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40 Year Old Virgin Kristin Schrock   Showcase Cinemas Norwood (w/o cup holders!)   05 September 2005 Steve Carrell is not a well man. A comedy that isn't cruel and is (surprise) actually funny. The end credits are worth the 8 bucks alone.

Adaptation Kristin Schrock   Theatre   02 February 2003 Remember, 'member when Nicolas Cage was an actor? Yeah, those were good times. This movie will make you weep for the Con Airs and the Rocks that he wasted himself on. Not as good as Being John Malkovich, but an entertaining and sometimes wrenching movie about writing a movie about writing a movie and so on. Its Meta-ness will sort of make your head spin. It has a strange third act that merits discussion, though.

Amélie Tony Pisarenkov   DVD chez Stacy   31 May 2003 Unexpectedly great film. Funny, sad, touching, intelligent and gorgeous all at the same time. One of the very rare films where you actually wish for a happy ending, and when it comes, it works beautifully.

Amélie Steve Gadd   DVD   22 January 2005 A perfect little piece of moviemaking. C'est drôle, la vie.

American Movie Jaqi Ross   Hollywood video rental   10 October 2004 Revisiting the favorites - On the northwest side of Milwaukee, Mark Borchardt dreams the American dream: for him, it's making movies. Using relatives, local theater talent, slacker friends, his Mastercard, and $3,000 from his Uncle Bill, Mark strives over three years to finish "Covan," a short horror film. His own personal demons (alcohol, gambling, a dysfunctional family) plague him, but he desperately wants to overcome self-doubt and avoid failure. In moments of reflection, Mark sees his story as quintessentially American, and its the nature and nuance of his dream that this film explores.

American Psycho Steven Krise   My Basement, NetFlix   25 December 2006 Oh my god. It even has a watermark.

Black Jesus Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   20 June 2003 One of the biggest travesties of modern cinema is that filmmaker Valerio Zurlini is not better known. If "Black Jesus" is any indication, he is right up there with the other greats, Italian and otherwise. Breathtaking cinematography, excellent acting (with Woody Strode in the lead) and a creative adaptation of the story of Jesus to the struggle for independence in colonial Africa. Do stay away from the current Ivy Video DVD edition, however. Besides being dubbed, which nearly ruined the film, the print used for the transfer looks like it was pulled from the dumpster, and the sound mix is abysmal.

Blue Tony Pisarenkov   AFI Silver Theatre, Silver Spring, MD   15 January 2004 The first installment in the "Colors" trilogy, "Blue" is much more inward-looking and darker in tone than "White," as well as being much more of a solo performance for the lead (Juliette Binoche). It also places a much greater emphasis on visuals, which are expertly done. Less readily accessible than "White" but no less enjoyable, especially on the big screen.

Casablanca Tony Pisarenkov   DVD   26 April 2003 A classic that requires no introduction and the source of more cliches than you can count on the fingers of both hands. And some people even came over to watch it with us!

Charlotte Gray A Bennett   Hollywood Video VHS   06 April 2003 When this picture came out, I remember reading a review or two of it. They weren't very positive, so when I rented it I had some pretty low expectations (and I was coming to it on the heels of the befouled Affair of the Necklace). Well, what was wrong with those people? How could a film about an ordinary Scotswoman, recruited in WWII as a British courier to be air dropped into Vichy France NOT interest just about anyone? Cate Blanchett rocks, and though some parts of the plot might be a bit "soapy," it's a good time. I _will_ see this film a second time. A film about doing the right things for the wrong reasons, about doing evil--though not by direct choice--and about learning that sometimes the only thing one can do in such troubled times is not grand, or patriotic, or even courageous--it is rather the smallest, human-est thing that she realizes is worth the price of her own life.

Chicago (Second Viewing) A Bennett   AMC 20 Newport-on-the-Levee   10 February 2003 How a film about a miscarriage of the judicial system can both make you revel in it, and, in tandem, disgust you by it, is nothing short of cinematic genius--particularly keeping in mind that the film is 90% song and dance. Again, Richard Gere, please come up to accept your MAJOR AWARD. **If you have the chance to see this film before it leaves the theatre, I urge you to do so. I do not doubt it will play well on TV, only, it's a big-theatre show, and it deserves to be experienced that way.

City of God Steve Gadd   Cinema Arts Theatre   14 March 2003 Captivating drama/documentary on the brutally violent streets of a Rio slum. The epic narrative follows a band of kids who inherit the rampant drug business. The amateur performances are compelling, the cinematography stunning.

City of God Jaqi Ross   Loews Dupont   06 March 2004 This pyrotechnic Brazilian slumland epic gallops through two decades, handguns and rifles matching the flamboyant camerawork nearly shot for shot.

Destry Rides Again Julie Gephart   Basic cable   11 January 2004 This was the most peculiar Western I’ve ever seen, entirely lacking in the machismo that usually defines the genre. Jimmy Stewart is the new sheriff in town, managing to clean up all the ruffians by telling drawling stories instead of by carrying guns. The culmination comes in a most unexpected Final Shootout scene, where the barricades are up, the air is filled with gun smoke… and out of the blue, all the women of the town come marching down the street armed with brooms and rolling pins and proceed to overwhelm and physically beat down the gang of bad guys. I guess it’s because they’d had to spend so long listening to Marlene Dietrich sing, and that could make anybody crazy.

Dirty Pretty Things Kristin Schrock   Theatre   04 September 2003 I went to the theatre in the mood to see something. And this one was the only one that hadn't started yet. And it was excellent. A gritty story about illegal immigrants in London. Rule Number One: Never, ever, stick your hand into a bloody toilet. It only leads to trouble.

Dreams Tony Pisarenkov   AFI Silver Theatre, Silver Spring, MD   16 August 2003 As an introduction to Kurosawa, a bit unusual, but well worth seeing for both Kurosawa fans and novices. Most of his dreams are really nightmares, and some might complain that the dialog is too direct, but the subtlety is in the visuals, not in the dialog, and besides, these are really just fables reinterpreted for the modern world, and as such they succeed wonderfully.

End of the Century: the Story of the Ramones Tony Pisarenkov   Landmark E Street Theatre, Washington, DC   19 September 2004 An excellent documentary on the Ramones, the band usually credited with having invented punk rock. A generous helping of dirt, accompanied by enough genuine musical and social history to satisfy all but the most extreme music geek. I could have done withough the extreme close-ups of Johnny Ramone's face, however.

Enemy At the Gate Jeff Gadd   Video   28 October 2002 A great war movie of the Russians against the Germans.Two snipers of war one from each side thinks they can stop the war.They try to find each other at all cost.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Jaqi Ross   Courthouse   04 April 2004 The cinematography made it worthwhile, alone. Great movie.

Eternal Sunshine on the Spotless Mind Mike Gadd   dvd rental   09 August 2005 This! This! This is what I want! I'm going to skip a return to Life Aquatic and instead dive into this one again. Jim Carrey in serious actor mode in another Charlie Kaufman film that's hard to describe to your friends. What a treat this was all the way through. Not a bad ending either.

Finding Nemo Mike Gadd   Carmike Cinema (Apple Blossom Mall)   01 June 2003 What a wonderful movie. Pixar knows how to do it right. Imagine a theater packed full of kids pumped full of soda and popcorn remaining perfectly silent through the quiet parts of the film. They wanted to hear what was going on as much as I did. Who knew that under the ocean looks like a Thomas Kinkade painting? Incredible detail and color and amazing fish-like motion. Larger than life characters, all perfectly voiced. We all loved it.

Fog of War Tony Pisarenkov   DC Visions, Washington, DC   23 March 2004 A feature-length documentary on wars the US has fought, and more generally the conduct, philosophy, morality and consequences of war, with a long interview with a semi-repentant Robert McNamara as the backbone. Provided little, if any, new information, but Errol Morris's characteristically expert and inspired filmmaking made it powerful.

Garden State Tony Pisarenkov   Landmark E Street Theatre, Washington, DC   24 October 2004 Great story well done. Hit closer to home for me than it might for a lot of others viewers, but even without that, the film was very, very good. The main characters really draw you into their world, and the portrayal of dead-end lives in New New Jersey is priceless.

Garden State Téodor Orezscu   ?   25 February 2005 Extended review here (sorry, Steve).

Happy Texas Mike Gadd   VHS rental   13 October 2002 Love this movie. Have seen it before but wanted to watch it again with some friends who hadn't seen it. We kept missing lines because we were laughing so hard. Steve Zahn was hilarious.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Casey     27 March 2006 This movie really surprised me. I liked the way the movie was laid out. The dragons were awesome. I def. recommend this movie.

Head-on (Gegen die Wand) Steve Gadd   Avalon Theatre   26 February 2005 Two burned-out, miserable second-generation German Turks meet at the hospital after suicide attempts. They decide to get married, allowing Sibel to escape family pressure, and Cahit to possibly not see her slash her wrists again. The loveless marriage of convenience gives her the freedom she wants, him some decent cooking, and begins a gritty, touching love story.

Heat Steve Gadd   DVD at home   04 May 2003 Michael Mann delivers the goods in this L.A. crima saga. Even at three hours, it's hard to pull away for a bathroom break. When I saw it on the big screen, I was amazed by the eye-popping bank heist scene, in which the police shootout spills out into the downtown streets (later emulated by some real-life hoodlums). In the home viewing, I was more taken by the craft of the rest of the film, each scene creating a mood and developing the story. The April 2003 issue of Vanity Fair has a nice homage to the film. An unsympathetic but captivating review here: http://www.culturecourt.com/F/LR/reviews.htm

Heaven Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   11 January 2007 Sure, a Kieslowski screenplay being realized after his death by Tom Tykwer (with a soundrack by Arvo Part to boot) is a cineaste's wet dream, but even without name dropping, Heaven is truly powerful. Not overwrought Hollywood power, but real, subtle and deeply affecting intensity.

Henry Fielding's Tom Jones A Bennett   Taped off TV: A&E Original Mini-series   09 November 2002 A terriffic marriage of cast, tone, and script, this 6-hour miniseries manages to do the near-impossible: poke liberal, good-hearted fun at its author, plot, and characters--without sacrificing the audience's emotional investment in the story and characters. Impressive--and a hoot as well, though it does take the first installment to really get into it.

Hustle and Flow Chris   Theater   01 August 2005 Terrence Howard's performance is worth the price of the ticket alone. This film could have been a disaster...a Memphis pimp who dreams of becoming a rap star...but fantastic acting, an excellent script and a simple storyline make this a wonderful film that has the sweetness of a "It's a Wonderful Life". Avoid it if you have any hang-ups about language or mature themes.

In the Bedroom Kristin Schrock   VHS--Ben's Living Room   30 December 2002 This is a slow (in a good way) movie, depicting the aftermath of a son's violent death. Not for the faint of heart as I was in tears for a good portion of it. Tom Wilkinson will just break your heart. Not predictable with a nice, "Independent Film" ending--you know, the kind where I say, "if this is the end, I'm going to kill you." Although I am wondering, are all affluent mothers depicted as being controlling and lacking in physical display of affection?

Jane Austen's Emma A Bennett   owned VHS - 2003 Jeremy Northam Film Festival   16 February 2003 Charming all around, this is Northam at his, perhaps, finest. Emma, our heroine, learns lessons about the ills of matchmaking, the perils of flirting, and the aftertaste that can be found in a sassy mouth. Oh, yes, and she finds love with the Northam, unmustachioed and wearing a waistcoat as so few can.

La fleur du mal (Flower of Evil) Tony Pisarenkov   The Avalon Theatre, Washington, DC   02 November 2003 A twisted story of adultery, incest and murder culminating in history repeating itself despite, or perhaps because of, the characters' best intentions. Think Ibsen's "Ghosts" for the 21st century. Wonderfully written, beautifully filmed, lots of subtle but effective humor. Close to a masterpiece.

Lantana Kristin Schrock   DVD   21 August 2005 A wonderfully layered "mystery" starring the Austrailian actors who weren't in LoTR or the Matrix. Full of secrets, lies, infidelity, and a dead body. Midway through the movie, Anthony Lapaglia (a.k.a. Duck Lips) tells the woman with whom he is having an affair, "This doesn't have to end badly." But of course we all know that it does. Also, for Farscape fans, Crais shows up for a split second.

Last Tango in Paris Tony Pisarenkov   DVD   19 January 2003 Vittorio Storaro's incomparable cinematography alone would have made it worth seeing -- quite simply, the most visually stunning film I have ever experienced. Beyond the visuals, it is sure to depress you and disgust you, but that is a testament to its power. Brando's Paul is not just a sleazeball, he is a freak the likes of which have not been seen before or since (take that, Klaus Kinski!), so much so that the entire film quickly achieves a profound sense of irreversible otherworldliness. The palpability with which Bertolucci corners you with it, however, is mind-boggling. Almost justifies the legendary status it has in film circles.

Life is Beautiful Julie Gephart   Basic cable   28 November 2003 I was expecting it to be good but depressing, so I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was just good. It contained both an adorable child and a kitten.

Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring Mike Gadd   dvd at home   18 March 2003 This was the super extended version dvd we got for Christmas last year. The kids wanted to watch it and we were curious to see what the extra 30 minutes of footage would show. Did a quick FF over just a couple of parts for 'ease of sleep' issues but otherwise they seemed to enjoy it as much as we did. As expected, the additional footage wasn't in the original for a reason. It made the movie experience longer, which was fine, but didn't add anything more than some idle chit-chat. I have no idea what's on the other two dvd's that came in the set. Maybe if there are some bloopers and goofs it would be worth a look. Otherwise I'll just spend my free time waiting for The Matrix 2 in two months.

Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King A Bennett   Milford:desperately ill, I agreed to accompany dad   27 December 2003 I can't quite get my head around this one--especially, like Kristin, in the wake of viewing the Special Theatrical Extended Editions in preparation for it. It felt to me like The Two Towers' original theatrical release: somehow unfinished, gapped in places I wanted filled out. And no, that's not a bad review; only, like the film itself, an incomplete one.

Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Extended version Mike Gadd   dvd at home   27 December 2003 There's plenty of movie to go around. It took all afternoon to get through it, but I wanted to watch it before going to see part 3 tomorrow. It's amazing the material they had to cut out. The handy booklet was nice that indicated which scenes were new or just extended.

Lost in Translation Kristin Schrock   Theatre   02 October 2003 A very quiet movie. I didn't walk out of the theatre and said, "That movie ROCKED!" But the more I thought about it, the more I liked it. Bill Murray is SO excellent at being goofy and poignant and lost all at the same time. Sidesteps any potential weirdness that may have developed between an older man and younger woman (are they friends? can they be lovers?), but doesn't shy away from the tension that those questions cause--if that makes any sense. I have always loved Bill Murray, but it is impressive just to see what the man can do. oh, and he sings, too!

Million Dollar Baby Kristin Schrock   Kenwood Theatre   20 February 2005 What I've noticed about Clint Eastwood as a director is that he's relaxed. He lets his story do the work for him. This is not the best approach when the story isn't all that--but when the story's good, he just lets it unfold. Million Dollar Baby is good. Well developed characters, solid (and surprising) story. Well done.

Misery Jeff Gadd   DVD   27 January 2003 A very creepy movie of a #1 fan of a writer,she really likes. Never finish watching the movie till now. I don't know why I watch it all anyway. Makes me GLAD I don't have a #1 fan!!!

My Big Fat Greek Wedding Steve Gadd   Reston Multiplex Cinemas   26 October 2002 As promised, charming and funny and impossible not to enjoy.

No Country for Old Men Tony Pisarenkov   AMC Shirlington, Arlington, VA   10 February 2008 Excellent. Characters, suspense, tension, visuals, alleogries and references -- it's all here.

Paris je t'aime Tony Pisarenkov   Landmark E St. Theatre, Washington, DC   07 June 2007 A set of 20 five-minute vignettes, each by a different director, each taking place in a different neighborhood of Paris and, Paris being what it is, dealing with love in some form on some level. Plays surprisingly well as a whole, and many of the miniatures are microcosms of great or almost-great filmmaking in their own right.

Personal Velocity Kristin Schrock   DVD   13 July 2003 ABennett says I have an unnatural attraction to Parker Posey. I can't really comment on that. But she never disappoints. This movie is an adaptation of three short stories, so it's sort of just three vignettes. Three different women try (and sometimes succeed) in changing their lives. Subtle and nearly perfect portrayals. My only qualm is that since they're adapted from short stories, the movement in character is so slight that I'm not sure it lends itself well to a movie.

Persuasion A Bennett   Owned VHS   12 February 2003 This subtle Jane Austen adaptation about second chances, and the long, hard winters of the soul that bring parted hearts again to such opportunities, is entirely without the crackling wit and spry vitality of her earlier work. It's a mature departure, and well worth the trip. However, do not be distracted by the VHS box and its swoony cover. Those nubile lovebirds are not even represented in the film.

Punisher Kristin Schrock   DVD   08 January 2005 So John Travolta kills the Punisher's family. His entire family. We're talking aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews. Dude, it's harsh. So, of course, John Travolta gets punishment. I enjoyed this movie immensely--even with John Travolta as the bad dude. I'm not even sure why--could be that the Punisher is oddly compelling. Could be that it's not trying to be slick or particularly clever. I'm kind of hoping they make a sequel.

Red Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   15 February 2004 The final installment of the "Colors" trilogy, with its pervasive sense of tension and mystery, "Red" is to these eyes perhaps the best of the three, although it is really impossible to choose a first among equals in this case.

Reefer Madness (the Musical) Kristin Schrock   DVD   27 November 2005 A musical I enjoyed--mostly because Kristen Bell (lately of Veronica Mars) is so talented that words are insufficient to describe her awesomeness.

Road to Perdition Tony Pisarenkov   Camelback Esplanade, Phoenix, AZ   01 August 2002 Brilliant. Best American film since Traffic. An art film in the best sense of the word -- incredible acting, breathtaking camerwork, a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat and a stark portrayal of human behavior.

Romeo Is Bleeding Kristin Schrock   VHS   25 October 2002 Were I to make a list of my favorite movies, this would be at the top. It's twisted and terrible and makes a not-very-good guy very sympathetic. Loses a point for gore (not a fan of the blood).

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   12 January 2008 People frequently ask me, immediately after they've accused me of having no sense of humor, what I find funny. This is funny.

Scotland, PA Kristin Schrock   DVD   03 September 2003 A revisiting of the Scottish play. This one set in the 70's around a diner called Duncan's (he built his fortune on Donuts). Remarkably good--even though there's some strange tonal shifts. Featured a Wittenberg Alum as Duncan and Christopher Walken as MacDuff. Woo!

Secretary Kristin Schrock   DVD   27 April 2003 One of the best movies I've seen in a long while (granted, if this list is any evidence, I see a lot of bad movies, but still). I'm tempted to give it a 10. Someone should give James Spader an award. Even the Independent Spirit Awards ignored him! Despite the S&M (yes, S&M) elements (No, they don't wear the outfits), this is a surprisingly affecting love story. In fact, in all of its weirdness, it's kind of sweet.

Sense and Sensibility (1995) A Bennett   owned VHS   01 November 2003 Never a disappointment, no matter how many times I watch it.

Shaun of the Dead Kristin Schrock   DVD   14 February 2005 I like my zombies the old fashioned way--slow. A fun zombie comedy--but not a spoof--that elevates the zombie metaphor to the surface. Very enjoyable (with only a few gross bits).

Snakes on a Plane Steven Krise     28 August 2006 What the hell?! Snakes!

Spiderman 2 Mike Gadd   Lame Mall theater   11 July 2004 Despite all the kid noise in the theater this was a delightful movie experience. Much deeper and broader than the first, this film was just about the perfect summer movie. Added bonus- a preview of 'The Village'.

Spider-man 2 Kristin Schrock   Kenwood Theatre   04 July 2004 What's not to like (at least if you're me): superhero, directed by Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell cameo. And then add characters with depth, unexpected humor, and a sincerity that is often lacking in blockbusters and I was pretty much grinning from start to finish. It's not a peace treaty, but it was some popcorn fun on a hot summer day. Also, Tobey McGuire may have to battle Elijah Wood for the biggest, bluest eyes in movies today.

Sweet Smell of Success Kristin Schrock   DVD   02 March 2003 A brutal movie in the best noir sense. Tony Curtis is a sleazy press agent trying to do the bidding of Burt Lancaster, the column writer who can make or break you. Bonus points for lines like, "You're dead. Get yourself buried." This is a classic for a reason; it's d*mn good.

The Battle of Algiers Tony Pisarenkov   AFI Silver Theatre, Silver Spring, MD   18 January 2004 A rarely screened, justly famous and controversial film about the brutal tactics of terrorists during Algeria's fight for independence in the 1950s and their equally brutal suppression by the French government. Very well made and painfully relevant today both to the war in Iraq and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Bone Collector Jeff Gadd   Video   28 October 2002 One of my favorite movies to watch. Two great actors Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. A killer is leaving clues for rookie cop (A.J.) and a top homicide cop(D.W.) who had a tragic accident leaves him in a wheelchair, have to teamup and find this mad killer.The killer knows they might find him,but that those not stop him.A very incredible movie to watch,but not for the weak of heart.This is a Jeffery Deaver story.

The Gay Cowboy Movie Kristin Schrock   Esquire Theatre (w/Swedish Fish)   06 January 2006 Ang Lee is a master of Longing. The kind of longing that brings characters to their knees. He manages to capture it without being melodramatic. This is perhaps because he allows silence to do a lot of work for him. If the Hulk was necessary for him to do this movie, it was well worth it.

The Goodbye Girl (1977) Kristin Schrock   Turner Classic Movies (31 Days of Oscar)   28 February 2005 I just love this movie--despite the fact that the single mom repeatedly gives up her job everytime she meets a man, thus making her perpetually dependent. If I ever were to write a movie, I want Marsha Mason to play the mom--because, of course, any movie of mine--or novel or short story--always features a mom.

The Incredibles Mike Gadd   Run of the mill movie house   04 December 2004 Pixar hits another home run. Great writing, fun story, humor for all ages... all the things you would expect from them.

The Incredibles Steve Gadd   DVD   05 May 2005 Any qualms about watching a cartoon are quickly squashed by the brillliant realism of these ten-fingered characters. There's not a moment wasted in the fast-paced, original story about superheroes coming out of retirement, and little moralizing or "Lion King" heartstring tugging. Just good, Saturday-morning quality fun.

The Little Foxes Kristin Schrock   TiVO'd from TCM   22 August 2004 Oh, Turner Classic Movie, how I've missed you! "Either I am walking of these stairs or Max Steiner is walking up these stairs, but we will not go up together."--Bette Davis

The Lord of the Rings Mike Gadd   dvd at home   03 September 2002 Superb adaptation of the book. I only wish I'd seen it on the big screen.

The Matix Reloaded Mike Gadd   $2 theater   30 August 2003 It's always a treat to be able to watch a movie this good at the theater for the 2nd time. Not having to concentrate on the architect's speechifying left more room to watch the fists flying. The choreography alone of all the people flying around was mind-numbing.

The Matrix Julie Gephart   DVD at home   16 May 2003 Taking my cue from Mike Gadd, I decided a review was in order before going to see the new movie. What is there to say about the granddaddy of all modern action films? It's all good.

The Matrix Reloaded Julie Gephart   Some theater   17 May 2003 I love a good action film, and this is undoubtedly a good action film. The philosophizing was a little longer and more obtuse than the first movie, and the action was longer and faster and more extreme. All in all, it was a movie that barely gave time to breathe, let alone reflect on what was happening. I'd say it didn't quite have the magic of the first one, but it was still a mighty fine movie in its own right.

The Matrix Reloaded A Bennett   AMC Newport-on-the-Levee They serve Coke.   18 May 2003 Dear Official Print and Media Critics of Reloaded: SHUT *UP*. Your reviews are so tired, and so overly critical, as if The Matrix franchise had set out to cure cancer and had somehow let you down. So there’s some soliloquizing, so there’s a pastiche of some philosophy that you may or may not understand or care about. So there’s nothing new under the sun. So you think Keanu Reeves is an impassive actor whose talent (or lack thereof) you’ve never felt certain of. So what? Neo whines 600% less than Luke Skywalker. And he’s prettier. And, he has a girlfriend that’s not his sister…This film gave me a giddy feeling, like someone had shaken up a bottle of champagne and was waiting to uncork its fizzy goodness. And this feeling lasted hours (perhaps even days) after the credits rolled. I had forgotten how much Trinity ROCKS THE FREE WORLD. Just when I had decided they were relegating her to second place in this film, she TEARS THAT BUILDING DOWN. I loved grumpy Neo with his greatest fan, I was afraid for Morpheus on the freeway, happy to see the Oracle again, enjoyed the new characters and glitches that were introduced. People laughed together in the theatre, and when Morpheus gave a speech to the people of Zion, I wanted to stand up and cheer along with them. And I cannot wait for more Jada Pinkett Smith in the next film. If that makes me shallow, if that makes me the fan of a film that’s flawed, if that makes me a poor critical thinker: please, never tell me so to my face—I’ll probably just smile blithely back at you and recite something dialectic about the problem of free will, the root of causality, and the fact that Trinity? She kicks *high*.

The Matrix Reloaded Mike Gadd   Martinsburg Regal Cinema   27 May 2003 Okay. Fine. There didn't need to be so many 'ergo's' and 'concordantly's'. I'll need to see it again to get a better grasp of what they were trying to say. But so what. It kicked butt. The things that went well were better than anything that's been done before. It's funny how it takes an hour or two to get the buzz out of your head when the movie is over and to realize that driving home on the freeway is probably perfectly safe. The guy in the car next to you isn't looking to turn you into swiss cheese and there won't be any kung fu fighting on top of that 18 wheeler. Special kudos to Agent Smith, the Twins, and the Keymaker. More! Bring back Dozer, too, while you're at it. And lose the Dell computer kid chasing after Neo. I'll miss the Oracle, as she died during filming. Jada Pinkett Smith filled in nicely too. I loved the 6th iteration concept; it throws in a nice wrinkle. Bring on November!

The Matrix: Reloaded Kristin Schrock   AMC Theatre   18 May 2003 This one's all about the coats. Morpheus, as usual, has the coolest and because of that I would follow him on any d*mn fool scheme (who is more foolish, the fool or the fool who follows him?). Neo, though, would do to take some advice from another sci-fi friend: "Help them you may, but you will destroy all for which they have fought and suffered."Although this is probably nothing more than a 2 hour preview for the next installment, it was a good time. Even though nothing will compare to my first viewing of the Matrix during which my friend, Ben, whispered to me during a training scene, "Download the electric slide."

The Pianist Kristin Schrock   DVD   08 June 2003 Revision: okay, so maybe my first review of "devastating" was a bit melodramatic. How about, very, very, very sad and difficult to watch at times. Holocaust movies just aren't a good time even when they dramatize the "triumph of the human spirit" and feature a few Highlander alumns. There. Now do you want to see it, Julie?

The Two Towers Kristin Schrock   Portland Theatre w/o Cup Holders   27 December 2002 I really, really, really liked the first movie. This one, I only really liked. I'm not all that keen on war movies or battle scenes so I wasn't so much in this one's thrall. But I love me some pretty, pretty Legolas, and I think [POSSIBLE SPOILER, although not really] Boromir's brother is pretty, too. Although, as Alicia pointed out, he is mortal and Legolas will be pretty forever. I know they are all on their separate quests, but I missed the fellowship. My beefs (which are minor) are more with Tolkein and not with Peter Jackson or the actors.

U-571 Jeff Gadd   Video   28 October 2002 Top-secret assignment these US captain and crew have to disguise themselves as Nazis and board a severely damaged Nazi U-Boat and steal the Nazi top-secret decoding device,sink the sub,and keep the Germans from finding out. Can they pull it off? Very well made and also very realistic.

Walk Don't Run (1966) Kristin Schrock   Turner Classic Movies   14 August 2005 Cary Grant stars (his last movie) in this screwball comedy with Jim Hutton. There's some wackiness, there's some explanation at the Japanese Consolate and a marriage of convenience (or is it?). Pretty much everything you'd expect from a screwball.

Waterloo Bridge (1940) A Bennett   Taped off TV: Turner Classic Movies   03 November 2002 A story about ruin, and prostitution during WWI. Remarkable for many reasons, but largely for its ability to never once utter the word prostitution--yet never fails to get the point across. A perennial Alicia favorite, to both view and discuss.

Wet Hot American Summer Kristin Schrock   VHS   30 June 2004 I wasn't able to watch the TiVO'd version with Abennett so a rental was in order. This movie was bizarre and incredibly funny in places. It's rare that a comedy seems so joyful--even when the jokes don't hit.

While You Were Sleeping Julie Gephart   Mysteriously free HBO   21 February 2003 Always a good time. The epitome of what makes Sandra Bullock loveable.

White Tony Pisarenkov   AFI Silver Theatre, Silver Spring, MD   14 January 2004 The middle installment of the "Colors" trilogy, this film actually stands wonderfully on its own. A story of a hapless loser who, dumped by his wife, transforms himself into a ruthless business tycoon out of obsession for her, bequeaths her his millions, and stages his own death. With a happy-yet-unhappy ending, and lots of subtle commentary on various aspects of love, life, cultural differences, and free market reforms in newly democratic Eastern Europe, "White" is a veritable layer cake of themes and messages.