Reviews

"The Two Towers" is every bit as good as "The Fellowship of the Ring". Why? Because it is pretty much the same movie. Stylistically, the movie hasn't changed from last year, and that's a good thing. It is just a continuation of the classic story, now with more characters and action, but the heart and purpose the same. People who didn't see last year's film are going to be hopelessly confused. Go rent it! The new characters in the film are truly great. Bernard Hill was wonderful as Theoden. Brad Dourif was simply a marvel to watch, and Miranda Otto was great too. Gollum is going down in cinema history as being the most realistic computer creation ever. The filmmakers could not have done a better job. I was stunned and shocked at how glorious he was. Andy Serkis is a genius. The Ents are also smashing. In the beginning they are the definition of cool, in the end they are the definition of killing machines. Quite something to behold, indeed! Like last year, Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Ian McKellan, and Viggo Mortensen are terrific, as well as the rest of the cast. Shore has a sure score again in this one. There are also many simple and beautiful visual touches that add a lot of cinematographic artistic dimension to the piece. Of course the movie does have flaws. Much is lost from the book, the result being that the movie feels extremely unresolved. There just seems to be too much Peter Jackson is going to have to squeeze in for "The Return of the King" next year. Also, there are many things that happen in the film that don't happen in the book at all. Some are really cool, and some are completely unnecessary. But still, overall, these are shaping up to be the movies of the century. These films are so good, they are positively going to stand the test of time. Keep up the good work, Peter! I'm breathless. 10/10

Shyamalan has done it again, this time with "Signs", and I consider it to be his best effort. This undertaking proves to be much more entertaining than his other two endeavors, "The Sixth Sense", and "Unbreakable". And although I loved these two films, "Signs" surpasses them immeasurably. The basic plot is that a family living on a farm discover crop circles in their fields, the first of many bizarre occurances. Like a good episode of "The Twilight Zone", the movie keeps the ambiguity flowing dramatically throughout. Mel Gibson is fantastic. The actor plays a man who seems always together, even when fantastic things are happening all around him. Joaquin Phoenix is good too. He is sort of where most of the comic relief comes from in the movie. That is another thing about the movie: it is very funny. Typically, movies that try to be funny AND scary end up being a big mess. "Signs" is genuinely hilarious. But then it will turn around and be absolutely horrifying and sometimes disturbing. It succeeds. Many have complained about the film's religious undertones overwhelming the sci-fi premise. This simply is not true. The two themes go hand-in-hand with eachother as one story. Shyamalan has eased a bit off the artsy camera angles, something I kind of miss. The dialogue and characters are more realistic in "Signs", and therefore makes your feelings for the people much stronger. Howard's music is not very versatile, but he has many variations of the theme and it is very effective and makes the movie even creepier. "Signs" is probably the most pop-culture-friendly Shyamalan movie, but considering how good this one turned out, maybe the other two needed some of that. I loved this movie. Everything about it was lovely and entertaining. Heck, even the kids were excellent! I can't wait for M. Night's next project to crop up! 10/10

Christopher Nolan's "Memento" anything but mediocre. It is the most beautiful, poetic, and strangely told thriller I've ever come across. Some people are probably not going to like "Memento" because of its overwhelming complexity. But the fact that it is so hard to follow is part of the point. Nolan made an effort to allow an audience to be able to tap into the mind of a person with short-term memory loss and be just as confused as Leonard Shelby, the protagonist with the strange condition. He does this, as everybody knows, by telling the film backwards, though all the clues are laid out for you and characters are introduced to you like you're watching a regular movie. Amazing. And of course, an amazing concept like this calls for equally amazing actors to carry the story. And they more than rise to the occasion. No one could've done a better job than Guy Pearce. He is simply spectacular. As is Joe Pantoliano, who brings a charismatic comic relief to the piece (which is certainly needed). And Carrie-Anne Moss does a good job of changing your perceptions of a character just by adding more facial expressions. This movie is perfect, innovative, and down right awesome! 10/10

Well, it looks like Ol' George hasn't lost it after all! "Attack of the Clones" is pure Star Wars from beginning to end. It is lovely, dark, and can sometimes get a bit creepy. Those other critics don't know what the heck they're talking about. Take Roger Ebert, for example, who has panned "Clones" but gave "The Phantom Menace" an extremely positive review back in 1999. "Menace" wasn't horribly atrocious, but it was too kiddy-friendly, had crappy acting, and a story and feel that just didn't feel like our beloved Star Wars. But now fans are rejoicing! Not only is there pretty good acting this time, but the movie is relentlessly dark, has a great story, and contains all the elements and formulas that made the old ones so awesome. It also has more Yoda. Truly spectacular! Ewan McGregor has a young version of Alec Guiness down to a tee, Hayden Christensen has good facial expressions and seems to be trying hard most of the time. Natalie Portman is also better this time. The acting, though it CAN get a little poky is very satisfying overall. Everything in this one works, from the great settings (some will be all too familiar), to the truly astonishing CG work. There are also many treats for fans and surprising lead-ins for the original trilogy. I cannot stress more how much of an improvement "Attack of the Clones" is from "The Phantom Menace". The Force is back! And certainly everyone should be excited! 10/10

Wonderful, colorful, and extremely well made, Sam Raimi's "Spider-Man" undertaking has proved its worth and some. It is a very satisfying vision of the comic book that stays very true to the source material. The story, characters, and overall feel of an actual comic book have never really been faithfully adapted to a motion picture until now. The acting is pitch-perfect as well, from Tobey Maguire's nearly heartbreaking portrayal of Peter Parker, to Kirsten Dunst giving Mary Jane a very insecure persona. And Willem Dafoe, of course, hams it up appropriately as Norman Osborn, whose hidden agenda is Spider-Man's arch-nemesis, the Green Goblin. The special effects sequences are truly a spectacle. They are thunderous, stunning races through Manhattan's concrete jungles that blur the line between CG images and reality. My only gripe about the movie is that it moves at a cheetah's pace, sometimes at the sacrifice of some of the movie's dramatic punch. But hey, that's excusable due to the fact that the film is based on comic book, and shouldn't pretend it is based on Shakespeare. Another lame bit is the presence of Macy Gray, which for reasons I can't quite put my finger on, kind of detracts from the movie (though only in a small way). If she's gonna be in films she should stick to the stuff she did in "Training Day". But even with these two barely significant quirks, "Spider-Man" is an exciting, and fantastic movie with awesome acting, characters, music, and special effects. Go se it, even if you just go for J.K. Simmons' hiarious performance as the liberal media tyrant J. Jonah Jameson. The movie is a thrilling experience and we can only hope that Raimi and company reunite for a sequel in the future. 10/10

David Fincher's "Panic Room" does everything right. Writing is excellent. The people seem to say things that would be natural in a situation like the on presented in the movie. Acting is pitch-perfect. Jodie Foster is fantastic. Kristen Stewart is a child actor that rivals Haley Joel Osment. And the thee crooks, Forest Whitaker, Jared Leto, and Dwight Yoakam give memorable and fascinating portrayals of their complicated characters. Another extreme pro of "Panic Room" is the cinematography. From the opening credits to the end of the movie, each frame has its own unique, "artsy-craftsy" persona that can be sometimes subtle, or fantastic with computer animation. Fincher is a director I have admired for a long time and each of his movies are astounding both in material an visuals. Howard Shore's music sets the tone of the movie right. Another thing I loved about "Panic Room" is that although the robbers can be humourous, you still don't like them. Other movies have tried to make villains funny and gross at the same time and it ends up being excrement (John Travolta in "Broken Arrow", for one). It somehow worked here, something I thought would never happen in movies. "Fight Club" wasn't terrible, but making "Panic Room" has assured me that Fincher hasn't succumbed to the Dark Side. This one is on par with his other works- "The Game", "Se7en", and "Alien3". "Panic Room" is a colossal experience. See it. 10/10

What does everyone NOT see in this movie? Sure, it's not as dramatic as "Mad Max", or as exhilerating as "The Road Warrior", but this is still an amazing, action-packed adventure from Kennedy, Miller, Gibson, and company. Max needs his stolen stuff back an agrees to fight an enemy of the ruler of "Bartertown", Aunty (played by Tina Turner, who's presence certainly doesn't mire the experience). He must fight this guy in the "Thunderdome", and that's all I'm gonna tell you. But rest assured, the movie doesn't go downhill. It gets better. There's as much to like and dislike about this movie just as much as the other "Mad Max" movies, but I guess everyone didn't see it that way. In my optimistic opinion, the film ends the world of "Mad Max" in a brilliantly concieved way, and by the end you really feel you've got your money's worth out of this awesome series. An astonishing trilogy with an astonishing finish, is what I say! 9/10

Any fan of "The Road Warrior" who hasn't seen the first entry in the "Mad Max" series simply hasn't lived yet. You see, this tells the story of how Max became the ruthless renegade that he is in the two latter films. Although I love the story, action sequences, characters, and overall atmosphere of the movie, some of the stylistic choices should have been left out. Music seems to occur at the wrong time and scenes seem carry over to the next one too quickly. Of course, these little quirks don't mean much if your a big fan of the series. But to me, it sort of brings the whole experience down. But hey, that's just me! This is an awesome movie with substance and raw, powerful material. 8/10

Usually when I view a movie, I look for light in two places: acting and story. That mainly makes a good movie, right? Wrong. I'm not saying "The Mothman Prophecies" is utter garbage, but you certainly feel gipped when the credits begin to scroll down the screen. Richard Gere displays some curiously awesome acting capabilities in this film, as does Laura Linney. These two have some really good stuff for us to admire, but that and the interesting, supposedly true story are the only things going for it. What makes this movie not-too-hot? Mainly the disjointedness in the way the characters and plot moves are played out. I do admire Pellington's pacing and subtleties, but it eventually overwhelms the story's central core: a mysterious figure is seen in a West Virginia town, giving residents hints of future disasters. It all eventually sinks into a long, sometimes boring foray into how a movie can go wrong. The characters never seem to talk about this figure. Instead, they begin to seem like they're talking about their cousin's DUI charge. See it and find out for yourself.

6/10

I was really looking forward to this game and came across a review saying that the story goes into "vague, lame, philosophical, and political points that causes it to lose some of its punch". I thought, "How could that be? This game's story HAS to be very good (afterall, it is from Kojima-san himself)". But now after completing the game I realize it is not as good as the first in my opinion. I do say that the second game has a very heart-pumping gameplay style that beats the crap out of the first's. I also say that the graphics are exceedingly lovely. Boy, if only ALL games looked as good as this. But if I had it my way, I'd fix up the story. Sure, most would say that it is more interesting and more intricate than than MGS's story. Although I found MGS2's story to be compelling while I was playing it, it wasn't that memorable to me. Also, the game's bosses and fights left a lot to be desired. They weren't varied and different enough. Vamp's fight is very trite and boring. The first Metal Gear Solid had many dramatic, varied, colorful boss-fights that were very memorable. I know I'm the minority and I sound like a grump, but that's the way I feel. That being said, I don't discourage anyone at all for buying MGS2, in fact, I recommend it. The graphics alone are worth that. I also appreciate the amount of effort that went in to this project from Kojima and company. It took a lot of work and blood to make this game happen, and I just can't deny that it really, really shows. 9/10

This is one fabulous game. A truly sensational experience that is very hard to rationalize. It's no game. Metal Gear Solid is work of art that entertains, makes you think, educates, touches, and really has some poignant things to say about life in-general. I know what you're thinking: a video game? C'mon! But it's the truth! Not only does this undertaking concieve some very memorable characters with some very top-notch voice-acting, it contains, above all, an unrelenting, twist-filled world of a story that will fundamentally change the way you think of games. And in there, you also get a great gameplay style that is so fun, you'll be sitting there for hours on end fiddling with your weapons, setting up traps for, and playing tricks on guards. It is literally a blast and it never lets up. The drama and emotional impact of he story can only be heightened by equally good music, and MGS delivers the goods here as well. If only MGS2's music was as good as this (sorry Harry Gregson-Williams, but your score SUCKED). Anyway, the locations and sets are interesting and exotic and unforgettable. The boss-fights are varied and fun, with a weapon specifically designed for each boss that adds depth and a sense of eclectiveness to the battles. I loved that. You also have strong relationships with the people you meet and the people you fight and it adds and makes it special. The game also spurts a great amount of extras and side items and "quests" that add even more replayability to the game. Thankfully the story doesn't go into the deep end and go nuts on you. It is a very compelling and satisfying one. 3 words, ok? Play, this, game! Thank you Hideo Kojima. 10/10!!

December 18 was a pretty normal day for me to begin with. I looked in the paper and saw in the film listings that a midnight showing of "The Fellowship of the Ring" would take place that evening. I quickly called people and asked if they would like to join me and they said, without hesitation, "yes". I bought six tickets in all, and the rest of my day was filled with anticipation. After arriving at approximately 11:15pm, I could tell this would be something special just from the quantity of people ready to set their eyes on a masterpiece. After 30 min. of trailers, the film began and there was an aura af astoundment and joy flowing through the dark room. Rare was a person that was fidgeting or going to the bathroom or concession stand or anything like that. The images on the screen startled the mind, and 3 quarters of the way through the film, you'd already gone through every emotion thinkable with it: anger, joy, love, sadness, excitement, amusement, everything. It is by this time, the first time you see the movie, you're overwhelmed by the eye candy, emotional intensity, adrenaline rushes during the action scenes, and best of all, the sweeping narrative and STELLAR acting. The cast could not have been so impeccable as this one. Let me just say that, if I had my way, EVERY cast member would earn an acting Oscar. Peter Jackson has made an engaging film that challenges, entertains, and best of all: tells a story. There is an equal balance of CGI and live effects in the film, so that seeing something spectacular doesn't seem boring. Shore's score is awesome, and the cinematography is positively astounding. In the theatre, when the credits rolled on the screen, everyone in the place was entranced by what they just saw, and everyone in the theatre was p****d they had a wait a year to see more. I could have not asked for a better movie! The best film of the year! SEE IT!! SEE IT AGAIN!! 10/10

Raimi's "A Simple Plan" is a film that is hard to talk about. When you have it in your house, there seems to be evil spirits around watching it with you. The film is a great example of evil and how it works. It slowly unravels the devil consuming these men and affecting those around them. This is one of the most depressing movies I have ever sat through. First, I must say, The acting is sheerly phenomenal. Bill Paxton is the thespian adhesive of the whole thing and makes it all work through his character's P.O.V. Thornton is good as always, and Bridget Fonda is chilling as the scheming wife of Paxton. There is evil in this film, there is evil in this story, there is evil the rotten characters and subtle tones, and I believe everyone who appreciates stellar filmmaking should view the movie and bear witness to sheer evil. Th experience will stay with you for months on end. A film can do that do a person, contrary to much belief, and "A Simple Plan" certainly does.

10/10

Surprisingly, Outland turned out to be an enjoyable sci-fi experience. Sean Connery plays a new cop on a mining colony on Jupiter's second moon. When he discovers a conspiracy that many already know about, he's all alone when he tries to bring the company he works for down. Sean Connery is extemely likable in the film. He's a character worth rooting for and a very serious one at that. Although the movie isn't perfect, it does manage to tell a visually striking story with memorable, colorful characters, and elaborate chase and action sequences that manage to convey a surprising amount of suspense. And Connery, of course, carries the film nicely. An interesting and entertaining display of early '80s sci-fi from a director early in his career, and an actor playing something besides James Bond(though we loved him in that). See this dark, atmospheric, sci-fi thriller if want to be entertained, and on the edge of your seat.

8/10

Gremlins 2 is more of a satire than the first one. It pokes fun of corporate behavior, technology, and architecture in way that astounds. I can't understand why people thing this is the worst of the 2 Gremlins films. I just can't imagine why. The first one was more of a serious fantasy while this one is more of a smart, goofy, satiric comedy that, in my opinion far surpasses the original. The two young heroes are back (with much improved acting skills), along with a scene stealing comic genius John glover (who plays the billionaire), and Christopher Lee as a nutty scientist. The movie contains many movie spoofs and one-liners that you'll be thinking about for awhile. The effects are better thanks to the mastery of multi award-winner Rick Baker. And Charlie Haas' script is fantastically entertaiing. I loved this movie! I don't see why anyone else wouldn't! It boggles the mind!

9/10

The end of the Star Wars series, thankfully, isn't a bad one. Better than Episode 4, but not even close to Episode 5, Marquand's first and last excursion into the Star Wars universe explains much, entertains much, and ends the Star Wars Saga spectacularly and dramatically. The presence of the Ewoks never bothered me. I was fond of them from the start, and even more so when I laid eyes on Jar Jar. McDiarmid gives a wonderful performance as the Emperor, the special effects are better than the first two, and the story is told in a grandeur that is apparent in all the Star Wars films. Williams' score outdoes the originals' by a longshot, the "Luke and Leia" theme is beautiful. The emotional impact is increased in this one because we need to settle things after the unsettling events of Episode 5. Luke confronts Vader, love blossoms between Leia and Han (now rescued), and Luke becomes a Jedi. The Saga may end with this one, but that sure is a beautiful way to die.

10/10

"The Empire Strikes Back", if not the best film ever made, is merely the best Star Wars film ever made. I seriously doubt Lucas will top this. Ever. The way the story is told continues to astound me. The darkness of it all. The adventure, danger, and drama that consists in the film's universe has yet to be paralelled (I don't it will be). In terms of acting, its pretty well orchestrated. In terms of special effects, it's amazing. In terms of music, it has some of Williams' best. In terms of script, it's wonderous (at least after the "laser-brain" scene). In terms of story, it's the best. In terms of characters? Well, lets just say it's uncanny. The way the characters unfold in their adventures and the true revealing of Vader's mind is fascinating. The film won't please impatient kids all that much. It is a mature movie through and through. Not in terms of content, but in terms of understanding. There's no Jar Jar, Jawas, or Ewoks in this one. The title explains it all and the end result leaves one in a semi-depressed stupor while also giving the viewer a sense of hope. Everything works in this one somehow, whether it's the story, locations, characters (Boba Fett and Yoda, for example), music, or awesomesness of the villains. It all accumulates into one word: fantastic.

10/10!

"Beetlejuice" is a very original film, one that truly showcased Burton's potential as a stylistic director. Michael Keaton kinda steals the show as the one-liner encyclopedia Beetlegeuse. The supporting cast is excellent as well, including Catherine O'Hara as the New Yorker wife who "must express herself" in a house that, to her, could use a little blowtorch. Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis are worthy protagonists and are actually quite funny. This movie delivers the goods on an amazing level. Whether it's the humorous and novel story, the hilarious cast's efforts, the wonderful music, true Burton-esque set design, or the fact that there has never been a movie quite like this, you always get a kick out of it!

10/10

"T2" is a first-rate film that fundamentally changed the way we looked at films ten years ago. It is a very emotional, very original, very worthy follow-up to the original "Terminator". In many ways, it's a better film than the first one, in that there is much more solidity and more elements and ingredients to make thirty movies. I prefer the Theatrical version over the Special Edition because the additions are so overwhelming that you think you have a film of tremendous scale that it is harder to watch and enjoy. The acting is wonderful, the story is insanely involving, the special effects are mind-boggling. James Cameron is a flat-uot filmmaking genius. Bravo! This film is one of few in the '90s that is going to last generations.

10/10

I liked this movie. I can't stand all that fashion crap on TV and the E! Channel. It was a real treat to see this movie spoof all of that phony baloney. Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson are great and hilarious. The film is not just a satire, though. It contains some scatological humor and many other forms. I recommend you see this hilarious trek through the fashion industry.

The first time I saw this movie back in 93', I didn't like it that much. Then, a year ago, I viewed it again and my eyes were opened to one of the most charming, catchy, fun, artistically brilliant films I've EVER seen. The animation is absolutely uncanny. It marvelously sets a mood that has no equal. Danny Elfman, one of my favorite composers, really busts his butt to pull the music and lyrics off and he succeeds gloriously. One of the most exquisitely composed movies of all time. I know "The Nightmare Before Christmas" is only an hour and fifteen minutes, but it certainly seem much longer than that. That is because there is not a dull moment in the whole movie. It dares not to take take a breath and slow down. Like the Energizer Bunny, it keeps going, and going, and going. I cannot stress enough how much eye candy the film contains. I wish I could have seen this on the big screen, it would have been quite a visual experience. Tim Burton's style is apparent throughout, and there's not much lame, sentimental, Disney-esque stuff in it. What is there is a small ozone layer of warmth that envelops the whole package and delivers an original, heart-warming, and visually breath-taking masterpice of cinema. It is, and will continue to be a classic of epic proportions. A masterpiece.

10/10

A New Hope is severely entertaining and is a lot of fun. Contains many dramatic battles and memorable one-liners that'll make you gasping for some relief. It was the first Star Wars film ever created and has withstood two generations of fans since its release back in '77. Though I think highly of it, this is NOT the bulk of the Star Wars universe. 10/10(what else?)

Included in this hilarious fandango is virtually every character and every actor to ever appear in "Clerks", "Mallrats", "Chasing Amy", and "Dogma". These are director Kevin Smith's other great movies and they all contain two slackers: Jay and Silent Bob. Now, they have their own movie, and it is one wild ride from start to finish. I suggest you see all the films above before even attempting to find out what everyone in the theatre is laughing about. Kevin Smith has done something that makes a creator a truly great one: make something only fans would get and cherish.

9/10