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Mr.Uxo
Reviews
Equilibrium (2002)
To Feel Again
Christian Bale is fantastic in this sci-fi look at a post-war period ruled by a Government that enforces a society without feeling. Bale plays the top government enforcer of a group called the Clerics that seek out and condemn any person(s) who are feeling. Feeling is supposed to be surpressed by a drug called Prozium which everybody is required by law to self-inject at certain timed intervals.
It's the transformation of Bale's character as an emotionless Gov enforcer into a person who is feeling for the first time that makes the film so enjoyable to watch. The special effects and fight scenes are great also. Bale really dominates in this film and you really root for the "good guys" to prevail.
The Rundown (2003)
A Runaway Success
While the Rock is running down Stifler, this movie is running away with my pick for comedy of the year. The Rundown is very entertaining and the acting surprisingly good from the three stars, The Rock, Stifler, and Christoper Walken. Action scenes are explosive, fight scenes are realistic and the scenery is spectacular. You'd never know this movie was filmed in Hawaii. I definetely recommend the Rundown to anyone wanting an entertaining film.
Underworld (2003)
Warewolves in Budapest
This film reminds me of that song, "Warewolves in London". But Underworld is much more then a bunch of wolves running around London. It takes place in Budapest where we are introduced to a many centuries old war between the Lycans and Vampires. We meet our heroins right away, played by Kate Beckensale and Scott Speedman.
I was expecting a Blade ripoff but I was treated to an engrossing story, excellent special effects and plenty of action scenes. I have to hand it to the director and writers for coming up with an original film because Vampires and Warewolves have been done many times.
If you want to see a good sci-fi film with plenty of action and special effects, Underworld should be on the top of your list.
Out of Time (2003)
Out of Surprises
Out of Time is about getting out of trouble. Thats what Denzel Washington does for most of the film. It's actually very enjoyable watching him wiggle his way out of one blunder after another. This film is little more then that, but enjoyable enough to keep your attention until the end. Kudos to John Billingsley who plays Chae. Hopefully the movie will run Out of Time before your attention span does.
The Hunted (2003)
Tommy Lee Jones
Tommy Lee Jones is excellent in this film as the hunter. The scenery is vivid as it does take place in Oregon for most of the film. Other then that, the Hunted fails to deliver much else. Whether to watch this film? Flip a coin, either way, you don't lose.
House of the Dead (2003)
Rent the Video Game Instead
This movie is so bad that I pondered walking out of the theatre after the first 30 mins. The movie got worse as time went on and I was looking for a way out but I was sandwiched between two video game junkies munching on popcorn. My Escape was doomed. I figured I had better make the most of the next 90 mins so I started reciting the AA serenity prayer and looking for some redeeming qualities of this film. Thankfully I found one in actor Jürgen Prochnow, who plays Capt. Kirk in the film. You'll remember Jürgen as the captain in Das Boot.
House of the Dead is as bad as a film can get. The acting was cheesier then the stale nachos and cheese I was eating. The constant cut scenes to the video game became an annoyance. And the action is so rediculous that I couldn't help but join in the laughters with the rest of the audience. I would not wish this abomination on anyone. Save your $6 and rent the video game instead. At least then you can control your own misery.
Secondhand Lions (2003)
Duvall & Caine Shine
I have to be honest and say I wasn't expecting much from this film but I was pleasantly surprised. Seeing Robert Duvall and Michael Caine on screen together makes this film work because they play so well off each other. It's always a pleasure to see these two great actors perform. Duvall is the true star here and was also in Open Range. He's such a joy to watch as the fiesty and fierce Uncle Hub. Caine as his opposite brother Uncle Garth and together they experience life again thanks to their nephew Walter played by Haley Joel Osment.
Secondhand Lions is what I'd call a feel good comedy that everybody can enjoy. It's full of adventure and fantasy and some very hilarious scenes with Robert Duvall. I want to also mention the dogs, a pig and lion in this film because they are fun to watch!
Mr. Uxo's Take: 10 out of 10 stars If you love Robert Duvall and Michael Caine, then you'll love Secondhand Lions!
Matchstick Men (2003)
Hotter then a Matchstick
This movie is incredible and well worth the price of admission, especially to see the great ending. The pot twist in this film is hotter then a matchstick. Cage is great as an obsessive compulsive con-artist; Rockwell is always fun to watch; and Lohman and Altman give great supporting roles. This film is a joy to watch from start to finish. Mr. Uxo's Take: 10 out of 10 stars. This film is hotter then a matchstick!
Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003)
The El Mariachi Triology
This 3rd installment in the El Mariachi series has more colorful characters then you can shake a stick at. Director Rodriguez does a great job in bringing them all together throughout the film and for a grand finale. I think the two actors that stole every scene they were in are Depp, as CIA Agent Sands, and Blades as retired FBI agent Jorge. The film is definetely worth the price of admission with lots of plot twists and action to keep you on the edge of your seat. To me the original is still the best as always is the case. Mr. Uxo's take: 9 out of 10 stars. This 3rd installment is 2nd best in the Triology!
American Wedding (2003)
The Steve Stifler Show
This 3rd installment of the American Pie series focuses on Jim's wedding but it's Stifler who steals the show. He brings the bulk of the laughs in the movie along with backup help from Jim's Dad and occasionally Finch. It's very obvious that without Stifler, there is no American Anything! The character named Bear does a nice job along with the two beautiful strippers. I give this 8 out of 10 stars. Mr. Uxo's Take: If you love Stifler, then you'll love American Wedding.
Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star (2003)
Feel Good Entertainment!
Dickie Roberts will not be nominated for any Oscars, but the film is entertaining and a lot of fun. David Spade is funny as the lead role and costars the very beautiful Mary McCormack, the always great Jon Lovitz as well as a host of former child stars and current movie stars. I'd like to give special credit to newcomer Ashley Edner who we should see more of in the future. The film is a lot of fun to see all these former child stars you once watched on TV Sitcoms now grown up as adults. I give Dickie Roberts 8 out of 10 stars. Mr.Uxo's Take: Feel Good Entertainment!
Open Range (2003)
Western Masterpiece
This is the best Western to hit the big screen since Eastwood's Unforgiven. I'm not a fan of Costner, but he did a great job in this film. Duval was exceptional as always. The two of them stole the show. Credit also go to the ever beautiful Annette Benning and Abraham Benrubi who plays Mose. The scenery in this film is as breath taking as the final showdown gunfight. I give Open Range a 10 out of 10. Mr.Uxo's Take: a Western Masterpiece
Jeepers Creepers 2 (2003)
A Sly Setup for Number 3
This movie is nothing more then the Director's lame attempt to set us up for Part 3. The movie has the same plot as the original and the same senseless violence and killing. The movie ends with nothing more accomplished then it began. Simply a setup for the next worthless installment of the Jeep Creep. The first hour of the original was actually a good fright flick. But everything else afterward has been horribly bad. I give this a 1 out of 10, and thats being generous. Mr.Uxo's take: Avoid this like the plague.
Black Hawk Down (2001)
Best Picture Of The Year
Very few films are able to extract such a strong emotion from the audience such as tears of sadness, gasps of horror and sigh of disbelief. I'll name a few recent films that have succeeded. Schindlers List, Saving Private Ryan and now Black Hawk Down. I cried during this film, I was horrified, I sat in absolute shock at what these soldiers must have gone through. Black Hawk Down is based on the true story in which 19 soldiers (Rangers and Delta Force) lost their lives on Oct. 3, 1993 in what was supposed to be a quick and simple mission. A Mission that went wrong, very fast. The country of Somalia is suffering a terrible Civil War. The city is Mogadishu in which wanted Warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid's Lieutenants are meeting. The mission, extract these men and return to base. Casualties expected: None. The film does a great job of building suspense leading up to the mission and the minute the strike force enters hostile territory, its a heart-pounding, adrenaline pumping roller coaster ride to the end. This is a nail biter and not for the weak of heart. The hardest part to stomach about this film is the fact that its all True! This film should win an Oscar for Best Picture, it just makes too big of an impact to not win. Please observe a moment of silence for all those who lost their lives in this horrible tragedy. And please show your support by seeing this film.
Kissing Jessica Stein (2001)
Chasing Jessica Stein
This is an excellent independent comedy about finding love and happiness in the very frustrating world of being single and dating. This film is much like Chasing Amy and explores bi and homo sexuality, specifically lesbianism. The actors are great (although unknown) and the lead character who plays Jessica Stein is very beautiful. This can be a great date film, but you can see it with your same sex friend as well without any stares from the crowd. The film does require a bit of intelligence to understand though because it's not some cheaply made film trash.
Mr.Uxo's Take: 8/10 Stars, a highly satisfying comedy about dating that we all can relate to.
Frailty (2001)
"God Made Me Do It"
Bill Paxton directs and stars in this excellent thriller about a family of religious fanatical serial killers. This film also stars Matthew McConaughey and Powers Boothe (as FBI Agent). I have to give two thumbs up to the actor (Matthew O'Leary) who portrays Paxton's older son because he does a great job.
Basic Plot: Paxton gets a message from God that he and his two sons are to perform God's Hands and destroy the demons among them. But the demons are everyday people who end up at the wrong place at the wrong time. According to Paxton, these people are actual demons who have committed sin and must be destroyed. The selection process is via a message from God to Paxton through a list. Sounds quite fanatical right?
The film tells this elaborate, horrific tale through the narration of one of Paxton's grown sons years later. He's got a confession to make and you'll have to wait until the surprise ending to know what it is. Smells like Memento! The scary thing about this film is that there are actually religious fanatics who have used God to justify their crimes. "God told me to" The even scarier thing about this film and the only thing I did not like. These fanatics may actually view the film for more then it is and think they are doing the World a favor by carrying out God's Word. You'll know what I'm talking about at the end of the movie.
Baby Jingles Take - 4/4 stars. 1st Class freak show about religious fanatical serial killers.
Panic Room (2002)
Get Ready To Panic
Excellent thriller starring Jody Foster, Forrest Whittaker, Jared Leto and a Mystery Masked Man. I bet you'll never guess who that masked man is (nobody tell). I have to admit I was a bit apprehensive about seeing this film because how much panic or thrill could occur in a movie about a room. But I was pleasantly surprised once the film got going (the beginning they are buying and adjusting to their new home) on a non-stop roller coaster ride of suspense right to the end. There is one scene in the film that goes to slow motion with no sound and I found myself suddenly panicking along with the characters on film. The director does an excellent job to show every aspect of the house and the confrontation between victims and perpetrators. My one beef about the film is with the ending which I feel was left totally open for viewer interpretation. I like closure and this had none. Anybody who saw this film and can explain to me the ending, please message me privately, do not write it here to ruin for other people.
Basic Plot: Foster and her daughter (yes, thats a female) buy a new house in which one of the rooms is a Panic Room complete with video monitor system, separate phone line and emergency supplies. They lock themselves in the Panic Room when Leto, Whittaker and Masked Man break in. However, these thieves want something inside the room. A thrilling cat and mouse game ensue.
Mr.Uxo's Take 4/4 stars. One Big Thrill in the Panic Room!
Big Trouble (2002)
These People are in Big Trouble
I've always been a huge fan of dark comedies. Big Trouble is no different, as dark and funny as a movie can be. It also utilizes something which is so effective and entertaining that who couldn't love it. It brings together a multitude of different characters into one scene, but doesn't confuse you. In fact, each character group is developed little by little to increase the plot. We have our Hitmen, our Thugs, our Arms Dealers, our FBI agents, our local Cops, our Mother/Daughter, our Father/Son, our Fat Men, our Jesus Hippy, and lastly our Rich Snob. Other films that have done this with great success have been "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" and the most recent "Gosford Park" I most enjoyed the hitmen characters played by Dennis Farina and his side kick and the Big Burly Cop.
Mr.Uxo's Take: 4/4 stars, As good as any dark comedy can be.
Blade II (2002)
Predictable but Action Packed
Blade 2 stars Wesley Snipes in the 2nd installment of the popular comic book hero. Also starring Kris Kristofferson, who returns from the dead to reprise his role as Blade's friend in Vampire Hunting. While the 2nd installment features more action, violence, blood and special effects, the story is weak and very predictable. Why you should see Blade 2? If you liked the first one and into blood-sucking vampires and cool special effects. Why you shouldn't see Blade 2? Because you know the original Blade was enough and your tired of predictable plots.
I gave Blade 2: 7 out of 10 stars and that was because the cool special effects and non-stop action.
Resident Evil (2002)
Dead Zombies, Dead Movie
Somebody mailed a BM (Bowel Movement) into Hollywood and they made a film about it. This movie based on the popular video game was a horror to watch leading me on a number of occasions to look for a gun or any kind of weapon so I could put an end to my misery. Fortunately for me, there was nothing but stale soda and greasy popcorn. Just when I thought this movie was going to end, it started back up again, did this about 3 different times. The best part of the movie was when the credits were rolling. That and the sexy Mila Jovovich who we do get to see naked yes guys thats right, naked! Anyhow the one redeeming feature about Resident Evil was how it set itself up for for Resident Evil 2 based yes, also on the video game.
My pick, 3/10 stars, avoid this film like you would a room full of Undead Zombies
Black Hawk Down (2001)
Best Picture Of The Year
Very few films are able to extract such a strong emotion from the audience such as tears of sadness, gasps of horror and sigh of disbelief. I'll name a few recent films that have succeeded. Schindlers List, Saving Private Ryan and now Black Hawk Down. I cried during this film, I was horrified, I sat in absolute shock at what these soldiers must have gone through. Black Hawk Down is based on the true story in which 19 soldiers (Rangers and Delta Force) lost their lives on Oct. 3, 1993 in what was supposed to be a quick and simple mission. A Mission that went wrong, very fast. The country of Somalia is suffering a terrible Civil War. The city is Mogadishu in which wanted Warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid's Lieutenants are meeting. The mission, extract these men and return to base. Casualties expected: None. The film does a great job of building suspense leading up to the mission and the minute the strike force enters hostile territory, its a heart-pounding, adrenaline pumping roller coaster ride to the end. This is a nail biter and not for the weak of heart. The hardest part to stomach about this film is the fact that its all True! This film should win an Oscar for Best Picture, it just makes too big of an impact to not win. Please observe a moment of silence for all those who lost their lives in this horrible tragedy. And please show your support by seeing this film.
Orange County (2002)
We All Live in Our Own Orange County
I usually try and avoid MTV films, but something about Orange County brought me to the theatre today. I must say I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed it. It's no Oscar winner, but does deliver one hilarious laugh after another. Jack Black (Shallow Hal) is really establishing himself as a comedic actor and new actor Colin Hanks does a pretty good job as the lead character. I think we all can relate to the dilemma of finding one's place in the world and dealing with family troubles. I highly recommend this film for anybody who wants to laugh for a few hours. Laughing is good therapy for any lost soul. There are a few cameos by established actors so be on the lookout, but the real gem of the film is Jack Black and his deadbeat character. I give this film 10/10 stars.
A Beautiful Mind (2001)
A Mind can be a Beautiful Thing but also a Terrible Thing
I will not spoil this film for anybody who does not know what its really about. I was completely surprised to find the true story about halfway into the film. The film did not market the real story behind the story in the previews or pre-release hype. I will say Russell Crowe does a fine job as lead Character and will surely be nominated for another academy award. The acting is solid all the way around and the film progresses at a perfect pace, it really does a great job of surprising you. I especially enjoyed the acting of Paul Bettany who portrays Crowe's roommate in the film. I give a Beautiful Mind 10/10 stars, excellent movie.
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
A Barrel of Laughs
With names like Gene Hackman, Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, and Danny Glover, how can you not go see this film. Every year a few dark comedies come out that really steal the show. This year its Royal Tenenbaums. A few years ago it was Rushmore. And is it me, or does Gene Hackman get better with age? He's on a roll, Heist, Behind Enemy Lines, and now Royal Tenenbaums. This film showcases the extreme end of the dysfunctional family and goes full forward like a runaway train, delivering full blown laugh after laugh. Unfortunately the train slows down towards the end and so do the laughs. Just not enough of the real stars, Hackman, Murray, Glover, etc...But still a barrel of laughs. I give this film 10/10 stars.
The Man Who Wasn't There (2001)
Jon Polito - One of Holywood's Most Under Rated Actors
Great classic film noir by the Coen brothers and great acting make this film definitely worth the price of admission. I didn't like the ending too much, but the first 1.5 hrs was great. Starts at the base of the mountain, and gradually builds all the way to the climax. Stars Billy Bob Thornton, James Gandolfini, Frances McDormand, Michael Badalucco and Tony Shalhoub and my favorite, Jon Polito who plays Creighton Tolliver!