DCJerzeygrl Reviews

Twilight (I) (2008)

east coast Twilight screening

[5/10 · 19 November 2008]

Surprisingly good, of course it is sometimes a bit sugary, but that's to be expected in a teenage love story. Catherine Hardwicke did a great job, I love her edge. The casting director did well in choosing actors not movie stars to flesh out the book. Robert Pattinson plays the 'Hero' with the right amount of self-loathing and swagger. Kristen Stewart is believable and has a wonderfully tough vulnerability. You can almost see the supporting cast holding back a smile or grin, which made it even better. The Pacific Northwest looks gorgeous. It is a very important character in the film. Twilight made me want to take a trip to Oregon and Washington. A walk along the Cannon Beach coastline or canoe down the Salmon River would be lovely. And it would be worth every penny to hire a guide to hike to the stunning Multnomah Falls. Twilight's target audience will definitely see this movie several times. I believe the film will reach the magic box office number it needs to make sequels : )

Grace Is Gone (2007)

Military Family film

[10/10 · 5 December 2007]

Lloyd Dobler is dead, long live the actor John Cusack.

This honest slice of military family life elevates JC out of those mindless, cutesy romantic/comedy roles, thank god. He's almost unrecognizable as the middle-age man trapped inside anyone's worst nightmare. A combat death in the family robs his daughters of their childhood innocence and he's not emotionally equipped to process it. Alessandro Nivola, Shelan O'Keefe and Gracie Bednarczyk are a fantastic supporting cast. First time director James C. Strouse wrote the screenplay with Cusack in mind. Clint Eastwood was convinced by John Cusack, who also produced, to score the film. Thanks John, many illustrious awards shall be placed at your feet.

This is the official movie URL http://www.graceisgone-themovie.com/

Live Free or Die Hard (2007)

Random thoughts....

[28 June 2007]

Here are my random thoughts after viewing this film:

Bruce Willis is a class act!

Justin Long has his great moment in an On-Star bit with Bruce. It's obvious Kevin Smith absolutely loved doing this film and he played his part perfectly. Timothy Olyphant, who plays the snarky antagonist, is an all-around good guy. Len Wiseman did well to hire Acrobat/Stunt Coordinator, Cyril Raffaelli (District 13) as a bad guy.

This could have been a perfect 10, but it still delivers enough sarcasm, bullets, explosions, kicks and punches to make it well worth your time. A solid summer flick.

Flags of Our Fathers (2006)

another nomination for Clint

[10/10 · 19 October 2006]

A great film showing war as it was, and is: ugly, frantic, corporate, confusing, frustrating and very sad. Soldiers accompany their friends into horrific situations with terrible consequences. Ryan Phillippe, Adam Beach & Jesse Bradford are WONDERFUL. Paul Walker did not suck. Neal McDonough & Barry Pepper are great (pepper is older but still hot...fell in love with his bible-quoting sniper in SPRyan). Paul Haggis re-wrote the screenplay, which I really enjoyed. The music is haunting as done by Clint, as well as his son Kyle. Please don't leave when the lights go up. B&W photos of the real people this film was based on are shown during the credits. I will see this film quite a few more times.

Saved (2006)

my 2 cents.....

[10/10 · 30 July 2006]

Tom Everett Scott is the heart & soul of 'Saved'. He makes this show work. Yes, the rest of the cast was thoughtfully-chosen and they interact wonderfully. However, if T.E. Scott was not the lead character I wouldn't be watching, and I don't believe I'm in the minority. He has that thing you can't turn away from or ignore. Rita Wilson saw it, bless her heart, and because of her he was cast in Tom Hanks, "That Thing You Do." The choice of music is smart and a breathe of fresh air as well. Even Wyatt's t-shirts make a difference. Can't wait till they release the DVD, I want it. 'Saved' is the best show on cable right now, don't miss it!! Oh, and for the record, I work for 2 doctors, both my brothers are doctors and I was set to marry one, but didn't (thank goodness).

The Lake House (2006)

why the film works....

[9/10 · 13 June 2006]

Yes my Darlings, this is a dramatic, funny, romantic, time-travelin' movie. And the film succeeds because the chemistry between Keanu & Sandra is tangible. They've worked together before & genuinely like each other. It's the most important element; because their comfort level helps you believe the story and forget that you're watching Sandra & Keanu. As the characters get to know each other through correspondence, the film seduces you into suspended belief. Your left-brain's logical, analytical, fact-based reasoning doesn't want you to root for them, but your heart does. This film skips over the scientific & enables you to explore the tiniest possibilities of 'what if.......' Yes, it's corny, but so what. So is ROMANCE! See it with someone you desire.

X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)

...........Wow.........Wow.................Wow

[10/10 · 25 May 2006]

Having read everything about the XMen 3 -Last Stand, I was still surprised & happy/sad at the end of this movie. Yes, there's a hot scene between Logan & Jean Grey (or is it Dark Phoenix?). Yes, there are major deaths on both sides of the fight between the X-Men & Magneto's Brotherhood of Mutants. Yes, there are good 'funny lines' delivered by my personal favorite - Hugh Jackman. Though not enough brutal Wolverine fight scenes ---- as in X2 when he's defending Xavier's School. Good news is the transformation of Jean Grey to Dark Phoenix. It's subtle, tense, yet horrifying. Unfortunately, Mystique is not given enough screen time (she's my 2nd favorite Mutant). However, Ellen Page (star of 'Hard Candy') is perfect for Kitty Pryde and so is a beefed-up Vinnie Jones as the Juggernaut. Even if this movie does exceedingly well, I really don't think they could round up the main cast back for a 4th installment. Best way to go is with Hugh Jackman and the 'Wolverine' film. Wolverine's current screenwriter is David Benioff (husband to Amanda Peet). They don't have a director yet, but I don't think they'll have a problem securing one. The question is would Bryan Singer direct? After Brett Ratner punk'd poor Hugh Jackman on MTV......I don't think he'll work with him again, though I could be wrong. Enjoy and don't leave your seat till after all the credits roll.

Eight Below (2006)

solid....

[9/10 · 8 February 2006]

family film. Though I'm not Disney's #1 fan, this is good work from them. My friend Pai-Yei is a Climatologist, who's lived in the arctic collecting ice samples. The danger of living in the harsh environment makes for some very interesting photos & humorous stories. The same is reflected in this film. Jason Biggs comes across well as the 'jester' of the group. Bruce Greenwood is good as the scientist. The group's pilot, Moon Bloodgood, is attractive eye-candy. Studmuffin, Paul Walker, IS thee tracker/dog-sledder. He's a proud, concerned, worried, fussy parent to his dogs and you believe him. Of course, it doesn't hurt that he actually is a dog-lover and parent. Definitely worth full-price admission!!

The World's Fastest Indian (2005)

Tony Hopkins shines

[9/10 · 1 February 2006]

Caught an advance screening of Tony Hopkins newest film on Monday. I didn't have any pre-conceived notions. Thankfully, I was pleasantly rewarded with a well-done, small film, filled with great performances. Of course, Tony Hopkins does a fabulous job. The man playing Jim Moffet possesses a handsome, eerily familiar face. His name is Christopher Kennedy Lawford. You may have seen him before in movies like Russia House, Doors, Thirteen Days, etc. But it is his father, Peter Lawford, that springs to mind, when you see Christopher's face. You should definitely see this movie. It's a little film that speaks volumes. Then, do yourself a favor & purchase Christopher's book "Symptoms of Withdrawal: A Memoir of Snapshots and Redemption." It will change the way you look at your life.

Serenity (2005)

Better than everything.....!!

[10/10 · 6 October 2005]

Thank goodness the smart people at Universal did the right thing and got this movie made. What a pleasure!! I was so entranced in the plot, that I'm looking forward to seeing this film in the theatre EVERY WEEKEND, for the next few months. AND I will be bringing all my friends. Joss Whedon & his crew does NOT disappoint. I'm hoping with the big turnout, Universal will greenlight at least 2 more movies. The entire cast & crew were so dedicated, that it shows in every frame. And all the characters enjoy a moment of humor. If you have not yet seen the series Firefly on DVD, I highly suggest buying or borrowing it from a friend. This knocks the stuffing out of the majority of Hollywood releases in the past 2 yrs -- what a relief. Good job Guys!!!!!

The Constant Gardener (2005)

"No country is as unfair as the world itself"

[10/10 · 27 July 2005]

"City of God" director, Fernando Meirelles, does NOT disappoint with his film translation of the John Le Carré novel "The Constant Gardener." His treatment of the violence is on par with "COG." Subtly shown, emotionally felt, yet not glorified. In comparing the slums I've personally seen in South America, I'm drawn to the Kenyan slums on film, because of the way Fernando renders them. Yes, they are terrible, but you really don't want to look away.

Unfortunately, I have not read the novel; therefore I cannot draw conclusions (this situation will be remedied next week).

Major kudos to Ralph Fiennes for choosing Fernando Meirelles as director and to Richard McCabe, Pete Postlethwaite, Rachel Weisz, Bill Nighy, Hubert Koundé, Gerard McSorley for a job well done – they're a fabulous cast. "The Constant Gardener" is a visually alive, emotionally moving film, not as ferocious as "City of God" but thought-provoking nonetheless.

Personally, I found Mr. Meirelles focused, curious, not at all jaded & cynical, down-to-earth, warm and compassionate. He conducted a Q&A after the screening of "The Constant Gardener" in Washington, DC last night. At the post-screening reception, Mr. Meirelles graciously made himself accessible to all attendees. I hope the lovely people of Venice accept "The Constant Gardener" to their festival!!

Mr. Meirelles is currently making a new movie that, through the effects of globalization, unites 5 different stories of people, spanning a myriad of cultures in Brazil, China, Kenya, NYC and the desert. Best of Luck!

Lords of Dogtown (2005)

Z Boys

[10/10 · 18 May 2005]

Caught this film last night by happy accident. My friend Tonja had an advance screening pass, so we went. Didn't have any expectations, so I was surprised by the interesting & creative cast of actors -Emile Hirsch, Victor Rasuk, John Robinson, Michael Angarano, Heath Ledger, Rebecca DeMornay & Johnny Knoxville. The soundtrack KICKS arse & I have to have it!! A bunch of skateboarders attended the screening & added some 'spice' to the event with their comments, applause & attitude. They even got on their boards outside the theatre after the movie! Since I grew up in the 70s, at the same time the Z-boys were carving their place in history, I felt closer to them then a lot of the kids in the audience. The lingo, music & dress were all integral parts of the plot.

The Director, Catherine Hardwicke does a good job of capturing the vibe & the boys "70s essence." I have much more respect for the sport now because of this movie. The Z-Boys have had such an impact on our society today...it's almost unbelievable.

Dear Frankie (2004)

Dear Frankie

[10/10 · 25 April 2005]

LUVED IT! I received an invitation from a movie reviewer friend to accompany him to this special advance screening. The theatre was packed & you could hear an audible sigh from the females in the audience, whenever Gerald Butler was on-screen. Not just eye-candy, Mr. Butler's subtle portrayal as a compassionate loner was spot-on and I couldn't have pictured any other actor in the role. The director (Shona Auerbach) did the audience a HUGE favor by casting Gerald Butler, Emily Mortimer & Jack McElhone.

I consider myself to be one of the lucky ones to have seen this film before it came out. I highly recommend it!! And if it's not playing in your area, rent it online. When it's released, buy it! Too bad the Hollywood marketing machine doesn't promote these types of films the way they get behind mediocre, horror films...ugh!

Sahara (2005)

Sahara is worth a look

[8/10 · 24 February 2005]

By accident, I caught an advance screening of this movie last night in DC. I'd heard negative reviews, but thankfully did not let that cloud my judgment. The chemistry between Matthew McConaughey & Steve Zahn is palpable. I didn't think the chemistry between Penelope & Matthew sizzled, till the end. But since we all know now that they're together...I find it amusing. Good for them!! The location shots for this movie are phenomenal, esp Morocco. I'm bringing ALL my Moroccan friends to the movie when it is released. It's similar to National Treasure, but not as slick. There was more sarcastic humor throughout National Treasure, but there's great buddy chemistry in Sahara. I HOPE that Steve Zahn & Matthew McConaughey do a sequel or at least another movie together. This film is worth the price of full admission.

Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior (2003)

Tony Jaa is a GREAT GUY!!

[10/10 · 8 February 2005]

I was invited (at the last minute) to a sneak screening of 'Ong-Bak, Thai Warrior' last night in Washington, DC. Had no idea what the movie was about nor who was in it. My friend only sits in the third row from the front, so I had to follow suit. THANK GOD, it was an impressive movie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! After the movie credits rolled, the PR person announced that the star of the film, Tony Jaa, would be making an appearance! He walked in and received a standing ovation. He smiled, waved, bowed and said thank you. Once up front, he immediately dropped into a split, then executed some amazing gymnastic kicks & flips. 5 other martial artists then came in and they proceeded with a 10 min. demonstration. It was very, very impressive. Tony then sat down and signed posters and postcards of the movie. Afterwards, the few people still there were able to pose with him for pictures. Most people just took shots with their cell phones. I had my trusty 35mm camera and snapped off some shots. Tony Jaa (Phanom Yeerum) is a lovely person and deserves all the best in everything.

The Woodsman (2004)

This is a MUST-SEE film!!

[10/10 · 4 January 2005]

I was extremely lucky to see an advance screening on Dec. 28th. EVERY SINGLE PERSON in the theatre was rendered speechless.

Kevin Bacon & Kyra Sedgewick are PHENOMENAL!! The editing is tight, the writing superb. The entire cast gives extremely emotional, taut, yet subtle performances.

This is a rare fish in an ocean choked with junk...sigh! Don't let the subject matter scare you away. It would be a crime not to see this film.

Please take into account -- this movie review was written by a jaded, cynical, sarcastic, Cinephile. I will never be the same.