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Video Reviews: Yes  ,
No  ,
Maybe 
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Deja Vu
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Denzel
Washington, Val Kilmer, Jim Caviezel, Adam
Goldberg, Paula Patton, Libby Burgess
I'm a sucker for deja vu anything, even Hollywood - I find the whole idea of
deja vu fascinating. So it's no surprise that I liked this movie. While there
are a lot of pieces to put together, I just took the night off and watched it
without trying to figure out how it all fit. I'm sure one could do that, but
I just totally enjoyed the whole deja vu aspect and let the movie unfold. The
actors were well chosen - even Val Kilmer as a porky civil servant was well cast
- but Denzel should perhaps shake it up a bit with some different roles - his
cop thing is starting to be a bit too familiar. |
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Fracture
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Anthony
Hopkins,
Ryan
Gosling,
David Strathairn,
Billy Burke,
Rosamund Pike,
Molly Adams
Two very good actors star in this battle of wits concerning a rich, sophisticated
and brutal engineer and a young prosecutor on the rise into high power corporate
law. One in the scene and the other desperately trying to break into it. It's
my first glimpse of Gosling, no I haven't yet seen Half Nelson, and he is worth
the price of admission. Hopkins is such a good actor that he's always a treat,
yet one more go around as a brilliant, cunning villain is not a stretch for him.
Added to that the predictable ending and the inclusion of Pike's totally
unbelievable character and the movie was a dud. And, yes, I know why Pike's was
there, but that minor plot point could have been made in any number of ways. |
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28 Weeks Later
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Robert Carlyle, Rose Byrne, Jeremy
Renner, Imogen
Poots, Mackintosh Muggleton
I had this movie on my most anticipated list for a long time and was careful
to not listen or read reviews so I could see it fresh. Of course I heard the
allusions to Iraq but went in clean and ready.
What a disappointment. It was more infected, more blood and more rage, less plot,
less character development, less interesting than 28 Days Later - and I didn't
like that film. The acting, directing, camera work, lighting and music
were very good but the story had so many missing bits that it was hard to imagine
how it all connected. Who is Don, Carlyle's character? Why does he have access
to absolutely everywhere in a military zone? How does he show up where he does
throughout the movie when everything is so chaotic? And how old is the Army's
chief medical officer? I don't know why these 28 movies are getting so much play
when there are good movies out there. |
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Brick
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Joseph Gordon-Levitt,
Lukas Haas,
Nora Zehetner,
Noah Segan,
Noah Fleiss
Hang on. Rian Johnson both writes and directs a wild ride
of a high school loner who loses his girlfriend to the cool kids.
But who's cool here? Brendan takes on all comers and walks through the weirdness
with style and a lot of hip rap (that took me 2 watchings to get). With
shades of Blue Velvet, the cast of characters will keep you riveted.
Smart, fun, hip and original - a reason to support indy movies. The scene of
Mom getting juice for the new kid brought back many happy memories. |
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Little Children
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Kate Winslet, Patrick Wilson, Madame Bovary, Jennifer Connelly,
Jackie Earle Haley
Are any of us just who we appear? Or are we so layered that even those who know
us well are not able to really see us? And, conversely, are we able to see others
only through our own distorted vision? How exactly do people react when they
are in pain and are they to blame? At what point in a life does one have to accept
one's actions and take responsibility? If you can let go and become free of the
past is that a good thing if it hurts others you've committed to? For more questions,
watch this move. |
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28 Days Later
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris,
Megan Burns,
Christopher Eccleston
Okay, they're not zombies because they're not dead but they're just as scary
and deadly. Been hearing about 28 Weeks Later and since this came before it thought
I'd better watch it first. But really it's just another zombie-esque movie with
nothing new. Basically England is deserted because - well I won't go any further
but if you've seen Night of The Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead or even Shaun of
the Dead (okay little joke there) you know how this plays out. Whether you should
see it before Weeks I'll let you know. Wow just looked at the reviews and it
appears I'm all alone here |
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Stranger Than Fiction
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Will Ferrell, Emma Thompson, Maggie
Gyllenhaal, Dustin Hoffman,
Queen
Latifah
Surprisingly delightful. I have never been a Will Ferrell fan but I enjoyed him
here. Many comics attempt to bridge the gap from commedy to drama with varying
degrees of success: Ferrell gets a solid B+ from me. I tried to sit through Talledega
Nights but found it impossible, but I heard that STF wasn't bad. And it wasn't,
I'll even go out on a limb and say it was good. For first time out in a dramatic
role, I think Ferrell reined in his comedic side and pulled off a creditable
performance. I found him completely believable in his role of tax man with a
heart. Of course surrounding himself with Emma Thompson, Dustin Hoffman, Maggie
Gynenhall and Queen Latifa didn't hurt. Who knows maybe I'll start liking the
guy's work. We'll see if Blades of Glory adds me to his fan base. |
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The Good Shepherd
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Matt
Damon,
Robert
De Niro,
Angelina
Jolie,
Joe
Pesci,
Alec Baldwin,
John Turturro
Strong performances from everyone in the cast, good story and well directed by
Robert (my firends call me Bob, my good firends call me Robert) DeNiro. That
Damon is really proving to be a major actor of our time. He's really, really
good. I haven't clicked with Ms J. yet but she seems to be more than adequate
as an acotr so it must be a matter of time. A stellar cast (Hurt, Crudup, Gambon,
Hutton, et al) and DeNiro himself add some supportive umph giving the movie a
solidness without weighing it down. It cuts to the thick of things and makes
one glad we were never tapped to 'save' our country. What a screwed up world
of whispers and secrets that really don't amount to much in the end. If only
the countries would put their money and resources into good instead of evil think
of where the world would be today. What a species we are. Those of us in that
game and those of us who stand by apathically and let them play it deserve exactly
what we're getting - the only problem is we're taking everything else down with
us. |
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The Break-Up
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Jennifer Aniston, Vince Vaughn, Vincent D'Onofrio, Ann Margaret, Jon
Favreau
Okay, I was sick that's why I watched it. While the world always needs another
break-up movie did we need such a dumbed down one? Pretty much a blah fest- script,
acting and humour. Not impressed with Vince Vaughn and while I think Jennifer
Aniston could be a good comic actress she wasn't given much to work with. Not
even a supporting character stood out - just beige all the way around. But, it
didn't make me think or expend any emotional energy and that's a good thing when
you're sick. |
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An Inconvenient Truth
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Al Gore, Mother Earth, Climate Change, Global Warming, Over Population
An excellent documentary about what we are doing to our home. The problems of
air, water, and soil pollution, over population, and an arrogant attitude make
us the worst thing on the planet. While I respect Mr Gore for creating this educational
tool and working hard to get it the play that it does, I also have to wonder
what he did for the environment while he was the second most powerful man in
the world for 8 years? I also would like to pass along the most important thing
that you can do to save the planet, and it's so easy that we can all do no matter
what our age or gender, whether we are urban or rural, no matter what language
we speak or what religion or politics we follow - be a vegetarian. That is the
single most important thing you can do to save our planet. So next time you're
dishing the big polluting corporations check your own plate and make a decision. |
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The Holiday
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Jack Black, Eli Wallach, Edward Burns
I like Edward Burns and I guess he played a small part in this movie because
he needed a bit of cash. And Kate - did you think it would be a fun little picture?
Can't think of any other reason any of the actors would be part of this
project except that, oh yeah, this is the kind of schlock they do. Even as a
light, fun, fanciful comedy this movie never gets started. Oh how cute that Amanda
the wealthy LA woman who can't cry trades places with Iris who is a doormat
for a slimeball. Oh, the fun in them taking delight/dismay in their new locations.
Guess what, they meet men, guess what, they...you know what happens and that
would have been okay if it would have be fun or cute but no such luck. I'd rather
watch Borat. |
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Borat
Yes, No, Maybe: Maybe
Sacha Baron Cohen, Pamela Anderson, Ken Davitian, Alexandra Paul
I laughed til I cried, I was totally bored - those are the 2 extremes I heard
from the reviewers about Borat. So, while it's not the type of film I would normally
check out I had to. Well I laughed at one scene and for the rest I was totally
bored. Like I said this is not my style of movie but I do have a lot of respect
for Sacha Baron Cohen and what he does. I even have respect for Ms Anderson being
part of the extravaganza. But the problem I have with this is - am I supposed
to believe that the scenes aren't scripted or am I to realize it's a
staged movie about his take of America? It's this confusion and the low humour
that makes it not for me - but 600 million other viewers can't be wrong. |
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Hard Candy
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Ellen Page, Patrick Wilson, Sandra Oh, Jennifer Holmes
Gilbert John
This movie should come with a warning - hard hitting. Forget about that Hollywood
tough guy action stuff this is the real thing. And that's about all I want to
say about it except that Canadian actor Ellen Page is amazing. |
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Children of Men
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, Michael Caine, Chiwetel Ejiofor,
Charlie Hunnam
Critics are raving about this movie, the long takes alone have people loving
it. I want to see it again because while I liked it, I can't say I loved it.
Yes, of course except for Michael Caine - super-brilliant as always. Owen - very
good and I'm a big fan of
Hunnam, since Green Street Holligans, that it was good to see him again. |
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The Prestige
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Michael Caine, David Bowie, Scarlett Johansson
This movie has involved more conversations for me than any other for a long,
long time. After watching it I tried to piece it all together, but still had
some lingering questions. Later that night in bed I realized one of my missing
pieces and I think I've got a handle on exactly what magic was really going on.
Bale and Jackman were perfectly cast in their roles. Caine
- well what can anyone say about him except that he's bloody brilliant in every
movie he does. Bowie - a fun choice for Tesla. How much of that was true about
Edison? I do have still a few questions about the Prestige that I'm going to
email a British critic about and if you have some too send me an email.
Great movie - highly recommend it. |
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The Last Kiss
Yes, No, Maybe: No!
Zach Braff, Jacinda Barrett, Rachel Bilson, Casey Affleck, Simon Alain, Blythe
Danner
Really, really bad. Every single thing that this movie does with the two central
characters and her parents is exactly how one should never act in life. Braff
should check his scripts more carefully - maybe he wanted to shed his nice,
if a little mixed up but in a totally cool way, image but this one just makes
him look like the biggest jerk around. Everything about this movie was wrong. |
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Marie Antoinette
Yes, No, Maybe: Maybe
Kirstin Dunst, Rip Torn, Jason Schwartzman, Steve Coogan, Judy Davis
People are really split on this film and I can see why. On one hand it's a fascinating
look inside the decadence and theatrics of the bubble world of Versailles complete
with stunning sets, costumes and rockin' music. On the other hand, after a half
hour that got a little old and I would have liked something to sink my teeth into
besides the sweets. |
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A Good Year
Yes, No, Maybe: Maybe
Russell Crowe, Albert Finney,
Abbie Cornish, Marion Cotillard, Archie Panjabi
Russell Crowe in a comedy, I don't think so - great dramatic actor yes but he's
not good enough to do comedy - but wait a minute, what's this? he is that good.
Well I'll be... A romantic comedy cooking up all the ingredients into a predictable,
unbelievable, light, fun, and sweet movie. Just pour yourself a tumbler of wine,
enjoy it for what it is and be happy. |
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The Oh in Ohio
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Parker Posey, Paul Rudd, Danny DeVito, Mischa Barton, Miranda Bailey, Liza Minnelli
Every once in awhile you come across some piece of art or entertainment that makes
you smile and smile and smile. It was like that the first time I heard Jane Siberry
and it's happened again with The Oh in Ohio. Parker Posey finds satisfaction in
the new age the old fashioned way. A wonderful story about a woman who deals with
her problem and from a combination of the good, the wacky and the universe providing
finds that missing O and, of course, herself. |
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The Devil Wears Prada
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway,
Adrian Grenier, Emily Blunt, Simon Baker, Stanley Tucci
There is only one reason to watch this movie - the great Ms Streep. I've said
it before and I won't say it again but you know what I'm talking about.
The rest of the film is the usual formulaic girl does wrong thing for good reason,
gets caught up, loses boy and friends, crisis arises, girl gives head a shake...Tucci
was kind of fun but the only other character I liked was Emily Blunt's Emily -
hmmm, I never noticed that before - coincidence? |
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Wordplay
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Will Shortz, Jon Stewart, Ken Burns, Bill Clinton, Bob Dole
Mike Mussina
A movie that contains as much drama, tension, and stars as a blockbuster and just
when you think you know the ending - POW! - it throws you...no, I won't
give it away. And did I mention - it's about crosswords. Who knew the world of
crosswords was so exciting? Whether you stalk out the New York Times crosswords,
even the Monday ones, or still finding your groove in those EZ Crosswords books
you'll find inspiration from the minds in this movie. |
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Casino Royale
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen, Judi Dench, Jeffrey Wright, Giancarlo
Giannini
Oh yeah! Take a deep breath before you go into this movie because you won't get
another one for a long time. From the opening scene we realize this is not just
another Bond movie: this is the Bond movie! Daniel Craig gives us the hottest
Bond ever - buffed, dangerous and witty. The action scenes are amazing, the one
liners smooth and the martinis may be shaken. Is it too long - not for me. Does
the card game drag - no, it adds to the tension. This movie is so much fun that
you'll be talking about it for weeks after. Can't wait to see it again. I'm a
believer! |
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Miami Vice
Yes, No, Maybe: No No No
Colin Farrell, Jamie Foxx, Li Gong, Luis Tosar, Naomie Harris, John Ortiz
We got this by mistake and what a mistake it was. Not going to waste time going
into what a piece of junk this movie is because that would be giving it too much
of my time. I'm just writing this so that you don't have to go through what I
went through. This is such a stinker that you'd think maybe you could get some
laughs out of it but it's even beyond that. Colin Farrell is as pathetic as the
movie - how did this guy ever make it as an actor. I saw this right before Casino
Royale and what a study in contrasts. Don't waste your time on this and if you
do don't blame me. |
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Friends With Money
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Catherine Keener, Joan Cusack, Frances McDormand, Jennifer Aniston
I watched this movie on a night that my mate and I were clearing a little air
between us and I think that was a good space to be in for this film: a good character
study of middle class angst that can remind us of traps in our own lives. But,
really these women are upper middle class and while their situations were
real enough they didn't fully elicit my sympathy. It was a funny mixture of appreciation
of the relationships we have with friends and men and a frustration with a world
of $75 face cream and $800 blouses. But I did find it worthwhile and for all those
out there who care, I still think Jennifer Aniston could mature into a good actor
like the rest of the cast. |
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Inside Man
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, Jodie Foster, Willem Dafoe, Chrisopher Plummer
I was a bit sceptical about this after hearing a review that panned it. After
seeing it I have to say that while I agree with his criticisms, Inside Man was
a fun ride that kept you guessing. Exactly what these robbers are thinking? How
exactly do they plan on getting out and what exactly are they interested in stealing?
Don't worry that's not a plot spoiler it's right up front. I was a bit surprised
that Inside Man was directed by Spike Lee since it's a bit mainstream for him.
But some of the scenes are so obviously Lee that one wishes he does more mainstream
to bring his consciousness to the masses. |
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The Sentinel
Yes, No, Maybe: Maybe
Michael Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland, Kim Basinger
Eva Longoria, David Rasche
I like Michael Douglas, he's a very good actor but all his movies can't be hits.
The Sentinel is a thriller that doesn't thrill. It is fun to see an older man
in the lead character instead of a buffed young dude and I did like when they
showed him running and getting out of breath - but that can't carry a movie whose
plot is tired. (And why didn't Sutherland tell Longoria to ditch the heels as
well.) Same movie as many other thrillers with new packaging. So if you're not
doing much or you need a Douglas / Sutherland / Bassinger or Longoria fix by all
means watch it. Just don't expect too much and you'll enjoy it just fine. |
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PoTC: Dead Man's Chest
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Naomie Harris, Bill Nighy, Geoffrey
Rush
The love affair is over. Although I'll always love him for going gonzo and his
other original characters, it's too much that I be asked to stand by Johnny Depp
in PoTC Dead Man's Chest. I was wary, having heard some reviews, and this time
I should have heeded the warnings. Oh was it bad - Depp created a parody of his
Jack Sparrow parody and it was so over the top. Add to that Orlando Bloom - borrrring
- and a plot that I can't even remember and you get me walking away. Too bad I
missed Rush, but not even the promise of seeing him could make me stick around.
The whole thing smelled to me of greed and a total lack of integrity - oh right,
it's Hollywood. |
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Syriana
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes Yes Yes!
George Clooney, Matt Damon, Amanda Peet, Susan Allenback, Nicholas Art
Powerful. That Australian actor sure has it wrong about George Clooney - this
guy knows what's going down and does something about it. This movie is amazing
- and so are the cast, the direction, and, well, everything about this movie works.
Clooney and Damon show us that they know how to choose movies that have meaning.
It's one thing to read about how the world powers work, but it was a completely
eye-opening experience for me to see it played out, even in a movie, the message
was really brought home. If you haven't seen it yet, grab everyone you know and
rush to see this film. It sets the standard for other films about how the world
really works - or doesn't. |
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Lucky Number Slevin
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Josh Hartnett, Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, Lucy Liu
Stanley Tucci, Ben Kingsley
Fun ride. This thriller is set with a great cast and a good storyline that keeps
you entertained and wondering. Slevin (Harnett) is mistakenly identified by gangsters
too dumb to notice and mob bosses to creepy to care and set up to become a fall
guy in a mob scenario that is really being organized by a hit man. Neighbour
Lucy Liu plays amateur detective and sets out to solve the mystery her missing
neighbour and brings a vitality to the movie that is balances perfectly the heaviness
of the underworld. While I do agree with Ebert's well-founded criticisms about
the movie, I was too busy enjoying being sucked in by it's stylishness and conceit
to be much bothered by them. In this case ignore-ance is bliss. |
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Scoop
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Scarlet Johannsen, Hugh Jackman, Woody Allen
We've been waiting for the Woody Allen film that returns us to his glory days.
And what heady days they were - Annie Hall, Manhattan, Hannah and Her Sisters,
etc. etc. I had heard that Scoop might be the one, but then heard differing views
from some friends. I wrote my friends off as being too picky and kept my fingers
crossed. Well, I've since apologized to my friends and the flame I hold to keep
the light of Allen's new films alive dimmed a little more. Scoop follows amateur
journalist Johannsen, who was out of her depth in this role, and her timid, unwilling
accomplice Allen in tracking down a serial killer. Could it be the wealthy playboy
Jackman who Johannsen is falling for? While some glimmers of Allen were visible
and I even laughed out loud once, it was not enough to redeem the master. But,
I'll go to his next film. He's still a god. |
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Leonard Cohen:
I'm Your Man
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Leonard Cohen, Antony Hegarty, Beth Orton, Rufus Wainwright, Bono, Jarvis Cocker
I am as much in awe, respect and love with Leonard Cohen as the next person. That's
why I'm so disappointed by this movie. It had no direction, atrocious lighting
and whenever the mighty Cohen was talking I kept wishing for Elenor
Wachtel. Performances were sketchy, (what happened with Nick Cave) with the
exception of the artists listed above (Antony was riveting). Thinking that it
was filmed in the early 90's I tried to cut it some slack but it was just made
in 2005. No excuse for the bad production. I agree with everything in the linked
review except that the writer obviously hasn't heard of the filmmaker Lian
Lunson who is a she not a he. |
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Transamerica
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Felicity Huffman, Kevin Zegers
Fionnula Flanagan, Graham Greene, Elizabeth Peña
Interestingly this movie is classed as an Action Comedy. It's the story of a woman
who finds out that she is the father of a troubled teenager and sets about first
saving herself and then trying to save both of them. Say what you want about TV
but it has exposed people to other people who may not be the first people's idea
of normal. Huffman is extremely impressive as a pre-op male transsexual who finds
herself on a cross country road trip with her son a week before her operation.
A solid movie that doesn't preach or moralize but tries to accept life as it is,
with dignity and hormones. (Btw any movie with Graham Greene in it is good enough
for us.) |
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Mrs Henderson Presents
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Judi Dench, Bob Hoskins, Will Young, Kelly Reilly, Thelma Barlow, Christopher
Guest
Just what you'd expect from Dame Dench and Hoskins, a delightful look at two people
running a theatre - one a rich and spunky widow and the other a creative director.
And even if it is a comedy, it makes a good point about young men going into battle.
Although that point may be a bit innocent these days it is true that we send young
men and woman into wars created by the old, usually for the benefit of the big
(business). But I digress, when Dench and Hoskins get together their combined
acting abilities add up to more than the whole and we are left with a sweet, sentimental
comedy about the famous Windmill Theatre, it's operators, it's players and it's
war time attitude "We Never Closed". |
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Rumour Has It
Yes, No, Maybe: Maybe
Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Costner, Shirley MacLaine, Mark Ruffalo, Richard Jenkins
Ever since The Upside of Anger I've liked Kevin Costner and forgiven him for
that Dancing with Somethings movie. While this movie is no Upside it does have
it's moments; mostly when MacLaine is in the scene - she's still got it. Aniston
was good and I think she does comedy well, holding her own with MacLaine and
Costner. This movie is what it is, not great, but watchable and good in parts.
The story line is tried and true with no surprises and the comedy really comes
from the actors and in that I think they do a good job with what they had to
work with. |
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Little Black Book
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Brittany Murphy, Ron Livingston, Holly Hunter, Kathy Bates, Rashida Jones
Watching a movie geared for a younger audience means I cut it a bit of slack.
That's why I think Little Black Book is worthwhile - for it's target audience.
Prepared to think I knew how cute this would end up, I was pleasantly surprised
to find cues that the story was taking a U-turn. It's good to see that movies
are being written for 20 somethings about what's important in life, the extremes
we can go to to make it what we want and not see what is really happening until
it hits us square in the face. Still cute, this movie does pack a reality punch
- if you're in your 20's. |
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Before Sunset
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Vernon Dobtcheff, Louise Lemoine Torres
I think I'm the only person in the world who did not find this movie charming
and romantic. Is it me or has the world gone mad? I did like the real time, I
liked that it was scripted by the two stars and the director, I even liked the
ending. What I didn't like was that, to me, the script didn't live up to being
a movie. We all have incredible times of drama in our lives and, to me, this drama
never came close to the real thing. I never felt connected and ultimately that's
how I measure a movie. Give me Hannah and Her Sisters any day. That I get. |
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Last Holiday
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Queen Latifah, Cynthia LeBlanc, Gérard Depardieu, Timothy Hutton, LL Cool
J
You hear movies like this are good from reliable sources yet one still hesitates
- will it be so sickly sweet that I'll just want to...well you know. But, this
movie never crosses that line and believe me it easily could have. The mighty
Queen reigns supreme in this story of a department store clerk who receives bad
health news and vows to make the most of the rest of her life. And thus begins
the life we'd all like to have a shot at, yet I doubt I would handle it with the
dignity of Georgia Byrd. Giving herself the gift of a lifetime and checking into
to a grand hotel to dine at the table of her favourite chef, Georgia treats herself
to spa treatments, dare devil sports and speaking truth to power. She wins the
heart of everyone and, best of all, the one that really matters. A sweet movie
that leaves you feeling just right. |
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Casanova
Yes, No, Maybe: Maybe
Heath Ledger, Sienna Miller, Jeremy Irons, Lena Olin, Oliver Platt, Charlie Cox
A delightful movie. Ledger, Miller, Olin, Platt and the entire cast give great
performances but it's Irons who steals the show. Ledger portrays the famous Casanova
who's life expands when he meets Francesca Bruni. She is an independent woman
betrothed to a rich man. She must marry him to save her family from debtors. Irons
portrays Bishop Pucci who is in full inquisition mode searching for both the immoral
Casanova and a heretic feminist philosopher. While delightful this movie does
only get a Maybe because I found myself a little bored at times even with the
lavish sets, music and acting. It's a fanciful tale that a family could watch
together unless the idea of sex is not something you watch together, then you
could choose one of those violent films that some people prefer to onscreen sex. |
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Capote
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener, Clifton Collins Jr., Mark Pellegrino
Philip Seymour Hoffman and Catherine Keener in movie about Truman Capote. It doesn't
get any better. Capote, the movie, follows Capote, the man, while he writes his
tour de force In Cold Blood. Both Hoffman and Keener are mesmerizing in
their roles as Capote and his friend Harper Lee (To Kill
a Mockingbird) as they
travel to Kansas to research a story of a multiple murder for The New Yorker
magazine. Capote charms the locals, interviews the killers and finds himself immersed
in his version of the tragic story. Capote is forever changed by the experience.
Moviegoers are forever changed by the insight in to a great writer's frame of
mind. |
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Walk The Line
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Ginnifer Goodwin, Robert Patrick, Shelby Lynne
No matter what music you listen to you've heard of the man in black. Johnny Cash
was cool. And beside him, as long as I listened to him, was the incredible June
Carter - I had no idea how incredible. This is the story of Mr Cash from farm
boy to messed up addict to June Carter's love and Mr Cool. Reese Witherspoon was
fantastic as June Carter and deserved the awards. And if Capote hadn't been made
this year then Joaquin Phoenix would have picked up the awards for best actor.
He was perfect as Johnny Cash. His acting, singing and presence would have made
the man proud. Phoenix will win the big one - he's that good. |
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Coffee & Cigarettes
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
Roberto Benigni, Steven Wright, Cate Blanchett, Bill Murray, Steve Buscemi, Iggy
Pop, Tom Waits, Jack, Meg
Did you read that cast? That's just the beginning of this totally off-the-wall
film. Vignettes of scenes concerning, duh, coffee and cigarettes. Directed by
Jim Jarmusch (this movie is funny where his Broken Flowers sure was not) this
movie is a perfect blend of everyday life focusing on two of our culture's addictive
obsessions. Watch for the many continuity errors: items disappear, cigarette packs
move and coffee and cigarette levels change throughout the movie but no matter
it's just part of the overall quirkiness of this movie. The scenes are simple
and understated, the effect very funny and smart. |
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Bewitched
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Nicole Kidman, Will Ferrell, Shirley MacLaine, Michael Caine, Jason Schwartzman
It started not too badly but took a turn and dove straight into cliche and mediocre.
Nicole Kidman is awful - she can't help it that's the way it was written. Shirley
MacLaine and Michael Caine add some spark but as minor roles they can't carry
off the entire movie. And let's just say I'm no big fan of Will Ferrell. The chemistry
between him and Kidman is well below zero. The only thing worthwhile in this movie
is the music. Witch songs show up throughout the movie - at least those bring
a smile. And Kristin Chenoweth manages to make the scenes with Kidman a little
bit of fun. But silly songs and supporting actors do not a watchable movie make.
Skip it. |
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Broken Flowers
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Bill Murray, Jeffrey Wright, Sharon Stone, Frances Conroy, Jessica Lange, Tilda
Swinton
What a waste of good talent. Tries to emulate what Bill Murray did in Lost in
Translation but misses the boat entirely. We are to believe that the guy who can't
get up off the couch is a Don Juan? That women would flock to his - what - charm,
personality, track suit? And come on, that Lolitta thing was really pathetic.
If you like lots of shots of airplanes and insides of rented cars, get this movie
otherwise skip it. But don't believe me, all the critics say this is an inspired
movie, a great paring of Murray and director Jim Jarmusch. If you think it's a
good movie perhaps you can explain it to me, I'm ready to be educated. |
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Ripley's Game
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes
John Malkovich, Dougray Scott, Ray Winstone, Lena Headey, Chiara Caselli
What began in the Talented Mr Ripley continues in his game. While I think Malkovich
is a good choice to take over as an older Ripley, his character seems to have
grown through the tragic and conflicted Ripley that Damon portrayed. I liked the
movie for the black comedy - "Hold my watch, because if it breaks, I'll kill
everyone on this train", and the voyeuristic thrill of watching how a person
with no conscience is able to sustain a marriage, be considerate and enjoy happiness.
Or does a conscience exist after all?
The movie has its problems, perhaps due to the director leaving and Malkovich
having to step in but overall I feel Malkovich leads us through with his villainous
charm. |
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Junebug
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Amy Adams, Embeth Davidtz, Allesandro Nivola, Scott Wilson, Benjamin McKenzie
I heard the critics liked this movie so I was prepared to like it but, as with
Broken Flowers, what were they thinking? Suppressed drama, wonderfully tentative
- I don't think so. Dull, selfish and indulgent - I think so. The only bright
light was Amy Adams as the pregnant sister-in-law and in the background Scott
Wilson as the father brought some depth and warmth to the story. Other than that
this movie was a total washout - it was hard to imagine liking any of these characters
except for the 2 mentioned. The story of big urban city returning home to small
rural town is a much more poignant, awkward, tense and joyful experience that
this movie could hope to portray. |
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The Machinist
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Christian Bale, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, John
Sharian, Michael Ironside
I've heard about this movie for a long time. I was a bit concerned that it would
be too depressing. I had no idea what it was about and for most of the movie
I was totally in the dark and totally fascinated. It was absolutely wild. It
was also terrific, as in intense, tremendous, fantastic and terrifying. I have
a weakness for psychological thrillers and throw a mystery on top of that and
I'm in movie heaven. Bale does a superb job as the delusional machinist and
Leigh is her usual amazing self. I like to watch movies that I know will be
good but don't know anything about the story. This was one of those times and
I highly recommend this movie. |
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Grizzly Man
Yes, No, Maybe: Yes!
Timothy Treadwell, Werner Herzog, Franc G. Fallico, Amie Huguenard
Timothy Treadwell was a man who felt more at home in the wilderness with grizzlies
and foxes than surrounded by people. For thirteen years Treadwell lived amongst
his friends the animals not as a scientist, or researcher but as one of them.
Was he a lost modern man looking for acceptance? Have millions of people learned
about the plight of grizzly bears and other animals because of him? Did he cross
a line, a line put up by scientists, natives, researchers and logical people?
Herzog's fascinating documentary gives you the story according to Treadwell's
own video recordings and others close to or aware of Treadwell's mission. If you
see one documentary this year make it this one. |
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Fun With Dick and Jane
Yes, No, Maybe: No
Jim Carrey, Téa Leoni, Alec Baldwin, Richard Burgi, Luis Chavez, Angie
Harmon
I waited for the fun to start but it never did. Actually I stopped waiting for
anything funny to happen early in the movie. This remake of the 1977 Dick and
Jane falls into a downward spiral just as it's character do. With it's slapschtick,
stupid costume comedy and cutesy scenes it bombed big time. When Carey is on screen
doing his hilarious body sketches and a smile doesn't even come to your face,
you know things aren't going well. So, if you get downsized out of your job and
robbed by your bosses what's the answer? Get back on your feet by doing a bit
of robbing of your own - yeah that's funny. I prefer the Weeds answer but I'm
not writing movies. Skip this one, unless you're sick and have watched everything
else in the house - at least it'll put you to sleep. |
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