Reviews

Here is the deal I am a story guy, I watch film because a great film has a story and world that is highly immersing. It can surprise, delight, affect the senses, and maybe even change you. However, my attorney Lazlo is an art house guy, he sees film as an extension of any other medium which shocks, makes you think, and even debate Why? In that sense "holy motors" is one of his films, and he did not like this film. I on the other hand did, so what does that say? This movie has no discernible plot, it makes no sense at all, and there are no characters which you can identify with or feel empathy. So why did I like it, well I saw myself standing in front of a vast painting. There I was in a museum, I was standing looking at the painting and Lazlo was standing next to me, we both had different perceptions of what we were seeing, both found different value, both found ourselves asking why, and ended up discussing the piece? And in the end isn't that what most any modern piece of art wants.

So to start I consider a non big budget movie with a 7 is generally a good film and as you approach 8 you are into excellent territory. The exception to this rule are your transformers and what not, which fans will give a 10 to, godfather doesn't even have a 10 for god's sake. So back to this film, been a long time since I did a review, but as I said this movie needs some love. I will make this review simple and to the point. The story was very good, the acting and casting was excellent, including an Oscar worthy moment from Casey Affleck. The direction was well done, it was very dark and gritty and a realistic portrayal of middle class white trash life. There is something major in the beginning which happens to Christian Bale that never seems to figure into the rest of the film, in any major sense. There is a plot development that resulted from that event, that existed but wasn't defining to the film. Although, it did just simply exist, which if you want a story that doesn't have to have everything wrapped up with a bow adds to the realism of the film. The ending was not predictable for the most part. Look, if you like dark, gritty, violent films, that are smart, I would say you cannot go wrong.

So I watched 2011's "the green hornet", starring one of my comedy favorites Seth Rogen and directed by Michel Gondry. So was it good, well I say it stung me in a good way. So was it great, well no. Was it as bad as the critics and others have made it ought to be I say no way. Look this movie is clearly a spoof of super hero movies, but not one that tries to beat you over the head with the fact that it is a spoof, so I think a lot of people just didn't get it. Seth Rogen plays basically the character he played in pineapple express, which considering he wrote this movie with his writing partner from that movie it makes sense. Michel Gondry directed this film and though he has a very distinct style usually e.g "science of sleep" and "eternal sunshine of the spotless mind", we the audience don't see much of his unique visual sense and quirky dialog. However, I found this movie to be very enjoyable and highly underrated. I don't know if comic book fans were put off by the fact that this movie is sort of like the inspector clouseau and cato take on the green hornet character, from the pink panther movies, or if stoners were put off by the not so stoned Seth Rogen in this movie, but it seems most people did not like this movie as much as I did. I researched the green hornet and found that since its inception there have been several different takes on the characters and general story, so the fact that this one was not faithful to the original in every sense should not be a big deal to "purists". This take seems slightly different in that the green hornet wants to be seen not as a hero but as a criminal, so he can infiltrate criminal organizations more easily. This also makes him busting up said organizations look like a grab for power rather than a vigilante exercise. The hornet (Britt Reid) and Kato have no real super powers, although Kato can sort of slow time but not literally. So the character setup is kind of like batman in a lot of ways including the hornet being a trust fund baby. Look, basically I really liked this movie, I thought it was funny and packed with good action sequences, but everyone does not share that view so I recommend it but, I can't say who this movie should appeal to since I was not in the majority on this one.

So I watched 2009's funeral flick "get low", starring two greats Robert Duvall and one of my personal favorites Bill "mother trucking" Murray. So was it good, I say yes indeedy do. This film is a mystery of sorts, so once again I won't be discussing plot. However, I will comment on things like the direction which was very good, especially considering this was Aaron Schneider's first full length feature. The story was very interesting and well written. The story itself is loosely based on the life and I guess death of Felix Bushaloo Breazeale, a hermit acquitted of murder who had his own funeral party. The writers of the movie took this and twisted it and turned into a fine tale much better than the real life story. So now the acting, well as I said you have two greats plus a good supporting cast, so you can't go wrong there. Basically this is an easy to watch sort of indy film with great production value. Which leads us to the next question, is this film for everybody, yeah as I said it is easy to watch, it is comical at times, suspenseful at other times, has a little mystery, really something for everyone. I remember Robert Duvall promoted the shoot out of this movie, and it did make a small profit, which considering it is an indy type film is pretty good and so was this movie. if you like concise reviews of interesting films please read my other reviews at http://raouldukeatthemovies.blogspot.com/

So I watched 2010's CGI cartoon flick "megamind". Well was it megagood, well for a kids flick I say it was good. Now as a flick just for adults it get's an ehh. However, if I had kids I could sit through this film and enjoy it which I did overall, and I think kids will love this movie. The animation is just standard fare here, nothing special but then again everything CGI to me at this point is wonderful, it just doesn't stand out here like it did in say "rango". The plot is interesting enough, two aliens crash on earth at the same time one destined to be a superhero and one destined to be a super villain, or perhaps not? The acting is solid and comes from some of the industries best Ferrel, Fay, Jonah Hill, David Cross, Stiller, and Pitt (hey my second review today with him). In fact, the character that Ferrel developed for this film was memorable, not Ron Burgundy memorable but good. It was interesting if I had to compare it to say "the incredibles" it is not in the same league, but it is good for a kid's flick. And I said most adults with the exception of my best friend who hates anything that isn't completely obscure should enjoy this "popcorn" flick.

I expect this review will be a bit controversial to some. I am going to say something that some of you will agree with and well will outrage some as well. What is this magic word that will divide the hopefully two people who see this at some point before this blog disappears, well it is "OVER RATED !!!!!!!!!". I hated this movie. I thought the very 80's theme music sucked, I thought Dennis Hopper who got an Oscar nod for this over acted. I thought the love interest angle involving Barbara Hershey and Gene Hackman was obvious. Every thing from the towns people hating newly arrived basketball coach "Gene Hackman" , to the local phenom stepping up to the figuritive plate just at the right moment, to the incredible and subtlety racist ending was obvious. Have you said the phrase "this thing just writes itself" well the chuckleheads who got the green light to do this must have uttered that constantly as they wrote this piece of garbage. Oh and by the way I know I forgot to say it earlier but "hoosiers" is an Oscar nominated film about a basketball team that wins the big game in the 1950's and was made in 1986. You can skip this one "over rated" "over rated" "over rated"!

So I watched the film classic from 1959 "some like it hot". Let me describe the movie in simple terms; what happens when you take a pure B movie plot, add great dialog, superb acting, and near perfect direction from a Hollywood legend, well you get pure comic gold. This is one of those movies you hope they never remake. It is now more than 50 years since this Billy Wilder gem was made and its stands the test of time. Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon are perfectly cast as two down on their luck musicians who are on the run from the mob. They take a gig as female band members in order to get out of town and hilarity ensues. The dialog between them is fantastic and they sell every line that would probably be real cheesy if delivered by almost anyone else. Marilyn Monroe is well HOT. This is my first Marilyn Monroe movie and well I get it now. I always saw pictures of her and said o.k shes a babe but, man there really was just something about her. My favorite lines in the movie are in the very last scene. I won't spoil it for the possible one person who reads this someday, but man I almost peed myself. If you haven't ever taken the time to see this movie do it, unless you are made of stone I dare you not to enjoy this comic masterpiece. if you like concise reviews of interesting films please read my other reviews at http://raouldukeatthemovies.blogspot.com/

"9" is a digitally animated film that was released in 2009 starring Elijah Wood. So what to say about 9. Did I love it, well no. Did I hate it, well no. So is this movie "good" well yes. It is not for everyone and the story is just O.K. However, this movie is beautifully animated and well acted. The tale takes place in a future where machines once made to serve us and fight our wars have turned on us and destroyed the world and killed all humans. Wait no this is not a review of the Matrix or of the terminator, which is one of the things that make this movie just o.k. The evil creature that is at the heart of all destruction is even reminiscent of something from the "matrix". So why watch this movie well unless you are a stoner or a sci-fi geek you can probably skip this one, but if you are either or both you may have a good time. If you are a stoner whip out the bong and the cheetos dipped in vanilla frosting and kick back for a visual feast. if you like concise reviews of interesting films please read my other reviews at http://raouldukeatthemovies.blogspot.com/

So I watched the star studded film from 1996 called "Sleepers", and directed by academy award winning dude Barry Levinson. Mr. Levinson has given us some really great flicks over the years like "rain man" and "diner", as well as some real stinkers like "Sphere", "envy", and of course "Toys". So which camp does this one fall into well it was good, not great but good. So this movie could have been great I mean what a cast which includes Deniro, Patric, Pitt, and Hoffman. And the list keeps going. This movie is supposedly a real life fictionalized version of events that happened to the author of both the screenplay and the novel this film was based on, writer Lorenzo Carcaterra. The only problem there are zero records to back up this statement something the film disclaims at the end. Well what about the plot, well this is one of those flicks you should just watch, I think I was better for not knowing most of the plot going in and anyone else should be as well. There are some moments in this film that are not for children so just be aware of that before you sit little Billy or Betty down beside you to watch this. Also there is one plot point I will mention, half of this film takes place when the characters are young while the second half takes place when they have all grown up. So what did I not like about this film, well there were flashbacks which were useful, but just were a little too much and just complicated an already complicated story. There was also the narrative, normally I am a fan of narrative but here it didn't work for me. Besides from that this is a highly watchable film, and one that was filmed in the 1990's and takes place between the late 60's and early 80's, and holds up now some 15 years later. So finally is this film for everyone, well it's not very chicky and not lighthearted, its a guys film, but not like say "insert generic action flick or crime flick here", it is slightly cerebral. I recommend it, but it is not in my top Levinson film picks by a long shot. if you like concise reviews of interesting films please read my other reviews at http://raouldukeatthemovies.blogspot.com/

So I watched the 1977 academy award winner for best documentary, "Harlan County U.S.A" directed by Barbara Kopple. So was it good, yeah it was pretty good. It was not one of my favorite documentaries, but it was enjoyable, informative, and had some real life drama. So basically this movie is about the plight of the Kentucky coal miner, but on a deeper level, it is also about the division between labor and the supplier's of capital in this country. This movie gives us a glimpse into not just the lives of these people, but their struggles over the years going back to the early days of unions in this country. We see how these men toil day in and day out in these mines, only to more than likely die from any number of things but namely "black lung". We see how the rich owners of this mine just don't seem to care about the health and safety of their workers, or about giving them a fair share of the pie. We get a glimpse at corruption at the corporate level as well as in government. Towards the end of the movie something substantial happens which finally brings this nearly year long strike to an end. I won't spoil it, but if Hollywood wrote I would say what B.S, but it happened and because of it the union boys got what they wanted. We also see that even though the strike at the heart of this film is over, the struggle for fair wages, good working conditions, and union rights is never over it seems. My only gripe was with the depressing as all hell hillbilly music, most of which made me feel suicidal. But some may really like that music. I know there is a version of "oh death" in this film, and normally I love it (at least the version by Ralph Stanley), but hated how the singers reminded me how depressing a tune it is in reality. Otherwise this is a great film, but I personally have seen better but not necessarily more powerful documentaries. if you like concise reviews of interesting films please read my other reviews at http://raouldukeatthemovies.blogspot.com/

So I watched severance from 2006 the feel good family movie of the last decade. Nah, I'm just foolin' ya its a slasher pick. So is it a good movie, well yes and no. In the general sense not really, but in the slasher b-movie sense it gets an A. It has halucinogenic drug use, it has balkan escorts topless firing machine guns, tons of gore, conspiracy theories that go nowhere, and can be at times pretty funny. I have to admit that for what it is it is a good and very watchable movie with decent acting and good atmosphere. I am not sure if this movie is something that is in the same pantheon as the other films in this blog but it is after all about both good movies and indy fare and severance is just that.

Before I begin this review I would like to say that "Roger and me" (also directed by Michael Moore) is one of my favorite movies, and T.V nation I think is a great example of early very liberal television (nowadays we have the daily show and colbert report). That being said, I also have to disclose I have two business degrees including the coveted MBA. So is this a good movie, well unfortunately no. This is not the capitalist pig that dwells within me speaking, but a lover of good movie making speaking out. The second half of this movie was timely and in general pretty good, the first half was uneven and at times a little stupid. The worst scene in the entire movie came just before the movie started to pick up steam. It involved a family, who both the husband and wife worked at walmart. Walmart had taken out a small life insurance policy, on the guys wife (I am assuming to offset rehiring costs in case she died) but Michael Moore slanted it to almost look like walmart killed this poor woman. Or at the very least hoped she would die so they would get a big payout. They had the whole white trash family gathered around the dinner table, crying for their mom, all the while implying walmart was evil and to blame. If you are going to attack walmart do it on unfair wages or supporting Chinese goods made in poor work conditions with no environmental standards, not complete bull pucky. Well that was a rant. Which is what Michael Moore at least inspires in people on both sides. That is what I like about him, but not this movie, I say skip it.

This Review is about Alfred Hitchcock's "The man who knew too much", starring Jimmy Stewart and Doris Day. To begin with I'm a fan of Mr. Hitchcock, I have seen a great number of his films. Though this is not as riveting as say "North by Northwest", it was a great film especially considering how old it is. Well the premise is now something that has been done to death by Hollywood, a family on holiday gets mixed up in international intrigue involving an assassination plot, and the chase is on to stop the assassin just in time. In this case the parents need to save their son from impending doom as well. However, Mr. Hitchcock is the master and the master is in top form creating suspense and drama at every turn. An interesting moral dilemma is well played also throughout this film. While I was watching this film I was reminded of one of my favorite comedies from the 70's called "foul play". It turns out that this film was an homage to Hitchcock and they based a crucial scene from "the man" in "foul play". I think this is also the origin of the famous use of Doris Day singing "que sera sera". Also, look for Hitchcock he's in there as usual, hard to spot though. Well, if you are a fan of suspense, old films, spy thrillers, or Hitchcock you should be sure to enjoy this good film as well. if you like concise reviews of interesting films please read my other reviews at http://raouldukeatthemovies.blogspot.com/

So I watched Steven Spielberg's "close encounters of the third kind" from 1977 yesterday, and I hadn't seen the movie since I was a kid. I guess the two things that always stuck with me from the movie were Richard Dreyfus shaping the mashed potatoes at dinner into a mountain, and saying "this means something, this is important". The other was the aliens at the end, they were very cute and child like. So there is now a whole generation of people who may have never heard of this movie, and as it gets older that will only increase. I mean the movie came out in 1977 and well is great but its not a mythological magnet like "star wars" which came out about the same time. I said in an earlier review "I hope they don't remake this movie" (referring to "some like it hot"), well I would say why not remake this movie. The special effects are terrific, but still we could do so much more nowadays with effects on such a grand level that we couldn't do then. The acting is great but, I don't identify any one of the characters with a specific actor like say Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lector. Its a great movie though, and if you are feeling nostalgic, or are a youngin' not afraid of watching something that was done before you were born, this is a great movie. However, me personally I am waiting for the remake before revisiting this yet again, directed oddly enough by Steven Spielberg, but starring Johnny Depp (hey why not he made for a great Raoul Duke!). if you like concise reviews of interesting films please read my other reviews at http://raouldukeatthemovies.blogspot.com/

So I revisited the sixth sense today. I can't think of too many people who haven't seen this flick at this point, but there is a whole new movie watching audience growing up right now that may have never even heard of this "classic". So the first time I saw this movie I didn't know the secret, but I knew there was one and figured it out about 10 minutes into the film. If you are young and don't know why someone just said "I see dead people" this movie is where that great line came from. This is also in case you don't know, pretty much the only film M. Night Shamalan did that isn't crap (I also liked unbreakable). So was this movie as good as I remember, well it was even better. I didn't spend the whole movie trying to solve a puzzle so I think I was able to really enjoy what a good story this is. For all you youngins' out there in the year 2100 who come across this as an archive, well for one greetings from beyond the grave, and secondly check out the sixth sense it's awesome. if you like concise reviews of interesting films please read my other reviews at http://raouldukeatthemovies.blogspot.com/

You can count on me is a film starring Mark Ruffalo and Laura Linney and was made in 2000. This is one of those movies that is what they call a hidden gem. It is the story of a brother and sister who lose their parents in a car crash at a very young age. The story begins when they are older and the character played by Mark Ruffalo comes back home. One of the things that I loved about this movie is a key component, namely the tragic loss of their parents. You always get a sense that it is there and has shaped who these two characters have become as adults, but is never overplayed. Rory Culkin (yes Maculays brother) has a great first role as Laura's eight year old son. This movie is very well written and cerebral without trying to be over anyone's head. This is one of those movies that I think most people have never heard of, but if they would take the time to check out, I think they would find memorable. if you like concise reviews of interesting films please read my other reviews at http://raouldukeatthemovies.blogspot.com/

So I watched HBO's 2011 documentary called superheroes. So was it good, I say up up and away (is that what superman used to say?) or in other words good. This documentary exposed me to a phenomena that I did not know existed, where people take the liking of superheroes way to far. Well that's not entirely true I saw a Mexican documentary a few years back, about Mexican wrestlers who were just people with a cause and a mask to draw attention to themselves called "super amigos", that was also very interesting and good. Basically this documentary is about a bunch of vigilantes most of whom are either out of shape, old, or drunks. There was a team out of New York which was actually composed of some very organized highly trained bad asses. But for the most part these are people with a super hero fetish who are just trying to do some good. My favorite line from the doc was when a super hero was describing his day it went as follows. "he's a regular guy who gets up,.... says goodbye to his girlfriend....., and goes out on the streets in costume." Then the documentarian asks "So you have a girlfriend?", and the super hero replies, "No ... I was just speaking metaphorically." I think that one line says it all, these guys are pretty freaking out there. However, they do good, they seem to help homeless people and shine a light on a common problem in this world, which is that most people turn a blind eye to injustice in this world including cops. So is this movie for everyone, well maybe some comic book geeks may be offended, but it has a good mix of entertainment value and educational value as well (it is a documentary after all). So mostpeople should find something to like about this flick I know I did. if you like concise reviews of interesting films please read my other reviews at http://raouldukeatthemovies.blogspot.com/

So I watched an art film called Alice, this "film" is a cult favorite of sort among art types. It came out in 1988 and was made by surreal artist Jan Skankmajer. So was this a good movie well no, but it is an interesting art film. Apparently great film makers like Tim Burton developed some of their early animation styles based on his work. In that sense it was very interesting, however though it was an interesting take on the classic "Alice in Wonderland" it was not good story telling. This is after all a great story this artist is interpreting. Why not actually incorporate the story with its beautiful dialog acted, and not read in sporadic bursts and as blind monologue. Additionally, the film had some very unintentionally disturbing images, especially the march hare. So should you watch this, if you are a huge fan of Tim Burton, or Michelle Gondry, or an art freak, maybe you will like it after all art is about individual interpretation, but as an easily watchable movie for most people including intellectual types, no you can definitely skip this one. if you like concise reviews of interesting films please read my other reviews at http://raouldukeatthemovies.blogspot.com/

So I just saw the classic British gangster flick "the long good Friday" from 1980, starring Bob Hoskins and a very cute Helen Mirren. So was it good, I think it was bloody terrific. I have always been a fan of British gangster flicks, I don't know if it is the accents or the propensity for violence mixed with smart dialog, but everything from "sexy beast" to one of my favorite films of all time "lock stock and two smoking barrels" I find just wonderful. So speaking of "lock" the actor who played one of my favorite characters from that film "hatchet Harry" (P.H. Moriarty) plays a great thug named "razors" in this film. This is one of those films where you are better off not knowing the plot at all, this film is a roller coaster ride and a mystery wrapped up in one violent package. All I can say is outside of the very 80's theme song (which wasn't completely horrible) I loved this film. It is stylish, has a very simple but original story line, has great acting, and has a very very satisfying ending. Any movie that I can watch where I can't predict what's coming next is generally pretty good in my opinion. In addition to all this movie has going for it look for a very young Pierce Brosnan in one of his first roles ever. He plays a critical part in this film, but does not even speak one line, which is ironic for a man known as much for his voice as he is for his looks. There is one other thing, being a bit of an anglophile, I can understand both accents and obscure references related to the British, but there were times I wish there were subtitles in this film. Look if you love gangster flicks or violent crime dramas in general, I don't see why you won't like or even love this film. Outside of no one being on cell phones and that very very 80's theme song (which actually I kind of enjoyed though I am not proud to admit this) I think this is a gangster classic that has stood the test of time. if you like concise reviews of interesting films please read my other reviews at http://raouldukeatthemovies.blogspot.com/

So one of my earliest memories from childhood is seeing this movie from 1979 with my parents in the theater. I will never forget the kid falling off the jungle gym and that "blank" (pardon my french) Meryl Streep using it against Dustin Hoffman in court. I think it is great that the two stars from this movie are still relevant today more than 30 years later. This is a classic. I think what spoke to me most about this movie was how it mirrored in subtle and not so subtle tones the changing landscape in America that really gained momentum in the 1970's. How women are more than just the roles men assign them, how men can make caring fathers, that women can and sometimes should make more money than men, how not all marriages are going to last forever, and finally how that can affect a small child. I can't say for sure but because of those struggles not so long ago, I think kids today are better prepared for divorce today. Its all around them, and there are support systems both private and public. We learned a lot from struggles that seemingly occurred ages ago. That is what I liked about Kramer vs. Kramer, it made me think as well as entertain. I am not sure that was the purpose behind this Robert Benton creation, but I think just like movies such as "inherit the wind" paint a picture from another time in American History and how we have changed as a people since, this movie does that as well. In that sense it also shows how much we have not changed at our core. If you haven't seen this film yet I don't think you can go wrong, and if you haven't seen it for several years check it out again, you might just find yourself thinking about this American life as well. if you like concise reviews of interesting films please read my other reviews at http://raouldukeatthemovies.blogspot.com/

So I watched 1950's Harvey. Well is it a "classic", well yeah. Is it perfectly adapted for 60 years after its release well no, but its still really good. The foundation of this classic, lies in the great performance of Jimmy Stewart, combined with a good story, and memorable scenes. My favorite scene is near the end when Jimmy Stewart talks about all the people he meets everyday in an alley behind a bar. Could this movie be remade, well yeah, I would like to see a 21st century Harvey, but will people today like Harvey circa 1950, well I hope I am not alone in saying yes! if you like concise reviews of interesting films please read my other reviews at http://raouldukeatthemovies.blogspot.com/

So I watched Francois Truffaut's "the 400 blows". I am not sure why it is called this, so if anyone can help please comment. So this is considered to be a classic, and a centerpiece for discussion in film school. In this regard, I must be ignorant. This is a classic movie, this is a good movie, but I guess I just don't understand what makes this such a big deal for film students. It is a great story about little Antoine doniel who drinks, smokes, steals, skips school, lies, and runs away repeatedly. There is no moral question directed at the viewer it is just his life, and it has been hard but not terrible, like many people's own experience, and so we are not there to judge. The character is revisited throughout truaffot's career in several films, he even uses the same actor Jean-Pierre Laud. Pretty impressive considering the films span 20 years and he started at age 13. I recently reviewed "you can count on me" in many ways this film reminded me of it, in the sense that nothing is over played but we get to understand what goes into shaping someones life. I am looking forward to seeing the further adventures of doniel, and letting you my one reader know my self important opinion. if you like concise reviews of interesting films please read my other reviews at http://raouldukeatthemovies.blogspot.com/

So I watched 2006's under the radar comedy gem "outsourced" directed and starring a bunch of people no one has ever heard of. So is it good, I say namaste bitches, or yes. Now is it great, well no. Was this movie a refreshing surprise I say indeed. Alright this movie is indy fare that did lead to what I believe was a pretty mediocre sitcom that got canceled after one season. This movie itself has sort of a made for TV look. This movie could have easily been bad, it could have been cheesy, but it is not. What it is is somewhat delightful, somewhat unpredictable, informative (in that we learn a little about Indian culture), and overall a pleasant funny little film. What I liked best about this movie was the authenticity, it was filmed on location, and we get a real sense of India and its people. So now the basics, the lead character Todd gets shipped to India by a patriotic kitsch company who now makes all its products in China and is about to outsource its customer service to India. He is sent to India to train his own replacement and the hilarity ensues. This is not a slapstick comedy but just a good lighthearted movie. Now is this movie for everyone, well no actually for an indy film this isn't very indy. This movie lies in a gray area where hardcore indy fans will turn their noses up to it, while the philistines who would normally flock to something like this may find some of this movie a little too dry and intelligent for their tastes (even though it is not high brow). This is why this movie probably never found an audience. However, I liked it, critics liked it, and the other amateur critics of this world liked it. I would even say this is a great date movie. So don't be afraid or put off by the gray zone this film occupies in the film world and give it a chance you may just see with your third eye you really liked this flick as well.

So I watched whip it from 2009, well some think it is good some not so much. Which camp am I in well the not so much one. I really wanted to like this movie, it had hot bad girls in mini skirts (so you can see their panties-what I am a man) being rough and acting tough, a killer soundtrack, an interesting story (based on a real league out of Austin Texas), and good acting, but in the end was just another predictable Hollywood movie for the most part. It suffered from a disease that I find runs rampant in sports films, it involves the main team going from last to first just like that, it involves the rookie sensation going through several personal trials often at the same time, a nasty rival team that shows respect in the end, and the big showdown to end it all. It is systemic and has infiltrated almost every sports flick I have ever seen, it even affects the movies that are spoofs of this very phenomenon. I honestly can't say whether to skip this one or not, maybe if the story had been more simple and had more grit it could have been a great freshman directing attempt by Drew Barrymore, but I was personally left feeling disappointed. if you like concise reviews of interesting films please read my other reviews at http://raouldukeatthemovies.blogspot.com/