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Reviews
Firewall (2006)
Yawn.
If Ford has ever been an action star, it's been aeons ago. He is now 63 and every minute shows, which needn't necessarily mean that old equals lame. I distinctly remember seeing him star in "Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade" and thinking to myself "he's being outplayed by Sean Connery!' The movie "Firewall" was quite underwhelming, with Paul Bettany shining in the most interesting role (well, the villain's role usually is more interesting than the hero's). You know a movie stinks when you wish someone would kill off the family dog. The whole plot was about as believable as a three Dollar bill, just less interesting. I'd love to see more of Robert Foster, his few scenes are more memorable than any Ford scene in this flick. Virginia Madsen was a complete waste of talent in a ridiculous role. 2/10.
The Dukes of Hazzard (2005)
Great 80's style action comedy with a kick a$$ soundtrack
As someone who grew up in Germany I certainly can't be counted as a target group member as I didn't grow up on the DoH TV series, although I'm distinctly aware that there was one. So I can't compare the two, which is probably for the better anyway in regard to a review. I've thoroughly enjoyed this movie that reminded me of classic mindless, harmless 80's action comedies like Eastwood's two Orang-Utan movies Any Which Way You Can and Any Which Way But loose, the early Police Academy flicks or even Blues Brothers. There's not much of a storyline here either, but nobody needs or expects one for that matter. All you want and get are a couple of hours of good-looking guys and dolls with muscle cars in bar brawls and a kick-a$$ soundtrack to boot. I left the theater with a big fat smile on my face and felt like I was 17 again - what more can you ask of an entertainment product?
The Matrix Revolutions (2003)
not even close, definitely no cigar
The highly original "Matrix" was bound to be followed by at least one sequel, but whilst "Reloaded" could be grumpily seen as the in-betweener, "Revolutions" makes the viewer painfully aware that the Wachowskis have sold out and lost their touch. A shame, since the first was really something to build on. But then again, with B- and C-Actors like Reeves and Moss, what can you expect? People all around me in the theater were either yawning or laughing at the unintended humor. This was one awful movie which I wouldn't recommend to waste time on if it were on free TV. The Matrix has you? I've had it with the Matrix.
Fatal Attraction (1987)
Nice, but have you seen the Original?
It always humors me a great deal when people say FATAL ATTRACTION is the quintessential sex-psycho thriller. They probably haven't seen the 1971 original version, PLAY MISTY FOR ME. That was Clint Eastwood's debut as a director and much more frightening and surprising than FA. So, if you like these kind of films and think FA is the best, do yourself a favour and go out and rent PLAY MISTY FOR ME. You'll be in for a ride!
The Eiger Sanction (1975)
Another "forgotten" Eastwood that deserves more attention
As a die-hard Clint Eastwood fan you've probably seen this spy/action/thriller already, but for those who only now discover the work of this great director/actor, check it out - it's well worth it.
This film was made in the mid-seventies and it shows in every frame. The decidedly non-political correctness in the scenes with the obviously gay guy, portrayed by Jack Cassidy (whose lapdog is appropriately named "faggot" and has a hilarious scene humping Eastwood's leg); with the Indian girl (Eastwoods laconic snarl "Screw Marlon Brando" is unforgettable); with the "black chick" (says Eastwood to the Afro-American actress Vonetta McGee) might turn off some of today's viewers or bring the film on the map for viewers who have grown up with Rap Music and consider the occasional four-letter word in "8 Mile" already daring.
The story itself is not really important (a classic spy/action thriller with a twist) but the camera direction is superb and Eastwood's well-known love for Jazz music seaps through occasionally. Today's movies are called movies for a reason - they are no longer "films" (like this one), where time is taken to tell a story and explore it in its own leisure fashion.