caamich Reviews

I'm with Lucy (2002)

Very accurate account of blind dating!

[8/10 · 16 July 2005]

I don't think it was so bad. I thought it was actually a pretty accurate account of blind dating. I have (and still do, on occasion) dated guys from singles' services. You meet some nice people, and you meet some real jerks. You meet some guys who have mouths full of rotten teeth. You meet some guys who want to psychoanalyze your life after a 15-minute telephone conversation. You meet some guys who hold you as you cry through a flashback and help you through the worst times in your life--guys you'll never forget who will always mean the world to you as true friends. And, you meet guys who seem wonderful--ideal, even--for the whole time you're dating, but then you spend your first extended time alone with them, and find out they're a monster.

Yeah, the movie was pretty darned accurate. Lucy lucked out, actually. She found out the guy was a monster before she'd lived with him for three years and bought a house with him.

I was thinking through the last part of the movie, "Oh, no! She's gonna end up with Luke because David's the big-name star, and it's the Barry guy that she should really be with! He's the best guy for her! Darn it!" They surprised me! They actually surprised me! She didn't end up with Luke! I'm not going to say who she ended up with, though! I will say it was a surprise! All the guys really surprised me. I thought they were all kinda jerky in their own way at the beginning--one of them in particular. Heck, one of them wouldn't have gotten a second date with me! But, he ended up being a pretty decent guy. That shocked me out of my gourd! I really think this was a very true-to-life movie. I know a lot of people who saw it said it was stupid. I respectfully disagree. I recommend it to anyone who has ever been on a series of blind dates with different men. You will *so* be able to relate to this film! There aren't as many laughs as you'd expect in a romantic comedy, but there is a lot of heartwarming.

That's my review, and I'm sticking to it! :-)

Spider-Man 2 (2004)

Fast-paced action, awesome special effects

[10/10 · 4 August 2004]

It was a *good movie*. There were some pretty intense moments, and I can see no need for them to make a 3-D version, as the 2-D was dizzying enough in places. There was a lot of fast-paced action in this one!

The formation of the villain in this one is similar to watching the Borg in Star Trek: The Next Generation get their implants. It's done in a similar way, and it's just as creepy to watch.

The special effects rocked. And, as always, Tobey McGuire looked really good in that spandex! (I think his legs have beefed up quite a bit since the first one, though.)

They've done a really good job of setting up a springboard for a Spidey 3, too. We'll see what happens.

There are cameos by two former WB television stars: Ted Raimi ("Joxer" on Xena and Hercules), Bruce Campbell ("Autolycus" on Xena and Hercules), as well as an appearance by one of my favorite comedic movie actors, Bill Nunn ("Bradley, physical therapist" in Regarding Henry and "Lt. Eddie Souther" in Sister Act).

I highly recommend this movie to anyone who hasn't seen it. If you haven't seen the first one, yet, it will help you understand this one to see that first. It's not necessary, but it will help.

Mulan (1998)

One of Disney's finest stories

[10/10 · 11 July 2003]

I saw this for the first time two nights ago, 5 years after its release in theaters. It had my heart strings being tugged, had me giggling, and, most importantly, it moved me. The music was beautiful, particularly the lyrics and music to the song that Mulan sings to herself ("Who Is This Girl I See"?). The lyrics are just as awesome an accomplishment as the melody of the song. The animation on Mulan and the Captain of the Imperial army was very lifelike. I could actually picture what the people might look like in real life. That's a first for me with a Disney animated feature. I was very impressed.

The only possible flaw I saw in this movie, not being an expert in East Asian culture, but knowing a little, is the way Mulan's family behaved when she returned from running away, even though they knew where she'd gone and what she'd done. I think, realistically, an East Asian family, particularly from that era, would not have behaved that way. I could be wrong.

Bruce Almighty (2003)

Charming but Silly

[7/10 · 11 June 2003]

Morgan Freeman's portrayal of God was very endearing in this movie. I enjoyed it quite a bit. A lot of the movie was just plain silliness, which, I must admit, was refreshing in the midst of all these smash-em, bash-em action/suspense/thriller movies that are overtaking the industry these days. With all the *real* violence going on in the world, I prefer to watch a movie that helps me *escape* it for a couple hours, not bury me in it. It's hard enough to face reality once I *leave* the theater.

I was also relieved that this movie didn't contain Jim Carey's tendency toward what I call toilet humor. (See the Ace Ventura movies for an example of what I mean.) No, this was, for the most part, just good, clean humor tossed in with--gasp!--tough decisions based on morals.

It's at least worth one viewing. I won't pay theater price to see it again (that's where I saw it this time), but I'd watch it again on video if someone I knew hadn't seen it and was in the mood for a lighthearted comedy.

Warning, though: Several parts of this movie could be considered blasphemous to those who are seriously religious. Preview it before taking anyone like that with you to see it.

Down with Love (2003)

Hard to Follow in Places, but Overall Very Cute

[9/10 · 11 June 2003]

There were places in this movie that had me scratching my head and saying, "HUH?" Still, I laughed at a lot of it.

Not being well versed in the types of movies they were trying to spoof and/or mimic in this movie, I can't comment on how well they did with that, other to say that the costumes and habits of the characters were very appropriate for the 60's era, as were all the "convenience" gizmos that were popular when people first started attempting to "streamline" their lives, some to the point of ridiculum.

Stay for the credits, too. A cute musical number by the male and female protagonists is there, as well as some cute clips.

It's a very enjoyable movie if you enjoy tongue-in-cheek stuff. I know I'm going to add it to my "to buy" list.

Moulin Rouge! (2001)

A surprisingly better movie than the ads had me believing!

[9/10 · 14 October 2002]

First of all, let me say, WOW! CAN EWAN McGREGOR SING! What a gorgeous

voice! Nicole Kidman also has a beautiful voice.

This movie was a bit confusing during high-action scenes, but I believe we were meant to feel the confusion along with one of the characters.

The movie's moments left me wondering whether to laugh or cry. One moment

something ridiculously silly was happening, the next something heartbreaking.

Whatever you do, don't try to figure out how everything that is foretold at the beginning will happen in the end! You'll be wrong!

S1m0ne (2002)

Interesting Movie, Creatively Portrayed Concept

[7/10 · 3 September 2002]

Whoever created this plot concept and brought it to life in the screenplay was a creative genius. Kudos to that person. A lot of the elements of this movie were able to make me say, "Oh!" with surprise and/or realization, something I've found severely lacking in modern film.

I wouldn't pay $8.50 to go see this film in the theater again, but I definitely recommend seeing it at least once on the big screen. If you have to, wait until it comes around to the discount theater. Just don't come crying to me when there are giant dust specs on the otherwise flawless skin of the manufactured actress! ;)

Compared to some of the clones upon clones of destroy, maim, mutilate, and conquer films in today's industry, this film was refreshingly thought provoking. Enjoy.

Ice Age (2002)

Good, Clean Fun with a Little Fantasy Added for Good Measure

[10/10 · 9 May 2002]

This was an excellent CGI film. All voices were very well assigned to the characters, and all characters were fleshed out with extreme care until they came to life on the screen. (Honestly, did we expect any less?)

Some very funny moments, some very sweet moments, some great lessons for youngsters and us mature folks, and, as always, some great inside jokes for those of us old enough to understand the double entendre in the words spoken.

Just good, clean fun with a little fantasy added in for good measure.

I laughed so hard my cheeks ached at the end of the movie!

Spider-Man (2002)

Nice Cameos in a Great Movie

[9/10 · 9 May 2002]

I got a lot more emotional spectrum out of this movie than I expected. That alone impressed me. I felt sorrow, glee, anger, fear, humor, and even shocked enough to jump at one point.

There were some great cameos (one of which I missed, darnit!) by former cohorts of Sam Raimi's from his Xena and Hercules days. Some were more obvious than others, which explains why I missed the one person I would have really liked to see.

Anyway, I'm told by my comic-fan friends that this movie did a really good job of honoring those who told the tale of Spiderman before it. I wouldn't know--I was more of an Archie, Pink Panther, Peanuts sort of kid.

All I know is, even without being a comic fan, I really enjoyed the movie. It's always a plus when a film works on all your emotional strings.

Oh, and did I mention how good the special effects were? SEAMLESS.

Bordertown (1989–1991)

Humble, but Well-done Show That I Miss Terribly

[6 April 2002]

I remember, appreciate, and miss this show, too. I'm sure my Aunt Kathy feels exactly the same way, as she was the one who introduced me to it. So, maybe there are three people in the world who miss it. I started watching it before it was on The Family Channel, and was ecstatic when they picked it up to show just before The Young Riders, another similarly programmed Western/Action-adventure series. I've been unable to find any sites for it, either. It's really a shame. The acting was excellent, as were the storylines. Now that I think about it, even the cinematography was good.

The show worked around the fact that a Canadian Mounty and a U.S. Marshall had to share an office on the Western U.S./Canadian border in the late 1800's, and that both men fancied a female, French Canadian doctor who practiced in town. There were other issues, such as an early version of the modern-day, anything-for-a-dollar lawyer that gives other legitimate lawyers a bad name. There was also the ongoing clash between the clean-cut, Oxford-educated Clive (the Mounty), and the stubble-ridden, tobacco-chewing, under-educated Jack (the Marshall). It was very well done so that it kept you laughing with campiness and occasional much-needed comic relief during the more serious episodes. When it came down to the nitty-gritty, though, you could always tell that the two men cared deeply for each other but were too stubborn to show it unless the situation was dire.

The series Due South has a very similar premise to this and was accepted more readily by a larger audience, perhaps because it was set in modern times instead of the Old West.

Also of Note: This is the series that introduced (as far as I know) the most recent actor (as of April 2002) to play Michael Horton (Roark Critchlow) on Days of our Lives, the nice-looking blond with the beautiful blue eyes. He played the part of a young member of a gang of trail robbers posing as a Mounty apprentice to assist in the overtaking of Clive's guarding of a shipment of money.

Personal Note: If anyone has this series on tape, I'm willing to pay money (up to $10/6-hr VHS tape with 12 shows at 30-min ea., or more, if you've erased the commercials). Please e-mail me privately for arrangements. Thank you.

Legally Blonde (2001)

Surprise Movie of 2001!

[10/10 · 11 January 2002]

I, too, went into this movie with low expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised! I think saying this movie sucked or beat out another bad movie on one's list is sorely lacking credit where it's due!

This movie handled what seemed like a stupid plotline with smarts, laughs, and even heart tugs! This movie is definitely a "power to the little people" movie, and it shouts the message that people should not be judged by their outward appearance.

I think this movie did an excellent job of getting its theme across with a little fun added in. I highly recommend it to anyone who's ever been passed over for something because of age, color, size, etc.--in other words, anyone who's ever been discriminated against.

It will change your way of thinking forever.

Legally Blonde (2001)

Power to the Little People!

[10/10 · 18 August 2001]

This is an unusual take on discrimination, and it was done very well.

It is the biggest surprise I have ever experienced in a movie theater-- and the happiest. This was an excellent movie that gives all

misunderstood, prejudged people ho

Six Days Seven Nights (1998)

Romantic Comedy with Adventure - A Date Movie

[8/10 · 18 August 2001]

No part of this movie overly violent. There was bodily injury, but no

gratuitous violence.

The plot was based on questionable morals, but the ending handled those

strayings very well.

This is not a "chick flick," though Harrison Ford admirers will

definitely enjoy some of the island views of him. It is safe for guys

to go to this with their girlfriends without the worry of feeling

"dragged to it."

My boyfriend liked this movie, and he detests "mushy st

Evolution (2001)

Best line shown in previews - Fat people stereotyped

[7/10 · 21 June 2001]

This movie had some really good laughs in it, but, as I said in the subject, the best line was in the preview you already saw on TV and before other movies and, perhaps, on the IMDb.

There were some surprise stars (to me, anyway), and there was some good acting.

It's always refreshing to see actors step outside the box and do something we haven't seen them do before, too. David Duchovny (forgive me if I mispelled his name) is, surprisingly, a pretty good comedic actor. He was, for the most part, the straight man in this movie (the guy who stands by and looks on while the comic relief person is constantly cutting up).

The only thing I strongly disliked about this movie was the obvious assumption it made that fat people are stupid. The two students in the college class that were stupid were very overweight, and they were constantly played out to be lazy, stupid, beer-guzzling good-for-nothings. The only saving grace of this obvious stereotyping was they knew where to find something important toward the end of the movie when none of the other characters knew where to get it.

Shrek (2001)

Face-ache Laughter Abounds!

[10/10 · 27 May 2001]

I knew this movie would be interesting because of the computer-generated

imagery (CGI), and I figured it would be funny with Eddie Murphy in it,

but I had NO IDEA I would have as much fun as I did watching it! My

face started aching from large smiles and laughter about 20-30 minutes

into the film and never stopped. There were a lot of paradies of known

sci-fi and fantasy blockbusters, some subtle, some not. There were also

generic funnies for both children and adults.

I should also mention that one of the friends with whom I went to see it

looks for the details of CGI and was very impressed with the CGI in this

film. As an example, he noted that as the characters walked, the grass

under their feet would be flat and gradually wave back into the upright

position, just like in real life. I didn't notice this, but that's

probably because it was so well done! Isn't it true with most special

effects that you only notice them if they're bad?

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Save the Last Dance (2001)

Romance, Tension, and Violence--Oh, My!

[8/10 · 28 January 2001]

This film had all three of the above elements. I'm impressed that they showed that ballet dance takes work, including the bloody toes from the toe shoes. I'm also impressed that they showed a lot of the aspects of inner city life, not just the stereotypical ones. That's very unusual in these types of movies. The movie wasn't just about dance. It wasn't just about romance. It dealt with the entire environment and all its nuances. That's an awful lot to cram into one movie without getting distracted on tangents, but somehow, the writers and actors did it.

The acting in this movie was excellent. The male protagonist had a winning smile and personality, and you wanted him to succeed at everything he sought to achieve. The female protagonist refused to give in to the sorrow that life had given her, which made you want to see her get where she should be.

I would go see it again, but only if I knew someone who hadn't already seen it.

What Women Want (2000)

One of the best romantic comedies I've seen!

[10/10 · 6 January 2001]

This film had lots of good laughs and a few warm fuzzies.

It should be noted that a couple of the "heard female thoughts" in the TV previews for this film were edited for television. In two cases, the language was a little more profane in the movie.

Mel Gibson was adorable in this, and there were points during his efforts to get inside women's heads where every woman in the audience was saying, "Yeah!" It was great to see a guy going through some of the painful things we women do to make ourselves "more beautiful."

The film dealt with teenage sex and suicide as subplots. Both subjects were kept pretty light, but were still dealt with delicately.

The romance in the film was great and very believable.

Dungeons & Dragons (2000)

Save money and wait until it's out in the rental stores.

[7/10 · 16 December 2000]

If you were going to this movie to admire some CGI, you wouldn't have been disappointed. If you went for a humorous movie, you probably weren't terribly disappointed. If you went for a completely original plot, you were in for a real disappointment.

The acting was fairly solid, but coupled with the rip offs of Return of the Jedi, Raiders of the Lost Ark, ElfQuest, and more, it suffered for lack of original plotline with which to work.

My recommendation: Save yourself some money and wait until it's out in the rental stores.

The Breakfast Club (1985)

True to teenage life and the hardships that go along with it.

[10/10 · 3 December 2000]

This film shows quite eloquently the peer pressure, cruelty, and hardships that teenagers face on a day-to-day basis. It's a very hard time in life when you're pulled in several directions by the child inside, by the adult outside, and by the expectations others have of you. I think this film is the foundation for the "Scared Straight" shows on television that expose teenagers to what will happen if they drink too much, smoke, commit suicide, etc. It's all about sacrificing yourself (and sometimes others) to impress the other people.

The Patriot (2000)

Hard to watch, but true to the subject matter (war)

[9/10 · 16 July 2000]

This is one movie I will not see again. Not because it was poorly done, but because it was very difficult to watch. To its credit, it was very frank in its handling of the subject of war, and how war does not discriminate who it hurts or how or when or why. It just hurts. A lot.

If you do not have difficulty with frank violence, I highly recommend this movie. It is *very powerful*.

I understand that there were some historical inaccuracies in the film, but I think picking those out is missing the point. This film is about the brutality of war--nothing more, nothing less.

Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)

The best of the first Star Wars trilogy to run in theaters

[10/10 · 12 May 2000]

Jedi was a great mix of romance (not as sappy as Empire), adventure, suspense, action, and, best of all, humor (what would a Lucasfilm feature be without it?).

This film has been highly under-rated, in my humble opinion. It manages to resolve problems without getting too sappy and without giving fans the impression that the Alliance is completely out of the woods. (Pun intended, for those of you who have seen it.) Why else would this movie have generated as many sequel books as it did? Some issues were left unresolved, and some were left to mystery. The books deal with some of those issues.

I, for one, am very disappointed that the third trilogy may never appear on the silver screen. I want to see what happens next in Lucas's eyes, not in the eyes of the novels' authors.

Postscript: I don't care how many people hated the Ewoks! They served exactly the purpose Lucas wanted them to--to be the bunny by the side of the road that saves the big bad monster from certain death. Sometimes fairy tales just have to work backward, and usually those are the ones that are most interesting! Those out there who are anti-Ewok just because the creatures look like animated teddy bears need to get a life. Cuteness is a really dumb reason to hate something. Nastiness--now, that's a different story.

Again, all in my humble opinion.

Mission to Mars (2000)

IMHO: /Mission to Mars (2000)/ (NO SPOILERS, unless you haven't seen Star Wars, Episode IV, A New Hope, yet, but plan to someday--ha, ha, ha)

[8/10 · 16 March 2000]

I liked the movie. (How's that for specific? <G>)

Seriously, though:

It was one of those films that works on all the emotions. There were places where I was laughing my butt off, and places where I felt like yelling "NO!" the way Luke Skywalker did when Ben Kenobi died in /A New Hope/. It even had me gripping the edge of my seat and tensing my shoulders a few times, and the only other movies that have done that have been /Titanic/ (of course), /The Fugitive/, both of Harrison's John Clancy movies, and /Presumed Innocent/. (Yeah, I like Harrison Ford a lot--so what? He's sexy. <G>) I feel the kinds of movies that work the gamut of your emotions like that are the best kind, because they satisfy all your expectations for a movie all in one sitting.

Another good thing about this movie was it made you think--HARD. There is definitely a part of it that's going to cause BIG controversy, but that's the best kind of movie, right??? <G>

Also, the ending held a mystery similar to /Titanic/'s ending for me. I can't say anymore about it, or it'll spoil it for you.

Oh, and for you S.E. gurus: The special effects were great, except the computer-graphic-generated people at the point of the film where such animation was required looked a little too Disney/cartoony for my tastes.

I still don't understand why so many people on the database rated it as "Awful." I'll have to ask my boyfriend, who saw it with me, whether he considered it to be "Awful." I gave it an "8."

That's all I've got for you. Hope it helps you decide whether or not you're interested in the film, if you hadn't already.

Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman: Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman (1993) Season 1, Episode 0

Looking for an emotional roller coaster? Here you go!

[10/10 · 20 January 2000]

I didn't start watching this show until the second season. I was instantly hooked, and I regretted terribly that I hadn't started watching from the beginning. I was disappointed with the recasting of two characters, but these things happen.

Other than that, the casting is excellent. Jane Seymour, of course, is always an excellent actress, full of poise and grace. Best of all, this show uses *actual* races to play the represented races (e.g., Native Americans play Native Americans, Hispanics play Mexicans, Chinese play Chinese, etc.)!

This show has tugged on my glad heart strings, has made me cry, angry, and has made me long for more. The acting sucks you in, the storyline keeps you coming back for more.

I disagree with those who have compared this to Little House on the Prairie, but it stands alone just fine.

Fantasia 2000 (1999)

You're going to love it.

[10/10 · 20 January 2000]

Everything was new except the classic Sorcerer's Apprentice piece, but the replacement pieces were even better than the originals! My favorite was the wood fairy and the caribou (moose?). I also liked the whales.

When the first piece began, I had a hard time catching my breath. It was that spectacular--that overwhelming.

Whether you're going to see it for the animation, the music, or the sheer enjoyment, you're going to love it.

Toy Story 2 (1999)

A great deal of fun for the young and old!

[10/10 · 20 January 2000]

The animation, as in the first, was very believable because of its exhaustive attention to detail. What I enjoyed best, though, was the fact that there were jokes added into the plot that only adults could understand: parallels with older sci-fi movies, the return of classic toys, etc.