Book + Movie List

28 Days Later
Ray Hunley Some flavor of HBO 20 July 2005

Better than average film of its type. The baddies weren't "undead", just "infected", so technically I didn't break my word.

A Dirty Shame
Tony Pisarenkov Cineplex Odeon Dupont Circle, Washington, DC 08 October 2004

I gotta give it to Waters -- the sheer imagination required to come up with this stuff is worthy of respect.

A History of Violence
Steve Gadd Countryside Megaplex 07 October 2005

Don't listen to an artsy director when he says he's sold out. True, this movie has the typical Hollywood fistfights and revenge killings, but without the one-liners to sanitize them. When a high school bully gets the drubbing he's due, the next conversation is about assault charges. And every time a baddie gets capped, the camera lolls over the gore as if to say "You want violence? Okay, sicko, here's a sticky mess of it!" No, as has been said before, we're just looking for cheap thrills in our thrillers, we don't want to be convinced that we're actually seeing people die.

A Man Called Horse (1970)
A Bennett TiVo'd off TV 08 May 2003

For every Silken Savage (see Book List) there ought to be a Man Called Horse. Okay, maybe I take that back. My dad used to love this movie and watched it whenever it was on. Somewhere between an attempted study of the psychology and sociology of the Sioux, and a really sunny post-Godspell drug trip, after watching this from TV I was sure that it had been heavily edited, hence the almost reverential lack of story arc. After looking it up in the Golden Retreviers Movie Guide (three bones!), and learning it only ever ran 114 minutes, I'm at a bit of a loss. Also, it is apparently famed for its depiction of torture scenes (let's no muse on what this may or may not say about my dad), as well as its depiction of the life of the Sioux. Richard Harris (whom I love) plays a British lord, kidnapped by the Sioux and made their slave (or, 'horse' as they call him). After quite a long time--during which he still manages to not quite learn their language (not that anyone is teaching him)--he finds himself in a situation to do a great favor to his captors, which he does, and counts his coup (though it seems to turn his stomach even as he is doing it). As a result, he is allowed to undergo the "Vow of the Sun," which I will not elaborate on here except to say that it involves some more torture--but, when it's all over, they do give him the woman of his choice (so hey, I guess he wins?!?). Told with minimal English dialogue (whole quarters of an hour pass without any) and no subtitles, viewers are forced into the position of the main character, having to draw their own conclusions about the Sioux without the benefit of spoken communication. And while the film probably is important for what it shows and the lack of sentimentality with which it shows it, the less-violent side of Sioux culture (such as daily tasks within the tribe, social rituals, work, etx) is all but ignored. There are two more films in this series, which also, I forgot to say, showcases an awful lot of skin--and not just in Richard Harris--who runs about quite bare for quite an awfully long time, sporting the closest thing to a six-pack they probably had in the 1960s when the film was made.

American Hardcore
Tony Pisarenkov Landmark E Street Theatre, Washington, DC 29 October 2006

An honest attempt to look at the early eighties hardcore punk scene, marred by a lack of good footage, a lack of narrative continuity and, ultimately, the fact that the music itself was so bad that no filmmaker could probably redeem it.

Angel and the Badman
Julie Gephart Basic cable 27 June 2003

Two John Wayne movies now, and two fairly pleasant viewing experiences. I guess I’ve been missing out on an important piece of culture all of these years. I nearly didn’t make it past the third minute of this movie, where I spent almost ten minutes rewinding and laughing and rewinding and laughing at the most hilariously ridiculous character introduction I have ever seen. I can't even capture it in words.

Anger Management
Steve Gadd Reston Town Center 05 May 2003

Jack Nicholson brings some much needed Jack Nicholson into this Adam Sandler comedy. I do think Adam Sandler is funny, I just don't think his movies are much better than the condensed previews of them.

Anna Karenina (1997)
Julie Gephart Basic cable 15 March 2003

One thing you probably didn't know about this classic story is that all the Russians talked to each other in English, some with French accents. Blah blah obsessive love at first sight for no apparent reason, hail the goodness of nature, big dresses, etc. Sophie Marceau has some rather arresting eyes.

Arch of Triumph (1948)
A Bennett TiVo'd from AMC a.m. 02 March 2004

A German refugee in Paris comes into contact with the Nazi who tortured him and killed his compatriots. Herr Nazi does not recognize Herr Refugee. A love plot involving Ingrid Bergman is dropped in the middle of Herr Refugee's revenge scenario, complicating things, and ultimately Herr Refugee does kill his tormentor, but unwittingly at the cost of Bergman's life. Herr Refugee is left in the final shot about to be arrested, having just lost his love, and (in an oddly satisfying conclusion) making a plan to meet his fellow refugee, the Colonel, at Fouquet's once the war is over, even as they discuss their transportation to the camps. Charles Boyer (as Herr Refugee) gives a surprisingly-for-the-times nuanced performance, entirely devoid of histrionics. (These, it must be assumed, were left to Bergman, who more than delivered.)

Atonement
Steve Gadd Cinema Arts Theatre 14 December 2007

Battlestar Galactica 2003 Mini-series
A Bennett TiVo'd from SciFi 09 December 2003

It seems necessary to mention that I am a no-hold-barred-don't-analyze-it-too-much fan of the original Battlestar and all its occupants. That said, this 're-imagining' of the classic (much as Soderbergh's 'Oceans 11' was a re-make of Sinatra's) is not so bad. It suffers a little from the use of sci-fi conventions already plumbed by shows like Farscape (I've got the bad guy in my head and I'm having sentient hallucinations of him!) and Star Trek (imagining the Cylons as a neo-Borg-type entity), it needlessly (and at times confusiongly) gives characters such as Apollo, Starbuck, and Boomer additional names (Lee, Kara, Sharon)--stating the former are only 'call signs'. But all that said, the acting is strong; particularly by Jamie Bamber (Apollo) and Mary McDonnell (new character Laura Roslin), and the timeless story of the rag-tag fleet--all that's left of humanity--fleeing the Cylon tyranny in hopes of finding Earth allows for endless storyline possibilities. It's not your daddy's (or, indeed, your own) Battlestar--and without the mention of the Rising Star, the original series' casino starship, one is left wondering where any fun or hijinks might be had in this neo space-verse. The original series plumbed the last days of disco and rampant consumption during the infant dawn of the 80s. This version attempts to re-channel a post September 11th world. The tone is darker, but that said, were it to become a series (which SciFi has the option to call up), I'd watch.

Beauty Shop
A Bennett Milford Giant Cineplex - Bottled Water Only 01 April 2005

A brief diversion. Neither funny--nor unfunny enough to come to mind once the credits rolled, it was enjoyable enough.

Belle de jour
Tony Pisarenkov DVD chez moi 26 December 2005

Un peu difficile sans sous-titres. Je n'ai compris que 30% du dialogue.

Bend It Like Beckham
A Bennett Mariemont Faux Tudor-Style Theater (all seats $5) 10 May 2003

It's never good when the way the leading man runs causes giggles. But then again, maybe that was just us. Included less soccer than I expected.

Blood Work
Mike Gadd borrowed video (and quickly returned) 28 November 2003

Poor adaptation of one of Michael Connelly's best. Even with a different ending. How many times are we supposed to look at Clint Eastwood with his shirt off and still stay focused on the movie?

Born Romantic
A Bennett DVD Rental 18 October 2002

Not as awful as "Dance with Me," not as good as the gently wonderful meditation that was "Shall We Dance," and, as always, light years away from the genius that is "Strictly Ballroom." One in a continuing series of mis-represented British films, the actual film was unrecognizeable from the box's packaging and description of content. Have yet to decide if that was a good thing.

Brian's Song
A Bennett TiVo'd on AMC - the no longer classics channel 04 August 2005

The first time I’ve seen this film--a cinematic icon. I don’t think it deserves critiquing, everyone pretty much agrees that it’s awesome as they cry into their giant pillows. I will say that I’m curious to know if people now find it racist, or at least anciently biased. James Caan’s Brian Piccolo uses more racial epithets (meant in ‘joking good fun’) on Gayle Sayers than I’ve heard in use in the last 10 years of my life. And that’s in just 90 minutes. Not once did Gayle Sayers get to unleash his own tongue on the honky, in good fun or no. Rather, he spends the last 30 minutes revering whitey as though he’s a demigod. What’s that all about?

Bride & Prejudice
A Bennett Hollywood Video DVD 04 August 2005

Neither Bollywood nor Hollywood enough. The reason Austen’s crisp wit (in P&P ESPECIALLY) works is it must always be balanced on a razor’s edge with politeness. It is so clever and subtle that it should soar far overhead of the other characters. In the modern world setting this wit is unfortunately too often portrayed as mere sarcasm--accessible to any twelve year old. The BBC/Firth version did it best so far, and while Ashiwaraya Rai seemed possibly up to the task, Martin Henderson endures this film as though he just woke up, mistaking bewilderment for reservation, and stupidity for pride—or maybe the screenwriter’s did that. This film’s saving grace was watching Lost’s Sayid dance, dance, dance.

Bringing Down the House
Steve Gadd DVD 02 September 2003

Steve Martin is a master of physical comedy, but there was room in the script for more regular comedy.

Broadway: The Golden Age
Tony Pisarenkov Landmark E Street Theatre, Washington, DC 15 August 2004

A too-long, amateurish look at the "golden age" of Broadway musicals (1950s and 60s) taken through a series of interviews with countless broadway actors and a handful of songwriters and lyricists. Educational and occasionally fascinating, but could have definitely benefitted from some assertive editing and recommended only to the dedicated fans of musical theatre.

Brotherhood of the Wolf (except in French)
Kristin Schrock DVD 21 September 2003

I thought this involved werewolves. I was mistaken. And it took me most of the movie to figure that out. A highly stylized frenchie movie about a beast terrorizing the french countryside. Two strangers come to town to try to solve the mystery. One happens to be a very compelling Iroquois who was clearly not played by a Native American, proving that even the French don't cast Indians to play Indians. So I was all for the movie until it took a weird turn in a brothel. I had two theories about the "mystery" of the beast. Both were correct in a very convuluted revelation. 2 Points for me!

Chasing Papi
A Bennett Hollywood Video DVD 22 February 2004

Thanks to an overdose of tranquilizers, the 'papi' in question is passed out (a la Bernie) for 90% of this comedy, in which the three women he's dating in NY, Miami, and Chicago respectively convene (unwittingly) at his house in LA. They become witting soon enough, and what follows is an unremarkable (but pleasant enough) plot about three very different women finding strengths and worth within, and ultimately realizing that they don't need their 'papi'. Nice that the comedy did not come from one long, unrelenting cat fight over the hunk of beef. Nice that the [mythical] "universal tribe of women" motif was not as tacky and unbelieveable as it often is portrayed.

Chicago
Steve Gadd Reston Town Center 24 January 2003

It's definitely a musical, but more watchable than that sensation from last year, even with Richard Gere.

Chicago
Tony Pisarenkov Harkins Arizona Mills 21 April 2003

Mildly Entertaining. But Oscar material?!?!

Cinderella Liberty
Julie Gephart Basic cable 26 June 2004

“I happen to be one of those incurable romantics. Every time I meet a girl, I expect to hear a clap of thunder. I never heard the thunder, but occasionally I did get the clap.” James Caan is a Navy sailor looking for love in all the wrong places (Seattle).

Company Town
Jaqi Ross National Gallery of Art, D.C. 21 February 2004

The abandoned coal town of Widen in central West Virginia is the subject of a portrayal quite different from An Injury to One. Said filmmaker Richard Leacock, "Company Town manages to avoid the obvious political clichés but causes one to wonder 'why do they stay?'...and at the same time to understand that this place, with all its limitations, is still unique and wonderful..."

Dance Me Outside (1994)
A Bennett owned VHS 06 April 2004

Adam Beach, Michael Greyeyes. A light-hearted tale of murder and adultery on the rez. From the WP Kinsella novel.

Dark Days
Ray Hunley Netflix DVD 09 October 2005

An interesting, if amateurish, documentary about a group of homeless people living in an abandoned subway tunnel in New York City. Some residents had been there for 15 years or more; it was amazing and touching how they had made the surroundings liveable, if not exactly homey.

Devil in a Blue Dress
A Bennett TiVo'd from TNT: they still think they know drama 09 October 2003

It would seem Denzel Washington can emit a captivating screen presence even when he seems to be doing nothing. This screen presence may broadcast at a frequency above the human threshold to comprehend it. Dolphins, perhaps, understand its inner workings better. Such talent and magnetism surely earns high marks, but not as high as the marks climb once Don Cheadle comes to town. I could watch a whole series of their films. Why wasn't a sequel made to this? [Does that question make me a bad person?]

Die Another Day
Kristin Schrock Multi-Plex 23 November 2002

Pierce Brosnan wants Bond to be more than what it is. I applaud that, but he just doesn't have anywhere to go with his acting chops. This one is remarkable for some good swordplay. After watching a bit of Diamonds are Forever over the Thanksgiving holiday (yeah for marathons) I noticed how much was borrowed from that movie: scorpions, hovercrafts, diamonds, and a bad guy who is seemingly dead (in Diamonds case it's Blofeld).

Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
Ray Hunley Some HBO or another 08 October 2005

As a movie, of course, it sucked, but as a meta-movie it was pretty entertaining: Managed to to fondly mock every last sports film cliche without being overly farcical; made brilliant use of cameos; had Alan Tudyk, of Firefly/Serenity in a supporting role; Ben Stiller was only severely annoying, instead of his usual unwatchability.

Dogville
Kristin Schrock DVD 15 January 2005

This movie is dressed up like something I would enjoy--independent movie with meaningful themes at work, co-starring patricia clarkson, 19th century titles for each chapter. But, unfortunately, it was an incredibly dull morality play where everyone kept whispering.

Employee of the Month
Steve Gadd DVD 31 July 2005

These days, no film is complete without a late plot twist. Too bad not everyone has realized that just because a development is unexpected, it is also clever. Also, showing scenes that never happened, suggesting that they were just a character's fantasy, and later demonstrating that the character would not have had that fantasy, is just stupid.

Enemy at the Gates
Mike Gadd dvd borrowed from Jeff 24 May 2003

How can you screw up a sniper movie? Try to turn it into a love story. It takes all the tension and punch out of it. Jude Law was fine and the scenery looked great, but pick a plot and go with it. Isn't that what made Pearl Harbor so bad?

Enigma
Kristin Schrock VHS 17 February 2003

I would've been happy with a code-breaking thriller. But this was something other. A wonderfully sad Dougray Scott and a dapper spy Jeremy Northam were the highlights.

Eraserhead
Tony Pisarenkov DVD at home 13 February 2005

David Lynch's first feature-length film. While very amateurish, the historical value is undeniable as it is already supremely creepy and readily points the way to Lynch's later work. Note: The DVD is only available in the UK. The entertainment industry moves in mysterious and sinister ways. UPDATE: Region 1 DVD now available direct from David Lynch's web site.

Everyday People
Steve Gadd DVD 17 July 2005

This HBO feature shows a slice of life in New York as a neighborhood restaurant closes to make way for gentrification.

Fantastic Four
Kristin Schrock DVD 19 December 2005

Not much to recommend this superhero movie except that it is probably better than the Hulk and DareDevil (probably). The Human Torch is somewhat appealing and it's always nice to see Horatio Hornblower's Ioan Gruffudd doing ANYTHING (even without his lovely Welsh accent). The movie does make the mistake of putting its charismatic bad guy in a metal mask--because that's what you want to do when you have Julian McMahon, cover him up.

Fellini's Roma
Tony Pisarenkov DVD 12 January 2003

Visually stunning, highly surreal, grotesque and pyschedelic, and full of Fellini's trademark repulsive specimens of humanity but ultimately relatively shallow. Worth seeing once, but otherwise for Fellini worshippers and completists only.

Femme Fatale
Julie Gephart DVD 31 March 2003

Le movie is, how you say, sucky. Is much bad actress. Is much confusing plot. Is much fake accent de Francais. Somehow, though, after watching the DVD commentary, I was left with the impression that it was a much better movie, so it gets a 5.

Follow the River
A Bennett TiVo taped from Hallmark Channel 08 March 2003

She's no Silken Savage...Kidnapped by Indians, your settlement slaughtered, 9-months pregnant with the child of a man you aren't even sure is still alive, courted by a warrior brave, and dragging your 5-year-old son along with you--pretty much anyone standing next to the tough-as-nails Mary Ingalls (no relation) is going to come off whiny and obnoxious. And they do. So, she decides to leave the Indian camp and escape, "follow the river," if you will. I can't decide if this pseudo-survival film makes me want to read the James Alexander Thom book on which it is based or not. However, I would like to know if, in the book, she got her kids back, or if that was just a Hallmark-touch. This may have been based on actual events.

Fools Rush In
Julie Gephart Mysteriously free HBO 22 February 2003

Another movie a la Greek Wedding in which Rich White Guy learns that he has absolutely no culture of his own and that everything from his background is Wrong and Bad. Since he is a good person, he recognizes this and abandons his lifestyle completely to immerse himself in the wholly Good if sometimes amusing culture of his wife. Now, I know Whitey is evil and repressive of other cultures; really, I do. But this is a marriage. Could there not be even one thing that he brings to the mix? One thing from his life - one hobby, one piece of music, one bit of food - that his wife enjoys and adopts for herself?

From Hell
Kristin Schrock DVD 28 October 2002

I fell asleep in the middle. And I watched this during the day. Not as compelling as I expected (hence the falling asleep thing). But I did wake up in time to see who Jack the Ripper was--at least who the movie identifies. I couldn't help thinking how similar Johnny Depp's character was to his rendition of Ichabod Crane and how much more I enjoyed Sleepy Hollow.

Garden of Evil
Julie Gephart Basic cable 24 January 2004

Gary Cooper, Susan Hayward. This was a cowboy movie, probably pretty much like any other cowboy movie. It had some good scenery.

Get Shorty
Steve Gadd DVD 20 January 2005

Is this Dave Barry's favorite movie?

Gia
Julie Gephart Internet download 01 May 2004

I avoided this movie for years because I’m not super keen on being along for the ride as people destroy themselves. However, after watching the E! True Hollywood Story, I felt I was as braced as I would ever be. Strangely enough, the True Hollywood Story turned out to be far more depressing than the movie.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
A Bennett DVD borrowed from Dad 24 August 2003

This movie's music was LOUD. I didn't notice it when I first saw it in the theatre, but on this re-watch OHMYGOODNESSITHINKIMIGHTBEDEAFNOW. Dave and I spent more than an hour and a half desperately trying to locate the deleted scenes among all the frou-frou of each of the two DVDs to no use. We, two technology savvy adults, failed. Eh, what's that? Speak up, Sonny. Can't hear you over the MEEEYOOOOOOSICK.

Hart's War
Mike Gadd jumpy video at home 16 June 2003

This movie needed to pick a direction and go with it. It had some good war action and some decent Grisham courtroom stuff, but not enough of either to make it work. I generally like a serious Bruce Willis, but he just stood around looking scruffy. Colin Farrell looked amazingly awake despite being up every night watching out for guys tiptoe-ing around. How do you tiptoe in combat boots anyway?

Heist
Julie Gephart DVD Rental 16 November 2002

This would have been an interesting enough short film, but as it was, I found the pacing to be excruciatingly slow. How many times can I watch Gene Hackman put on a different uniform... and belt... and hat... and toolkit... and pick up his coffee... all at exactly the pace that an old man would move in real life.

Hitch
Kristin Schrock In-Flight Movie 03 June 2005

This movies proved two things to me: 1) Will Smith is incredibly gifted at making utter crap somewhat entertaining and 2) asthmatics are funny.

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Steve Gadd DVD 21 July 2003

"A fabulously fresh and totally entertaining battle of the sexes." Or at least somewhat fresh and mildly entertaining.

If You Added Up Everything You Are Afraid Of
Kristin Schrock DVD (My Brother's House) 30 November 2002

If you forget this is a Jack Ryan movie, it's not that bad. It wants to be soemthing like Fail Safe with the Americans and Russians posturing, both not wanting to appear weak yet not wanting to start a nuclear war. But Ben Affleck isn't really believable as the Jack Ryan we know.

Il Postino (The Postman)
Tony Pisarenkov DC Visions, Washington, DC 24 October 2003

The tragic ending and Philippe Noiret's subtle performance save this film from being a hokey, feel-good romantic comedy cum saga of discovering a higher purpose with the help of a mentor. Not worth all the hype it generated when it was first released a decade ago, but not a complete waste.

Im toten Winkel - Hitlers Sekretärin (Blind Spot: Hitler's Secretary)
Jaqi Ross Hollywood Video rental 15 August 2004

A static documentary (talking head interview). Traudl Junge was Adolf Hitler's private secretary, from Autumn 1942 until the collapse of the Nazi regime. She worked for him at the Wolfsschanze in Obersalzberg, on his private train and, finally, in his bunker in the besieged capital. It was Traudl Junge to whom Hitler dictated his final testament. In her first ever on-camera interview, 81-year-old Junge talks about her unique life. In the spring of 2001, Andre Heller succeeded in convincing Traudl Junge how valuable it is to record her unique memories. Fifty-six years after the end of the Second World War, an important eyewitness reveals her experiences to us. What she saw and heard turned her into an furious opponent of National Socialism; an opponent, moreover, who is still painfully aware and seems incapable of forgiving the young girl she once was--for her naivete, ignorance, and her liking for Hitler.

In Rwanda We Say: The Family that Does Not Speak, Dies
Tony Pisarenkov DC Visions, Washington, DC 08 April 2004

Released for the tenth anniversary of the Rwandan genocide, this documentary chronicles the return of released "genocidaires" to their villages and the reactions of their former neighbors and victims to their return. Obviously a sensitive topic of enormous importance that needs to be covered, but the film itself offered nothing beyond basic, fly-on-the-wall reporting of events.

Intolerable Cruelty
Kristin Schrock DVD 07 March 2004

Clooney is trying his darnedest to make this comedy work. The script is tryin' real hard to be screwball. But despite a few chuckles, it doesn't work, and I haven't been able to put my finger on why. It could be the strange turn it takes in the third act with a hit man. It could be that Catherine Zeta-Jones is a bit blank next to the charisma that naturally emanates from George. Watchable, I guess, if you happen to catch it on cable.

It Might Get Loud
Tony Pisarenkov Landmark E St. Theatre, Washington, DC 14 September 2009

Had its moments, but on the whole couldn't decide whether it wanted to be about How To Communicate Your Great Art To The World Through Music or a guitar geek-fest. It also had more than a whiff of an ego trip for jack White about it.

James Bond 20: Die Another Day
A Bennett Milford Gigantiplex Overlord Cinemas 22 November 2002

I think I am unable to be objective about James Bond films. They are what they are. Some are better at it than others. This one falls in the middle, and I don't mean that as a slam. I may be the only human on earth not slavishly obsessed with Halle Berry. I don't mean that as a slam, either.

Kicking & Screaming
Mike Gadd Local $2 joint 18 June 2005

Took my son to see this as a reward for a hard day's work. I can't say I'm the biggest Will Ferrell fan. He's good for a chuckle or two and at least he tries hard. They actually found some kids who knew how to handle a soccer ball.

King Kong (1976)
Julie Gephart Basic cable 20 July 2003

It’s all about the Jessica Lange, even when she’s playing a bimbo. Ok, maybe especially when she’s playing a bimbo.

Kiss Them For Me (1957)
A Bennett TiVo'd from AMC Morning 24 September 2003

Cary Grant proves the only saving grace of this film, as three aircraft carrier Navy flyboys--mired in combat for over 3 solid years without a break--scam, con and sweet-talk their way into a four day leave in San Francisco. Surprisingly moving when he's forced to drop his playboy facade and talk candidly about his war experience, Grant manages to exude a trio of devil-may-care, PTSD torment, and grim patriotism. These moments are brief, but unexpected in this lighthearted, post-War produced bit of flapdoodle. Also starring My Favorite Martian and Colonel Klink (playing neither alien nor German, respectively).

Le Papillon
Tony Pisarenkov The Embassy of France, Washington, DC 18 March 2004

A feel-good film about a little girl neglected by her mother surreptitiously following an elderly entomologist on a trip to capture a rare butterfly he had been chasing his entire life. Predictable to the n-th degree, its chief asset is some breathtaking footage of the French Alps, although I found a few elements of the story and the characters touching at times.

Legally Blonde
Mike Gadd dvd at home 28 June 2003

All right... fine. I watched this movie. I'll fess up. Yes, it was 2 weeks ago. If Ms. Bennett can enter her Tivo'd Oxygen Channel movies then I can stand up and be counted. (No slight intended... don't hit me with your lacrosse stick :}...) This movie was fine I reckon. Not too painful. Don't look for Part II to make an appearance.

Lilo and Stitch
Julie Gephart Basic cable 10 October 2003

I must be the only person in the world who doesn't think bratty kids are cute. Still, the movie got better as it went along.

Logan's Run (1976)
A Bennett TiVo taped off SciFi Channel 08 March 2003

Run, Logan, Run! I remember this film from my childhood. The sets alone are terriffically fun, and reminiscent of EPCOT Center. The story could have been better executed in the last third, but I'm going to state right here and now that Michael York in a caftan made up for it all, as did a brainless appearance by Farrah Fawcett-Majors. About a dystopic (masquerading as a utopic) future in which no one may live past the age of 30. One life is born, and another must die to keep the balance of their bubble/biodome-ish world. Logan, not quite pleased with this arrangement, and thinking he is operating on a secret mission, decides to run. I think quite a bit of Minority Report was stolen from this SciFi classic. Also, there is a groovy Planet of the Apes-twist in the second reel.

Lost in Translation
Ray Hunley Netflix DVD 07 January 2005

I was, bizarrely, inspired to write an extensive review of this film - too extensive to post here. Gave it five because I had no clue how to rate it; see extended review for details.

Love Actually
A Bennett Milford Gigantic Cineplex-Funnel cake for everyone 24 November 2003

In retrospect, this film doesn't treat women very well. From repeated jokes/digs at the expense of a (let's face it, real-world thin) female character's weight, to the fact that 'love, actually', punishes and/or scars more women in the film's nine plots than it does the men (who, to a man, are rewarded for loving), well, it's getting harder to feel positive about the script as a whole. Not as funny as I thought it would be, and with more nudity than I've ever seen in a theatre film, possibly ever (oh, well, not *ever*). I haven't seen so much skin since "Dangerous Beauty", viewed in the seclusion of my own home. And the nude in this film? Not pretty, not well-lit. And chiefly NOT NECESSARY.

Mambo Kings
A Bennett Hollywood Video VHS - !Tonya Stayed Awake! 04 June 2004

When you've made a movie with Antonio Banderas and Armand Assante in which you have to lose one of them? Antonio Banderas? Totally the wrong choice, hermano.

Man on Fire
Steven Krise My basement 01 May 2005

The interesting cinematography and gratuitous violence made this predictable film watchable.

Masterpiece Theatre: Henry VIII (2004)
A Bennett TiVo'd from PBS in two parts 15 January 2006

Let’s be fair, Henry VIII did more than just kill off or otherwise dispose of his six wives. After all, there were those wars, troubles with France, and that whole Papist/Reformer thing that changed England forever. The annexation of Wales, for instance. But of course people mostly care about the wives. Part I gave us an Anne Boleyn more scheming than any version of her I have seen to date (unlike Anne of a Thousand Days, for example), making her transformation from schemer to consort to queen to whacked out super-jealous wife more than a little disappointing. Part II gave us the bulk of the other wives, and the sad realization that this version of Henry’s story wanted to show us that Henry JUST WANTED TO BE LOVED. By hyper-condensing Henry’s reign of 38 years into three hours and the single quest for a viable male heir, we ALL lose. Which is a pity, because Ray Winstone as Henry really could have made something memorable with his performance. (NOTE: It was weird to watch an older Helena Bonham Carter once of young Lady Jane 9-day reign fame to get beheaded here as a forerunner queen to Jane herself. Interestingly enough, Jane was born the same year Anne was separated from her head.)

Meet the Parents
Julie Gephart Basic cable 22 December 2003

As I’ve said, I’m not too fond of the screwball comedies where everything goes wrong. At least no real harm came to the cat.

Men in Black 2
Kristin Schrock DVD (at my Brother's house) 30 November 2002

This was the weekend that I was forced to watch movies that I thought would be awful but turned out to be not so bad. I think Alicia thought this movie to be the dren of all dren. It was mindless, funny in some parts. Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones actually do go along way to make crap watchable.

Men in Black 2
Mike Gadd DVD at home 13 January 2003

Bought this for the kids at Christmas because they liked it so much at the theater. The first time I saw it I went in with extremely low expectations and it met every one. The first movie is one of my favorites, this one was just forgettable. Still, watching it a second time I found myself chuckling and almost enjoying it. Maybe it's not as bad as I thought. Strange seeing Johnny Knoxville not getting pegged with paintballs. Our favorite character is the guy who keeps getting his head blown off and seeing it grow back on.

Men With Brooms
Kristin Schrock DVD 18 January 2003

I watched a lot of the women's curling during the last Olympics and although I sort of grasped the concept of the game, I could never figure out how scoring worked. This movie with all of its explanation of the game did not explain the scoring. Although it's always nice to see Paul Gross in anything, the highlight of this movie was really the bloopers they showed during the closing credits.

Men With Brooms
A Bennett Hollywood Video Rental DVD 18 January 2003

Perhaps the only film ever based on the sport of curling, I know it had big things to say about beavers--I just never did figure out what it was. I can't even really review this film, as it was written, directed and acted by the Mountie from due South and I've a bit of a blind spot where that's concerned. I think the script probably should have gone through maybe two more drafts.

Michael Collins (1996)
A Bennett TiVo'd from (?) FOX in the wee smalls 10 March 2004

Now and I was led to believe (for many years, aye) that Julia Roberts' part in this film was nothin' but a wee cameo. Not likely! The lone female in the cast (lessen you count your Johnathon Rhys-Meyers), she even sings (her voice being a mark above adequate). As for the film itself, a 'version' of the life of the big fella, it must be confessed that I know little more about the Troubles than did I at the start of the two-hours and thirty minutes (though 'tis no fault of Mr. Liam Neeson's). Perhaps the uncut version would tell a fuller tale. Then again, perhaps 'tis time to pick up a book and educate meself. Dead at thirty-one he was, and what a legacy, his.

Million Dollar Baby
Steve Gadd DVD 19 August 2005

We expected more from this mega-hit, which could be edited down to a passable hourlong TV drama. The bad characters were just over the top, and the good ones were flawless and overly interesting: the scrappy boxer, the Yeats-reading trainer with a theology hobby and an unresolved missing daughter drama, and Morgan Freeman, the retired fighter, gym janitor, and source of goofy Zen boxing wisdom voiceovers.

Monkey Business
Julie Gephart Basic cable 24 July 2003

I should have been warned off by ABennett, but I had to try it for myself, and I was mightily bored. I never did see the Meg Ryan connection, and I am slowly developing a huge dislike for Cary Grant based on that stupid affected accent of the type some people tend to use in old movies. That is not a real accent from anywhere! Just stop it!

Monster
Steve Gadd Reston Town Center 18 January 2004

Heavy, well-performed based-on-a-true story of a disturbed prostitute who goes from turning tricks to killing and robbing johns. It pays better, after all.

Monster's Ball
Steve Gadd DVD at home 19 November 2002

Small-town story about a halfhearted bigot cop who overcomes his prejudice following an encounter with a desperate and beautiful Halle Berry. There are some unremarkable plot twists and a seemingly unending sex scene, cut in theaters to get an R rating but restored to full glory for the DVD. Apparently the placement of odd liquor bottles and pieces of furniture to block your view of extremeties is supposed to be enough to convince you that this is not porn. The great acting does help to allay one's disappointment at the "lust conquers all" theme.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
A Bennett VHS Rental Hollywood Video 20 November 2002

Most uses of the term "graft" in a film ever. It was like they couldn't spring for the rights to another word that meant the same thing. Film does not even pretend to having a plot beyond the shallow waters of chest-thumping patriotism that it glorifies. Strangely, for all that, still not too bad an outing. With so many Capra-ites in the cast, more than a little like an "It's A Wonderful Life" reunion.

Mystery, Alaska
A Bennett Hollywood Video DVD 08 October 2003

Every once in a while an actor, on the cusp (or sometimes in the middle) of Big Fame makes a small movie. These movies tend to either be spoiled by the actor's Presence (as Winona Ryder admits Little Women was by hers) or tend to spoil from viewer's expectations, as happens with Hugh Grant in The Englishman Who Went Up A Hill, etc. or Ewan MacGregor in Little Voice or Brassed Off--films where Big Fame takes Small Parts in Ensemble Drama. Like it or not, Big Fame tells us, as viewers, where to invest and where to focus. In these cases (let us call this, "Big Fame meets Small Film"), that rule does not usualy apply, which can lead to confusion and disappointment.

Mystery, Alaska (cont'd)
A Bennett Hollywood Video DVD 08 October 2003

Sometime between 97's L.A. Confidential and 00's The Insider & Gladiator, Russell Crowe made this film. In truth, it would mark the last time he would play a normal guy: not an iconic genius, not a famous whistle blower, not the baddest Roman general/imprisoned gladiator to ever live. No, he's just a guy from Alaska, the local sherriff who likes (along with just about everyone else in town) to play hockey. Probably, without question, this is my favorite Russell Crowe. In this BFmSF scenario, there's lots of characters, lots of familiar faces. It's not a great film. It could have been greater if it had been filmed less studio glossily (its subject matter doesn't really deserve big studio treatment), and more like an indepedent film. Some scenes are handled this way, and the change in immediacy is noticeable and effective. Points for the only film where Crowe actually seems well-matched with his female partner, as both an actor and romantic interest. Points for making me believe the kids were his. Points for Burt Reynolds showing he can act (and pretty well, too). Negative points for someone else being brought on to tinker with David E. Kelly's script (whose third act was doubtless better than the one I suspicion was written in).

National Treasure
Steve Gadd DVD 18 July 2005

Basically an inferior remake of "Raiders of the Lost Ark." While it doesn't commit the mortal sin of inflicting boredom, some of the entertainment comes in predicting the plot turns and criticizing the corniness. Some of the jargon was delicious: homing in on a shipwreck in the arctic wilds, they don't refer to the GPS, but a "directional needle."

Nói
Steve Gadd DVD 11 March 2005

Nói is an underachieving genius trapped in an Icelandic fishing town. His attempts to escape are poignant, and the visuals are memorable, but there isn't quite enough story.

Office Space
Steve Gadd Basic cable 19 January 2004

Funny look at life in a software company cubicle farm. Not half as good as Microserfs, but good for a few laughs.

Once Upon a Honeymoon (1948)
Kristin Schrock Turner Classic Movies 19 January 2006

Ginger Rogers unknowingly marries a Nazi. Cary Grant tries to convince her of her mistake while they and Hitler travel across Europe--leaving destruction in their wake. Then they escape together to France where they become spies. Here's the thing: it's a romantic comedy. So it has all sorts of weird tonal shifts. I'm not sure it's possible to have a romantic comedy wherin Hitler makes a brief appearance (in a hall) as well as in news reels. Nazis just aren't funny.

Paycheck
Kristin Schrock Showcase Cinemas Milford 26 December 2003

This felt more like a Sci-Fi movie of the week. The dialogue was stilted, the anvils heavy, and the plotting mechanical. La'Fleck discovers something DISASTROUS but has his memory erased. He has to piece the puzzle together to save the world. Literally. His pre-memory wipe self mails post-memory wipe self a package with all the pieces he'll need. It's the only fun to be had here as it is interesting to try to figure out how each item will be utilized. I'll say this, La'Fleck was very good in Going All the Way.

Phone Booth
Steve Gadd Reston Town Center Cinema 18 April 2003

You know the whole plot -- some jerk is held hostage in a Manhattan phone booth by a psycho sniper. It keeps your attention to the end, but you remember it more for the gimmick than anything else.

Phone Booth
Mike Gadd Taped off of HBO free preview weekend 27 March 2004

Not bad at times, not much to recommend otherwise. Why did Mr. Sniper Sutherland keep cocking the gun even though he only shot it once? Felt bad for the pizza dude.

Playing by Heart
Julie Gephart Basic cable 17 January 2004

This has the honor of being the only movie I ever saw with Kristin, long ago in the theater. It starred… everybody. No, really, every star in Hollywood. Yes, him. Yes, and him too. Yep. Yep. Uh huh, her too.

Possession
A Bennett DVD - 2003 Jeremy Northam Film Festival 15 February 2003

I am probably just "touched by academe"-enough to believe that a literary mystery, based on scholarly research, could probably be a pretty engaging film. This film, however, with its missed chances, lackluster screenplay and mis-matched present-day couple fails to accomplish any level of intrigue or suspense as they uncover (read: mostly find and then talk about, lite on the research) a famously married 100-year dead poet's possible affair with a lesser-known colleague. Nancy Drew is more compelling. Perhaps Carolyn Keene (may he/she rest in peace) should have been given a go at the script. Also, there was a great deal of mistreating historical artifacts, mostly perpetrated by an American. Untenable, that. Northam, as always, a pleasure to watch no matter what surrounds him, or what period-piece set design and costuming may or may not weigh him down. This time, without mustache.

Possession
Kristin Schrock DVD 16 February 2003

I hated this book with the fire of a thousand suns. So I didn't have high hopes for the movie, even with Neil LaBute directing. It wasn't terrible. It wasn't great. Jeremy Northam had some floppy hair.

Red Eye
Steve Gadd Fairfax Town Center 26 August 2005

Three points for creating and maintaining a mood of tension, two more for providing plenty of post-viewing conversation on plot holes and feats of illogic.

Reign of Fire
A Bennett Super Saver Cinema Biggs 14 September 2002

This is quite possibly the most unintentionally homo-erotic film I may have ever seen. The men are frequently bare-chested and sweating together, the women are for the most part entirely off screen. Dragons vs. the GIGANTIC upper arms of a bald, tattooed, insane Matthew McConaughey. So funny to Kristin and I it's a miracle we weren't ejected from the theatre.

Risky Business
Steve Gadd Basic cable 19 January 2004

Beats workin'.

Riverworld
A Bennett TiVo'd from SciFi, like six months ago 31 May 2003

The world is over for you--you’re dead, dude. And you wake up not in the afterlife, per se (at least not conventionally)--but on another planet--overrun with everyone else who ever died. They’re all in somewhat altered circumstances, though. Yet, unchanged, so that Nero is still a power-hungry slighly-mad commander of men with a passion to rebuild Rome, and Mark Twain is still a grumpy man (old only in spirit--not in body) with an affinity for steamboats. And suppose that when you killed someone at this new place they died, only to be reborn endlessly from the titular river. And then, one day you found out by meeting some other folks from what would be your future (you died in 2009, after all) that Earth was destroyed in 2038, all human life ceased, save in this place, RiverWorld. Would you care? Would you have, like 1,000 more questions about life and spirituality, time travel and additional dimensions? Because, dude, I totally did.

Robert Louis Stevenson's St. Ives
A Bennett VHS Home Video 05 October 2002

I've often read about hussars, and people in olde tyme books often drink port. It was nice to see both "come to life" on the screen. Set during the Napoleonic Wars, staged equally in France, England, and Scotland.

Robocop
Julie Gephart Mysteriously Free HBO leftover 01 May 2003

This genre classic contained some surprisingly good effects and some surprisingly bad ones. They seemed particularly proud of one makeup job where a man's skin melted after being dumped into toxic waste. I measure "pride" in "inordinate amount of screen time that it took for this character to die." For minutes on end, Melted Guy was moaning and waving his arms around and frightening other characters with the sheer quality of his makeup job. Just when you thought it was over, he pops up in yet another scene to receive his final death. RIP, Melted Guy.

Schultze Gets The Blues
Steve Gadd DVD 22 October 2005

Schultze, a recently retired polka accordionist, catches a bit of zydeko on the radio and transform his style, finally travelling to Louisiana. While there are a few nice touches, the slow pacing establishes the retirement mood all too well.

Shanghai Knights
A Bennett Milford Showcase Cinemas 08 February 2003

Mindless, but not unpleasant. As always, Jackie Chan deserves better material.

Shark Tale
Steve Gadd DVD 06 June 2005

Without the voice talent, this movie would have been dead in the water.

Skinwalkers: An American Mystery!
A Bennett TiVo'd from PBS 30 November 2003

True Navajos avoid eye contact, and point with their lips. Try it sometime. You just might creep someone out. The first of two (Coyote Waits being the second--with a third on its way in the Spring), this entry did not grab me quite the way its follow-up did, but it's still very watchable, due largely to the charismatic cast. It is possible that my enjoyment was impeded by the fact I watched it over two nights, and during the break in-between was able to puzzle out the killer before the detectives did. I have some lingering suspicions that Chris Carter read a great deal of Hillerman's Joe Leaphorn/Jim Chee novels before writing the greatest X-Files arc ever (Paper Clip, Anasazi, The Blessing Way). Not that I hold it against him. We've all a history of stealing from the Indians.

Sliding Doors
Steve Gadd DVD 12 February 2005

This was our first taste of a three-month all-you-can-rent promo from the video store. This movie takes the "Run Lola Run" concept to the romantic comedy format, with the alternate threads presented in parallel rather than sequentially.

State of the Union
Julie Gephart Basic cable 27 July 2003

I finally got to see the famed pairing of Hepburn & Tracy in action, but I had to put up with a whole lot of political speechifying to do so. The dialog was almost too fast to comprehend at times, which actually made for a nice change from most movies. Any woman who is being edged out of her marriage by *Angela Lansbury* has got to know she’s hit absolute rock bottom.

Stompin' at the Savoy (1992)
A Bennett TiVo'd from USA 19 August 2003

I'm not sure I've ever seen Vanessa Williams looking prettier, or acting better than she does here. Four Harlem women in WWII. The first two-thirds is much better than the two stars TiVo gave it, the last third probably more deserving of that rating. But that still doesn't answer the question of why it was categorized as a Musical, or why Jaleesa from 'A Different World' played Ella Fitzgerald. Not that I'm complaining.

Summer Catch
Julie Gephart Mysteriously free HBO 14 January 2003

These free movie channels are inducing me to watch more dreck than I ever thought possible. If I am forced to listen to horrible, stupid dialogue such as no actual person would ever utter, I would at least prefer that it come in the form of smug quips just before people start kicking the crap out of each other in a kung fu showdown. "Oh, how can I be worthy of your rich girl love, when I am but a poor sniveling lawn boy?" Bad answer: "But I love you too! Allow yourself to be glorious!" Good answer: "eeeEEEEEEYAH! Oh, I'M sorry - I guess you're finding it harder to whine now with that CRUSHED WINDPIPE, eh Freddie boy? Ha ha ha ha ha." Now that would have been a decent movie.

Sweet Home Alabama
A Bennett Hollywood Video DVD 01 April 2003

The only scenes really worthwhile in this film (especially once you know the plot turns) are those including Josh Lucas as Jake. What was released as inoffensive fluff is revealed (as often is) in DVD extras and deleted scenes, to have been intended to be something a little more, a little better. Once again proving that kowtowing to test audiences is the best way to ruin a picture. For some reason, this second viewing of this film kind of soured me on it. Hmmm.

Swordfish
Julie Gephart VHS at home 20 October 2002

Until the end, this movie was okay. Not my cup of tea, but still okay. I don't want to reveal anything, but what kind of lame movie presents a plot-point halfway through the movie and then tries to use that point as their "surprise" twist at the end? Also, I think they must need a special "forced perspective" camera to fit John Travolta's Great Big Giant Head into scenes with normal humans.

Talk to Her
Steve Gadd DVD 25 June 2003

Pedro Almodóvar makes the story work despite having the two female leads in a coma for most of the duration. Original, well-crafted, but not magnificent.

Tapeheads
Steven Krise Sundance Channel 14 March 2006

Movie, Comedy (1988) John Cusack, Tim Robbins, Doug McClure. Security guards go into the music-video business and catch a presidential candidate in action on tape. AC, AL, N, V, CC, Premiere.

The African Queen
Julie Gephart Basic cable 08 July 2003

Eh. An Oscar for this? I don’t get it. And I don’t remember Humphrey Bogart being quite this blatantly ugly before.

The Animation Show: Volume One
Jaqi Ross Hollywood video rental 19 August 2004

An international collection of the "world's best animated short films", programmed by co-producers Mike Judge and Don Hertzfeldt. The lineup includes several international Academy Award nominees, rare material from Disney, never before seen animation from Hertzfeldt and Judge, and many other surprises, among them the fact that it's not such a great collection.

The Beastmaster
Julie Gephart Mysteriously free HBO 12 January 2003

Marc Singer is an ugly weasel of a man, but I'll give him props for a fine physique back in 1982. I really need someone to pre-watch movies for me and slap "Animal Death" warning stickers on them so I can at least prepare for the trauma. Oh, and Tanya Roberts? How on earth is she STILL working? Surely there must be some other giant-bosomed woman out there who can deliver lines like she's not in a high school play.

The Big Lebowski
Tony Pisarenkov DVD chez G&N 23 August 2008

Initially, had its moments but didn't do much for me as a whole, until I realized that (a) I am simply not in the mood for comedies these days and (b) it got a lot more creative and funnier once I thought about it a bit and discussed it with others.

The Big Sleep (1946)
A Bennett Hollywood Rental VHS 04 April 2003

Tonya took the Big Sleep less than half an hour into this classic B&W film--and I'm not talking about the dirt nap to which Chandler's title refers. This film includes a script credited to William Faulker, and a scene in which Humphrey Bogart sweats copiously through his shirt whilst drinking straight gin. How's that for tough? But don't ask me to explain the plot, or decipher the "gangster-speak" dialogue. According to the tape case, the film centers around the shocking underworld of pornography. Um, when, exactly, were we supposed to catch that?

The Bishop's Wife
A Bennett Taped from television - B&W 23 December 2002

(1947) I don't know what it is about this movie. It's not a bad movie, but something holds it back from being a great movie. I've never been able to put my finger on it, but this time I may have puzzled it out: I don't think Cary Grant is in all his scenes. I think many times he was doubled. Why, I don't know. Maybe he was sick, maybe in his contract he had to work on every third day of production. Anyway, check out Ernie and Zuzu from "It's a Wonderful Life," and David Niven, who is more snippish than one would think most bishops would be to an angel. And that's always fun.

The Brothers Grimm
Kristin Schrock DVD 12 February 2006

Something went terribly wrong with this movie. It has weird tonal shifts, uneven pacing, and bad CGI. Interesting premise executed poorly.

The Butcher's Wife
Julie Gephart Basic cable 28 February 2004

Demi Moore plays a folksy blonde clairvoyant with a southern accent. Really it takes the whole movie just to try to get over that much.

The Cassandra Crossing
Julie Gephart Basic cable 16 November 2003

The plague! The plague! On a train! A train! Bridge out! Legs! Sex! Suspense! Ah, the 70’s.

The Day After Tomorrow
Kristin Schrock Showcase Cinemas--Kings Island 29 May 2004

Perry King, of Riptide, is the President, Nestor Serranto is a scientist, and Jake Gyllenhall is 17 year old son of Dennis Quaid. Those are the least unbelievable aspects of this movie. Also, these characters may possibly be the CALMEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD, taking the new ice age in stride. Nope, no reason to panic here.

The Day After Tomorrow
Mike Gadd DVD rental 30 October 2004

Not near as bad as I thought it would be. I was expecting 'Volcano' and got something a little better. It might be a better movie with the sound turned off.

The Devil and Miss Jones (1941 B&W)
A Bennett Hollywood Video Rental VHS 19 January 2003

Billed on the box as a comedy, I was disappointed in this film--had it been billed as the social satire that it indeed was, I may have been less dissatisfied. I wish there was more Charles Coburn and Jean Arthur out there for me to watch. Oh yes, and points for two *two* effigies in the film. Always pleased to see some nice effigy-work in films.

The Eye
Steven Krise My Basement 24 October 2006

Mun sees dead people.

The Graduate
Tony Pisarenkov DVD at home 06 October 2007

I am not sure what I expected, exactly, but it wasn't this.

The Hot Heiress (1931)
A Bennett TiVo'd from TCM 16 September 2004

Ona Munson, who one day would play Belle Watling to Clark Gable’s Rhett Butler, stars. There’s plenty of singing, though no musical numbers, and lots of necking to boot. I would say the plot is derivative (poor Depression-era riveter falls for wealthy society girl when a ‘hot bolt’ he’s working with on a high rise accidentally leaps into her nearby boudoir), but coming this early in the history of motion pictures, I’m instead forced to dub nearly every rom-com following it derivative. Take that, Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.

The Incredible Shrinking Man
Tony Pisarenkov TCM, Courtyard Marriot, Pittsburgh, PA 02 September 2006

Quite possible the only 1950s film to be seen for something other than camp value. The special effects are shockingly good for its time.

The Island
Steve Gadd Delta #11 28 November 2005

Goes where Planet of the Apes and The Matrix have been, and does nothing more.

The Italian Job
A Bennett DVD rental for 2004 "Marky-thon" 04 January 2004

Sort of disposeable, date-type film. Probably more car chases than I care to pay attention to (some with boats, but it's all the same). The female role was handled well, and I will remain a sucker for the training/preparation for a big heist sequences. A sin, though, that not only was Marky Mark's upper body imprisoned in clothing throughout, but he and Charlize Theron didn't even get to share any love moments. A chase and chaste film, sans even kissing. Wah.

The Last Samurai
Steve Gadd DVD 07 May 2005

This movie gave a visual perspective to the book I'm reading, with quite a few parallels. In James Clavell's Shogun, a western "barbarian" is protected by the Japanese warriors because of his knowledge of modern weaponry. He gradually assimilates and comes to appreciate their culture. The movie, however, suffers from an overwrought story, unconvincing characters, and battle scenes that seem artless after seeing "Crouching Tiger," "Flying Daggers," and "Kill Bill."

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
Ray Hunley Netflix DVD 16 May 2005

I've liked each successive Wes Anderson film less than the previous one. This effort, a disjointed tale about Bill Murray's Zissou seeking a "jaguar shark" which killed his partner, clearly suffers from the loss of Owen Wilson from the writing team. I recommend skipping this one and watching Bottle Rocket again.

The Maltese Falcon
Steve Gadd DVD 08 June 2003

I just couldn't find much to justify all the attention this film gets -- maybe it is just noteworthy as the first noir. It is allegedly set in San Francisco (you might catch a glimpse of the Bay Bridge and a street sign if you watch closely).

The Manchurian Candidate
Steve Gadd DVD 07 January 2005

Take some shadowy government agents, corrupt politicians, a hero fighting for justice against the odds. Stir, bake, and title.

The Million Dollar Hotel
Steve Gadd DVD 17 February 2005

Wim Winders never saw a screenplay that he couldn't pad with an extra half hour of Art. This movie feels a bit long, and I turned on subtitles and the Wim/Bono commentary halfway through to stave off boredom. Loved the location and the bookended helicopter shots. The dysfunctional romance / murder mystery / art caper was something less than captivating.

The Mind Snatchers
Ray Hunley Netflix DVD 12 September 2005

An impossibly young Christopher Walken stars in this dated-looking One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest wannabe. Military scientists threaten individuality by mucking about in people's brains - too bad it's been done to death. I was mildly pleased to recognize Joss Ackland from his role in Lethal Weapon II, though.

The Notebook
A Bennett Lexington's The Regal $1.50 11 September 2004

Predictable script only saved by former 'The Young Hercules' star Ryan Gosling's amazing acting ability, particularly in the early half. For some reason he's either gotten his teeth 'fixed', or a la Christian Bale has been made to wear a denture. Not that there was anything wrong with his teeth in the first place...

The Pianist
Ray Hunley DVD 15 June 2003

What?

Szpilman manages to survive the Warsaw Ghetto; we see some Germans Acting Badly; the acting and direction are competent, with Brody's performance maybe edging into memorable. There's not much here we didn't see in "Schindler's List", or even "Life Is Beautiful". The shot of a bombed-out Warsaw as Szpilman exits one of his hiding places in a hospital is stunning, but it doesn't make a movie. Worth seeing, but vastly overrated.

The Postman Always Rings Twice (1981)
Julie Gephart Basic cable 13 July 2003

That darned Jessica Lange has dragged me into more depressing movies now than I can remember, and I never seem to learn. Worse, it turns out that if I had just watched this movie on DVD instead, I would have at least gotten to see some explicit sex scenes. I am cheated all around. But I did find Jack Nicholson appealing, which was a pleasant surprise. Reviews tell me the 1946 version was better, but I don't think I'll be rushing out to find it anytime soon.

The Rundown
Mike Gadd rented dvd 03 April 2004

This movie tried to be good. I'd heard good things about it, but it just didn't work. Too many forced one-liners and borrowed plot lines.

The Searchers
Julie Gephart Basic cable 21 June 2003

John Wayne and Cute Young Guy spend many years searching for John’s niece who was kidnapped by Indians. When they finally catch up to her, John sees that she has grown enough to be married to a Comanche, and so he now hates her like he hates all Injuns and tries to kill her. Cute Young Guy protects her, but she tells him the Comanche are her people and she wants to stay with them. Then the shooting starts and they have to leave, but John still wants to go back for revenge, so they do, at which point suddenly all of the characters are dismissed and replaced by their exact mirror-universe duplicates. John suddenly decides to pick up the girl and love her instead of killing her, and the girl is suddenly thrilled to see them and go home with them, forgetting all about her beloved people who are busy getting massacred. So she goes to live in the now mysteriously nurturing home of a woman who had previously said, and I quote, “Bring her back?! Bring back what? The leavings of some buck?” And they all live happily ever after in their crazy state of character amnesia.

The Seventh Seal
Ray Hunley Netflix DVD 23 March 2005

I liked it much better when I hadn't seen it. However, the final scene is haunting beyond words. If I were to direct a remake I'd have Antonius Block play a game of go, not chess, for his life: "Go narabaya / ko ni mo tatete / iku beki wo / shinuru michi ni wa / te hitotsu mo nashi" [translation]

The Truth About Charlie
Kristin Schrock DVD--Marky Mark Double Feature 02 January 2004

I'm rather fond of Charade so I was interested to see how they would re-make it. The answer: not terribly well. Highly stylized but lacking in the chemistry that makes the original so fun. Also, I'm continually surprised by how high Marky Mark's voice is--especially when he's grooving on his tough-guy-funky-bunch-swagger.

The Unforgiven
A Bennett TiVo'd from Hallmark "the Western" Channel 04 August 2005

1960’s John Huston western. In which Audrey Hepburn is **REVEALED TO BE A KIOWA**. Interesting, but so long and detached and full of violence toward the Indians, it’s hard to give a succinct statement on it. Tries to deal with problems of racism.

The Wood
Julie Gephart USA cable 10 September 2002

A scary, scary look into the pack life of young men. It's a place I would rather not visit again, even if the men are as pretty as Taye Diggs. Speaking of which, I hear I missed some impressive nudity by watching this on cable.

This Can’t Be Love
Julie Gephart Basic cable 27 November 2003

This may have been a TV movie, but I’d just like to remain in denial about the thought of Katharine Hepburn doing a TV movie. Two curmudgeonly old Hollywood stars rekindle a romance after 50 years of hating each other, and Jason Bateman is there to grin impishly in the background.

Tomb Raider 2: The Cradle of Life
A Bennett DVD rental, Bothell, WA 04 July 2004

[Viewer’s Note: I have never seen film 1.] Directed by ‘Speed’s Jan De Bont, and sharing a lot of that film’s structure, the first half or so of this film was pretty much fun. Attractive leads, pretty locations, potential romantic chemistry. Fights. In fact, at the act break I had expected the film to wrap up, rather than (like ‘Speed’ post-saving the bus) take off on an entirely brand new course of action. Had it ended there I could have been quite happy. Couldn’t have explained the plot, sure, but was feeling entertained. Instead, part two’s only positive addition was an appearance by Djimon Hounsou. JulieG’s review kind of shocked me, I thought she was equally enjoying herself. Perhaps it was my desire to have director’s commentary off during the DVD’s deleted scenes that sent her review south. Bonus star just for use of at least three Highlander: The Series alumni.

Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life
Julie Gephart DVD Rental 04 July 2004

They had me convinced that this movie was going to be much, much better than the first one. Unfortunately, the action was not as great, but that loss was at least partially balanced by the removal of the weepy father story and the insertion of a love scene. Oh, and the ridiculous Big Fake Breasts that starred in the first movie were also gone, so there’s another improvement. Wait, and the male co-star this time was actually somewhat appealing… hey, maybe this was a better movie. Still, if you can’t spend a couple of hours being fascinated just by looking at Angelina Jolie, it would be hard to enjoy this movie. Those eleven people probably just shouldn’t bother seeing it.

Toute une Vie (and now my love)
Natalie Williams 05 February 2007

French film that I thought would never end. The ending began several times. But at the same time, it made you think!

Under the Tuscan Sun
A Bennett Milford Overlord Gigantic Cineplex 11 October 2003

From my, "Life Lessons" Notebook of Musings, the page marked, "Under the Tuscan Sun." Lesson Number One: The only way to get over being dumped by someone is to sleep with someone else who is, preferably, hotter than the person who dumped you. Lesson Number Two: Even if you are successful and well-respected in your job, responsible in your personal life, have positive effects on those around you, participate in your community, move to another country where you do not speak the language but manage to successfully renovate a home and command Polish-speaking carpenters WHILE at the same time you learn to cook fine cuisine, unite Romeo and Juliet-like lovers, make friends and support (emotionally and financially) your best friend having a baby, you will still not be considered (by yourself or others) to be successful in life until you've managed to find some version of lasting romantic love--with Christopher from Gilmore Girls.

We Don't Live Here Anymore
Steve Gadd DVD 02 May 2005

Two academics, bored with their home lives, try to spice things up with a bit of adultry, but do a pretty poor job at it. With good direction and mood music, this psychodrama is neither boring nor particularly enjoyable.

Wedding Crashers
Steve Gadd Reston Town Center 29 July 2005

Pairing the indomitable cuteness of Owen Wilson with blustering, crass Vince Vaughn was inspired, but there just aren't enough jokes to make the comedy work, and not much else to go on. Christopher Walken is always fun to watch, of course.

Wes Craven's Dracula 2000
Julie Gephart Mysteriously free HBO 18 February 2003

This took what could have been a very interesting story about the origins of Dracula ("Dra-COOL-ya") and made it completely overbearing and ridiculous by the end. Still, it's not every day you get to see killer leeches, so that's something.

What's Cooking? (2000)
A Bennett TiVo'd from Lifetime 30 November 2003

I probably don't watch enough Joan Chen films. Four families, each of a different race, confront issues that divide family members from one another (most having to do with matters of romantic love and choice of partners) during the Thanksgiving holiday. Stories only tangentially touch until the final moments, when it is revealed that each of the four own a house at the same intersection in suburban LA. Contains the occasional, small moment (as with Alfre Woodard and Mercedes Ruehl's seperate performances) that proves very rewarding.

Why Do Fools Fall in Love
Julie Gephart Basic cable 07 November 2003

The life and loves of doo-wop star Frankie Lymon, as told through the court testimonies of three women who claim to have been married to him at the time of his death. They all loved him, he ruined all of their lives, a dog got killed, and Halle Berry looked really pretty, the end.

X-Men 2 X-Men United
A Bennett Great Escape 14 and Dairy Queen 03 May 2003

Comic books benefit from a character roster similar in size to the population of a former Soviet Republic. Two-hour films? Not so much. X-Men is a character-cluttered franchise--one that would fit perfectly if studios were still making weekly or monthly movie serials as they did in the 30s and 40s, but as is, one that would better develop after some pruning (or at least from establishing a firm focus on only two or three mutants). The cut wouldn't be a hard one to make, actors like Hugh Jackman and Gandalf--I mean Ian McKellan--are more than able to carry a film. And can anyone debate the fact that Jackman's Wolverine has the most riveting plot line/character conflict? Too many storylines, not enough for characters to do--it makes a pretty flash, but one that doesn't manage to stay with you after the lights come up. (And consequently, one I wish *would*. There's such potential here. I am sorry to see it treated more cheaply than I would prefer.)

Young at Heart
Julie Gephart Basic cable 08 November 2003

The picture I’ve been carrying in my head all these years of Frank Sinatra turns out to be entirely fictional, as I couldn’t even pick out which character he was until he started singing. Boy, everybody sure did used to smoke.