| Title |
Type |
Reviewer |
Rating (1-5 stars) |
Comments |
Pirates of the Carribean (08/2003)
|
Film
|
Doog |
  
|
Set in the Caribbean Sea in the 17th century, this is the story of a gentleman rogue of a pirate, Jack Sparrow, who teams up with the daughter of a governor to stop the evil plan of dangerous pirates who are attempting to reverse an anchient curse that leaves them stuck between life and death. The curse is revealed with the light of the moon displaying the pirate's as skeletons. This was by far the best surprise of the summer. The mystery behind the curse unfolds in suspenseful manner while the special effects leave you riveted. Great humor and action. The story line might have a few holes in it but you will have a difficult time noticing them while enjoying the viewing. Yo-Ho-Yo-Ho - The Pirate's movie is a must see!
|
Finding Nemo (06/2003)
|
Film
|
Doog |
  
|
The film follows the comedic and eventful journeys of two fish - Marlin and his son Nemo - who become separated in the Great Barrier Reef when Nemo is unexpectedly taken far from home and thrust into a fish tank in a dentist's office overlooking Sydney harbor. Pixar and Disney continues to build on their reputation for delivering great fun for the entire family with this entertaining adventure. Though not as funny nor original as Monster's Inc. and Toy Story this is still a wonderful film for all ages.
|
Anger Management (05/2003)
|
Film
|
Doog |
 
|
A mild-mannered businessman (Sandler) is wrongly accused of a crime and sentenced to an anger management program, where he discovers that his instructor (Nicholson) is a crazy psycho with his own serious anger management problem, and is probably the one man in the world most capable of making his new student blow his lid. This film was a lot better than I expected it would be. Great humor and an original story line - What more can you ask for. Don't get angry at me if you miss this one.
|
Bruce Almighty (5/2003)
|
Film
|
Doog |
|
This film stars Jim Carrey as Bruce Nolan, a �human interest� television reporter in upstate New York who is unhappy with almost everything in life, despite his popularity and the love of his girlfriend Grace (Jennifer Aniston). At the end of the worst day in his life, Bruce angrily ridicules and rages against God � and God responds. He appears in human form (Morgan Freeman) and, endowing Bruce with all of His divine powers, challenges Bruce to take on the big job to see if he can do it any better. This movie is "OH God" on steroids. It has some very funny scenes but had the potential to be so much more. Carrey is on the mark but was not given the opportunity to floor us with his standard charisma. The special effects were extremely well done. Check it out but don't expect an almighty movie.
|
Disney's Toy Story 2 Ice Show (01/2003)
|
Ice Show
|
Bink |
   
|
A great show based on a great movie. Buzz, Woody and the gang light up the ice in this excellent on ice performance that follows the movie's storyline very closely. The scene in which the toys cross the street and cause a rush hour pile up was awesome. Caitlyn loved seeing the "Toys" too! Catch them on tour.
|
Maid In Manhattan (12/2002)
|
Film
|
Doog |

|
Marisa, an independent single mother who lives in the Bronx and works as a maid in a first class Manhattan hotel, dreams of a better life but has learned to depend upon her own wits to get her there. Chris Hall, a debonair politician, is in New York for a week of meetings with party big shots and will be staying in the hotel where Marisa works. By a twist of fate and mistaken identity, the two meet. All I have to say is at least Lopez is not attempting to be Italian this time. This film falls somewhere in between "Working Girl" (Two worlds collide with humor and romance), "Cinderella" (purely ridiculous fantasy) and "The Twilight Zone" (Completely not believable). The film had a few good laughs, a few good views of the NYC and was clever at times but was dull and unbelievable in most others. Maid for VCR viewing only. |
Die Another Day (12/2002)
|
Film
|
Doog |
 
|
James Bond returns with the twentieth installment in the superspy series of adventures. From Hong Kong to Cuba to London, Bond travels the world in his quest to identify a traitor and prevent an attack on South Korea by a renegade communist general. On his way, he crosses paths with Jinx (Berry) and Miranda Frost (Pike), who will play vital roles in the adventure. The action and pace of the story will keep you interested while the special effects and stunts exclamate the presentation. The storyline was quite original for a "bond" picture. Bond "predictably" delivers but unfortunately so was the climax.
|
Red Dragon (10/2002)
|
Film
|
Doog |
 
|
Hannibal the Canibal is back again and this time I am having deja vu. This is a very difficult movie to rate because I saw it already. No matter what anyone else says, this movie is a remake of "Manhunter" (also known as Red Dragon - The Legacy of Hannibal Lecter). All of the major scenes were duplicated even down to the reporter's flaming wheel chair part. The newest version obviously had a bigger budget and Hannibal had more scenes than in the film. My biggest complaint about the new version is the casting of Ed Norton as the lead ex-FBI consultant (Will Graham). His presentation as a crime scene investigator and law enforcement officer was dry and not convincing. On the positive side, the film is a very suspenseful and presents a solid gripping story. If you have not seen Manhunter, then you should enjoy this movie. The major clue in the criminal investigation is presented right there in front of you for you to view. Can you figure it out before the FBI does?
|
| Bink |
   
|
I do not remember the Manhunter movie, though Doog insists that I saw it. Great suspenseful movie!
|
Sweet Home Alabama (10/2002)
 |
Film
|
Doog |
 
|
This romantic comedy uses the standard love triangle formula with the multiple identity twist. New York fashion designer Melanie Carmichael (Reese Witherspoon) suddenly finds herself engaged to the city�s most eligible bachelor. But Melanie�s past holds many secrets, including Jake (Josh Lucas), the redneck husband she married in high school, who refuses to divorce her. Gread chick flick comedy. Go Home!
|
| Bink |
  
|
I really enjoyed this chick flick.
|
Sesame Street Live (10/2002)  |
Show
|
Caitlyn |
|
Cooooooookie Monster! and the gang from Sesame Street put on a great show!. I had a great time laughing, clapping and screaming (happy). "Dank You" Mom and Dad.
|
Annie (08/2002)
 |
Play
|
Doog |
  |
The outdoor production of Annie at the Spring Mountain Ranch theatre (located 15 miles west of Las Vegas) was well done. The lighting, acting, singing and presentation were all up to par. We are already planning to attend next year's productions. Caitlyn watched intently and really enjoyed the show.
|
Road to Perdition (07/2002)
 |
Film
|
Doog |
   |
Perdition (Hell, everlasting damnation, a town in Illinois) They all apply.
In Depression-era Chicago, hit man Michael O'Sullivan (Tom Hanks) is known to friends and enemies alike as the "Angel of Death". He is also devoted to being a respectful father and husband and attempts to keep his occupation a secret from his two young children. These two worlds collide when a chain of events lead to the murder of his wife and youngest child. Sullivan and his surviving son set out to wage a war of revenge against the mob. The cinematogrophy was amazing. While the script was a little weak and the story line a bit predictable the "road" was worth the view. Hanks, amazinglly, played the role of an emotionless assassin very well. In only a few scenes are we given an incling that he is the same actor that we are accustom to viewing in light hearted comical roles. Race to see the "Road" |
| Bink |
   |
The story, cinematography and presentation were excellent. I predicted the ending. Bring some tissues.
|
K-19: The Widowmaker (07/2002)
 |
Film
|
Doog |
   |
Inspired by a true story, the film follows Captain Alexi Vostrikov (Harrison Ford) who, during the height of the Cold War, is ordered to take over command of the newly developed nuclear missile submarine K-19, pride of the Soviet Navy.
His assignment is to prepare the K-19 for sea and take her out on patrol sucessfully at any cost. But problems with the K-19 arise that may lead to a core meltdown and explosion that will certainly kill all aboard, and possibly trigger a nuclear war. Harrison did an excellent job playing an abrassive commander attempting to succeed with all odds stacked against him. The film is a bit long and may not appeal to all. It can be best be characterized as a drama that presents the human tragedy and heroes involved in the crises. We get glimpses of the cold war, way of life and propaganda from a Soviet crew's perspective. Dive to view the Widowmaker!
|
| Bink |
   |
Much better than I had anticipated. Harrison does an excellent job in this very tense crises.
|
Ray Romano in Concert at the Mirage (06/2002)
 |
Show
|
Doog |
   |
Ray put on an excellent show. He had the crowd in tears and kept it fairly clean.
|
| Bink |
   |
Lots of fun!
|
Wiggles in Concert at the Alladan (06/2002)
|
Show |
Caitlyn |
 |
Caitlyn had a blast at her first concert!
|
Star Wars: Episode II The Attack of the Clones (05/2002)
 |
Film
|
Doog
|
   
|
If you have the opportunity to view the movie in DLP (Digital Projection) do not pass it up. The movie experience was amazing. The latest episode of the Start Wars saga delivers in every way. Obi-Wan Kenobi attempts to investigate who is attempting to assassinate senator Padm� Amidala and uncovers a secret Republic Army of Clones. Meanwhile, Anakin Skywalker reveals his love to Padm� while they are in seclusion. The Jedi, Clones, Count Dooko and the Trade Federation alliance converge to present an amazing climactic battle. Yoda puts on a show that explains why his name is prefixed by Master. Details related to the other episodes begin to come together and present answers to many questions. Where did the Stormtroopers come from? How does the senate lose its power? How will the Empire and the DeathStar come about? We begin to see the tortured path of Anakin toward the dark side and the "conflict within him". Deception and more deception all point toward the downfall of the Republic and the birth of the Empire as designed by senator Palpatine who is the consemate deceiver. All is not as it seems while the darkside "clouds" the force in a galaxy far far away as we begin our wait for the final answers to the saga in Episode III (The Dark Force, The Fall of the Republic?, Revenge of the Sith?...). (View Politics of Star Wars)
|
The Rookie (04/2002)
 |
Film
|
Doog |
   |
This great up lifting baseball story has a little of something for the entire family. The movie, which is based on actual events, presents the "fairy-tale" story of a Texas high school coach who is forced to follow his life's postponed ambition of trying to pitch for a major league baseball team due to an agreement with his students. The humor, drama and pure excitement is awe inspiring. The entrance into the MLB stadium is presented with admiration that gives chills to anyone who has set foot on a diamond to play ball. See this film and bring back those childhood dreams since this will, undoubtedly, be the sleeper hit of the season.
|
| Bink |
  |
A little too much baseball but a great inspiring fun filled movie for the entire family.
|
High Crimes (04/2002)
 |
Film
|
Doog |
   |
A military high court suspense filled story unfolds as the husband of a successful high powered lawyer Claire (Ashley Judd) is accused of war crimes by the military. Claire enlists the help of an expert military lawyer Charlie Grimes (Morgan Freeman) to assist her as her world is turned upside down. Claire is challenged to investigate her husband's secret past and uncover the proof she needs to clear him. Some aspects of the story are a little too predictable but the story does deliever on suspense, action and a little humor. The acting was top notch. Go solve the crime!
|
| Bink |
   |
A great ride. I really enjoyed this one.
|
Black Hawk Down (02/2002)
 |
Film
|
Doog |
   |
Yet another Clinton administration FUBAR (F__ Up Beyond All Recognition) that was buried by the press. It's amazing that the military, when used properly, can win a war in Afghanastan with fewer casualties than this "meals on wheels" leftest social experiment did. This is a pure "high voltage" realistic war movie that portrays the events of special forces operations in Somalia in which two Black Hawk helicopters were shot down by terrorists. The cinematography and delievery are top notch. Catch the Hawk.
|
| Bink |
   |
A good move that presents emotionally disturbing subject matter. Beware, if you have a weak stomach because this movie is a bit raw. I found it a bit difficult to keep track of all of the servicemen during the battles (which is 80% of the movie).
|
A Walk To Remember (02/2002)
 |
Film
|
Doog |
  |
I honestly did not know too much about this movie prior to viewing it. The movie tells a familiar story of a popular high school boy who falls in love with the preacher's daughter, who is also consistently the target of the class' teasing. The timing and presentation within the movie is on cue. A very touching story worth taking the walk for. However, be prepared...
|
| Bink |
   |
I enjoyed this film but am not exactly glad that I viewed it. Who made me take this walk? I feel like I "tripped".
|
Monsters Inc. (12/2001)
 |
Film
|
Doog |
    |
Disney and Pixar hit gold again in this wonderful film about monsters. I was in awe at how a story about scary monsters could be presented in such a way that would be friendly to a younger audience. The originality, storyline, humor, special effects were all excellent. Sully and Mike are destined to become new Disney icon characters. Go get scared!
|
| Bink |
   |
This was great fun for the whole family. A few great laughs but Toy Story was better.
|
Vanilla Sky (12/2001)  |
Film
|
Doog |
  |
I couldn't even begin to explain what this movie is about without giving away everything. It definitely enters uncharted material. David Aimes (Tom Cruise) is thrust from his lavish life of ease into a nightmare where reality is not what it appears. The confusion of his reality is communicated well and you will undoubtedly not be able to understand this film until the last five minutes. Opinions of this movie will be strong in either direction. It will provoke a lot of discussion as well as a lot of questioning smirks. Paint the sky at your own risk.
|
| Bink |
  |
This movie's script came from a dazed individual who must have been tripping out on acid as they wrote it. An original story line but a very awkward delivery.
|
Serendipity (10/2001)
 |
Film
|
Doog |
   |
Chick flick heaven as John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale meet on a bustling winter day during the Christmas rush and reluctantly leave to �fate� their mutual attraction to each other. Both of them attempt to identify and locate each other, at a later date, which prompts a chain of comical events. The movie was a little short and could have developed the story further with a few more scenes. Needless to say it was a worthy effort.
|
| Bink |
    |
Serendipolicious. I loved it.
|
Don�t Say a Word (10/2001)  |
Film
|
Doog |
 |
Michael Douglas plays a successful psychologist who is blackmailed into retrieving an important piece of information from a patient in order to save his kidnapped daughter. The action and pace of the film is good and the story is fairly original but the delivery was awkward. The �big� secret wasn�t all that interesting or surprising. Worth only watching as a matinee or on VHS. Don�t say I didn�t warn you otherwise.
|
| Bink |
    |
Action packed. I really enjoyed this one!
|
Captain Corelli's Mandolin (8/2001)
|
Film
|
Doog
|
   |
The film is set in the mediterranean coast during World War II as the Italians begin their occupation of Greece. The film begins very slow and the flow of the movie is a bit choppy. A romance develops between a young native and an occupying Italian captain (Corelli). The war eventually catches up with the quiet uneventful occupation as the nazis invade after the fall of Rome to the allies. The story delievers for the second half. Many political and emotional aspects of the war are vividly depicted. The beautiful scenery is a site in itself!. Salute the captain for a job well done.
|
| Bink
|
    |
A heart wrenching epic of war and love.
|
American Pie 2 (08/2001)
|
Film
|
Doog
|
  |
The gang is back for another party. A few good laughs and I emphasize the word "few".
|
| Bink
|
   |
The first movie was much better.
|
Legally Blonde (07/2001)
|
Film
|
Doog
|
   |
West coast valley collides with East coast elite in a comedy that was surprisingly entertaining. Reese Witherspoon plays an intelligent woman who wants to prove to her "ex" that she is an intelligent individual at Law school. Upon having "Copolla" produce a short movie for her admittance essay and working diligently to pass the LSATs she gets her chance when she is accepted. The humor is great and the laughs abundant. Check out the blonde!
|
| Bink
|
   |
Clueless goes to Harvard. Clueless is one of my favorite movies so it should come to no surprise that I enjoyed this flick. Funny and cute!
|
American Sweethearts
(07/2001)
|
Film
|
Doog
|

|
Julia Roberts plays the sister of a struggling movie star who gets tangled up in a twisted love/hate triangle with her sister's ex-husband who is mentally recovering from the relationship's breakup. Sound familiar. It is. Except for a few laughs this movie is not far from a complete bomb. The film stars numerous familiar faces (Billy Crystal, Catherine Zeta-Jones, John Cusack) but does not develop much of a story worthy of any interest. "Sweethearts" is dead on arrival and didnt have much of a pulse anyway!
|
| Bink |
   |
A worthy effort with a few good laughs.
|
Marriage Can Be Murder (06/2001) |
Dinner Show |
Doog |
   |
I was a complete failure with regard to my detective work on this case. However, the show was an over all success. The restaurant's ditsy host and the police detective had a great chemistry between them. The humor flowed well and the improv presentation was very sharp. The mystery unfolded with fair pace, but I did not like the format in which you do not know which individuals are real actors vs. real guests. At other Mystery Dinner shows that we have attended, the cast of the show is known in advance and the presentation is formatted more as a show with audience participation. Needless to say, I still had a lot of fun and would definitely recommend checking it out. The show's cast and episode changes every eight weeks for repetitive fun. The food rated above average as well. (Three courses) MarriageCanBeMurder Website
|
| Bink |
    |
A lot of good laughs. We, definitely, intend to return for another show. However, the only person that would even have a chance at guessing the "real" murderer is Columbo himself.
|
Pearl Harbor (05/2001)
|
Film |
Doog |
     |
As usual, the professional critics miss the mark again. This is a riveting war epic which should be required viewing for every true American. The movie catches many specific events with excellent historical accuracy (but is by no means a documentary). The film does an excellent job of mixing the personal, political, and military aspects of the events leading up to the sneak attack. The special effects are spectacular while the chaos caused by the attack is numbing. The love story does take up much of the movie, but is woven nicely into the drama of the oncoming war. I would like to take this opportunity to honor all of the veterans of the military forces of the United States of America. The only issue I have with this film is the casting of Alec Baldwin as a great American (Capt. Jimmy Doolittle). The only character I can imagine this "left wing" socialist portraying in a WWII movie is Joseph Stalin.
|
| Bink |
     |
An absolutely riveting film that will leave you with an emotional headache.
|
Shrek (06/2001)
|
Film |
Doog |
    |
Great fun for the entire family. The story is cute and there is humor for all ages and intelligence levels. The computer generated movie special effects are excellent. Shrek ,an ugly ogre, has his home inundated with famous childhood stars (including characters from nursery rhymes to Disney) by order of the king's relocation plan. Shrek sets out on an adventure in order to claim his property back and regain his privacy from the "annoying" invaders. Caitlyn (@ 6 monthes old) watched the screen intently for an hour and fifteen minutes before dozing off. Make the trek to see Shreck!
|
| Caitlyn |
 |
I can only give the movie 4 "bottles" because I missed one fifth of the movie due to a cat nap. I watched the rest of the movie and enjoyed it. I only cried when the loud dragon appeared and startled me. Other then that, I watched the movie in complete silence and really liked it.
|
The Mummy Returns (05/2001)
|
Film |
Doog |
 |
I really enjoyed the first "Mummy" movie and was hoping for similar results for the sequel. Unfortunately, I was extremely disappointed. While the special effects were extensive and excellent, the story was confusing and quite simply "stuuuuuuupid" and the humor was lacking and dry. The movie is just one big special effect with a clumsy story wrapped around it. The Mummy definitely should have kept sleeping and not returned.
|
| Bink |
   |
I thought it was pretty good. The scorpian was one mean villain.
|
Along Came A Spider (04/2001)
|
Film |
Doog |
    |
The film starts off fast and continues in hi gear throughout. It also contains a few great unexpected twists and turns. This suspense/action thriller features a local police investigator who is attempting to recover from the on-duty death of his partner. He is abruptly thrust into the center of a kidnapping case, which involves the daughter of a US senator, by circumstances planned by the perpetrator. The climax of the film will develop right under your nose, but you will not see it coming. You will not be disappointed by this one. It will probably be in my top three movies for 2001.
|
| Bink |
    |
Five Stars!! Suspenseful and lots of surprises throughout. Put this one on your list to see.
|
Bridget Joan's Diary (04/2001)
|
Film |
Doog |
  |
Yet another chick flick. Renee Z. gets a A+ for her performance as a young English (Excellent job with the accent) "space cadet" who does not have the gift of gab. For that matter, she does not have any social skills at all. Bridget, facing a mid life melt down, with no love life to speak of sets out on a quest to improve her life and avoid growing old and dying alone (becoming a "spinster" as they say on the other side of the pond). Lots of great humor. The only glaring annoyance was the over use of a specific four letter colorful metaphor. "Tip Top" your self down to the theatre and check it out.
|
| Bink |
  |
Pretty Good. Renee did and excellent job. I agree with Doog with respect to the colorful metaphor annoyance. I also did not like the character of the person who Bridget ended up with at the end of the movie, but I will leave that for you to judge.
|
The Mexican (03/2001)
|
Film |
Doog |
  |
Brad Pitt does a great job of playing an fumbling idiot who unfortunately stumbles into owing a favor to the mob. The film has a little fun for everyone. There is adventure, action, suspense, comedy and a little romance to enjoy. A worthy effort. The volkswagon chase scene was filmed right here in Summerlin!
|
| Bink |
  |
I really enjoyed this film. Brad Pitt did a great job of being an incompetent moron.
|
Hannibal (03/2001)
|
Film |
Doog |
  |
The dark chess game between Clarence and Hannibal, from the Silence of the Lambs, is missing from this movie. Ironically, Dr. Lechter is portrayed as a victum, seeking worldly injustices. The above two facts take away from the much awaited third installment of the Hannibal movies. (Manhunter was filmed before the Silence of the Lambs in which Hannibal appears in a number of scenes). The movie has more in common with a horror movie then it does with the previous movies. However, it was somewhat enjoyable and had a few riveting scenes. Check it out, but don't expect too much.
|
| Bink |
  |
Gorefest! I was a little disappointed but still enjoyed it.
|
The Wedding Planner (02/2001)
|
Film |
Doog |
|
It's another one of those "Three's Company" love match chick flicks. The problem with this film is that it was not original, not cute, not funny, and not real interesting. I would like to elaborate more on the story, but there was not much of one. Forget the hype, plan to elope from attending this one. |
| Bink |
  |
It was the first movie I had the pleasure of viewing with my daughter, Caitlyn. There were a few funny parts but it was just "OK". |
Castaway (12/2000)
|
Film |
Doog |
   |
The concept of an individual stranded on a tropical island has been visited by hollywood on previous occasions. However, this version offers a man's desperate attempt to keep his sanity in complete solitude. The movie is filled with symbolism even up to the ending scene. The silence on the island is deafening. |
| Bink |
   |
A very good movie with tons of symbolism. I liked the ending. |
The Family Man (12/2000)
|
Film |
Doog |
   |
Cage plays a very successful business man who is somehow portaled to a new reality in which he married his college sweetheart. This movie reminds me of the classic "Its a wonderful Life". However, Cage's performance is not even close to Jimmy Stewart's, but the movie does play out fairly well. I enjoyed it. |
| Bink |
   |
I really enjoyed this one! |
The Sixth Day (10/2000) |
Film |
Doog |
  |
Arnold Schwarzenegger returns to the screen in this action packed science fiction
stunt fest. The special effects and futuristic images were excellent and the concept of an unsuspecting average
man's life being replaced by a human engineered clone sounded promising. Unfortunately, half way through the
movie, the story line started to fall apart. Arnold had a few good one liners, but nothing close to his
legendary "I'll be back". Worth a view, but only with your VCR.
|