up with his trek that started 4 months earlier.  Sound confusing?  It wasn't.  It worked. 

(MOVIE ENDING REVEALED BELOW) 

Prior to seeing the film, I had inadvertently seen a reference to the "twist" at the end of this film that was incorrectly compared to the major shock at the end of The Sixth Sense.  The end to Pay it Forward is not a plot twist, it doesn't change what went before as in The Usual Suspects.  And although many may find it shocking and unnecessary I feel it is the key to the whole film.   Without the martyr element, the pay it forward movement never would get the boost that it needs to have a real impact.   The ultimate irony.  And the subtle approach to the delivery of that message was perfect.  

The Contender succeeds on many fronts, starting with the fascinating characters, especially Senator Runyan, expertly played by Gary Oldman.   I  predict an Oscar nomination for Oldman.  

My favorite TV show is The West Wing, an intriguing and well made drama about the inner workings of the White House.  The Contender offers what the small screen can't, the difference of an R rated drama.  The  gritty realism of the movie kept me interested throughout and makes this one of the best movies of the year. 

Sylvester  isn't the problem in this movie, the convoluted plot is  more sinister than Stallone's character.  It takes forever to get nowhere.

NOTE: There was a refreshing scene, one that I have waited a long time to see.  Many action movies have car chases where the bad guy pulls along side the good guy and either 1) turns into the good guy's car or 2) points his gun at the good guy or 3) talks to the good guy through the window (even though they are traveling at 80 mph.)  At this point I generally yell directly at the screen (to the good guy) and say: "hit the brakes!", that would of course put him in a much safer position, behind the bad guy.  But they never do, they seem to prefer staying even him.  Amazingly, in Get Carter, Stallone executes the braking maneuver, before I even suggested it! 

Ben Stiller is perfect as the prospective son-in-law meeting the protective father and finds that everything he says and does is wrong, or misunderstood, or both.  Robert DeNiro continues his hot streak as a comic actor.  

I suspect this film will be compared to Something About Mary, but I found it funnier, and it is certainly less crude.  

The comedy works because it fits the characters and isn't inserted just for the laugh.  Everyone has good intentions: there are no village idiots, bratty kids or pompous reporters that are so easy to wrap humor around.   And although the plot is certainly stretched to facilitate the jokes, it all fits together well and comes complete with a feel good ending.      

Early in the film, I kept thinking that things were going too well, people don't overcome life long prejudices this quickly.  The team comes together, interracial friendships are made, the coaches battle (but stay united), people act wonderfully in a difficult situation.  A fantasy perhaps, that will likely bring criticism.  However, I see this film not as the retelling of a true story but rather as a beacon of hope.   It has a tremendous optimism that will make you feel good, if you let it. 

 This is Cameron Crowe's first since Jerry McGuire, and it has a very pleasant feel to it.  It is easy to like, especially for someone like me who went to High School in the late '60's, always wishing I could be a rock star.    

It features great performances by Kate Hudson, Patrick Fugit and Frances McDormand.   It mixes drama and comedy very well and moves along at a nice pace, I found it very engaging.  

NOTE: I had a serious deja vu watching this movie.  A high school kid tries to sneak a rock album into the house, and Mom finds it, declares it subversive, and bans it from the house.  I lived this scene.  My well intended Dad took my copy of Chicago Transit Authority (first album, before they became "Chicago"), read the liner notes and declared it subversive, never to be played in his house.  (Of course, I played it anyway, just at really low volume.)

The Tao is Dex's philosophy on how to pick up women, only slightly more sophisticated than the approach of the lowlifes in Whipped.  The Steve represents "cool guys" like Steve McGarett (Hawaii Five-O), Steve Austin (The Million Dollar Man) and the ultimate Steve.... McQueen.   But of course Dex doesn't follow his own teachings when he finds someone he really likes, and for some unknown reason, she likes him too.  He is a total loser, she's not, but leave it to Hollywood to have them together at the end.   

They say that everyone in LA is writing a screenplay, it's hard to believe that so many of them are so bad.   hmmm..... "Once upon a time....

The summer of 2000 is turning out to be a sad one for movies, hard to believe that my choices on a holiday weekend were this mess and another sequel to the Highlander series.  When does Survivor II start??? 

This film actually had potential, several of the scenes are well done, but it shoots itself in the foot over and over with ridiculous plot developments.  And although there are no other indications of super powers or sci-fi in the movie, for some reason the characters all have the ability to leap from high places (40+ feet), land on concrete, and run away without the expected shattered ankles.  Maybe it's the camera angle... or just bad direction. 

The plot is your standard serial killer, young girl in peril thriller, but as Roger always says: "It's not what it is about, but how it is about it".  The how is terrific, so head for the cineplex. 

NOTE: I can't stand Summerall and Madden doing an NFL game, they were even worse playing themselves in this movie.  Summerall looks like a wax museum statue of himself, Madden is his usually blubbering self. 

Note: I continue to be amazed at the evolution of computer generated special effects.  They seem to get geometrically better each year.  Both movies I saw this weekend (Hollow Man and Space Cowboys) had wonderful effects that simply can't be detected as such.  I can't begin to imagine the state of computer imagery five years from now.  I can't wait. 

1) You have seen Scream 1, 2 & 3, I Know What You Did Last Summer, Halloween and The Matrix.

2) You are age 18 or over. 

3) You are not offended by fart jokes, penis jokes,  breast implant jokes and drug use humor.

For those of us left, Scary Movie, is at times a very funny movie.  It is also crude, sophomoric and has as many jokes that fail as ones that make it.  

If you didn't like the original cartoon series, don't bother, you won't like this movie (and won't "get it" either).  If you are a fan of R&B, I suspect you will be mildly amused as I was.  The remake stays true to the original; full of corny puns, the throw-away plot, Rocky's endless optimism and Bullwinkles "lower than a moose" IQ.  

The occasional reference to classic movies* makes for some fun moments, and overall this is a pleasant summer diversion.  

*watch for De Niro giving a fresh read to lines from Taxi Driver.  

This is a summer action movie that goes beyond the usual effects and chase scenes.  Based on a true story, this drama about a fishing boat and a fierce storm will keep you interested from start to finish.  On-screen peril isn't gripping unless you care about the characters, and they are well established in the opening scenes.  The introductions are followed by some fascinating scenes that show exactly how deep sea commercial fisherman make their living.  These are a great set up to the storm that follows.  Forget about MI:2, this is the movie to see! 

WARNING: SIGNIFICANT PLOT POINTS REVEALED BELOW

As good as The Perfect Storm is, it's not perfect.  The special effects are excellent, but there are times when the fishing boat is put through hoops that are just too over the top (literally).  And the waves are way too big to be believed.  Finally, as much as I liked this movie, I don't think it will be a big hit because of the ending.  Films succeed based on word of mouth, and too many folks are not going to be happy with the end of this movie.    

The director of a cop drama should  pick a style and stick with it.  When I think of great ones like 48 Hours, Lethal Weapon or Heat, they all have that quality.  A consistent approach and a level of realism that remains throughout.  At times Shaft tries the gritty, realistic approach, at other times it plays like a comic book.  

The second problem with the film centers around the ethics of the lead characters.  When they encounter  "dirty" cops, what do they do?  Shoot them.  Without hesitation.  A cold blooded revenge killing plays out before their eyes, what do they do? Chuckle their way into the next scene.  Disturbing.     

1) How can a movie about car theft not have any good car chases in it?

2) How can a movie "starring" Angelina Jolie not put her on screen for more than 10 minutes and not give her more than one good line (the one in the preview, of course).

This is not a good film.  Nicholas Cage borrows his ConAir character (bad boy gone straight, "just tryin' to help"), and Jolie is severely underutilized.   This film is filled with bad clichés, predictable plot moves and doesn't bother to have any clever or interesting characters.  

Roger commented that this film went downhill when the dinosaurs started talking.  He felt that the visuals were so good that the human-like creatures were out of place.  It didn't bother me, this is a Disney movie, and I expected the banter.   At least the T-Rex's didn't break into song wearing pink Tutus.  

The plot line is very predictable early on, but then switches gears and becomes more interesting.  However, it takes too long to tell the story, the second half drags on far too long.  This should have been a two hour movie.  

Frequency is really three films in one: 1) science fiction time warp 2) murder mystery thriller and 3) father / son tear jerker.  All three deliver.  

Julia Roberts is very good in this role.  The plot moves along nicely, their are several funny moments and even though the trailer gave away most of the movie, it's still a good one.

Two scenes showed promise; the Ben Affleck recruitment speech is wonderful, and when the hotshots mimic the movie Wall Street, it's clear where their heads are at  (Greed is good!).  Maybe Younger's next film will feature more scenes like these  and fewer plot distractions.