Reviews

Who would have thought that SNL alumni David Spad could prove worthy of a romantic lead? Well, he pulls off the romantic underdog so well that I couldn't help fall in love with him. Spade plays a resteraunt owner who falls for his next door neighbor. Some of the best scenes in the film are between Spade and his single white female like friend played by Arte Lange. Also, keep an eye out for some tv veterans like Marla Gibs(The Jeffersons), Rose Marie(Dick Van Dyke Show) and Estelle Harris(Seinfeild). Martin Sheen also makes a cameo in what is perhaps the memorable scene in the film. The scene, in which Spade gives an enjoyable rendition of Neil Diamonds "Brother Loves Show", will go down in my film history as "Best use of a Neil Diamond song in the film", next to the men in "Beautiful Girls" when they sing "Sweet Caroline", but I digress. I love this film. "Lost & Found" is great for anyone who has ever felt like the romantic underdog. Don't miss this one.

This story is not only older than time, but extremely over done. The whole boy meets girl, boy and girl fall for each other, obstacle gets in the way, but in the end, they live happily ever after. The most enjoyable parts of this film are Justin Chambers as the lovable loser Massimo, and the three scrabble players. But beyond that lies a trite and rather dull comedy. Lopez, although she shows a knack for the physical comedy genre, is boring. She brings nothing to the roll. Also, the fact that she plays a 2nd generation Itallin with a Puerto Rican/Bronx accent does not fly. McConaughey is still charming as Lopez's love interest and the groom to be. However, he even seems to be disinterested in the film. He and Lopez have no chemistry, and it shows. The acting is sweet, the dialog is sweet, characters are sweet, and the story is sweet. But too much of a good thing can be bad. The Wedding Planner was a cute movie, but even a stuffed teddy bear would be sick after seeing it.

I used to read the xmen comic books when I was a kid. I had my favorite characters and my issues. Many people have done the same. To see these characters come to life was amazing. Personally, I always liked Wolverine the best, and Jackman's portrayal was uncanny. His ability to capture the brooding, loner attitude was perfect. Marsden, Jensen, Paquin, and Stewart are equally good. The only true complaint I have about this movie is Berry performance. She had none of Storm's leadership qualities as she does in the comic. Also, I missed some classic players as Gambit, Beast and (my other favorite) Jubilee. Now, although I understand that Gambit came after the Original Xmen, Beast was Professor X's 1st mutant. Jubilee was named in the cast, but I could not find her in the film. Perhaps in the sequel, these characters could be featured more. Also, Rouge was from Georgia, not Missippi.

All in all I give this film ***(They lose one for accuracy)

This was one of the funniest stand-up shows I'd ever seen. Eddie Izzard is a comedian, but one a whole other level. His humor is much more sophisticated and intelligent than that of other young stand-ups today. With the use of a few foul words, like describing Hitler as a "Mass Murdering Fuck-Head", he covers everything from Theology and religious history to Star Wars and his childhood. I found this to be much more more entertaining that say Martin Lawrence or Andrew Dice Clay. However, since his comedy is that of an intelligent nature, those with minimum intelligent should stick to "must-see tv" and game shows. I highly recommend this to the true intellects of the world!

I give this ****!

I went into this film knowing it would be much like the first Gere/Roberts film "Pretty Woman", and unfortunately it was. The first time around, Marshall had struck gold with the Gere/Roberts combination, but now it's just old stuff. Their chemistry was weak and if not for their supporting cast, this movie would not fly. Joan Cusack is delightful but hidden by Roberts over shadowing portrayal of Maggie. I think Cusack should have been featured more through out the film. Hector Elizondo and Rita Wilson are terrific as usual but Roberts seemed uninterested in this film. I have never been a true fan of Roberts and I was dismayed to remember why, she never changes. She's always the same character, the sexy but emotionally troubled young girl who "Just wants to be loved". It's getting a little tiresome. Julia was terribly miss cast as Maggie. Perhaps Sandra Bullock, Jenna Elfman or even (I know it's a long shot) Gwyneth Paltrow would have been a better choice for the role. All in all, I think this movie was sweet, but lacking.

I give this movie ** (for supporting cast)

I swear, if I see one more of these empty, shallow, teeny-bopper flicks, I will scream. The great film makers of our time are rolling in their graves and some aren't even dead yet. How do people get the backing to make this crap. This is one of those movies where when you watch it, you think, why am I staying. Cook is extremely dull as a high school nobody who gets a make-over to be popular. Prinze, although he is great to look at, is also boring as the guy who makes Cook over. But that's all he is, eye candy. The only positive thing I can say about this is that Mathew Lillard is hilarious as always. His portrayal as an MTV "REAL WORLD" reject is so funny. I warn all people with IQ's higher than their shoe size to stay away from this horrible film.

I give this film * (for Lillard)

This is a movie strictly for the beautiful people. From it's false portrayal of high school to the students that attend it, not one inch of this film is truly believeable. First of all, no high school I ever saw had viscious kids like these students. Hell, even the teachers and nice kids are nasty. Second, do they truly expect us to believe that everyone in that high school was a size 2! Come one, give us a little credit. There was not one heavy student in the entire school. My high school alone was made up of many heavy kids, and they were more popular than skinny, anorexic ones. Thrid, and most importantly, who the hell casted this thing? Rose McGowen is too over the top as the head bitch. And I'm sorry to say this, but Rebecca Gayheart should stick with cheesey night time soaps and Noxema commercials. Neither one of this girls can act their was out of a paper bag. And last, the plot. Talk about a rip off. I'm sorry, but Stephen King, Daniel Waters and Amy Heckerling should sue for plagarism. This nothing more than Carrie, Heathers and Clueless smushed together, and quite sloppy I might add.

I give this movie NOTHING BUT BOOS!!!

O.k., so it's not Shakespeare, but god was this funny! I laughed so hard I cried. If the fact that Joe (O'Connell) works for a company that makes toilet cakes or that the the girl of his dreams is trying to build a beautiful park in the middle of the slums don't make you smile, than the singing roaches are sure to make you laugh. I went into this movie with a preset idea of what it was, another dumb MTV movie that was pointless and shallow, I was wrong. I found that this movie was actually sweet and sort of nice. I couldn't help but feel sorry for Joe, a poor mid-westerner in the big bad city. He can't catch a break. Until his 6 legged roomates lend a hand. It's a fish-out-of-water tale with romance, humor, talented Roaches, and urinal cakes! I highly recommend this movie to everyone!

I give this one ****!

This is just one of those films where you see the characters and are able say, hey, I know that guy/girl. Each of the characters portray every personality on the spectrum. From the sexy high school brain, to the burnt out kid with a "Hash" problem, to the suicidal youth, this film has it all. The movie plot itself revolves around the lives of the employees, all teens to early twenties. The store manager, played perfectly by Lapaglia, is stressed out because the store owner wants to turn their little town record store into a music chain store. Not to mention, one of his employees, Lucas, played brilliantly by Rory Cochrane, just stole the stores nightly deposit. Also, it's Rex Manning day. The day when a washed up has been teen idol, played comically by Max Caufield, is coming to the store to promote his new (and rather lame) album. Between the individual problems of the employees and the financial problems of the store, Joe (Lapaglia) has his hands full. This movie is held together by the performances of such new faces as Ethan Embry, Liv Tyler, Johhny Whitworth and Robin Tunney, this film is sure to go Platinum. However, there were some weak performances too. Rene Zelweger, who is best known for completing the life of Jerry Maguire, is empty and boring to watch.

I give this film *** (I'm taking one off for Zellweger)

An actor, producer, director, or movie studio prays for a script like this to come along, and it rarely does. This is a piece of cinematic genius. The casting was so perfect, that each character as an individual can stand, but when the whole cast is together, they make up one person. Fraser's character Monty is the Brain, Kelly's character Courtney is the Heart, Dempsy's character Everett is the Soul, and Hamilton's character Jeff is the (sadly) Attitude. But it is not until Pesci's character Simon is introduced that the characters realize hoe close they really are. This movie is funny, sad, thought provoking and smart. It is well written and the cast delivered a truly believable performance. No film has been able to compete with "With Honors", at least not yet. It is a bitter sweet symphony of life and it's rewards.

I give this film **** (and if I could more)

As the child of a hippie, I can fully "get" this film. Downey is brilliant as Raplh, the drug taking friend of Scott (Sutherland), I guess life CAN imitate art. Scott's overbearing father is played equally well by veteran actor Bruce Dern. And the girl who wants to save the world is played nicely by Ryder. However, the movie is truly fueled by Sutherlands performance. His portrayal of a borderline hippie comming of age is heart warming and endearing. I don't think there is another actor who could have done this role. The fims content is heavy and the acting is really good, but it is Sutherland performance that makes this fim so good. Not to mention a kick-ass soundtrack featuring bands like Cream, Canned Heat, CSNY, and of course, the king, Jimi Hendrix. I truly recommend this movie to anyone who is interested in a good tale about growing up hard.

I give this one ****!

For the people who didn't like or "get" this movie. This film is perhaps one of the best reasons to work in Hollywood, it's MAKE BELIEVE! This film is pure fiction, but that's what most movies are. If it's accuracy you're looking for, then movies are not for you. The whole idea of film is little thing called "Suspension of Disbelief". Unfortunately, some folks don't understand that. Of course Einstein, who is played brilliantly by the late Matthau, didn't play matchmaker for his niece, played delightfully by Ryan. But the point is, the person who wrote this film was obviously not an historian, however, he made perfect use of hollywood and it's true purpose. This is a film to entertain, not to document history. As far as a film goes, this one was charming and sweet. The acting was well played considering the era this film takes place, the 50's. Although the parts of the niece and the charming auto-mechanic (Tim Robbins) are quite over shadowed by the performances of Mathhau and his group of absent minded geniuses, the film itself holds it's own. Stephen Fry is wonderful as usual as the jerk fianc`e of Ryan's character. Overall, this film is a delightful romp, but not to be taken to heart.

Huey Walker(Hopper) is an hysterical character to watch in this film as a hippie who is very Abby Hoffman like. He is arrested by John Buckner (Sutherland), a tight-assed, republican, FBI agent. What is supposed to be a simple task of transporting a prisoner turns out a harder job than expected for Buckner. As they make their way from San Francisco to Spokane, they encounter many obstacles. From a kind hearted prostitute to a crooked sheriff to a Haight Ashbury leftover played brilliantly by the ever wonderful Carol Kane (Scrooged, Taxi). Watching Walker and Buckner try to out smart each other is fuuny as hell, and chemistry between Sutherland and Hopper is great. You see the geninue friendship between them. The funniest scene, of which there are many, is when Walker is down on his knees, covering his face in mud. Buckner instucts him to then put one hand in the air and one on his heart and sing "Mammy". The humor however is nothing more than a vehicle for the true meaning of this film : You Can't Change Who You Are or Where You Come From. That message is perhaps best expressed in the lines:

Buckner:So you're a phony? Walker:Yeah so? Buckner:Just like me.

I give this movie my highest rating: 10 stars!

* * * * * * * * * *

In my opinion, there has not been a better adaptation of the Dumas classic than this. It is not only the closest to the book, but it is also the wittiest. The casting in itself was genius. With Oliver Platt (Lake Placid, Dr. Dolittle) playing the wise cracking Porthos the pirate to perfection, Charlie Sheen (Spin City, The Chase) playing the god fearing Aramis with ease, Chris O'Donnell (Batman forever, Batman and Robin) playing the youngest musketeer D'Artagnan with a subtle charm and arrogance, and Kiefer Sutherland playing the brooding, melancholy musketeer leader Athos with undying depression, you can't miss. I highly recommend this film to anyone who remembers playing swashbucklers or cops and robbers as a child. Not only does this version have the best looking musketeer, but it also has the most magnetic person as the villian, Tim Curry (Congo, Rocky Horror Picture Show). Although most rememebred for his untouchable role as Dr. Frank N. Futter in Rocky Horror, Curry captures Cardinal Richelieu with such perfection, it's hard to remember he is only acting. I found myself so enthralled my this movie, I was actually yelling at the acreen. Rooting for the good guys and booing the bad guys, it truly a great film!

I GIVE THIS FILM: * * * * (4 stars)

The boys, and I mean BOYS, who brought us Dumb & Dumber, have yet again hit upon a 7 year old's dream. The Movie is a combination of lewd sexual innuendos and crude physical jokes. For the mindless, it is perhaps funny, but to those of us in the frightening world of reality, it doesn't fly. Those Farelly boys should definitely try their hands and some adult comedy. The only positive thing to say about this film, is that it's only 1 1/2 hrs. and there's no "hair gel" involved.

This movie was not the worst, but certainly not the best. The most interesting part is the fact that this is a TRUE STORY. That means it really happened, which in turn mean that storms like this do exist, the most frightening thing about this movie. Other than that, it was fair. The performances by George Clooney and Mark Whalberg are, as usual, fun to watch, but not all that believable. The accents slipped here and there and the story itself was weak. However, the digital effects are great. Definitely an action movie, but I have to say, fun to watch. If you are aquaphobic (fear of water), or get easily seasick, I do not recommend it. But if you like action, than see this movie.

For those of us who have always wondered, "What if I missed that bus?" or "What if I'd gone in that store?", this is that movie. It is the story of Helen (Paltrow), a working woman who gets to live her life two ways. Although awfully confusing at times, Paltrow's look changes in one life to make it easier to tell them apart. She is delightful to watch as she is allowed to play out each life at once. The way her decisions effect her is the most interesting thing to see. It makes you question all your past decisions and wonder "What if?". The most enjoyable scenes are when Paltrow interacts with John Hannah's character. Their chemistry is just so good, it's almost addictive. Hannah's character however, seems to get the best lines, such as:

James:You know what the Monty Python Boys say?

Helen:Always look on the bright sides of life?

James:No, no one expects the Spanish Inquisition.

A must see for those who love romance, also, a great date movie. *wink*

When I was first nagged into renting George for my Niece and Nephew while babysitting, I thought I would immediately hate it. WRONG! This movie, which has so much humor for kids, doesn't lack in keeping adults entertained and laughing as well. With the extremely charismatic Brendan Fraser leading the way, George is romp through history. I remember watching the Saturday Morning Cartoon with my sister and thinking how funny it was. Not only is there silly slap-stick, but the dialogue is quite witty. Many of the jokes are geared toward the child mind, but there is an equal amount for adults. I say, finally a movie to watch with EVERYONE in your family.

If you know the story of Austen's character 'Emma", then you know what an utter misconstruing character she is. She is perhaps the most enjoyable characters on paper to read, and Paltrow's portrayal is just as delightful to watch. The depiction of Austen's heroine by Paltrow is as close to Austen's own descriptions, right down to her speaking tone and mannerisms. The supporting cast is equally enchanting. Toni Collette, who is perhaps best remembered as the naive Muriel in "Muriel's Wedding", is wonderful as the equally naive Harriet Smith. Jeremy Northam's portrayal of Mr. Knightly was not only well acted, but the chemistry between him and ALL of the other ladies is hilarious to watch. By the time the movie ends, all you want to do is fix up your friends. I say, it's a must see for those of us enjoy the classics.

Article 99 displays a side of the medical profession seldom seen by society. The humor and over the top antics of the doctors, although extremely over done, are only the surface. Ray Liota's performance as the struggling ring leader of a rag tag group of vigilante doctors was not only strong, but honest. His ability to stay in character the entire time was a difficult feat, but he pulls it off sincerely. Kiefer Sutherland's performance was as equally well portrayed as Liota's, even though Sutherland's character is the polar opposite of Liota's. His portrayal of an upper class, arrogant, young intern was right on the money. However, it is not just their great performances, but the supporting cast is equally as fantastic. The dialogue is full of well written and delivered witty banter and the cast seem to play off each other well, but there is a serious under tone to the humor. The VA hospital in which all these caring individuals work is suffering badly from governmental cutbacks, a crooked administration and red tape as far as the eye can see. For those who are able to understand or "get this" film, it is a funny, poignant yet honest look at a different side of the medical field. In other words, this ain't ER or Chicago Hope, it's a whole new ball game.