ForReal84 Reviews

Ellen DeGeneres: Here and Now (2003 TV Special)

Funny Funny Funny!!!!!

[23 May 2005]

I have to say that Ellen is one of the funniest people I have ever had the pleasure of watching. She talks about things that we can all relate too. From pretending to run when we trip, to waving to someone that isn't who we think " That's not Nancy." She talks about the things that we all think, but often don't say because we would look strange. Everything about this comedy special is funny, from her facial expression, to her jokes, she made me laugh out loud. I have seen this special about ten times and every time I laugh like it's the first time I've seen it. She has this energy about her that not too many people have. I think that she truly is one of the funniest people that we have in the entertainment industry. I really enjoyed watching this and suggest that anyone who is looking to laugh should see this. I promise you that you'll laugh every time she speaks. I give this special film an A.

House of Wax (2005)

Whatever happened to baby Jane?

[8/10 · 23 May 2005]

Like many people when I heard that they were remaking another movie, I rolled my eyes and went about my business. Then when I head that tabloid queen Paris Hilton was going to be in it, well I laughed out loud. I thought the only acting she did was in her infamous sex tape. When I saw the trailer for the film I was still not impressed, it was until I started watching Movie House on MTV, where I began to show interest in the movie. After seeing the film, I have to say that one should never judge a book by its cover. The story is actually pretty good, except for the fact that people go snooping around strangers houses... which I'm sorry would never happen. There were some scary parts in the film that made me jump. I think it had an awesome soundtrack, especially the show that played during the end credits. Elisha Cuthbert is one of the best up and coming actresses today, while she had little to work with on this film, I think she did the best she could. The same can be said for Paris Hilton, while she is far from a great actress, she did a good job with her character. I think she has potential to be better, if she picks movies that will show her range. Chad Michael Murray and Jared Padaleck also give good performances. I think the whole cast worked well together, and in my opinion that can make or break any movie. I liked this movie as a whole, I only hope they don't make a sequel. I give this film a B-.

House of the Dead (2003)

It's so bad!

[1/10 · 23 May 2005]

House of the Dead is one of the worst movies I have ever seen. I didn't finish the movie because I couldn't sit through it any more. The acting sucks the characters are stupid, the only thing that was OK was the music. I would not make someone I hate watch this movie, it's just so boring. I can't believe that someone thought this was a good idea to make into a movie.The video game is cool, so I thought the movie would at least be interesting. I was dead wrong. I am a big zombie movie fan, but this one sucks I would recommend watching Dawn of the Dead. I can only hope that the actors in this film can overcome how bad this was. Watch this movie only if you have nothing else to do, or you want to see just how bad it is. I give this movie a big fat F-!

Shark Tale (2004)

Oh what a tale!

[7 November 2004]

Shark Tale is one of the best family films of the year! It was extremely funny and provided a lot of jokes that those young and old could laugh at. The film was accompanied by a pretty good soundtrack. Will Smith voices the lead, Oscar (Smith) lies to his underwater community and tells everyone that he is a shark slayer. Believing this to be turn everyone looks at him as a first class fish and he is given the life that he's always dreamed of. There are a lot of amazing actors in the film that provide great voice overs. There is also a lot of color that really makes this film visually exciting. There was also a few cameos that made for a good laugh. I think that kids young and old and adults old and older will really enjoy this film! I really enjoyed this film and look forward to seeing it again!

Saw (2004)

* * * *

[7 November 2004]

SAW in my opinion, is one of the top ten thrillers of all time. I saw Saw last night during it second weekend of national release. Everyone was telling me that it was an awesome movie and that I had to see. It was an adventure to see it because every theater me and my friend went to it was sold out. We finally found a theater and we couldn't believe what we saw. The film starts out a little slow but after the first 30 minutes it picks up and sends you on a roller coaster. I found myself a little confused throughout the whole then, then in the last ten minutes everything comes together and I was very impressed.Saw is the story of two men who awake to a highly confusing and often scary game. Together they must put together the clues they have and solve this terrifying mystery. The acting in the film could have been a little better in my opinion, but everything really worked well together. The suspense was great and the ending was just plain amazing. It was a great movie all around and I highly recommend it!

Open Water (2003)

Where the hell is the boat?

[24 August 2004]

From the feed back that most people seem to be giving about this film is pretty negative, in fact, when the film was finished most of the people leaving the theater were saying they wanted their money back. But for me as a future filmmaker I found this film to be very enjoyable. It wasn't action filled and there was more talk then action. To me this film is about what happens when you are stripped of everything you know and have to deal with what you have. Don't get me wrong I would have liked a little more action with the sharks, but hey it was a pretty good film non the less. Open Water is probably the simplest of films it was made for virtually no money and its two stars are pretty much unknowns, yet somewhere this film seems that is has captured something that no amount of money and effects could do. It captured the real feeling of what it may feel like to be stuck in the middle of the ocean. All in all I'd say this is a good film, if anything go see it for yourself before you listen to what everyone else has to say. B-

Saved! (2004)

God only knows

[13 June 2004]

Saved is one of the best teen themed movies. It is very funny and has an amazing cast of up and comers. Saved is a story about a group of Christian students at a Christian school who have very Christian values. Mary is one of the most popular girls at the school she has it all. One day while swimming with her friends she learns that her perfect boyfriend has a little secret. After finding out about her boyfriend Mary sets out on a mission from God, to Save him by going all the way. After drowning herself in a world of problems, she soon starts to question her faith. Jena Malone, who I believe to be one of the best up and coming actresses, turns in a top notch performance as Mary, her comic timing as well as her softness makes for a clever, humorous performance. I'll admit it when I'm wrong, and I was wrong when it comes to Mandy Moore. As far as being a singer I'm sure she's great, but that's really not my kind of music. After seeing her in The Princess Diaries I thought she needed serious acting lessons, then after viewing A Walk to Remember I thought that she was good but anyone can play nice. Now after seeing Saved I thought she was one of the best actors in the film, she turned in a very funny performance she was very good at being bad. Eva Amurri who is so beautiful also does a great job, I actually think she turns in the best performance, she deserves some kind of critical attention maybe a Golden Globe nominations? The whole cast works very well together and separate, Saved is one of the funniest films of the year and deserves it's place as being one of the best sex themes teen comedies of all time. I give this film an A and 3.8 stars out of 4.God only knows we need more movies like this!

The Girl Next Door (2004)

Can I move in?

[8/10 · 28 April 2004]

The Girl Next Door is a really funny movie about a guy who for his whole life has played by the rules. Matt Kidman is a straight-laced guy who never does anything wrong until he sees the girl of his dreams. In his final year at high school, he decides to go a little wild. One night while taking out the garbage he sees a beautiful girl walking into the house next door. Danielle is the kind of girl that will and does change Matt's life; she turns his ordinary life into one crazy adventure after another. Soon the two bond and have a strong relationship. After a while he learns that Danielle is not who she says she is. Matt soon finds that his life is spinning out of control and the only one who can fix it is him. Now with the help of his friends he will go the limit and achieve something that no one ever though he was capable of doing. Up and comers Emile Hirsch and Elisha Cuthbert play the two leads in the film, their on screen chemistry is extremely well-matched. They are two great young actors who are perfect for their roles. The film is very funny, a little predictable, but a good film in all. I give The Girl next Door a C + and 2.9 out of 4.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Where's the sunscreen?

[8/10 · 29 March 2004]

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a first rate comedy that will leave you glued to the screen in amazement and confusion. This film does not have the usual characteristics that create a laugh out loud comedy; it is unusual and highly independent. It rises above most comedies and finds that a few laughs are hard to come by, but with a cast and story like this, Sunshine is a perfect comedy that keeps you guessing all the while making you laugh. No one ever said that it was easy to get over the one you love. For Joel Barish he is learning that lesson in the most extreme way. After a chance meeting with an unusual woman named Clementine Kruczynski, Joel finds that this perfect romance soon turns out to be like nothing he had ever imagined. After a strange breakup, Joel and Clementine go on their separate ways, soon Joel finds himself in the shadow of the woman that he loved, he gets an even bigger surprise when she has no idea who he is. She acts as though she never knew him, and he soon finds out that she had him erased from her mind. Now trying to get over her he does the same thing, the only way to get over her is to remove her from his mind. Along the way Joel and Clementine meet some of the strangest people to ever grace their lives. Jim Carrey plays Joel and he is amazing, I believe that he deserves to receive an Oscar nomination. This is a performance that we have never seen him in. Kate Winslet who is one of the best actresses around, turns in another first rate performance. She is very funny and has a soft side that makes for a perfect choice for this character. Kirsten Dunst, Elijah Wood, Mark Ruffalo, and Tom Wilkinson, make up a wonderful supporting cast that are all great playing each one of their characters. This really is a great movie; Charlie Kaufman has yet again given us an out of this world movie going experience sure to leave you laughing all the way to the bathroom. There is also a softer side that will make you think about what could happen if you really could erase someone from your mind. This film is so original and so great; there are also some neat twists that drive this film to a place in movie making history. I have to give this film 3.5 stars out of 4 and an A!

Dawn of the Dead (2004)

This dawn is no yawn

[8/10 · 27 March 2004]

DAWN OF THE DEAD (2004) is one of the best remakes or re-envisioning of a classic film. Actually this is not a remake at all, everything is different expect for the title and the whole mall idea. While I am a huge fan of the original and I believe that it is stupid and a waste of time to revisit an old idea, I found this film to be better then the original concept. I can't imagine what it would be like if something like this were to happen in `real' life. I'm happy that this hasn't happened yet, but it is quite an experience watching it happen to a group of characters. When I first heard that there was going to be another film called Dawn of the Dead, I was hoping that it was not going to be in any way connected to the one that I have seen a million times. I mean if you saw the remake of the original Night of the Living Dead, then you may know what I'm talking about…talk about a waste of time, that was one of the worst films I have ever seen. But back to the new Dead, I saw the first ten minutes of the film air on the USA network a couple of days ago and from then on I was hooked. It stopped right after the main character Ana crashes her car into a tree. Sitting in the theater I couldn't wait for that to finish so I could see the rest of the film. Believe me I was not let down, I think that this is an awesome movie filled with some great scares and a few laughs. So many times horror films lose steam half way through the film, but Dawn only built up steam. From the first ten minutes one can get a sense that this is going to be a fast paced film, and see that there is not going to be much time to breath. I also found all of the characters to be very interesting, although I thought there were a few too many characters. In the original there are four people who must survive, but in the remake there are a lot more people that we have to watch out for. Many of them were just there to stand in the back, and were cause for a great death scene.

After a hard day's work the only thing that Ana wanted was some r and r, but what she got was a whole different story. The film takes us on a wild ride in the lives of a group of strangers who come together to fight for their lives. After awaking to a horrifying sight, Ana must escape from the man that she has come to know and love. Soon Ana finds herself with of group of other desperate strangers who take refugee in a near by shopping mall. Inside the mall the meet three security guards and take in a rig full of helpless outsiders looking for a safe base. Inside the mall they keep out the living dead and try to go on with their lives while waiting for help. As everyone one knows that all good things must come to an end, so the group which has been downsized, decide to escape the mall and travel to an island where they can rebuild their broken lives. Now with a plan in hand a small group of the living must outsmart a large group of the dead.

Usually in most horror films there are up and coming actors (who can't act scared if a zombie bit them in the ass) who are living in their fifteen minutes of fame. Rarely do we get the treat of watching a group of talented actors scream their way through a film, well in this fright fest we are exposed to a group of very talented actors. Playing Ana, Sarah Polley delivers a strong performance playing an even stronger character. Her mix of rage and beauty helps her to take charge of the screen. Ving Rhames, whom I believe to be one of the most underrated actors, take charge in this film. He is an amazing actor and turns in another solid performance. Jake Weber and Mekhi Phifer play too very different characters and are very believable in their roles. Kevin Zegers and Lindy Booth, who are reuniting a second time on screen after their small roles in another excellent horror film WRONG TURN, play their characters in unique ways. For Zegers, who has few lines, he is very demanding when he is one screen and Booth, plays the helpless girl to a tee. While all of the other actors deserve to be mentioned I think that by saying they all do an excellent job is fair enough, because many times audiences are not paying attention to the performances the actors are giving anyway.

Dawn of the Dead truly is a film worth seeing. There are good performances, a solid recreation of a classic, an awesome score, many scares, and even a few laughs. If you haven't seen it go see it right now stop reading get in your car and go…if not for anything else go to at least check out the ending. Dawn has one of the best endings to a horror movie that I have seen in a long time it is scary and original. I am going to give Dawn of the Dead 3.7 stars out of 4 and an A-!

Starsky & Hutch (2004)

Not that funny

[27 March 2004]

Starsky and Hutch is the film version of the popular television series. I have never seen the show and after seeing the movie I'm not too excited about seeing it. Now this film offered a few laughs, but most of them were shown in the trailer. Snoop Dogg was the best part of the film, he is really funny and can act. He isn't great but he was good in this role. I believe that Ben Stiller is one of the best comics around and Owen Wilson is pretty much good in everything he does, but this film falls short somewhere. Directed by Todd Phillips, who has some great films to his credit, I was not very impressed by this film, I found it to be unoriginal and not that funny. I give this film a D+ and 2.8 stars out of 4.

The Passion of the Christ (2004)

Holy Moly

[9/10 · 19 March 2004]

Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ is the best film of 2004! It is a story that almost everyone is familiar with. The film follows the final hours before Jesus Christ was crucified. At first I thought the reading of a constant sub-titled film would be hard, I thought I'd be paying more attention to what is being said then actually watching what is going on. I found myself to be very wrong, yes the whole film is sub-titled, but it had little effect on me. In fact, there is not a whole lot to read. It seems that throughout the two hours there is less talking and more actions taken place on the screen. I think that this is the first time that I can truly say that for two hours I was fixed on the screen. To be honest if there wasn't all of the hype around this film, I don't know if I would have been so interested in seeing it, I thought that it was going to be one of those movies that leaves it's viewers depressed. To some this film may do just that, but for this viewer, and yes it was at times hard to watch, but I left feeling uplifted. This film is about the struggle that one man went through for us, he did this so we could live, through his death he gave us life and that is amazing part. I also had a feeling that one should always stand up for what he or she believes in, because in the end we are all the same. I know that may sound like a stupid and childish notion to take away from such a powerful film, but I believe that in the worst of times evil will fall and hope will rise. That is something that Jesus Christ has taught me everyday of my life. There were points during the movie that I wanted to stand up and jump through the screen and help him carry the cross, or stop the men from beating him. I think that Mr. Gibson has captured something on film that has never and will never be brought to screen again. This is simply an amazing film that one would have to see for themselves.

I can't imagine that playing Jesus Christ is easy, but Jim Caviezel did an amazing, outstanding, perfect job. He undoubtedly has delivered the best performance of the year and probably of his up and coming career. Maia Morgenstern gave another brilliant performance in the film, she delivered one of the most heart breaking performances to date. As Mary, Jesus' mother, she plays it with such grace, in a role with little speaking lines her presence on screen in captivating. I truly believe that she and Mr. Caviezel deserve any and every award that they could possibly receive for their work in this film. Mel Gibson does a great job with the direction of this piece; he truly is a master at what he does. He is a good actor but a great filmmaker, The passion of the Christ is a movie event in history, it is an astonishing film that will stay with you for a long time. I think it is a movie that family and friends should see together, I saw it with a very good friend, and that made the experience all of more enjoyable. Together we both watched the screen in amazement, afterwards we both talked about things that we never would have had we not seen the film. Honestly, I believe that this is one of the best films ever to be made. See it today and you'll remember it forever. I give this film an A and four starts out of four.

American Dreams (2002–2005)

A Dream Come True

[9/10 · 7 March 2004]

American Dreams is one of the best television shows that is on, it has some great writing and an awesome cast. The show follows one family through the times that changed our nation. Set in Philadelphia, the Pryor family is living the dream that many Americans wanted a perfect family or at least an image of one. The actors have all grown into their characters. This show does not use sex and violence to attract it's audience, it is a great show, a must see! It also has a great soundtrack and some cool guest appearances by some of today's up and comers. It also using some older footage from the real American Bandstand, the way they do that is amazing.I give this show 3.8 stars and an A!

Seabiscuit (2003)

A second chance is worth taking

[29 February 2004]

Seabiscuit is a really good film with an amazing message; sometimes the best way to succeed is to keep trying. This is a film that centers on the lives of three very different people. Together, they take a horse that is destined to lose and turn him into one that fought all the odds to become a winning horse. I didn't think that I would like a film about a horse; in fact when it first came out I didn't want to see it. But once it started getting the entire Oscar buzz, I have to admit that I wanted to see it. I know I shouldn't judge a film on its Oscar buzz, but I did on this one, I'm so sorry. Set during the depression, Seabiscuit is a film that will have you cheering from your seat. At first I was not a fan of Tobey Maguire, I don't know what it was about him but I didn't see anything that separated him from most actor's his age, yet in this film he is on his way to becoming one of the best younger actors around. I think that he deserved a little more attention for his performance of the semi- blind racer. I found myself rooting for all of these characters; they are ordinary people who are placed in some pretty big challenges. Jeff Bridges turns in one of his finest performances ever. I think that he is one of the most underrated actors in the world, in the same boat is William H. Macy, I think that every performance that he does is great. He can really step into a character and run with it. I think that for such a small role he did a fantastic job. I do not think that this is one of the best films of the year but it's a good movie. It kept my interest all two hours; I do however feel bad that there are people who treat horses like that. I truly believe that this film has a big heart; I love movies that have bigger messages. I like movies that take characters that are ordinary and put them in some of the most breathtaking situations. If you want a film that will make up feel good, and root for the underdog then this is a film that you should check out. Final tally 2.7 out of 4 stars and the letter grade B.

In the Bedroom (2001)

What happens in the bedroom should stay IN THE BEDROOM

[29 February 2004]

In The Bedroom is one of the best films I have ever seen. It is an amazing character study of what happens when young love blinds all those involved and takes one family on a wild ride where life is not fair. For the Fowler family life is pretty simple, but when Frank a younger teenager falls for an older woman, their lives turn upside down and will forever change. The performances in this film are amazing; I think that's what made me like it so much. I don't think I ever seen a film that has had such an impact on me, meaning this is a close and intimate look at how one family deals with such a tragedy. Sissy Spacek delivers the best performance I have ever seen her in, she is truly amazing as Ruth Fowler. But the best performance in the film is that by Marisa Tomei. For a long time she was dubbed as one of the worst actresses, already an Oscar winner for one of my personal favorite movies My Cousin Vinny, Marisa proved to me at least that she could act. I have to admit that before this film I never heard of Tom Wilkinson, but after this film I became a big fan. He is a great actor, I was happy to see that he received an Oscar nomination for his performance as Matt. As great as these performances are, I also really enjoyed the tone of the film. So often as a frequent movie watcher I see big films with lost of action, but In The Bedroom is a quiet film that is very gripping. I think that this film turns off people because there is little to know action; it has more talk in it then anything else. But I liked this film and that's all that matters to me, I would recommend this film to anyone who likes films that have a good story line and not a lot of action. This is a true film that we need to see a lot more of. I give In the Bedroom 3.7 stars on my scale and an A-.

EuroTrip (2004)

Oh what a trip...

[5/10 · 24 February 2004]

Eurotrip is probably one of the strangest films I've seen in a long time. At times it is very funny, and then there are moments where I didn't know if I should laugh or walk out. It is no different then another other teen slapstick comedy, it goes for the same jokes for example, a sexually excited guy searching for the girl of his dreams, a guy who doesn't see how hot the girl is that has been right in front of him the whole time, and a group of friends who are on a wild adventure together only to end closer then they would have ever thought. The film is about a high school graduate named Scott, who after being dumped by his girlfriend, gets sent on a crazy adventure. For a long time he has been writing to another person though e-mail, after thinking that this person was a man he cuts off all connections. Soon he sees that the one he thought was man turns out to be the girl of his dreams, now he must travel across the world to find her and explain why he was such a jerk, along for the ride are three of his friends. The acting in the film is pretty good, not Oscar worthy, but not Razzie worthy either. It did have its funny and original moments but they only took of twenty minutes of an hour and half film. The rest of the movie is pretty unoriginal. I give Eurotrip 2.5 stars out of 4 and a C.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

Third Times the Charm!

[9/10 · 24 February 2004]

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is the best film of the year. In fact it is the best film that I've seen in a long time. It has some of the most amazing special effects that have even been captured on screen. In the third and final installment Frodo and company conclude their epic adventure. I don't think there is anything bad that I can say about this film it is basically amazing. So many times big budgeted films get lost in the story and focus more one the special effects and the action sequences, but in this case the story line is just as important. All of the performances that are turned in by the talented actors deserve some type of recognition; I believe that they did something that a lot of actors often try to do, they try not to get lost in the story and give their characters a chance, here that's just what the actors did. Throughout this trilogy we cheered for their characters, we wished them only the best. The third installment in this series is an excellent ending to one of the most cinematic masterpieces of our time. I'm so happy to see that this film is finally winning some of the highest praises in Hollywood. I wish that Sean Astin had received a more attention for his performance; it is one of the best performances of the year. As usual Elijah Wood turned in another perfect performance. The battle scenes in this film are astonishing; I literally sat with my jaw on the floor. Never before and never again, will a beloved story capture the hearts of so many people. Peter Jackson has done it again; his vision has confined what so many have dreamed. The Lord of the Rings is a once in a lifetime achievement, it is a masterpiece it has raised the bar for this type of film. In this case it is apparent that sometime the third time really is the charm.

The Ellen DeGeneres Show (2003–2023)

The Best Daytime Talk Show

[20 February 2004]

The Ellen DeGeneres show is so funny; she is great at what she does. I believe that she is one of the funniest comics alive, she doesn't use dirty humor she uses everyday experiences to get a few laughs. The way she interacts with people is probably the funniest aspect of the show. All in all she is doing an amazing job, I hope that this show is around for a long time, Ellen deserves to have a hit. If you've never seen it WATCH it, it's amazing; it's one of the best hours of television. A+ This talk show gets four stars!

Mystic River (2003)

Good...But no Great

[18 February 2004]

Mystic River is a very interesting film that keeps you guessing from the very beginning. It is filled with some strong performances and consists of an amazing screenplay. However, it gets lost somewhere. I'm not sure if I heard too much `buzz' surrounding this film that while going into it I was expecting more. It is a really great film, don't get me wrong, but too call it one of the best films of 2003 would be an over statement. It is a story about three childhood friends who reconnect years later after one of their daughters is murdered. The story takes the audience on a wild journey through self-discovery and to a place that no one would like to find themselves. I know that this all may sound a little confusing, I'm saying it's not great but it is good. I can't exactly point out where I felt let down, but I can say that I was a little disappointed by the ending. I thought the story lead us to this horrible place only to say well it wasn't what you thought and the ending is not going to be completely cleared up.

Probably the best aspect of the film is the performance that it's star Sean Penn turns in. This is by far one of the most outstanding performances of the year. He is extremely captivating; he does what not too many actors could have done. He makes you feel for his character only to turn against him for a split moment and then back to a place where you feel bad for him. Tim Robbins gave another amazing performance, this is probably is best to date. Marcia Gay Harden does an excellent job in a role that could have easily been over shadowed. The film itself is a good film, it is not the best film, but it is one of the better films of 2003, it has a great story, an amazing cast, and top-notch performances. 3.0 out of 4, and a B.

Saved by the Bell (1989–1992)

Definitely makes the grade

[7/10 · 18 February 2004]

Saved By The Bell was one of the best shows that ever aired on Saturday mornings. Ok so it wasn't a show full of Emmy quality performances, but it was a show that was an escape from the everyday pressure that school has on its students. Saved By The Bell centers on a group of friends and their ups and downs through high school. Filled with memorable moments and interesting characters, SBTB is one of the best young adult programs of its time. It has stood the test of time and still remains a popular program. I think it was a show made for the sure purpose of entertaining its young audience for a half an hour. There are a lot of episodes that were pretty amusing. Never again will a generation make such a connection as the one mine did with SBTB, the series starred Mark Paul Gosselaar as Zack Morris, the main character who each week spun in and out of several pretty extreme situation. His main squeeze Kelly Kapowski played by Tiffani-Amber Thiessen, and the most popular geek Screech, played by Dustin Diamond. Also along for the ride were Slater, Jessie, and Lisa, who made up the rest of the gang. I don't think that it was ever aimed to break the barriers of great television it was what it was. Sure the series made high school look like a piece of cake, for example being able to go to The Max whenever they wanted, taking advantage of the principal, and tricking nerds into doing anything they wanted. But Saved By the Bell was one of those shows that as corny as it may be, it will forever remain one the most entertaining shows in the history of children's entertainment.

Wonderland (2003)

The land before time

[16 February 2004]

Wonderland is a film that you'd have to see to believe, it's filled with awesome performances that were overlooked, but more about that later. The film is about John Holmes the legendary porn star (whom I never even heard of) and his involvement or lack of involvement to a mass murder of four of his supposed friends. On July 1, 1981 in the Hollywood Hills police entered the home of Joy Miller, and what they found forever changed the lives of all involved. Wonderland is either a movie that you'll really like or that you'll be turned off by. It is not a movie to watch if you're looking for an up-beat movie because honestly it's a little depressing. It's a shame how drugs can turn so many people's lives upside down. But the thing that makes the film so great are the performances in the movie. The fact that not one of these actors's have been recognized for their amazing performances is a shame. I believe that the film could have done a little better at the box office had more of the critics supported it. Val Kilmer who plays John is great, he is one of the most underrated actors today. Lisa Kudrow gives one of the best performances, she is perfect as Shannon, John's ex-wife. She loses all traces of the other character's she has played. This is the second performance that she has been overlooked by the Academy, the other being, The Opposite of Sex. But the best performance in the film, the one that should have been handed an Oscar nomination, was Dylan McDermott who gives an uncanny performance. He is perfect in this role, it's like we've never seen him before. He acts with fire, he is one of the best reasons to watch this film. All in all, Wonderland is a good with with an amazing cast and a captivating story. 3.0 stars out of 4 and a B-

50 First Dates (2004)

Wouldn't It Be Nice Oh it is

[8/10 · 15 February 2004]

50 First Dates is the funniest movie of 2004 to date. It's hard to believe that there are people in the world who have short-term memory loss, it's even hard to believe how funny and original this movie is. For Henry Roth his life usually consists of hanging out with his friends, working with the animals that he now calls family, and preparing for a big trip that he plans to take in his boat. One day while out testing the boat, the boat breaks down and he is forced to get to land. He enters a nice little diner where the characters inside are as colorful as it is outside. This is where he meets Lucy Whitmore, a beautiful woman with a carefree attitude. After one change meeting the two make an instant bond, after hours of talking and laughing the two decide to meet again the very next day at the same time. Sounds good right…wrong, to Henry's surprise Lucy has no idea who he is. He soon leans that Lucy suffers from short-term memory loss, now Henry is out to make the woman of his dreams fall in love with him everyday.

50 First Dates is a laugh out loud comedy that will have everyone in a good mood. The re-teaming of Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore is awesome. The two have great screen chemistry, if this time around is as successful as The Wedding Singer one may expect to see another film featuring the two actors. And if the amount of people that were at the theater that I saw this at is any indication as to how big this film is going to be, then I'm getting in line now for their next movie. The always-funny Rob Schneider is the funniest I have ever seen him. His portrayal of Ula, one of Henry's friends is in short a performance by a comic mastermind. Sean Astin came out of nowhere and turned in a very funny performance as Lucy's muscle bound brother. All in all, 50 First Dates is a great movie with an awesome cast of characters, it is a feel good movie that will leave a little imprint on your heart. Ok so it may not do that but the movie is funny. 3.6 out of 4 and an A-

Monster (2003)

Sometimes the Monster in all of us comes out

[7 February 2004]

Monster is the true story of Aileen Wuornos, a young woman who is on a self-destructive path. Along the way she meets Selby, a naive woman who is trapped in a world where being who you truly are is not permissible. Set in the 80's Monster follows the relationship that the two women have together and their escape from the `real' world. While trying to better their own lives, Aileen begins to take the lives of some unsuspecting men. Two some the story may be long and dull, but beneath the story there is a woman who is lost in her own world. She lived a tormented life where the only rule was to shut up and take what's being given to you. Charlize Theron gives the performance of a lifetime. She plays Aileen in a way where you can actually feel bad for her. In reality Aileen was a horrible woman who killed because she felt that life owed her something, on the surface Charlize creates a character both horrible and charming. She only wants to live a life far different then she has ever been accustomed too, she wants Selby to be happy, but most important she wants to find happiness. I believe that Charlize does something that not too many actresses have done before; she has taken herself completely out of her body and transformed herself in Aileen. There is a lot of tale out the makeup and how she had to gain weight, well anyone can make themselves look ugly, but what Theron does is something far more challenging then making herself look unattractive, she really embodies Aileen. She gives the BEST performance of the year! She is outstanding and extremely captivating, I found it hard to take my eyes off of her. The only problem with a performance this good is how will she top it? The answer is she won't, she'll only grow as an actress. I don't think she will ever be able to play someone like this again, and I don't think that's a bad thing. Theron is brilliant here; I think this is a once in a lifetime performance. I hope that after this movie fades she is still considered a wonderful actress. As for the other performances, oh yes there where other people in this movie. First off there is the always-amazing Christina Ricci as Selby, here Ricci plays the naive woman who is out to find happiness in herself. It's a shame that Theron over shadows her, but for Ricci this character seems like a broken record. I feel that Ricci has done this before, and while I feel it's always ok to play a similar character, I think it's one thing when you play these types of people over and over again. Monster is a very important story; it is a film about the relationship between two people and the road they take in life.It's a story for anyone who has tried to live a better life, for anyone who feels that life never goes their way. I give Monster 3.8 stars out of 4 and an A-.

Lost in Translation (2003)

I once was lost but now I'm found.

[7 February 2004]

Lost In Translation is one of the best films of 2003! Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson have the greatest screen chemistry that I've seen in a long time. The story follows two Americans in Tokyo, and how each is in some way or another feeling a little lost. It is through their unlikely friendship that they find themselves and each other. Written and Directed by Sophia Coppola, Lost is a story that has won the hearts of almost everyone that has seen it. Coppola has done an amazing job of capturing the feeling of being lost in life when you feel no one around you understands what you may be going through. Coppola is one of the best directors to come about in recent years. Murray delivers one of his finest performances; he is serene and easy to watch. His character is the type that most can relate too. Johansson is probably more deserving of all this awards attention then Murray is. I feel that she faced the bigger challenge of this movie. She had to play a young woman who is lost and doesn't know what she wants to do with her life. For anyone that has ever been there, then you know how scary that can be. She turned in a performance of few words and captures the character in a light that most actresses her age might not. With tow of the finest performances of the year, and one of the best up and coming directors, Lost In Translation is anything but that.

The Butterfly Effect (2004)

Only at the movies

[25 January 2004]

What do you get when you take a great story, a good supporting cast, and add an MTV star? That's easy, you get The Butterfly Effect. Now I have to say that `Just Married' and `That 70's Show' are two very good projects in their own right, and Ashton Kutcher is a good actor, but I found him to be unbelievable in this role. There were parts that were supposed to be serious but the audience started laughing. I think that he should stick with comedy. No I'm not sure if it's right to be so judgmental, because I am a little sick of hearing about `Punked' and Demi Moore. But anyway back to the movie itself, the story line is very good; I'd even go as far to say that it was an edge of your seat thriller. It was at times very good and fasted pace. Amy Smart is really growing into a good actress and Elden Henson is good in almost everything he does. It is a very good movie with an interesting ending. 3 stars out of 4 and I'd give it a B-.