PhilauraJ Reviews

The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let's Do the Time Warp Again (2016 TV Movie)

Better than the first one

[7/10 · 26 February 2017]

First let me say that there was nothing that I liked about the first Rocky Horror Picture Show with the exception of Tim Curry whom I adored. The script was horrible, and everything else about the film was amateurish. I say again, with the exception of Tim Curry whose performance was fresh, shocking, exciting and mesmerizing.

I must give credit where credit is due here. SO many people hated this film. This amazes me as everything about the film was stepped up in quality with the exception of the script and, of course, the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter which could not be out done, but to my utter amazement was a performance matched in fresh, shocking, mesmerizing excitement by Laverne Cox.

I suppose the quality that the original so lacked was the very thing that attracted many of it's fans. I just am not taken by that sort of film. But lets give credit where credit is due. The filmmakers in this latest version did a fabulous job of making this - not really a diamond in the rough - shine, but shine it does.

Manchester by the Sea (2016)

Worst best picture ever

[3/10 · 5 January 2017]

Production value is fabulous. Acting spectacular. But I cannot conceive how anyone in their right mind could conclude that this was the story and script to put all this talent into. This film was so depressing and long I couldn't wait for the end. It had to be FANTASTIC to make up for all the torture the filmmakers put me through. But no. The end came - that was the end wasn't it? I don't know. It didn't seem like an end. IT just seemed like more of the same depression that goes on apparently beyond (thank God) what the viewer gets to see. Holy smokes...what a downer. My conclusion is that I wasted my time and money. I hope that if you go to see this that you have a much better experience than I did.

Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)

Not so well done remake of a classic

[3/10 · 18 December 2015]

"50 Shades of Grey" is a rehashed storyline taken from the beautifully done film, "9 1/2 weeks". I would skip this one and go straight to Micky Rourke and Kim Bassinger in the original version. Every aspect of 9 1/2 weeks is a much richer depiction of the emotional adventure of the S&M lifestyle. The script is much more believable. The scenes are much more varied, artistically crafted and interesting - even fun. And the ending?? While 50 Shades trails off with a whimper, 9 1/2 weeks hits you with a crushingly powerful ending that matches the intensity of the game that is spotlighted in both of these two films. 9 1/2 weeks offers all of this and you get to see why Micky Rourke was known as one of the sexiest men alive.

Star Trek (2009)

Loved the Original stuff - hated this

[3/10 · 26 November 2009]

I gave it a three because a few of the actors were spot on recreating their characters. Speaking of which, Since when was James T. Kirk a complete a-hole? This version of the character was despicable and in no way heroic. He was a loud, out-of-control jerk that someone should have smacked around - a lot. I kept wishing someone would kill him off.

The original series had heart and soul. This thing had neither. The original did not have mind blowing effects, but instead had mind blowing things to contemplate. AS far as I'm concerned, the franchise has lost the most important part of what was "Star Trek". I guess that's commercialism at it's finest. For me it had very little going for it with the exception of a few fun performances which weren't enough to keep me seated through the entire thing. I walked out.

Speed Racer (2008)

Brilliant!!!

[10/10 · 15 March 2009]

For the first few minutes I was not following the story very well but the beauty held me captive. The art direction - camera work - graphics held me spellbound. I am not a video game kinda gal, but this film made me see the light. Much of the film is live action - not animated which I was not expecting and a key performance was merely acceptable at best. Others cast members were marvelous. Ricci was at her adorable best. If you enjoy innovation, imagination, creativity outside the box coupled with great action and a lesson worth learning. You should come away from this one glad you ignored the negative hype. If you love that kinda stuff, you will be buying this movie to watch again and again - as I will.

There Will Be Blood (2007)

Best Picture?????? Come on!!!!!!

[1/10 · 30 May 2008]

I just don't understand the Academy Awards rating system. This movie was such a drag. I tried really hard to appreciate it, but I couldn't find anything to attach myself to in order to stick with it. Everyone was just so dam weird and unlikeable. I couldn't make it to the end to find out if there was a point to this sad character mess. I didn't want to know how it ended. I made it about 3/4 of the way through by telling myself, "any minute now this is going to turn in to a 'Best Picture of the Year' event". It was so slow and so boring and I wasn't even that impressed with Daniel Day Lewis. He was slow and boring. I think Tom Hanks got a raw deal and for that matter, everything about Charlie Wilson's War was better than this one. Certainly Juno had so much more to offer. What exactly are the members of the academy voting on? Certainly not quality entertainment. Guess I'll have to check out the People's Choice Awards this year.

Cloverfield (2008)

Couldn't take it!

[1/10 · 14 May 2008]

Granted my husband and I are not in the "now" generation anymore, but we like to think that we are not that far from it. This movie made us feel totally gonzo. I got a headache trying to stay focused on the screen. The whip pans and cuts were so extreme and messy that we couldn't take more than 30 minutes of it. We tried fast forwarding to "the good parts" and couldn't find any really. I've heard that lots of people were disappointed in the fact that the monster/alien whatever it was, was never explained. I could have dealt with that if there would have been something worth seeing. We never found that something - but then, like I said, we didn't get past 30 minutes or so before we both reached for the off button on the remote and then our favorite pain relievers.

Eli Stone (2008–2009)

Really Enjoyed It

[8/10 · 1 February 2008]

Loved the music, the heart and the optimism of the show. The long line of programs that depend on shock, absurdity and the exploitation of emotionally damaged individuals as their source of holding an audience's attention have run the gamit and tanked - for me anyway. This was very refreshing, hopeful and heartwarming. And man, gotta love Jonny Lee Miller's eyes (this is Laura not Phil speaking here). He's got the look. And I can't wait to see the next episode. Man - ten lines - well, I've seen Jonny in several other projects and always felt he was just this far away from making it big. I think Eli Stone could be the vehicle that finally does it for him. Good luck!

Slither (2006)

Horror not usually my bag but this is well put together

[8/10 · 5 January 2007]

I am not a big horror flick fan, however, I did very much enjoy Shawn of the Dead and the original Dawn of the Dead. I checked this out when there was nothing else on and was pleasantly surprised. The acting is quite good and the visuals (makeup/effects) impressive. The story, fairly well thought out and written, even has heart. And though I wouldn't call this film a comedy, it certainly had some great lines and amusing characters. Also a plus for me, though kill scenes are graphic, they are not painful gory in a way that would make me turn away. Instead I was intrigued by the technique and imagination of the artists behind them. Nicely put together B picture that is well worth a watch.

Sideways (2004)

Boring

[1/10 · 10 April 2005]

I guess if you are a wine expert you can catch the "in humor". I didn't laugh once. I thought this was a comedy. I can't figure what was so smart about it, unless critics, claiming it to be, are suggesting a vast knowledge of the world of wines is passed on to the viewer. That is undeniably true. There was so much information that I did not care to ever know about wines thrust forth in and unending almost torturous stream that I finally punched the DVD off. Maybe the end of the story brought some insightful point to light and I missed out not having been able to make it all the way through the film. But after 2/3 of the movie I just couldn't wait any longer for something interesting to happen.

Team America: World Police (2004)

THE BEST MOVIE IN YEARS

[10/10 · 10 October 2004]

Gotta love this film. I was fortunate enough to see it at at one of the preview screenings. Its striking, original artistic look, its flawless script, the inspiring finale; everything comes together to make the audience laugh and think and shout for Team America - F*&ck Ya! I was ready to see it again as I walked out of the theater. My teenage years are far behind me.

I rarely go out to theaters to see a film but I will probably be in line again on opening night for this one. Concerned about the political leanings? Don't be. No one gets off the hook in this film - right or left. We ALL get to laugh at each other and of course our beloved action films. Matt and Trey are the voice of side splitting reason during a time when not much around us makes sense. I love them dearly. Thanks guys!

Hellboy (2004)

The First Comic book Hero Turned Movie Star the I've Liked

[7/10 · 4 August 2004]

First let me say that I am not a comic book fan. I don't even read the Sunday comics. On the other hand, my husband is/does. So consequently I have suffered through most of these films for his sake. I can't say there's a single one that I really enjoyed. The characters are so two dimensional, as I guess they are suppose to be. But that leaves me cold. Anyway, it was my husband's birthday so I got him "Hellboy" and sat through it. I was surprised. I found myself smiling throughout. I smiled because I enjoyed the one liners. I smiled because I was touched by Ron Pearlman's wonderful portrayal of Hellboy and I smiled because I loved looking at that sword wielding villain, his fantastic costume design and beautifully choreographed moves. I smiled because I loved the Amphibian creature with his sideways blinking eyes and his Niles Crane voice and I smiled because they tried to put a message worth thinking about at the end. I would have to confess I didn't hate this one - okay, maybe I even liked it.

Mystic River (2003)

Just - not good

[4/10 · 23 July 2004]

With all the great movies that came out in 2003, I find it hard to believe that this film was rated so high. Tim Robbins was pretty darn weird, so I give him credit where acting credit is due, but the film is depressing all the way through for starters. I'm not certain that I "liked" any of the characters in the story. The plot was a tired rehash of so many others. The ending was very unsatisfying. What more can I say. I think you get the gist of my opinion. I wish "Master and Commander" would have been on Pay Per View as I had hoped in the time slot that I had designated for movie watching, then I wouldn't have settled for "Mystic" and probably wouldn't have felt that I wasted the evening and my $3.99. Guess I'll make that trip to the video store next time. It's times like these that I'm convinced it's worth it.

Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004)

You should at a minimum take a look

[10/10 · 1 July 2004]

The issues brought up in this film are important enough that they should be given a good hard look. Whatever conclusion you ultimately come to, if there is even the most remote chance that any of this is true, then we would be fools not to. Critics claim that what is suggested in this film is lies. That possibility exists. However, there is more evidence to support the state of affairs in this film than was ever presented in defense of our going to war in Iraq. So why did we go to war over there? Perhaps it is that this film finally offers some real answers. That would do it for me, however I need to complete 10 lines so I'll fulfill that obligation like this.

Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003)

Not worth it

[4/10 · 26 January 2004]

First I must say the special effects were hot. But everything else about the film was luke warm or left me cold. Even Selma Hayek's beauty was muted. The story was just plain bad. Frankly, I had a hard time keeping score or even caring who came out on top in this one. I couldn't wait for it to be over.

Peter Pan (2003)

Beautiful - insightful

[10/10 · 4 January 2004]

Simply fantastic. Let me say first that I am a woman who has loved and left my share of Peter Pans. This movie tore my heart to shreds while delighting my eye. The story and imagery suggests many things, but I believe some of the comments made below were written by viewers that attempted to disect the movie instead of going with the flow. Understandably, some men may get defensive having seen a part of themselves in this film that they don't like to admit to. I found it thoroughly enjoyable and a beautiful tribute to those boys we loved who refuse to grow up - the ones we had to leave behind. 10/10

Unconditional Love (2002)

So Weird but so very great!!!

[10/10 · 1 December 2003]

My husband and I both loved this film. At first my husband was skeptical and asked how many points he got for sitting through this one. But after a few key scenes he was totally sucked in and by the end he was convinced it was one of the best movies going. Kathleen Bates has never been so wonderfully loveable and the rest of the cast is just simply fantastic. Thank you for this beautiful film.

Bend It Like Beckham (2002)

I couldn't make it through the whole movie

[4/10 · 14 November 2003]

This movie was just too slow and didn't seem to go anywhere. I ended up turning it off about half way through. It had some cute moments, but overall the characters didn't do it for me. There didn't seem to be much to them and the sports action shots were average at best - nothing worth seeing in my book.

Signs (2002)

Really Disappointing

[4/10 · 12 January 2003]

I don't know what all the hype was about for this film. It seems to me that it took a very important subject matter, having faith in a supreme being or not, and really said nothing. It was disappointing as a Sci Fi flick and just as disappointing on an insightful or inspirational level. I got the feeling that this film just didn't know what it wanted to be. It left me flat.

Jewel of the Sahara (2001 Video)

I was pleasantly surprised!

[8/10 · 30 November 2002]

I am a huge Gerard Butler fan, so I tracked this film down and got a copy of it. The only thing I knew about it, besides Gerard was in it, was that the plot summary had a strong similarity to an old joke that I had heard. My first thought was how could they make a film out of a joke? I didn't expect much. But I tell you what, these folks put together a great little movie. The script was fun, the acting was good, and it had a great look to it - especially Gerard Butler. And even though I knew the punchline, the way the story unfolds and is presented makes for a very entertaining time. I hope we see more from these folks in the future.

Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)

By Far the WORST of the Series

[3/10 · 16 November 2002]

Lousey script, boring dialog, no chemistry between players, lousey acting, no character development, no Joseph Campbell magic, who knows what was going on. The Art Direction and Padme's costumes were great, but I was hugely disappointed with just about everything else. Loved the others but this one was a mess.

Pearl Harbor (2001)

I'm Speechless & in Tears

[10/10 · 1 November 2002]

I just watched Pearl Harbor for the first time. Heard it wasn't that good so I passed on it until I accidentally came across it on cable. My father-in-law passed away last year. He was a Colonel in the Airforce and he was one of the pilots that escorted the atomic bombs to Japan. I never fully understood what that really meant. I know I never will, but I wish to God that I would have seen this film before he passed away so that I could have had and shown a real appreciation for who he was. Sure the romance in the film is fluff, but the terror and horror and courage hit me like a ton of bricks. Had to give it a ten for allowing those of us who just don't get it - a strong feel for our nation's most horrific tragedy and the men who came forward in her defense. Thank you.

Me, Myself & Irene (2000)

Unexpectedly Hilarious!

[8/10 · 28 October 2002]

First let me say I really DID NOT LIKE "Something About Mary" and "Dumb & Dumber", But I totally enjoyed this film. It has a heart, that the other two do not. Unlike "Something About Mary" the jokes are not based on people's physical pain or disabilities. Or in "Dumb and Dumber" where I just could not relate to or care about the ridiculous characters. Instead, MM&I portrays a sweet, caring underdog that is being horribly taken advantage of by everyone and gives him a leg up in the world with the emergence of a split personality that takes revenge. This split personality is weird and a sicko but he kicks ass. He's an unlikely hero, but gotta love him for coming to the rescue. It's silly fun that showcases Carey's talents very well. Jim has got to be the all time best physical comedy performer.

Sweet Home Alabama (2002)

Liked it til the end

[25 October 2002]

Really cute, really, funny, but I was jerked from a thumbs up to a thumbs down by the way the Reese Witherspoon's character treats her fiance. The man appeared to be everything of a prince charming, compromising, giving and forgiving to demonstrate his love; even going head to head against his powerful mother. I just think he deserved better treatment than what he got from her and it p***ed me off. Her decision may or may not have been a correct one, but timing is everything. It seems her small town roots were showing in a bad way - and you witness a good example of why those small towns are labeled backward.

Wuthering Heights (1970)

So Passionate - The Best of all the Wuthering Heights

[10/10 · 17 October 2002]

I fell in love with Timothy Dalton the first time I saw this film. Later I fell in love with the film. So much about it was so genuine. Most of all the unbridled passion between Heathcliff and Cathy. As depicted by Dalton and Marshall in this film the passion is so powerful the viewer can believe without doubt that it has the power to tear lovers to shreds. In other versions of Wuthering Heights, for me, it was always questionable. One of my favorite films.