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Reviews
Glory Road (2006)
"Remember The Titans" with a basketball
For Disney to do something like this again, it warms my heart that they want to show adversity and cheer to people who want to see a movie in the present day world of robust and failed films, but think of something else.
Other than that, good job Disney.
"Glory Road" tells the story of how a small college named Texas Western University adverts racism, prejudice, and other obstacles to win the 1966 NCAA Championnship against Adolf Rupp's Kentucky basketball team. A surprising good tale to say the least, as the morale of the players guide the movies highs and lows, and yes, this was produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, so I did expect plenty of clichés (exaggerated fights, slamming hands on table in a fit of anger), but it all comes together, somehow, to form one of the most beautiful movies to watch, and keep watching after the credits, because there's the real heroes to tell you the real story.
Honestly, Josh Lucas was a poor casting choice. I'll admit it. He's not a great actor. You might as well should have given the role to Matthew McCoughney, that makes a bit more sense. However, this is Disney, and finding someone of this choice as a tad hard. But, they still could have made a better choice.
La marche de l'empereur (2005)
Marching towards a new feet in documentaries
One of the most unique movies ever made. The penguins is a terrific tale of how a penguin (Emperor Penguin), survives the harsh winter through rough storms, predators, and the conditions that depend on the mates to actually live on, and the offspring develop.
Morgan Freeman gives an inept performance narrating this terrific documentary of penguins. He gives it a terrific delivery, and an actual you-are-there experience, as if you were in the Artic right now, swimming with those penguins. Its a terrific experience, and sets the stage for new documentaries similar the the one that was made here. Maybe the next one will be on whales? Or the seal themselves? Whatever it is, its a new step towards success, and its new, its riveting, its wild, and its sad. Some parts will make you cry, but most parts will make you learn, and make you feel for these penguins, and what they do to stay alive, and survive the cold Artic climate, because its the winter that brings out the bitterness in us all, even in Mother Nature.
And for this, the 10 stars aren't for the penguins themselves, the way National Geographic made this movie was absolutely 100% authentic. The photography was nothing short of spectacular, the filming was almost realistic as you can get to the penguins, and the score went along perfectly with those little penguins, and how they needed to live out, or die.
10/10, in my book.
Good Burger (1997)
Welcome to the Good Burger!
The cast of "All That" returns for good humor in the "Good Burger" a place similar to an old fashioned fast food restaurant. The comedy is terrific, the fun is non-stop, and though cliché, is a passer for kid and family comedy.
A movie for all ages, this movie is meant to enjoy, laugh, and pretty much a lazy movie for a rainy day, as that's what I'd save this movie for, a rainy day. USA aired it today, and since I know that the cast of "All That" is in it, I thought that it might be a bit of a chuckle burner, but in good fun, as Keenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell (probably one of the best young duos of that time) were terrific together, the pieces came together, and everything worked out, and it made it into good family fun together with some lazy day work to get off the bad day.
May I take your order?
Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004)
Got the munchies? Go to White Castle!
Teen Comedies are stupid at the very least, but this one tops them all. "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle" is a tease to what everybody wants, burgers, when you're stoned in the middle of the night, and have a heavy day of working to do the next day, yep, I think I am going to get some cheap-o White Castles burgers to satisfy my hunger.
The story is about two roommates, one whose Harold Lee, whose an associate at a business, and hates his job, but the only thing that brights him up is this beautiful Spanish girl Maria, who takes the elevator with Harold every day when he gets home from work, that Harold likes, but can't get the words out. The other is Kumar Patel, a stoner who's father wants him to become a doctor, but doesn't want to become one himself, and slacks all day. They both share their apartment with 2 Jewish stoners, Goldstein and Rosenberg, but one night, the two decide that they want something to eat, something very unique, so while watching TV, an advertisement for White Castle comes on, and gets them craving, but its not going to be easy to cure the munchies...
The comedy is there, the laughs are there, now sit back and get some burgers yourselves before you start craving for those beefy concoctions on a bun. Yum!
Sin City (2005)
One bloodbath, and a fistful of sins
Unlike most comic book films, where the lines are almost as cliché as the acting themselves, "Sin City" takes its own purpose. Its as unique in every way the book was meant to be, and deserves worthy praise for the non successors like "Daredevil" and "Hulk".
"Sin City" is 4 stories combined to flip into 1 hell of an action ride. Its a graphic tale, but tells it well, with probably some of the sharpest lines some movies have yet to even create, and the wit and knowledge of characterization brings out the better in the movie, and the standards of the comic book. Completely taken by surprise, Bruce Willis, Mickey Rourke, Jessica Alba, Josh Hartnett, Clive Owen, Brittany Murphy, Rosario Dawson, and many more take part in this. Its a terrific film that sets new boundaries for what movies have and what not. It's something new, revelating, and unique feature to what is being shown in theaters now. The action is unique, the color is amazing, and the motion and the film surrounding itself is fairly a unique style of filming, and it stays that way, for of course, the rather generations of what the film industry has headed to.
The stories are all mapped out in a slow, and carefully crafted fashion. They all go in a storybook mode, with imagery as graphic as brain surgery, and the action then takes place. The stories each go at their own pace, whether their are all gunshot stories, or stories that are slow with care, and taking heroic measures to be taken, which is what some of them are.
There's rumblings of a sequel coming out, and I can't wait to see it.
Munich (2005)
Munich is accurate to the bone of every Jew and Arab on the planet!
Steven Spielberg broke out of his dry spell of horrible movies. "Munich" breaks through with numerous success and honors that achieve pride and joy, and much more it.
In a story that tells about the terrorist attacks on Israel and the retelling the hostage shooting (aka Black September), of the Israeli Olympic team. In retaliation, the Moussa (Israeli FBI) organizes a meeting to hunt down who was responsible for these wrongdoings, and kill them all.
Eric Bana (Avner), is the leader, and he's handed with 4 other man on a plot to kill, and a time for vengeance. In a span, they spend millions of dollars on weaponry and starting out on their spree to try and get them all.
Its a near graphic film, very disturbing, and it takes a lot in. However, its a terrific film, with lessons to learn and teachings to teach.
Who's the bad guy? Who's the good guy? That's all undetermined, but whichever it is, its your choice.
For generations ahead, this abides them all. This is a movie that should be presented for the future generations.
Flightplan (2005)
Flightplan crashes down hard.
Jodie Foster is a terrific actor. As a child and as an adult, she was always great, but sometimes, a movie isn't meant for a certain actor, as it was for others. As mentioned in the trivia, this movie isn't meant for Foster, its meant more for Sean Penn.
"Flightplan" takes the flight of a psycho-path mother Kyle (Jodie Foster) who flies to America to take the body of her husband. While on flight, she realizes after a big sleep, that her 6 year old daughter has been missing. When she asks the flight crew what happened to her, they each give her blank responses. She, as a response to them, throws a temper tantrum and gets the entire plane scared out of their mind, until air marshal Carson (Peter Saarsgard) holds his ground and calms her down. Unfortunately, that doesn't stop Kyle, as she runs to and fro the plane, as she helped design the plane, in search for her daughter, and so forth.
The ending of this movie is as predictable as any kindergarten's would have known their ABC's, yet something about the movie has its flavor of difference in it.
Its not that bad, but not that good either. Take it all in first in and then breath it all out.
And she's still a terrific actress.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
My family is in Florida, and I'm in... New York
Sequels usually aren't as good as they come by, but here's one that actually passes, again, and this time by serious margins.
Culkin returns again, and this time, he's in New York, as his family this time brought him, but leave him at the Airport (if these folks were mine, I'd want emancipation from them before I turn 15).
The acting is better, the script is humorous, and the traps and fly outs are better. Way better. Sure, the stupidity in it is just as much as the original had it, but what do you expect from a movie like this, were you expecting something that was serious?
Oh yes. Humbug Donald Trump does fancy camera viewing when he was younger, as he makes a brief appearance at the Plaza Hotel scene. Check it out.
And check this movie out from a Blockbuster near you.
Home Alone (1990)
Stay Home, and Watch It
TBS airs so many good specials lately, and especially during holiday season. This is a pass for it.
Culkin plays Kevin McCallister, a snotty boy whose family accidentally leaves him "Home Alone" on a holiday vacation. While home, he starts to realize that he likes it that way... until Harry and Marv (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) intrude into the area as 2 bandits who attempt to rob every house in his neighborhood. When they find out they get more for what they bargained for, realizing that there's someone in the house, the 2 try and "kill" him, and yet get away with some stuff, but it won't be that easy, as Culkin, the prankster that he is, sets traps to stop them in their path and it goes from there as a wild goose chase in a race for the finish.
Grades:
Acting: B Humor: B Directing: A- Script: C+ Family Quality (it is a family movie is it not?): A
Get the fire started. Its going to be a long night.
Doom (2005)
Doomed to Die
Here's a hint for the what this movie was. Dreadful, Disgusting, Disturbing, Dreck, and as mentioned, Doomed.
This movie certainly was a movie that was never meant to be made. The Rock, who spews out the venomous words that parents hate to hear their children speak of, as well as some crude humor, and less entertaining effects for a more unenjoyable. Actors are used incoherently, and the plot is pretty stupid and basic, as more blood and guts spatter the screen for everlasting effect.
Now, why would I give it 3 stars? I could have easily given it 1, but the the extra 2 points are for the effect that it receives in the superhero effect. You be the hero, and its not that bad, as your killing people, and getting the firsthand view.
Its not a video game anymore. Its dead.
Cast Away (2000)
Cast out to sea. Never to return
If I didn't know that Tom Hanks starred in movies like "Forrest Gump", and "Saving Private Ryan", I would have given him all the Oscars there is. "Cast Away" is the brilliant story of survival, in every word of the title, of a FedEx shipper who stays on and island and manages to survive in complete isolation for 4 years, without any phone connections, and living with a volleyball that he later becomes friendly with, Wilson, and icon for all of us who need someone to talk to, even if its inanimate.
As I watched this movie, time and time again, I picked up on some ways of survival, ways of starting things socially, as once again, Robert Zemeckis can keep an audience captivated by the one movement of one man, of the one man who can make a major difference. Its hard to say whether people can learn, or debate by watching this flick, by saying all the garbage about how someone can really do it. Switch yourself with Hanks for a week, and then lets talk about how manly someone is.
Helen Hunt, who plays Kelly, and Hanks, who plays the brilliantly stable Chuck Noland, have great chemistry together, as both light up the screen with flavor and pizazz, which seems that no movie nowadays possesses. Watching this movie will make you frightened, and make you cry, but the lessons are numerous.
Ready to take on the next 4 years of your life? OK. Now, here's the challenge, unplug your TV and disconnect your telephone and computer systems. Now that you're ready, open up the new page in your life and
Begin.
Jarhead (2005)
Thank god... Ooorah
Something new, finally.
In the story that tells about the Persian Gulf War in 1991, Jake Gyllenhaal tells the story as the soldier Anthony Swofford, a soldier who experienced firsthand the war with the Middle Easterners. A war that was filled with boredom, and complete isolation from the rest of the world, and how the world on the other side responded to them, which was responded in a graphic, disturbing, and almost tragic, way.
As part of being one of the late contenders in the year, "Jarhead" is a success to those who were there, and a failure to those who sat in their chairs and watched it from the seat of their comfortable dens and family rooms. Staff Sgt. Sykes (Jamie Foxx), is portrayed in positive light, and enforces his presence with every demanding breath that he takes in, in this film, not only for the purpose of the demanding man that he was, but the way that the war, and the film itself, should have been demanded, in a form of respect.
Another pleasant surprise has been touched on the big screen a lot in the past couple of months, as Peter Sarsgaard delivers a stand up performance as Troy, the spotter for Swofford, who was the shooter in their sniper Platoon, in this amazing triumph for dignity, pride, and national respect for the country that one mush fight for in order to come back as a hero, and a well honored soldier, not a coward.
You're in the army now. Now get down and give me 50.
Rebound (2005)
Hilarious Comeback by Director Steve Carr
From the director of "Dr. Dolittle", and "Daddy Day Care", once again, true genius sparks from the filmaking of the genius of satire, parody, and downright outrageous comedy, as Steve Carr strikes again with "Rebound", the story about a crazed college coach, thrown of college basketball, gets the opportunity to go back to his roots and become the coach of the Smelters (A Middle School basketball team).
Martin Lawrence, the man who plays coach Roy McCormack, is again, the usual hysterical that he is. His witty humor and deadpan relationship with the kids are not even far between. The baskets are as funny as the game itself, as some yuppy comedy would put it, and is as good as it can get.
Tara Correa, this one's for you.
Fun with Dick and Jane (2005)
A Heck of a Ride
"We might be in a pickle Dick" During the holidays, movies are made for us to laugh, and for us to enjoy ourselves, even if that means seeing funny man Jim Carrey and ladylike Téa Leoni make a fool out of themselves, which sometimes can mean good things.
Carrey plays Dick Harper, a successful businessman that works for a highly rated stock and investment company. His wife, Jane Harper, played by Téa Leoni is a travel agent. They live in a modern house, as they also have a young son who is babysat by a lovely, amusing Hispanic housekeeper, Blanca. The movie then takes off from there, as Carrey's company goes under and Leoni quits her job (under Carrey's persuasion after learning he's going to get a promotion), and the president of the company (sleazy bug Alec Baldwin), escapes, the two are incapable of having a life. In the midst of trying to find a job, Dick and Jane are forced to sell all of their belongings, and try and live on the lamb, and go from time-to-time jobs. That is, until Dick decides that robbing, stealing, and taking money to try and pay off bills and retain their old life gets into their path...
Overall, not such a bad movie, but certainly one for the smart businessman.
Have fun.
Forrest Gump (1994)
Run Forrest Run!
TBS showed this movie last night, and none to say the least, I've seen it a thousand times, and all those times, I kept thinking to myself. How can a man with an IQ of 75 become a millionaire while us regulars are pulling in a regular salary of $45,000? The answer: Perseverance, Character. Ambition, Pride, and finally, Inspiration. That's what gets it done, and this movie gets it done with great fashion. It preservers through the rough times Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) possesses (the death of Bubba, his mom, and Jenny). The character he had for going back to get the wounded men on the front when Gump was in the Vietnam War, and allowing people to run with him in his mindless running. Ambition to try and succeed with what he wanted to do with his life (be something, and get there), as well as braving out a storm during a day out on the sea looking to catch some shrimp. Pride, his confidence in himself, the way he handles things around himself, and the ability to handle his own situations. Finally, there's inspiration, as he gave the normal human a reason for hope, and an ability to start anew after making a bad mistake.
The film itself is true in the exact word of it. A man who had limited potential to be something in the world, who then becomes a wealthy tycoon with millions of money. He doesn't run away with it either. He gave it to families that needed the money, build a church, a hospital, and helped his old war companion Lieutenant Dan out of some financial troubles that he was suffering.
Hanks plays Gump with terrific fashion and expertise as southern with a low IQ and skills of a 3rd grader. His performance gets a round of applause from all and standing ovation from many. Jenny (Robin Wright Penn), though drafty at times, looked pretty as Jenny, who struggled in life and her obstacles, and finally, there's the man Gary Sinise, who portrays the enigmatic Lieutenant Dan. He's terrific as a supporting role as one of the friends that Gump develops, and is a great sidekick to his downfalls (see the New Year's Eve party scene).
Based on true current events behind him, its a superb movie that should be watched with the entire family. I wholly recommend it.
That's all I have to say about that.
Dances with Wolves (1990)
Howling Success
Some movies are meant to just stay in their own place, however, "Dances with Wolves" is meant to be in more than one place.
Kevin Costner shines in this movie as the witty and wonderful John Dunbar, who gets transported to the West to be inhabited by Indians in this Oscar Winning film. Costner plays a Civil War veteran that is sent out West after getting a great honor, and hope that troops would come with him. When he realizes that the people he lives with are Lakota (Native Americans), he starts to adapt to their lifestyle, learning their language, and learning some of their values, such as following the buffalo, and even falls in love with a white women (Mary McDonnell), who became a Lakota following her family being massacred by Pawnee Indians.
The movie is both touching, and tragic, as we all know what happens as a result of what happens to them, but the movie tries to show the happiness in how they each try and make the best of hard situations (killing off Buffalo, taking away land), as the movie progresses, it gets a bit slower, but its worth some of the wait.
Excellent film making.
Spaceballs (1987)
Out of this world!
As is all Mel Brooks's movies, they all have great fun, humor, and of course, Judaism. As a Jew myself, I really got a kick out of the movie set "a long long time ago, in a galaxy far far far far far far far (you get the idea) away".
In comparison, this movie is nowhere's near, "The Producers" or "Young Frankenstein", but its pretty darn close to a movie like "Airplane", since it has both about the same caliber humor. Let's not forget here, this is Mel Brooks, the genius of Judaic comedy, as well as simple satire turned into egregious roundabout humor.
The acting here is probably one of the funniest lineups since, "Its a Mad Mad Mad Mad World". Rick Moranis (Dark Helmet) shines in this film, and grabs a couple of laughs on the camera, and gets the approval rating in this film (His later movies shall I not mention). Though probably not well known at the time, Bill Pullman (Lone Star) comes through with a flashy performance, terrificly handled and unpredictable. Speaking of unpredictable, the late John Candy (Barf)was unbelievable. His abilities stretch beyond all means, and will always be remembered as one of the greater comedians of the 80's.
And, for the grand finale, Mel Brooks, who makes appearances as the incompetent President Scroobs and the wise Yogurt, appears to show his age a bit, but nonetheless, still shows that he's an old timer, and his films are going to be around for years.
Get lost in space with this movie.
King Kong (2005)
King of the Hill
When I saw the previews to this movie, I had many doubts that this movie would not live up to the original, thanks to the notorious digital effects nowadays, but with a director as smart as Peter Jackson is, the movie excited me very much.
"King Kong" is an absolute masterpiece for today's cinema. Despite some acting flaws (why is Jack Black in this movie?) it covers itself up by the mighty Kong. The digital effects are absolutely tremendous. Supernatural beings and inhabitants on Skull Island come to life and bring more of a vivid picture. Naomi Watts is brilliant, lovely, and awe inspiring as Ann Darrow, a terrific choice on behalf of Jackson's part, and the main attraction, to why us moviegoers see movies. Kong himself. Kong proves not only to be a roaring attraction, but a famous hero to us all, that shows that the best of beauty and even destroy the evil from within, and the affection of 2 strangers meeting by not fate or circumstance. Jack Driscoll (Adrian Brody) looms around the film as the sidekick in the film, but picks up his pieces time to time in some segments of the film, as his driving sequences are absolutely amazing, and his bravery and in-cowardice brings out a hero in him.
Some of the most infamous scenes, such as the Empire State Building scene, is relived as if we are actually watching the real thing. The effects bring it to life, the suspense draws us closer to the film, and gives you the simulation of actually watching from either a tall building, or even from the ground floor. Kong's every move show flashes of a gorilla who is trapped, cornered, and surrounded, that is faltered to love such a beautiful woman that he meets for the first time. His abilities to rule and conquer and master all of what he surrounds bring out the excellence in Kong.
An example of that is during his fight with the 2 T-Rex's, which he kills both of them with the exuberant strength that he possesses, and keeps the island a stable and organized society, with Kong as ruler, T-Rex as second command, followed by your carnivorous brontosaurus and your gigantic leeches (yuck).
There is some down parts to the film. The first hour of the film is a complete drag, as we wait for something to happen, and then, enter Skull Island, the film starts to pick up. A bit too long, but its worth the 3 hours, because certainly, its got my vote as one of the Top 250 movies ever made.
Roar about it.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
Sweet and Sour
Sure, the remake already tells you "bad", but actually take the time to see this movie, just! Even if you're not a Johnny Depp fan, or you're not the type to sit and watch a marathon of Tim Burton movies, sit down and take the hours to watch this remake of the 1971 version.
We all know what goes on, but for those of you who have never read the book or even saw the original, here's a quick summary. Eccentric chocolate factory owner Willy Wonka holds a contest which he has placed 5 golden tickets in a special candy bar called a Wonka Bar (that's 1 golden ticket in only 5 bars). They can be all over the world, and in this case, if you win one, you get the chance to tour the factory with Wonka himself.
But, its centered around a young boy named Charlie Bucket (Freddie Highmore). Bucket's family is poor. He lives with his grandparents (from both of his parents), and his father works at a toothpaste factory, but he doesn't have such a good job, as he's the one who screws the caps on the toothpaste, and obviously, the person who screws the caps doesn't make much money. So Charlie lives in a "shack".
As you already may have guessed, Bucket gets a Golden Ticket (by luck of the draw by buying a Wonka Bar), and gets into the factory, as well as 4 others, and blah blah blah blah. You know the rest.
The entertainment for this film is one of the best for a remake. You laugh, you cry, you'll be frightened, you'll get grossed out, freaked out, every little thing is in there. Johnny Depp is terrific as the eccentric Wonka, who nails down the role of a mysterious man the way Burton would have wanted it, in any other way. Despite having damaged the funny and quirky dance numbers done by the Oompa Loompa's, they aren't all damaged, and are redone in a way to try and repair the damage, but it's already done.
The factory itself is as enchanting as it can get, and all roads (sweet ones) lead to happiness, which isn't always the case, as Wonka adds more than we thought. He has a disgruntled relationship with his father, and he has bad communicating skills (quite evidently present), which raises the stakes a bit more, and adds more flavor in the movie than the original ever would have done. Terrificly added by Burton.
A spoon of flavor, a Cup of taste, a Tablespoon of joy, and a stick of wit, and that's the recipe for the new version of the remake. ENJOY!
Just Friends (2005)
Stay Friendly
After an abysmal watching of "National Lampoons Van Wilder" and shortly after reading a horrible review for "Waiting", I thought I wouldn't be able to see another decent Ryan Reynolds movie. Simply put, this man can't act, and we all know that, but we have to give this guy some credit as he plays the innocent Chris Bander, an overweight student who turns his life around to become a very successful publicist (or something in that relation) of the music business.
We start out the movie in High School somewhere in New Jersey. Chris is fat, he has almost no friends, except for Jamie Palamino (Amy Smart "Road Trip"), but at the end of high school, he realizes that he wants the friendship to be more than just friends, but she refuses to allow that to happen, and it breaks his heart, which starts Reynolds on a huge womanizing spree, one with which is a musical artist (Anna Faris). The rest is an entire teen movie cliché.
I have to give credit to Reynolds for his nonchalant attitude in the film, and the looks of Smart and Faris is only what keeps the film alive, yet Julie Hagerty ("Airplane" Anyone?), who gets a bit of camera time as Chris's mom, is still the soft, baby spoken actress she was 20 years ago. When will she just hang it up already? Watcheable, silly, funny, and charismatic. Four words to describe the film. There's also these other four words. Cliché, unorthodox, poor, and plain old dull.
If you're in it to see Reynolds look like a fool of himself, see the film. If not, get some laughs and walk out with a happy face. It'll last longer.
Coach Carter (2005)
Winners At The Buzzer!
I've seen this movie a thousand times, but I've never gotten the time to write a review on it, but today, I'm able to, so, here goes.
With a "Hardball" spin off, Coach Carter takes the team into another dimension of high school basketball. Where in the world there's the perfect coach with the perfect team, this world, in Richmond High School, is an imperfect world. Teeangersare raised by unwanted parents. College is almost a distant cry on the radar screen, and the foreseeable future is a doormat that's already been stepped on thousands of times, there's nothing that's in sight for a team that can never seem to stop losing, until their's a job vacancy for the coaching job after the original coach for the team resigns (I would understand why).
Ken Carter (Samuel L. Jackson) steps up to the plate and is handpicked by the school to be the successor for the school basketball team, as their coach. He accepts the job, and almost immediately, his presence is felt by both the players and school, as the players are being treated by prisoners, worked like animals, and rode on like horses. With all the calamity going on, Carter turns the teams into winners, enabling an undefeated record, until he notices that his team has another problem. Grades.
After finding out that the majority of his students are barely passing (or even failing) their courses, Carter locks out the gym and practice, putting chains on the gym doors, forfeiting games, and locking his students in the school library until the grades start to show improvement. To insure that his players are to get better, and to put pressure on them to be better, Carter demands that all the players' teachers issue weekly progress reports on their grades. Could this all try and help the players become better students, or in Carter's case, men? Can he help get his players into a decent college without getting arrested (and hopefully not gunned down)? That's all up in the air as the parents get restless, and the district decides that to end the lockout, Carter must resign his coaching position to allow the students to play...
All of this may make this movie sound like its a dark, depressing teen movie, but its not. Its a movie that uplifts the courage of man, and shows that people need to try hard in order to succeed, to not throw in the towel just because they cannot do it. Life was not made like the yellow-brick road. Life was made with many challenges, and if you cannot leave up to them, you might as well end up sitting your tush in prison, because you're not willing to accept full responsibility.
Jackson delivers a stand-up performance in this movie (not surprising at all), and director Thomas Carter (no relation to the real coach), shows a potential director in him, as despite some well known clichés are used in the film, let's not get carried away with them, as the movie has more ups, than it does down. It focuses also on racial equality, as derogatory words are used as enemies, not as allies, and enable a more substantial taste and flavor to the movie that was based on a true story.
Stand up, cheer, do whatever you feel is right. It's just boys playing basketball, isn't it?
Lean on Me (1989)
Don't Lean, Stand up Straight!
This movie was featured on A&E one morning, and I checked out the summary, and when I saw that this movie had Morgan Freeman in it, I couldn't refuse the movie, and I had to watch it.
From the very beginning, to the very end, I was near completely impressed by the way this movie was made. With a spin of "Stand and Deliver", this movie is the perfect film to learn, talk about, and educate yourself on. Films to come in the future, such as "Sunset Park", and "Coach Carter", films that show that "One man can make a difference", this one stands out in my mind. Not only because this was based in the state that I grew up in, but it set a precedented example for all school districts. A story that goes from rags to riches, it gets better with every scene, as the booming (very unusual) voice of Morgan Freeman and the syndicated voices of African American pride simmer through the tale of Eastside High School,(a school thats located in Paterson, NJ) on the verge of being taken control by the state of New Jersey got back on its feet by the strict rules and consequences set up by a zero tolerance Principal, Principal Joe "Crazy Joe" Clark.
Some of the acting, other than Freeman's, really stand out to make the film a spectacular one. Jermaine 'Huggy' Hopkins (Thomas Sams), is excellent as the freshman who changes his ways, and turns to becoming a school favorite and an academic success in the school, as well as the boys who had to memorize the school Alma Mater (That version of the Alma Mater was as sweet as honey).
Just remember next time you watch this, (or if its your first time), to sit up straight. Leaning isn't going to get you anywhere, unless you lean on someone that is willing to get you there.
Walk the Line (2005)
Walks a Very Fine Line
For the late Johnny Cash this is for you. Unlike the trash that I've seen lately in the movie theaters, this one actually fits up there along the ranks of its caliber, such as "Ray", which was a terrific film.
The film, "Walk the Line" is the story of Johnny and June Carter Cash, how they each rose to stardom, overcoming obstacles, and facing great harsh times together. The style of the movie shows flashes of greatness, while at times, makes you wonder why are you even seeing this movie? I have to hand it to Joquain Phoenix in this flick. Normally, I wouldn't even consider a Top 100 Actor, but in this movie, he looks like one. As "The Man in Black" Phoenix has every bit of him down to the look, and his vocals. He even plays the guitar in this movie! Which I was more impressed with. His chemistry with his band are absolutely tremendous, and his relationships with other people are almost superb. He, and June (portrayed by the lovely Reese Witherspoon), portray superb chemistry as the future couple of Country Music. Witherspoon gets a thumbs up performance, as she too has every bit of Carter down to the bone, down to the playing of the Auto-Harp, which is not easy to play. As assurance to the protagonist, she gets a nice jerking performance (though looking a bit like a flues in some of her costumes), but she gets my approval as the wife of Cash.
As for the supporting, Robert Patrick is the one that stands out the most to me. Well renowned for his work in "Terminator 2: Judgement Day", he exemplifies himself as the father of Cash, and shows the apathetic, and harsh ways of him. His scenes make him stand out more than any other member, and gets the nod.
Some lines get old ("Ex: "You look like you're going to a funeral." Cash: Maybe I am") tires out in the film, but its all worth it, as they are each said at the right times. Another brilliance by also, noteworthy director James Mangold ("Kate and Leopold"). If he can create another movie like this, he's a nominee for an Oscar.
Take a fine walk, don't rush, because this curtain call is surely not going to be its last.
Take a bow Mr. Mangold.
9/10.
The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977)
Well Fried
Though this movie has absolutely nothing to it, its considered a great movie on my part.
Not only did this movie make me burst a gut, but its a great satire of, well, everything. It's the remedy to any tear-jerker and also a great movie to watch when there's, "just nothing on that night", sit through it, have some laughs, and enjoy it. There's nothing better to it.
Of course, the main skit, "A fistful of yen" was absolute genius. The moves, and the way they were all made, was absolute prodegetic. I praise David and Jerry Zucker for this, and again, John Landis continues to make great movies. This, for one, is probably in his best other than "Animal House" and "The Blues Brothers".
Serve up the chicken, because this movie is going to eat your heart out!
The 40 Year Old Virgin (2005)
Terrific, Brilliantly Acted
I recently caught the eye to see this film in theaters, and when I walked out of it, I had all to say about it.
Before I get into my schpiel on how terrific this movie was, I'd like to say that we will never see a movie that funny, and yet so original ever again, like the greats always say, with great risk comes great reward.
OK, so here it goes. The story begins with a nerdy salesman Andy (Steve Carrell). Andy collects almost every action figure and video game possible and he works at an electronics store with several other execs who are much "cooler" and "in" than Andy is. One night, Andy is invited to a Poker game with these guys, and when the topic of sex is being discussed, its Andy's turn to reveal his dirty secret. And, so the secret is revealed, the guy hasn't gotten much (I apologize, NONE)time in the sack with a woman, other than the other times that he's tried and failed.
Immediately, the group tries to get him laid by doing all means necessary. They start with the basics, using pick up lines, forms of masturbation (forcing him to watch a box load of porn), and taking him to bars with brilliantly pretty woman to waxing his chest and actually talking "suave". Eventually, it all cans out when he meets an EBay Marketer (Catherine Keener), who, after a series of dates with him, is dying to give him the time. Problem is, she's unaware of his issue. Will the issue effect the relationship? There are absolutely some good laughs in this one. As always, the funny Steve Carrell puts on a nice show as the scared, boyish Andy. He foils out Andy Stitzer, and shows why he is the way that he is. A man afraid of change, stuck inside his own little world, and afraid to crawl out of it and explore the meanings of adult sexuality, something he has never experienced.
As for the lovely Catherine Keener, she plays the pretty Trish exceptionally well, as the innocent, yet pushy single mother. As for the rest of Carrell's supporters (Paul Rudd, Romany Malco, and Seth Rogen), they are terrific as the bozo's that they are, and make the movie even more funnier to support the already chuckle burner in Steve Carrell.
Don't keep this issue a secret. I certainly won't if you don't.
9/10.