| Failure to Launch:
is one of those movies where the best jokes have already been
shown in the previews. Matthew McConaughey has a certain amount of
charm as the guy in his 30's still living in his parent's home, much to
their frustration. They (Kathy Bates and Terry Bradshaw, who gets some
of the biggest laughs) hire Sara Jessica Parker to court him so he wants to
move out. Unfortunately, it isn't the humans who have the best scenes,
however, it is his unfortunately interactions with wildlife and a goofy
supporting character played by Zooey Deschanel who actually made the
audience laugh out loud. The rest of the time the mixed group sat and
just munched their popcorn in boredom. Wait to see it on TV for free.
seen
3/15/06 RECOMMEND: Get a Life is an unfortunately short-lived, frequently hilarious TV comedy about a hapless guy in his 30's, not only living with his parents, but supporting himself still with a paper route. I can remember laughing out loud watching it and was pleased when some DVD's came out. They are not necessarily all the best episodes, but many had big laughs. Some are the best scenes features Chris Elliott's father, Bob (of the famous Bob and Ray comedy team), playing his long suffering father. A little TV classic and forerunner of current shows. |
| The Family Stone:
Sarah Jessica Parker plays a very uptight business woman who spends
Christmas with her fiancé's family. They are a mixture of love and
outspokenness that makes her feel very awkward and miserable. But, of
course, in a couple days, she reveals her 'inner loony', while they reveal
their strengths and weaknesses. I enjoyed the humor, warmth, and
performances, so give it a recommend.
seen
12/27/05 RECOMMEND: Alice Adams is the classic Katharine Hepburn 1930's film from a Booth Tarkington story about a social climber who goes after Fred MacMurray. Hepburn gives the character some charm along with much awkwardness with memorable scenes as she flounders trying to fit in. It is an early Hepburn classic. |
| FANTASIA 2000: is
Roy Disney's tribute to his Uncle Walt's vision of a continuing chapters of
"Fantasia". Many of the cartooned episodes are definitely tributes to the
original movie. And there in lies the problem - the movie seems like a weak copy,
rather than a vibrant addition. The one exception is the delightful "Rhapsody
in Blue" set in Hershfield's New York; it truly sparkles with vision and life and
imagination. And the segment hosts add zip to the film. However, seeing it in
IMAX makes the movie seem more of an event than it is and I have to admit that the
children in the audience were silent while watching. A noble effort, Roy, but...
movie seen 1/18/00 RECOMMEND: American in Paris is the classic MGM musical that won the Oscar mainly for its ending dance/ballet sequence using Gershwin's American in Paris symphony. It was filmed in wonderfully vibrant Technicolor with a joy in the music and dance that is pleasure to watch. |
| Fever Pitch: Is
a sweet little picture about a rabid Boston Red Socks fan who falls in love
with a driven business woman and the ups and downs of their romance.
Both Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore have amusing roles, but I was surprised
to find some heart and warmth in it too. The Farrelly Brothers are
growing up. I am recommending this little winner. seen 4/08/05 RECOMMEND: Tin Cup is an amusing story about a down-on-his luck, but happy-go-lucky golfer played with roguish charm by Kevin Costner who finds romance with Rene Russo, while competing with Don Johnson. It's a bit too long, but has some really fun moments. |
| Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within: The artistic level of the animation is
amazing, but the plot left me confused, then bored. The web site has lots of chunks
of the animation, so visit it for free and save yourself the dumb storyline. movie seen 7/14/01 RECOMMEND: The Abyss had some remarkable underwater scenes, but the ending is as goofy as the one in "AI". Watch it for the Oscar-winning special effects. |
| Finding Nemo:
is the most beautiful cartoon I have ever seen with gorgeous
underwater scenes in the coral reefs. It has some very sad and some
very scary scenes that may be a bit too intense for preschool kids (based on
the crying I heard). A fish father goes searching for his son who has
been captured for an aquarium. He meets up with friends and foes and
there is much comedy (and the little adult in-jokes Pixar is so great at.)
I would definitely rate this one highly; another winner from Pixar. movie seen 5/30/03 RECOMMEND: Bambi is the archetype Disney movie with sweetness and light combined with deep sadness. Bambi is, of course, the adorable little fawn who grows up with his bunny buddy, Thumper. It was one of my favorites growing up and one the Disney films that some "experts" think is too intense for little kids due to the ending. |
| Finding Neverland:
Is the tender telling of how J.M. Barry came to write "Peter
Pan". Johnny Depp gives another exceptional performance as the
playwright who is dissatisfied with his writing and his marriage. He
meets a young widow (played with warmth and depth by Kate Winslet) and her
four energetic sons and they each find healing in the other, as they play in
the fantasy world Barry creates for them. Young Freddie Highmore who
plays the unhappy little Peter is wise and sweet and almost steals the movie
from the older actors. It is a lovely movie, definitely worth seeing.
movie seen 11/26/04 RECOMMEND: Hook is Spielberg's visitation of the Peter Pan story, with Robin Williams as the grown-up Peter Pan and Dustin Hoffman (who also co-stars in Finding Neverland) hamming it up as Hook. The legend of Peter Pan was not well-served despite the famous director and cast. It ended up being a dud. |
| Flags of Our Fathers: Tells the story of the men who were photographed raising the flag at Iwo Jima and how they were used for publicity to sell bonds for the war and by politicians to assure Americans that we were winning the war. I did find the storytelling method of going back and forth in time to be rather disconcerting, but in the end all the pieces pulled together. The message given was that the surviving soldiers did not feel like heroes - the heroes to them were the ones who died in the war. It is a good companion piece for "Saving Private Ryan", since it follows much of the same territory. Although the movie was well done, I felt it lacked the emotional level of "Saving Private Ryan", but still give it a recommend. seen 11/06 |
| FLAWLESS: Robert
DeNiro plays with his normal skill, a retired cop who suffers a stroke and has to ask the
help of his gay, female impersonator neighbor, played with humorous wisdom by Philip
Seymour Hoffman (look for him to get some award nominations in a supporting role).
There is a secondary plot of stolen money that drives the characters' interaction.
The gritty feel of New York is offset by the genuine friendship the two men develop.
Warning: the language is rough, but the movie was definitely
worth-seeing. movie seen 12/3/99 RECOMMEND: The Birdcage was a big hit, though it had less depth than the French original, Les Cage Aux Folles. But Nathan Lane and Hank Azaria get to ham it up, while Robin Williams play the gay man fairly straight. I have come to enjoy The Birdcage, though I really disliked it the first time I saw it, since I couldn't help comparing it to the French classic. Taken on its own merits, it does have some humorous performances that show some heart and warmth that make it an enjoyable movie |
| Flightplan: Is
a fairly entertaining popcorn movie about a child who suddenly disappears on
a plane in flight and her mother's desperate attempts to find her, when
no-one even believes the child existed. It's an update of the old
Hitchcock "Lady on a Train" movie, elevated by Jodie Foster's tense,
intelligent performance. But, remember not to think too much about the
plot, since it is very unbelievable: just munch your corn and put your brain
on hold and go for the ride. seen
10/7/05
RECOMMEND: Paycheck is a slick John Woo film featuring Ben Affleck as a hot-shot programming genius who agrees to have his memory erased after he finishes projects. When he wakes up after his last job, he collects an envelope full of strange objects, instead of the pay-off he was expecting. Then the action begins as he finds himself pursued and learns the reasons for the things in the envelope. This was an over-looked movie that really works at keeping you entertained and keeps your brain in gear putting the pieces together. Recommend this rental for a fun couple of hours. |
| FOR LOVE OF THE GAME: Uses
flashbacks to tell the story of a veteran pitcher's important baseball game and his
relationship with his girlfriend. Kevin Costner nicely underplays a guy who puts the
game above the woman he loves, played with intelligence and warmth by Kelly Preston.
Some of the audience were crying at the end of the movie (and I found myself a bit choked
up), so there is a nice heart to the film. Not great, but worth watching. movie seen 9/18/99 RECOMMEND: Bang the Drum Slowly tells the touching story of a dying catcher, played with sweet pathos by Robert Di Nero, who is befriended by the star pitcher, played quietly by Michael Moriarty. |
| FORCES OF NATURE: Frankly, I hadn't
intended to see this movie, but ended up wasting a couple hours of my life due to timing .
What a dull rehash of a movie that even the charm of Sandra Bullack and Ben
Affleck cannot save. It is just another road picture with the "square" and
the "free soul", that lacks the class or wit of its numerous predecessors.
Hopefully, Sandra will get someone better to recommend scripts to her - she is due
a good movie (and so is the paying public) movie
seen 2/26/99 RECOMMEND: Midnight Run has Robert De Niro as a bounty hunter trying to get bail-jumper Charles Grodin from New York to Las Angeles while dealing with the mob and the FBI at the same time. Funny and wise with action and good by-play between the two men. Now this is a road movie to enjoy. |
|
The 40 Year Old Virgin: Is an
adult story of a man still living like an invisible child. The guys
where he works, who are more screwed up than he is, take it as their mission
to get him "broken in" and of course fail in every attempt. Steve
Carell is absolutely hilarious and makes a very awkward character work.
Catherine Keener gives delightful support as the woman he falls for.
It's a surprise winner, but not for the kiddies. (Yep, finally caught
up with it at the Dollar Show.) seen
11/12/05 RECOMMEND: Pee-wee's Big Adventure is the hilarious Paul Reuben's character of the man-child Pee-wee who goes on his "adventure" to retrieve his bicycle. Funny and insightful all at the same time, like a child's view of what being a grown-up is. An instant classic. |
|
Freaky Friday:
Disney is having one heck of a good year: first "Nemo", then "Pirates", now
"Freaky Friday". Saw it at a preview that had two theaters totally
sold out and the packed house laughing like crazy. The remake follows
the familiar territory of a parent and child switching places, but this
update has the benefit of Jamie Lee Curtis in the daughter in the mom's body
role; she is hilarious (you can tell she has her dad's gene for comedy).
Lindsay Lohan does well with the angry young teenager role (note, this is
her second Disney remake - she
previously did "Parent Trap"). I had a lot of affection for the
original 1976 version which had the talents of Barbara Harris and Jodie
Foster, but I would say this one compares very favorably with the cultural
and plots updates. I suspect this will be the 3rd winner for Disney
this is summer!
movie seen
7/18/03 RECOMMEND: Big was best of a bunch of little boy in a man's body films that came out at the same time. It was well-served by Penny Marshall's direction and garnered Tom Hanks his first Oscar nomination. He combines a child's innocence with growing wisdom and makes the character seem totally believable. Add to it the adorable scene with him and Robert Loggia dancing on the huge floor piano mat at the toy store and you have a film that remains a winner. |
| The Four Feathers: Is
the classic story of what constitutes courage. A young soldier, ably played by Heath
Ledger, in Victorian Britain, resigns his commission when his regiment is ordered sent to
the Sudan to fight. Three friends and his fiancée (warmly played by Kate Hudson)
each send him a white feather that indicates cowardice. But, he finds his core of
courage by venturing on his own into the Sudan when his army comrades' lives are
threatened. The movie is done as a larger than life epic, but manages to keep its
humanity in the characters. I was also impressed by the performance (and frankly
those great blue eyes) of Wes Bentley and shocked to discover that he is actually an
American and was the young videoer in "American Beauty". Djimon Hounsou
gives a dignified performance as the young soldier's savior and ally. Of course, one must always draw comparisons with the other terrific filming of the story, the 1939 British version. I have never read the novel the movies are based on, so don't know which one is closer to it, but must admit I have a sentimental attachment to the 1939 movie. It was done in truly glorious Technicolor, with more cohesive storytelling. But, I have to recognize the fine effort of the current version and give it a recommend. movie seen 9/21/02 RECOMMEND: Khartoum is the reverse end of the story that is referenced in The Four Feathers of the battle for Khartoum, that shows the power of politics in the decisions made with the military. The casting is odd, but works adequately for the film, with Charlton Heston as the British General Gordon and Lawrence Olivier as the Islamic leader called the Mahdi. It isn't exact history, but the exotic locales and the politic machinations make it interesting to watch. |
| Frailty: This
is a film that will take you down some very dark paths, as tale of a widowed father of two
young sons,believes he's had a vision from God to rid the world of evil. It begins
with the son's recollections to an FBI agent that tells of his father's decent into murder
and how he drew his sons into it. But, don't be turned off, this is no Jason-type
film, but a deeper look at not just psychotic behavior, but a family's relationships.
And there is an ending that I am sure will come as a shock to you. This is an
exceptional first movie from director Bill Paxton, who also stars as the father.
Matthew McConaughey is solid as the adult son and Powers Boothe gives his usual good
support as the FBI agent. A remarkable movie, both intriguing and disturbing. movie seen 4/13/02 RECOMMEND: The Night of the Hunter is a haunting tale of evil of a psychotic preacher unforgettably portrayed by Robert Mitchum who menaces two young children. It is remarkable effort by Charles Laughton in his only directorial effort. The images will stay with you, especially the last sight of Shelley Winters, who plays the mother. |
| Freedom Writers:
Is another look at the naive
teacher dealing with rough inner city gang kids. Hilary Swank gives a
good performance as the teacher with the pearls, but April Lee Hernandez
stands out as young Latino student town between the gangs and her desire to
learn. I did find the movie touching and very emotional, especially
with the ties the teacher made to the students of their lives and the
Holocaust victims. Despite the fact that we have seen this movie many
times before, I still enjoyed the story-telling with its edge in reality, so
give it a recommend. seen 1/6/07
Some other movies on same subject:
|
| FREQUENCY: Due
to a cosmic disturbance, a grown son, played with conviction by James Caviezel, is able to
talk on a ham radio to his father, Dennis Quaid, who died serving as a fireman 30 years
previously. The information that he gives him about their past, causes the father to
change his behavior, which in turn modifies the future and the plot then revolves around
their combined efforts to correct the outcome of these events. There is a warm
loving tone to their relationship which gives depth to what could have been just a clever,
formula script. movie seen 5/13/00 RECOMMEND: The Philadelphia Experiment tells the story of two soldiers are brought from the World War II army into modern times by a scientific experiment. There is a fish out of water element combined with real heart felt emotions that makes it watchable. |
| Frida: Salma Hayek
brings passion, strength, and determination to the performance of her career as the
Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. The film is beautifully realized by director Julie
Taymor with intelligence and spark that keeps you watching. Another exceptional
performance is given by Alfred Molina as Frida's husband, the artist Diego Rivera.
There is a rich fullness to their characters, that shows them warts and all, but as
people who in the end were devoted to one another no matter how much each had been hurt by
the other. This film is a standout this year and I do believe Salma Hayek (and
possibly Molina) should get a shelf dusted and ready for Oscar. (Caution: this
is a very adult movie.) movie seen 11/23/02 RECOMMEND: All That Jazz is Bob Fosse's flashy musical autobiography that featured great dance numbers and a tough self-appraisal with amazing great cinematography. Roy Scheider was the surprising choice to play the role, but does a solid job. "It's Show Time!!" |
| From Hell: Is
a fresh retelling of the Jack the Ripper tale that centers on the prostitute victims and a
detective working on the case, played by Johnny Depp. The quirk of his character is
that he is psychic drug addict, who falls in love with one of the prostitutes, played by
the lovely Heather Graham. The movie makers include facts about the case and
Victorian times, while drawing their own conclusions as to whom Jack was. The film
does draw you in and throws out enough potential killers to keep you wondering to the end,
just who really did the murders. And, if you think about it, we are still wondering
over a hundred years later that same thing. movie
seen 11/10/01 RECOMMEND: The Fury tells the story of two teenaged psychics who are kidnapped by mes U.S. Government agents wanting to use their abilities. Kirk Douglas plays a father searching for his kidnapped son, played by Andrew Stevens. He is aided by Amy Irving as the other teenage psychic. John Cassavettes plays the meniacal leader of the project who really gets his in the dramatic (and gory) ending. (CAUTION: Both of these movies are high on the blood spurting meter, so beware if that bothers you.) |