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gemini313
Reviews
Changing Lanes (2002)
Ben is back (and Sam never left)!
What would you do if you had to struggle between doing what was right, or doing something to get what you wanted? Would you do the right thing?
I was lucky to see an advanced screening of "Changing Lanes". I must say, Ben Affleck was at the top of his game and more confident than ever. This is the Ben I've grown to love. Samuel L. Jackson was fantastic as always, and William Hurt (in a small role) gives an inspired performance.
The cinematography was some of the best I've seen for a Hollywood release, especially in a world of Van Wilder's and Sorority Boys. The score was outstanding and complimented the movie.
So, what was wrong with it? As with every movie, there are certain events that don't seem plausible. There were some things (in fact, a major plot point) that just wouldn't have happened. Of course, it *could* happen, because stranger things have happened, but it seems highly unlikely. Also, the drama takes place in one day. That's a whole lot of drama for just 24 hours, but as you know, when it comes to life, crap happens. There was a reason why all these events take place on a holy holiday (take a guess on which one).
As a side note, I don't like how the trailers make the movie seem as though it's action all the time. You will be disappointed if you study the trailer, because most of what see was not in the movie.
With the exception of the cursing (there was no sex but minor violence), I even think young adults could watch with their parents so they can discuss "good vs. evil".
It's an above-average popcorn movie that adds some twists and turns. Check it out on the big screen.
The Way She Moves (2001)
If it wasn't for
Nicole Sullivan, Kamar de los Reyes' body (Oh yes!!), Tessie Santiago (*singing* "Behind the mask . . ."), and the choreography, this movie would have been terrible. That's unfortunate, because I feel VH1 has produced some of the most original movies/series on Basic Cable.
I like stories that have cultures coming together, because that's how it should be (!), but I REALLY feel they should have gotten a better lead actress. Annabeth Gish acted like she ate a cold, 3 day old burrito prior to shooting this movie. She was extremely dry. There was a moment when she was supposed to look pensive, but she looked braindead for about 40 seconds. I thought it was an outtake. Nicole Sullivan would have been so much better in the lead role.
The movie had a decent plot, but the screenplay lacked. Plus, everyone was pushing someone away from something they wanted without a significant reason for pushing them in the first place. That's not drama, that's a reason to take a screenwriting class--or to pick another career.
I have to give this one a 4, because what I did like, kept it from being disqualified. I can't save the last dance, because the dancehall is closed--indefinitely.
The Ripping Friends (2001)
What the??
This animated program is odd. Abnormal. Unusual. Strange. I could keep going, but I can't think of anymore words. Actually I can, but, anywho.
I know you're thinking, "What the *bleep* is a Ripping Friend?". Well, my friend, a ripping, umm, friend is a superhero that wants to rip (or destroy) all that stands in the way of freedom and justice. In order to prepare themselves for this on-going battle, they go through rigorous training. Ummmmm . . . yeah.
It's aimed at kids, but I can't see how (or even why). Let me take that back, I can see it (the characters look funny and say funny things), but I think the average child probably wouldn't get the majority of the jokes. Half of those jokes are dealing with the characters names: Crag (the oldest of the RF's), Slab (the group's little lamb--that's a joke in itself), Chunk (the RF's teenage rebel yell), Rip (I call him 'Rip the Roid'--if you've seen the show, you know what I mean), Jimmy (the everloving man b**ch), and, I saved the best for last, He-Mom (the RF's foster mom).
Here's a sampling of the dialogue in the recent episode I saw: [sic] "Don't die on me. If you do, I will kiiiiiiill you!"
Later in the episode, one of the RF's gets shocked as part of his training. He screams, eyes bulging, "I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!!" When the current is finally shut off, he says, "Aww, I was just starting to have fun!"
I've never seen anything like this on network television for kids, and I love and watch cartoons frequently. Then I remember, it IS Fox. What did I expect?
You know what? I still have to give it an 8. Hey, I grew up watching the Fox Network. What did you expect??
Max Knight: Ultra Spy (2000)
Great distraction!
It's been 3 days since the destruction of the WTC and the Pentagon, and I needed a break from network news. I wasn't going to watch this movie, but since Tuesday, I decided it would be, at the very least, a decent distraction.
I was pleasantly surprised. The acting was above-par, the story was engaging (with plot twists I was NOT expecting), and I forgave the ending. The ending's not bad, it's just cheesy, and too much cheese is bad for you.
If you like computers, this is the movie for you. If you like action without gore, this is the movie for you. If you like things sexy without being gratuitous, this is the movie for you. If you don't like all the things I mentioned . . . well, this is NOT the movie for you, BUT I think you should see it anyway.
By the way, Michael Landes is one sexy spy! Grrrr . ..
:)
Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001)
I quit!
I was lucky to score some free passes to see an advance screening of J&SBSB, and asked my sister to tag along (She doesn't like these types of movies, but she said she would come anyway). We had to travel to West Hell (Not REALLY, although after a 30 minute freeway trip, we had to travel 10 more miles on the street level--DAMN!), but, for me, it was worth it.
By the first 5 minutes of the movie, I was crying and laughing. There were times during the movie my sister looked at her watch, but even after the movie, we were quoting lines and giggling like school girls.
Highlights include (this list is by no means complete):
1) The opening scene the nicely sums up why Jay's vocabulary is the way it is, how Silent Bob and Jay became friends, why they hang around the Quick Stop, and Silent Bob's role in Jay's life.
2) Gus Van Sant's cameo (Short, but deliciously sweet)
3) Jason Lee as Banky (Even though he also revived his role as Brodie, Banky is closer to my heart)
4) Matt Damon was surprising funny (with a straight face), and Ben Affleck was kooky (Kooky's good!)
5) Chris Rock as Chaka (Yeah, the "paranoid Black guy finding racism in EVERYTHING" has been done over and over again, but it was VERY funny here.)
6) The Time -- you read it right, The Time. And, Kevin and Jason could groove (almost better then the band).
7) Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher's cameos.
What/who I wanted to see, but, alas, was not in the final cut:
1) Clips from TV Commericals:
a) Two prostitutes come up to Jay and Silent Bob and ask them, more or less, if they could use their services. Jay says what they could do (Since it's for TV, it's chopped up, but you pretty much get the idea he says something disgusting). One of the prostitutes puts her hand up and says, "I quit!".
b) Will Farrell in the bathroom, talking his "excrement".
Hopefully, they will be on the DVD, or a director's cut (cough, cough)!
2) Where was Jeremy London?
The humor is not for everyone (LOTS of dick and fart jokes on rapid-fire), yet I can honestly say that this movie is hilarious. As long as you know up front it's not "Clerks" or "Chasing Amy", then be prepared to laugh.
Clerks (1994)
Jerks, Likable Jerks!
I guess the old adage is correct: "The third time's the charm", because it took me 3 run-throughs of this movie to truly appreciate it. Maybe it was because I saw a bit of myself in these slackers, and I didn't want to face the ugly truth.
Kevin Smith has always struck me as interesting, mainly because an insanely non-generic guy has such a generic name. Numerous characters in his movies (including this one) say these enormous 4+ syllable words that can promp some to have a dictionary on hand when viewing them, but don't like to work, intimidate on-screen "patrons", and smoke weed like it's legal. Is this movie a fair representation of Generation X? I don't know. All I know is I'm somnifacient, lassidude, quadragesimal, and I got a call to go into work. Today's my day OFF!! Grrrrr . . .
Overnight Delivery (1998)
Stuck in the Middle
I was bored. I was hungry. It was a Sunday. While I was cooking something to ease the painful growling in my stomach, I happened upon "Overnight Delivery". Although this movie didn't make my meal more enjoyable, I didn't feel like I was watching paint dry.
It's pretty much the typical banal storyline: Guy has Girl. Other Girl has eye on Guy. Guy screws up and has to go his Girl. Other Girl tags along. Other Girl and Guy have some silly adventure/end up sleeping together/share a kiss. Guy finally goes to Girl, leaving Other Girl alone to fume. Guy realizes, usually by a kiss/some flirting/heavy petting, he's in love with Other Girl. Guy leaves now his Ex-Girl to find Other Girl. Other Girl meets up with Guy, both express their love, and they walk hand and hand for a new adventure/away from wherever they are/to have sex/enter your own scenario here. The End. Don't step on that huge wad of Now and Later's on your way out of the Theatre--oh wait, this was a "direct-to-video" movie. Ooops, nevermind!
I giving this movie a "5". As far as the too cute, too quirky, sometimes-trying-too-hard script (and even some of the acting) is concerned, I have to give it a "1". Come ON. Anyone that has seen this movie (and the thousands like it) know why I'm giving it a "1". NOTE: I adore Kevin Smith, and I know he dipped his pen into the script, but . . . something wasn't right about it. I can't put my finger (or my big toe) on what that "something" was, but it was something.
Yet, the actors/actresses REALLY want you to enjoy this movie. They WANT to entertain you. Nowadays, some actors just read the script, report to work, get the check, and go home to live their over-paid lives. While there are NO Oscar winning performances (although if there was a category for "Most Unexpected Scene In a Movie Involving Guns", this flick may have had a shot, although I doubt it because it went straight to video), I have to give the performances (especially from Paul Rudd and Reese Witherspoon) a "10". I know what you're thinking, and I quote, "How can she give the script a '1', but give the performances a '10'?". It's quite simple: That's how the movie is set up. It's bipolar. Entertaining and utterly awful at the same time.
I wanted to shut off the TV, but I couldn't. I had to see how the movie ended, although in the back of my mind, I already knew. Damn mind games.
God help us all if they decide to make "Overnight Delivery 2" (Don't get any ideas all you budding screenwriters, I see your brains working!), but it wouldn't hurt to rent it one NIGHT, invite some friends OVER, and get some Pizza--DELIVERY. Ok, I was trying to be cute and quirky like the script, but, as per usual, it seems like I was trying too hard. Where's Kevin Smith when you need him? :)
ABC Afterschool Specials: Mom and Dad Can't Hear Me (1978)
Quick comment
Since many people have either not seen this TV movie, or won't admit they did, I'll step up to the plate.
No joke, I saw this "Afterschool Special" today. It was a little over the top, but most Afterschool Specials were (I guess they did that to make sure us bad asses paid attention so we stayed in the house and out of trouble).
Basic story: Young girl is growing up. Parents (who are deaf, by the way) don't want to young girl to grow up. Parents realize that they can't stop their child from growing, and decide it's ok that she does. Credits roll as they all get in the car to rub elbows at a party. The end.
Ok, I'm a sap, I sobbed towards the end when Dan gave the Charlie the gift from her mother. It was very touching.
Why were the parents deaf? I don't think that matters. The premise of story is that there's a time when parents and children don't see eye to eye, particularly during their child's teenage years. Charlie made it a point to say that her parents act like they don't have any idea about what's going on nowadays (Note: Remember this movie was made in 1978, so keep that in mind). And in an ironic twist, not only did her parents not hear the many sides of her story, they couldn't hear her (literally). Interesting, isn't it? I thought so. As I stated earlier, it's over the top (the cheese factor is high), but I think the story made a valid introspective about child/parent relations.
Priscilla Pointer and Stephen Elliott were excellent as overbearing yet concerned parental units and Rosanna Arquette was fabu as Charlie, a young woman who loved her parents but wanted to find herself. By the way, Rosanna fans (who haven't already seen this movie) may want to pick it up because Rosanna was simply stunning. I think she's pretty, but in her youth, she was utterly gorgeous. Her smile illuminates the tiny rooms of her fabricated movie-set dwellings.
If you do view this movie, watch for the scene were Rosanna yells at her on-screen parents -- through sign language. It's right after her mother looks at Charlie's face full of makeup.