Rob 1 Reviews

Ticker (2001)

damn i'm so stupid to have rented this :-(

[3/10 · 30 July 2002]

i should have known this one would be below average. it had loser

written all over it.

Direct to video

steven seagal (back in pony tailed fat mode)

this was very cheap looking. Dennis Hopper was over the top (what did you expect!) c'mon tom sizemore deserves better movies than this.

:-( *1/2 out of ****

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

could this beeeee any worse!!!

[22 December 2001]

SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

OH MY GOD i cannot believe i paid money to see this film, it wasnt my fault, Lord Of The Rings was sold out. Too long for kids to enjoy, too childish for adults, destined to please no one! Good British actors including Alan Rickman, Robbie Coltrane, Maggie Smith and Richard Harris do what they can with a disjointed script and over acting child actors. Some of the special effects were good but we've seen the like before eg. the half horse half man straight out of an episode of Xena. Oh and good idea to set up a menacing villain like Rickman only to have him become a good guy....not.

Frankly i could do with the two and a half hours back please. :-(

* out of ****

The Score (2001)

this one SCORE's high marks

[20 November 2001]

This film is the type of movie which leaves you with the desire 2 see it again. De Niro is always believable, Norton has a fiery intensity, Brando is a pleasure to watch. These three actors make theis whole film dynamite from start to finish even is its slow in parts. Methodically made, articulately put together with a final 20 minutes that are taut, tense and exciting. dont miss it. ***1/2 out of ****

Big Momma's House (2000)

Laugh out loud most of the time

[5/10 · 1 July 2001]

Although ripping off "Mrs Doubtfire" and "Nutty Professor" there's still something funny about someone disguised as someone else in latex. The film starts well and manages to keep the laughs going until the finale when it becomes tiring. I've never taken much notice of Martin Lawrence before but from now on i'll try to see more of his movies. Big Momma's House IS FUNNY! **1/2/****

Magnolia (1999)

I just dont get it!!

[3/10 · 1 July 2001]

(SPOILERS) I like movies that make me think, i also like popcorn throwaway films too, but i just cant seem to work out where Magnolia is coming from. Standouts in the cast include Phillip Baker Hall, Tom Cruise, the late Jason Robards and Julianne Moore but the acting cant compensate for stories that go on and on about nothing. The prime exampl is the cop and the drug addict woman...what was that all about? I dont mind sitting through a long movie as long as it pays off in the end but the last shot of the camera just watching the woman is stupid. Maybe im the stupid one, maybe this film has gone way past me or maybe its more of an art film, maybe its wrong not to like it cos of the critic praise. Can anyone tell me whos place William H Macy's character was stealing from? Anyway *1/2 out of **** Just a mess

ooo Don't get me started on the frogs falling from the sky it would take too long.

Hollow Man (2000)

Paul Verhoeven does it again!

[7/10 · 1 July 2001]

This is what movie entertainment is all about. Hollow Man has everything. Kevin Bacon in his trademark villain role, good support from Elisabeth Shue and Josh Brolin and excellent-eyepopping effects. The FX are very much an asset to this film and the film builds its tension well. Sit back and be entertained ***1/2 out of ****

Valentine (2001)

slasher pic that rips off every other slasher pic

[27 May 2001]

The deaths were staged well and the performances were uniformly bland as expected but there was no fun to be had.

Originality was not a strong point either. As we are moving into slasher parody now (scary movie) i thought the best thing for this movie was to not make it deathly serious.

I did think The Killer was menacing but since the shocks and tension was minimal he came off as more of a cartoon than a villain.

Was it just me or did that ending not make sense! I gotta give it something though for its glossy look and atmosphere. **/****

Rules of Engagement (2000)

Two forceful performances in a good war film

[27 May 2001]

Two A-List stars don't add up to a blockbuster, they need a better script.

Samuel L Jackson and Tommy Lee Jones make their characters creditable and interesting even though they are paper thin.

After directing the great courtroom remake of twelve angry men (1997) you'd think William Friedkin would be able to bring tension to these courtroom scenes.

Instead its heavyweight acting but the pay off of courtroom scenes have no punch.

Fortunately pros like Ben Kingsley and Anne Archer lend fine support. The actual attack scene is well staged. ***/****

Hanging Up (2000)

not bad film with good actors

[3 April 2001]

you can safely say that this was really meg ryans film. its a shame that there wasn't much actual interaction between the three sisters ntil the end. Dianne keaton and lisa kudrow hardly get a chance to flesh out their characters.

The Ephron sisters have come up with a very manic, confusing and loud first half but luckily slow things down and reflect in the second half.

A special mention to one of my favorite actors who always made me laugh, Walter Matthau's performance was first rate.

2/12 out of 4

X-Men (2000)

a fast, thrilling look at the outsiders called X-MEN

[28 November 2000]

Brian Singer has made it safe to go back to the cinemas and enjoy superhero films once more. It had the right tone and casting (patrick stewart as prof X, who else could play it!). Never read an X-MEN comic and i could understand it! Although it could have used a bit more action i suppose it did need the set up of all the characters. Hopefully the bad guys will get more screen time in the sequel.

Hugh Jackman and NZ's own Anna Paquin were a joy to watch. *** out of ****

The Bone Collector (1999)

a solid thriller

[27 November 2000]

this film delivers the thrills, and the solid acting which has a real creepy atmosphere.

Denzel Washington is the glue that holds the movie together, he delivers his lines with conviction and even when his mobility is limited he still is the best thing in it.

Angelina Jolie has some good moments but it's Ed O'Niell who is great in a small supporting role.

Yes we have seen the serial killer before and yes there are moments that are quite hokey (like the happy families at Christmas end scene) but with an actor as good as Denzel in the lead you won't mind watching it.

*** out of ****

Fight Club (1999)

a strange mix that falls flat in the end

[27 November 2000]

"SPOILERS AHEAD"

The first half of a very intriguing film falls short in the second half due to the twist at the end which makes Tyler Durdan just a joke. It would have worked so much better if Tyler was a separate character and if the film stayed on the Fight Club theme. Instead the film tries to impress us with tricky effects shots and it's dark tone. The fight scenes are staged very well though.

Three impressive performances from Brad Pitt, Edward Norton and Helena Bonham Carter should have been put in a much better movie than this mess.

** out of ****

Cop Land (1997)

A great thriller

[21 October 2000]

Just watched this film for the second time and enjoyed it alot more the second time round. Sylvester Stallone, Robert De Niro, Harvey Kietel and Ray Liotta are all fantastic but with a supporting cast consisting of Robert Patrick and Janeane Garofalo how could they miss! Well done, a good job *** out of ****

Rear Window (1998 TV Movie)

Suspenseful, classy tv movie

[8/10 · 14 October 2000]

Christopher Reeve is back and better than ever in a tight, neat and tidy hour and a half of intelligent thriller. The supporting cast including Robert Forster and Darryl Hannah are excellent. The high tech gadgets were interesting and intriguing. But this is Christopher's show and he makes the whole tv film believable not only because of his condition but because of his acting which shines. I hope we see more of Mr Reeve the actor in the future. This deserved a cinema release!! *** out of ****

Affliction (1997)

A let down!

[13 October 2000]

I really had high hopes for this film but it was a slow, shuffling mess. I could hardly understand Sissy Spacek or Nick Nolte in the quieter moments when they both mumbled their lines. The icy setting was used to good effect but the small appearance by Willem Dafoe was a waste. What drew me to this film had to be the Oscar that was given to Mr James Coburn whose previous work i've admired. His performance while very good as pure evil did not get the screen time it deserved. More of Nick Nolte and James Coburn together and less of the deer hunt killing sub plot! What a waste. *1/2 out of ****

Tuesdays with Morrie (1999 TV Movie)

Great Movie!!!!

[12 October 2000]

Tuesdays With Morrie aired on Tv3 last night here in New Zealand.

This film was truly worth the Emmy awards it received. Hank Azaria was excellent but Jack Lemmon was amazing, making his character believable and interesting.

A great film. ***1/2 out of ****

Savior (1998)

A cool change of pace for war films.

[10 October 2000]

Focusing on the human aspect of war really does work for this film. Although it doesn't have much going for it commercially it is a winner. Dennis Quaid is unexpectedly good and anchors the film as it's center. He alone makes this film watchable in an otherwise unknown group of actors.

Why this film didn't get a wider release in New Zealand is beyond me! ***1/2 out of ****

A Few Good Men (1992)

High Voltage courtroom drama

[30 September 2000]

The three leads are in top form in this exciting legal film. Although it seems the outcome looks predictable by the time we reach the courtroom scene, it's hard to deny the star power and quality of this picture. Jack Nicholson's performance alone makes this a must see!! This film is the kind of early 90's drama that doesn't wear out it's welcome. *** out of ****

The World Is Not Enough (1999)

Number 19 shows

[16 September 2000]

Although completely overlong and the plot quite complicated for a Bond film it was still good. Brosnan is the second best Bond by far (no 1 is Connery). Robert Carlyle has little to do and won't be remembered as one of the best villains. Judi Dench finally gives the character of M another dimension. Most of the dialogue is awful, but the opening boat sequence and snow/ski action scenes are very good. The good idea of having Denise Richards in a completely miscast role reminds me of earlier Bonds. Sophie Marceau does try but fails as a sinister, lethal villain . A nice send off to Q and good intro to R (John Cleese). Overall not too bad **1/2 out of ****

The Godson (1998)

CHEAP, LONG AND EXCRUCIATINGLY UNFUNNY

[12 September 2000]

I'm a huge fan of the spoof genre, this film fumbles through jokes like a tired elderly person. What was only 90 minutes long felt like 3 hours. Dom Deluise does have comedic talent but once he's shown his Brando impression...that's it. Kevin McDonald (trying to do Jim Carrey) was annoying, Rodney Dangerfield just did his stand-up act and the direction was awful. Even the out takes at the end didn't raise a laugh. * out of **** AVOID AT ALL COSTS

Gloria (1999)

Quite average

[10 September 2000]

Nothing too special which makes it easy entertainment for a saturday night. Sharon Stone lights up the screen with an over the top performance. Unfortunately the child was a little irritating but a small appearance by George C Scott made up for that. Just an easy to take drama with a very thin plot but enjoyable. **1/2 OUT OF ****

The General's Daughter (1999)

That 'CON AIR' can make an intelligent movie!

[8/10 · 9 September 2000]

John Travolta just seems to be getting better as he's getting older (although a little larger don't you think). After seeing 'A Civil Action' last week i thought i may have seen John at his best but i was wrong, he made this film fantastic. The movie was a tense, well acted but cliche ridden murder/mystery. As per usual James Woods rises above his small part and his scenes with Travolta are a real treat. Unfortunately Madeline Stowe doesn't have enough to do. James Cromwell was stalwart and it's great that he's getting bigger parts. My Dad described it as a bit of "GI Jane and part A Few Men".

Overall worth the money ***1/2 out of ****

Scary Movie (2000)

not very funny

[6 September 2000]

if your in a silly, stupid, 15 year old state of mind then 'Scary movie' is for you. Unfortunately this return to spoof by the Wayans brothers cannot compete with films like 'Naked Gun' or 'Airplane'. It just doesn't sustain the laughs, there are long gaps where they give you time to think and when you do that this spoof is finnished! It's extremely crude and makes 'Something About Mary' look like a g-rated film. Overall the film did have some laughs but they came few and far apart and there were bits where you were wincing with disgust. ** out of ****

Edtv (1999)

A second rate film compared to Truman Show

[6/10 · 1 August 2000]

This film was more reality based, more urban based and gritty. Ron Howard is a good Director but really doesn't know how to set up good jokes. The film boasts a talented cast but Matthew McConaughey has slipped from a stellar performance (a time to kill) to a lazy performance in Edtv. Sally Kirkland was just annoying as the mother and Dennis Hopper wasn't in the film to give him a billing. The film rested on four capable actors shoulders, ellen DeGeneres, Martin Landau, Clint Howard and Rob Reiner, they make it work. **1/2 out of ****

True Crime (1999)

A slow but moving film

[23 May 2000]

This is pure Eastwood entertainment with a fantastic supporting cast. The execution genre is familiar and Clints performance is practically the same as any other character he's played. (but i think thats what we like about him) The film covers the journalists home life and the prisoners family well. James Woods is fantastic but Dennis Leary is fairly bland. Isiah Washington is very good and the film builds tension nicely. *** out of ****