Reviews
Employee of the Month (2006)
Horrible...absolute walk-out grade, 1/2 star rated tripe
I could not believe that such a lame and unfunny film actually got a wide release. I mean, c'mon...Dane Cook rides a tiny motorcycle...Andy Dick can't see anything, Jessica Simpson has weird ears...ha ha ha ha...what amazing comedy. I really couldn't believe what I was watching...not one person in the theater was laughing...I walked out with about 20 minutes to go in the film just because it was giving me such a headache I needed to go home and take some aspirin. Pathetic. I sincerely hope this is the last we see of Dane Cook on the big screen. If this was his big chance, he most certainly blew it. I mean, even a gross-out comedy would have been better. I think the real death blow to this film was the PG-13 rating. At least with an R they could have gone for a few gross-out sight gags. I mean, really, the film is bad enough, that would have been an improvement. Dane Cook is just so lame...nothing he does or says is funny...I can't even hate him, he's just too bland.
Steel Sharks (1997)
What junk!
This has got to be one of the worst movies made in recent years. It's a low budget rip-off of "The Hunt for Red October" with acting so atrocious it's laughable. This is definitely one to miss. I have no idea how they got Gary Busey to do this film.
Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
A Must See for Fans of Quality Cinema
I thoroughly enjoyed this film and saw it as a fitting conclusion to Stanley Kubrick's career. Many people may find the film difficult to understand, as has been the case with most Kubrick films. Don't let spiteful reviewers fool you with their pathetic attempts to gain notoriety by bashing this film. Anyone who truly understands great film-making and enjoyed Kubrick's earlier work will find this film as captivating and thought-provoking as his previous works. Four Stars. Rest in Peace Mr.Kubrick
Virus (1999)
A terrible film
I don't know what went wrong in the making of this film, but it is one of the most unimaginative, preposterous and generally boring films I've seen in recent years. A clear rip-off of the "Alien" series of films, except with lower quality acting. I have no idea how they got big name stars like Curtis, Baldwin, and Sutherland to volunteer for this travesty of a film.
The Mummy (1999)
Entertaining, if Mindless
This film is not that bad at all, if you view it within the bounds of its intent. As a sort of Saturday afternoon adventure flick meant to entertain audiences without challenging them it does a pretty good job. Good fare for a bored person looking for something to do on a Saturday afternoon - don't expect much more. Nice special effects make-up for some shoddy, comic-book style over-acting. A typical two star flick. A B- if it were graded on an academic-type scale.
Switchback (1997)
This Movie Just Falls Flat
For me, this movie just seemed to fall on its face. The main problem for me was the casting of Glover as a serial killer. I don't know whether this grows out of type-casting or simply his demeanor, but I doubt Glover could ever portray a convincing villain. He's a good guy, and that's always obvious in his performances. Other than that the film is your run of the mill serial killer story. Nothing very innovative .
Se7en (1995)
An Amazing, Shocking film
I judge a film to be worthy of watching judging by the response that it elicits from me. A film that challenges me, draws me into it is definitely worth seeing, and Se7en definitely fits that criterion. This movie shocked an amazed me, leaving me practically breathless by the conclusion (which is one of the most shocking twists I have ever seen). It terrified and captivated me. A must see.
American History X (1998)
An Amazing Film
This is a truly impressive film. It is one of the best analyses of self-destructive hatred and redemption that I have ever seen. The film is shot in stunning black and white that powerfully transports the viewer into a bleak and terrifying world. A truly fantastic film.
Less Than Zero (1987)
What a mess
This film is one of the most unfortunate adaptations of a novel that I have ever seen. Ellis's books are all very intense, shocking satires of life among the young and wealthy; unfortunately they are all so intense that they require an unacceptable amount of sanitizing to earn an "R" rating. The story of less than zero was castrated in this film. McCarthy's portrayal of "Clay" is ridiculous. Don't judge Ellis's work based on this mediocre film.
Freeway (1996)
A Fantastic Dark Comedy
This film is a true gem. Its skillful updating of a classic fairytale provides a shockingly dark,yet undeniably funny story. The feelings that this movie evokes are a rather unique blend of amusement and disgust that makes it irresistible. Reese Witherspoon does a wonderful job creating a protagonist that, regardless of her shortcomings, is easy to sympathize with.
Red Scorpion 2 (1994)
Huh?
This movie is basically another ridiculous C-grade action movie. It's the kind of drivel that's right at home at 4:00AM on Showtime. I still can't figure out how this film is in any way connected to the original Red Scorpion. It's not a real sequel, it's just using the name to sell itself.
White Man's Burden (1995)
A terrible film
This is a terribly acted and thoroughly ridiculous film. The film revels in its stupid gimmick of changing the positions of whites and blacks and beats the audience over the head with heavy handed "lessons" about racism. The movie is so un-subtle that it almost makes you laugh. Don't waste your time watching this movie.
Lethal Weapon 4 (1998)
Two's Company, Three's a Crowd, Four just falls flat
Well, I suppose it had to happen sometime. I was shocked when the first two LW sequels actually turned out to be enjoyable, and I guess I knew I was pressing my luck when I went to see number four. This series is officially DEAD! This movie is by far the worst showing from the Lethal Weapon team and is not nearly up to the standards of any of the previous three films. Number four is simply a campy re-hash of old jokes and old plot lines, attempting to milk the audience for their approval with dull "in-jokes". Chris Rock is the best part of the movie and yet appears in only a few scenes. If there is another LW movie, Chris Rock should be the only character who returns!
Double Team (1997)
Is this some sort of joke?
This movie just falls flat. The action sequences are ok, but they quickly become boring and seem to drag on endlessly. Rodman is truly pathetic as an actor. One of this movie's main faults is that it forces you to watch him stumble through lines and pretend to have wit. The movie's premise is ridiculous and its portrayal of the "spy game" is preposterous. If you're looking for a good action film, go watch Face/Off or Ronin, don't waste your time with Double Team.
Chinese Box (1997)
What's the point?
I sat through this movie and found myself constantly expecting something to happen. Imagine my surprise when nothing ever did! This movie is a waste of an excellent setting and an excellent actor (Jeremy Irons). You would thing that with an intriguing setting like Hong Kong and a wonderful actor like Irons, SOME sort of decent story could have been put together. However, the movie falls totally flat. It is pointless, boring, and a true disappointment.
The Big Lebowski (1998)
The Coen Bros. do it again
Once again, the Coen brothers have proven what masterful movie makers they really are. This movie is one of the funniest and most entertaining I have seen in a long time. Bridges and Goodman both deliver fantastic performance as a pair of whacked out losers who must try to unravel a kidnapping plot. This movie had me laughing so hard I felt like my sides would split. A MUST see for anyone who loves true comedy at its finest.
Maximum Risk (1996)
Watch for Henstridge
This movie is actually not that bad by Van Damme standards. It's one of his more entertaining films. He continues on with his bizarre twin fascination (is he really SUCH an ego-maniac that he always has to play TWO characters?) but Natasha Henstridge steals the show. She is such a gorgeous creature that one can become transfixed watching her on the screen. She is truly a beauty and this movie is worth watching just to see her on screen. You can fast forward through the parts she's not in.