Reviews

Johnny Stecchino is an excellent example of why Roberto Benigni is coolest man alive. I absolutely love this film...of course I love anything that is associated with Roberto Benigni. I think he gave a wonderful comedic performance (or performances considering he played a dual role). I love the character of Johnny Stecchino...mostly because of Benigni's charm. I could go on and on about how much I love this movie. I love Roberto and I love Johnny Stecchino!!!

I bought this movie just because it had my favorite actor Roberto Benigni...and it took me a while just to find out who he was!!! Otherwise, the movie is a dubbed joke--hilariously bad. It's very funny to watch if you like that B movie appeal. Poor Roberto!!! He's sooooooooooooo much better than this trash!!!

"Legally Blonde" is a delightful comedy about a young valley girl named Elle Woods (played incentively by Reese Witherspoon). In the beginning, Elle is expects her boyfriend to propose to her while on a date. Instead, he dumps her. "I need to marry a Jackie, not a Marilyn," he replied. So, Elle decides to become the Jackie type...she applies for Harvard Law School and eventually gets accepted. The Elle Woods character is very likeable. She's rich and comes from a well-to-do family, but never gives us any indication of being a stuck up snob. She makes friends with all kinds of people...rich and poor, and she thinks of others more than she does herself. The film has many funny points. Reese Witherspoon is excellently cast and the rest of the cast is ideal as well.

I give "Legally Blonde" ***(B).

Warning...this film has its sluggish moments, but it also has terrific performances and keen-eye direction to compensate for slow pace. Jack Nicholson gives a good performance, not the best he's ever done, but a good one. Benicio Del Toro, one of my favorite actors, gives a sensational performance as Toby, a retarded Indian accused of killing a young girl. The real shocker was the performance of Robin Wright Penn as the single mother with whom Nicholson forms a romantic relationship. This movie was directed by Sean Penn. He's probably the one film maker who resembles the artistic style of Stanley Kubrick, my favorite director.

I give "The Pledge" **1/2(C+)

"Down to Earth" was a disappointing one-liner vehicle for comedian Chris Rock. Chris Rock is funny...but not at his best in this film. The best parts come from one of his staff writers named Wanda Sykes. She steals every scene in which she's in. I really enjoyed her character...I don't think it was much different from her real personality considering that the name of her character is Wanda. Ha! Ha! The concept of this film came from the 1978 film "Heaven Can Wait" which was written by Warren Beatty and Elaine May (Primary Colors). It was a misused concept. To everyone else...Lance (Rock) appears to be an unattractive older white man but we don't get to see very much of what they see. We only see Chris Rock...which gave me the indication that this was a low-concept vehicle for him.

I give "Down to Earth"**(C-).

I thought this film was entertaining in a "teenage pop-culture" way. Julia Stiles gives her best performance yet as the conflicted Sara. The dance sequences were interesting...after all it isn't everyday that I see ballet and hip hop combined. I didn't like the way the film went off course during the last act...presenting the complications of an interracial teen relationship. The energetic direction and appealing cast makes up for the story's down falls.

I give "Save the Last Dance" ***(B+).

Lackluster sequel to the 1994 hit with a script that seems as if it was composed on a roll of toilet paper. Carrey is the best part about the movie. The movie was a box-office success, mostly in part for those who thought they were getting the same entertainment as the first installment.

I give "Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls" *1/2(D).

Most critics panned this ridiculous comedy that became a star-making vehicle for Carrey, but I have always found it funny and likeable. Yes, there are many stupid moments and Carrey's brand of energy can drive some people insane.

I give "Ace Ventura, Pet Detective" ***(B).

A `dark' comedy based on the Charles Addams' cartoon and famed television series with bazaar production designs that blend with a grotesquely humorous script. The plot deals with a shyster lawyer who develops a sinister scheme to con money out of the wealthy Gomez and Morticia by presenting an impostor whom claims he is their real Uncle Fester. This well cast cultural phenomenon has several bright moments but the entire project left me with an unsatisfied feeling. Impressive production values make way for this average comedy. Directorial debut for cinematographer Barry Sonnenfeld.

I give "The Addams Family" **1/2(C+).

An intense drama based on a real life account of a foul-mouthed woman (Foster) who is brutally raped in a local bar by a group of men. The movie deals with her triumph of getting the chance to bring forth her violators in the court of law. Everything is credible and sufficient, but I was left with a feeling of dissatisfaction.

I give "The Accused" **1/2(C+)

Michael Douglas is great, the supporting cast is great, the story is great, and, especially, the music is great. As soon as I first heard "Things Have Changed" by Bob Dylan, I immediately ran out and bought the soundtrack. There is something special about this movie, and I think it is the music which makes it universally unique.

If anyone else other than Roberto Benigni were in this film, I probably would not have enjoyed it as much. Benigni, to me, is the best cinematic physical comedian of our time. Benigni was what made this film sparkle!!!