National Treasure 2 Book of Secrets

(2007)

Alexis says:

3 STARS

I liked this movie so much I watched it twice three days. OK, really there were circumstances that involved me watching this movie twice in three days but this movie was decent enough to watch over again and I think that seeing it the second time changed it from 3 to 3.5 stars, so it was worth it I suppose.

All of the same characters are back and facing more problems, this time trying to save Benjamin Gates (Cage) family name by uncovering the meaning behind a John Wilkes Booth journal entry. The story is overall catching and good, though I could have done without Diane Kruger's return and all of that romantic lovers quarrel stuff, but it sufficed.

There was hinting to making this a trilogy at the end of this film and I could live with that if all involved can make it at least as good as this one.

Todd says:

3.5 STARS

Look out Indiana Jones! Alright, maybe not, but this is a darn fine sequel. The worst thing that I have to say about it is that it was written with the exact same formula as the first one. But hey, it works.

So don't expect any great change in style here. What you get is a fast paced, well played, action movie riddled with historical intrigue and American folklore. Sure you have to be ready to check your sense of realism at the door, but that's O.K. if that's what you paid for (Am I right Die Hard fans?).

As a matter of fact, the action is faster this time around. The stunts are bolder. Anyone can steal the Declaration of Independence, but what about kidnapping the President. Sorry if that was a spoiler. The short answer here is that you should enjoy this movie, unless you're one of those uptight artsy-types who enjoyed Lars and the Real Girl.

The Jungle Book

(1967)




Todd Says:


3 STARS


This is a great movie for kids. It looks like some classics can stand the test of time. This is a fun movie that bounces along at a nice pace.


I never was a big fan of Disney Animation, but maybe having kids is going to change things. I think that this is a fun movie for everyone, but everyone should let their kids watch it. Trust me, there are much worse things for your kids to be watching.





Alexis Says:

3 STARS

I have seen quite a few Disney movies in my lifetime but this one escaped by under my radar until the Special Edition came out of the 'vault' (how lame can you get Disney?). We decided to view it in advance (way in advance) for our children. Fortunately, it was one of the better Disney movies I have seen. No princesses, or evil witches. No prince charming, no bad apples. The story was interesting and has made me consider reading Rudyard Kipling and the music wasn't half bad either. Even the animation, 40+ years old, wasn't too shabby.

The Patriot

(2000)


Alexis says:





2.5 STARS


I have now seen this movie twice and it isn't that I dislike it I am just not all that moved by it. The story is historical accurate enough and sad enough I just don't find myself caring about the characters the way I know I should. If I want an epic historical love tale starring Gibson in the future I think I will stick to Braveheart.



Todd Says:

3 STARS


For a semi-historical action/war movie (which may be my favorite genre) The Patriot is just O.K. I enjoyed it fine, I just feel like Mel is a bit melodramatic in parts, like the beginning, the middle and the end.

Sometimes Hollywood tends to overuse an actor because they can fill seats in the theatre, in my humble opinion thats how Gibson gets so much work. If Mad Max hadn't been so good, we never would have had to suffer through eight Lethal Weapon movies.

Anyway, take Mad Max out of it, and the Patriot would have been alot better. But the bottom line is: it's not a bad movie, I did enjoy it, and if you are one of those Detective Riggs fans then you'll probably love it.

National Treasure

Todd Says:

3.5 STARS

We saw this movie when it came out in the theatre and I really enjoyed it. When we watched it again I was worried that it might not be as good the second time through, but it was. Ben Franklin Gates is no Indiana Jones, but he would probably win on Jeapardy.

I thought that the movie moved at a quick pace, and covered a lot of ground without leaving you behind. It is also informative as well as entertaining, and hopefully people will be smart enough to tell the difference between fact and myth. The movie is full of both.

All in all, this is a good fun movie that almost anyone will enjoy. I know that some of the stuff is a bit over the top, but isn't that why we watch movies in the first place.

Alexis says:

4 STARS

Anyone else remember Valley Girl? (Maybe we should view and review that movie?) Well, ever since 1983 I have been mostly a fan of Nicolas Cage's, though on occasion he has been known to let me down (CONAIR??). Anyways, I really enjoyed National Treasure, I thought the stories of the Free Mason's building hidden messages into everything was pretty interesting and I thought that this movie was almost free of corny plotlines and dialogue and it reminds me of Indiana Jones, which I love. We had just come back from our trip to Washington, DC and Philadelphia when we watched this movie so I also got a kick out of seeing all the places I had just been (the Declaration of Independance doesn't really look like that, you should check it out at the National Archives).

Cloverfield

Todd Says:

1 STAR

I very nearly hated this movie. No wait a minute, maybe I did hate this movie. Lets see, we'll take the Blair Witch Project idea, set it in New York, and throw in Godzilla for good measure. Stir well, and what do you get.... Crap.

I'm sorry, but 90 minutes of shakey camcorder footage, the first 25 minutes of a rather boring social gathering, just don't do it for me. I know what they were trying to do: refresh a worn out movie archetype. The problem is they used a gimmick (yes, I called it a gimmick) that has already been used on another worn out movie archetype.

You can still make a good monster movie without gimmicks. People will still go and see them. But what happened here I think is that they replaced decent writing with a poor gimmick. So my final verdict (if you hadn't figured it out yet) is that you don't need to waste your time with this one.

Alexis says:

1.5 STARS

**Spoiler Alert**

The biggest problem I had with this movie was the headache that evolved from watching it 20 minutes in. At first I thought it was just me but after the movie several of the people we viewed it with (7 in total) said they had also gotten headaches. One of the people who had seen it before fell asleep to avoid motion sickness. When I want to feel woozy, I take bumps at fast speeds in my car or go to amusement parks not watch movies.

I liked the gimmick, though if you are thinking Blair Witch Project they definitely have their own feel (comparing the two would be like comparing Neo in the Matrix to River in Serenity in my opinion). This video recording is the only evidence left of a monster that destroyed New York City. The monster was a let down, it is just a large alien (think Rampage with the exception that this monster has little aliens that jump off of it (think Pitch Black)) destroying everything in it's path. I also felt that New York, Manhattan to be exact, cleared out pretty fast for a city of 1.5 million people being evacuated on foot and by helicopter.

Oh, and I don't think those people would have survived that helicopter crash.

The Golden Compass

Todd Says:


2 STARS

Unfortunately this was one of those movies that I was hoping to be entertained with. I saw the trailers, I heard the hype, I even listened to the controversy. What did that get me? I just ended up bored and let down.

The story seemed too rushed to me. I have come to expect more story from these 'epic' fantasy sagas. The Golden Compass is based on the first book in a trilogy, I've heard that they're talking about making movies from the other two books, and I can't figure out why they don't try to develop their stories better. The books may be good, I don't know because I haven't read them, but the movie just flows like a jumble of action scenes sloppily edited together.

I found it hard to connect with any of the characters, who are thrown at you so fast and with so little explantion that by the time you figure out who is on whose side the credits are rolling. It was visually spectacular, I will admit that, but can good effects a good movie make, not alone.

I think I may read the book and see if any of it makes more sense. You must understand that I am a detail junkie. In the end I can not recommend this film very highly. If you wait a few months it will be on cable, and your in-laws will be over, and that would be a good time to watch it.

Alexis Says:

1.5 STARS

I was not at all impressed by this movie. I found some of the concepts to be cool in theory but the movie itself just did not work for me. I found the ending to be rushed (and really the whole fiml) and the movie leaned to heavily on a sequal explaining all that was left out of the film. The special effects were rather good though as well as Dakota Blue Richards performance.

Nine Months

(1995)

Todd Says:




2 STARS



This movie was pretty much what I expected it to be, which was a fluffy little romantic comedy about a guy trying to deal with parenthood. It was a bit over the top at times, but for the most part they held it together pretty well. There were some really funny scenes (I especially like the scene where Tom Arnold's and Hugh Grant's characters end up beating up Barney), and there were a few touching scenes. Robin Williams was rediculus, but I think that was the point.



At the end of the day, you could do worse with your choice of Romantic Comedies.




Alexis Says:


2 STARS

I am a small (5' 2") fan of Hugh Grant and this film introduced me to him. He has done far better but he has done slightly worse too. This movie isn't as good as say "She's Having A Baby" in dealing with men struggling to deal with pending fatherhood and in some aspects adulthood in general but it is a rather funny, charming comedy. I just felt that there was a little too much Jeff Goldblum and Tom Arnold in it for my taste.

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.

There Will Be Blood

Todd Says:

5 STARS

I've only ever seen four of Daniel Day Lewis' movies, but it is always a treat to watch him act. If he is acting. If you're ever going to make a movie, and one of your characters needs to be completely and totally consumed and driven by a nearly insane singular desire then Day Lewis is the man for the job. He is either very much like this in real life, or one of the top five actors of all time.
There Will Be Blood is a perfect portrait of the American Dream, it's about two men's struggle for power and fortune and the extremes that they are willing to go to reach them. Don't let the title scare you away, this is not a gory movie, on the contrary, most of the villainy you witness is purely psychological. The verbal exchanges between Daniel Day Lewis' character and the ambitious Evangelist Eli Sunday are interestingly intense, but other than a lot of open handed slapping the violence in this movie is mostly just eluded to.
This is one of the most gripping movies I've seen in a long time, and I more than recommend you see this, I implore you to watch. If you are let down with this masterpiece then you clearly have no business watching real movies and should just go back to your good friend Cable TV to help you pass the time. That's right, I'm offering for the first time ever the CINEMAPHILES GUARANTEE 5 STAR GUARANTEE, if you are not completely satisfied with your viewing experience then we will refund you your two and a half hours.
Enjoy.

Alexis says:

5 Stars

I am biased. If it had not been for my love of Day Lewis and his performance in one of my all time favorite movies, Gangs of New York, I might never have pushed to see this movie. But I did and I was more than pleased. His performance as Daniel Plainview was just as good if not better than his portrayal of Bill the Butcher. But enough comparing already, the point is, Day Lewis was amazing to view. Even where the movie could appear slow to some it was gripping to watch Plainview. Imagine a movie where no one says a word until 15 minutes in and yet your interest is kept. This movie is good cinema.

Paul Dano's Sunday twins was also good, I have only seen Dano in Little Miss Sunshine where he was good, but I believe this showed that he can really act. The exchanges between Sunday and Plainview are unmatched in my viewing experience. The way these two get at each other to the core, mostly with oral banter, is gripping and you can't wait to see what the other will do next.

As for the title There Will Be Blood. Well, there is blood but very little and most of the violence and deaths in this movie are done so realistically but without a lot of gore and blood, which I appreciated. So don't let the title scare you away. If it makes you feel better, go with the Upton Sinclair title on which the movie is based, Oil!. There do you feel better.

5 Stars means drop whatever you are doing and watch this film, so why are you still reading?

Disturbia

Alexis says:

3.5 Stars

OK, so first let me say that I don't like horror films or lots of blood and gore but I like thrillers, especially ones about serial killers for some reason even though they leave me frightened and not wanting to go to bed and checking and rechecking all my doors and windows, but then again isn't that what a thriller is for?

I found this movie to be exactly as the box suggests, a nail biter. I should maybe even put a picture of my nails on here to show you the damage that was done by this thriller. The movie was the slightest bit predictable but I jumped when they wanted me to anyways and that David Morse, from 12 Monkeys to this there is just something creepy about that guy.

Overall, I thought this was pretty first rate if you like thrillers and left me analyzing it the next day, which I enjoy about movies but I had one real bone to pick with this movie. What is it about horror genres and thrillers that they need to be written like the only one viewing them is 16? I found this movie to have a little too much high school romance nonsense in it for my taste. Pretty much all the scenes with LaBeouf and Roemer could have been deleted and I would have been a little happier.

If horror thrillers are your thing this one isn't too bad.

Todd Says:

3 STARS

O.K. let me start by saying that a movie like this has to be graded on a curve. Seriously, I mean Disturbia is not ever going to make anyone's top ten list or anything, but if you compare it to Saw instead of Shindler's List then you can appreciate it a little more. Now that we've covered that, this was not a bad horror flick.

I've never particularly cared for the whole killer chasing the babysitter through the house after he killed her boyfriend with a waffle iron movie. But deep down I have to admit that I think you probably should die if you can't get away from a killer who refuses to run. What did those guys think it was just un-cool to chase someone?

Disturbia was good for it's genre. You get what you expect, and not a lot else, but that doens't mean that it's not worth watching.

Lars And The Real Girl

Todd Says:

5 STARS

This is an amazing movie. Somehow this film is both tragically depressing and surreally optomistic at the same time. I don't really know what to say except See This Movie.

Alexis Says:

4.5 Stars

I am a small fan of Gosling's so I was interested to see this movie. I love when I see a movie and I don't know a lot about it or have a lot of expectations because I am not expecting as much. This movie is almost indescribable, but here is an attempt. It is completely original, it is thought provoking and not at all predictable. It is sad and moving and gives new meaning to the ideas of a tight community. The plot is slightly twisted and so is the main character but in a moving way. I recommend that you see this movie, like I did, without too much more knowledge to sway your opinion of it before you view it. If you enjoy really good, original and well made movies you will see this movie for the gem it really is. If you like silly comedies or gore fests you may want to pass this one up.

Here's to hoping you like really good movies.

Juno

Alexis Says:

4.5 STARS

I found this movie funny, touching, moving, sad, and uplifting at different times. I found myself not really liking Juno or Vanessa much at first but the character development was finely written and in the end I really felt for both of them. I found myself relating to Vanessa's character even though are situations were different I felt we could be kindred spirits. And I found myself really liking Juno's parents even though I don't know why anyone would name a child Liberty Bell.

I thought this film addressed teen pregnancy in a new way that was clever and funny, yet real and thought provoking (babies have fingernails!) To say that Juno's just a teen who made a mistake, Vanessa is just a woman who wants a baby, Paulie's just a boy in love with a girl who doesn't seem to know it and Marc's just a selfish man would be simplifying the movie, so go and see this one. And if you don't cry or feel like you could cry if you could make tears, there just might be something wrong with you.

Todd Says:

4 STARS

I enjoyed this quirky little movie a lot, but I can't help thinking that it was a lot like Napoleon Dynamite, if Napoleon Dynamite was a sassy pregnant teenage girl. Part of the problem for me was all the hype. I don't often see movies on opening night, and if the critical praise gets too great I tend to expect perfection.

Although perfection may not have been acheived, Juno still offers a clear put funny look at teen pregnancy. The cast of characters is awesomely funny, Juno's dad being my favorite person in the movie. Some people are just born for heating and air. I highly recomend you see Juno if you like smart comedies.

The Simpsons Movie

Alexis says:

3.5 Stars

Do you love the Simpsons? If yes, you will appreciate all that there is to love about the Simpsons in this movie that feels like a really long episode but doesn't jump around as much as a typical episode.

Complete with cliches, bad jokes and Fox advertising The Simpsons Movie goes where few animated characters get to go. Flanders and Moe, Mr. Burns and Mayor Quimby, Milhouse to Rev. Lovejoy, all your favorite Sprinfieldites are present and just as clever as ever.

If you like the Simpsons and are looking for a comedy this one is worth a viewing, just be prepared to find yourself humming the words to 'Spider Pig' a week later.

Todd Says:

3 STARS

"Spider pig, spider pig, look out here comes the spider pig." Oh, sorry about that. I hope I didn't break that no-spoiler rule. But seriously folks, the Simpsons movie truly is like a realy long episode of the the Simpsons. One of the good ones though.

As you would expect, it's fast paced and off-the-wall all the way from beginning to end, not afraid to make fun of itself (or you). If you are a big fan of the TV show I highly recomend finding an hour and a half to watch it. If you like the show then you will like the movie. If you don't think that the Simpsons are funny, then don't bother with this movie, it is not a departure from their normal routine.

Dan In Real Life

Alexis says:

3 Stars


A not too sappy comedy about a widower raising three daughters (whom at least one of borders on brathood) who goes on vacation with his extended family and falls in love with a woman who turns out to be...his brother's girlfriend. You can imagine all the fun that ensues.

I would have liked this movie a little better if I didn't find it so similar to 'The Family Stone'. Siblings swapping partners is becoming a common theme in Hollywood? I will say that I feel that this movie did the sibling swapping with more taste and allows me to be contented with the ending that I won't spoil for you here.


Steve Carell is not always funny to me though I know that most Americans disagree (I like him in the Office) but I think this movie branches on being a drama and he is likable and entertaining in this tale.


This movie leaves me longing for a more tight-knit family and a parent styled 'Dear Dan' column in my own local paper. It is worth making your list of movies to view and Carell fans may enjoy it even more than I did.



Todd Says:

2.5 STARS

In my opinion a Feel-Good Movie should make you feel good, didn't happen. This movie was fairly well done for an un-original story. I mean it's like beating a dead horse, even if you do it with flair, what's the point. There is nothing new to see here, except...

Steve Carell could be a decent actor. Other than his work on The Office, I've only been able to enjoy him in Little Miss Sunshine (which by the way is an excellent movie). Carell does very well with this role, but it's a role that is a little too cliche for my taste.

All in all I think that this film just doesn't get it done. There were too many times when I found myself knowing what was coming, and hoping that I was wrong. I wasn't. But if you are interested in a predictable, feel good clone then this movie should go on your list.

No Country For Old Men

Todd Says:

4 STARS

I think that No Country For Old Men is as good of a character movie I’ve seen in a long time. None of the characters are what you’d want them to be, but that doesn’t mean they’re not well done (both written and acted). From the beaten-down sheriff (Tommy Lee Jones) to the completely deranged killer (Javier Bardem) the characters in this movie are extremely well developed.

Sure, there is a lot of gore along the way as we follow the hapless moron who finds a bunch of money and is stalked by the maniacal killer all across Texas. Sure, the story doesn’t have a happy ending, or beginning, or middle. Sure, this movie leaves you feeling a little frightened to go out in public. Sure, you probably won’t know how to feel about the ‘good guys’ in this movie. But, you will really be scared of the ‘bad guy,’ and I think that that shows talented film-making.

It’s maybe not a movie you’ll watch over and over, but I do think it’s a movie you should see. There is a lot of talent in this film, both in front of and behind the camera, and it is definitely a worth while watch.

Alexis Says:

3 STARS

It isn't that I totally dislike No Country For Old Men it's that it was not what I expected, I was let down and I thought the ending left a lot to be desired. I wanted my opinion of this movie to change so much that I waited a few days to write my review but even now I feel that the movie was a let down.

That being said I will add that Javier Bardem's character was incredible and won the 3 stars all himself that this movie earned. Bardem's madman is so convincing I was afraid to keep watching. It was believable to the point of making you fear convenient stores and rest stops. His voice, the volume and tone. His stern look. The way he carries his body when he walks. All chilling in the most terrifying way.

But even with an award worthy performance such as Bardem's, I was left feeling underwhelmed.

Sense and Sensibility (2008)

Sue Says:

5 Stars*****

What can I say? I love Jane Austen. I love her happy endings (that's saying a lot because I am not usually a happy ending kind of girl). I admire Elinor’s calm and her ability to see things clearly and I adore Marianne’s outspoken emotional perspective.

Sense and Sensibility is the story of two sisters who have the misfortune of being women and therefore having no control over their futures. When their father dies their half brother inherits everything and Elinor, Marianne, their mother and younger sister are forced to live in a much different manner than they are accustomed. In a time when everyone was defined by their fortune it seems unlikely that either sister will be able to make a good match, but this is Jane Austen after all. There is love, romance, and misunderstanding all around.

Oh, yeah, the movie, this one is my favorite version yet. The settings are beautiful. Especially the seaside, I would live there in a cottage any day.

The cast is age appropriate, unlike the 1995 version when Emma Thompson played Elinor. Emma is a fine actress, but Elinor is 19 and Emma, I don’t know if she ever was. Fanny Ferras Dashwood (the wife of their half brother) could not have been more perfect. From the moment I laid eyes on her I wanted to scratch hers out. I always wish whoever is playing Col. Brandon was a little more handsome, but I suppose that’s part of his charm.

I won’t give away the ending, but even though I knew what was going to happen, I found tears running down my cheeks.

Martian Child

Todd Says:

3 ½ STARS


Touching tale of a misfit adult trying to save a misfit child, and saving himself at the same time. Hallmark cheesy? Sometimes, but not too bad. There are definitely times when you know exactly what’s coming, but this story is deep enough in others places to make that O.K. Like the little boy who may or may not really be from Mars (no spoilers here).

All in all I guess it’s a movie about conformity, the dangers of not fitting in, and the dangers of losing yourself that you face by doing so. Oh, it’s also about a traumatized little boy who has grown up losing everyone that is supposed to love him. Poor Fromar, you will be missed.

This film is certainly worth seeing. But I guess you should consider that this opinion is coming from a grown up misfit who still struggles with these blasted conformity issues. It’s full of emotional ups and downs, as well as good characters that are real enough that you can’t decide whether or not to like them. It’s what you should expect from a major Hollywood studio, but it’s better than most in this flooded genre (the Feel-Good movie).



Alexis Says:

3 Stars

I felt that it was a good movie, with John Cusack channeling the classic Lloyd Dobbler. The ending was really touching, and story was good, but parts of this film made me want to scream: “Why do movies like this have to be so predictable?” Was this written when the writers were on strike?
John Cusack and his sister played off each other well as usual, but it seemed like too much of this movie was ‘as usual.’ The man adopting a little boy that could have been him as a little kid worked alright, but was a bit cliché. The alien analogy was right on, and worked for this one, but when it’s all said and done the movie was just average, and that left me a little disappointed.

Next

Todd Says:

1/2 STAR



Terrible is not too strong a word for this movie. Sometimes a transparent plot can be overcome
(somewhat) by good acting. Sometimes bad acting can be overcome by strong directing and well constructed scenes. Crappy dialog is usually an insurmountable obstacle that no amount of explosions and pointless car chase sequences can do anything about. This movie was a total waste of time. The best thing I can say about it is that it is only 96 minutes long, even though it seemed longer.

I knew the basic premise going in, Nick Cage's character could see briefly into the future, and action ensues. In my mind, this could have been better: more witty banter, maybe less bullet dodging. I mean lets face it, just because you know Mr. Bad guy is going to shoot you doesn't really make you as fast as Neo. And the script must have been written by the costume designer while the writers were on strike, I've heard better dialog in Sci-Fi Channel features. I felt just like the hero of this movie from the beginning, except instead of being able to see only two minutes ahead, I could see 96 minutes ahead, and it wasn't going to turn out well for me.

So let's face it, you know you have something better to do. Don't waste your time on this one.

Alexis Says:

O Stars

Like when holding auditions, I wanted to say ‘next’ shortly after this movie began and move onto the next film in our repertoire, but instead I diligently sat through 96 minutes of far fetched action centered melodrama starring Nicholas Cage as a man who can see into the future, but only two minutes into the future, and can see every possible scenario played out in those two minutes. It’s like time traveling meets clairvoyance and still doesn’t make any sense. This movie seems thrown together and lacks everything from a good plot to digestible dialogue. The hair, make-up and costumes were also disappointing, never have such well known attractive actors and actresses been so unappealing. Cage’s character can see two minutes into the future, but only two minutes of his life, until of course he finds Jessica Biel at a diner. After a scene that is too reminiscent of Groundhog Day the two characters somehow end up in the car together on their way to Flagstaff where they end up in a hotel room for the night and need I really go on? With Biel he can see way much farther into the future, and the rest of what is left of this substandard movie ensues including another scene that seems ripped off from another better movie, A Clockwork Orange. And in the end most of the movie never really happened except you can’t go back in time 96 minutes earlier and do something else with your time.

I highly recommend that you fire Hans G. Struhar, Mr. Cage, and change your jacket and get a hair cut. If the plot weren’t so outrageous and so full of holes maybe I could stomach all the petty one liners poorly delivered by the cast, but it is so outrageous and full of gaps that I want to hurl almost every time Moore opens her mouth to speak. The movie seems jumpy and rushed and most of the action unsatisfying. The best action shots are spoiled in the preview as is most everything tolerable about this movie. So I recommend that you at most settle in for the long two minute trailer to Next, but watch something else.

The tagline for this movie is "If You can see the future, you can save it." Well, you probably can’t see the future but why don’t you just take my word to pass this movie up. There, I’ve saved 96 minutes of your future from a witless unconvincing mindbender.

Your Welcome.

The Passion of Ayn Rand (1999)

Sue Says:



2 Stars

I watched this Friday night. Helen Mirren stars as Ayn and Peter Fonda plays the role of her husband Frank. Eric Stoltz is cast as her protégé and married lover Nathaniel Branden and Julie Delpy plays his wife Barbara. The film covers the time period during the affair while she was writing Atlas Shrugged and a few years immediately after. It is based on a novel written by Barbara Branden, so not quite unbiased.

In the interest of full disclosure I have to say that Atlas Shrugged is one of my least favorite books, and I have wondered on occasion if maybe I just didn’t “get it”. If there is any accuracy at all in this movie I think I can safely say, I did get it.

Ms. Rand taught of self preservation above all else. That man was only responsible for his own happiness and that human beings need feel no obligation to help others, especially if they were put at risk. In Atlas Shrugged a giant gold dollar sign becomes the symbol of what the novel’s “heroes” stand for. For myself this is unthinkable, and admittedly at times I can be overly concerned with the welfare of others, but it is not hard to see why such an idea would appeal to some people.

Because the movie begins half way through her life we do not learn anything about what events may have helped to form these ideals, in fact I would venture that this movie would not appeal to those without some background of Ms. Rand or her writing. I’m also not sure it would appeal to her admirers either, though I bet they could see their way to the logic of it all.

In conclusion, it was interesting, but not necessarily in a good way. I wasn’t really convinced by any of the actors, except the fabulous Helen Mirren, who I enjoy almost as much as some people do George Clooney. All in all, if you happen upon it, why not? But I wouldn’t go out of my way to get my hands on this one.