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25th Hour Steve Gadd   DVD   Friday, December 26, 2003 Edward Norton makes this film work, a variety of "what would you do if you had only 24 hours to live." But what kept the 135 minute runtime from seeming too long was Philip Seymour Hoffman. He is so perfectly square, so jarringly and affectingly out of place, I think they had to splice him in with bluescreen special effects.

A Beautiful Mind Steve Gadd   DVD at home   Thursday, August 22, 2002 Now we know why Mr. Crowe was expecting that Oscar. Great portrayal of the life of a disturbed genius.

A Christmas Story Julie Gephart   DVD   Wednesday, December 24, 2003 I love this movie like nobody's business. It's one long laugh from start to finish.

A Man and a Woman Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   Saturday, November 15, 2003 Although to contemporary viewers it does look like a long music video at times, for me this is *the* way to do romance, and I will always have a soft spot in my heart for this film. Beautiful in every respect, and for its time (1964) -- very innovative.

A Very Long Engagement Steve Gadd   DVD   Friday, September 02, 2005 A surprisingly demanding fairy tale about a lover lost, by all accounts, in the French trenches.

About Schmidt Ray Hunley   DVD   Sunday, June 15, 2003 Didn't Sally Struthers star in the original? The best part of the film was the first minute and a half: Schmidt dutifully waits out the final seconds of his last day before retirement, looking stoicly up at the clock among the remnants of his career, boxed up and carefully labeled. After that it was "Warren R. Everyman has some mildly interesting experiences and finds a piddling redemption from an utterly expected source". The characters were somehow spot-on realistic and hackneyed at the same time. I found it hard to care about any of them. Good acting, nice looking film, BFD.

Adaptation Ray Hunley   DVD   Tuesday, September 02, 2003 We open on Hunley logging on to Gadd's movie page... Nice performances from Nicolas Cage, Chris Cooper and Brian Cox, a couple good one-liners, and self-referential gimmickry, and that's about it. Try Mamet's "Things Change" or read some Hofstadter instead.

Adaptation Mike Gadd   dvd rental   Monday, October 06, 2003 I couldn't have enjoyed this movie any more. It picks up in the middle of the best scene from "Being John Malkovich" and continues with a nice mix of 'meta-ness' as Kristen puts it. Excellent camera work and too-lifelike car accidents. I tried explaining to a friend how the movie went and got lost in my story. Certainly not for everyone.

After the Wedding Steve Gadd   DVD   Thursday, November 12, 2009 Our first Netflick.

Aguirre, the Wrath of God Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   Saturday, October 22, 2005 The film that started the Herzog-Kinski collaboration. Rough around the edges, to be sure, but still well worth seeing.

All About My Mother Steve Gadd   DVD   Sunday, August 07, 2005 We bailed out of "Clerks," the last recommendation I will trust from Yahoo, after 20 minutes. What's the matter with you internet people, rating this flimsy stuff so highly? Going from that affected, black-and-white, home video style non-acting to Almodóvar's wonderfully colorful scenes and characters was quite refreshing.

Amélie Tony Pisarenkov   DVD chez Stacy   Saturday, May 31, 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   Saturday, January 22, 2005 A perfect little piece of moviemaking. C'est drôle, la vie.

American Gangster Steve Gadd   DVD   Sunday, March 30, 2008 Good cop, bad guy.

American History X Steve Gadd   DVD   Wednesday, February 02, 2005 Edward Norton is an angry young man.

American Psycho Steve Gadd   DVD   Tuesday, January 24, 2006 Christian Bale looked a lot healthier before his self-imposed starvation for "The Machinist." Here he plays a Wall Street big shot with an unfortunate taste for blood. We're not sure how much we got the old Unreliable Narrator treatment.

American Splendor Kristin Schrock   DVD   Saturday, March 27, 2004 This was an interesting "bio" pic about an undergroud comic book writer, Harvey Pekar. Interesting in that it has meta elements, wherein Pekar narrated aspects, appeared on film intermitently, and commented on the action. From the movie, it seems that his comic books are very similar. Also, I love me some Hope Davis who plays his wife.

Analyze That Steve Gadd   DVD   Thursday, May 15, 2003 Lame followup leaves one thankful that there are no more demonstrative pronouns.

Analyze This Steve Gadd   DVD at home   Tuesday, August 27, 2002 Well-written comedy about a gangster getting in touch with his sensitive side.

Ararat Steve Gadd   DVD   Tuesday, July 26, 2005 A colorful, layered issue film, in some ways subtle and in some ways not subtle enough, which aims to draw attention to the Armenian Genocide. The bitter pill is delivered not with an onslaught of historical evidence, but by portraying a fictional director trying to make a Hollywood-style dramatization of the events. The film-within-the-film format allows the characters to question their own motivations and the liberties taken with their history.

Austin Powers III Mike Gadd   dvd at home   Sunday, March 30, 2003 They still have a formula that has it's moments. I was near tears at times. The sight gags don't do much for me but I loved the more low key humor. I'm amazed this came out with a PG-13 rating. This would have been an R 10 years ago, but times are changing. I even heard the s-word on the USA network last night.

Ballistic: Ecks Vs. Sever Kristin Schrock   DVD   Wednesday, January 01, 2003 The "plot" keeps this from being a good B-flick on par with Reign of Fire. Lucy Liu is cool and there's this scene where she pulls these club-like things out of her coat and proceeds to kick all sorts of a**. But it fails in the way that I think Sleepless in Seattle fails--it keeps it's two leads apart for too long. But its not the worst movie in the world, although I have already broken my resolution to stop watching crappy movies.

Basic Instinct Julie Gephart   DVD   Friday, November 28, 2003 A Hitchcock movie with nudity – what more could you ask from a cinematic experience? This time I watched it with the director’s commentary track and got schooled on the finer points of lighting.

Behind Enemy Lines Mike Gadd   DVD rental   Sunday, October 20, 2002 Sure wish I had seen this on the big screen. Great action scenes and slow motion bombs and bullets flying.

Bela Lugosi Meets a Brooklyn Gorilla Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   Thursday, October 13, 2005 As if one guy in a gorilla suit wasn't enough

Belle de jour Tony Pisarenkov   DVD chez moi   Monday, December 26, 2005 Un peu difficile sans sous-titres. Je n'ai compris que 30% du dialogue.

Big Trouble Steve Gadd   DVD at home   Tuesday, November 12, 2002 Based on a Dave Barry book, the Elmore Leonard-style comedy has its moments. Probably the last time Johnny Knoxville and Martha Stewart will appear in a movie together.

Black Cloud Ray Hunley   DVD   Monday, August 15, 2005 While not breaking any new ground, this film nevertheless was an engaging portrait of an amateur boxer from the Navajo nation.

Black Jesus Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   Friday, June 20, 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.

Borat Steve Gadd   DVD   Wednesday, July 04, 2007 Watched the whole thing.

Born Romantic A Bennett   DVD Rental   Friday, October 18, 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.

Bridget Jones's Diary Steve Gadd   DVD   Friday, March 11, 2005 A rom-com classic.

Bringing Down the House Steve Gadd   DVD   Tuesday, September 02, 2003 Steve Martin is a master of physical comedy, but there was room in the script for more regular comedy.

Brotherhood of the Wolf (except in French) Kristin Schrock   DVD   Sunday, September 21, 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!

Bubba Ho-Tep Kristin Schrock   DVD   Sunday, July 04, 2004 Bruce Campbell stars as an old Elvis, stuck in a nursing home where the residents are having their souls sucked by an ancient mummy. Incredibly bizarre, but I can never resist the charm of Bruce Campbell who even in the silliness brings an element of gravity as the movie tries to touch on mortality and the meaning of life--especially when you're at the end. All that being said--this is probably only for Bruce Campbell fans and there are dozens of us! Dozens!--oh, and Mike Gadd? I really, really liked Lost in Translation. So, at least there's someone else.

Bulletproof Monk Kristin Schrock   DVD   Sunday, September 21, 2003 I probably shouldn't claim this one since I fell asleep through large portions in the middle. This was not my choice of a rental. Chow and Sean William Scott manage to have a great deal of chemistry despite being saddled with a weak script. That's about all I can say about it.

Caché Steve Gadd   DVD   Saturday, October 21, 2006 Much like "Lost Highway," but, being French, deprives the viewer of any satisfaction in the end.

Capote Steve Gadd   DVD   Saturday, April 08, 2006 Seymour does some good work, but I found the pace a touch slow.

Capturing the Friedmans Jaqi Ross   DVD   Sunday, April 04, 2004 Documentary on the Friedmans, a seemingly typical, upper-middleclass Jewish family whose world is instantly transformed when the father and his youngest son are arrested and charged with shocking and horrible crimes.

Casablanca Tony Pisarenkov   DVD   Saturday, April 26, 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!

Casino Royale Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   Saturday, March 17, 2007 Eh...

Catch Me If You Can Steve Gadd   DVD   Tuesday, June 03, 2003 What could be an interesting hourlong documentary becomes a bore in this slow-paced non-drama.

Central Station Steve Gadd   DVD   Monday, May 30, 2005 An unloved retired teacher makes ends meet by writing letters for illiterate passers-by in Rio de Janeiro's train station. She connects with a bratty orphan, and the story of her trying to reconnect him to family is quite touching.

Changing Lanes Steve Gadd   DVD   Friday, July 04, 2003 Not an action movie as expected, but a meandering story about two guys getting really angry at each other and then working it out. Second movie in two days to feature a grey Toyota Corolla.

Changking Express Tony Pisarenkov   DVD chez G&N   Friday, August 18, 2006 Absorbing and well done, but multiple independent stories touching at a single point work better in threes rather than twos like here.

Charlie Wilson's War Steve Gadd   DVD   Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Children of Men Steve Gadd   DVD   Wednesday, April 04, 2007 An action flick that stood up pretty well to what I feared were exaggerated claims of "Blade Runner for this generation." I liked the intense action sequences (without action hero cliches), the dystopian futurism (without heavy-handed commentary), and layered story (without unduly cerebral connect-the-dots plot-twisting).

Children Underground Tony Pisarenkov   DVD chez J.&C.   Friday, February 01, 2008 A documentary about the infamous orphans of Bucharest, who found themselves on the streets when the orphanages closed after the fall of Causescu. A little hard to evaluate -- the subject matter is so foreign to an average American viewer that the footage doesn't seem real a lot of the time. The minimally produced, fly-on-the-wall style, and a complete lack of polemics doesn't help. Still, powerful and very sad.

Chinatown Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home (Film Night #2 at Jenn & Tony's)   Saturday, June 07, 2003 Unlike many "classics," this one deserves every bit of its status. I suppose Jack Nicholson has not had a role like this in at least fifteen years for the same reason that the ending would never fly in Hollywood today (and barely did in 1975). See it -- no one's film experience is complete without seeing "Chinatown."

City By the Sea Kristin Schrock   DVD   Sunday, August 03, 2003 Part of my "I shun society" movie-fest. This one has the pretty-pretty James Franco as the junkie son of cop, Robert Dinero. This movie wanted to say something about fathers and sons--and it comes close--but it's not quite there. James Franco does a lovely job, though, and Eliza Dushku appears as his ex-junkie girlfriend.

Closer Steve Gadd   DVD   Sunday, July 31, 2005 This film is populated with movie characters, a species of creature so interesting that it can make major life-altering decisions based on another person's appearance, or having been told a lie, or pure whim. If you see one of these individuals, hang around. They are likely to buy you an expensive drink, or tip you with a diamond ring, or break down in tears and tell you a story.

Coach Carter Steve Gadd   DVD   Saturday, July 30, 2005 Brought back memories of "White Shadow," plus Samuel L. Jackson has the Jaime Escalante thing going on.

Coffee and Cigarrettes Kristin Schrock   DVD   Saturday, October 02, 2004 A bunch of actors improvise in various, seemingly unrelated vignettes. I confess, I did doze off in the middle, but I especially enjoyed Bill Murray's bit and Cate Blanchette's.

Cold Mountain Steve Gadd   DVD   Sunday, April 03, 2005 Strangely, I don't know if I would have enjoyed this movie more or less without having read the book. A lot of the appeal was in revisiting the scenes of Inman's long journey home, but I missed the rustic prose. At two and a half hours, it sometimes seemed slow and sometimes seemed like a rushed highlights reel, with major scenes boiled down to their basic elements.

Collateral Mike Gadd   dvd rental   Wednesday, January 05, 2005 Michael Mann with another visual spectacle. A city drama done right. Nobody does it better. Tom Cruise didn't ruin it either, even with the goofy gray hair.

Confessions of a Dangerous Mind Kristin Schrock   DVD   Saturday, September 13, 2003 I love me some Sam Rockwell. Even his bum--which we get to see naked again and again. This movie loved Sam Rockwell's bum. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but still--there's a lot of naked Sam Rockwell in just a 2 hour movie.

Confessions of a Dangerous Mind Steve Gadd   DVD   Wednesday, September 17, 2003 Not to be confused with "Dangerous Minds," this is an edgy blend of "Grosse Pointe Blank" and "Network." The cool camera work and saturated colors contrast with the dark theme: based on a possibly true story, a classic game show creator has a second life as a CIA hit man. Great performances all around.

Constantine Kristin Schrock   DVD   Friday, August 26, 2005 The story is compelling--Constantine is trying to buy his way back into heaven by sending demons back to hell (the short-lived TV series Brimstone had a similar premise). He's reluctant, angry, and damned. Unfortunately, he's played by Keanu Reeves (who is clearly channeling Clint Eastwood). The best part--Tilda Swinton shows up as Gabriel.

Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon Mike Gadd   dvd at home   Thursday, May 08, 2003 Only the second subtitled movie I've seen; 'Life is Beautiful' being the first (and worth a ten spot, if anything is), so it took a little while to get used to constantly looking down to read. Sometimes you didn't want to tear your eyes away from the action. I don't know how they kept from lopping off ears and noses with all the swordplay. I can't say I completely understand the end though. Why'd she jump?

Dark Water Kristin Schrock   DVD   Sunday, February 12, 2006 My beau works at half price books and can check out DVDs. So we end up watching movies we wouldn't ordinarily rent because it's free and we're cheap. Hence, Dark Water--which adds water to list of the ordinary things that are creepy (right below corn). Inexplicably, it has real stars in it. Apparently, these stars never saw the Ring because this is pretty much the same movie--without the well.

Darkened Room Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   Monday, March 20, 2006 See Rabbits below, though at eight minutes this is marginally more watchable than Rabbits' 50.

Deliver Us From Eva Kristin Schrock   DVD   Saturday, July 12, 2003 I am a sucker for any re-interpretation of Taming of the Shrew. And this one was probably more enjoyable than it should have been due to the luscious-don't-call-it-a-comback- L.L. Cool J who licks his lips like NO ONE else. My enjoyment was only hampered by a weak third act which made us say, "Wha?" and "Huh?"

Die Hard Steve Gadd   DVD   Saturday, March 11, 2006 Maybe it was the make-up, but Bruce in "16 Blocks" looked about as old and worn out as Clint Eastwood. We had to restore our memory of his youthful vigor with this classic, in which a skullcrackin' David Addison whups multicultural terrorist butt.

Director's Cut, Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring A Bennett   DVD purchase   Sunday, November 24, 2002 A film at once beautiful, frightening, touching, action-packed and timeless. Whether it is the same as the books or not is immaterial. A work of unqualified perfection, from Sean Bean to Peter Jackson. An unforgettable viewing experience. Someday I will go to New Zealand. Additionally, a film wherein men are not afraid to touch and embrace each other, and exhibit an ethic of care usually proscribed solely to the female of the species.

Dogville Kristin Schrock   DVD   Saturday, January 15, 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.

Donnie Darko Steve Gadd   DVD   Sunday, January 15, 2006 Sure, this was a good movie. It may have lost a point because of the Inflated Expectations factor. Also, whenever a movie has time travel, I have to demand a little more. Significantly, the full-length director's cut didn't seem overlong.

Edge of Madness Kristin Schrock   DVD   Monday, February 10, 2003 Once upon a time Canadian Alice Munro wrote an unremarkable short story, "Wilderness Station." Someone decided to make a movie out of this story, and I was pleased because I like to support Canadian culture. Little did I know that they would make this story into one of the WORST MOVIES EVER (The Scarlet Letter still holds the position as THE worst movie ever. Despite this movie's attempt to dethrone the Scarlet Letter, it retains its title.) And, if you're like me, you might be thinking, "How bad could it be?" and think about seeing it (like watching the Island of Dr. Moroux). But its not even bad in a good way. It's just bad.

Edward Scissorhands Steve Gadd   DVD at home   Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Eight and a Half Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   Saturday, January 03, 2004 Signalling the beginning of Fellini's highly allegorical later period, this is a film essentially about its own making. Undoubtedly chock-full of subtle references, ideas and messages, it is very difficult to track at first, but will no doubt reveal its charms on repeated viewings.

Employee of the Month Steve Gadd   DVD   Sunday, July 31, 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   Saturday, May 24, 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?

Eraserhead Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   Sunday, February 13, 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.

Eternal Sunshine on the Spotless Mind Mike Gadd   dvd rental   Tuesday, August 09, 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.

Everyday People Steve Gadd   DVD   Sunday, July 17, 2005 This HBO feature shows a slice of life in New York as a neighborhood restaurant closes to make way for gentrification.

Facing Windows Steve Gadd   DVD   Sunday, January 01, 2006 I got a disturbing "Lifetime" vibe from this movie, in which all the straight male characters were louts. To be fair, it was quite watchable, with the melodious Italian and beauty of Rome plusses.

Fantastic Four Kristin Schrock   DVD   Monday, December 19, 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.

Far From Heaven Kristin Schrock   DVD   Sunday, May 04, 2003 Despite being very stylish and outstanding performances by Dennis Quaid, Julianne Moore (when she cries she rips your insides out), and Dennis Haysbert, this movie wasn't as good as I was expecting. Of course, since most people I know billed it as the greatest thing since sliced bread, it was sure to disappoint. Sliced bread rocks!

Fellini's Roma Tony Pisarenkov   DVD   Sunday, January 12, 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.

Female Trouble Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   Saturday, June 24, 2006 Vintage John Waters. What less could you want?

Femme Fatale Julie Gephart   DVD   Monday, March 31, 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.

Fitzcarraldo Tony Pisarenkov   DVD chez G&N   Saturday, August 19, 2006 Seeing a film at 2:00 a.m. after a couple of bottles of wine, much less this famously static Herzog/Kinski number, is no way for a respectable person to behave.

Flic ou Voyou Tony Pisarenkov   DVD chez Pisarenkov the Elder   Friday, September 05, 2008 On me dit que j'ai vu ce film à l'age de six ans à Moscou, et que mon père m'a fait entrer clandistenement dans le cinema parce que j'etait trop jeune.

For Your Consideration Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at the in-laws   Thursday, December 25, 2008 Christopher Guest's send-up of Hollywood. Easy target, but has a wider appeal for it.

From Hell Kristin Schrock   DVD   Monday, October 28, 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.

Future War (MST3K version) Tony Pisarenkov   DVD chez C.&S.   Saturday, January 03, 2009 Rating of movie: 1 Rating of MST3K commentary: 8 I forgot how funny those guys could be

Genghis Blues Steve Gadd   DVD   Thursday, November 20, 2003 Very cool documentary on Paul Pena, a San Francisco bluesman who discovered Tuvan throat-singing on shortwave radio. He taught himself the art and joined an expedition to Tannu Tuva, where he competed in a throat-singing contest. Thanks Ray for the loan.

Get Shorty Steve Gadd   DVD   Thursday, January 20, 2005 Is this Dave Barry's favorite movie?

Ghost Dog Kristin Schrock   DVD   Sunday, September 21, 2003 Wow. What a wonderful movie. Droopy eyed Forest Whitacker is an urban samurai, and really to say more than that may give too much of it away. It's wonderful. Go, now, rent it tonight.

Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence Steve Gadd   DVD   Thursday, June 16, 2005 Dazzling, dreamlike animation steal the show in this episode, in which the main characters toy with Philip K. Dick ideas and toss out references to Milton, the Old Testament, and Descartes. I found myself watching the backgrounds most of the time. Beyond a moving car window you don't see a Warner Brothers loop but a rich cityscape passing by with true perspective and focus. Frequently there are short, quiet scenes of exquisite complexity and color which must have been wonderful in the theater.

Ghost Town Steve Gadd   DVD at home   Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Ghoulies 2 Jeff Gadd   dvd   Tuesday, August 05, 2003 Bluckee!! Down the toilet movie. The worst movie ever. Can't believe I watch the whole thing.I seen scarier muppets on Sesame Street then these puppets. A movie u could see on the Mystery Theator 2000.

Gladiator Tony Pisarenkov   DVD   Wednesday, November 27, 2002 Bombastic and melodramatic in true Hollywood fashion, both the story and the characters are shallow and devoid of substance

God is Great, and I'm Not Steve Gadd   DVD   Monday, February 21, 2005 A weak comedy and cure for any residual affection for Audrey Tautou, who plays an annoying brat.

Happy Accidents A Bennett   DVD rental   Wednesday, January 01, 2003 I spent so much of this enchanting film in knots over what I dreaded the ending to be. And then it wasn't as I had dreaded, so I was just left with enchantment. And happy thoughts where Vincent D'Onofrio is concerned. Which is not a bad trade-off, let me tell you. To share the plot would be to spoil the viewing, but I will say: not, exactly, your typical romantic comedy--too many lively discussions of quantum physics for that. :) And an Anthony Michael Hall cameo.

Happy Accidents Kristin Schrock   DVD   Wednesday, January 01, 2003 I think I'm in love with Vincent D'nofrio who perhaps gives the steamiest explanation of the Time Travel (yes, Time Travel) in the history of film. This movie made me wish that I could bear to watch his Law & Order show.

Happy Go Lucky Steve Gadd   DVD   Saturday, March 28, 2009

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets A Bennett   DVD borrowed from Dad   Monday, August 25, 2003 Between this and film one, the children look like they've aged ten years. Seriously. A lot of the acting in these films is not so great. Especially the girl's. The actor who plays Harry seems to have good and bad days--making his performance uneven. Also, I imagine there is a lot of blue screen work, staring into nothing. And we've all seen how that can affect the work of even good actors, such as Ewan MacGregor. The boy playing Ron is the only one who seems to consistently get his character right, but then, maybe Ron's an easier job than the other two. The large mystery of this script, to me, is that the main plot that holds the novel together (Tom Riddle/Ginny Weasley/the diary) is barely dealt with. Adaptations can be hard to get right (see the many treatments of Little Women), but with the kind of budget a film like this must command, and source material that would already seem to lend itself to the screen, you wouldn't think that the credits would roll and you'd feel like something was missing--like you'd watched an illustrated (but not interpreted) version of the novel, paging through fully-realized sets without any emotional investment, save what you brought from your travels among the books. Reading a Harry Potter novel is one of the more enjoyable pasttimes of the last decade. It is a pity and a disappointment that watching a Harry Potter movie is so far less than that.

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

Haunted Mansion Mike Gadd   dvd rental   Friday, January 14, 2005 Eddie Murphy doing the silly dad routine. Special effects weren't too bad. A little creepy at times.

Heat Steve Gadd   DVD at home   Sunday, May 04, 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   Thursday, January 11, 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.

Heist Julie Gephart   DVD Rental   Saturday, November 16, 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.

Heist Steve Gadd   DVD   Friday, February 25, 2005 This movie is a festival of plot holes, wooden acting, and stilted dialogue -- the dialogue apparently director Mamet's trademark (he used a metronome to coach his actors in earlier movies). The opening scene was just fine, why couldn't the rest of the film keep up?

Hero Mike Gadd   dvd rental   Tuesday, January 04, 2005 The Chinese certainly know how to make a beautiful movie. Not always easy to follow, but at least it looks good. I have a hard time appreciating the need for all the peter pan flying around. How is that supposed to fit into the movie? The fighting is amazing enough without having everyone bounce off of treetops and skipping across the lake.

Hitch Steve Gadd   DVD   Sunday, August 14, 2005 This film would be so easy to pitch to a producer. The James Bond of matchmakers runs into Manhattan's most avowedly single tabloid gossip columnists, and sparks fly. The script goes on autopilot. While I'm not a fan of the genre, this kind of movie can be entertaining if the writing is sharp. Alas, the writing, and the movie, were dull.

Hot Fuzz Tony Pisarenkov   DVD chez G&N   Saturday, August 18, 2007 Very, very funny.

House of Games Steve Gadd   DVD   Thursday, November 27, 2003 A psychiatrist gets caught up in a group of con artists who, with the goodwill con artists around the world are known for, agree to take her in and teach her the game. Good chance to see Ricky Jay in action.

House of Sand and Fog Steve Gadd   DVD   Thursday, February 24, 2005 I remember seeing the trailers and thinking that this looked like a bore: some house, the ocean, Gandhi, whatever. But the movie had me hooked halfway through, with its flawed, very human personalities brought together in a realistic scenario -- no gold ingots, car chases, or kidnappings. Great performances, of course. But the tragic twist seemed a bit contrived, a way to engineer the maximum emotional response from the viewer. It's sad all right, but it feels a bit manipulative.

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days Steve Gadd   DVD   Monday, July 21, 2003 "A fabulously fresh and totally entertaining battle of the sexes." Or at least somewhat fresh and mildly entertaining.

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days Mike Gadd   dvd   Wednesday, August 06, 2003 I didn't expect to laugh this hard for this movie. It's not often I have to rewind a movie because I've missed some lines due to a good belly laugh. The two guys from the office had more than their share of good lines. I also enjoyed the 'sensitive movie goer' and the 'old concession stand worker'. The wheels started to fall off at the end but overall it was a pleasant experience.

Ice Age Mike Gadd   DVD at home   Friday, December 27, 2002 Fun for the whole family. We saw it at the theater and the dvd was a christmas present. After the movie was over don't you know we had to watch every minute of bonus material we could squeeze out of disk 2. I enjoyed watching the actors read the parts as much as it did watching the show.

Identity Steve Gadd   DVD   Wednesday, November 24, 2004 This movie gets an extra point for saving us from "The Transporter," which was great in concept but awful in execution. John "Bad Tipper" Cusack plays an ex-cop having a very bad day, a nightmare in fact. You don't have much chance at guessing who the killer is, but the result is satisfying.

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

I'll Sleep When I'm Dead Kristin Schrock   DVD   Sunday, August 07, 2005 From the guy who did the excellent Croupier, this is a bit too slow to be recommended. But, as alwasy, Clive Hot Clive Owen delivers a subtle and compelling performance. The story seemed more suited towards a short-story rather than a movie, though.

In America Kristin Schrock   DVD   Tuesday, June 01, 2004 I think I used to hate Samantha Morton--possibly because she played Jane Eyre in that A&E adaptation. But she's got some chops that will rock your world. This wasn't really what I expected, but a pleasant reprieve from the schlock I normally force upon myself.

In Good Company Kristin Schrock   DVD   Sunday, July 17, 2005 Charming movie that's really a romance between Dennis Quaid and Topher Grace. And, for the most part, it works. My biggest beef--the film used a lot of montages (not a bad thing) which made it seem like a lot of time was passing--but it's unclear how much.

In July Steve Gadd   DVD   Saturday, September 24, 2005 Remember Manni, the hapless thug from Run Lola Run? Here he is a hapless physics teacher whose bedroom Einstein poster and planet models do nothing for his love life. He gets a break when a secret admirer invites him to a party, but he goes home with the wrong woman, then chases her on a road trip from Hamburg, through the Balkans, to Istanbul. Love conquers all, of course, and this film shows that nothing is as reliable as a classic formula. Also has lots of German swearing.

Inside Man Steve Gadd   DVD   Friday, September 29, 2006 Men rob a new way in NYC, but the cop is hip to the MO by the end. Not bad, Mr. Lee.

Insomnia Mike Gadd   dvd at home   Sunday, April 27, 2003 I don't know if Al Pacino got his facelift before or after the filming of this movie but he certainly needed something by the time it was over. Visually stunning and enjoyable throughout. Robin Williams still in his 'I can act serious' mode.

Intolerable Cruelty Kristin Schrock   DVD   Sunday, March 07, 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's A Wonderful Life A Bennett   DVD on a couch down the street   Friday, December 19, 2003 Thank you, DVD, for excellent pause-ability to note the skull on Potter's desk, and the same photos (redressed) of both Peter Bailey and Uncle Billy's dead wife Laura scattered about like Easter Egg points in a driking game for repeat-viewing eyes. Also, why are everyone's names changed in the French audio track? Must Bert become Marcel, and Mary become Madeline? And in the Spanish track, why is it still George and not Jorje? Doubtless, timeless questions to ponder until next year.

Jarhead Steve Gadd   DVD   Saturday, April 15, 2006 You might be under the impression that this is a war movie. No, it's a movie about marines stuck in the desert fighting boredom, and the viewer is drawn right into the struggle. It didn't help that there were frequent reminders of movies like "Full Metal Jacket" and "Apocalypse Now" and "Baraka."

Journey to the Sun Steve Gadd   DVD   Saturday, August 06, 2005 The last half-hour of this film was the only watchable part. It shows the journey in the title; a man driving his friend's coffin to the friend's hometown in eastern Turkey. Starting on the Bosphorus Bridge, there are some dramatic views through the countryside. The rest had nothing to recommend it. On top of everything, the transfer (from Facets Video) was the worst I've ever seen, hardly better than VCD quality.

Joy Ride Julie Gephart   DVD Rental   Saturday, November 16, 2002 This film was fine and average for what it aimed to be, which was a brainless scary movie. It certainly wasn't the most scary movie ever, and I did have to put up with looking at the loathsome Leelee Sobieski, but there were some witty lines and a scary trucker, and that's good enough.

Junk Kristin Schrock   DVD   Saturday, November 08, 2003 A japanese zombie movie wherein the American military is evil (natch) and everyone just stands there and waits to be eaten by the zombies that slowly, ever so slowly (there are the undead, after all) creep towards them. Fun because it's so very bad. Also, even though you've been terrorized by the living dead, seen your friends get eaten, you can still laugh at the end and drive away in a brand new Corvette.

Kill Bill: Volume One Julie Gephart   DVD rental   Wednesday, July 07, 2004 Once we got to Japan, this had to be the most beautiful violence I’ve ever seen. However, it was not one of my better ideas to watch during dinner.

Kinsey Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   Friday, November 25, 2005 A very good bio-pic of Alfred Kinsey, with both Liam Neeson and Laura Linney doing great jobs in the lead roles. Any complaints, though real, become infinitsemal in the face of the overall quality of the film. Highly recommended.

Koyaanisqatsi Steve Gadd   DVD at home   Saturday, November 23, 2002 An arresting and unique combination of time-lapse, slow motion, and stock film with a Philip Glass soundtrack. In part a documentary on technology, in part a medatative experience. Thanks to Gareth for the gift.

La Femme Nikita Steve Gadd   DVD   Tuesday, August 02, 2005 The music now seems a bit dated, like "Terminator," but it's still a classic thriller.

Lantana Kristin Schrock   DVD   Sunday, August 21, 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   Sunday, January 19, 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.

Left Behind Mike Gadd   dvd at home   Saturday, June 07, 2003 You would think that all the money the writers of this series have made that they could have thrown a little at the movie production studio. The actors seem to be trying hard, but after buying the cameras theres nothing in the budget for special effects (claymation can't be that expensive, can it?). Like the book series though, I imagine we'll stay with the movie sequels just to see how close they stay to the story.

Legally Blonde Mike Gadd   dvd at home   Saturday, June 28, 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.

Life Aquatic with Steve Zassou Mike Gadd   dvd rental   Monday, August 08, 2005 I don't know what happened. Maybe I was hoping for a sequel to 'Lost in Translation'. Everything I heard going in was just what I was looking for. Even as I read the user comments on imdb I'm wondering if I need to see it again. It just didn't do anything for me. Sure, I remember Jacques Cousteau and the red hat. I heard the David Bowie songs in Portuguese. Cate Blanchett is a fine actress. Bill Murray can deadpan. 1+1+1+1 didn't equal a good movie for me. I did enjoy the cross-section of the ship as they walked through it. There were a couple of lines that made me smile. Maybe I'll enjoy my other rental more.

Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou Kristin Schrock   DVD   Sunday, May 15, 2005 I'm a big fan of Wes Anderson--and I'd say that bad Wes Anderson is still pretty good. This is a bit too much like Rushmore and Royal Tenenbaums for comfort. That being said--it's not a bad way to spend the time. Also, I do love me some Jeff Goldblum. High points--David Bowie in Portugese and a shout-out to Shackleton.

Lilo and Stitch Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at Liz & Rick's   Sunday, July 06, 2003 Not that there is anything wrong with feature-length animation per se, but Disney feature-length animation is a different question. A couple of humorous moments and a subtle visual pun on a Norman Rockwell painting at the end fail to save this profoundly conventional cartoon with a nauseating feel-good story and toothless, classically Disney animation style. I suppose the Stitch character, surprisingly Japanese-looking, is reasonably creative, what with his extra pair of retractable arms.

Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels Steve Gadd   DVD   Sunday, July 24, 2005 This was the first test of Yahoo's recommendations tool, which suggests titles based on your ratings of movies you have seen. This Guy Richie movie was on page two of the recommended comedies list, down below "Clerks" and "Trainspotting," and was still pretty good. Like "Snatch," it had a big cast, several stories converging together, and accents thick enough to make subtitles helpful.

Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring Mike Gadd   dvd at home   Tuesday, March 18, 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 Two Towers Extended version Mike Gadd   dvd at home   Saturday, December 27, 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 Mike Gadd   DVD rental   Saturday, June 19, 2004 I'm still looking for someone I know who saw this movie and liked it as much as I did. 'Where was the plot?' and 'Nothing happened!' was their comments. They missed the point entirely. Bill Murray was wonderful here and the direction and writing were on target. The subtle, wry humor was right down my alley, too. Loved the scene in the hospital waiting room where Bill is trying to pass the time communicating with the tiny old person next to him and the two women sitting behind them are trying deperately not to burst out laughing as they eavedrop on the attempted conversation.

Love Leaves by the Foot Tony Pisarenkov   DVD chez G&N   Sunday, August 19, 2007 Every day, in remote corners all over America, people are making movies. At least the soundtrack was killer.

Marat/Sade Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   Saturday, March 01, 2008 I suppose it takes the Royal Shakespeare Company to peddle sixties' counterculture as delivered by insane asylum inmates in early XIX-century France.

Maria Full of Grace Steve Gadd   DVD   Monday, May 30, 2005 Fed up with her job de-thorning roses, Maria decides to take a chance and smuggle 62 packets of cocaine in her stomach.

Meet the Fockers Steve Gadd   DVD   Sunday, May 29, 2005 Just about what you would expect.

Men in Black 2 Kristin Schrock   DVD (at my Brother's house)   Saturday, November 30, 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   Monday, January 13, 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   Saturday, January 18, 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.

Midnight Cowboy Tony Pisarenkov   DVD   Saturday, January 18, 2003 A brilliant early example of Dustin Hoffman's genius, but even beyond that, despite a relative absence of depth and a lack of concern (admittedly intentional) with truly timeless themes, the film manages to keep your interest, partly due to a successful effort to avoid the obvious. Oh, did I mention Dustin Hoffman is brilliant?

Million Dollar Baby Steve Gadd   DVD   Friday, August 19, 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.

Minority Report Steve Gadd   DVD at home   Tuesday, February 25, 2003 Cool movie, great effects, good story. If there is any Philip K. Dick material out there that has not yet been converted to film, let's have it!

Minority Report Mike Gadd   dvd rental   Sunday, June 01, 2003 A full movie experience. Fun to watch and certainly one to get the brain juices working. There's issues with the whole idea of changing the future after seeing what's coming. Short Tom Cruise sees something bad that's going to happen 36 hours into his future so he runs around trying to stop it from occuring. He's told that he has kicked off a series of events that will lead to this event. Now, if he hadn't seen what the future held then he wouldn't have been running around trying to stop it. Would it have still happened? Who knows. I really enjoyed the eye scanning spiders.

Misery Jeff Gadd   DVD   Monday, January 27, 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!!!

Monsoon Wedding Kristin Schrock   DVD   Saturday, February 08, 2003 I thought this was going to be a comedy. It wasn't. At all. The story of three people in India in the midst of wedding preparation of an arranged marriage. Some angst. Some marigold eating. Good music. Although the white subtitles were difficult to read at times.

Monster's Ball Steve Gadd   DVD at home   Tuesday, November 19, 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.

Motel Hell Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at Chad & Suzanne's   Saturday, June 28, 2003 One star for Nina Axelrod in a wet t-shirt

My Big Fat Greek Wedding Steve Gadd   DVD   Thursday, July 10, 2003 Still enjoyable on second viewing.

National Treasure Steve Gadd   DVD   Monday, July 18, 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."

Nico Icon Tony Pisarenkov   DVD   Friday, March 14, 2003 An excellent documentary on Nico (nee Krista Paffgen), the sometime lead singer of the Velvet Underground and an habituee of Andy Warhol's Factory in its heyday. She was perhaps the most underappreciated influence on the world of Goth and a relentless perpetuator of Left Bank bohemian ideals.

Nine Queens (Nueve Reinas) Steve Gadd   DVD   Monday, October 10, 2005 A small time con man teams up with a master to pull off a once-in-a-lifetime operation. Naturally, things get interesting you start to wonder who is scamming who. Filmed in Buenos Aires just before things got really bad there.

Nói Steve Gadd   DVD   Friday, March 11, 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.

Old Boy Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   Saturday, June 03, 2006 One of the best treatments of revenge I've seen in a long time. Great story, and very well made to boot. Highly recommended.

Old School Kristin Schrock   DVD   Saturday, March 27, 2004 To counter the "good film" pick of American Splendor, rented this. I was curious (despite bad reviews) because I adore Luke Wilson and Vince Vaughn. Surprisingly, Luke Wilson is a bit of a dud as the straight man, but Vince Vaughn and Will Farrell elicit a few chuckles. There may be some misogynistic undertones in this, but I'm choosing not to think about it too much.

One Hour Photo Mike Gadd   dvd at home   Monday, March 31, 2003 Robin Williams makes a wonderful nutjob. Tightly filmed and intense at times.

Only Human Steve Gadd   DVD   Friday, October 20, 2006 Funny variation on "Big Fat Greek Wedding" in Spanish.

Personal Velocity Kristin Schrock   DVD   Sunday, July 13, 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.

Phone Booth Kristin Schrock   DVD   Saturday, September 06, 2003 I picked this one up because I thought it would be a fun-bad movie. And it wasn't that great, but I had expected it to be worse. Which was kind of disappointing in a way. But in the end, it was kind of stupid. But, you've got to love the Velvety Sutherland.

Pieces of April Kristin Schrock   DVD   Saturday, April 03, 2004 A surprisingly affective movie. Katie Holmes (the bad daughter) invites her family to one last thanksgiving (her mother is dying of cancer). Her stove breaks and she has to scatter to cook the turkey. A bit predictable, sometimes funny, and a surprisingly sad/bittersweet ending. Often times the family dynamics were too familiar to be funny. Keep the tissues handy for the ending. Patricia Clarkson, you are my hero.

Pink Flamingos Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   Saturday, July 01, 2006 If something like this can put someone on the map, anything can. But is it a map onto which one would want to be put? For John Waters, the answer is a resounding "yes."

Pirates of the Caribbean Steve Gadd   DVD   Wednesday, May 12, 2004 Entertaining as promised.

Polyester Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   Saturday, September 23, 2006 The slog through the John Waters box set continues.

Possession A Bennett   DVD - 2003 Jeremy Northam Film Festival   Saturday, February 15, 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   Sunday, February 16, 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.

Primer Steve Gadd   DVD   Sunday, June 05, 2005 This movie, something of a vanity project for writer / director / actor / producer / editor / composer Shane Carruth, keeps you wondering what is going on from beginning to end. Unfortunately, the plot is so opaque that by the end you are helplessly lost. Thankfully, IMDB forum members have watched it six or seven times and wrote up handy plot guides to spell out the timeline. It's actually a very clever film and very well done on a low budget. It uses a hackneyed scifi plot element but expertly avoids the pseudo-technical mumbo jumbo that is usual in the genre.

Psycho Beach Party Kristin Schrock   DVD   Wednesday, September 21, 2005 A spoof of 50/60's Beach movies, specifically Gidget. Much more entertaining and funny than it has any right to be--mostly due to the talents of the lead, Lauren Ambrose (of Six Feet Under fame).

Punch-Drunk Love Kristin Schrock   DVD   Sunday, August 03, 2003 I'm not exactly sure what to make of this. It's interesting. Adam Sandler actually portrays a believable character whose loneliness is almost too much to bear. Is it possible that he's actually an actor? There's a wonderful scene where Barry (that's Adam Sandler) is in the grocery store and he sort of begs the products, "Just tell me what I need," as though he could buy something to fill the void. And I love Phillip Seymour Hoffman who only gets a small role here that mostly involves a lot of yelling and swearing. However, despite the fact that Barry has some problems, the film wants us to believe that falling in love will make everything better.

Punisher Kristin Schrock   DVD   Saturday, January 08, 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.

Rabbits Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   Monday, March 20, 2006 I considered recommending that interested parties see it for themselves here but decided against it.

Red Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   Sunday, February 15, 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.

Red Eye Kristin Schrock   DVD   Sunday, January 29, 2006 Servicable thriller. I didn't quite buy the shift from crying victim to kick-a** herione. But it did feature Veronica Mars' Beaver (the character) credited as "Headphone Kid's brother".

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

Requiem for a Dream Tony Pisarenkov   DVD   Sunday, February 16, 2003 Just when you thought that everything that could be said cinematically about drug abuse has been said, along comes Darren Aronofsky's "Requiem for a Dream." The requisite teenagers shooting up and where it gets them are here, and they are portrayed very well, but the real power lies in Sara Goldfarb's (Ellen Burstyn) story -- drugs, certainly, but not in the way you've come to expect. Things get surreal to the point of trippiness, but amazingly, and mercifully, fail to contribute any kitsch factor. One of the most physically powerful and visceral films in recent, and maybe not so recent, memory.

Reservoir Dogs Steve Gadd   DVD   Wednesday, January 12, 2005 Despite inflated expectations, this movie held up well. Story, storytelling, and dialog make it work.

Rollerball (1970 Version) Kristin Schrock   DVD   Saturday, June 19, 2004 Better than I expected--corporations are evil, 'mkay, but humanity cannot be repressed forever as Rollerball Star James Caan resists the corporate directive to retire. The Rollerball games are overlong and it's somewhat predictable, but not a bad way to spend a cable-less evening.

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

Run Lola Run Steve Gadd   DVD   Thursday, March 03, 2005 Little more than an extended music video, this film has just the right color and tempo for a nice cinematic buzz.

Run Ronnie Run Jaqi Ross   DVD   Sunday, April 04, 2004 Both Bob and David (the creators) agree that all in all, the movie is not that great. While it definitely has some very funny moments, the current cut of the movie that is out there being screened and traded on the internet, just isn't that good.

Schultze Gets The Blues Steve Gadd   DVD   Saturday, October 22, 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.

Scooby Doo Julie Gephart   DVD I was forced to watch   Tuesday, July 08, 2003 I’m pretty sure this movie lasted for at least seven hours. Any movie that contains a scene consisting entirely of people farting is right off my list.

Scotland, PA Kristin Schrock   DVD   Wednesday, September 03, 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!

Secret Window Steve Gadd   DVD   Friday, March 25, 2005 Stephen King wrote this story about an author and a psycho, violent reader who makes his life miserable. Another movie that blends reality and fantasy to provide an easy way out.

Secretary Kristin Schrock   DVD   Sunday, April 27, 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.

Sex, Lies, and Videotape Steve Gadd   DVD   Wednesday, August 10, 2005 I forgot to add this title to the list after watching it, which should tell you something. If I understand correctly, Hollywood got stuck in a rut once they were allowed to show people in bed and use colorful language. In 1989 Steven Soderbergh kickstarted the "indie" movement with this picture, preparing the way for "Pulp Fiction." James Spader does make things interesting with his quirky expressions, but for most of the duration this was a movie that I wanted to enjoy more than I actually enjoyed.

Shark Tale Steve Gadd   DVD   Monday, June 06, 2005 Without the voice talent, this movie would have been dead in the water.

Shaun of the Dead Kristin Schrock   DVD   Monday, February 14, 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).

Shaun of the Dead Tony Pisarenkov   DVD chez C&S   Sunday, February 17, 2008 More cute than funny.

Shrek Steve Gadd   DVD   Wednesday, May 11, 2005 Cute. Not as technically accomplished as "The Incredibles," but with more double entendres and fart jokes.

Signs Mike Gadd   dvd at home   Friday, May 09, 2003 Why not watch it again? It's one of my favorites. Just about the perfect movie. The story, acting, special fx, etc. was all I could hope for in a movie. I'll be in line for the next M. Night movie.

Sin City Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   Friday, December 16, 2005 In our endless search for authenticity in art and boundless disdain for anything ever remotely commercial, we forget that there is a lot to be said for first-rate entertainment.

Sliding Doors Steve Gadd   DVD   Saturday, February 12, 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.

Something's Gotta Give Mike Gadd   Dvd rental   Tuesday, July 27, 2004 Not a bad movie overall. Certainly well acted though the wailing got old after a while. It seemed that Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton's faces were distorted using claymation at times. Something not quite right at watching old people make out either.

Spiderman Mike Gadd   DVD at home   Tuesday, December 31, 2002 New Years Eve viewing with the kids. A fun movie not unlike the first Batman. Good special fx with the web swinger sailing through downtown NYC. From what I hear it stayed true to the comic book.

Spongebob Squarepants: The Movie Kristin Schrock   DVD (rented for an 8 year old)   Friday, April 01, 2005 I enjoy the Spongebob cartoon. The movie seemed overlong and there was singing--but, dude, David Hasselhoff. It's really no wonder that the Germans love him so.

Spring Forward Kristin Schrock   DVD   Monday, September 30, 2002 I love Liev Schreiber. I don't love him enough to suffer through Jakob the Liar, so I do have standards. I don't think this indie ever got theatrical distribution. It's basically Liev and Ned Beatty talking in these lovely vignettes. It's beautifully filmed; it's surprising; and Liev is so very tall.

Spy Game Steve Gadd   DVD at home   Wednesday, August 28, 2002 At least half of this movie takes place in a conference room, but it still manages to keep your interest. Some of the flashback scenes were a bit underdeveloped, but the complex storyline keeps you guessing.

Supersize Me Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   Friday, July 22, 2005 Very entertaining and mildly eye-opening even for a food-obsessed viewer like myself. Shocking for some, no doubt. Highly recommended.

Supersize Me Steve Gadd   DVD   Thursday, August 11, 2005 With its light touch and sharp editing, this exposé was more entertaining and less heavyhanded than expected. (Thanks, Tony, for the encouraging nudge.)

Superstar: The Life and Times of Andy Warhol Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   Monday, September 18, 2006 Falls a bit flat as a piece of documentary filmmaking, but has its moments, and the subject matter is fascinating enough to make me want to seek out a good biography.

Sweet Smell of Success Kristin Schrock   DVD   Sunday, March 02, 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.

Talk to Her Steve Gadd   DVD   Wednesday, June 25, 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.

Terminal Steve Gadd   DVD   Saturday, December 04, 2004 Another one man show for Tom Hanks, this one with minor characters more interesting than a volleyball.

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines Kristin Schrock   DVD at my Brother's House with no pumpkin pie   Saturday, November 29, 2003 This movie worked hard to explain why there's a third movie when "judgment day" was stopped in T2. Except we all knew there had to be a war against the machines, otherwise there can be no John Conner--his father's from the future. Competent enough, but I did miss bad a** Linda Hamilton.

The Battle of Algiers Steve Gadd   DVD   Monday, February 21, 2005 A celebrated documentaty shot on location, telling the story of the uprising leading to Algerian independence from France.

The Big Bounce Kristin Schrock   DVD   Saturday, October 02, 2004 Oh, Owen Wilson. You disappoint me. I think we might have to break-up now.

The Big Lebowski Tony Pisarenkov   DVD chez G&N   Saturday, August 23, 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 Birdcage Steve Gadd   DVD   Sunday, May 08, 2005 Maybe not quite as funny the second time because of inflated memories of how funny it was the first time.

The Bourne Identity Mike Gadd   dvd at home   Wednesday, July 23, 2003 If someone had just told me that this movie has almost nothing to do with the book I would have seen it sooner. I had heard from enough people how good it was but none of them had read the book. I also remember how disappointed I was with the tv movie. Richard Chaimberlain is no Jason Bourne. Matt Damon... much better. He nailed the "I'm beating you up, but I don't know how or why I'm doing it" look on his face. The story was fine and I was only mildly distracted looking for Carlos the Jackel to come jumping out from behind a tree. The laser pointer bank code was a nice upgrade from the microfilm in the hip.

The Bourne Supremacy Steve Gadd   DVD   Wednesday, December 08, 2004 A good follow-up, with good car chases and music. Not much resemblance to the books (Carlos?). And one glaring goof, from imdb: Errors in geography: When Bourne visits his ex-colleague in Berlin, the bird singing in the background is an American thrush, probably a Wood Thrush.

The Brothers Grimm Kristin Schrock   DVD   Sunday, February 12, 2006 Something went terribly wrong with this movie. It has weird tonal shifts, uneven pacing, and bad CGI. Interesting premise executed poorly.

The Butterfly Effect Steve Gadd   DVD   Wednesday, July 27, 2005 This was another Yahoo recommendation. The "go back in time to fix a problem and create more problems" idea is rich but not particularly original, and this movie handles it just well enough to be engaging.

The City of Lost Children Tony Pisarenkov   DVD chez G&N, Ann Arbor, MI   Monday, October 03, 2005 Jenet and Caro are in top form with their grotesque hijinx, although it's not quite as twisted as Delicatessen. The sets alone make it worth seeing, to say nothing of Jean-Louis Tritignant starring as a brain in an aquarium.

The Corpse Vanishes Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   Friday, October 31, 2008 Do you mean to tell me that this Dr. Lorenz is both a hypnotist and a horticulturalist?!

The Crossing Guard Steve Gadd   DVD at home   Sunday, October 20, 2002 Jack Nicholson waits six years for his daughter's DWI killer to be released from jail so he can finally kill him. Unfortunately, he forgets to put bullets in his gun and blows his big chance. So he tells the guilt-ridden killer he will come back for him in three days. Implausible plot, unbelievable and undeveloped characters, and a corny finale broadcast in advance. Not even Jack can rescue this weak Sean Penn effort.

The DaVinci Code Natalie Williams   DVD at home   Monday, February 05, 2007 I love the subject, and the movie was ok... kind of hard to do justice to the book. The extras were great tho!

The Day After Tomorrow Mike Gadd   DVD rental   Saturday, October 30, 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 Decalogue, parts 1-3 Steve Gadd   DVD   Thursday, March 03, 2005 Krzysztof Kieslowski, celebrated for his "Three Colors" trilogy, in 1989 created a ten-part series for Polish television based on the Ten Commandments. Each episode is an hourlong drama involving the residents of a rather dismal apartment building in Warsaw. The commandments themselves are never mentioned, but the very human stories have a Slavic sensibility reminiscent of the great Russian writers.

The Dreams of Sparrows Steve Gadd   DVD   Monday, July 25, 2005 Apparently intending to show what life is really like there, a couple of Iraqis carried video cameras around Baghdad and Fallujah. Unfortunately, the result is a themeless, positionless collection of home videos. We see carefully diverse opinion pieces from taxi drivers, shopkeepers, the film crew, local artists, and (most embarassingly) inmates of an asylum. Some love Bush, some hate Bush, nothing more interesting or provocative than you can hear anywhere. From time to time we get a helicopter flyby or some car bomb aftermath, exactly the sort of TV news coverage the director decries at the outset. One of the producers was killed before the film was completed, this is the only war tragedy that registers with any feeling. Even the title is left unexplained. While it must be supremely difficult to film in Iraq, the famous advice of Robert Capa holds true: "If your pictures aren't good enough, you're not close enough."

The Edge of Heaven Steve Gadd   DVD   Saturday, December 15, 2007 Not my favorite of Fatih Akin's work, but enjoyable enough.

The Firm Steve Gadd   DVD   Tuesday, June 24, 2003 The abridgement and distortion may have been necessary to bring this novel to the screen, but it just doesn't create the same suspense. What made the viewing worthwhile was the weird deja vu feeling of seeing a Tom Cruise character lose all of his life's anchors, struggle to figure out what is going on and what to do while maintaining the appearance of normalcy -- a prefigurement of the role he would play six years later in Eyes Wide Shut.

The French Connection Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   Sunday, November 19, 2006 Classic suspense from a time when even an Oscar-winning Hollywood blockbuster could deprive you of any satisfaction at the end.

The Game Steve Gadd   DVD   Sunday, January 30, 2005 There's nothing like watching this movie for the first time, and it's almost as much fun watching it with someone else who hasn't seen it.

The Good Girl Steve Gadd   DVD   Thursday, July 03, 2003 I haven't been able to put my finger on what I liked about this movie. It was a simple story with convincing characters and good pacing, I guess that was enough. A couple of glasses of wine probably didn't hurt either.

The Good Thief Ray Hunley   DVD   Saturday, August 30, 2003 Nolte at his rumpled best The first third of the movie seems to be one extended murky mumble, but once Bob Montagne (Nick Nolte) gets himself cleaned up, things snap into crisp focus. There's only nodding (but fond) concession to heist flick cliche, and the ending manages to be satisfying while thwarting expectations. Oh, and Montagne demonstrates his non-innumeracy without flaunting it - that's worth a full rating point right there. The relationship between Bob and Roger, the cop trying to head off his robbery, recalls that of Rick and Capt. Renault in Casablanca. Synchronicitously enough, the other film we watched this weekend, Adaption, made an explicit point of drawing comparisons between Casablanca and itself.

The Graduate Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   Saturday, October 06, 2007 I am not sure what I expected, exactly, but it wasn't this.

The Heist Kristin Schrock   DVD   Saturday, March 01, 2003 This gets low marks just because a David Mamet movie should be better. Julie was right. This one is dull beyond belief. The writing is good, but it seems false coming out of the actor's mouths--Sam Rockwell not withstanding. He is always good even with a silly mustache.

The Hills Have Eyes (2006) Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   Saturday, September 29, 2007 I haven't seen the original, but the remake definitely gets some points for sheer creepiness, and the fact that the cute girl isn't the first to die.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Kristin Schrock   DVD   Saturday, December 24, 2005 There was something missing from this movie. I think it was silliness. There's an opening song with Dolphins that I think captured the essence of the book--but it didn't last. Sam Rockwell, as always, was wonderful.

The Hot Chick Kristin Schrock   DVD   Saturday, August 13, 2005 It was funny, okay? I laughed. Out loud. And often. Is that so wrong? Look, I don't have to justify myself to you people.

The House on Haunted Hill Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   Saturday, June 21, 2003 Things we do for love...

The Incredibles Steve Gadd   DVD   Thursday, May 05, 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 International Steve Gadd   DVD   Thursday, June 11, 2009 The glossy international scenes and shootout at the Guggenheim fail to make up for the synthetic story and wooden performances.

The Italian Job Steve Gadd   DVD   Sunday, October 26, 2003 Very entertaining execution of the career-ending-heist-spoiled-by-turncoat-partner-sweet-revenge formula. Includes a one-hour and fifty minute commercial for the Mini Cooper.

The Italian Job A Bennett   DVD rental for 2004 "Marky-thon"   Sunday, January 04, 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 Italian Job Kristin Schrock   DVD--Marky Mark Double Feature   Sunday, January 04, 2004 A fun romp that didn't have nearly enough kissing. When you have two attractive leads, it only seems logical that they should lock lips. But, this did continue the tradition of featuring Edward Norton in his underwear.

The Ladykillers Kristin Schrock   DVD   Sunday, November 21, 2004 Not the comedy the previews led you to believe, but a fun movie regardless with a few chuckles--of the dark variety. Also fun to view it in French (Hooray for the DVD!). The movie hinges on the eccentric characters that make up this movie universe. Tom Hanks is in the role originated by Sir Alec Guiness is in fine form--but, of course, now I'm curious about the original. And if you look closely, you'll see Bruce Campbell who is on screen for maybe two seconds--but I'd recognize that chin anywhere.

The Last Samurai Steve Gadd   DVD   Saturday, May 07, 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 Lord of the Rings Mike Gadd   dvd at home   Tuesday, September 03, 2002 Superb adaptation of the book. I only wish I'd seen it on the big screen.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Eric   DVD this time, but 3x on the big screen previously   Friday, August 30, 2002 We can't have LOTR and A Beautiful Mind ranked the same now, can we? No, I say! This movie rekindled my love of Tolkien. It exceeded my expectations by miles and miles. Beautiful locations, wonderful acting, and a script that has its finger right on Tolkien's pulse. My favorite movie so far, and thus a perfect opportunity to see if the scale really _does_ go to 11 as Nigel, er Steve, claims.

The Machinist Steve Gadd   DVD   Monday, August 01, 2005 With its gloomy lighting, odd angles, moody music, and plausibly disturbing premise, this movie is more effective at creating tension than anything I've seen from David Lynch. There are lots of clever touches in the dialog, backgrounds, even the title, and a story that evokes Dostoyevsky and Hitchcock.

The Magdalene Sisters Steve Gadd   DVD   Monday, August 15, 2005 The documentary value of this picture came mostly from the titles before the end credits. As a movie, it is a conventional prison-break story, appropriately but a bit unrelentingly sad. An extra point for the Gibson Girl looks and acerbic sarcasm of Nora-Jane Noone's character.

The Maltese Falcon Steve Gadd   DVD   Sunday, June 08, 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 Maltese Falcon Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   Tuesday, September 16, 2008 Nice visuals made for a good mood piece, but I forgot just how hokey and lame the dialog was.

The Manchurian Candidate Steve Gadd   DVD   Friday, January 07, 2005 Take some shadowy government agents, corrupt politicians, a hero fighting for justice against the odds. Stir, bake, and title.

The Matrix Mike Gadd   dvd at home   Saturday, April 26, 2003 A final viewing before enjoying part 2 next month. I don't like giving out perfect scores, but this one earned it with bells on.

The Matrix Julie Gephart   DVD at home   Friday, May 16, 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 Million Dollar Hotel Steve Gadd   DVD   Thursday, February 17, 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 Pianist Kristin Schrock   DVD   Sunday, June 08, 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 Pianist Ray Hunley   DVD   Sunday, June 15, 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 Prestige Steve Gadd   DVD   Saturday, March 24, 2007 Middling magic drama, overworked plot devices, Ricky Jay cameo.

The Professional Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   Monday, October 15, 2007 Seriously intense and very powerful. Quite possibly the best action film I've ever seen; certainly the best that is a serious drama at the same time. I'm surprised I was only vaguely aware of it until now. Edit: This is the 1994 film with Jean Reno, titled Leon in France, not the 1981 one with Belmondo.

The Quiet American Steve Gadd   DVD   Sunday, September 14, 2003 A love triangle slowly unravels in Saigon. Graham Greene's understated drama works well without being showy.

The Ring Mike Gadd   dvd at home   Monday, March 31, 2003 Visually interesting and not a horrible movie. The mood was enhanced by watching it at midnight. It would have rated about a 4 or 5 except for the last 15 minutes that got my attention.

The Ring Julie Gephart   DVD   Saturday, October 18, 2003 I was worried, because I don’t really watch scary movies anymore, but it all turned out ok. Interesting, but not too scary. It also helps to always plan to sit next to someone who is going to be way more scared than you are.

The Road to Perdition Mike Gadd   dvd at home   Saturday, March 29, 2003 Not exactly the feel-good movie of the year but still well done. The acting was solid (especially the boy - I'm always impressed when a young person acts like a normal young person and not a grown up version of one; see: Signs, The Sixth Sense). The perfect ending would have happened 10 minutes before the actual one.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show Julie Gephart   DVD   Saturday, October 18, 2003 Now I’m not an expert at the child-rearing, but it did seem a little odd to me that people had their three year old daughter watching this with us. I guess It’s never too early to learn about orgies and disembowelment! This seems in theory like a movie I should enjoy, but for some reason I’ve just always really hated it.

The Rookie Mike Gadd   dvd at home   Sunday, May 11, 2003 One of the best sports movies out there. I realize it's been jazzed up for Hollywood but at least they used real athletes to throw the ball around. Based on a true story, I remember following this guy's stats in the paper after the days he would pitch. It was quite an achievement.

The Spanish Apartment Steve Gadd   DVD   Wednesday, February 16, 2005 An uptight French student spends a year in Barcelona, staying in an apartment packed with other students from around Europe. Various tragicomic and coming-of-age related activities ensue. Audrey Tautou had a minor role, and the other characters were merely interesting, but the diverse accents and languages and the beautiful city made the movie worth watching.

The Statement Kristin Schrock   DVD   Saturday, July 16, 2005 I did not enjoy the book on which this movie's based. But I had hoped the movie would be better--I was wrong. The story of a Nazi Collaborator with the Vichy Government who evaded persecution with the help of the Catholic Church. Now he's being hunted by a jewish group as well as the French Government. You'd think it would be better. The highlight was watching Tilda Swinton and Jeremy Northam (as French investigators) working together. Excellent actors in a dull movie.

The Station Agent Steve Gadd   DVD   Thursday, March 24, 2005 More evidence that you can make a good movie with the basic ingredients: a few interesting characters, a little bit of story, and some originality.

The Straight Story Steve Gadd   DVD   Tuesday, May 03, 2005 David Lynch and Disney team up to present -- that's right, David Lynch and Disney -- to present the story of Alvin Straight, who at age 73 decided to reconcile with his ailing brother. Without a driver's license and stubbornly independent, he rode his John Deere lawnmower for five weeks to make the trip. Lynch's musical collaborator Angelo Badalamenti adapts to the easygoing pace nicely, adding a folksy score with few hints of spookiness.

The Sum of All Fears Steve Gadd   DVD   Sunday, September 14, 2003 Strange how the main plot of extremists sparking a war of nuclear powers is so convincing, but the details are so unrealistic. The director of the CIA can't be reached by his top lieutenant because he can't hear his cell phone at a football game. A bit later, after a nuclear explosion, the hero has no problem making cell phone calls from ground zero, though it's no use to the director, who dies abandoned in a dark corner of a hospital while doctors do "whatever they can" for hopelessly injured victims.

The Sunshine State Kristin Schrock   DVD   Saturday, August 02, 2003 Everybody is in this: Miguel Ferrer, Lt. Fancy from NYPD Blue, Edie Falco, and even the Blucas (Riley from Buffy) does an okay job as a golf pro. It has intertwining stories of the residents of a Florida beach community where developers are trying to buy up the property. The metaphors and speechifying are a bit much at times (otherwise it would've gotten a 9), but there's something about a John Sayles movie--you can tell he's confident in the story and he doesn't feel the need to rush anything. He just lets the words do the work. And it's always nice to see Timothy Hutton doing good work. And we learn that the important thing to remember is to smile, even when you're drowning.

The Triplets of Bellville Tony Pisarenkov   DVD chez G&N, Ann Arbor, MI   Tuesday, October 04, 2005 French mafia kidnapping professional cyclists to use as slave labor in a bookie operation? It would be cool even if it wasn't animated.

The Truth About Charlie Kristin Schrock   DVD--Marky Mark Double Feature   Friday, January 02, 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 Visitor Steve Gadd   DVD   Sunday, March 29, 2009

The Way of the Gun Steve Gadd   DVD   Saturday, September 17, 2005 With a screenplay by the guy who wrote "The Usual Suspects," this movie has a large cast of shady characters with shifting loyalties. But this story of a kidnapping gone wrong wasn't as cool or surprising.

The Wild One Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   Friday, May 19, 2006 Who would have thought that (1) Lee Marvin could outact Marlon Brando in his sleep and (2) something so legendary could suck so badly?

The Woodsman Steve Gadd   DVD   Thursday, July 14, 2005 You have to respect a director for taking on a toxic subject. The result is a must-see for fans of Kevin Bacon, whose spectral presence is underplayed to perfection. The movie also inspired me to reread the second half of Chapter 41 of Cryptonomicon, Tom Howard's dissertation on black stockings.

Thumbsucker Kristin Schrock   DVD   Sunday, January 29, 2006 It's a bit too in love with itself--with it's disaffected teen-coming of age-plot. But Tilda Swinton plays said disaffected teen's mom--and I'll pretty much watch her in anything.

Timeline Kristin Schrock   DVD   Sunday, April 25, 2004 Oh, man. This movie is SO bad it's wonderful. There's some time travel, some nifty circular time loop pot holes which are always fun, and Atilla the Hun (Gerard Butler) stealing the movie away from the pretty-plastic boy from the Fast and the Furious. Dopey, silly, and for the most part non-sensical with people in the Middle Ages having the WHITEST TEETH EVER. Fun times (but not as much fun as Congo, another Michael Crichton book-turned-movie).

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

Top Secret Tony Pisarenkov   DVD chez Charles and Shelby   Tuesday, July 22, 2003 Still hysterically funny after all these years. A masterpiece of slapstick. So densely packed with non-sequitur gags that it keeps you on your toes the whole time. Just what I needed after a week in a Ryder truck.

Trainspotting Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   Saturday, October 29, 2005 Has some visual and stylistic appeal, and I suppose the main character/narrator's non-chalance about dying babies and such is powerful in its own way, but cult following material? I think not.

Two Weeks Notice Kristin Schrock   DVD (part of a movie-tastic weekend)   Saturday, May 03, 2003 Not as bad as I expected, this one is above par because of Hugh Grant, who talks so fast he's clearly channeling Cary Grant, and Sandra Bullock who is game for anything (although they want to convince us that she's not pretty, what's up with that?). This wants to be like His Girl Friday and it comes as close to any other modern rom-com. Also it gets props because the resolution didn't involve the humiliation of the woman.

Vanilla Sky Steve Gadd   DVD   Wednesday, February 23, 2005 The "what is dream and what is reality" has been done before (see Cronenberg) but this remake has nice production values, and I really like the finale.

We Don't Live Here Anymore Steve Gadd   DVD   Monday, May 02, 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.

What About Bob Mike Gadd   Dvd purchased at Target for $5.50   Tuesday, August 10, 2004 An old favorite that was too cheap to not pick up. Bill Murray at his goofy best.

What Lies Beneath Mike Gadd   dvd at home   Saturday, March 29, 2003 This movie's been sitting around the house waiting to get watched. It wouldn't be nearly as good of a movie without Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer, both whom seem to be aging gracefully.

Without a Trace (Sin Dejar Huella) Steve Gadd   DVD   Friday, June 03, 2005 Aurelia and Ana, each fleeing their own troubles, hook up on a road trip from Ciudad Juarez to Cancun. A drug dealing ex-boyfriend and corrupt federales on their tail keep the pressure on, but the movie frequently loiters over achingly beautiful scenes along Mexico's eastern coast.

Wonderland Kristin Schrock   DVD   Wednesday, June 30, 2004 The "true" story behind the murder of four people in California in the early eighties which involved legendary porn star John Holmes. Strong performances by Val Kilmer, Dylan McDermott, and Josh Lucas (who does not play a southern redneck), but the story seems to be hampered by the dual point of view--which hampers our ability to identify with any one character. Bonus points for a Gordon Lightfoot song playing over the credits.

Y Tu Mama Tambien Tony Pisarenkov   DVD   Friday, December 13, 2002 Julio and Tenoch, two annoying, irresponsible and immature high school boys meet Luisa, an older woman trying to leave her cheating husband, and take her on a road trip to the beach. The film says absolutely nothing new. We don't need a Mexican filmmaker to tell us that teenage boys are obsessed with sex but get it all wrong most of the time, and the attempts to show the socio-economic problems of Mexican society are way undercooked and fall flat. The film barely starts on a tentative road to redemption from mediocrity in the final sex threesome and a bizzarre and chilling twist of Luisa's fate but ends before the interesting bits have a chance to gather steam. If you do decide to see it, try to get the unrated, unedited version -- lots of explicit sex make it mildly titillating.

Zardoz Kristin Schrock   DVD   Friday, April 23, 2004 This 1970's Sean Connery sci-fi/fantasy pic was so so bad, it bordered on delicious. I don't doubt that it has a cult following which is the reason it has made the transition to DVD with director commentary no less. Here's the pitch: in the future, the human race is divided into two categories: chosen ones and brutals. The chosen ones kill the brutals at the behest of Zardoz, a god who resides in a stone head that floats down from the skies. But of course Zardoz is controlled by another set of people who cannot die and need the other humans to grow stuff. Sean Connery, outfitted much like Mr. Peepers on SNL, figures out the ruse by reading (!) and then brings death to the immortals, because of the chosen ones, he's THE CHOSEN ONE meant to bring death. Which is a good. yeah, it didn't really make much sense.

Zoolander Steve Gadd   DVD   Monday, February 28, 2005 I did it for science, after a conversation about what makes a good movie good, and whether taste is arbitrary or if there is some objective way to quantify quality. This kind of movie has the advantage that it's not likely to disappoint, as it delivers just the kind of insipid humor you are expecting.