I Am Legend

(Alternate Ending)



Alexis says:

3.5 STARS



This was our second viewing of I am Legend. We saw it opening night when I was 36 weeks pregnant with twins because I wanted to see it that bad. We saw it in a theatre where we viewed the 'theatrical release', I enjoyed it. We have since purchased the movie and recently watched the film again, however, this time around we watched the alternate ending.

I think that Will Smith is excellent in most recent movies I have seen, he is after all, Mr. July (I, Robot, Independence Day, Men In Black) and becoming Mr. December (The Pursuit of Happyness, I am Legend). I thought I am Legend was another great performance by Smith and I think he continues to grow as an amazing actor. To carry a movie this size mostly on your own is a feat for which any actor able to pull that off should pat themselves on the back, so go ahead Will, we'll wait.

Now this being my second viewing I knew mostly what to expect (and could quickly pick out the 'alternate scenes'). Smith's Robert Neville is the single uninfected survivor left in New York after a cure for cancer has gone terribly wrong leaving most people dead, a lot of people infected (referred to as 'Dark Seekers') leaving them as more monster than human, and very few people left uninfected. The movie has several flashbacks in the form of Neville's dreams in which we learn what has happened to the world and his family. He lives alone in New York with his daughter's German Shepherd, Samantha. The relationship between man and dog is touching and well depicted. Smith's Neville has been alone, with only the Dark Seekers and his pet, for almost 3 years when the movie begins.

I found the alternate ending to be so different from the theatrical release that at first taste I was unhappy, because I had become used to the ending I saw in the theatre. Thinking back to when I originally saw the movie however, I recalled how unpleased I was with the theatrical ending. To avoid spoilers, I will just say that after a few days of mulling the alternate ending over in my head I think this new ending seems to fit the movie better, there are foreshadowing scenes that were in the original release that flow better with the alternate ending. Either way, the film is pretty good, but I think the alternate ending may actually be my preferred choice.

This film is pretty good and I would give it more stars, except, the CGI Dark Seekers and animals in the movie are down right pitiful. I can't get over how bad they are done. I don't understand why they didn't just make the 'Dark Seekers' a little more human in nature so as to just use actors in the film. The CGI is so bad and they could have saved a lot of money.

So if they ever decide to remake this film again (and that wouldn't surprise me as this is the third attempt since the book was written in 1954) they should put a little more effort into the CGI or just do without.

On the flip side, I thought the deserted footage of New York was pretty awesome.

Overall, I would recommend you view the alternate ending of I Am Legend.

Todd Says:

4 STARS

I don't have a ton to add to that review, but I will say that I too thought that the theatrical and alternate endings were so radically different that it took a few days to digest it. You know how it is when you get used to something one way and then all of the sudden it is something completely different. Like, say you've been married to a woman for years and you love and appreciate her just the way she is, but then one night you find out that she is really an alien masquerading as a human being. Well, that would take a few days to get used to. The same thing happened to me with this new ending. But now, I think I like it better.

And another thing, I don't think that the CGI work is as bad as Alexis does. Yes, the animals could have been more real, they could have been completely real, but it doesn't ruin the movie for me. If anything, having seen Omega Man, and enjoying it, I think that the Infected in I Am Legend are a little too super-human. Especially if the director expects us to accept that they are still a little bit human. I'm just saying.

I do recommend this movie. To everyone, but especially to those who like Sci-Fi. For an interesting weekend, get the DVD and watch it both ways on back to back nights.

Jarhead

Todd Says:

4.5 STARS

Jarhead is one of those movies that is either going to move you or it's not. I don't feel like there is much that I can say to make someone who doesn't like war movies, or biographies want to watch this. But the truth of the matter is that this movie is so real, that it doesn't matter if it is true or not.

Jarhead is a naked (no pun intended) look at our modern military, from the bottom up. Jake Gyllenhaal is phenomenal, and the rest of the cast is incredible. Jamie Foxx plays Gyllenhall's Sergent, and for once in a war movie we get to see characters with more than one side.

The bottom line is: this movie is a must see. If you consider yourself a movie fan, then this movie is for you. Even if you don't love it, I guarantee you will walk away thinking.

Alexis says:

5 STARS

I love this film. I have seen it half a dozen times and I just really like it. I think Todd summed it up rather nice and easy so I will leave you with more of a recommendation than a review. See this film, I think you will enjoy it.

Insomnia

Alexis says:



4 STARS



I am a fan of crime dramas, and this one is pretty good. If I could make only one suggestion to this film it would be WHY Pacino? I just don't get him. I have seen many Pacino films and with the exception of Dog Day Afternoon, I have never been all that impressed by his acting. Are people just so in love with Pacino's Tony Montana of Scarface that they look past his poor acting ability in other movies?




Other than Pacino however I found this film to be pretty good in every other way. I thought the story was strong and despite a small bit of predictability the movie still managed to surprise you and leave you holding on waiting for the next scene. Robin Williams wasn't incredible but his performances in dramas such as these give me hope that the comedian can truly act.



As a fan of this movie genre, I enjoyed this film. Had William Petersen or someone else whom I enjoy more than Pacino played the leading role I may have given this film another half a star.





Todd Says:

3 STARS

Insomnia is a thoughtful crime suspense-thriller, set in a small town in Alaska where the sun doesn't go down during the summer. Al Pacino, as the main character in the movie, does alright. You see, I'm not one of those Pacino fans who think that the man is great. I often find myself, after watching one of his movies, trying to figure out why everybody else thinks he is so great. This was another one of those times. This movie could maybe have been great, but I feel like Pacino does nearly the same thing every time.

Robin Williams was good, but again not great. It's nice to see him trying to diversify and play some bad guy roles, but I feel like he is capable of better. Hillary Swank does a good job, but her part between those two giants comes across as insignificant and small.

All in all, if you dig crime or suspense movies you'll like it. If you are a member of the Church of Pacino the Great, then I'm sure you'll like it too. But if you're looking for something great, this just isn't it.

Dummy

Todd Says:

4 STARS

Dummy is about a guy who is nearly 30, stuck in a dead end job, and still living at home with his crazy family. One day at the urging of his wild friend (Milla Jovovich) he quits his job and decides to follow his childhood dream, Ventriloquism.

This could easily have been a Saturday Night Live skit-movie, however, the writing and acting is superb. Adrien Brody is brilliant, as is Jovovich and the rest of the cast. The story is funny, but sad, and even hopeful at the same times. Illeana Douglas, who plays Brody's older sister, who also still lives at home and works as a wedding planner is awesome.

It's a story about a bunch of people who've decided that life is too short to give up on your dreams. This one is for pretty much everybody. I highly recommend this movie.

Alexis Says:

3.5 STARS

I love Brody, not just because of his enjoyable physical presence but because he can act. Now, in addition to his awe inspiring acting, he can add ventriloquism to his lists of talents. Dummy is funny and sad and slightly bizarre all at the same time. Brody plays a young adult finally fulfilling his life long dream of...ventriloquism. From the original plot line to the convincing family dysfunction this film is a treat. Despite the originality and the enlightening performances from much of the cast I can't bring myself to give this movie more stars, it is after all a story about a seemingly slow young adult whose life long dream is to be a ventriloquist.

Bobby

Todd Says:

4 STARS

Bobby is an interesting view of an important day in History. Even if the characters were only created to imitate people from that time and not to portray actual people from history. I think that the movie does two important things.

First, it gives our history-starved society a nice little lesson about the past. Even if these particular characters did not really exist, it's nice to examine how different kinds of people lived and thought at that particular time in American history. The struggle for civil rights was extremely significant, at least I think so.

Second, it tells a good story. Or seventeen good stories. Or at least a few good stories, and some O.K. stories, and maybe one or two so-so stories. I guess that there are a lot of story lines to try to follow, the good thing is that the movie is only about one day. Well, I guess it's really about a lot more than that, but it takes place in one day.

The verdict: take the time to watch this one. It's worth it, I'm fairly certain that you'll enjoy it. Unless something is wrong with you.




Alexis Says:

3 STARS

I had been looking forward to viewing Bobby ever since reading about it in Entertainment magazine some months ago. I was intrigued to see Estevez's attempt at writing, starring in and directing a film as well as the idea that the title character would be presented mostly using actual footage of Robert F. Kennedy.

The footage of RFK adds an aura to the film that gave me goosebumps and the amount of famous actors and actresses present in the film is almost unmatched in any movie here of late. However, I felt that there were too many 'main' characters and so it was hard to really feel connected to any character in particular. But the film does represent the time period accurately enough I guess.

After viewing the film I was pleased enough, because I was under the impression that it was mostly based on true events. It really isn't. Estevez won a Biografilm Award at the Venice Film Festival in 2006. Who was this a biography of? It really wasn't a biography of Bobby and none of the other characters in the film are even based on real people staying at the Ambassador in June of 1968 with the exception of Freddy Rodriguez's character Jose Rojas who is based on the busboy who held Bobby after he was shot and gave him his rosary. I am sorry but the fact that this movie is a total work of fiction really lowered my excitement about it. I know maybe I should just read a history book if I want to know more about Sen. Kennedy's assassination, but I am really disappointed in the fact that these people whom the movie are about are just Estevez's creations.

However, the acting is good and the film is partially taped at the real Ambassador hotel which I find interesting. The slicing of real media coverage from the actual event into the movie was a nice touch, especially during the chaotic assassination scene.

If you want a historical accurate account of what happened on the night of June 5, 1968, this movie falls a little short. If you want to watch an enjoyable bit of cinema about the era that was the 60s, which is loosely based on the RFK assassination, then this isn't a bad choice.

Music And Lyrics

Todd Says:

3.5 Stars

Go ahead and call me a sap, but for a romantic comedy I thought it was really good. I felt that the chemistry between Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore seemed genuine. The premise is that Grant, as an '80's has-been rock star (think the other guy from Wham) who is living off of his has-been status gets a chance to break back into the music industry. The problem is he can't write lyrics, only music, so he happens upon Barrymore and what do you know they make a good team.

Is it predictable? Yes, but that's to be expected. The jokes are funny. The cast does a great job. And you should finish this one feeling pretty good about the characters. This movie is worth seeing, and if romantic comedies are your thing then don't miss it.

Alexis Says:

4 STARS

I enjoy music, (especially music from the 1980's), I enjoy Hugh Grant, and I enjoy clever romantic comedies, so this one was a hit for me. Not the best romantic comedy ever, a little predictable and a little corny at times. But I love the humor and the poking of fun at Wham and Shakira's expense and I thought that it had a good bit of originality to it in an overworked movie genre.

I tend to see and like much of what Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore do, though they might not be Kate Blanchett and George Clooney they tend to do romanitc comedies well and as usual they were funny and sweet in this film.

City Slickers

Todd Says:

3.5 STARS

I feel a little uneasy calling a silly Billy Crystal movie about cowboys a classic, but this one just may turn out to be timeless. It's seventeen years old, but still actually quite relevant. Both the point of the story and the jokes have stood the test of time.

Billy Crystal may not be the most versitile actor around, but his usual wise-cracking insecure goofball character works pretty good here. The whole cast does a good job getting the point across. What is the point? That sometimes you just need to look at life from a different perspective.

This is definately a movie that is worth seeing if you haven't. And if it's been seventeen years, go ahead and give it another viewing, I think that it holds up.

Alexis Says:

3.5 STARS

I believe when this movie was released in '91 my father saw it at the theatre and told me that it was a very good movie about three grown men from the city who were each experiencing their own mid-life crisis and decide to become cattle herders. At my age and with this description not appealing to me at the time, I passed it up. So recently we were at Target and Todd suggests this 'classic' film. I remember my dad liking it and I figured why not.


Well, I was probably right, when this film came out in '91 I probably wouldn't have enjoyed it and maybe never even watched it again, but viewing it now, 17 years later, it had a completely different impact on me. This film was funny and yet almost dramatic at times. This film was charming and could even be called a western, my least favorite next to gorey horror films. And yet, I really really enjoyed this film.


Whether you've never seen this film or you just haven't seen it in a while I recommend viewing it. I thought it was pretty good. So why not a higher rating? I think I am becoming a bit of a film snob and holding on to my four and five star rating for 'blow me away films' which this movie did not. I still recommend you see it.

Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium

Todd Says:

3.5 STARS

Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium is a fun little movie stocked with more originality than you've come to expect from a "children's movie." The movie tells the story of Mr. Magorium, who has magical powers and uses them to make children happy, who at the end of his long life decides to find someone to run his store when he is gone. It's about being yourself, believing in yourself, and reconnecting with your inner child.

Dustin Hoffman does a good job as the aloof super-natural toy store operator and avid shoe wearer. Natalie Portman does a believable job as his passionate assistant who is searching for direction in life. Zach Mills is wonderful as the shy little boy who practically lives at the toy store and has trouble coming out of his shell. And Jason Bateman, as "the mutant" plays the straight man to everyone else's wackiness, does as good a job as always.

The bottom line is that this movie is worth seeing if you enjoy whimsical. But, if you have children I would upgrade that recommendation to a must see. Compared with what else is out there in this genre, I haven't seen much better in a long time.

Alexis Says:

3.5 STARS

I really didn't know what this movie was about, I just sat down to enjoy a film and that was easily accomplished. The special effects were nice and Hoffman was good as usual. The story was a little over the top and sappy but in a clever way that was enjoyable. I am not sure how anyone is going to be able to watch this movie and not be touched by the growing relationship between Mills and Bateman, especially the scene in which Cat Stevens 'Don't be Shy' (the only real song in the movie, making it all the more powerful) plays as the two boys introduce themselves. Over all, this is a good family movie that I think will be enjoyed by both children and their adults.

The Savages

Todd Says:

4 STARS

O.K., if you saw the trailer for this movie and thought that it looked like a funny little movie about a disfunctional family trying to deal with their aging father, then you are exactly where I was two days ago. Let me go ahead and warn you, if you want to watch that funny little movie about a disfunctional family, then you'll have to look else where. That trailer was put together using cunning editing to slice scenes together to make jokes. This is not a funny movie. It is a depressing film about a pair of siblings dealing with their angry dementia-suffering father, and their own disappointing lives.

Don't get me wrong, this movie is good. Very good actually. But that trailer is not for this movie. This movie is gritty and real, and will leave you (if you are anything like me) wondering, if not stressing, about what you are going to do when the time comes to take care of that parent who can no longer take care of themselves. Luckily, I have two older siblings who can bother with that. But I digress.

The characters in this movie, played by Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Laura Linney, are so real that they are sure to remind you of someone you know (if not a little bit of yourself). Both do a superb job. The story is gut-wrenchingly honest and well told. The cinematography is perfect. This movie probably deserves a 5 STAR rating, but I'm still a little off balance from that whole trailer fiasco.

Alexis says:

3 STARS

Savages is sad and real and honest, but not so funny as the trailer suggested. It is so real and honest that it makes me appreciate the purity of Hoffman acting even more and leaves me searching the internet for my own dysfunctional family's patriarchs final residence. The story was sad, the characters sad, the ending only semi-hollywoodesque and yet I can't bear but to give this movie more than 3 stars. It just depressed me, it didn't quite move me in the way that I wanted it to and that is why I give it only 3 stars.

Bend It Like Beckham

Todd Says:

Why Bother

I'm actually sorry to have to be writing this review. You see my wife and I had a bit of a misunderstanding. She saw this movie when it first came out (5 years ago) and I could have sworn that she said that it was good. So we saw it for $5 at Target and I suggested that we pick it up, she didn't argue. I think that what she meant was: "I saw that movie when it came out and it really sucked, but maybe you want to watch it anyway."

Anyway, this is a movie about two jealous bickering British girls who are both in love with their coach. Oh, did I mention that they play soccer, that is supposed to be, but really isn't important. In my opinion this movie suffers from an identity crisis. It can't decide whether it is a Disneyesque feel good sports movie, a Sex In The City style cat fight movie, or a social commentary movie about the differences and similarities between a minority culture and the mainstream.

Long story short, it just doesn't work. The acting is sub-par. The dialog is mostly forced and contrived. The plot itself has been beaten to death by a ruthless movie industry hungry again for the price of admission from the same old sentimental saps who want the underdog to struggle terribly but eventually overcome.

Don't waste your time.

Alexis says:

1.5 STARS

This movie may have been a little confused as to whether it was a love story, a sports movie or a coming of age feel good but I also think that these things can mesh together well occasionally. Maybe they tried with this movie but they missed the target a little. Viewed in the mind set that this is mostly made for teenage girls I think the movie does a rather good job with delving into teenage rebellion, fighting over the same crush, playing sports and learning how to make Indian food. Viewed in the mind set that other people outside of the teenage girl bracket may ever want to watch it, this movie is a little annoying, a little sappy, a little funny, a little educational and a little bit of a letdown.

If you have gotten use to 'chick flicks' out today that seem to be more and more directed towards guys this movie may be quite annoying as their aren't a lot of unintelligent annoying quips constantly by the male cast. I think this movie is probably best enjoyed with female company as most true chick flicks.

I thought Todd would enjoy the ranting on about Beckham and Hamm. I don't care for soccer all that much and I suggested this movie to the wrong bracket.

Breach (2007)

Alexis says:

4 STARS

I knew very little going into my viewing of Breach. I was not aware of Robert Hanssen or of his arrest following a lifetime of espionage that involved selling American information to Russians for more than 22 years. Cooper is riveting as Hanssen, the FBI agent turned spy.

I was a little let down by Phillipe and Caroline Dhavernas as the O'Neill's, I just wasn't personally moved or convinced by thier characters and that was the only real drawback in this movie for me. Fortunately, Cooper and Linney carry the show and too much isn't lost.

Overall, I wasn't expecting a lot from this movie and it surprised me how good it was which is always excellent.

Todd Says:

4 STARS

I love a good spy movie, and this was a good spy movie. A true story with a twist, both the good guys and the bad guys are Americans. Chris Cooper is awesome. He's one of those guys that you see in a hundred different movies as a supporting actor, always doing a good job, but never quite expect to see him take center stage. I don't know that I've ever seen him do a bad job, even in a bad movie, but he was excellent here.

Laura Linney and Ryan Phillipe were good but not as captivating as Cooper. Even the guy from the Allstate commercials was good. This movie, I suppose, is a suspense thriller, and it does a good job of keeping you in suspense. It's not a Borne-type spy movie though, so if you need a good dose of action to make it through a movie this is probably not one for you.

I would highly recomend you dedicating two hours of your life to the enjoyment of this film. You can even use the true historical account spin to help rationalize it if you need to.

Sweeney Todd (2007)

Alexis says:

4.5 STARS

I wasn't really sure what to expect from this little ditty other than blood and music. I am quite fond of music and not so fond of blood. So I was on the fence.

My viewing experience however, was quite pleasing despite a fair bit of bright red blood being sqirted on the camera lens. The singing was actaully quite good, who would have known that all the actors and actresses in the Harry Potter movies could sing so well? and Johnny Depp (be still my beating heart) wasn't too shabby either.

The story was sad and good, the songs well written and sung, and the meat pies as disgusting in thought as suggested in song. You felt for Mr. Todd but also thought he was quite the mad man. You felt nothing for the Judge as you probably should and you can see quite clearly what Mr. Burton finds in Helena Bonham Carter (that should make for interesting offspring).

Overall, I enjoyed this movie very much.

All day I have been wondering though, why didn't they give any of those Potter movies to that devilish Burton?

Todd says:

4 STARS

So as it turns out, Tim Burton is some sort of deranged lunatic. Luckily, we don't have to live beside him, so we can enjoy his twisted visions on the big screen, and not have to worry about what would happen if our dog went in his yard.

I tend to be hit and miss with Tim Burton's work, mostly missing on the claymation stuff. But this one was a hit. Who would have thought that a depressing tale of love and loss told mostly in song over a dreary London backdrop would be so captivating. Turns out, add just the right amount of vengence, a little tragic irony, and a little too much crayola colored blood and you can liven up that tale of woe into a real winner.

If you don't like singing, barbers, blood, meat pies, Johnny Depp, blood, or singing, then this isn't the movie for you. If you can handle most of those things, and enjoy good film, then I highly recomend this one.

The Gaurdian (2006)

Todd Says:

2 STARS

This is one of those movies that I'm not sure what to think about it. I mean it wasn't really bad, but it wasn't really good. As a matter of fact if we hadn't pledged to review everything that we watched, I would have left this one alone.

Other than being fairly, but not terribly, predictable there wasn't really anything WRONG with it. The acting was fine, and story was fine, and the action was fine, and the dialog mostly didn't suck, but this film just didn't do it for me. If you find yourself with some time to kill and this movie comes on cable go ahead and watch it, you could do worse.

Alexis Says:

1.5 STARS

Thats basically what you get with this movie. Two stars (Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher) in a not overly impressive-not overwhelminlgy disappointing drama about U.S. coast guards. The trailer tells you what to expect and the movie is plagued with a fair bit of predictibility but for the 'feel good and we hope we make you cry' variety this movie is OK. That's about it. It's a little bit blah. I expected more from Costner and about what I got with Kutcher.

Shrek the Third (2007)

Todd Says:

3 STARS

Again, I find myself grading on a curve. For what this movie is and what I expected from it, it is actually pretty good. Would I tell you to drop what you're doing and go and see it, no. If you're that kind of person, you've already seen this (and probably every Will Ferrel movie ever).

If you've got kids, watch it with them. If you think that Mike Myers is golden, watch it. I actually think that Donkey (Eddie Murphy) and Puss (Antonio Banderas) make the movie as funny as it is. There are plenty of good jokes in this one, I just don't think that Shrek (Mike Myers) is all that funny.

Yes, this movie does feel like yet another installment in a slowly deteriorating franchise, but it's still watchable. So, that's what I think.

Alexis says:

3 STARS

I have enjoyed the two previous Shrek movies and the characters and plot were none to disappointing this go around, though I think a trilogy is enough for the Shrek empire. My only hesitation with this movie is that I think I enjoyed it more than most young children would. I felt that some of the jokes and plot were a little mature in theme but then again there was plenty of 'bathroom humor' so maybe in retrospect this is just trying to be a family pleaser with a little something for everyone. From that perspective, Shrek the Third hits their target and there is a little something for everyone, ages 2-102. So sit down with the kids or Grandma or the family dog and enjoy.

Charlie Wilson's War

Sue Says:

3.5 Stars

Hmm. I was going to give this movie 4 stars. Then I started writing my review and I liked it less and less. It was worth seeing, and I would recommend it, if for no other reason, because it has the potential to be a great discussion starter.

I will start off by saying I love “true” stories, government, and history. This movie is, of course, about Senator Charlie Wilson and how he became involved with the Russian invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s. I felt it did a pretty good job telling the basics of the story. It doesn’t get too political, it mainly covers Wilson’s involvement, which is fine, that’s the idea being it’s based on a memoir.

Tom Hanks is not always my favorite, but I thought he did okay here. Julia Roberts gets on my nerves and I found her to be a little distracting. B-U-T Phillip Seymour Hoffman stole the show.

Side note--A lot of actors seem the same in every role. I think that’s because most of the time the character they are playing becomes just an exaggeration of the personality traits they already posses. Without too much trouble I could see Charlie Wilson being Forest Gump, or Julia Roberts being, you know, Julia Roberts as she is on Oprah, but Phillip Seymour Hoffman is one of the few actors who really becomes someone else every time. -- I also thought Amy Adams was okay, better than she was in Enchanted, so that’s something, right?

A movie like this can either leave you just entertained or it can leave you with plenty to think about. I am the latter. After a movie like this I always think-“Well, if one man can see what needs to be done, and can accomplish so much, why don’t more people get busy?” Of course the answer is that everyone has their own agenda and plenty of people are getting things done, just not the things I think should be getting done.

Overall, I think it was good. For me it could have dug a little deeper, but if you didn’t even know that the Russians invaded Afghanistan, it’s a great start. –Back to my soap box. The problem with these kinds of movies is that they are entertaining, and somewhat thought provoking, but by making it so mainstream and commercial, it misses, just slightly. It almost makes you think about the future consequences of our (the United States) actions, but it’s not quite there. Those who already know of our government’s tendency to make a mess of things might find this type of film annoying, and those who have great faith and trust in our government just see this as a funny movie with that guy from Bosom Buddies and that Julia Roberts who they loved in Pretty Woman.

In conclusion, it was okay.

Todd Says:

4 STARS

I thought that this movie was both insightful and funny. It is about one terribly flawed man (Sen. Charlie Wilson) who decides to do the right thing for once. It's also about how and why other people in Washington try to manipulate him in their own ways and to their own means. Yes, it's a historical movie, but no it's not boring or dry. It's probably more factual than the evening news on most major networks, and it's definitely more entertaining.

I agree that Julia Roberts is once again annoying (and a little creepy), but Hanks and Hoffman carry this movie where it needs to go. I found myself amazed at how candid the story is about Sen. Wilson's life, and also how a man with such an apparent lack of scruples could push so many people so hard to do a good thing.

All in all, this is most definitely worth your time. I don't think you'll regret it.

Alexis says:

3 STARS

I thought this movie was interesting and enjoyable and I even liked Julia Roberts' performance (being a Pretty Woman fan) but I just wasn't in love with it or all that moved. Yeah, it gives some insight to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and Hoffman was pretty good but I just didn't really love it, and I really wanted to see it. Overall, the movie was entertaining and slightly educational and I would recommend that you view it, at your convenience (not necessarily your 'earliest').

Margot at the Wedding

Sue Says:

0 Stars

This movie was horrible. Really really horrible.

I wish someone had warned me.

Horrible.

Chinatown

(1974)

Todd Says:

4.5 STARS

Let me just start by saying that it is an extremely welcome surprise to watch a Mystery (Suspense/Thriller/or whatever) where you don’t know exactly what is going to happen by the third scene. Somehow this movie was made in 1974 (a wonderful year for great original things) and we’ve never seen it until now. I’m glad we did, and I’m sorry we waited so long.
Everything about this movie was top notch. The story. The Cast. The mood. Even Los Angeles. It is nice to see a gritty detective movie that isn’t just the same old thing redone. But of course, this is one of the originals, and if it hasn’t been redone yet, I’m sure that it’s been ripped off. Anyway, it’s definitely worth seeing, so if you haven’t yet, go see it.


Alexis says:

4.5 Stars

This movie was good and I don’t even really like Jack Nicholson. Maybe this is why people do. This was one of the best mystery movies I have ever seen. So often now days I see a preview or watch a few minutes of a movie and know exactly where it is headed but this movie had rich character and plot development and left me guessing until the very end. The main character was smart but made mistakes and seemed real, usually you have a protagonist who is just too good to be real but Nicholson’s character was well written and well acted. Writers and Director’s today could learn something from China Town. This movie is very, very good.