http://hangout.altsounds.com Keep everyone informed on what movies are hot and which ones are not, right here. en Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:52:51 GMT vBulletin 15 http://hangout.altsounds.com/images/misc/rss.jpg http://hangout.altsounds.com http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/65590-american-dreamz-new-post.html Mon, 01 May 2006 15:34:19 GMT *American Dreamz (PG-13)** Hugh Grant, Dennis Quaid, Mandy Moore* Martin Tweed (Grant) is the host of American Dreamz, the most popular show on television that searches for the next pop idol, sound familiar. President Stanton (Quaid) has locked himself away in his room, and has been reading for 3... American Dreamz (PG-13)
Hugh Grant, Dennis Quaid, Mandy Moore

Martin Tweed (Grant) is the host of American Dreamz, the most popular show on television that searches for the next pop idol, sound familiar. President Stanton (Quaid) has locked himself away in his room, and has been reading for 3 weeks, making his cabinet nervous. Sally Kendoo (Moore) just wants to be famous. Finally, Omer is a kind and gentle terrorist, sent to California because he is constant disappointment to his terrorist friends.

This movie is a character driven piece simply seething with satire. Like most satire, the jokes don’t just come flying at you non stop, some of the funniest things in the movie were the things I barely noticed. For instance, when the president asks to read the newspaper for the first time since his election, he is asked if he would like to read in the work out room. The characters are extremely well built, you find yourself having real emotion towards the characters, and not the ones you think. When the film remembers to be funny, it’s hilarious.

Conclusion: A biting satire that makes you think. B+ ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/65590-american-dreamz.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/65589-lucky-number-sleven-new-post.html Mon, 01 May 2006 15:31:47 GMT *Lucky Number Sleven (R)** Josh Hartnett, Bruce Willis Lucy Liu, Morgan Freeman Sir Ben Kingsley* This all star cast tells the tale of Sleven (Hartnett), a man that just went through a series of unfortunate events. He has arrived from out of town to stay with a friend who is nowhere to be found.... Lucky Number Sleven (R)
Josh Hartnett, Bruce Willis
Lucy Liu, Morgan Freeman
Sir Ben Kingsley

This all star cast tells the tale of Sleven (Hartnett), a man that just went through a series of unfortunate events. He has arrived from out of town to stay with a friend who is nowhere to be found. His friends neighbor Lindsey (Liu) suspects foul play. Sleven begins to agree with Lindsey after he is met by two different mob bosses who think he owes them money. But behind all the mistaken identity someone is pulling the strings. Sleven has to figure a way out of this tangled mess.

This movie was full of all the things I love in film, seemingly random events happening in the beginning that reveal themselves later in the film, stylized violence, and a story that keeps you guessing. Also, I believe here was a slight Lucy Liu nip-slip, that you’d miss if you blink. The only downside was that the cinematography and style of flashback seemed a little too French art house for my taste. I also found that they tended to over explain the obvious at some points of the film. I couldn’t really give an example without giving away too much. All in all this film offers humor, violence, and a twist at the end that’ll spin your head.

Conclusion: A little French, but I’ll get over it B+ ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/65589-lucky-number-sleven.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/65385-silent-hill-new-post.html Sat, 29 Apr 2006 15:52:04 GMT *Silent Hill (R)** Radha Mitchell, Sean Bean* Based on the popular horror video game, Silent hill is the story of Rose, who decides to take her adopted daughter to a town that her daughter has been having nightmares about. The two get into an accident after being chased by a police officer. When... Silent Hill (R)
Radha Mitchell, Sean Bean

Based on the popular horror video game, Silent hill is the story of Rose, who decides to take her adopted daughter to a town that her daughter has been having nightmares about. The two get into an accident after being chased by a police officer. When Rose comes to she finds her daughter missing, and frantically searches the town. During her search she encounters a cop that is simply too hot for her own good, a crazy homeless woman, and a crazy cult bent on burning witches. Rose finds out that this town has a dark past that is responsible for the horrors that the town has to offer.

Having never played the game, I didn’t know what to expect from this film. As a movie, standing on its own, I thought it was pretty good. The effects were very good, the imagery was disturbing, and the story was solid. Don’t go in to the theatre expecting a lot of crazy plot twists, but you will be surprised by some of the details of the story. The only thing that I found disappointing about the film was the lack of nudity that I find to be paramount in any real horror film. That aside, I thought that this film did the job well.

Conclusion: Hottie cop. B+ ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/65385-silent-hill.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/65384-the-benchwarmers-new-post.html Sat, 29 Apr 2006 15:49:27 GMT *The Benchwarmers (PG-13)** Rob Schneider, David Spade, Jon Heder* After witnessing a little nerd getting harassed by a little league team, Gus (Schneider) decides to teach the kids a lesson. He teams up with his nerdy friend Ritchie and his spastic friend Clark (Spade and Heder), and they play... The Benchwarmers (PG-13)
Rob Schneider, David Spade, Jon Heder
After witnessing a little nerd getting harassed by a little league team, Gus (Schneider) decides to teach the kids a lesson. He teams up with his nerdy friend Ritchie and his spastic friend Clark (Spade and Heder), and they play the team of bullies in a 3 on 9 game of baseball. After winning, they are recruited by a billionaire named Mel (Jon Lovitz), to play the meanest little league teams in the state. And Gus, who is a baseball powerhouse, hides a secret that could ruin his friendships and ability to be on the team.

One of the most surprising aspects of this film was that I think this was the first time I had no problem liking Schneider in a movie. I like him in all his other films but I really don’t want to. In this movie his character was a genuine leading man. Another unexpected surprise was the character played by comedian Nick Swardson, who not only helped write the film, but was hilarious as David Spade’s albino, agoraphobic brother. I disliked very little about this film except maybe Craig Kilborn who played the leader of the bullies. He never brings any real talent to a role, comedic or acting, and as far as names go I not sure how far up the list he is. All in all The Benchwarmers is a hilarious blend of comedic styles that is sure to leave you smiling.

Conclusion: I said it was funny. Now go see it. A- ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/65384-the-benchwarmers.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/53699-underworld-evolution-new-post.html Fri, 03 Feb 2006 23:13:42 GMT *Underworld Evolution(R)** Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman* This film take off exactly were the first film finished. Selene and Michael are hiding from both the werewolves and the vampires. The first vampire, Marcus, has risen and seeks to find his brother, the first werewolf that has been kept... Underworld Evolution(R)
Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman

This film take off exactly were the first film finished. Selene and Michael are hiding from both the werewolves and the vampires. The first vampire, Marcus, has risen and seeks to find his brother, the first werewolf that has been kept confined in a hidden castle for hundreads of years. Selene and Michael must stop Marcus from freeing the beast and causing world wide destruction.

The movie tries to force alot of story onto the audiance. Itf you can manage to process the info, it really is a good story. As a whole this is a really good movie. The action is much better that the first movie, as are the effects. Scott Speedman really tears it up as the half vampire, half werewolf. He leaps about a fights constantly. My only gripe is the love scene between Beckinsale and Speedman. First, though she is naked, you see nothing of Kate Beckinsale's, and throughout the scene it looked like Scott Speedman was humping her belly button, unless that's where vampires keep their vaginas.

Conclusion: Good little action film. Now sit, stay, play un-dead. B ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/53699-underworld-evolution.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/53697-hoodwinked-new-post.html Fri, 03 Feb 2006 23:11:50 GMT *Hoodwinked (PG)** Patrick Warburton, Glenn Close James Belushi, Anthony Anderson* A comical re-telling of Little Red Riding Hood, this movie begins where the story left off. The police are investigating the domestic disturbance involving a little girl, her granny, a wolf, and a man with an axe. ... Hoodwinked (PG)
Patrick Warburton, Glenn Close
James Belushi, Anthony Anderson

A comical re-telling of Little Red Riding Hood, this movie begins where the story left off. The police are investigating the domestic disturbance involving a little girl, her granny, a wolf, and a man with an axe. The movie reveals itself through each character's re-telling of how events unfolded. As facts reveal themselves we find out that everything is not what it seems ,and all these events may have something to do with the dissapearance of recipies from all the local eateries.

This movie was a hilarious take on the classic fairy tale. The story is clever, creative, and increadible funny. Patrick Warburton, one of my favorite actors, does a fabulous job as the Wolf. The film is full of so many great lines, one after the other, that I can't even remember them. The only gripe I had was the final twist in the story. It was really predictable. But it still managed to stay funny.

Conclusion: SEE IT SEE IT SEE IT! You won't regret it. A ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/53697-hoodwinked.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/53696-the-producers-new-post.html Fri, 03 Feb 2006 23:09:37 GMT *The Producers (PG-13)** Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick, Will Ferrell, Uma Thurman* Sleezy Broadway producer Max Bialystock teams up with nervous accountant Leo Bloom. The two set out to make the worst musical in history. They plan to raise 2 million dollars to put on a musical expected to run... The Producers (PG-13)
Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick,
Will Ferrell, Uma Thurman

Sleezy Broadway producer Max Bialystock teams up with nervous accountant Leo Bloom. The two set out to make the worst musical in history. They plan to raise 2 million dollars to put on a musical expected to run only one might, and make off with the remaining money. But could this sure fire flop turn into a smash hit?

I was a huge fan of the origonal producers with Gene Wilder so I came into this film with some high expectations. I'm happy to report that all my expectations were met easily. The songs manage to be both musical and funny, but it's easy to tell that Mel Brooks wrote the lyrics as they are both repetative and slightly simple. But Broderick pulls of quite an astounding performance both in acting and singing. Also a surprise was Will Ferrell as the Nazi witer of the musical "Springtime for Hitler". While Ferrell is always hilarious, he was especially good in this film.

Conclusion: Wonderful songs, and Uma Thurman is hot. A- ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/53696-the-producers.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/53695-grandmas-boy-new-post.html Fri, 03 Feb 2006 23:08:00 GMT Grandma's Boy (R)
Allen Covert, Nick Swardson

After he is evicted when his roomate spent all their rent on asian hookers, a 36 year old video game tester Alex is forced to live with his grandmother and her elderly roomates until he can get his own place. Meanwhile, his company is about to release one of their biggest new games and he has work to do.

This film stars the supporting cast of eveery Adam Sandler movie, minus Adam Sandler who stepped in as a producer. It is easily one of the funniest movies I've seen in years. This is a rampage of video game nerds, weed, and sex THE HOLY TRINITY. How could it go wrong, it couldn't that's how.... wait... yeah. Most surprising was the performance of one of my favorite comedians, Nick Swardson, as Jeff, who manages to steal almost every scene.

Conclusion: They get a monkey high and teach it Karate! A ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/53695-grandmas-boy.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/53694-fun-with-dick-and-jane-new-post.html Fri, 03 Feb 2006 23:06:16 GMT Fun With Dick and Jane (PG-13)
Jim Carrey, Tea Leoni

Dick and Jane live the American dream, beautiful house, family, and neighborhood. When dick is promoted at his company things couldn't appear better. Little do they know that Dick had just been picked as a fall guy in an Enron-type scandal. With money slipping away, and things being repossesed, they desperately resort to a life of crime in order to retain the lifestyle to which they have been so accustomed.

As one would expect with any Jim Carrey comedy, this film delivered on the laughs. What was surprising was the performance of Tea Leoni. She pulled off some seriously funny acting. She had to as she was working alongside the lightning rod of attention, Mr. Carrey. This story was rich and clever, though a remake, and managed to deliver some seriously funny moments.

Conclusion: Exactly what you'd expect and a little more. B+ ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/53694-fun-with-dick-and-jane.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/53693-the-ringer-new-post.html Fri, 03 Feb 2006 23:04:36 GMT *The Ringer (PG-13)** Johnny Knoxville, Brian Cox* After some horrible twists of fate Steve Barker finds himself in some dire straits. He has to get ahold of some serious cash. His uncle, a hopeless gambler, comes up with the idea to place Steve in the special olympics, thinking that any able... The Ringer (PG-13)
Johnny Knoxville, Brian Cox

After some horrible twists of fate Steve Barker finds himself in some dire straits. He has to get ahold of some serious cash. His uncle, a hopeless gambler, comes up with the idea to place Steve in the special olympics, thinking that any able bodied person could easily win. Steve is faced with a problem, as he has fallen for one of the people running the event. Trying to win her heart, while she thinks he's disabled, and still win the competition, proves to be a near impossible task.

Throughout the first 30 minutes of this film I was positive i was going to hell just for watching it. After that, however, I began to see it for what it was. It was, in fact, a sweet and heartwarming film. After you look past the shocking initial concept, you're able to enjoy the film as a generally sweet, and damn funny movie. I could make a joke here about Knoxville's pretending to be mentally disabled wasn't much of a streach, but I'm going to be the bigger man here.

Conclusion: Not evil, and pretty funny. B ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/53693-the-ringer.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/53692-the-ice-harvest-new-post.html Fri, 03 Feb 2006 23:00:53 GMT The Ice Harvest (R)
John Cusack, Billy Bob Thornton

In Witchita, Kansas, Charlie, mob lawyer, and Vic, strip club owner, just did something bad. They robbed a mob boss of two million dollars on Christmas eve. The two aren't able to leave town for several hours and are trying to keep a low profile before they make their escape. But Charlie isn't making it easy. With paranoia coupled with a sense of victory, everyone notices he's acting strange. When a hitman that works for the mob starts asking around town about the two, Charlie flys around town in a panic. As things start to unfold, Charlie realizes that his friends may not be friendsand twists and turns abound.

Anyone looking for a simple and easily accessable comedy should stay away from this film. This is a very dark comedy written with above average intelligence. So if you don't like it, you're probably dumb, and should be wearing a helmet. That aside I have to say that this was a very cleverly written comedy with many twists and turns. Another wonderful feature of the film is the character player by Oliver Platt. As usual Platt steals every scene that he's in, especially since his character is drunk throughout the film.

Conclusion: If you don't like it you're an idiot...and a coward. A- ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/53692-the-ice-harvest.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/53691-the-chronicles-of-narnia-new-post.html Fri, 03 Feb 2006 22:58:46 GMT Chronicles of Narnia (PG)

Lucy, Edmond, Susan, and Peter are four siblings sent away to live with "the professor" during the german bombings of London during WW2. The during a game of hide and seek, the siblings find themselves in a magical world that they discovered inside a wardrobe. As they are about to return home the find that their brother Edmond has been kidnapped by the evil White Witch, self proclaimed ruler of Narnia. They must then ban together with the help of the Lion Aslan, true ruler of Narnia, to save their brother and destroy the White Witch.

This film has been promoted on a epic scale. I walked in expecting something great, and I was not dissapointed. I'm kind of a geek anyway, so this rendition of a great story was one that I was looking forward to. The effects are fantastic. THe rendering of the lion Aslan is astonishing. The cinematography was wonderful. The story was as gripping as the first time I read it. The only gripe I had with the story is the same as you'd find with any film starring children. The acting of the unknown child actors was only slightly above par. As they are the focus of the entire film it tends to be a detriment.

Conclusion: Excellent film. See it over and over. A ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/53691-the-chronicles-of-narnia.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/53690-aeon-flux-new-post.html Fri, 03 Feb 2006 22:56:31 GMT *Aeon Flux (PG-13)** Charlize Theron* Aeon Flux is based on the MTV animated shorts by the same name. This film, however, fails to fill out those shorts, and is left, standing in the rain, bare-assed. The story focuses around the last human city on planet earth. A virus has wiped out most of... Aeon Flux (PG-13)
Charlize Theron

Aeon Flux is based on the MTV animated shorts by the same name. This film, however, fails to fill out those shorts, and is left, standing in the rain, bare-assed.

The story focuses around the last human city on planet earth. A virus has wiped out most of the world. The government is run by a monarch who has become the latest target of a group of elite, acrobat assassins. Aeon, played by Charlize Theron, is the agent selected to eliminate the "president". After several facts are revealed to her, she tries to save the president, and herself, as she is being targeted as well.

Fans of the animated series are in for some serious disapointment. The film's relation to it's parent is in name alone. The first big problem of the film is that Charlize Theron is a horrible choice for Aeon Flux. She fails to prove herself as a seductive assassin. And an action star, she is not. The story is weak at best, and the effects are average. Combine those problems with horrid editing and you have a film that any mother would drown in the tub.

Conclusion: As a fan of the series, I turn my head away *single tear* F ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/53690-aeon-flux.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/53689-just-friends-new-post.html Fri, 03 Feb 2006 22:52:06 GMT Just Friends (PG-13)
Ryan Reynolds, Amy Smart, Anna Faris

Ryan Reynolds stars as Chris Brader, hot shot music industry executive and general ladies man. But this wasn't always so. In high school Chris was the pathetically sweet fat kid, that might be a little gay. He is not gay, but is in fact in love with his best friend, who happens to be the most beautiful girl in school. The pudgy prince tries to express his love for her but is emberrased by some "evil jocks" at a party. Chris leaves town to "show em' all". After his major transformation, chris is forced to return home after his plane is grounded in his home town while he transports the increadibly insane, pop princess played by Anna Faris. He then re-dedicates himself to winning the long lost love of his life.

This movie was extreamly funny. Reynolds delivers a stellar comedic performance. His work is only enhansed by the extreamly funny supporting cast. The constant attempts by Reynolds' character to impress his high school crush constantly backfire, which is the perfect blend of comedy and tragedy. The only gripe I had with the movie was that it came off as predictable near the end. But that can be said of most romantic comedies, which is what this movie ultimately is at it's core. The comedy isn't the kind you find in the typical romantic comedy, but the movie cannot deny itself in the end.

Conclusion: The funny outweigh the predictability. The aye's have it. B ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/53689-just-friends.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/48485-the-devils-rejects-new-post.html Fri, 30 Dec 2005 12:37:34 GMT The second full length movie by Rob Zombie begins in style. It starts back where "House of a Thousand Corpses" left off in a delapadated house somewhere in Southern America. The whole family (except tiny) are sound asleep. Tiny is busy dragging a body through the woods when he sees a ton of police cars pulling up towards the house. The police wake up the whole family and lets them know they are surrounded. Opposed to getting caught the family Don some crazy metal armour and decide to do a gun battle with the cops. The gun battle ensues and one of the family gets shot causing the mother to run back to console here dead/dying son. She gets caught and yanked off to jail while the crazy daughter (Rob Zombies wife in real life and very much a hottie) and one brother escape through their houses underground tunnels etc.


The remainder of the movie is basically split into two showing those guys on the run and the cops (or one cop in particular with a personal vendetta) trying to find/catch them. The clown that was in the first movie is also in this movie and you find out that he is in fact the father of the family.

Whilst on the run you would think that these guys would chill out but not at all. Loads of gory killing scenes ensue where one guygets bludgeoned to death with a stick, another one getting his face cut right off and worn as a mask, a bunch of stabbings etc etc. One woman who escapes even gets run down by a massive 18 wheeler and I must say that the special effects on this were awesome. Simple but effective and believable.

Well as the movie progresses you can tell that Rob Zombie is trying to screw with peoples morals as you find yourself empathising with the bad guys and wanting them not to die even though you have seen the horrific shit they get up to. It doesn't help that the main cop in this movie is also a bad egg personally stabbing the mother to death and trying to kill the daughter.


Tiny makes his secondary movie appearance right at the end saving the day by snapping the neck of the cop that is trying to strangle his sister. He then (for whatever reason) decides to kill himself by walking into their burning building.

The final scene shows a massive police road block and the father, son and daughter attempt to drive towards them and take them on. They all die and the movie is over (sorry if I've spoiled it for anyone). However right at the end I found myself missing some of the great action shots of people getting gun downed as I was getting too chuffed with the fact that during the whole thing "Freebird" was playing and during the most crucial bits the solo is jamming away (one of the best solo's of all time in my opinion).

Actually the soundtrack to this movie was quite awesome with Rob Zombie using totally inappropriate music for certain parts of the movie in a Quentin Tarantino style.

All in all this movie was really good and I would recommend anyone that likes a bit of action and horror to check this movie out. I am now looking forward to seeing what Rob Zombie comes up with next as a movie director.

]]> Movie Reviews altsounds http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/48485-the-devils-rejects.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/42461-walk-the-line-new-post.html Sat, 19 Nov 2005 22:45:02 GMT *Walk the Line (PG-13)** Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon* This film chronicles the life of music legend, form his childhood to his marriage to June Carter. The movie follows Cash through his time in the military, to his first marriage, to his booming success, and though his problems with... Walk the Line (PG-13)
Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon

This film chronicles the life of music legend, form his childhood to his marriage to June Carter. The movie follows Cash through his time in the military, to his first marriage, to his booming success, and though his problems with addiction and bounce back to success.

This film was a musical journey that wasn’t nearly long enough to do Cash justice. Joaquin Phoenix does a fantastic job as the man in black. If he doesn’t win an award for this film, I’m going to re-think my views on God. Reese Witherspoon does a great job as June Carter, the musical phenomenon whose career Johnny cash had followed since childhood. There is little about this movie that I didn’t like. It dragged only slightly at certain points in the film but more than made up for it in the end. The musical performances where spectacular, and I was even more impressed that the actors did all of their own singing. This film is truly spectacular, and anyone who likes Johnny Cash in any way needs to see this film.

Conclusion: An excellent portrayal of a musical legend. A ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/42461-walk-the-line.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/42460-harry-potter-and-the-goblet-of-fire-new-post.html Sat, 19 Nov 2005 18:17:08 GMT *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (PG-13)** Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint* The fourth installment of the Harry potter series finds Hogwarts as the host of the Tri-Wizard Tournament. This tournament is participated in by representatives from 3 different schools; the champions must... Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (PG-13)
Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint

The fourth installment of the Harry potter series finds Hogwarts as the host of the Tri-Wizard Tournament. This tournament is participated in by representatives from 3 different schools; the champions must succeed in 3 challenging, deadly and magical tasks. The winner will receive eternal glory in the wizard world. When Harry is selected as the fourth competitor, he has no choice but to join in the competition. Harry must battle his way through the challenges and find out who put his name in for the contest. Meanwhile, the apparent return of Lord Voldemort has everyone in the wizard world on their toes.

This movie was pretty damn cool. With a PG-13 rating the film was much darker, and adult that the previous ones. Some people actually die. (shock, horror, gasp) The challenges are cool to watch. Dragons are kickass. Magic is awesome. Look if you haven’t seen any of the previous Harry Potter films, that you need to move out of that cave your in and rent some movies. Fans of the series won’t be disappointed. Fans of the book will notice that a lot is taken out. They had to fit as much of a 700 plus page book into a 120 page script. Get over it.

Conclusion: Watch it. Magic, dragons, flying, evil and mer-people, who could ask for anything more. A ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/42460-harry-potter-and-the-goblet-of-fire.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/42459-the-weather-man-new-post.html Sat, 19 Nov 2005 17:38:46 GMT *The Weather Man (R)** Nicholas Cage, Michael Cain* Dave Sprits is a weatherman, not a meteorologist, for a local television news show. He is trying to make it into the big time on a nationwide morning news show. His family, however, is falling apart with his overweight and disinterested... The Weather Man (R)
Nicholas Cage, Michael Cain

Dave Sprits is a weatherman, not a meteorologist, for a local television news show. He is trying to make it into the big time on a nationwide morning news show. His family, however, is falling apart with his overweight and disinterested daughter, and a son who just got out of rehab. Dave tries to help his kids and get the respect of his father, a Pulitzer Prize winning novelist.

This was a really funny film. Nicholas Cage does a wonderful job with the narration and the portrayal of a man who is unhappy with his life, and feeling out of control. The script was fantastic with many stream of consciousness moments in the narration and colorful use of profanity. Michael Cain does a wonderful job as Cage’s father. It’s worth watching this film to get to hear Michael Cain describe what a camel toe is.

Conclusion: There’s some nudity (bouncing boob) and a brilliant script. A must see. A ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/42459-the-weather-man.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/42458-saw-2-another-one-new-post.html Sat, 19 Nov 2005 17:36:52 GMT *Saw 2 (R)** Donnie Wahlberg* This sequel finds us with the Jigsaw killer up to his old tricks again, placing people who don’t deserve life in life threatening situations that usually end up killing them. Donnie Wahlberg plays a detective with a rough past whose son is one of the subjects of... Saw 2 (R)
Donnie Wahlberg

This sequel finds us with the Jigsaw killer up to his old tricks again, placing people who don’t deserve life in life threatening situations that usually end up killing them. Donnie Wahlberg plays a detective with a rough past whose son is one of the subjects of Jigsaw’s latest game. The detective spends the film trying to find out from the newly arrested Jigsaw the location of his son, while his son and a number of others are kept in a house where the games are literally life and death.

The first Saw left me pretty cold, with very little actually happening, only people screaming and crying. The latest installment was a welcome departure. There is a lot more going on that in the first. The acting in this one wasn’t great but there was a pretty solid story considering the genre. There’s plenty of horrifying violence and tough situations for those in the house. There is also a pretty great twist at he end that I did not see coming.

Conclusion: Worth a look, if only for the end. B- ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/42458-saw-2-another-one.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/42457-jarhead-new-post.html Sat, 19 Nov 2005 17:34:16 GMT *Jarhead (R)** Jake Gyllenhaal, Jamie Fox* Jake Gyllenhaal plays a new Marine recruit selected for the sniper squad just before the first Gulf War. The movie chronicles the time that his unit spends in the Gulf. It shows how people spent their time, related to each other and tried to avoid... Jarhead (R)
Jake Gyllenhaal, Jamie Fox

Jake Gyllenhaal plays a new Marine recruit selected for the sniper squad just before the first Gulf War. The movie chronicles the time that his unit spends in the Gulf. It shows how people spent their time, related to each other and tried to avoid boredom in the hot desert.

I’d like to start by saying; I thought there was an unusual amount of references to masturbation in this film. It rarely goes tem minutes without someone talking about rubbing one out. That aside, this was a pretty good story considering that there isn’t one bit of combat in the entire film. I thought it’d be a boring, anti-war, propaganda film, and you could certainly derive that message from it if that is what you want. But I thought it was a solid representation of character, relationships, humor and internal conflict, over the backdrop of Operation Desert Storm. The excellent story can be chalked up to William Broyles Jr., who also wrote American Beauty, and was actually a Marine.

Conclusion: Good if you don’t mind a bunch of bare assed guys and talking about spankin’ it. A ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/42457-jarhead.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/42456-derailed-new-post.html Sat, 19 Nov 2005 17:32:52 GMT *Derailed (R)** Clive Owen, Jennifer Aniston* An ad executive meets a pretty woman on a train into the city. After they hit it off and meet together for a few lunches, they go out drinking and get a hotel for a little encounter. Before anything of interest can happen, they are held up at... Derailed (R)
Clive Owen, Jennifer Aniston

An ad executive meets a pretty woman on a train into the city. After they hit it off and meet together for a few lunches, they go out drinking and get a hotel for a little encounter. Before anything of interest can happen, they are held up at gunpoint, he is beaten up, and she is raped. The thief calls the executive later and asks for money. After paying, he asks for more. This begins a struggle by the exec to keep his infidelity a secret, get the villain off his back, and keep the money that is supposed to go toward his daughter’s kidney transplant.

I walked into this film not knowing what the hell it was about, so my bias was little to none. I found it frustrating that the potential sex scene was interrupted so quickly by the robbery. I wanted to see Jennifer Aniston naked damnit! Regardless, this was a relatively enjoyable movie. I felt like it was trying to force you to care about the characters at some point, with the diabetic daughter in need of a transplant, and Aniston’s character having to abort her rape baby. I also thought that for the significance of Aniston’s character in the film, she really didn’t have a great deal of screen time. But the twists are pretty decent, the conflict is strongly established, and Clive Owen does a fantastic job as usual.

Conclusion: Close enough for jazz. B- ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/42456-derailed.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/42454-the-legend-of-zorro-new-post.html Sat, 19 Nov 2005 17:31:03 GMT *The Legend of Zorro (PG)** Antonio Banderas, Catherine Zeta-Jones* For those of you just coming out of a cave, seeing the world for the first time, here’s who Zorro is. Zorro is protector of the peoples and defender of justice in pre-Civil War California. This film, the sequel to the 1998 Mask... The Legend of Zorro (PG)
Antonio Banderas, Catherine Zeta-Jones

For those of you just coming out of a cave, seeing the world for the first time, here’s who Zorro is. Zorro is protector of the peoples and defender of justice in pre-Civil War California. This film, the sequel to the 1998 Mask of Zorro finds our hero trying to balance family, career, and defense of the peoples. As a mad Frenchman attempts to ignite the Civil War with the use of a new and powerful weapon, hoping to get the United States to destroy itself, Zorro must defend California and save his marriage at the same time. His wife is simultaneously forced by the notable Pinkerton investigators to spy on this crazed Frenchman.

The plot of this film is relatively stupid and far fetched most of the time. The makers of the film also tried too hard to keep it PG and missed out on a lot of good opportunities for action. Another big problem was that the special effects were awfully done. The first Zorro movie relied on little to no computer effects, and it was a good movie. The film makers should have been more concerned with the script, and staying true to the spirit of the original, and been less concerned with spending the enormous budget.

This film is not without its plusses. The fight scenes were well done. The acrobatics and tricks were fun to watch. And humor was present throughout.

Conclusion: A disappointing sequel. Es mui stupido. C- ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/42454-the-legend-of-zorro.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/42453-chicken-little-new-post.html Sat, 19 Nov 2005 17:28:58 GMT *Chicken Little (G)** Zach Braff, Gary Marshall, Steve Zahn, Joan Cusack* This is a movie about Chicken Little, famed for inciting a panic after he claimed that the sky was falling. In this world, Chicken Little has been shunned by most of his peers and labeled a freak. After he manages to pull... Chicken Little (G)
Zach Braff, Gary Marshall,
Steve Zahn, Joan Cusack

This is a movie about Chicken Little, famed for inciting a panic after he claimed that the sky was falling. In this world, Chicken Little has been shunned by most of his peers and labeled a freak. After he manages to pull himself out of the stigma that had been with him for so long, he finds out that he wasn’t imagining it after all. With his friends, Ugly Duckling, Runt of the litter, and Fish out of water, he discovers that Aliens have been watching his town.

This movie had some seriously funny moments. The cast as a whole brought their own unique touches to the humor that the script had to offer. The funniest character, however, is the one that says nothing. Fish out of water steals many of the scenes.

I was pleasantly surprised that the entire movie wasn’t about aliens attacking the town. The majority of the story had to do with Chicken Little trying to regain the faith of his father. The downside was that at a certain point in the story the plot got pretty obvious, and the story wrapped itself up a little quickly. While this is a kid’s movie, I guess I give kids a little more credit than those at Disney.

Conclusion: A fun time for kids and adults. B+ ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/42453-chicken-little.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/40611-saw-2-a-new-post.html Tue, 01 Nov 2005 05:22:55 GMT The opening scene of this movie will scare the shit out of you. A guy is in a room with a metal face mask brace on that has nails on the front and back. The TV switches on to let the guy know the rules. He can get out of the death mask if he cuts out his own eye to get the key. Not to spoil the... The opening scene of this movie will scare the shit out of you. A guy is in a room with a metal face mask brace on that has nails on the front and back. The TV switches on to let the guy know the rules. He can get out of the death mask if he cuts out his own eye to get the key. Not to spoil the movie but he doesn't have the balls and the mask closes on him. This is a great opener for the movie and grabbed my attention.

Danny Walhberg (Marky Mark's brother out of New Kids on the Block) stars as the main detective in the movie and his acting skills are quite up to par. He is called to the scene of the gruesome crime described above and Saw II has begun.

Early on the detective figures out the location of "Jigsaw" and this is where the story really begins.

Being impressed with the first movie I went into the sequel thinking the worst. However this movie really packs a punch and keeps up with the cunning genius of the first and even leaves a setup for a third Saw movie!!

If you are a fan of the first movie this is definitely worth checking out and if you love a horror flick the intro sequence will scare most people enough to give this movie a chance.

8/10

:axeman: ]]> Movie Reviews Soria http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/40611-saw-2-a.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/39508-wallace-and-gromit-curse-of-the-were-rabbit-new-post.html Mon, 24 Oct 2005 18:58:30 GMT *Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit (G)* The upcoming Vegetable Fair is in trouble as the local gardens are being ransacked by a giant rabbit. The town calls upon inventor and humane pest controller Wallace, to solve this problem. Alongside his silent but ever animated dog Gromit, he... Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit (G)

The upcoming Vegetable Fair is in trouble as the local gardens are being ransacked by a giant rabbit. The town calls upon inventor and humane pest controller Wallace, to solve this problem. Alongside his silent but ever animated dog Gromit, he sets out to rid the town of the menace and win the heart of aristocrat Lady Tottington.

Yes, this is a G movie, but its Wallace and Gromit. If you’ve never seen them before, that’s your loss. Fans of the series will not be disappointed. The hilarious and inventive series has finally been adapted for the big screen and it leaves nothing to be desired. It’s a film the whole family can enjoy. It’s got comedy, action, and a fair amount of double meaning for the parents *wink*. Not much can be said without giving the plot, sufficed to say, this film delivers big time.

Conclusion: see above. A ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/39508-wallace-and-gromit-curse-of-the-were-rabbit.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/39507-domino-new-post.html Mon, 24 Oct 2005 18:54:56 GMT *Domino (R)** Keira Knightly, Mickey Rourke* This film is loosely based on the real life of bounty hunter Domino Harvey. This privileged, young, former model became a bounty hunter, apparently because she was bored. When a large sum of money belonging to the mob is stolen, Domino and her... Domino (R)
Keira Knightly, Mickey Rourke

This film is loosely based on the real life of bounty hunter Domino Harvey. This privileged, young, former model became a bounty hunter, apparently because she was bored. When a large sum of money belonging to the mob is stolen, Domino and her teammates Choco and Ed are sent to find the money and return it. Twists, turns, a lot of confusion, guns, sex, drugs, Christopher Walken, and for some reason Brian Austin Green and Ian Zering (yes the guys from 90210).

First off I’d like to say that I hate Tony Scott, the director. If you watched his other film Man on Fire you’d realize that this film is shot and edited the exact same way. If you haven’t seen it, allow me to explain. The film is a hodgepodge of slow mo shots, half second flashbacks, and every choppy and jumpy camera trick you can think of. If you have severe ADD, this film’s for you, but if you get headaches easily or have a history of epilepsy, you should never see this film because you will die.

A major point of the film that is both a downside and upside is that most of the story is simply “look how hot Keira Knightly is.” It’s a significant plot device used to move the story. While I agree I don’t feel it’s strong enough to move an action film along. That should be reserved for porno. Another problem is that there is simply not enough Christopher Walken in it.
The plus sides of the film are as follows; (descending order) Keira Knightly topless (not much there but certainly new), Brian Austin Green gets his nose broken, boobs, drug trip scene, guns, boobs and guns.

Conclusion: Could have been good, failed to deliver. But there’s boobs C- ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/39507-domino.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/39506-elizabethtown-new-post.html Mon, 24 Oct 2005 18:52:31 GMT *Elizabethtown (PG-13)** Orlando Bloom, Kirsten Dunst* After causing the company he works for hundreds of millions of dollars in a failed shoe design, Drew Baker (Bloom) plans on killing himself. He’s interrupted by his sister who tells him that their dad just died while visiting relatives. Drew... Elizabethtown (PG-13)
Orlando Bloom, Kirsten Dunst

After causing the company he works for hundreds of millions of dollars in a failed shoe design, Drew Baker (Bloom) plans on killing himself. He’s interrupted by his sister who tells him that their dad just died while visiting relatives. Drew then has to travel to Elizabethtown Kentucky to retrieve the body and bring it back home. On his way there he meets Claire (Dunst), a quirky flight attendant who he quickly befriends. Drew embarks on a hilarious adventure of life, death, family, and love.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from his film. I wasn’t sure if Orlando Bloom could carry a film that wasn’t a period piece. Not only does he not play a knight, prince, or elf, he plays a shoe designer from Oregon. I also was unsure of his ability to pull off a comedy. Much to my surprise, he does a wonderful job.

I really liked the entire film. It was very funny. It was also a little heart wrenching in some parts, especially if you have daddy issues like I do. And the ending was pretty fantastic, a rare commodity these days. My only gripe was that Susan Sarandon’s character had some cheesy lines, and Kirsten Dunst’s character was a little to cute and quirky to be believable.

Conclusion: A funny and heartfelt movie with the best of intentions. A- ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/39506-elizabethtown.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/36265-a-history-of-violence-new-post.html Mon, 03 Oct 2005 18:34:45 GMT *A History of Violence (R)** Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, Ed Harris, William Hurt* This is the tale of Tom Stall (Mortensen), a diner owner in a small town. When the diner gets robbed Tom leaps into action and kills the two robbers. After that he is momentarily famous, and is approached by Ed... A History of Violence (R)
Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello,
Ed Harris, William Hurt

This is the tale of Tom Stall (Mortensen), a diner owner in a small town. When the diner gets robbed Tom leaps into action and kills the two robbers. After that he is momentarily famous, and is approached by Ed Harris who thinks he’s a mobster named Joey Cusac. Is this a tale of mistaken or hidden identity?

First I’m going to give you all what you really want out of the story. Maria Bello has a full frontal shot. Also there are two sex scenes, including a 69, but I warn you they are the most awkward sex scenes that cinema has to offer. Also, the violence in the film is very realistic, even gory. Unfortunately that’s about all the good things I have to say.


The first half of the film moves so slow I almost fell asleep. And many scenes seem extremely random and unnecessary. They throw in this sub storyline where Tom’s son is harassed by one of the most ridiculous bullies I’ve ever seen. The dialogue is completely absurd, and the acting was sub par at best. On the bright side, the story is so incredibly stupid that it almost comes off as funny. Expect a few giggles out of it. I also found it hard to believe that William Hurt was supposed to be Viggo Mortensen’s brother. That’s just poor casting, But William Hurt’s performance is hilarious and I’m not sure if that was intentional.

Conclusion: Horrible movie, but full frontal, decisions, decisions. D+ ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/36265-a-history-of-violence.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/36264-serenity-new-post.html Mon, 03 Oct 2005 18:31:39 GMT *Serenity (PG-13)** Nathan Fillion, Adam Baldwin* This is the story of a small group of criminals that are perpetually on the run from the Galactic Coalition. They soon find out that one of their crew is not who they seem to be, that, in fact, the girl named River is a weapon and a telepath,... Serenity (PG-13)
Nathan Fillion, Adam Baldwin

This is the story of a small group of criminals that are perpetually on the run from the Galactic Coalition. They soon find out that one of their crew is not who they seem to be, that, in fact, the girl named River is a weapon and a telepath, genetically altered by the government. This brings on a whole new mess of trouble as the Coalition sends an assassin to get River. When secrets are revealed, the ships crew must fight to stay alive, and save the galaxy.

This is based on the short running television show “Firefly” created by Joss Whedon, famed creator of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel”. Unfortunately, this series landed into that long list of good shows given crappy timeslots, and was cancelled before the end of their first season. You certainly don’t need to be a fan of the series to enjoy this film.



Before seeing this movie I made a point to catch the “Firefly” reruns on the Sci-Fi channel, and quickly became a fan of the series. For those that watched the show, the movie stays true to character and style, the two things I enjoyed most about the show. The idea of a futuristic, pirate, western, action, comedy is pretty cool. This film has it all.



The only real downside would be that if you have never seen the series, some minor elements of the story may be a little confusing. These are only minor points, and shouldn’t take away from the overall experience, unless you’re gonna be a dick about it. Let it go man.

Conclusion: Gunfights, chases, karate, space battles, and humor, tastes good. A ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/36264-serenity.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/35016-corpse-bride-new-post.html Sun, 25 Sep 2005 20:08:01 GMT *Corpse Bride (PG)** Johnny Depp, Helena Bohnam Carter* This is the tale of the nervously clumsy Victor (Depp) and the sweet Victoria (Emily Watson). They are betrothed by their parents to be wed. Victor’s family seeking the noble status and Victoria’s seeking money. Upon meeting they quickly... Corpse Bride (PG)
Johnny Depp, Helena Bohnam Carter

This is the tale of the nervously clumsy Victor (Depp) and the sweet Victoria (Emily Watson). They are betrothed by their parents to be wed. Victor’s family seeking the noble status and Victoria’s seeking money. Upon meeting they quickly fall in love. Before the wedding, however, Victor accidentally becomes married to the Corpse Bride (Carter). Victor then tries to get out of his marriage to the stiff and get back to the woman he loves.

I just want to say that I love the stop motion animation that Tim Burton uses in this film. I’d pick it over CGI hands down, any day of the week. The texture and movement of the characters is amazing. They also do a wonderful job in creating the worlds of both the living and dead.


Another plus of the film is the wonderful and original story that was very compelling. With that said I did find it a little predictable at times. There was a nice kind of dark and pun filled humor throughout the film that was enjoyable.

Another gripe I had with the film was the music. Burton hired the noted composer Danny Elfman to write the songs and compose the scores. I found the lyrics to be contrived and un-compelling, and the music to be a little too Elfmanesque. It seemed inappropriate for the film. A lot of the singing got lost in a kind of rabble due to the fact that in many of the songs there are large groups singing simultaneously.

Conclusion: Danny Elfman can shove his keyboard up his ass for putting a black spot on such a good film. B ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/35016-corpse-bride.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/35015-flightplan-new-post.html Sun, 25 Sep 2005 20:06:06 GMT *Flightplan (PG13)** Jodi Foster, Peter Sarsgaard* Jodi Foster plays a woman who just lost her husband in a terrible accident. She and her daughter “Julia” are on a flight to New York, in order to bury her husband and start a new life. Mid flight, Foster awakens to find her daughter is missing. ... Flightplan (PG13)
Jodi Foster, Peter Sarsgaard

Jodi Foster plays a woman who just lost her husband in a terrible accident. She and her daughter “Julia” are on a flight to New York, in order to bury her husband and start a new life. Mid flight, Foster awakens to find her daughter is missing. When she begins to search and ask the crew, nobody seems to have ever seen the little girl. We then enter a thirty minute panic, and paranoia fueled rampage as Foster frantically searches for the girl no one believes ever existed.

Going in to this film, I wasn’t expecting much. Prepared for some minor intensity coupled with a crappy Hollywood twist tacked on, I expected the entire thing to be predictable and contrived. I was glad to be wrong. I was completely side swiped by the twist of the film, and it was good. The film also started out with some outstanding cinematography which began to wane near the end.


The only real downside to the film was that the initial search for the girl took entirely too long. I would have liked a little more progression of the story, but while in dragged only slightly there; it was justified given the nature of the situation. And I swear Jodie Foster says “Julia” like ten thousand times in the film. I always liked that name, but now I’m kinda’ sick of it.


Conclusion: Surprisingly good. Is it weird I think Jodi Foster is kinda’ hot? A- ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/35015-flightplan.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/34225-trailer-trash-9-20-a-new-post.html Tue, 20 Sep 2005 19:18:56 GMT *Trailer Trash** The best and worst of movie previews* * Best Doom (R) * October 21st Starring: The Rock - Prepare to blow a video game load! Monsters and plasma blasters… its beautiful man! Plus, it’s rated R so there is hope for boobs and gore. Trailer Trash
The best and worst of movie previews

Best

Doom (R)
October 21st
Starring: The Rock
- Prepare to blow a video game load! Monsters and plasma blasters… its beautiful man! Plus, it’s rated R so there is hope for boobs and gore.

Prime (PG-13)
October 28th
Starring: Meryl Streep, Uma Thurman
- A shrink’s neurotic patient starts dating her son. Uma talks about sex. Noice. Uuuuuuuuummmmmmmaaaaaaaaaaaa


Worst

Dreamer (PG)
October 21st
Starring: Dakota Fanning, Kurt Russell
- 1. Dakota Fanning is the creepiest kid alive. 2. A horse movie and it’s not porn? No thanks.

Pride and Prejudice (PG)
November 18th
Starring: Keira Knightly
- Based on a Jane Austin book about aristocratic love and….. Sorry…fell asleep. ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/34225-trailer-trash-9-20-a.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/34049-lord-of-war-new-post.html Mon, 19 Sep 2005 17:38:59 GMT *Lord of War (R)** Nicholas Cage, Jared Leto* This film chronicles the rise and fall and rise and fall… of a weapons dealer. The film follows Cage from the beginning were he sold his first Uzi, to him supplying armies. Jared Leto plays his coke addict brother. That’s the story. Pretty cut and... Lord of War (R)
Nicholas Cage, Jared Leto

This film chronicles the rise and fall and rise and fall… of a weapons dealer. The film follows Cage from the beginning were he sold his first Uzi, to him supplying armies. Jared Leto plays his coke addict brother. That’s the story. Pretty cut and dry.

One of the biggest gripes I had with the film was the opening sequence. The director, in a move I can only attribute as an attempt to be clever and use up some of the special effects budget, decides to start the film by following a bullet from production, to transport, to it’s being used to kill a boy in Africa. This sequence, not only being bad for the motion sick, tends to drag on for much too long.


The film contains a sort of dark, cynical, and ironic humor that I found appealing. It’s in no way a comedy, but it’s tragically funny. You should also not expect an action movie out of this. It’s anything but. It’s a pseudo political drama. The politics, however, are saved until the very end of the film, which made me happy. If it was political throughout, it would have killed the movie.

The biggest chunk of the plot comes from Nicholas Cage trying to balance work, and family, and avoiding the authorities. Like anybody that works out of town a lot, he wishes he could see his wife and son more. The film does a good job of developing characters and showing the slow decay of Cage’s soul.

Conclusion: Graphic violence, lots of guns, and I think I saw a boob. B ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/34049-lord-of-war.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/34048-just-like-heaven-new-post.html Mon, 19 Sep 2005 17:37:05 GMT *Just Like Heaven (PG-13)** Reese Witherspoon, Mark Ruffalo* This romantic comedy is about a doctor who is haunting her old apartment that is being leased by Mark Ruffalo. Ruffalo naturally freaks out at the sight of a tiny blonde ghost and does what he can to get her gone. Without giving away... Just Like Heaven (PG-13)
Reese Witherspoon, Mark Ruffalo

This romantic comedy is about a doctor who is haunting her old apartment that is being leased by Mark Ruffalo. Ruffalo naturally freaks out at the sight of a tiny blonde ghost and does what he can to get her gone. Without giving away too much of the story, they fall in love and conflict ensues.

I came into this film expecting some cheesy love story coupled with weak comedy, as I have come to expect from all Romantic comedies. But to my surprise, this was actually a really funny movie. Mark Ruffalo is especially funny, which I imagine is difficult when in many of your scenes you have to act with someone who isn’t there. With a small supporting role is Napoleon Dynamite’s Jon Heder, as the psychic bookstore owner Ruffalo turns to for help with his problem. Heder, while it is difficult to escape his “Napoleon” persona, manages to separate from the role that made him famous.

One downside of the film is the comedy dwindles as the love story develops over the last thirty minutes. Let’s face it, happiness and love aren’t funny, but the film manages to maintain the humor peripherally. I wish I could tell you more but there are some plot points I really don’t want to give away.

Conclusion: Pretty funny flick. B+ ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/34048-just-like-heaven.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/34047-the-great-raid-new-post.html Mon, 19 Sep 2005 17:34:52 GMT *The Great Raid (R)* *Benjamin Bratt, Joseph Fiennes* This is the true story of one of the largest and most successful rescue missions in military history. In 1942 American troops were forced to surrender to the Japanese in one of the greatest defeats of World War 2. Three years later, as... The Great Raid (R)
Benjamin Bratt, Joseph Fiennes

This is the true story of one of the largest and most successful rescue missions in military history. In 1942 American troops were forced to surrender to the Japanese in one of the greatest defeats of World War 2. Three years later, as American forces began to win the war; the Japanese decided they would rather kill the POWs than allow them to be rescued. This lead the U.S. to sent in a Ranger battalion ahead of the American front line, in order to rescue a camp of POWs before they could be executed.

This story had the potential to be a great tale of heroism and bravery amongst the harshest of conditions. While there were remnants of that in the film, the movie failed to grab the viewers and keep them engaged. The actual rescue took about 20 minutes at the end of the film, and the rescue squad had no conflict as they approached the camp. This may have been more realistic to what actually happened, but reality is boring, I want to see shit get blown up. To fill in this extra dead space, the writer decided to throw in a pseudo love story between one of the POWs and a nurse working with the underground resistance. I couldn’t help but be reminded of the same attempt made by the writer of Pearl Harbor.

Another big problem was the development of characters, or lack there of. We actually got introduced to two members of the rescue team and only three of the POWs. The movie does a very poor job of creating characters that you really give a damn about. The director must have noticed this because we are almost shown a friendship among two soldiers, but this is about 30 seconds of the film and fails to develop anything substantial.

The biggest plus of the film was the planning and execution of the actual rescue. Getting to see the plan be carried out exactly as it had been described was kind of cool. Unfortunately, this speck of action wasn’t enough to cover up the forced drama and lack of any real substance of the story.

Conclusion: Very disappointing. C- ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/34047-the-great-raid.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/33051-exorcism-of-emily-rose-the-man-new-post.html Mon, 12 Sep 2005 16:51:18 GMT *The Exorcism of Emily Rose (PG-13)* Laura Linney, Tom Wilkinson This film, based on actual events, begins with Emily Rose already dead. The priest that performed the exorcism is arrested and charged with negligent homicide. The rest of the film deals with the defense lawyer learning what... The Exorcism of Emily Rose (PG-13)
Laura Linney, Tom Wilkinson

This film, based on actual events, begins with Emily Rose already dead. The priest that performed the exorcism is arrested and charged with negligent homicide. The rest of the film deals with the defense lawyer learning what happened and the trial itself. The film uses flashbacks as people tell what they believe to have happened.

I went into this film expecting an interesting story and maybe some scares. I was sadly disappointed. The film really fails to grab the audience as the first thirty or forty minutes are so slow and relatively uneventful. Once the trial begins we start getting some flashbacks, interests are peaked, but the load is blown when we get to see what happened at the exorcism. Once that is explained, the film doesn’t wrap up very quickly and ends on a very boring note.

One of the biggest problems in this film was the poorly written script. The dialogue was some of the most contrived and unrealistic writing I’ve ever seen. Every character talked as though they were reading from a research paper written about what happened. Much of the supporting cast gave very poor performances, and if they said the phrase “Dark Forces” one more time I was going to stab someone in the face.

Conclusion: Only about 20 minutes that is worth watching. Save your money. C-

The Man (PG-13)
Samuel L. Jackson, Eugene Levy

Eugene Levy plays a Dental Equipment Salesman in New York for a conference. He is mistaken by a gun dealer for Samuel L. Jackson’s character, a tough undercover ATF agent. Jackson is then forced to use Levy as a pawn in order to catch the arms dealer.

The pairing of Jackson and Levy is genius, yet the comedy in this film wasn’t as screwball as many would expect. The way they play off of each other is a delightful blend of character and although the character of the neurotic Jew may be a little played out, Levy gives it a personal touch of personality as many have seen in his past work, such as Waiting for Guffman and Best in Show. Jackson basically plays the same kind of character he always plays, which in never a bad thing. Although both leads are simply playing the roles they have played numerous times, their combination has unexpected, hilarious results.

Conclusion: Running fart gag, and a fish-out-of water scenario, always funny. B+


Trailer Trash
The best and worst of movie previews

Best

Domino
October 14th
Keira Knightley, Micky Rourke
- A hot, ass kicking bounty hunter, and Christopher Walken. I need to change my pants.

Just Friends
November 23rd
Ryan Reynolds, Amy Smart
- Reynolds plays the formerly fat, nice guy, turned attractive, successful music mogul. Who says dreams don’t come true?

Worst
North Country
October 14th
Charlize Theron
- Sexual Harassment and rape in a coal mine. Just one more film trying to make me hate my penis.

The Greatest Game Ever Played
September 20th
Shia LaBeouf
- With that title I was surprised to find out it was a golf movie, since, as we all know, golf is the Most Boring Game Ever Played. They could add drugs and guns and I still wouldn’t care. ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/33051-exorcism-of-emily-rose-the-man.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/32688-the-brothers-grimm-transporter-2-a-new-post.html Fri, 09 Sep 2005 17:37:19 GMT *The Brothers Grimm (PG-13)* Matt Damon, Heath Ledger This film documents the adventures of the literary Brothers Grimm that led them to write their famous stories. They start their story as con men, faking hauntings and mystical troubles in small German villages and then charging for their... The Brothers Grimm (PG-13)
Matt Damon, Heath Ledger

This film documents the adventures of the literary Brothers Grimm that led them to write their famous stories. They start their story as con men, faking hauntings and mystical troubles in small German villages and then charging for their exorcism. After being found out by the occupying French military, they are told to investigate the disappearance of girls in a haunted village.

The smell of shit emanating from this movie was so strong I could smell it outside the theatre. The story was so confusing I nearly walked out, to keep my mind from exploding. Any time the characters seemed to hit an impasse, someone would suddenly remember an absurdly obscure story that would be completely relevant to the situation, and solve the problem. The story was meant to take place in Germany but everyone spoke with a British accent. The only exception is the French characters who sound like something out of Monty Python. I hope this was meant to be a children’s film because the only real challenge as an adult was keeping the nachos down.

The trailers promised a scary and intense film involving the dark truth about beloved childhood characters. The film, however, was a farce with pathetic and smattering attempts at humor. The only props I can in good conscious give would be for the effects…but who cares?

Conclusion: Holy crap did this suck! D


Transporter 2 (PG-13)
Jason Statham

This sequel finds Frank Martin in Miami, transporting the son of a political big wig. A foreign political group abducts the child, of which Frank has grown quite fond. Frank goes on a violent spree to retrieve the boy, and discover the group’s real intent.

The film is full of high-flying action and excellent stunts. The fights are very well choreographed and Jason Statham does a superb job in kicking ass. The story line was better than the origonal, and allowed action and conflict to reign throughout. Every actor managed to give a relatively solid performance, with the exception of Matthew Modine. He undoubtedly has an impressive collection of work under his belt, however in this film he seemed to be phoning in his performance.

The only downside to the film was the special effects. Any scene they had to do with CG was rather unconvincing. Word of advice, if you can’t do the trick with a real car, don’t do it. That put a real black mark on an otherwise good film.

Conclusion: An enjoyable experience. Better than the first. B+



Trailer Trash
The best and worst of movie previews

Best
Grandma’s Boy
Release date unknown
Starring: Adam Sandler’s friends
- A video game aficionado moves in with three elderly women. Sounds sexy.

Walk the Line
November 18th
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon
- The Johnny Cash story. That’s all I need to know.

Worst

Cry_Wolf
September 16th
Starring: Snotty teens and Bon Jovi
- Horror movie are really going to have to try to impress me. Good luck bitches.

Two for the Money
October 7th
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Al Pacino
- A riveting story about someone gambling and losing. I’m at the edge of my seat. ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/32688-the-brothers-grimm-transporter-2-a.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/29862-40-year-old-virgin-red-eye-new-post.html Sat, 20 Aug 2005 18:25:52 GMT *The 40 Year Old Virgin* (R) Steve Carell, Caterine Keener, Paul Rudd The premise is simple; Steve Carell is a forty year old virgin. His friends find out and try to get him laid. The genius comes from how much humor they get out of this seemingly straightforward plot. I can easily say that... The 40 Year Old Virgin (R)
Steve Carell, Caterine Keener, Paul Rudd

The premise is simple; Steve Carell is a forty year old virgin. His friends find out and try to get him laid. The genius comes from how much humor they get out of this seemingly straightforward plot.

I can easily say that this is one of the funniest movies I’ve ever seen. Laughter in the audience was so intense that I missed some of the dialogue. Steve Carell brings his very original comedic delivery that will undoubtedly make him a huge star. His supporting cast puts the film over the top with Paul Rudd and Seth Rogen giving especially hilarious performances. The naturally funny actors play well off each other and it is clear they do a lot of improv throughout, almost losing the original script but replacing it with something even greater.

Conclusion: See this film. DO IT NOW! A



Red Eye (PG-13)
Rachel McAdams, Cillian Murphy

Lisa is taking the red eye home to Miami. A few coincidental run-ins with a man named Jackson end in them sitting next to each other on the plane. Jackson soon reveals his true intentions; He needs Lisa to aid him in the assassination of a political figure or else he will kill her father.

The plot is very singularly driven, without any real twists and turns. The acting is good and Cillian Murphy gives a stellar performance as a creepy killer. The intensity is relatively subdued but culminates in the last bit of the film; however the action is over too fast. You leave the theatre feeling like you’ve just been prematurely spurted on. Like a night with The Dook, there is a lot of buildup to very little payoff. Expect disappointment.

Conclusion: Not bad but not good enough. C


Trailer Trash
The best and worst looking movie previews

Best
Fun with Dick and Jane: Jim Carey, Tea Leoni
December 21st

A suburban couple’s crime spree. Priceless.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang: Robert Downer Jr., Val Kilmer
September 16th

A criminal pretends to be an actor and trains for a role with a cop. Comedy ensues.

Worst
In Her Shoes: Cameron Diaz, Toni Collette
October 7th

A chick flick with lots of crying and futile attempts at humor. Who keeps giving Diaz acting work?

Underclassman: Nick Cannon, Rosalyn Sanchez
September 2nd

If Chris Tucker were younger he probably would have been given the lead. Do you understand the words that are comin’ out of my mouf? ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/29862-40-year-old-virgin-red-eye.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/29861-dukes-of-hazzard-4-brothers-skeleton-key-new-post.html Sat, 20 Aug 2005 18:15:52 GMT *The Dukes of Hazzard* (PG-13) Johnny Knoxville, Sean William Scott Burt Reynolds and Jessica Simpson The Dukes of Hazzard follows the adventures of Luke and Bo Duke, “good ol’ boys” from Hazzard, Georgia. They help their Uncle Jesse (Willie Nelson) run his illegal moonshine business. With Bo’s... The Dukes of Hazzard (PG-13)
Johnny Knoxville, Sean William Scott
Burt Reynolds and Jessica Simpson

The Dukes of Hazzard follows the adventures of Luke and Bo Duke, “good ol’ boys” from Hazzard, Georgia. They help their Uncle Jesse (Willie Nelson) run his illegal moonshine business. With Bo’s supped up Dodge Charger, the confederate flag adorned ‘General Lee’, the Duke boys are constantly evading the police and taking them on wild chases. Once they get caught, they rely on their cousin Daisy’s hot ass and short shorts combination to distract the cops. The Duke boys then escape, and foil whatever insidious plan the powerful Boss Hogg has in store for the town.

What you’ve just read is the plot summary for every episode of the Dukes of Hazzard television show. Incidentally, it is also the plot for the movie. Although plot-wise, the film is very much just a two hour episode, it is not without its merits. It’s a testosterone driven comic adventure, with exciting car chases and Jessica Simpson’s ass. The script is well-written and the direction of Broken Lizard’s Jay Chandrasekhar ensures the lines are delivered well, however when one of the most convincing performances comes from the former face of Jackass, your film has a serious problem. And while the plot, story and acting leave something to be desired, it’s a fun movie…if you care nothing for legitimate cinema.

Conclusion: Not a total piece of crap but close enough. C


Four Brothers (R)
Mark Wahlberg, Andre Benjamin

John Singleton directs this adaptation of an old western, Four Brothers is the tale of… four brothers. They return home to bury their adoptive mother after she was killed during a robbery. The brothers suspect that it was a set up and seek out who ordered their mother’s death. They then embark on a violent investigation throughout their old hometown, seeking the truth, only to find that it goes higher up than expected.

This film does a good job of character development and establishing a believable relationship between the brothers. The acting is solid, including an impressive performance from Andre Benjamin, who no doubt felt very uncomfortable wearing normal people clothes. I’m a big fan of revenge and this film had plenty of it. It’s always nice to see bad things happen to bad people. The film found a nice balance between action, drama and comedy; however the twists and outcomes of the story are relatively predictable.

Conclusion: Mark Wahlberg looks funny when he cries B+


Skeleton Key (PG-13)
Kate Hudson

Caroline is a nurse who gets a job working as a live-in caregiver for an elderly woman’s ailing husband. Through a series of strange occurrences, Caroline is introduced to a world of hoodoo in the backwoods of Louisiana. She then believes the man’s illness is at the hand of the elderly woman and her magic and spends the majority of the film trying to help him out from underneath her control.

Right away I was hesitant about this film. The fact that it was PG-13 made me question how intense the scare was. Much to my disappointment, the film lacked any real terror. Any opportunity to startle the audience was poorly executed. Although every somewhat scary part is most likely sitting on the cutting room floor, the story wasn’t bad, the acting was well done, and the film has a mildly surprising ending. Sadly, that’s all I have to say about this film, there wasn’t much to it.

Conclusion: Nothing is gained by seeing it in theatres. Wait for the DVD. B-


Trailer Trash
The best and worst looking movie previews

Best
Serenity: Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres
September 30th

It’s a pirate/action/western/comedy in a Sci-Fi setting. Seems promising.

Waiting: Ryan Reynolds, Justin Long
September 23rd

Ryan Reynolds as a waiter in a restaurant called Shenanigan's. How can it not be good?

Worst
Get Rich or Die Trying: 50 Cent
Unknown release date

Fiddy plays a criminal who does some time and becomes a rapper. A very courageous role for him to take for his debut.

Flightplan: Jodie Foster
September 23rd

It just looks crappy. ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/29861-dukes-of-hazzard-4-brothers-skeleton-key.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/28513-bad-news-bears-the-island-sky-high-new-post.html Wed, 10 Aug 2005 21:53:30 GMT The Bad News Bears (PG-13) Billy Bob Thornton, Greg Kinnear Billy Bob Thornton stars in this remake of the 1976 Walter Matthau comedy. It’s the story of Morris Buttermaker (Thornton), a former professional baseball player, who is hired to coach a team of kids that really suck. As a fan of the... The Bad News Bears (PG-13)
Billy Bob Thornton, Greg Kinnear

Billy Bob Thornton stars in this remake of the 1976 Walter Matthau comedy. It’s the story of Morris Buttermaker (Thornton), a former professional baseball player, who is hired to coach a team of kids that really suck.
As a fan of the original I was really hoping that this remake would do its predecessor justice, and while it managed to have the same story it wasn’t nearly as good as the original. Thornton and Kinnear were very good, minus an awkward scene where Kinnear pushes down a kid and screams at him in the middle of a game.
One major problem I had with the film was the pacing. They rushed through a lot of the memorable scenes that were in the original, such as the recruiting of Kelly, the powerhouse player. They rush through the team’s development in order to get so scenes that have Billy Bob being funny.
The film appeared to have spent most of their money for casting on getting Thornton and Kinnear, because the kids in the film did some of the worst acting I’ve seen since a play I had to do for my church youth group when I was little. I think a lot of he potential for the film was lost on crappy delivery from the kids. And you may be thinking “Oh, but they’re just kids. It’s ok.” No. There are children that are professional actors. I’ve seen them. They do exist. What saves the film is Thornton. He manages to establish his own kind of delivery to the performance that manages to separate him from the Matthau performance without turning the character into something wholly unrecognizable from the original.

Conclusion: You might want to wait for video. C+

The Island (PG-13)
Ewan McGregor, Scarlett Johansson, Sean Bean

Lincoln Six-Echo (McGregor) believes that the Earth has undergone a global contamination and that the only safe place is in the facility he’s kept, with the other “survivors”, and The Island, a paradise that managed to escape contamination. When his friend Jordan Two-Delta (Johansson) is selected to go the island, Lincoln learns that there is no island, and that all of the survivors are clones of the rich and famous being kept for spare parts.
To be honest, I only saw this movie for two reasons. First, Scarlett Johansson is hot. Second, I was bored. But I was pleasantly surprised when it turned out to be a really good enjoyable action movie. There are lots of intense chase scenes; there are huge car accidents, a lot of violence, good special effects, and a fair amount of humor. There is a really cool scene in particular where a bunch of huge train wheels are pushed into traffic causing some huge wrecks. It’s all the best that you can expect from a Michael Bay movie, and none of the crap you’d expect from a Michael Bay movie.

Conclusion: This kind of film should be seen in a theater B+
(Warning: not for the motion sick)

Sky High (PG)
Kurt Russell, Kelly Preston, Bruce Campbell

Unless you’ve been living in a cave for the past six months Mr. Terrorist, you probably know what this film is about. The son of the greatest heroes in the world, The Commander (Kurt Russell) and Jet stream (Kelly Preston), attends a super hero high school. The only problem is that he has no powers and has been telling his parents that he does. He soon gets his powers and has to save the school and his parents from Royal Pain, his father’s arch nemesis.
One of the most enjoyable parts of the film was the casting for the faculty of the school. Lynda (Wonder Woman) Carter plays the principal. The always spectacular, Bruce Campbell plays the schools head coach. And we are blessed with the presence of two Kids in the Hall, Dave Foley teaches the side kick class, and Kevin McDonald teaches the mad science class.
This is a pleasant time for everyone. Its John Hughes meets the X-Men. It satisfied both the angst filled teen within as well as the comic book geek in me. I can safely say that it’s a film for everyone.

Conclusion: It’s a super hero movie that doesn’t suck. See it. A-




Trailer Trash
The best and worst looking movie previews

Best
The Transporter 2: Jason Statham
September 2nd, 2005
The action looks cooler that the first, I’m just praying for a better ending.

Worst
Into the Blue: Paul Walker, Jessica Alba
September 30th, 2005
A promise of Jessica Alba in a Bikini isn’t enough to get me to see it. ]]> Movie Reviews The-Dook http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/28513-bad-news-bears-the-island-sky-high.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/28512-the-skeleton-key-new-post.html Wed, 10 Aug 2005 18:47:44 GMT The Skeleton Key By Michael Rechtshaffen Bottom line: A richly crafted chunk of hoodoo horror that comes up short in the bone-rattling department. The Skeleton Key


By Michael Rechtshaffen




Bottom line: A richly crafted chunk of hoodoo horror that comes up short in the bone-rattling department.


British filmmaker Iain Softley, whose diverse body of work includes "Backbeat," "The Wings of the Dove" and "K-PAX," continues to show his versatility with "The Skeleton Key," an elegantly mounted ghost story that's steeped plenty of dank Louisiana atmosphere.

Like Walter Salles' recently released "Dark Water" and Alejandro Amenabar's "The Others," the emphasis is on class over crass, with a nicely sustained, slowly building sense of dread draping the entire production like a clammy shroud.

But in the end, "Skeleton Key" bears a greater resemblance to the former rather than the latter because of its inability to really get under the skin.

Even with its brain buster of a twist ending, the shocks remain mostly on the surface.

Given the saturation of horror product flooding the market these days, the Universal Pictures release will likely open moderately at best, with potential bigger thrills situated further down the ancillary bayou.

Shedding her perkier side in favor of something darker and more interesting, Kate Hudson reaches a new level of maturity as Caroline Ellis, a hospice worker with an eye toward nursing school who takes a job as a live-in caretaker in a sinister, decrepit plantation house located deep in the Louisiana Delta.

The mansion is home to Violet Devereaux (ever-reliable Gena Rowlands) and her ailing husband, Ben (John Hurt), who has been rendered mute and partially paralyzed by a recent stroke.

But it doesn't take long for the initially fearless Caroline to suspect that there's an additional presence lurking behind the many locked doors at Terrebonne Parish, which will cause her to reassess her customarily pragmatic belief system.

There's no shortage of local custom and ambiance in the American gothic script by Ehren Kruger ("The Ring"), which trades heavily on hoodoo-fueled, folkloric superstition.

All that rich Cajun flavoring is heightened by Softley's eloquent direction and the contributions of his reliable tech team, including director of photography Dan Mindel ("The Bourne Identity") and production designer John Beard, but despite the constant churning of the sensory gumbo pot, there's a disappointing aftertaste.

Kruger's surprise ending fails to pack the kind of wallop to justify the momentary head-scratching, while there are too few moments leading up to the big reveal that will give audiences the kind of jolt they're expecting.

The cast, also including Peter Sarsgaard as an estate lawyer working for the Devereauxs and Joy Bryant as Caroline's concerned friend, can't be beat.

As the anything-but-shrinking Violet, Rowlands teasingly inches her character ever closer to going over the top before masterfully reining her back in at the last moment. The production might have been wiser to follow her lead.

The Skeleton Key
Universal Pictures
Shadowcatcher Entertainment/Double Feature Films
Credits:
Director: Iain Softley
Screenplay: Ehren Kruger
Producers: Daniel Bobker, Iain Softley, Michael Shamberg, Stacey Sher
Executive producer: Clayton Townsend
Director of photography: Dan Mindel
Production designer: John Beard
Editor: Joe Hutshing
Costume designer: Louise Frogley
Music: Edward Shearmur
Cast:
Caroline: Kate Hudson
Violet: Gena Rowlands
Luke: Peter Sarsgaard
Jill: Joy Bryant
Ben: John Hurt
MPAA rating: PG-13
Running time -- 105 minutes ]]> Movie Reviews Soria http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/28512-the-skeleton-key.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/21298-war-of-the-worlds-new-post.html Sun, 26 Jun 2005 01:53:57 GMT After a few go-rounds giving benevolent aliens their due ('E.T.,' 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'), Steven Spielberg tackles a story where the extraterrestrials most definitely do not come in peace. In this retelling of the H.G. Wells classic, Spielberg joins forces with Tom Cruise to depict the harrowing struggle for the survival of humankind through the eyes of one family. Ray Ferrier (Cruise) is a working-class divorced dad living in New Jersey. He's estranged from his family, he's self-centered, and his life is in utter shambles. When his small-town existence is shaken violently by the arrival of Martians bent on sending Earth into oblivion, he must come to the defense of his children, overcoming an even more potent enemy -- the demons that lurk within. ]]> Movie Reviews luvbombrecords http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/21298-war-of-the-worlds.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/18968-batman-begins-review-new-post.html Sun, 19 Jun 2005 23:13:02 GMT One benefit of not being a comic-book fanboy or -girl is the immunity such dispassion grants: No blood-pressure crises are likely to arise over arguments pertaining to whether Batman Begins lives up to the franchise launched 16 years ago by director Tim Burton and Batman No. 1, Michael Keaton, then... One benefit of not being a comic-book fanboy or -girl is the immunity such dispassion grants: No blood-pressure crises are likely to arise over arguments pertaining to whether Batman Begins lives up to the franchise launched 16 years ago by director Tim Burton and Batman No. 1, Michael Keaton, then sullied — tsk! — eight years ago by director Joel Schumacher and Batman No. 3, George Clooney, with that unholy nippled Batsuit. My intelligent-nonspecialist-person's requirements for any summertime live-action movie based on a comic book are simply, neutrally these: (1) Make it fun (that's where The Hulk fell down); (2) make it fresh (that's where X2 was such an advance over X-Men); (3) make it meaty (that's where Spider-Man 2 was a feast).

And by these standards, Batman Begins, directed by indie-oriented storyteller Christopher Nolan (Memento), is a triumph — a confidently original, engrossing interpretation, with a seriously thought-through (but never self-serious) aesthetic point of view that announces, from the get-go, someone who knows what he's doing is running the show, and he's modestly unafraid to do something new. The movie reenergizes Bruce Wayne and his winged mammalian disguise for a 21st-century relaunch, after the Hollywoodized Caped Crusader had giggled and vamped to a dead end with 1997's Batman & Robin. And it advances and deepens the mythology by showing, quite meticulously (but with flits of fanged humor), how childhood trauma led the rich young orphan to burrow down deep into his anger and guilt so that when he emerged, he was able to become the Dark Knight, grim savior of a city going to hell.

That's always the tricky part, isn't it: giving a comic-book hero psychological weight, but not so much that the gee-whiz saving-the-world stuff is overtaken by psychoanalysis. Or giving the superhero-in-training so much instruction at the hands of an aphorism-spouting teacher that the Yoda-babble gets in the way of the learning curve. Yet Batman Begins avoids the deepest of these potholes with notable nimbleness. (The script is by Nolan and comic-book guru David S. Goyer, best known for the Blade trilogy.) When first encountered in a Chinese prison camp — those early images a blunt, swift-moving statement that Nolan is interested in the look of the real over that of the gaudy or grand — our not-yet-Batman is already on an independent-study trip to learn the ways of criminals. Then he's plucked for training by Henri Ducard (Liam Neeson, possibly wearing old Jedi Master underpants), a recruiter for the humorless vigilante group that calls itself the League of Shadows. (''All creatures feel fear.'' ''Men fear most what they cannot see.'' ''Embrace your worst fear,'' Ducard says, until our biggest fear is that he'll say, ''We have nothing to fear but fear itself.'')

And only then does Batman find his wings, and his mission. That Bruce's parents were killed before his eyes, and that the heir to the Wayne fortune would be nowhere without his butler, Alfred, even the greenest newbie to the hagiography knows. But knowing doesn't pack the same pleasurable jolt as seeing primly smoldering Christian Bale's Batman No. 4 play so comfortably against expansively proper Michael Caine's Alfred (taking over for Michael Gough as if to the manor born) and watching the two devise the very first Batsuit. Any familiarity with Commissioner Gordon and his place as one overmatched good cop is only rewarded by the participation of Gary Oldman as the younger Detective Gordon.

Simpatico Wayne Enterprises inventor Lucius Fox contributes his mechanical expertise (handy when it comes to Batmobiles) and cool to the proceedings in the person of Morgan Freeman. Katie Holmes provides obligatory, chaste romantic interest — superheroes are notoriously dull boyfriends, if you ask me — as Bruce's childhood sweetheart– turned–incorruptible DA.

It's not just the birth of Batman we're seeing here, it's also the dawning of Gotham City's age of corporate greed (Rutger Hauer plays a ruthless CEO), unchecked corruption (Tom Wilkinson swings by as a crime boss), and the insidious misuse of the mentally ill by those appointed to their care (Cillian Murphy is one great creep as psycho psychiatrist Dr. Jonathan Crane). In Batman Begins, as Nolan tells it, Gotham is poised somewhere between the Jazz Age and the Space Age, a vertiginous time warp where only a risk-taking artist can navigate. Nolan ought to get back there soon and tell us what happens next. ]]> Movie Reviews luvbombrecords http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/18968-batman-begins-review.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/13220-pure-releasing-6-10-2005-a-new-post.html Thu, 26 May 2005 15:24:31 GMT After forays into period war drama (Regeneration) and globe-trotting bohemia (Hideous Kinky), Scottish director Gillies MacKinnon returns to social realist melodrama with this tale of a ten-year-old desperately trying to parent his heroin-addicted mother. Pure revolves around Paul (Harry Eden), a... After forays into period war drama (Regeneration) and globe-trotting bohemia (Hideous Kinky), Scottish director Gillies MacKinnon returns to social realist melodrama with this tale of a ten-year-old desperately trying to parent his heroin-addicted mother. Pure revolves around Paul (Harry Eden), a young boy who finds his life torn apart after the untimely demise of his father. Despondent in the wake of her husband's death, Paul's mother, Mel (Molly Parker), turns to a less-than-reputable old friend for consolation: Lenny (David Wenham), a long-time acquaintance of her husband's who also happens to be the main drug dealer in their West London neighborhood. Lenny divides his time between Mel and his other customers, including Louise (Keira Knightley), a pregnant, crack-addicted waitress. Paul is so accustomed to his mother's addiction that it doesn't occur to him that it's a problem, but as Mel's behavior grows more and more unstable -- and as local police start investigating the area drug scene -- Paul realizes that it's his responsibility to take care of himself and his younger brother. Pure premiered at the 2002 Toronto Film Festival. ~ Michael Hastings,- All Movie Guide

View trailer:
http://movies.channel.aol.com/predir...5%26aa%23to p ]]> Movie Reviews luvbombrecords http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/13220-pure-releasing-6-10-2005-a.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/13219-the-longest-yard-w-adam-sandler-new-post.html Thu, 26 May 2005 15:16:26 GMT The Longest Yard

By Michael Rechtshaffen


Bottom line: More Mirth Machine than Mean Machine, this agreeable remake still manages to go the distance.
A surprisingly faithful remake of the well-regarded 1974 prison pigskin movie, "The Longest Yard" trades Burt Reynolds for Adam Sandler and goes for the broader attack with generally pleasing results.

First, however, you have to be willing to buy Sandler as a former pro football player -- an MVP no less -- and while he's been convincing in the past as a waterboy and even a hockey player turned-golfer, this one's a taller order.

Get beyond that, and you'll likely be amused by this genial action comedy, even as you're reminded how perfectly cast the top-of-his-game Reynolds was in the Robert Aldrich-directed original.

For Sandler fans who haven't exactly been thrilled with some of his more grown-up choices of late, like "Spanglish," his latest marks a return to the kind of vehicle that scores big points at the boxoffice while still showcasing the comedian in a more mature light.

He manages to get the smart-ass part down cold as Paul Crewe, a washed-up quarterback who was booted from the league for his part in a point-shaving scandal. After a drunken joyride in his demanding girlfriend's (Courteney Cox) Bentley (it was a much cooler Maserati in the original) escalates into a messy police pursuit, Crewe lands in a scary Texas prison.

There, he not only has to contend with taunting inmates who regard point shaving as shamefully un-American, but also a sadistic guard (William Fichtner) and an egotistical warden (James Cromwell ably filling Eddie Albert's shoes), who methodically persuades Crewe to put together a football team made up of his fellow convicts.

With some expert facilitating from Caretaker (Chris Rock, cracking wise) and some seasoned coaching from an old-timer (Reynolds in the Nate Scarborough role), Crewe turns his motley crew into the aptly named Mean Machine, ready to take on the prison guards in a bone-crunching game to end all games.

Collaborating with Sandler once again after "50 First Dates" and "Anger Management," director Peter Segal works off of a script credited to Sheldon Turner that, more often than not, is a scene-for-scene copy of the original, right down to snatches of dialogue.

While Segal opts for a lighter touch and broader characterizations, the film occasionally struggles to find the right balance between reverence for the Reynolds version and adherence to the Sandler formula, but an agreeable pace and a colorful cast helps smooth out some of those bumps along the way.

Rock's in fine comic form, while hip-hop artist Nelly makes a natural transition to movies as the team's star running back. Taking a cue from the original, a number of the prison guards are played by such real-life gridiron players as Bill Romanowski and Brian Bosworth, while others are better known from the pro wrestling circuit, including Steve Austin, Kevin Nash and Bill Goldberg.

And Sandler's "Spanglish" co-star Cloris Leachman is a hoot as the warden's oversexed secretary, a part played in the original by a very young Bernadette Peters.

view Trailer:
http://movies.channel.aol.com/movie/...s&mid=1824 6# ]]> Movie Reviews luvbombrecords http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/13219-the-longest-yard-w-adam-sandler.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/11330-sin-city-new-post.html Mon, 16 May 2005 05:19:35 GMT The Eisner Award-winning comic series Sin City comes to life in this live-action feature adaptation from director Robert Rodriguez and creator Frank Miller. Interweaving multiple storylines from the series' history, this violent crime noir paints the picture of the ultimate town without pity through the eyes of its roughest characters. There's the street thug Marv (Mickey Rourke), whose desperate quest to find the killer of a prostitute named Goldie (Jaime King) will lead him to the foulest edges of town. Inhabiting many of those areas is Dwight (Clive Owen), a photographer in league with the sordid ladies of Sin City, headed by Gail (Rosario Dawson), who opens up a mess of trouble after tangling with a corrupt cop by the name of Jackie Boy (Benicio Del Toro). Finally, there's Hartigan (Bruce Willis), an ex-cop with a heart problem who's hell-bent on protecting a stripper named Nancy (Jessica Alba). Featuring a who's who supporting cast that includes Elijah Wood, Brittany Murphy, Devon Aoki, and Nick Stahl, Sin City promises to be one of the most direct translations from page to screen of a comic series, with shots and dialogue adapted straight from the original comic's panels. Rodriguez quit the Director's Guild when they refused to let Frank Miller co-direct the film, a deal hashed out after the two collaborators developed and shot the opening scene utilizing a green-screen process to harness the stark, black-and-white look of the books as a litmus test for the rest of the production. Quentin Tarantino was brought in and reportedly paid one dollar to direct an extended scene between Del Toro and Owen that amounts to one issue of The Big Fat Kill miniseries. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide

http://movies.channel.aol.com/movie/...nop&mid=19736# ]]> Movie Reviews luvbombrecords http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/11330-sin-city.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/11329-the-interpreter-new-post.html Mon, 16 May 2005 05:17:07 GMT In this thriller directed by Sydney Pollack, Nicole Kidman stars as African-born U.N. interpreter Silvia Broome, who inadvertently overhears a death threat against an African head of state scheduled to address the United Nations General Assembly. Realizing she's become a target of the assassins as well, Silvia is desperate to thwart the plot... if only she can survive long enough to get someone to believe her. Sean Penn is Tobin Keller, the federal agent charged with protecting her, who nonetheless suspects she may not be telling the whole truth.

http://movies.channel.aol.com/movie/...nop&mid=18900# ]]> Movie Reviews luvbombrecords http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/11329-the-interpreter.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/11328-mind-hunters-new-post.html Mon, 16 May 2005 05:15:25 GMT Set on a remote island, a group of aspiring FBI agents known as Mindhunters are trained to profile and hunt serial killers. But when their ranks mysteriously begin to thin one by one, it forces them to use their new skills to figure out who among them is a... Set on a remote island, a group of aspiring FBI agents known as Mindhunters are trained to profile and hunt serial killers. But when their ranks mysteriously begin to thin one by one, it forces them to use their new skills to figure out who among them is a killer.

http://movies.channel.aol.com/movie/...nop&mid=13424# ]]> Movie Reviews luvbombrecords http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/11328-mind-hunters.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/11327-starwars-episode-iii-revenge-of-the-sith-new-post.html Mon, 16 May 2005 05:13:25 GMT Three years after the onset of the Clone Wars, the noble Jedi Knights have been leading a massive clone army into a galaxy-wide battle against the Separatists. When the sinister Sith unveil a thousand-year-old plot to rule the galaxy, the Republic crumbles and from its ashes rises the evil Galactic... Three years after the onset of the Clone Wars, the noble Jedi Knights have been leading a massive clone army into a galaxy-wide battle against the Separatists. When the sinister Sith unveil a thousand-year-old plot to rule the galaxy, the Republic crumbles and from its ashes rises the evil Galactic Empire. Jedi hero Anakin Skywalker is seduced by the dark side of the Force to become the Emperor’s new apprentice – Darth Vader. The Jedi are decimated, as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Jedi Master Yoda are forced into hiding. The only hope for the galaxy are Anakin’s own offspring – the twin children born in secrecy who will grow up to become Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia Organa.

http://movies.channel.aol.com/movie/...nop&mid=17722# ]]> Movie Reviews luvbombrecords http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/11327-starwars-episode-iii-revenge-of-the-sith.html http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/11323-fever-pitch-new-post.html Mon, 16 May 2005 04:55:25 GMT Based upon the novel by Nick Hornby ('High Fidelity,' 'About a Boy'), this contemporary romantic comedy stars Jimmy Fallon as Ben, a high school teacher who meets and falls in love with a successful businesswoman named Lindsay (Drew Barrymore). Although their lives are vastly different, the relationship seems perfect until baseball season begins and Lindsay has to compete with Ben's first true love and obsession: the Boston Red Sox.

http://movies.channel.aol.com/predir...795%26aa%23top ]]> Movie Reviews luvbombrecords http://hangout.altsounds.com/movie-reviews/11323-fever-pitch.html