moviefan2003va Reviews

Superman Returns (2006)

Surprisingly emotional for a summer film

[8/10 · 3 July 2006]

I liked this movie. No, it's not as good as Superman 1 or Superman 2 but it honors the spirit of those movies. As a fan of those movies and a person who was the target generation as a child in the late 70's, early 80's, Superman Returns was thrilling to see.

What I am beginning to despise is how a lot of male reviewers think that the Superman franchise belongs solely to them. Superman means something to both men and women and I'm glad Singer erred on the side of "chick flick" and realized that some of us wanted to place Lois Lane back squarely in the movie (as opposed to how she was largely removed in pt. 3 & 4). It's funny that the female audience going to see "Prada" would also like this movie. I believe the box office of this movie will increase by word of mouth. It was surprisingly emotional. This is strange for a summer movie. Routh is perfectly cast in this part. He continues the progression of the development of the Superman character from Reeves' under-appreciated, comedic work as Clark Kent, to the exploration of the psychological aspect of Kent/Supes (via Cain and Welling) in TV shows until now. Routh is understated and capable of emoting quite a bit w/o saying much. I was nervous about the casting of Bosworth but felt she did fine. Marsden plays the third wheel so well (i.e. X-Men, The Notebook). The new Jimmy Olsen is well cast too.

I appreciate the continuity of themes and writing in this movie. I also liked that unlike other summer movies, it gives you time to breathe after each scene.

*SPOILERS* Unlike most, I did not have a problem with the kid being so subdued. I think that was for the purpose of surprise but not unlike Clark Kent who lives so quietly and hides his uniqueness. The confirmation that Jason is Supes' biological son and the flight Supes and Lois take together over the city are all pay offs for people much in love with the romantic part of the Supes story line. Yeah, Spacey had a silly plot line but it was fun to watch him chew up the scenery. Posey was good as the empty-headed side-kick.

The Constant Gardener (2005)

thought provoking and wonderfully romantic!

[9/10 · 21 January 2006]

I enjoyed this film. It's disturbing. It takes no easy outs. Little things such as a the little girl he cannot take with him on the plane pack a punch but the result is realistic. The day to day uncertainty of life and stability of Kenyans is very well conveyed and heartbreaking.

This movie takes its time crafting its story. Pay attention to all details as they may be referenced later. I appreciate when a screenwriter puts such detail in their writing. I am a fan of Ralph Fiennes. He accounts for two of the most romantic but tragic moments in film history, in my opinion. The first in The English Patient when he carries out Kristin Scott Thomas' dead body and cries. The second in this movie when he is in his garden and realizes Tessa really did love him, that she was faithful, and that she was only protecting him. He acts without appearing to try. Hopefully the Academy will wake up and realize he was sorely overlooked for the Golden Globes!! Weisz's Golden Globe win was well deserved. She convincingly embodies Tessa's activist spirit. It is about time that this very good actress gets a great part. She has wonderful chemistry with Fiennes who she has been paired with in a previous movie, Sunshine.

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)

Not Great, but Good

[8/10 · 23 May 2005]

I give Episode 3 a B-. It doesn't come anywhere near episodes 4-6 but it is better than prequel episodes 1-2. There are five things that work really well in this movie:

1. Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan 2. Yoda 3. Ian McDiarmid as Chancellor Palpatine/Darth Sidious/Emperor 4. The droids: R2-D2, C3PO 5. John Williams

It would have been a fatal mistake to these prequels if McGregor were not playing Obi-Wan. He appears to be the only person who captures the spirit of the rapid fire, humorous dialogue as delivered by the trio of Hamill, Fisher, and Ford decades ago. The screenplay of episodes 4-6, wasn't spectacular but the delivery of the dialogue is what mattered and what is sorely missing in the prequels. I know Christensen and Portman are good actors (who have actually been nominated for acting awards) but they never really worked in these prequels despite looking great in their parts. The delivery is flat and episode 3 was no exception (this doesn't entirely ruin the movie b/c their romance is not an essential part).

Yoda is fabulous and remains the spiritual center of the movie. The Chancellor/aka Sidious/Emperor (played by Ian McDiarmid) is seductive and appropriately campy in his performance. Our two favorite droids gave us a taste of some of the things we remembered best about episodes 4-6. The music was spectacular.

Alfie (2004)

Surprisingly Good

[8/10 · 21 March 2005]

Let me start by saying that I did not see the Michael Caine version of this movie and understand this is a much revered version in the UK. Therefore, I have nothing to compare this movie with. However, I enjoyed it. It was slightly more exceptional than most movies about relationships because of Jude Law. He adds a depth that only a person can with real talent. He is surrounded by a good cast that also puts in good performances: Susan Sarandon, Sienna Miller, Nia Long, Jane Krakowski, and Marisa Tomei. The unexpected thing about this movie to me wasn't that it was necessarily just a man's movie. It was also very much a movie about friendships and women.

Vanity Fair (2004)

Quite Good

[8/10 · 7 February 2005]

What a shame this movie is not being nominated for an Oscar. Mira Nair's direction is terrific and the performances are quite good. Witherspoon makes a convincing social climber, Becky Sharp. However, I'm not English and don't know how convincing her accent was. AS an American, it sounded fine to me. Everyone is good including Hoskins, Atkins, Purefoy, Rhys-Meyers, and Byrne. I didn't even recognize Ifans as Dobbins at first. What a great actor this man is in a role that is in stark contrast to his more eccentric parts. The ending is kind of sad but realistic in terms of the class and how rigid people were and still are in preserving their "good name", privileges, titles, and blood lines.

Alice Through the Looking Glass (1998 TV Movie)

interesting

[6/10 · 23 January 2005]

This is apparently a made for TV movie that was broadcast on British TV in the late 1990's. It is just now being sold on DVD in the US. It is interesting for fans of Kate Beckinsale to see some of her work before she became a household name in the US. The dialogue between the characters and the set design and costumes are the strengths here. A blond Beckinsale, who appears to have been in the early stages of her real life pregnancy, makes an inquisitive Alice as she meets more and more interesting characters. Beckinsale conveys the impudence and innocence of her character well. The movie is further enhanced by a top notch British supporting cast.

Equilibrium (2002)

Wow

[7/10 · 23 January 2005]

This is definitely a cool movie. I don't want to take anything away from Keanu Reeves in The Matrix but Bale is the ultimate cool in his action sequences. This movie though is not purely action. It is a fairly cerebral movie. The people have survived a third world war and have decided to prevent people from feeling emotion. They point to emotion and feeling as the reasons for the past three wars. Works of arts like paintings, books, and music are forbidden. Bale misses a dose of his meds to inhibit the prohibited feeling and his life turns upside down. He remembers his dead wife, discovers the passion he has missed out on in the form of Beethoven, a woman he is drawn to (Watson), and a puppy. Good thinking person's action movie. This was a nice find.

The Human Stain (2003)

Interesting

[7/10 · 23 January 2005]

This is a very interesting premise. Probably the biggest silver screen treatment of this premise since the classic, An Imitation of Life. This movie is not without it's flaws but it is definitely well acted. I hear that the act of "passing" was quite common. Not everyone did so for the reasons Coleman Silk does to completely run away from a black identity. Others did so to support relatives, etc. However, I'm glad to see the topic being addressed on screen. Hopkins, Kidman, Harris, and Sinise make for a stellar cast. The elegant Kidman has the hardest job in being convincing as a woman from a lower socioeconomic class. I think she was very believable.

Cellular (2004)

Good flick

[8/10 · 23 January 2005]

Good, plausible movie. A very undeserving flop. I was entertained the entire time. Basinger is the person who sells the movie. She is extremely convincing as a woman kidnapped who is trying to stay alive. Nice to see a strong female character created who can think for herself and drive the action of the movie. Evans as Ryan is also good as the guy who probably wished his cell phone had been turned off this day. The action and events in the movie are never overblown. The same tone of an average college aged kid who must rise to the occasion is never lost. He never suddenly becomes Mr. Badass action star. Macy also adds flavor as the retiring cop who is counting out his days so he can retire and open a day spa with his wife. Good movie that should have done more business at the box office!

Wimbledon (2004)

Good

[7/10 · 21 January 2005]

I think this was a good movie, however, I think it was marketed in the wrong way. It was marketed to appeal to younger audiences but more mature audiences would have found the movie just as entertaining. It's a good romantic film. Bettany is a credible, untapped romantic lead. He has terrific chemistry with Dunst. He perfectly channels the self-doubting, humble, and aging tennis pro who is sensing the sun setting on his career. He is a shoo-in to be beaten in the first round of Wimbledon until he meets Dunst who inspires him to continue on and eventually win. Very, cute, charming film with a cast that makes it slightly more exceptional than most romantic movies covering this same territory.

Friday Night Lights (2004)

Good movie

[8/10 · 21 January 2005]

I enjoyed this movie. I attended high school in Texas shortly after this time period and can relate to the intense football climate in TX. I had also lived in TX as a younger child and remember Friday nights with nostalgic feelings. I recall the dominance of Dallas Carter. The movie is poignant because it delves much deeper into the tremendous pressure these kids faced. Everyone's hopes are riding on their young backs. They have their own hopes of escaping this West Texas town and dwindling opportunities. Thornton is well cast in the part of the coach. Lucas Black, Derek Luke, and Garret Hedlund are quite good in their roles. Tim McGraw, who I believe is making his film debut, is surprisingly good in this film. Very good, realistic, and deeply felt film. 8/10

The Aviator (2004)

Good movie

[8/10 · 21 January 2005]

This is a good movie. It's not great movie but it is handsomely filmed and well acted. The problem with the movie is that it probably "bites off more than it can chew". The life of Howard Hughes is large in scope and I think a better movie would have chopped down that scope a little bit more. This makes the movie too long in my opinion.

The acting is very good. I was concerned about how boyish Di Caprio looks when I heard he was cast in this part. You forget about that because of his acting. He is quite outstanding and deserving of his acting nods. When I first saw Blanchett introduced as Hepburn on the golf course in the movie, I was initially concerned that she was overacting. But she settles in quite nicely in this part. She is a known brilliant actress and she comes through with selling herself as Hepburn. The Ava Gardner part is probably the most poorly written character (as she just suddenly pops up in the movie without any real introduction or foundation) but I liked Kate Beckinsale's performance. Other supporting characters like Alan Alda, Ian Holm, Jude Law, Kelli Garner, Alec Baldwin, and Willem Dafoe were all good. John C. Reilly and Adam Scott were also good. It's amazing how much top talent is in this movie.

The footage of the crash and the flying footage is excellent. The set pieces, the recreation of the Coconut Grove, and planes, the costumes, and score are everything you would expect for a movie that will likely be nominated for an Oscar.

Tiptoes (2002)

A Honorable Failure

[6/10 · 18 January 2005]

Wow, where to begin with this movie. I saw a review for this movie and I have to agree. It is a honorable failure. What a shame about all the problems that took place on the set of the movie which resulted in the firing of the director. Matthew Bright films are not for everyone but this had the makings of another unique film. The acting is quite good. What a cast for such an admittedly bizarre premise. You have Gary Oldman,Matthew McConaughuey, Kate Beckinsale, Peter Dinklage, and Patricia Arquette. Despite the promise here, everything comes across as a movie you are likely to see on Lifetime network (minus the language). It can't shake that "corny" feel which keeps it from feeling authentic. The writing is just not successful in making this promising movie what it could have been. What a shame!

Wicker Park (2004)

Okay film

[6/10 · 18 January 2005]

This is an okay movie. It's not a bad movie but it's missing something. It is well cast, so that's not the problem. It's a good idea...I haven't seen the original French version so I can't draw comparisons. It is very stylish and attractive. It is the story itself that is lacking. Nice look, nice cast (not to mention nice looking), but missing the filler. All of this would have been cleared up using cell phones. Although her acting is exceptional as compared to the rest of the cast, it may also be hard to believe that Byrne could be so miserable and overlooked by men. She is a gorgeous girl whose looks are toned down for this part. She is easily quite stunning in her own right. Hartnett makes an effective leading man here. This is a part tailored to his tortured looks and he conveys the anguish and confusion of his character very well. I'm not that familiar with Kruger but she was surprisingly good in the part. This is a good date movie. It is not the best movie out there and could have been much better with more superior writing but it is okay.

Starsky & Hutch (2004)

Easily Forgettable

[6/10 · 12 January 2005]

This is an easily forgettable film. It was okay. Not especially bad but nothing special. The actors did their thing and they do their best to ham it up and make it watchable. Stiller and Wilson have great chemistry as everyone already knows. I am also a Vaughn fan and had some chuckles with him as the villain. Snoop Dog was a good choice as Huggy Bear. I thought the intellectual angle of his crew was pretty funny. However, it is all mindless fun. Not offensive but forgettable the moment you leave the theater.

SPOILER I liked the use of the original Starsky and Hutch at the end of the movie. That was a wonderful surprise.

The Butterfly Effect (2004)

Interesting

[7/10 · 12 January 2005]

This is an interesting movie to say the least. It's not exactly a good movie but you have to give it major points for the intriguing premise. I had to see how the movie would end. I saw the Director's Cut. I do understand that the theatrical version has a slightly different ending. If only they had tweaked this movie a little bit more then it would have been an exceptional movie. However, I do recommend it to others.

SPOILERS I think the movie needed to give a better understanding of Evan's blackouts. We know his father had them but why did he have them. Is Evan the reason why his mother had two previous stillborn births. Could that have been other siblings who also killed themselves like he does in the Director's cut? This is a passable effort but it still leaves questions.

City of God (2002)

whoa!

[9/10 · 12 January 2005]

As a comfortably middle classed, American living in suburbia, my initial reaction is whoa! This one packs a punch. At first, it is honestly difficult to care about a single character. But then it hits you, these are all children, kids. All the main characters doing the killing are kids. This draws you into the film and the thought that many (if not all) of these kids never really had a chance. Rocket is fortunate to become interested early on in the craft of photography and this interest paves the way for a better life for him. However, others who only know about survival and aren't privy to extracurricular interests like Rocket's have their fates sealed. Benny is the other character you begin to care about. He realizes too late there is more to life than being a hood. He spares a life that later takes his own. Such is the cycle of violence that infects the City of God.

Chappelle's Show (2003–2006)

Great....

[27 December 2004]

I love this show. I don't get a chance to catch it all the time but love it. Thank God for CDs with entire seasons on them. I think Chappelle is someone very appropriate during these times. I think he is a good guardian of offensive humor. He takes shots at everyone, including his own race, points out ironies, and says things people would like to say. Like him or hate him....there is a reason why his ratings continue to soar. He continues to amaze us with his provocative skits and the acute nature of their messages. Yes, sometimes, he is just being silly, but other times, wrapped up in all the silliness is something that needed to be said. We are drawn in by the humor and then leave saying, yeah, he has a point.

I, Robot (2004)

Surprisingly Good

[7/10 · 27 December 2004]

I was surprised that I liked this movie. I didn't think I would have a strong reaction but it was better than I had originally thought for two reasons. The movie was very good with conveying the humanity of the robots, especially "Sunny." He appears to be a CGI creation and a CGI creation hasn't given me warm fuzzies since Golum. I cared very much about his character.

The second reason the movie was better than expected was because of Will Smith. I notice people call him a hack below but because Smith has the acting depth to "turn the corner" of his character who could have easily been one dimensional, there is more complexity to him. I found him interesting and wanted to know the source of his mistrust. Smith is an actor who everyone in the audience would want to invite to a barbecue and because of that quality (also conveyed by his rapping style), he draws you into the movie and makes the discovery of his character less painful/tortured had it been portrayed by another actor.

Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004)

fun, fun, fun

[8/10 · 27 December 2004]

This movie offers up several good laughs. No, don't go into the theater expecting a comedy masterpiece or something, go in expecting what the trailers and the title suggest. Good fun. Saw this over the holidays with people ranging in age from 30-55. Everyone laughed and enjoyed every bit of it. Not for smaller children (some crude and sexual humor) but kids should be okay beginning with age 10.

Rip Torn's training sequence is priceless. Ben Stiller always hams it up hilariously and this movie is no exception. Vince Vaughn who became one of my comedy fave's since his skit on SNL as the pimp, White Chocolate,...is good as the straight, irreverent guy who is apprehensive about his responsibility. Stiller's real life wife, Taylor is also good.

I Capture the Castle (2003)

Good

[8/10 · 2 December 2004]

I was pleasantly surprised with this movie. Wow, this has been a great couple of years for Bill Nighy. He has shown such range and he continues in that endeavor in this movie. Romola also takes a striking turn in the lead as the sensitive, wiser, but younger sister. I most enjoyed Tara Fitzgerald's , quiet performance and thought it quite exceptional. She should have received award recognition for it. Rose Byrne, one of the exciting new actresses to come on the scene, is very effective as the slightly self-centered, dramatic older sister. Henry Thomas also turns in a very sensitive performance. This movie doesn't have an unrealistic ending and maintains its identity and integrity with solid story telling and good production values.

Before Sunset (2004)

We want more, We want more

[28 November 2004]

For those of us who saw the original when it first came out, this was a thrilling sequel to see. I saw the first one during the latter half of my college days. This is virtually an ongoing conversation. I loved every minute of it. Hawke and Delpy have aged but the chemistry and the dialogue is still there. The story is realistic and sometimes we don't want to see sequels that changed what we imagine would happen to characters but I was not disappointed. The characters have gone on to do different things with their lives but are still united and similar in longing for that connection they made years earlier.

SPOILERS Could there be a third installment? I hope so.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Original

[28 November 2004]

This is originality at it's finest. Aspiring writers are all jealous of Kaufman's brain. The heart of this movie is Carrey and he does a very credible, convincing job of playing his part. We all know Carrey as the over the top comic who can't calm down. He is the opposite of this in this movie. Winslet is as vivacious as ever but it is Carrey who truly shines here. This is yet another movie that uses its supporting characters to weave a tale. I will part with others in calling this the best movie I have seen this year (in my mind, that still goes to The Terminal) but I did enjoy it and felt that I was watching something highly original. I hope the Academy will honor Carrey with an Oscar nod for his work in this movie. In addition to a screen writing nomination for Kaufman. 8/10

The Terminal (2004)

Delightful

[9/10 · 28 November 2004]

What a truly delightful film. I grew up with the two Toms being the major movie stars. Tom Hanks and Tom Cruise. The former stars in this movie and the fact that he has played such iconic roles as Forrest Gump completely left my mind when I saw him in this role. Hanks put in a very convincing performance. He captured the humanity of his character and sold us on the idea that he is Viktor Navorski. It is a shame this movie did not do better business. Perhaps it should have been released this time of year. All the supporting cast is wonderful. There is foundation to the characters and characters are used to drive the story. Never thought I could be interested in a movie that takes place entirely in a terminal. That was until I saw this movie. 9/10

The Stepford Wives (2004)

Good

[8/10 · 28 November 2004]

I haven't seen the original movie so I have nothing to compare this movie to. I saw it for the first time on DVD. I enjoyed it and it held my attention the entire time. The script was clever and the parts were well cast. I don't understand all the criticism of this movie. Glenn Close is of course the stand-out here. Kidman, Midler and the rest of the cast also do a fine job.

As I understand, the original movie is much darker. I don't think such a tone would have been appropriate here. There is dark comedy here and the message of the film is presented very effectively with this tone. Despite not seeing the original, I think this movie is nicely updated to the time and place we find ourselves living in today.