jhazelett72 Reviews

Clash of the Titans (2010)

So awful it was good...MST3K quality work here

[5/10 · 1 August 2010]

My wife and I rented this film on DVD yesterday and watched it with one of our good friends. Each one of us was expecting something a little different than what we actually saw. I will not say anything specific about the movie so as not to "spoil" it, but I will say that it is a CGI masterpiece with a pathetic script and terrible acting (other than Gemma Arterton as Io) added simply to move it along to the next cool special effect. If anything else, the three of us enjoyed it because it was so easy to tear it apart and mock it for its campy feel. If you actually enjoyed the movie Reign of Fire, this is right up your alley. Otherwise, save your money for something better.

The Last Airbender (2010)

Not that bad...

[5/10 · 4 July 2010]

First, let me say that I never watched the Avatar TV series. Second, I had virtually no trouble figuring out what was going on. Third, while it's true that there are some cheesy moments and a couple of characters are woefully underdeveloped, overall it was not a bad movie experience. The acting was not the greatest, save for Dev Patel as Zuko. Aasif Mandvi, to me only recognizable as a corespondent on The Daily Show, was a bit of a surprise as Commander Zhao. As for M. Night Shyamalan, this was a monumental improvement over The Village and Lady in the Water. Plus, the visual and special effects were very well done. Definitely not the best movie I've seen lately, but also far from the worst. 7/10

The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009)

Better than I expected, and way better than others are saying!

[8/10 · 25 November 2009]

I'm having a significant amount of difficulty figuring out why New Moon is getting such a harsh reaction on IMDb. People on here have voted Children of Men, one of the most depressing, horrible films I have ever seen, an average of 8.1 stars. And yet, this film is at 4.5?! Now, I am an average guy. I like some sports movies, I love action, and I really don't like romantic comedies. I really enjoyed New Moon. Sure, the whole "sparkly" vampire thing is a little weird. However, it is done better here than in the first film. And the action is very cool.

My wife has read all 4 books multiple times, and she read the 2nd one again just before we went to see it in the theater. She said that some things did not happen the same way as in the book, and some things were left out or added here and there. People, it is a movie! This is what happens when books are made into movies. And for those of you who say it sends a bad message to girls, that is rubbish. Wake up, people! New Moon is a movie about vampires and werewolves, and one somewhat-normal girl who falls in love with a vampire. To imagine that a complete fiction such as this would be a life-lesson for anyone is ridiculous.

If you don't like the books, hated the first film, or have no interest in either, don't go see New Moon...you're just setting yourself up for disappointment. If you like the books, or even remotely enjoyed Twilight, then you should be happy with New Moon. In my opinion, it is an improvement on the series, and a very entertaining film.

Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)

Ridiculous!

[1/10 · 11 November 2008]

The original Hellboy succeeded in part because of the clever dialogue and interactions between the characters. This is where Hellboy II: The Golden Army falls far short. The story itself is interesting, but the spoken lines are cheesy at best. Watching the movie, I felt like it was very hastily put together, almost as if the producers of the first movie said to themselves "hey we should make another one of these because it did so well" and yet never really thought out how to do it. Sure, the action scenes are cool and the visuals are stunning. But that's where the greatness ends. I had thought beforehand that I would be annoyed listening to Doug Jones instead of David Hyde Pierce as the voice of Abe. That was the least of this film's problems. I am a huge fan of Hellboy, and its sequel was just a disappointment.

The Happening (2008)

I won't tell you the secret of The Happening...

[2/10 · 23 October 2008]

...because it just isn't worth it. I found myself initially curious, then almost bored to tears. I am so glad I did not see this in a theater as that would have been a waste of time and money.

So, by now you realize that I hated this film. I'm still trying to figure out how a brilliant writer/producer/director like M. Night Shyamalan could create masterpieces of film-making (The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, Signs) and then give us little nothings of movies (The Lady in the Water, The Village, and now The Happening). To be honest, I felt sorry for Paul Giamatti, Joaquin Phoenix, and Mark Wahlberg in these latter movies because each of them has talent...at least Joaquin Phoenix got to work with Shyamalan on a good day (Signs).

I won't bore you with any plot details for two reasons:

1. You've already read about the "plot" of the movie

2. There really isn't a plot.

The story never really makes you to care about any particular character, and I found it to be dull rather than creepy or even interesting. If you are a huge fan of Shyamalan then rent this film...but please don't waste more than a dollar if you can manage it.

P.S. I'm sure that M. Night Shyamalan won't read this comment or very many others, but I hope that with his next movie, whatever that is, we find the real him again.

The Prestige (2006)

Highly overrated...

[1/10 · 3 August 2008]

As a fan of Christopher Nolan's work on Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, I thought I would enjoy The Prestige as well. I was wrong. The good news is I just caught the film on Encore, so the only thing I wasted was my time.

I do not fault Mr. Nolan or any of the actors (save a lacking performance by Scarlett Johansson). The real problem here is the story. Without going into detail let me just say that the movie started with an interesting premise and devolved into a "I'm better than you" farce between the two main characters. I sat there in disbelief as Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman (both of whom I admire) were forced to lower themselves into a story like this. One of them wrongs the other somehow, and the other then returns the favor. This is Bale's most unfortunate film role choice since Reign of Fire.

Now don't get me wrong...as I said I do not fault the actors. Bale and Jackman performed as well as they could under the circumstances. However, since the story itself lost my interest, even the greatest actors in the world could not save it.

August Rush (2007)

A Sweet Melody

[9/10 · 17 November 2007]

My wife and I just returned from a sneak preview and we were blown away. Admitted music fans (I played alto saxophone and sang in my high school choir and my wife plays violin and viola), we had seen previews and were very excited to see the movie. We were not disappointed.

Freddie Highmore is mesmerizing as Evan Taylor/August Rush. His potential at this point is limitless and should not be marked by the "mixed" reviews this movie is receiving. Keri Russell and Jonathan Rhys Meyers are pitch-perfect in their roles as Lyla Novacek and Louis Connelly, unknowing parents of August. Terrance Howard is sincere in the role of Richard Jeffries, social worker. But the biggest surprise is Robin Williams as Wizard.

***SPOILER ALERT*** Only from reading a critic's review did we know that Wizard would turn out to be a bad guy. However, we were stunned to find out that Robin Williams plays a mean, greedy, and controlling jerk whose only goal is to manipulate young people into playing music on the street to make money for him. That being said, the fact that we hated Wizard so much in the movie shows that Robin Williams is as talented an actor as you will find in movies today.

***END SPOILER*** The only reason we are not giving August Rush 10 out of 10 stars is the limited back-story we get for many of the characters. It is not exactly clear why Lyla's father seems intent on ruining her life. Does her mother have any say? Why is Wizard so cruel? Did he grow up without parents and in foster care as it is suggested? These are just a few of the many questions for which we would have liked answers.

However, as August states in the beginning of the film, he thinks of music the way most people think of fairy tales. So a little story left to the imagination is acceptable. In the end, the movie touched our hearts. And though some are calling it too sentimental, it simply hit the right chord with us.

The Dukes of Hazzard (2005)

Pathetic!!

[1/10 · 15 November 2007]

I caught this movie on HBO and, even having not paid to see it, I want my money back!! I realize I could have changed the channel, but I just couldn't believe what I was seeing...like a train wreck where you know you shouldn't look but can't help it. This project should never have gotten a green light the way it is and the people involved (studio, writers, producers, directors, and actors) should all be ashamed. It lacks any of the characteristics which made the TV show enjoyable and potentially ruins any chance that a "good" movie based on the show will ever be made.

Johnny Knoxville and Seann William Scott are terrible as the Duke Boys (neither one can fake a good southern accent). Willie Nelson does his best as Uncle Jesse but the dialog doesn't do him any favors. Burt Reynolds as Boss Hogg in my opinion is the worst-cast character of the movie (Sorrell Booke should come back and haunt everyone associated with that decision). I won't even talk about how lame the plot is because there really isn't one worth mentioning.

I will say that Jessica Simpson is really hot as Daisy Duke, but she's also far too eager to strip down to a barely-there bikini rather than use her natural charm as Catherine Bach did in the original show. In fact, the only character that stays true to the TV show is the General Lee!

Over all, this movie is a worthless piece of garbage that never should have seen the light of day, let alone make it to any big screen. The only saving grace here is that it made me want to watch the TV show in order to get back to the real Duke Boys...and get the bad taste out of my mouth.

Phenomenon (1996)

Completely underrated film...

[9/10 · 19 August 2004]

I think a lot of people out there are missing the point of Phenomenon. It has nothing to do with aliens or super powers. I view it as a family drama with a few sci-fi elements thrown in to show how decent, hard-working people might react to them. I know that many of us (including myself) have fantasized about having some kind of special power: super-intelligence, telekinesis. However, how would we feel if we knew or witnessed someone who could seemingly prove it possible. Some of us would be skeptical, even though we might want to believe it were true. Watching this movie, I think it's as close to a "normal" response as Hollywood can get. I especially love the scene where Brent Spiner (known mostly for his role as Data in Star Trek: The Next Generation) is flabbergasted as he questions George (Travolta) for the government.

For those of you who like romance, there's no shortage of that either. Kyra Sedgwick brings charm and compassion to Lace, George's love interest and benefactor. Robert Duvall and Forest Whitaker provide strong support as George's friends who stand by him no matter what happens.

Rent it or buy it...you will be pleasantly surprised.

Crossing Jordan (2001–2007)

A wonderful show that anyone can enjoy

[8 March 2004]

I'm not sure why the user before me hates "Crossing Jordan" so much. In fact, I can't figure out why he suggests that the show started well but isn't worth watching any more. I agree that the show has changed slightly, but if it didn't no one would watch (it would be quite boring).

To the contrary, I think this show is just getting better. Jill Hennessy (still very sexy after her "Law & Order days) is really fun to watch. I love the fact that they're giving her a chance to show the rebellious side her fans have seen in a few movies, which to most people's misfortune they have not. Miguel Ferrer as Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Macy holds the line Jordan seems to keep crossing as best he can. The rest of the cast, most of whom have been on the show since it began, are usually up to the task. And the addition of Jerry O'Connell as "Woody" Hoyt just adds to the fun.

"Crossing Jordan" may not be the best show on TV, certainly not the greatest of all time, but it's definitely worth watching...despite what some people might tell you. 7/10 stars.

The Phantom (1996)

Worst Comic-Based Movie Ever!

[1/10 · 5 June 2003]

I work in a video store (I won't mention which one) and I had customers recommending this movie to me. I regret that I paid them any attention. I thought the all-star cast -- Billy Zane, Kristy Swanson, Treat Williams, Catherine Zeta-Jones -- along with the interesting story of the Phantom comic books would make for a great film. I was very wrong. Each star gives his or her worst possible performance ever, and the story was simply dull. I kept waiting for any moment of truth, any spark of ingenuity, but by the time the movie was finished I had found nothing worthy of my attention. And someone please tell me why Billy Zane had a ridiculous smirk on his face throughout the entire length of the show?? I thought maybe he was in on an inside joke and just didn't feel like sharing the humor. Even if you're a die-hard comic-book fan or a Phantom fan, do not rent or purchase this film. It will most certainly be a waste of your time.

D3: The Mighty Ducks (1996)

Uplifting

[7/10 · 8 September 2002]

I'm not sure exactly why so many people think of the Mighty Ducks movies as silly and pointless. I was never good at sports, but I have always believed that, with proper coaching, any sport could teach children and teenagers about life. The third installment of this series, directed more toward teenagers than anyone else, really shows how teamwork and positive thinking can overcome obstacles and help them grow. I have seen D3 many times and yet as I recently bought the DVD and watched it again, I couldn't help but cheer for the Ducks.

Deep Impact (1998)

Breathtaking!

[8/10 · 4 December 2001]

Other viewers have compared this movie to "Armageddon" with Bruce WIllis. I don't think that's fair. "Armageddon" was good because the writers and producers knew what it was: a slam-bang action thriller with definite comedy and science fiction elements. "Deep Impact" is good because it takes a look at the possibility from the other end of the spectrum: how would we truly act as citizens of the Earth if we thought it might be destroyed? It's always been interesting to me that I enjoyed both films fairly equally. Whenever I'm asked to compare them I have to tell people that they are two completely separate movies, rather than two movies about the same thing. And that's what I'll tell you. If you're looking for that roller-coaster ride of a movie, see "Armageddon." If you want a true drama that shows how we as humans might react in a very serious situation, I highly recommend "Deep Impact." I must add this note: I agree completely with the previous reviewer who said that Morgan Freeman's performance as the President in this movie is perhaps the finest performance of anyone in that role, and more screen time for him would have made the film even better.

Phenomenon (1996)

An Inspiration!

[9/10 · 6 September 2001]

An ex-girlfriend talked me into seeing this movie, and I am happy she did. In my opinion, John Travolta deserved at least a nomination for an Oscar here, if not the award itself. The story was decent, but the performances of Travolta, Forest Whitaker, Robert Duvall, and Kyra Sedgwick made me care about what was happening on the screen. By no means is this a romantic comedy. It's romantic, probably the most romantic film I have seen in a long time. The reason for that is simple...it's real. In most movies you see the main characters sleep together within a day at the most, which rarely happens with two people who are really in love. True love has to take time and effort, which is exactly what you see here. Travolta's George is patient, but not because he wants to be. If you're a romantic at heart you will understand and relate to him, and you will hope for his success as you would for your own. Without giving anything away, I will tell you that the ending is sad, but also heartwarming. George has his "experience" for no other reason than to suggest what we as humans can become. Phenomenon is a story about our potential, the good and bad things that can happen to us if we achieve it. We could only be so lucky, and watching the movie is a good start. I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Forrest Gump (1994)

Undeniably fantastic!

[10/10 · 28 August 2001]

I had been counting the days until this title was released on DVD. I always tell my friends and other people that a true movie fan cannot choose just one favorite movie, but if I had to make a choice, it would be Forrest Gump. Contrary to other opinions here, I believe this movie is inteligent. It is the epitamy of American life.

As a movie, Forrest Gump has something for everyone--humor, drama, action, and romance. As a story, it tells of a man who, though not the brightest crayon in the box, can take part in any historical event. Tom Hanks is the only person who could make this character work, period. He plays Forrest with an unwitting charm...you just have to care what happens to him. In my opinion, it is the best performance of his career and more than deserving of the Oscar which he received.

Forrest Gump is a simple tale of a simple man who, for some reason (and watching you really don't care why), is present for nearly every important event in America's most recent history. Forrest's momma, played by Sally Field in one of her finest performances, is his guide through most of his early life. She teaches him that just because he's different, that doesn't mean he isn't special.

Forrest's romantic interest is Jenny, a young girl with whom he is very much in love. Fate delivers them onto separate paths, and yet Forrest and Jenny seemed destined to always be together. The point here is, just as in our reality, things happen that change our lives and we grow apart from those about whom we care. Forrest seems to just shrug these changes off and love Jenny unconditionally, the way true love should really be.

Overall, the performances are touching, the music is beautiful, and the story itself is thought-provoking and meaningful. The DVD has a ton of extra features, though most of them are behind-the-scenes peeks. If you don't own Forrest Gump on video or DVD, I highly recommend you pick it up. After all, "life is like a box of chocolates...you never know what you're gonna get."

The Presidio (1988)

Better-than-average thriller

[8/10 · 22 August 2001]

Despite what some people have said about this movie, I must tell you I thoroughly enjoyed it. Sean Connery, as always, gets into his character Lt. Col. Caldwell very well (he should be cast as a military officer more often). Meg Ryan, though limited in screen time, shines as his daughter Donna...they're father-daughter sessions make for some good drama.

Mark Harmon, who for some reason hasn't received many offers to star in big movie roles, plays Jay Austin. He's a cop who used to be an MP at The Presidio, the base at which a murder takes place. Harmon does an excellent job, both as Donna's lover and Caldwell's unwanted partner.

The fact is, the performances are wonderful, the story is fascinating, and the chase scenes create pulse-pounding excitement. If you like action, romance, drama, and a little humor every now and then, I recommend The Presidio.

Speed 2: Cruise Control (1997)

Not that bad

[7/10 · 19 June 2001]

I'm very surprised by the enormity of the negative voting here for Speed 2. I enjoyed the first Speed just as much as everyone, and yet I believe that Speed 2 was a decent sequel. True, without Mr. Reeves it doesn't feel quite the same, but I think Sandra Bullock does an excellent job with a poor script. And Jason Patrick would be a good hero if only people would give him a chance. Willem Defoe is a terrific villain in his role, and overall the movie has more good elements than bad. The fact that it's a sequel to a fantastic movie is what makes it so hard to be objective. I hope more people will realize that Speed 2 is not as bad as they think.