K-PAX (2001)
It's a good movie trying maybe to be too much. The acting is good and the premise is interesting, but I didn't feel it really went anywhere. Also, I didn't feel like they tied the 'discovery' (of the lesson) into the other characters well enough.
So they set us up well and sorta left us hanging.
SPOILERS:
IMO, he's from K-Pax. He knew too much science, disappeared from the institution for a while, Bess was missing at the end, he was 'in character' even when hypnotized, etc. Hard to say, but that's what I'd have to guess. However, they clearly left it open for a reason so figuring out for sure isn't necessary to me.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Mission: Impossible III (2006) - 3.5/5
Mission: Impossible III (2006)
Great job of making it dramatic and not just action. The action is good, the characters are good, the drama is very good.
However, it has become a 'James Bond' type franchise - it's all about Ethan Hunt. I'm not sure if the TV show was like that, but I think not.
I'm glad to see they turned from the route MI2 was going.
Great job of making it dramatic and not just action. The action is good, the characters are good, the drama is very good.
However, it has become a 'James Bond' type franchise - it's all about Ethan Hunt. I'm not sure if the TV show was like that, but I think not.
I'm glad to see they turned from the route MI2 was going.
Young Frankenstein (1974) - 4.5/5
Young Frankenstein (1974)
I appreciate this much more the older I get. Very funny. Some of it's corny, but that's the point in a lot of ways.
I grew up watching Gene Wilder so I don't think I saw the genious at the time. Also, he wrote this movie for the most part so he gets most of the credit (as opposed to Mel Brooks) in my opinion.
Great scenes and quote. Just hillarious.
I appreciate this much more the older I get. Very funny. Some of it's corny, but that's the point in a lot of ways.
I grew up watching Gene Wilder so I don't think I saw the genious at the time. Also, he wrote this movie for the most part so he gets most of the credit (as opposed to Mel Brooks) in my opinion.
Great scenes and quote. Just hillarious.
Monday, October 30, 2006
The Gods Must Be Crazy (1980) - 3/5
The Gods Must Be Crazy (1980)
This was creative and entertaining and certainly original. I remember seeing at least part of it when I was a teenager and thought it was ok. A lot of people talked about how funny it was and I thought I must have missed something. I guess I still do.
It's ok, but I wdn't say it's super special. It's interesting and good for it's time and, again, original which goes a long way, but not really far enough.
This was creative and entertaining and certainly original. I remember seeing at least part of it when I was a teenager and thought it was ok. A lot of people talked about how funny it was and I thought I must have missed something. I guess I still do.
It's ok, but I wdn't say it's super special. It's interesting and good for it's time and, again, original which goes a long way, but not really far enough.
Rumor Has It... (2005) - 3.5/5
Rumor Has It... (2005)
I think this movie respected and blended well w/ "The Graduate." They were wise to explain that the book and movie based on the rumored story were close approximations so any variation cd be understood.
I believe the discovery of the situation was good and worked well. I had a lot of fun during the first have discovering w/ the characters what the reality was.
The second half wasn't quite as good. The discovery was gone and some events seemed inconsistent w/ the situation and characters.
SPOILERS:
I liked the early scene of Sarah explaining to her g'ma that she didn't want a normal like. I felt that naturally paralleled Benjamin's scene in "The Graduate" when he tells his parents he wants his life to be "different."
Also, the Casablanca night party in the movie told a bit about how Beau (like Ric), was in love w/ another man's woman, sdn't have her, shares her, is hurt and out for himself in most ways, but will need to sacrifice.
Shirley MacLaine was really good. That was going to be hard to pull off and cd have sunk it all, but she did great.
The late scene of Sarah going back to Jeff was awesome. It's rare to see a movie treat love realistically. This came about as close as you cd:
"I didn't come here to tell you that I can't live without you. I can live without you. I just don't want to."
I think this movie respected and blended well w/ "The Graduate." They were wise to explain that the book and movie based on the rumored story were close approximations so any variation cd be understood.
I believe the discovery of the situation was good and worked well. I had a lot of fun during the first have discovering w/ the characters what the reality was.
The second half wasn't quite as good. The discovery was gone and some events seemed inconsistent w/ the situation and characters.
SPOILERS:
I liked the early scene of Sarah explaining to her g'ma that she didn't want a normal like. I felt that naturally paralleled Benjamin's scene in "The Graduate" when he tells his parents he wants his life to be "different."
Also, the Casablanca night party in the movie told a bit about how Beau (like Ric), was in love w/ another man's woman, sdn't have her, shares her, is hurt and out for himself in most ways, but will need to sacrifice.
Shirley MacLaine was really good. That was going to be hard to pull off and cd have sunk it all, but she did great.
The late scene of Sarah going back to Jeff was awesome. It's rare to see a movie treat love realistically. This came about as close as you cd:
"I didn't come here to tell you that I can't live without you. I can live without you. I just don't want to."
The Break-Up (2006) - 1/5
The Break-Up (2006)
A somewhat dumb or at least overplayed premise about a couple that sdn't be together. She wants to make him jealous enough to change his ways by breaking up w/ him. Who's worse?
The situations are under played and fall short of potential. They pass up oppurtunities to make something actually funny out of a lot of scenes.
It's a poorly written, poorly directed weak story.
There are a few moments that are ok, but there's so much otherwise falling short that the whole is pretty bad.
A somewhat dumb or at least overplayed premise about a couple that sdn't be together. She wants to make him jealous enough to change his ways by breaking up w/ him. Who's worse?
The situations are under played and fall short of potential. They pass up oppurtunities to make something actually funny out of a lot of scenes.
It's a poorly written, poorly directed weak story.
There are a few moments that are ok, but there's so much otherwise falling short that the whole is pretty bad.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
V for Vendetta (2005) - 4/5
V for Vendetta (2005)
Like some others, I think this movie is probably better than I think. There's a lot to the story and subtle plotlines and such.
The ideas of freedom and causes are dramatically played out.
The feel and tone of the movie was right-on and the acting was very well done too.
Like some others, I think this movie is probably better than I think. There's a lot to the story and subtle plotlines and such.
The ideas of freedom and causes are dramatically played out.
The feel and tone of the movie was right-on and the acting was very well done too.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) - 2.5/5
X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
Nothing great. Too many characters to really develop them all. Some w/ only a scene or 2. The action is forgettable (I say that b/c I can't remember it).
Nothing great. Too many characters to really develop them all. Some w/ only a scene or 2. The action is forgettable (I say that b/c I can't remember it).
The Fountainhead (1949) - 4/5
The Fountainhead (1949)
Very interesting and compelling story. The acting was great too - it felt a lot like that time which was cool.
I heard Ayn Rand agreed to write the screenplay w/ the condition that not a word be changed. That's very in line w/ the story itself.
One of the best scenes is when Roark agrees to design the project for Keating not for credit, payment or satisfaction, but for "the work." That was the point: doing the work he loved.
Very interesting and compelling story. The acting was great too - it felt a lot like that time which was cool.
I heard Ayn Rand agreed to write the screenplay w/ the condition that not a word be changed. That's very in line w/ the story itself.
One of the best scenes is when Roark agrees to design the project for Keating not for credit, payment or satisfaction, but for "the work." That was the point: doing the work he loved.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970) - 3.5/5
Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970)
This was an interesting look from both sides of the attack on Pearl Harbor. I can't say how accurate it was, but it certainly made me wonder and question a lot of the things that happened and how they happened.
I just hope we learned a lot from this. I fear we haven't and what we did learn may have been forgotten or lost over time and turnover.
This was an interesting look from both sides of the attack on Pearl Harbor. I can't say how accurate it was, but it certainly made me wonder and question a lot of the things that happened and how they happened.
I just hope we learned a lot from this. I fear we haven't and what we did learn may have been forgotten or lost over time and turnover.
Æon Flux (2005) - 1/5
Æon Flux (2005)
I wanted to like this movie. I heard it was and believed it, but hoped somehow I'd enjoy it. It was watchable, but painful.
I think this is what you'd get if you gave a 14 year-old boy millions of dollars to make a sci-fi movie: he gets everything he wants and it's no good - skimpy, tight close, lots of inexplicable gadgets and weapons, weird places and unnecessary effects, plenty of action with way too much wire-work, etc.
The premis is about the only good thing here, but if I thought about it for any length of time, I'm afraid that might sink too???
I believe there was an animated series this was based on. That cd be the problem - they tried to make it too much like the series and too few people are familiar w/ it???
Anyway, it's not worth it. Too bad.
I wanted to like this movie. I heard it was and believed it, but hoped somehow I'd enjoy it. It was watchable, but painful.
I think this is what you'd get if you gave a 14 year-old boy millions of dollars to make a sci-fi movie: he gets everything he wants and it's no good - skimpy, tight close, lots of inexplicable gadgets and weapons, weird places and unnecessary effects, plenty of action with way too much wire-work, etc.
The premis is about the only good thing here, but if I thought about it for any length of time, I'm afraid that might sink too???
I believe there was an animated series this was based on. That cd be the problem - they tried to make it too much like the series and too few people are familiar w/ it???
Anyway, it's not worth it. Too bad.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
The Great Escape (1963) - 4.5/5
The Great Escape (1963)
Probably my favorite WWII movie... at least that I can think of at the moment. I really enjoy the vast cast of characters and boldness in them.
They mix humor and serious tones well.
I can't say how accurate it is to the true story, but it's enjoyable and somehow encouraging.
Probably my favorite WWII movie... at least that I can think of at the moment. I really enjoy the vast cast of characters and boldness in them.
They mix humor and serious tones well.
I can't say how accurate it is to the true story, but it's enjoyable and somehow encouraging.
Four Brothers (2005) - 2.5/5
Four Brothers (2005)
Not the greatest story, but basic enough to frame a movie. I think the acting is what broke this one for me. I don't know if I ever was able to suspend my disbelief and I really don't have a problem with that normally.
The plot actually gets fairly confusing about the murder of the mother, motive, who, etc. but not really in an interesting way - just a little confusing. Do I want them to kill that guy?
Decent entertainment, but nothing memorable.
Not the greatest story, but basic enough to frame a movie. I think the acting is what broke this one for me. I don't know if I ever was able to suspend my disbelief and I really don't have a problem with that normally.
The plot actually gets fairly confusing about the murder of the mother, motive, who, etc. but not really in an interesting way - just a little confusing. Do I want them to kill that guy?
Decent entertainment, but nothing memorable.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Failure to Launch (2006) - 2.5/5
Failure to Launch (2006)
Good entertainment, but largely forgettable. Everyone did a decent job. Terry Bradshaw and Kathy Bates were probably the highlights.
I think the failing point in this movie was that I didn't really care about the characters too much. The comedy was hit-and-miss. The slapstick parts were mostly miss - at least Matthew's were miss.
The final scene was enough to bring this movie down a full point in my rating. Yow - bad.
Good entertainment, but largely forgettable. Everyone did a decent job. Terry Bradshaw and Kathy Bates were probably the highlights.
I think the failing point in this movie was that I didn't really care about the characters too much. The comedy was hit-and-miss. The slapstick parts were mostly miss - at least Matthew's were miss.
The final scene was enough to bring this movie down a full point in my rating. Yow - bad.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Get Carter (2000) - 3.5/5
Get Carter (2000)
Probably my favorite Stallone work in years if not decades. He does a great job. Unfortunately it's in a similar vein as the past, but with some depth this time.
The story was good, but dragged long a bit at times.
I read that Michael Caine orginally was only in one or two scenes, but tested well with audiences and they extended his role. However, it wasn't enough to develop his character to where it needed to be.
Alan Cumming was a disappointment.
I think what made this movie good was Stallone's character - the development and the empathetic situation.
Probably my favorite Stallone work in years if not decades. He does a great job. Unfortunately it's in a similar vein as the past, but with some depth this time.
The story was good, but dragged long a bit at times.
I read that Michael Caine orginally was only in one or two scenes, but tested well with audiences and they extended his role. However, it wasn't enough to develop his character to where it needed to be.
Alan Cumming was a disappointment.
I think what made this movie good was Stallone's character - the development and the empathetic situation.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Henry V (1989) - 4/5
Henry V (1989)
Despite the strong period environment, I think this makes Shakespeare pretty attainable to the viewer. The acting is very good and the action is fairly intense. The St. Crispin's Day speech is the highlight in my opinion.
The relationships are a strong piece of this film. They can be confusing, but can also be powerful how the king can seemingly turn on his personal friends for the sake of the country... or himself... or right... ?
Despite the strong period environment, I think this makes Shakespeare pretty attainable to the viewer. The acting is very good and the action is fairly intense. The St. Crispin's Day speech is the highlight in my opinion.
The relationships are a strong piece of this film. They can be confusing, but can also be powerful how the king can seemingly turn on his personal friends for the sake of the country... or himself... or right... ?
Friday, September 22, 2006
Apocalypse Now (1979) - 4/5
Apocalypse Now (1979)
I have to say as great as this movie is as many things, I don't think I "get it." What is the message? That the war was wrong? unwinnable? That we reward some insanity and punish others that don't follow orders?
It's a complex movie that moves well and is theatrical in many good ways. As you go deeper into the heart of darkness, you are swallowed up by darkness and may become the darkness yourself. Is that the message?
The acting was great. The artistry of the film was wonderful. The oasis of the French plantation was a little confusing, but well done. I'm just not sure that fit very well.
I think I need to read a good analysis on this movie to get it.
I have to say as great as this movie is as many things, I don't think I "get it." What is the message? That the war was wrong? unwinnable? That we reward some insanity and punish others that don't follow orders?
It's a complex movie that moves well and is theatrical in many good ways. As you go deeper into the heart of darkness, you are swallowed up by darkness and may become the darkness yourself. Is that the message?
The acting was great. The artistry of the film was wonderful. The oasis of the French plantation was a little confusing, but well done. I'm just not sure that fit very well.
I think I need to read a good analysis on this movie to get it.
"Charlie don't surf" - Robert Duvall
Thursday, September 21, 2006
16 Blocks (2006) - 3/5
16 Blocks (2006)
A decent movie. Not much of a vehicle for Bruce Willis as an aged cop. Nothing too surprising or interesting, but an entertaining movie w/ somewhat of a story/message.
It's fine, but doens't stand out.
A decent movie. Not much of a vehicle for Bruce Willis as an aged cop. Nothing too surprising or interesting, but an entertaining movie w/ somewhat of a story/message.
It's fine, but doens't stand out.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Shadowlands (1993) - 4/5
Shadowlands (1993)
I thought this movie was good but not so much as a movie as a message.
I loved how they didn't play up the big points of the movie to make them stumbling blocks to enjoying it. While it might not be a completely accurate, it's a good portrayal of a man, his relationships, pain and change thru it all.
They seem to start an early thread about 'magic' which I seemed to lose after a while. I'm not sure if they meant to maintain that or not???
The main theological point o by C.S. Lewis in the movie is that 'suffering is God's megaphone to a deaf world.' In the movie, that starts with the death of his mother at a young age. Later it's the death of his wife.
He explains that twice in life he's been hit by this pain:
So the movie presents him as hiding in his comfortable world hidden from pain and question. Pain finds him and he learns and embraces it.
I also like the part where he says he's not looking anymore. He's happy w/ the way things are - no longer living in the shadows where the sun shines always around the bend.
However, life doesn't stop. Pain finds you (See "The Village" for another view of this theme).
Good movie. Very touching on the part of the adults and Douglas, Joy's son.
I thought this movie was good but not so much as a movie as a message.
I loved how they didn't play up the big points of the movie to make them stumbling blocks to enjoying it. While it might not be a completely accurate, it's a good portrayal of a man, his relationships, pain and change thru it all.
They seem to start an early thread about 'magic' which I seemed to lose after a while. I'm not sure if they meant to maintain that or not???
The main theological point o by C.S. Lewis in the movie is that 'suffering is God's megaphone to a deaf world.' In the movie, that starts with the death of his mother at a young age. Later it's the death of his wife.
He explains that twice in life he's been hit by this pain:
Twice in that life I've been given the choice: as a boy and as a man. The boy chose safety, the man chooses suffering. The pain now is part of the happiness then. That's the deal.
So the movie presents him as hiding in his comfortable world hidden from pain and question. Pain finds him and he learns and embraces it.
I also like the part where he says he's not looking anymore. He's happy w/ the way things are - no longer living in the shadows where the sun shines always around the bend.
However, life doesn't stop. Pain finds you (See "The Village" for another view of this theme).
Good movie. Very touching on the part of the adults and Douglas, Joy's son.
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