dek1158 Reviews

Hardball (2001)

I expected more

[16 September 2001]

I'm not sure how to classify this movie, because it's inconsistent with the tone. One minute it's a comedy, then it's a suspense/thriller. Mixed in is a conventional inspirational-teacher-turns-kids'-lives motif. I've seen it before with better results. Judging by the preview, I thought Hardball would be in the same league as Dangerous Minds and Lean on Me.

I respect Keanu Reeves' and Diane Lane's work in other movies, but Hardball will not further their careers. I do not see any Academy Awards going to this film, maybe a Razzie or two.

Gone Fishin' (1997)

A waste of time and $4

[1/10 · 1 August 2001]

This review is only half as long as the ones I wrote for Flashdance and Top Gun. It's because I only watched half of the movie. I am quite disappointed in Danny Glover and Joe Pesci; they have made some entertaining films (with and without each other). I laughed once during the movie; I was making fun of the movie itself. There should be a disclaimer on the box: "Individuals under 10 years of age shouldn't watch this."

Flashdance (1983)

Great movie from a guy's perspective

[9/10 · 28 July 2001]

Flashdance is one of my Top Ten Films. I don't care that it has no twisting plot. I don't care that Jennifer Beals used a body double. I REALLY don't care that it's a chick flick. I love this movie!! Some people, after seeing Flashdance, choose to see a movie about exotic dancing. For one reason or another, I see a movie about chasing dreams, taking chances, and maximizing life.

Jennifer Beals' character Alex Owens's dream of attending a formal dance school and becoming a ballerina is the central theme of the film. Her friends Jeanie and Richie are aspiring figure skaters and stand-up comedians, respectively. However, Alex is the only dreamer receiving any encouragement. Her senior citizen friend Hannah, a former ballerina herself, gives Alex practical advice and unconditional faith. Jeanie's father openly criticizes Jeanie's dream as well as her beau, Richie. Richie, a cook at Mawby's Bar, is put down by his boss for wanting to go to Hollywood and being a comedian; "You're too short. They don't let short people into Hollywood."

The sub-plots facilitate Alex's dream to create a captivating story. To support herself (and possibly, to keep life interesting), Alex holds 2 jobs: a welder by day and a dancer at aforementioned Mawby's Bar during the night. Her welding boss Nick takes a liking to her and pursues her. Alex resists his charms but gives in eventually. Johnny C., the sleazy strip bar owner continually tries to lure Alex into dancing for him. As mentioned before, Alex's friends Jeanie and Richie have dreams of their own, and we see where their dreams take them.

The factor that made Flashdance a hit was the music, of course. "What a Feeling" took away an Oscar for Best Song. "I'll Be Here Where the Heart Is", sung by Kim Carnes ("Bette Davis Eyes") fits Alex's personal-crisis scene perfectly.

The first time I watched Flashdance was 4 years ago; I bought the video knowing I'd like it. After 20+ viewings, I still love it. Flashdance is for anyone who has a dream but not the courage to pursue it.

Shaft (2000)

I liked this movie, and I'm a white boy

[24 July 2001]

I don't think my race made a true impact on my enjoyment of Shaft. However, i was the only Caucasian in the theater that day. This African-American gave me an odd look. Anyways. . . Samuel L. Jackson is the best (and only) choice for the role. He's relatively young, charismatic, and black. He was born for the role. Jackson is multi-talented and versatile, enabling him to take on several kinds of roles.

The plot elements are logical and true to life. We have a rich boy who is allowed the chance to escape, due to his family, wealth and a moronic judge. The witness that can get him convicted is too scared to talk. Rich Boy puts out a contract on said witness. Even the end of the movie (which I will NOT spoil) is satisfyingly accurate.

To all you Samuel L. Jackson fans-- see him at his cinematic coolest. I am right about that!

Top Gun (1986)

TG is not as good as everyone says

[23 July 2001]

I'm not trying to step on anyone's foot here, but I think Top Gun is over-rated. It's not that I don't like Tom Cruise; in fact, he's one of my favorite actors. Whenever I watch TG, I don't feel the excitement that everyone else experiences. However, I do feel pumped up watching Days of Thunder. Both movies have the same star, same director, and similar plots. However, Days of Thunder adds more laughs to the thrills. Enough about Days of Thunder; I'm here to review Top Gun. Simply, Top Gun never met the high expectations.

The MPAA mistakenly rated Top Gun PG for Parental Guidance; that is an understatement. TG deserves a PG-13 rating in my humble opinion, because 1). there are two clear uses of obscene gestures, and 2.) the sex scene is too graphic for a PG movie. Every time I watch this movie with my dad, he skips past the sex scene. He doesn't do that because I'm too young; I'm old enough to drink and gamble. It's just that the scene is too offensive, even for a middle-aged man like my father.

Don't get me wrong; I don't hate Top Gun. It has taken me several viewings to enjoy this movie. I like all of the cool quotes (i.e. "Your ego is writing checks your body can't cash."). The supporting cast was well-chosen. ER's Anthony Edwards is great as Maverick's comical best friend and co-pilot. Kelly McGillis, still fresh from Witness, plays the resisting love interest. Future Batman Val Kilmer excels as Maverick's rival, the aptly named Iceman. Lastly, Director Tony Scott is skilled in his trade, and producers Jerry Bruckheimer and Don Simpson make up the best producer partnership I have ever seen.

I am grateful that Tom Cruise regained his stardom from Top Gun, leading the way to better films like Rain Man and Born on the Fourth of July. Maybe I'm wrong, and TG is the best movie Cruise ever did. I'll never believe it though.

All the Right Moves (1983)

an under-rated piece of entertainment

[21 July 2001]

A few years ago, I bought the video version of All The Right Moves without having seen it before. I loved it! The characters kept my eyes glued to the screen for the whole 90 minutes.

I emphasized with Stef's internal struggle to rise above his surroundings. Stef, played by one of my fave actors Tom Cruise, is similar to his character Joel from Risky Business. Both Stef and Joel have high hopes for their futures and almost jeopardize them.

As with his character Hayden Fox on the TV series Coach, Craig T. Nelson plays a football coach who is rough around the edges but has the capacity to redeem himself later.

Lea Thompson's Lisa has more value to the movie than just another girlfriend figure. She too has hopes for the future and feels cheated by the athlete-favored scholarship programs. When Stef verbally pushes her away, she doesn't immediately forgive him; she pulls him into her world first.

Nobody (so far) has mentioned the sound track; it's my favorite part of the movie. The songs do a superb job of setting the tone for the given scene. For example, when Stef is rounding second base with Lisa in the car, the bus ride to the big football game, the party, and the end credits. Sometimes, I watch ATRM just to hear "Blue Skies Forever," sung by Frankie Miller.

All the Right Moves is a good film to watch if you like high school football; are expecting an athletic scholarship; or if you don't like your coach. This movie paved the way for other football flicks like Varsity Blues. Look for it on The Family Channel or at used-movie stores.