jennifer-99's Reviews

Serendipity (2001)

3 June 2002

Warning: Spoilers

All I can say is I am truly glad that FATE kept thwarting my plans to see this movie in the theatres. I had wanted to see it when it first came out, but every time I made plans, something got in the way. Alas, I should have taken this as a SIGN that FATE did not mean for me to see this movie.

Oh, by the way, this might contain spoilers. (As if you all don't know exactly what's going to happen before you even hit the PLAY button on the VCR....)

It wasn't BAD, really it wasn't. Well, it wasn't HORRIBLE....we'll put it that way. I just wonder what was going through the head of respected actor John Cusack's AGENT when he suggested John read this script. Or perhaps he didn't read it first....that would explain a lot. Maybe he just wanted to do a movie with that cute British chick from Pearl Harbour......

I found the dialogue to be hysterically funny....only not witty "romantic comedy" type of funny. I sat there watching wondering how the actors didn't dissolve into fits of laughter with some of the ridiculously laughable lines they were forced to utter. That said, the 2 leads did the best they could with a very poor script.

I find odd as well that a movie with only a 91 minute running length can seem like it is 3 HOURS LONG!!!!!! The whole time the 2 characters were running around hysterically trying to find each other I kept looking at my watch and saying "JUST GET ON WITH IT ALREADY!"

While the 2 leads were each adorable, there was essentially ZERO chemistry between them. They have virtually NO screen time together and I would think they viewer would have a hard time buying into the fact that they were such "SOUL MATES" that each would ditch their respective spouses-to-be to attempt to reconnect with someone they spent 2 hours with in NYC seven years earlier. I didn't buy it anyway. Maybe I'm getting too cynical in my old age. I probably would have loved this movie when I was 16.

Oh, and I'd love to know where these two went star gazing in Manhattan. It was REMARKABLE that they were able to pick out constellations with the bright city lights...AND....in the middle of a snowfall. Perhaps they just have amazingly powerful contact lenses..... Sorry, normally I don't nitpick like this, I guess that script FULL of plot contrivances started to get to me after a while. My own fault...what should I have expected from a movie about fate, destiny and the pursuit of a defaced $5 bill.

I am normally a great lover of the chick flick...and when the couple eventually unites at the end of the film (oops.....hope I didn't SPOIL THAT for you) my little heart flutters and I have to reach for the kleenex. Then I sigh as they ride off into the sunset together to live happily ever after.

These two will probably drive each other nuts after about 2 weeks and will be BEGGING their ex-fiancees to take them back. I was glad to see the end of them and even more glad that, at the very least, FATE kept me from spending $13 on a theatre ticket.

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American Pie 2 (2001)

7/10

Uninspired....

3 September 2001

That's the best word I can come up with to describe this sequel to 1999's hugely successful, and largely superior, American Pie.

Alas, this is another case of a sequel that made it to the big screen not because of a raw, edgy script or a unique, intelligent plot, but simply because the first installment made the money counters at Universal Pictures extremely happy.

From the first frame through to the last, this film appeared to be desperate to match the outrageous hilarity and vulgarity of its forerunner. American Pie was fresh and raw with a definate edge that left the audience in stitches even though the subject matter was more than a little crude. Pie 2 relies heavily on overused gross-out sight gags, incidents involving some main characters heavily testing the boundaries of heterosexuality and a ridiculous scene with a band instrument and likely some petroleum jelly. The humour is almost entirely forced with the majority of the scenes included in an obvious desperate effort to generate laughs based on the shocking raunchiness of the material. While the shock value worked extremely well in the first picture, it falls flat here, due largely in part to the skeletal plot which serves only as a device to present the aforementioned raunchy sketches. And as if the second rate humour wasn't enough, the script writers decided to throw in some good ole fashioned Hollywood Cheese to really make us cringe. If the jokes in this movie don't quite work, the attempt at a sappy cheesy romantic moment fails miserably.

While all of the actors from the first film have returned for the sequel, most of them have been relegated to smaller roles with the majority of the screen time focusing on the wooden Jason Biggs, the sometimes cute sometimes annoying Alyson Hannigan and the admittedly funny Sean William Scott. They all do as well as can be expected, given the material they had to work with, with the standout being Scott's Stifler, whose infectious smile and outrageous personality generate laughs all on their own. Even Mr. Levy, who was fantastic in Pie 1, doesn't come close to recreating the laughs from the first film.

I will admit, I laughed. This certainly was NOT a terrible movie - it had funny moments. Simply not to the same degree nor with the same edge as American Pie.

Save your $12 and see this one when released on video. Not even seeing this movie in a room full of laughing movie goers can save it from its fate of being just another poorly planned inferior sequel.

But I bet the money counters at Universal Pictures are laughing........ all the way to the bank.

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Pearl Harbor (2001)

8/10

Surprisingly enjoyable

3 September 2001

I went into this movie with low expectations as to how much I would enjoy it. I'm not a war buff, or an American, and my knowledge of the factual events behind this story is pretty limited. Not to mention the fact that I am not normally a fan of Bruckheimer's overhyped action pics that are usually loaded with big budget effects and a low budget screenplay.

Imagine my surprise when three plus hours flew by and I found myself walking out of the theatre having thoroughly enjoyed the movie.

The character development, while not flawless, was well done. As a viewer, you grow to care, not only about the three leads, but about several supporting characters as well. Admittedly, I cared enough about Rafe, Danny and Evelyn to shed a few tears during the emotional climax scenes.

The comparisons to Saving Private Ryan are inevitable. However it is impossible to fairly compare this movie to the Academy Award winning spectacle that was Saving Private Ryan. Pearl Harbour never pretended to be anything more than a big budget summer blockbuster film - this much is evident from any of the trailers that were being shown before its theatrical release. Saving Private Ryan was a film steeped in realism. It was a graphic recreation of the horrors of D-Day on the beaches and a piece of cinematic genius (even though it doesn't rank on my list of favourite films).

To compare these 2 films is to compare apples and oranges. Perhaps a more adequate comparison would be to liken it to another tale of love and romance set against the backdrop of a historical tragedy - Titanic. While the film falls drastically short of the mark here too, it is far more similar to this film than to the aforementioned SPR. Anyone who went in to this movie expecting to see the events of the attack on Pearl Harbour with a Saving Private Ryan edge, was bound to be heartily disappointed.

Taken on its own merits, Pearl Harbour stands up quite nicely. It adequately represents and recreates the events surrounding December 7, 1941 while giving the movie a greater range to allow it to appeal to a wider audience by adding the fictional story of friendship, love, betrayal and heartbreak. Granted it is flawed, and it is served with a large helping of Hollywood "cheese", but when was the last time a perfect picture made it to the big screen? They are few and far between.

Check your history books at the door and go in expecting to be entertained by this 3 hour saga. To that end, Pearl Harbour succeeds. It is a thoroughly enjoyable summer blockbuster that should have something to appeal to everyone.

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Rules of Engagement (2000)

7/10

A flawed, but entertaining 2 hours....

1 February 2001

Rules of Engagement just doesn't follow the rules of satisfying film making. This doesn't mean that it is a bad movie or that it is not worthy of a rental at the video store, it just means that when the credits are rolled, the viewer is not left with the feeling of total satisfaction at having watched an excellent film.

The movies strengths definitely lie in the strong portrayals turned in by the 2 male leads. Mr. Jackson was more subdued than usual, but extremely effective, as was Mr. Jones. With the exception of a poorly executed fight scene involving these 2 actors, their performances were the glue which held the movie together at its weakest moments.

The story line, while engaging and interesting, had an extremely choppy feel to it. Almost as if important scenes were left on the cutting room floor by mistake, while less important scenes had made it onto the final reel. However, this is a relatively minor complaint.

The last 10 minutes of the film were completely unforgivable. It's as if the film makers ran out of time, and instead of showing you how the story ended, we get a series of screens with captions depicting how the rest of the plot unfolded. There is no catharsis for the viewer. No feeling that justice had been served. I recall feeling angry as the credits rolled that they had chosen the "cop-out" way to end the film.

Maybe I am being too picky? I don't know. The rest film is good enough for me to recommend seeing it and drawing your own conclusions.

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Autumn in New York (2000)

4/10

Drink a pot of coffee first....

29 January 2001

Warning: Spoilers

...and you MAY be able to stay awake during this one. While not exactly an original concept, this movie had the potential to at least elicit some heartfelt tears from the female portion of the audience. Unfortunately the only thing sad about this movie was the terribly written script, the paper-thin characters and the unbelievably SLOW pace at which the story moved along. (Possible spoilers)

I am personally a fan of both the "tear-jerker" genre of movies and of the handsome Richard Gere. Not only could Mr. Gere's presence not save this one for me, but he was one of the reasons that I strongly disliked the film. His character was completely dispicable, he had absolutely no chemistry with his leading lady and his performance was so wooden that one wondered if he was being held on the set against his will.

I can't possibly be the only one who just didn't buy into their whole romance. One second, Will was telling Charlotte that their relationship had absolutely no future. The next second she was telling him she was terminally ill....then, magically, he decides he can't live without her. How's that for brilliant screen writing? Let's not forget the fact the he sleeps with someone else while the love of his life is down stairs in the very same house. My heart just leaps at the thought of their true love. Yeah, right. I found myself hoping that whatever Charlotte had was contageous so she could take Will with her when she died and put him out of his misery.

The movie had 2 chances to redeem itself, by exploring the possibility that Will's feelings for Charlotte were a product of deep feelings he had for her dead mother, and by delving into Will's desire to forge a relationship with his long absent daughter. These elements were either ignored or poorly explored and added absolutely nothing to the final product.

With the exception of the cinematographers, every one involved in this snoozer should be ashamed...especially Mr. Gere and Ms. Ryder, both talented performers. What were they thinking when they picked this script?

Keep "Autumn in New York" in mind for those sleepless nights...this one will send you to dreamland in minutes.

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Coyote Ugly (2000)

6/10

Shhhhh....don't tell anyone....

28 January 2001

I actually liked this movie. Not because it had a believable plot, rich characters, witty dialogue or standout performances. It didn't. But what this movie did have was energy, a catchy soundtrack and a large dose of fun.

From the trailers, the movie didn't appear to have a plot. I was surprised to find that it did, albeit a very weak one. Had this plot been handled by a more experienced screenwriter or a producer other than Bruckheimer, this movie may have been better received by the movie going population and may have elevated itself above the "Pathetically Cheesy" category.

Taking all this into consideration, the movie is still an enjoyable watch....one of those "Bad but Fun" movies. The catchy soundtrack, rowdy dance scenes and the adorable performance of Adam Garcia (Mr. O'Donnell...comic book collector extraordinaire) are what saved this movie for me. As a kid, I enjoyed the likes of Flashdance, Dirty Dancing and Footloose....all dance movies with great music to keep your feet tapping and will leave you singing the tunes for days afterward. Coyote Ugly, while not as good as the above mentioned films, is still a guilty pleasure.

So when the credits rolled and the chorus of "Man, that sucked" resounded throughout the room, I just kept my mouth shut....

You won't tell anyone, will you??

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Unbreakable (2000)

8/10

This was a tough one...

25 January 2001

Unbreakable was a rare breed of movie. After viewing this film, I walked out of the theatre and had absolutely no idea what I thought of it. I didn't LOVE it, I didn't HATE it. So I waited for several weeks, carefully forming an opinion, before I decided to comment on it.

If you take this film on its own merits, it is a very good film. If you compare it to its predecessor, The Sixth Sense, it comes up short. The characters and story line in Sixth Sense were far more rich and developed than what we see here in Shyamalan's latest effort. While the ending of the Sixth Sense completely made the entire film, and totally blew me out of the theatre, I saw the ending of Unbreakable coming from a mile away. It tried TOO hard to be shocking and it didn't do the film justice.

The rest of the movie, however, was beautifully filmed and had a very powerful underlying message. The most moving scenes are when Willis' character realizes who he is, what his powers are and what his role in society is meant to be. This is a very "character driven" movie. For those movie watchers who thrive on eye candy and action sequences, you will be sadly disappointed. For those movie watchers who balk at the idea of a plot that could not possibly happen in real life, you too should avoid this film. This movie requires you to suspend disbelief and immerse yourself entirely in a fantasy world where the impossible is possible.

That being said, the film is worthy of a viewing. It leaves you with something to think about and may give you a new outlook on the concept of a real life "hero".

I'm still not 100 percent sure what I thought of this movie, but I am 99 percent sure that I thought highly enough of it to comment favourably and give it a recommendation.

A unique addition to Shyamalan's resume.

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Scary Movie (2000)

1/10

A "Public Service" comment...

25 January 2001

I debated over whether or not to waste my time commenting on this film (and I use the term "film" very loosely.) But I decided that if I can prevent even one person from wasting 5 bucks to rent this movie, then my time will have been well spent.

It's pretty bad when a movie which is labeled as a comedy relies on a scene parodying the "whazup" commercials for it's only (somewhat) funny moment. The nod to the Usual Suspects was clever, but it's inclusion in this disaster of a film is an insult to the original picture. Don't worry, I'm not spoiling any crucial plot elements, for there is no plot to spoil.

For the film's entire running length (thankfully, it's less than 90 minutes long) I simply rolled my eyes at the ceiling while my viewing partner was laughing hysterically. Maybe I missed something? After reading user comments, I doubt it.

Not one joke hit the mark. Not one scene was worthy of a chuckle, let alone an actual laugh.

The thought that there will be a sequel to this movie is even scarier than all three "Scream" films put together.

Consider this my Public Service Announcement to the movie renting population. My good deed for the day.

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U-571 (2000)

7/10

Shocking....

25 January 2001

...shocking that I actually enjoyed this film. With as much as I avoided it while playing in the theatres, and in spite of my loud protests in the local Blockbuster Video, we rented it, and to my surprise I enjoyed it.

I have heard the complaints that it is not in the same league as Petersen's Das Boot, which I have not seen. I have also heard that it is totally historically inaccurate, which I cannot verify as I do not know any of the history behind this movie. So taking it purely as an action/thriller movie, it is surprisingly entertaining.

Granted, the characters were poorly developed and the plot line was relatively thin, but director Mostow should be commended for crafting an engaging picture despite these weaknesses. The film is made in such a way that what should have been a glaring inadequacy, is really just a minor complaint.

For those who are fans of the genre and who are history buffs, you will find lots to complain about, as my viewing partner did.

For those of you who just want 2 hours of action and entertainment, enjoy the ride.

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The Green Mile (1999)

10/10

Bring your box of Kleenex

25 January 2001

I have been known to get a little misty eyed during emotional movies. I've even shed a few tears at particularly moving soap opera weddings and Hallmark Greeting Card commercials. The Green Mile takes this to a whole new level. The powerful and gripping screenplay left me not just crying, but sobbing loudly in the theatre. Even after 2 subsequent viewings, the emotion is still just as vivid as it was the first time around.

A fabulous motion picture experience. Frank Darabont has crafted yet another stunning prison drama which, while not quite at the level of "Shawshank Redemption", is a very close second. Tom Hanks is excellent as always, but Michael Clarke Duncan turns in in a performance that clearly holds its own against, and often steals the spotlight from, the veteran Hanks.

The execution scenes were so brilliantly filmed that they were almost unwatchable. The gruesome horrors of prison life actually made you empathize with most of the inmates and their death sentences. Had we been given more details about Del's crimes, however, our sympathy may not have been flowing so freely. We see him only the simple-minded caregiver of Mr. Jingles, thus making it easier for us to like him.

If I were handed the death sentence for a crime, I'd certainly rather serve it on the Green Mile, where you are treated like a human being by caring prison guards, than in any other prison ever depicted on film. With the exception of Percy, the guards and wardens in this film have an unbelievable relationship with their prisoners.

The religious references and parallels to a certain Christian figure were none too subtle, but delivered a strong message - if there was a powerful "healer" in our midst, would we condemn him just as easily? The bible tells us so.

All the elements of this film weave seamlessly together to produce a movie that, had it been released a year later against the lack-lustre pictures of 2000, would probably have earned the Oscar for Best Picture. From the screenplay, to the score, from the performances to the cinematography, Green Mile is a fascinating film that draws you in for three-plus hours and leaves you breathless, not to mention a little misty eyed.

Words cannot possibly do this film justice, a near masterpiece.

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Chasing Amy (1997)

8/10

I'm just glad I didn't watch this one with my mother....

25 January 2001

A 90's version of the classic love story - Boy Meets Girl. Boy Falls For Girl, Boy and Girl Overcome Almost Insurmountable Obstacles and Live Happily Ever After. Let's just say Kevin Smith's third feature film doesn't exactly follow this formula to the letter.

Did I mention the the "Girl" in the above formula happens to be a lesbian? That certainly throws a wrench into the plans.

The witty and sexually frank dialogue in Chasing Amy will certainly not appeal to everyone, but can be quite humourous at times. I must admit, the early scene with Joey Lauren Adams and Jason Lee comparing "battle scars" left me feeling a little squeamish and more than a little thankful that I was not watching this film with either of my parents.

The main characters were not completely developed, but were much more than cookie-cutter devices serving only to carry the plot. Affleck, Lee and Adams did an admirable job of turning their characters into people that we cared about and rooted for throughout the unfolding of the story. They displayed surprising range, ability and chemistry.

The highlight of the film (besides the shot of Joey Lauren Adams in a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey....Go Leafs Go) was definitely Holden's speech to Alyssa where he reveals his true feelings to her. Now there's a speech every girl wants to hear at some point in her life. Well done. Smith's script is emotionally on target in nearly every scene. It dives into a sensitive subject head on and doesn't look back. For the most part, it does an excellent job exploring life, love and sexual confusion.

While a lot of people have taken issue with the ending of the film, I thought it was perfect. Not everything falls into place as you think it should and there is no unrealistic emotional climax. This is real life, not Hollywood.

This movie has inspired me to see the other entries into Smith's New Jersey trilogy. Smith clearly has his finger on the pulse of the "Generation-X".

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The Usual Suspects (1995)

9/10

Gripping, nearly perfect, crime saga

25 January 2001

Much to the surprise of my fellow co-workers, I had not yet seen The Usual Suspects nearly six years after its theatrical release. The animated discussion of the movie around the water cooler was instantly suspended so as not to give away any crucial plot elements. Intrigued, I ran across the street to the video store and rented the film immediately.

Well worth the price of admission. A nearly perfect film. Kevin Spacey gives the performance of a lifetime, completely deserving of the Academy Award he earned. The All Star cast is to be commended for a job well done.

The plot of the movie unfolded so intriguingly, and the Tarantino-esque style in which it is presented provides for an entertaining movie-watching experience.

It is unfortunate that, in spite of all my efforts to the contrary, I guessed the ending of the film, long before it unfolded on screen. This perhaps detracted from the overall viewing pleasure, but did not diminish the superior quality of the film itself.

The less you know about this movie, the better. Run, quickly, to a video store near you and rent this movie before you learn too much.

You'll thank me later.

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Road Trip (2000)

7/10

Surprisingly watchable...and funny!

1 January 2001

It was not my turn to pick at the video store...so we went home with "Road Trip". Certainly not my first choice. Much to my amazement....I enjoyed it. I laughed out loud....on several occasions. A feat that the much higher acclaimed "Meet the Parents" was unable to accomplish.

I won't go on and on raving that it is hilarious, brilliant and a classic teen-flick. It isn't. It's certainly not up there with the teen movies of the 80's - "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" it is not. But fun and laugh worthy nonetheless.

The first hour of the film was pretty slick and rich with unbelievably disgusting jokes. The last half hour was definitely the film's weak point. But since I wasn't expecting a lot, this is not too much of an issue with me.

Tom Green held it all together with his over the top narrative. (Is he really that CRAZY in real life??) Seeing the film through his eyes often proved to be a joke in itself (ie. the gratuitous nudity in the girls locker room scene). Well done!

I'm not a teenage guy, or a sex-crazy college student....but I can admit that the film was a guilty pleasure! Lighten up and enjoy!

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Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)

4/10

The flashy cars easily outshine the actors....

1 January 2001

How is it that 3 Oscar winning actors (Cage, Jolie and Duvall) all picked this script? That being said, how is it possible that neither of them turned in a credible performance?? Granted, they weren't given much to work with, but quite frequently the dialogue was delivered so awkwardly I felt embarrassed for them.

In a movie that was based on high-adrenaline car chases, it is sad that not one of them gets your blood pumping, not one of them leaves you on the edge of your seat, and not once do you really care if the car crashes and all of the lead characters die. A car chase is the most over used action device available to a film maker - you would think that Bruckheimer and his team could have put together a believable chase sequence. Not so.

And come on, the final climax "face-off" scene between Cage and the cop who has been chasing him for years? Nice try, but I don't think so. They must have some really forgiving law enforcement officers in Hollywood.

It's not the worst film I've ever seen, not a bad rental if there's nothing else on the shelves. Just don't expect too much...and be glad you didn't pay the $12 to see it at the theatres. I certainly am.

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Cast Away (2000)

10/10

Riveting, emotional and powerful journey

1 January 2001

Warning: Spoilers

I went into this movie with very high expectations. Reuniting Tom Hanks with his Forrest Gump (one of my all time favourite films) director should be a formula for a surefire success. And it was. This movie far exceeded anything that I thought it could be, and the film's weight was carried in large part on Hanks' considerably slimmer shoulders.

Tom Hanks' performance alone is reason enough to see this film. I felt everything that his character felt, right along with him. How he could create emotion of this magnitude while being on screen totally alone for more than half of the film's length speaks volumes for his talent as a performer. He portrays all of his thoughts and feelings with very little dialogue while playing off nothing but a volleyball. He moved me to tears on numerous occasions. This is to say nothing of the rigorous weight loss program he must have gone through to lose the 50 lbs his character required - he is truly dedicated to his craft.

The screenplay was very clever. Once Hanks meets his fate and ends up marooned on the island, we are immersed solely in the events of his life. There is no music, very little dialogue and no other "back at home" scenes for us to see what has happened in the aftermath of his disappearance. We see Hanks struggling to survive, all the while never losing sight of the one thing that will give him the strength to get off the island - Kelly, the love of his life.

Hunt does well in her role as Hanks' love interest. Even with her reduced screen time, she develops her character into someone that we can care about and empathize with.

While many people have complained about the film's ending, I thought it was perfect. (Possible spoiler) It is nice to see that the screen writers didn't cop out and go for the unbelievable "Hollywood-style" fairy tale ending. There is a real emotional dilemma, completely realistic, considering the circumstances. Anything less would have been a great injustice to a perfect film.

Another great success for Zemeckis and Hanks - kudos to all involved!

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Me, Myself & Irene (2000)

7/10

Jim Carrey saves the day!

27 December 2000

I'm not usually a fan of mindless gross out humour that generally targets the 12-16 year old audience. And, as far as the "Farrelly Brothers" go, I dislike their brand of comedy and I absolutely hated "Something About Mary".

However, I think the Brothers would do well to cast Jim Carrey in more of their movies. I found Dumb and Dumber to be absolutely hilarious and, once again, he has made "Me, Myself and Irene" a truly enjoyable piece of comedy. Without his fabulous physical performance, this film would be reduced to a string of sight gags and toilet humour which we have all seen before in dozens of other movies.

I know that this movie was not exactly embraced by critics which blows my mind. Seeing that everyone completely adored "Something About Mary" - basically all the same jokes without Jim Carrey to pull them off. This movie is not for everyone, but any astute movie watcher and any true Jim Carrey fan will instantly see the uncompromising energy which he poured into his 2 characters. He is truly a wonder to behold and will go down in history as one of the greatest physical comedic actors of all time.

Say what you will about the movie, but it really is a shame that the Academy consistently overlooks Carrey's gifted performances. He has proven that he is a talented actor with the range to perform both serious and comedic roles. Gifted dramatic actors are a dime a dozen in Hollywood - I defy you to find a comedian who can do the things that Carrey does on screen and who can make audiences laugh with just a look. A rare gem indeed.

I didn't go to this movie expecting a deep plot, beautiful cinematography or an award winning screenplay...I went expecting to laugh. And I did, a lot. Thanks to Jim Carrey. While Zellweger and the 3 actors who portrayed Charlie's sons were entertaining enough, Carrey singlehandedly saves this picture and that is enough for me to give it a "thumbs up" recommendation.

Jim's done it again!

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Titanic (1997)

10/10

It's as if I was there...

21 December 2000

To watch Titanic is not simply to watch a film about a love story on a sinking boat.....it is to experience the horrific tragedy as if you were on the ill fated voyage in 1912. I marveled at Titanic's grandeur, I was inspired to dance by the rousing Celtic music at the "3rd class party", I felt their terror at the ship's impending demise, I despised the builders for the lack of life boats, I felt the mother's pain as she tucked her children in bed for the last time, I shuddered at the icy cold waters. Short of turning back the clock to 1912, this is the closest any of us are going to get to the "Unsinkable Ship".

Mr. Cameron has done an impeccable job re-creating the Titanic and it was the effort that went into that alone which earned him the Oscars for Best Director and Best Picture. The visuals were stunning from beginning to end and when watching the film on the big screen it truly was a sight to behold.

As for the fictional part of the story, in spite of what many of the film's detractors had to say, I thought it was beautifully done. DeCaprio and Winslet turned in brilliant performances and made the characters of Jack and Rose into people that we cared about. We rooted for these star crossed lovers even though we all knew the fate of the ship.

I am not a fan of long movies and usually lose interest sometime after the second hour, but here the 3 plus hours simply flew by. The movie draws you in and rivets you to the screen until the credits are rolled. I can't remember a time where I have cried so earnestly for movie characters...not only for Jack and Rose, but for all the lost souls in the North Atlantic. I have re-watched this film several times and it has not lost its impact.

A truly masterful motion picture - an effort that all involved can be proud of.

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Clueless (1995)

9/10

What can I say...

20 December 2000

...I liked it. Not only did I like it, but it is one of the most watched movies in my collection and one of my all time favourite "feel good" flicks.

When the movie first came out, I was dragged kicking and screaming by a friend into the theatre to see it. I figured that it was just another teeny-bopper movie aimed at teenage girls or overly hormonal boys (of which, I was neither). However, in spite of myself, I couldn't help but be taken in by the film's infectious charisma.

I thought the entire cast was simply charming - especially Ms. Silverstone. Dan Hedaya was classic, as always. And the one liners.... well they still get me chuckling after re-watching dozens of times.

Granted, we're not mining any new territory here, or inspiring any earth shattering revelations, the subject matter is pretty mindless. But the film never tries to be anything more than it is...a parody of teenage life through rose coloured "Beverly Hills" glasses. As far as teen flicks go, it's near the top of the list.

A refreshing addition to the genre!

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American Beauty (1999)

10/10

Wow

18 December 2000

What else can be said about this truly stunning piece of film making. I remember leaving the theatre after viewing the film and "wow" was the most original thing I could come up with to describe my thoughts and feelings about this movie. I was blown away. So blown away that it is impossible to put it into words.

When I first heard about this movie, I will admit, I had no desire to see it. However, with the high accolades it received at the Oscars, I figured the film had to be about more than a 40-something guy who falls for a teenage girl. And it was.

This is the type of movie that requires several viewings - and on each subsequent viewing, you will surely see something that you hadn't noticed the first time. The signature of a truly great and thought provoking film. It is almost impossible to view this film without seeing something of yourself in one or more of the characters. I surely did (although I won't mention which one), and it is a real eye opener and often not flattering to see "yourself" and "your life" portrayed on screen in such a way. Albeit, it may be taken to the extreme, but the effect is there.

The stunning performances by the entire cast were truly the focal point of this character driven movie - with Kevin Spacey and Annette Bening deserving the accolades and awards bestowed on them. I could have done without Mena Suvari as I found her character to be quite irritating, but I suspect that this was the intention.

It still amazes me that there are so many negative comments about this movie - I personally know several people who thought it was the dumbest movie they ever saw. My only comment for this small percentage of the viewing population is that you just didn't get it. Perhaps, it just hit a little too close to home and that admitting that it was a wonderful film would be admitting that you saw a little of yourselves in this film and didn't like what you saw.

This is a movie about everyone's search for beauty in their own lives and how beauty can mean so many different things to so many different people. It is deep, thought provoking and goes far beyond what you actually see on the screen. See it if you want to change your outlook on life - it will help you see beauty in even the simplest of things and in your quest for beauty in your own life.

A masterpiece!

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The Replacements (2000)

7/10

Cheesy and Predictable.....but fun

15 December 2000

So what if I had the entire plot of the movie figured out before I even had the box at the checkout counter at the local video store. Who cares if every line of dialogue was as cliche as it gets. This movie is still fun, enjoyable and worth a few laughs even though it won't win any awards for originality.

In an age filled with unnecessarily crude and often violent comedies, this relatively wholesome football movie is a welcome and refreshing change. I have no problem admitting that I enjoyed this movie and found myself submitting to laughter on several occasions.

This is not to say that the movie is without faults. I have never been a big fan of Keanu Reeves' work, and here he did nothing to gain my approval. This actor has to be the most wooden and uninspired performer of my generation. He injected such little emotion into his character that it appeared someone was holing a gun to his head to make this film. The rest of the cast worked well together with the characters played by Jon Favreau and Rhys Ifans turning in quite amusing performances.

And let's not even get started on all the glaring football errors. I watched the film with a devout football follower and every 2 minutes he was yelling something at the screen about 5 yard penalties and players removing their helmets in the huddle. Even I, a novice fan, know that the pro season doesn't finish on Thanksgiving Thursday. And what kind of football fans cheer the replacement players and boo their returning star quarterback....I don't think so! Not even Hollywood can make that one fly. The film would have fell together more effectively if screenwriter McKewin had more than just a passing knowledge of the game.

In spite of its' faults, and the large serving of cheese, this film is surprisingly watchable and worthy of a rental on a night when there's nothing good on the tube.

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8MM (1999)

3/10

I wish someone had warned me....

13 December 2000

Yet another case of a movie that didn't need to be made. I don't think that the movie going public could possibly have benefited from this graphic and physically revolting depiction of the underground hard-core pornography world.

I have never felt so affected by a movie in my entire movie watching life. I watched the film last night and never closed my eyes to get a wink of sleep. I was haunted by the fact that this was not just another gory Hollywood slasher film but a glimpse at a sick and twisted way of life that is all too present in large urban cities. I think I would have been quite content having never seen this movie and going through life in my rose-coloured, picket-fenced suburban world. It bothered me to no end that there are actually people out there like the characters depicted in the film, and that is a reality that I can't seem to fathom.

This is not to say that it was a bad movie. I am still so affected by it that I can't make an objective judgement about whether it was good or bad. The highlight of the film for me was the outstanding role played by the mother of the missing girl. Her scenes were so emotional and heart wrenching, I found myself in tears on several occasions. You could really feel her pain - a credit to the actress who portrayed her.

The movie was well made in the sense that even when they were unable to show you what was happening, your imagination took over and filled in the blanks. I think the movie would have been better received if it had contained less of the unnecessary graphic, brutal content.

The storyline seemed to be going in a positive direction when it appeared that they would delve into how Nick Cage's character was affected by the case and how his immersion into the dark underbelly of S&M had taken its toll on him. But the film makers chose to ignore this option instead and turn it into a tired old vendetta/revenge flick with plenty of blood and violence to go along with it.

I don't think I can, in good conscience, give this film a recommendation - it is definitely not for the squeamish or faint of heart. It is the type of film that you can live your whole life without having seen it, and be a better person for it - some things are just better left unseen. There are plenty of Action/Thriller movies out there that can give you an adrenaline rush without giving you a lifetime of gruesome nightmares. Consider yourselves warned - I wish I had been so lucky.

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Nutty Professor II: The Klumps (2000)

1/10

Completely laughable...

11 December 2000

...but not in the way that the writers and directors had intended. The largest, and funniest joke of all is that this movie ever got made in the first place, not to mention the fact that it grossed over 124 million at the box office without a single laugh-worthy scene.

From the first 10 minutes of the movie I could tell that this was going to be the type of movie that left me scratching my head saying "I wasted $5 to rent this???"

I never even made it past the first hour of the film so it is possible that the movie got better, but I highly doubt it.

There is always something good to say about every movie, and here, it had to be the make up crew which transformed Eddie Murphy into 7 or 8 different characters. This did nothing to redeem the fact that each of his characters was completely annoying and totally "un-funny" - I found myself straining to understand the unintelligible dialogue.

The plot line(and I use that term loosely) was so thin it was virtually invisible, the acting was embarrassing and the jokes were completely absent from the poorly written script.

All in all....save your money. I'm not sure what has happened to the movie industry's idea of "funny", but if this is the kind of comedy that can achieve box office success, us comedy lovers will spend less money at the box office and more time renting the old favourites from a video store near you.

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Forrest Gump (1994)

10/10

A passionate and magical journey

7 December 2000

Easily, this movie goes down as one of my all time favourites. I have seen it at least a dozen times and it never fails to touch me and bring tears to my eyes.

Gump was pure perfection from beginning to end. A movie sure to refresh your outlook on life and replenish your energy and spirit. A story of a simple man's triumph over life's obstacles in his quest for his true love.

Tom Hanks gives the best performance of his career, surpassing his first Oscar winning performance in Philadelphia. The entire cast turns in brilliant portrayals of their own, from Robin Wright to Sally Field, with several "scene stealers" from the talented Gary Sinise.

Eric Roth's screenplay (based on the novel) was nothing short of genius and it kept you riveted to the screen as the story unfolded, waiting to see the next chapter in Forrest's unbelievable life. Even after countless viewings, I am still mesmerized.

Through the wonders of special effects, the life of Forrest Gump is intertwined with a string of historical events resulting in a poignant journey of life through one man's eyes. Through all that happens to him he never loses sight of the one thing that is missing from his life - his Jenny. His love for her is the backbone of this movie and is one of the most moving love stories I have seen on the big screen to date.

All in all, the Best Picture Oscar was more than deserved. While its competitors were all excellent movies in their own right, Forrest Gump offers a complete movie going experience - romance, action, comedy, history, brilliant direction, a unique screenplay and outstanding performances. What more could you possibly ask for?

A refreshing piece of film-making genius that is sure to become a classic in years to come.

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A Fish Called Wanda (1988)

8/10

Clever, witty comedy.

7 December 2000

I was probably one of the only people around who had not seen this movie, so, after a spirited discussion about it at the office one day, I decided to see if it could live up to its reputation as one of the best comedies of all time.

I am a great lover of comedies and one of the problems with the so called "comedies" of today is that they try to rely on the truly sick and shocking to elicit forced, uncomfortable laughter from the audience. This is not true of "A Fish Called Wanda".

This movie's most hilarious moments came from brilliant performances by all (most notably Kevin Kline in a well deserved Oscar winning role) and from John Cleese's clever script. The chemistry between the characters was fabulous and lent its hand to a truly enjoyable finished product. The sequence of events fell together nicely, and while there were several implausible plot turns, they did not detract from your enjoyment of the movie. They rather enhanced the overall silliness and hilarity and ensured that you had a smile on your face when the final credits rolled.

Put this one on your rental list for your next trip to the video store! A highly recommended comedy classic!

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102 Dalmatians (2000)

6/10

Well, the puppies were cute...

27 November 2000

I decided that this was going to be the first movie that I took my young daughter to see. Seeing as how she is a dog lover and is riveted to the TV screen every time she sees a commercial or TV show with a puppy, I figured how could I go wrong?

I was sadly disappointed. I found that the movie tried too hard to be dark and sinister....Cruella got way too much screen time and the puppies, too little. The movie just wasn't much fun. Amazingly, my daughter got an hour or so of entertainment from this film, and then got horribly bored. We ended up leaving before the movie was finished, so I'm not even sure how it ended.

The movie was cute, but it ran way too long for the younger set who have a reduced attention span. More time should have been devoted to the puppies and their antics, and less to Cruella and her scheming. I don't believe I was the only one who felt this way....as my daughter and I were leaving the theatre, I noticed two youngsters fast asleep. Not a good testimonial for a children's film.

Save this one for a video rental so your kids can fast forward through the boring bits before they, too, fall fast asleep.

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