Maxi-14 Reviews

Ocean's Twelve (2004)

A Surprise!

[10/10 · 6 May 2005]

I loved Ocean's Eleven so I was hesitant to watch the sequel but this didn't fall flat the way so many sequels do. It is strange in that it builds off the original, you would be lost without previous knowledge of Ocean's Eleven, but yet it has an entirely new tone and feeling as well as European look rather than the Vegas glitz of the first movie. I was very happy that all of the originals came back for the sequel. If you like a good action movie that keeps you guessing then this movie is for you. It was very nice to see Brad Pitt's character fleshed out more in this movie. I would like to have seen more of the banter between the Malloy brother characters but on the whole the movie left me wondering if there will be an Ocean's 13. There seemed to be an opening for one with where they left the Night Fox at the end of Ocean's Twelve.

Captain Corelli's Mandolin (2001)

Real Life Love

[8/10 · 7 April 2002]

Captain Corelli's Mandolin is one of Nicolas Cage's better films. He turns a fine performance as the title character. This is a romance set against the backdrop of a worn torn island. John Hurt's character gives his daughter, played beautifully by Penelope Cruz, some honest advice about love. This movie doesn't have the fault of being completely predictable. This movie also allows Cruz to turn in a performance as a strong woman who knows her own mind and heart. Once the film warms up beyond the opening sequence this film keep you focused on it. Again, Nicolas Cage did not disappoint.

The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000)

A Movie That Touched The Soul

[8/10 · 1 July 2001]

I've seen this movie on the big screen and the small screen. Regardless of the screen size this movie reaches out to touch you on a spiritual level. The story being told isn't merely about golf but about LIFE. I'm not a huge fan of golf although this movie still held me transfixed.

Will Smith gave one of his best performances as the guiding force in Runnulph Junuh's (Matt Damon) coming to terms with life after the World War. Smith's character, Bagger Vance, is also a guiding force for Hardy Greaves (J. Michael Moncrief and Jack Lemmon) throughout his life. Jack Lemmon narrates throughout the movie as the voice of a grown Hardy Greaves.

This movie has a subtly powerful ending.

Gidget Goes Hawaiian (1961)

A cute surfer movie.

[7/10 · 17 May 2001]

This movie was an entertaining family comedy. I viewed it in a group consisting of an age range of 3 to 35 year olds. Everyone was entertained, especially the children present. This a very light weight comedy that parents can enjoy with their children. So if you are looking for something different for the entire family to enjoy then this is a good choice.

Guest Wife (1945)

Don Ameche shines!

[9/10 · 17 May 2001]

Don Ameche steals the show in this black and white romantic comedy. Don Ameche is in wonderful form. He not only delivers his lines with perfection but his use of his eyes makes his character, Joe, come to life. This movie promises many laughs. Claudette Colbert also offers up a good performance as Mary, the wife that Joe borrows from his best friend Chris.

Perfect Body (1997 TV Movie)

What a Surprise!

[9/10 · 24 August 2000]

I almost passed this movie as some fluff from a Power Ranger. What a mistake that would have been. Amy Jo Johnson turned in a powerful performance as a young woman so caught up in chasing perfection that she will sacrifice anything to get it. This film was a powerful statement about the pressure that is put on young athletes by themselves and others. This isn't a fluff piece and it will make you think but it's still entertaining. It's worth catching on TV.

Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines or How I Flew from London to Paris in 25 Hours 11 Minutes (1965)

Amusing and Watchable

[5/10 · 24 August 2000]

This movie was full of physical humor. If old slap stick routines amuse you then this movie might be for you. Sarah Miles offers up a fine performance of an independent minded English daughter in the early 1900's. The machines themselves were interesting. This movie is not intellectual fare but it is a pleasant way to pass the time.

Mickey Blue Eyes (1999)

Funny and Surprising...

[7/10 · 23 August 2000]

This was a very good movie. James Caan was a bit of a stretch as Frank Vitale, it had more to do with the way he looked in the part than with his acting. As usual Hugh Grant was right on the mark as the bumbling Englishman. This movie had a wonderful cast of colorful characters. It also has a surprise ending that left my viewing companion at one point saying that they don't normally do that in movies. This isn't the best or funniest mob movie but it is worth seeing.

Analyze This (1999)

Tremendously Funny and Satisfying!

[9/10 · 23 August 2000]

This is possibly the funniest mob movie that I have seen. Billy Crystal is perfectly cast as is Robert De Niro(He makes a very convincing mobster!) The entire cast of mafia thugs is perfectly cast. Lisa Kudrow is convincing as Crystal's enduring fiancee. I haven't laughed this hard or often in a very long time. This movie was even better the second and third time around. The dialogue is the key to the chemistry in this movie. A favorite scene of mine involves De Niro's character venting his feelings on a pillow! The culminating moment came in the end, it was a very satisfying conclusion that left me in the high spirits that the movie created. Here's to another De Niro/Crystal pairing in the future! This is definitely a film worth seeing.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)

An Enjoyable Musical

[8/10 · 6 November 1999]

This isn't Marilyn's best film but it is enjoyable. Jane Russell is a nice contrast to Marilyn's soft beauty. Marilyn is of course cast as the "dumb blonde" but she isn't really all that dumb after all. Jane Russell is Marilyn's brunette best friend. They are a study in contrasts. Jane does an outrageous impersonation of Marilyn towards the end of the movie. She is a riot! There are some memorable numbers, including Marilyn's amazing "Diamond's Are A Girl's Best Friend" and to think that I always associated that song with Carol Channing!

Out to Sea (1997)

Watch the credits...

[5/10 · 1 November 1999]

I expect more from a Jack Lemmon/Walter Matthau pairing than this. It is ok but not anywhere near comparable to their other movie pairings, ie The Odd Couple, Grumpy Old Men, etc. Hal Linden was good in his role as a dance host. The best moments in this film come as the credits role and the outtakes are shown at the end.

How to Marry a Millionaire (1953)

This one is a keeper!

[8/10 · 1 November 1999]

I rented this as a "Marilyn Movie". It really isn't. She's in it sure enough but Lauren Bacall and Betty Grable carry this movie. Marilyn is fine in her role, and many would say, myself included, a treat to see but her part is limited. Lauren Bacall is superb. She now has a new loyal fan. Betty Grable is wonderful as the "Dumb Blonde", in this one she does it better than Marilyn. She's also a lot more than just a great pair of legs. William Powell is also on the money as J.D. Hanley. This is a funny movie that even though clearly dated and a bit campy is a joy to see.

Lauren Bacall heads up the cast with Betty Grable and Marilyn Monroe as models hunting for a millionaire husband. One lucky girl does land one but they all end up winners.

Angels in the Outfield (1951)

A Good Family Movie

[8/10 · 28 October 1999]

A wonderful baseball movie with more depth than the Disney rendition. Paul Douglas and Janet Leigh are wonderfully cast as the gruff team manager and female reporter out for a story. It was a treat to see Barbara Billingsley as the hat check girl in the resteraunt. Some very famous ball players make guest appearances, which is a real treat.

This is a touching movie that the whole family can enjoy. It has similarities and some serious differences with the modern Disney rendition of this film.

That Old Feeling (1997)

A nice surprise...

[9/10 · 26 October 1999]

I didn't have high expectations for this movie but was I surprised. This was one of the funniest romantic comedies that's come along for quite some time. Bette Midler and Dennis Farina are great! Paula Marshall and Danny Nucci have some really good scenes. Jayne Eastwood as Aunt Iris is a hoot. Perfect casting in this one all the way. If you have been married for awhile you can practically feel the sparks sizzling between Midler and Farina. The music was even enjoyable. The latin music at the wedding makes you feel like dancing. Bette Midler and Dennis Farina prove that some things get better with age...

Mad City (1997)

Media Frenzy leads to...

[7/10 · 25 October 1999]

This movie gets off to a slow start. To be honest it doesn't build much suspense. It does, however, have a message about modern society. People have a fascination with crisis situations and media personalities feed on that fact like sharks in a frenzy. That can lead situations to escalate out of control.

Dustin Hoffman stole the show as Max Brackett. A fellow viewer couldn't believe that he was the same man that had played in Rainman. He delivers a standout performance as TV news reporter Max Brackett who is looking to inject life back into his career but at the same time retains some sense of compassion and justice. The forces battle inside him through out the film.

John Travolta was on the money but not stellar as Sam Bailey, a recently unemployed security guard on the cusp of losing everything that he owns. Sam is a bit of low watt bulb, but he is basically a good person caught up in a very bad choice and situation that runs awry of his plans. He is very distraught about his situation and popping caffiene pills to stay awake doesn't help his state of mind much either. Not one of Travolta's best but it is still good.

What a pleasure to watch Alan Alda in front of the camera again. As Kevin Hollander he is the guy that you love to hate. Hollander is Max Brackett's nemesis and antagonist. Alda easily departs from his compassionate portrayal of Dr. Haweye Pierce on TV's MASH for this one.

This isn't a perfect film but it is a good one. It will leave you thinking about the message that it has. The acting is good to great.

Some Like It Hot (1959)

Did I EVER!

[10/10 · 24 October 1999]

This is one of the great films in cinematic history. Jack Lemmon as Jerry/Daphne is superb. Tony Curtis as Joe/Josephine/ Jr. As Jr. he sounds somewhat like Cary Grant. His classic good looks don't come across well as a woman nor does Jack Lemmon. Are they ever homely! Marilyn Monroe as Sugar Kane made me know why she's such a legend. She has the sweetest voice and the most titilating sexuality of any of screen sirens of today even. She is an amazing mix of femme fatale and little girl innocence. Joe E Brown as Osgood Fielding the 3rd was great! He is a comic geninus. The bell hops crush on Josephine is a riot. The dialouge is wonderful. The line "nobody's perfect" is all so true and this film gives it new meaning even though this film is the exception to the rule! All in all this is a rich sexy, romantic comedy that deserves a place in everyone's viewing repretoire. Every performance in this movie was a classic.

Doug's 1st Movie (1999)

Questions about Doug answered at long last!

[8 October 1999]

This animated film answered all my questions about Doug. The 8 and 6 year olds that I watched it with thought it was Awesome! This is a good animated film. It has a moral lesson about doing the right thing even if it doesn't make you look cool. It's a film for kids that isn't so lame that it'll make adults want to run and hide. In reality we all should be able to relate to some of that Jr. angst that Doug and Skeeter experience. There's a really neat question and answer session with Doug's creator after the cartoon is over. For all the hype in the 6 through 10 set about this movie it was actually enjoyable which came as a pleasant surprise to this viewer. As a foot note I'd like to mention that Herman Melville is really an endearing character.

Message in a Bottle (1999)

Love lost and found...

[5/10 · 7 October 1999]

There's going to actually be a spoiler in this one. I can't really describe my reaction to this movie with out it. This movie starts out painfully slow. The location shots are wonderful. The scenes on the ocean make you feel like you are there. Paul Newman is wonderful and he has a few really good lines. Kevin Costner basically snoozed through this one. He has good movies and this wasn't one of them. This movie starts out so slow I'd start to lose interest and started to write it off as good background noise, the sound track is very good, then towards the end of the movie it finally got me involved. I started to actually care about the characters. Now here's the spoiler this movie has a tragic ending. It isn't as heart wrenching as City of Angels with Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan but one of the main characters does tragically die. So if you are looking forward to an upbeat romance this isn't it.

Goodfellas (1990)

A Rare Must See Movie!

[10/10 · 25 September 1999]

I loved this movie! It was a so real depiction of mob life on the small time going up to the big time. Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, Lorraine Bracco and Paul Sorvino were great. Joe Pesci did a great job too but I'll admit that before the movie was over I wanted to "whack" his character because he grated on my nerves so much, Pesci pulled it off completely. The is a well scripted, superbly executed movie. Liotta was devine. Lorraine Bracco makes you realize how a woman can fall in love with a mobster. This is a rare must see movie. Ray Liotta's best. The dialouge was quick and memorable. Everything was memorable. One caution- the F word gets big time play so if it affends you be warned.

Red Dawn (1984)

It's a statement about what might have been.

[9/10 · 21 September 1999]

I saw this movie when it first came out but I was young and just prayed that what it portrayed would never happen in my lifetime. Watching it again now I learned a lot about our times then and now. Red Dawn shows what could have happened had the cold war gone on. It was a very good movie even without the lesson. Patrick Swayze, as Jed, Charlie Sheen, as Matt, C. Thomas Howell, as Robert, and Jennifer Grey, as Toni, really stand out. It was clearly one of Grey's best roles. They all showed real potential that harkened to their later careers as actors. This is a real war movie that keeps you guessing and routing for the Wolverines. It's a statement about what might have been. That possibility is hard for most Americans to stomach.

The First Wives Club (1996)

Not what it was hyped to be...

[7/10 · 28 August 1999]

This film was better the second time I watched it. It wasn't the movie that it was hyped to be but when you accept it for what it really is, a dark comedy, it is truely wonderful! Casting was superb all the way around with this film. Bette Midler was excellent as Brenda Morelli Cushman. I found myself forgetting that she really was Bette Midler. That is acting! Eleen Heckart turned a wonderful performance as Catherine MacDuggan. Rob Reiner had a memorable line about collagen as Dr. Morris Packman. Jennifer Dundas does a superb job as Diane Keaton's tough, rebellious(against Daddy) daughter Chris Parallis. Expect the unexpected and enjoy this for the intelligent dark comedy that it is.

Major Payne (1995)

Not as Painful to watch as I expected, pun intended.

[5/10 · 28 August 1999]

Major Payne wasn't hilarious but it was good and amazingly realistic. The title character even becomes endearing, surprisingly, in spite of his voice. Boot camp isn't supposed to be warm and cuddlely and Payne's rendition isn't either. Not a must see but it is worth watching.

Air Bud: Golden Receiver (1998)

A Sweet Movie For The Whole Family

[7/10 · 24 August 1999]

This movie is in line with the first Air Bud. Not many sequels of this nature are tolerable let alone enjoyable. Air Bud: Golden Receiver is a movie that your whole family can enjoy. The movie centers around Josh Framm coming to terms with his mom's return to dating. Josh has to get used to the new man in his mom's life and a new sport for him and Buddy, football. Most people can relate to that being a difficult adjustment no matter how nice the man is. In this case it's the lovable Patrick Sullivan,DVM. The low point of this movie are the lampoonish villians Natalya and Popen. They try miserably to add slapstick comedy to this otherwise endearing film. A very notable scene is between Josh Framm and Coach Fanelli. The parts of Patrick Sullivan and Coach Fanelli were wonderfully casted.

Sgt. Bilko (1996)

A Misfit Of A Movie For Martin!

[1/10 · 24 August 1999]

The original Sgt. Bilko was wonderful and hilarious. This remake is neither. Even if you don't compare Steve Martin's "Ernie Bilko" to the original it's still a regression in Martin's acting skills reminiscent of his old "Wild and Crazy Guy" stand up routine. So if you liked that, this is the movie for you. However, if you like Martin's more nuanced performances such as George Banks in Father of the Bride, then you will be disappointed with this one. Dan Aykroyd makes a forgettable appearance as the bumbling Colonel Hall. Phil Hartman gives a stellar performance as Bilko's nemesis Major Thorn. Glenne Headly turned in a notable performance as Bilko's girlfriend Rita Robbins. In fact one of the best scenes in the movie comes during a scene with Headly and Martin in a church. Daryl Mitchell gave a wonderful performance a goody-two-shoes Wally Holbrook. All in all this film is tolerable but not recommendable.

Parenthood (1989)

This one leaves me wondering why I bothered?

[2/10 · 13 August 1999]

Perhaps if I'd seen this movie sooner it would've helped... but I didn't. I watched it a couple of nights ago and even gave it time to show it's self in a better light with deeper contemplation. Steve Martin's performance left me flat. It was wooden and missing many of the finer nuances of his other roles, ie George Banks in the Father of the Bride movies. Keanu Reeves performance as Tod left a bad taste in my mouth that I still haven't been able to get rid of. Although I've never been a fan of his in particular this would have left me avoiding his future films had I seen it prior to Speed. Jason Robards was a high note in an otherwise flat movie. This film was a strain from the start, though in exaggeration it is realistic, parents should be able to relate to the feelings of the characters, it's not ENTERTAINING. The directing of Ron Howard was fine as usual, however it was the script and acting of a few that needed retooling in this one.