Utoepeea Reviews

He's All That (2021)

Hot Mess of a Movie

[2/10 · 7 September 2021]

Not sure why a remake was made. The writing was horrible. There were a few scenes I thought were okay, like the principal announcements, but outside of that, blah.

A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish (2019 Video)

A mess of a film

[1/10 · 22 December 2019]

Oy, it was just plan bad. Like everyone, the autotune was horrible, the writing mediocre which lead to less than great acting. The best thing about the whole show, that dog. That dog was super cute.

Hannah Gadsby: Nanette (2018 TV Special)

Must see!

[10/10 · 26 August 2018]

Seriously, there is not enough characters to appropriately give this special the review it deserves. However, as a woman, mother and human being, I suggest you watch this and draw your own take away. Thanks Netflix for giving her the global attention that she very much deserves.

Slow Learners (2015)

Awkwardly Refreshing

[7/10 · 6 October 2015]

Honestly, anyone that is deemed a nerd has wondered what would happen if they just let go and be "normal". Most of the time we know how the story goes and what the ending will be, but it's the journey from point a to point b that really sticks with you. These characters are funny, predictable, awkward and goofy, but always genuine. I think that's what resonates with me, the characters reminded me of myself and situations where I've felt like an outsider only to want to grasp on to some popular ideal to eventually come to my senses. I love this movie for exactly what it was, romantic comedy. It did it's job, made me laugh and gave me butterflies. Good job!

By the way, Sarah Burns in the parking lot scene, brilliant!

Maxed Out (2006)

Scary yet great movie

[8/10 · 15 June 2007]

I think this movie was wonderful and shows not only as individuals are we not responsible with your credit (in some cases because were are unable to get the basics due to our salaries) but it shows how we as a society feed on the poor in a variety of ways. It shows how our materialism as gone out of control.. HOUSES WITH ELEVATORS? This need

to have "things" no matter what the cost is quite sad. I cried with the moms in the film talking about their kids, and what credit card debit as done to new college students.

It was scary and informative... Now excuse me while I go check my credit rating!

Reign Over Me (2007)

Mike Binder is the man!

[8/10 · 7 April 2007]

This movie is not to be missed. I cannot express to you on how many levels I adored this movie, but I will try.

Adam Sandler has made it possible to do what Jim Carrey wanted to pull off, successful dramatic roles. With Punch-Drunk Love and now Reign Over Me, I welcome Mr. Sandler to the wonderful world of Oscar NOMINATIONS! The team effort is this film is very oblivious and very needed on such a sensitive issue. At the point where the 9-11 events are finally discussed, it seemed everyone in the theater was crying. It still hits so close to home for all of us.

I think Mike Binder is a GREAT writer and director. There is this sense of reality when you watch his films, a common element of pessimistic attitudes. It does not get boring or too gloomy because we all deal with life differently, as life can be a roller-coaster.

I like where this film took me. There where so many paths the writer/director could have chosen to take us on and nothing was certain. There were many parts of the movie I told myself OH I can see what will happen, and it did not. It went a different way, and I like that. It might have been oblivious, but by the time I might have realized it, I did not care. I was too wrapped up in the content of the movie.

This movie dealt with many inner-relationships. How does a friend help another friend (who is in oblivious need of help), without being coming an enabler. When denial has gone on for too long, how do you nudge someone for help or should you? We are taught that people should not be pushed to help if they do not want it, but if someone lives the life of a dead soul how healthy is that. It might not be your call to make, but as a friend, sometimes that is a call people feel they will risk; even if the outcome is not picture perfect. It is about the chooses we take in life and the outcomes to those choices. Risk is the way of life and not something we should become numb to.

I give two kudos to you Mike Binder, and the cast and crew of this movie. If I died tomorrow I want you to know, this movie had an impact in my life! This is a damn fine movie and everyone should be proud of the time and effort put in to this baby.

NOW, go see the film!

29 Palms (2002)

Six Degrees of Devil's Casino

[4/10 · 18 November 2006]

I cannot exactly say that I hated it, nor can I say I loved it. I can see how some people think it is a complete mess, but as you watch it, it does sort of come together at the end. There seems to be a lot of holes in the plot. Somethings never really get answered, and if that is what the director and/or writer was going for, then they did their job. I found the individual performances pretty interesting, but as a whole they seemed all over the place. I kind of felt like the film should have been called Six Degrees of Devil's Casino.

If you have an extra hour and thirty-three minutes to spare, it might be worth it to expand your movie selection and just check it out. I mean I have watched a lot of B rated films and I cannot say it was any worse than those. I agree with a lot of the people on here when they say the shots on location are actually what makes this film worth while. Since most of it is shot in the dessert, it makes for an interesting look.

Cinderella Man (2005)

On Rockin Movie... Oscar Nominee for sure!!!

[10/10 · 1 June 2005]

I hate boxing! I do not understand it, and I would not encourage anyone to go towards that career. With that said, Ron Howard I am honored to have gone to high school at your alma mater cause it ROCKED! This picture is for sure going to have many Oscar nominees! Everyone was amazing in it. Between the writing, directing, acting, photography.. god knows there are enough Oscars to go around for all of you! Even if you are like me and not into boxing, there is soo much more to Cinderella Man than JUST boxing. After it was over I got to thinking, had I not been open to that film I KNOW I would have kicked myself once left the theaters!

Stage Beauty (2004)

Yep I can see why people did not see it

[8/10 · 10 April 2005]

You just do not see good films like this being advertised anymore! This movie totally exceeded my expectations. I loved everything about it.

First of all the story was a new twist on an old subject. Granted, I know there has been movies about men posing as women in the arts previous, but none told like this one. There is no right or wrong answer to any of the questions this movie poses. The idea of sexuality, masculine and feminine is so complex. The writers know this and do not try to explain it or give their view about it in one hour and forty-nine minutes. Rather they just indulge you in a time and place where plays were just that, acting. No glamour, no starlets, no paparazzi, just acting.

I applaud everyone who participated in making this film. I had to roll the credits back at the start of the film in order to re-read that Robert De Niro was one of the producers of this film.

I enjoyed this movie tremendously and a bit dishearten that I did not take the time to see it in the theater. I will not make the same mistake twice and now I will have to buy it for my collection!

The Notebook (2004)

Great writing, Great story... Amazing film

[10/10 · 1 April 2005]

This movie has been on my mind since I saw the trailer sometime last year. It totally slipped my mind until a co-worker told me to rent it.

This movie was soo easy going and personable that not only did I get emotionally invested, but my husband did as well. At one point, it was so intense and emotionally charged that we almost started hating the writer and director for making such a wonderful movie. At times, I had to just pause the film so I could just catch my breath and so I could continue with watching it.

This movie probably has been the best "love drama" kind of movie in well over five years. I cannot say enough about this film to even due it justice. I know what I like and to me it is a pretty simple concept. Good writing, good story, good director and most importantly....good cast will more than likely equal an AWESOME movie. (and those are odds I would bet in Vegas with) I am not sure why this movie was not up for an Oscar, Golden Globe, or any of these kinds of awards. I think the voters really missed the boat on this one, and someone (or people) were left out of a very important season that in most cases should have included them.

Sooner or Later (1979 TV Movie)

I must be crazy to love this movie....

[8/10 · 28 March 2005]

I think there are so many reasons why I love this movie. I think the biggest attraction for me, age. It has that kind of after school special meets feature film look to it. Even though it is sooo cheesy and pop culture like, there is something real about it. The acting is soo down the the core real. I something I really miss with todays "teen" films. The way in which Jessie acts is soo the 13 yr old being the 17 yr old.

I remember watching this movie when I was 13, and now that I am older, for some reason I just HAD to have this movie on DVD. I am not sure what in gods name made me think I needed to have this movie in my collection, but after watching it again for the 15th million time, I REMEMBER. It is cute and cheesy and has a really good message. I am sure there are guys who can relate but the trilogy of books and the movie just go hand and hand with us girls when we were teens! I just some how got it and understood exactly what Jessie was going through, and I saw it 10 years after it came out! There is no way to really explain this movie, other than, if you can hang with the kind of raw quality and can get passed the 70s look, okay and maybe the music, deep down it is a really great movie to watch on a Sunday afternoon.

Boomerang (1992)

Good Movie..Some great side performances

[8/10 · 27 March 2005]

I really enjoyed this film. In fact I must have liked it, considering over the past couple of months I have been remembering some of the scenes from it, which leads me to believe this is a must have in my DVD collection.

I found this movie to not only be moving, but had some really great performances. Lets leave out Mr. Murphy for a moment and think about some of the others who really gave it their all. For instance, the lovely and talented Halle Berry. I think this movie really was able to show some depth, which helped in kick starting her movie career. David Alan Grier, well I think he did such a great job and probably not given as much credit as he should have had when this movie came out. Bravo Mr. Grier! You were the man up on that roof! OH! and lets not forget the lovely and very funny Tish Campbell! Every time I think of this movie.. I always remember her because she is sooo crazy. I just giggle thinking about her over-the-top character in this movie!!! And now, Mr. Murphy. You know, I have always had mixed feelings on many of his films. I cannot say I am always one to be up for watching any of his movies.. except for this one! There is just something about it. Maybe it is his extreme sensitivity in this film that gets me every single time. At some point you get it. You understand why he thought about women the way he did, and you get the feeling once he changes that tune! I almost felt like I was intruding on a couples argument when Halle Berry's character gives him her famous quote in the movie.

PS great music choices.... Boys II Men! Ahh the 90s :-)

My Life Without Me (2003)

What did I just watch?

[6/10 · 27 September 2003]

Hum where oh where do I begin? Ok, First over all I did not feel it was a dreadful movie. With that said, I found it over all to be a very slow moving movie and felt the editing was not that great. I felt that most of the people individually did a wonderful job with their characters but as whole I felt like there was a lack of character development and just plain confusion among the relationships and their interactions.

It is sad to think that often times movies show the issue of dying with strength as more a denial. I left the theater thinking to myself how all those people will feel so guilty that she would not allow them to help her. I think it was hypocritical of Sara's character to write as one of her "list of things to do before she dies"; to say what I feel. There is one scene were she truly expresses that but she cannot really take a hold of that because she is not even honest with her love ones let alone honest with herself.

Love the Hard Way (2001)

WOW

[10/10 · 19 June 2003]

Wow I cannot believe there is only one other comment for this movie. I have to agree about this movie staying with you. For almost two hours I was completely involved with two people I will never really know, yet for some reason it has changed me in some strange way. I watched the movie and like the others in the theater had the same rollercoster ride of feelings, but it was not until after I left the theater that I had an abundance of emotions come over me. The acting was amazing all the way around, story was an A+. I work hard for the money I make and for the high price I paid for admission, it was all worth it for this great creative process! I suggest that everyone support their local small theater when this film comes around to your town!!

Igby Goes Down (2002)

This movie is really not that bad

[14 April 2003]

Sure, it is the boo hoo of the upper class, which could turn some people off. I took this movie as it was, about a sad distrusting child growing up in one messed up family. I really enjoyed the progression, although I would disagree with the removing of some of the deleted scenes. Kieran is such a great actor, I mean who knew. I love Ryan, but this movie did not go out of his range,which is ok, he can play such a great rich and cold young man. Jeff and Susan were great as always, and of course Bill always seems to amaze me in every movie he is in. Claire....Ahh she is so refreshing and beautiful, I could have only wished more for her and Kieran's characters. The darkness of this reminds me of Heathers. I completely got the comedy and the drama of this movie, I wish I could have only seen it in the theater. Simple yet engaging and not dragged out makes this movie well worth buying or renting.

Rich Girl (1991)

Neither bad nor good

[5/10 · 10 March 2003]

I must say, I feel like the queen of B rated films and is one on my list. Although it is a bit off the mark on romantic dramas, it was not all that bad. You do not expect much, and just enjoy. There is no reality to it at all. I mean, how many people actually get a record exc to their bar, and just happen to get signed on their first gig?? Not very often if you do not draw a crowd.......but on a lighter note I have met Jill and she was a really nice person. In fact I remember asking her if she was the girl in this movie and replied....You saw that movie? Glad she had a good sense of humor.

Laurel Canyon (2002)

Captivating

[8/10 · 9 March 2003]

The movie was as amazing as the trailer that got me into the theater. I was competely focused on every character and their interactions with each other on screen. The three main actors are impressive. Their internal development for these characters was right on, from the lines to their body movements. It has been a while since I have seen a movie and I am glad I choose this one to welcome myself back!

The Glass House (2001)

Not sure about this one.....

[31 January 2002]

I must say that at first I saw this and I liked it. Then after going about half way through it again but listening to the comentary this time on the DVD I realized some things I truly did not like.

MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS:

I did not like the look that Rhett gave Ruby in the church. It did not make sense. It there seemed to be more behind it.

I thought the line toward the end of the movie where Ruby has been drugged up for a month, you see her friends come out and of a shopping area and wonder where she is and then they say to the effect, I wonder what happened to her she has not called in a month, well if she is not going to keep in touch then screw her.....I thought that is pretty lame.

END

What I did like though was the how the whole film was shot. I liked the colors they choose and it was kind of cool the filmed in it Sherman Oaks Near Ventura and Cedros. Kind of neat when you see that stuff.

Over all I would give it a 6.5 or 7. It was certainly a wait on video movie but not over all bad.

Hollow Man (2000)

A rental for sure

[22 January 2001]

It has been a while since I could say that the supporting actors in the film were far better than the main ones, minus Josh Brolin, he was not bad nor good. But I will say that I was soo interested at the start of this film, but as time wore on I got bored and by the end I felt like I was watching Kevin Bacon on of his early acting flims Friday the 13th. The CGI stuff was good minus the stupid CGI stunts near the end. It was sooo dumb. And the plot was just bad. Though I did like what the DVD offered in its deleted stuff and all the extras it had. That made the rental of this movie better than seeing it in the theater. I say watch this film at your own risk, but do see it , it is interesting like I said just do not go into thinking it is going to be super thriller like.

Labyrinth (1986)

GOT TO LOVE IT

[3 January 2001]

Ok, here are my two cents. For those of you who saw this movie when you were older VS younger it is kind of crazy to really judge this movie. I did not see Willie Wonka until I was 23 (this Year) and I would not in my right mind judge it because you know what I lost that innocence and it would be insane to say it was a ok movie but their was no plot development etc. Of course that is my opinion.

BUT about this movie. I loved it and I still do. I watched it on my DVD last night. It was cool. Of course like most people's favorite scene is where Sarah and Jareth are at the Ball. That scene is so RELAX and you can see it in the two characters, by their smiles and OH GOD does David Bowie look so HOT in this film. I think he looks great anyway but in this film for sure!!!! On the DVD it shows the work that was put in to this movie and it was amazing and now that I am older I can appreciate it more. Which leads me to say that I cannot believe how much real puppets look better than stuff done on CGI. Not to say that all CGI sucks but I guess I just like old school stuff.

This movie is awesome and I tell you rent it, it is a great movie and it their is something for everyone in it.

Plus for all of those SCI Fi fans who liked Star Trek the next generation, Gates McFadden helped on this movie as a choreographer. And you can see her on the DVD documentary for Labyrinth Which is kind of neat!!!

Fight Club (1999)

Not my Cup of Tea

[28 December 2000]

Well I must say I did not get this movie for the most part.

Brad Pitt and Edward Norton were awesome in their roles. I think the acting was great and Mr Pitt always seems to not be bothered by mainstream because he never seems to take on the same role nor does he seem to take on roles just for the $. Though I did hear and see the underlying comments of what was almost a socialist point of view (the idea of becoming a corporate slaves) it also has these amazing fight scenes. I know this sounds like I like it right? Well though I can say the fights were amazing I did not like them. I am not one to sit and see fights real or fake, I guess that is what it was intended to do. To show us what the world had come to... I am glad I was told to wait and watch the end of the movie, though for a good portion of it I was complaining about the violence.

But for the most part it was ok. The anarchist ideas were interesting in the movie, not somehting I suggest we lean toward but nevertheless interesting. Where the light bulb clicked though was in the thought that in this corporate society we are all a little like Sybil.

Velvet Goldmine (1998)

Amazing

[26 December 2000]

This movie was quite amazing to me. It gave me two hours of intense delight. I was amazed, you have to have an open mind to watch this movie, if you do not , you probably will not like it but if you do then you what are you waiting for...... RENT IT!!!