Billy Crudup stars in this slow moving film as "Cal", an architect who one day just walks out on his loving wife and son. What Cal is in search of we know not, but he is full of self-loathing for leaving and begins a drunken trek cross country. In his travels he meets a series of people who he treats like crap and then wallows in more self loathing and drink. The movie does end up with a moral; Cal realizes that he had it pretty good at home, but we don't realize this until we've sat through at least the first ninety minutes wondering where this movie and Cal, for that matter, are headed. Adding to the confusion are some flashback sequences that are never explained and have nothing to do with the ending what-so-ever. The only bright spot is when Cal meets up with Dulcie (Moore), and you think "Aha! I know where this movie is headed", and then it doesn't go that way at all. And that's a shame. Dulcie's story line is dropped just as the movie takes a turn towards being remotely interesting, and we are sent right back on Cal's boring journey. There is nothing redeemable in the character of Cal, and what he needs is a swift kick to the butt. Add to that a soundtrack that is ninety percent Willie Nelson songs, and you can see where a good shot of caffeine prior to watching this movie will come in handy. On an upnote, the cinematography was beautiful; it just should have been saved for a better movie. If you really need to be told that there's no place like home, watch "The Wizard of Oz" instead.
Reviews
22 Reviews
Chicago
(2002)
A Must See!
27 January 2003
"Chicago" is slated for many Oscar nominations, and I attest that it truly deserves each and every one. This magnificent musical brings to life the story of fictional Roxie Hart (Zellweger), who dreams of becoming a famous show girl, like her idol, Velma Kelly (Zeta-Jones). When Roxie shoots her boyfriend in a heated rage, she ends up in jail along side Kelly, both vying to get Billy Flynn (Gere) as their lawyer. The fun is non-stop. The choreography magnificent. The performances superb. Zellweger is perfect as Roxie, winning a Golden Globe Award for this great performance. Richard Gere has tapped danced his way to a most deserved Golden Globe award also. Who knew he could be so darn charming? My votes for the Oscar wins however, go to the supporting players in this film. Zeta-Jones is a knock-out and steals every scene she's in. John C. Reilly is outstanding as Roxie's sympathetic and simple husband; his performance will break your heart. Finally, the musical numbers are so spectacular, that I wanted to jump up and cheer after each one. I think I should have. "Chicago" is a movie to stand up and applaud for. It's that good.
The Time Machine
(2002)
Worth the Rental Price
3 September 2002
Although this movie bombed at the box office, I'm going to suggest you see it anyway, for sheer entertainment value alone. Based (in part) on the book by H.G. Wells, and a supposed remake of the 1960's movie, "The Time Machine" is the action packed story of a grief-stricken man, who invents a time machine in hopes of going backwards in time to erase the tragedy that has overtaken his life. Now, I have not read the book and I barely remember the original flick, so don't expect any great comparisons to either one here. What I can tell you about this movie is, taken for sheer entertainment value alone, it's a great ride. The special effects are riveting, the Morlocks are truly scary, and the action well-paced. The film's downfall, however, lies in its ending. It's anti-climatic and although you see it coming you are truly disappointed that it actually ends this way. It's like being on a most exciting roller-coaster only to have the last minutes of the ride do nothing more than drive you around at a slow pace. This movie could have been a contender, if it weren't for the ender. Ha, I just kill myself sometimes.
The Country Bears
(2002)
Wait for the rental.
5 August 2002
If you've seen the trailer, you've already seen the best parts of this movie. Honestly. "Beary Barrington" is a bear who talks and lives with a human family and realizes one day that he's different. So he runs away, hoping to find his purpose in life by reuniting a now defunct singing bear band. After each encounter we are treated to a cheesy musical number, and some silly slapstick comedy. My five year old son thought the movie was "okay", but from an adult point of view, the characters (especially the old bears) are dull, the songs ridiculous, and the humor flat. Even the cameo appearances by such stars as Elton John, Don Henley and Bonnie Raitt can't add spark to this lifeless and predictable children's film.
Charlotte Gray
(2001)
Compelling movie despite some flaws.
28 July 2002
Based on the novel of the same name by Sebastian Faulks, this is the story of Charlotte Gray (Blanchett), a woman who joins the French Resistance during World War II in hopes of finding her missing boyfriend, a pilot whose plane went down in France. Sent to France as a courier, but with her own agenda as a priority, Charlotte becomes emotionally and personally involved in the war efforts and the lives of those around her. This movie works in many ways. The performances are dead on, yet understated, allowing the story to be the star. Michael Gambon is particularly exceptional as August Levade, father to Julien (Crudup), a leader of the Resistance group in France. The scenery is spectacular. This film falls short of the full ten star rating however, for the plot is a tad weak on several points. First, I felt no tension or real passion building between the two lead characters that supported the ending of this film. Second, Charlotte's motive for going to France was clear, but in reality, it's a tad unbelievable that a woman would join up to risk her life spying for the Secret Service on the remote chance of finding her lover somewhere in France. Still, there may be more to this plot than the screenplay allowed for, and I for one, will be reading the book. I do recommend this movie however, as Blanchett, Crudup and Gambon are wonderful in their roles, despite the weak plot.
Stuart Little 2
(2002)
Adored It!
24 July 2002
Perhaps I've seen one too many children's movies this summer, because I certainly wasn't looking forward to yet another one. So begrudgingly, I took my five year old to "Stuart Little 2" (as it was too hot outside to play and he was begging to see it). I wasn't sure if he'd enjoy it, as we haven't seen the original movie or read the books. I'm pleased to announce however, that we were both pleasantly surprised, and I admit, I adored this movie! Based on the characters from the E.B. White novel, Stuart is a mouse who lives as part of the Little family. In this second movie, Stuart "rescues" a fallen bird, Margalo, and hopes she'll decide to stay with him and become his friend. What our poor hero doesn't know is that Margalo is on a secret mission and works for an evil falcon. Filled with action, humor, tenderness and a great soundtrack, this is a splendid movie for the entire family and not to be missed! Some youngsters may become frightened by the falcon however, so best to keep the three-year-olds at home.
Die Hard
(1988)
Loved it!
21 July 2002
Okay, okay. By now everyone has already seen this film, if not once, twice and if you haven't, you should! Willis stars in this first of several "Die Hard" movies, where New York cop, John McClane must battle terrorists against all odds. In this movie, he must do it in an L.A. high-rise, with the lives of his wife and her co-workers at stake. Willis is perfect in this role, battling the bad guys while adding his own sort of sarcastic humor and yes, charm, to the situation. Rickman is perfectly evil as the leader of the bad guys, and the action is entertaining and exciting, instead of graphic and gratuitous as in so many films today. Sit back, settle in and enjoy this high-energy, action film!
Pushing Tin
(1999)
This film needed a push.
28 June 2002
Despite a promising cast, this movie falls short of being an interesting look into the lives and stressful jobs of air traffic controllers. Cusack stars as Nick Falzone, a top-notch air-traffic controller who has everything going for him. He's got a seemingly great home life, great wife and is able to deal with the stress that comes with his high paying job. Enter Russell Bell, (Thornton), an equally impressive "cool under pressure" controller, who comes to work alongside Nick and the competition begins, at least in Nick's mind. It doesn't help matters either when Nick suddenly sleeps with Russell's wife, who then turns around and confesses all to Russell. Nick's entire life becomes a mess of confusion, fear and paranoia that Russell is out to get him. This movie misses the mark because we, the viewers, are not given any clear reasons as to what motivates these characters. We are supposed to believe that Nick sleeps with Russell's wife either out of pity for her, too much to drink or to prove something over Russell, possibly even all three. Russell's wife (Jolie) is lonely and her plant died, thus her supposed motivation behind the affair. Russell disappears a lot and we are never told why or where to. And although we aren't left with any mystery around whether Russell is really a good guy or staging Nick's paranoia, we are never given any hindsight into why he is the way he is. If you can get past the fact that these characters act completely on impulse regarding every decision they make in their lives, you might enjoy this film. I wanted more.
What a fun movie!
5 June 2002
If you loved the book by Oscar Wilde, you will love this movie by Oliver Parker. Trust me on this one. This fast-paced comedy is witty, wonderful and wise. More important, however, is this stellar line-up of a cast. Not only do these fine actors and actresses bring to life Wilde's lively and colorful characters, but they seem to have a ton of fun doing it as well, and their merriment is infectious. Okay, for those of you who don't know the story: Two gentlemen, one very rich and one very poor, both attempt to win the hearts of the women they love by posing as a fictional gentleman named, you guessed it, Ernest. And the plan works well, until they all arrive together in the same house at the same time. The costumes are beautiful, the comedy delightful, and the performances grand. Special kudos to Anna Massey who plays "Miss Prism" to a tee. If you enjoyed the book, or if you just want to get out and see a fun movie with no profanity, no violence, no nudity or graphic sex ..this is your movie. And I mean that, in all earnest.
The Road to El Dorado
(2000)
Terrific Dream Works Film!
4 June 2002
(In my review of "Spirit", I mentioned it was a Disney film. My apologies to Dream Works, as it was their film, not Disney's.) Now, on with the review of "The Road to El Dorado" another Dream Works film!
Now here is a Dream Works production worth its weight in gold, excuse the pun. Simply put, this movie is fun, with delightful characters, a terrific soundtrack by Elton John, and an exciting plot. Two scoundrels win a map that supposedly leads to El Dorado, the city of gold and wealth. Once there they realize that in order to steal the gold and take it back to their homeland, they must convince the people of the city that they are Gods. Unfortunately they know nothing about the Gods they try to impersonate and pretty soon, they arouse not only suspicion, but the interest of a lovely young woman as well. As with most Dream Works productions, the animation is outstanding. One slight distraction occurs near the end of the movie, however, when a giant monster-like creature arrives on the scene. Looking more like a Pokemon character than anything remotely related to this film, his sci-fi appearance simply doesn't blend with the rest of the animation. And if that's the worst thing I can say about this film, then you know that this is a terrific and fun flick, one you just might wish to own.
Now here is a Dream Works production worth its weight in gold, excuse the pun. Simply put, this movie is fun, with delightful characters, a terrific soundtrack by Elton John, and an exciting plot. Two scoundrels win a map that supposedly leads to El Dorado, the city of gold and wealth. Once there they realize that in order to steal the gold and take it back to their homeland, they must convince the people of the city that they are Gods. Unfortunately they know nothing about the Gods they try to impersonate and pretty soon, they arouse not only suspicion, but the interest of a lovely young woman as well. As with most Dream Works productions, the animation is outstanding. One slight distraction occurs near the end of the movie, however, when a giant monster-like creature arrives on the scene. Looking more like a Pokemon character than anything remotely related to this film, his sci-fi appearance simply doesn't blend with the rest of the animation. And if that's the worst thing I can say about this film, then you know that this is a terrific and fun flick, one you just might wish to own.
Film lacks in Spirit.
28 May 2002
Despite gorgeous and breathtaking animation, this is probably one of most uninspiring Disney films I've seen, and I don't slam Disney films very often. Spirit is a wild stallion who repeatedly gets captured, either by the cavalry or by Indians, both of which try to "break" him. Spirit ends up forming a bond with the Indian, and that, in a nutshell, is the story. With exception to the beautiful animation of the horses, neither I or my five year old were very inspired or excited by this film. It's ironic that it's titled "Spirit", as spirit is what this film could have used a bit more of. An extra point was given for the soundtrack, which was enjoyable, with songs by Bryan Adams and Hans Zimmer. And although this film is rated G, you will still probably have to end up explaining what "breaking a horse" means to your five year old. I did.
The Others
(2001)
They're Here! But Who ARE They?
21 May 2002
This is a superb and scary thriller, yet there is no gore, no bloodshed. In fact, there's barely a ghost to be seen, and yet, you sit in your living room scared to death the entire time the film roles. Nicole Kidman stars as as the strict and fearful Grace Stewart, who, along with her two children, live and wait in a huge, old, spooky estate house, for her husband to return from the war. Her servants have inexplicably run off in the middle of the night, although the children think they were frightened away. Enter three new servants who "just happen" to be looking for work and the fun and the spooks begin. Alakina Mann is completely plausible as Kidman's daughter, who tries to convince her possibly psychotic mother that the house is haunted. Kidman's performance is absorbing and chilling, as Grace tries to figure out if the house is really haunted and if so, by whom. Are the children playing jokes? Are the new servants trying to scare Grace and the children away? Or, is she simply going mad (again)? Add to this a surprise ending and you'll be starting the disc over or rewinding the VCR to watch it again. This is truly a downright good and scary movie that doesn't succumb to the use of gore or violence seen in so many "thrillers" today.
Spider-Man
(2002)
Fun Movie.
9 May 2002
Now here's a very fun, action-packed and enjoyable flick, start to finish. Based on the Marvel comic by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, "Spider-Man" spins the tale of geeky high schooler, Peter Parker (sweetly played by Maguire) who is bitten by a rare species of spider, and becomes the titled action hero. He sets out to rid the world (okay, at least New York) of evil, when he is challenged by nemesis, The Green Goblin, (Dafoe, in a wonderfully wicked performance) who unbeknownst to Spidey, is really his best friend's father. The movie is face paced, funny and filled with so much action, that you don't dare leave your seat to get more popcorn for fear of missing out on the fun. The movie is not without its flaws, however. For instance, the computer generated characters seem, well, ..obviously computer generated, which disrupts the action and is distracting. Also, some of the dialogue is unintentionally laughable, most notably in a later scene where M.J. (Peter's girlfriend) pours her heart out to him. Despite these minor problems, however, this movie is worth the wait you'll have standing in line to see it!
The Fifth Element
(1997)
Fun sci-fi flick.
28 April 2002
Although I am not a sci-fi movie fan, I did find this movie highly entertaining and funny. Set in the future, Bruce Willis plays Korben Dallas, a retired military soldier turned taxi-driver who becomes involved in a battle of good vs. evil, when an alien being, Leeloo, (Jovovich) "lands" in his taxi one night. Leeloo is "The Fifth Element", the last piece of a puzzle that, when put together properly, will save the earth from the evil Mr. Zorg (a fun performance by Oldman) and other equally nasty forces. Korben must find the other four pieces of the puzzle, which are being kept in a hotel. Can Korben and Leeloo find the four stones before the bad guys? Will the earth be saved? Will Korben and Leelou fall in love? Does this movie give us any reason for them to fall in love besides the fact that Leeloo is beautiful and has a body to die for? Who cares!! The movie is fun, and although there are some gaping holes in the plot (i.e. Dallas just throws caution to the win and helps Leelou escape from the police, although he doesn't have any reason except that she's adorable), it's still action packed, funny and worth your time. Look for a fabulously funny performance by Chris Tucker as Ruby Rhod, the nightclub singer.
Bandits
(2001)
Great comedy!
15 April 2002
This movie is a true winner, start to finish. Willis and Thornton play two escaped convicts, out to rob enough banks so that they can live out their dream of leaving the country, owning a hotel and drinking margaritas all day. When a bored housewife (Blanchett) joins the group, she puts a rift between the two convicts that just may turn them against each other and ruin their plans. Although Willis has top billing and plays his role to a tee, this movie really belongs to Thornton, who steals every scene as Terry, a neurotic hypochondriac. This movie is good clean comedy, packed with lots of non-violent action, accompanied by a great sound track. You can't ask for better in a comedy.
Dead Poets Society
(1989)
The performances make this film!
12 April 2002
Even if this movie DOES border on the melodramatic at times, the moving and exceptional performances by all involved certainly earn it merit. Robin Williams, (in an unusually controlled role), plays John Keating, an English teacher, who returns to his former prep school, breathing life into an otherwise stoic and dull English course. Encouraging his pupils to "seize the day", he stirs them to look beyond the confinements of whom they are told they should be, to that which they could and truly wish to become. Thriving under Keating's tutelage are Neil Perry (exceptionally well portrayed by Leonard), who discovers a passion for acting, and, as my friend Laura puts it, "the painfully shy", Todd Hamilton (Ethan Hawke could not have been better as the agonizing Todd). Conflicts arise however, when school officials and parents disagree with these new attitudes and work ethics, and strive to dimiss them. Albeit a tad slow in parts, stick with this film to end. The last scene is worth the wait.
The Kid
(2000)
Willis and Breslin make this movie work!
6 April 2002
How many times have we all chided ourselves for the way we handled events in our past, and said "If only I had handled it this way instead?"? This film explores that theme and it's a "must-see". Thanks to my friend, Kim, for recommending this sweet, funny and sentimental comedy. Bruce Willis portrays Rusty, an unhappy image consultant, who blocks out his miserable existence by engrossing himself in his work and basically being a jerk to everyone he knows. Then one day he begins experiencing what he believes are hallucinations of a small, bothersome boy. He soon finds out, however, that these are not hallucinations at all, but rather his own eight year old self, inexplicably arriving to give Russell (Willis) the chance to reexamine and possibly change the events that turned him into such a sad and lonely being. This movie works, if not only for the perfect casting of Willis in this role, but for the delightful performance of Spencer Breslin as the young Rusty. Willis and Breslin play perfectly off each other, making this a movie that is as funny as it is endearing.
Ice Age
(2002)
Good Family Fare
23 March 2002
Kudos to writers, Michael J. Wilson and Michael Berg, who have given us a unique and cleverly written film that will appeal to anyone over four. The story revolves around two misfit characters, a depressed giant wooly mammoth, and an obnoxious, irritating sloth who has been rejected by his family. They meet as one heads south to escape the "ice age" and the other is heading north to escape life. A friendship of sorts ensues and then strengthens when they find a baby boy and decide to try to find its parents. Trouble ensues when they meet up with a tiger who tags along with them under pretense of concern for the child, while secretly imagining it as breakfast. This is simply a downright funny movie, filled with clean comedy, slapstick, lots of action and the sweetness that we adore in Disney films. Some scenes are very poorly digitally mastered however, which distracts from the film, and for this reason alone I deducted a point. Despite that fact, however, this film should appeal to anyone age 4 and above, and I do recommend it as a good family outing..
Rock Star
(2001)
Not quite "Almost Famous"..
30 January 2002
Okay, hands up. How many of you once dreamed about being a rock star? In this tale, a heavy-medal wanna-be rocker fan (Wahlberg) gets his chance when he is miraculously overheard at a taped concert, singing (read that "screaming") along with his favorite band, "Steel Dragon". He and girlfriend/manager Emily (Aniston) are plucked out of their mediocre lives and suddenly thrust into the so called "glitz" of rock and roll fame. Will their love survive the wild nights, endless parties, drugs and touring schedules? I didn't really care, as I found Wahlberg and Aniston hopelessly mismatched. Still, the story line is interesting "enough" and a great sound track makes up for this lightweight story of a heavy metal band member.
Agnes Browne
(1999)
Average film that tries unsuccessfully to be more.
22 January 2002
This film relates the story of a recently widowed Irish woman's attempt to keep some semblance of normalcy in her life and those of her seven children. Sadly however, it's nearly impossible to feel any empathy for Agnes, as Agnes doesn't really seem to mind being widowed, which threads a line of disbelief into the entire plot. That said, the movie plods along through Agnes's life, as she quickly jumps into flirtations with the town baker, leading me to wonder if the corpse was even cold yet. Agnes also simultaneously battles an evil loan shark and his bully buddy who torment her young son, gives comfort to an ill friend and schemes to win concert tickets. This movie tries very hard to make the anguish of Agnes's life interesting, but it switches gears on the viewers too fast and too often. It's as if the writers couldn't figure out whether to create this into a comedy, a drama, or a love story, so they tried to pull all the punches in ninety-two minutes. What we are left with however, is a film that, while witty and sentimental at times, is void of emotional impact; and that's a shame really, for it could have been a contender.
Moulin Rouge!
(2001)
Review for "Moulin Rouge!"
15 January 2002
If you haven't seen this film on the big screen, try to. I saw it on DVD and the sets are so lavish and unique that I know it must have looked (excuse the pun) "spectacular" in the theaters. But however glamorous the sets, this movie won't be to everyone's taste, in fact some may find it flat out strange. Set in 1899 Montmartre France, this is the tale of a struggling writer's (McGregor) attempt to win the love of a beautiful courtesan (Kidman), all the while trying to elude the evil villain (played splendidly by Roxburgh). Although set in 1899, this musical is scored with such modern day music, as "Your Song", "The Sound of Music", "Like a Virgin". Yes, it's an odd combination, but the music is incorporated into the scenes well (sometimes quite comically), and the performances of all involved are not to be missed. I was, however, a bit disappointed towards the end of the film, when the story line loses some of its witty edge and delves instead into an attempt at over dramatization. Here the film becomes unfortunately more laughable than it intends, yet this small glitch does not reduce any affection I felt for this unique and enjoyable musical. Love it or hate it, you won't forget it!
Pearl Harbor
(2001)
Loved it!
7 January 2002
A professional critic said of this movie that "women will love it and men will sleep through it". Well, this woman DID love this film and doesn't think anyone will be able to sleep through it. Yes, like "Titanic" this is the telling of an historic event through a fictional love story. It's a mix of soap opera characters, "Top Gun" action and a history lesson. And for me, it works. I learned more from this movie about the events surrounding the attack on Pearl Harbor than I ever did in history class, while still being highly entertained. Yes, some may find the love story campy, some may find it predictable, some may find this movie way too long..but I found it just plain good start to finish.
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