cocaine_rodeo Reviews

Fight Club (1999)

I Am Jack's Smirking Revenge

[28 November 2003]

wow, this is really a defining movie. that's kind of a played out expression, something a self-important critic would say, but i think in this case it's true. i haven't read the book, but i can't imagine how insane that book is, and i'm sure it's great. this is possibly my favorite movie, and it's certainly the best movie i've seen (i think there's a difference between the two). it seems like everything in this movie just worked perfect, i can't think of any complaints.

there are just so many strange things that make this movie great. i really liked the narrator's insight on what was going on. he sounds so emotionless and cold, i really think that added a great atmosphere to this movie. the director is really gifted in order to make a movie with such a difficult premise so good. the fight scenes were so real, it was really disturbing, especially when edward norton went nuts on that pretty blonde kid and f***ed up his face. i also really enjoyed some of the lines in this movie, most of the lines actually.

and than there's the ending. the greatest ending ever. i won't spill it, as the ending was ruined for me right before i saw it (i was p***ed but in the end it took nothing away from the movie), but it is just incredible. i can't say enough good about this movie, it's the perfect definition for a great movie (another brainless critic saying, but it's true). 10/10

28 Days Later (2002)

The End is Extremely F**king Nigh

[30 July 2003]

wow, this movie was awesome! by far my favorite horror movie. it starts off very good. this is like the first zombie movie i've seen where there is actually a reasonable explanation for why a virus was spread (as far as reason and zombies are concerned). it was pretty intelligent. but what instantly drew me in was when our hero Jim wakes up in a hospital, completely deserted (aside from a full frontal shot which i could have done without). he gets out of the hospital and looks at the city, also completely deserted, except there are dead bodies everywhere. Jim walks around for about five minutes looking for anyone while a creepy piano jingle is played.

but it keeps getting better from there. this movie has a thousand thrills, not really scary, but very suspenseful. one of the best things about this movie is the beautiful landscape. that's what i loved was the shots when there would be momentary peace, and our heroes would stop and look at the scenery and just enjoy the last few nice things on earth for a moment (probably the two best of these was the family of uninfected horses roaming a field, and the city of Cambridge burning, because there were no fire squads to put it out). Jim is a very likable character, as well as Selena, his beautiful survival partner, and Hannah, the young teen who's father was killed.

this is by far my favorite horror movie. the guy's who wrote and directed are VERY talented and could easily do more serious movies, but i'm glad they did an excellent horror film. one of my favorite parts was when one of the guards says "f*ckies!". i love that word (this movie takes place in england, so i figure it's an english word). well, this movie is really gory, but if you do not like blood than it is ok, because the movie is good enough to where even the gore can be overlooked (i enjoyed the gore actually, it wasn't over done, it was just right). 10/10

Donnie Darko (2001)

"i'll tell you what he said. he asked me to forcebly insert the life-line activity into my anus!"

[21 July 2003]

every few years you get a movie that doesn't do very well yet far surpasses everything that people and critics, and Donnie Darko is one of them. this is probably my new favorite movie, and it's certainly one of the best movies in the last 10 years. Donnie Darko combines three elements, dram comedy and science fiction. now usually movies like this suck horribly, but instead of trying to force all three types to work at the same time, but this movie gives you the intense drama, some breathing room with some really funny parts, and than gives you some scientific bits that are really interesting.

jake gyllenhaal was perfect for the roll of Donnie Darko. he is truly one of the best actors of this generation. jena malone also does a great job as Donnie's love interest who has her own set of problems (seems like most of her characters do). this is also a very clever movie. it gives you a lot to think about, and it is one of those endings where you could argue with some one about possible outcomes for a long time. one thing that i really liked was the humor. it is really unique, because the funny parts generally come in a serious setting (like the line above was delivered by Donnie's spastic gym teacher who is upset by the fact that donnie told her to shove a book up her ass).

every person i have watched this with has loved it. i think it's just one of those movies that most people like, yet not many know of it. i guess if this movie had been over promoted that it wouldn't have that sort of independent feel to it. i usually hate 80's music, but the song 'mad world' worked very well at the end. an all around great movie. i recommend it to everyone. 10/10

The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys (2002)

"don't you ever tell me to get real. i know what real is okay"

[8/10 · 18 July 2003]

this was a great movie. it's kind of funny how things happen, though, because the first time i attempted to watch this movie the dvd broke right when they were stealing the statue, and up until that point it had been really funny, so when i went to watch it again i figured it would be a really funny movie, but right after the statue part it starts getting serious, and also really good.

the acting is solid all the way around, but kieran culkin is the best actor of the bunch. i thought it was cool to see jodie foster as a villian for once. the animation clips imbetween scenes are pretty cool. what i liked about this movie is that you see all the crazy stuff these kids are doing and you say "i want to go do that with my friends" (i'm only 15), and of course you never do, but it's fun seeing other people do what you can't and probably shouldn't.

another thing that i really liked was that josh homme of queens of the stone age did the soundtrack. his song "all the same" really helps make the ending as sad as it should be. not that the movie needed help, because it had a plenty sad ending, but the song was still a good way to end it. i usually hate coming of age movies, but on the rare occasion that they are done right, like 'the dangerous lives of altar boys", they are some of the bes movies to come out. 10/10

Where the Buffalo Roam (1980)

"in my case, you know, i'd hate to advocate drugs or liquor, or insanity to anyone. but in my case, it's worked"

[17 June 2003]

this was a good movie. i am a huge fan of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and when i rented this i thought i would be getting the same crazy stuff from F&L, but i was pleasantly surprised when i saw that it actually took a more serious approach, it was still very much a comedy, but it still seemed to take itself seriously, and i liked that.

i haven't decided who i thought did a better thompson, bill murray or johnny depp. i think depp was more entertaining, but murray did just as good of a job. i was also surprised to see that Lazlo was such an important character, when in fear and loathing (he was Gonzo in that one) he was important but he was pretty sleazy and was rather disgusting(what with nailing a 14 year old girl). the acting in this movie was really good. the soundtrack was also very pleasing.

i wouldn't try to compare this as a movie with F&L because the two are so different, so i like them both for different reasons. i plan on reading both the books now, which will probably make the movies less entertaining, as the books are much better i'm sure, but i will always be entertained. where the buffalo roam is very unique. it comes on as a straight forward movie, yet there is an undertone which makes it very twisted, and i think that's what i liked about it. 10/10

The Matrix Reloaded (2003)

Too Much and Not Enough

[10 June 2003]

this was really disapointing. to say the least. this movie tried to succeed the first by throwing plot twists and new characters and confusing surprises at it's viewers. it tried to be all trippy with the "mind blowing" camera angles and special effects, but these were no different from the first movies, yet it worked better in the first one because it was also accompanied with plot and the characters even seemed more interesting in the first movie.

i guess i'm being a little harsh in this movie, because i would be extrordinarily hard to beat the original Matrix. but i just fell short. they tried to keep the movie alive by creating new plot ever half an hour, but it could have been a lot better if it would have just stayed on one plot, because that is one of the things that made the first so much better. the characters also seemed a little dead in this one. they aren't as interesting.

this movie did have some pretty cool action scenes, though. the parts on the freeway kicked ass. but there needs to be a successful plot to go with good action sequences. i'm just hoping that Revolutions the will properly pick the movie back up in a good conclusion. i am looking forward to Revolutions, though. 7/10

Dazed and Confused (1993)

"All I'm saying is that if I start referring to these as the best days of my life, remind me to kill myself"

[2 April 2003]

This was a really cool movie. In my opinion, even though it was a different time and styles and rituals were different in those days (if seniors tried publicly paddling freshman today, they'd probably go to jail), I think that kids today can relate to Dazed and Confused. I don't mean everything, but little things.

This is just a fun movie to watch. There's a lot of good music (Alice Cooper and Aerosmith!), and the kids are all very believable. At first I thought the whole seniors hanging out with freshman at parties was total bulls**t, but I soon came to realize that it very well can happen (although I didn't have to get my ass paddled first). I also liked the fact that the movie wasn't just about getting stoned, even though that is a lot of the movie. I thought at first the whole movie was just gonna be 90 minutes of kids taking bong hits, but that actually isn't a very big part of the movie.

I think my favorite characters in this movie are Slater and Wooderson. Slater was just funnier than hell, and Wooderson was like this cool guy who was also kind of a scum bag, but he seemed so innocent about trying to pick up younger chicks. Wooderson's classic line in this movie was "that's what i like about these freshman girls... I get older, they stay the same age". I love it. It's a little creepy, yet really funny too. I also liked Pink (partially because his name his Pink Floyd). I thought he was a good character. He is like the popular guy that everyone in school likes.

My only problems with this movie was that there was no Pink Floyd (there were dark side of the moon posters everywhere, but no Floyd), and no Zeppelin. I could have swore they were going to play the song 'Dazed and Confused', but no dice. Other than that I loved it. It was really funny, and I can't say this from experience, but all the people i asked that went ot high school in the 70's said it was fairly accurate. I can say it was accurate in capturing high school kid's in general. A great flick! 10/10

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

Awesome

[18 March 2003]

this was a cool movie. lot's of action, and we got introduced to some new and cool characters, namely Golum, the weird newt frog man, i suppose that's what you'd call him. Golum was my favorite character in this move. it's a good thing they did all of these movies at once, or else the hype might have over shadowed the quality of the movie, but they did this a good as it could get.

i also thought the tree people were really cool. they were sort of comical, but when it came time to take them seriously, surprisingly enough, you actually could take these trees seriously. it was good to see gandalf return as well. i didn't know he would cause i haven't read the book. the action scene at the end was cool, but i actually liked the parts where Golum was leading Sam and Froto though the land better, just because it showed who Golum used to be, and still partially is. The battle was pretty awesome, though.

all in all i'd say this is a satisfactory follow up. i liked it just as much as the original. it's fun for kiddies and grown ups alike. this one isn't nearly as violent as everyone was making it out to be, but it's still pretty gory at parts. can't wait for return of the king to come out! 10/10

A Christmas Story (1983)

"you'll shoot your eye out, kid"

[25 December 2002]

A Christmas classic. This is by far my favorite holiday movie. It is tradition to watch it on Christmas Eve in my family, and we do just that every year. What's not to like? You've got Peter Billingsley as Ralphie, the boy who desperately wants a Red Rider BB gun for Christmas, but many things come between him and his gun, such as his mother, his teacher, and even Santa Clause (this was probably the funniest part).

In between Ralphie's mission to convince his mom and dad to buy his gun, trouble and mis-adventures ensue. There is a nasty bully, his little brother, electric sex gleaming in the window (a leg shaped lamp), tongues and telephone poles, the neighbor's dogs, and a pink bunny outfit (THIS was the funniest part) from Aunt Clara.

For the whole family. This movie always brightens up my holiday season. The one thing that ruins it is watching it when it is past Christmas. Sounds stupid, but when I was younger, I did it a lot. Other than that, it's the best Christmas movie ever! 10/10

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)

"We can't stop here! It's bat country!"

[8 December 2002]

Well this movie was a number of things. It was funny, creepy, sometimes pretty gross, and entertaining. I really liked this movie. Over the last few movies of Johnny Depp's that I have watched, I can see that he has a very good acting talent. He has been in several movies that I have enjoyed (mainly this, Sleepy Hollow, and Edward Scissorhands). This one is probably my favorite of his, though.

For a comedy, there is very high quality acting. Besides Depp, there is Benicio Del Toro, who has been in a few movies I have enjoyed. I thought that he was very good. Both Depp and Del Toro were hysterical. They were very believable when they were stoned, or tripping, or high, or drunk, usually it was a combination of all four, though. Some of the computer graphics were funny, like when Depp is talking to the desk clerk at the hotel and she turns into an electric eel.

This is absolutely not for everyone. In fact, it took me a couple of movies times to warm up to this movie. It is extraordinarily weird, because there is not one minute in this movie where Hunter Thompson and his attorney are not on drugs, and they see and do some pretty strange and unusual stuff. There are a lot of big names doing cameos in this movie, as well. I also liked how they played 'Jumpin' Jack Flash' at the end of the movie; which is kind of funny because all of the drugs that were taken throughout the time frame in this movie were taken in one recording session by the Rolling Stones while making this cool song. Weird, funny, not for everyone, actually, not for most. Enjoy! 10/10

Analyze This (1999)

"I Go Fag, You Die

[2 December 2002]

I really liked this movie. It was pretty damned funny. De Niro and Crystal made a good team. Sure, both De Niro and Crystal have built their careers on these characters (De Niro as the tough guy gangster and Crystal as the nuerotic worried guy), but just so long as they play them to perfection, like we know they can, then it's fine with me. This is also a fairly original idea, not never been done before, but still pretty clever.

Besides De Niro and Crystal, I though Lisa Kudrow was very funny. Once again, she plays a sort of ditzy blonde, but she does it well, even though I hear she is very intelligent. Chazz Plaminteri was also pretty funny. I liked the line "I wanna go see a movie, but it's all just violent shoot em' up s***; I get enough of that at work". The kid who played Billy Crystal's son did a good job.

I liked this movie because there was a mix of subtle humor and just being silly. I like how every single mafia stereo type is made fun of, like the thing with the nick-names, where Billy Crystal's character starts spouting off nonsense names like Sammy Da Schnoz, and Elmer Da Fudd. I good comedy for those who don't mind cussing (the previews should automatically drive you away if your opposed to cussing). 9/10

Gimme Shelter (1970)

a mix of good music and a crumbling decade

[21 November 2002]

I liked this movie more for the music (I love the stones) than the actual movie part; but it was a very good documentary. I suppose what got me was that I had never heard of it, so I was just expecting an old stones concert with some good music. Well, that was maybe 10% of the movie. The music was more of a haunting overtone for all of the violence and confusion that went on.

Needless to say, I was a little disappointed at first, but that last shot of Mick's face. He knew that he deserved some of the blame for that kid getting killed. You could just see it in his eyes. He looked so hurt and saddened. By the kid getting stabbed, but also I think he felt betrayed. He wasn't able to truly see what was happening at Altamont during the concert, because there was so much confusion and chaos; but when he got up from watching that movie, he felt betrayed by his own decade.

All of the things that made the sixties what it was had betrayed him. I think that's why people say the sixties ended there. That look in his eyes said it all.

The music was good, though. I was a little disappointed with 'Jumpin' Jack Flash', but as I have come to see, after three concert videos and attending a concert myself, 'Jumpin' Jack Flash' usually isn't very good live. I really thought that 'Gimme Shelter' was a fitting end (it was obvious that that would be the end credits music). I liked the live version of that song.

Well, this was a pretty good movie, and a very good documentary. As far as who gets the blame, it is both the Angels and the hippies fault. The hippies knew how unstable the Angels were, and they screwed with them and their bikes (that's a no-no) anyway, and the angels are just psychotic in this movie (not all Hell's Angels are, because I have a friend who's dad used to be an Angel). The movie part I would give a 7/10, but the music I give a 10/10, so I'll meet somewhere in the middle. 8/10

Pink Floyd: The Wall (1982)

Crazy.... Over the Rainbow I am Crazy.... Bars in the Window

[10 November 2002]

Wow. this is truly a work of art. No, that isn't doing this movie justice. This is a masterpiece. No other rock opera, or most movies in general, can top the insanity that is this movie. This movie peers into the mind of an over protected, reclusive, and sometimes violent rock star, who has taken enough of life and the people in it.

This is the story of Pink, poor old Pink, who's father left him one morning in black 44', and who's mother was so protective she smothered him with her love and all of her fears; who's wife tried so hard to open his heart, but found that nobody was home; and who eventually built a wall so high that he could not break free, and eventually his seclusion from the outside world brought out a side of Pink that he, nor the rest of the world, would wish to ever see. Soon his sadistic, Hitler-esc side takes control of the world, with help from his zombie like fans who follow any command that is thrown at them.

But by the time the dictator is mentally faded away by Pink, and he is able to see that shielding himself from the world with his now endless wall is only driving him crazier, it could be too late. So goes the quote above, taken from "The Trial", which is the end of the Wall, and Pink's last chance for freedom from his Wall.

This is just an outstanding movie. Everything works in this movie, the twisted live action, the animation that probably is what being insane is like, and, most of all, the music that is, in my opinion, the greatest album ever created (to Hell with Dark Side of the Moon, it was good, but it doesn't even compare to "The Wall"). Pink Floyd is my favorite band (along with The Who and The Rolling Stones, an odd combination, I know), and when their best album was made into a movie, I knew that Hollywood had at least a little common sense, even though Hollywood shunned it, and most of the reviews I've read here are negative, but I don't care, I'm watching it and enjoying for me, and no other opinion matters.

My favorite songs off of this movie/album are "Mother", "One of My Turns", "There's Nobody Home", "Comfortably Numb" (probably my favorite song, actually), and, of course, "The Trial". One last thing, if you are ever in a position where you have to choose between this and "Tommy", pick this, because "Tommy" wasn't very good. In-fact, if it didn't have the great music of The Who in it, I would say it blew. Just a quick reminder. 10/10

Full Metal Jacket (1987)

One of the best movies ever, until the second half

[1 November 2002]

This was one of the best movies I've ever seen about the war, except the war parts. The first half was brutal, powerful, sometimes painful to watch (like the blanket party scene), and actually pretty funny at times (the stuff that the drill sergeant say is hard not to laugh at); but as the fresh Marines are sent off to Hell, the movie seems to go with it.

When I first saw my thoughts were "if the first half was that good, than the second will be unbelievable", but it lost its edge and its intensity. The sniper scene was the best part of the second half, but still falls short.

Now that I look back, though, it would be pretty damn hard to top the boot camp parts, i mean, those scenes were insane in the best way. Vincent D'Onfrio made the whole movie. He was completely believable with his decent into madness, much like Bobby D in "Taxi Driver". The drill sergeant also made this movie, because he was very funny, but at the same time horrifying.

Normally when the second half of a movie fails, i don't like it, because that is more significant that the first part, but in this case, i am willing to give it a good rating, just because the scenes with D'Onofrio were so incredible. This is a very gritty, disturbing, and great movie, like all of Kubrick's films, so be advised for profuse (but at time comical) swearing and bloody, gooey and sometimes exploding violence. Not great, but still very good. I also think that "Paint it Black" was a great way to stop this movie, because it didn't end, it just stopped (which was one of the things I DID like about the end). 8/10

The Who: Thirty Years of Maximum R&B (1994 TV Movie)

Okay for a Who Documentary, better than pretty much anything else

[24 October 2002]

Well, this could have been better. I really enjoyed it, but it definetley was missing somethings. Bottom line, it was The Who, and I knew it was going to be good any way, but this wasn't as good as i'd hoped. I'm glad they played some great underground hits, like "Water" (bet you've never heard of that one) and "My Wife", but they were missing a lot from their greatest album "Who's Next".

I am very glad that they had a great version of "Behind Blue Eyes", which is one of my favorite Who songs. But they didn't have other great songs, like "Baba O Riley", "The Seeker" (it wasn't off "Who's Next", but I still wanted to hear it), and especially "Won't Get Fooled Again", perhaps the greatest rock song ever, at least my favorite song (next to "Sympathy for the Devil", and Gimme Shelter").

Other than missing those three classics, it was a grand ole' time. They did great versions of "Can't Explain", "Magic Bus", "Boris the Spider" (one of the highlights of the video), and "Behind Blue Eyes". The Who and the Rolling Stones are my favorite band (oh, and Pink Floyd), so this was going to be good, hits or no hits! 10/10

Rolling Stones: Voodoo Lounge (1995 TV Special)

One Hell of a Concert!

[20 October 2002]

Although I have only seen a few videos of the Stones Live (they are my favorite band, though), this is my favorite and one of their finest! The boys played like they were in the 20's. That is what I love about the Rolling Stones (along with the music, of course). They give it their all on stage. No matter what the size of the arena.

The two highlights of the evening were "sympathy for the devil", and "jumpin' jack flash". Sympathy was just outstanding. The stage was like a ghost town, or at least none of the band were visible, and then flames burst out of the ground, and then Mick arises from an underground lift wearing a top hat, satin dinner jacket, and a pare of very nice sunglasses. The band then emerged and began to rock out.

Jumpin' Jack Flash is the perfect encore for any Stones concert, but it was played magnificently this time around. Mick and Keith jumped into the audience and just had fun with their big ending to a great concert. I also like Whoopie Goldberg. She looked like she was having a hell of a time, but then again, what stones fan wouldn't have fun on stage with them. I recommend this to any stones fan. 10/10

Insomnia (2002)

Al Pacino's Best Performance since 'Scent of a Woman'

[2 June 2002]

This is in Al Pacino's top 4 performances. It is either this or 'Scent of a Woman' (the other two being 'The Godfather' or 'Scarface'). Personally, I liked this one, simply because I like 'Insomnia' more than I liked 'Scent of a Woman', which is also an excellent film. Infact, you might even say this is my favorite Al Pacino movie, but 'The Godfather' is a hard one to top.

This movie has everything a crime drama should have, great acting, great script, great plot, great cinematography (this was an absolutely stunning backdrop), and a lot of suspense. Hilary Swank does a great job as Pacino's protege, who has studied all his cases and is thrilled to have him there, despite the fact that a young girl has been beaten to death. Robin Williams gave the best performance I have ever seen him give. He is such a convincing psychopath. I think he should get an Oscar, along with Pacino and Swank.

As far as Oscar's go, I think this film deserves all the major categories. In my opinion, the only other film this year that I think could rival this movie is 'We Were Soldiers', but I doubt that will even get a nomination. Pacino just deserves this one. He deserves it. But I think that as of right now, this one's in the bag for Robin Williams. This movie is for people who love great drama's, or Al Pacino (drama is really all that Al does anyway). Go see this, because when I went to see this, only two other people were in the movie theatre, and I'm worried that 'Insomnia' won't find an audience because everyone is all going to Episode 2 (I briefly considered seeing it, but then decided I wouldn't want to waste the money). Enjoy! 10/10

Easy Rider (1969)

" They'll talk to ya and talk to ya and talk to ya about individual freedom. But they see a free individual, it's gonna scare em' "

[16 May 2002]

This was a great movie. I'm sure it would have been ten times better in 1969, but I wasn't born yet, but non the less, I still had the pleasure of seeing this movie, and I think it is one of the greatest films in American cinema. Peter Fonda is a great pioneering hippy as he and his buddy Billy (played by Dennis Hopper, who is much like a younger version of his character Hughey Walker in 'Flashback') travel the U.S. in search of America and themselves. This movie is great at making its main character (Peter Fonda) a person of much depth, yet very mysterious at the same time.

I thought that Dennis Hopper's character Billy could have been developed a little better. I think that his character was revealing too many flaws for such a dense character (he seemed too shallow, and was almost like Fonda's side kick, and I think it would have been good if they were both objects of study, rather than Fonda). This was my only problem with this movie,I still liked the character, I just wish he could have been deeper, but I suppose that Captain America (Fonda) was really the movies focus.

My favorite character was George Hanson. This is one of Jack Nicholson's best performances. His character was likeable as well as interesting, and I felt that the movie picked up when his character presented himself. I think that this movie is for all of you folks out there who can't actually cruise the U.S. on a Hog, but would be satisfied with seeing two talented actors do t for them, or drizzled old hippies who haven't had a chance to go out and buy a V.C.R. Enjoy! 10/10

Mad Max (1979)

Max Gets Revenge

[15 May 2002]

This is my favorite Post Apocolyptic movie. Originally, I like Road Warrior better, but I think this one has more stability in that Max has one primary goal above all others, find the bad guys and get retribution. I still like Road Warrior, but this one I thought had more intensity and more of an edge. I also think it is funny to hear Mel over dubbed by a guy who sounds like a cheap Clint Eastwood impersonator.

There are several cool things that make this movie work; first are the car chases. I think these are some of the best car chases on film. What is also really cool is that they are all real chases and crashes (for once being under budget worked for the better). Next is how obsessed Max is with finding the biker gang who murdered his wife and child. As he speeds down the highways and roads you can see the rage, sadness and emptieness in his eyes.

And I also liked how everything was so mysterious. If you think about it, you really didn't get to know any of the characters very well. This is what makes this different from other action movies. Max is just as much of an enigma as the bikers. The only thing you really know well about Max is that he is fueled with murderous rage and hell-bent on finding his enemies. I recommend this movie to fans of wasteland future movies, or likes a lot of good car chases. 9/10

Summer of Sam (1999)

"Evil spelled backwards is live"

[18 April 2002]

This movie was okay. Actaully, it kind of sucked. But not completely. I thought certain parts were very good. The backdrop (New York City is always a good backdrop) gave this movie its edge, like most of Spike Lee's movies. I thought the acting was pretty good all around (John Leguizamo as an Italian wasn't the most convincing roll, since he is obviously not Italian), and I enjoyed the sequences where they played The Who (The Who is one of my favorite bands).

I encountered numerous problems in this movie. I thought that the stories didn't really make themselves clear enough, or maybe they were lacking in detail (they could have gone deeper into the characters and less into the style of living in the mid 70's). The characters just kind of showed up and the movie went on from there. I think that the story just scratched the surface, when this could have been a great character flick.

I didn't like John Leguizamo's character, I'll say that right off. He just ****ed me off. He is an unloyal, cheating, lying little grease ball, and usually characters like this are in my favorite movies (like John Cazale in "The Godfather" or Ray Liotta in "Goodfellas), but he didn't change, either. He was a one dimensional character. Now I know that John Cazale was also like this, but he wasn't the main character, though. John Lequizamo just stayed the same little creep the whole movie, and he wasn't very interesting. I will say that he did do a good job with what they gave him, though, because he did add a little to the dense character.

The reason that I liked this movie was Adrien Brody and Jennifer Esposito. They were the two good characters. Ritchie was a cool character because, one, he was a punk, and two, he was the most complex and mysterious character in the whole movie. Jennifer Esposito was equally good because she went from being an incredibly slutty floozy, to a grimy street punk. I thought that she did a great job. These two are the reason I liked this movie.

This movie is hardly about the Son of Sam killer, just to let any one who hasn't seen it yet know. He is really the flame under the frying pan, so to speak, because his horrific actions cause the uproar in the neighborhood that causes everyone to go nuts. I think this movie would have been better for Martin Scorsese (I am not just saying that because he is my favorite director) or Sidney Lumet. I usually don't like Spike Lee movies, but he does do them good when he really believes in the project, but this one (or at least I think so) he just didn't put as much into the characters as he did into the city at the time. Okay if you have seen everything else. 6/10

Panic Room (2002)

Very intense, but also a good character movie

[11 April 2002]

This movie was thrilling as well as it was a good drama. Jodie Foster does an outstanding job as per usual as Meg Altman. Forest Whitaker also does a great job as the reluctant villian. Sure, the character is a little cliche (bad guy who doesn't want to be bad but has to for someone he cares about), but that didn't matter to me, because he did a great job none the less. Great acting, and some heart stopping intensity makes this the best thriller I've seen in a couple of years.

I think that Kristen Stewart did an exceptional job as Jodie Foster's angry and sarcastic daughter Sarah (another a cliche character, but once again, played to perfection), who has to hide out in the panic room with her mom. Dwight Yoakam steals the show as the mysteriously scary robber Raoul, who remains an enigma through the whole movie. Raoul is the violent and mentally unstable (of course!) thief, would have no problem blowing away Meg and her Daughter. This movie takes some pretty scary turns here and there, with a lot of slow motion running and getting away in the nick of time.

I have to admit that I went in to the theatre with low expectations (it was a Sunday and I was bored, so I grabbed a friend and went to the movies), but I was pleasantly surprised when I left. There was action, a little comedy, and non stop thrills, which is usually what I like about a movie, besides great acting, but it has that too! I recommend this to everyone who doesn't mind a good deal of violence, and isn't claustrophobic. Enjoy! 9/10

American Beauty (1999)

"My name is Lester Burnham. In less than one year, I will be dead."

[10 April 2002]

This is one of my favorite movies. It was spectacular! I couldn't believe how well every thing tied together. This movie is great on many levels, be it the incredible acting, or the fantasy (not fairies and dragons, of course) that has become one ordinary man's life. I think what I liked best, though (besides the best lead acting job I've seen since Robert De Niro in 'Raging Bull'), was how two separate and already incredible stories enter-twine into a spectacular ending, that leaves you feeling better and with what seems like a new way of looking at life. This is just me, though; because many people hated it (I just don't think they fully understood, but maybe I'm wrong).

Now some of you out there might be enraged that I put that quote up there, thinking that I ruined the film, but I actually didn't. It's the first line in the movie! That is one of the reason why this is such a great movie, though. It told you he would be dead by the closing of the film, so that made me think that this would be great, because it doesn't depend on a sad ending to make it a good movie. The ending wasn't really sad, but more enlightening. It wasn't an ending for Lester, it was a beginning. Lester's story is about him becoming a man that he likes to be. He goes from a repressed, prideless loser, to a happy, healthy (both physically and mentally), care free man. He starts doing what he likes and getting what he wants (which leads in to my favorite line in the movie, where he goes and arbitrarily buys a beautiful Camaro).

Meanwhile, there is the Burnham's new next door neighbor Ricky Fitts, who is overwhelmed by all the beauty (most of which people would describe as awful), and tries to show other people (mostly Lester and his daughter Jane, who Ricky is in love with) how beautiful life is. Ricky really changes the Burnham's lives. He shows Lester how to live (with a little help from pot), and shows Jane how to love. While this is all happening, Annette Bening's character is being alienated by her family, bu it is really her own fault. Rickies dad is a very interesting character. He tries to hide his emotions with a shield of callousness and hatred for everything he doesn't understand, but throughout his appearances, you can tell the shield is getting smaller, and it eventually isn't there any more (he is a major part in the end).

Beside Ricky, Lester also undergoes a life style change in order to get Jane's friend, Angela (who is played greatly by Mena Suvari), to notice him. He is infatuated with her, and he is willing to do anything to get her. She is a very good character. What I realized about this movie the second time I saw it was that every character in this movie is repressing there true selves in some way, trying to be very convincing about what they want every one else to see, but they are all miserable, and want to reveal themselves. This is the movies mantle, but I think the core of this movie is that life has to much beauty and happiness to waste being miserable and trapped by there own doubts and insecurities.

This movie is not for every one, because it is pretty harsh at parts, but it has such a meaningful point that the harsh parts are able to be excepted (I didn't think it was harsh, but I know people who did). I recommend this to any one who enjoys beautiful films, because I think this is the best movie in 10 years. Enjoy! 10/10

Frasier (1993–2004)

"Hello Seattle, I'm Listening"

[29 March 2002]

After all of these years, I can say that Frasier has actually improved and gotten funnier. Most shows that are creative and funny the first couple of seasons run out of material (I personally think that Malcolm in the Middle is headed down this path, it's a great show, but they are running out of ideas), and just fade out. Frasier, on the other hand, has actually vastly improved over the past nine years. I have actually grown to like 'Frasier' more over the years. In fact, it is my favorite sitcom, now that I think of it.

Before 1998, this show was only second to 'News Radio', (which was my favorite sitcom and 2nd favorite t.v. show) but when the great Phil Hartman died, and Jon Lovitz replaced him, Frazier stepped in, and it is definitely a great replacement. Kelsey Grammer is just magnificent. I'm sure that in writing, Frasier Crane is not very funny, but Kelsey brings him to life and gives him personality and memorable traits (like his singing). What makes Kelsey Grammers's Frasier so great is also how he says things.

One of the times I laughed hardest at Frasier was when he was being made fun of on another radio show, and Martin (outstandingly played by John Mahoney) has been laughing at it, but than says to Frasier "sorry son, but how often is it that you hear our son on the radio?", and Frasier says in one of the most hilarious tones ever "I'm on the radio every day!" The cast is the best on t.v. right now. David Hyde Pierce is just as funny as Frasier with an even more neurotic and snoty little brother, Niles (who I think is the funniest character); Peri Gilpin is also hysterical as Frasiers producer and good friend Roz, John Mahoney (who is probably my favorite character) is Fraziers down to earth, beer drinking, sports fan dad, and, of course, Jane Leeves, as Martin's English, wildly attractive physical therapist and house keeper (who also happens to be Nile's new wife if you don't watch the new ones), who is also my favorite character.

This show is usually a little high brow, and generally I don't like ulrta subtle comedies (especially shows like 'Scrubs'), but 'Frasier' is just absolutely hilarious! The chemistry between the characters is also great to watch. It is almost like an adventure to see what kind of crazy situation is going to happen next. This is the *best* spin-off ever, and it probably always will be. This show is only second to 'The Simpsons', which will always hold its place in my heart. I say watch it, but caution to those who don't watch this show regularly, a good deal of the jokes have to do with past episodes. Enjoy!10/10

Jaws (1975)

"You're Gonna Need A Bigger Boat"

[28 March 2002]

This was an awesome movie. After all this time has past it is still the best of its kind. I always thought that the black, emotionless eyes on the shark were its scariest features, aside from its huge jaws. This is my favorite Steven Spielberg movie. I liked the way that Steven Spielberg only showed the shark actually eating a person, and it was the most bloody and horrific scene in the whole movie. Spielberg's directing tactics really show in this movie, like the way you could see through the shark's point of view.

I liked pretty much all of the characters in this movie, but most of all, I liked Robert Shaw as Quint. He was the best character, partly because he was so insane. He is like Captain Ahab, and Jaws is like Moby Dick. I also liked Roy Sheider as the reluctant hero, and Richard Dreyfuss as Hooper, who was basically the comedy sidekick, but still a great character. All of them made 'Jaws' not only terrifying, but also a good character development movie.

Of course the best scenes are the very last scenes, which have gone from suspenseful to really suspenseful. My only regret is that so many God awful sequels had to be made. Those are some of the worst movies ever made. 'Jaws', though, is one of my favorite movies. I recommend this to anyone who loves a great man against nature, intense ride, because this is the best of its kind. Jaws is still a timeless classic, and it always will be. 10/10

E.T. (1982)

"I'll Be Right Here"

[27 March 2002]

I've had this movie since I was about 9 or 10, and I had never watched it until last night. I really should have watched it when I was younger, but I can say that I really enjoyed it! It is the best family movie I have ever seen. E.T. is such a sweet character. This is my second favorite Steven Spielberg movie, the first being Jaws. This special effects are very good, even by now days standards. What I really liked about this movie is that E.T. is a character with complexities, rather than the usual alien who remains mysterious right up to when that hero or heroin blows him up.

I also like the mix of comedy and drama. They were very well timed and paced. Besides E.T., I think my favorite character was Gertie. Drew Barrymore is adorable as the little sister. She has some very good one-liners, but she is also a believable character as well as a hysterical one. I think this was WAY better than "Close Encounters of the Third Kind". I really didn't like that movie. It was long and boring. This is obviously the better of the two alien films Spielberg did.

This is my favorite family movie because it has more spirit and creativity than most others. I think that the only family movies that compare to E.T. are the new computer animated movies like 'Toy Story' and 'Shrek' (two more of my favorite family movies). Since I am probably the only person on Earth who hasn't seen E.T. before, I will skip my usual recommendations to certain groups because everyone has seen this movie, and it is for everyone except people who hate aliens. Enjoy! 10/10