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GoTofino Movie Reviews Page 2
Video Reviews: Yes  ,
No  ,
Maybe 
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Me and You and Everyone We Know
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
John Hawkes, Miranda July, Miles Thompson, Brandon Ratcliff, Carlie Westerman
A strong case for independent films is Miranda July's first movie where she writes,
directs and stars. With a quiet strength of character and a realistic blend of
reality and the reality of fantasy, July takes us into the lives of a separated
father, his 2 boys, a coworker in above his head, a performance artist, a man
finding love at 70 and a girl with appliances. A world that is as fragile, overwhelming,
magical, emotional and unbalanced as our own. Where will it all lead - well that's
the stuff of life and I believe that the characters are still out there carrying
on their lives with despair, hope, frustration and joy, just as we are. |
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The Interpreter
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Nicole Kidman, Sean Penn, Catherine Keener, Jesper Christensen, Curtiss Cook
Good actors acting in a story of a UN interpreter and a secret service agent
with other agents and UN people thrown in. The interpreter accidentally over
hears an assassination plot and the struggle begins between the two as to whether
she is in on the plan or an innocent eavesdropper. I found myself thinking oh
there's Sean Penn again, and there's Nicole Kidman, isn't this a bad movie, isn't
it interesting how they shoot it so she never looks taller than he, isn't it
ever going to end? Don't believe the hype about it being the first movie to shoot
inside the UN building, Maxwell Shane shot the climax of The Glass Wall 52 years
ago in the unfinished UN building. |
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I'll Sleep When I'm Dead
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Clive Owen, Charlotte Rampling, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Malcolm McDowell, Jamie
Foreman
Another waste of talent. A movie that makes no sense and the more the questions
added up the more I didn't really care why any of the characters were doing what
they were doing. Why did Boad have it in for Davy, there are lots of boys like
him? Why were Willie's cronies such losers? Why was Helen so languid and so intent
on Willie? The movie is a batch of unrelated scenes, and a boring, oh let's see
what happening when Willie returns to the man he once was. Nothing actually except
the expected. I hate to see such good actors put to such poor use. Forget about
this movie - it has nothing going for it. |
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Crash
Yes, No, Maybe: Oh Yes!
Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon, Jennifer Esposito, William Fichtner,
Brendan Fraser, Larenz Tate, Ludacris
What roles do racism and guns play in the lives of the people of LA? Crash takes
you on an amazing ride that details the complexity and stupidity of both of those
issues. Paul Haggis weaves stories of life in the city and in doing so absolutely
blew my mind. Good and bad, right and wrong, white, black - there are no absolutes.
Corruption, anger and racism runs rampant in our species and Haggis has created
a perfect movie to tell this story. A fine cast of actors back him up and build
the intensity felt throughout the film. A simply amazing story - amazing, terrifying
and real. Winner of best picture 2005 - everyone thought Brokeback would take
it, even presenter Jack Nicholson said he voted for Brokeback, but Crash walked
away with the award. Yeah! |
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Flightplan
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Jodie Foster, Peter Sarsgaard, Sean Bean, Marlene Lawston, Ina Barron, Kate Beahan
I respect Jody Foster as an actor, I don't like her as an actor, but I admire
her talent. In flightplan she portrays a woman flying her recently dead husband's
body to the States. Travelling with her 6 year old daughter, both are devastated
by their loss. The plane is a large one and we learn that Kyle Pratt (Foster)
is an engineer who knows it inside and out. Trouble begins when Pratt's daughter
goes missing and it turns out she's not part of the flight manifest and no one
has seen her come onboard. Pratt is alone in believing her daughter is really
lost - or taken. Flightplan starts promising but takes a nose dive into unbelievable
midway through the movie. |
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Wedding Crashers
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Owen Wilson, Vince Vaughn, Rachel McAdams, Jane Seymour, Christopher Walken
Typical Hollywood movie - two divorce mediators attend weddings to pick up and
sleep with beautiful women. Then they attend the wedding of a socialite and fall
in love with the sisters of the bride. Isn't that exciting! Of course it's not
a cake walk for the two boys, there's madness and mayhem before the inevitable
happy ending. This review serves notice that from now on I will not watch these
predictable movies until the end. Life is too short, even to write reviews for
you loyal readers. This movie is stupid and it's hard to imagine the two stars
getting roped into it. But, given their track records maybe it's just a taste
of schlock to come. Only reason to sit through it - Isla Fisher. |
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Green Street Hooligans
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Charlie Hunnam, Elijah Wood, Claire Forlani, Marc Warren, Leo Gregory, Geoff
Bell
First let me say this - violent, violent, violent - the fist into face kind.
Stand your ground and keep watching because the movie is a slice of life many
of us will never know about much less experience. And it isn't pretty. Matt Buckner
(Wood), is a Harvard student who gets expelled and heads to Britain to see his
sister. There he meets Pete (Hunnam) who shows him a world far removed from life
at Harvard. Actually it isn't, it's really the same but let's say it's at a more primal level.
Can't imagine Wood as someone who embraces violence? - that's what keeps you
fascinated in this movie. Another side of this male bonding story that I haven't
seen in reviews but is so obvious is the romantic appeal. Newcomer to group captures
notice and affection of handsome leader, former right hand man sulks, then in
jealous rage creates tragic scene that undoes everyone. Let me also say this,
when it comes to sexy, Charlie Hunnam blows Brad Pitt away - wow. |
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Derailed
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Clive Owen, Jennifer Aniston, Vincent Cassel, Melissa George, RZA, Addison Timlin
I haven't seen The Good Girl, so I was looking forward to seeing if Jennifer
Aniston could pull off the transition from sitcom to dramatic thriller. I think
she succeeded. It's hard to tell with a story that is so transparent and barely
manages to pull itself into thriller-mode. Charles Schine (Owen) is unhappy in
his marriage - we never really know why, his wife is smart, a loving mother and
beautiful - and falls for Lucinda Harris (Aniston). They are interrupted in a
violent way and life gets complicated and dangerous. One wonders why Schine is
so devoted to Harris but get over that and the movie moves along. Aniston does
a fair job in the role and I look forward to watching her progress to dramatic
actor. Remember when Tom Hanks was just a comic? |
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Heights
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Glenn Close, Chandler Williams, Bess Wohl, Elizabeth Banks, James Marsden, Jesse
Bradford
I was looking forward to this movie because I like dramas and Glenn Close excels
at drama. But unfortunately while Close lived up to my expectations the storyline
didn't. Maybe in a country where relationships have to fit a certain mold this
story would be tragic and thought-provoking. But for me it was not that big a
deal. Who hasn't heard of a story like this happening everywhere - a person tries
to fit into the moral boundaries of society and ends up hurting the one they're
trying to love. The acting was good, the direction, the dialogue - everything
was going for it except the main storyline and that's enough to ruin any movie.
But - if you're a Glenn Close fan, and who isn't, the movie is worth watching
for her performance and for a couple of cameos.
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The Life and Death of Peter Sellers
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson, Charlize Theron, John Lithgow, Miriam Margolyes,
Stanely Tucci, Sonia Aquina
Geoffery Rush gives another brilliant performance, this time in the story of
Peter Sellers' life and death. In a BBC and HBO movie production, Rush proves
once again, as in Shine and The Pirates of the Caribbean, that he can do both
drama and comedy - this time combining both in one movie, somewhat like Sellers' Being
There. With a strong supporting cast including Theron (Britt Ekland), Lithgow
(Blake Edwards), Watson (Sellors' first wife) and Margolyes (his mother) we are
shown the life of a famous person may not be what we imagine. It's like what
we used to think of our very rich friends where I grew up - we'd take the money,
but not if it comes attached with the tragedy. |
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The Upside of Anger
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Joan Allen, Kevin Costner, Erika Christensen, Evan Rachel Wood, Keri Russell,
Alicia Witt, Mike Binder, Tom Harper
Wonderful. A movie exploring the anger felt when a loved one leaves. Joan Allen
and Kevin Costner have the chemistry it takes to make this a believable story.
Coming into a family of 5 intelligent and confused women, Costner plays his role
to perfection. I haven't seen a lot of Costner's, work and was a bit prejudiced
after the Dances thing, but his performance is every bit as impressive as Allen's.
Every actor in the film, from the daughters to the co-workers, adds credibility
to the story. Emotions can be double edged swords and if we're lucky we live
to see both sides. |
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Commander In Chief
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Gina Davis, Donald Sutherland, Harry J Lennix, Ever Carradine, Kyle Secor, Julie
Emery
Yes, it's TV not a movie but where else are you going to see an independent woman
president running the most powerful country in the world and that president giving
a damn? Commander in Chief has the usual political suspects - Donald Sutherland
plays a conniving Republican house leader and Democrat Peter Coyote is on his
way to becoming her VP and Kyle Secor has his hands full as First Gentleman.
Gina Davis does a magnificent job of portraying a strong, intelligent woman.
She projects a physical power, moves regally and speaks in a straightforward
and compelling manner. Perfect - forget about Oprah and her car giving away scams
Michael Moore, it's Gina Davis we want to see in the Oval office. |
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Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
John Cho, Kal Penn, Malin Akerman, Anthony Anderson, Steve Braun, Brooke D'Orsay,
Ethan Embry
What a laugh and I'm talking the out loud stuff where you can't stop. Two friends
set out for burgers that can only be found at White Castle and have a few adventures
along the way. These adventures are beyond any of the ones you've had if you've
ever been in the same condition. Some may be offended by the humour, as was the
man in the video store when I rented it, but if you're not too petty you can
rise above it. Harold and Kumar certainly do. |
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The Yes Men
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Dr. Andreas Bichlbauer, The Yes Men, Herb Albert
Imagine is you created a website that looked very similar to the WTO website,
so similar that some people thought you were the WTO. Imagine that you received
invitations to conferences and TV interviews to speak on behalf of the WTO. Imagine
that you stated in plain language exactly what the WTO is doing to the people
of the world. Imagine you had to get more and more bizarre in what you were saying
because the audience just didn't get it. If you've ever imagined anything like
this, and who in their right mind hasn't, you'll love The Yes Men - they actually
do it! |
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Spellbound
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Harry Altman, Angela Arenivar, Ted Brigham, April Degideo, Neil Kadakia, Nupur
Lala, Emily Stagg, Ashley White
Just what sort of kid does want to be good at spelling and how big a deal are
spelling bees in the US? Answer: every kind of kid and very big. This documentary
follows eight children in their quest to be the best speller in the 1999 US National
Spelling Bee. It's very well done and fun to watch. The kids, and their families,
couldn't be more different and of course you want them all to win. These kids
are really put under the gun, one wrong letter and you're out in the word of
speling, whoops I meant spelling. |
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Shrek 2
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, Julie Andrews
I've had my fill of bad movies these days so when my better half came home with
Shrek 2 I thought I could handle it. Handle it - who was I kidding - it cheered
me up immensely. The cast list above barely covers all the well-known voices
taking part - add John Lithgow, John Cleese, Julie Andrews, Rupert Everett, Larry
King, Jennifer Saunders, and Conrad Vernon. What's not to love about this movie;
a comedy that can be enjoyed by all ages, an empowering story for love, feminism
and friendship. A great movie to watch with your kids or your parents or with
yourself. Have some fun - you deserve it. |
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Against The Ropes
Yes, No, Maybe: Maybe
Meg Ryan, Omar Epps, Skye McCole Bartusiak, Tony Shalhoub, Timothy Daly
Meg Ryan is not a brilliant actress but she can still head a movie and that's
saying something. While the movie is run of the mill, it is based on the incredible
life of Jackie Kallen who grew up in the boxing world and fought her way to manage
4 champions and serve as commissioner of the International Female Boxing Association.
I used to be quite into boxing and while I no longer watch it, this movie did
take me back to of some of those great fighters, Ali, Duran, Sugar Ray - and
who was that light or feather weight with red hair who used to come into the
ring with a native headdress on, get knocked down, then get up and kill the other
guy? But I digress - mediocre as a movie, but great for memories. |
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Domino
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Keira Knightley, Mena Suvari, Christopher Walken, Lucy Liu, Mickey Rourke, Jacqueline
Bisset
Maybe I'm just getting old but this way this story was edited was a tiny bit
jagged for my taste. But having said that the idea of a beautiful young woman
becoming a hard core bounty hunter was very intriguing. Too bad the movie didn't
live up to the actual story. What we get is a mishmash of scenes jumbled together
and a rough and ready screenplay that has us not really caring about any of the
characters. The only bright light for me was when Christopher Walken appeared
on the screen, because it was hilarious to see him as this character - which
does nothing for the movie's cred. Keira Knightley is beautiful and a good fit
for the role, too bad the role let her, and us, down. |
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Be Cool
Yes, No, Maybe: No
John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Cedric the Entertainer, Kimberly J. Brown, Brian
Christensen, Danny DeVito
Chili Palmer takes on the music biz in a movie that has the talent but not the
fun. The story is the usual unreal rise of a singer from bar scene to Aerosmith
in one week flat. John Travolta is his usual coolness but he and the rest of
the characters go through the motions and add nothing of any interest. When a
story is so predictable, the movie must have something else going for it - a
witty script, chemistry between actors, or a twist or two before the inevitable
ending. But Be Cool gives us nothing and in the end it's just another 90 minutes
out of my life. Not so cool. |
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Monster-in-Law
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Jennifer Lopez, Jane Fonda, Michael Vartan, Wanda Sykes, Lorenzo Caccialanza,
Will Arnett
Another tale of predictability, beautiful, but poor, girl meets ultra-wealthy,
and doctor, boy and falls in love. Boy has overbearing and smothering mother
who does everything she can to break up the two before they get married. In the
end she succeeds but...well, you know exactly what happens. If this is the movie
Jane Fonda chose to make her comeback she should fire her agent. Lopez is beautiful
- not the usual stick figure, but how she can stomach such a puff role? Do people
really like these movies? Inquiring minds want to know. |
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The 40 Year Old Virgin
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Steve Carell, Catherine Keener, Paul Rudd, Romany Malco, Seth Rogen, Shelley
Malil, Elizabeth Banks, Loren Berman
You have got to be out of your mind if you can sit through this movie. If
you laugh even once, you are certifiable. One expects the movie to be bad given
the schlocky title but I'd heard it wasn't so bad so I tried it. Total garbage.
Not one fun or funny moment. Catherine Keener what were you thinking - I like
you - did you read the script, did you owe someone a huge favour and couldn't
get out of it? The three movies in this row are all stinkers but this one smells
the most. I turned in off half way through. Who likes these movies anyway - and
can we get them professional help? |
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Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless
Mind
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Kirsten Dunst, Tom Wilkinson, Elijah Wood, Mark Ruffalo,
David Cross
I'm one of those people who put off things that are good. I saved my Easter candy
as a kid until it wasn't edible, I take forever to open personal mail until people
phone and ask if I received it. I like to enjoy the anticipation. That's why
it took me so long to see this movie. And was it worth the wait- oh yes. |
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Hitch
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Will Smith, Kevin James, Eva Mendes, Amber Valetta, Darrell Foster, Amy Hohn,
Janet Huege, Lou Irizarry
A light bit of schlock that has nothing original and every formulaic scene in
the book. Will Smith is on tap for what he does well but the movie never has
a chance, it's doomed from the start. You know exactly where this movie is going
from the get go - cool, hip people overcome sad stories and learn from nerds
how to really love. Yawn. |
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Japon
Yes, No, Maybe: No!
Alejandro Ferretis, Magdalena Flores, Yolanda Villa, Carlo Reygadas Barquin
This movie has NRQ - no redeeming qualities. It is the first movie to rate two
GoTofino 's.
If this is "another daring entry in a new emerging Latin cinema"
as some have claimed, Goddess help us all. Nothing daring about this movie -
using a non-actors, oooooh; jerky hand held shots, ooooh, heavy symbolism, ooooooh.
Don't be fooled by awards, this movie has nothing going for it. |
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Enduring Love
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Daniel Craig, Samantha Morton, Rhys Ifans, Alexandra Aitken, Susan Lynch
Enduring Love is a novel by Ian McEwan. Ian McEwan is a brilliant writer - his
novels are intense, deep and illuminating about the human psyche. I started reading
him in the 1970's. For those of you who have not read McEwan don't think that
this movie has anything in common with his writing. This movie reduces the intelligence
and intensity of the book to another stalker, oh my god what do you think is
going to happen, same old, same old. And even at that it doesn't pull it off.
Forget the movie, read the book. |
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Ray
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Jamie Foxx, Regina King, Kerry Washington, C.J. Sanders, Michael Arata, Curtis
Armstrong
We all know the music of Ray Charles and the world is a sweeter place because
of it. Ray explores the early to mid years of Ray Charles' life beginning with
a poor upbringing by a strong and supportive mother to the successful musician
with a few problems and a wandering eye. Jamie Foxx, in this break through role,
plays Ray to a T. I sometimes wonder if it's our business to delve into people's
private lives, I mean the man was a musician not a saint, but I guess that's
for others to decide. |
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The Control Room
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Hassam Ibrahim, Samir Khader, Deema Khatib, Tom Mintier, Josh Rushing, David
Shuster
An insightful and intelligent look at the media surrounding the current invasion
of Iraq and particularly the operations of Al-Jazeera who broadcasts to 40 million
Arabs. Criticized by both Arabs (for supporting democratic regimes) and the Bush
organization (for being the mouthpiece of Osama bin Laden) the Al-Jazeera TV
network proves itself to be the least biased reporting being made about Iraq
today. The arrogance and hypocrisy of the Western military and media is alive
and well in Iraq - as it is in the rest of the world. |
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Six Degrees of Separation
© Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Stockard Channing, Will Smith, Donald Sutherland
Hadn't heard of this movie but taped it off Bravo the other night. Sat and watched
it with my sweetie and we both thought it was very intriguing and moving along
quite nicely when the screen went blue. Seems I didn't set the record time ling
enough. So now we're trying to find it to rent because it has real potential. |
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Super Size Me
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Morgan Spurlock, Dr Daryl Isaacs, MD, Dr Lisa Ganjhu, DO, Dr Stephen Siegel,
MD
If we are what we eat, we'd better get our fat butts away from those fast food
joints. With obesity the second preventable cause of death (smoking still #1)
what role does the fast food and the corporations who dish them up play? Watch
Super Size Me and you will be amazed. Who should watch - everyone! Visit
the website here. |
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Million Dollar Baby
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank, Morgan Freeman, Jay Baruchel
Another masterpiece from Clint Eastwood who plays perfectly off his sidekick
Morgan Freeman and the star Hilary Swank. Life in the boxing ring is not for
softies and I'm so soft I couldn't even make it through the ending, which can
only go one way. Clint does it again with his just under the surface subplots
that propel the characters to do what they do and the viewer to be in awe of
his direction. |
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The Company
Yes, No, Maybe: Maybe
Neve Campbell, Malcolm McDowell, James Franco
Is it enough to for a movie just to be? This film is beautifully shot, presents
amazing choreography and Malcolm McDowell. But without some sort of plot line
even beauty gets to be a bit of a bore and that's what happens with this movie. |
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Flying Daggers
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Takeshi Kaneshiro, Andy Lau, Zhang Ziyi, Dandan Song
Check the review for The Company and substitute "Takeshi Kaneshiro"
for "Malcolm McDowell". |
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Napoleon Dynamite
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Jon Heder, Efren Ramirez, Jon Gries, Aaron Ruell, Tina Majorino, Haylie Duff,
Ellen Dubin, Emily Kennard
Here is proof that a movie that has intelligence and understated humour doesn't
have to do that much. A great movie for anyone who's had self-doubts and who
hasn't? The power of this film is the lack of cutesiness and sentimentality -
it's regular weird kids having a regular weird time. |
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p.s.
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Laura Linney, Topher Grace, Gabriel Byrne, Marcia Gay Harden, Paul Rudd, Lois
Smith
In my movie marathon I wanted stories to get started quickly because I didn't
have much time. Go Go Go. p.s. started s-l-o-w-l-y and I got a little antsy but
it had good reviews so I hung in there. Am I glad I did. The pieces fall into
place quickly enough, and things really start moving along with a lot of underlying
tension which I adore. Once Missy hits the scene it positively takes off. One
of those 'imagine where it goes from here' endings. I'm always interested if
there's a gender difference in that imagining. |
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Being Julia
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Annette Bening, Catherine Charlton, Jeremy Irons, Michael Gambon, Shaun Evans,
Bruce Greenwood
To giggle like Annette Benning - I think that's all one could ask from life.
If she didn't win the coveted statue for this performance the woman who did must
have been God. This is a triumphant tour de force for Benning and with Irons
and Michael Gambon for backup how could it be anything less? Youth is wonderful,
but fleeting, these actors show us the spirit, wisdom and cunning that comes
with age and the sweet taste of getting your revenge and eating it too. |
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Stage Beauty
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Claire Danes, Billy Crudup, Rupert Everett, Zoe Tapper
I just watched a slew of movies and I think this was the best one, well tied
with Being Julia. Took me completely by surprise because I was picturing something
like The Dresser - a fine movie to be sure. Many of the films I viewed during
this marathon were a bit on the depressing side, but I would have liked this
movie even without being suicidal. I highly recommend this film, fine performances
all around. And if I ever travel in time forget the aristocracy, I'd rather be
the mistress of the King - way more fun. |
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The Motorcycle Diaries
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Gael García Bernal, Rodrigo De la Serna, Mía Maestro, Mercedes
Morán, Jorge Chiarella
Most of the reviews that didn't like this movie also thought very little of Che
Guevara as a revolutionary leader and social activist. I think very highly of
Che and after visiting Cuba last year, I have even more esteem for the man and
the country. Okay, okay he's my hero. But I still didn't like the movie. I thought
it was a good buddy movie with beautiful cinematography but it just didn't feel
like the story of Che I have in my head. I had trouble with the English translation
at times and to me the whole thing was overly dramatic and superficial. But I'm
in the minority, everyone else I know liked it. |
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The Station Agent
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Peter Dinklage, Patricia Clarkson, Bobby Cannavale, Raven Goodwin, Paul Benjamin,
Michelle Williams
Brilliant. Everything about this movie is brilliant. Like Man on The Train I
don't know where to begin - this movie is that good. Acting - brilliant, directing
- brilliant. Story - brilliant. Location, character development, music, casting,
wardrobe, brilliant, brilliant, brilliant, brilliant, and brilliant. A comedy
that treats you with respect and knows it doesn't have to explain every last
little thing because you get it. And the bonus for me is that Finn, the main
character, does something I've wanted to do since I was a child, and he lives
through it. See this film. |
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Tip Toes
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Matthew McConaughey, Gary Oldman, Kate Beckinsale, Debbie Lee Bridget PowersCarrington,
Patricia Arquette
Now here's a story you don't see every day, heck you could probably never even
imagine this world. Family secrets can be hard to deal with even when everyone
around you seems able to. I thought this movie might be a bit of light fun but
it's a straight ahead look at a world that many of us overlook (ok that was bad,
but I'm leaving it in because it captures the ignorance that many people with
a difference have to live with). Well acted, a few flaws but overall a winner. |
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Comedian
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Jerry Seinfeld, Orny Adams, Bill Cosby, Robert Klein, Jay Leno, Kevin Nealon,
Colin Quinn, Chris Rock, Garry Shandling, George Wallace
Jerry Seinfeld starts new. Seinfeld throws out his material, I guess the rest
of us repeat it so often there's no point in him saying it anymore, and builds
his act from the ground up. A candid look at how difficult it can be to make
people laugh for longer than one wisecrack. With appearances by some of the best
men - hey wait a minute, was there a funny woman in there anywhere, I don't remember
seeing one. Ahh, all these funny men and the only woman I remember is a wife
and mother - not that there's anything wrong with that. |
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Down With Love
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Renée Zellweger, Ewan McGregor, David Hyde Pierce, Sarah Paulson, Tony
Randall
Picks up where Doris and Rock left off. Who are Doris and Rock you ask? If that
was you asking maybe you won't get a kick from champagne or this movie. But for
the others, slip into your smoking jacket or long flowing silk night dress and
pour some bubbly to watch this throw-back to the good old days. I think the script
in Down With Love is exactly where D & R were but they were saying it in
code. Remember those glances and little tilts of the head - oh yeah they were
saying it loud and clear just not out of their mouths. A movie to have fun with
no matter what your age. |
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We don't Live Here Anymore
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Mark Ruffalo, Naomi Watts, Laura Dern, Peter Krause, Sam Charles, Haili Page
So you got married, had kids and now things are not so great. At least you have
another couple to hang with and share your thoughts, worries and mates. Whoops,
what was that? Now, if you're in the same boat, you know who you are, you may
want to watch this movie to see how things turn out in the near future. Be careful
because it may not be what one would expect - it's that, and the super cast,
that gives this movie it's hook. And, btw, this is not a happy movie so rent
Down With Love at the same time |
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Vanity Fair
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Reese Witherspoon, James Purefoy, Romola Garai, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Gabriel
Byrne, Jim Broadbent, Bob Hoskins, Rhys Ifans
Wow, what a mishmash this movie was. I was looking forward to seeing Reese Witherspoon
in this role and I think she could have carried it off if she would have been
given the proper direction. But she wasn't. The movie happens over a 30 year
period and amazingly no one really seems to age. I felt no character got the
depth they deserved and how could they reducing this story to a movie length
version? Beautiful in it's lushness and vivid colours I almost forgot how much
of a cess pool England's London was in the 1880s. I guess Reese Witherspoon will
have to wait for another movie to show that she's a actor of merit in today's
movie world. |
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Real Women Have Curves
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
America Ferrera, Lupe Ontiveros, Ingrid Oliu
Ana is 18, has just finished her last year of high school and lives with her
family in East LA. She's smart, beautiful and has ambitions of becoming a writer.
Little problemo, she's large, rounded, hour-glass, shapely, big like most of
the women around her. This has her mother in melodramatic overload. Ana is an
amazing young woman in that her self esteem holds through her mother's put downs.
While not a movie of many layers, this is a good movie for today's young women
to watch to see that worth and self-esteem are not a factor of dress-size. Although
the casting people may have been a bit concerned with looks since they chose
very beautiful America Ferrera to play the lead role. |
|
Importance of Being Ernest
Yes, No, Maybe: Maybe not
Rupert Everett, Colin Firth,
Frances O'Connor, Reese Witherspoon, Judi Dench
Is there anyone who wrote with such wit as Oscar Wilde? He may have ended his
days in grief but his writing certainly shows the pleasure he took in the society
of the times. The Importance of Being Ernest is one of his romps through the
upper classes. The biggest trouble with this version is the liberties taken with
Wilde's writing. While the cast seems to be having fun the direction they receive
seems to be off. The movie misses some of the best lines, has continuity problems
and miscasts some characters. But, unlike the Queen, maybe Wilde would have been
amused by this production. Better off to get the 1952 version than to watch this
one. |
|
What The Bleep...
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Marlee Matlin, Elaine Hendrix, Barry Newman, Robert Bailey Jr., John Ross Bowie,
Armin Shimerman, Robert Blanche
I was quite looking forward to this movie after hearing an interview on CBC.
People I know liked it very much. I must have missed something because I found
it quite irritating. I found the presentation distracted from the content which
was pretty ordinary. Anyone who hasn't arrived at the notion that we don't know
What The Bleep is not someone in my stratosphere and perhaps that's who the movie
is talking to. For me it was disappointing and I turned it off after a while.
|
|
Collateral
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx, Jada Pinkett Smith, Mark Ruffalo
I don't want to like Tom Cruise, once people get bigger than life I like to move
on. I mean can you think of a movie this guy has done that hasn't been a Hollywood
blockbuster, does he do art flicks, independents, or anything alternative? Get
back to me if you know something. But the truth is he's really good. In Collateral
he was a walking, talking screwed-up person like the rest of us, oh yeah he was
a killing machine too - and - he had me totally believing. I hate that. Jamie
Foxx gels with Cruise and shows he's an actor to watch. The movie has good direction
and great lighting. Not a perfect movie but pretty darn good. |
|
Maria Full of Grace
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Guilied Lopez, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Patricia Rae, Orlando Tobon, John Álex
Toro
A deeply moving story about women in Columbia who work as drug mules swallowing
plastic capsules containing drugs and smuggling them into the US. Maria signs
on after having enough of her life as a worker in a flower factory in a small
town in Columbia. Of course what she has been told about the job just scratches
the surface and the reality is a terrifying ordeal right from the beginning.
Having made it to the States things do not go according to plan and Maria must
make choices that ultimately lead her to the major decision of her life. |
|
Open Water
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Blanchard Ryan, Daniel Travis, Saul Stein, Estelle Lau
This film is based on the actual events of a couple being left behind in shark
infested open water by a scuba boat. It's getting good reviews but I didn't think
the film was developed to it's full potential. The tragic circumstances were
not only the main story of being left in the open ocean but the fact that the
couple was not getting along and then facing possible death together. A perfect
opportunity for a richer film was lost when the couple's relationship was not
developed. If you fast forward be sure to see the ending - it's worth it. More
interesting than the movie was watching the features about the making of the
the film on DV by a wife and husband team. |
|
The Terminal
Yes, No, Maybe: Maybe
Tom Hanks, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Stanley Tucci, Chi McBride, Diego Luna, Barry
Shabaka Henley
A cute story about a foreigner stuck in no-persons-land that Tom Hanks manages
to make watchable. Hanks' character is stopped from visiting New York and fulfilling
a promise after his home country stops being recognized by the US. Instead he
is relegated to the international area of an air terminal. All the usual characters
inhabit the movie from that point on and the story continues on a bittersweet
comedy that I may have turned off except for Hanks. |
|
City of God
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Matheus Nachtergaele, Seu Jorge, Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino Da Hora,
Philippe Haagensen
A remarkable story about growing up in the Cidade de Deus, a poor housing project
in Rio de Janeiro. The movie tells the story of how boys and young men rule the
neighbourhoods through drug-selling and violence, the conflicts between rivals
and the way corruption breeds. Bad leaders kill in the spur of the moment but
enforce safety within the slum, good leaders start out refusing to kill but quickly
succumb to senseless violence. This is an amazing movie. |
|
Bubba Ho-Tep
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Bruce Campbell, Ossie Davis, Reggie Bannister, Ella Joyce, Heidi Marnhout
Elvis has left the building and is now living in a nursing home in East Texas
- with John Kennedy. The King and former president team up to keep the
rest home residents safe from a soul-sucking, cowboy boot wearing, Egyptian mummy.
Bruce Campbell is uncanny as Elvis and brilliant with his faces. Kudos to Don
Coscarelli. When you're in the mood for a wacky film - get Buba Ho-Tep. |
|
The Count of Monte Cristo
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Guy Pearce, James Caviezel, Dagmara Dominczyk, James Frain, Richard Harris, Michael
Wincott
I never knew the plot of the C of MC. It's a kind of revenge of the nerd story.
Two childhood friends, one poor, happy and dopey, one rich, cruel and jealous
(of dopey). A light movie that you could watch with the kids or the parents.
Watch for the line spoken by the Catheau d'If head honcho when Dantes proclaims
his innocence. What I see the same head honchos saying at Guantanamo Bay. |
|
Mystic River
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon, Marcia Gay Harden, Laura Linney, Laurence
Fishburne, Kevin Chapman, Adam Nelson
A powerful movie that has takes you into deep waters. Brilliant directing from
Eastwood creates a story that is not what it seems. Eastwood makes his point
in subtle, quiet ways that hit with full force. A strong cast keeps it taut and
Robbins is amazing. |
|
Danny Deckchair
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Rhys Ifans, Miranda Otto, Justine Clarke, Rhys Muldoon, John Batchelor, Alan
Flower, Julie Sobotta
Off to a good start, this Australian movie shows potential, it's offbeat - in
a good way - but slips and becomes cliche and predictable, which always makes
me tired and wondering what I'm doing with my life watching a such a bad movie.
But if you ever need a really generic movie for an evening with generic people
you can't talk with, try this one. You'll like it up to the point when Danny
lands from his deckchair flight. Then you can dream about being somewhere else
and when your guests are leaving. |
|
Hysterical Blindness
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Uma Thurman, Gena Rowlands, Juliette Lewis, Justin Chambers, Ben Gazzara,
Anthony DeSando
It's not high society, it's a good movie with fine actors. All three women give
excellent performances in this small town tale of looking for love and finding
it guess where - no I won't spoil it for you. Having grown up in a small town
I totally relate to the atmosphere movies like this project. It's in my bones.
I get a kick out of the universal sameness of life in a small town and the notion
that coming to terms with it means coming to terms with yourself. |
|
Beautiful Girls
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Timothy Hutton, Matt Dillon, Lauren Holly, Uma Thurman, Michael Rapaport, Natalie
Portman, Rosie O'Donnell
Another small town movie that anyone who has grown up in one will recognize the
characters. A movie of good actors and a storyline that reflects the thoughts
of those who stay and those who go. One thing for sure no one knows you like
those you grow up with and meeting up with good friends from the past is like
a trip through a time machine that can keep you grounded — or drive you
completely crazy. |
|
Something's Gotta Give
Yes, No, Maybe: Maybe
Diane Keaton, Amanda Peet, Frances McDormand, Keanu Reeves, Jack Nicholson
Great cast, great laughs, great story right up until the end. Same old, same
old about a woman who throws aside a terrific man who loves her for a bad boy
turned good. I know woman are smart and we look at more than the bod but tell
me what woman in her right mind would make this trade? Watch for the laughs but
don't think that the end is anything today's woman would choose. |
|
About a Boy
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Hugh Grant, Toni Collette, Rachel Weisz, Nicholas Hoult, Annabelle Apsion, Isabel
Brook
If you're looking for a fun bad-boy-turned-good movie this is it. I had no hopes
for this movie and it was very good. Hugh Grant plays a man who really does nothing
and feels nothing. But all is changed with humour and persistence by a boy. Same
message as Something's... but much better worked out. Pretty true to Nick Hornby's
book. And come to think of same sort of message as High Fidelity. |
|
Laurel Canyon
Yes, No, Maybe: Maybe
Frances McDormand, Christian Bale, Kate Beckinsale, Natascha McElhone, Alessandro
Nivola
I love Frances McDormand - I mean who doesn't? Fargo, Blood Simple, Wonder Boys,
Mississippi Burning. But even Frances couldn't save this Cambridge preppies meet
California cool. I don't think this movie ever had a chance but it was fun to
watch and pretend I lived in the house on Laurel Canyon and was a record producer
with cool people, a swimming pool, my own studio, and ordering champagne through
room service. |
|
Fear & Loathing in Los Vegas
Yes, No, Maybe: Oh Yes!
Johnny Depp, Benicio Del Toro, Ray Cooper, Christina Ricci, Cameron Diaz
I didn't see this movie for a long time because how could a movie possibly compare
to the images in my head from one of my teenage bibles? Give the movie to Terry
Gilliam of course. Perfect. So far the only movie I would ever buy. And I only
watched half because it was just oo good to watch all at once. |
|
Fahrenheit 911
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Michael Moore, George W Bush
I know there are many Americans speaking up about their current regime but few
have captured the average person as Michael Moore has. Moore has taken on the
top brass and named them for what they are. I stay pretty current with American
politics and the part that really hit me was the opening scene. Is there really
any difference between the Democrats and Republicans - I mean no Senator would
stand up for the disenfranchised Afro-Americans? Vote Nader. I only wish we had
a Moore or Stewart in Canada. |
|
John Stewart
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes and No
John Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Samantha Bee, Rob Corddry, Ed Helms, Steve Carel
Yes, I know it's TV but holy smokes this is the news show you should be watching
at 11 pm... If you can't stay up until 11 tape it - if you don't get the comedy
network get one of your TV loving friends to tape it. While he's pretty soft
of his guests Stewart and his team give you the straight goods the old fashioned
way - in satire. Watch the Daily Show to learn what's really going on in the
States and beyond. At least for the first part, once John brings on a guest it's
time to shut it off. He's so soft on them it's like a cognitive disconnect from
the first part. |
|
Man on The Train
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Jean Rochefort, Johnny Hallyday, Charlie Nelson, Pascal Parmentier, Jean-François
Stévenin, Isabelle Petit-Jacques
Sometime movies are so good that I can't do them justice writing about them.
This is one of those times. See it. |
|
Kill Bill
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Daryl Hannah, Michael Madsen
Is it me or is it this latest stretch of movies? So bad. Kill Bill gets pretty
old after the first scenes - once you've seen blood spurt like a fountain out
of a body one doesn't have to see it over and over. I know, I'm missing the whole
Tarantino thing - but I never thought I'd be bored at one of his extravaganzas. |
|
Kill Bill II
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Daryl Hannah, Michael Madsen
I guess it's better than one. |
|
Dummy
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Adrien Brody, Milla Jovovich, Illeana Douglas, Vera Farmiga, Jared Harris
Adrien Brody plays a mild mannered man ignored by his family and whose dream
is becoming a ventriloquist. What begins as an quirky and potentially intriguing
movie quickly dissolves into a sugar coated candy film with no redeeming qualities.
Too bad for the great cast. |
|
Hidalgo
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Viggo Mortensen, Malcolm McDowell, Omar Sharif, Zuleikha Robinson, Adam Alexi-Malle,
Louise Lombard, Saïd Taghmaoui
I didn't expect much from this movie and I was still disappointed. Contrived
to say the least - I would rather watch Jewel of the Nile or Indiana Jones again
and again - even Mister Ed was more entertaining. |
|
Spartan
Yes, No, Maybe: No!
Val Kilmer, Derek Luke, Kristen Bell, Lauren Bowles, Moshe Ivgy, William H. Macy
Let's get a couple of things straight first - I like Val Kilmer and I like William
H Macy. Now let's get another thing straight - this movie is so bad, it's not
even worth writing about. And, I will never trust those thumbs up guys again. |
|
The Cooler
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
William H. Macy, Alec Baldwin, Maria Bello, Shawn Hatosy, Ron Livingston, Paul
Sorvino
Is bad luck is contagious? It seems to be around Bernie Lootz. You'd better cash
out when you see him coming to your table. But wait, he doesn't seem to be having
the same effect anymore and that's got Lootz's Vegas casino boss worried. Versatile
Macy gives another remarkable performance as Lootz but it's Alec Baldwin who
really keeps this movie in line. He is perfection in his role. The violence came
hard and fast, but overall I felt the characters were real and worth watching. |
|
School of Rock
Yes, No, Maybe: Maybe
Jack Black, Joan Cusack, Mike White, Sarah Silverman, Kevin Alexander Clark,
Lauren Adler
If you are 10 years old or younger, you'll love this movie. If you are a parent
and you watch it with your ten year old, you could enjoy watching your child
love this movie. But if you are neither of those things you'll wonder why you
are watching this movie. Jack Black plays himself and revves some prep kids into
following their hearts and playing rock. It's empowering for those little ones
but a snore for anyone who was around for The Clash or Sly and the Family Stone. |
|
Matchstick Men
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Nicolas Cage, Sam Rockwell, Alison Lohman, Bruce Altman, Steve Eastin
First the bad, there is no way I believed that anyone, much less an experienced
con-man like Roy would fall down on the job like he did in this movie. Credibility
aside, I liked this movie for the steps Roy takes after he realizes the scam
that's going down. Once again Nicholas Cage gives a superb performance backed
by solid acting from the rest of the cast. |
|
Lost in Translation
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, Giovanni Ribisi, Anna Faris
Read
review here after seeing film.
A story of this quality rarely translates to the screen but Sophia Coppola has
the talent to not only direct but write it. All I want to say is that this is
not a typical movie that gives you questions, answers or both - it's a smart,
cosmic, beautiful, funny movie. Bill Murray is simply perfect for this role.
Watch this movie with faith that it will prove to be all people are saying it
is, relax into it and don't wait for 'something' - it will come and you will
be enlightened. |
|
Swimming Pool
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Charlotte Rampling, Ludivine Sagnier, Charles Dance, Marc Fayolle, Jean-Marie
Lamour, Mireille Mossé
Billed as a mystery, I found this film more of an intrigue. It was hard to imagine
Charlotte Rampling as an uptight English writer but she pulls it off. You sense
her sensuality is held in check at all times. When her publisher's sexy daughter
shows up to stay at the house in the French countryside things start to go a
little off the tracks. This film held my attention for every moment and gave
a powerful story about how an author works. |
|
Door To Door
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
William H. Macy, Kyra Sedgwick, Kathy Baker, Joel Brooks, Woody Jeffreys, Helen
Mirren
An inspiring story of Bill
Porter who overcame his physical disability to become a salesman extraordinaire.
This man kept going when most of us would have given up and the world is a better
place for his story being made into a movie. Congratulations to William Macy
and all who were part of this movie. The acting is superb and the story amazing! |
|
Ma femme est une actrice
Yes, No, Maybe: Maybe
Charlotte Gainsbourg, Yvan Attal, Terence Stamp, Noémie Lvovsky, Laurent
Bateau
This French movie entitled My Wife is An Actress tells the tale of a married
couple - a sports writer and a famous French actress. It is a sweet and light
story of jealousy and conflict not only between the couple but also in the supporting
roles of the husbands sister and brother-in-law. Terence Stamp also gives a good
supporting performance. |
|
I Am Sam
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dakota Fanning, Brad Silverman, Loretta Devine,
Laura Dern, Dianne Wiest
Okay, it's not a plausible story but watch it as an uplifting, pretend story
and you'll have fun. The actors all give superb performances but it's the chemistry
Sean Penn brings to everyone he meets that makes the movie. Penn proves that
while being an important political activist and a budding director, he is also
one of the best actors in America. |
|
Emma
Yes, No, Maybe: Maybe
Gwyneth Paltrow, Greta Schacchi, Jeremy Northam, Toni Collette, Alan Cummings
Even though this adaptation of Jane Austin's novel was a beautifully shot period
piece with quirky characters and amusing situations, Emma never really pulls
away from its wonderful wackiness or does a good job just being wonderfully wacky.
Has a lot going for it but fails to deliver. |
|
Once Upon a Time in Mexico
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Johnny Depp, Rubén Blades, Eva Mendes,
Willem Dafoe, Mickey Rourke
Once upon a time there was a movie that couldn't be saved even by filling it
with a whole lot of stars. So they packed it with violence and even that didn't
work. Want to see this movie work see the original --> |
|
El Mariachi
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Carlos Gallardo, Consuelo Gómez, Jaime De Hoyos, Peter Marquardt, Reinol
Martinez, Ramiro Gómez, Jesús López, Luis Baró
The movie Robert Rodriguez wrote and directed that worked. Don't be fooled by
the Hollywood version see El Mariachi as it was meant to be. That's why it won
at Sundance. |
|
Bitter Moon
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Peter Coyote, Emmanuelle Seigner, Hugh Grant, Kristin Scott Thomas, Victor Banerjee,
Sophie Patel
Hugh Grant in a Roman Polanski film? Yes. Polanski pulls off another tension
filled story that seems a bit slow at first but builds to a true Polanski finish.
Do other people really live these lives? Polanski leads us into a story of love,
hate, revenge and lust all with the sexy twists he's famous for. Great casting
- everyone does an amazing job. |
|
13 Conversations About One Thing
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Alan Arkin, David Connelly, Clea DuVall, Shawn Elliott, Peggy Gormley, Amy Irving,
Matthew McConaughey, John Turturro
Some people say we're all connected. This movie follows people whose lives are
changed by the subtle connections that bind us together. Leaves you thinking
not about those connections but the one thing. |
|
Kingfish
A Story of Huey P Long
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
John Goodman, Matt Craven, Anne Heche
John Goodman brings the story of Louisiana Senator Huey P Long to the screen.
Never heard of him - no wonder, in the depression years he wanted to distribute
the absurd amount of money the rich have to the destitute poor. Didn't sit well
with those in power including the President. A brave tyrant of a man - Huey P
Long. |
|
The Manchurian Candidate
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, Angela Lansbury, Janet Leigh, James Gregory,
Leslie Parrish, John McGiver
A thriller from 1962 seems innocent and simplistic today but this movie made
such an impact that Manchurian Candidate is part of our current lexicon. Worth
watching - see Angela Lansbury before she became the icon of good. Rumour of
a remake. |
|
The Return of The King
| |
