THE MYTH (2005) - Sept. 16, 2005
Well, this certainly wasn't Jackie Chan's finest effort. It started out well enough, but it started to really drag towards the end, and the final sequence, which took place in some kind of floating, zero-gravity mausoleum seemed to go on forever. The film was divided into stuff taking place in the past, with a romance between a general and a princess of some sort, and stuff in the present, with an archeologist and his scientist buddy (both starring Jackie Chan). One of the film's big problems was that for the most part, the stuff in the past wasn't all that interesting. The romance between Jackie Chan and the princess essentially didn't work at all, as they had zero chemistry together and in fact rarely even spoke to each other (despite the fact that a big chunk of the film was dedicated to their so-called romance). The stuff that took place in the present was considerably better, as Chan got to play more to his strengths (humour and elaborate martial arts sequences). The action (what little there was) was right up there with Jackie Chan's best stuff, with the highlight easily being a fight taking place in a rat glue factory. If this movie had been way shorter it may have been pretty good, but as it stands I was getting bored towards the end. **
Short reviews of all the movies I see, rated out of four. Reviews containing spoilers are marked with an (S).
Friday, September 16, 2005
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Caché
CACHÉ (2005) - Sept. 14, 2005
A really bizarre film by Michael Haneke. About a couple who begin receiving tapes of footage filmed outside their home. Much of what makes this film so unique is Haneke's direction, which emphasizes unusually long shots. This, and the mystery of the tapes and who's behind it keep the film compelling, despite the movie's ultra-leisurely pace. ***
A really bizarre film by Michael Haneke. About a couple who begin receiving tapes of footage filmed outside their home. Much of what makes this film so unique is Haneke's direction, which emphasizes unusually long shots. This, and the mystery of the tapes and who's behind it keep the film compelling, despite the movie's ultra-leisurely pace. ***
Trust the Man
TRUST THE MAN (2005) - Sept. 14, 2005
This started out really well. For the first half or so, I was enjoying it quite a bit; it was basically a better than average romantic comedy. The performances were all really good (David Duchovny and Billy Crudup were really good -- Crudup in particular was surprisingly good in a much lighter role than he usually plays, proving he is as adept at comedy as he is at drama). The dialogue was good, and there were also some genuinely funny parts. BUT... the movie was at least twenty minutes too long. As much as I was enjoying it at the beginning, it was completely plotless and in the latter half I was really just getting sick of it. It seriously overstayed its welcome. Which is too bad, because there's quite a good movie in here somewhere, it just needs some serious trimming. **1/2
This started out really well. For the first half or so, I was enjoying it quite a bit; it was basically a better than average romantic comedy. The performances were all really good (David Duchovny and Billy Crudup were really good -- Crudup in particular was surprisingly good in a much lighter role than he usually plays, proving he is as adept at comedy as he is at drama). The dialogue was good, and there were also some genuinely funny parts. BUT... the movie was at least twenty minutes too long. As much as I was enjoying it at the beginning, it was completely plotless and in the latter half I was really just getting sick of it. It seriously overstayed its welcome. Which is too bad, because there's quite a good movie in here somewhere, it just needs some serious trimming. **1/2
The Proposition
THE PROPOSITION (2005) - Sept. 14, 2005
Though it took a while for me to fully get into it, this movie did eventually win me over. I liked the direction; the film contained some impressive scenes of the Australian outback. It also helped that Ray Winstone gave a really excellent performance, in fact probably his best that I've seen (it was a lot more subtle than his usual performances, relying a lot on facial gestures and such). I also liked the interaction between Ray Winstone's and Emily Watson's characters. The movie established a tone and a mood that really just drew me in, and there were some really powerful moments. ***1/2
Though it took a while for me to fully get into it, this movie did eventually win me over. I liked the direction; the film contained some impressive scenes of the Australian outback. It also helped that Ray Winstone gave a really excellent performance, in fact probably his best that I've seen (it was a lot more subtle than his usual performances, relying a lot on facial gestures and such). I also liked the interaction between Ray Winstone's and Emily Watson's characters. The movie established a tone and a mood that really just drew me in, and there were some really powerful moments. ***1/2
Monday, September 12, 2005
Revolver
REVOLVER (2005) - Sept. 12, 2005
Well, I've been thinking about this movie all afternoon and I can safely say that I am baffled by it (but not necessarily in a bad way). Though it started out as what seemed like a straight-forward gangster movie, it just got stranger and more confusing and by the end I was scratching my head and wondering what it all meant. It was certainly well directed (though not as flashy as some of Ritchie's previous films) and well acted (Jason Statham and Ray Liotta are at their best, particularly Statham). But it was just strange, though thankfully not in a Miike or Lynch "strange for the sake of strange" type of way. Ritchie described it as "a chess game within a chess game within a chess game," which seems apt. I get the feeling that the movie will become a lot more clear and get a lot better on repeat viewings, but unfortunately I'm going to have to wait a while until I find that out. Certainly, kudos goes to Guy Ritchie for trying something different; I have a feeling that those expecting another Snatch or Lock Stock are going to be sorely disappointed. Who knows, I may watch this again and find that it is just as confusing and obtuse on repeat viewings, but I have a feeling that this is not the case. This has the potential to be a four star movie, I think, but right now I'm giving it a three. But then, since I wrote this a few hours ago, I've been thinking about the movie pretty much nonstop, so I'm going to have to bump this up to a three-and-a-half. ***1/2
Well, I've been thinking about this movie all afternoon and I can safely say that I am baffled by it (but not necessarily in a bad way). Though it started out as what seemed like a straight-forward gangster movie, it just got stranger and more confusing and by the end I was scratching my head and wondering what it all meant. It was certainly well directed (though not as flashy as some of Ritchie's previous films) and well acted (Jason Statham and Ray Liotta are at their best, particularly Statham). But it was just strange, though thankfully not in a Miike or Lynch "strange for the sake of strange" type of way. Ritchie described it as "a chess game within a chess game within a chess game," which seems apt. I get the feeling that the movie will become a lot more clear and get a lot better on repeat viewings, but unfortunately I'm going to have to wait a while until I find that out. Certainly, kudos goes to Guy Ritchie for trying something different; I have a feeling that those expecting another Snatch or Lock Stock are going to be sorely disappointed. Who knows, I may watch this again and find that it is just as confusing and obtuse on repeat viewings, but I have a feeling that this is not the case. This has the potential to be a four star movie, I think, but right now I'm giving it a three. But then, since I wrote this a few hours ago, I've been thinking about the movie pretty much nonstop, so I'm going to have to bump this up to a three-and-a-half. ***1/2
Saturday, September 10, 2005
The Exorcism of Emily Rose
THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE (2005) - Sept. 9, 2005
A creepy film about a priest who attempts to perform an exorcism, fails, and is forced to go on trial. Tom Wilkinson was really good (as usual) as the priest, as was Laura Linney as his lawyer. Most of the film is the trial itself, with the exorcism and such being seen in flashbacks. The movie is somewhat slow paced; the first creepy moment doesn't come until at least twenty minutes into it. But the pace worked, and I found that the courtroom stuff was just as effective as some of the scarier moments. But (and perhaps it helps that I scare very easily) this was still a really scary movie. It wasn't so much scary in a flat-out Ring sort of way, it was more eerie and unnerving. It helps that the movie avoids over-the-top supernatural stuff like the 360 head-turning and projectile vomiting of the Exorcist. The movie was really well directed, and some of the scenes were really suspenseful. In fact, when the credits rolled I noticed that my back and neck felt unusually tight; I must have been tensing up for extended periods without even realizing. ***1/2
A creepy film about a priest who attempts to perform an exorcism, fails, and is forced to go on trial. Tom Wilkinson was really good (as usual) as the priest, as was Laura Linney as his lawyer. Most of the film is the trial itself, with the exorcism and such being seen in flashbacks. The movie is somewhat slow paced; the first creepy moment doesn't come until at least twenty minutes into it. But the pace worked, and I found that the courtroom stuff was just as effective as some of the scarier moments. But (and perhaps it helps that I scare very easily) this was still a really scary movie. It wasn't so much scary in a flat-out Ring sort of way, it was more eerie and unnerving. It helps that the movie avoids over-the-top supernatural stuff like the 360 head-turning and projectile vomiting of the Exorcist. The movie was really well directed, and some of the scenes were really suspenseful. In fact, when the credits rolled I noticed that my back and neck felt unusually tight; I must have been tensing up for extended periods without even realizing. ***1/2
Saturday, September 03, 2005
The Transporter
THE TRANSPORTER 2 (2005) - Sept. 3, 2005
A somewhat disappointing sequel. It's especially disappointing given how good Unleashed was, Louis Leterrier's previous film. There were a couple of good action sequences, but the action was pretty mediocre for the most part. It didn't help that the whole film felt like a TBS version of an R-rated movie (it's really clear that this was originally supposed to be much more violent). It also didn't help that the movie was filled with action movie cliches (the generic European villain, the big quiet guy who does a lot of damage to the main character until he gets the upper hand, the fight on a plane in which the pilot is shot in the crossfire, and so on). It wasn't all bad, though. Jason Statham was quite good, and the film was essentially entertaining throughout. It was just mediocre. **1/2
A somewhat disappointing sequel. It's especially disappointing given how good Unleashed was, Louis Leterrier's previous film. There were a couple of good action sequences, but the action was pretty mediocre for the most part. It didn't help that the whole film felt like a TBS version of an R-rated movie (it's really clear that this was originally supposed to be much more violent). It also didn't help that the movie was filled with action movie cliches (the generic European villain, the big quiet guy who does a lot of damage to the main character until he gets the upper hand, the fight on a plane in which the pilot is shot in the crossfire, and so on). It wasn't all bad, though. Jason Statham was quite good, and the film was essentially entertaining throughout. It was just mediocre. **1/2
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Four Brothers
FOUR BROTHERS (2005) - Aug. 27, 2005
Essentially Deathwish but with four people instead of one, this was about four brothers whose mother is killed, and who decide to get revenge on those responsible. The performances were all quite good, particularly Terrence Howard as a cop who helps the brothers out, and Chiwetel Ejiofor as a sinister mobster. The film was entertaining all the way through, and was definitely John Singleton's best film in a while (which isn't hard considering his last few movies were 2 Fast 2 Furious, Baby Boy and Shaft). ***
Essentially Deathwish but with four people instead of one, this was about four brothers whose mother is killed, and who decide to get revenge on those responsible. The performances were all quite good, particularly Terrence Howard as a cop who helps the brothers out, and Chiwetel Ejiofor as a sinister mobster. The film was entertaining all the way through, and was definitely John Singleton's best film in a while (which isn't hard considering his last few movies were 2 Fast 2 Furious, Baby Boy and Shaft). ***
Friday, August 26, 2005
Sahara
SAHARA (2005) - Aug. 26, 2005
It's never a good sign when a film's opening credits list four different writers. It actually started out decently enough, sort of a third-rate Indiana Jones. But after a while, and especially in the last 45 minutes or so, it started to become a little monotonous with one bland action sequence after another, with almost no downtime between them towards the end. The performances were all fine (with the exception of Penelope Cruz, who is terrible in better movies and who was certainly terrible here), I liked the chemistry between Steve Zahn and Matthew McConaughey, and I was able to go with the film's sort of silly vibe for a while, but all the action just killed it for me. **
It's never a good sign when a film's opening credits list four different writers. It actually started out decently enough, sort of a third-rate Indiana Jones. But after a while, and especially in the last 45 minutes or so, it started to become a little monotonous with one bland action sequence after another, with almost no downtime between them towards the end. The performances were all fine (with the exception of Penelope Cruz, who is terrible in better movies and who was certainly terrible here), I liked the chemistry between Steve Zahn and Matthew McConaughey, and I was able to go with the film's sort of silly vibe for a while, but all the action just killed it for me. **
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Appleseed
APPLESEED (2004) - Aug. 24, 2005
Though the animation style takes a while to get used to, I did get used to it, and this was a good film. The movie was computer animated, but the characters all had a cel-shaded, traditionally animated type of look to them. This worked for the most part, though the performances tended to be a bit stiff at times. This style of animation seemed to work best for action, as the action sequences were really well done and very impressive, visually. The film was entertaining throughout, and not nearly as convoluted as anime based on manga tends to be. ***
Though the animation style takes a while to get used to, I did get used to it, and this was a good film. The movie was computer animated, but the characters all had a cel-shaded, traditionally animated type of look to them. This worked for the most part, though the performances tended to be a bit stiff at times. This style of animation seemed to work best for action, as the action sequences were really well done and very impressive, visually. The film was entertaining throughout, and not nearly as convoluted as anime based on manga tends to be. ***
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Red Eye
RED EYE (2005) - Aug. 23, 2005
About a woman who is forced to indirectly kill a high ranking politician, this was a pretty good thriller which was elevated by a scenery chewing and immensely entertaining performance by Cillian Murphy, who is quickly proving to be one of the best young actors out there. The film is at its most effective for the first hour or so; the last twenty minutes are a little silly, as Murphy's character essentially turns into Daniel Stern from Home Alone (for someone who seemed so cool and collected on the plane, it suddenly becomes apparent that he isn't all that good at his job). ***
About a woman who is forced to indirectly kill a high ranking politician, this was a pretty good thriller which was elevated by a scenery chewing and immensely entertaining performance by Cillian Murphy, who is quickly proving to be one of the best young actors out there. The film is at its most effective for the first hour or so; the last twenty minutes are a little silly, as Murphy's character essentially turns into Daniel Stern from Home Alone (for someone who seemed so cool and collected on the plane, it suddenly becomes apparent that he isn't all that good at his job). ***
The 40 Year Old Virgin
THE 40 YEAR OLD VIRGIN (2005) - Aug. 23, 2005
Steve Carell is really good in this film which, as the title implies, is about a 40 year old who's still a virgin. Carell is really funny, but at the same time manages to create a character we really come to like and care about. Equally good are Carell's three buddies, including the always excellent Paul Rudd, and Carell's love interest, played by Catherine Keener. The film was almost two hours long, but unlike Wedding Crashers it didn't feel long at all. Even the obligatory fake breakup wasn't too bad here, and didn't feel nearly as forced and pointless as it almost always does. ***1/2
Steve Carell is really good in this film which, as the title implies, is about a 40 year old who's still a virgin. Carell is really funny, but at the same time manages to create a character we really come to like and care about. Equally good are Carell's three buddies, including the always excellent Paul Rudd, and Carell's love interest, played by Catherine Keener. The film was almost two hours long, but unlike Wedding Crashers it didn't feel long at all. Even the obligatory fake breakup wasn't too bad here, and didn't feel nearly as forced and pointless as it almost always does. ***1/2
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Spellbound
SPELLBOUND (2002) - Aug. 21, 2005
A well made documentary about eight kids who compete in the 1999 spelling bee. Around half of the film is spent letting us get to know the children and their families, so by the time the competition starts it is pretty tense, as we know all the kids so well. ***
A well made documentary about eight kids who compete in the 1999 spelling bee. Around half of the film is spent letting us get to know the children and their families, so by the time the competition starts it is pretty tense, as we know all the kids so well. ***
Friday, August 19, 2005
Broken Flowers
BROKEN FLOWERS (2005) - Aug. 19, 2005
Bill Murray is excellent (though he is essentially playing a variation on his last few performances) in this film about a man who discovers that he may have a son, and sets out to find the identity of the mother. Aside from Murray, all of the performances were really good, and the film was really well written and directed. ***1/2
Bill Murray is excellent (though he is essentially playing a variation on his last few performances) in this film about a man who discovers that he may have a son, and sets out to find the identity of the mother. Aside from Murray, all of the performances were really good, and the film was really well written and directed. ***1/2
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Dial M for Murder
DIAL M FOR MURDER (1954) - Aug. 14, 2005
Though not quite up there with Hitchcock's finest films, this is still a really good movie. About a husband who plots to kill his wife, the film remains extremely entertaining and quite riveting at times, even though it takes place almost entirely in one apartment. The film never felt stagey despite essentially being a play, probably because of the quality of the performances, the writing and the direction (in fact I didn't even notice how play-like it was until it was almost over). ***1/2
Though not quite up there with Hitchcock's finest films, this is still a really good movie. About a husband who plots to kill his wife, the film remains extremely entertaining and quite riveting at times, even though it takes place almost entirely in one apartment. The film never felt stagey despite essentially being a play, probably because of the quality of the performances, the writing and the direction (in fact I didn't even notice how play-like it was until it was almost over). ***1/2
Wedding Crashers
WEDDING CRASHERS (2005) - Aug. 14, 2005
A criminally overlong romantic comedy about a couple of guys who crash weddings to meet girls. The problem with this film was that it almost felt like two different movies at times; there was the wacky stuff (the whole beginning sequence, and pretty much everything with Vince Vaughn) and then there was the played out, and really tired romantic comedy stuff with Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams (Wilson and McAdams were both good, particularly McAdams, but all their stuff was just so routine). But it was still pretty much entertaining for a while, but then there was the requisite fake breakup, and sweet Jesus! It went on for what felt like an hour. The fake breakup should last no longer than five minutes, max, and this one had to have been at least half an hour. They even threw in a second fake breakup with Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson, where it looks like they won't be friends anymore. This section of the film was boring and pointless. But then there was Vince Vaughn, who gave one of his best and funniest performances in years, and was easily the highlight of the film. There should have been more Vince Vaughn and less of the tired romantic comedy stuff. **
A criminally overlong romantic comedy about a couple of guys who crash weddings to meet girls. The problem with this film was that it almost felt like two different movies at times; there was the wacky stuff (the whole beginning sequence, and pretty much everything with Vince Vaughn) and then there was the played out, and really tired romantic comedy stuff with Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams (Wilson and McAdams were both good, particularly McAdams, but all their stuff was just so routine). But it was still pretty much entertaining for a while, but then there was the requisite fake breakup, and sweet Jesus! It went on for what felt like an hour. The fake breakup should last no longer than five minutes, max, and this one had to have been at least half an hour. They even threw in a second fake breakup with Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson, where it looks like they won't be friends anymore. This section of the film was boring and pointless. But then there was Vince Vaughn, who gave one of his best and funniest performances in years, and was easily the highlight of the film. There should have been more Vince Vaughn and less of the tired romantic comedy stuff. **
Saturday, August 13, 2005
The Skeleton Key
THE SKELETON KEY (2005) - Aug. 13, 2005 (S)
A decent thriller about a woman who gets a job caring for a stroke victim and his wife, and who finds herself increasingly embroiled in the world of voodoo (or hoodoo). Peter Sarsgaard (with a southern accent!) was good in a small part. The film was basically entertaining all the way through, though it did get a bit ridiculous with all the voodoo stuff towards the end. But then there was the ending, which featured one of the best twists since the Sixth Sense, which I didn't see coming at all. **1/2
A decent thriller about a woman who gets a job caring for a stroke victim and his wife, and who finds herself increasingly embroiled in the world of voodoo (or hoodoo). Peter Sarsgaard (with a southern accent!) was good in a small part. The film was basically entertaining all the way through, though it did get a bit ridiculous with all the voodoo stuff towards the end. But then there was the ending, which featured one of the best twists since the Sixth Sense, which I didn't see coming at all. **1/2
Friday, August 12, 2005
Bringing up Baby
BRINGING UP BABY (1938) - Aug. 12, 2005
A really entertaining and surprisingly funny film that essentially falls into the "lots of stuff happening in a short amount of time" genre (so it's no surprise that it's good). Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn were both excellent, the dialogue was really good, and the film was really fast-paced and wacky. ***1/2
A really entertaining and surprisingly funny film that essentially falls into the "lots of stuff happening in a short amount of time" genre (so it's no surprise that it's good). Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn were both excellent, the dialogue was really good, and the film was really fast-paced and wacky. ***1/2
Saturday, August 06, 2005
The Thin Man
THE THIN MAN (1934) - Aug. 6, 2005
William Powell and Myrna Loy are both really good as Nick and Nora Charles in this, the first of the Thin Man movies. In it, they attempt to solve a crime while exchanging banter and drinking a lot. The mystery itself tended to be a bit confusing, as there were so many characters I was having a hard time keeping track of them all. But the real highlights were the performances, as Powell and Loy had really good chemistry together, and the dialogue, which was really good. ***
William Powell and Myrna Loy are both really good as Nick and Nora Charles in this, the first of the Thin Man movies. In it, they attempt to solve a crime while exchanging banter and drinking a lot. The mystery itself tended to be a bit confusing, as there were so many characters I was having a hard time keeping track of them all. But the real highlights were the performances, as Powell and Loy had really good chemistry together, and the dialogue, which was really good. ***
Monday, August 01, 2005
Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story
STEWIE GRIFFIN: THE UNTOLD STORY (2005) - Aug. 1, 2005
Since it wasn't even 16:9, this basically felt like three episodes of the show stuck together (probably because it was) but it was still really entertaining and quite funny. It was just basically like a long, good episode of Family Guy. There were a lot of really funny parts, with the highlights probably being the Thundercats part, and the extended Ferris Bueller parody (I'm still chuckling about that one now). They should make more of these. ***
Since it wasn't even 16:9, this basically felt like three episodes of the show stuck together (probably because it was) but it was still really entertaining and quite funny. It was just basically like a long, good episode of Family Guy. There were a lot of really funny parts, with the highlights probably being the Thundercats part, and the extended Ferris Bueller parody (I'm still chuckling about that one now). They should make more of these. ***
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